022319 - Los Angeles Weekend Edition

FEBRUARY 23-26, 2019 Volume 29 - No. 14 • 4 Sections – 30 Pages

Palace maintains no ransom policy amid Abu Sayyaf threats

by NATHALIE

ROBLES

AJPress

MALACAÑANG on Friday, February 22, stood firm on its “no ransom policy” despite the hostage-taking of three foreign nationals by the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Mindanao.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said that issuing ransom to the terrorist group would do more harm than good as it would finance their acquisition of guns, bombs and weapons.

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“To give in to the demands of terrorists and other lawless groups would embolden them to engage in more abductions that would allow them to conduct extremist and other criminal activities as they could buy more arms and weapons,” Panelo told reporters on Friday.

The Abu Sayyaf released a video online showing the hostages with their eyes covered by black cloth while their hands were tied behind their backs. They cried out for the Indonesian and Malaysian governments to rescue them from the abduction.

One member of the terrorist group held a bolo, a knife-like weapon, on the neck of one hostage as they spoke to the camera. The terrorists threatened to kill the two Indonesian nationals seen in the video and the Malaysian national, who was not in the video, if not ransomed.

Despite the covered faces, the two victims in the video were believed to be Indonesians, 19year-old Heri Ardiansyah and 45-year-old Hariadin. The Malaysian national who was not in the video is identified as Jari u PAGE A2

Panelo: Catriona Gray is ‘misinformed,’ should be ‘educated’ on criminal liability age

USA

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

5 Fil-Ams killed in Delano, CA car crash

A FILIPINO-AMERICAN family of four and their friend were killed on Saturday night, February 16, in a deadly vehicle crash in Delano, California.

The victims were 7-month-old infant Jarl Joseph Laguta; 5-year-old Jalson Laguta; Arlene Osarin Laguta, 30; Jalson Rubang Laguta, 46; and their family friend Danilo Aquino Sanidad, 60. All were residents of Delano and were pronounced dead at the scene. u PAGE A4

Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray

MALACAÑANG on Thursday, February 21 said Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray should be educated on what the bill seeking to lower the age of criminal responsibility entails.

This response comes after Gray, who is in the Philippines for her official homecoming, spoke up about her concerns over the bill that seeks to change the age from 15 to 12 years old.

“I worked a lot with children, and anyone knows that children Photo from Instagram/@catriona_gray are not disposed to do that kind of

act...or to act that way. It’s probably the circumstance of their environment or external pressures – whether it be from people or circumstance,” said the Philippines’ fourth Miss Universe in an interview with TV5’s MJ Marfori.

Gray urged the country to readjust its focus and address the reasons why children commit crimes instead of lowering the age of criminal responsibility. “‘Cause children, they have so much potential. And their hearts are so pure. It’s just that sometimes there [are] circumstances that bear down on them or the

people or what they are faced with bears down on them,” she said.

Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo, when asked to comment on Gray’s remarks during a press briefing, said the beauty queen may have been “misinformed.”

“She should be educated... She may have been misinformed of the facts...given the opposition (to the proposal) by critics of the administration,” Panelo said.

He added that the focus of the law is “rehabilitation,” which is meant to solve “the problem u PAGE A2

DOH: Measles outbreak could affect tourism, OFWs

by AJPRESS

Arlene and Jalson Rubang Laguta and their two sons, Jalson (bottom left) and Jarl Joseph (right) were killed on Saturday night, February 16 in Delano, California, when their SUV swerved off the road, hit a tree, and caught on fire. A fifth victim in the car was identified as family friend Danilo Aquino Sanidad (not pictured).

Photo courtesy of GoFundMe

COURTESY CALL. President Rodrigo Duterte discusses matters with the officials from the U.S.-Philippines Society who paid a courtesy call on the President at the Malacañang Palace on Wednesday, February 20.

Malacañang photo by Simeon Celiacs

THE Philippines’ Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday, February 19, said that the measles outbreak in the country could negatively affect the tourism and overseas labor sectors if not contained as soon as possible.

Health Undersecretary Eric Domingo revealed that foreign countries may be forced to issue travel advisories against traveling to the Philippines if the measles outbreak is not contained.

“If we fail to control the outbreak, you can’t stop other countries from giving travel advisories for their nationals not to go to the Philippines because of the measles

epidemic,” Domingo said as reported by The Philippine Star.

The health undersecretary noted that such an issue would be problematic for the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) since they need to secure medical clearance before they are permitted to work abroad.

“Other possible consequences are Filipinos, including overseas workers, may be restricted to travel to other countries or will be asked to provide additional requirements such as vaccination records,” he added as reported by The Philippine Daily Inquirer.

Domingo said that countries have been inquiring about the measles situation in the Philippines. Hong Kong, for instance, is par-

President Rodrigo Duterte leads the ceremonial signing of the Revised Corporation Code and the Universal Health Care Act at the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday, February 20.

Malacañang photo by Richard Madelo

AARP: Older Fil-Ams Duterte signs law providing vulnerable to immigration fraud Pope tackles ‘evil,’ Tagle weeps health care to all Filipinos MANY Filipino immigrants have fallen victim to immigration scams, a new digital campaign from AARP has revealed.

Seven percent of Asian Americans & Pacific Islanders have been exposed to immigration scams, according to AARP’s “Facing Fraud: A Survey of AAPIs Age 50-plus on Fraud and Scams.”

Navigating the immigration process in the United States may be a daunting task — whether it’s becoming a citizen or filling out the right paper work — and immigrants looking for any option may fall prey to certain fraud schemes.

Targets of immigration scams are either unaware of the fraud or mistake, or they go along because they feel they have no other route to obtain their much-needed legal status or work authorization. The fraudsters promise cheap, fast-tracked, or easy paths to work permits

u PAGE A3

at summit on sex abuse

VATICAN CITY—Pope Francis opened a landmark Vatican conference on the sexual abuse of children by priests on Thursday, February 21, by saying the Church would “listen to the cry of the little ones seeking justice.”

Victims expected “concrete and efficient measures” to deal with the abuse and scandal and not mere condemnations, Francis said in a short opening statement.

The “evil” of sexual abuse of children by priests had to be transformed into a “purification” of the Roman Catholic Church, he said.

After the Pope spoke, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines, who broke into tears as he read a keynote speech, acknowledged that “wounds have been inflicted by u PAGE A5 u PAGE A4 Pope Francis

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

Inquirer.net photo

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday, February 20, signed into law the Universal Health Care (UHC) Bill, which seeks to give all Filipinos health care coverage and benefits.

In his speech during a special ceremony in Malacañang, Duterte acknowledged the importance of the Universal Health Care Law, a measure that intends to provide free and affordable medical consultations and medicine for the benefit of all Filipinos, especially the indigent.

The law allows Filipinos to be automatically enrolled in the proposed National Health Insur-

ance Program (NHIP). Members can either be direct contributors (those who can pay health premiums), or indirect contributors (those who are sponsored like senior citizens or indigents).

The program, which would be handled by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), also aims to expand the PhilHealth coverage to include free consultation tests and other diagnostic services.

Other benefits that Filipinos can enjoy under the law include possessing “immediate eligibility” for and have access to the full spectrum of health care such as preventive, promotive, curative, rehabilitative, and pal-

u PAGE A2

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From the Front Page

Duterte signs law providing health care...

PAGE A1 t liative care for medical, dental, mental, and emergency health services; and choosing their primary health care provider for outpatient care, medicines, and laboratory tests.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) on Thursday, February 21, welcomed the passage of the Universal Health

Care Act, which would enable Filipinos to have access to quality health services at lesser cost.

Gundo Weiler, WHO country representative, said the landmark legislation has a “tremendous potential for expanding quality and affordable health services for every Filipino.”

“We are very happy to see in this act that there are very im-

portant provisions addressing financial protection and increasing access to the services. We do believe this is an excellent basis for realizing universal health coverage in the Philippines,” Weiler said.

He added: “This is not the end point but just a starting point for major reform effort in the Philippines.”

New laws Duterte also announced the other new laws he signed including the Mobile Number Portability Act that would permit “qualified subscribers” to keep their mobile number should they decide to change their network provider.

The newly signed law, otherwise known as the Republic Act 11202 or the Lifetime Cellphone Number Act, mandates public telecommunication entities (PTEs) to have the mobile number portability (MNP) feature accessible among all users.

PTEs are also ordered to transfer their subscribers to their chosen PTE free of charge. The fine for violating such law ranges from P10,000 to one million in fines and revocation of telecommunication franchise.

Human Settlements Department Duterte also signed the law establishing the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), an agency that would address concerns regarding housing, human settlement and urban development.

The said department merged two other agencies—Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) and the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB).

Under the law, the DHSUD has administrative supervision over National Housing Authority (NHA), National Home Mortgage Finance Corporation (NHMFC), Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF) and the Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC).

Four other national laws were signed by the president, including the Special Protection of Children in Situations of Armed Conflict Act, the National Integrated Cancer Control Act, the Philippine Sports Training Center Act and the Secondary

NEW GALAXY. This photo released by Paris Observatory shows an image taken with the Low-Frequency Array (LOFAR) radio telescope of a galaxy and its supermassive black hole ejecting jets of material, stacked on an optical image of the sky. A new map of the night sky published on February 20 charts hundreds of thousands of previously unknown galaxies. The international team behind the unprecedented space survey said their discovery literally shed new light on some of the Universe’s deepest secrets, including the physics of black holes and how clusters of galaxies evolve.

Photo courtesy of Paris Observatory

Palace maintains no ransom...

PAGE A1 t

Abdullah, 24.

Panelo maintained that the military forces and government officials would be able to locate the whereabouts of the terrorist group that pledged allegiance to the Islamic State (IS).

“Our security forces are hunting them in the wild forests of Mindanao to unleash their might and blow them to kingdom come,” the spokesperson said.

According to The Straits Times, the two Indonesians were kidnapped together with the Malaysian hostage from their Sandakan-based fishing trawler in Eastern Sabah waters close to Tawi Tawi on December 5 of last year.

“The ASG continues to be on the run as a result of the order of the President to the military to crush them,” Panelo explained.

The government is positive

that the militants are holding nearly a dozen captives, mostly foreigners. Thus, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has sought the help of nearby nations, Indonesia and Malaysia, to aid Philippine forces in eliminating the crime on the high seas.

“Standing firm on no ransom policy. The government forces will hunt them in the wild forest of Mindanao,” Panelo said. n

Panelo: Catriona Gray is ‘misinformed...

PAGE A1 t

why these people are engaged in crimes.”

Panelo justified the administration’s support for lowering the age of criminal liability, citing high school students who have been involved in drug trafficking.

He also clarified that children who commit crimes would not be jailed under the proposed law.

“Perhaps we must give some enlightenment or education,” u PAGE A3

the spokesperson said. “Many do not understand...Perhaps Miss Universe did not understand.”

“Miss Universe, they will not be jailed. We will rehabilitate them. You are right. Let’s focus on the problem; we are precisely focusing on the problem. Because the problem is they are engaged in crimes. So what will we do? We will have to rehabilitate them. Learn why they have

committed these crimes and then put them back to society,” he added.

Despite protests from groups who believe children should not be placed behind bars, the House of Representatives has passed on final reading a bill seeking to lower the minimum age of criminal responsibility to 12 years old from 15. This version of the bill has yet to be approved by the Senate. n

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Is striking for school nurses the way to go?

by ANA IBARRA Kaiser Health News

CENTER OF ATTRACTION. Visitors line up during the unveiling of the National Museum’s newest permanent display – the Marinduque Sperm Whale, a whale skeleton measuring 43.5 feet suspended from the ceiling. The National Museum celebrated recently World Whale Day, which raises awareness of the majestic creatures and their plight.

Philstar.com photo by Walter Bollozos

Duterte signs law providing health care...

PAGE A2 t

School Career Guidance and Counseling Act. Republic Act 11188 is said to mandate the prevention of the “recruitment, re-recruitment, use, displacement of, or grave child rights violations against children involved in armed conflict, taking into considerations their gender, cultural, ethnic and religious background.” “(The Act serves as a protection for) children in situations of armed conflict from all forms of abuse, violence, neglect, cruelty, discrimination and other conditions prejudicial to their development,” the law stated as reported by The Philippine Daily Inquirer.

National Integrated Cancer Control Program, on one hand, seeks to provide “affordable and accessible” medical treatment by strengthening cancer control policies, programs, systems, interventions and services at all levels of the existing health care delivery system.”

The Philippine Sports Training Center Act, on the other, provides a P3.5 billion funding for the 18-month construction of a center “suitable and conducive to high-level training of athletes, coaches and referees.”

While the Secondary School Career Guidance and Counseling Act mandate a national counseling program to be administered by the Department of

Education.

Holiday declarations and franchise grants Two holiday declarations were signed namely the special working national holiday for the surrender of General Tomoyuki Yamashita in Baguio City on September 3 and the special non-working holiday in Olongapo for James Leonard Tagle Gordon on January 17.

The president also signed bills granting franchises to four institutions Malindang Broadcasting Network, More Electric and Power Corporation, Ermita Electronics Incorporated and religious group Iglesia ni Cristo.

Local bills Three local bills that were signed include the integration of Cebu City Mountain Extension Campus as a satellite campus of the Cebu Technological University; conversion of the Northwestern Mindanao State College of Science and Technology in Tangub to the University of Northwestern Mindanao; conversion of Zamboanga City State Polytechnic College to the Zamboanga Peninsula Polytechnic State University.

The president also signed the act that establishes the Cordillera State Institute of Technical Education and integrating it with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) training centers and TESDA-supervised state-run

technical-vocational institutions in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).

The bill to change Lupon School of Fisheries in Lupon, Davao Oriental into the Davao Oriental Polytechnic Institute and the recognition of the British School of Manila as an international educational institution were also signed by the Chief Executive.

Duterte also signed the bill that increases bed capacity to two hospitals specifically in St. Anthony Mother and Child Hospital in Cebu from 25 to 200 and in Rizal Medical Center in Pasig from 300 to 500.

Palace applauds multiple laws signed Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo called the move to sign the multiple laws a “decisive and compassionate leadership” as he dubbed the said mandates as “landmark measures.”

“Indeed, all these landmark measures, not to mention the laws on special protection of children in situations of armed conflict, secondary school career guidance and counseling and the establishment of a sports training center, underscore that we have a decisive and compassionate leadership that will be the mark of the administration until the remainder of the president’s term,” Panelo said. ■

AS teachers across the country walk out of their classrooms, hit the picket lines and demand higher pay, they’re keeping school nurses in mind — asking for more of them or, at the very least, better pay for them.

Oakland, Calif., teachers plan to strike Thursday if they can’t hammer out a deal with the district that includes a “living wage” and more nurses and counselors.

Last week in Denver, thousands of educators and school nurses went on strike and marched to the state Capitol asking for a significant raise — and got it.

These unions follow in the footsteps of Los Angeles teachers, who, after striking for six days last month, won a 6 percent salary increase and 300 more school nurses over the next three years, enough to staff every school with a full-time nurse.

“It shows that teachers recognize the importance of having a nurse on-site at all times, but it’s sad that it takes a strike to get more nurses,” said Nina Fekaris, president of the National Association of School Nurses and a school nurse in Oregon.

Student health is key to academic success, but when it comes to putting nurses in schools, the education system has often “turned a blind eye,” Fekaris said. Now, teachers are making nurses a critical piece of their contract negotiations in a bold move that seems to be working, she said.

For districts, it comes down to limited funding, said Erika Hoffman, a lobbyist with the California School Boards Association.

“You’ve got massive competing interests: Do I hire a new teacher, a counselor or a school nurse?”

School districts do not make these decisions lightly, Hoffman added. “We know healthy kids learn better,” she said. “It’s great that the unions are looking at the needs of the whole child, but [nurses] don’t come for free.”

School nurses make a national average salary of $63,944 to $66,973, according to the latest figures from the National Association of School Nurses. About 55 percent of them earn less than $51,000 a year.

In many school districts across the country, there simply aren’t enough nurses to tend to students’ medical needs. Nurses often split their time among several campuses, leaving many schools

without a nurse at critical times and short of the recommended staffing ratio. In some instances, teachers or support staff administer medication when a nurse isn’t around. And in at least one extreme case, when a gun accidentally discharged inside a Los Angeles Unified School District middle school classroom last year, teachers scrambled to figure out how to tend to the injuries before first responders arrived.

Nonetheless, when districts face budget cuts, nurses are among the first staff to go, Fekaris said. That’s because school nurses are not required by law in most states, even though their services, such as vision, hearing and scoliosis screenings, are.

The American Academy of Pediatrics used to recommend a ratio of 1 nurse for every 750 students, but the organization updated its recommendation in 2016 to at least one nurse in every school.

During the 2017-18 school year, California schools employed 2,623 full-time registered nurses, according to the state Department of Education.

With about 6.22 million students enrolled, that averages out to about 1 nurse for every 2,370 students.

In West Virginia, teachers went on strike last year and won a 5 percent raise for all staff, including nurses. Now, proposed state legislation would improve the school nurse ratio, which

currently stands at 1 nurse to 1,500 students, according to the West Virginia Association of School Nurses.

In Los Angeles, the district is still working out how it will pay for the additional 300 nurses it agreed to hire. The union says there’s enough money in the district’s reserve to cover at least the first year of pay for the additional nurses and other support staff.

“Our parents really wanted more nurses, and it became one of our top demands,” said Arlene Inouye, secretary of United Teachers Los Angeles.

After the strike, Inouye visited Oakland to advise that city’s teachers union, which announced Sunday that it will strike this week, barring “dramatic changes” from the district.

“L.A. has been an inspiration,” said Chaz Garcia, a vice president of the Oakland Education Association. “There has been a lot of focus on salaries, but that’s not the driving force and that’s not all we’re looking for,” she said.

The union is asking for 1 school nurse for every 750 students “because we do not have enough to deal with students’ growing health issues,” she said.

School nurses and teachers in the district are seeing more students with chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes and food allergies — which require constant monitoring and the adPAGE A5

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Garcetti: LA will recycle 100% of city’s wastewater by 2035

LOS ANGELES — Mayor Eric Garcetti announced on Thursday, Feb. 22 that LA will recycle 100 percent of its wastewater by 2035 — a major step to expand water recycling and reduce reliance on imported water.

The mayor was joined by Councilmember Mike Bonin and senior leadership from the LA Department of Water and Power (LADWP) and Bureau of Sanitation (BOS).

“Conservation is about more than how we respond to a dry year — it should shape how we prepare our City for tomorrow,” said Garcetti. “Maximizing LA’s recycling capacity will increase the amount of water we source locally, and help to ensure that Angelenos can count on access to clean water for generations to come.”

Hyperion — the largest treatment plant west of the Mississippi River — currently receives 81 perecnt of the City’s total wastewater and recycles 27 percent of the water that flows into the facility. Improvements to Hyperion will cost roughly $2 billion over the next 16 years and create middle class engineering, construction, operations, and maintenance jobs.

“It is hard to overstate how important this announcement is for Los Angeles,” said Councilmember Mike Bonin. “This is a major

milestone in our work to make Los Angeles a sustainable and resilient city, and it is just the latest example of how LA is continuing to demonstrate that big things can happen in big cities when we work together toward a sustainable future.”

Currently, 2 perent of the city’s water supply comes from LA’s four water treatment facilities: Hyperion, LA Glendale, Tillman, and Terminal Island. Increasing Hyperion’s recycling capabilities to 100 percent by 2035 will increase that number to 35 percent — and help the city meet Garcetti’s Sustainable City pLAn goals to cut purchases of imported water by 50 percent by 2025 and source 50 percent of water locally by 2035.

“Hyperion played a pivotal role in restoring the Santa Monica Bay,” said Bureau of Sanitation Director Enrique Zaldivar. “I am thrilled to see it now play a crucial role in the future of the City’s water resilience.”

The efforts at Hyperion and Los Angeles’ three other wastewater treatment plants — which are already at 100 percecnt recycling capacity — are part of a growing portfolio of projects spearheaded

by Garcetti to reduce Los Angeles’ dependence on imported water.

Last year, Garcetti broke ground at the North Hollywood West Groundwater Treatment facility, the first of four groundwater treat-

ment projects that will eventually clean the San Fernando Valley Groundwater Basin — an aquifer that can provide drinking water to more than 800,000 Angelenos.

LA County voters in 2018 passed Measure W, a $300 million local measure to fund infrastructure projects and programs to capture, treat, and recycle rainwater.

“With the City committing to 100 percent recycled water at all four treatment facilities by 2035, LADWP will be able to reliably source up to 70 percent of its water sustainably and locally instead of depending on costly imported water,” said LADWP General Manager David H. Wright. “Today’s announcement is nothing short of a game changer when it comes to securing LA’s water future.”

“The mayor’s bold and visionary announcement marks the dawn of the City’s transformation to a sustainable water management future where every drop of local water is treated as essential,” said Mark Gold, UCLA Associate Vice Chancellor for Environment and Sustainability. “The transformation of the City’s four treatment plants to full water recycling can supply Los Angeles with approximately a third of our annual water supply: the most critical step in making this megacity a sustainable L.A.” n

Pope tackles ‘evil,’ Tagle weeps at summit...

PAGE A1 t us, the bishops, on the victims.”

Tagle told the 190 heads of bishops’ conferences and religious orders that the wounds the clergy abuse scandal had caused among the faithful recalled the wounds of Christ on the cross.

How to deal with abuse He demanded Church leaders no longer run in fear or turn a blind eye to the harm caused by abuses and their cover-ups.

“Faith that would like to close its eyes to people’s suffering is just an illusion,” Tagle said.

The Pope has set aside three and a half days to convince Catholic bishops to tackle pedophilia in a bid to contain a scandal that hit an already beleaguered Church again in 2018, from Chile to Germany and the United States.

“The holy people of God are watching and waiting not for simple and obvious condemnations but concrete and efficient measures,” Francis said.

“Let us listen to the cry of the young ones who ask us for jus-

tice,” he said.

The 82-year-old Pontiff hopes to raise awareness through prayers, speeches, working groups and testimonies from victims.

The idea is that the Church leaders will return home with clear ideas on how to spot and deal with abuse.

Turning point “My hope would be that people see this as a turning point,” said American Cardinal Blase Cupich, one of the Pope’s trusted allies in the United States and one of the summit’s four organizers.

The U.S. Catholic Church has been shaken by one of the gravest crises in its history, with the defrocking last week by Pope Francis of a former cardinal, American Theodore McCarrick, over accusations he sexually abused a teenager 50 years ago.

“It’s not the end game, no one can ever say that … [but] we’re going to do everything possible so people are held responsible, accountable and that there is going to be transparency,” Cu-

pich told journalists ahead of the meeting.

These three themes—responsibility, accountability and transparency—will form the backbone of the summit and provide its 190 participants with the keys to ensuring child safety, he said.

There are reforms in the pipeline, such as the “tweaking” of certain canon laws, according to another of the organizers, Maltese Archbishop Charles Scicluna.

But the suggestion that Church laws need only fine-tuning has angered many, including Anne Barrett Doyle, the co-director of BishopAccountability.org, a public database that documents cases of proven or suspected cleric sex crimes.

“Canon law has to be changed: not tweaked, not modified, but fundamentally changed, so that it stops prioritizing the priesthood … over the lives of children, and vulnerable adults who are sexually assaulted by them,” she said.

(Inquirer.net with reports from AFP and AP)

UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE ACT. Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Francisco T. Duque III, in his speech during the celebration of the signing of the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act on Thursday, February 21, at the DOH central office in Manila, congratulates all Filipinos for the accomplishment. Also in photo are Dr. Gundo Weiler, World Health Organization (WHO) Country Representative; Dr. Mario C. Villaverde, DOH Undersecretary; Senator JV Ejercito; and 4th District Rep. Angelina “Helen” Tan. PNA photo by Rico H. Borja

Oxford Economics: PH will be 2nd fastest growing emerging market in 2019-2028

by Ben

O. de Vera Inquirer.net

WITH an expanding labor force, the Philippines will be eclipsed only by India among emerging markets (EMs) expected to post the fastest economic growth in the next 10 years.

