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Volume 17 - No. 3 • 3 Sections – 20 Pages

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USA

DATELINE Operator of multiple adult care facilities ordered to pay $7-M for wage theft FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

Majority of caregivers were Filipino

THE owner of six adult care facilities operating in the San Fernando Valley’s quiet West Hills neighborhood has been slapped with citations of over $7 million for wage theft and other law violations. This makes it the largest wage citation in Southern California in the last three years.

Adat Shalom Board and Care, Inc. has been ordered by the California Labor Commissioner’s Office to pay 149 of its former and current employers — a majority of whom are Filipino — for underpaid wages and penalties.

The caregivers cared for elderly residents 24 hours a day, six days a week, receiving pay of less than $3 an hour, according to the complaint.

“Adult care facilities require caregivers to work around the clock, making workers in this industry vulnerable to wage theft and exploitation,” California Labor Commissioner

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Trump administration to ask Supreme Court to allow end of DACA

Also published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, LAS VEGAS, NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY

Pres. Duterte: ‘Prove Go meddled in Navy warship equipment deal and I’ll fire him’ billion project of the government to acquire combat management systems for the two new warships of the PhilipPRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte will pine Navy could be proven true.

But Duterte defended Go as he fire special assistant to the president Christopher “Bong” Go if the allega- slammed a report on Go, saying it was tions that he intervened in the P15.7- “pregnant with falsity.”

by NESTOR

CORRALES Inquirer.net

“Who gave you idea he can intervene?” Duterte told reporters in an ambush interview in Pasay City.

“Where is his signature? Where is your statement? And where is your… even a point of reference?”

Duterte was referring to an article of

news website Rappler, which said Go intervened in the P15.7-billion project of the government to acquire two new frigates for the Navy.

“You’re inquisitive mind goes beyond its normal proportion,” he said,

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Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio Inquirer.net photo

SC Judge Carpio: Nationwide martial law is legally possible

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

THE Justice Department said on Tuesday, January 16, that it would ask the Supreme Court to overturn a California judge’s ruling in a move it described as a “rare step.”

The overturn would provide a way for the Trump administration to put an end to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), which has taken center stage in the country’s most pressing legal disputes.

The administration said it appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, an injunction made last week by San Franciscobased U.S. District Judge William Alsup.

On Tuesday, January 9, Alsup blocked Trump’s plan to end DACA protections, allowing those previously protected by the program to apply to renew their status. The ruling does not though, require the government to accept new applications.

In carrying out the ruling, Alsup said the plaintiffs “have clearly demonstrated that they

IT is legally possible for Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte to expand the scope of martial law nationwide, Supreme Court (SC) Associate Justice Antonio Carpio said on Wednesday, January 17.

During the resumption of oral arguments on the consolidated petitions against the one-year extension of martial law in Mindanao, Carpio noted that the threat posed by the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA), is nationwide and not limited to Mindanao only.

“But if you follow the argument that the CPP-NPA [threat] is nationwide, legally the president can declare martial law throughout the entire Philippines because there is an ongoing rebellion nationwide,” Carpio said.

While Solicitor General Jose Calida agreed that the president “can” expand the martial law nationwide, he pointed out that it was unnecessary.

“There is the accompanying requisite of public safety that requires it [martial

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AIR TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT. President Rodrigo Duterte inspects the new equipment under the new Communications, Navigation, Surveillance / Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) Systems Development Project during its inauguration at the Philippine Air Traffic Management Center (PATMC) in Pasay City on Tuesday, January 16.

Malacañang photo by Richard Madelo

Int’l media giants condemn SEC move to shut down Rappler New York Times, Wall Street Journal stand in solidarity with the PH outlet

by RAE

I will continue to do this, I suppose, I’ll do it tomorrow. I’ll be firing more people from governPHILIPPINE President Rodri- ment,” Duterte said during a go Duterte on Tuesday, January speech in Pasay City.

16 vowed to continue his drive Speaking before the inauguto cleanse the government ranks ration of new Communications, from corruption by dismissing Navigation, Surveillance/Air more corrupt officials.

Traffic Management Systems, “I am on a purging spree. And the president warned officials

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

Arum eyes possible Pacquiao return at Horn-Crawford match

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

AFTER suffering a controversial defeat in July last year, Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao is likely to make a comeback this coming April.

Sen. Manny Pacquiao

Philstar.com photo

ANN VARONA AJPress

AS Rappler faces closure after the Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) en banc revoked its registration for allegedly violating the country’s Constitution, some of the top media companies have voiced support for the Philippine media ‘We are not closing; we will fight on,’ say Maria Ressa and outlet.

Chay Hofilena in a statement at a press briefing at Rappler.

The company is also being acInquirer.net photo by Grig Montegrande

Duterte on fighting corruption: ‘I’m on a purging spree’

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J A N U A RY 1 9 - 2 5 , 2 0 1 8

from involving themselves in corruption, saying, “Do not do it during my watch.”

Duterte also warned officials against taking excessive foreign trips.

“And those who are into the wanderlust or are itchy for travel and wasting the many things that you do there without neces-

sarily an impact on the lives of the people, better think of resigning,” he said.

Duterte on Monday, January 15, said he sacked Commission on Higher Education (CHED) head Patricia Licuanan, who announced her resignation earlier that day. The president did not

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cused of violating the Anti-Dummy Law, the Corporation Code and the Securities Regulation Code.

“The En Banc finds Rappler, Inc. and Rappler Holdings Corporation, a Mass Media Entity and its alter ego, liable for violating the constitutional and statutory Foreign Equity Restriction in Mass Media, enforceable through laws and rules within

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january 19-25, 2018 • nOrCaL aSIan jOurnaL

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From the Front Page Int’l media giants condemn SEC move...

PAGE A1 t the mandate of the commission,” read the decision dated January 11, published on Monday, January 15.

Following the ruling, press freedom advocates and Philippine government officials including Vice President Leni Robredo were quick to defend Rappler which has maintained that the accusations are false.

“Yung media, sila ‘yung inaasahan na maging watchdog…

Kung wala nang bantay, ano ‘yung makakahadlang sa pangaabuso ng mga opisyal ng gobyerno (The media, they are expected to be watchdogs…

Without watching, what will prevent the abuse of government officials)?” asked Robredo.

On Wednesday, January 17, the New York Times joined in by calling the SEC ruling “only the tip” of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s attack on media critics.

In its op-ed, the Times also highlighted the proliferation of

fake news and said Duterte’s denial of being involved was predictable.

“His supporters have also made the Philippines a swamp of fake news, conspiracy theories and online harassment,” said the Times.

“Mr. Duterte has refused to condemn the flood and has denied any involvement in its creation,” the newspaper added.

“Predictably, he also denied that the revocation of Rappler’s was political, and he said he didn’t care whether or not Rappler continued to operate.”

The Wall Street Journal on Tuesday, January 16, listed the SEC ruling as the latest attempt by the Duterte administration to “silence” the media and those critical of the administration.

“Other media organizations use the same structure; only Rappler is being singled out for punishment,” said the WSJ article.

Under the Philippine Constitution, mass media companies

are required to be fully owned

by Filipinos. The SEC said Rappler had violated those rules by taking funds from Omidyar Network, a self-described philanthropic investment firm created by eBay founder Pierre Omidyar, a non-Filipino.

Rappler argues that the investors provided funding through a Philippine Depository Receipt (PDR) which essentially allow companies to invest in media companies without becoming owners. Many national companies are said to use PDRs. Marcus Brauchli, co-founder of North Base Media which also has investments in Rappler through PDRs, responded to a letter by Filipino journalist Rigoberto Tiglao who asked for Brauchli’s comment on the ruling that “violated our Constitution’s ban on foreign equity in a media firm.”

“Why would the SEC rescind the business license of a truly innovative, viable and popular me-

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PASSPORT ON WHEELS. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) had deployed four “passport on wheels” vehicles around Metro Manila to decongest its consular offices. DFA Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano and Sen. Cynthia Villar led the launching of the program, which aims to bring passport services closer to the public. Each vehicle can process up to 500 applications daily, creating a total of 2,000 additional Photo courtesy of DFA daily slots upon its launch. The program caters to those who do not have access to a consular office.

Pres. Duterte: ‘Prove Go meddled... ing because about money? The things that you are telling never citing Rappler was a “fake news happened,” Duterte said. “Pag outlet.” magtanggap kami ng ganun, ipa“But since you are a fake news sa namin doon sa proper… If it’s outlet then I am not surprised Justice department, it goes to the that your articles are also fake,” Justice department. If the subject he said. matter here is about transportaThe Inquirer also earlier re- tion, it goes to [Secretary Arthur] ported that Malacañang had spe- Tugade,” he said. cial interest in Navy’s selection “He’s not a military [man] and of the weapons system for the he intervened… what… You frigate project of the govern- think, you think you can conment. The report said Go alleg- vince [Defense Secretary Delfin] edly intervened in the acquisition Lorenzana and the guys there, of new warships. you can bribe them? Or you think But the president said the ac- that sila papayag na kami ang cusations against Go were im- mag-bribe with the way I talk, possible. the way I’ve been firing people?”

“He seem to appear interven- he added.

PAGE A1 t

He said he would ask Go to resign or he would fire him tomorrow if the allegations against his aide could be proven true.

“I am now explaining even with your article. Find a way na magsabi ka ng totoo nag-intervene kami. I’ll give it to you,” he said. “And if you can find, I will ask Bong to resign tomorrow. Work on it tonight. Let me know tomorrow and I will fire him if he did intervene, even for one word.”

Go had earlier issued a statement denying he had intervened in Philippine Navy’s selection of the weapons system supplier for the P15.7-billion frigate program. n

SC Judge Carpio: Nationwide martial law...

PAGE A1 t

law declaration],” the Philippine government’s top lawyer added.

Under the Section 18, Article VII of the 1987 Constitution, a president has the power to declare the Philippines under martial law subject to the Congressional approval “in case of invasion or rebellion, when the public safety requires it.”

Further asked by Carpio if the first condition of an actual rebellion by the CPP-NPA had been complied with, Calida responded in affirmative but expressed belief that Duterte “will not impose martial law in the entire Philip-

pines.”

Last month, Congress granted Duterte’s request to retain the martial law in Mindanao until December 31, 2018 for the “total eradication” of the communist rebels, Islamic State (IS)-inspired groups, and other local and foreign terrorist groups in the area.

According to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), there are about 400 terrorists in Mindanao.

AFP also added that there has been an “influx” of foreign terrorists, “in the guise of tourists and businessmen,” in the southern Philippines. So far, the military

said it has monitored 48 foreign terrorists currently operating and recruiting in area.

“Abu Sayyaf groups, in the presence of remnants, supporters, protectors and sympathizers of DAESH (another term for the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria or ISIS), pose a clear and present danger to national facilitation of rehabilitation, recovery and reconstruction in Marawi, and hinder peace in Mindanao,” AFP deputy chief of staff for Intelligence Maj. Gen. Fernando Trinidad said.

According to AFP Chief Gen.

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(650) 689-5160 • http://www.asianjournal.com

From the Front Page

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARy 19-25, 2018

A

Operator of multiple adult care facilities...

PAGE A1 t Julie A. Su said in a statement on Tuesday, January 9.

During the years in which the caregivers were employed, the state of California increased its minimum wage from $9 per hour in 2014, to $10.50 per hour in 2017 for companies with 26 employees or more.

The live-in caregivers at Adat Shalom Board and Care were reportedly paid way less, receiving fixed monthly amounts of $1,500 to $1,800 per month, or $2.40 to $2.88 an hour.

Many of the company’s elderly residents and hospice patients under the caregivers’ care suffered from Alzheimer’s and dementia, said the statement.

The citations issued against Adat Shalom Board and Care total $7,137,036 and account for underpayment of minimum wages and overtime pay, meal period violations, and liquidated damages. The average amount due to each affected worker will be over $15,500 per year, not including civil penalties.

Encino attorney Patrick White, whose firm is representing Adat Shalom Board and Care, told the LA Daily News that the company “vehemently denies that it violated any California wage and hour law. The audit conducted by the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement is wrong. The company intends to appeal and vigorously fight the citation.”

The investigation was prompted after the Labor Commissioner’s Office received a report of labor law violations from the Pilipino Workers Center (PWC), a non-profit organization in Historic Filipinotown that focuses on workers rights among the Filipino community.

“This case should be a signal to both caregivers and RCFE [Residential Care for the Elderly] owners alike that it is not acceptable to cut expenses by paying illegally low wages to the people who are providing the direct

care. Pilipino Workers Center is here to support caregivers who are victims of wage theft so that they can recover the wages that they have already earned and to help transform the industry’s standard practices,” said PWC’s Executive Director Aquilina Soriano Versoza in an emailed statement.

“When caregivers are paid properly and have good working environments, both the caregivers and the people receiving care benefit from a better quality of life,” she added.

Prevalence of wage theft Wage theft remains a huge problem across the home-health and personal-care industry which is considered one of the nation’s fastest-growing occupational sectors. This is unfortunate as the aging population grows.

A recent study released last September by advocacy organization National Employment Law Project (NELP) found that a significant amount of their 3,000 respondents from 47 states and Washington D.C reported working after hours, often without pay.

Forty percent said they “never” received overtime pay, 12 percent said “sometimes”, and 11 percent reported not even knowing if they did or not.

Furthermore, 57 percent of the worker respondents reported not having sick-day benefits. Of the senior age respondents, an even larger percentage said they didn’t have any benefits for their retirement.

“In a sad irony for a workforce tasked with helping our seniors live with dignity, of the 112 workers in this group aged 65 or older, 79.5 percent do not have employer-provided retirement benefits,” the study said.

In 2017, the Labor Commissioner’s Bureau of Field Enforcement (BOFE) received 17,924 reports of labor law violations from various industries — more than double 2016’s report number of

Trump administration to ask...

PAGE A1 t are likely to suffer serious irreparable harm absent from injunction.”

“Before DACA, Individual Plaintiffs, brought to America as children, faced a tough set of live and career choices turning on the comparative probabilities of being deported versus remaining here,” he said in his decision. “DACA gave them a more tolerable set of choices, including joining the mainstream workforce.”

Now, the Justice Department said it will also be petitioning the Supreme Court to intervene in the case later this week.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions said in a statement that the ruling “defies both law and common sense.”

“We are now taking the rare step of requesting direct review on the merits of this injunction by the Supreme Court so that this issue may be resolved quickly and fairly for all the parties involved,” said Sessions.

Sessions had announced the federal protection’s end in September 2017, before giving Congress six months to find a fix. That gives Congressional members until March 5 to make a decision.

The action comes as Capitol Hill approaches a January 19 deadline for avoiding what could be the first government shutdown since 2013. Advocates for the nearly 800,000 (former) DREAMers have been pushing for a DACA fix to be included in the solution.

Filipino Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Jose Antonio Vargas, who outed himself as an illegal immigrant in a 2011 essay in the New York Times Magazine, took to Instagram Tuesday encouraging those that may be affected to take a vacation day from work and

get needed paperwork done.

