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Volume 27 - no. 26 • 2 Sections – 16 Pages
j u n e 3 0 - j u ly 6 , 2 0 1 6
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Duterte ‘raring to start work’ after inauguration by Nestor
Corrales Inquirer.net
President-elect rodrigo duterte will immediately hit the ground running after his inauguration on thursday, June 30, incoming Communications secretary martin Andanar said. “he is raring to start with work right after the inauguration,” Andanar said. Andanar said davao-based fashion house Chardin has created for duterte a barong tagalog made from piña jusi fabric to be paired with black pure cotton pants. “his wardrobe is the least of the President’s concern, but he went to fit his barong,” he said.
DATELINE
on tuesday, duterte went to Chardin to try on his barong designed by Boni Adaza. “he wanted to incorporate a symbol to represent the 11 minorities in mindanao. the tribal prints of the manobo is the least complicated that’s why we have chosen that. it also shows the President’s simplicity,” Adaza said. No curses short and curse-free. if rodrigo duterte sticks to what he rehearsed on tuesday night, June 28, he will be delivering a short and expletivefree speech, his first after he is sworn in as the country’s 16th President.
USA
A source, who asked not to be named as he was not authorized to speak on the matter, said the prepared speech would run for about 12 minutes. “But our estimate is it will be 15 minutes long, including pauses for the expected applause,” a source told the Philippine daily inquirer. duterte had a read-through of his speech at the “malacañang of the south” in Panacan here on tuesday night. “he even laughed when at first reading the speech went over the five-minute mark,” the source said. duterte earlier announced PAGE A2
President-elect Rodrigo Duterte attends his last flag ceremony as mayor of Davao City on Monday, June 27. Duterte’s designated officials previously said that the next administration aims to lift nine million Filipinos from poverty by promoting countryside development and by investing in agriculture and infrastructure. The incoming administration also aims to wage a ruthless war against illegal drugs and crime to lure more job-generating investments. Philstar.com photo by AJ Bolando
Marcos seeks VP vote recount, files protest vs Robredo by Jaime
r. PilaPil ManilaTimes.net
from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA
PH Ambassador wins seat in UN Treaty Body PhiLiPPine Ambassador rosario G. manalo won a seat in the Committee on the elimination of discrimination Against W o m e n (CedAW) in elections held today at the United nations headquarters. PH Ambassador Rosario G. Manalo Ambassador manalo, one of the Philippines’ most accomplished diplomats, was among 25 candidates vying for 11 seats in CedAW for the term 2017-2020. the Philippines’ victory is a testament to the country’s active advocacy and leadership on women’s rights. President Benigno s. Aquino iii himself PAGE A2
Census: Asian Americans still fastest-growing racial group in US AsiAn Americans comprise America’s fastest-growing racial group, according to data released by the United states Census Bureau. the Asian American population grew by 19 percent between 2010 and 2015. meanwhile, native hawaiians and Pacific islanders (nhPis) are the second fastest-growing group, rising at 13 percent during the same period. in comparison, the nation’s overall population grew by 4 percent. today, there are an estimated 21 million Asian Americans and 1.5 million nhPis living in the country. PAGE A4
senAtor ferdinand “Bongbong” marcos Jr. on Wednesday, June 29 filed an electoral protest before the supreme Court (sC), sitting as the Presidential electoral tribunal (Pet), questioning results of the vice presidential race. in a 1,200–-page petition, the ilocano lawmaker said he, not Camarines sur rep. Leni robredo, should be declared the rightful winner because he can easily overtake robredo’s lead of 263,473 once the votes in 40 areas are corrected through a recount. “it is my moral and social duty to the filipino people to expose the truth, and the fraudulent machinations, anomalies and Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stands next to his 1,000-page petition questioning the victory of vice president-elect Leni Robredo in the May polls as he filed yesterday a protest at the Supreme Court, irregularities which attended the recently which sits as the Presidential Electoral Tribunal. Philstar.com photo by Miguel De Guzman concluded may 9 elections, by filing this
election protest. i owe it to the 14 million people who voted for me and to the millions of filipinos whose voices were not heard,” marcos added. he personally filed the petition at the sC at 4 p.m. he brought with him 20,000 pages of documentary and testimonial pieces of evidence. the outgoing senator is contesting the results in 39,221 clustered precincts in 25 provinces and five highly urbanized cities. he said the sC will have an easy time to decide on the case because the evidence of fraud was overwhelming. the Pet is composed of the Chief Justice as chairman and the 14 associate justices as members. A vote of seven members is enough to declare the final winner. PAGE A2
Aquino sure Ninoy, Cory DFA: No reported Filipino casualties in Turkey attack will give him thumbs up by PatriCia lourDes Philstar.com
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the department of foreign Affairs (dfA) said that there Inquirer.net have been no reports of filipino BeniGno “noynoy” Aquino iii knows that when steps casualties in the attack at the isdown from office, his parents, democracy icons ninoy and tanbul Ataturk Airport in istanbul, Cory, will be smiling. turkey. mr. Aquino told inquirer.net he is certain to get one Acting dfA secretary Jose today, as their stamp of approval for the job he has done Almendras said in a telephone as the 15th President of the republic of the Philippines. A smile, he said, was the “highest compliment” his parents gave to him and his siblings. PAGE A2 by Nikko
DizoN
interview with Cnn Philippines that the country’s embassy in turkey said that everyone is accounted for. Philippine officials are monitoring hospitals in the area, Almendras said. the dfA is still evaluating if it will issue a travel warning after the attack and Almendras noted
that there may be filipino tourists in turkey who have not yet been accounted for. “i would really encourage filipinos if they are going to live outside the country for whatever purpose it would really be a lot better if they registered themselves to the embassy. A lot of PAGE A2
Robredo to Filipinos: ‘Unite to support the next administration’ by DaNa
siosoN AJPress
ViCe President-elect Leni robredo urged filipinos unite as one nation to support the next administration in her speech on sunday, June 26, at the Philippine embassy in tokyo, Japan. “dahil ho kailangan tayong mag-aspire ulit bilang isang bansa, sana kung ano ang differences na pinagdaanan noong nakaraang eleksyon, handa tayong isantabi iyon para suportahan iyong ating susunod na magiging Pangulo; para suportahan iyong susunod na administrasyon (Because we need to aspire again as President Benigno S. Aquino III takes his last view of the Pasig River as seen from his private office in Malacañang on Wednesday, June 29. The President enjoys one nation, i hope that whatever viewing the river full of migratory birds as he takes a break from everyday task differences we’ve been under as President of the Philippines. Malacañang photo by Joseph Vidal PAGE A2
VP RENDEZVOUS. The incoming and outgoing Vice President met for the first time two days before Leni Robredo will be sworn in as the second highest government official on thursday, June 30. Defeated presidential candidate Jejomar Binay visited Robredo at her home in Quezon City on Monday, a media release from the Office of the Vice President said. The meeting coincided with the 29th wedding anniversary of Leni and her late husband and former Interior Secretary Jesse. Photo from the office of the Vice President
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June 30-July 6, 2016 • lAS VeGAS ASIAn JOuRnAl
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Duterte ‘raring to start work... PAGE A1 that his inaugural speech would only be five minutes long. He, however, later said he was joking when he said that. Duterte is known for his long speeches, marked by rambling anecdotes, rants, curses and jokes. “Of course, the prepared speech doesn’t have curses,� the source said. But the source said the “rehearsal� had nothing to do with
Duterte being nervous about delivering his first speech as President. “He’s not nervous at all. It was conducted for him to get used to looking at the teleprompter,� the source said. “Besides, the president doesn’t need coaching. It was all for him to get used to reading the teleprompter,� the source added. Another source who witnessed the “rehearsal� Tuesday night,
said the speech was in English. “There was emphasis on what people should expect from his administration. There was emphasis on the changes that he was going to implement,� the source said. “But he was good,� the source said, adding that it might be the “metamorphosis� that Duterte had promised upon assuming the presidency. (With reports from Nico Alconaba
Robredo to Filipinos: ‘Unite to support... PAGE A1 through the previous elections, we’re ready to set it aside to support our next president; to support the next administration),� Robredo said. Robredo was invited to Tokyo by Philippine Ambassador to Japan Manuel Lopez over the weekend to meet with Japanese officials and ministers to strengthen the relationships between Japan and the Philippines, and to celebrate the National Day of the Filipino community in Japan. She held a dialogue with the leaders to discuss several issues affecting both countries, as well as common advocacies related to citizen empowerment and gender equality. Robredo admitted that even if she’s the vice president, it is difficult to get an appointment with the president, but expressed that she is not taking it against the President-elect Rodrigo Duterte.
“I understand him. He has many things on his plate, like last month, he was busy forming his Cabinet‌ I am just here. We have told the people around him that any time there’s a chance, I am just waiting,â€? Robredo said in an interview in Japan, a transcript of which was provided by her staff to Inquirer. Robredo’s inauguration will be held at Quezon City Reception House, formerly known as “Boracay Mansion,â€? with around 300 guests to be invited. She will take her oath before Ronaldo Coner, barangay captain of Punta Tarawal in Calabanga, Camarines Sur and Capt. Regina Celeste San Miguel, captain of Barangay Mariana, Quezon City. Meeting with Binay Outgoing Vice President Jejomar Binay met with Robredo three days before the inauguration on Monday, June 27 at the latter’s home in Quezon City.
Robredo said that Binay visited to personally congratulate her and to offer help if she needs one in the future. “[He told me that] any time na may puwede siyang itulong sakin, tawagan lang siya [o] tawagan lang ang kanyang chief of staff. Sobrang bait. (He told me that if there’s any way he could help me, I should just call him or his chief of staff. He’s very kind),� said Robredo, according to reports from Rappler. Binay said it was Robredo who initiated the visit but he insisted that he will come instead. He also advised her to “always consider your office a public office and that people will go to you for assistance.� Robredo invited Binay in her upcoming inauguration. However, Binay declined to avoid any tension between her and the Liberal Party (LP), where she ran under during the May 9 election.
DFA: No reported Filipino casualties in Turkey attack PAGE A1 Filipinos in some areas... the number of registered Filipino is only 50 percent of the actual number there,� Almendras said. Turkey’s Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag says at least 31 people have been killed and some 147
wounded in the attack on Istanbul’s Ataturk airport. Another senior government official says the death toll could climb much higher. The senior official at first said close to 50 people had already died, but later said that the figure was
expected to rise to close to 50. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity in line with government protocol, also said all initial indications suggest the Islamic State group was behind the attack. (With reports from Associated Press)
Marcos seeks VP vote recount... PAGE A1 The tribunal has the sole power to hear and determine election protests involving the presidential and vice presidential polls. In the past, the tribunal tackled the election protest filed by Sen. Loren Legarda against Vice President Noli de Castro and the election protest lodged by former senator Manuel “Mar� Roxas 2nd against Vice President Jejomar Binay. The tribunal is mandated to hear and decide the protest in 20 months. “The votes presumptively obtained by Robredo during the last elections are products of electoral frauds, anomalies and irregularities. The votes obtained by protestant Marcos were significantly reduced, manipulated and altered to make it appear that he only placed second,� the lawmaker said.
Marcos added that his petition is based on a flawed Automated Election System (AES), traditional modes of cheating like vote-buying, pre-shading, intimidation and failure of elections and unauthorized introduction by Smartmatic’s Marlon Garcia of a new hash code into the transparency server of the Commision on Elections (Comelec). “The first shows that the system had vulnerabilities that were not remedied by Smartmatic and as a result some groups exploited these flaws to reduce my votes and increase the votes of Robredo so that she could win the vice presidency. The second are the specific [pieces of] evidence of vote-buying, intimidation, failure of elections, pre-shading, wholesale ballot feeding and other abuses [that] were in the news. The third focuses on the unauthorized introduction by Smartmatic of a new
hash code into the transparency server and the effects brought about by the so-called cosmetic change,� he said. Smartmatic, a Venezuelan firm, was the technology provider for the May 9 polls. Marcos said the Comelec and Smartmatic committed five major violations. He noted that Republic Act 9369 requires that the AES to be used in the 2016 balloting should have been used successfully in the country or abroad. But, he said, the Vote Counting Machines or VCMs used were entirely new. Another violation was that 13 days before May 9, the Comelec ordered the Board of Canvassers not to transmit the Certificates of Canvass (COC) until all SD (secure digital) cards from the VCMs have been uploaded or imported into their Consolidation and Canvassing System (CCS). Third is the fact that six days before May 9, the Comelec set up seven regional hubs for the reconfiguration of SD cards without prior notice. Configurations should have been done only at the Santa Rosa (Laguna) facility of Comelec-Smartmatic. Fourth is when instead of being replaced by standby CCSs, 30 CCSs were pulled out of the custody of the Bureau of Customs and were delivered to the Santa Rosa facility upon the order of the Comelec through Executive Director Jose Tolentino. The last was the introduction of a new hash code, which triggered a surge of votes for Robredo. Marcos asked the PET to order a recount of the questioned ballots and a verification of voter’s receipts and election returns, including system audit. Some 400 marchers trooped to Padre Faura Street in Manila to show their support to the senator. (ManilaTimes.net)
GIANT MURAL. The Stonehill community above Balili River in Benguet’s La Trinidad town is slowly turning into a giant painting, courtesy of volunteers who agreed to turn their homes into a living canvas for tourists. Inquirer.net photo by EV Espiritu
Aquino sure Ninoy, Cory will give... PAGE A1 “Yes, I think both of them are smiling right now,â€? said Mr. Aquino, their only son. Mr. Aquino has always worn the yellow ribbon on his barongs – some actually have the ribbon embroidered on them – a symbol of his parents’ legacy, which he has strove hard to preserve. It is not easy to be the son in a brood of five, where your family struggled to survive much like the hundreds of other families who defied the dictator Ferdinand Marcos. Mr. Aquino’s tendency to steel himself was something he had learned early on in life – not by choice, but more by circumstance – to allow himself to make sound decisions. But while he was President, people interpreted it as lack of empathy. When you listen to Mr. Aquino tell his life story, you will realize that his father had twice given him – 10 years apart – the monumental task of taking care of his mother and sisters, and by extension, the country. The first time was when he was a 13-year-old boy and his father was in jail. This, President Aquino had narrated many times. The second time was a story Mr. Aquino had not spoken much about, at least publicly. It was in Boston, the moment father and son were getting ready to ride the car to the Logan Airport for the elder Aquino’s final trip back to the Philippines. “The extent of all his habilin was just a nod of his head. With that one nod, (he seemed to say) ‘Alam mo na lahat ng inaasahan ko sa ’yo, lahat ng mga obligasyon sa pamilya‌’ Parang napaka-pregnant (with meaning) with that one nod. I am not sure if naki-nod ako or sinabi ko ‘Oo, dad.’ Yung ‘Oh’ (the sound a Filipino makes when he nods his head)‌ andun na lahat,â€? Mr. Aquino said. Noynoy Aquino, 56, never planned or aspired for the presidency. But he was prepared for it, even if many insist he was not.
