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Volume 23 - No. 26 • 2 Sections - 16 Pages

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Duterte: ‘Join me in a rough ride’ by Alexis

RomeRo And GiovAnni nilles Philstar.com

mANILA, Philippines - real change is coming, and the ride will be rough. rodrigo roa Duterte, sworn thursday, June 30, as the nation’s 16th president, invited people to join him in the ride, as he vowed to restore public trust in government and its leaders. he would do this, he said, by coming down hard on the corrupt and keeping his campaign promise to curb criminality, particularly the drug menace. “the fight will be relentless, and it will be sustained,” Duterte promised in a 14-minute speech at malacañang’s rizal hall. As he had promised, his speech was free of profanities. Addressing concerns about his “unorthodox” methods that “verge on the illegal” in fighting crime, he stressed that being a lawyer and former prosecutor, “I know the limits of the power and authority of the president. I OATH OF OFFICE. President-elect Rodrigo Roa Duterte takes his Oath of Office as the 16th President of know what is legal and what is not.” the Philippines with his children as witnesses last Thursday, June 30. Supreme Court Justice Bienvenido Photo courtesy of PPD/rtvm.gov.ph PAGE A2 L. Reyes administered his oath.

#ThankYouPNoy: Pinoys bid President farewell by AuReA

CAliCA Philstar.com

A welcome banner is seen at West Triangle in Quezon City ahead of former President Aquino’s return to his Times Street home and civilian life. Philstar.com photo by Michael Varcas

DATELINE

mANILA, Philippines – People from all walks of life have turned to social media to express their gratitude and bid goodbye to President Aquino, the country’s 15th chief executive. Aquino said he read the messages that were mostly heartwarming. Asked how he was doing on his last day in office, Aquino said, “I am oK. I am at the office still working.” twitter user Chelsea Pangilinan (@ chelzP15), using the hashtag, #thankYouPNoy wrote: “Love you PNoy! What a worthy crush!” she posted photos of Aquino and ended her tweet with a yellow heart

USA

from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA

Census: Asian Americans still fastest-growing racial group in US AsIAN Americans comprise America’s fastest-growing racial group, according to data released by the United states Census Bureau. the Asian American population grew by 19 percent between 2010 and 2015. meanwhile, Native hawaiians and Pacific Islanders (NhPIs) are the second fastest-growing group, rising at 13 percent during the same PAGE A2

and a yellow ribbon. While there were also negative posts both on facebook and twitter, the President’s fB account, Noynoy Aquino (P-Noy or short for President Noy) was swarmed with posts that were generally appreciative of him as the country’s leader for the past six years. one of them, posted by muriel origenes, read: “We may not be satisfied of the things that you have done in our country because of too much issues, but surely you are one of the strongest because you are able to finish the race as a president of the Philippines...your journey was not easy…thank you for taking care of our country.” PH’S 16TH PRESIDENT. The Philippines’ 16th President Rodrigo Roa-Duterte is shown delivering his inaugural PAGE A2 speech last Thursday, June 30 at Malacanang Palace Photo courtesy of PPD/rtvm.gov.ph

Transgender lawmaker to push for divorce legalization by PAolo

RomeRo Philstar.com

mANILA — the first transgender lawmaker in the country said on Wednesday, June 29, she would push for the legalization of divorce in the country when the 17th Congress opens on July 25. Bataan rep. Geraldine roman said legalizing divorce will help liberate couples trapped in hopeless marriages. “I’m in favor of giving a second chance (to married couples). We have to face the fact that there are relationships that already have no hope,” roman told reporters.

“I want a possible solution for people who are totally incompatible so they can remake their lives and pursue their happiness. I think they also have a right to do that,” she said. she said the government, through Congress, can help free people in unhappy and even harmful marriages. the Philippines is the only country in the world, aside from the Vatican, that still does not allow divorce. It was only recently that Congress was able to enact into law the reproductive health bill that was strongly opposed by the Catholic Church. the 49-year old roman earlier said her victory in the congressional race

by KlARize

medenillA AJPress

A filipino Catholic priest said on monday, June 27 that Pope francis’ comments of compassion toward the LGBt community was not a call to change the Church’s doctrine on homosexuality. Bataan Rep. Geraldine Roman the comment comes from fr. Jemeant filipinos are now more accept- rome secillano, executive secretary ing of lesbian, gays, bisexuals and of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) episcopal transgenders (LGBt). PAGE A3 PAGE A3

Bongbong Marcos: My election protest will be a precedent-setting case

CA increases education funding, underrepresented students benefitted sACrAmeNto — Gov. Jerry Brown approved the 2016-2017 state budget on monday, June 27, which includes historic education legislation that would improve educational opportunity and make college more accessible for all students. the bill’s signing includes a minimum guarantee of $71.9 billion allocated to K-12 schools PAGE A4

Filipino bishops say Church doctrine on homosexuality remains

Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stands next to his 1,000-page petition questioning the victory of vice president-elect Leni Robredo in the May polls as he filed yesterday a protest at the Supreme Court, which sits as the Presidential Electoral Tribunal. Philstar.com photo by Miguel De Guzman

seNAtor ferdinand “Bongbong” marcos, Jr. on Wednesday, June 29, expressed confidence that unlike other past election protests, his petition questioning the results of the may 9, 2016 elections will set a precedent and he will eventually be proclaimed winner in the Vice Presidential race. marcos made the statement after he personally filed his 1,200-page election protest amid a warm welcome given to him by more than 1,000 supporters and even court employees who braved the rains

along Padre faura street in front of the supreme Court to witness the event. In a press conference after the filing, marcos said with the overwhelming evidence they have in their possession, he is confident that his petition to have the proclamation of rep. Leni robredo will be nullified, he will eventually be declared the winner with the case being resolved within a short period. “I am confident that this is a precedent setting case (at) malakas ang loob ko. malaki

ang kumplyansa ko na hindi tatagal katulad ng iba dahil iba ang approach namin at pangalawa ngayon lang tayo nakakita ng ganito karaming ebidensya dahil napaka-blatant talaga ng ginagawa na pandaraya sa halalan sa pagka Bise Presidente,” he said. the Pet has yet to resolve an election protest in favor of the protestant or the party claiming to have been cheated in the polls. marcos said his group has been getting numerous pieces PAGE A2

A

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july 1-7, 2016 • OC/IE ASIAN jOuRNAl

From the Front Page

Duterte: ‘Join me in a rough... PAGE A1 “My adherence to due process and the rule of law is uncompromising,” he said as he told critics, notably the Commission on Human Rights, to “mind your work and I will mind mine.” Change is coming, he said, but change, “to be permanent and significant, must start with us and

in us.” “The ride will be rough, but come and join me just the same,” he said. “Together, let us take the first wobbly steps in this quest.” Later in his speech, he asked everyone “to join me as we embark on this crusade for a better and brighter tomorrow.” He was applauded 22 times.

He maintained the country’s ills are “mere symptoms of a virulent social disease that creeps and cuts into the moral fiber of Philippine society.” Exacerbating the situation, he pointed out, is the “erosion of faith and trust in government.” “I see the erosion of the people’s trust in our country’s leaders; the erosion of faith in our judicial system; the erosion of confidence in the capacity of our public servants to make the people’s lives better, safer and healthier,” Duterte said. “Indeed ours is a problem that dampens the human spirit. But all is not lost,” he added. He also appealed to Filipinos to get directly involved in the quest for change the country badly needs. He stressed there would be no letup in his effort to make life easier for the people, as it has been his goal to restore and even fortify their faith in government. The former Davao City mayor emphasized his mantra of “real change” and malasakit (compassion) were not just campaign slogans conceptualized to secure votes. “These were battle cries articulated by me on behalf of the people hungry for genuine and meaningful change. But the change, if it is to be permanent and significant, must start with us and in us,” Duterte said. “To borrow the language of (National Artist for Literature) F. Sionil Jose, we have become our own worst enemies. And we must have the courage and the will to change ourselves,” he added. Duterte said no leader, however strong, would be able to succeed in anything unless he has the support and cooperation of the people he is tasked and sworn to lead and serve. “Love of country, subordination of personal interests to the common good, concern and care for the helpless and the impoverished – these are among the lost and faded values that we seek to recover and revitalize as we commence our journey towards a better Philippines,” the President said. Listen to the people Duterte, who won by a landslide in the May 9 polls with 16.6 million votes, asked fellow workers in government to help him strengthen the Filipinos’ trust in their govPAGE A4

FIRST FAMILY. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte signs his Oath of Office last Thursday, June 30. Witnessing this momentous event are his children. Photo courtesy of PPD/rtvm.gov.ph

#ThankYouPNoy: Pinoys bid President... PAGE A1

As Aquino’s officials emptied their offices to give way to members of the incoming Duterte administration, they also took to FB to share their feelings about leaving the Palace. Aquino’s longtime staff and appointments secretary Rochelle Ahorro said on FB that the last six years of the Aquino administration had been a “personal journey for those of us who have been with the President for a good portion of our respective careers.” “As the term comes to end, as I look back at the journey I un-

dertook with the President and his close-in staff, the same staff that I call family, I am filled with gratitude and pride. I am grateful to those who have stood by the President. Thanks to everyone who showed their love, support and affection; thanks to those who until the end, marched on with us and contributed in making our country a better place,” Ahorro wrote on her FB account, Rochelle Ravago. “I am proud to have served a leader who defied the odds to fight for what is the best interest of this country. A leader who believed and showed that indeed

Filipinos are worth fighting for,” she added. A photo of Aquino with his quotes from a STAR article also made the rounds online. The lines went: “I’ll be working till the last hour of my presidency. I have to lead by example, and we have six years to do everything we can do. My term ends June 30, noon. We have to be able to face the mirror each day and say, ‘We did the maximum’.” Later in the afternoon, Aquino said he already finished working and was set to visit his home along Times street in Quezon City.

Bongbong Marcos: My election protest... PAGE A1 of evidence from supporters and even people who claimed did not even vote for him but were appalled by how cheating was done in the elections. “I would like to add something, hindi lang ang mga grupo na sumuporta sa akin ang gustong tumulong, meron kaming natatanggap na sulat na ang cover letter sinasabing hindi kita ibinoto pero alam kong dinaya ka kaya’t eto ang mga ebidensya na nakita ko na ipinapadala ko sa inyo, baka makatulong sa inyo. Kaya nakikita natin hindi na ito tungkol sa akin, ito ay tungkol na sa milyong milyong boto na winala at sa mga milyon milyong botante kung kaninong mga boses ay hindi narinig ng ating Comelec, ng ating sistema ng halalan,” he stressed. He said this is the reason why the scheduled filing was postponed a few times because evidence kept on coming.“Sabihin ko na lang na napakaraming ibatibang grupo kayat umabot tayo sa limit panay pa ang postpone dahil nga ay lapit sila ng lapit at sila’y tumutulong sa pag-execute ng mga affidavit, pagpagawa ng ating testimonya, lahat ng witness statements, lahat ito ay ginawa tinutulungan tayo hindi lamang ang mga abogado kundi ibat ibang grupo.,” Marcos said. Marcos further said they expect more evidence to be submitted in the coming days as many have expressed their desire to help him once President-elect Rodrigo Duterte is proclaimed President. He was also aghast over the seeming lack of concern or remorse of the people behind the cheating saying he could not understand why they can keep a straight face despite the mounting evidence. “At ang masakit pa sa lahat,

