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Volume 27 - No. 43 • 2 Sections – 20 Pages 3700 W. Desert Inn Road Las Vegas, NV 89102 • Tel: (702) 792-6678 • Fax: (702) 792-6879
Pacquiao on Vargas: ‘This is going to be a historic fight’
N O V E MBE R 3 - 9 , 2 0 1 6
Also published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA, NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY
by DANA
SIOSON AJPress
FOR Eight-division world champion Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao, challenging the World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight champion Jessie Vargas is an honor. “It’s an honor for me to fight a champion,” Pacquiao said in a press conference on Wednesday, Nov. 2. Pacman received a warm welcome from fans upon his arrival in Las Vegas, a few days before his upcoming match with Vargas. The Pacquiao-Vargas bout will be held on Saturday, November 5, at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. “I’m very thankful for all my fans for all the support they’ve been giving me. And on November 5, I wanna be successful with a great win,” the Filipino champ said. Pacquiao, who was also elected Philippine Senator and eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao poses with WBO senator in May 2016, expressed welterweight champion Jessie Vargas as they face off for the final press conference before his determination to make another record in boxing history as their PPV showdown on Saturday, Nov. 5 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. AJPress photo by Robert Macabagdal
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USA
FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
AAPI leaders reiterate importance of voting on Nov. 8
Rep. Judy Chu
Rep. Mark Takano AJPress photos by Robert Macabagdal
LAS VEGAS — In the final week before Election Day, Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) leaders reminded the community to get out the vote. Reps. Judy Chu (D-Calif.) and Mark Takano (D-Calif.) were in this city over the weekend alongside volunteers to PAGE A2
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US stops sale of arms to PH over drug war by ERIC
ANTHONY LICAS / AJPress
A SENIOR U.S. senator’s opposition to Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s bloody crackdown on crime has blocked the sale of 26,000 firearms to the Philippine National Police (PNP), according to a new report. Aides for Sen. Ben Cardin of Maryland—the most senior Democrat on the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee—told Reuters on Monday, October 31, that he would oppose the transaction. The announcement reportedly prompted the U.S. State Department to halt plans for the arms deal. In the past, Cardin had introduced legislation promoting cooperation between Philippine and American law enforcement agencies. However, reports of the growing death toll linked to the Duterte administration’s efforts to curb the Philippines’ illicit narcotics trade have driven Cardin to criticize what has been a violent war on drugs. “There is a right way to approach this issue … and a wrong way,” Cardin previously said on the floor of the Senate on Tuesday, September 27. “President Duterte, in advocating and endorsing what amounts to mass murder, has chosen the wrong way.” He went on to say that the Duterte administration has PAGE A2
‘WIN-WIN’ SITUATION AT PANATAG
Security adviser says China, Obamacare premiums to PH in ‘friendly understanding’ increase in 2017 by DANA
SIOSON AJPress
PREMIUMS for health care plans under President Barack Obama’s Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act will rise 22 percent for mid-level plans in 2017, according to a recent report from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). HHS Secretary Sylvia Mathews Burwell defended the program and the premium hike on CNN, saying that controversial law — commonly known as Obamacare — has had a record of benefiting all Americans. PAGE A2
FOLLOWING the reports that claimed several Filipinos were able to fish ‘unmolested’ at the disputed Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal in the South China Sea, Philippine National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon said both the Philippines and China have reached what he described as a “friendly” understanding. “The coastguard of China is there, but their Navy is gone. And now, our fishermen are no longer being accosted, no longer being forced out, so we can say things are now friendly,” he said on Monday, October 31. Also known as Bajo de Masinloc, Panatag shoal is located 230 (140 miles) kilometers
west of Zambales, which overlaps the 200nautical mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Since the standoff in 2012, China has been exercising control in the shoal, claiming its “historic rights” based on the “nine-dash line.” As a result, Filipinos have been unable to fish there. In July of this year, the arbitration tribunal at The Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines and concluded that China’s claim of sovereignty over the waters had no legal basis and violates UNCLOS, a treaty signed by both the Philippines and China. PAGE A2
Infographics by Kendrick Tan/AJPress
Duterte breaks his vow to not curse again by DANA
SIOSON AJPress
A FEW days after promising that he would stop cursing, President Rodrigo Duterte broke his vow. Duterte, known to usually use profane words in his speeches, earlier shared that he promised to God and to the Filipino people that he would avert himself from cursing. But the president returned to his old habit when he warned police officers to not engage themselves in illegal drugs. “Huwag kayong magkamali pumasok diyan. T*** i** tata-
pusin ko talaga kayo. Sinabi ko na sa inyo (Don’t make a mistake by entering into illegal drugs. S** of a b****, I will kill you. I’m telling you),” he expressed on Monday, October 31, in Davao City. Last week, Duterte said he vowed not to swear again after his encounter with God on his way back to the Philippines from his state visit in Japan. “I was looking at the skies as I was coming over here. And... everybody was asleep snoring. A voice said that you know, ‘If you don’t stop, I will bring this PAGE A2
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Pacquiao on Vargas... PAGE A1 the first senator to win a world championship. “I’m so interested to win convincingly and get the belt because this is my first fight since being elected as senator,� he said. For Pacquiao, it’s not easy working both as a senator and a boxer. But through discipline and time management, he said he was able to overcome the hardship. “I’m glad that I fulfilled my duty and I maintained boxing. I’m so excited for the Saturday. I’m sure it’s going to be a good fight, more action in the ring,� he said. Pacquiao, 37, has a record of 58 wins in 66 fights. Meanwhile, Vargas, 27, has fought 28 times and only lost once in 2015. While the odds of the match were 5-1 in favor of Pacquiao, some noted that the age difference between the two fighters could be a disadvantage for the Filipino champ. “Never underestimate the heart of a young, lion champion,� warned Dewey Cooper, Vargas’ trainer. However, Pacquiao’s coach, Freddie Roach, does not believe so. “I think it’s a disadvantage (for Vargas). He’s younger and he’s not experienced, and Manny... his level’s much higher than him. He’s never fought someone like him,� Roach pointed out. At the co-main event of Pacman’s comeback fight, Filipino boxer Nonito “The Filipino Flash� Donaire Jr. will defend his WBO
Manny Pacquiao with coach Freddie Roach.
PAL ANNIVERSARY. The country’s flag carrier, Philippine Airlines (PAL), is celebrating its 75th anniversary and the Philippine Postal Corp. (PHLPost) is marking the occasion by issuing a commemorative stamp. The PAL 75th anniversary commemorative stamp features the flag carrier flying over a map of the world. PAL, a trade name of PAL Holdings, Inc., is the nation’s flag carrier. It is the first commercial airline in Asia and the oldest of those currently in operation, with a long and distinguished record in the aviation industry. Philstar.com photo
Security adviser says China... PAGE A1
Sen. Manny Pacquiao receives a warm welcome upon his arrival at the Wynn Las Vegas in on Tuesday, Nov. 1. After his reception, Pacquiao went to Top Rank Gym for some light training to prepare for his welterweight match against WBO champion Jessie Vargas on Saturday, Nov. 5 at the Thomas &Mack Center. AJPress photos by Robert Macabagdal
junior featherweight title against Jessie Magdaleno. “Happy ako na kasama ko siya, na kasabay ko siya sa fight. Gusto ko may mga Filipino na may kasama akong lalaban, hindi lang
ako, para makapagdala ng karangalan sa bansa (I’m happy to fight alongside with him. I want to have fellow Filipinos fight with me, not just me alone, to bring honor to our country),� Pacquiao said.
US stops sale of arms...
pine Senator Panfilo Lascon called Cardin’s position “his opinion and nothing more,� acPAGE A1 cording to ABS-CBN News. He of the year. The senator has yet to issue a said there were plenty of other refused to investigate alleged abuses and that if current trends statement regarding the termi- countries that could probably offer the PNP a better deal. continue, over 6,000 people nated deal. Duterte brushed off the imIn a statement released on could wind up as victims of extrajudicial killings by the end Tuesday, November 1, PhilipPAGE A4
Duterte breaks... PAGE A1
plane down now.’ And I said, who is this?’ Of course, it’s God. Oh, OK. So, I promised God not to express slang, cuss words,� he related. But the president added in the same statement that there would still be a time when a vulgar language had to be used. “There is always a time, a time to be foul-mouthed. I don’t like anybody reading my mind. It’s all calibrated, it’s always timing,� he said. During the past few months, President Duterte had directed foul words toward international leaders who criticized him, including United States President Barack Obama, the European Union, and United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.
The Chinese government, however, has refused to acknowledge the ruling. According to Esperon, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte negotiated the understanding with Chinese President Xi Jinping during his four-day state visit to China last week. The national security adviser was among the officials who accompanied the president on his trip. Before his trip, Duterte remarked that Filipinos might soon be allowed to fish again in Panatag shoal. “They didn’t dwell at length on the subject matter because they tackled several other things, so there was no agreement. I don’t know about their other agreements but our president believes
AAPI leaders reiterate importance... PAGE A1 continue to mobilize AAPI voters and to make last pitches on behalf of Democratic candidates Hillary Clinton for president and former Nevada Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto for U.S. Senate. “If [the AAPI] vote concentrates on a particular candidate, they can determine the outcome of that election,� Chu said. “We saw that with Senator Harry Reid, who faced a tough race four years ago.� Numerous studies have shown the power AAPIs have to swing elections, including Nevada’s Senate race. AAPIs comprise about 9 percent of Nevada’s electorate. Though Clinton and Cortez Masto’s stances on issues that AAPIs care about have been widely publicized, Chu and Takano again spoke about how many families, including Fili-
pinos, have been waiting years to be reunited and how both candidates are committed to passing comprehensive immigration reform. “So many Asians have suffered from our broken immigration system. They have petitioned to get their relatives from the Philippines, China, Korea and they wait 10, 20 years, with virtually no hope of getting them here. Yet, they deserve to unite with their families. Our system is such that you can unite with your family and bring them here,â€? Chu said. She added, “This could change with Hillary Clinton and Catherine Cortez Masto‌Hillary Clinton has pledged to work on comprehensive immigration reform in the first 100 days, but she needs the House and Senate with her.â€? Further, both members of Congress explained the latest email
issue surrounding the Clinton campaign. Last Friday, October 28, the FBI revealed that it found a number of emails relating to Clinton in a separate investigation of former New York congressman Anthony Weiner, husband of prominent Clinton aide Huma Abedin. The bureau hasn’t officially announced a reinvestigation but is seeing if the emails are related to the bureau’s investigation into Clinton’s emails. Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nev. ) criticized FBI Director James Comey, saying the announcement violates a law, known as the Hatch Act of 1939, which prohibits government officials in the executive government from engaging in political activity. “Your actions in recent months have demonstrated a disturbing double standard for the treatment of sensitive information,
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our fishermen won’t be touched since the matter was also brought up,� Esperon said. He said it’s a ‘win-win’ situation for both countries. “Although the two presidents were not able to come up with a resolution on the disputed territories...why allow yourselves to be in that confrontational position when you can talk about economic relations, trade relations?� Esperon said. However, he reiterated that the Philippines is not dropping its claims over the shoal. Meanwhile, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said that Beijing made “proper arrangements� based on the “friendship between China and the Philippines� after Duterte expressed his concerns regarding the issue.
Hua said Duterte’s visit signaled “comprehensive improvement of China-Philippines relations.� However, Hua clarified that China would still continue to exercise its claims over the South China Sea. On the other hand, the United States said last week that it is “still assessing� the situation in Panatag, following the reports that claimed China pulled out its Navy from the shoal. “We’d like it to be a sign that China and the Philippines are moving towards an agreement on fishing access at Scarborough reef that would be in accordance with the July 12th arbitral decision,� U.S. State Department spokesperson Mark Toner said in a press briefing on Friday, October 28. n
with what appears to be clear intent to aid one political party over another,â€? Reid said in a letter. Chu wanted AAPI voters to know that an investigation isn’t being re-opened yet. “It’s looking at some more emails. In reality, Director C o m e y h a s n’ t s a i d t h e re’s something bad in there‌I am upset that they would do such a thing so close to the election‌Basically what they’re doing is just making a big question mark. Obviously, they’re not going to resolve anything before the election so I think Director Comey was playing politics and that’s not right for the FBI, especially when they have this long tradition in the Department of Justice of not putting things right before an election that would determine the outcome of that election,â€? she said. Meanwhile, on the Republican side, the party is continuing to reach AAPIs on the grassroots level, especially in Nevada. “The Republican National Committee (RNC) is going to continue to do what we’ve doing the past three years—engaging AAPI voters in their communities. With
the continued enthusiasm on the Republican side, our teams on the ground will continue to push hard until the last polls close on Election Day,� Ninio Fetalvo, a spokesman for the RNC, told the Asian Journal. According to RealClearPolitics’ average of seven national polls, Clinton polled at 45.3 percent, while Trump was at 43.4 percent. For the Senate race, a CNN/ ORC poll — conducted from Oct. 27 to Nov.1— found Rep. Joe Heck with 49 percent and Cortez Masto trailing behind two points at 47 percent. “It’s not only Donald Trump we have to defeat. We have to defeat Trumpism — that means we have to reject Donald Trump at the polls. Do not get discouraged. Just see that what’s going on in the news right now is totally about discourage people from voting. But keep your hope alive and vote your values,� Takano said. Early voting in Nevada ends Friday, Nov. 4. In the last weekend before Election Day, Cortez Masto has a series of events scheduled with the AAPI community in Las Vegas. (Christina M. Oriel / AJPress)
Obamacare premiums... PAGE A1 “The Affordable Care Act was about three fundamental things — access, affordability and quality. It was about everybody, not just the uninsured,� she said on Wednesday, October 26. According to the report, the premium hike won’t affect 84 percent of Americans who receive help from government subsidies, which will also increase. Moreover, many Americans enrolled with Obamacare receive tax credits which can also help with premium costs. When Obamacare was first introduced, insurance companies
were under-pricing premiums. Burwell said that the premium hikes reflect the need for insurers to adjust pricing based on data that is now available. However, critics say that the rising premiums harm those who pay the full cost of their health insurance with no help from the government. Larry Levitt, senior vice president for special initiatives at the Kaiser Family Foundation, said that Americans can expect a difficult enrollment period, which begins on November 1. “Consumers will be faced this PAGE A3
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LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 3-9, 2016
FBI may reopen Clinton email investigation as election tightens by KLARIZE
MEDENILLA AJPress
AFTER deciding not to press charges in September after its initial investigation on Hillary Clinton’s use of a private email server, the FBI announced that it is reviewing additional emails to see if it would reopen the case. On Friday, October 28, the FBI revealed that it found a number of Clinton’s email on the laptop of disgraced former New York congressman Anthony Weiner, husband of prominent Clinton aide Huma Abedin. They were uncovered during a separate FBI investigation on Weiner’s alleged illicit online interactions with an underage girl. The bureau hasn’t officially announced a reinvestigation but is seeing if the emails are related to the bureau’s investigation into Clinton’s emails. The move shifts the election race, which had been leaning in Clinton’s favor amid favorable debate performances. Moreover, the infamous leaked audio of Trump in 2005, which pundits have said irreparably damaged his chances and ensured a Clinton win. Since news broke out in March 2015, the email scandal has been a roadblock for Clinton, and her opposers use it as a way to declare the broader message: she is not trustworthy. The email scandal has acted as a key influencer in how polls shift as Election Day nears, and different parties are accused of using the emails as leverage to shift the favor away from Clinton in the horserace. The controversial interna-
tional whistleblowing organization WikiLeaks began publishing Clinton campaign manager John Podesta’s emails on October 7 when Clinton’s lead increased by 2.7 to 4.7, according to the Washington Post. On Tuesday, November 1 an exchange between Podesta and Cheryl Mills, former counselor to the state department (under Clinton), showed that Podesta urged Clinton’s team to delete all the emails. Comey criticized Clinton called the move to reignite the case “unprecedented” since, historically, the FBI has avoided making moves that could potentially shift the election. Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nevada) criticized Comey, saying the announcement violates a law, known as the Hatch Act of 1939, which prohibits government officials from the executive government from engaging in political activity. “Your actions in recent months have demonstrated a disturbing double standard for the treatment of sensitive information, with what appears to be clear intent to aid one political party over another,” Reid said in a letter. Recently, Comey was under fire when he said that the United States shouldn’t declare that Russia is “meddling” in the U.S. election, saying that it’s too close to Election Day, according to a former FBI official. The anonymous official told CNBC that many other government officials find it confusing that Comey is concerned with the timing of the election in the Russia case, but not in the Clinton/ Weiner/Abedin email probe.
