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Volume 23 - No. 37 • 2 Sections - 16 Pages

S e P t e mbe r 1 6 - 2 2 , 2 0 1 6

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Rody assumes ‘full legal responsibility’ by Alexis

RomeRo Philstar.com

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte gestures while addressing the Philippine Army Scout Rangers at their headquarters at Camp Tecson in San Miguel township, north of Manila, Philippines Thursday, Sept. 15, 2016. A former Filipino militiaman testified before the country’s Senate that President Duterte, when he was still a mayor, ordered him and other members

sAN mIGUeL, Bulacan, Philippines – Amid allegations that he ordered the killing of several criminals, President Duterte stressed on thursday, sept. 15, that he is ready to be jailed “alone” for waging a bloody war against illegal drugs. Addressing members of the Army’s 1st scout ranger regiment, Duterte said security forces should not worry about facing charges when running after drug offenders. “In accordance with my order, I will assume full legal responsibility and I will go to jail alone. that’s the guarantee I

can give you,” Duterte said. “for all the things you do that are connected with your work, I will take charge. I am ready to be imprisoned,” he added. Duterte issued the remarks hours after edgar matobato accused Duterte of ordering the killing of several criminals when he was mayor of Davao City. In thursday’s hearing of the senate committee on justice chaired by sen. Leila de Lima, matobato said he was a member of the Davao Death squad and that President Duterte formed the DDs to kill suspected criminals. But the President did not make any reference to the senate hearing during

his speech, which lasted for more than 38 minutes. Duterte said that he was a favorite “whipping boy” in Davao City because of his aggressive campaign against drugs. he said there was even a time when he opposed the relief of police officials who carried out his anti-drug crackdown. “twenty-seven generals were recommended for dismissal…I almost waged a revolution. I did not allow it to happen. son of a whore, don’t give me that b*lls**t,” the President said. “Just do your job and we’re okay,” he added. officials said there are about 3.7 mil-

lion drug addicts in the Philippines, prompting Duterte to elevate the problem into a national security issue. he has tapped the military to assist in addressing the drug problem, which he said has reached “epidemic” proportions. Close to 3,000 suspected drug offenders have been slain, about half of them in law enforcement operations, since Duterte assumed office last June 30. security officials claimed the more than 1,000 people who were killed by policemen resisted arrest. Duterte reminded policemen and solPAGE A2

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from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA

Gov. Brown expands overtime pay for farmworkers hUNDreDs of thousands of California’s agricultural workers are now guaranteed the same overtime pay as other workers in a historic move by Gov. Jerry Brown. on monday, september 12, the governor signed AB 1066, which will expand overtime pay for farmworkers, a workforce that had long been denied the same overtime pay as other industries. Previously, laws prohibited paying fav rmworkers overtime pay unless they work more than 10 hours a day or 60 hours a week. thanks to the passing of AB 1066, that threshold will be lowered by a half hour each year for four years starting 2019. this means that by 2022, farmworkers will be guaranteed overtime pay if they work more than eight hours a day or 40 hours a week — a standard in other industries, but a first in the state’s agricultural workforce. the bill was sponsored by the United farm Workers of America, which said that Brown’s passing of the bill was a victory after nearly 80 years of working for the rights of farmworkers. six years ago, then-Gov. Arnold schwarzenegger vetoed a similar bill. PAGE A4

BOMBSHELLS Edgar Matobato, former militiaman and confessed member of Davao Death Squad, drops bombshells during his testimony at the Senate. Inquirer.

‘Duterte ordered us to kill’ Confessed hit man testifies in Senate by TARRA

Quismundo Inquirer.net

SENATE PROBE The Senate committee headed by Sen. Leila de Lima, a staunch critic of President Duterte, hears the testimony of Edgar Matobato, a confessed hit man from Davao City, as it continues to investigate alleged extrajudicial killings in the Duterte administration’s brutal campaign against illegal drugs. Photo by Richard A.

PAL, Cebu Pacific ban use of LA County gun confiscation program Samsung Note 7 on flights inspired by slain Filipino postal worker by Rudy

sAnTos Philstar.com

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by eRic

mANILA, Philippines — Local carriers banned on tuesday, september 13, the use of samsung Galaxy Note 7 cellular phones during flights, following the lead of the U.s. federal Aviation Administration (fAA) against packing the phones into any checked-in luggage after reports emerged of the device exploding during or after charging. flag carrier Philippine Airlines and leading low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific PAGE A3

Fil-Am community leaders, activists outline consequences of not voting in U.S. election LoLIt Lledo and many other activists boycotted the 1986 snap elections that led to Philippine President ferdinand marcos’s ouster. they refused to campaign, vote or otherwise take part in what they viewed as a rigged system. In retrospect, she said the decision not to participate was detrimental to the Philippines in the long run. many of the people representing interests from the past regime that she had fought against eventually re-entered positions of prominence. “Because we did not participate we [activists] were left out when Cory was the president,” said Lledo, who now serves as the associate director for Pilipino Workers Center (PWC). “If you have a chance, you have to be a part of the political process.” resentment has characterized the 2016 U.s. presidential race. however, individu-

A CoNfesseD hit man from Davao City on thursday, sept. 15, pictured the President of the Philippines as a cold-blooded killer. edgar matobato, 57, a former militiaman, told the senate committee on justice and human rights that President Duterte, when he was still mayor of Davao City, ordered him and other members of a death squad to kill criminals and opponents in gangland-style assaults that left about 1,000 people dead. PAGE A2

AnThony licAs AJPress

AssAULt type rifles, handguns and even a submachine gun designed for concealment in a briefcase were among the weapons seized from people on probation and displayed in downtown Los Angeles on thursday, september 8. officers of the Los Angeles County Probation Department laid a wide assortment of weapons out in a conference room of the Kenneth hahn Administration building to showcase the efforts of the Developing Increased safety

through Arms recovery management (DIsArm) program. the illegally possessed items were found as the result of wellness and compliance checks on probationers conducted by various LA County law enforcement agencies. “since I initiated it in 2000, this program has removed nearly 11,000 guns from the streets,” L.A. County supervisor mike Antonovich told the Asian Journal after thursday’s press event. “this means we have saved a number of lives because the criminals don’t have PAGE A3

Imee Marcos: Please forgive my father by leilAnie

AdRiAno Inquirer.net

LAoAG CItY — Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee marcos pled forgiveness for the “sins” of her father, the late strongman ferdinand marcos, at the end of a three-day celebration of his 99th birthday in Batac City on sunday, sept. 11. “Whatever sins my father committed—he was, after all, human who made mistakes— I hope people absolve him. I hope that beyond all these

issues, they would find mercy because in forgiving my father, their anger would be sated and they too would find peace,” Imee said in filipino. she said the family had been hurt by the outrage triggered by the plan to bury marcos at Libingan ng mga Bayani in taguig City. the plan was stopped by the supreme Court, which is hearing arguments on whether marcos deserves to be buried at the heroes’ cemetery. Imee thanked the people

who supported the marcos family all these years. “If not for you, the family would have broken down. We draw our strength, our stability and our love from you all,” she said. she described her father as a “simple member of the community who loved the Ilocano dish dinengdeng (vegetable stew), a man who loved to dance the tango, and a father who was indulgent, patient and always joking around.” GOLDEN STATUE. Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos leads the “he belonged to the best wreath-laying ceremony at the golden statue of her father, the PAGE A3 late strongman Ferdinand Marcos, in Sarrat town, his birthplace.

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september 16-22, 2016 • OC/Ie AsIAN JOUrNAL

From the Front

Rody assumes ‘full legal... PAGE A1

diers anew to shoot drug lords when they feel that their lives are in danger. He is also planning to come up with a reward system for law enforcers who will kill drug lords. Presidential communications secretary Martin Andanar said he believes Duterte did not order

the killings contrary to the allegations of Matobato. “Do I think, he is capable? No, I don’t think he is capable of giving a directive like that,” Andanar said. “That has been investigated before by the Commission on Human Rights, when the President was still mayor (of Davao

City). No charges were filed and they did not see any evidence,” he added. In a press briefing, presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella cautioned the public to carefully weigh the statements of the witness. “After all, people do make statements every day and while this person may sound credible, it is imperative that each and everyone of us properly weigh whatever he said and respond right,” he said. He also maintained that the administration’s “platform is the desire to have a peaceful, crimefree, corruption-free nation… and this vision is not changed.” “The President continues to exercise political will and I believe we should, we all need to continue rallying around the desire to have a nation that is a nation for everyone, and that there’s space for everyone,” he added. Nograles: Witness is a ‘liar’ Former speaker Prospero Nograles and his son Davao City Rep. Karlo Nograles also denied the statement of Matobato that the DDS killed four of their bodyguards. The Dutertes and Nograleses have been political enemies until Duterte aspired for and won the presidency. The elder Nograles lost the mayoral post in Davao City twice to Duterte. “As far as I know, there’s not a single incident that any of my staff or security personnel who were assigned to me while I was still in politics was killed even when I ran for mayor in 2010. They are all alive up to now,” the older Nograles said in a statement. “Furthermore, witness could have asked speaker’s protection when I was at the height of power and could have gotten legislative protection program security safe house etc. But he did not!” he added. The younger Nograles said from the time he was his father’s chief of staff until he was elected congressman last May, “no supporter of ours or person under our employ was ever killed due to politics.” “I don’t know what this guy is talking about,” he said in a statement. PAGE A4

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CHeCKpOINts. the police and military have set up at least 199 checkpoints in Central Luzon following president Duterte’s declaration of a state of national emergency on account of lawless violence. Chief superintendent Aaron Aquino, Central police director, said that the checkpoints are meant to intensify police interdiction operations

