011219 - Los Angeles Weekend Edition

JANUARY 12-15, 2019 Volume 29 - No. 3 • 4 Sections – 30 Pages

Duterte eyes arming local elected leaders against NPA attacks nio Kho on Wednesday, January 9, the president said, “Ako sinasabi ko lang sa NPA, ayaw kong PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte armasan ang mga tao. Pero ‘pag this week said he is consider- sige ganun ang ano (I want to ing allowing the purchase of tell the NPA, I don’t want to arm individual firearms if communist people. But okay, if they’re like rebels continue their hostilities that), I will allow the purchase of against innocent civilians and individual firearms).” government forces.

“Kung ambush dito, ambush In a speech at the birthday cel- doon, hindi makatiis itong mga ebration of Masbate Gov. Anto- tao ko (If there’s ambush here,

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

DATELINE

USA

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

Fil-Am union organizer, parents sound off on upcoming LA teachers strike Following rejected LAUSD proposal, teachers union prepares to strike on Jan. 14 as educators fight for smaller classes, more resources AFTER a nearly two-year-long fray with the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), thousands of educators, students and parents are preparing to strike on Monday, Jan. 14.

The United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA) has been calling on the LAUSD — the second largest public school district in the country — to u PAGE A3

California Gov. Gavin Newsom gets sworn into office on Monday, January 7.

Photo courtesy of the Office of Governor Gavin Newsom

Groups urge Newsom to “prioritize” AAPI issues CA Gov. Gavin Newsom sworn into office, puts forth statewide single-payer healthcare plan, reinvention plan for DMV

AS California Gov. Gavin Newsom was inaugurated this week, a coalition of 40 advocacy groups are urging the new governor to “prioritize” the concerns of the vast Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community.

In a statement released by legal and civil rights organization Asian Americans Advancing Justice - Los Angeles, these groups u PAGE A4

ambush there, the people cannot bear it). Gagalaw talaga ‘to (They’ll move), then I’ll be forced to order the arming of everyone,” he added.

Duterte also said he would arm the local government officials with high-caliber firearms since they “would feel naked” without firearms.

“Pati ‘yung mga mayor bigu PAGE A2

MAN ON A MISSION. Philippine Senator and boxer Manny Pacquiao — boxing’s only eight-division world champion — will end his two-year hiatus from a U.S. boxing ring when he returns to Las Vegas on Saturday, January 19 to defend his welterweight title against former four-division world champion Adrien Broner.

AJPress photo by Noel Ty

Palace remains firm on ‘Boxing is my passion,’ says criminalizing drug addiction Pacquiao ahead of Broner fight

by AJPRESS

MALACAÑANG has responded to the Psychological Association of the Philippines’ (PAP) objection to the administration’s drive to curb drug addiction.

Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo remained firm in his belief that the criminalization of drug addiction by the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte is an effective strategy to ultimately eliminate the drug probPalace spokesperson S a l v a d o r Pa n e l o lem in the country.

“Ineffective where? Why not? We Inquirer.net photo have reduced, dismantled in fact a huge chunk of the illegal drug apparatus,” Panelo said as reported by The Philippine Daily Inquirer.

“When you say you cannot solve the drug problem, what’s their alternative proposal? They are not saying anything,” he added.

PAP issued a statement expressing its contention with how the current administration is addressing the problems related to drug abuse. The organization emphasized that the programs have not been useful because they reportedly cause more harm than good.

“We in the Psychological Association of the Philippines oppose the current approach of criminalizing drug use, with its attendant programs that vilify drug users, violate human rights, and disregard legal and due process,” the statement read.

PAP also mentioned that treating people with drug problems as criminals would not help in resolving the issue and urged the administration to focus instead on the rehabilitation methods.

“Criminalizing drug users has been shown in other countries to be ineffective in solving the drug addiction u PAGE A2

Filipino boxer turned senator comes out of two-year hiatus to defend welterweight world title “Boxing is my passion. That’s why I’m still here and fighting,” Pacquiao, who remains boxAHEAD of his upcoming fight ing’s only eight-division world on Saturday, January 19, Manny champion, told reporters on Pacquiao said he’s still as pas- Thursday, January 10. sionate for the sport as he’s ever Pacquiao’s upcoming fight been in his 24-year career. with 29-year-old Adrien Broner

by RAE

ANN VARONA AJPress

— who has won a number of world titles in different weight classes — will be his 70th as a professional boxer, and the first fight back in the U.S. after a two-year hiatus during which he fought two fights in Malaysia u PAGE A3

Pacquiao, Mayweather shake hands at LA Clippers Filipino Heritage Night

by AJPRESS

Manny Pacquiao greets former opponent Floyd Mayweather during a chance encounter at the LA Clippers game on Tuesday, January 8.

Photo by Andrew Bernstein/NBA Photos

LOS ANGELES — Past boxing opponents Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather had a chance encounter at the Staples Center on Tuesday night, January 8, as they sat across from each other during the LA Clippers game against the Charlotte Hornets.

Pacquiao was one of the special guests at the game celebrated as the Clippers’ annual Filipino Heritage Night, which featured a half-time perforu PAGE A3

Former RCBC manager found guilty in one of world’s largest cyber heists

by NATHALIE

ROBLES

AJPress

FORMER Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) branch manager Maia Santos Deguito has been found guilty for her participation in one of the world’s largest cyber heists on Thursday, January 10.

Presiding Judge Cesar Untalan of Makati Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 149 convicted Deguito of eight counts of money Former RCBC branch manager Maia Santos-Deguito during a Senate hearing laundering for being involved in on the money laundering case facilitating the transfer of $81 million from the operation that stole a total of the Bangladesh central bank.

Inquirer.net photo $81 million from Bangladesh Cen-

tral Bank account in the Federal Reserve Bank of New York in February 2016.

“Wherefore, premises considered, this court hereby finds Maia Santos-Deguito, guilty, beyond reasonable doubt, hence this court hereby imposes a penalty of imprisonment and fines,” the verdict stated as reported by The Philippine Star.

Deguito was accused of violating the Anti-Money Laundering Act for facilitating the transfer of the stolen cash four fictitious accounts at the RCBC branch on Jupiter Street in Makati, which she

SEE STORY ON B5

had managed.

“She implemented, executed and transacted all these deposits and withdrawals involving huge and big amounts in United States dollars within a timeframe of less than two hours,” the Makati trial court stated.

The stolen money in the four accounts was then merged into one account under the name of William Go before being withdrawn and spent in casinos. Deguito’s legal counsel Demetrio Custodio said that they would file a motion for reconsideration. u PAGE A2

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FROM THE FRONT PAGE

Former RCBC manager found guilty...

PAGE A1 t “I should say that we have very good grounds to file a motion for reconsideration. We would like to point out here that this case will still follow a very long process. This is just a momentary setback in so far as Ms. Deguito is concerned,” Custodio added as reported by BusinessWorld.

Custodio denied Deguito’s involvement in the said heist noting

that the accused is “a very lowly bank officer who has nothing to do with operational matters.” He believed that “there should be more people who should be more liable for this.”

“She could not have done this on her own. A bank the size of RCBC could not have allowed a lowly bank officer to have planned this, so there are others involved in this,” Custodio told The Philippine

Daily Inquirer.

“The conviction of Maia Deguito is consistent with the bank’s position that it is the victim in this situation and that Ms. Deguito is a rogue employee,” RCBC spokesperson Thea Daep said as she repudiated claims that the bank is behind the said money-laundering scheme.

The court had imposed fines for each count of her AMLA violation.

The following are the different amounts per count: $5,985,833.47, $9,760,124.15, $19,951,502.13, $14,312,185.54, $7,236,154.62, $22,735,000.00, $15,215,977.26 and $14,323,269,46.

Deguito has bee sentenced with four to seven years in prison and fined her of $109 million for the eight counts of AMLA violations she was facing.

RCBC was fined with P1 billion in 2016 by Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas for allowing such crime to occur within its system. n

Palace remains...

PAGE A1 t problem. Addiction can be successfully dealt with using both residential and non-residential or community approaches,” it added.

The association noted the possible consequences of the government’s law enforcement methods.

It said that the public’s exposure to the summary executions of drug suspects would promote desensitization and perceive the lives of the innocent as collateral damage.

The palace spokesperson responded to PAP’s call for a “humane” approach as the group asked them to deal with “social issues that perpetuate addiction such as poverty and unemployment.” Panelo said that the rehabilitation of those they arrested is also taken into account.

“We are not limiting our solution to the arrest of those involved in the drug industry. We are also having rehabilitation centers established all over, so two-pronged eh, aarestuhin mo (you can arrest), may rehabilitation at the same time,” the presidential legal counsel added.

The Palace made the remarks following the PAP’s recommendation that the government amends Republic Act No. 9165 — also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 — to align it with the Philippine Mental Health Law (RA 11036). n

TAIWAN DONATION FOR ‘USMAN’ VICTIMS. Ambassador Michael P. Y. Hsu (right} hands over a check of $200,000 to Manila Economic and Cultural Office Vice Chairman Gilberto Lauengco at the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Ayala Avenue, Makati on Friday, January 11 to help the Philippine government and the people affected by Tropical Depression “Usman”, Makati. Taiwan said it is willing to provide timely assistance to the Philippines to help the affected Filipinos overcome the hardship and promptly restore their lives to normal.

PNA photo by Rico H. Borja

Duterte eyes arming local...

PAGE A1 t

yan ko ‘yan ng armas talaga... if they continue with this kind of… Mapipilitan talaga ako — siyempre kasi ang mga mayor they would feel naked without…

Maski ikaw naman makipaggiyera ka nang walang armas.

(I can also give weapons to the mayors if the rebels continue with this kind of… I will be forced to. Of course the mayors they would feel naked without arms, even you if you go to war without weapons),” he said. “‘Pag inorder ko, lahat na.

Siyempre ‘yung may mga pera, ‘yung magagandang baril. (If I ordered, all of them. Of course those who have money, they will get high-caliber weapons),” the President added.

Despite that, Duterte said he is still willing to resume the peace talks with the rebel group if they would end their atrocities.

“If they can tone down, walang ambush, walang patay ang pulis ko, sundalo ko, pwede pa kaming mag-usap. (If they can tone down, stop the ambush, killing

of my policemen and soldiers, we can still talk),” he said.

He also repeatedly promised to provide communist rebels with housing and livelihood if they lay down their arms and return to the government fold.

The Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA has been tagged by the U.S. State Department and the European Union as a terrorist organization.

After Duterte lamented the continued attacks by the rebels on troops and civilians, the peace negotiations between the government and communist rebels bogged down in November.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Tuesday said that, despite the plans made by the Armed Forces of the Philippines, it is still impossible to end the communist insurgency this year.

“We cannot do it (end insurgency) this year because that is a big problem,” Lorenzana admitted during the sidelines of Tuesday’s joint Department

of National Defense-AFP new year’s call in Camp Aguinaldo.

The government and communist peace panels held backchannel talks to revive negotiations, but the resumption of the formal peace talks was halted by the government last year because it decided to review all agreements between the communists and previous administrations.

“We cannot end it in one year.

But if our target would be the remaining three years of President Duterte’s presidency, we can probably do it,” Lorenzana said, adding “Let me remind everyone that our [objective] for 2019 is to achieve the President’s desire to ultimately win the peace and finally put an end to local communist armed conflict.”

Duterte has since been going on a tirade against communist leaders. He previously called the 50-year insurgency as a “failed rebellion” as members of the NPA are aging and declining in numbers. n

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DATELINE USA

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A3

‘Boxing is my passion,’ says Pacquiao...

PAGE A1 t

COURTESY CALL. President Rodrigo Duterte engages in a conversation with Japan House of Councillors President Chuichi Date who paid a courtesy call on the President at the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday, January 8.

Malacañang photo by Rene Lumawag

Fil-Am union organizer, parents sound off on...

PAGE A1 t address increasing class size and staffing issues among other concerns.

After a cumbersome bargaining period between the union and LAUSD which yielded no solutions thus far, the union plans to hold the Monday strike following a superior court ruling on Wednesday, Jan. 9 that the union may legally strike.

Previously scheduled for Jan. 10, UTLA President Alex Caputo-Pearl announced that the strike will start on Monday, Jan. 14 over uncertainties concerning the district’s injunction that the union had no legal right to strike.

The strike was originally going to be held on Jan. 10 as the union announced weeks ago. But the LAUSD said that UTLA didn’t submit the required formal notice of the strike to the district. The union believed it was easier just to delay the strike a few days pending the judge’s ruling.

“Unlike [LAUSD Superintendent Austin] Beutner and his ad-

ministration, we do not want to bring confusion and chaos into an already fluid situation,” Caputo-Pearl wrote in a statement released on Wednesday, Jan. 9.

“Although we believe we would ultimately prevail in court, for our members, our students, parents and the community, absent an agreement we will plan to strike on Monday.”

The union has been in the bargaining period since Spring 2017 but no resolutions have been agreed upon. This will likely result in a sizable demonstration on Monday that highlights, not only the district’s problems, but also those of the U.S. public education system at large.

Why are teachers striking?

The two main issues at the center of this strike are class size, and increased staffing to shrink the growing classrooms.

And those concerns exemplify the state’s overall classroom size problem. According to data on UTLA’s website, California ranks 48 out of 50 in class size, meaning

that LAUSD teachers have among the largest class sizes in the state and country.

After two years of bargaining, mediation and fact-finding periods, the union remains unsatisfied with every offer the LAUSD has brought to the table, said Jollene Levid, a regional union organizer with UTLA and former school social worker, who said that UTLA is fighting for a “progressive, student-centered contract and for, frankly, better learning environments for students and a better working environment for educators.”

Media were quick to characterize this as a salary dispute, as many teachers’ strikes across the country had been centered around teachers’ wages.

But that’s hardly the primary mission, said Levid, who is also a former LAUSD student. Levid described the prime goals are to decrease the size of the average classroom and to increase staffing across the district.

PAGE A5

Pacquiao, Mayweather shake hands...

PAGE A1 t

mance by Apl.de.ap of the Black Eyed Peas and Filipina singer Jessica Reynoso and appearances by other Filipino-American personalities. Pacquiao sat second row accompanied by his wife Jinkee.

“I’m so thankful they invited me to be there for the Filipino Heritage Night. I didn’t expect Floyd Mayweather [would be] there, nagkataon lang (It was a coincidence),” Pacquiao told the

Asian Journal on Wednesday, January 9 after his appearance at the LA Clippers game.

After the first quarter, Pacquiao was on the court to toss T-shirts to fans in the crowd. He crossed paths with Mayweather, who was sitting courtside, and the two proceeded to shake hands.

The two boxers last faced off in May 2015 during what was billed as the ‘Fight of the Century’ — the negotiations of which were reportedly jumpstarted af-

ter the two met at a Miami Heat game in January of that year.

The Filipino boxer-turnedsenator has been in Los Angeles since December to train for his upcoming fight against Adrien Broner on January 19 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Pacquiao held a media workout day on Wednesday, January 9 at Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood, while Broner had his at Ten Goose Boxing Gym in Van Nuys, CA. ■

and Australia.

After beating Jessie Vargas in his last U.S. fight in 2016, Pacquiao lost by unanimous decision against Australian Jeff Horn in 2017, but won through a technical knockout in his fight against Lucas Matthysse in Malaysia in 2018.

Having recently turned 40, the Filipino boxer looked at home and focused during his training back in Los Angeles with Freddie Roach, whom Pacquiao has a 16year coaching relationship with.

At the Wild Card Boxing Club gym — his boxing base in the states — on Wednesday, January 9, Pacquiao told the Asian Journal that training has, for the most part, remained the same with a few adjustments in recovery.

“Walang pagbabago ang training natin pero yung time lang, may changes sa time ng pag-eensayo natin. Mas inaalalayan natin ang body natin to recover without pushing all the time (There is no change in our training, but only in time, there are changes in our warmup. We listen to our body in order to recover without pushing all the time),” said Pacquiao.

On recent comments by Roach, who told reporters he believes Pacquiao will go for the knockout with his “killer instinct,” Pacquiao agreed.

“It is true. I still have that killer instinct,” he told reporters. “The fire in my eyes is still there.”

Pacquiao (60-7-2, 39 KOs) has amassed an impressive career in boxing, fighting some of the biggest names in the game like Oscar de la Hoya, Juan Manuel Márquez, Marco Antonio Barrera, Érik Morales, Miguel Cotto, and Floyd Mayweather Jr. — names he dropped as some of his top fights as far as preparing for the next one.

Despite having won his last two fights in the U.S. before the hiatus, his 2015 fight with Mayweather was the last one he lost in the states by unanimous decision, and one that’s been the center of possible rematch inquiries.

At a recent Filipino Heritage Night hosted by the LA Clippers, Pacquiao ran into Mayweather, but not much was said between the two.

And while Pacquiao has repeatedly said in the days leading up to the upcoming fight that he wants to take fights one by one and has no lineup of whom he wants to fight next, he did acknowledge that questions of a possible rematch with May-

Former four-division world champion Adrien “The Problem” Broner hosted his own media day on Wednesday, January 9 at Ten Goose Boxing Gym in Van Nuys, CA. Broner faces Pacquiao for the World Boxing Association Welterweight world title on January 19.

Photo by Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

Manny Pacquiao and trainer Freddie Roach spar for several rounds during the eight-division world champion’s media day workout at Wild Card Boxing Gym in Los Angeles on Wednesday, January 9.

AJPress photos by Noel Ty

weather were inevitable.

“You cannot avoid people who ask about a rematch with Floyd Mayweather because they have a big question in their heart that I should’ve won that fight,” said Pacquiao. “I’ll just answer I don’t have a plan yet. I’m just focused on [the] next fight. Broner is a champion fighter and I can’t underestimate him.”

The boxer-turned-senator went on to say, “Broner is a former champion. He moves fast.

He’s a good boxer. That’s why I don’t talk about my next fight until I finish this business against Broner.”

Asked about his opinion on Mayweather’s exhibition fight in Japan last December, Pacquiao seemed to not have much to say on it.

“Supposedly it’s just about entertaining people,” he said.

Broner told reporters on Thursday that the fact that many have labeled him as a heavy underdog in the fight, has been motivating for him. His fight with Pacquiao will be his first pay-per-view fight.

“I don’t let it get to me. I can’t wait to hear the bell ring on Jan-

uary 19,” said Broner.

The American boxer held his own media workout the day before at Ten Goose Boxing Gym in Van Nuys, California.

Being 0-1-1 in his last two fights with a draw to Jessie Vargas in 2018, and a loss to Mikey Garcia in 2017, Broner (33-3-1-, 24 KOs) said beating someone of high caliber like Pacquiao would mean a lot.

“In life, they say you’re only as good as your last performance, so it’s really going to sweep a lot of things under the rug,” said Broner. “It’s going to be huge.

I’m well prepared.”

As for Pacquiao who has also made a career in Philippine politics, he’s made clear that boxing is still in his future.

“I’ve already accomplished what I want to accomplish in life.

What I want to do is maintain and stay in boxing. That is my passion,” said Pacquiao.

The Pacquiao-Broner fight will take place on Saturday, January 19 (Showtime PPV, 9 p.m. ET) at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. (With AJPress reports by Mark Xavier Bautista)

A january 12-15, 2019 • La WEEKEnD aSIan jOurnaL

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Federal shutdown mostly spares Newsom diverges sharply from health coverage, but other issues loom Washington with health care budget The length of the shutdown will dictate how furloughed and unpaid workers will be affected

by JULIE

APPLEBY Kaiser Health News

AS the partial government shutdown drags on, about 800,000 federal employees who work for the shuttered agencies — and their families — are facing the reality of life without a paycheck.

And those workers need to consider a host of other related issues as they attempt to make ends meet.

For starters, what will happen to their health insurance?

For the most part, federal employees needn’t worry about that, according to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) in an FAQ blog post.

Both the online FAQ and the health insurance industry’s trade association confirm that coverage through the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program will continue even if some federal agencies affected by the shutdown aren’t issuing those paychecks or paying premiums.

“The shutdown should not impact their coverage,” said Kristine Grow, spokeswoman for America’s Health Insurance plans, the trade group that represents insurers, including those that offer coverage through the federal program. “It’s business as usual.”

Once the shutdown ends and those payments resume, workers should expect that their usual share of premiums plus some of the accumulated amount that wasn’t deducted during the missed pay periods will be taken out.

“Procedures may vary somewhat by payroll office, but the maximum additional deduction allowed under regulations is one pay period’s worth of premiums (in addition to the current pay period’s premium),” said an OPM spokeswoman.

What about government contract workers?

Less clear is what happens to workers under contract with the affected federal agencies — including some people working as analysts, administration assistants and janitorial staff — who are mostly excluded from the FEHB program.

Many companies that contract

with the federal government offer workers insurance. The federal Office of Personnel Management recommends these contracted employees consult the human resources office at their company for answers regarding the shutdown.

“In 95 percent of cases, even if it’s not required by law, I would think most everyone would continue that coverage,” said Rachel Greszler, a senior policy analyst and research fellow at the Heritage Foundation who studies economics, budget and labor issues.

For contract workers who buy their own coverage and are struggling to pay bills without their paychecks, it’s a different story. One strategy may be to ask their insurers for a grace period in paying their premiums, similar to how the government has suggested workers seek accommodation from mortgage lenders and other creditors. But there is no requirement that insurers grant such a request.

“We are concerned about the disruption that this shutdown has caused our members and their families,” noted a corporate statement from CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield. “We are currently exploring how to best address this issue should the shut-down continue.”

What else could be affected?

Depending on how long the shutdown lasts, dental, vision and long-term care insurance programs may start sending bills directly to workers.

Federal workers pay the premiums for these benefits themselves, according to Dan Blair, who served as both acting director and deputy director of the OPM during the early 2000s. He is now a senior counselor and fellow the Bipartisan Policy Center.

Because workers’ checks are not being processed, the amounts usually sent to these carriers each pay period also aren’t being paid. If the shutdown lasts longer than two or three pay periods, workers will get premium bills directly from these firms and should pay them “on a timely basis to ensure continuation of coverage,” the OPM says in its FAQ. Blair agrees.

There also may be a delay in

processing claims for flexible spending accounts. These are special accounts in which workers use pretax money deducted from their paychecks to cover certain eligible medical expenses, such as eyeglasses, braces, copayments for doctor visits or medications, including some over-the-counter products. With no paychecks going out, these deductions are not being made and transferred into FSAs. Once paychecks start up again, the amount deducted will be adjusted so the worker will get the annual total they had requested.

During the shutdown, though, reimbursement claims to these accounts also won’t be processed, the OPM says. Blair suggests holding off on big-ticket purchases during the shutdown, if possible, and always keeping paperwork on the purchases.

Another consideration: Those who changed plans before the furlough may find their paperwork wasn’t processed in time.

In those cases, the OPM says to stick with the old health plan until the shutdown ends and the new plan is processed. The new plan will pick up any claims incurred.

How will workers know if their change was processed? The OPM’s FAQ says workers who receive an ID card in the mail are enrolled.

“The new policy will be what applies and pays benefits, but there could be some administrative burdens and hassles on the part of workers if the shutdown continues much longer, if the initial bills are not going to the right insurance company,” Greszler said.

Overall, Blair says workers should continue to monitor news media sites, particularly those that focus on federal workers and issues, looking for any updates.

“We’re getting into uncharted territory and there are always things that pop up that no one has planned for,” said Blair, who did not face any shutdowns during his tenure at OPM. This story was produced by Kaiser Health News, which publishes California Healthline, a service of the California Health Care Foundation. n

by SAMANTHA

YOUNG

AND ANA B. IBARRA Kaiser Health News

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Gov. Gavin Newsom on Thursday unveiled his first state budget, one that leads California down a very different health care path than the one Washington has forged.

The progressive blueprint embraces a state health insurance mandate, beefed-up insurance subsidies, coverage for undocumented immigrants and six months of paid parental leave — not unexpected from a Democrat who campaigned on expanding health care and criticized President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans for eroding the Affordable Care Act. The new governor declared his $209 billion state budget proposal, of which health care accounts for nearly 30 percent, “a reflection of our values.”

Newsom’s 2019-20 budget plan is just the starting point. He must negotiate with the legislature on a final budget by June 15 — so some of these proposals are certain to change or be eliminated.

“These are first-in-the-nation, new steps to provide new help for people to afford access and coverage,” said Anthony Wright, executive director of Health Access California. “That’s a good thing.”

Lee Ohanian, a senior fellow at the conservative Hoover Institution and an economics professor at the University of California-Los Angeles, countered that California would need to cut costs if it wants pay for Newsom’s initiatives.

“Newsom has a long list of very expensive things he would like to do,” Ohanian said. “He’s going to have to take money from something else.”

While the Democratic legislature is generally supportive of expanding health care coverage, there are both political and financial obstacles to the sweeping proposals that Newsom has laid out.

The governor’s plan to create subsidies for middle-class Californians, for example, relies on lawmakers approving a financial penalty on the uninsured, which was an unpopular provision in the Affordable Care Act. Newsom estimated the penalty would raise roughly $500 million a year.

The estimated subsidies would be modest. For an individual who

California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s proposed state budget embraces a state health insurance mandate, beefed-up insurance subsidies, coverage for undocumented immigrants and six months of paid parental leave.

Photo by Ana B. Ibarra/Kaiser Health News

earns between 250 and 400 percent of the federal poverty level — or between about $30,350 and $48,560 — the subsidies would average about $10 a month, said Newsom cabinet secretary Ana Matosantos. Although these Californians already qualify for a federal tax credit under the Affordable Care Act, many still can’t afford their insurance.