In a February 15 report, UKbased Oxford Economics projected the Philippines’ gross domestic product (GDP) to grow by an average of 5.3 percent between 2019 and 2028, only outpaced by India’s 6.5 percent.

For 2019, Oxford Economics had said its expects the Philippines’ GDP growth at 6.1 percent, below the government’s 7-8

percent target range.

China and Indonesia’s economies were both seen expanding by 5.1 percent during the 10-year period; Malaysia, 3.8 percent; Turkey, 3 percent; Thailand, 2.9 percent; Chile, 2.6 percent; Poland, 2.5 percent; and South Africa, 2.3 percent.

The labor force in the Philippines was projected to increase by an average of 2.3 percent during the next 10 years, the fastest among the 10 emerging markets.

The labor force growth figure was computed by Oxford Economics as the number of people in the labor force multiplied to the average number of hours

worked.

Total factor productivity growth was seen at 1 percent, while capital deepening or the contribution of capital accumulation to labor productivity growth was projected to rise by 1.6 percent from 2019 and 2028.

In a report titled “Sustained growth in EMs calls for thrift and innovation,” Oxford Economics said that while “countries with higher gross domestic saving (as a share of GDP) tend to have higher trend growth… the Philippines seems to be a major outlier, but its domestic savings are supplemented heavily by remittances.” n

5 Fil-Ams killed in Delano, CA...

PAGE A1 t According to California Highway Patrol, Jalson Rubang Laguta was driving a 2004 Mitsubishi SUV northbound in the third lane on Highway 99 at approximately 70 mph. The SUV then swerved off the road for an unknown reason, hit a tree, and caught on fire.

Local KGET News of Kern County reported that the victims—members of the Jehovah’s Witness faith—were returning home to Delano from church.

“We tragically lost the Laguta family in a terrible car accident.

Jalson, Arlene, Caleb, and Joseph were a beautiful family who loved Jehovah and served him faithfully until their last day,” reads a GoFundMe page set up to raise money for the funerals of all the victims. “They were loved by their family and congregation and were considered very close friends to all.”

“Though it hurts us all now, it is comforting to know that they died faithful to Jehovah God and they are now safe in His memory,” the GoFundMe page continued. “We long for the day when we will be reunited with our dear friends the Lagutas when they return to life in the beautiful paradise Jehovah has promised.”

As of press time, over $2,550 has been raised of the $30,000 goal.

Bill proposes no speed limit on Highway 99 California state Senator John Moorlach (R-Costa Mesa) recently introduced a bill that would make the state’s Highway 99 and I-5 among the world’s few highways without a speed limit.

Senate Bill 319 would add two lanes each to both the north- and south-bound lanes of the CA I-5 and Highway 99. The bill reasons that “traffic congestion increases the emissions of greenhouse

California Highway Patrol is still investigating the crash on Highway 99 that led to the deaths of a Filipino-American family of four and their family friend as they made their way home from church on Saturday night, February 16 in Delano, California.

Photo courtesy of the California Highway Patrol

gases as it causes automobiles to idle longer while on roadways.”

Funding would come from the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, a funding source for state programs designed to decrease greenhouse gas emissions.

But critics say that the opposite would happen—that emissions would actually increase.

“Emission goes up at high speeds; this would encourage people to drive cars really fast on our highway, and that would increase emissions coming from transportation… the only sector where emissions are increasing in California,” Bill Magavern, a spokesperson for the Coalition for Clean Air, told SFGate.

More concern for the introduced bill comes from a safety perspective. Many argue that having no speed limit would mean more accidents on the already accident-prone Highway 99.

A recent study by information pulling source Value Penguin found Highway 99 to be the most dangerous highway in the whole United States. The study found that despite it being a relatively shorter highway compared to

the others that topped the list, it had the most fatal accidents per 100 miles.

“The state route which cuts up the center of California had a total of 264 fatal accidents between the years 2011 and 2015,” said the study.

But Moorlach believes that the fast lanes would make the highways safer, and would provide a shorter alternative to riding a train in getting to San Francisco.

Referring to Germany’s famous speed-limit-free Autobahn, Moorlach told local news station CBS13, “If you look at what’s happening Germany, the freeway accidents on the Autobahn are a lot less than what’s happening on our roads!”

“You’re burning the fuel efficiently, as opposed to just sitting in slow traffic waiting for one truck to pass another truck for 20 minutes,” he added.

Anyone with information on this accident is asked to contact the California Highway Patrol in Bakersfield at (661) 396-6600.

(Rae Ann Varona/AJPress)

DOH: Measles outbreak could affect...

PAGE A1 t ticularly concerned due to the heavy tourist traffic in both areas and the 200,000 OFWs deployed there.

“Hong Kong has been declared measles-free. They expressed their concern about the measles outbreak here. We have many Filipinos traveling to Hong Kong,” the undersecretary said.

The health department Epidemiology Bureau together with the Bureau of Quarantine established health desks at major airports so that travelers and tourists could “voluntarily” walk in and sought for consultation should they feel sick.

“The people should be responsible to have themselves voluntarily checked before leaving the country. Because if other countries have this bad experience from us, there could be repercussions,” Domingo said.

“Sa mga tourist na papunta satin (To the incoming tourists), we want to assure them that everything is being done to contain the outbreaks and control it the

soonest time possible,” he added.

Death toll reaches 146 As of February 18, there are a total of 146 deaths and over 9,200 cases - mostly affecting children. Cases were concentrated in CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon) with 2,310 cases; National Capital Region (NCR) with 1,937 cases and Central Luzon with 1,387.

In an article from CNN Philippines, World Health Organization (WHO) Philippines medical officer Achyut Shrestha said that the outbreak also affects adolescent and adult populations.

“Upon analyzing 2018 measles cases, 10 percent of the cases are in the age bracket of five years to 15 years and further 20 percent are from 15 years up to 40 plus years,” Shrestha said.

“Whenever the unvaccinated under five years population reach a certain threshold due to continued vulnerability of higher age groups, Philippines experiences large measles outbreaks,”

she added.

Eliminate the outbreak by May Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said that the department plan to eliminate the epidemic by May 2019. He said that they “are intensifying vaccination in all regions because we don’t want measles to spread further.”

They increased the immunization program by vaccinating 12 to 14 million children, including 2.4 million infants aged six to 59 months; seven to eight million grade schoolers and pre-schoolers and 2.6 million adults.

“Buong Kamaynilan ang kanila pong mga kinatawan ay sumang-ayon na habaan ang oras. Ang mga bakunahan tuwing Sabado at nakikiusap ako pwede pong pati Linggo (Representatives in the whole of Metro Manila agreed to extend their working time. Conduct vaccination on Saturdays, and if need be, even on Sundays),” Duque said as reported by UNTV. n

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Dateline USa

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • FEbRUARy 23-26, 2019

A

Int’l rights groups call on gov’t to drop US, UK hold second South China Sea joint drills in 2 months ‘preposterous’ charges vs De Lima

by Gaea

Katreena Philstar.com

by Patricia Lourdes

cabico

THREE international human rights organizations called on the Philippine government to drop the “politically-motivated” charges against Sen. Leila de Lima, who has been detained since February 2017.

In a statement released on Friday, February 22, Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International and Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) noted the “arbitrary detention and mistreatment” of De Lima is indicative of the “deteriorating” situation for human rights defenders in the Philippines.

Brad Adams, HRW Asia director, said the prolonged detention of De Lima is the culmination of President Rodrigo Duterte’s “long demonization campaign against a critical sitting senator.”

“These preposterous charges against her should immediately be dropped and the senator be released,” Adams said.

FORUM-ASIA executive director John Samuel, for his part said: “Senator De Lima’s two year in custody show the lengths the Duterte administration will go to stifle dissent and threaten human rights defenders who demand accountability for violations.”

He added: “The government’s fabricated charges against her only reflect how compromised its institutions have become under the present administration.”

Nicholas Bequelin, Amnesty International’s East and South

Philstar.com

This file photo shows Sen. Leila de Lima upon her arrival at Muntinlupa Regional Trail Court to attend her hearing.

Philstar.com photo by Joven Cagande

East Asia and the Pacific regional director, called De Lima a “brave champion of human rights” who was detained solely for her criticisms of the Duterte administration.

“This is a blatant attempt to silence her courageous voice as she continues to speak out against widespread human rights violations, including thousands of extrajudicial executions of mostly poor and marginalized people,” Bequelin said.

Last year, a United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention adopted an opinion that categorized De Lima’s pre-trial detention as “arbitrary” and that she should be released.

The senator’s colleagues in the upper house called on their fellow lawmakers to heed the UN panel’s call early in February.

Is striking for school nurses...

PAGE A3 t ministration of medications such as insulin.

It’s not that the district doesn’t want to hire nurses, said Andrea Bustamante, executive director of student services at Oakland Unified School District. It’s that it can’t.

The district, which has about 37,000 students, budgets for 32 nurses, but seven of those positions are vacant, she said.

“Like many other California districts, we have struggled to find qualified candidates to fill our vacancies,” Bustamante said in a written statement. She cited obstacles including the additional state certification required to become a school nurse and competition from hospitals.

What school districts really need to do if they want to attract

more nurses is offer them a “living wage,” said Sean McFarland, a school nurse at Denver Public Schools who participated in the strike there.

Before working in schools, McFarland was a charge nurse in an emergency room, where he made about $16,000 more a year than his starting salary at the school district, he said. He took the pay cut because he wanted to try nursing in another setting and give back to his community in a different way, he said.

When he started, he befriended four other new nurses. “Out of the five of us, I am the only one who still works” at the district, McFarland said. “They left for more pay.”

This story was produced by Kaiser Health News, an editorially independent program of the Kaiser Family Foundation.

Photo courtesy of AARP

AARP: Older Fil-Ams vulnerable...

PAGE A1 t and green cards.

When an immigrant is scammed and does not get their needed approvals, they can be removed from the United States and get separated from their families.

In response to this alarming situation, AARP presents “Immigration Fraud Prevention,” a nationwide public service announcement and storytelling initiative in collaboration with NextDayBetter, the Asian American Bar Association of New York, the Filipino American Lawyers Association of New York, and the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA). This series features immigration attorneys providing insights and tips on how Filipino individuals and families can protect themselves against immigration fraud.

Attorney Amanda Bernardo, director at the Filipino American Bar Association of New York and co-chair of the Immigration Committee at the Asian American Bar Association of New York, said “that the immigration process can be confusing and intimidating, especially for Filipinos and Asian immigrants who face language barriers. You need to carefully vet the right immigration attorney, who can lend the right immigration services based on their client’s complex immigration needs.”

Unfortunately, many unqualified individuals and institutions take advantage of the trust of Filipino immigrants, providing ineffective or even harmful representation.

Scammers file the wrong paperwork, use fraudulent measures, or misrepresent facts, which jeopardizes their client’s immigration case. Older AAPIs are particularly vulnerable as tar-

grant communities because they are particularly vulnerable, but knowing how they work can help you spot and avoid scams,” said Daphne Kwok, AARP Vice President of Multicultural Leadership, Asian American and Pacific Islander Audience Strategy. “The focus of our fraud initiative is to provide the community the tools they need to outsmart con artists before they strike.”

Some tips on how to protect yourself from immigration fraud include: • Work only with people who are authorized by the government to help you.

• Real government website URLs should have .gov domains.

• Always verify the person’s credentials. You should call the appropriate government agency and confirm that whoever has contacted you is a legitimate representative.

• Don’t let anyone keep your original documents, like your birth certificate or passport.

• Never pay for blank government forms or sign a form that either isn’t filled out yet or that you don’t understand.

• Keep a copy of every form you submit and every letter from the government for your own records.

• Avoid notary publics for legal advice. They are not licensed lawyers and cannot talk to government agencies on your behalf.

“By rallying community organizations across the country, we can better educate and empower Filipino immigrants to legally navigate our immigration system with the right resources and support,” NextDayBetter CEO Ryan Letada said.

For more information, please contact the AARP hotline at 1-877908-3360, or visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork and the Federal

The Duterte administration has long rejected numerous calls to release De Lima, saying these are intrusions of country’s domestic affairs.

De Lima has been detained at Camp Crame in Quezon City since Feb. 24, 2017 over the government’s drug charges against her. She was initially detained on an illegal drug trading charge that has since been amended to charge of conspiracy to commit illegal drug trading.

It took more than a year for De Lima’s arraignment—to which she refused to enter a plea on all charges—to happen. She was arraigned on her last drug-related charge on February 1.

The Commission on Human Rights earlier called out the Philippine National Police for its treatment of the senator. n

Viray

FOR the second time this year, the American and British navies recently concluded maritime security drills in the South China Sea. The U.S. Navy deployed replenishment oiler USNS Guadalupe while the Royal Navy deployed frigate HMS Montrose last February 18 for a maritime security and logistics training.

Last January, the U.S. Navy’s guided missile destroyer USS McCampbell and the Royal Navy’s frigate HMS Argyll also conducted joint drills in the disputed waterway.

In the latest exercises, the British and American troops participated in a visit, board, search and seizure scenario where the Montrose team embarked and secured Guadalupe, which was acting as a vessel engaged in high seas trafficking, according to a report from the U.S. Pacific Fleet.

The Montrose and the Guadalupe also simulated replenishment at sea, ensuring safe and efficient fuel transfer despite never having worked together before. The two ships followed the procedures of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

Cmdr. Conor O’Neill, commanding officer of HMS Montrose, said the recent exercise was valuable for the Royal Navy and Royal Marines.

“That we were able to achieve this training, and the replenish-

In this Feb. 18, 2019 photo, civilian mariner Kevin Sauls, USNS Guadalupe ship’s master, observes HMS Montrose of the Royal Navy during a replenishment-at-sea drill in the South China Sea. U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Tristin Barth

ment drills afterwards, is testament to the close working relationship between the Royal and United States navies, both in the Pacific and globally,” O’Neill said.

Eric Nanjo, civilian mariner chief mate aboard USNS Guadalupe, said the drills helped both parties expand their capabilities.

“It’s important because if you don’t practice these scenarios, you won’t have the skills necessary to succeed when the time comes,” Nanjo said.

Aside from the previous joint exercises in January, the U.S. Navy and the Royal Navy, along with the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force, also worked together in a trilateral anti-submarine warfare in December.

The joint exercises between the U.S. and UK navies came after the declaration of U.S. IndoPacific Command commander Adm. Philip Davison that allies

and partners will be included in Washington’s future operations in the South China Sea. “We’ve had allies and partners in the region — the UK, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, France, all in one form or another step up their operations in the South China Sea and I think that shows the international community’s willingness to push back,” Davidson told the U.S. Senate earlier this month.

Davidson warned that China has veen working to expand its “form of ideology” in the region through fear and coercion. Beijing has been claiming almost the entire South China Sea, part of which is the West Philippine Sea. “In its place, Beijing seeks to create a new order, one with Chinese characteristics, led by China, an outcome that displaces the stability and peace in the IndoPacific that has endured for over 70 years,” Davidson said. n

A February 23-26, 2019 • La WeeKeND aSIaN JOurNaL

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D ateline PhiliPPines Gov’t fight vs child sex trafficking reason for birth certificates in minors’ passport renewals–Locsin

THE government’s fight against child sex trafficking is the main reason why minors are required to submit birth certificates when renewing passports, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. said on Friday, February 22.

Locsin issued the statement on Twitter when a netizen asked about the necessity to provide birth certificates for minors during passport renewals.

“Yes, to prevent child sex trafficking which is rampant in the South. And DFA Consular informs me that there is a 50,000 backlog of passport applications still under investigation. That is to make our passport credible worldwide,” Locsin said.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in December 2018 issued an order clarifying the process of passport renewal “to enhance the convenience of and unburden the public and pass-

ports and shall not cover the following cases where birth certificates issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) shall still be required: first-time passport applications; renewal applications for lost or mutilated passports; renewal applications requiring changes in the passport entries; renewal applications of brown and green passports bearing no complete middle name; applicants included in the Department’s watchlist.

“For the aforementioned exceptions, the application requirePhilippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro ments existing under the PassLocsin Jr. Philstar.com photo port Act, IRR, and other existing port applicants from unnecessary relevant circulars shall remain,” requirements for the renewal of the DFA said.

Foreign service posts and contheir passports.”

The presentation of a birth cer- sular offices may require additificate in the application for the tional documents to ascertain the renewal of passport “shall not be Philippine citizenship of passport applicants or proof of filiation of required,” the DFA said.

It said the order should cover minors. (Bernadette E. Tamayo/ only regular renewals of pass- ManilaTimes.net)

PNP JOINS NATIONWIDE SIMULTANEOUS EARTHQUAKE DRILL. Hundreds of Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel participate in the First Quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill for 2019 held at Camp Rafael T. Crame in Quezon City on Thursday, February 21. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) spearheaded the Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill.

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

Measles cases up: No vaccination, LAW OFFICES OF DARRICK V. TAN no enrollment policy eyed SERVING MY FELLOW KABABAYANS FOR OVER 17 YEARS

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by Janvic

Darrick V. Tan, Esq. Licensed in California for over 17 years Licensed in Nevada for over 12 years* UCLA, Bachelor of Arts, Political Science with Cum Laude honors Southwestern University Law School, Juris Doctor Admitted to U.S. District Court, Central District of California Member, American Immigration Lawyers Association Member, Consumers Attorney Association of Los Angeles Former Member, Board of Governors, Philippine American Bar Association *Inactive

MANILA — The Department of Education (DepEd) is reviewing a proposal of the Department of Health (DOH) to implement a “no vaccination, no enrollment” policy in public schools as the number of measles cases rose to 11,459 with 189 deaths.

Education Secretary Leonor Briones said they have to study thoroughly the proposal to ensure that it would not impinge on the rights of students if implemented.

“We have to look at the human rights aspect,” Briones said on Wednesday, February 20. “We will study it on the aspect of the Constitution, human rights.”

The present guidelines on the school-based immunization program allows parents to decline vaccination for their children by not signing the required consent form.

While the proposal for mandatory vaccination is under review, Briones said they need to think of other ways to convince parents that the risk of measles vaccination is not similar to that of the controversial anti-dengue vaccine Dengvaxia, which was given to some students under the schoolbased immunization program.

The DepEd chief said she met with Health Secretary Francisco Duque III to strengthen efforts to address the measles outbreak in some regions.

Among the commitments made by the agency include gathering of data on how many school children are afflicted with measles, followup on students without consent forms and categorize children on whether or not they have been vaccinated.

“We are working together in areas with outbreaks,” Briones said.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III earlier raised the possibility of implementing a mandatory vaccination policy.

Philstar.com photo by Ernie Peñaredondo

Duque earlier raised the possibility of implementing a mandatory vaccination policy.

He said there is an existing executive order issued by then president and now Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in 2007 that requires the immunization of children before they enter elementary and pre-school.

The policy, however, does not provide for sanctions for failing to comply.

“We are looking at countries where immunization is mandatory. We have no law yet on this but this is something that merits serious consideration,” Duque said.

Measles cases hit 11,459 The DOH recorded a total of 11,459 measles cases, including 189 deaths, from Jan. 1 to Feb. 20 this year.

The figure was 329 percent higher compared to the 2,673 measles cases posted during the same period last year, according to Duque.

“We are hoping and praying for the measles outbreak to end, but it’s still increasing,” the health

chief said.

Duque said the DOH is exerting all efforts to immunize 95 percent of the target population to control the spread of measles nationwide.

He said measles cases are expected to drop by the first week April if they would be able to immunize young children and others vulnerable of acquiring the infection.

Meanwhile, the DOH office in Cagayan Valley has declared a measles outbreak in the region after clustering of cases was observed in four provinces.

“Our regional office recommended the declaration of measles outbreak after measles cases were recorded in Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya and Quirino,” Duque said.

But he said the DOH is unlikely to declare measles outbreak in the entire Cagayan Valley region since only 66 cases were recorded in the whole region.

Although measles cases increased from six to 82, Duque said the prevalence was much lower than in other regions. n

Angara: Law on expanded maternity leave proves PH is best country for women MANILA — Senator Sonny Angara lauded on Friday, February 22, the enactment of expanded maternity leave into law, saying it proves that the Philippines is the best country to champion women’s rights.

“We are proud to be one with many countries around the world in recognizing the importance of mothers and in upholding the rights of every woman,” Angara, who co-authored and co-sponsored the measure in the Senate, said.

Angara issued the statement two days after President Rodrigo Duterte signed into law the Expanded Maternity Leave Act, which offers longer maternity leave and benefits to all working mothers.

The law offers 105 days of paid leave with an option to extend for 30 days without pay while solo mothers will also get an additional 15 days of leave.

Angara said the new law showed recognition of women’s role, especially mothers in nationbuilding.

“Because all women, especially mothers, are important to the nation, this measure is but a simple sign of our gratitude for the sacrifices and hardships they’ve endured in nurturing each of us,” Angara said.

The senator then described the new law as a “historical win for women, particularly mothers— and the country as a whole.”

The senator said the new law empowered not only mothers but also their children because it gives mothers enough time to ensure the health of their children.

“Here we have proof, through the actions of both houses of Con-

Senator Sonny Angara

gress, that our society greatly values every woman’s right to safeguard not just her health, but also the health of her children,” Angara said.

“For with a longer maternity leave period, we give our mothers adequate time and opportunity to ensure the proper nutrition, nourishment and nurturing of their children—especially when they themselves are going through the process of recuperation,” he added.

The senator also explained that the new law will complement the Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Act which helps protect the rights of working mothers on breastfeeding.

“We’ve mentioned before how a longer maternity leave increases the chances for a mother to breastfeed her children—an activity which many studies have proven to have long-term benefits not just for the child or the mother, but for the society-at-large as well,” Angara said.

“This is but only one instance of where lengthening maternity leave benefits actually helps in

Inquirer.net photo

safeguarding the nation’s future,” he added.

In 2017, Philippines was 10th in ranking in the Global Gender Gap report making it as the “most gender equal country in Asia.”

The report provided by the World Economic Forum (WEF) ranked 144 countries based on four categories which are “labor force participation, educational attainment, health and survival and political empowerment.”

In 2011, the Philippines was hailed as the best place in Asia for women based on a report released by Newsweek magazine.

The Philippines was ranked 17th overall in the magazine’s “The Best and Worst Places for Women,” which evaluated 165 countries on five areas that affect women’s lives which are “treatment under the law, political power, workforce participation, access to education and access to healthcare.”

The Philippines received an overall score of 86.3 out of 100 which made it the only Asian country to be included in the Top 20. (Inquirer.net)

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A

Senators eye first daughter Sara Duterte for presidential bid

by Nathalie

Robles

AJPress

MANIFESTO OF SUPPORT. Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) OIC Deputy Director General for Administration and Chief of Staff, Irish Calaguas, signs the manifesto of support at the launching of the agency’s Drug Advocacy Program, held at Seameo Innotech in Diliman, Quezon City on Thursday, February 21. The program strives to engage the management of private establishments, including security agencies, by implementing their own drug-free work place program, educate employees on the ill effects of dangerous drugs, and enforce a random drug testing for all officers and employees.

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

Duterte: I will not allow my country to be destroyed by drugs

by AJPress PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday, February 20, vowed that he will not allow anyone to destroy the Philippines with illegal drugs.

“I will not allow my country to be destroyed by drugs. I will not allow my country to end up a failed state because of drugs,” he said in a speech in Malacañang.

Duterte warned that his antidrug campaign would be “harsher in the days to come.”

