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Volume 23 - No. 28 • 2 Sections - 16 Pages

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US Senate approves Congressional Gold Medal bill for Filipino WWII vets Community leaders call on Congress to follow lead in approving long overdue recognition by eric

anthony licas AJPress

fIlIPIno World War II veterans are one step closer to getting the recognition long overdue to them. on Wednesday, July 13, the U.s. senate unanimously approved s. 1555, or the filipino Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold medal (CGm) Act of 2015 that would grant the Congressional Gold medal to more than 260,000 filipino and American

DATELINE

soldiers who served under the United states Army in the far east (UsAffe). less than 16,000 of the filipino soldiers who answered President roosevelt’s call to duty are alive today. house rep.ted lieu, who is also an Air force veteran said the nation’s acknowledgment for the service of hundreds of thousands of filipinos who fought under the American flag between 1941 and 1944 was long overdue. PAGE A2

USA

CELEBRATION. Filipinos, joined by Vietnamese, release balloons and wave Philippine flags as they anticipate a favorable decision from a UN tribunal on the legality of China’s sea claims during a rally at the Baywalk along Roxas Boulevard in Manila on Tuesday, July 12. Philstar.com photo by Miguel de Guzman

PH wins sovereignty case against China UN ruled Beijing has no legal basis to assert claim on resources, territories

from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA

USCIS, WHIAAPI discuss Filipino WWII Vets Parole program lAst month, the United states Citizenship and Immigration services (UsCIs) began accepting applications for the filipino World War II Veterans Parole (fWVP) program. Along with the White house Initiative for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (WhIAAPI) and community leaders, the UsCIs hosted a community session on Wednesday, July 13, to discuss the new program with the filipino community in Carson, California. the fWVP program is a family-based immigration system that allows approved family members of filipino World War II (WWII) veterans a chance to come to the U.s. the key benefit is that beneficiaries no longer have to wait to come to the U.s. If granted parole, the beneficiary is permitted to temporarily reside and work in the U.s. while waiting for their immigrant visas to become available. the parole allows for three years of resiPAGE A3

Asian Americans support Black Lives Matter, respond to recent shootings In the wake of the shootings of two black men that reignited the conversation on racial profiling by law enforcement, Asian Americans are standing in solidarity with the Black lives matter (Blm) movement. Blm was formed in 2013 in response to the wave of police shootings of black individuals across the United states. the movement regularly organizes protests around police shootings of black individuals and speak on broad issues like racial profiling and inequality. the movement has been received with mixed reactions. some have hailed it as a modern day civil rights organization. others have panned it as a racist organization, like former nYC mayor rudy Giuliani, who accused Blm of “isolating” blacks. PAGE A3

by eric

Sen. Bernie Sanders (D-Vermont) has officially endorsed Hillary Clinton to secure her position as the sole Democratic presidential candidate. AJPress file photo by Robert Macabagdal

Sanders officially endorses Clinton for president by Klarize

Medenilla AJPress

After a tempestuous primary season, sen. Bernie sanders (d-Vermont) has officially endorsed hillary Clinton to secure her position as the sole democratic presidential candidate. sanders and Clinton held a joint rally on the morning of tuesday, July 12 in Portsmouth, new hampPAGE A2

Filipino-American community members in New York rallied outside the United Nations headquarters on Tuesday, July 12, hailing the Philippines’ victory over its case against China. The UN Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague, Netherlands ruled that Beijing has no legal basis to assert sovereignty over most of the South China Sea. Photo by Troi Santos

anthony licas AJPress

A lAndmArk ruling from a Un tribunal issued on tuesday, July 12 overwhelmingly ruled in favor of manila against Beijing in ongoing territorial disputes in the south China sea. In a huge victory for the Philippines, the Un Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in the hague, netherlands ruled that Beijing has no legal basis to assert sovereignty over most of the south China sea. the court’s five-judge panel found that China’s appropriation of land and resources in its neighbors’ territorial waters violate the United nations Convention on the law of the sea (UnClos) despite historic claims based on centuries-old ChiPAGE A2

Pacquiao denies ‘Senate leave’ if he fights again ISIS recruits Southeast Asians through newspaper by eric

anthony licas AJPress

senAtor and celebrated boxer, manny Pacquiao will not allow a potential return to the ring to interfere with his duties in Congress according to a statement released on Wednesday, July 13. the former world champion announced his intentions in response to comments made by his promoter, Bob Arum, suggesting the now senator would take a two- or three-week absence to prepare for a comeback fight. “there is no truth to media reports that I’m planning to take a leave from my senate duties just to fight again atop the ring,” said Pacquiao on Wednesday. In January 2015, reports of the athleteturned-politician’s abysmal attendance record in the house began making headlines and drew public criticism amidst his bid for a senate seat. Pacquiao retired from boxing in April of 2015 after defeating timothy Bradley. his announcement came during his tenure in the house of representative at a time when congress was in session. After winning the election last may, Pacquiao vowed to focus on his duties as a legislator. “my next fight has not yet been discussed. should there be any, I’ll make sure it will not interfere with my senate duties.” he said. “I owe it to the people.” Pacquiao said that if he does come out of retirement to fight he would do so when Congress is on recess, and that he would conduct

by Klarize

Medenilla AJPress

Sen. Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao

most, if not all, of his training in the Philippines. the decorated fighter has neither confirmed nor denied any specific plans to box again, but Arum seemed optimistic about the likelihood of a future bout. “he is going to fight. I don’t know what the date is,” said Arum, who also confirmed Pacquiao’s efforts to limit the effect of his training on his senate duties.”[setting up the fight] is going to be an interesting thing, but definitely he is looking to come back and the question is how can we arrange it” on Wednesday, the athlete and elected official described his outlook on his two very public occupations. “Boxing is my only means of livelihood to support my family and to help those who are in need. Politics, to me, is a vocation, not a means to eke out a living,” said Pacquiao. “I want to keep my dignity intact while in public service.”

the extremist group Islamic state (IsIs) has launched a new malay-language publication in an effort to gain support among jihadists in southeast Asia, according to malaysian newspaper Berita harian. Called Al-fahitin (Arabic for “the Conqueror”), the newspaper was launched in the southern Philippines on June 20 and has been distributed to malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, singapore, PAGE A3

In this image taken by an Iraqi Counterterrorism Service photographer on Sunday, June 19, 2016, soldiers pose with an Islamic State militant flag in Fallujah, Iraq after forces re-took the city center after two years of IS control. Thousands of civilians are fleeing Fallujah after the city was declared liberated from the Islamic State group, the United Nations said, while an Iraqi commander reported fierce clashes as elite counterterrorism forces pushed to clear out the remaining militants. Photo courtesy of Iraq Counterterrorism Service

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july 15-21, 2016 • OC/IE ASIAN jOuRNAl

From the Front Page

US Senate approves Congressional... PH wins sovereignty case against ... PAGE A1 “Our nation’s Filipino veterans played an integral part in World War II and it is time we recognize their brave and courageous service to the United States. ” said Lieu in a statement released by the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus on Wednesday. Following WWII, Congress passed legislation denying Fili-

pino veterans US citizenship and military benefits. A portion of the 2009 economic stimulus package awarded surviving Filipino veterans with a one time lump sum – $15,000 for citizens and $9,000 for non-citizens – but (Ret.) Maj. Gen. Antonio Taguba says the nation still owes them a debt of gratitude. “They served honorably and

courageously. They suffered humiliation and indignation when the Rescission Act of 1946 deprived them of their benefits and U.S. citizenship under the Commonwealth status of the Philippines. They have waited for over 70 years for this time to be recognized.” said Taguba in a statement released Wednesday. The senate bill authored by Sen. Mazie K. Hirono was co-sponsored by 71 Republican and Democratic senators. A house version, HR 2737, with 172 co-sponsors must be approved before the plan to award the medals can move forward. But with the Senate’s overwhelming approval of S. 1555, it is expected to build momentum and gather more bipartisan support in the House. The CGM is the highest award bestowed by U.S. Congress to an individual or group who performed a significant achievement that has impact in American history and culture. “Other groups like the Tuskegee airmen, Montford Marines, Navajo Code Talkers, Women Air Service Pilots, Japanese American Nisei and Puerto Rican soldiers have been formally recognized by the U.S. with the CGM for World War II service,” said Cecilia Gaerlan, Executive Director of the nonprofit organization, Bataan Legacy Historical Society (BLHS) in a statement. “Filipino World War II veterans are equally deserving of this honor.” FilVetREP was formed last year to obtain national recognition of Filipino WWII soldiers for their wartime service to the United States from July 1941 to December 1946. In addition to requesting an act of Congress approving the CGM, the project will also conduct research on the Fil-Am soldiers’ experience during World War II and implement a national education and information campaign to raise public awareness of the Filipino soldiers’ wartime service. “We as a nation owe them a debt of gratitude for safeguarding our freedom and preserving our future,” said Taguba. “They have earned the honor to be recognized with the Congressional Gold Medal. The cost is the insurmountable amount of lives lost in wartime and thereafter. We must forever dignify their legacy in American history.”

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nese maps and guides. Chinese activity within and near the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) illegally interfered with the island nation’s petroleum exploration and fishing operations, the PCA concluded. Sovereign rights over Panganiban (Mischief) Reef, Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal and Recto (Reed) Bank were awarded to the Philippines. The PCA ruling also defines the contested Scarborough Shoal as a common traditional fishing ground that no country may claim exclusive fishing rights to. A standoff at the Shoal between the Philippine and Chinese navies and China’s violation of a subsequent truce prompted former President Benigno Aquino III’s administration to file a complaint with the PCA in 2013. The Tribunal also unanimously found that China aggravated the dispute, and said the construction of a large artificial island on top of Mischief Reef caused irreparable harm to its ecosystem. “It’s an overwhelming victory. We won on every significant point,” said Paul S. Reichler, the Philippines’ chief counsel in the case. The decision was welcomed by Philippine officials, however members of President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration remain sensitive to the dispute’s unresolved nature. “The Philippines strongly af-

firms its respect for this milestone decision as an important contribution to ongoing efforts in addressing disputes in the South China Sea,” said Philippine Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay from Manila in response to the ruling. However, he also recommended “all those concerned to exercise restraint and sobriety.” Though the tribunal’s decision is final and legally binding for both countries, the PCA has no means to enforce its ruling. Chinese officials have denied the tribunal’s authority on the matter and had refused to participate in the court’s proceedings. They claim the Philippines violated international law by bringing forth its case without consulting China. “China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea shall under no circumstances be affected by those awards,” officials from China’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement responding to Tuesday’s decision. “China opposes and will never accept any claim or action based on those awards.” China defines its area of sovereignty according to a “nine-dash line,” which encompasses most of the South China Sea. The demarcation conflicts with territorial and resource claims asserted by the Philippines, Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia and Brunei. Jonathan London, Leiden University professor of Asian political economy, told the Associated Press

the ruling will give involved countries, as well as those concerned with Beijing’s actions “something to point to and to rally around.” Japan, Vietnam, Australia and the United States have issued comments in support of The Hague’s decision as of Wednesday, July 13. In a statement released by spokesman John Kirby on Tuesday, the U.S. State Department called the ruling an “important contribution to the shared goal of a peaceful resolution” and expressed “hope and expectation that both parties will comply with their obligations.” Though the Philippines has historically been a close ally of the U.S., the latter has not sided with any particular country. Officials in Washington have supported freedom of navigation in the region, as evidenced by joint naval patrols with the Philippines that have earned criticism from Chinese officials. Ben Cardin, a top-ranking Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said the U.S. should “fly, sail, and operate wherever international law allows.” On Wednesday, China’s Vice Foreign Minister, Liu Zhenmin, said the country reserved the right to monitor and regulate air traffic in the region. During a press conference in Beijing, Liu said China may impose an air defense identification zone (ADIZ) requirPAGE A7

Sanders officially endorses Clinton... PAGE A1 shire, a city and state that Sanders had won during the primaries by wide margins. Sanders opened up the speech celebrating the progress of his own campaign—his “political revolution”—touting the 1,900 delegates he garnered during the primaries, which he said was “far more than almost anyone thought we could win.” He then went on to voice his support for Clinton’s presidential ticket, assuring that she is far more suited for the presidency than presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump. Despite his previous statement in April when he deemed Clinton unqualified for the presidency,

Sanders said on Tuesday that her stances and plans on a myriad of issues, like immigration and the economy, will lead the country in the right direction. “It is no secret that Hillary Clinton and I disagree on a number of issues. That’s what this campaign has been about. That’s what democracy is about,” Sanders said standing next to Clinton, who received 389 more delegates than Sanders. “Secretary Clinton has won the Democratic nominating process, and I congratulate her for that,” Sanders said. “She will be the Democratic nominee for president, and I intend to do everything I can to make certain she will be the next president of the United States.”

