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M A R C H 1-7, 2019 Volume 12 - No. 19 • 16 Pages

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Palace tells Catholic clergy - Do not be afraid MALACAÑANG on Thursday, February 28, said Catholic priests should not fear for their lives. “Let the members of the Catholic hierarchy be assured that the president means no harm. They must need not be afraid as we are one with them in their mission in thwarting evil,” presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said. This is in reference to a statement made by President Rodrigo Duterte in December saying bystanders should rob and kill moneyed Catholic bishops since they are “useless.” Panelo added that the ones who should be afraid are “the crimi-

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nals, the corrupt, the evildoers, the scoundrels, the terrorists, and the drug lords and pushers.” Death threats should be investigated Duterte on Sunday, February 24, revealed Manila Archbishop Luis Cardinal Tagle sent him a message saying that priests are receiving death threats from “someone working for the President’s family.” Recently, Caloocan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David also confirmed he has been receiving death threats. David was often the target of Duterte’s speeches in the past. He has been accused of stealing people’s donations and involve-

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FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

ment in drugs — both of which he had denied. The bishop chose to skip the ceremonies for the Ka Pepe Diokno Human Rights Awards at the De La Salle University. He cited the relentless text messages he keeps receiving, saying he was “next in line for execution.” Panelo, for his part, said an investigation should be conducted over David’s death threats as they might be fabricated. Later, he clarified in a “News to Go” interview that when he said fabricated, he meant that the threat could just be a prank or it could have come from the

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U.S. Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo met with President Rodrigo Duterte upon his arrival to the Philippines on Thursday, February 28. The meeting underscored the Philippines and the United States cooperation on bilateral and regional security issues. Photo courtesy of the U.S. Embassy in Manila

Duterte says no proof Marcoses amassed illgotten wealth despite overwhelming evidence

against the former fi rst family just say nothing. But there will be a time for reckoning. There’s remain unproven. “Until now you have not prov- always a time for war,” he addPRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte en anything except to sequester ed. Duterte made the remark as raised doubts on allegations that and sell — hindi mo nga siguthe Marcoses have amassed ill- rado kung talagang kay Marcos he was justifying his decision gotten wealth despite previous ba ‘yan? Hindi (You are not even to allow the burial of Marcos court rulings that forfeited some sure whether they belong to the at the Libingan ng mga Bayani of the family’s assets in favor of Marcoses),” Duterte said during (Heroes’ Cemetery), a move that a convention of mayors in Ma- human rights groups view as an the government. attempt to rehabilitate the imDuterte, who had heaped nila last Tuesday, February 26. “As I said, there is the Eccle- age of the late strongman. praises on the late dictator FerILOCOS Norte Gov. Imee Marcos “falsely” “Who are allowed to be burdinand Marcos in his previous siastes 3. There will be a time to claims that she graduated from Princeton speeches, said the accusations be silent, there will be a time to u PAGE 2 University, the school’s independent student newspaper reported, adding the daughter of late strongman Ferdinand Marcos “was not an average student” during her time at the Ivy League university. by JANICE MATEO Marcos — a Senate candidate — has Philstar.com been in hot water amid questions about her educational credentials. In her official biogA FILIPINO-made mobile apraphy on her Facebook account and defunct plication was recently recognized website, Marcos claims that she “is one of by the United States’ National the first female graduates from an Ivy League Aeronautics and Space AdminSchool—Princeton University, graduating with istration (NASA) for its vision of honors.” providing fishermen with scienu PAGE 3 tific 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 ISDApp, developed by a group of Filipino IT experts to help provide weather alerts for the most potential to improve life fishermen through SMS, won an award in the NASA Space Apps Challenge for offering a ‘solution

Princeton student newspaper reports Imee Marcos didn’t graduate there

by ALEXIS

ROMERO Philstar.com

33RD EDSA PEOPLE POWER COMMEMORATION. Red, white and blue confetti abound during the commemoration of the 33rd anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution with “EDSA 2019: Pagkakaisa tungo sa Pambansang Kapayapaan” as the theme held at the EDSA People Power Monument at the corner of EDSA corner White Plains Avenue in Quezon City Monday, February 25. The National Historical Commission of the Philippines, in coordination with the EDSA People Power Commission, Spirit of EDSA Foundation and other national and local government agencies representatives, led the commemoration rites.

