020119 - San Francisco Edition

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

T H E F I L I P I N O A M E R I CA N C O M M U N I T Y N E WS PA P E R

Volume 18 - No. 4 • 2 Sections – 16 Pages

F E BR U A RY 1 - 7 , 2 0 1 9

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DATELINE

USA

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

Federal employees head back to work after longest shutdown in history Five-week partial shutdown results in $11 billion loss, according to CBO

ON Monday, Jan. 28, hundreds of thousands of federal government employees returned to work after the government reopened on Friday, Jan. 25.

The five-week shutdown, which was the longest in United States history, cost the national economy $11 billion, according to the Congressional Budget Office. Additionally, a quarter of that total — roughly $2.8 billion — is permanently lost.

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PH Embassy in DC adds a 24/7 line for genderbased violence victims DURING the Public Forum on Gender-Based Violence held at the Embassy annex building on Dec. 1, 2018, the Philippine Embassy announced the launch of a Violence Against Women desk where victims and concerned parties may report to seek assistance and support.

To reinforce the desk and enable victims and other distressed Filipinos staying outside the DC area to reach the Embassy, the diplomatic mission set up a 24/7, joint VAW and Assistance-to-Nationals (ATN) hotline (mobile no. +1-202-769-8049).

The hotline is separate from the existing 24/7 duty phone (mobile number +1-202-368-2767), which receives and responds to queries on consular matters and other embassy services as well as information on the Philippines. (Inquirer.net) â–

Also published in LOS ANGELES, LAS VEGAS, NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY

Palace: Gov’t will keep Mindanao residents secure, punish bombers [sic] bombing, is a taunting challenge to the capability of the government to secure the safety of the inhabitants in Mindanao,� presidential BOMBINGS in Jolo, Sulu and in Zamboanga spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a stateCity are a challenge for the Philippine govern- ment. ment to ensure the safety of the people of MindSecurity forces: Incidents likely unrelated anao, Malacaùang said Wednesday, January 30.

Defense Secretary Delfi n Lorenzana has said Days after the twin bombings at a cathedral in the attack in Zamboanga City is likely not conJolo, an explosion at a mosque in Zamboanga City nected to the Jolo bombing. left two people dead and four others wounded. “We’re still looking at it but we do not see any “This latest act of murder apart from the terror- connection,� Lorenzana said in a press conferists sowing terror in the Mindanao region, com- ence. ing as it does in the wake of the Jolo dastardly The Zamboanga City police also said Wednesby PATRICIA LOURDES Philstar.com

VIRAY

MOYA ManilaTimes.net

MAJORITY of Filipinos believe that children aged 15 years and above who are into rape, murder and drugs should be held liable, according to a Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey released on Tuesday, January 29, to the Commission on Human Rights (CHR).

The SWS survey was conducted from July 13 to 16 on 300 respondents aged 18 years old and above in Metro Manila and December 18 to 22, 2018 on 1,200 respondents of the same age in Balance Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

The survey said that of the 63

21 killed, over 80 injured during mass

by AJPRESS THE Islamic State has claimed responsibility for a pair of bombings at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Jolo, Sulu that has killed 21 people and left over 80 injured during a mass on Sunday, January 27.

The first explosion went off inside the cathedral on Sunday morning, while a subsequent blast happened seconds later as security forces rushed inside.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) speculate that the Abu Sayyaf Group carried out the deadly attack and are also looking into the possibility of a suicide bombing.

However, hours after the bombings, the Islamic State said it was behind the incident, according to its news agency Amaq.

Pope Francis expressed his “firm condemnation of this act of violence that causes BLAST SITE. President Rodrigo Duterte conducts an inspection inside the Cathedral of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Jolo, Sulu on Monday, January 28 more mourning in the Christian communi- where two explosions occurred inside and outside the church last January 27. Accompanying the President are Defense Secretary DelďŹ n Lorenzana, former Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence “Bongâ€? Go, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, Interior and Local Government ty.â€?

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percent who agreed that minors should be jailed for rape, 32 percent said that only those who were 15 years old and above should be held liable for the crime.

About 30 percent of the 59 percent said that only minors aged 15 years old and above who killed someone should be jailed.

About 25 percent of the 49 percent who agreed to jail minors acting as drug couriers said that children aged 15 and below should not be held liable for crime.

Twenty-eight percent and eight percent of minors who were arrested for snatching phones and stealing food should

House passes medical marijuana bill on final reading

by JESS

DIAZ

Philstar.com

THE House of Representatives on Tuesday, January 29, approved on third and final reading a bill allowing the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes.

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ISIS claims responsibility for PH church bombing

Secretary Eduardo AĂąo, and National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr.

Majority say children 15 years and above who commit crimes should be jailed – SWS

by JOVE

day that the two incidents might not be related.

Senior Superintendent Joseph Thomas Martir, City Police Office director, said they already have“people of interest� in the mosque grenade attack, while also pointing out that the two attacks have different modus operandi.

Martir said the mosque attack may have been motivated by politics since one of the men who died in the attack, Rex Habil, used to be a barangay official in Lamitan City, Basilan. “In politics, sometimes people have grudges... maybe

Bill 6517, authored by Isabela Rep. Rodolfo Albano lll, is titled, “An Act providing compassionate and right of access to medical cannabis, expanding research into its medicinal properties and for other purposes.�

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likewise be held liable, said the survey that had a Âą6 margin of error.

Applying census weights, 14 percent of the adults were from Metro Manila, 45 percent from Luzon, 19 percent from Visayas, and 19 percent from Mindanao excluding the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, and 3 percent from ARMM. The distribution by socio-economic class was 3 percent for classes ABC, 85 percent for class D, and 12 percent for class E. Male and female adult respondents were alternately sampled, hence the 1:1 ratio.

Majority of those who disagreed that minors should be

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by MA.

MalacaĂąang photo by King Rodriguez

Thousands join ‘Battle for Manila Bay’ solidarity walk

TERESA MONTEMAYOR PNA

SOME 5,000 volunteers gathered on Sunday, January 27, at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila for a solidarity walk to signify the start of the Manila Bay rehabilitation efforts.

Multi-sectorial groups, stakeholders, officials and personnel of government agencies, religious groups, academe, students, civic and other nongovernment organizations attended the event to show their cooperation in the Save Manila Bay project.

DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu led the walk, together with Tourism Secretary Bernadette

Romulo Puyat, Public Works Secretary Mark Villar, Acting Information and Communications Technology Secretary Eliseo Rio Jr., Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo AĂąo

and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Danilo Lim. The walk ended at the Rajah Sulayman Park, where the of-

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FEBRUARY 1-7, 2019 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

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

From the Front Page

Federal employees head back to work...

PAGE A1 A chunk of the money included in that figure was delayed and will trickle back into the economy as the affected federal workers receive back pay. Although the White House indicated that back pay will be issued to workers “at the earliest date possible,” the date is to be determined depending on the agency.

Though the government is open, agencies will need time to pick up where they left off. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) said that it’ll take at least one year for the service to catch up to work that piled up during the shutdown.

The IRS said that its backlog of unread mail from taxpayers skyrocketed to 5 million pieces of mail with an additional 700,000 pieces a day the IRS is still receiving.

Among the agencies that were most harmed included the National Parks Service (NPS), which had to go five weeks without park rangers and various staff that maintain the parks.

Joshua Tree National Park in

DEVOTION TO CHILD JESUS. Thousands of Santo Niño devotees join the procession of the carrozas for the 40th Fiesta del Sto. Nino of the Congregacion del Nombre de Jesus from the Philtrade grounds in Pasay City to the Quirino Grandstand in Manila on Sunday, January 27.

PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan

Thousands join ‘Battle for...

PAGE A1 ficials gave their keynote messages and urged the public to further support the project.

In his speech, Lim defined the rehabilitation of Manila Bay as a ‘Herculean’ task as it requires the effort of various government agencies and the public.

“Sa amin sa MMDA kasama sa aming mandatos ang paglilinis ng waterways and sewerages, pero ngayon nagsasama tayong lahat, naniniwala ako wala nang dahilan para hindi tayo magtagumpay sa pagbabalik ng linis, kaayusan at kagandahan ng Manila Bay (It is included in the mandate of MMDA to clean the waterways and sewerages, but now that we’re all together, I believe there is no reason for us not to succeed in bringing back the cleanliness, order and beauty of Manila Bay),” he said.

For his part, Villar said the

event showed President Rodrigo Duterte’s firm decision and strong political will to clean the popular bay.

“We will allocate heavy equipment, we will procure a new technology, trash skimmers — this will collect garbage and full-time solely allocated for Manila Bay. This is just the beginning and you can expect us to allocate a bigger budget for Manila Bay,” he said.

Meanwhile, Año said the rehabilitation of Manila Bay covers 190 kilometers involving three regions, 5,700 barangays and 178 local government units.

“Sa DILG, bubusisiin natin ang establishments dito kung sila ay sumusunod sa (At DILG, we will scrutinize the establishments if they are in compliance with the) Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act and Solid Waste Management Act. Every week

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the barangay captains will conduct cleanup in their respective areas where there are rivers leading to Manila Bay,” he said.

Año clarified that establishments will be given enough time to correct their lapses but they will be shut down or sued if unable to comply within deadlines.

For his part, Cimatu urged the public to take part in cleaning up Manila Bay. “As I declare the start of Battle for Manila Bay, I direct the DENR and the LLDA (Laguna Lake Development Authority) to issue a cease and desist order for those who violated environmental laws here in Manila Bay,” he added.

Cimatu led an inspection of the food establishments circling the bay and the three drainage canals leading to it right after the event. n

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California suffered “irreparable” damage after vandals littered, destroyed joshua trees, drove through unauthorized areas of the park and permanently destroyed sensitive ecosystems that included historic rock formations.

“What’s happened to our park in the last 34 days is irreparable for the next 200 to 300 years,” Curt Sauer, former superintendent of Joshua Tree National Park, said at a rally on Saturday.

NPS employees are expecting their first paycheck with back pay on Wednesday, Jan. 30.

For weeks, certain “non-essential” federal workers were either furloughed or worked without pay after President Donald Trump refused to sign the government spending bill before the deadline on Dec. 22, 2018.

The bill presented to him lacked the $5.7 billion request for a border wall and increased border security, an indelible condition of the president.

In December, he firmly maintained that he would not sign a spending bill to fund the government unless that bill included said

border wall funding, stating that he would be “proud to shut down the government” if Congress didn’t comply with his request.

After five weeks, Trump caved in and signed a temporary spending bill that did not include any funding for the border wall, which the administration has deemed necessary for national security reasons.

Trump agreed to fund the government until Feb. 15, but the White House has alluded to the possibility of another shutdown if Democrats ignore wall funding in the next spending package, which both House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer intend to do.

“If you’re the president of the United States, and you know that you have to defend the nation, do you want to shut the government down? No. Do you want to declare a national emergency?

No. But you do need and want to defend the nation,” White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney said on CBS’ “Face the Nation” on Sunday, Jan. 27. (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress) n

ISIS claims responsibility for PH church...

PAGE A1 Despite Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s verbal tirades against the Catholic Church, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said Sunday’s attacks are not related to the president’s words.

“In fact, the president is outraged. He’s so angry that they have not respected a place of worship — that’s why he declared war against all these perpetrators,” Panelo told reporters on Tuesday, January 29.

He added, “Those who will attack places of worship, especially with the Catholics, are doing it because they do not believe in that religion.”

Various reports said 111 individuals were wounded in the twin blasts, while 16 civilians and five troops were among the fatalities. However, the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday clarified that the number of wounded victims has been reduced.

“The total number killed is 21 while wounded persons [were] reduced to 97 and 54 of the wounded victims remain confined in different medical facilities [and] those with minor injuries had been discharged,” PNP spokesperson Senior Supt.

Bernard Banac told reporters in press briefing held at Camp Crame.

Since Sunday, Sulu’s capital town has been on lockdown, but Banac said it will be lifted once investigators are done gathering evidence at the cathedral.

“The lockdown is just a precautionary measure in support of ongoing security operations to establish strong control points in ingress and egress to and from Jolo by putting up roadblocks and checkpoints. It also allows investigators more flexibility to move around,” PNP Chief Director General Oscar Albayalde said in a statement read by Banac.

Albayalde told reporters that there are substantive leads

police investigators are looking into, including surveillance camera footage of possible suspects seen in the vicinity of the cathedral minutes before the explosions.

According to closed circuit television (CCTV) footage released Tuesday by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM), at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday, one improvised explosive device (IED) detonated at the cathedral, while the second exploded 15 seconds later.

National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon initially identified six persons of interest based on the CCTV footage and an earlier intelligence report issued in 2018.

“Dalawang grupo (two groups) So far, anim, six of them. Information from what I understand is that we have leads not only from the CCTV but we also have leads because we have a previous report from the intelligence community as early as August last year,” Esperon said as reported by Rappler.

AFP WESTMINCOM Lieutenant Colonel Gerry Besana also released the images of the three suspects who were seen entering and leaving the church before the mass even started. The cameras have also zeroed on one other suspect who is known as Kamah.

Kamah is allegedly a member of Ajang-Ajang faction of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).

He is believed to be the brother of fallen bandit leader Surakah Ingog, an alleged bombmaker slain in Sulu in August 2018.

In the CCTV footage, Kamah is reportedly seen wearing a blue-green jacket, with his hair in a bun. He is seen at 8:30 a.m. walking with two other men, after 10 seconds, he hands out - a small item – before the second explosion occurs.

Besana said the man who could be Kamah may have deto-

nated the IEDs using the item in his hand before he escaped.