Sanders has not formally suspended his campaign due to “procedural reasons” related to the Democratic National Convention later this month. Although the two are not particularly close, Sanders and Clinton have a history of fighting on the same side. In the 1990s, Sanders, as a congressman, backed Clinton’s health reform plan. Both had overlapped two years in the Senate while Clinton was a New York senator. In the Senate, both served on the Health Committee where they co-authored legislation including the successful “Sanders-Clinton amendment,” which guaranteed training for “green collar jobs” in PAGE A3

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Dateline USa

OC/IE ASIAN JOURNAL • JULy 15-21, 2016

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USCIS, WHIAAPI discuss Filipino WWII Vets... Sanders officially endorses Clinton... PAGE A1

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dency, but the applicant may reapply for parole. Beneficiaries include the immediate family of the veteran – spouses, children and siblings – whom a Petition for Alien Relative (Form I-130) was filed. They do not have to be Filipino, and they can be located anywhere in the world, not just the Philippines. The veteran must also be recognized by the Department of Defense as a Filipino veteran that fought for the United States during WWII. Additionally, the veteran must be/have been a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident that maintained primary residency in the U.S. Family members may still apply if the veteran has passed away as long as he/she had filed the Form I-130 for said family member. Although the FWVP program doesn’t guarantee permanent residency, it brings family members to the U.S. faster, said Allison Kent, USCIS associate counsel for the Office of Chief Counsel. Kent added that due to the complexity of immigration and each family’s unique situations, the process of granting parole is discretionary. “All of these determinations are so case-by-case it really depends on the circumstances,” Kent said. Emmanuel A. Salomon, commissioner of the Veterans Affairs Commission of the City of Carson and a 20-year veteran with the U.S. Army, said that he hopes the program will fulfill the needs of Filipinos, noting that many WWII veterans who have already passed away had applied for other benefits but never received them due to issues with their visas. Similarly, Carson City Councilmember Elito M. Santarina hopes that the program will be sustainable. He also hopes that it will fulfill its promises of uniting as many Filipino families as possible. “This is a great way to really serve the veterans and the families of our veterans because we have to admit that they have been neglected,” Santarina told the Asian Journal. “This is something that is long overdue, so I hope this is something that is going to really be implemented.” The USCIS recommends seeking advice from licensed attorneys or civil rights and legal organizations like Asian Americans Advancing Justice – Los Angeles

renewable energy technologies. In 2006, Clinton donated $10,000 to a political action committee (PAC) to help get Sanders elected to the Senate. In 2009, Sanders voiced his support for President Barack Obama’s appointment of Clinton as secretary of state, calling her “one of the brightest people in Congress.” The Sanders and Clinton teams are undergoing discussions on Sanders’ role in the Democratic presidential campaign. The Republican National Committee (RNC) responded to the endorsement, suggesting that Sanders, a firm critic of “Establishment” politics, has “sold out” by supporting Clinton, who is considered an eminent Establishment politician. “This hollow display of leftwing solidarity flies in the face of Bernie Sanders’ months-long crusade against Hillary Clinton’s judgment, character, and fitness to serve as president,” RNC Chairman Reince Priebus said in a statement released on Tuesday. “Voters won’t forget Sanders’ blistering criticisms of Clinton’s paid speeches to Wall Street banks, her reliance on big-money special interests to fund her campaign, or her support for overseas military interventions. While Sanders may have pushed the Democrat Party even further to the extreme left, his supporters must rightly be wondering if their candidate has all of a sudden sold out to the same rigged system he so strongly campaigned against.” Trump took to Twitter to voice his opinion on the endorsement, which parallelled the RNC’s statement suggesting Sanders had abandoned his principles as an anti-Establishment leader. “Bernie Sanders, who has lost most of his leverage, has totally sold out to Crooked Hillary Clinton. He will endorse her today fans angry!” Trump tweeted on Tuesday morning. Sanders’ campaign responded with a tweet of its own. “Big talk from the same guy who was too afraid to debate Bernie in California,” the Sanders camp tweeted to Trump. Following the endorsement, Sanders’ campaign team sent out an email to Sanders supporters assuring Clinton’s suitability for the presidency. The tension that had culminated between the two caused

Council member Elito M. Santarina makes a statement before the FWVP program session held at Veterans Park in Carson City.

Councilman Elito M. Santarina and field deputy Riezl Locsin-Pe Benito with members of WHIAAPI and USCIS

(Advancing Justice - LA) to avoid running into fraudulent immigration lawyers. Stephanie Kwan, branch chief of the International Operations Division of the USCIS, told the Asian Journal that the program was created to honor the 260,000 Filipino soldiers that fought in WWII and recognize their “extraordinary contributions and sacrifices and hopefully provide a way for their family members sooner to provide care and support for them during this time in their lives.” The program was first announced in a White House report in July 2015 which laid out plans to make the legal immigration process more efficient. “The parole program is a part of the broader common sense steps that the president has taken to address the gaps in our immigration system,” said Tom Wong, WHIAAPI advisor. It coincides with a discontinued program President Barack Obama introduced in 2009 called the Filipino WWII Veterans Compensation Fund which gave onetime lump sums to qualified veterans. Wilfredo U. Credo, a Filipino WWII veteran, had applied to that program but was denied. He,

however, plans to apply for the FVWP to bring family members from the Philippines to the U.S. Credo, 92, dedicated two years of service during the was and had fought in the frontlines of combat. “I want to petition my stepbrother if that’s possible,” Credo told the Asian Journal. Attendees and government officials alike acknowledged that the program’s introduction 70+ years after the war is long overdue. But many expressed appreciation for the program and hope that it will effectively cater to the veterans and their families. “We are very thankful for the concern for the veterans because the days are numbered. They are more than 90 years old, and it’s better late than never,” Filipino Veterans Foundation member Romeo Bejo announced at the session’s close. To find more information on eligibility, requesting parole and the application process, visit www.uscis.gov/fvwp To reach a licensed immigration attorney, contact Advancing Justice – LA via their website at www.advancingjustice-la.org or their hotline: (888) 349-9695 (English) or (855) 300-2552 (Tagalog). (Eric Anthony Licas/AJPress)

ISIS recruits Southeast Asians through... PAGE A1 southern Thailand and in parts of Mindanao where many of the Filipino Muslims there speak the Malay language. CNN Indonesia reported that ISIS has its own sector of Malayspeaking correspondents from Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines called Katiba Nusantara. Jasminder Singh and Muhammad Haziq Jani, terrorism analysts at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, co-authored a research paper last month called “Al-Fatihin: Islamic State’s First Malay-Language Newspaper”, which detailed the purposes of the newspaper, which were to serve Southeast Asian jihadists and recruit new ones. They also analyzed the underlying effects of introducing such a publication to the region. “Al-Fatihin’s tagline (“The newspaper for Malay-speaking migrants in the Islamic State”) drives the point that, no matter the differences and nuances in language, identity and origins, Southeast Asian jihadists have [a] common logos and as such, all Malay-speaking jihadists should

act as one,” said Singh and Jani. The paper detailed the first issue of the newspaper, which was 20 pages long and focused on the month of Ramadan and the act of jihad, also known as the “holy struggle.” The issue also included a threepage message from the late Abu Ayyub al-Masri, Egyptian insurgent and former al-Qaeda leader in Iraq, encouraging insurgents to “continue their jihadist activities, search for martyrdom and kill and crucify the polytheists, disbelievers, oppressors and transgressors.” The use of the Malay language was an effective strategy for recruitment because it allows for the organization to “disseminate [ISIS] propaganda” to a broader audience in an effort to unify the jihadist population in the region. “Al-Fatihin buttresses [ISIS] messages calling on militant groups in Indonesia and the Philippines to unite and pledge their allegiance to Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi,” the paper read. An anonymous security expert told Berita Harian that the newspaper can be seen as a warning that Malay-speaking territories are in ISIS’s sight.

“This psychological campaign means that the terrorists have a big objective, which is to expand their influence among people who understand the Malay language,” said the expert. The source added that based on the way that the language is being used, the writer(s) and/or editor(s) may be from Southeast Asia. Two days after Al-Fahitin was launched, ISIS released a video claiming the Philippines as its territory and told its supporters in Southeast Asia to travel to the country if they can’t make it to Syria, according to Singaporean newspaper Strait Times. The Philippine military reportedly dismissed the video as “mere propaganda,” according to Strait Times. Over the last few years, there has been growing speculation that the Philippines is ISIS’s next target. Southeast Asian militant groups have already pledged allegiance to ISIS, like the Abu Sayyaf in Mindanao and Mujahideen in eastern Indonesia. An upsurge of jihadist activity from Abu Sayyaf, has raised concern over ISIS’ influence in the country.

Asian Americans support Black Lives... PAGE A1 New York City-based ethnographer Christina Xu wanted to respond to negative reactions to the police shootings of black individuals, particularly those of Asian Americans. She started a Google Doc page and allowed contributors from all over the country to share research, perspectives and thoughts in a collective open letter. “In fact, let’s draft letters in our native languages to our parents and our communities. Get it passed around WhatsApp, WeChat, LINE, etc,” Wu tweeted on Thursday, July 7 to launch the letter. She started the Google Doc at 11 a.m. that day, and hundreds of Asian Americans contributed to the letter. Filipino Pulitzer Prizewinning journalist Jose Antonio Vargas assisted in editing the final drafts of the letter. “Mom, Dad, Uncle, Auntie, Grandfather, Grandmother: We need to talk,” the letter opens up. “You may not have grown up around people who are Black, but I have. Black people are a fundamental part of my life: they are my friends, my classmates and teammates, my roommates, my family. Today, I’m scared for

them.” The letter encourages Asian Americans everywhere to empathize with the movement to stand up to racial inequality in America. The writers reference the nation’s history of black and Asian persecution to encourage solidarity between the two communities together today. “Black people have been beaten, jailed, even killed fighting for many of the rights that Asian Americans enjoy today,” the letter said. “We owe them so much in return. We are all fighting against the same unfair system that prefers we compete against each other.” The letter has been translated -- and is continuing to be translated -- in multiple languages. The letter came in the wake of the shootings of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile, who were shot and killed by police officers just one day apart. On July 5, Sterling, 37, was selling CDs outside a convenience store in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. When police officers discovered he had a gun on his person, Sterling was shot multiple times at point-blank range. Louisiana is one of 31 states that permits open carry of firearms.