He may have had a less than stellar career as a legislator, but his personal journey as the son of Ninoy and Cory, the child who preferred to stay in the background, yet absorbed every bit of the country’s struggles, honed him for the presidency. He was ready to become President in 2010 when he won with the biggest percentage vote in history. The straight path President Aquino promised the Filipino people turned out to be a rough road. But in all, he brought stability to the country, in great contrast to the tumultuous nine years of Gloria Arroyo and the truncated term of Joseph Estrada. Come to think of it, it was an entire generation between the presidencies of Fidel Ramos and Noynoy Aquino – the only times, post martial law, where there had been no military intervention amid a political crisis. While his administration was far from perfect and critics insisted he had a lackluster performance, President Aquino had the most consistently high trust ratings, ending his term with a 49 percent rating in March 2016, according to Pulse Asia. Mr. Aquino will leave office with the highest net satisfaction rating compared to his predecessors, including his own mother, Corazon Aquino. SWS figures showed that Mrs. Aquino had a +7 net satisfaction rating in April 1992; Ramos with +19; Estrada, +9; and Arroyo, -17. Mr. Aquino has a +27 net satisfaction rating in April 2016. Except for the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) debacle and the pork barrel scam where some of his allies were implicated, there was hardly any corruption issue against the President himself. But Mr. Aquino had a penchant for taking the bullet for his men, which earned him the ire of the people who wished he just fired incompetent government officials, especially those responsible for the lousy metro
train system and horrendous traffic. That the President was largely untainted by graft, and with such high credibility, the economy surged at a 6.2 percent growth rate, the fastest since the late 1970s. Even as his administration was hit for its underspending that led to a slower growth rate, the Philippines was christened Asia’s Rising Star. If Filipinos were difficult to please, it was a different story on the global stage. Mr. Aquino’s high esteem can largely be credited to the reputation of his revered parents. But he stepped out of their shadows and made the world take the Philippines seriously. He received standing ovations abroad; the country took center stage at the biggest global environment summit in Paris last year. President Aquino will certainly be remembered at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), where he fought for the Philippines’ national interests amid China’s aggression in the South China Sea. He led the campaign for the adoption of a legally binding Code of Conduct among claimant parties, despite it being an uphill battle. The Philippines stood up to China quite a number of times – whether at sea with a brilliantly executed Ayungin shoal mission or bringing China to court for arbitration. Mr. Aquino does not like travelling, but chief diplomat, he made a total of 46 foreign trips in six years, which included 11 state visits, 10 official visits, four working visits, and 21 summits. The United States was his most visited country, going there seven times. As commander-in-chief, President Aquino led the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) as it pivoted back to its original mandate of external defense. The Defense Department spent P65.89 billion for the modernization program that at PAGE A4
PH Ambassador wins seat in UN...
PAGE A1
is a champion for gender equality, being one of the UN’s 10 HeForShe IMPACT Heads of States recognized by UN Women for his efforts in promoting women’s empowerment and gender equality. CEDAW is a body ofindependent expertsthat monitors implementation of theConvention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. The Convention, adopted in 1979 by the UN General Assembly, is often described as an international bill of rights for women. It defines what constitutes discrimination against women and sets up an agenda
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for action to end such discrimination. Ambassador Manalo served as Chairperson of CEDAW in 20052006 and the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) in 1984-1986, which became the Preparatory Committee for the 1985 Nairobi Third World Conference on Women. After her previous stint in CEDAW, she brought the Convention’s concepts to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). “The human condition and the human spirit of the women in this lovely corner of the world will have to cross, sooner than later, to achieve a better life for the people of Southeast Asia. Let us in the Philippines start this journey and lead ASEAN to greater heights in peace, in equality, in prosperity and in the exercise of social justice,� Ambassador Manalo said. A graduate of the University of the Philippines, where she obtained her Bachelor of Laws and Master of Arts in Public Administration; and Long Island University in Brooklyn, New York, where she earned her Master of Arts in International Relations and Diplomacy, Ambassador Manalo became the first Filipina to pass the Philippines’ career foreign service officers examinations. She has an unbeatable 57year record of service in the Department of Foreign Affairs performing in various capacities in multilateral fora and bilateral relations. Ambassador Manalo was as-
signed to her first diplomatic posting as Ambassador to the European Economic Community in Brussels (1979-1987). She later served as concurrent Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg (1985-1987). After a two-year secondment (1988-1990) as adviser to the Director-General of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in Paris, she was named Philippine Ambassador to the French Republic (1990-1994), with concurrent accreditation to Portugal. She was also Ambassador and Permanent Delegate to UNESCO. From 1994 to 1997, Ms. Manalo was Philippine Ambassador to Sweden and the Nordic States, and the Baltic States. Ambassador Manalo was Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs from 1997 to 2002, in charge of International Economic Relations. She was concurrently Secretary-General of the UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines. She currently teaches at the Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University-College of St. Benilde, Miriam College, Philippine Women’s University, University of Asia and the Pacific, National Defense College of the Philippines, the Foreign Service Institute, and the University of the Philippines. The other 10 candidates who also won a seat in CEDAW were from Bahamas, China, France, Ghana, Lebanon, Lithuania, Mauritania, Nepal, Nigeria, and Norway.
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Dateline USa
LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 30-JULy 6, 2016
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Titus announces $1.3-million workforce grant Las Vegas, NV—On Tuesday, June 28 Representative Dina Titus of Nevada’s First Congressional District announced a $1,360,000 Department of Labor grant to the Foundation for an Independent Tomorrow which provides job training, coaching, and support to unemployed and underemployed southern Nevadans.
The Training to Work program serves individuals in high-poverty and high-crime areas that have a large number of citizens returning from incarnation who typically experience high rates of recidivism. The grant will provide education and workforce skills training for citizens in state and local work release programs. “These federal funds will
provide critical services such as case management, mentoring, follow-up services, and workforce development training to a high-risk population of southern Nevadans. By investing in these types of training programs, we can reduce recidivism rates and train individuals for jobs that need to be filled in our community.”
SCOTUS rules in favor of affirmative action by KLarize
MedeniLLa AJPress
BURIAL PROTEST. Several groups on Sunday laid rocks and stones on the supposed burial site of the late President Ferdinand Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City. Each stone laid in the open crypt was written the name of an individual who was kidnapped, tortured or murdered during Martial Law. The activity was initiated by Bantayog, Martial Law Chronicles Project Team, UP Samasa Alumni, Claimants 1081, Akbayan Youth and Nameless Martyrs and Heroes.
Meet with Duterte, US State chief Kerry urged by Patricia Lourdes Philstar.com
Viray
UNITeD states (Us) secretary of state John Kerry should visit President-elect Rodrigo Duterte to secure the Philippines-Us relationship, an analyst said. Center for strategic and International studies fellow John schaus said that Kerry should be the first cabinet official to meet with Duterte when he assumes office and directly hear his objectives. “The first step in securing the Us-Philippine relationship in the next administration is to meet with Duterte, listen to his views, and start that conversation. This is something only secretary Kerry can do, and he should,” schaus said in his article published by the asia Maritime Transparency Initiative. schaus added that Kerry should hear what Duterte sees for cooperating with the Us and reassure him of the Us commitment to the mutual defense treaty between the two countries. “The secretary can reinforce the message the United states has delivered to the Philippines throughout the Obama administration, emphasizing the importance of partnership and cooperation to enhance the security of both the Philippines and the region as a whole,” schaus said. Only Us President Barack
Secretary of State John Kerry
Obama and ambassador Philip goldberg were able to interact with Duterte upon being proclaimed as the incoming Philippine president. Obama spoke with Duterte by phone while goldberg traveled to Davao City earlier this month for a courtesy call. Duterte said he asked Us ambassador Philip goldberg in a recent meeting, “are you with us or are you not with us?” adding that goldberg responded, “Only if you are attacked.” goldberg was referring to the two countries’ Mutual Defense Treaty providing that they will “act to meet common dangers” when one is attacked. schaus noted that Duterte is not well-known to Us foreign policy
establishment and might be a difficult leader for Washington to work with. “Duterte is not reflexively proamerican and has expressed serious concerns about both the history of Us involvement in the Philippines and the credibility of the Us treaty commitment to defend his country,” schaus said. However, Duterte had expressed willingness to engage directly with China to resolve the south China sea dispute. The Philippines earlier filed an arbitration case against China before a United Nations tribunal. The international tribunal is expected to issue a ruling on the case soon.
THe Us supreme Court unexpectedly ruled in favor of upholding the University of Texas’s race-conscious policies on Thursday, June 23, a ruling that has already been dubbed a landmark case for affirmative action. The case in question was Fisher v. University of Texas at austin, which centered on abigail Fisher’s claim that UT austin unfairly rejected her because she is white. she argued their use of race as a factor for consideration violated the equal protections clause of the Fourteenth amendment. The supreme Court ruled that UT austin’s use of race as one of many factors of consideration in their admissions process was constitutional and was a “narrowly tailored” means to promote racial diversity in its student body. “Considerable deference is owed to a university in defining those intangible characteristics, like student body diversity, that are central to its identity and educational mission,” Justice anthony M. Kennedy wrote in the Court’s majority opinion. Justices Ruth Bader ginsburg, sonia sotomayor and stephen g. Breyer also voted in favor of upholding UT austin’s affirmative action policies. President Barack Obama hailed the decision at a White House press conference on Thursday, June 23. “I’m pleased that the supreme Court upheld the basic notion that diversity is an important value in our society,” he said. “We are not a country that guarantees equal outcomes, but we do strive to provide an equal shot to everybody.” Justice samuel a. alito, Jr. denounced the decision on the grounds that the University of
Texas (UT) has failed to thoroughly explain how the existing race-based policies actually promote racial diversity. “If UT is truly seeking to expose its students to a diversity of ideas and perspectives, its policy is poorly tailored to serve that end,” the conservative-leaning justice said in his 50-page dissenting opinion. He argued that the university’s admissions policies actually do a disservice to minority students, particularly asian american students. “Perhaps the majority finds discrimination against asian american students benign, since asian americans are ‘overrepresented’ at UT,” alito said in his dissent. alito pointed out that UT’s use of racial and ethnic labels is troubling. For example, all students of asian descent are lumped into a single “asian american” label, which is too broad and promotes racial generalizations, according to alito. “It would be ludicrous to suggest that all these students have similar backgrounds and similar ideas to share,” said alito. “and UT makes no effort to ensure that it has a critical mass of, say, ‘Filipino americans’ or ‘Cambodian americans,’” “as long as there are a sufficient number of ‘asian americans,’ UT is apparently satisfied.” The Campaign for College Opportunity (CCO) hailed the ruling in a statement saying that it sends “a clear message that there is no proxy for race when it comes to ensuring a diverse student body that is essential to our nation’s economic future.” “Today’s ruling by the supreme Court is a message to California and all states that the consideration of race in
college admissions is essential to protecting and ensuring access to higher education,” said Michele siqueiros, president of CCO. “The ban on affirmative action in California has hurt the ability of Latinos and Blacks to find their rightful spots at our state universities and that hurts our state’s economic future.” But not everyone is happy with the court’s ruling. a Boston-based organization called asian americans against affirmative action (aaaaa) denounced the ruling, calling the decision “a step backward, not a step forward toward a more just and equal society. “Race-based [affirmative action] supporters are still indulging in social engineering and self-righteous mindset. The practice will backfire,” aaaaa wrote on their Facebook page. The case was first brought to the supreme Court in 2013, but it deferred the case back to the Fifth Circuit court, which they said failed to provide the necessary facts. In 2015, the supreme Court agreed to hear another challenge to the university’s admissions policies. Justice elena Kagan recused herself from the 2016 case because she had been previously working on the 2013 case as solicitor general, leaving seven justices to make the rule in what is now considered a landmark case for affirmative action. The death of Justice antonin scalia, a staunch opposer of affirmative action policy, was monumental in the court’s decision. Before he died in February, he said that he would have dissented, most likely resulting in a tie. That, however, would have affirmed the lower court’s decision upholding the program; UT austin’s race-conscious admissions process would likely have been upheld either way.
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CSU grants $142K to educate ex-cons by Klarize
Medenilla
AJPress
OATH-TAKING. Senators-elect Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan and Ralph Recto took their oath of office before Supreme Court Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno on Monday, June 26. Pangilinan, who returns to the Senate after three years, was accompanied by his wife Sharon Cuneta and their children KC Concepcion, Frankie, Miel and Miguel. Recto, who will serve his second term in the Senate, was accompanied by his wife Vilma Santos-Recto and their son Ryan Christian.
CA increases education funding, underrepresented students benefitted by Klarize
Medenilla
AJPress
SACRAMENTO — Gov. Jerry Brown approved the 2016-2017 state budget on Monday, June 27, which includes historic education legislation that would improve educational opportunity and make college more accessible for all students. The bill’s signing includes a minimum guarantee of $71.9 billion allocated to K-12 schools and the CCC this year, which is the highest level in state history, according to a statement from Brown’s office. The two budget trailer bills, SB 828 and AB 1602, would allocate more of the state’s budget for improving college readiness for K-12 students, increasing enrollment into University of California (UC) schools for the 2017-2018 year and increase graduation rates by expanding student services and outreach programs for low-income and underrepresented students. The legislation would allocate $200 million to the College Readiness Block Grant which would grant school districts and charter schools to provide services for high school students to establish a transition to college for the next three years. The grant pays particular attention
to underfunded school districts, charter schools and schools with a majority population of low-income students, English learners and foster children, according to the state’s budget summary for 2016-2017. These schools lack in A-G courses, advanced placement (AP) classes and are scarce in resources for college advising and counseling. The College for All Coalition, which is comprised of over 50 community organizations including Advancing Justice-California, hailed the state’s legislative efforts to provide a “pipeline of educational opportunity and success” according to a statement released by Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Los Angeles after Brown signed the bill. “We’re investing in the most vulnerable and underserved kids who, like their peers from more affluent families, should have an equal chance to go to college,” Chris Punongbayan, executive director for Advancing Justice-Asian Law Caucus, said in the statement. “This is an investment worth making because we are supporting the potential of every California student.” According to the Public Policy Institute of California, the state is threatened with a workforce shortage of 1.1 million college gradu-
ates by 2030 if the state doesn’t further invest in public education. “California’s future depends on reinvesting in public education so that every California student has an equal opportunity to attend and graduate from the state’s world-class public universities,” said Stewart Kwoh, president and executive director of Advancing Justice-LA. The increase to the state’s education budget is a part of a requirement from Proposition 98, the overarching legislation that ensures funding for preschool, K-12 education, the California Community Colleges (CCC) and adult education. Proposition 98 requires that K-12 education receive a minimum percentage of the state’s budget and an overall guaranteed increase in educational funding every year. This year’s spending decisions made on behalf of Proposition 98 were a part of a $171 billion spending plan that also looks to reduce homelessness, increase funding for affordable housing, remove limits on welfare payments, strengthening the state’s infrastructure and reducing the state’s debt. “The solid budget makes responsible investments in California and sets aside billions of dollars to prepare for the next recession,” Brown said in a statement.