“And I am declaring war. I am not declaring a punitive police action. It cannot help and it would not help. So early on I decided but I think I’d be more — well I said harsher in the days

to come,” he said.

The President also acknowledged that nobody could solve the drug problem in due time.

Still, he promised to end the problem during his term.

“I’m not speculating on my competence or ability. Far from it, actually. Nobody can solve it in due time. Pero gusto kong tapusin ko talaga ‘to sa panahon ko. (But I really want to finish this during my term),” he said.

“I have the three years left, and I’m putting notice to everybody and the same sloganeering.

Maybe it leaves a bad taste in the mouth every time I say it, but I have to say it. At least you are forewarned,” he added.

With this, Duterte stated that

he is declaring war and threatened to kill anyone who stands in the way. He also threatened to kill those behind the smuggling of illegal drugs into the Philippines.

“And also for those guys who keep on with their business of importing — be they Mexicans or Chinese or Filipino. If you continue to feed our children with drugs, there’s no way that… talagang maaabutan ko kayo at papatayin ko kayo. (I will get to you and I will kill you),” he said.

Since assuming office on June 30, 2016, Duterte has been pushing for permanently stopping the proliferation of illegal drugs in the Philippines. n

Binay vows to fight poverty

by Neil JaysoN

seRvallos ManilaTimes.net

uphold the dignity of the people by recognizing their right FORMER Vice President Jejo- to education and healthcare, to mar Binay on Thursday, Febru- live in a community free from ary 21, vowed to push laws that fear and hunger, and to be would restore the dignity of the treated fairly and equally bepoor and redistribute economic fore the law.” opportunity if he gains a seat at Binay is running in the May the House of Representatives. elections to represent the first “Poverty in the midst of plenty district of Makati City, the post is our greatest shame. It is also once held by former senator our greatest challenge,” Binay Ceferino “Joker” Arroyo Jr. and said in a statement.

Foreign Affairs Secretary TeHe said the challenge “is to odoro Locsin Jr.

Part of his legislative agenda are the establishment of better hospitals and social programs and healthcare.

“Our social programs have made an impact on the lives of the citizens of Makati. Poverty has dropped drastically. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, from a poverty incidence of 34.7 percent in 2000, we have succeeded in lowering the rate of poverty to 0.5 percent in 2012,” Binay said. n

AS the presidential daughter and Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP) chairwoman Sara DuterteCarpio increased her public presence for her political party, the public buzzed anew with talks of her possibly succeeding her father President Rodrigo Duterte.

Four senators already expressed their support for the first daughter despite DuterteCarpio’s statement that she will announce her decision to seek a national post by January 2021.

Re-electionist Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara said that the younger Duterte is seen to have all the qualifications of a good leader with training from none other than the Chief Executive himself.

“I think she’s one of the potential future leaders of the country because she has the qualifications — a lawyer, has (the) heart for the masses and, of course, she has a mentor – who better to mentor her than President Duterte?” Angara said as reported by The Philippine Star.

Angara said that the Davao City mayor’s attendance to HNP rallies would serve as her training ground in order to become the leader that is familiar with the issues and struggles of the Filipino people.

“Mayor Sara has the training, experience, savvy and going around the country with HNP will only give her a better perspective on the country’s problems,” the re-electionist senator said as reported by Manila Standard.

The senatorial candidate also foreshadowed the possibility that Duterte-Carpio would skip right to the presidency from a mayoral position since she has the “makings of a good president.”

“I think nothing’s impossible now. Because President Duterte broke the barrier. He was the first mayor to go straight to (the) president. Usually, you pass through the Senate first. So it’s not unheard of for a local official to become president,” he said.

Another senatorial candidate Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito described the presidential daughter as “principled, intelligent and firm.” He said, “These are good qualities of a great leader. Not to mention she has the charm.”

Both Angara and Ejercito were among the 13 senatorial candidates endorsed by the first daughter’s regional political par-

ty, the HNP. The rest includes Koko Pimentel, Cynthia Villar, Pia Cayetano, Bong Revilla, Francis Tolentino, Bong Go, Ronald dela Rosa, Zajid Mangudadatu, Jiggy Manicad, Imee Marcos and Jinggoy Estrada.

Aside from the mentioned senatorial candidates, other senators also expressed their approval of another Duterte taking the presidential seat.

Senator Panfilo Lacson picked Duterte-Carpio as his

u PAGE A9

Presidential daughter and Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP) chairwoman Sara DuterteCarpio Philstar.com photo

A8 FEBRUARY 23-26, 2019 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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OPINION

A hotter El Niño

FEATURES

THE country is used to El Niño, the weather phenomenon that brings drought in this part of the planet. Weather forecasters, however, warn that this year’s El Niño is going to be even hotter and drier than usual, with temperatures in certain areas possibly rising above 40 degrees Celsius.

That’s bad news for farmers, especially those producing rice, which needs ample irrigation. Rice farmers are already up in arms over the new law that allows unlimited amounts of rice to be imported and distributed nationwide.

Many of the imported types are cheaper than comparable local varieties. Although the rice tariffication law sets up a fund to enable local farmers to compete with foreign products, the impact of the flood of imports is expected to be felt immediately. Local rice producers fear the death of the industry.

A hotter-than-usual El Niño can only aggravate rice farmers’ woes. The looming drought also threatens farms planted to other crops. With the

warning issued by weather forecasters, the government must move quickly to mitigate the impact of El Niño. In areas where there is little hope of providing irrigation during a drought, farmers can be given livelihood alternatives and other forms of assistance.

El Niño is a regular bane to farmlands in this country, and its occurrences are likely to get worse with climate change. The government can consult experts to draw up long-term approaches for dealing with periodic drought and mitigating the impact of El Niño especially on the country’s poorest. This gains more urgency as local rice farmers, who are heavily dependent on abundant irrigation, enter a more competitive environment. (Philstar. com)

Editorial

Philstar.com photo

No one is above the law

Rhizomes

PROSY ABARQUEZDELACRUZ, J.D. “It is more proper that law should govern than any one of its citizens.” – Aristotle On Feb. 21, 2019, The Rachel Maddow Show’s team uncovered a telegram sent by then-Vice President Spiro Agnew seeking Saudi Millions to fight the ‘Zionists’. Agnew had then pled guilty to tax evasion charges, paid a $10,000 fine and “resigned from office with disgrace.” But, the criminal enterprise he headed was not proportional to the punishment he obtained as he was still able to live as a private citizen.

Agnew had sent a telegram as a private citizen seven years later to the Ahmad Abdul Wahab, Chief of Royal Protocol, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, seeking an audience with Crown Prince Fahad for his “personal emer-

gency” and got a response to see the Crown Prince on August 15, 1988.

On August 25, 1988, he wrote the Prince to obtain financial support of $2,000,000 in a secret account for a political campaign against the Jews, using the interest of $200,000 for three years. Isn’t it nuts that this former VP secured a loan from Saudi Arabia, living off from the interest to fight the Jews? NBC’s historian validated these documents that Rachel Maddow obtained from Greg Schneider as true. Agnew later thanked the Saudi Prince for the financial help he obtained.

Agnew then became an advisor to then-U.S. Presidential Candidate George Herbert Bush in October 1988. Bush had chosen Dan Quayle to run as VP and one who was ridiculed by the media for spelling potato as potatoe.

Why should these historical facts matter today?

Folks mistakenly believe that

a sitting U.S. president cannot be subject to indictment. There is no such protection that is written in the U.S. Constitution.

Instead, there is a 1973 memo written by Robert Dixson, head of the Office of Legal Counsel.

J.T. Smith, who was then working with Attorney General Elliott Richardson, affirmed that the memo was written to expressly support the indictability of Agnew to remove him from the line of succession, given Nixon and Watergate.

Smith, in an interview with Rachel Maddow, said that the intent of the memo was not on the question of indictability of the president. It was focused on the indictability of the vice president.

At that time, Agnew was getting cash and kickbacks for government contracts as the top city official of Maryland and continued getting kickbacks as governor of Maryland. The criminal enterprise continued while as VP inside the White

House, according to the Rachel Maddow Show, as Agnew was literally taking cash bribes in envelopes, while a 40-count indictment was waiting to be served on him.

From that 1973 memo written specifically to support the indictment and removal of Agnew, it somehow got stretched to support the conclusion that a U.S. president cannot be indicted and a conclusion that there is a de facto immunity from prosecution for country’s top office.

So where does this historical artifact-digging lead us? In fact, what we know is that the president can be impeached for high crimes and misdemeanor.

Yet there is a distinction between an indictment and an impeachment. Indictment, as you know, is arrived at by a grand jury voting on a proposed felony charge, witnesses’ testimony and other evidence presented by the District Attorney, while impeachment is a process com-

ing from the legislature against a government official and is based on a statement of charges. It is like an indictment with the charges listed, but only it is coming from Congress.

So now we await current Special Counsel’s Robert Mueller report and with baited breath, we predict that it contains all the criminal charges traceable to all the president’s men and those who have been arrested, indicted, pled and have served their jail time: Roger Stone, Michael Cohen, Paul Manafort, Michael Flynn, Rick Gates, Alex van der Zwaan, George Papadopoulos, Richard Pinedo, 13 Russian nationals and three entities, 12 Russian military intelligence officers and Konstantin Kilimnik, according to Andrew Witherspoon of Axios.

If all the president’s men have been indicted, arrested, served time, could his inner circle be reached, as well as the president himself?

What we know is that, from

the history of U.S. governance and its adherence to the rule of law, U.S. President Richard Nixon resigned because of Watergate, and a vice president paid a $10,000 fine and resigned with disgrace from his office. Would any of these be the fate of this sitting U.S. President Donald Trump? *** Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz, J.D. writes a weekly column for Asian Journal, called “Rhizomes.” She has been writing for AJ Press for 10 years. She also contributes to Balikbayan Magazine. Her training and experiences are in science, food technology, law and community volunteerism for 4 decades. She holds a B.S. degree from the University of the Philippines, a law degree from Whittier College School of Law in California and a certificate on 21st Century Leadership from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. She has been a participant in NVM Writing Workshops taught by Prof.

Peter Bacho for 4 years and Prof. Russell Leong. She has travelled to France, Holland, Belgium, Japan, Costa Rica, Mexico and over 22 national parks in the US, in her pursuit of love for nature and the arts.

Discussion now should be about insurgency’s end

Commentary

YEN MAKABENTA SAYING that he is “not that cruel,” President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday ordered the police and the military to allow the return home of National Democratic Front (NDF) chief negotiator Fidel Agcaoili, and opened the door for talks with the communist insurgents.

Duterte said: “We’re on a waiting period about the appropriate time to talk about peace. I am not that cruel.”

The change in tone is a tonic for the CPP because the news from everywhere these days is dolorous for communists around the world.

Desperation haunts the left’s vision of a new world.

What is left for the CPP-NPANDF to do?

Signs of the times Consider the signs of the times: 1. In Cuba, on the 60th year of the triumph of the Cuban revolution, the government has dropped the word “communism” from the country’s new constitution.

2. In France, L’Humanité, the 115- year-old communist daily, is on the brink of being placed on receivership. The paper’s closure could be at hand.

3. In Vietnam, the communist rulers will host on February 27 and 28 the second summit meeting between Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un.

4. In China, the Chinese economy is living through a major comedown from its glory days. Xi Jinping is moving close to a trade deal with the US to avert a disas-

trous trade war.

5. A respected Oxford University scholar has written that there are now only five remaining communist countries in the world, all of which do not follow the principles of Karl Marx and his Communist Manifesto.

Cuba’s changing communist narrative Author Alvaro Vargas Llosa, a senior fellow at the Independent Institute, has posted online a grim narrative of Cuba’s communism, as the country marked the 60th year of the Cuban revolution. He wrote: “Communism killed any possibility of prosperity. the Revolution’s ‘ultima ratio’ [became] the Cold War and Cuba’s role in the planetary struggle between socialism and capitalism — a way to justify Cuba becoming a Soviet colony….

“The end of the Soviet subsidy — several billion dollars a year — uncovered the truth about Cuba’s miserable economy.

“Then came Hugo Chavez’s oil subsidy… Cuba’s dependence on Venezuela was concealed under rhetoric that depicted Castro as the inspiration of Venezuela’s 21st-century socialism…

“Venezuela’s subsidy provided an opportunity for Cuba to export ‘professional services,’ sending thousands of doctors, nurses, and teachers overseas in exchange for dollars. This was close to slavery since the host country would pay the salaries to the Cuban government in dollars and the Castro regime would pay the doctors and teachers a tiny fraction of the money …in Cuban pesos!…

“When Fidel Castro fell ill in 2006 the narrative evolved. His

brother Raul, a China admirer, allowed more Cubans to engage in small, closely controlled entrepreneurial activities and invited new foreign capital to partner with the state.

“Cuba’s new constitution dropped the word “communism,” but retained the one-party state….

“The well-respected economist Carmelo Mesa-Lago says the private sector represents no more than 7 percent of GDP in Cuba.

The country is severely undercapitalized (gross capital formation is one half of Latin America’s average); and agricultural and industrial production shrank in the last decade…

“Sixty years on, Cuba has nothing but misery to show for itself — and an extraordinary ability to delude itself and many others.”

L’Humanité on the ropes Joseph Schmid of Agence France Presse reported the sad news about L’Humanité as follows: “L’Humanité newspaper is facing a financing crunch that could see it placed in receivership…The clock may be ticking for the 115year-old paper of record of diehard leftists.

“After years of operating at a loss despite millions of euros of public aid, a court outside Paris will decide if L’Humanité can keep printing while being placed in receivership.

“Even if this best-case scenario gives the paper some breathing room, its journalists face working under a court-appointed manager who will be watching every euro— an ignominious turn of events for a paper that has spent more than a century railing against bosses.

The miltiary clarified on Friday, February 22, that the P100,000 reward for every communist or Islamist militant captured or killed would come from the local government of Negros Occidental and not from the Armed Forces.

Philstar.com photo by Michael Vargas

“L’Huma, as it’s widely called, has already appealed for donations, the latest in a string of fundraising campaigns that periodically bring in much-needed millions to keep the presses rolling.

“But with daily circulation down to around 40,000 copies — analysts say around 30,000 are actually sold — the paper now faces the daunting prospect of finding a viable business model.

“French presidents from Francois Mitterrand to Francois Hollande have traditionally stepped in to erase debts or inject cash.

“Last week France’s Communist Party, facing its own financing squeeze after dismal 2017 election results, announced it would no longer print its weekly four-page supplement in the paper.”

Five remaining communist countries According to Robert Service, Oxford University scholar, the last five remaining communist countries in the world are: 1. People’s Republic of China

2. Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea) 3. Socialist Republic of Vietnam 4. Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Laos) 5. Republic of Cuba While China, North Korea, Vietnam, Laos and Cuba officially claim to be communist states, the country that adheres most strictly to communist principles, according to Service, is North Korea. He should know, he wrote the book on it — Comrades! A History of World Communism.

Today, he says, Karl Marx would hardly recognize his manifesto.

Communism was meant to spread around the world. But, says Service, “when the Chinese go to Africa, they aren’t taking communism. They are taking the market economy in one of its wildest forms.”

“History is a sort of tangled web of contradictions. Who would’ve thought, 30 years ago, that we’d only be talking about five states

that have any official adherence to communism — it’s all happened so very, very quickly,” Service said.

Terminating the insurgency It’s no wonder that Filipino communists today are wondering whether they should slog on with their 50-year-old armed struggle against the Philippine government.

As with other communist movements in the world, many in the ranks are questioning whether it’s time to hang up the gloves. The thought has also danced in the minds of leaders like Fidel Agcaoili, who has come home and says he wants to talk.

Only Joma Sison, who is comfortably ensconced in the Netherlands and does not have to fight in the swamps, still talks of fighting on.

The narrative has changed.

It seems the only subject for negotiators to discuss now is the termination of the communist insurgency. (ManilaTimes.net)

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

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A9

Filipino-made ‘NASA’ app brings CHR slams proposal to revoke space data to fishermen scholarships of ‘anti-government’ students

by JANVIC

MATEO Philstar.com

MANILA — A Filipino-made mobile application was recently recognized by the United States’ National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for its vision of providing fishermen with scientific data that could help in their everyday lives.

The ISDApp, developed by a group of Filipino creative and information technology experts, won the “Galactic Impact” award in the NASA Space Apps Challenge for offering a “solution with the most potential to improve life on Earth or in the universe.”

U.S. Ambassador Sung Kim on Thursday, February 21, met with members of team iNON, which beat 1,395 teams from around the world to win in the said category.

“I am deeply impressed by team iNON’s fantastic achievement in defeating teams from around the world to win first place in the Galactic Impact category of the NASA Space Apps Challenge,” said Kim. “They can inspire other Filipino youth to develop innovative solutions to problems in their own communities.”

According to the US embassy, ISDApp was conceived during the embassy-sponsored event in October last year, which was attended by Team iNON members Revbrain Martin, Marie Jeddah Legaspi, Julius Czar Torreda, Matthew Concubierta and Lean-

MANILA — Expressing dissent to the government’s policies should be not be used a basis to remove scholarships of students deemed to be “antigovernment,” the Commission on Human Rights said.

The CHR issued the statement after National Youth Commission chair Ronald Cardema called for the revocation of scholarships of students suspected to have links with leftist organizations.

Jacqueline De Guia, CHR spokesperson, stressed that freedom of speech and of expression and freedom to petition the government to redress of grievances are guaranteed by the ConstituThe ISDApp, developed by a group of Filipino IT experts to help provide weather alerts for tion. fishermen through SMS, won an award in the NASA Space Apps Challenge for offering a ‘solution with the most potential to improve life on Earth or in the universe.’

Contributed photo

dro de Guzman.

ISDApp aims to communicate crucial information about realtime weather and sea conditions to fisherfolk, including those who do not have smartphones.

Information useful for fishing and safety will be relayed via SMS (short messaging service) to fishermen using analog phones through an app installed from a town official’s smartphone. These include weather and cloud coverage, sunrise and sunset schedule and wind speed.

The application also features emergency alerts, including storm alerts and an SOS signal that a fisherman may trigger through a text message.

“ISDApp is a simple technol-

ogy with the most potential to solve a galactic problem by empowering millions of less privileged fishermen with information they need to have a better life,” the team said. “May the fish be with us.”

The group said they intend to incorporate more NASA data to provide more information such as tide and water temperature.

They also aim to partner with a telecommunications provider and other groups to provide more benefits to users.

Space Apps is an international hackathon organized by NASA to tap coders, scientists, designers, storytellers, makers, builders, technologists and other stakeholders to come together to address challenges. ■

Senators eye first daughter Sara Duterte for...

PAGE A7 t

“top choice” among the “young emerging leaders” to become the country’s next chief executive. The senator also boasted of the presidential daughter’s “good leadership qualities.”

“Just like what I’ve said during a news forum—among the young emerging leaders, Mayor Sara Duterte is somebody we may be looking at,” Lacson said as he described Sara Duterte as “strong-willed, stern, vibrant, and progressive-minded.”

However, Senate President Vicente Sotto III said that it is too soon to talk about the presidential elections during the campaign period for the senatorial and local bid. He said that the

Davao City mayor’s reluctance is understandable.

“Many things can still happen.

The political landscape sees major changes after the midterm elections. So, it’s better if the issue will be ventilated after 2019 (senatorial and local elections),” Sotto said.

Sara Duterte focuses on HNP campaign Despite talks of her possible presidential bid, the young Duterte seemed to focus more on campaigning for her Senate slate. Duterte-Carpio on Tuesday, February 19, went to Isabela province for a campaign caravan in Santiago City.

“Ang kailangan kasi namin ngayon ay madaming madam-

ing madaming kaibigan para tumulong sa mga senators, so ayan ‘yung hinahanap namin sa buong bansa ngayon, mga kaibigan ng Hugpong ng Pagbabago (What we really need now are lots and lots and lots of friends to help our senatorial line-up.

So that’s what we’re looking for across the country, friends of Hugpong ng Pagbabago),” Duterte-Carpio said as reported

by Rappler.

She also went on a “spiritual journey” as she stopped by seven churches from Laoag, Ilocos Norte to Santiago, Isabela with her Yamaha XSR900 motorcycle dubbed as “Ella” to “pray for the success of all HNP candidates.” ■

“These should not be used as basis to strip off deserving students access to education through scholarships,” De Guia said.

She added: “It is also equally important to recognize the people’s right to self-organization and freedom of association for as long as they are within the bounds of law.”

The CHR spokesperson, moreover, reminded government of its obligation to serve the people, not the other way around.

“As such, it is important to continuously seek ways on how to improve access to education envisioned to hone critical, productive citizens meant to benefit

the entire nation,” De Guia said.

The suggestion of Cardema— also the chair of the so-called Duterte Youth Movement—has been roundly criticized by youth groups, lawmakers and even Cabinet members.

Amid calls for him to quit his post, Cardema said he would not resign and apologize.

President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday said there is nothing wrong with students expressing dissent against his administration. But he also warned that those who “espouse the destruction” of the government might lose their scholarship. (Gaea Katreena Cabico/Philstar.com)

Duterte forms body to expedite Bay rehab

by CATHERINE

VALENTE ManilaTimes.net

task force. Interior Secretary Eduardo Año and Tourism chief Bernadette Romulo Puyat will serve as the vice chairmen.

Other members of the task force include officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Health, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, Philippine Coast Guard, Manila Water Company, and Maynilad Water Services Inc., among others.

The task force will implement relevant provisions of Presidential Decree 856 or the “Code of Sanitation of the Philippines” as amended, Republic Act (RA) 9275 and RA 9003 to ensure the complete rehabilitation, restoration and conservation of the Manila Bay. It will also “require all government facilities and other establishments, including households

to immediately connect existing sewage lines to available sewage systems or PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte sewage treatment plants (STPs) has ordered the creation of an or to construct individual STPs, inter-agency task force to speed whenever applicable, as well as up the rehabilitation of the Mato issue appropriate orders, imnila Bay. pose fines, penalties, and other Administrative Order 16, administrative sanctions to comsigned by Duterte on February pel compliance thereof.”

19, takes effect immediately.

In collaboration with the Anti“The convergence of the naPoverty Commission, Presidentional government agencies and tial Commission for the Urban local government units (LGUs) Poor, National Housing Authoriin the Manila Bay region and ty and affected local government the active participation of priunits, the task force will prepare vate and public stakeholders are and implement a comprehensive necessary to facilitate the robust plan for the massive relocation and integrated implementation of informal settlers along Manila of all rehabilitation and restoraBay. tion efforts at the Manila Bay,” It will also facilitate a masDuterte said. sive information, education and The President assigned Envicommunication drive to garner ronment Secretary Roy Cimatu public support on the clean-up as chairman of the inter-agency in collaboration with the Department of Education, Commission on Higher Education, Presidential Communications Operations Office and affected LGUs. The Department of Social Welfare and Development Department of Labor and Employment, and Department of Trade and Industry, meanwhile, were tasked to provide social welfare and livelihood assistance to families affected by the cleanup.

The task force’s funding shall come from existing appropriations of its member-agencies A boat sails near an excavator deployed for desilting operations in Manila Bay. President and other sources identified by Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday, February 21, created a task force to facilitate the rehabilitation the Department of Budget and of the bay.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Russell Palma Management. ■

ALL TOGETHER NOW, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA Conserve natural gas during a Dial It Down Alert As the winter weather gets cooler, the demand for natural gas tends to be higher.

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A10 February 23-26, 2019 • La WeeKeND aSIaN JOurNaL

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Leni Robredo: ‘2022 polls far from my mind’

by JanVic

Mateo Philstar.com

MANILA — A showdown with Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte in 2022?

Vice President Leni Robredo made it clear the 2022 election is farthest from her mind.

