022220 - Los Angeles Weekend Edition

FEBRUARY 22-25, 2020 Volume 30 - No. 14 • 4 Sections – 30 Pages

2 Kingdom of Jesus Christ church leaders plead DATELINE USA Early voting begins ‘not guilty’ to labor trafficking, immigration charges FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

in LA County

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

THE early voting for California’s March 3 primary nominating election begins on Saturday, February 22 up until election day.

Voters in the county now have 11 days to vote in-person at any vote center in the county that is convenient for them.

“Voters have the ability to go to any voting location in the county, something that they weren’t previously able to do. The previous model was actually very restrictive — it only allowed voters one polling place on one day,” Mike Sanchez, a public information officer for the LA County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk’s Office, said in a previous Asian Journal report.

For those voting in person, they’ll be met with new ballot marking devices where voters enter a blank paper ballot into the printer and select options for races, from presidential to local municipal candidates, on a table with a touchscreen.

The ballots will be available in 13 languages, including Tagalog, and have an audio interface with a keypad to navigate through the contests and listen using provided headphones, as previously reported by the Asian Journal.

Individuals can also go back to change or review their votes before they finish and print out u PAGE A3

As the 2020 Census looms, lawmakers, organizations warn of scammers, misleading forms CENSUS Day is a little more than a month away, and the crucial decennial count is more important than ever.

Beginning on April 1, the Census count will be distributed to every household to count every person living in the 50 states, District of Columbia and five U.S. territories.

Imposter scams pose a threat to residents across the country. Residents must be on the lookout for fraudulent census workers who may contact via phone, email, snail mail or home visits and ask for personal and financial information.

It does not cost anything to participate in the census, and the official U.S. Census survey does not ask for Social Security numbers or cash, credit card information or bank account numbers.

But even those that aren’t blatantly imitating the official census survey give off enough of an impression of being the official survey. The Republican National Committee (RNC) recently sent out a census survey — it asks for demographic information about the recipient — but also asks for contributions to the RNC and a u PAGE A3

court on Thursday, February 20.

Guia Cabactulan, 59, and Marissa Duenas, 41, both of whom were arrested last month in Van Nuys, California, both entered their not guilty pleas during their brief appearances.

Cabactulan was reportedly the top KOJC official in the U.S. who maintained direct communication with

TWO of the three Filipino church leaders of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) based in the United States indicted on human trafficking, labor trafficking, and immigration fraud have pleaded not guilty before a U.S.

church leadership in the Philippines, while Duenas allegedly handled the fraudulent immigration documents for KOJC workers and secured the passports immediately after workers entered the U.S., according to the FBI. The third official, 48-year-old Amanda Estopare, who allegedly han-

dled the financial aspects of the KOJC enterprise, did not appear before the court.

The three defendants were charged by a federal grand jury in California with overseeing a long-running scheme that forced followers to solicit donations for a bogus charity. u PAGE A4

DFA official on VFA: Ball in US’ court

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

IT’S up to the United States to make the next move following the Philippines’ notice to terminate the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), according to Philippine Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Brigido Dulay.

“The ball is in their court. That’s it. As far as we’re concerned we’ve already served the notice as required by the agreement,” Dulay said in an interview with “The Chiefs” on One News-Cignal TV. According to the undersecretary, there are no offers of VFA-like arrangements with other allies.

“In so far as our foreign policy on that matter is concerned, we all leave it up to the president. He’s the main man on this one,” he said.

On February 10, President Rodrigo Duterte ordered Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea to inform Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin, Jr. to go ahead and send a notice ending the 20-year-old military pact with the U.S. The U.S. Embassy in Manila said the move is “a seriFORMER COLLEAGUES. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations chairman, Senator Aquilino Pimentel III (2nd from right), shares a light moment with ous step with significant implications for the U.S.-Phil- former senators Francisco “Kit” Tatad (left) and Rodolfo Biazon (2nd from left) before the start of the public hearing on the Senate concurrence in u PAGE A2 treaty withdrawal and termination on Thursday, February 20. Also in photo is Senator Richard Gordon (right).

PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan

Palace to Congress: ‘Do your job’

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

LAWMAKERS have no business being members of Congress if they are influenced by the actions or statements of President Rodrigo Duterte, according to the presidential spokesperson.

“You are there precisely because of the oath you have taken to enact laws, to investigate in aid of legislation — nothing more, nothing less,” said Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo on Friday, February 21.

He also stressed that Duterte’s previous threats to close the network giant ABSCBN after its supposed failure to air a paid Employees of local broadcast giant ABS-CBN holding placards ask motorists to hink their cars during campaign ad before the 2016 presidential a protest in front of ABS-CBN building in Manila last Friday, February 14, 2020. Philstar.com photo elections should not be taken literally.

“That has nothing to do with granting or rejecting the franchise because that is the job of Congress,” Panelo said. “Whatever your job is under the constitution, do it.”

“Why does the Speaker have to take a cue from Malacañang? Why do members of Congress have to wait for what the president will say about anything?” he added.

Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano previously said holding congressional hearings on ABS-CBN’s franchise is “not that urgent.”

He also said Thursday, February 20 that the best time to hold the hearings is in May or August, after Duterte’s State of the Nation Address. u PAGE A2

Pinay nurses back Dela Rosa ‘regrets’ US visa Bernie Sanders campaign, cancellation but bears ‘no ill will’ ‘Medicare for All’ promise

by CHRISTINA

M. ORIEL

AJPress

FOR Filipina American registered nurse Mary MagtanongSigua, one of the hardest choices her patients face is whether to pay for their medical care or groceries.

A registered nurse since 2004 working in Vallejo, California, she’s a proponent of Medicare For All — a contentious issue within NURSES FOR BERNIE. California-based Filipina American nurses Dahlia Tayag, Mary MagtanongSigua, Deborah Pacleb and National Nurses United President Zenei Cortez visit Las Vegas on Democratic presidential primary Friday, February 21 ahead of the Nevada caucus to canvas for Vermont Senator and 2020 — that pushes for a single-payer, Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders.

AJPress photo by Christina M. Oriel national health insurance program

SEN. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa regretted the cancellation of his United States visa and conseto address the uninsured and un- quently, the loss of a long relationderinsured in the United States. ship but maintained that he had “That’s my everyday reality with “no ill feelings against the Amerimy patients, which is why I feel can government”. very strongly about Medicare for In a chance interview with reAll,” Magtanong-Sigua told the porters, Dela Rosa said politics was Asian Journal. “I do believe that behind the cancellation but that he patients should not have to worry could not do anything about it. about where their next meal is Dela Rosa did not comment on coming from or if they can pay for President Rodrigo Duterte’s detheir medications.” cision to end the Visiting Forces She’s one of over 150,000 nurs- Agreement (VFA), which was ales part of National Nurses United legedly a consequence of his can(NNU), the largest union for RNs celled U.S. visa. in the United States, which has u PAGE A2 Sen. Ronald Dela Rosa ManilaTimes.net photo u PAGE A6

A February 22-25, 2020 • La WeeKeND aSIaN JOurNaL

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From the Front Page

DFA official on VFA: Ball in...

PAGE A1 t the hearing on Senate Resolution No. 305-Senate Concurrence in Treaty Withdrawal/Termination.

Pimentel also pointed out, “When you read the Constitution, the Senate concurrence to make

a treaty valid is there, but to terminate a treaty is not there. The question is how come it is not there in the Constitution.”

He clarified that the hearing is only for a general rule since the notice has been sent.

“Wala na (No more). The critical action has been taken by the president, the DFA informing the State Department of the U.S. (about the abrogation). This (Senate discussion) is for a general rule,” Pimentel said. n

PAGE A1 t On February 10, Solicitor General Jose Calida filed a petition before the Supreme Court for the cancellation of ABS-CBN’s 25year franchise Panelo noted that Calida acted “on his own” when he sought to invalidate the network’s license to operate before the SC. “Under the constitution, may kaniya-kaniya kaming trabaho (we have our own jobs)... The President does not interfere with

that. We are given a free hand,” he said.

“Ever since, Calida is on his own. Ganoon din naman ang character n’yan (That’s his character),” he added.

Panelo also said that the Palace will follow whatever Congress or the Supreme Court says.

“Kami’y nanood lang (we’re just watching),” he said.

In Calida’s petition, he alleged that ABS-CBN reportedly violated rules set by Congress.

“We want to put an end to what we discovered to be highly abusive practices of ABS-CBN benefitting a greedy few at the expense of millions of its loyal subscribers.

These practices have gone unnoticed or were disregarded for years,” he said in a statement.

ABS-CBN, for its part, maintained that it has complied with all the laws governing its franchise and secured all government and regulatory approvals for its operations. n

Palace on Congress: ‘Do your...

Dela Rosa ‘regrets’ US visa cancellation but...

PAGE A1 t would question the legality of the Dela Rosa said previously, how- termination of the VFA before the ever, that he would not support Supreme Court.

The U.S. cancelled dela Rosa’s his colleagues in the Senate who

visa for his alleged role in the detention of Sen. Leila de Lima for drug charges. (Darwin Pesco/ManilaTimes.net)

RETIRED MEN IN UNIFORM. Retired SPO4 Hendrick Dacoyan (on wheelchair), leads the rally to appeal to senators, especially Ronald dela Rosa and Panfilo Lacson, for an increase in the pension of retired police officers with total permanent physical disability and their survivors, and the families of police personnel killed in action who were not covered by the pension increase. The rally was held in front of the Senate in Pasay City on Wednesday, February 19.

PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan

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Dateline USa

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As the Democratic field narrows, AAPIs Q&A: DNC Chair Tom Perez expresses get behind Warren presidential campaign importance of Fil-Am community outreach, Warren’s campaign manager Roger Lau on the need for diverse presidential campaigns and why he thinks Warren is the candidate for AAPIs

by Klarize

Medenilla AJPress

AS early primary and caucus states begin to set the tone for the historic 2020 presidential election, an issue of great enormity lies in the ways in which the narrowing field of Democratic hopefuls plan to utilize inclusion and diversity within their campaigns and broad agendas.

For the first time in American electoral history, campaigns are beginning to hold these conversations within complex demographic intersections: the lack of linguistic diversity within bureaucratic processes, oversimplified data that shuts out individual cultures and their specific needs and the objective importance of an ethnically and racially diverse workplace.

Elizabeth Warren, the senior senator representing Massachusetts who’s positioned herself at the fore of progressive politics, made history last year by hiring the first Asian American campaign manager for a major presidential campaign.

Chinese American Roger Lau (who holds the distinction of first AAPI campaign manager along with Pakistani American Faiz Shakir, Bernie Sanders’ campaign manager) has worked with Warren since her senatorial campaign. His career as a political strategist and operative began in 2004 with the presidential campaign and 2008 senatorial campaign of John Kerry.

As a respected operative within the Democratic Party — who also provided Massachusetts-related policy help for Hillary Clinton — Lau has been an influential piece into ensuring that the AAPI community (the fastest-growing electorate in the nation) is included in the political conversation; and, the most basic way to get that conversation started is through representation.

“I think the cultural and linguistic barriers continue to be an issue for our communities here writ large and people aren’t always lucky to have a social support system when they get here and having that kind of representation in government is really important,” Lau shared with the Asian Journal in a recent phone interview.

Lau’s alignment with the Democratic Party likely began in his youth in the 80s and 90s in Woodside, Queens in New York City. The son of immigrants from Guangzhou, China, he saw the resilience of the Asian immigrant through his parents, who both worked two jobs to support the family of five.

But contrary to the “model minority myth” that purports all Asian Americans as academically excellent, Lau “got into a lot of trouble” as a teen, dropping out of Bronx High School of Science at 13 years old. But Lau credits

party unity leading up to November Interview by Christina AJPress

M. Oriel

WITH the 2020 Nevada presidential caucuses this week, Democratic National Committee Chairman Tom Perez weighed in on the lessons from the Iowa Caucus and how outreach to the Filipino American community both in the state and nationally is a key strategy for the party.

Asian Journal (AJ): We last spoke to you in 2018 during the midterms and you were touring Seafood City here which had early voting. How is the DNC

continuing its efforts, especially with Filipinos as the largest AAPI population in the state?

Tom Perez (TP): Next week will be three years to the day since my election. I ran v owing that we were going to become a 57 state and territory party again, that we were going to organize early everywhere…and that we never take anyone for granted again. Those are the promises we’ve delivered... I think about our investments in the AAPI community in Orange County, where we were part of a broader effort that helped make orange the new

Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren attended an AAPI meet and greet at Café de Manila in Las Vegas last July 2, 2019.

AJPress photo by Robert Macabagdal

the youth guidance counselors, social workers and mentors who helped him get on the right track.

Eventually, he got his GED and graduated from the University of Massachusetts Amherst with a degree in political science and a desire to ensure that all kids have access to the kind of social support he received as a truant 13year-old.

“I wasn’t your typical Asian kid that was on track, and I think that it’s a lot harder for people now to get themselves out of these positions. Usually, when you get into trouble, the infrastructure of support is not there and going into college, I wanted to be able to help kids like me, kids who’ve messed up and gotten into trouble, and give them a chance for redemption,” Lau said.

Warren and Lau first began talking about the importance of AAPI representation in government back when he was tapped for Warren’s senatorial campaign in 2011.

According to Lau, Warren’s presidential campaign has more than 100 AAPI staffers, including Mary Lou Akai-Ferguson, the national AAPI community engagement and organizing director for Warren for President who has led the campaign’s grassroots outreach efforts.

“As Elizabeth often likes to say, personnel is policy,” Akai-Ferguson said in a statement sent to the Asian Journal. “That’s why our team has been so intentional about representation by bringing key AAPI voices into our movement. Having an Asian American campaign manager like Roger, along with AAPI staff members at every level of our campaign — from senior leadership to organizers on the ground — makes a real difference when it comes to making policy that reflects the diversity and unique needs of our community.”

The inclusion of an AAPI force within Warren’s campaign manifested itself into a new proposal part of her broader call for “big

structural change.”

Last week, Warren released the White House Task Force on Data Equity in an effort to “collect disaggregated data” from all government agencies and departments.

The issue of disaggregated data, the practice of separating figures and statistics and taking a granular approach to examine the specific needs of various communities, has been a main talking point among AAPIs but one that rarely gets a mention Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chair Tom Perez visits the media center at Bally’s

u PAGE A6

Hotel and Casino ahead of the Democratic primary debate in Las Vegas on Wednesday night, February 19.

AJPress photo by Christina M. Oriel

blue... Here in Nevada, going to early vote sites and seeing that ballots are available in Tagalog is a reflection of the changing face of Nevada. I’ve had the privilege on numerous occasions to break bread with leaders in the Filipino community. Having ballots in Tagalog is for me, it’s a statement: ‘You belong at the table. We want to make sure you are engaged.’

AJ: Going to the early voting sites [here in Vegas], I noticed it’s a paper ballot and everything’s low-tech. Talking to some people in the community they preferred that. Can you talk about Nevada’s process and this simpler approach?

TP: The approach the party’s taking and what we’re supporting is to be as low-tech as humanly possible while still preserving efficiency. As you saw people had a paper ballot in three different languages, depending on your preference and it goes into a scanner. There’s no voter app, there’s no tabulation app. The iPad was used in early vote, simply to check people in and now we have a calculator that’s helping with the math. The reason we have a calculator is because one of the lessons we learned from Iowa was requiring people to do their own math resulted in a lot of mistakes.

AJ: Leading up to the con-

u PAGE A4

A February 22-25, 2020 • La WeeKeND aSIaN JOurNaL

Dateline USa

Q&A: DNC Chair Tom Perez expresses...

PAGE A3 t vention in July, Democrats have a few [candidate] options right now. But before there’s a nominee, what’s the DNC’s approach in unifying the party?

TP: Our job is to make sure is number one, that everybody gets a fair shake and number two, to make sure that every candidate running for president understands that while they want to win, it’s not about them. It’s about something bigger and every candidate has

taken the pledge to support the winner and support them with enthusiasm. And then to make sure that voters understand that because I understand that people fall in love with one candidate. We had 25 candidates total run for president and all but one don’t make it to the mountaintop…I think people have an acute appreciation for the urgency of the moment and our unity will always be our greatest strength.

AJ: Before Saturday, there

are a slew of [election] events, especially in the AAPI community. Why does Las Vegas continue to be such a crucial part of the outreach?

TP: Critical mass. The AAPI community here is growing by leaps and bounds and the level of engagement is really impressive and that is why we’ve been investing here…At least throughout my tenure, we have really ramped up our investment in the community [and] the Nevada Democratic Party is acutely aware of the opportunities that exist here in Nevada with the AAPI community. You know, what’s remarkable is when George Herbert Walker Bush ran for president in 1992, dividing up his vote and Ross Perot’s vote in the AAPI community, it was roughly two thirds of the vote. It’s literally a mirror image now and growing and that’s because we’ve been investing over the long haul and building those relationships and making the case. We are on your side on the issues that matter most and people see that because look at what this president’s doing... He said ‘I’m going to cut Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security if I’m re-elected.’ That’s terrible for the community. The efforts to dismantle the ranks of the uninsured among the AAPI populations have decreased precipitously because of the [Affordable Care Act].

AJ: Filipino Americans continue to be one of the fastestgrowing groups, especially in California and Nevada. What are ways they can get involved with the DNC’s efforts on the ground?

TP: We have an AAPI caucus... so working together with that caucus is a remarkable way to engage. We are reaching out to local caucuses of a similar nature that are being established by their state party because we’re trying to replicate at a local level what we’ve been doing in the national level.

AJ: At [Wednesday night’s] debate, what are some issues voters will be looking out for?

TP: I’d be stunned if we don’t discuss immigration here. I’d be stunned if the issue of health care doesn’t come up again because we’ve seen how much impact that has had in the run up to this election. I think those are two really important issues.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity. n

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New CA policies increase signups during Covered CA open enrollment New special-enrollment period announced

SACRAMENTO — Covered California announced that 418,052 people had newly selected a health plan for 2020 during the most recent open-enrollment period. The total is more than 122,000, or 41 percent, higher than last year’s figure of 295,980.

The increase comes after the state of California instituted two key policies designed to help and encourage more people to become insured: reinstituting a penalty for those going without coverage, which had been lowered to zero by federal action in 2019, and adding state subsidies to build on and go beyond the Affordable Care Act’s financial help.

“Californians are seeing that by building on – instead of undercutting – the Affordable Care Act, they are directly benefiting from lower health care costs and more people being insured,” said Covered California Executive Director Peter V. Lee. “The new enrollment that occurs during each year’s open-enrollment period is vital to getting more people covered and keeping costs down by enrolling a healthy risk mix. This dramatic rebound in new enrollment shows how effective state policies can make quality coverage more affordable and encourage people to get covered.”

Preliminary analysis shows that the total number of net plan selections for 2020 is 1,538,819, which reflects 1,120,767 consumers renewing their coverage and 418,052 consumers newly signing up for coverage during open enrollment. Overall, there are 24,936

more plan selections compared to 2019, an increase of almost 2 percent.

New State Policies and Effective Outreach Drive New Enrollment California adopted several policies to pursue Gov. Newsom’s stated goal of moving toward universal coverage, including two that were specific to the individual market: Effective January 2020, California required its residents to have health insurance coverage – reinstating the federal penalty that was integral to the Affordable Care Act. Those who can afford coverage but choose to go without it could face a penalty when they file their taxes with the California Franchise Tax Board in 2021. The penalty can be more than $2,000 for a family of four.

California launched a state subsidy program that expanded the amount of financial help available to many consumers, including a first-in-the-nation program to help middle-income consumers afford coverage. The new state subsidies could extend to an individual making up to $74,940 and a family of four with a household income of up to $154,500.

California extended its open-enrollment period through Jan. 31, compared to Jan. 15 last year — in dramatic contrast to the federal decision to have open enrollment close on Dec. 15.

Covered California and the Franchise Tax Board (FTB), which will be implementing the penalty, worked to get the word out about these new policies throughout

Early voting begins in...

PAGE A1 t the paper ballot. They can also review the printed version once more and when it’s ready to go, the ballot is inserted back into the device and is collected in a secured box.

Votes will not be counted at the individual centers, the Registrar-

Recorder/County Clerk’s Office clarified.

Vote by mail ballots can be dropped off at one of 206 marked drop box locations in the county, such as in libraries or city halls.

Postage is not necessary when doing this.

The full list of vote centers in

open enrollment. Elements of the robust marketing and outreach included Covered California: Investing $121 million in statewide marketing and outreach during the current fiscal year.

Supporting more than 10,000 Certified Insurance Agents across the state and more than 100 community organizations that were recipients of Covered California’s Navigator grants totaling $6.5 million.

Conducting more than a dozen phone banks on in-language television stations across the state targeting English, Spanish, Mandarin and Hmong speakers.

Partnering with social media influencers such as Laila Ali, Leo Santa Cruz, J.R. Todd, Nathan Adrian and others to create content that has generated more than 3 million impressions.

In addition, Franchise Tax Board has worked with Covered California to get the word out, including: Working with tax-filing software companies to include penalty information that consumers will see when they file their taxes.

Conducting outreach and training for tax professionals.

Sending mail to more than 2 million households alerting them to the penalty and telling them how to get coverage.

Through the open-enrollment and renewal periods, about 625,000 new and renewing consumers qualified to receive the new state subsidies.

About 576,000 lower-income consumers, who earn between

u PAGE A6 LA County for the primary will be available on LA Vote’s website or by calling Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/ County Clerk at (800) 815-2666, option 1. Those eligible to vote but missed the Feb. 18 voter registration deadline can still vote by going to any vote center in the county and complete a conditional voter registration application. (AJPress)

As the 2020 census looms, lawmakers, organizations...

PAGE A3 t promise to support President Donald Trump’s reelection.

The RNC mailer appears to mimic the U.S. Census Bureau’s official survey through uncanny stationery and font type, but at the top it reads, “Commissioned by the Republican Party.”

The document was mailed to several congressional districts in Philadelphia, and while it isn’t illegal for the RNC to send out mailers, the timing of the letters and the use of the word “census” could be misleading, according to U.S. Rep. Madeleine Dean (D-4) of Pennsylvania.