‘Duterte ordered us to... PAGE A1

Testifying under oath, Matobato said Mr. Duterte himself killed a National Bureau of Investigation agent, Vicente Amisola, in Davao in 2007. He said the agent’s vehicle unintentionally impeded a death squad mission. The confrontation led to a shoot-out where the agent ran out of bullets and was wounded. Matobato said Mr. Duterte arrived armed with an Uzi submachine gun. “Mayor Duterte was the one who finished him off. . . He emptied two Uzi magazines on him,” he said. Matobato said Mr. Duterte, after becoming mayor of Davao City in 1988, recruited him into the “Lambada Boys,” a squad of assassins that carried out more than a thousand killings in the city over 20 years. He said the group, composed of policemen and former communist rebels, became known as Davao Death Squad (DDS) in the 1990s and during his time with the group he heard Mr. Duterte order some of the killings. “Our job was to kill criminals like drug pushers, rapists, snatchers. That’s what we did. We killed people almost every day,” he said. He said the DDS killed mainly criminal suspects and personal enemies of the Duterte family be-

tween 1993 and 2014. Many of the victims, he said, were garroted, burned, quartered and then buried at a quarry owned by a police officer who was member of the DDS. Others, weighted with hollowblocks, were dumped into sea to be eaten by fish. Matobato acknowledged he himself carried out about 50 of the abductions and deadly assaults, including the attack on a suspected kidnapper whom they fed alive to a crocodile. Out of guilt Saying he was speaking out of guilt for taking many lives even as he now feared for his own, Matobato also implicated the President’s eldest son, Davao City Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte, NBI Director Dante Gierran, a roster of mayors and police officials during the nationally televised hearing called by the committee that was investigating extrajudicial killings in Mr. Duterte’s brutal war on drugs. “I want to give justice for what I have done, the sins I’ve committed. I killed people for a long time … . [This is] to give justice to the innocent people killed … . So that people will know what we did in Davao City,” Matobato said. The Senate inquiry is led by Sen. Leila de Lima, a staunch critic of Mr. Duterte’s crackdown on the narcotics trade that has left more than 3,000 drug suspects dead

since he assumed office on June 30. The investigation has angered President Duterte, who has publicly linked De Lima to illegal drugs, alleging that she used to have a driver who took money for her from drug lords detained at New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City. Pala murder Matobato said it was Mr. Duterte, referred to in the squad as “Charlie Mike,” who ordered the killing of Davao radio commentator Juan “Jun” Pala, whom Mr. Duterte called a “rotten son of a bitch” in a tirade against slain journalists in June that drew condemnation from United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon. Asked later if anyone could corroborate his testimony, Matobato replied: “No. They’re all afraid.” For several senators, Matobato’s testimony showed a “pattern” that could explain what has been happening on a national scale since Mr. Duterte assumed power: the killing of more than 3,000 drug suspects, more than half of whom are believed to have been executed by vigilantes, according to figures presented by Senator De Lima, the committee chair. “He (Matobato) wants the country to know that this is what happened in Davao before. That there is a pattern on why this is hapPAGE A3

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Dateline USa

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LA County gun confiscation program inspired... New Report Card: Contracting with minority

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the guns to commit crimes.” The program was largely inspired by a wave of gun control advocacy in response to a shooting spree that happened at the North Valley Jewish Community Center in Granada Hills, California. There, on Tuesday, August 10, 1999, a self-described white supremacist opened fire, wounding two adults and three children. Following the initial attack, the gunman later crossed paths with Filipino-American postal worker Joseph Ileto. The letter carrier was filling in as a substitute on another person’s route when he was murdered for being a minority and a federal employee. Since it was launched nearly 16 years ago, DISARM has con-

tributed to the arrest of over 23,000 people in possession of a firearm while on probation, according to police statistics. In collaboration with the L.A. Interagency Metropolitan Police Apprehension Crime Task Force (IMPACT), about $730 million dollars in illegal drug money has been recovered. Antonovich said he would like to see the program expanded on a statewide level. “They can use Los Angeles County, for the past 16 years as the pilot program showing that it works effectively and it needs to be expanded,” he said. Despite ongoing efforts by law enforcement, police say the confiscated weapons are likely only a fraction of the unlawfully possessed guns out on the street be-

cause firearms can be purchased on the black market or stolen. Officers say tips from the public are crucial in keeping guns out of the wrong hands. “Our citizens are our ears, and they’re our eyes,” Lieutenant Lajuna Haselrig of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department told the Asian Journal. “Private citizens see before we do.” She hopes those who suspect a person of illegally possessing a firearm will contact either the probation department, local police or, if they wish to remain anonymous, LA crime stoppers. In addition, officers strongly encourage people who own guns to keep them locked away in a gun safe. (Eric Anthony Licas / AJPress)

businesses grows but some companies flunk California utility/telecom contracting with minority firms reaches $5.7 billion

BERKELEY, Calif. — California’s utility and telecommunications companies spent $5.7 billion on contracts with minority-owned businesses in 2015, but this generally strong performance was distinctly uneven, The Greenlining Institute reports in its latest Supplier Diversity Report Card. Comcast, for example, did less than 10 percent of its contracting with minority-owned businesses, earning a D- for minority contracting. The Supplier Diversity Report Card was released publicly Sept. 14. The report card assigns letter grades to individual companies for their performance in multiple contracting categories, and includes analysis and recommendations aimed at increasing contracting Cebgo flights beginning Sept. opportunities. “Driven by smart California poli11 until further notice,” the aircies that promote contracting with line said in a statement.

PAL, Cebu Pacific ban use of Samsung Note 7... PAGE A1 followed suit starting yesterday, issuing their respective advisories. “Philippine Airlines is prohibiting the charging and use of Samsung Galaxy Note 7 devices on board all its flights, effective immediately. PAL is issuing this directive in line with the recall order made on these products by Samsung Electronics Company Limited.” Findings showed that the Galaxy Note 7 batteries and phone units have caught fire during charging, prompting the manufacturer to recall all units sold worldwide. Samsung said that only Galaxy Note 7 phones have been recalled due to the factory defect that causes the batteries to explode. PAL said safety remains a cornerstone of its operations, “and as such, the flag carrier will be ensuring full compliance on board each flight and is seeking the full cooperation of its passengers.” “In addition, these devices are not allowed as check-in items, but may be hand-carried for as long as these are switched off at all times. All Samsung Galaxy

Note 7 units - whether used or brand new - will not be accepted as PAL cargo shipment.” In a statement yesterday, PAL said it started the prohibition of the use of such devices since Sept. 9, to comply with a directive of the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The IATA directive was issued following Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.’s global recall order on the products last week. The recall is being undertaken as findings showed the Galaxy Note 7 batteries and phone units have caught fire during charging. Low-cost carriers Cebu Pacific and AirAsia also said they are not allowing passengers to use and charge the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 device while onboard the aircraft. “We sincerely hope for our passengers’ full cooperation, as the safety of everyone onboard our flights remains our utmost priority,” Cebu Pacific said. Cebu Pacific (CEB) said: “In light of the recent recall of Samsung Galaxy Note 7 devices due to safety issues, Cebu Pacific advises passengers that the usage and charging of the device are prohibited onboard all CEB and

CEB added that Galaxy Note 7 devices must also not be stowed in checked-in baggage, but may be hand-carried as long as the device is turned off at all times inside the aircraft. AirAsia said their guests might approach any of their ground staff for further information about the new guideline on the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 device. American television Fox 10 reported claims that a faulty Galaxy Note 7 had set fire to a family’s jeep. Samsung has said that battery problems were behind the phones catching fire, but that it was difficult to work out which phones were affected among those sold. The phone was launched last August and has been otherwise generally well received by consumers and critics. Live Mint consumer report said: “For Samsung, which prides itself on manufacturing prowess, the scale of the recall, which covers 10 markets including the Philippines, is expected to be unprecedented.” (With Louella Desiderio)

diverse businesses, many of these companies do as much as 30 percent of their contracting with firms owned by African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans and Asian Pacific Islanders – leading the nation in diverse contracting,” said Greenlining Institute Energy and Telecommunications Policy Director Stephanie Chen. “This creates jobs and opportunities in communities that too often get left behind, but the uneven performance between companies shows there’s still work to do. Given the growing role that tech and green tech are now playing in the utility sector, it’s clearly time for those companies to step up to the plate.” Key findings include: • The top spender in dollars spent with minority business enterprises was Pacific Gas & Electric, spending $1.6 billion in 2015

‘Duterte ordered us to... PAGE A2

pening. [What happened before] seems to be similar to what is happening now,” De Lima told reporters after the hearing. “I don’t want to make an outright accusation. The witness made a narration. It is up to us to discern if it is possible that what happened then [in Davao City] is what is happening now, because no one could say that yet,” she said. ‘Very credible’ Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV, who moved to give Matobato protection, described Matobato “a very credible witness” who clearly knew his narration by heart. “This witness could show the pattern that what was done in Davao is now being done nationally … . Even if I rehearse 100 times, I wouldn’t be able to do it like he did. You can see that it came from his heart,” Trillanes told reporters. De Lima said that while the President enjoyed immunity from suit, her committee could refer Matobato’s testimony to the Office of the Ombudsman for investigation of government officials and PAGE A1 “When I asked mom (For- in Manila after the war, her police officers he had tagged in times of gentleman-politicians. tuna, Marcos’ youngest sister) brother came rushing to her the killings. We are thankful for his teach- what was her most unforget- and accompanied her from Attacks and murders ing presidency,” said Marcos’ table experience with Uncle Sarrat (town) to Manila. Going In his more than two-hour tesnephew, Ilocos Norte Vice Gov. Andy (Marcos), she recalled to Manila that time was very timony, Matobato detailed at least Eugenio Angelo Marcos Barba. that when she needed to be difficult,” Barba said. 12 attacks and murders involving

Imee Marcos: Please forgive...

the President and his eldest son, Paolo, between 1993 and 2014. The first he recalled was in the aftermath of the December 1993 bombing of San Pedro Cathedral, when Mr. Duterte ordered swift retaliation against Muslims. The cathedral bombing killed six and wounded more than 100 others. By that year, he said, the DDS had already mustered full strength, fortified by a roster of police officers and rebel returnees at Mr. Duterte’s beck and call. They were hired as “contractual employees” of City Hall in the guise of Civil Security Unit workers. “Mayor Duterte ordered the massacre of Muslims in mosques … . We were divided into three teams,” Matobato said. He said he lobbed a grenade into a mosque, but there were no casualties because there were no worshipers at the time. “He was avenging the bombing of the cathedral. We were like terrorists, Ma’am, because we were bombing mosques,” Matobato told De Lima. He said Mr. Duterte also ordered the DDS to seize any Muslims they could find. “We abducted them then killed them. Brought them to the Ma-a quarry,” he said. He described the quarry at Barangay Ma-a in Davao City as the mass grave for their victims. He said it was a property of PO4 Ben

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with MBEs, or 28.36 percent of its total 2015 procurement. Sprint had the largest percentage of MBE procurement at 30.82 percent ($406 million). • California’s supplier diversity leaders remain best-in-class, but momentum seems to be leveling off. • Generally speaking, procurement with African American, Native American, Asian Pacific Islander and women of color-owned businesses leaves ample room for improvement. • The most successful companies employ several common best practices, such as including supplier diversity in procurement decisions from the very start and providing focused capacity-building, technical assistance, and mentorship support that help suppliers get better at what they do best.

Laud, whom he described as “the most powerful police officer” in Davao City to whom even higher police officials deferred. Matobato also mentioned an “extension grave” in another part of Davao City, where he said more than 100 bodies had been buried. Squad members He also named PO4 Arthur Lascañas as the “team leader” of the DDS, who was present in most of the murders. Others he named as members of the DDS were a certain Senior Superintendent Capote, a Bubong Aquino, one Bienvenido Furog, a PO2 Obales, one Senior Inspector Francia, a PO2 Medina, a Senior Superintendent Rivera. All were involved in the killings, he said. Matobato said Laud’s son, Alvin, was the top hit man of the group, having been exposed to the work as early as 14. He said former communist rebels were tasked to cleanse Davao City of petty criminals, including “rugby boys” or street children addicted to the solvent. Matobato said Mr. Duterte and four other mayors ordered the killing of Jun Barsabal, a religious group leader accused of land grabbing in Davao Oriental. In 2003, Matobato said Mr. Duterte ordered the murder of Pala who criticized him almost PAGE A4

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september 16-22, 2016 • OC/Ie AsIAN JOUrNAL

Rody assumes ‘full legal...