Obamacare premiums...
PAGE A2 year with not only big premium increases but also with a declining number of insurers participating, and that will lead to a tumultuous open enrollment period,” Levitt told Fox News. Speaker of the House Paul Ryan (R-Wisconsin) promised that Republican lawmakers are working to “replace it with real-patientcentered solutions that fit your needs and your budget,” he said in a video on his website. A fervent opposer of Obamacare, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump went on
Fox News on Tuesday, October 25 to respond to the premium hikes, saying the “disastrous” law needs “to be repealed and replaced.” “I can say that all of my employees are having a tremendous problem with Obamacare,” Trump said at a rally in Florida following the announcement of the premium increase. “What they’re going through with their healthcare is horrible because of Obamacare, so we’ll repeal it and replace it. However, Burwell reiterated that Obamacare has kept premiums in check for Americans who are covered through employers.
This instance catalyzed conspiracies that Comey is trying to protect Trump from the backlash he’s received for his ties with Russia, as Reid said in the same letter to Comey. “The double standard established by your actions is clear,” Reid said. “It has become clear that you possess explosive information about close ties and coordination between Donald Trump, his top advisors, and the Russian government – a foreign interest openly hostile to the United States, which Trump praises at every opportunity. ‘ He added: “By contrast, as soon as you came into possession of the slightest innuendo related to Secretary Clinton, you rushed to publicize it in the most negative light possible.” A narrow race in the polls Consequently, several national polls indicate that Clinton’s oncecomfortable lead over Trump is dwindling just under a week before Election Day. RealClearPolitics averaged out six national polls — all of which were conducted between October 22-31 — and found that Clinton leads by 2.2 points. A new poll from CNN reports that Clinton with a 5-point lead over her adversary, with the former secretary of state at 49 percent and Trump at 44 percent. However, an ABC News/Washington Post tracking poll illustrates a different story in which Trump has taken over the lead by one point, 46 to 45 percent, as of Tuesday morning. Just a week ago, Clinton boasted a 12-point lead in a previous ABC News/ Washington Post poll. “For the 150 million people who that have employer-based care,” she said, “what we know is that in the last six years they’ve seen five of the slowest years of growth in their premiums in history.” ACA and the Fil-Am community Approximately, 55 percent of Filipinos support Obamacare according to the Fall 2016 National Asian American Survey. Although Filipino approval ranks lower than Asian Americans as a whole — 60 percent of Asian Americans support the law — many see Obamacare as a benefit to the community. When the United States Supreme Court voted to uphold
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HONORING THE DEAD. As of 5 on Monday afternoon, Oct. 31, the crowd at the Manila North Cemetery was estimated at 250,000 based on the city police data. The number of visitors is less compared to last year, the police said. Thousands of Filipinos filled grave sites across the country to honor their dead since Sunday, two days ahead of All Saints’ Day, which falls on Tuesday, Nov. 1. Inquirer.net photo by Tetch Torres-Tupas
Donaire guarantees KO win by DINO
MARAGAY Philstar.com
LAS VEGAS – Nonito Donaire Jr. is gunning for no less than a knockout win when he defends his WBO super bantamweight title against undefeated prospect Jessie Magdaleno at the Thomas & Mack Center here on Saturday, Oct. 30. At Monday’s media workout, Donaire said the only way Magdaleno will survive him in the ring is if he wears something to protect his head. “It’s never going for 12 rounds. Unless you have a helmet, then you can probably take it. But he
doesn’t have it,” said Donaire. Oozing with confidence, the 33year-old fighter also showcased a war cry in front of the press in which he declares himself “limitless.” “I am a warrior! I claim victory!” Donaire yelled. In Magdaleno, Donaire is facing a young, hungry fighter who has knocked out 17 of his 23 opponents. A prospect who also happens to be a brash one. Donaire reacted to the 24-yearold Magdaleno’s claim that the champion is old and already past his prime.
“He can talk all he wants. The big difference is the silence that I have is because of the confidence that I have,” the Filipino-American fighter continued. Donaire said that cockiness will be the cause of Magdaleno’s downfall. “The more you speak, the more that you become less of what you’re gonna be. Because you’re gonna talk yourself in there, and that’s what he’s been doing,” he added. Donaire and Magdaleno will slug it out in the undercard of Manny Pacquiao’s fight with Jessie Vargas.
Obamacare, Filipino healthcare professionals saw it as a win for their industry. “We expect the ACA, or Obamacare, to stimulate America’s demand for Filipino nurses, physical and occupational therapists, pharmacists, speech pathologists and other healthcare workers,” Liberal Party Rep. Roman T. Romulo of Pasig City told the Business Mirror in June 2015. “A greater number of Americans will now have access to health care, especially hospitalization — thus creating new demand for such services,” Romulo added. “Simply put, the US hospital industry is bound to boom, and so will their demand for foreign
staff.” The future of Obamacare Since it was put into effect in 2010, the law has provided income-based subsidies for Americans who select individual policies on healthcare.gov and state insurance markets. Since then, the law has helped reduce the uninsured rate to 9 percent, a historical low. Under the law, insurance companies are cannot deny insurance or charge more for individuals with pre-existing health concerns. In a speech delivered in Miami on Thursday, October 20, Obama addressed the benefits of the law. He referenced Americans by name who have been previously denied insurance and now have access to
coverage through the law. He, however, acknowledged that the law will need improvements to better serve generations to come. “We have always known — and I have always said — for all the good that the Affordable Care Act is doing right now, for as big a step forward as it was, it’s still just a first step,” he said. “Since we first signed the law, we’ve already taken a number of steps to improve it, and we can do even more, but only if we put aside all the political rhetoric, all the partisanship and be honest about what’s working, what needs fixing, and how we fix it,” he added. (Klarize Medenilla/AJ Press)
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Advancing Justice | AAJC and APIAVote provide in-language hotline for Asian American voters THE 2016 election season is coming down to the wire on both national and local elections. Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC (Advancing Justice | AAJC) and Asian Pacific Islander American Vote (APIAVote), two organizations that are committed to the cause of voter protection and education, are hosting an in-language hotline for Asian American voters. From now until Election Day
on Tuesday, November 8, volunteers will be available in eight languages – English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Vietnamese, Bengali, Urdu, Hindi, and Tagalog – to help those with questions about voting, how to find a polling place, or to learn about any ID requirements. Voters can seek answers to their questions through the Advancing Justice | AAJC and APIAVote hotline, 1888-API-VOTE (888-274-8683).
“Every eligible voter in the United States should be able to cast a ballot and participate in our democracy,” said Mee Moua, executive director and president of Advancing Justice | AAJC. “Ensuring that all voters know their rights at the polls is critical to their participation this November. As Asian Americans continue to grow in population, and turn out to vote, we must do everything we can to support their participation and make visible their political impact.” Although officials in numerous states have proposed measures that would increase the efficiency and inclusiveness of voting procedures, introducing measures such as automatic voter registration, others have regressed in the voting process. New voting restrictions in 14 states have had a significant impact on minority voters. Courts have successfully struck down some of these regulations, but the threat to equal access to the ballot box remains. Given that this year’s election will be the first without the full protections of the Voting Rights Act of 1964, it’s essential that voters who have historically faced discrimination at the polls can fulfill their civic duty with in-language assistance or help at the polls and without fear of intimidation. “As we head into to the first presidential election since 1965 without the full protection of the Voting Rights Act, the 888API-VOTE hotline is even more critical to protect and serve our electorate,” said Christine Chen, executive director of Asian and Pacific Islander American Vote (APIAVote). “This election hotline not only provides AAPI voters essential in-language assistance, but it also ensures that all voters, regardless of proficiency in English, will have equitable access to the ballot box.” APIAVote has also launched in-language resources, including in-language voting information online in Chinese, Korean, Tagalog, and Vietnamese and other resources. Five voting rights videos have been also created in these languages, as well as English to highlight various scenarios voters may face at the polls—and their rights in these situations. Based on polling information the groups cited that turnout of limited English proficient voters in 2012 was 9 percent lower than English proficient voters. Asian
UNCOMMON SIGHT. Motorists enjoy a rare stressfree drive along EDSA on Monday, Oct. 31 as Metro Manila’s streets were devoid of traffic jams as city residents opted to observe All Saints’ Day in the provinces. ManilaTimes.net photo by Roger Rañada
US stops sale of arms... PAGE A2 pact of the deal’s cancellation even further on Tuesday evening. “Susmaryosep! … Is that all they can do to threaten me?” the president told reporters after visiting the tombs ahead of All Souls’ Day. “We have many air rifles here,” he said jokingly. In his statement, Lascon went on to say that “there is now more reason for our Department of National Defense to revive our self-reliance program so we can produce our own weapons and ammunition and other military hardware.” The cancelled deal and SenaAmericans can face a number of barriers contributing to lower levels of civic engagement in our community. These challenges include lack of access to voter resources, discriminatory voting laws and practices, language barriers, and unfamiliarity with the voting process and political candidates. The groups’ voter education and protection efforts across the country are helping to amplify this hotline and to ensure equity for the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities at the ballot box. n
tor Lascon’s comments come during a complicated moment in Philippine-U.S. relations. In recent weeks, President Rodrigo Duterte has made comments suggesting that the Philippines ought to cut, or at least scale back its longstanding ties with the United States. Despite unresolved territorial disputes with China, his administration has sought to build economic, diplomatic and security ties with the regional powerhouse and other countries geographically closer to the Philippines. On Tuesday evening, Duterte told reporters that a Russian diplomat had previously told him to “come to Russia; we all have here anything you need,” according to the Inquirer. The shift in foreign policy follows the development of a tense atmosphere between the Duterte administration and Washington fuelled by U.S. condemnation of suspected human rights violations and the Philippine president’s provocative, expletive laden defense of his war on drugs. Figures released by the PNP place the death toll of the president’s initiative to exterminate the Philippines’ illegal drug
trade at over 3,400 people as of the first week of October. About 1,400 were deemed the result of legitimate police operations while the remaining 2,000 cases were still unresolved. On Tuesday, Lascon said he has “yet to see an investigation with the conclusion that massive and state-sanctioned human rights violations were committed under the present regime’s drive against illegal drugs.” However, one of the most vocal opponents of the Duterte administration, Senator Leila De Lima, said, in a statement released on Tuesday, that the State Department’s decision not to go through with the arms deal was a predictable reaction to significant concerns. She went on to call the administration’s pivot towards greater independence from America “hallow and bluster” that would alienate the Western power’s allies and cause friction throughout Southeast Asia. “This is just the start of what we will be reaping from the U.S. as result of the isolationist whirlwind this Administration has sown and continue to sow.” PNP officials said that, as of Tuesday, November 1, they had not yet received an official notice of the sale’s cancellation.