“I can’t stress enough the importance of having everyone included in the official 2020 U.S. Census. It is disturbing to see an organization taking advantage of important and causing confusion, and my office has partnered with the U.S. Census Bureau to help ensure they get the most accurate count possible — it’s an enormous impact on services, representation and dollars coming to our district and to our state,” Dean told the Philadelphia Tribune.

The Democratic National Committee (DNC) has called the RNC letter “intentionally deceptive” and “reprehensible” in another accusation of census tampering by the Trump administration.

And the threat of a misleading census survey that many may mistake as the official survey distributed by the U.S. Census Bureau also

concerns California lawmakers, who’ve claimed that similar questionnaires have been circulating around the Golden State.

U.S. Rep. Katie Porter (CA-45) told the Los Angeles Times that people reached out to her office inquiring about the RNC mailer and were confused as to whether or not it was the official census.

Particularly, residents who aren’t proficient English speakers have expressed confusion over the document.

Porter said that she was concerned that people would “toss their actual census envelope because they’ve already filled this one out” adding that the RNC mailer provides “a real risk of harm.”

U.S. Rep. Gil Cisneros (CA-39) condemned the RNC and conservative groups for “sending fake U.S. Census questionnaires” in a statement that emphasized the importance of an accurate count.

“It’s extremely disappointing that this scam is seeking to take advantage of our constitutionally mandated census. Not only does this throw confusion into the census process, but it also jeopardizes a fair and accurate count,” Cisneros said.

Despite the Trump administration’s efforts to include a citizenship question in the survey, the 2020 census will not ask about the citizenship statuses of each individual in each household, per a ruling by the Supreme Court. Im-

migration advocates and Democratic lawmakers feared that the citizenship question would drive down response rates, leading to an undercount of certain communities.

In other words, undocumented immigrants — who might opt out of participating in the survey out of fear of their undocumented status being used against them — are encouraged to respond to the survey.

“For the 39th District and for districts across the country, it’s especially important for us to properly reach out to communities that are historically undercounted in the census, like the Hispanic and the Asian American Pacific Islander and Black communities,” said Cisneros, whose district encompasses parts of northern Orange County like Yorba Linda and Fullerton as well as parts of east LA County like Rowland Heights and La Puente.

“We have to make sure that we do this right or else an unfair and inaccurate count can have detrimental consequences for families, students, and business owners for the next decade,” Cisneros added.

The census survey, distributed every 10 years, provides insight on, not only the numerical amount of residents but also determines the amount of federal funding and the number of seats in the House of Representatives each state gets. n

2 Kingdom of Jesus Christ church leaders plead...

PAGE A1 t The one-count indictment returned by the grand jury alleged that Cabactulan, Duenas, and Estopare conspired to commit a series of offenses, which includes trafficking with respect to forced labor, document servitude, immigration fraud and marriage fraud.

Cabactulan and Duenas were arrested last month by FBI agents after KOJC’s offices were raided in Van Nuys, Glendale and Los Angeles. Estopare was arrested in Virginia.

The three reportedly used a children’s foundation as a front to bring in its members from the Philippines and force them to work as “volunteers” to raise money to aid Filipino children.

However, the money went to church operations instead, as well as to fund KOJC founder Apollo Quiboloy’s lavish lifestyle.

“Other KOJC workers were unaware of the actual purpose until they were forced… to solicit on the streets nearly every day, year-round, working very long hours, and often sleeping in cars overnight, without normal access to over-the counter medicine or even clothes,” the 17-page indictment said.

They also employed several illicit mechanisms like sham mar-

riages and phony enrollments in schools to keep the members in the country.

According to the indictment, around 72 Philippine passports, seven U.S. passports and one Ukraine passport as well as wedding rings were found by authorities when they raided KOJC compound in Van Nuys, California.

The search also revealed that Duenas possessed a file titled “Traitor” that contained information on KOJC members who fled the church.

‘A grand conspiracy of lies’ Israelito Torreon, Quiboloy’s spokesman, previously denied the allegations against the three KOJC church administrators, saying that former members of the church provided the Federal Bureau of Investigation with false information.

“We are ready, able, and willing to show and prove the innocence of the administrators of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ,” he said last month.

“We will show to you that this is nothing but a grand conspiracy of lies concocted by former members of the kingdom who struck an alliance with forces who have an axe to grind against Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy. They are into this grand conspiracy to

put to shame PACQ,” Torreon added.

KOJC claims a membership of 6 million people around the world.

Its founder, Quiboloy — selfproclaimed to be “the appointed son of God” — has close ties with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte.

Malacañang, for its part, said it would not meddle with the FBI’s human trafficking probe on KOJC. “The administration’s stance of not meddling into the affairs of another state remains even if Quiboloy is a close friend of the President,” Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said.

“You must remember that if a crime is committed in any country, then the laws of that country will have to be followed. We have to respect them the way we ask them to respect ours,” he added.

The FBI has established a tollfree phone number for potential victims or anyone with information about KOJC activities to provide information. The information line is 1-800-CALL FBI (1-800-225-5324), and it will be staffed by English- and Tagalogspeaking personnel. Individuals may also contact the FBI through its website at https://www.fbi. gov/tips. n

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A February 22-25, 2020 • La WeeKeND aSIaN JOurNaL

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New CA policies increase signups during... Pinay nurses back Bernie Sanders campaign...

PAGE A4 t 200 and 400 percent of the federal poverty level (FPL), will receive an average of $608 per month per household in federal tax credits and new state subsidies (which averages $23 per household). The financial assistance lowers the average household monthly premium from $881 per month to $272, a decrease of 70 percent.

Nearly 32,000 middle-income consumers who were previously ineligible for any federal support because their household income was above the federal “cliff” of 400 percent of the FPL qualified for new state subsidies. The new financial help went to about 47 percent of consumers applying in the 400 to 600 percent FPL income bracket. The average state subsidy to eligible households is $504 per month, lowering their monthly premium by nearly half.

“The average state subsidy for eligible middle-income Californians – who up until now were not eligible for any assistance – was $504 per month. But it’s even more striking that more than one in 10 of those receiving help had their monthly premium lowered by over $1,000,” said Lee. “The new state subsidies are making a huge difference to families across California.”

Covered California also reported that an estimated 280,000 Californians, likely eligible for new state or existing federal subsidies, kept their “off-exchange” coverage and did not get the financial help that would make it easier to afford and keep their coverage. Most of these individuals earn under 400 percent of the federal poverty level and would be eligible for both the state and federal subsidy, while about 40,000 would be eligible to receive the new state subsidies for middle-income Californians.

“The penalty helped drive down premiums for everyone in the individual market, and new state subsidies are already helping more than 600,000 people save even more on their health insurance,” Lee said.

“However, we are still hearing that far too many people do not know about these policies, so Covered California wants to continue to get the word out and give them more time to learn about the penalty and how affordable coverage can be.”

Drop in Renewals Driven by Low New Enrollment for 2019 Following the Penalty Removal The significant increase in new enrollment was partially offset by an 8 percent decrease in the number of renewing consumers.

Covered California’s preliminary

analysis points to several potential reasons for the reduction in renewals relative to 2019. As noted above, 2019 marked the first year that the federal government zeroed out the individual mandate penalty, which led to a sharp decrease in the number of new consumers signing up for coverage during last year’s openenrollment period. Historically, a decrease in new enrollment translates to a decrease among renewing consumers because there are fewer consumers in the system to carry forward into renewal. Covered California entered this renewal season with nearly 40,000 fewer members covered in October 2019 (for 2020 coverage) than it did in October 2018 (for 2019 coverage).

“Covered California’s preliminary analysis of the reduction in the number of consumers renewing appears to be another result of the federal decision to remove the penalty that resulted in fewer people eligible to carry their coverage into 2020,” Lee said. “What we have seen this open-enrollment period only affirms the bold decision of the governor and the state Legislature to provide that economic nudge that some people need to get health insurance.”

New Special-Enrollment Period Announced Covered California also announced that effective Feb. 18 it will establish a special-enrollment period for those who were unaware of the state penalty or the new financial help. Consumers who fall into those categories, or who are currently insured off-exchange (directly through an insurer) and want to switch to Covered California to benefit from the new state subsidies, will have through April 30 to sign up for coverage.

Covered California made the decision after gathering information throughout open enrollment and after the close of enrollment.

In December, Covered California surveyed the public and found a significant percentage of the uninsured were unaware of the new financial help or penalty.

Based on those findings, Covered California began looking at whether a special-enrollment period would be warranted. In the first week of February, Covered California surveyed 10,000 of its Certified Insurance Agents and found that there is still a substantial lack of awareness, with 41 percent saying only some or none of their consumers knew about the penalty, and 80 percent saying the penalty is

motivating or extremely motivating for their consumers.

“I encourage everyone who does not have qualifying health insurance to take advantage of the special enrollment period and secure coverage now. I like signing tax refund checks, not assessing penalties,” said State Controller and FTB Chair Betty T. Yee. Covered California will be launching a new campaign to publicize the special-enrollment period, starting this month with social media messaging and consumer emails. Television ads in English and Spanish will start on March 9.

Also starting that day will be radio and digital ads in English, Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean and Vietnamese. This marks Covered California’s first use of television ads to promote a special-enrollment period.

“We know that there are hundreds of thousands of people, both low income and middle income, who are insured off exchange but could be saving significant amounts of money if they switch to Covered California to benefit from federal financial help or new state subsidies, or both,” Lee said.

“Covered California is working with everyone it can to put consumers first by maximizing the amount of time that people can get covered and minimizing the number of people who are subject to a penalty.”

During this special-enrollment period, consumers will be able to sign up at any point and will be covered on the first of the following month.

Covered California is the state’s health insurance marketplace, where Californians can find affordable, high-quality insurance from top insurance companies.

Covered California is the only place where individuals who qualify can get financial assistance on a sliding scale to reduce premium costs. Consumers can then compare health insurance plans and choose the plan that works best for their health needs and budget. Depending on their income, some consumers may qualify for the low-cost or no-cost Medi-Cal program.

Covered California is an independent part of the state government whose job is to make the health insurance marketplace work for California’s consumers. It is overseen by a fivemember board appointed by the governor and the legislature.

For more information about Covered California, please visit www.CoveredCA.com. n

PAGE A1 t thrown its support behind Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders for the Democratic Party presidential nomination.

The union previously endorsed Sanders during his 2016 run and did so again during this cycle after sending questionnaires and having face-to-face meetings with several candidates, according to NNU President Zenei Cortez, the only Filipina to lead a national labor union in the U.S. “Bernie was the most aligned with our values and with our agenda,” Cortez, an RN for over 40 years working in South San Francisco, told the Asian Journal.

Under Sanders’ proposed Medicare for All, the single-payer health insurance program would cover everyone living in the country, regardless of immigration status or income level, and would reportedly not have any premiums, deductibles, copays or surprise bills.

The campaign also calls for Medicare coverage to include dental care, mental health and substance abuse treatment, among others, and capping prescription drug prices.

“Medicare for All is the only solution there is to our current broken healthcare system. It’s ethically insane living in America, the richest nation in the world, and people cannot seek medical care whenever they need it and to seek early care to prevent the disease process from progressing,” Cortez

continued. “So I am really passionate about getting Medicare for All because it will improve the overall health of the people of the country, it will be cost-effective, and it will save us a lot of money in the long run.”

A recent study, conducted by researchers at Yale University, the University of Florida and the University of Maryland and published in medical journal The Lancet, found that the single-payer health care system would save the country $450 billion annually and prevent on average 68,000 unnecessary deaths.

Meanwhile, an October 2019 study by center-left think tank Urban Institute said that Medicare for All would need $34 trillion in additional federal spending for the first 10 years, which is more than the federal government’s total cost over the coming decade for Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid combined.

At the Democratic primary debate in Las Vegas on Wednesday, February 21, Sanders was asked his central campaign proposal and whether it would take away private insurance options or reduce certain benefits as many, especially other union members, fear.

“So let me be very clear to my good friends in the Culinary Workers Union, a great union,” Sanders said. “I will never sign a bill that will reduce the health care benefits they have. We will only

expand it for them, for every union in America, and for the working class of this country.”

In addition to the health care plan, Cortez argued that a Sanders presidency will also improve the workplace conditions for nurses, given that it’s a preferred profession for many Filipinos.

“Sanders is the only candidate that is really for looking at the welfare of nurses who will be taking care of the patients,” Cortez said, recalling when the Vermont senator rallied with Oakland nurses in 2014 to call for more safety protocols and equipment to beat the Ebola virus. “He was the only elected candidate to come out and help us win that fight because he stands for the working class and is part of the 99%. He understands the needs and the struggles that we go through every day.”

Cortez and Magtanong-Sigua were among hundreds of NNU nurses from California who came to Las Vegas ahead of Nevada’s Feb. 22 caucuses to canvas for Sanders.

“I think our fellow kababayans should realize that and while we are here busy trying to fight for social, climate and economic justice, somebody in the White House has been stripping union members of their rights and their privileges.

We might wake up one day and realize that everything that we have bargained for through our collective bargaining agreement is all gone,” Cortez said. n

As the Democratic field narrows, AAPIs...

PAGE A3 t from mainstream politicians, much less a major presidential contender.

Warren’s sweeping AAPI agenda comprises insight and research from activists, organizers, community leaders and policy experts on broad issues ranging from affordable housing, immigration, income inequality, health care and affordable public education.

“Data equity is a civil rights issue. And from the wage gap to the 2020 Census, communities that have been perpetually erased are calling to be counted and have their experiences made visible,” Warren wrote in the agenda released on February 13.

“I believe that you measure what you care about — and I care about building a government that works for everyone in the diverse AAPI community,” she added.

The senator’s inclusive ap-

proach in her short but eventful career as a policymaker has made her a standard-bearer for a particular brand of accessible progressive politics that appeals to a wide range of liberal-/leftistleaning Americans.

Since announcing her campaign in early 2019, Warren has enjoyed a huge jump in her political profile and more attention paid to her approach to policy.

Initially, Warren was a clear favorite among Democratic voters, but as the primaries began, she dipped in the polls. RealClearPolitics has her in 4th place, as of Wednesday, February 19, and she earned third and fourth place in the Iowa caucus and New Hampshire primary, respectively.

Nevertheless, Warren boasts a strong list of endorsers from the AAPI community that includes mayors councilmembers, state assemblymembers and senators

and public figures like actress Constance Wu and award-winning writers Celeste Ng and Jenny Han. The official AAPI engagement group for Warren’s campaign, AAPIs with Warren, comprises of more than 150 AAPI leaders who banded together to endorse Warren for president, including prominent Filipino Americans like singer AJ Rafael, author Gina Apostol, documentary filmmaker Ramona Diaz, and psychology professor Kevin Nadal.

“This is why we passionately support Senator Elizabeth Warren for President: because she recognizes the gravity of the threats we face today to our democracy and security — and the major structural changes that are required to confront these issues. And we hope that you will join us in supporting her campaign,” the group wrote in a Medium post in January. n

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • FEbRUARy 22-25, 2020

Dateline PhiliPPines

A

Foreign ownership of public services will intensify exploitation of Filipino workers — labor group

services, creating a more competitive economy towards a better quality of life for all,” Garin MANILA — Labor group said.

As it stands, Chapter 2 of the Defend Jobs Philippines slammed the House of Repre- Public Service Law includes unsentatives’ approval of a mea- der “public service”: any comsure allowing foreigners ownership over local public utilities including telecommunication and transportation, saying these would only worsen the existing struggles of ordinary workers.

Now on its way to the third ’NO TAKE POLICY.’ Philippine National Police (PNP) Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group (IMEG) director, Col. Ronald Lee (left), says they support the “No Take” policy earlier ordered by PNP Chief, Gen. Archie Francisco Gamboa. Lee urged the public to report police personnel who and final reading at the lower are involved in illegal activities, such as illegal drugs and illegal gambling, during the press conference after the destruction of confiscated illegal chamber of Congress, House gambling machines, at the IMEG Compound in Camp Crame, Quezon City on Tuesday, February 18. Also in photo are PNP Deputy Chief for Operations, Bill No. 78 seeks to delineate the Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar (center), and Col. Rey de Peralta, Deputy Director For Administration of IMEG. PNA photo by Joey O. Razon terms public service and public utility, which fall under the restriction on foreign ownership in the 1987 Constitution.

Deputy Speaker Sharon Garin (Aambis-Owa Party-list) who penned the bill argued that the measure would help bring in more foreign investors that ment is wrong and ill-timed as nounced on Twitter that it was would boost competition in the

by Pia Lee-Brago Manila and Washington and received the same day by Deputy public service sector in the local Philstar.com their allies are trying to make Chief of Mission John Law at the market.

MANILA — China said the China obey the international U.S. embassy in Manila.

“This legislative reform will Philippines has the right to de- rules of order and abide by interThe notice to terminate the significantly contribute to invelop relations with other coun- national norms.

VFA marked the start of the 180- creasing competition, as well as tries and advance its interests, “As to how the decision will day period to scrap the military protecting the public interest. downplaying concerns that Ma- affect the situation in the South agreement that came into force More competition among providnila’s decision to terminate the China Sea, I want to point out on May 27, 1999, upon ratifica- ers would result in lower prices Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) that currently, with the concert- tion by the Philippine Senate. n and improved quality of basic with the United States left it vul- ed efforts of China and ASEAN nerable to Chinese aggression in countries, the situation in the the South China Sea. South China Sea has been basiChinese Foreign Ministry cally stable,” Geng said. spokesperson Geng Shuang said “China and ASEAN countries at a press briefing on Tuesday, are committed to full and effecFebruary 18 the Philippines has tive implementation of the Declathe “right to uphold an indepen- ration on the Conduct of Parties dent foreign policy.” in the South China Sea (DOC). In As to criticism that the Philip- the meantime, we have been adpines’ abrogation of the VFA was vancing consultations on a code a move in the wrong direction of conduct (COC),” he added. in view of security issues and Former foreign affairs secretension over territorial disputes tary Albert del Rosario warned with China over the South China that the termination of the VFA Sea, Geng said room for regional casts aside the U.S., a long time cooperation should not be over- reliable ally, in favor of China, an looked. aggressive neighbor.

“It is also China’s belief that The Philippines sent on Feb. exchange and cooperation be- 11 the notice of termination of tween countries should not only the VFA to the U.S. government. benefit those involved, but also The VFA is an essential agreeadvance regional and global ment to both countries in effecpeace and stability,” said Geng. tively implementing the Mutual Beijing contradicted U.S. De- Defense Treaty (MDT). fense Secretary Mark Esper’s reForeign Affairs Secretary sponse that the scrapping of the Teodoro Locsin Jr. signed the two-decade old military agree- notice of termination and anby Franco Luna Philstar.com

China sees nothing wrong with Philippine’s VFA termination

mon carrier, railroad, street railway, traction railway, sub-way motor vehicle, either for freight or passenger, or both with or without fixed route and whether may be its classification, freight

u PAGE A10

A8 FEBRUARY 22-25, 2020 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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OPINION

Undeterred

FEATURES

AFTER the passage of new legislation plus all the multimedia publicity, you’d think fraternities would think twice, even a hundred times, before engaging in violent initiation rites.

And yet, just over three months after a fourth class cadet at the Philippine National Police Academy landed in the hospital due to hazing, a 23-year-old criminology student has died in Bulan town, Sorsogon, allegedly at the hands of members of the Tau Gamma Phi fraternity.

Omer Despabiladera, a student at the Solis Institute of Technology, died Sunday, February 16 from severe beating in different parts of the body.

Another fraternity neophyte is still hospitalized from what probers believe are hazing injuries.

The Sorsogon police said about 20 people are facing investigation for the hazing. The two men who brought Despabiladera to the hospital were taken into police custody as persons of interest in the killing, but the two were released on Thursday, February 20.

Congress passed a law against hazing after Ateneo de Manila law student Leonardo Villa died in initiation rites conducted by the Aquila Legis fraternity in 1991. Villa was a victim twice over – of hazing and the country’s compromised justice system. His accused killers were either cleared or received a mere slap on the wrist; most went on to become lawyers, and some even entered gov-

ernment service. The law that was passed after his death, Republic Act 8049 or the Anti-Hazing Act of 1995, even effectively allowed hazing, as long as the rites were cleared with certain authorities.

Little wonder that in 2017, University of Santo Tomas law student Horacio Castillo III died in hazing rites of the Aegis Juris fraternity. His bereaved relatives are still waiting for justice. Remedial legislation passed after his death, RA 11053, finally prohibited hazing and other violent initiation rites by fraternities, sororities and similar groups. RA 11053 also holds accountable and even criminally liable school authorities, fraternity leaders, even parents and the owners of premises where hazing rites are conducted. The law imposes the maximum penalty of life in prison and a fine of up to P3 million.

Perhaps the fact that an act is illegal enhances the appeal of hazing for youths. The weakness of the justice system surely reinforces this mindset.

There is a law against hazing that should be fully enforced if it is to serve as a deterrent. Only the certainty of punishment will put an end to this deadly violence perpetrated by individuals with a perverted sense of brotherhood. (Philstar.com)

Editorial

Philstar.com photo

Democracy wins: Upholding due process and the rule of law, the SC will junk SolGen’s plea, Congress will renew ABS-CBN franchise

The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS THE light at the end of the tunnel: Democracy will win! The Supreme Court of the Philippines will uphold the rule of law and allow due process to take its course by junking the pro-warranto case filed by Solicitor General Jose Calida to shutdown ABS-CBN and will defer to the authority vested in Congress, pursuant to the rule of law, to decide either to grant or terminate the franchise of ABSCBN. Congress will eventually renew the license.

There is no crystal ball nor insider information. Just look at the facts. Just read the provisions of the law. Just read between the lines of statements coming from Malacañang. Just hear the voice of the people crying, begging,

fighting for their rights. Just witness the unfolding of the fight for democracy.

The spokesman of President Rodrigo Duterte Salvador Panelo gave a public statement that Duterte was just joking and that his words that he wanted to shutdown ABS-CBN should not be taken literally.

