012018 - Los Angeles Weekend Edition

January 20-23, 2018 Volume 28 - No. 8 • 4 Sections – 30 Pages

DATELINE

USA

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

Atty. General Becerra says Calif. will honor ‘sanctuary state’ policies Northern California prepares for rumored massive ICE raid Following rumors of a major immigration crackdown in Northern California, state Attorney General Xavier Becerra said that new sanctuary state policies will be upheld in the event of a raid.

The attorney general’s remarks at a press conference on Thursday, January 18 came after a report that said officials from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are reportedly planning an operation to detain more than 1,500 undocumented immigrants in the Bay Area and surrounding cities.

In a bombshell published in the San Francisco Chronicle on Tuesday, January 16,

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Supreme Court to hear challenges to Trump’s travel ban

Trump’s authority to ban travelers from certain nations will be examined, justices to rule on case by June

DOJ dismisses Rappler’s ‘fishing expedition’ claims over probe NBI also investigating site’s reported violation of cybercrime law

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

THE Philippine Department of Justice (DOJ) has maintained that the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)’s probe into the alleged foreign ownership of news website Rappler is neither a “fishing expedition” nor an attack on press freedom.

Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II said such an insinuation is “unfounded and most unfair” to the DOJ and its attached agency, the NBI. Aguirre issued Department Order 017 on Wednesday, January 17, granting the NBI the authority to conduct an investigation and a case build-up against Rappler for “possible

violation of the Constitution and laws.”

The DOJ’s order came days after the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) revoked Rappler’s license to operate on Monday, January 15 over the alleged violation of Constitutional restrictions on foreign ownership.

Under the Philippine Constitution, mass media companies are required to be fully owned by Filipinos. The SEC claims that Rappler had violated those rules by taking funds from Omidyar Network, a self-described philanthropic investment firm created by eBay A Rappler employee exits its office at the Capitol Commons in Pasig on Monday, January 15, founder Pierre Omidyar, a non-Filipino.

Rappler argues that the investors provid- 2018 after Maria Reesa and Chay Hofilena gave a press briefing to media as the Securities ed funding through a Philippine Depository and Exchange Commission (SEC) orders the revocation of its license to operate.

HRW: Human rights crisis under Duterte at its ‘worst’ since Marcos

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

AMID the ongoing parlay in Washington over the nation’s immigration system, the Supreme Court announced on Friday, January 19 that it would consider reviewing a challenge to President Donald Trump’s latest version of his controversial travel ban.

Concerning the third and latest version of the travel ban, the case — Trump v. Hawaii — questions the legality of the ban and the president’s authority to implement it. In September, the plaintiffs argued that the ban was not justified by legitimate national security concerns and, rather, religious motives.

The Supreme Court’s decision also follows a series of rulings against the ban’s latest version from lower courts, including the

THE current human rights situation in the Philippines is at its “worst” since the dictatorship of late President Ferdinand Marcos, New York-based Human Rights Watch (HRW) has claimed.

In its World Report 2018, HRW said that President Rodrigo Duterte has “plunged” the country into “its worst human rights crisis,” citing, in particular, the deaths of thousands of “mostly poor Filipinos” linked to his controversial campaign against illegal drugs.

The annual report reviews human rights practices in more than 90 countries.

According to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), 3,906 suspected drug personalities have been killed during legitimate police operations from July 1, 2016 to September 26, 2017.

But HRW claimed that “unidentified gunmen have killed thousands more, bringing

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FULFILLING HIS PROMISE. President Rodrigo Duterte gestures as he led the ceremonial opening of the Overseas Filipino Bank (OFBank) at Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila on Thursday, January 18. The creation of OFBank is one of the campaign promises of President Duterte meant to provide financial and remittance services tailored to the needs of OFWs. ManilaTimes.net photo by John Micah Sebastian

PH gov’t launches Overseas Filipino Bank

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

FULFILLING a campaign promise made by President Rodrigo Duterte, the Philippine government on Thursday, January 18 launched the new Overseas Filipino Bank (OFB)—a bank that caters specifically to Filipinos abroad.

This comes about four months since Duterte signed Executive

Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri, chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), said the Senate would do its best to pass the BBL before it ends its session on March.

Senate photo by Alberto Calvelo

Duterte warns of war in Mindanao if BBL fails

“historical injustice committed to the Moro people.”

AJPress He cautioned that failing to address the PHILIPPINE President Rodrigo Duterte years-long concerns of the Moros could lead to raised the possibility of a war in Mindanao dire consequences.

“Kung walang mangyari nito sa BBL ngayshould Congress fails to pass the Bangsamoro on (if nothing will happen to the BBL) or we Basic Law (BBL).

In his speech during the launch of the Over- change the Constitution or do not change the seas Filipino Bank (OFB) in Manila on Thurs- Constitution at all, there will be war in Mindday, January 18, the president stressed that it anao. I can assure you, mamili kayo (you will was about time to address what he called the u PAGE A4

by DANA

SIOSON

Inquirer.net photo by Grig Montegrande

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Order (EO) 44 on September 28, which approves the Land Bank of the Philippines’ (LBP) acquisition of the Philippine Postal Savings Bank (PPSB). It stated that the PPSB will be converted to the OFB. Duterte, who led the inauguration of the OFB at the Postbank Center in Manila, expressed satisfaction that he was able to carry out one of his electoral promises.

“I made simple promises during

the election. I am not into politics but I would just like to remind you that I kept my campaign very simple, with about four basic fundamental promises and I am very happy that mukhang naibigay ko sa inyo (I fulfilled it),” the president said.

With the OFB, Duterte added that the government can “give back what is due our kababayans abroad through a bank specially dedicated

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Sanofi refunds government P1.2B for unused Dengvaxia

by DING

CERVANTES & SHEILA CRISOSTOMO Philstar.com

SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — The manufacturer of the controversial Dengvaxia vaccine has refunded P1.2 billion worth of unused anti-dengue vaccines, Secretary Francisco The amount will be reverted to the national treasury. Health Health Secretary Francisco Duque III hopes the DOH will be allowed Duque III said on Friday, Januto use the fund to help the victims of Dengvaxia and other ary 19. programs of DOH. Inquirer.net photo In a summit attended by local

officials and health workers from all over the province, Duque announced that Sanofi Pasteur issued a check as refund for the unused vials of Dengvaxia on Thursday.

The amount will be reverted to the national treasury. Duque

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A January 20-23, 2018 • La WEEKEnD aSIan JOurnaL

DOJ dismisses Rappler’s...

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Receipt (PDR), which essentially allows companies to invest in media companies without becoming owners. Many national companies are said to use PDRs. In a statement, the social news network slammed the DOJ for ordering the investigation, calling it “a fishing expedition, and pure and simple harassment.”

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

From the Front Page

that the investigation order “was never intended to interfere nor violate press freedom.”

“We want to emphasize that “This is a fishing expedition, your DoJ respects freedom of the and pure and simple harassment. press. However, to borrow the We thought this was supposed words of the National Press Club to be in relation to PDRs and the (NPC), responsible journalism alleged violation of the Constitu- means compliance with the law,” tion,” Rappler said. he added.

It added, “It’s all the more clear The justice secretary further and blatant what government’s noted that the DOJ’s mandate agenda is: they’re deadset to get includes “investigating crimes, Rappler and kill press freedom.” prosecuting offenders and overAguirre, in response, argued seeing the correctional system.”

Int’l media condemn SEC move Following the SEC’s move, several top international media companies have reacted and expressed support for Rappler.

Earlier this week, the New York Times joined in solidarity and called the SEC ruling “only the tip” of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s attack on media critics.

In its op-ed published, 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,” it 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” 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.

The Washington Post also took on the issue on Thursday, January 18 in an editorial titled, “Another dictator lashes out at press freedom.”

“What’s worrisome about Mr. Duterte’s attack is not only the use of government to close down a pathbreaking news source but also his deployment of the delegitimization that lies behind the moniker ‘fake news,’” the publication wrote. “This is a twisted way to undermine confidence and trust in the news itself, a tactic now being widely exploited by rulers who do not want to be bound by

President Rodrigo Duterte raises his fist as he walks in front of the PHLPost building on his way to open the OFW Bank in Manila.

PH gov’t launches Overseas...

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to servicing their banking and financing requirements.”

The newly-opened bank is set to operate domestically and internationally. By the second quarter of 2018, the government plans to open foreign representative offices in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Bahrain.

The OFB will offer deposits, loans, investments, remittance, and payment services “tailored to the requirements” of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), immigrants, and those with resident

visas.

In an earlier statement, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said a key feature of the OFB will be its provision of a remittance service for OFWs and a loan program for Filipinos planning to return to the country to start businesses or build their homes.

According to him, the Landbank and the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) “are also exploring ways of mobilizing the savings of overseas-based Filipinos for them to invest in the country’s

HRW: Human rights crisis under...

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the total death toll to more than 12,000,” according to “credible media reports.”

“President Rodrigo Duterte has plunged the Philippines into its worst human rights crisis since the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos in the 1970s and 1980s,” HRW said in its report released Thursday, January 18.

The group added, “His ‘war on drugs,’ launched after he took office in June 2016, has claimed an estimated 12,000 lives of primarily poor urban dwellers, including children.”

HRW also stated that Duterte engaged in “harassment and intimidation of individuals and agencies tasked with accountability,” particularly those who are critical of policies like Senator Leila De Lima and United Nations u PAGE A4 (UN) Special Rapporteur Agnes

Callamard.

De Lima has been in detention since February last year due to what HRW tagged as “politically motivated” drug charges. Callamard, on the hand, has been repeatedly lambasted in expletives by the president in his past speeches.

In its report, the group further mentioned the efforts of proDuterte lawmakers to cut the funds of Commission on Human Rights (CHR) “as apparent retaliation for its efforts to probe the anti-drug campaign.”

“In the face of mounting international criticism, the Duterte government has adopted a tactic of denying as ‘alternative facts’ well-substantiated reports by human rights and media organizations of high death tolls linked to the ‘drug war,’” HRW added.

The group also said that the

ManilaTimes.net photo by John Micah Sebastian

capital market.”

“It’s just a matter of the administrative integration of the bank. It’s an administrative thing and all the approvals have been cleared away for the acquisition,” Dominguez said.

“You know, we are just fulfilling [President Duterte’s] campaign promise one by one. First, tax reform, then this new bank,” he added.

Apart from fulfilling the president’s campaign promise, the finance secretary also remarked that the conversion of the PPSB into the OFB also saved the former from bankruptcy. n president has “publicly vilified media outlets whose reporters have exposed police culpability in extrajudicial killings.”

HRW noted that Duterte previously threatened to block the renewal of the broadcasting franchise of ABS-CBN network.

“In July, Duterte publicly threatened the Philippine Daily Inquirer with tax evasion charges and falsely accused the media platform Rappler of being U.S.owned in an apparent effort to undermine its credibility,” it added.

However, Malacañang simply dismissed HRW’s claims.

“That’s fictional,” Duterte’s spokesperson Harry Roque told reporters.

The report also noted the “fastgrowing HIV epidemic” in the country, as well as the situation in Marawi City, Mindanao that has “resulted in the deaths of more than 1,000 combatants and civilians and the displacement of 400,000 residents.” n

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FROM THE FRONT PAGE

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 20-23, 2018

Atty. General Becerra says...

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President Donald Trump is escorted from the Pentagon by U.S. Secretary of Defense James Mattis, following President Trump’s meeting with Defense Department officials, Thursday, January 18, in Arlington, Virginia.

White House ohoto by Shealah Craighead

Supreme Court to hear...

PAGE A1 t State of Hawaii which has filed the suit along with immigrant rights groups.

In a brief requesting the Supreme Court to allow the lower courts’ decisions to stand, the plaintiffs — led by Hawaii Attorney General Douglas S. Chin — said, “No prior president has attempted to implement a policy that so baldly exceeds the statutory limits on the president’s power to exclude, or so nakedly violates Congress’s bar on nationality based discrimination in the issuance of immigrant visas.”

The justices will rule by June 2018 whether the ban is constitutional in what will be a significant evaluation of the president’s authority.

The announcement comes nearly a year after the first iteration of the travel ban was announced. The ban coincides with Trump’s long-awaited wish to limit travel from countries who have been deemed threats to the nation’s security.

The most updated version of the ban, among other things,

restricts travel from citizens of Iran, Libya, Syria, Yemen, Somalia, Chad and North Korea; some people from Venezuela have also been barred from entering the U.S. The ban also would put a temporary ban of refugees from the affected countries.

Several federal judges have ruled against the ban, arguing that it violates the constitution by “discriminating” against certain nationalities.

“To the extent that the Government might have provided additional evidence to establish that national security is now the primary purpose for the ban, it has not done so,” U.S. District Judge Theodore D. Chuang of Hawaii wrote in October in a ruling blocking the ban.

In December, the Supreme Court allowed parts of the ban to go into effect as the case progressed. This move overturned a compromise set in June 2016 that allowed travelers from affected countries to come to the U.S. if they could prove a bona fide relationship with a U.S. citizen or entity. (Klarize Medenilla/ AJPress)

an anonymous source familiar with the operation said that the campaign — which would be the most substantial immigration raid under President Donald Trump — is likely to occur in the next few weeks.

The source indicated that the operation is meant to send “a message that immigration policy will be enforced in the sanctuary state,” according to the Chronicle’s report.

Becerra did not outrightly attest to the validity of the claims laid out in the Chronicle, but he assured that there are laws in place to limit California law enforcement and private employers from cooperating with federal immigration agents should a raid of this grandeur occur.

“Regardless [of] what the rumors are, the law is the law... the Constitution is the Constitution, and the people have rights,” Becerra said.

AB 450, signed by Governor Jerry Brown last year, prohibits employers from volunteering access to immigration enforcement agents to enter nonpublic areas of a business or review employee records without a warrant or court order.

“If you’re a business owner you have now certain rights and certain responsibilities when it comes to the people who work for you and giving access to federal immigration enforcement authorities to enter your premises and review both information documents and the individuals who work for you,” Becerra said on Thursday. “So know your rights and know your responsibilities.”

Employers could be fined $2,000 to $5,000 for the first violation and $5,000 to $10,000 for later offenses if they do not abide by the bill.

The report in the Chronicle has since sparked fear within in the immigrant communities in the Bay Area, prompting advocates, activists and officials to prepare for the alleged crackdown.

Last month, ICE Acting Director Thomas Homan warned that if local officials in California “don’t want to protect their communities, then ICE will.”

Many California leaders were outraged by the alleged sweep.

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) called the rumor “deeply shameful” while Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon (D-Los Angeles) described the raid as a threat by Trump

to “weaponize federal agencies against California.”

“Rather than focusing efforts on violent criminals, raids carried out in neighborhoods and workplaces could result in deportation of individuals who are simply in the wrong place at the wrong time,” Calif. Sens. Dianne Feinstein and Kamala Harris wrote in a letter to Homan.

Sanctuary state protections As of Jan. 1, 2018, California has officially become a sanctuary state through the passage of SB 54, which restricts local and state law enforcement from turning over information that would aid federal immigration authorities in detaining those believed to be undocumented immigrants.

It doesn’t prevent ICE or any other federal immigration agency from performing their routine operations, but rather it’s a directive toward state and local law enforcement.

Since Trump came into office, ICE has doubled down on immigration enforcement, arresting and detaining undocumented immigrants in their homes and places of work.

The rumors arose a week after ICE agents descended upon dozens of 7-Eleven convenience stores across the nation, arresting undocumented employees and demanding employees’ citizenship documents from managers.

Ninety-eight stores across 17 states resulted in 21 arrests, signaling the immigration agency’s escalated attempts to double down on businesses that hire undocumented immigrants.

Sweeps at 7-Eleven stores In Southern California, four audit notices were served to 7Eleven locations in the City of Los Angeles and one in Culver City, according to ICE. Specific locations were not mentioned, but witnesses said they saw ICE agents at a location in Koreatown.

According to witnesses, seven ICE agents arrived in three unmarked cars and closed the store for about 20 minutes. They explained the audit to the single employee there, who had a valid green card.

“Today’s actions send a strong message to U.S. businesses that hire and employ an illegal workforce,” Homan said in a statement. “ICE will enforce the law, and if you are found breaking the law, you will be held accountable.”

Via a statement, 7-Eleven Inc.

did not take accountability for the hiring of reportedly undocumented workers, noting that individual franchises are owned independently.

“7-Eleven takes compliance with immigration laws seriously and has terminated the franchise agreements of franchises convicted of violating these laws,” the company said, adding that the individual franchise owners “are solely responsible for their employees, including deciding who to hire and verifying their eligibility to work in the United States.”

The massive sweep sent a

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shock across the nation, many questioning the legality of the raids. The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIR) emphasized that regardless of immigration status, workers have rights and those targeted should seek legal counsel.

“Workers should know they have the right to remain silent, avoid incriminating yourself, and seek legal immigration help right away,” CHIR said in a statement, encouraging immigrant families to always be prepared for possible encounters with ICE or any other federal immigration agency. (Klarize Medenilla/AJ Press)

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Dateline USa

A January 20-23, 2018 • La WEEKEnD aSIan JOurnaL

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. 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.

Sen. Manny Pacquiao

Philstar.com photo

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

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

DOJ dismisses Rappler’s...

PAGE A2 t the norms of democracy and rule of law. “ “President trump’s use of ‘fake news’ shows not that the United States is overflowing with untrustworthy news but that it is possible for a leader to use smokescreens and kick up dust to the point where it obscures truth. Are other authoritarians learning from Mr. trump, or is he learning from them?” the editorial concluded. “It is hard to tell some days. In the Philippines, the attack on rappler should be rescinded. A free press cannot be allowed to be smothered by the fog of an authoritarian leader shouting ‘fake news.’”

Meanwhile, Marcus Brauchli, co-founder of North Base Media which also has investments in rappler through PDrs, responded to a letter written to him 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 media 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.”

Cybercrime law violation Apart from the alleged foreign ownership of mass media, the NBI is also looking into rappler’s possible violation of the cybercrime law. the NBI has summoned rappler chief executive officer Maria ressa, former rappler reporter reynaldo Santos Jr., and business-

man Benjamin Bitanga to answer the complaint filed by Chinesefilipino businessman Wilfredo Keng. ressa, Santos and Bitanga are scheduled to appear at the NBI on January 22. the cybercrime complaint stemmed from the investigative article “CJ using SUVs of ‘controversial’ businessmen” published by rappler on May 29, 2012.

Keng denied rappler’s claims that he was the owner of an SUV being used by former Chief Justice renato Corona, who was then facing an impeachment trial in the Senate when the story was published. the businessman admitted that he owns a black Chevrolet Suburban, but denied that it had been used by Corona.

In a statement, ressa said they are ready to answer all the charges against them, maintaining that they had done nothing illegal.

She further condemned the allegations against the news company, tagging it as “attempts to try to turn journalism into a crime.”

(With reports from Rae Ann Varona/AJPress)

at this time, it could be a double whammy because my enemy would be their friends and what would that be?”

“It’s the ISIS,” he said, referring to another name for Islamic State (IS) terrorists.

Government forces recently engaged with a five-month long of armed conflict against pro-IS terrorists in Marawi City from May to October 2017. Mindanao remains to be under martial law due to threats posed by rebels and other pro-IS insurgents.

In an earlier statement, Malacañang reminded that proposed BBL should adhere to the Constitution to be passed by Congress.

“You need to pass a BBL that’s consistent with the Philippine Constitution, simply put,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry roque said in

a press briefing on tuesday, January 17.

A solon also shared the same sentiment, saying that the 1987 Constitution will remain to be the basis of the proposed BBL amid the Congress’ ongoing efforts for a Charter Change (cha-cha) in connection with the proposed shift to a federal form of government.

Unless the current Constitution is revised, Zamboanga Sibugay 1st District rep. Wilter Wee Palma II maintained that lawmakers “will base everything on the 1987 Constitution.”

Last month, Duterte expressed doubt that doubt that the measure will be passed by Congress, remarking that the proposed BBL will unlikely “hurdle constitutional barriers.” He, however, did not specify which provisions will violate the Constitution. n

Las Vegas shooter methodically planned to Duterte warns of war in... ‘thwart’ investigation, new documents say PAGE A1 t

Information on Filipina girlfriend included

by Rae

ann VaRona AJPress

mation on the gunman’s activities prior to carrying out what became the deadliest mass shooting in reCeNtLY released court doc- modern history. uments regarding the 2017 Las the documents, however, do Vegas shooting provide new infor- not provide a motive as to why

gunman Stephen Paddock fired bullets over the 22,000 attendees of the route 91 Harvest festival in Las Vegas, killing 58 people and injuring over 500. the shooting began at around 10:08 p.m. on October 1, 2017 over the country music festival which was commencing its third and last day of weekend festivities. Country singer Jason Aldean, who was headlining the festival, was rushed offstage mid-song while many witnesses looked up expecting fireworks.

Police later identified the shooter as 64-year-old Paddock, who fired a storm of bullets from the

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choose),” the president said.

Passing the proposed BBL has been among Duterte’s campaign promises.

A version of the BBL crafted by the Bangsamoro transition Commission (BtC) is now pending in the House of representatives as House Bill No. 6475. BtC include representatives from the Moro Islamic Liberation front (MILf) and Moro National Liberation front (MNLf). the proposed measure aims to abolish the current Autonomous region in Muslim Mindanao (ArMM) and replace it with Bangsamoro region that will enjoy fiscal autonomy. It will also serve as the completion of the peace process with the Moro rebels.

Duterte further warned, “And

Sanofi refunds government P1.2B...

hopes the DOH will be allowed to use the fund to help the victims of Dengvaxia and other programs of DOH. He assured the parents of the 800,000 children vaccinated with Dengvaxia that PhilHealth will cover the cost of their hospitalization.

Pampanga Gov. Lilia Pineda ordered all 11 district hospitals in the province to implement a

“zero balance hospital bill” for all dengue patients, even those not given Dengvaxia shots. the previous administration allocated P3.5 billion for the massive anti-dengue vaccination program of the Department of Health (DOH), and Sanofi is deciding if the pharmaceutical firm will refund the whole amount.