Several bystanders had filmed the encounter and the shooting. One day later, 32-year-old Castile, a nutrition services supervisor in Minnesota, was stopped by police for a broken rear light. When reaching for his license and registration, Castile told the officer he had a licensed concealed weapon in the car. As he put his hands up, the police shot him four times. Castile’s girlfriend Diamond Reynolds and her 4-year-old daughter were in the car. Reynolds live-streamed the aftermath of the shooting on Facebook. Legal and civil rights organization Asian Americans Advancing Justice has also come out in support for BLM in the wake of the killings of Sterling and Castile. “As the nation’s leading legal and civil rights voice rooted in Asian American communities, we stand together with communities of color in the fight to end systemic police brutality,” the organization said in a statement. “As the facts of each case surface, we ask the U.S. Department of Justice to not only investigate the fatal shooting of Mr. Sterling but also to investigate the shooting and death of Mr. Castile.” (By Klarize Medenilla / AJPress)

a divide in the Democratic Party between progressives and Establishment Democrats, but Sanders assured supporters that his decision was the right one. “Today, I endorsed Hillary Clinton to be our next president,” Sanders said in the email. “I know that some of you will be disappointed with that decision. But I believe that, at this moment, our country, our values, and our common vision for a transformed America, are best served by the defeat of Donald

Trump and the election of Hillary Clinton.” The endorsement represents the final solidifying of the Democratic Party during this election cycle. On the Republican side, Trump has yet to receive endorsements from several of his primary challengers like former Republican presidential nominees Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Gov. John Kasich of Ohio and former Florida Governor Jeb Bush. (By Klarize Medenilla / AJPress)

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OC/IE ASIAN JOURNAL • JULy 15-21, 2016

Dateline PhiliPPines

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Marcos camp deplores Smartmatic for seeking media ban in in ‘clarificatory presentation’ of the AES THE camp of former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Thursday, July 14 deplored the move of Smartmatic to exclude members of the media from its “clarificatory presentation” of the Automated Election System before Manila Prosecutors’ Office. This developed after Smartmatic personnel, instead of filing their Rejoinder to the complaint filed against them, filed a manifestation and motion to hold a clarificatory presentation to explain the AES and the other technical aspects of the case without the presence of any other party including the media. Lawyer Adrian Aumentado, counsel of former Abakada Rep. Jonathan Dela Cruz, political advisor of Senator Marcos, said it is highly irregular why Smartmatic would want to ban the media from attending the clarificatory presentation of the AES when the case filed is all about transparency. “To exclude the media from the clarificatory presentation is tantamount to denying the public’s right to know the processes used in THEIR election. We are for transparency and that is what this case is all about and we just find it highly unusual that the media would be excluded from such presentation when it is after all a clarificatory hearing,” Aumentado pointed out. During the hearing, the panel of prosecutors also expressed surprise by such move. When a member of the Smartmatic team said they were merely concerned

about the logistical and practical requirements if members of the media were around, the panel said such would not be a problem since they can always arrange for a place for everyone including the media to be accommodated. Aumentado also expressed surprise that Smartmatic would be the one to initiate a clarificatory presentation when the initiative should be coming from the panel of prosecutors. He also asked to be given a period to file their opposition and/or manifestation to the motion. The panel, however, said the move would give them a chance to clarify certain technical aspects of the case without prejudice to whatever motion the former Senator’s counsels may file on the matter. They then set the clarificatory presentation to July 21, 2016 at 1:30 p.m. Dela Cruz had filed charges for violation of Section 4(a) of the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 or R.A. 10175 against Smartmatic personnel Marlon Garcia, a Venezuelan national and head of the Technical Support Team; Elie Moreno, an Israeli national and Project Director, Mauricio Herrera, a Panamanian national and Neil Banigued, member of the Technical Support Team; and Comelec IT experts led by Rouie Peñalba, Nelson Herrera and Frances Mae Gonzalez for their act of “intentionally altering computer data, without right and altering and interfering with the functioning of a computer and computer network by inputting, deleting and altering computer

data and program, without right or authority.” Dela Cruz said their act of changing the script of the Transparency Server on the night of the elections at the height of the transmission of votes without authority constitutes a clear violation of the said law. Dela Cruz had earlier also accused the respondents of misleading the prosecutors when they claimed in their respective counter-affidavits that the change they made in the system in the Transparency Server cannot be considered illegal access because the latter is not part of the Automated Election System (AES). “By so doing, respondents are attempting to mislead this Honorable Office thru technical illustrations irrelevant to the present controversy,” Dela Cruz said. He said such contradicts their earlier admission that “the AES is made up of several components, namely the election management system (EMS), the VCM, the CCS and the Transparency Server.” Dela Cruz added that respondent also “deliberately omitted” the fact that RA 8436 as amended or the law authorizing Comelec to use the AES had expanded the definition of the system to include the “transmission of election results and other electoral processes.” The respondents are also charged with a separate case for the violation of the Automated Election Law before the Comelec over the script change. The case is also undergoing preliminary investigation.

Binay faces graft, falsification, and malversation charges by dana

SioSon AJPress

FORMER vice president Jejomar Binay Sr. was formally charged in court by the Office of the Ombudsman over the alleged overpriced construction of the P2.2-billion Makati City Hall Building II, also referred to as the Makati parking building, Thursday,, July 14, at the Sandiganbayan. Through its prosecutorial arm Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), Ombudsman Conchita Carpio filed four counts of graft or violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act against Binay. Binay was also charged of nine counts of falsification of public documents or violation of Article 171 of the Revised Penal Code, and one count of malversation or violation of Article 217 of the Revised Penal Code. Binay was the Makati City mayor during the first three phases of the project. “Former VP Binay is ready to face his accusers and clear his name in a fair and impartial hearing. The ombudsman should also be ready to account for her actions in the civil suit now pending before the courts,” Binay’s spokesman Joey Salgado said in a statement, according to reports from GMA News. It was October last year when

Vice Pres. Jejomar Binay

the Ombudsman ruled that there was probable cause to file graft and falsification of public documents cases against Binay. Then last February, the Ombudsman affirmed its ruling. Binay Sr.’s son, dismissed Makati mayor Jejomar Erwin “Junjun” Binay Jr., was earlier charged for graft and falsification of public documents for phases IV and V of the building when he succeeded his father as Makati mayor, along with 22 other former officials of the Makati City government. However, the charges against the former vice president were later filed upon the expiration of his immunity from suit. According to reports from Inquirer, the Ombudsman said documents show that Binay Sr. and Jr. approved the Bids and Awards Committee resolutions, notices of awards, contracts and payments using unnumbered/un-

dated disbursement vouchers and obligation requests despite the anomalies. The Binays awarded the contract to Mana Architectural and Interior Design (MANA) despite the allegedly lack of public bidding, and approved of P11.97-million payment despite the anomalies. However, Salgado said that this is just a diversionary move intended to shield the ombudsman’s political patrons from public indignation. “Alam naman natin na sinampahan ng reklamo ang mga lider ng LP dahil sa maanomalyang Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) (We all knew that LP leaders were charged of the anomalies within DAP),” told GMA News. Salgado also added that the Carpio was focused on filing charges against the former vice president to the divert the anger of the people.

De Lima files Senate resolution to probe extrajudicial killings by Patricia LourdeS Philstar.com

Viray

MANILA—Sen. Leila de Lima has filed a resolution which seeks a Senate inquiry on the rising number of extrajudicial killings and summary executions of suspected criminals. The former Justice secretary and Commission on Human Rights chairperson filed the resolution on Wednesday, July 13. “Extrajudicial or summary killing is homicide. Carried out premeditatedly and in conspiracy with other public authorities, it becomes mass murder, which, if left unabated and unchecked, can escalate into a crime against humanity under international law,” De Lima said in the resolution. Senate Resolution 9 seeks to strengthen the accountability of law enforcers and to institute corrective legislative measures to ensure full respect for basic human rights. The resolution cited a report by a newspaper that the death toll of summary killings had reached 136 within the first 13 days from the inauguration of President Rodrigo Duterte on June 30.

Sen. Leila de Lima

A television network also reported that the body count from May 10 to July 12 has reached 339, according to De Lima’s resolution. “Whereas, regardless of the question of whether those killed were in fact criminals, precisely because there was no opportunity for them to be prosecuted before a court of law, the fight against crime is apparently becoming a looming state-sanctioned cover for a policy of summary executions and extrajudicial killings of any and all suspected criminals,” the resolution read. De Lima noted that in most cas-

es it appears that the use of force of law enforcers in arresting suspected criminals fails to comply with the legal criteria of absolute necessity and proportionality. The senator stressed that the right to life is the most fundamental and basic of human rights. The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights states that “every human being has the inherent right to life. This right shall be protected by law.” De Lima said that its is urgent to look into the factual and legal issues related to the rising rate of extrajudicial killings and summary executions. In his inaugural speech, Duterte stressed that he would adhere to due process and rule of law in fighting drugs and criminality. During the turnover ceremony at the Philippine National Police, Duterte also reminded police personnel that they may only shoot criminals when they act in defense of themselves or a stranger. “If there is a resistance that plays your life in jeopardy then by all means shoot and shoot him dead. That is my order,” Duterte told the PNP.

BATO DESTORY BATO. PNP chief Police Director General Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa shows packs of seized shabu (methamphetamine hydrochloride) part of the P1.77 billion worth of illegal drugs that was destroyed by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) at the Integrated Waste Management, Inc., Barangay Aguado, Trece Martirez, Cavite, on Thursday, July 14. Inquirer.net photo by Raffy Lerma

DOJ issues lookout bulletin vs 5 ‘narco generals’ copy of the lookout bulletin to Bureau of Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente, who will MANILA—The Department implement the order and monitor of Justice (DOJ) on Wednesday, the movements of the five former July 13 issued a lookout bul- and active PNP officials in the letin against the five alleged country’s airports and seaports. “narco generals” who were earlier named by President Rodrigo Duterte as the alleged protectors of drug lords in the country. The DOJ issued the order based on the request of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) since there is already an ongoing investigation against the so-called “narco generals.” Included in the list are retired Philippine National Police (PNP) Deputy Director General Marcelo Garbo Jr., retired Chief Superintendent and now Daanbantayan, Cebu Mayor Vicente Loot, and the active PNP officials, namely, former National Capital Regional Police Office Director Joel Pagdilao, former Quezon City Police District Director Chief Superintendent Edgardo Tinio and former Region VI Director Chief Superintendent Bernardo Diaz. The lookout bulletin was signed by DOJ Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II. The DOJ immediately sent a by Perfecto

raymundo Philstar.com

The three active police officials’ cases were already turned over by PNP Chief Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa to the National Police Commission while the retired officials cases are being handled by the DILG.

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OpiniOn

Features

War on drugs

A FORMER agent of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) reported that the illegal drug trade in the country is thriving, and has become a P200-billion “industry.” Amid this intensified anti-drug campaign, there has also been a spate of surrenders from thousands of drug users and peddlers across the country. They have pledged to not do or sell drugs again and cooperate with the government’s drive against drugs. While the government is gaining momentum in its campaign against drugs, some senators have questioned its efficacy and raised concerns over the rising number of extrajudicial killings. “We have to look into that in aid of legislation. The killings are on the rise, and there are just telltale signs of summary executions in a number of them,” said Sen. Leila De Lima, who was the former chair of the Philippine Commission on Human Rights (CHR). Sen. Franklin Drilon echoed De Lima’s sentiments and agreed to conduct the Senate inquiry. “While we laud and support the campaign against illegal drugs of the Philippine National Police, the Senate cannot sit idly on allegations of extrajudicial killings that saw a spike in recent months,” Drilon said. Even Vice Pres. Leni Robredo agrees. She encouraged authorities “to look into these cases. If there is really culpability, then justice requires that appropriate cases be filed and that those proven to be accountable be punished.”