alam nilang halata sila wala silang pakialam, hindi sila nahihiya sa kanilang ginawa. Basta para sa kanila okey lang yun kahit alam ng tao na nandaya sila, hindi sila nagpapaliwanag. Hindi sila nagsasabi na problema sa kanila yun. Basta nakuha nila yung kanilang resulta kahit sa pandaraya kahit nakita ng lahat ng tao ay ipinagpapatuloy pa rin nila, (What hurts the most is that they know it is obvious but it seems like they don’t care, they are not ashamed at what they have done. For them, it’s okay for people to know that they cheated and they’re not going to explain it. They are not admitting that it is a problem for them. They just submitted the result even though it was obvious to everyone that they cheated),” he said. Marcos profusely thanked his supporters for not losing their faith in his leadership saying he will not fail them. “Sa lahat ng mga supporter ko, ako ay nagpapasalamat sa inyo. Asahan ninyo na yung mga boto ninyo na winala sa nakaraang halalan ay hindi kami titigil hanggang lumabas at palabasin. Patuloy tayong magbantay. Dapat nating ayusin ito, na hindi na mangyari uli itong napaka-garapal, itong nakakahiyang ginawa na pinagtatawanan tayo ng buong mundo (To all my supporters, thank you. Be assured we will not stop in finding all your missing votes during the election. We will continue to be vigilant. We need to fix this, so that this blatant and embarrassing incident will not happen, as the whole world is laughing at us),” he said. Marcos filed his 1,200-petition together with more than 20,000 pages of Annexes contained in 8 boxes. Marcos is specifically contesting the election results in 39,221

clustered precincts in 25 provinces and 5 highly urbanized cities all over the country. Of the 25 provinces, they are asking to declare a failure of elections in three provinces namely Lanao del Sur, Basilan and Maguindanao. Marcos had explained that his petition has three parts – the first is the “flawed” Automated Election System [AES]; the second consists of the more “traditional” modes of cheating like vote buying, pre-shading, intimidation and failure of elections, among others; and the third focuses on the unauthorized introduction by Smartmatic’s Marlon Garcia of a new hash code (or a new script / program) into the Transparency Server as well as the effects brought about by the unauthorized change. Atty. Jose Amor Amorado, head of the BBM Quick Count, said they were able to establish the existence of the Queue Server which violated the Automated Election System Law. “It is an intermediary server alien to the AES and as such should have subjected to source code review. Being a violation of the AES Law, it rendered the Certificates of Canvass canvassed by the National Board of Canvassers unauthentic and not duly executed and therefore the proclamation of Rep. Robredo is void,” he said. This is, added Amorado, regardless of whether or not there in evidence of manipulation through the Queue Server. “Comelec has denied the existence of a Queue Server but Smartmatic still has to deny or confirm its existence. We have evidence of the Queue Server and its capabilities. It contains data and encrypting and decrypting capabilities,” Amorado concluded.

Census: Asian Americans still fastest-growing... period. In comparison, the nation’s overall population grew by 4 percent. Today, there are an estimated 21 million Asian Americans and 1.5 million NHPIs living in the country. In 2015, the Census Bureau reported that for the first time in history, more than half of the children born in the US were minorities. In California, New Mexico, Texas, Hawaii, and the District of Columbia, more than half of the general population come from a minority background. California and Hawaii house the largest Asian American and NHPI populations. Some of the fastest growing NHAPI communities are in North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Montana and Indiana. In the past five years, Arkansas saw a 30 percent increase in its AANHPI population. Much of the growth from the Asian American and NHPI communities is the result of immigration, according to the Census Bureau. Asian Americans are more likely to become American citizens than other racial groups. Fifty-nine percent of Asian immi-

grants complete the naturalization process, versus 47 percent of the immigrant population at large. China and India are the leading countries of origin for recently sworn citizens. Vietnam and Taiwan have the highest naturalization rates at 76 and 74 percent, respectively. For the Filipino population, 68 percent of immigrants end up becoming American citizens. There were 1.26 million naturalized Filipinos in the country in 2013. “Asian Americans are a disproportionately immigrant community,” said Joanna Lee, senior research analyst for Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Los Angeles (Advancing Justice - LA). “Understanding the incredible social and economic diversity of these growing population groups is critical in understanding how best to address their needs.” Despite their expanding presence in America, neither of the major political parties have done enough to engage the Asian American and NHAPI community, according to Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC (AAAJ | AAJC) Executive Director Mee

Moua. During a panel discussion on Monday, June 20, she said polling performed by the advocacy group suggested that 62 percent of Asian Americans had not been contacted by representatives of the Democratic Party during this election cycle, while 74 percent said they were yet to hear from the Republican Party. “That’s not building democracy,” said Moua, challenging elected officials to keep up with the nation’s “changing demographic realities.” With their growing numbers, Asian Americans will have an influential role in shaping the country’s future political landscape, according to a 2015 study released by UCLA and the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies. The Asian American electorate is expected to double by 2040, reaching 12.2 million. “Asian Americans have the potential to be the margin of victory in critical swing votes during the next six presidential election cycles,” according to the authors of the study. (By Eric Anthony Licas / AJPress)

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Federal bank regulators lack diversity in top management, report finds Some agencies lack systems to measure progress on diversity

TAPPING OIL AT THE BENHAM RISE. Divers touch and collect data on benthic life from the bottom of Benham Rise, a new Philippine territory off the eastern coast of Aurora province. Noble Blue Falcons Inc., the country’s largest environmental group has called on president-elect Rodrigo Duterte to tap the vast oil deposits of the 13-million hectare Benham Rise. NBFI said the Duterte government should continue where the Aquino administration left off and harness the underwater region for the country’s needs. File photo/Benham Rise Program

Filipino bishops say Church doctrine on...

PAGE A1 Commission on Public Affairs, who responded to Pope Francis’ comments made on Sunday, June 26. The pontiff said that Christians and the Roman Catholic Church should apologize to the LGBT community and ask for their forgiveness for the Church’s maltreatment throughout history. “I believe that the church not only should apologize to the person who is gay whom it has offended,” the pope said, “but has to apologize to the poor, to exploited women, to children exploited for labor; it has to ask forgiveness for having blessed many weapons.” But Secillano assured that the Pope’s remarks were “not in any way related to the doctrine of the Church on homosexuality,” but rather referenced civilian treatment of the LGBT community. “What the apology implies is that homosexuals should also

be treated with respect, compassion and with high regard for their dignity as human beings,” Secillano told reporters. The Pope’s comment on Sunday mirrors similar remarks he made earlier in his papacy in which he asked, “Who am I to judge?” when it comes to the judgment of LGBT individuals. “The question is: If a person who has that condition, who has good will and who looks for God, who are we to judge?” said Pope Francis, whose papacy is considered one of the most socially progressive. Secillano’s comment comes after the CBCP’s statement following the Orlando gay nightclub shooting on June 12 in which the bishops urged Filipinos to treat the LGBT community with respect and tolerance, denouncing acts of violence toward LGBT individuals. Although the CBCP calls for respect for the LGBT community, the organization has gener-

ally denounced homosexuality, staying in line with traditional Catholic indoctrination on homosexuality. In February, the CBCP defended Manny Pacquiao’s controversial comments in which he referred to homosexuals as “worse than animals.” Secillano told Philstar that Pacquiao was merely quoting a line from the Bible and said it was “unfair” to condemn the boxing icon for the comment and his views on same-sex marriage. In August, CBCP President Socrates Villegas, who is also the archbishop of Lingayen-Dagupan, stated that homosexual acts are “contrary to the natural” and are to be considered “sins gravely contrary to chastity.” The statement came at a time when LGBT activists were pushing for the legalization of samesex unions in the Philippines, a country whose religious identity is deeply engrained in its legislation.

PAGE A1 She will also push for the AntiDiscrimination Bill that gives equal rights to LGBTs in schools, workplaces, starting a business or getting a professional license. Moreover, she will file a bill for the civil union of same-sex

partners in loving relationships, as well as a Gender Recognition bill for transgenders to have their birth certificates legally altered to reflect their authentic gender identity. Roman’s father is the late Bataan Rep. Antonino Roman

while her mother, Herminia, is the outgoing representative of her district. It was her father and her brother who took care of her when she underwent sexual reassignment surgery in New York City when she was 27.

Transgender lawmaker to push for divorce..

BERKELEY, Calif. – Despite a congressional mandate to pay more attention to diversity within federal financial regulatory agencies, a new report from The Greenlining Institute finds that these agencies generally lack diversity at executive and upper management levels and often lack the systems needed to track progress. The report, Government That Looks Like America: Diversity in the Financial Regulatory Agencies, is set for public release July 6. Journalists can preview it now at the link above. “During the bubble that led to the 2008 crash, financial regulators simply missed what was going on in communities of color,” said report co-author Danielle Beavers, Greenlining’s director of diversity and inclusion. “If the people at decision-making levels look like America, they will do better at making sure this critical industry works for all Americans.” After the financial crisis devastated communities of color, and recognizing that these communities constitute the proverbial “canary in the coal mine,” Congress ordered placement of Offices of Minority and Women Inclusion in major financial regulatory agencies, with the goal of promoting diversity in both the financial industry and within the regulatory agencies themselves. Greenlining examined 2014 data from eight agencies that oversee banking and financial businesses. Key findings include: On average, the eight agencies that submitted data employed 33.52 percent people of color, consistent with the U.S. civilian and financial sector labor forces. Some agencies improved their overall diversity since Greenlining’s last analysis in 2011. Upper level management in the agencies, however, showed much less diversity, with people of color making up only 17.76 of executive management. People of color were also severely underrepresented in jobs deemed “mission critical,” such as attorneys and economists. Latinos were most severely underrepresented, making up just 3.49 percent of the mission critical workforce. Contracting with minorityowned vendors by the agencies varied dramatically from agency to

agency, from just 2.6 percent of total contracts up to 36 percent, with an average of 17.61 percent. To make progress, the agencies need to focus consciously on diversity with strategic plans, analysis of barriers to diverse hiring, and better data – particularly on the diversity of contractors.

“In a country where people of color will soon be the majority, we’ve seen what happens when financial regulators live in a bubble,” said Greenlining Institute President Orson Aguilar. “We applaud these agencies for sharing their data with us, and now we need them to use this information to make real change.”

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july 1-7, 2016 • OC/IE ASIAN jOuRNAl

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Filipino producer in Guam faces trafficking, visa fraud charges