This gives affirmation to the Supreme Court that is is okay to uphold the rule of law and junk Calida’s case. After all, the honorable justices of the highest court in the nation want to be on the right side of history and leave behind a legacy of justice, fairness and independence as mandated by the Constitution.

After all, the Judiciary is a co-equal branch of government meant to fulfill the requirement

of checks and balances required by the Constitution.

This gives cover to Duterte’s supporters to accept and respect the decision of the Supreme Court. After all, they believe Duterte’s heart is in the right place. They believe the President wants to protect democracy and respects the rights and will of the people.

This gives wiggle room to Duterte’s allies in Congress to assert the sole authority given to them to decide on the issuance of franchise to broadcast organizations. They hear the sentiments of business entities that fuel the economy of the nation. They hear the voice of various organizations around the world whose advocacy includes fighting for human rights and the democratic

Rewriting EDSA

Street Talk GREG B. MACABENTA I’M almost done with my third book, “The Republic of Santa Banana and other Ad Libs.” It’s a compilation of my most irreverent satires in almost 32 years of column writing.

While going over the manuscripts, I came upon this piece which I wrote in 1988. “Rewriting EDSA” is a satire on “A Dangerous Life,” a movie version of the revolution, produced by Australian Broadcasting Corporation and starring Gary Busey.

Expectedly, the film treatment was Hollywood-ish, which, I noted, was “as close to the truth as anything Joe Isuzu himself could have written.” Joe Isuzu was a character in a series of TV commercials for Isuzu who was known for his exaggerations.

Considering the ongoing efforts of historical revisionists to confuse folks over what really happened at EDSA, I thought this piece was timely for the 34th anniversary of the 1986 People Power Revolt this February.

I have just gone through the uncanny experience of seeing history rewritten before my eyes.

I have just suffered through three hours of the film account of the People Power Revolution, “A Dangerous Life.”

It’s particularly appalling for someone like me who knows how movies are made and, most of all,

who knows what happened at EDSA. Although, after watching it, I’m no longer sure whether I should believe myself or the film.

So, like a good film man, I’ve tried to reconstruct what really happened during the making of this magnum awful. Naturally, I employed a research consultant, just like Prof. Alfred McCoy, whom the Australian Broadcasting Corporation used. Except that my consultant, understandably, is not the real McCoy. This account is as accurate and factual as ABC’s version of EDSA and as close to the truth as anything Joe Isuzu himself could have written: FADE IN on producer Hal McElroy, director Robert Markowitz and writer David Williamson seated at a table, going over the sequence treatment of the movie. All three are wearing bullet-proof vests. Outside the room, bodyguards watch out for Indonesian assassins who haven’t forgiven ABC for “The Year of Living Dangerously.” But the three are used to danger, having survived both the Australian Outback and the Los Angeles freeway.

“Look, this is one of those dictator movies, see. I mean, like The Last Plane Out, but not as bloody as Killing Fields,” says McElroy.

Williamson is apologetic.

“Sorry, boss. I didn’t think you wanted a Central American treatment. Not with Richard Dreyfuss doing Moon Over Parador. It’s also about a Central American dictator. And the heroine ends up being the benevolent president of

the country.”

“The Dreyfuss movie is a comedy. Ours is serious stuff,” Markowitz cuts in.

“You mean, like people being beaten up in the streets and soldiers shooting them in cold blood?” asks Williamson, quickly scanning his brain for a likely formula. Scriptwriters usually have standby formulas in the back of their heads. Just twist the plot a bit here and a bit there and you can sell it as an original.

“Just enough to motivate the citizenry to stage a revolution,” says Markowitz. “You’ve got to have a logical motivation. Otherwise, the thing won’t peak to a good climax. On the other hand, a Killing Fields treatment won’t lead to a believable revolution, what with all the people dead.”

“What about Marcos and Imelda,” Williamson asks, realizing by now that Markowitz has a better grasp of the human psyche than he has. “How do we handle their characterization?”

“Professor McCoy says they’re pretty complex personalities,” says the producer. “McCoy’s our historical consultant, you know.”

“Look Hal, we can’t have any complex characters in this film,” says the director, getting impatient. “I’ll have enough trouble handling the love angles of Busey and the Filipina girl and Busey’s wife who goes to bed with the Filipino colonel and then they all live happily ever after, except the Filipina who dies. Why, that’s as complicated as Kramer vs. Kramer. We’ve got to keep the rest of

principles.

They know it is wrong to think Duterte is moving toward authoritarianism as his critics allege. They know voting in favor of ABS—CBN franchise renewal means the president and his allies in Congress respect freedom and even dissent and criticism in a democracy pursuant to the provisions of the Constitution that they have sworn to uphold.

Like the Judiciary, the want to prove that the Legislature is a coequal branch of government. The honorable men and women of Congress will do the right thing.

They also want to prove that ABS-CBN does not have the monopoly on the goal to be of service to the Filipinos. This is their goal to when they ran for office.

This is exactly what they want to

achieve above anything else.

FINALLY, the Filipino people will again show the world that the Philippines is indeed a government of the people, by the people, for the people. They will be relentless, fearless, unstoppable in fighting for their rights, believing that the government will ultimately prove that such power to govern is in the Filipino people.

They will uphold the democratic principle that the free and independent press’ role in a democracy is to serve the governed and not the governor.

On February 25, Filipinos will gather again not to honor the “yellow cult” as some call the supporters of the previous administration. Filipinos will be united — beyond party lines, political stripes and colors, socio-

economic status, and personal selfish interests. They will be united by their shared principles of “bayanihan,” knowing we all love the Philippines and we can all work together rooted in what unites us, more than what divides us.

At the end of the day and moving forward to 2022, democracy will win. Believe. So help us God. ***

the story simple.”

“I’d go for a Fu Man Chu treatment for Marcos,” Williamson says tentatively. “We could then do a Dragon Lady with Imelda.”

“The Fu Man Chu treatment?

You mean, like the Evil Empire stuff?” asks McElroy excitedly.

“I’ll buy that. People might even think George Lucas made the movie and they’ll rush to see it.”

Markowitz doesn’t miss the insult, but he’s too engrossed with the movie to worry about trifles.

“The Ponce Enrile and Ramos characters are the big problem, he muses.

“The guy wants to be the hero of the story,” says McElroy, dripping with sarcasm. “Can you beat that? And he’s threatening to sue us if we have it some other way.”

“Ponce Enrile doesn’t make a logical hero,” says Markowitz sagely. “The audience won’t buy it. Here he is being accused of masterminding a coup plot against Cory and then we portray him as a hero?”

“I see what you mean,” says the scriptwriter. “It’s like portraying Donald Duck as a hero after he rapes Daisy Duck. It’s just not logical.”

“Well, what about Ramos?” asks the producer, getting desperate that the historical consultant’s retainer is fast being wasted. “He’s one of the heroes of EDSA, isn’t he? And he’s got no beef with Daisy, I mean, Cory.”

“Well, okay,” says Markowitz tiredly. “Maybe we can give him a few heroic lines. Like, when Enrile calls him if he’s joining the breakaway, he readily agrees without having to talk it over with

his wife.”

“That’s heroic,” Williamson remarks. “I’d never try that on my wife. Especially on a Saturday night.”

“But this Enrile fellow,” Markowitz instructs the scriptwriter.

“You’ve got to treat it like he’s really desperate for help. I mean, like real scared, man. Like he would have backed out of it he hadn’t sent the driver to the supermarket.”

“Well, we’ve got that down pat,” says producer McElroy.

“Now comes the hard part.

Cory.”

“That’s the easy part,” Markowitz shoots back. “She’s the heroine. I’ve never had any problem portraying heroes and heroines. Like, you know, tall, handsome, well-modulated voice, trustworthy, loyal, brave, clean, reverent.”

“Sounds like the Boy Scouts,” says McElroy, uncomfortably.

“You can never go wrong with the Boy Scouts,” beams Markowitz.

This time, McElroy decides to assert himself. “It’s easy for you to say that,” he snaps. “You don’t have to face the moneybags. How do I tell them they’re getting an Alice In Wonderland movie?”

“Aren’t they all?” Markowitz snaps back. “Good wins over evil.

Crime does not pay. Heroines vanquish villains. What’s wrong with that?”

“Yeah, but the trend now is towards more complex characterizations,” McElroy presses. “And don’t give me that crap about the plot being complicated enough as it is, unless you want to go back to doing animated cartoons.”

There’s a pained look on Markowitz’s face. Deep within he wants to do something heroic, like walking out on McElroy. But he needs the job.

“I think I’ve got the Enrile character down pat,” says writer Williamson, his eyes glued on Markowitz.

“Well, about the Cory characterization,” says McElroy.

“Yes, sir, anything you say, sir,” says Williamson.

“I don’t want Cory to be all virginal and saintly, know what I mean?” he says. “You’ve got to give the audience a feeling that she’s also capable of pulling a double-cross. Like, she’s motivated by ambition. But, like she knows how to carry herself while the other guys are too obvious.

Know what I mean?”

“What about if she insists on coming home from Cebu to lead the people at EDSA, before they get any ideas that it’s Enrile and Ramos who are the heroes of the story?” the writer suggests, feeling inspired.

“Sounds good,” beams McElroy while an emasculated Markowitz nods blankly. “And speaking of the EDSA scenes. I’ve made arrangements to shoot them in Sri Lanka.”

“You don’t think people will know the difference?” Williamson asks, careful not to offend.

“Naaah,” replies McElroy, cocksure as producers ought to be. “It’s just us movie people who can spot these details. The audience? All they want is a good laugh.”

FADE TO BLACK... (gregmacabenta@hotmail. com)

Gel Santos Relos has been in news, talk, public service and educational broadcasting since 1989 with ABS-CBN and is now serving the Filipino audience using different platforms, including digital broadcasting, and print, and is working on a new public service program for the community. You may contact her through email at gelrelos@icloud.com, or send her a message via Facebook at Facebook.com/Gel. Santos.Relos.

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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IVY MANALANG Vice President - Marketing Los Angeles Asian Journal

MONETTE ADEVA MAGLAYA Senior Vice President Los Angeles Asian Journal

DING CARREON Videographer

ANDY TECSON Photographer

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Dateline PhiliPPines

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • FEbRUARy 22-25, 2020

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House OKs on second reading bill Robredo not supporting increasing employees’ annual leave calls for Duterte resignation THE House of Representatives approved on second reading a bill increasing mandatory paid annual leave of employees from five to 10 days annually.

House Bill 1338 seeks to grant the increased service incentive leave for employees by amending Presidential Decree 442 or the Labor Code of the Philippines.

Employees who have rendered at least one year of service are entitled to the increased number of leaves.

The provision, however, does not apply to those enjoying 10 days of vacation leave with pay and to those employed in establishments with less than 10 employees or establishments that are exempted because of their financial

condition.

In his explanatory note, the bill’s author, Baguio City Rep. Mark Go, said the additional leave incentives would be beneficial to both employees and employers as it would boost the morale and satisfaction of employees and may lead to increased productivity. (Divina Nova Joy Dela Cruz/ManilaTimes.net)

DOJ indicts Garin, 9 others on reckless imprudence resulting to homicide over Dengvaxia

by Kristine Joy

Philstar.com

Patag

MANILA — The Department of Justice charged Rep. Janette Garin (Iloilo, 1st District) and nine others on reckless imprudence resulting to homicide over the controversial anti-Dengue vaccine Dengvaxia.

In a press release on Friday, February 21, DOJ said that state prosecutors found probable cause to indict Garin, former Health secretary, and officials of the Department of Health, Food and Drug Administration, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine and Sanofi Pasteur Inc. for reckless imprudence resulting to homicide.

“The Panel [of prosecutors] concluded that the accomplishment of the procurement process for the Dengvaxia vaccine, with undue haste, within a limited timeframe, and despite the red flags known to Garin and other

Rep. Janette Garin

respondents, amounted to reckless imprudence,” DOJ said.

Prosecutors also noted that Dengvaxia was purchased and rolled out for use even though clinical trials for the anti-Dengue vaccine were not yet completed.

“The panel found that there was no showing that the Dengvaxia vaccine had undergone [World Health Organization] prequalification at the time the FDA issued the [Certificate of Product Registration,” the release provided by Justice Assistant Secretary Neal Bainto read.

The prosecution also found that those accused did not fully inform, and obtain the consent of, those who were vaccinated and their families of the “nature and risks” of Dengvaxia.

There was also no physical examination or health assessment before the inoculation of the vaccine, the Justice department said.

A copy of the full resolution on

Philstar.com photo

the complaint has yet to be made available as of this story’s posting.

Violation of consumer act of the Philippines DOJ also said that state prosecutors indicted the president of Sanofi Pasteur for violating the Consumer Act of the Philippines “for manufacturing the Dengvaxia vaccine which poses certain risks to seronegatives, or to those who have not previously contracted the Dengue disease.”

“The Panel found that Sanofi indirectly admitted that Dengvaxia is a defective product due to the risk it poses to seronegatives,” it said.

This is in violation of Article 97 of Republic Act 7394 or the Consumer Act of the Philippines that holds that a product is defective if “it does not offer the safety rightfully expected of it,” including “the use and hazards reasonably expected of it.”

They also held that Sanofi respondents and the company’s president should be held liable because Dengvaxia was dispensed not under written prescription or not under the supervision of a licensed practitioner.

State prosecutors “found that the circumstances surrounding the dispensation of the Dengvaxia vaccine made the same a mislabelled drug and held liable the President of Sanofi and four of its other officers or directors for violating the same act,” the statement read.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III suspended the dengue vaccination program after Sanofi disclosed on Nov. 27, 2017 that it could cause severe dengue if given to those who had not previously been infected with dengue. n

by Janvic

Mateo Philstar.com

Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict,” read the memorandum.

Local government units were MANILA — Vice President Leni Robredo is not supporting any call tasked to participate in EDSA family day activities in light of the celfor President Duterte to resign.

Robredo, in a statement on ebration.

For her part, Robredo said she Thursday, Februry 20, said she has received reports of people mobiliz- is confident that the EDSA celing for mass action on February ebration will be orderly and peace22, ahead of the 34th anniversary ful and that calls which are not in of the 1986 People Power Revolu- accordance with the Constitution Vice President Leni Robredo will not be made. n tion on Feb. 25.

Philstar.com photo While she recognizes the constitutional right of every Filipino to gather and air their grievances, the vice pesident stressed that seeking accountability from officials should follow the processes set by the Constitution.

“I openly say: ‘I am not a part of any call for President Duterte to step down from office.’ My only request is that we all do our job as public servants,” said Robredo in Filipino.

But she underscored the importance of accountability in public office in strengthening government institutions.

“We must be fully committed to the institutions and to the law.

We should express our grievances and seek accountability from our leaders through processes in accordance with the Constitution. In that way, we can contribute to the strengthening of our institutions,” she said.

The government said it will highlight the campaign against communist terrorist groups in the celebration of the EDSA People Power anniversary.

Under Memorandum Circular 2020-037, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) set the focus of the celebration on “safeguarding Filipino families from the destruction of the communist-terrorist groups.”

Signed by DILG Secretary Eduardo Año last Wednesday, the memorandum promotes the mottos “Pamilyang Matatag, Sandigan sa Pag-Unlad” and “We are Juan Family” as part of the EDSA festivities.

The DILG noted that the holiday remembers the historic role of the EDSA revolution in the attainment of genuine peace and democracy in the country with the downfall of the dictatorial regime of Ferdinand Marcos.

“The celebration will also be an appropriate avenue to emphasize the similar goals being put forward by the National Task Force on

A10 February 22-25, 2020 • La WeeKeND aSIaN JOurNaL

Dateline PhiliPPines

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‘Pastillas’ scheme whistleblower under Mistreatment of De Lima reflects ‘broader witness protection custody, says Guevarra attacks’ vs rights defenders — groups

by Kristine Joy

Philstar.com

by gaea

Patag

MANILA — Immigration officer Allison Chiong, “pastillas” scheme whistleblower, is now under the custody of Department of Justice’s Witness Protection Program, said Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Friday, February 21.

“The whistleblower is under the custody of the WPP. We took him in upon the request of Sen. Risa Hontiveros and the Senate President [Vicente “Tito” Sotto III] due to security concerns,” Guevarra told reporters in a message.

The Justice chief said that the WPP will evaluate Chiong thoroughly before he can be given full coverage of the state protection program.

The WPP is a program under the Justice department and created through Republic Act 6981, “to encourage a person who has witnessed or has knowledge of the commission of a crime to testify before a court or a quasi-judicial body, or before an investigating authority, by protecting him from reprisals and from economic dislocation.”

Immigration Officer I Chiong narrated before the Senate panel on Tursday, February 20, that Bureau officers check arriving Chinese passengers against a list, provided by Chinese travel agencies and would be let in the country “without screening or profiling” for a fee.

Chiong also named BI officers who supposedly took part in the scheme: Totoy Magbuhos, Deon Albao (alias “Nancy”), Paul Borja

CabiCo

MANILA — The continued detention of Sen. Leila De Lima reflects the “broader repressive conditions” that human rights defenders—particularly women— face in the country, global watchdogs said on Thursday, February 20.

De Lima, facing conspiracy to commit drug trading charges before Muntinlupa courts, has been detained inside the headquarters of the Philippine National Police since Feb. 24, 2017.

In a joint statement, Amnesty Immigration Officer I Allison Chiong sat as resource person at the Senate inquiry on February International, FORUM-ASIA, and 20.

Philstar.com photo by Geremy Pintolo Human Rights Watch called on the Philippine government to im(alias “Lisa”), Anthony Lopez Chinese passengers for a fee. mediately release the senator and Guevarra told reporters: “If the (alias “AL”) and Dennis Robles (alias “DR”), who occupy vari- Chinese nationals named in the ous plantilla positions within the list turn out to be improperly documented, they will be deported bureau.

He also identified Bien Gue- immediately.”

“But if they are legitimate, but varra, Glenn Comia and Den Binsol, chiefs of the Travel Con- were merely extended ‘escort trol and Enforcement Unit of service’ by some BI personnel terminals at the Ninoy Aquino for a fee, then it’s the latter who International Airport. They sup- will be dealt with accordingly,” posedly “took over” collecting he added.

President Rodrigo Duterte fees from Chinese passengers for their “seamless” entry into sacked all the Immigration officers who may be involved in the the country.

‘Undocumented’ Chinese na- scheme, which started in 2016 when the veto on the use of Extionals to be deported Guevarra also said that Chi- press Lane Fund for overtime pay nese nationals who entered the of employees took effect.

Immigration spokesperson country without proper documentation through the “pastillas” Dana Sandoval 18 employees have been put under “floating scheme will be deported.

The Bureau of Immigration status” following Duterte’s order and the National Bureau of Inves- and pending investigation. The tigation are conducting probes list of sacked officials may also into the “pastillas” scheme where expand as the probe continues, Sen. Leila De Lima “special privileges” are given to she added. n

No smearing of ashes on foreheads THE new coronavirus has not only disrupted business and canceled dozens of events, it has also changed age-old traditions of the Catholic Church.

As Christians prepare for the start of the Lenten Season next week, the Catholic Church on Thursday said priests would no longer smear the forehead of the faithful with ash on Ash Wednesday, February 19.

They will instead sprinkle ash on the head to avoid physical contact.

Archbishop Romulo Valles, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philip-

Katreena Philstar.com

pines (CBCP), on Thursday issued the directive as a precautionary measure against the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

He said the ashes to be showered on the crown of the head “signify our repentance from sin, which has marred the grace of Baptism.”

On Good Friday, during the celebration of the Passion of the Lord, the CBCP “strongly” recommended that churchgoers “refrain” from kissing or touching the cross for veneration.

“Instead, the faithful are requested to genuflect or make a

profound bow as they venerate the cross,” Valles said.

The new guideline is the second one released by the CBCP amid the Covid-19 threat.

Last month, the CBCP suggested that communion be taken by the hand and discouraged the faithful from holding hands when they pray “Our Father” during the Mass.

The bishops also issued an oratio imperata (obligatory prayer) against the spread of Covid-19 which has infected more than 75,000 people and killed more than 2,000. (ManilaTimes. net)

drop the “politically motivated” charges against her.

“Under the Duterte administration, women human rights defenders have repeatedly faced state-sanctioned intimidations and reprisals,” Mukunda Katter, FORUM-ASIA executive director, said.

In November 2019, the Commission on Human Rights said that women human rights defenders are “strong” agents of charge advancing the fight against inequality and discrimination. They, however, face repression, elevated gender-based attacks, sexual violence and harassment in the country.

“We have also observed the intensification of gender-based attacks, such as sexual harass-

Philstar.com photo

ment and the use of dehumanizing and misogynist language to silence women human rights defenders who continue to push for greater accountability,” Katter added.

The organizations cited the lawsuits filed against Rappler CEO Maria Ressa, the “smear campaign” against Vice President Leni Robredo and the harassment against Karapatan secretary general Cristina Palabay and nuns of the Rural Missionaries of the Philippines.

Mistreatment De Lima is accused of allowing and benefiting from the illegal drug trade inside the New Bilibid Prison during his stint as Justice secretary—an allegation she has repeatedly denied.

“Every day that Senator de Lima remains detained is another day of injustice, not only against her but against all Filipinos whose rights—to life, liberty, health and due process—have been trampled on by a violent and repressive government,” Nicholas Bequelin, a regional director at Amnesty International, said.

The human rights groups urged the Human Rights Council to hold government officials accountable for its abuses against de Lima and other human rights activists in the Philippines when it holds a session in June.

“The Philippine government has grossly mistreated Senator de Lima so that other whistleblowers and rights monitors will not dare expose the abuses and injustices of Duterte’s ‘drug war,’” Phil Robertson, HRW deputy Asia director, said. n

PCOO submits freedom report to world body

by Christina

Mendez

Philstar.com

MANILA — To improve the Philippines’ ratings in the World Press Freedom index of media watchdog Reporters Without Borders (Reporters Sans Frontieres or RSF), the Presidential Communications Operations Office has stepped up its campaign on media freedom during a visit to Paris, France.

