012619 - Los Angeles Weekend Edition

JANUARY 26-29, 2019 Volume 29 - No. 7 • 4 Sections – 30 Pages

FOLLOWING TEMPORARY US BAN ON FILIPINO WORKERS

PH DFA reminds Filipinos to abide by immigration rules

tend appropriate assistance to all its nationals pursuant to law,” said the DFA in a release on Wednesday, January 23.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently identified the Philippines as one of the foreign countries no longer eligible to participate in the H-2A and H-2B Nonimmigrant Worker Programs starting January 19, 2019 to

those in the U.S. — must “follow immigration rules and avoid staying beyond what is allowed in their THE Philippine Department of visas.”

Acknowledging the reasons for Foreign Affairs (DFA) is reminding Filipinos abroad to follow im- the ban, the DFA said that the Philmigration rules after the United ippines was open to working with States imposed a temporary one- the U.S. in addressing the issues.

“The Philippine Embassy in year ban on new Filipino migrant Washington, D.C. along with the workers.

The department said that Fili- other Philippine Consulates Genpinos living abroad — especially eral in the U.S., will continue to exby RAE

ANN VARONA AJPress

DATELINE

USA

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

“WHY DOES IT TAKE A STRIKE FOR THE DISTRICT TO MEET OUR BASIC NEEDS?”

Teachers respond to this week’s deal to end week-long LAUSD strike THE Los Angeles teachers union on Tuesday, January 22 successfully negotiated with the school district on a new contract that effectively ended the union’s first strike in 30 years.

From Jan. 14-22, one of the loudest protests in defense of quality public education spanned the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), which faced thunderous demands from the more than 30,000 members of United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA) to lower class size, hire more teachers and school support staff, and increase pay, as previously reported by the Asian Journal.

The union said that 81 percent of its members voted in favor of the tentative agreement, which addressed a majority of the teachers’ concerns.

“For years, our students were being starved u PAGE A3

u PAGE A2

TODA SUMMIT. President Rodrigo Duterte delivers his speech during the Tricycle Operators and Drivers’ Association (TODA) Summit at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City on Wednesday, January 23. TODA Summit 2019 is the first assembly of its kind in the last decade, which aimed to tackle various problems and concerns confronting the sector, including the operation of colorum units, traffic accidents, better access to affordable housing and financial programs, health care and social security, need for training programs, scholarships for dependents, access to other sources of livelihood and other matters that will help them achieve improved financial security.

Malacañang photo by King Rodriguez

PH House raises ‘social responsibility’ minimum age to 12 years old

by NATHALIE

ROBLES

AJPress

THE Philippine House of Representatives on Wednesday, January 23, approved on second reading the bill that would lower the minimum age of criminal responsibility despite the flak it earned from children rights groups and opposition members.

The House Bill (HB) 8858 initially provided that the minimum age for criminal liability PDEA chief Aaron Aquino talks to children who were nabbed during a drug operation in Navotas on Thursday, January 24. Photo Inset shows drugs and be changed from the current 15 years old to nine. cash seized during the raid. Philstar.com photo by KJ Rosales

However, the legislation garnered controversy from the public as it perceived the pre-adolescent age to be inappropriately young for jail.

House Committee on Justice Chairperson Salvador Leochon explained how the viva voce voting, or a vote of ayes and nays, took place during the plenary. The justice chair explained that the revision was born out of consensus from the majority of the members of the lower house.

“So, when there was a con-

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PH breaks tourism record ‘Jollibee vs JoyRulBee,’ JFC takes legal action against Chinese copycat in 2018 with 7.1-M arrivals

by NATHALIE

ROBLES

AJPress

PHILIPPINES’ Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC) is planning to take legal action against JoyRulBee in China for trademark infringement after a photo of the latter restaurant — bearing the same store design and color motif — made its rounds all over the internet.

“Our legal team has been taking the necessary steps in or-

der to protect and uphold our company’s trademark rights as provided for under the law,” JFC declared in a statement.

Christopher Guzman, a Filipino netizen based in China, posted a viral video on Tuesday, January 22, emphasizing the similarities of JoyRulBee in Guangxi, China to the Jollibee food chains in the Philippines.

As he and his wife entered the premises of the controversial JoyRulBee, he said that he

has not seen anything like that despite being in the country for a decade. However, he insisted that he prefers the Philippine fast-food chain over JoyRulBee. “Bilang Pinoy, siyempre batang Jollibee pa rin tayo. Sariling atin. Ito copy lang. Matindi ito, kopyang-kopya ang pwesto at may logo pa ng Jollibee. Sa 10 years namin sa China ngayon lang kami nakakita ng ganito (As Filipinos, we grew up eating Jolu PAGE A3

Trump agrees to temporarily reopen Pacquiao returns home after Broner win, gives government without update on eye injury and home burglary border wall funding

by NATHALIE

ROBLES

by AJPRESS

THE six-month closure of the world-famous Boracay island and negative international news did not stop foreign visitors from coming to the Philippines, as the country reached an all-time high of tourist arrivals in 2018, the Department of Tourism (DOT) announced this week.

The Philippines saw 7,127,168 foreign tourist arrivals last year, which was 7.65 percent higher than the previous year. In 2017, the country only had 6.62 million arrivals.

“This is a time that celebrates the 7.1 million tourist arrival count - the highest ever in our country’s history, while at the same time championing the cause of an economic activity that can support and transform lives of common Filipinos,” announced DOT Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat on Thursday, January 24.

The growth rate of the Philippine tourism surpassed the world average tourism growth and average growth for Asia and the Pacific of 6 percent, according to the u PAGE A3

AJPress

Deal comes after two bills to end longest government shutdown failed in U.S. Senate

sensus already of, ang sabi nila, ‘Ano ba, gusto ‘nyo ba sa 15?’

Ayaw naman nila. ‘Gusto ‘nyo ba sa 9?’ (So, to get the consensus, they were asked, ‘Do you want it at 15 years old?’ They didn’t. ‘Do you want it at 9 years old’) And many of them had reservations,” Leochon said.

“So I said, ‘Where can we find a compromise so that the bill will still pass?’ After all, as I said, it will be for the protection of children, one of the top priorities of

THE World Boxing Association (WBA) Welterweight reigning champion Manny Pacquiao returned home to the Philippines on Thursday, January 24 after his fight against American boxer Adrien Broner.

The Filipino boxer arrived in Manila on Thursday night and was welcomed by his supporters and fans at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1. Pacquiao boarded a Philippine Airlines (PAL) flight from Los Angeles, California with his wife, Jinkee and son, Israel.

After sustaining an eye injury during his fight against Broner, the defending champion assured Senator Manny Pacquiao meets the press shortly upon his arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 in Pasay City on Thursday, his Filipino supporters that it is nothing more Tourists and their pets enjoy the waters and sights offered by Boracay as the resort island in Aklan province welcomes visitors after a six-month January 24. Pacquiao defeated Adrien Broner in Las Vegas last January than a retinal scratch.

AS the government shutdown continued on to its 35th day on Friday, January 25 — the longest it has ever been in U.S. history — President Donald Trump announced that he would agree to a short-term deal to temporarily reopen the government.

The deal would reopen the government for three weeks until February 15, allowing lawmakers to continue negotiations on border security and Trump’s demands for a wall along the Southern border. u PAGE A4 19, retaining his welterweight title.

PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan

u PAGE A4

rehabilitation.

Inquirer.net photo by Marianne Bermudez

A january 26-29, 2019 • La WEEKEnD aSIan jOurnaL

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From the Front Page

PH House raises ‘social responsibility’...

PAGE A1 t Congress to be passed this year,” the chairperson added as reported by Rappler.

The justice chairperson emphasized that he took each of the representatives’ insights and accumulated the approval of the majority to change it to 12 instead of the previous nine that earned the ire of the public.

“Tinanong ko silang lahat (I

asked all of them), and when we got the more than majority of members, we decided to have it at uniform 12 years old instead of the original proposal of 9 years old,” he explained.

From ‘criminal liability’ to ‘social responsibility’ The lawmakers from the lower house also amended the term “criminal liability” to “social responsibility as they set to revise

the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006. After the second reading approval, HB 8858 is only one final reading away from hurdling the House vote.

The second reading approval of the said bill came two days after it was approved on the committee level. According to the rules of the lower legislative chamber, it can only be approved on its third and final reading after three session days, unless it is marked urgent by the president.

The bill, also known as “an act expanding the scope of the reformation and rehabilitation of children in conflict with the law and strengthening the social reintegration programs” is supported

by President Rodrigo Duterte, House Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III. ‘Children not criminals’ - other lawmakers, sectors Despite the recent changes, some lawmakers and groups aired their disapproval of the lowering of the minimum age of criminal liability (MACR). The Makabayan bloc of the lower house consisting of Bayan Muna, Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) and Kabataan issued statements regarding the said bill.

Bayan Muna Representative Carlos Zarate said that the bill would still “gravely hurt” and “harshly punish the children in the name of crime suppression and reduction.” He noted that it remains “anti-poor and antichild.”

“You don’t help victimized and marginalized children by branding them as criminals and limiting their options while growing up. This vile and callous retreat is, in fact, a clear indictment of the government’s failure until now to protect and advance the rights of our children, particularly those coming from the poor majority of our society. No less, this is still anti-poor and anti-child,” Zarate said.

ACT Representative Antonio Tinio and Kabataan Representative Sarah Elago condemned such move, suggesting that the government should focus on programs addressing the root cause of the criminal behavior instead of criminalizing the vulnerable sector.

“By turning its back on the bills to address the lack of education and health facilities, lack of ade-

u PAGE A4

#REALNUMBERSPH YEAR 2. Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Assistant Secretary Ana Marie P. Rafael reports the achievements of the government’s anti-drug campaign during the #RealNumbersPH Year 2 press conference at the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Headquarters in Quezon City on Friday, January 25. This year’s theme is “Tunay na Numero, Tunay na Tagumpay, Tunay na Pagbabago”. Also in photo are (from left) PDEA spokesperson, Director Derrick Arnold Carreon, and Plans and Operations Service Director Maharani R. Gadaoni-Tosoc.

PNA photo by Jess M. Escaros Jr.

PH DFA reminds Filipinos to...

PAGE A1 t

January 18, 2020.

The DHS highlighted the high rate of H-2B overstays from the Philippines as being a reason for the decision. In 2017, the DHS estimated that nearly 40-percent of Filipino H-2B visa holders overstayed their authorized stay period.

H-2B visas allow U.S. employers to bring foreign nationals to the U.S. to fill temporary non-agricultural jobs, while H-2A visas allow them to bring foreign nationals to fill temporary and seasonal agricultural jobs.

According to U.S. State Department statistics, the Philippines accounted for the majority of the visa types issued for Asia in 2017. Of the total 992 H-2B visas issued for Asia, 767 were for the Philippines.

Of the total 95 H-2A visas, 64 were for the country.

Philippine Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said on Tuesday, January 22 that while Malacañang Palace respected the U.S. government’s directive, it would seek to appeal the decision should the U.S. fail “to prove that there is basis to impose the ban.”

While he did not mention why the U.S. may not have had a basis for its decision, he said that the DFA would be in charge of working with the U.S. in addressing the issues and filing the possible appeal.

“If that is the law in the U.S. and if there were violations, then we

have to respect if they have basis for that. We will only react if our workers are being mistreated, maltreated or being discriminated against. And if they violated the law of the U.S., then they have to face the music,” said Panelo.

In its notification, the U.S. agency went on to cite the issue of human trafficking as another reason to warrant the removal of the Philippines from the visa programs.

The agency said that the U.S. Embassy in Manila issues the greatest number of T-derivative visas, which are reserved for family members of certain victims of severe forms of human trafficking.

In reviewing the status of T-1 recipients whose spouses were issued T-2 visas in the same period, the agency said approximately 60 percent were found to have been trafficked to the U.S. on H-2B visas.

It said the DHS and the U.S. Department of State “are concerned about the high volume of trafficking victims from the Philippines who were originally issued H-2B visas and the potential that continued H-2B visa issuance may encourage or serve as an avenue for future human trafficking from the Philippines.”

The same concern was also found for the H-2A visa program as applications to the program increased fourfold from 2015 to 2018.

In response to the concerns

posed by the U.S. agencies, Panelo said there was not much the Philippine government could do if the concerns were based on conducted investigations.

“When you say human trafficking, the U.S. government must have conducted [an] investigation on that. If their investigation yields that there was a violation, oh I don’t think pwede tayong makialam doon (we can interfere),” said Panelo.

He said that in the meantime, the Philippine government would look into its own anti-trafficking measures.

“What we can do is to do our own controls here para hindi nakaka dating doon iyong mga trafficking na nanggagaling sa atin (so that trafficking victims here don’t reach there),” said Panelo.

Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. spoke out about the one-year ban and blamed an unnamed labor attaché for the decision.

“One of our labor attaches questioned such visas so I guess we got what we asked for,” tweeted Locsin as a response to a question on the issue on Tuesday.

He said in a following tweet, “Thank you to the labor attache who denounced work/study J1 visas as slavery.”

“She started the halls rolling.

Salamat on behalf of Filipinos who won’t be allowed into the U.S. anymore. Good work. Shet,” he added.. n

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DATELINE USA

A3

‘Jollibee vs JoyRulBee,’ JFC takes legal action...

Teachers respond to this week’s deal to end...

PAGE A1 t of the resources they need. It is a historic day,” UTLA President Alex Caputo-Pearl said on Tuesday.

According to the agreement released on UTLA’s website on Tuesday, the union and the district agreed upon the “complete elimination of Section 1.5,” a mandate in the teachers’ contract that allowed the district to ignore classroom cap sizes in order to increase the capacity as it saw fit.

Before the agreement, class sizes ranged from 40 to 50 students in one classroom, which teachers said couldn’t afford individual attention. That means that class sizes are set to decrease steadily over the next few years: grades 412 will shrink by one in the 20192020 and 2020-2021 academic years and then by two the following year.

Additionally, the deal put a cap of 24 students for grades 3 and below.

Class size is a huge deal for teachers because student success hinges largely on an accessible relationship between teacher and student, according to Emily Reyes, a Filipina-American 5th-grade

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 26-29, 2019

PAGE A1 t

Fil-Am teacher Emily Reyes (right) with Jaime Lee Curtis, who shared the meeting in a Twitter post.

teacher at Crescent Heights Boulevard Elementary School in the Mid-City West area of LA. “[Smaller class size] is the hallmark of student success,” Reyes told the Asian Journal on Tuesday

Over 30,000 teachers, students, and supporters marched in the rain during the first day of the LA Unified School District teachers’ strike on Monday, January 14.

in an interview near the LAUSD headquarters in downtown LA. “If I have 40 kids in my class, I don’t get to have those personal conferences where I can give feedback and help. And by not having that opportunity, I’m not able to connect with those students and I’m not able to fulfill their needs because sometimes it’s not just their learning needs. It’s also about their emotional needs.”

Additionally, the agreement provided that a nurse be available on campus on all school days, a triumph after educators criticized that the district’s budget and staff cuts resulted in most schools having an on-site nurse once a week.

Middle schools would have full library services, and in high schools, the student per counselor

u PAGE A4

libee. So, I would still prefer Jollibee, of course. Our very own.

This is severe, it really copied the store and logo of Jollibee. In our 10 years in China, this is the first time we saw something like this),” Guzman said.

Aside from having the same mascot and logo of a happy bee, the store had the same colors of a familiar red with yellow accent.

It also offered a similar menu like fried chicken, burgers and ice cream, among others, but the serving size and prices were different.

“The particular JoyRulBee infringing store in Guangxi, China has already been brought to the attention of JFC even before the post went viral in social media,” JFC said as the post sparked intrigue on trademark infringement and intellectual property.

According to a report from The Philippine Daily Inquirer, the viral video garnered more than 157,000 views, 1,500 reactions and over 8,600 shares since it was posted.

JFC is considered the largest food service network in Asia with 3,003 restaurant outlets in the Philippines and 1,345 abroad.

In the Philippines alone, there are 1,110 Jollibee locations. JFC has since expanded to Mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, the United States, Canada, Italy and the United Kingdom.

Among its other popular food Image from a viral video shows the JoyRulBee fast food outlet in Guangxi, China. The restaurant and restaurant brands are Chowk- uses Jollibee’s popular bee mascot. The counter displays and menus are also similar to Jollibee Contributed photo Christopher Guzman ing, Greenwich, Red Ribbon, outlets. ership of burger chain Smash- nounced a $12.4 million deal Mang Inasal and Burger King.

In December last year, the burger, after taking a $100 with Tortas Frontera, a fast-cacompany announced that spent million stake earlier that Feb- sual Mexican restaurant in the $10 million to acquire full own- ruary. In September, it also an- United States. ■

PH breaks tourism record in 2018 with...

PAGE A1 t latest United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) World Tourism Barometer.

This tourism milestone happened amidst the closure of the country’s flagship destination and the Department’s change of leadership last year.

“The challenging act of closing down Boracay- a flagship destination, the country’s top sun-and-beach destination has evidently become a blessing in disguise for secondary tourism spots to have a share of the limelight and attention they truly deserve,” Puyat said on Thursday.

“It shows that turning off the Teachers went on strike from Jan. 14 to 22 until the United Teachers Los Angeles union and the LA Unified School District reached an agreement faucet when the water is unclear on Tuesday, January 23.

Photos courtesy of All courtesy of United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA) can bring a fresher flow in just

an unexpected period of time.

With this, we have also seen the transition from a mass tourism perspective shifting into a highvalue tourism direction that prioritizes quality over mere quantity.”

The island’s rehabilitation opened up opportunities for alternative destinations like Siargao, Iloilo, Palawan, La Union, Romblon and Siquijor, among others attracting more foreign tourists from the different markets.

South Korea remained the country’s top source market with 1,587,959, while China recorded 1,255,258 arrivals, the most improved market with a 29.62 percent growth rate.

The United States remained

at third with 1,034,396 arrivals.

Japan and Australia made up the top five markets with 631,801, and 279,821 arrivals respectively.

Completing the top 12 markets are Taiwan, 240,842; Canada, 226,429; United Kingdom, 201,039; Singapore, 171,795; Malaysia, 145,242; India, 121,124, and Hongkong, 117,984.

December registered 687,726 foreign tourist arrivals second best to the month of January 2018 at 732,506.

“We are now in a time in need of vigilance - a dedication to the principle of a sustainable and inclusive tourism industry,” Puyat said. ■

A january 26-29, 2019 • La WEEKEnD aSIan jOurnaL

Dateline USa

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CIT Bank renews partnership with a new grant for first-time homebuyer assistance in Los Angeles

THE Los Angeles Housing and Community Investment Department (HCIDLA) this week announced that CIT Bank has awarded a $400,000 grant to the department to help lowerincome Angelenos achieve the American Dream.

In late 2017, CIT Bank provided $400,000, which enabled HCIDLA to assist 28 hard-working families in purchasing single-family homes and condominiums throughout the city.

For this purpose, CIT is now renewing that grant for another year.

For over 25 years, HCIDLA has operated first-time homebuyer assistance programs, providing eligible first-time homebuyers with purchase assistance in the form of a deferred-payment “soft second” loan to be used toward a down payment, acquisition and closCLOSED FOR RENOVATION. The Manila Zoo will be temporarily closed to the public starting Wednesday, January 23 in line with the government’s ing costs. Personal income tax rehabilitation of Manila Bay to give way for the construction of sewer lines for zoo waste. Department of Environment and Natural Resources officials, credits in the form of mortgage while inspecting Manila Bay, found out that the 60-year-old Manila Zoo does not have a sewage treatment plant.

PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan credit certificates (MCCs) are also available to first-time buyers.

“CIT is pleased to partner with the City of LA and renew PAGE A1 t tante (The burglars found noth- ed that it might be an inside our support for first-time, low“Wala naman, it’s OK. Gasgas ing except that they took some job since one burglar seemed and moderate income families lang, bugbog lang (It’s nothing, of our clothes and shoes which too careful and familiar with in their efforts to secure perit’s okay. Just a scratch. Just are not important), ” Pacquiao the location of the CCTV camswelling). I’ve experienced it said as reported by The Manila eras. before on my other side. Noth- Times.

The initial investigation ing to worry about,” the Filipino His relatives reported that claimed that the burglars broke champion assured. several expensive shoes, in at past 8 p.m. on Saturday. PAGE A1 t Burglary could be an “inside clothes, laptops went missing They returned to the mansion “I am very proud to announce job” after the said break-in. Lilia twice, again at12:27 a.m. today that we have reached a The prided boxer also ensured Lao, the boxer’s aunt, claimed The LAPD said that it was deal to end the shutdown and the public that nothing impor- that a small vault beside the still in the early stages of the reopen the federal government,” tant was taken from his home in dining room was taken. investigation. The department said Trump. the Hancock Park neighborhood =The Los Angeles Police De- has collected fingerprints to be It would also allow the 800,000 of Los Angeles when burglars partment (LAPD) revealed that recorded in the database. They furloughed federal workers to rebroke in while everyone was out one of the four suspects was also obtained CCTV footage ceive missed payments for the watching him in Las Vegas. heavily covered with clothes from Pacquiao’s home and his past five weeks of the partial gov“Walang nakawan, ilang as shown in the closed-circuit neighbors. ernment shutdown. gamit lang nawala, sapatos at television (CCTV) cameras.

The suspects in the crime “As everyone knows, I have ilang damit. Mga hindi imporPacquiao’s relatives suspect- have yet to be identified. n a very powerful alternative but didn’t want to use it at this time,” he added, likely referring to his authority to declare a national emergency.

PAGE A2 t tacks children. It does not in any nal responsibility. The notion is While the deal does not inquate housing, and the low wages way solve the immediate prob- barbaric, disrespectful of human clude any promises for border and salaries, this administration lems children in conflict with the dignity, ignorant of social condi- wall funding, which Democrats will only further subject poor law face,” Elago said. tions on the ground, and entirely have refused to negotiate unfamilies [to] greater poverty. We The Concerned Artists of the unsupported by scientific and til the government reopened, strongly condemn the passage of Philippines (CAP) called the pro- scholarly evidence,” it said.

Trump made clear that he was this anti-poor and anti-child bill posed bill “barbaric, disrespect“Let us continue to protect our not backing down on his border on 2nd reading,” Tinio said. ful and ignorant” noting that it is children and youth from this as- wall demands nor his authority to “Lowering the MACR, whether a state-sponsored assault to the sault of the state. Let us demand declare a national emergency. from the age of 9 or 12, will still public. accountability from the real per“Let me be very clear. We lead to continued attacks [on] “Children are not criminals. petrators and enforcers of crimi- really have no choice but to children. The amendments do not We reject the proposed lower- nal behavior in the Philippines,” build a powerful wall or steel change the fact that this bill at- ing of the age bracket of crimi- CAP added. n barrier,” said Trump on Friday.

“If we don’t get a fair deal from Congress, the government will either shut down on February 15 again or I will use the powers afforded to me under the laws and the Constitution of the United States to address this emergency.”

On building the new wall, Trump downplayed previous considerations for a concrete wall and said that “2,000 miles of concrete wall from sea to shining

Pacquiao returns home after...

manent single-family housing,” said Steve Solk, president of Consumer Banking for CIT. “Together, we are committed to strengthening neighborhoods and enhancing the lives of local L.A. residents.”

With rising home prices and interest rates, the path to homeownership has become increasingly difficult, especially for low- and moderate-income first-time homebuyers.

HCIDLA’s resources for firsttime homebuyers are primarily federal grants and MCCs via the California Debt Limit Allocation Committee (CDLAC). With these limited resources HCIDLA can typically assist fewer than 100 home buying low-income households a year and thus continuously seeks other grant sources.

This second $400,000 grant from CIT will enable HCIDLA to provide loans to an additional 28 homebuyers.

Denise Harris, a new homeowner, received an HCIDLA Low Income Purchase Assistance (LIPA) loan of $60,000, including $15,000 from the CIT grant awarded in late 2017.

“I am grateful for the program and all the assistance that

I received. I am a single mother of three and obtained a brand new home through the wonderful LIPA Program and Habitat for Humanity,” Harris said.