SAN FRANCISCO – A Filipino entertainment company producer in Guam is facing 29 felony counts of visa fraud, conspiracy to commit visa fraud, alien trafficking and harboring undocumented aliens and using female members of Filipino music bands to sell alcohol at Guam clubs and bars, a violation of a federal immigration program regulating such bands. Jemuel Luciano, 46, was arrested Saturday, June 18, in Tamuning and appeared Monday at the LINEAR PARK OPENS ALONG PASIG RIVER. The Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC) opened a 75-meter long linear park along the U.S. District Court of Guam. LuciPasig River on Barangay Poblacion in Makati City on Monday, June 27. The officials led by Executive Director Ramil Tan, also unveiled solar ano was the executive producer of powered street lamps which would light up the park at night. Philstar.com file photo Royal Entertainment Productions, which stages artists and talent for television and concert entertainment in Guam. Under a federal visa program, Francisco Foundation and anothSenate Public Safety Committee by Viji Sundaram foreign performers, artists, bands NewAmericaMedia er for $25,000 from The California on June 28. or national athletes can temporarIf it is signed into law, “it will Endowment, according to Public OAKLAND, Calif. – California’s give the courts and the judicial Defender Robin Lipetzky. Prop. 47 allows many individu- system more time to process the The money allowed her office als to change certain felonies into applications,” says Marisa Ar- to hire one legal support employmisdemeanors on their criminal rona, Prop. 47 implementation di- ee to work on Prop. 47 cases. So WASHINGTON, DC — The records – but less than a quarter rector with Californians for Safety far, the county has received about Philippines was upgraded to Tier of those eligible have submitted and Justice, the non-profit that 2,400 petitions. 1 of the US State Department’s their requests, and the window was at the forefront of the Prop. “We have been processing beof opportunity could expire next 47 campaign. Equally important- tween 50 and 100 cases a week,” Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report of 2016 released Thursday, year. ly, it will give more time for crimi- says Deputy Public Defender and June 30. Eighteen months into Prop. nal justice advocates to conduct Reentry Coordinator Ellen McAmbassador Jose L. Cuisia, 47’s enactment, the state has re- outreach and get more people to Donnell. Jr., who led the advocacy work ceived some 211,000 petitions submit their requests. Kelly Emling, chief deputy with for the Philippines’ anti-traffickseeking resentencing or a record Prop. 47 supporters say that the Los Angeles County Public ing in persons campaign in the change. processing petitions is burden- Defender’s Office, said that de- US and who officially steps down The ballot measure, which some for the public defenders’ of- spite no additional hires, her ofpassed in November 2014 de- fices that deal with the cases. And fice so far has been able to grant today as the country’s top envoy to the United States, welcomed spite heavy opposition from law resentencing takes “some coordi- about 50,300 petitions. the news. enforcement associations, gives nation,” says Contra Costa County “Our workload has increased,” “I welcome the Report’s reca three-year window for the esti- Public Defender Robin Lipetzky. Emling says, pointing out that ognition of the Philippines’ efmated 1 million eligible individu- Since the measure is retroactive, processing applications “looks forts to combat trafficking parals to file for relief. and there is no limit on how far deceptively simple.” ticularly in the areas of increased Prop. 47 converted certain back a conviction can go, some Thanks to her department’s nonviolent felonies into misde- rap sheets could go back several partnership with a number of convictions; expanded anti-trafficking prevention campaigns for meanors, which translates into decades. community-based organizations, migrant workers; and increased little or no jail time for crimes like outreach into the community has prosecution to avoid child sex “No sustained funding” low-value theft and simple drug The biggest problem, however, been good, although not as much tourism resulting a Tier 1 rankpossession. The savings gener- is “there’s no sustained funding as is necessary, she says. ing,” Ambassador Cuisia stated. ated by the measure are meant to for the legal services that help The Los Angeles County Board The Report, released annuguide people into programs such eligible individuals file for Prop. of Supervisors is likely to approve as drug treatment. 47 relief,” says Eliza Hersh, direc- the hiring of a few paralegals to Advocates worry that because tor of Clean Slate, a project of the deal with Prop. 47 applications the “application process is so East Bay Community Law Center. when it meets June 28, she said. complex” – even though the apIn the meantime, Californians In Alameda County, for inplication itself is only a page long stance, the Public Defender’s of- for Safety and Justice, in part– and counties don’t have enough fice got no funding at all to take nership with other non-profits, is PAGE A2 attorneys who can spend ade- up Prop. 47 cases. Hersh says that continuing its outreach efforts to ernment. quate time dealing with petitions, Public Defender Brendon Wood increase Prop. 47 applications. “It is the people from whom the sun may set on the window assigned an attorney from his She worries that there may be democratic governments draw before all those eligible can ap- staff to deal with Prop. 47 cases homeless people who are not strength and this administration is ply. full-time, with no additional fund- even aware of the law. no exception. That is why we have However, in early June, Califor- ing for the increased work. A “Justice Fair” of the kind held to listen to the murmurings of the nia State Assembly approved AB Contra Costa County also faced last September in South Los An- people, feel their pulse, supply 2765, a bill that would extend the the same funding shortage, but geles is scheduled for June 25 in their needs and fortify their faith deadline by five years, from No- the Public Defender’s office was Stockton. Scores of volunteer atand trust in us whom they elected vember 2017 to November 2022. able to get some outside grants torneys will be on hand to assist to public office,” he said. It is scheduled to go before the – one for $50,000 from the San applicants. Duterte, who earlier vowed to lead a government for the helpless, hopeless and defenseless, said the foundations of his administration would be built upon the ideas of American presidents Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. Quoting Roosevelt, Duterte said the test of government is “not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much; it is whether we provide for those who have little.” He also recited Lincoln’s famous lines about social classes. “You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong; you cannot help the poor by discouraging the rich; you cannot help the wage earner by pulling down the wage payer; you cannot further the brotherhood by inciting class hatred among men,” the President said. Duterte also assured Filipinos his leadership is about protecting the country’s interest and not just of a few. “Let me remind, in the end of this talk, that I was elected to the presidency to serve the entire country. I was not elected to serve the interests of any one person or any group or any one class. I serve everyone and not only one,” Duterte said. “That is why I have adapted as

Many eligible for Prop 47 relief still need to apply

ily work and perform on U.S. soil. From April 2011 through about 2014, Luciano allegedly recruited two bands from the Philippines to work in Guam venues where he told them to perform unauthorized work, violating the visa program, according to the federal indictment. In 2011, the Gems Band came to Guam under a visa and worked at Stargazer Bar, according to a report by the Pacific Daily News. Luciano allegedly told female band members to sell drinks at the bar, knowing it violated the band’s visa status, reportedly profiting about $10 from every $30 in drinks sold. The Gems Band did the same at Josie’s Tavern and Club Underpass for over a year. Another group, Faith Cuneta Band, with 11 performers who entered Guam

under the visa program to perform at Chic.Boy in October 2013 was allegedly told that selling drinks was part of the job. Luciano allegedly used the money from the drink sales to pay the band members’ monthly salaries and band-related expenses such as apartment rental fees. He could forfeit any property obtained directly or indirectly from the drink sales in addition to at least at least $9,258, if found guilty of the charges, According to the Pacific Daily News, Luciano in January 2015 was to star in Filipino production of “San Pedro Calungsod: The Musical,” about a Filipino martyr killed in Guam while doing missionary work with Father Diego Luis de San Vitores. (Inquirer.net)

PH upgraded to Tier 1 in US State Dept. TIP report 2016 ally by the State Department since 2001, is mandated by the US Congress under Public Law 106-386, titled “Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act (TVPA) of the year 2000”. The TVPA identifies minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking applicable to the government of a country of origin, transit, or destination for victims of severe forms of trafficking. There are four tier placements signifying level of compliance with TVPA standards, namely, Tier 1 (full compliance), Tier 2 (no full compliance but making significant efforts to comply with standards), Tier 2 Watchlist (no full compliance and absolute number of victims increasing), and Tier 3 (no full compliance, no significant efforts to comply). Since the issuance of the TIP Report last year, the Philippine

Government has regularly met the leadership of State Department’s Trafficking in Persons Bureau to highlight initiatives in addressing issues to combat human trafficking such as expanded training and awareness events for government officials, prospective employees, and the general public, and increased convictions of those complicit in trafficking. “The Embassy will continue its engagement with the US State Department to ensure that the Philippines’ efforts to combat this scourge are accurately reported and considered by the State Department. Our country’s goal is to remain in Tier 1 to ensure to that the estimated 10 million Filipino workers overseas are protected from unscrupulous practices,” Ambassador Cuisia said.

Duterte: ‘Join me in a rough...

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an article of faith, the following lines written by someone whose name I could no longer recall. He said: ‘I have no friends to serve, I have no enemies to harm.” Duterte has vowed to curb crime within the first three to six months of his term and to wage a “bloody war” against illegal drugs. He is pushing for the revival of the death penalty – preferably by hanging – and the giving of bounty to those who would kill drug lords. Some quarters have expressed fear his anti-criminality drive would lead to extralegal killings and human rights abuses. In his speech, Duterte acknowledged his methods had drawn flak for supposedly being unorthodox and bordering on the illegal. “In response let me say this: I have seen how corruption bled the government of funds, which were allocated for use in uplifting the poor from the mire that they are in. I have seen how illegal drugs destroyed individuals and ruined family relationships,” Duterte said. “I have seen how criminality, by means all foul, snatched from the innocent and the unsuspecting, the years and years of accumulated savings. Years of toil and then, suddenly, they are back to where they started,” he added. “Look at this from that perspective and tell me that I am wrong.” Stick to rules Duterte also reminded his Cabinet members to refrain from changing and bending the rules of government contracts, transaction and projects already approved and awaiting implementation. “I abhor secrecy and instead advocate transparency in all government contracts, projects and

business transactions from submission of proposals to negotiation to perfection and finally, to consummation,” he said. “Do them and we will work together. Do not do them, we will part sooner than later.” Duterte also emphasized his administration is committed to implement all the signed peace agreements that are “in step with constitutional and legal reforms.” He said he was delighted by the general response to his call for peace. “I am elated by the expression of unity among our Muslim brothers and leaders, and the response of everyone else to my call for peace. I look forward to the participation of all other stakeholders, particularly our indigenous peoples, to ensure inclusivity in the peace process,” Duterte said. He did not mention the Bangsamoro Basic Law, the passage of which was stalled following the Mamasapano carnage in January last year. He ended his speech with extemporaneous remarks. “Why am I here? ” he asked. “I am here because I love my country and I love the people of the Philippines. I am here, why? Because I am ready to start my work as President.” Rody’s marching orders: 1. Cut red tape, reduce requirements and processing time for transactions, remove redundant requirementsREG 2. Refrain from changing and bending rules for government contracts, transactions, projects already approved and awaiting implementation 3. Advocate transparency in all government contracts, projects, business transactions

CA increases education funding... PAGE A1

and the CCC this year, which is the highest level in state history, according to a statement from Brown’s office. The two budget trailer bills, SB 828 and AB 1602, would allocate more of the state’s budget for improving college readiness for K-12 students, increasing enrollment into University of California (UC) schools for the 2017-2018 year and increase graduation rates by expanding student services and outreach programs for low-income and underrepresented students. The legislation would allocate $200 million to the College Readiness Block Grant which would grant school districts and charter schools to provide services for high school students to establish a transition to college for the next three years. The grant pays particular attention to underfunded school districts, charter schools and schools with a majority population of low-income students, English learners and foster children, according to the state’s budget summary for 2016-2017. These schools lack in A-G courses, advanced placement (AP) classes and are scarce in resources for

college advising and counseling. The College for All Coalition, which is comprised of over 50 community organizations including Advancing Justice-California, hailed the state’s legislative efforts to provide a “pipeline of educational opportunity and success” according to a statement released by Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Los Angeles after Brown signed the bill. “We’re investing in the most vulnerable and underserved kids who, like their peers from more affluent families, should have an equal chance to go to college,” Chris Punongbayan, executive director for Advancing JusticeAsian Law Caucus, said in the statement. “This is an investment worth making because we are supporting the potential of every California student.” According to the Public Policy Institute of California, the state is threatened with a workforce shortage of 1.1 million college graduates by 2030 if the state doesn’t further invest in public education. “California’s future depends on reinvesting in public education so that every California student has an equal opportunity to attend

and graduate from the state’s world-class public universities,” said Stewart Kwoh, president and executive director of Advancing Justice-LA. The increase to the state’s education budget is a part of a requirement from Proposition 98, the overarching legislation that ensures funding for preschool, K-12 education, the California Community Colleges (CCC) and adult education. Proposition 98 requires that K-12 education receive a minimum percentage of the state’s budget and an overall guaranteed increase in educational funding every year. This year’s spending decisions made on behalf of Proposition 98 were a part of a $171 billion spending plan that also looks to reduce homelessness, increase funding for affordable housing, remove limits on welfare payments, strengthening the state’s infrastructure and reducing the state’s debt. “The solid budget makes responsible investments in California and sets aside billions of dollars to prepare for the next recession,” Brown said in a statement. (By Klarize Medenilla / AJPress)

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Dateline PPHhiliPPines envoy to Turkey: All ‘kababayans’ are safe after airport attack by EsTrElla

TorrEs Inquirer.net

PHILIPPINE ambassador to Turkey Rowena Sanchez said “all kababayans” are safe following the triple suicide bombing and gun attack at Istanbul’s Ataturk airport Wednesday, June 29, that killed at least 36 people. Turkey’s Prime Minister Binali Yildirim has tagged the Islamic State to be behind the attack.

“We are all safe. As per our leaders and our checks, all our kababayans are ok,” Sanchez told the Inquirer through an email. She said there are around 3,500 Filipinos in Turkey, 2,000 of them are in Istanbul. “Our kababayans mostly work in households, some are nurses, teachers, entertainers, some are [scholars],” said Sanchez. But Ambassador Sanchez said

she is concerned about possible Filipino tourists who may be affected in the attacks. Last year, there were around 60,000 Filipino tourists in Turkey, she said. “We are concerned for possible tourists. Our check with the hospitals [had] negative results,” said Sanchez. “But it’s not final, I hope there are no (Filipinos) among the casualties.