For individuals who make between 400 and 600 percent of the federal poverty level — or between about $48,560 and $72,840 — and therefore don’t qualify for federal tax credits, the state subsidy would come to about $70 a month on average, depending on location and premium costs, Matosantos said.

“It will certainly be a help to some people,” but doesn’t do a lot to address overall affordability, said Larry Levitt, a senior vice president at the Kaiser Family Foundation. (Kaiser Health News, which produces California Healthline, is an editorially independent program of the foundation.)

Congress eliminated the federal tax penalty for uninsured people, effective this year, as part of its 2017 tax bill. In response, New Jersey, Vermont and the District of Columbia have passed their own mandates in an effort to keep healthy enrollees from dumping coverage. A third state, Massachusetts, already had a state mandate.

Newsom argued during his budget briefing that, unlike the federal tax penalty, the California penalty would not be considered a tax and would only need a simple majority to win legislative approval.

“California does not need to go in the direction of the rest of the

country,” he said.

Whether lawmakers will embrace the penalty is unclear, even though Democrats have supermajorities in both houses. California voters last year recalled a Democratic state senator who voted for a gas tax increase.

Assembly Health Committee Chair Jim Wood acknowledged the vote could be “a difficult one.” The Healdsburg Democrat, who is carrying a bill to create state-based subsidies, said he is hopeful his colleagues will consider all the governor’s health care proposals as a revenue-neutral package.

For example, the executive order that Newsom signed earlier this week that directs state agencies to work together to negotiate prescription drug prices could save the state hundreds of millions of dollars, Wood said. Those savings, along with the revenue from the health insurance penalty, could help pay for subsidies, or for coverage under MediCal for unauthorized immigrant young adults, he said.

“It’s kind of a three-dimensional chess game right now in trying to put all these things together,” Wood said.

Lawmakers last year considered extending full Medi-Cal benefits to both young adults and seniors who are in the country illegally. But the proposals were dropped during budget negotiations, in part because former Gov. Jerry Brown balked at the cost.

Medi-Cal is California’s version of the federal Medicaid program.

Newsom’s budget includes $260 million to pay for Medi-Cal for undocumented immigrant adults ages 19 to 25. California already covers all kids up to age

u PAGE A5

Groups urge Newsom to “prioritize...

PAGE A1 t acknowledged the historic oversight of the AANHPI community — which makes up 17 percent of the state’s population — and urged the new leadership to double down on specific issues that affect the growing community.

“Historically, the needs of AANHPI communities have been overlooked while their impact on the state has grown by leaps and bounds over recent decades,” said Anthony Ng, Immigrant Rights Policy Manager at Asian Americans Advancing JusticeLos Angeles. “The AANHPI community is critical to California’s shared future and should be considered and prioritized by the incoming Governor. We recommend policies that will uplift our most marginalized communities, and as a result, will lift us as a whole.”

Most importantly, the coalition emphasized the need to cater to low-income and limited English communities which exist in droves within the AANHPI community.

According to the massive APIAVote and AAPIData survey released in October 2018, Asian Americans remain one of the larger groups to support more government funding of public services such as health care access for undocumented immigrants, for which Newsom pledged his support.

Among the long list of recommendations the coalition directed to Newsom include: doubling down on inter-community relations (especially institutions’ protocol concerning school bullying), expanding protections to low-wage immigrant workers and taking down barriers to voting for the vast limited-English proficient voters in the AANHPI community.

“As someone who regularly looks to increase the leadership representation within commu-

nities of color, what will be his commitment to including the perspectives that comprise California’s diverse electorate?” Kim Yamasaki, executive director of the Center for Asians United for Self-Empowerment, told the Sacramento Bee on Nov. 5, 2018, before Newsom was declared the new governor.

“Particularly, within the Asian Pacific American (APA) community, I want to see APA community outreach being prioritized,” Yamasaki added. “And this outreach should be prioritized for all APA communities, including our South, Southeast Asian and Pacific Islander communities. Efforts to engage the APA community should be matched in labor and dollars.”

Newsom moves forward with single-payer health care, “modernizing” the DMV Just hours after his inauguration on Tuesday, Jan. 8, Newsom announced that he was moving forward with his ambitious, longawaited plan to convert California into a single-payer healthcare system.

Also known as “Medicare for all,” the system would comprise of a single public agency that handles health care financing.

Under the single-payer system — versions of which the United Kingdom and Canada have adopted countrywide — all residents of the United States would be covered for all medical services.

In a dramatic show of his ambition, Newsom formally asked for the federal government’s permission to allocate federal dollars and state funds into a singlepayer system, which would replace existing public and private insurance programs into a single system run by the state government.

The sweeping plan would expand coverage to more Californians, including health coverage for eligible undocumented immi-

grants.

“Every person should have access to quality, affordable health care,” Newsom said in an address on Facebook Live. “Faraway judges and politicians may try to turn back our progress. But we will never waver in our pursuit of guaranteed health care for all Californians.”

Considering the Trump administration’s animosity toward the State of California on a variety of issues, it’s unlikely it will grant Newsom’s request.

However, Newsom is currently working with members of the Democratic-majority U.S. House of Representatives to hopefully propose and pass a bill that would give states permission to establish their own health care systems with federal funding.

Newsom also seeks to double down on the “chronically mismanaged” California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

On Wednesday, Jan. 9, Newsom appointed California Government Operations Agency Secretary Marybel Batjer to helm Newsom’s DMV Reinvention Strike Team for six months.

Newsom’s goal is to revamp the state’s DMV, which continues to struggle with lengthy wait times, mismanaged voter registration and problems related to the issuance of Real ID cards, identification cards used for air travel in lieu of a valid passport or other federally-approved documents.

“By any metric, California DMV has been chronically mismanaged and failed in its fundamental mission to the state customers it serves and the state workers it employs,” the governor said in a statement. “It’s time for a reinvention and I’m grateful to Secretary Batjer for agreeing to take on this tremendous responsibility on behalf of California taxpayers.” (Klarize Medenill/AJPress)

File photos show Gavin Newsom — then state lieutenant governor and candidate for governor — campaigning with Gil Cisneros around AAPI businesses in California’s 39th congressional district on Saturday, October 27, 2018.

AJPress photos by Klarize Medenilla

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Newsom diverges sharply from...

PAGE A4 t 19, regardless of their immigration status. Newsom described the expansion as the right thing to do from both a moral and a financial standpoint.

U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) on Tuesday announced he would introduce legislation in Congress prohibiting California from using federal dollars to provide MediCal to undocumented immigrants.

However, Newsom’s budget would use state dollars to pay for the expansion, just as state funds pay for undocumented children’s coverage. Cassidy’s spokesman did not return an email seeking comment.

Among the health-related proposals that still need more vetting is Newsom’s plan to expand the state’s paid parental leave program from six weeks to six

months.

Details were scarce, and the governor said a task force is studying how to pay for it — whether through increased taxes on employers or using general fund dollars. That too could be a sticking point among lawmakers.

“I am a big proponent of parents spending time with newborn children,” said Assemblyman Jay Obernolte, the ranking Republican on the Assembly Budget Committee. “However, I am absolutely opposed to forcing employers to do that.”

Newsom’s budget also includes several other health-related initiatives, including: • $25 million to improve the detection and treatment of early psychosis, which includes symptoms such as hallucinations and disorganized thoughts and be-

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARy 12-15, 2019 A

haviors.

• $10 million to provide clean water, including bottled or hauled water, to communities during emergencies.

• $100 million for programs that coordinate health and social services and help provide housing for people with mental illness.

• $60 million to increase developmental screenings for children at 9, 18 and 30 months of age.

• $342.3 million to restore recent cuts in the In-Home Supportive Services program, which provides in-home care and transportation to low-income older people or those with disabilities.

This story was produced by Kaiser Health News, which publishes California Healthline, a service of the California Health Care REWARDED. President Rodrigo Duterte hands over a certificate of ownership to a wounded soldier who is one of the beneficiaries during the ceremonial turnover of housing units at the Pleasant View Residences in the City of San Jose del Monte, Bulacan on Thursday, January 10.

Foundation. n

Malacañang photo by Toto Lozano

Fil-Am union organizer, parents sound off on... WHO Philippines lauds passage of new law on HIV, AIDS PAGE A3 t “The No. 1 issue at the table is class size, by far,” Levid — who is Filipina-American — told the Asian Journal in a phone interview on Thursday, Jan. 3. “A lot of media outlets have really made this about salary, but we’ve already been offered a 6 percent salary increase. That was already on the table [and] we could’ve taken that and walked away, but that’s not the main issue at hand. It’s only a part of the picture.”

The other main issue is proper staffing.

“I remember being a student and having a nurse every day. We don’t have that right now,” Levid said. “We also need more social workers who can address the emotional needs of our students.”

Dahlia Heights Elementary School in Eagle Rock, for example, only has a nurse who comes in on Wednesdays. Some schools do not have a regular social worker or librarian, other staff members who help run the school.

Why is this important?

To understand the scope of the teachers’ cause, one must understand the scope of the district itself.

There are roughly 694,000 students in the vast K-12 district alone in Los Angeles, the same amount of public school students in the entire state of Oklahoma. The district oversees more than 900 schools and 187 public charter schools in a region diverse in socioeconomic levels, race and ethnicity and familial history in education.

In a statement provided to the Asian Journal, the LAUSD said that it welcomes “UTLA’s willingness to return to contract negotiations to avoid a strike that would do nothing to increase funding for public education or would only hurt the students, families and communities most in need. Los Angeles Unified remains committed to doing everything possible to avoid a strike and provide Los Angeles students with the best education possible.”

Most recently, on Monday, Jan. 7, the LAUSD offered its first proposal to the table in months that would essentially “reset” the contract mandate on class size, which is among the most crucial issues being brought to the table.

Though the control is not in the hands of the LAUSD alone. The State of California currently allocates $16,000 per pupil to the LAUSD per year.

On Wednesday, Jan. 9, Beutner was in Sacramento where he met with state lawmakers concerning more resources and funding for the district. In an interview with KCRW, Beutner said he supports the hiring of more teachers, nurses, counselors and librarians as well as the 6 percent teacher salary increase.

“We’ve put a very full offer on the table. We’ve been told by the state, the county, the independent fact finder...that we’re spending money too fast [and] we will run out very soon,” Beutner said, urging UTLA to “come back to the table” for further advise.

But the union claims that the district has a reserve fund of $2 billion that could fund the very issues that Beutner says he supports.

According to Levid, this mandate allows the district to increase class size in the event of a “fiscal emergency,” events which Levid said are, essentially, arbitrary.

“They don’t have to prove that they’re in a fiscal emergency, so they triggered [a fiscal emergency in Oct. 2018], but we know — and

the fact-finding panel and the mediators — everyone who has looked into the LAUSD budget has confirmed that LAUSD has a $1.86 billion reserve,” Levid asserted.

(Efforts to reach out to the LAUSD on confirmation of this claim have been met with silence.)

The bigger picture As racial divisions and ethnic identity become contentious topics across the country, the teachers’ strikes — and the fight for quality public education — highlights the overall injustice against communities of color.

A 2018 report from the Pew Research Center, students of color (non-white students) make up more than half of the 50 million students enrolled in public schools. It’s a relatively unsurprising figure that reflects migration patterns over the last three decades, particularly from Latin America and Asia.

In the LAUSD, Latinos comprise 73.4 percent of the student body (as of the 2018-2019 school year). While Asians comprise 4.2 percent, Filipino students make up half of LAUSD’s entire Asian student body (2.1 percent).

Why is race important? A 2016 Stanford study of students in the largest 100 U.S. cities found that students of color are more likely to attend public schools where a majority of the students qualify as “poor or low-income.”

Referencing this study Janie Boschma and Ronald Brownstein of The Atlantic wrote, “The overwhelming isolation of students of color in schools with mostly lowincome classmates threatens to undermine efforts both to improve educational outcomes and to provide a pipeline of skilled workers for the economy when such students comprise a majority of the nation’s public school enrollment.”

In short, increasing class sizes, insufficient staffing and low teachers wages are more likely to happen in public schools which minority students are more likely to attend.

The Filipino-American parents of a 4th grader at Mayberry Elementary, who asked to remain anonymous, expressed concern over the foreseeable “dwindling” of the American public school system.

The father, who is a professor of sociology at a community college, felt that there has been a “vague, yet definite grinding halt” in the fight to improve and expand resources for public education.

“Even if I wasn’t a professor, it wouldn’t be difficult for me to see the value we should all have for educators,” the father told the Asian Journal in a phone interview. “America is supposed to be the land of opportunity, right? And in that promise, the right to a good education. People move entire families so that kids get an education here. Yet, this is how we treat our teachers, and when you think about it, our students?”

Both parents felt that the swelling of class size is a concern across the country that should be prioritized by the federal, state and local government. Both parents are first-generation Filipino-Americans who had moved to the United States as children; they both were educated in the LAUSD. Each remembered the importance teachers played in their upbringing and wish the same for their 10-year-old. They worry that if class sizes increase, the quality of education will decline to the point where they would consider send-

ing the child to a private school.

But, of course, avoiding the high cost of private school tuition would be ideal and, as the mother said, “you shouldn’t have to pay for a school” that provides counselors, nurses and social workers on staff every school day.

“I worry because what if my daughter needs immediately to see a counselor or the school nurse and there isn’t one? Or what if the overall learning experience becomes troublesome with [the] current ratio of students to teachers? I think it already has become troublesome, and I think it’s a problem with an existing solution,” the mother said. (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)

by GAEA

KATREENA Philstar.com

CABICO

THE new law on Human Immunodeficiency Virus infection and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome would reverse the course of rising epidemic in the country, the World Health Organization Philippines said.

WHO Philippines hailed the passage of Republic Act 11166 or the HIV and AIDS Policy Act of 2018, which it said will aid in expanding access to evidencebased HIV strategies and facilitate easier access to learning about one’s HIV status.

The organization added that

the measure provides free treatment to Filipinos living with HIV and related illnesses.

“The WHO welcomes the new law as it helps elevate attention to HIV/AIDS and address some of the critical bottlenecks in the HIV programme in the Philippines,” it said in a statement on Friday, January 11.

President Rodrigo Duterte signed the new law on HIV and AIDS last December 20 but it was only disclosed to media early this week.

Supporters of the measure said it would help put an end to the stigma on people living with HIV or AIDS.

“We commend the Philippines, including the Department of Health, HIV partners and advocates for this new HIV law. It is a step in the right direction to reverse the tide of the HIV epidemic and save the lives of many Filipinos,” WHO Philippines said.

Government data showed a total of 8,533 cases of HIV infections, including 1,520 AIDS cases were recorded in the first nine months of the year.

According to the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/ AIDS, the Philippines has the fastest growing HIV epidemic in the Asia-Pacific from 2010 to 2016. n

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D ATELINE PHILIPPINES Duterte: I hope I have not

Supreme Court sets oral arguments for offended anyone by my harsh words third extensionof martial law in Mindanao

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday defended his harsh words against his critics, saying they were intentional to attack those who had been unfairly criticizing him even before he became president.

“Sinadya ko ‘yan para pangbastos… kasi kampanya pa lang binabastos na nila ako,” (I am deliberately being rude because they have been rude to me even during the campaign period),” said the President in a speech in Dimasalang town in Masbate.

“I hope I have not offended anybody by my strong words or my jokes,” he added.

Several individuals and groups, including the political opposition, the United States, the European Union, the International Criminal Court, some members of the Catholic Church and hu-

man rights organizations, have all been on the receiving end of Duterte’s harsh words.

Last year, he ordered the military to shoot female communist rebels in the vagina.

He also made accusations against former Interior secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II, who lost to him in the 2016 presidential elections, of ordering the ambush of former police general and now Daanbantayan, Cebu, Mayor Vicente Loot.

Duterte has consistently attacked the Catholic Church, as well. Once during a speech in Malacañang, he asked the audience to kill their bishops. He has also mocked the Catholic celebration of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, the Bible creation story, and the Holy Trinity.

Recently, he joked about “kidnapping” and “torturing” Commission on Audit (COA) personnel when he slammed

the agency’s accountability measures that were supposedly making things difficult for the government.

Malacañang has repeatedly defended his controversial remarks, saying they were merely jokes or the President’s expressions of free speech.

The Palace also said Duterte is unmindful of “any consequential erosion of his public support” because of his controversial statements.

“In fulfilling his constitutional duty to serve and to protect the people, the President endeavors to be creative, using means that may be unnerving to the conservatives unused to his ways of governance but effective in putting across message he wants to convey to the majority of the people who, surveys show, approves of his maverick methods,” said presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo last week. n

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THE Supreme Court justices decided to hold its oral arguments on the third extension of martial law in Mindanao on January 22 and 23 in response to the petition filed last week by the group led by Albay Representative Edcel Lagman.

The opposition group led by Lagman included lawmakers who challenged the necessity of extending the military rule in the region. Their petition urged the high court to bid the extension and the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus in Mindanao as unconstitutional.

“President Duterte’s letter dated 06 December 2018 to the Congress initiating a third extension failed to demonstrate the sufficient factual basis for his request, and his allegations of lawless violence and terrorism were not connected to rebellion,” Lagman said as reported by The Philippine Daily Inquirer.

Among the other petitioners

were Akbayan Rep. Tom Villarin, Ifugao Rep. Teddy Baguilat Jr, Caloocan City 2nd District Rep. Edgar Erice, Magdalo Rep. Gary Alejano, Quezon City 6th District Rep. Jose Christopher Belmonte, and Dinagat Islands Rep. Kaka Bag-ao.

The opposition group criticized the factual basis of the third extension noting that the safety of the general public in the said area is no longer compromised.

They stated that Mindanao is “not imperiled” anymore because rebellion “does not exist and persist.”

The lawmakers also argued that there is no need for another extension after the military forces ended the Marawi siege and defeated the Maute group and a faction of the Abu Sayyaf. The petitioners claimed that there was no actual, ongoing armed uprising against the government to justify the new extension.

Lagman and his colleagues who were dubbed as the ‘Magnificent 7’ in the House of Representatives cited President Ro-

drigo Duterte’s announcement in October 2017 that Marawi was already liberated.

SC spokesman and court administrator Midas Marquez then asked the petitioners to submit their comment within a non-extendible period of seven days from receipt of the notice to be able to set the oral arguments.

The high court earlier noted that “the manner of Congress’ deliberation with respect to the president’s request for the extension of martial law in Mindanao for one year is not subject to judicial review.” “(The legislation exercises) full discretionary authority except on a clear showing of such arbitrary and improvident use of the power such as would constitute a denial of due process,” the high court stated.

The opposition team voted against the third extension. According to them, the martial law declaration and suspension of the writ of habeas corpus would now reach a total of 891 days with the extension. n

Filipino lawmakers laud passing of HIV and AIDS law

by NATHALIE

ROBLES

AJPress

IMMIGRATION

• Family and employment based green cards • Business and Investor Visas • Deportation defense • Motions to Reopen • Appeals • Humanitarian Reinstatement of revoked petition • Naturalization • H-1B and student visas

by AJPRESS

Darrick V. Tan, Esq. Licensed in California for over 17 years Licensed in Nevada for over 12 years* UCLA, Bachelor of Arts, Political Science with Cum Laude honors Southwestern University Law School, Juris Doctor Admitted to U.S. District Court, Central District of California Member, American Immigration Lawyers Association Member, Consumers Attorney Association of Los Angeles Former Member, Board of Governors, Philippine American Bar Association *Inactive

MEMBERS of the legislation who pushed for the measure to address the rising cases of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) in the country, said that the new law recently signed

by President Rodrigo Duterte, would “offer new hope to generations.”

Senator Risa Hontiveros and Dinagat Island Representative Kaka Bag-aolauded the signing of the Philippine HIV and AIDS Policy Act of 2018.

“I am happy that the measure was finally signed into law by the President. It is a great way to start the new year. The law affirms a human rights-based, humane and scientific approach in addressing HIV and AIDS,” Hontiveros, who is the principal author of the bill in the Senate, said as reported by The Philippine Daily Inquirer.

The senator presented the data that the Philippines remains as the only country in Southeast Asia where cases of HIV and AIDS continue to increase. A report showed that there was a 170-percent increase in reported cases among those in ages 15 to 24.

“It will protect the rights of persons living with HIV, afford accessible treatment through updated health technologies, and educate more people for prevention and destigmatization,” the senator added.

Bag-ao, co-author of the law, attributed its success to people with HIV and AIDS and its advocates noting that through the policy act the government can “ensure economic empowerment and independence designed for PLHIVs.” Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo announced on Wednesday, January 9, that

Malacañang confirmed that Pres. Rodrigo Duterte signed the law in December 2018. It hurdled the the Congress before it went on a break last October 10.

Malacañang photo

President Duterte has signed the HIV and AIDS policy act otherwise known as the Republic Act 11166, replacing Philippine AIDS Prevention and Control Act. “We consider its enactment and signing timely and relevant on account of the report of the Department of Health disclosing that our country has the highest percentage relative to the increase of new HIV cases in the Asia-Pacific region from 2010 to 2016,” Panelo said.

Aside from addressing the spread of the HIV and AIDS, but it would also give people living with HIV and AIDS the medicine and care they needed without discrimination and prejudice from the general public.

“The law would deliver proper treatment, care and support services to Filipinos living with HIV in accordance with evidence-based strategies and approaches which are in tune with key principles of human rights,

gender equality and meaningful participation of communities,” Panelo said.

“We laud our lawmakers including various stakeholders who immensely contributed to the passage of an updated legal framework addressing HIV and AIDS. This piece of landmark legislation will significantly reduce the stigma of people living with HIV or AIDS,” Panelo said.

Government data showed a total of 8,533 cases of HIV infections, including 1,520 AIDS cases in the first nine months of the 2018. Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS reported that the Philippines has the fastest growing HIV epidemic in the Asia-Pacific from 2010 to 2016.

The new law also has guaranteed that people living with HIV would not be deprived of opportunities for livelihood, micro-finance, self-help and cooperative programs due to their HIV status. n

More Filipinos concerned about Duterte’s health

by NATHALIE

ROBLES

AJPress

RECENT results of the recent Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey conducted on December 16 to 19 2018 claimed that 66 percent of Filipinos are concerned with the health of President Rodrigo Duterte.

In comparison to the figures presented in September 2018, the percentage of Filipinos who were worried about the president’s health rose by 11 points from 55 percent in the third quarter. Of the 66 percent, 22 percent were classified as very worried while 44 percent are somewhat worried.

Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo took the results positively as he deemed the response of the huge chunk of the population as an indication of Filipinos caring for the president.

It means that not only many Filipinos love the President but those who care for him have increased by 11 percent. The survey results show that an overwhelming number of Filipinos are praying for his good health, for his well-being and for him to finish his term, Panelo said.

The sizeable number of Filipinos who worries about Duterte’s health wishes to convey to the president that he remains in robust wealth for the sake of the country and the people, he added as reported by The Phil-

ippine Daily Inquirer.

According to the presidential legal counsel, the figures also showed that the people fear that a disease impairing the president would put an abrupt stop to the programs of the administration to fight crime, corruption and illegal drugs.

Our countrymen would not want to be stripped of the searing iron-clad political will kind of leadership given them by a debilitating disease or an untimely departure which will derail the unrelenting war against criminality, corruption and illegal drugs that have provided them the safety net against plunderers, criminals and scoundrels whose plunder of the nation’s wealth and resources for so long has divested the country of the economic and social engines for growth and development, Panelo explained.

Panelo stated the recent survey is a good enough proof that the criticisms thrown at the president were baseless. He emphasized how the strongmouthed leader is providing a safety net for Filipino families.

The SWS survey is at the same time a resounding rejection of the opposition, the critics and the detractors who continuously assault the President with ruthless and baseless accusations or condemnations, the spokesperson said.

The president is offering his freedom and his life so he could

save the succeeding generation from being addicted to illegal drugs and from the clutches of certain death, as well as so he could free their families from being dysfunctional, he added.

The palace spokesman clarified that the president has no health problems and is in good physical condition. He also noted that the Filipinos being worried about the president’s health meant that they are receiving the change that the administration has promised.

There is no cause for worry as he is in a fine state of health, and his punishing schedule of activities in attending and responding to the needs of the citizenry is proof of his good physical condition. Even as he performs his constitutional duties, he shall endeavor to always watch over his health, he said.

They worry that this President would not last his presidency.

Filipinos fear that such an unwelcome event will deprive them of the genuine change they have seen in his unorthodox, tough yet compassionate and caring governance, Panelo added.

The survey included faceto-face interviews with 1,440 adults all over the country. SWS said that the margin of error for regional percentages such as Metro Manila, Balance of Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao is +/-5 percent while national percentages are +/-2.6 percent. n

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A

Lorenzana: We can’t end insurgency this year

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

Palawan Beach

Philstar.com photo

8 Philippine beaches among the best in Asia

by CATHERINE

TALAVERA Philstar.com

MANILA — Eight Philippine island destinations were cited among the 50 best beaches in Asia in 2018 by a Canada-based online travel agency.

The Flight Network ranked Hidden Beach in Palawan as the number one beach in Asia and the third top beach in the world for 2018.

“You can distinguish this postcard-perfect beach from the rest by one magnificent trait – those unmistakable, protruding limestone cliffs,” the Flight Network said.

“Shooting out of the turquoiseblue lagoon straight to the sky, they draw your eyes away from the spectacular reefs and palmlined shores,” it added.