“If you’re an employer, I encourage your teammates to prioritize this (and not have them request a vacation day but just do it),” said Vargas.

“As predicted, Jeff Sessions just provided notice of their intent to appeal directly to the Supreme Court on the CA decision so we have no idea to know if this re-application window will close and if yes how quickly,” he added. “Not trying to induce panic, just trying to induce expeditious behavior in a very unknown crazy unfair and cruel period of time.”

According to data from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, nearly 5,000 applications from undocumented Filipinos have been approved since 2012 when the program was established by former President Barack Obama.

Trump had rejected last Thursday, January 11, a bipartisan proposal for DACA that was introduced by Democratic Senators Richard Durbin, Michael Bennett, and Robert Menendez and Republican Senators Lindsey Graham, Jeff Flake, and Cory Gardner.

The six said in a statement before the deal was rejected that they had “reached an agreement in principle that addresses border security, the diversity visa lottery, chain migration/family reunification and the DREAM Act.” In a succession of tweets posted Friday, January 12, Trump called the proposal a “big step backwards.” He argued that it did not fund the wall, it slackened policies family-based immigration “chain migration,” as well as the diversity visa lottery system. He maintained he wanted a meritbased system of immigration.

(Rae Ann Varona/AJPress)

Arum eyes possible Pacquiao...

PAGE A1 t

Top Rank promoter Bob Arum told the Las Vegas Review-Journal that he’s planning to include Pacquiao in the same card that will feature a WBO welterweight title showdown between champion Jeff Horn and Terence Crawford.

Arum, however, presented two main issues that are yet to be resolved: Pacquiao’s opponent and the availability of the venue.

“We’re working on an opponent. Don’t want to be too premature about that, but we’re working on it as we speak. Pacquiao seems like he wants to come back, so we’re trying to get that finalized,” Arum said.

Pacquiao has not been in the ring since losing his World Boxing Organization (WBO) Welterweight title to Horn in their match last July in Brisbane.

This April, it is Horn’s turn to defend his WBO Welterweight title from Crawford. The bout will be televised by ESPN. It remains unclear, however, if Pacquiao will participate in the main event or as undercard.

The last time Pacquiao fought in the undercard was in 2005, when knocked out Hector Velasquez in Los Angeles. The event was then headlined by the match between Eric Morales and Zahir Raheem.

“ESPN has a way to solve (the main event issue), so it will be very interesting when we announce it,” Arum said.

As for the venue, Arum remarked that he wanted the match to be held at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on April 21 but can’t confirm yet because the place might be used by the Golden Knights team for the NHL playoffs, slated to begin April 11.

If failed to get an approval for the T-Mobile Arena, Arum said the bout could be held at New York’s Madison Square Garden on April 14.

“Unless they can get some clearance from the league, we can’t do it in Las Vegas because none of the other arenas are available and we would have to do it somewhere else,” Arum said. n

5,650.

The bureau went on to conduct 2,291 inspections, with 112 of them in residential care homes.

One investigation resulted in a lawsuit filed by L.A. City Attorney Mike Feuer in May of 2017, against Health Alliance Nurses Corporation (Health Alliance), a caregiver agency that also had workers in West Hills.

Versoza told the Asian Journal then that the lawsuit could result in over $9 million of restitution for the workers.

In a rally outside an upscale living facility, a former employee of the agency shared her experience of receiving only $150 a day for her live-in, 24-hour day job.

“If you calculate it, that’s only $5 an hour, even if there is already a law that provides protection for caregivers,” shared Rufina Tubo, referring to the 2016 Domestic Workers Bill of Rights.

She added that the company was supposed to pay its workers $330 a day for $10 an hour.

A trial date for the case is set for August 17, 2018.

In 2014, the Labor Commissioner’s Office launched its “Wage Theft is a Crime” outreach campaign as a resource for workers to learn how to identify wage theft and take action, and to inform employers about their responsibilities.

“Getting the word out about cases of wage theft informs workers of their rights and empowers them to take action,” said Peter Melton of the DIR Communications Office. (Rae Ann Varona/ AJPress)

COMING TO LIFE. Mayon volcano, enveloped by clouds, spews ash on Sunday, January 14 prompting local officials to evacuate residents in three towns and two cities in Albay province. Mayon, an active volcano, was placed under “critical” alert when it last spewed white smoke on September 2014 and caused thousands to flee the area.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Rhaydz Barcia

Duterte on fighting...

PAGE A1 t cite specific reasons for dismissing Licuanan but he made note of rampant corruption in government when he made the revelation.

Prior to Licuanan, Duterte also removed former Maritime Industry Authority administrator Marcial Amaro III from office.

Both Licuanan and Amaro were accused of making excessive foreign trips.

The president went on to say,

“Those who made trips more than 20 a year, that’s too much.

So I will be asking almost all of them to maybe just step down, unless, of course, I have this commissioned for you to do something for the country and for the people.”

In his speech, Duterte also hit public bidding in the guise of lowest bid as another source of corruption.

He further warned that he will not tolerate winning bidders who

failed to finish the public works projects at specified timetable.

“The highways in the Philippines are clogged with unfinished products and accidents multiply because of the sheer negligence also of the people handling the project. This insanity must stop,” the president remarked.

He went on to say, “If you have the contract and you incur a delay of 30 days, I’ll take over.

I’ll give it to another contractor which has the money to continue and I will not pay you, you go to court, then we will fight it out. n

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Dateline USa

january 19-25, 2018 • nOrCaL aSIan jOurnaL

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Despite prod by ACA, tax-exempt hospitals slow to expand community benefits

MASS PROMOTION. Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Director General Ronald dela Rosa (4th from left), pose with newly promoted star rank officers during their oath-taking in Camp Crame, Quezon City on Tuesday, January 16. Police Director Noli Galsim Taliño (4th from right) of the Directorate for Human Resource and Doctrine Development rose to two-star rank; Chief Supt. Rey Lyndon Toledo Lawas (Directorate for Human Resource and Doctrine Development) to one-star rank; Chief Supt. Edwin Sadama de Ocampo (PRO 9) to one-star rank; Chief Supt. Carlito Navarro Feliciano (PRO 6) to one-star rank; Chief Supt. John Cresencio Bulalacao (NCRPO) to one-star rank; Chief Supt. R’win Sta Ana Pagkalinawan to one-star rank; and Chief Supt. Rolando Barajan Anduyan (PRO ARMM) to one-star rank.

Photo courtesy of PNP

Int’l media giants condemn SEC move...

PAGE A2 t

dia company?” asked Brauchli who was also the former executive editor of the Washington Post, and former managing editor of the WSJ. “Filipinos we know are proud of the fact that the first successful digital media company in Southeast Asia took root and flourished in their country,” he added. “We admire and respect the people, laws, independence and accomplishments of the Philippines. That’s why we got involved with Rappler.”

Rappler responded to the ruling Monday by calling it “pure and simple harassment.”

“What this means for you, and for us, is that the Commission is ordering us to close shop, to cease telling you stories, to stop speaking truth to power, and to let go of everything that we have built — and created — with you since 2012,” said a response statement by Rappler.

Rappler argued that in 2015, the SeC had itself accepted the Omidyar-related documents submitted by Rappler.

Palace suggests “blogger accreditation” Maintaining that the move was not an attack on press freedom but on the compliance of the Filipino ownership rules, Presidential spokesperson harry Roque said Wednesday, January 17 that Rappler would still be able to apply for “blogger accreditation”.

“They may need to get accreditation as bloggers because they cannot continue conducting their business as Rappler since that company has, for all intents and purposes, been declared void by the SeC,” said Roque in a press conference in San Fernando, La Union.

“Maria Ressa can continue to blog. Pia Ranada can continue to blog,” added Roque.

Registration with the SeC is one of the requirements that allows news outlets blanket access to presidential events through membership into the Malacañang Press Corps.

Under the mentioned blogger accreditation which covers “social media practitioners who generate news and information regarding the activities” of the Philippine president, access would be given to bloggers on a per-event basis.

The accreditation though, is granted by the office of the Presidential Communications Operations Office Assistant Secretary Mocha Uson, who has not had a friendly history with Rappler.

Mocha likened the SeC ruling announcement to Christmas when speaking to followers in a livestreamed Facebook post the same day of the announcement.

“Tandaan niyo ang araw na ito,

Jan. 15, napakagandang araw.

Ramdam na ramdam mo pa din ang Christmas spirit, ngayon ko lang naramdaman ang tunay na diwa ng Pasko (Remember this day, Jan. 15, a very beautiful day.

You can still feel the Christmas spirit; only now do I feel the true meaning of Christmas),” Uson said.

In November of last year, Uson wrote a formal request to Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar for Rappler to be reclassified as “social media” to be given accreditation by her office.

“Rappler, an online publication that has no counterpart print or broadcast arm is technically considered social media.

This should fall under the rules on accreditation by my office,” Uson wrote.

In an interview Wednesday, January 17, Andanar said that no action in that direction would be started until the SeC move was finalized.

“They have the right to go through a process. They can appeal at the Court of Appeals, the Supreme Court and even fix it there with the Securities and exchange Commission,” said Andanar.

“I will not even decide on that recommendation by Asec Mocha for now. Let’s wait for the decision of Rappler, what they do to be able to abide by the law,” he added.

Age of “fake news” On Tuesday, January 16, Duterte made his latest remarks against Rappler during a speech for a new air traffic management system’s inauguration in Pasay City.

“For your information, you can stop your suspicious mind from roaming somewhere else.

But since you are a fake news outlet then I am not surprised that your articles are also fake, “ said Duterte in an interview.

“Sumobra kayo (you went too far), you are not only throwing toilet paper, you are throwing shit at us,” he added. his answers were in response to recent articles published about the Special Assistant to the President Bong Go, which claim Go had been meddling in warship acquisitions.

Formed in 2012, the media company has grown to become the tenth most visited website in the country, according to Alexa. The company has nearly seven million followers across its social media account and has expanded its local coverage to Indonesia.

The issue of “fake news” has become a burning topic in the recent media landscape, especially in the Philippines where nearly 97 percent of online Filipinos use Facebook which has proven

to be a powerful platform for sharing information as evident by both Rappler and Duterte’s administration. headlines once linked to a report from Facebook that called Duterte the “undisputed king of Facebook conversations.”

In an in-depth Bloomberg article, Rappler’s CeO Maria Ressa was quoted being open to the opportunities Facebook offered in politics.

“At the beginning I actually loved it because I felt like this was untapped potential,” Bloomberg quoted Ressa saying.

Ressa and Duterte had once sat across from each other for a question and answer Rappler forum called #TheLeaderIWant that was broadcasted on 200 television and radio stations, and live streamed at viewing parties in over 40 colleges across the nation.

“Duterte’s campaign on social media was groundbreaking,” she added.

But in the following months, the company found itself under attack for its coverage of the administration’s war on drugs, its social media practices, and general ruling style.

After writing an article titled “Propaganda War: Weaponizing the Internet” in October 2016, Ressa said she almost immediately began receiving hate messages, many of which were violent. An armed guard was hired to stand outside her office.

Shortly after, a campaign for unfollowing Rappler was launched, causing the outlet to lose approximately 52,000 Facebook followers.

The campaign was promoted by public figures like Uson who was personally mentioned in the Rappler piece.

Ressa wrote in an article published last November after the company was recognized by the National Democratic Institute, that she had received more threats since founding Rappler than in the three decades she has worked as a conflict reporter and war zone correspondent.

She also expressed concern over Facebook’s role in monitoring fake news.

“They haven’t done anything to deal with the fundamental problem, which is they’re allowing lies to be treated the same way as truth and spreading it,” Ressa wrote. “either they’re negligent or they’re complicit in state-sponsored hate.”

But now, the priority has shifted heavily on the SeC decision.

In a post to the company’s Instagram handle, Ressa said, “We are prepared. Bring it. We will continue to fight it and we will continue to push the government to respect and to maintain the rule of law.” n

The federal health law’s efforts to get nonprofit hospitals to provide more community-wide benefits in exchange for their lucrative tax status has gotten off to a slow start, new research suggests. And some experts predict that a recent repeal of a key provision of the law could further strain the effort.

The increased emphasis on community-wide benefits was mandated by the Affordable Care Act. The health law required hospitals that meet federal tax standards to be nonprofits to perform a community health needs assessment (ChNA) every three years, followed by implementing a strategy to deal with issues confronting the community, such as preventing violence or lowering the rates of diabetes.

A study released on Monday, January 15, in the journal Health Affairs shows spending in these areas has remained relatively stagnant.

The research showed average spending by tax-exempt hospitals on community benefits in 2010 was 7.6 percent of total operating costs and bumped to 8.1 percent by 2014. But the bulk of that spending goes toward unreimbursed patient care, such as charity care. The ACA was trying to spur more spending on broader community initiatives, which have remained below 1 percent of operating costs at the hospitals.

“This is not easy for hospitals to do,” said Gary Young, the study’s lead author and director of the Center for health Policy and healthcare Research at Northeastern University in Boston. “By tradition, by the nature of their resources, hospitals have not been oriented to prevention, they’ve been oriented to treatment.”

New efforts by the Republicanled Congress may complicate the effort. The repeal last month of the ACA’s penalties for most people who don’t have health insurance has some experts questioning how some of these hospitals will be able to spend more on community benefits. The Congressional Budget Office has estimated that because of that change about 13 million people would give up their coverage by 2027, which could drive up costs for hospitals because there would be more uninsured patients.

“Anything that destabilizes the system and takes money out of the hospitals’ revenue stream is going to negatively impact them,” said Gregory Tung, assistant professor at the University of Colora-

Artkwork by Derek Bacon/Ikon Images for Kaiser Health News

do’s School of Public health. “It’s tough for hospitals to be navigating that uncertainty.”

Jill horwitz, professor of law at UCLA who specializes in health issues, said hospitals have trouble planning community efforts when they are unsure of their finances.

“It’s a very difficult context in which to operate a stable system,” horwitz said. “One day to the next, it’s hard to know what the rules are, what the reimbursement is going to be and what kind of insurance your patients will have.”

Still, for more than 20 years, California has had a community benefit law, which was the model for the Affordable Care Act. “California’s community benefits programs work well – and have since the 1990s,” Jan emersonShea, a vice president at the California hospital Association, said in a statement. Some of California’s community benefit plans include mobile health vans and free clinics in low-income communities and services for homeless patients.

The hospitals’ plans and spending differ around the state, however, based on the community needs. “The needs of inner city Los Angeles are different than the needs identified in a small Central Valley farming community,” emerson-Shea said.

More than half of the hospitals in the United States are private, nonprofit organizations that are tax-exempt.

Lawrence Massa, president & CeO of the Minnesota hospital Association, said the repeal of the ACA’s individual mandate penalties will change hospitals’ calculations.

“We certainly expect to see our uninsured rate go up as a result of repealing the individual mandate,” he said, “so that’s going to have an opposite type of effect of where we thought the trend was

going to be because we changed the rules in the middle of the game.”

But it’s too early to tell how hospitals will respond, according to Massa. Many are still grappling with the new requirements.