“We are just entering the midterm elections. If we look at our history of elections, our campaigns, there are a lot of things that can happen in one year.

How much more in three years?” she said in Filipino.

“Look at what happened in the 2016 elections. In one year, a lot of things happened: the frontrunners in 2015, we thought they were unbeatable, but they did not prevail,” she added.

Former vice president Jejomar Binay was initially touted as the frontrunner in the 2016 polls before being overtaken in pre-election surveys by Sen. Grace Poe. Poe and Binay ranked third and fourth, respectively, in the final tally.

Robredo, herself an unlikely winner at the start of the cam-

paign season, said elections are decided by various factors and not just decisions made by the candidates.

“Like what I always say, winning the presidency and the vice presidency is destiny. Like me, I have no plans of running for a national post, but last minute I was thrust in the situation and won,” she said.

“There are a lot who have prepared for a long time but did not prevail,” she added.

The Vice President said it is useless to prepare early for a presidential run, stressing that she would rather focus on her work.

“I think that if it is your destiny, whatever you do, you cannot stop it. I believe that what is important is if you accept an obligation, you will do everything to be able to properly fulfill you role,” she added.

Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada, meanwhile, vowed to support the presidential bid of Sara Duterte if she decides to run in 2022.

“Another lady president would be very much welcome. I would

Vice President Leni Robredo made it clear that the 2022 election is farthest from her mind.

Philstar.com photo

support her should she decide to run. She will be another strong president,” Estrada told The Star over the phone.

“She has a good track record as mayor of Davao for many years.

The country needs a leader who has experience as local chief executive. All the ingredients are with her to be a good fighting president. We need a fighting president,” Estrada said. n

Fiscal junks theft rap vs Kris’ business partner

by RobeRtzon

RaMiRez

Philstar.com

MANILA — The Makati City prosecutor’s office dismissed on Monday, February 18 qualified theft charges filed by actress Kris Aquino against her former project manager and business partner for lack of probable cause.

Senior deputy city prosecutor Emmanuel Medina recommended the dismissal of charges against Nicko Falcis.

Aquino accused Falcis of allegedly making P1.27 million worth of personal purchases on a credit card she entrusted to him exclusively for transactions involving Kris Cojuangco Aquino Productions.

Medina pointed out that the credit card was issued under Falcis’ name.

“He can use the card for his purchases subject to the terms and conditions” of the bank to which it is connected, the prosecutor said.

Medina also said that “no proof was presented that he used the card with intent to gain or intent to defraud. Accordingly, he is, at most, only liable to pay his credit card bill that has become due.”

Falcis’ lawyer, Regi Ponfer-

TANDANG SORA FLYOVER CLOSURE. The Department of Transportation (DOTr) agrees to postpone the scheduled closure of the Tandang Sora flyover and intersection for the 3rd time, following the request of the Quezon City Council to implement the closure on March 3. The closure is to give way for the construction of the Metro Rail Transit Line 7 (MRT-7) Tandang Sora Station. The postponement of the flyover/intersection closure is to strengthen public awareness and to manage traffic situation in the area.

PNA photo by Oliver Marquez

UP, DLSU among top universities in Asia Pacific

by PatRicia louRdes Philstar.com

ViRay

MANILA — Two universities from the Philippines — University of the Philippines and De La Salle University — entered this year’s list of best universities in the Asia-Pacific region, according to London-based Times Higher Education (THE).

In September last year, DLSU joined UP in the 2018 THE World University Rankings.

The Asia-Pacific University Ranking 2019 ranked more than 300 universities from 13 countries across East Asia, Southeast Asia and Oceania.

UP, the country’s premier state university, ranked 101st to Kris Aquino, accompanied by son Bimby, files her counter-affidavit in a grave threat case filed 110th, a jump from its 151st to against her before the Quezon City prosecutor’s office on Thursday, February 21.

Philstar.com photo by Michael Varcas

rada, said they “hope that the other prosecutors where the other similar cases are pending will also agree with our position,” according to an ABS-CBN report.

Qualified theft charges were filed against Falcis in seven cities, including Makati.

Grave threat Meanwhile, Aquino filed a counter-affidavit in a grave threat case filed against her by Falcis and his brother Jesus before the Quezon City prosecutor’s office.

Aquino, who wants the case dismissed, told reporters that the basis of the case is an “illegally

recorded conversation” between her and Falcis during the height of their fight in September last year.

“I would like to say a sincere apology because in the heat of the moment I said things that should not be said,”she said, referring to the phone call wherein she supposedly warned Falcis against returning to the Philippines.

She questioned the filing of the case, which came months after the phone call she confirmed was between her and Falcis. n

160th ranking last year. The university’s overall world ranking is at 501st to 600th.

DLSU, on the other hand, ranked 201st to 250th while its overall ranking is at 801st to 1000th.

The regional rankings released February 20 used the same performance indicators as the world rankings but it has been adjusted to “reflect the younger profile of some of the universities in the region.”

The rankings were based on performance indicators grouped into five areas — teaching (learning environment), research (volume, income and reputation), citations (research influence), international outlook (staff, students and research) and industry

income (knowledge transfer).

China’s Tsinghua University remains the top university in the region, followed by National University of Singapore, University of Melbourne, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and University of Hong Kong.

Also in the top 10 are Peking University (China), Nanyang Technological University (Singapore), Australian National University, Chinese University of Hong Kong and the University of Tokyo (Japan).

In the Asia-Pacific region, Japan is the most represented nation with 103 universities in the list, followed by China with 72 universities, Australia with 35, Taiwan with 32, South Korea with 29 and Thailand with 14. n

National Youth Commission chair Ronald Cardema: ‘I won’t quit or apologize’

by Rhodina

VillanueVa JanVic Mateo Philstar.com

MANILA — He’s not resigning, and he’s not apologizing to government scholars.

National Youth Commission (NYC) chairman Ronald Cardema said he will not resign amid calls from some groups for him to step down over his proposal to remove the state scholarships of “anti-government” students.

Speaking to The Chiefs on Thursday, February 21, on Cignal TV’s One News, Cardema said his proposal merely covered scholars who are found by security forces to have taken up arms in rebellion against the government.

A former member of the leftleaning League of Filipino Students (LFS) when he was a Biology student at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, the 32-year-old Cardema said he acknowledged dissent as a healthy element in a democracy.

Aside from his controversial proposal, two groups said Cardema should leave his post due to conflict of interest, being the NYC head and at the same time chair of party-list group Duterte Youth, whose first nominee happens to be his wife, seeking a congressional seat in the May elections.

“Definitely I will not resign,” Cardema told The Chiefs as he claimed the resignation calls were based on “wrong information.”

Earlier, Cardema told The Star he was only calling for the removal of government scholarships of “very very few” anti-government students who have already joined or are supporting the New People’s Army.

“We did not say all, and I always specifically mention that it’s OK to rally and to voice out their dissent even with the President or on our government,” he added.

Cardema’s clarification was diffreent from his earlier statement, which called for the removal of scholarships of “all anti-government” scholars.

“The Filipino people formed the government to govern, to regulate, to discipline, to collect taxes and to allocate the Filipino people’s funds into government scholarships and programs.

Fighting the government means fighting the majority of the Filipino people and also not fulfilling their roles as the expected breadwinners who will uplift their families and as our hope in strengthening our country,” he said in a statement on Tuesday.

“As chairman of the National Youth Commission, I am requesting our head of government, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, to issue an executive order removing the government scholarships of all anti-government scholars, specifically those students who are allied with the leftist CPP-NPA-NDF, a terrorist group that is trying to overthrow

the Philippine government and killing our government troops,” his earlier statement read.

LFS spokesperson Kara Taggaoa, speaking to The Chiefs, demanded an apology from Cardema, saying the group in particular did not espouse armed rebellion.

In reaction, Cardema said, “I think the LFS or she should apologize for lying, because there are members of the League of Filipino Students who fought in the mountains, who killed policemen and soldiers already, and nobody’s raising that point.”

Cardema’s proposal drew criticisms from both allies and critics of the government, with Malacañang saying that dissent is a valid exercise of people’s right to freedom of speech, expression and assembly.

Delicadeza As this developed, the militant Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) and election watchdog Kontra Daya said Cardema has a lot of explaining to do as regards his involvement in the party-list group Duterte Youth.

Bayan secretary-general Renato Reyes said “a cursory examination of the Duterte Youth Facebook page shows Cardema” as principal campaigner of his wife, Ducielle Marie Suarez, the first nominee of party-list group with full name Duty to Energize the Republic through the Enlightenment of the Youth Sectoral Party-list Organization.

Both Bayan and Kontra Daya said the Commission on Elections should investigate Cardema to ensure that no government resources are being used for Duterte Youth’s campaign.

The two groups said Cardema should resign or take a leave of absence out of delicadeza because it is improper for him to take two conflicting roles.

They stressed that Cardema could not use NYC as a platform for his party-list group and that President Duterte himself asked his Cabinet members not to campaign for candidates.

“And if his group wins, wouldn’t he directly benefit as he is related to the first nominee?” Bayan noted.

Kontra Daya, for its part, said aside from projecting some delicadeza, taking a leave of absence or resigning is one way to assuage suspicion of abuse of power and authority.

“Cardema should be reminded that the use of government funds and resources is a clear violation of the Omnibus Election Code,” Kontra Daya said in a statement.

“He cannot hold on to his government position and ignore the glaring controversy. He needs to answer directly questions such as: How can the Duterte Youth represent the marginalized and underrepresented when its main movers are already part of government? On a related note, is Duterte Youth really representing the interest of the youth?”

Kontra Daya said.

Kontra Daya said Comelec should address the issue of how Duterte Youth got accredited given all these questions, especially the fact that Cardema himself was already part of government when the group filed for its accreditation.

“Were there no red flags raised as to the possible use of public funds for the partylist group? Was Comelec even aware that Cardema is married to the first nominee of Duterte Youth?” Kontra Daya convenor Danilo Arao said.

Arao said the House of Representatives “may also be interested to know that there are pictures on social media of the Duterte Youth using the (House) logo in a tarpaulin.”

Endangering the youth Taggaoa of the LFS said Cardema endangers youth activists when he tagged the group as recruiters for the NPA. “You must have forgotten the lessons from your history classes. For having the guts to say that the youth of today who remain critical against the government are ‘rebels’ and undeserving of the right to education, you have failed this country’s unsung heroes and martyrs,” Taggaoa said in an open letter.

“Our painstaking efforts to arouse, organize and mobilize among our ranks are borne out of our thirst for real national liberation. The recent victories that we have garnered, especially in the pursuit of free education, wouldn’t be possible without our organized rage that took us to the streets, the halls of the congress, the Senate and other avenues,” she added.

The National Union of Students of the Philippines echoed the call for Cardema’s resignation, saying he does not serve as the students’ voice on issues.

“Our right to education and freedom of expression are inherent in the Constitution. Cardema’s pronouncement to deny students the chance to study on the basis of expressing ‘anti-government’ sentiments is a shallow enough reason to suggest,” it said.

“The funds for the scholars of the country came from the Filipino people – they are scholars of the country and not of the government, not the fascist leader that Cardema is being a mouthpiece of. Thus, it is rightful that the youth and students speak and stand up for the rights and democratic interests of the people, not sit in silence and suffer,” the group added.

Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines Episcopal Commission on Youth executive secretary Fr. Conegundo Garganta also said students should have access to education regardless of religion, political ideology or affiliation.

But Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año said he wants Cardema to stay because “he is just human” who makes mistakes. n

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A12 February 23-26, 2019 • La WeeKeND aSIaN JOurNaL

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • FEBRUARY 23-26, 2019

SHOWBIZ&STYLE

Journal They’ve ‘got to believe in magic’: Best-selling artists Nina, Jay R and the legendary David Pomeranz perform together for the first time

With a bevy of hit love songs and best-selling records between them, this is the first time “THEY have landed!” was that this particular combination the excited announcement of of artists will go onstage. The producers Myshelle and PJ from brainchild of Annabelle Borja, LAX. on Wednesday, February CEO of E-Talent International, 20. Arriving a few days early to she had Pomeranz and Nina start promotions for “Heart and touring in Canada, before bringSoul 3.0” were the formidable ing the show to the U.S., with iconic singers: Jay R, the Philip- the addition of Jay R. pines’ King of R&B; Nina, Asia’s The first show was on Friday, Diamond Soul Siren; and King of February 22 at the Pechanga Hearts David Pomeranz.

Resort & Casino in Temecula, by

Annie nepomuceno AJPress

and the second will be on Sunday, February 24 at the Palace Theatre, a historic 1,000 seat theater in the heart of Downtown LA. The Asian Journal got to sit down with the artists for a quick pre-late lunch Q&A ahead of their two shows.

AJ: What about working with your co-stars excites you the most?

Jay R: David Pomeranz’s songs are such classics. It is

Ariana Grande “obsessed” with Filipino trio TNT Boys, surprises their performance

by AJPress YOUNG Filipino trio TNT Boys received a surprise visit from international pop star Ariana Grande on Tuesday, February 19 during their appearance on “The Late Late Show with James Corden.”

The young performers Keifer Sanchez, Mackie Empuerto and Francis Concepcion were shocked when the chart-topping artist suddenly appeared onstage while they sang “And I’m Telling You I’m Not Going”

by Jennifer Hudson.

Prior to their performance on Tuesday night’s show, Corden recalled his first meeting with the young Filipino singers, saying that Concepcion was amazed by the talk show host because he had met Grande before. He told the trio to say “hi” to Grande because she “sometimes watches the show.”

The TNT Boys — Keifer Sanchez, Mackie Empuerto and Francis Concepcion — with pop superstar Ariana Grande.

Photo from Instagram/@tntboysph

The TNT Boys they finished their performance. The Filipino singers, who are also self-professed “Arianatics,” hugged Grande as they basked in the presence of their favorite pop star.

“Thank you for having me.

I’m obsessed with you guys. You guys are so incredible. That was so beautiful,” the award-winning singer said.

The trio, dubbed by Corden PAGE B2

B

such a pleasure just to be on the same stage with an artist of a different level. I feel like it is one of the highlights of my career.

Working with Nina is always such a pleasure, we have a song together in an album that I did.

We were planning on singing it but it’s kind of hard Nina: He made it harder… (laughter) Jay R: Nina and I have worked Jay R, Nina and David Pomeranz speak to the Asian Journal ahead of their two Southern t o g e t h e r b e f o r e . W e w e r e California shows at Pechanga Resort & Casino and the Palace Theatre in Downtown LA. AJPress photo by Ding Carreon PAGE B2

B FEBRUARY 23-26, 2019 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

EntErtainmEnt

Fil-Am designer Zaldy Goco wins at Costume Designers Guild

by Ritchel

Mendiola AJPress

FILIPINO-American designer Zaldy Goco received the realitycompetition award on Tuesday, February 19 at the 21st annual Costume Designers Guild Awards for his work on “RuPaul’s Drag Race.”

“I won...It was so incredible to be in a room filled with people I love and respect! Thank you @ costumeawards for a wonderful evening,” the fashion designer shared on his Instagram following his honor for “Excellence in Variety, Reality-Competition, Live Television.”

Goco, who made a name for himself through working with various artists such as Michael Jackson and Lady Gaga, is also a two-time Emmy Award winner for his costume work on “RuPaul’s Drag Race.”

His working relationship with RuPaul started in 1993 when they worked together on RuPaul’s Supermodel video. Since then, they have been inseparable. Vogue in June 2018 featured him as the “Designer RuPaul Wouldn’t Go Anywhere Without.”

“RuPaul’s Drag Race” is a reality show about 14 talented contestants competing for the coveted title of ‘America’s Next Drag Superstar.’

The Costume Designers Guild Awards, held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles, is an annual award show honoring the best in costume design. This year, it added a new category to its lineup — Excellence in Variety, Reality Competition and Live Television.

Here is the complete list of this year’s winners: Excellence in Contemporary Film A Star Is Born – Erin Benach Crazy Rich Asians – Mary E. Vogt (WINNER) Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again – Michele Clapton Ocean’s 8 – Sarah Edwards Widows – Jenny Eagan Excellence in Period Film BlacKkKlansman – Marci Rodgers Bohemian Rhapsody – Julian Day The Favourite – Sandy Powell (WINNER) Mary Poppins Returns – Sandy Powell Mary Queen of Scots – Alex-

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Catriona Gray confirms she is single, vows to focus on ‘Miss Universe’ journey by consuelo

MaRquez Inquirer.net

Zaldy Goco

andra Byrne Excellence in Sci-Fi/Fantasy Film A Wrinkle in Time – Paco Delgado Aquaman – Kym Barrett The Avengers: Infinity War – Judianna Makovsky Black Panther – Ruth E. Carter (WINNER) The Nutcracker and the Four Realms – Jenny Beavan Excellence in Contemporary Television The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story – Lou Eyrich & Allison Leach (WINNER) Grace and Frankie – Allyson B. Fanger The Romanoffs – Janie Bryant & Wendy Chuck Sharp Objects – Alix Friedberg This Is Us – Hala Bahmet Excellence in Period Television The Alienist – Michael Kaplan GLOW – Beth Morgan The Man in the High Castle – Catherine Adair The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel – Donna Zakowska (WINNER) Outlander – Nina Ayres & Terry Dresbach Excellence in Sci-Fi/Fantasy Television American Horror Story: Apocalypse – Paula Bradley & Lou

MISS Universe 2018 Catriona Gray confessed on Friday, February 22, that she is single, saying that she will focus her journey as a beauty queen.

“Well, it’s all about balance.

Whatever works with your personal life, but for me wala akong love life ngayon (I have no love life now) so I am really focused on my Miss Universe journey annd on being the best global representative that I can be and being a representative in the Philippines through and through,” Gray said in an episode of ABS-CBN’s Kapamilya Confessions.

Gray was responding to a question on how she balances her love life now that she is Miss Universe.

Contributed Photo The 25-year-old beauty queen arrived in the country on Feb. WARM WELCOME. Miss Universe Catriona Gray waves to the public during her homecoming Eyrich The Handmaid’s Tale – Ane 15 for her homecoming celebra- parade in Pasay City on Thursday, February 21. The parade passed through the CCP Complex, tion.

Manila and Makati City.

Photos courtesy of Miss Universe Organization Crabtree Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events – Cynthia Summers Star Trek: Discovery – Gersha Phillips Westworld – Sharen Davis (WINNER) Excellence in Short Form

by Jan Milo seveRo Design Philstar.com Adidas: “See My Creativity,” commercial – Bonnie Stauch ACTRESS Angel Locsin had Childish Gambino: “This Is nothing but praises for the “DiaAmerica,” music video – Na- mond Star” Maricel Soriano, tasha Newman-Thomas (WIN- though she admitted that she felt NER) nervous doing a scene with the Elton John: “Farewell Yellow veteran actress.

Brick Road: The Legacy,” short Speaking before the media film – Charlie Altuna during the press conference of Justin Timberlake: “Supplies,” her new teleserye “The General’s Directed by Dave Myers, music Daughter,” Angel said Maricel video – Ami Goodheart was the first actor she made her Nespresso: “The Quest,” com- first scene with on the first taping mercial – Jenny Eagan day of the series.

Excellence in Variety, Reality “Sobrang kinabahan talaga ko Competition and Live Televi- ng malaman ko na sa ang unang sion makaka-eksena ko sa first taping Jesus Christ Superstar Live in day ay walang iba kung hindi ang Concert – Paul Tazewell Diamond Star Maricel Soriano.

The Late Late Show with James So takot na takot talaga ‘ko kasi Angel Locsin and Maricel Soriano ABS-CBN photo Corden – Lauren Shapiro parang feeling ko hindi pa ko RuPaul’s Drag Race – Zaldy ganong ka-ready with my char- she said. scribed Maricel as a great artist Goco (WINNER) The “Action Drama Queen” and a timeless actress. acter,” Angel said.

Saturday Night Live – Tom “Pero si Nay, very generous.

She also described how pro- jokingly said that she asked the Broecker & Eric Justian fessional Maricel is on the set. “Diamond Star” not to be too pro- Hindi siya madamot mag-share So You Think You Can Dance Maricel, according to Angel, was fessional because she was having ng experiences niya, ng mga tech– Marina Toybina a difficulty to keep up. niques sa buhay. At pag umarte always early in the set.

“Pang third day, kinausap talaga siya, ‘yung mata talagang “Si Nay (Maricel) alas kwatro pa lang ng umaga, alas siyete ko na siya. ‘Nay pwede ba ‘wag nangungusap. Ang husay husay ‘yung call time namin, kinakatok kang masyadong professional talaga kasi hindi siya namemeke na kami sa kwarto, ganoon siya nahihirapan na ko e. Sunblock ng eksena, galing puso lagi, kaya ka-professional. Doon palang talaga ilalagay ko sa mukha ko?’ nakakapressure na sabayan kasi kabado na ko. Pagdating sa set, Tawa lang siya nang tawa,” Angel ang perfect e,” Angel narrated.

“She’s very nice. ‘Yung mga sunblock nalang ilalagay ko sa shared.

Apart from being professional naririnig niyong mataray, baka mukha ko, hindi na ko nakapagmakeup kasi nandoon na po ang on the set, Angel commended gusto niya lang maging image Maricel Soriano, nasa set na po, Maricel for being generous in niya ‘yon para hindi siya kulitin,” nagaantay na po, ready na lahat,” sharing life hacks. She also de- she enthused.

Angel Locsin: Maricel Soriano not really a ‘Taray Queen’

They’ve ‘got to believe in magic’...

PAGE B1 launched together way back in the day in SOP on GMA 7 15 years ago. We are still singing and still happy.

AJ: And you are singing with an almost Filipino, David…

Jay R: Filipino by relation.

David: I am actually an American Filipino… (laughter) Nina: Working with these people (David) is exciting for me. The first time I worked with David in Canada, I was thinking “Really? THE David P? JayR: You got to believe in magic! (laughter) Nina: So when I got to see him, I really did believe in magic. I really asked... ‘I’ll be singing with David, does he want to sing with me?’ Like what Jay R said, David is a whole other level. It is so beautiful to get to be carrying the stage with Jay R and David.

AJ: But you are the Diamond Soul Siren of the Philippines!

Jay R: There [are] not so many Diamond-selling recording artists in the Philippines. There’s Nina, Jaya, Jose Mari Chan and Parokya ni Edgar.

David: Because Diamond is more than Platinum, about 10 times.

AJ: So David must be excited to work with you.

David: We had worked together, as she said, in Canada.

We sing beautifully together.

We had a beautiful rich com-

bination. Jay R and I did a gig together, and he rocked it! The girls went freaking crazy and screaming. I am excited because these are two great musicians.

AJ: What musical collaborations can we look forward to during this concert?

Jay R: We can’t tell you because you’re not gonna watch! (laughter) David: It should be a surprise.

AJ: Everyone is excited because this is an unusual combination of vocal strengths.

Jay R: When international artists come to the Philippines, sometimes I open for them, but there is no meeting, no collab(oration). But with David, we get to collab. We can only tell you about that much. Can’t tell you what songs, but yes there is collaboration. Thanks, Ms. A (Annabelle) for making this happen. We believe!

AJ: What would you go tell or advice yourself going back to your first record?

Jay R: With the stuff that I know now, I would have told myself “Jay R start your own label and release your own music. That’s what you should do.” I did that eventually. It’s going very well. I have so much freedom with my music. But it’s also pressuring because it’s in my hands. If it fails, it’s my fault.

But it’s very fulfilling to create your own music.

AJ: David has also done something similar as you write songs, musicals.