“This has been a blessing to my family and made my homeownership dream a more affordable possibility.”

Another new homeowner assisted by the CIT grant, Nelson Armando Flores, shared that “The LIPA Program made my dream of owning a home come true. I had been thinking of purchasing a home for myself and my family for over eight years but with home prices being so high, it always seemed like just a dream. Thanks to this wonderful program, my wife, three sons and myself, now own our own home. Thank you for this great opportunity. Hopefully, this program never ends.”

HCIDLA General Manager Rushmore Cervantes, stated that, “HCIDLA is pleased to accept this new CIT grant, which will support our loan programs for low-income, first-time homebuyers. The demand for assistance by highly qualified buyers is far greater than the limited resources available for this purpose.” n

Trump agrees to temporarily reopen...

PH House raises ‘social responsibility’...

sea” was not needed.

“We never did, we never proposed that, we never wanted that because we have barriers at the border where our natural structures are as good as anything we can build. They’re already there.

They’ve been there for millions of years,” said the president.

Trump also thanked the federal workers who he said had “shown such extraordinary devotion in the face of this recent hardship.”

Among the federal workers heavily affected by the shutdown were airport employees and agents of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA). Just hours before Trump’s announcement, flights coming into New York City’s LaGuardia Airport were put on hold and departures delayed as the FAA cited staffing issues resulting from the shutdown as being the reason.

Staffing problems at the Jacksonville and Washington Air Route Traffic Control Centers also caused delays in New Jersey and Philadelphia airports.

In Los Angeles, Mayor Eric Garcetti said that while the plan to reopen the government was good news for those who needed to get back to work, a “fullyfunctioning federal government” is what was really needed.

“Americans need more than a band-aid,” he said, referring to the reopening plan.

Garcetti added, “If the president brings us back to this point again, we have plans in place to support our hardworking TSA employees so that they can stay on the job without worrying about how to put food on the table.”

The announcement on ending the shutdown came a day after U.S senators met to vote on a pair of bills to reopen the government, but neither bills — one that included wall funding and one that did not — were able to garner enough votes.

First voted on was a Republican bill which included President Donald Trump’s proposal requesting $5.7 billion for the border wall, along with funding for 2,000 additional Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, 750 addition Border Patrol agents, and 375 additional Customs and Border Protection officers.

The second vote was for a Democratic bill which called for the reopening of the government at last year’s funding levels to allow Congress to further negotiate border security issues. It also provided $14 billion in unrelated disaster-relief funding for wildfires, hurricanes, and other disaster events.

Both bills needed 60 votes to pass, but fell short during the back-to-back voting with the Republican bill getting 50-47, and the Democratic bill getting 5244. (Rae Ann Varona/AJPress)

Teachers respond to this week’s deal to end...

PAGE A3 t ratio would be 500:1. (On average a single counselor would be responsible for closer to 1,000 students, previously, Reyes said.)

Additionally, teachers gained a 6 percent salary raise and successfully halted the district’s plan to cut health care benefits.

Specifically, teachers would get a 3 percent retro salary increase (back pay owed) for the 2017-2018 school year, and a 3 percent retro increase by July 1, 2018.

“We can’t serve our children as well if we don’t have the resources to do that,” Reyes said. “How do you expect to have high success rates when you’re basically preparing us to fail? We don’t even get a fair chance because we don’t have everything that we need.”

The strike’s impact Last week, Reyes accompanied a union member for a talking head interview on HLN’s Headline News. When they arrived in the green room of the CNN building in LA, Reyes had been talking with someone about the strikes and mentioned that she was a teacher.

From across the corridor, she heard someone shout, “I support you!”

Reyes turned around and saw legendary “scream queen” and philanthropist Jamie Lee Curtis who invited Reyes into her dressing room to chat.

“She told me how much she supported the teachers, and I was really starstruck because I immediately thought of True Lies and Halloween,” Reyes said with a laugh.

“So it really meant something that there was this really famous actress and important figure in Hollywood supporting our cause.”

Awareness of the campaign was partially elevated through celebrity support, which increased publicity and impact. Actress and creator of “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” Rachel Bloom, comedienne Kathy Griffin and actress Busy Philipps were among the droves of public figures to stand in solidarity with the teachers.

In the grand scheme of things, the strike gave teachers what they

Estimates say that the district lost $151.4 million in revenue during the six-day strike, the first one in LA in 30 years.

Photo courtesy of All courtesy of United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA)

asked for: a reduction in class size, ample staffing and a salary raise.

(Teachers who asked not to be quoted noted that “a majority” of teachers aren’t pleased with the retro salary increases, and would have preferred a traditional salary raise.)

After the agreement was made and the teachers returned to the classrooms to resume their lessons on Wednesday, all seems calm on the schoolyard front.

But the strike puts into sharp relief the state of American public education and, more specifically, the value of public schools to district officials and lawmakers from the local, state and federal levels of government.

“It took so many variables for us to get even the bare minimum of what teachers deserve. We had to strike for a week, celebrities and public figures had to bring awareness to the issue and all these things, and we are far from the only public school district fighting for these necessary changes,” another teacher at John Burroughs Middle School in Mid-Wilshire, who also requested to remain anonymous, told the Asian Journal after school hours on the first day back after the strike.

The John Burroughs teacher noted his students’ relief that they

wouldn’t have to spend any more days watching movies in the auditorium while their teachers were out “fighting for their right.”

But, still, he pondered of the time spent (in his words, “time wasted”) that could’ve been used to ensure more students wouldn’t have to suffer with paltry resources and overly inflated classes that affected teacher-student mentorship.

“It may sound weird, but I keep thinking about the years and years we had to make do with what paltry resources we had, and the years of inflated class sizes. I think a lot about the students who didn’t get a [positive] classroom experience because I didn’t have time for them individually,” he said, noting that class size was his biggest issue, “more so than pay raises.”

The six-day strike cost the district an estimated $151.4 million based on the attendance numbers.

“Why does it take a strike for the district to meet our basic needs? This shouldn’t have happened, and I know it sounds helplessly negative, and I should happy we’ve reached this agreement, but I really resent the district for being inattentive about the obvious,” he lamented. (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)

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Dateline USa

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARy 26-29, 2019 A

DC forum highlights ‘happy ending’ to Balangiga Bells saga

NATIONAL ARTS MONTH. Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Assistant Secretary Ana Maria Paz Rafael (2nd from left), together with National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) Art Ambassadors Ian Veneracion (left) and Pia Wurtzbach (2nd from right), and NCCA Music Ambassador KZ Tandingan (right), each receive a native guitar, during the press conference for National Arts Month Celebration in February. The conference was held at the NCCA head office in Intramuros, Manila on Tuesday, January 22.

PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan

Trump zeroes in on surprise medical bills in White House chat with patients, experts

by EmmariE

HuEttEman Kaiser Health News

PRESIDENT Donald Trump on Wednesday, January 23, instructed administration officials to investigate how to prevent surprise medical bills, broadening his focus on drug prices to include other issues of price transparency in health care.

Flanked by patients and other guests invited to the White House to share their stories of unexpected and outrageous bills, Trump tasked his health secretary, Alex Azar, and labor secretary, Alex Acosta, with working on a solution, several attendees said.

“The pricing is hurting patients, and we’ve stopped a lot of it, but we’re going to stop all of it,” Trump said during a roundtable discussion when reporters were briefly allowed into the otherwise closed-door meeting.

David Silverstein, the founder of a Colorado-based nonprofit called Broken Healthcare who attended, said Trump struck an aggressive tone, calling for a solution with “the biggest teeth you can find.”

“Reading the tea leaves, I think there’s big change coming,” Silverstein said.

Surprise billing, or the practice of charging patients for care that is more expensive than anticipated or not covered by their insurance, has received a flood of attention in the past year, particularly as Kaiser Health News and other news organizations have undertaken investigations into patients’ most outrageous medical bills.

Attendees said each of 10 invited guests — among them patients as well as doctors with their own stories of unexpected bills — was given an opportunity to talk, though Trump did not stay to hear all of their stories during the roughly hourlong gathering.

The group included Paul Davis, a retired doctor from Findlay, Ohio, whose family’s experience with a $17,850 bill for a simple urine test was detailed in a KHNNPR “Bill of the Month” feature last year.

Davis’ daughter, Elizabeth Moreno, was a college student in Texas when she had spinal surgery to remedy debilitating back pain. After the surgery, she was asked to provide a urine sample and later received a bill from an out-of-network lab in Houston that tested it. Experts said such tests rarely cost more than $200, not nearly what the lab charged Moreno and her insurance company. But fearing damage to his daughter’s credit, Davis paid the lab $5,000 and filed a complaint with the Texas attorney general’s

office, alleging “price gouging of staggering proportions.”

Davis said White House officials made it clear that price transparency is a “high priority” for Trump, and while they did not see eye to eye on every subject, he said he was struck by their sincerity.

“These people seemed earnest in wanting to do something constructive to fix this,” Davis said.

Dr. Martin Makary, a surgeon and health policy expert at Johns Hopkins University who has written about transparency in health care and attended the meeting, said it was a good opportunity for the White House to hear firsthand about a serious and widespread issue.

“This is how most of America lives, and [Americans are] getting hammered,” he said.

Trump has often railed against high prescription drug prices but has said less about other problems with the nation’s health care system. In October, shortly before the midterm elections, he unveiled a proposal to tie the price Medicare pays for some drugs to the prices paid for the same drugs overseas, for example.

Trump, Azar and Acosta said efforts to control costs in health care were yielding positive results, discussing in particular the expansion of association health plans and the new requirement that hospitals post their list prices online. The president also took credit for the recent increase in generic drug approvals, which he said would help lower drug prices.

Discussing the partial government shutdown, Trump said Americans “want to see what we’re doing, like today we lowered prescription drug prices, first time in 50 years,” according to a White House pool report.

Trump appeared to be referring to a recent claim by the White House Council of Economic Advisers that prescription drug prices fell last year.

However, as STAT pointed out in a recent fact check, the report from which that claim was gleaned said “growth in relative drug prices has slowed since January 2017,” not that there was an overall decrease in prices.

Annual increases in overall drug spending have leveled off as pharmaceutical companies have released fewer blockbuster drugs; patents have expired on brandname drugs; and the waning effect of a spike driven by the release of astronomically expensive drugs to treat hepatitis C. Drugmakers are also wary of increasing their prices in the midst of growing political pressure.

Since Democrats seized control

Fil-Am arrested for allegedly stabbing to death his own mom SAN JOSE — A Filipino-American man in this city was arrested for allegedly stabbing his own mother to death, authorities said Monday, January 21.

San Jose police said officers responded on Thursday, January 17, to a possible dead body on the 1300 block of Darryl Drive at about 9:24 p.m.

Officers arrived and found 52year-old Maribeth Garces Ablaza suffering from at least one stab wound. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators identified Michael Ablaza, 25, the victim’s son as the murder suspect.

Homicide detectives arrested him on Friday, January 18 and booked into the Santa Clara County Jail.

No other information was immediately available.

Anyone with information about

San Jose Police suspect Michael Ablaza of killing his own mother.

Photo courtesy of San Jose Police

the case was asked to contact the San Jose Police Department’s Homicide Unit at 408-277-5283. n

Discharged US army serviceman arrested in QC buy-bust

A DISCHARGED member of the U.S. Army was arrested in a drug buy-bust operation in Quezon City on Thursday, January 24.

Operatives of the Cubao Police Station launched the bust against Allan Gayoso, a U.S. citizen, along St. Mary Street corner Columbia Street in Barangay E. Rodriguez at around 3 a.m, the Quezon City Police District reported.

Police then arrested Gayoso after consummating the deal with a poseur buyer. Confiscated from him were 11 sachets of suspected “shabu” worth P7,000 and P500 used in the buy-bust.

of the House of Representatives this month, party leaders have rushed to announce investigations and schedule hearings dealing with health care, focusing in particular on drug costs and protections for those with preexisting conditions.

Last week, the House Oversight Committee announced a “sweeping” investigation into drug prices, pointing to an AARP report saying the vast majority of brand-name drugs had more than doubled in price between 2005 and 2017.

KHN correspondents Shefali Luthra and Jay Hancock contributed to this report.

This story was produced by Kaiser Health News, which publishes California Healthline, a service of the California Health Care Foundation.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – A forum on Jan. 22 brought together renowned speakers who were among significant contributors to the successful effort to return of the Balangiga bells to the Philippines in December 2018.

The Philippine Embassy and the US-Philippines Society cohosted “Return of the Balangiga Bells: A Historical Perspective and Significance” at the Philippine Chancery Annex.

The Balangiga Bells were returned to the Philippines with an arrival ceremony in Villamor Air Base on Dec. 11, 2018, after having spent years in the United States as war trophies from the Philippine-American War at the end of the 19thcentury. They were handed over to the San Lorenzo de Martir Parish Church in Balangiga, Eastern Samar on 15 Dec.15, 2018.

The panelists were Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel G. Romualdez; Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for South and Southeast Asia, Dr. Joseph H. Felter; Philippine Honorary Consul to Florida, Dr. Henry B. Howard; and Commanding Officer of Naval Supply Systems Command (1988-1991), Rear Admiral Daniel McKinnon, Jr. SC. USN (Ret.).

Admiral McKinnon provided the historical background of the bells, while Consul Howard and Deputy Assistant Secretary Felter recounted the dedicated efforts exerted by Filipinos and Americans alike who worked tirelessly for the bells’ home-

Panelists of the Forum on the Return of the Balangiga Bells, from left: Philippine Honorary Consul to Florida, Dr. Henry B. Howard; Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel G. Romualdez; Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for South and Southeast Asia, Dr. Joseph H. Felter; and Commanding Officer of Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) (1988-1991), Rear Admiral Daniel McKinnon, Jr. SC, USN (Ret.).

Inquirer.net photo

coming.

Representative Donald Bacon (R-NE 2nd District) who was present during the forum also underscored the significance of the bell’s return to PH-US friendship and alliance in his brief remarks.

Ambassador Romualdez again expressed the Philippine government’s gratitude to the United States for “doing what is right”, and further underscored the strong people-to-people ties between the two countries.

“We never forget friends.

Once you are a friend of ours, you are a friend forever. The latest survey indicates that 85 percent of Filipinos trust the United States as an ally. We trust that this country will do what is right”, the Ambassador remarked.

“The return of these bells will

never be forgotten by the people of the Philippines,” he further emphasized.

“The forum provided an unusually comprehensive and insightful happy-ending account of a successful effort by a committed team of players both inside and outside of government working for years against the odds with many dramatic near-misses along the way. Presentations underscored the significance of the Bells return in addressing a historical grievance, promoting reconciliation, strengthening people-to-people ties and fostering strategic cooperation. The US-Philippines Society and its members were privileged to have played a role in supporting this remarkable initiative,” said USPhilippines Society Executive Director Hank Hendrickson who also served as moderator. n

A january 26-29, 2019 • La WEEKEnD aSIan jOurnaL

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D ateline PhiliPPines 4 years later, Palace urges Ombudsman to resolve SAF 44 case

MANILA — As the country commemorates the lives of 44 elite police officers who died in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, Malacañang called on the Office of the Ombudsman to resolve the case filed against those responsible for their deaths.

On Jan. 25, 2015, 67 Filipinos- including 44 Special Action Force commandos--died in a clash involving members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and other armed groups.

A police board that investigated the clash noted lack of coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and a ceasefire committee as well as poor planning in the operation against international terrorist Zulkifli Bin Hir, also known as Marwan, and Filipino bombmaker Basit Usman.

Aside from the SAF troopers,

18 MILF fighters and five civilians died in the clash.

“Even as we continue to pray for the eternal repose of the souls of these gallant heroes who were recipients posthumously of the PNP Medal of Valor and as we share in the grief of their bereaved families, we urge the Office of the Ombudsman to resolve with dispatch the case filed against those who recklessly placed them in mortal peril,” presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a statement.

Malacañang stressed that the nation demands justice for the fallen police officers and prosecution for those responsible for the tragic incident.

“Never again will we allow a recurrence of such tragic event.

Those in authority must learn from the mistakes of the past otherwise those valorous men in uniform would have died in

vain,” Panelo said.

In July 2017, the Office of the Ombudsman found probable cause to charge former President Benigno Aquino III with usurpation of authority and graft.

The former president had earlier claimed full responsibility for the deaths of the so-called SAF 44.

Aside from Aquino, former Philippine National Police chief Alan Purisima and former PNPSAF director Getulio Napeñas Jr. were also charged with usurpation of authority under Article 177 of the Revised Penal Code and violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. Last year, Solicitor General Jose Calida asked the Supreme Court to order the Office of the Ombudsman to file 44 counts of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide against Aquino, Purisima and Napeñas. (Patricia Lourdes Viray/Philstar.com)

FILIPINO-MADE. Duty Free Philippines Corp. chief operating officer, Vicente Pelagio A. Angala, shows Philippine products that are on display at the Duty Free Luxe, Pacific Drive, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City on Wednesday, January 23. This is in line with the tourism department’s thrust to promote proudly Pinoy-made products through the Philippines’ Finest Kiosk.

PNA photo by Gil Calinga

Facebook pledges to combat ‘false LAW OFFICES OF DARRICK V. TAN news’, fake accounts ahead of May polls SERVING MY FELLOW KABABAYANS FOR OVER 17 YEARS

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by Ryan

MacaseRo Philstar.com

GLOBAL social media giant Facebook promised to fight fake accounts, “false news” and online harassment ahead of the 2019 midterm elections.

“The goal of Facebook in elections is to make it harder to interfere with elections on the platform, and easier for people to make their voices heard in the political process,” Katie Harbath, director of Facebook’s Global Politics and Outreach team said in a conference with Filipino reporters on Thursday, January 24.

Harbath was in Manila to brief media on what they are doing to ensure that Facebook is not used as a tool to manipulate voters.

She said that the most important action they are taking right now is moving to remove as many accounts spreading propaganda and “false news” as much as possible.

“We are committing to tackling all kinds of inauthentic behavior and abuse on our platform which we know often intensify during elections — from misinformation, misrepresentation and foreign interference, to phishing, harassment and violent threats — and we have dedicated teams working on every upcoming election around the world,” she said. “It’s incredibly important to us as a company that we get this right.”

This statement is almost a 180-degree turnaround from the position the company’s founder and Chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg held initially in 2016.

According to The Washington Post, Zuckerberg called it a “crazy idea,” when probed by lawmakers in that year. He explained that he believed voters make decisions based on their “lived experiences.”

But the Facebook chief seems to have changed over the past two years, as media organizations and civic organizations criticized the company over its engagement and reach model.

Last April, Zuckerberg apologized for the first time for not acting on fake news spreading on his platform sooner, as a U.S. congressional probe revealed Russian operatives allegedly used Facebook to spread propaganda in favor of Donald Trump.

1.5 billion accounts taken down in mid-2018 According to Harbath, 1.5 billion fake accounts were taken down in the second and third quarters of 2018 “at the point of creation.”

She said that from an original 10,000 staff working on combating “inauthentic” behavior on Facebook, the company has hired 30,000 people to work on fighting misinformation on Facebook.

Facebook’s Global Politics and Outreach Director Katie Habath says the platform is working to protect the integrity of the upcoming midterm elections.

Philstar.com photo by Ryan Macasero

In the Philippines, Harbath cited the example of Twinmark Media Enterprises’ pages, the company behind Trending News Portal, a page previously identified as spreading misinformation.

“We removed 220 Facebook pages, 73 accounts and 29 Instagram accounts,” she said.

TNP Media had 4.3 million followers prior to the takedown.

“This specific investigation began after we learned that Twinmark was selling (administrative) rights to Facebook pages it had created, in order to increase distribution and generate profit, which violates our spam policy,” said Nathaniel Gleicher, Facebook’s head of Cybersecurity Policy said.

“This prompted our teams to take a deeper look at a broader group of pages and accounts associated with these users, ultimately uncovering a large network of pages and accounts that were engaging in coordinated inauthentic behavior, the use of fake accounts, leading people to ad farms and selling access to Facebook pages,” he added.

According to a Rappler report, TNP — which was known to carry misleading content favorable to President Rodrigo Duterte — was one of Mocha Uson’s preferred “news sources.” The report said she shared posts from the site over 500 times in 2017, even after she was appointed assistant secretary of the Presidential Communications and Operations Office.

Fighting ‘false news’ Harbath said they were working on combating false news through automated and human means.

“For example, if an account automatically starts adding hundreds of friends and liking a lot of pages immediately, that would flag us that the account is possibly being used for inauthentic purposes,” she said.

In the Philippines, Facebook is working with news organiza-

tions Vera Files and Rappler to fact check posts. If flagged as false or misleading, the network then minimizes the reach of the post, according to Harbath.

When asked by reporters if Facebook had exact figures on how much politicians spend on Facebook advertisements here in the Philippines, Harbath said that she did not have the exact figures but would share them if they become available.

According to a 2017 Oxford University study, however, the presidential campaign of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte invested $200,000 or about P10 million to hire trolls to spread propaganda and target his opposition.

The president’s supporters have dismissed the study, saying the findings were based on news reports. The administration PDPLaban party said in response to the study that it “never hired nor used online trolls.”

As of 2018, there are an estimated 67 million Facebook accounts in the Philippines.

Those users spend an average of 3 hours and 57 minutes on social media, according to another report also published last year. Considering these figures, some analysts say that social media, especially Facebook, will continue to be a gamechanger in elections.

But when Harbath was asked if she believes that Facebook has an increasing role in the election, she stopped short of putting the sole responsibility of protecting democracy on one social media platform.

“I would say the internet has an increasing role,” she said.

But Harbath added that company won’t turn away from doing its part to protect democratic processes around the world.

“We’ve also deepened our support for the Philippines’ digital literacy efforts. There is always more to do, and we are committed to playing the part,” she said. n

Cebuano bags P63-M Mega Lotto prize A BETTOR from Cebu who correctly guessed the winning Mega Lotto combination won P63 million, becoming the seventh millionaire declared by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).

“It is a first of its kind in a span of 10 days. Our lucky millionaire guessed the correct combination of 19-01-25-43-18-39, taking home the jackpot prize of P63,810,688, in the Mega Lotto 6/45 draw,” PCSO General Manager Alexander Balutan said.

The winning ticket was purchased in Gaisano Grand MallTalamban.

Of the seven jackpot winners in January, two got the prize from the Ultra Lotto 6/58; two

from Lotto 6/42; and one each from Super Lotto 6/49 and Grand Lotto 6/55.

The chances of winning in lotto draws are one in 5,245,786 for Lotto 6/42; 1 in 8,145,060 for Mega Lotto 6/45; 1 in 13,983,816 for Super Lotto 6/49; 1 in 28,989,675 for Grand Lotto 6/55; and 1 in 40,475,358 for Ultra Lotto 6/58.

“We have just given close to half a billion jackpot prizes for seven Lotto games this January amounting to P490,359,761,” Balutan said.

On Monday, a winner took home the P239.2 million pot for the Grand Lotto 6/55. The bet was placed at the Lotto outlet managed by the Lucky Circle

Corp. in SM City Cebu.

On January 15, another winner took home the Lotto 6/42 jackpot prize of P48,204,764.

The ticket was purchased in Sampaloc, Manila.

On January 18, a winner guessed all six numbers for the jackpot prize of P49.5 million of the Ultra Lotto 6/58 draw. The ticket was purchased in Novaliches, Quezon City.

On January 19, another lucky bettor took home the P5.9 million pot of the Lotto 6/42 draw.

The ticket was purchased in Panabo City, Davao del Norte.

On January 20, a bettor hit the jackpot of the Super Lotto 6/49 and took home P25.2 million.

(ManilaTimes.net)

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARy 26-29, 2019

A

Over shabu hidden magnetic lifters: ‘Game over’ for Marcos poll More raps filed against Lapeña protest, Robredo lawyer claims

by Jomar

Canlas ManilaTimes.net

THE NATIONAL Bureau of Investigation has filed charges before the Department of Justice (DOJ) against former Customs commissioner Isidro Lapeña and 52 others over drug shipments that slipped past the Bureau of Customs (BOC) last year.