The ACA was enacted in 2010, but the provision requiring community-based action did not come into effect until the end of March 2012, and enrollment in ACA marketplace plans didn’t begin until 2014. hospitals began early investments for assembling the needs assessments in 2011 and 2012, Massa said.

“In the later years, they’ll be using that data and comparing and reporting to the IRS how they’ve changed their community benefits spending as a result of those community health needs assessments,” he said. “If everything stayed the way it was, I think we would know by 2020 whether this had the kind of impact that was anticipated.”

Young and his research colleagues acknowledged in their study that “certainly, more time is needed” to assess the full impact of the law’s requirements on spending for community benefits.

Nonetheless, Young said, many hospitals lack the means to provide greater preventive care in the community.

They don’t have the necessary infrastructure, “the personnel or the knowledge to develop those strategies,” he said. “They don’t have the resources to necessarily invest in those areas.” horwitz agreed. “If we’re going to require this high level of spending on community benefits and paying for patients who can’t afford care, something else has to give,” she said. (Vickie Connor/Kaiser Health News) This story was produced

by Kaiser Health News, an editorially independent program of the Kaiser Family Foundation.

SC Judge Carpio: Nationwide martial law...

PAGE A2 t Rey Guerrero, the martial law in Mindanao has encouraged “greater compliance on all government entities” and the enhancement of the “climate of safety and security.”

“People in affected areas could attest that they appreciate the implementation of martial law,” Guerrero added.

‘Paranoia’ over martial law earlier on Tuesday, January 16, SC Associate Justice Samuel Martires questioned petitioners for supposedly being “paranoid” about the military rule.

Martires posed the question following statements from former Solicitor General Florin hilbay who cited the rampant human rights violations in the country from 1972 to 1986 during the martial law period under late President Ferdinand Marcos.

“Why are we so paranoid about martial law and yet not worried about terrorism?” Martires asked petitioners.

hilbay is the counsel for former Commission on human Rights (ChR) chair etta Rosales, who is among the petitioners.

During the deliberations, hilbay maintained that threats of terrorism do not justify martial law.

“That is not enough to justify the imposition of martial law…

Many of us experienced martial law and it was not a pleasant experience,” he said.

While agreeing that threats of terrorism should be addressed, the former solicitor general insisted that the military’s regular powers are the “appropriate tool” for responding to such threats.

“Why are we not worried about terrorism? We are worried about terrorism but martial law is not the answer to terrorism,” hilbay added.

Martires then interrogated hilbay about any occurrence of civil liberties being suppressed under the current martial law. “[Is] there a curtailment of freedom of speech? Of assem-

bly? Academic freedom? Just like what happened during the previous martial law?” Martires asked. hilbay, in response, said he was not privy to “what the military did” under the present martial law.

The SC has consolidated four petitions challenging the constitutionality of the one-year extension.

The first and second petitions were separately filed by the socalled “Magnificent Seven” of the house of Representatives, led

by Albay Representative edcel Lagman, and by human rights advocates and cause-oriented groups represented by the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL).

The third petition was filed by Rosales, while the fourth was submitted by a group led by former Commission on elections (Comelec) chairman and one of the framers of the 1987 Constitution Christian Monsod. n

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DATELINE PHILIPPINES

A5

House adopts resolution to convene as con-ass

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

THE House of Representatives has adopted a resolution to convene as a constitutional assembly (con-ass) to discuss the revision of the 1987 Constitution and proposed shift to a federal form of the government.

In a session on Tuesday, January, 16, majority of the 186 House members approved the House Concurrent Resolution no. 9 via viva voce voting.

The resolution is seeking to convene both the Senate and the House of Representatives into a constituent assembly “to propose amendments to or revision of the Philippine Constitution” in connection with the proposed shift to federalism.

Several lawmakers, however, claimed that the adoption of the resolution was “railroaded.”

In a press briefing after the session was adjourned, Anakpawis Rep. Ariel Casilao remarked that “martial law” is evident in the legislative body.

During the session, Casilao’s interpellation was cut short when fellow oppositionist and Caloocan City Rep. Edgar Erice questioned the quorum.

But after 186 congressmen answered a roll call, Pampanga Representative Juan Pablo Bondoc moved for the termination of the period of interpellation and adoption of the resolution through voting.

Erice also slammed the abrupt approval of the resolution, saying, “How can we entrust Charter Change (Cha-Cha) to a Constituent Assembly with the way they railroaded the Cha-Cha concurrent resolution?”

“They didn’t even allow a congressman to finish his inter-

pellation and sinasagasaan na ng Cha-Cha train (The Cha-Cha train was pushed forward),” Erice added.

Bayan Muna party-list Representative Carlos Zarate, meanwhile, also denounced the hasty adoption, saying that what just happened during the session will be “face” of the proposed constituent assembly.

“Raratsadahin lahat (Everything will be hastened)... Kung ano ang ginawa nila sa plenaryo ngayon, yun na ang magiging mukha ng kanilang magiging con-ass (What they did during the plenary today will be the face of their con-ass),” Zarate said.

While the House Concurrent Resolution no. 9 was already approved, the Senate still needed to pass a separate resolution in or- MONEY QUEUE. Hundreds of Quezon City residents line up at city hall to collect their monthly subsidy from the government, distributed through the Department of Social Welfare and Development. Under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), poor families receive der for the constituent assembly monthly cash grants aimed to improve the health, nutrition, and education of children.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Ruy Martinez to be convened.

Sanofi agrees to take back unused Opposition senators dispute proposed Dengvaxia vaccines, pay back gov’t OVP abolition under federalism

by JULIE

M. AURELIO Inquirer.net

THE manufacturer of the Dengvaxia vaccine has agreed to take back its remaining unused vials and to pay back the government for the unused stocks of the anti-dengue vaccine.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III revealed that Sanofi Pasteur agreed to pay P 1.1 billion to the government for the unused vaccines that the vaccine manufacturer will be retrieving this week.

“It was also agreed with Sanofi that the reimbursement will be in about one to two days after retrieval (of the unused vials),” said Duque in a press briefing.

Sanofi Pasteur came to the agreement with the Department of Health after officials from the two parties met on Tuesday, January 16.

It may be recalled that the reimbursement for the unused antidengue vaccines was the first of the DOH’s demands to the vaccine manufacturer.

But in its demand letter to Sanofi Pasteur, the original demand was for a reimbursement of P 1.4 billion for the unused Dengvaxia vials.

On Tuesday, Duque said they

still have around 1,187,815 vials of the Dengvaxia vaccine, “which is equivalent to P 1,187,815,000.”

“First and foremost, Sanofi will retrieve the remaining stocks until Friday this week,” he said.

Duque added: “That is the magnitude of the agreement that was arrived at between Sanofi and DOH.” There will be designated pickup points from which the vaccine manufacturer will retrieve the remaining vials.

Duque explained that some local government units are still conducting their inventory of their stocks of the Dengvaxia vaccine.

“There is an ongoing inventory in some LGU. The Dengvaxia immunization program was not only confined to schools, but also a community-based immunization,” he said.

In November 2017, Sanofi Pasteur admitted that the anti-dengue vaccine may increase the risk of severe dengue in those who had no prior dengue infections.

Dengvaxia is a live attenuated yellow fever virus combined with other four antigens from the dengue virus.

This prompted the DOH to suspend its anti-dengue vaccination program and to conduct close

monitoring, surveillance and care for the more than 830,000 children who received the vaccine.

Also discussed was the DOH’s request for Sanofi Pasteur to conduct a sero-testing of more than 830,000 children who received the vaccine to determine if they had previous dengue infections.

“They said that they will send us a letter explaining the testing kit, NS1 Antigen. There was a brief discussion,” Duque said.

He added: “But for the benefit of everyone, it might be good that we have read the letter of Sanofi Pasteur first and we will resume talks after we read the full text of their letters in response to our request or our demand for testing kits, to be able to differentiate the vaccinees who were seronegative and those who were seropositive.”

Gundo Weiler, the World Health Organization representative to the Philippines, noted that the testing kit was “developed in a research context.”

“We do not have the data at this point in time but Sanofi Pasteur promised to share full data with the DOH. With that data, I think we can discuss what the potential benefit of the test would be,” he said. ■

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

TWO members of the Senate minority have expressed opposition against the possible abolition of the Office of the Vice President (OVP) under the proposed shift to a federal form of government.

This was after a former lawmaker warned that Philippine Vice President Leni Robredo might be ousted before her term expires in 2022 as the current Charter change (Cha-cha) proposal of the ruling Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) cites the abolition of the OVP. Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon, however, said that he will not support any attempts to dissolve the OVP. “That is their proposal. I don’t agree with that. We do not agree with that. The vice president is an important part of our system of governance and the constitutional succession to the president,” Drilon said in a media interview.

Earlier on Sunday, January 14, Bayan Muna Chair and former Congressman Neri Colmenares said the OVP “no longer exists”

in PDP-Laban party’s proposed constitution.

“Under the PDP-Laban Constitution, the Office of the Vice President will be abolished by 2019 if they succeed in having the new constitution ratified during the 2019 elections,” Colmenares said in a statement.

“Vice President Leni Robredo will be ousted from her office long before her term ends in 2022,” he added.

But even if Robredo is allowed to stay until 2022, Colmenares claimed “she will be a lame-duck vice president who is not even listed in the line of succession to President [Rodrigo] Duterte.”

According to him, the Section 7, Article VII of the PDP-Laban’s proposed constitution states that instead of the vice president, the Senate president and the speaker of the House will succeed the president if needed.

“The vice president is not mentioned at all in the line of succession because, upon ratification of the new constitution, her office no longer exists,” he pointed out.

In a separate statement, Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino stressed that the vice president’s role is necessary in the check and

balance system of the Philippine democracy.

“The right of Filipinos to elect a vice president, even from an opposing party, is a protection against dictatorship,” Aquino said.

Robredo’s camp, meanwhile, questioned if the planned abolition of the OVP is meant to push a supposed hidden agenda.

Barry Gutierrez, Robredo’s legal adviser, noted that the only time the Philippines did not have a vice president was during the regime of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

“The Office of the Vice President has been a feature of our republic for over 80 years, ever since it was created under the 1935 Constitution. The only time since then that we have had no VP was during the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos,” Gutierrez said.

He continued, “That said, the current proposals to revise the Constitution are supposedly anchored on a drive to promote and institute a federal system of government. The question therefore is, how does abolishing the OVP relate to the establishment of Federalism? Or is the abolition already in service of some other, unstated, agenda?” ■

A6

JANUARY 19-25, 2018 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

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OPINION

Vulnerable targets

FEATURES

THE Philippines has a Data Privacy Act, an E-Commerce Law and AntiWiretapping Law. Yet in Southeast Asia, the country is reportedly the most vulnerable to cyber attacks. Although the Philippines ranks 37th out of 193 states in terms of cyber security preparedness, data from the US Federal Bureau of Investigation also showed that globally, the country ranks 10th in falling prey to cyber attacks.

Apart from weak enforcement of cyber security laws, experts cite the low awareness of Filipinos about practices that increase vulnerability to cyber attacks.

These include readiness to click on links and open emails from unknown sources. With Filipinos reportedly spending an average of four hours and 17 minutes daily on social networking sites in 2017, there is greater vulnerability to hacking, phishing and malware.

Filipinos deeply engaged in social networking aren’t the only targets. As the nation has seen, banks and government offices have also come under cyber attack. Around the world, corporate giants and government security and financial agencies are also favorite targets.

Countries that produce many cyber security experts also tend to be favorite targets of attacks. FBI data showed that the top targets of cyber attacks in 2017, ahead of the Philippines,

were Canada, India, the United Kingdom, Australia, Brazil, Mexico, China, Japan and Germany.

In Southeast Asia, Malaysia and Singapore were among the top 20 victims of cyber attacks in 2017.

The presence of hackers in the country gives greater urgency to tightening the enforcement of cyber security laws. It also calls for greater effort to raise public awareness of what can be done to minimize vulnerability to data privacy breaches. The popularity of social media must be accompanied by information campaigns to make the public aware of the risks, which could include identity theft and losing one’s life savings.

The internet is a powerful took for gaining knowledge, sharing information and social networking. Like any powerful tool, it must be wielded with a healthy amount of informed caution. (Philstar.com)

Editorial

Philstar.com photo

Some Republicans now ask: What has happened to the GOP under the Trump presidency?

AMID the growing par- The Fil-Am tisan divide in President Don- Perspective ald Trump’s chaotic first year in office, any criticism against GEL SANTOS-RELOS his action, words, policy, and character have been deemed by our Republican kababayans as a personal attack against the president by Democrats and liberals, who could not wait to bring down the Trump presidency because they could not accept that he won and Hillary Clinton lost.

The most recent news about Trump allegedly calling certain African nations “shithole” and disparaging Haiti, among others with while saying the U.S. should have instead people from Norway, with a predominantly white population, emigrate to America just put a spotlight on what people say about Trump’s racist thoughts and attitude translating to national policies.

The problems and concerns have been real, and the Republican Party — which used to embody the values that uphold the truth, rule of law, respect for all people, kindness, fairness, and conscientiousness that I see in my Republican friends — seems to be morphing into a different animal under the Trump administration.

Republican journalist Elise Jordan summed up most of the sentiments privately shared with me by some Republican friends, in an article entitled “I’m a Republican. What on Earth Is Wrong With My Party?” published by

Commentary

MARLEN V. RONQUILLO THE economic group under the heading of “resource extraction” can be called by another name—the “tubong lugaw” sector.

Logging means clear-cutting timber stands that may have been there from time immemorial. The requirements to clear-cut forests are minimal: jumbo bulldozers to build mountain trails, giant and efficient saws, chains and hooks and trucks outfitted and powerful enough to haul the logs from the logging base to the log-stocking area.

There is no such thing as “responsible logging.”

A logger just plunders awesome gifts of nature for maximum rewards, with a quick, super-high rate of return never known in any other sector, banking and finance included. In the 1950s and the 1960s, real wealth

Time Magazine on January 15, 2017.

Jordan started the article with these words of exasperation: “I am a Republican in the era of Donald Trump, and I am emotionally depleted by the constant cruelty of the President of the United States.”

Elise Jordan wrote this piece to remind her party about the soul of America that the Republican Party has fought so hard for before the era of Trump: “While Trump spoke of ‘American carnage’ in his Inaugural address, Ronald Reagan ended his second one by describing what he called the American sound: ‘hopeful, big-hearted, idealistic, daring, decent, and fair.’”

“These are values that all Americans used to proudly champion, no matter the political party. Other Republicans still can, if they can summon the courage to state the obvious.”

She went on to give a rundown of headlines that have been making her and other Republicans like her feel so frustrated and worried about how the President has been misrepresenting the true values of the Grand Old Party (GOP): “My heart hurt when Trump went out of his way to attack Myeshia Johnson, the pregnant widow of a fallen soldier he sent to the battlefield. I recoiled in disgust when he slanderously (and laughably) insinuated that Senator Kirsten Gillibrand was willing to prostitute herself to him for a political donation. When the President offered that among the white supremacists

who killed a peaceful protester, there were ‘some very fine people,’ it felt like an alternate history, one where the Citizens’ Council ascended to power instead of ignominy. Then there’s his support for Roy Moore, even after multiple women accused Moore of preying on them when they were teenagers and he was in his thirties.”