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D ateline PhiliPPines Palace to Moody’s warning on Duterte reiterates need to reimpose death penalty policy shifts: PH will be okay by Dana
M. SioSon
AJPress
THE Philippines “will be okay” even if the government shifts its policies, Malacañang said on Tuesday, November 1. Moody’s Investors Service recently cautioned the Philippines that its economic growth would be affected if the country made changes in its policies. Reacting to the warning, Communications Secretary Martin Andanar pointed out that the Philippines’ economic fundamentals remain “strong.” “The poverty rate had dropped. Inflation rate is stable. Government-private contracts continue to be honored,” he said, adding the economy will withstand policy shifts. “We will be okay.” In its “Banking System Outlook--The Philippines” report, the credit watchdog stated that Philippines’ banking system will remain stable over the next 12 to
18 months. “Profitability remains stable and the banks’ high loss-absorbing buffers will provide support for unexpected losses,” Alka Anbarasu,vice president and senior analyst at Moody’s, said. Anbarasu added that the ample domestic liquidity will also support the banks’ funding profiles. The report, released on Monday, October 31, also forecasted that the Philippines will achieve 6.5 percent real gross domestic product growth for 2016 and 2017. “Asset quality will remain broadly stable, supported by stable macroeconomic factors, and the stable debt servicing metrics of borrowers,” Anbarasu said. According to Moody’s, the country’s “strong domestic consumption” and an “increased pace of investments,” underpin the robust growth expectations. “Business sentiment remains
strong, banking sector credit growth will stay robust, and the economy has demonstrated resilience to global shocks,” the report added. However, Moody’s warned that these growth prospects could be undermined, if there is a “significant shift in the government’s policies.” The assessment was released a week after President Rodrigo Duterte announced that he is breaking away militarily and economically from the United States, the Philippines’ longtime ally. The president later clarified that there would be no severing of diplomatic ties between the Philippines and the United States. However, an independent foreign policy will be pursued. During his official state visit to Beijing in late October, Duterte also said that the Philippines will explore a more dependent relationship with China instead.
campaign. “Hindi nila naintindihan. Sabi nila, ‘Duterte, may death penalty MANILA, Philippines — Presi- noon, wala namang nangyari, dent Duterte has reiterated his ganoon rin. Bakit mo gustong call for Congress to pass a mea- ibalik?’ Ulol, kung hindi ka nasure reviving the death penalty man tarantado, hindi ako ang in order to give more teeth to his Presidente noon. Kasi kung ako anti-crime and anti-drug cam- ang Presidente noon wala tayong pinag-uusapan dito (They don’t paigns. Duterte said his critics do not understand the impact of the maximum penalty, as capital punishment was not fully implemented in the previous administrations. It was during the term of former president and now Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada that a convict, Leo Echegaray, was executed by lethal injection for raping his stepdaughter. Several other convicts were also executed. The law was repealed during the time of former president and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Duterte has been receiving flak from the US, the UN and the European Union for extrajudicial killings attributed to his anti-drug by ChriStina
MenDez
Philstar.com
FVR resigns as PH’s special envoy to China by Dana
M. SioSon
AJPress
FORMER President Fidel V. Ramos revealed on Monday, October 31, that he has resigned as the Philippines’ special envoy to China. “The moment the president came back from China from a successful state visit, I resigned as special envoy to China because the officials have taken over,” Ramos said. President Rodrigo Duterte made his first official visit to China from October 18 to 21 and announced upon his arrival in the Philippines that he secured a $24 billion deal with Beijing. According to the president, the deal, which was mostly about trade, investments, and maritime security, would generate 2 million jobs for Filipinos in the next five years. “I’ve done my job to...break the ice and to help restore the ties of goodwill and friendship,” Ramos added. Last July, Ramos accepted Duterte’s offer to become the
special envoy to China in the wake of The Hague’s ruling regarding the territorial disputes in the South China Sea. The arbitration tribunal at The Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines and concluded that China’s claim of sovereignty over the waters had no legal basis. China, however, has repeatedly refused to accept the ruling. Meanwhile, the Palace said it has not yet received the former president’s resignation. “Moreover, it is not true that the former president can no longer have any role in our engagement with China. His stature and expertise are needed now, more than ever, to follow up and bike on what President Duterte accomplished during his recent visit to China,” Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said. ‘Consider me an older brother’ Ramos also said that his criticism toward Duterte’s actions should be considered as advice in helping solve the country’s problems. “I must be considered by ev-
erybody, including the present president, as an older brother of the family,” he said. In a column published in the Manila Bulletin on Saturday, October 29, the former president chided Duterte for refusing to ratify the Paris Agreement on climate change. “He (Duterte) is unwittingly shooting himself in the mouth, and also all of us, 101.5 million Filipinos. He may claim that to be more “insulting than friendly” to our long-established allies is part of his God-given ‘destiny.’ But, this is obviously wrong, and full of S….T !!!,” Ramos wrote. Duterte earlier announced that he will not honor the climate agreement, arguing that it would only block the progress of Philippines’ economic growth. The agreement was signed last April by more than 150 countries, including the Philippines, “to put the world on track to avoid dangerous climate change by limiting global warming to well below 2°C.” The Philippines, under former President Benigno “Noynoy”
Former Pres. Fidel V. Ramos
Aquino III, agreed to reduce the country’s carbon emissions by 70 percent by 2030. Ramos suggested that Duterte should approve the Paris Agreement to “promote our country’s interests and fight for climate justice.” “Any further delay will increase Filipinos’ vulnerability to super-typhoons that are forecast to come soon,” he added in his column. PAGE A8
understand. They say ‘We had death penalty before, yet nothing happened, everything remained the same. Why do you want it revived?’ Stupid, I was not the president then. Had I been, we won’t be talking about this now),” Duterte said in his speech before the Filipino community in Tokyo PAGE A8
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OpiniOn
Epiphany
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NO more cussing. This was promised by President Rodrigo Duterte as he narrated how God has put a stop to his verbal rants upon his arrival from a state visit to Japan. “I was looking at the skies as I was coming over here. Everybody was asleep snoring. A voice said that you know ‘If you don’t stop, I will bring this plane down now,’” explained the president on Thursday, Oct. 27. The president -- who notorious for throwing expletives during his speeches and interviews -- described the experience as a moment of epiphany, saying that his promise to God is also a promise to the Filipino people. “And I said, who is this? Of course, it’s God. Oh, OK. So, I promised God not to express slang, cuss words,” he said. However, on Monday, Oct. 31, Duterte broke his no-curse promise when he warned policemen not to be involved into illegal drugs. “Huwag kayong magkamali pumasok diyan. T*** i** tatapusin ko talaga kayo. Sinabi ko na sa inyo (Never enter into illegal drugs. S** of a b****, I will kill you. I’m telling you),” he said. Despite his relapse, Duterte reminded his colleagues in the government and kababayans on Tuesday, Nov. 1, to shun greed and corruption, telling them that all things come to pass and that “deeds will outlast our mortal lives.”
“I, therefore, ask my fellow workers in government and the entire Filipino people to heed not the temptations of the temporal world,” he said. “Let us, rather, answer the call to be true servant leaders.” For Catholics and most Filipinos, November 1 and November 2, (All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day respectively) are two of the days where some of the oldest Christian traditions are displayed. All Saints’ Day, commonly known as “Undas or “todos los Santos” in the Philippines is the day the life and times of all the saints are remembered and celebrated. Observed as a holy day of obligation, faithful believers are led in prayers in honor of the holy men and women, including those not listed in the Church calendar. According to Church officials, this holiday “enriches the faith of all who observe it. When we honor the saints, we actually give glory to God.” All Souls’ Day is a time for solemn reunions and trips to visit and honor the resting sites of deceased loved ones, relatives and friends. Traditionally, this day is marked by offering of prayers, tance of spirituality over material possessions. “I hope that we cherish with fondness, love flowers, and lighting of candles. In his All Saints’ Day reflection, Duterte empha- and gratitude the spiritual inheritance left by our sized the teaching of Jesus Christ on the impor- ancestors and loved ones on their special day,”
Editorial
ManilaTimes.net photo
Duterte said. “May the nation receive the blessings of God as we exalt and emulate the holy men and women whose lives have inspired generations.” (AJPress)
Clinton or Trump: Who will you vote as the next US president? THERE is less than a week to go before America decides who will become the 45th president of the United States. Poll after poll has shown how much people want to have this civic exercise over and done with, given the toxicity this election cycle has been characterized with, not only by the campaigns of each major political party, but by their ardent supporters as well. As fear, hate and disgust of the nominee of the opposing party continue to motivate voters to head to the polls and exercise their right of suffrage, it is important for us to look at the big picture. This election is beyond policy and platform or the here and now. Whatever the outcome of the election is will become our legacy to the next generation; that is why we have to vote conscientiously, consistently with and following our very own moral compass in choosing the candidate whose message, vision, and example resonate with us. Surely we have two flawed candidates, but this should not stop us from discerning as to whom among them will lead our nation toward the direction we want to take our kids to. Among the many campaign speeches, First Lady Michelle Obama’s speech is a sobering reminder about this — that voting for the right candidate is our gift to our children.
Let me share with you excerpts from the First Lady’s speech The Fil-Am that has moved me so much as she spoke about allegations of Perspective Trump’s sense of entitlement in disrespecting, abusing and sexually assaulting women. You may disagree with what Mrs. Obama said about the al- GeL santos-reLos legations against Trump, finding flaws and criticisms against Clinton. That is a valid point, especially in light of the email controversies that continue to hound the Clinton campaign. But I am sharing this with you to make a point about how consequential this election is, especially for our children and grandchildren: “This is not politics as usual. This is disgraceful. It is intolerable. And it doesn’t matter what party you belong to - Democrat, Republican, independent - no woman deserves to be treated this way. None of us deserves this kind of abuse. And I know it’s a campaign, but this isn’t about politics. It’s about basic human decency. It’s about right and wrong. And we simply cannot endure this, or expose our children to this any longer - not for another minute, and let alone for four years. Now is the time for all of us to stand up and say enough is enough. This has got to stop right now. Because consider this. If all of this is painful to
us as grown women, what do you think this is doing to our children? What message are our little girls hearing about who they should look like, how they should act? What lessons are they learning about their value as professionals, as human beings, about their dreams and aspirations? And how is this affecting men and boys in this country? Because I can tell you that the men in my life do not talk about women like this. And I know that my family is not unusual. And to dismiss this as everyday locker-room talk is an insult to decent men everywhere. The men that you and I know don’t treat women this way. They are loving fathers who are sickened by the thought of their daughters being exposed to this kind of vicious language about women. They are husbands and brothers and sons who don’t tolerate women being treated and demeaned and disrespected. And like us, these men are worried about the impact this election is having on our boys who are looking for role models of what it means to be a man. In fact, someone recently told me a story about their six-year-old son who one day was watching the news- they were watching the news together. And the little boy, out of the blue, said: “I think
Hillary Clinton will be president.” And his mom said: “Well, why do you say that?” And this little six-year-old said: “Because the other guy called someone a piggy, and you cannot be president if you call someone a piggy.” So even a six-year-old knows better. A six-yearold knows that this is not how adults behave. This is not how decent human beings behave. And this is certainly not how someone who wants to be president of the United States behaves. Because let’s be very clear. Strong men - men who are truly role models - don’t need to put down women to make themselves feel powerful. People who are truly strong lift others up. People who are truly powerful bring others together. And that is what we need in our next president. We need someone who is a uniting force in this country. We need someone who will heal the wounds that divide us, someone who truly cares about us and our children, someone with strength and compassion to lead this country forward.” Whom ever you will be voting for, make sure you listen to that voice in your heart. *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https://www.facebook.com/Gel. Santos.Relos
Why I no longer support Heck Yankee go home, but take me with you Commentary
Cristina LLorente-Drost AS an independent voter, I voted for Joe Heck three times when he ran for Congress. As his fellow church-goer, I know he is a good man, but now we are on opposite camps on some issues. This has led me to change my vote and to throw my support behind Catherine Cortez Masto for U.S. Senate. Here’s why I changed my mind. First, Heck is totally opposed to the funding of Planned Parenthood. As a matter of fact, he voted 10 times to defund it. He even went so far as to vote to shutdown Congress over the issue. I support Planned Parenthood – especially their cancer screenings, which have benefited 20,000 Nevada women and girls. Additionally, sex education should be available to those who want and need it, which Heck opposes. Cortez Masto supports Planned Parenthood and received their full-throated endorsement. Second, Heck does not support background checks for prospective gun owners. Without background checks, guns can land in irresponsible, or even worse, criminal hands.
This is evident with more killings attributed to ownership of guns by those who are more aggressive and violent. It is too easy for dangerous people to get guns and the purpose of background checks is to save lives. As a physician, why wouldn’t Joe Heck be in favor of saving lives? In states with background checks, 46 percent fewer women are shot to death by their partners and 48 percent of law enforcement officers suffer fewer shootings. Background checks take 90 seconds to run, and do not impede ordinary Nevadans from being able to get and purchase guns, while protecting us from criminal elements. Cortez Masto supports universal background checks. Third, Heck supports the privatizing of Social Security. I am an 82-year-old grandmother who has paid into my Social Security savings throughout a lifetime of work as a teacher and librarian. I do not want to be surprised as to the amount that I receive monthly or to be surprised by the fluctuations of the stock market. I have a definite amount I need every month and am reassured to receive a fixed monthly amount. In fact, like many others, I planned out my retirement and future based upon a fixed income. I hope that the present social security system will be strengthened for future recipients like my children and grandchildren, instead of being watered-down and gambled
Street Talk GreG B. MaCaBenta
IF you scan the postings on social media, you would get the impression that the United States is anathema to most Filipinos. Hateful statements that rake up Yankee atrocities during the Filipino-American war; resentment over the U.S. ostensibly taking the Philippines “for granted” in terms of foreign and military aid; complaints about being turned down for a U.S. visa and why, in the first place, visas are required of Filipinos but not of citizens of many other countries; even the perceived “arrogance” of U.S. military officers towards their Pinoy counterparts, often accompany social and traditional media reports concerning President Rodrigo Duterte’s undiplomatic remarks against the U.S., as well as the measured response of American officials to these remarks. Along with that, in recent days, have been cheers over Duterte’s declaration on his recent state visit to Beijing that he was “separating the Philippines from the United States” and that it would now be the Philippines, China and Russia “against the world.” Yet a recent public opinion poll tells us that Filipinos trust the U.S. PAGE A7 by an overwhelming percentage
vis-à-vis China. And I don’t know of anyone eager to migrate to Moscow. Data reported in the Country Migration Report, Philippines 2013, prepared by the Scalabrini Migration Center and the International Organization for Migration, in cooperation with the Philippine government, tell us that the U.S. is the migration destination of choice for Filipinos (64.84 percent) followed by a far-second Canada at 16.75 percent. The 2010 U.S. Census also tells us that people of Filipino descent account for the second largest Asian ethnic group in America at 3.4 million (I suppose, not counting the TNTs), next only to the ethnic Chinese. Saudi Arabia and Canada, at 1.5 million and 842.6 thousand, respectively, are a distant second and third as a migration destination for Filipinos, according to the 2013 Country Migration Report. One can only imagine what the Pinoy migration would be if the Philippines were like Mexico, sharing a common border with the U.S. The late Alex Esclamado, founding chairman of the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) once put it half-jokingly, “If Filipinos could walk on water, millions more of us would come to the U.S.” And – get this – America accounts for 42.09 percent of Pinoy brides and only 27.44 percent in the case of Japan, 7.86 percent for Australia and 4.24 percent for Canada. Meaning, more Filipina women fall in love with Ameri-
cans than with any other foreign nationality. Why the inconsistency? It’s almost like saying, “Yankee go home, but take me with you!” Some pundits call it a “lovehate relationship” with America. Still, others insist that America “owes the Philippines” for having colonized it and having gotten it involved in the war with Japan and yet not treating Filipino World War II veterans equitably compared with soldiers from other countries who also fought alongside the U.S. A certain Burt Gabriel posted something on Facebook, which I am quoting verbatim: “Phil was taken for granted, neglected, was not given economic assistance. For last 15-20 years, Phil was abandoned, no financial aid was awarded to Phil for improvement of its security, military and its infrastructure needs. [It’s] not actually a total severance of diplomatic ties with states but [the] establishment of diplomacy with neighboring ASEAN neighbor willing to extend help. U.S. is still [A Filipino] ally and States [have] diplomatic ties with PRC as well.” The statement reflects the fuzzy understanding of the relationship between the Philippines and the U.S., as well as other countries. And as vague as many of our countrymen’s perception of that relationship already is, pseudonationalists and leftists have muddled that limited knowledge further with their rhetoric. For one thing, assuming that
the demonstrators in the recent march at the U.S. Embassy in Manila had a valid reason for doing so, didn’t they have an even more valid reason for marching to the embassy of the Chinese which has literally invaded Philippine territory? In fact, why did it take FilipinoAmericans to lead the demonstrations against Chinese incursion into territory claimed by the Philippines in the Spratlys? Only after media attention had been generated by the issue did Philippinebased activists spring into action over it. But to go back to the inconsistency between what are said against the US and how Filipinos actually perceive America, one commentator wrote years ago about “the myth of Philippine-American special relations,” pointing out that we Filipinos continue to believe that we deserve to be given “special treatment” by the US because of our shared history. The writer then urged Filipinos to wake up to the reality that the relationship between two sovereign nations cannot be based on one being overly dependent on the other, whatever their historical links might be. For all of his vulgarities, this is what I think Duterte has been trying to say. The trouble is, he simply muddles the message with his profanities and his jumbled way of expressing himself. If you disregard the trash talk and try to fathom what he is trying to say, you will see that Duterte is PAGE A8
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Dateline PhiliPPines
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Americans should get PH visa, says lawmaker Surigao del Sur rep. Johnny Pimentel has backed calls for parity in administrative travel conditions between the Philippines and the united States. “There are two ways we can achieve parity. Either we obligate americans traveling to Manila to first secure a Philippine visa, or the u.S. removes the requirement for Filipinos to get hold of a u.S. visa before they can travel to america,” Pimentel said. The lawmaker said requiring americans to obtain a Philippine visa could generate $125 million (P6 billion) in revenues. “This is assuming we ask each visiting american to pay a $160 visa application fee – the same amount the u.S. Embassy in Manila asks from every Filipino seeking a u.S. visa,” Pimentel said. Speaker Pantaleon alvarez earlier supported President rodrigo Duterte’s call for “reciprocity” in travel rights between the Philippines and the u.S. Pimentel said parity could mean additional good-paying jobs for college-educated Filipinos trying to enter the Philippine foreign service.
