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Volume 28 - No. 9 • 2 Sections – 16 Pages
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Trump releases revised travel ban executive order Iraq removed from the list of banned countries
will not accept more than 50,000 refugees per year. the obama administration had set the limit After a federal court shut at 110,000 per year. down his controversial travel “Under these authorities, I deban last month, President Don- termined that, for a brief period ald trump on monday, march of 90 days, while existing screen6 signed a new executive order ing and vetting procedures were that will impose a 90-day travel under review, the entry into the ban from six muslim-major- United states of certain [indiity nations: Iran, Libya, somalia, viduals] from the seven identisudan, syria and Yemen. fied countries — each afflicted the much narrower travel ban, by terrorism in a manner that executive order 13780, also in- compromised the ability of the cludes a 120-day suspension of United states to rely on normal the refugee program, which also decision-making procedures by Klarize
MeDenilla AJPress
DATELINE
USA
from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA
Fil-Am co-founder of Snapchat worth $4 billion as company enters stock market Robert “Bobby” Murphy named one of the youngest billionaires in the world the introduction of the smartphone in the mid-2000s and the genesis of the startup business culture ushered in a new wave of entrepreneurs who are making billions through technological innovations. one of those billionaires is filipino-American robert “Bobby” murphy, who, along with business partner and best friend evan spiegel, founded snapchat, a popular photo and video-sharing social media platform. on thursday, march 2, a little under six years since snapchat first launched, the company entered the New York stock exchange (NYse). According to forbes, murphy and spiegel are now worth about $4 billion each, which is $1 billion more than what facebook PAGE A3
GOPs introduce Obamacare replacement
about travel to the United states — would be detrimental to the interests of the United states,” read the executive order, which was released on monday. Notably, Iraq was removed as one of the previously-banned countries, the executive order calling the country a “special case”, acknowledging the Islamic state’s (Is) influence in the region but trusting the “cooperative relationship” between U.s. military forces and the Iraqi government. PAGE A2
DOING HIS JOB. Senator Manny Pacquiao, chair of the Commission on Appointments (CA) Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, shares a light conversation with CA Vice Chairman and San Juan City Representative Ronaldo Zamora (right) and Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Gina Lopez (middle) during a hearing on Wednesday, March 8. Senate photo by Cesar Tomambo
Pacquiao to Trillanes: ‘Don’t give Senate a bad name’ by Dana
SioSon AJPress
seNAtor manny Pacquiao admitted that he took offense to senator Antonio trillanes IV’s earlier remarks against solons who questioned the “spiritual renewal” of alleged Davao Death squad (DDs) leader and retired sPo3 Arturo Lascañas. In a privilege speech on Wednesday, march 8, Pacquiao stressed that while senators have the right to express their opinions on issues, trillanes should not give the senate a “bad name.” “As senators, we do not impose our morals on our resource persons. And for the record, I am not imposing my morals on sPo3 Lascañas,” Pacquiao said. “I was just offended with Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson (right), chair of the Commission on the statement of my colleague, senator trillanes.” Appointments (CA) Committee on Foreign Affairs, shares a discussion with Without mentioning names, trillanes earlier took a hit Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. before the committee hearing at senators who questioned Lascañas’ decision to testify on the latter’s ad interim appointment on Wednesday, March 8. Senate photo by Romeo Bugante against President rodrigo Duterte after experiencing a “spiritual renewal.” During a senate probe on the extrajudicial killings (eJK) last year, Lascañas dismissed the existence of the DDs,
CA rejects Yasay appointment as PH House passes death penalty foreign secretary bill during final reading PAGE A2 Senator Antonio Trillanes IV
by Dana
M. SioSon /AJPress
the Philippine Commission on Appointments (CA) rejected on Wednesday, march 8 the nomination of Perfecto Yasay Jr. as the country’s Department of foreign Affairs (DfA) secretary. senator Panfilo Lacson, chairman of the CA foreign affairs committee, said the 15 members of the committee present in the caucus unanimously voted to reject Yasay’s ad interim appointment for being a U.s. citizen and for not telling the truth before the Commission. During the first confirmation hearing on february 22, Yasay denied that he became a U.s. citizen when asked by occidental mindoro rep. Josephine ramirez-sato about PAGE A3
by Dana
SioSon AJPress
the Philippine house of representatives approved the bill which seeks the reimposition of the death penalty in the country on its third and final reading on tuesday, march 7. With 217 affirmative and 54 negative votes, the majority approved house Bill 4727, or the measure restoring capital punishment for crimes related to illegal drugs.
that should merit the heaviest penalty. house speaker Pantaleon Alvarez responded by saying that another bill for rape and plunder could be filed after the present bill — which focuses on drug-related crimes — becomes law. In the revised and approved version of the bill, crimes punishable by death include the following: importation of dangerous drugs and/or controlled PAGE A2
American TV show slammed for ‘highly negative’ portrayal of PH president
Lawmakers vow more affordable, accessible health care, while critics say that bill would make many Americans uninsured rePUBLICANs in the house of representatives announced new legislation on monday, march 6 to repeal and replace the 2010 Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as “obamacare.” Called the American health Care Act, it is part of President Donald trump’s campaign promise to get rid of obamacare and replace it with a new system designed along conservative lines. the new bill will affect about 20 million people who directly purchase their own private health plans from a provider and more than 70 million low-income people who are covered by PAGE A4
there was only one abstention, which came from Cebu representative rodrigo Abellanosa. though recognizing the independence of the legislative branch, Philippine President rodrigo Duterte questioned why rape and plunder were excluded in the list of crimes punishable by death during the second reading of the bill last week. Duterte noted that rape is still one of the most heinous crimes
by ChriStina
A screenshot of the “Madam Secretary” episode, which will air on Sunday, March 12. Photo courtesy of CBS
M. oriel anD Dana SioSon AJPress
AN upcoming episode of American television series “madam secretary” includes the depiction of a filipino president – and filipino officials in the U.s. and the Philippines are not too pleased with it. the trailer for the episode entitled “Break in Diplomacy” shows fictional Philippine President Datu Andrada (played by Joel de la fuente) clad in a barong and is seen to be making sexual advances toward the lead character, U.s. secretary of state elizabeth mcCord (played by téa Leoni), during a
private meeting to discuss an Asia-Pacific territory treaty. the meeting’s setting is suggested to be inside malacañang, as several items, such as a Philippine flag and seal of the office of the President, are shown in the clip. In response to the inappropriate move, mcCord punches Andrada in the face and bloodies his nose. she then tells her husband (played by tim Daly), “I clobbered a world leader instead of saving a major regional agreement.” PAGE A3
A
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From The FronT Page
Trump releases revised travel ban... PH House passes death penalty bill... PAGE A1 “Nevertheless, the close cooperative relationship between the United States and the democratically elected Iraqi government, the strong United States diplomatic presence in Iraq, the significant presence of United States forces in Iraq, and Iraq’s commitment to combat ISIS justify different treatment for Iraq,�
the order read. The original travel ban affected all immigrants — including permanent residents of the U.S. — from the banned countries. The revised order exempts those who currently hold visas and those who held visas at the time the first ban was imposed. As it stands the ban only applies to “foreign nationals of the
designated countries who are outside the United States on the effective date of this order, did not have a valid visa at 5:00 p.m., eastern standard time on January 27, 2017 and do not have a valid visa on the effective date of this order.� Another change in the revised order states that allows current visa holders who would’ve been affected by the previous order to apply for waivers. The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals found the previous ban unconstitutional because it violated the right to due process; in other words, the ban didn’t give sufficient time for those affected by the ban to respond or seek legal assistance. The administration argues that this executive order — called “Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States� — will effectively keep out individuals who may pose a threat to the country. However, critics argue that the statistics don’t support the claims the administration is making regarding the supposed national security risk of refugees and individuals from these nations. As the Asian Journal previously reported, a recent study by bipartisan think tank New America showed that 84 percent jihadist terrorist attacks that transpired PAGE A4
PAGE A1 precursors and essential chemicals; sale, trading, administration, dispensation, delivery, distribution and transportation of dangerous drugs and/or controlled precursor and essential chemicals; and maintenance of a den, dive or resort where any dangerous drug is used or sold in any form. Also included were: manufacturing dangerous drugs and/or controlled precursors and essential chemical; qualifying aggravating circumstances in the commission of a crime by an offender under the influence of dangerous drugs; criminal liability of a public officer or employee for misappropriation, misapplication or failure to account for the confiscated, seized and/or surrendered dangerous drugs; and criminal liability for planting evidence. Among the modes of capital punishment were hanging, firing squad, and lethal injection. The approved bill, however, states that capital punishment will not be imposed on convicted individuals below 18 or more than 70 years of age at the time the crime was committed. Palace welcomes, CBCP laments bill approval MalacaĂąang on Tuesday welcomed the House’s passage of the death penalty bill, which it said, “underlines the Duterte
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NO VICTORY. Members of various groups opposed to the passage of the death penalty bill hold a rally in front of the House of Representatives as lawmakers voted on the measure on Tuesday, March 7. Through a vote of 217 -54 with one abstention, lawmakers passed House Bill 4727 which seeks to reimpose capital punishment on drug dealers and authorities who will be found guilty of planting illegal drugs as evidence. ManilaTimes.net photo by Ruy Martinez
administration’s goal to reduce illegal drug-related criminality.â€? Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella remarked that the death penalty’s “strong deterrent effectsâ€? can “protect innocent lives.â€? Abella’s statement added that the bill’s “punitive aspectâ€? ensures that criminals “recompense grievous loss.â€? MalacaĂąang also expressed its hope that the Senate would also approve the death penalty next, “considering that it is a vital tool in the Duterte administration’s war on drugs and criminality.â€? On the other hand, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) lamented that Congress “has given its consent for the State to kill.â€? CBCP president and LingayenDagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas also called on to the “Catholic lawyers, judges and jurists to allow the gentleness of the Gospel of Life to illumine their reading and application of the law, so that their service to society as teachers and agents of the law and of justice may bring life.â€? “We, your bishops, are overcome with grief but we are not defeated nor shall we be si-
lenced,� Villegas added. Pangilinan vows to stop bill at Senate In a statement, Liberal Party (LP) President and Senator Francis “Kiko� Pangilinan maintained that death penalty is “cruel, degrading, and inhuman.� “We commit to stopping the death penalty in the Senate,� Pangilinan said. Apart from Pangilinan, Minority Leader Franklin Drilon, Senators Benigno Paolo “Bam� Aquino IV and Leila de Lima were among the LP senators who have previously expressed opposition to the death penalty bill. “We are saddened that the minority in the House was not given the chance to debate the bill in full. Without the benefit of a full debate, we are now in the dark as to the compelling reasons that merit a constitutional return of the death penalty,� Pangilinan said. Others who also openly stated their opposition to the death penalty bill were Senate Majority Leader Ralph Recto, Akbayan Representative Sen. Risa Hontiveros, and Senators Francis “Chiz� Escudero, Richard Gordon and Antonio Trillanes IV.