David: I swear I was just thinking about that yesterday as I was looking at a couple of my first albums. I was obsessed with getting the right bass drum sound and drove my producer insane. It’s hard to describe but I was intent [in] getting the sound of the drummer of “The Band.” I wanted that sound for my album and I kept going at my producer, and the engineer would not do it. I was meddling with the board and in places I should not be. I would have told myself ‘sit back and learn, and listen. There are other people that know something too.’ (Laughter).

AJ: How has your vocal upkeep routine changed once you became a mother?

Nina: It is just like, the same.

I was able to cope with a baby.

Nothing changed, just the baby.

I incorporated her into my routine.

AJ: What about coming to Los Angeles or California do you look forward to?

Jay R: Visiting my family (born and bred in Glendale), Mexican food, In and Out. Nina: Shopping! Here you can wear whatever and go out.

David: I lived in LA for 28 years, and the Harbor Freeway (the 110) drove me away.

(Laughter). I have many friends and many good memories.

Ariana Grande “obsessed”...

PAGE B1 as the “cutest boy band” and his “favorite new boy band on planet Earth,” has now moved onto the next round of “The World’s Best,” a talent competition show on CBS. The powerful singers impressed the show’s judges, Faith Hill, RuPaul and Drew Barrymore. They also earned the approval of the “wall of the world,” which is composed of 50 of the world’s most accomplished

experts from every field of entertainment, including Filipina singer Pops Fernandez.

Sanchez, Empuerto and Concepcion have performed for several state leaders including Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, Singaporean President Halimah Yacob, and Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Peter O’ Neill.

They also performed in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia and Philippines fran-

chises of the show “Little Big Shots.”

The talented boys became a trio in 2017 for ABS-CBN show, “Your Face Sounds Familiar Kids,” where they were the grand winner of the second season.

Before their big break as a group, they were individual grand finalists of the segment in “It’s Showtime’s: Tawag ng Tanghalan (TNT) Kids,” thus earning the title TNT Boys.

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • FEBRUARY 23-26, 2019

B

Winwyn Marquez, finally a leading lady

by MAnilATiMes.neT

ABANDONED BY HER BIRTH PARENTS, WILL NIKKA BE LEFT BEHIND AGAIN WHEN USCIS CHALLENGED HER ADOPTIVE PARENT’S ELIGIBILITY TO PETITION HER? Lilia (right) and her husband Peter filed a petition to adopt Nikka (left) when the child was 12 years old. The adoption decree was issued six (6) days before Nikka turned 16 years old, and the certificate of finality came out two (2) months after Nikka’s 16th birthday. When Lilia and Peter filed an Immediate Relative Petition for Nikka, the USCIS served a Request for Evidence (RFE), challenging them eligibility to adopt Nikka. Lilia and Peter were devastated, depressed, and in despair. Would this mean losing the chance to be reunited with their adopted child - whom they loved and considered their own? Watch how leading U.S. immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel came to the rescue and secured approval of their petition in a mere two months, on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” – on Sunday at 6:15 p.m. (PST) on TFC. (Advertising Supplement)

Apl.de.ap donates retinal camera to Pampanga hospital for visually impaired kids

by Cody

CepedA Inquirer.net

Apl.de.Ap of hip-hop group Black eyed peas continues to inspire with his advocacies including curing blindness and visual impairments in the country.

Apl.de.ap, Allan pineda lindo in real life, was born clinically blind in Sapang Bato, pampanga, and only got treatment for his eye condition in the United States through the pearl S. Buck Foundation. These days, he is paying the goodwill forward by donating a retinal camera to a pampanga hospital through a foundation of his own: The Apldeap Foundation.

He shared a series of photos from the initiative via social media and showed him testing the retinal camera while at the Jose B. lingad Memorial Regional Hospital in San Fernando, pampanga.

According to Apl.de.ap, this is the second retinal camera his foundation has donated outside Manila.

“The Apldeap Foundation delivered our first retinal camera outside of Manila to davos [davao City]. And today we delivered our second one to the Jose B lingad Memorial Regional Hospital pampanga,” he shared to his fans on Feb. 19.

From beauty queen to movie star, Winwyn Marquez with leading man Enzo Pineda.

Contributed photo

search on GMA Network, Marquez was just stepping in to showbiz herself.

As for working with pineda, she shared, “Sobrang saya kasi it’s so much easier to act when you’re with someone you’re comfortable with and you know. Wala talagang ilangan. Madali lang kaming mag-communicate. Magtitigan lang kami alam na namin yung gagawin. It was such a smooth sailing shoot.”

‘Apple’ of her eye Meanwhile, elaborating on her character in Time and Again, Marquez said of Apple, “Siya yung no boyfriend since birth. Siya yung hindi naniniwala sa pagkakaroon ng boyfriend. She lives in her own bubble kasi writer siya. Yung mga nai-imagine niya, sinusulat lang niya, pero in real life, hindi niya nagagawa, hindi siya maka-ex-

plore. Ang life niya yung books lang niya.”

Then one day, she meets pineda’s character Ozzi, and without spilling too much of the story, she continued, “The overriding question of the movie is, ‘If bibigyan ka ng chance to go back in time, ang question ‘don, bakit babalik ka in time?’”

Finally, the beauty queen daughter of Joey Marquez and Alma Moreno said she especially enjoyed portraying Apple because she got to deglamorize.

“Ngayon lang ako gumanap sa ganoong klaseng role na hindi made up. Lagi akong kontrabida di’ba?” she chuckeld. “But Apple, she’s very special because very deep siyang mag-isip and she’s a regular girl — someone very mellow yet very millennial at hindi ko pa nagagawa yon.”

Maine posts wacky photo with Arjo for first time

by Krissy

AguilAr Inquirer.net

Apl.de.ap

A week before, Apl.de.ap reminisced on social media about the first time they donated a retinal camera outside of Manila.

As per Apl.de.ap, the equipment is used to detect retinopathy of prematurity — a condition that leaves infants blind.

“As part of the Apl of My eye campaign, it had been a goal

Photo from Instagram/@apldeap

of mine to bring forth modern day technology to help prevent people from suffering the same visual impairments that I have,” he wrote on Feb. 14.

He is also hopeful for the children in the future, adding, “Maybe one day, a kid from Sapang Bato won’t have to go through the same challenges I did.”

Perks of being single: More writing projects for Bela Padilla by nAThAlie

ToMAdA Philstar.com

BelA padilla is setting herself apart from her fellow actors by dipping her hands into film writing.

“Ganun talaga ang nagagawa ‘pag walang jowa (That’s what being single can do),” the 27year-old Kapamilya star says with a laugh. She claims she’s more productive than she ever has been since becoming loveless two years ago.

Bela’s latest creative credit is dreamscape’s easy breezy digital film Apple of My eye, a romantic title available on ABS-CBN’s streaming service iWant. She is also working on two more projects to add to her growing portfolio as co-writer or screenwriter in films such as 10,000 Hours (2013), Camp Sawi (2016), last Night (2017) and luck at First Sight (2017).

The actress has another one com i ng up for drea mscape digital, but a bit dark in tone and tackles a journey to selfdiscovery. She also has a new script, which she describes as a “full-on rom-com,” greenlit

by Viva Films.

“If you’re inspired, you’re inspired. There’s no formula to it. There are days when I still don’t feel like a legit writer. But I’ll just come up with something I like or something I want to watch. So with me, there are scripts or stories, I wish I could be in. I wish I could watch but have not been done yet. Sometimes, that’s what inspires me,” she says in a reply to a question about her creative process. personal experiences also inspire her, but she’s not the “confessional” type.

“Somet i mes, I draw f rom personal experience. There’s one scene in Apple of My eye that actually happened. even in my acting, I’d like to inject a little about myself in every performance. It’s the same like in every script (I do), I guess to

BeAUTY queen Winwyn Marquez can hardly believe she’s achieved leading lady status even as her latest movie, Regal entertainment Inc.’s Valentine offering “Time and Again.”

After co-starring with Vhong Navarro in the 2018 comedy movie “Unli life,” the 26-year-old actress is top-billing “Time and Again,” which she considers her launching movie.

“Parang hindi pa rin nagsi-sink in sa akin na may movie na akong ganito, actually. And I consider it my launching movie kasi yung story umiikot kay Apple. even then I never thought I’d get to watch myself on the big screen. Hindi ko alam na mabibigyan ako ng ganitong opportunity,” she enthused at the movie’s media conference.

Though she has been active in the business for almost a decade, it is only now that Marquez is getting big breaks.

Admittedly, the big part of her ongoing showbiz success is because of winning an international crown. In 2015, she became the first-ever Filipina to join the Reina Hispanoamericana beauty pageant, which has been dominated by latina representatives since it started 27 years ago.

“Dun nag-start at nag-iba ang life ko. After that, parang one dream to another nag sunodsunod.”

Friends at work Time and Again had Marquez working with long-time friend enzo pineda. “enzo and I go way, way back — nine years to be exact,” said the actress.

When pineda joined “StarStruck,” the reality-based artista

Bela Padilla

make it real.”

Her f ilms offer a piece of herself and if anything, they give audience an idea of the state she’s in — happy, sad or content — in life. “I notice all the stories I write is what I’m going through at the moment. I’m not going to be specific, parang may foreshadowing lang like in Camp Sawi, I wrote it and then I broke up with my ex shortly after. With luck at First Sight, it was right before I started getting the projects that I wanted

Photo from Instagram/@bela

to get. I’m feeling whatever my soul is going through at the moment, it comes out in the scripts that I write. You can tell what is happening to me in real life by watching my films.”

For example, like the female lead Apple in the iWant film, Bela is not techie in real life.

“When I reply to e-mails, I literally reply to the e-mails, I don’t know how to make attachments and things like that.”

She’s also old school. “I have PAGE B5

FOR the first time, actress-host Maine Mendoza posted a photo with Arjo Atayde.

A wacky snapshot of the two was posted via Mendoza’s Instagram story on Wednesday, February 20, simply captioned: “Uy, may fan.”

In the photo, Mendoza is seen swinging atop of what seems to be a wrecking ball, while Atayde

stands behind her.

The photo was taken during an event of a global cosmetic brand that Mendoza is endorsing.

Over a week ago, Atayde also posted a photo with Mendoza as they met over dinner in the United States.

Atayde confirmed the dating rumors surrounding him and Mendoza last month. He said: “We’re exclusively dating. I’m at my hap- Maine Mendoza with rumored boyfriend Arjo piest right now.”

Atayde Photo from Instagram/@mainedcm

B4 FEBRUARY 23-26, 2019 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Health@Heart

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A taxi driver on corruption

radio talk show hosts and positive consensus builders.

While stuck in a traffic jam last month on my way to our medical PHILIP S. CHUA, mission in Asilo de San Vicente de MD, FACS, FPCS Paul Orphanage in Paco, I asked WHENEVER I take a cab in the cab driver named Mario, who Manila, I find it most interest- was in his 70s, “Ano ang pinaka ing to talk to the driver. Some malaki nating problema sa Pilipiof them are so eloquent, with a nas (What is our greatest problem remarkable grasp of our national in the Philippines)?

I was expecting him to say issues and smart solutions to some of our political dilemma the high prices of commodities as a nation, they could be great or gasoline, or poverty, but he

blurted out, “Kurapsyon po (Corruption, sir)!” and, as if I touched a raw nerve, he continued his long serious diatribe citing the pervasive culture of corruption in our government from the top to the bottom and how disappointed he has been for half a century of his life that none of the obviously guilty elected officials rotted in jail.

“Kahit na si kurap Erap, na jail, pero parang 5-star hotel ang kanyang preso, at madaling nakalabas…Dapat sa plunder, habang buhay sa kulungan (Even the corrupt Erap – referring to Philippine ex-president Joseph Estrada – was jailed in a prison cell like a 5-star hotel, and was released too soon…For plunder, it should be a lifetime of jail).

“At kahit na napatunayang kriminal na siya at nakulong, nakatakbo pa siya at nanalong alkalde ng Manila (And in spite of his being a convicted criminal and having been jailed, he was still able to run and won as mayor of Manila).

“Walang pinagaralan at istupido ang mga bumoto sa kanya at ibang kurap na officiales sa gobyierno (Those people who voted for him and other corrupt officials in the government are uneducated and stupid),” he said.

The pervasive and massive culture of graft and corruption in our government at every level is indeed a tragedy, a national cancer destroying the integrity and dignity of our nation and devastating the Filipino people, an international disgrace. Although I have heard the same ugly things from other drivers, I truly believe that there are some officials in all branches of government, especially in the Supreme Court and in the Military who are honest and patriotic.

Easy to prove It is indeed not difficult to show who are guilty of corruption, plunder, amassing unexplained wealth, if only the president and our legislators honestly and earnestly want to find out. But if what Mario alleged, that the corruption is “from the top to bottom,” then its is easy to understand why there is no serious move to expose the guilty amongst them for fear of finger pointing and opening the Pandora’s box of snakes and rats. Mario claimed billions of pesos per district on the so-called bidding (actually bogus) for public constructions PAGE B5

ğ įōíľ ÀðıÃæµįPçį ʼn æIJįıÀ ØÃĉÃæîÂ ß ğÃqPç qíß߼æÃıŎįĤÀíĽØ ÕæíŊįPdíĽIJĕ If you have an upcoming event and would like us to post it, email us the details (title, description, time & date, location, etc.) at info@asianjournalinc.com.

And for consideration in our print calendar, please send submissions at least three weeks before the date of the event.

To be included in our online calendar/ e-newsletter, please allow at least two to three weeks' notice.

The Asian Journal would be delighted to list your event in our Calendar of Events.

MOONLIGHTING

by MYLAH DE

LEON

SANTA CLARITA, CA – It was a unique dance party that intermingled all the facility residents and their caregivers together into one big family…and dancing gaiety.

The center’s low building and windy street looked like a college campus. It was vast and sheltering, and increasingly heartwarming. One did not expect a special party, even for the special people to be warm and squishy but the welcome Spring Dance at the Seniors Recreational Center here was, just that. More than a hundred guests exchanged hugs and kisses in between sips of orange juice and sparkling sodas.

Hair coiffed, nails, and polished. Party frocks pressed.

Shoes and cufflinks shined.

Health teams bright. Then it was off to the dance Saturday dance night for fun and frivolity when anything can happen at least for a couple of hours of dancing, dining, chatting and attention-getting antics under a nearly full moon illuminating the surrounding with its whiteness.

The classy club was crowded that evening with astonishingly experts dancers who took command of the floor to strut their stuff. The men, young and old alike, in a row of surging testosterone, something I’ve never

Heaven bless the “children of a lesser God”

seen in any of my past visits.

A young woman whose blond ringlets were bouncing wanted to grab the microphone form the emcee, her adrenalin shot up!

One felt like an amateur watching the participants flash fancy foot routines to pulsating rhythms. I saw a lad, short, slender and tense pluck a flower from the vase vowed and handed it to a giggling lady, then swing her to the dance floor. A couple in matching Hawaiian attire (which was the evening’s motif) broke ranks to boogie together from the center of the formation…oh, so merrily. Two men wearing sports coats, held each other arm and arm, toe to toe, then moved onto spinning each other in gay abandon, to the delight of the spectators. The ladies each did their own unmindful digs and unfazed by this un-macho display of male togetherness, as they live and let live in a whizbang rhythm. What was unique was some of the dancers were strapped to wheelchairs, some were supported by the walkers while some were literally hanging on their dancing partners for supports. Some simply sat it up, others blankly stared, but it was a wild happy bunch.

Dance is human, sensuous, and soulful. It’s rhythm, it is timing, it is sweat. You must be nimble determined and focused.

That Saturday, it was all there on display. A fanciful mixture of special people that is now

and the pathetically bruising referred to us “children of a lesser God.” There was more roaring at the center that night than at a football game, each time the music lulled. The participants flood your heart with pure joy you can only feel in the company of people with hearts of gold and pure souls. What appear to be birds and the height of bad manners turn out to be in intricate punk rock headbangers disarmingly funny, amusing even in repose. In those flickers of confusion and delight, they exude a melancholy comedy but you saw happiness twinkle in their eyes, every movement as they danced.

It was an expression of words of joy unsaid. Some were strapped to wheelchairs, bodies that refused to work for their owners, unable to cloth themselves, some could never walk again, but on the dance floor, little pockets of happiness was theirs for the taking. They chanted, they gasped, they whined, then dance again. It gets beautiful, absolutely exquisite, like eternal adolescence.

The merrymaking looked like a memory — it is all different views bunched up together. It is like roads to different directions of the room. It looked like slices of heaven! If only photos were allowed! *** E-mail Mylah at moonlightingmdl@aol. com

You can’t please everybody. A cliché or simply the plain truth?

Life Coaching in a Different Perspective STARGAZER YUP, you’re right! It is difficult, indeed, to please everyone.

Each day comes with challenges. We work with people, we move around people. Interaction with others is so much inevitable.

We cannot do without others in this game called life. We simply have NO CHOICE but to co-exist with other human beings.

But have you really thought hard enough about why we keep on pleasing others? Why we try to “fit in” or simply go with what the majority wants? There are several reasons why we try to please everyone: fear, apprehension, and hesitancy, perhaps?

People who conform or please everyone do this as a means of survival. They don’t rock boats so that their comfort zones are not compromised. They simply want people to pose no danger or threat to their “secure” environments. People who conform just exist. They don’t make strong statements or moves to disrupt the equilibrium they are in. They play safe all the time to survive in the jungle they are in.

Lolita is a pretty, married businesswoman and a very successful one. She tries to please everyone – fearing that if she turns someone down, they will badmouth her. Saying ‘NO’ is a risk because people might get hurt.

Like a true ambassadress of smiles and goodwill, she moved around society pleasing everyone so that no one will ever try to do one over or criticize her.

She was well-known to different organizations and in the business circle as a very nice and accommodating lady. The only people who would correct and tell her of her wrongdoings were just a handful of friends. Most of the people she knew, praised her to the heavens and she got lost amidst the diversity and anonymity of people.

Despite the fact that she tried to please everyone, “ingrates” and “scheming” personalities moved around her. Men who tried to be nice to her had ill intentions and took advantage of her so-called “kindness.”

Unmindful of the warnings her true friends gave her, she still decided to be nice to them, thinking that her kindness could not be possibly be reciprocated with ill intentions.

But they did. Her real friends warned her of the consequences.

But she just had to be nice. The result? She got entangled in the intricacies of these men, and her name often caught up with their philandering and fooling around tactics. Jealous wives and women questioned her friendship with these scheming men.

And yet, her faithful friends stood up and shielded her from the ire of the wives and girlfriends. Then again, instead of moving away from these complicated men who seemed to be nice to her for some material considerations, she still kept

(Part I of II)

them up her sleeve, afraid that she would hurt their feelings.

While continuing the friendship with these “superficial” male friends, intrigues still hounded her. People often wondered about her relationship with these men. It was inevitable… up to now, she still carries intrigue around her and sooner or later, her husband will be in the loop.

Lesson No. 1: Don’t please everyone because there are some who will try to get one over you because of vested interests.

People can also misconstrue your being “kind” and nice to these people as having a liking to them. Your reputation, in turn, can be blemished and your relationships can be threatened.

Lesson No. 2: Pleasing everyone does not please everyone, too. You disappoint and lose your truly good friends along the way.

You will frustrate them.

People pleasing has its advan-

need him very badly.

So he began to be extra pleasant to people, often giving in to their requests or favors. He would work on his days off just to fill in for people taking leave.

Oh, how people loved him! One by one, they were at his back, asking him to do this and that!

Billy felt so loved and wanted.

He pleased everyone.

One day, Billy forgot to do an errand for his supervisor/friend because he woke up late and on the wrong side of the bed.

Upon waking, his mother harped on his failure to cook for the evening. From the bedroom to the bathroom then finally at the door, his mom nagged him to fix his schedule so that he doesn’t forget his chores. One day… it was just a day of not being able to fix dinner! Billy rushed to get to work.

Already running late, Billy had to take a cab instead of taking the jeepney. So he forgot to pick up the coat of his supervisor at the laundry shop near the jeepney terminal.

“Never mind,” Billy thought. “He would understand and besides so much had been done for him.”

He came in late by 15 minutes, and there was his supervisor waiting, and asked for his coat.

Billy immediately apologized that he had no time at all to pass by the laundry shop because he wasn’t feeling well and overslept.

Immediately, the supervisor turned his back against Billy and headed for his cubicle. Billy felt his irritation but he consoled himself and said “Nah. He will not get mad at me because I had been too nice to him from the start”.

After a full 10 minutes, while Billy was in the huff and tuff of his calls, the supervisor handed him a memo reprimanding him of his “lateness.” Surprised with the move, Billy couldn’t believe that his supervisor could be so vengeful with such a small offense and for that matter his first time in two years to be tardy!

Billy approached his supervisor-friend and asked that the memo be reconsidered since it will form part of his negative employment file and will affect his rating. His supervisor/friend simply looked at him and said, “rules are rules and you committed an offense.” Softy, Billy reasoned out that a first offense does not merit a memo yet. To this, the supervisor/friend just turned his back and walked away.

It was such a frustrating day for Billy that he decided to go out with friends after work.

He just had to talk to the very friends who hang out with him.

He called all three of them and asked for moral support and offered to foot the bill since he simply wanted to talk. Not one answered yes…instead, they had their own reasons for not being PAGE B5

They simply want people to pose no danger or threat to their “secure” environments. People who conform just exist. tages — you can get what you need. But on the other hand, the experience can be heartbreaking, too. Learn from it. Some people have trauma or fears.

Rejection is an experience that can be both humiliating and can affect self-respect. Perhaps it is another reason why pleasing everyone seems to be safe and right. There is a pressing need to be accepted.

Billy is a regular call center agent. He aims to “belong” by trying to accommodate everyone. At home, he does the majority of the household chores even if he comes home tired from work. His siblings take their chores for granted because Billy would take charge and say nothing at all.

At work, Billy strives to do his best. He would accommodate anything and everything that is asked of him. Having a good command of English and can perfectly compose letters, Billy has done most of his team leader’s reports which the latter always gets credit for.

With friends, he would always be the “taya” most of the time.

Earning a little bit more than his friends, it had been a “usual” for Billy to take more than half of the bill when they go out to dine and wine. He didn’t mind it, though, because he knew he was earning more than the rest.

Why was Billy trying to accommodate everyone? During growing up years, Billy was often left out by friends. They found him too much of an eager beaver, tailgating kids his age just to join them in activities. He was also very effeminate that boys scowl at his being gay. Left alone most of the time, Billy vowed that someday people will be nice and

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • FEBRUARY 23-26, 2019

B

A taxi driver on corruption...

Mar Roxas and Korina Sanchez announced the birth of their twins via surrogate on Instagram.

Photo from Instagram/@korina

Korina Sanchez, Mar Roxas welcome twins

an Instagram post on Thursday, February 21.

She also asked her followBROADCAST journalist Korina Sanchez and ex-Interior ers to help with name suggesSecretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas tions.

Sanchez, 54, and Roxas, 61, II welcomed the arrival of their told ABS-CBN News that the batwin newborns.

“I think if you believe hard bies were born via a surrogate.

“The little boy arrived first at enough, the miracle you most want can come true. Announc- 5 pounds 4 ounces and one and ing the arrival of our little boy a half hours later, his fraternal and little girl,” Sanchez said in twin sister arrived at 4 pounds

by Philstar.com

12 ounces. They are both perfectly healthy,” they said in the statement.

Sanchez cur r entl y ho sts evening magazine show “Rated K” on ABS-CBN, while Roxas is running for the Senate in the upcoming midterm election.

While this is Sanchez’ first time to have children, Roxas has a 25-year-old son Paolo from a previous relationship.

Perks of being single...

PAGE B3 a record player, I collect vinyl.

It’s not because I’m trying to be old school but I really cannot learn, I think there’s something in me that’s so stubborn that doesn’t wanna cope with modern technology that’s where I am right now.”