Last year, Hidden Beach was cited by Travel+Leisure as among the 13 places to see the bluest water in the world.

Joining the Palawan beach in the Flight Networks’ top five are Thailand’s Maya Bay and Railay Beach, India’s Radhanagar beach and Vietnam’s Bai Khem Beach.

Apart from the Hidden Beach, seven other Philippine beaches were also cited by the Flight Network as the top beaches in Asia.

Among these are Guyam White Sand Beach in Siargao (No. 13); Palaui Beach in Cagayan Valley (No. 22); Caramoan Island Beach in Camarines Sur (No. 29); Dahican Beach in Mati, Davao Oriental (No. 41); Gumasa Beach in Sarangani (No. 45); Alona Beach in Panglao, Bohol (No. 46); Kalanggaman Island in Cebu (No.

Guyam White Sand Beach in Siargao

49); and Paliton Beach in Siquijor (No. 50).

The Flight Network’s Asia’s Top 50 Beaches list gather insider knowledge of over 600 journalists, editors, bloggers and agencies.

“The resulting expert guidance ensured our list of Asian beaches offers those that have a taste for adventure, balanced by ultimate relaxation, all the needed insight to plan an unforgettable beachside journey,” the online travel agency said.

“Our life-changing list can help you plan a once-in-a-lifetime odyssey that takes you from the beaches of the Philippines, Thailand and Indonesia, to the

AJPress photo by Joyce Diane Balansag

shores of India, the Maldives, Malaysia and more,” it added.

Moreover, the Flight Network also mentioned Anawangin Cove in Zambales as the 50th top untouched beach in the world.

“Imagine a beach sheltered by a glorious mountainscape and evergreen trees. One that takes hours of trekking prior to arrival, with no electricity or mobile signal, but a striking vista that will take your breath away. That’s Anawangin Cove,” the Flight Network said.

“This exquisite hideaway is rich with natural treasures and a calm vibe that can make anyone forget about their woes,” it added. n

DEFENSE Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Tuesday, January 8. said that despite the plans made by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), it is still impossible to end the communist insurgency this year.

“We cannot do it (end insurgency) this year because that is a big problem,” Lorenzana admitted during the sidelines of Tuesday’s joint Department of National Defense-AFP new year’s call in Camp Aguinaldo.

He also pointed out that the communist insurgency has been festering for the last 50 years.

“We cannot end it in one year.

But if our target would be the remaining three years of President Duterte’s presidency, we can probably do it,” he added.

Winning peace Lt. Gen. Benjamin Madrigal Jr., AFP chief of staff, reminded defense and military officials in his speech at the event of their objective this year.

“Let me remind everyone that our [objective] for 2019 is to achieve the President’s desire to ultimately win the peace and finally put an end to local communist armed conflict,” he said.

According to him, this could be attained by “unifying our efforts at various levels of government with the end view of developing conflict-resilient communities” — referring to the national task force created to end the communist insurgency.

He also assured the public that ending the communist insurgency is “attainable” in a few years, explaining that localized peace talks and the implementation of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program, or E-CLIP, had been working to persuade droves of New People’s Army (NPA) fighters to surrender.

The current NPA strength is at approximately 4,000 regular members, as placed by the defense secretary, while its militia and underground movement is at some 50,000 members.

Too many things to handle “We have to move [the 2019 deadline] because it is not yet attainable. There are still too many things to handle,” Lorenzana said.

He also said he would support the possible revival of peace talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)-NPA — as long as negotiations were held in the Philippines and there were local-

ized peace talks that were already working.

“Mr. Sison, if you want the peace process, as the president said, let’s talk here in the Philippines, not in Norway,” Lorenzana addressed.

He also asked the communist rebels to be sincere in seeking peace.

“What we are seeing here is because of the success of our localized peace talks, he (Sison) wants negotiations to resume so it will be Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana held abroad,” he said. n Inquirer.net photo

A8 JANUARY 12-15, 2019 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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OPINION

FEATURES

No joking matter

ANY administration that claims to give priority to eradicating corruption should be boosting the capabilities of the agencies with the constitutional mandate to hold public officials accountable. These are the Office of the Ombudsman and the Commission on Audit (COA).

This week, President Rodrigo Duterte received flak for saying during a public gathering that COA auditors should be kidnapped and tortured. His spokesman quickly stressed that the statement was clearly a joke.

In the age of tokhang or double barrel, however, presidential statements that make light of violent assaults can inspire public officials with criminal minds to actually carry out attacks on those who dare scrutinize their illegal activities.

Similar concerns have been raised by several sectors over the president’s remarks on women, sexual molestation and rape. Palace officials have also downplayed the remarks as jokes. But critics point out that the issues are no joking matter, and could encourage sexual attacks especially on Filipino women working overseas. Migrant workers are vulnerable to abuse. Too many Filipinos over-

seas have suffered sexual abuse and other forms of physical violence and molestation at the hands of foreign employers.

There are many ways of breaking the ice or holding the attention of the audience during public events. Jokes can always be cracked, but national officials are held to higher standards of speech and behavior because they are regarded as leaders and models for the citizenry.

The work of government auditors is difficult enough – and dangerous in many areas. Instead of public ridicule and threats, the COA needs to have its capabilities boosted so it can do a better job of promoting good governance. If those whose job is to ensure the judicious use of people’s money are subjected to threats, ridicule and violent assault, the joke will be on the nation. But it will be too painful to laugh. (Philstar.com)

Editorial

Philstar.com photo

Trump refuses to end shutdown, plans to declare national emergency to get money from disaster relief fund to pay for his wall PRESIDENT Donald Trump walked out of his meeting with Democrats aimed at finding common ground to solve the border crisis and END the government shutdown.

This happened after he asked House Speaker Nancy Pelosi if he would be getting the $5.7 billion to fund his wall (which he claimed during his address from the Oval Office is but a part of the solution to the border crisis) and Pelosi said NO. Trump said “byebye” and left.

The spending bill passed by the Democrats and the Republicans in the House already appropriated $1.6 billion to strengthen the border. Contrary to the misinformation being peddled by Trump and his minions, the Democrats want to strengthen the borders but do not believe spending too much money on a medieval wall will be the most cost-effective way to solve the problem. They were hoping to negotiate with the president on a smarter way using technology to help solve the crisis at the border, to deter illegal entry of undocumented immigrants, stop the infestation of drugs and the entry of criminals not only in the southern border but in points of entry to the United States. For Trump, however — no wall, no talk, no stopping the government shutdown.

On Thursday, January 10, House Democrats and Republicans passed a spending bill that hoped to open the government but did not provide funding for the wall. The bill was sent to the Senate where

at least three Republicans have The Fil-Am signified voting yes, BUT Republican Senate Majority Leader Perspective Mitch McConnell would not even subject the bill and any other bill to a vote because Trump would not sign them.

Therefore, on Friday, Janu- GEL SANTOS-RELOS ary 11, more than 800,00 federal workers, who have been working without pay or have been furloughed since December 22, 2018, received a $0 paycheck to pay for their mortgage or rent, credit cards, tuition for their children, car payments, medical insurance premiums, medicines, gas, and all their basic needs. Most of them have depleted their savings, many living paycheck-to-paycheck. Others contracted loans to help them survive, while some sold whatever assets they have to pay for the bills.

But not only the federal workers and their families are hurting because of the government shutdown, WE all are affected as we all depend on government services like food and drug inspections, our tax refund, the security in our airports and other ports of entry, immigration court hearings, etc — all because President Trump chose to continue to shut down the government until he gets his taxpayers’ money to pay for his wall that he promised Mexico would be paying for.

Truth in an ecosystem of free will and moral responsibility

Rhizomes

PROSY ABARQUEZDELACRUZ, J.D. “A thought transfixed me: for the first time in my life I saw the truth as it is set into song by so many poets, proclaimed as the final wisdom by so many thinkers. The truth—which love is the ultimate and the highest goal to which man can aspire. Then I grasped the meaning of the greatest secret that human poetry and human thought and belief have to impart: The salvation of man is through love and in love. I understood how a man who has nothing left in this world still may know bliss, be it only for a brief moment, in the contemplation of his beloved.” – “Man’s Search for Meaning” by Holocaust survivor Viktor E. Frankl, as displayed at the Holocaust Memorial in Berlin, Germany.

“Truth entices us there on the frontier between fact and interpretation, and we strive for honesty in representing what is entrusted to us. We combine that honesty with a humility that comes from knowing beyond all doubt that whatever we believe, whatever we claim, whatever we know, the next generation will surely say, “That’s not good enough! We need to know more and we need to know better!” – Sander M. Goldberg, distinguished research professor of Classics at UCLA, 2018.

“The real work of the poem is the education of the emotions.

Poems are like dreams: in them you put what you don’t know you know. They are roadmaps of our humanity. Nothing is too wonderful to be true.” – Amber West,

Asst. Director, UCLA Undergraduate Writing Center, synthesizing David Yezzi, Adrienne Rich and Michael Faraday.

THE current White House is illustrating to us by its presidential actions that facts and evidence do not matter. The truth is daily bent and called “alternative facts.”

Mainstream media go along by keeping an inventory of the presidential lies, 6,000+ now since he assumed office.

But, we know from science that the earth is round, not square, and certainly not by any stretch of the imagination, that the earth is a triangle.

We also know from our lives in the 21st century that our climate change has been erratic and wild.

To deny global warming makes us all complicit in passive destruction of Mother Earth.

Truth of undeniable global warming Agriculture is one of the foremost industries in Switzerland.

Much of its agricultural farms, situated below the mountains, receive their water from thawing snowmelts that cover these mountains during winter.

On Switzerland’s website about climate, the country’s winters are now described as “The winters were formerly generally cold and snowy, but now freezing temperatures and snow are no longer the rule, especially in the lowlands.

Nowadays, many ski resorts could hardly survive without artificial snow. In spring (March to May) the trees blossom and the meadows turn green. Sometimes in April the winter returns for a short period and sometimes there are

summer conditions as early as May.” Should we insist there is no global warming?

Florida, once considered the summer capital for retirees, given its warm weather for most of the year, now experiences more hurricanes, and even snow flurries.

“December 8–9, 2017: Tallahassee received 0.10-0.20 in of snow, which was the first measurable snowfall in the city since December 1989 (it sees flurries every few years). The Tallahassee snowfall followed a couple hours of freezing rain,” according to Wikipedia. com. The Weather Channel also reported, “It’s the first time in 28 years that snow has fallen in Tallahassee, The Weather Channel reported. It was a day that no one could have imagined. And even when it happened, some people had a hard time believing it. On Jan. 19, 1977 — 40 years ago Thursday — it snowed in South Florida.”

Should we insist on no global warming?

Exercising one’s free will So, one can say, if it snows in Florida, one can choose to wear perhaps a down jacket or multiple layers of clothing for protection.

And to the more adventurous, they still insist on wearing their shorts that they usually wear for Florida’s summer weather. Yet, that would not endanger anyone else, but for the person choosing to wear only shorts and a t-shirt, when it is snowing. That is their exercise of free will choosing what they want to do.

But, for the White House and

Trump even doubled down on his lies when he claimed federal workers were willing to sacrifice so he could continue fighting for his wall, when in fact federal workers have staged protests and even filed lawsuits against the administration.

The president also attempted to rewrite history by claiming he never said Mexico would write a check to pay for the wall when videos during the campaign would just prove he is lying. He built his campaign around that promise to build the wall, deport undocumented immigrants using rhetoric that demonizes immigrants from the south and other people of color — branding them as rapists, drug peddlers, human traffickers, violent criminals with links to terrorists — all to stoke fear to win the election.

As the impasse continues and as he and the Republican Party have been feeling the backlash of their using federal workers as hostages to get taxpayers’ money for his wall, Trump is now seriously planning on declaring a national emergency to build his wall.

He has been planning to use the funds appropriated for disaster relief to help the victims of floods and wildfires in Texas, California, and Puerto Rico.

The Democrats and a growing number of Republicans would not budge and give in to Trump’s demand

because they do not want to reward the President for using federal workers as hostages to get the money for his wall. They worry that if they give in now, nothing would stop Trump to use the same dirty immoral tactic again to get what he wants. Republicans also worry that a Democratic president in the future may also do what Trump has been doing and circumvent Congress, which has been accorded “the power of the purse” by the Constitution.

And with the pathological lying President Trump has been doing every day, his fabrication of an emergency without basis in facts, what will happen to the United States when a real emergency happens? Will people believe him? Will our allies believe him?

If Trump decides to insist on funding for the wall and takes on the route of declaring a national emergency, he knows he may be facing a long legal battle.

Meanwhile, there seems to be no end in sight for the longest government shutdown as Trump takes America down the drain with him just because he cannot get what he wants like a spoiled bratty toddler.

Help us God! *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https://www.facebook.com/Gel.Santos.

Relos

Citizen Mike de Leon

Street Talk GREG B. MACABENTA

MIKE de Leon is a multiawarded cinematographer, screenplay writer and director in Philippine cinema. Among his first works as a cinematographer was Maynila, Sa Kuko ng Liwanag, directed by Lino Brocka. It was a harsh portrayal of life in the metropolis and the struggle for survival by its masses. Mike’s latest film as director was “Citizen Jake,” an indictment of Philippine politics and the octopuslike tentacles that have strangled the country and the citizenry.

Mike is also the son of the late Atty. Manny de Leon, and grandson of the legendary, Doña Sisang de Leon, the pillars of LVN Pictures and of the Philippine motion picture industry.

Most significant of all, Mike is a concerned Filipino citizen who has often portrayed, exposed and criticized the ills of his country through his art. Citizen Jake is one such portrayal by citizen Mike.

Like many of us, writers and opinion makers, who have bewailed cancer eroding our beloved country, there is a sense of helplessness in Citizen Jake, the movie, as of someone drowning and gasping for breath, flailing desperately for help but knowing the utter futility of his efforts.

I myself have been writing a newspaper column for three decades and, frankly, I wonder if I have made any impression at all in the minds of the readers and if Philippine politics and society u PAGE A9 have paid any attention to me.

I had the pleasure of having dinner and drinks with Mike the other night, along with advertising man Chris Viriña. They asked to meet with me about Citizen Jake. Mike would like to exhibit the film to the Filipino community in the U.S. Chris had told Mike about my access to the community in America and wondered if I could help.

I readily agreed to help. There is a soft spot in my heart for LVN Pictures and Mike’s father and grandmother, not to mention my admiration for Mike’s cinematic accomplishments. I wrote my first story and screenplay for LVN back in 1957, when I was 17 years old. “Barkada,” which starred Lou Salvador, Jr., was a story about teenage street boys.

Being a teenage street boy myself who just happened to have gotten a rare break in the movies, I felt that I was in my element when I wrote “Barkada.”

Not according to Doña Sisang. When she spotted me at the De Leon mansion in New Manila, Quezon City, where the old lady also had her office, she gave me a thorough dressing down. According to Doña Sisang, a movie had to appeal to all kinds of viewers – those looking for drama, action, music and comedy – and one had to please every one of them.

“Tinamaan ka ng lintik,” the grand old lady of Philippine cinema snapped, “You only pleased yourself with your movie.”

I would subsequently refer to that classic lecture on screenplay writing as the Diningding Doctrine or the Pinakbet Principle.

The good part was when Doña Sisang concluded the scolding

with, “Next time, you should do better.”

Thank heavens! That meant I could look forward to another screenplay assignment. In fact, my second assignment was the 20th-anniversary film of LVN, “Casa Grande.” It was a trilogy that featured all the stars of LVN and was directed by the studio’s most accomplished directors.

The first story in the trilogy was Herederos, directed by the legendary Manuel Conde. I wrote the screenplay based on a story by Manoling. The second story was Gerilyang Patpat, directed by another legendary director, Dr. Gregorio Fernandez. I also wrote the screenplay based on a story by still another legendary movie man, Lamberto Avellana, who would be named National Artist for Films. I was also assistant director of Gerilyang Patpat.

Mike and I relished our recollection of the Golden Age of Philippine movies (although past its zenith). However, the more important issue was finding ways to exhibit “Citizen Jake” in America to Filipino audiences.

One group seems to be the ideal partner for this undertaking. U.S. Pinoys for Good Governance has been at the forefront of overseas activism against corruption and incompetence in the Philippine government. Its national president is San Francisco lawyer Rodel Rodis, one of the most outspoken against President Rodrigo Duterte’s lapdog relations with China over the West Philippine Sea transgressions.

I also mentioned my activist

u PAGE A11

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OpiniOn & Features

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARy 12-15, 2019

A

Duterte tags human rights groups as ‘enemies’ National ID system to be tested this month

by NATHALIE

ROBLES

AJPress

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday, January 9, clapped back at the human rights group for deeming the government as their enemy as he noted how they criticize his every move but are silent on crimes perpetrated by drug addicts.

Ang mga human rights wala akong narinig ni isa. That’s the problem, (I never heard anything from human rights (groups), Duterte said during his speech in Dimasalang town in Masbate as reported by The Philippine Daily Inquirer. Ang human rights ninyo is ˜yung kalaban ang gobyerno. Gusto ninyo sirain talaga ang gobyerno (For you, human rights group is the government is the enemy You want to destroy the government), the president added.

The tough-talking leader said that the human rights groups should also condemn the killing of innocent people by criminals who fall prey to the influence of narcotics and illegal drugs.

Duterte emphasized how addicts become “slaves” to illegal drugs.

“Isali ninyo yung mga inosenteng pinatay ng mga criminal.

Mas marami yan. (Show concern also for innocent people murdered by criminals). They are slaves to a drug called shabu.

And they need it every day. At the end of the day, they become inutile,” he said.

“Pag sinira mo ang bayan ko, wala na tayong pinag-usapan. At hindi ako maghingi ng tawad sa inyo. Sinabi ko na sa inyo umiwas kayo. I will not offer any apology (If you destroy my country, that’s the end of it. I will not seek your forgiveness. I already told you to stay away from drugs),” he warned.

The human rights group Karapatan clarified that they are not the enemy of the government.

They emphasized that those who commit human rights violations are deemed by the general public as the enemy.

“It is actually those in government who order, encourage and perpetuate extrajudicial killings, illegal or arbitrary arrests, rape, torture, and other grave violations, as well as those who engender impunity and poverty and promote the sell-out of our country’s patrimony, who are considered by the people as their enemies,” Karapatan stated.

“We reiterate: Duterte’s sham

drug war and its consequences cannot be justified by the government’s inability to resolve criminality and its distorted and unscientific analysis on the roots of the problem of the illegal drug trade,” it added.

Karapatan also condemned the government’s method of using killing as all around solution to social issues. They said that the administration should focus more on the curbing the root causes in order to resolve the said issues.

“As long as the government sees that the solution to social woes is through its kill, kill, kill approach if it does not nip government corruption in the bud.

By being complicit in the entry and proliferation of illegal drugs in the streets as long as it doesn’t solve the root causes of poverty, it will always face criticism and opposition from the people,” Karapatan stated.

“Every day, every hour, several communities and individuals uphold and defend their individual and collective rights. The people are defending our rights. As long as Duterte continues to disregard these rights, he will be made accountable by the people,” the human rights group added. n

LISA Grace Bersales, National Statistician and head of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), said on Wednesday, January 9, that The Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) Act is set to be tested this month and rolled out

by September.

“We are going to start what we call ‘proof of concept’ or testing the system this January so we hope to have a launch before month’s end,” she said.

Bersales also said that through the proof of concept, the information technology department in charge of the PhilSys will be able to identify what needs to be adjusted on the design that will be procured sometime in the middle of the year.

“The main procurement will be May or June for the full PhilSys and then September is the roll out,” she added.

The PSA partnered with the Philippine Postal Corp. for the proof of concept. The target is to enroll a selected group of about five million individuals to test the system during the first quarter of the year.

“We have identified the groups

to be those that are under the unconditional cash transfers of DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development) and other more marginalized groups like IPs (indigenous people) and our senior citizens. But we would also want to test our mobile registration during this proof of concept,” Bersales said.

According to her, the proofing should have tested the IT processes and the process of registration that include getting a transaction number and waiting for the ID cards.

“Then we will do some adjustments on the system (by the sec-

ond quarter) which we will then procure by May or June. These are indicative schedules but the schedule for the rollout of the national ID is September 2019,” she said.

The PSA, Bersales added, would exponentially increase the number of citizens to register to about 26 million people per year starting in 2020.

The PhilSys Act was signed

by President Rodrigo Duterte in August last year. He said the program would cut red tape, reduce corruption, improve the delivery of basic services and serve as a tool to keep the public safe. n

fluctuations that NASA’s Intergovernmental panel concludes, “scientific evidence for warming of the climate system is unequivocal.” What factors contribute to global warming?

How do we stay morally responsible in the face of our global warming realities, primarily a rise in carbon dioxide?

Moral responsibility Moral responsibility refers to a “one-way guidance control.” It means, whether one is watched by a regulatory agency or not, one does the right thing and one considers the consequences and impact of one’s actions as much as to contribute to the larger public good.

“The 50,000 sq. km of the Central Valley play an essential role in American life: some 250 crops grow here, about one-quarter of the nation’s food supply. Agriculture on this scale requires an enormous amount of water, especially as water-hungry crops like almonds have gained popularity. And since the area’s river and rainfall levels fluctuate widely even month to month, farmers say they have no choice but to drill wells and draw aggressively on

aquifers,” The Guardian reported in July 2018.

In the Central Valley where most of our winegrowers were burdened by the drought, they explored getting new sources of water, digging deeper – sourced wells. Another factor is high-value crops that are being planted, like water-hungry crops, almonds.

So as we eat more almonds, we impact the water table in Central Valley, as well as earth sinking.

With extensive water extraction, earth subsided in certain areas.

Should we give up our wine supplied by big wineries to give a dent in their water extraction and wine production?

The Guardian reports “subsequent changes in water pressure alter underground architectures, leading to a sometimes-surreal slumping of land by as much as 10 meters.”

Where else in our lifestyle can we become morally responsible to Mother Earth? What about the cars we drive? Can we reduce carbon emissions by going hybrid or driving electric cars and reduce the use of gasoline? What about using more solar panels to reduce our power consumption by drawing energy from a renewable source, the sun? Can we help

educate our relatives in the Philippines, for example, who continue to burn garbage in their backyards, a practice that increases the amount of polluting gases in the air?

It is important we look at facts that affect the larger whole. How much of our daily lifestyle activities unconsciously contribute to the degradation of Mother Earth?

In Switzerland, the Swiss Army was called five times to bring water to the high mountains’ starving cattle due to drought in summer 2018. They knew that the short-term practice of water transport from Lake Geneva gave relief temporarily to the cattle and saved that animal industry, but it was not sustainable. They are now looking into how farmers can stop nitrate pollution in their water sources from farming practices, which reduced access to nearby water sources.

How much of our daily lifestyles consciously contribute to the earth’s preservation? Do we know which political candidates to vote for, who are those in denial of global warming? Will we reject them at the next election?

Our informed understanding of truth and its connection to our free will and moral responsibility

also informs our daily existence and ultimately survival on earth.

The next time you toast an anniversary, as you lift those champagne flutes, know the water wells they came from which irrigated the grape vineyards, know how much of that well water depleted the water tables during the drought and know how perhaps they may have even caused earth subsiding in the Central Valley.

It makes us all conscious that a simple act of drinking champagne affects someone beyond our borders and our collective salvation lies in truth and love for humanity.

Truth in an ecosystem of free will and...

PAGE A8 t

Republicans in both chambers of Congress to deny climate change, their wrongful beliefs become moral irresponsibility. Granted that they have the discretion to act on what they believe, their elective roles are to make laws for the larger public good, given so, they must do so based on scientific facts and evidence. We seem to allow them to forget why they are voted in the first place, to serve the public interests, not their party’s and certainly not their friends’ interests.

In the early 1990s, I attended a conference at UC Berkeley whose speaker included Josefino Comiso, a senior research scientist at the Cryospheric Sciences Laboratory of the Goddard Space Flight Center. He was the chief scientist in many NASA aircraft missions in the Arctic and Antarctic and he showed us photos he took showing the “feasibility of measuring sea ice thickness from space.”

Each year, that he has conducted the studies, the glaciers covering earth mass were decreasing.

Over two decades ago, the meltdown was barely evident. Twentynine years later, we see Facebook posts of folks on National Geo-

graphic ocean cruises and others witnessing the actual meltdown of these ice glaciers.

Should we still insist on denying there is global warming?

NASA on its website has indicators for climate change: 12.8 percent decrease per decade on arctic ice minimum (In 2012, Arctic summer sea ice shrank to the lowest extent on record); 413 gigatonnes ice sheets are decreasing per year (Earth’s polar ice sheets are losing mass); global temperatures are rising 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit since 1880 (17 of the warmest years records have occurred since 2001) and carbon dioxide is increasing 410 parts per million (its highest levels in the air since 650,000 years ago). From a low of 380 parts per million of carbon dioxide in 2005, we are, by our human behavioral practices, increasing the levels of carbon dioxide, measured now at 410 parts per million.

Their glaring conclusion of studying temperatures since 400,000 years ago show that atmospheric carbon dioxide never exceeded 300 parts per million for centuries and only in the last 650,000 years there have been

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

The PhilSys ID contain the PhilSys number (PSN)—permanent identification number that will be assigned to every citizen or resident alien—full name, facial image, date of birth, address and fingerprints of the bearer.

Philstar.com photo

*** Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz, J.D. writes a weekly column for Asian Journal, called “Rhizomes.”

She has been writing for AJ Press for 10 years.