Karagdagang kaalaman sa Filipino (Tagalog) ay makikita rin sa website ng Lalawigan ng Clark Kagawaran ng Halalan sa: www.clarkcountynv.gov/vote. NOTICE TO ELECTORS OF CLOSE OF REGISTRATION FOR THE MUNICIPAL PRIMARY ELECTIONS TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY, APRIL 4, 2017 IN HENDERSON, LAS VEGAS, NORTH LAS VEGAS, BOULDER CITY REGISTRATION CLOSES TUESDAY, MARCH 14, 2017 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that voter registration for the Municipal Primary Elections to be held on April 4, 2017, will close on Tuesday, March 14, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. $Q\ TXDOLÂżHG HOHFWRU ZKRVH QDPH GRHV QRW DSSHDU RQ WKH RIÂżFLDO UHJLVWU\ OLVW PD\ DSSO\ WR UHJLVWHU E\ DSSHDULQJ at the Clark County Election Department, 500 South Grand Central Parkway, Las Vegas; Clark County Election &HQWHU 7UDGH 'ULYH 6XLWH $ 1RUWK /DV 9HJDV WKH DSSURSULDWH &LW\ &OHUNÂśV 2IÂżFH DQ\ EUDQFK RI WKH Department of Motor Vehicles; or by appearing before a Field Registrar in the manner provided by law. The Clark County Election Department is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Voter registration applications will be accepted by mail or in person up until 31 days before the election. Thereafter XQWLO GD\V EHIRUH WKH HOHFWLRQ YRWHU UHJLVWUDWLRQ DSSOLFDWLRQV PXVW EH ÂżOHG LQ SHUVRQ DW WKH DSSURSULDWH &LW\ &OHUNÂśV 2IÂżFH RQO\ Online Registration $Q\ HOLJLEOH &ODUN &RXQW\ UHVLGHQW ZKR KDV D 1HYDGD GULYHUÂśV OLFHQVH RU DQ LGHQWLÂżFDWLRQ FDUG LVVXHG E\ WKH Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles can now register or update his/her registration information online. To register or update your information online, go to the Clark County Election Department website at www. clarkcountynv.gov/vote, in the “Online Registration Servicesâ€? box and click on the “Click Hereâ€? button. This service is available 24 hours a day. To be eligible to vote in the April 4th Primary Election, online registration must be completed on or before March 14, 2017 by 11:59p.m. 0DLO LQ YRWHU UHJLVWUDWLRQ DSSOLFDWLRQV DUH DYDLODEOH DW YDULRXV SRVW RIÂżFHV OLEUDULHV DQG XWLOLW\ FRPSDQLHV throughout Clark County. 7KH VFKHGXOH IRU WKH ÂżQDO WHQ GD\V RI LQ SHUVRQ UHJLVWUDWLRQ DW HDFK &LW\ &OHUNÂśV 2IÂżFH LV DV IROORZV Boulder City &LW\ &OHUNÂśV 2IÂżFH 401 California Avenue Boulder City, Nevada Sunday, March 5 Closed Monday, March 6 - Thursday, March 9 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Friday, March 10 - Sunday, March 12 Closed Monday, March 13 - Tuesday, March 14 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. City of Henderson &LW\ &OHUNÂśV 2IÂżFH 240 Water Street Henderson, Nevada Sunday, March 5 Closed Monday, March 6 - Thursday, March 9 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Friday, March 10 - Sunday, March 12 Closed Monday, March 13 - Tuesday, March 14 7:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. City of Las Vegas &LW\ &OHUNÂśV 2IÂżFH 495 S. Main Street, 2nd Floor Las Vegas, Nevada Sunday, March 5 Closed Monday, March 6 - Thursday, March 9 7:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Friday, March 10 - Sunday, March 12 Closed Monday, March 13 - Tuesday, March 14 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. City of North Las Vegas &LW\ &OHUNÂśV 2IÂżFH 2250 Las Vegas Boulevard North Suite 800 North Las Vegas, Nevada Sunday, March 5 Closed Monday, March 6 - Thursday, March 9 8:00 a.m. – 5:45 p.m. Friday, March 10 - Sunday, March 12 Closed Monday, March 13 - Tuesday, March 14 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. For more information, call the Clark County Election Department at (702) 455-8683. DATED: February 15, 2017 Joseph P. Gloria Registrar of Voters PUB: February 16, 23, March 2, and 9 Las Vegas Asian Journal
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Pacquiao to Trillanes: ‘Don’t give...
CA rejects Yasay appointment as...
PAGE A1 saying the accusations were mere “media hype.” However, the former policeman recently recanted his earlier testimony and claimed that then-mayor Duterte ordered killings through the so-called death squad. “The questions that they (senators) are raising about spiritual renewal that happened before, that is subject to their interpretations. The point is, the man’s (Lascañas) life change. After experiencing spiritual renewal,
PAGE A1 his citizenship. Under oath, Yasay also claimed that he “never held any American passport,” saying that the U.S. government had rendered him “not qualified to become a U.S. citizen” in January 1987. But in an interview with ANC on Monday, March 6, Yasay was asked if he never had an American passport, to which he replied: “I had an American passport, but that has already been returned together with my naturalization certificate.” “I do not understand why he can admit it in a TV station and cannot admit it before this honorable commission,” Sato said. Sato also cited a document handed by Yasay himself which shows that he was granted U.S. citizenship on Nov. 26, 1986. During the hearing on Wednesday, Yasay admitted that he became a U.S. citizen in 1986. He apologized for “inadvertently” misleading the commission regarding the status of his citizenship. “Let me quickly apologize for having inadvertently misled the commission on this matter. It has never been my intention to deceive this commission about this citizenship status. Simply put, I did not lose my status as a
he stopped killing. That’s a big departure from his previous life,” Trillanes said in Filipino during an interview. Trillanes then slammed his colleagues by saying that those “who claimed to have a spiritual renewal” did not make them saints. “Let’s not impose our morals as if we’re [saints],” Trillanes suggested. Pacquiao, in response, pointed out that because no one is a real saint, “we all commit sins.” “For the record, I did not be-
come a saint after my spiritual renewal,” Pacquiao remarked, adding that he was “very offended” by Trillanes’ remarks because it made his Christianity look “fake.” Trillanes then apologized to Pacquiao, clarifying that he was not referring to any particular senator. “Let me apologize to Senator Pacquiao if he was offended by the statements I made to the media but let me assure you, it was not my intention,” Trillanes said.
American TV show slammed for ‘highly... PAGE A1 The episode, which is slated to air on Sunday, March 12, has prompted the Philippine Embassy in Washington to respond. In a statement dated Monday, March 6, the embassy called on CBS Corporation to take “necessary corrective actions,” following a “highly negative depiction” of the supposed Philippine president. The “highly negative portrayal” of the Filipino president not only casts doubt on the respectability of the Office of the Philippine President but also “denigrates the way our nation navigates foreign affairs,” the embassy wrote. Though the show is a work of fiction, the plot lines tend to draw parallels to current events. “It is, therefore, inevitable that its depiction of world leaders will have an impact on how its audience views the real personages and the countries they represent,” the statement added. Leading up to the president election last year, then-candidate Duterte came under fire for joking about the gang-rape of an Australian missionary in the late 80s while he was mayor of Davao City. His remark, loosely translated in English, suggested that he “should have been first.” He was also criticized for catcalling a female journalist and for groping females on the campaign trail. As president, he has also been vocal about distancing the Philippines from its decades-long alliance with the United States in favor of a more independent foreign policy. He had made a string of anti-U.S. remarks during former President Barack Obama’s term for the administration’s concern for the extrajudicial killings and human rights violations associated with the Philippine government’s war on drugs. The embassy’s statement went on to allege that the portrayal “tarnishes the Philippines’ longstanding advocacy for women’s rights and gender equality.” On the embassy’s Facebook page, some netizens wrote that the depiction was mild compared to the reality. “If you don’t wanna be embarrassed, then how about not being embarrassing? Have you looked at our president and the things his administration has done to the country? That portrayal was too kind. That complaint was lodged so swiftly. How about complaining against China encroaching on our territories?” one commenter said. “And please do not drag the name of the Filipino people into
Filipino,” he said. Yasay pointed out that he was referring to a Rappler report when he first denied having a passport. “When I denied having an American passport, I denied the allegations that came out in media, particularly in Rappler, that I was issued a US passport in 2006 bearing the number that Congresswoman Sato had mentioned, which I do not have any personal knowledge about, and I said that consistently.” Yasay said. Yasay further explained that he said his U.S. citizenship was null and void because the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act “provides that anyone who has preconceived intent to abandon his residency at the time of application is disqualified to that grant.” “He (Yasay) was not telling the truth because he was not being forthright in the question and answer portion of the two hearings we conducted. We decided to reject his ad interim appointment,” Lacson said. The senator added, “The best evidence is the records. If records contradict what you are saying even when you’re under oath then your testimony won’t bear weight against the records.” Lacson also took note that the
A
CA’s decision reject to Yasay also showed that the commission “cannot be a rubber stamp of the executive department.” Yasay is Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s first cabinet official whose appointment was rejected by the Commission. Based on CA rules, Duterte cannot reappoint Yasay. “Let this be a reminder to everyone present in this hall that by definition, an oath is a solemn declaration, accompanied by a swearing to God, or a revered person or thing, that one’s statement is true, or that one will be bound to a promise,” the senator added. The commission earlier warned that Yasay may be held liable for perjury if it is proven that he lied under oath by claiming he was never an American citizen. According to Lacson, Yasay has to vacate his office immediately, following the CA rejection. “Because he (Yasay) was just rejected, so he will have to vacate his position. And the President (Duterte) should appoint someone even in an acting capacity…to take over his place,” Lacson told reporters. Meanwhile, DFA spokesperson and Assistant Secretary Charles Jose assured that that the CA’s decision will not hamper the department’s activities.
Fil-Am co-founder of Snapchat worth $4 billion...
Fictional PH President Datu Andrada
Photo courtesy of CBS
it as your bargaining chip. It’s such a transparent attempt to elicit sympathy. Your only real concern here is your need to save face. And that’s just pathetic.” Another commented, “Um, you do know that our president remains unapologetic for his misogynistic remarks and actions, right? There is no respectability in the office left for the show to tarnish.” Asked if Duterte found the trailer insulting, Philippine Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella said: “Well, they engage in something that they would like to—It’s their business. It’s their craft. You cannot deny them their craft. Their taste, perhaps.” He also told reporters on Tuesday, March 7 that the CBS show is “confusing their images.” “I think they are projecting something that they really would like to say about their own situation,” the spokesperson said. “Really, I think they should use a fictional U.S. president.”
PAGE A1 valued them in 2013 when it unsuccessfully tried to buy Snapchat. Murphy, 28, acts as the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Snap Inc. (the parent company created in 2016 that includes Snapchat, Spectacles and the Bitmoji app), in charge of the scientific and technology side of the company. Described as a friendly, laidback guy, Murphy makes the magic happen behind the scenes, authoring the app’s code even to this day. Where Murphy is considered the “brains” of the company, Spiegel, 26, is considered the face of the company, akin to Apple’s Steve Jobs and Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg. “It’s often a case where the other person appreciates the fact that they can be unknown, stay behind the scenes and walk around without being noticed,” Ryan Jacob of Jacob Asset Management told the Los Angeles Times. “Some can’t believe it, but believe me, there’s a lot of
people who enjoy that.” Murphy is the son of a Filipina mother, Rosie L. Go-Murphy, and Richard Murphy, Jr., who has English, Scottish and Irish descent. Murphy was born in Berkeley, California and attended Catholic school before attending Stanford University, where he graduated in 2010 with a degree in mathematical and computational science. In college, Murphy met Spiegel at the Kappa Sigma fraternity house and became instant friends. In an interview with Forbes that both he and Spiegel were not “cool”, so they “tried to build things to be cool.” After a failed attempt at working on a startup called Future Freshman, a website designed to assist prospective college students with advice for college, Spiegel approached Murphy to create something new. Murphy was the one who created an image-sharing app in which images disappear after they’ve been viewed called Picaboo; this became the foundation for what is
Filipino-American Robert “Bobby” Murphy
now known as Snapchat. In just over five years, Snapchat has grown into one of the most prominent social media platforms in the world. As of February 2017, there are about 160 million daily active users on Snapchat, sending about 2.5 billion Snaps every day, surpassing Twitter in daily usage. Murphy maintains a low profile and currently lives in Venice, California just a few blocks away from Snapchat’s headquarters. (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)
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Trump releases revised travel ban... PAGE A2 on American soil compared to those of non-residents and individuals of unknown statuses, who comprise 16 percent of all jihadist terrorist attacks. Former 2016 presidential hopeful Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) expressed his contempt for the travel ban — which has been commonly referred to as a “Muslim ban� — in a statement released on Monday, calling the order “racist� and ineffective in
maintaining national security. “This ban is a racist and antiIslamic attempt to divide us up. A president who respected our traditions of religious freedom would not have resorted to hateful, anti-Islamic rhetoric to justify a ban on travel from six mostly Muslim countries,� Sanders wrote. “This isn’t about keeping America safe. A president responsible for keeping our citizens safe would not hand over ideological ammunition to