Adversarial media, government ties vital in a democracy, says Coloma by EfigEnio

TolEdo Philstar.com

iV

naman ang sense ng demokrasya (Respecting each other is still posMANILA, Philippines — Amid sible, that you really hold contraincoming President Rodrigo dictory views, because that is the Duterte’s snub, the media is ex- sense of democracy),” coloma pected to maintain an adversarial said. “Hindi masama magkaroon relationship with government, ng iba’t ibang paraan (It’s not bad President Aquino’s communica- to have our own ways).” perience na kung saan mayroong used in Bolivia. coloma said the government tions chief said Wednesday, June “’Yung cable cars, gagamitin, mga cable car [The use of cable is an institution for governance 29. cars is being studied. I am bor- pinag-aaralan, definitely. Ito ho, Presidential communications while the media or the fourth rowing from the experience of hinihiram ko ito ‘yung Bolivia exSecretary Herminio “Sonny” co- estate is the eye and voice of citiBolivia where cable cars are in perience na kung saan mayroong loma Jr. said the press’s critical zens. Both institutions essentially use],” Tugade told a television mga cable car [The use of cable approach toward the government, serve the same public. cars is being studied. I am borinterview. “Don’t lose sight of the bigger headed by the president, is vital in Incoming Transportation Sec- rowing from the experience of national interest despite different a democracy. retary Arthur Tugade is seriously Bolivia where cable cars are in “Pwede paring igalang ninyo interests,” coloma said at the Kaconsidering the use of cable cars use],” Tugade told a television pihan sa Manila Bay forum. (with ang isa’t isa, that you really hold to resolve Metro Manila’s traffic interview. contradictory views, dahil ‘yan Rosette Adel) problem. Tugade said he is looking at adapting the cable car system

HERE COMES THE RAIN. Children walking along Luzon Avenue in Quezon City frolic in the rain brought about by Typhoon Ambo, the first tropical depression to enter the country in 2016. ManilaTimes.net photo by Ruy Martinez

Cable cars eyed to ease Metro traffic by CaThErinE

ValEnTE ManilaTimes.net

INcOMINg Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade is seriously considering the use of cable cars to resolve Metro Manila’s traffic problem. Tugade said he is looking at adapting the cable car system used in Bolivia. “’Yung cable cars, gagamitin, pinag-aaralan, definitely. Ito ho, hinihiram ko ito ‘yung Bolivia ex-

CHR ready to work with Rody by JanViC

MaTEo Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines — The commission on Human Rights (cHR) said it is ready to engage with President Rodrigo Duterte, who took his oath of office and officially assumed the highest post in the land Thursday, June 30. “The cHR congratulates President Duterte on his inauguration to high office and wish him much success in pursuing his mandate,” chairman chito gascon said. “The cHR looks forward to engaging with his administration on human rights as we each must do what we must.” gascon issued the statement minutes after Duterte, in his inaugural speech, called on the human rights body and the congress to mind their work and let him mind his. “Allow us a level of governance that is consistent to our mandate,” said Duterte, adding that he knows the limitations of the functions of his office. In response, gascon said they are heartened with Duterte’s affirmation to adhere to due process and rule of law in addressing issues that he would face during his incumbency. “Such is all we hope and expect as this proceeds from the solemn oath he took,” added the cHR chief. Duterte had been at odds with the human rights body over numerous issues in the past, more recently on his rape remark that resulted in a cHR resolution that found him liable for violating the Magna carta of Women. At one point, he called gascon an “idiot” and stressed that he would not follow any directive from the cHR chairman. gascon, meanwhile, stressed that they are merely fulfilling their functions as mandated by the constitution. “He’s not inclined to cooper-

ate with us, but we will not stop trying. Human rights is far too important as an issue and as an agenda that when he say he does not want to talk to us, we’ll give up,” he added. Meeting with Rody In a recent interview with The STAR, gascon said he would welcome an opportunity to meet with the president. “He’s the chief executive, the head of state. I know he’s a busy person. I’m willing to wait, if the opportunity presents itself,” gascon said. While he is willing to meet with the president, gascon said he is also not ruling out the possibility that the chief executive might ignore him and his office. “If he chooses not to meet with me, I will not have sleepless nights about it. I will make every effort to engage his government, the different departments, the police, the Department of (the) Interior and Local government, anyone who’s prepared to listen or even those who are not prepared to listen, so long as they have an impact on human rights, we will continue to press,” he added. Amid calls for the commission’s abolition, the cHR chief stressed that they would continue to perform their mandate until such time that a charter change directs the dissolution of their office. The creation of cHR was prescribed by the 1987 constitution that was crafted after the fall of the dictatorship. gascon said he would not step down from office and would continue to fulfill his function until the end of his term in 2022. “I take my duty seriously. I’ve been given a mandate, I should serve here seven years so I will perform that mandate so long as I am able to continue to do what I have taken an oath to do. I will pursue it until I finish my term, if

Soon after taking his oath of office, President Rodrigo Duterte ascends the Malacañang staircase signifying the new leader’s takeover of the presidential palace. Malacañang Photo Bureau

Outgoing Presidential Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. says the media are expected to disagree with government, but neither camps should be disagreeable. Philstar.com / Efigenio Toledo IV

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july 1-7, 2016 • OC/IE ASIAN jOuRNAl

OpiniOn

Features

Due process

A FAVORABLE decision is expected soon from the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague to strengthen the Philippines’ maritime case against China over its expansive claim in the disputed water of the South China Sea. The international court is expected to rule over the decades-long conflict on July 12. Citing peaceful resolution on the jurisdiction over the disputed waters, the Philippines has pleaded its case to the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea (ITLOS). It is now awaiting results of the preliminary hearings over the Philippine claim. The ITLOS is an intergovernmental organization created through the directive of the Third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea and established by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), signed at Montego Bay, Jamaica, on Dec. 10, 1982. China and the Philippines have competing claims to some parts of the South China Sea. China claims the largest swathe of the strategic water, which is believed to have significant oil and gas deposits. It has continuously rejected other nations’ claim (including Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia and Brunei) on the South China Sea. China has also been busy militarizing the strategic water in the last two years through the creation of new outposts by piling sand atop reefs and atolls, and then adding buildings, ports and airstrips big enough to handle bombers and fighter jets. Despite continuous calls from the international community to halt the construction, China remained adamant over its assertion to the South West Philippine (South China) Sea. It maintained

that its military activities are consistent with its position that the construction of artificial islands was designed to provide public service to the region by helping ships and fishermen and disaster relief efforts. In a Note Verbale, China rejected the Notification and Statement of Claim made by the Philippines and refused to acknowledge the jurisdiction of the Arbitral Tribunal over the case. It has insisted on resolving the dispute through bilateral negotiations. Ironically, China is a signatory of the UN charter, which is governed by the rules and principles of general international law. Under the UNCLOS, all parties have agreed to “due regard for the sovereignty of all States, a legal order for the seas and oceans which will facilitate international communication, and will promote the peaceful uses of the seas and oceans, the equitable and efficient utilization of their resources, the conservation of their living resources, and the study, protection and preservation of the marine environment.” While the international community is waiting for the landmark ruling, the US called on both parties and other claimants of the South China Sea to exercise restraint to avoid further confrontations. After years of tension-filled relations and regardless of an incoming court order, the Philippines

Editorial

ManilaTimes.net photo

and China must learn to settle their differences, and let diplomacy prevail. Diplomacy is an old art. But today’s challenges give an opening to effective means of resolving crises. It can never happen

over night, but through a pragmatic approach, the adverse effects of international conflict can be reduced. When a conflict is defused, peace and progress will ensue. (AJPress)

Supreme Court affirms the right of women to have an abortion IF there is a singular issue that makes The Fil-Am many kababayans gravitate toward the Perspective Republican Party, it’s the issue of the right of women to have an abortion—a right traditionally fought for Gel SantoS-ReloS by Democrats and opposed by Republicans. On Monday, June 27, the Supreme Court (SC) upheld such right of women by striking down Texas’ controversial abortion restriction bill.

With a 5-3 vote, the justices of the highest court in the nation ruled that Texas lawmakers went too far by imposing unnecessary regulations that had forced most of the state’s abortion clinics to go out of business. This vote would effectively limit the power not only of Texas, but of other states as well, to restrict or shut down abortion clinics. This is the first major decision on

abortion by the Supreme Court, after passing the landmark decision on Roe v. Wade in 1973, which found that a state law that banned abortions except to save the life of the mother was unconstitutional. As Balitang America reported, President Barack Obama shared on the social networking site Twitter his reaction to the SC’s decision, saying that “every woman has a constitutional right to make her own reproductive choices,” adding that he is pleased that the Supreme Court affirmed that fact. Balitang America also reported on the

reaction of the major pro-life group—Susan B. Anthony’s List—which argues that “the abortion industry cannot be trusted to regulate itself,” and that “America should elect a pro-life President to safeguard today’s pro-life majorities in the House and Senate.” Many conservative Kababayans share the views of Americans who believe abortion is morally wrong. A recent Gallup Poll reveals that 47 percent of respondents think abortion is morally wrong, while 43 percent say it is morally acceptable. Nine percent contend that it depends on the situation,

while two percent expressed no opinion on the issue. The same poll further reveals that more Democrats—62 percent—are okay with abortion morally, while only 24 percent of Republicans share that opinion. Do you agree with the Supreme Court decision? *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https://www.facebook. com/Gel.Santos.Relos

Iconoclastic President? Finally. Revolutionary? Our dream

Commentary

and richer. DUTERTE as PresiWe have to find ways to drastically change our grossly indent is emerging as a equitable distribution of assets through such means as a radihistoric break from our cal change in our tax system (the path taken by Scandinavian past. He is by attitude, RiGobeRto D. tiGlao countries for income distribution), an earthshaking change in maybe even class-orithe banking system to provide small entrepreneurs access to gins, and pronouncecapital, or a massive scholarship program for a huge sector of ments, a drastic departure from his predecessors. the poor to allow them to get not just any education but the There had been Presidents who came from the lowerbest education possible. middle classes (Ramon Magsaysay and Diosdado MacapaAnd third, Filipinos have lost their sense that all of us are in gal) but who never really challenged the ruling class by their the same boat called the nation-state, and that our fates are pronouncements and actions. President Estrada pretended intertwined because we are all in this boat. to be for the masses, but turned out to be the best example We call this understanding, nationalism, which not a few of our lumpenproletariat politicos. young Filipinos even mock now as “xenophobia.” It has beThe past President BS Aquino 3rd was inarguably the last come even chic for many young Filipinos to see themselves (hopefully) representative, of the landlord elite, whom hisas “global citizens,” which is an oxymoron really, as being a tory will judge as one who had been obsessed with, and had citizen presupposes a nation-state of which one is a member. done everything — including assaulting the Supreme Court There are many reasons for such decline in nationalism, itself and removing its chief justice — to preserve his clan’s the most important of which is that unlike the elites of ThaiHacienda Luisita, the epitome of that vanishing class’ means land, China, or Singapore, our elites are “global” people, livof wealth. ing in the US or Spain or even China now, and seeing the Duterte is nearly Aquino’s antithesis, from the middle Philippines really only as a market or a production site or as class, yes, but hardly living in the ensconced world of the elite, which could explain his derision of the elite and the The man on the left wears a pin that obviously represents the PH. What country does the guy on the right a country they enjoy criticizing from their suburban homes in represent? California. They no longer really see – as elites elsewhere do Philippine oligarchy. – that their fates are bound with the people of this country. Duterte recently demonstrated his disdain for the oligarWhy the lack? Whether we like it or not, it is really the economic elite in any nachy when he revealed that ABS-CBN Chairman Eugenio “Gabby” This is correct, yet it raises another question: Why is there such a tion that has the resources to mold its people’s sense of nationalism. Lopez 3rd had tried to bribe him, to help its subsidiary Sky Cable lack of respect for government? If they don’t, it is an uphill struggle by the middle-class, or its intelenter the Davao City market. He hasn’t denied reports that he replied I submit that there are three reasons: lectuals to develop their people’s nationalism. to the main executive of that public-utility Indonesian conglomerate: First, the government has become mostly a tool of the elite, even As above, as it turned out, so below. The OFW phenomenon has “Simply recall that you are just a puppet of the foreign-based Salim foreign magnates, exemplified by the fact that an Indonesian-opened Group, while I am the chosen President of the Republic of the Philip- Hong Kong-based company and a Singaporean firm have been al- made a big part of our lower-middle class really nationless. Blaming Marcos, and then the disappointment that a post-Marcos era pines!” lowed to gain control over such strategic public utilities as telecom The new President is also appearing to be an iconoclast, to use and power distribution, as I have exposed in several articles on changed nothing, has resulted in a massive brain and talent drain that word in the broader sense of a person ruthlessly upending tradi- PLDT, Globe and Meralco — in violation of our basic law, the Con- from the country, including even its best journalists. If the Philippines isn’t’ really their nation, why should they respect tions and institutions, cherished by certain sections of society. He stitution. This was possible only because of what political scientists its state? vociferously criticized the Catholic Church for “hypocrisy” when it call “regulatory capture,” or the elite’s capability to put regulatory Only when President Duterte starts correcting these three basic censured his campaign statements that showed his apparent disre- bodies under their control. Few even know who heads the National gard for human life, even if these are suspected criminals, in his anti- Telecommunications Commission, with whom the telcos seem to be problems of our country can we then say that he has moved from being just iconoclastic to being a revolutionary. crime campaign. happy. Why? I entered adulthood by joining a movement that professed to be Both traits of a President – an anti-oligarch stance and an iconoA part of government that is not a tool of the elite, on the other clasm – are what this nation needs, so damaged as it has been by the hand, has become a moneymaking machine for a political-bureau- revolutionary, that it would solve these root problems of our country, ruling-class elite and by medieval beliefs the Church has irresponsi- cratic subclass, which the Left erroneously had labeled “bureaucrat- by overthrowing the bourgeois form of government. That movement failed miserably, with its leaders, ironically, even becoming citizens bly allowed to prosper. But these are not enough. capitalism.” Most mayors, congressmen, and senators spend a lot or permanent residents of the world’s most advanced capitalist naI hope that he evolves from his iconoclasm and his simple, folksy of money, perhaps partly to feed their egos, but also to tap into the disdain for the oligarchy, as well as from his commonsensical priori- bureaucracy’s money-generating machine. We know this phenom- tions they had been condemning. I hope I see in my lifetime our country moving toward solving ties of combating crime and the illegal drug trade into a leader with a enon simply as corruption. these three basic problems. more comprehensive understanding of what ails the Philippines. Second, land, capital, and state-of-the-art educational facilities At least this nation-state’s symbol, the flag, yesterday appeared He indicated in his inaugural speech yesterday that corruption, have been unequally distributed, with the elite having almost a mocrime and illegal-drugs don’t make up the root of our national quag- nopoly of these. To understand how important they are, know that pinned on the chest of the new President, Duterte. In contrast, in the mire. He said these arise only from a more basic problem: The lack they are simply “assets” in different forms, and those who own the past six years, the symbol pinned on Aquino’s chest till the day he left the Palace, has been a Yellow Ribbon, the symbol not of this nation of respect for government and its institutions. assets, therefore, get most of the resulting output — they get richer but of his clan and its fanatic followers. The views expressed by our Op-Ed contributors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the predilection of the editorial board and staff of Asian Journal. ROGER LAGMAY ORIEL Publisher & Chairman of the Board