Communications Secretary Martin Andanar led the submission of a report that featured the updates on the work-related killings of media persons that happened during the Duterte administration, as well as the action taken by concerned agencies.

It also highlighted the court ruling on the Maguindanao Massacre 2009 case wherein 49 people, led by members of the Ampatuan family, were convicted for the murder of 58 people, including 32 media men.

The report also showed the status of the threats made against media workers.

It also featured its new campaign for 2020 that pursues the twin efforts of ensuring the delivery of justice and promoting the professional and economic welfare of journalists.

The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) submitted a report on the state of media freedom and the protection of journalists in the Philippines to media watchdog RSF

last Tuesday, February 18.

The PTFoMS’s reinforced campaign in safeguarding press freedom involves more engagements nationwide, such as seminars on media security and safety, deploying more manpower to closely monitor developments in Luzon, the Visayas, Mindanao and Metro Manila.

“We recognize the importance of journalism in terms of accountability, democracy and rule of law. We will sustain our policy of securing journalists across the country by championing the Media Workers Welfare Act in Congress,” Andanar said.

The Media Workers Welfare Act seeks to address the economic vulnerabilities of media workers, especially those in the provinces. It also ensures the capacity of availing of housing programs, job security and health benefits.

RSF is an international nonprofit, non-governmental organization based in Paris that advocates media freedom.

Andanar also discussed the efforts of the government to end impunity in the country amid negative narratives against the Duterte administration.

“Our meeting with the Reporters Without Borders was fruitful. We presented the existing efforts of the administration to safeguard press freedom in the country,” said Andanar, who cochairs of PTFoMS. “We hope that this engagement

Communications Secretary Martin Andanar Philstar.com photo

will iron out concerns about the stance of the government when it comes to media freedom.Clearly, it is the primary policy of the Duterte administration to protect the journalists and promote their welfare,” Andanar added.

He stressed that the media environment in the Philippines remains one of the most vibrant in the world and press freedom is very much alive.

“The very first administrative order of the President, just a couple of months after assuming presidency, is to create the PTFoMS,” Andanar added.

During the meeting, Andanar was joined by Philippine Ambassador to Paris Maria Theresa Lazaro, Assistant Secretary JV Arcena and First Secretary and Consul Hans Mohaimin Siriban. n

Foreign ownership of public services will...

PAGE A7 or carrier service of any class, express service, steamboat or steamship line, pontines, ferries, and water craft, engaged in the transportation of passengers or freight or both, shipyard, marine railways, marine repair shop, [warehouse] wharf or dock, ice plant, ice-refrigeration plant, canal, irrigation system, gas, electric light, heat and power water supply and power, petroleum, sewerage system, wire or wireless communications system, wire or wireless broadcasting stations and other similar public services However, House Bill No. 78 defines public service to cover: “common carrier, railroad, street railway, subway motor vehicle, ice refrigeration plant, irrigation system, marine railways, wire or wireless communications systems; wire or wireless broadcasting stations; freight or carrier services, steam boats ferries and war craft engaged in the transportation of passengers or freight, gas, electric light, heat and power water supply and power, petroleum and sewerage system, among others.”

“Something is really wrong with the mindset of our legislators,” Defend Jobs Philippines said in a statement Thursday.

“Contrary to the alibi of our legislators that letting foreigners and foreign direct investments will help improve the deplorable state of our country’s public services, we stand firm that only by nationalizing and through government’s direct control to our own vital strategic industries

and services can we attain genuine upliftment and can we truly strengthen the country’s services for our own people,” said Defend Jobs Philippines spokesperson Thadeus Ifurung.

The labor group pointed out that “aside from the issues of HB78’s constitutionality questions, concerns on the violations on our national sovereignty and foreign control on Philippine assets and economy, the said proposed bill in the House of Representatives will intensify exploitation and the long-drawn violations of workers’ rights in the public service sector.”

Defend Jobs Philippines said they foresaw a number of adverse effects the measure would have on members of the Filipino working class, including: • Cheaper wages • Docile labor and slashed benefits in favor or profits • More difficult set-up for workers in terms of the level of bargaining • Labor fle dxibilization schemes • Job security issues, among many other concerns In December 2019, an earlier unnumbered iteration of the measure also sought to allow for expanded foreign ownership of land and businesses, including public utilities, educational institutions and mass media.

Rep. Rufus Rodriguez (Cagayan de Oro), who chairs the House committee on constitutional amendments, said, “It aims to lift the limitations on foreign investments in public utilities and the development in natural

resources in order to have more employment for Filipinos. The Philippines is lagging behind its ASEAN neighbors in the amount of foreign direct investments.”

Article XII, Section 11 of the 1987 Constitution reads: Section 11. No franchise, certificate, or any other form of authorization for the operation of a public utility shall be granted except to citizens of the Philippines or to corporations or associations organized under the laws of the Philippines, at least sixty per centum of whose capital is owned by such citizens; nor shall such franchise, certificate, or authorization be exclusive in character or for a longer period than fifty years. Neither shall any such franchise or right be granted except under the condition that it shall be subject to amendment, alteration, or repeal by the Congress when the common good so requires. The State shall encourage equity participation in public utilities by the general public. The participation of foreign investors in the governing body of any public utility enterprise shall be limited to their proportionate share in its capital, and all the executive and managing officers of such corporation or association must be citizens of the Philippines.

“Clearly, letting foreigners fully manage and control our domestic services will further cause plunge of our economy to unavoidable crisis and will further worsen our backward, agrarian, non industrial, debt-ridden and foreign-dominated economy,” Ifurung said. n

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A12 February 22-25, 2020 • La WeeKeND aSIaN JOurNaL

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B

Journal

Angel: Profit from ‘small’ stock in ABS-CBN to be donated to charity

By Krissy

AguilAr Inquirer.net

New home neighborhoods at Park Place in Ontario

ONTARIO, CA – Make your way to Park Place by Lewis Community Developers and Stratham Communities, a new collection of homes that have it all in Ontario Ranch! Surrounded by acres of parks and modern amenities, Park Place introduces a fresh take on comfortable and convenient living in Ontario with seven all-new neighborhoods. With up to 3,599 square feet and five bedrooms and open-concept floor plans available, the spacious homes at Park Place provide extra room to spread out and enjoy daily life. Plus, every home at Park Place comes with ultra-high-speed fiber-optic broadband at gigabit speeds, allowing you to stream, download and upload from multiple devices without slowing down.

Come by today to visit these exciting new neighborhoods, tour the 20-plus model homes available and discover all the amenities Park Place has to offer. This is also your chance to explore Celebration Park North in the heart of this stun-

ning community with plenty of green space to roam, walking paths and so much more.

Besides lightning-fast internet speeds that are 100 times faster than today’s average broadband connection, Park Place offers many other top-tier amenities. All residents enjoy The Parkhouse, a world-class 14,500-square-foot central community clubhouse that features a resort-caliber swimming pool, fully equipped fitness and business centers, Wi-Fi, multiple game rooms, a library and a state-of-the-art movie theater with club seating. And a masterfully appointed catering kitchen and adjoining multipurpose room are ideal for hosting special celebrations in style.

Three acres of beautiful grounds surround The Parkhouse and are home to tennis courts, a creative play area and a dog park. Picnics with friends, family and neighbors are a delight at Celebration Park North and Celebration Park South, where kids and adults alike enjoy outdoor play, relaxation and

socializing.

Plans at Park Place include a future elementary school within walking distance of each neighborhood. Not only is Park Place served by an award-winning school district, but it is also located near many universities and higher-education institutions, including Azusa Pacific University; Cal Poly Pomona; Chaffey College; Mt. San Antonio College; Platt College; Riverside Community College; The Art Institute of California; University of California, Riverside; Western University of Health Sciences; and the highly acclaimed Claremont Colleges, one of which is among the nation’s top ten.

Park Place proudly presents seven new home collections: Coventry by Christopher Homes, Seville by The New Home Company, Stonewater

by Woodside Homes, Willowmore by KB Home, Aurora by Pulte Homes and Primrose by Richmond American Homes, along with Mariposa by Taylor PAGE B2

IF her investment with media giant ABS-CBN would be used to “discredit” what she stands for amid its impending franchise renewal, actress Angel Locsin said critics should not make it an issue since she would donate whatever it earns to charity.

The actress shared on Instagram a screenshot of a post made by Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP) director-general Vivian Velez showing a list of ABS-CBN’s top stockholders that included Angel Colmenares, Locsin’s real name.

“Sorry to disappoint some people, but money is not every-

thing. Hindi ko ho alam kung anong intention ni Ms. Vivian sa kanyang post, pero kung ito po ang gagamitin to discredit my name and what I stand for, hindi nyo po kailangang gawing issue,” Locsin wrote as caption.

(Sorry to disappoint some people, but money is not everything. I don’t know what’s the intention of Ms. Vivian in her post, but if it’s to discredit my name and what I stand for, you don’t need to make it an issue.)

Locsin is among celebrities vocal in their support for the renewal of ABS-CBN’s franchise.

In an earlier post, the actress rallied behind employees of the network amid its franchise Angel Locsin PAGE B2 Photo from Instagram/@therealangellocsin

Hollywood is calling on blind schoolboy singer Carl Malone Montecido By lhAr

sAntiAgo ManilaTimes.net

WHEN blind amateur singer Carl Malone Montecido sang at an appliance center in a mall in Bacolod, he did it just to give in to the request of a friend working in the store. But never did he think his rendition if Sam Smith’s “Too Good at Goodbyes” would go viral that even the singer would be so impressed.

When Smith saw Carl’s viral video, he went to Twitter and posted, “Who is this kid!!!!!?

You are out of this universe…”

Even Kelly Clarkson picked up video and tweeted, “This video has been going around my team as well! This kid is insane!!”

Naturally overwhelmed over what happened, Carl still can’t Carl Montecido confirms he has been invited by the staff of Ellen DeGeneres to be a guest on PAGE B3 her show.

ABS-CBN photo

B FEBRUARY 22-25, 2020 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

EntErtainmEnt

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Sarah, Matteo civil wedding pushes through despite ‘Divine intervention’ by

Ratziel San Juan Philstar.com

Francisco Martin

THE civil wedding of celebrity power couple Sarah Geronimo and Matteo Guidicelli was indeed scheduled on Thursday, February 20, as earlier reported by The Star’s entertainment editor Ricky Lo. The civil wedding inside a luxury hotel in Bonifacio Global City, however, didn’t turn civil after the groom-to-be allegedly “punched in the throat” a close-in security detail of his fiancée.

Apparently, the said bodyguard Photo screengrabbed from Youtube/American Idol informed the “Pop Princess’” mother, Mommy Divine, about the wedding, which she was reportedly not aware of.

The security aide did not press

Matteo Guidicelli and Sarah Geronimo

Photo from Instagram/@matteog

charges against Matteo, Taguig City police confirmed.

Mommy Divine reportedly crashed the wedding between her daughter and Matteo, a union

which, according to reports, she did not entirely approve of.

The long-time couple confirmed their relationship in June 2014 and announced their engagement in

dedicated to public open space, parks and schools.

Directions to Park Place: If traveling on the 15 freeway, exit on Limonite Avenue and head west. Proceed on Limonite Avenue for approximately 2.5 miles and turn right at Archibald Avenue. Travel approximately 0.5 miles and turn right at Merrill Avenue. Continue for approximately 0.25 miles and The Parkhouse sales center will be on the left.

If traveling on the 60 freeway, exit on Archibald Avenue and head south. Proceed on Archibald Avenue for approximately 3.25 miles and turn left at Merrill Avenue. Continue for approximately 0.25 miles and The Parkhouse sales center will

be on the left.

Call (877) 577-8593 for more information or visit www.parkplaceontario.com.

Park Place at Ontario Ranch reflects the vision and experience of Lewis Community Developers and Stratham Communities. Park Place is a true collaborative effort between award-winning homebuilders Christopher Homes, Taylor Morrison, The New Home Company, KB Home, Pulte Homes, Richmond American Homes and Woodside Homes. We understand the wants and needs of today’s families because we have families of our own. We designed and built a community that we would live in.

Fil-Am student Francisco Martin wows ‘American Idol’ judges despite nerves, makes it to Hollywood New home neighborhoods...

By Cha lino Inquirer.net

AFTER proving that he is a real contender in the popular singing contest “American Idol”, an aspiring Filipino musician is going to Hollywood for the next level of the competition.

The 18-year-old Francisco Martin overcame his nerves to serenade the show’s high-caliber judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan with a cover of Maggie Rogers’s track “Alaska”.

The college student from San Francisco, California, shared that he has a problem with self-confidence during his personal interview for the show, uploaded on American Idol’s official YouTube channel last Sunday, Feb. 16.

The young musician was accompanied by his parents, Fatima and Jon. During his audition, Martin initially appeared to be drenched in sweat and was struggling to talk to the judges.

To calm his nerves, Richie came to Martin’s side to give him a hug. Bryan also stood beside the contestant to check his pulse.

“148 is his heartrate,” Bryan announced after counting his heartbeat.

Bryan compared Martin’s pulse to his own heart rate when doing cardio. “When I’m cycling, I’m 148,” Bryan commented.

Martin said he was excited to be in the audition then thanked the judges for calming him down.

After introducing himself, Martin began playing his guitar while belting a portion of Maggie Rogers’ song. Katy Perry immediately raised her thumb up when she heard Martin’s voice. Bryan gestured that he was getting “chills” from the performance.

After his song, the judges immediately teased Martin for his “sneaky” nervous “act” as they were blown away by his voice.

“I just checked the pulse of a future superstar,” Bryan announced.

Richie said, “I love the way you set us up. I’m a little afraid, I’m a little timid. I’m not quite sure [then] — POW!” Meanwhile, Perry complimented Martin for his “incredible voice” and then requested if he could sing an original composition.

The Filipino musician played a song that he said was inspired by an Australian friend. While performing his second song, Perry joked, “She doesn’t sound

PAGE B1 Morrison coming soon. Extendlike a friend.” It caught Martin ing from approximately 1,828 to off guard and he began laugh- 3,599 square feet, this dynamic ing, promising that the girl was range of residential designs ofjust a friend. fers three to five bedrooms and “I’m so happy to see you, two-and-one-half to five baths sweat, hypertension and ev- plus spacious two- or three-car erything. I don’t know what garages, making them ideal for you got,” Richie declared after growing or multigenerational Martin’s audition pieces. families. Prices begin in the The judges also convinced $400,000s.

Martin that he had a real shot Park Place is located within at pursuing a career in music. the greater community of OnBryan asked: “Are you in col- tario Ranch, which will span lege?” over 8,000 acres and is planned When Martin confirmed that to offer modern amenities and he was, Bryan advised, “Drop abundant recreation, includout.” ing an expansive park and trail Perry told Martin that he system. Proposed plans include could make it to the Top 10 of retail and business spaces, the competition, while Richie along with nearly 1,000 acres and Bryan were more optimistic, stating that he had a shot at the Top 5. Bryan also showed a paper where he wrote the word “WINNER”.

PAGE B1 When the judges were deciding whether they should vote woes.

“Kapag kumita po ang akon passing Martin through the next round, Perry declared, ing maliit na investment sa “No vote.” They unanimously ABS-CBN, I WILL DONATE shouted, “You’re going to Hol- EVERYTHING TO CHARITY. Accounted. Again, money is lywood!”

They handed Martin the not everything,” Locsin emgolden ticket and wished him phasized.

(If the little investment I have luck. The female popstar then advised Martin to work on with ABS-CBN earns, I will calming his nerves for what is donate everything to charity. about to happen in the competi- Accounted. Again, money is not everything.) tion.

(Advertising Supplement)

Angel: Profit from ‘small’ stock in...

Locsin also explained that her “small” investment with the network is “a privilege offer of the company to some of their employees in installment plan.”

“Mine is payable for 5 years.

Wala pa po sa half ang nabayad ko kaya sa understanding ko, HINDI KO PA PO PAGMAMAYARI ANG STOCKS na ‘yun,” she added.

(Mine is payable for 5 years.

I haven’t paid half of it that’s

why to my understanding, those stocks are not mine yet.)

Locsin also took the chance to clarify that she is not “part of any political party, nor representing any politician.”

“I do not have an existing contract with ABS-CBN. Therefore, the company has no control on whatever I want to post,” she added.

ABS-CBN’s legislative franchise is set to expire on March 30.

Brussels Sprouts: A Mighty Cancer-Fighting Vegetable

By Grace O

Brussels sprouts may be small but they offer big benefits. These mighty sprouts represent a cancer-fighting powerhouse and are part of the cruciferous cabbage family which have more cancer-preventative nutrients than any other category of vegetables. They contain a chemical called sinigrin that suppresses the development of pre-cancerous cells, causing them to self-destruct. The sulfur-containing compounds in Brussels sprouts are what activate the cancer-fighting enzyme systems in your body. They are delicious and take on an almost creamy texture when they are roasted with olive oil, a little salt, pepper and a splash of lemon juice.

Brussels sprouts, pomegranate, and four common pantry ingredients are all that is needed to put together this colorful and crowdpleasing side dish. Roasted brussels sprouts are easy to make and filled with digestionboosting fiber and beneficial antioxidants.

Even those skeptical of this healthy cruciferous vegetable will love it alongside tart and juicy pomegranate and chopped walnuts. Enjoy this plant-based dish throughout the fall and winter seasons!

BRUSSELS SPROUTS WITH POMEGRANATE & WALNUTS Serves 2 Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 40 minutes Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients 16 halved Brussels sprouts 2 Tbs. coconut oil Salt and pepper to taste 1/2 cup pomegranate arils 1/2 cup walnut halves and pieces (toasted if desired) 2 Tbs. extra virgin olive oil 1 Tbs. balsamic vinegar

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees and prepare a baking sheet. Combine Brussels sprouts, coconut oil, and salt and pepper and spread cut side down on baking sheet. Place baking sheet on center rack and roast until Brussels sprouts are tender and browned in areas, 30-40 minutes.

Remove Brussels sprouts from oven and transfer to serving dish. Sprinkle with pomegranate and walnuts and drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar before serving.

ABOUT GRACE O

GRACE O is the creator of FoodTrients, a unique program for optimizing wellness and longevity. She is the author of two award-winning cookbooks—The Age Gracefully Cookbook and The Age Beautifully Cookbook, which recently won Gourmand’s ‘Best in the World’ Award for Innovation. She is a fusion chef with a mission to deliver delicious recipes built on a foundation of anti-aging science and her 20 years in the healthcare industry.

Visit FoodTrients.com to learn more. Email us at info@FoodTrients.com

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

Bituin Escalante

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • FEBRUARY 22-25, 2020

B

Philstar.com photo

Bituin enjoys being a mother

by Leah

C. SaLterio Philstar.com

WHEN one talks about powerhouse singers, the name Bituin Escalante readily comes to mind. With her stratospheric vocal prowess, she can easily belt out a powerful ballad or impress the audience in front of her with her amazing vocal calisthenics.

No wonder, Bituin was the unanimous choice to sing the showstopper in Trumpets’ forthcoming production, Joseph the Dreamer, the reimagined version 31 years after the musical was first staged (in 1989).

Appearing in a dream sequence as Rachel, the mother of Joseph, Bituin gets to render He Opens the Window, the powerful piece that is one of the most awaited numbers in the musical.

The song is a showstopper and Bituin can simply be thrilled that she gets to join the new cast.

The role of Rachel was originally not in the first two productions of Joseph the Dreamer — first in 1989 with Audie Gemora in the lead and second in 1999, with Gary Valenciano in the title role. In the latest version, Audie will play Jacob, the father of Joseph.

Bituin was part of the ensemble in the second Joseph the Dreamer, with Gary V. “That was a monster chorus, even with Sweet Plantado,” Bituin beams. When she found out the musical would be restaged, she really wanted to audition.

“It’s like a homecoming to me,” she allows. “I remember, every show then felt like praise and worship. Every time we were onstage, we were like in the church.”

Although Rachel is a new character added to the latest production, Bituin never assumed the role was created for her. “Rachel is a new part,” she grants. “The role wasn’t in the

first or in the second Joseph the Dreamer. Originally, He Opens the Window was rendered by the warden’s mother. They rethought the whole thing this time.”

Still, Bituin refuses to think the role of Rachel was made specifically for her. “I don’t want to claim that,” Bituin says. “The role had morphed.

That role was actually gone. I wanted to audition for it. I read the auditions, so I knew that song. I wanted to sing that song.

But they said the part had been taken out. That’s gone.”

However, during callbacks, the production asked Bituin to come in. “They said there’s no way we can take out that song,” she offers. “We want you to come back. This time, it won’t be the warden’s mother anymore. They created the role of Rachel. I don’t know if they had decided to put it back for me or for the story. But I will claim that song because I love that song.”

As Rachel, Bituin emphasizes she merely comes out in a dream sequence in the musical. “Rachel died giving birth to Benjamin. So she’s a living memory in the play. She gets to spend more time with the baby Joseph.”

Previously directed by Freddie Santos, Joseph the Dreamer has been passed on to young concert director, Paolo Valenciano, who works at the helm of the musical production. “Direk Freddie practically put that thing together,” Bituin asserts.

“He wrote it. He knew it like the back of his hand. It was very theatrical. That was the version of Tito Freddie. I love that.

“It was so nice to see Paolo revisit Joseph the Dreamer. It was so nice to watch him. You actually see the ideas occur to him. In rehearsals, he had instantaneous reaction to certain scenes. He knew what’s needed to be done. He gave the musi-

cal such a modern tone. It’s a relationship between fathers and sons. You see it. You feel it. It felt so real. The memory recurs.”

Bituin worked with Paolo as her concert director for The Big Big Show, with Frenchie Dy and Radha Cuadrado at Solaire in 2016. “Paolo is a visual director.

He will let you do the show the way you want it, but you’ll just be amazed with the industrial light and magic in his head. He has a different touch for concerts. And I want to see how he will make Joseph the Dreamer different onstage.”