“I was told that the matter of refunding the entire amount allocated by the government for the antidengue immunization program is being tackled at the highest levels of the firm,” Duque said.

Aquino likely got ‘ill advice’ Duque also vowed that he would “surely hold accountable” those who withheld any data on Dengvaxia, which could have convinced the Aquino administration not to push through with the massive anti-dengue vaccination program. the DOH is finding out who were the persons involved in deciding to implement a massive Dengvaxia vaccination drive affecting some 800,000 students of public schools in Central Luzon, National Capital region and Calabarzon.

Duque said former president Benigno Aquino III could have been “ill-advised” when he allowed the dengue vaccination program to proceed.

He pointed out that Dengvaxia was not only new, but targeting one million children for vaccination was also too much. “for me, as secretary of health, it is better to err on the side of caution, especially since children are involved here. It’s the health and welfare of children that are at stake,” he added.

‘Vaccination must remain suspended’

Health Undersecretary eric Domingo said the panel of experts from the Philippine General Hospital (PGH), which the DOH created to look into the scientific aspects of the Dengvaxia controversy, forwarded to Duque yesterday its initial findings and recommendations.

Domingo said the panel came up with a three-page summary of its discussions and recommendations after looking into the cases of 14 vaccinated children who died after being given Dengvaxia vaccines. the PGH panel has recommended to the DOH not to resume the dengue immunization program.

Domingo said the panel recommended that “as a precautionary measure, the Dengvaxia mass immunization program should remain suspended at this time.” the panel could not also give a “firm recommendation” to complete the schedule of the vaccination “in view of the sparse information from the clinical trials on the consequences of administration of less than three doses of Dengvaxia.”

“However, for children with incomplete doses who had been confirmed to have had dengue before Dengvaxia vaccination, completion of doses may be protective,” the summary read.

On the safety and efficacy of the vaccine, the panel found that “Dengvaxia may pose an increased risk of dengue (hospitalized and severe virologically confirmed dengue) among seronegative individuals, regardless of age.” the panel also reported that the sample size involving the “sub-cohort of seronegative

children was too small to demonstrate a statistically significant increase, but the direction and trend towards harm is cause for serious concern.”

Duque said the DOH executive committee will look into the recommendations and see which of these are doable.

He also said the panel’s recommendation to complete the vaccination of selected recipients is faced with an “intervening event, which was the food and Drug Administration’s action to suspend the product registration” of Dengvaxia. the PGH panel also recommended full assistance to vaccinated kids who would fall ill to dengue, as well as compensating the families of the vaccinated children.

Vaccine failure Duque said he was just waiting for more evidence before deciding if there was a “vaccine failure.”

Health experts will be reviewing thoroughly the recommendations of the PGH panel along with other parallel investigations.

Currently, the Public Attorney’s Office is also investigating the Dengvaxia mess by doing autopsy on vaccinated children to determine if the deaths are connected to the vaccine.

Sen. JV ejercito, chair of the Senate committee on health, said his panel has scheduled the next hearing on Dengvaxia on Monday.

He admitted that he is concerned because his 17-year-old son was also vaccinated with Dengvaxia.

“We have to address the anxiety, the uncertainty of the future of these children, the anxiety of the parents. We would concentrate on the health aspect this time,” he said. n

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Dateline USa

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARy 20-23, 2018

A

JESSE PHINNEY ALLEGEDLY COMMITTED SUICIDE WHILE UNDER NBI CUSTODY

Filipino boxer to make US debut, Family thinks American filmmaker an EJK victim in Cebu to defend title in Texas bout

by Anthony

Q. EsguErrA

Inquirer.net

ThE family of an American documentary filmmaker is demanding answers from Philippine authorities over the “suspicious” death of their member while in custody of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in Cebu City.

Boston native Jesse Phinney, 42, who was accused of pedophilia and human trafficking with local children in Cebu, was arrested by the NBI on December 4, 2017.

Less than 24 hours later, Phinney was found dead at the toilet of an NBI-7 detention facility.

The NBI claims that he committed suicide by hanging himself using a belt, according to media reports.

But Phinney’s family members believe that what happened to him was “a false arrest, failed extortion, a murder and a government cover-up.”

“Jesse was a big-hearted, gentle and generous man who found his purpose in helping people in Third World countries build

Stephen Paddock

FILIPINO boxer Jerwin Ancajas is the Philippines’ newest, brightest star world champion.

Ancajas, 25, will defend his IBF junior bantamweight world title against challenger Israel Gonzalez of Mexico in a Top Rank/ESPN big title card at the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas on Saturday, Feb. 3.

Manny Pacquiao told Ancajas, “you are bringing great honor and glory to the Philippines.” hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum said, “Jerwin is all action, a champion with tremendous power.”

Ancajas, promoted by Top Rank and MP Promotions, has a record of 26-1-1, 18 KOs. Gonzalez is 20-1, 8 KOs. Ancajas trains at his Camp Survival on a mountain area three hours from Manila. he runs three hours a day on jungle paths. his chief trainer Joven Jimenez said, “Jerwin throws over 2,000 punches a day in a workout.”

Ancajas has fought 23 times in the Philippines, five times in China, one each in Australia and Northern Island. he is the first world champion under eight-division boxing world champion Pacquiao’s MP Promotions banner.

Ancajas heads to Corpus Christi in February for his Jesse Phinney Photo courtesy of Jesse Phinney’s family United States debut. n Jerwin Ancajas sustainable homes using wind happened to her husband was a and solar,” his family said in a case of extrajudicial killing. ter, noted that the Philippine to grant them full access to docstatement sent to Inquirer. “The “I hundred percent believe government offered P50,000 for uments and evidence. circumstances surrounding his that the Philippine police mur- any Philippine police who could “We have no idea what acdeath while in police custody dered an American humanitar- kill a criminal. tually happened in the jail must be investigated thoroughly ian,” Posseren told WCVB-5 in Phinney’s career as a docu- and are convinced that our and completely.” mentarian for National Geo- beloved Jesse may have been an interview.

Dominika Posseren, Jesse’s She added: “I will spend the graphic and history Channel the victim of extortion, just widow, suggested that what rest my life making sure that the took him to remote places like hundreds of other cases last thing that is known about around the world. he worked in the country,” Baskette said him is not that he was some sort on hit adventure shows such as in a statement.

Inquirer reached out to NBI of a child trafficker [who] com- “Naked and Afraid,” “Life Bemitted suicide because I will say low Zero” and on NBC’s “The for comment but received no response as of publishing this until my last breath: that is Apprentice.” his family is asking the Phil- time. not true.”

Meanwhile, the U.S. Embassy In the same interview, Molly ippine government to provide Phinney Baskette, Jesse’s sis- answers to their questions and in Manila confirmed to Inquirer

Marilou Danley Photos courtesy of Las Vegas Metropolitan Police

Las Vegas shooter methodically...

PAGE A4 t

32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, about a quarter-mile away from the Las Vegas Village venue.

One warrant in the over 300 pages of released warrants and affidavits described how Paddock “destroyed or tried to hide digital media devices.”

According to investigators, Paddock used anonymous communication devices such as a prepaid cell phone, and used a “level of sophistication which is commonly found in mass casualty events.”

“Paddock planned the attack meticulously and took many methodical steps to avoid detection of his plot and to thwart the eventual law enforcement that would follow,” said the FBI. Three of the shooter’s cellphones were found in the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino room, according to search warrants approved by judges after the shooting. Two of the phones were searched by investigators, but the third was unable to be unlocked.

Email exchanges between two similarly named email addresses

were also revealed in the documents as having been sent on July 6, 2017 — about two months before the shooting.

The affidavit regarding the email reads: “...[centralpark1@ live.com] sent an email to centralpark4804@gmail.com which read, ‘try an ar before u buy. we have huge selection. located in the las vegas area,’ Later the day, an email was received back from centralpark4804@gmail.com to [centralpark1@live.com] that read, ‘we have a wide variety of optics and ammunition to try.’ And lastly, [centralpark1@live.com sent an email to centralpark4804@gmail. com that read, ‘for a thrill try out bumpfire ar’s with a 100 round magazine.’ Investigators believe these communications may have been related to the eventual attack that occurred at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.”

The affidavit added that the “investigators have been unable to figure out why Stephen Paddock would be exchanging messages related to weapons that were used in the attack between two of his

u PAGE A6

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA REGIONAL RAIL AUTHORITY (SCRRA) BINAGONG PAUNAWA NG PAMPUBLIKONG PAGDINIG / PAUNAWA NG IMINUMUNGKAHING PAGTAAS NG PASAHE, PAG-AAKMA NG PATAKARAN SA PASAHE Ang Southern California Regional Rail Authority (Panrehiyong Awtoridad sa Riles ng Timog California, SCRRA) ay magsasagawa ng isang pampublikong pagdinig sa Pulong ng Lupon ng mga Direktor (Lupon) sa Pebrero 9, 2018 upang tayahin ang posibleng mga pagbabago ng patakaran sa pasahe na may hangaring itaas ang bilang ng mga sumasakay. Ang pagdinig ay tatalakay sa kasalukuyang panghimok na 25% diskuwento sa ekstensiyon ng Perris Valley Line (PVL) na naroon na mula pa noong 2017. Ang Authority ay kasalukuyang nakikipagtulungan sa Riverside County Transportation Committee at ibang apektadong ahensiya upang gawing permanente ang diskuwentong ito upang panatilihin ang kasalukuyang bilang ng mga sumasakay at patuloy na paramihin ito sa PVL.

Ang pampublikong pagdinig ay ililista sa adyenda ng Pulong ng Lupon ng mga Direktor ng SCRRA sa: Biyernes, Pebrero 9, 2018 sa 10:00 a.m.

Metro Board Conference Room One Gateway Plaza, 99-PL-4 Los Angeles, CA 90012

Ang impormasyon tungkol sa iminumungkahing mga pag-aakma sa pasahe, mga pagbabago ng patakaran sa pasahe at mga pagpapatibay ng patakaran ay makukuha para sa pag-inspeksiyon ng publiko sa Metrolink website sa www.metrolinktrains.com o sa punong tanggapan ng SCRRA, matatagpuan sa One Gateway Plaza, Floor 12, Los Angeles, CA 90012 sa mga regular na oras ng opisina na Lunes hanggang Biyernes, mula 8 a.m. hanggang 4 p.m. Ang mga komento at mungkahi ay maaaring isumite nang pabigkas o nakasulat sa pampublikong pagdinig sa pamamagitan ng pagpindot sa opsyon na “eComment” upang isumite ang isang agarang elektronikong komento sa www.metrolinktrains.com/ecomments, o sa pamamagitan ng koreo kung natanggap bago ang pampublikong pagdinig sa atensiyon ng Metrolink Fares sa punong tanggapan ng SCRRA, o i-fax sa atensiyon ng Metrolink Fares bago ang pagdinig sa (213) 452-0421. Lahat ng mga pampublikong komento, anuman ang anyo ng komunikasyon, ay dapat isumite at matanggap nang hindi mas huli kaysa Pebrero 9, 2018. Lahat ng mga naunang komento at mga mungkahi ng publiko na natanggap alinsunod sa orihinal na Paunawa ng Pampublikong Pagdinig ay dapat ibigay sa Lupon ng mga Direktor at isama sa rekord ng pampublikong pagdinig. Ang ilan o lahat ng mga bagay na ito ay maaaring ipagpatuloy ng Lupon sa mas huling panahon o petsa sa sariling pagpapasiya nito.

the death of Phinney in Cebu and offered their sincere condolences to the family.

When asked if the Embassy was coordinating the incident with Philippine authorities, Press Attache Molly Koscina declined to further comment “out of respect for the family during this difficult time.”

Phinney’s family claimed they did not receive any help from the American government.

They called for more pressure to the Department of State to act on Jesse’s case. n

Dateline USa

A January 20-23, 2018 • La WEEKEnD aSIan JOurnaL

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

House passes short-term budget bill, sets up shutdown in Senate

by Rae

ann VaRona AJPress

THE House of Representatives barely passed a bill in a 230-197 vote on Thursday night, January 18, that would allow the federal government to stay open for about a month longer through a short-term budget measure, the fourth since the fiscal year began in October.

With only hours left on Friday morning, the bill moved to the Senate, where Democrats and

some Republicans had the power of blocking the bill, which as a result, would send the government into its first shutdown since 2013 beginning Friday midnight.

The bill — which extends budget negotiations until mid-February — involved the reauthorization of the Children’s Health Insurance Program for six years.

In a standoff over immigration, Senate Democrats and a few Republicans remained against the measure because it lacked of protections for the over 800,000

DREAMers protected under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, and it failed to address priorities including disaster relief.

The DACA protections are to set to begin expiring in March after the Trump administration announced that it would end last year.

“Government Funding Bill past (sic) last night in the House of Representatives. Now Democrats are needed if it is to pass in the Senate - but they want illegal immigration and weak borders. Shutdown coming? We need more Republican victories in 2018!” Trump tweeted early Friday morning.

The White House had announced that President Donald Trump had to cancel his planned Mar-a-Lago Florida trip until a spending deal was reached.

Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-NY) met with Trump Friday morning at the White House amidst the time crunch to talk deals on keeping the government open and said they had made “some progress” as he returned to the Capitol.

“We had a long and detailed meeting, “ said Schumer. “We discussed all of the major outstanding issues. We made some progress, but we still have a good

number of disagreements. The discussions will continue.”

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) chose an optimistic tone in tweeting Friday that he was glad to see Trump and Schumer engaging in dialogue.

“This is welcome news to American people, military, DACA recipients. Let’s see if two New Yorkers can agree on a deal good for USA. I believe — in America — anything,” tweeted Graham.

He ended a following tweet saying, “I have confidence President Trump can and will lead us to a successful conclusion on multiple issues important to the American people.”

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) called out Schumer in his warning that the Senate was “just hours away from an entirely avoidable government shutdown.”

Many Republicans have started calling the possible shutdown, the “Schumer Shutdown”.

“This should be a no-brainer,” said McConnell. “And it would be, except the Democratic leader has convinced his members to filibuster any funding bill that doesn’t include legislation that they are demanding for people who came into the United States illegally.” n

FACES OF LEADERSHIP. Former presidents Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (left) and Fidel Ramos (right) shake hands during the launching of the latest edition of the Philippines Yearbook, titled “The Change Generation: Four” at Conrad Hotel in Pasay City on Friday, January 19.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Roger Rañada

Calif.’s Fil-Am chief justice vows to resist ICE arrests in courthouses

Admirers mill around California Supreme Court Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye (center) after her talk at the Don Edwards lecture series in San Jose State University.

by Jun

Inquirer.net photo by Jun Nucum

nucum

a stage conversation with retired Santa Clara County Superior Court SAN JOSE, California — The Judge Len Edwards, after she adFilipina American chief justice dressed educators, professionals, of the California Supreme Court students and guests at the annual vowed to remain steadfast in op- Don Edwards lecture series at the posing the enforcement of federal San Jose State University (SJSU). immigration laws in courthouses, The chief justice, a Republiso that people would be encour- can, recalled that in March 2017, aged to go to court without fear of she decided to write a letter to being apprehended.

Attorney-General Jeff Sessions Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil- and Homeland Security SecreSakauye repeated her pledge in tary John Kelly: “I said to them in harsh words that (people) should not be stopped in the courthouses and (ICE should discontinue) using the courthouses as bait.” Her letter was rebuked.

“I was gravely concerned because the principle of separation of powers stir in me the thought that the judicial system relies in the trust and confidence of people who have a dispute to come into court, to report and testify against the bad guy, to be a juror,” she explained.

“And we, at least in California courts, reach out to the community. We want the courthouse to be a safe place because the legislature passes laws that protect everyone in California and we in the judicial branch believe in equal access to justice. But all of that is jeopardized if people fear coming to court (for) fear of getting arrested,” she said further.

California courts reaches out to the community by “providing language access, bringing services to the family and even encourage people to bring our families to court (where) we have a children’s waiting room while you take care of your court business.”

Cantil-Sakauye recalled that the Obama administration’s policy was to not enforce Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Agents arrests in school districts, hospitals, and funerals because of the sensitivity surrounding these places. She strongly believes that Inquirer.net

the courts should also fall within that exception where “you don’t do ICE arrests unless it is a place of last resort.”

Despite being told that the ICE arrests in courthouses will continue, Cantil-Sakauye insists that it is a separation of powers issue.

“We have three branches of government. I am arguing that arresting in courthouses is bad for the judicial branch as it undermines the trust and confidence that we provide.”

On a more personal note, the highest official in the judicial branch in California declared that her mother was the biggest influence in her life and she still credits her for career success.

“My mother Mary Gorre’s family is from Cebu, from a family of eleven children and they were all farm workers in the Sacramento Delta. My mother was always strong about education, doing the right thing and with fairness and justice. Her influence is impacting on me every day. She now lives with me and she is still a strong presence in my life,” Cantil-Sakauye proudly shared.

“I came from a family where the highest education level was my mother graduating high school and my father, Clarence, finishing second grade. We knew no lawyer, we didn’t know a professional. Our Filipino community in Sacramento was small so I only knew other Filipinos and didn’t know the greater world out there.”

Sakauye recounted that her family lost their home to redevelopment when she was growing up we “because government said we lived in blight.”

Her mother went to court without an attorney to fight eminent domain. Knowing how complicated eminent domain is, CantilSakauye appreciated even more how courageous she was.

“She went to court and she lost.

And more importantly she came back from court feeling really humiliated and disrespected. And she talked about how the judge made her feel. And I was nine years old. And I don’t remember anything except this – the judge’s name.

“I remembered also strange things in my household, like my grandmother’s land couldn’t be held in her name because it was in someone else’s name and my Filipino uncle had to go out of the state to marry his French wife.

So growing up like many of you

Las Vegas shooter methodically...

PAGE A5 t

email accounts.”

It is possible that one of the email accounts was being controlled by someone else, said the affidavit, adding that the FBI would need to identify the person. A search warrant would “lead investigators to determine the full scope of Stephen Paddock’s plan.”

New details on Filipina girlfriend Marilou Danley — Paddock’s 62-year-old Filipina girlfriend who holds an Australian passport — had told investigators she had no knowledge of his plan when meeting with FBI back in October of last year.

Danley had been in the Philippines during the shooting, where Paddock sent $100,000. Defense attorney Matthew Lombard said then that she was not expecting the money.

New court documents reveal that Danley made changes to her Facebook’s personal and privacy settings at around 12:30 a.m.

— approximately two-and-a-half hours after Paddock’s first fire at 10:08 p.m.

By 2:46 a.m., Danley’s Facebook account had been deleted, according to the documents. Paddock’s name had not been officially released to the public until around 3:30 a.m.

Danley had also told investigators that her fingerprints may be found on Paddock’s ammunition, which investigators did find. She said that she sometimes helped Paddock load magazines, but why she was handling the weapons was not clear from the documents.

An affidavit identifies Danley as “the most likely person who aided or abetted Stephen Paddock based on her informing law enforcement that her fingerprints would likely be found on the ammunition used during the attack.”

An agent wrote in a filing that Danley — who remained “adamant” that she was unaware of Paddock’s plans — has “corroborated much what had been previously deduced by investigators.”

No “conclusive evidence” of Danley being involved in the massacre has been suggested, but she does remain the “subject of intensive review.”

I just absorbed strange things in the family,” Cantil-Sakauye recounted.

One day her mother brought her to a forum where they met the first and only Filipina lawyer she had ever seen, and her mother confidently told the young girl that she could be like that lawyer one day.

She grew up thinking about rights and unequal treatment and how to work become a lawyer.

She earned her A.A. from Sacramento City College, graduated with a B.A. from the University of California, Davis, before getting her J.D. from UC Davis School of Law in 1984.

Things were not rosy even after graduation as she had a hard time finding a job. The Sacramento County Public Defender’s Office had refused to hire her because of her young age. She ended up being a blackjack card dealer in Reno, Nevada.

As soon as she got started with her law profession, CantilSakauye still had to face the usual hurdles that young women lawyers meet to prove their mettle. In time, she and many of her peers were able to do so creditably.

On July 21, 2010, then-California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger nominated CantilSakauye to succeed retiring Chief Justice Ronald M. George on the California Supreme Court. She unanimously got the nod of the three-member California Commission on Judicial Appointments on August 25, 2010 as the next chief justice. She was then voted to a 12-year term in the November 2010 general elections.

“Currently, California now have more women than ever before (at least 30%) although the rate of men is still at high 60% rate; 11 % Hispanic/Latino, Asians and Black have not reached double digits. But Governor Jerry Brown has been making huge strides in appointing quite a diverse a list of first in the family, first in a generation and first in people of color to the judicial branch,” said the delighted Cantil-Sakauye Among her current concerns are bail reform, the treatment of juveniles in the court system and how fairly resources are spent in the counties regardless of a county’s wealth or poverty.

California Supreme Court Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye is a source of great pride and inspiration among Filipinos not just in California, but all over and the United States. n Agents also said that Danley’s email could “lead investigators to determine the full scope of Stephen Paddock’s plan and Marilou Danley’s possible involvement.”

Information on Instagram accounts believed to be connected to Danley were also requested.

In October, Danley also told investigators that she was concerned over Paddock’s mental stability. Investigations revealed that Paddock may have been treated for “unidentified medical conditions.”

Clark County Sheriff Joseph Lombardo cited a preliminary report that included details on Paddock’s “disturbing” search history which included ballistic and SWAT tactics. Child pornography photographs were also recovered, according to the report.

In the report, Danley described Paddock acting different when they stayed at the resort early September. She said Paddock had become “distant” and “germaphobic.”

Furthermore, Paddock’s primary doctor said he might have been bipolar but that Paddock refused to take antidepressants or talk about it. n

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARy 20-23, 2018

Dateline PhiliPPines

A

Malaysia court upholds Pinoys’ death sentence

SHOOT SOME HOOPS. Senator and Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) chairman Sonny Angara try easy shots while SBP president Alfredo Panlilio, International Basketball Federation (FIBA) 3x3 managing director Alex Sanchez (right) and Senator and SBP Partner Joel Villanueva looks on during the unveiling of the FIBA 3x3 World Cup 2018 hosting in Manila on Thursday, January 18 held at the Bonifacio Global City (BGC) Activity Center in Taguig City. The historic hosting of the Philippines will be held on June 8-12, 2018.