LEGAL NOTICE OF EARLY VOTING CITY OF HENDERSON 2017 MUNICIPAL PRIMARY ELECTION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that registered voters may vote early in the City of Henderson Municipal Primary Election scheduled for April 4, 2017, on the following dates and times listed below:
EARLY VOTING LOCATIONS 2SHQ 0DUFK ZLWK YDULRXV KRXUV GALLERIA AT SUNSET Lower Level, Kohl’s Court : 6XQVHW 5RDG 0RQGD\ 6DWXUGD\ D P S P 6XQGD\ D P S P HENDERSON CITY HALL 2I¿FH RI WKH &LW\ &OHUN 6 :DWHU 6WUHHW VW )ORRU 0RQGD\ 7KXUVGD\ D P S P )ULGD\ 6XQGD\ &/26(' OPEN DAILY D P S P DW YDULRXV ORFDWLRQV Saturday, March 18 Albertsons, 190 N. Boulder Highway Sunday, March 19 9RQV ( +RUL]RQ 5LGJH 3DUNZD\ Monday, March 20 6XQ &LW\ 0DF'RQDOG 5DQFK : +RUL]RQ 5LGJH 3DUNZD\ Tuesday, March 21 Albertsons, 201 S. Stephanie Street Wednesday, March 22 6LOYHU 6SULQJV 5HFUHDWLRQ &HQWHU 6LOYHU 6SULQJV 3DUNZD\ Thursday, March 23 & Friday, March 24 Solera at Anthem Community Center, 2401 Somersworth Drive Saturday, March 25 9RQV ( :LQGPLOO 3DUNZD\ Sunday, March 26 $OEHUWVRQV &ROOHJH 'ULYH Monday, March 27 3DVHR 9HUGH /LEUDU\ 6 *UHHQ 9DOOH\ 3DUNZD\ Tuesday, March 28 *UHHQ 9DOOH\ /LEUDU\ 1 *UHHQ 9DOOH\ 3DUNZD\ Wednesday, March 29 & Thursday, March 30 6XQ &LW\ $QWKHP &HQWHU +DPSWRQ 5RDG Friday, March 31 +HULWDJH 3DUN 6HQLRU )DFLOLW\ 6 5DFHWUDFN 5RDG For additional information or questions, please visit www.VoteHendersonNV.com or FRQWDFW WKH 2I¿FH RI +HQGHUVRQ &LW\ &OHUN DW RU WKH &ODUN &RXQW\ (OHFWLRQ 'HSDUWPHQW DW 927( 'DWHG WKLV WK GD\ RI 0DUFK _______________________________________________ SABRINA MERCADANTE, MMC, CITY CLERK sabrina.mercadante@cityofhenderson.com
terrorists seeking new recruits to kill Americans.� Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) also condemned the travel ban for wrongly targeting “the most vulnerable and voiceless in our society — refugees and immigrants.� “Make no mistake: this ban does not keep us safe,� Harris wrote in an email urging her supporters to co-sponsor a bill she authored to guarantee legal assistance for refugees targeted by the Trump administration. “It puts American lives at risk while isolating the Muslim community at a time when we need to address the threat of homegrown extremism,� she added. “No matter the changes, this executive action remains immoral and fundamentally un-American.� Legal and civil rights organization Asian Americans Advancing Justice - Los Angeles (Advancing Justice - LA), which has been strongly against Trump’s immigration policies, denounced the “The latest executive order is just as dangerous and unconstitutional as the administration’s first attempt at implementing a Muslim ban,� Christopher Lapinig, Skadden Fellow at Advancing Justice - LA, told the Asian Journal. “After federal courts across the country roundly rejected the first travel ban, the administration has made small tweaks to the ban’s provisions, hoping that this iteration will survive judicial review. I am hopeful that the courts will see through this ruse and strike down the new order as illegal.� However, the Trump administration affirms its stance that the executive order is necessary for the nation’s security. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson believes that the ban “will bolster the security of the United States and her allies.� “To our allies and partners around the world: Please understand this order is part of our ongoing efforts to eliminate vulnerabilities that radical Islamist terrorists can and will exploit for destructive ends,� Tillerson said in a speech on Monday. “The State Department will coordinate with other federal agencies and implement these temporary restrictions in an orderly manner. Our embassies and consulates around the world will play an important role in making sure our nation is as secure it can be.�
Karagdagang impormasyon sa Filipino (Tagalog) ay makikita rin sa website ng North Las Vegas www.cityofnorthlasvegas.com/departments/city_clerk/elections.php
GIRL POWER. Philippine Military Academy “Salaknib� (Sanggalang ay Lakas at Buhay Na Alay Para sa Kalayaan ng Ibang Bayan) top cadets pose for photograph inside the academy in Baguio City. Eight of the Top 10 in this year’s graduating PMA class are women—a record since the academy began accepting females in 1993. The topnotcher, Cadet First Class Rovi Mairel Martinez from Cabanatuan City ranked first among 167 members of the class of 2017. Inquirer.net photo by EV Espiritu
GOPs introduce Obamacare replacement PAGE A1 Medicaid. As GOP members call it a “necessary fix,â€? many Democratic legislators and consumer health advocates have voiced their dismay and concerns over the new health bill. One major fear that millions of Americans — about half who still have health care through their employers — will lose coverage and/or be affected by the certain rules concerning employer-based plans. If the Trump administration decides to replace or repeal the ACA, benefits such as lifetime limits, pre-existing conditions, birth control and others could disappear. However, Obamacare is “rapidly collapsing,â€? said House Speaker Paul Ryan in a statement given to CNN. “The American Health Care Act is a plan to drive down costs, encourage competition, and give every American access to quality, affordable health insurance. It protects young adults, patients with pre-existing conditions, and provides a stable transition so that no one has the rug pull out from under them,â€? Ryan said. Highlights of the new health care bill: What’s new and what’s not As proposed, the new health care bill would: • Wipe out ACA’s individual mandate requiring all Americans to have health coverage. The new bill would repeal the unpopular fines on people who don’t carry health insurance. However, it does allow insurance companies to impose a 30 percent surcharge to anyone who buys and lapses on their coverage of two months or more. • Replace income-based subsidies with tax credits based more on age and would be adjusted annually for inflation. • Bar federal funding for Planned Parenthood.
• Phase out expanded funding for newly eligible Medicaid recipients. It would end the higher federal match for expansion beneficiaries starting 2020. • Eliminate tax deductions for employers who provide insurance. • Reduce federal funds for certain state and local public health programs. Some provisions in the Obama law, however, would be retained. Among them are popular consumer protections such as insurance safeguard for people with pre-existing medical problems, and parents’ keeping their young adult children on their insurance until they are 26 years old. Voices of concern from both sides The House Energy and Commerce Committee and the Ways and Means Committee are expected to take up the measure at hearings on Wednesday, March 8, setting the stage for proposals to be merged into a final bill next week by the House Budget Committee. But apart from Democratic legislators, significant numbers of moderate Republicans have voiced their concerns that the legislation could leave too many people without coverage. Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) took to on Twitter on Tuesday, saying that the proposed bill would not pass, dismissing it as “Obamacare Lite.â€? “The House leadership plan is Obamacare Lite. It will not pass,â€? he tweeted. “Conserva[t]ives are not going to take it. #FullRepeal.â€? Four other GOP senators — Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia, Rob Portman of Ohio, Cory Gardner of Colorado and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska — also said they won’t support the bill. In a letter to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), the senators said that the new plan lacks stability for people enrolled in ex-
panded Medicaid and has no flexibility for states. Joining Rand in questioning the new bill are Sens. Mike Lee (RUtah) and Ted Cruz (R-Texas), calling the proposed legislation as “a step in the wrong direction.� Lee also is objecting the refundable tax credits, adding that there are no definite numbers on how many people would actually use it. “We don’t know how much it will cost, and we don’t know if this bill will make health care more affordable for Americans,� he said in a report by SFGate. On the Democratic side, Reps. Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Richard Neal (D-Mass) (who are ranking members of two committees that will consider the bill) said in a joint statement that the GOP bill would “rip health care away from millions of Americans.� They also said that it would not provide full care for working families and seniors, and would only put insurance companies back in charge of health care decisions. The new health bill would cut more than 20 taxes enacted under the ACA. Although this would save taxpayer nearly $600 billion over the next decade, the bulk of it would go to the wealthy. About 20 million Americans gained health care coverage (many for the first time) since ACA was launched in 2010. In California, the uninsured rate dropped by half— from 16.4 percent in 2013 to 8.6 percent in 2015, mostly due to enrollment gains among low-income individuals. Since close to 5 million Californians have relied on federal subsidies through Medi-Cal or in private plans through Covered California, the new health plan proposal to repeal Medicaid expansion would force the state to bear more of the costs or limit their eligibility, according to Sacramento Bee. (AJPress, with reports from the Associated Press)
Duterte holds a meeting with former House Speaker Jose De Venecia and Pangasinan Rep. Gina De Venecia NOTICE OF EARLY VOTING FOR THE 2017 MUNICIPAL PRIMARY ELECTION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that early voting for the April 4, 2017 City of North Las Vegas, Nevada Primary will begin at 9:00 AM on Saturday, March 18, 2017 and will close on Friday, March 31, 2017 at 5:00 PM as noted in time tables below and at the following locations. Any registered voter residing in the City of North Las Vegas wanting to vote early must do so at an Early Voting Site located within the City’s boundaries.
CITY OF NORTH LAS VEGAS EARLY VOTING SITES OPEN THROUGHOUT THE 2-WEEK PERIOD Date
Time
Saturday and Sunday, March 18th and 19th
CLOSED
Monday through Thursday, March 20th – 23rd
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday, Saturday, & Sunday, March 24th – 26th
CLOSED
Monday through Thursday, March 27th – 30th
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday, March 31
CLOSED
Saturday, March 18th
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday, March 19th
CLOSED
st
Monday through 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM Thursday, March 20th – March 23rd Friday and Saturday, March 24th – March 25th
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday, March 26th
CLOSED
Monday through 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM Thursday, March 27th – March 30th Friday, March 31st
Location
North Las Vegas City Hall 2250 Las Vegas Blvd North
Aliante Library 2400 W. Deer Springs Way (@ North Aliante Parkway)
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
CITY OF NORTH LAS VEGAS NEIGHBORHOOD EARLY VOTING SITES Date
Time
Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM March 18th – March 19th
Location Deer Springs Town Center (Trailer in Parking Lot) N. 5th St./Deer Springs Way
Monday, March 20th
9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sun City Aliante 7390 Aliante Pkwy
Tuesday, March 21st
9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Neighborhood Recreation Center 1638 N Bruce St
Wednesday, March 22nd 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Silver Mesa Recreation Ctr. 4025 Allen Ln
Thursday and Friday, March 23rd – March 24th 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Lowe’s (Trailer in Parking Lot) Craig/Losee
Saturday and Sunday, March 25th – March 26th 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Albertsons Ann/Simmons 3010 W Ann Rd
9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
College of Southern Nevada (CSN) NLV 3200 E Cheyenne Ave
Tuesday and Wednesday, March 28th – March 29th 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
SkyView Recreation Ctr. YMCA 3050 E Centennial Pkwy
Monday, March 27th
Thursday, March 30th
11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Alexander Library 1755 W Alexander Rd
Friday, March 31st
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Alexander Library 1755 W Alexander Rd
President Rodrigo Duterte poses for a photo with former House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. and Pangasinan 4th District Representative Gina de Venecia during a meeting at the Study Room in MalacaĂąan Palace on March 7, 2017.
Duterte listens to Gina and Jose de Venecia Jr. during a meeting at the Study Room. Presidential photo by Toto Lozano Duterte poses for a photo with Jose de Venecia Jr.
VOTING BY MAIL: Any registered voter residing in the City of North Las Vegas may choose to vote by mail. A written request for a mail EDOORW PXVW EH UHFHLYHG E\ S P RQ 0DUFK LQ WKH RIÂżFH RI WKH &ODUN &RXQW\ 5HJLVWUDU RI 9RWHUV DW WKH following address to vote by mail for this Primary Election: Clark County Election Center 965 Trade Drive, Suite A North Las Vegas, NV 89030 )RU DGGLWLRQDO LQIRUPDWLRQ SOHDVH FRQWDFW WKH 1RUWK /DV 9HJDV &LW\ &OHUNÂśV 2IÂżFH DW RU WKH &ODUN &RXQW\ (OHFWLRQ 'HSDUWPHQW DW Dated: March 9, 16, and 23, 2017 &DWKHULQH $ 5D\QRU 00& City Clerk City of North Las Vegas 3XEOLVK /9 $VLDQ -RXUQDO 0DUFK DQG
Duterte holds a meeting with House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence Go, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, and Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III at the Orchid Room. Presidential photos by Richard Madelo
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OpiniOn
Exonerated
Features
DESPITE her predicament, a defiant Senator Leila De Lima denounced the recent move by government prosecutors to prohibit all parties from discussing the senator’s cases in public. “I refuse to be gagged. Gagging me would be a violation of my rights. They cannot continue violating my rights. I shall continue to speak up on issues that matter,” De Lima said in a handwritten letter from her detention cell. De Lima was thrown behind bars at the Philippine National Police (PNP) Custodial Center in Camp Crame for her alleged violation of several provisions of the Comprehensive Dangerous Act of 2002 for the narcotics trade inside the New Bilibid Prison (NBP). The former justice secretary is accused of receiving money from drug lords who had been conducting drug trafficking at the national penitentiary. Believing these are dubious charges as a plot to silence critics of Pres. Rodrigo Duterte’s administration, De Lima vowed that not even a gag order can silence her. “Such reinforces my belief that the things being done to me, especially my detention, are primarily aimed at stifling my criticisms against this murderous and vindictive President. I repeat—I cannot be silenced,” she added.