Filipino-made ‘NASA’ app brings space data to fishermen EDSA 33 years later: On

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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

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.

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with the most potential to improve life on Earth or in the universe.’ Photo from the U.S. Embassy in Manila

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

preserving democracy and learning its lessons by NATHALIE

ROBLES

AJPress

AS the entire nation commemorated the 33rd anniversary of the 1986 People Power Revolution on Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue (EDSA) on Monday, February 25, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte urged the public to uphold democracy in high regard. “Let us never forget the sacrifice of those who came before us so that we may always be motivated to preserve and protect the democratic way of life that we

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DOT says Catriona Gray a ‘perfect’ tourism ambassador by ROSETTE

ADEL

Philstar.com

MANILA — Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray makes a perfect tourism envoy. “She is our perfect Tourism ambassador!” Puyat said after the Filipina-Australian beauty queen made a courtesy call to her on Tuesday, February 26. Puyat made the comment a week after she said President Rodrigo Duterte is looking into appointing Gray as the tourism ambassador of the Philippines after Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray paid a courtesy call on Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat on Tuesday, February her reign as Miss Universe. 26, at the DOT office in Makati City. Photo courtesy of DOT

The tourism chief was all praises as she recalled and commended the efforts of Gray to promote the country. Puyat thanked Gray for her initiatives citing that through the beauty queen’s actions and words, she has shown the universe that it is more fun in the Philippines. “For that matter, we can make it more fun forever,” Puyat said in a speech after the courtesy call. “Cat has already been promoting the Philippines even before she won and thank you for that for promoting Luzon,

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March 1-7, 2019 • NEW YOrK aND NEW JErSEY aSIaN JOUrNaL

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From the Front Page

Palace tells Catholic clergy... PAGE 1 opposition. He also claimed that Duterte’s critics have been manipulating the president’s words to confuse the public.“A joke perceived to be a joke by Filipinos [is] converted by these haters into a grave and serious marching order so as to confuse the public and at the same time put themselves in a position where they can criticize the president,� Panelo said. Duterte has routinely slammed the Catholic Church, its priests, and its beliefs with his tirades, which the Palace has repeatedly defended and explained as

merely jokes or the president’s way of pointing out hypocrisy in the clergy. ‘Catholic Church will outlive Duterte’ On Wednesday, November 27, Novaliches Bishop Emeritus Teodoro Bacani Jr. responded to Duterte’s claim on Sunday that Catholicism will be gone in 25 years. According to him, the religious institution would outlast a “hundred Dutertes.� Cubao Bishop Honesto Ongtioco echoed his sentiment saying, “Many people have said that before and where are they now?

Six feet below the ground. [The] Church has existed [for] more than 2,000 years.� Caloocan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David responded as well. “A lot of people have said the same thing many centuries ago. Some have even tried to deliberately destroy the Catholic Church. Well, it appears that not even the sins and human weaknesses of her own members could destroy the Church, as long as we have the humility to admit such wrongdoings and do something to correct them, as Pope Francis is now asking us to do,� he said. n

EDSA 33 years later: On preserving... PAGE 1 enjoy today,� Duterte said as reported by Rappler. In his speech during the Partido Demokratikong Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) campaign rally in Cebu, the chief executive said that the “freedom and liberty� won in the bloodless revolt must be valued and cared for by the younger generation. “I am hopeful that this occasion will inspire all of us, especially the younger generation, to deeply value the freedom and liberty that we won in EDSA. May we all have a profound sense of appreciation and understanding of what we lost and what we reclaimed,� he said. “As the entire nation prepares for the upcoming midterm elections this May, let us always remember how this historic revolution restored our power to collectively chart our future through the ballot,� the president added as reported by The Philippine Star. As observed in the previous years, Duterte once again skipped the commemoration rites in EDSA. Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo denied that it was because of the leader’s close relationship with the Marcoses whose patriarch was ousted in power 33 years ago. “The president has been working tirelessly, including on weekends. (Duterte would be) in union with the celebrators as well as in recognition and reminder to all that our government is a fruit of democracy,� the spokesperson said.