PNA photo by Jess M. Escaros Jr.

OFW deployment to Kuwait suspended

by Julie

M. Aurelio Inquirer.net

The Department of Labor and employment has decided to suspend the deployment of overseas Filipino workers to Kuwait.

In a statement issued on Friday evening, January 19 the agency said this was following the deaths of seven OFWs in the said country.

“Labor secretary Silvestre Bello III has suspended the deployment of workers to Kuwait in the light of the death of seven OFWs,” the DOLe said.

The decision to suspend the deployment of OFWs to Kuwait was covered in administrative order 25, series of 2018, which was issued late Friday afternoon.

Bello has also directed the Philippine Overseas employment Administration to stop process-

Departing OFWs in line to check in at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) terminal 1.

Inquirer.net photo

ing of overseas employment certificates of OFWs bound for Kuwait.

The labor secretary issued the directive late Friday afternoon and is effective immediately.

It may be recalled that President Duterte was mulling the

possibility of a deployment ban on OFWs bound for Kuwait.

This was following the reported abuses of OFWs in the said country, particularly reports of sexual abuses with Filipina household service workers as victims. n

Police to allow media in revived ‘Tokhang’ MeMBeRS of the media, human rights groups, and other entities will be invited to observe the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) revived “Tokhang” antidrug operations for transparency, said its spokesman, Chief Supt.

Dionardo Carlos.

“You’re welcome to join. We won’t let you be in harm’s way if the police know there’s a likelihood that you would be hurt,” Carlos told reporters. he said the new Tokhang guidelines would focus on draw-

ing up an accurate list of drug suspects by double-checking with other organizations like the Philippine Drug enforcement Agency (PDeA) and intelligence units.

The PNP spokesman, however, clarified that police anti-drug operations would continue even without observers.

Operation Tokhang, wherein police were only supposed to knock on the doors of drug suspects to encourage them to surrender, had been the subject of criticism from various human

rights groups and religious organizations for turning “bloody” and “violent.”

Carlos said the PNP was fasttracking the purchase of body cameras to be used in Tokhang operations. The budget for the body cameras is P39 million.

PNP chief Ronald “Bato” de la Rosa earlier said that upon the arrival of body cameras, police personnel would be required to wear them during their operations. (Roy D.R. Narra/ManilaTimes.net)

ZAMBOANGA CITY — Malaysia’s Supreme Court has upheld the death sentence for 9 Filipinos who were charged with waging war against the Malaysian King during the 2013 assault on Lahad Datu in Sabah.

The Filipinos have been identified as Julham Rashid, 70; Virgilio Nemar Patulada, 53; Salib Akhmad emali, 65; Tani Lahad Dahi, 64; Basad Manuel, 42; Datu Amirbahar hushin Kiram, 54; Atik hussin Abu Bakar, 46; Al Wazir Osman, 62; and Ismail Yasin, 77.

Chief Justice Md Raus Sharif said the January 15 decision of the five-man panel of the Federal Court was unanimous, according to reports by The Star and Asia News Network.

The other judges were Chief Judge of Malaya Ahmad Maarop, Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak Richard Malanjun, and Justices Ramly Ali and Azahar Mohamed.

Basad Manuel is the son of the Jamalul Kiram 3rd, the self-proclaimed Sultan of Sulu, who died from multiple organ failure in Manila in 2013. The bloody incursion by some 200 followers of Kiram from the southern Philippines in February 2013 was inspired by the supposed sultan’s claims of historical dominion over Sabah.

The two-month siege was the most serious security crisis faced by Malaysia in years, involving armed conflict between the Sultan’s loyal followers and the Malaysian armed forces sent to root them out.

The panel also dismissed the prosecution’s appeal against the acquittal of 14 men on the charge of waging war against the king and terrorist-related offences linked to the intrusion from Feb 12 to April 10, 2013, the reports further said.

Chief Justice Md Raus said the panel has no reason to decide otherwise and affirmed the decision of the Court of Appeal delivered last June.

At the height of fighting between Kiram’s followers and security forces, Malaysia deployed armored vehicles and combat helicopters, including naval boats in an effort to flush out the Filipinos on the oil-rich island being claimed by both sides.

About a dozen armored personnel vehicles arrived in the town of Lahad Datu to support ground troops hunting down at least 50 members of the Sultanate of Sulu

headed by Raja Muda Agbimuddin, the sultan’s younger brother.

The group invaded Sabah in February 2013 to exert claim over the area, prompting Malaysia to launch a massive assault on about 200 of the sultan’s men following a deadline for them to surrender peacefully. The assault by Malaysian jets and ground artilleries left

at least 62 intruders dead, but the fig hting between the two groups also killed and wounded 18 Malaysian policemen and soldiers.

Malaysia is still paying cession money to the Sultanate of Sulu although it lays claim on Sabah, a gift given by Brunei to the Sultan of Sulu for helping quell a rebellion in 1658. (ManilaTimes.net)

A January 20-23, 2018 • La WEEKEnD aSIan JOurnaL

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

OpiniOn

Features

Sober approach

Pharmaceutical giant Sanofi Pasteur has agreed to take back over 1.1 million doses of Dengvaxia vaccine and refund the Philippine government P1.18 billion for antidengue drugs that have not been used.

Even as details of the refund are worked out, health experts have stressed that there are still no conclusive findings linking Dengvaxia to certain illnesses and the deaths of several students who had received the vaccine under a program of the Department of Health.

Drug development is a tortuous, expensive process. No major pharmaceutical company would want any of its products, developed with huge investments in research and resources, to be seen as a cause of illness or death. Former president Benigno Aquino III, whose administration approved the Dengvaxia program, said there was an alarming spread of dengue and deaths related to the viral infection during his watch. When Sanofi Pasteur, one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical firms, released Dengvaxia into the market, Aquino said his government saw an opportunity to save lives and took it.

Continuing research conducted by Sanofi Pasteur on the vaccine, however,

Editorial

indicated that Dengvaxia worked only on persons with a history of dengue. Those who have never had the disease, meanwhile, could face complications, the nature of which is still being studied. This type of research is best left to experts.

Amid the controversy, the World Health Organization has been cautious in its statements. It’s a tack that would be useful as well for the Philippines. Health experts have said there are various strains of dengue and a single vaccine may not work for all types. Viral infections can also mutate.

As of yesterday, the DOH had recorded 14 deaths from dengue shock among students who were vaccinated with Dengvaxia. That is a significant number, but any direct link to the vaccine must be conclusive. The DOH has taken the prudent approach and stopped the vaccination program. Until all the reliable research is available, this is a problem that needs careful, sober appreciation, without shrill, publicity-seeking noise from non-experts.

(Philstar.com)

Philstar.com photo

Trump’s first year: The good, the bad, the ugly

The Fil-Am Perspective Gel SantoS-ReloS HAS it been only a year? Seems like a long long time since business mogul and reality show star Donald J. Trump took his oath of office to be the 45th president of the United States of America after winning the electoral college majority vote, despite his political opponent Hillary Clinton winning more votes among the American people during the 2016 U.S. Presidential Election.

The GOOD? Most people will say the economy — stock market is at an all time high, the unemployment rate is down, minimum wage is going up. According to

Gallup and other polls, about two-thirds of Americans think the economy is doing very or fairly well.

But then again, Trump’s critics will contend that while Trump may get credit for enticing investors to put their money in the U.S. stock market because of the permanent tax breaks he gave the richest people and corporations, the upward swing in the economy that we are now enjoying actually took off during President Barack Obama’s time. They argue that Obama’s economic, social and political policies were the ones that saved the U.S. from the deepest economic recession since the Great Depression, thanks to the Republican “trickle down” economy that drove the U.S. surplus during the Bill Clinton

years down the drain.

However, we gave yet to see the lasting effect of these permanent tax cuts for corporations and that they translate to more jobs, instead of slashing them after initial bonuses given to their employees.

What do polls say about Trump’s performance in his first year in office? That is where the bad and the ugly.

According to polls, Trump now has the lowest average approval rating of any elected president in his first term. Gallup poll shows that Trump has averaged just a 39 percent approval rating since his inauguration.

Recent surveys reveal most Americans see Trump as “a divisive figure and even question his fitness for office.”

America’s battle for soul: Why immigration reform must be inclusive

[Editor’s note: A version of this column was previously published in the Los Angeles Asian Journal Weekend Edition on Jan. 25, 2014. We are reprinting given the current debate on immigration.]

“THERE’S a battle right now for the soul of our country. Are we going to affirm our core values of inclusion and equality? Or are we going to be controlled by fear and prejudice? The calls for closing the borders, dramatically cutting family-based immigration, and further ramping up immigration enforcement are trying to get us to an America that never existed. The reality is that we have always been a nation of immigrants. What makes America exceptional in the world is the idea that national identity can be based on a set of shared values and not blood or skin color.

And that national identity is not any less valuable if it is chosen, as it has been by the millions of immigrants in our country’s history. We don’t always live up to this vision of what America can be, but the fact that we still aspire to it represents the best part of who we are.”- Hyeon-Ju Rho, former co-director of Advancing Justice – Asian Law Caucus THERE are 12 million undocumented Americans in the United States today. They chose America to be their home but laws have yet to include them.

One million are Asian or Pacific Islanders — the majority of whom are Filipinos, Chinese, Koreans and Indians. They live in the shadows, underpaid.

They are TNTs (tago ng tago), always hiding and always fearful

Rhizomes

PRoSy abaRquezDelacRuz, J.D. while driving on the streets.

In California, thanks to new laws, they can now drive in the open. In Georgia, an undocumented Latina tells herself: “When I get nervous, it’s gonna be okay, I am white.”

They work incredibly long hours as nannies, dishwashers, carwash workers, housekeepers, cleaning ladies, waitresses, chicken farm production workers, cannery workers and gardeners.

They are modern-day workers who undergird construction sites, bakeries, printing presses to large households. Undocumented immigrants are our modern-day slaving workers.

When Pulitzer-Prize winning journalist Jose Antonio Vargas revealed that he was undocumented, he gave a face to the issue. He believes that being an immigrant is more than just having legal status — it is about having dignity.

Define American Being American is defined by hard work, self-responsibility, creativity and innovation. We have heard of many American dreamers who made it here.

In Silicon Valley, Mark Zuckerberg described how half of

startup tech companies are founded by immigrants. Yet, as a nation, we have yet to embrace the histories and contributions of immigrants, of the socalled “other, ” including giving them a pathway to citizenship.

In my four decades here in America, I witnessed the population change, with the influx of Vietnamese refugees.

By 1985, Prof. Takaki describes 643,200 Vietnamese were refugees, who fought with the U.S. during the Vietnam War, and settled in rural farms and cities of America. They sought safe borders, but were met by racial slurs and were mistakenly told to go back to China.

“It’s hard for you [Americans] to understand us, and we don’t expect you to, but we do expect you to treat us as human beings and not be prejudiced, “ writes Takaki, articulating the voice of a Vietnamese immigrant.

By the 21st century, we watched the influx of refugees from Iraq, Serbia and other troubled areas in the Middle East.

This time, being Middle–Eastern or having Sikh as a religion have become magnets for hate crimes. A San Gabriel Valley’s grocery owner lost his life recently, according to the Office of Rep. Judy Chu (D-Calif.), who received the police investigation reports.

Picture this: You want to escape war-torn places, whose civil wars got ignited by being on the wrong side, who receive the funneling of funds as the U.S.

CNBC published a historical perspective: “Trump’s current approval rating in Gallup’s weekly poll is comparable to his average rating, standing at just 38 percent, with 57 percent saying they disapprove.

The persistence of Trump’s first-year blues is unprecedented for a president so early in his term. Americans usually give their new presidents the benefit of the doubt, but Trump’s “honeymoon period,” to the extent he had one, saw his approval rating only as high as 45 percent.

Since then, Trump has spent more time under 40 percent than any other first-year president.

Presidents have recovered from periods of low popularity

before. For example, Clinton’s rating fell to just 37 percent in June 1993 before quickly regaining ground, and he went on to win re-election. Harry S. Truman held the approval of less than 40 percent of Americans for significant chunks of his first term and was also re-elected.

He went on to set Gallup’s lowest-ever approval mark, at just 22 percent in 1952.

Trump’s lowest point in Gallup’s weekly polling — 35 percent — remains higher than those of several earlier presidents. Truman, Richard Nixon and Jimmy Carter all had their ratings dip under 30 percent.”

In comparison to more recent former presidents’ numbers in their first year in office, Barack Obama’s approval rating was at 50 percent. George W. Bush re-

ceived an 82 percent score, Bill Clinton was approved by 54 percent, George H.W. Bush was at 76 percent, and Ronald Reagan received a 49 percent rating.

Trump’s approval rating fluctuated between 35 percent and 43 percent in 2017. It remained lower than Obama’s lowest approval rating: 46 percent.

Trump’s disapproval rating also increased 10 points since last February.

How will these numbers affect his governance? What must he do moving forward? *** 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

Are Filipinos racists like Trump?

Street Talk GReG b. Macabenta

ACCORDING to critics, President Donald Trump is not just a racist, he is also a barefaced liar and a coward who doesn’t have the cojones to admit his spiteful attitude towards people of color. This biting criticism follows Trump’s denial that he had referred to African nations, as well as Haiti — all predominantly populated by blacks — as “shithole countries.”

While Sen. Lindsey Graham, a Republican, and Sen. Dick Durbin, a Democrat, have confirmed that Trump did make the racist remarks at a bipartisan meeting in the White House to discuss immigration matters, the Republican leadership has been deafeningly silent on this issue, and some have actually supported Trump’s denial that he ever made his vulgar statement.

Ironically, this makes the neo-Nazis more forthright and truthful — in fact, even manlier — than Trump and the Republicans because they have openly declared their racism and contempt for people of color, and to hell with what others think.

In the wake of the racismlaced controversy in the U.S., which has reverberated across the world, Filipinos in America are, in a manner of speaking, anxiously waiting for the other shoe to drop.

Will Trump eventually come around to calling the Philippines a shithole country? Hopefully u PAGE A9 not. Of course, we can guess

President Rodrigo Duterte’s automatic response: “P—ina mo rin!”

At any rate, no matter how much Trump and the Republicans deny it, and no matter how religiously America observes Martin Luther King Jr. Day, racism is still a harsh reality in the U.S. – but not just in the U.S. It is also a harsh reality in many parts of the world.

And, oh yes, in the Philippines, as well.

When I was still actively delivering talks on multi-cultural marketing, one of the points I often made was the Filipinos’ perception of how we look. I would use Filipino movie personalities to illustrate my point, with photos of the fair-skinned, tall-nosed, thin-lipped mestizo stars as “the way we think we look” and photos of brown-skinned Malayanlooking character actors as “the way we actually look.”

Call it denial or upward strivings, the desire to look tisay/tisoy isn’t new. This attitude goes back to colonial days when Las Islas Filipinas were subjugated by the Spaniards. Lapulapu’s massacre of Magellan and his men could not stop the white man’s dominance of the natives.

Thus, white superiority was established and ingrained in the Pinoys’ psyche. And with that was developed latent racism.

Those of us who consider ourselves relatively enlightened may never openly admit it, but white trumps brown and, even more so, dark or black in many aspects of our lives.

Rizal parodied this attitude in Noli Me Tangere. His characterization of Dona Victorina de los

Reyes de Espadana, who tried very hard to look like a Spanish mestiza by wearing heavy makeup, among other pretensions, is still apparent in the Philippines.

As a matter, even more so.

To this day, a whiter, fairer skin is what many Filipino women (and even men) aspire for, thus creating a huge market for skin whitening products.

A big market for hair coloring has also been created with the average Pinay’s perception that blonde is beautiful – or, at least, brownish is chic.

But that is the harmless aspect of this “upward striving.” The bad part is the way dark-skinned persons are regarded. On TV and in the movies, dark-skinned characters are the butt of jokes and variations on the Cinderella and Ugly Duckling plots invariably have the heroine starting out as a dark-skinned rag doll who is transformed into a faircomplexioned princess.

Of course, the Spaniards cannot claim sole credit for our white-is-beautiful mentality.

America’s colonization of the Philippines at the turn of the century provided another dimension to what I refer to as our “inferiority complexion.”

It isn’t a compliment when Filipinos are described as having been reared for centuries in a convent and, subsequently, indoctrinated in Hollywood.

But this is not unique to the Philippines. In some Asian countries (like India) and in Latin America, latent racism is still prevalent, with the fairer skinned being regarded as superior to those with darker com-

u PAGE A9

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OpiniOn & Features

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARy 20-23, 2018

A

America’s battle for soul: Why immigration...

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did to Saddam Hussein (once an ally of America) or to dictators in Central America, who oppressed their people and created a population of fleeing refugees from El Salvador, Honduras, even Venezuela.

Here’s the story of internationalist journalist Jesus Manuel Rojas-Torres: “Mediocrity, poverty, under development, unconsciousness are part of what some expert sociologists and anthropologists believe is the inheritance we obtained from Spain and Portugal centuries ago. Whether or not, this is true, debatable or questionable, the fact is that I trained myself to become a diplomat and represent my country, bringing new ideals and hope to a place that has been demoralized through decades of corruption and misery.

“Egotistical attitudes from every political party and the quest for power have depleted extraordinary resources that any nation on this planet would only wish of having. A spectacular small country the size of Texas, Venezuela continues to have the cheapest gasoline in the world, but is more known for beautyqueens, vanity and baseball.

“In 1995, I decided to emigrate to the United States. I stayed with a tourist visa for one year, working in odd jobs, here and there trying to understand a new language, culture and customs.

Miami has been my home ever since. Some American friends have told me that this city is not

the U.S. It’s the Latin America capital [of] America.

“I can only say that, this magnificent country allowed me what my own did not fully provide: personal security, jobs, businesses, college, quality of life, and spiritual transformation. When I came here, I didn’t speak fluent English, just the basic to get by. I became a waiter, dishwasher & prep cook at a family restaurant in Miami Lakes. I learned the trade so fast that within 2 years I took over the place, obtained a L-1 visa, opened a second business, became a homeowner, got married and divorced, sold my restaurants, went to School for my Master’s, opened an art gallery, worked in public opinion research, invested in 5 Real Estate properties and lost everything due to the national financial crisis.

“Unfortunately, I had to declare Bankruptcy protection in 2008. I restarted my life with zeal, emerging from the broken pieces of failure, more energetic and wise, this time as a journalist and blogger for What’s Up Miami? and La Columna de Jesus, The Spiritual Journalist and Examiner.com, where I blog about art, human consciousness and spirituality. This amazing country has given me medical treatments, food stamps, and the assurance that there is no other country in the world like the United States of America.”

“Immigrants like me also concur with Jose Antonio Var-

gas that this place is blessed for allowing regular people like him and me and the many millions of more that have come to the U.S. to work hard and to become somebody else. We feel proud that the U.S. Justice system still works and despite corners of corruption, red tape and more, we understand that with no immigration whatsoever this country could have not existed in the first place. Immigration Laws need to change in 21 century, not to accept people that do not bring anything to the table, those definitely need to be deported, those who take advantage of the US and the benefits it provides, however for those hard working-paying-taxes immigrants who came here to become somebody, doors should not be closed. I favor selective immigration, that is what makes a country great because it contributes to expand frontiers of human interaction and cooperation.”

A dynamic nation America is a nation that has opened doors, spanning the years of 1607 founding of Jamestown, to the present, where the lives of Native Americans, African Americans, Jewish Americans, Irish Americans, Mexican Americans, Chinese Americans, Indian Americans, Japanese Americans, Filipino Americans, Korean Americans, Greek Americans, Lebanese Americans, Asian Americans, Latinos, Vietnamese Americans, Central Americans, and more,

Are Filipinos racists like...

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plexions.

The arrival of Christopher Columbus in the New World, which is honored as a public holiday in the U.S., is observed as Dia de la Raza or Day of the Race in Mexico and other countries that came under the heel of the Spanish conquistadors.

While that day commemorates the Hispanic heritage of Latin America, it also recalls the genocide committed by Columbus and those who came after him, who literally wiped out, not just the native population but their traditions and cultures, as well.

This may have been the most severe manifestation of the white man’s superiority, not just militarily, politically and economically but also in terms of

the psyche of those who were colonized.

It was hoped that the election of Barack Obama as the first African-American president would usher in an age of racial enlightenment in the US. In fact, that may simply have further threatened the white supremacists who still thrive in substantial numbers across America, It seems that the election of Donald Trump to the presidency has given the Jim Crow advocates something to literally crow about.

Through the years, Trump was always regarded with uneasiness because of his racist tendencies. In the 1970s, the FBI investigated Trump for discriminating against blacks in his rental apartments. During

the presidential campaign, he characterized Mexicans as rapists and criminals and, as the Republican presidential nominee, he questioned the credentials of a U.S. district court judge because of the latter’s Mexican heritage. Among his very first acts as president, Trump issued executive orders discriminating against intending immigrants from Muslim countries.

Now comes his explosive slur against “shithole” — meaning predominantly black — countries.

Of course, the ostensibly enlightened Pinoys frown on such blatant racism — until they are asked how they would like their daughters to marry people from those “shithole countries.” (gre gmacabenta@hotmail.com).

TOURISM ROADMAP. Tourism Secretary Wanda Tulfo-Teo delivers her keynote address during the launching of the Philippine Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) Industry Roadmap 2030 held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City on Thursday, January 18.

PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan

have contributed to the making of this dynamic nation, according to Takaki.

“Today, there are millions of Mexicans living in the United States, legally and illegally — in essence a substantial part of

Mexico within American borders. Unlike the small number of Mexicans who lived in the territories announced by the United States through the treaty of 1848, these people are driven to the United States by econom-

ic needs. Americans cannot afford the luxury of denying their presence. The passage of legislation providing a route to U.S. citizenship for undocumented immigrants would be an excel-

u PAGE A10

A10 January 20-23, 2018 • La WEEKEnD aSIan JOurnaL

Dateline PhiliPPines

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

America’s battle for soul: Why immigration...