Besana stated that the videos were only compressed and not cropped or trimmed so that they can send those to the other officials and reporters who are not based in Mindanao.

Duterte orders Abu Sayyaf takedown In line with the recent tragedy, Duterte ordered the military to take down the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) “by whatever means” after visiting the blast site on Monday afternoon, January 28.

“I ordered you to destroy the organization. I’m ordering you now: pulpugin ninyo ang Abu Sayyaf (eliminate the Abu Sayyaf) by whatever means,” Duterte told reporters.

He added, “Ang gawin ninyo, sabihin ninyo pagka-bobombahin mo ‘yang lahat. Paalisin mo ‘yung mga tao, ilagay mo dito kung saan ako, ako ang maggastos ng pagkain - lahat.

Tapos plantsahin ninyo ng bala (What you do, I tell you, bomb them all, evacuate all residents.

Let them stay where I am. I’ll pay for food, everything. Then prepare the bullets).”

Panelo said that the move to heighten alert in the entire country is a necessary move to secure the public. The spokesperson believed that such is a “preventive measure.”

“Kapag may nangyari doon at ang pinagdududahan mo ang ISIS, eh worldwide ang ISIS, you have to secure the entire Philippines. Kasi kung may nangyari doon, baka may mangyari ditto; alangan namang maghintay ka pa, gagawa ka ng preventive measures (If something happens and you assume the involvement of ISIS, since ISIS is worldwide, you have to secure the entire Philippines. If something happened there, it might happen here. You don’t have to wait. You have to ensure preventive measures),” Panelo said. n

Majority say children 15 years and above who...

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PAGE A1 jailed for any of the crimes mentioned recommended putting them under the custody of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

“For those who say that minors should not be jailed, 73 percent

agree that children who commit offenses should be placed under DSWD custody,” SWS President Dr. Mahar Mangahas said.

According to CHR Commissioner Karen Gomez-Dumpit, the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act (JJWA) was enacted to en-

sure that children who committed crimes were guided through diversion programs.

“It takes a village to raise a child. The Commission will be coordinating with our partners both in government and civil society,” Dumpit said. n

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Doubtful about 2020 Census? Do it for the kids

by Mark Hedin Ethnic Media Services

CALIFORNIA, with one out of eight of the nation’s children, risks being seriously shortchanged for another decade if its youngest children are undercounted in the 2020 Census.

Kids under 5, more than any other age or ethnic group, were left out of the last census, according to the Census Bureau.

Of the approximately 20 million kids of that age in the U.S. in 2010, 2.2 million were missed.

The Census Bureau estimates that 1.2 million of them were counted twice, so it officially put the tally of those overlooked youngsters at 1 million, or 5 percent of that population.

This undercounted cohort is most vulnerable because census data help decide how much to spend on programs that affect children for the following decade, according to William O’Hare, a nationally recognized expert who runs O’Hare Data and Demographic Services in Virginia.

“The census is more important for young children than it is for other groups in terms of spending, but they’re counted the least accurately,” O’Hare says.

Of those overlooked kids, 36 percent were Latino, according to Arturo Vargas, CEO of the National Association of Latino Elected Officials’ Education Fund. One-third of them lived in California, where the population is 39.4 percent Hispanic, and most live in Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange, San Bernardino and Riverside counties.

An additional 25 percent of the uncounted kids were African American, says O’Hare. The U.S. population is 17.8 percent Hispanic and 12.7 percent African American.

Statistics on the remaining 40 percent of the undercounted children are not available, O’Hare says.

Challenges to accuracy Typically, O’Hare says, children in middle class and more affluent families get over-counted as when custody for a child is shared, or the child lives with more than one adult. Children in less affluent families and ethnic communities are more likely to be undercounted, O’Hare notes.

Half of the overlooked kids in California live in households with at least one immigrant, says Mayra Alvarez of Children’s Partnership, an advocacy group based in Los Angeles.

Language barriers and complex living situations such as multiple generations under one roof or kids living with people other than their parents add to the undercount. So, too, does the fact that most people don’t know that the census’ mission is to count every person in every household.

Cindy Quezada, a researcher

with the Central Valley Immigrant Coalition in Fresno, recalls asking a woman in a laundromat with her two kids how many people live in her household. “’Two,’ she responded. ‘What about the kids with you?’”

Quezada asked. “’Oh, I didn’t know you wanted to include them.’”

Foster care institutions tend to lead to undercounts, too, Alvarez says, and California leads the nation in this category.

Renters respond less frequently than homeowners. People living in multi-unit properties respond even less often, and those who change addresses or otherwise live in unstable circumstances also get missed.

When there is no response to a census questionnaire, the Census Bureau makes follow-up attempts, although the success rate for these “nonresponse followup” operations is poor. Still, if there’s a response of any sort, data-gathering ends there, limiting the possibility of correcting mistakes or misunderstandings that produced incomplete responses.

Beyond these issues with the 2010 Census, the 2020 count carries an additional concern if the Commerce Department’s proposed inclusion of a question about citizenship is added to the questionnaire.

Wide-ranging implications The effects of census data are wide-ranging, including the number of representatives a state gets in Congress and how many electoral college votes it has in presidential elections.

The numbers drive hundreds of billions of dollars in federal spending on transit and highway planning and construction, Section 8 housing, vouchers, water and waste disposal projects, and much more.

In its 2018 “Kids Count” data book, the Annie E. Casey Foundation listed 10 federal programs that together in 2015 spent $160 billion for kids: Medicaid, SNAP, school lunch, special education, health insurance, Head Start, foster care, child care, WIC and Title 1 educational grants. Funding for these programs is allocated based on census data, and these 10 kid-focused programs all rank among the 16 biggest federal programs where census data drives the funding.

California ranks 36th nationally in estimates of children’s well-being, Mayra Alvarez of Children’s Partnership points out, citing “Kids Count.”

“If we get less funding, we’re going to drop,” she says. “We have to consider how critical these funds are and not risk losing a dollar of funding for our kids.

“If we want to prioritize kids in order to strengthen our future as a country, we have to make sure every kid is counted. It’s critical for California.”

Because census data about

House passes medical...

PAGE A1 The vote was 153-5 with three abstentions. Coincidentally, it was Albano’s wife Mylene, who represents Davao City’s second district and a deputy speaker, who presided over the session.

The bill now goes to the Senate.

Albano said his bill seeks to allow the use of medical marijuana for those suffering from debilitating diseases like epilepsy under strict regulation by the Department of Health (DOH) and the Food and Drug Administration.

“The use of marijuana for recreational purposes will continue to be prohibited. We are not proposing that the prohibition be lifted,” he said.

He said there are studies in Israel, Spain, other parts of Europe and the United States attesting to the medicinal benefits of marijuana.

He pointed out that medical marijuana is allowed in many states in America.

Last week, Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo admitted to using medical marijuana.

“I am hopeful that this will be enacted into law under the administration of President Duterte, who has expressed support for medical marijuana,” Albano added.

Rep. Ron Salo of party-list

group Kabayan, a co-author of the bill, said the measure “has enough safeguards to prevent abuses.”

“The only places where prescribed medical cannabis will be available are DOH hospitals, tertiary hospitals and private hospitals licensed for medical cannabis purposes,” he said.

He said only doctors licensed by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency could issue prescriptions for medical marijuana “for very specific conditions and purposes based on their expert diagnosis.”

There will be licensed medical cannabis caregivers who will be issued special identification cards by the DOH secretary.

Medical cannabis patients will be issued special IDs. The medical cannabis caregiver can attend to only one patient at any time.

“Simply put, once approved into law, medical cannabis would be strictly regulated,” Salo stressed.

He thanked Albano for “championing the cause of those afflicted with debilitating diseases whose sufferings can be alleviated through the use of medical marijuana.”

Aside from Duterte, Arroyo and Miss Universe Catriona Gray have expressed support for medical cannabis. n

the youngest people also give a preview of the makeup of society’s future population, states, local governments, businesses and nonprofits draw heavily on the data to establish investment priorities and plan programs.

Jill Bourne, city librarian of the San Jose (Calif.) Public Library, says it is “heavily reliant” on census data, just as it is in Seattle and San Francisco, where she also worked.

“It has a significant impact on how we allocate our resources,” she says. “We need to collect the material in languages and at appropriate reading levels for our community to access. It can tell us where there are pockets of community that we’re not seeing in the libraries that we need to work on.”

Getting it right Getting an accurate count in 2020 has special challenges.

The Commerce Department’s proposal to add a question about every resident’s citizenship status to the 2020 Census has deepened fear in immigrant communities about being counted, experts and advocates claim.

According to Partnership for America’s Children in Washington D.C., 95 percent of uncounted kids are U.S. citizens, but fear and mistrust of government on the upswing in the current political climate of increased deportations, ICE raids and “border wall” bargaining will affect their parents’ willingness to respond to the census questionnaire.

PAGE A4

DINAGYANG LIGHT PARADE. More than 10,000 spectators witness the Dinagyang Light Parade at the Iloilo Business Park. It was one of the highlights of the Dinagyang Festival, where lighted floats and illuminated dancers participated. A fireworks display capped the festivities.

ManilaTimes.net photo

Palace: Gov’t will keep Mindanao residents...

PAGE A1 he was followed here,” he said in Filipino He said police are also considering religious differences within the Muslim community.

“As of now, we see there is nothing to do with the incident in Jolo. We already have persons of interest,” Martir said.

Military will ‘unleash its might and weaponry’ The bombings occurred

while Mindanao is under martial law, which has been in effect since May 2017.

Malacañang said the Armed Forces of the Philippines “will unleash its might and weaponry” against enemies of the state.

“The successive attacks on two different places of worship depict the ruthlessness and the godlessness of these mass murderers,” Panelo said. Security forces have yet to say that

the two incidents are related.

Panelo assured Mindanao residents that the government will keep them secure and provide them with any kind of support they need.

The explosion at a mosque in Barangay Talon-talon, Zamboanga City happened at around 1 a.m. while the victims were sleeping, according to a report from News5. (With reports from The STAR/Roel Pareño in Zamboanga City) n

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The Philippines obtained a score of 36 in 2018 from 34 in 2017, jumping from 111th to 99th out of 180 countries.

FOUNDATION DAY. Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Assistant Secretary for Peace and Order Manuel Felix (center), and Philippine National Police (PNP) Deputy Chief for Administration, Deputy Director General Fernando Mendez Jr. (right), lead the singing of the national anthem in Camp Brig. Gen. Rafael Crame in Quezon City on Monday, January 28. The PNP celebrated its 28th Foundation Day on the day.

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

SFDA Victim Services Division’s Annual Human Trafficking Awareness Symposium: ‘Signs and indicators of labor and human trafficking’ SAN FRANCISCO — On Wednesday, January 30, Dr. Gena Castro Rodriguez, Chief of the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office’s Victim Services Division, joined community stakeholders to commemorate National Human Trafficking Awareness Month and emphasize the importance of increasing the public’s awareness and ability to identify victims of human trafficking (e.g. sex, child sex, and labor) during January.

“Human trafficking is a rampant crime that effects the most vulnerable people in our community—children, especially those in the foster care system, women, and immigrants,” said District Attorney George Gascón.

“These crimes devastate individuals and families, perpetuate and instigate more violence, and feed a cycle of trauma and violence that put the entire community at risk. Awareness is the

first line of defense in the fight against exploitation,” said Dr. Gena Castro Rodriguez, Chief of the Victim Services Division.

San Francisco is home to many outstanding attractions and establishments. Given the popularity, transitory nature, and interest of this world-class city, there is an increased vulnerability for human trafficking. The statistics are alarming, and the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office is dedicated to combatting the problem.

According to the San Francisco Department on the Status of Women 2017 Human Trafficking Data Report: • 637 cases of human trafficking from 22 different agencies have been identified; • 75 percent of survivors were under the age of 25; • 71 percent were women; • 70 percent were people of color with African American representing the largest group;

and • 1/3 were born in the Bay Area.

The San Francisco District Attorney’s Office wants to continue to bring awareness to the issue of human trafficking and further our collaborative efforts with those tirelessly fighting the battle to end human trafficking. Speakers and panelists at today’s event included a labor trafficking survivor, Dr. Gena Castro Rodriguez, Chief of Victim Services Division; Jennifer Tse, U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division Kim Wong, Attorney, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security; and Saerom Choi, Project Manager, Anti Trafficking Project, Attorney, Asian Pacific Islander Legal Outreach.

Through these collaborative efforts we can ensure that San Francisco is the safest city for all to live, work, and thrive. n

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Philstar.com file photo

2018 Corruption Index: Philippines improves 12 notches to 99th

by Helen

Flores Philstar.com

THE Philippines’ ranking has improved 12 notches in the 2018 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) conducted by the global anti-corruption watchdog Transparency International.

The Philippines obtained a score of 36 in 2018 from 34 in 2017, jumping from 111th to 99th out of 180 countries.

The country’s score, however, is still far from the Asia-Pacific regional average of 44, Transparency International noted.

It said the Philippines received the same score in 2013 under the previous administration.

The CPI ranks 180 countries and territories by their perceived levels of public sector corruption, according to experts and business people.

It uses a scale of zero to 100, where zero is “highly corrupt” and 100 is “very clean.”

The top 10 “least corrupt” countries are Denmark, New Zealand, Finland, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, Norway, Netherlands, Canada and Lux-

embourg.

The 2018 CPI showed that anti-corruption efforts are “stalled” in most countries, according to Transparency International.

“The continued failure of most countries to significantly control corruption is contributing to a crisis of democracy around the world,” it said.