As soon as she took a stand against the alleged rising cases of extra-judicial killings in the country, De Lima put a target on her back. She knew it—that being jailed for it was the ultimate price she had to pay. “While I’m psychologically prepared for this, my whole being cries out for truth and justice. My heart also bleeds for all other victims of injusticethose who were falsely accused and now cramped in severely congested jails,” De Lima said in an earlier letter she wrote to her family, De Lima reached out to her loved ones and supporters. The embattled senator has amassed political enemies since she was assigned as justice secretary in the previous administration. Now that they have managed to put her behind bars, others are resurfacing as if to add another nail in her coffin. On Monday, March 6, Janet Lim-Napoles, the mastermind behind the multibillion Philippine Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) or pork barrel scam, accused De Lima of attempting to extort money from her in exchange for not re-opening the serious illegal detention case she was facing. Napoles maintained that she never detained her
Editorial
ManilaTimes.net photo
second cousin and former right-hand man Benhur Luy, the government’s star witness in the pork scam cases. Napoles is currently detained at the Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong City while facing multiple plunder and graft cases in connection with her alleged involvement in the pork bar-
rel scam. They say the truth will set anyone free. Will De Lima’s “truth” afford her the constitutional freedom she deserves or will it bury her with further legal consequences? To help preserve the structure our constitution, let us allow due process to take its course. (AJPress)
Trump accuses Obama of wiretapping him during the election without any evidence: Another conspiracy theory to deflect issues? AMID the growing support for a bipartisan and independent investigation to find out if there was/ is collusion between Russia and the Trump campaign before, during and after the 2016 presidential elections, President Donald Trump woke up on the early morning of Saturday, March 4 to fire a barrage of tweets to accuse his predecessor, President Barack Obama, of wiretapping his phone in the Trump Tower. Trump tweeted at 6:35 a.m. EST: “Terrible! Just found out that Obama had my ‘wires tapped’ in Trump Tower just before the victory. Nothing found. This is McCarthyism!” At 7:04 a.m. EST, he followed with this bombastic tweet: “How low has President Obama gone to tap my phones during the very sacred election process. This is Nixon/Watergate. Bad (or sick) guy!” Even his own cabinet and White House staff were blindsided by these tweets, unable to explain any basis for these toxic accusations against Pres. Obama. Sources from the White House, however, revealed that they had not seen Trump be this angry and frustrated following the releases of news reports exposing more of people in Trump camp who had met with the top Russian Ambassador secretly, before, during and after the election. Those individuals include National Security Adviser Michael
Flynn who has resigned; his Attorney General Jeff Sessions (one The Fil-Am of Trump’s surrogates during the campaign) who lied under oath Perspective about his two meetings with the Russian Ambassador; his own son-in-law and senior adviser, Jared Kushner, among others. All of the recent exposes were Gel SantoS-reloS deemed to have grabbed the headlines from what Trump thought was his victorious moment delivering a “Presidential” speech to the joint session of Congress on February 28. Press Secretary Sean Spicer and other White House staff had been defending the president, saying that there should be a congressional investigation on this wiretapping as the Russian alleged interference in the U.S. election was being investigated, even though they themselves could not substantiate Trump’s accusations against Obama. The media, Democrats, and even some moderate Republicans have been demanding for the president’s basis before any taxpayer-funded investigations are done, especially in the light of FBI Director James Comey asking the Department of Justice to publicly reject Trump’s allegations that Obama ordered then President-elect Trump to be
wiretapped, and U.S. House Intelligence Committee Chairman Devin Nunes saying he had seen no evidence to support Trump’s allegations. Obama’s former spokesperson Josh Earnest likewise refuted Trump’s claim, arguing that the president has no authority to unilaterally order wiretapping of any private citizen. The courts, however, may give such order if there is probable cause that such private citizen may be involved in a crime. Trump reportedly got the information of such alleged wiretapping by Obama from the alt-right Breitbart News, yet he did not consult the FBI and U.S. intelligence about this. If there is indeed real evidence to back up his accusations against Obama, why wouldn’t Trump release it? His tweets declaratively state that such wiretapping, in fact, happened, but where is his proof? As political experts explain, Trump is the president and he has the authority to declassify records to prove his allegations so long as the declassification of such record would not compromise national security. Could this be another chapter of Trump’s grow-
ing list of conspiracy theories which had not been substantiated and proven to be true? He had started the “birther” conspiracy theory that Obama was not born in Hawaii but in Kenya and was therefore not eligible to be President of the United States. He stated as a fact that there was massive cheating during the 2016 election and that about 3 million “illegals,” voted which would explain why he lost the popular vote to Hillary Clinton. Trump also said he believes Obama has been orchestrating all the protest rallies against him to deligitimize his presidency. He had also been spreading the accusation that mainstream news media that are critical of him and his policies are “fake news” and are out there to undermine his Presidency, etc. COULD IT ALSO BE that this is Trump’s clever scheming ploy to deflect the focus on the alleged Russia-Trump camp collusion, which is now under investigation, and to rally his base and keep their loyalty by once again making the narrative against the first black president of the United States? *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https://www.facebook.com/Gel. Santos.Relos
Unsolicited advice to the Duterte trolls IN January 2017, The New Republic, a Street liberal US magazine, ran an article by jour- Talk nalist Sean Williams entitled, “Rodrigo Duterte’s Army of Online Trolls”: “Since Rodrigo GreG B. MacaBenta Duterte was elected president of the Philippines last June, he has waged a brutal crackdown on drug dealers and addicts. Nearly 4,000 people have been killed by government forces…Duterte’s authoritarian rhetoric has elicited sharp condemnations from human rights advocates and foreign leaders. But there’s another front in his war on drugs that has escaped international attention.” This front, according to Williams, is manned by “a vast and effective ‘keyboard army’ that Duterte and his backers have mobilized to silence dissenters and create the illusion that he enjoys widespread public support.” Williams added: “Each day, hundreds of thousands of supporters—both paid and unpaid—take to social media to proselytize Duterte’s deadly gospel. They rotate through topics like corruption, drug abuse, and U.S. interference, and post links to hastily cobbled-together, hyper-partisan web sites at all hours of the day and night.” Williams mentioned Nic Gabunada, social media manager of the Duterte presidential campaign, as the key man behind the online propaganda effort. In an interview with Rappler in June last year, Gabunada spoke freely about his role, but in a deservedly positive vein, mainly because of the significant contribution that his group’s work had made to the success of Duterte’s candidacy. It is in this context that I would like
to offer this unsolicited advice to whoever is now masterminding the activities of the army of trolls, as well as the Chief Communicator of the Duterte government. To set the issue in perspective, I think that their efforts may have already become counter-productive, at worst, or have not been “positively productive”, at best. I am using the term “positively productive” advisedly because they might be of the belief that this army of online guerillas has been delivering “positive results” in the sense of overwhelming the opposition, intimidating critics and institutionalizing The Fear of Duterte among the citizenry. But creating enemies and an instilling an atmosphere of fear does nothing for Duterte’s legacy. At the end of his term, do they really want Duterte to be remembered as The Butcher, and little else? On a recent trip to Manila, I had occasion to talk to a friend who was one of the creative brain trusts of the Duterte presidential campaign, Greg Garcia, retired chairman and chief creative director of the ad agency, Hemisphere-Leo Buernett. Greg is now the chairman of the Bases Conversion and Devclopment Authority (BCDA). BCDA, as described in official literature, is the “government instrumentality mandated to transform former US military bases into alternative productive civilian use.” This refers, specifically to Clark Air Force Base and Subic Bay Naval Base, although the BCDA’s scope of authority and operations has been expanded to include facilities of
the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The facilities over which the BCDA has management oversight and authority are the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, the Clark Freeport Zone, the Clark Tourism and Business Complex, the John Hay Special Economic Zone, the Poro Point Freeport Zone, the Atmanda Eco Park in Morong Bataan and Fort Bonifacio and Villamor Airbase, sections of which are now more impressively known as Bonifacio Global City and Newport City, respectively. It was during the incumbency of President Corazon Aquino that the BCDA was established by virtue of Republic Act 7227, following the closure of Clark Field and Subic as US military bases. Throughout the tenure of Aquino and Presidents Fidel V. Ramos, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Benigno Aquino III, the BCDA has undertaken its mandate at a relatively steady pace. The most dramatic and impressive conversion was that of the Subic Bay Naval Base into the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, administered by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, chaired by now-Senator Dick Gordon. This was during the Ramos presidency. What made it dramatic was the fact that Subic was taken over by the Philippine government in the wake of the devastation caused by the Mt. Pinatubo eruption, and the heroic efforts of Gordon and a corps of volunteers to literally rebuild it, like the Phoenix, from the ashes. The Clark Field conversion was undertaken with much less fanfare, although this facility may have suffered the brunt of the volcanic catastrophe. During the tenure of Arroyo, the development of Clark went into full throttle and the airfield became known as the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport, with plans for using it as an alter-
native to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. But the achievements were overshadowed by Arroyo’s continuing struggle with accusations of massive corruption in her government, On the other hand, Gordon was not only a visionary and a dynamic manager, he was also a super salesman. He thus generated a great deal of awareness and support for Subic. In the course of my conversation with Greg Garcia in Manila, he enthusiastically described an ambitious and impressive development program for the BCDA properties. Even while he knew me to be a relatively harsh critic of the Duterte administration, Greg offered to make a presentation to me of the government’s plans for BCDA. Just as enthusiastically, I accepted the offer. I also promised to write about the plans in a positive light. Unfortunately, the demise of an elder brother and an overseas trip of Greg prevented the presentation. But I still hope that it can be scheduled on my next trip to Manila. But whether or not I write about BCDA and what it plans to deliver to the country, I am confident that Greg will be more than capable of getting the positive word out. After all, he is one of the most accomplished practitioners in the advertising and communications industry. The point I’m making is that there must be other developments in the Duterte government that one can feel upbeat about, aside from the BCDA. I understand that there are certain cabinet heads and bureau chiefs who are performing excellently. They certainly deserve to be portrayed in the most enthusiastic and positive manner to the public, and not just in the Philippines but overseas, as well. Social media, with its international reach and coverage, would be the per-
fect vehicle for delivering the message that President Rodrigo Duterte isn’t just a mass murderer – that he is a visionary and a doer, a president who produces concrete benefits for his people, a leader who delivers on what he promises and one who can motivate the bureaucracy into doing their job for the public good. Indeed, the Filipino is easy to please. Concrete results, when promised and delivered, have a tremendous impact on a government’s image. I recall how then Philippine National Police Director General Ping Lacson captured the imagination of the country after he instilled discipline among policemen and virtually put a stop to their petty extortion activities. People were so impressed, they considered Lacson fit to be president. I also recall how Louie Morales, another ad industry friend and colleague, posted on Facebook a photo of his newly-acquired plastic driver’s license (no longer just paper). There was genuine joy on his face. After six years of the Aquino administration where car plates and licenses were more difficult to secure than a visa to the US, Louie had reason to feel good. This is where Duterte’s army of trolls can be put to effective and truly productive use. Properly guided by a knowledgeable communications manager and supported by what Gabunada refers to as online “influencers,” these trolls can build a legacy for Duterte and his government worth being proud of. The only caveat is that the trolls and Duterte’s propagandists should resist the temptation to exaggerate and overpromise – a cardinal sin that most politicians seem to be guilty of. That caveat applies to President Duterte, as well. (gregmacabenta@hotmail.com)
The views expressed by our Op-Ed contributors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the predilection of the editorial board and staff of Asian Journal.