PAGE A2 “Political differences in our city have always been strictly on the level of difference in policy and style; it has never degraded to the level of violence. “That is why it is easy for us to set aside our differences and unite for the common good of Davao and the nation. I can only suspect that this guy is being manipulated by some people to serve their own interests,” he added. Matobato also said his group, accompanied by now National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) director Dante Gierran, kidnapped a man in Sarangani and fed him

to crocodiles at a lake in Digos City in Davao del Sur. NBI spokesman Ferdinand Lavin said Gierran just “laughed off” Matobato’s claims. “He told me out of everything Matobato said, 90 percent was pure hearsay. Matobato cannot even remember the dates,” Lavin said. De Lima trying to soften impact of probe on her Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez also defended Duterte, his longtime ally. “There’s nothing new there. I think he is a recycled witness. I come from Davao and I know nothing about such thing as

Davao Death Squad. Diehard Duterte Supporter, not Davao Death Squad. Me, I am a member of the DDS,” he said in jest. Alvarez theorized that De Lima is just trying to soften the impact on her of the investigation of the House of Representatives on the proliferation of illegal drugs at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) during her term as justice secretary. “You will be surprised next week because there will be new witnesses who will surface and testify against people involved in the proliferation of illegal drugs at the NBP,” he added. (With reports from Jess Diaz, Ghio Ong, Edith Regalado, Delon Porcalla)

Gov. Brown expands overtime pay for...

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Assemblymember Lorena Gonzalez of California’s 80th District, who authored AB 1066, praised Brown’s decision to pass the bill. Gonzalez, a daughter of an immigrant farmworker, has long pushed for workers rights, especially immigrants and workers of color. Of the state’s farmworkers, 90 percent are Latino and 80 percent are immigrants, according to the Los Angeles Times. “The hundreds of thousands of men and women who work in California’s fields, dairies and ranches feed the world and anchor our economy,” Gonzalez said in a speech following the bill’s passing. “They will finally be treated equally under the law. It is

a good day.” Filipino-American Assemblymember Rob Bonta, a fervent supporter of AB 1066 and farmworkers rights, took to Twitter to thank Brown. “Thank you @JerryBrownGov for signing #AB1066 #Farmworker OT pay is a reality for those who put food on our tables!” Bonta tweeted on Monday. Another long time supporter of the bill Thomas Perez, secretary for the United States Department of Labor, shared his support for the bill’s passing in a statement. “People who work on farms and in our homes are some of America’s most vulnerable workers,” Perez said. “We all depend on their work to feed and care for our families, but far too often they

can’t afford to put food on their own dinner tables.” However, the bill’s passing has been met with critics. The Sacramento Bee reported that business groups believe that increasing labor costs will be damaging in a key agricultural state. Other said that the farm workers will be harmed if employers “reduce worker hours to avoid triggering overtime requirements,” the Bee reported. However, advocates for the bill say that the bill is a step towards equality for a historically marginalized group. The state did not grant overtime pay for farm laborers until 1976 when the 10-houra-day/60-hours-a-week threshold was established by the state’s Industrial Welfare Commission.

Fil-Am community leaders, activists outline... PAGE A1 als, especially Filipinos, who are dissatisfied with this year’s candidates and are thinking of skipping November’s election forget what is at stake. That’s the belief of panelists representing a spectrum of liberal views at a forum held at the PWC in Los Angeles on Saturday, September 10. Speakers challenged citizens and residents to make an impact in this year’s election cycle, and the future of American politics. They noted that a vacant seat on the Supreme Court, vastly contrasting immigration plans proposed by this year’s major party candidates and other emerging topics place too much at risk for Filipinos and other people of color to stay silent in November. “If someone tells you it makes no difference, they’re not living the life you’re living,” said Bill Gallegos, former executive director of the environmental group Communities for a Better Environment, during Saturday’s forum. He added that Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump’s plans for America would mean sending out “200,000 ICE (Immigrations and Customs Enforcement) agents with guns and tanks to round people up.” Along with other panelists, Gallegos, a critic of Trump and former Bernie Sanders supporter, warned against the consequences of enacting Trump’s plan to deport millions of undocumented immigrants living in the United States. They also criticized the Republican candidate’s stance on foreign policy, the environment, education, minimum wage laws and other matters of great import

programs Assistant for the pilipino Workers Center, teresita Villasenor, attempts to rally potential voters and volunteers at the pWC election forum on saturday, septermber 10

to Filipinos and other minority communities. “Democracy takes work. It takes education. It takes commitment,” said Grace Barrios,the vice president of outreach for Pilipino American Los Angeles Democrats (PALAD). “If our voice isn’t heard, they think it isn’t important.” PWC hosted Saturday evening’s event in order to engage more Filipino Americans in the political process during a time that may prove to be a pivotal moment in their community’s future. Many members of the community are either unregistered or do not plan on voting, and Fil-Ams have traditionally been reluctant to take part in political action, according to PWC Executive Director Aquilina Versoza. “The actual voting potential of our community is not being realized; we’re below average in turnout,” said Versoza. “This could be seen as negative, but on the other hand, I see a lot of potential in our community.” She and other activists hope to awaken the political consciousness of California’s largest Asian American and Pacific Islander ethnicity. Events like Saturday’s forum serve to introduce members of the community to the national discussion and inform them of their options. Kabataang maka-Bayan: ProPeople Youth (KMB) chair Eddy Gana reminded forum attendees that their choices were for president not limited to Trump or Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton. “There is no lesser of two evils, only candidates that do or do not better represent your ideals,” said Gana on Saturday. “A vote for a third party is not a wasted vote.” He said widespread disillusionment felt by many voters during the current election cycle is a sign that Americans are ready to substantially challenge the two-party system. Americans can combat

the root cause of that resentment by considering a vote for Green Party Candidate Jill Stein, Libertarian Gary Johnson, or any of the other non-establishment party candidates. However, Carol Ojeda-Kimbrough, an activist in attendance at the forum, suggested that third-party votes could raise the likelihood of a Republican victory in November. As a cautionary tale, she brought up the 2000 presidential race in which Democrat Al Gore won the popular vote, but lost in the electoral college to Republican George W. Bush. Many progressive voters who supported Green Party candidate Ralph Nader that year deeply regretted her decision, especially after the initiation of the Iraq War, according to Ojeda-Kimbrough. KMB and PWC do not support a particular party, but Gana said he could sympathize with people worried about the implications of a possible Trump presidency. However, he believes that even if the Republican nominee took office, one way or another, either Congress or the American people would not allow the billionaire’s most controversial proposals to be realized. Gana added that a Trump presidency would provide further incentive to move away from the two-party system. Whichever side they may lean towards, panelists say it is critical for Fil-Ams to speak out more frequently to ensure that the needs of the community are not ignored. Even if they are not eligible to vote, residents can still help the community make an impact through volunteer work. “We want everyone to get involved,” said PWC community organizer, Ian Kamus. “Even if you don’t necessarily like the candidates, there are other issues that are oftentimes bigger than the candidates that you have to look at.” (Eric Anthony Licas / AJPress)

‘Duterte ordered us to... PAGE A3

every day on his radio progam. “Mayor Duterte ordered the killing of Jun Pala in 2003,” Matobato said, adding that the President had been incensed as “he was hitting him on the radio every day.” Nograles bodyguards Matobato also said Mr. Duterte ordered the killing of four bodyguards of former House Speaker Prospero Nograles, who challenged Mr. Duterte’s daughter, Sara, in the mayoral race in Davao in 2010. The men were strangled, disemboweled then dumped into the sea, Matobato said. He said Mr. Duterte also ordered the killing of an alleged Land Transportation Office fixer in 2013. “It was made to appear that he was a robber,” he said. In the same year, Matobato said his group killed three women accused of dealing drugs. They were seized from their house, killed and then dumped on the street, he said. He also recalled a 2013 case in which DDS members took a target from Butuan City then brought him to Davao to be murdered. He said he did not know the target’s name or what he had done. He also went back to an earlier case, in 2007, when he and Gierran had an operation to kill a kidnapper. “We took him in Sarangani and brought him to Davao. But we did not reach Davao City. We brought him to Digos. We did not use a gun. We just fed him to a crocodile,” Matobato said. He said Mr. Duterte also ordered the killing of a dance instructor, who was the boyfriend of Mr. Duterte’s sister Jocelyn, in 2013. Matobato said he and six other squad members abducted the dance instructor and took him to the Ma-a quarry and killed him there. Ambush on De Lima The witness also claimed that Mr. Duterte ordered the DDS to “ambush” De Lima in 2009, when she visited the Ma-a quarry as chair of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR). The CHR was then investigating the extrajudicial killings in Davao, and De Lima’s party found “skeletons” at the site, the senator later said. “We were already in ambush position,” Matobato told De Lima. “But your group did not reach [the ambush site],” he said.