“With several democratic institutions under threat across the globe – often by leaders with authoritarian or populist tendencies – we need to do more to strengthen checks and balances and protect citizens’ rights,” Transparency International managing director Patricia Moreira said.

“Corruption chips away at democracy to produce a vicious cycle, where corruption undermines democratic institutions and, in turn, weak institutions are less able to control corruption,” Moreira said.

Somalia, South Sudan and Syria are at the bottom of the index, with 10, 13 and 13 points, respectively.

The anti-corruption watchdog

said full democracies score an average of 75, “flawed democracies” score 49; “hybrid regimes,” which show elements of autocratic tendencies, score 35; “autocratic regimes” perform worst, with an average score of 30 on the CPI. To make real progress against corruption and strengthen democracy around the world, Transparency International encouraged all governments to strengthen the institutions responsible for maintaining checks and balances over political power and ensure their ability to operate without intimidation.

It said governments should support civil society organizations, which enhance political engagement and public oversight over government spending, particularly at the local level.

Transparency International also called on governments to support a free and independent media and ensure the safety of journalists and their ability to work without intimidation or harassment. n

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 the case was asked to contact the San Jose Police Depart-

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

Photo courtesy of San Jose Police

ment’s Homicide Unit at 408277-5283. n

Doubtful about 2020 Census...

PAGE A3 Furthermore, for the first time, the government has made online surveys its primary method of collecting data.

That alone will make participation easier for some people and harder for others. And funding cutbacks have hampered preparations.

“The Census Bureau is going into 2020 not prepared,” NALEO’s Vargas says.

“Candidly, Congress bears some of the responsibility for not having fully funded the Census Bureau’s appropriation requests

for the last four years.”

California is leading the way California is leading the nation in trying to achieve accuracy in 2020. It filed a suit against the citizenship question proposal on the day the Commerce Department announced it. The state also has dedicated funding to getting out the word about the importance of everyone filling out a census questionnaire completely, either online, through the mail, on the phone or in person to census staff who will visit households that haven’t responded.

Every dollar denied California by an undercount matters, advocates say.

“Already, we can’t accommodate the number of people needing assistance,” says Lynn Kersey, executive director of Maternal and Child Health Access for low-income families in Los Angeles. “Community clinics and housing groups and others would say the same, I’m sure.”

Adds Alvarez, “If people are reluctant for many reasons to fill out the census, I say, ‘Do it for the kids.’” n

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DATELINE PHILIPPINES

A5

China opens rescue center on Kagitingan Reef

by PATRICIA LOURDES Philstar.com

VIRAY

BEIJING has established a maritime rescue center on Kagitingan or Fiery Cross Reef, one of its military outposts in the South China Sea or West Philippine Sea. According to a report from Chinese state-run Xinhua, China’s Ministry of Transport opened the center to support rescue operations in the southern part of the disputed waterway.

In July 2018, China sent a rescue ship to Zamora or Subi Reef, which has been modified to adapt to the natural conditions in the area.

In charge of emergency re-

sponse operations, the Chinese ship was staffed with at least eight rescuers with diving equipment.

Another ship was deployed to the region in October to replace the first vessel, Xinhua reported.

The two Chinese ships have rescued 16 people and two ships in eight operations over the past six months, according to the report.

Kagitingan Reef, which is also being claimed by the Philippines, had earlier been transformed into a fortified airbase with military installations.

In December 2017, Chinese state broadcaster China Central Television showed an aerial shot of the reef, where Beijing had in-

stalled military facilities such as early warning radars and closeproximity weapons systems.

A report from Washingtonbased think tank Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI) indicated that China is likely using Kagitingan Reef as its intelligence hub in the Spratly Islands.

“None of the other bases in the Spratlys so far has a comparable array, though smaller ones have been built on Subi and Mischief, suggesting that Fiery Cross might be serving as a signals intelligence/communications hub for Chinese forces in the area,” the AMTI said in a brief published February 2018.

DOT revamps ‘It’s more fun’ campaign

by NEIL JAYSON

SERVALLOS ManilaTimes.net

THE Department of Tourism (DOT) has awarded the contract to revamp the agency’s “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” campaign to BBDO Guerrero Inc., the advertising agency that created the brand campaign in 2012.

BBDO Guerrero Inc. won the bidding against DDB Philippines Inc., TBWA/Santiago Mangada Puno Advertising Inc. and Weber Shandwick Philippines. The agency will be responsible for the development of a digital public relations campaign for the Philippines as a premiere sustainable tourism destination.

Touch XDA Inc. will serve as the media planning and buying agency that will steward the campaign’s

strategic international placements.

DDB Philippines Inc., however, was chosen to promote sustainable and responsible tourism in the country, using a comprehensive research study as basis.

“Expect that in the coming months and throughout the year, the DoT will be aggressive in promoting the best of the Philippines to our international source markets,” Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo Puyat said.

Puyat said the new brand would appeal to older markets and younger audience.

The Tourism chief said the new campaign of the old tagline would focus on promoting tourism products, destinations and the DOT’s advocacy for sustainable tourism among local communities, stakeholders and visitors.“The concept

of fun is now redefined to include responsibility in taking care of our tourist destinations to sustain the ‘more fun’ experience for future generations,” she added.

In its 2012 launch, the tagline was met with mixed response from netizens, with some saying it was ripped off from a 1951 Swiss tourism slogan.

The campaign did not also fare well during the stint of former Tourism chief Wanda Teo, despite spending P650 million to revise and upscale the “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” campaign in 2017 as the catchy slogan did not generate enough tourist arrivals.

Puyat said it was important to have continuity with the campaign to establish a more permanent trademark and brand for the Philippine tourism industry. ■

giant saving,” he said.

“My refusal to travel with scores of staff that burden our embassies abroad [was] a milestone,” he added.

In a letter dated Jan. 26, 2019 to Unctad Secretary General Mukhisa Kiyuti, Locsin said the Philippines appreciated being chosen as host of the 15th Session of the Unctad and the World Investment Forum in 2020.

“I regret to inform you, however, that the Philippines is unable to host the Conference at this time to give priority to the country’s national development programs,” he said.

He was referring to the gov-

ernment’s need to save money to fund its ambitious “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure project, a centerpiece program of the Duterte administration.

“Rest assured that the Philippines will continue its strong support for Unctad and is committed to actively participate in Unctad 15,” Locsin added.

The DFA chief said his decision was final.

“I have said again and again, but the idea just won’t die. Well, this should kill it,” the DFA chief said. “We don’t need another conference freezing traffic and gobbling gobs of cash. No!” Locsin stressed. ■

PH won’t host UN migration meet

by BERNADETTE

TAMAYO ManilaTimes.net

SAYING the Philippines needs money to fund infrastructure programs, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. turned down the invitation for Manila to host an international conference on migration in 2020.

“Over $1 million saved,” Locsin tweeted on Monday, January 28, referring to his decision to decline the invitation of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (Unctad) to host the event.

“Turning down a migration conference for Ecuador but hosted by us in Manila [was] another

SCARECROW FEST. Performers dance for more than two hours during the Bambanti or Scarecrow Festival in Ilagan City, Isabela on Friday, January 25. The Bambanti or Scarecrow Festival of this province earned a spot in the Guinness World Records for the largest number of scarecrow dancers last Friday. Paulina Sapinska, official adjudicator and representative of Guinness, announced that the Bambanti Festival hit the world record for biggest number of dancers wearing scarecrow costumes in a single venue. Sapinska noted that a total of 2,495 participants wearing scarecrow costumes danced non-stop for more than two hours around the Isabela grandstand here, surpassing the five-minute dance of at least 250 persons earlier awarded by Guinness.

Philstar.com photo by Victor Martin

Ombudsman prosecutors urge court to order Revilla to pay in PDAF case MANILA — Prosecutors of the Office of the Ombudsman urged the Sandiganbayan to compel former Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. to pay for the civil liability on dismissed plunder case.

The Star reported that the Ombudsman’s Office of the Special Prosecutor filed a Motion for Execution of Judgment before the Sandiganbayan’s Special First Division to ask the anti-graft court to issue a Writ of Execution against Revilla.

The court, in a landmark ruling on December, acquitted Revilla in the multimillion-peso plunder case saying prosecutors failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the former lawmaker “received, directly or indirectly the rebates, commission and kickbacks from his [Priority Development Assistance Fund].”

Ombudsman prosecutors alleged that Revilla, through his aide Richard Cambe, received from businesswoman Janet Lim-Napoles a total of P224.5 million in kickbacks in exchange for the allocation of his Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) to bogus non-government organizations

she controlled.

The Sandiganbayan in 2015 ordered a freeze of P224 million in Revilla’s assets.

The court convicted Cambe and Napoles and sentenced them to reclusion perpetua, or imprisonment of 40 years.

Part of the dispositive of the ruling read: “In view of the discussion above, pursuant to Article 100 of the Revised Penal Code, accused are held solidarily and jointly liable to return to the National Treasury the amount of P124.5 million.”

Revilla’s camp earlier argued that they should not be ordered to pay since the former senator was acquitted from the case.

“He (Revilla) has no obligation under the (Sandiganbayan) judgment to return anything. How can he be held civilly liable if he was not found criminally liable? The finding of the court is he did not receive any of the alleged kickbacks or commissions,” lawyer Ramon Esguerra told The Star.

Ombudsman prosecutors argued before the court that Revilla’s acquittal “was based merely on reasonable doubt and not due to the absolute failure of the prosecu-

tion to prove his guilt.”

“This is why the judgment did not declare him to be without civil liability,” the motion further read.

Citing jurisprudence, state prosecutors stressed: “[A] person acquitted of a criminal charge, however, is not necessarily civilly free because the quantum of proof required in criminal prosecution (proof beyond reasonable doubt) is greater than the required for civil liability (mere preponderance of evidence.)”

“It is evidence which is more convincing to the court as worthy of belief than that which is offered in opposition thereto,” they added.

State prosecutors also said that Revilla’s liability stems from his failure to safeguard and account for the millions of public funds that was funnelled through the pork barrel scheme.

Revilla, after staying in detention for four years, walked free on the same day of the historic ruling He is gunning for another term at the Senate. (Kristine Joy Patag with reports from Elizabeth Marcelo/Philstar.com)

A6

EBRUARY 1-7, 2019 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

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

OPINION

Mass murderers

FEATURES

THE attack, aimed at a soft target, was meant to inflict maximum damage. As the Sunday morning mass got underway at the Roman Catholic cathedral in Sulu’s capital Jolo, a blast tore through the church. As pandemonium erupted and security forces rushed to the church, another explosion hit a military outpost just outside the Our Lady of Mount Carmel cathedral.

Police counted 21 dead and 100 others wounded. Many of the wounded remain in critical condition. Authorities have reportedly taken into custody the brother of an Abu Sayyaf subleader slain by the military. There have been about 10 armed attacks on the church since 2000, but last Sunday’s twin bombings exacted the most grievous toll.

The attack shows how fragile the peace process is in Mindanao. Several threat groups are being eyed in the attack, which was staged with the entire Mindanao under martial law, and just days after Sulu voted in a plebiscite to reject the Bangsamoro Organic Law. Sulu is a part of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, but

its rejection of the BOL indicates it is opting out of the proposed BARMM that will replace the ARMM. Continuing extremist violence in the ARMM has been cited as one of the reasons for its supposed failure and the need to create a new autonomous region.

The attack on the cathedral shows the persistent challenges in achieving enduring peace in Mindanao.

It will need a lot of heavy lifting to achieve aspirations for peace in the troubled region. While the government moves to bring development to whatever autonomous region emerges, residents in the affected areas must work together with holders including foreign governments to constate agencies, civic groups and other stake- front armed violence. The coordinated effort can

Editorial

Commentary

YEN MAKABENTA IN these days when like many, I find developments in Mindanao both hopeful and terrifying, I often turn to the writings of my former Jesuit teacher, Miguel Anselmo Bernad, S.J., particularly his essays on Mindanao, of which he was a native (Misamis, Misamis Occidental).

Evidently, as his final book, he brought together his Mindanao essays in a single volume, The Great Island, Studies in the Exploration and Evangelization of Mindanao (Ateneo de Manila University Press, Quezon City, 2004).

The book is a revelation and a treasure for me, because until I got hold of it, I had not realized how much historical writing Fr. Bernad wrote (he did much writing on literature), and how his scholarship and insights help enlighten my own research and writing.

Until I read The Great Island, Mindanao for me was just a big cliché, “the land of promise,’ dating back to the American occupation.

An idea whose time has come The election of Rodrigo Roa Duterte as president in 2016 got me reading and researching on Mindanao in a hurry. I was tantalized by the thought that Victor Hugo could be right when he said: “You can resist an invading

Commentary

ELEANOR R. DIONISIO I CONFESS to raising an eyebrow at the disproportionate outrage of some fellow Catholics over the President’s attacks on our Church. More deserving of outrage than what he says about the Roman Catholic Church is what his administration is doing to the country: tens of thousands killed by police and unknown assailants; the dismantling of democratic institutions; the vilification and persecution of dissenters, human rights advocates and other activists. Catholic outrage about these far more iniquitous developments has been limited to a few bishops and marginal groups of clergy, religious and laity.

I also confess to a perverse satisfaction each time the President ridicules the Church. Not because of his wit, which is far short of brilliant. Not because I agree with what he says; I admit some accusations are true, but as a Jesuit-educated and duly certified parish manang, I am firmly on the side of my flawed Church and its maligned clergy in this war on Catholicism.

Philstar.com photo

be applied in finding the mass murderers behind the attack on the Jolo cathedral. (Philstar.com)

Mindanao: How the great island Working as a temp in Trump was explored and evangelized hotels is not the real deal army; you cannot resist an idea whose time has come.”