Lapeña was charged in connection with the shabu shipment seized at the Manila International Container Port (MICP) and magnetic lifters found in Cavite, which were said to have contained more than a ton of the illegal substance.

The incident became the clincher for his ouster at the Former Customs commissioner Isidro Lapeña BoC, after whistleblower Maria netic lifters, which should have Lourdes Mangaoang accused been done upon discovery of the him of being remiss on his du- goods by misclassification, since it is very obvious that the declaties.

In October last year, President ration made by the shipper is not Rodrigo Duterte named Lapeña the same as what were interceptdirector general of the Technical ed,” the complaint stated.

Manila and Cavite lifters Education and Skills Developsimilar ment Authority (Tesda).

The complaint argued that In August last year, agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement there was no need to present Agency (PDEA) found two aban- the missing drugs as evidence. doned magnetic lifters at the Port “While it is true that in drugof Manila, containing 355 kilos of related cases, the illegal drugs is the corpus delicti, we believe shabu worth P2.4 billion.

Following the discovery, simi- that such requirement has been lar lifters were discovered aban- satisfied in this case,” it said.

“The abandoned magnetic liftdoned at a warehouse in General Mariano Alvarez, Cavite which ers at MICP filled with prohibited the PDEA believed contained 1.6 drugs and those in GMA (General Mariano Alvarez), Cavite, have tons of shabu worth P11 billion.

In a complaint-affidavit, the the same square openings, color, NBI sought the indictment of La- and structure. The square openpeña for violation of Republic Act ing is not a design or enhance3019 — dereliction of duty and ment, much less, an ornament of grave misconduct over his failure the machines and its presence was made intentionally to mark to act on the drug shipments.

The complaint was signed and and identify the spot where the approved by Director Dante Gier- illegal drugs were concealed,” the NBI said ran.

Also charged by the NBI were Administrative and graft charges are within the jurisdic- sacked Port of Manila District tion of the Office of the Ombuds- collector Vener Baquiran for his man, but can be filed with the failure to declare as abandoned Department of Justice (DoJ) for the two magnetic lifters at the case buildup, and later referred MICP, X-ray Inspection Project head Carrie de Guzman and to the Ombudsman.

The NBI said Lapeña failed to two others for allowing the four file complaints against the con- magnetic lifters in Cavite to pass signees, importers and brokers through Customs.

Also in the complaint were of the two magnetic lifters with hidden shabu at the Port of Ma- 50 other personalities allegedly nila, and the four magnetic lifters involved in the importation and that slipped past BoC and were release of the shipments.

Administrative and criminal found empty in Cavite.

“Despite the lapse of time, charges were slapped under Commissioner Lapeña did not Republic Act 9165 (Comprefile any case against the ship- hensive Dangerous Drugs Act) pers or consignees of the mag- against former PDEA deputy

by ryan

maCasero Philstar.com

ManilaTimes.net photo

director general for administration Ismael Fajardo Jr.; Sr. Supt.

Eduardo Acierto, former PNP anti-illegal drugs group official; former Customs intelligence agent Jimmy Guban; police inspector Lito Pirote; and Joseph Dimayuga.

Guban, who has confessed about his knowledge of the coverup of the shipments, is under the DoJ Witness Protection Program.

Other respondents were Fhonie Chan, also known as KC Chan; Willin Ong alias Wilson Ong; Jiang Quoqing; Vedasto Baquel; Maria Lagrimas Catipan and Emelyn Luquingan for the MICP shipment; as well as Hsu Chungchun, James Fung, Le Thi Thu Huong, Du Quoc Duong, Migela Santos, Katrina Grace Cuasay and Marina Signapan for the Cavite shipment.

At the height of the controversy, Lapeña was cleared in a fact-finding investigation by the PDEA. Afterwards, he was promoted and appointed director general of Tesda by Duterte.

In November, criminal charges were filed by the NBI before the DoJ against Lapeña over alleged anomalies in the release of 105 containers of ceramic tiles worth at least P69 million from China by port operator Asian Terminals Inc. in March 2018.

‘Tara still exists’ Lapeña’s successor, Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero, admitted that the so-called tara system of bribes still existed in the bureau despite a no letup campaign against technical smuggling and other fraudulent

u PAGE A9

petition by former Sulu Gov. Abdusakur Tan against ARMM Regional Gov. Mujiv Hataman.

Macalintal slammed this move MANILA — For Romulo Macalintanal, election lawyer of as “skirting the rules” by trying Vice President Leni Robredo, it’s to expand the pilot provinces in “game over” for former Sen. Fer- the recount.

Robredo’s election said the dinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s next move after the recount is poll protest.

There are two reasons for this, finished is for the PET to call a Robredo’s lawyer told reporters hearing and for both parties to at a press conference on Wednesday, January 23: “Walang recovery ang nagawa ni Mr Marcos, at saka ito ay nakabase sa past election protests involving automated elections (Mr. Marcos did not find any recovery of votes and this is based on past election protests involving automated elections),” he said, saying that almost all past election protests involving automated elections have failed.

On Tuesday, January 22, the Supreme Court, acting as the Presidential Electoral Tribunal, said that the ballot recount is nearing its end except for a few damaged ballots. The recount will continue on January 28.

The same PET noted recounts in four protests it previously acted on did not reach completion.

Marcos’ poll protest would be the first that wil be completed, it said.

The tribunal has repeatedly reminded parties in the recount to refrain from commenting on the ongoing process, citing the sub judice rule.

The recount began last April in Camarines Sur, Iloilo and Negros Oriental, pilot provinces that Marcos identified in his protest. The results of the recount in the three provinces would determine if the tribunal should continue checking ballots in the rest of the clustered precincts in the country.

Macalintal held a joint press conference with former Rep. Erin Tañada (Quezon) to discuss a supplemental manifestation they filed on Robredo’s behalf objecting to Marcos’ petition for a technical examination in the provinces of Lanao del Sur, Basilan and Maguindanao.

Aside from the electoral protest, the two also discussed their respective senate bids and campagin platforms at the press conference.

In December, Marcos filed a petition to look into voters records included in an unrelated

present evidence in the electoral protest.

But Macalintal said that the suspension—the PET said it is essentially because the tribunal is waiting for the remaining decrypted ballots—has no impact on the process.

“I don’t see any impact, because that’s really part of the

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A8 JANUARY 26-29, 2019 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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O PINION Beyond the zoo cleanup

FEATURES

THANKS to a presidential directive for the cleanup of Manila Bay, the Manila Zoo will be shut down indefinitely for what city officials promise to be a dramatic facelift.

The shutdown was announced after untreated sewage from the zoo was found to be polluting an estuary connected to the bay. The zoo, the biggest such facility in the country, has been in operation since 1959, when sewage treatment facilities were not yet a requirement, and has long needed a major cleanup.

Beyond cleaning up, however, the government must consider building a modern facility where people can observe animals in captivity. Around the world, operating zoos has become controversial as animal welfare advocates stress the importance of allowing wildlife to live in their natural habitats. Some animal rights advocates make an exception when endangered wildlife are confined to save the species from disappearing from the planet.

As a compromise, some countries have built zoos that look more

like sanctuaries and conservation areas, where wildlife except predators can roam free. Such places cannot match the natural habitat, but the animals can be protected from being hunted down to extinction. In these zoos, visitors watch the animals from the safety of special modes of transportation. Some areas are designated for petting harmless wildlife.

The Manila Zoo is also a park with a lot of trees that help improve air quality in one of the most polluted cities in the country. The park can be retained with wildlife species that don’t need large areas for roaming. For the bigger beasts, city officials can work with animal welfare experts and advocates for a suitable, spacious relocation site.

The cleanup of the Manila Zoo should encourage a review of the way our society treats animals.

(Philstar.com)

Editorial

Philstar.com photo

Trump agrees to re-open government hours after campaign aide was arrested Roger Stone arrested for coordinating with WikiLeaks on release of Clinton’s hacked emails

The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS AFTER 35 DAYS of the government shutdown, there’s finally temporarily relief for the chaos in America after President Donald Trump on Friday, January 25 agreed to open the government for three weeks even without getting a single cent for his border wall.

This comes at the expense of some 800,000 federal employees who were forced to work without two paychecks or were furloughed because the president would not sign a spending bill without the $5.7 billion he

was demanding for his border wall up to as late as Thursday night.

This much-needed announcement came from Trump himself just a few hours after explosive news from the Justice Department came out that senior members of the Trump campaign directed longtime aide Roger Stone, to find out when WikiLeaks would release harmful information on Hillary Clinton.

As Newsweek reported, “the FBI arrested Stone early Friday morning for allegedly lying to Congress and attempting to obstruct the House Intelligence Committee’s investigation into whether members of the Trump campaign colluded with Russia to influence the outcome of the

2016 election.”

The report added that “the special counsel’s office is investigating the same matter, and the indictment released for Stone outlined that top members of the Trump campaign were in fact communicating with WikiLeaks, a transparency organization that is widely believed to be working on behalf of Russia.”

The Senate just passed the stopgap funding bill on Friday to temporarily end the shutdown and this measure was sent to the House where it was approved as well. Trump is expected to sign this bill immediately pursuant to his announcement Friday in the White House.

This would reset the negotiation back to where it was 35 days ago, when Trump told

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer that he would be proud to shut down the government if he does not get the $5.7 billion funding for his border wall, rejecting the $1.6 billion already appropriated for increased border security in the spending bill that does not account for the wall.

In a subsequent meeting intended to negotiate with the Democrats on border security, Trump walked out after Pelosi told him that they would not fund his wall.

AND NOW Trump has finally agreed to what Pelosi and Schumer had long been urging the president to do: Negotiate on border security without having to use federal employees as

hostages in a government shutdown, which has now been the longest in U.S. history.

However, Trump warned that he is ready to shut down the government again or “use the powers afforded” to him if lawmakers and the White House are unable to come up with a plan to fun his border wall.

This would be in reference to declaring a national emergency so he could funnel money already appropriated for disaster relief operations and other military projects so he could bill his wall.

“So, let me be very clear: We really have no choice but to build a powerful wall or steel barrier,” Trump said. “If we don’t get a fair deal from Congress, the government either shuts down

on Feb. 15 again, or I will use the powers afforded to me under the laws and the Constitution of the United States to address this emergency.”

So what will happen if he does not get the money he wanted for his wall on or before February 15? Are we up to another period of uncertainty that has imposed an undue hardship to federal workers, the American people relying on government services, and the economy of the United States?? *** 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

Truth in an ecosystem of free will and moral responsibility

Rhizomes

PROSY ABARQUEZDELACRUZ, J.D. (Part II of III series) “Truth entices us there on the frontier between fact and interpretation, and we strive for honesty in representing what is entrusted to us. We combine that honesty with a humility that comes from knowing beyond all doubt that whatever we believe, whatever we claim, whatever we know, the next generation will surely say, “That’s not good enough! We need to know more and we need to know better!”

– Sander M. Goldberg, distinguished research professor of Classics at UCLA, 2018.

I was surrounded by death several times in my life, as most others are in my age bracket, the “theater of more pasts than tomorrows.” But life is not about acting, it is about living for oneself as well as for others if you identify as a caring human being.

I remember vividly when Eleazar, my dad, died in April 2000.

None of us in the family anticipated his passing. Yes, he had high sugar levels, but he had it under control. He also had survived mini-heart attacks and he too had that under control with a better lifestyle: no smoking, exercise, sleep, and good nutrition.

But, why his sudden death when I was out on a road trip for work? I made it about myself.

Isn’t that what death does to us – it makes us inward, self-cen-

tered, and asks us how much more we can endure?

Even after his passing, I struggled to find meaning in his death. I wrote his eulogy to figure out answers to my whys. I then realized he was a gardener of souls who helped others by listening, by weeding out relatives’ and friends’ life’s issues, consequently, he gave them a renewed sense of hope and sometimes, his own money to assist with health expenses or housing expenses. It was seldom that he said NO, which my mom wished he did more often.

When my Asuncion, my mom passed 16 years later, I was again in a quandary, yet her death was anticipated. It occurred months after her 88th birthday when she discreetly shared it was so much more difficult to breathe and she was more than ready. It was not clear as to what her readiness was until a respiratory infection increased her sufferings.

Instead of sinking into depression and making my life smaller, I resolved to visit more. Our last Thanksgiving with her was 100 percent attendance from all members of the family and I counted 40 of us. Before I could even find the answers to my questions about her death, 60 days later, Rose, my eldest sister died.

I now have two lives to examine – why their deaths were in the first half of 2016?

I then recalled a community leader, Roy Morales. I too could not make sense of his death, we heard that he fell while fixing his house’s roof. That stayed with

me and I imagined how painful and sudden it must have been.

Could it be that he suffered a heart attack while up there and subsequently fell? As news trickled in, the Los Angeles Times confirmed that he died from a sudden heart attack.

Uncle Roy consciously educated folks to be “woke,” to know who we are, to address the issues around us, and to appreciate our community’s culture, heritage and blessings.

He spent Saturdays leading the tour of Historic Filipinotown and I bet if he were alive today, he would celebrate the nomination of Filipino Christian Church to the National Register of Historic Places in October 2018. He was a social worker and served the community well and extended himself further by teaching Filipino American Studies at UCLA where his classes were maxed out in enrollment.

While he shared our common history in Historic Filipinotown (HIFI) by taking his UCLA students through a tour of HIFI, he recognized how gentrification displaced our early pioneers, our Manongs from their homes in Bunker Hill. He instilled in us how to have a higher appreciation for our culture, our heritage, and collective history. He made vigilant visits to appointing powers in local government and referred community persons with merit to staffers’ positions.

My mom, my dad and my sister were not self-proclaimed nor did they identify as community leaders. Yet, they too lived their lives for others. My mom was teach-

ing science and math, while my sister propagated God’s words in the last four years of her life.

She went to numerous cursillo retreats with her husband, Eduardo, to help in the spiritual formation of others, as herself. The three (dad, mom and sister) lived their lives caring for others and cared enough to pass on what they learned in life.

But more visible than my family members was Royal Morales, a social worker, a community cheerleader, a culture bearer who passed on his knowledge of our heritage and had a profound impact on many lives. These are examples of Filipino immigrants who came here many decades ago – who taught us we all belong to one human family.

My question today is - fast forward to the incidents we just had at the Lincoln Memorial, a face-off between an elderly Native American man and a young Covington High School student wearing a red MAGA hat from the Trump’s campaign. What would these Filipino elders say to these students? What would other folks of color say to them?

We must make acts of hatred unthinkable Marlon James is a Jamaican writer. He is an acclaimed novelist who has published three novels: John Crow’s Devil, The Book of Night Women and A Brief History of Seven Killings.

He wrote the African “Game of Thrones” and teaches literature at Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota.

He recently posted this on Facebook: “Here’s the thing

about Covington Catholic School Boy. He [Nick Sandmann] didn’t shout, he didn’t rage, he didn’t threaten, and he did not even lift a finger. Because he’s not even twenty years old, and already knows he never has to. He just stood there with his smirk, the line sealing his white privilege.

A smirk saying that nothing you speak matters, your existence doesn’t matter, your protest doesn’t matter, your dignity doesn’t matter, not even the fact that you were here first matters.

You’re a joke because I find you funny, you’re a target because I got my bull’s eye on you, and you are nothing because I won’t even remember you by the time I get home. This is racism boiled down to the core, bigotry in excelsis.”

Three distinct groups had converged in Lincoln Memorial.

Covington Catholic High School Students were in Washington, DC, to join the March for Life, a yearly activity of Catholics in Washington, DC to assert that all lives need to be protected, from conception to death. It is a march to declare they are against abortion. It is held each year in major cities in the U.S. The students wore red MAGA hats.

A group of Black Hebrews Israelites was also demonstrating. They asserted their beliefs that they are God’s chosen but shouted profanities at the high schoolers.

In the same location, Native Americans were holding their Indigenous People’s March.

Sensing the tension between

the high school group and the Black Hebrew Israelites group, Nathan Phillips, an elderly Native American from Omaha got into the center of these two gatherings, drumming, intending to diffuse the spiraling tensions.

Instead, the high school students gathered around Phillips, the elderly man while Covington high school student Nick Sandmann stood still, with a red MAGA hat, stared at the Native American elder, wearing a smirk on his face, while his classmates were laughing and gesturing nearby, in a faceoff.

Sandmann claims he was grinning to keep the situation from escalating.

The video excerpt of that face-off went viral, and many comments surfaced: “Native American leaders have disputed student Nicholas Sandmann’s assertion that he was trying to keep the situation on the Mall from escalating when he stood, grinning, in front of Phillips. “His whole frame is that they were somehow attacked and behaving defensively,” said Daniel Paul Nelson of the Lakota People’s Law Project. “No, they were not, not towards Nathan. What they did to Nathan was completely offensive, not defensive,“ Washington Post Frances Stead Sellers and Kevin Williams wrote on Jan. 22.

Can we give credence to Nicholas Sandmann’s statement – that he was grinning to diffuse the situation?

Or was this a case of white privilege, as described by Mar-

u PAGE A9

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OpiniOn & Features

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARy 26-29, 2019

A

Duterte tells Filipino voters: ‘Have pity on your country, vote wisely’

by Catherine

Valente ManilaTimes.net

WEEKS before the official start of the campaign period, President Rodrigo Duterte urged Filipinos to elect the right candidates, as he heaped praise on his former Cabinet members eyeing the Senate.

In remarks during the Tricycle Operators and Drivers’ Association Summit in Pasay City on Wednesday, January 23, Duterte appealed to voters to “have pity on your country.”

“Try to figure out something that is good for the country,” he TELCO HEARING. The Senate Committee on Public Services, chaired by Sen. Grace Poe, asks representatives of different telecommunications said. companies, to submit several documents that will prove their capability to run the third telco in the country, during the committee’s public The president then described hearing Thursday, January 24. With Poe is Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon.

Senate photo by Cesar Tomambo his former top aide and now senatorial aspirant Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go as a “good and honest” man.

He also praised Francis TolenPAGE A8 t aims to make it unthinkable. chosen, they can show by their tino, who was his political advislon James, a high schooler who That would require deep chang- actions who they descended er, as a very kind politician.

Later on, Duterte also menconsiders his actions were righ- es in society and policies that from, by not throwing profaniteous and only he matters in this would support those who find it ties at these teenagers.

The school is currently closed difficult to afford children,” Bishequation?

When a person is drumming, op Stowe wrote, as reported by as death threats supposedly their focal attention and energies the Washington Post. “The asso- were hurled at these high school are channeled, connecting the ciation of our young people with students. While the school is PAGE A7 t pounding sticks for the arms to racist acts and a politics of hate closed, a serious revamping of process, I don’t see any imhit the drum skins. It would be must also become unthinkable.” their curriculum might be con- pact on the ongoing revision or What would our Filipino- sidered to learn and make eth- recount,” Macalintal added. physically impossible for this elMacalintal claims VP gained derly man to keep drumming and American elders say to these nicities’ histories and people of color contributions visible to the votes in recount for Sandmann to assert he had to teenagers?

According to Macalintal, the First, it is inculcated since building of America, similar to protect himself from him, the Nabirth that elders are to be re- what Uncle Roy was doing for- vice president gained additional tive American man.

As America Magazine’s Mi- spected and that all folks are de- mally when he was teaching at votes from the recount due to the ruling upholding the 25-perchael O’Loughlin on Jan. 24 re- serving of respect. “Honor him UCLA. It would seem that all those cent shading threshold, after the ported, Lexington, Ky. Bishop or her,” that is one of the imporJohn Stowe wrote an opinion- tant teachings of our Catholic of God, who claim to be God’s re-appreciation. He said it could editorial in the Lexington Herald- faith. It is further supported by descendants, and who are in a even increase her margin of Leader about what he thought cultural norms, when we take Catholic high school will need to 263,473 votes.

He said Robredo gained an about these boys’ behaviors: the hand of an elder to our fore- examine critically their actions “Without engaging the discus- head and we say, “Mano Po.” In to match God’s example of inclusion about the context of the our culture, the use of the word sion, “Love one another as I have viral video or placing the blame “po” conveys respect, especially loved you.” entirely on these adolescents, it given to folks we have just met *** astonishes me that any students who are older or are in a posi- Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz, J.D. writes a weekly PAGE A7 t participating in a pro-life activity tion of authority. column for Asian Journal, called “Rhizomes.” activities.

Guerrero pointed out, though, It would be unthinkable for a She has been writing for AJ Press for 10 on behalf of their school and their Catholic faith could be wearing teenager to assume an intimate years. She also contributes to Balikbayan that there was a marked reducapparel sporting the slogans of distance towards an elder, unless Magazine. Her training and experiences are in tion in the incidence of cora president who denigrates the his father, mother, uncle, grand- science, food technology, law and community ruption, which he attributed to lives of immigrants, refugees and father, a relative to show inti- volunteerism for 4 decades. She holds a B.S. reform measures aimed at inpeople from countries that he de- macy or affection. To approach degree from the University of the Philippines, a creasing revenue collection and scribes with indecent words and a person’s personal space with law degree from Whittier College School of Law cutting illegal transactions.

He claimed that when he ashaphazardly endangers with life- a smirk would be considered in California and a certificate on 21st Century disrespectful and “in your face,” Leadership from Harvard’s Kennedy School sumed the top Customs post in threatening policies.”

The bishop further cautioned even. That was manifested in the of Government. She has been a participant in September 2018, the grease monthe pro-life movement to have video excerpt - a serious lack of NVM Writing Workshops taught by Prof. Peter ey per container was P35,000. a critical look as to who they respect for an elder, who is dif- Bacho for 4 years and Prof. Russell Leong. It’s down to P5,000, he said.

“It’s not easy to catch these form alliances with. “The pro-life ferent from Nicholas Sandmann, She has travelled to France, Holland, Belgium, movement claims that it wants a white teenager.

Japan, Costa Rica, Mexico and over 22 national smugglers [and their accomplicAs to the Black Hebrew Isra- parks in the US, in her pursuit of love for nature es in Customs] because they are more than the policy change of good in circumventing the law, making abortion illegal [and] elites who claim they are God’s and the arts.

Truth in an ecosystem of free will and...

tioned in his speech former Philippine National Police chief Ronald dela Rosa, who led his bloody war on drugs.

The president then reiterated that he would vote for singer Freddie Aguilar because the latter wrote songs with a message.

“He is the only singer I know who conveys a message in all of his songs. He’s trying to convey a message to the country,” Duterte said.

‘Debt of gratitude’ Duterte said he already has a list of candidates in the elections in May. He said he would campaign for candidates who had supported him.

Among those in his slate were Ilocos Norte Gov. Maria Imelda Josefa “Imee” Marcos, re-electionist senators Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara Jr. and Cynthia Villar, and Taguig Rep. Pilar Juliana “Pia” Cayetano.

“Of course, they supported

me and I have to support them also. That’s the right thing to do,” the president told reporters in a chance interview.

Duterte also said he would likely have his own slate, distinct from the slate of his political party Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan.

“We couldn’t agree on exact numbers but I will be supporting those who supported me during the last years. Utang na loob iyan e (That’s a debt of gratitude),” he said.

Malacañang earlier said there was nothing wrong with Duterte endorsing senatorial candidates ahead of the official campaign period.

The campaign period for senatorial and party-list candidates is scheduled from February 12 to May 11, while the campaign period for local candidates, including district representatives, is from March 29 to May 11. n

‘Game over’ for Marcos poll protest... additional 17,405 votes in the recount bringing her total gains in the pilot provinces to 33,935, not counting the wet ballots that will be counted at the end of the month. Decrypted ballot images of the wet ballots will be used to finish the recount.

“If your vote lead hasn’t increased significantly in the pilot provinces, how can you move forward in the protest?” he said in Filipino.

The PET has not issued any official numbers related to the

recount and has generally been silent on the ongoing process.