She notes about the young cast, led by Sam Concepcion, who plays the title role. “The ensemble is so young. If you’re going with the young Sam, there’s no way I can keep up with the production. I really live for the ensemble songs. So I have to do choreography. But the first four steps, when I saw that, I backed out. I accept my limitations. I need to do a plant-based diet to cope with the young cast. I’m just amazed. I watched them highly energized. I don’t know how they can sing and dance at the same time.

“Sumayaw din naman kami dati. Joseph the Dreamer had songs and dances before. Iba ang choreography today. When we warm up, I know I can move, but I don’t think my brain can process all the steps in the choreography today. To me, it’s an information overload. Even when we warm up, I know I can move, but I don’t think my brain can process all the steps. Iba na ang programming nila. They’re so used to information coming at such a fast pace.”

Although she has quite a number of offers to work on this year, the “most prevalent thing” in Bituin’s life at the moment is motherhood. She has two kids — Tala and Luna. “I so enjoy being a mom. And I know my limitations now.”

Cristine has finally mellowed with age by

aLLan PoLiCarPio Inquirer.net

FOR much of her career, Cristine Reyes has had a reputation for being “feisty” and irritable, particularly toward the show biz press. She was known to give one-word replies. She would dodge or, at times, even walk out of interviews when she didn’t feel like answering questions. But those days are well behind her, the actress said.

“I’m 31. I was 14 or 15 when you first saw me as someone feisty. And I had days when I couldn’t control my emotions that well. But over time, you learn to improve yourself. And you realize that you don’t have to be combative all the time,” she said at a press conference for her new movie “Untrue,” which opened in cinemas last Feb. 19.

“I’m just trying to be a better person to myself, to other people and when it comes to work,” she added.

Now that she’s older and more mature, Cristine has become more “appreciative” of her chosen profession —and everything else that comes with it.

“I now have a deeper understanding of the career path I had gotten myself into. Because when I was just starting, honestly, I didn’t care [about answering questions]. I was like, ‘Oh, I don’t want to answer that. Why are you asking that?’

That’s how I used to be,” she admitted.

“Now I realize that it’s all part of the job. And now I can say that I can face people better, I’m not as impulsive—I don’t walk out anymore,” Cristine added. “I’m more appreciative of being here and of the job I have.”

Being a mother has also, in a way, mellowed her. “It was a big thing for me—life-changing,” stressed the Viva actress, who has a 5-year-old daughter, Amarah, with her estranged husband, Ali Khatibi.

Looking at Cristine’s Instagram account, one would see that it’s full of photos and videos of Amarah; of their

Cristine Reyes

travels and bonding moments together. Despite her busy schedule, the actress always makes it a point to spend quality time with her child.

“I realize that life is short and that time is a lot more important than money. We should make time for all the people we love, value the things that are important to them. Always give your best. Make sure to make them feel loved,” she said. “We don’t know what the future holds. And so I want to give everything to Amarah.”

Needless to say, finding new love isn’t a priority for Cristine right now. “It’s better to just wait, instead of saying you’re open to dating or whatnot. I’m focused on my family and work.

That’s more important,” she pointed out.

“Untrue,” which was shot in Tbilisi, Georgia, is a he said-she said, genre-bending romance thriller movie that

Photo from Instagram/@cristinereyes

delves on love, abuse, deceit and revenge. Mara (Cristine) and Joachim (Xian Lim), two of the handful of Filipinos in the said country, cross paths and find companionship and solace in each other. “It’s about two people who are crazy in love.

I think there’s always a bit of craziness when we fall in love.

If you weren’t head over heels at one point, did you really love?” Cristine said. “However, you must love yourself first.

Don’t let anyone take advantage of you.”

Has anyone been untrue to her? She has had her experiences, Cristine said.

“But you learn because of that. You learn from past experiences. You have to. Otherwise, it will happen over again.

You get mad and ask why it’s happening. In the end, you have to forgive those who have been untrue … To make things easier for you.”

A CREWMAN TRIED TO FOLLOW THE LAW TO GAIN LEGAL STATUS, BUT FELL INTO A ‘FRAUD TRAP’ AT THE US EMBASSY WHEN HE RETURNED TO THE PHILIPPINES ON A PROVISIONAL WAIVER. Albert (left) entered the U.S. and jumped ship in 2007. His U.S. citizen wife, Cherrie (center), petitioned him. Although the petition was approved, Albert was not eligible to adjust status in the U.S. because he did not have 245(i). However, he qualified for a provisional waiver, which was approved, thereby “forgiving” him for overstaying, waiving the 10-year bar. He went back to the Philippines, thinking that he would be able to obtain his immigrant visa from the Embassy, only to be shocked when he was charged with fraud based on violating their new 90-Day Rule for deciding to overstay back in 2007. His provisional waiver was considered void, and he was required to file a fraud waiver and a 10-year bar waiver while he waited in the Philippines. Watch how leading U.S. immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel helped Albert – on an encore episode of CITIZEN PINOY – this Sunday at 6:15 pm (PST) on TFC. (Advertising Supplement)

Hollywood is calling on blind...

PAGE B1 believe he’s suddenly in demand to guest on TV shows.

Over the weekend, he was on “All-Out Sunday” and the following day, he was singing on “Unang Hirit” again.

“I’m so happy,” he exclaimed when Showbuzz talk to him after his UH. “I’m so thankful for this second chance again to have a singing career. Of course, I would like to thank GMA for giving me opportunity to prove that despite my condition, I can still showcase my talent.”

Carl credits his stint with “The Clash Season 2” for his training in singing. “I was at the Top 64 of The Clash. As potential Clashers, we were given workshops on how to sing properly, how to take care of our voice and I learned a lot of useful things then, like ‘yung proper vocalization na ginagawa ko na palagi. I hardly knew any of that before.

At 21, Carl, more than ever, is determined to pursue his dream of becoming a professional singer and it looks like he’s at the crossroads of doing so. TV shows in the US have also been knocking on his door.

In a phone interview in GMA News, Carl confirmed that he has been invited by the staff of award-winning American TV host Ellen DeGeneres.

“Ang tumawag sa ‘kin personally is the staff of Ellen.

Tinawagan nila ako probably mga February 8 pa,” recalled Carl.

“No’ng simula pa lang magviral, may mga PM [private message] na sila sa akin. Actually, no’ng una, hindi nga ako naniniwala baka kasi ano, e, manloloko, alam mo naman dito sa Philippines, maraming gano’n. We already checked the profile naman,” he continued.

Carl cannot believe that he will be noticed by Ellen’s show.

It will be remembered that several Filipino artists were also featured also because of viral videos including a Jake Zyrus then Charice Pempengco, Marcelito Pomoy, Rhap Salazar, Aldrich Lloyd Talonding, Zendee Rose Tenerefe, Balang, and Arnel Pineda.

He mentioned, “Sa totoo lang no’ng kausap ko yung staff ni Ellen DeGeneres, do’n nila na-confirm na okay kasi may iba pa kong kinanta bukod sa viral video na yun. So, pinag-

sample pa nila ko, kinuhanan nila ‘ko ng video, papakita raw sa boss nila.”

“And then, nagustuhan daw ni Ellen, so mararamdaman ko do’n masaya ako kasi of all the people here in the Philippines, hindi gano’n kadali makapasok sa industry na ganyan, lalo na at international. Siguro nilulook forward ko since andito na ko sa platform na ‘to, matuloy yung music career ko kasi ang daming ko nang malalaking shows na nasalihan pero hindi natutuloy,” he continued.

“Pero sa bagong pintong bumukas, ito na yun. Sana magtuluy-tuloy na siya hindi lang dito, kundi sa ibang lugar.”

In the future, Carl hopes to have an album while still perform in his home country.

“Yung international career, masarap pangarapin pero gusto ko pa rin ‘yung singing career sa bansa natin. I want to have my own album. I want to sing in shows. I want to inspire people specially those who have physical challenges. Like me, I may have been born blind but God gave me this talent so I will not let blindness hinder my dreams.

I will go on striving until I reach my goal.”

B4 FEBRUARY 22-25, 2020 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Letting go of antique hurts the marriage encounters we’ve listened to.

So, we basically reintroduced ourselves, shook hands and began

by MYLAH again.

But the only hits in starting DE LEON over within the relationship was this: what do we do with the junk, heap of mistakes we’ve made over the years, with all the grudges LETTING the tides of forgive- that accumulated? How tempting ness wash away old pains during it is to just walk away from it all the first year of married life was and fall into the arms of someone the most reliable approach in all new. Who has no idea I look like

MOONLIGHTING

an underground animal in the mornings…But eventually, I know I’d discover a “new and improved husband” who would have a few obnoxious surprises for met too.

I don’t know what form it would take but from my knowledge of humans, it was going to be “something” and the junk would eventually phase out and sweep out like periodically sweeping the old junk off the porch slowly and starting anew — a great definition of forgiveness.

But that is easier said than done because there were some things I had done and said that cut so deep, that was so unfair and hurtful, at the time, he would never get over it then.

Spiritual guidance helped me understand that holding a grudge hurts no one but myself.

Letting go of anger and applying forgiveness is rarely accomplished overnight. Forgiveness, for me, was a gradual process.

The debris of antique hurt describes some of the feeling ones experience during the letting go process.

It is like dipping back into the sea for the metaphor that paints the portrait of love’s inner workings.

For ages, poets and writers refer to the ocean, to describe the magical strong, unpredictable, cleansing, soothing healing qualities of love.

Letting go is letting go without grasping old grievances again of what we’ve said, and eventually did.

As my husband and I rode out the new tides of love to hold a marriage together. It felt and began to view, through more understanding eyes of compassion that my close friends’ marriages had floundered.

A hot blush at blunder is the birth pain of perception...the hate, the galling realization, the unlived pride, bring sharp pain, even as it teaches us the drama and hope of life’s chaos, as nothing else can.

In forgiving, you melt and become tender, the imagination stretches into its widest, every wince of Self-knowledge is accepted. With ease and restoration, they stir your humility.

These are your most enabling moments. It is at this time we outgrow ourselves as you enter your right world. *** E-mail Mylah at moonlightingmdl@aol. com.

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

Angelica Panganiban: The reasons she is the ‘Hugot Queen’ of showbiz

BY MONET

LU

“Ayoko ng meron akong pinagbibigyan ng kalahati ng sarili ko (I don’t want to keep giving half of myself to another)” “Sa umpisa lang yan mainit, tignan mo sa katagalan magkakalamigan din kayo. Parang kami (It’s just warm in the beginning. You’ll later see, it’s going to get ‘cold’ eventually.

Just like what happened to me and him)” These are just a few of the on-point, deeply-rooted loaded remarks aka “hugot” lines that Angelica Panganiban has said on her comedy sitcom and her Instagram accounts. Fans and followers are entertained by the actress’ wit and no-holdsbarred-reactions (not too mention, very relatable) that they called her the “Hugot Queen.”

Being in the industry for more than 20 years and having won awards, I believe Angelica has proven her worth in show business. It is probably the reason she can get away with her straightforwardness and candid replies without people making a big deal out of it. In fact, it works to her advantage, especially that women who were betrayed, brokenhearted or in pain can relate to her. She is, to them, the heroine of the “sawi.” Not to exaggerate but Angge (Angelica’s nickname) did go through a serious amount of heartbreaks in her past relationships.

Angelica’s relationships weren’t just the typical “puppy love” or some “flavor of the month” that comes and goes.

She was in relationships that lasted long and seemed serious at the time. I have to say that she really earned the right to that title based on the pain she endured being in relationships that could have ended up in the altar.

The first one on record was with Carlo Aquino who was An-

Angelica Panganiban

gelica’s best friend-turned-boy friend of six years. It was even noted during one of Carlo’s recent interviews that if they’d been a few years older then, Angelica could have been “the one” for him. They separated and remained friends over the years.

The next relationship, also a long-term one, was with Derek Ramsey. They even had a movie together. It was around 2006 when they met and officially became a couple the following year. They stayed together for six years. In an interview in the April 2013 issue of entertainment magazine Star Studio, Angelica revealed how Derek broke up with her in the midst of an argument they had on the phone. In the years leading up to their separation, the former celebrity couple had to grapple with several problems that later proved difficult to handle. The following day, Angelica moved her things out of the house she had shared with Derek for five years.

Then came John Lloyd Cruz who has reportedly fathered the rumored child of sexy actress Ellen Adarna after the highly controversial and publicized bitter separation from Angelica.

The ex-couple dated for four years before calling it quits May 2016. When Angelica publicly opened up about her split up

with John Lloyd she couldn’t hold back her tears when she was interviewed by Vice Ganda in an episode of “Gandang Gabi Vice.” Angelica admitted that she was struggling in moving on from her relationship with John Lloyd. She revealed that cried a lot due to heartaches.

Some people may view Angelica’s remarks as bitterness or an inability to move on. But for me, it’s her way of coping.

It’s her way of trying to reassure herself that she is still standing and the pain is just temporary.

I’ve seen a lot of celebrity relationships fail but it’s not the same when it happens to a believer of long-term relationships. Angelica is obviously a believer in staying faithful. I’m sure she hoped that one of her past relationships could have been for keeps.

Angelica deserves to be with the person who stands for the same ideals as she does. One who would fight for her, support her, love her unconditionally, laugh and cry and even exchange ‘hugot’ lines with her when they recall their past relationships. And if there’s one thing that Angelica has, aside from her witty and loaded lines, it is her strength. Not everybody can go through a whole deal of pain and still pick herself up (and pick up some relatable lines in the process). She may be the hugot queen we’ve come to know, but for the right reasons. She loved, really loved.

Then she lost. But in her loss, we saw her strength and her ability to turn the pain into a legitimate entertainment that many can relate to.

To Angelica, I am looking forward to the day when “the one” for you will find you and turn you from a Hugot Queen to his Only Queen. *** Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, awardwinning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada.

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

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

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • FEBRUARY 22-25, 2020

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B FEBRUARY 22-25, 2020 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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

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

COMMUNITY Journal

Attorney John C. Ye supports victims of the Taal Volcano eruption through ABS-CBN Foundation International THE Law Offices of John C. Ye, a Los Angelesbased professional law corporation, announced plans to match cash donations for the month of February for the families affected by the Taal volcano eruption.

Until now, the unprecedented damage of the Taal volcano eruption has affected hundreds of thousands of Filipino families who were dislocated and rendered homeless.

The Taal Volcano started spewing ash on January 12, prompting the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) to raise its alert status to Level 2 due to a “steam-driven” or phreatic eruption that happens when water beneath the ground or on the surface gets in contact with hot magma.

Alert Level 4 was raised hours later after ash and rock fragments column reached up to 10 to 15 kilometers due to continuous eruption. The resulting ashfall affected not only the province of Batangas, but also Calabarzon and Metro Manila.

More than 160,000 individuals were forced to stay in evacuation centers stationed in Batangas, Cavite and Quezon Province.

The Law Offices of John C. Ye recognize the urgent need to help these families in need and urge the public to show their support, as well. For anyone who wants to help, simply call the Law Offices of John C. Ye at 877-278-6890 and make donations to ABS-CBN Foundation International.

The Law Offices of John C. Ye will match donations up to $5,000. This will be effective for all donations received until February 29, 2020.

The ABS-CBN Foundation International is a non-profit, non-governmental organization dedicated to improving the lives of disadvantaged Filipino families in the Philippines and around the world. AFI strives to become a major social change partner for the Philippines through multi-

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • FEBRUARY 22-25, 2020

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Atty. John C. Ye

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sectoral projects and partnerships in areas essential for building a brighter future.

For nearly 30 years, the Law Offices of John C.Ye have helped injured Californians recover damages for all kinds of personal injuries and wrongful deaths, leading to almost 300 million claims. The Law Offices of John C. Ye, a Professional Law Corporation, can be reached at 877278-6890 for a free and confidential initial consultation with a personal injury lawyer or online at https://www.johnyelaw.com. n (Advertising Supplement)

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C FEBRUARY 22-25, 2020 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Tax & Stock Tips Victor sy,

cPA, mBA (retired)

You deposited or withdrew over $10,000 in cash: Depositing or withdrawing over $10,000 in cash attracts attention. Banks are required to notify the IRS. Depositing or withdrawing $9,950 or $5,000 twice is even worse. This creates a pattern and suspicion that you are purposely evading tax rules. The former can lead to penalties; the latter to possible criminal investigation.

You file schedule C as A sole proprietor: In my 50 years of defending taxpayers audited by the IRS, about half conducted business as sole proprietors and filed Schedule C. Their audit profiles even increased when gross receipts exceeded $100,000 and their bottom lines showed losses.

You claim home office deductions: The space that you designate

Top tax audit triggers

Part 3 of 4 as office at home must be used You claim losses from your exclusively and continuously hobby: for business activities. In other It’s cool to run a business that words, you must use your home you truly enjoy, such as photogoffice area purely for business. raphy, dance studio, martial arts, You and your family members dog-breeding, farming, and other cannot do anything else in that leisurely activities. If you convert space – no TV, no snacks, no so- that pastime into a regular busicial activity. No NBA, MLB, NFL, ness, try to make some money; or Pacquiao fights either. otherwise, you may attract an You run a cash-intensive IRS audit, especially if your new business: enterprise consistently generIRS has identified businesses ates losses. IRS may claim that that receive cash - salons, res- you have a hobby - an activity not taurants, bars, car washes. This engaged in for profit. Loss from also includes downtown produce hobby is not deductible. section where cash seems to be *** the only mode of transacting Victor Santos Sy graduated Cum Laude business. from UE with a BBA and from Indiana I remember representing a tax- State University with an MBA. Vic payer with a store in downtown worked with SyCip, Gorres, Velayo (SGV Los Angeles produce section. IRS - Andersen Consulting) and Ernst & Young wanted to visit his place of busi- before establishing Sy Accountancy ness. As part of my due diligence Corporation. ritual, I’ve made it a habit of visit*** ing the client’s place of business He retired after 50 years of defending before field inspection by IRS taxpayers audited by the IRS, EDD, BOE Revenue Agents. Guess what I and other governmental agencies. He noticed – the proprietor’s Ferrari published a book on “How to Avoid or parked just outside the produce Survive IRS Audits.” Readers may email store. Whew! tax questions to vicsy@live.com.

Tapat Sa Batas Atty. rheA sAmson kung ang kasal ay may bisa sa ilalim ng batas ng lugar kung saan naganap ang kasal. Susuriin ng USCIS ang mga batas sa lugar kung saan naganap ang kasal upang magkaroon ito ng wastong determinasyon ukol sa bisa ng kasal ng magkarehong kasarian at kasal ng magkaibang kasarian.

Susuriin ng USCIS kung ano ang mga kailangan para sa kasal at kung ang mag-asawa ay sumunod sa mga tuntunin at regulasyon ng lugar kung saan naganap ang kasal. Kung ang mga batas kung saan naganap ang kasal ay hindi kumikilala ng kasal ng magkaparehong kasarian, ang kasal ay walang bisa.

Halimbawa ang kasal ng magkaparehong kasarian ay naganap sa Pilipinas. Dahil ang batas ng Pilipinas ay hindi kumikilala sa kasal ng magkaparehong kasarian, ang kasal ay walang bisa para sa mga US immigration purpose.

Minding Your Finances Atty. rAymond BUlAon

IF you are in debt and are seriously considering bankruptcy as an option, I am sure a lot of thoughts are going through your mind. I just want to get out of debt and start a new life but how quickly can I recover from bankruptcy? What are the different types of bankruptcy available?

How do I know I am making the right decision?

These are all legitimate concerns and a competent and knowledgeable bankruptcy attorney should be able to help you determine whether bankruptcy is in fact your best course of action.

I find that most people are concerned about the effects of bankruptcy on their credit more than anything else. They are under the mistaken notion that once they file for bankruptcy, their credit is ruined forever and that they will never be able to buy a house or obtain credit again.

Of course, this is simply not true! Yes, bankruptcy is reported on your credit record for 7-10 years depending on the type of Subalit kung ang alien-beneficia- bankruptcy you are filing but a ry ay magpapakasal sa kanyang lot of people quickly bounce back kasintahang US citizen sa Califor- from bankruptcy in as little as 2-3 nia, kung saan ang kasal ng mag- years. I also find that most people karehong kasarian ay may bisa, who are in debt trouble already ang kasal ay may bisa para sa mga US immigration purpose. Ang asawang US citizen ay maaaring Barrister’s magpetisyon sa kanyang dayu- Corner hang asawa bilang immediate relative sa ilalim ng US Immigration Laws.

Sa mga kasal ng transgender Atty. Kenneth persons, tatanggapin at kikilal- UrsUA reyes anin ng USCIS ang kanilang kasal kung may bisa ang kanilang kasal AN action under the DVPA sa state o local jurisdiction kung (Domestic Violence Protection saan ito naganap.

Act) seeking a restraining order often is necessary to protect *** In the case of United States v. parties from abuse or domestic Windsor, decided by the US Su- violence perpetrated by the other preme Court in June 2013, the spouse or significant other. At Supreme Court held that Section times, it is effective in preventing 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act harm to one of the parties. At (DOMA), which states that: “the the same time, this process is word ‘marriage’ means only a le- sometimes abused by family law gal union between one man and litigants as a strategy for obtainone woman, as husband and wife, ing an advantage in a child custoand the word ‘spouse’ refers only dy case. The basis for this is the to a person of the opposite sex presumption against sole or joint who is a husband or wife” is un- custody under California family code section 3044. constitutional.

California Family Code Section Prior to the Supreme Court decision in United States v. Windsor, 3044 (a) provides “Upon a findthe USCIS did not recognize the ing by the court that a party seeku PAGE C4 ing custody of a child has perpe-

Marriage during removal proceedings SA kasong United States v.

Windsor, na lumabas noong Hunyo 2013, sinabi ng US Supreme Court na ang Section 3 ng Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), na nagsasaad na ang salitang “kasal” ay tumutukoy lamang sa legal union ng isang lalaki at isang babae, bilang mag-asawa, at ang salitang “asawa” ay tumutukoy lamang sa magkaibang kasarian na silang mag-asawa ay unconstitutional.