“We could use some of the P6 billion annual income to employ a large number of young Filipinos as vice consuls, and deploy them to Philippine consular offices in the u.S. so they can process the Philippine visa applications of american citizens,” he said. Filipinos traveling to america, regardless of purpose, have to apply for a u.S. visa, pay a $160 to $265 non-refundable fee, and show up for a personal interview with a vice consul, who may or may not issue a visa. in contrast, americans traveling to Manila enjoy visa-free entry to the Philippines for stays less than 30 days. “There is nothing anti-american about seeking parity in travel stipulations. This is all about equality in treatment. our peopleto-people, business-to-business as well as government-to-government relations with the u.S. remain sound,” Pimentel said. He said requiring americans to apply for a Philippine visa would also help weed out criminal offenders attempting to enter Manila. americans comprise the sec-
ond-largest group of foreigners visiting the Philippines every year, next only to South Koreans, according to the Department of Tourism. in 2015, 779,217 americans visited the Philippines, up 7.81 percent from the 722,750 in 2014. From January to august this year, 584,149 americans visited the Philippines, up 9.96 percent from last year’s figure of 531,217. Citizens of 38 countries are allowed to travel to america for tourism, business, or while in transit for up to 90 days, without having to obtain a u.S. visa. These countries are andorra, australia, austria, Belgium, Brunei, Chile, Czech republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, germany, greece, Hungary, iceland, ireland, italy, Japan, South Korea, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan and the united Kingdom. (ManilaTimes. net)
Opposition to challenge death bill Pro-LiFE and human rights campaigners in the House of representatives are determined to challenge Speaker Pantaleon alvarez’s plan to have his bill bringing back the death penalty passed before the Christmas recess. “The Speaker has thrown down the gauntlet on the death penalty. We will put up a fight,” House senior deputy minority leader and Buhay rep. Lito atienza said in a statement on Tuesday, Nov. 1. “The death penalty is the absolute and irreparable deprivation of human rights. it flouts the natural and unassailable right to life,” atienza added. “Congress cannot repeal the right to life of every human being, of every Filipino,” atienza, former three-term mayor of Manila, said. He was responding to alvarez’s plan for the House to approve on third and final reading the return of death sentences for heinous crimes before Congress adjourns for the holidays. “as far as the House is concerned, we will approve it [the reinstatement of the death penalty]before the Christmas break,” alvarez told reporters. The Speaker said the House would leave it up to the Department of Justice to specify the mode of putting convicts to death. “if they want to hang them, shoot them by firing squad, it’s up
to them. The criminals would be dead either way,” he added. The death penalty did not work before simply because only a handful of executions were actually carried out, alvarez said. in reply, atienza said, “There’s no point in performing another experiment on the death penalty that is bound to fail at the horrible sacrifice of more human lives.” He added that the country already experimented on the death penalty in the past, and it failed to deter crime. “The certainty of capture and punishment of criminals, regardless of the severity of the penalty itself, is the best deterrent to other would-be offenders,” atienza said. He also denounced the death penalty as “infected with economic prejudice and human error.” “it is bad enough we already have a virtual death penalty in place, with the unabated summary executions of alleged suspects sans the benefit of a full and fair trial,” atienza said. in accordance with President rodrigo Duterte’s wish to revive executions, alvarez’s bill seeks to mete out death sentences to offenders convicted of drug felonies, murder, rape, robbery, carjacking, kidnapping, bribery, plunder, parricide, infanticide, destructive arson, piracy and treason. atienza prefers that the same offenses be punished with im-
House, Senate bills filed to create first PH Space Agency by dana
sioson AJPress
HouSE and Senate bills seeking to create the first Space agency in the Philippines have been filed, Filipino astrophysicist Dr.rogel Mari Sese announced last Tuesday, october 25. “all the work that we have done in the past few years for the development of a national space program amounts to these two documents,” Sese said on his Facebook account, referring to the House Bill 3637 and Senate Bill 1211. according to him, both the bills aim to “legislate a Philippine Space Development and utilization Policy and create a Philippine Space agency.” The Philippine Space agency (PhilSa) will be, according to the Senate bill’s explanatory note, “responsible for developing space science technology policies, implementing research and education programs, and establishing industry linkages between private and public sector stakeholders.” “its consolidated programs and strategies for space science and technology, will pave the way for future Filipino astronomers, space scientists, and astronauts by laying down a strong foundation in space science education and research,” the note added. The Senate bill was filed by
Senator Benigno “Bam” aquino iV. on the other hand, the House bill was filed by Bohol 2nd District representative Erico aristotle aumentado and Zamboanga del Norte 1st District representative Seth Frederick Jalosjos. “We look forward to the support of the whole Philippines,” Sese said. Sese was also the program leader of the National Space Development Program (NSDP) under the Philippine Council for industry, Energy and Emerging Technology research and Development (PCiEErD). Presently, activities that are usually handled by space agencies were being performed by several separate programs in the Philippines. These include National Disaster risk reduction and Management Council (NDrrMC), which handles disaster risk management; National Mapping & resource information agency (NaMria), which gathers satellite information; and PagaSa, which conducts astronomical science programs. one of the recent advancements in Philippine space science was the launching of the country’s first microsatellite, the Diwata-1, into space april this year. Diwara-1 was designed and built by Filipino engineers and scientists.
Why I no longer support Heck
PAGE A6
away by Wall Street. Wall Street invested half a million dollars into Joe Heck’s campaign for him to call Social Security a “pyramid scheme.” i don’t want to see my Social Security savings and that of others vanish like people’s homes during the housing crisis which Wall Street also created. The only pyramid scheme is what Wall Street would do to our retirement savings. Cortez Masto has vowed to protect and preserve Social Security the same way she took on the big banks and fought to win Nevada
homeowners almost $2 billion in foreclosure settlements as Nevada’s attorney general. We need that kind of leadership in Washington, D.C. i have met Catherine Cortez Masto, and i appreciate that she understands my background. as the daughter of immigrants, she has vowed to fight for immigration reform and reduced family reunification times. With this in mind, i have concluded that this time, i am changing my allegiance and will vote for Catherine Cortez Masto as my u.S. Senator.
prisonment for 40 years, or until the convict reaches 70 years old, without the benefit of possible early release. Congress abolished the death penalty in 2006 as a result of mounting flaws, including the belated discovery of the wrongful execution of Leo Echegaray. (ManilaTimes.net)
SWAMPED. A local casts his fishing rod while stationed atop a tomb at the flooded public cemetery in Macabebe, Pampanga. Flooding brought by heavy rains from typhoons Karen and Lawin could pose a problem for cemetery visitors ahead of the commemoration of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. ManilaTimes.net photo by Mike De Juan
Nomination of new envoy to US on hold by Christina
Mendez
Philstar.com
MaNiLa – President Duterte has put on hold his nomination of a new Philippine ambassador to Washington, at least until after the election of a new u.S. president next week, presidential spokesman Ernesto abella said. This follows Duterte’s declaration that he is “separating” from the united States as part of his independent foreign policy. The u.S. elects a new president on Nov. 8. Duterte announced in august that he wanted Palace chief protocol officer Marciano Paynor Jr. to be the Philippine ambassador to the u.S., citing his long experience in “the foreign service.”
Paynor was supposed to replace businessman Jose Cuisia Jr. who recently finished his tour of duty but news came out that the same post was offered to The Star columnist Jose Manuel “Babe” romualdez. abella confirmed romualdez turned down the offer to become ambassador but agreed to serve as special envoy to the u.S. “at this stage, we don’t have the information,” abella said when asked about a new nominee for ambassador. “i don’t know if he is totally out,” abella said, when asked about Paynor’s status. “i think the President wants Paynor there in the Philippines because he is good,” he added.
Sources said Paynor would be overseeing preparations for the country’s chairmanship and hosting of the association of Southeast asian Nations (aSEaN) summit next year. according to abella, romualdez is awaiting his formal nomination papers before assuming duty. Duterte has tapped romualdez to be special envoy to the u.S. in a bid to “reboot” the strained relations of the Philippines with the u.S. This was after his scathing remarks against u.S. President Barrack obama over the latter’s expression of concern over the reported human rights abuses in relation to his administration’s bloody drug war.
A
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New batch of US troops arrives in Mindanao Senate to start Cha-cha debates next year by Dana
SioSon AJPress
A NEW batch of American soldiers arrived in Zamboanga City “a few days ago” despite President Rodrigo Duterte’s remarks against the foreign military presence in the country. The U.S. troops’ arrival is part of a “mere regular rotation,” Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla, spokesman of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), said on Wednesday, October 26. “They (America) have troops that need to be rotated,” Padilla said. According to him, the number of U.S. forces in Mindanao remains the same. Regarding how many soldiers were rotated,
however, was not disclosed. “They requested diplomatic clearance before entering. The Americans respect our processes, they sought permission,” he remarked. Speaking before the Japanese community earlier this week, Duterte expressed his desire to free the Philippines from the presence of foreign military troops in the next two years. “I want them out. If I have to revise or abrogate agreements, I will,” the president said. Last month, Duterte also said he wanted the U.S. troops to leave Mindanao in order to pursue peace talks with the rebels. Meanwhile, U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Philip
Goldberg said on Tuesday, October 25, that the United States is committed to staying in the southern Philippines to help in the campaign against Islamic militancy. The ambassador noted about 100 American troops currently remain in the region. From 2002 to 2014, a rotating force of about 600 U.S. troops was deployed to provide training and share of information and resources to Filipino troops in order to combat insurgents in Mindanao. “We have not officially communicated any request for U.S. pullout from Mindanao. You have to understand the president,” Padilla said.
by Paolo
RomeRo Philstar.com
MANILA - Senators will heed President Rodrigo Duterte’s call for speedier action on proposals to amend the Constitution to pave the way for a federal form of government, but will oppose any attempt to abolish the Senate. Senate Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III said he sees the chamber starting discussions on Charter change, particularly on proposals for a shift to a federal form of government, early next year. He said he expects his colleagues to engage one another in heated debates on the issue. “What we can do is to either pass a resolution convening a constituent assembly (con-ass) or pass a law for a constitutional convention (con-con),” Sotto said in a telephone interview. Duterte on Saturday said he is willing to step down from office as soon as the federal form of government is in place. He said such a form of government would allow regions to grow faster. “I give you my word, if the framework is already there, I will resign to give way to the new president,” Duterte said. Under a con-ass both the Senate and the House of Representatives convene as one body to write amendments to the Constitution. This mode is cheaper and is more convenient for proposing amendments. A con-con is composed of elected delegates representing congressional districts and various sectors who will convene as a separate body to write the amendments. The con-con is expected to cost billions and its life will depend on ZAMBOANGA MISSION: Some 50 US soldiers on formation witness the ceremonial folding of the flag of the Joint Special Operations Task Force how long the delegates will take Philippines at the Western Mindanao Command grandstand in Zamboanga City in this photo taken in February 2015. President Duterte has to finish their work. Supporters, said American forces are magnets of terrorist attacks in Mindanao and should eventually leave. Julie Alipala / Inquirer.net however, believe the con-con is less susceptible to influence by political parties. There are several bills pending before the Senate committee on constitutional amendments, chaired by Sen. Franklin Drilon, on Charter change. Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III is also pushing for the by RoSette aDel Filipinos in Italy are safe after the a magnitude-6.6 quake hit the Philstar.com tremor, reported to be the most mountainous area in central MANILA – The Department of powerful in 16 years. Italy that straddles Marche and Foreign Affairs on Monday, Oct. According to DFA statistics, Umbria. Another earthquake 31 reported that there were no Italy has the largest population was recorded in the same area PAGE A5 Filipino casualties in the power- of overseas Filipinos in Western on August 24 and left nearly 300 recently. The President even suggested ful 6.6-intensity earthquake that Europe. There are around 155,945 people dead. jolted Norcia, Italy on Sunday, registered or documented FiliAlmost 8,000 people have asked that criminals be burned to death Oct. 30. pinos with valid permits to stay for assistance from Italy’s Civil to decongest jails. He once told a Filipino crowd In a statement, the DFA also and work in Italy based on Italian Protection agency and are being assured the public that the Philip- Ministry of Interior records. housed in hotels and shelters after to “forget for a while the universal declaration of human pine Embassy is making sure all On Sunday, Philippine time, the two quakes. rights,” noting how many fami-
DFA: No Filipino casualties in powerful Italy quake
Senate Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III said he sees the chamber starting discussions on Charter change, particularly on proposals for a shift to a federal form of government, early next year.