Elise Jordan’s concern goes beyond Trump because she sees how much of the Republican spirit that made her gravitate toward the party seems to be lost among Republican members just to accommodate and work with Trump: “The GOP’s journey from embracing compassionate conservatism to accepting Trump’s unparalleled capacity for casual cruelty cannot be dismissed as craven politics; it’s a threat to our security when the President taunts a nuclear-armed rogue dictator on social media.

There was a time not so long ago when Republican presidents — not to mention other Republican leaders — cared about America’s standing in the world, as a matter of principle and peace. The previous Republican president George W. Bush made compassion a literal domestic policy priority by funding what he called ‘armies of compassion’ through faith-based initiatives. This Republican president seems hell-bent on stripping any semblance of compassion from the national and global conversation.”

Jordan also wrote about how the Trump presidency seems to isolate the United States from other countries all over the world, losing our allies’ respect, trust and support for the U.S.

leadership in international relations, providing historical context on how previous Republican presidents have valued these relationships in the past.

She writes, “Trump believes there’s no need to fill diplomatic appointments — there’s still not an Ambassador to South Korea — because, as he puts it, ‘the only one who matters is me.’ His strategy of demeaning the homes of the men and women of an entire continent and a neighboring island and country is as cruel as it is irresponsible.”

“In 1953, in response to the CIA’s pressure to overthrow the elected leader of Iran, President Dwight D. Eisenhower wondered aloud in a National Security Council meeting if perhaps we couldn’t try “to get some of the people in these downtrodden countries to like us instead of hating us?” Though Eisenhower would end up taking the CIA’s destructive advice to overthrow Prime Minister Mohammed Mossadegh, in general the former Supreme Commander of Allied Forces during World War II belabored the importance of alliances during the war and his presidency. ‘There is no strength equal to the strength of an enduring friendship,’ Eisenhower said, reflecting his belief that military might was meaningless without relationships based on mutual respect.”

“President George H.W. Bush was another World War II hero who leveraged human connection for the national interest. By practicing exhaustive personal diplomacy, Bush organized a financial and military coalition that forced Iraqi tyrant Saddam Hussein’s withdrawal from Kuwait. A hypothetical question: how many world partners

After logging, DU30 should target mining was possessed not by diversified conglomerates but by loggers and the sugar barons. In the 1970s, just prior to and after the proclamation of martial rule, the plunder intensified and the major players were the martial law mandarins, their cronies and presidential relatives. Most of the martial law mandarins and their cronies built their great wealth on logging.

It is also true that the mahogany that built all those basketball courts in the U.S. and elsewhere from the 1950s to the 1980s came from Filipino loggers.

From 12 million hectares in the 1950s, the country’s original timber stand dropped to below 1 million hectares in the late 1980s, when a proper accounting of the country’s remaining original timber stand was accomplished. The lush tropical forests in the awesome Sierra Madre were almost gone and the famous Isabela logging camps had dropped down to a trickle. Much of the country’s logging operations had by then shifted to the Visayas and Min-

danao. Multilateral institutions such as the Asian Development Bank (ADB) committed tons of money to reforestation. But no amount of money can make a difference in a context where less than 1 million of the so-called “virgin forests” had been eviscerated.

As the original timber stands disappeared, great floods that devastated much of Central Luzon and the Plains started their deadly, vicious cycle. Remember the flood of biblical wrath just before the proclamation of martial rule? It was a flood that buried what is now Metro Manila and Central Luzon with water from the denuded uplands.

The giant Pantabangan Dam, with its reliable watershed areas in the Sierra Madre raped by loggers, started drying up as well during long, dry spells. The spire of the church of the submerged township jutted out from the murky deep during vicious summers.

From the pillage of Luzon’s biodiversity, the national economy

and the broader society earned nothing. Only the well-connected loggers made their pile.

The truth is, most Filipinos, given the alarming state of the country’s timber stands, have never realized that logging still exists. So when Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol recorded that video that prompted President Duterte to suspend all logging operations in the Zamboanga Peninsula, there was shock that loggers were still at it — and doing it with impunity in upland areas adjacent to very vulnerable communities.

Environment Secretary Cimatu should enforce the order of the president, asap. And thank you Secretary Manny for the vigilance.

DU30’s attention and forcible intervention should next shift to mining. Deal with it harshly, Mr. President.

The powerful and well-funded lobby work of miners (of course, this is the era of fake news and the moneyed miners can easily spread misinformation), have

could Donald Trump enlist to join him for a cause?”

“In the aftermath of the September 11th attacks, other nations did join with us against al-Qaeda. But although we must learn from our failures in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Libya, the solution isn’t to withdraw from the world—or, worse yet, actively insult and alienate it.”

Jordan finds it hard to come to terms with how supporters let Trump get away with words, behavior, policies that run against the principles her party used to uphold: “Trump’s most ardent supporters will continue to praise him for ignoring the social mores of political correctness. While I resent the stifling of free speech in an increasingly hypersensitive world, Trump is not a brave truth-teller; he’s the figurehead of our nation whose first year in office is most notable for his destructive casual cruelty.”

“It is not hypersensitivity to be offended by blatantly racist, misogynistic and war-mongering statements from a man who refuses to exercise an ounce of self-control. Republicans used to believe that individuals were responsible for exercising self-control. Why does the Commander-inChief get a pass?”

Does Trump represent the true Republican values you hold dear? *** 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

made the public believe that mining is one of the most important economic activities in the country — and that a cease-and-desist order on reckless mining would terribly impact on the national economy.

Wrong. Fake news. Mining contributes little to the economy, according to figures from the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

From the year 2000 to 2015, mining contributed a meager 0.7 percent to the GDP. From 2011 to 2015, mining generated an average of 23,644 jobs yearly, a figure less than the total work force of one big mall operator.

The “big” part, really, is on the returns of the mining companies, which recklessly and routinely gouge and dig out the earth to extract minerals. Organized crime is probably the only activity that yields better than mining. But criminals run the risk of getting jailed or getting EJKed while miners even get awarded for “responsible” mining. After the extraction has exhausted the minerals in a specific mining site, that site is abandoned in haste, leaving a toxic wasteland that

would be dead forever.

Who magnifies the “major contributions“ from mining?

The media are an abettor. But the ones driving and funding the fake news that mining is a vital economic sector are the miners via the Chamber of Mines and the so-called economic think-tanks and their surrogates. Students of geology are often dragged down into the pro-mining campaign.

Recently, a so-called industry council recommended the reopening of the open pit mines closed by the previous DENR leadership on the basis of tortured and unscientific arguments.

Mr. Duterte should stand true to his promise to stop all forms of open pit mining. Then uphold the findings and decisions of Gina Lopez, which closed down several mining operations that violated the law and lowered the axe on mineral-sharing agreements.

The death spiral in the communities affected by reckless mining is an irreversible process. DU30 should treat mining as a problem more lethal than the drug menace. (ManilaTimes.net)

The views expressed by our Op-Ed contributors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the predilection of the editorial board and staff of Asian Journal.

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january 19-25, 2018 • nOrCaL aSIan jOurnaL

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NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 19-25, 2018

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BUSINESSJ& COMMUNITY OURNAL

Recreational marijuana is now legal in California: How are non-citizens affected?

IN California, Prop 64 took effect January 1, 2018, allowing recreational marijuana use for adults over age 21 and the state has allowed medicinal use of marijuana for several years. However, the relevant federal laws have not changed. You won’t be facing time in county jail or state prison for your recreational use of pot.

But that doesn’t mean you won’t end up in federal prison, as Attorney General Jeff Sessions has announced that despite conflicting local laws, federal drug laws will be vigorously enforced.

And non-citizens should also be aware that possession of even a very limited amount of marijuana which would not trigger any state penalty whatsoever under Prop 64 can still have severe immigration consequences.

An alien pot-user might end up in ICE detention or even be deported back to your native country. For immigration purposes, comply with federal law.

If you are not a U.S. citizen, your ability to live in the United States could be under threat if you use marijuana, even if you are careful to comply fully with state law. Marijuana is listed in Schedule I of the federal Controlled Substance Act (CSA) (along with heroin, cocaine, and meth), and drug offenses are accorded particularly severe treatment under the Immigration & Nationality Act (INA). A marijuana conviction can therefore make an alien inadmissible or removable, and can even be designated as an aggravated felony.

Someone who is inadmissible is not qualified to be granted lawful immigration status—such as a visa or a green card. Applications for such benefits can be denied based on a marijuana conviction, and can also be denied based on an admission of marijuana use or involvement in a state-legal marijuana business. Even family members’ applications could be denied if an alien is involved in a marijuana business, because the business could be seen under federal law as drug trafficking.

Marijuana use could thus

Your Immigration Solution LORELLA T. HESS AND NANCY MILLER lead to a finding of inadmissibility—which could result in denial of a visa or green card application, and then removal from the United States.

For non-immigrants, waivers are possible if the applicant can show s/he presents a low risk of harm to society, committed a violation that was not very serious, and has a good reason for wanting to enter the U.S. on a temporary basis.

For those who hope to stay in this country long-term (such as those applying for lawful permanent residency of asylum), a waiver of inadmissibility is available but only for one-time possession of a small amount of marijuana.

Even someone who already has lawful status, like an LPR, can be removable from the United States for a marijuana conviction. A waiver of removability is possible for aliens who have a non-drug trafficking conviction, if they meet the physical presence, good moral character and other requirements. In addition to statutory eligibility, the alien must convince the immigration officer or the judge that s/he is worthy of a favorable exercise of discretion. As in all waiver cases, the burden is upon the applicant to prove that the waiver should be granted. All bases of eligibility must be supported by credible evidence.

More seriously still, while any marijuana conviction can make an alien removable, if the conviction is classified as an aggravated felony it can also make the alien ineligible for the most effective defenses against removal. Aggravated felons are not eligible for many waivers, asylum, or cancellation of removal, and they

become permanently inadmissible to the United States once they are deported. Moreover, aggravated felons are subject to mandatory ICE detention during the whole time their immigration case is pending. Aggravated felonies include “illicit trafficking in a controlled substance.” Possession of more than a small amount of marijuana may be viewed as a trafficking offense. Also, since marijuana sales and distribution are illegal under federal law, involvement in a state-legal marijuana business could count as an aggravated felony for immigration purposes.

Any non-citizen who has a marijuana conviction, uses marijuana, or plans to become involved in a marijuana-related business should be aware that these statelegal activities are still unlawful under federal law and may well result in being denied admission to the United States, being deported from the United States and/or being denied naturalization. The best advice is “don’t take the risk”.

What should one do who already has a drug conviction or who has taken action in reliance on state law? Post-conviction relief is a possible resolution and should be explored. And no one in this situation should apply for any benefit under the INA before consulting with an experienced and knowledgeable immigration lawyer. ***

Philippines stays out of US piracy list Photo courtesy of www.alamy.com

THE Philippines has managed to stay out of the U.S. list of “notorious markets” for piracy and trademark counterfeiting for the sixth straight year.

Results of the 2017 out-of-cycle review of notorious markets by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) showed the Philippines maintained its clean record of not hosting physical marketplaces that reportedly “engage in, facilitate, turn a blind eye to, or benefit from substantial piracy and counterfeiting.”

The Philippines was taken out of the list in 2012 after the USTR recognized the Philippine gov-

ernment’s significant enforcement actions that have reduced the number of counterfeit and pirated goods available for sale.

Prior to its removal in 2012, the Philippines was a regular in the list for six years with areas like Greenhills, Divisoria, Quiapo, Makati Cinema Square, Binondo, and Baclaran being cited as hot spots.

Part of the 2017 notorious markets list for physical marketplaces are China (Silk Market and Hongqiao Market in Beijing, Shenzhen Jindu Garment Wholesale Market in Guangdong Province, as well as Jinxiang Foreign

Trade Garment Market, Jinshun Garment Market, and Zhanxi Area Markets in Guangzhou), Argentina (La Salada, Buenos Aires), Canada (Pacific Mall, Markham, Ontario), India (Tank Road, Delhi), Indonesia (Mangga Dua, Jakarta), Italy (Mercato dei venerdi, Ventimiglia), Mexico (El Tepito in Mexico City and Mercado San Juan de Dios in Guadalajara), Paraguay (Ciudad del Este), Spain (Els Limits de La Jonquera, Girona), Turkey (Grand Bazaar, Istanbul), UAE (DragonMart and Ajman China Mall), and Vietnam (Nin Heip Market in Hanoi and

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Nov remittances hit $2.5B; 11-mo tally rises to $28.2B

Reeves Miller Zhang & Diza is one of the oldest, largest and most experienced immigration firms in the United States

by MAYVELIN U. CARABALLO with offices in Pasadena, San Francisco, ManilaTimes.net Las Vegas, Manila and China.

Telephone: (800) 795-8009 MONEY sent home by overseas Filipino workE-mail: immigration@rreeves.com ers (OFWs) rose in November from a year earlier website: www.rreeves.com but were lower compared to the previous month, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reported on *** The analysis and suggestions offered Monday, January 15.

Personal remittances totaled $2.526 billion for in this column do not create a the month, 3.2 percent higher compared to Nolawyer-client relationship and are not a substitute for the personalized vember 2016’s $2.446 billion but down 1 percent representation that is essential to from the $2.552 billion recorded in October last year. every case.

Year to date, OFW remittances were up 5.1 per(Advertising Supplement) cent at $28.242 billion.

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Community Journal

JANUARY 19-25, 2018 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

Criminal convictions and immigration law What makes a non-citizen deportable? An alien or noncitizen, including a lawful permanent resident (“green card” holder) is deportable for having a conviction relating to controlled substances. Title 8 U.S.C. Section 1227(a)(2)(B)(i) states: “Any alien who at any time after admission has been convicted of a violation of . . . any law or regulation of a State, the United States, or a foreign country relating to a controlled substance (as defined in section 802 of Title 21), other than a single offense involving possession for one’s own use of 30 grams or less of marijuana, is deportable.

What counts as a “conviction” for immigration purposes? “The term “conviction” means, with respect to an alien, a formal judgment of guilt of the alien entered by a court or, if adjudication of guilt has been withheld, where – (i) a judge or jury has found the alien guilty or the alien has entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere or has admitted sufficient facts to warrant a finding of guilt, and (ii) the judge has ordered some form of pun-

The CTV Files Atty. LiLLi B. BAcuLi ishment, penalty, or restraint on the alien’s liberty to be imposed, including fine, court costs or probation.

Immigration consequences of a drug conviction. A non-citizen alien will still have a drug conviction for immigration purposes even after a dismissal of his/her charges following completion of a drug diversion program or a DEJ. As such, a permanent resident/green card holder who is deportable can be stripped of his or her lawful status and permanently removed (deported) from the United States.