De Lima later said she heard about the attempt days after the quarry visit. Matobato said several of the squad’s missions involved putting .38-cal. revolvers in the victims’ hands “to make it appear that they resisted.” In September 2013, Matobato said he told Lascañas he wanted out. “I told him I didn’t want to do jobs for them anymore. I wanted to have a decent job. My conscience was bothered because I was killing people who really did not commit any crime,” Matobato said. It was at that point that he was made a “fall guy” for King’s death, he said. “I was tortured for a week. That was what was painful for me. I worked for them for a long time, I did what they wanted me to do and then they would kill me,” he said. But he managed to escape, he said, and went into hiding in Cebu, Leyte and Samar. Surrendered to CHR In August 2014, he surrendered to the CHR. But the agency told him “we cannot protect your life” and advised him to seek protection at the Department of Justice (DOJ). Matobato was placed on the DOJ witness protection program but he left in May this year when he learned that Mr. Duterte had won the presidential election. In a press conference after the hearing, De Lima said an emissary had arranged for Matobato to come forward to testify before the Senate committee. The committee requested Senate protection and legislative immunity for Matobato, but the witness was “evicted” after Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, president of Mr. Duterte’s party, PDP-Laban, denied the request. “He was ordered evicted,” Trillanes said. “We will look after him.” Asked what would happen, as the President may not be charged despite the gravity of the allegations, De Lima said: “Maybe it’s time to revisit, to rethink that doctrine.” “I really don’t know [what will happen after]… Only God knows. I don’t have the [power] to have him replaced or impeached. But the people deserve to know what [the witness] knows. That’s all that we want to do,” De Lima said. (With reports from AP and AFP)

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Dateline PhiliPPines

A

PH to buy weapons from China, Russia Tax reforms, Bangsamoro law among admin’s priority bills by Catherine

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte said the Philippines is considering buying military equipment from China and Russia, vowing to modernize the Armed Forces to improve its capability to address insurgency and terrorism. Duterte signalled a desire for less dependence on military assistance from the United States before Philippine Air Force personnel at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City on Tuesday evening, Sept. 13, disclosing that possible deals with Russia and China were “in the pipeline” and that “offers are coming in.” Duterte said he had directed Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana to join technical staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in visits to Russia and China to “see what is best.” “I am committed to your modernization and you will get it,” the President said. “The offers are coming in and I hope I would not disappoint anybody there.” The President said Russia and China had offered the Philippines soft loans for the purchase of military equipment. He did not say when the offers were made but Duterte met with Chinese and Russian officials last week in Laos during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations

romero Philstar.com

President Rodrigo Duterte

summits. “Two countries have agreed to give me the softest loan. It will be payable in 2025,” Duterte said. The President said he told the two countries he preferred equipment that could be used to fight insurgency and terrorism, particularly in Mindanao. “I told them I want weaponries and armaments, I don’t need jets, the F-16s, that’s of no use to us. We don’t intend to fight any country using that,” Duterte said. The Philippines has traditionally leaned on the United States, its long-time treaty ally, and other Western countries for its

security needs. The US had offered F-16 jets to the Philippines, and had provided two warships, Alcaraz and Del Pilar. But Duterte said he would rather have “propeller-driven planes” as well as “short-run bombers.” In his speech, he said he would only allow the “government-togovernment” purchase of equipment and deals, with “no strings attached.” The country has no defense agreements with Russia and China. The latter is in the middle of a maritime dispute with the PAGE A7

DOH barred from distributing contraceptive implants by Jomar

CanlaS ManilaTimes

THE Supreme Court on Tuesday junked the motion of the government to push with the procurement and distribution of controversial contraceptive implants. The decision penned by Associate Justice Jose Catral Mendoza denied the motion of the Department of Health (DOH) to lift the temporary restraining order (TRO) barring the department from distributing contraceptive products Implanon and Implanon NXT. The tribunal’s second division also slammed the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for issuing certifications for 77 contraceptive drugs and devices.

create a new Bangsamoro political entity that will replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim MANILA, Philippines -- Tax Mindanao. measures, the Bangsamoro Basic The Duterte administration Law, and bills related to national is also pushing for amendments security are included in the the to the Human Security Act of Duterte administration’s list of 2007, the Terrorism Financing priority legislation. Prevention and Suppression Act The executive’s legislative agenda was discussed during a Cabinet meeting in Malacañang on Wednesday, Sept. 14 Bills reducing individual and corporate income tax and imposing taxes on fuel and sugary products are among the administration’s priority measures, a list provided by the Presidential Communications Office showed. Also on the list is a measure adjusting the “sin” taxes levied on tobacco and alcohol. The Duterte administration is proposing to Congress a tax reform package that aims to generate revenues without burdening the poor. It wants to reduce the income tax rates for individuals and corporations to 25 percent from 32 percent and 30 percent, respectively. Finance officials, meanwhile, expect a proposed levy on sugarsweetened drinks to generate P35 billion. The agency is also considering raising the excise tax on regular, leaded, unleaded and premium gasoline to P10 per liter from P4.35 per liter. It is also planning to impose a P6 per liter excise tax on diesel asphalts, bunker fuel oil, denatured alcohol used for motive power, kerosene, LPG and processed gas. The Budget department contributed two bills in the legislative agenda: A measure that will “rightsize” the bureaucracy to remove redundant posts and a budget reform bill. The budget reform bill aims to ensure transparency in the use of state funds and to define the concept and process of budget impoundment, consistent with Congress’ power of the purse. Also on Malacañang’s wish list is the Bangsamoro Basic Law, which seeks to implement the peace deal signed by the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in 2014. The measure, which President Rodrigo Duterte pushed for in his State of the Nation Address in July, will by alexiS

S. Valente

ManilaTimes

“The Court is of the view that the certifications and re-certifications and the distribution of the questioned contraceptive drugs should be struck down as violative of the constitutional right to due process,” the court said. The SC issued a TRO against the DOH for its failure to abide with the guidelines issued by the High Court after pertinent portions of the Reproductive Health law was declared constitutional last year. The second division chaired by Associate Justice Antonio Carpio halted the implementation of the Reproductive Health law after the Alliance for the Family Foundation Philippines, Inc. (ALFI) complained that the contraceptives being distributed did not pass the scrutiny of the FDA.

But while it voided the FDA certifications, the tribunal remanded the case to the FDA for processing of new certifications. It ordered FDA “to observe the basic requirements of due process by conducting a hearing, and allowing the petitioners to be heard, on the re-certified, procured, and administered contraceptive drugs and devices, including Implanon and Implanon NXT; and to determine whether they are abortifacients or nonabortifacients.” In upholding certain portions of the RH law, the SC ruled that health workers cannot be forced to distribute contraceptive drugs and that family planning shall be decided by both spouses as a constitutionally guaranteed right.

of 2012, and Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 as well as a National Defense Act. The Justice department is seeking the passage of a Whistleblower Protection Act and a measure that will strengthen the Witness Protection Program. PAGE A7

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september 16-22, 2016 • OC/Ie AsIAN JOUrNAL

OpiniOn

Features

To the President of the Philippines THE GLOBAL Commission on Drug Policy was born from the recognition that the prohibitionist and repressive “war on drugs,” which has persisted for the past 50 years, has failed. Drugs have always existed and have existed everywhere, and it is illusory to believe that their use can be eradicated completely, particularly through violent methods. Indeed, four members of the Global Commission on Drug Policy were heads of state (Brazil, Mexico, Poland and Portugal) when the United Nations approved in 1998 a 10-year strategy to create drug-free societies. Ten years later, however, drugs produced, trafficked and consumed were more available than when the decision was taken—and that upward trend has continued since. We now admit that a war on drugs will always prove unable to prevent drug supply and use in the long term, leading only to more pain and suffering. For example, the levels of supply of “shabu,” of particular concern in your country, appear to be equally high in Thailand and Malaysia as in the Philippines, despite repressive policies. In contrast, countries as diverse as New Zealand, Canada, Mexico, Jamaica, Uruguay, Bolivia, Portugal, the Czech Republic, and West African nations are now considering and even implementing alternatives, including laws regulating the use, possession and/or production of drugs, with marked success in harm and crime reduction. Even the military regime in Thailand has recognized its failure to reduce drug trafficking, calling it “an unwinnable war.” Mr. President, we believe that your current

strategy also constitutes an unwinnable war, at a terrible cost to your population. It is not a question of choosing between human rights and the safety of your people, as you have claimed, but the means employed to address crime must not result in further crimes against individuals whose conduct often causes very little harm. We acknowledge that your people are concerned with high crime and corrupt institutions; there is little evidence to show, however, that drugs represent the root of the widespread corruption and insecurity which your countrymen are concerned about. Repressive and punitive actions, based on the inhumane idea of sacrificing the lives of some to enhance the lives of the majority, are not only ineffective but also undermine the social fabric of your communities, with serious negative consequences: innocent victims killed on mere suspicion, orphaned children, fear of law enforcement and arbitrary justice even among law-abiding citizens, increased HIV transmission rates, and prison overcrowding. An effective drug policy is far more complex than you portray it, and should include investments in drug prevention and treatment, harm reduction, public health, socioeconomic develop-

Guest Editorial

Philstar.com photo

ment, criminal justice reform, as well as in security. These measures will help address the root causes of drug use and trafficking, and not only respect the needs and rights of all individuals but will also be far more effective long-term than the

brutal approach which you currently favor. — Fernando Cardoso, former president of Brazil; Louise Arbour, former high commissioner; and Sir Richard Branson, members of the Global Commission on Drug Policy (Inquirer.net)

Fil-Am group urges kababayans: Unite and support Duterte’s war vs drugs and criminality ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, Fil-Am group The Fil-Am U.S. Pinoys for Real Change (USPRC) held a Perspective prayer vigil in front of the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. to declare its support for Pres. Gel SantoS-ReloS Rodrigo Duterte’s all out war against the drug pandemic in the Philippines, while making sure the Duterte administration follows the rule of law, due process and accountability. In my interview on The Filipino Channel’s daily newscast “Balitang America” with Atty. Arnedo Valera, acting chairman of USPRC, I asked him if he believes the rule of law and due process was followed in the more than 2,400 drug-related fatalities since Duterte took office. Valera explained: “The president/PNP and the military were ordered to use force only in self-defense and shoot in self-defense. Generals and other police scalawags are being investigated and cases will be filed; Non-state actors referring to drug lords, pushers and vigilantes who are now engaged in summary executions among and between them to cover their bases are being arrested and prosecuted.” Valera asserted that the USPRC will also act as a watchdog, saying “to make sure that while we

support the drug war to save our nation, especially women and children, we will continue to demand accounting of both undetermined deaths and deaths in the encounter and self-defense. Calling for the full support of the drug war is consistent [with our stand] that it should be done under the rule of law.” Valera is also a human rights advocate with strong ties with the United Nations. He affirmed, “As a human rights advocate, I will demand transparency and respect for these principles. Unlike extrajudicial killings during the Marcos dictatorship to stifle legitimate dissent, killings today are perpetrated by drug lords, pushers and addicts, and of course deaths in self-defense . If there are evidence to the contrary, then the citizenry should be encouraged to come out and cooperate with the government.” He went on to urge kababayans to not presume that the PNP and the military are killers entirely. “If there are excesses, yes we should condemn them. The Rule of law and due process are non-negotiable and we gave specific demands on this, aside from supporting the peace talks, programs for food, jobs and justice etc.” Will you heed this call for unity and support for Duterte’s all-out war vs drugs? *** and opinions expressed by the author in author and not of Asian Journal and ABS- AmPerspective.com, https://www.facebook. Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views

this column are are solely those of the

CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-

com/Gel.Santos.Relos

Citizenship with a side of adobo

Commentary

Rob bonta I lEARNED what it means to be a U.S. citizen at the family dinner table. My earliest memories are of the vivid stories my parents told me, stories that shaped the values I hold to this day and that emphasized the importance of citizens playing an active role in shaping and improving our world. Over warm bowls of sinigang, my father told my brother, sister and me how he marched in Selma, Alabama and stood with Dr. Martin luther King, Jr. in the historic battle for civil rights. Over chicken adobo and steamed rice, my mother shared how she lived in the Philippines during a time of great political upheaval, how she strongly opposed the Ferdinand Marcos dictatorship and the human rights abuses that defined it, and how she fought for democ-