She also contributes to Balikbayan Magazine.

Her training and experiences are in science, food technology, law and community volunteerism for 4 decades. She holds a B.S. degree from the University of the Philippines, a law degree from Whittier College School of Law in California and a certificate on 21st Century Leadership from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. She has been a participant in NVM Writing Workshops taught by Prof. Peter Bacho for 4 years and Prof. Russell Leong. She has travelled to France, Holland, Belgium, Japan, Costa Rica, Mexico and over 22 national parks in the US, in her pursuit of love for nature and the arts.

A10 january 12-15, 2019 • La WEEKEnD aSIan jOurnaL

Dateline PhiliPPines

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Devotion or fanaticism to the Black Nazarene?

Cardinal Tagle explains difference in homily

should be love, loyalty and service and unity.

“They have to work toward MANILA — There is a differthis goal every day in order to ence between devotion and fahave this kind of relationship,” naticism to the Black Nazarene, he said.

Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio The correct attitude of devoCardinal Tagle said. tion to the Black Nazarene should Tagle, who delivered the hombe spread and taught to others, ily during the Nazarene feast Tagle said. high mass, cited the three traits “The first one to be devoted to indicative of true devotion. us is Jesus Christ… He is devoted He said devotees need to posto His Father in heaven and he sess love, loyalty and being one also showed that he is devoted to with the Black Nazarene. us… In the Bible, He is the Son of “I will be devoted to Him, unGod who came down from heavlike the fanatics who do not know en,” Tagle added. how to love. The fanatics only This devotion is also to show cling on to those who give them the intention of the Lord, Tagle importance, but a devotee clings said. “(He does) not want to punish us but to save us,” the Manila prelate added.

Pain and suffering If Jesus went through so much pain and suffering, so should we.

Two young devotees of the Black Nazarene, in their 20s, believed this as they participated in the traslacion.

The Star saw student Christian Cerezo limping his way out of the thick crowd along Finance Road at around 9 a.m. on Wednesday, January 9.

His right ankle had been injured as he battled the people who mobbed the image’s andas or carriage.

Cerezo beamed as he claimed that for 10 minutes he was able to hold on to the rope that pulled the andas.

The rope is believed to be miCardinal Tagle, who delivered the homily during the Nazarene feast high mass, cited the three

by EVELYN

MACAIRAN Philstar.com

traits indicative of true devotion.

on to Him because he loves Him,” Tagle said.

Fanatics, if they do not receive what they want, would no longer be followers, he said.

“But devotees, because of love, they would remain loyal whether they receive something in return or none. For as long as I love you, I will serve you,” the Manila archbishop said.

Being one with Jesus Christ, Tagle said, is not an imitation but a union.

“Two hearts that would become close and beating as one,” he said.

Tagle clarified that while the devotees do not have a perfect relationship with Christ, there

Philstar.com photo by Miguel De Guzman

BARANGAY SUMMIT ON PEACE AND ORDER. President Rodrigo Duterte strikes his signature pose with Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año, together with Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista, Pasay City Lone District Representative Imelda Calixto-Rubiano, Pasay City Mayor Antonino Calixto, and barangay officials from the different barangays in Metro Manila during the Barangay Summit on Peace and Order held at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City on Tuesday, January 8.

Malacañang photo by Ace Morandante

PDEA: 2018 a banner year for anti-illegal drugs campaign

by ARTEMIO

DUMLAO Philstar.com

BAGUIO CITY — Investments on time, effort and resources paid off in the battle against illegal drugs in the country, the government’s primary agency against the drug trade—Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency—said in its 2018 roundup. “(It) is certainly a banner year for the national anti-drug camu PAGE A11 paign,” said PDEA Director Gen-

eral Aaron Aquino in a report provided by Director Derrick Carreon of the agency’s public information office.

PDEA said “the revitalized interagency coordination and collaboration, the active participation of the various sectors of society, and the strengthened foreign ties, have made all these achievements possible.”

PDEA tallied 6,438 anti-drug operations, 386 of which were high-impact operations, that it said disrupted the source of dangerous drugs. There were 25 percent more operations in 2018 than in 2017 and with 51percent hike in high-impact operations to 386 from 255.

At least 5,513 drug personalities were arrested, 1,612 of whom were high-value targets.

Those HVTs included 53 foreign nationals, 57 elected officials, 15 uniformed personnel, 43 government employees, 200 drug group leaders/members, 14 armed drug group members, 182 drug den maintainers, 10 “wanted-listed”, 146 “targetlisted”, “Other HVTs” numbering to 407, and 485 “drug personalities” arrested in HIOs. Total value of dangerous drugs seized in 2018 was P5.39 billion, a 16-percent increase compared to 2017. Majority of these were methamphetamine hydrochloride, or shabu, accounting for 655.47 kilos worth P4.86 billion.

PDEA said the P2.4 billion worth of shabu concealed inside two magnetic lifters intercepted at the Manila International Container Port on August 7, 2018 was perhaps one of the highlights of its achievements in 2018 Five shabu labs seized, 186 marijuana plantations destroyed PDEA clamped down on at least five clandestine shabu laboratories and one chemical warehouse used in the manufacture of illegal drugs, which was more than double its achievement in 2017.

At least 186 marijuana plantation sites with 869,682 marijuana plants, 136,510 marijuana seedlings, 97.4 kilos of marijuana stalks, two kilos of marijuana seeds and two kilos of marijuana hashish worth over P201.16 million were destroyed. This was a 589-percent hike compared to 27 illegal hemp cultivation sites raided in 2017.

An increase in seizures of ecstasy tablets was also observed in 2018 with 16,713 tablets confiscated in 2018 compared to the 591 in 2017, an unprecedented increase of 2,728 percent.

PDEA attributes the achievement “to the enhanced capability of PDEA personnel to detect hidden illegal drugs, including the party drug, entering the country via mail and delivery services,” citing that PDEA agents assigned in the airports and seaports have undergone xray cargo screening training.

Cleared barangays, harm reduction programs At least 9,503 drug-affected barangays since July 2016 were cleared of drugs in 2018. PDEA said the activation of Barangay Drug Abuse Councils was crucial in its success.

To complement the supply reduction strategy in eliminating illegal drugs in the country, the government also launched antidrug advocacy and drug awareness programs, and rehabilitation of drug dependents, PDEA said.

An estimated 25.84 million Filipinos were “reached” via 5,584,557 preventive education and community involvement activities such as lectures, seminars and symposia to the different sectors of society in 2018.

Recognizing that solving the drug problem entailing a holistic approach, PDEA conceptualized a harm-reduction program named “Balay Silangan”, designed for drug offenders to give up their former selves and enable them to be more productive and acceptable to society. It was launched on April 25, 2018. At least 21 reformation centers were inaugurated all over the country.

Better equipment, facilities Right at the start of 2018, PDEA provided equipment to its operating units with a total of P537,531,720 in firepower, protective, and surveillance equipment, the biggest in the agency’s history of procurement.

PDEA also hiked its workforce by hiring and training 429 Drug Enforcement Officers. A second batch, composed of 161 agenttrainees, is currently undergoing six months of training and is expected to graduate in February 2019. Carreon said this has been “by far, the largest recruitment of DEOs” in the history of the agency.

PDEA also opened the sixmonth basic K9 Handler’s Course Class 04-2018 in September. With 100 K9s and 100 K9 handlers, the batch is the biggest yet.

An enhanced K9 facility in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan was put up last September.

PDEA also established three Airport Interdiction Units, three International Airport InterAgency Drug Interdiction Task Groups, and 12 Seaport Interdiction Units in its regional offices in 2018, while it expanded its presence in the provinces by establishing provincial offices in 80 provinces and five districts in the National Capital Region.

PDEA also inaugurated its new Laboratory Service building at the PDEA National Headquarters in Quezon City. The world-class facility is equipped with analytical equipment that are at par with those in other countries. Apart from drug forensic examination and analysis, the laboratory was designed to enhance the safekeeping of seized drug evidence. n

)ROORZ XV RQ

In this file photo from August, 2018, PDEA agents examine some 500 kilos of shabu hidden in magnetic scrap lifters inside a container van at the Manila International Container Terminal in Manila’s North Harbor.

Philstar.com photo by Miguel de Guzman

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A11

Trillanes faces grave threat case, up for arraignment

by KRISTINE JOY

Philstar.com

PATAG

MANILA — Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV is facing yet another case as a local prosecutor charged the senator with grave threat from a complaint filed by Labor Undersecretary Jing Paras.

A state prosecutor found probable cause to indict Trillanes on violation of Article 282 of the Revised Penal Code. The Department of Labor and Employment official said that Trillanes, on May 29, 2018, threatened to kill him.

The information or charge sheet included the following quotes Trillanes allegedly told Paras at the sidelines of a Senate hearing: “Ang lakas ng loob mo. Hindi magtatanggol ang amo mo.

Matatapos din yan. Yayariin kita.

Mersenaryo ka. Yayariin kita (You’re gutsy. Your master won’t protect you. That will end. I will finish you. You are a mercenary.

I will finish you).”

“Tatawa-tawa ka pa. May araw ka din. Yayariin kita (Go on, laugh. You will have your end. I will end you).”

“Suwerte mo... mabait itong... secretary kun’di yayariin kita eh (You’re lucky... this secretary is nice, if he was not, I will finish you).”

The purportedly statements of Trillanes “[created] fear and anxiety on the mind of [Paras] that the threats will be carried out,” read the document signed by Assistant City Prosecutor Janette Herras-Baggas.

The case was raffled off to the sala of Pasay Metropolitan Trial Court Branch 47 Acting Presiding Judge Joeven Dellosa on December 7.

Dellosa set the arraignment and preliminary conference of the case in the morning of February 15.

The order dated Dec. 14, 2018 was made public only on Friday.

“The private complainant (Paras) is directed to appear before the Court on the same date for purposes of plea bargaining,

Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV confronted Department of Labor and Employment Undersecretary Jacinto Paras after a Senate session. They were pacified by Sen. Miguel Zubiri.

Philstar.com photo by Geremy Pintolo

Devotion or fanaticism to...

PAGE A10 t

raculous, he said, adding that he saw devotees gnaw on it so they could bring bits of it home.

As he made his way toward the rope, Cerezo was praying for blessings and good health for himself and his family.

Cerezo, a devotee of the Black Nazarene since he was 14, saw the pain and suffering as “normal.”

“Nothing compares to the suffering of Jesus,” he said.

But he said while the devotion was “not a contest” the people needed to avoid unnecessary harm.

Meanwhile, blood was oozing from the right eyebrow of promotions merchandiser Karl Louisse Leal.

He told The Star that he was hit by the edge of the Black Nazarene’s cross without noticing it as he touched the image.

The Hijos del Nazareno or Sons of the Nazarene pulling the andas came to Leal’s rescue.

Leal believed that the “accident” was worth all the pain.

“We can’t avoid getting hurt… in real life a devotee needs to go through suffering,” he said.

“When you have venerated the image, or touched the rope, the pain and suffering is all worth it.”

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) treated 619 mostly Black Nazarene devotees.

Of the number, 468 underwent blood monitoring; 131 suffered minor injuries, including punctures, bruises, abrasions and lacerations; 18 sustained major injuries like bleeding, fractures and difficulty breathing; and two others were brought to hospital, suffering from hypertension.

“The devotees endure the pain and suffering or threat to their life and limb because of their faith,” PRC’s safety manager Von Ryan Ong told The Star as their field hospital at the Bonifacio Shrine was accepting patients. n

Citizen Mike de Leon

PAGE A8 t

friends in Washington D.C., led

by Jon Melegrito, in Las Vegas, with Gloria Caoile and Rozita Lee, and in London, with Peps Villanueva and Gene Alcantara.

But the body of work of Mike deserves more exposure than simply through Citizen Jake.

Wikipedia lists Mike’s accomplishments as follows: “De Leon produced and served as cinematographer for Lino Brocka’s Maynila: Sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag in 1975. He won best cinematography award from the Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences(FAMAS) for Maynila.

“His first major full-length work was Itim (Black) in 1976.

It was voted by the Philippine’s Urian Awards as one of the Ten Outstanding Films of the Decade: 1970-79. The film also won him the best picture award at the 1978 Asian Film Festival held in Sydney, Australia.

“De Leon created Kung Mangarap Ka’t Magising in 1977, a tribute to his grandmother Doña Sisang, to celebrate the centennial of the family’s film company, LVN Pictures. Known for his varied experiments in styles of film directing, he made Kakabakaba Ka Ba?, a landmark film which portrayed a number of self-important totems of Philippine society. It won for de Leon the Urian award for best director.

“His other movies include Kisapmata (1981), Batch ‘81 (1982) and Sister Stella L. (1984). These films were later listed as the Philippines’s Ten Outstanding Films of the Decade: 1980-1989 by the Philippines’ Urian Awards.His blockbuster film, Hindi Nahahati ang

Langit (1985) was an adaptation of an earlier Filipino Komiks version of the same title. In 1987, De Leon also made Bilanggo sa Dilim, a full-length video commissioned by Sony Entertainment.

“Batch ‘81 was voted best picture by the Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP) where de Leon also won a best screenplay award. For Sister Stella L., he won best director and best screenplay in the Philippines’ Urian Awards in 1984. Kisapmata and Batch ‘81 were presented during the Directors’ Fortnight at the 1982 Cannes Film Festival. The film Sister Stella L. was an entry during the 1985 Venice Film Festival.”

“Mike de Leon deservedly received the Parangal Sentenyal sa Sining at Kultura at the Cultural Center of the Philippines in February 1999.”

Indeed, a Mike de Leon Film Festival may be a good idea following the exhibition of Citizen Jake.

Just one comment about this film. Mike expresses his frustration over the ills of his country by ending his movie with a gunshot. This reminds me of a play with so many characters and so many complications in the plot that one wonders how the conflicts could ever be resolved. Suddenly, a new character bursts on the scene with an automatic weapon and shoots dead everyone onstage.

The character then faces the audience and introduces himself: “I’m the playwright. I couldn’t resolve the conflicts, so I had to end the play this way.”

Curtains. (gregmacabenta@hotmail. com)

where allowed, and notification of trial dates,” Dellosa said in his one-page order.

Trillanes: I will face latest suit squarely “Like all the other harassment cases filed against me, I will face this squarely,” the senator said in a statement.

Trillanes said that he has returned to the country on Wednesday, January 9.

The senator went to Europe in December for a series of speaking engagements in Amsterdam, Barcelona and London.

He is due to leave again on January 27 to Feb. 10, 2019 for a series of activities in California, Washington D.C. and Maryland.

The grave threat case is just one of the suits Trillanes is facing.

Paras and lawyer Manuelito Luna filed inciting to sedition and conspiracy or proposal to commit coup d’etat before a Pasay prosecutor.

The senator is also facing a libel case before a Davao court.

Makati Regional Trial Court Branch 150 earlier upheld its issuance of a warrant against the senator over a revived rebellion case over his involvement in the 2007 Manila Peninsula incident.

Makati Judge Elmo Alameda stood by his earlier ruling that President Rodrigo Duterte’s Proclamation 572, which declared Trillanes’ amnesty as void from the beginning, had factual basis.

Trillanes is one of the staunchest critics of the president. n

DUNGAW. The Black Nazarene arrives at Hidalgo St. for the traditional “Dungaw” from Our Lady of Mt. Virgen del Carmen Coronada at the balcony of Basilica Minore de San Sebastian before the Translacion 2019 proceeded to the Quiapo Church in Manila on Thursday dawn, January 10.

PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler

Chief justice revamps Supreme Court divisions

by JOMAR

CANLAS ManilaTimes.net

CHIEF Justice Lucas Bersamin has reorganized the Supreme Court divisions in view of the retirement of Associate Justice Noel Tijam.

Under Special Order 2629, dated Jan. 10, 2019, Bersamin will now sit as the permanent chairman of the first division, with Justice Mariano del Castillo as working chairman.

Other members of the first

division are Justices Francis Jardeleza, Alexander Gesmundo and newly appointed Rosmari Carandang.

The Second Division will still be headed by Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio with Associate Justices Estela Perlas Bernabe, Benjamin Alfredo Caguioa, Jose C. Reyes Jr., and Ramon Paul Hernando as additional member.

The third division will be chaired by Associate Justice Diosdado Peralta with Associate

Justices Marvic Mario Victor Leonen, Andres Reyes Jr. and Hernando as the regular members. Carandang will sit as the additional member.

The additional member posts are caused by the two vacancies in the high court in view of the retirement of Tijam and the post vacated by Bersamin.

At present, there are only 13 justices. Tijam’s replacement is expected to be announced by Malacañang soon. n

A12 january 12-15, 2019 • La WEEKEnD aSIan jOurnaL

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SHOWBIZ&STYLE

B

JOURNAL 2019 is another busy year for the Comedy Queen

by LHAR

SANTIAGO ManilaTimes.net

Ai-Ai delas Alas

GMA photo

EVEN before 2018 ended, Comedy Queen Ai-Ai de las Alas was already preparing for a very hectic new year. She knew she will have her hands full as soon as the holidays were over with the many projects lined up for her in this Year of the Pig. Not that Ai-Ai is complaining — the hardworking TV and movie star just cannot say no to good offers that come her way.

And so to kick off 2019, AiAi will be shooting not one but three movies, two of which are comedies. The first is “Feellennials” (slang for “feeling mil-

lennials”) where she shares the screen with funnyman Bayani Agbayani, and produced no less

by Comedy Queen-cum-business woman Pops Fernandez.

Movie No. 2 casts her with a star-studded crop of fellow GMA artists but Ai-Ai begged off from giving The Times the details as the project is still under wraps.

Finally, her third movie should see her bringing out her dramatic chops anew, two years after her internationally award-winning role as an aging prostitute in the independent film, “Area.”

And while on the topic of indies, Ai-Ai told The Times she is also looking forward to a trip to Portugal this year with direc-

Angel Locsin on almost quitting showbiz: I was a big disappoinment

by JAN

MILO SEVERO Philstar.com

ANGEL Locsin revealed that she almost quit showbiz because of her spinal injury, adding that she felt she was a “big disappointment” at that time.

In an interview with select media before the press conference of her latest teleserye “The General’s Daughter,” Angel said she already submitted her resignation letter but changed her mind after talking to ABS-CBN’s big bosses.

“Thankful din ako na ngayon lang ako nagtrabaho. Kasi feeling ko dati ‘di ko kakayanin e. Ayoko na e. Ayoko na noon e. Nagreresign na ‘ko. As in may letter na ‘ko. Kasi parang feeling ko hindi ko deserved, di ko nagagawa yung trabaho ko. Parang feeling ko I’m a big disappointment,” Angel said.

“Sa body ko, hindi ko nagawa yung responsibility ko sa ABSCBN. Nahihiya ako kasi I’m paid e.

Parang ganon. Kaya akala ko ganun yung proper way para i-deal ‘yon. Buti na lang yung mga boss

Angel Locsin

Photo from Instagram/@therealangellocsin

ng ABS-CBN kinausap nila ‘ko. TaAngel admitted that those years pos after one week, may pinresent were very challenging for her. But tapos sabi, ‘Gel tignan mo lang now that she’s back in an action kung okay,’” she added.

PAGE B2

tor Louie Ignacio as their 2018 movie “School Service” is set to compete at a film festival that side of the world.

Ribbing the versatile actress she once concluded she never wins an award when she attends the ceremonies, she laughed out loud and stated, “Hayaan mo na!

Kasi ang isa pang purpose ng pagpunta ko doon is [to see] the Lady of Fatima. Alam mo naman that I’m a Marian devotee so I will really make sure makapunta ako.”

Meanwhile, TV-wise, Ai-Ai will continue to appear on the Sunday noon time show “Sunday Pinasaya” on GMA Network, which by the way, eats up two

days of her week every time with Saturdays set aside for rehearsals before the live show.

Add to that, she has a new series lined up for the middle of the year, as well as offers for shows abroad.

But of course, Ai’s biggest milestone for the year is sure to be her 30th anniversary concert in November at the Araneta Coliseum.

“My original plan was to hold the concert next year pa but I realized that I really started in showbiz in 1989 so 30 years na ko this year, kaya dapat ngayong taon ko na gawin ‘yung concert.”

Major production numbers

are already being planned for the concert this early, which will trace her journey as a performer and actress.

“Gusto kong makasama ‘yung mga bago kong nakatrabaho at ‘yung mga luma. I want my friends in the industry to be there. I want people who have been part of my journey to be there and I also want all my children to be present. Gusto ko kumpleto kami. I want to do a number with them,” she enthused.

After she stages the milestone, Ai-Ai revealed she will finally begin her biggest project, albeit toward the end of the year PAGE B2

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Fil-Am actor Dante Basco to develop comic series ‘Kids Being Kids’ into feature film Comic series explores youth culture in the Philippines

FIL-AM actor Dante Basco — best known for playing the red-mohawked Rufio in Steven Spielberg’s “Hook,” and Zuko in the animated series “Avatar: The Last Airbender” — is working to turn a comic series called “Kids Being Kids” into a full feature film.

The webcomic series, created

by Philippine-based artist Aiyeim, is set in the Philippines and depicts three kids overcoming their own personal obstacles in life. It currently has 13 episodes on Tapas Media.

Having optioned “Kids Being Kids” from Tapas Media, Basco will develop the comic into a movie. A serialized format of the film in the future is also possible.

“I’m excited to work with Tapas, bringing this unique story and these honest characters to life as well as representing my community in a way that I feel, hasn’t been done yet,” Basco told Deadline.

Michael Son, editor-in-chief of Tapas Media, also sees the comic series as being a thrust forward in promoting Asian representation in the media.

“We’re incredibly excited to be partnering with Dante Basco and Aiyeim on Kids Being Kids,” said Son. “I’ve been a huge fan of Dante’s work and efforts in pro-

diverse stories from creators from all around the world, and help us all connect through the power of storytelling,” he added. “I think we’ve found the right partners that share the same vision.”

‘Kids Being Kids’ Published last year on Tapas Media, the webcomic — Aiyeim’s only series on the platform — has been read nearly 500,000 times, has nearly 30,000 subscribers, and over 400 supporters.

Its prologue lightly introduces its three characters before diving more into the character of Odette Dimatibag, one of the students at “Pilipin High School,” in the first four episodes.

The episodes make nods to Philippine culture through illusDante Basco trations of the country’s typical school uniforms, the inclusion of the Philippine folklore “Alamat ng Pinya,” the Philippine action drama television series “Ang Probinsyano,” and the Philippines’ national anthem “Lupang Hinirang.”

To Tapas Media, the anonymous Philippine-based artist said watching Tagalog dubbed Japanese anime shows were what sparked an interest in “anime” “Kids Being Kids” by Tapas Media style illustrations.

Mentioning the character of moting more Asian representation in media and popular culture Odette as the most personally — and knew that Aiyeim’s im- relatable, Aiyeim said as a mesmensely empathetic story about sage to readers, “I do wish that youth culture in the Philippines they’d think of the characters as someone they know. Someone would be the perfect fit.”

“It’s our vision to help promote they can be friends with.”

PAGE B1 teleserye, Angel said she’s happy with how her body responded to her action stunts and glad she overcame that dark chapter in her life.

“Para sa taong nasabihan ka ng doctor mo na may possibility na hindi ka na makalakad, tapos nagagawa mo yung mga bagay na ‘to (stunts) na very careful ka naman, parang feeling mo nalampasan mo yung chapter ng buhay mo na ‘yon, na-overcome mo na ‘yon. Strengthened mo na yung katawan mo kaya fulfilling,” she said.

“Parang Gel, ‘di porket sinabihan ka ng ganyan, wala ka ng future, wala ka nang magagawa, hindi ka na pwedeng maging active. So ito, nilalaban ko but I’m very careful naman. After ng eksena, ice pack, warm compress, day before nagpapa-PT na ko,” she added.

Angel added that while her doctor in Singapore is very strict and doesn’t allow her to do some stunts, all these were approved by her physical therapists.

“Sabi niya bahala na ko sa buhay ko. Very conservative kasi.

[Pero] sa mga PT ko, okay. Ayaw

by

RAE ANN VARONA AJPress

File photo shows celebrity couple John Lloyd Cruz and Ellen Adarna in a skiing trip in Europe. Photo from Instagram/@maria.elena.adarna

John Lloyd Cruz, Ellen Adarna celebrate New Year with baby at Disneyland

by JAN

MILO SEVERO Philstar.com

ON-leave Kapamilya actor John Lloyd Cruz celebrated the New Year with girlfriend Ellen Adarna and their son Elias at Tokyo Disneyland.

Entertainment website PEP published photos of Ellen and John Lloyd together with her family in Japan. The couple was seen

wearing matching blue jackets while John Lloyd was carrying baby Elias.

On the photo, the six-monthold baby boy was seen sitting on his stroller together with his family in front of the Cinderella castle. Elias’ face was covered on all the photos.

Last Christmas, netizens were looking for John Lloyd on Ellen’s family photo when the clan

held a family reunion in Alabang.

John Lloyd was noticeably missing on the family photo.

John Lloyd and Ellen have been in showbiz hiatus for over a year now and are yet to release a statement on a possible comeback.

Ellen is still facing charges on child abuse and cybercrime filed by the mother of the teenage girl she accused as a “paparazzi.”

Angelica gets flak over posts Angel Locsin on almost quitting... alluding to relationship with Carlo niyang juma-jump, nagtu-twist, nagbe-bend, mag carry ng liter bar, marami siyang ayaw. Ingat na ingat. Sinabi niya lang sa akin na ‘pag may naramdaman ako, tawag lang ako sa kanya. One year na, wala pa kong nararamdaman,” she said.