In response to Macalintal’s “game over’ statement, Vic Rodriguez, a lawyer representing Marcos, said that he believes the comments were “media mileage in his quixotic effort to bring relevance to the carcasses of a futile Senate bid.”

He added: “I pity Macalintal.

As an officer of the court, it’s clear to me that only the PET can determine whether we are finished.” n

Over shabu hidden magnetic lifters: More... and they have contacts both in and out of the bureau who are doing the maneuvering on how to evade the reforms initiated in the [BoC],” he said.

He said reforms initiated in the bureau did wonders in curbing corruption and increasing revenues. For the first time in almost a decade, said Guerrero, the BoC exceeded its collection target in 2018 by P458 million.

The accreditation process, he said, was also simplified to six steps from 11 steps.

To strengthen the campaign against smuggling, the bureau has upgraded its facilities by

adding 50 new X-ray machines in various airports and seaports nationwide.

Fifteen units of fixed baggage X-ray machines, 25 units of hand-carried baggage X-ray machines, four units of mobile baggage X-ray machines, and six units of portal-type X-ray machines costing more than P1.2 billion would be installed this year, said Guerrero.

“We need to immediately install and upgrade our X-ray machines to strengthen vigilance and prevent the entry of smuggled and contraband goods in the Philippines,” said Guerrero. n

A10 january 26-29, 2019 • La WEEKEnD aSIan jOurnaL

Dateline PhiliPPines

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SWS: Satisfaction with Duterte Cabinet, Congress, SC up in Q4 of 2018

isfied and 17 percent dissatisfied on the performance of Duterte’s Cabinet.

PUBLIC satisfaction with The results yielded a net satthe three branches of govern- isfaction rating of “good” +35, ment under the administration three percentage points higher of President Rodrigo Duterte all than “good” +32 recorded in increased in the fourth quarter September. of 2018, according to the latest The survey also found 71 perSocial Weather Stations (SWS) cent satisfied and 13 dissatisfied survey released on Friday, Janu- on the performance of the Senary 25. ate, registering a “very good” The SWS survey, conducted +58 net satisfaction score, up from December 16 to 19, 2018 by 10 points from “good” +48 in via face-to-face interviews with September.

1,440 adults nationwide, found On the House of Representa52 percent of Filipinos were sat- tives’ performance, 57 percent

by Catherine

Valente ManilaTimes.net

EX-REBELS’ DISAPPROVAL. Former rebels of the New People’s Army - Communist Party of the Philippines (NPA-CPP) Ka Isko, Kilusan at Alyansa ng Dating Rebelde (KADRE) spokesman; Ka Mario of the Communist Terrorist Coalition; Ka Jamie of the Dating Kaguma National Democratic Front - CPP and former Alliance of Concerned Teachers organizer; and Ka Ernesto, former organizer of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines, give the communist movement the thumbs-down during a forum organized by former rebels in Quezon City on Thursday, January 24. Claiming to have witnessed how the movement recruited minors to fight in wars, the four expressed support for the bill lowering the minimum age of criminal liability.

PNA photo by Gil Calinga

Over 900 children rescued in drug operations in 2018 — PDEA by ryan

MaCasero Philstar.com

ManILa — Over 927 children were rescued in drug operations in 2018, the Philippine Drug Enforcement agency said during the “Real numbers PH” press conference on Friday, January 25. according to Maharani gadaoni-Tosoc, PDEa plans and operations director, all of the children rescued were from the ages of 10 to 17. “a total of 533 or 57 percent [of children rescued] were into selling of illegal drugs,” she said.

The “Real numbers” press conference is held regularly by law enforcement and the Presidential Communications and Operations Office to update the public on the government’s data on the campaign against drugs.

The report comes on the heels of the controversial measure to lower the age of criminal responsibility to 12 years of age. House Bill 8858 was approved by the committee on justice earlier this week and initially lowered the age to 9 years old, before it was later increased to 12.

The Senate’s justice and human rights committee also opened discussions on proposing a similar measure.

PCOO assistant Secretary ana Marie Banaag discussed the bill during the press conference.

“Dito sa batas na ito, wala namang bata automatic mabibilango (under this law no child will automatically be jailed),” Banaag said.

“The general rule is when a child is 12 years old and below. If he or she commits a crime, they’ll be given to their parents,” she explained in a mix of Filipino and English. “Unless it’s assessed by the DSWD that they need to be referred to the Bahay Pag-asa (House of Hope), that’s the only time.”

Children’s rights groups slammed the bill after it was approved by the House committee earlier, saying it was a “shortsighted solution” as it places blame on children rather than addressing the root causes that drive them to engage in criminal activities Banaag clarified that even for children above the age of 12 and below 18, “there is no automatic imprisonment, unless the child acted with discernment.” “and even if the child acted with discernment, hindi automatic na dadalhin siya sa bilangguan ng mga adults (it’s not automatic that they’ll be brought to adult prisons),” she added.

She explained that even children in conflict with the law, and even serious crimes would be committee, they would still be given due process.

Discernment, as defined by the Rule on Juveniles in Conflict with the Law, is the “capacity of the child at the time of the commission of the offense to understand the differences between right and wrong and the consequences of the wrongful act.”

President Rodrigo Duterte has been a main advocate of lowering

the age of criminal responsibility, saying the law allegedly allows children to get away with serious crimes.

Current opposition Sen. Francis Pangilinan was the principal author of Ra 9344, the law that the current measure being discussed in the House seeks to amend.

Duterte called Pangilinan the “dumbest lawyer” over this and expressed his desire for the law to be amended on several occasions.

Banaag added that under the current proposal, a Bahay Pagasa — where children in conflict with the law are supposed to be brought — would be built in every city and municipality.

But even Bahay Pag-asa facilities are getting criticism from children’s rights advocates for its poor conditions.

Tricia Oco, executive director of the government’s Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council, said the centers have “subhuman conditions” due to budget constraints.

The number of children who died or were orphaned in the drug war was not discussed during the “Real numbers” press conference, however.

Children’s rights organization Children’s Legal Rights and Development Center pegged the number of children killed at 54 since the beginning of the drug war in 2016, while an ateneo School of government study showed that 32,395 were orphaned because of the drug campaign. n

31st PAO Dengvaxia complaint is over doctor’s death ManILa — The Public attorney’s Office on Thursday, January 24, filed its 31st criminal complaint related to the controversial anti-dengue vaccine Dengvaxia, which it said is to blame for the death of a 33-year-old doctor.

The mother of Kendrick gotoc, a 33-year-old doctor, and PaO trooped to the Department of Justice to file obstruction of justice, reckless imprudence resulting in homicide, torture and violation of Consumer act against Health Secretary Francisco Duque, former DOH chief Janette garin and 37 others. gotoc died on april 22 last year, and the complainants said that he was inoculated with Dengvaxia three times prior to his death.

PaO conducted a forensic examination on the body of gotoc, where tissue samples of the body were used for a hispathological examination. The examination showed that the doctor died due to multi-organ failure.

“The foregoing finding is consistent with the findings on the autopsies conducted on the other Dengvaxia victims; particularly that the children became sick after vaccination,” PaO said.

PaO called the DOH order to conduct an autopsy on bodies of alleged victims of Dengvaxia as a “counter-measure to challenge and contest the PaO Forensic Team’s findings—undoubtedly a

A mother of a 33-year-old doctor filed a case of obstruction of justice, reckless imprudence resulting in homicide, torture and violation of Consumer Act against Health Secretary Francisco Duque, former DOH chief Janette Garin and 37 others.

Philstar.com photo

defense strategy.”

Dengvaxia ‘scare’ Doctors for Truth and Welfare had earlier warned against the outbreaks of potentially deadly diseases in “epic proportion” unless the Dengvaxia scare is stopped.

“We call for a halt to the continuous spread of unproven claims of deaths caused by the dengue vaccine by the same unqualified but noisy people, who are largely responsible for the fall in the vaccine confidence in the country,” the group of doctors said in a statement last December.

DOH also said that the Dengvaxia controversy has, in part, caused a decline in measles

vaccination and an outbreak of the deadly disease in the Philippines.

Health Undersecretary Eric Domingo said last December 12 that they do not see the lifting of the suspension of Dengvaxia’s Certificate Product Registration despite it lapsing on December 29.

Duque suspended the dengue vaccination program after Sanofi disclosed in november 27 that it could cause severe dengue if given to those who have not had dengue.

State prosecutors have yet to issue a resolution on the first batch of Dengvaxia cases consisting of nine complaints. (Kristine Joy Patag/Philstar.com)

were satisfied and 17 percent dissatisfied, garnering a net satisfaction rating of “good” +40, up by four points from September’s “good” +36.

The poll also showed a sixpoint increase on the Supreme Court’s performance rating. It received a net satisfaction score of “good” +37 (54 percent satisfied, 17 percent dissatisfied).

The survey used sampling error margins of ±2.6 percent for national percentages and ±5 percent each for Metro Manila, Balance Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. n

Palace slams UN rights expert, other critics of measure

by Christine

aVendaño Inquirer.net

MaLaCañang on Tuesday, January 22, said critics of a bill that would lower the age of criminal responsibility for children from 15 to 9 years old should read the measure and understand its objectives before speaking against it.

“What I’m saying is before you open your mouth, you better know your facts,” presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in reply to critics, especially Un Special Rapporteur agnes Callamard.

Callamard said the approval by the House justice committee of the proposed law was “shameful.”

‘Shameful’ But Panelo countered it was

Callamard who was “shameful” in the way she “intrudes into the sovereignty of this country.”

“She has no business of interfering with the affairs of Congress in the first place or with the executive,” he told reporters.

Callamard also described the House proposal as “dangerous and potentially deadly.”

Panelo responded, saying it was she who was “especially potentially deadly.”

He said the problem with critics was they only listened to the opposition and become biased against the government and its initiatives.

‘Sufficiently explained’ “I don’t think they have read the law,” he said, noting that some who made comments on radio found the measure was a

good one after listening to its objectives.

Panelo said the main sponsor of the House bill “sufficiently explained” the measure.

‘Rehabilitated’ He said the bill would not jail these children with criminal liability but they will be “rehabilitated.”

“I think the bill is more directed against the criminals as well as the parents who allowed their children to be used by criminal syndicates,” Panelo added.

He said President Rodirgo Duterte would not interfere with Congress in approving the measure.

Panelo reiterated that the President did not want the age of criminal responsibility to remain at 15 years old. n

Real Numbers PH: 5,104 drug suspects killed in Duterte’s ongoing war on drugs POLICE killed a total of 5,104 alleged drug personalities since President Rodrigo Duterte assumed office in 2016, latest figures on Real numbers PH showed.

The fatalities were from 117,385 illegal drug operations from July 2016 to December 2018, according to a report that was presented in a press conference on Friday.

In the month of December alone, 54 people were killed.

Meanwhile, 167,135 alleged drug personalities were arrest-

ed, of whom 621 were government employees.

Real numbers PH also reported that 9,999 out of 42,044 barangay (villages) were cleared from illegal drugs.

Philippine Drug Enforcement agency (PDEa) spokesperson Derrick Carreon said, however, that these villages may lose that recognition if drug activities would be found there. a total of 22,427 villages were considered “problematic” because of “illegal drug transactions”.

PDEa also reported that illegal drugs have not affected 9,618 villages. a total of P25 billion worth of illegal drugs and laboratory equipment for manufacturing illegal drugs were seized in 2018.

Two-hundred seventy-one drug dens were also dismantled last year.

Oplan Tokhang and Oplan Double Barrel were cited in the administration’s anti-drug campaign. (Roy Norra/ManilaTimes. net)

Comelec starts BOL canvassing THE Commission on Elections (Comelec), sitting as the national Plebiscite Board of Canvassers, on Thursday, January 24, ordered a recomputation of the controversial discrepancy in the voting figures in the certficates of canvass (CoC) from Cotabato City.

Chairman Sheriff abbas ordered the turnover of the CoC and other election documents from Cotabato City after lawyer Romnel Rama, acting election officer of Cotabato City, could not fully explain the discrepancy between the total number of voters who actually voted, and the total numbers of “yes” and “no” votes.

Commissioner Luie Tito guia noted that the total number of voters who actually voted reflected in the CoC showed a total of 39,027, but pointed out that the total number of “yes” and “no” votes” “would certainly be more than 39,027.”

During the canvassing, Rama said, they noticed that the election results had no entries, particularly on the total number of registered voters, voters who actually voted ,and voters who did not vote.

For that reason, he added, the sub-canvassing unit just adopted whatever figures on who actually voted and who did not vote.

“We cannot make an entry on the sub-canvassing unit, your honor. There is also an instance where the plebcom (plebiscite committee) instead of providing the number of voters who actually voted, adopted the total number of ‘yes’ votes in the entry on the upper side of the number

of voters who actually voted. For example, if the ‘yes’ votes [number] 100, they also put 100 on the voters who actually voted, and for the ‘no’ votes they adopted it and put it on the voters who did not vote,” Rama said.

“So there was an error on the part of the plebcom. That is why there is a disrepancy or we can say that the computation is not accurate because of the omission or incorrect data provided by the plebcom,” he added.

Commissioner Rowena guanzon asked Rama about the figure “22,507” that was reflected on the summary of votes that the election officer said was the total number of “no” votes.

Based on the CoC, guanzon said, the total number of “no” votes was 24,994, or a discrepancy of 2,400.

Rama could not explain the discrepancy satisfactorily, saying it had to be recomputed.

It was then that abbas ordered that the CoC and other election documents be submitted to the Comelec tabulation committee for recomputation.

“These documents will undergo audit to ensure correction of the tabulation and addition,” abbas said.

He adjourned the session and reset it at 2 p.m., Friday after the secretariat said there were no more CoC to canvass.

The CoC from Cotabato City were the first to arrive at the Comelec central office after the plebiscite on Monday.

Several minutes after the adjournment, the CoC and other elections documents from Sulu

arrived. an earlier election report released by the Cotabato City plebiscite board of canvassers indicated that there were 71,963 registered voters of whom, 39,027 actually voted.

But the total count of “yes” and “no” votes was only 61,676 or a disparity of 22,649. according to Comelec spokesman James Jimenez, there was “clerical” error in the said CoC from Cotabato City and also those from Sulu, and that these would be corrected during the national canvassing at the Comelec office.

“We have official records to prove that there was a clerical error,” he said.

Cotabato City Mayor Cynthia guiani-Sayadi, in a radio interview, said they would file a protest against results of the plebiscite, claiming that there was massive disenfranchisement of voters during Monday’s exercise.

She added that some 100 teachers were not able to serve as board of election inspectors because they were allegedly intimidated and harassed a day before the plebiscite, and were replaced by people who were not voters of Cotabato City and known supporters of the Bangsamoro Organic Law. The mayor said registered voters were also intimidated by the presence of thousand of Moro Islamic Liberation Front members inside polling centers.

She also claimed that the police and the military failed to control the influx of non-voters at the polling centers. (ManilaTimes. net)

Palace dismisses Aquino’s concern over surge in Chinese workers ManILa — amid concerns raised by former President Benigno aquino III, the surge of Chinese workers in the Philippines is “probably the reality now,” according to presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo. aquino earlier urged the Duterte administration to look into the supposed increasing number of Chinese workers in the country as they might be getting jobs meant for Filipinos.

The former president particularly noted the surge of Chinese migrant workers in the construction industry, which Panelo questioned.

“Let’s just say that if he is concerned, we will also be concerned if his basis is correct. What was

his basis?” Panelo said in a press briefing.

Panelo also justified the alleged surge in Chinese workers, claiming that the Philippines lacks construction workers as they have supposedly gone to work abroad.

“We lack so many construction workers that is why many Chinese workers are being hired because there are no more Filipinos. Many Filipinos are unemployed and yet they lack the skill so we need to teach them,” Panelo added.

The Malacañang spokesman said that President Rodrigo Duterte has instructed the Technical Education and Skills Development authority to address the issue of the alleged lack of Fili-

pino construction workers.

Last year, there have been calls for the Senate to look into the influx of Chinese nationals who are employed and residing in the Philippines.

Sen. Leila de Lima warned of the possibility that the country’s economy is being too dependent on Chinese tourists and clients.

In november, the Department of Labor and Employment said it has yet to verify the actual number of Chinese workers in the country.

DOLE data showed that 115,652 alien employment permits have been issued from 2015 to 2017, 51,980 of which are The Secretariat of the Board of Canvassers open a ballot box from Cotabato City during the opening of the canvassing of the results of the for Chinese workers. (Patricia Bangsamoro Organic Law plebiscite at the offices of the Commission on Elections on Thursday, January 24.

Lourdes Viray/Philstar.com) ManilaTimes.net photo by Russell Palma

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Journal Vanessa Hudgens takes on ‘larger than life’ Maureen in ‘Rent: Live!’ on Fox

by Ritchel

Mendiola AJPress

VANESSA Hudgens on January 27 will play Maureen in the Broadway musical ‘Rent: Live!’ on Fox. The musical, which opened in 1996, follows a diverse group of young adults who are struggling with identity, sexuality, addiction and HIV/AIDS. Its original Broadway soundtrack sold more than 1.2 million copies.

A film version of “Rent” hit movie theaters in 2005, and Maureen, Hudgen’s role, was

played by Idina Menzel in both the Broadway and film version. “[Maureen] is a drama queen, loud and proud and loves being the center of attention. And she is outspoken and unapologetic for it. I grew up doing musical theatre and part of the reason I loved it was, of course, the shows and the music, but it was really about being on the stage and being the center of attention. We fit hand-in-hand nicely,” Hudgens told Playbill.

Filipino-American Hudgens is popularly known for portraying Gabriella Montez in the first of three “High School Musical”

films. A self-described “musical theatre nerd,” she grew up being obsessed with “West Side Story” and soon started performing in local productions of shows like “Carousel,” “The Wizard of Oz,” “The King and I,” and “The Music Man.” “For me, I was a kid running around singing and dancing, having a great time. What came afterwards was a whirlwind, but it’s something I will always hold on to and cherish and the fact that I got to be a part of something that was introducing musicals to kids, I reached my life mission,”

Anne Curtis on having a baby soon: Let God take care of things

by Jan

Milo SeveRo Philstar.com

ACTRESS Anne Curtis said she doesn’t want to think about having a baby this year but if God blesses them with one, they will gladly accept it.

Anne said she doesn’t want to pressure her body by thinking about pregnancy.

“If it happens, then it happens but I don’t want to tell my body na ‘oh 2019 na you have to have a child na’ because sometimes stress on your body won’t make things happen ‘di ba? So it’s better to let go and let God take care of things na,” the “It’s Showtime” host said.

When asked what lifestyle changes she’s doing to prepare for having a baby, Anne said: “Wala naman, as is lang naman.”

However, Anne recognizes that she’s not getting any younger so she started eating healthy during weekdays, with weekends as her “cheat” days.

Anne Curtis with husband Erwan Heussaff PAGE B2

Photo from Instagram/@annecurtissmith

she said.

“That happened to me when I watched ‘West Side Story’; that was the catalyst to my obsessions with musicals and theatre. Now, I was helping to introduce a new generation to musicals who didn’t have the ability to watch the classics as I did, and it’s really neat that it’s almost becoming a classic itself,” she added.

Hudgens also admitted to Playbill that she was only introduced to “Rent” in 2010 after receiving a call from Neil Patrick Harris, who hoped to cast her in a production Vanessa Hudgens PAGE B2

Photo from Instagram/@vanessahudgens

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‘Born Beautiful’ picks up where ‘Die Beautiful’ left off — Trisha’s passing (left, portayed by Paolo Ballesteros) and the ensuing chapter of best friend Barb’s life.

Photos courtesy of Cignal Entertainment Arjo Atayde

Photo from Instagram/@arjoatayde

Maine Mendoza

Photo from Instagram/@mainedcm

Arjo Atayde ‘exclusively dating’ Maine Mendoza

by Jan

Milo Severo Philstar.com

ACTOR Arjo Atayde broke his silence and admitted that he and Kapuso actress Maine Mendoza are “exclusively dating.”

On Tuesday, January 22 at the press conference of his upcoming movie “Tol,” the actor was asked by the media if he and Maine are now in a relationship, as Pep.ph reported.

“No, but we are exclusively dating and I’m the happiest right now. Hanggang doon na lang po muna,” Arjo said.

When asked what he likes about the “Eat Bulaga” host, Arjo said, “Everything. I’m just really happy.”

Some fans of Maine and Alden Richards’ loveteam (AlDub) who are not in favor of the brewing romance between her and Arjo expressed their dismay on social media, with some saying that the Kapamilya actor is riding on Maine’s popularity.

In response, Arjo challenged his critics to do the bashing to him in person so that he can defend himself.

“I don’t know how to get mad.

I don’t know how to disrespect people. I despise disrespectful people. If they disrespect me, it’s fine, though. But for my family to get affected, for Maine to be disrespected… that’s not okay with me.

Do it in front of me, try it. I dare you guys. I dare you!” Arjo said.

Arjo and Maine have been spotted together in different establishments during the last quarter of 2018 which fueled speculations that they are dating. The two reportedly met on the set of Maine’s Metro Manila Film Festival movie “Jack Em Popoy: The Puliscredibles.”

Vanessa Hudgens takes on...

PAGE B1 he was directing at the Hollywood Bowl.

“He had me come in and read for Mimi, and I ended up going along for the journey,” she said.

“My introduction to the show really was from doing it, and it was such a blast,” she added.

More than eight years later, she is back to revisit the world of Bohemian Alphabet City — only this time, she is playing Maureen.

When asked about her preparations regarding her role, Hudgens said she refrains from watching the movie or any of

the live recorded performances, wanting to start from scratch as she prepares to bring her version of Maureen to life.

“Jonathan Larson’s whole thing was about finding his true, authentic voice as an artist, and that inspires me so much, so I’ve been trying to take the same approach in finding who Maureen is to me and making sure that is true,” Hudgens explained.

Fox’s “Rent: Live!” cast includes Tony-nominated performer Brandon Victor Dixon as Tom Collins, Tinashe as Mimi, Jordan Fisher as Mark, Brennin Hunt as Roger, Valentina as Angel, Mario as Benny, and Kiersey

Clemons as Joanne.

Hudgens said the younger generation will still be able to relate to “Rent’s” strong messages despite being originally written over 20 years ago.

“The topics that ‘Rent’ dives into are still extremely relevant topics that deserve discussion.

Gentrification is still a very relevant thing, people are still struggling with AIDS, and the main topics—poverty, social class, sexuality, gender identification—they are all things we are still talking about, so to have it in the context of a musical and explored in that medium is really an exciting thing,” she said.

From ‘Die Beautiful to ‘Born Beautiful’: The LGBTQ struggle continues by

TeSSa Mauricio-arriola ManilaTimes.net

IN 2016, creative partners Juna Robles Lana and Perci Intalan were floored when “Die Beautiful,” their gay-themed entry to the 42nd Metro Manila Film Festival won the Audience Choice Awards and became a blockbuster hit.

Also known as the vehicle which catapulted “Eat Bulaga” co-host Paolo Ballesteros to stardom as the beautiful transgender Trisha Echevarria, “Die Beautiful’s” success for Lana and Intalan on the other hand was very personal. The pair of directors of course are life partners first and foremost, and in having struggled for acceptance among their family and friends — first as individuals and later as two gay men in love — it had become their mission to show society not only the collective plight LGBTQs endure, but ultimately how they are just the same as everyone in fear, emotions and desire.

“We’ve always known that the LGBTQ story is an important story to tell kaya we decided walang pipigil sa amin,” Lana told The T-Zone over lunch with fellow Entertainment editors on Monday. “Back then, hindi naman kami umasa na makakapasok ang ‘Die Beautiful’ sa MMFF, and more so that when it did — after we were told the selection committee had us tailing at seventh or eighth place [among the Magic 8] — pinanood siya ng napakaraming tao.”

“Die Beautiful’s” message in a nutshell is that transgenders like Trisha only want to love and be loved like any man or woman.

“That many people saw that, whether or not they agree with it, was a major step for us kasi it got the discussion going sa mga tao about LGBTQs and that’s a start para hopefully maintindihan at matanggap kami,” he added.