Until DU30 stood for election, the closest Mindanao had gotten to electing a president was when Vice President Emmanuel Pelaez ran for president, but then fell short, because Ferdinand Marcos beat him to the Nacionalista Party presidential nomination in 1965. DU30 was the second serious Mindanao presidential aspirant, and this time around the island would not be denied.

To the credit of President Benigno Aquino III, he also got me researching and reading on Mindanao after his dramatic decision to pursue a comprehensive peace agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in one of the principal policies of his administration. The subsequent policy debate made me an avid reader of the history of the Muslims in Mindanao, particularly a volume titled The Moro Reader (Center for People Empowerment and Governance, edited by Bobby Tuazon, Quezon City, 2008).

Moro Reader opened my eyes, though not completely, to the world of our Muslim communities, the different Muslim tribes, and their perennial struggle for their ancestral domain and statehood.

The Great Island opened up for me the extent of the promise and lament of Mindanao.

Larger than 10 countries in

Europe In a revealing preface, Fr. Bernad describes vividly the majesty of Mindanao. He wrote: “Mindanao is a large island, larger than 10 of the countries in Europe. It is larger than Ireland or Scotland, larger than Portugal, Hungary, Austria, or Denmark; very much larger than Switzerland, or the three countries — Belgium, Holland and Luxembourg — put together.

“Mindanao is not only large. It is also rugged. Its many regions are divided from each other by high mountain ranges, valleys and plains — some of them huge in size — watered by streams and rivers. Until a few decades ago, most of its highlands and most of its plains were covered with thick forests.

“With the regions thus isolated from each other, it is not surprising that the aboriginal population of the island comprised tribes speaking different tongues.

“Today, immigrants or descendants from other parts of the Philippines make up most of the population of Mindanao. But there still are tribal groups, remnants of the original population.

Part of the southeastern portion of the island and the southern half of the central plateau are peopled by Muslims. The vast majority of the island’s population is Christian, while the tribal groups in the highlands are animists.

“The predominantly Catholic Christian population is under the jurisdiction of 20 bishoprics grouped together into five ecclesiastical provinces. They are headed by the archbishoprics of Cagayan De Oro, Davao, Cotabato, Zamboanga, and Misamis (Ozamis City).

“The flourishing state of the Catholic Church today is the result of a long, and often painful process of Christianization that started in the 16th century and continued until the 20th.

“The building of the city and the civilization of Rome was indeed an immense undertaking, so was the evangelization of Mindanao.

“The present volume is merely a modest collection of essays written at various times over a period of several decades, depicting some of the highlights in the exploration and evangelization of this great island. It is hoped that their compilation into one volume might be of help to scholars who will write a more comprehensive and definitive history of Mindanao.”

It was Fr. Bernad who introduced me in my college years to the excitement of literature, so effectively that he diverted me away from the study of l aw or history. It does not surprise me that he is also the teacher who has opened my eyes to the history and grandeur of Mindanao.

(ManilaTimes.net)

Why Duterte is good for the Church Some satisfaction comes from a sense of vindication: I would love to cast on Catholics who voted for him a look that says “I told you so.” But it also comes from the sense that my Church needed to be shaken. Too comfortable in its nominal majority, too preoccupied with its internal life and issues of sexual and reproductive morality, too removed from the poor, the Church is now forced to confront its sins, its failures in evangelization, and the pluralism of Philippine society.

Yet the Church can turn the President’s attacks into an opportunity for grace by reflecting on and correcting practices inconsistent with its ethics. The pastoral documents issued by the bishops in July 2018, after the President’s “stupid God” remark, are born of such reflection. In their pastoral exhortation “Rejoice and be glad,” the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines admits: “We are a Church of sinners called to conversion and holiness at the same time. We bow in shame when we hear of abuse being committed by some of our fellow Church leaders… We hold ourselves accountable for their actions, and accept our duty to correct them.”

In his message “God is love,” Archbishop Socrates B. Villegas of Lingayen-Dagupan owns that the Church has “faults,” “mistakes and even crimes.”

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle’s letter to his clergy reminds them that the Second Vatican Council obliges Catholics to respect “those who do not believe in God”; that challenges to Catholic belief must be met by dialogue with challengers “sincerely searching for the truth”; and that more important than to defend the Church from criticism is to minister to the poor.

Still, I do not think the President’s attacks are fueled by a sincere search for truth. Besides his alleged bad experiences with priests, he also knows the Church can be a crucible for dissent and a powerful moral voice against government excesses.

So he means to bully the Church into silence.

This strategy he gets from the Marcos playbook. The Marcos dictatorship deported missionaries and threatened to tax Catholic institutions and legalize divorce. Worse, it arrested, abducted and killed priests, religious and lay leaders.

But instead of subduing the Church, the Marcos strategy

alienated many Catholics, driving them to the side of the persecuted. And so the Church joined the uprising against the dictatorship.

That history points to another opportunity for the Church to find grace in Mr. Duterte’s war on Catholicism. The attacks on the Church are awakening Catholics to the administration’s defects. The Church can refocus their attention on the administration’s graver sins, and rechannel the energy generated by their anger into more transformative action: the denunciation of its human rights violations and antidemocratic moves, the rejection of candidates who support these moves, the need to work in solidarity with those threatened and bereaved by its deathly policies.

Then Mr. Duterte would have strengthened the Church in its true mission: “to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free.”

••• Eleanor R. Dionisio is a consultant of the Archdiocesan Institute for Research and Development, Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila, and a proud member of the Public Affairs Ministry of Our Lady of Pentecost Parish, Diocese of Cubao. (Inquirer.net)

Opinion

MARLEN RONQUILLO IT is all rooted in the so-called “American Dream,” the overwhelming sense of Filipinos to move to the United States when a window of opportunity opens. Filipinos with no opportunity to get petitioned by blood relatives in the US, or get married to an American citizen, or file for a green card after working in a U.S. government entity for at least 15 years — the three quickest routes — will have to settle for an entry route as a “temp,” or temporary worker.

And those seeking entry as “temps“ mostly secure H-2A and H-2B visas to gain temporary employment in the U.S., the 2A covering agricultural workers and the 2B covering seasonal jobs, mostly in hotels, restaurants and construction. The H-1B, the visa type used by Pinoys with sought-after skills, sends the visa holder to the likes of Wall Street, big law firms, Silicon Valley, universities, the engineering and research hubs. Before Trump, the H-1B was a clear pathway to a permanent stay in the U.S. The two non-immigrant work visas are what preoccupy Philippine officialdom today after the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) imposed a one-year ban on Filipinos seeking entry to the U.S. via the two visa types.

The DHS said that 40 percent of Filipino workers who get visas under the non-immigrant work programs overstay and that was what prompted the one-year ban.

The official response from our government is that it may, through the DFA, appeal the DHS ban. If I were the DFA, I would just file a routine appeal, then forget all about the ban. Many reasons for this. But first and foremost is this. There are jobs that are definitely better than holding a temp job in the U.S. OK, I will be more specific. President Trump is an immigration hardliner. He wants to wall in America to prevent immigrants, especially people of color, from moving into the U.S. But his businesses seek H-2B type visas. And when you get an H-2B, chances are you might be mopping the floors at the Trump hotels. Or dicing onions at his restaurants.

Do you want a temp job at the hotels and restaurants of the man who abets the current anti-immigrant rhetoric and actions in the U.S.? The president who loathes people of color? Do you want to work as a temp at the Trump hotels?

Trump welcomes temps who do the tough jobs of cleaning toilet bowls and vacuuming up the

carpets in his hotels but that is all there is to it. Giving these workers a slim window for a permanent stay in the U.S. is against what Trump stands for.

Along the vast agricultural stretches of California, you often see men and women in the orange groves, in the strawberry fields, in the pistachio plantations, with dusty pick-up trucks and old sedans parked nearby. Many of them are seasonal workers from Mexico and they come in under the 2A visas. While Mexicans dominate work in the fruit farms, there are seasonal workers from other countries as well, Filipinos and workers from African countries among them.

The backbreaking jobs available under the 2A visas do not pay that much, probably less than what is paid the temps at the fast-food joints and Panda Express. The 2A workers have to pack their bags and leave the U.S. once the fruitpicking season is over.

By the time the 2A workers reach their home countries, little or none at all had been saved from the money sent during the work season.

This is probably at the root of the decision of these temporary workers to overstay. Nothing or very little is left after the work season is over.

The type of jobs available under the 2A and the 2B visas are not really the kind of jobs that would provide economic stability to the families back home.

Working as temps, say, in the Trump establishments, as the headline says, is not the real deal.

OK, what are alternative jobs for the footloose in the global job markets? With the Trump administration’s hardline policy, what are the options for those who are willing to take on tough jobs overseas, with North America as the desired place of work?

One option is this. Move into Saskatchewan and other frontier employment areas in Canada as many young Filipinos not afraid of taking on tough jobs are doing right now. They move into that cold area to work on the canola fields, the piggery farms and various agro-forestry-related jobs.

The stories the young Filipinos who have moved into these cold and frontier areas center on two themes — the challenge of winter on the negative side and the ease of assimilation on the positive side.

They say you will not encounter law enforcers like Joe Arpaio.

Or young men in red MAGA hats who — with smirks on their faces and venom in their threatening voices — essentially say you are unwelcome and you should return to your home country.

There are more welcoming places of work than Trump’s America. And working as temps at the Trump establishments is not the real deal. (ManilaTimes. net)

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

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Ex-RCBC manager appeals conviction over bank heist Manila bishop: Age of reason not same as discernment MANILA — Former Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. bank manager Maia Deguito sought the reversal of the Makati court’s money laundering conviction over the Bangladesh bank heist.

Deguito, through her lawyers, filed a 53-page motion for reconsideration on January 25. A copy of which was made public only on Monday, January 28.

The former bank manager was accused of facilitating the transfer of the $81 million that suspiciously went through the country’s financial system and into accounts at her branch.

On January 10, Makati Regional Trial Court Branch 149 Judge Cesar Untalan sentenced Deguito to a prison term of up to 56 years after the court found her guilty of money laundering.

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

The court also noted that Deguito has 16 years of experience in banking yet she “proceeded deliberately and transacted with haste of these remittances, which are crystal clear big amounts above the ‘covered transactions’ by the AMLA Law!” But Deguito’s camp argued that the court “misunderstood”

by ryan

Macasero Philstar.com

Former RCBC branch manager Maia Santos-Deguito during a Senate hearing on the money laundering case facilitating the transfer of $81 million from the Bangladesh central bank. Inquirer.net photo

the definition of money laundering under RA 9160 or the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2001.

She asserted that the court merely “presumed” of her knowledge of the illegal sources of the said funds.

“This conclusion, however, was not based on direct proof of the element of knowledge, as the Prosecution failed to present any.

Instead, it was only presumed by the Honorable Court from the alleged failure of Accused to do what the Honorable Court believes she should have done,” the

appeal read.

Bangladesh bank heist not yet closed The probe into one of the biggest cyber-heists in history meanwhile is not yet over at the national prosecution level.

The Department of Justice confirmed early on January that criminal complaints against six other RCBC officers remain pending.

“There is no resolution yet from the preliminary investigation earlier conducted on that case,” Prosecutor General Richard Fadullon said. (Philstar.com)

would ratify it before it goes into recess on February 6.

“This bill is a fitting early Valentine’s offering to our beloved seniors because the NCSC will become the strong national implementation and coordination body linking all the senior citizens’ affairs offices of local governments nationwide,” Datol said in a statement.

“I hope President Duterte will constitute the NCSC by appointing its chairman and commissioners by this coming summer so that we could have a fullyoperational NCSC by around Grandparents Day on September 18 with the approval of the implementing rules and regulations by that time,” he added.

HB 8837 aims to “create a cohesive government agency that will implement and enforce the laws and monitor compliance, to properly address the needs of

senior citizens.”

It specifically aims to create the NCSC as an attached agency to the Office of the President “responsible for the implementation of policies, plans and programs for the welfare of senior citizens.”

Members of the said commission would be appointed by the president and would serve a term of six years, according to the bill.

HB 8837 also seeks to transfer the functions and programs being undertaken by the Department of Social Welfare and Development for senior citizens.

Congress needs to convene a bicameral conference committee to reconcile the House and Senate versions of the proposed measure before both chambers could ratify it and send it to President Rodrigo Duterte for signature and enactment into law. n

House passes bill creating National Commission of Senior Citizens

by Pathricia

ann Inquirer.net

roxas

MANILA — The House of Representatives approved on Tuesday, January 29, on third and final reading a bill creating the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC).

The lower chamber approved House Bill (HB) No. 8837 with 175 votes in the affirmative. The bill seeks to amend Republic Act No. 9994 or the “Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010” and abolish the National Coordinating Council and Monitoring Board.

Also on Tuesday, the Senate approved on third and final reading their counterpart measure, Senate Bill No. 2159.

Senior Citizen Rep. Francisco Datol Jr., an author of HB 8837, said that with both chambers’ approval of the proposal, they are now confident that Congress

MANILA — Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo clarified the difference between the ages of reason and discernment after a lawmaker argued that if children below 9 years old could receive their first communion, they should already be subjected to the justice system.

“So many people say that ages nine to 12, wala pang discernment (have no discernment). Majority of Filipinos are Catholics, my question is how old is a Catholic when they take their first communion?” Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. (Negros Oriental) asked during his arguments in favor of the controversial bill lowering the age of criminal responsibility, which passed in the House of Representatives on third reading on Monday, January 28.