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D ateline PhiliPPines Janet Napoles accuses De Lima of Robredo: Marcos out to steal VP post extortion over illegal detention case by Dana
SioSon AJPress
ALLEGED pork barrel scam mastermind Janet Lim-Napoles has accused Senator Leila de Lima of extorting money from her in 2013, when the latter was still the justice secretary. In a chance interview at the Sandiganbayan on Monday, March 6, Napoles said that she never detained her cousin and principal scam whistleblower, Benhur Luy. “Wala naman po talagang illegal detention na nangyari... Ito po ay extortion lamang. Dismissed na po ang kaso na ito sa DOJ (Department of Justice) noon pa (There’s no illegal detention that ever happened. This is all about extortion. This case has long been dismissed by the DOJ),” Napoles told reporters after her pre-trial for graft and plunder charges. When asked who extorted money from her, Napoles named De Lima. Napoles, however, refused to disclose more names, as well as the amount of money allegedly extorted by the senator. The Justice Department, under then-Justice Secretary De Lima, earlier dismissed the serious illegal detention complaint against Napoles in June 2013. The department, however, later reversed its initial decision following a motion for reconsideration filed by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), under thenDirector Nonnatus Rojas. In 2014, Napoles was sentenced to reclusion perpetua, or an imprisonment term of 21 to 40 years. Judge Elmo Alameda of the Makati Regional Trial Court (RTC) convicted Napoles guilty of detaining Luy from December 2012 to March 2013. Napoles is now under the custody of Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong City. For her part, De Lima denied the allegations, stressing that “not everything that comes from a polluted source, especially a convicted criminal serving a prison sentence, with nothing to lose and who will do anything to get out of prison, is worth reacting to.” The senator claimed that Napoles “has the propensity to lie,” tagging the latter as the alleged
mastermind of the Priority Defense Assistance Fund (PDAF) scam. “When asked who among the senators and congressmen were her clients, she asked it depends on whom we wanted implicated. That is when I knew that Napoles is a liar and will lie and say anything to save herself and keep the money she stole from the government,” De Lima said. Last month, Solicitor General Jose Calida recommended the acquittal of Napoles, claiming that the RTC wrongly convicted her as guilty in her serious illegal detention case. According to Calida, Luy’s behavior during the three months supposedly in detention “belies the fact that he was actually detained or deprived of his liberty.” De Lima described the solicitor general’s move as “questionable and suspicious,” pointing out that the administration of President
FORMER Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is out to stifle the will of the people by reversing election results, Vice President Maria Leonor Robredo said on Wednesday, March 8. The Vice President made the comment during a forum on International Women’s Day when she was asked about a pending electoral protest lodged against her by Marcos. Robredo beat Marcos in the May 2016 vice presidential race by 263,473 votes. She cited the propensity of proMarcos pages on social media acSenator Leila de Lima cusing her of having two marriages, Rodrigo Duterte is seemingly having a boyfriend, getting preg“bent on taking the side of every nant, committing abortion, among high-profile crook and scoundrel others, which were all false. the past administration was able “I am a target of these false to jail.” claims not because I am a threat The senator, who is also one of to the President. All the attacks the fiercest critics of Duterte, is against me are concerted, and they detained at the Philippine Nation- are saying the same thing because al Police (PNP) Custodial Center they are paid to do that. My opover drug-related charges filed ponent in the last elections cannot against her by present Justice accept defeat, and he is still hoping Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II. that he will sit as Vice President,”
Robredo said. “We need to show them that they could not corrupt the result of the elections. This is a fight beyond the Supreme Court. We should express our sentiments that poll results cannot be bastardized, just like what they attempted to do in 1986,” she added. Robredo was referring to the 1986 snap elections wherein poll
count volunteers walked out in protest since the results were manipulated by the Marcos administration in favor of then sitting President Ferdinand Marcos. “[Thirty] years [later], they want to reverse election results again, and the solution remains the same: We should not be cowed,” she said. (Llanesa T. Pati/ManilaTimes.net)
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VEGAS&STYLE Journal
16 Filipino ‘Wonder Women’ named Rose BeRnaRDo Philstar.com
This international Women’s Month, several organizations honored some Filipina women who excel in showbiz, art, sports, science, business, and other previously male-dominated fields. On March 8, international Women’s Day, multinational agency J. Walter Thompson gathered the following women leaders to empower the next generation of Filipinas. Hidilyn Diaz, weightlifter Long before she ended the country’s 20-year Olympic medal drought by claiming silver in the 53-kg division of the women’s weightlifting event at the 2016 summer Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, hidilyn Diaz accomplished an even greater feat: she smashed the stereotype of a female in two male-dominated fields. Through the years, the four-foot-nine native of Zamboanga City has won medals from the southeast Asian Games, Asian Games, and other international weightlifting competitions. An Olympian since 2008, Diaz is also a member of the Philippine Air Force, with the rank of Airwoman First Class. Voted Athlete of the Year in 2016 by the Philippine sportswriters Association, she now has her eyes on the ultimate prize: a gold medal in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Armie Jarin-Bennett, CNN Philippines president At CNN’s headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, Armie Jarin-Bennett has done it all: starting as a production assistant in 1997, she rose the ranks as floor director, teleprompter operator, video journalist, and writer for the Us news bureau, before being promoted to producer of its 24-hour news channel headline News, then moving to CNN international in 2000 as a supervising producer and executive producer. she has also seen it all, capturing history as it unfolds in segments that have not gone unnoticed. in 2012, she received an Emmy Award for Outstanding Live Cov-
Pres. Cory’s niece stars in US TV show was 26 at the time. According to the People story written by Patrick Gomez, “ivory “i FiNALLY feel complete.” was ready to face death for the That’s how ivory Aquino is chance to become the woman quoted in the title of a feature she knew she was inside,” back in story in a recent issue of People 2005 when ivory went under the magazine which notes that “for- knife in Thailand. she recalled, mer President Corazon Aquino “i walked out on the balcony, is her aunt.” looked out at the ocean and was The star “When We Rise,” at peace that i might not wake the ABC new series about LGBT up…if it was my time to go, at rights, reveals to People that least i’d go as a woman,” only to she’s transgender, just like real- wake up six hours later holding life transgender activist Cecilia her mom’s hand, assuring herself Chung whom ivory portrays in that “i can handle whatever life the TV series. throws at me now because i’m a The quotation that opens this woman. i finally feel complete.” story refers to how ivory felt As a woman (and while keepfollowing a surgery that turned ing her transition private), ivory her into the woman that she auditioned for acting roles in the had always Us, only to come out after she f e l t s h e bagged a role in When We Rise. is. she “i didn’t think there’d ever be roles for me because i was transgender,” ivory told People, admitting that she began hormone therapy at 16 and started to dress as a woman when she was a college freshman at Berklee College of Music in Boston. An earlier shorter feature, People noted that as a child, ivory dreamed of being an actor but she never imagined that there were roles for a transgender girl like her, thus she decided to be a singer. she was quoted by People as saying, “With androgynous figures like David Bowie, i thought i could do music without thinking about gender.” Then, after the reconstructive surgery, ivory said, “My first thought was ‘i can act.’” Born in the Philippines, ivory didn’t mention anything about her family background in the People story. Before “When We Rise,” ivory pla y e d Julie t, he r dream role, in the stage play R”omeo and Juliet” in New York in 2005. “i want to show trans kids that it’s possible for them to Philippine-born transgender Ivory Aquino, who stars in have full, meaningful lives the When We Rise (about LGBT rights), featured twice doing what they love,” in People magazine which notes that ‘former President ivory told People. “i’m Corazon Aquino is her aunt.’ proof.” by Ricky Lo
by Deni
Philstar.com
Hidilyn Diaz, Armie Jarin-Bennett, Pia Cayetano and Issa Cabreira
erage of a Current Event for the coverage of the Egypt Revolution; the following year, her coverage of Typhoon haiyan earned her an Emmy nomination. “it’s stressful sometimes, but what job isn’t, and i love it, it’s so fulfilling,” said Jarin-Bennett in a Philippine Daily inquirer interview. her latest assignment—president of CNN Philippines—is a demanding job, but one she is able to handle with the love of her husband and kids. “Their news is what i look forward to at the end of each day.” Pia Cayetano, politician As a two-term senator (in 2004 and 2010), Pia Cayetano championed various women’s, children’s, and health causes; among them, the Magna Carta for Women, (Republic Act 9710), Expanded senior Citizen Act (RA 9994), Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Act (RA 10028), Mandatory infants and Children health immunization Act (RA10152), and the landmark Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive health Act of 2012 (RA 10354). Presented with the Rising star Award by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation at the third Women Deliver Conference in 2013 for her efforts in passing the Rh Law, Cayetano also became the first person to receive the Jade Ribbon Award from stanford University’s Asian Liver Center in 2014. This accolade recognizes her contributions to legislation and awareness-raising on hepatitis B and liver cancer, the latter of which her father, esteemed sena-
Trickie Lopa, Tina Sabarre, Vicki Belo and Melissa Henson
tor Rene Cayetano, succumbed to in 2004. Elected congresswoman of the second district of Taguig City in May 2016, the lawyer, entrepreneur, triathlete, and mom is also the head of Bike for hope (which advocates environmental awareness and a healthy lifestyle), Pinay in Action (which promotes women empowerment through sports), and Gabriel’s symphony (a foundation that provides support to children with disabilities and special needs). Issa Cabreira, Globe Telecom senior vice president / head of consumer mobile marketing Cabreira helms a team tasked to steer its subscribers to the digital age. Mission accomplished: under her leadership, Globe constantly introduces a range of exciting products, services, and packages that promise cellphone-savvy Pinoys the complete digital experience. Of late, country’s leading telecommunications provider forged a partnership with Us search engine Google to increase smartphone and internet penetration in the Philippines. This partnership involves the launch of Android One devices from affordable homegrown cellphone brands Cherry Mobile and My Phone. Trickie Lopa, art advocate Lopa once described herself and partners Dindin Araneta and Lisa Periquet as “crazy” advocates of accessible art. Perhaps that’s why Art Fair Philippines, their annual exhibition of contemporary
visual art, mixed media art, and installations, has become the go-to event of more and more Filipinos since its launching in 2013. Filled with thought-provoking pieces curated in a relaxed and unpretentious atmosphere, Art Fair Philippines draws discerning collectors as well as members of the selfie generation. “We are the world’s window into Philippine contemporary art,” said Lopa in an interview with the “Philippine star.” “We have provided a platform, a window to what’s happening in the current art scene. Because of this platform, artists have stepped up, galleries have stepped up. We are, i guess, raising the bar for Philippine art.” similarly, information technology company Google Philippines and online female magazine Cosmo.ph shone the spotlight on female trailblazers in the field of science and technology, and highlighted the role that technology, especially the internet, plays in enabling women to succeed. Tina Sabarre, Johnson & Johnson country director for retail sabarre is on top of several empowering campaigns. “Teenpowerment” uses special publications and talk tours in schools to encourage young Filipinas to speak up about national and personal issues that affect them. Meanwhile, a partnership with the Drugstore Association of the Philippines led to the creation of a mobile application designed to PAGE B2
Internationally-acclaimed vocalist Martin Nievera rocks The Joint in a high energy performance featuring all his hits. He has appeared as a celebrity judge on the X Factor Philippines and his albums have earned him multi-platinum awards.
Tickets starting at $37 (plus tax and fees) HARDROCKHOTEL.COM/THEJOINT | 888-9-AXS-TIX
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Pinoy Big Brother winner Maymay Entrata: ‘Don’t be afraid to dream’ Teen housemate Maymay entrata emerged as the Lucky Big Winner of “Pinoy Big Brother Lucky Season 7� and made “PBB� history as the first “Big Winner� in the longest season of the hit ABS-CBn reality show, beating co-housemates from celebrity, teen, and adult editions. The “Miss Wacky-Go-Lucky of CDO� garnered a total of 42.71percent of votes and was formally welcomed by her family, friends, and fans from the outside world in the jam-packed “Big night� on Sunday, March 5 at the Alonte Sports Arena. In an emotional speech, entrata thanked all her fans for helping her reach her dream. The newest “PBB� Big Winner also encouraged everyone to continue to do the same. “Don’t be afraid to dream. Don’t ever forget where you came from and the people who helped you in your journey. If your dreams are already within reach and you stumble along the way, you just have to get back up on your feet and rise from it. Remember why you started and why you made it that far to reaching your dream,� she said. “Don’t be afraid to be true to yourself and to others because it is the key to your dreams and success in life,� she added.
As the Lucky Big Winner, entrata won P1-million, a house and lot from Camella, and an Asian tour package for two from Von Dutch. Fellow Big 4 housemates Kisses Delavin, on the other, finished as the second Lucky Big Placer with 31.27-percent of votes and P500,000 in cash; Yong Muhajil as second Big Placer with 21.52percent of votes and P300,000; and edward Barber as the fourth Lucky Big Placer with 4.49-percent of votes and P200,000. Before the worldwide Twitter trending Big night on March 5, the fifth, sixth, and seventh Lucky Big Placer awards were given the night before to Tanner Mata, 2-in1 “Hashtags� housemates Mccoy De Leon and nikko natividad, and Cora Waddell respectively. each of them received P100, 000. The “Pinoy Big Brother Lucky Season 7 Big night� was also graced by “PBB� alumni that include Big Winners Kim Chiu, Jimboy Martin, Daniel Matsunaga, and Miho nishida, ex-housemates from past editions Tommy esguerra, Joshua Garcia, Loisa Andalio, Zeus Collins, Ylona Garcia, Bailey May, Dawn Chang, Yass Pressman, and other former “PBB Lucky Season 7� housemates. For the past 11 years, “Pinoy Big Brother� has remained one of
Rosario Oreta Lapus, Stephanie Sy, Valenice Balace, Ros Juan, Monette Iturralde-Hamlin, Rowie Matti, Chesca Garcia-Kramer and Rica Peralejo-Bonifacio
16 Filipino ‘Wonder Women’... PAGE B1
In an emotional speech after her win, Entrata thanked all her fans for helping her reach her dream and encouraged everyone to continue to do the same.