Bago lumabas ang Supreme Court decision sa United States v.

Windsor, hindi kinikilala ng USCIS ang mga relasyon ng parehong kasarian bilang kasal alinsunod sa Section 3 ng DOMA. Subalit dahil sa United States v. Windsor, kinikilala na ng USCIS ang kasal ng parehong kasarian. Katulad ng determinasyon ng USCIS kung ang kasal ng magkaibang kasarian ay may bisa sa ilalim ng placeof-celebration rule, ang USCIS ay magbabatay din sa place-ofcelebration rule sa pagdetermina kung may bisa ang kasal ng magkaparehong kasarian.

Ang bisa ng kasal ay alinsunod sa mga batas kung saan ginanap ang kasal. Ito ang tinatawag na “place-of-celebration rule”. Sa ilalim ng place-of-celebration rule, ang kasal ay may bisa para sa mga immigration purpose

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

Starting a new life after bankruptcy have bad credit anyway and filing bankruptcy, if anything, can only help them rebuild their credit in the long run. Yes, in most cases that I see, bankruptcy can actually improve credit by allowing the person a chance to start over after wiping out debts.

What most people don’t understand is that creditors look at several factors when evaluating a credit application and that whether or not a bankruptcy shows up on your report is only one of those factors. For example, when buying a home, banks are not as concerned about it if your bankruptcy is at least 3 years old and all other credit characteristics are appropriate (good character, stable employment, amount of down payment, etc.). And if you are buying a car after bankruptcy, this is usually not a problem although in the beginning, you will obviously pay a higher interest rate or may even need a co-signor until such time you prove creditworthiness.

Whether or not bankruptcy is the right solution for you also involves looking at your long-term financial goals. For example, while your credit may suffer for a few years, the fact that bankruptcy may be your only and quickest way to recover financially outweighs any temporary disadvantages. Have a long-term

focus and start thinking outside the box. Filing bankruptcy often means getting rid of old ways of thinking and developing a new mindset.

Filing bankruptcy may be just what you need in order to get immediate relief from creditor calls, harassment, wage garnishment and to protect your property and other assets. When appropriate for your situation bankruptcy protection can help you get out debt, rebuild your credit and give you peace of mind once again.

If you are tired of being in debt and having sleepless nights worrying about your finances all the time, your life doesn’t have to be this way and there may be something you can do right now to turn things around quickly. Let me evaluate your situation and help you explore all possibilities.

For a free consultation, call TollFree 1-866-477-7772. We have offices in Glendale, Cerritos and Valencia. *** None of the information herein is intended to give legal advice for any specific situation. Atty. Ray Bulaon has successfully helped more than 5,000 clients in getting out of debt. For a free evaluation of your situation, please call Ray Bulaon Law Offices at TOLL FREE 1-866-4777772. They have offices in Glendale, Cerritos and Valencia.

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Will a domestic violence finding affect my claim for sole or joint custody of our children? trated domestic violence against the other party seeking custody of the child or against the child or the child’s siblings within the previous five years, there is a rebuttable presumption that an award of sole or joint physical or legal custody of a child to a person who has perpetrated domestic violence is detrimental to the best interest of the child, pursuant to Section 3011. This presumption may only be rebutted by a preponderance of the evidence.

In determining whether the presumption in family code 3044(a) has been overcome, the court shall consider all of the following factors:(1) Whether the perpetrator of domestic violence has demonstrated that giving sole or joint physical or legal custody of a child to the perpetrator

is in the best interest of the child.

In determining the best interest of the child, the preference for frequent and continuing contact with both parents, as set forth in subdivision (b) of Section 3020, or with the noncustodial parent, as set forth in paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) of Section 3040, may not be used to rebut the presumption, in whole or in part.(2) Whether the perpetrator has successfully completed a batterer’s treatment program that meets the criteria outlined in subdivision (c) of Section 1203.097 of the Penal Code. (3) Whether the perpetrator has successfully completed a program of alcohol or drug abuse counseling if the court determines that counseling is appropriate. (4) Whether the perpetrator has successfully

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • FEBRUARY 22-25, 2020

Bag checks at work should be paid as hours worked, says CA Supreme Court AMANDA Frlekin and others worked for Apple Inc. as retail store employees in its retail stores in California. Apple requires them to undergo exit searches pursuant to its “Employee Package and Bag Searches” policy, which imposes mandatory searches of employees’ bags, packages, purses, backpacks, briefcases, and personal Apple technology devices. Failure to comply with this policy may lead to disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

Apple employees bring a bag to work for many reasons. Some employees bring bags to carry Apple-provided apparel, which employees must wear while working but are required to remove or cover up while outside the store. Others bring bags containing their cell phones, food, keys, wallets, or eyeglasses.

Managers estimated that 30 percent of Apple employees bring such bags to work. However, employees estimated that “nearly all” do.

Apple employees are required to clock out before submitting to an exit search. Employee estimates of the time spent awaiting and undergoing an exit search range from five to 20 minutes, depending on manager or security guard availability. On the busiest days, Apple employees have reported waiting up to 45 minutes to undergo an exit search. As a rule, they are not compensated for this time.

The employees sued Apple in a class action alleging that Apple failed to pay its employees minimum and overtime wages for time spent undergoing Apple’s

Family Law Atty.

EthElEnE F. SAlAS MANY parents believe that if you are a working parent, then the other non-working parent will get physical custody of the minor children automatically. This is a misperception of the law and simplifies the law too much that it trivializes it. There are many more issues that a court must look at in determining which parent will get custody of the minor child/children.

The Family Code, the law of the State of California, is full of issues that the court must consider if properly brought up by a parent in a hearing or trial. In addition, there are many case law that gives guidance and examples what the court could and could not do in a particular circumstance.

For example, in a situation where there is a single working mother and the father remarried---- A single mother might have to entrust her child to day care or

Debt Relief

Atty. LAwrenCe yAng EVEN though the economy and stock markets are positive, the coronavirus problem has dampened business outlook worldwide.

Given this environment, not all businesses here are able to survive.

For instance, even if phase 1 of the trade deal with China has been signed, many businesses that cater to the Chinese trade business cannot continue operating because they’ve been operating at a loss for some time and are no longer liquid enough to pay their debts. Small businesses like Asian restaurants are suffering large reductions in sales. Some have lost 50% of sales just because of the perceived virus problem. I don’t want to get further into it, except to say that many small businesses are now suffering. They can’t repay debt.

Now comes a client who owns several businesses. Some of his businesses are losing money, while one remains profitable. The ones losing money cannot continue operating due to the lack of funds. They cannot pay their debts as they come due. The ones losing money can’t pay their debts so they need bankruptcy relief. The problem that comes to mind is: How does the owner of the businesses as an individual, get affected by the bankruptcy of the unprofitable businesses?

You need to see if the owner has made himself liable in his personal capacity. For instance, if one business rents a warehouse that the owner personally guaranteed the lease of, then there’s a problem.

If the business can’t pay the warehouse lease, then the landlord will go against the owner as a guarantor. This can become a big problem. Why? If there are three more years of the lease and the monthly

Protecting Employee & Consumer Rights Atty. C. Joe SAyAS, Jr. exit searches in violation of California law. The case reached the California Supreme Court, which had to answer this question: Is time spent on the employer’s premises undergoing required exit searches of items voluntarily brought to work by the employees compensable as “hours worked”?

The Supreme Court ruled that, yes, time spent on the employer’s premises undergoing security or bag checks should be paid as “hours worked.” “Hours worked” means the time during which an employee is subject to the control of an employer, and includes all the time the employee is suffered or permitted to work, whether or not required to do so.

The Court noted that the level of the employer’s control over its employees, rather than the mere fact that the employer requires the employees’ activity, determines whether an activity is compensable as “hours worked.” If an activity is required by the employer, this may also prove that an employee is subject to the employer’s control. However, the mandatory nature of an activity is not the only factor to consider. Additional relevant factors — such as the location of the activity, the degree of the employer’s control, whether the activity primarily benefits the employee or employer, and whether

the activity is enforced through disciplinary measures — may also be used to evaluate whether an employer-controlled activity is compensable.

In applying these factors, the Court found that the employees were subject to Apple’s control during the exit searches. The Court noted that Apple’s exit searches are required business reasons, occur at the workplace, involve a significant degree of control, are imposed primarily for Apple’s benefit, and are enforced through threat of discipline. Thus, according to the “hours worked” control clause, employees “must be paid.”

The court stated that Apple may tailor its bag-search policy to minimize the time required for exit searches by hiring sufficient security personnel or employing adequate security technology. But it still must compensate those employees for the time spent waiting for and undergoing these searches. *** The Law Offices of C. Joe Sayas, Jr. welcomes inquiries about this topic.

All inquiries are confidential and at no-cost. You can contact the office at (818) 291-0088 or visit HYPERLINK “http://www.joesayaslaw.com” www. joesayaslaw.com. [C. Joe Sayas, Jr., Esq. is an experienced trial attorney who has successfully recovered wages and other monetary damages for thousands of employees and consumers. He was named Top Labor & Employment Attorney in California by the Daily Journal, consistently selected as Super Lawyer by the Los Angeles Magazine, and is a Presidential Awardee for Outstanding Filipino Overseas in 2018.]

(Advertising Supplement)

C

AC 21: Changing the employer of your employment-based green card application DEAR Attorney Tan, I have an approved I-140 immigrant petition which was filed by Company A on my behalf. Company A would like to employ me as a bookkeeper.

Based on that approved I-140 petition, I filed an application for green card (I-485 adjustment of status) in August 2014.

Since that time, my green card application has been pending, as USCIS has requested additional documents in support of my application. Recently, another company, Company B, has expressed interest in hiring me for a payroll clerk position.

Company B is a more established company based in the Midwest and pays $10,000.00 less but offers much better benefits. Is there a way I can substitute Company B as the employer in my green card application? --P.T. Dear P.T. Under INA Section 204(j), commonly referred to as AC 21, an approved I-140 employment-based immigrant petition filed by one employer can be used by or “ported” to another employer providing certain requirements are met. First, a green card (I-485 adjustment of status) application must have been filed and must be pending for at least 180 days. Second, the “new” job offered by the second employer must be in the same or similar occupational classification as the job for which the first employer filed the I-140 petition.

In your situation, you meet

The existence of a big disparity in wages offered by each employer is not by itself a reason to conclude that the jobs are not similar. In your case, the fact that Company B is offering $10,000 less than Company A has to take into account Atty. DArriCk tAn the fact that the Midwest has a lower cost of living, as well as the first requirement in that the fact that better benefits are your application for green card being offered by Company B. (I-485) was filed in August 2014.

If it is considered a “similar Your application has been pend- occupational classification,” ing for over 1 year, which is Company B may be substitutmore than the required 180 days ed in as the employer in your under AC 21. pending green card applicaIn depth analysis in your case tion, and Company B will not is needed as to whether Company have to start the process from B’s job of “payroll clerk” is con- the beginning by filing a labor sidered a “similar occupational certification application and by classification” to Company A’s obtaining an approved I-140 job of “bookkeeper,” for which petition.

Company A petitioned you. In The analysis of whether determining whether one job is you can use or “port” your similar enough to another job approved I-140 requires addifor AC 21 purposes, the USCIS tional analysis, and consulting takes into account the totality with an experienced attorney of the circumstances, including is recommended. the job duties of both positions, *** the Standard Occupational Code (SOC) from the approved I-140 Darrick V. Tan, Esq. is admitted to pracand the SOC code for the job tice law in California and Nevada. Mr. offered by the new prospective Tan is a graduate of UCLA and Southemployer, as well as the offered western University School of Law. He wages for each position. is a member of the American ImmigraIn your case, analysis would tion Lawyers Association (AILA), the begin with the job duties of each Consumers Attorney Association of position. The more similarity in Los Angeles (CAALA), and is a former job duties between bookkeeper member of the Board of Governors of and payroll clerk, the greater the Philippine American Bar Associathe likelihood that USCIS would tion (PABA). LAW OFFICES OF DARRICK consider them similar. Also, the V. TAN, 3580 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite SOC code for the 2 jobs would 900, Los Angeles, CA 90010. Tel: 323be taken into account. In addi- 639-0277. Email: info@dtanlaw.com tion, the wages offered by each (Advertising Supplement) employer would be considered.

Legal Advice

Child custody for working parents Will a domestic violence finding... baby-sitters in order to facilitate her employment obligations. But this fact alone cannot be used as a basis for denying the mother custody on an assumption she will necessarily provide inferior care to that of the other parent who also works but can (because of remarriage) leave the child at home with a stepparent.

Moreover, a denial of custody to the single working parent is improper simply on a showing the other parent has the financial means to hire live-in help as an alternative to out-of-home day care.

In conclusion, the court recognizes that parents must work in order to survive. However, this fact must not be used against a parent.

It is very important that when you have a custody hearing or a custody litigation, you must prepare yourself by providing the court case law as to what it can or what it cannot do in your particular circumstances. This is the lawyering part. A lawyer will be able to distinguish your case and present to the court what could persuade the court to do. It is arguing your case in front of a judge and persuading your case to a judge to go

your way.

I have had many clients that come to me because parents cannot handle the unreasonableness of the other parent. A part of the lawyers job is to make sure that a parent understand what the law is and what you can and what you cannot do when it comes to the custody of children. In understanding this, we can fashion facts that will persuade the court to go your way. *** Ethelene F. Salas, Esq. is a practicing family law attorney. Ms. Salas is a PilipinoAmerican born in the Philippines, raised in the United States, and speaks Tagalog fluently. She completed all her studies in the United States including a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics in 1989 from University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and a Juris Doctorate in 1992 from the University of California, Los Angeles, (UCLA) School of Law. The Law Offices of Ethelene F. Salas is located at—the main office at 100 N. Barranca St., Suite 700, West Covina, CA 91791. We also have branch locations in Torrance/Gardena, Cerritos, Riverside, Orange, and Ontario.

To schedule an appointment with her, please call (626) 858-4646 or email us at efsalas-law@att.net (Advertising Supplement)

Owner of several businesses needs bankruptcy relief lease is $20,000, then the personal liability of the owner as a guarantor of the lease is $720,000. This is a large amount of debt. Thus, if this were to happen, then the owner himself has to look at the possibility of his own personal bankruptcy.

So the idea is if you are a business owner, as much as possible, do not guarantee the debt of the business.

Let the business stand by itself. Of course, in reality, this is not easily done. Most creditors require owners to put some skin in the game.

This defeats the purpose of setting a corporation for the business because the personal guarantee makes the corporate veil useless.

When the owner files for personal bankruptcy, you have to be able to exempt the value of the profitable business, which operates as a corporation. It is the market value of the ownership that is scrutinized. Of course, in private companies, it’s not easy to determine the value of the business.

If there are no buyers, then the private business is almost zero in value. This is a tricky question. A public company can be easily valued because the shares are publicly traded. If you own 10 shares of Tesla right now, you can sell that for $700 more or less in the open market, so the market value is $7,000. But if you own all the shares of private company A that with gross receipts of $1 million a year and just barely breaks even, what is the value of that?

Seniors need bankruptcy relief for credit cards The second client is 62 and owes $40,000 of credit cards. He still works in the post office and makes a gross of $70,000. He is married and the wife grosses about $30,000. She’s about five years younger. They gross $100,000 together but net about $70,000, which is about $5,800 a month.

They have two teenage sons. They

rent a house for $2,100, and have a car payment of $500. It’s getting really tight because $40,000 of credit cards require $1,300 a month of minimum payments to keep them current. Almost 25% of their net household income goes to credit card payments every month.

This demand on their income is becoming a big strain on the household since their sons are going to college soon. With college, they will have new and more expenses. So you see the problem.

They need to get rid of the $40,000 cards now. Either pay them off, which they can’t. Or, wipe them out or cut them down substantially. Chapter 7 will wipe them out.

Chapter 13 will provide them with a reorganization plan that provides for a manageable monthly payment, a partial payment of the $40,000.

And, whatever you decide to do, do not liquidate your 401K to pay the $40,000 because 401Ks up to $1 million are exempt in bankruptcy. Keep the $1 million for your retirement, that’s what it’s for. That’s why the law exempts 401K and other ERISA qualified retirement accounts up to $1 million. Actually, a little more than $1 million now. In other words, you can wipe out the $40,000 credit cards, while keeping your 401K, or without touching your 401K. If you need debt relief, please set an appointment. I will analyze your case personally. *** Lawrence Bautista Yang specializes in Bankruptcy, Business, Real Estate and Civil Litigation and has successfully represented more than five thousand clients in California. Please call Angie, Barbara or Jess at (626) 284-1142 for an appointment at 20274 Carrey Road, Walnut, CA 91789 or 1000 S. Fremont Ave., Mailstop 58, Building A-10 South, Suite 10042, Alhambra, CA 91803.

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PAGE C2 t completed a parenting class if the court determines the class to be appropriate. (5) Whether the perpetrator is on probation or parole, and whether he or she has complied with the terms and conditions of probation or parole. (6) Whether the perpetrator is restrained by a protective order or restraining order, and whether he or she has complied with its terms and conditions.

(7) Whether the perpetrator of domestic violence has committed any further acts of domestic violence.

A person has “perpetrated domestic violence” when he or she is found by the court to have intentionally or recklessly caused or attempted to cause bodily injury, or sexual assault, or to have placed a person in reasonable apprehension of imminent serious bodily injury to that person or to another, or to have engaged in any behavior involving, but not limited to, threatening, striking, harassing, destroying personal property or disturbing the peace of another, for which a court may issue an ex parte or-

der pursuant to Section 6320 to protect the other party seeking custody of the child or to protect the child and the child’s siblings.The requirement of a finding by the court shall be satisfied by, among other things, and not limited to, evidence that a party seeking custody has been convicted within the previous five years, after a trial or a plea of guilty or no contest, of any crime against the other party that comes within the definition of domestic violence contained in Section 6211

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C4 FEBRUARY 22-25, 2020 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Calendar of Events across

America

ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS! PRE-EVENT AND POST EVENT GO DEEPER. GO WIDER. LET THE WORLD KNOW. CALL ASIAN JOURNAL: (818) 502-0651 DISPLAY AD SIZES AT SPECIAL RATES FOR NON-PROFIT GROUPS F E B R UA RY 23

SIPA and #Hashtag Lunchbag host food drive in Historic Filipinotown Search to Involve Pilipino Americans (SIPA) and #Hashtag Lunchbag are joining forces to create positive changes in Historic Filipinotown. On Sundays, February 23, May 17, September 13, November 22, and December 27, SIPA will be hosting a Food Drive with #HashtagLunchbag to create letters of encouragement, decorate lunch bags, and assemble sandwiches for those in need in Historic Filipinotown and Greater LA. When finished, we will be giving out lunch bags to homeless youth, women, and families. The event will be happening from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at 3200 W Temple Street, LA, CA 90026. Parking is available on Dillon/Temple and Robinson/Temple.

Donations of $10+ are not required, but are highly suggested so that we can continue to have community service events like these. You can donate in person, through our Venmo: @SIPA-LA, and our Square Store: squareup.com/store/sipacares. If you have any questions or concerns, contact Maria Carmel Valendez at maria@sipacares.org or (213) 382-1819 ext. 107.

F E B R UA RY 29

23rd annual Susan G. Komen ‘More than Pink Walk’ in Los Angeles Susan G. Komen Los Angeles County will hold its 23rd annual event at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, February 29, the ‘MORE THAN PINK Walk™.’ Known for raising significant monies to help those with breast health issues in Los Angeles County, the affiliate does so with many activities, the Expo, Hope Village, for survivors and those living with breast cancer, Reflection Tent, and Team Zone in addition to the fun MORE THAN PINK Walk™ itself. There’s something everyone will enjoy. Sponsored by AutoNation, Spiritual Gangster, The Citadel and CBS-2/KCAL-9, 2020’s event is expected to significantly surpass 2019’s attendance of 6,000, nearly 400 survivors in attendance, and over 900 members on the largest corporate team.Through events like the Los Angeles County MORE THAN PINK Walk™, Komen Los Angeles County invests 75% of the funds raised to support vital local breast health services and dedicates the remaining 25% to national research to find the cures. Registration opens at 7:30 a.m., with opening ceremonies at 8:30 a.m. To participate, call 310.575.3011 or visit komenlacounty.org/walk.

Free oil filter & motor oil recycling event in South LA ATTENTION ALL FLORENCE-FIRESTONE RESIDENTS: Free Oil Filter & Motor Oil Recycling Event on Saturday, February 29! It will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at AutoZone (5858 S. Central Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90001). Everyone is invited to bring in their used motor oil and used oil filters. All those who recycle their used oil filter will receive one FREE new Oil Filter.

Recycling motor oil and filters helps save our environment and keeps our water clean. So don’t miss out – it’ll be easier for you to keep your car running smoothly and efficiently.

Technology 101 Workshop in Los Angeles Please join the Pilipino Workers Center and UCLA Interns for the highly anticipated Technology 101 Workshop on Saturday, February 29. The instructors will on improving participants’ skills and knowledge of cellular phones and personal computers. Food will be provided! It will be held at Pilipino Workers Center at 153 Glendale Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90026 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Please bring your laptops and phones if possible. To RSVP, please call (213) 2504353.