federal system but has vowed to defend the chamber from moves to have it abolished. He stressed the Senate would remain a “political firmament” even in a federal Philippines. “I assure you that although I am very happy to be remembered as the Centennial Senate President, I do not want to be remembered as the last Senate President,” Pimentel said in his speech at the 100th anniversary celebration of the chamber last month. Sotto said the con-ass resolution could be easily approved in the Senate if it would be stated in the measure that both chambers of Congress would be voting separately once the body is convened. The Constitution is silent on whether the Senate and the House should vote separately or jointly in a con-ass. Senators fear congressmen, who number nearly 300, would outvote them. There are proposals in the House for a federal-parliamentary form of government where there will only be one legislature. “The bicameral system is appropriate for our country,” Sotto said. Sen. Joseph Victor Ejercito said a federal form of government must be clearly explained to Filipinos since it is a new idea for them. “If ever, massive information campaign has to start now,” Ejercito said. For Buhay party-list Rep. Lito Atienza, amending the Constitution to set the stage for federalism
should be done through con-con. “There is definitely less resistance to, and more support for, a constitutional convention in the House as well as in the Senate. If we want Charter reforms to succeed, we have to do it right. We have to learn the lessons of the past,” Atienza said. “The people are entitled to elect a new set of representatives to propose improvements to the Constitution,” Atienza, who is also the senior deputy minority leader of the House opposition bloc, pointed out. “We in Congress were not specifically selected by the people to tamper with and mess around with the Constitution. We were chosen as district and party-list representatives mainly to pass laws,” he pointed out. Deputy Speaker Gwen Garcia has moved for a con-ass through a resolution filed with the House committee on constitutional amendments. Reps. Albee Benitez of Negros Occidental and Vicente Veloso of Leyte endorsed the resolution. The committee led by southern Leyte Rep. Roger Mercado approved the resolution last Oct. 19 after a 32-7 vote with three abstentions. “The results of the voting show that the committee approves the concurrent resolution calling Congress as a constituent assembly for purposes of revising the Constitution,” Mercado announced.
lies of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) have been devastated when a son or daughter gets hooked on drugs. Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez said lawmakers are eyeing to approve before yearend a law that would reimpose the death penalty. Alvarez said the House is de-
liberating the measure and the form of execution. He said this would give more teeth to the President’s anti-drug campaign even if the bloody war has raised serious human rights concerns. A counterpart measure has been filed at the Senate.
Duterte reiterates need to...
FVR resigns as PH’s special... PAGE A5 In a separate column, also published in the Manila Bulletin on October 8, Ramos said that the Philippines has been ‘losing badly’ during the first three months of the current administration. The former president criticized Duterte’s threats to sever ties
with the U.S.: “Are we throwing away decades of military partnership, tactical proficiency, compatible weaponry, predictable logistics, and soldier-to-soldier camaraderie just like that?” Despite his attacks, Ramos said he still considers himself a part of the Duterte team, adding that he is free to give friendly
advice as part of the country’s democratic culture. “Those who wish the big Filipino family peace, sustainable development, progress and a place of respect and even admiration in the family of nations, must get together and look for the best solutions to the problems,” Ramos said.
Yankee go home, but take me...
PAGE A6 absolutely right. The Philippines, as a sovereign nation, should strive to stand on its own two feet, in a manner of speaking, instead of acting like a mendicant looking for a free meal and complaining that it’s getting only crumbs. But, let’s get it straight: Are Filipinos really acting like mendicants looking for a free meal? I don’t think so. I believe we have more self-respect than that. I also believe that the ones who insist that we are mendicants should not impute their own mendicancy on the rest of our people – and I’m addressing those who love to post their idiocy on social media. The fact that there are some 10 million Filipinos working overseas or have become permanent residents or citizens of other countries, and the fact that the majority of them have preferred to go to the US is not necessarily a sign of a “weak Filipino character.” Rather, it is a natural survival
instinct at work. Even beasts do that, and when there were land bridges connecting the continents eons ago, ancient humans moved from areas where food was scarce to places where they could find subsistence. That is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign of strength. A sign of love of family and the zeal to give their loved ones a better future. It is, on the other hand, a sign of weakness on the part of our national leaders, a sign of the greed of most of our politicians who also happen to be economic kingpins. It is an indication of the imbalance in the country’s economic growth – favoring the few who are rich and throwing crumbs at the majority who are poor. They call it “trickle down economics.” But Pope Francis himself doesn’t think much of it, declaring, in not so many words, that the “trickle” benefiting the poor is not enough to survive on. Thus, we see millions of Filipi-
nos leaving their homes and their families to seek better opportunities overseas. If Duterte can make good on his vow to uplift the poor of our country, we can forgive him for his obscenity. I think America sees through Duterte’s bluster. When he took back what he said in China (to Chinese applause) and clarified that he really doesn’t plan to cut ties with America (to Chinese puzzlement), US officials must have nodded knowingly and, to paraphrase, President Barack Obama, quipped, “There goes the colorful president of the Philippines again.” The trouble is, while Duterte keeps flip-flopping on his rants and bluster, his rabid supporters find themselves unable to take back their incendiary postings, even while deep in the hearts of many of them, they really want to say, “Yankee go home, but please take us with you!” (gregmacabenta@hotmail.com)
VISITING THE WOUNDED. Instead of taking a break during the holiday, President Rodrigo Duterte visited wounded soldiers at a military hospital in Jolo, Sulu. Duterte, accompanied by Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Ricardo Visaya, paid a visit to eight soldiers at the hospital in Camp Teodulfo Bautista on Monday, Nov. 1. The soldiers were wounded during a recent clash with the bandit group Abu Sayyaf. Inquirer.net photo by Ace Morandante
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VEGAS&STYLE Journal
“If we stand together, if we work together, we’ll all rise together. We’ll be stronger together.”
Sarah G gets ready for big return After two months away from the bright lights of show business, Popstar royalty Sarah Geronimo is gearing up for her big return, first and foremost to her singing career. “Yes, I’m 100-percent back in the biz, with an energized mindset and the motivation to work even harder,” she said in a small huddle just before the Halloween break. “I took a break when that time in my life came with questions like, ‘What really is my purpose?’ ‘What’s missing in my career, in my life?’ It was then I realized you shouldn’t work for other people to please them. that a person’s main goal mo should be to is to share whatever you have—what it is that the Lord gave you—regardless of what it is. What’s important is that you glorify and honor Him through what you do in your life,” she added. While she is bent on concentrating on her music, she revealed there is one movie that has caught her interest as well. “I’d like to focus more on my
music and promote my past albums, which I realize I wasn’t really able to push. We’re planning to release the best tracks from my albums,” Geronimo explained. running through the other facets of her career: “there’s a new movie that’s just been pitched; there’s also a concert in the planning stage; while for tV shows, there isn’t anything lined up for now.” She is grateful that following her break, her all-original concert from the top in 2015 won for her the Star Awards for Music’s female Concert Performer of the Year in October. As a treat for fans who have missed seeing her on stage, Geronimo finally announced she is getting ready for a special show to promote her album “the Great Unknown,” which just turned Platinum. “titled Sarah Geronimo the Great Unknown Unplugged,” the concert will take place at the Kia theater in Araneta Center on November 29. “I’m really excited to go live
Sarah Geronimo
again because it’s been a while since from the top at the Araneta. that was back in December 2015. So if my fans are excited to see me on stage, I’m even more excited to perform for them, and I’m making sure I’m a hundred percent for the show,” Geronimo ended. (ManilaTimes.net)
Fashion designer clarifies: Imelda Schweighart’s gown not stolen by Rosette
Adel
Philstar.com
fASHION designer Leo Almodal on tuesday, Nov. 1 broke his silence, denying that Imelda Schweighart’s evening gown was stolen and given to Miss earth 2016 Katherine espin. early tuesday, Almodal took to facebook to narrate his side of “truth” regarding the issue on the gown originally called “Artemis” or the moon goddess. He said the yellow gown is part of his upcoming international fashion shows and high fashion editorial video, as well as his planned book-catalog themed fairytale and mythological goddesses, which Fashion designer Leo Almodal on Tuesday, Nov. 1 broke his silence and denied Imelda Schweighart’s allegation that her gown was stolen and given to Miss Earth 2016 will be launched next year. Almodal clarified that Sch- Katherine Espin. Facebook/Imelda Schweighart and Miss Earth weighart’s training camp asked it was not paid by the Philippine payment. “to set and clarify things; Imelda him to dress her up, to which he bet’s camp unlike Miss ecuador, agreed. However, he clarified that espin, also a client, who already or anyone from her camp has not he still owns the yellow gown as paid half of the amount as down PAGE B4
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Paolo Ballesteros walks on the red carpet as Angelina Jolie by arLo
CuStodio ManilaTimes.net
“Eat Bulaga” mainstay Paolo Ballesteros triumphantly turned heads in Japan on the red carpet of the tokyo International Film Festival as angelina Jolie! Held in the Japanese capital, the comedian and expert transformation makeup artist, had a film in competition at the festival titled, “Die Beautiful.” While his Jolie get-up might seem like a whim, it is actually a very fitting tribute to the movie where Ballesteros plays a transgender woman whose dying wish is to be dressed as Lady Gaga to her funeral. the situation becomes a fierce contention between the lead’s well-meaning drag queen gang and her conservative FilipinoChinese family. It was Die Beautiful director Perci Intalan who posted his photo with Ballesteros on Instagram and Facebook, captioning the photo “the #diebeautiful Power
Couple #tiffjp #redcarpet.” The Manila Times Entertainment columnist Lhar Santiago first wrote about Ballesteros’ planned transformation in “Showbuzz.” He said the talented actor-host was “toying with the idea of dressing up as very popular Hollywood actress, whose identity is under wraps.” Jolie of course is a genius choice by Ballesteros what with the Hollywood a-lister hogging headlines in September for filing a divorce from husband Brad Pitt. the aPt-Intalan-Jun Robles Lana co-production is one of the rare times a Filipino movie has been included in the premiere category of the Japanese film festival. Die Beautiful has also been submitted to the 2016 Metro Manila Film Festival in December. Meanwhile, Ballesteros’ comedy movie with anne Curtis and Dennis trillo, “Bakit Lahat Ng Guwapo May Boyfriend?” ‘Die Beautiful’ director Perci Intalan with the is still showing in theatres na- movie’s lead actor Paolo Ballesteros dressed as Angelina Jolie. tionwide.
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Sharon in Sharon: No front acts, no introductions by Leah
C. SaLterio Philstar.com
WHEN Sharon Cuneta mounted the stage at the theatre of Solaire for her recent concert eponymously titled Sharon, it was the Megastar immediately seen onstage. No front acts, no introductions. With the familiar overture of “Bituing Walang Ningning” played by musical director Louie Ocampo on the keyboards, Sharon was dramatically hoisted up onstage into a mechanical platform. Except for the band, the stage was devoid of any high-tech contraptions or larger-than-life backdrop. Wearing a long, black gown, accentuated by a bright green ribbon (created by her long-time fashion designer and beauty consultant, Fanny Serrano), Sharon opened up the show with “Something’s Coming” from “West Side Story” and subsequently launched into a standard tune, Bette Midler’s “Do You Want to Dance?” the song was included in Sharon’s “Isn’t It Romantic 2” album. a highlight of the first part of the show was Sharon’s duet with her 15-year-old daughter. “Frankie is 15, going on 26,” Sharon teased. It was the first time for mother and daughter to share the stage and perform live, with Frankie even playing the guitar. the song, which turned out to be a much-applauded OPM number, is close to Sharon’s heart since Mr. DJ was her first hit when she was only 12. Mother and daughter also did another duet, Rihanna’s “No Place I’d Rather Be.” Sharon opened the second part with Yeng Constatino’s hit single, Ikaw, which the Megastar segued into one of her memorable hits, “Ikaw,” recorded in 1993. the song is the only collaboration of Louie Ocampo, who created the music and the late George Canseco, who penned the lyrics. there were not too many songs in the repertoire that night. If at all, Sharon’s repertoire had, more or less, the same time as her lengthy spiels. to begin with, there wasn’t even a script to follow. “I don’t really like scripts when I do concerts,” Sharon told The Star in the post-concert party at the Solaire lobby. She was obviously ready to go up again onstage. Even her range, when she was belting out the high notes, it was admirably
impeccable. She renewed her ties brought the house down. JC did with her audience by performing his hair-raising version of Josh for them again. Groban’s “You Raise Me Up.” alvin Included in her repertoire were sang Regine Velasquez’s “Panthe Carpenters’ You (which she garap Ko ang Ibigin Ka” and anrecorded for the commemorative tonetthe belted out Basil Valdez’s album, “Desiderata,” for “Maalaala “Paano Ba ang Mangarap.” Mo Kaya’s” 25th anniversary), In “passing the torch to the “Something New in My Life” (Bar- next generation,” the kids shared bra Streisand version), “Greatest the stage with the Megastar and Love of all” and even the aegis’ sang a medley of her signature hits — “Basang Basa sa Ulan” hits – “Bituing Walang Ningning” and “Halik.” and “Pangarap na Bituin.” there She was in tears when she was perhaps no one prouder sang “Losing My Mind” from the about those kids performing live musical, “Follies.” Louie Ocampo’s onstage that night than Sharon. songs — “tell Me” and “Ikaw Lang after all, she helped hone the talang Mamahalin” — “which he ent and confidence of those young gave to other singers,” made it to singers. the line-up. If the audience missed Sharon, Sharon ranted everything that the megastar more than showed she wanted to share with the the feeling was mutual. She went crowd that night, which was also down onstage and literally reached a celebration of her 50 years (she out to the crowd, shaking the turned 50 last January). From her hands of her fans, hugging and past relationships to her heart- kissing her friends, posing for selfbreaks, her career and her children ies. Never mind if she lost track of to her battle with the bulge and her “Kahit Maputi Na ang Buhok her weight loss, She was candid Ko” number, one of her classic and honest. hits. Everyone wanted a moment “Look, no more girdle,” she PAGE B4 smilingly enthused. She particularly took pride in mentoring the young talents in “the Voice Kids,” so that the children were made to take part in her concert at Solaire. the 24 talents were featured in two batches, with the three finalists – antonetthe tismo, JC tan and alvin Dahan. Sharon reportedly shouldered the talent fees of the young singers for the concert, with the budget apparently culled from her professional fee. the kids initially rendered a medley of Michael Jackson hits – “they Don’t Really Care about Us” and “Heal the World.” then, the three finalists all had their spot Everyone wants a moment with Sharon Cuneta and a ‘piece’ of her numbers, which in her concert at The Theatre of Solaire.