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lent way to confront the sins of the past and for mexico and the United States to mutually make their peace with it,” said enrique Krauze.

We are now defaulting to become a nation built on skulls and bodies piled high, from 13 wars we have become embroiled in since the revolutionary War to operation Iraqi Freedom and operation enduring Freedom, with casualties numbering 1,011,659, according to the Congressional

research Service, U.S. Department of Defense. or we can consciously choose to become a nation of compassionate folks: the white and black folks, who constituted the Underground railroad and gave refuge to African Americans fleeing the oppressive slave-owners of the south; or today, the compassionate employer, the compassionate choir teacher or principal or editor of Jose Antonio Vargas, who gave him opportunities. he graduated from high school and

got a job at the Washington Post, because it is the heart of what an American is.

We can choose to be more engaged as citizens.

Today, 1,000,000 Filipinos are eligible to register as voters in the U.S., and when they do, they can choose to be more engaged in crafting domestic policies.

The U.S. need not be a nation built on skulls and bones, just like the image of Zachary Taylor, who was hailed a national hero during the mexican–American war and who later became one of the U.S. presidents.

America’s collective soul can be inclusive of the honest hard work and innovation of immigrants, including the undocumented, who are here and whose existence cannot be denied. They too are part of the American social fabric.

I once wrote a story about Abigail, an immigrant who is now a super lawyer. This is what she has to say about immigration reform: “Because it means allowing families to stay together.

Because it means allowing people to dream.

Because it means giving people a chance.

Because it means giving people the benefit of the doubt.

Because it means allowing people to choose their own fate.

Because it means, without immigration reform, America would be turning away the very people who built it and make it great.

And, simply because this is my home, too.”

“If I wasn’t fortunate enough to participate in an amnesty program, I wouldn’t be able to make the contributions to society I consciously try to make in my personal and professional life every day,” said Abigail. *** Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz, J.D. writes a weekly column for Asian Journal, called “Rhizomes.”

She has been writing for AJ Press for 9 years now. She contributes to Balikbayan Magazine. Her training and experiences are in science, food technology, law and community volunteerism for 4 decades. She holds a B.S. degree from the University of the Philippines, a law degree from Whittier College School of Law in California and a certificate on 21st Century Leadership from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. She has been a participant in NVM Writing Workshops taught by Prof. Peter Bacho for 4 years and Prof. Russell Leong. She has travelled to France, Holland, Belgium, Japan, Mexico and 22 national parks in the US, in pursuit of her love for arts.

Lava flows from the slope of Mt. Mayon in Legazpi, Albay.

Philstar.com photo

Mayon watched for non-explosive eruption

by Helen

FloreS Philstar.com

mANILA — mayon Volcano’s current activities may not lead to an “explosive” eruption, according to state volcanologists, but they continued to warn residents against mudflow and lahar flow which could be triggered by heavy rains.

“Quiet lava effusion from the new summit lava dome and lava collapse events characterized mayon Volcano’s eruptive activity in the past 24 hours,” the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said in its latest bulletin issued on Friday, January 19.

A non-explosive or effusive eruption happens when lava flows are “relatively calm and do not explode out of the volcano.”

Department of Science and Technology undersecretary and Phivolcs director renato Solidum earlier said they expected a “moderate-sized” explosion

based on its current activities.

“We don’t see that in the scale of the 1814 eruption,” referring to the volcano’s eruption in February 1814, which killed 1,200 people.

Phivolcs noted that lava flow in mayon’s miisi Gully has advanced approximately three kilometers from the crater, well within the six-kilometer permanent danger zone.

Phivolcs maintains Alert Level 3 at mayon, which means that it “is currently in a relatively high level of unrest as magma is at the crater and hazardous eruption is possible within weeks or even days.”

“The public is strongly advised to be vigilant and desist from entering the permanent danger zone and the seven-kilometer extended danger zone on the southern flanks due to danger of rockfalls, landslides and sudden explosions or dome collapse that may generate hazardous volcanic flows.”

Total lava extrusion at mayon Volcano starting Saturday last week has reached five million cubic meters, Phivolcs said.

It’s possible that mayon could just extrude lava, Solidum added, which is better for the people of Albay who are affected by the unrest.

“But it’s difficult to say because the unrest is just there unless the inflation stops and the volcano becomes silent,” he said.

At present, there are 6,973 families or 26,971 persons staying at 31 evacuation centers from 32 barangays in Daraga, Camalig, Guinobatan, malilipot, Sto. Domingo and Tabaco City.

Legazpi City mayor Noel rosal said he ordered 2,462 families or 11,500 evacuees from barangays Bonga, mabinit, matanag, Boyoan and Padang from the extended one-kilometer danger zone at the south flank of the volcano to decamp at 3 p.m. last Thursday, January 18. n

Cha-cha train will get derailed, Drilon warns

by PatHricia

ann V. Inquirer.net

roxaS

The house of representatives’ Charter change (Cha-cha) train would get derailed even before it leaves the station, Senate minority Leader Franklin Drilon warned on Friday, January 19.

Drilon’s statement came after house leaders insisted that nothing would stop the “Cha-cha express train” even without senators onboard.

Last Tuesday, the house adopted Concurrent resolution No. 9, which seeks to convene Congress into a Constituent assembly (Con-ass) to amend the Charter.

The lower chamber is also

pushing for a joint voting of the Congress, which the Senate is strongly opposing.

“The house Cha-cha train will get derailed even before it leaves the station—the Filipino people will see the real plan in federalism: suspend elections, extend the terms of members of Congress, and do away with the check and balance system by abolishing the Senate,” Drilon said in a statement.

When asked about house Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez’ statement urging the public not to vote for senators who do not support federalism, the minority Leader said: “The issue at this point is the brazen move of the house to impose and railroad

Cha-cha without public debate and participation.”

“But having said that, the senators are willing to face the people on their stand on federalism,” he added.

Lawmakers have yet to decide on whether the proposed Constitutional amendment should be through a Constitutional convention (Con-con), where changes would be proposed by representatives elected by the people, or through a Con-ass to be composed of sitting legislators.

After agreeing on the mode of Cha-cha and consequently proposing amendments, a referendum by the Filipino people would be held to approve these changes. n

Philippine envoy elected VP of UN rights body mANILA — evan Garcia, Philippine ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, was elected vice president of the United Nations human rights Council (UNhrC), according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

In a statement, the DFA said Garcia was elected during the council’s meeting last Jan. 10. he will represent the Asia-Pacific Group in the UNhrC bureau, the leadership body of the council.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano welcomed the election of Garcia. “having Ambassador Garcia in the leadership body of the UN human rights Council is consistent

with the Philippines’ long-standing policy of active engagement in the field of human rights,” he said. “more importantly, this is a strong affirmation of the high regard and trust in the leadership of the Philippines in the field of human rights by the UN member-states, in general, and the 47 UNhrC member-states, in particular,” he added.

The UN human rights Council is the leading organ of the UN for the promotion, protection and fulfillment of human rights.

It is composed of 47 UN member-states elected to serve in the council for a renewable term of three years.

The Philippines is finishing its term with the UNhrC this year, the DFA said.

Garcia earlier led the Philippine delegation during the UNhrC meeting in September in relation to the third Universal Periodic review of the country’s human rights situation. he delivered the Philippine statement rejecting 154 of 257 recommendations made by countries who took part in the review.

Among those that were rejected were recommendations to investigate alleged extrajudicial killings in relation to the Duterte government’s war against illegal drugs.

(Janvic Mateo/Philstar.com)

cincts of the said pilot provinces should remain with the Tribunal for the conduct of the revision proceedings pursuant to the 2010 PeT rules,” PeT said. marcos’ camp slammed the PeT’s decision, saying that the resolution only confirms the former senator’s bias accusations against SC Associate Justice Benjamin Caguioa, the ponente in his case.

“Senator marcos had already made public last week the obvious bias of Justice Caguioa in his case and he said he would not be surprised if this kind of resolution would come out and he was correct. This is another clear confirmation that he is indeed biased against Senator marcos and in favor of mrs. robredo,” said Lawyer Victor rodriguez, marcos’ spokesperson. rodriguez pointed out that it was marcos “who moved for the decryption” and was “required to pay for the cost of decryption which has now amounted to P7 million and still counting.”

“But Justice Caguioa does not want to give us the documents we paid for, saying the same should stay with the Tribunal and if we want copies we should pay again,” rodriguez added. marcos’ camp further slammed

PeT for allowing robredo to obtain soft copies of the documents without paying.

“So kami na pinagbayad ng lahat – toner, papel, suweldo – ayaw ibigay sa amin at pinagbabayad ulit kung gusto naming ng kopya.

Si mrs. robredo na nag-oppose ay matagal nang binigyan ng kopya at libre pa itong binigay sa kanya (So even if they’re making us pay for everything — toner, paper, salaries — they still won’t give us the documents and they want us to pay more if we want copies. Mrs. Robredo opposed this a long time ago but they will still give her the soft copies for free),” rodriguez added.

PeT, in its decision to grant robredo’s request to obtain soft copies of election documents, said “it would be for the benefit of the parties that they be allowed to secure the soft copies of the ballot images and other reports from the decrypted secured digital cards to protect their rights and interests in this election protest.” marcos has accused robredo of benefiting from “massive electoral fraud, anomalies and irregularities” during the vice presidential election in 2016. robredo won the vice presidential race by just 263,473 votes more than marcos. n

Marcos to only get soft copies of ballots in VP poll recount

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

Former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” marcos Jr. will only get soft copies of of decrypted ballot images and other documents in relation to his electoral protest against Philippine Vice President Leni robredo.

This was after the Supreme Court (SC), sitting as Presidential electoral Tribunal (PeT), ruled that it will keep the original copies of the of election documents in the three provinces where an initial ballot recount will be held next month.

In a resolution dated January 10, PeT said it will keep the “official, printed and authenticated copies” of the said election documents “for the conduct of the revision proceedings pursuant to the 2010 PeT rules.”

PeT also denied marcos’ motion that he be allowed to keep the original copies of the election documents, and only permitted him to secure soft copies, “subject to the payment of incidental costs.”

“The custody of the official, printed, and authenticated copies of the decrypted ballot images, election returns, and audit logs from the protested clustered pre-

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Nadine Lustre heals–and sings–with love by

Tessa Mauricio-arrioLa ManilaTimes.net

Despite her flourishing career, the year 2017 was not an easy one for Nadine Lustre. Back in October, the singer-actress’ family suffered a painful tragedy as news broke out of her younger brother’s death. every bit heartbreaking, the passing of Nadine’s 16-year-old brother, nevertheless brought a pressing issue to the fore—the reality of depression among the youth—as fans and celebrities rushed to share in her grief.

As they consoled Nadine over social media, personal revelations, cries for help and an impassioned discussion on this alarming situation poured in—somewhat giving meaning to the teener’s untimely death, and hopefully saving other lives in the process. through this difficult time, Nadine realized that “love is the answer,” be it in defeating depression and healing from grief. she received love but also gave much as she promised those who condoled with her, yet opened up their feelings, with a simple threeworded post: “i got you.” somehow making sense of her loss, what with the support of so many people, Nadine has

gone into 2018 stronger and more determined to spread more love, even through her music.

As such, the young woman faced media with renewed energy last week, her long-time screen partner and real-life boyfriend James Reid beside her, to talk about their upcoming second major concert, “Revolution: the JaDine Concert,” on February 9 at the smart Araneta Coliseum.

Many remember that JaDine, as this popular love team is called, headlined a record-breaking first concert in 2016, also at the Big Dome. Aptly titled “JaDine in Love,” the show celebrated the huge success of their tV series “On the Wings Of Love.” As tickets sold out in just one week, fans who had one felt they won the lottery especially since James chose that very night to announce that he and Nadine are very much in love in real life.

With the couple going from strength to strength, their second concert will celebrate James and Nadine’s love for each other in music. No movies or soaps to take away from their artistry and feelings for one another.

Asked why they chose the title Revolution, Nadine immediately said, “First of all, it has the word

Lustre and James Reid promise their fans an upbeat production with romantic moments for their upcoming second concert.

Nadine Lustre goes into 2018 stronger and more determined to spread more love, even though her music. ManilaTimes.net photos

‘love’ in reverse.” she added that the Revolution also pertains to their evolution as artists, now singing with more grit and passion.

Watch them perform their hits, “Bahala Na” and “para-paraan” along with the hot new sounds like “Cool Down” and “iL2LU,” among others. the couple promise of course that their fans are in for “some upbeat production numbers” and much-awaited “romantic moments.” “it really is all about love,” Nadine ended. produced by Viva Live, “Revolution: the Jadine Concert” will have sarah Geronimo, sam Concepcion, Kiana Valenciano, Bret Jackson and Vice Ganda as guest performers. Overall direction will be by paul Basinillo, with teacher Georcelle as dance director and Jay Agustin as musical director.

RobiN PadiLLa, Jodi Sta. MaRia aNd RichaRd YaP:

Day time soap’s new heavyweight trio tHRee of the brightest stars in the industry—Robin padilla, Richard Yap, and Jodi sta. Maria—are set to stage one of the biggest comebacks on philippine television as they team up for the first time in ABs-CBN’s upcoming afternoon series, “sana Dalawa Ang puso.”

From their hit morning soap “Be Careful with my Heart” in 2012, sta. Maria and Yap are happy to be reunite in the small screen in very different roles. in an interview with “tV patrol,” Yap shared he was thrilled to find out he will be working with sta. Maria again. “i’ve always wanted to do another show with Jodi because she is fun to be with and she is a great actress,” he said. sta. Maria, on the other hand, is just as thrilled to work with him again and is excited to essay a dual role for the first time in her career. “it’s not an easy task for me, but at the same time i’m excited to do one of the most challenging roles i’ve ever been given,” she stated.

Meanwhile, fresh from the success of his blockbuster movie “Unexpectedly Yours,” padilla finally stages his soap opera comeback after his last stint in

Robin Padilla, Jodi Sta. Maria and Richard Yap

“Kailangan Ko’y ikaw” in 2013.

Familiar with the massive following of the “JoChard” love team, the action star shared he went as far as asking Yap for permission to join them in the show. padilla added jokingly, “i’ve been watching them since i was a kid! But i’ve always been amazed

by Jodi sta Maria’s beauty.” “sana Dalawa ang puso” follows the story of Lisa and Mona [both portrayed by sta. Maria], two different people with identical faces. Another thing they have in common is that they are both facing their lives’ biggest ordeals.

Lisa is known to be a strict and

ABS-CBN photo

hardworking boss in their family business, but her world is turned upside down when her father betroths her to their rival’s son, Martin Co (Richard). she runs away from responsibility and decides to hide and live with one of their workers Leo tabayoyong (padilla).

Her doppelganger Mona, on the other hand, collects bets in cockfights and is struggling to save his father whom she is trying to save from a networking scam. somehow, Lisa and Mona’s paths cross and they try to help one another with their problems.

(ManilaTimes.net)

tV5 shutting down interaksyon by March

by LoueLLa

DesiDerio Philstar.com

tV5 Network inc. is closing the operations of news website interAksyon.com by March this year in line with efforts to cut costs. the news website’s editorin-chief Roby Alampay said yesterday, interAksyon.com would stop operations by end of March this year. “tV5 will consolidate all digital news properties under news5. com.ph. that consolidation translates to a rationalization of man-

ing the possibility of continuing interAksyon under philstar Global and thereby consolidate all of the online news publications under the said group. philstar Global is the online company of the philstar Media Group. the plan will also apply to power as well,” he said.

BusinessWorld Online.

He said the move would affect “Accordingly, Mediaquest is around 20 regular staff or the working with the philstar Global entire interAksyon team. to determine the feasibility of MediaQuest Holdings inc. implementing this plan in a cost president Ray espinosa said efficient manner,” espinosa said. yesterday, the company is study- (Philstar.com)

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EntErtainmEnt

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‘Sirkus:’ A magical and familial journey Maja listens to her heart… and her body

by ChriStina

aLpad ManilaTimes.net

ALMoST every Filipino has a fond childhood memory of experiencing the circus—or the perya—where mindboggling magical shows come alive. With its sense of awe and excitement, GMA Network’s multi-awarded public affairs team will try to stir such recollections with the premiere of fantasy series “Sirkus” beginning this weekend.

A weekly family-oriented program, Sirkus follows fraternal twins Mia and Miko who, after losing their parents and escaping the hands of an evil villainess, find themselves in the company of a travelling circus called Sirkus Salamanca.

With no one else to turn to, the twins will depend on the ragtag group of circus performers, comprised of a fire-breather, an acrobat, a strongman and a clairvoyant to keep them safe.

As the chase continues, the circus soon becomes the key to reveal the truth about the twins’ identity, discovering why the evil villainess is after them.

Portraying Mia and Miko are promising young actors Mikee Quintos and Mikoy Morales. Quintos, who won Best New Female TV Personality at the 2017 Star Awards for TV, is best known for her role as Lira in the hit telefantasya series “encantadia.” Morales, on the other hand, is a finalist of the reality TV show “Protégé: The Cherrie Gil as La Ora Battle for The Big Artista Break.”

Completing the cast are Andre Paras, who plays the lovable strongman Martel; Chariz Solomon as the quirky clairvoyant Astra; Sef Cadayona as the funny acrobat Al; Klea Pineda as the gorgeous fire-breather Selfira; and veteran actors Gardo Versoza as circus leader Leviticus , and Cherie Gil who breathes life to the cold hearted and vengeful La ora.

Gardo Versoza as Leviticus

Mikee Quintos and Mikoy Morales as twins Mia and Miko

As part of the public affairs lineup of GMA Network for 2018, Sirkus’s main goal is to promote traditional Filipino values in a very entertaining production.

“Sirkus is really an anthem towards raising children and viewers will see through the show how good parenting and family unity can empower children to get ahead in life,” program manager Angeli Atienza told The Manila Times in an interview.

Directed by Zig Dulay, Sirkus will air every Sunday at 6:10 p.m. on GMA Network beginning JanuGMA photos ary 21.

by MaridoL

ranoa-BiSMark Philstar.com

Her voice may crack a bit from all that shouting and lashing out as feisty Lily Cruz in her hit ABS-CBN teleserye Wildflower. But Maja Salvador hardly looks like she’s ready to throw in the towel.

Not when producers are trusting her with not one, but a series of shows called Maja on Stage at the IeC Convention Center, Cebu on Feb. 4, The Big Box east Jurong in Singapore on Feb. 18 and Kia Theatre on March 23. Not when she hopes to do a Star Cinema project with Zanjoe Marudo after the concert tour.

Yes, it can be taxing. But this workaholic knows when it’s time to slow down.

“It’s important to listen to your body,” says Maja.

So like her proactive character in Wildflower, the actress finds ways to help herself. She asks for a day of rest after working nonstop for seven days, just to recharge and regain that worklife balance.

This is why you’ve been missing Maja lately in the noontime show “ASAP.” All that running, kicking and jumping in Wildflower can drain even a millennial like her.

“Ayaw ng handler ko na mabugbog ang katawan ko.

Sometimes, I even have provincial shows on weekends,” she explains.

Good thing her home network ABS-CBN understands. Network bosses granted her wish to skip ASAP while she’s working on the remaining episodes of Wild-

Maja Salvador

ABS-CBN photo

flower, which will soon air its finale scenes.

Maja knows the value of stepping back — especially with her family — even before her Wildflower days. After all, she works hard for them, and neglecting her family because of too much work is pointless.

So, she’d get away from it all and spend a few weeks with her mom in Alberta, Canada, and her siblings, who live in New York during the Christmas holidays.

“I work almost every day on the first, second and third quarters of the year,” she relates.

“Then, I find time to be with my family. It’s important for me.”

Last year, Maja boarded two planes to visit her family on the other side of the globe. She spent one week each with her mom and her siblings.

“Mahirap puntahan ang nanay ko. Pagsakay ko sa eroplano, sakay pa ako uli.”

But she doesn’t mind. In fact, she comes home to the Philippines recharged and ready to work like there’s no tomorrow again.

If you think back-to-back tapings and shootings have robbed Maja of a lovelife, you’re wrong.

The Kapamilya actress is seeing her non-showbiz barkada of 15 years.

“Kung masugid, walang problem. There’s always time. Push!

Text-text, bisi-bisita. Yes, I’m happy,” Maja says with a lilt in her voice, a sparkle in her eyes.

The relationship works because it rests on a strong foundation — long-time friendship.

“Its foundation is different — friendship. We talk about what’s happening in his world.

We talk about many things. We know each other very well,” says Maja.

It also helps that her special someone is non-showbiz.

The relationship, to borrow Maja’s words, is “more peaceful.” There are no headline-hogging intrigues, blind items and questions that make Maja clam up or change the topic during interviews and presscons.

No wonder her mindset this year is #lovepeaceandharmony.

It’s an upbeat mindset — just like Maja, who always finds time to pause — for her family and her special someone — even when her schedule seems too packed for anything else beyond work.

Ken Chan fresh from US vacation

by Lhar

Santiago ManilaTimes.net

movies. When I arrived in New York, it was already snowing ANoTHer star of The Cure so I decided to really enjoy it. I is Ken Chan. Like Tom he just made snowballs and a snowman! returned from vacation in the Tinikman ko pa ang snow,” he States. It was Ken’s first time to laughed.

From New York, Ken flew to be in the U.S. so he saw to it that he experienced both the west Los Angeles to see Hollywood.

“I was at the heart of the interand the east coasts.

He considers his New York national entertainment industry, and I couldn’t believe it. I went experience unforgettable.

“If only for the snow, unfor- to Hollywood Boulevard and saw the handprints of different gettable talaga,” Ken quipped.

The actor even shared how he Hollywood celebrities. Then I made sure to feel snowflakes fall- did some shopping in LA before coming home.” ing on him despite the cold.