But for Pabillo, the Church defines the age of reason as the age a child is able to understand the significance of the Holy Eucharist.

Normally, children can take their first communion by the age of seven, which is known as the “age of reason” in the Catholic Church.

But this is not a strict number and may be delayed depending on the cognitive development of the child.

Teves, who was voted in favor of the bill, used this comparison to make a point that it is fair to assume that minors can discern right from wrong.

“As far as the Church is concerned, there are two factors that define the age of the reason,” Pabillo explained to Philstar.com in an interview. “Primarily, it’s so they can distinguish this is not ordinary bread, but the body of Christ,” He said understanding what is a sin and is not is also a function as confession is a requirement for Communion. “But it does not mean they are already capable of committing a ‘mortal sin,’” he clarified.

In the Catholic theology a “mortal sin” is one that can lead to damnation if one does not repent before death.

Some mortal sins include murder, rape, prostitution and polygamy, among others.

“It does not mean na pwedeng nang gawing criminal ang mga bata (it does not mean you can make the child a criminal),” Pabillo said.

The controversial bill states that minors as young as 12 years old who commit serious crimes “with discernment” would be mandatorily confined at Bahay Pag-asa

Bishop Broderick Pabillo says the age of reason is not the same as the age of discernment.

Photo courtesy of Archdiocese of Manila - Office of Communications

— youth care facilities mandated by law to offer rehabilitation and intervention to children in conflict with the law.

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.”

But for the Catholic Church, children cannot be held to the same expectations as adults when it comes to crimes.

“Sa batas di pwede sila mag trabaho, di sila pwede magkasal, di sila pwede pumirma ng kontrata (Under the law, they can’t work, they can’t marry, they can’t sign a contract),” Pabillo said.

The Catholic Church had already taken a stand against the proposals to lower the age of criminal responsibility as early as 2017, shortly after President Rodrigo

Duterte started speaking publicly about wanting the Juvenile Justice Act amended.

“The purpose of the law is laudable, its present provisions, beneficial,” the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines said in a statement signed by Lingayen Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas, former CBCP president.

“The sins and failings of the young and immature should not mar the possibilities of one’s future or stand forever in the name of an honorable and noble reputation that can, in later years, be very well built,” they said.

The statement added, “the fact that criminal elements make use of youngsters up to fifteen years old to commit crimes is no argument against the present benevolent provisions of the law but about the resoluteness of criminals in using even the young for their purposes.” n

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ebruary 1-7, 2019 • NOrCaL aSIaN JOurNaL

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Friday, February 1, 2019

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cover story The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - February 1, 2019

What to expect during the Year of the Earth Pig ing and depleting energy could be minimized,” she added. performance by the Los Angeles Many Asian cultures regard LUNAR New Year falls on Philharmonic (Feb. 6 and 7), as the pig as a symbol of wealth Tuesday, February 5, as we bid and fortune. The characterisfarewell to the year of the Earth well as tailored displays and special promotions at malls like tics and traits of the earth pig Dog and usher in 2019 as the The Americana at Brand in Glen- include being hard working, year of the Earth Pig (boar), acdale, Westfield Santa Anita in nurturing, sociable and trustcording to the Chinese zodiac.

Arcadia and South Coast Plaza worthy.

Following the lunar calenin Costa Mesa.

Those born in the year dar, the celebration lasts for Significance of the pig of the pig will experience a two weeks until February 19 The pig (boar) — whose re“continuous awakening from with each day bearing its own significance. Around the world, cent years are 1935, 1947, 1959, the shock of the Earth Dog that 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, and started on Feb. 4, 2018 and those who observe Lunar New 2019 — is the 12th of the zodiac ended on Feb. 4, 2019, which, Year will practice various rituals animals. In 2019, it is the year of sunk many emotionally and fito ensure that the coming year the ‘earth’ pig. nancially,” Master Pun-Yin said. is full of luck, fortune and good “The year of the pig will “When things get tough, the energy. bring harmony and there will tough gets going, transforming Despite being popularly rebe plenty of wealth,” World of deeply in order to get through ferred to as Chinese New Year, Feng Shui owner Peter Lung the storm and [it will] be more estimates reveal that one-sixth shared with the Asian Journal. down to earth going forward.” of the world’s population celeAs for what this year will brates it, and that includes those “It will be a peaceful year starting from May, [but] there will be bring for those of other animal outside of China. It is considered one of the most prominent disagreement in the first quarter years, Lung said that Rooster, of this year.”

Dragon, Ox, Rat and Dog years festivals across the globe.

Feng Shui Master Pun-Yin will experience “excellent luck.”

In the Philippines, many told the Asian Journal that the Those who were born in Tiger, Filipinos, particularly those of Sheep and Monkey years need Chinese descent, recognize this “overall rhythm is to recover and reconstruct” since it is the to pay attention to their health. new year holiday, with the govlast of the 12 signs.

For horses, they should control ernment even designating the “For those with the spiritual their temper and avoid legal first day as a non-working day. and relationship support, the matters, while snakes The festivities are abundant drainshould lay low and across the United States too. budget their In Southern California, spendings, some events include and rabbits the annual Lunar New “will have Year Festival windfall luck in Alhambra and a good year (Feb. 9) for investment,” and a Lung said. special Pigs are most compatnew ible with tigers, rabbits, and year sheep, while they clash with snakes and monkeys, according to the by

Christina M. Oriel / AJPress

Illustration by Kendrick Tan

Chinese zodiac.

All 5 elements (metal, water, wood, fire and earth) are present, said Lung, so 2019 looks like a good year to “team up with others for a new project.”

“Fire businesses, such as casino, entertainment and internet business, will capture lots of money luck. Water businesses including spas and transportation will have [a] big increase [in] profit,” Lung explained. “Earth businesses such as real estate need to have proper planning and strategies. Metal businesses, such as jewelry, banking and insurance are weak, it is not the right year for big risks. Wood businesses…will be slow…[and] should think long-term when planning.”

How to prepare for the new year The days leading up to the Lunar New Year are essential.

Like a common ritual for the January 1st New Year, decluttering — whether at home or at work — will help create space for the new year.

However, cleaning should be done way before the first day of Lunar New Year because the superstition is that you could sweep away good luck.

Other preparations include settling debts, not saying negative words and avoiding the breakage of glass or ceramics.

Lung recommends placing a red carpet or lighting a candle at the center of the home would in order to attract wealth and luck, as well as positioning a water fountain or fish tank at the East and center of the home.

On Sunday, February 3, Master Pun-Yin advises that individuals visit a place that has religious or spiritual significance or one with good energy.

“Prepare…through donation, prayer, meditation and quiet sitting, and allow the body, mind and spirit to relax and be whole,” she said. ”Pray for clarity, empowerment and protection throughout the new Lunar Zodiac cycle and beyond.”

On the eve of Lunar New Year, Monday, February 4, Lung said to bring in green plants or fresh flowers to your home.

AJPress photo by Christina M. Oriel

Master Pun-Yin further explained that on the eve, one should wake up earlier to have time to prepare the home with new flowers. For an entire year, starting on Feb. 4, three different tones of flowers (except white) should be placed in the North or South directions of the home or workplace to align with the positive energy in the year of the Pig. At 11:14 a.m. on that day, be near the flower to “tune into the divine and calming energy to embrace the arrival of a new cycle with confidence and optimism. When you feel your heart is settled, go back to your work routine,” she said.

Before bedtime, again tap into the flowers’ energy and repeat your prayers and intentions in order to “sleep more soundly and wake up more refreshed” in time for the new year.

“For those who know how to nurture the mind and spirit, they would have the alertness and strength to ride over the storm of the depleting energy boar,” she said.

Most families hold a reunion dinner at night and that is when they exchange gifts, like the ubiquitous red envelope. It is common to stay up late until the new year.

On the first day of the Lunar New Year on the 5th, Master Pun-Yin suggested tapping into the positive energy mentally through an early prayer by the flowers before going about the day.

“This way, you maximize your chance to overcome challenges because you are humble enough to seek the divine connection and good Feng Shui to support you through a turbulence period of this Boar cycle that is full of conflict and fluc-

tuation because on Feb. 4, 2019 at 11:14 a.m. is the energy of the ‘Fire’ and ‘Water’ colliding into each other,” she described.

Lung also recommends opening the window or door from North to welcome the God Of Wealth and Northeast for God of Happiness. “Traditionally we will roll oranges from the front door in the morning, it means that the gold (color of the orange) will bring into your house wealth and luck,” he said.

In the subsequent days, many follow certain rituals like visiting in-laws (Feb. 6). From Feb. 16 to 18, this is the time when people prepare for the Lantern Festival, which is the 15th day of the new lunar calendar (Feb. 19 this year).

What to avoid in the new year Master Pun-Yin advises that in order to have clarity of the mind, one must avoid filling the mind with irrelevant information and issues of other people.

“When your mind is calm, you would know the importance of building the reserve, being conservative and not react out of fear just because you need more financial security,” she said, adding this year’s cycle calls for being “flexible, creative, persistence and sizes every opportunity that could secure the standing…[so] don’t take [a] risk and let the ego or emotions get the better of you.”

In order to preserve one’s energy, she also says to avoid individuals, events and activities that are draining and can bring out your anger.

“When your core energy is strong through good Feng Shui that balance your own Five Elements Profile (Chinese Astrology), you could excel even when others are confused,” she said.

The story of tikoy: A Lunar New Year Fil-Am actor Darren Criss wins SAG Award for delicacy turned Filipino favorite Andrew Cunanan role by rae ann VarOna AJPress

WATER, glutinous rice flour, and dark brown sugar.

Three simple ingredients that when heated, mixed, poured into oiled or banana leaf-lined ramekins, steamed for an hour or so, and refrigerated for much longer, turns into a chewy and sweet cake that many look forward to during the Lunar New Year.

Take it a step further by slicing it, dipping it in egg, and frying it on a skillet — the sticky treat transforms into a snack that’s gooey in the center, but caramelized on the outside, capable of bringing a taste of nostalgia to Filipinos of all ages.

While it isn’t uncommon to eat tikoy throughout the year, it is undoubtedly the go-to dessert for Lunar New Year in many Asian countries including the Philippines where Chinese influence dates back hundreds of years.

Like much of the Chinese dishes that have become a part of Filipino cuisine, tikoy is believed to likely have been brought to the Philippines during the late 19th century

by Hokkien migrants from the Fujian province. The Filipino word tikoy comes from the Hokkien word tee keuh which translates to “sweet cake.”

The founder of the famous Eng Bee Tin bakery, Chua Chiu Hong, is widely believed to be the one responsible for its popularization when opened a simple stall in the heart of Manila’s Chinatown to sell traditional Chinese delicacies

in 1912. Tikoy was, of course, included.

Today, Eng Bee Tin — though still a leader — is just one of the many sellers of tikoy during the Lunar New Year. In fact, a quick walk through Ongpin Street in Chinatown, brings one to towers of red Tikoy packages, stacked up outside storefronts and ready to be given as gifts.

But how did Tikoy become such an auspicious Lunar New Year staple in the first place?

Origin stories of ‘tikoy’ Meaning “year higher, nian gao” — the Mandarin translation from which tikoy was derived — has become the symbol of achieving something greater each year whether it be in health, in one’s career, monetary wealth, grades, or even a child’s height.

And because Nian Gao is regarded as one of China’s oldest foods, how it came to be such a symbol traces back to numerous different stories, from historical to mythological.

One origin story, which is told especially during Chinese New Year, involves a monster called Nian that stayed in a cave in the mountain, but would come out to hunt when it was hungry. But as animals went into hibernation during the winter, people feared that the monster would resort to eating humans to fulfill its hunger.

Along then came a villager named Gao who in anticipating the possibility of the monster coming down, left rice pastries

outside the villagers’ doors for the monster to eat instead.

Upon finding and eating the rice pastries, the monster became full and went back up the mountain. The villagers, who were spared the possibility of being eaten, celebrated their survival and named the rice pastries “Nian Gao.” Another origin story dates back to pre-Imperialist China where the rice cakes were said to have saved a besieged village of Wu (present-day Suzhou) from starvation.

The story says that a general by the name of Wu Zixu gave instructions to the villagers of his town to seek refuge under the city walls, should they ever be attacked.

After he passed away, the villagers did find themselves under attack and fell hungry. Upon remembering

the instructions, they dug under the walls and found enough rice cakes to sustain them.

To honor Wu Zixu, the villagers started a tradition of celebrating every New Year by making Nian Gao. Then there’s the old legend of a “Kitchen god” who dates back more than 2,000 years ago during the period of Confucius. According to legend, people would offer Nian Gao to the kitchen deity who would make reports on the family’s behavior throughout the year — much like the Western character Santa Claus.

But as it usually is with legends and myths, what has stuck throughout the years despite the different origins stories, is the rice cake’s auspicious significance.

As people get ready to celebrate this upcoming Lunar New Year with tikoy, it is sure that its symbolism and ties to increasing prosperity in any aspect are something that will still be kept in mind.

Actor becomes first Filipino to pull off an awards season sweep by ritChel MendiOla AJPress

FILIPINO-American Darren Criss won the Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a TV Movie or Limited Series award during the 25th Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards on Sunday, January 27 — completing his awards sweep for “The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story.”

In the series, Criss played Andrew Cunanan, the half-Filipino serial killer who murdered famed fashion designer Gianni Versace, in the second installment of FX’s “American Crime Story.”

During his acceptance speech on Sunday, Criss said that despite playing Cunanan who “used masks to destroy things,” his “goal is to hopefully create something positive, to use masks to create positive change.”