racy and self-determination. I was born in Quezon City, Philippines. And when I was just two months old, in the ramp up to Ferdinand Marcos’ declaration of martial law, my parents decided to leave the country and come to California. My mother was and continues to be a prominent leader in the Filipino American social justice movement. And while eating ube ice cream and leche flan, my parents recounted how we lived in a trailer in the legendary la Paz, the headquarters for the United Farm Workers of America in the Central Valley, just a stone’s throw away from the home of Cesar Chavez. They described how they worked alongside civil rights leaders like Chavez, Philip Vera Cruz, Pete Velasco, and Dolores Huerta, organizing Filipino and Mexican farmworkers in their struggle for fair treatment and better working conditions. Through these lessons shared at the family dinner table, my

parents instilled in me a sense of civic duty to fight for justice and serve others. Today, as a California State legislator, I focus most of my time and energy working to help our most vulnerable community members who have historically had little or no voice. Being a U.S. citizen may not compel you to seek elected office, like it did me, but it must stir in you a sense of ownership in and commitment to this great country. Whether you were born a U.S. citizen like I was or naturalized like my mother, you are a full member of the United States. All of us are equals. That is a powerful and fundamental defining tenet of this nation. In my view, all U.S. citizens must be involved in shaping our democracy and changing the community for the better. Engagement and activism are critical. This engagement can take many forms. At its most basic, everyone who is eligible should register to vote. And once reg-

istered, we must vote in every election for the rest of our lives. Showing up to vote during presidential elections only is not enough. We must vote on local measures and propositions. Who should be your city councilmember or county supervisor? Do the elected members of your school board share your vision for the type of education you want for your children? As a member of the California State Assembly, I authored and got passed AB 817 to help make voting easier. This law provides language assistance to voters at polling places. As our state becomes more diverse, it’s critically important to provide the tools to help all citizens exercise their constitutional rights. AB 817 allows lawful permanent residents to serve as volunteers during elections. This is a great way to expose future citizens to civic engagement and help current citizens exercise their right to vote. There are other ways to be an active and engaged citi-

zen. Serve on a jury. Show up at a school board or city council meeting and share your opinion. Help a candidate that shares your values get elected or walk or make phone calls to get a local measure passed, like a school parcel tax. During elections, we often hear the partisan rhetoric that either Democrats or Republicans are hurting our country. But neither Republicans nor Democrats are the enemy. I believe the real threat to our nation is apathy. We overcome apathy by staying informed. Reading a local newspaper, following social media, or watching the news on television helps to build the connective tissue among us and helps to reinforce the words in the Constitution that “We the People” matter-- that we are indeed a “we” and are all in this together. And that “we” are responsible for speaking up in the face of injustice. Many countries do not give their citizens the fundamental

right to make their voices heard, challenge the system, and work to realize a more perfect union. People should embrace healthy discussions about the course of our nation and the condition of our people. We should talk about how to make our nation stronger and more just for our citizens and noncitizens. And we should act to carry out that vision. This privilege of living in the United States must never be taken for granted. And the duty of being an engaged and active citizen must never be forgotten. *** California State Assemblymember Rob Bonta serves in the 18th District, representing Alameda, Oakland and San Leandro. This column is part of a series of op-eds by public officials about citizenship, published by New America Media in collaboration with the national, nonpartisan network New Americans Campaign. For more information about upcoming citizenship workshops near you, go to:newamericanscampaign. org/events.

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Dateline PhiliPPines

OC/IE ASIAN JOURNAL • SEptEmbER 16-22, 2016

A

Lawmaker seeks 15 days’ paternity leave SURIgAO del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel wants to double the mandatory paid paternity leave benefit being enjoyed by all married male employees. Pimentel filed House Bill (HB) 3401, which seeks to raise to 15 days the seven-day leave a husband can avail. Male employees are allowed to file for a paternity leave for four childbirths of his lawful wife. HB 3401 seeks to amend RA 8187, or the Paternity Leave Benefit Act of 1996. The 20-year-old law authored by the late Sen. Ernesto Herrera also applies to a miscarriage. In batting for the speedy passage of his bill, Pimentel invoked

Manny Pacquiao reacts during his fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr. at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas last year.

Pacquiao says Mayweather rematch ‘very exciting’

MANILA, Philippines – Manny Pacquiao again stressed that he wants another crack at Floyd Mayweather Jr. That is, if there’s clamor from boxing fans. “I can still fight at 140-147. I’m willing to fight anybody,” Pacquiao recently told Omnisport. The Filipino icon is set to fight Jessie Vargas on November 5, eyeing no less than a victory, which perhaps will convince the retired

Mayweather to fight again. Pacquiao came up short against Mayweather in what turned out to be the riches fight in boxing history. Although the bout was a commercial success, it was a critical failure as Mayweather was content to outbox an injured Pacquiao on his way to a unanimous decision win. Pacquiao fought on a bum shoulder, and many in his camp believe the Filipino would’ve fared better had he been healthy.

Philippines over the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea). No more joint patrols Amid the sea dispute, the President announced that the Philippines will no longer join expeditions and patrols with the US and other countries to avoid getting into conflict with other nations. “We will not join any expedition of patrolling the seas. I will not allow it because I do not want my country to be involved in a hostile act,” he said. “The point is I do not want to ride gung-ho style there with China or with America… We do not go into a patrol or join any other army from now because I do not want trouble,” Duterte added. Duterte admitted this could be misconstrued as cutting military

alliances with other countries, but the President said he was merely pursuing a more “independent posture, an independent foreign policy.” “I am not anti-American. I said, we are not severing our ties, military ties … Who am I to abrogate a treaty?” he said. Deep impact Reacting to Duterte’s statements, former Philippine ambassador to the US Jose Cuisia warned that the President’s tirades could have a “deep impact if it continues in the next few years.” Cuisia also said equipment from other nations such as Russia and China should be compatible with US equipment. “If Duterte wants to buy military equipment from China and Russia, he should think about interoperability with US equip-

activities,” thus reinforcing the long-term bond between father and child. “There’s no question an extended paternity leave with full pay would go a long way in restoring the family’s overall worklife balance,” he said. Pimentel also supports proposals in the House of the Representatives and the Senate to increase the maternity leave for working mothers from 60 days “to at least 100 days.” He noted that a number of the country’s largest employers, including Accenture Inc., already provide their female employees 120 days paid maternity leave benefit. (ManilaTimes.net)

Filipino fishermen among the poorest in the country, says Senator Pangilinan by EstrElla

torrEs Inquirer.net

SENATOR Francis Pangilinan said while the Philippines’ trade revenues from fishery reach an average US$954-million each year but the country’s 1.7-million fisher folk are among the poorest due to lack of clear-cut agenda for the sector. Pangilinan proposed the creation of the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DFAR) that will tap the vast marine resources of the Philippines to improve the lives of poor fisher folks who face harsh impact of typhoon, fish kill and marine degradation. He said fishery has a gross value added worth P1.4 Billion, only next to the agriculture sector. ment,” Cuisia said. But despite the vast potential of “We should keep in mind that the US has been a valuable marine resources, Senator Panpartner of the Philippines. They provided us cutter [ships], radio equipment to allow better monitoring in the West Philippine Sea. PAGE A5 We also have many [workers]in The Labor and Foreign Affairs the US,” he added. departments and the CommisCuisia disagreed with Duterte sion on Filipinos Overseas are that joint maritime patrols are a pushing for a measure creating hostile act. “Many countries do a separate agency that would joint patrols,” he said. look after the welfare of migrant The former ambassador also workers. criticized Duterte for calling The president will still need for the removal of US Special to certify priority bills urgent to Forces in Mindanao, claiming exempt them from the “threethese troops help the AFP in its day rule”, which requires bills intensified operations against the to be read in plenary three times Abu Sayyaf terror and kidnap- on three different days. Certifyping group. ing a bill urgent can significantly “You have to keep in mind that speed up the legislative process it’s these US troops who help the but does not guarantee passage military go after the Abu Sayyaf,” by Congress, a separate and coCuisia said. equal branch of government.

Mayweather, however, already retired from the sport and so far plans on staying retired. But Pacquiao stressed he’s open to a rematch with the undefeated American, saying it will be an exciting affair. “If [Mayweather] wants and the fans want to have that fight again, then why not? That can be a very exciting fight. There’s no reason why [it cannot happen],” he said. (Philstar.com)

PH to buy weapons from China... PAGE A5

the Constitution that mandates the State “to promote the welfare of labor, to solidify the family, and to provide improved quality of life for all.” “We have to give fathers at least half a month off work, with full pay, for them to be able to lend ample support to their wives in nursing their newborns, and to help mothers recuperate from childbirth,” Pimentel, a member of the Philippine Legislators’ Committee on Population and Development Foundation Inc. (PLCPD), said. He cited studies showing that husbands who took longer paternity leaves “were more involved with their children and child care

improve marine resources of the country. “The fishery sector has a huge potential but the Philippines only utilizes 273 hectares of it 50,000 hectares of waters,” said Pangilinan. He also argued that the sector is not prioritized by the Department of Agriculture (DA), with only 7 per cent of its total budget is allocated to the fishery and aquatic sector. “The country’s vast marine resources can make the Philippines Senator Francis Pangilinan an Aquaculture Superpower,” said gilinan said poverty incidence in Pangilinan. He cited that France’ Oyster at coastal towns is at 43.2 per cent with each fisherman earning an mollusk industry earns 600 million euros or P32 billion per year. average P178 per day. In the US, the lobster industry The Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food is conducting provides an annual P42 Billion public hearing on the creation of while revenues from Bangladesh’ DFAR to address the deepening shrimp industry reached US$ 456 poverty among fisher folks and million in 2006.

Tax reforms, Bangsamoro law among admin’s...