Sangkap: A Filipino Food History Experience in Los Angeles “SANGKAP” (means “ingredient” in the Tagalog language), is a project of the City of Los Angeles’ El Pueblo Historical Monument that explores Filipino American history through a culinary experience. The first event of its kind in Los Angeles, Sangkap Filipino Food History presents and celebrates the confluence of Spanish, Mexican, Chinese, and other historic and cultural influences in a gastronomic experience of Filipino ingenuity. This event takes place at El Pueblo Historical Monument on February 29, 2020, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This event features renowned chefs and restaurants in Los Angeles including: Discovery Channel’s “Prison Food” host - Chef Johneric Concordia, DTLA’s rising star - Chef Isa Fabro, Gregory Berber of La Luz de Dia - a landmark restaurant that just celebrated 60 years on Olvera Street, and one of America’s Outstanding Chefs - multi-awardee Chef Andre Guerrero. There will also be a food history presentation by Professor Susie Ling, a historian from Pasadena City College, followed by a panel discussion. This event also features live cultural performances, public art displays, and other family-friendly activities. Sangkap Filipino Food History is sponsored by ABS-CBN / The Filipino Channel and El Pueblo Park Association. This is in partnership with The Parks Finest, Thunderbolt Bar, The Oinkster, La Luz Del Dia, and IsaMADE, with support from the Arts Management Program at Claremont Graduate University, and UCLA Asian American Studies Department. VIP reception starts at 11:00 until 12:30 p.m., and the event opens to the general public from 12:30 - 5 p.m. For tasting tickets and more event info: https://tinyurl.com/sangkap2020.

MARCH 7

‘The Filipino Instant Pot Cookbook’ family cooking demo and book signing in Long Beach, CA Flipp Family and Romeo Chocolates Present “The Filipino Instant Pot Cookbook” demo and book signing on Saturday, March 7 from 1-4 p.m. This is a two-part event: 1-2 p.m. (Paid ticket required): Cooking demo will be an interactive experience where everyone, including the kids will be able to learn one of the recipes from the cookbook. Romeo, owner of Romeo Chocolates, will also do a special champorado recipe that can easily be made in the Instant Pot as well! This portion requires a paid ticket. Kids are free with adult ticket purchase. 2-4 p.m. is free, but RSVP ticket required: After the cooking demo, you will be able to purchase the cookbook or bring your copy to get signed. Hangout with the authors in an intimate casual setting. “The Filipino Instant Pot Cookbook” features over 75 traditional Filipino recipes, including desserts adapted for the Instant Pot. It is the brainchild of six Filipino American home cooks “who set out to explore their Filipino heritage and intimate family histories, one dish at a time.” The Filipino Instant Pot Cookbook has been so well received that it is now a bestseller on Amazon. Flipp Family is building community by cultivating the Filipino culture through various events that are highlighted through food, music, dance etc. Flipp Family is about bringing families together and learn more about their culture as a whole family. The event will be held at Romeo Chocolates at 460 Pine Ave, Long Beach, CA 90802.

MARCH 10

Glenn Miller Orchestra to perform in Stevenson Ranch, CA The World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra will swing into the Santa Clarita Valley for a special one-night-only event to be held at West Ranch High School on Tuesday, March 10 at 7 p.m. The most sought-after big band in the world will take the stage with Bandleader Nick Hilscher at the helm, performing beloved hits from their extensive library which includes In the Mood, Moonlight Serenade and Pennsylvania 6-5000. Hosted by West Ranch High School’s music program, the concert will be an event for all ages and offers the chance to experience history, enjoy the magical melodies and walk away knowing you’re supporting a new generation of talented musicians in the process. The most popular and sought after big band in the world today for both concert and swing dance engagements. With its unique jazz sound, the Glenn Miller Orchestra is considered to be one of the greatest bands of all time. The present Glenn Miller Orchestra was formed in 1956 and has been touring consistently since, playing an average of 300 live dates a year all around the world. The performance will be held at West Ranch High School Theater (26255 Valencia Blvd. Stevenson Ranch, CA 91381). Ticket prices are $25 – Seniors/Students/Military; $30 – General; or $40 – Premium Seating. Prices increase by $5 at the door the day of the event. Tickets available online at westranchmusic.com or by calling (661) 222-1220 ext. 645.

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

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On radical Christianity

The Prophetic Voice

“ What Jesus asks us to do is to try every means to achieve peace and not to resort to violence.”

REVEREND RODEL G. BALAGTAS IN the Gospel this Sunday (Matthew 5:38-48), Jesus gives us a strong mandate. It asks us to approach a conflict in a nonviolent manner, not to give in to any retaliation and hatred.

He told his disciples, “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil.

When someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other one as well.”

This mandate is debatable, especially in times of war or in instances when we have to defend ourselves. Of course, we can’t allow someone to hurt us or kill us without protecting ourselves and other people.

What Jesus asks us to do is to try every means to achieve peace

and not to resort to violence. Jesus’ way of life is all about love, mercy, compassion, forgiveness, and self-sacrifice.

Jesus urges us to a life of radical generosity—to hand over our other cloak as well to someone who demands our tunic, to go the extra mile in helping someone in need, and to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us.

It’s an overwhelming mandate, but it’s what Jesus’ Kingdom stands for. We can either accept it or not. Our choice!

Living Jesus’ commandments makes us distinct from others who live under the law of retaliation and selfishness.

Isn’t this our ideal goal as individuals, families, and a community of faith? Every decision, choice, and step we make to build a healthy relationship should be

based on Jesus’ commandments of love and mercy, which make us stand out among others.

As Jesus said, “For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have? Do not tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brothers only, what is unusual about that? Do not the pagans do the same?”

Let’s strive to live these mandates of Jesus. Let’s work together despite our differences.

Let’s embrace one another as brothers and sisters, removing from our minds and hearts any biases, prejudices, and hatred.

Let’s sow peace and unity in our communities and society!

Blessings to all! *** Fr. Rodel “Odey” Balagtas is the pastor of Incarnation Church in Glendale, California.

People and Events

Ang Artisanang Filipino: Culinary tales and Cordillera exhibit SAN PEDRO, CA - Ang Artisanang Filipino: Culinary Tales & Cordillera Exhibit will be presented by Philippine Expressions Book Shop and Pinta*Dos Gallery in collaboration with FilAm ARTS at an afternoon gathering on Saturday, February 29.

From 3 p.m. to 6 p.m, this is a free event at 479 W Sixth St, Suites 105-108, Historic Arts District, San Pedro, CA 90731. The afternoon’s program consists of two segments.

The first part is an ongoing exhibit called Memories of the Cordilleras, which had a soft opening on February 6 during the First Thursday Art Walk in San Pedro. The exhibit features the personal collection of Linda Nietes and her husband Robert Little. Presented in a salon-style are handwoven textiles such as loincloths, blankets, wraparound skirts/upper garments and other personal accessories, various baskets and backpacks, wooden artifacts, such as rice gods (bulul), hand-carved walking sticks, ceremonial vessels, food bowls, spoons, wooden pillows, and other kitchen and utilitarian items.

The people of the Northern Luzon Cordilleras are great artisans and have strong ties to their heritage. It is seldom that you will see a wide array of artifacts from this area and this exhibit is worth viewing. It ends on March 15.

The second part of the program consists of book talks by authors Jorell & Tisha Domingo and Mar-

garet Magat. The Filipino Instant Pot Cookbook by Jorell & Tisha Domingo was created out of alignment in values: cultural pride and a deep interest in good food which were aroused by spending quality time with their loved ones, observ-

ing cooking methods, researching and sharing recipes. The book adds to the rising, international Filipino Food Movement. The Filipino Instant Pot movement was founded by this husband and wife team and

u PAGE C5

Marriage during removal proceedings PAGE C2t

relationships between two persons of the same sex as marriages or intended marriages in accordance with Section 3 of DOMA. In accordance with the Supreme Court decision, the USCIS recognizes same sex marriage and determines the validity of same-sex marriage by place-of-celebration rules, just as USCIS applies this rule to determine the validity of an opposite-sex marriage.

Generally, the validity of the marriage is determined by the law of the place where the marriage was celebrated. This is called the “place-of-celebration rule”. Under this rule, a marriage is valid for immigration purposes if the marriage is valid under the law of the jurisdiction in which it is performed. Since the placeof-celebration rule governs same-sex marriage in exactly the same way it governs opposite-sex marriage, USCIS will review the laws of the jurisdiction

in which the marriage took place to determine the requisites of marriage and if the parties complied with these requisites. If the laws of the jurisdiction in which same-sex marriage took place does not recognize same-sex marriage, then such marriage is not valid.

For example, if the same-sex marriage is celebrated in the Philippines, said marriage is not valid for US Immigration purposes as the laws of the Philippines do not recognize same-sex marriage. However, if the alienbeneficiary marries the US citizen spouse in California, where same-sex marriage is valid, then the marriage is valid for US immigration purposes. The US citizen will be able to petition the alien spouse as immediate relative under US Immigration Laws.

In cases involving transgender persons, USCIS accepts the validity of their marriage if the

state or the local jurisdiction in which the marriage took place recognizes their marriage as a valid marriage. *** ATTY. RHEA SAMSON is the principal of SAMSON LAW FIRM, P.C. She has been a member of the State Bar of California for over 15 years and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines for over 20 years. Atty.

Samson received her Legal Management degree from the Ateneo de Manila University and her Juris Doctor degree from the Ateneo Law School. She was a Professor for over 10 years, teaching Obligations and Contracts, Labor Laws and Social Legislation and Taxation Law. Atty Samson is the author of The Law on Obligations and Contracts (2016), Working with Labor Laws-Revised Edition (2014) and Working with Labor Laws (2005).

SAMSON LAW FIRM, P.C., 3580 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 1710, Los Angeles, CA 90010; Phone: (213) 381-5710; Email: info@samsonlawfirmpc.com” info@samsonlawfirmpc.com.

(Advertising Supplement)

Will a domestic violence finding...

PAGE C3t

and of abuse contained in Section 6203, including, but not limited to, a crime described in subdivision (e) of Section 243 of, or Section 261,262, 273.5, 422, or 646.9 of, the Penal Code.The requirement of a finding by the court shall also be satisfied if any court, whether that court hears or has heard the child custody proceedings or not, has made a finding pursuant to subdivision (a) based on conduct occurring within the previous five years.

In Christina L v. Chauncey B, 229 Cal. App 4th 731 (2014),the Court of appeal held that because a Domestic Violence restraining order must be based on a finding that the party being restrained committed one or more acts of domestic abuse, a finding of domestic abuse sufficient to support a DVPA restraining order necessarily triggers the rebuttable statutory presumption that an award of sole or joint physical or legal custody of a child to a person who has perpetrated domestic violence is detrimental to the best interest

of the child. ” Cal. Fam. Code §§ 3044. The presumption that an award of sole or joint physical or legal custody of a child to a person who has perpetrated domestic violence is detrimental to the best interest of the child changes the burden of persuasion, but may be overcome by a preponderance of the evidence showing that it is in the child’s best interest to grant joint or sole custody to the offending parent. In that case, the father had a history of perpetrating domestic violence against the mother. Domestic Violence restraining orders has been issued multiple times over the years including within the last 5 years. The trial court ignored both the existing restraining order, the legal effect of such a judicial finding, and failed to apply the family code 3044 presumption and instead awarded joint custody to father. The Court of appeal reversed and remanded the case back to the trial court. *** Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice.

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

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

The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, P.C. This article is not a solicitation. *** Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He is a graduate of Southwestern University Law School in Los Angeles and California State University, San Bernardino School of Business Administration. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, P.C. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010.

Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kenneth@ kenreyeslaw.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com (Advertising Supplement)

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • FEBRUARY 22-25, 2020

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Ang Artisanang Filipino: Culinary tales... Applications open for Bonta California Progress Foundation scholarship

PAGE C4 t

has over 50,000 followers around the globe. The couple offers an exciting new cookbook that was born out of six second-generation Filipino Americans (Jorell Domingo, Tisha Gonda Domingo, Jeannie E. Celestial, Art Swenson, Romeo Roque Nido, and Jaymar Cabebe).

The second author is Margaret Magat, who will talk about her interesting book, “Balut: Fertilized Eggs and the Making of Culinary Capital in the Filipino Diaspora.”

She is a folklorist and independent scholar. She holds a Ph.D. in Folklore and Ethnography from the University of Pennsylvania, and a Master’s Degree in Folklore from the University of California, Berkeley. She has published on topics such as Filipina migrant women in Italy and on Asian American expressive culture in journals such as Western Folklore, Proverbium, Paedagogica Historica, and in books including Problemas metodológicos en Antropología and Encyclopedia of Modern Asia.

She is interested in beliefs, material and intangible culture, historic preservation, postcolonialism and Filipino as well as Asian American cultural practices. Margaret is currently working on an article on the vestiges of colonialism as found in foodways and verbal lore. “Balut: Fertilized Eggs and the Making of Culinary Capital in the Filipino Diaspora” is her first book. In her book, Margaret Magat explores both the traditional and popular culture contexts of eating balut, a delicacy that elicits passionate responses. Balut are fertilized duck or chicken eggs that have developed into fully formed embryos with feathers and beaks. Hailed as an aphrodisiac in Filipino culture, balut is often seen and used as an object of revulsion in Western popular culture.

Drawing on interviews, participant observation, reality television programs, travel shows, food blogs, and balut-eating contests, Magat examines balut production and consumption, its role in drinking rituals, sex, and also the vampire-like legends behind it. Balut reveals how traditional foods are used in the performance of identity and ethnicity, inspiring a virtual online cottage industry via social media. It also looks at the impact globalization and migration are having on cultural practices and food consumption across the world. The first academic book on balut, this is essential reading for anyone in food studies, folklore studies, anthropology, and Asian

THE Bonta California Progress Foundation is calling on high school seniors, entering college students or current first-year college students to submit an application for its scholarship opportunity.

The Foundation highly encourages applicants who are low-income and/or from disadvantaged backgrounds to apply.

In 2017, Filipino American Assemblymember Rob Bonta launched the Foundation with the purpose of supporting communities, organizations, and individuals that lift up the social, economic, educational, civic, and environmental well-being of Californians and advance progressive values in California and around the world. To this end, the Foundation will provide a limited number of scholarships to students with a record of academic achievement, leadership, and service to their communities, who would benefit from additional support to realize a higher education.

Application and award overview: • Application Deadline: 11:59 PM on March 27, 2020 • Award Announcement: May

15, 2020 • Awards: $5,000, $2,500, and $1,000 scholarships (one-time) Eligibility requirements: • High school senior, or • Entering first-year college student, or • Current first-year college student • California resident; residents of 18th Assembly District will be given preference — Oakland, Alameda, and San Leandro Application components: • Completed cover sheet • One-page resume • Official transcript

• 500-word essay responding to the following theme: “Overcoming adversity, giving back, and promoting opportunity, equity, justice, and/or inclusion” • Two letters of recommendation that speak to the applicant’s character, integrity, and/or uniqueness (these may be from teachers, counselors, supervisors, coaches, and/or mentors) (Letters of recommendation must be received by email, at Bonta.

Foundation@gmail.com, no later than 11:59 PM on March 27, 2020). n

Applications open for AAPA Mentorship Program

American studies.

Authors Jorell and Tisha join Linda Nietes for a panel discussion together with Margaret Magat, to be moderated by FilAm Arts’ Giselle Tongi- Walters. RSVP is requested because seats are limited. RSVP at: https://angartisanangfilipino.eventbrite.com

The bookshop accepts orders via mail order for autographed copies of the books. Send over via email to: info@philippinebookshop.com or call (310) 514-9139 or (310) 5488148. This event is part of the continuing outreach program of the three presenting organizations. n

THE Asian American Professional Association’s (AAPA) Mentorship Program is currently accepting early applications!

The AAPA Mentorship Program provides professionals with a one-year mentorship and leadership training program. Participants attend speaker sessions, workshops, and executive forums that teach critical management skills while working one-on-one with a mentor to reach specific career goals. The program is open to professionals from diverse ethnic backgrounds who seek career advancement.

Mentees benefit from one-onone mentoring with an experienced, knowledgeable and trusted AAPA Mentor. The mentor and mentee will establish specific and achievable goal(s) and an action plan related to goal setting, career development, career changes, professional development, etc.

The official duration of the mentoring relationship is the current calendar year.

In addition, while the mentee is paired with one mentor for the

duration of the year, the mentee is also free to speak to any of the AAPA mentors at any events throughout the year.

Three workshops per year Learn key leadership and management skills to excel and advance your career! AAPA Mentors will share their knowledge and experiences on various leadership and management topics in small group settings. Workshops are held three times per year as part of the AAPA Mentorship Program.

Topics (Pick one class from each workshop) Workshop #1 – April 11, 2020 • Class #1 – Interviewing Techniques for Success • Class #2 – Assertiveness and Negotiations Workshop #2 – May 30, 2020 • Class #1 – Brand and Professional Presence • Class #2 – Decision Making and Risk Taking Workshop #3 – September 12, 2020 • Class #1 – Leadership Styles Matter

• Class #2 – Corporate Rules of Success • Class #3 – Delegation and Empowerment As a mentee, you have the opportunity to meet and connect with mentors, speakers, donors, corporate leaders, community leaders, alumni and peers. The AAPA network continues to expand each year.

Also enjoy an end-of-year graduation gala and banquet. Mentees who have completed their track requirements are eligible to graduate and will receive a completion certificate.

For employers, the program will help elevate your employee’s leadership skills that are critical to career growth and success. Learn how to improve employee productivity and retention, strengthen the leadership pipeline with diverse leaders, and deepen employee connections with like-minded professionals and executives.

The program will begin in March 2020! Register now and get more information at https:// aapamentoring.com/. n

C FEBRUARY 22-25, 2020 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • FEBRUARY 22-25, 2020

D1

MARKETPLACE SHOWROOM Foreign investment pledges hit record P390 billion

&

March 2020 priority dates

Immigration Corner

The Priority dates for the Philippines are as follows: Application Filing Date

Visa Issuance Date

May 1, 2010

September 1, 2009

January 1, 2020

Current

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

June 1, 2010

October 1, 2009

Third Preference

Married sons and daughters of US Citizens.

June 1, 2000

October 1, 1999

Fourth Preference

Brothers and sisters of US Citizens.

July 1, 2000

December 1, 1999

LABOR CERTIFICATION:

Application Filing Date

Visa Issuance Date

Second Preference Advanced Degree (Masters)

Current

Current

FAMILY CATEGORY:

ATTY. MICHAEL GURFINKEL, ESQ

First Preference

EACH month, the Visa Office of the State Department publishes, in the Visa Bulletin, the priority dates for that particular month, for the various family and employment based categories. A priority date is a person’s “place in line” for a visa, meaning immigrant visas (or green cards) would be available for persons whose priority date is earlier than the cut-off date listed below.

If your priority date was “current,” but later retrogressed (or “moved backwards” and became unavailable) before your immigrant visa was issued (or before you adjusted status in the U.S.), you would have to wait until it becomes current again.

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

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

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

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

Third Preference

Professional/ Skilled Workers

January 1, 2019

January 1, 2017

Other Workers

Non-Skilled Workers

January 1, 2019

January 1, 2017

*** 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 pre-

diction, 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)

Business Quote of the Week “Within an organization, a few qualities must be homogenous - held in common by all. These are values, vision, and commitment to the team. However, in most areas, hiring for diversity is the wisest course of action. The strongest environments are inhabited by leaders with varied expertise, experiences, backgrounds, and temperaments.”

— Denise Morrison, former CEO of Campbell Soup Company

These investment pledges were lodged at the Board of Investments, Clark Development Corp., Philippine Economic Zone Authority, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan, BOI-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and Cagayan Economic Zone Authority.

Philstar.com file photo

ity showed.

These investment pledges were lodged at the Board of InvestMANILA — Foreign invest- ments, Clark Development Corp., ment pledges approved by the Philippine Economic Zone Aucountry’s main investment pro- thority, Subic Bay Metropolitan motion agencies surged to an Authority, Authority of the Freeall-time high of P390.11 billion port Area of Bataan, BOI-Bangin 2019, more than double from samoro Autonomous Region in P179 billion in 2018, data from Muslim Mindanao and Cagayan the Philippine Statistics Author- Economic Zone Authority.

by CZERIZA

VALENCIA Philstar.com

In the fourth quarter alone, committed foreign investments rose by 17.3%, boosted by commitments from Chinese firms.

The PSA reported that total foreign investment pledges cleared in the last quarter last year reached P112.1 billion, up from P95.6 billion in the same quarter of 2018.

PAGE D2

Businesses welcome economic reforms as political risks persist

by IAN

NICOLAS CIGARAL Philstar.com

WHEN he entered office in June 2016, President Duterte vowed to free the Philippines from the “clutches” of traditional business elite and open up the economy to foreign competition.

Nearly four years into his single six-year term, his economic advisers are one in trumpeting economic gains, from a third telco player to opening up the rice industry.

A new accomplishment is likely to be added on that list soon

after Duterte’s allies in the House of Representatives approved on second reading Tuesday a priority bill that amends the Public Service Act (PSA) and allow full foreign ownership of critical public services such as telecommunications, irrigation, sewerage systems, power supply and transportation facilities.

Business groups have welcomed the Lower House’s vote and so did economists that have long batted for the lifting of the charter’s foreign ownership restrictions. For them, it shows that despite Duterte’s contro-

versial statements against certain businesses, the PSA reform shows the president is on top of his game.

“It can certainly appease and encourage investors to see in a different light the current decisions of the government,” Cid Terosa, economist at University of Asia and the Pacific, said in an interview.

John Forbes, senior advisor at American Chamber of Commerce that had long pushed for the Philippines to open up more economic sectors, agreed.

PAGE D2

D FEBRUARY 22-25, 2020 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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Jollibee income down 14.4% in 2019 Lucio Tan takes over as PAL Holdings president by rIChMond

MerCUrIo Philstar.com

MANILA — Taipan Lucio Tan has been named as PAL Holdings Inc. president, a position vacated by the passing of his son, Lucio “Bong” Tan Jr. PAL’s board of directors approved Tuesday the appointment of Tan, who also serves as the company’s chairman.

Its board likewise approved the amendment of the company’s articles of incorporation to increase the number of directors from nine to 11 members.

PAL Holdings and its subsidiaries welcomed last December new members of their respective boards following the passing of Bong and the resignation of several key members.

The 27-year-old Lucio “Hun Hun” Tan III, son of Bong, was

2019 was a tough year for JFC, said company chief executive officer Ernesto Tanmantiong.

sustained healthy return on invest capital, the strong momentum in the delivery business, the recovMANILA, Philippines — Asian ery of the Red Ribbon product food conglomerate Jollibee Foods supply in the Philippines and the Corp. saw its net income decline very good indicators of recovery 14.4% to P6.3 billion last year as of the Smashburger business in its recent acquisitions and sup- the United States,” Tanmantiong ply problems continued to leave said. a bitter taste on its financials.