“So for all of the friends and families that are still affected by the destruction that [Cunanan] wrought, I hope that they know our goal was not to make a spectacle of their tragedy, but to create a positive dialogue about social issues and bring to justice things that were in the shadows,” the FilAm actor said.

With the SAG victory, the 31-year old actor becomes the first-ever Filipino to be recognized by the prestigious awardIllustration by Kendrick Tan giving body. He also makes his-

In a video he posted on his Instagram account, Darren Criss expressed his gratitude for being named best actor at the Screen Actors Guild Awards.

Screengrabbed from Instagram/@darrencriss

tory as the first Filipino to pull off an awards season sweep by winning an Emmy, a Golden Globe, a Critics’ Choice Award, and a SAG Award.

“It’s a shame that I’m the first,” Criss told reporters backstage when asked about his historic win, adding that “The roles are few and far between for someone of my ethnicity.”

However, he said that “while that’s a tragedy, the winds are shifting and I’m very excited. It’s an honor, and it’s been the coolest year for Continued on Page SF5

Your Immigration Solution ATTY. BEN LOVEMAN TERMINATION of an immigrant visa petition has been harming long-waiting visa applicants for years. Here is the problem: a foreign national waits years (sometimes decades) for their priority date to become current so that they may immigrate to the United States, only to find out that the visa petition filed by their family member or employer has been terminated. In this instance, the foreign national may have to start over from the beginning, which includes potentially waiting several more years. The good news though is that, with the right immigration attorney, a solution is available.

Petitions for immigration benefits are filed with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service. Following USCIS’ approval, the petition will be

Options if your visa petition is terminated

transferred to the National Visa Center so that the Department of State can ultimately issue the visa that is required to enter the U.S. Well, did you know that the Department of State can revoke the approved petition if the beneficiary of the petition has not taken sufficient action? It’s true, and this revocation could mean several more years of waiting.

The most frustrating aspect of this problem is that these revocations are not clearly authorized by law. In fact, we have been successful in having petitions reinstated that had been wrongfully revoked.

First, some background information: the wait for a visa to lawfully immigrate to the U.S. may be several years long due to visa quotas and per country limits. A person’s place in the line is determined by the date that the petition was filed. That date is known as the person’s

priority date. When a person’s priority date is not current, the case is essentially on hold until a visa is close to being available.

This is referred to as the priority date becoming current. At this time, the Department of State notifies the beneficiary of the petition that it is time to start the application process. The applicant then has one-year to respond and begin the process.

The Department of State’s position is that they may terminate the visa petition if the applicant does not timely reply.

And this termination could cause the beneficiary to lose their priority date and be required to start over from the beginning, including a new petition and years more of waiting.

It is easy for the government to blame the applicant for failing to properly respond, or even for failing to properly update their address with the immigration

How Pops Fernandez qualified as judge in CBS’ ‘The World’s Best’

by RICKY LO Philstar.com

NOW it can be told: Three months before Pops Fernandez (finally!) announced on her Instagram that she is sitting as a judge in the CBS talent search The World’s Best, Funfare already broke the “scoop” on Oct. 19, 2018.

Here’s what Pops posted on her IG POPS FERNANDEZ (Concert Queen Official Page), complete with a photo showing her covered with a large Philippine flag: Representing the #Philippines as one of the 50 #walloftheworld judges in @ theworldsbestcbs hosted by James Corden with the Hollywood superstars drew barrymore, faith hill and ru paul.

Watch the BEST talents from all over the world compete for #theworldsbest title…WATCH

“The World’s Best” (courtesy of this corner’s Very Deep Penetration Agent/VDPA in Hollywood) reported that when Pops flew to the States at that time, she didn’t give any hint what she was going there for, except to say that she was taking a vacation.

According to Funfare’s VDPA, Pops actually passed the screening for the CBS talent competition The World’s Best.

Quoting a story about the project, the VDPA said “The World’s Best” hails from reality TV heavyweights Mark Burnett Pops Fernandez sits as one of the 50 judges in the and Mike Darnell, the forces show with more than 25 participants from around behind two of the biggest talthe world. ent competition reality series Photo from Instagram/@popefernandezofficial of the current unscripted wave, The Voice and American Idol. the premiere on Feb. 3 right Burnett is executive producafter the #SuperBowl... ing NBC’s The Voice which is The show consists of 10 overseen by Darnell at Warner episodes.

Horizon; while Darnell in his role That Funfare “scoop” titled “Pops qualifies for CBS’ show Continued on Page SF6

entertainment

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The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - February 1, 2019

authorities. But in many cases, the situation arises because the notification was not properly sent. And in other cases, termination occurs after the beneficiary does notify the government of their new address, only to have the government fail to properly process the new address.

Regardless, an argument can be made that the law does now allow a petition to be revoked simply because a person did not timely respond.

In other words, despite the government’s practice of revoking petitions and sending people to the back of the decades-long line, there is likely no legal authority for such revocations.

Fortunately, there is a way to have these petitions reinstated. First, a person may request reinstatement from the Department of State. It will be necessary to provide an explanation for why the potential immigrant

did not timely pursue their visa.

This route is not always successful, especially when significant time has passed since the petition was revoked.

If the Department of State is unwilling to reinstate the petition, the beneficiary may then seek reinstatement by filing a lawsuit in federal court.

The arguments made in federal court are dependent on the facts of each case. Is it possible to argue that the Department of State failed to send the required notification? Of course, the potential immigrant who never received a notification may not know if notification was even sent. However, an experienced immigration attorney will know how to research and address this issue. If notification was properly sent, the next step would be to argue that the act of revoking the petition was unlawful.

You and your loved ones

should not have to wait in line twice because of the erroneous or unlawful revocation of a visa petition. If your visa petition was revoked for alleged failure to respond to notification, consult a knowledgeable and experienced immigration lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your options. *** REEVES IMMIGRATION LAW GROUP is one of the oldest, largest and most experienced immigration fi rms in the United States with offi ces in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Manila and China.

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

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

(Advertising Supplement)

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celebrityworld The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - February 1, 2019

celebrity world

Disney Legend Awardee Lea Salonga heads February birthday celebrants

By Ferdie Villar INTERNATIONALLY known Filipina singer and actress Lea Salonga heads the list of prominent personalities celebrating their birthday this love month of February. The Tony awardee and Disney Legend will turn 48 on Friday, February 22.

Born in 1971, Lea landed the lead role of Kim in the hit musical “Miss Saigon” for which she won the Olivier, Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics and Theatre World awards. She is also the first Filipino artist to be signed to an international label (with Atlantic Records in 1993).

Lea was the first Asian actress to play the roles of Eponine and Fantine in the musical “Les Miserables” on Broadway, and also provided the singing voice of two official Disney princesses: Jasmine in “Aladdin” (1992) and Fa Mulan in “Mulan” (1998) and Mulan II (2204). She was named a Disney Legend in 2011 for her work with The Walt Disney Company.

She is the daughter of Feliciano Genuino Salonga and Ligaya Alcantara Imutan and spent the first six years of her childhood in Angeles city before moving to Manila. Her brother is the musical director and orchestral conductor Gerard Salonga.

Other prominent personalities celebrating their birthdays this February are: February 1 - Filipino hairstylist and make up artist Fanny Serrano; February 2 - Filipina nurse Alma Bernabe Roxas; February 3 - ABS-CBN 2 managing director for Star Cinema Malou Santos; February 4 - ABS-CBN 2 senior vice president and Star Magic Talent manager Johnny Manahan;

February 5 - Concert King Martin Nievera, and GMA 7 actor Luis Alandy; February 6 - LuzViMin of the Bay Area president Ora Seyler, actor Eddie Gutierrez, and entertainment producer-actress Daisy Romualdez; February 7 - Former Mr. RP-USA Willard Torres of Hayward; February 8 - Gilroy Filipino doctor John Gabordo; February 9 - Actress Heart Evangelista; February 10 - Antioch care home manager Anthony Perez, ballroom dancer Jose “Joe” de Guzman and former medical assistant Ricky Umali; February 11 - GMA 7 multiawarded actress Lovi Poe, and actress-TV host Jackielou Blanco; February 13 - Daly City real estate broker Lita Celimen; February 14 - Queen of All Media and host Kris Aquino, the late Mr. Total Entertainer Rico J. Puno, actor-dancer John Prats and actress Roxanne Guinoo; February 15 - PBA star James Yap; February 17 - Movie actress and “Showtime” co-host Anne Curtis; February 18 - Hollywood

stage actress and commercial model Glenda Kennedy, and TV host Bernadette Sembrano; February 20 - Actress Cristine Reyes; February 21 - Fil-Am business executive Sean Rennock; February 22 - TV 5 vice president of entertainment Wilma Galvante; February 23 - Real estate agent Ramon “Monching” Bunag; February 25 - Asia’s Fashion Czar the late Jose “Pitoy” Moreno; February 26 - Actress Assunta de Rossi, veteran actress Chanda Romero, and equestrienne champion Mikee Cojuangco Jaworski; February 27 - International recording star Josh Groban, well-liked dentist and singing tenor the late Dr. Narciso “Tito” Yusi, Alameda religious and civic leader Bernadette Munoz Roco and Navy pilot Michael Back; February 29 - San Francisco community leader Jun Jun Villegas.

To all celebrants a happy birthday, and to all my readers, advanced Happy Valentine’s Day!

The undisputed Concert King Martin Nievera will celebrate his birthday on Tuesday, February 5. He is shown in photo with beauty impresario Ferdie Villar during his last visit to the Bay Area.

International stage actress and singer Lea Salonga heads the list of celebrities celebrating their birthdays this February.

Actress Lovi Poe, daughter of the late King of Philippine Movies Fernando Poe Jr., will celebrate her birthday on Monday, February 11.

Care home manager in Antioch Anthony Perez will celebrate his birthday on Sunday, February 10.

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAglAyA [SELECT a handful of those things in your bucket list that have the highest chance of coming to fruition given your time frame. In tech speak, it means before your life’s energy goes into ‘ low batt mode’ and life has run out of sockets to plug into.]

As you begin considering to pare down the stuff you have accumulated unwittingly over a lifetime, you begin to realize that perhaps going through experiences might be a more worthwhile pursuit.

Getting a massage is one of those supreme indulgences many people can’t seem to get enough of. Head massage, facial massage, whole boy massage, foot massage – there’s plenty to choose from in many spas that are becoming big business. Some salons are offering these as part of their services because there is a real need for it.

People who are part of a work-a-day world doing stressful jobs that have deadlines and quotas would probably love for their employers to give them vouchers to have a weekly or monthly massage as part of their benefits package.

Their nerves and muscles tied

Talented actor and dancer John Prats will be celebrating his birthday on Saturday, February 14.

Hollywood stage actress Glenda Kennedy will be celebrating her birthday on Monday, February 18. She is shown in photo with her best friend, Philippine Superstar Nora Aunor.

Alameda religious and civic leader Bernadette Munoz Roco will celebrate her birthday on Wednesday, February 27.

The Bucket List

Pamper Yourself with a Massage 4th of a Series

“I have a massage when I want to relax.

I love being pampered.

I love island massages when you’re outside in the fresh air.

—Angie Stone up in knots could be loosened up and made to relax with a massage.

If you haven’t had a massage in your life, indulge in one. It can be pretty pricey though since they go by hourly rates. But if you do so only once in a great while, the experience of a full body massage can be exhilarating.

There are kiosks in the mall that offer this. It is usually the men who patronize this since the public exposure may be a turn-off for ladies who may prefer the privacy of spas instead.

In a vacation at Boracay many years ago, on the spur of the moment, I had a massage by the beach done by a blind, elderly woman, licensed by the Philippine Department of Tourism. She was good. It was as though all the knotted areas in my neck and back disappeared.

Foot massages are wonderful as well. In the hands of an expert masseuse, a foot

massage can feel like all the tired bones and muscles in the feet are given attention and care on a cellular level. Your feet, and by extension, the entire body, would become rejuvenated with the human touch.

If you walk, jog or run regularly as part of your fitness routine, try getting a foot massage sometime. Leg cramps may be a way of telling us that we need to treat our legs and feet with the same tender loving care we give our faces.

After all, the feet that carries our weight all day deserve some pampering. If you have happy feet, your day and even nights will be restful. You are likely to wake up energized ready to take on the next day.

Next week: Another idea to consider for The Bucket List… *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette. maglaya@asianjournalinc.com

Filipino-American creatives nominated in various Oscar categories

by Jan Milo Severo Philstar.com

THE Philippines will be represented in the upcoming 91st Academy Awards as several Filipino creatives and their films have been nominated in various categories.

Filipino-American Matthew Libatique is nominated for Best Cinematography for his work in Lady Gaga’s “A Star is Born.”

He was also nominated at Continued on Page SF6

“Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” is also nominated in the Best Animated Feature category. The film featured Filipino-American Hailee Steinfeld who voiced Spider-Gwen. Filipinos Louie del Carmen, Ryan Rubi and John Butiu formed part of the movie’s animation team. Photo courtesy of Sony Pictures Animation

If Democrats favor immigration reform, they should repeal the harsh laws signed by Bill Clinton Immigration Corner Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ THE Democrats constantly talk about comprehensive immigration reform, including a pathway to legalization for the approximate 11 million undocumented immigrants in the U.S. They criticize President Trump for his harsh policies on immigration enforcement.

While I’m fully in favor of comprehensive immigration reform, as a starting point, the Democrats could at least eliminate or repeal some of the harshest immigration laws ever enacted, which were signed into law by Bill Clinton when he was president. The effects of those laws are still being felt today and are preventing or restricting immigrants’ ability to legalize their status.