All her stories are handwritten. She says, “All my notes are on my paper. I have so much (notebooks to write on), that’s my guilty pleasure. I always have with me a notebook, in my car, on my side. Right now, I just started my blog. I don’t let anyone handle my thoughts because I don’t like anything to be misinterpreted so I would like to be responsible for whatever I write. Like my social media, everything is mine. So, when I started a blog recently because

I have so many random thoughts that I feel like people can relate to, I just put it out there. It’s nice, the comments when you read them. I’m happy that somehow people are finding a voice.”

Bela is also busy in the acting front, doing the teleserye Mea Culpa with Jodi Sta. Maria.

But she always finds time for writing. “I don’t know why but I feel I’m in a hurry to do things because I don’t wan na look back five years from now and say I should have written that idea or I should have said that.

So I try to write, if they like it, thank you.”

To improve her writing, she signs up for courses and workshops under the likes of the legendary screenwriter Ricky Lee. She also keeps on reading.

“Right now in my car, I have When Breath Becomes Air. It’s the true story of a surgeon in America who found out he had cancer. He w rote it himself while he was dying. Very, very sad. Actually, I’m reading two at the same time. The other one is A Gentleman in Moscow (historical fiction). Wala akong genre ngayon, kahit ano, hindi lang ako nagbabasa ng self-help or tips on blah, blah, blah. I like stories. I get bored by self-help.

Parang Chapter 1, nabasa ko na siya somewhere else.”

On how she continues to hone her writing skills, she adds: “I just keep on writing new material. This is one of the reasons I’m so addicted to K-Dramas because their stories are so fresh. I try to keep on educating myself with what’s new outside.”

PAGE B4 are lost to kickbacks to legislators/local leaders year after year after year…and that there are countless other ways corrupt government officials amass illegal wealth from. None of them, he said, are masochistic enough to hurt themselves and their fellow criminals who are protecting each other… shameless bastards!

If all these were true, the money and paper trail could be traced.

Even an unschooled person can easily prove unexplained wealth, plunder, and other forms of corruption. The only questions to ask the suspects are: Did you inherit the hundreds of millions (or billions) in your assets today or did you win your net worth from lottery 1000 multiple times? If yes, where are the documentation and proofs? If not, how much income did you make in grade school, in high school, in college, and all the way to your present job in the government? Any net worth in excess or beyond what the expert computation would show is unexplained wealth, and most obviously amassed ill-gotten wealth.

And if the excess is P50 million or more, it is plunder…and punishable by life imprisonment.

A more formal way of proving unexplained wealth and plunder is to employ a prestigious international assurance and financial audit service, an actuarial service company, an independent SOXcompliant body from another country, who would interview the subject and inspect all of his/her financial records, bank accounts in the Philippines and abroad, investments, real estate and business ownership, etc. to get a global picture of the assets and liabilities of the official in question. The evaluation should start from the top, the nation’s president and his cabinet, all the

legislators in both houses. This is the only way to find out the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.

But who shall cast the first stone? And then there are the legal technicalities to hurdle: the privacy and immunity laws, taking the “fifth,” self-incrimination law, and other maneuvers to evade the law and protect the rich and powerful criminals walking in the halls of Congress, laughing inside on their way to their multiple banks, relishing the fact that We, the People, are all gullible and stupid.

Nobility and honor The most noble and honorable way is for the head of state to volunteer himself to be the first one to be fully audited, and through an executive order, mandate that all government officials, elected and appointed, follow and submit to comprehensive auditing and evaluation by this hired actuarial company auditors. That act alone will show that the president is himself beyond reproach and not involved in any graft or corruption, much less plunder.

Reclusion perpetua Before Arroyo’s term, the ultimate penalty for plunder was death. Since the country eliminated the death penalty, reclusion perpetua (permanent incarceration or life imprisonment) is now the maximum. Actually, the same new law also permanently forbids a convicted plunderer from running for office. But many of our laws are not enforced by the authorities and therefore flagrantly violated by the powerful filthyrich politicians.

Guilty of treason In China and other countries, convicted corrupt officials face the firing squad expeditiously.

Obviously, in the Philippines, they are rewarded handsomely.

Sadly, we, the poeople, are not doing anything proactively and enough about it, so the politicians continue to bastardize the people.

Technically speaking, this makes us guilty of treason because one of the definitions of treason is “the crime of helping your country’s enemies,” and plunderers and corrupt government officials are definitely NOT friends but enemies of the Philippines and the Filipino people. Looking the other way is tantamount to helping them continue to rape our nation.

Mario elaborated to say, “Hindi lamang si Erap, lahat sila kurakot at mandarambong (It is not only Erap, all of them are corrupt and grafters). Kung hindi mag-aalsa ang mga Pilipino sa korapsyon at abusong ito, wala na talagang pagasa bayan natin, pati na kalusugan ng ating pagiisip bilang isang bayan (If the Filipinos will not revolt against all these corruption and abuses, we will certainly be a hopeless nation, adversely impacting our mental health as a nation).”

I was so impressed with Mario I gave him a hefty tip. With more Filipinos like this erudite and wise taxi driver, the Philippines would, perhaps, one day, become a nation of justice, integrity, dignity, and pride, and escape the shameful and demeaning international condemnation as being a most corrupt country. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian and anti-graft foundation in the United States. Websites: FUN8888.com, philipSchua.com Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com (Advertising Supplement)

You can’t please everybody...

PAGE B4 available. Billy felt rejection. He had a triple whammy in a day and no one wanted to be with him at his lowest point.

“I had given everything! Isn’t it enough? Do they want my heart and soul as well? It can be frustrating!” These are the very thoughts that flooded Billy’s mind. He had tried to please everyone but to no avail. He still experienced rejection.

Lesson No. 3: Pleasing every-

one is not a 100 percent guarantee that you will not be rejected again. The more you please, the greater their expectations become and eventually it will be difficult to keep up with their demands.

(Lessons 4 and 5 to be continued in the next column)

*** Stargazer is a life coach, aura reader, psychic/clairvoyant, and lecturer on the paranormal. She uses the aura, energies & vibrations as focal points of her psychic

readings. Using several techniques involving the psychological, spiritual, paranormal and her own experience of the intricacies of life, Stargazer makes one get in touch with his inner and understand life in a positive manner. Faith in God and belief in self is what Stargazer emphasizes on.

Currently, Stargazer is a radio anchor of DZMM Teleradyo, the radio arm of ABS-CBN. Her show “Pinoy Vibes” has been airing every Sunday morning since Sept. 2007.

She can be reached at stargazerphils@gmail. com. For more information, please visit http://stargazer.ph/.

B FEBRUARY 23-26, 2019 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Features

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • FEBRUARY 23-26, 2019

COMMUNITY Journal

Important issues regarding student visas Tax Tips AN average of 800,000 foreign nationals obtain student visas to the United States each year.

These student visas, known as F1, J-1, and M-1 visas, allow them to lawfully reside and study in America. When seeking to attend school in the U.S., it is common for foreign nationals to obtain assistance from companies or individuals who purport to help facilitate the student visa process.

Unfortunately, the wrong help can have dire consequences for the student and any future plans he or she may have for travel or residence in the U.S. Recently, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”) announced that it had charged eight people from Michigan, Florida, and Virginia with conspiracy to commit visa fraud and harboring aliens for profit. These indictments were a result of ICE’s undercover operation in which they created a false private university called the University of Farmington. The criminal charges allege that the defendants conspired with each other and others to help foreign nationals illegally remain in the U.S. under the guise of being students attending an accredited university who were maintaining valid immigration status in the U.S. as students. The defendants would allegedly assist the foreign national “student” in obtaining fraudulent immigration documents from the school and creating false student records that would be used to demonstrate to immigration officials that they were abiding by the terms of their student visa, thus allowing them to continue to living and working in the U.S. ICE states that the defendants made over $250,000 from the more than 600 people they assisted.

Students enrolled at the university had to pay tuition and the school was on the Department of Homeland Security’s list of certified schools for international students. The school had its own website, as well as its own Facebook and Twitter accounts. But ICE alleges that all the students knew that this university scheme

Your Immigration Solution Atty. SARA cRoSS was fraudulent, as the school had no instructors or any actual classes. Dozens of students have also been arrested on immigration violations in conjunction with this operation and face potential deportation. A spokesman for ICE stated that all the students that were arrested originally entered the U.S. on valid

“ The effect of this new policy approach expands the very definition of overstay of a student visa.”

F-1 visas after being accepted to legitimate schools, then later transferred to the University of Farmington.

For F, J, and M nonimmigrants, maintenance of valid student status means strictly adhering to the requirements for each visa in terms of school enrollment, prohibitions against unauthorized employment and other such activities, as well as completion of the program within a certain time frame. Importantly, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (“USCIS”) issued a new Memorandum in 2018 concerning a policy change in how they will determine visa violations for F, J, and M nonimmigrants and when a person will begin to accrue unlawful presence in the U.S. as a result. This new policy is a significant change from USCIS’ prior policy. Now, a person’s unlawful presence in the U.S. will begin to accrue the day after the date a status violation occurs.

This is immensely important, as accrual of unlawful presence in U.S. can result in bars to reentry into the U.S. For a person who is unlawfully present in the

U.S. for more than 180 consecutive days but less than one year, who then departs the country, they will be barred from reentry for three years. For a person who is unlawfully present in the U.S. for one year or more consecutively, who then departs, they will be barred from admission to the country for ten years.

The effect of this new policy approach expands the very definition of overstay of a student visa. It allows adjudicators to search for any visa status violation and calculate unlawful presence retroactively without notice. Therefore, even though a person may enter the U.S. on a valid student visa, which most often designates their authorized period of stay as “D/S” (Duration of Status), if at any point after entry this person violates the provisions of their student visa, even if they are not aware of the violation, they may begin to accrue unlawful presence. This accrual of unlawful presence may lead them to being barred from reentering the U.S. in the future.

Maintenance of valid student visa status can be complex, especially with constantly changing laws and policies. It is important for those present in the U.S. on a student visa to consult a knowledgeable immigration attorney who can evaluate their specific circumstances and provide them with expert advice.

*** REEVES IMMIGRATION LAW GROUP is one of the oldest, largest and most experienced immigration fi rms in the United States with offi ces in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Manila and China.

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

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

(Advertising Supplement)

VictoR Sy, cPA, mBA

Old law: Under old rules, you were able deduct interest on $1 million ($500K for married filing separately) of mortgage debt used to acquire your principal residence and a second home (acquisition debt). You were also able to deduct interest on home equity debt.

Home equity loan did not have to be used to acquire or improve the homes and could be used for education, travel, or health care.

New law: The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Act”) reduced the limit on qualifying acquisition debt to $750,000 ($375,000 for a married taxpayer filing separately). However, for acquisition debt incurred before December 15, 2017, the higher pre-Act limit applies. The higher pre-Act limit also applies to debt arising from refinancing pre-December 15, 2017 acquisition debt

Minding Your Finances Atty. RAymond BulAon ARE you in debt and are starting to feel very frustrated with your situation? Do you find yourself always worried and stressed because you don’t have enough money to pay all your bills? Has the idea of filing bankruptcy crossed your mind but you just don’t know enough about it to know whether or not it’s right for your situation?

The decision to go the bankruptcy route is not always an easy one to make. But sometimes, the hole you’ve dug up is too deep that there is no other way out.

Bill collectors are harassing you.

Maybe they’re already threatening to take you to court, garnish your wages and take everything you’ve got. Maybe you can’t even sleep at night asking yourself: “What

C

Tax changes to home mortgage interest deductions

as long as the debt resulting from the refinancing does not exceed the original debt amount. This means that you can refinance up to $1 million of existing acquisition debt in the future and not be subject to the new reduced limitation.

Home equity interest deduction: The good old home equity interest deduction is gone. It is gone regardless of when the home equity debt was incurred. You will not be able to deduct interest on future home equity loans anymore. You won’t be able to deduct interest on existing home equity loans either. Sorry.

Old home mortgage interest deduction may come back in 2026: Really? We can’t even predict what happens next year with Republicans holding on to the Sen-

ate and Democrats taking over the House. What more to 2020 when Democrats try to retake the White House or 2024 when they try to keep it or the Republicans try to take it back… *** Victor Santos Sy graduated Cum Laude from UE with a BBA and from Indiana State University with an MBA. Vic worked with SyCip, Gorres, Velayo (SGV - Andersen Consulting) and Ernst & Young before establishing Sy Accountancy Corporation in Pasadena, California. *** He has 50 years of experience in defending taxpayers audited by the IRS, FTB, EDD, BOE and other governmental agencies. He is publishing a book on his expertise - “HOW TO AVOID OR SURVIVE IRS AUDITS.” Our readers may inquire about the book or email tax questions at vicsy@live.com.

(Advertising Supplement)

Is filing bankruptcy the right move for you? should I do to solve my debt problems and protect myself and my family?”

The answer, of course, doesn’t always come quick and easy. Most people will postpone making a decision until they have their back into a corner and they feel like the walls are caving in. If you are in this situation, I know how you feel.

At what point does it make sense to file bankruptcy and get legal protection? If your financial situation is causing you a lot of stress and worries, perhaps bankruptcy is the best solution for your mental well-being if you’re already doing your best but it’s still not good enough.

Of course, bankruptcy is not always the best solution. Not everyone who faces debt problems should file for bankruptcy because not all cases are the same. But when advisable for your situation,

it could be exactly what you need to put your problems behind you and move on.

Filing bankruptcy immediately stops collection actions against you and your property. That means no more collection calls, lawsuits, wage garnishments and no more sheriffs at your door. For the first time after a long while, you can finally breathe better and feel like a human being again. In Chapter 7, credit card debts, personal loans, medical bills and other unsecured debts are erased completely.

Although in Chapter 7 non-exempt property can be taken to pay creditors, this is very rare because most Chapter 7 cases are no-asset cases. If your case is such, you lose nothing but your debts and you get to keep your home, automobile, bank accounts, retirement plans, etc.

u PAGE C2

C FEBRUARY 23-26, 2019 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Did the employer give disclosure of its background check on you?

SO you applied for a job. Your prospective employer may likely do a background check on you.

This is true particularly for those applying in sensitive job positions. Some employers will do their investigation in-house. Others may hire an outside company to do background checks.

Here are some of the information that can be found about you: References. Most employers are willing only to confirm a job applicants’ dates of employment and position with them for fear of being sued.

Medical History. Various laws prohibit employers from inquiring about your medical condition or disabilities. Employers though can inquire about your ability to perform specific job functions.

Education Records. Employers can obtain certifications of years of attendance from the schools listed on resumes by directly contacting them. School records must be obtained with the student’s consent.

Credit Reports. Employers are not allowed to discriminate against you based on low credit scores or bankruptcy filings.

DMV Driving/Vehicle Registration Records. Employers can directly obtain your driving status, violations, accidents, and vehicle registration records without your consent.

Immigration Records. Employers may obtain this by filing Form I9 with the Bureau of Citizenship

Protecting Employee & Consumer Rights Atty. c. Joe sAyAs, Jr. and Immigration Services Criminal / Arrest Records. A3 criminal conviction is considered only if it’s relevant to the job. Employers can review arrest records only if the arrest resulted in a conviction, or if the applicant is out of jail and awaiting trial. Otherwise, arrest records are off-limits. Also off-limits are marijuana convictions that are more than 2 years old and juvenile criminal records.

Military Records. Employers can obtain your name, rank, salary, assignments and awards without your consent.

• Drug Test Records • Court Records • State Licensing Records • Sex Offender Lists Generally, in California, before an employer may obtain a background check report, the employer must provide a clear and conspicuous written disclosure to the applicant that a background check will be done. This document must be a stand-alone disclosure and should contain only this disclosure and not other types of disclosure.

As the job applicant, you must provide written consent before the employer can obtain a background

check report. In California, the employer must first provide an offer of employment to the applicant before inquiring about the applicant’s criminal history or accessing Workers Compensation records.

How serious is it if the employer were to violate these background check rules?

A company called Genco, which is a subsidiary of FedEx, was sued by employees for violations of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and other California laws. The employer was accused of not providing employees with adequate pre-screening disclosures before the company ran a pre-employment background check. The employer was also accused of not providing employees with meal and rest periods. The parties agreed to settle the employees’ claims for $3,150,000. *** The Law Offices of C. Joe Sayas, Jr. welcomes inquiries about this topic. All inquiries are confidential and at no-cost.

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

(Advertising Supplement)

Is filing bankruptcy the right move...

PAGE C1 t In Chapter 13, you agree to repay all or a portion of your debts over 3 to 5 years. In most cases, you can cut your current credit card payments in half or even more, depending on your income and expenses. So, rather than struggling to pay your debts and the ridiculous interest rates that the credit card companies are charging you, you can be out of debt in a much shorter period of time while paying zero percent interest on your credit cards. Did you know that most people will never get out of debt with the 22-29% interest that they are paying on their credit cards? And after you’ve paid your debts, most likely you’ve paid your creditors more than twice your debt amounts in interest alone.

Could this be the reason why a lot people retire broke? Instead of saving the money for their retirement, they give the money to their bank and their creditors in interest charges.

If you are facing possible loss of your home through foreclosure, you need to find out what your legal options are under Chapter 13.

If you have fallen behind on your mortgage payments and can’t afford to pay what the bank is asking you to bring your account current, Chapter 13 will allow you to pay back the amount in arrears for as long as 5 years.

Foreclosure will stop on the day that your case is filed and you can start making your regular mortgage payments without worrying about losing your home. If you

need to apply for a loan modification to lower your mortgage payments, you can also do this while you are in Chapter 13.

If you are in debt and feel like there is no way out, I would like to help you figure out your best solution. For a free consultation, call my office at Toll-Free 1-866-4777772 so I can carefully evaluate your case. I have offices in Glendale, Cerritos and Valencia. *** None of the information herein is intended to give legal advice for any specific situation. Atty. Ray Bulaon has successfully helped thousands of clients in getting out of debt. For a free attorney evaluation of your situation, please call Ray Bulaon Law Offices at TOLL FREE 1 (866) 477-7772.

(Advertising Supplement)

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

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

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

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

Legal Advice Atty. DArricK tAn approved despite the prior finding of “marriage fraud” under certain circumstances.

You may ask, how is this possible? Isn’t Section 204(c) straightforward? Not quite. The answer lies in the fact that USCIS must independently examine the prior finding of “marriage fraud” in considering the subsequently filed immigrant visa petition.

Before invoking the Sec. 204(c) bar to approval of a subsequent visa petition, USCIS must make an independent determination of fraud based upon the record, including but not limited to any evidence gathered during adjudication of the prior visa petition, but may not parrot or rely on the conclusions made by other adjudicators. USCIS must have “substantial and probative” evidence of “marriage fraud.”

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

The determination is to be made by the USCIS district director while adjudicating the subsequent visa petition. Matter of Samsen, 15 I. & N. Dec. 28, 1974 WL 29995 (B.I.A. 1974).

The district director should not give conclusive effect to the determinations made in the prior proceedings, but should reach his own independent conclusion

based on the evidence actually before him. Matter of F-, 9 I. & N. Dec. 684 (BIA 1962).

Therefore, in cases such as yours in which the USCIS has indicated it intends to deny the subsequent immigrant visa petition due to the prior finding of “marriage fraud,” new evidence can be submitted that demonstrates that the prior finding of “marriage fraud” was incorrect—i.e., evidence that shows that the prior marriage petition was based on a bona fide marriage, or that explains that the prior denial was based on an incomplete or inaccurate assessment of the facts. In cases in which the subsequent immigrant visa petition has already been denied, this new evidence should be submitted as part of a motion to reconsider. I recommend that you seek an experienced attorney to assist you in properly presenting the law and facts to the USCIS adjudicator to address the Section 204(c) bar. *** Darrick V. Tan, Esq. is admitted to practice law in California and Nevada. Mr. Tan is a graduate of UCLA and Southwestern University School of Law. He is a member of the Consumers Attorney Association of Los Angeles and is a former member of the Board of Governors of the Philipp ine American Bar Association. *** LAW OFFICES OF DARRICK V. TAN, 3580 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 900, Los Angeles, CA 90010. Tel: (323) 639-0277.

Email: info@dtanlaw.com.

(Advertising Supplement)

Senior scammed out of $100K by internet boyfriend needs Chapter 7 relief THE client is 65 and a widow.

Wanting some male attention, I guess, she posted her picture on the Internet. She looks much younger in the posted picture, which she showed me. She looked like she was 48. But she said that the picture was taken only last year. If her purpose was to get some male attention to her picture, she certainly got it.

Ah, the wonders of the internet where romance can bloom without people actually physically meeting each other. I asked her if she ever met the guy. She said she could not believe how stupid she was. I asked her if the guy was American. She said she doesn’t even know if the picture he sent was really he.

It started with him asking her for money for legal expenses, then money for this, and money for that. So, I asked her how long has it been going on? It started about nine months ago.

Then I asked her how much she had given him. She said she had given him $100,000 in nine months. I said, “Are you serious, you must be kidding!” She said she was not kidding. She admitted that her children told her not to do it, as did her friends and other relatives. So I said, “so, why did you do it? How can you give a guy that you have never met, $100,000?” And her explanation was “I was crazy, I was insane…” It really looks like she went nuts for a while there.

Barrister’s Corner Atty. Kenneth UrsUA reyes ALL property, real or personal, wherever situated, acquired by a married person during the marriage while domiciled in California is community property. Family Code 760. However, there are situations in which the marriage may be held to be null and void. These situations include, but are not limited to entering into a bigamous marriage, fraud and misrepresentation in entering into a marriage, etc. The legal consequences of having your marriage annulled by your spouse is that it results to you not having any community property interest on property acquired by your spouse during the marriage. A nullity may also cut off your claim for spousal support.

What options do you have if your spouse files a nullity against you? You may still have a claim to community property and support as a putative spouse. A party to a void or voidable marriage has “putative spouse” status only if he or she believed in good faith the marriage was valid. Family.Code. § 225; Marriage of Guo & Sun (2010) 186 CA4th 1491, 1493, 112 CR3d 906, 908; Marriage of Vryonis (1988) 202 CA3d 712, 721, 248 CR 807, 813.

A party who has the requisite objectively reasonable “good faith”

Debt Relief

Atty. LAwrence yAng Then I asked her where she got the $100,000. She said I borrowed from credit cards, banks and relatives for a grand total of $100,000.

So now she wants to have the guy arrested. Even if she files a police report, it’s next to impossible to find who the guy really is, much less arrest him.

This guy could be anyone in the world who he lives in Timbuktu but pretends that he is a goodlooking American guy. I asked her how come she never met the guy in person. She said that he was working as a seaman so he would be in port for a short time and then would be out at sea for a long time. I asked her for a picture of the guy. She showed it to me. I said, “I think I’ve seen that guy somewhere before. Wait, that’s the most interesting guy in the world, the guy who is the spokesman for some European whiskey brand. Well, obviously, that’s not his real picture.”

The real guy could be somewhere in Nigeria laughing his way all the way to the bank. I asked her if she’s ever heard of the scams where you get a call

telling you that he is some kind of royalty from Nigeria whose assets have been frozen by the bank. If you wire him $1,000, he will be able to unfreeze his bank accounts and send you $1.0-M immediately.

It’s so unfortunate that senior women fall for the oldest trick in the gigolo book. I had another client who was 50 but she actually had a real boyfriend who asked her to bring him around the world. The guy treated her as a ‘sugar mommy.’ You know how that works, right? The woman being older, the man is younger. He professes that he loves her but that love has to be “sugared” with cash and exotic trips around the world. Well, the easiest way to sugar this love is to use credit cards. My other client maxed out her credit cards at $180,000 for so many trips around the world. Cruises galore! Lifestyles of the rich and famous for as long as there are credit cards to use. But as soon as the money ran out, goodbye, my one and only love…it’s time to look for another sugar mommy with unused credit cards.