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Aquino signed 4 new laws before exit by Delon

Porcalla Philstar.com

OATH-TAKING. Senators-elect Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan and Ralph Recto took their oath of office before Supreme Court Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno on Monday, June 26. Pangilinan, who returns to the Senate after three years, was accompanied by his wife Sharon Cuneta and their children KC Concepcion, Frankie, Miel and Miguel. Recto, who will serve his second term in the Senate, was accompanied by his wife Vilma Santos-Recto and their son Ryan Christian.

PH respects UK decision to leave European Union by

Pia lee-Brago Philstar.com

MANILA – The Philippines respects the decision of the British people through a transparent and democratic process to leave the European Union as Manila looks forward to continuing ties with both the EU and the United Kingdom. “As a nation that shares with the United Kingdom adherence to democratic principles and the rule of law, the Philippines respects this decision of the British people,” the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said recently in a statement. The DFA said the Philippines also “deeply values its relations with the European Union both bilaterally and as a part of the ASEAN.” “The Philippines looks forward

to continuing its ties with both the United Kingdom and the European Union towards a more prosperous future,” the DFA said. The Philippines’ relationship with the UK has grown steadily in the past 70 years. Bilateral trade between the two countries reaches about $1.8 billion per year, with the bulk focused on manufacturing and agriculture. The UK is also home to some 200,000 Filipinos and FilipinoBritish citizens. In 2015, the Philippines welcomed 154,589 British tourists to the country. The people of Britain voted for a British exit, or Brexit, from the EU in a historic referendum last June 23. The leave votes won, 52 percent to 48 percent. British Ambassador Asif Ahmad said on Monday, June 27, that Britain’s vote to leave the EU in an historic referendum would

not have an impact on Filipinos working and living in the UK as they came to the country under a “completely different immigration regime.” Ahmad explained that the UK has an independent migration and visa policy, since it is not part of Schengen. He said the Filipinos came to the UK based on UK rules that would not change. Moreover, he said the Filipinos belong to a category of workers that “we continue to need.” European Council President Donald Tusk said the UK’s vote to leave the EU was an “historic moment” but “not a moment for hysterical reactions.” Until the UK formally leaves the EU, EU law will continue to apply to and within the UK, including the laws on rights and obligations.

Kobe Paras quits UCLA by Josef

ramos ManilaTimes.net

PROMISING Filipino basketball player Kobe Paras is no longer connected with the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Bruins after withdrawing from the school for not meeting the academic conditions, according to the UCLA Athletic Department. “Incoming freshman guard Kobe Paras, admitted upon condition to UCLA, has withdrawn from the university due to aca-

demic conditions of his admission not being met,” said a statement posted on the UCLA Athletic Department’s website. The high-leaping 6’6 Paras, the son of 1989 Philippine Basketball Association Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player Benjie Paras, is considered by many as the next big thing in Philippine basketball because of his shooting prowess and sheer athleticism. Before joining the Bruins last year, Paras was a star cager in Cathedral High School. He played

for La Salle Greenhills before flying to the United States two years ago. Kobe was also a member of the Philippine team that won the gold medal in the 2013 Southeast Asia Basketball Association 16-U meet in Indonesia. He also won two slam dunk titles during the 2013 and 2015 FIBA 3X3 Under-18 World Championship. The Manila Times tried its best to contact Kobe’s father Benjie but he’s not responding as of press time.

MANILA – Two days before he stepped down from office, President Aquino signed four new laws, including a measure that gives P100,000 to centenarians. The Centenarians Act of 2016 (Republic Act 10868) recognizes the centenarians’ rare gift of longevity and their contributions to the country’s communities. The measure provides that Filipinos who reach the age of 100 years old, whether residing in the Philippines or abroad, shall be honored with a Letter of Felicitation from the President of the Philippines congratulating the celebrant for his or her longevity. But the law “does not carry the provision about 75 percent VAT exemption which was the objectionable feature of the enrolled bill when it was first submitted to the President and vetoed in the 15th Congress,” according to Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. All Filipinos who have turned centenarian in the current fiscal year shall be awarded a plaque of recognition and a cash incentive by their respective city or municipal governments in appropriate ceremonies. The LGU concerned shall determine the amount of the cash incentive. The Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Health and the Commission of Filipinos Overseas will promulgate the necessary guidelines for the new law. The law also declared Sept. 25 as “National Day of Respect for Centenarians” as part of the annual Family Week celebration from Sept. 19 to 28. Aquino also signed the National Bureau of Investigation Reorganization and Modernization Act (RA 10867) which, according to Coloma is “a SONA-enunciated initiative” and a “product of interagency consensus building.” He also signed the Batanes Responsible Tourism Act (RA 10866) and the Mayor Hilarion Ramiro Sr. Medical Center Act (RA10865). Sen. Loren Legarda hailed the enactment of the NBI Reorganization and Modernization Act and the Batanes Responsible Tourism Act.

Legarda is a co-author of RA 10867, which mandates the modernization of the NBI through acquisition of state-of-the-art intelligence and forensic equipment, and maintaining an elite and competent personnel through the provision of competitive compensation packages, including training, insurance benefits and scholarship grants for NBI agents and employees. “Amid increasing demands upon the NBI in the investigation of high profile and complex cases such as human trafficking, cyber pornography, drug cartels and rice smuggling, among many others, we really need to modernize and reorganize the agency,” she said. “The NBI must maintain a modern work system, as well as competent and highly trained personnel who will be at par with their foreign counterparts, especially in light of the constantly evolving modus of crimes and to ensure that it can effectively carry out its mandate,” Legarda said. Legarda also sponsored RA 10866, which seeks to promote and protect Batanes’ natural and cultural heritage. RA 10866 declares the province of Batanes as a responsible, community-based, ecotourism zone and shall be accorded priority development by the national government in promoting and protecting the integrity of its ecology and environment, the richness of its natural and cultural heritage, and the resilience of its indigenous social institutions and its people. “The natural beauty of Batanes

has been attracting both local and foreign tourists. In fact, the province has seen a dramatic increase in the number of visitors since 2014. We are aware of the negative impacts of unplanned tourism development and we do not want this pristine island group to be subjected to abuse and exploitation of tourists. Sustaining the natural and cultural heritage of Batanes is key priority in the development of the province,” Legarda stressed. 20 bills awaiting Noy’s signature However, 20 bills are still waiting for Aquino’s signature. Among the pending bills are measures for the creation of national high schools and medical centers, renewing franchises of broadcasting companies and requiring students to undergo age-appropriate basic life support training. Also pending are the measures strengthening the Balanced Housing Development Program, the proposed act providing a new anti-carjacking law and an act institutionalizing the nationwide implementation of Jobstart Philippines Program. “If they are on his desk for more that 60 days on or before June 30, it will lapse into law. If not, they will be deemed unacted,” said Sen. Vicente Sotto III, echoing lawmakers’ lament for their wasted time and money for the measures that Aquino would not sign into law. On the other hand, Senate secretary Oscar Yabes expressed belief that the measures would lapse into law unless vetoed.

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Geraldine Roman breaks glass ceiling in PH politics

2

First transgender woman elected to Congress By MoMar

G. Visaya

A couple of weeks ago, Roman delivered the keynote speech The recent May elections at the forum, a vital platform for in the Philippines introduced a companies to explore how to new politician to the rest of the develop Asian Pacific American world. her name is Geraldine as well as Asian talent to gain a Roman and she was elected as competitive edge in the U.S. and a congresswoman to represent global marketplaces. the First District of the province “What better place to talk of Bataan in the house of about my experiences being Representatives. a transgender politician in the The 49-year-old Roman made Philippines,” Roman said. “I have history when she won as she one message – we are talking became the first transgender about diversity, it’s not just about woman in the country’s history gender but it is also about gender, to be elected to Congress. her religion, culture. We should look landslide victory is viewed as a beyond these differences and look breakthrough for LGBT community for common ground. Let’s try to in a country that is considered work together and be productive traditionally Catholic and and bring our companies to conservative, and where divorce, success.” same-sex marriage and abortion Roman said she experienced are still illegal. discrimination simply because Roman says she will champion she is different, because she is a equal opportunities under broader transgender woman. a platform. “It’s 2016, we’re here in the The congresswoman-elect was US, which is supposedly the in New York recently to visit her main proponent of human rights brother and attend the graduation in the world, and there’s still of her niece from Dartmouth discrimination here. We have to College. her brother, a lawyer, overcome that obstacle,” she told suggested for her to make the Asian Journal after she delivered most out of this trip and network. her keynote. he contacted the Asia Society In her speech, she talked which was then working on their about dignity and respect, how it Diversity Leadership Forum. is the golden rule, a basic law for AJPress

harmonious relationships and for us to advance as a society. her parents Antonio and herminia played a part in her decision to run for public office. her father was a congressman in the first district of Bataan. It is her mother who is occupying the post now and she is ending her last term. “My parents are my inspiration. They have set a very good example to us siblings and they are partly the reason why I decided to join a career in public service,” Roman said. her journey to the house of Representatives began when she decided to return to the Philippines to take care of her ailing father in 2012. “When my father fell sick in 2012, I decided to come home to the Philippines to take care of him. It usually happens with daughters, right? I don’t have any children so it is easier for me to move back to the Philippines,” Roman shared. She took care of the family patriarch and in doing so, she noticed that he was trying to hint something to her. “I think he wanted me to continue the legacy of public service in the family. he asked me one mind-boggling question

Daddy Dingdong Dantes by anGel JaVier Philstar.com

Cruz

FATheR’S Day may have come and gone but for first-time dad Dingdong Dantes, the happy times have only just begun. When his wife, actress and Kapuso Primetime Queen Marian Rivera gave birth to their daughter Letizia last November, he knew his world would change in the most profound and wondrous way. “Fatherhood, for me, is like a rebirth of my own journey. When my baby was born so did a new chapter that would redefine an improved direction of my life,” Dingdong said. “Totoo ang tsismis, if life before having children was dedicated to just ourselves as a couple, this time everything revolves around our Letizia. She is that binding force that makes us realize all the more how beautiful life is.” Being a father has definitely added to Dingdong’s appeal making one of local tinseltown’s hunks even more desirable. In fact, he now has more reason to maintain good health and work even harder. “If before, I would dread waking up at 5 a.m. to do healthy routines and try to be at my tiptop physiological shape, now I find myself waking up before my alarm goes off, eager to give a peck (or a hundred) on both their (Marian and Letizia’s) cheeks.”