But as Trisha died at her most beautiful — dressed and made up as famously beautiful women through her wake — the struggle of LGBTQs merely continues according to Lana, ergo the need for a follow up. Shortly after “Die Beautiful’s” success, they announced they would bring to life another story and perspective of a woman who is living her life in man’s body.

That story is “Born Beautiful” — the narrative of Trisha’s equally fascinating best friend Barbs.

“The LGBTQs’ personal struggle — besides their ultimate struggle with society — doesn’t stop at a man coming out to say, ‘Babae ako.’ That’s very ‘70s already. So way back when we did ‘Die Beautiful’ we committed to being progressive [in this advocacy], and Barbs’ story will show just that. That life doesn’t get easy beyond coming out and self-acceptance.”

Now portrayed by Martin del Rosario [from “Die Beautiful’s” Christian Bables], Barbs initially finds herself with a good problem on her hands. She is torn between two men but as she tries to decide whom she loves more, a woman barges into her life and turns it upside down all over again.

“The point is that there are LGBTQs who will find themselves confused about their sexuality repeatedly, especially when faced with situations which bring them guilt. In the Philippines especially, there’s the issue of faith on top of everything. So as Christians and

Martin del Rosario as Barbs from the “Born Beautiful”

Catholics, they’re bound to ask themselves, will God accept me like this when He meant for me to be a particular gender?

Barbs goes through that and she also goes through tragedies that causes her to blame it all on her sexuality. So like I said the struggle continues,” Lana continued.

To give a better picture where the movie finds Barbs, it begins seeing her try to move on after Trisha’s sudden death as a mortuary beautician at Happy Ending Funeral Homes.

But when another friend dies, Barbs decides to start a new life as a straight man named Bobby, which triggers another chain of events that challenge his identity.

“I directed ‘Die Beautiful’ but this time, it’s Perci who‘s taken the helm of ‘Born Beautiful’.

And I’m glad I was able to convince him to take the lead kasi karamihan ng ideas about Barbs and what she goes through came from him,” continued the proud partner.

“I can also say that mas matapang ito sa Die, and laugh-outloud funnier too based on the reaction during last weekend’s uncensored screening for UP students.”

Asked for the wisdom of going all out comedy in pursuing an advocacy they are clearly very passionate and serious about, Lana was quick to reply, “Comedy is the best way to go to show something heavy like this. As a gay man, humor has always been my salvation, and I don’t think I could have ever faced and survived the struggles and problems I’ve had to go through — and continue to go through — without it.”

“Continue to go through, Direk?” The T-Zone pressed the director for clarification.

“Yes, tuloy tuloy pa rin. You know even if Perci and I got married in New York, which of course isn’t recognized in the Philippines, our struggle to be accepted still continues. For one, we didn’t mean for anyone to find out we got married but when all the articles came out about it, yung reaction ng publiko na mababasa mo sa mga websites, parang hindi kami tao. Siguro na lang since Perci and I have been in showbiz for a long time, kinaya namin ‘yon, but it was a different story for our families, who already went through a lot in coming to accept us. They were so affected by what other people had to say that they had to question us all over again why we insisted on getting married when we were already living together.

“Hindi daw ba puwedeng ganun na lang? So we had to

explain to them again na sa haba ng pinagsamahan namin ni Perci and the life we want to share together, importante yung commitment and significance ng kasal sa amin.

“So this never ending struggle, this is what pushes us to do movies like this kasi imagine those who don’t have a platform like we do to reach out to society for understanding?”

Just then, Lana’s eyes lit up from a message on his phone as he told the room, “Woohoo!

R-16 na tayo!”

The message in turned out was from Intalan who was unusually missing from the media conference. Apparently he was at the MTRCB office waiting for a decision on theie appeal to reconsider the initial R-18 rating for Born Beautiful to at least at R-16.

“Halika na dito!” Lana happily told him on the phone, so that in the next 20 minutes, Intalan triumphantly joined the group explaining how he got the censors to change their decision.

“To begin with even if we were hoping for an R-16 rating, we accepted the R-18, because like Jun would say, given our storyline we’ve learned na wag na umasa basta tuloy pa rin ang pag-kukuwento ng buhay ng LGBTQ. But when we found out that Born Beautiful is the only Filipino movie opening this week, we pointed out sa MTRCB it would mean that the major cinema venues like SM and other malls will have an all-foreign lineup kasi they don’t carry R-18 movies. So for the industry, we agreed to work together and thankfully, additional bleeps lang naman ang dinagdag namin at this version is no different in terms of scenes and length than the R-18.”

Indeed another major opportunity has opened not just for directors Jun Lana and Preci Intalan, but as advocates living the lives of LGBTQs in society as well.

“We’re not asking anyone who watches this to change their views about religion, or relationships, marriage and sexuality. We’re only asking them to take a look at our situation and from there learn to respect one another’s choices and beliefs,” Lana concluded, filled with renewed optimism for a future of true inclusivity.

The cast of “Born Beautiful” also includes Lou Veloso, Chai Fonacier, Kiko Matos, Akihiro Blanco, Elora Españo, Joey Paras, Jojit Lorenzo, Gio Gahol, VJ Mendoza with the special participation of “Die Beautiful” star, Paolo Ballesteros.

Anne Curtis on having a baby soon...

PAGE B1 “I’ve decided to start eating clean but I treat myself on weekends. I really love food but you know habang tumatanda I realized there’s a lot of changes in my body, it’s not the same as

it used to be na talagang eat anything you can, okay lang. Parang hindi lang ako kakain ng rice in three days, flat na ulit ang tiyan,” Anne said.

“Clean eating lang, sabay kami ng husband ko. So we avoid junk

foods, no more chips and dips sa late night, pica-pica. We have salmons and vegetables, and steaks and chicken, it is really just clean eating lang. Pero on weekends, indulge talaga while watching K-Drama,” she added.

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Welcome the Year of the Pig at Barona Resort & Casino from February 5 – February 19 Lunar New Year Celebration includes Over $518,888 in Cash Prizes, 8X Points, All-You-Can-Eat Lobster, Hong Bao & Traditional Lion & Dragon Performances

A JOURNEY THAT FELT LIKE GOING “TO HELL AND BACK” REACHES A HAPPY CONCLUSION WITH ATTY. MICHAEL J. GURFINKEL’S HELP. Roselyn (center) married her U.S. citizen husband and acquired her green card. Unfortunately, their love did not last forever, and Roselyn left her abusive husband. Unknowingly, she became involved in felony forgery – a crime that made her subject to deportation.

When she applied for citizenship, it was denied because of this past crime. After hiring three other attorneys and consulting with Atty. Gurfinkel at least four times, Roselyn decided to finally retain leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel. Watch this success story on how Roselyn retained her green card, terminated her deportation, and paved the way for her naturalization in an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” – on Sunday at 6:15 p.m. (PST) on TFC. (Advertising Supplement)

Lady Gaga: Reinvention becomes her

By Monet

Lu

SHE’S known for her hit songs and her eccentric fashion statement. She is the Lady that we all go gaga for. She has made a name for herself and she is very far from over. And after stealing the spotlight with her role as The Countess/Elizabeth on “American Horror Story,” she surprised us again with her phenomenal performance as Ally Campana in the movie “A Star is Born” where her song, “Shallow” recently won her the Best Original Song at the Golden Globes.

Over the last decade, she arguably moved the entire pop apparatus toward forceful weirdness. Her influence is everywhere — she opened the doors for more female hitmakers to be cheekily bizarre: Miley Cyrus grinding on a wrecking ball, Katy Perry with her sniper-rifle bra filled with whipped cream and Sia living under her wig.

Lady Gaga has seen and done it all and now she is reinventing herself and owning everything about it.

In the film, “A Star is Born,” her character, Ally, starts off makeup-free, a frustrated waitress with mud-puddle hair who long ago abandoned her songwriting dreams and has settled for crooning live covers at a drag bar. One night, Bradley Cooper, as the shambling, alco-

holic rock star Jackson Maine, stumbles into the bar looking for a nightcap and instead discovers a muse — he is bewitched by her performance of “La Vie en Rose” in an Edith Piaf costume complete with thin eyebrows fashioned from electrical tape.

“A Star Is Born” is such a great Hollywood myth that it’s no wonder Hollywood keeps telling it. Whatever the era, the director or the headliners, it relates the story of two lovers on dramatically differing paths: a famous man who’s furiously racing to the bottom (Bradley Cooper in this movie) and a woman (Lady Gaga) who’s soaring to the top. In a swoon, he invites her out and they fall in love. He brings Ally onstage and then on tour, but she eventually goes solo, becoming a star whose ascent is shadowed by his decline.

Brady Cooper’s direction

made this movie even greater than any movie he has ever starred in. Their tandem is just begging for a sequel, and I hope that they and this movie gets recognized in the Oscars.

I just think it’s a good break for Lady Gaga. I’ve read her story before she became famous: She used to attend a private Catholic girls’ school and studied the piano when she was younger. Then she moved downtown in 2004, first to study theater arts at New York University (she dropped out during sophomore year) and then to sing in grungy bars on the Lower East Side while she sent her demos to record labels. When she adopted her new name (sometime around 2006, most likely from a Queen song), she decided to flip the formula.

What if she began with the PAGE B4

Arlo Custodio ManilaTimes.net

WITH Kris Aquino’s denial of Gretchen Barretto’s allegation that she fixed the tax obligation of their common friend, businesswoman and construction magnate Alice Eduardo, Barretto — the sexy actress and partner of Aquino’s cousin Tonyboy Cojuangco for 25 years — posted on Instagram on Monday what she calls a “classic example of a non-denial denial.”

Circling the words “Eduardo in any pending tax case” issued by Divina Law, the group handling Aquino’s cases against her former business manager Nicko Falcis, whom she accused of stealing funds from her company, Barretto said, “Notice how shrewd and deceptive her divine lawyers are by qualifying that the Queen of All Fixers did not intervene for Aliceinwonderland in any pending tax case. Obviously, the sawsaw tax case happened during Miss [Kim] Henares’ stint as BIR (Bureau of Internal Revenue) Commissioner, who also happens to be currently the Queen of All Fixers’ personal accountant.”

She revealed that Aquino had contacted her estranged family for help to destroy her (Barretto), to the point of threatening to kill her like what the multi-media star did to Falcis.

“And what’s this I heard from inside her camp? She called up Claudine to tell my parents that she will file a case against me and put me to jail and asked them for help in destroying me.

What is this, a tag team wrestling match? Can’t a ‘Queen’ handle it herself?

“At least si Nicko, she said ‘ipapapatay kita sa pamilya ko.

With me, she wants ‘ipapapatay

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cials at Sage Café, Ho Wan and the Parlor 32 High Limit area.

Hong-Kong trained Executive Chef Ringo Lao will prepare favorites such as abalone with shiitake mushrooms, garlicsteamed Chilean Seabass with tofu and sausages with sticky rice. Players on a Lunar New Year lucky streak can have the celebratory dishes, or bento boxes served right at their slot machine or table game when they order through gameside dining.

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(Advertising Supplement)

New start for Julie Anne San Jose

Gretchen claims veiled death threat from Kris by

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Gretchen Barretto

kita sa pamilya MO? And of course ARTEcaria Queen couldn’t help to look in the mirror and say she was previously a number one taxpayer. But why should we care about that when you helped fix Aliceinwonderland Eduardo hefty amount of taxes?”

Falcis and his brother, lawyer Jesus Falcis, filed two counts of grave threats against Aquino on January 18 before the Quezon City Regional Trial Court (RTC).

Their bases for the complaint was Aquino’s threats against the older Falcis in their phone conversation on Sept. 27, 2018 where the former TV host said, “ipapapatay kita sa pamilya ko!”

Aquino had admitted that she was the woman threatening Falcis in a viral recording, but said it was just a bluff. Falcis, however, said a death threat should not be taken lightly.

Under his Instagram handle or name nix722, Falcis declared, “You can’t fix yourself by breaking someone else.”

“A death threat is a death threat and should never be taken lightly.

Saying it was a bluff is your quick fix to everything… You premeditated everything.You told me to go

Inquirer.net photo

abroad and when I did, threatened me not to dare step in this country or I will be dead. It was all apparently part of your script to project my absence as ‘flight is guilt’ and you harassed me for four months to play along — but I refused.

“I will never forget that you instructed your lawyers for my mom to ask for forgiveness because you got hurt that I am leaving you and KCAP — but she refused. I will never forget how you bullied my friends, stakeholders and project managers to portray yourself as the victim, threatened them that they will be collateral damages — but they refused.

“You have a serious mental problem. I did not steal anything from you, it was you who stole my reputation, my freedom, and my relationships. But you will not be successful because the public has now seen your attempted robbery,” Falcis said.

“Try fixing your life first before fixing for others! We both know you want to run in 2022 because it’s your so-called destiny. After the sickness drama, you’re back to being healthy. You just need an excuse for missing a lot of your work last year,” he added.

to her career.

“I don’t think I’m ready for that (new love). I just want to PERHAPS love would have to focus on myself and my work,” take a backseat this new year for said Julie Anne at the presscon Julie Anne San Jose after admit- of The Sweetheart and The Balting that she is single again but ladeer: Fun Night Only which not yet ready to mingle and find she headlines with Christian a new love. What she is deadset Bautista, Donita Nose, Tekla, on doing is to fully pay attention Josh Adornado and Golden by

Bot Glorioso Philstar.com

Cañedo, on Jan. 27 at the Iloilo Convention Center, Mandurriao, Iloilo City. “I’m really, really focused when it comes to my work, my craft, bettering myself and my music. And that’s important for me this year.”

The Kapuso artist is optimistic about taking steps towards PAGE B5

B4 JANUARY 26-29, 2019 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Lady Gaga: Reinvention becomes...

PAGE B3 character, and the character was the physical embodiment of flux? What if she never wore the same outfit twice, or gave an interview out of costume, or claimed to be a paragon of creative authenticity?

Gaga’s debut album, “The Fame,” came out in August 2008. Her first recordings may not have been too deep — “Poker Face,” still her second-biggest single to date,

after “Just Dance,” is an ode to mirrored surfaces, to remaining willfully inscrutable — but they were catchy.

When Gaga first emerged onto the pop scene, she was a phenomenon. Later on, she started pushing boundaries and stopped wearing pants; she became a walking billboard for avant-garde fashion (Alexander McQueen’s ankle-bending hoof heels, a jacket covered in felt Kermit the Frogs, several gowns

made of human hair, that meat dress), a fact that served to make every other artist at the time who wasn’t rolling around onstage in a pool of fake blood seem, frankly, dull.

Gaga started calling herself a monster, not just to embrace a kind of outré bizarreness that had mainly been the province of male pop icons like Bowie or Prince, but also because she was monstrous, a pop creation that devoured the zeitgeist and then gleefully regurgitated it.

She made a jazz record with Tony Bennett. She made a crunchier, heavy-metal-ish album called “Artpop” that mostly failed to connect with the public, at least on the large Gagagian scale she was used to. When she turned 30, she released a more minimalist fifth record called “Joanne,” named after an aunt who died young of complications from lupus. She promoted the album in ripped T-shirts and a plain, pink felt hat. She toured dive bars before the arenas.

In 2017, she released the Netflix documentary “Gaga: Five Foot Two,” which is a glimpse into her daily life as she prepped for the 2017 Super Bowl, produced and promoted “Joanne” and spoke openly about the debilitating pain caused by her fibromyalgia (something she had been dealing with privately for years).

The documentary presents Gaga with a striking lack of vanity.

She appears on camera with dirty hair and a bare face. This is Gaga the Vulnerable, Gaga the Sensitive Soul.

I admire Lady Gaga for simply being herself and knowing where and when to bring out a different version of her. I wish she continues reinventing herself because, clearly and quite frankly, I can never imagine any other artist doing it best the way ONLY Lady Gaga could. ***

Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, awardwinning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada.

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

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Health@Heart PHILIP S. CHUA, MD, FACS, FPCS LAST February 28, 2018, my wife, Farida, and I arrived at the Los Angeles International Airport from Manila, following our two medical missions in the Philippines. While waiting at the lounge for our flight back to Las Vegas, we received a call from our friend, Lynn Santos, a nurse, who relayed to us the sad news that a close mutual friend, a medical colleague who was 84 and recovering well from a stroke, had collapsed in a grocery store. About half an hour or so later, while we were on board American Airline’s flight to Vegas, Lynn called again, this time to inform us that he had passed away.

A testament Our friend’s departure was a devastating loss to his family, friends, and the community. The health issues this physician and his wife of 53 years had experienced as they grew older were a testament to the realities of aging. This natural part of life, aging, is inescapable and an equalizer, as much as death is a part of life, without exception or exemption. In certain ways and instances, we could perhaps alter the progress and reduce the odds to some degree, but the inevitable end is obviously beyond us.

As the clock ticks, we are older by the second. As we grow older, the expected normal wear and tear in our body progress faster and faster, including the reduction in the secretion of our various essential glands and the weakening of our immune system.

Our telomeres – caps at the ends of each strand of DNA that protect the chromosomes, similar to plastic tips at the end of shoelaces, which prevents them from fraying – get damage and the telomeres become shorter as our body is subjected to all assaults internally and externally.

The shorter the telomeres, the shorter the lifespan.

The speed of the degenerative changes in us depends on our genes and to a great significant degree, on our lifestyle. That’s why the aging process varies in different individuals. While we cannot (yet) do anything about our genes at this stage in science and technology to extend longevity for everyone, we have enough evidence-based medical data today on how to achieve maximal health benefits through healthy lifestyle and extend our

MOONLIGHTING

by MYLAH DE

LEON

LAS VEGAS — The MGM Grand Garden Arena last Saturday, January 19, collided for attention. The flashing lights raced on and off, bizarrely beautiful.

The place magnified with frenzied electricity with the blinding lights, as it was meant to confuse you, make you think there is no time in this city — no night, day or future.

It was noisy and chaotic like everyone was on fire and had ADD — amped up with enthusiasm, beer, and alcohol — all for the senator-boxer, who as always, is the better fighter.

By the time the fight rolled over into the 5th round, passions were so inflamed, that everyone was ready to explode like a punctured powder keg. Thousands of Pacquiao fans chanted (including neutral fans) until the ground rumbled like there was a big earthquake.

So what did you miss if you watched the fight on TV, instead of being there to see it “live?”

You missed the exhilaration produced by many things: the crowd of 13,205 brought to its feet, the roaring of spectators, seeing sights that few others have seen, and the pleasure of watching the drama, sharing part of the victory.

You missed the strong the tension among the thousands looking at the fighters through a raw nerve.

What else did you miss watching inside your room?

Little things and big things — the colorful crowd, the quiet gladiatorial violence boxing fans have mastered in brutal perfection, in the midst of sound bites into rhetoric about people who bring boxing game disrepute.

Then there’s the unstoppable collective roar for every victorious gesture of the champ, forming a slow whistling moan then boomed, relentless.

We also saw the overabundance of Filipinos that cheered for the champ, including a number of

Aging: An equalizer

life, our telomeres, to the fullest possible.

Physiology of deterioration The degeneration starts in the basic cellular foundation of our body as we grow older, varying in different individuals since persons age at different speed, but in general the physiological changes start to manifest when we reach about 40 years of age, more obvious when we reach about 65. As we age, all the systems and essential functions of our body work less efficiently, at suboptimal level. Inflammation, the precursor of almost all diseases, invades the entire body.

All the glands in the body secrete significantly less, if not meager, hormones and other essential substances that regulate the various vital organs in the body.

Arteries lose their elasticity and hardened, causing high blood pressure and arterial blockages.

The blood gets thicker, increasing the risk for blood clots, coronary heart disease and stroke.

Joint lubricants decrease causing aggravating arthritic pains.

Male and female hormones drop and lessen sex drive. The dermal collagen and oil production slow down and the skin loses turgor and moisture, becoming thinner and thinner, and wrinkles form.

Most of our biologic functions peak at age 30, declining in a linear fashion thereafter.

This, however, does not materially affect our daily activities at this stage. Only stresses and diseases, and not aging, impact the physiology negatively during this period.

Theory of aging There are a few, but the prominent one is the Free Radical Theory where oxygen-containing molecules called free radicals, with a life span of one-millionth of a second, and are toxic, are damaging our body. Free radicals attack the cell’s DNA, causing the cells to prematurely die.

Our body’s natural antioxidant (defense) system mops up free radicals before they could cause damage, but as we grow older, and continue to abuse our body through unhealthy lifestyle and behavior, our body’s immune system becomes less efficient, allowing the free radical level to increase. This negatively impacts the normal cellular regulation and function, which leads to aging and its physical and physiologic consequences, as well as weaker defense system to diseases. On top of the damages from free radicals, external assaults are caused by sunlight, environmental pollution, stress, unhealthy lifestyle (high carbohydrate-low vegetable-low fruit and low nut diet, smoking,

alcohol, soft drinks, lack of exercise, and substance abuse). Just to illustrate the damage: From using a single stick of cigarette alone, trillions of free radicals are generated. And if we added all the assaults listed above, many of which are self-inflicted, it would be clear why our body deteriorates as we grow older.

The human body is fundamentally a unique, amazing, efficient, and tough, machine, that can withstand a lot of abuses, but it also has its limit.

Discipline and resolve The harder part of the equation in slowing down aging and avoiding preventable diseases to solve is our lack of personal discipline and resolve. Today, most, if not all of us, know which items are good and which ones are unhealthy to eat or drink, and also know that regular physical exercise and de-stressing are fundamental to our health and longevity. Yet, somehow, we seem to always find enough reasons or excuse to justify our noncompliance with these known and proven scientific principles of healthy living.

As alluded to in the book “Let’s Stop “Killing” Our Children,” inflicting harm to our body with self-abusive behavior and by living an unhealthy lifestyle is masochistic. Some of us appear to have programmed our mind to an auto self-destruct or suicidal mode and continue to do things, or perpetuate bad habits, that we know could maim or kill us.

The book a lso propose s healthy lifestyle and disease prevention should begin at the cellular (DNA) level starting in the womb and in the crib, to protect the integrity of the DNA as early as possible. Damaging the DNA-telomeres with our unhealthy habits and insults from our environment lead to major metabolic (diabetes, thyroid illness), pulmonary, cardiovascular (heart attack and stroke), and, especially cancer.

With volumes of evidencebased medical data on healthy lifestyle and with our more informed selves today, disease prevention is much easier to achieve compared to five or more decades ago. We no longer have any excuse not to maximize our health and longevity. To do otherwise is simply asinine. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is a medical lecturer/author, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. Websites: FUN8888.com, philipSchua.com Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com

The speed, style and grace of an ageless warrior

Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao maintained his WBA welterweight title on Saturday, January 19 when he won via unanimous decision against American boxer Adrien Boxer.

AJPress photos by Robert Macabagdal

international celebrities. However, viewers probably saw celebrity occupants of the ringside better than we did, and the expression of Philippine public officials as they strutted in affectionate amusement at seeing the champ’s wife in an exalted position.

“I thought I was in the Philippines,” Pacquiao commented during the post-fight press conference, as he thanked everyone, especially Filipinos, Americans, and Latinos.

You also missed the overall cultural aridity, melting in flamboyance, extravaganza and vigor; the irreverence condoned all over the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

Like in every fight, voices soared, building the crowd into a hysterical frenzy. It was national pride for that little big Filipino, to see him come so far. His victories are a source of extreme national pride because we all knew he was not just fighting for himself, he was fighting for a nation.

I remember the early interviews I had with the champ – at the beginning, and later bouts that brought the sports world to a standstill — Pacquiao vs.

Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Miguel Cotto, Shane Mosley and Mayweather. As he reflected, “What I have done in boxing, I never expected that, titles in eight divisions.”

But that was a long, long, very long time ago. No one can forget the moments that that led to here.

The Greyhound bus he took from San Francisco to Los Angeles in 2001. The random meeting with Freddie Roach at Wild Card.

Their decision to work together – a choice that changed the history of boxing. The mile Pacquiao walked down Sunset Boulevard to the gym each day.