THE California State University system has given Cal Poly Pomona and California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) $142,000 in grants to provide educational opportunities to ex-convicts. The funds come from a $500,000 grant from Opportunity Institute, a Berkeley-based non-profit organization that advocates for the expansion of educational opportunities. The grants were issued in hopes of reducing the rate of prisoner re-incarceration, also known as recidivism, and helping reintegrate former convicts in an educational setting. According to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, more than 60 percent of ex-convicts in California are re-incarcerated within three years. But according to a joint press release from CSUSB and Cal Poly Pomona, that percentage is cut in half when former inmates participate in educational programs like San Francisco State’s “Project Rebound”, which the CSU is trying to replicate in its universities. “Project Rebound” was created in 1967 as a way to ease
former prisoners into a college setting by providing counseling, career guidance and vocational resources. Since then, other universities have established their own Project Rebound. The percentage of Project Rebound students that are reincarcerated was only 3 percent, according to the press release. Both CSUSB and Cal Poly Pomona plan to establish their own Project Rebound programs on their campuses by fall 2016. “Project Rebound offers a great opportunity to help individuals who want to transform their lives but may not normally have the opportunity to attend a college or university and earn their degrees,” said CSUSB President Tomás D. Morales in a statement. “Education will play a vital role in helping them to better themselves and CSUSB is dedicating its efforts to making it happen.” The grant covers program funding for three years, in which both universities will be working with the California Institute for Men in Chino, the California Rehabilitation Center in Norco, the California Institute for Women in Corona, the Santa Fe Springs Custody to Community Women’s Transition Facility as well as local community colleges.
“No one wants to be judged by the worst mistakes they made in their life,” Renford Reese, professor of political science at Cal Poly Pomona, said in a press release. “Project Rebound will support our students in fulfilling their dreams and reaching their potential.” Cal Poly Pomona plans to use the funds to establish a fully staffed student center for formerly incarcerated students as well as special student orientation programs, The Sun reported. Reese, also director of Project Rebound at Cal Poly Pomona, said that the program will scale up by 10 ex-convicts each year the program is effective. They hope to have at least 30 former felons taking classes by 2019, Reese told The Sun. He added that students will benefit from the program because the center will go beyond just providing educational and career resources. “Beyond the academic advisement and career-development advisement and tutoring, they have a place where they have a space space and can feel free to generate this kind of camaraderie with each other because they’ve had similar experiences,” Reese said.
Census: Asian Americans still fastest-growing... PAGE A1 In 2015, the Census Bureau reported that for the first time in history, more than half of the children born in the US were minorities. In California, New Mexico, Texas, Hawaii, and the District of Columbia, more than half of the general population come from a minority background. California and Hawaii house the largest Asian American and NHPI populations. Some of the fastest growing NHAPI communities are in North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Montana and Indiana. In the past five years, Arkansas saw a 30 percent increase in its AANHPI population. Much of the growth from the Asian American and NHPI communities is the result of immigration, according to the Census Bureau. Asian Americans are more likely to become American citizens than other racial groups. Fifty-nine percent of Asian immigrants complete the naturalization process, versus 47 percent of the immigrant popu-
lation at large. China and India are the leading countries of origin for recently sworn citizens. Vietnam and Taiwan have the highest naturalization rates at 76 and 74 percent, respectively. For the Filipino population, 68 percent of immigrants end up becoming American citizens. There were 1.26 million naturalized Filipinos in the country in 2013. “Asian Americans are a disproportionately immigrant community,” said Joanna Lee, senior research analyst for Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Los Angeles (Advancing Justice - LA). “Understanding the incredible social and economic diversity of these growing population groups is critical in understanding how best to address their needs.” Despite their expanding presence in America, neither of the major political parties have done enough to engage the Asian American and NHAPI community, according to Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC (AAAJ | AAJC) Executive Director Mee Moua. During a
panel discussion on Monday, June 20, she said polling performed by the advocacy group suggested that 62 percent of Asian Americans had not been contacted by representatives of the Democratic Party during this election cycle, while 74 percent said they were yet to hear from the Republican Party. “That’s not building democracy,” said Moua, challenging elected officials to keep up with the nation’s “changing demographic realities.” With their growing numbers, Asian Americans will have an influential role in shaping the country’s future political landscape, according to a 2015 study released by UCLA and the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies. The Asian American electorate is expected to double by 2040, reaching 12.2 million. “Asian Americans have the potential to be the margin of victory in critical swing votes during the next six presidential election cycles,” according to the authors of the study. (By Eric Anthony Licas / AJPress)
Aquino sure Ninoy, Cory will give... PAGE A2 least gave the military a minimum defense capability after decades of neglect. For the Philippine National Police (PNP), government in 2015 released a P2.83 billion fund for the facilities and equipment of the police force. If there was one thing he learned about himself as a leader, President Aquino said he was now “more cognizant” of his limits. But he held on to the “Filipino belief that God would not give you a burden that you cannot handle.” The year 2013 might as well be the annus horribilis of the Aquino administration for all the natural and man-made calamities that it saw – from the Atimonan massacre to the revival of the Sabah claim by the Sultanate of Sulu; the severe weather disturbances that lashed at the country one after the other. In September that year was the Zamboanga siege, and the next month, a 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck Bohol. In November, supertyphoon “Yolanda,” the strongest typhoon ever to make landfall, killed over 6,000 people. Mr. Aquino said that he felt many of the challenges his administration faced was to prepare them for Yolanda, which he considers his biggest test because of the sheer devastation it brought. With less than two years left in office, Mamasapano happened and it was a tragedy that Mr. Aquino himself said he would carry to his grave. It cost him the passage of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), envisioned to finally bring peace and development in Central Mindanao. In the legislative front, Mr. Aquino will be best remembered for signing the Reproductive Health Bill despite strong opposition from the Catholic Church and the Sin Tax, which levied higher taxes on tobacco and alcohol products, despite the strong lobby against it. He vetoed a number of populist bills despite the backlash. But he will also be remembered for his failure to push the Freedom of Information Act, a promise he made in 2010.
Mr. Aquino’s testy relationship with the judiciary brought some of the most exciting episodes in his term. Despite all the challenges, the President said the six years were worth it. “I can shower you with statistics,” he said. Perhaps a little known fact is that the number of negotiators for many trade agreements actually “quintupled” because, the President said government “received requests from our foreign trade partners to expedite the process.” There were also low-key but successful programs that directly helped the people in the countryside, such as the sitio electrification projects meant to energize the countryside and the Trade Department’s Shared Service Facilities program to help micro-entrepreneurs. The figures also include: • 6.1 percent unemployment rate as of April 2016 compared to the 6.8 percent of the same period in 2010; • 93.9 percent employment compared to the 92 percent in April 2010; • 26.3 percent poverty incidence in the first semester of 2015, down from the 28.6 percent in the same period of 2009; • six million foreign tourists; • 55 million domestic tourists; • an expected $6.3 billion foreign direct investment this year; • a prediction to become a $1 trillion economy by 2030, bringing the country to First World status; • nine million TESDA course graduates; • 1.51 million of the 4.2 million households enrolled in the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) improved their status to “non-poor; • 18,000 kilometers of national tourism roads and farmto-market roads completed. Ask him what government departments such as Health, Science and Technology, and Environment have done, President Aquino can bring out a list of accomplishments and discuss them in detail. He was particularly happy with the trust people now have in the state weather bureau. “PAGASA’s credibility is very
high,” Mr. Aquino said. With all the statistics as well as anecdotal testimonies, Mr. Aquino was obviously piqued by allegations that he had done nothing in the past six years, calling them “a generic claim.” “I want to find out who these people are who say that they didn’t feel (the growth). I’d like to ask them, could you just put yourself in the first half of 2010? What were your concerns then? What are your concerns now? And if we went to a more thorough interview with these individuals, I think we can point out what the differences are for everybody. And we can go on and on,” Mr. Aquino said. Does he think he would have a quiet life as citizen Noy? “My motto has always been prepare for the worst and hope for the best. We did disturb a lot of rice bowls. Going through the philosophy that we just took turns riding the merry go round that led to nowhere, we should not have accepted this position,” Mr. Aquino said. When he ran for President in 2010, the goal was “to effect changes in society.” “And part and parcel of that is to do away with the culture of impunity. Some people think it is their right to do harm to our people while they are in office and to the extent that we could, based on the evidence we managed to unearth, we went after these people,” Mr. Aquino said. And so the Aquino administration filed cases against an expresident, three senators, and many other government officials – something that was unheard of before. Mr. Aquino’s critics have been saying that cases would soon be filed against him as he finally loses his immunity from being charged in court. But the outgoing President is confident he has done right by his country, saying: “If there is justice in this world, I believe we can defend everything that we did.” Noynoy Aquino steps down from office with his head held high. The son rose and soared, to dream the impossible dream, fight the unbeatable foe, bear with unbearable sorrow, and run where the brave dare not go.
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D ateline PhiliPPines ‘Bato’ to pursue ‘double-barrel’ strategy vs drugs MNLF, MILF to pursue common roadmap for peace by CeCille
Suerte Philstar.com
Felipe
MANILA—A “double-barrel” strategy of simultaneous attacks against notorious drug lords and street level pushers will be applied by Chief Supt. Ronald De la Rosa, the incoming Philippine National Police (PNP) chief. De la Rosa said he would present the mechanics of the strategy to incoming president Rodrigo Duterte during the first command conference set on Friday. This is to be held at the main conference room of the PNP national headquarters at Camp Crame in Quezon City. “The double-barrel strategy means we will be attacking the problem against drug lords and the level of the street, pushing simultaneously,” De la Rosa said, describing his policy as being like that of a double-barreled shotgun that can fire two rounds with a single pull of the trigger. “One pull of the trigger can hit the high-value target while the other barrel would also hit those at the street level,” he said. The strategy appeared to be Dela Rosa’s response to apprehension that policemen only arrest and neutralize street level pushers and allow the principal players to escape. Duterte is set to preside over
his first command conference at Camp Crame tomorrow, a day after his inauguration. De la Rosa vowed a top-to-bottom revamp as soon as he takes over the helm of the national police organization on July 1. “There will be an extensive revamp in the entire Philippines. We will identify who among the police commanders must be replaced,” he announced. “I will personally choose who will be there because if they fail, I would be personally responsible for not doing their job,” he said. Reports said that 15 of the 18 regional police directors will be replaced. De la Rosa stressed he needs police commanders who are committed to Duterte’s policy to reduce, if not eliminate, the trade in illegal drugs within the first three to six months of his administration. Aside from police regional directors, chiefs of police of cities and towns will also be replaced. De la Rosa said he already has a list of rogue cops involved in criminal activities, as he vowed to prioritize internal cleansing in the police organization. “I have a list of policemen involved in illegal activities, especially drugs, and we will start cleansing as soon as I assume
unSon Philstar.com
Chief Supt. Ronald De la Rosa vowed a topto-bottom revamp as soon as he takes over the helm of the national police organization on July 1.
office,” De la Rosa said in a radio interview. However, he refused to divulge more details, pending his formal assumption into office. De la Rosa stressed internal cleansing is important in the PNP organization with 160,000 members in 18 regions nationwide to ensure police officers have the moral ascendancy to enforce the law.
PH respects UK decision to leave European Union by pia lee-Brago Philstar.com
MANILA—The Philippines respects the decision of the British people through a transparent and democratic process to leave the European Union as Manila looks forward to continuing ties with both the EU and the United Kingdom. “As a nation that shares with the United Kingdom adherence to democratic principles and the rule of law, the Philippines respects this decision of the British people,” the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said yesterday in a statement. The DFA said the Philippines also “deeply values its relations with the European Union both bilaterally and as a part of the ASEAN.” “The Philippines looks forward
to continuing its ties with both the United Kingdom and the European Union towards a more prosperous future,” the DFA said. The Philippines’ relationship with the UK has grown steadily in the past 70 years. Bilateral trade between the two countries reaches about $1.8 billion per year, with the bulk focused on manufacturing and agriculture. The UK is also home to some 200,000 Filipinos and Filipino-British citizens. In 2015, the Philippines welcomed 154,589 British tourists to the country. The people of Britain voted for a British exit, or Brexit, from the EU in a historic referendum last June 23. The leave votes won, 52 percent to 48 percent. British Ambassador Asif Ahmad said on Monday that Britain’s vote to leave the EU in an historic refer-
ment and the MNLF,” Sema said. The Tripoli Agreement is touted as the `mother of all peace accords’ MAGUINDANAO—The es- between the government and the tranged Moro Islamic Liberation Moro community, brokered by the Front (MILF) and the Moro Na- Organization of Islamic Cooperational Liberation Front (MNLF) tion (OIC), a bloc of more than 50 on Wednesday, June 29 agreed to Muslim states, including Arab and push forward a common roadmap North African petroleum-exporting for peace in the country’s troubled countries. south. MILF chairman Hadji Murad Ebrahim and Muslimin Sema, who is chairman of the largest of three factions in the MNLF, signed in Camp Darapanan in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao a joint communiqué binding their groups to cooperate in “harmonizing” their separate peace deals with Malacañang. Camp Darapanan in northeast Sultan Kudarat town is the MILF’s main enclave, where Murad resides and holds office. The MNLF forged a final peace accord with the government on Sept. 2, 1996. Its implementation, however, was mired by disagreements on the enforcement of some of its sensitive provisions. The MILF, which splintered from the MNLF in the early 1980s, also had a separate peace compact with the government, the March 27, 2014 Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro (CAB). Congress failed to approve the enabling measure for the implementation of the compact, the Bangsamoro Basic Law, which has been archived in the House of Representatives. Murad told reporters who witnessed the signing of the joint communiqué that there is no truth to assertions it is difficult to achieve peace in Southern Mindanao owing to the factional divides between the local Moro communities. He said they are open to having only one peace agenda for the MILF and the MNLF to pursue. Sema said they are hoping incoming President Rodrigo Duterte would focus attention on the need to address the Moro issue peacefully. He said past administrations had failed to comply with the government’s part of the peace deals it forged with Moro rebel groups. “There was no implementation `in letter and spirit’ of the 1976 Tripoli Agreement, the Jeddah Accord and the 1996 Final Peace Agreement between the governby John
endum would not have an impact on Filipinos working and living in the UK as they came to the country under a “completely different immigration regime.” Ahmad explained that the UK has an independent migration and visa policy, since it is not part of Schengen. He said the Filipinos came to the UK based on UK rules that would not change. Moreover, he said the Filipinos belong to a category of workers that “we continue to need.” European Council President Donald Tusk said the UK’s vote to leave the EU was an “historic moment” but “not a moment for hysterical reactions.” Until the UK formally leaves the EU, EU law will continue to apply to and within the UK, including the laws on rights and obligations.