An even more alarming report is that the Philippines has turned into a global hub for the distribution and increased production of illegal drugs for international syndicates. According to the PDEA, 20.51 percent or 8,629 barangays (villages) out of the 42,065 nationwide are plagued with the drug-related cases. Metro Manila has the highest rate of being drugaffected with 92.10 percent of the region’s barangays involved. Methamphetamine hydrochloride, or shabu, and marijuana remain the most abused illegal drugs in the country. PDEA Director General Arturo Cacdac Jr. revealed that barangays are considered slightly affected if there are identified drug users in the community but no known drug pushers or traffickers are operating in the area while moderately affected if at least a suspected drug pusher or trafficker is operating in the barangay. A barangay is seriously affected if at least a drug laboratory, den, dive or resort is suspected to exist in the community. Perhaps this is why Pres. Rodrigo Duterte stayed true to his word that when elected, he would launch a bloody war on drugs. In recent weeks, the nation saw a spike in drugrelated killings. Reports show that there have been more than 100 reported cases of drug-related killings in less than a month.

Editorial

ManilaTimes.net photo

“While we are one with the fight against drugs, we are concerned with the growing culture of vigilantism and violence. We hope that the war is not done at the expense of the innocent and defenseless,” Robredo said. Recognizing the rampancy of the drug problem in the country is only the first step. Instead of in-

flicting fear among the citizenry, the national government must initiate a cohesive effort in dealing with the drug problem. Engaging in an all-out war against drugs is beyond the power of the government alone. This campaign can only be deemed successful with the engagement of the public. (AJPress)

Fil-Am leaders speak up on the Philippines’ victory over China in UN tribunal decision KUDOS to former Philippine Pres. Benigno Aquino III, for- The Fil-Am mer DFA Sec. Albert del Rosario and the whole team which, Perspective on behalf of the Filipino people, filed, argued, and won the case against China before the United Nations Arbitral Tribunal. The court found China’s gel SantoS-ReloS claims illegal in its territorial dispute in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea), an area rich in seafood and other resources. As ABS-CBN News reported, this landmark ruling was the first case against China’s expansive claims, which has sparked international alarm and prompted the United States to send warships on “freedom of navigation” patrols. Kababayans in the United States gave their allout support to the Philippine government in this fight, with Fil-Ams in the East Coast spearheading protest rallies against China’s “bullying” and intrusion in the West Philippines Sea. Manny rallies and five years after, these Fil-Ams are back, but this time it was to celebrate the victory of the Philippines with the tribunal decision that favored the Philippines. “The rule of law. The United Nations has fulfilled its existence, not war but peace through the rule of law, so this is the triumph of the Philippines because we have followed the regular process of settling disputes,” said US Pinoys for Good Governance Chairman Loida Nicolas Lewis in a report by The Filipino Channel’s “Balitang

America” New York Correspondent Don Tagala. Bobby del Rosario, the son former DFA Sec. Albert del Rosario, was among those who celebrated this victory in front of the United Nations in New York. “I’m gonna quote a couple of words from what my father said: China’s a great superpower, and to be a great superpower you have to follow the laws and the rules of the land…and International Law is a great equalizer,” del Rosario said in the report. Fil-Am leaders, however, acknowledge that this victory is just a moral and legal victory, which cannot be enforced against China. The biggest question and challenge remains: will China now exit the disputed area and leave the West Philippine sea to the Philippines, pursuant to the provisions United Nations Convention on the Law of the Seas (UNCLOS) that were upheld by the tribunal ruling? China boycotted the hearings at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague and has repeatedly vowed to ignore the ruling, saying its armed forces would defend its sovereignty and maritime interests. After the ruling was announced, Cui Tiankai — Beijing’s Ambassador to the U.S. — said the tribunal’s decision denying China’s claims in the South China Sea will “intensify conflict and even confrontation,” as reported by Reuters. The Chinese ambassador, however, also said

that Beijing remains committed to negotiations with other parties in disputes over the South China Sea waters that have some of the world’s most promising oil and gas fields and fishing areas. The Philippines’ newly sworn-in President Rodrigo Duterte had said that he was seeking a “soft landing” with China after the decision. ABS-CBN News reported that Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. said he would seek negotiations with Beijing, mindful that the tribunal had no powers to enforce its decision. In response to the reaction of the Duterte administration to the UN tribunal ruling, Fil-Am community leader Loida Nicolas Lewis further said on Balitang America, “Para sa akin…We negotiate according to our constitution. We keep 60 percent, you [China] get 40 percent. If they don’t want to accept that, then they are a rogue state. Because it is very clear from the tribunal we have 100 percent ownership, but that doesn’t mean we cannot share 40 percent.” According to Balitang America Correspondent Don Tagala, the US Pinoys for Good Governance are amenable to President Duterte’s negotiation with China, but with pre-conditions. How do you think the Duterte administration should handle the negotiation with China? *** 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

Filipinos in Los Angeles also organized a rally outside the Chinese Consulate hailing The Hague’s ruling in favor of the Philippines . Photo courtesy of Art Garcia

Psst… ‘All superpowers usually ignore international verdicts’

Commentary

RigobeRto D. tiglao I REALLY hope the $30 million (P1.4 billion) I was informed we, taxpayers, spent for the legal fees and expenses of the eight top-notch international lawyers and their staff who prepared our case against China in the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) turn out to be well spent. Not only did they manage to get the PAC to redefine the standard meaning of “arbitration,” which for centuries had been defined as procedure in which two parties agree to a third party to settle their dispute. Now, it seems, “arbitration” can be a unilateral arbitration. Now we also have succinct propaganda kit to try to convince the world to kick China’s ass for its bullying in the South China Sea. The US Central Intelligence Agency or its State Department should reimburse us the P1.4 billion—the suit is a big blow to China’s clout in the Spratlys, where the Americans have been pulling their hair how they could intervene since they don’t have claims in the area, and they even

haven’t ratified the UNCLOS. There’s one hitch though, which I bet the very clever lawyers the government hired weren’t eager to tell their clients. The arbitral court’s decision is certainly a blow to China’s image, which the Court in effect portrayed as a bully in the South China Sea that even drives away lowly fishermen from international waters. The hitch is that so far, superpowers normally ignore rulings not only of the Arbitration Court, but even of the International Court of Justice, even with a resolution of the UN demanding that they comply with decisions of such international bodies. “Superpower” here is defined as the four permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, the only UN body with the authority to issue binding resolutions to member states, especially resolutions for going to war. These four, each with veto powers over any of the body’s resolution are: US, Russia, France, United Kingdom, and—since 1971—the People’s Republic of China. I’d have to have to include long footnotes for this column to convince you, dear incredulous

reader, that superpowers routinely have ignored PCA decisions, which the world would later forget. So better just trust the following July 11 article in The Diplomat by a respected academic, Graham Allison, now director of the Harvard Kennedy School’s Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs and former dean of Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. The article’s title was “Of Course China, Like All Great Powers, Will Ignore an International Legal Verdict,” with the lede, “In ignoring an upcoming verdict on the South China Sea, Beijing is following well-established precedent by great powers.” Article starts as follows: From the day the Philippines went to court, China has argued that the PCA has no legitimate jurisdiction on this issue since it concerns “sovereignty”—which the text of the Law of the Sea treaty explicitly prohibits tribunals from addressing. When the Court rejected China’s objection, Beijing refused to participate in its hearings and made it clear that it will ignore the PCA’s ruling. The United States and others have criticized Beijing for taking this stance. But again, if we ask

how other permanent members of the Security Council have acted in similar circumstances, the answer will not be one we like. When the Netherlands sued Russia after the latter’s navy boarded and detained the crew of a Dutch vessel in waters off of the Russian coast in 2013, Moscow asserted that the court had no jurisdiction in the matter and refused to participate in the hearings. It also ignored a tribunal’s order that the crew be released while the dispute was being resolved. After the PCA ruled that Russia had violated the Law of the Sea and ordered Moscow to pay the Netherlands compensation, Russia refused. Anticipating the Court’s ruling in the case brought by the Philippines, UK Prime Minister David Cameron proclaimed: “We want to encourage China to be part of that rules-based world. We want to encourage everyone to abide by these adjudications.” Perhaps he had forgotten that just last year the PCA ruled that the UK had violated the Law of the Sea by unilaterally establishing a Marine Protected Area in the Chagos Islands. The British government disregarded the ruling, and the Marine Protected Area

remains in place today. The United States has never been sued under the Law of the Sea because—unlike China— Washington has not ratified the international agreement and is thus not bound by its rules. Expect Chinese commentators to emphasize this point in the mutual recriminations that will follow the Court’s announcement. The closest analogue to the Philippine case involving the United States arose in the 1980s when Nicaragua sued Washington for mining its harbors. Like China, the United States argued that the International Court of Justice did not have the authority to hear Nicaragua’s case. When the court rejected that claim, the United States not only refused to participate in subsequent proceedings, but also denied the Court’s jurisdiction on any future case involving the United States, unless Washington explicitly made an exception and asked the Court to hear a case. If China followed that precedent, it could withdraw from the Law of the Sea Treaty altogether—joining the United States as one of the world’s only nations not party to the agreement. In the Nicaragua case, when

the Court found in favor of Nicaragua and ordered the United States to pay reparations, the US refused, and vetoed six UN Security Council resolutions ordering it to comply with the court’s ruling. US Ambassador to the UN Jeane Kirkpatrick aptly summed up Washington’s view of the matter when she dismissed the court as a “semi-legal, semi-juridical, semi-political body, which nations sometimes accept and sometimes don’t.” Observing what permanent members of the Security Council do, as opposed to what they say, it is hard to disagree with realist’s claim that the PCA and its siblings in The Hague—the International Courts of Justice and the International Criminal Court—are only for small powers. Great powers do not recognize the jurisdiction of these courts—except in particular cases where they believe it is in their interest to do so. Thucydides’ summary of the Melian mantra—“the strong do as they will; the weak suffer as they must”—may exaggerate. But this week, when the Court finds against China, expect Beijing to do as great powers have traditionally done. (ManilaTimes. net)

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Tito Sotto reacts to ‘victim-shaming’ accusation

MANILA—Sen. Tito Sotto defended himself from the public’s accusation that he shamed a woman on air. During the July 9, 2016 episode of “Eat Bulaga!” in the segment “Juan For All, All For Juan,” the female winner related that she was separated from her husband after a male friend took advantage of him after they had a few drinks, which she cannot recall. The senator commented on this and said, “Kasalanan ng lahat ng iyan, e, ang pag-inom. Kababae mong tao pa-shot shot ka?” Some of the viewers found this comment as “insensitive”

for women, which led them to send complaints to the Movies and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB). The senator defended himself saying, “It was a simple reaction saying that a married lady should not be out at night having shots [or drinking] with men other than her husband,” Philippine Entertainment Portal reported. MTRCB will have a meeting with the executives of “Eat Bulaga!” namely TAPE Inc. President Antonio Tuviera, Senior Vice President Malou Choa-Fagar, and “Eat Bulaga!” Creative Head Tito Sotto defended himself from the public’s Jenny Ferrer on July 21 regard- accusation that he shamed a female winner of ing the issue. (Philstar.com) their “Juan For All, All For Juan” segment.