– ‘What is the true meaning of your life?’. I answered him, ‘What do you want me to tell you?’” she asked back. “Your life is centered on yourself. You may be successful as long as you don’t help others, your life has no true meaning,” her father told her. That made her decide. “We’re breaking barriers now. The message of acceptance, tolerance and respect is universal. My winning a seat in Congress is transcendental and it could be used for the worthy cause of human rights,” she said. The neophyte politician ran on a platform of eQUALITY, an acronym that represented the issues and advocacies she wanted to pursue - e for education, Q and U for Quality and Universal health care, A for agriculture, L for Livelihood, I for Infrastructure, T for Transparency and Y for Youth. “My immediate goal is to pass at least one bill for this advocacy and if I get 5 out of 8 and they are passed as laws, then I shall have been successful,” Roman surmised. “I want to inspire people who may be suffering from discrimination. It is not only in terms of gender but also in terms of socio-economic status and ethnicity. My story can be inspiring to overcome whatever difficulty they may be experiencing right now.” Prior to moving back to the Philippines, she was based in Spain. It was there where she studied and finished her two masters degrees - Spanish Language and Literature and Journalism. It was also in Spain where she met her special someone, her better half. Roman attended the all-boys, Jesuit-run Ateneo high School. She graduated from the University of the Philippines with a degree in european Languages. She speaks fluent Spanish, French and Italian. During the entire campaign, she did not access her social media accounts to spare her from the bashing coming from her opponents. It was a tough campaign period, she said, since her opponents painted her as immoral and mocked her just because she is a transgender

AJPress photos by Momar G. Visaya

woman. “When I won, I thought it was a quiet victory. I had no idea until all of a sudden the media was contacting me through text and social media. That was when I finally understood that this is a landmark case, a milestone in Philippine politics,” Roman recalled. Making history is one thing, but if she had her way, she’d rather be known as a good public servant, period. “If you ask me, I wouldn’t want to be known as the first transgender woman to be in Congress. I want to be known after my years of service as a good and honest public servant who touched the lives of many people. That is how I want to be remembered,” she said. “everyone has his or her own religious beliefs and they are to be respected,” she added. “We live in a civil society and there are common laws that need to be respected as well.” Roman is appealing to the old-school politicians in the country to set aside religious beliefs and respect every human being for who they are. “If you are holding public office, the presumption is that

you have to respect the human rights of each and every Filipino regardless of his or her own personal circumstances. If you cannot respect those human rights, then you don’t have a place in government,” she opined. “Sana matutunan nilang ipaisangtabi muna ang kanilang religious beliefs bilang nasa loob tayo ng isang civil society. (I hope they learn to set aside their religious beliefs as we are in a civil society.)” With her win, Roman cemented her place in Philippine history books. She will inspire young people, the next generation of Filipinos, with what she has achieved so far. “It is a very humbling experience, to be considered as an inspiration to people. I never expected this but I realized it is a big responsibility,” Roman emphasized. “Now, I don’t just have to work hard for my constituents but I have to work for those people who have placed their trust in me and prove to the rest of the society, the rest of the world that my being a transgender is really irrelevant. What matters is what’s in my heart and in my mind and the quality of service I can give the people.”

Back from US, Cogie Domingo returns to TV for ‘Ipaglaban Mo’

COGIe Domingo returned to television as an unsuspecting husband who catches his wife in bed with another man on the latest episode of ABS-CBN’s hit legal drama “Ipaglaban Mo” aired Saturday. Dan (Cogie Domingo) is a loving husband to his wife Claire (Yam Concepion) and a caring father to their three children. Dan’s commitment to his family made it possible for them to buy a new home and move to the province. With the abundance of love, time and affection he gives his daughter, Dingdong ‘Daddy Dong’ Unknown to Dan, their move Dantes will truly be Letizia’s first love and forever hero. made Claire extremely unhappy he wakes up, ready to start he’s probably downplaying his because she spent most of her the day, and is even considering role in rearing Letizia but there’s no time idle at home. Always busy joining a triathlon. At day’s end, doubt that he dotes on her as much at work, Dan did not notice that Dingdong is also excited to head as — or maybe even more than Claire had already been seeing home for some family bonding. — any new father. “I certainly have their neighbor Mark (Patrick “The word ‘early’ has been redefined. thousands of photos of her already. Garcia). If going home early for me before I want to be there in her every The unfortunate truth meant a little after midnight, milestone if possible.” becomes known to Dan when one nowadays, you’d see me doing quick “Marian and I love to travel and day he catches Claire and Mark feet and high knees towards the we can’t imagine traveling without engaging in intercourse. Things door of my workplace, wanting to her. Our first trip was during holy escalate quickly when Mark pulls a reach home before her favorite baby Week when we visited Busuanga, show on television would air at 8,” Palawan. I think I was able to take he said. her best photograph, by far, during Beyond the cooing and kisses that trip. Our first out-of-the country he showers on Letizia, however, adventure would be something to Dingdong admitted Marian does look forward to. That may happen most of the work. What he does pretty soon.” provide, however, is support This early, Dingdong is already for her and their conceptualizing Letizia’s first daughter. “I try my birthday celebration. “I plan to hold best to share tasks an intimate celebration featuring with my wife as much our 12 most favorite photos of as possible. I know Letizia, one from each month since that being a father November, in the form of an amateur at this stage is really exhibit. It will be something that’s just secondary to the entirely homemade.” immediate sacrifices Fatherhood, indeed, has and dedication that revealed a new dimension on mothers give their the already beautiful heart and babies. Bath time and soul of Dingdong Dantes. With playtime could be my the abundance of love, time and turf. When she reaches affection he bestows upon his three, it will surely be daughter, Daddy Dong will truly be my turn,” he said. Letizia’s first love and forever hero.

Cogie Domingo returns on TV to star alongside Yam Concepcion for an “Ipaglaban Mo” episode on ABS-CBN.

gun on Dan, who wants nothing else than to kill Mark then and there. “Ipaglaban Mo” airs on Saturdays after “It’s Showtime” variety show on ABS-CBN and ABS-CBN hD (SkyCable channel 167). The episode can also be streamed on iwantv.com.ph and

skyondemand.com.ph. Cogie, a hearthrob and acclaimed young actor in the 90s and early 200s showbiz scene, married longtime girlfriend Ria Sacasas in April. The couple reportedly moved to the US with his partner to manage family businesses. (Philstar.com)

Matteo Guidicelli denies Sarah Geronimo’s rumored pregnancy

Matteo Guidicelli

MATTeO Guidicelli denied that his girlfriend Sarah Geronimo is pregnant. “It’s not true,” said Matteo about Sarah’s rumored pregnancy, Philippine entertainment Portal reported. The reports about her pregnancy came out after she turned down being a coach of “The Voice Kids” season 3. She also backed out from her performance at the MTV Music evolution, which will happen tonight at the SM Mall of Asia concert grounds due to “health concerns.” Matteo insisted that the Popstar Princess is only on vacation, especially since “she’s not feeling well, but she’s fine.” “I think she deserves a break and deserves to be happy also. She needs time for herself,” he concluded. Sarah’s talent arm, Viva entertainment through their big boss Vic del Rosario has already denied the rumor and said, “Paano mabubuntis ‘yon, e, virgin pa ‘yon.” (Joyce Jimenez/ Philstar.com)

Why Kiray Celis is the next big local comedienne by Tessa Mauricio-arriola ManilaTimes.net

In show business, very few comics end up as stars. The large majority through history, no matter their gender, are relegated to supporting roles, generally as sidekicks to the movie’s protagonist. Among male comedians, the late Comedy King Dolphy heads the very exclusive huddle of stars, among them Tito, Vic and Joey, Ogie Alacasid, Michael V. and Vice Ganda. Funny women considered as major stars on the other hand are even less, with Ai-Ai delas Alas and Pokwang getting top billing. Happily, a new name can be added to the list of top comediennes in Philippine showbiz as 20-year-old Kiray Celis gets her second starring role in Regal Film’s upcoming horrorcomedy I Love You To Death. Proving her worth in hit Valentine movie Love is Blind with Derek Ramsay and Solenn Heussaff (also from Regal Films), Celis was quickly given a followup movie, this time with dream boy Enchong Dee as her leading man. “For me, she is the day’s most beautiful actress,” Regal matriarch and showbiz pillar Mother Lily Monteverde said of her new box office star. Asked by The Manila Times whether she consciously planned her career to land her major roles the 4-feet-nineinches spitfire honestly replied: “Hindi ko po ito pinlano. Actually,

JULY 1-7, 2016 www.asianjournal.com

Liza Diño lost jobs after marrying Aiza Seguerra by Maridol

rañoa-BisMark Philstar.com

nOW it can be told. Liza Diño lost acting jobs when she married Aiza Seguerra in San Francisco two years ago. People still can’t divorce Liza’s work as an actress from her personal life. They can’t see her play straight-woman roles, like that of wife and mother because they look at her as a lesbian. People forgot that Liza was an award-winning actress years before she married Aiza. “There’s this instant misconception,” Liza laments. “It’s really sad.” The situation, she goes on, has forced lesbian actresses to cower in fear. Liza notes that no actress has admitted she’s in a samesex relationship, knowing that doing so means kissing her career goodbye. But she opened her second wedding to Aiza in Batangas to media friends, even if someone advised Liza to keep everything The lucky and talented lass is paired with dream boy Enchong Dee in ‘I Love You To Death.’ hush-hush. “I chose love. For me, it’s more Miss U’ contest of ABS-CBn’s nakakagulat nga po na pag important that what Aiza and I former noontime show MTB at shooting [in these last two feel for each other is real.” the age of 4. Blessed with a knack films], ako yung huling nakakaLiza respects other actresses for comedy even as a little girl, uwi from the set kasi ako yung who keep their same-sex she was quickly asked to join bida!” she added laughing.“Dati relationship a secret for fear that the program as the youngest kasi support lang ako lagi it will endanger their career. But cast member, and soon after kaya konti lang ang scenes ko. she’d rather risk and have a Plan became part of the long running Masarap pala ang feeling pag children’s comedy gag show Goin’ B (Adobo in a Jar, her startup hindi mo in-expect.” business with Aiza) than betray Bulilit. [Wikipedia]. Celis’ first TV exposure was her principles. when she joined the ‘Munting Continued on Page 5 Today, Liza has no reason to regret what she did. She has an acting career and a business she’s proud of. Liza plays Alva, a veterinarian by Joyce JiMenez in a same-sex relationship with Philstar.com Bong (Janice de Belen) in the indie film Ringgo the Dog Shooter, JAMES Reid and nadine Lustre a finalist in the Filipino new consider their fans as their greatest Cinema section of the Third World “asset” as a love team. Premieres Film Festival, which “Our following, our fans are runs from June 29 to July 10 in amazing,” said James during the press select cinemas. conference before the MTV Music She had no qualms accepting Evolution concert. “The fact that we can also dance, that the role because Liza sees it as a way to promote her personal helps a lot because it gives us that much advocacy. more energy on stage,” James added. “It want to show people we’re Aside from their upcoming TV series, like anybody else when we get the Kapamilya love team also revealed into a relationship,” Liza explains. James Reid and Nadine Lustre see their fans as the greatest asset of their love team. that they have respective albums that Philstar.com photo by Efigenio Toledo IV their fans can look forward to. “It’s love that binds people,