The pronunciation of his name, scribbling it out phonetically on a piece of paper – Pa-key-yow.

PAGE B5

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARy 26-29, 2019

B

New start for Julie Anne San Jose...

PAGE B3 a brand-new start. “New beginnings, new work, new friends, new opportunities and blessings.”

No wonder, Julie Anne feels delighted to be doing a series of shows starting this month with Christian whom she has worked with in several concerts here and abroad, not to mention their GMA weekend TV program Studio 7. According to her, working with Christian is a breeze.

In the same presscon, Christian assured that The Sweetheart and The Balladeer is just one of the many shows that he and Julie Anne will be doing this year. Even the shows they did in the U.S. will have a repeat in other parts of the country.

Christian said, “We’ve become really close during our tours that we take care of each other on stage; nagsasaluhan kami during times that we forgot some lines. We’re partners at na-develop (ang samahan) because of GMA.” He added that a lot of girls these days admire Julie Anne and shared how the young audience are all eyes and ears on her Julie Anne San Jose Photo from Instagram/@myjaps every performance in Studio 7.

“All the girls look at her. She’s I get that from her — that drive, we’re able to do these tours really leading the pack. I believe that awesomeness and I’m glad together.”

The speed, style and grace of an...

PAGE B4 He remembered his first title defense in the U.S., on a Mayweather undercard, of all undercards. He remembered the night he fought in front of Mike Tyson in Memphis. He watched Tyson from the stands as he knocked out his opponent, where excited fans spilled beer all down his back.

In 2106, Nike dropped Pacquiao when he made a comment that gay people were “worse than animals.” At the same time, he was banned by The Grove, a popular mall in Los Angeles, and HBO called his statements “deplorable” and “offensive.”

At Wild Card, only the loyalists remained, only the true confidants that have been with Pacquiao since he arrived in California in 2001; Like Roach and head of security, Rob Peters; and Pacquiao’s best friend, Buboy and brother Bobby. They watched him spin through the same routing, the stretching, the mitt work, the heavy bag, the speed bag.

They ate with him at Nat’s, the Thai restaurant that Pacquiao still frequents near the gym.

He was not bothered by celebrity criticism. He was booed in San Antonio, the night he fought Marco Antonio Barrera for the first time in 2003. It has never happened before and when he got out, the crowd was yelling “boo, boo,” but he did not throw a punch, as he knew what it was to not have even a single fan.

The post-fight press con The press center or bullpen is bright and large, and wellplanned. Some correspondents looked more intelligent while some ravaged by others like a bad fairy in a ballet or a pained frog. This is usually when you’re with established reporters of the international scene.

It was always a rousing and dramatic session. Mercifully, Bob Arum, who is still astonishingly handsome, moderates. If you need a quotable item, reporters from prominent papers readily

obliged; but the disturbing thing about the press center was that it made no statement whatsoever.

In its opacity and constriction, it could not even act as a reflector of thought. Although presumably inside this room, the spirit of man will be both represented and worshipped as always.

Like Pacquiao’s fans, 300 or so international reporters held their breath as they wait for the champ’s state of health after the fight. When he emerged with a drop-dead gorgeous, all he really has to do is grin, and we were all his hands.

Long after the score has lost importance, we will remember what the bout was like. We will remember how the adventure had been —the feelings, courage, grace, adversary, fatigue, and challenge. Who can forget all of these? That wasn’t viewing — that was total involvement. *** E-mail Mylah at moonlightingmdl@aol. com

McDonald’s announces first-ever bacon hour on Jan. 29 Because there’s no such thing as too much bacon, get FREE bacon with anything on the menu

IN celebration of bacon’s limited time arrival to the Classics – the Big Mac® Bacon burger, Quarter Pounder®* Bacon burger and Cheesy Bacon Fries – McDonald’s is makin’ bacon dreams come true by giving fans even more…you guessed it…bacon!

On Tuesday, January 29, from 4:00-5:00 p.m. local time, McDonald’s is hosting a firstof-its-kind, nationwide bacon bash called Bacon Hour. For 60 minutes, customers will be able to get thick cut, Applewood smoked bacon with anything on the menu, at no additional cost.

And is there anything better than free bacon? (Spoiler alert – there isn’t).

As if bacon on our three Classics wasn’t enough, now the whole McDonald’s menu is ready to be bacon’ized. Customers will be given two half pieces of bacon on the side with any purchase and can add it to whatever item they wish. It’s an ode to bacon.

Filet-O-Fish® with bacon. Even a Hot Fudge Sundae with bacon.

You name it…with bacon.

“When we said there’s no such thing as too much bacon, we weren’t kidding. January 29, we’ll be upping the bacon ante— the bac-ante, if you will—and celebrating this glorious food favorite like never before,” said Chef Michael Haracz, McDonald’s manager of culinary inno-

vation. “I love bacon. America loves bacon. I really can’t wait to see the crazy and daring combinations our customers put together.”

And with all this bacon, it begs the question: is bacon the best thing to happen to the classic Big Mac, fresh beef** Quarter Pounder and World Famous Fries® or are our Classics the best thing to ever happen to bacon? Let the debate begin.

But there’s no debating that McDonald’s food keeps getting more craveable and delicious from fresh beef Quarter Pounder burgers, Buttermilk Crispy Tenders, café-quality espresso beverages like the McCafé Caramel Macchiato, Cappuccino and Americano, and not to mention the Classics with Bacon earlier this month.

It is available at most restaurants in contiguous U.S. Not available in Alaska, Hawaii and U.S. Territories. Limit one side

of bacon per person with any order.

For more information, visit http://www.mcdonalds.com, or follow them on Twitter @McDonalds and Facebook www. facebook.com/mcdonalds.

(Advertising Supplement)

B January 26-29, 2019 • La WEEKEnD aSIan JOurnaL

Features

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COMMUNITY JOURNAL

Your Immigration Solution ATTY. AMANDA KWONG A common misunderstanding about domestic violence is that it spikes during the holidays. But regardless of when abusive incidents are most common, the truth is that coercive control does not ever take a vacation. Undocumented immigrants who have not been advised of their options by an immigration lawyer are especially vulnerable because they are often fearful of reporting domestic violence to the police due to their lack of lawful immigration status.

Undocumented immigrants sadly often suffer in silence because of their fears of coming forward. They mistakenly think there is nothing they can do and that enduring the abuse is their only option. But they do not necessarily need to continue being abused, or to continue to be threatened with deportation. Rather, legal remedies do exist that could put an end to the intimidation, manipulation, economic abuse, or even the involvement of children.

What can be done to help an undocumented immigrant depends on a lot of factors, including where the noncitizen is in the immigration process.

For example, if an immigrant is married to a U.S. citizen and a petition for permanent resident status (green card) has already been filed, there is a natural inclination to stay in the relationship.

And understandably so, as the immigrant would feel that they could simply continue to endure the abuse for a little while longer since they are so close to getting their green card. But staying in the abusive relationship is not always required!

Non-U.S. citizens may be able to petition themselves based on the abuse that the U.S. citizen spouse has inflicted on them.

These self-petitions are filed with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service. There are several requirements that must be met to successfully file a self-petition,

Abuse does not take a holiday vacation

dered deported to their native country. Despite the outstanding order of deportation, a green card may still be possible in this case, though it is significantly more complex. The noncitizen would be required to reopen their case in immigration court before they would be eligible for their green card. Be careful about submitting a poorly prepared request to reopen the case though, because there are limits on how many requests may be submitted. But it is still important to act timely because there are also strict time limits on when the request must be made. Regardless, it may also be advisable to obtain an approved self-petition before requesting the court case to be reopened.

The sad reality is that there are far too many victims of domestic violence, both documented and undocumented. For immigrants, please know that there are several potential immigration remedies for those who have suffered battery or extreme cruelty. Our office has successfully helped many immigrants find freedom so that they may continue to heal instance, you may still be able to and feel safe. If you or someone file a self-petition if you have suf- you know may be a victim of dofered battery or extreme cruelty mestic violence, please contact by your U.S. citizen or perma- an experienced and knowledgenent resident parent, or by your able immigration attorney regarding possible options.

U.S. citizen son or daughter.

There is also a way for abused *** spouses to get their green cards if they have already been placed REEVES IMMIGRATION LAW GROUP is in deportation proceedings be- one of the oldest, largest and most fore an immigration judge. They experienced immigration fi rms in may be able to request a form of the United States with offi ces in Los relief called “Special Rule Can- Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas, cellation of Removal for Battered Manila and China.

Spouses and Children.” There are For more Information please call (800) certain requirements the nonciti- 795- 8009 or visit www.rreeves.com. zen must meet to be granted this Telephone: (800) 795-8009 form of relief, such as three years E-mail: immigration@rreeves.com continuous physical presence, Website: www.rreeves.com. good moral character, and the *** lack of any disqualifying crimes.

The immigration judge must also The analysis and suggestions offered in decide to favorably exercise their this column do not create a lawyer-client discretion, and if they do, the ap- relationship and are not a substitute for plicant will become a permanent the personalized representation that is essential to every case. resident of the U.S. Occasionally, a person is (Advertising Supplement) abused after they have been orincluding proving that the foreign citizen was the victim of battery or extreme cruelty. Threats to have a person deported or turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) can sometimes amount to extreme cruelty. These petitions can still be filed even if the marriage has been terminated, so long as the petition is filed within two years of the marriage being terminated. The self-petitioner must also establish that there is a connection between the abuse and the termination of the marriage.

It is important to remember that you do not have to be married to a U.S. citizen to file a selfpetition based on abuse. For

“ Threats to have a person deported or turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) can sometimes amoount to extreme cruelty.”

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 26-29, 2019

C1

B August 4 - 7, 2018 • LA WEEKEND AsIAN JOuRNAL

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COMMUNITY JOURNAL

Your Immigration Solution ATTY. AMANDA KWONG A common misunderstanding about domestic violence is that it spikes during the holidays. But regardless of when abusive incidents are most common, the truth is that coercive control does not ever take a vacation. Undocumented immigrants who have not been advised of their options by an immigration lawyer are especially vulnerable because they are often fearful of reporting domestic violence to the police due to their lack of lawful immigration status.

Undocumented immigrants sadly often suffer in silence because of their fears of coming forward. They mistakenly think there is nothing they can do and that enduring the abuse is their only option. But they do not necessarily need to continue being abused, or to continue to be threatened with deportation. Rather, legal remedies do exist that could put an end to the intimidation, manipulation, economic abuse, or even the involvement of children.

What can be done to help an undocumented immigrant depends on a lot of factors, including where the noncitizen is in the immigration process.

For example, if an immigrant is married to a U.S. citizen and a petition for permanent resident status (green card) has already been filed, there is a natural inclination to stay in the relationship.

And understandably so, as the immigrant would feel that they could simply continue to endure the abuse for a little while longer since they are so close to getting their green card. But staying in the abusive relationship is not always required!

Non-U.S. citizens may be able to petition themselves based on the abuse that the U.S. citizen spouse has inflicted on them.

These self-petitions are filed with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service. There are several requirements that must be met to successfully file a self-petition,

Abuse does not take a holiday vacation

dered deported to their native country. Despite the outstanding order of deportation, a green card may still be possible in this case, though it is significantly more complex. The noncitizen would be required to reopen their case in immigration court before they would be eligible for their green card. Be careful about submitting a poorly prepared request to reopen the case though, because there are limits on how many requests may be submitted. But it is still important to act timely because there are also strict time limits on when the request must be made. Regardless, it may also be advisable to obtain an approved self-petition before requesting the court case to be reopened.

The sad reality is that there are far too many victims of domestic violence, both documented and undocumented. For immigrants, please know that there are several potential immigration remedies for those who have suffered battery or extreme cruelty. Our office has successfully helped many immigrants find freedom so that they may continue to heal instance, you may still be able to and feel safe. If you or someone file a self-petition if you have suf- you know may be a victim of dofered battery or extreme cruelty mestic violence, please contact by your U.S. citizen or perma- an experienced and knowledgenent resident parent, or by your able immigration attorney regarding possible options.

U.S. citizen son or daughter.

There is also a way for abused *** spouses to get their green cards if they have already been placed REEVES IMMIGRATION LAW GROUP is in deportation proceedings be- one of the oldest, largest and most fore an immigration judge. They experienced immigration fi rms in may be able to request a form of the United States with offi ces in Los relief called “Special Rule Can- Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas, cellation of Removal for Battered Manila and China.

Spouses and Children.” There are For more Information please call (800) certain requirements the nonciti- 795- 8009 or visit www.rreeves.com. zen must meet to be granted this Telephone: (800) 795-8009 form of relief, such as three years E-mail: immigration@rreeves.com continuous physical presence, Website: www.rreeves.com. good moral character, and the *** lack of any disqualifying crimes.

The immigration judge must also The analysis and suggestions offered in decide to favorably exercise their this column do not create a lawyer-client discretion, and if they do, the ap- relationship and are not a substitute for plicant will become a permanent the personalized representation that is essential to every case. resident of the U.S. Occasionally, a person is (Advertising Supplement) abused after they have been orincluding proving that the foreign citizen was the victim of battery or extreme cruelty. Threats to have a person deported or turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) can sometimes amount to extreme cruelty. These petitions can still be filed even if the marriage has been terminated, so long as the petition is filed within two years of the marriage being terminated. The self-petitioner must also establish that there is a connection between the abuse and the termination of the marriage.

It is important to remember that you do not have to be married to a U.S. citizen to file a selfpetition based on abuse. For

“ Threats to have a person deported or turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) can sometimes amoount to extreme cruelty.”

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 26-29, 2019

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C JANUARY 26-29, 2019 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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

Can you be sued for old Do I need a premarital agreement before getting married? debts you haven’t paid?

Minding Your Finances Atty. RAymond BulAon DO you have old debts in the past that you haven’t paid and are wondering if the creditors can still come back now and collect from you after so many years?

This is a common question that I am often asked.

I actually see a lot of people in this situation. At some time in their lives, they messed up and failed to live up to their financial responsibilities which resulted in delinquency and possibly legal actions being filed by creditors against them. A lot of them have gone through a difficult time in their lives such as a divorce, a failed business, sickness, disability or unemployment.

Years later, things have changed to the point where they have finally started rebuilding their finances and their lives.

They may now have a good-paying job, have a bit of savings in the bank and perhaps have started seriously thinking about their financial future.

Then all of the sudden, the unthinkable happens. They get served a lawsuit out of the blue or they find out that their bank account has been frozen or their employer just got served a wage

garnishment order. What happened? This is when they are surprised to discover that although many years have passed, old debts and other derogatory information continue appear on their credit report or even worsea creditor who has obtained a judgment is now aggressively trying to pursue them.

This becomes more problematic especially when someone is

much better right now.

How about you? Do you have debts from your past that are still haunting you to this very day? Are these debts stopping you from improving your life, perhaps making your dream of home ownership impossible to achieve? Don’t lose hope! If you are determined to turn your situation around for the better, there are some things you can do right now to accomplish that.

Unfortunately, the experience I described above may be the very “jolt” that most people need to finally wake up and do something about their situation. As I always tell people, debt problems only tend to get worse if they are ignored.

The best time to take care of them is now, not later.

If you ignore them, be ready to pay the consequences later.

Creditors, of course, have to file a lawsuit (and a lot of them do in order to preserve their collection rights) within what is called the Statute of Limitations period (This is generally 4 years in California from the time you stopped paying) in order for them to enforce the debt. However, keep in mind that judgments in Cali-

“ One thing that may help you determine if you still have debts in active collection status is by looking at the most recent copy of your credit report and reviewing it for accuracy.” finally able and is in the process of trying to buy a house or a car.

Sometimes, the income is good enough to qualify for the loan that they are applying for but the credit score is too low that no bank would touch the application after they see all the unpaid debts on the person’s credit report. So these people start thinking that if they had just taken care of these debts years ago when they had the chance, maybe life could be

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New tax treatment of alimony

THE Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) made changes to the tax treatment of divorces and legal separations in 2019 and beyond.

Current rules: Under current rules, an individual who pays alimony can deduct alimony or separate maintenance payments. On the other hand, your beloved ex-spouse must have to report and pay tax on alimony received. These payments are treated as “above-the-line” deduction which gives you a deduction whether you itemize or claim the standard deduction.

New rules: Not anymore. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) does not allow you to deduct your alimony payments anymore. Your happy ex does not have to pay tax on such alimony either. IRS can’t please both sides.

New rules don’t apply to existing divorces and separa-

Tax Tips VictoR sy, cPA, mBA

tions: TCJA rules do not apply to existing divorces and separations. Old rules continue to apply to existing divorces and separations agreements, as well as divorces and separations that are executed up through 2018, but read special rule below.

How to apply new rules to existing divorces and separations: If you want new rules to apply to your existing divorce decree or separation agreement, there’s a special rule that allows you to

legally modify existing agreements. If you are civil enough to make a change, you may be able to negotiate an armistice when income levels change for either or both payer and payee. Good luck. Be civil and work it out. *** 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 the absence of a premarital agreement, the general community property presumption under California family code section 760 controls which provides “ ….all property, real or personal, wherever situated, acquired by a married person during the marriage while domiciled in this state is community property.” Family Code 760. This becomes a problem if you are the spouse that has the substantially higher income or the one who accumulates the majority of the assets during the marriage. You are called in family law lingo “the in spouse.”

The other spouse (or in our lingo also called the “out spouse” gets a half interest on everything accumulated during the marriage even if the asset is under your name alone or it was accumulated solely due to your sweat and hard work. The out spouse, who stayed at home most of the marriage, gets a one half interest on all the accumulations during the marriage under California community property law. For example, if you opened a savings account during the marriage under your name alone for which you religiously and diligently stash away 25% of your earnings during the marriage while your spouse blows away his/her salary during the marriage, your spouse still gets a half interest in the money you saved in your savings account. Another example would be if you purchase a piece of real property during the marriage under “your name alone” and have your spouse sign a “quit claim” deed, your spouse may still have a claim for a half interest in your real property. Another example would be if you owned a business prior to marriage, but due to your hard work, long hours of labor, and efforts, the business grew exponentially during the marriage, your spouse may still have a claim for an interest in the business.

Signing a premarital agreement may serve as added protection to the future “in spouse” and a hurdle for the future “out spouse” by avoiding or altering the applicability of California community property law to assets 1) already owned by each and 2) to property and income to be acquired or earned during their marriage. Premarital agreements may validly provide that

Barrister’s Corner

Atty. Kenneth uRsuA Reyes the earnings and accumulations of each party during marriage will remain that party’s separate property, free of any claims, community property or otherwise, of the other party. Premarital agreements may also serve to preserve a person’s estate for his or her heirs, free of the other party’s inheritance claims.

Pursuant to Family Code 1612(c ),“ Parties to a premarital agreement may contract with respect to all of the following:(1) The rights and obligations of each of the parties in any of the property of either or both of

“ Under both the Uniform Premarital Agreement Act and prior law, the spouse claiming the agreement is invalid or not enforceable bears the burden of proof on that allegation.” them whenever and wherever acquired or located. (2) The right to buy, sell, use, transfer, exchange, abandon, lease, consume, expend, assign, create a security interest in, mortgage, encumber, dispose of, or otherwise manage and control property.(3) The disposition of property upon separation, marital dissolution, death, or the occurrence or nonoccurrence of any other event.(4) The making of a will, trust, or other arrangement to carry out the provisions of the agreement.(5) The ownership rights in and disposition of the death benefit from a life insurance policy.(6) The choice of law governing the construction of the agreement.(7) Any other matter, including their personal rights and obligations, not in violation of public policy or a statute imposing a criminal penalty.

However, the right of a child to support may not be adversely af-

fected. Family Code §1612(b).

Premarital agreements that are entered into voluntarily by parties who are each represented by independent counsel and aware of the effect of the agreement, a post 1985 premarital waiver of post dissolution support does not offend contemporary public policy and is not per se unenforceable.

Under both the Uniform Premarital Agreement Act and prior law, the spouse claiming the agreement is invalid or not enforceable bears the burden of proof on that allegation. Family Code. 1615(a); Marriage of Bonds, supra, 24 C4th at 27, 99 CR2d at 269; Marriage of Iverson (1992) 11 CA4th 1495, 1502, 15 CR2d 70, 74–75; However, the UPAA (as amended effective 1/1/02) deems that a premarital agreement was not executed voluntarily unless the court makes five prescribed findings provided for under Family Code.

1615(c) (1) The party against whom enforcement is sought was represented by independent legal counsel at the time of signing the agreement or after being advised to seek independent legal counsel, expressly waived, in a separate writing, representation by independent legal counsel. (2) The party against whom enforcement is sought had not less than seven calendar days between the time that party was first presented with the agreement and advised to seek independent legal counsel and the time the agreement was signed. (3) The party against whom enforcement is sought, if unrepresented by legal counsel, was fully informed of the terms and basic effect of the agreement as well as the rights and obligations he or she was giving up by signing the agreement, and was proficient in the language in which the explanation of the party’s rights was conducted and in which the agreement was written. The explanation of the rights and obligations relinquished shall be memorialized in writing and delivered to the party prior to signing the agreement.

The unrepresented party shall, on or before the signing of the premarital agreement, execute a document declaring that he or she received the information required by this paragraph and indicating who provided that in-

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 26-29, 2019

Transportation workers classified as independent contractors are exempt from arbitration, may sue in court DOMINIC Oliveira works as a driver for New Prime, Inc., an interstate trucking company. On paper, Mr. Oliveira is not an employee because he signed contracts with New Prime, labeling him an independent contractor (IC). The contracts Oliveira signed also instruct that any disputes arising out of the parties’ relationship should be resolved by an arbitrator, even disputes over the scope of the arbitrator’s authority.

Oliveira alleges that Prime exercised significant control over his work, which was contrary to his status as an independent contractor. Oliveira terminated his contractor relationship with Prime and began working as an employee of Prime, where his job responsibilities were “substantially identical” to those he had as an independent contractor.

Oliveira claimed that the company may call its drivers independent contractors but in reality New Prime treats them as employees. As a result, New Prime denies its drivers lawful wages and fails to pay the statutorily due minimum wage.

Oliveira then brought a class-action lawsuit against Prime, alleging violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), a state minimum-wage statute, among other claims.

Prime asked the trial court to compel arbitration under the Federal Arbitration Act (FAA).

Oliveira opposed, arguing that IC contract he signed with New Prime is exempted from arbi-

Protecting Employee & Consumer Rights Atty. c. Joe SAyAS, Jr. tration under the FAA and that the question of whether the FAA arbitration exemption applied to Oliveira was for the court to decide.

The case reached all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, which had to answer these two questions: Must a court – instead of an arbitrator – determine whether the FAA arbitration exemption applies in this case?

Does the FAA arbitration exemption apply to agreements that purport to establish an independent-contractor relationship, even though the FAA talks about exempting only “contracts of employment” in the transportation industry?

The high court ruled that the court cannot send the case into arbitration because the FAA did not grant any court any authority to do so. In other words, Mr. Oliveira’s wage claims cannot be sent to an arbitrator because the agreement he signed with New Prime is governed by the FAA, which exempts contracts of employment of transportation workers from arbitration.

The Court held that Oliveira’s IC agreement is still considered a “contract of employment,” i.e., it refers to an agreement to per-

form work, including Oliveira’s work as an independent contractor. The court discussed the meanings of the words “employment” and “employee” when the statute was enacted and how they differed from the words’ modern connotations.

Based on that analysis, the Court concluded that “all work was treated as employment” in the FAA, and so the statute imposes no barrier preventing workers like Oliveira from seeking redress in court.

Workers who are bound by arbitration agreements are deprived of their rights to have their day in court. Litigation in court gives employees an opportunity to have their claims decided by a jury of their peers, not by arbitrators, whose decisions may be affected by business considerations. Thus, any ruling that would take a worker’s case out of arbitration and into the court room is a win for the worker. *** The Law Offices of C. Joe Sayas, Jr. welcomes inquiries about this topic. All inquiries are confidential and at no-cost.