The agreement was signed on December 23, 1976 in the Libyan capital Tripoli by representatives of President Ferdinand Marcos and the still monolithic MNLF then under Nur Misuari. Sema said his group was saddened that the MILF’s 2014 peace deal with the government failed to PAGE A7
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A FAVORABLE decision is expected soon from the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague to strengthen the Philippines’ maritime case against China over its expansive claim in the disputed water of the South China Sea. The international court is expected to rule over the decades-long conflict soon. Citing peaceful resolution on the jurisdiction over the disputed waters, the Philippines has pleaded its case to the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea (ITLOS). It is now awaiting results of the preliminary hearings over the Philippine claim. The ITLOS is an intergovernmental organization created through the directive of the Third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea and established by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), signed at Montego Bay, Jamaica, on Dec. 10, 1982. China and the Philippines have competing claims to some parts of the South China Sea. China claims the largest swathe of the strategic water, which is believed to have significant oil and gas deposits. It has continuously rejected other nations’ claim (including Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia and Brunei) on the South China Sea. China has also been busy militarizing the strategic water in the last two years through the creation of new outposts by piling sand atop reefs and atolls, and then adding buildings, ports and airstrips big enough to handle bombers and fighter jets. Despite continuous calls from the international community to halt the construction, China remained adamant over its assertion to the South
West Philippine (South China) Sea. It maintained that its military activities are consistent with its position that the construction of artificial islands was designed to provide public service to the region by helping ships and fishermen and disaster relief efforts. In a Note Verbale, China rejected the Notification and Statement of Claim made by the Philippines and refused to acknowledge the jurisdiction of the Arbitral Tribunal over the case. It has insisted on resolving the dispute through bilateral negotiations. Ironically, China is a signatory of the UN charter, which is governed by the rules and principles of general international law. Under the UNCLOS, all parties have agreed to “due regard for the sovereignty of all States, a legal order for the seas and oceans which will facilitate international communication, and will promote the peaceful uses of the seas and oceans, the equitable and efficient utilization of their resources, the conservation of their living resources, and the study, protection and preservation of the marine environment.” While the international community is waiting for the landmark ruling, the US called on both parties and other claimants of the South China Sea to exercise restraint to avoid further confrontations.
Editorial
ManilaTimes.net photo
After years of tension-filled relations and regardless of an incoming court order, the Philippines and China must learn to settle their differences, and let diplomacy prevail. Diplomacy is an old art. But today’s challenges give an opening to
effective means of resolving crises. It can never happen over night, but through a pragmatic approach, the adverse effects of international conflict can be reduced. When a conflict is defused, peace and progress will ensue. (AJPress)
Supreme Court affirms the right of women to have an abortion IF there is a singular issue that makes many kababayans gravitate toward the Republican Party, it’s the issue of the right of women to have an abortion — a right traditionally fought for by Democrats and opposed by Republicans. On Monday, June 27, the Supreme Court (SC) upheld such right of women by striking down Texas’ controversial abortion restriction bill. With a 5-3 vote, the justices of the highest court in the nation ruled that Texas lawmakers went too far by imposing unnecessary regulations that had forced most of the state’s abortion clinics to go out of business. This vote would effectively limit the power not only of Texas, but of other states as well, to restrict or shut down abortion clinics.
This is the first major decision on abortion by the Supreme The Fil-Am Court, after passing the landmark Perspective decision on Roe v. Wade in 1973, which found that a state law that banned abortions except to save the life of the mother was unconstitutional. Gel SantoS-ReloS As Balitang America reported, President Barack Obama shared on the social networking site Twitter his reaction to the SC’s decision, saying that “every woman has a constitutional right to make her own reproductive choices,” adding that he is pleased that the Supreme Court affirmed that fact.
Balitang America also reported on the reaction of the major prolife group — Susan B. Anthony’s List — which argues that “the abortion industry cannot be trusted to regulate itself”, and that “America should elect a pro-life President to safeguard today’s pro-life majorities in the House
and Senate”. Many conservative Kababayans share the views of Americans who believe abortion is morally wrong. A recent Gallup Poll reveals that 47 percent of respondents think abortion is morally wrong, while
43 percent say it is morally acceptable. Nine percent contend that it depends on the situation, while two percent expressed no opinion on the issue. The same poll further reveals that more Democrats — 62 percent — are okay with abortion morally, while only 24 percent of Republicans share that opinion. Do you agree with the Supreme Court decision? *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https://www.facebook.com/Gel. Santos.Relos
Preventing unnecessary Duterte and the CPP-NPA protection racket risky financial practices Street Talk Commentary
SenatoR HaRRy Reid In 2008, Wall Street recklessness causes the financial crisis that left eight million Americans unemployed and millions more with mortgages and retirement savings run into the ground. Businesses shut their doors and new graduates faced uneasy, unrelenting unemployment. In 2010, we passed reforms to make sure that Wall Street could never crash our economy again. This fall, we celebrate the sixth anniversary of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act by upholding and protecting this landmark legislation. For far too long, Wall Street was allowed to game the system for themselves while putting millions of Americans’ savings at risk. Their actions endangered our entire economy and the livelihoods of many Americans. We recognized the need to implement necessary safeguards to prevent these unnecessary risky financial practices. That’s why I am proud to have worked with my Democratic colleagues to help shepherd Wall Street Reform into law, overhauling our financial regulations and reining in Wall Street. The passage of Wall Street Reform restored accountability in our financial system, and shined a light on fraudulent and abusive practices within our nation’s housing and banking sectors. Today, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau pro-
tects Americans from predatory lenders and provides consumers with the necessary information they need to make good decisions about credit, mortgages, and financial products. Wall Street Reform has streamlined transparency and oversight within our regulatory agencies. By effectively implementing these key reforms we passed into law in 2010, we will ensure that taxpayers never again have to foot the bill for Wall Street recklessness. Wall Street Reform is our armor against unscrupulous lenders and toobig-to-fail banks. As we celebrate the sixth anniversary of Wall Street Reform, we must also remember that a healthy well-regulated financial system is a key part of our nation’s economic progress. It helps grow Americans’ retirement savings and ensures our businesses have the resources they need to grow. Wall Street Reform benefits our nation’s economy, it does not hamper it. The law makes sure that there are a set of rules that apply to everyone in a fair manner. Wall Street Reform is good for consumers and our entire economy. We must work together to prevent special interests and legislative attempts from reversing or eliminating provisions and regulations within this historic law. Every American has a stake in our economy. It is stronger when we work together to build on the progress we’ve made. Wall Street Reform is crucial to ensuring that our economy works for everyone, from Main Street to Wall Street. Because of Wall Street Reform, we are stronger and more prosperous than we were six years ago.
GReG B. MacaBenta IF taxes are to be collected only by the government, then Rodrigo Duterte, incoming president of the Republic of the Philippines, actually acknowledges the existence of another government within the country: the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army. You see, the CPP-NPA also collects “taxes” from businesses and Duterte has publicly urged companies operating in Davao province and the rest of Mindanao to pay this additional imposition on them, on top of what they pay the Bureau of Internal Revenue. It may be assumed that this Duterte Doctrine will be applied nationally when he assumes the presidency. We know that if we don’t pay taxes to the government, we’ll find ourselves in trouble, pay a hefty fine, see our earnings garnished or even go to jail. What about the “taxes” – referred to as “revolutionary taxes” - imposed by the CPP-NPA? How much is collected and what are the consequences if a business doesn’t come across? The following is a report on CPP-NPA “taxation” in Davao province from a 2011 Asia Report by the International Crisis Group entitled, “The Communist Insurgency in the Philippines, Tactics and Talks”: “The NPA obtains significant amounts of money from the Davao region. The military estimates that the NPA collected 39.5 million pesos ($890,000) there in 2010, nearly half of the 95.5 million pesos ($2.15 million) it raised from revolutionary taxes throughout the country during the year. Most
of the funds are collected in the Compostela Valley, where there are many mines. “In 2009, the military estimated that the province could provide the group with as much as 20 million pesos ($460,000) per month. This is sufficient for guerrillas to allocate surplus funds for their dependents, a luxury units elsewhere cannot afford. The NPA can raise large amounts from the Compostela Valley because of its relationship with small-scale miners. These men resist government efforts to establish larger mines, instead turning to the NPA, which approves the opening of smallscale operations. NPA regulars may even be mining themselves. The CPP, while officially opposing destruction of the environment, considers such limited extraction acceptable as it is not used for export. The NPA targets small businesses as well. The owner of a fleet of trucks transporting gravel and sand from a quarry in the Davao area pays 5,000 pesos ($115) per year for each truck. The NPA also levied a tax of four pesos (ten cents) per kilogram on banana vendors in New Bataan in the Compostela Valley, until the military increased its presence. Other businesses may be taxed a percentage of their total profits. “In December 2010 seven large mining companies in Caraga threatened to pull out of the region over NPA ‘taxes’, underscoring how control over resources is at stake in the conflict. According to the 4th infantry division, the NPA has increased tax levied on mining companies from 15 million pesos ($340,000) to 20 million pesos ($450,000) a month. The group has also demanded the firms supply computers, radios and guns… “Dole Food Company’s banana plantations in Surigao del Sur were regularly attacked in 2010. On 26 November, the NPA destroyed around 22,000 plants, with
an estimated value of $250,000 in Tago town. Further south in the same province, the NPA cut down around 1,600 plants in Barobo town on 13 December. Both areas had been attacked earlier in the year as well. The NPA argues that because firms such as Dole exploit the region’s resources and people, its attacks are justified.” Of course the CPP-NPA will always find a way to “justify” the “taxation” and the “penalties.” In fact, as reported by the media, only recently, Fidel Agacoili , spokesman of the National Democratic Front (NDF) declared in a forum at the Ateneo de Davao University, “You have to understand [that] revolutionary movements, meron silang political power operating in the countryside and elsewhere. And they have the right, [as] any state… they have the right to impose tax on any form of business that operates within its own territory.” To support his rationale, Agcaoili added: “Di ba sabi ni President Duterte, ‘Bayaran na lang ninyo!’ Siya nagsabi noon, hindi ako (Wasn’t it President Duterte who said, ‘Just pay it!’ He said that, not me).” Agcaoili was referring to a statement Duterte made at a trade expo in Davao City in 2013. In that speech, Duterte attempted to rationalize his being “cooperative” with the CPP-NPA: “Crimes I can deal with it. But with the revolutionary (groups), I give it to the (national) government.” Duterte made that statement as mayor of Davao City. In effect, he admitted that the problem was much bigger than his capabilities as a local executive. But what happens now that Duterte is about to take over the reins of the national government? How will he deal with the situation? Or is it possible that the muchfeared crime fighter – the one who has vowed to get rid of criminality
in six months from his assumption of the presidency – does not consider “revolutionary” taxation a crime? How different is the CPP-NPA “revolutionary tax” from the operations of the Mafia in the US and in Sicily, where 80 percent of businesses reportedly pay “pizzo” or protection money to the gangsters? And how different is the CPP-NPA from the drug cartels in Ciudad Juarez in Mexico which, according to Wikipedia, collect protection money from businesses with the threat of “burning down the business, kidnapping the owners or killing everyone inside with assault rifles” To quote a comic paraphrasing Juliet’s line in “Romeo and Juliet:” “Utot by any other name would smell bantot.” (Fart by any other name would still stink). You can say that about the CPP-NPA “revolutionary tax.” The name is simply an attempt to deodorize what, in fact, is a bigtime protection racket. Wikipedia adds: “Protection rackets tend to appear in markets where the police and judiciary cannot be counted on to provide legal protection, either because of incompetence (as in weak or failed states) or illegality (black markets).” In a media report, Lt. Gen. Ricardo Visaya, the outgoing chief of the Southern Luzon Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and reportedly a “strong contender” for the post of Chief of Staff, was said to have told his troops to “continue their military pressure on the NPA.” According to Visaya, “Until no official and clear-cut guidelines have been issued, until no formal talks have been made, we continue with our current operations in Bicol.” In this regard, what can Visaya say about the CPP-NPA claiming parts of the country as their “terPAGE 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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Filipino bishops say Church doctrine on homosexuality remains by Klarize
Medenilla AJPress
A FILIPINO Catholic priest said on Monday, June 27 that Pope Francis’ comments of compassion toward the LGBT community was not a call to change the Church’s doctrine on homosexuality. The comment comes from Fr. Jerome Secillano, executive secretary of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) Episcopal Commission on Public Affairs, who responded to Pope Francis’ comments made on Sunday, June 26. The pontiff said that Christians and the Roman Catholic Church should apologize to the LGBT community and ask for their forgiveness for the Church’s maltreatment throughout history. “I believe that the church not only should apologize to the person who is gay whom it has offended,” the pope said, “but has to apologize to the poor, to exploited women, to children exploited for labor; it has to ask forgiveness for having blessed many weapons.” But Secillano assured that the
Pope’s remarks were “not in any way related to the doctrine of the Church on homosexuality,” but rather referenced civilian treatment of the LGBT community. “What the apology implies is that homosexuals should also be treated with respect, compassion and with high regard for their dignity as human beings,” Secillano told reporters. The Pope’s comment on Sunday mirrors similar remarks he made earlier in his papacy in which he asked, “Who am I to judge?” when it comes to the judgment of LGBT individuals. “The question is: If a person who has that condition, who has good will and who looks for God, who are we to judge?” said Pope Francis, whose papacy is considered one of the most socially progressive. Secillano’s comment comes after the CBCP’s statement following the Orlando gay nightclub shooting on June 12 in which the bishops urged Filipinos to treat the LGBT community with respect and tolerance, denouncing acts of violence toward LGBT in-
dividuals. Although the CBCP calls for respect for the LGBT community, the organization has generally denounced homosexuality, staying in line with traditional Catholic indoctrination on homosexuality. In February, the CBCP defended Manny Pacquiao’s controversial comments in which he referred to homosexuals as “worse than animals.” Secillano told Philstar that Pacquiao was merely quoting a line from the Bible and said it was “unfair” to condemn the boxing icon for the comment and his views on same-sex marriage. In August, CBCP President Socrates Villegas, who is also the archbishop of Lingayen-Dagupan, stated that homosexual acts are “contrary to the natural” and are to be considered “sins gravely contrary to chastity.” The statement came at a time when LGBT activists were pushing for the legalization of samesex unions in the Philippines, a country whose religious identity is deeply engrained in its legislation.
MNLF, MILF to pursue common roadmap...