Angel will play Rhian Bonifacio, daughter of a military general who was raised and trained to take down their family’s biggest enemy, in ABS-CBN’s first prime time offering this 2019.

“The General’s Daughter” will begin airing on January 21, replacing “Ngayon at Kailanman.”

by INQUIRER.NET

ANGELICA Panganiban has had enough of the bashing she received, so she is doing something about it.

The “Playhouse” actress got irked at a basher’s comment about her renewed friendship with actor and ex-boyfriend Carlo Aquino, saying in her Instagram post Wednesday, Jan. 9, that she is now “broken.”

Panganiban fearlessly posted a nasty comment coming from a netizen going by @ bashangggg11, who scolded the actress about her relationship with Aquino. The comment apparently came from Panganiban’s previous glam shot post, originally captioned, “Love your own na lang talaga ako (I’ll just love myself instead).”

“Palagi kang ganyan (You’re always like that),” the netizen’s comment read. “Aware ka ba sa impact na nagagawa niyan kay Carlo? Palagi siya ang dehado kakaganyan mo (Are you aware of the impact this causes to Carlo? He’s always the one at a disadvantage when you act that way).”

The netizen was not done, and told Panganiban to “grow up.” “Pag-usapan niyo ‘yan ni Carlo. Wag mong idaan sa social media lahat (Talk it through with Carlo. Don’t always express it on social media.),” he/she added.

The actress got hurt by the harsh words, and instead of getting back, she apologized for her actions. “Hindi ko alam na may issue pala ako sa inyo (I didn’t know I had an issue with you),” she said. “From now on, hindi na ako magsasalita (I

Angelica Panganiban with Carlo Aquino

won’t say another word).”

“Tama ka. Madaldal ako (You’re right, I talk too much),” Panganiban added, as her way of conceding to the netizen. She even promised that she would stay away from Aquino from now on, and would not even speak about him.

“Sana po maintindihan niyo at mapatawad niyo ko (I hope you will understand and forgive me),” she told the netizen.

“Pagod na pagod na ako sa kanegahan at pakekealam ninyo. Nasaktan na din ako (I am so tired of your negativity and with your meddling. I am now hurt).”

She also addressed Aquino’s

Photo from Instagram/@iamangelicap

fans on her Twitter that same day, saying: “Ako pala kasi sumisira sa idol ninyo (I’m the one to blame why your idol gets flak).

Enjoy 2019.”

She was not done, as she explained why she will stay away from the actor: “Nababahiran na kasi ng ka-showbizan. Para sa ikakabuti na din ng lahat.

(It has been tainted with the showbiz character, and it’s for everyone’s good.)”

And it appears that Panganiban is true to her word, as she unfollowed Aquino’s account (@jose_liwanag) on Instagram. Meanwhile, the actor has not spoken up about the issue, as of this writing.

Is Alden putting lovelife ‘on hold’?

RICKY LO Philstar.com

by

DESPITE the lingering speculation that he has a “secret” girlfriend (first reported in this corner two years ago and was promptly denied), Alden Richards (who turned 27 on Jan. 2) insisted that he hasn’t found the right girl yet. Thus, it’s not right to say that he’s putting his lovelife “on hold” because there’s none.

“It’s fake news,” smiled Alden. “If ever I have a lovelife, I will tell you.”

Is he, uhm, choosy? What kind of girl is he waiting (not looking) for?

“Somebody who possesses the qualities I am looking for,” he said during an ”ambush” group interview after he presided over a raffle that highlighted the annual thanksgiving party

for movie writers last Sunday at the family-owned Concha’s restaurant (on Scout Madrinan St., across from Il Terrazzo, Quezon City).

“It doesn’t matter if she’s showbiz or non-showbiz, at ’yung looks ay bonus na, as long as she’s understanding at maiintindihan niya ang gusto ko.

But at this time, it’s hard to find one like that. Sana this 2019 magka-lovelife na ako.”

His AlDub partner Maine Mendoza perfectly fits the bill but so sorry, they are just friends. But PAGE B3 Alden Richards

Photo from Instagram/@aldenrichards02

2019 is another busy year...

PAGE B1 — that is, for she and her husband Gerald to have a baby.

“I’m not getting any younger so having a baby cannot be delayed. Gusto kong magbuntis na before the end of the year and of course may tulong ng siyen-

siya,” she disclosed with another hearty laugh.

According to Ai, she and Gerald have been told that mature mothers who undergo in-vitro fertilization could even have twins.

“If that happens, we’ll be very

happy. Pero kahit isa lang. We just want our baby to be healthy.

So when we start working on our ‘project,’ hinto muna ko sa lahat ng ginagawa ko and just focus on having our baby. Bawal talaga ang trabaho,” she said with finality.

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Is Alden putting lovelife ‘on hold’...

PAGE B2 Alden added that, in fact, he and Maine are closer now than ever.

“We are more open to each other,” admitted Alden, “but we don’t meddle in each other’s personal life. Being a gentleman, hindi ako nanghihimasok sa buhay niya, although if she’s willing to share I’m also willing to listen.”

Maine is rumored to be “dating” (usually with a group) Arjo Atayde who appears with her in Jack Em Popoy, a Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry also starring Vic Sotto and Coco Martin on extended run in some theaters after the filmfest officially ended on Jan. 7. But Alden wouldn’t comment about that.

Asked if something about AlDub went wrong since he and Maine have lately been pursu“ABANDONED” PETITION SUCCESSFULLY REOPENED 10 YEARS LATER BY ATTY. MICHAEL J. GURFINKEL. Elsinore (left) was petitioned ing different directions, Alden by his father back in 2001. However, when his younger sister, Elvie (center), checked the petition status online in 2005, she found out said no. it was denied due to “abandonment.” USCIS had sent a notice to petitioner’s old residence requesting additional documents, but the “It was a matter of choice. petitioner never received the notice because he had moved, and therefore did not respond. Their first lawyer’s motion to reopen was I’ll leave it at that. I would say denied for being untimely, so their mother, an avid viewer of “Citizen Pinoy,” suggested they retain leading U.S. immigration attorney that our temporary separation Michael J. Gurfinkel. Watch this success story on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” – on Sunday at 6:15 p.m. (PST) on TFC. (Advertising Supplement) has even helped us because we learned so many things; marami kaming natutunan. AlDub is still solid, as alive as ever. The AlDub Nation continues to support even in our individual projects.”

Hopefully (keep your fingers crossed, AlDub Nation!), Alden and Maine might be together again in the Philippine version of the hit Koreanovela Descendants of the Sun. “But nothing is final yet,” added Alden. “What I also hope to do is a movie…not a romcom but something with a dark story, something different from Imagine You & Me (his 2016 hit starrer with Maine).

The last time I did a dark charBY MONET LU acter was in The Road in 2011.”

(Yam Laranas, director of the KUDOS Filipinos! We have movie, said, “Alden played officially started the year with a murderer of a 12-year-old a BANG! unsolved case.”) “I want to go With the recent “global” vicback to drama (after the GMA tories of Filipino-American Holaction-adventure series Victor lywood actor, Darren Criss for Magtanggol) para ma-iba naman his Golden Globe Awards and ang maipakita ko.”

Fil-Australian Catriona Gray as By the way, the issue about Miss Universe 2018, we are off Alden’s lovelife cropped up after to a magnificent start. Indeed, he said, “I am at my happiest.” these two Filipino hybrids have “What I mean is that I’m taken on both the “universe” and very happy with all the blessthe “globe.” ings I got in 2018. I helped a Gray was named Miss Uni- Catriona Gray Photo courtesy of Miss Universe Organization lot of people and I brought my verse 2018 in Bangkok last family on another vacation in December 17, 2018, besting conJapan.” (In 2017, the family also testants from 93 other countries. spent Christmas in Japan. They Catriona Elissa Magnayon Gray, planned to go to the States last who has been in the entertainment industry for years and has walked the runway (and even performed) in the annual Bench Body fashion show, was born in Cairns to an Australian father, Ian Gray, and a Filipino mother Normita Ragas Magnayon, from Oas, Albay.

I have always been a fan of our Kababayans who were as determined as Gray, one who happens to be the only candidate who has represented the Philippines in the Miss World competition and the recently concluded Miss Universe pageant. She won 3rd runner-up as Miss World. And just when you thought you have seen it all, she made history by winning Miss Universe 2018, making her the Darren Criss Photo by Sthanlee B. Mirador/SIPA USA/AP first Filipino beauty queen to have entered both pageants and impressed top fashion model favorite things about myself,” gone home with a title. She is the Tyra Banks.

Darren Criss told Inquirer.net in fourth Filipina to be named Miss I’ve also found out that Ca- a backstage interview. “If there Universe. triona formed and personally is any young Filipino or half And let’s just take a minute chose her own team when she Filipino in the community that to appreciate how much effort began preparing for the Miss looks to my work as a source of was put into making the gowns Universe competition. She per- inspiration and encouragement, that Gray wore. All of them ulti- sonally picked her own design- then sign me up. It means the mately displayed patriotism and ers, mentors, trainers, assistants; world to me,” he added. cultural heritage. These three her entire entourage – all of them Darren’s mother is from Cebu dresses have gained praises from Filipinos and have been getting City. As a young kid, he has all over the world. Starting with commendations for a job well always loved music and perthe “Mayon,” the red, fiery and done. forming. crystal-embellished gown that Criss beat top actors Antonio Gray’s down-to-earth persona went perfectly with her iconic is reminiscent of Miss Universe Banderas (“Genius: Picasso”), “lava walk” that captivated the 2015 Pia Wurtzbach. These two Daniel Bruhl (“The Alienist”), universe and made Gray’s final may not have done a back-to- Benedict Cumberbatch (“Patrick walk even more unforgettable. back victory but reclaiming the Melrose”) and Hugh Grant (“A It was designed by Filipino de- (Miss Universe) title after only Very English Scandal”) for the signer Mak Tumang. two years is a feat worth men- award.

Then, of course, there’s the tioning. Indeed, there is no bet“I feel like I’ve been given “ADARNA: The Blazing Siren” — ter time to be a Filipino beauty a superhero cape that I’m now another gown designed by Mak pageant fanatic than now. required to step up the plate for,” Tumang for Gray for the PreStatistically speaking, the he told reporters. liminary Competition. Inspired Philippines is now the top beauty I’ve written about Darren by the legendary Ibong Adarna, pageant country in the world. Criss not too long ago when he Tumang shared on Instagram the Renowned website Global Beau- won his first Emmy for the same story behind his amazing crea- ties, which annually ranks every role as best actor in a limited setion, which he called, “ADARNA: country based on their perform- ries or movie. In his acceptance The Blazing Siren.” ances in five major international speech, he thanked his Filipino And Lastly, who can forget the competitions aka “Grand Slam mom, which he again did so national costume, “LuzViMin- pageants”—Miss Universe, Miss very lovingly when he won the da,” that stunned everyone as World, Miss International, Miss Globes. She called her mother Catriona LITERALLY brought the Supranational, and Miss Grand “a firecracker Filipina woman whole Philippines with her. The International—announced in that from Cebu.” costume showcased our coun- the Philippines has dethroned As he accepted his Golden try’s heritage where elements Venezuela as the world’s beauty Globe for Best Performance by from all three major islands of powerhouse, bagging “Country an Actor in a Limited Series or the Philippines were incorpo- of the Year” honors twice in a Motion Picture Made for Televirated through a gigantic parol row. sion, he in his speech said: backpiece from Luzon, a nude “So, mom, I know you’re Not even taking a breather bodysuit with Pintados patterns (yet) from a victory as grand watching this. You are hugely from the Visayas, and handmade as Miss Universe, the Filipino- responsible for most of the good brass accessories and a T’boli name once again made waves things in my life. I love you dearheaddress from Mindanao.

– this time, in the Hollywood ly. I dedicate this to you,” Catriona showed everyone scene – when Filipino-American Criss also thanked Inquirer that she is proud of her roots actor, Darren Criss, won his columnist Ruben Nepales, the and even used her experience first Golden Globe for his high- first Fil-Am to become chair of (working in the slums of Tondo, powered performance in “The the Hollywood Foreign Press Manila,) to her advantage by Assassination of Gianni Versace: Association, producer of the including it in her final answer, American Crime Story,” becom- Golden Globes, and his wife, which for me sealed the deal ing the first Fil-Am to receive the multi-awarded journalist Janet and won her the Miss Universe prestigious award.

Nepales, who serves as HFPA crown. Her poise and her “walk” “Being Filipino is one of my PAGE B4

Catriona Gray and Darren Criss: Filipino hybrids conquer the ‘Universe’ and the ‘Globe’

year but they changed the plan because Alden’s grandfather wasn’t up to the long flight.)

Besides Concha’s in Quezon City, the restaurant also has a branch in Tagaytay City. In April (Easter Sunday), Alden will open his own McDonald’s franchise in Biñan, Laguna (near the University of Perpetual Help), just like that of Maine’s in Bulacan.

“Our family is an avid fan of McDonald’s,” said Alden. “We often eat at a McDo branch at

a supermarket near our place.

Maine shared the idea that McDo is a good business. ‘Masarap na mahirap,’ she told me.

My little sister will manage our McDo business. It’s also Maine’s sister who is managing their McDo business.”

Both he and Maine are McDo endorsers.

“No,” explained Alden.

“Walang special treatment sa amin. We followed the regular process in getting a franchise.”

B4 JANUARY 12-15, 2019 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

MOONLIGHTING

by MYLAH DE

LEON

LITTLE girls grow up, marry and change their names. It was one of those Beverly Hills weddings -- the groom sneaked unnoticed at the ultra-conservative church of The Good Shepherd but the bride emerged from a lilywhite stretch limousine, hitched up her hand-woven French lace wedding gown and treaded her way through a swarm of relatives and friends.

It was a beautiful day for a wedding, crisp cool under the bluest, most brilliant California sky. Since the bride no longer has a father who could come running with a shotgun pointing dutifully at everything that frightens her, the mother of the bride, presumed familiar with the frontiers and dimensions of love’s bliss and rapture, the various levels of pain and heartbreaks, the true heights of joy and depths of sadness, and acknowledged be the repository of secret reserves of courage, patience, discipline and grit, now assumed the monumental duty of taking charge and giving the bride away.

You held her hand firmly and you walked the aisle together because there was no way of knowing that once she has entered this costly bondage, that she will not shed it off lightly.

How much will be taken away?

What values will she shed in her pursuit of happiness?

Marriage was an invisible bond of commitment where acts,

The girl is now a bride

not words, are things that really count.

When did she stop being a child and began to be a young woman? One remembers her arrival after five long years of waiting—that still produced grave guilt in one’s motherhood remembering what heartbreak she and the next three girls (that I had helped to make mine) what heartbreaks she and the next three girls carried because we had ached for sons instead.

Who could forget night vigils deprived of sleep, waistline and fun, as she was ceaselessly patted and burped, and when she fell angelically asleep, limp in your arms, her helplessness her only security and protection, she would exact a whisper of that wordless, vow and promise, “I will love this baby as long as I live.”

You recall her fourteenth year when she had ideas that shocked you, just as I had standards obnoxious and appalling to her. There was also screaming arguments with my unmotherly shrills, why she should keep her room clean, study her Filipino, not snap at the maids, and as our eyes locked in combat, I searched for the baby and I panicked and wept for countless dawns ago. I couldn’t fathom what she was looking for in my face but whatever it was, she found it there because she would burst into laughter. That would vanish the anger between us without resolving what we were fighting about.

She continued to leave a wide trail of disorder in the house with Math lessons unsolved, books strewn in the study, bathroom

messed up, and her younger sisters all weeping as I become the true and real adversary with my rules and impositions, the merry widow secretly called, Medusa.

I was not always right about her but I knew I was (almost) perfect about the things I wanted for her and the other three daughters. I wanted them to imbibe all the virtues, whether still in fashion or out, like honesty, compassion, respect for the law, and the constant knowledge that life is not one long joy ride but if you make the necessary adjustments, everything will fall into place.

A few years back, I watched her, already a grown-up adult locked in combat with a particular blood thirst beast, notorious for its unsportsmanlike conduct -- the bar exams -- when life around the house couldn’t be more stressful. If her father was still around, perhaps he could have dealt with the brooding, moody, volatile exhausted person at our address.

“I’m okay, Mother” she would screech, turning fierce when I reminded her of time, meals, vitamins and sleep when I was off in a rant.

Honks of vehicles, clapping of hands, greeted the newlyweds, as they emerged from the limousine’s bubble top, and posed for the wedding pictures by the steps of the church.

In the joyous reception at the Polo Lounge, one discovered, if a bit late, that even champagne named Dom Perignon and high heels did not get along. ***

E-mail Mylah at moonlightingmdl@aol. com

Catriona Gray and Darren...

PAGE B3 executive secretary.

In an interview, Ruuben Nepales commended Criss’ speech, saying “That’s a first in the Golden Globes – a winner thanking his Filipina immigrant mom. It’s a major statement from Darren.

He’s shouting his Filipino American heritage to the world.”

Janet Nepales said Criss’ speech made her so proud of being Filipino and of Criss “breaking barriers for our kababayans.”

In “Versace,” Criss plays serial killer Andrew Cunanan, the

Fil-Am who murdered fashion designer Gianni Versace in 1997.

Catriona Gray and Darren Criss are two very different individuals from different sides of the world. Yet, they both bear the Filipino roots that make them uniquely talented, passionate and resilient. These qualities are guaranteed to take any Pinoy or Pinay – full or half-bred – to the peak of success and achieve his or her highest potential.

To Gray and Criss, we, Filipinos are so proud of you.

And to the world, the universe

and the globe: Brace yourselves because we are just getting started! *** Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, awardwinning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada.

Ultimately, Monet is known as an all-around artiste who produces sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns. Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary all-natural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration . To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at monetsalon@aol.com

http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797

Health@Heart PHILIP S. CHUA, MD, FACS, FPCS THERE is nothing more universal, more powerful, more wholesome, and more sublime than love. Its intensity and gravity could transcend all forces of nature, even disasters and calamities, natural or man-made, including a nuclear devastation of nations or of the world. Indeed, nothing can make our innate love for our country, family, friends, even pets, vanish into oblivion. If anything at all, this exciting and inspiring unselfish emotion, between or among people, is heightened by any counterforce that threatens or stands in its way. Love, as they say, conquers all.

Patriots have sacrificed with their lives for their love of country. Forbidden lovers have committed suicide in the name of love. Saints have been burned alive or beaheaded for refusing to deny their belief, kings have abdicated and given up their throne for love, parents have died shielding their children from bullets, and people have risked their life saving a pet.

And there are countless other manifestations of this phenomenon called love. What a colossal might!

What is this love?

Love is to the lover as beauty is to the beholder. Its correct definition is not absolute, precise, and specific, almost illusive. It is actually an allconsuming addiction to or for anyone or anything we truly care about, for which we are willing to give up ourselves or even our life for. While it varies among individuals, the common denominators are selfless adoration and sacrifice. Social love, a form of respect and friendliness, is expressed daily in our life.

Mother Teresa once said: “Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.”

The science of love While the emotional and physical attributes of this very potent feeling is obvious to everyone, medically speaking, love is chemistry at its best, a concoction of various substances produced by our own built-in pharmaceutical laboratory in our body. Even the magnetic force and interaction between two individuals meeting for the first time , especially the socalled love at first sight (jokingly said to be cured by a second look) is nothing but chemistry. Scientifically, love is the result of an inexplicable great attraction we feel with all our five senses (some people have 6) that stimulates the brain to

Love chemistry 101

send electrical messages to the various exocrine and endocrine glands in the body to secrete happy “love” hormones and flood the entire body, supposedly especially the heart (actually the brain) which induce that romantic amorous and exciting joyful sense we call love.

The anatomy where love resides Love, like fear and other emotions, is carried out by the limbic system in the brain, with the processing center of various emotions is the amygdala. To know the location of the amydala, picture this part of the base of the brain as the head and beak of a bird. The thalamus is where the eyes are, the hypothalamus is the beak and the amygdala is located precisely at the corner of the jaw and the neck of the bird (just above the Adam’s Apple by the jaw in humans).

This wonderful amorous feeling varies in different individuals. Some fall in love fast and others more slowly. Some are more impulsive and daring, and others more careful and guarded. Still, others use their cerebrum (largest part of the brain where intellect and wisdom are processed) more than their heart, as the saying goes.

The desire for another person because of physical (sexual) attraction only is lust not love, not to say that this could evolve and develop to true love. And material love is not love but greed and deception of the worst kind, the very reason why and how pre-nups were invented 2000 years ago and perfected today, thanks to the lawyers.

While this form of pre-marital contract is reasonably justified in some cases, having this formal agreement in writing in a general setting makes marriage appear like a business transaction, more material, less sacred, and less romantic.

Famous and infamous lovers The most famous lovers are Romeo and Juliet, a tragedy written by William Shakespeare between 1591 and 1595. The other popular pairs are Cleopatra and Mark Anthony, Lancelot and Guinevere, Napoleon and Josephine, Paris and Helena, Tristan and Isolde, Orpheus and Eurydice, Odysseus and Penelope, and Tristan and Iseult, ShahJahan and Mumtaz Mahal, Alexander I of Serbia and Draga Masin, King Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson, Catherine the Great and Grigory Potemkin, Czar Nicholas II and Alexandra Federovna, Charles Augustus Lindbergh, Jr. and Anne Spencer Morrow, Juan Domingo Peron and Maria Eva Duarte (Evita), Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor.

Till death do us part

The epitome, the incarnation, of loyalty and faithfulness are seen among the prarie voles (Microtus ochrogaster), from the rodent family. They are usually about 4.8 inches and weigh 1.5 ounces. The word vole is an anagram of love, and this cute rodent “has been designated as the unofficial species to study monogamy in lab animal,” since they mate for life and are purely faithful, even sharing child care duties. The extreme bond and crazy-glue behavior is regulated by the neurotransmitters (oxytocin and vasopressin). Guys, we can learn something here, in spite of the jest that says “Herpes infection is always forever, unlike some love.”

Manifestations of love Being in love rates number one in human emotions. It is a sense of extreme joy, deepseated happiness, and heavenly sentiment that makes one’s spirit soar above the clouds, when one thinks of or holds the hand of a best friend, when addicted to a person, near or far, when the absence of one makes the heart grow fonder and produces “withdrawal symptoms,” etc.

Besides the ethereal, the earthly signs include among others, the feeling of selflessness and intense desire to be together, to dream and plan as a team, to give and share, to protect and provide security in all forms and needs, and the endless dream to grow old together. Indeed, that’s amore!

If all the peoples around the world would only have more understanding, love, and compassion than intolerance, anger, hatred, and vengeance, more love than wars, we might capture the elusive peace on earth that everybody has been talking about for aeons but never achieved. Clearly, this is only wishful thinking, day dreaming. Of course, don’t hold your breath. But I am a hopeless eternal optimist. Naïve, perhaps, but confident and hopeful in the power love.

Here’s wishing you and your loved ones, whoever and wherever you are, a New Year blessed with love, good health, joy, prosperity, and peace…and a long life to enjoy them. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus in Northwest Indiana and chairman of cardiac surgery from 1997 to 2010 at Cebu Doctors University Hospital, where he holds the title of Physician Emeritus in Surgery, is based in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the Philippine College of Surgeons, and the Denton A. Cooley Cardiovascular Surgical Society. He is the chairman of the Filipino United Network – USA, a 501(c)(3) humanitarian foundation in the United States. For more data, visit philipSchua.com; Email: scalpelpen@gmail. com

A new year’s vow to pay it forward

Life Coaching in a Different Perspective STARGAZER LET us start the year right by being doing more positive deeds.

Let us start by paying it forward. “’Pay it forward’ is an expression for describing the beneficiary of a good deed repaying it to others instead of to the original benefactor. The concept is old, but the phrase may have been coined by Lily Hardy Hammond in her 1916 book ’In the Garden of Delight,’” according to a Wikipedia entry.

What exactly is paying it forward?

As defined, it is simply returning the good deed done to you to other people. If someone has helped you in one way or another, repayment is done by doing a good deed to another person. The positive energy of sharing goes around to many people thus creating a culture of kindness and gratefulness.

Everything starts with a good deed. A person finds it in his heart to share what he has or simply help someone in need. A good act is undertaken and a good seed is sown. The air is charged with positivity when the good intention materializes into a good act.

Then the recipient or receiver of the good act becomes happy and grateful. He thanks the giver of goodness and shows appreciation. Some may send the benefactor a cake, gift or a token commensurate to the help that was extended.

But for others, this is not the case. Sometimes it is not needed to gift the benefactor material things because they are simply happy to be able to help and do not expect anything in return.

There are people who do not expect to be repaid for their

kindness.

Indeed, the true kind of helping is not expecting in return.

Let us be honest with ourselves. Somehow, there is some time in our lives when we’ve been helped by other people. I, too, have experienced the lowest point in my life and had no one to turn to. At one point, I was plagued with financial burdens because of mistakes I had in the past for trusting the wrong people and giving without reservation.

During that time, a good soul came along, who bailed me out of the dark and helped me back on my own two feet. He came

rands to make the help. I always try to give a little more — much, much more so it is worth the while.

However, with the giving, I try to instill some positive values hoping I can awaken the spiritual side of a person with the example shown. Repayment for me is not important but I try hard for people to have a sense of gratitude and thankfulness in their hearts. I envisioned a simple driver to be more respectful and sincere in his job. Also hopeful that someday, when he is able, he will pay the good deed forward and help others in return.