You can contact the office at (818) 2910088 or visit www.joesayaslaw.com or our Facebook page Joe Sayas Law. [C. Joe Sayas, Jr., Esq. is an experienced trial attorney who has successfully recovered wages and other monetary damages for thousands of employees and consumers. He was named Top Labor & Employment Attorney in California by the Daily Journal, consistently selected as Super Lawyer by the Los Angeles Magazine, and is the recipient of PABA’s Community Champion Award for 2016.]

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Senior needs Chapter 13 relief for $24K credit cards

Debt Relief

Atty. LAwrence yAng THE client is 65. She still works middle management and earns $37,000 yearly. Although she is married, I would say that she has some kind of money agreement with her beloved husband that arrangement works well for one side only, and that’s not her side.

She herself owes $24,000 of credit cards. She needs to pay at least $800 a month of minimum interest payments to keep the $24,000 current every month. With her monthly gross of $3,000, her net take-home pay is $2,500, more or less. From her net pay of $2,500, she has to pay 100 percent of the mortgage of $1,600, leaving her $900 for utilities, food and monthly necessities for both herself and her husband.

The client feels overwhelmed by the burden of paying $900 a month for credit cards at her age of 65. In the next year, she can retire and get full social security benefits. SS benefits, of course, will be about $1,600 in her case, which is less than her current take-home pay of $2,500. If she still has to worry about $24,000 of credit cards next year, half her social security would have to go to card payments. This is not something she looks forward to, to say the least. Despair and depression would be a more accurate description of how she feels right now. I tell her not to feel so bad because truthfully, she owes her creditors money only, not her enjoyment of life!

“We have strength for all things in Christ who empowers us — he infuses us with inner strength and we are self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency!”

— Philippians 4:13 I wanted to say this because the client was so depressed and I could see her depression clearly on her face. Please, it’s not the end of life and of the world, as we know it. We all can rely on Jesus who will help us. So, cheer up! Together, we can solve this problem and get rid of this burden.

For the husband’s part, he gives her $1,000 a month as his share of all the household expenses plus the mortgage. And he doesn’t want to file bankruptcy even if he himself owes $40,000 of credit cards. Supposedly the $1,000 a month he gives her is half his take-home pay.

The other 50 percent he uses to pay his $40,000 of credit cards, which require at least $1,200 a month of minimum payments.

He’s still short $200. Perhaps he drives for Uber for the extra $200?

Well, let’s just say the wall is about to break even if Mexico did pay for it. Even if the POTUS used American-made cement and American citizen workers, the wall will still break under the load of too much credit card debt for this family. Can the client file for bankruptcy herself to handle

there is no interest in Chapter 13, and the court will give her a discharge order, meaning no more credit card debt! This is $500 less than $900, which is a minimum interest payment only.

After paying $900 a month for 60 months, or $54,000, she would still owe the very same $24,000 at the age of 70.

Whereas, if she made all the Chapter 13 plan payments of $400 for 60 months, she would have paid $24,000 only which is all principal, and at the age of 70, she would owe ZERO credit cards. So, I hope the client will feel a lot better now that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

She can look forward to a good retirement with no credit cards to bother her.

Formerly rich seniors need Chapter 7 relief The next clients are spouses who are both 64. They have a million dollar house, which unfortunately also has a million dollar mortgage. This mortgage was taken 10 years ago with nothing down and interest only for 10 years. The problem is two months from now, 10 years would have been reached and the interestonly portion expires. When the interest-only portion expires, guess what? You have to start paying the principal too.

With principal payments, mortgage payment will double, from $3,000 to $6,000. It’s time to let the house go. There is minimal equity. Clients have listed the house for sale for over a million with no offers. Just some dogs sniffing around, and stray cats looking for food. No serious buyers. As POTUS would tweet out “NOT NICE!” There is a second mortgage of $150,000. And credit cards of $60,000. If the house is not timely sold for the right price, the right price being, at least $1.15-M, then eventually the first mortgage holder will foreclose.

When that happens, they will not owe anything on the $1.0-M first mortgage, but they will still owe the $150,000, which becomes an unsecured debt, like a credit card debt. So, if the house is not sold,

“ I suggest a Chapter 7 to wipe out all debt. Let the house go if it is not sold, and go look for another residence now that is more reasonable in mortgage payments.” her $22,000 of credit cards? Yes. Non-filing husband will be left to his own resources to handle his $40,000 of credit cards. They have $230,000 of equity in their house. Her homestead exemption is $175,000, so that still leaves $55,000 of non-exempt equity.

This means that she cannot do a Chapter 7 to discharge the $24,000. If she did Chapter 7, the trustee would sell her house, give her $175,000 in cash then use the rest of the sale proceeds to pay off the $24,000. Who wants to lose their house because of credit cards? Certainly, not this client and none of my clients want to lose their house in a Chapter 7. She can, however, file for Chapter 13. In Chapter 13, she will pay $400 a month for 60 months. At the end of the plan, she will be fully paid, because

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Do I need a premarital agreement...

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formation.(4) The agreement and the writings executed pursuant to paragraphs(1) and (3) were not executed under duress, fraud, or undue influence, and the parties did not lack capacity to enter into the agreement.(5) Any other factors the court deems relevant. In addition, the parties are required to provide each other with full disclosure of all material financial information.

A premarital agreement may be unenforceable if found to be unconscionable when it was executed and the requisite disclosures were lacking and not waived Additionally, a spousal support provision in a premarital agreement executed under the UPAA, whether before or after January 1, 2002, is not enforceable if found to be unconscio-

nable at the time of enforcement.

Family Code 1612(c). If you are the higher earning spouse and have assets to protect, it is important to seek the representation of experienced counsel in drafting a premarital agreement to make sure that all statutory requirement are met which increases the likelihood that your premarital agreement will be deemed enforceable when attacked in court in case of a divorce. *** Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice.

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

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

The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client

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

C

Checklist: If ICE officers knock on your door RECENTLY, our office has noticed growing concern in the community about the possibility of immigration (ICE) agents unexpectedly knocking on the door of your home.

Our office has received a lot of inquiry as to what to do in such a situation.

It is important to realize that all people living in the United States, including undocumented immigrants, have certain U.S. Constitutional rights.

If you are undocumented and immigration (ICE) agents knock on your door, know that you have the following rights: • You do not have to open the door. You do not have to open the door or let the officers into your home unless they have a valid search warrant signed by a judge.

• An ICE deportation warrant is not the same as a search warrant. If this is the only document they have, they cannot legally come inside unless you verbally agree to let them in.

• If the officers say they have a search warrant signed by a judge, ask them to slide it under the door or hold it up to a window so you can see it.

• If the warrant does not have your correct name and address on it and is not signed by a judge, you do not have to open the door or let them in-

ments and do not lie.

• You have the right to speak to a lawyer. If you are detained or taken into custody, you have the right to immediately contact a lawyer.

• Even if you do not have a lawyer, you may tell the immiAtty. DArrick tAn gration officers that you want to speak to one.

• If you have a lawyer, you have the right to talk to them. side.

• If at any point you decide to If you have a signed Form Gspeak with the officers, you do 28, which shows you have a not need to open the door to lawyer, give it to an officer.

• You can refuse to sign any/all paperwork until you have had the opportunity to speak to a lawyer.

• If you choose to sign something without speaking to a lawyer, be sure you understand exactly what the document says and means before you sign it. do so. You can speak to them *** through the door or step outside Darrick V. Tan, Esq. is admitted to pracand close the door.

• You have the right to remain tice law in California and Nevada. Mr. silent. You do not need to speak Tan is a graduate of UCLA and Southto the immigration officers or western University School of Law. He is a member of the Consumers Attoranswer any questions.

• If you are asked where you ney Association of Los Angeles and is were born or how you entered a former member of the Board of Govthe United States, you may re- ernors of the Philipp ine American Bar fuse to answer or remain silent. Association. *** • If you choose to remain silent, LAW OFFICES OF DARRICK V. TAN, 3580 say so out loud.

• You may refuse to show iden- Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 900, Los tity documents that say what Angeles, CA 90010. Tel: (323) 639-0277.

Email: info@dtanlaw.com. country you are from.

• Do not show any false docu(Advertising Supplement)

Legal Advice

“ It is important to realize that all people living in the United States, including undocumented immigrants, have certain U.S. Constitutional rights.”

Can you be sued for old debts...

PAGE C2 t

fornia are good for 10 years and can be renewed after that time period for another 10. So, not because you have not heard from a creditor for years does it necessarily mean that the debt has gone away.

One thing that may help you determine if you still have debts in active collection status is by looking at the most recent copy of your credit report and reviewing it for accuracy. Be aware, however, that not all creditors report to the credit bureaus. Credit bureaus recently announced as a matter of fact that credit reports will no longer contain information regarding civil judgments and tax liens that have been filed against you.

What this means is that you cannot rely on your credit report to determine if you have been sued by creditors or if they have obtained a judgment against you in the past. In short, your credit report may not tell the whole story if it’s missing some very important information that you need to know about in order to protect yourself.

Most of the time, I see people in my office who have old debts from the past that they could and SHOULD have taken care of years ago. Had these people done something about their problem sooner, they would have been in a much, much better position today.

Frankly, I am puzzled about this and often wonder why these peo-

ple waited so long to find a solution. If you are currently in debt and can’t pay, remember that sooner or later, you would have to face your creditors. Don’t wait until they sue you, garnish your wages and/or take your property.

For a free consultation, call TollFree 1-866-477-7772. We have offices in Glendale, Cerritos and Valencia. *** None of the information herein is intended to give legal advice for any specific situation. Atty. Ray Bulaon has successfully helped thousands of clients in getting out of debt. For a free attorney evaluation of your situation, please call Ray Bulaon Law Offices at TOLL FREE 1 (866) 477-7772.

(Advertising Supplement)

C4 JANUARY 26-29, 2019 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Calendar of Events across

America

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

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People and Events

The Americana at Brand in Glendale, CA hosts Lunar New Year on Sunday, Jan. 27

JA N UA RY 26

Event for recycling used oil filter in San Gabriel, CA The Los Angeles Department of Public Works is hosting the Recycling Used Oil and Used Filter Event on Saturday, January 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at O’ Reilly Auto Parts located (965 E. Las Tunas Drive, San Gabriel, CA 91776). Participants who bring their used oil filter will receive one FREE new oil filter. Recycling motor oil and filters helps save our environment and keeps our water clean.

JA N UA RY 27

“Journey for Justice” book launch in LA Get a first edition “Journey for Justice: The Life of Larry Itliong,” written by the late historian Dawn Bohulano Mabalon and writer Gayle Romasanta, on Sunday, January 27 at the launch in Los Angeles! It will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Park’s Finest (1267 W. Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA 90026). The book tells the story of Larry Itliong’s fight for a farmworkers union, the birth of the farm workers’ movement, and more. Books will be sold and signed with a Q&A with co-author Gayle Romasanta). A percentage of proceeds from this book will be donated to the nonprofit organizations, Little Manila Rising and the Filipino American National Historical Society. For more information, please visit http://bridgedelta.com/.

JA N UA RY 3 0

California Small Business Summit in Los Angeles The California Small Business Summit is a full-day event in Los Angeles that will bring together 50 small business leaders on Wednesday, January 30 from across the state to discuss important issues facing small businesses and provide education to help entrepreneurs and local economies thrive. As small business owners, you’re critical to the success of our local communities, injecting life and vitality into your neighborhoods, providing quality jobs and boosting prosperity for all. Our Small Business Summit is a platform for you to participate in meaningful dialogue about issues facing California’s small business community and educational workshops on critical issues like access to capital, healthcare, retirement and much more. The format will be an interactive mix of panel discussions, presentations, keynotes and breakout sessions featuring expert advice from business assistance providers and other successful small business owners. The day will begin at 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. at California Endowment Center (1000 Alameda St., Los Angeles, CA 90012). To register for tickets, please visit https://bit.ly/2TPbwP4.

F E B R UA RY 2

Philippine Medical Association of Hawaii’s gala in Waikiki, HI The Philippine Medical Association of Hawaii will hold its 41st inaugural and installation of officers on Saturday, February 2 at 5 p.m. It will be held at the Tapa Ballroom at the Hilton Hawaiian Village (2005 Kalia Rd, Honolulu, HI 96815). Attire is formal. For more information, please visit http://pmah-hawaii.org.

F E B R UA RY 9

MAKING its 10th year, the highly-anticipated annual Lunar New Year celebration to kick-off the Year of the Pig will be held at The Americana at Brand in Glendale, CA on Sunday, January 29 from 2 to 5 p.m. Emceed by renowned DJ/TV host, Aaron Yang, the festivities will include an opening parade featuring the classic Dragon Dance, Lion Dance and traditional Chinese and Korean dances, along

with a high-energy performance from UCLA’s award-winning Kpop dance team, Koreos. Additional activities include face painting and dough figurine making for the whole family to enjoy.

In collaboration with KTOWN Night Market, the festivities will showcase Asian-inspired food and drink for purchase from specialty vendors including Belly Bombz, Cloud Food Creations, Momma

Fung & Co, and more. Guests will also have the opportunity to receive lucky red envelopes from the God of Wealth that contain cash and prizes.

Visit https://AmericanaAtBrand.com for a full list of specials and a complete schedule of events. Admission is FREE. The Green at The Americana at Brand is located at 889 Americana Way, Glendale, CA 91210). ■

‘Journey for Justice: The Life of Larry Itliong’ book launch and signing in LA

St. Finbar Church in Burbank, CA celebrates its 9th Annual Valentine Dinner Dance Come and celebrate Hollywood glamour on February 9, 2019 from 6:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. For information contact Marian at (818) 562-6819 or send an email to minobleza@yahoo. com.

F E B R UA RY 9

5th Filipino American Community General Assembly The Philippine Consulate General New York is inviting all Filipino American community organizations in the U.S. Northeast (Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont) to the annual General Assembly (Connecting and Collaborating for Change) on Saturday, February 9 from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm at the Philippine Center in New York. Please register your organization at newyorkpcg.events@dfa.gov.ph with the subject 5th Filipino American Community General Assembly.

F E B R UA RY 1 5

Franchising Retail & Trade Conference in Cerritos, CA The Coalition of Filipino American Chambers of Commerce (COFACC) hosts this highly anticipated business event at the Cerritos Sheraton located at 12725 Center Court Drive South, Cerritos, CA 90703. Attendees will have access to opportunities in business match making & referrals, roundtable discussions, entrepreneurship training programs, and networking & business connections with participants representing both the United States and the Philippines. Business owners, entrepreneurs, corporations, and the general public are all invited to attend. The Philippine Retailer Association (PRA) and the Philippine Franchise Association (PFA) will be present to network with the US business community. Also present will be local franchisor and franchisee business owners, the U.S. Small Business Association (SBA), the National Asian American Coalition (NAAC), the National Diversity Coalition (NDC), the Asian Pacific Islander Small Business Program, the Philippine Consulate Los Angeles Office, Philippine Dept. of Trade & Industry (PTIC) Los Angeles, and the Search to Involve Pilipino Americans (SIPA).Basic entry is only $10 but can and will vary depending on the participation experience desired. Registration for the Conference is simple and is processed online at by going to https://cofacc.org.

MARCH 30

Philippine Medical Society of Northern California installation of officers in Foster City, CA The Philippine Medical Society of Northern California will hold its 47th anniversary and installation of officers for 2019-2021 at the Crowne Plaza in Foster City, CA on Saturday, March 30. For sponsorship information, please contact Dr. Clementina Manio at drtina0427@gmail. com or visit https://www.pmsnc.org/.

A P R I L 25 -28

Philippine Nurses Association of America - North Central Regional Conference in Columbus, Ohio The Philippine Nurses Association - Central Ohio will hold a regional conference from April 25 to 28 at the Embassy Suites (2886 Airport Drive, Columbus, Ohio). For more information, please visit http://www.mypnaa.org/.

J U LY 24 -28

40th annual Philippine Nurses Association of America National Convention in Atlanta, GA The Philippine Nurses Association of America (PNAA) will have its 40th annual national convention from July 24 to 28 at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis in Atlanta, GA, hosted by the PNA-GA chapter. More information and details TBA. To learn about the PNA-GA, please visit: https://pnaga.wildapricot.org/.

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

Senior needs Chapter 13 relief for $24K...

PAGE C3 t

clients will owe about $200,000 of unsecured debt.

I suggest a Chapter 7 to wipe out all debt. Let the house go if it is not sold, and go look for another residence now that is more reasonable in mortgage payments.

They have two successful children who will help them purchase the new house anyway. God blesses them with two children who care for them. What more can they

ask for? Good health and children who care for them. Our God has blessed them with abundance.

Yes, I did not forget that clients were formerly rich. They had $750,000 of retirement funds. But alas, they lost all of it in the stock market. I feel bad for them losing this fortune. Losing this fortune is another story. But they do have two children who are good enough to buy them a new house, so that makes up for the lost fortune. God

takes care of them through their children. *** 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.

(Advertising Supplement)

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The Prophetic Voice ReveRend Rodel G. BalaGtas MANY of us came to know about the Blessed Virgin Mary’s apparitions and messages in Fátima, Portugal through reading and hearing about them or by going on a Marian pilgrimage.

We learned about the Miracle of the Sun on October 13, 1917, when more than 30,000 people witnessed the sun danced, zigzagged, and careened towards the earth, drying their clothes and the mud they stood on after the rain.

For many years some people in the church, government, and scientific field were skeptical about these apparitions and miracle. However, in 1930, after a thorough investigation, the Catholic Church officially declared their authenticity. In the years that followed, even until now, Catholics and non-Catholics alike, would visit Fatima to witness its great Marian devotion and to experience spiritual renewal.

In October last year during my sabbatical, I had the privilege of leading a group of 22 pilgrims to Fátima. Although it was my third time to visit this place, the pilgrimage did not fail to renew my Marian piety. The multitude of people that participated in the nightly candle procession and the outdoor Masses invigorated my Catholic faith once again.

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima is the fourth biggest Catholic pilgrimage site in the world. It includes the Chapel of Apparitions, which the church leaders built in 1919 on the exact spot of the apparitions; the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Fátima, where the tombs of Jacinta and Francisco (1951 and 1952) are situated; and the Basilica of the Holy Trinity, initially constructed in 2014 and completed three years later with a sitting capacity of 8,633.

Nearby are the three shepherd houses—the houses of Francisca, Jacinta, and Lucia.

The messages of Mary in Fátima are about conversion,

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 26-29, 2019

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The apparitions and messages of Mary in Fátima and their relevance today repentance, and vigilance. They speak of the frightening vision of hell, devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Second World War, and prediction of the immense damage that Russia would do to humanity by abandoning the Christian faith and embracing Communist totalitarianism.

The “third part of the secret” of Fátima is a prophetic vision of “the Bishop clothed in white,” whom the three shepherd children thought as the Holy Father.

In 2000, Sister Lucia described it in a secret letter entrusted to the Church for long years: “Other Bishops. Priests, men, and women Religious going up a steep mountain, at the top of which there was a big Cross of rough-hewn trunks as of a cork-tree with the bark; before reaching there the Holy Father passed through a big city half in ruins and half trembling with halting step, afflicted with pain and sorrow, he prayed for the souls of the corpses he met on his way; having reached the top of the mountain, on his knees at the foot of the big Cross he was killed by a group of soldiers who fired bullets and arrows at him, and in the same way there died one after another the other Bishops, Priests, men and women Religious, an various lay people of different ranks and positions.”

The church has claimed that this prophetic vision became real in the assassination of Pope John Paul II on May 13, 1981.

In the announcement that Cardinal Angelo Sodano made, he stated that “it appeared that it was ‘a mother’s hand that guided the bullet’s path,’ enabling “the Pope in his throes” to halt “at the threshold of death.” (Pope John Paul II gave the bullet which had remained in the jeep to the then Bishop of Leira-Fatima. It is now set on the crown of the statue of Our Lady of Fatima in the Chapel of Apparitions.)

Responding to Mary’s messages in Fátima, John Paul II prayed with the crowd at St. Peter’s Square in 1984 in the following words, entrusting all people to

Candlelight procession and rosary at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima in Portugal.

Photo by Fr. Rodel G. Balagtas

the Immaculate Heart of Mary: “O Mother of all men and women, and all peoples, you who know all their sufferings and their hopes, you who have a mother’s awareness of all the struggles between good and evil, between light and darkness, which afflict the modern world, accept the cry which we, moved by the Holy Spirit, address directly to your Heart. Embrace with the love of the Mother and Handmaid of the Lord, this human world of ours, which we entrust and consecrate to you, for we are full of concern for the earthly and eternal destiny of individuals and peoples.

From famine and war, deliver us.

From nuclear war, from incalculable self-destruction, from every kind of war, deliver us.

From sins against life of man from its very beginning, deliver us.

From hatred and the demeaning of the dignity of the children of God, deliver us.

From every kind of injustice in the life of society, both national and international, deliver us.

From readiness to trample on the commandment of God, deliver us.

From attempts to stifle in human hearts the very truths of God, deliver us.

From the loss of awareness of good and evil, deliver us.

From sins against the Holy Spirit, deliver us.

Accept, O Mother, Christ, this cry laden with the sufferings of all individual human beings, laden with sufferings of whole societies.

Help us with the power of the Holy Spirit to conquer all sin: individual sin and the ‘sin of the world,’ sin in all its manifestations.

Let there be revealed, once more, in the history of the world the infinite saving power of the Redemption; the power of merciful Love! May it put a stop to evil!

May it transform consciences!

The canonically-crowned image of Our Lady of Fátima enshrined within the Chapel of the Apparitions Photo by Fr. Rodel G. Balagtas

May your Immaculate Heart reveal for all the light of Hope!”

John Paul II’s prayer of consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary reverberates today especially in our world that keeps experiencing terrorism, the threat of nuclear war, famine, poverty, lack of regard for human life, corruption, greed, and attacks on Christian faith and morals.

It is a fitting prayer in the present context of the Philippine society, church, and politics that show divisions, disrespect, and hatred among leaders and citizens; lack of care for children; destruction of human life, injustice, corruption, and moral decay.

Once more, let’s revisit the messages of Mary in Fátima. Let’s heed to her call for conversion and penance. Let’s consecrate our country and the world to the Immaculate Heart of Mary and

Every night around 10 p.m., the procession of our Lady of Fátima begins from the Chapel of the Apparitions after the Holy Rosary.

Photo by Fr. Rodel G. Balagtas Exterior of Basilica Our Lady of the Rosary, which is a minor basilica in the Sanctuary of Fátima

ask for her powerful intercession. Mary Immaculate, pray for our deliverance from all evils!

(Reference: “The Message of Fatima” by the Congregation For the Doctrine of the Faith,www. vatican.va/roman_curia/congregation) *** 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 (19931999); and St. Joseph the Worker, Canoga Park (1991-2001). 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.

The procession takes place in the large square in between the Basilica of the Rosary Our Lady of Fátima and the Church of the Holy Trinity. Each night, hundreds of pilgrims and devotees attend.

Photo by Fr. Rodel G. Balagtas

Photo courtesy of Fatima Guide

Filipinos from the U.S. joined a pilgrimage in October 2018, which included a stop to Fátima, Portugal.

Photo by Fr. Rodel G. Balagtas

Inside the Basilica Our Lady of the Rosary in Fátima

Photo courtesy of Fatima Guide

Church of Holy Trinity in Fátima

Photo courtesy of Fatima Guide

Chapel of Apparitions

Photo courtesy of Fatima Guide

C JANUARY 26-29, 2019 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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Will there be an amnesty? Philippine economy underperforms in 2018

Immigration Corner ATTY. MICHAEL GURFINKEL, ESQ

THERE are over 11 million undocumented aliens living in the U.S. There are caravans of thousands of people coming up from Central America, planning to apply for asylum. If they can make it into the United States, probably tens of thousands of others will follow.

A question constantly on the minds of people living in the shadows is, “Will there be an amnesty?” Some people who have been living in the U.S. for years, are losing hope, and are about to give up and just go back to the Philippines.