PAGE A5 take off since Congress failed to pass the BBL. He said despite their being in the MNLF, they are anxious over the fate of the BBL, as a consequence of the government’s having assured that all of the 42 consensus points reached in the tripartite review of their 1996 peace agreement with Malacañang had been integrated into the proposed law, which is premised on the CAB. The three-way evaluation of
the peace agreement from 2007 to 2015, involving the MNLF, the OIC and representatives of Malacañang, was meant to iron out the misunderstandings on its implementation. “Now we have to join ranks for the sake of `harmonizing’ our separate peace tracts for us to achieve a durable kind of peace that is for all people in Mindanao, for all people in the Bangsamoro. The Bangsamoro is never indivisible geographically and demographi-
PAGE A6 ritory” for which reason it has the ”right” to collect taxes? Before Visaya attempts to answer that question, he should perhaps read this excerpt from the 2011 “Asia Report.” It had this to about Visaya’s prospective commander-in-chief: “In Davao, the Duterte family is a powerful third force in the conflict between the military and the NPA. Rodrigo Duterte, the current vice-mayor, was first elected mayor in 1988, at a time when the ‘sparrow’ units were carrying out killings on the streets of
Davao, and the military-backed anti-communist vigilante squads known as the Alsa Masa meted out punishment in return. He subsequently served six terms, and when he could no longer stand for office, his daughter Sara Duterte stepped in and was elected mayor in 2010… Although violence has dramatically declined under Duterte, and the numerous urban squatter communities that served as the communists’ support base no longer exist, the CPP-NPA continues to operate within Davao City… Duterte, who used to em-
cally,” Sema said. Sema and Murad are both optimistic a lasting, acceptable peace agreement between Malacañang and the Bangsamoro community can easily be achieved with Duterte, himself from Mindanao, being at the helm of government. “He is from Mindanao and has Maranaw blood. He surely understands the Moro problem. We are grateful to have a president from Mindanao for the first time ever,” Murad said.
Duterte and the CPP-NPA protection...
ploy a former member of the NDF as his chief of staff, in effect grants the guerrillas permission to operate in certain areas of the city. He also ensures leftist activists are safe from extrajudicial killings; in exchange, they do not protest against the ‘Davao death squad.’” In other words, Rodrigo Duterte, incoming president of the Philippines, has been and could continue to be the biggest protector of the CPP-NPA as it continues to operate its highly profitable protection racket. (gregmacabenta@ hotmail.com)
SOUTHERN NEVADA REGIONAL HOUSING AUTHORITY REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) FOR COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL LICENSED CONTRACTORS CHILLER/BOILER/HVAC INSTALLATION, MAINTENANCE & REPAIR SERVICES RFP NO. RFP16512 PRIMARY CONTACT PERSON(S):
Note: Contact with any other SNRHA staff other than the named here, including SNRHA’s Residents and Board of Commissioners will result in your Proposal being rejected.
Linda P. Simpson Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority Contracts & Purchasing Ph: (702) 922-6825; TDD (702) 387-1898 lpsimpson@snvrha.org or Wanda Beckett, wbeckett@snvrha.org
HOW TO OBTAIN THE SOLICITATION DOCUMENTS AND RESPOND TO THIS RFP:
1. DOWNLOAD AND RESPOND TO THIS SOLICITATION: Housing Agency Marketplace website: nahro.economicengine.com (no “www”) Registered Users: “Log in and insert Solicitation No. P16512. Non Registered Users: You must first register your company before downloading the Solicitation. Click on “New Vendor” to register. Problems accessing the system or registering, call 866-526-9266, M-F, 9 AM(EST) – 4 PM (PST) 2. DOWNLOADS ONLY: SNRHA website: www.snvrha.org, click on Procurement and “Current Bid Invitations” and proceed to the appropriate solicitation number. Problems downloading the Solicitation, call (702) 922-6876, M-F, 8AM-4PM (PST)
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PROPOSAL SUBMITTAL RETURN & DEADLINE:
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WOMEN AND/OR MINORITY-OWNED BUSINESSES ARE ENCOURAGED TO RESPOND
BOUND TOGETHER. Couples from the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community take part in a ‘Rite of Holy Union’ ceremony in Manila on Monday, June 27. Philstar.com photo by Miguel De Guzman
Comelec rift widens; Bautista belies charges by Sheila
CriSoStoMo Philstar.com
MANILA—The trip to Japan of Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman Andres Bautista may have been unauthorized and should be investigated, one of the poll body’s commissioners said. In an interview over the weekend, Commissioner Rowena Guanzon said she has asked the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to investigate how Bautista was able to leave for Japan last week without travel authority from the Comelec. Guanzon said civil servants traveling overseas are required to present a travel authority to BID personnel at the airport. “I have been wondering how the chairman was able to leave the country. “I think this should be investigated. In case he used his personal passport, still the immigration should have not allowed him to leave if he did not have a travel authority,” she pointed out. Last Thursday, Bautista took his “privilege leave” to accompany his son to Tokyo from June 23 to 26. In a June 21 memorandum, Bautista assured acting Commission secretary Consuelo Diola that his was “a personal trip that will entail no cost to the commission.” According to Guanzon, Commissioner Christian Robert Lim – being the most senior commissioner – used to sign Bautista’s travel authority but he sought to be relieved of this task in May. With such responsibility no
longer Lim’s, all commissioners should be signing Bautista’s travel authority as was the practice during the term of former Comelec chairman Sixto Brillantes Jr., Guanzon said. She also accused Bautista of leaving without appointing any acting chairman. “So what’s the implication of that? No one is signing important transactions like the salary.” Not true For his part, Bautista belied Guanzon’s accusation in text messages from Japan. “I have travel authority issued pursuant to Executive Orders (EOs) 459 and 477. (The) Commission on Audit chair and the ombudsman, as head of agency, also issue their own travel authorities,” he said. The poll chief took note of this in his Jan. 21 memorandum to Diola. The memorandum read: “I, as head of agency, will be issuing my travel authority pursuant to Sec. 3 of EO No. 447 series of 1991 which, among others, states that ‘the members, officials and employees of aforementioned constitutional bodies shall henceforth submit their requests for permission to travel abroad to the heads of the commissions/office concerned.’” The same memorandum said “this authority is further confirmed by Section 2 of Executive Order No. 459 series of 2005 which states ‘all other government officials and employees seeking authority to travel abroad shall seek approval from
Comelec Chairman Andres Bautista
their respective heads of agency.’” Bautista also denied that there was no acting Comelec chairman while he was in Japan. “I referred to existing memos so senior commissioner is acting chair in my absence.” He added, “for matters that demand immediate and urgent action, relevant commission resolutions authorize certain officials to sign for and on behalf of the commission.” Drug addiction As the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) officially closed its command center last Friday, its national chair Henrietta de Villa decried what she called rampant vote buying and selling in some areas during the last elections, an anomaly she likened to drug addiction. She said the buying and selling of votes “form of electoral corruption – the father of all corruption which eats up the Filipino soul and blackens Philippine election.” (With Evelyn Macairan)
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Zsa Zsa Padilla remains positive despite breakup with Conrad Onglao
Zsa Zsa Padilla chose to remain positive than hold grudges after her breakup with Conrad Onglao.
Zsa Zsa Padilla chose to focus on the positive side of her breakup with architect Conrad Onglao. It was in May when reports about their breakup came out, which was confirmed by her daughter Karylle. “That’s what you see kasi, it’s a calmer and more peaceful me,” she said at event of B-Vitamin Neurobion on Monday, a reported by Push.com.ph.
“When you go through difficult things in life, that’s what happens to you, you just hold on to your faith. Not that you’ve lost it but sometimes di ba medyo parang hindi mo siya masyado nabibigyan ng priority,” she added. she’s thankful to her friends who helped her remain positive, especially during the time when she felt anger in her heart. “It’s so hard to be angry din, e, kasi parang it’s exhausting. It’s
JaDine gets ‘real’ in new book by Christina
alpad ManilaTimes.net
THeY may have already proven their blockbuster pull among moviegoers with such hits as “Diary ng Panget,” “Talk Back and You’re Dead” and “This Time;” on televiewers with the top-rated aBs-CBN prime time drama “On the Wings of Love;” and on concertgoers with the sold out series JaDine in “Love and High on Love,” but James Reid and Nadine Lustre have so much more to give. In fact, the reel and real life couple has just tapped a new platform with which to reach out to their ever-growing fan base around the world. On June 23, Reid and Lustre officially launched their first nontie-in book Team Real under VRJ Books, the publishing arm of Viva Group of Companies. [The term “non-tie-in” means that the book is being published on its own, and not as a supplement to any other project of the actors]. The idea of publishing this title came from Viva’s big boss, Vic del Rosario in the latter part of 2015 when the star-maker himself was surprised over the public’s insatiable interest in these young talents. All-access pass Team Real, which carries the tagline, “Your all-access pass into James and Nadine’s world,”
boasts of 120 full-colored pages of exclusive photos and texts from the couple’s point of view. The title came from their love team’s latest moniker, #TeamReal, which fans coined after the reveal of their true off-cam relationship status in February. “What we have in the book are unseen photos, untold stories, tips on fashion, and beauty tips,” Reid said, describing Team Real to the press during their official media launch. Lustre, on the other hand, highlighted the exclusive travel photos, which they took themselves. “Dito po kasi sa book naglagay po kami ng mga travel photos from our first tour, photos na hindi po namin inupload sa social media,” Lustre noted. Moreover, Team Real includes chapters devoted even to budgeting tips, and even their respective struggles in finances when they were just starting out. They futher give a peek into their respective homes—and how they expect people to behave whenever they visit—and their individual pop culture favorites, including books, music and films. But what fans would most likely spend a lot of time on is the “tell-all” chapter. Without spoiling it for future readers, one of the stories included is how they fell in love with
really exhausting,” she said. “Of course everyone knew that I was the one who left ‘di ba? You leave because things are not working out, ‘di ba, in your relationship so there.” since the cause of their breakup was still not clear, the Divine Diva was asked if she’s willing to open up about it. However, she maintained that she wanted to keep those details between her and Onglao.
“I just want to leave it between the two of us because… huwag na lang,” she replied. “I’ve made a pact na not to talk about my personal life so much. Kasi sabi ko over-sharing is not good.” Zsa Zsa and Ryan agoncillo were invited on Monday, June 27 to join Neurobion’s Neuropathy awareness Movement through the Helping True Heroes campaign. (Joyce Jimenez/Philstar. com)
Gab Valenciano to artists: Don’t compete, collaborate by
JoyCe Jimenez Philstar.com
‘The pictures came from us and the words from our mouths. We were completely involved,’ the reel and real-life couple said.
each other, which is surprisingly not exactly what they first revealed in their earlier interviews. The youngest couple in showbiz went as far as to open up about a tiff they had at the premiere of “Wang Fam,” which was caught on camera and caused the love team’s break up rumors. Fully involved Reid and Lustre claimed that they were fully involved in the making of Team Real. “The pictures came from us, and the words from our mouths. Nadine and I were completely involved,” the 23-year old Reid re-
vealed. Finally, asked why they came out with another medium to reach out to their avid supporters when they are both very active on Instagram already—with 5 million followers combined—Lustre replied that the book is their way to allow fans to know them even more. “Gusto lang din po namin mas maging close sa amin yung fans at mas makilala po kami,” the 22year-old singer actress said. as expected, their fans whole-heartedly embraced their beloved “team’s” gift to them as PAGE B4
GaB Valenciano believes in the power of collaboration. The 28-year-old performer, who became popular for his “superselfies” posted on YouTube, thinks that every artist should help each other bring out the best in them. “I always tell people, don’t compete, collaborate,” he said at the press conference for the MTV Music evolution on Friday. “There’s always someone better, there’ll always going to be someone fresher. One tends to compete, when in reality were all here to contribute and collaborate,” he added. He also reminded budding online artists to never be disheartened by the few hits of the videos or music they posted online. “I’ve met a lot of popular online artists and they recalled how they first started with almost no hits at all,” he related. Gab then advised these up and coming online artists to “never stop creating. Never stop writing, never stop shooting,” which he did when he was still starting to create his online videos. He even recalled depending on the camera of his laptop and just play with his imagination. In the end, Gab left them with reminder: “It such a competitive world, if you have that willingness to show the world who you are without having to go with the flow and rather go against it, that’s when people admire you.”
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Geraldine Roman breaks glass ceiling in PH politics First transgender woman elected to Congress
By MoMar
G. Visaya
AJPress
The recent May elections in the Philippines introduced a new politician to the rest of the world. her name is Geraldine Roman and she was elected as a congresswoman to represent the First District of the province of Bataan in the house of Representatives. The 49-year-old Roman made history when she won as she became the first transgender woman in the country’s history to be elected to Congress. her landslide victory is viewed as a breakthrough for LGBT community in a country that is considered traditionally Catholic and conservative, and where divorce, same-sex marriage and abortion are still illegal. Roman says she will champion equal opportunities under broader a platform. The congresswoman-elect was in New York recently to visit her brother and attend the graduation of her niece from Dartmouth College. her brother, a lawyer, suggested for her to make the most out of this trip and network.
he contacted the Asia Society which was then working on their Diversity Leadership Forum. A couple of weeks ago, Roman delivered the keynote speech at the forum, a vital platform for companies to explore how to develop Asian Pacific American as well as Asian talent to gain a competitive edge in the U.S. and global marketplaces. “What better place to talk about my experiences being a transgender politician in the Philippines,” Roman said. “I have one message – we are talking about diversity, it’s not just about gender but it is also about gender, religion, culture. We should look beyond these differences and look for common ground. Let’s try to work together and be productive and bring our companies to success.” Roman said she experienced discrimination simply because she is different, because she is a transgender woman. “It’s 2016, we’re here in the US, which is supposedly the main proponent of human rights in the world, and there’s still discrimination here. We have to
overcome that obstacle,” she told Asian Journal after she delivered her keynote. In her speech, she talked about dignity and respect, how it is the golden rule, a basic law for harmonious relationships and for us to advance as a society. her parents Antonio and herminia played a part in her decision to run for public office. her father was a congressman in the first district of Bataan. It is her mother who is occupying the post now and she is ending her last term. “My parents are my inspiration. They have set a very good example to us siblings and they are partly the reason why I decided to join a career in public service,” Roman said. her journey to the house of Representatives began when she decided to return to the Philippines to take care of her ailing father in 2012. “When my father fell sick in 2012, I decided to come home to the Philippines to take care of him. It usually happens with daughters, right? I don’t have any children so it is easier for me to
move back to the Philippines,” Roman shared. She took care of the family patriarch and in doing so, she noticed that he was trying to hint something to her. “I think he wanted me to continue the legacy of public service in the family. he asked me one mind-boggling question – ‘What is the true meaning of your life?’. I answered him, ‘What do you want me to tell you?’” she asked back. “Your life is centered on yourself. You may be successful as long as you don’t help others, your life has no true meaning,” her father told her. That made her decide. “We’re breaking barriers now. The message of acceptance, tolerance and respect is universal. My winning a seat in Congress is transcendental and it could be used for the worthy cause of human rights,” she said. The neophyte politician ran on a platform of eQUALITY, an acronym that represented the issues and advocacies she wanted to pursue - e for education, Q and U for Quality and Universal health care, A for agriculture, L for Livelihood, I for Infrastructure, T for Transparency and Y for Youth. “My immediate goal is to pass at least one bill for this advocacy and if I get 5 out of 8 and they are passed as laws, then I shall have been successful,” Roman surmised. “I want to inspire people who may be suffering from discrimination. It is not only in terms of gender but also in terms of socio-economic status and ethnicity. My story can be inspiring to overcome whatever difficulty they may be experiencing right now.” Prior to moving back to the Philippines, she was based in Spain. It was there where she studied and finished her two masters degrees - Spanish Language and Literature and Journalism. It was also in Spain where she met her special someone, her better half. Roman attended the all-boys, Jesuit-run Ateneo high School. She graduated from the University of the Philippines with a degree in european Languages. She speaks fluent Spanish, French and Italian. During the entire campaign,
AJPress photos by Momar G. Visaya
she did not access her social media accounts to spare her from the bashing coming from her opponents. It was a tough campaign period, she said, since her opponents painted her as immoral and mocked her just because she is a transgender woman. “When I won, I thought it was a quiet victory. I had no idea until all of a sudden the media was contacting me through text and social media. That was when I finally understood that this is a landmark case, a milestone in Philippine politics,” Roman recalled. Making history is one thing, but if she had her way, she’d rather be known as a good public servant, period. “If you ask me, I wouldn’t want to be known as the first transgender woman to be in Congress. I want to be known after my years of service as a good and honest public servant who touched the lives of many people. That is how I want to be remembered,” she said. “everyone has his or her own religious beliefs and they are to be respected,” she added. “We live in a civil society and there are common laws that need to be respected as well.” Roman is appealing to the oldschool politicians in the country to set aside religious beliefs and
respect every human being for who they are. “If you are holding public office, the presumption is that you have to respect the human rights of each and every Filipino regardless of his or her own personal circumstances. If you cannot respect those human rights, then you don’t have a place in government,” she opined. “Sana matutunan nilang ipaisangtabi muna ang kanilang religious beliefs bilang nasa loob tayo ng isang civil society. (I hope they learn to set aside their religious beliefs as we are in a civil society.)” With her win, Roman cemented her place in Philippine history books. She will inspire young people, the next generation of Filipinos, with what she has achieved so far. “It is a very humbling experience, to be considered as an inspiration to people. I never expected this but I realized it is a big responsibility,” Roman emphasized. “Now, I don’t just have to work hard for my constituents but I have to work for those people who have placed their trust in me and prove to the rest of the society, the rest of the world that my being a transgender is really irrelevant. What matters is what’s in my heart and in my mind and the quality of service I can give the people.”