PH wins sovereignty case against... PAGE A2

RAINY DAYS AHEAD. Black rain clouds gather above buildings in Manila on Monday, July 11. The weather bureau warned that the southwest monsoon will bring more rain in Luzon this week. ManilaTimes.net photo

Robredo, Bautista: There was no ‘secret meeting’ by Rosette

Adel

Philstar.com

MANILA—Vice President Leni Robredo and Commission on Elections Chair Juan Andres “Andy” Bautista on Thursday, July 14 denied the alleged secret meeting captured in a viral video. Robredo and Bautista said they just attended a dinner in Makati City and only had a short encounter of greeting each other. “Walang ganun na secret meeting nag-attend ako ng isang dinner party. Siguro mga 40 tao ‘yung nandun. Isa si Comelec chairman sa mga guests pero hindi ko nga maalala na nagusap kami, parang nag-batian lang pero hindi kami nag-usap,” Robredo said in a press conference. “There were more than 30 people with, in fact, members of the diplomatic corps. There was no secret meeting whatsoever. In fact, I only had a one sentence hello with Madame Vice President, so there was no secret meeting,” Bautista said in a separate forum. The two officials both made clarifications after a video allegedly capturing their secret meeting went viral. The one minute and 15-second-long video was posted by a Facebook user named “Dayaang Matuwid” on Wednesday.

Vice President Leni Robredo and Commission on Elections Chair Juan Andres “Andy” Bautista on Thursday, July 14 denied the alleged secret meeting captured in a viral video.

The video uploader said Robredo and Bautista secretly met after the Supreme Court ordered Robredo camp to comment on the electoral protest filed by former Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. wherein Bautista is also a respondent. The video, however, only showed separate videos of the two officials. “Barely 8 hours after the Supreme Court made the order, Leni Robredo held a secret meeting with fellow respondent and Comelec Chairman Andres Bautista at the 10th floor of the Urdaneta Apartments in Makati. The meeting was held at the unit of socialite Baby Cruz,” the video uploader said. Robredo said the viral video is

“malicious” as it did not show any video of her and Bautista speaking to each other. She said there were several visitors in the dinner which included her daughters, United States Ambassador Philip Goldberg and Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales. The vice president said the dinner was hosted by a family friend. “Very malicious [‘yung video]. Siguro mas maigi kung may secret meeting ipinakita niya sana mismo na nag-usap kami kasi wala namang ganun. Ako naalala ko lang na exchange namin [ni Comelec Chair Bautista] nag-hi ako either papasok or paalis pero hindi kami nagkausap na usap,” she added.

ing aircraft to notify China before flying through the South China Sea “if our security is threatened.” China had established an ADIZ in the East China Sea in 2013, however it has not been consistently enforced according to a report from the Us-China Security Economic Review Commission. Chinese jets intercepted and escorted an American plane flying over the South China Sea on May 17 for flying too close to Hainan Island. Meanwhile, in a rare instance of agreement with China, Taiwanese officials condemned the tribunal’s decision. Taiwan, officially known as the Republic of China (ROC), asserts the same historic rights as Beijing. Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs called the ruling “completely unacceptable,” and said their “rights over the South China Sea islands and their relevant waters is beyond dispute,” in a statement released on Tuesday. Liu also blamed the Philippines on Wednesday for stirring up trouble in the region ahead of the release of a policy statement alleging the Philippines of breaking an agreement to engage in one-onone negotiations. The paper went on to accuse Manila of presenting “distorted facts and a concocted pack of lies” to the PCA. Taiwan’s President, Tsai Ingwen, dispatched a patrol ship into the South China Sea, according to the Inquirer on Wednesday. Tsai said the move was an expression of “Taiwanese people’s determination to defend the country’s interests,” while speaking to sailors before the frigate’s departure.

Most of the 70 countries that support China are outside the Pacific Rim, however, a bloc of smaller Southeast Asian countries have been stifling efforts to mobilize unified opposition to Beijing’s claims. China would prefer to hash out disputes between individual countries separately in bilateral talks in which the regional powerhouse might be able to exert greater influence. However, despite fiery rhetoric from Chinese spokespersons, Liu said his country was still committed to direct bilateral negotiations with the Philippines. He suggested the “early removal of obstacles posed by the arbitration case,” in order to improve relations between Manila and Beijing. In May, Philstar reported that President Rodrigo Duterte told US President Barack Obama he was open to bilateral talks with China if the PCA decision fails to de-escalate tension in the region. However, has said his administration would closely study the award before moving forward with either bilateral, or multilateral negotiations. “We shall wait for SolGen’s (Solicitor General Jose Calida) interpretation of the ruling” Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar told the Inquirer on Tuesday. “The SolGen shall provide the President a synopsis of the ruling [Wednesday] morning and a complete and thorough interpretation in 5 days.” On Tuesday morning, about 50 Filipino-American community members in New York organized a rally outside the United Nations headquarters and carried placards

urging China to “not be a rogue state” and proclaiming that the “West Philippine Sea belongs to Filipinos.” “We as Filipinos are peace-loving,” Filipino philanthropist and community leader Loida Nicolas Lewis said outside the UN. “The Chinese have all the warships. All we have is worship.” In Los Angeles, Fil-Ams held similar signs outside the Chinese Consulate. “It’s a victory for the Filipino people. We are vindicated and a proof that a small nation can win over a big nation by reason,” Arturo P. Garcia of the Alliance Philippines said. China’s official response to Tuesday’s ruling makes an immediate resolution of tensions unlikely, but Reichler said that added international pressure could erode the defiant stance China has taken. “What China may ultimately do in six months, or a year or two years, may be different than what it says on July 12 or July 13,” Reichler told the AP. “I think a lot will depend on the reaction to the award (ruling) of the international community as a whole, particularly China’s neighbors.” International pressure is on China to comply with Tuesday’s decision. However, the military and economic powerhouse still wields significant leverage in the region, and President Duterte has publicly committed to avoiding armed conflict. The exact nature of future negotiations between the Philippines, China and other potential claimants remains uncertain. (With reports from Momar G. Visaya / AJPress)

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2

july 15-21, 2016

All boxed up:

2

Things you need to know about the balikbayan box by

IT could be because of colonial mentality that overseas Filipinos are just as excited to fill up and send a balikbayan box home as those receiving it back in the Philippines. “Balikbayan” means returning to one’s country, and I guess sending balikbayan box is the Filipino way of staying connected to friends and families back home. It’s the simple tradition of giving pasalubongs — gifts — only that it has been raised to

Malou liwanag-Bledsoe / AJPress

unprecedented levels because of the sheer number of Filipinos now live and/or work overseas. In the early days, only the very rich can go abroad. Today, there is an estimated 10 million Filipinos abroad due to their migration to the United States, Canada and Australia, and the demand for OFWs all over the What not to send Senders should keep in mind that since the shipping of a balikbayan box is consolidated,

it means that one prohibited item caught will affect ALL the packages inside the container. In the past, a lot of individuals have abused the tax-free privilege by smuggling commercial items or contrabands. For this reason, cargo companies, as well as US and Philippine Customs offices always inform senders not to send the following prohibited items: • Alcohol/alcoholic drinks • Automobile/motorcycle, parts or whole • Ceramic tableware • Cultural artifacts and pottery • Defense articles or items with military or proliferation applications • Products containing dog or cat fur, as well as animal hide • Drug paraphernalia (unless prescribed for medical conditions) • Firearms, explosives (including parts) • Cheese, Meat, fruits and vegetables (unless canned) • Pets, plants, seeds, soil • Used clothing of Automobiles and motorcycles parts are prohibited inside a balikbayan box. commercial quantity (ukay-ukay or in bales) • Pornographic materials • Fluids and perishable food items *Please check with your trusted balikbayan cargo company for other items that may not be on the list. The Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) In May of this year, former president Benigno Aquino III signed into law the Customs Any kind of guns, firearms (whether whole or in parts) and ammunition are not allowed inside Modernization and Tariff Act a balikbayan box.

Top 5 things overseas Filipinos send back to the Philippines AS of 2014, there were around 10.5 million overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), a number that is only increasing. Many Filipinos living abroad ship their families back home balikbayan boxes, large cardboard boxes filled with items from the foreign country that the sender believes the recipients would enjoy. There are many things overseas Filipinos are allowed to put in their balikbayan box, but there are a number of favorites and staple items that they include. Though there are no statistics available on what Filipinos send back home, here are five things commonly found in balikbayan boxes: (1) Food Non-perishable goods are particularly on top of the list, particularly canned goods like spam, corned beef, and Vienna sausages for the reason that they can last the long journey home. Biscuits and chocolates are also sent, for the same reason that they contain preservatives that would avoid spoilage. One thing to note, though, that not many know that coffee —decaf or not, instant or for brewing — is prohibited. (2) Clothes and shoes Filipinos back home are somewhat inclined to US brand names, specifically shoes and clothes. American brands like Nike, Adidas, and Northface are some of the favorites. There is said to be a decline in sending clothing brands like Gap or Old Navy for the reason that most of these products are now mostly manufactured in Asia. Shoes, although a number of brands are already made in China, are still in demand. On average, a pair of shoes may be slightly cheaper in the United States. Also, Filipinos abroad tend to have access to better quality clothing and shoes and can obtain them more easily at less cost than in the Philippines, especially when they buy them at outlet stores. Plus, they make great gifts for relatives. (3) personal and hygiene products Personal and hygiene products such as soap, shampoo, lotion, toothpaste, cologne and even perfume are also sent home. Soap and hair products aren’t very expensive

in the Philippines, but most people rarely buy imported brands. Although these are not restricted items, many cargo companies do not encourage their clients to send bottled liquids as they may break and leak, causing to damage not only to the other items where they are packed into, but also to other boxes as well. This is why that they remind Filipinos to make sure liquids are sealed tightly, so they don’t spill in transit. Bottles can be placed in resealable bags or wrapped around the opening with tape to ensure they do not leak. For bottles made of fragile material like glass, cover them with bubble wrap. (4) Toys Like shoes and clothes, most toys in the US are made in China. Still, young children enjoy seeing new toys when they open a balikbayan box. Be sure not to send toy guns though, for they will be confiscated by customs. (5) electronics Electronics like TVs, computers, cameras and game consoles are sent by overseas Filipinos to their families in the Philippines, as these tend to be cheaper in the US and have a wider selection. Although it is not advisable to send electronic items such as big screen TVs, laptops or desk top computers; balikbayans or returning Filipinos who wish to retire in the homeland try to ship these items. The good news is that just last May, the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) was signed by former President Benigno Aquino III, increasing the tax-exempt value of items sent by overseas Filipinos from P10,000 to P150,000. Furthermore, Filipinos who have stayed in a foreign country for at least 10 years and are returning to the Philippines, will also be granted a tax exemption for the personal and household effects, not exceeding P350,000. As always, cargo companies remind their clients to carefully pack fragile items, declare their cargo truthfully in their packing list and to consider paying additional insurance to cover any damages that may happen while in transit. (AJPress)

(CMTA) or Republic Act 10863 in response to the growing concern of overseas Filipinos about the continued corruption and additional taxes and duties being planned by the Bureau of Customs on all balikbayan boxes. Prior to signing R.A 10863, the existing law was outdated because it was still following the 1987 tax-exempt value of only up to P10,000 (about $200). Many lawmakers feel that it would be unfair to tax overseas Filipinos since the amount has not been adjusted according to inflation and increasing commodity rates. With the new law in place, Filipinos can now send up to three P150,000-worth (about $3,500) of tax- and duty-free balikbayan boxes in a year, given that the goods are not in commercial quantities nor intended for barter, sale or for hire. On top of the tax- and dutyfree balikbayan boxes, Filipinos, who have stayed in a foreign country for at least 10 years and are returning to the Philippines, will also be granted tax exemption for the personal and household effects, not exceeding P350,000, they will be bringing with them when they return to the country. As for Filipinos who have lived overseas for at least five years, they would be entitled to tax- and duty-free personal and household effects amounting to P250,000, while those who have stayed abroad for less than five years could enjoy P150,000 taxfree ceiling. As someone who has been on both the sending and receiving side, I realized that the

balikbayan box is more than a piece of corrugated box filled with clothes, canned goods and chocolates, or that whiff of the “stateside” scent — it is a symbol of the hard work, generosity and love for family. It’s true that our families back

home could probably buy most of the items in the Philippines, but I believe it the anticipation of what’s coming to their doorstep and the idea that every item has been carefully chosen and packed is what makes them appreciate it more.

july 15-21, 2016 www.asianjournal.com

3

Your next best destination: the PhiliPPines These places less traveled are yet to be discovered By Joseph

Almer pedrAJAs AJPress

WITH over 7,100 distinctly beautiful islands, the Philippines has a huge variety of breathtaking destinations to offer. Whether you are a history geek, beach bum, adventure seeker or travel hardcore, you’ve got everything. The country harbors a multitude of attractions that will make you feel like you’re in paradise. Here are the top 5 less traveled, yet jaw-dropping destinations to unleash the best out of your trip.