And that is how I practice my pay it forward.

Always remember that to be grateful is not simply saying thank you. To be grateful means being sincere in sowing seeds of goodness. Never forget to return the favor done to you by paying it forward so it goes around. Help from nowhere and paid most of others so they may help others my debts. in return.

That was so many years ago Do unto others what you want and now, I practice PAYING IT others to be done unto you.

FORWARD as often as I can. I Pay it forward. Spread more simply had to help others in order positivity and gratefulness to show my gratefulness. I knew around. how it felt to have debts because *** of other people who take advanStargazer is a life coach, aura reader, tage of you. I knew how it felt psychic/clairvoyant, and lecturer on the when you can’t pay your utilities paranormal. She uses the aura, energies nor have money for transporta- & vibrations as focal points of her psychic tion. In desperation, you had to readings. Using several techniques involving sell things like clothes just to get the psychological, spiritual, paranormal and by. To be in a rut is not the best her own experience of the intricacies of life, feeling ever.

Stargazer makes one get in touch with his One person after another, I inner and understand life in a positive manner. try to help out people in financial Faith in God and belief in self is what Stargazer difficulties. I may not be as well emphasizes on. Currently, Stargazer is a radio off as my parents, but I try to give anchor of DZMM Teleradyo, the radio arm of employment to people. I create ABS-CBN. Her show “Pinoy Vibes” has been small jobs but pay a bit more to airing every Sunday morning since Sept. help people trying to make ends 2007. She can be reached at stargazerphils@ meet. I never dole nor lend out gmail.com. For more information, please visit money but I create jobs or er- http://stargazer.ph/.

“Everything starts with a good deed. A person finds it in his heart to share what he has or simply help someone in need.

A good act is undertaken and a good seed is sown.”

(818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 • http://www.asianjournal.com

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARy 12-15, 2019

B

AJPress photo by Christina M. Oriel AJPress photo by Christina Oriel

10th annual Filipino Heritage Night held at LA Clippers with halftime performance, special celebrity basketball game Apl.de.Ap, Manny Pacquiao among guests during celebration by: CHRISTINA M. ORIEL

AJ PRESS

FILIPINO talent and the collective love for basketball were on full display yet again at the Staples Center on Tuesday, January 8, as the Los Angeles Clippers hosted its annual Filipino Heritage Night.

Building off from the momentum during the 2018 celebration, Tuesday’s Filipino Heritage Night featured an extensive program with Fil-Am talent and influencers — such as the Black Eyed Peas’ Apl.de.Ap, Manny Pacquiao, Jessica Reynoso, Liane V., the Bosco brothers, and more — on the court in between The Los Angeles Clippers had its annual Filipino Heritage Night on Tuesday, January 8, featuring quarters of the game. a lineup of performances and appearances by Filipino talent.

AJPress photos by Noel Ty Gillian Zucker, Clippers president of business operations, told the Asian Journal that the Clippers are “proud to represent every part of LA, and to celebrate what makes our city unique.”

For the past decade, the Clippers has held this night to recognize the Filipino-American community and its contributions to greater LA. Those who purchased their tickets through the Heritage Night package received an Apl. de.Ap bobblehead and were honored with their group name on the video board. A portion of ticket sales was donated to the Apl.de.Ap Foundation, which focuses on children’s arts and Singer Jules Aurora and marketing guru Roslynn Alba Cobarrubias were among the players technology education in the Philduring the special basketball match. ippines.

“This is history in the making — the first Filipino bobblehead by the Clippers,” Apl.de.Ap told the Asian Journal ahead of the night’s festivities.

His foundation, with its executive director Ted Benito, and head of marketing Dan Vo, were recognized during the 2nd quarter.

Before the team faced off against the Charlotte Hornets, singer Jasmine V warmed up the crowd with the national anthem.

Roslynn Alba Cobarrubias, founder of ROS Marketing and one of the key organizers of this Jessica Reynoso and Apl.de.Ap warm up with the Clippers Spirit Dance Team. night, told the Asian Journal, that “It was beyond an honor to work with Senator Manny Pacquiao’s team & the Apl.de.ap Foundation to put together this year’s LA Clippers Filipino Heritage Night.

They are not only our country’s

Jules Aurora, Liane V., Apl.de.Ap, Jessica Reynoso, and Jasmine V. perform three songs during Singer Jasmine V. kicks off the game with the national anthem. the halftime show.

Apl.de.Ap shows off his bobblehead, which was Manny Pacquiao joins Clippers mascot Chuck the Condor to throw T-shirts and entertain the included with ticket purchase. crowd after the 1st quarter of the game.

biggest stars, but they are both humble philanthropists that genuinely care for their people and really showed up for our community [on Tuesday].”

Pacquiao — who has been in LA to train for his January 19 fight — sat courtside at the game and was introduced during the 1st quarter time out. Prior to the game, Pacquiao met Clippers coach Doc Rivers, during which Rivers shared that he was a “huge fan” and that he owns a signed pair of the Filipino boxer’s gloves.

The world’s only eight-division boxing champion went on to throw T-shirts to the crowd alongside Clippers mascot Chuck the Condor, sign a basketball, and run into his former opponent Floyd Mayweather, who was also sitting courtside, as the Asian Journal previously reported.

“At this year’s Clippers Filipino Heritage Night, we saw the passion of LA’s Filipino community and the excitement they helped us bring to the arena,” Zucker continued. “Only at a Clippers game can you see Manny Pacquiao throwing T-shirts to fans alongside Chuck the Condor or Apl.de.Ap getting the whole crowd pumped up at halftime and then shooting jumpers with his friends on the court after the game.”

During halftime, Taboo of the Black Eyed Peas introduced Apl. de.Ap, who performed hits like “Bebot” and “I Got a Feelin’” alongside Reynoso, Liane V., Jules Aurora, and Jasmine V. “Our culture is being known by the world and I am very proud to be back again to represent our culture, where we come from, and we’re proud…Angelenos, Filipinos,” Apl.de.Ap shared with the Asian Journal.

The Clippers Spirit Dance Team also joined the singers with vibrant dance moves across the court.

Kyla Fajardo, who is currently the only Fil-Am on the Clippers Spirit Dance Team, said, “I think it’s really awesome that the Clip-

pers does a Filipino Heritage Night because I’ve been super proud of my culture and roots and it’s really nice to see here in LA that we’re appreciating it because there’s a large Filipino population.”

Reynoso, an R&B singer whom Apl.de.Ap discovered through “The Voice Philippines” and has been touring with the Black Eyed Peas, said, “I’m still in shock right now. I never thought I’d get to perform with a group that I looked up to growing up.”

After the official game, during which the Clippers beat the Hornets 128-109, a special match between two teams — led by Apl.de.ap and DJ E-Man of radio station Power 106 — was held featuring Fil-Am celebrities and influencers in various industries from entertainment to fashion.

Team Apl won 59 to 54.

Other NBA teams, such as the Golden State Warriors and Brooklyn Nets, also have their own versions of nights to recognize their Fil-Am fans. Other sports teams like baseball, from the Los Angeles Dodgers to the San Francisco Giants, do annual celebrations as well.

“Coupled with some of the most talented artists/influencers of this generation like P-Lo, Jessica Reynoso, Liane V., Jules Aurora, Jasmine V., Alex Wassabi, Brian Puspos, with DJs E-Man, E-Rock & Icy Ice, together we showed not only our entertainment spending power but we

Pacquiao with wife Jinkee

showed that we can turn any place to feel like a fun, family party filled with dancing, games, karaoke & of course basketball, including the legendary Staples Center,” Cobarrubias said.

Cobarrubias also noted that she hopes the success of Clippers’ Filipino Heritage Night will influence other LA teams — that Fil-Ams are loyal to — to host a program like this of their own.

As for the Clippers, it’s a given that Filipinos will continue to be celebrated on its home court as preparations for next year’s gathering will soon be underway.

“This year’s Filipino Heritage Night set a new bar, and we’re excited to have even more fun as we start planning to celebrate again next year,” Zucker added.

After the Clippers game, a special basketball match was held between Team Apl and Team E-Man. Team Apl won 59 to 54.

Bottom row (L-R) Jessica Reynoso, Anthony Presents, Jasmine V., Liane V., Apl.de.ap, P-Lo, JayArr Ines, Dion Basco; 2nd row (L-R) Roslynn Alba Cobarrubias, JJ Anderson, Polo Molina, Kevin Gray, Dj Man; 3rd row (L-R) Know Lazarus, Slay Boogie, Allen Palos, Joseph Jose, Chris Cruz, DJ Icy Ice, Brian Puspos, DJ E-Rock, Andy Tauscan, Muron Marten, Josh Manansala, Gee Crooks, Jules Aurora; 4th row (L-R) Alex Wassabi, Jean Kyla Fajardo, the only Fil-Am on the Clippers Spirit Dance Team Paul Hoang, Don Benjamin, Christian Davies, Matt Cabral.

Kyla Fajardo and the Clippers Spirit Dance Team dance during the halftime show.

B January 12-15, 2019 • La WEEKEnD aSIan JOurnaL

Features

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COMMUNITY JOURNAL

Your Immigration Solution GEOFFREY J. LAMOUREUX AN asylum applicant has the burden of proving by clear and convincing evidence that he or she filed their asylum application within one year of the applicant’s last arrival in the U.S. However, an applicant who misses the one-year deadline may still be eligible for asylum if he or she can establish the existence of either changed circumstances or extraordinary circumstances.

Changed circumstances can arise from either a change in country conditions of an applicant’s home country, or from changes in an applicant’s circumstances, which include changes in U.S. law and activities an applicant becomes involved in while in the U.S. For example, what happens if violence significantly increases against members of the religious minority an applicant belongs to after he or she has been in the U.S. for more than one year? Or, what happens if a new U.S. law arises that makes a previously ineligible foreign national now eligible for asylum? What about if an applicant starts to speak online against his or her home country’s oppressive regime after having been in the U.S. for more than one year? These examples could fall under the changed circumstances exception. They also highlight the importance of being aware of recent changes in U.S. law.

Further, the changed circumstances exception applies even if the circumstances do not create a new basis for asylum, but simply provide further evidence of the type of harm already suffered.

The applicant must file within a reasonable period given the changed circumstances. The legal standard for what constitutes a reasonable period has continued to evolve over time.

An applicant does not have to prove the existence of changed

Seeking asylum more than one year after arrival in the US circumstances by clear and convincing evidence. The clear and convincing standard applies to whether the asylum application was filed within one year, but it is not the applicable standard for determining changed circumstances. This highlights the importance of knowing and ensuring that the applicable legal standards are clearly outlined in an asylum application.

Extraordinary circumstances may include serious illness or mental or physical disability, including the effects of persecution; legal disability (e.g. minority of age or mental impairment); ineffective assistance of prior counsel; maintaining lawful immigrant or nonimmigrant status or parole; filing within one year but having the application rejected as incomplete and then refiling soon after; or the death or serious illness or incapacity of an applicant’s legal representative or a member of an applicant’s immediate family.

For example, what happens if an applicant was very ill during the applicable one-year period, or was still suffering from the effects of past persecution?

What happens if he or she was a minor child, or had a temporary mental impairment? What about an applicant who maintained visitor or student status, or had incorrectly filled out the asylum application and it was rejected? These examples could fall under the extraordinary circumstances exception.

The extraordinary circumstances outlined above are not exhaustive, and there are many other circumstances in which a properly presented asylum application might establish the existence of extraordinary circumstances.

The burden is on an applicant to show that the circumstances were not intentionally created through his or her action or inaction, that the circumstances were directly related to the applicant’s failure to file within one year, and that the delay was

reasonable under the circumstances. For example, an applicant cannot cause his or her own illness or disability to take advantage of the extraordinary circumstances exception.

As with changed circumstances, an applicant must file within a reasonable period given the extraordinary circumstances.

Again, the legal standard for what constitutes a reasonable period has continued to evolve over time.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, a federal-level appeals court with jurisdiction over California, Nevada, Arizona, Hawaii, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, Montana, and Alaska, has held that the supporting evidence requirement for determining asylum or refugee status may not be brought into other areas of asylum law. This means that an applicant’s own testimony regarding the existence of an exception – if considered credible – may be sufficient to overcome the one-year filing deadline.

The failure to properly file an application for asylum within one year of entry to the U.S. does not automatically disqualify a person. It is important to consult with an experienced and knowledgeable immigration attorney to ask whether an exception applies in their case. *** REEVES IMMIGRATION LAW GROUP is one of the oldest, largest and most experienced immigration fi rms in the United States with offi ces in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Manila and China.

For more Information please call (800) 795- 8009 or visit www.rreeves.com.

Telephone: (800) 795-8009 E-mail: immigration@rreeves.com Website: www.rreeves.com. *** The analysis and suggestions offered in this column do not create a lawyer-client relationship and are not a substitute for the personalized representation that is essential to every case.

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 12-15, 2019

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C JANUARY 12-15, 2019 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Minding Your Finances ATTY. RAYMOND BULAON I KNOW we’ve never met but if you are facing serious debt problems, I know there’s a common concern that people share when they are in your situation. As a debt relief attorney, I hear it from people who consult with me every day.

It is this: The possibility of losing what they have worked hard for all our lives…their home, their savings, their retirement money, their business, etc. Why is this fear so common?

Personally, I think the fear comes from a feeling of losing control. As a bankruptcy attorney, I deal with a lot of clients who are feeling very vulnerable because of the financial situation that they’re in. They could be facing a financial crisis for the first time in their lives and they don’t know what to do.

If you are facing serious debt problems, a foreclosure, a lawsuit, judgment or a pending wage garnishment, it’s not the end of the world and chances are

The Prophetic Voice REVEREND RODEL G. BALAGTAS NO matter how “worldly” we can become, there will moments when we feel the restlessness of wanting to relate with someone higher than us, someone bigger than life. Deep within is the longing to connect with the Divine.

This is what differs us from other species of the animal kingdom.

As human beings, we long to commune with God, to seek from Him wisdom and direction as we go about doing our daily duties.

Our hearts and minds search for truth beyond human intelligence, and our spirits find refuge in prayer, devotions, and silence.

We all have to respect and respond to this primary longing of our hearts. For as creators who came from God, we will always long to return to him, be it in prayer while we live or in the afterlife. Again, it’s our nature as human beings.

As Christians, we’re blessed

Community Journal

Stuck in debt: Don’t wait until you lose everything that you have options that you didn’t even know existed. It may be possible to settle your debts out of court or as a last resort, file bankruptcy to either wipe out or reorganize your debts.

Recently, a couple came to my office for debt help. They’ve just been assessed huge taxes by the IRS and they had to enter into a payment plan for that reason.

But they were already behind on their mortgage payments, not to mention the credit card debts that were piling up. One car just broke down and needed replacement.

Over the last few years, they’ve been borrowing money from all sources just to keep their heads above water, including their 401K plans. The 401K loan payment deductions from their paycheck are not helping. If you were in this situation, what would you do? The tremendous debt burden has put a strain on their marriage and has caused a lot of grief at home.

I helped this couple reorganize their debts under Chapter 13. We came up with a payment plan that

combined all their debts into one low payment every month- a payment that they could afford. This has allowed them to sleep better at night knowing that they are paying their creditors the best they can. More importantly, they now have peace of mind knowing that they will not lose their home and everything they’ve worked so hard for.

Do you know anyone who may be in a similar situation, perhaps you? Don’t despair. You don’t need to live your life in fear.

Since 1997, I have helped more than 5,000 clients in finding the best solution to their financial problems. Call my office at 1866-477-7772 and request a free evaluation. We have offices in Glendale, Cerritos and Valencia. *** None of the information herein is intended to give legal advice for any specific situation. Atty. Ray Bulaon has successfully helped thousands of clients in getting out of debt. For a free attorney evaluation of your situation, please call Ray Bulaon Law Offices at TOLL FREE 1 (866) 477-7772.

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On living out our Christian baptism

with the wisdom to relate to the Trinitarian God—Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit. It’s what we believe the Scriptures have shown us, how God decided to reveal Himself to us. He’s God who creates, redeems, and enlivens. He’s the God of history, the present, and the future.

In God’s will and wisdom, his Word became flesh in Jesus Christ who was born, lived, walked among human beings. In Jesus, God showed us the Way, the Truth, and the Life. His life, ministry, death, and resurrection became for us a pattern of moral and spiritual life.

Through the Holy Spirit that is continually present in the world and in the Church, we find hope, courage, and consolation. It’s the Holy Spirit the moves us to love, to care, to serve, and to seek justice and peace.

As baptized Christians, we’re called to live intensely this intimate relationship with the Trinitarian God. After all, we were

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Tax Tips VICTOR SY, CPA, MBA

IF you plan to trade stocks, it helps to get an understanding of basic terms that are mentioned frequently on TV, radio, and social media.

There are three major indices: 1.Dow Jones Industrial Average.

2. S&P 500.

3. Nasdaq Composite.

1. Dow Jones industrial average is the oldest index, dating back to 1896. It tracks the movement of 30 large public US companies. It represents “largecap” (very big companies) like Johnson & Johnson, McDonalds and Coca-Cola. Although the companies within the Dow Jones represent only about 25 percent of all stocks, the DJIA is widely accepted as the leading indicator of market health.

Today, the index is not really as industrial as it used to be. Many

Barrister’s Corner ATTY. KENNETH URSUA REYES

ON January 9, 2019, Jeff and MacKenzie Bezos jointly made a statement in Jeff’s twitter account that they are getting a divorce. As many people know, Jeff Bezos is the founder of Amazon which today is the largest publicly traded company by market cap at $809 billion as of January 10, 2019. When Jeff and MacKenzie were married in 1993, he did not have much in terms of net worth.

However the following year, Jeff founded Amazon in July 1994.

Today, Jeff Bezos is estimated to be worth $137,000,000,000.

The couple resides in the State of Washington which happens to be a community property state. This means anything Jeff acquired during the marriage is community property and thus his spouse MacKenzie has a 50% interest in the community regardless of who’s name the asset is under or in this case the Amazon stock is under. In the absence of a prenuptial agreement or even a post nuptial agreement, all assets Mr. u PAGE C3 Bezos accumulated during the 25 year marriage is community property and his wife has a 50% interest. The outcome could have been different had the couple signed either a prenuptial agreement or post nuptial agreement where they could have laid out terms which provided for a different division of property.

Family law cases are governed by state law. Since the Bezos’ are resident of Washington, Washington State law will apply to their divorce case. Generally, the divorce rates for the super wealthy is lower than the general population due to impact on their net worth and businesses they own.

Even though most of Jeff Bezos assets are community, this divorce case will be extremely complicated due to the vast holdings of the couple.

baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit.

Our baptism then should be more than a past event and a certificate. Instead, it’s a life that we should live out through a relationship with God in Sacraments, prayer, service, and care for the world and humanity.

In our everyday prayers then, we become conscious of space and time as holy ground where we meet God and feel his presence. We address God as the Father with all His protection and care, the Son with His mercy, forgiveness, and compassion, and the Spirit with all wisdom, life, and power.

This Sunday is the Solemnity of the Baptism of Jesus. In the Gospel, we find John the Baptist lived his calling passionately to be the herald of the Good News and pointed to people the true Messiah. We too must have the same passion and zeal for the Good News in Jesus Christ. And

Fostering & adoption 101 MARIAH OCA, MSW AS a social worker for the only Asian-focused foster family agency in the United States, I often get asked what the challenges and rewards are in fostering a child. We hear from prospective foster parents who tend to bring up many questions during our agency’s informational sessions and when I think of how best to respond to these questions, I’m reminded of Filipina foster mothers in the program who talk about these five milestones in the fostering journey.

The challenges, the expectation, the experience, the reward, and the importance of providing Filipino cultural support to Filipino-American foster children in need in Los Angeles.

Of course, there are challenges in the fostering journey — one of the first is figuring out if fostering is right for you and your family. It takes an honest conversation with yourself and your household to discover if you are emotionally and logistically ready to share your roof with a child that may have a complicated background.

The challenges Some foster parents (now known as “resource parents”) come into this with little to no experience of raising children and they undergo particular challenges when foster children display difficult behavior. When you work with a foster family agency like AFFI, resource par-

Stock market benchmark indices

of the companies included in the index such as Goldman Sachs, Visa, or McDonald’s focus their business in other categories such as finance or consumer goods.

The Dow is popular because companies in this index represent a huge chunk of the U.S. economy. While there are thousands of publicly traded companies, these big firms are large enough to represent all other large caps.

Companies listed in Dow Jones Industrial Average include Exxon, Home Depot, Dow DuPont, Johnson & Johnson, and Procter & Gamble.

2. S&P 500 is composed of 500 large companies. Founded in 1923, it is now considered one of the best overall indicators of the US stock market. “S&P” stands for “Standards and Poor’s,” the name of a market research firm.

Companies listed with S&P 500 include Apple, Amazon, Alphabet, Berkshire Hathaway and Boeing.

3. Nasdaq composite represents 3,000+ technology and high-growth companies. Founded in 1971, the Nasdaq Compos-

ite has grown popular because it’s commonly accepted as an indicator of tech-sector and innovative companies. Listed companies include Adobe, Altaba, Cisco, and Microsoft.

We also have The Russell 2000 that tracks 2,000 of the smallest players in the stock market. You can also check out its sister index, the Russell 3000 that tracks larger, more representative snapshot of the tech sector. *** Victor Santos Sy graduated Cum Laude from UE with a BBA and from Indiana State University with an MBA. Vic worked with SyCip, Gorres, Velayo (SGV - Andersen Consulting) and Ernst & Young before establishing Sy Accountancy Corporation in Pasadena, California. *** He has 50 years of experience in defending taxpayers audited by the IRS, FTB, EDD, BOE and other governmental agencies. He is publishing a book on his expertise - “HOW TO AVOID OR SURVIVE IRS AUDITS.” Our readers may inquire about the book or email tax questions at vicsy@live.com.

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Jeff Bezos getting a $137 billion divorce without a prenup “ In addition to that, the couple has made pledges to various charities.”

The majority of Bezos’ net worth is in Amazon Stocks. However, dividing the stock interest can be tricky without diluting Mr. Bezos’ control of the company.

It is likely that MacKenzie Bezos would want the family fortune to continue to grow to allow her husband to maintain control of Amazon. It is probably in her best interest not to dilute her husband’s ownership share of Amazon and not to push for a settlement that would require Jeff Bezos to sell shares and reduce his stake in the company.

Jeff Bezos also owns other ventures which are not as easily valued as a public company such as Amazon. He owns a private held aerospace company called Blue Origin. He funds this company by selling $1 billion per year of Amazon stocks. It would be more challenging valuing such a business in the context of a divorce case. I supposed they can look at the value of similar businesses such as Elon Musk’s Space X. Bezos also owns The Washington Post through his company Nash Holdings, LLC. The couple also owns one of the largest real estate holdings from a 135,000 acre ranch in West Texas which is the location of the Blue Origin operation to properties in Beverly Hills, Washington, and New York. All these properties would have to be valued as well.

In addition to that, the couple has made pledges to various charities. Last year, the couple committed to $2 Billion to “Day One Fund” which supports nonprofits that help the homeless and create a network of preschools for

the low income. This may end up being the largest divorce in history so far. Divorce could happen to any married couple. People outgrow each other or fall in love with other people. For business owners, an unfortunate event such as a divorce would be less of a mess if they have a properly executed prenuptial agreement or even after the marriage a post marital agreement. *** Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice.

The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information.

This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed.

The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, P.C. This article is not a solicitation. *** Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He is a graduate of Southwestern University Law School in Los Angeles and California State University, San Bernardino School of Business Administration. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, P.C. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail HYPERLINK “mailto: kenneth@kenreyeslaw.com” kenneth@ kenreyeslaw.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com (Advertising Supplement)

The challenges and rewards of fostering

ents have direct access to in-language speaking social worker(s), children’s therapist, and other community resources.

Throughout the process, you learn that foster children experience deep levels of trauma that tend to present itself in things like temper tantrums or volatility in attitude. Our team helps you navigate through those scenarios so that you are equipped to support the children who need someone in their corner.

Another consideration is that there are resource parents who have experience raising their own children and may forget from time to time that there are different approaches that need to be implemented when a foster child joins your family. For example, if you schedule quality family time to go out of town, the child’s county social worker (CSW) must be informed. If you take the child to the doctor, the CSW must be informed of that as well.

The expectation The next step that we often remind prospective resource parents is that it is very important to manage your expectations when you consider fostering a child. Some resource parents are primarily looking to fosteradopt a child, meaning the family hopes to potentially adopt a child through foster care.

Indeed, there are ways to indicate on your resource parent application that you are leaning towards foster-adoption; but I’d encourage you to ask me more about that so we can help man-

age expectations.

Resource parents who hope to foster-to-adopt may be met with disappointments if the adoption process does not happen due to changes in the child’s case — aka reunification with the birth parents occurs or a relative ends up taking in the child. This is a difficult situation, but we simply can’t stress any further that the number one goal of becoming a resource parent is to provide a temporary, safe and reliable home for a child, with the ultimate objective to reunify children with their birth parents.

However, of course, there are many cases where the birth parent may have lost or given up their parental rights altogether - paving the way for adoption.

The experience It’s important to call out that resource parents and foster children will be reminded that they are not alone in this process.

When looking back on their experiences, both the resource parents and the child will likely remember any social workers, therapists, or organizations that were present during the family’s time together. It is a collective effort, on so many ends, to ensure that the resource parent and the foster child are given the support they need to maintain a healthy and loving home.