Tom Rodriguez, the once reluctant actor, relishes stardom and its perks by MoMar
G. Visaya
AJPress
ToM Rodriguez—a FilipinoAmerican born in Subic Naval Base who grew up in Samar and lived in Yuma, Arizona, where his family migrated—was once a shy young man. A self-confessed introvert, Tom admitted he was reluctant to join showbusiness at first but once he was in, he realized the myriad of opportunities that opened up for him. he was in New York City recently after an Independence Day event in Toronto and he used the opportunity to meet up with the local media to chat about anything. Yes, anything. And everything. “I couldn’t help but be emotional since I remember when I was still back in Yuma, and the community would come together to celebrate Philippine Independence Day,” Tom said. “Seeing all the Filipinos there was a beautiful thing. It reminded me of home.” he and his manager decided to cut their trip short to return to Manila so he could start preparing for a new show, another teleserye from his home network GMA. This is Tom’s fourth teleserye with the network after starring in the controversial and groundbreaking series “My husband’s Lover” along with Dennis Trillo and Carla Abellana, “My Destiny” also with Abellana and the remake of Marimar with Miss World Megan Young. For the new show, Tom said he will be playing a role of a married man who will suffer from an early onset of Alzheimer’s, a degenerative disease. he is thankful and excited to be given another opportunity to tackle a challenging role which he said he will prepare for by reading up on the topic as much as he could. A few months ago, the actor also starred in an indie film called “Magtanggol,” where he played the role of Sen. Juancho Magtanggol who comes from an ideal patriotic family. he described the film as one that was crafted with love and heart for the Filipinos. “I’ve met Filipinos all over the world and you always see happy, smiling faces and when you see them—the overseas Filipinos specifically, akala mo yung pinagdadaanan nila, yung being away from their families—which is already hard as it is,” he explained. All around man Not many people know that Tom
AJPress photo by Momar G. Visaya
is an artist. he is also an aspiring app designer. he codes, too. he reads a lot and his memory is sharp. how many actors do you know who can recite the distance of the earth from the sun? or the sun from the moon? his curiosity about these things reached fever pitch and at one point, he bought a telescope and studied learning about parallax and visual perception. “We have too much down time when we’re shooting whether it’s a movie or a teleserye,” he revealed. Instead of catching up on sleep, he reads stuff that interest him or plays with his phones and doodle on his phone writing apps for kids. And whenever he’s not at work, he’s studying—anything he can get his hands on. From mathematics to physics to chemistry to quantum mechanics and politics, his range of interests is varied. Add cryptography and programming and you get an idea how diverse his arsenal is. In our interview, he also talked about the Kardashev Scale, a method of measuring a civilization’s level of technological advancement, based on the amount of energy a civilization is able to use for communication. We’re currently at Type Zero, he said, which means that our civilization harnesses the energy of its home planet, but not to its full potential just yet. Then, there’s the Multiplication Table Tool Kit, a fun and engaging app that he is developing for kids so they can appreciate mathematics and patterns more. Not bad for someone who “only” studied digital animation at the University of Advancing Technology in Tempe.
History Tom was interning in hong Kong for an art firm since he wanted to be a conceptual artist. When he went back to the States in 2008 to return to the company that initially sent him to hong Kong, he saw an American economy that was in a slump. “I couldn’t afford to be an unpaid intern, it wasn’t feasible. I was thinking of going to the military but my sister knew it wasn’t what I wanted. She told me she saw a plug on TV about a reality show in the Philippines,” he recalled. he auditioned and got in and one thing led to another. he appeared on the Philippine version of Big Brother and did a few shows with ABS-CBN, including the network’s daytime hit “Please Be Careful With My heart”. Then another turning point happened and an opportunity presented itself. his manager told him to audition for a new GMA show, and luckily, he got the part. That show was “My husband’s Lover”. Doing MhL was a defining moment for the actor’s career as he took on a role many of his contemporaries would either kill for or avoid like a plague. During the show’s duration, Tom was known as Vincent, the gay, titular husband. “It was the first drama I ever did and when I auditioned, I didn’t feel that I was qualified enough,” Tom revealed, adding that he did not want to make the role into a caricature. “I did not want to offend a group of people that’s why I questioned if I could carry the role or if I could show the depth of the character.” This was also when he realized that what they were doing was beyond entertainment. “There were implications pala, may social responsibility that came with it. There’s so much more and I give credit to GMA for coming up with that project,” he added. “I wish there were more projects like this, so they can bridge these gaps that make us all disjointed because in essence, we’re all the same.” Falling in love with the craft “I never imagined in a million years that I’d be in this position now. I love it. I have fallen in love with it,” Tom shared. “The medium is so powerful. Any type of creative medium that could incite emotions and open yourself up to a different point of view, that’s such PAGE B3
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Sunburn and skin protection: know the facts, dispel the myths by daN
Discovery Channel’s Jeff Kurr has made 30 shark-related documentaries and been a part of the immensely popular Shark Week since 1991.
Wildlife filmmaker says fighting for sharks can help Philippine tourism by Nathalie
tomada Philstar.com
Wildlife filmmaker Jeff Kurr, the creative force behind discovery Channel’s Shark Week, said that conservation efforts for thresher sharks will boost Philippine tourism. “Thousands and thousands of people around the world go on dives and pay a lot of money to go on boats just to see these animals up close,” Kurr told The Star in a phone interview last week. “So, i think that a smart government that’s interested in improving their economy is going to want to preserve these animals and take advantage of the shark tourism factor.” Conservationists like Save Sharks Networks and Greenpeace have called for the protection of these thresher sharks. These marine creatures are often sighted in Malapascua island in Cebu, which has banned the capture, killing and sale of threshers. despite existence of legislation to protect them, thresher sharks are still regularly caught, said Greenpeace in a recent media release. “A lot of scientists have done studies about the value of sharks. i don’t know the exact numbers... but i know, for example, if you go out and kill a thresher shark for the meat, it might be worth $50,” Kurr said. “But if you keep that thresher shark alive and you bring tourists out on a boat to see it, it creates an entire industry and it might be worth thousands of dollars to have that shark in the water. So, it behoves governments and regulatory agencies to keep their sharks alive for shark tourism because it is a fast-growing business.”
Meanwhile, Shark Week, the annual, week-long shark-based programming, is back on the discovery Channel starting today until July 1. Kurr has served as executive producer, director, underwater cinematographer, editor and writer in about 30 shark-related shows and documentaries. He has employed innovative technology such as thermal imaging, remoteoperated submersibles, robotic seals and high-speed cameras to document shark behavior. According to Kurr, sharks around the world face a lot of threats created by humans. for one, they are heavily overfished. “i’ve heard estimates of 75 to 100 million sharks being pulled from the water every single year,” he said, adding that this has decimated shark populations everywhere because sharks don’t reproduce as fast as other fish. “i know discovery has worked very hard to not only entertain people and have people appreciate the beauty and majesty of sharks, but also to inform them that sharks are definitely in trouble and we should do everything we can to support conservation groups that want to save sharks.” even though Shark Week has been shedding light on sharks for the past 28 years, Kurr said these creatures remain misunderstood. “A lot of people still believe that sharks are these dangerous, bloodthirsty killers. And i think everybody around the world should understand that sharks aren’t really like that at all. in fact, if we didn’t have bait in the water with us, the sharks wouldn’t even come close to us,” he related. “i realize that people are occasionally bitten by sharks, and those are circumstances where it’s mistaken
identity. Sharks mistake a person for their regular prey. But what i’ve found in my experiences in all these years of filming sharks is that they’re actually quite shy, they’re very cautious and for the most part, they want nothing to do with people unless we have some food in our hands.” in the course of getting shots that no one has seen before, Kurr has had nerve-wracking experiences filming sharks. He recalls trying to capture a great white shark flying out of the water then “it landed just a few feet away, completely soaked me, but it was an incredible shot. it was probably one of the scariest moments i’ve ever had because i couldn’t see the shark coming.” Kurr’s interest in marine wildlife began when he was a young boy watching the undersea world presented through the Jacques Cousteau specials. “i’m just lucky because i’m one of the few people who can say that his childhood dreams of becoming a wildlife filmmaker came true,” said the California native and father of two. Kurr hopes his shark adventures will eventually lead him to the Philippines. “i have not been to the Philippines. i have not done a lot in the far east, unfortunately. i’ve mainly specialized in white sharks over my 26 years, and they seem to hang out a lot in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, so that’s really where i’ve spent the bulk of my time,” he said. “But i know you guys have a nice whale shark population over there, which i would love to go film over there, and the threshers. Hopefully, we can get discovery interested in doing a show in the Philippines someday soon.”
W. heller / Pharm D. Smith’s Food & Drug Stores
Believe it or not, there really is a thing as getting “too much sun.” living in the desert, prolonged sun exposure goes with the territory, so it is easy to assume that most residents know and understand the need for proper skin care and protection. Still, pharmacists report 10 to 20 people on a weekly basis seek advice on how to calm red, inflamed and peeling skin that is hot and stinging to the touch – in other words, victims of the dreaded sunburn. A sunburn occurs when overexposure to UvA and UvB rays causes inflammation to the skin. As pharmacists, we usually encounter individuals who suffer from first and second degree burns. A first degree burn displays redness, itching, pain and peeling of the skin. Second degree burns usually feature blistering, which happens because the Uv radiation has penetrated deeply enough that the body is fighting to cool the skin. Once the blister pops, the skin is broken and is at risk for infection, so we immediately recommend these individuals seek quick care for further treatment if the area is larger than a few inches, or located in a pronounced area like face, feet, hands, or groin. Our goal at the pharmacy is to keep people from having to seek treatment by preventing sunburns in the first place. Sun burns are one of the top risks for developing skin cancers later in life. The risk of skin cancer, like melanoma, dramatically increases with years and years of repeated sun damage. let’s take a look at the different ways we can protect the skin we’re in and also address some of the common myths associated with sunburns: MYTH: If my skin looks/feels
fine, then it is fine. One thing that people aren’t aware of is that they may feel “fine” while out in the sun, not realizing that their skin is literally baking. The “ouch” factor usually won’t appear until 6-12 hours after exposure. Depending on the severity of the burn, redness, inflammation itching, and pain can last up to between four and six days. Unfortunately, if the burn has caused blistering, those symptoms can last between two and three 3 weeks. In my experience, people tend to think about protecting their skin in the short term only. It would be more advantageous to think about what your skin will look like in 10, 20 or even 30 years. If we protect ourselves now, we lessen the chance of skin cancers, dark spots, wrinkles, or sun spots later in life. fACT: You need to wear sunscreen. At all times. The most popular, and easiest, defense is to wear sunscreen when outdoors for extended time periods beyond just a few minutes. SPf (or Sun Protection factor) measures how much protection you will get against ultraviolet rays once applied. let’s say skin would burn after 10 minutes of sun exposure; applying an SPf 15 sunscreen would allow you to stay in the sun without burning for approximately 150 minutes (a factor of 15 times longer). That being said, one mistake i often see is that people will apply sunscreen before heading out, which is good, but fail to reapply throughout the day. General rule of thumb is to reapply every two hours, and every 45 minutes if in water or profusely sweating. MYTH: SPF 50 sunscreen offers the best protection against
sun damaage. I wish that more people would ask me which sunscreen is the best to use. SPF 15 blocks 93 percent of ultraviolet rays; SPF 30 will give you about 4 percent more protection. Put simply, any higher SPF is providing virtually the same amount of protection that SPF 15 and 30 does. fACT: even on an overcast day, sunburns can still occur. Clouds aren’t impenetrable – UvA rays can still get through and cause damage. it may take a little longer, as UvA rays break through at around 40 percent, but you can definitely still burn. MYTH: Darker skin = no chance of sunburn. While it is true that darker skin, or more melanin, handles the sun better, unfortunately it still can, and will, burn. Everyone must wear sunscreen at all times, no matter the race, ethnicity or age. Again, the long term effects of prolonged exposure to UVA and UVB rays can lead to skin cancer, even if you never notice any prominent skin damage. fACT: infants under 6 months of age are most susceptible to sunburn. Babies under 6 months have underdeveloped skin with a PAGE B5
Tom Rodriguez, the once reluctant...
PAGE B2 a powerful thing. it’s a beautiful art form.” for young filipino-Americans thinking of exploring a career in showbusiness in the Philippines, Tom has a few thoughts. “Whatever it is that you want to do in your life, it has to be from the heart. There’s no type of work that you can do easily or in a breeze. That’s not the right way to ap-
proach it,” he said. “i’m nowhere near where i want to be now but having the chance to work with brilliant and amazing people who i have learned from throughout my career so far, it gave me a glimpse of what’s possible.” He is excited to grow and learn more. He has only been in the business for six years now—he has done drama and comedy, he has been in a musical (Aladdin) and he
sings on the side as well—and he knows that there is so much more to learn in the industry. “Overall i’m just thankful that i was given this opportunity and i feel so blessed to be able to work with brilliant and talented people in the industry,” Tom said, relishing the fact that he has a long way to go and he intends to stay and learn from the upcoming projects that will come his way.