the most watched programs in the country, a consistent top trending topic in social media, and the most viewed reality show online via iWant TV. PBB has mirrored the hopes, plight, and aspirations of Filipinos through its diverse mix of housemates. Big Brother formulates tasks and challenges for the housemates to bring out their best, test their strengths, and foster camaraderie as they undergo a transformative journey inside the house. (ManilaTImes.net)
K Brosas hopes to level with Fifty Shades’ EL James COMeDIAn K Brosas launched her first book, “K-Sabihan, Ang Alamat ng Teh at Iba Pang Kasagutan,� last weekend with a miniconcert and a meet-and-greet at Robinsons Place Manila. The new author’s good friends Jaya, erik Santos, Kyla, Pokwang, Pooh, Thor, and Benj Manalo serenaded the guests with fun performances. Jex de Castro, the “Ultimate Resbaker� from “It’s Showtime’s� “Tawag ng Tanghalan� also performed in the grand launching. Released by ABS-CBn Publishing, “K-Sabihan� is a compilation of K’s witty remarks popularized in “Tawag ng Tanghalan.� K shares proverbial accounts and funny anecdotes on love and life in the book, including stories from her past and advice on how to be happy despite being single. “A lot of millennials will find this read relatable. Those in unlabeled relationships, those whose
Comedian K Brosas signing her book, “K-Sabihan.�
feelings are unreciprocated—a lot of those examples, so I’m sure that a lot of the young ones will be affected,� shared K. K has always dreamed to become an author. She was even rejected once by a local publisher, but that did not stop her from writing a masterpiece – a hilarious one that is. “Only a few knew that I have a
Philstar.com by Robbie Pangilinan
blog. It has long been my dream to write a book and share interesting stories in the level of JK Rowling and eL James,� she joked. K joins an elite roster of authors, which includes the late Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago, Alex Gonzaga, Georgina Wilson, Solenn Heussaff, Senyora Santibaùez, and Ramon Bautista. (Philstar.com)
professionalize pharmaceutical assistants; through this app, PAs can improve their knowledge and handling of the products they sell, and promote health education among clients. Sabarre was a brand manager for Selecta in the ‘90s before joining J&J in 2006. Vicki Belo, Belo Medical Group chief executive officer Dr. Victoria Belo is currently the CeO and Medical Director of Belo Medical Group. now known as �The Philippines’ no. 1 Beauty expert and Doctor to the Stars�, Dr. Belo obtained her Bachelor of Science degree from UP Diliman and completed her Degree of Medicine and Surgery at the University of Sto. Tomas. She later got her Diploma in Dermatology from the Institute of Dermatology in Bangkok, Thailand. Dr. Belo furthered her studies in Dermatologic and Laser Surgery at the Harvard Medical School in Boston, and at St. Francis Memorial Hospital at the University of California in San Francisco. Her efforts in promoting the business of beauty in the Philippines has made Belo a household name. She has played a pivotal role in making the practice of Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery one of the fastest growing industries in the Philippines. Her craft is inspired by her goal to make the Philippines the most beautiful country in the world, one person at a time, and she is constantly inspired to make weight loss and skin solutions simpler and more available to everyone. Melissa Henson, Manulife Philippines senior vice president and chief marketing officer In a country where insurance adoption is in the single digits, Melissa Henson certainly has her work cut out for her. As such, the Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Manulife Philippines oversees a number of initiatives that spark public
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY SOUTHERN NEVADA REGIONAL HOUSING AUTHORITY
Position Title:
Deputy Executive Director
Announcement No.:
17-008EXT
DEPARTMENT: ([HFXWLYH 2IÂżFH
OPENING DATE: Tuesday, February 28, 2017
SALARY RANGE: $89,856.00 - $143,790 per annum
CLOSING DATE: Friday, March 31, 2017
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EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY SOUTHERN NEVADA REGIONAL HOUSING AUTHORITY
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interest and engagement: popular celebrities are tapped to promote Manulife’s “Start Your Story� campaign, while a program called “ManulifeMOVe� rewards clients with discounts on their policies if they exercise daily and monitor their activities on a fitness tracker and app. Previously with the banking industry, Henson joined Manulife in 2015 and is in charge of its marketing, branding, community service, customer insights and promotion, and events activity. With over 15 years’ experience as a marketing professional, Henson brings her considerable knowledge of market strategy, branding, advertising and marketing communications, customer research and insight, corporate communications, and eBusiness and innovation to the company. Rosario Oreta Lapus, Miriam College president Dr. Lapus is currently the president of Miriam College, a Catholic women’s college established by the Maryknoll Sisters in the 1920s. Dr. Lapus is known for her student-centered philosophy, innovative and forward-looking programs, and people-oriented work style. As an educator and administrator, Dr. Lapus has been principally engaged in the areas of teaching and learning, human development and education, as well as healthy and productive aging. She served as Massachusetts Statewide Coordinator for its Healthy Aging program on Fall prevention. Dr. Lapus earned her doctorate in education at the University of the Philippines, and holds two Master’s degrees: Master of education from Boston College and MS in Gerontology from the University of Massachusetts in Boston. She also did postgraduate work for three years at the Harvard Graduate School of education as a visiting scholar-researcher. She has diplomas in French studies
from the Universite de Grenoble and the Universite de Paris a la Sorbonne. She completed her undergraduate work at Assumption Convent where she finished Bachelor of Arts Major in Foreign Service, cum laude. She is a member of both the Sigma Phi Omega (Honor & Professional Society in Gerontology) and the Pi Lambda Theta (Honor & Professional Association of Women in education). Prior to her appointment as President of the College, she served in many key administrative positions for the institution: Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dean of the Graduate School, Dean of the College, Chairperson of the Department of Child Development and education, and High School Principal. Stephanie Sy, Silicon Valley data scientist Sy is the founder of Thinking Machines Data Science, a data science consultancy that helps clients from big organisations, global nonprofits, and award-winning media organisations make data-driven decisions at all levels by leveraging data and machine learning to solve business problems. Stephanie started her career at Wildfire, a social media technology startup in Silicon Valley. After Wildfire’s acquisition by Google, she built data analysis tools at Google before coming back to Manila in 2013. She graduated from Stanford University. Valenice Balace, Forbes’ ‘30 Under 30 Asia’ Valenice is currently the CeO and Managing Partner of Honesty Apps -- a dating, conference and community apps platform. She started Peekawoo, a Philippinebased social dating app. In 2016, she became part of Forbes’ first ever “30 Under 30 Asia� list under the consumer tech category which highlights the young talents emerging in Asia. She is also one PAGE B4
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY SOUTHERN NEVADA REGIONAL HOUSING AUTHORITY
Position Title:
Director of Housing Programs
Announcement No.:
17-011EXT
DEPARTMENT: Section 8
OPENING DATE: March 1, 2017
SALARY RANGE: $77,459 - $123,947 per annum
CLOSING DATE: March 31, 2017
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES: Under the direction of the Deputy Executive Director, the Director of Housing Programs plans, organizes, controls, and directs the activities of the Housing Programs Division; develop, monitor, and implement the annual departmental budget, policies, and procedures to ensure compliance with 615+$ DQG +RXVLQJ DQG 8UEDQ 'HYHORSPHQW +8' UHJXODWLRQV UHJDUGLQJ )DPLO\ 6HOI 6XIÂżFLHQF\ and Housing Choice Voucher Programs. The duties listed below illustrate the various types of work SHUIRUPHG 7KH RPLVVLRQ RI VSHFLÂżF VWDWHPHQWV UHJDUGLQJ GXWLHV GRHV QRW H[FOXGH WKHP IURP WKH position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment in association with this position. HOW TO APPLY: The Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority invites applicants for Director of Housing Programs. For position description and application details visit www.snvrha.org, or by calling 702922-1636 EE/AA Disability Employer. QUALIFIED APPLICANTS WILL RECEIVE CONSIDERATION BASED UPON MERIT AND POTENTIAL WITHOUT DISCRIMINATION BECAUSE OF RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, SEX, NATIONAL ORIGIN, AGE, DISABILITY, VETERAN STATUS, OR GENETICS. AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER, SEC 3 HUD EMPLOYER
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY SOUTHERN NEVADA REGIONAL HOUSING AUTHORITY
Position Title:
Director of Operations/ Affordable Housing
Announcement No.:
17-012EXT
DEPARTMENT: Procurement Department
OPENING DATE: 0DUFK
DEPARTMENT: Operations/Affordable Housing
OPENING DATE: March 1, 2017
SALARY RANGE: SHU DQQXP
CLOSING DATE: 0DUFK
SALARY RANGE: $77,459 - $123,947 per annum
CLOSING DATE: March 31, 2017
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:
Under the direction of the Executive Director, the Procurement Manager manages all procurement and materials management activities, performs professional and supervisory work and is responsible for ensuring departmental compliance with applicable policies, laws, codes, regulations, develop DQG DGPLQLVWHU WKH DQQXDO SURFXUHPHQW EXGJHW DQG PDLQWDLQ DEVROXWH FRQÂżGHQWLDOLW\ RI ZRUN UHODWHG issues, client records, and SNRHA information. The duties listed below illustrate the various types of ZRUN SHUIRUPHG 7KH RPLVVLRQ RI VSHFLÂżF VWDWHPHQWV UHJDUGLQJ GXWLHV GRHV QRW H[FOXGH WKHP IURP the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment in association with this position.
HOW TO APPLY:
The Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority invites applicants for the Procurement Manager. )RU SRVLWLRQ GHVFULSWLRQ DQG DSSOLFDWLRQ GHWDLOV YLVLW ZZZ VQYUKD RUJ RU E\ FDOOLQJ (( AA Disability Employer. QUALIFIED APPLICANTS WILL RECEIVE CONSIDERATION BASED UPON MERIT AND POTENTIAL WITHOUT DISCRIMINATION BECAUSE OF RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, SEX, NATIONAL ORIGIN, AGE, DISABILITY, VETERAN STATUS, OR GENETICS. AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER, SEC 3 HUD EMPLOYER.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES: Under the direction of the Deputy Executive Director, the Director of Operations & Affordable Housing is responsible for the ongoing operations of the Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority’s (SNRHA) Public Housing Division and Affordable Housing Programs Department. The Operations Department consist of the ownership and operation of approximately 2651 units of public housing in 20+ housing communities and over 380 Scattered Site single family homes throughout Clark County. The Director is responsible running a professionally managed department by ensuring WLPHO\ OHDVH XS ¿VFDO UHVSRQVLYHQHVV DQG HI¿FLHQW PDQDJHPHQW RI VLWH VWDII 7KH LQFXPEHQW ZLOO ZRUN ZLWK UHVLGHQWV DQG WKH FRPPXQLW\ WR HQVXUH FOLHQW VDWLVIDFWLRQ PDQDJHPHQW SUR¿FLHQF\ WHDP ZRUN DQG H[SHUW DWWHQWLRQ WR UHJXODWRU\ and agency compliance requirements. The Director of Operations & Affordable Housing will direct and lead the growth of the Affordable Housing Programs. The incumbent will develop and facilitate the business expansion plan to ensure consistency with the agency’s goals and objectives. The incumbent will explore opportunities that will lead to the creation of and or the management and/or purchase of existing businesses. Expectation will include portfolio expansion by developing and sustaining a diverse products and services line. This position is responsible for overseeing administrative work and provides functional supervision of staff. HOW TO APPLY: The Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority invites applicants for Director of Operations/ Affordable Housing. For position description and application details visit www.snvrha.org, or by calling 702-922-1636 EE/AA Disability Employer. QUALIFIED APPLICANTS WILL RECEIVE CONSIDERATION BASED UPON MERIT AND POTENTIAL WITHOUT DISCRIMINATION BECAUSE OF RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, SEX, NATIONAL ORIGIN, AGE, DISABILITY, VETERAN STATUS, OR GENETICS. AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER, SEC 3 HUD EMPLOYER
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ONE NIGHT FOR ONE DROP. Hailed as one of the most dazzling philanthropy events of the year, One Night for One Drop celebrated its fifth edition in Las Vegas on March 3, 2017 at the New York-New York Hotel & Casino. CEO of Cirque du Soleil Daniel Lamarre with wife, Mayor Carolyn Goodman, Oscar Goodman, Blue Man Group with performer Claire St. Claire, and singing group The Tenor with Marie Osmond walk the busy blue carpet. One Drop’s mission is safe water as a transformative force to improve living conditions, as well as give communities the ability to care for themselves. Photos by Raoul Gatchalian
JOEYALBERT Featuring David Pomeranz
3.24.17
Tickets Starting At $18
LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • mARch 9-15, 2017
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Meet the outstanding couple for The Beautiful Life Celebration 2017: Mr. and Mrs. Reynaldo & Nora Diego By Monet
Lu
As the saying goes, “time flies when you’re having fun.” In that case, Rey and Nora Diego’s marriage of 51 years flew by like a blur. They both still yearn for each other’s company, treat each other as best friends, and both are grateful that they’ve spent almost every day of these 51 years together. Yet, they are also realistic in the knowledge that although their marriage appears smooth to outsiders, they know that it was the daily compromises and ups and downs that led them to where they are today. I had the pleasure of bonding with the couple and their daughter, Dr. Loraine Diego, while on a Mediterranean cruise last summer. I learned Rey served 22 years in the U.s. Navy, then later worked at the V.A. Hospital in the Westwood neighborhood of Los Angeles. Nora was a midwife in the Philippines, then became an LVN in the U.s. After I learned of their “colorful” love story, I came up with the following three tips to a successful marriage. Tip #1: “Don’t just fall for ‘love at first sight.’ Love beyond what the eyes can see. On initial appearance, they are the typical “opposites attract.” she is talkative, loud, fun-loving, spontaneous; whereas he rarely smiles, rarely talks, rarely mingles, and rarely leaves the house. When Rey first met Nora that fateful day over 51 years ago, Rey was immediately smitten. But there was a small hitch: she was dating his younger brother, Roger, with whom she was “barkada” with for over 10 years. Rey had already been in the U.s. Navy for a few years, and was in Manila on vacation, looking for a possible wife. Of course, Roger was in total objection to this, but as time went on, the attraction between Rey and Nora could not be denied. One trait that both Rey and Nora shared was they both wanted to live “abroad”, even though that was not a popular notion at that time. But if you were to ask Nora nowadays about choosing between the two brothers, she will tell you, without a doubt, that she knows that she married the right brother. she says that their love is way “beyond looks.” Nora continues, “Rey may not be as fairskinned like me or tall and mestizo
like his brother, but it was beyond his physical features that made me attracted to him. It was the way he treated me and everyone I love. He is very thoughtful, loving, and down-to-earth.” Tip #2: Are you in a long-distance relationship? Don’t just survive it, savor it! soon after their wedding in November 1965, Nora joined Rey in the U.s. During Rey’s Navy career, they moved every three years to diverse locations like Nantucket Island, Massachusetts; south Carolina; Florida, Guam, seattle, and Pearl Harbor, Hawaii; and eventually moved back to the Philippines for a few years as well. Wherever Rey was stationed, Nora was able to find employment as a nurse or as a medical secretary. They forged a simple yet comfortable life, just the two of them, without the help of relatives, and there were hardly any kabayans around. And they witnessed world history firsthand — they met the Kennedy family while in Nantucket, lived in the deep south during Civil Rights Movement, and were in the Philippines during the turbulent last years of the Marcos era, including EDsA I. Nora relays a story that while she was a newlywed in Nantucket, Rey insisted that she had to learn how to drive. she argued back “Why don’t you want to drive me? Don’t you love me?” Rey answered, “You need to learn how to drive, dear, because there are times
when I will be away on the ship. Then you will be left behind alone with the children.” Now, she is so glad she listened to her husband because you can hardly keep her home now! Tip #3: Learn to count the “blessings in disguise” and cherish them As mentioned before, Nora was dating Rey’s brother, Roger. Rey asked Roger’s permission to court Nora, to which Roger sternly declined. As Rey and Nora’s friendship grew, the distance and “sama ng loob” between the brothers likewise grew. Rey and Nora soon realized that they were becoming serious with each other and started planning for marriage. Roger was totally against this, but fate would soon sadly intervene. Roger was a pilot in the Philippine Air Force. While on duty doing pilot exercises in Batangas, his plane tragically crashed. He’s currently buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani. While his passing was a sad time for the family, it did finally open the way for the wedding to take place. Rey asked for Nora’s hand in marriage from her parents before he flew back to the U.s. A few months later, he returned to Manila for their wedding, and a few months after that, she joined him in the U.s. Fast forward to their 50th wedding anniversary, they had a humble celebration at Max’s Restaurant in Glendale, California. This was because they had their wedPAGE B5
REXNAVARETTE 3.25.17
Tickets Starting At $10
Purchase tickets at the Silverton Box Office, by calling 702.263.7777 or online at silvertoncasino.com
All ages concert. Guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult 21 and older. Ticket subject to Live Entertainment Tax “L.E.T.” and fees where applicable. Management reserves all rights.