5. Sagada: Surviving the ridges of the Mountain Province Location: Sagada, Mountain Province, CAR

Sagada

Photo by Raphael John Oriel

The town of Sagada is one of the most adventurous destinations in the Philippines. Located behind the mountains of the Cordillera Region, Sagada can be reached by bus and takes roughly 12 hours to get there from Manila because of the bumpy and, literally, cliff-hanging roads. Sagada is perfect for adventure seekers. It offers the Sumaguing and Lumiang Cave connection, which gives guests an adrenaline rush. Brimmed with slippery rocks, ragged surface, bats’ feces, and minor cliffs, the caves are perfect for risk takers. However, if you are not into too much adventure, you can take an hour trek to Bomod-Ok Falls. Other options are the Hanging Coffins, a traditional way of the locals to bury the deceased, Echo Valley, watching Sagada weavers, Lake Danum, and witnessing the sunrise and sea of clouds in Kiltepan Peak. To restore your energy, the locals also offer their famous pinikpikan, arabica coffee, yogurt and lemon pie that are perfect for the near freezing temperature. Lately, many tourists (foreign and local) have been going to Sagada since the location has been featured more in television shows and movies. However, the difficulty of getting there still has kept the area less crowded compared to other tourist spots. how to get there: Option 1 — Direct bus ride to Sagada at Coda Lines Terminal in Quezon City. The ticket cost is P720/$17. Option 2 — You can take a side trip to Banaue before going to Sagada by bus via Ohayami Bus in Manila. Ticket from Manila to Banaue is about P450/$11. Upon arriving in Banaue, take passenger jeep bound for Bontoc then transfer to another for Sagada. There are also commuter vans available in Banaue bound for Sagada. The fare is about P200/$5. Option 3 — Coming from Baguio City, take a bus bound for Sagada at Dangwa Terminal Station near St. Mary’s Church. Buses start to depart by 5 pm. Tips: • Respect the culture by refraining from making insensitive comments about the natives’ rituals or traditions. • Keep the environment safe and clean. Don’t leave trash and dispose of it properly. • Avoid bringing outside food. The locals serve food with love. They do it the best they can. There are some restaurants that charge food and drinks if taken from the outside. • Pack lightly and wear comfortable clothes for trekking, hiking, spelunking and walking.

4. Sarangani: Deafening serenity Location: Sarangani Province

Often ignored, the province of Sarangani boasts natural tourist attractions that can be at par with Palawan in the battle of the Philippines’ most preserved sanctuaries. Beaches, falls, diving spots and corals are abundant in the area. The serenity of the place is one of the reasons why tourists flock to the area. You can find the Small Boracay of the South at Gumasa Beach, Glan; while scuba diving in Maasim, Tino Reef is satisfying as the locals are working hard to preserve and protect the marine life. You could also meet the endangered pawikans, and enjoy other activities such as food trips, museum visits, paragliding and ziplining. how to get there: From Manila, take a flight bound for General Santos City. There, you can ride a van that will take you to Sarangani. Airfare costs around P6,000–P8,000/$143-$190. Kalanggaman Island Tips: • Pack clothes and necessities for swimming and walking around, such as comfortable, cool clothes, sunblock and sandals/slippers. Don’t forget to bring a camera to take pictures of the beautiful sights! • Sarangani is one of the Philippines’ preserved paradises, so maintain cleanliness by leaving no trash behind and keeping the endangered sea turtles safe.

3. Siargao Island: Playing with crystal-clear waters of Mindanao Location: Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte

Photos by Christopher Glenn Tañega

One can walk on 2.16-kilometer San Juanico Bridge that connects Samar and Leyte and enjoy the picturesque islands and islets of the Philippine archipelago. There three stunning lakes in Ormoc — Kasudkuran, Janagdan and Danao —which are perfect for kayaking and swimming. Aside from its history and bodies of water, you can climb Eastern Visayas’ highest mountain, the Alto Peak. Another spot to visit is Kalanggaman Island. Its bird-like shape and thin sandbars will make you visualize that you are walking in the water. To wrap up your day at the beach, you can savor Leyte’s Binagol and Suman Moron delicacies. how to get there: Option 1 — To get to Ormoc, take a flight bound to Cebu, then take the fast craft to Ormoc City. Airfare may cost P4,000–P5,000/$95-$119. Option 2 — You can also get there by flying to Tacloban City and then take a two-hour car ride to Ormoc City. Kalanggaman Island: Fly to Tacloban City and take a three-hour bus ride at Tacloban New Bus Terminal to Palompon. Then ride a pump boat to Kalanggaman Island. Tips: • Don’t forget to coordinate with the Palompon Ecotours Office to be more guided. • If you are not in a hurry, take the longer bus route to enjoy the scenery.

Siargao

Photo by Carlo Delantar

Off the coast of Surigao del Norte is the island of Siargao, home of world-class waves that surfers from around the world visit. Unlike La Union in Luzon, Siargao is less visited because of its almost secluded location. Siargao produces huge waves that will make your heart beat, while its white sand beaches also add to the island’s beauty. However, if you are not into surfing, there are still other things you can do. Other activities to do in its three main islands are kayaking, diving, fishing, bird watching, swimming, spelunking, star gazing and sports. how to get there: Option 1 — Getting to Surigao City, the capital of Surigao del Norte, is the jump-off point to Siargao Islands if you are coming from Manila. Philippine Airlines (PAL) and Cebu Pacific Airlines have daily flights to this city. A roundtrip flight is about P7,000-P8,000/$167-$190. In Surigao, catch a multi-cab or tricycle bound for Dapa Port (P250/$), to Dapa Port of Siargao dock. At Dapa Port, hire a tricycle or habal-habal to take you to General Luna. From there, you can find many people to assist you. Option 2 — Siargao has its own airport and the easiest way is to fly direct. However, only Cebu Pacific flies there and the fares may be costly. From the airport, you will still need to go to General Luna, which is a 45minute van ride. Tips: • Siargao has ATM machines at Dapa Port. • Major mobile phone service providers deliver strong signals. • The Best time to go is from July to November

2. Leyte: Home of the most beautiful sandbars Location: Leyte, Eastern Visayas The resiliency of the province of Leyte and its people is the reason why you should visit this commonly underrated destination. You will be amazed by how God protected the place after Typhoon Yolanda (international name: Haiyan), as well as how the people bounced back from the destruction. The Leyte Landing Memorial, or MacArthur Park located in Palo, is one of the must-visit destinations. The memorial sculpture represents Sarangani is one of the south’s best-kept secrets and more and more people are discovering an important piece of Philippine history when General Douglas other lovely features of the province aside from its pretty beaches. Sarangani is unlike anything you have visited before, yet it has everything to love — beyond and above your usual getaway. MacArthur came back to our shores to win our fight against the Philstar.com photo Japanese in WWII.

1. Batanes: Home away from home Location: Batanes Group of Islands, Cagayan Valley

Batanes

Photo by Potpot Pinili

Although the northernmost province in the Philippines, Batanes’ natural beauty, culture and people can still make you feel at home. Comprised of 10 unpopulated islands (only three are habitable), the Batanes island group is proud of its virgin, infinitely green island. There are many things to do in Batanes that are in line with either nature or culture. You just have to choose which among the three islands to visit: Batan, Sabtang and Itbayat. Meanwhile, the traditional Ivatan houses will give you the experience of their culture. They are made up of limestone walls and cogon roofs, intended to strengthen the structure and protect it against possible earthquakes. The remarkable lion mane-like wigs are the trademarks of the Ivatans. They call it Vakul, worn by farmers in the field. While the vests worn by men are named as Kanayi, paired with Talugong, or a hat (salakot in Filipino). how to get there: There is only one way to reach Batanes — by air. But there are at least three airlines that fly there and land in Basco Airport. Because of its location, airfare to Batanes can be expensive – from as low as P7,000/$167 to as high as P18,000/$429. Tip: • There are many hotels and lodgings to stay when in Batanes. Hotels may cost P1,200 ($29)/night and any other regular lodgings may P35–P600 (-$1-$14)/night.

Fil-Am news producer wins Emmy by KlArize

medenillA

sent their own reporters from the Bay Area to San Bernardino. By the WORKING as a producer for a time Leong’s 6 p.m. newscast was daily broadcast news team requires set for broadcast, the NBC Bay Area attention to detail, organizational team was able to gather their own skill and the ability to adapt to information and report their own unpredictable circumstances. stories. So when the San Bernardino “When you cover a story as big attack happened on the morning of as this, you can’t just look at how Dec. 2, 2015, Anthony Leong, a Filyou can cover it for one hour, you Am news producer for the Bay Area’s have to see how to cover it for the NBC station KNTV, knew he had to next 24 hours,” Leong, 33, told the act quickly and utilize everything he Asian Journal. has learned working as a local news Leong said that covering the producer for the past 10 years. attack held a lot of significance to And that he did. Along with his the team because of the proximity diligent production team, Leong of the attacks to their home base. won a Northern California Emmy “Attacks like this don’t happen Award for their 24-hour continuous very often, thank God. This was a big coverage of on the San Bernardino story for us because it’s so close to attack. home and because so many people The Emmy Award-winning team here in the Bay Area know exactly included executive producer Dan where San Bernardino is,” Leong Pyryt; producers Alison Holeyman, said, adding that the connection Eric Rich and Leong; anchors Raj between the Bay Area and the Mathai and Janelle Wang; reporters LA area prompted the station to Peggy Bunker and Cheryl Hurd; send three separate crews to San photojournalists Robert Beasom Bernardino. and Mykie Vang and assignment After covering the initial shock editor Gonzalo Rojas. of the attack, the station began Upon learning of the attack, the producing the reaction stories. The team had decided by noon whom team produced “Reality Check” to send and by that afternoon, stories, which investigated the AJPress

perpetrators’ backgrounds and provided in-depth analysis on the attack itself. Leong was also a part of the news team that was nominated for breaking news coverage of the massive Valley Fire that consumed large portions of Lake County and affected Sonoma and Napa counties in September 2015. KNTV covered the second fire that broke out and had crews broadcast live from the fire line. While fires frequent the local news cycle in California, Leong said the Valley Fire was an entirely different animal. “Fires aren’t easy to cover, but you know what to do. But this wasn’t in the playbook or anything like we’ve done before,” said Leong. With 10 years of experience in of producing news, it isn’t a surprise that the seasoned news producer is receiving praise for his work. But broadcast journalism wasn’t always Leong’s the dream. Leong, who is half-Filipino and half-Chinese, knew he wanted to work in television but didn’t know exactly what he wanted to do. The Eagle Rock and Burbank native studied at California State University,

Fil-Am news producer Anthony Leong with working as a news producer for his Emmy. NBC Bay Area.