BARACK OBAMA
Supports Catherine Cortez Masto
“Catherine Cortez Masto has
dedicated her life to improving the lives of Nevada families. It is why I am proud to endorse her in the race to replace my good friend Harry Reid” — Barack Obama
AAPI for Cortez Masto Helen Hsueh, Publisher of the Las Vegas Chinese Daily News Rozita Lee, Community Leader Evan Louie, Community Advocate Durdana Qureshi, Educator Gerri Schroder, City of Henderson Council Gloria Caoile, National Political Director for APALA Benson Lee, President of the Chinese American Citizens Alliance, Las Vegas Chapter
Rolando Velazques, Attorney Dr. Zia Khan
Dr. Faisal Suba Aliyah Suba, Community Leader Margie Gonzales, AAPI Democratic Caucus Muhammed Quddus, Community Activist Christian Bato, Community Advocate Dr. Benito Calderon Aurora Wong, Community Leader Buck Wong, Community Leader Dola Kabir, Student Raja Majid, Owner of Origin India Restaurant
Sanje Sedera, Community Advocate Alex Turner, Community Advocate Jude Nazareth, Attorney Hawah Safa Ahmad, Community Activist
CATHERINE CORTEZ MASTO Democrat for U.S. Senate Paid for by Catherine Cortez Masto for Senate.
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LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEmbER 3-9, 2016
We’re rounding them up1
“�
We’re dealing with animals2
“�
WE HAVE SEEN THIS BEFORE. WE CANNOT ALLOW IT TO HAPPEN AGAIN!
Last time the U.S. government rounded people up, it interned 120,000 Japanese Americans. “In 1942, the United States government rounded up 120,000 Americans of Japanese ancestry and banished them to 10 prison camps across the United States without any evidence of wrongdoing. My family, including my then one-year-old brother, was among them. Fred Korematsu, a Japanese-American citizen, refused this mass exile, was convicted, and his case was upheld by the United States Supreme Court. Forty years later, I represented Fred and with a team of lawyers had his conviction overturned, since the evidence to convict him was manufactured by the government. The forced removal and incarceration was carried out by the U.S. government and included the elderly, babies and the infirm. There is no way anyone can carry out such a massive arrest, detention and deportation in a humane way as the uprooting of an entire group of human beings will undoubtedly cause great suffering, pain and the disruption of families, communities and lives. Donald Trump has called the Philippines a terrorist nation and plans to have a deportation force. Hillary Clinton does not support this mass deportation. That is why it is critical to cast your vote for Hillary Clinton on Tuesday, November 8th.�
-Dale Minami
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B November 3-9, 2016 • LAS veGAS ASIAN JoUrNAL
JC De Vera savors first best actor award ThirTy-year-old ABS-CBN actor JC De Vera won his very first acting plum when he bagged the Best Actor award at the 2016 QCinema international Film Festival. he was singled out from the rest of the nominees for his portrayal of a closeted gay who finds himself in prison in the independent film “Best. Partee. Ever.” Directed by hF yambao, De Vera gave a compelling performance of Mikey—a young, discreet, gay man from the affluent class, who spends five years in a city jail while the courts hear his case for drug pushing. inside prison, Mikey makes a huge effort to adapt to the culture and stratification among inmates, and eventually becomes “mayor” [ring leader]to a group of gay inmates called “Gang-da”. Together, they thrive to survive the dangers of gang riots, the mundane, and the decay of human dignity. Talking to the reporters at the festival’s awards night on October
JC De Vera
18 at the Quezon City interactive Museum, De Vera was ecstatic: “This is my first acting award, my first indie film and first gay role! All of this was a surprise—very unexpected. i never thought i would reach a point [in my career]that i’d receive an acting award.”
Despite the challenges of a gay role, De Vera shared he had no second thoughts in accepting first-time director yambao’s offer. he admitted he was overwhelmed through the shoot, recalling, “All the hardships i encountered when we were shooting inside jail, the 30-second kiss—all of those paid off in the end.” Elaborating on his experience, he added, “Every part of portraying Mikey was hard. i was struggling through the entire filming. it wasn’t comfortable in the Pampanga City Jail to start with, and then there were sensitive scenes i had to do for the first time.” Asked if Best. Partee. Ever. signals his openness to more daring projects, De Vera replied, “i’m not so sure, but on the other hand i think i really have to take risky roles like this for the love of the craft and for my career. This [award]is the best experience that God has given me,” he ended. (ManilaTimes.net)
Is Lovi Poe in love again? by Lhar
Santiago
ManilaTimes.net
LOVi Poe has no idea how her mother will react when the former actress rowena Moran gets to see her hot and intimate scenes with Derek ramsay and Christopher De Leon in the upcoming sexy drama “The Escort.” “i’m gonna cringe in my seat at the premiere night knowing that my mom’s watching me,” she laughingly told Showbuzz. “i just can’t imagine my mom thinking that her baby’s not a baby anymore!” Lovi insists, however, that she has nothing to be ashamed of with her scenes in the movie. Even the most intimate ones, she explained, are not vulgar and she credits their director Enzo Williams (“Bonifacio Ang Unang Pangulo”) for it. “Direk Enzo was very careful during our shoot, and he made sure the [bed]scenes were artistically done. We gave him our full trust because we know he’s that good, and we’re very proud of the finished product,” she added. Lovi said the story of “The Escort” justified the need to show skin, and she understood it was required of her from the beginning. Lovi has two men falling for her in the regal Entertainment
offering—Christopher, a rich and powerful man who hires her as an escort, and Derek, a former escort himself and owner of the agency who thought he could never love again. in real life, however, Lovi who earlier broke up from a two-year relationship with rocco Nacino, is far from torn between two loves. it is clear she has moved on especially with a Filipino-French suitor named Chris Johnson in the midst. The actress doesn’t deny that she has grown fond of Chris who visited her for a few days just the other week. “i really appreciate that he exerts effort to please me. imagine how he has to fly from the other side of the world just to see me. Sino ba naman ang hindi kikiligin?” Talking more about the visit, she added, “We really had fun. i really like how he’s truthful with whatever he feels. i also like the kind of attention he showered me with. i wish he could’ve stayed longer because he’s such a fun person to be with, but he had to go back to Europe to work. Ako din naman, i have to work,” Lovi enthused. The daughter of the late King of Philippine Movies is indeed busy with a bustling career, as well as inspired for sure. Besides promot-
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Julie Ann San Jose thrives NO day-off. That’s how Julie Ann San Jose describes her work schedule these days, and she chooses it to be so. She tapes for her new soap “Pinulot Ka Lang Sa Lupa” with rumored boyfriend Benjamin Alves Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; and rehearses for her upcoming concert with Christian Bautista, Julie Ann Meets Christian Tuesdays and Thursdays. Saturdays are set aside to practice her numbers for “Sunday Pinasaya,” which goes live the next day. “i’ve been used to this kind of schedule,” a thriving Julie Ann told Showbuzz over lunch in a Quezon City resto. “And it isn’t always like this all the time. There also days when i just stay at home and rest. it just so happens that i’ve got a concert and a series happening at the same time. And i’m not complaining because i love it when i’m busy, the workaholic that i am.” What particularly excites Julie
Julie Ann San Jose
Ann is her concert with Christian on November 11 at the Kia Theater. “i am really preparing for this. Of course, it’s the Christian Bautista i’m sharing the stage with so i have to do good. i tell you, people who will see the concert will go home satisfied because the prod numbers are really big. Kakaiba siya,” she assured.
As for her soap, people are teasing Julie Ann that she is inspired whenever she comes to the set because of Benjamin. But Julie Ann just smiles at the topic of the actor. She admits they are very close and she considers him special. So are they together? “What you see is what you get!” she beamed. (ManilaTimes.net)
Sharon in Sharon: No front acts... PAGE B2 with Sharon and a “piece” of her that night. There was also no need for a star-studded line-up of guests onstage. No less than Vice President Leni robredo led the celebrities watching in the audience. She made a very low-key entrance into the venue. had Sharon not acknowledged the VP’s presence, the latter would hardly have been noticed. robin Padilla came with his daughter, Camille, with former
actress Leah Orosa. Sharon shared how she nearly became robin’s wife before and dedicated “Maging Sino Ka Man” to her Binoe. There was also Zsa Zsa Padilla who came not with her significant other Conrad Onglao, but with her manager Nene Atillano. Then there were actresses Sylvia Sanchez, Ara Mina, mother and daughter Annabelle rama and ruffa Gutierrez. There was actor-director rowell Santiago who, once upon a time, came into Sharon’s life.
Audie Gemora, entertainment director of The Theater at Solaire, cannot be any happier with the full-house crowd that night. Solaire even tendered a post-concert party after midnight, when Sharon got to casually interact with some her guests. young director Paolo Valenciano was at the helm of the concert and Sharon proudly commended him for doing a great job. he swore he already trimmed down the threeand-a-half hour concert that ended at nearly midnight.
Fashion designer clarifies: Imelda... Lovi Poe
ing “The Escort,” which opens on November 2, she also continues to tape for her top-rated prime time series on GMA Network, “Someone to Watch Over Me.” “We’re so overwhelmed with the show’s success not only in the ratings but from the good feedback as well,” Lovi enthused. “A lot of people have been congratulating not just me but my co-stars Tom rodriguez, Edu Manzano, and Max Collins because of the way the information about Alzheimer’s disease is being weaved into the very exciting story.”
PAGE B1 given or paid me a single peso for that gown. That yellow gown is technically my property and just letting her borrow it for Miss Earth pageant; that if she makes it to the Top 16. As the owner it will be under my discretion to whom it will be used,” Almodal said. “Since she (Schweighart) did not make it to Top 16, not competing for the evening gown segment and unfortunately i didn’t finish the gown of Ecuador on time which i am obliged because she already paid half of the amount as down payment,” he said. Almodal claimed Schweighart knew of the arrangement and denied that she was left with nothing
to wear. he said he provided the Philippine bet a red gown but the latter declined his offer. “Contrary to her statement that she has nothing to wear is an absolute LiE!!! i provided her with a beautiful red gown but she smiled and refused to wear it, saying that it looks like Miss Belgium’s gown and opted to borrow from Miss Guam instead,” the designer said. On Monday, Schweighart said that she was offended that her gown was given to Espin. A video of her wearing the same gown was posted in her Facebook account after the pageant. According to Almodal, he asked Schweighart to take down photos and videos of her wearing the long
gown. “Before dressing up Katherine i sent imelda messages in Facebook to take down the photos and videos but she never listened. She posted it after she did not make it to the Top 16 cut. i actually begged her,” Almodal said. “She was not ripped or robbed. The gown was not taken away from her and she was asked nicely,” he maintained. Amid the controversy, Schweighart tendered her resignation saying she is relinquishing her crown as Miss Philippines-Earth to accompany her mother overseas. She said that her mother asked her to resign to avoid all the bashing.