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte delivers his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) before the joint session of the 17th Congress Monday, July 25, 2016 , at suburban Quezon city northeast of Manila, Philippines. Listening at left is Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel and House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez. AP/Bullit Marquez, file

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september 16-22, 2016

The auTomobile:

2

a symbol of innovation by Klarize Medenilla / AJPress

In just over a century, the automotive industry has accelerated, making it one of the most evolutionary industries. The nature of the car industry is that it’s always evolving and improving on its latest innovation. When the automobile was first introduced, the world changed, ushering a new era of modernity. how did it begin? The concept of the automobile was born from French and German designers. Inventor Karl Benz of Germany invented a three-wheeled “Motorwagen.”Then in 1901, engineers Wilhelm Maybach and Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft

designed the Mercedes which was the first modern motor car with all the fixings, including an lightweight 35-horsepower engine that performed a speed of 53 mph. But it was the Americans who perfected the industry as a whole. Bicycle mechanics J. Frank and Charles E. Duryea designed the first successful gasoline automobile in 1893. By 1899, 30 American manufacturers produced 2,500 cars. Come the 20th century, there were more than 485 U.S. companies entering into the booming industry. Americans were also the first to introduce the car dealership. In 1896 in Detroit — which would be known

as the birthplace of the automobile industry — William Metzger established the first independent car dealership. Then the tide shifted which not only propelled the car industry, but modern invention as a whole. In 1913, the assembly line — developed by Model T inventor Henry Ford — allowed for mass production and became a standard in manufacturing. Cars became more affordable and more widely accessible, and American manufacturers produced about 485,000 of the more than 606,000 automobiles made in 1913. “One hundred years ago, my great-grandfather had a vision to build safe and efficient transportation for everyone,” Ford Executive Chairman Bill Ford said. “I am proud he was able to bring the freedom of mobility to millions by making cars affordable to families and that his vision of serving people still drives everything we do today.” a focus on safety Although its history is brief, the automobile industry has seen exponential advancements with a strong emphasis on improving The Mercedes, the first modern car designed by Wilhelm Maybach and Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft in 1901. Photo from www.mercedesbenz. safety features. In the 1940s, inventor Samuel W. Alderson invented the crash test dummy which allowed car manufacturers test the reliability of safety equipment and protocol. Then in the 1950s, Swedish engineer nils Bohlin invented the three-point safety belt which would become the modern standard of automobile safety belts. First introduced in Volvo’s automobiles, the Y-shaped design was considered revolutionary and responsible for saving many lives. In the 1960s, manufacturers started seeing the value and Engineers Wilhelm Maybach and Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft Photo from www.autowallpaper.de necessity in safety belts. In 1964, the

Being on the right side of the road: Tips on how to buy a car Industrialist Henry Ford, founder of Ford Motor Company, developed the first assembly line. Photo from

Studebaker-Packard Corporation became the first company to introduce seat belts as a standard in all of its cars. Four years later, Allen Breed introduced the world’s first electromechanical automotive airbag system with his “sensor and safety system.” In 1973, General Motors would be the first company to include the passenger airbag as a standard in their commercial automobiles. asian manufacturers emerge For a while, American car companies were seen as the leaders in the industry, but manufacturers in the Far East were making big moves. Toyota and nissan were toe-to-toe in Japan’s domestic market, but both companies would be favorites in the U.S. by the 1990s. Americans saw Japanese cars as more valuable as they tended to last longer and were more reliable. By 2000, Japan became the largest nation to produce cars, but saw competition from South Korea, China and India throughout the decade. However, when the recession hit in 2008 and the Continued on Page 6

PLAY NOW TO DECEMBER 18

YOUr vehicle is one of the most important purchases you will do in your life, but it doesn’t have to be daunting. Here are some tips that not only help make the process quicker and stress-free, but can also save you a few bucks. • Know your vehicle needs. not sure what car you want yet? First your have to determine why you need a car and what are you going to use it for. Weighing factors like low mileage and high fuel efficiency over style, brand and model features will help you decide the car you want to buy. • Determine your budget. Get approved for a car loan. Ask around about financing and go over your monthly expenditures and income. These will be important so you know the maximum amount of money you can spend on a car. • Go “window” shopping.” Do your research — go online, get a Kelley Blue Book, or test drive cars at dealerships to be able to get a “feel” of different models, makes, and years of cars. This will not only help you learn about the specific car you are eyeing, but can also change your mind about other car brands.

• Search through car listings online. Whether you are looking to buy a new vehicle or a used one, the Internet is there for you to take advantage of. Look through car listings on websites to compare prices and features, like warranties, vehicle histories, condition, and mileage. • Don’t purchase the add-ons. Buying a new car is a major purchase, and you may be paying it off over the next several years. If you finance the car, the overall costs for accessories will skyrocket, so keep the add-ons to a minimum. You don’t really need heated seats, and you can buy a portable GPS navigation unit online for much less than expensive built-in systems. rustproofing is another add-on you don’t need despite what the salesperson might tell you. VIn etching, a rear camera, and a dealership maintenance plan are more add-ons that you don’t really need. • Negotiate. While most people perceive negotiating for a new car as an extremely difficult experience, if you look at it purely from a negotiator’s perspective, you find something Continued on Page 5

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september 16-22, 2016 www.asianjournal.com

3

Coco Zhang-Miske: How a former dancer made her mark in the car industry Global technology planning manager for Buick, GMC and GM China Strategy at General Motors

By Christina

M. Oriel

AJPress

GrowinG up in Chongqing, China, Coco Zhang-Miske thought she would have a professional career in dancing. Her early training in gymnastics — beginning at the age of 6 — soon segued into the art of dance years later. From there, she moved to Beijing to study classic Chinese dance at the Beijing Dance Academy and was an operatic dancer with the China operatic Dance Troupe. when she migrated to the United States, she continued dancing by teaching lessons at studios owned by friends. However, a point came when she realized she was meant to pursue something else. She jumped into fashion design during her first year at Michigan State University because it was related to her background in arts. But, she found herself attracted to math and science, and changed her major to mathematics. “when i started [college], one of my professors called me into the office within the first month because i only learned math and science to an extent in China because i was dancing. i was struggling during the first month or two of college. it was overwhelming having all those technical terms in English. i had a very difficult time,” Zhang-Miske told the Asian Journal in a recent interview. “He asked, ‘are you sure you want to do this?’ and i knew this is what i wanted to do.” From mathematics, she eventually changed her major to

Buick Cascada

electrical engineering. Despite her lack of practical knowledge in the field, she showed up to an engineering job fair with her résumé — filled with art and dance jobs — in tow anyway. Most of the companies did not give her the chance to explain her background or they told her to come back the following year after she gained more experience. However, one pivotal conversation with an engineer from General Motors (GM) changed the course of her future. “He was very curious about why i changed from dancing to engineering. He was fascinated with my background and saw my potential. He ended up offering me an internship, which was very exciting, especially being a first-year student with no background,” she said, describing her first internship in the manufacturing controls department. The following summer, she was offered another manufacturing internship at the vehicle corporation. Her performance as an intern was impressive enough that when she graduated from college, she was immediately hired as a manufacturing controls engineer, a position she held for three years before transitioning as a design release engineer. while working, she was also able to receive a master’s degree in energy systems engineering at the University of Michigan, which exposed her to the world of alternative fuel and energy and electric vehicles and gave her the knowledge to move to the global

Coco Zhang-Miske at the Asian American Journalists Association conference with a Buick Cascada in

hybrid battery system engineering department. “i’ve been very fortunate during my time at GM because the company gave me the opportunity to experience completely different divisions,” she said. Today, Zhang-Miske marks her ninth year at GM and is currently the global technology planning manager for Buick (one of the company’s brands), GMC and GM China strategy. Under this position, she manages the technology strategy for the brands and develops ideas based on technology intelligence and trends. The achievements in her role have garnered accolades, including a 2014 Crain’s Detroit Business 40 under 40 award and a place on Detroit Techweek100’s list in 2015. She also gets to do a lot of traveling: to China several times a year to promote the brand and ensure that the products made in that country are of equal quality and performance to those manufactured in the U.S.; and to California to meet with suppliers and the research & development team to discuss new technologies. “right now GM is a big global Continued on Page 4

september 16-22, 2016 www.asianjournal.com

4

OASIS Center Int’l hosts an evening celebrating the arts By kLaRize

MedeniLLa AJPress

MORE and more American youth are becoming more discouraged to pursue careers in the arts. But OASIS Center International is set to change that. On the evening of Tuesday, September 14, the non-profit organization held its Illumination Reception in Santa Ana’s Artist Village, honoring community leaders and partners for fulfilling their mission. OASIS Center International is a community development organization that promotes arts and culture within youth communities. Through after school programs and creative projects, the non-profit encourages youth to tap into their creativity and show them that it is possible have an established career as an artist. “A lot of us have been told that it’s difficult to make a living if you’re an artist, but it’s not, and you can do it,” Jin Sung, cofounder and executive director of OASIS Center International, said in a speech. “If you are cut out or if you’re designed and cultivated in the arts, then that is your goal. And it’s not just for you: it’s for the world so you can transform the world that’s around you.” In attendance at the reception were community youth leaders, corporate partners, educators, local artists and government

OASIS Assemblymember Young Kim presenting OASIS Center International Exec. Director Jin Sung with resolution

EMPLOYMENT

OASIS Center International with Young Kim

officials, like California State Assemblymember Young Kim of District 65, who presented a resolution recognizing the organization’s efforts to expand arts education. “Art, drama and theatrical expression often take a backseat, and that shouldn’t be,” Kim said in a speech. “That’s why OASIS’ [after school] program certainly complements the core classes that we provide during the day in classrooms. Where we lack, OASIS come in.” The reception also included a silent auction and art pieces from children for sale, with proceeds going towards funding for arts programs. The organization also handed out awards to community leaders, corporate partners, educators and art patrons who have collaborated with OASIS. The evening was co-emceed by South Korean American

actress and activist Jane Park Smith, who praised OASIS International for its commitment for serving communities with limited resources and “at risk” youth. “I don’t believe that just because a child is limited by financial resources or earthly possessions that that child should be limited by the great resource we’ve all been gifted with, which is our mind. That limitless imagination that can be best be transmitted through the arts,” Park Smith said. Oasis International was established in 2012 and has, so far, worked with more than 30 schools in Orange County to develop more programs dedicated to arts education. For more information about OASIS Center International and their programs, visit their website: www.oasiscenterintl.org.