JaDine: Fans our ‘asset’

3

Liza Diño: No regrets

even in a same-sex relationship. Besides, direk Rahyan (Carlos) didn’t make the scenes (there’s a love scene) look vulgar.” The LGBT cause is only one of Liza’s personal advocacies. The other one targets arts and culture. now that President-elect Rodrigo Duterte, whom she and Aiza campaigned for, is poised to take office on July 1, Liza is glad she can bring up her projects on promoting art in the barangays with him. “We (she and Aiza) have no financial reward. We don’t have any reward in terms of position. Our reward is we can bring up causes close to our hearts to him.” Others gave their resumes and letters of intent to Liza in the hope of landing a government position. She has no problem with that. But instead of applying for a government post, Liza (with Aiza) prefers to act as a bridge between art groups and the government. “Aiza and I have personal plans (they want to have a baby through in vitro fertilization). We can’t (officially) serve in government. The (Davao City) Mayor asked us to help him with arts and culture, so we’re talking with different sectors like the

nCCA (national Commission for Culture and the Arts) and Tata nanding Josef (artistic director of Tanghalang Pilipino),” says Liza. The plan is to set up arts councils in barangays, and hold training workshops at the grassroots level. Liza also dreams of putting up a film bank that will curate Filipino films every year and serve as go-to source of materials for international release. “That’s what they’re doing in Korea. I’m studying their film industry. Maybe we can adopt some of their practices here,” she adds. Liza knows these ambitious projects need funds to take off. Again, that’s where Liza thinks her Duterte connection will come in handy. She has been part of the art community for so long, and Liza knows what it needs. On the campaign trail, colleagues asked her to bring up their projects with Duterte should he win as president. Liza won’t let her friends in the industry down. Having come from their ranks, she’ll give her all in making sure the President at least knows what they need. This — not a government post — is enough to make Liza happy.

JULY 1-7, 2016 www.asianjournal.com

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Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond MonEttE ADEvA MAglAyA THE demands on the new immigrant will be overwhelming. Whether you are a nurse, an engineer, a teacher, a salesperson or a worker in any profession in any capacity for that matter, as long as you are thrust into a totally new and strange environment, there will be times when you might be tempted to think and feel that you are less than equal to the task, particularly in the beginning years. One of the things that will take a back seat will be the time, energy and attention he will give to his own health. Trying to make sense of his new social climate, straddling two cultures with different values and ways of doing things, the load can be a bit too much at times. Caring for oneself can easily be put in the back burner particularly for those who are still young. The human body is remarkably resilient but try not to cross its limits. The immigrant, if he is to enjoy true success for a long time must put his physical well-being on top of his priorities. He must acquire the discipline and chutzpah to do most, if not all of the important things, that will help him live a full and rewarding immigrant life. Time is equated with the value of money. Americans have found that to get the most out of time, one can have several “pots simmering all at the same time.” Multitasking is expected both at work and at home to maximize results and to cover as

Prioritize or perish “Get your priorities straight. No one ever said on his deathbed, “Gee, if only I’d spent more time at the office.” — H. Jackson Brown, Jr. much ground as possible in the shortest possible time to be able to save enough time to allow us to do other things—purportedly to get more out of life. Thus, you do the laundry while you pay the bills while something simmers in the stove or is broiling in the oven. And even with modern conveniences, the most common excuse we use in not being able to take care of our health is that we simply do not have the time, the energy, or the motivation. Which gives rise to the question: What happened to all that time we saved by multitasking? If you are turning night into day by taking on part time jobs apart from your full time occupation to make more money, it stands to reason that you will neither have the time nor the energy to take care of your health. Those who attempt to do the extraordinary by taking on double jobs in 16 hour stretches in the beginning years, day in and day out, will be able to jumpstart and achieve their financial goals faster than most. You may be able to acquire real estate properties easier than the average American. And while it is not apparent in the beginning, the trade-off for having more money in exchange for a bigger chunk of our time can come at a very steep price.

More money will come at the expense of sleep, well-being and in many cases, the welfare of his own family. The question that must be answered by those who choose a harried lifestyle is this: Is it all worth it? At one point, the younger, more energetic, ambitious immigrant will equate work with his sense of self worth. The truth — lest we forget — is this. Work, while an important part of life, is not the total essence of life itself. The key, as the fortunate few have discovered early enough, is to find work that gives inner joy in a state of grace where doing and being have become inseparable. When that happens, work ceases to be work but becomes a joyful part of life itself, along with all the elements that make life worth living. As in all things essential, balance is the key. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. Read her book, “The Complete Success Guide for the Immigrant Life: How to Survive, How to Thrive, How to be Fully Alive.” She also edited its companion book of quotations. Your local public library might have these books available or you can request your librarian to purchase copies. These are also available at amazon. com or immigrantsuccess.com Past articles are on the internet at www.asianjournal.com To ask questions, send feedback and requests, e-mail monettemaglaya@sbcglobal.net or monette@asianjournal.com

Man’s life on earth is just a little hyphen Sayonara to Ortes Rivera on his final hegira to heaven tombstone one day, separating the year of our birth and year of our death, contains the highlight or substance of our short life that hopefully make our life worth remembering by those we will leave behind. Morbid thoughts ErniE D. DElfin that can make us petrified or motivated to do something “God gives us enough years significant. A profound but to live and the health we need to scary reminder that all of us will accomplish the things He wants have that tombstone with that us to accomplish on this Earth.” will contain something of value — Father Emery Tang, OFM for others, or nothing at all. THE first six months of this The topic of death elicits year has been super unusual many emotions that are possibly for me due to the tragic news even more charged than the of untimely deaths of several news of a birth. Nine months people I consider close friends after conception, the birth of a and/or valued clients, and fellow child is normally anticipated with Rotarians who are all great human joy by the parents, their families beings. At least a dozen people and close. It is a momentous — who I know well enough occasion. On the other hand, — from the Philippines to the US, death comes like a thief in the passed away just. night to anyone, young or old, Just to name a few, my friends rich or poor, sick or healthy, and/or clients: JN of Carson, to LL powerless or full of earthly power. in Palos Verdes, to ET of Anaheim, But no one knows when death to LS in Cerritos, whom I have had arrives except God and those many interactions in the Filipinoconvicted felons who are put to American community, in business death as the ultimate punishment world or in our Rotary planet. for their heinous crimes when the Then just recently, the most shadow of death visits us. Man distressing call from our family in and woman come into this world Batangas City came in the middle in the same fashion, yet every one of the night, bearing the saddest leaves Earth differently. news of the untimely death That happened to my dear of my wife’s younger brother brother-in-law Ortes, when he Ortes due to a fatal car accident! breathed his last breath after a Intellectually, I know death is tragic car accident. His passing inevitable but any morbid news came very tragic and fast like of death is still too shocking to a blink of an eye last June 21, accept and it haunts you for days. just about two weeks from my It becomes a painful and grim own birthday, that is causing reminder of my own mortality! some inexplicable feelings and Biblically, death comes as a strong emotions and thoughts result of the original sin, Adam and that I need to vent in my journal Eve’s “punishment” for disobeying by writing them like right now. God’s first commandment. Death Somehow, grief that is shared sooner or later will happen to eases the pain of loss. every person on this earth. From These random thoughts of birth to death, the miles we will births, birthdays and death have travel is measured, but only God, occupied my mind lately, like our Savior and the Creator of Life, a raging river coming from the knows when that final destination mountains after a thunderstorm, comes. The hegira or journey that while our families mourn the we will traverse in our lifetime is passing away of our brother personalized and distinctly unique Ortes. It’s a great challenge to from others, like our footprints grieve alone so I am forced to or DNA. That insignificant little just reminisce Ortes’ short life, hyphen that appears in our including a recent event in April

The Metamorphosis

this year, when he and his wife Belet and their entire family (son Ronald in Singapore with his wife Leeyan with two kids, and eldest son, Oliver with his wife Ana Moren and daughter Olivia from London, and only daughter Chee and her husband Robin) all gathered for a special family reunion for the first time in the beautiful Island of Boracay and had the best week of their lives. I knew about that happy event because I was there, the only one from the US to be able to join them for several days, doing nothing but enjoy the island paradise. Since I married Ortes’ only sister four decades ago, I have had many occasions to have conversations with him especially when he also spent some weeks with us in California many moons ago. I thought I am a man that is not “supposed to cry and shed tears,” but I did, especially after witnessing my wife’s deep hurt and mourning. I will also miss Ortes dearly but I will celebrate his life on earth, remembering the good times and the example of how he lived his life of hard work, as an engineer in the Middle East for many years, and as an entrepreneur in the Philippines. He worked silently, without complaints, always thinking of his family to have a better life than he found it. He was generous man sharing his time and money with his loved ones. Towards that objective, he succeeded very well. I just wish that he had more time to enjoy his retirement years, playing with his growing grandchildren who were definitely spoiled by him in his own ways. But that is life; man can only plan and the Creator of Life implements. Goodbye, for now, bayaw Ortes! You are now at peace and no more pain in the bosom of our Creator, our Lord and our God. Rest In Peace! Until we meet again in Heaven! Email: ernie.delfin@gmail. com Visit: www.gkerc.org

Why Kiray Celis is the next big... From Page 3

As she got better in the very difficult and challenging craft of making people laugh, she hopped from one supporting role to another until her big break came in Love is Blind. “Besides being a natural in comedy, what makes Kiray a true star is her professionalism,” shared her co-star Dee. “Never siyang na-late, alam niya lagi ang gagawin niya sa eksena, and natutulungan pa niya ang mga co-stars niya.” In I Love You To Death, Celis and Dee play Gwen and Tonton, childhood sweethearts who promise each other to be together “until death.” Fate separates them as Gwen pursues her studies in Manila. Having forgotten Tonton as she starts a new life, time comes when all her friends get married and she is left as the only singleton in the group. On her birthday, she wishes to meet a man who would “die for her,” and again comes Tonton but in very eerie circumstances.

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UERMMMC- Medical Alumni Association of America, Inc. to hold 28th National Convention at Newport Beach, CA THE UERMMMC- Medical Alumni Association of American, Inc. (MAAAI) will hold a three-day convention at the Newport Beach Marriott Hotel & Spa in Newport Beach, CA on June 30 to July 2, 2016. UERMMMC graduates from all over the United States, the Philippines and other countries will come for this annual convention. On the first night, June 30, the theme is “ UERM’s Got Talent,” which is also a Hollywood Night event participated by different chapters in the US. Talent presentations include MAA – Midwest, MAA Las Vegas, MAA Michigan, MAA Northern California, MAA Southern California, and MAA MARVADC. On the second night, the theme is “UERM Goes Broadway,” while the third night will be the Gala Night with the theme “Gold and Silver in 2016.” The keynote speaker for the Gala Night is Rolando Puno, MD ’77, spine surgeon and inventor who will be presented with a “Lifetime Achievement Recognition” by UERMMMC Dean

Alfaretta Tan-Reyes and President of UERMMMC Romeo Divinagracia, MD. Attendees can get Category -1 CME credits by attending their CME on “Updates in Medicine.” Agnes Joaquin, MD is the overall Chairperson for the CME and participants will be given 8 credit hours. The Alumni Foundation USA (AFUSA) will be having their Donors Appreciation Hour on June 30, 2016 (2:30 – 5:30 pm). For their part, the UERMMMC Alliance and Friends will have fundraising and will hold Auction on June 30, and July 1; and a Newport Beach Cruise at the Newport Bay on July 2, 2016 at 11 am. For inquiries on the event, please contact Joselito Babaran, MD, President, MAA SoCal Chapter and Convention Chairman, at (818) 395-9478 and Teri G. Pastor, MD, Treasurer , UERMMMC- MAAAI at her email at babesmd@gmail.com . (By Ms. Lucy Babaran, Alliance & Friends, CA Coordinator )

SoCalGas announces expansion of Energy Savings Assistance Program Up to 500,000 more low-income families now eligible LOS ANGELES – Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) recently announced a significant expansion of its Energy Savings Assistance Program. As many as 500,000 additional low-income families may now be eligible to receive no-cost energy efficient home upgrades. In addition, SoCalGas is intensifying outreach efforts to increase enrollments in the program to ensure the health, safety, and comfort of its most vulnerable customers. “We are pleased to offer income-qualified renters and homeowners a program that helps them save money and energy by providing nocost, energy-efficient home improvements,” said Dan Rendler, director, Customer Programs & Assistance, SoCalGas. “Even If you made home improvements before, you may qualify for more.” The no-cost energy efficiency upgrades include door weather-stripping and caulking, attic insulation, low-flow showerheads, and assessments for leaking water heaters. A key goal of the expanded program is to save at least 10 percent above the current

energy savings average in selected areas. To achieve the greatest energy savings, SoCalGas will target properties that use the most energy first. “This is the best way to make sure resources go where they will make the biggest impact on our energy-saving goals and help those who need it most,” said Rendler. Customers may automatically be eligible if their household income is below newly released guidelines or if a member of the household currently receives benefits from any of the following public assistance programs: Medi-Cal/Medicaid, Medi-Cal for Families A&B, Women, Infants and Children (WIC), CalWORKs (TANF) or Tribal TANF, Head Start Income Eligible (Tribal Only), Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, CalFresh (Food Stamps), National School Lunch Program, Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). More SoCalGas low-income customers eligible for assistance Customers can learn more by visiting socalgas.com/assistance.