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LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEmbER 3-9, 2016
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Features
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Melting pot or salad bowl? The case for assimilation Changes to California’s criminal laws Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond MoNEttE aDEva Maglaya WiTHOUT assimilation by every immigrant to its adoptive country through the generations, no nation can retain the structural integrity of the foundational values that created it in the first place. That nation’s collapse is not a matter of “if” but “when.” more simply put: immigration without assimilation is nothing more than invasion. Two opposing forces on the issue of immigration are aligning. There could only be one of two ways. You are either for or against it. it was too hot to handle for previous administrations. Presently, the conscious non-enforcement of the laws in the books appears to be a long-term sinister agenda of seeding future electorate for one particular party. America has placed this divisive issue of immigration far too long in the back burner. Unchecked illegal immigration has reached critical mass and the time has come to confront this issue head on. For Election 2016, the sick American economy is still issue number one for a majority of voters. A debtor nation plagued with a serious job crisis with over 94 million workers unemployed and owing $20 trillion dollars ($10 trillion more in just the last 8 years
“Immigration without assimilation is nothing more than invasion.” or double the previous years) in debt is in no position to wield its big stick in the global stage. America has lost its superpower status to other nations, notably russia and china. There is a new sheriff in town wielding the big stick in dealing with iSiS and his name is Putin. There are serious doubts ex-KGB Vladimir Putin can be trusted as he has been itching for years to rebuild the lost glory of russia on the world stage. However, to engage russia over Syria just as the US had foolishly done in Afghanistan, iraq and libya, costing trillions of dollars and thousands of American lives lost over essentially nothing but the death of thousands and a mountain of debt, is certainly not in America’s best interest at this time when its economy is severely battered and the psyche of most Americans dealing with day-today existence, at an all time low. it is true what they say. Stupid is as stupid does. Stupidity is doing the same thing again and again and expecting a different result. Tied in closely with American economic woes is the issue of immigration. Whether deliberately or not, Donald J. Trump has yanked the issue of illegal immigration front and center. Anyone applying for the post of top dog must deal with it. it seems that Trump has tapped into an angry
pulsating nerve of a YUGE swath of the American population. To the absolute dismay of both the republican and Democratic parties, Trump’s message is resonating. Over the last 15 months since June last year, he seems to have morphed into the microphone for many Americans who have no voice and who are plainly sick and tired of political correctness spewed and enforced by mainstream media in the last few decades. it can no longer be business as usual for globalists and the elite of the new World Order who really don’t care about the welfare of the middle class. As an added attraction to the protracted front act of the primary election and nomination that precede every national election, Trump seems to instinctively know how to play the liberal media like a fiddle to the delight of many. After 2 national elections during which media played the role of an in-your-face partisan hack, majority view major networks and big publishers as dishonest and completely untrustworthy. After all, there are only 6 companies that control American media. media’s main purpose is not to just to earn a profit. it has become a tool for those who own it to protect their power over varied PAGE B9
may help immigrants with convictions Your Immigration Solution atty. EriC WElSh & NaNCy MillEr A criminAl conviction can have devastating consequences for a non-citizen. A conviction can trigger deportation from the United States or bar admission or naturalization. When the immigration laws do not provide relief, an immigrant with a conviction may need to challenge the conviction itself. Two recent developments in california have made it possible for some immigrants with criminal convictions to seek immigration relief or avoid disastrous consequences. The first was the enactment of section 18.5 of the california Penal code. Section 18.5 defines a “misdemeanor” as an offense with a maximum sentence of 364 days (i.e., less than one year). For immigration purposes, this change can dramatically help immigrants convicted of minor offenses in a number of ways. For example, a noncitizen convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude within five years of admission is deportable, if the crime has a potential sentence of one year or more (regardless of the actual sentence). By reducing the maximum possible sentence
to 364 days, a single california misdemeanor conviction will not result in deportability under this ground. in a previous article, we discussed an amendment to section 18.5 that made the revised definition of a “misdemeanor” apply retroactively, regardless of the date of conviction. Prior to that amendment, the “364” maximum only applied to misdemeanor convictions after 18.5 became effective (January 1, 2015). With the amendment, all misdemeanors are redefined to have maximum sentences of 364 days, regardless of the date of conviction. if a person was actually sentenced to a term of 365 days, that person can now make an application to the Superior court for a sentence modification. With the passage of section 18.5 and the recent amendment, many non-citizens may now avoid deportation or avail themselves of relief that was previously out of reach. The second major development is the passage of Proposition 47. Prop 47, also known as “The Safe neighborhoods and Schools Act,” was enacted by popular vote on november 4, 2014. The Proposition by its nature acts retroactively: it created a process for persons who have completed a qualified felony sentence to apply to the Superior court for reclassification of the crime as a misdemeanor. Only certain felony offenses qualify for reclassification, including: certain drug possession felonies, petty theft, receipt of stolen property, and forging bad checks. Any person convicted of a felony for those crimes can apply for misdemeanor reclassification, but must do so by november 4, 2017. The california Supreme court is currently deciding a case involving the interplay between Prop 47 and guilty pleas. in the case before the court, a defendant named morris Harris was charged with felony robbery, but prosecu-
tors agreed to drop that charge in exchange for Harris’s agreement to plead guilty to felony theft with a sentence of six years in prison. When Prop 47 passed, Harris still had three years left on his sentence. He applied to reduce the crime to a misdemeanor and sought release from prison. Prosecutors argued that if Harris’s conviction for theft is reduced, they should be allowed to re-try him for robbery. The court has not yet issued a decision, but at oral arguments earlier this month, the justices expressed a reluctance to reopen cases that were resolved with plea agreements. if the arguments are any indication, the court will likely uphold prior plea agreements, even if the crimes are reclassified as misdemeanors. With both of these developments, a noncitizen with a qualifying felony conviction can now seek to reclassify the conviction as a misdemeanor with a maximum possible sentence of 364 days. crimes that once posed permanent bars or triggered deportability can now be reduced to offenses that either have no immigration consequences or are eligible for a waiver. Any noncitizen with a criminal record should consult a knowledgeable and experienced immigration attorney to see whether these developments or any other options exist to challenge the conviction or mitigate its consequences. *** 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)
Do you have bad breath? Health@Heart PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS AS a common presumption goes, “One isolated incident of bad breath, like a first time thief who is caught, permanently tarnishes the reputation, and the condemnation sticks for life.” What is halitosis? Halitosis is the medical term for bad breath. Dental reports in the United States say there are about 65 million Americans who have bad breath. in the Philippines, as in other regions in Asia, the incidence, conservatively speaking, may be 75 percent or higher for the general population. This is a rough guesstimate, and the figure, of course, varies in different subgroups in the community. Halitosis, as a general rule, is less among those who live in the city, compared to rural areas, those who are more affluent, higher in socio-economic status, those who are more educated or professional, and those in the younger generation. Obviously, the financially handicapped could ill afford the luxury of toothpaste, dental floss, mouthwash, regular dental check-ups and proper dental care. They may also be not as well-nourished and as healthy as those who can afford the care. But realistically, just about anyone, in any profession or walk of life, may have annoying bad breath, persistently or occasionally. What causes halitosis? There are a variety of causes of bad breath. Eating food that causes foul breath (like garlic or onion), poor dental hygiene, decayed tooth or infection of the gums or oral cavity, diseases like diabetes, esophageal diverticulum, esophageal reflux, sinusitis and emphysema, among others. But the most common underlying cause is poor dental hygiene where care of the teeth and mouth is neglected. There are people who do not brush their teeth at all and go to bed at night with food particles stuck in between their teeth. They may gargle and rinse their mouths with water (or water and salt) after each meal, or even use mouthwash, but the food caught in between their teeth (especially meat and fish) rot and stink like dead animals on the street. This is putrefaction and the foul smelling odor is from the volatile sulfur compounds (VSc) produced by the decaying meat, which usually results in gram negative (anaerobic) bacterial infection (and more bad odor), and this makes for a vicious cycle. Does the tongue harbor bacteria?
Yes, as a matter of fact, the tongue is a major culprit in the causation of bad breath. Bacteria hide in the furrows of the tongue, especially in the back (base) of the tongue. Hence, the regular use of tongue scraper or brushing all the way back to the base of the tongue (until you feel like gagging) at least twice a day is essential. What can be done for persistent halitosis? if proper daily oral hygiene is done and if there is no tooth decay or any infection in the mouth or throat, the bad breath may be coming from sinusitis, emphysema or from the stomach (as in esophageal reflex, where the controlling valve between the stomach and the food pipe is not closing -- airtight -- properly). A dental, or even medical, evaluation may be needed to ascertain the specific cause of this persistent halitosis. Can mouthwash eliminate bad breath? mouthwash alone cannot do the trick. First, the food particles that can rot must be removed from in-between the teeth immediately after each meal (by dental flossing, since tooth pick alone will not do the job). Then, brushing the teeth using toothpaste (that contains fluoride and other ingredients like Poly (methylvinylether) maleic acid coplymer and triclosan) for added tooth protection, is essential at least three times a day, after each meal. mouthwash (with Stabilized chlorine Dioxide) is an impressive regimen that suppresses bad breath. A study made on 15 mouthwashes showed that most masked the bad breath for a few minutes, but only a few were still effective after a few hours. Those with Stabilized chlorine Dioxide are impressively effective. What are the dental problems caused by bacteria? Besides bad breath, the other problems caused by germs in our mouths include cavities, gum problems, plaques and tartar formation. Therefore, the routine regimen of dental flossing, tongue-scraping, tooth-brushing, and gurgling (with mouthwash that contain bacteria killing, and plaque-and-tartar preventing ingredients, like those with Stabilized chlorine Dioxide), and visiting your dentist at least every six months will not only eliminate bad breath but lead to a healthier dental and oral state. Can mouth containing alcohol cause cancer? Yes, according to a 1991 study in the Journal of the American Dental Association, which stated that mouthwashes “containing more than 25 percent alcohol could increase the risk of oral and pharyngeal (throat) cancer by 50 percent.” Fortunately, most, if not all, mouthwashes in the market toPAGE B9
Features
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LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEmbER 3-9, 2016
Getting to know Angela Rupert Calendar of Events across By Monet
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AngelA Rupert is the Democratic candidate for State Assembly in the Valley, and she is also a mother, wife and immigration attorney. She is the choice for many Asians in the Valley and for good reason – she has a favorable view on immigration and she spends a lot of time meeting and listening to people. She truly cares about the residents of the Valley. Thanks for taking the time to speak with me, Angela. Can you tell me a little about your family? It’s my pleasure. Yes, family is very important to me. My husband, Jason, and I have a three-year-old son. He is the love of my life. He recently started preschool and is learning so much. It won’t be long till he’s smarter than me! My father recently passed away, but I am very close with my mother. She lives in Kansas and visits as often as she can. Of course she wants to see her grandson all the time. My brother lives in Culver City, which is a blessing. We see each other for dinners quite frequently. Sounds like you have a close connection with your family. Definitely. My family is my inspiration. In fact, my family is one of the reasons I’m running for office. My father inspired me to act on behalf of others, and he always told me I could do whatever I wanted to do. He’s the reason I went to law school, and his encouraging words gave me the confidence to run for office. Of course, my husband also encouraged me to run; and he is my biggest supporter. Would you mind telling the readers a little bit about your background and work experience? I went to college in Kansas and came to los Angeles to go to loyola law School nearly 17 years ago. For a few years, I was a consumer attorney and helped people who had been injured by a large pharmaceutical company. It was a wonderful experience to help thousands of people. later, I started my own company that focuses on business development for lawyers, medical groups, finance companies and schools. now I’m an immigration attorney helping people throughout the Valley with
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America
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Consular outreach in Orlando, Florida immigration issues. Working with immigrants has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It’s such a pleasure to ensure that everyone can experience the American Dream. You also volunteer, right? Recently, I was honored to receive the lA County Bar Association Volunteer of the Year award for my efforts to help those with no income or low income with immigration issues. It was an honor to be recognized, but the pleasure is all mine. In addition, I teach eSl with the los Angeles Public libraries. It’s such a joy helping people to learn english. They can accomplish so much and I love educating people. You’re definitely busy! Why did you decide to run for State Assembly and what are you goals if elected? It’s so important to make sure the world is a better place for my son. I see crime rising in the Valley, and I want to do something about that. I’ll work to get funding for more lAPD officers on our streets to ensure the safety of our families. Also, it’s important to make sure we have the best education options for our children. A quality education is the most important thing we can give our kids, and right now our school system needs help. And of course, there’s a serious traffic problem in los Angeles. I’d like to create an incentive for employers who allow some employees to work from home at least one day a week. This will get thousands of cars off the road and clear up traffic congestion. You’ve won the support of tens of thousands of people in the Valley. How did you do that? The old fashioned way: I’ve
made thousands of personal phone calls, I’ve attended community events, I’ve spoken at neighborhood council meetings all over the Valley, and I’ve hosted coffee meetings all over town. I love speaking with people and getting their input. It’s the oneon-one connection that wins people over; and, to tell you the truth, speaking with people is my favorite part of the job. I’m looking forward to serving the people the in the Valley. In case someone hasn’t had the opportunity to meet you, how can they contact you? great question! I always want people to reach out to me, so I freely give my personal email and cell phone numbers to everyone. Angela@AngelaRupert.com or (818) 299-2507. I’m looking forward to hearing from your readers. Thanks, Angela. looking forward to seeing your name on the ballot! *** Angela Rupert is the Democrat running for State Assembly in the Valley including Panorama City, Van Nuys, Valley Village, Valley Glen, North Hollywood, Northridge, Lake Balboa, Sherman Oaks, North Hills, Toluca Lake, Studio City and parts of the Hollywood Hills. For more information on Angela, please see AngelaRupert.com. *** Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, awardwinning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is known as an all-around artiste who produces sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns. Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary all-natural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration . To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at monetsalon@aol.com
The Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C., in cooperation with the Philippine Nurses Association of America, Inc. - Central Florida Chapter, the Filipino-American Association of Pensacola, Inc., and the Philippine Honorary Consulate in Miami, is pleased to announce that it will conduct a consular outreach mission in Orlando on Saturday and Sunday, October 5 and 6 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Services offered include: Philippine passport applications; legalization of documents (acknowledgment, authentication, etc.); and receipt of reports of birth, marriage and death; and administration of oath of allegiance for dual citizenship. For an appointment, please email consular@philippineusa. org and indicate “Orlando FL Outreach” in the subject line. In the body of the email, indicate the complete name(s) of the applicant(s) and the corresponding service(s) required by each application. The outreach will be held at Hilton Garden Inn Orlando at Seaworld, 6850 Westwood Blvd. Orlando, FL 32821.
Rising Tohoku Food Fair in Torrance, CA The Rising Tohoku Food Fair hosted by Mitsuwa Marketplace presents two full days of food and cultural festivities to celebrate the charms of the Tohoku region in Northeast Japan, which can be enjoyed by children and adults. In addition to presenting diverse and flavorful food products originating from the 6 prefectures of Tohoku, there will be a variety of paper craft activity workshops for families such as, coloring, origami, making hanagasa ornaments which can be used as fans, and writing wishes on tanzaku paper, in addition to city-specific dance performances and photo opportunities with city mascots. Mitsuwa Marketplace Torrance Store, 21515 Western Ave, Torrance, CA 90501. Fair hours are 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. daily. The full schedule of dance and festival presentations, crafts workshops, photo sessions with mascots and food fair can be found at: http://www.mitsuwa.com/locations/torrance For more information, call 310.782.0335.
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Free Filipino American History photo exhibit, Nov. 6, Historic Filipinotown A free photo exhibit with attributions, sponsored by the book, Filipino American Experience: the Making of a Historic Cultural Monument” is slated for Sunday, Nov. 6th, from 12:00 to 2:30pm at the Filipino Disciples Christian Church, 301 North Union Ave., corner Court Street, Los Angeles, CA. 90026. Brief descriptions in English, Spanish and Tagalog will be shared by ten young leaders regarding each photo segment which represent the Filipino American experience in the establishment of Historic Filipinotown from the turn of the century to the turbulent 1960’s-70’s. The book chronicles the prominent role of the only historic, cultural landmark proclaimed by the City of Los Angeles in the city’s Historic Filipinotown. It depicts its contributions in the civic, spiritual and cultural advancement of the Filipino-American community in the Greater Los Angeles region. The first twelve arrivals with current college or high school enrollment I.D. will be awarded a copy of the coffee table book in landscape format and heavy glossy pages. Complimentary lunch will be served to all attendees hosted by the Filipino-American History Photo Gallery on site and the
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University of Baguio High School 40th anniversary in Chino Hills, CA Come join us in celebrating University of Baguio High School’s 40th Anniversary on Saturday, November 12 in Chino Hills, California. For more information please contact, Romy Vidal at (951) 733-7140.
Hyatt Baguio/Manila/Palawan Reunion in Las Vegas Former and current employees and guests of Hyatt Terraces Baguio, Hyatt Manila and Hyatt Palawan are having a dinner/dance reunion on November 12 in at the Hampton Inn Tropicana in Las Vegas. The address is 4975 Dean Martin Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89118. For more details, please send an email to: Beng Paraguas-Flores (Hyatt Terraces Baguio) at bengparaguasflores@gmail.com or Marian Nobleza (Hyatt Terraces Baguio) at minobleza@ yahoo.com.
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Film showing of “Curiosity, Adventure & Love” in New York The Philippine Consulate General New York invites the public to a film showing of “Curiosity, Adventure & Love,” a film by Sunshine Lichuaco de Leon and Suzanne Richiardone. The showing will be on Monday, November 14 at 6:40 p.m. at the Kalayaan Hall, Philippine Center at 556 Fifth Ave, New York, NY 10036. To reserve a seat, please send an email to events@newyorkpcg.org (Subject: Fil-Am History Month) or call 212-764-1330 ext. 3866.
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Build a shelter project appreciation and book launch in New York
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Build a shelter project appreciation and book launch in New York The Philippine Consulate General New York in cooperation with the Assumption Alumni Association invites you to Build a Shelter Project (BASP) Appreciation and a book launch on “Yolanda: An Oral History in Verse” by Tim Tomlinson. The event will be on Tuesday, November 15 at 6:30 p.m. at the Kalayaan Hall, Philippine Center at 556 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10036. To reserve a seat, please email events@newyorkpcg.org (Subject: BASP Appreciation) or call 212-764-1330 ext. 3866.