Fortunately, the client victim can discharge her $100,000 debts with a Chapter 7 petition to have a fresh start. By next year, her credit score will start going up. If she handles the new credit cards in a timely manner, she can be up and running

u PAGE C3

Putative spouse status as a defense to a petition for nullity of marriage belief may be a putative spouse where any legal infirmity in formation of the marriage renders the marriage invalid. Domestic Partnership of Ellis & Arriaga (2008) 162 CA4th 1000, 1005, 76 CR3d 401, 404; Estate of DePasse (2002) 97 CA4th 92, 107, 118 CR2d 143, 155; see Marriage of Vryonis, supra, 202 CA3d at 718–719, 248 CR at 811–812.

A party’s “good faith” belief in the validity of the marriage is not tested by whether he or she believed a “marriage” lawfully occurred under some private, secular or spiritual set of standards. A putative spouse must have had a good faith belief in the existence of a lawful California marriage. Estate of DePasse (2002) 97 CA4th 92, 107–108, 118 CR2d 143, 156; Welch v.

State of Calif. (2000) 83 CA4th 1374, 1378–1379, 100 CR2d 430, 432–433; Marriage of Vryonis (1988) 202 CA3d 712, 723, 248 CR 807, 814–815 “Good faith” belief is tested by an objective standard based on facts that would cause a reasonable person under the circumstances to harbor a good faith belief in the existence of a valid California marriage. Domestic Partnership of Ellis & Arriaga, supra, 162 CA4th at 1005, 76 CR3d at 404; Marriage of Guo & Sun (2010) 186 CA4th 1491, 1497, 112 CR3d 906, 911; Marriage of Ramirez & Llamas (2008) 165 CA4th 751, 756, 81 CR3d 180,

183. Whether a party had an objectively reasonable “good faith” belief is a question of fact to be determined in light of all the circumstances.

Successfully proving putative spouse status or putative marriage status in court gives rise to certain property, support and attorney fees/costs rights, as well as certain other rights that ordinarily attach only between lawfully married persons. Property that would have been community or quasi-community property had the marriage been valid is deemed “quasi-marital property” and, in a proceeding to terminate the invalid marriage, “shall” be divided between the parties as if it were community.

Family.Code. § 2251(a)(2); Marriage of Tejeda (2009) 179 CA4th 973, 983, 102 CR3d 361, 368; Quasi-marital property divided pursuant to § 2251 is also liable for the parties’ debts to the same extent as if it had been community or quasi-community property. Family.Code. § 2252.

In addition, “temporary” and “permanent” spousal support may also be awarded in a nullity proceeding in favor of a putative spouse “in the same manner as if the marriage had not been void or voidable” Family Code Section 2254. The court may also award attorney’s fees pursuant to family code section 2030 in favor of a party found to be “innocent of

u PAGE C3

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

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • FEBRUARY 23-26, 2019

C3

People & Events

Mental health support continues to be Asian American Professional Association learning hub on March 16 critical during Woolsey Fire recovery MORE than three months after the Woolsey Fire started, recovery information has largely focused on debris removal and rebuilding efforts. But coping with the long-standing mental health effects that wildfire survivors experience after a disaster is a critical recovery topic that merits equal attention, according to LA County leaders.

“The trauma of going through the loss of one’s personal possessions, home and neighborhood can have a profound and longlasting impact on fire survivors’ mental health and well-being,” stated LA County Department of Mental Health Director Jonathan E. Sherin. “And, the long process of rebuilding can contribute to feelings of anxiety, depression and chronic stress. Survivors experiencing these feelings may

Photo courtesy of Asian American Professional Association

JOIN the Asian American Professional Association (AAPA) on Saturday, March 16, at the learning hub #1!

Hear first-hand experiences from AAPA Mentors and learn critical career skills, such as communication skills, negotiation, management, and so much more!

Also, network with leaders and professionals from diverse industries.

Schedule: • 8-9 a.m.: Registration, breakfast & networking • 9-10:30 a.m.: Mentee Session | Mentor Session • 10:30-10:45 a.m.: Break • 10:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m.: Networking Session • 12:15 p.m.-1:00 p.m.: Lunch • Light breakfast and lunch will be provided It will be held at the University

Photo courtesy of Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health

exhibit behaviors such as withdrawing from family and loved ones, excessive worrying, impaired reasoning, or increased use of drugs and alcohol.”

If you or a loved one was affected by the Woolsey Fire and need help, free and low-cost mental health support services are available. Contact LA County’s Mental Health Access Hotline at (800) 854-7771 or text “LA” to 741741 to find immediate help or access local mental health services.

This 24/7 multilingual hotline

also enables disaster victims to receive screening, assessment, referrals and crisis counseling over the telephone. Woolsey Fire survivors can also dial 2-11 to find mental health, financial, housing and other support services to assist with their recovery process.

For more information on mental health support that is available in LA County after disasters, visit lacounty.gov/lacountyrecovers and click on the Mental Health icon. ■

San Diego civic leadership forum on March 30

of Phoenix Pasadena (299 N. Euclid Avenue, 3rd Flr., Pasadena, CA 91101) Free underground parking at University of Phoenix parking structure (on Garfield Avenue/ West of the University). Validation will be available.

This is open to all (free for mentees & mentors; $25 for guests).

Questions? Please email info@ aapamentoring.com ■

Cerritos Library welcomes trio of authors in March

THE National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) is organizing a forum focused on civic leadership and empowerment Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community on Saturday, March 30.

Sponsored by Civic Leadership USA, the forum will feature prominent leaders and elected officials who will discuss efforts to increase the community’s representation in

Photo courtesy of Cerritos Library

THE Cerritos Library welcomes acclaimed authors Victoria Riskin, Jay Paris and Melissa Scrivner Love in March.

Writer-producer Riskin discusses “Fay Wray and Robert Riskin: A Hollywood Memoir” at 7 p.m. in the Skyline Room on Monday, March 4.

The book is a love story and memoir about her parents, who were Hollywood golden age icons. Wray starred in more than 120 movies and was most famous as the blonde who captured the heart of King Kong.

Academy Award–winning writer and producer Robert Riskin collaborated on “American Madness,” “It Happened One Night,” “Mr. Deeds Goes to Town” and

“Meet John Doe.” Celebrated sports journalist Jay Paris will present “Shohei Ohtani: The Amazing Story of Baseball’s Two-Way Japanese Superstar” on Thursday, March 14 at 7 p.m. in the Skyline Room.

A three-time recipient of awards from the Pro Football Writers Association of America, Paris also wrote “Game of My Life San Diego Chargers” and “Game of My Life Rams.” He has worked for the “San Diego Union-Tribune,” “USA Today” and the Associated Press.

Award-winning author Melissa Scrivner Love discusses her high-octane thriller “American Heroin” on Tuesday, March 19 at 7 p.m. in the Skyline Room.

The book is a follow-up to her debut “Lola,” about a loving mother who is also a ruthless druglord. “Lola” won the John Creasey Debut Dagger Award and was nominated for the Edgar Award for best first novel.

Love has written for several television shows, including “CSI: Miami,” “Person of Interest” and “Fear the Walking Dead.”

Registration is not required for the free events and seating will be available on a first-come, firstseated basis. The authors will have copies of their books available for purchase.

The Cerritos Library is located at 18025 Bloomfield Avenue. For more information, call (562) 9161342. ■

Putative spouse status as a defense to a petition...

PAGE C2 t

This article is not intended to cover all fraud or wrongdoing in inducing the issues related to the topic discussed. or entering into the marriage, and The specific facts that apply to your free from knowledge of the then matter may make the outcome different existence of any prior marriage than would be anticipated by you. This or other impediment to the con- article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law tracting of the marriage for which Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, P.C. This a judgment of nullity is sought.” article is not a solicitation.

Family Code Section 2255. *** *** Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Please note that this article is not legal Certified Family Law Specialist. He was advice and is not intended as legal advice. President of the Philippine American Bar The article is intended to provide only Association. He is a member of both general, non-specific legal information. the Family law section and Immigration

law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He is a graduate of Southwestern University Law School in Los Angeles and California State University, San Bernardino School of Business Administration. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, P.C. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail HYPERLINK “mailto: kenneth@kenreyeslaw.com” kenneth@ kenreyeslaw.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com (Advertising Supplement)

Senior scammed out of $100K by internet...

PAGE C2 t

around with another boyfriend all over the world with her new credit cards. But this time around, I hope she can at least meet Mr. Romeo in person and spend a romantic year with a real guy while her new credit cards are not maxed out.

Client filed for Chapter 7 without lawyer in 2008 did not get discharge The next client is 56. She says she filed for Chapter 7 in 2008 but never got a discharge. I asked her

how she knew that no discharge was given to her. She showed me a notice that her case was closed without a discharge. Since then, she obtained new credit cards of $30,000. She was just disabled and can’t pay the cards anymore.

I asked her who her lawyer was.

She said she had no lawyer and filed it herself. She said now she wants to re-file with a lawyer so she can get a discharge.

Can she file another Chapter 7 now? Yes, because it’s at least

eight years from the first filing date even if she did not get a discharge. *** Lawrence Bautista Yang specializes in bankruptcy, business, real estate and civil litigation and has successfully represented more than five thousand clients in California. Please call Angie, Barbara or Jess at (626) 284-1142 for an appointment at 1000 S. Fremont Ave, Mailstop 58, Building A-1 Suite 1125, Alhambra, CA 91803.

(Advertising Supplement)

government. Whether you’re looking to network, get more involved in the community, or even run for office, this event is for you.

The forum will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Jacobs Center (404 Euclid Ave., San Diego, CA 92114).

A community reception will follow from 5 to 7 p.m.

Since 1997, the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) has been

the standard bearer for promoting the welfare and well-being of the 4 million Filipinos throughout the United States. NaFFAA’s vision is to serve as the voice of all Filipino Americans by uniting, engaging, and empowering diverse individuals and community organizations around three key areas: leadership development, civic engagement, and national advocacy.

Please visit naffaa.org for more information. ■

C4 FEBRUARY 23-26, 2019 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Calendar of Events across

America

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

AARP Foundation tax-aide available now through April 15

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

Free oil filter exchange in Lynwood, CA Free oil filter & motor oil recycling event! Everyone is invited to bring in their motor oil and used oil filters on Saturday, February 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 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. It will be held at O’Reilly Auto Parts at 10727 Long Beach Blvd. Lynwood, CA 90262.

Fil-Am book authors give talk in San Pedro, CA Philippine Expressions Bookshop is hosting three Filipino American authors who will talk about their new books on Saturday, February 23, 2019 from 3 - 6:00 p.m. The bookshop is located at 479 W Sixth Street, Suite 105 at the Historic Arts District of San Pedro, CA 90731. The event is free and open to the public. Seats are limited and RSVP is requested. Call 310-548-8148 or 310-514-9139 or email: info@philippinebookshop.com. Marvin Gapultos will speak about his newest book, “Pulutan: Filipino Bar Bites, Appetizers and Street Eats.” He is the creator of the celebrated food blog Burnt Lumpia, founder of Los Angeles’ first Filipino food truck known as The Manila Machine, and author of “The Adobo Road Cookbook” which was published a few years ago. Jocelyn (Joy) Francisco is the author of “Oh My Kulay! Colors, Fruits & Veggies,” which is an introductory book for young children. It is fully illustrated and written in both English and Filipino. Dalena Haskins Benavente is one of the authors featured in the book, “The New Filipino Kitchen: Stories and Recipes from Around the Globe.” Born in Union City, Tennessee, her mother is a Filipina. Danela worked as recipe developer and product taster for Kraft, and she filmed with Paula Deen. All three authors will autograph their books after the Book Talks. If you will be unable to attend, you can order an autographed copy of any of the books by sending an email to: linda_nietes@sbcglobal.net. This is the first event of the bookshop for 2019, and it is part of their ongoing community outreach program to increase the visibility of Filipinos in the City of San Pedro. Established in 1984, the bookshop is now on its 35th year serving Filipinos in the diaspora.

F E B R UA RY 24

12th Annual SCPASA Summit in Irvine, CA The Southern California Pilipinx-American Student Alliance (SCPASA) is proud to present its 12th Annual Summit Conference: “Kapwa” on Sunday, February 24. Check-in begins at 8 to 9:45 a.m., while the summit is from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The summit is a one-day conference that features a wide variety of speakers, activities, and entertainment. It is held at the university campus of an active SCPASA member organization and this year it will be hosted by University of California, Irvine’s Alyansa ng mga Kababayan. Numerous workshops are held throughout the day to give attendees various opportunities to learn about topics around a common theme chosen for that year. This year’s SCPASA summit theme is Kapwa which is one of the core Pilipinx values that emphasizes the concept of “togetherness.” Tickets until Feb. 20 are $20/person, while at the door registration is $30/person. For more questions or for more information, please email scpasa.contact@gmail.com.

MARCH 9

LolaLand: The Grandmother of All Shows in Los Angeles Rejoicers Events brings to Los Angeles, “LolaLand: The Grandmother of All Shows,” the show that sold out in Manila, and soon restaged in New York and the Bay Area. It will be held on Saturday, March 9 at the Aratani Theatre (244 San Pedro St, Los Angeles, CA 90012) at 7 p.m. Headlined by comedienne Fe delos Reyes, award-winning songwriters Cecile Azarcon and Odette Quesada are joined by singers Jam Morales and Chiqui Pineda, who popularized numerous OPM Songs. Part of the proceeds of this much-anticipated concert benefit Philippine Patrons of the Arts USA, a non-profit organization that helps bring Filipino Artists to U.S. stages.

MARCH 30

Philippine Medical Society of Northern California installation of officers in Foster City, CA The Philippine Medical Society of Northern California will hold its 47th anniversary and installation of officers for 2019-2021 at the Crowne Plaza in Foster City, CA on Saturday, March 30. For sponsorship information, please contact Dr. Clementina Manio at drtina0427@gmail. com or visit https://www.pmsnc.org/.

United Bicolandia Los Angeles induction in Montebello, CA United Bicolandia Los Angeles will hold its 45th Anniversary and Induction Ceremony at Quiet Cannon in Montebello, CA on Saturday, March 30. For tickets and sponsorship information, please contact Lanie Berrei at lanieberrei@hotmail.com or (818) 281-3169.

APRIL 7

Ryan, Ryan! The Maestro and the Ryan Cayabyab Singers in Glendale, CA Recently proclaimed National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab’s works will be showcased on Sunday, April 7 at the John Wayne Performing Arts Center (1440 E Broadway, Glendale, CA 91205) at 6 p.m. by his multi-talented singing group, the Ryan Cayabyab Singers joined by some local artists like Mon David, Annie Nepomuceno, Louie Reyes and many more. Come and hear how his work that spans five decades has made an indelible impact on Filipino culture. Copresented by Philippine Patrons of the Arts USA, a 501 (c) 3 organization that brings exemplary Filipino Artists to U.S. stages. For ticket information ($35-$125) visit www.philpatrons.org and to learn about other tour stops in Las Vegas (April 7), San Diego (April 12) and Seattle (April 14).

APRIL 13

2nd annual Filipino mental health well-being summit in LA The 2nd annual Filipino mental health well-being summit will take place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 13 at The Center of Cathedral Plaza (555 West Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012). In partnership with the LA County of Department of Mental Health, registration begins on March 11. This is a FREE event for all. Breakfast and lunch included with registration.

Please email FilipinoWellBeing@Gmail.com or visit https://www.facebook.com/FilipinoWellBeing for more updates.

A P R I L 25 -28

Philippine Nurses Association of America - North Central Regional Conference in Columbus, Ohio The Philippine Nurses Association - Central Ohio will hold a regional conference from April 25 to 28 at the Embassy Suites (2886 Airport Drive, Columbus, Ohio). For more information, please visit http://www.mypnaa.org/.

JUNE 1

7th Historic Filipinotown Kalayaan Parade and Festival in LA The 7th Historic Filipinotown Kalayaan Parade and Festival Committee (7KPFC) announced that it will holding the 7th Kalayaan Parade in Los Angeles on Saturday, June 1, 2019 in commemoration of the 121st PH Independence Day on June 12, 1898. This will be the 7th Kalayaan Parade and Festival in Historic Filipinotown, as the first was held in 2013 in cooperation with the PH Consulate General in Los Angeles. This is the only Independence Day parade and Festival in Los Angeles and is held every year in Historic Filipinotown. For more information, please call Freddie at (818) 220-2075 or email at jfavusa8@gmail.com.

Kalayaan Incorporated’s annual Philippine Independence Day gala in LA Kalayaan Incorporated invites the community to its celebration of the 121st Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence on Saturday, June 1, 2019, at the Los Angeles Airport Marriott Hotel (5855 W. Century Blvd. Los Angeles, CA). Kalayaan is extremely proud to have Honorable Risa Hontiveros, an incumbent senator who assumed office on June 30, 2016, as the grand gala’s guest of honor and speaker. For tickets to the Gala Night, please contact Annie Cuevas-Lim, Kalayaan President at (213) 447-7078. For more information, contact KI PROs Violet Mislang at vmislang@gmail.com or Lady Hope Robillos at lhopepr@yahoo.com.

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

NOW through April 15, AARP Foundation is providing free tax assistance and preparation through its Tax-Aide program.

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is the nation’s largest free tax assistance and preparation service.

Since its inception, the program has served more than 68 million taxpayers.

Tax-Aide started in 1968 with just four volunteers working at one site. Today, nearly 35,000 volunteers serve low- to moderate-income taxpayers at almost 5,000 locations in neighborhood libraries, malls, banks, community centers and senior centers nationwide. There’s no fee, and AARP membership is not required.

“AARP Foundation Tax-Aide provides free tax assistance to those who need it most,” said Daphne Kwok, AARP Vice President of Multicultural Leadership, Asian American and Pacific Islander Audience Strategy. “With the support of bilingual volunteers, some Tax-Aide locations offer assistance in additional languages to help taxpayers who don’t speak English or speak English as a second language prepare their returns.”

Tax-Aide volunteers are trained and IRS-certified each year to ensure they know about and understand the latest changes to the U.S. Tax Code. In 2018, the program’s volunteers helped 2.5 million

people navigate complicated tax codes, ensure proper credits and deductions, and file their federal and state tax returns. Taxpayers who used Tax-Aide received $1.3 billion in income tax refunds and more than $212 million in Earned Income Tax Credits (EITCs). They also avoided tax preparation fees and pitches for high-interest tax credit or refund loans.

To find an AARP Foundation Tax-Aide site or more information, including which documents to bring to the tax site, visit aarpfoundation/taxaide or call 1-888AARPNOW (1-888-227-7669).

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is offered in conjunction with the IRS. ■

Book talks on 3 new titles by Fil-Am authors on Feb. 23 SAN PEDRO, CA — Philippine Expressions Bookshop is hosting three Filipino-American authors who will talk about their new books on Saturday, February 23, 2019 from 3 - 6 p.m. The bookshop is located at 479 W Sixth Street, Suite 105 at the Historic Arts District of San Pedro, CA 90731. The event is free and open to the public. Seats are limited and RSVP is requested. Call 310-548-8148 or 310-514-9139 or email: info@philippinebookshop.com.

Marvin Gapultos will speak about his newest book, “Pulutan: Filipino Bar Bites, Appetizers and Street Eats.” He is the creator of the celebrated food blog Burnt Lumpia, founder of Los Angeles’ first Filipino food truck known as The Manila Machine, and author of “The Adobo Road

Cookbook” which was published a few years ago. His singular passion in promoting the food of the Philippines has made him one of the leading voices on Filipino cuisine. Samples of food from his book Pulutan will be served during the event. No stranger to pairing good food with good drinks, Marvin has developed recipes and written about breweries, bars, and cocktails for “Serious Eats and the Kitchn,” among others. As a Certified Cicerone(R), he combines his love of craft beer with his passion for Filipino food.

Jocelyn (Joy) Francisco is the author of “Oh My Kulay! Colors, Fruits & Veggies,” which is an introductory book for young children. It is fully illustrated and written in both English and Filipino. Born and raised in San Diego,

she attended CSU-San Marcos for her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She also holds a Masters in Counseling Psychology and a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology.

She became a licensed Clinical Psychologist in 2008. Let Joy color your world as she talks about her first book.

Dalena Haskins Benavente is one of the authors featured in the book, “The New Filipino Kitchen: Stories and Recipes from Around the Globe.” Born in Union City, Tennessee, her mother is a Filipina. Danela worked as recipe developer and product taster for Kraft, and she filmed with Paula Deen. Her degree in Communications came in handy as she hosted numerous cooking segments on a variety of radio and TV channels.

Her first food memoir, Asian Girl in a Southern World recounts. ■

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • FEBRUARY 23-26, 2019

C

Angge’s piano Carol ojeda-Kimbrough Contributed by

I HAD the distinct honor and privilege to have been a guest at Angge and Manny Lahoz’s organic farm in Zambales during my vacation to the Philippines last January.

My cousin Ditas and I enjoyed the couple’s hospitality as they took us on a tour of the farm’s vast rice fields where we saw a carabao named “Glorioso” basking in the mud after a hard day’s work, while a Tagak (snowy egret) sat on his back and groomed him. We also walked around their “bahay kubo” garden where I saw, for the first time, cashew trees!

We were housed at the second story of their building, where the sun peeking through the Capiz windows, and the neighborhood roosters crowing, greeted us each morning and provided the perfect setting for meditation before starting our day.

While everything about Angge’s Organic Farm provided spiritual nourishment to this traveler, Angge and her staff prepared nourishment for the body through their meticulously prepared, delicious and healthy meals. We ate breakfast, lunch, merienda and dinner at a large table that could easily seat eight people. Manny sat at one end, the “kabisera” and Angge sat to the right of Manny. Mealtimes also included storytelling and sharing of experiences.

With Angge’s permission, I am retelling one of the stories she shared with us.

Angge’s Piano (as narrated by Angelita “Angge” Lahoz) I want to tell you a story about a piano that gave of itself to generations of children from one big family so that they can learn and enjoy the music coming from within it, as the player softly tickled or pounced on its ivory keys.

I inherited this piano from my Lolo, by way of my aunt and then my dad. It’s something we did as a family, things like that were passed on. I was in high school when my Lolo gave it to me.

And then one by one, my immediate family moved abroad. When that happened, the piano was left with my mother and me. They wanted to trade in the old piano for a more modern piano, I didn’t want to but I cannot say “no, why would you do that?

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Angge’s piano

Then my mother and my brother also went abroad, so the piano had to go somewhere else. As it was the family piano, it went from one cousin to another cousin’s house.

My cousin and their children all learned how to play the piano one way or the other, and then when I came back to the Philippines many years later, they said, “we want to return the piano; this is your piano so come get your piano.” So I said, “okay, give the piano to Project 8, bring it to Manila.”

The piano found a new home in my school in Project 8. I had a teacher who knew how to play the piano, so of course, since it was in the school, he played the piano for the kids. And then all of a sudden, he left, so no more teacher, no more piano player.

Then my daughter tried to practice on the piano but it wasn’t her type; she could play maybe one or two easy pieces, but that’s it.

So the piano wasn’t being used and then mice started getting inside the piano and it was getting more and more difficult to maintain it. I thought, “Oh my god, I cannot always maintain it if no

one wants to play.” I also could not bring it up to my residence on the 3rd floor, it had to stay in the school on the ground floor.

So I called everyone, my cousins and their children and I told them, “I’m sorry guys, I cannot take care of the piano anymore. You know what, I’ve decided to bury the piano.” But because it was not just my piano but the family’s, I had to get permission from everyone, all my cousins, their children, everyone who used the piano.