Calendar of Events across

They can apply for the Energy Savings Assistance Program online at socalgas.com/ improvements or by calling (866) 716-3452 English and Spanish. The expansion of the Energy Savings Assistance Program is consistent with a California Public Utilities Commission decision released in April that expands eligibility in the Los Angeles Basin, Orange County, and Ventura County areas. About Southern California Gas Co. Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) has been delivering clean, safe and reliable natural gas to its customers for more than 145 years. It is the nation’s largest natural gas distribution utility, providing service to 21.6 million consumers connected through 5.9 million meters in more than 500 communities. The company’s service territory encompasses approximately 20,000 square miles throughout central and Southern California, from Visalia to the Mexican border. SoCalGas is a regulated subsidiary of Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE), a Fortune 500 energy services holding company based in San Diego.

America

ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS! PRE-EVENT AND POST-EVENT GO DEEPER. GO WIDER. LET THE WORLD KNOW. CALL ASIAN JOURNAL: (818) 502-0651 DISPLAY AD SIZES AT SPECIAL RATES FOR NON-PROFIT GROUPS J U LY 9

FEU Sword Fraternity Alumni International Assn. also known as SANDUGO with a Facebook page of “feusfi (Abroad) is holding their 30th Anniversary of its founding. Its members are graduates of the FEU ROTC/WATC Advance course in Manila. Phil. . This group is based in Los Angeles, CA. The celebration/Reunion will be attended by other Frat Members from the Philippines, other States of the US, Canada, Australia and Tokyo. It will be held in the residence of one of the Founders at 1341 Montezuma Way, West Covina, CA, 91791 on July 9, 2016 starting at 1600H. After the 9th, Tour of Los Angeles, trip to San Diego and Las Vegas are being arranged. We are enjoining Frat members who are “Abroad” that we have no (or have changed) contact info to please get in touch to “reconnect”, or at least let us know you are still OK and/or update your data. Contact person and for more information - Frat Cmdr Romy Calderon 626 826 2745, e-mail “feusfi@gmail.com” and Brod Ted Bautista, Tel no.626 392 5024, e-mail -”samba1341@gmail.com”

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UBSCI to celebrate 28th Anniversary The United Batanguenos of Southern California Inc. (UBSCI) will celebrate their 28th Anniversary & Coronation Night on July 16, 2016 at The Odyssey Restaurant - 15600 Odyssey Dr., Granada Hills. Music will be provided by Willie Manacsa & The Midnight Motion Band. For other related questions, please call Romy Elepano, Governor ( 323) 498-9333; Carmel Gonzales, Vice-Gov. (818) 785-2078 or Tony Lina, Vice-Gov. (323) 474-5877.

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42nd annual celebration in honor of Our Lady of Peñafrancia United Bicolandia Los Angeles (UBLA) invites everyone, Bicolanos, devotees and friends to come and celebrate the 42nd annual celebration in honor of Our Lady of Peñafrancia, Patroness of the Bicol Region. The festivities will start on Sept. 9, with the translacion at 5pm at the Immaculate of Mary Church (4954 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90029. A nightly novena Mass follows from Sept. 9 to Sept. 16 at 6 PM except on Saturday, Sept. 10, at 3:30 PM and Sunday, Sept. 11, at 2;30 PM and culminates on Saturday, Sept. 17, with the ninth day novena at 8am, foot & fluvial procession at 9 AM, and a Concelebrated Mass at 10 am at Lincoln Park, 3501 Valley Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90031. Main celebrant will be HE Most Rev Arturo Bastes, Bishop of Sorsogon. For details, please call Lanie Berrei (818) 281-3169 or Gene Leano (818) 439-6896.

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

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Korina Sanchez graduates from Ateneo master’s program MANILA — It’s never too late to get that master’s degree. Korina Sanchez finished her master’s degree in journalism and marched at their graduation ceremony at the Ateneo De Manila University in Quezon City on June 26. Despite her heavy schedule being top broadcast personality on ABS-CBN and helping his husband, former presidential candidate Mar Roxas, in his campaign, Korina managed to pursue the course under the Konrad Adenauer Program. A few weeks ago, Korina admitted on a social media post that she was tempted to drop out from her classes, but she decided not to. She said it has always been her dream to pursue academic excellence and walk in a toga to get her diploma. “A few years ago I had an inkling we were going through this whole political exercise again and my mind kept racing in all

Korina Sanchez-Roxas poses for a photo with husband Mar Roxas following her graduation ceremony at the Ateneo De Manila University campus on Sunday, June 26.

directions foreseeing the drastic changes in my life all over again. To keep my head straight, I thought to focus on something productive. And that was school. I’m happy I did it,” she said in an interview with ABS-CBN.

Korina started working as a reporter before she graduated under the program AB Communication Arts. Sunday was her first time she walked in a toga to get her diploma. (Alixandra Caole Vila/Philstar.com)

Aljur Abrenica comes to terms with showbiz reality by Boy Villasanta ManilaTimes.net

Who says youth is wasted on Aljur Abrenica? Although there was a time his career hit a lull, it’s never too late for him to make up for lost time. After clinching an important spot in GMA Network’s reality talent search StarStruck, his home studio’s management arm GMA Artist Center finally signed him up, opening up many opportunities. Back when his career was unproductive, I simply saw Aljur as someone who was in no hurry but would nonetheless grab any golden moment thrown his way. he was no rebel even if he was misguided to challenge his mother studio that he was always made second fiddle to fellow artists and forced to go sexy against his will. he was labeled unprofessional and irresponsible during this time. Indeed, he seemed to forget the Filipino value of “utang na loob,” and took in upon himself to go on hiatus and search his soul. Eventually, he met life coach

EMPLOYMENT

couple Benjamin and Gloria Cuaresma from Davao City through his talent scout Nelia Muñoz. There was trust at first sight. The Cuaresmas advocate Ikepono, a Japanese concept on self-discovery, enlightenment and self-empowerment toward a search for inner peace and happiness. Ikepono helped Aljur a lot, said the Cuaresmas. This new wave oriental philosophy, according to Benjie, guided Aljur in charting his own destiny. Soon enough, GMA Network and its prodigal talent slowly patched up and renewed their ties even with pending court cases. Today, besides getting his career back on track, Aljur went to join social organizations like the Rotary Club International District 3830 and World Vision. he has since actively participated in feeding and outreach programs for the less fortunate. he is also affiliated with Lyoness Foundation, which espouses the holy alliance of child and

family and the preservation of environment. All in all, Aljur Abrenica has gotten his groove back, and for him we are truly happy.

EMPLOYMENT

Kris Aquino, according to her high school class KRIS Aquino seems to have made true the saying “what you see is what you get,” way back in her high school days. A photo of her high school yearbook is making rounds online, posted by a certain Gabriel Andres on his Twitter account. Kris graduated high school at the Colegio de San Agustin in Makati. In the yearbook write up, Kris was described by her batchmates as “Miss Showbiz.”“Ask (her) any chismis, she’ll know it,” they wrote. No wonder she went on to become one of the sought-after talk show hosts. The Queen of All Media’s “beauty secret” was also revealed,

as she allegedly “splashes her face 100x a day.” her class also seemed to notice also how “fashion conscious” she is with her “different watch every day.” She also “takes a bath with her cologne, (and) will die without her hair-spray and her brush.” Despite all, her class admires her as a friend “who will always be there for her friends.” “Get to know her, to love her,” they said. Kris and her kids are now back in Manila, after a short vacation in the US. Reports said she’s now in discussion with ABS-CBN as to which projects she’ll do next. (Joyce Jimenez/Philstar.com)

Kris Aquino was described by her high school friends as “Miss Showbiz” in their yearbook.

Janice de Belen conquers one of her greatest fears by Maridol

rañoa-BisMark Philstar.com

take one because I didn’t want to do it again,” Janice recalled. That scene not only made BECAUSE she’s been in front Janice conquer her fear of the of the cameras since she was 9, unknown. It also made her realize Janice de Belen thought she has all the more that “I’m really a girl.” conquered all forms of insecurities on a serious note, realizations as an actress. She thought she are something Janice is familiar can sail through any role without with, right from the start. When she worrying about what people think. was nine years old, Janice realized Janice assumed that since she grew fear could make her cry buckets up in the public eye and her life is an when the late director Mario o’hara open book, she can get away with shouted, “Action!” being different from the person “he was the only director who next door. ever screamed at me,” she described “I have played so many different roles and done so many things in Janice de Belen poses with director Rahyan one of her mentors. Janice remembered how my life, I thought it was too late to Carlos in between shooting takes. In the indie film, the actress is cast as a lesbian. shocked she felt when direk Mario think of audience reception,” she stormed out of the control room said in an interview minutes before necessary can change the fact that and hurled invectives after she it had to be done. the presscon of her latest indie film failed to shed tears in a scene where “It’s the hardest role I’ve done. Ringgo The Dog-Shooter, where her onscreen mother in the drama For a moment, I thought about she’s cast as a lesbian. series Ulila died. what the audience would think.” She spoke too soon. Janice admitted she didn’t Would they think Janice can go No sooner did the cameras start know any better back then. her intimate with another woman in grinding for the Rahyan Carlos film director’s outburst made the tears than the director told Janice she has real life? The thought haunted her like a flow ever so freely. an intimate scene with co-actress Since then, Janice didn’t have nightmare that won’t go away. But Liza Diño-Seguerra. The scene was to be coaxed into breaking down she had to conquer her fear and so delicate, Janice cringed. Not in tears. She would move on to forget her inhibitions. only was it a first in her career, it’s become the star of the longLiza was a big help. She something she never saw herself running soap Flordeluna. doing in real life. The veteran actress knew Janice was nervous, so Liza Not a single director ever tried made sure her co-star felt more balked. to shout at Janice again. “It was early in the morning (on comfortable. Liza, who is in a Then, and now, the actress the set), and I was hoping the scene relationship with Aiza Seguerra, knows you have to deal with firsts assured Janice, “When we love, we won’t push through,” she admitted. — some of them downright scary love like heterosexuals.” Janice even asked her director — to learn and excel. Come D-Day, at 4 a.m., Janice if they can do the scene at the 11th Decades after and a slew of finally shot the scene, giving it all hour, on the last day of the shoot. acting awards later, Janice doesn’t the passion she can muster. She and She wanted to buy time. mind remembering that valuable But no amount of worrying and Liza did it all in one take. “I pushed my limits. It had to be lesson all over again. asking the director if the scene was

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