The rewards We often hear that the first phone call you receive from your social worker, along with the first day you meet your foster child(ren), are the memories

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Community Journal

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 12-15, 2019

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Remedies for retaliation after Maximizing recovery in personal injury cases whistleblowing on employer misconduct Legal BRIAN Gruzalski worked as an airplane mechanic for FedEx. Stanley Langevin was his supervisor. Mark Collins was their manager. These three employees sued FedEx claiming that it retaliated against them after complaining that their employer violated the Federal Aviation Administration’s safety requirements by failing to properly repair its planes.

During trial, the employees presented evidence that FedEx reduced the time spent repairing its old airplanes by about one-third to increase profits.

FedEx management then pressured the airplane mechanics to rush the repairs. FedEx offered bonuses for getting the airplanes out faster. The employees claimed this caused FedEx’s airplane mechanics to sign off on unsafe repairs and repairs that were not done.

Gruzalski a nd Langevin complained to management that FedEx forced its mechanics to overlook important safety repairs. In response, FedEx ordered manager Mark Collins to write up the complaining employees. When Collins objected that the write-ups were illegal retaliation, he was told that if he did not write up the mechanics, he would be written up himself.

And he was.

In retaliation against Gruzalski and Langevin, FedEx instructed other employees to watch and submit written complaints about them “24/7.” FedEx’s Managing Director threatened Gruzalski, “that 50 angry men wanted to kick his ass, if he did

Debt Relief

Protecting Employee & Consumer Rights ATTY. C. JOE SAYAS, JR.

not stop complaining about the unsafe repairs.” Gruzalski said, “FedEx wrote me up, suspended me, but the threats about the angry guys put me in fear for my life, not knowing what could happen in the parking lot.”

In the end, FedEx terminated Gruzalski, demoted Langevin for an unprecedented 3 years, and denied Collins his promotion to senior manager. FedEx claimed it terminated Gruzalski for repeatedly making derogatory comments about his co-workers. That Langewin was demoted for using racist nicknames, and Collins was not promoted to to senior manager because there were more qualified candidates.

After trial, the jury found that the employees were victims of retaliation by FedEx and awarded them $1,258,817 in compensatory damages and $6.75 million in punitive damages, totaling $8,008,817 in damages.

The California Whistleblower Protection Act protects whistleblowing employees from retaliation by their employers. It provides for civil liability against any person who threatens or retaliates against an employee for making a ‘protected disclosure’ as provided by law. An employer shall not retaliate against an employee

for providing information to a government or law enforcement agency, where the employee reasonably believes that a violation of law has occurred. The employer cannot also retaliate against an employee who refuses to participate in activities that violate the law.

California’s anti-retaliation law protecting whistleblowers was expanded to cover employees who complain within a company about unlawful practices.

It also applies to cases where the employee truly believed the conduct they complained about was unlawful, even if it was not.

Retaliation laws encourage potential whistleblowers to come forward and report corporate violations of the law.

Without protection afforded to whistleblowing employees, government enforcement agencies and the public will not know about those corporate activities that endanger public health and safety. *** The Law Offices of C. Joe Sayas, Jr. welcomes inquiries about this topic. All inquiries are confidential and at no-cost.

You can contact the office at (818) 2910088 or visit www.joesayaslaw.com or our Facebook page Joe Sayas Law. [C. Joe Sayas, Jr., Esq. is an experienced trial attorney who has successfully recovered wages and other monetary damages for thousands of employees and consumers. He was named Top Labor & Employment Attorney in California by the Daily Journal, consistently selected as Super Lawyer by the Los Angeles Magazine, and is the recipient of PABA’s Community Champion Award for 2016.]

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UNDER Howell v. Hamilton Meats & Provisions (2011) 52 C.4th 541, the California Supreme Court ruled that persons who are injured and who are pursuing a personal injury claim cannot recover the full amount of medical bills incurred if an insurer paid a smaller, negotiated amount to the medical provider. The Court’s ruling further limited an injured person’s right to recover for past medical expenses.

In light of the Howell decision, it is even more important for a person who suffered injury to develop his/her claim for other economic damages.

The term “economic damages” means “objectively verifiable monetary losses including medical expenses, loss of earnings, burial costs, loss of use of property, costs of repair or replacement, costs of obtaining substitute domestic services, loss of employment and loss of business or employment opportunities.” Civil Code Section 1431.2(b)(1).

A person’s claim for economic damages apart from medical expenses are often overlooked and not pursued by inexperienced counsel.

Loss of earnings are often a significant part of an injured person’s claim for economic damages. Damages are recoverable for both past and future lost earnings. To recover for past lost earnings, a person must prove the amount of income or earnings that he/she has lost to date. To recover damages for future earnings, a person must prove the amount

the creditor of the client.

Chapter 7 to discharge $45K credit cards Next, the clients are husband and wife who are 72 and 71, respectively. The wife made sure that I understood that she was only 71 and is one year younger than her husband who is 72.

Yes, I got that. One year makes all the difference. I told her that I stopped counting 20 years ago and advised her to do the same.

It’s useless to keep counting, what’s the big deal anyway? Who wants to know that you are now one year closer to leaving this

On living out our Christian...

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of income or earnings that he/she will be reasonably certain to lose in the future as a result of the injury. CACI No. 3903C.

How are past lost earnings proven? Medical records, which show the doctor authorizing a release from work or giving instructions to restrict work activities, can support the time taken off from work due to the injury.

For those self-employed, medical providers typically do not provide a release from work; however, medical records should record work restrictions placed by the medical provider.

After showing that the time off

Senior wants Chapter 7 to The challenges and rewards... discharge $30K in credit cards

or $1,500 a month, or $18,000 a year. That certainly helps now, instead of paying them a small fortune and still owing them the THE client is 64, a young sesame amount of $46,000. They nior. should have gotten rid of these I say young because I consider cards a long time ago. seniors in their 60s as still acThey immediately decide to file tive and robust. Except for more for Chapter 7 to discharge the white hair, they still feel like they $46,000 of credit cards. Peace are 30. The problem with being of mind without credit card payin the 60s is that 70 is just around ments is what they need now at the corner. Now when one be72 and 71. comes 70, after 10 years, you Business owners need Chapbecome 80. ter 7 to discharge $200K loans The client says that his net inand wage garnishment by SBA come is $3,500 and that he is The last clients were business separated from his wife. His rent owners. They are also seniors is $600 for a room. He sends at 60 and 61. The owned a money to his brothers and “ I told her that I stopped business that closed down sisters in his country of origin. The problem is that he counting 20 years ago and in 2007. When the business closed, the company, which owes $30,000 in credit card advised her to do the same. is an S corporation, owed a debt. He pays a minimum of $1,000 a month for the cred- It’s useless to keep counting, Small Business Administration (SBA) loan of $49,000, which it cards. He also has a car payment of $350. We don’t what’s the big deal anyway? is now $89,000 because of the accrued interest. have to do more calculations Who wants to know that The SBA started to garnish here. The minimum payment of $1,000 for credit cards you are now one year closer the wife’s wages last week.

She didn’t like the garnishis almost a third of his next to leaving this earth; ment. I can’t blame her — who income. That is just way too certainly not yourself.” wants to get your hard-earned much. He wants to get rid of wages taken at the rate of 25 his credit cards now that he is 64 so he can start saving some earth; certainly not yourself. Look percent of gross? As the POTUS at the picture of the Indonesian says, that is a “bigly” deduction, money.

Well, it’s a little late to start say- guy who is the oldest man alive NOT FAIR! And NOT NICE! In addition, they owe $90,000 ing money now but at least with at 145. I mean what can you do at the discharge of all of his credit 145? You’re practically a cadaver of credit card debt plus another cards, he can save $12,000 in and blind. Can’t hear anything. $30,000 of unsecured business debt. They ask if it makes sense the next 12 months, and $24,000 The quality of life is just zilch.

The clients owe $46,000 in to settle the accounts owed. I say next year, then $36,000, and then $48,000. So when he turns credit card debt. Their social se- what for? With a Chapter 7, you 69, just before he becomes 70, curity is $3,000 a month. Rent can wipe out all of the $210,000 he can have $50,000 saved up is at $1,200. They have $1,800 debt, start fresh again with zero which he can use any way he left but their credit cards need debt, all it costs is the attorney wants. This is a lot better than a minimum of $1,500. How are & filing fees, which are very reakeeping these cards, paying they going to eat and pay for oth- sonable. The settlement in half, them $50,000 for the next four er necessities if they continue to for instance, would still cost years, then still owing them the pay $1,500 for credit cards? They $120,000, which they don’t have. same principal of $30,000 when can grow their own vegetables in I mean, the settlement is very exhe turns 70. So, this is really a no- their backyard — if they had one. pensive compared to Chapter 7 They rent an apartment with no legal fees. You wipe out $240,000 brainer, isn’t it? for almost no cost except for legal Would he rather have $50,000 backyard.

The husband says that he has fees. That’s the American way. in cash and not owe anything Look at the POTUS, his compaat the age of 69, or throw away all kinds of muscle pain and has a $50,000 in minimum payments pacemaker, so that kills his plan nies filed bankruptcy four times and still owe $30,000 credit to drive for Uber so he can raise and he still the commander-incards at age 69? He asks if his another $1,500 to pay for their chief. That is one smart dude. brother, whom he used as a ref- credit cards. He says they have VERY SMART! *** erence for a personal loan and already lived a full life, having did not sign a personal guaranty, traveled all over the world, using Lawrence Bautista Yang specializes in is legally liable for his debt if it the cards. But they have paid the bankruptcy, business, real estate and is discharged in bankruptcy. Of cards for the last 20 years a to- civil litigation and has successfully course not. The brother can only tal of $360,000, yet they still owe represented more than five thousand be made liable for his debt if the the very same $46,000 of credit clients in California. Please call Angie, brother signed a written personal cards today. I told them that they Barbara or Jess at (626) 284-1142 for guaranty. Without a signed per- should have done their Chapter 7 an appointment at 1000 S. Fremont sonal guaranty, the brother used 20 years ago, so today they would Ave, Mailstop 58, Building A-1 Suite 1125, as a reference cannot be sued be- have $360,000 in their portfolio Alhambra, CA 91803.

(Advertising Supplement) cause he has no legal liability to earning them at least 5 percent

no matter how discouraging the happenings in the society are, be it in politics, business, or church, we must live out truthfully our baptism in Jesus Christ.

Living out our baptism in today’s context means more than practices of prayer. It involves the responsibilities of respecting human life in all stages, caring for the environment, fostering decency in words and actions, protecting children and the vulnerable members of the society, addressing poverty in the world, working against the adverse effects of media and technology to

ATTY. DARRICK TAN

“ Loss of earnings are often a significant part of an injured person’s claim for economic damages.

Damages are recoverable for both past and future lost earnings. To recover for past lost earnings, a person must prove the amount of income or earnings that he/she has lost to date.”

PAGE C2 t

ATTY. LAWRENCE YANG

Advice

was justified, the next step is to value the lost earnings. A letter from a person’s employer that outlines the amount of time that one has lost as a result of his/her injury, the loss of benefits, and the rate of pay during the time of loss is evidence of the value of one’s loss of earnings claim.

Other supporting documents include pay stubs, time cards, and tax returns. The monetary value of sick leave and vacation time that are used due to the injury are also recoverable.

For those self-employed, earnings history as reflected by tax returns and profit and loss statements can help prove the value of lost earnings. Similar supporting documentation must be presented for future lost earnings.

If you were suffered injury in an auto accident or someone’s premises, please contact our office to discuss your case. To maximize monetary recovery, it is important to have the assistance of an experienced attorney in presenting your personal injury claim. *** Darrick V. Tan, Esq. is admitted to practice law in California and Nevada.

Mr. Tan is a graduate of UCLA and Southwestern University School of Law. He is a member of the Consumers Attorney Association of Los Angeles and is a former member of the Board of Governors of the Philipp ine American Bar Association. *** LAW OFFICES OF DARRICK V. TAN, 3580 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 900, Los Angeles, CA 90010. Tel: (323) 639-0277.

Email: info@dtanlaw.com.

(Advertising Supplement)

the human soul, and denouncing violence, corruption, abuse of power, and greed.

The alternative Second Reading from the Letter of St. Paul to Titus (2:11-14; 3:4-7) reminds us what living out baptismal call is about: “Beloved: The grace of God has appeared, saving all and training us to reject godless ways and worldly desires to live temperately, justly, and devoutly in this age, as we await the blessed hope, the appearance of the glory of God and savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to deliver us from lawlessness and cleanse for himself a people of his own,

eager to do what is good.” *** From a Filipino immigrant family, Reverend Rodel G. Balagtas was ordained to the priesthood from St. John’s Seminary in 1991. He served as Associate Pastor at St. Augustine, Culver City (1991-1993); St. Martha, Valinda (1993-1999); and St. Joseph the Worker, Canoga Park (19912001). In 2001, he served as Administrator Pro Tem of St. John Neumann in Santa Maria, CA, until his appointment as pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary, Los Angeles, in 2002, which lasted 12 years. His term as Associate Director of Pastoral Field Education at St. John’s Seminary began in July 2014.

that you’ll never forget. It’s lifechanging and it is rewarding on so many levels. Whether the child is on the path for reunification or adoption, the resource parents’ contribution in providing a temporary, safe, and loving home is an immeasurable value.

Additionally, the relationships resource parents build with the children have long-term meaningful impacts. The relationship between children and their resource parents are significant, whether they’ve stayed with you for three weeks or three years.

Filipino culture support

Earlier, I mentioned the importance of providing Filipino cultural support for children who need it. This reminds me of the story of three Filipino siblings who were lucky enough to be fostered by a Latino family. While it was a blessing that the siblings were not split up, according to their county social worker, the children missed even the simple Filipino dishes, particularly hot dogs in their spaghetti.

In some cases, the implication is greater than culinary nostalgia.

In some cases, children lose the ability to speak Tagalog because there weren’t enough Filipino re-

source parents to take in children during their key developmental years. In extreme cases, they will know absolutely nothing about their heritage if they grow up in homes where their cultural heritage is not discussed. *** We all know a family member, relative, or perhaps even ourselves who have the resources and the heart to share with these children. In order to attend our Pre-Approval Parent Trainings in March 2019, you must attend an Orientation hosted by the Asian Foster Family Initiative, which is the first and only Asian Pacific Island focused foster family agency in the nation. Please contact Mariah at moca@kfamla.org or (213) 235-4851 for any questions and/or to register.

C4 JANUARY 12-15, 2019 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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People and Events merica Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Hollywood announces new president, Paul Mirador 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

Calendar of Events across

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JA N UA RY 1 6 - 1 8

Spark Philippines Trade and Travel Fest in San Francisco Discover creative and delectable culinary products and enticing travel destinations of the Philippines in a three-day event – January 16-18, 2019 — at the Philippine Consulate General (447 Sutter Street, San Francisco, CA), a block away from Union Square San Francisco.

Spark Philippines Trade and Travel Fest is a sneak preview of two of the best things that the Philippines can offer — food and travel. Discover many innovative food ingredients, such as the coconut floral sap vinegar or Sukang Tuba and the mango flour. Uncover the uses of the “dinosaur egg” salt or Asin Tibuok. Learn more about Philippine food products from a few Philippine companies participating in the Winter Fancy Food Show 2019. The Fest affords visitors to savor Filipino fusion-style eats and dine kamayan-style (no cutlery required) in a salu-salo or a gastronomic feast featuring locally sourced ingredients using Filipino heirloom recipes. Guests can also explore attractive travel packages in the land of fun and sun. Choose from a number of inviting tourist attractions of the Philippines. Travel agents will have the opportunity to meet with others. Importers and participating food companies can continue their conversations in the event.

JA N UA RY 1 7

4th Homeless Service Professionals Job Fair in LA Mayor Eric Garcetti, the LA Homeless Services Authority, the County of LA Homeless Initiative, Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson, United Way of Greater LA, Workforce Development Systems, and LA Southwest College invite you to the fourth Homeless Service Professionals Job Fair on Thursday, January 17 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Over 30+ employers will be in attendance, who are looking to fill hundreds of positions throughout the greater LA area — everything from case managers and outreach workers to housing navigators, supervisors and executives. Join us for our job fair and learn about the incredible impact you can have to help people get all the support they need to start a new chapter. You can help change lives. Types of Positions: Direct Service / Entry Level: case managers, outreach workers, housing navigators, employment specialists, administration, finance, and more; Management / Supervisory Level: supervisors, coordinators, program managers and directors, and similar positions; Professional Level and Executive Level: with advanced degrees such as MSW, MPP, MPH, LCSW, certifications; senior management. On-site resources available: Resume review and editing; Interviewing preparation and tips; and Connections to more local services. Please RSVP at: HSPJobFairLa.eventbrite.com. The job fair will be held inside the Thomas G. Larkin Fitness and Wellness Center at Los Angeles Southwest College (1600 W. Imperial Hwy., Los Angeles, CA 90047).

JA N UA RY 1 8

ONE of the newest creativedriven business organizations, the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Hollywood announces Paul Mirador as president beginning January 2019.

Previously holding the position of Vice President, Mirador takes over from Founder Craig Wilson, whose responsibilities have shifted to intensive development tasks for the Chamber.

Mirador is a native Angeleno who attended Van Nuys High School, on to Pierce College and Santa Monica College. He has a background in the financial industry, from insurance to investments, and worked as a loan officer and manager for 14 years, and in real estate as realtor for over 10 years.

As a current active Red Cross volunteer, Mirador often gets deployed during emergency disaster crises as he is also a level 3 CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) member and ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Service) with the HAM Radio call sign KK6HMQ. His hobbies have become fullgrown professional businesses, which include Paul Mirador Photography and Uber Chic Productions digital media company. The latest is The Coffee Corner Show (TCCS) is a podcast show that airs on YouTube and other social media platforms, with a tagline: Pitch Your Business, Promote Your Events, Show us your Tal-

Paul Mirador, the new president of Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Hollywood

ent. TCCS also interviews, politicians, industry professionals, celebrities, musicians and artists to help promote their events.

Mirador takes over the reigns of this fledgling chamber, whose members are in entertainment or creative businesses, with the tagline “Bridging the Gap.” One of its initial projects is the digital magazine “Abe” which features Fil-Ams in the entertainment scene. FACCHO members

gain access to a network that can have a huge impact on their business. Members can also get exclusive discounts to events and workshops, and the membership supports FACCHO in its efforts to enhance our Fil-Am community’s presence in the local industry.

FACCHO is a proud member of the Coalition of Filipino American Chambers of Commerce (COFACC). To learn more, please visitwww.facchollywood.org.■

It will take place from Monday, January 14-Friday, January 18, at 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. (the following morning).

Two lanes will be closed each night, but traffic will be maintained in both directions. On Monday and

Tuesday nights, the southbound tunnel will be restricted to one lane. The northbound tunnel will be reduced to one travel lane on Wednesday and Thursday nights.

Passengers should allow extra time to reach the airport. ■

Overnight Sepulveda tunnel cleaning will restrict lanes near LAX

Santo Nino Celebration at St. Catherine Laboure Church in Torrance, CA Most Rev. Bishop Oscar A. Solis will celebrate the holy sacrifice of the Mass on Friday, January 18 at St. Catherine Laboure Church (3846 Redondo Beach Blvd. Torrance, CA 90504) at 7 p.m. The Novena prayers and Chaplet will follow after the Mass. The parish has an exact replica of the Infant of Prague (Santo Nino) clothed in a relic of the Holy Robe that adorns the original statue in the shrine at Prague. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own statues; the devotion of touching them to the Holy Robe will conclude the celebration. For more information, please contact Lorna Arceo at (310) 345-4637, Maria Quan (310) 714-6537 or Vicki & Romy Balliyut at (310) 406-6575.

JA N UA RY 1 9

Sto. Niño celebration at St. Finbar Church in Burbank, CA Please join us for Sinulog on January 19, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Finbar Church (2010 W Olive Ave, Burbank, CA 91506). Bring your statues of the Infant Jesus. Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m.

JA N UA RY 1 9 -2 0

38th Annual Asian American Expo in Pomona, CA The 38th annual Asian American Expo will be held on Saturday, January 19 and January 20 at the Pomona Fairplex (2705 Fairplex Dr. Pomona, California 91768). The Asian American Expo features 6 large expositions, 1,000+ vendors, 9 non-stop performing stages, and 3 separately unique food courts. Attendees from all different ethnic and work backgrounds, from both local and international, are bound to be at the Expo. The Asian American Expo is hosted at the beginning of each year to celebrate the coming of the Lunar New Year Festival, with the goal recreating the New Year celebrations found across Asia at this time of the year.

Food, shopping, entertainment and fun – these are all annual staples that can be found at each year’s event. The hours for both Saturday and Sunday are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tickets are $11/day for adults (age 13 to 65) and $9 / day for seniors (above 65) and children (under 13).

For more information, please visit http://www.asianamericanexpo.com/.

JA N UA RY 2 0

Feast of Sto. Niño at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in LA On Sunday, January 20, 2019 at 3:30 pm, the Santo Niño Cruzada USA will sponsor a mass at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels to be presided by its Pastor, Fr. David Gallardo, and to commemorate its 32nd year anniversary of the solemn Feast of Santo Niño, the Divine Infant Jesus. Participating are the choir of St. Paul the Apostle Church from Chino Hills, The Southern California Sinulog Dance Co., The Saint Junipero Serra Province Knights of Columbus, and various religious organizations. We also offer the mass to the late Cardinal Ricardo Vidal of Cebu who gave the Santo Nino statue that we use for this event to Cardinal Roger Mahony and Monsignor Kevin Kostelnik. For more information on this celebration, please contact Romy & Tess Esturas at (213) 219-0590.

JA N UA RY 27

“Journey for Justice” book launch in LA Get a first edition “Journey for Justice: The Life of Larry Itliong,” written by the late historian Dawn Bohulano Mabalon and writer Gayle Romasanta, on Sunday, January 27 at the launch in Los Angeles! It will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Park’s Finest (1267 W. Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA 90026). The book tells the story of Larry Itliong’s fight for a farmworkers union, the birth of the farm workers’ movement, and more. Books will be sold and signed with a Q&A with co-author Gayle Romasanta). A percentage of proceeds from this book will be donated to the nonprofit organizations, Little Manila Rising and the Filipino American National Historical Society. For more information, please visit http://bridgedelta.com/.

F E B R UA RY 2

Philippine Medical Association of Hawaii’s gala in Waikiki, HI The Philippine Medical Association of Hawaii will hold its 41st inaugural and installation of officers on Saturday, February 2 at 5 p.m. It will be held at the Tapa Ballroom at the Hilton Hawaiian Village (2005 Kalia Rd, Honolulu, HI 96815). Attire is formal. For more information, please visit http://pmah-hawaii.org.

F E B R UA RY 9

St. Finbar Church in Burbank, CA celebrates its 9th Annual Valentine Dinner Dance Come and celebrate Hollywood glamour on February 9, 2019 from 6:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. For information contact Marian at (818) 562-6819 or send an email to minobleza@yahoo. com.

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

THE Los Angeles Bureau of Street Services will clean the walls in the Sepulveda Boulevard tunnel near Los Angeles International Airport, requiring overnight lane closures for four nights next week.

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PeoPle and events

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 12-15, 2019

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PeDRO induction in Los Angeles Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Los Angeles holds gala and induction of board officers THE Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Los Angeles on January 5, 2019 welcomed new Board Members Fiona Hilario and Atty. Jay Tiuleco, and Vice President for Marketing and

President Elect for 2020 Annie Nepomuceno. Photo shows (LR) Fiona Hilario, Doreen Remo, Connie Mapue (Secretary), Annie Nepomuceno (VP-Marketing), Lois Klavir (VP-Membership), Gemma Bergstrom,

Vivian Lim, Ellen Samson (President), Mary Trinidad, Angelo Varsobia (VP-Events), Gerry Palon (President Emeritus-Treasurer), Atty. Jay Tiuleco, Evangeline Tabberrah and Roy Tabberrah. n

NDUCTION. (L-R seated) Corazon Cruz, Lolita Bandong, Zeny Sabocor, Myrna Baculi, Heidi Mariano, Lydia Solis and Edith Sajor. (L-R standing) Consul General Adelio Cruz, Joey Cruz, Linda Simbulan, Lilli Khan, Cirilo Pinlac, 2019 President Benito Miranda, 2019 Vice President Santos Capistrano, Past Pres. Archerie Calunod, Emma Sabido, Cecile Rosano, Doc Manuel Baculi, Serafin Sabocor, and Deputy Consul General Ambrosio Brian F. Enciso III. Photo courtesy of Benito M. Miranda

Photo by Rick Gavino

PeDRO (Philippine Disaster Relief Organization) held its induction of new officers and members at the Philippine Consul General’s offices in Los Angeles on Wednesday, January 9th.

Leading the induction ceremony was Honorable Consul General Adelio Cruz, who gave an inspiring message of leadership and hope especially for the future of the coming generations.

PeDRO’s incoming President, Benito M. Miranda, thanked immediate past President, Archerie Calunod, for his unwavering dedication, for his service to PeDRO and for raising awareness about those who suffered difficulties from recent disasters.