In 1996, Clinton signed into law the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (IIRAIRA).

As a refresher course, or to enlighten people, here are some changes brought about

by IIRAIRA: • Eliminating children as a basis for being granted a fraud waiver. Before IIRAIRA, if a person had a U.S. citizen or LPR child, they were automatically granted a fraud waiver.

Now, hardship on a child is not a factor and does not matter in connection with a waiver.

• Adding “extreme hardship” as a requirement for a fraud waiver. Before IIRAIRA, there was no requirement of demonstrating extreme hardship on qualifying relatives. If a person had a parent, spouse, or child who was a citizen or a green card holder, or if the fraud occurred over 10 years ago, the fraud waiver was

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approvable. No showing of extreme hardship was required.

Now, the qualifying relatives demonstrate extreme hardship and fraud stays on your record for life.

• Hardship on the alien does not matter. Before IIRAIRA, hardship on the alien himself (or his children) could be considered. After Clinton signed IIRAIRA, hardship on the alien is no longer considered.

• Creation of the 3/10 year bar! Before IIRAIRA, there was no 3/10 year bar. If a person was not eligible to adjust status in the U.S., the person simply departed the U.S. and was processed for his immigrant visa in his home country, and then returned to the U.S. without any issues. With Clinton’s 3/10 year bar, those same people were suddenly “trapped” in the U.S. They could not get a green card in the U.S., and if they departed the U.S., they could not return for 3 or 10 years, unless granted a waiver from abroad.

Pres. Obama’s executive actions for provisional waiver and expanded provisional waiver were an attempt to get around Clinton’s 3/10 year bar.

• Creating a lifetime ban if a person claims to be a citizen to their employer. Before Clinton’s IIRAIRA, false claims to U.S. citizenship was NOT a lifetime ban. It was regular fraud, with a fraud waiver available. Moreover, “false claim to citizenship” applied only if the person claimed to be a citizen to a GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL. IIRAIRA made it a permanent/ lifetime ban if a person claimed to be a citizen even to his employer. No waiver is available.

• No judicial review of USCIS “discretionary” decisions.

If USCIS denies a person’s petition, application, or waiver, “as a matter of discretion”, the person cannot seek court review of that discretionary decision/denial. Before IIRAIRA,

it was possible to have court oversight and review of USCIS discretionary denials. Some discretionary decisions/denials include whether a person has demonstrated “extreme hardship” in connection with fraud waivers, or other forms of relief that required USCIS discretion. Many people who were turned down by USCIS and sought court assistance, find their cases are dismissed for “lack of jurisdiction”, as the denial involved a case of USCIS exercising “discretion”.

As stated above, I am for comprehensive immigration reform. I am also glad the Democrats are “pro-immigrants.” I also understand that comprehensive immigration reform may be a long and arduous process. So, could the Democrats at least attempt to neutralize some laws signed by Clinton? *** 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: 1-866-487-3465 (866) – GURFINKEL Four offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES ∙ SAN FRANCISCO ∙ NEW YORK ∙ PHILIPPINES (Advertising Supplement)

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community

SF

The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - February 1, 2019

“ABANDONED” PETITION SUCCESSFULLY REOPENED 10 YEARS LATER BY ATTY. MICHAEL GURFINKEL. Elsinore (left) was petitioned by his father back in 2001.

However, when his younger sister, Elvie (center), checked the petition status online in 2005, she found out it was denied due to “abandonment.” USCIS had sent a notice to petitioner’s old residence requesting additional documents, but the petitioner never received the notice because he had moved, and therefore did not respond. Their first lawyer’s motion to reopen was denied for being untimely, so their mother, an avid viewer of “Citizen Pinoy,” suggested they retain leading U.S. immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel. Watch this success story on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” – on Sunday at 6:15 p.m. (PST) on TFC. (Advertising Supplement)

Fil-Am actor Darren Criss...

From Page SF2 representation across film and television and culture in general, and I think what’s really exciting about it is that it’s not just some kind of Hollywood agenda.”

“I think consumers have shifted what they want to see; they want to see themselves, they want to see their stories told by new faces and serve that appetite. So to have been a small part of that is an extraordinary privilege that’s much bigger than myself,” Criss added.

Ryan Murphy, series crea-

Continued on Page SF7

PSYCHIC

SERVICES

SF6

people & events The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - February 1, 2019

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 F E B R UA RY 2

Free legal clinic in Los Angeles The public is invited to a FREE legal clinic of Saturday, February 2 from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Pilipino Workers Center (153 Glendale Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90026). Find out what your rights are as an immigrant (regardless of your status) and get legal advice from an attorney on how to handle immigration and deportation issues. Call (213) 250-4353 to schedule an appointment with an immigration attorney.

F E B R UA RY 8 -1 0

“Journey for Justice” book launch in Delano, CA Bridge and Delta Publishing in partnership with the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) and PapaLoDown Agency takes “Journey for Justice: The Life of Larry Itliong,” on a 15-city national book tour, starting with Delano, California, on February 8, 2019.

This is the first nonfiction illustrated children’s book about Filipino American history, and the first book ever written about Larry Itliong. The children’s book written by the late historian Dawn Bohulano Mabalon, Ph.D. with Gayle Romasanta and illustrated by Andre Sibayan tells the story of forgotten United Farm Workers (UFW) cofounder, Larry Itliong, his migration to the United States and his lifelong fight for a farmworkers union. To celebrate these milestones and to honor Larry Itliong’s death anniversary (Feb. 8) and Dr. Dawn Mabalon’s six-month death anniversary (Feb. 10), and to kick off the Journey for Justice FANHS national book tour, a three-day event with a historical tour of Delano, panel discussions, children’s readings, Q & A with the co-author and illustrator, dinner, performances, a dedication mass for Larry Itliong and Dr. Dawn Bohulano Mabalon, and closing reception will be held from Friday, February 8 through Sunday, February 10. The historic Filipino Community Hall (“Filipino Hall”) in Delano, where the historical vote to go on strike occurred on September 7, 1965 (1469 Glenwood Street, Delano, CA 93215) will host most of the programming. All events, except for the dinner on Saturday night ($15/$6), are free to the public. Co-sponsors for the Delano event include: Filipino Community Delano, Delano Union School District, Delano Joint Union High School District, Bakersfield College Little Manila Rising, UC Davis Carlos Bulosan Center for Filipino Studies, Pin@y Educational Partnerships. For additional information visit www. bridgedelta.com.

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

How Pops Fernandez...

From Page SF3 as head of reality at Fox, Darnell developed and launched American Idol and steered the show for its first 12 seasons.

“The World’s Best” is described as “a first-of-its-kind global talent competition that features acts from every genre imaginable, from every corner of the planet.” The contestants are tasked not only to impress the American judges (Drew Barrymore, RuPaul and Faith Hill) and 50 world experts (Pops among them. — RFL) but also to break through the “wall of the world.” One of the 25 participants from every field of entertainment will be chosen the winning act to be crowned as The World’s Best.

The other good news is that one of the 25 participants is our very own TNT Boys (Mackie Empuerto, Keifer Sanchez and Francis Concepcion) who were named Push Music Performance of the Year in the recently-concluded Push Awards for their performance of the Bee Gees song “Too Much Heaven” in the ABS-CBN show “Your Face Sounds Familiar Kids.”

Since its launch in 2017, the TNT Boys (TNT stands for Tawag Ng Tanghalan), they have performed in “Little Big Shots US,” “UK and Australia,” and starred in their first successful major concert at the Araneta Coliseum in November last year. They have also performed

for heads of states including Pres. DU30, Singapore Pres.

Halimah Yacob and Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Peter O’Neill.

Barrymore was reported to have raved about the performance of the TNT Boys in an exclusive teaser of “The World’s Best” which she posted on her Instagram account to promote the airing of the show.

“You know, I have a soft spot for kids. I was a kid performer, but I have kids now.

This is a whole other thing.

You possess a gift, you’re just that good,” said Drew in the clip, which also showed judges Grammy-winning artist Faith Hill and drag queen superstar RuPaul beaming after the trio’s performance of “Listen”. The act also earned a standing ovation from the three superstar judges, as well as the show’s “wall of the world,” which features 50 of the world’s most accomplished experts from every field of entertainment.

That October 2018 scoop mentioned that “The World’s Best” is being produced in partnership with MGM Television and Warner Horizon Unscripted & Alternative Television, and with Burnett, Darnell, Alison Holloway, Brooke Karzen, Barry Poznick and Dan Sacks as executive producers.

Casting for the show started just a few weeks after the new show was announced last

February.

Added the VDPA, “An L.A.based talent scout was asked by a friend of one of the show’s producers to recommend a Filipino artist and the talent scout chose Martin Nievera to be interviewed by the executive producer. Martin impressed the executive producer but there was a hitch — conflict of schedules. It turned out that Martin was committed to do shows until Valentine’s next year so he couldn’t do the VTR scheduled this month and in November. Pops was the last to be interviewed and she passed.

She’s now doing the VTR.” (The VDPA mentioned Lea Salonga and Billy Crawford as among those also recommended.)

According to the same report quoted by the VDPA, “CBS, which finds early reality success with adventure competition series “Survivor” and “The Amazing Race” as well as the voyeuristic Big Brother, has stayed away from the shiny floor/talent competition genre…but the time has come to take talent competition shows to the next level and bring in judges from around the world to decide on the ultimate winner.”

By the way, it’s reported that each expert will be paid SAG/AFTRA scale with all travel expenses paid (i.e. flight, hotel, etc.) and given per diem for additional expenses.

The CTV Files

ATTY. LILLI BERBANO BACULI, ESQ

WHAT if I do not have legal papers, and my spouse is abusive? If safety is a concern, we urge people to seek help first, particularly if there are minor children who may also be at risk of abuse. For non-emergency calls, individuals may dial 2-1-1 to seek help finding resources for health, mental health, or temporary shelter.

Options available for victims of abuse: VAWA Self-Petition. The spouse or child of a U.S. citizen or a Lawful Permanent Resident, or the parent of a U.S. citizen, who is battered or subject to extreme cruelty may file a self-petition independently of the abusive U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident.

The spouse or child must demonstrate that he or she resided with the U.S. citizen or Lawful permanent spouse or parent; was battered or subject to extreme cruelty during the marriage (or, in the case of a spouse self-petitioner, the child was battered or subjected to extreme cruelty); the marriage was entered into in good faith; s/he is otherwise eligible for immediate relative or preference status; and has good moral character.

In certain cases, though an individual has not suffered any physical harm, abuse can still be argued depending on the circumstances, since “abuse” is not limited to physical harm.

Each application will be reviewed and examined on a

case-by-case basis, and given the whole picture, an individual might just be able to show that he or she is a battered spouse or has suffered extreme cruelty from their U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident husband.

If so, a VAWA Self-Petition will enable her to adjust her status without having to rely on their spouse.

California divorce – “no fault.” California is a no-fault divorce state. A party filing for divorce does not need the consent of the other in order to file a Petition for Dissolution (Divorce) or, in some instances, to get a judgment of divorce.

What needs to happen is that the other party (your soon-to-be ex-spouse) needs to be served with process. In proceeding in an action for divorce, there are procedural requirements dictated by law that must be followed to ensure that the other party has notice of the action (that is, that s/he is being brought to court for an action of divorce) and that s/he is given time to respond. However, there is no requirement for the other party to respond.

There is no requirement that s/he sign any document at all.

All that needs to happen is that s/he is properly served with process according to the rules.

Deportability issues for green card holders with domestic violence conviction(s).

A non-citizen, even if a Lawful Permanent Resident (green card holder) for ten years, is liable to be deportable if s/he commits or is convicted of certain crimes, even if it’s “just a misdemeanor.” A conviction for domestic violence can make a non-citizen deportable.

A criminal conviction’s

negative impact on immigration status. The Record of Conviction (ROC) details an individual’s criminal history – his/her arrest, what s/he plead to, and the final judgment/sentence. The relief(s) available to an individual facing removal/ deportation proceedings will depend largely on that individual’s record of conviction.

If you are a non-citizen, it is best to consult both with a criminal attorney and with an experienced criminal immigration attorney who handles deportation defense before pleading to anything in criminal court.

No two cases are exactly the same. Consult with an experienced and competent family law and immigration attorney immediately, and more importantly prior to filing any applications with the USCIS, or prior to pleading to anything in any court, in order to explore their options and possible legal ramifications that they might be facing. As always, be wary of online tools that offer immigration help or notarios who are not licensed to practice law. *** Atty. Lilli Berbano Baculi is an associate attorney with Chua Tinsay & Vega, A Professional Legal Corporation (CTV) - a full service law firm with offices in San Francisco, San Diego, Sacramento and Philippines. The information presented in this article is for general information only and is not, nor intended to be, formal legal advice nor the formation of an attorney-client relationship. Call or e-mail CTV for an in-person or phone consultation to discuss your particular situation and how their services may be retained at (619) 955-6277; (415) 495-8088; lbaculi@ctvattys.com. Visit www. chuatinsayvega.com for more information and other articles.

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PG&E files for reorganization under Chapter 11

Committed to providing safe and reliable energy, aiding restoration and rebuilding efforts, and working together with customers, regulators and community leaders to address wildfire threat

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.

– PG&E Corporation and its primary operating subsidiary, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (the “Utility”), on Tuesday, January 29, filed voluntary petitions under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of California.