A lawful permanent resident who agrees to plead guilty in exchange for probation or entry in a diversion program or a DEJ, even after dismissal of charges under PC 1000.3, will have a con-

viction and will be automatically deportable and inadmissible.

Worse, since this will be considered a drug conviction, the green cardholder will also be subject to mandatory immigration detention without bond. California residents often are detained in federal prisons in isolated areas in Arizona or Texas, far from family or counsel. This is because a diversion program or a DEJ is a conviction for immigration purposes in that there is a plea and some form of punishment and restraint. Thus, although California considers there to be no conviction if the court dismisses the charges based on the defendant completing DEJ requirements, the conviction still stands under immigration laws. To eliminate a conviction for immigration purposes, the plea must be withdrawn for cause, due to a legal defect in the underlying case.

The Kelly Memorandum of February 20, 2017. On February 20, 2017, the Department of Homeland (DHS) Security Secretary John Kelly issued a new policy memorandum, announc-

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Health@Heart PhiLiP S. chuA, MD, FAcS, FPcS What is Sudden Cardiac Death?

Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD) is a swift and unexpected death caused by a heart condition or mechanism, which may or may not be obvious. SCD varies in its range of definition. Usually, though, it applies to a situation where the person, who was thought to be free of heart disease, or only had a “mild” heart disease, suddenly died.

What causes these sudden deaths?

In the age range between 40 and older, the vast majority is due to coronary artery disease (heart “attacks”). In 20 percent (one out of five) of those who develop symptoms of coronary artery disease, and even among those with advanced coronary artery disease, the first symptom of the disease is sudden death. In those younger than forty years old, including teenagers, sudden death from “no apparent reason” is usually due to fatal ventricular arrythmia (heart irregularity), which could be brought on by electrolyte imbalance and other factors, and in some cases, to totally unknown cause. Brugada Syndrome, discussed below, is one such demise from a fatal heart rhythm abnormality.

Can illegal drugs cause sudden death?

Yes. Other “recreational” drugs could also lead to sudden death, many by causing deadly heart irregularity. Among some individuals, cigarette smoking could cause heart rhythm problems that lead to cardiac arrest.

Thank God, this is rare.

What is a “Widow-Maker” heart disease?

As the name implies, this particular condition results in sudden deaths among men, leaving their wives widows. This is usually due to a severe blockage of the left main coronary artery. If the left main coronary artery is blocked, all the left ventricular muscles are deprived of blood causing a massive acute heart attack, followed by sudden death.

Even a single coronary blockage, if severe enough, could be dangerous, and deadly, depending on the portion of the heart that suffers.

Could Mitral Valve Prolapse cause sudden death?

Yes, but, fortunately, very rarely. Mitral Valve Prolapse is a condition where this valve on the left side of the heart (between the left upper and left lower chamber) is kind of “limp” and “weak” resulting in a slightly or moderately leaking Mitral Valve. This condition is generally benign and does not require surgery in majority of cases. Medications and some

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette ADevA MAgLAyA (Continued from last week’s issue)

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YOUR postings at all social networking sites define who you are and delineate your character to the world. Your thoughts, your ideas and comments, your images, even your choice of words give an insight to your personality and character traits. They reflect your values, give a hint of your weaknesses and vulnerabilities and can be a measure of the size of your ego. Taken altogether, they paint a composite picture of you, either flattering or not.

Even the amount of time you spend on online games is a sliver of insight into your interests and how you spend your free time. It may be indicative of whether you are near the brink of obsessivecompulsive behavior or a candidate for the nuthouse.

Unfair? Of course it is. It is a flat and one-dimensional picture of who you are. You are a far more complex person than what your Facebook and Twitter postings give you credit for. But based on available information that you yourself provided, that’s how you want the people that orbit in your universe see you.

Take heed from a phrase that police officers read to suspects, “ …

Anything you say (and in social networking, what you post) can and will be taken against you…”

If you have posted something offensive, ranting and raving at someone or something as a gut reaction to a situation that angers you, you would get the instant gratification of venting your ire. But do think about the farreaching consequences of being hauled off to court and wasting your time and money defending yourself.

A recent story is told of a CFO of a pharmaceutical firm earning $200,000 per year and with

http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 689-5160

Sudden cardiac death lifestyle changes are the therapies of choice.

What are the usual symptoms prior to SCD? Interviews with family of the victims usually reveal some angina (chest discomfort or tightness), or heart irregularity, and/ or shortness of breath, and worsening of the symptoms over a few days or a few hours before sudden collapse and death in 75 percent of these people. Some of these symptoms may even be confused with indigestion, fatigue, muscle pains, or depression. Self-denial (of symptoms) makes this condition treacherous. Anyone with any of these symptoms should consult their physicians without delay. In many cases, the first symptom is cardiac arrest.

Does a normal EKG preclude SCD? No, a plain resting EKG that is reported as normal does not eliminate the possibility of Sudden Cardiac Death, especially among patients with coronary artery disease, whether previously diagnosed or still undetected.

This is the reason why a Stress EKG, preferably with Thallium, or Stress Echocardiography, are recommended to find out how the heart would behave under stress. These are more accurate and significant tests compared to a simple resting EKG. A plain EKG is only helpful if it shows abnormal findings. If it is “normal,” it does not have an accurate diagnostic value, and thus, cannot be depended upon for prognostication.

What is Brugada Syndrome?

Brugada Syndrome is a baffling condition where a young person, who appears to be healthy, unexpectedly develops cardiac arrest, for no apparent reason. Most victims do not survive the episode.

This condition is now believed to be responsible for countless sudden deaths among young people - athletes, students, etc., - who suddenly dropped dead.

Did the victims have any prior symptoms?

No, majority of victims did not have any prior symptoms. They were “in good health” when suddenly they collapsed, went into coma, and later died, or instantly died on the spot. Three Doctors Brugada (R, P & J) and their colleagues at the Unitat d’Aritmies, Hospital Clinic, in Barcelona, Spain, were the first to describe the syndrome in November 1992. The characteristic EKG findings in this syndrome was first described in 1980 among six patients who had cardiac arrest and were successfully resuscitated. It was not recognized at that time as a disease entity, but those were classic victims of Brugada Syndrome.

How does one prevent Brugada Syndrome?

Since this disease entity has now been “described,” which makes diagnosis of this entity

possible, everyone, especially those with a family history of unexplained sudden cardiac arrest, should be tested, starting with an EKG, and some “provocative” tests (with disopyramide, flecainide, ajmaline, procainamide) done to reproduce the characteristic Brugada EKG findings.

Can genetic testing help?

Since this disease is secondary to a mutation of SCN5A gene of chromosome 3 that has a dominant autosomic transmission pattern, with genetic defect in the alpha subunit of the sodium channel, genetic testing may be in order. However, 30% to 80% of patients will have negative (normal) gene screening in spite of overt or latent clinical Brugada Syndrome.

What’s the treatment for Brugada Syndrome?

If one is diagnosed to have Brugada Syndrome, an automatic implantable cardiac-pacemaker defibrillator (AICD) may be implanted, which will pace the heart and increase the rate if the rate goes down (awake or when asleep, 24/7), shocks and jolts the heart back to normal rhythm, when the heart goes to ventricular fibrillation. Hundreds of thousands of people worldwide have AICD to prevent sudden death from a variety of causes. None of the available drugs today are effective against Brugada Syndrome. When diagnosis is made, which may be missed a lot of time, then, cardiac arrest may be prevented with AICD. Can other sudden cardiac deaths be prevented?

Since most of these SCDs are due to coronary artery disease, primary prevention should be aimed at warding off coronary artery disease before it develops, like avoidance of cigarette smoking, obesity, sedentary lifestyle; and the management of high blood pressure, diabetes, and elevated cholesterol, if these are present. Secondary prevention is by early diagnosis and treatment of coronary artery disease, and any medically significant heart irregularity present. Where indicated, coronary angioplasty or bypass may be done. AICD implantation should be considered for those with a history of recurrent cardiac arrests. *** 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 (Advertising Supplement

Think before you post (Part 2 of 2)

“You are free to post whatever you like. You are not free of its consequences however.” stock options worth $1 million.

A few years back, he decided to take advantage of the free water offered in a Chick-fil-A drive thru as a ruse for his hidden agenda to film himself berating the staff who served him the water so he can attack the corporation’s stand on traditional marriage.

He recorded himself saying some awful words to the staff member who was stunned but remained gracious under fire despite the unwarranted attack. The guy then gleefully posted his video on youtube. Upon returning to his office, his secretary was in shock because of the overload of emails sent to him by people who took umbrage against his action.

To make a long story short, the married father of four was fired from his job, lost his home and his possessions reducing his status to live on food stamps. He found another job but when it was discovered that he was the author of that video, he was fired again. He has since then apologized to the staff member but maintains his position. No job offers seems to be forthcoming though. He has written a book about his experience and hopes that his book sells.

In the internet, karma can be swift and unforgiving. Not only do we now live in a sue-happy, highly litigious environment, we also have to deal with unpredictable backlash. Your posts are evidentiary proof.

You are free to post whatever you like. You are not free of its consequences however.

So if you’re angry, try venting the old fashioned way. Punch a bag. Break some plates. Or sweat it out. Write if you have to vent as a form of release but give yourself a week or two to cool down and pull yourself together. Write it, then trash it. Think of posting

to the public as ripping a pillow filled with countless goose down feathers to the four winds. Damage is beyond repair. Someone once said that you can’t take something off the internet. It’s like peeing in a pool.

It is quite easy for professional internet sleuths to find out where a message posting comes from even if you try to cover your tracks with bogus identities. 9 out of 10, you will be unmasked.

Like it or not, transparency has become the nature of this wired world.

Of course, as it is playing out on the political stage at the moment, a noted political figure has wiped her internet server clean to erase all emails and proof of possible wrongdoing. Is there a technology out there that can undelete deleted emails? How about recipients of those emails who have their own servers? This drama bears watching if only to see if it is really true that emails can be wiped out clean.

For now, you will be held accountable and may have to plead temporary insanity to free yourself from the sticky mess of your own doing. Increasingly, the justice system has come to rely on words in documents, images in photos and videos on the internet and DNA matches, as irrefutable evidentiary proof.

As they often say in the movies, but no longer as empty bluster these days, “You can run, but you can’t hide.” The ease with which we send and receive information is matched only with the ease with which messages are traced and tracked back to the original source. This is the reason why terrorists and kidnappers revert back to the old fashioned, slow way of communication — coded messages by couriers on beasts of

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COMMUNITY JOURNAL

(650) 689-5160 • http://www.asianjournal.com

Immigration Corner

EACH month, the Visa Office of the State Department publishes, in the Visa Bulletin, the priority dates for that particular month, for the various family and employment based categories. A priority date is a person’s “place in line” for a visa, meaning immigrant visas (or green cards) would be available for persons whose priority date is earlier than the cut-off date listed below. If your priority date was “current,” but later retrogressed (or “moved backwards” and became unavailable) before your immigrant visa was issued (or before you adjusted status in the U.S.), you would have to wait until it becomes current again.

Beginning last October 2015, the format of the Visa Bulletin changed, in that a new column was added, called the “Application Filing Date.” If a person’s priority date is earlier than the Application Filing Date, they can already file for adjustment of status and work authorization (provided they are otherwise eligible and USCIS indicates on its website it will use the Application Filing Date for that month).

This could allow people to obtain work authorization much sooner than before, where they had to wait for the priority date to be current (in the Visa Issuance Date column) in order to both file for adjustment and be eligible for a green card.

The priority dates for the Philippines are as follows: ***

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February 2018 priority dates Philippines stays out of US piracy...

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The Priority dates for the Philippines are as follows:

(2A) Spouse and Second Preference minor children (below 21 years old) of green card holder

November 1, 2016

March 1, 2016

Tan Binh Market in Ho Chi Minh City).

“A goal of the list is to motivate appropriate action by owners, operators, and service providers in the private sector of these and similar markets, as well as governments, to reduce piracy and counterfeiting,” USTR said.

“USTR highlights the follow-

(2B) Unmarried sons and daughters (21 years old or older) of green card holder

September 1, 2007

July 22, 2006

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Third Preference

Married sons and daughters of US Citizens.

June 15, 1995

March 15, 1995

Fourth Preference

Brothers and sisters of US Citizens.

March 1, 1995

October 1, 1994

Application Filing Date

Visa Issuance Date

FAMILY CATEGORY:

ATTY. MICHAEL GURFINKEL, ESQ

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 19-25, 2018

First Preference

Unmarried sons and daughters of US citizens (over 21 years of age)

LABOR CERTIFICATION:

Application Filing Date

Visa Issuance Date

October 1, 2007

August 1, 2005

Second Preference

Advanced Degree (Masters)

Current

Current

Third Preference

Professional/ Skilled Workers

August 1, 2016

March 1, 2016

Other Workers

Non-Skilled Workers

August 1, 2016

March 1, 2016

Michael J. Gurfinkel has been an attorney for over 35 years and is licensed, and an active member of the State Bar 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. The information contained herein including testimonials, “Success Stories,” endorsements and re-enactments) is of a general nature, and is not intended to apply to any particular case, and does 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: (866)—GURFINKEL Four offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES · SAN FRANCISCO · NEW YORK · PHILIPPINES

(Advertising Supplement)

ing marketplaces because they exemplify global counterfeiting and piracy concerns and because the scale of infringing activity in these marketplaces can cause significant harm to U.S. intellectual property (IP) owners, consumers, legitimate online platforms, and the economy. Some of the identified markets reportedly host a combination of legiti-

mate and unauthorized activities.

Others openly or reportedly exist solely to engage in or facilitate unauthorized activity,” it added.

A broader analysis of intellectual property protection and enforcement in particular countries or economies is presented in the annual Special 301 Report published every year. (Philstar. com) ■

month drop in remittances could be attributed to the depreciation of the US dollar.

“In a depreciating dollar environment, some OFWs might refrain from sending dollars until the time the foreign currency strengthens again,” he said.

Cash remittances, which only count money sent home via banks, expanded by 2 percent to $2.262 billion in November from $2.217 billion a year earlier.

“The top countries that contributed to the growth in cash remittances during the month were the United States (1.1 percentage point contribution) and Germany (0.9 percentage point),” the BSP said.

For the first 11 months of 2017, cash remittances reached $25.318 billion, a 4.0-percent increase compared to the $24.341 billion registered in the same period in 2016.

Cash remittances from both land-based and sea-based workers recorded increments of 3.7 percent and 5.1 percent for January to November 2017, respectively, the BSP said.

Money from the United States, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Japan, the United Kingdom, Qatar, Kuwait, Germany and Hong Kong comprised about 80.2 percent of total cash remittances in the first 11 months of 2017.■

Nov remittances hit $2.5B...

personal remittances sum up the net compensation of OFWs, personal transfers whether in cash or in kind and also capital transfers between households.

“The growth in personal remittances for January to November 2017 was supported by the sustained expansion of remittances from land-based OFs with work contracts of one year or more (3.7 percent) as well as those from sea-based and land-based OFs with work contracts of less than one year (5.1 percent),” the central bank said in a statement.