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16 Filipino ‘Wonder Women’... PAGE B2
of the 300 young game-changers in the region. She previously worked at Smart Communications and Voyager Innovations as a developer, analyst, QA, and was later on promoted to Product Manager. She has an extensive background in Location-Based Systems, Network, Architecture and Systems, Mobile Manufacturing and App and Website Development. Valenice graduated from De La
EMPLOYMENT
Salle-College of Saint Benilde in 2009 with a degree in Computer Applications. Ros Juan, entrepreneur Rosario “Ros” Juan is a thirdgeneration entrepreneur who has combined her passion for Philippine coffee with her role as social media strategist to great effect. She is the CEO of Commune, a cafe + bar in Makati that specializes in all things coffee, serves comfort food and cocktails, and hosts community events. She’s also a
digital strategist and advocate for social good whose strength lies in social media integration, advising small and medium companies, and spearheading a number of citizenled digital initiatives such as @ TweetupMNL and #rescuePH. While her heart lies in all things Pinoy and local, Ros also possesses a global mindset with her past stint in Shanghai, China, after entering the Shanghai Jiao Tong University to study the Mandarin language. Her many travels abroad also enabled her to learn more about various coffee cultures and the latest digital trends. Despite her seemingly busy schedule, Ros still finds the time to personally attend to her café customers, whipping up a cup or two for their enjoyment. Monette Iturralde-Hamlin, publicist Maria Montserrat IturraldeHamlin (Monette) is the founder and president of TeamAsia, an award-winning integrated marketing communications firm. Monette concurrently serves as Chairman of the Philippine Association of Convention/Exhibition Organizers and Suppliers; Chairman of Hopkins International Partners, Inc.; and a Trustee and Treasurer of the Women’s Business Council of the Philippines. She served for three consecutive years on the Tourism Promotions Board as Director representing the Meeting, Incentives Travel, Conventions, Exhibitions & Events Services & Facilities Sector. Monette has been recognized by the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Philippines as one of the recipients of the 2016 CEO Excel award. Rowie Matti, educator Rowena “Rowie” Juan-Matti is an educator and the CEO of Galileo Enrichment Learning Program, Inc. Her passion for education comes from mother, Ma. Rosario Tambunting-Juan, who started Sacred Heart School (SHS) in 1968. Her involvement in SHS at a young age inspired her to be an educator, and her desire to help improve the educational system in the Philippines increased after she took her Master’s Degree in Entrepreneurship at the Asian Institute of Management. Rowie’s strong personal advocacy for educating children and helping them achieve their potential inspired her to create Galileo Enrichment Learning Program. It is one of the country’s first learnPAGE B6
EMPLOYMENT
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5 lucky shoppers win tickets to the Philippines from Island Pacific Supermarket CALIFORNIA - With the culmination of Island Pacific’s Shop and Fly promo last January 2017, five lucky winners each have been awarded with a roundtrip ticket to the Philippines via the Philippine Airlines. The winners have all been randomly selected using an electronic raffle through Island Pacific Seafood Market’s Bonus Rewards program. The winners include Ms. Karina Soriano of West Covina, Mr. Gerald Mendoza of Panorama City, Mr. Yami Dy of Santa
Clarita, Ms. Victoria Hodson of Long Beach and Ms. Catherine Morales of Oxnard, CA. Island Pacific Seafood Market, in cooperation with Philippine Airlines, congratulates all the winners and are excited for them to enjoy their vacations in the Philippines. I sl a nd Pa c if i c re m a i n s proud to its Filipino roots and believes in promoting the beautiful destinations of our homeland. Through the Shop and Fly Promo, the company not only gives its shoppers
EMPLOYMENT
an incentive for their support, but it also gives them a chance to enjoy the Philippines. For this promo, the company has focused its attention to the city of Cebu. Thus, all winners have been given a roundtrip ticket to Cebu via Philippine Airlines. Island Pacific’s Bonus Rewards program is offered to all shoppers for free. Sign up today to earn points and save more on your store purchases! (Advertising Supplement
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Features
Keeping your place in line: Challenging unlawful termination of visa petitions Your Immigration Solution Atty. NANcy Miller & BeN loveMAN This week we take a break from our recent focus on the new policies of the Trump Administration to look at a problem that has plagued thousands of would-be immigrants for decades. The practice of revocation of immigration visa petitions by Department of state and UsCis has resulted in many family members losing the chance to immigrate to the United states after waiting for decades for their visa to be available. The infuriating part of this story is that many of these revocations are probably unlawful. The good news is that there is a way to challenge unlawful revocations. Reeves, Miller, Zhang & Diza has been successful in obtaining reinstatement of revoked petitions. Before turning to the methods to attack revocations it is useful to see this problem in the larger context of the U.s. immigration system. The U.s. system allows U.s. citizens and lawful permanent residents to file immigrant visa petitions on behalf of certain relatives. however, there is a cap on the number of visas that can be issued each year; this number is divided amongst the various categories of applicants and then subject to fixed caps for each country. Each year many more petitions are approved than there are visas available and so a long line, stretching decades in some cases, has developed. A person’s place in the line is determined by the date that the petition was filed which is known as the priority date. When a visa cannot be issued immediately upon approval of the petition, the petition gets stored
by Department of state (DOs) at a central repository. Whenever a visa becomes available, DOs is supposed to notify the beneficiary of the petition. The applicant then has one-year to respond and notify the authorities that they are interested in pursuing their visa. Where the applicant does not reply, DOs takes the position that it can terminate the visa petition which results in revocation of the petition and, most importantly, loss of the priority date. A person who has waited patiently for many years in hopes of immigrating to the United state to be reunited with their families can find themselves without a petition and needing to start over in the waiting process - assuming they don’t just give up out of frustration or despair. it is tempting to see this situation as being the fault of the potential immigrant because they failed to act. in many cases the situation arises because the notification was not properly sent. Other times, the problem arises where the beneficiary sends the government notification of change of address but such change is not properly noted. however, whether or not the notification is sent or is received, the law may not actually allow authorities to revoke a petition simply because a person fails to respond. More simply put, despite the government’s practice of revoking petitions and sending people to the back of the decades-long line, there is likely no legal authority for such revocations. Now the good news. There is a way to seek reinstatement of revoked petitions. The first route to request reinstatement from Department of state. it will be necessary to provide an explanation for why the potential immigrant did not respond to the notification and did pursue their visa when the notification was sent. This route can prove successful where it is pursued
shortly after revocation and occasionally under other circumstances. however, where significant time has passed the only way to seek reinstatement may be to challenge the revocation in federal court. There are generally two options for challenging revocations in court. The first would be to argue that the Department of state failed to send the required notification. Of course the potential immigrant who never received a notification may not know if notification was even sent. But an experienced immigration attorney will know how to address this issue. Where notification was properly sent the next argument will be to challenge the practice itself as unlawful. There is strong authority to suggest that there is no legal authority for the practice of revocation of visa petitions in this type of case. While no Court has had occasion to make a ruling on this issue, when RMZD attorneys have raised the argument, it has often resulted in an agreement between the government and RMZD attorneys to reinstate the visa. The bottom line is this. You and your loved ones should not have to wait in line twice based on erroneous or unlawful revocation of a visa petition. if your visa petition was revoked for alleged failure to respond to notification, you should consult a knowledgeable and experienced immigration lawyer as soon as possible to see what can be done. *** 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)
Meet the outstanding couple for The Beautiful Life...
PAGE B3 ding reception at Max’s Restaurant in Quezon City 50 years prior. They then had two cruises gifted to them by their two children — their son and daughter-in-law brought them on a Mexican Riviera Cruise and their daughter brought them on a Mediterranean cruise. i asked Tita Nora what’s their secret, she replied: “Whenever there is any disagreement, kailangan
talaga isa sa inyo ang magbibigay. You take turns willing to make amends, to keep the peace. huwag magsabay ng init ng ulo. Rey and i are very careful with our words when we are mad because we don’t want to regret that we did not mean, while we were angry. And the couple that laughs together, stays together.” *** Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, award-
winning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is known as an all-around artiste who produces sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns. Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary 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
LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • mARch 9-15, 2017
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Colon cancer rising among young people Health@Heart PhiliP s. ChuA, Md, FACs, FPCs WHILE colon cancer rates have been going down among the elderly (55 and older) since the 1980s, they are increasing among those in their 20s and 30s. This was the recent alarming finding of a U.S. cancer registry, which reviewed nearly half a million color-rectal cancers diagnosed between 1974 and 2013. It was published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute and in the March 1, 2017 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine. The research shows that for colon cancers, a rate increase of 2.4 percent annually was noted for those in their 20s and 1.0 percent among those in their 30s. For rectal cancers, the yearly increase was even higher at 3.2 percent. In general, the study also found that there was an increase in the rate among adults in their 40s and early 50s, but not as bad. This report revealed an alarming retrogression in our battle against colorectal cancers: “that young adults’ colorectal cancer risk is now similar to that of adults born around 1890.” The investigators pointed out that high obesity rates the past several decades “may play a role in this generation. Obesity increases the risk for all types of cancers and cardiovascular diseases, like high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, and diabetes.” The authors suggest: “Adherence to guideline-recommended screening initiation should be emphasized and initiation before age 50 years should be reconsidered.” When CBS World News announced on February 11, 2009 that “Philippine Icon Cory Aquino Has Colon Cancer,” we wrote that “if President Cory’s cancer was diagnosed early through the recommended screening, she would have been alive today and the history of the Philippines would have been different.” What is colon cancer? Colon (large intestines) and rectum (reservoir for feces) are the terminal parts of the digestive system. Cancer of the colon and rectum, or colo-rectal cancer, is the rapid uncontrolled growth of abnormal and very aggressive cells that multiply without order, causing a tumor that is malignant
to destroy organs around it. The cancerous cells travel (metastasize) through the blood and lymph channels to distant parts of the body, like the liver, bones, brain, etc., ultimately killing its victim. How prevalent is colon cancer? Colorectal cancer ranks the second most leading cancer deaths (51,370 a year) for both men and women in the USA, with about 142,570 patients diagnosed annually. It claims more lives than AIDS and breast cancer combined. In the Philippines, at least 8,000 new cases of colorectal cancer are diagnosed yearly, “and steadily increasing,” according to the Philippine Cancer Society. Are meat-eaters more prone to colorectal cancer? It appears to be so, because colorectal cancer is found more prevalent in populations that low-fiber diets that are high in animal proteins, fats, and refined carbohydrates. The incidence of colorectal cancer and other forms of cancers is indeed high among those who eat red meat (pork, beef, etc.) compared to those who regularly eat high-fiber diets (vegetables, fruits, wheat, bran, etc. and fish, instead of red meat. What are the signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer? The person may not have symptoms at all. It could be so subtle, like fatigue and anemia. Blood in the stool (black or bloody red stools) is one common sign. The others include the change in bowel habits, diarrhea or constipation, stools more slender or flatter than usual, stomach discomfort, bloating, fullness, abdominal cramps, frequent gas pains, unexplained weight loss, a sensation that the rectum does not empty completely. Not all these symptoms and signs need to be present, or necessary, to suspect possible presence colorectal cancer. Any one of these, if persistent, should alert one to seek medical help. When should colonoscopy be done? Looking at your stools every time you defecate is fundamental. If there is a change in the color, consistency, and shape of your stools, or if you see red blood in your stools, or if is black, report this to your physician, since blood in the stools is one of the earliest signs of colon cancer, no matter how young. He/she may order a test for occult blood even if the color of your stool is normal, which is recommended annually for those 50 and older, together with flexible fiber-optic colonoscopy every three to five years.