Throughout the forthcoming process, PG&E remains committed to: • Delivering safe and reliable electric and natural gas service to customers; • Continuing to make critical investments in system safety and maintenance; • Supporting the orderly, fair and expeditious resolution of its liabilities resulting from the 2017 and 2018 wildfires; • Working with customers, civic leaders, regulators, policymakers, the financial community and other key stakeholders to consider alternatives to provide for the safe delivery of natural gas and electricity and new safety solutions in an environment challenged by climate change; and • Assisting our customers and communities impacted by wildfires in Northern California. PG&E’s restoration and rebuilding efforts will continue.

“Our most important responsibility is and must be safety, and that remains our focus. Throughout this process, we are fully committed to enhancing our wildfire safety efforts, as well as helping restoration and rebuilding efforts across the communities impacted by the devastating Northern California wildfires. We also intend to work together with our customers, employees and other stakeholders to create a more sustainable foundation for the delivery of safe, reliable and affordable service in the years ahead. To be clear, we have “Ralph Breaks The Internet” is nominated in the heard the calls for change and Best Animated Feature category. One of its story we are determined to take Matthew Libatique is nominated for Best Cinemawriters is Filipina Josie Trinidad, while its special tography for his work in Lady Gagaʼs “A Star is action throughout this process effects team was headed by Cesar Velasquez.

Photo from Facebook/StarIsBornMovie to build the energy system our Photo courtesy of Disney-Pixar Born.”

Popularly known as the Os- customers want and deserve,” Best Animated Short Film cars, the Academy Awards will said John R. Simon, PG&E category: “One Small Step” Corporation Interim CEO. be held on February 24 at the co-directed by Bobby PontilIn conjunction with the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, las and “Weekends” by Trevor filings, PG&E also filed a moCalifornia.

Jimenez.

Filipino-American creatives...

From Page SF4 the recently concluded Critics’ Choice Awards but was bested

by Alfonso Cuaron of the film “Roma.”

Matthew was first nominated for an Oscar in 2011 for his work in “Black Swan.”

Disney’s “Ralph Breaks The Internet” is nominated in the Best Animated Feature category. One of its story writers is Filipina Josie Trinidad, while its special effects team was headed by Cesar Velasquez.

Nominated in the same category is “Spider-man: Into the Spider-verse” which featured Filipino-American Hailee Steinfeld who voiced Spider-Gwen.

Filipinos Louie del Carmen, Ryan Rubi and John Butiu formed part of the movie’s animation team.

Meanwhile, two works by Filipinos are nominated in the

Love and deportability: Divorce, domestic violence, and immigration laws

tion seeking interim and final approval of the Court to enter into an agreement for $5.5 billion in debtor-in-possession (DIP) financing with J.P. Morgan, Bank of America, Barclays, Citi, BNP Paribas, Credit Suisse, Goldman Sachs, MUFG Union Bank and Wells Fargo acting as joint lead arrangers. PG&E expects the Court to act on an interim basis on the DIP motion in the coming days. The DIP financing, when approved, will provide PG&E with necessary capital to ensure essential maintenance and continued investments in safety and reliability for the expected duration of the Chapter 11 cases.

“Through this process, we will prioritize what matters most to our customers and the communities we serve – safety and reliability. We believe that this process will make sure that we have sufficient liquidity to serve our customers and support our operations and obligations,” Simon said.

“I know that our 24,000 dedicated employees remain steadfastly focused on delivering safe and reliable natural gas and electric service for the 16 million people across our service area,” said Simon.

“Each day I see the hard work and resilience of our team, and I thank them for their continued dedication to working safely and delivering for our customers.”

As part of the filings, PG&E also filed various motions with the Court in support of its reorganization, including requesting authorization to continue paying employee wages and providing healthcare and other benefits. In the filings, PG&E also asked for authority to continue existing customer programs, including low-income support, energy efficiency and other programs supporting customer adoption of clean energy. PG&E expects the Court to act on these requests in the coming days.

PG&E also intends to pay suppliers in full under normal terms for goods and services provided on or after the filing date of January 29, 2019.

In order to help support the Company through

the reorganization process, PG&E has appointed James A. Mesterharm, a Managing Director at AlixPartners, LLP (“AlixPartners”) and an authorized representative of AP Services, LLC (“APS”), to serve as Chief Restructuring Officer.

In addition, PG&E appointed John Boken, also a Managing Director at AlixPartners and an authorized representative of APS, to serve as Deputy Chief Restructuring Officer. Mr. Mesterharm, Mr. Boken and their colleagues at AlixPartners will continue to assist PG&E with the reorganization process and related activities.

Tubbs Fire On January 24, 2019, CAL FIRE released the results of its investigation of the 2017 Tubbs Fire, which concluded that PG&E equipment did not cause the fire. The comprehensive analysis underlying PG&E’s decision to pursue reorganization under Chapter 11, conducted with the assistance of independent legal and financial advisors, took into account PG&E’s longstanding belief based on available evidence that its equipment did not cause the Tubbs Fire.

As such, PG&E continues to believe that the Chapter 11 process will facilitate the orderly, fair and expeditious resolution of the liabilities that have arisen and will continue to arise in connection with the 2017 and 2018 Northern California wildfires.

Additional Resources Additional resources for customers and other stakeholders, and other information on PG&E’s filings, can be accessed by visiting PG&E’s restructuring website at www. pge.com/reorganization.

Court filings and other documents related to the Chapter 11 process in the U.S. are available on a separate website administered by PG&E’s claims agent, Prime Clerk, at https://restructuring.primeclerk.com/pge. Information is also available by calling 844339-4217 (toll-free in the U.S.) or 1-929-333-8977 (for parties outside the U.S.), as well as by emailing pgeinfo@primeclerk. com.

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San Mateo County Libraries go fine-free

SAN MATEO County Libraries are kicking off the new year by eliminating all fines! Starting today, the library system is going fine-free to ensure that all members of our community have equitable access to library books and materials.

Studies have shown that late fines can be a significant barrier to library access and drive borrowers away, particularly among individuals with low or fixed incomes. Currently, 8 percent of all San Mateo County Libraries’ 165,000 cardholders currently have their cards blocked due to fines. In our lower-income communities, the number can be as high as 19 percent. Furthermore, the growing research has shown that fines do not actually incentivize patrons to return materials on time.

“It’s important to be thoughtful about punitive measures like overdue fines. When we look at the data, it turns out they aren’t effective. At the end of the day, we want to get as many books as possible into the hands of as many readers as possible,” said Charles Stone, Library JPA Governing Board Chair. “This is a proud moment for all of us at San Mateo County Libraries as we continue to look for better ways to serve our community through innovative solutions and progressive policies.”

The new policy builds upon previous successful initiatives implemented by San Mateo County Libraries. In July 2016, the Libraries introduced fine-free library cards for children and

teens and last January, launched fine-free library cards for seniors age 62 and older.

Eliminating late fines is becoming a national trend as more and more libraries across the country are taking the leap to go fine-free. Libraries that have moved to a more customer-focused policy have reported that the elimination of fines results in higher use, increased customer satisfaction, and positive interactions with the community.

Overdue library fines and fees account for less than one percent of the Libraries’ revenue and the small loss in revenue will likely be offset by the staff savings associated with enforcing them.

“Eliminating fines makes access equitable for everyone and aligns with the direction and values of San Mateo County Libraries to engage all of our communities and grow a culture of learning and participation,” said Anne-Marie Despain, Director of Library Services. “When people think of our libraries, we want them to see an inclusive place where everyone is welcome to explore, create and learn.”

San Mateo County Libraries hopes this new initiative will strengthen our communities by improving access to library programs, services and materials, and that it will welcome more people back to celebrate and enjoy their public library as a place of discovery and opportunity.

How fine-free works If you borrow material that is owned by San Mateo County

Fremont Fire to offer Community Disaster Preparedness Training Programs THE City of Fremont’s Fire Department has released the 2019 schedule for its Disaster Preparedness Training Program, including free Personal Emergency Preparedness (PEP) and Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) classes.

PEP classes are specifically designed to help residents prepare for a disaster and to take care of themselves and their families before, during, and after a disaster.

This one-time, three-hour class will educate residents on skills such as earthquake and disaster awareness, fire extinguisher types, smoke detector placement, and sheltering in place. The Fire Department offers PEP classes at two locations on multiple different dates to offer community members the opportunity to attend the class that best suits their schedule.

PEP classes at the Fremont Fire Administration Office, located at 3300 Capitol Ave. (behind the building), are held from 7 to 10 p.m. and are offered on: • Tuesday, March 19 • Wednesday, May 22 • Tuesday, July 16 • Tuesday, October 15 • Monday, November 18 In addition, classes at the Fremont Fire Training Tower, located on 7200 Stevenson Blvd.

(West end), are held from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, April 13 and Saturday, August 17.

To register for a PEP class, please call (510) 494-4244 or send an e-mail. If your group would like to schedule your own personal group PEP class at your location, please contact Chuck Guaraglia at (510) 792-3473 or by e-mail.

Additionally, Fremont Fire

has developed the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program, which consists of three classes that provide residents with the skills they need to assist themselves, their families, neighbors, and Fire Department in the event of earthquakes, fires, floods, or other natural disasters. Anyone interested in taking a CERT class must first attend a Personal Emergency Preparedness (PEP) class.

The free CERT training classes include detailed, handson training in building damage assessment, small fire fighting, search and rescue, first aid triage, lifting heavy objects off trapped persons, moving injured people, and incident command system and disaster communications.

CERT classes will be held at the Fremont Fire Training Tower on the following dates: CERT Class Series I Class 1: Friday, March 29 at 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Class 2: Saturday, March 30 at 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Class 3: Sunday, March 31 at 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

CERT Class Series II Class 1: Friday, July 19 at 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Class 2: Saturday, July 20 at 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Class 3: Sunday, July 21 at 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

CERT Class Series III Class 1: Friday, October 11 at 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Class 2: Saturday, October 12 at 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Class 3: Sunday, October 13 at 8 a.m.to 5 p.m.

To register for the CERT program, please call (510) 494-4244 or e-mail FirePubEd@fremont. gov.

Fil-Am actor Darren...

From Page SF5 tor and executive producer of “American Crime Story,” dedicated an Instagram post to Criss for his “clean sweep” this awards season.

“Darren’s portrayal of Andrew Cunanan in ‘The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story’ is now one for the record books, and one of the most iconic, awarded portrayals in television history,” Murphy wrote, sharing a memory of the Fil-Am actor on the first day of shooting.

“The first take is the one in the pilot and in that moment, I knew Darren was going to blow everyone away. He certainly did. Very proud of you, Mr. Criss,” he added.

Criss is best known for his run on Fox’s “Glee” from 2010 to 2015 before “American

Crime Story.” In 2012, he made his Broadway debut by playing J. Pierrepont Finch in the revival of “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.”

Earlier this month, he dedicated his Golden Globes win to his Cebuana mother.

“As we’ve seen, it’s been a marvelous year for representation in Hollywood. And I’m so enormously proud to be a teeny tiny part of that as the son of a firecracker Filipina woman from Cebu that dreamed of coming to this country and getting to be invited to cool parties like this,” Criss said during his speech.

“So mom, I know you’re watching this. You are hugely responsible for all the good things in my life. I dedicate this to you,” he added.

Libraries (books, DVDs, CDs, audiobooks, and other materials), it will not accrue fees if it is returned after the due date.

However, items owned by other libraries in the Peninsula Library System are subject to fines.

Patrons will still be expected to return library materials on time. Checkout periods on materials will remain the same and reminders will still be sent via email or a phone call. To ensure that library materials are returned, San Mateo County Libraries will continue to charge replacement fees. San Mateo County Libraries also offer easy online and mobile options for renewing materials.

San Mateo County Libraries is a Joint Powers Authority that comprises the cities of Atherton, Belmont, Brisbane, East Palo Alto, Foster City, Half Moon Bay, Millbrae, Pacifica, Portola Valley, San Carlos, Woodside, and the unincorporated areas of San Mateo County. San Mateo County Libraries ignite growth through transformative experiences.

Visit smcl.org for information about our extensive digital and physical collections, twelve community libraries, Bookmobile, Lookmobile and the 12,000+ workshops, classes, concerts, readings, and other activities offered annually.

people & events

SF

The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - February 1, 2019

Orlando “Orly” Floresca Farrales, Jr

O

rlando “Orly” Floresca Farrales, Jr, 51, of Van Nuys, CA succumbed to cancer at Valley Presbyterian Hospital surrounded by his family on January 20, 2019. Orly is survived by his wife of 15 years, Shadouh Lopez, sons Carlo Miguel (Migs) Farrales, Francis Martin (Rap) Farrales, Orlando (Third) Farrales III, parents Orlando Farrales Sr. and Zenia Farrales, brother Florante Farrales, sister Laarni Farrales, and nieces Zendy Farrales, Jennifer Custodio, Maricar Farrales, Jamie Joy Custodio, Laura Marie Agaceta, nephew Ervin Rodriguez, and fur babies Anya and Bilbo.

Orly was an affectionate husband, a devoted father and genuine friend to everyone.

Orly loved the outdoors, off-roading, and most especially practical shooting. He worked as a general contractor for 13 years but was forced to give up the career he loved due to his health. Orly was always there to help relatives and friends with household projects, or anything else people needed him for.

A special thank you to all the care teams & doctors at St. Vincent Medical Center, Vantage Radiology, Harbor UCLA Medical Center, Olive View Medical Center, and Valley Presbyterian Hospital for their outstanding support and care. Also, the family would like to extend their sincerest gratitude towards Neptune Society for being very accommodating and understanding during this difficult time. A celebration of life service will be at South Bay Community Church in Torrance on Saturday, February 16, 2019 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

SF8

The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - February 1, 2019