OASIS Center International awards

EMPLOYMENT

Ma’ Rosa aims for 2017 Oscars by Ricky Lo

the body that votes for the winners Language Film representing in the annual Academy Awards, has Hungary. 5,000 voting members including Because of Mendoza’s MANILA, Philippines – Will “Ma’ former actress Dolores Hart who Rosa”, for which Jaclyn Jose won for reputation in the film world as quit showbiz and became a nun the Philippines its first Best Actress the Philippine director to watch (she is given DVD copies of the (together with Lav Diaz whose award at the Cannes International films for review). film, “Ang Babaeng Humayo” Film Festival (CIFF), duplicate that Although several Filipino films [“The Woman Who Left”], won record by bringing home the have been submitted as entries Golden Lion Best Film at the justcountry’s first major Oscars? to the Best Foreign Language concluded Venice International It’s a probability, considering Film category, three of them by Film festival, another “first” for the that its director, Brillante “Dante” director Gil M. Portes (“Saranggola”, Philippines), “Ma’Rosa” has a good Mendoza, also won the country’s “Mga Munting Tinig” and “Gatas sa first Best Director award at Cannes chance of catching the attention Dibdib ng Kaaway”), not one has of the 500 members who vote for – for “Kinatay” several years ago. made it to the Magic Five finalists. the Best Foreign Language Film The Film Academy of the Will Ma’Rosa finally break the category. AMPAS (Association of Philippines (FAP), the body dry spell? Motion Picture Arts and Sciences), designated to submit a nominee to the Best Foreign Language Film category of the Oscars, announced Tuesday, Sept. 13, that “Ma’ Rosa” was chosen out of eight shortlisted local films as the country’s official entry to next year’s Oscars. “At last I am recognized after 10 years,” Mendoza told The STAR. “Ma’ Rosa” was distributed in the international market by Film Distribution, the same company behind “Son of Saul” which bagged last year’s Oscar for Best Foreign Jaclyn Jose in a scene from Brillante Mendoza film Ma’Rosa Philstar.com

Coco Zhang-Miske: How a former dancer... From Page 3 company. A lot of car parts are manufactured in the U.S. and we do a lot of collaboration overseas. Even though cars are built in China, it is important that since we are under one big global umbrella, all of those manufacturing processes are similar,” she said. According to a Washington Post report earlier this year, Buick sold 1.2 million vehicles around the world in 2015, with 80 percent being sold in China. The Envision, which is Chinese-made, has particularly been a successful model. With cars these days being more and more innovative, ZhangMiske noted that it makes her job even more thrilling. (She even gets to own a new car every six months to test it out.) “I’m very excited about the future of the vehicle. Right now, people are [embracing] autonomous vehicles and electric vehicles. A few years ago, people were concerned about electric vehicles, whether they’d run out of battery or how to charge them. It was only a matter of three to

four years with the progression of electric vehicles,” she said. She added that car sharing, especially in China, will also continue to be a widespread transportation method to ease traffic and improve air quality. As an Asian American woman, Zhang-Miske said she was quickly embraced by the GM culture from the get-go. “Ever since day one, I’ve been comfortable. I really like people — I like to meet and interact with them and ask questions. They haven’t looked at me different because I’m female and Asian. Sometimes, I struggle with the English language because of my accent, but everyone has been patient,” she said. Another positive aspect of her role at GM is how she’s been able to share her culture. Her experiences include past president of GM’s Chinese Employee Resource Group, board member of the Detroit Chinese Engineers Association and founder of Michigan’s first National Association of Asian American Professionals (NAAAP) chapter.

By sponsoring events like Asian culture festivals and the Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA) and NAAAP conferences, it shows how GM is committed to reaching out to the Asian American community, Zhang-Miske said. “Through those organizations, we do a lot of seminars, community outreach and diversity initiatives to introduce the Asian culture and connect them to the local GM strategy,” she said. “Unfortunately a lot of people in the Asian community are not familiar with American vehicles. They are more experienced and have a mindset about Asian and European models. We are trying our best to introduce to them a new side of GM products. We give the audience the opportunity to check out vehicles, ask questions and drive our vehicles.” As for advice for Asian American professionals, she said to not be afraid and limit oneself. “In Asian culture, it’s a habit to hold back. Ask questions and don’t hold back,” she shared. “Trust yourself and believe in yourself.”

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september 16-22, 2016 www.asianjournal.com

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

IN the media and online, we have seen a parade of scandals: from political scumbags, depraved men of the cloth, big-time con artists to scandal-plagued, shameless celebrities who trade on their image to push depraved agendas useful only to the elite class they have created for themselves. We seem to be breathing their toxic fumes when they self-destruct into flames. Honor, decency, civility and respect are in short supply these days. And we heave a heavy sigh and shake our heads in disbelief. Our zeitgeist is characterized by distrust and cynicism. It’s been building up for a long time. Zeitgeist is that fancy schmancy $20 word of Germanic origin sociologists use to refer to the spirit of the age. There seems to be a collective negative energy that hovers about and affects the thoughts and feelings of many who are affected by these dark times. Perhaps, this is somewhat similar to the dark mood and feelings of helplessness that afflicted many who slogged through the long years of the Great Depression. IT IS TIME TO SHAKE IT OFF. For us to get back on track, we have to refuse to live in fear and zap out of this paranoia that can paralyze us into immobility. We need to take courage. Someone once said, “A brave person is someone who takes positive action after he has said his prayers.” Time and again, it’s been found that tough survivors believe in a God who cares. They believe in themselves. They believe

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Bringing moxie back “You just might be the person who can brighten up a room simply by leaving it.” in the correlation between luck and hard work. They believe in the greatness of their country and have decided on a unified front, to muster enough MOXIE to engage the enemy within. In some ways, we can influence good fortune with the attitude, motivation and oftentimes, with sheer moxie, with which we face our individual daily lives. If you expect bad things to happen to you or if you yourself confirm that you are unlucky, more than likely, it will become a self-fulfilling prophecy. You might as well admit it. You’re a sad sack Eeyore with a permanent, heavy and dark rain cloud hanging over your head. The negative energy you emit repels people who would otherwise be of help to you. You just might be the person who can brighten up a room simply by leaving it. Perhaps, it’s your personality and there’s nothing you can do about it, not even if you’ve soaked up the brightness of the sun. You were wired to be negative and pessimistic and no motivation outside of yourself can undo you. You’re one tough customer for the Holy Spirit to work wonders with. Fine. But for as long as you think that you have nothing to do with the ill fortune that seems to bedevil your life, you can just live with the dire consequences of fear, anxiety and unhappiness which result from being toxic and always believing the worst of everything. Particularly during these uncertain times, no one can afford the luxury of a negative thought. But much more so for all those on

survival mode, an optimistic cando attitude is a MUST. With this current economic morass, a big chunk of the population along with many more in the middle class, will regress back to survival mode, quite by default. Many who have moved to more comfortable levels but were caught by the real estate slump and lost their homes, may find themselves sliding back to square one and engaging in the daunting prospect of finding a job. Do take heart. Most of us who come from poverty-stricken nations have what it takes to survive times such as these. Most of us came as immigrants and have gone through the long and tedious process to become full-fledged citizens of our adoptive country. Most of us have had plenty of practice. We have the scars to prove the battles we have survived. We have learned to hunker down, to batten down the hatches during the storms. But there seems to be a change in the air and just perhaps, even with a deceptive lull just before more upheavals up ahead, the future is looking good. There is that faint light growing brighter at the end of a long dark tunnel. This slump, experts claim, is longer and deeper, than anyone can imagine. But as in everything else under the sun, THIS TOO SHALL PASS. And hopefully, very soon. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@asianjournalinc.

Being on the right side of the road: Tips on...

From Page 2 quite surprising. Negotiating for a new car is actually simpler than almost any other negotiation that you will ever undertake. You will be able to get the best deals on

price, features and warranties since you’ve done your research. • Lastly, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Whether you are buying the traditional way

or online, always make sure that you understand every aspect of the process. This way, you won’t get stuck with a vehicle that you don’t want. (AJPress)

Calendar of Events across

America

ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS! PRE-EVENT AND POST-EVENT GO DEEPER. GO WIDER. LET THE WORLD KNOW. CALL ASIAN JOURNAL: (818) 502-0651 DISPLAY AD SIZES AT SPECIAL RATES FOR NON-PROFIT GROUPS SEPTEMBER 16

CAC to celebrate Town Fiesta The Cabatuan Association of California will celebrate their Annual Town Fiesta in honor of their Patron Saint, San Nicolas de Tolentino on September 10, 2016 with a mass at 11:00 am at Nati Matitu-Mercado’s residence - 15255 Knapp St. North Hills, CA, 91343. Please invite four friends and relatives. Music will be provided by Willie Manacsa. For other inquiries, please call Esoy Tavarro, president, (714) 797-0073; Sally Bilbao, adviser (951) 8785589; Boboy Mosqueda, adviser (714) 519-8973; or Nati Matitu-Mercado, adviser at (818) 894-5142.

Free citizenship workshop in Orange County On Friday, Sept. 16, Orange County Communities Organized for Responsible Development (OCCORD) will help local green card holders take the first step towards becoming citizens through free events as part of the New Americans Campaign. This workshop will provide lawful permanent residents with free naturalization application assistance by professional and trained volunteers. Individuals will also receive legal counsel by pro-bono attorneys and legal experts. Services are available in Spanish, Korean and English. The workshop will be from 4 to 6 p.m. at Century High School, 1401 S. Grand Ave., Santa Ana, CA 92705. Registration is required; please call 714-621-0919, ext. 13.

SEPTEMBER 17

The Filipino USPS Retirees Club of Los Angeles reunion The Filipino USPS Retirees Club of Los Angeles is having its 3rd anniversary reunion on Saturday, Sept. 17 from 12 p.m. to dusk. It will be held at Romy Vidal’s residence at 1998 Big Oak Ave., Chino Hills, CA 91709. To RSVP, please call Romy (951) 733-7140 or Lito (909) 263-4167.

Lorenzo Ruiz: A musical play On Saturday, September 17, the St. Lorenzo Ruiz Catholic Parish Community will present a musical play entitled Lorenzo Ruiz: the First Filipino Saint. This play will star Mat Ranillo III, a Filipino TV, film and stage actor. Purchase your tickets today, for a donation of $20 for one event or $25 for both events. Seats are limited so get your tickets early. For ticket sales, please contact St. Lorenzo Ruiz Parish office at (909) 595-9545. St. Lorenzo Ruiz Catholic Parish Community is located at 747 Meadowpass Rd., Walnut, California 91789.

27th annual celebration in honor of Our Lady of Penafrancia Come and celebrate the 27th annual celebration in honor of Our Lady of Penafrancia, the patroness of Bicolandia. The grand fiesta will be on Saturday, Sept. 17, beginning with a concelebrated mass at 1 p.m., followed by a Fluvial Procession. It will be held at Liberty State Park, Morris Pesin Drive, Jersey, City, New Jersey 07305.

S E P T E M B E R 23

AAPA’s leadership symposium Join the Asian American Professional Association (AAPA) for an all-day event from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. with exceptional and diverse keynote speakers and panelists, as well as multiple workshops on diversity and leadership topics. The symposium is open to everyone, and will be held at the Pacific Palms Hotel, 1 Industry Hills Parkway, City of Industry, CA 91744. For more information, please visit http://aapamentoring.com/.

S E P T E M B E R 24

PASCPA-Los Angeles dinner dance event Philippine American Society of Certified Public Accountants (PASCPA) is celebrating 30 years of promoting excellence for the future leaders! Join PASCPA on Saturday, Sept. 24 as it installs officers & board members and inducts new members of the organization. Networking will begin at 4:30 until 6:15 p.m. The program begins at 6:30 p.m. It will be held at Pickwick Gardens, 1001 Riverside Dr., Burbank, CA 91506. Attire is formal and there will be no host bar. A donation of $65 is required. For more information, please visit http://pascpa.org/.

8th Regional Celebration of the Feast of San Lorenzo Ruiz The Archdiocese of Los Angeles and the San Fernando Region invites everyone to the 8th Regional Celebration of the feast of San Lorenzo Ruiz, the First Filipino Saint. Festivities will be on Saturday, September 24, 2016, at this year’s host parish, Holy Family Church - Glendale (209 East Lomita Avenue, Glendale CA 91205). Procession starts at 4:30 PM , then Mass at 5:30 PM with Most Reverend Oscar A. Solis DD, Auxiliary Bishop of Los Angeles, as Principal Celebrant. Reception , fellowship and program will immediately follow at the Holy Family Grade School Auditorium across the church. For more information, please contact Ping Bayani at(913) 558-4332 or bayani0950@yahoo.com.