These are life-saving test and procedures, great gifts of medical science, which each of us should take advantage of. If colon cancer is in the family history, screening must be done even before 40. How can we prevent cancer? Cancer, in general, is caused, in almost all cases, by what we eat and drink, what we breathe in, what we apply to our body, what we expose ourselves to in our environment, by our personal behavior, and to some extent by our individual genetic predisposition. As far as our genes are concerned, we did not choose them, but we can choose to protect our DNA from harm every day of our life through healthy lifestyle and behavior. Here are some basic guides: (1) Minimize or avoid eating red meat. Instead, have a regular diet of fish, lots of vegetables, nuts, whole grains, some fruits, and partake rice, bread, and other carbohydrates in moderation. For those who are overweight, abstaining from rice, soft drinks, cakes, ice cream, and other sweets is the most effective method in preventing obesity, which is a risk factor for cancer. Soft drinks are all hazardous to health as they increase the risk for Metabolic Syndrome. (2) Do daily physical exercises, which is a magic bullet against diabetes, heart attack, stroke, Alzheimer’s, and even cancer. They also improve stamina, agility, mental health, and even sexual performance. (3) Take daily multivitamins and minerals if not eating properly, but avoid mega-doses as they are toxic to the body. (4) Listen to your body, and consult your physician promptly for any health concerns, and do not put off any recommended laboratory tests and procedures, like stool exam, colonoscopy, etc., since early detection can save lives. (5) Stay away from tobacco and from secondhand smoke, which is even more toxic. (6) If you enjoy alcoholic drinks, imbibe in moderation, preferably with dinner; excess alcohol increases the risk for cancer, burns the liver and cooks the brain. (7) Overall, live and enjoy a healthy lifestyle. *** 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
1 OAK Nightclub at The Mirage Hotel & Casino hosted a glamorous bash as “Keeping Up With the Kardashians” star Malika Haqq celebrated her 34th birthday at the vegas hot spot on Friday, March 3. Reality star Dorothy Wang was one of her guests to party with her in true vegas fashion as DJ Ikon spun chart-topping hits throughout the night. Photo by Raoul Gatchalian
16 Filipino ‘Wonder Women’...
PAGE B4 ing centers that gives enrichment lessons on Singapore Math and financial literacy. Rowie is also a Google Educators Group (GEGs) Leader for the Makati CBD chapter. GEGs are communities of educators who learn, share, and inspire each other to meet the needs of their students through technology solutions, for the classroom and beyond. Rowie is one of the Outstanding Women by the ASEAN Women Entrepreneurs’ Network in 2016 and an awardee of Go Negosyo’s Inspiring Women Entrepreneurs of 2016. Chesca Garcia-Kramer, multimedia personality Chesca is a Tv host, actress, social media personality, YouTube creator, and model. She’s also a full-time mom to Kendra, Scarlett, and Gavin, and wife to her husband, Doug Kramer. Together, they are known as “Team Kramer”, one of the most popular celebrity families in the country today. She started in the entertain-
ment industry in 1992 when she joined the youth-oriented variety show, Ang Tv. From then, she played many different roles in soap operas and movies. In 2015, she hosted “Mommy Hacks,” a parenting lifestyle show on CNN Philippines, with Rica Peralejo-Bonifacio. The show was renewed for a second season but was renamed “Mommy Manual” for GMA News Tv. Together with Rica and Marilen Faustina-Montenegro, Chesca is working on 100% Whole Mom--a passion project manifesting in a series of workshops for mothers in order to empower and teach them about the home, beauty, and heart. Chesca will also be launching a series of children’s books called “Team Kramer values and Healthy Habits” this June. Rica Peralejo-Bonifacio, multimedia personality Regina Carla Peralejo-Bonifacio, more known as Rica Peralejo in the Philippine entertainment industry, is a professional performer (actress, singer, dancer, host) for the local film and televi-
sion industry. In 1992, she was part of the popular youth oriented show Ang Tv and from there, she naturally graduated into doing more serious projects. She started taking on mature roles and had the privilege of working on movies, soap operas, and variety shows alongside the biggest names in the industry. Prior to her current lifestyle television show on CNN Philippines called “Mommy Hacks,” where she is a main host together with Chesca Garcia-Kramer, she was also a regular host on “Umagang Kay Ganda,” a daily morning news-oriented show on ABS-CBN for around four years. From stage performances Rica has then transitioned into talk show hosting, journalism, and writing. Her contributions appear in several magazine publications, and is largely followed on her personal website. Her usual topics include faith, marriage, motherhood, home improvement, and is an inspiration to many for being honest and vocal about her being a work of transformation, redemption, and redefinition.
Immigration Corner Atty. MAriA ritA reyes-stuby And bernAdette bretAnA THE U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which is assigned to implement the immigration policies, law and regulations of the U.S. government, recently issued two (2) memoranda dated 02/20/2017, in response to the 01/25/2017 Executive Order (E.O.) of the President, re: travel ban of nationals from specific Muslim countries, among others. In the same E.O.,the immigration policies of the new administration are spelled out - strict implementation of the laws to better secure our borders and screen applicants for early detection of the commission of fraud, malice or harm. Specifically, the E.O. explicitly states that a border wall will be
Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAglAyA (Continued from last week...)
I HAvE discovered gardening to be a quiet, solitary pursuit somewhat fit for hermits and loners — unglamorous, unexciting, backbreaking, time consuming, manual, icky, down in the dirt labor that was certainly not meant for immediate gratification. So, why do it at all? I don’t really know. Must be borderline idiocy. Of course, I speak only for myself. For one thing, it teaches you the patience of Job and the virtue of humility. I have failed more than succeeded and am still working on it. But as time passed, I have been encouraged by modest results. I became synchronized with the seasons and their gentle nuances. I took baby steps and was off and running at one point I could call most plants by name these days and seem to instinctively know what to do when a problem arises. If things don’t work on my own accord, I seek help. I still am a failure with azaleas. Azaleas have been dying on my shift so I am staying away from them. I suspect it has something to do with the amount of light and too much water that
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What the DHS’ recent memos mean built. The 2 DHS memos explains in detail the how’s and whys for the effective implementation of these policies. What is very interesting though is that in laying down details for the EO’s implementation, the memos simply cited existing provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and other related laws in justifying its legality and enforceability. For instance, “building a wall” between the U.S. and Mexico finds support in the IIRIRA of 1996 or the “Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act” (Section 102 thereof). where Congress has authorized the building of “physical barriers and road at the border” to prevent illegal entry of those who have not been given permission to enter the United States. Deporting aliens who are in this country illegally, not just those who have committed crimes or are involved
in gang or drug-related activities, the memos itself admit that if the laws already enacted by Congress is strictly enforced, the removal of all “deportable aliens” after due process is sanctioned, Just to name a few, those who have (a) entered this country without inspection (crossed the border illegally); (b) committed document fraud; (c) lied before a consular or immigration officer to obtain an immigration benefit; (d) committed a crime, domestic violence or drug related felonies; (e) willfully misrepresented or engaged in fraud against any governmental agency; or (f) already ordered to be deported or removed which have not been executed (Sections 212[a][2], [a][3], [a][6][C]; 235[b] and [c]; and 237[a][2] and [4] of the INA). Even the policy to expedite removal of certain aliens upon entry if the facts will permit PAGE B7
Tweaking the lessons learned from the garden “My garden is my most beautiful masterpiece” -Claude Monet, speaking of his garden At Giverny has drenched the soil because of an unusually wetter, longer winter season. I said goodbye too to a beautiful sago palm that must have suffered root rot. Farewell too to a French lavender bush that gave me so much fragrance. The garden gets a lot of shade being in a Northwest orientation so I am quite alright with the fact that I will never have roses which I would love to have but can’t. Believe me, I tried. So I just admire them in my neighbors’ gardens with a southeast orientation. My journey to self-discovery has been made easier by understanding the process of nature, the seasons and the nature of things: of why a seed no matter how good cannot grow in a certain type of soil; or how a young tree cannot grow in the shadow of a mighty oak; or of how much light a plant needs to burst with flowers, of the impeccable timing and the cycle of the seasons that are in God’s perfect divine order like a well rehearsed dance or a Beethoven symphony; of why you
must resist moving a plant from a place where it is growing so well to another place simply to satisfy a whim or a feng shui decorating principle; when and where to prune, of knowing when to water by sticking a finger in the soil or noting the droop of the leaves; or the merits of clay pots and plastic pots; of when to re-pot or top dress; even how to propagate. The most important lesson perhaps is learning when to leave well enough alone and letting go; of accepting death as part of life. I make it a point to take pictures when the flowers are in full bloom, knowing that no matter how pretty they are, their beauty is fleeting. I am left with images and memories just like the photos on the wall and in the albums recording one’s family life. Once the children leave to be on their own, you hope the memories in those photos sustain you for the long term. The irony of it all is that the more I know, the more I realize PAGE B7
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EntErtainmEnt
The Backstreet Boys celebrate the debut of their residency on the Las Vegas Strip with an of cial ‘LARGER THAN LIFE’ after party at Chateau Nightclub & Rooftop at Paris Las Vegas on March 1. Photo by Raoul Gatchalian
Tweaking the lessons learned from... PAGE B6
how little I know. I guess that is the paradox of all lifelong learning. I now appreciate more clearly the delicate balance on which our planet depends for it to sustain life — of how vastly critical it is for everyone to do their part to ensure that life continues, specially that of human life. But I do reject the rabid, unhinged proponents of climate change (global warming, global cooling) whose real agenda is a political and economic windfall
for its billionaire backers. It is sheer hubris and madness to pretend to usurp the laws of nature to push a duplicitous agenda. One can see life’s longing for itself in the perennial grass that grows. There is great wisdom in gardening. If you dig in the garden long enough, you will find an infinite variety of the parallel laws that govern all life with unsurpassed clarity. Gardening, if you stick with it long enough, is a metaphor for human life itself.
Gardening has taught me a zen-like passive skill of enjoying quiet solitude, of observing what works and what won’t, of doing what needs to get done with very little struggle and ultimately, of accepting and of simply letting go when all I have done is all I can do. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.com
What the DHS’ recent memos... PAGE B6 is already covered. A point of emphasis in the memos is the plan to increase the participation of local and state law enforcement agencies in apprehending criminals who are not U.S. citizens and reporting them to immigration enforcement agencies such as ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) for expeditious prosecution and removal from the U.S., if the facts warrant. This is not a novel idea to brag about. But since the participation by local and state law enforcement can only happen if there is an agreement between local/state agencies and the DHS, there has to be a more aggressive and justifiable approach in convincing the former to be “on board.”
Is this really a shift in policy or just grandstanding? As stated in one of the memos, with the exception of the memoranda that pertain to DACA applicants and recipients (June 15, 2012 entitled “Exercising Prosecutorial Discretion with Respect to Individuals Who Came to the United States as Children” and November 20, 2014 entitled “Exercising Prosecutorial Discretion with Respect to Individuals Who came to the United States as Children and with Respect to Certain Individuals who are Parents of U.S. Citizens or Permanent Residents”), all existing memoranda, directives or field guidance that conflict with the 2 memos are deemed “immediately rescinded”. Gone are the days when the undocumented
or perhaps “under documented” who may potentially enrich the good old US of A , be given a glimmer of hope without fear of being apprehended and summarily deported. The immigration law which purports to guarantee national security is fomenting insecurity and indignation. *** Maria Rita Reyes-Stuby is a licensed attorney in Michigan. She is a graduate of the University of the Philippines College of Law. She specializes in immigration and practices in Las Vegas, Michigan, California and other states. Bernadette Bretana, a graduate of the Ateneo Law School and Ms. Stuby are licensed attorneys in the Philippines. Please call @702-403-4704 or email her at stubylaw@aol.com or go to www.mrstubylaw.com for any questions on this article.
LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • mARch 9-15, 2017
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