Here are my thoughts and opinion about the likelihood of amnesty. I want to emphasize this is my personal opinion, and you should not rely on it as an existing fact: • Right after he was elected, President Trump signaled his willingness to consider comprehensive immigration reform, and work with the Democrats towards coming up with compromise legislation. This included a pathway to legalization for millions of DACA recipients and others. At that same meeting, the Democrats wanted “DACA only” to be

considered rather than comprehensive immigration reform.

• Before President Trump or the Republicans would consider any kind of comprehensive immigration reform or legalization for DACA recipients, he wants to build his wall along the U.S./ Mexico border. President Trump is concerned that if amnesty or comprehensive immigration reform is offered to those people already in the U.S., millions more will pour in to the U.S. Therefore, he wants the wall on our southern border first. Otherwise, no deal.

• If any legalization will happen, the focus will first be on DACA recipients. The government would most likely wait several additional years until the DACA recipients are absorbed into our legal system and job market before offering comprehensive immigration reform to other undocumented aliens.

• If a person loses hope, gives up, and goes back to the Philippines, they could lose all chances of being eligible for any amnesty.

What if they go home and a few months after they leave, amnesty is granted? Since they left the U.S., they would not be eligible.

Although we are all hoping and praying for comprehensive immigration reform, many people may be eligible for immigration benefits right now, without having to wait for amnesty. There are many existing immigration benefits and

programs for which they may be eligible, whether through section 245(i), provisional waiver, or other existing immigration avenues.

That is why it could be helpful for people to consult with an immigration attorney, as they may be eligible for immigration benefits right now, without having to wait for amnesty. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel has been an attorney for over 35 years and is licensed, and an active member of the State Bars of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California. Each case is different and results may depend on the facts of the particular case. The information and opinions contained herein (including testimonials, “Success Stories”, endorsements and re-enactments) are of a general nature, and are not intended to apply to any particular case, and do not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorney-client relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader.

WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com Follow us on Facebook.com/GurfinkelLaw and Twitter @GurfinkelLaw Call Toll free to schedule a consultation for anywhere in the US: 1-866-4873465 (866) – GURFINKEL Four offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES · SAN FRANCISCO · NEW YORK · PHILIPPINE (Advertising Supplement)

Business Quote of the Week “Walt Disney told his crew to ‘build the castle first’ when constructing Disney World, knowing that vision would continue to serve as motivation throughout the project.

Oftentimes when people fail to achieve what they want in life, it’s because their vision isn’t strong enough.”

— Gail Blanke, President and CEO of Lifedesigns

Philstar.com file photo

weaker than the 6.5 percent pace

by CZERIZA VALENCIA in the same period in 2017 and Philstar.com tracking the six percent growth THE Philippine economy grew rate in the third quarter of 2018.

This brings the full-year ecoat a slower pace in 2018, failing to hit the government’s target but nomic expansion to 6.2 percent, still among the fastest in Asia, the slower than the 6.7 percent regNational Economic and Develop- istered in 2017 and below the ment Authority (NEDA) reported government’s downward revised target range of 6.5 to 6.9 percent Thursday, January 24.

In the fourth quarter of 2018, for the year.

Despite the slower-than-exgross domestic product (GDP) growth registered at 6.1 percent, pected growth, Socioeconomic

Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia said it could still be considered as a “firm finish” as the country is still on a high growth trajectory and remains among the fastest-growing economies in Asia next to India, Vietnam and China.

The steep rise in inflation, especially in the third quarter last year, hurt the economy the most in 2018 as this tempered housePAGE D2

Tourist arrivals rise 7.2% in 11 months

by CATHERINE

TALAVERA Philstar.com

DRIVEN by the surge in Chinese arrivals, the number of foreign tourists went up by 7.2 percent in 11 months last year – a notable achievement considering the six-month closure of Boracay Island, the country’s top tourism destination.

Data from the Department of Tourism (DOT) showed a total of Philstar.com file photo 6.4 million foreign tourists visited which made up for the continued the Philippines from January to the same period in 2017.

November last year, higher than The increase was attributed to decline in Korean arrivals, postthe six million foreign arrivals in the influx of tourists from China, PAGE D2

D JANUARY 26-29, 2019 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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Business groups push enactment of rice tariffication bill TRAIN, inflation barrel down on car importers’ sales

by Stephen

by louella

DeSiDerio Philstar.com

THIRTEEN business groups have urged President Duterte to sign into law the rice tariffication bill to ensure stable supply of the country’s main staple.

In a joint statement, the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Bankers Association of the Philippines, Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines, Foundation for Economic Freedom, Investment House Association of the Philippines, Judicial Reform Initiative, Makati Business Club, Management Association of the Philippines, Organization of Socialized Housing Developers of the Philippines, Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Philippine Investment Funds Association, Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Foundation Inc. and Shareholders Association of the Philippines said they support the rice tariffication bill approved by the House of Representatives and the Senate, saying this would address the rice supply problem and high prices consumers had to face last year. “The bill is now with Malaca Ăąang and we urge the president to sign it into law. Upon enactment, the financial resources, management expertise, logistics support and extensive nationwide distribution system of the private sector will be harnessed to ensure food security, particularly of the most important food stable – rice,â€? the groups said.

When approved into law, the proposed measure would replace the quantitative restriction on rice imports with a 35 percent tariff.

With the new import regime, rice traders would be allowed to

A GROUP of vehicle importers saw sales drop 17 percent in 2018, blaming it on a slew of factors including tax hikes and high inflation.

The Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors, Inc. (Avid) sold 88,700 units last year, fewer than the 106,285 units it sold the previous year.

Avid sales fell slightly harder than the sales recorded by automotive and truck manufacturers last year, albeit the importers only accounted for a relatively small slice of the entire market.

In a joint statement, the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Bankers Association Last year, the Chamber of Auof the Philippines, Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines, Foundation for Economic tomotive Manufacturers of the Freedom, Investment House Association of the Philippines, Judicial Reform Initiative, Makati Business Club, Management Association of the Philippines, Organization of Socialized Housing Philippines, Inc. (Campi) and Developers of the Philippines, Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Philippine Investment Funds Association, Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Foundation Inc. and Shareholders Association of the Philippines said they support the rice tariffication bill approved by the House of Representatives and the Senate, saying this would address the rice supply problem and high prices consumers had to face last year.

Philstar.com photo by Edd Gumban

import rice from various sources without permit from the National Food Authority, as long as they obtain a sanitary and phytosanitary import clearance from the Bureau of Plant Industry of the Department of Agriculture and pay the appropriate tariff.

A P10 billion Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund would also be created under the bill.

The fund would be used to provide farm machineries and equipment; develop and promote inbred seeds; extend credit; and equip farmers with skills on rice crop production and other modern techniques.

The groups said approval of the bill into law would address concerns on food supply as well as price stability, ensuring free and open competition. “On the part of consumers, maintaining a strategic reserve of rice stock is essential to guard

against supply dislocation that may arise in case of natural calamities, climate change and disruption in the world market of rice,� the groups said.

Apart from benefiting consumers, rice farmers are also expected to gain as they would be given protection from unfair competition through the imposition of tariff on imported rice.

The groups said the government should provide support to farmers to help the sector grow and have higher income. “We urge the sustained provision of essential support services and facilities – irrigation, better seedlings, modern growing and efficient harvesting technology, safe agricultural chemicals and post-harvest facilities - by the government to further assist the farm sector to be more productive and increase rural income,� the groups said. n

Tourist arrivals rise 7.2% in 11 months

PAGE D1 t ing a 30.02 percent rise to 1.16 million from 890,114 in 2017.

However, Korea, despite a sluggish performance in recent months, remains the top source market for tourists with a total of 1.42 million arrivals in 11 months, a 2.67 percent decline from the previous year’s 1.46 million arrivals.

Tourism Undersecretary Benito Bengzon Jr. earlier told The STAR that the reopening of Boracay is expected to lure in more Korean tourists as the beach is-

C. Canivel

Inquirer.net

land remains a favorite destination.

Boracay soft-opened on Oct. 26, six months after President Duterte ordered its closure to pave the way for an extensive rehabilitation.

The U.S. remained as the country’s third largest source market in 2018 with a total of 929,808 arrivals, an 8.12 percent rise from 859,973 in 2017.

This was followed by Japan and Australia with a total of 577,995 and 242,827, respectively.

Other markets in the top 12

are Taiwan, Canada, United Kingdom, Singapore, Malaysia, India and Hong Kong.

In 2017, foreign arrivals exceeded its 6.5 million target as it reached 6.6 million.

Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat earlier said she is not confident of hitting the 7.4 million tourist arrivals target for 2018 under the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP).

Puyat said she is expecting foreign arrivals to reach around seven million to 7.2 million by the end of the year. n

Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA) saw their sales drop 16 percent, their worst full-year decline since the financial crisis in 1998.

A number of factors were responsible for the performance of the industry last year, one of which was the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law, which made most cars more expensive due to higher excise taxes.

Inflation, which industry officials said made consumers more wary of choosing to buy cars over basic needs, pulled back sales as it hit record highs last year.

Avid blamed the weak sales on the “confluence of high inflation, rising borrowing costs, soaring oil prices and tax hikes.�

With new product launches and economic pressures seen abating moving forward, Avid president Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo said the industry should be able to recover this year.

Consumers bought fewer passenger cars and light commercial vehicles last year.

Avid’s passenger car sales dropped 22 percent in 2018 to 30,960 units from 39,721 units in 2017. The light commercial vehicle segment, on the other hand, fell 14 percent in sales to 57,027 units in 2018 from 66,564 units the year prior.

Avid said commercial vehicles segment, so far handled by JAC Automobile International Philippines Inc., sold 713 units last year. n

Philippine economy underperforms...

PAGE D1 t hold consumption and investment spending. “Inflation rate is a deflator, a high rate always reduces economic growth rate,� Pernia said in a briefing Thursday.

Headline inflation peaked to a near decade-high of 6.7 percent in September and October 2018, with the brunt felt the most on food prices due to supply issues.

Household consumption grew slower at 5.6 percent in 2018 from 5.9 percent in 2017. In the fourth quarter alone, growth was much weaker at 5.4 percent compared with 6.2 percent in the same quarter in 2017.

The weaker performance of the agriculture sector and the poor timing in the importation of key food products also fanned inflationary pressures last year. “I think there are several factors, of course, but I would highlight the performance of the agriculture sector as a drop from four percent (growth in 2017) to 0.8 percent is a major failure,� said Pernia, noting the farm sector only had a 0.1 percentage point contribution to GDP in 2018.

The agriculture sector lost steam in 2018 largely because of the string of typhoons that visited the country and the lack of irrigation in key production areas.

NEDA Undersecretary for policy and planning Rosemarie Edillon said the slowdown in manufacturing as well as weak business sentiment because of uncertainties in the business environment also contributed to the slower growth of the economy last year.

“We also saw the slowdown in the manufacturing sector. We think this was really due to weak business sentiments brought about by policy uncertainties and that is why we are proposing that for this year, we focus on removing these uncertainties,� she said.

On the supply side of the economy, the industry sector— which contributed 2.3 percent to GDP— reported the most robust, albeit slower growth of 6.8 percent against 7.2 percent in 2017, fuelled by increased construction activity.

Pernia said this is a good indicator of the progress of the administration’s Build Build Build program.

Manufacturing, on the other hand, is an area of concern as growth rapidly decelerated in the last quarter of 2018, growing only by 3.2 percent from 7.9 percent in the same period in 2017. “This is due to weak business confidence and policy uncertainties, coupled with sluggish export demand amid a global economic slowdown,� Pernia said.

Edillon said there is enough domestic demand in the country to support the manufacturing sector as the government is in the thick of an ambitious infrastructure building program. “Even as we ramp up construction, we really need manufacturing to support this. We see a slowdown in manufacturing and I think it’s because of policy uncertainties and the global economic slowdown. If global economic conditions cannot support our manufacturing, what we can

control is we can support it by removing policy uncertainties,� she said. “We really need to attract more investments.�

The services sector—which had a contribution of 3.8 percent age points to GDP—likewise grew at a still robust but slower pace of 6.6 percent last year against 6.8 percent in 2017.

Pernia said the government is still aspiring to meet the economic growth target of seven percent to eight percent this year but this would entail going full blast on the Build Build Build program alongside the introduction of the next wave of reforms.

These include the amendment of the Foreign Investment Act, Retail Trade Act and Public Service Act. “The numbers today clearly make the case for a removal of policy uncertainties in the economic sector by introducing the next wave of reforms,� he said.

Tourism, which is a service export, also has a huge potential to contribute to attaining this goal, said Pernia.

On the demand side of the economy, government spending remained robust in 2018, almost doubling year-on-year with a growth of 12 percent.

Aside from spending on personnel services, maintenance and operating expenses, the government continued to spend firmly on social protection services such as cash transfers. “For the year ahead, we expect household consumption to recover as inflationary pressures subside given a subdued outlook on PAGE D3

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China firm to invest $350-M in Makati subway project

[subway], and provide completion performance guarantee for the [projec’s completion], with [all A CHINESE construction com- these] subject to, among others, pany is set to invest up to $350 the completion of financial, legal million in Philippine Infradev and technical due diligence.”

Holdings, Inc. (IRC) to help it build Both companies have until May its Makati Subway public-prive 31, 2019 “to complete the enpartnership project. tire due diligence process, prior In a disclosure on Thursday, Jan- to formalization of the structure uary 24, the listed firm said it had of CCECC’s investment and exsigned a memorandum of agree- ecution of the formal investment ment with China Civil Engineering agreement.”

Construction Corp. (CCECC) on The agreement comes after the $3.7-billion project. the Makati City government alUnder the deal, it added, the lowed the consortium led by IRC China Railway Construction Corp. to proceed with the $3.7-billion Ltd. subsidiary proposed to “in- project in October after no other vest $300 to 350 million into the group challenged its unsolicited company or its subsidiary; under- proposal. take the engineering procurement Other consortium members are and construction works for the Chinese firms Greenland Holdby Lisbet

K. esmaeL Manilatimes.net

No agreement with any investor yet, says PAL

ings Group, Jiangsu Provincial Construction Group Co. Ltd. and China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd. IRC secured in June the original proponent status for the project, an 11-kilometer intracity mass transport system with 10 stations that, once complete, would link the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) 3 line, the proposed Metro Manila Mega Subway, and the Pasig River Ferry.

Incorporated under its former name of IRC Properties, Inc. on Feb. 24, 1975, IRC is engaged in infrastructure and real-estate development through its subsidiaries and affiliates.

IRC’s shares added 18 centavos or 8.04 percent to close at P2.42 apiece on Thursday. n

UN sees Philippine economy to grow 6.5% in 2019 “PAL has always been open to the possibility of a strategic investor. As of date, there is no definite agreement between PAL and any investor,” the publicly listed firm told the local bourse Wednesday, January 23.

Philstar.com photo by Edd Gumban by richmOnd

mercuriO Philstar.com

PAL Holdings Inc., the operator of flag carrier Philippine Airlines, said it has not reached an agreement with any investor following reports that Japan’s All Nippon Airways (ANA) is set to make its entry into the Lucio Tan controlled airline.

“PAL has always been open to the possibility of a strategic investor. As of date, there is no definite agreement between PAL and any investor,” the publicly listed firm told the local bourse Wednesday, Photo courtesy of www.un.org by ben

O. de Vera

Inquirer.net

THE United Nations (UN) said it expects Philippine economic growth to rebound this year as the government ramps up implementation of its ambitious “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program.

In its World Economic Situation and Prospects 2019 report, the UN said it sees the Philippines’ gross domestic product (GDP) growth to have had slowed to 6.3 percent in 2018 from 6.7 percent in 2017.

The government reported on

the country’s fourth-quarter and full-year 2018 GDP performance on Thursday, January 24.

It targets 6.5-6.9 percent growth for 2018, even as actual GDP expansion averaged 6.3 percent during the first three quarters.

“In the Philippines, GDP growth in 2018 was affected by a slowdown in household spending due to a rapid increase in inflation,” the UN said.

Last year, inflation or the rate of increase in prices of basic commodities hit a 10-year high of 5.2 percent due to new or higher excise taxes slapped

on consumption, skyrocketing global oil prices during the third quarter, as well as domestic food supply bottlenecks that pushed prices higher, especially of rice.

The UN noted that “surging inflationary pressures in the Philippines prompted its central bank to increase rates at a sharp pace,” referring to the move of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to increase interest rate to a total of 175 basis points last year.

The Philippines, nonetheless, enjoyed accelerated public investment growth in 2018, “driven mainly by the implementation PAGE D5

January 23.

PAL president and COO Jaime Bautista said in a briefing earlier this month that the company is set to take in a strategic investor within the first semester, without disclosing its identity.

Bautista declined to comment on the reports about ANA’s entry.

In its disclosure, however, PAL said its plans to establish itself as a world-class airline would not necessarily involve the entry of any investor.

The airline said was able to improve its rating internationally in 2018 even without the support of

an investor.

Bautista earlier said PAL is expected to benefit from the entry of a strategic investor in terms of the partner’s contribution in equity, management, route development or possible membership in an alliance.

He had said the airline could offer maximum of 40 percent stake to any potential foreign investor as allowed under the law.

PAL is “cautiously watchful and hopeful” about returning to profitability this year, as it targets to carry 19 million passengers from 17 million passengers last year. n

Philippine economy underperforms...

PAGE D2 t international oil prices and the expected reduction in rice prices from the enactment of the Rice Tariffication Law,” said Pernia.

NEDA also urged Congress to resolve the budget impasse at the soonest time possible as it would have an impact on government spending in the near term.

“What we should note is that the re-enactment of the 2018 budget as basis for our spending this 2019 will likely have an impact on government spending in the near term. This implies that the government would not

be able to quickly execute programs and projects under the proposed 2019 budget. The 45day ban on state spending prior to the May 2019 elections could also further delay implementation of infrastructure projects,” he said.

On the upside, the domestic economy would greatly benefit from spending related to the upcoming 2019-midterm elections and the preparations leading to the Southeast Asian Games in November.

The creation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region would

likewise open up growth prospects both for the region and for the wider economy.

“Restoring business confidence and opening up to foreign investments need consistency in policy environment. Taking into account long-term national security concerns, efforts to attract foreign investments will also ensure sustainable development,” Pernia said.

“The Philippine economy has been strong and steady. For 2019, we call for a cohesive reform agenda for the country,” he added. n

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NLEX seeks to complete road projects this year

Local bakers see revenues growing to P99-M this year

by Lisbet

K. esmaeL Manilatimes.net

THE local baking industry is poised to sustain its growth this year with revenues increasing by as much as 15 percent on the back of higher consumption among Filipinos.

According to the Filipino-Chinese Bakery Association Inc., revenues from bread and bakery products will likely increase by 10 to 15 percent to P98.9 million.

Last year, the bread and bakery products segment registered revenues of $1.6 million or P86 million with the average revenue per person in the market placed at $15.03.

Big private businesses alone are expected to grow by 5.4 percent but the whole industry, including small and home bakers, may expand by up to 15 percent.

“It will definitely be higher than Manilatimes.net file photo

by Lisbet

K. esmaeL

Manilatimes.net

NLEX Corp. expects to finish several road projects in 2019, its chief said Tuesday, January 22.

“2019 will be even better for everyone as big-ticket projects are set for completion this year,” Rodrigo E. Franco, president and chief executive officer of NLEX Corp. parent firm Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC), said in a statement.

According to MPTC’s toll road unit, four projects are set to be operational this year. These are the additional toll lanes in San Fernando and Angeles cities and Mexico town, all in Pampanga province; the expanded connecting ramps of NLEx-SCTEx (North Luzon Expressway and Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway); the new NLEX Drive & Dine ser-

vice facility; and the NLEX Harbor Link Segment 10.

San Fernando will have two southbound exit lanes and one southbound entry lane; Angeles, two entry lanes and one exit lane; and Mexico, one exit lane.

Additional lanes would also be established at the connecting ramps of NLEx and SCTEx in Mabalacat City, Pampanga.

NLEX Corp. subsidiary NLEX Ventures Corp. is also set to officially complete its 15,500square-meter service facility in Valenzuela City that shall offer 32 leasable spaces for retail and food establishments.

Targeted for opening later this year is the P16.5-billion NLEX Harbor Link Segment 10, which aims to cut motorists’ travel time from NLEX to the Port of Manila to 10 minutes. The project has two sections: the 5.65-kilometer

elevated expressway traversing the NLEx from MacArthur Highway in Karuhutan, Valenzuela City, passing through Malabon City and Circumferential Road 3 (C3) in Caloocan City; and the 2.6-km extension from C3 in Caloocan and R10 in Navotas City, which is set to finish by end-2019.

Public Works Secretary Mark Villar said in May 30,000 to 50,000 cars are expected to use the Harbor Link daily.

NLEX Corp. said over 20 new and enhancement projects have been completed this year. These include the new Mabiga Interchange; the Sta. Ines-Magalang Exit; the additional lane in the San Fernando northbound exit; the pedestrian and tricycle overpass in Mapulang Lupa; and the drainage enhancements in Balintawak and Meycauayan. n

UN sees Philippine economy to grow 6.5% in 2019 PAGE D3 t of large transport development projects,” and the UN expects this to be sustained this year.

In 2019 and 2020, the UN projected the Philippines’ GDP growth at 6.5 percent and 6.4 percent, respectively.

The UN’s forecasts for the next two years were below the government’s 7-8 percent target range starting this year until 2022.

FOR RENT

This year, “growth will be mainly driven by strong government spending and infrastructure investment,” the UN said, referring to “Build, Build, Build.”

A total of 75 flagship projects were part of “Build, Build, Build” aimed at ushering in a “golden age of infrastructure” by the time President Rodrigo Duterte ends his term in 2022.

“However, the economy faces

the risk of persistently high inflationary pressures, prompting a more aggressive stance on monetary policy tightening, thus further constraining private consumption,” the UN added.

For 2019 and 2020, the UN projected headline inflation to ease to 4 percent and 3.2 percent, respectively, returning within the government’s 2-4 percent target range. n

FOR RENT

Manilatimes.net file photo

last year. The population growth is increasing and so is the consumption. And the spending habit of Filipinos also increased,” FCBAI president Peter Fung told reporters on the sidelines of the launch of Bakery Fair 2019.

“Neighborhood and small bakers are also increasing,” he added.

Home bakers account for about 70 to 80 percent of the whole industry.

“There are lots of small entrepreneurs entering the industry.

They are also being encouraged because of various celebrity chefs and baking and cooking shows,” Fung said.

Fung said possible increases in the prices of major raw materials would not significantly affect the growth of the industry.

“Right now, wheat prices are very stable worldwide,” Fung said. n

Tanduay to bring products into new markets overseas

by LoueLLa

DesiDerio Philstar.com

THE country’s top rum maker plans to expand overseas by making its products available in three new countries and three new states in the U.S. this year.

Tanduay Distillers Inc. chief financial officer Nestor Mendones said the company plans to enter new markets this year.

“To go abroad, you need partners. Sometimes, you have to incorporate the company so that then, maybe you can get a local partner that is already in the market. Everything is in the exploratory stage,” Mendones said.

Apart from the Philippines, Tanduay is present in other markets such as Australia, Guam, Germany, China, United Arab Emirates, and the U.S. In the U.S, Tanduay’s products are available in Florida, California, New York, and Chicago in Illinois.

Mendones said bulk of Tanduay’s sales still comes from the domestic market.

Last year, the firm sold 5,000 cases overseas.

Meanwhile, it sold around 20 million cases in the domestic

Philstar.com file photo

market.

Mendones said the company would want to see sales increase by five percent this year.

In the domestic market, Tanduay wants to be able to expand its presence in Luzon.

This, as the company accounts for only two percent of the Luzon market.

“We want to double our existing share, Double two (percent])

to become four or five (percent) next year,” Mendones said.

Tanduay plans to spend P600 million for capital expenditures this year, with P500 million to be used mainly to improve production distribution in Luzon, and P100 million to go to Asian Alcohol Corp.’s biofuel production.

In addition to rum, Tanduay produces spirits, wines, brandies, gins and vodka. n

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