However, he said JFC expects 2019 was a very tough year to recover this year. for JFC, said company chief ex“We look forward to a much ecutive officer Ernesto Tanman- stronger sales and profit pertiong. formance in 2020 and the years “We are very encouraged by ahead even as we consolidate the the continued rise in customer financial performance of CBTL visits to our stores, the strong into our financial results,” Tangrowth in our store network with mantiong said.

by IrIs

Gonzales Philstar.com

Philstar.com file photo

Last year, JFC made P10.1 billion in capital investments, mostly for new stores, renovations and supply chain facilities.

Revenue grew 11.4% to P243.8 billion.

Fourth quarter net income was flat at P2.2 billion on revenue of P52.4 billion, which was up 17.7%.

For the whole of 2019, the JFC Group opened 273 stores in the Philippines and 224 new stores abroad. It ended 2019 with 5,971 stores, including Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf’s 1,173 stores. Total store network increased by 32.1% year on year. n

nIColas CIGaral Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines (Updated 8:57 p.m.) — Shopping is up front and center in the government’s drive to avert the negative impact of the Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) on the otherwise booming tourism sector.

Apart from discounted tour packages, accommodation and flights, the Department of Tourism said Tuesday it is organizing a “nationwide” shopping sale in malls across the archipelago to lure both domestic and foreign tourists.

‘All the malls’ The move was announced a day after the Tourism department reported a new record-high of 8.26 million foreign tourists that visited the Philippines last year, and comes on the heels of government concerns that the tourism sector would take a hit from travel bans due to COVID19.

“All the malls — Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao — will be participating,” Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said in a televised interview with the ABS-CBN News Channel.

With the passing of Lucio “Bong” Tan Jr., taipan Lucio Tan has been named PAL Holdings Inc. president, while son Lucio Tan III (pictured) was elected as director of PAL Holdings, Philippine Airlines Inc., and Air Philippines Corp.

star global airline, has a network covering more than 30 domestic and 40 international destinations with a fleet of 98 advanced-technology aircraft. n

Moody’s: 2020 PH GDP to hit 6.1%

by MayvelIn

U. Caraballo ManilaTimes.net

MOODY’S Investors Service has lowered its growth forecast for the Philippine economy this year after taking into account the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) outbreak on the demand and supply chain in the Asia-Pacific.

The credit ratings agency now projects the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) growing to 6.1% this year, instead of the earlier 6.2%, it said in a report on Tuesday, February 20.

The outlook is higher than last year’s economic expansion of 5.9 %, but lower than the 6.5 to 7.5-% growth target of the government.

Although the debt watcher did not specifically discuss the Philippines, it said it assumed that the Malls have become an integral economic impact of the Covid-19 part of Filipino’s consumption, outbreak on the region would be which powers around three- limited to the first quarter. fourths of the Philippine econo“Our baseline assumption is my. that the economic effects of the A gauge of strong Filipino coronavirus outbreak will continshopping consumption can be ue for a number of weeks before gleaned from the financial state- tailing off and allowing normal ments of conglomerates. Last economic activity to resume,” year, SM Prime Holdings, the Moody’s Senior Vice President country’s largest operator of Christian de Guzman said. shopping centers with 74 malls, Covid-19, which first broke recorded an eight-percent annual out in the city of Wuhan in Chiincrease in shopping revenues. na’s central Hubei province in “Ayala Malls supports the DOT late December, has spread to in boosting tourism and will par- more than two dozen countries, ticipate in the proposed nation- infected over 72,500 people and PAGE D3 killed over 1,800 others, including one in the Philippines, as of Tuesday.

According to Moody’s, the im-

‘Nationwide shopping sale’ seen luring local, foreign tourists amid coronavirus fears

by Ian

elected as director of PAL Holdings, Philippine Airlines Inc., and Air Philippines Corp.

John Tan, son of the taipan, was elected as director of PAL Holdings, replacing his brother Michael Tan. Others appointed were Mark Chen, who will serve as independent director, replacing former Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas governor Amando Tetangco Jr.; and Nilo Thaddeus Rodriguez as chief finance officer following the resignation of Celeste Mutuc.

PAL Holdings is raising its authorized capital stock from P13 billion to P30 billion in preparation for future fund raising activities.

The move is part of the flag carrier’s transformation towards sustainable profitability and a higher level of competitiveness.

PAL, the country’s only four-

ManilaTimes.net file photo

pact would be felt in trade and tourism, and in some sectors through supply-chain disruptions.

“This shock comes on the back of a marked slowdown in 2019 as decelerating global trade hit the region,” it said.

With this, the credit rater lowered its growth forecast for China this year to 5.2 % from 5.8 % previously, “reflecting a severe but short-lived economic impact, with knock-on effects for economies across the region.”

Moody’s also expects Macao and Hong Kong to be hit the hardest, given their close economic integration with China.

Reduced Chinese demand for Asia’s exports and supply chain disruptions represent the two most direct transmission

channels for slowing economic growth, although services trade adds a third channel, it added.

As such, the credit watchdog said goods and commodity exporters are most exposed to a protracted fall in Chinese demand, while tourism hubs relying on Chinese visitors would also be vulnerable.

“If [the] outbreak grew to pandemic proportions and [lasts for] several months into the year, downside risks to the global economy would be more severe and amplified beyond China through a number of different channels,” it warned.

Earlier, the government estimated that the outbreak’s impact could shave as much as 0.7 % of the country’s GDP if it lasts the entire year. n

Foreign investment pledges hit...

PAGE D1 t Foreign investment pledges were driven mainly by China, which accounted for 77% of the total, followed by South Korea and the U.S. Chinese firms committed P86.3 billion in investments. Compa-

nies from South Korea and U.S., meanwhile, pledged P6 billion and P5.5 billion or 5.3% and 4.9% of total approved foreign commitments, respectively.

Meanwhile, approved investments of foreign and Filipino nationals in the fourth quarter of

2019 were expected to generate 55,946 jobs, lower by 23% compared with the previous year’s projected employment creation of 72,630 jobs.

Out of these total anticipated jobs, 78.8% would be absorbed by projects with foreign interest.. n

Businesses welcome economic...

PAGE D1 t “The PSA is a key reform that should attract many new investors in public services and increase competition to the benefit of Filipino consumers.”

At the same time though, the same people reminded that the euphoria over the reforms is masked by Duterte’s persistent attacks on businesspeople he called “monsters.” The impact is already being felt with crucial foreign investments plummeting as political risks scare away investors at a time Duterte is also scrambling to finish his trillionpeso “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure ambitions.

Reform recognized Since December last year, Duterte has blasted Ayala-led Manila Water Co. Inc. and Maynilad Water Services led by Manuel V. Pangilinan for their supposedly “onerous” contracts with the government way back in 2001.

Last month, the chief executive started attacking media firm ABSCBN Corp., punctuated by a pending petition from state lawyers to null the network’s franchise that resulted into P258-million worth of market capitalization losses.

Shares of these companies are now struggling to recover.

For Calixto Chikiamco, director of think tank Institute for Development and Econometric Analysis, said Duterte’s rants against Manila’s water concessionaires and ABS-CBN is limited to those industries and should not affect the over-all investor environment.

“Outside of these areas, if foreign investment in transportation and telecoms is liberalized, then we can expect more direct investments in those sectors,” he said in a separate e-mail.

“Better if the administration lifts the foreign ownership restrictions in the Constitution,” he added.

The bill, once enacted, would end persistent concerns over

foreign ownership of certain companies in industries where foreign exposure is currently limited to 40%. On the current scenario, the immediate impact would be felt on ride-hailing apps like Angkas which caught regulatory scrutiny for allegedly being fully-owned by its Singaporean chief executive, Angeline Tham.

The company has denied the allegations.

New foreign players also stand to benefit. Indonesian ride-hailing unicorn GoJek, which has struggled to enter the local market because of similar foreign ownership issues, may find its problem resolved once the bill is signed into law. This, in turn, would allow the company to challenge Grab’s local market dominance and benefit commuters through lower fares.

On the other hand, red flags have also been raised about the bill’s progress at a time Chinese firms are setting afoot in the local business landscape. The concerns are rooted on Chinese companies’ global reputation as state conduits tasked to gather intelligence on other countries, allegations denied by Dito Telecommunity, the third telco player 40% owned by China Telecommunications Corp.

Sanctity of contracts That said, observers have generally applauded past economic liberalization efforts such as the lifting of rice import caps, and the progress on PSA reform is an added milestone to the list.

The latest recognition was given by Fitch Ratings, a debt watcher, last February 10. The credit rater revised to “positive” from “neutral” its outlook for the Philippines’ BBB- rating, indicating an upgrade is likely over the next two years.

Interestingly, Duterte’s recent economic reforms have failed to impress foreign investors alike. The benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index is taking

a beating so far this year, losing 5.4% as of Wednesday since the last trading day of 2019, worsened by investor apprehensions over the spread of Coronavirus Disease-19 in the region.

The country is also losing more productive inflows. Central bank data show job-generating net foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows likely closed 2019 down for the second straight year, with its latest tally as of November already showing a contraction of 30% year-on-year.

While part of investor concerns center on uncertainties surrounding a government plan to reduce tax perks, FDI in other Southeast Asian countries in the region like Malaysia and Singapore continued to be on the uptrend.

Some analysts believe investors are starting to weigh political risks associated with Duterte’s pronouncements. This includes a unilateral review by the government of valid contracts with the private sector, which for Michael Ricafort, economist at Rizal Commercial Banking Corp, is a big turn-off.

“Sanctity of contracts or not changing the rules in the middle of the game would help assure foreign investors,” he said.

Emilio Neri Jr., lead economist at Bank of the Philippine Islands, went as far as questioning Fitch’s latest positive credit action on the Philippines. “The question is whether Fitch dug enough information on whether predictability is improving, stable or actually deteriorating,” he said in an email.

With clock ticking, Duterte’s economic team has put forward more economic reforms on the table, including lifting sugar import barriers and removing protection to local retailers so that more foreign retail brands can enter.

Whether these measures or Duterte’s “rants,” as Chikiamco has said, would resonate more to investors remains to be seen. n

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World Bank: Making PH roads safe to Vehicle sales slumped 11.8% due to Taal eruption generate $45.63B in economic benefits

Inquirer.net file photo World Bank

by Ben

o. de veRa Inquirer.net

MOST motorists consider roads in the Philippines as unsafe and could welcome a World Bank (WB) initiative to establish a lead agency to lay out a national road safety program that the WB estimates will bring at least $45.63 billion in economic benefits in 20 years.

In its “Guide for Road Safety Opportunities and Challenges: Low- and Middle-Income Country Profiles” report, the Washington-based WB said the Philippines needed to invest $4.22 billion in infrastructure and speed management, or about 0.1 percent of the country’s projected gross domestic product (GDP) annually from 2019 to 2030, to reduce fatalities from road accidents by 4,152 per year.

Citing estimates from the Philippine government, the Global Burden of Disease (GBD), and the World Health Organization (WHO), road crash fatalities in the Philippines in 2016 ranged between 10,012 and 12,690, while serious injuries were estimated at 190,350.

Of road crash fatalities and injuries recorded in the Philippines four years ago, 77 percent came from the “economically productive” age groups of between 15 and 64 years old, and those aged 15-49 deemed most vulnerable to fatalities.

These deaths and injuries cost the Philippines $12.45 billion in

2016, or 4.1 percent of GDP that year.

If the Philippines will have safer roads, the country will slash fatalities and serious injuries by 910,000 in the next 20 years, WB estimates showed.

Citing the International Road Safety Assessment Program’s (iRAP) ratings, which assign five stars to the safest roads and one star to the least safe, Philippine roads were deemed two stars among most motor vehicle riders; one star to most riders of motorized two/three wheelers; and two stars for the majority of cyclists and pedestrians surveyed.

Based on the iRAP survey, 93 percent of Philippine roads had no formal footpaths; 89 percent were without pedestrian crossings; and all roads in the country were undivided with vehicle speeds faster than 80 kilometers per hour (kph).

For the WB, “improved infrastructure provides solid and well-understood crash- and injury-reduction outcomes and are critical for long-term and sustainable trauma reduction in line with the ‘safe systems approach.’”

“To produce positive road safety outcomes, strong management in all aspects of road safety is key. Presence of a funded lead agency to guide the national road safety effort and implement a safe systems approach is recommended” in the Philippines, the WB said.

A joint report by the Chamber Campi said the decline was due

by Roy Stephen C. Canivel Inquirer.net file photo Inquirer.net of Automotive Manufacturers of to Taal Volcano’s eruption at the the Philippines Inc. (Campi) and start of the year.

At present, the WB noted that A favorite tourist spot, the erupthe Philippines’ lead agency with Automotive companies sold the Truck Manufacturers Associaregards road safety initiatives fewer new vehicles in January tion (TMA) showed sales dropping tion displaced Filipinos who lived near the area and spread ashfall was the Department of Trans- after Taal Volcano turned violent nearly 12% last month.

In total, the groups sold only as far as Metro Manila. portation (DOTr). last month and rained ashfall on Auto companies, which finally “The country has both a fatal assembly plants and dealership 23,723 units in January, 11.8% and non-fatal road safety target, networks in South Luzon, car and lower than the 26,888 units sold saw their sales grow last year in the same month a year ago. to reduce fatalities by 50 percent truck manufacturers said.

PAGE D5 with a timeline of 2011-2020,” the WB added.

As for road speeds, the WB noted that while the Philippines was already implementing verti- PAGE D2 t cal deflections as among speed wide mall sale in March,” the mall calming measures, the country chain management told Philstar. had yet to introduce narrowing, com. horizontal defection, and blockWith the expected influx of ing or restricting access to cre- shoppers, Puyat said she is in talks ate pedestrian zones. with the Department of Health to “Speeding is a major risk fac- ensure “precautionary measures” tor for road crash injuries, con- like body temperature checks and tributing to both crash risk and disinfectants are in place to precrash consequences. A 5-per- vent the spread of COVID-19. cent cut in average speed can re“We actually planned this sult in a 20-percent reduction in months ago but we decided to the number of fatal road crashes. continue it for the whole month,” Effective speed management she added. measures such as establishing Potential traffic jams and enforcing speed limit laws, Since most malls are located traffic calming through roadway in the capital, the Metropolitan design and other measures, and Manila Development Authority In this February 18, 2020 file photo, workers disinfect the safety handrails and benches of a vehicle technology need to be (MMDA) typically asks mall op- coach of the Light Rail Transit Line 2 at the Recto station in Manila on Monday as part of the widely implemented,” the WB erators to suspend weekend sales precautionary measure against the Novel Coronavirus Acute Respiratory Disease (2019-nCoV ARD) of the Light Rail Transit Authority.

Philstar.com photo by Miguel De Guzman said. and promos in a bid to prevent country’s second largest tourist program.

Also, the WB lamented that worsening the holiday-induced A vaccine is yet to be pro- source last year, accounting for the Philippines had yet to com- traffic congestion. ply with the United Nations’ It is unclear if the current tour- duced against COVID-19, which around 22 percent of total foreign (UN) vehicle safety regulations, ism plan to lure more shoppers to first emerged in Wuhan province visitors.

Last week, the National Ecoincluding frontal and side im- the malls was coordinated with in China last December and has pact, motorcycle anti-lock brak- the MMDA or with local govern- since killed nearly 1,800 people, nomic and Development Authority said the country’s tourism indusing system, pedestrian protec- ment units for traffic manage- including one in the Philippines.

The virus prompted President try alone could lose P22.7 billion tion, electronic stability control, ment plans. The Transportation as well as seat belts and anchor- department told Philstar.com it is Rodrigo Duterte to ban the en- in revenues per month amid the ages. n not involved in the planning of the try travel to and from China, the coronavirus disease outbreak. n

‘Nationwide shopping sale’ seen...

D FEBRUARY 22-25, 2020 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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Sugar wastes conversion into Tips for a stress-free tax season animal feed under study

by Catherine

talavera Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech) is studying the potential conversion of wastes from sugarcane fields into animal feed or combustible biomass material in a bid to lessen left over waste.

PHilMech said one hectare of land planted to sugarcane can produce 11 to 21 tons of agricultural wastes in the form of leaves and stalks.

“However, most of the agricultural wastes from sugarcane farms are either left to rot in the field or burned, which could contribute to global warming,” PHilMech said.

PHilMech is now conducting a study to utilize the agricultural waste or residue from sugarcane farms.

“One of the viable solutions to this problem is to convert them (wastes and residues) into animal feeds and fuel briquettes. Hence, the study is being conducted to develop sugarcane crop wastebased silage and pelleted feeds for animal consumption, and an environment-friendly fuel briquette suitable for domestic cooking and industrial application,” a PHilMech paper about the study said.

The group said it has developed a forage chopper and feed pelletizer for the processing of sugarcane tops into animal feed.

In addiition, 13 formulations were developed in the production of sugarcane tops silage.

Philstar.com file photo

“Proximate and nutritional analysis of the produced silage is being done to determine the best formulation,” the PHilMech said.

PHilMech executive director Baldwin Jallorina said utilizing sugarcane wastes could also result in additional income for farmers and cooperatives, and help save the environment.

“In many rural areas in the Philippines, wood is still utilized as fuel for cooking which contributes to deforestation. But with products like briquettes, rural households need not rely on wood anymore for cooking,” Jallorina said.

“Also, PHilMech is studying

alternative or supplementary feeds for livestock, and sugarcane wastes could be a raw material for silage as feed for animals,” he added.

Moreover, PHilMech said producing animal feeds and fuel briquettes from sugarcane farm wastes would also benefit the farmers themselves, as they could earn additional income from processing and selling those two products.

“Instead of throwing away or burning their farm wastes, sugarcane farmers could definitely earn from processing and selling animal feeds and fuel briquettes made from sugarcane wastes,” Jallorina concluded. n

FTC: The bottom-line on fake checks scams IF someone you don’t know sends you a check and asks for money back, that’s a scam.

Fake checks drive many types of scams — like those involving phony job and income opportunities, online classified ad sales, and others. In a fake check scam, a person you don’t know asks you to deposit a check – sometimes for several thousand dollars and usually for more than you are owed — and send some of the money back, often by wire transfers or gift cards, to them or another person. The scammers always have a good story to explain the overpayment. They might say they’re stuck out of the

country, they need you to cover taxes or fees, you’ll need to buy supplies, or something else.

By law, banks have to make deposited funds available quickly — you’ll usually see the money in your account within a day or two.

But it may take weeks for your bank to learn the check was bad.

By that time, the scammer has the money you sent, and you’re stuck paying the bank back.

Over the last several years, the number of fake check scams reported to the FTC has steadily increased, and so have the dollars lost. In its most recent Data Spotlight, Don’t bank on a “cleared” check, the FTC reports

that consumers lost more than $28 million to fake check scams in 2019 alone. The median loss reported was $1,988. That’s more than six times the median loss on all frauds tracked by the FTC. What’s more, reports about fake check scams are up by about 65% over 2015 levels. The FTC found that younger people are hit especially hard. In 2019, people in their twenties were more than twice as likely as people 30 and older to report losing money to a fake check scam.

Want to learn more? Visit ftc. gov/fakechecks. (Colleen Tressler / Consumer Education Specialist, Federal Trade Commission) n

TAXES are an unavoidable fact of life. Unfortunately, they can be somewhat overwhelming, which can cause people to put the task off and miss the deadline. Use these tips for a stress-free tax season: Get it over with The sooner you get your taxes filed, the sooner you can stop worrying about them. Early filing also means an earlier refund -- if you’re due one -- or time to plan to prepare to pay any owed taxes. To ensure it all happens on time, actually block out time in your calendar to sit down and work on your taxes. Be sure not to underestimate how much time is needed. If your situation has gotten more complicated over

the last year, figure that into the equation.

Check your work The last thing anybody wants to hear is that they are being audited. You can avoid this anxiety by having the right tools on hand. Start by keeping your records filed in an organized way – both digitally and on paper with a filing cabinet that locks. As you do your taxes, it is a good idea to take your time, and do a practice run. A printing calculator is a good way to keep records of all necessary calculations. Be sure your printing calculator is up to the task. A must-have tool for tax season, its functions include a grand total key, cost/sell/margin buttons, sign change, tax calcula-

tion, decimal selector and more.

Maximize your refund While many people look forward to their tax refund and view it as a windfall, it is important to keep in mind that this money is simply your own income that you overpaid to the state and federal government throughout the year.

That said, you should have a smart plan for your refund wisely so that is not wasted on an impulse purchase. A few good ideas for tax refunds is investing the money into a retirement account, using it to pay down debt or padding out your rainy-day fund.

This tax season, don’t get overwhelmed. For stress-free filing, stay organized and give yourself plenty of time. (StatePoint) n

Vehicle sales slumped 11.8% due to Taal...

PAGE D3 t after a difficult 2018, were not spared from Taal’s eruption. A number of companies have assembly plants in Laguna province, including Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. and Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp.

“Majority of plants and some dealerships located in South Luzon were badly hit by ashfall, [while] also affecting operations in some areas of Metro Manila,” Campi president Rommel Gutierrez said.

“Some companies were also

forced to temporarily suspend operations for safety reasons,” Gutierrez, who is also a top official at Toyota, said.

Campi and TMA sold nearly 370,000 units last year, managing a 3.5% growth as they move to recover the momentum they lost in 2018 when the industry suffered from a huge drop in volume sales after demand fell under the weight of the Duterte administration’s higher tax and inflation.

Now, new problems are in the horizon since imported vehicles

from certain countries in Southeast Asia might eventually become more expensive. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is investigating the claim of a labor group that local automotive jobs were harmed because of too many imported vehicles in the past few years.

The DTI is also considering to slap tariffs on vehicles imported from Thailand, a retaliation prompted by a longstanding trade dispute that involves one of the world’s biggest cigarette makers. n

D FEBRUARY 22-25, 2020 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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