PeDRO will continue in its mission to “Give hope to those who need it most!” n

C JANUARY 12-15, 2019 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 12-15, 2019

MARKETPLACE SHOWROOM Spouses of US citizens should not be guilty

&

D1

Filipinos urged to deal only with of fraud because of “preconceived intent” legit travel agencies to avoid scams

“PRECONCEIVED INTENT” typically involves a person who enters the U.S. on a visitor’s visa and immediately begins working or takes steps to permanently reside in the U.S., by marrying a US citizen, etc. The government’s reasoning is that when the person applied for their visitor’s visa or entered the U.S., they represented to the consul (or the immigration officer at the airport) that they had absolutely no intention to remain in the U.S., and their sole purpose was to visit and then depart. Because they remained in the U.S., it meant that they lied to the consul or immigration officer, by concealing their intentions to work and/or remain indefinitely in the U.S. At the present time, the U.S. Embassy in Manila seems focused on preconceived intent and charging people with fraud, especially when the spouse of a U.S. citizen returns to the Philippines for immigrant visa processing, based on an approved provisional waiver. They charge people with fraud by retroactively applying a new 90-day rule to conduct that may have occurred decades ago. If a person entered the U.S. in 1999 and began working within 90 days, the Embassy may charge them with fraud in 2019.

However, there are several things wrong with this ap-

Immigration Corner ATTY. MICHAEL GURFINKEL, ESQ proach: • USCIS Operating Instructions (OI) as well as several precedent decisions from the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) state that notwithstanding the fact that a person entered the U.S. as a non-immigrant with

“If a person entered the U.S. in 1999 and began working within 90 days, the Embassy may charge them with fraud in 2019.” preconceived intent to remain, it should not be considered fraud if they are the spouse of a U.S. citizen. Therefore, why is the U.S. Embassy charging spouses of U.S. citizens with fraud based on preconceived intent when U.S. law and cases state otherwise?

• The USCIS repudiates (refuses to accept or be associated with) the State Department’s (DOS) new 90-day rule. In its Policy Manual on adjudicating

inadmissibilities, the USCIS expressly states that the 90-day rule is not a “rule” in the sense of being a binding principle or decision, and “This DOS 90-day rule is not binding on USCIS.” Therefore, the Embassy is charging people with fraud for violating the DOS’s 90-day rule, and having them apply for fraud waivers to the USCIS, which does not even follow the 90-day rule.

• The Embassy is supposed to give people the opportunity to present evidence and documents to prove their innocence, before charging them with fraud: “You must give the alien the opportunity to rebut the presumption of willful misrepresentation by presentation of evidence to overcome it.” What typically happens is during the interview, the person is told their case is being put under “administrative processing.” The next thing is they receive a notice that they have been charged with fraud and have to file a fraud waiver, without giving in a meaningful opportunity to present evidence of their innocence.

• The U.S. Supreme Court, as well as established U.S. jurisprudence, declare it is unfair to impose new punishment on past conduct, which is exactly what the U.S. Embassy is doing. They apply this new 90-day rule to PAGE D2

Business Quote of the Week “Leaders are not just born. Sure, some people are born with strong competencies and strengths for leading in certain situations, but it is very clear that leadership can also be developed. That means everyone can strengthen their skills and abilities to lead and influence.”

— Dr. Susan Madsen, Professor of Leadership & Ethics, Utah Valley University

Coron, Palawan

Inquirer.net photo by Katherine G. Adraneda

by DAXIM

L. LUCAS

Inquirer.net

AN UMBRELLA organization of the Philippines’ largest travel agencies is urging Filipinos to deal only with “legitimate and reputable” organizations when booking their overseas and local trips amid a growing proliferation of scams preying on the travel boom.

In a press briefing, officials of the Philippine Travel Agen-

cies Association (PTAA) advised would-be tourists that holiday inconveniences can be avoided if travel needs are coursed through the members of the association.

“We have seen in December, during one of the peak season of travel, that some of our countrymen were not able to enjoy their travels for an assortment of reasons with some even barred from reaching their destination,” PTAA president Ritchie Tuano said.

The PTAA has over 600 members with 68 percent of them being travel agencies that are in operations nationwide.

“As an association, the PTAA has been a long-time partner of the government in its push to grow the country’s tourism industry,” Tuano said. “On the part of our members, we are providing them with year round activities to put them in the best position to serve the public with PAGE D2

Philippines to sustain growth amid global slowdown percent in 2018 and is expected to grow by 6.5 percent in 2019.

This is in line with the downMANILA, Philippines — The graded projections made last Philippines is expected to sustain month because of the delay in the its current growth trajectory de- passage of the 2019 national budspite an expected slower growth get which can temper investment in the global economy in the next growth this year.

Last month, the World Bank few years, according to a new resaid while high inflation may have port by the World Bank.

In its 2019 Global Economic tempered the growth in houseProspects report, the international hold consumption in the fourth finance institution said the domes- quarter of 2018, a moderation in tic economy likely grew by 6.4 inflation in the following quarters

by CZERIZA

VALENCIA Philstar.com

is expected to boost consumer confidence and raise private consumption in 2019.

The mid-term election in May is also expected to strengthen consumption by temporarily raising employment and disposable incomes in early 2019.

In the new report, World Bank said the domestic economy is expected to grow by 6.6 percent in 2020 throughout 2021. The expectations for the Philippines is PAGE D2

D JANUARY 12-15, 2019 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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World Bank cites Philippine Rural NEDA Chief Pernia: More foreign investments needed to address weak exports Development Project as model program

by BEN

by LOUISE

MAUREEN Philstar.com

O. DE VERA

Inquirer.net

THE Philippines’ chief economist on Thursday, January 10 urged further opening up the manufacturing and export sectors to foreigners to make them more competitive as he expressed concern over the yawning current account shortfall caused by the widening trade deficit, which at end-November last year already surpassed the record 2017 figure. “A widening current account balance due to rising capital goods imports and anemic exports growth is a cause for concern.

The widening gap emphasizes the need to reform legislation to allow foreign investments in firms catering to the domestic market, in addition to expanding their exporting activities,� Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia said in a statement Thursday.

Pernia was reacting to the Philippine Statistics Authority’s (PSA) latest preliminary report showing that the country’s merchandise exports declined 0.3 percent year-on-year to $5.6 billion last November while imports sustained growth, climbing 6.8 percent to $9.5 billion during the same month.

The PSA said the surge in imports in November were led by the following products: cereals and cereal preparations; mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials, iron and steel; other food and live animals; plastics; industrial machinery and equipment; telecommunication equipment and electrical machinery; miscellaneous manufactured articles; electronic products; and transport equipment.

MANILA, Philippines — The country’s rural development program has been cited by the World Bank as one of the most outstanding programs that is worth replicating by other nations.

Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel PiĂąol said the World-Bank assisted Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) would be a subject of an international conference of developing countries in Germany next week.

Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia Photo courtesy of NEDA “PRDP has been cited as one Philippine-made shipments to rent account was projected to end of the outstanding rural developoverseas, meanwhile, suffered a 2018 at a $6.4-billion deficit, or ment programs ever implemented decline mainly due to slower sales over twice larger than the previ- by WB anywhere in the world.

PRDP is actually the first WB ruof chemicals, ignition wiring sets, ous projection of $3.1 billion.

The current account deficit was ral program that started from the coconut oil, and electronics—the country’s biggest export com- seen as further increasing to $8.4 ground,� said Piùol, who will repbillion in 2019. resent the Philippines in the conmodity, the PSA said.

Economic managers had said ference next week.

From January to November The six-year PRDP, which belast year, exports fell 0.9 percent that with the Duterte adminisyear-on-year to $62.8 billion even tration’s ambitious “Build, Build, gan in 2013, started as a farmas the value of imported goods Build� infrastructure program, to-market road initiative and was that entered the country during demand for imports of mostly eventually added with several the first 11 months of last year capital goods would remain ro- livelihood components to ensure stakeholders participation. jumped 15.8 percent to $100.5 bust during the near term.

To address sagging ex“WB would like to share this billion.

As exports dropped while im- ports, Pernia, who heads the state to other developing countries as ports rose, the end-November planning agency National Eco- well because they feel that this Development is a program worth replicating trade-in-goods deficit reached nomic and $37.7 billion, already exceeding Authority urged reforming the the $27.4-billion deficit for the en- Foreign Investment Act “to allow foreign firms to transfer manufactire 2017.

In November alone, the trade turing facilities to the Philippines deficit widened to $3.9 billion to serve both the domestic and PAGE D1 t all their travel needs and requireregional (ASEAN) markets.� from $3.3 billion a year ago. ments.�

To recall, Pernia had said the The wider trade deficit had reThe warning came as the orsulted in a ballooning current ac- 11th Foreign Investment Negative ganization launched this year’s List issued by President Duterte count deficit as more dollars were last year contained liberalization Travel Tour Expo, now on its 26th being spent on importation.

The current account deficit, in measures that were only “mar- edition, which will formally open turn, was putting pressure on the ginal improvements,� citing that on February 8 at the SMX Conpeso, which weakened to 13-year more could be done by amending vention Center in Pasay City Organization of the country’s restrictive economic laws through lows last year. biggest annual travel and tourism a number of bills pending in ConLast December, the Bangko event expect a record 135,000 Sentral ng Pilipinas said the cur- gress. n Filipinos to troop to the three-day event. “Over the years, the Travel

Photo courtesy of Philippine Rural Development Project

to other countries. One of its salient features is how effective it is in curtailing corruption in the implementation of projects,â€? PiĂąol said. “It should be noted that there were lots of corruption issues before but the LGUs now are living up to the expectations,â€? he added.

The PRDP, which was jumpstarted by former agriculture secretary Proceso Alcala, is known to have revolutionized ways of doing business in and with the DA, introducing innovations in enhanc-

ing transparency, accountability and participation mechanisms.

It was designed to establish the government platform for a modern, climate-smart, and market-oriented agri-fishery sector, focusing on expanding market access and improving competitiveness while introducing reforms in the internal operations of the DA. The program aimed to increase annual real household incomes of farmer beneficiaries, annual marketed output and the number of farmers with improved access to DA services. n

Filipinos urged to deal only with...

Philippines to sustain growth amid...

PAGE D1 t still above the average forecast in East Asia and the Pacific region of 6.3 percent in 2018, six percent throughout 2019 to 2020 and 5.8 percent for 2021.

Global economic growth is expected to soften from a downward revised three percent in 2018 to 2.9 percent in 2019 amid rising downside risks that include the softening of international trade and manufacturing activity, elevated trade tensions, rising borrowing costs and policy uncertainties.

Growth is expected to slow

SIMEON

down further to 2.8 percent in 2020 to 2021.

In East Asia and the Pacific, the country’s immediate neighborhood, growth is expected to moderate to a still robust six percent in 2019 and 2020. Growth in the region is seen to have slowed to 6.3 percent in 2018.

Risks to regional growth include the possibility of further escalation of trade tensions and faster-thanexpected tightening of global financing conditions. “Countries most vulnerable to disruptions in global trade and financial market activity are those

with high debt, elevated current account deficits and high exposure to portfolio and bank inflows, and significant reliance on exports,� said the report.

The report said that despite the slowdown, the region remains one of the world’s fastest-growing regions and has been relatively resilient to recent bouts of financial market volatility.

This is because most countries continue to experience growth above the average of emerging and developing economies. These include China, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines and Vietnam. n

Tour Expo has become synonymous with great travel deals and we aim to keep that as we open the expo in February,� organizing committee chair Marlene Dado Jante said. “Everything that our countrymen needs for their travels in 2019 will be at the expo.�

More than 400 exhibitors will be participating, including the biggest airlines, hotels, resorts, theme parks, cruise lines worldwide. It will all feature all the tourism stakeholders in the country, embassies, and national

tourism organizations. The expo will again cover the entire 16,230 square meters of floor space and will be open for a combined 32 hours during its three-day run.

She said with a potential record high number of foot traffic, the organizing committee will look at the possibility of still extending the expo’s operating hours to accommodate everyone.

Over the last three years, the expo has seen an increase in foot traffic of at least 10 percent annually. n

Spouses of U.S. citizens should not be guilty...

PAGE D1 t conduct that may have occurred decades ago.

If you are the spouse of a U.S. citizen and charged with fraud because of preconceived intent, you should seek the advice of an attorney who can evaluate your situation, and see if this charge was unfairly and improperly imposed, and fight to clear your name. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel has been an attor-

ney for over 35 years and is licensed, and an active member of the State Bars of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California. Each case is different and results may depend on the facts of the particular case. The information and opinions contained herein (including testimonials, “Success Stories�, endorsements and re-enactments) are of a general nature, and are not intended to apply to any particular case, and do not constitute a prediction,

warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorney-client relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader.

WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com Follow us on Facebook.com/GurfinkelLaw and Twitter @GurfinkelLaw Call Toll free to schedule a consultation for anywhere in the US: 1-866-4873465 (866) – GURFINKEL Four offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES ∙ SAN FRANCISCO ∙ NEW YORK ∙ PHILIPPINE (Advertising Supplement)

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Qualified theft case vs San Miguel LTFRB: Indonesian ride-hailing Holdings’ Indonesian partner a go firm Go Jek can’t operate in PH

by LISBET

K. ESMAEL Manilatimes.net

Court of Appeals

by TETCH

TORRES-TUPAS Inquirer.net

MANILA, Philippines – The Court of Appeals this week affirmed its July 11, 2018 ruling allowing the Marikina Regional Trial Court to proceed with the trial on the qualified theft case filed by San Miguel Holdings Corporation (SMHC), the infrastructure arm of San Miguel Corporation against its Indonesian partners.

In an eight-page resolution, the appeals court’s Special Former 9th Division dismissed the motion for reconsideration filed

by Indonesian businessman Shadik Wahono and his co-respondents Nadiya W. Stamboel, Fema Christina Piramide-Sayson and Alvin B. Bugtas which sought a reversal of the July 2018 ruling.

The appeals court ruling last year granted the bid of SMHC to order the inhibition of Marikina RTC Branch 193 Judge Alice Gutierrez to inhibit from the case and allow the trial to proceed in another RTC Marikina branch.

SMHC sought Gutierrez inhibition for issuing an October 2017 ruling dismissing the qualified theft complaint. SMHC then

sought the CA’s help through an injunction which was granted.

The order to proceed with the trial came next in July last year.

Wahono and the others wanted the July order reversed.

But the CA, in its latest ruling, said “after a careful perusal of the entire records of the case, it finds no compelling reason to disturb its earlier ruling.”

The CA said the arguments raised by the Wahono and the others “have already been exhaustively addressed by this court.”

Wahono and his co-respondents were charged with qualified theft case before the Marikina City RTC for allegedly causing Citra Metro Manila Tollways Corporation’s (CMMTC), which was jointly owned then by the SMHC and Wahono, to make an unauthorized disbursement, which the latter used to incorporate another company called Citra Central Expressway Corp. (CCEC).

The SMHC specifically charged Wahono for alleged unauthorized disbursement of P50 million in funds of CMMTC. The Marikina court has already acquitted Sayson and Bugtas.

Wahono and the others said the

THE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has rejected the application of Indonesian ridehailing company Go Jek to operate in the Philippines over foreign ownership issues.

Go Jek’s rejection further cements Grab’s hold on the Southeast Asian market, particularly in Manila, where the Singaporebased firm has captured 90 percent of the market, according to local anticompetition officials.

LTFRB Resolution No. 96 signed on Dec. 20 denied Go Jek’s application through its local subsidiary, Velox Technologies Philippines, for violating Section 11, Article 12 of the Philippine Constitution.

According to the law, a public utility franchise should be issued only to companies that are 60percent Filipino-owned. Velox Technologies’ articles show that it remains 99 percent owned by Singaporean citizens.

Under Department Order No. 2018-13, transport network veInquirer.net file photo hicle services (TNVS) like Grab continuation of the trial would are treated as public utilities beviolate their right against double cause of their role in mass transjeopardy or should not be tried of port.

Because of this, transport netthe same case twice.

The CA, however, pointed out work companies like Go Jek must that the order “did not necessarily amount to the extinction of the civil liability.”

It added that even with the acquittal, aside from appealing the civil aspect of the case, the offended party can question the MANILA, Philippines — Govdecision through a petition for review before the higher courts ernment employees and the stating grave abuse of discretion military can expect another that would render the judgment salary hike in the next years until the end of President Ronull and void.

The CA said the case should be drigo Duterte’s term in 2022, raffled to another judge in accor- the country’s Budget chief said dance with the provisions of the Wednesday, January 9.

At a press conference, Budget Rules of Court.

“Having failed to live up to the Secretary Benjamin Diokno said standards of avoiding even the a task force has been organized mere appearance of impropriety, to “study the wage structure for the recusal of the respondent the 2020 to 2022 salary adjustjudge from the proceedings in ment.”

“There will be [wage increasthe court a quo is essential to the preservation of the people’s faith es] but how much is not yet dein the judicial system,” the ap- termined,” Diokno said.

According to the Cabinet ofpellate court explained.

The resolution was written by ficial, the government is still Associate Justice Sesinando E. studying the planned adjustVillon and concurred in by Asso- ments in state wages by “comciate Justices Manuel Barrios and paring” the salary structures of the government and the private Germano Francisco Legaspi. n

A GoJek driver transports a passenger. (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock.com/findracadabra)

comply with the constitution which limits foreign equity to 40 percent, according to communications director Goddes Hope Libiran of the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

While Grab hails from Singapore, its local subsidiary, MyTaxiPH, complies with the foreign ownership requirement.

Should Go Jek reconstitute its ownership and board composition, it can appeal for reconsideration, Libiran said.

Go Jek statement In a statement, Go Jek said the company “continues to engage positively with the LTFRB and other government agencies,

as we seek to provide a much needed transport solution for the people of the Philippines.”

With Go Jek facing a roadblock, the Philippine ride-hailing industry remains split among 10 players: Grab, u-Hop, Micab, Hype, e-Pick Me Up, Owto, Hirna, GoLag, Ryde and SnappyCab. Grab and u-Hop have yet to renew their accreditations.

Grab’s most serious competitor, motorcycle-hailing app Angkas, was edged out of the market last year after the Supreme Court stopped a lower court from preventing DOTr and LTFRB from apprehending Angkas drivers.

(Inquirer.net) n

Diokno announces 2020-2022 wage hikes for gov’t employees, military

Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno holds his weekly “Breakfast with Ben” press conference on Dec. 5, 2018. Government employees and the military can expect another salary hike in the next years until the end of President Rodrigo Duterte’s term in 2022, the country’s budget chief said Wednesday, January 9.

Photo courtesy of the Department of Budget Management

sector.

“That study is ongoing right

now,” he said. (Ian Nicolas Cigaral / Philstar.com) n

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EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

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PAL eyes investment deal, TV5 narrows losses in 2018 to add Asian routes in H1

by RICHMOND

MERCURIO Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines — TV5 Network Inc. has further narrowed its losses in 2018, but the company may still be quite far from achieving its break even target this year.

TV5 president Vincent Reyes said yesterday the network improved its bottom line last year by 30 percent from the previous year.

“We narrowed the loss by another 30 percent moving towards the eventual promise land,” Reyes said.

“I thought that was a great performance given the difficulties the others in the industry are experiencing,” he said.

TV5 has been on a mission of trimming its losses as it sets a target of breaking even by 2019.

“It’s still a target, but I will be the very first to say it’s going to be very, very difficult to achieve that by the end of the year. But I Manilatimes.net file photo

by LISBET

K. ESMAEL Manilatimes.net

PHILIPPINE Airlines (PAL) is looking to close a partnership agreement with a potential investor in the first half of 2019 as it plans to add three new routes in Asia.

In a press briefing on Tuesday, January 7, PAL President and Chief Operating Officer Jaime J. Bautista said if the deal pushed through, this investor, which he

refused to identify, would have a stake of up to 40 percent in the country’s flag carrier.

He also said the airliner would launch direct flights from Manila to Hanoi, Phnom Penh and New Delhi.

“We can be the leader in carrying North American travelers to India, Cambodia and Vietnam via our Manila hub,” Bautista said in a statement.

“We will leverage Manila’s excellent geographical location as

an ideal stopover point for people flying to Southeast and South Asia from the East and West Coasts of North America,” he added.

Flights to and from Hanoi will occur four times weekly starting March 31; Phnom Penh, five times a week beginning April 1; and New Delhi, four times weekly starting in April.

For this year, Bautista expects his company to register 19 million passengers this year, higher than last year’s 17 million. n

National Capital Region, the Shakey’s chief said, is in line with the pizza restaurant chain’s strategy to expand operations to areas where the potential of great demand for its products exists.

“We also tapped more local partners this year to run our provincial operations and to ensure that we have on-the-ground accountability even in farther-flung areas,” he added.

Shakey’s also found it imperative to implement improvements to stay ahead, Gregorio said, like “rolling out redesigned interiors for its newer branches, launching innovative products and executing high-quality service.”

“The brand has been able to stay relevant; it has gone through a lot of adaptations in response to the changing times, and our abil-

ity to touch lives has formed the foundation of our fiercely loyal base of guests.”

The company’s expansion plan comes as it reported that it opened 20 new stores last year, 80 percent of which were outside Metro Manila. Seventy-five percent of these were franchised.

Last year also saw Shakey’s opening its second branch in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, which broke its record for biggest opening-day sales and highest number of pre-sold loyalty cards.

The pizza chain expects to open at least 18 more international outlets in the next few years.

Shakey’s shares added 24 centavos or 1.95 percent to close at P12.54 on Wednesday. n

Shakey’s to open 20 new stores in 2019

by TYRONE JASPER

C. PIAD

Manilatimes.net

SHAKEY’S Pizza Asia Ventures, Inc. is planning to open 20 new stores this year to bring its local branch network to 248.

In a disclosure on Wednesday, January 9, Shakey’s President and Chief Executive Officer Vicente Gregorio said the plan came after his company continued “to see consumer spending fueling the Philippine economy, which is still one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing markets.”

“This, alongside our strong brand equity and industry-leading margins, supports our drive to open more stores across the country this year and in the years ahead,” he added.

Opening stores outside the

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am confident in the fact that we have assembled a team that is going to be able to take advantage of any such opportunity that will allow us to achieve that target by the end of this year,” he said.

Reyes attributed the network’s improved bottom line performance last year to the continued operational efficiencies as well as its partnership with ESPN. “The partnership with ESPN was very important because it gave us a lot of content at a cost which was not as prohibitive as it was when we used to do general entertainment because it’s not any secret that being in the general entertainment-showbiz category really entails a lot of expense to be competitive. But because we made conscious decision not to do that anymore and shift to sports, it has allowed us to greatly reduce our expenditures by a lot,” Reyes said.

TV5, however, saw a contraction in revenue in 2018, which according to Reyes, was due to

lower ad spending as a result of its shift away from the general entertainment category.

“Total TV viewership is on a decline and that’s why that is directly related to the kind of revenue outlook we can expect.

However, this year is election year. All of us networks should benefit from the election spending, hopefully,” he said.

TV5 expects to get a revenue boost from the upcoming rebranding of its sister channel AksyonTV into 5 Plus starting on Jan. 13.

5 Plus will serve as a secondary channel to TV5 that will serve non-mainstream sport and sportrelated content geared towards a younger audience.

“It (AksyonTV) was kind of all over the place so by making it 5 Plus, then that should resolve that. I think it’s going to be a big part in our revenue target. It will play much bigger role that it used to have. It’s going to help,” Reyes said. n

Be mindful of 2019 polls’ ‘economic implications’ — HSBC MANILA, Philippines State spending to re— The 2019 midterm main a growth driver elections in the PhilipThe Duterte adminispines will have “important tration has been pushing economic implications” for a wider budget gap to that bear watching, paraccommodate heightened ticularly possible shifts infrastructure spending, in political fault lines particularly on big-ticket that may affect reforms, projects in its ambitious analysts at a global bank “Build, Build, Build” prosaid. gram.

Twelve of the 24 SenIn the same report, HSBC ate seats, as well as all said an expansionary fiscal lower house seats and all budget in the Philippines elected posts of local gov- Twelve of the 24 Senate seats, as well as all lower house seats and all means that government elected posts of local government units are up for grabs on May 13, ernment units are up for 2019.

Philstar.com file photo consumption is likely to regrabs on May 13, 2019. main a key growth driver.

HSBC Global Research said capital income taxes,” it added.

The global bank then warned it expects the Duterte adminisThe widely popular President any further delay in passing the tration’s tax reform agenda to Rodrigo Duterte had thrown his 2019 budget could pose “downside continue to make its way through weight behind the tax reform risks” to the economy, although a Congress in 2019, but it stressed program, which aims to fund shift to cash-based budgeting that it’s “important to be mindful” an ambitious infrastructure pro- system may quicken program of political developments leading gram projected to supercharge delivery and reduce instances of up to the May polls. economic growth to 7-8 percent by underspending this year.

“In 2018, the tax reform agenda the end of his term in 2022.

HSBC forecasts the Philippine was put into the background due In a speech before taxmen economy to expand 6.2 percent a confluence of different factors, last August, Finance Secretary in 2018 from 6.7 percent in 2017. including prioritising the fight Carlos Dominguez III said “there The state has set a 6.5-6.9 percent against high inflation,” HSBC said is now more political resistance growth target in 2018. in a report. to succeeding tax reform packIn 2019, the lender said the “We expect tax reforms to ages” partly due to “proximity of economy is expected to grow 6 become a priority again in 2019, elections.” percent. If realized, this would fall amidst easing inflationary pres“Tax policy, as we know, is nev- below the government’s 7-8 persures, including packages that deal er the best way to be re-elected,” cent goal for the year. (Ian Nicolas with corporate, real estate, and Dominguez said.

Cigaral / Philstar.com) n

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