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99 Ranch Las Vegas promotes Korean products 99 RANCH Market’s Las Vegas location on S. Maryland Pkwy. held the Agro-Fisheries Trade (AT) Korean Show on June 25 and 26 to spread the word about the Korean items they sell. The food show was intended to “promote product awareness,” which will “go hand-in-hand in assisting a boosting sales of Korean items,” the market said in a
statement. Korean products in the store range from beauty supplies to produce. Promotions for Korean products will take place at the following locations: Anaheim, Alhambra, Arcadia, Artesia, Chino Hills, Corona, Gardena, Hacienda Heights, Irvine on Culver Dr., Irvine on Walnut Ave., Las Vegas on Spring
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Sandara Park to host a reality show in Manila
Mountain Rd., Las Vegas on S. Maryland Pkwy., Monterey Park, Rancho Cucamonga, Rowland Heights, San Diego, San Gabriel and Van Nuys. 99 Ranch Market is located at 3768 S. Maryland Pkwy., Las Vegas, NV 89119. The store is open Monday to Sunday from 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
SANDARA Park fulfills another one of her dreams—to judge a reality show. Star Cinema Adprom director Roxy Liquigan announced on Monday that Sandara will be back and will be a judge alongside Vice Ganda and Yeng Constantino. They’ll be judges on the upcoming talent search show “Pinoy Boyband Superstar.” In a video posted by Star Cinema Adprom manager Mico del Rosario, Sandara told her fans that the project “is going to be exciting.” In her last visit here in Manila, Sandara said she wants to judge a reality show, which is where she was discovered. She started on the talent search show “Star Circle Quest” in 2004. She also mentioned her dream Sandara Park ticks a box on her bucket list as of doing a stint with Vice Ganda. she will soon judge a reality show. (Joyce Jimenez/Philstar.com) Philstar.com photo by Efigenio Toledo IV
Matteo Guidicelli denies Sarah Geronimo’s rumored pregnancy
AJPress photos by Robert Macabagdal
MATTeo Guidicelli denied that his girlfriend Sarah Geronimo is pregnant. “It’s not true,” said Matteo about Sarah’s rumored pregnancy, Philippine entertainment Portal reported. The reports about her pregnancy came out after she turned down being a coach of “The Voice Kids” season 3. She also backed out from her performance at the MTV Music evolution, which will happen tonight at the SM Mall of Asia concert grounds due to “health concerns.” Matteo insisted that the Popstar Princess is only on vacation, especially since “she’s not feeling well, but she’s fine.” “I think she deserves a break and deserves to be happy also.
She needs time for herself,” he concluded. Sarah’s talent arm, Viva entertainment through their big boss Vic del Rosario has already denied the rumor and said, “Paano mabubuntis ‘yon, e, virgin pa ‘yon.” (Joyce Jimenez/Philstar. com)
PAGE B1 the Team Real launch at Market! Market! in Bonifacio Global City saw more than 11,000 in attendance. Moreover, the book broke records even before its release. Team Real sold out within hours after it was made available on a pre-order basis online. As of this writing, fans are still wailing on
various bookstores’ Facebook account how hard it is for them to secure copies. Clamor and actual sales combined, the book is poised to be the biggest-selling title this year. For the record, almost 100,000 copies have already been sold and this figure is expected to rise when Team Real hits shelves outside Metro Manila.
Matteo Guidicelli
JaDine gets ‘real’ in new...
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Confronting the Cap: Alternatives to H-1B status Summerlin hosts the valley’s largest 4th of July parade Your Immigration Solution atty. GreGory J. Boult & NaNCy Miller The popularity of the h-1B visa has reached historic levels with approximately three petitions being filed for the 2017 fiscal year for every available visa. The result has been the implementation of a lottery system by USCIS which is designed to randomly select which petitions will be processed and which will be summarily rejected. For many professionals, the h1B visa serves as a viable means to live and work in the United States. And for those fortunate enough to secure an h-1B visa, its corresponding status often leads to lawful permanent residence if the petitioning employer files an immigrant visa petition on behalf of its h-1B employee. however, with the dramatic rise in the number of h-1B petitions being filed each year, and the fact that the majority of these petitions will be rejected due to the immovable h1B Cap, other avenues of pursuing status in the United States must be explored by employers and employees alike. Fortunately, for many of those individuals who are unable to pursue or secure h-1B status, options may still remain. Two potential alternatives to h-1B status are e-1 and e-2 visas. Controlled by treaties of commerce between the United States and select foreign governments, individuals from certain countries can apply for nonimmigrant visas which permit them to live and work in the United States. Individuals can apply for an e-1 visa if their company is engaged in ‘substantial trade’ with the United States. Substantial trade is defined as at least 50% of all international trade. Alternatively, e-2 visas can be sought by individuals who actively invest in an
Health@Heart PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS MINI robot retriever In the United States alone, more than 3,500 persons accidentally swallow button batteries, which are used in toys, watches and hearing aids. In most cases, they are passed out with stools but in some cases, the battery is lodged in the esophagus or stomach. This usually requires an endoscopy, where a tube with light and camera is passed down the food pipe and stomach to remove the battery which could corrode and burn the tissues to cause perforation. Now comes the miniature ingestible “origami robot” from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the University of Sheffield in the United Kingdom, and the Tokyo Institute of Technology, as a much less invasive option. The tiny robot, with its four sides (accordion) folded over its center part, is swallowed and unfolds itself to “grab” the button battery and crawls upward and to the mouth, all controlled by a magnetic field outside the body. Newer designs with more sophistication are being developed. Fish and obesity “A massive long-term study spanning 11 countries revealed that eating fish more than three times a week during pregnancy was associated with increased risk of childhood obesity,” according to JAMA Pediatrics. having two to three servings (eight-12 ounces) of fish a week is recommended by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the environmental Protection Agency (ePA) because “fish contains vital nutrients for developing fetuses and should NOT be avoided by pregnant mothers.” The omega 3 from fish goes to the fetus though the placenta and reduces fat deposits.” And fish is healthier for the entire family as well compared to red meats. Heartburn meds and dementia Preliminary studies reported in JAMA Neurology suggest an association (not a cause-and-effect link) between the use of stomach acid reducing h2 blockers or PPI (Proton Pump Inhibitor) for heartburns, as in Ge reflux, might increase a senior’s risk of dementia (Alzheimer’s) by 44 percent, compared to those not taking these drugs. PPI includes Prevacid, Nexium, Prilosec, and h2 blockers Zantac, Tagamet and Pepcid. Larger randomized clinical studies are needed for further evaluation of this observation. Discuss any concerns with your attending physician who knows your individual situation best. Computer and seniors If you are a senior and want to ward off age-related memory
ongoing business concern in the United States. The specific facts of each case dictate what is reasonable and necessary but larger investments are typically deemed more viable. While e-1 and e-2 visas are available to individual traders and investors, these visas are equally available to employees of a qualifying trading or investing business entity as well. For some, an L visa serves as an excellent alternative to h-1B status. L visas may be available to certain individuals employed abroad who will relocate to the United States to work for a branch, affiliate, subsidiary, or the parent organization of their overseas employer. In order to qualify, the petitioned employee must relocate to the United States in the capacity of an executive or manger (L-1A), or an individual with specialized knowledge (L1B). Another alternative to h-1B status is specifically available to citizens of Canada and Mexico – the TN visa. The TN visa is very similar to an h-1B visa, yet it is distinguishable in two significant ways. First, it is the product of the North American Free Trade Agreement. Therefore, it is only available to citizens of Canada and Mexico. Second, while being available to professionals – just like the h-1B visa – the TN visa category more broadly defines who is a professional and thus is more inclusive than the h-1B category. As a result, some individuals who would not be deemed qualified for h-1B status could qualify for a TN visa. While e, L, and TN visas can serve as a suitable alternative to h-1B status, none of these statuses lead directly to lawful permanent residence. however, an individual can pursue an immigrant visa through an employment-based immigrant visa petition filed by a current or prospective employer. While more appealing to many than nonimmigrant status, the process of securing an employ-
ment-based immigrant visa can take years. The exact amount of time an individual must wait to obtain an immigrant visa through an employer is directly related to the proposed position of employment, and the education and relevant work experience of the employee. While the long waiting periods to secure an employment-based immigrant visa often render this option unappealing or impractical, not all individuals are subject to a protracted wait. As such, for some, pursuing an immigrant visa can prove an inviting alternative to h-1B status. With the odds being stacked against anyone seeking h-1B status in the United States, alternative options should be thoroughly explored by those seriously seeking to live and work in the United States. While everyone’s circumstances are unique, h-1B status may not be the only option available. In fact, in some instances, it may not be the best option for either the petitioning employer or the petitioned, prospective employee. examining all options prior to filing an h-1B petition is therefore in the best interests of the petitioning employer and the prospective employee – not just to ensure a proper fit between intent and form, but also to ensure that a viable alternative can be planned should the petitioning employer learn that its h-1B filing has been rejected due to the now notorious h-1B Cap. *** 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)
Health news capsules decline and cognitive thinking, try doing computer work, even as little as once a week. Using the computer daily is even better. It does not matter if you are simply surfing the net, emailing, or ordering online, you still gain a 42 percent lower risk of developing MCI (mild cognitive impairment), which is a precursor to dementia. how computer use does it is still not known, according to the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Arizona, in a four-year study of 1900 seniors, 70 and older. It is possible that challenging or exercising the mind makes the brain “stronger” much like exercising our muscles. Aspirin and cancer For aches and pains and fever, adults usually take two tablets of aspirin (325 mg per tablet, or 650 mg). Studies published in the JAMA Oncology found that taking low-dose aspirin (8 mg) tablet a day could lower the overall risk for cancer, more specifically bowel cancers. This is a reaffirmation of what we have written in this column in 2009 (Aspirin and colon cancer). Low-dose aspirin is also being used for cardiovascular protection. higher doses are not necessarily better and could even cause gastrointestinal bleeding. E-cigarettes more dangerous Clinical studies have found e-cigarettes to be even more harmful than regular cigarettes. The US FDA has banned sales of e-cigarettes to those who are below 18 since use among teenagers has spiraled. The same health hazards, but greater in intensity, have been found among e-cigarette smokers. Coffee and MS Swedish and US studies found that “people who drink a lot (around 900 ml) of coffee daily may have a much lower risk of developing multiple sclerosis.” The 2 pieces of research involved 1,620 adults in Sweden with MS and another group of 2,788, matched for age and sex, without MS. In the US, there were 1,159 with MS and 1,172 healthy individuals. In the Swedish study, drinking six cups a day had a 28 percent to 30 percent lower risk of developing MS compared to those who do not drink coffee at all. In the US study, there was a 31 to 36 percent lower risk among those who consumed more than 948 mL daily. A cup is about 250 mL. Caffeine is a known stimulant to the central nervous system and has neuro-protective qualities and can inhibit production of harmful chemicals causing inflammation. The final verdict is out there. More extensive studies are needed to validate these preliminary observations reported in the recent Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery and Psychiatry. Ovarian removal and colon cancer A large study of 196,000 Swedish women suggested that those
who had their ovaries removed (oophorectomies) for the noncancerous condition may have a higher-than-average risk of developing colon cancer. The risk was found to be 30 percent greater but the link is not a causeand-effect situation. As a matter of fact, the relevance of the association was not explained. Anti-diarrhea drug to get high This is not a joke but I find it funny too. In their attempts to find an option to opioid painkillers, like Oxycontin and Vicodin, addicts have turned to Immodium (loperamide), an anti-diarrhea drug to get high. Apparently, this is a growing trend in the US. While loperamide is a very safe drug at the prescribed dose, it is extremely dangerous in high doses. Deaths among addicts have been reported following Immodium overdose. Five years ago, there was a 10-fold increase in the loperamide abuse. And in constipation too. Smoking and skin damage The more than 4,000 chemicals in cigarette smoke trigger the destruction of the collagen and elastin in the skin, which are fibers that provide strength and elasticity to the skin. The building blocks of the skin are degraded among smokers and those exposed to second-hand smoke. This leads to wrinkles and sagging skin, which could also appear prematurely among young smokers. More serious, of course, are severe shortness of breath from emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer, and cancers of other organs. UV rays thru car side windows UV rays thru the side windows of your car can hurt your skin and cause cataract. Studies published in JAMA Ophthalmology found that, while the front shield of the car protects the driver and passenger on the front seat from the harmful UV rays, the side windows (less tinting) do not. Skin cancer on the left side of the face and cataract of the left eye have been found to be more predominant. While the UV-B is a shorter wavelength of light and blocked by the glass, the UV-A is longer and goes deeper into the skin. Wearing sun screen has been recommended and also the application of window tinting that is capable of blocking UV-B and UV-A rays. *** 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
More than 35,000 expected to attend
The entire Las Vegas valley is invited to celebrate Independence Day at the 22nd annual Summerlin Council Patriotic Parade, Southern Nevada’s largest and most colorful Fourth of July parade. This year, Senator Dean heller and Lt. Governor Mark hutchison will kick off the procession. Parade grand marshals are Brigadier General Jeannie M.
Leavitt, 57th Wing Commander, Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada and Chief Master Sergeant Shawn L. Drinkard, Command Chief Master Sergeant, 57th Wing, Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. More than 35,000 people are expected to attend the parade. The parade features more than 70 entries, including traditional floats, giant inflatable balloons,
American military heroes, bands, musical groups and a variety of kids’ favorite storybook and cartoon characters. More than 2,500 people are participating in the parade and more than 500 volunteers from dozens of local schools and community groups are assisting with parade operations. This year, several new entries PAGE B6
Cox Las Vegas and Manheim Nevada, both subsidiaries of Cox Enterprises, dedicated two ground-mount solar farms on the Summer Solstice, June 20. Together, the two projects, two of 40 made possible by the companies’ sustainability initiative Cox Conserves, generate the powerequivalent of 238 homes and prevent 1700 tons of carbon from entering the environment. Helping to cut the ribbon from left are Chris Justis dressed as the Greek God Apollo; Michael Bolognini, vice president and market leader of Cox Las Vegas; Mayor of Las Vegas Carolyn Goodman; Mayor of North Las Vegas John Lee; Eddie Lafferty, general manager of Manheim Nevada; David Diers, Cox Southwest Region vice president of technology, and Joshua Self, dressed as a warrior.