Now that he’s back, Ken is “It’s been my childhood dream to experience winter—yung may on work mode again and gratesnow talaga like what I see in the ful to start the new year with a

new series.

“I have all the reason to rejoice because I’m working wit big stars of GMA like, Tom, Jennylyn, Miss Jaclyn Jose, Mark Herras and LJ reyes. I also love my role because for the first time, I’ll be a young doctor, and I can’t wait to start taping because most of my scenes are with Miss Jaclyn who’s my mom in The Cure,” Ken enthused.

And as he’s begun to see the world, Ken has promised himself to travel after every project.

“I plan to go back to the States again because I want to see more of the country and explore.”

It was Ken Chan’s first time to visit the U.S. He said his trip to New York was unforgettable.

Photos from Instagram/@akosikenchan

First Lady Rosalynn Carter to be honored at Rose Bowl

Rosalynn Carter is an American icon and an American hero who is coming to Los Angeles to be honored as one of the most accomplished and inspiring First Ladies in United States history. St. Genevieve School students have produced a film, “DEAR ROSALYNN”, which will premiere at an event, which will be attended by former President Jimmy Carter and Mrs. Carter on Feb. 2 at the Rose Bowl.

Mrs. Carter has worked tirelessly throughout her life to make the world a better place.

From bringing mental illness out of the shadows and fighting for better mental health care, to addressing our nation’s caregiving crisis, fighting for women’s rights, and improving the lot of the world’s poorest people Mrs. Carter has been an unstoppable force for good.

Mrs. Carter has also made a point of always responding personally to letters she receives from Americans across the country. One such letter was written to her in 1985 by a then young Virginia school teacher named Dan Horn, who had been inspired by Mrs. Carter’s autobiography. In January 1986 Mr. Horn received an invitation to join Mrs. Carter for lunch in Atlanta. This was the beginning of a long correspondence between Mr. Horn and Mrs. Carter. As Mr. Horn so eloquently stated, “When I was a little boy, my Catholic school frequently taught us about the lives of the saints. I often wondered what it would be like to have personally known one. After meeting Rosalynn, I now know... and it is indescribable.”

President and Mrs. Carter say the Our Father prayer during Mass at St. Genevieve High School

In 1999, now President and Principal of St. Genevieve Elementary, Middle and High Schools, Mr. Horn decided to reinvigorate the school by incorporating character-building educational programs in its curriculum. The school is proud to have won the 2003 National Character Award and subsequently students attended the 2005 National Character Awards ceremony in Atlanta, where they met Mrs. Carter and they too began a series of interactions with the first lady, including a project started four years ago to produce a documentary about Mrs. Carter entitled “Dear Rosalynn.”

“Dear Rosalynn” is now scheduled to premiere at the Pasadena Rose Bowl on February 2, 2018. The documentary was directed and edited by Sean See, a graduate of St. Genevieve, with the assistance of his fellow students, Dominick Argana, Natasha Popowich, Kristen Rivas, Brandon Cayanan, Jayden See,

and Isaiah Coronado. Mrs. Carter and the students all agree this documentary was a labor of love and mutual admiration.

Photos courtesy of St. Genevieve The world premiere of the President and Mrs. Carter standing in front of “the Carter Wall” inside St. Genevieve High School documentary will be followed by a VIP luncheon with both President and Mrs. Jimmy Carter. All net proceeds from this very special event will benefit the Inspiration Building Campaign of St. Genevieve Parish and Schools.

The welcome ceremony is scheduled to begin at 11:30 AM, followed by the premier screening at 12:15 PM and a luncheon at 1:30 PM at the Rose Bowl Locker Room. VIP tickets are $150 per person and screening of the film only are $25. EveryMrs. Carter after presenting principal Dan Horn with the key to one is welcome to learn more President Carter during his first trip to St. Genevieve High School Plains about Rosalynn Carter and her many impressive accomplishments along with the proud students and staff and teachers of St. Genevieve. If you are interested in attending, please go to http://sgps.org/rosalynn/ to purchase tickets.

President and Mrs. Carter with the St. Genevieve Jazz Band in Plains, Georgia.

St. Genevieve faculty and staff along with President & Mrs. Carter (2nd row right) about to watch “Dear Rosalynn” for the first time on October 3, 2017 at Plains High School Auditorium.

The St. Genevieve cast and crew of Carousel, President Carter & Mrs. Carter with Shirley Jones (center).

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Feng shui master figures in John Lloyd-Ellen romance

by Deni

Rose A. BeRnARDo Philstar.com

“They could not resist each other. Theirs can be called a fatal attraction. he was born in the year of the Boar and she on the Day of the Boar.”

Thus said Marites Allen, the Philippines’ first and only certified feng shui master, in front of more than a hundred participants at the 13th Philippine Feng Shui Convention at the Grand Ballroom of Marco Polo Ortigas Manila. She was talking about matinee idol John Lloyd Cruz and sexy star ellen Adarna.

The controversial couple, who manage to evade the nosy and pushy showbiz media on the real score between them, nevertheless show that they are indeed together from continuous posts on their respective Instagram accounts. In fact, early this month, Adarna posted a photo of Cruz with her entire family with the caption, “Fambam.” Cruz prominently posed in the middle of the sizeable clan, very close to the Adarna patriarch.

In Cebuano, Adarna replied to a comment on the photo, “Kinsay nag too na ma kami diay (Who would have thought that we would end up as a couple) lol!” expounding first on the forecast of those born on the year of the Boar in the year of the earth Dog, Allen said, “Love luck is on the side of single boars. Getting engaged, married or starting a family is foreseen.”

Born on June 24, 1983, Cruz is a Water Boar. Adarna is an earth Dragon born on April 2, 1988, although the second day of the fourth month is also considered to be the Day of the Boar.

“As you can see, this match is ‘written in the heavens.’ It was bound to happen that their paths would cross, and the attraction would be as strong anywhere else they would have met,” Allen said.

Cruz and Adarna worked together on the set of “home Sweetie home,” a comedy series aired Saturday nights on ABSCBN. According to sources, as

Ellen Adarna and John Lloyd Cruz

soon as Adarna was cast as his new workmate on the show, sparks immediately flew.

In October, Cruz announced he was taking a leave of absence from the show and all other commitments with his home studio to attend to “personal matters.”

In a press statement, the network said, “ABS-CBN and John Lloyd Cruz have agreed for him to take an indefinite leave of absence to attend to personal matters. John Lloyd will be taking a break outside the country and will return to ABS-CBN after his leave of absence.”

Sources say though it was the “killing” of Adarna’s recurring character in home Sweetie home that earned Cruz’ ire and resulted in his sudden decision.

While away from the cameras, he and Adarna continued to be visible on social media, each one posting photos of their long european holiday.

Months passed and rumors started circulating that Adarna is pregnant—still unconfirmed at present—and that a wedding is in the plans. however, Adarna’s good friend, Beauty Gonzales, said nonchalantly that no wedding was happening despite reports.

She was pressed for comment during the farewell press conference of the soap, “Pusong Ligaw.”

“Di po sila ikakasal, wala

Photo from Instagram/@maria.ellen.adarna

pong kasal (They are not getting married, no wedding is happening),” she said without batting an eyelash.

Meanwhile, in response to showbiz veteran Lolit Solis’ scoop that a wedding will take place in late January or February, Cruz posted a video on Instagram walking in the dark and humming the wedding march. he captioned it “Take it, take it.”

Adarna did the same.

“Take it, take it” was spite on Solis’ 1994 controversy known as the Manila Film Festival Awards Night scam.

Previously, Adarna had been linked to the President’s son Sebastian “Baste” Duterte. She was also said to have had a romance with actors Diether Ocampo and ejay Facon, basketball player JC Intal and Raymund Romualdez of the popular political clan.

Cruz, on the other hand, had much talked about relationships with Angelica Panganiban, Shaina Magdayao, Ruffa Gutierrez, Liz Uy, Krista Ranillo, Kaye Abad and Ciara Sotto. his perennial leading lady, Bea Alonzo, and Maja Salvador denied romantic links with him.

Asked further if she foresees a wedding of the two, Allen said, “hopefully theirs would last, not just them getting married but raising a family. I wish them happiness and fulfilment in their relationship.”

Robin thanks celebs for helping Marawi by nAthAlie

tomADA Philstar.com

ROBIN Padilla expressed his gratitude to friends from the entertainment industry for helping out in efforts to rebuild the city of Marawi.

During a presscon for his upcoming show “Sana Dalawa Ang Puso Ko” with Jodi Sta. Maria and Richard yap, Robin revealed that a lot of his showbiz colleagues have offered assistance since he started an advocacy aimed at aiding rehabilitation and recovery of the capital of Lanao del Sur, following a months-long siege by militants.

The 48-year-old actor and Mindanao peace advocate launched in October 2017 a movement called Tindig Marawi, reportedly donating P5M for the psycho-social needs of children affected by the war and another P5M worth of relief goods for the hundreds of thousands displaced residents.

Among the first ones from showbiz who supported Robin were Piolo Pascual and director Joyce Bernal who donated P1.5M. Most recently, those who helped included Sharon Cuneta (his co-star on the Star Cinema film Unexpectedly yours), ABSCBN chief content officer Charo Santos-Concio, ABS-CBN Foundation, Vice Ganda, Vhong Navarro and even newscasters.

“Madami ang tumulong sa atin. Pero si Piolo, si direk Joyce at Ma’am Charo, nakabantay talaga sila. Si Sharon gumawa siya ng sarili n’ya, kami din yung beneficiary niya. Pupunta siya dun (sa Marawi). Yung ‘It’s Showtime,’ Vice Ganda, Vhong, nagbigay din. Naka-report ako sa lahat sa kanila,” he said.

Another project Robin is cooking up for the benefit of Marawi is a movie. Capital for the film came from his friend Dennis Uy who initially made it as a donation to Marawi. All proceeds of the planned film will go to Tindig Marawi projects.

“Ang pinaka-malaking project namin ay pelikula kasi dun ako nakasalalay kasi yung isang donor namin, ang pangalan ay si Dennis Uy, my friend, gusto niya magbigay ng malaking pera sa Tindig Marawi. Sabi ko, sayang yung pera na yan, kung sa Tindig Marawi mo i-ano… baka gusto mo i-produce ng pelikula tapos yung kikitain yun yung ibigay sa Tindig Marawi kasi mas malaki yun,” he said.

Robin is tapping Joyce and Piolo, who own the independent film production outfit Spring Films, to help make the film a reality. he said, who else would he trust but Joyce and Piolo, who as producers, struck box-office success to the tune of more than P400M for

Robin Padilla

ABS-CBN photo

a low-budget film that cost them only P8M. This was 2017’s “Kita Kita”, the highest-grossing indie film to date.

Robin said he didn’t have any difficulty convincing both director and the actor to agree to the project. The film, which will be about the story of Marawi, will start shooting next month. “It will be about what happened there, because there are still a lot of stories that we don’t know about.

It’s more important for me that we know their story, delivered in the style of the director.”

For Robin, all these efforts will give hope and show that “we understand the Moros. That’s what we need to do during this (difficult) time — to understand their culture, their problems... because their grievances are legitimate.”

According to Robin, who last visited Marawi during the Christmas holidays, Tindig Marawi has also provided a water system for 16 evacuation centers to date.

“It’s very important because water is life.” Next step is housing, which will take more time to accomplish because they will not be relying on any form of government assistance. he wants it to be free of political color, and will be a completely private sectordriven effort.

“Yung pabahay ay siempre hindi naman natin pwede asahan (kaagad). Ako kasi nag-set ng standard. Ayokong humingi ng tulong sa gobyerno. Ang experience ko — mas maganda kung puro private tayo. Pag ka naggawa tayo ng housing ang gusto ko ay binili natin ang lupa. Ayaw ko na binigay ng gobyerno kasi baka mag palit tayo ng president, after six years, baka bawiin yung lupa, ayoko ng ganoon, ayoko ng

bawiin. Kaya ngayon andun ako sa estado sa pagbili ng lupa.” he has also partnered with an organization called Kasama Ka to provide “micro-financing, Islamic banking style” services for residents who wish to (re)start their livelihood. (For details, visit http://kasamaka.wpengine.com.)

Robin understands that the commitment to help rebuild Marawi is going to last him not just a decade or two but “forever.”

“Until forever. Now they’ve been able to adjust to their situation. Inaantay nalang nila yung turnover ng mga pinagawa ng gobyerno na tinatawag na transitional shelter. Malapit na yun! Ang ganda!” he said.

“But it’s not good if they will remain in that situation. They’re not used to it. The Maranaos, (Muslim) royalty yan, they’re traders, they’re businessmen. The challenge now for us Muslims, because we call Marawi Islamic City, di kami papayag yan ang itsura ng Islamic City. We will not allow Marawi to look that way, especially me, I won’t allow it.”

While Marawi rebuilding efforts are a priority for Robin, it seems he’s also busier than ever with showbiz work. he just had a boxoffice hit “Unexpectedly yours” last month and is a judge on ABS-CBN’s Pilipinas Got Talent, wherein he stirred some online furor last weekend for “forcing” a Korean contender to speak Tagalog on the talent search. he had since defended himself against critics who slammed his actions as “rude” and “racist.” According to him, his words should be taken as fatherly advice to a foreigner, who says he loves the Philippines and claims to be a “Filipino at heart” after living and studying in the country for a decade, but doesn’t know how to speak its language. (The contestant, a magician named Kim Jiwan, promised to learn it from there on.)

Robin will also star in a daytime teleserye with Jodi and Richard. he revealed that he had to think twice before signing up for the series because he felt intimidated to be cast alongside a tandem that’s already been tested and proven via the well-loved “Be Careful With My heart” that lasted over two years (July 2012 to November 2014) on national TV. Robin, who has been in the past romantically linked to his leading ladies, was playfully asked if in real life, had he ever wished to possess two “hearts,” as in the title S”ana Dalawa Ang Puso Ko.” he replied, “Since you asked it… sana labing tatlo.”

Then Robin, who is married to Mariel Rodriguez, quickly took it back. “Sana isa lang talaga. Binawi ko na, mahirap na.”

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.

Filipino artist wins Hollywood movie’s poster contest A CAVITe-born visual artist has been proclaimed one of the five winners of the “Insidious: The Last Key” alternative poster contest.

The competition was organized by Blumhouse Productions, the powerhouse studio of blockbuster thrillers (“The Purge,” “Get Out,” “Split”) in collaboration with the opensource creative platform Talenthouse.

Blumhouse’s Jason Blum himself selected the five winners from participants all over the world.

The winning Filipino artist is Adriann Delmo from General Trias, Cavite, a 25-year-old freelance graphic artist/designer and owner of T-shirt printing business. he is joined in the win-

ners’ circle by artists from Peru, ecuador, Spain and France. The five winning artworks received a cash prize of $2,000 each.

Delmo gave his thoughts about his victory in the following interview.

Question: When you learned about the contest, did you immediately want to join? What convinced you to take part?

Delmo: I’ve been joining the Creative Invites of Talenthouse for more than six months. When I learned about the contest for the Insidious poster, I knew I wanted to join ‘coz the concept was interesting. I previously joined a couple of contests before but unfortunately I didn’t win dahil sobrang gagaling ng Filipino artist Adriann Delmo is one of the mga participants. Ang nakakatu- five winners of the “insidious: the Last Key” alternative poster contest. Philstar.com photo PAGE B5

Protect yourself and your family in the New Year

Every year people start the New Year off by making resolutions and setting goals to improve their lives. Here’s something you can do right now to protect yourself and your family and it doesn’t require getting sweaty or joining a club - get covered with a quality health insurance plan through Covered California.

Covered California is the state exchange established under the Affordable Care Act, where Californians who do not have health insurance can sign up for quality health coverage and find out whether they qualify for financial help in paying for their premiums. While there has been a lot of debate about the future of our health care system, the ACA remains the law of the land and now is the time to sign up if you do not have health insurance.

“Covered California remains strong, and the good news is that for most consumers, the price of their coverage is going down in 2018,” said Peter V. Lee, executive director of Covered California. “If you do not currently have health insurance, now is the one time of the year when you can enroll without needing to meet special qualifying conditions.”

While the open enrollment period in most states ended on Dec. 15, Covered California’s open-enrollment period runs through Jan. 31, 2018, giving Californians more time to explore their options and find the plan that best suits their needs.

Having health insurance is important because it protects consumers and their families against potentially enormous medical bills if they get sick or injured. Covered California’s new ad campaign focuses on day-to-day examples of how life can change in an instant. Whether it is stumbling off a curb while checking your phone, slicing your hand while in the kitchen or discovering that there will be a new addition to the family, being covered is the best plan when life changes.

“More than 28,000 Filipinos are currently enrolled in a plan through Covered California,” Lee said. “We want to make sure everyone in the Filipino community knows about their options and the financial help that is available to help bring that health coverage within reach.”

Consumers can see their options and find out if they qualify for financial help in just a few easy steps. All they need to do is visit www.CoveredCA. com and click on the “Shop and Compare” button.

With their ZIP code, household income, household size and the ages of those who are applying for coverage, they will quickly find out which plans are available and whether they qualify for financial assistance.

For example, an individual could earn up to $48,240 a year, and a family of four up to $98,400, and qualify for financial help that would lower the cost of their monthly premium. Not only do a majority of Covered California consumers benefit from financial help, but a new analysis shows that the price they pay for their coverage is going down this year.

“Even if you have checked Covered California out before, check again,” Lee said. “Finding out whether you qualify for financial help only takes a few minutes and the prices could be more affordable than you think.”

In addition to signing up online, consumers can get free, confidential in-person assistance to find out more about their coverage options. Covered California has partnered with insurance agents and community organizations across the state, who speak Tagalog and a variety of other languages, to help consumers find the best fit for their health care needs.

Consumers interested in speaking with someone in person can visit the “Find Help” page on www.CoveredCA.com and enter their ZIP code to locate a certified enroller near them. They can also contact Covered California’s service center at (800) 300-1506. Covered California provides resources in Tagalog on its website at https://www.coveredca.com/tagalog/.

“California is the most diverse state in the country and we want to do everything we can to make sure that people in every community can get the coverage they deserve and the care they need,” Lee said.

B January 20-23, 2018 • La WEEKEnD aSIan JOurnaL

Features

Why newbie actor Joshua Garcia is considered John Lloyd Cruz 2.0

By Monet

Health@Heart PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS

Lu

I HAVE written about John Lloyd Cruz in my column, and while the title (above) seems deprecating to him, allow me to say that it has nothing to do with his performance nor his overall personality. John Lloyd will always be John Lloyd.

This has more to do with the fact that these two actors would hold their own and have their own distinct style and persona that make each one unique.

However, there is no denying that young actor Joshua Garcia has the makings of a “John Lloyd Cruz.” And while the latter is taking a hiatus from showbiz, people are really noticing how these two can be two sides of the same coin.

If Joshua could learn all he could from his ‘predecessor’s’ craft and his life choices, he may actually turn out to be a 2.0 version.

Joshua Garcia started out on the reality show “Pinoy Big Brother” back in 2014. Back then, he was this young, awkward 16-yearold boy from Batangas. Now 19 years old, the boy has turned into a young man and is considered one of ABS-CBN’s fast-rising male stars. He starred in three hit movies and three teleseryes.

Joshua is the quintessential boynext-door. He can play the role of a childish, hopeless romantic teenager and still pull off a serious and drama-heavy role with minimal effort. His smile can make a girl swoon but it’s his playful personality that makes him loveable to his fans and co-actors. Joshua strikes one as the guy who is still bewildered by their success, yet knows how not to waste it. I mean the guy takes his craft seriously!

“Nineteen years old pa lang ako, pero sobrang sineseryoso ko ‘yong craft ko.” Joshua said in his YES! Magazine interview. “Ayaw nila ng pangit na pelikula. Kailangan talaga makipagsabayan.

Pinipilit ko, ang hirap, ang galing ng mga kasama ko,” he said.

His efforts do pay off as his movie “Vince & Kath & James” was an MMFF top grosser. Even though the movie’s material may not be as groundbreaking compared to its contemporaries, it became the festival’s highest grosser commending Joshua and his loveteam Julia Barreto’s acting.

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Joshua Garcia

A year after their first movie together is a sophomore effort helmed by acclaimed rom-com director Antoinette Jadaone, Love You to the Stars and Back. He also starred in one of the top-rated MMK episodes. His latest and current teleserye, “The Good Son,” is getting even greater reviews, viewers are raving about it.

The story may seem too familiar to Filipino viewers but it captures the familial aspect in the situation. In this case, it revolved around the ‘sons’ hence, the title.

“The Good Son” is about a philandering husband who had two families, with one on the verge of falling apart.

Victor Buenavidez (Albert Martinez), a successful businessman who toiled his way to the top is married to Olivia (Eula Valdez).

They have two sons Enzo (Jerome Ponce) and Cal (Nash Aguas).

The “other” family is a much meager home. Racquel (Mylene Dizon) who now has a son Obet (McCoy de Leon) with Matias (Ronnie Lazaro). Victor has a son, Jopet (Joshua Garcia) with Racquel. Things have gotten complicated as confrontations stared when Victor suddenly died.

They wondered what had caused Victor’s sudden demise, or who was behind it—a fact that would turn their worlds upside down and baffle the minds of viewers.

Playing Jopet’s role, Joshua’s talent shines like you’ve never seen it before. He shows depth in his acting–something that’s not easy for such a young actor but he is indeed showing some fine acting chops. And though we’re

trying not to compare him to JLC (John Lloyd Cruz), his ability to stand out with or without a leading lady is just undeniable.

Speaking of leading lady, his onscreen partner Julia Barretto is a contributing factor to his success onscreen — maybe off-screen too — who knows? Their team-up is oozing with chemistry.

It actually has the makings of the John Lloyd-Bea Alonzo magic.

It may be too soon to tell but as far as the looks, charm, chemistry and acting skills are involved, they have what it takes.

Aside from Julia Barretto, Joshua was also paired with Loisa Andalio, Kira Balinger, and Jane Oineza. And just like JLC, he pairs seamlessly with them, not outshining them or overshadowed by them — his versatility is outstanding.