Land Bank of the Philippines market economist Guian Angelo Dumalagan said the month-on-

Think before you post...

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burden, for fear of being traced.

Your postings and when you log on to Facebook, particularly during work hours, can get you fired. Employers are exercising their right to be picky when there are millions out there who

are qualified to take your job.

As in anything, balance, good old common sense and a smidgen of humility should guide us all while social networking. Since we still live in a physical world, what is real still trumps what is merely virtual.

Calendar of Events across

Or you can just log off, canoodle with a loved one or go fly a kite with your kids. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette. maglaya@asianjournalinc.com

America

ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS! PRE-EVENT AND POST EVENT GO DEEPER. GO WIDER. LET THE WORLD KNOW. CALL ASIAN JOURNAL: (818) 502-0651 DISPLAY AD SIZES AT SPECIAL RATES FOR NON-PROFIT GROUPS JA N UA RY 2 0

Dinner for GK e-Rotary Club for PH incoming governors in Westminster, CA The 6-year-old GK e-Rotary Club will be hosting a dinner for two incoming Rotary District Governors from the Philippines — Gov. Mar Reyes from QC D3780 and Gov. Nisce from La Union D3790 — on Saturday, January 20, at the new Luxe Buffet Restaurant at 2008 Westminster Mall, Westminster, California (restaurant is in the 2nd floor of the mall, along Bolsa Ave. at Godldenwest, just off the 405 freeway).

Invited guests include Consul General Adelio Cruz, presidents and officers of several Filipino-American organizations, like the Fil-Am Chamber of Commerce of OC, the PressClub of California, the Phil American Society of CPAs, Pangasinan Brotherhood-USA, the Historic Filipino Town Rotary Club and many others.

Please come and witness the launching of our first GK e-Rotary Annual Fil-Am and their Friends Young Professionals Ambassador Tour to the Philippines in July, that will also a part of the official Phil Government Ambassador Tour that is being done annually for many years now. For more information, please contact the Project Chair, Jhenny Evans at (714) 5986446, or e-mail at jhenny_evans@yahoo.com; or Ernie Delfin at (714) 746 3088 or e-mail him at ernie.gkerc@gmail.com.

JA N UA RY 2 1

31st anniversary of the Feast of Santo Niño in Los Angeles Santo Niño Cruzada USA, with the participations of the Filipino Catholics Choir of St. Paul the Apostle Church, The Saint Junipero Serra Province Knights of Columbus and The Southern California Sinulog Dance Co., is inviting everyone to attend the holy mass of its 31st year anniversary celebration of the Feast of Santo Niño, the Divine Infant Jesus, at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, on Sunday, January 21, 2018 at 3:30pm. The main celebrant is Monsignor Kevin Kostelnik to be concelebrated by various priests from different parishes. We also offer this mass to honor the late Cebu Archbishop Emeritus Ricardo Cardinal Vidal, who returned to our Creator on October 18, 2017 in Cebu, Philippines. The Santo Niño image that we use to celebrate the annual feast was given by Cardinal Vidal to Los Angeles Archbishop Emeritus Roger Cardinal Mahony and Monsignor Kevin Kostelnik several years ago. For more information, please contact any of the following officers and members: Romy and Tess Esturas (213) 387-6982; Tess and Rey Edpao (818) 469-7292; Carmen Estrada (213) 413-2881; Fe Montano (323) 218-1587; Ester Paredes (213) 864-1149; Lilia Figuracion (626) 394-2661; Fe Reyes (213) 413-5286; Cherry Guerrero (323) 747-6508; Cherry Nicodemus (323) 304-6195; Vicky Samia (818) 851-2262; Tessie Cruz (213) 361-0937; Purita Prather (626) 798-4674; Lourdes Cronin (310) 880-6069; Maria Oclarino (213) 427-0353; Jun Panlaqui (213) 413-2881; Flora Ferrer (323) 556-4855.

JA N UA RY 25 THE UPS AND DOWNS, AND THE BITTERSWEET ENDING OF A SPECIAL CASE ABOUT A SPECIAL SON WHO HAD AUTISM ON THIS SUNDAY’S ‘CITIZEN PINOY!’ When Norma immigrated to the U.S., she had to leave behind their autistic son, Michael because he aged out. The separation broke her heart.

Norma and husband Joy (left) went to three other attorneys who were unable to deliver results, until they decided to retain leading U.S. immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel, who was finally able to bring Michael to the U.S., to be reunited with his parents.

Watch the heartfelt journey of Michael and his family that led to a pleasant reunion, but with a painful ending, on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” – on Sunday at 6:15 p.m. (PST) on TFC. (Advertising Supplement)

Criminal convictions and...

PAGE CJ2 t

ing that DHS will no longer exempt classes or categories of removable aliens from potential enforcement. Pursuant to the Kelly Memorandum of February 20, 2017, noncitizens are removable if they – (i) have been convicted of any criminal offense; (ii) have been charged with any criminal offense that has not been resolved; (iii) have engaged in fraud or willful misrepresentation in connection with any official matter before a governmental agency; (iv) have abused any program related to receipt of public benefits; (v) are subject to a final order of removal but have not complied with their legal obligation to depart the U.S.; (vi) in the judgment of an immigration officer, otherwise pose a risk to public safety or national secu-

rity.

Negative Consequences of Criminal Conviction. The Record of Conviction details an individual’s criminal history. More importantly, the relief(s) available to an individual facing deportation will depend largely on that individual’s record of conviction. Thus, even “just a misdemeanor” can make a non-citizen deportable, even if that person is a long-time green card holder and has lived in the United States for 20 years.

Therefore, it is very important to understand that before taking a plea deal, consult with a deportation defense attorney.

No two cases are exactly the same. Consult with an experienced and competent immigration attorney immediately, and more importantly prior to filing any applications with the USCIS,

or prior to pleading to anything in any court, in order to explore their options and possible legal ramifications that they might be facing. *** Atty. Lilli Berbano Baculi is an associate attorney with Chua Tinsay & Vega, A Professional Legal Corporation (CTV) - a full service law firm with offices in San Francisco, San Diego, Sacramento and Philippines. The information presented in this article is for general information only and is not, nor intended to be, formal legal advice nor the formation of an attorney-client relationship. Call or e-mail CTV for an in-person or phone consultation to discuss your particular situation and/or how their services may be retained at (619) 955-6277; (415) 4958088; (916) 449-3923; lbaculi@ctvattys. com. For general information visit www. chuatinsayvega.com.

(Advertising Supplement)

Immigration forum in Anaheim, CA There will be an immigration forum on Thursday, January 25 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Brookhurst Community Center (2271 Crescent Ave., Anaheim, CA 92801). RSVP is a MUST to attend. No registration fee required. Please contact (714) 657-7460 or admin@globallawcenters.com. The immigration forum is about employment-based immigration information regarding FAST TRACK Work Visas ( H-1B1, TN, E-3), green card by marriage, family-based immigration employment sponsorship for green card and work visas after graduation. Candidates with H-1B, TN, F-1, OPT & other visas issues are encouraged to attend for a FREE immigration consultation & immigration assistance. As you have already seen there are many changes happening in the field of immigration with regards to the new executive administration and their agenda. Global Law Centers strives to inform the immigrant community of its rights and make sure it is knowledgeable about what immigration processes might be available. The forum will also update everyone about new and recent changes which may affect immigrants and their families.

Asian American Professional Association intro session in Rosemead, Join the Asian American Professional Association (AAPA) introductory session on Thursday, January 25! Hear from Paul Park, Founder and CEO at American Dream Builders Now Inc. As a “Gold Miner” Paul’s mission is to search and help develop hidden potential, inspire, and motivate others to dream big. He believes “If you can dream it, you can do it. Build your dream and it will build you.” During the second half meet and interact with AAPA Mentors!

Registration begins at 5:30 p.m., with the program from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. It will be at Southern California Edison, GO-1 Employee Lounge at 2244 Walnut Grove Ave., Rosemead, CA. It is free and open to all professionals. To RSVP, please visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ aapa-introductory-session-tickets-40791228663.

F E B R UA RY 1 0

Annual dinner/dance at St. Finbar School in Burbank, California You are invited to the annual dinner/dance at the Albert Hall of St. Finbar School (2120 W. Olive Avenue, Burbank, CA 91506) on Saturday, February 10 from 6:30 to 11:00 p.m. For tickets, please call: Marian Nobleza at (818) 562-6819.

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

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BUSINESS NEWS

JANUARY 19-25, 2018 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 689-5160

People & Events

Beware of poisonous mushrooms in East Bay Parks AFTER the first fall rains, the East Bay hills come alive with mushrooms. Sprouting in an array of dazzling colors, these fungal fruit bodies can be beautiful – but some of them contain dangerous toxins.

The Bay Area is home to two of the world’s most toxic mushrooms – Amanita phalloides (death cap) and Amanita ocreata (western destroying angel).

The death cap and western destroying angel mushrooms contain amatoxins, a group of molecules that inhibit cellular metabolism in many animals. In mammals, the liver and kidneys are typically the first organs affected after ingestion. Symptoms don’t usually appear until up to 12 hours after consumption, beginning as severe gastrointestinal distress and progressing to liver and renal failure if treatment is not sought immediately.

“Both are robust mushrooms that grow near oak trees,” said East Bay Regional Park District Naturalist Trent Pearce, who is based in Tilden Regional Park and has documented several types of toxic mushrooms in East Bay parks. “Both are very dangerous and contain lethal toxins.”

Amanita phalloides (death cap) is a medium-to-large mushroom that typically has a greenish-gray cap, white gills, a white ring around the stem, and a large white sac at the base of the stem. It fruits early in the fall, usually right after the first rains.

Though the death cap is mainly associated with oak trees, it has been found growing with other hardwoods. It was accidentally introduced to North America on the roots of European cork oaks, and is now slowly colonizing the West Coast.

Amanita ocreata (western destroying angel) is a medium-tolarge mushroom that usually has a creamy white cap, white gills, a white ring around the stem that disappears with age, and a thin white sac at the base. It fruits from late winter into spring, and is associated exclusively with oaks. Unlike the death cap, it is a native California mushroom.

“We urge the public to be safe and be knowledgeable about

EMPLOYMENT

toxic mushrooms,” said EBRPD Public Information Supervisor Dave Mason. “Park visitors should know mushroom collecting is not allowed anywhere in the East Bay Regional Park District.”

“Visitors should also keep their dogs away from them,” added Mason.

While the death cap and western destroying angel mushrooms are responsible for most cases of mushroom poisonings in California, deadly amatoxins can also be found in Galerina and Lepiota species, both which occur in the Bay Area as well.

Park visitors should remember that mushroom collecting is not allowed anywhere in the East Bay Regional Park District.

If you are legally harvesting mushrooms elsewhere, learn

about these two species before any others and do not let them end up on your dinner table. Pet owners are encouraged to keep their animals under close watch during the winter months, and contact a veterinarian immediately if you suspect your pet has eaten a toxic mushroom. ■

EMPLOYMENT

Four questions to ask yourself as you plan for retirement DECIDING when to start receiving your retirement benefits from Social Security is a decision that only you can make, and you should make that decision with as much information as possible. There are a lot of important questions to answer.

Should you claim benefits earlier and get a smaller monthly payment for more years? Or should you wait and get a bigger monthly amount over a shorter period?

There are no right or wrong answers, but we encourage you to consider these four important questions as you plan for your financially secure retirement: How much money will I need to live comfortably in retirement?

Anticipate what your expenses will be in retirement, including things like mortgage payments or rent, utilities, healthcare insurance and related costs, food, personal care, car payments and maintenance, entertainment, hobbies, travel, and credit card or other debt. Also, consider whether you’ll need to provide for your spouse, children, or grandchildren.

What will my monthly Social Security retirement benefit be?

The average monthly Social Security benefit for a retired worker in 2018 is $1,404 (up from $1,377 in 2017). The average monthly Social Security benefit for a disabled worker in 2018 is $1,197 (up from $1,173 in 2017). As a reminder, eligibility for retirement benefits still requires 40 credits (usually about 10 years of work). The Social Security Act details how the annual Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) is calculated. You can read more about the COLA at www.socialsecurity.gov/cola. The best way to get an estimate of your retirement benefit is with a my Social Security account. Get yours today at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount.

Will I have other income to supplement my Social Security benefits?

Secure your financial future with a retirement portfolio that includes savings, investments, and possibly a pension plan. If you’re willing and able, you may choose to increase your income by working past retirement age. Social Security replaces a percentage of a worker’s pre-retirement income based on your lifetime earnings. The amount of your average wages that Social Security retirement benefits replaces varies depending on your earnings and when you choose to start benefits. If you start benefits at age 67, this percentage ranges from as much as 75 percent for very low earners, to about 40 percent for medium earners, to about 27 percent for high earners. If you start benefits after age 67, these percentages would be higher. If you

start benefits earlier, these percentages would be lower. Most financial advisors say you will need about 70 percent of pre-retirement income to live comfortably in retirement, including your Social Security benefits, investments, and other savings.

How long do I expect my retirement to last?

Anticipate the length of your retirement, keeping in mind that many American workers will live much longer than the “average” retiree.

Consider your health, family longevity, and lifestyle. Your Social Security retirement benefits will provide continuous income for as long as you live, protecting you even if your other sources of income run out. Discover your life expectancy with our online calculator at www. socialsecurity.gov/OACT/population/longevity.

No one can predict the future perfectly, but careful planning and preparation will help you to make a well-informed decision about when to start receiving your Social Security benefits.

If you’ve contributed enough to the Social Security system through FICA payroll taxes, you can receive your full retirement benefit at age 66 or 67 depending on when you were born. You may also claim it sooner, starting at age 62, at a permanently reduced rate. Or you may wait until after your full retirement age, increasing your benefit amount by up to 8 percent per full year to age 70.

Social Security is with you through life’s journey, and we’re here to help you prepare for a financially secure future for you and your family.

We invite you to use our online retirement planners at www.socialsecurity.gov/planners/retire/.

To learn more about all of our programs, please join us at www.socialsecurity.gov. (By Eric Phillips / Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Sacramento, CA). ■

EMPLOYMENT

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(650) 689-5160 • http://www.asianjournal.com

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 19-25, 2018

DARE TO INSPIRE. DARE TO LEAD.

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Friday, January 19, 2018

SF2

cover story The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - January 19, 2018

Keelson Pilipino members and officers

Photo by Nathan Chica

Kilusan Pilipino’s 6th Annual ‘Isang P.U.S.O’: Moving to support the Filipino community This year’s benefit goes to helping Little Manila of Stockton

by Malou liwanag-Bledsoe/AJPress

University of the Pacificstockton’s cultural club Kilusan Pilipino will be hosting their annual benefit concert, “isang P.U.s.O.,” this saturday, January 20, at the Derosa University Center Ballroom.