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Consular outreach mission in Pensacola, Florida The Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C., in cooperation with the Philippine Nurses Association of America, Inc. - Central Florida Chapter, the Filipino-American Association of Pensacola, Inc., and the Philippine Honorary Consulate in Miami, is pleased to announce that it will conduct a consular outreach mission in Pensacola on Saturday and Sunday, November 19 and 20 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Services offered include: Philippine passport applications; legalization of documents (acknowledgment, authentication, etc.); and receipt of reports of birth, marriage and death; and administration of oath of allegiance for dual citizenship. For an appointment, please email consular@philippineusa.org and indicate “Pensacola FL Outreach” in the subject line. In the body of the email, indicate the complete name(s) of the applicant(s) and the corresponding service(s) required by each application. The outreach will be held at the Fil-Am Community Center at 234 West Oakfield Road, Pensacola, FL
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FASO’s Christmas Concert in Glendale, CA The Filipino American Symphony Orchestra (FASO), the only Filipino symphony orchestra outside of the Philippines, as it presents “A Christmas Concert” on Saturday, December 3, 6:00 p.m. at the John Wayne Performing Arts Center in Glendale, California. FASO will play Christmas carols, accompanied by the voices of various choir groups. John Wayne Performing Arts Center is located at 1440 E. Broadway, Glendale, California 91205. For tickets, call Andy Tecson (323) 467-5096; Bob Shroder (818) 395-8936; and Arlene Ferrolino (213) 248-9850. Tickets are also available athttp://fasochristmas.eventbrite.com/. Tickets are at $25, $45 and $75. More information at www.fasofoundation.org.
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Consular outreach mission in Miami, Florida The Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C., in cooperation with the Philippine Nurses Association of America, Inc. - Central Florida Chapter, the Filipino-American Association of Pensacola, Inc., and the Philippine Honorary Consulate in Miami, is pleased to announce that it will conduct a consular outreach mission in Pensacola on Saturday and Sunday, October 17 and 18 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Services offered include: Philippine passport applications; legalization of documents (acknowledgment, authentication, etc.); and receipt of reports of birth, marriage and death. No applications for dual citizenship will be accepted at this time, as oaths of allegiance must be administered by the Philippine Consul General or Consul. For an appointment, please email consular@philippineusa.org and copy furnish honcon.miami@gmail.com. The Philippine Honorary Consulate in Miami is located at 12/F 1200 Brickell Ave., Miami, Florida 33131.
If you have an upcoming event and would like us to post it, please email us the details at info@asianjournalinc.com or calendar@asianjournalinc.com
PeoPle and events
B November 3-9, 2016 • LAS veGAS ASIAN JoUrNAL
UNITY IS OUR PRIORITY AND STRENGTH ASIAN AMERICAN GROUP 3667 Dutch Valley Drive Las Vegas, NV. 89147 Tel. (702) 242-8514 Fax (702) 242-8516 www.asianamericangrouplv.com
AAG Executive Board Mike Vaswani President Cavin Fung Exec Vice President Meena Dadlani Vice President Dorothy Domingo Secretary Ann Melton Treasurer Board Members John Parris Endorsement Chair Jack Juan Legal Counsel Joe Tinio President’s Advisor Kate Recto Event Coordinator Amy Cheng Asst. Secretary Veronica Mae Domingo Youth Director Dr. Ben Calderon Medical Advisor Vimla Lendway Silent Auction Chair Adnan Khawaja Webmaster Barbara Woods Outreach & Media Director
Liasons Mimi Morse Korean Ming Fang Li Chinese Julie Ma Chen Chinese Naji Azzam Arabic Vickie Lee Vietnamese
Ju
On behalf of our President, Mike Vaswani, and the entire Asian American Group, we are proud to announce the following individuals have received AAG’s General Election Endorsement for the November 2016 races. To arrive at these decisions, our Election Endorsement Committee held five days of interviews spanning thirty-five hours prior to making its determinations. It is with great pleasure that the Asian American Group endorses the following candidates: US Senate US Congress District 1 US Congress District 3 US Congress District 4 State Senate District 1 State Senate District 6 State Senate District 7 State Senate District 11 State Senate District 18 State Assembly District 1 State Assembly District 2 State Assembly District 4 State Assembly District 5 State Assembly District 8 State Assembly District 9 State Assembly District 10 State Assembly District 12 State Assembly District 15 State Assembly District 18 State Assembly District 20 State Assembly District 21 State Assembly District 29 State Assembly District 34 State Assembly District 35 State Assembly District 37 State Assembly District 41 State Assembly District 42 Clark County Commissioner Dist A Clark County Commissioner Dist C District Court Department 15 District Court Department 20 Justice Court 1, Henderson Justice Court 3, Las Vegas Justice Court 6, Las Vegas Justice Court 7, Las Vegas Justice Court 13, Las Vegas
Dr. Joe Heck Dina Titus Danny Tarkanian Ruben Kihuen Patricia Spearman Victoria Seaman David Parks Aaron Ford Scott Hammond Danielle Monroe-Moreno John Hambrick John Piro Artemus Ham Jason Frierson Steve Yeager Chris Brooks James Ohrenschall Elliot Anderson Richard Carrillo Ellen Spiegel Osvaldo “Ozzie” Fumo Stephen Silberkraus Shannon Bilbray-Axelrod Justin Watkins Sean Lyttle Nick Phillips Irene Bustamante Adams Steve Sisolak Larry Brown Joe Hardy, Jr. Eric Johnson Sam Bateman Harmony Letizia Bita Yeager Karen Bennett Suzan Baucum
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REUNION. The Luxid ‘59 ‘63 ‘67 of Ateneo De Manila held their Global Reunion in SLS Las Vegas Hotel, October 25th - 28th. Joe Mari Chan, Pet Bautista, Jimmy Alabanza, Mario “Babes” Oreta, Pol Asuncion and Baby Boy Poblador gathered at the well-attended Gala Night. After Fr.Joel Aquino S.J. officiated the healing mass and blessed the guests, they dined, danced, sung as Dj Danny Mac provided the timeless songs with their own Hail Mary song and cheered “One Big Fight!” Atty. Vicente Perez and classmates played at Legacy Golf Club in Henderson and took advantage of the nice blue sky weather. This celebration is a jump off for their Golden Jubilee Celebration in Manila, 2017. Photos by Raoul Gatchalian
We greatly appreciate all of the individuals who participated in our General Election Interview process and wish all candidates the best of luck in their respective races. Additionally, we encourage all voters to exercise their right to vote in the upcoming Election. Sincerely, John P. Parris, Esq. Chairman of the Asian American Group Endorsement Committee
AUCTION
EMPLOYMENT
FOR RENT
EMPLOYMENT
PSYCHIC
EntErtainmEnt
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LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEmbER 3-9, 2016
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Melting pot or salad bowl? The case...
PAGE B6 interests and maintain or enlarge their self interests on a global scale. There seems to be seething cold anger among the greater bulk of the population. Something tectonic is afoot. Major unpredictable shifts will take place. Professional life-long politicians who have made it their life’s work to keep running for office and serve the interests of those who bankroll their runs may be in for a rude awakening. Immigration, legal and illegal, is now a white hot issue. The time has come to confront this headon. While it is true that immigration has always been a cornerstone of the foundation, structure and substance of this amazing country, recent historical events and the current state of the US as a debtor nation, need to be taken into serious consideration when dealing with immigration. An estimated 12 million immigrants or about 4% of the total American population of over 300 million are illegal. Some experts say that it could be far more massive than this lowball estimate. It is entirely possible that there might be an effective thinning out of the numbers among the 12 million, beginning with those who have committed crimes and/or are gang members. But the lousy economy, perhaps more than anything, is already causing natural attrition in the numbers, with jobs difficult to come by. This might be followed by a steep rise in deportation pro-
ceedings, a buttressing of border measures, the building of an impenetrable wall as Trump proposes it, a near paranoid check of the flow of goods and people in the ports and airports, a tightening of the screening process from source countries now made more possible by advanced monitoring and communications technology. While the laws are in the books and the personnel to enforce them are in place, the political will to wield the ax and deal with immigration problems once and for all, has been clearly absent. Big business that funds candidates has an agenda that runs completely opposed to the interests of the American public. These are globalist interests opposing national interests. Only one can win. At this point, it’s anybody’s guess how this will pan out. But drastic measures must be implemented effectively to address the issue in a much changed world where invasion is dangerously posing as legitimate immigration. There are increasingly strident advocates who seek to shut the doors of America to immigration with the argument that recent immigration has created, instead of the melting pot society, a salad bowl of disparate, disjointed ethnic groups unwilling and unable to assimilate into the main fabric of American life. Some compare current American society as a mosaic that appears to be whole but is essentially fragmented. They further claim the absence of a common
purpose poses a threat to the unity and structural integrity of this country. To some extent, the argument is valid. Anti-immigrant groups reserve their biggest contempt and vitriol towards first generation immigrants who refuse to assimilate and in their view, come here to America to merely take what they can, identifying and exploiting the holes and flaws of a largely generous, humanitarian system. Tourism citizenship or the concept of “anchor babies” pertaining to pregnant women giving birth in the US just to get citizenship for their babies is now in sharp focus. Some countries like Britain and Australia may have already rescinded this privilege and plugged this loophole. After streamlining the system and enforcing the laws already in the books, immigration should be hinged to some degree, on meritocracy. It must continue as a tightly controlled, highly regulated way of attracting people, possibly the best and brightest from around the world, but perhaps more importantly, ONLY those with the ability and willingness of heart to assimilate and become part of a whole. The founding fathers envisioned America in 1776 clearly. E pluribus Unum. Out of many, ONE. ***
Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.com
Do you have bad breath?
PAGE B6 day contain less than 15 percent alcohol. The safety of chlorine dioxide “has been confirmed by Richardson et al in an extensive study of the reaction of chlorine dioxide with water borne organics by the EPA (Environ. Sci. Technol., 1994;28:592).” How effective are breathfresheners, sprays and gums? If used as a part of the comprehensive regimen we have outlined here, these various forms of breath-fresheners could be of help, in between flossing, teeth brushing and rinsing with Stabilized Chlorine Dioxide mouthwash. Chewing parsley, cilantro, basil, or mint also helps maintain a fresh breath. In general, the incidence of halitosis is less among vegetarians. But the regimen must
include all measures listed above in order to be effective. Do people know they have bad breath? It is odd but most people with chronic halitosis do not know they have it. Their own sense of smell is so conditioned to the bad breath in their mouth to the point that they do not even perceive or know they have halitosis. And their friends and relatives (including most spouse) would not even tell them, “to spare” them the embarrassment (which actually leads to more widespread embarrassment because of the persistence of this very offensive but treatable problem, one which can ruin one’s reputation, business, and social life.) One trick to find out is by licking your forearm and smelling it.
The next time you see your lover or a close friend, or relative, beg them to be brutally candid with you and tell you if you have bad breath. This honesty will show them you care and are considerate. The revelation might even change your reputation and love life forever, for the better.
*** 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
Alden Richards, Marian Rivera, Kylie Padilla
‘Heart over hate’ says Kapuso Network in fight vs cyber bullying by Angel JAvier Philstar.com
Cruz
IN 2011, GMA became the first local network to advocate the responsible use of social media through the Think Before You Click campaign. With this, GMA led by its award-winning News and Public Affairs team enjoined netizens to be more mindful of what they post or share online. The campaign, due to its significance in an age where millions of Filipinos are on social networking sites, has gained several recognitions from award-giving bodies and academic institutions. To this day, Think Before You Click continues to be relevant considering the Filipinos’ growing fixation with social media. Just this year, the network through its Program Support Department (PSD) launched another timely social media campaign but with particular emphasis on ending cyber bullying and promoting positivity in the online world. Aptly titled #HeartOverHate, GMA brings together some of its biggest Kapuso stars to take a stand against cyber bullying, them being frequent victims of this themselves. “The entertainment industry is often under the public’s scrutiny,” said GMA PSD Social Media head Raphael Florescio. “There is always criticism and judgment passed on by netizens that sometimes translate to hate. It is therefore the role of our celebrities and programs to help promote constructiveness and decrease tolerance to bashing,” he added. Through a website, videos and on-ground events, #HeartOverHate aims to transform the current
social media landscape penetrated by haters and bashers into one that is founded on positive and encouraging values. It was officially launched to the public last Aug. 11 at the Bloggers’ Style Camp, which shared the same cause this year as the Kapuso Network’s campaign. Eight Kapuso artists Bea Binene, Louise delos Reyes, Ashley Ortega, Mikee Quintos, Ken Chan, Derrick Monasterio, Martin del Rosario and Phytos Ramirez partnered with top entertainment and lifestyle bloggers in coming up with powerful images based on the theme, Heart Over Hate. Shortly after, an advocacy video was released which featured (in order of appearance) Marian Rivera, Bea, Ken, Miguel Tanfelix, Bianca Umali, Kris Bernal, Kylie Padilla, Ruru Madrid, Louise, Phytos, Mikee, Andre Paras, Derrick, Martin, Ashley, Andrea Torres, Julie Anne San Jose, Glaiza de Castro and Alden Richards. These Kapuso stars related their own experiences with cyber bullies with some even turning emotional as they recall some of the most hurtful words thrown at them. The promotional posts of the #HeartOverHate campaign have already reached an estimated 12.8 million people on GMA’s Facebook page from Aug. 15 to Oct. 25. Shortly after its release, the advocacy video reached more than two million netizens and hit over 590,000 views. Ken was also invited to speak before the participants of the 12th Philippine Blogging Summit regarding the campaign and how he, as an actor, handles cyber bullying. Other Kapuso celebrities have also shown support to the
campaign through their own social media efforts. “It’s very important to educate netizens about the proper etiquette on social media,” explained Florescio. “One way of doing this is to empower them to become more aware of laws that can protect them from cyber bullying. There are multiple ways to stir constructive conversations online and to make the social space more conducive to proper discussions.” In the hopes of spreading the campaign’s message among as many individuals as possible, a website (www.gmanetwork.com/ HeartOverHate) where in netizens can read articles on cyber bullying and follow updates about the campaign, was developed. There are also efforts to build partnerships with like-minded groups and organizations. In recognition of all these, #HeartOverHate was instantly recognized at the first-ever BlogEx Manila Awards where it won two major awards — Social Movement of the Year and Most Innovative Digital Marketer (Corporate Category). The network is now even more determined to intensify the fight for a more sensitive and friendlier online world. “We want to encourage people to be more sensitive and to allow others to express themselves without fear of being bashed on the Internet,” stressed Florescio. With social media users perpetually growing by the hour, advocacy campaigns like #HeartOverHate and Think Before You Click are weapons against online crimes and those who abuse their voices online — regardless of whether you are a celebrity or not.
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