Annual celebration of Sr.San Miguel Archangel The Association of Iligan City & Lanao del Norte of Southern California (AICLNSC) invites everyone, Iliganons, Lanaons and friends to come and celebrate the annual celebration in honor of Senior San Miguel de Archangel, Patron of Iligan City. The Diyandi 2016 Fiesta Celebration will be at Carson Park, 21411 South Orrick St., Carson, CA 90745 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. There will be a Holy Mass at 11:00 a.m. and followed by Sinulog/ Procession at 11:30 a.m. On September 24, 2016, a Dinner Dance/Induction of new set of Officers 2016-2018 to be held at St. Philomena Parish Hall, 21900 South Main St., Carson, CA 90745 from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. For details, please call Lenard Castillo (310) 8869374 or Edna Cabreros (562) 316-9541.

S E P T E M B E R 25

Virgen de los Remedios Festivities at the Los Angeles Cathedral Thousands of Marian devotees all over Los Angeles will gather at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels for the Diamond Jubilee of Virgen de los Remedios Canonical Coronation on Sunday, Sept. 25 at 3:30 p.m. The Glendale High School Band, conducted by Grammy nominee Amy Rangel, will lead the afternoon procession participated by both Filipinos and Latinos in their traditional costumes. This will be followed by a Solemn High Mass with the joint choirs of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, St. Columban, Couples for Christ and the award winning Immaculate Heart of Mary Children’s Choir accompanied by musical artists from the Filipino American community. Everyone is invited to come and bring their Marian images. Organizations are asked to bring their banners for the procession to begin at the Cathedral Plaza. Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels is located at 555 West Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012-2707.

S E P T E M B E R 28

White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders community town hall The White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (WHIAAPI) Southwest Regional Network is holding an Asian American & Pacific Islander community town hall on Wednesday, Sept. 28 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in Las Vegas. Officials from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigrations Services (USCIS), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), US Department of Labor (DOL), Equal Opportunity Commission (EEOC), and Social Security Administration (SSA) will present their agency’s overviews and answer your questions. The event is hosted by the Asian Community Development Council at 2610 S. Jones Blvd., Suite 3, Las Vegas, NV 89146. To RSVP, please register at www.whiaapiroundlasvegas. eventbrite.com.

S E P T E M B E R 29

Bataan Legacy Historical Society multimedia presentation Bataan Legacy Historical Society, a non-profit educational 501(c)(3) organization, will hold a multimedia presentation at the San Francisco Asian Art Museum from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. For more information, please visit www.bataanlegacy.org.

If you have an upcoming event and would like us to post it, please email us the details at info@asianjournalinc.com or calendar@asianjournalinc.com

september 16-22, 2016 www.asianjournal.com

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Family-based green cards – who is eligible? SKT Immigration

Eliot KriEgEr If you are a United States citizen or green card holder, you may be able to petition for certain members of your family to come and live permanently in the United States (U.S.). Your relative’s eligibility and waiting time depends on your U.S. status and the familial relationship. Immediate Relatives of U.S. Citizens Immediate relatives have special immigration priority and do not have to wait in line for a visa number to become available for them to immigrate to the U.S. This means that as an immediate relative, you are eligible to receive a green card immediately. The definition includes “immediate relatives” include: • Spouses of U.S. citizens; and • Unmarried children under the age of 21 of U.S. citizens; and • Parents of U.S. citizens who are over the age of 21. Family Preference Category If you are a U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident

(“LPR” or “green card holder”), then your other relatives may be eligible for sponsorship. These family members fit into various preference categories, which determine the waiting time for an available visa. Depending on the preference category, the waiting time may span several years. The family-sponsored preference categories are: • first Preference Category: Unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens, and their minor children (if any) • Second Preference Category: Spouses, minor children, and unmarried sons and daughters (age 21 and over) of LPRs • Third Preference Category: Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens, and their spouses and minor children • fourth Preference Category: Brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens, and their spouses and minor children, provided that U.S. citizens are at least 21 years of age The process starts with filing a petition with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) demonstrating the familial relationship between the U.S. petitioner and the foreign beneficiary. The spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21 of the principal beneficiary may also apply for

permanent residence as derivative beneficiaries. Once the petition is approved, the beneficiary may apply for a visa at the United States Consulate or Embassy abroad where he or she resides. The last step will be an interview at the United States Embassy or Consulate at which point the visa will be approved and the beneficiary can travel to the United States. Beneficiaries, who are lawfully present in the U.S., may apply to adjust their immigration status to a green card holder without having to return to their home country. U.S. immigration law promotes family unity. However, obtaining a family-based green card can be lengthy and frustrating without the help of experienced attorneys and staff. Our seasoned team can assist and guide you through the family-based green card application process. ***

Eliot Krieger is a Partner at Sullivan, Krieger, Truong, Spagnola, and Klausner, LLP. He is a former Assistant United States Attorney with the United States Department of Justice. He has a Ph.D. from Johns Hopkins University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. Website: www.sullivankrieger.com Contact us at any of our offices: Long Beach + 1 (562) 597-7070 Irvine + 1 (949) 390-5270

Pinay wows ‘X-Factor UK’ judges with powerful performance MANILA, Philippines — “Oh my God! What just happened there?!” Simon Cowell who was obviously astonished quips after listening to Ivy Grace Paredes’ audition song. Paredes, a filipino who hails from Malaybalay, Bukidnon went for an audition on “X-factor UK” on September 11. With only less three minutes to impress the judges, Paredes went all in and did her own rendition of Whitney Houston’s “All the Man I Need.” Her performance was quickly applauded by the judges. Asked why she decided to do the auditions, Paredes said: “for me, I believe this is the biggest competition and I want to be a part of it. X factor can give me the stepping stones I need to do good

Screengrab from YouTube.com

in the future because this is all for my daughter.” Paredes is the latest filipino to step on the “X-factor UK” stage. A report from Digital Spy

said Paredes was inspired by 4th Impact, a filipino girl group that finished fifth place in the last season of the reality talent search. (Philstar.com)

Right role lures Edu back to TV by Angel JAvier Philstar.com

Cruz

MOST of us might know Edu Manzano as a veteran actor with mestizo good looks but he is really more than that. Aside from having exemplary hosting skills, he is also an astute businessman. Edu took a break from tinseltown for 12 years during which he became a restaurateur. He is now part of four restaurants including Lucky Rainbow Seafood Restaurant and Black Sheep. When he’s not busy, he heads to Nasugbu in Batangas where the “little fish farm” he owns is located. His interest in restaurants can be traced back to his initial forays into discos and bars. “I was part of a number of entertainment endeavors but I’ve always liked being in the service industry,” Edu said. He admits to being very handson as a businessman. “I always wanted to be there and run the restaurants.” Twelve years might seem like a long time for a break from showbiz but Edu never really disappeared completely. One could say he was just waiting for the right role to be offered to him.

Earlier this month, he began appearing in “Someone to Watch Over Me”, the new primetime TV series on the Kapuso Network. Edu is part of an ensemble cast that stars Tom Rodriguez, Max Collins and Lovi Poe. In the inspirational drama, Tom is TJ Chavez, a young married man suffering from early onset of Alzheimer’s disease. Playing TJ’s father, Buddy Chavez, is Edu. “Tanggap ko na iba na ang level ang pag-atake sa mga roles, mas mataas ang sense of maturity na nilalaman ng mga characters. I’m enjoying (taking on different roles because I get to explore new levels of my person and the characters I’m portraying),” he said. Two roles he is interested to play include that of the president of the Philippines and someone who undergoes a reversal of fortune. “I’d like to play someone with great authority, someone who has to make tough decisions, someone who is in conflict with himself over what is right and what should be done. “I would also like to play someone who starts from a high level or position (but goes) from riches to rags so there will be both character and physical

Edu Manzano: I’m enjoying (taking on different roles) because I get to explore new levels of my person and

transformations.” Edu will no doubt succeed in showing physical transformation if a role calls for it since he keeps fit with a combination of right diet and exercise. “It’s hard work. It’s not just all exercise. There are studies that say it should be a combination of 70-percent diet and 30-percent exercise,” he said. Edu eats fish, chicken and vegetables although admits to indulging once in a while. He tries to stay away from anything stronger than wine but believes in the saying, “Everything in moderation.” “I’ve come to realize as I mature that all of this is going to fade eventually so I have to work on my inner personality as well. I’d like to have a cheerful disposition.”

The automobile: A symbol of innovation From Page 2

American automobile industry took a major toll, Toyota surpassed General Motors to become the world’s largest manufacturer. Ushering in the green car Environmentally conscious vehicles date back to the 1800s, but the gasoline-electric hybrid vehicle was perfected in the 21st century. Interest in hybrid cars jumped in 2008 as consumers began choosing cars that consume less fuel and contribute less to the pollution. Typically, hybrid cars have at least two power sources: standard fuel and an electric motor that recharges. Toyota makes a wide range of hybrid cars including the Yaris, Camry Hybrid, Highlander Hybrid and the ever-popular Prius. Other hybrid cars include the ford Escape, Chevrolet Vault and Lexus RX 400h. Now on the rise are electric cars, which are propelled by one or more electric motor that uses

energy from rechargeable batteries or other devices that store energy. As of December 2015, there are more than 30 models of all-electric cars available at retail, but with the industry’s propensity to change, they may soon be the standard. “I’ve actually made a prediction that within 30 years, a majority of new cars made in the United States will be electric. And I don’t mean hybrid. I mean fully electric,” said Elon Musk, CEO and product architect of Tesla Motors, a leading manufacturer of energy storage and electric automobiles. More than just transportation As cars evolved, their use as a status symbol became just as important as its function as a means of transportation. As more and more brands became available, one’s car became an extension of his or her socioeconomic status and personality. What you drive says a lot about you, much like the music you listen to or the clothes you wear.

If you’re cruising down the road in a luxury car like a Rolls-Royce or a Cadillac, you’re perceived to belong on the upper echelon of society. If you drive a Toyota Prius or any other hybrid vehicle, you are seen as a more environmentally conscious person. The automobile industry today and tomorrow Today, the automobile industry is more expansive and innovative than ever. Drivers may enjoy the convenience of a sensible used Toyota Camry or splurge on a brand new Tesla Model 3. The options for automobiles are endless and every driver is bound to find a set of wheels suited to their unique needs. Due to its innovative nature, the industry is constantly moving towards more efficiency and safety. In the future, all-electric and self-driving cars may become an industry standard just as yesterday’s innovations like the seatbelt or the airbag.

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