Northridge where he majored in television production. He then landed an internship at ABC/7 in Burbank during his senior year, which helped in establishing his place in the news industry. “That’s when I fell in love with it,” Leong said, who took up a minor in journalism shortly after realizing he wanted to work in news. The internship experience helped him get his first producing job at a KESQ, the local CBS station in Palm Springs’. He then spent three years as a news producer in Portland, Oregon. In late 2013, Leong started

“I love what I do and whenever I get asked why I like it, I say it’s the one job I’ve ever had that lets me watch television and go on the Internet all day long,” Leong quipped. After a decade ten years of news producing, Leong doesn’t see himself slowing down anytime soon. A newsman at heart, he remarked at on the fast-paced world of daily broadcast journalism. Although he does little writing now, he leads a team of writers and producers under him that produce the scripts, which he then copyedits before broadcast. As one of the

team’s producers, he makes major editorial decisions on news stories, pitches and develops stories and marshalls breaking news. The next natural step in his career, Leong said, would to become an executive producer of news. “There’s no other job where people are so well-informed and know what’s going on, and it blows my mind,” Leong said. “It’s never been the most highpaying job, but it’s always been the most interesting job I can ever think about. You start at square one everyday. Whatever you did yesterday, you can’t rest on your laurels.”

4

Pangasinan Brotherhood-USA celebrates its Watch ‘Funtastik 4’ & Pokwang 38th year with solid projects to be proud of live at Pechanga on August 20 The Metamorphosis july 15-21, 2016

www.asianjournal.com

iN a very unusual gettogether of comedians that will surely tickle you to laugh, the Pechanga Resort & Casino presents on August 20, 2016 at 7 p.m. the live performances of the ‘Funtastik 4’—k. Brosas, Chokoleit, Pooh and Rayver Cruz with veteran comedian ‘Pokwang,’ Pechanga Resort & Casino is well-known for hosting the best and the brightest Filipino entertainers and performers such as international singer Gary Valenciano, Megastar Sharon Cuneta, the singer/actress and Tony Award winner Lea Salonga, popular comedian and actor Vice Ganda, winner of “Star Power Search 2011” Angeline Quintos, international actress and top endorser Anne Curtis, and Pop Star Princess Sarah Geronimo - who all gave wholesome entertainment to the delight of the crowd. Aside from choices of fine dining cuisine, luxurious rooms and entertainment, Pechanga Resort & Casino offers a unique experience by show-casing famous and entertaining guests especially, to Filipino patrons. This is the reason the ‘Funtastik 4’ along with Pokwang will perform live this summer. ‘Funtastik 4’ became known from a series of shows in various places in the Philippines where they became famous for combining comedy and singing to entertain guests. Led by k. Brosas, Maria Carmela Brosas in real life, she is known as an actress, comedian, singer and TV host as a dual Filipino-American citizen. Brosas formerly belong to a band Glady’s and The Boxers where she was the lead singer. When they held a show, she was known as k and The Boxers. in mid-2010, Brosas hosted a game show in “Pilipinas Win na Win.” Jonathan Aguilar, famous as Chokoleit is also a comedian, actor and TV host. He gained prominence by playing a role as Dugong in a local Philippine TV

series ‘Marina.’ Chokoleit peaked on his career when he started in a stand-up comedy from famous entertainment clubs in Manila. You will enjoy the antics of Chokoleit in this gathering of best comedians at Pechanga Resort & Casino. Commonly known as Pooh, Reynold Garcia hails from Northern Samar, an actor, comedian, impersonator, singer and host. He rose to stardom as Pooh when he played a key role in a comedy gag show in Banana Split. He also impersonated Senator and boxer Manny Pacquiao. Pooh was an Aliw Awardee as best male stand-up comedian in 2006 and 2007. He was also nominated in the same category in 2008. You will marble at Rayver Cruz, Raymond Oliver Cruz ilustre in real life. Rayver is an actor, dancer and singer where you will get entertained in a very unusual way while in the casino. Rayer is a member of the Cruz family, a well-respected family in the entertainment industry in the Philippines. His brothers are Rodium and Omar, who are both handsome actively in the movie industry. Rayver is very visible in the show “ASAP XV.” He started as a child actor in GMA show “kiss Muna” before transferring to competing station ABS-CBN. His first series in TV is

Spirits as Red with actress Maja Salvador. He is the cousin of Sheryl, Sunshine, Geneva and Donna Cruz. To join the group, Pokwang— a comedian, TV host and singer, under real name Marietta Subong— is a famous actress who won the Clown in a Million contest from ABS-CBN comedygag show program, “Yes, Yes Show!” (2004). Pokwang is the 9th child from a brood of 12. Likewise, Pokwang is a comedian, actress, TV host, impersonator, singer and also an owner of a salon. She bagged several awards as a famed comedian. k. Brosas, Chokoleit, Pooh and Rayver along with Pokwang— are the perfect combination towards a totally wholesome entertainment in August brought to you by Telemecula, California’s pride—- Pechanga Resort & Casino. Buy your tickets now (from $98, $78, $68 up to $58) from Pechanga Box Office 877-711-2946 or online at www. Pechanga.com. Pechanga Resort & Casino Pechanga Resort & Casino offers one of the largest and most expansive resort/casino experiences anywhere in the United States. Voted the Number One Casino in America by readers of USA TODAY and rated a Four Diamond property by AAA since 2002, Pechanga Resort & Casino provides an unparalleled getaway. Offering more than 3,400 of the hottest slots, table games, world-class entertainment, 517 hotel rooms, dining, spa and championship golf at Journey at Pechanga, Pechanga Resort & Casino features a destination that meets and exceeds the needs of its guests and the community. Pechanga Resort & Casino is owned and operated by the Pechanga Band of Luiseño indians. For more information, call toll free 1-888-PeCHANGA or visit www.Pechanga.com.

ErniE D. DElfin (Editor’s note: We are postponing the second part of Mr. Delfin’s column piece from last week entitled, “Profit for doing nothing.” The continuation of the said piece will resume next week.”)

Like many gregarious people, vibrant organizations also celebrate their birthdays to take inventory of what they have accomplished and plan the next years to remain relevant to the times. These familytype events have direct influence for the continuation of the rich traditions of the Filipino culture to the next generation. This is what the Pangasinan Brotherhood-USA (PB-USA), one of the largest Filipino-American organizations in the US, is exactly doing on Saturday, July 16, for its 38th anniversary at the Marriott Hotel near Long Beach Airport. PB-USA was founded in 1978 during the influx of Filipino professionals continued in great numbers due to the relaxation of immigration policies for college graduates and professionals to enter the United States. Started by first degree immigrants, several Pangasinan towns’ leaders — led by the first PB-USA president Alfredo Reyes — got together with the vision to know and network more for the common good to provide some help to Pangasinenses in the US as well as in the Philippines. The late LA Consul General Armando Fernandez, also a native of Pangasinan, provided the muchneeded link to all the town leaders then and that contributed greatly to its fast growth in the 80’s. Today, most of the town 48 towns and cities of Pangasinan are now members of this “Mother” association. The Brotherhood continues to foster camaraderie and cooperation between towns as they try to support each other like attending their respective fundraising events or town anniversaries and jointly celebrating the annual independence Day every June. For several decades, the Brotherhood hosted mostly (Advertising Supplement) social and cultural events, and it was only in the last six years or so, that it started its own metamorphosis to become more relevant by sprinkling its social events with socio-economic and

entrepreneurial activities to spur economic and business among its members in the US as well as those in the Philippines, particularly our kabaleyans (provincemates) in Pangasinan. Among these outside-the-box ideas, initiated by immediate past president eddie Ferrer, a licensed customs brokerbusinessman, was an export-import day workshop that was attended by over 200 people. Speakers from the government and private sectors gave their expertise to an enthusiastic crowd. That event was followed up by a delegation of business people going to Pangasinan and met not only private exporters but also provincial officials to forge common alliance for the great potential of trade between the Philippines, particularly the province of Pangasinan. That visit resulted in the participation of dozens of Pangasinan exporters and importers in a trade and business fair in the City of Artesia. interviewing eddie Ferrer, formerly from Dagupan City, in his Long Beach office, i asked what are the next major projects of the PB-USA now that he is no longer the president. He said that he will continue to work hand-in-hand with the incoming president Lino Caringal to assist those interested businessmen in Pangasinan to export to America. He added that another how-to seminar is scheduled in October 2016 to assist those who are interested to get involved in exportimport business between the Philippines and the US. Likewise, i asked the incumbent president, an Urdanetanian and also a director of Gk e-Rotary Club, what are his projects the next two years that he is the head of the Brotherhood. He responded that he will continue the successful projects of his predecessor, like the spearheading and helping the completion of a Gk Villasis Namnama Village # 1 that was founded by Rotarians Soledad and Peter Montilla, and the providing financial assistance to the livelihood projects of that Gk Village residents

like fishpond tilapia raising, goat raising and sewing livelihood projects of several families. Both leaders committed to support the completion of another Gk Namnama Village # 2 in the town of Laoac where Silverio “Boying” Alarcio Jr. is the current mayor, whom they have met in the past. (After the rainy season, at least six houses are to be built which can be ready for turnover to the deserving families hopefully before Thanksgiving Day. Meticulous selection for the would-be beneficiaries of these Gk houses is ongoing that centers around Values Formation classes that are required to all the would-be-beneficiaries by qualified Gk Christian social workers) Since PB-USA has gotten its tax-exempt status from the federal and state governments during the presidency of Dan Nino (who is originally from Mangatarem), the contributions have increased significantly to fund the organizations’ projects, including the funding of three houses in the Gk Villasis Namnama Village for almost $10,000 during the administration of eddie Ferrer. PB-USA past president eddie Ferrer’s vision to empower and assist people in the Philippines to become more self sufficient shifted the organization’s scholarship from a 4-year college course to a more practical 2-year TeSDA (vocational) course where the successful graduate could find employment locally or abroad or become selfemployed for the more enterprising graduate. This paradigm shift found many supporters including the new generation of Fil-Ams as more and more have become more entrepreneurial than their parents or grandparents. During its monthly meetings, the PB-USA agenda always include the New Generations Projects to address issues that are relevant to their generation. in a few more years, these young Filipino professionals, entrepreneurs and business owners will be the new leaders of the organization. Due to all these balanced activities that include social, spiritual, entrepreneurial, political and family events, the future of the Pangasinan Brotherhood-USA looks bright as the rising sun. Stay tuned! Abangan! For any interested reader to more about our Brotherhood, especially those with roots in the progressive province of Pangasinan, please contact President Lino “Jun” Caringal at (714) 331-0954 or this columnist at (714) 742-1365 or email him below. Visit also the PB-USA website: www.pbusa.org