To Joshua Garcia, I see what people see in you — dedication.

And though we see so much of JLC in you as well, we know that you can make a name for yourself.

Version 2.0 or not, I hope you continue to love your craft by improving each time and make your own new and improved version.

Good luck! *** Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, award-winning 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 allnatural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration . To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at monetsalon@aol.com

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

Sudden cardiac death majority of cases. Medications and some 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

Paulo Avelino

Aljur Abrenica

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.

Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com

ABS-CBN photos

Aljur & Paulo: From each other’s toughest competitor to being friends

by Boy

ABundA Philstar.com

IT’S a nice feeling to bring back memories especially the ones that make you smile while recounting them to others. Those who tuned in to “Tonight With Boy Abunda” a few days ago still probably remember Paulo Avelino and Aljur Abrenica having fun reminiscing their “StarStruck” days. Both were in the same batch which got them to becoming rivals for a while and friends until now.

Looking back, Aljur revealed that he knew Paulo would be his toughest competition the first time they saw each other. He said, “When I saw Pau, wow this guy’s dashing. Paulo is handsome even before. Kumbaga, sa competition, ito ‘yung makakalaban ko.”

Paulo felt the same. He reckoned Aljur’s singing talent got him miles ahead in the auditions.

“(He’s) talented. I often saw him singing during the auditions; nakikita ko ang galing kumanta nito sana napunta na lang sa kin ‘yung talent n’ya sa pagkanta.”

Aljur added, “I remember how my aunts so admired Paulo.

Crush na crush nila si Paulo for his good looks and charming smile.”

The two never denied about the rumors linking them romantically to each other. That was years ago but the issue nevertheless made Paulo and Aljur smile.

“I don’t want to remember anymore, hahaha, naka-move on na kami,” Paulo said.

“They said I looked soft na mukhang totoo naman (laughs) but everyone in the batch became close at na-misinterpret lang ng mga tao,” Paulo ruminated.

And 11 years later, no one had ever imagined that Paulo and Aljur will be seated side by side doing an interview as

among the formidable actors in the Kapamilya network. Paulo caught the public attention for his impressive acting in film and on TV. Just recently, Olivier and Tony Best Actress Lea Salonga was all praises for his acting in “Ang Larawan,” one of the entries in the just-concluded Metro Manila Film Festival. She posted on her Twitter, “If you’re a fan of Paulo, I urge you to watch his stellar performance in ‘Ang Larawan’.

He doesn’t sing as well as the others, but his acting! He will be one of the greatest as he continues to grow!!! Congrats!!!”

Asked to comment, Paulo admitted to feeling good whenever he receives compliments for his acting. More so now that it came from a Broadway star. With much appreciation and humility, Paulo said, “It’s good to hear praises, especially coming from well-renowned artists. But I don’t get PAGE B5

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Features

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARy 20-23, 2018

Celebrate Lunar New Year at Pala on Feb. 16 Filipino artist wins Hollywood...

– March 3, with $30,000 Good Fortune Drawing PAGE B3 wa almost lahat ng magagaling na ‘yun ay Filipinos.

Q: Do you have funny or interesting experiences with these contests?

AD: In one of the contests, center. Pala also offers I submitted entries full of connine restaurants and fidence, really feeling I’d win.

40,000 square feet of And then “nakita ko bigla mga meeting and conven- malupit na entries. Natawa nation space. Pala Casino lang ako kasi hindi pala.” Since Spa & Resort is an AAA then, I promised myself to always Four-Diamond Award try something new and be more winner for 12 consecu- creative. After that, I didn’t notice tive years. The new Pala at first but there were already RV Resort opened May improvements in my craft.

23, 2016, and offers 100 Q: For your “Insidious: The parking sites for RVs Last Key” entry, how did you and trailers from 55 to arrive at the concept?

70 feet and full-service ameniAD: The participants were ties for RVers. Pala RV Resort is encouraged to submit artworks rated a perfect 10/10*/10 by Good with movie poster styles from the Sam, the national RV Resort rat- ‘50s to early 2000s. I did a lot of ing publication. Trailer Life and research as I wasn’t familiar with Motorhome magazines awarded vintage style since I’m still in my Pala RV Resort its Gold Awards for early twenties. My winning entry 2016 and 2017 as Best RV Resort is simple but it gave emphasis to Casino and Best Campground Re- the demon coz that’s the style of sort. Its state-of-the-art Pala Spa old posters. was named the number three spa Q: Did you have a feeling in North America and the number that you will win this time? one spa in the State of California AD: Actually, I didn’t expect and the entire casino industry to win “dahil sobrang dami talafor 2016. The ranking marked gang magagaling.” I told myself the eleventh consecutive year it is enough if people seek out that Pala Spa has been ranked my entry and like it. That’s why in the Top 100 and Top 10. Pala I was so happy and feel blessed Casino Spa & Resort was voted when I learned my artwork was Best Casino in San Diego by the chosen. public in the 10News.com annual Q: You used Adobe for your A-List poll sponsored by KGTV-TV entry. Do you consider yourself 10 News in San Diego. For more a digital artist? Do you also information, visit http://www. hand-draw? What works better palacasino.com. for you?

(Advertising Supplement)

AD: Yes. I consider myself a

Lion Dance to be held on Feb. 17-3; Choices Buffet to add Lunar New Year menu items

PALA, CA — Table games players at Pala Casino Spa & Resort can celebrate the Lunar New Year, The Year of the Dog, from February 16 to March 3, and win extra cash in the casino’s $30,000 Good Fortune Drawing.

Privileges Card Club members can start earning entries into the $30,000 Saturday, March 3, cash drawing from 9 a.m., Friday, February 16,, until 2 p.m., Saturday, March 3, by playing Blackjack, Pai Gow Poker or Texas Hold’em Poker, Baccarat, 3-Card Poker, Mississippi Stud or Crazy 4 Poker, DJ Wild, Roulette or Craps. (LIVE poker play is not included in the promotion.) Privileges Card Club membership is free at the Privileges Center in the casino.

Blackjack players will receive one drawing entry for every AllRed (Hearts or Diamonds) or All-Black (Spades or Clubs) Blackjack and includes Free Bet and Blackjack Switch on original hands dealt. Pai Gow Poker and Texas Hold’em players will receive one drawing entry for every Full House or better. Baccarat players earn entries with each Natural Tie with a Natural 8 or a Natural 9 (all players), plus additional entries can be won by players who bet and win on the Dragon or Panda.

Three-Card poker players will earn a drawing entry for any Straight; Mississippi Stud or Crazy 4 Poker, Three-Of-A-Kind or better; DJ Wild . Four-Of-A-Kind or better; Roulette, all “straight up” bet winners (35-1), and Craps, three points made on the Fire Bet for those who made the bet. Guests will be required to fill out each entry legibly and enter them in the $30,000 Good Fortune drawing drum that will be located at the casino’s front entrance until 2:45 p.m. on Saturday, March 3.

Drawings to win a share of

$30,000 will start at 3 p.m., Saturday, March 3.. Winners must be present. The schedule includes: 3 p.m. - $200 5 p.m. - $300 6 p.m. - $500 7 p.m. - $1,000 8 p.m. - $2,000 9 p.m. - $5,000 10 p.m.-$6,000 11 p.m.-$7,000 Midnight - $8,000 Traditional Lion dances will be held through the casino at 8 p.m., Saturday,, February 17, and Saturday, March 3, and traditional Asian dishes will be offered at Choices the Buffet during The Year of the Dog. The menu will include: Lucky Fish, Chicken Skewers, Shrimp Fried Rice, Hong Kong Pork Belly, Chow Mein, Vegetable Egg Rolls and Pork Pot Sticker.

Pala Casino Spa & Resort reserves the right to alter any promotions. Drawings will be conducted in accordance with the rules. In the case of force majeure, safety factors, equipment malfunction or extenuating circumstances, Pala Casino reserves the right to modify procedures in keeping with fairness and the best interests of all participants.

Pala Casino Spa & Resort Pala Casino Spa & Resort includes a Las Vegas-style casino with 2,000 slot machines, 80 table games and seven poker tables; a 507-room hotel; a 10,000-squarefoot, full-service spa and salon that features 14 treatment rooms and a state-of-the-art fitness

digital artist. I used to hand-draw before I got familiar with vectors and vexel arts. What works better for me? When thinking of a concept, freehand is better until an idea pops up. Then I just render the sketch digitally. I find my work better and complete “pag nagawa ko na sya in digital.”

Q: What will you do with the U.S. dollar cash prize?

AD: I am planning to buy higher specs laptop and pen tab to be able to catch up with the latest applications. The rest of the prize will be for financial savings.

Delmo’s winning poster Q: Any advice comes back franchise standout for aspiring artists?

AD: Always pursue what you Lin Shaye as Dr. Elise Rainier, the want to be. Don’t be afraid to fail. brilliant parapsychologist faces Failures teach us to make some- her most fearsome and personal thing new and move forward. “Set haunting yet: in her own family kayo ng competition sa mind nin- home.

The film is written by co-creyo. Wag kayo papayag na di nyo nahihigitan yung last na gawa ator Leigh Whannell (“Saw”), nyo. Magugulat nalang kayo sa who wrote the trilogy and diimprovements. And lastly ibigay rected “Chapter 3”; produced lang lagi yung best and be happy by “Insidious” regulars Jason Blum, Oren Peli (“Paranormal Acsa napili nyong field.”

“Insidious: The Last Key” is tivity”) and co-creator James Wan the new installment in the Insid- (“The Conjuring,” “Furious 7”); ious franchise coming to Philip- and directed by series newcomer pine cinemas January 17. In the Adam Robitel (“The Taking of supernatural thriller, which wel- Deborah Logan”). (Philstar.com)

Aljur & Paulo: From each...

PAGE B4 easily swayed by compliments because as much as I am thankful or grateful, one of my problems as an actor is that I don’t content myself with my previous work. I always think I could have done it better.

“The messages that I have read help boost my confidence, or like what I tweeted or replied back to Lea, to tackle more challenging roles and to look for films where I can do more.”

Aljur, on the other hand, had already appeared in such shows as FPJ’s “Ang Panday” and “Wansapanataym”. Beginning this week, he and Paulo are starring in the new revenge drama series Asintado with Shaina Magdayao and Julia Montes.

The two actors, everybody knows, are already dads. Paulo

B

has a seven-year-old son with LJ Reyes while Aljur has Alas with Kylie Padilla. Reports have it that Kylie’s dad, Robin Padilla, wants Aljur and Kylie to get married.

Aljur, for his part, said that he understands that any father only wants what is best for his child.

“Even my dad said that any father would want what is good for his child which is to have a good family. In regards to wedding, Kylie and I have been talking about it and we are taking our decision step by step. Every decision we will make is always for the good of our son Alas.

“Whenever we talk about marriage, it always ends up with our priority and our priority is Alas. I love Kylie no doubt about it at kung anuman handa ako d’yan.”

)ROORZ XV RQ

B January 20-23, 2018 • La WEEKEnD aSIan JOurnaL

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DEAR ROSALYNN

A Documentary of First Lady Rosalynn Carter One of the most accomplished and inspiring First Ladies in United States history, Rosalynn Carter has worked tirelessly throughout her life to make the world a better place. We invite you to join the students and staff of St. Genevieve Parish Schools as we honour her at the premiere of our documentary Dear Rosallynn, February 2, 2018 at the Rose Bowl. )URP EULQJLQJ PHQWDO LOOQHVVHV RXW RI WKH VKDGRZV DQG Ć“JKWLQJ IRU EHWWHU PHQWDO KHDOWK FDUH WR DGGUHVVLQJ RXU QDWLRQĹ?V FDUHJLYLQJ FULVLV Ć“JKWLQJ IRU ZRPHQĹ?V ULJKWV DQG LPSURYLQJ WKH ORW RI WKH ZRUOGĹ?V SRRUHVW SHRSOH 5RVDO\QQ &DUWHU KDV EHHQ DQ XQVWRSSDEOH IRUFH IRU JRRG Learn about her incredible life, and discover more about two of her greatest loves, her precious hometown of Plains, Georgia, and the boy she met there over 70 years ago, Jimmy Carter.

Friday, February 2, 2018 11:30 AM Welcome Ceremony 12:15 PM PREMIERE of Dear Rosalynn documentary 1:30 PM Luncheon with Rosalynn Carter At the Rose Bowl Locker Room

$150/PERSON 1HW SURFHHGV EHQHĆ“W WKH ,QVSLUDWLRQ %XLOGLQJ &DPSDLJQ of St. Genevieve Parish and Schools $25/PERSON Film Only Attire: Smart Casual FOR TICKETS: www.sgps.org/rosalynn Rain or Shine

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COMMUNITY $3&%*5 $"3% JOURNAL

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.

Your Immigration Solution LORELLA T. HESS AND NANCY MILLER Marijuana use could thus 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 statelegal 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 state-legal 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. *** Reeves Miller Zhang & Diza is one of the oldest, largest and most experienced immigration firms in the United States with offices in Pasadena, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Manila and China.

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

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C JANUARY 20-23, 2018 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Community Journal

Are you worried about filing bankruptcy?

ARE you one of many people who needs to file bankruptcy but you are afraid that it may be the worst mistake you can ever make in your life? Are you thinking about what your friends and family may think if they ever find out about your filing?

If you’ve never owned a home and plan to have one someday, are you thinking that once you file bankruptcy, you can kiss this dream of yours goodbye? (Sadly, a lot of people who ask me about this can’t even save the money for a down payment on a house because they’re so buried in debt.)

In my practice as a bankruptcy lawyer, I hear these questions all the time and I think it’s important that people understand that filing bankruptcy is not the end of the world. As a matter of fact, if bankruptcy is your only option, you may be better off filing bankruptcy first in order to get out of debt so that you can start saving your money to buy a house after two to three years (if buying a home is in your future plans).

Throwing a lot of your hardearned retirement money or savings to pay your credit card debt every month is an unnecessary waste of financial resources and

Tax Tips victoR sy, cPA, mBA

1. MORTGAGE interest deduction has been lowered: Current homeowners can continue to deduct interest on loans of $1 million; however, new homeowners will be limited to interest on loans of $750,000.

2. State and local tax deduction is capped at $10,000: Yes, you can continue to deduct state and local taxes, but with a limit of $10,000. Old law allowed you to deduct an unlimited amount for state and local property taxes plus income or sales taxes.

3. Medical expenses are expanded: Deduction for medical expenses deductions not only survived; it even got expanded.

Instead of deduction in excess over a threshold of 10%, you can deduct excess over 7.5%.

4. Teachers can continue to deduct classroom supplies up to $250: Educators can continue

Minding Your Finances Atty. RAymond BulAon is not going to help make your financial situation better. It could actually ruin your chances for a secure financial future. The worst thing that can happen to you is to find yourself broke and penniless by the time you retire.

A lot of my clients tell me that they wish they had filed bankruptcy sooner and that they waited too long to make a decision. Some of these people were forced to use all the retirement money they had saved for many years just to avoid bankruptcy for a short while — only to realize in the end that that bankruptcy was unavoidable and should have been their first option, not the last.

If you are struggling to pay bill collectors, have pending lawsuits, judgments, auto repos and are being harassed non-stop by your creditors, what are you doing about it? It’s usually not

enough to just say that you are “doing your best to pay what you can.” Can you pay off all these debts on your own without getting any legal help from the bankruptcy court?

Filing bankruptcy is a personal matter and you will find very few people who have filed bankruptcy that will openly talk to you about their experience. So most of the negative things you have heard about bankruptcy come from the people who have never experienced it themselves and do not understand the process. They only tell you what they themselves have heard about bankruptcy and most of it is wrong. Don’t listen to these people unless they are paying your bills.

One of the things I’ve learned in life is to never take financial advice from people who are not doing any better than you are. So if your brother-in-law who is just as broke as you are (or worse) is telling you what you should do about your debt situation, just smile and walk away.

After having filed thousands and thousands of bankruptcy cases for clients, I have personally seen how people’s lives have dramatically improved after ob-

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

Setting the stage for a purposeful and meaningful life

IT has been 11 days since my trip to the Philippines. I was joined by my sister, Raquel, her husband, Edmund, and their young children, Lauren, Francesca, and Gavin; and my other sisters, Roscel and Rina, with daughter in college, Ann. On the first week of our trip there, we did outreach work at an orphanage in Quezon City, my adopted village in Taytay, Rizal where I’m building a chapel, and our hometown, Minalin, Pampanga. We brought hundreds of backpacks filled with school supplies and gave funds to local organizations in these areas to distribute Christmas baskets full of canned goods, rice, and other fresh food.

It was the most powerful and impactful experience we had during our visit there that up to now, these encounters with the indigent children and their families linger in our minds.

These outreach projects have inspired us to continue our misu PAGE C3 sion as a family of forming young

The Prophetic Voice ReveRend Rodel G. BAlAGtAs people to recognize their blessings and to learn to share them with others, especially the poor,

In a nutshell, we want them to become authentic disciples of Christ by not only professing their faith in him but also by putting their faith in action.

I realize that it’s what millennials now are looking for—a genuine faith rooted in the desire to serve those who are underprivileged. Millennials do not only need the imparting of knowledge of the truth, like that of our Christian faith. They also want to have real-life experiences of this convincing truth so that they can be secure about their identity, mission, and purpose in life.

I am certain that my three young nieces and nephew can speak about this contention after coming back from our mission trip.

Their mom told me that they could not stop recalling and talking about their experiences of outreach, and sharing them with their teachers and friends. Francesca is even making a movie about their project, which her older sister named, Project Heart

“Jesus said to them, ‘Come after me and I will make you fishers of men.’

Then they abandoned their nets and followed him.” — Mark 1:19 and indeed, to grow in the virtues of service and love for the people of God. We want them to experience what it is to have a fulfilling life through practices of charity towards the suffering and the destitute. We want them to know that happiness comes not only in having personal pleasures and wealth but also in being able to love and care for people generously and genuinely.

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What you should know Can the family court deny a custodial mom’s about the new tax law enforcement of a child support order against dad?

Part 2: Deductions

to deduct up to $250 when they spend their own money to buy classroom materials.

5. Moving expense deduction is gone: You can no longer deduct cost of moving (unless you are with the U.S. Armed Forces).

6. Most miscellaneous itemized expenses (unreimbursed auto, employee business expenses) are eliminated.

7 You can no longer deduct fees charged by a tax professionals or money spent on tax prep software.

8. Disaster deduction is gone: You can no longer deduct losses due to a fire, storm, or theft that are not covered by insurance (unless disaster was declared as a national disaster such as the recent California wildfires or Houston hurricanes).

9. Alimony payments deduction is gone: Here’s a double whammy - You can no longer deduct alimony payments to

your beloved ex-spouse; your ex does not have to declare it either.

Ouch! This provision will apply to couples who sign divorce or separation paperwork on or after January 1, 2019. You have time.

10. Tax breaks for adoption expenses are preserved. *** Victor Santos Sy graduated Cum Laude from UE with a BBA and from Indiana State University with an MBA. Vic worked with SyCip, Gorres, Velayo (SGV - Andersen Consulting) and Ernst & Young before establishing Sy Accountancy Corporation in Pasadena, California. *** He has 50 years of experience in defending taxpayers audited by the IRS, FTB, EDD, BOE and other governmental agencies. He is publishing a book on his expertise - “HOW TO AVOID OR SURVIVE IRS AUDITS.” Our readers may inquire about the book or email tax questions at vicsy@live.com.

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In this case, grandparents were actually taking care of child

IN the case of In re Marriage of Wilson, the Mother was attempting to enforce child support arrears against the Father for the period in which the child was not living with the Mother but instead was living with the Grandparents. The Father filed a request for an order in court, seeking a stay of enforcement of the child support arrears on the ground he had overpaid Mother; equitable set-aside of the child support arrearages on the ground Minor had lived with Grandparents since she was two years old; credit for child support charged during the time Minor lived with Grandparents; and set-aside of interest on arrearages. In re Marriage of Wilson, 4 Cal . App. 5th 1011, 1014, 208 Cal . Rptr. 3d 779, 780, 2016 Cal . App. LEXIS 910, *3-4. The trial court denied Father’s request because Father did not support child in his home. In appeal, the appellate court held that a family

Barrister’s Corner Atty. Kenneth uRsuA Reyes court had to consider whether it would be inequitable to allow a minor’s mother to enforce some or all of the child support arrears incurred during a certain period the minor lived with her paternal grandparents during that period and that her father had contributed to her support by providing money to the grandparents, and there was no evidence in the record that, during the period at issue, the mother provided any support for the minor.In re Marriage of Wilson, 4 Cal . App. 5th 1011, 1011, 208 Cal . Rptr. 3d 779, 779, 2016 Cal . App. LEXIS 910, *1

Fam. Code, § 3651, provides that, with certain exceptions, a support order may not be modified or terminated as to an amount that accrued before the date of the filing of the notice of motion or order to show cause to modify or terminate. However, it is within the court’s equitable power to deny enforcement of the arrears on equitable grounds under certain circumstances. However, it is within the court’s equitable power to deny enforcement of the arrears on equitable grounds under certain circumstances. (Jackson v. Jackson (1975) 51 Cal.App.3d 363, 366–367 [124 Cal. Rptr.

101] (Jackson).)In re Marriage of Wilson, 4 Cal . App. 5th 1011, 1016, 208 Cal . Rptr. 3d 779, 782, 2016 Cal . App. LEXIS 910, *8 The appellate court found merit, in the peculiar circumstances of the case, in the father’s position that the trial court’s discretion to deny enforcement of a

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Community Journal

Is obesity protected under disability discrimination laws?

KETRYN Cornell has been diagnosed as severely obese since childhood with a body mass index of over 50. Her weight interferes with daily life functions, including bathing and walking. She cannot stand for more than an hour, cannot walk more than a mile at a time, and experiences shortness of breath from engaging in basic activities.

Cornell worked at the Berkeley Tennis Club for over 15 years, most recently as a manager and tennis court washer.