They didn’t understand what I meant but they said, “it’s okay Tita, now at least you don’t have a big piano in your house, kaysa naman itatapon mo na lang di ba?”

I told them that in order for me to bury the piano, I’ll have to make it into furniture. At the time I told them my decision, they did not understand what I meant so I had to show them.

Angge showed her family what she meant with her decision to “bury the piano,” and now she motioned for us to follow her as she wanted us to see where the piano is “buried.”

She lifted the tablecloth off of the dining table where we sat

Author Carol Ojeda-Kimbrough (in blue) and cousin Ditas visit Angge and Manny Lahoz’s organic farm in Zambales in Jan. 2019.

and ate our daily meals, exposing a glass table with a 4-inch wood border on all sides. As we looked closer, there in the middle, through the glass, we saw an intact piano soundboard with its ribs and bridges encased within the table.

Angge could not contain her

excitement as she described how she found “this furniture maker who will transform the piano into a beautiful dining table” and how he helped her with the difficult decision she had to make.

Angge explained, “If you look at the piano, it’s almost like it was buried, it’s buried, the piano

is dead, the piano is dead and buried.” Yet, she continued, “The old piano reincarnated itself into a beautiful dining table, a remembrance of my grandfather who loves music, my aunties, and my cousins who enjoyed singing and learning how to play the piano.” n

C FEBRUARY 23-26, 2019 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • FEBRUARY 23-26, 2019

MARKETPLACE SHOWROOM

&

March 2019 priority dates

Immigration Corner

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

Visa Issuance Date

April 1, 2008

April 1, 2007

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

December 8, 2017

January 8, 2017

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

January 22, 2008

July 22, 2007

Third Preference

Married sons and daughters of US Citizens.

September 1, 1997

January 1, 1996

Fourth Preference

Brothers and sisters of US Citizens.

January 8, 1998

January 1, 1996

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

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

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

Third Preference

Professional/ Skilled Workers

Other Workers

Non-Skilled Workers

*** Michael J. GurďŹ nkel has been an attorney for over 35 years and is licensed, and an active member of the State Bar of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California. Each case is different. The information contained herein including testimonials, “Success Stories,â€? endorsements and re-enactments) is of a general nature, and is not intended to apply to any particular case, and does not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice

Government overshoots fiscal deficit target in 2018

The Duterte government has adopted an expansionary ďŹ scal policy to fund its priority programs, including the Build Build Build infrastructure program, as well as social protection programs.

Philstar.com ďŹ le photo

by MARY

March 1, 2018

December 1, 2017

March 1, 2018

December 1 , 2017

regarding the outcome of your legal matter.

No attorney-client relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader.

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D1

GRACE Philstar.com

PADIN

THE national government incurred a fiscal deficit of P558.26 billion in 2018, surpassing the revised ceiling set by economic managers for the period.

According to a document obtained by reporters, the national government’s fiscal deficit widened by 59.23 percent to P558.26 billion in 2018 from P350.6 billion in 2017.

The figure was higher than the revised deficit ceiling of P526.8 billion set by the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) in October last year.

The figure was also 1.06 percent higher than the revised DBCC revenue program of P2.82 trillion.

Expenditures on the other hand rose by nearly 21 percent to P3.408 trillion in 2018 from P2.82 trillion in 2017.

This also exceeded the government’s revised disbursement tar-

get of P3.346 trillion.

The Duterte government has adopted an expansionary fiscal policy to fund its priority programs, including the Build Build Build infrastructure program, as well as social protection programs.

In line with this, the government’s deficit ceiling was set at three percent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) for 2018.

However, the DBCC, in its October 2018 meeting, revised the govPAGE D2

PH to outpace other emerging markets, except India

by BEN

O. DE VERA Inquirer.net

WITH an expanding labor force, the Philippines will be eclipsed only by India among emerging markets expected to post the fastest economic growth in the next 10 years.

In a Feb. 15 report, UK-based Oxford Economics projected the Philippines’ gross domestic product (GDP) to grow by an average of 5.3 percent between 2019 and 2028, only outpaced by India’s 6.5 percent.

In a separate report in January, the think tank said it was expecting the Philippines’ GDP growth for 2019 at 6.1 percent, below the government’s 7-8 percent target range.

China and Indonesia’s economies were both seen expanding by 5.1 percent during the 10-year period; Malaysia, 3.8 percent; Turkey, 3 percent; Thailand, 2.9 percent; Chile, 2.6 percent; Poland, 2.5 percent; and South Africa, 2.3 percent.

The labor force in the Philippines was projected to increase by an

average of 2.3 percent during the next 10 years, the fastest among the 10 emerging markets.

The labor force growth figure was computed by Oxford Economics as the number of people in the labor force multiplied by the average number of hours worked.

Total factor productivity growth—a measure of the efficiency of a production process—was seen at 1 percent, while capital deepening—or the contribution of capital accumulation to labor productivity growth—was projected PAGE D2

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D FEBRUARY 23-26, 2019 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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Rice self-sufficiency not achievable

Workers arrange sacks of rice at the NFA warehouse in Quezon City.

by EirEEnE JairEE

GomEz

Manilatimes.net

THE Philippines stands to miss its goal of achieving 100-percent rice self-sufficiency given the liberalization of imports, a Cabinet official warned on Thursday, February 21.

Breaking from the official line, Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol told reporters that the Rice Tarrification Act, which replaces quantitative restrictions on imports of the staple, would discourage farmers from growing rice and thus lead to lower output.

“You have to understand that huge volumes of imported rice would be coming in. It would be foolish for us to target a 100-percent sufficiency when we know that cheaper imported rice would

be coming in,” he said in a press conference.

“It would be foolish for us to still encourage our farmers to target 100-percent. Where do we sell our excess rice when we can’t compete pricing against imported rice?”.

Piñol, who had set a 2018 target to achieve rice self-sufficiency, said “we may have to be contented with just 93-percent where we are right not because the inflow of imported rice may affect the prices of rice in the market and further dampen the buying price of palay.”

At current production levels, the country still needs to import about 600,000 to 800,000 metric tons (MT) of rice to satisfy domestic needs.

The Rice Tariffication Act,

Manilatimes.net photo by Roger Ranada

which will take effect March 5, will allow private traders to apply for unlimited importations of the grain as long as they secure the necessary permits and pay the proper duties, set at 35 percent for rice sourced from Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) neighbors.

A 40-percent tariff will be levied on shipments sourced from nonAsean countries within the minimum access volume of 350,000 MT, going up to 180 percent for out-quota imports.

The government has said that rice tariffication would bring down prices of the staple and Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno has even proposed that the country import all of its rice needs and that rice farmers shift to growing high-value crops. n

“We find that sustained total factor productivity growth requires a focus on innovation and research and development (R&D), especially in middle-income countries,” Kujis added.

The Philippines’ growth of 6.2 percent in 2018 was the slowest in three years as high consumer prices dented consumption and investments.

“We expect growth to remain around current levels in 2019, with investment growth leveling off amid weak business sentiment. Net exports are also likely to continue to be a drag on GDP growth, as the government’s infrastructure program keeps demand for capital goods imports elevated and exports growth remains muted due to slow-

A British trade envoy says press freedom is important to foreign investors. by ryan

macasEro Philstar.com

ISSUES of human rights and media freedom are not separate, but important to investors, according to British trade envoy Richard Graham.

“Issues around human rights and freedom of media that sometimes seem separate from business actually come together,” Graham said in an interview with the ABS-CBN News Channel.

“If you [businesses] like the nature of the environment in which business is happening,” he adding Chinese demand,” Oxford ed.

Economics assistant economist The questions over press freeThatchinamoorthy Krshnan said. dom came a week after news exHowever, higher interest ecutive Maria Ressa of Rappler rates—monetary authorities’ re- was arrested by National Bureau sponse to last year’s elevated in- of Investigation agents on chargflation—may increase bad loans es of cyberlibel. in the Philippines, according to Asked whether press freedom Oxford Economics. matters to economic growth, Gra“Rising bad bank loans are a ham said, “I think it does matter risk in several [emerging markets] where interest rates have risen steeply in the past year, such as Pakistan, Turkey, Argen- PAGE D1 t tina, the Philippines and Indo- ernment’s 2018 fiscal program due nesia,” Oxford Economics lead to the delay in the implementation economist Adam Slater said in a of some provisions under the Tax Feb. 7 report titled “EM debt: the Reform for Acceleration and Inclububble may already have burst.” sion (TRAIN) Law. These provisions are the elecThe Monetary Board jacked up key interest rates by a total of tronic receipts system and the fuel marking program.

175 basis points last year. n

PH to outpace other emerging markets...

PAGE D1 t to rise by 1.6 percent during the 10-year period.

In a report titled “Sustained growth in [emerging markets] calls for thrift and innovation,” Oxford Economics said while “countries with higher gross domestic savings (as a share of GDP) tend to have higher trend growth… the Philippines seems to be a major outlier, but its domestic savings are supplemented heavily by remittances.”

Oxford Economics head of Asia economics Louis Kujis added “emerging markets with sustained fast growth are distinguished by rapid capital accumulation—mainly domestically financed—and robust total factor productivity growth.”

British trade envoy: Press freedom matters to investors

Philstar.com file photo

that the government of the Philippines is sensitive, and I think it is still sensitive, to a wider reputation on these aspects and the knock-on affect on foreign investment.”

He added that the foreign investors needs to be reassured of the Philippines upholds the rule of law.

“Everytime I come here, I always have that discussion and I always have the reassurance I’ve been looking for,” he added.

When asked if he believes press freedom was under attack, Graham only went as far as to say that journalists were “under some pressure.”

The Makati Business Club issued a stronger statement on the arrest of Ressa on Thursday, February 21, saying they “believe the authorities should err on the side of the freedom of the press that is a bedrock of all our rights and liberty.”

“This and previous actions taken against Ms. Ressa and her organization could send a message to other journalists that only favorable reporting of the government will be tolerated,” the statement added.

They also said that the free press serves as an “ally in the fight against corruption that we and the government espouse in order to encourage investment badly needed to generate employment and wealth that is truly inclusive.”

Graham said that the UK government believes that “there are specific individual circumstances” affecting freedom of the press. He added that they have enough reassurance from the government on the protection of press and individual freedoms.

“The message is loud and clear.

Freedom of media is something we want to treasure and safeguard,” he added. n

This year, the fiscal deficit ceiling is targeted to increase to 3.2 percent of GDP, in order to fund key infrastructure projects of the government.

The deficit ceiling will then be brought back to three percent of GDP in 2020 until 2022.

In nominal terms, the spending

target for 2019 was set at P3.78 trillion, while the revenue program was set at P3.159 trillion.

The Department of Finance (DOF) earlier said government spending will continue to be a growth driver for the economy, and is expected to reach 20.7 percent of GDP by 2022. n

Government overshoots fiscal deficit...

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • FEBRUARY 23-26, 2019 D

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Public warned against mishandling PH currency Philippines becoming a regional leader in antitrust enforcement — report

by ian

Manilatimes.net file photo

by Mayvelin

U. Caraballo Manilatimes.nbet

IMPROPER handling of Philippine currency is punishable by a fine and/or imprisonment based on a Marcos-era proclamation, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) warned on Tuesday, February 19.

Presidential Decree 247, issued by then-President Ferdinand Marcos in 1973, states that “banknotes and coins are issued for circulation as medium of exchange and to utilize them for other purposes does not speak well of the due respect and dignity befitting our currency,” the central bank said a statement.

The proclamation sets a fine of not more than P20,000 and/or a

jail term of up to five years for those who “willfully deface, mutilate, tear, burn or destroy, in any manner whatsoever, currency notes and coins issued by the Central Bank of the Philippines” — the BSP’s predecessor.

The Bangko Sentral detailed the following as prohibited: • writing or putting marks on banknotes; • willful, tearing, burning, or destruction, in any manner, of Philippine currency; • willful and excessive folding or crumpling that results in a breakdown of the structure and limpness of the banknote; • willfully causing multiple random folds across the entire banknote that toughly affect its visual appearance; and

Galvez Inquirer.net

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday, February 20, signed into law the Revised Corporation Code, which amends the Corporation Code.

In his speech during the signing ceremony in Malacañang Palace, he said the revised code would “simplify corporate governance standards and establish a more business-friendly environment” that would help corporations to “thrive.”

Among other things, the law would now allow one-person corporations, remove the minimum capital requirement, and provide for the perpetual existence of

corporations.

The law will also remove the minimum number of incorporators, permit the electronic filing of reportorial requirements, and attendance in meetings via remote communication or in absentia.

Philstar.com

THE Philippines is gaining headway in the region in monitoring mergers and enforcing antitrust laws, a new report said.

According to findings of 2019 “Global Trends Monitor” report published by competition news and analysis company PaRR, the Philippines climbed three notches to 5th place in 2018 out of 10 Asia-Pacific economies in terms of antitrust enforcement and policy developments.

Another “noticeable climber” was Indonesia, which ranked 6th last year from 7th in 2017. China took the top spot, followed by India, Australia and South Korea.

In its report, PaRR took note of the steps taken by the Philippine Competition Commission to strengthen its power, as well as the cases that the country’s competition watchdog looked into.

“The Philippine Competition Commission is strengthening its enforcement framework this year with the introduction of a leniency program and the addition of rules on forbearance and dawn raids to its arsenal of investigative tools,” the report read in part.

“The PCC will see an increase

• willfully exposing banknotes or coins to chemicals or other materials resulting in the acceleration of the defacement, destruction, or natural wear and tear of the note or coin.

The Bangko Sentral also discourage the public from stapling banknotes and/or using adhesives on Philippine currency as these would compromise structural integrity.

“The BSP encourages the public to report any information on improper handling of Philippine currency to the nearest police station or law enforcement agency, for appropriate action, or contact the Currency Management Sector for assistance at tel.

The Philippines aims to gennos. 988-4833 and 926-5092,” it erate $90 million in export sales added. n from its participation in the world’s largest food and beverage trade show, Gulfood, being held in the United Arab Emirates, the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) said.

In a statement, the Department of Trade and Industry’s export promotion arm said the 25-company Philippine delegation targets at least $90 million worth of export deals and meet a minimum of 1,300 buyers during the five-day event which ended Wednesday, Feb. 21, at the Sheikh Rashid Hall, Dubai World Inquirer.net file photo Trade Center.

This year’s target is higher The new code will also strengthen corporate governance than the $89.7 million worth of standards and provide protection sales generated by the Philipto minority stockholders by re- pine delegation last year from quiring corporations vested with best-selling products including the public interest to have inde- coconut, rice, mangoes, canned fruits, canned seafood and ferpendent directors. n

Duterte signs Revised Corporation Code into law

by Daphne

niColas CiGaral

According to findings of 2019 “Global Trends Monitor” report published by competition news and analysis company PaRR, the Philippines climbed three notches to 5th place in 2018 out of 10 Asia-Pacific economies in terms of antitrust enforcement and policy developments.

Philstar.com photo by Michael Varcas

enforcement activity as a result of leniency and dawn raids. The agency plans to prioritize supply chain logistics, corn milling and trading, petroleum refining, manufacturing and trading, sugar and pesticides for competition analysis and enforcement in 2019,” it added.

“It is already closely monitoring activity in the agricultural sector, with an emphasis on the rice and garlic trade. The liner shipping sector is expected to apply for a block exemption order once the forbearance rules are released.”

In early 2018, the PCC began its review of ride-hailing firm Grab’s acquisition of rival Uber to address anti-competitive concerns.

In 2018 alone, the antitrust body received 40 mergers and acquisition (M&A) transactions, cumulatively worth P438 billion, of which 33 were approved.

The PCC also last year released revised guidelines for the mandatory notification of M&A deals, raising the threshold for the size of person to P5 billion and the size of transaction to P2 billion. n

Philippines targets $90 million export sales from world’s biggest food fair mented marine products.

CITEM executive director Pauline Suaco-Juan said the participation in Gulfood would enable Philippine food brands to get a bigger market share in the Middle East and North African (MENA) region.

“The Philippines’ leading and emerging food brands are ready to take on the export demands of Middle East countries to widen the country’s reach on the existing Filipino niche and mainstream market in the Middle East,” she said.

For this year’s edition, she said the Philippines is featuring seven new companies which have products catering to halal-certified tropical, ready-to-eat and healthy food selections across the MENA region.

The seven new companies are Columbia International Food Products Inc. (tropical sweets and chewables); Alsons Aquacul-

ture Corp. (‘Sarangani Bay’ milkfish); Fitrite Inc. (tropical juices, dried fruits and sauces); Leonie Agri Corp. (food supplement and organic products); LTH Food Industries Inc. (flavored creamers and cupcakes); Monde Nissin Corp. (snacks and confectionaries); and Phil-Union Frozen Foods Inc. (premium canned pasteurized crabmeat and frozen seafood products).

Meanwhile, the firms taking part anew in Gulfood are Brandexports Philippines Inc., Celebes Coconut Corp., Century Pacific Food Inc., Gem Foods International, Inc., Krystle Exports Phil.

Inc., Mama Sita’s, Marikina Food Corp., Market Reach International Resources, Mega Global Corp., Philippine Grocers Food Exports Inc., Pixcel Transglobal Foods Inc., Profood International Corp., Q-Phil Products International, Sagrex Foods Inc., San PAGE D5

D FEBRUARY 23-26, 2019 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

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Additional hike in SSS contributions to cover expanded maternity leave?

by Ben

O. de Vera Inquirer.net

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Easing of bank secrecy law for fraud cases pushed

by Ben

O. de Vera Inquirer.net

THE head of the country’s biggest revenue agency is supporting moves to lift bank secrecy to better run after tax cheats.

“Lifting bank secrecy law for tax purposes will help prosper the enforcement of tax laws. It will become a deterrent for taxpayers not to pay right taxes, which will hopefully lessen tax evasion in the long run,” Commissioner Caesar Dulay of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) said in a text message to the Inquirer.

To recall, President Duterte himself vetoed the general tax amnesty provision under Republic Act No. 11213, or the Tax Amnesty Act of 2019, issued on Feb. 14, pending the lifting of bank secrecy for tax purposes.

“The President was constrained to veto the portion of the law covering the general amnesty because of the lack of provisions breaking the walls of bank secrecy, setting the framework for complying with international standards on exchange of information and other safeguards against those who abuse by declaring untruthful assets or net worth,” Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III explained earlier.

At present, only the Philippines and Lebanon still restrict access to bank accounts.

The latest BIR data showed

In a letter to Comelec Chairman Sheriff Abas dated February 18, the country’s policymakers listed “priority infrastructure projects” to be spared from the 45-day ban.

Philstar.com photo by Miguel de Guzman

that only less than 1 percent of the more than 1,000 alleged tax evaders who had been slapped cases were convicted in the past 13 years.

Between 2005 and 2018, only 10 cases filed under the Run After Tax Evaders (RATE) program were resolved by courts in favor of the government. Four respondents were acquitted, although with civil liability.

A bigger number of RATE cases—53—had been dismissed by courts.

As of the end of 2018, 929 cases were pending at the Department of Justice. Still pending before various courts were another 68 tax evasion cases.

The 1,064 tax evasion cases filed from 2005 to 2018 were estimated to involve P148.35 billion

in tax liabilities.

In the first two and a half years of the Duterte administration, the BIR under Dulay already filed 340 RATE cases as of January 2019, or about a third of the total.

Former Sen. Serge Osmeña III had commented that the lifting of restrictions on bank secrecy has not moved forward in Congress because “the lower House does not seem to want it because it hides their assets.”

“It is very important to lift restrictions on bank secrecy law but unfortunately we haven’t been able to do that in about 60 years,” he said in a television interview.

He noted that it was vital to loosen the bank secrecy law as it was the only way to “catch people who are doing wrong.” n

MANILA, Philippines – The Social Security System (SSS) may have to increase members’ monthly contribution rate to 12.6 percent this year to cover the Expanded Maternity Leave Act recently signed into law by President Rodrigo Duterte.

Under Republic Act (RA) No. 11199, the Social Security Commission (SSC) — the pension fund’s highest policymaking body — can implement contribution rate increases even without the President’s approval, unlike the old charter wherein only the chief executive can green-light rate adjustments.

As such, the SSS was looking into adding another 0.5-0.6 percentage point to the contribution rate to cover the additional cost of P7.5 billion a year to be incurred from the bigger number of days of maternity leave, SSS president and chief executive Emmanuel F. Dooc told reporters Thursday.

The Expanded Maternity Leave Act has extended the number of paid maternity leaves to 105 days from 60-78 days at present.

Dooc said that initially, the cost to cover the bigger number of maternity leaves was supposedly to be included in the annual budget, but the bicameral version of the bill later on put the burden to the SSS, which administers maternity benefits.

In this regard, the SSS may have to raise the contribution rate by a total of 1.5-1.6 percentage points this year to 12.6 percent to implement both RA 11199 as well as the Expanded Maternity Leave law, Dooc said.

Meanwhile, Dooc refuted senatorial aspirant Neri Colmenares’ claim that the state-run pension fund’s uncollected contributions and penalties reached P437 billion since 2010. He said the latest Commission on Audit (COA) report showed that their cumulative uncollected dues only reached P13.8 billion from 122,658 em-

Inquirer.net file photo

ployers as of 2017.

“The [latest] COA audit covered only over 122,000—roughly 14 percent of our employers. But not all employers are delinquent; there are more who are not delinquent,” Dooc said.

“I hope he [Colmenares] can come up with the numbers that should likewise be established by an independent and objective entity like the COA,” the SSS chief added, as he claimed that the Bayan Muna chairman cited “old” findings.

Colmenares had said that the SSS does not need to hike the contribution rate as the pension fund has yet to improve its collection rate.

According to Dooc, SSS had gradually increased its contribution collections from members—from P132 billion in 2015 to P144 billion in 2016, P159 billion in 2017, and P181 billion last year.

This year, he said, SSS targets to collect P223 billion.

For Dooc, politics was in play whenever Colmenares attacked the SSS. “I know where he [Colmenares] is coming from, of course.

He is trying to project that he is the champion for the workers,” Dooc said.

“We at the SSS actually are doing our very best to provide protection to the members, which now numbers to 38 million. In fact, the new law, Republic Act 11199, was designed to ensure

the long-term viability of the Social Security System,” he added.

“The law will stabilize the fund life of the system. We can fulfill obligations to members, [but] not pay more benefits, otherwise we will bankrupt the system,” Dooc further said.

Colmenares has been pushing for further pension increase but opposed any contribution rate hike, which RA 11199 empowered the SSC to implement.

The SSS chief said that there lies the difference between a politician and a civil servant—the latter pursues long-term reforms even if they were unpopular.

To recall, the fund life of SSS was slashed by 10 years to 2032 from 2042 previously when the additional P1,000 a month were given away to pensioners starting 2017.

The Social Security Act of 2018 mandated a 1-percentage point increase in the contribution rate every two years, until it reaches 15 percent, starting this year.

At present, the contribution rate stands at 11 percent.

As such, this year’s contribution rate hike to 12 percent will be followed by three more 1-percentage point increases in 2021, 2023, and 2025.

Two-thirds of the contribution rate increase will be shouldered by the employer.

With a higher contribution rate, the fund life of SSS will be extended until 2045, Dooc said. /kga n

Philippines targets $90 million export...

PAGE D3 t Miguel Pure Foods Co., See’s International Food, SL Agritech Corp. and Super Q. “The sheer number of returning companies in Gulfood under the Philippine delegation indi-

cates the great opportunities that are present in the Middle East, as well as the high confidence in the marketing boost that DTI-CITEM gives to its stakeholders,” SuacoJuan said.

“These players are the same

companies that started their export journey in IFEX Philippines and have gained experience in dealing with international buyers in our signature event – now they are taking it up a notch in the global arena,” she added. n

D FEBRUARY 23-26, 2019 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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