Free institute for educators offered July 25-27 Human rights campaign champions ‘Welcoming Schools’

educator Sharon V. Chappell is leading a Cal State Fullerton “Welcoming Schools” project for teacher credential students and local teachers to create safer elementary school climates by addressing bias-based bullying, gender inclusion and family diversity. “Welcoming Schools,” a project of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), focuses on implementing strategies for inclusive k-5 schools, said Chappell, CSUF associate professor of elementary and bilingual education, trained by the HRC as a “Welcoming Schools” facilitator. She will facilitate a July 25-27 institute, in partnership with LGBT Center OC, for interested Orange County teachers. The institute is free to teachers of all grade levels, and teachers may receive a stipend for attending. With grant funding from the Handel Sunrise Foundation, Chappell offered a spring “introduction to Wellness, inclusion and Welcoming Schools” institute for credential students. in a Q&A, Chappell shared insights about the effort: What are some of the issues students face? At school, children experience on-going discrimination about their bodies, languages spoken, gender, racial and ethnic identity, sexual orientation and family diversity. Moreover, LGBTQ youth are more likely to be placed at risk due to bullying, leading to selfharm and disengagement from school. However, research suggests establishing safe, ‘welcoming

schools’ for LGBTQ youth and families can prevent this harm. Why is training credential students important? Teacher candidates are at the beginning of their development as school professionals. They’re developing dispositions through coursework, fieldwork and professional experiences like the Welcoming Schools project, which promotes diversity in the classroom and supports learning in a caring, respectful and nondiscriminatory manner. The Welcoming Schools project relates directly to what the College of education teaches and expects of its teacher candidates — in that it helps students demonstrate a commitment to fairness and a belief that all children can learn when safe, inclusive and welcoming schools are developed. What are the benefits for teacher candidates, as well as veteran teachers? Learning about building safe, welcoming schools helps teacher candidates feel empowered to act. They build knowledge about LGBTQ youth, families and topics in school, including antidiscrimination laws and policies. They evaluate curriculum and identify goals for themselves as educators, such as how to create an accepting environment that celebrates differences. Project participants also learn about making classroom practices more inclusive by using gender-neutral language and examining gendered assumptions about children and their interests. Additionally, they are exposed to ways to make

curriculum more inclusive by including more literature that represents gender and family diversity. What are some key lessons for teacher candidates? First, building safe, welcoming schools requires a comprehensive approach that includes support from educational professionals across the district and teacher education program — from the school board, administration, counselors, school support staff, teachers and student teachers to university faculty. Secondly, we must create inclusive schools through policies, practices and curricula that prevent bias-based bullying and gender stereotyping, support transgender and gender-expansive students and embrace family diversity. Lastly, future and current teachers must support the pluralism and intersection of students’ identities, as well as take action to help others to address bias and injustice. What is your hope for Welcoming Schools? My hope is that addressing discrimination, building inclusive environments and enhancing social-emotional relationships — among children, families and school staff — will support overall wellness, academic achievement, and children’s growth and development. Registration for the summer institute to be held at the LGBT Center OC, 1605 N. Spurgeon Street, Santa Ana, is available online. For more information, contact Chappell at (657) 278-8493 or schappell@fullerton.edu.

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Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAglAyA (Part 1 of 2)

SOME stories are cautionary tales. If we approach our own lives with a smidgen of humility, stories do teach and show us the way. In 2010, these stories illustrated supreme ego and an overblown sense of personal entitlement. What do Tiger, Amy and Joe have in common? Yup, you guessed it. All three of them felt entitled. Amy Bishop of Alabama gunned down a number of his colleagues. Joe Stack chose the murder suicide route. The last sad tale is that of the once-upon-a-time golf legend,Tiger Woods. It looks like in the postcript to Tiger’s Tale, big, bad karma will have the last say on the remainder of his life story. On February 2010, Amy Bishop, a Harvard-trained neuroscientist killed 3 of her colleagues with a 9 mm gun in cold blood and wounded three others, in a faculty meeting in the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH). Bishop’s rampage may have been motivated by the fact that she was denied tenure and will have to look for work elsewhere by the end of the spring semester of that year. She is married with 4 kids and appears to be the sole family provider. With her action, she decimated half the Biology Department and two of the wounded, were hit in the head. She went target shooting at the range prior to this. The second story is that of the pilot Joe Stack who flew and rammed his small Piper Cherokee plane in an IRS office that houses close to 200 IRS staff in Austin, Texas, causing a huge explosion and a massive fire, killing himself and another person and injuring 2 others in the process. He torched his own home before taking off from a nearby airport, leaving his second wife and daughter homeless and to pick up the pieces in tears. He had a massive bone to pick with the taxman. And who has not heard of Tiger Woods’ blazing fall from grace? Amy Bishop felt entitled. So did Joe Stack. Tiger Woods himself admitted, “I felt that I had worked hard my entire life and deserved to

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Tales of entitlement “…I felt that I had worked hard my entire life and deserved to enjoy all the temptations around me. I felt I was entitled…” -Tiger Woods enjoy all the temptations around me. I felt I was entitled…” Let’s go over the stories. Amy Bishop, who was perceived as a brilliant inventor and scientist but a social oddball strongly, obsessively felt entitled to be given tenure at UAH. She had a secret, troubled past beginning with the death of her own 18 year old brother whom she shot in the heart 24 years ago with a shotgun, a case that was ruled accidental in Braintree, Massachusetts. Well past the statute of limitation, that case was never logged in the national database because she was never charged in that incident. In hindsight police officials now believe there was probable cause to charge her for what she did after the incident when she held a man at gunpoint in a nearby dealership demanding a get-away car and holding officers in a stand-off. There are talks that because her mother, who had some clout, intervened and that there were some slip-ups in the chain of command, Bishop was effectively exonerated and nothing more was heard of this case until now. This important piece of information could have prevented the university from hiring her in the first place. Her husband, who appears delusional as she is, paints a pleasant picture of her as a mother and wife, in stark contrast from those who felt she was aloof and arrogant in her perceived superiority. She herself said she was arrogant because she is superior. She frequently mentioned Harvard in class and that she was a cousin of the author John Irving who wrote “The Cider House Rules” and “The World According to Garp.” Former neighbors in Massachusetts sighed in relief and held a pizza party when her family moved to Alabama. She and her husband had called the cops on their neighbors in excess of a dozen times over perceived slights to the point that the cops felt they could not do enough for them. She prevented the ice cream truck from

coming to their street because her children were lactose intolerant. Nor did she want her children to play with her neighborhood kids. Students at the UAH petitioned that she be removed from the classroom since she taught by reading from the textbook, didn’t make eye contact and was just plain ineffective in a classroom setting. There are other troubling incidents in her past life, such as, when she punched a woman at the local IHOP all because of a child booster seat while ranting profanities, raving and screaming, “I am Dr. Amy Bishop.” She and her husband were among those investigated but never charged in a mail bombing incident of Professor Paul Rosenberg of Harvard. It appears the professor was giving her a negative review of her postdoctoral work. That case remains unresolved. No one could have predicted that Amy Bishop’s very vocal ranting and internal raging over something she felt entitled to would result in tragedy. Her appeal for tenure was denied last October. Sadly, one of her victims, the Biology Department head, Dr. Gopi Podila, a well-liked academic who immigrated from India, and who supported her appeal for tenure and even dismissed the students’ petition against her, was the first Amy Bishop shot dead. The other 2 are Dr. Maria Ragland Davis and Dr. Adriel Johnson, all in their early fifties and by all accounts, great human beings. She fired repeatedly at her friend, Dr. Debra Moriarity despite her pleas for mercy but the gun jammed and her friend lived to tell the gruesome details of the carnage. On April 2011, the Alabama Madison County District Attorney Robert Broussard said during a court proceeding that he would seek the death penalty for Amy Bishop. (Conclusion next week) ***

GMC leads industry with new rear seat reminder All-new 2017 GMC Acadia introduces industry-first feature to help busy drivers DETROIT — Life moves fast. There are a million things on everyone’s mind, and sometimes even the most organized among us need a little help remembering everything. The all-new 2017 GMC Acadia is helping to address this issue with the Rear Seat Reminder, a new, industry-first feature designed to remind drivers to check the back seat as they exit their vehicle under certain circumstances. Each year in the U.S., about half of the children under age 14 who die of in-vehicle heatstroke do so as a result of being forgotten. Also, items left in the back seat are a target for theft. Nearly 23 percent of larceny in 2014 was from a motor vehicle, according to the FBI. “Acadia drivers live busy lives with demanding schedules, and the Rear Seat Reminder helps protect the things we care about most,” said Tricia Morrow, GM global safety strategy engineer. “Whether it’s your lunch, laptop, pet or most importantly, your child, it’s easier than it seems to forget what’s in the back seat when moving between life’s events. With this new feature, we are leading the charge to

address this ongoing problem.” The Rear Seat Reminder works by monitoring the Acadia’s rear doors. The feature is intended to activate when either rear door is opened and closed within 10 minutes before the vehicle is started, or if they are opened and closed while the vehicle is running. Under these circumstances, the next time the vehicle is turned off after a door activation, the Acadia is designed to sound five audible chimes and display a message in the driver information center that reads, “Rear Seat Reminder / Look in Rear Seat.” “General Motors has developed a new technology for the GMC Acadia, the Rear Seat Reminder, to give busy parents an important reminder to check the back seat before leaving the car,” said Kate Carr, president and CEO of Safe Kids Worldwide. “Technology alone cannot solve the issue of heatstroke when it comes to young children, but this new Acadia reminder can help. We must always remember that the safest way to protect a child from heatstroke is to never leave a child unattended in a vehicle.”

UST Action Singers to represent PH at Idaho International Choral Festival

The University of Santo Tomas (UST) Action Singers is a universitywide student organization of the University of Santo Tomas–Manila since 1972. And at present has enjoined some selected graduates and students of UST. Representing UST in various performances and competitions, the UST Action Singers have garnered awards and distinctions locally as well as abroad. The repertoire of the group is a kaleidoscope of music genres ranging from classical, pop, jazz, soul, folk, ethnic,contemporary, new age to world music. This truly showed the versatility of the vocal talents possessed by the members of the group. In keeping with its tradition of musical and academic excellence, the UST Action Singers has produced a number of alumni that have made Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP their mark in their respective fields of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send of endeavour. Not only is the UST comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ Action Singers another run-of-themill singing group, the group also asianjournalinc.com

strives to be socially aware of the plight of our less fortunate brethren as well as other social issues that burden our society. It is this awareness that has prompted the UST Action Singers to participate in various socio-civic projects both within UST and with the community-at-large. Also from UST Action Singers came forth other outstanding choirs like Kammekor Manila, The Core Group, and the world renowned University of Santo Tomas Singers. Come July 19-24, 2016, the UST Action Singers will represent the Philippines in the most prestigious international choral festival in

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The feature cannot detect items in the backseat, so it is always important to check the rear seat prior to exiting the vehicle. The industry-first feature is a standard feature on the allnew 2017 Acadia, a reimagined crossover aimed at the heart of the midsize segment. *Not available on the 2017 Acadia Limited. GMC has manufactured trucks since 1902, with innovation and engineering excellence built into all GMC vehicles. The brand is evolving to offer more fuel-efficient trucks and crossovers, including the Terrain small SUV and Acadia crossover. GMC’s highest-volume vehicle, the Sierra pickup, is the most powerful light-duty pickup on the market, and the first full-size pickup to receive the highest-possible fivestar Overall Vehicle Score for safety since the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration changed its New Car Assessment Program for the 2011 model year. Details on all GMC models are available at http://www.gmc.com/, on Twitter at @thisisgmc or at http://www. facebook.com/gmc.

america, the Idaho International Choral Festival. It is the group’s main objective to foster the ‘AS spirit’ by having an open invitation to all the alumni of the UST Action Singers and UST and selected students of UST to participate in the activities organized by the group. In this way, we may maintain the bond that has held us together through all these years. It is in this regard that we proudly present to you our group, the UST Action Singers - a group with a heritage of musical and academic excellence and an unbridled sense of what is good of the Filipino people and its culture.

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