Cox Las Vegas and Manheim Nevada leverage Summer Solstice to dedicate two solar projects that generate alternative power and reduce carbon Cox Las Vegas now with first data center in Nevada powered by solar LAS VeGAS—With Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman and North Las Vegas Mayor John Lee in attendance, Cox Communications of Las Vegas and Manheim Nevada, subsidiaries of Cox enterprises, officially dedicated two ground mount solar projects in Southern Nevada designed to generate power from alternative sources for their respective operations. The Cox Las Vegas project is within the city of Las Vegas and the Manheim Nevada project is within the city of North Las Vegas. The Nevada installations produce 1523 kW of clean energy, equivalent to the amount needed to power 238 homes and prevent 1700 tons of carbon from entering the environment annually. The two solar projects, dedicated on the Summer Solstice in a symbolic gesture toward maximum sunlight, also prevent carbon from entering the environment as part of Cox enterprises’ national sustainability program, Cox Conserves. These two solar arrays bring to nearly 40 the number of clean energy projects constructed at Cox enterprises’ operations across 15 states. “I’m proud that we are harnessing the sun’s power to create clean energy in Nevada,” said Michael F. Bolognini, market vice president and market leader, Cox Communications of Las Vegas. “We understand the importance of thinking globally and acting locally. This is a great example of how a local project can have an impact on the environment, something we all share.” The 427 kW solar array at Cox Las Vegas powers a data center that enables the delivery of Cox internet, cable TV and telephone services to hotels, casinos, homes and offices in downtown Las Vegas and vicinity, as well as Cox homelife to residential customers. It’s
not only the first data center in Nevada to be powered by solar energy, but also the first one within the Cox nationwide footprint. The solar operation produces 65 percent of the facility’s energy and prevents 486 tons of carbon from entering the environment. Its energy generation is equivalent to the power needed by 65 homes. “Once known for its excesses, our community is now a worldwide leader when it comes to sustainability and renewable energy,” said Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn G. Goodman. “The city of Las Vegas is moving to 100 percent renewable energy for all our facilities, and we’re proud that Cox Communications is also stepping up in a big way to use green energy.” Manheim Nevada’s ground mount array is 1096 kW, produces 62 percent of the facility’s energy and prevents 1270 tons of carbon from entering the environment. The location also completed a variable speed drive air compressor project that prevents nearly 19 tons of carbon from entering the environment. “At Manheim, we know that efficiency is key to success in business,” said Manheim Nevada’s General Manager eddie Lafferty. “In this case, we’re excited that the efficiency is also good for the environment. We are committed to conservation, and we encourage our employees and customers to embrace eco-friendly behavior. We strive to leave a legacy of environmental responsibility so our community and its children can continue to thrive in the Las Vegas Valley.” “Given all of the phenomenal progress the City of North Las Vegas has made bringing sustainable, high-tech transportation companies and jobs to the valley, it’s very fitting that one of Cox’s first clean energy
projects in Nevada is at a hightech automotive hub in North Las Vegas,” North Las Vegas Mayor John Lee said. “Whether powering business operations with solar energy, enabling new more-efficient processes or buying an electric car manufactured in North Las Vegas, going green makes sense.” Cox enterprises launched its national Cox Conserves program in 2007 and has invested more than $100 million in sustainability and conservation initiatives since that time. Through these investments, the company has prevented 65,000 tons of carbon from e n t e r i n g t h e e n v i ro n m e n t , diverted 6,000 tons of waste from landfill and conserved 55 million gallons of water. Cox Communications is a broadband communications and entertainment company, providing advanced digital video, Internet, telephone and home security and automation services over its own nationwide IP network. The thirdlargest U.S. cable company, Cox serves approximately 6 million residences and businesses. Cox Business is a facilities-based provider of voice, video and data solutions for commercial customers, and Cox Media is a full-service provider of national and local cable spot and digital media advertising. Cox is known for its pioneering efforts in cable telephone and commercial services, industry-leading customer care and its outstanding workplaces. For eight years, Cox has been recognized as the top operator for women by Women in Cable Telecommunications; Cox has ranked among DiversityInc’s Top 50 Companies for Diversity 11 times. More information about Cox Communications, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cox enterprises, is available at www.cox.com and www. coxmedia.com.
Sunburn and skin protection: Know... PAGE B3
larger surface area which allows for more absorption of sunrays as well as chemicals from sun lotions. As we age, our skin develops and surface area per body size decreases, which offers more protection and lessens sun exposure risk. We don’t apply sunscreen on babies under 6 months old, so they can burn quickly and easily. A good rule of thumb is to keep them out of the sun completely. Myth: It’s impossible for ears and lips to burn. Areas we always forget to apply sunscreen, the ears and lips, also happen to have the thinnest skin on our bodies. Use lip balm with SPF protection and when applying lotion to our face, don’t forget to cover the ears! FACT: The best defense against
the sun is to stay out of the sun. Complete avoidance of the outdoors isn’t realistic, but you can definitely put extra effort into staying indoors during the months when the sun is at its most intense, or designate outdoor activities to early morning or evening hours. If you do venture outside, take care to shield skin with loose clothing, hats, and sunglasses, and keep a look out for the spots that provide the most shade. Let’s say you’ve taken every precaution possible, yet you still managed to get a sunburn. It happens. There are over the counter medications and natural treatments that can aid sufferers. When the body experiences a burn it immediately tries to cool itself, and we can help it along by taking cool baths or applying cold compresses. Aloe
Vera has very soothing, healing properties that can help take the sting out of a burn. Solarcaine, which comes in a spray or gel, has lidocaine in it, which can numb the skin and help ease pain and is available over the counter in the pharmacy. It is also important to remember that a sunburn is inflammation of the skin – so don’t forget adding an anti-inflammatory drug like Ibuprofen, Aleve, or Motrin. And last, but certainly not least, stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water and fluids, which will help replenish stores because the body is using all reserves to help cool itself. hydrating will prevent dehydration.
***
Daniel W. Heller, Pharm D., is Patient Care Coordinator for Smith’s Food & Drug Stores.
Features
B june 30-july 6, 2016 • lAS VeGAS ASIAn jOuRnAl
Getting to know Bb. Pilipinas-Universe, Ms. Maxine Medina
Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAglAyA
By Monet
Lu
JUST a little over two weeks ago, I had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Maxine Medina, our lovely candidate for Ms. Universe. Maxine is in lA for a short vacation and to spend some time with her family over here. We had a private party at my friends, Hydee and (her husband) Akima Abrahan’s pad. It was a night of fun with some of our friends, Jonas Gaffud of Aces & Queens (whom I also featured in my column some months ago) and Janine Tugonon, who also competed for Miss Universe in 2012. Watching Maxine charmed everyone in the room, I was stunned at how this lady carries herself and how beautiful she is even without makeup. I am pretty confident that we have a great chance at grabbing the crown again. I got to talk to Maxine that night and she shared with me the pressure she’s under for being the next Filipina to try to win the Ms. Universe pageant after just having won the crown last year. She said there’s much pressure especially when some are hoping—or even betting—that it’s going to be a back-to-back win for the philippines. And I definitely understand where she is coming from, because not only did we (philippines) win last year, philippines has held a terrific record at Miss Universe pageant for the last six years. Since 2010, we placed four times in the Top 5 finalists, once in Top 10 semi-finalists and has won its third crown after 42 years through the courtesy of pia Wurtzbach. I asked her how she handles the pressure and she said she just wants to do her best and try not to prove anything but do what she can to make the country proud. I couldn’t agree more. I told her that when I was watched in the Binibing pilipinas competition, she was actually my bet for Ms. Universe. I knew from the start that she will make it to top 5. I am sure it wasn’t only I who had the same thought. I’m pretty sure a lot of people saw the potential in her.
Maxine hopes that she will also get the same support the the country gave pia when she competed. “Sana full heart po kayo to support me. Hindi n’yo po alam ang feeling ng first timer, talking to everyone, thousands of people. Yung time na iyon super nervous ako and I admit that,”(I hope you’ll support me with a full heart. You don’t know what the feeling of a first timer is, talking to everyone, thousands of people. At that time I was super nervous and I admit that.), she said during an interview on TV patrol. Maxine has a background in interior design and graduated from the philippine School of Interior Design and De la Salle-College of St. Benilde. She designs residential condominiums. She started modeling since the age of 18, and is a member the professional Models Association of the philippines (pMAp). like her 2016 batchmates Kylie Verzosa (Bb pilipinas International) and Jennifer Ruth Hammond (Bb pilipinas Intercontinental). Members of the organization include models Kelsey Merritt, Katarina Rodriguez, Miss World philippines 2014 Valerie Weigmann, and more. long before joining Bb pilipinas, Maxine made her way to the limelight through numerous product endorsements, TV commercials, and print and runway modeling gigs. This gorgeous lady who stands 5’8 tall came from a family of models and beauty title-holders. Her father, Maximo Guillermo Medina, is a former commercial model and a flight attendant, whilst her mother, Maria Fe Medina, is a former model and a senior bank manager. Her aunt, model Gem padilla-Thomas, was also a former Bb pilipinas title-
holder as Miss Universe philippines 1990. Maxine also told us that she tried to join Binibing pIlipinas in 2012 due to contractual obligations, it didn’t push true. This was also confirmed her mentor, Jonas Gaffud. “Third time’s a charm” may have worked for most of the Binibining pilipinas candidates, yet it wasn’t the same for Maxine. While she has a lot of things in common with former candidates as far as wit, poise and beauty are concerned, unlike Janine Tugonon and pia Wurtbach, Maxine won the pageant in her first try (not including the one in 2012). Maxine is in a steady relationship with actor and model Marx Topacio, who is also part of pMAp. They have been together for 5 years. Well, to our beautiful candidate, Maxine Medina, it was a pleasure getting to know you. You can rest assured that I, along with your friends and Kababayan from this side of the world, will support and cheer for you when you walk on that stage. Good luck and stay as humble and charming as you are. *** Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, awardwinning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is known as an all-around artiste who produces sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns. Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary all-natural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration. To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at monetsalon@aol.com
THE demands on the new immigrant will be overwhelming. Whether you are a nurse, an engineer, a teacher, a salesperson or a worker in any profession in any capacity for that matter, as long as you are thrust into a totally new and strange environment, there will be times when you might be tempted to think and feel that you are less than equal to the task, particularly in the beginning years. One of the things that will take a back seat will be the time, energy and attention he will give to his own health. Trying to make sense of his new social climate, straddling two cultures with different values and ways of doing things, the load can be a bit too much at times. Caring for oneself can easily be put in the back burner particularly for those who are still young. The human body is remarkably resilient but try not to cross its limits. The immigrant, if he is to enjoy true success for a long time must put his physical well-being on top of his priorities. He must acquire the discipline and chutzpah to do most, if not all of the important things, that will help him live a full and rewarding immigrant life. Time is equated with the value of money. Americans have found that to get the most out of time, one can have several “pots simmering all at the same time.” Multitasking is expected both at work and at home to maximize
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Prioritize or perish “Get your priorities straight. No one ever said on his deathbed, “Gee, if only I’d spent more time at the office.” — H. Jackson Brown, Jr. results and to cover as much ground as possible in the shortest possible time to be able to save enough time to allow us to do other things—purportedly to get more out of life. Thus, you do the laundry while you pay the bills while something simmers in the stove or is broiling in the oven. And even with modern conveniences, the most common excuse we use in not being able to take care of our health is that we simply do not have the time, the energy, or the motivation. Which gives rise to the question: What happened to all that time we saved by multitasking? If you are turning night into day by taking on part time jobs apart from your full time occupation to make more money, it stands to reason that you will neither have the time nor the energy to take care of your health. Those who attempt to do the extraordinary by taking on double jobs in 16 hour stretches in the beginning years, day in and day out, will be able to jumpstart and achieve their financial goals faster than most. You may be able to acquire real estate properties easier than the average American. And while it is not apparent in the beginning, the trade-off for having more money in exchange for a bigger chunk of our time can come at a very steep price.
More money will come at the expense of sleep, well-being and in many cases, the welfare of his own family. The question that must be answered by those who choose a harried lifestyle is this: Is it all worth it? At one point, the younger, more energetic, ambitious immigrant will equate work with his sense of self worth. The truth — lest we forget — is this. Work, while an important part of life, is not the total essence of life itself. The key, as the fortunate few have discovered early enough, is to find work that gives inner joy in a state of grace where doing and being have become inseparable. When that happens, work ceases to be work but becomes a joyful part of life itself, along with all the elements that make life worth living. As in all things essential, balance is the key. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. Read her book, “The Complete Success Guide for the Immigrant Life: How to Survive, How to Thrive, How to be Fully Alive.” She also edited its companion book of quotations. Your local public library might have these books available or you can request your librarian to purchase copies. These are also available at amazon. com or immigrantsuccess.com Past articles are on the internet at www.asianjournal.com To ask questions, send feedback and requests, e-mail monettemaglaya@sbcglobal.net or monette@asianjournal.com
Summerlin hosts the valley’s largest... PAGE B5 are added to the parade roster, including “Avengers: America’s Mighty Heroes,” “The Fourth Awakens—Tribute to Star Wars,” “pac Man Fever,” “Dream Big with the princesses” and “Ferris Bueller’s Independence Day Off.” More than 16,000 cubic feet of helium will be used for more than 25 giant inflatables. Returning to the parade include fan favorites “Aladdin’s Magic Carpet” float featuring characters riding a flying carpet; “The Greatest Generation” pushfloat; “Frozen Fun” float complete with live characters and snow;
“Monsters University” push-float; neon City Garrison Star Wars costuming club; Danza Del Carrizo native American performing group; the palo Verde and Spring Valley High School marching bands; and “A Salute to the Military” float featuring service men and women from nellis Air Force Base. Members of the American legion, Marine Corps league and the Military Order of the purple Heart will also participate in the festivities. The parade is organized by The Summerlin Council, the non-profit arm of the Summerlin Community Association dedicated to the social,
educational and recreational enrichment of residents. The parade is open to the public. Everyone is encouraged to arrive early, bring water and wear sunscreen. Title Sponsor is The Howard Hughes Corporation/Summerlin. premier Sponsor is QI Security Services. Major sponsors include Children’s Medical Center at Summerlin Hospital; Station Casinos; City of las Vegas parks and Recreation; Realty One Group; Design Works Custom painting, Inc.; par 3 landscape and Maintenance; Southwest Medical; The Alexander Dawson School; and Downtown Summerlin.
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‘Expressions’ by Julian Eusebio FIlIpInO artist Julian p. Eusebio will present his collection, entitled “Expression in charcoal and Color” on July 29- Septermber 20 at the Windmill library Gallery
(located at 7060 West Windmill lane, las Vegas nV 89113). The gallery exhibit is open Monday to Thursday (10am-8pm) and FridaySunday (10am-6pm). Julian p. Eusebio was born on January 9, 1938 in the philippines. He received a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from Far Eastern University. His first professional position was a comic book illustrator. In 1972, he moved his family to California for a job opportunity as an art director in advertising. After resigning from agency life, he became a freelance fashion illustrator for well-known depart- ment stores such as Broadway, Silverwood’s and Desmond’s, as well as Fredrick’s of Hollywood. In 1974, he decided to pursue a different career path and started a company called Creative landscaping Concepts and two years later expanded his business to include high-end, custom-designed swimming pools. The company name was changed to Creative pool Design Inc. In 1993, Julian and his family moved to las Vegas, nevada. Creative pool Design continued to grow and garner several design awards for its custom pools. In 2010, Julian retired and finds joy and fulfillment in returning to his original passion…creating art inspired by his mother country. For more information, please call (702) 507-6030 or visit www. julianeusebio.com.
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