She consistently received positive reviews, merit bonuses, and raises. In early 2012, Rigoberto Headley became the general manager of the Club. He told Cornell that “he wanted to change the image of the Club” and wanted to require staff to wear uniforms. Cornell told Headley that finding a uniform that would fit her “might be an issue” because she normally shopped for clothes at specialty stores “due to [her] size.” According to Cornell, Headley’s “response was to laugh and in a mocking tone reply, `Oh yeah, that’s right.’” He later asked her if she was thinking about having weight-loss surgery.

Soon after, Cornell’s hours were reduced when Headley hired a “petite and very thin woman” to take over some of Cornell’s duties. Cornell discovered that the new employee was being paid more money than her. When she complained to Lynne Rolley, the Club’s tennis director, Rolley spoke to Headley about it saying she could understand why Cornell was upset about making less money. Headley responded, “[W]ell, just look at her, she’s going to be jealous of anybody and she just isn’t a good fit and I’m going to have to look for someone else.” Rolley under-

Debt Relief

Atty. LAwrenCe yAng

THE client is a specialty food retailer who started operations in a commercial center two years ago. Five partners invested $50,000 each for a total of $250,000 for a food business that sells a specialty product that everyone likes to eat.

The problem with a business that’s based on a retail outlet in a commercial center is that the business lives or dies depending on the foot traffic of the commercial center. If the foot traffic is slow, there’s practically nothing the business can do to sell more. Indeed, if the foot traffic is slow, even if the business gives away the product for free, it will still be stuck with inventory. Every businessperson knows that when you go into business, you make money; break-even or you lose money. If the business is losing money, the owners will have to continue financing the loss by giving new money to cover the loss. There are no two ways about this. Some businesses make money from day one. I have a client who opened a specialty restaurant with a $100,000 investment, and in the first year, he made $500,000 of profit. The problem was that he had partners who decided to compete with him by opening their own.

On the other hand, there are businesses that never make money, no matter what the owners do to improve it. It’s just a money loser. In this case, the client had a good concept but made the mistake of opening the business in a commercial center that had slow foot traffic. How did the client end up in such a sorry commercial center? Apparently, there was some misrepresentation on the part of the commercial center owner who said that the foot traffic had doubled in the last 12 months, without stating any figures. When you say double, it does not really mean

without reasonable accommodations; and (3) were subject to an adverse employment action because of the disability or perceived disability.

A physical disability is any physiological disease, disorder, condition, cosmetic disfigureAtty. C. Joe SAyAS, Jr. ment, or anatomical loss that affects the body and limits a stood Headley to be referring to major life activity. There is a Cornell’s size when he said “just list of body systems that could look at her.” be affected including neuroThe Club later fired Cornell, logical, immunological, and accusing her of having planted respiratory systems. Under the a tape recorder in an attempt to law, an employee with a “medisecretly record a meeting of the cal condition” is also entitled Club’s board of directors, which to accommodation. A medical Cornell denied. Cornell sued the condition is any health impairClub for disability discrimination ment related to or associated and wrongful termination. with a diagnosis of cancer or a The Club argued that Cornell’s record or history of cancer, or a obesity does not constitute a genetic characteristic. “physical disability” under the California law prohibits dislaw. The trial court sided with crimination based on disability the employer and dismissed the or medical condition. If a discase. Cornell appealed. abled employee is unable to The Court of Appeal reversed perform his or her work duties, the trial court, holding that Cor- the employer must engage in nell’s disability discrimination a timely, good faith interactive should not be dismissed because process to determine if reasonher obesity may have a physi- able accommodation can be ological cause (i.e., that her obe- made for the employee. sity may have genetic cause that *** may qualify as an actual physical disability). The Court of Appeal The Law Offices of C. Joe Sayas, also noted that there is evidence Jr. welcomes inquiries about this of a “negative weight-based mes- topic. All inquiries are confidential sage” by one of her supervisors. and at no-cost. You can contact The Court further held that the the office at (818) 291-0088 or employer’s business reason for visit www.joesayaslaw.com or our Cornell’s termination may have Facebook page Joe Sayas Law. [C. been pretextual, and may have Joe Sayas, Jr., Esq. is an experienced been motivated by discrimina- trial attorney who has successfully recovered wages and other monetary tory intent against Cornell.

Under the law, it is unlawful damages for thousands of employees to discriminate against an em- and consumers. He was named Top ployee on the basis of “physi- Labor & Employment Attorney in cal disability.” To succeed on a California by the Daily Journal, disability claim, employees like consistently selected as Super Lawyer Cornell must show that they (1) by the Los Angeles Magazine, and is suffered from a disability, or was the recipient of PABA’s Community regarded as suffering from a dis- Champion Award for 2016.] ability; (2) could perform the essential duties of the job with or (Advertising Supplement)

Protecting Employee & Consumer Rights

Food retailer client seeks Chapter 7 relief anything, does it? If the foot traffic was 20 people a month showing up in the place last year, and this year there are 40 people showing up monthly, the traffic doubled, but it’s still not enough to sustain a profitable business that relies on “good” foot traffic.

The five partners checked out the center a couple of times for foot traffic before making the plunge, and for some reason, they must have seen “good” foot traffic. But when they actually started doing business, the center was almost a ghost town most of the time. The only good month was December when they made some money.

The rest of the year, the partners had to cover a deficit of $3,000 monthly. This is not a big loss, but this becomes $36,000 a year, or $72,000 loss in two years. Including the initial investment of $250,000, the partners are staring at a $320,000 loss in two years.

The kicker is that the lease is for another four years at $5,000 a month. So, even if they stop the business, the business will still owe $240,000 on the commercial lease! Add that to the $320,000 of lifetime savings that already evaporated into thin air, the partners are looking at a potential loss of half a million dollars. Even good business may suffer serious setbacks initially.

Even, Walt Disney’s first venture into the famous mouse did not work, and Mr. Disney had to file for Chapter 7 for a fresh start. After bankruptcy, Disneyland opened in 1956 in Anaheim.

Now, of course, Disney is a multibillion-dollar business with theme parks internationally now.

Who knows, my clients may now file for Chapter 7 relief but their business may later on become successful beyond their wildest imaginations. This is America after all where capitalist dreams still come true. One may be bankrupt today but become a billionaire in the future. Just look at the failed business as a practice test that makes one better prepared

to become successful later.

Another problem that surfaced is that each partner signed a personal guaranty for the commercial lease. So, each partner is on the hook for $250,000 each!

Business people should never execute a personal guaranty for the debts of the business. It’s a good idea to incorporate the business so the business can assume its own liabilities. There is absolutely no sense that the shareholders should personally guaranty the debts of the business. If the business goes down, only the business files for bankruptcy. The investors keep their good credit and have no personal liability. If the landlord asks you to guaranty personally the proposed lease of the premises by your company business, just say no. You will not regret it. If the landlord will not lease the premises to the business without your personal guaranty just look for another place where you do not have to give a personal guaranty. I have had a client who was on the hook for $800,000 for unpaid commercial lease by way of personal guaranty when all he had to do to prevent this from happening was to not execute the personal guaranty. Think twice before you sign that personal guaranty. *** Disclaimer: The foregoing is an expression of opinion and is not meant to be legal advice to any reader.

There is no attorney-client relationship established by this article with the reader. If you want to discuss your situation, you have to set an appointment to consult with the attorney. The first general consultation is free. *** Lawrence Bautista Yang specializes in bankruptcy, business, real estate and civil litigation and has successfully represented more than five thousand clients in California. Please call Angie, Barbara or Jess at (626) 284-1142 for an appointment at 1000 S. Fremont Ave, Mailstop 58, Building A-1 Suite 1125, Alhambra, CA 91803 or at 20274 Carrey Road, Walnut, CA 91789.

Are you worried about filing...

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taining bankruptcy relief. Clients who have lost home through foreclosure have been able to purchase a home again just a few years later.

People with bad credit have been able to rebuild their credit standing again. Life has become normal again for all these people who used to think about nothing but their debt problems day and night. If you are one of these people, I am telling you that there is a better way to live your life than this.

If you’ve done everything you can on your own to deal with your debt problems but

nothing has happened up to this point, ask yourself these questions: Where will your situation likely lead? What will happen if you get sued by your creditors and your wages garnished or your bank account frozen? How will your credit score get better if you are not paying your creditors and they continue to report you to the credit bureaus every single month?

If you’ve reached a dead end in your search for a solution to your debt problems, you need to be more realistic about your situation if you want things to change for the better. Of course, bankruptcy is not for everyone and

I’m not saying that it is.

But you should at least take the time to find out what your options are. In some cases, it may still be avoided before things go from bad to worse. I would like to help you decide if bankruptcy is right for your situation. *** None of the information herein is intended to give legal advice for any specific situation. Atty. Ray Bulaon has successfully helped thousands of clients in getting out of debt. For a free attorney evaluation of your situation, please call Ray Bulaon Law Offices at TOLL FREE 1 (866) 477-7772.

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 20-23, 2018

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Can I get a green card if I had a previous marriage petition denied based on fraud?

DEAR Attorney Tan, I recently married a US Citizen, who is my second husband. He has filed an immigrant visa petition and green card application for me. My husband recently received from USCIS a Notice of Intent to Deny the petition that he filed on my behalf. The Notice indicated that the immigrant visa petition could not be approved since the USCIS had determined that I previously entered into a fraudulent marriage to get a green card several years ago. My ex-husband previously filed an immigrant petition on my behalf several years ago, which was denied since USCIS determined that I only married him to get a green card. My second husband and I truly love each other. What are my options? -- In Love but Out of Status Dear In Love but Out of Status, Under INA Section 204(c), a person who “attempted or conspired to enter into a marriage” in order to receive permanent resident status in the US is prohibited from obtaining USCIS approval of an immigrant visa petition. Simply stated, Section 204(c) prohibits approval of any immigrant visa petition if there has been a finding of “marriage fraud” in a prior marriage-based petition.

Based on the above law, your case seems at first glance like an “open-and-shut” case in favor of denial. However, you still have hope of getting a green card—a person can apply for and get his immigrant petition approved despite the prior finding of “marriage fraud” under certain circumstances.

You may ask, how is this possible? Isn’t Section 204(c) straightforward? Not quite. The answer lies in the fact that USCIS must independently examine the prior finding of “marriage fraud” in considering the subsequently filed immigrant visa petition. Before invoking the Sec. 204(c) bar to approval of a subsequent visa petition, USCIS must make an independent determination of fraud based upon the record, including but not limited to any evidence gathered during adjudication of the prior visa petition, but may not parrot or rely on the conclusions made by other adjudicators. USCIS must have “substantial and probative” evidence of “marriage fraud.”

Matter of Tawfik, 20 I. & N. Dec. 166, 168.

The determination is to be made by the USCIS district director while adjudicating the subse-

quent visa petition.

Matter of Samsen, 15 I. & N. Dec. 28, 1974 WL 29995 (B.I.A. 1974). The district director should not give conclusive effect to the determinations made in the prior proceedings, but should reach his own independent conclusion based on the evidence actually before him.

Matter of F-, 9 I. & N. Dec. 684 (BIA Darrick V. Tan, Esq. 1962).

Therefore, in cases such as yours in which the USCIS has indicated it intends to deny the subsequent immigrant visa petition due to the prior finding of “marriage fraud,” new evidence can be submitted that demonstrates that the prior finding of “marriage fraud” was incorrect—i.e., evidence that shows that the prior marriage petition was based on a bona fide marriage, or that explains that the prior denial was based on an incomplete or inaccurate assessment of the facts. In cases in which the subsequent immigrant visa petition has already been denied, this new evidence should be submitted as part of a motion to reconsider. I recommend that you seek an experienced attorney to assist you in properly presenting the law and facts to the USCIS adjudicator to address the Section 204(c) bar. ***

“The answer lies in the fact that USCIS must independently examine the prior finding of ‘marriage fraud’ in considering the subsequently filed immigrant visa petition.”

Darrick V. Tan, Esq. is admitted to practice law in California and Nevada. Mr. Tan is a graduate of UCLA and Southwestern University School of Law. He is a member of the Consumers Attorney Association of Los Angeles and is a former member of the Board of Governors of the Philipp ine American Bar Association. *** 3LAW OFFICES OF DARRICK V. TAN, 3580 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 900, Los Angeles, CA 90010. Tel: (323) 639-0277.

Email: info@dtanlaw.com.

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C4 JANUARY 20-23, 2018 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

C

alendar of Events

across

COMMUNITY JOURNAL

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

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, CA 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.

JA N UA RY 28

SIPA hosts Pinay Empowerment Brunch in Los Angeles Search to Involve Pilipino Americans (SIPA) will host its second Pinay Empowerment Brunch on Sunday, January 28 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. It will be held at BARKADA (1253 Vine Street, Hollywood, CA). The event will feature a panel with Cher Calvin (KTLA 5 TV), Isa Fabro (Chef, Unit 120), Janelle S. Foster (BET/Viacom), and Kimmy Maniquis (California Conference for Equality & Justice). It will be moderated by Rob Asghar (author/commentator whose work has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, CNN, Forbes, etc). To purchase tickets, please visit: https://sipa.ticketsocket.com/event/PINAY-EMPOWERMENT-BRUNCHII. $30 online pre-sale/$40 general admission. Ticket includes a gourmet Pilipino brunch by Barkada.

F E B R UA RY 3

TFCU talks heads to UC Davis TFCU Talks will be in Davis, California on Saturday, February 3, 2018. An affiliate of ABSCBN International, TFCU Talks Davis will feature a lineup of top industry leaders to connect, inspire, and empower college students and young professionals to help them realize their full potential. TFCU Talks Davis is co-presented by Mga Kapatid (My Brothers and Sisters) - a social, political, cultural, and academic organization for the Pilipino-American community at UC Davis. The event takes place at the Wyatt Pavilion Theatre in UC Davis (Arboretum Dr, Davis, CA 95616). Speakers include Christine Gambito (comedian, YouTube personality), Sydney Loyola (trans choreographer), Rudy Corpuz Jr. (co-founder of United Playaz), and Mike Sagun (career coach). TFCU Talks Davis is an exclusive free event with limited seating - first come, first served. For all ticketing information, and to reserve your spot, please visit tfcudavis.eventbrite.com.

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Recognize, report and prevent elder abuse

Your Neighborhood Estate Planning Attorney ATTY. GRACE GAIL CARA THE decision to place a loved one in a nursing home is one of the toughest and emotional draining decisions you will ever have to make. However, if it does become necessary to move them to the facility, you will want to make sure they are receiving the very best of care. That includes making sure they are not being subject to elder abuse.

According to the National Center on Elder Abuse, approximately 1 in 10 Americans who are aged 60 and up, have experienced at least some form of elder abuse. However, this does not encompass the actual number of those individuals suffering from elder abuse and neglect. Professionals may miss the signs of abuse and elderly persons may feel reluctant to report any abuse. But what constitutes elder abuse?

California defines “elders” as persons 65 years and older. Elder abuse can be criminal and civil.

It can be criminal when a person knows someone is an elder and willfully causes or allows the elder to suffer or inflicts unjustifiable physical pain or mental suffering.

Civil elder abuse is found where there is physical abuse, financial abuse, abandonment, isolation, abduction, neglect, or treatment allowing for the physical pain or mental suffering of an elder.

The first step is to know when elder abuse is happening; recognize it.

Recognize elder abuse One can look for any physical signs of physical abuse or neglect.

Keep an eye out for things like bruises, damaged skin, broken bones, unexplained loss of weight, dehydration, malnutrition, bedsores, or any other unseen physical injuries.

Look for behavioral signs: confusion, anxiety, agitation, anger, fear, depression, withdrawal, their hesitating to talk openly, etc.

Lastly, observe whether the elder is given the opportunity to speak for him/herself or expresses feelings of absence, indifference, or anger towards a caregiver or family member. Take note if you notice the elder is socially isolated or restricted from activities.

Once you know or even suspect elder abuse, you should report it.

Report elder abuse There are various ways you can report abuse, depending on where

the abuse is found.

If there is abuse in a nursing home, file a “Report of Misconduct” with the California Department of Public Health, a report with Local Law Enforcement, your Long-term Care Ombudsman, and the Office of State Attorney General, Bureau of Medi-Cal Fraud and Elder Abuse.

If there is abuse in a Residential Care Facility for Elderly/Assisted Living, report it to Community Care Licensing, Department of Social Services, Local Law Enforcement, and your Long-term Care Ombudsman.

If abuse occurs in the home or in the home of a family or friend, report this to Local Law Enforcement, the county District Attorney’s office, and Adult Protective Services.

If there is a situation where an elder is at risk of immediate harm, Call 911. There is never an excuse for elder abuse and there are ways that you can help prevent it.

Prevent elder abuse In preventing elder abuse, you can improve the quality of life and care of your loved one in various ways. These include supporting their transition into a care facility.

This means pre-planning for the transition. Allow both yourself and the person entering the facility to be involved in the choice of placement. Further, visiting frequently, meeting other residents, talking to the staff, and exploring other parts of the facility will help address any feelings of loss or abandonment.

Moreover, these acts will help ensure that your loved one is receiving the proper and best care.

When visiting, do so at different times and shifts on various days of the week. Allowing for unpredictability will allow you to get a comprehensive or clearer picture of all patterns and performance of care staff at the facility and even keep them on their toes. Also, make sure to coordinate any visits made with family, friends, and volunteers so you do not get overwhelmed.

Most importantly, to help prevent elder abuse, you can plan ahead. While you have capacity, plan for the handling of your assets in the future and your quality of life to prevent any later elder abuse. By stating your wishes while you have capacity, you can prevent others from trying to take advantage. Specifically, you can create a durable power of attorney for your property and a health care power of attorney, create

your estate plan, put all financial instructions in writing, keep all records of financial transactions, update all your legal documents, and keep them in a safe place.

Durable power of attorney A durable power of attorney (DPOA) is a legal document where you (the principal) give to another (your agent) the authority to make legal decisions on your behalf. It allows your agent to retain legal authority if you lose mental capacity.

There are two types: one for property and one for health. For DPOA for the property, you give your agent the power to handle your finances according to your wishes. For a DPOA for Health, you appoint an agent to make medical decisions according to your wishes. You can give your agent broad or limited powers and specific instructions on what you want for your quality of life.

Further, this legal document only works once you lose capacity, or unless you state otherwise. Note that you should make sure to choose someone that you trust to reduce the chances of fraud or abuse.

Overall, being aware of what constitutes elder abuse, planning for the handling of your assets in the future, and making decisions for your quality of life and health, helps prevent elder abuse.

However, one must be cautious in executing your legal planning for your health and assets. Be aware that such legal documents can sometimes be used by unscrupulous persons who will take advantage of their power. Thus, you should take the time to select a person whom you have known for an adequate period and feel comfortable with their ability and commitment to carrying out your wishes. Further, your decision in planning for long-term care is an important step in preventing abuse. If you have any questions regarding long-term care, we offer a free consumer’s guide if you call (855) ELDER LAW. And when you know or even suspect elder abuse, report it. *** Grace Gail Cara, Esq. is an Estate Planning attorney at Elder Law Services of California.

She can be contacted at (310) 348-2995 or grace@elderlawcalifornia.com. The opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the view of the Asian American Journal. The information presented does not constitute legal advice and should not be treated as such.

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F E B R UA RY 24

Filipino well-being training summit in Los Angeles “Kataas-taasang pagsasanay para sa kalusugan ng mga Pilipino” — Understanding Obstacles; Charting New Paths.

This training summit aims to honor and recognize indigenous understanding of wellness and healing; reduce stigma associated with emotional and mental illness; and promote community dialogue and connectivity. It is organized by the Filipino Well Being Training Summit Committee led by the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health. It’ll be held on Saturday, February 24 at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, 555 West Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012 at 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more info and to register, please visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/filipino-well-being-training-summit-registration-41880032304.

Fax résumé to:

City of Carson Gala Ball The City of Carson, California is marking its 50th anniversary of incorporation on Saturday, February 24 with a gala ball. It will be held at Congresswoman Juanita Millender-McDonald Community Center at Carson (801 E. Carson Street, Carson, CA 90745) at 6 p.m.

Tickets are $50 / person and $400 / table (seats 8). For more information, please call the Community Center at (310) 835-0212 or visit ci.carson.ca.us.

NOTE: This event is free of charge to all attendees. Breakfast and lunch will be served on a limited capacity and may not be available to all attendees. Space is limited - please cancel on Eventbrite if you are unable to attend so others on the waiting list can be notified and accommodated.

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

info@asianjournalinc.com

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People and Events

US Army holds community relations dinner in LA

NBC4 Southern California and Telemundo 52 Los Angeles launch grant program for local nonprofits

Grant program will award up to $225,000 in grants to local organizations in Southern California that are using technology and innovation to solve everyday challenges

THE U.S. Army Recruiting Battalion in Los Angeles hosted a dinner on Tuesday, January 16, to recognize its community partners and outline its events for 2018. Accomplishments from the past year were also highlighted,

NBC4 Southern California / KNBC and Telemundo 52 Los Angeles / KVEA in partnership with the NBCUniversal Foundation has announced the launch of “Project Innovation,” a new competitive grant challenge. The program will award up to $225,000 in grants to a maximum of eight non-profit organizations in Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside and Ventura counties that are leveraging technology to solve everyday problems in the areas of civic engagement, advanced skills development and STEM/STEAM youth programming. Grant applications open on January 12, 2018 and close on February 2, 2018. Project Innovation grant winners will be announced by the stations in March 2018.

“Project Innovation provides an opportunity for organizations to receive funding for programs that are addressing community needs through innovation and technology solutions,” said Steve Carlston, President and General Manager of NBC4. “The new grant program will help strengthen and prepare our neighborhoods for a brighter tomorrow.”

Qualified 501(c)(3) organizations located in Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside and Venincluding the Carson and City joining the Army, as well as part- tura counties can visit NBCLA.com/ProjectInnovaof Downey Military Career Days nering and participating in more tion and Telemundo52.com/comunidad beginning last February. For 2018, the U.S. local community events. Those January 12 to officially apply for the Project InnovaArmy Recruiting Battalion looks interested in joining the Army or tion grant challenge and access more information to participate in more Military would like more information, call on eligibility requirements.