An ongoing benefit event for the last six years, Kilusan Pilipino translates to “Filipino Movement” in english, while “isang puso” means “one heart.” P.U.s.O. also stands for “Pilipinos United to serve Others.” true to its mission to support the Filipino community, its heritage and culture, Kilusan Pilipino is proud to announce that proceeds from this year’s benefit concert will go to Little Manila of stockton. “this is Little Manila’s fourth year partnering with Kilusan Pilipino for this particular benefit concert event and we are humbled by the student’s support for our work especially for our youth,” said Brian Batugo, who is a teacher and arts director with the Little Manila Foundation.

Supporting Little Manila and its programs Unknown to some, Little Manila was home to the largest population of Filipinos in the world outside of the Philippines from the 1920’s to the 1960’s. Like many other communities of color in America,

decision makers built a freeway through it in the late 1960’s. in 1999, local officials destroyed one of the last remaining blocks of Little Manila due to a sprawling development in stockton — only to build a McDonald’s and a gas station. in spite of the city’s designation of the Little Manila Historic site, city leaders secretly worked with a developer to destroy what remained of the Little Manila neighborhood.

Homeowners and businesses were threatened with eminent domain. Affordable housing was illegally destroyed. Prior to Detroit, stockton was the largest municipality to go bankrupt in America. the Little Manila Foundation was founded in response to social injustice. today, Little Manila still stands as a symbol of municipal neglect, disenfranchisement, injustice, inequity and hope.

Among the programs Little Manila has include arts and culture, which is creating a revival in Filipino folk and indigenous dance and music in san Joaquin County through the Little Manila Dance Collective (LMDC) and Kulintang Academy. these two groups have become an educational and cultural resource to students and community members interested in cultural dance, music and attire of the Philippines.

in fact, they are supported by cultural artists and resources in the Bay Area including Parangal Dance Company and the American Center of Philippine Arts.

LMDC also has been instrumental in connecting san Joaquin County’s elementary, high school, and university students to proper practices in traditional Philippine music, attire, and dance. it offers dance programs between March and June culminating in a showcase that brings together our local community.

Another program that Little Manila has built is the ethnic studies Program. established at edison High school

by Little Manila co-founder Dillon Delvo and former Little Manila After school Program (LMAsP) teacher Alma riego, LMAsP extends Little Manila’s mission to provide education to the community. now in its eighth year, the program operates at edison High school and has served students from edison, seCA, st. Mary’s, stockton Collegiate, and Langston Hughes Academy. the program has helped numerous students attend prestigious universities, appreciate their history, and develop ways to help the communities they love so dearly. expanding on the success

Kilusan Pilipino’s Executive Board

of LMAsP, they also began “Us History,” an ethnic studies after school program teaching Mexican American and African American history to high school students in stockton.

“We believe that the inclusion of multi-ethnic histories is essential to the empowerment of our young people,” said Batugo then added, “these facts provide the context for who we are as a people in our

Photo by Margarette Gil

modern day society. Laying the foundation, by understanding the experiences of our ancestors, helps us find our future and create a better tomorrow.” “isang P.U.s.O.” will take place on saturday, January 20, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. (doors opend at 6:30 p.m.) at Derosa University Center Ballroom at 901 President’s Dr., stockton, CA 95211. tickets are at $7 (pre-sale) or $5 (with student

iD), $10 (at the door) or $8 (with student iD). they accept cash or venmo at @Kdelacr3. to know more about Little Manila Foundation in stockton, visit their website at www. littlemanila.org. *Special thanks to Brian Batugo of Little Manila and Andrea Cliscagne of Kilusan Pilipino. *Photos on cover by Kevin John Hernando

For Maja Salvador, non-showbiz boys are better lovers

by Jan

Milo severo Philstar.com

New team-ups for daytime drama: Aljur Abrenica, Julia Montes, Shaina Magdayao and Paulo Avelino.

ABS-CBN photo

Tackling love and justice in ‘Asintado’

ABs-CBn opens 2018 with a new action-drama about a ruthless fight for love and justice in “Asintado,” which stars shaina Magdayao, Paulo Avelino, Aljur Abrenica, and Queen of Daytime Drama Julia Montes. the series begins airing this week on the network’s “Kapamilya Gold” timeslot.

Montes’ return to television marks her portrayal of another fearless character named Ana (Julia), a woman who is part of a rescue team and aspires to give her adoptive family a good life. Despite being tough, her heart longs for her sister, whom she lost in a fire that killed their parents.

Dedicated to duty, she meets Gael (Avelino), the son of an influential family, who hires her as his personal nurse after she saved him from a mining incident. After spending time together, they get to know more about each other and eventually fall for one another.

However, their budding romance is cut short with the return of Gael’s ex-girlfriend samantha (Magdayao), a famous jeweler who does what it takes to win the love of her life back, even if it means putting matters in her own hands.

Blinded by obsession, samantha then plots to kill Ana in order to get her out of Gael’s life.

But samantha’s evil ploy does not go as planned because Ana survives the attempted murder with the help of Xander (Abrenica). And then Ana wakes up to the most shocking news — Gael and samantha are getting married — and seeks vengeance to destroy the both of them.

Also part of “Asintado” are Lorna tolentino, Cherry Pie Picache, Lito Pimentel, Agot isidro, and nonie Buencamino. it is under the direction of Onat Diaz and Lino Cayetano. (ManilaTimes.net)

DesPite her busy schedule, Kapamilya actress Maja salvador admitted she still has time for romance and she is now dating a non-showbiz guy.

“Kung masugid naman ang love life mo, wala namang problema dun. Kasi meron at merong time,” the hit afternoon teleserye “Wildflower” star said during her press conference for “Maja On stage.”

For Maja, it is better to date non-showbiz guys because of the difference between each other’s worlds.

“Ang maganda dun is nakakausap mo kung ano nangyayari sa mundo niya, nangyayari sa mundo ko, maraming napaguusapan. Fifteen years na magkaibigan so kabisado ang isat-isa.”

“Lily Cruz” also noted that great relationships come from solid friendship as foundation. “’Yung sa akin ngayon is 15 years ko na kakilala. Barkada ko

kahit dati pa. so okay kasi iba yung foundation. Yung friendship, buong-buo.”

With only weeks left in her top-rated teleserye, Maja will return as a performer this 2018 with “Maja On stage,” her concert tour around the country and abroad.

Maja’s much-awaited concert tour kicks off at the ieC Convention in Cebu this coming February 4, then she is heading to the the Big Box east Jurong in singapore on February 18, and will be back in Manila at the KiA theater on March 23.

“Nung sinabi na may plans about concert and ano magiging title, sinabi ko lang na parang sa buong 2017, nagpakaactress ako, nag ‘Wildflower’ ako the whole year diba? so parang sa 2018, sasampa ulit ako ng stage,” Maja said.

According to her, if there is another thing she loves besides acting and her current boyfriend, it is performing

Maja Salvador

ABS-CBN photo

live. “Forever love ko ‘yon, forever love ko ‘yong pagso-show kaya hindi man kami magsama,

magkahiwalay man kami ng ilang taon, babalik-balikan ko siya!”

Gladys & Chris’ formula for solid marriage: 3 P’s by ricky lo Philstar.com

Christopher and Gladys with children Gian-Christophe, Gianna-Aquisha and Grant-Carlin and Gavin-Cale.

Photo from Instagram/@iamgladysreyes

in a field where lasting unions are the exception rather than the rule, Gladys reyes and Christopher roxas should be commended for surviving the trials and temptations of showbiz.

On Jan. 23, Jean-Christophe sommereux (his real name; he’s French in case you

don’t know) and Gladys are celebrating their “25 years of togetherness,” blessed with four children: Gian-Christophe (Best Man), Gianna-Aquisha (Maid of Honor) and Grant-Carlin and Gavin-Cale (ring Bearers).

Upon receiving an invitation, i texted Gladys, “Congratulations on your 25th year of marriage,” and Gladys promptly Continued on Page SF3

Ins and outs of 2018

entertainment SF3 The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE – January 19, 2018

Filipino student pilot crowned Miss Belgium

by Charmie Joy

Pagulong Philstar.com

By Monet

Lu

The start of a new season means different things to different people. But as a hair expert, it primarily means one thing for me: new season equals new haircut.Winter is here and it’s the best time to hit up the salon and get your season haircut. But before you do, check out these chicest hairstyles and cut. Based on my opinion, these are the six best “hair looks” that are suitable for both men and women this season. Let me start with the ladies.

The bob cut Seventy percent of my customers would request this type of cut for either of the following reasons: a new phase in their life (a relationship statuschange or a new job), wants a new look to reinvent their selves, or just because someone they know—and like—is sporting it. Your reasons may or may not fall under any of the aforementioned categories, but you are definitely in the best season to get a bob cut.

There is one thing you need to remember if you’re interested in trying a bob like Keira Knightley’s, Ginnifer Goodwin’s or Rachel McAdams’s. You have to be prepared for the attention—or the shock (if you had long hair)—that this haircut draws. Know that this cut makes a serious statement.

Don’t dare if you can’t take the heat. Also, you have to manage your hair’s density with this look, or else the bob will look like a mushroom.

Grown-out lob According to Marie Claire’s “20 Chicest Lobs of the Year,” ‘The Lob was this year’s tour de force cut.’ But while it is lovely, it is also way too much work to blow out the strands as regularly as the LA traffic permits.

Don’t worry, I have good news!

You can still grow you Lob and look like you step out of the

salon every time.

Just ask your stylist to texturize your mane for body and movement. You can also add some beachy waves to this cut. That is what’s great about a grown-out lob, you can style it in a variety of ways and it still looks chic.

One renowned stylist’s reminder: “Use a combination of oil and hold products to blow dry,” he suggested, “and style with a flat iron to add bend.”

Choppy and messy Since we are on the subject of adding playful waves and body to your hair, let’s push it further with some carefully sliced strands. It’s razor-meetsgorgeous! You may check out Kim Kardashian for inspiration for this style.

If you think this should be your look for autumn, enhance the “messy” effect by using a curling wand on your waves.

Use plenty of texturing sprays to out some volume at the roots.

The Mixie Mixie is portmanteau for midlength pixie. This haircut is

best suited for fine to normal strands that are straight. I suggest this cut for those who aren’t ready for a super short style, but want something short yet feminine.

For the men After the goddesses, we move on to the gods of killer haircut. And what easier way to describe the famous cuts is to name the celebrities who are sporting such looks. Allow me to borrow and coin the styles with their names.

The “Ryan Gosling” cut Google it if you don’t agree with me, but I must say this style is suited for any face or hair type. Ask your stylist for something high and tight on the side. Make the top about an inch longer and polish the look by combing it with a matte pomade. I must warn you: this is a head-turner look. Proceed with caution.

The “Chris Pine” cut If you’ve seen “Starship enterprise,” you pretty much have an idea of your new look sans the highlights. Rock the “Chris Pine” cut by going shorter and

A 22-year-old Belgian-born Filipina from Antwerp was crowned Miss Belgium 2018 on Saturday, January 13 at a gala show at the Plopsaland Theater in De Panne.

Angeline Flor Pua will represent Belgium in the Miss Universe or Miss World competition.

According to the flandersnews.be website, Pua is in her third year at the Flying Academy and dreams of becoming a pilot.

She loves to travel and has interests in sports and baking.

“I never expected this and still cannot believe it is true…

I am so incredibly happy,” the student pilot said.

On her Filipino heritage, Pua was quoted in the article as saying, “It’s certainly something new for a Miss Belgium, but I really feel Belgian. I was born here.”

In 2016, she won the Miss

Miss Belgium 2018 Angeline Flor Pua is flanked by first runner-up Zoé Brunet and second runner-up Dhenia Covens in the pageant held at the Plopsaland Theater in De Panne, Belgium last Saturday, January 13. Pua, born and raised in Belgium, is a student pilot-in-training.

Miss Belgium Organization photo

Filipina europe title and in 2018, she was crowned Miss Antwerp, which gave her the opportunity to compete in the Miss Belgium pageant this year.

According to missosology. org, her father is of Chinese descent while her mother is a

Filipina.

Pua was born on April 17, 1995.

Zoé Brunet from Jemeppesur-Sambre won as first runnerup, while Dhenia Covens from Vremde was named the second runner-up.

Gladys & Chris’ formula for solid...

From Page SF2 corrected me, “25 years of togetherness po, not as married couple.”

Both Gladys and Christopher are members of Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC). The renewal of vows will be done in INC ceremony at Fernwood GardensTagaytay in Tagaytay City, with silver and mint as motif. Unlike

in similar occasions, nobody from showbiz is part of the entourage.

Asked what their “formula” is for a happy “togetherness,” Gladys said, “Three P’s – Prayers, Patience and Partnership.”

Printed on the invitation is this: The best of friendship

through the years/Souls entwined by unselfish love and faith/A love that stood the tests of time/Now, a lifetime vow and a lasting commitment.

The friendship between Gladys and Christopher started when they were in their teens, even before they joined showbiz.

with much tight on the sides.

And please make sure you go easy on the pomade or you just might become the next most eligible bachelor.

For curly hair I also have a recommended cut for those who have curly hair. This is also for those who want a more modest, subtle and less-attention-grabbing look.

If you’ve got curly hair and a more angular face, go with a round cut. You’re going to have to ask your stylist to cut

about a half an inch longer on top than on the sides for best results.

And there you have it, ladies and gentlemen.

These haircuts are sure to make you look trendy this season. For a more detailed explanation and on-point demonstration, visit Monetsalon.com or at its brand new location at 20113 Vanowen St., Winnetka,CA and at 8340 Van Nuys Blvd, Panorama city inside the Island Pacific supermarket for information,call

213-216-4923 or 818-8918949. *** 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

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celebrityworld The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - January 19, 2018

celebrity world

By Ferdie Villar Actress and current “Pilipinas Got talent (PGt)” judge Angel Locsin shared that she doesn’t see any problem working with ex-boyfriend Luis Manzano again in the future.

In fact, Luis was the host of “PGt” for seven years, including when the actress started to be a judge for the talent show.

Now that Luis is not part of “PGt,” Angel clarified that it wasn’t even a problem working with her ex-boyfriend even when controversies about their separation hounded them.

Although the actress said Luis left for a new project, the tV host commented last year that he was quitting “PGt” for the “improvement of the show.”

“Nagawa ko nga noong kasagsagan ng kaguluhan namin eh, so bakit ngayon. I can’t see any reason naman pero I’m

fine kung hindi ko siya makatrabaho, I’m fine kung kailangan ko siya makatrabaho,” she said.

It is no secret that Luis is happy with his current girlfriend, actress Jessy Mendiola; and Angel’s personal life is blooming because of Neil Arce.

Angel shared, “Ako hindi naman ako nagtatago e, sana lang maintindihan niyo ako.

Nahihirapan ako na lagyan ng label, kasi sa amin kasi, hindi kami naglalagay ng label kaya huwag niyo sana isipin na nagtatago kami or nagpapa-tweetums kami… medyo hirap lang sa sitwasyon ngayon.” still, even without the label, Angel considers Neil one of the most important people in her life today.