Career Days to teach high school 1-800-USA-ARMY, ext. 181 or “We are pleased to partner with the NBCUniversal Foundation to provide community-based organizastudents about the benefits of visit www.goarmy.com. ■

Can the family court...

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support order is not limited to circumstances in which the obligor parent cares for a child in his or her own home, but is broad enough to embrace a situation in which neither parent is raising the child at home. The record did not foreclose a conclusion that the father’s obligation to support the minor during the relevant period was discharged, in whole or in part, through the grandparents’ care of the minor on his behalf and through the payments he made to them during the period for which the mother sought arrears. Moreover, there was no evidence in the record that, during the periods at issue, when the minor lived with the grandparents, the mother provided any support for the minor.

If the mother was seeking child support arrears for times that she neither cared for the minor nor provided for her financially, enforcement of the arrears might well be nothing more than a windfall to the mother, bearing no relation to any support or care the minor actually received during her childhood. In re Marriage of Wilson, 4 Cal . App. 5th 1011, 1011, 208 Cal . Rptr. 3d 779, 779, 2016 Cal . App. LEXIS 910, *1 The appellate court agreed with father’s contention that the family court’s discretion to deny enforcement of a support order is not limited to circumstances in which the obligor parent cares for a child in his or her own home, but is broad enough to embrace a situation in which neither parent is raising the child at home. In re Marriage of Wilson, 4 Cal . App.

5th 1011, 1011, 208 Cal . Rptr. 3d 779, 779, 2016 Cal . App. LEXIS 910, *1. The bottom line, parents that owe substantial arrears in child support may have a defense against enforcement under In re Marriage of Wilson if the child was not actually living with the custodial parent but was instead living with the Grandparent and where the non-custodial parent is actually paying the Grandparent for the support of the child. *** Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, P.C. This article is n ot a solicitation. *** Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, P.C. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kureyeslaw@gmail.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com.

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Setting the stage for a...

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Work.

The way to convert people to see, live, and embrace the beauty of the Gospel of Christ is by providing them with opportunities to practice it. They don’t only learn the Gospel values in the classroom; they appreciate them more out there in the world with real people, as they minister to them. It’s even better that they become involved in these lived experiences of charity at a young age. It sets the stage for purposeful life during their adult years.

The Gospel this Sunday talks about Jesus whose desire is to make “fishers of men.” Isn’t this task being passed on to us, especially those of us who are parents and mentors?

Our mission is to form our children and our youth as mis-

sionary disciples of Jesus Christ, who lead lives devoid of obsessive self-possession, self-absorption, and self-entitlement, but filled with profound desire and purpose to help those in need and to make a positive impact in people’s lives. *** From a Filipino immigrant family, Reverend Rodel G. Balagtas was ordained to the priesthood from St. John’s Seminary in 1991. He served as Associate Pastor at St. Augustine, Culver City (1991-1993); St. Martha, Valinda (1993-1999); and St. Joseph the Worker, Canoga Park (19912001). In 2001, he served as Administrator Pro Tem of St. John Neumann in Santa Maria, CA, until his appointment as pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary, Los Angeles, in 2002, which lasted 12 years. His term as Associate Director of Pastoral Field Education at St. John’s Seminary began in July 2014.

tions in Southern California with an opportunity to compete for funding that will help further our impact in the communities we serve,” said Celia Chavez, President and General Manager, Telemundo 52 Los Angeles.

Project Innovation is a competitive grant challenge presented by the NBCUniversal Foundation and NBCUniversal Owned Television Stations, a division of NBCUniversal. NBC and Telemundo owned stations located in 11 markets, including Los Angeles, will collectively award approximately $5 million in grants over the span of two years to local organizations that are embracing technology and innovation to develop real-life solutions for their communities.

NBCUniversal-owned stations in each of the participating regions may select up to eight organizations in their communities as Project Innovation grant winners. Non-profit organizations that are leveraging media and technology to engage their constituencies in civic engagement, helping to close the socio-economic gap in their cities through innovative job training and workforce development programs, and are leading the way in shaping K-12 students to be the next generation of workers in advanced careers in STEM or STEAM fields are encouraged to apply for a Project Innovation grant.

For more information about Project Innovation, please visit NBCLA.com/ProjectInnovation and Telemundo52.com/comunidad. ■

C JANUARY 20-23, 2018 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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&

February 2018 priority dates

Immigration Corner

The Priority dates for the Philippines are as follows:

ATTY. MICHAEL GURFINKEL, ESQ

FAMILY CATEGORY:

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: ***

First Preference

Michael J. Gurfinkel has been an attorney for over 35 years and is licensed, and

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

Application Filing Date

Visa Issuance Date

October 1, 2007

August 1, 2005

(2A) Spouse and Second Preference minor children (below November 1, 21 years old) of green 2016 card holder

March 1, 2016

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

September 1, 2007

July 22, 2006

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

LABOR CERTIFICATION:

Application Filing Date

Visa Issuance Date

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

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)

Business Quote of the Week “If you love what you do and are willing to do what it takes, it’s within your reach. And it’ll be worth every minute you spend alone at night, thinking and thinking about what it is you want to design or build.”

- Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple Inc.

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 20-23, 2018

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PH competition body to tap independent Rising US yields drew ‘hot money’ group to study telco inductry’s impact away from PH in ‘17, says BSP

by Roy

by Daxim

Stephen C. Canivel Inquirer.net

The Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) may soon find out the impact of the controversial telco deal that ate up what could have been the country’s third telco player, following an independent market study to be conducted this year.

In a press briefing on Wednesday, January 17, PCC Commissioners said they would tap an independent body to conduct the market study in the telecommunications industry, along with other similar studies in industries that also impact consumer welfare.

The market study would offer a broad look into the entire value chain, including the aftermath of the P69 billion deal made by PLDT Inc. and Globe Telecom, Inc. of San Miguel Corp.’s telco assets in 2016.

The competition watchdog could not review the deal per se, following the decision of the Court of Appeals that the transaction was deemed approved, thus barring any scrutiny from PCC. In December last year, PCC asked the Supreme Court to review the lower court’s decision, noting that the latter made a mistake.

“This market study is a separate exercise, distinct from the review [of the transaction]. It would be looking at the entire telecommunications industry,” said Commissioner Johannes Benjamin Bernabe.

Officials said this would cover voice telephony, fixed broadband,

l. luCaS

Inquirer.net

An independent body will conduct a market study in the Philippine telecommunications industry, along with other similar studies in industries that also impact consumer welfare.

Inquirer.net photo

delivery of internet services, mobile internet transactions, and spectrum management, among others.

“Now, in terms of looking at the effect of the consolidation of telco assets in the hands of PLDT and Globe, in a way, I think without going too much into the review, it would be difficult to avoid looking at the consequences of the telecoms industry,” he said.

This comes as the government is looking for a possible third player that could compete with the powerful duopoly. The study would help PCC understand, among other things, if there are indeed enough resources available for future telco players.

Once the market study is completed, it could prompt PCC to open an investigative case of the industry. PCC could also recommend policies to other government agencies in addressing any possible competition concern.

The look into the telco industry is just one among many of such studies.

Commissioner Stella Alabastro Quimbo said they would subcontract independent studies for eight other sectors, namely: rice, meat and poultry, pharmaceuticals, land transportation, air transportation, agricultural credit, digital commerce, and retail.

“If we had enough plantilla positions, we’d do it ourselves but there’s so much on our plate right now. The nine sectors I mentioned earlier are going to be subcontracted,” she said.

Independent studies, some of which might be conducted by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), are being pursued to avoid any accusations of partiality, Bernabe said.

Moreover, on top of competent qualifications, he said the selection process would exclude “those with biases,” he added.

The strong foreign portfolio investment inflows of 2016 swung to outflows last year, as investors in stocks and bonds were attracted by rising returns overseas and put off by weak prospects of local mining stocks, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

In a press statement, the BSP said that portfolio investments — also called “hot money” due to their tendency to move rapidly in an out of markets depending on short term developments — ended 2017 with $205 million in net outflows.

This marked a sharp reversal from the net inflows of $404 million recorded in the previous year.

The central bank reassured that the pace of outflows had slowed toward the end of 2017 amid favorable fiscal developments.

“While net outflows were noted starting in the first quarter of the year ($568 million) attributable to international and domestic developments (such as the interest rate increases in the U.S., and the closure order for several mining companies in the country), the figure has subsequently declined as investors reacted positively to the various developments in the country, including the approval of the first phase of the tax reform program of the government,” it said.

According to the latest data,

registered foreign portfolio investments for 2017 aggregated $16.1 billion, 8.9 percent lower than the $17.6 billion level in the previous year.

On a monthly basis, the lowest gross inflows were recorded in August ($936 million) while the peak was noted in June ($2.0 billion). On a quarterly basis, the largest inflows were noted in the second quarter at $4.8 billion, representing 30 percent of the total for the year.

“This may be attributed to positive investor sentiment arising from the World Bank’s view that the Philippines will continue to be a top performer in the region, and the conflict resolution in Marawi City,” the central bank said. “These were further supported by accelerated net foreign buying as well as the approval by Congress of the first phase of the tax reform package.”

Outflows for the year amounting to $16.3 billion were, however, much lower compared to $17.2 billion in 2016. About 96.4 percent of the outflows represented capital repatriation, with the remaining 3.6 percent pertaining to earnings.

Portfolio investments registered during the year were mainly in Philippine Stock exchange-listed securities (81.9 percent) and peso-denominated

government securities (17.5 percent).

Net inflows were noted for other peso debt instruments and unit investment trust funds, while net outflows were recorded for PSe-listed securities, peso government securities, and peso time deposits.

The United Kingdom, the U.S., Singapore, Luxembourg, and Malaysia were the top five investor countries during the year, with combined share to total of 74.8 percent. The US continued to be the main destination of outflows, receiving 80.2 percent of total.

Registration of inward foreign investments with the BSP is optional under the liberalized rules on foreign exchange transactions.

The issuance of a BSP registration document entitles the investor or his representative to buy foreign exchange from authorized agent banks and/or their subsidiary/affiliate foreign exchange corporations for repatriation of capital and remittance of earnings that accrue on the registered investment.

Without this, the foreign investor can still repatriate capital and remit earnings on his investment but the foreign exchange will have to be sourced outside the banking system.

‘Sachet banking’ could boost financial inclusion MOST Filipino families remain unbanked and underserved and radical strategies like “sachet banking” can help them gain access to financial services, a financial technology firm said in a report released on Thursday.

FINTQ’s Inclusive Digital Finance Report Vol. 2, titled “Retail Financial Services in a Sachet economy,” said that about 71 percent of Filipino families were effectively unbanked as they had no savings account.

It estimated that about 16.1 million families did not make any bank deposits in 2015.

One in five underserved families have some level of access to formal financial institutions but they nevertheless choose options outside the system and still lack access to other financial products.

About 19 percent of the total 6.6 million banked families were described as “loan underserved”.

Also, 4 percent of banked families had deposits but did not report disbursing money for insurance premiums, which made them “insurance underserved”.

The report said that the unbanked and underserved could afford bank financial products if prices were within their means.

Most of the unbanked also own a mobile phone and can be served by micro, small and mediums enterprises (MSMes).

“A radical strategy is necessary to bring in more of the unbanked into the mainstream financial sector, and our research has shown that sachet

financial services could drive financial inclusion to scale in the shortest possible period of time,” it said.

FINTQ, the financial technology arm of Voyager Innovations, said banks should be encouraged to introduce “sacheted” banking products to communities down to the neighborhood level.

The company said that its KasamaKA Microsavings, KasamaKA Microinsurance, KasamaKA Microinvestment, and KasamaKA Lending (Lendr) platforms would allow banks and non-banks to offer financial products and services at lower prices by allowing micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMes) such as sari-sari stores to act as cash agents.

“We have a bold goal of including 30 million Filipinos in the formal financial system by 2020. This may be a long shot for an economy that is still cash-heavy but we know from the very start that unbanked families could be served better when banks tap the most ubiquitous device — the mobile phone — and the most pervasive touchpoint in the country — sari-sari stores,” FINTQ President Orlando Vea said.

Lito Villanueva, managing director of FINTQ, said: “Sachet banking is the last mile solution … In the months to come, our products will allow consumers to deposit in their bank accounts small amounts, not directly at a bank branch, but through sari-sari stores and other MSMes.” (Mayvelin Caraballo/ManilaTimes.net)

HSBC sees steady PH economic growth by mayvelin

u. CaRaballo ManilaTimes.net

PhILIPPINe economic growth will remain steady, hSBC said, given continued robust private consumption and expectations of a moderate monetary policy tightening.

Cheuk Wan Fan, head of investment strategy for Asia at hSBC Private Bank, said in a briefing on Wednesday, January 17, that they expected the Philippines to grow by 6.7 percent this year before accelerating to 6.8 percent in 2019.

The government has a 7.0-8.0 percent target for both years.

Fan also said that hSBC had a “neutral view” on Philippine equities as “ high remittances and strong investments support robust economic growth and steady earnings performance.”

“This helps mitigate risk of the high valuations of the Philippine stock market,” she added.

Fan said a rising middle class with a strong desire for consumption across Asia boded well for the sectors such as entertainment, education services, healthcare, lifestyle, and travel. hSBC also expects the region to benefit on China’s Belt and Road Initiative and Fan said that Philippine corporation should also look into partnerships Chinese infrastructure companies to complement the government’s “Build Build Build” program. “’Build Build Build’ is a key

infrastructure development initiative … and the Chinese government has already indicated their strong support for infrastructure development opportunities in the Philippines,” Fan said.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, meanwhile, is expected to finally adjust interest rates to address rising inflation.

“Currently, [we see a]25 basis points hike in interest rates in the second quarter of this year and we only expect one more hike in 2019 if the domestic economy sees more acceleration and if inflation continues to move up faster than expected.” Fan said.

More aggressive action could be in the cards, however, if the global interest rates cycle picks up and if domestic inflation also accelerates.

“But so far, we only anticipate relatively moderate inflation rate tightening in the country as we expect CPI (consumer price index) to average at 3.4 percent this year,” she added.

Average inflation hit 3.2 percent last year just above the mid-point of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ 2.0-4.0 target and the highest reading since 2014’s 4.1 percent.

In November, the central bank’s policymaking Monetary Board raised its 2018 inflation forecast to 3.4 percent from 3.2 percent, citing higher oil prices, an expected increase in domestic liquidity and a weaker peso as primary factors.

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Peso weakens to 50.80: $1 MANILA — The peso continued to weaken on Thursday, January 18, closing 9.50 centavos lower at 50.80 from Wednesday’s close of 50.705 to $1.

It opened slightly stronger at 50.73 to $1, but this was still lower compared to the 50.50 to $1 opening level the previous day.

Total volume reached $749.4 million, lower than the $930.65 million on Wednesday, January 17.

Asked if this was an impact of

local or external developments, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo said “both.” However, the official did not specify what are these developments.

Guinigundo described the currency’s behavior as “ordinary, regular movement of the peso.”

“It can vary, it can change, but if you look at the real effective exchange rate, it’s almost not moving,” Guinigundo said.

According to Guinigundo, the movement of the peso reflects the currency’s flexibility to adjust depending on economic conditions at certain points.

“What is important is that the peso is flexible, there is limited volatility, so that people are discouraged from speculating, and then when there’s little speculation on the market, then you have a very healthy foreign exchange,” he said.

(Mary Grace Padin/Philstar.com)

Business interest led to sacking of ex-Navy chief, says Alejano

by Audrey

MorAllo Philstar.com

MANILA — The P18-billion Navy modernization contract, blamed as the reason why former Navy Flag Officer in Command Ronald Joseph Mercado was relieved, may have involved the business interest of the contractor, an opposition lawmaker said in the House of Representatives.

Rep. Gary Alejano (Magdalo) said that it was odd that Malacañang got involved in the issue and stressed the removal from office of the head of a major service of the military such as the Navy could be done only with the imprimatur of President Rodrigo Duterte.

He asked who was backing HHI in the presidential palace and wondered if some unscrupulous people had already financially benefited from the questionable deal.

“Why should the Navy explain to Sec. Bong Go (special assistant to the president) why Thales Tacticos was chosen despite the lobby for Hanwha Systems? Does Sec. Bong Go know the technical specifications and needs of the Navy more than it which did thorough research on the frigate?”

Alejano said.

Alejano also connected the Navy acquisition issue, which could cost the government around P18 billion, to the stance of the administration on the dispute in the West Philippine Sea. The Philippines, under Duterte, has forged closer ties with Beijing, despite their long-standing disputes in the strategic body of water, in an effort to court Chinese money to invest into its developing economy.

“Is he concerned that China would be angered if we strengthened our external defense capa-

Magdalo Rep. Gary Alejano said that a business interest may have prevailed over the welfare of the nation in the Philippine Navy’s frigate acquisition project.

Philstar.com photo

bilities?” Alejano asked.

The former Navy and Marine officer said the relief of Mercado might be because of his stance in the Philippine Navy’s multi-billion peso project in which the former Navy chief was determined to fight for and protect the interest of the country’s force.

“The controversy is a case where the ‘contractor won over the Navy.’ The wishes of the contractor, Hyundai Heavy Industries or HHI, which will construct the Navy’s two frigates, prevailed upon what the Philippine Navy, their end-user, wanted,” Alejano said in his privilege speech at the House.

According to Alejano, Mercado was removed, so the Navy, through its Technical Inspection and Acceptance Committee, would accept the design, on which the actual building will base, proposed by HHI. Alejano said that Hyundai did not follow the specifications that the Navy wanted for its frigates.

He added that the contractor also failed to submit many crucial documents such as drawings and list of equipment needed for the

military to check if the design adhered to the specifications of the contract.

“When there were discussions, the contractor would say that this had the approval of high officials,” the opposition lawmaker said in Filipino.

Despite the opposition of the Navy, the Department of National Defense, Alejano said, insisted on using the CMS of Hanwha Systems, a South Korean firm. The CMS is considered the “brain” of the ship as it integrates all the systems of the ship including weapons, sensors, communication and navigation.

“The Navy said that Hanwha CMS was non-compliant and will put it at a disadvantage,” he said.

According to Alejano, Hanwha Systems was chosen by HHI despite the Navy’s choice of Thales Tacticos of Netherlands, which had a better record, more advanced systems and more experience in marine defense systems.

“Allowing the shipbuilder to dictate the configuration of a warship is gravely dangerous when it comes to national security and defending one’s sovereignty.

The end-user must dictate what mission critical equipment they should choose while getting the best value for money,” Alejano said.

The choice of HHI was also questionable as its main rival for the project, Garden Rearch Shipbuilders and Engineers of India, submitted a bid which was lower

by P700 million than the South Korean firm’s.

GRSE, despite being a government company of India and covered with sovereign funds, was disqualified due to non-compliance to net financial contracting capacity, according to Alejano.

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San Miguel moves closer to merging food, beverage units under Pure Foods by iris

Gonzales Philstar.com

MANILA — San Miguel Corp. has moved closer to its goal of consolidating its food and beverage businesses under San Miguel Pure Foods Co. Inc. During the special stockholders meeting of San Miguel Pure Foods, shareholders approved the change in the company’s by laws which will facilitate the merger of all SMC’s food and beverage businesses under one company.

SMC is consolidating its food and beverage businesses into SMPFI which will be renamed San Miguel Food and Beverage Inc. Officials said Purefoods would conduct a tender offer for shares of Ginebra San Miguel Inc. if the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) mandates the company to do so.

Purefoods will also do a tender offer to increase its public ownership to at least 15 percent in the second quarter of the year, said

SMC chief finance officer and treasurer Ferdinand Constantino.

Shareholders also approved the hike in SMPFI’s authorized capital stock to P12 billion divided into 11.6 billion common shares with a par value of P1 per share and 40 million preferred shares with a par value of P10 per share.

To be consolidated into SMPF are San Miguel Brewery Inc. and Ginebra San Miguel, Inc. The acquisition will be done through a P336 billion share swap.

Under the plan, SMC shall

subscribe to 4.24 billion additional common shares of Purefoods.

The transaction value is based on the independent transaction value of ING Bank with Standard Chartered Bank as the transaction adviser.

As full payment for the transaction, SMC will convey its 7.85 billion common shares in beer subsidiary San Miguel Brewery Inc. and 216.9 million common shares of Ginebra to Purefoods.

Purefoods will also seek the necessary approvals from the SEC.

GSIS hiking overseas investments

by Mary

Grace Philstar.com

Padin

MANILA — State-run Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) is planning to invest $800 million overseas to diversify its investments and take advantage of good returns.

In a press briefing, GSIS president and general manager Jesus Clint Aranas said the state pension fund is planning to further increase its overseas investments to about five percent of its assets from the current one to two percent share.

In line with this, the GSIS intends to invest in a Multi-Asset Strategy, deploying about $800 million of its portfolio into foreign currency denominated instruments this year.

Aranas said the GSIS is currently looking for two external fund managers to handle the investments.

“This is really testing the waters in investment so it’s not so big, we want to see how they handle our funds also,” Aranas said.

According to Aranas, investing overseas would help the GSIS meet its return-on-investment target of nine percent per year.

Currently, he said the GSIS investments in fixed income only yields

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In a press briefing, GSIS president and general manager Jesus Clint Aranas said the state pension fund is planning to further increase its overseas investments to about five percent of its assets from the current one to two percent share.

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about 5.5 percent.

“Global market is performing very good these days. Our return-of-investment average of 5.5 percent is below our ideal rate of nine percent per annum. We want to beat that, the index, that’s why we have a risk conservative approach,” he said.

Aside from foreign-currency instruments, Aranas said the GSIS also intends to increase its investment in infrastructure.

“We really want to be part of

the government’s massive infrastructure program, preferably equity. We are looking for the right partners,” he said.

Gracita Gilda Bocanegra, of the GSIS’ Fund Management Group, said the state pension fund plans to optimize investments in real estate and private equity.

As of November 2017, Bocanegra said the GSIS’ net income jumped 52.52 percent to P84.15 billion from P55.17 billion in the same period in 2016.

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