“Pero kung importante sa

Angel Locsin is okay working with ex-boyfriend Luis Manzano again

Multi-awarded actress Lorna Tolentino will make a comeback in the newest teleserye of The Filipino Channel, “Asintado.”

buhay, importante siya sa buhay ko at ang laking elemento ni Neil para sumaya ang 2018 ko,” the actress said. *** the Philippine fashion industry is grieving because of the passing of one of its most iconic designers, Jose “Pitoy” Moreno. the famed Filipino fashion designer died on Monday, January 15.

Moreno, called the Fashion czar of Asia, was considered one of the country’s top designers and was the one who put the Maria clara gown on the international fashion stage early in his career.

His work has also been featured in international magazines such as Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar.

Although named a National Artist by former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the supreme court ruled the proclamation invalid in 2013 and revoked the conferment of the award to Moreno.

Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno de Quiapo, the miraculous Statue owned by Beauty Impresario Ferdie Syquia de Villa, was celebrated with a Fiesta last Tuesday, January 9 held at the Villar Residence on Escanyo Drive in South San Francisco. Shown in photo above are the devotees of the Statue: (seated/1st row, from left) Zenaida Perez, Elaine Estabrooks, Joselito Cabrera, AJ Perez, Roxie Perez, Ronald Villar; (standing, from left) Michael, Edward and Myrna Cabrera; Ferdie Syquia de Villar; Vangie, Anthony and Abbey Perez; and Manny Cabrera.

Actress and “Pilipinas Got Talent” judge Angel Locsin recently said that she has no problem working with ex-boyfriend Luis Manzano.

The Fashion Czar of Asia, designer Jose “Pitoy” Moreno passed away last Monday, January 15.

*** Mourning as well is the entertainment industry as veteran actor spanky Manikan passed away last sunday, January 14.

He was 75.

Manikan had stage four lung cancer. He was in and out of the hospital for various complications since last year. the veteran actor is best known for his roles in films such as “Maynila sa Kuko Ng Liwanag,” “Bona,” and “Broken Marriage.” In 1981, he was named best supporting actor at the Metro Manila Film Festival for his role in the film, “Himala.”

Apart from appearing in films and tV, he is also a veteran theater actor, appear-

Actor and TV host Luis Manzano announced last year that he wasn’t going to be part of the upcoming season of “Pilipinas Got Talent,” and that he was quitting for “the improvement of the show.”

Veteran actor Spanky Manikan passed away last Sunday, January 14, due to lung cancer. He was 75.

Asia’s Nightingale Lani Misalucha and Queen of Soul Jaya were some of the singers who performed during the birthday of Edna’s Ichiban mainstay Poca Rafael held at the Skyline Auditorium in San Bruno recently.

Shown in photo above are (seated, from left) Lani Misalucha, birthday celebrant Poca Rafael, Jaya; (standing, from left) Michele Langomez, Annalyn Tapiador, Jojo Pasco, Atty. Lou Tancinco, Brenda Padilla, Pam Hill, and Michelle & Alma Esteron.

ing in many productions of the Philippine educational theater

Association (PetA) and cultural center of the Philippines.

Robin Padilla calls for patriotism amid ‘racist’ allegations

by Jan

Milo Severo Philstar.com

AFter being slammed by netizens for forcing a Korean contestant to speak in tagalog in an episode of “Pilipinas Got talent” on saturday, January 13, robin Padilla said he stands by his words and is not sorry for what he said. speaking with members of the media during the launch of his new teleserye “sana Dalawa ang Puso Ko,” in which he stars with Jodi sta. Maria and richard Yap, robin explained that whenever he goes to other countries, he makes sure to learn the language there, so the Korean contestant he scolded, magician Kim Jiwan, has no reason not to learn Filipino.

“Wala akong pinagsisisihan.

Kasi ako pumupunta rin ako sa ibang bansa at ‘pag pumupunta ko sa ibang bansa, pinipilit kong malaman kung ano ‘yung salita don kasi bisita ka don eh. Ikaw ang makikibagay. Kung pupunta ka dito sa Pilipinas at uutusan mo kami at iinglisin mo kami sa banyagang pananalita, ay baka nagkakamali ka kasi bayan ko ‘to.

Handa akong mamatay anytime para sa bayan ko,” the “Bad Boy of Philippine cinema” said.

Robin Padilla

ABS-CBN photo

comparing to last year’s Korean contestant who robin did not force to speak in tagalog, robin said that it is a different matter now because this year’s contestant is already 10 years in the Philippines.

“Kaya kung sasabihin mo sa akin na sampung taon ka na dito at hindi ka pa rin marunong mag-Tagalog, aba eh may problema ka. Hindi mo sa’kin pwedeng sabihin na mahal mo ang Pilipinas. Sabi niya mahal niya ang Pilipinas eh, may girl-

friend siyang Filipina, pero hindi siya marunong mag-Tagalog.”

Nonetheless, robin clarified that his words were just like a father speaking to his son and he did not want to make a controversy out of it.

“Hindi ko naman siya inaway. Sinabihan ko lang siya na parang tatay niya. Meron akong kilala ditong Korean, si ryan Bang. Ang galing mag-Tagalog, mas magaling pa sa akin.”

For netizens who are reacting violently for the incident, robin said they should love Korea instead.

“Ganon talaga. Eh ‘di mahalin nila ‘yung Korea kung gusto nila. Wala naman problema sa akin ‘yun eh. Magpakamatay sila sa Koreano kung gusto nila.”

“Kung tayong mga Filipino ay hindi patriotic sa bansa natin, ‘wag tayong humingi ng pagbabago. Kung tayo ay mananatiling alipin ng dayuhan, eh kayo na lang. Hindi ako magpapaalipin sa dayuhan. Sa bansa ko?

Hindi mangyayari ‘yun. Ako ang hari dito dahil nasa bansa ko ako. Ngayon kung nasa Korea ako, hehe, eh ‘di ganon tayo,” he explained while posing a heart fingers made popular in Korea.

entertainment

For Sylvia, playing mom is piece of cake

by Ricky Lo Philstar.com

When she showed up for the presscon of Mama’s Girl, her maiden 2018 starrer for Regal Films, Sylvia Sanchez pleasantly shocked the movie press with her very revealing dress that showcased her rich natural resources.

What!?! Was Sylvia projecting a bold image as a new Year resolution?

It turned out that Sylvia was just “in character” as part of the promo for the movie directed by Connie S.A. Macatuno.

“My character in Mama’s Girl is a loving mom, cool, groovy, gusto palagi magpa-sexy,” Sylvia told Funfare during a post-presscon one-on-one. “Compared to the mother roles in my other movies and TV shows, this role is very me, Sylviang-Sylvia ang dating. Like me, my character also loves to cook at siempre, sino bang babae ang ayaw magpasexy? hehehe!!! The only difference is that my character is sick at ayoko ng sakit na yon (ailment not mentioned).”

And she plays a single mom (to Sofia Andres) while in real life, Sylvia has five children Pia, Arjo, Ria, Gela and Xavi. Only two of them, Arjo and Ria, have joined showbiz.

“Like in the movie with Sofia as Mama’s Girl, in real life all my children are Mama’s Boys and Mama’s Girls. In the movie, I’m protective of my daughter; and like me in real life, the type of mom na kahit saan magpunta never bibitiwan ang mga anak.”

Sylvia related a funny incident about Sofia who is a deadringer for Ria. “On the set, I told her that she looked like my daughter Ria. I said, ‘Tatlo pala kayong magkaka-mukha. Ikaw, si Ria at ‘yung Sofia Andres daw.’ Napangiti lang si Sofia. At home, I told Ria about the incident and Ria said, ‘Duh…yuck! Kasama mo si Sofia sa cast!’ OMG, I didn’t know na si Sofia na pala ‘yung kausap ko sa set! The next day, I apologized to Sofia. now, close na kami, like mother and daughter. Ako kasi, mahina ako sa names and birthdays but not sa faces.”

Playing a mother is easy for Sylvia -— you know, piece of cake. She has played all kinds of mothers in Kapamilya dramas: A loving one in ningning (with Ketchup eusebio as her son); a martyr mom afflicted with Alzheimer’s Disease in “The

The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - January 19, 2018

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GMA’s sexiest stars in a story of exes, love and friendship by iza igLesias ManilaTimes.net

GeTTInG over an old love is never easy. And when a second chance comes along to make things right, you finally understand what people have been saying all along. That love is truly a battlefield where the players go wild and crazy, kick and scream, and do anything just to calm a beating heart.

Sylvia with her real family, from left: children Arjo, Gela, Xavi and Ria, and husband Arturo Atayde This 2018, GMA network starts the year with a bang as it siya, especially with the maids. I eagerly unveils “The One That thought I should break his horns Got Away” (Totga)—a sexy, (bali-baliin ang sungay) while he romantic comedy series that aims was young. Tumino naman siya. I used the technique my own mom to entertain its viewers, while persuading them to have faith in would use on me and my five love, family and friendship, desiblings when we were young. spite all the madness that come “Arjo is very much like me.

Ugaling Sylvia. Matapang. Grabe with relationships. headlining this primetime ang pagiging Sylvia niya! Si Ria soap are three of network’s matapang din pero malambot at sought-after and sultry leading malambing. I’m happy that they ladies—Rhian Ramos as Zoe, Max grew up to be well-behaved. I Collins as Darcy and Lovi Poe as cannot use the same technique Alex—with no less than multinow that they are big,” adding awarded actor Dennis Trillo as with a laugh, “malalaki na sila object of their affection. All three baka hatawin na ako. hahaha!!!

Sylvia Sanchez has played all kinds of mother roles. I encourage them to speak women are exes of Trillo’s handPhilstar.com photos their minds but still, when they some Liam.

The girls Greatest Love”, maltreated by become disrespectful and their his first ex-girlfriend is Lovi her children; a supportive mom voice grows louder than mine, I Poe—Alexandra Rey “Alex” in “Be Careful with My heart”; remind them, ‘Uy, kaibigan n’yo and a devoted mom who would ako pero hindi n’yo ako barkada. Makalintal. She is beautiful, independent, family-oriented and do anything, including accidenNanay n’yo ako kaya you better incredibly career-driven. She and tally killing somebody, to get the tone down your voice.’ They Liam fell madly in love, and evmoney for the hospital bills of her listen naman.” erything was perfect until Alex’s son (played by Arjo) in “hangBut when it comes to her career goals got in the way. She gang Saan.” older children’s love life, Sylvia rejected Liam’s marriage proposal “I was tomboy in the movie keeps her hands off. and they parted ways.

‘The Trial,’” added Sylvia who, “Only when I notice someMax Collins is the second with Vince de Jesus as her alsothing disrespectful kung sino man ex-girlfriend—Darlene “Darcy” gay husband, played the parents ang karelasyon nila, that’s when I Sibuyan. She and Liam met after of John Lloyd Cruz as a mentally speak up. Let’s admit it, we want retarded accused of raping a girl our children to be with somebody Liam broke up with Alex. They (played by Jessy Mendiola). “I who not only loves them but who became good friends who eventually fell for each other. But when love that movie,” said Sylvia who also respects them.” an opportunity to work abroad won an acting award for her easyIncidentally, “Mama’s Girl” came along for Darcy, she took it does-it performance, so credible marks Sylvia’s homecoming to and the long distance relationship and so convincing that you would Regal where she started playing suspect she was one in real life. supporting roles (“Student Body,” soon broke them apart.

The third ex-girlfriend is What else is she like in real “Tora Tora Bang Bang,” etc.) until Rhian Ramos—Sophia elizabeth life? her acting talent was recognized “Zoe” Velasquez. She is a swim“When I was a new mom, in “Isang Gabi Tatlong Babae,” wear designer and blogger who I would say I was tough. ‘Yan leading to a meatier role in “Mais always out for fun. her parents sina Ria at Arjo, pinaluluhod halin Mo ang Asawa Ko.” separated when she was young, ko ang mga ‘yan sa asin when “‘Mama’s Girl’ is a feel-good which is why Liam became her they committed mistakes. One family movie,” said Regal propseudo-family. however, Zoe’s time, pinasok ko sa sako si Arjo. ducer Roselle Monteverde, “so possessive tendencies and Liam’s I didn’t like it when he answered it’s the perfect opening salvo for busy schedule just didn’t work back; ayokong sumasagot-sagot the new Year.”

Dennis Trillo

GMA photos

out and, yes, they too broke up.

The boy Lovi Poe, Max Collins and Rhian Ramos are the Dennis Trillo is William three gorgeous ex-girlfriends of Trillo’s characDominic “Liam” Ilustre or Alex, ter—’The One That Got Away’.

Darcy, and Zoe’s ex-boyfriend. mature, sexy and fashionable he is the ideal boyfriend—handrom-com, viewers would still some, smart, loving, and a true learn valuable lessons from their gentleman. he manages his own organic farm and dreams of a big, characters.

“The One That Got Away is happy family. he eventually meets very light, yes. Sexy-romantica fatal accident and wakes up comedy siya. Sa ilang taon ko from coma to find his three exes na sa industriya, this is my first together in his hospital room. teleserye na magaan lang. Lahat Unique rom-com ng ginawa ko puro heavy drama According to Trillo, he is exso this is something new for me,” cited to star in light teleserye for Poe began. a change since has been doing Collins, meanwhile, is up for mostly heavy dramas these past Totga’s challenge, both physiyears. cally and mentally. According to “I missed the romantic-comedy genre, like what I did in ‘Juan the newly married actress, she was inspired by Poe and Ramos’ happy Love Story’ with heart ultra-fit physiques and worked evangelista. Cool lang at walang out very hard to shape up for the masyadong stress sa character,” show. he said.

On the other hand, Ramos “When it comes to working talked about how she and the with my three equally beautiful girls connected over the short and sexy leading ladies naman, I just feel so blessed na makasama period of taping the pilot week.

“I’ve made so many friends sila. I got to work with Lovi in the kahit sandali pa lang kami movie ‘My neighbor’s Wife’ and ‘Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow;’ nagta-tape. We mesh so well, para kaming barkada kaya there with Rhian in the film ‘I.T.A.L.Y;’ are no rivalries in here,” Ramos and now Max, for the first time. confirmed.

“Napaka-swerte ko lang talaga Besides Trillo, Collins, Poe na mabigyan ng magagandang and Ramos, “The One That Got projects at makasama ang Away” features a roster of talentmagagaling at magagandang ed actors, namely Jason Abalos artista, kaya I’m very blessed,” in his very first GMA project, Ivan Trillo continued.

Dorschner, Migo Adecer, Bembol The trio of lead actresses, meanwhile, laughed off the rumor Roco, Snooky Serna, Luz Valdez, ervic Vijandre, Ayra Mariano, nar that there is rivalry among them, Cabico, Ashley Rivera, Sophie adding how they easily bonded Albert, Jason Francisco, Patritogether.

Of the storyline, they agreed cia Ismael, Dea Formilleza and euwenn Aleta. that while the show is of a

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The Asian Jo ur na l SF M A G A Z I NE - J a nua ry 1 9 , 2 0 1 8

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