Robredo: EDSA is not about the ‘dilawans’ Vice President Leni Robredo appealed to the people to refrain from associating the EDSA Revolution to her “yellow-tagged� opposition group — Liberal Party and remember the momentous event as a celebration of unity among Filipinos. “Sana ma-break lang iyong misconception na iyong EDSA ay mga ‘dilawan.’ Hindi ito defined by isang kulay, hindi siya defined by any group, hindi siya defined by pulitika (I hope we break the misconception that EDSA is just all about the dilawans. It’s not defined by one color, it’s not defined by any group, it’s not defined by politics),� Robredo said. “Kapag ganito iyong pagtingin natin, insulto ito sa napakaraming mga Pilipino na wala namang political affiliations noong 1986 (If we view the EDSA Revolution that way, it would be an insult to so many Filipinos who didn’t have any political affiliations in 1986),� she added. As she led the EDSA rites in Naga City, Robredo said that the Filipino people should be inspired by the power of unity. She also emphasized the sacrifices made by those who endured the atrocities of Martial law declared by late dictator Ferdinand Marcos. “Kahit gaano ka-imposible iyong tinitingnan na task, iyong pinaka-lesson sa atin ng EDSA, basta magkaisa iyong mga Pilipino, iyong imposible puwedeng puwedeng maging posible (No matter how impossible the task

is, the main lesson from EDSA is that if Filipinos unite, the impossible can certainly become possible),� Robredo stated. Ito, talagang pag-alala sa lahat nang Pilipinong nagsakripisyo. Kasi nangyari lang naman ang EDSA dahil nagkaisa iyong mga Pilipino (This is really a commemoration of all Filipinos who made sacrifices. The EDSA Revolution only happened because Filipinos became united),� the vice president added. Noynoy, other officials and sectors on EDSA’s 33rd Former president Benigno “Noynoy� Aquino III said that people must remember the lesson of EDSA Revolution that elected her mother the late Corazon Aquino as the Philippines’ first female president. “Kung hindi na relevant, malimutan niyo ang aral ng nakalipas, garantisadong uulitin niyo ang pagkakamali (If it’s no longer relevant and you’ve forgotten the lessons of the past, guaranteed, you will repeat the mistakes),� Noynoy said. The young Aquino noted that forgetting the dark days of Martial law would subject the people to yet another tyrannical rule. However, he said that it is up to the electorate to decide who to place in the political seats this upcoming midterm election. Nasa inyo ’yun, demokrasya. Nasa inyo kung gusto niyong ulitin ang madilim na bahagi ng kasaysayan. (It’s on you, the democracy. It’s on you if you want to experience again the

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RECYCLED ART WORK CONTEST. As the celebration of National Arts month concludes, SM City San Mateo launches a recycled art work contest, with reusable discarded items such as papers, plastic wrappers and bottle caps as materials. Around 200 students from San Mateo Municipal College and Jose F. Diaz Memorial High School participated in the contest held at SM City San Mateo, Rizal on Thursday, February 28. PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

Duterte says no proof Marcoses amassed... PAGE 1

ied at the Libingan ng mga Bayani? The law says soldiers or presidents. That’s the law. The other law what they want to say is that Marcos was a dictator that he stole (from the country’s coffers),� he said. Marcos, whose administration has been tainted with allegations of cronyism, corruption and human rights violations, was ousted during the historic 1986 People Power Revolution. His successor, the late former president Corazon Aquino, formed the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) to recover the supposed ill-gotten wealth of the Marcoses. The PCGG recovered more than P171 billion of the supposed Marcos ill-gotten wealth as of 2017, a mere fraction of the P530 billion that the former first

family allegedly stole from state coffers. More than 200 cases related to the Marcos wealth remain pending in courts. While Marcos loyalists claimed that none of the corruption allegations against the former president has been proven, there have been court decisions that forfeited some of the former first family’s wealth in favor of the government. In 2003, the Supreme Court awarded to the government at least $658 million Swiss bank deposits that Marcos and his wife Imelda supposedly stashed and hid “under layers and layers of foundations and corporate entities.� According to the ruling, the Marcoses had “failed to justify the lawful nature of their acquisition of the said assets� so the Swiss deposits “should be

considered ill-gotten wealth and forfeited in favor of the state.� In 2014, the high court upheld the forfeiture in favor of the government the Arelma funds that were deposited in the United States. The ruling affirmed an earlier court decision declaring all assets under the Arelma Foundation among the ill-gotten wealth of Marcos. Two years ago, Duterte revealed that the Marcoses have expressed readiness to return wealth accumulated during the 20-year reign of the late strongman. He said a spokesman of the former first family told him that the late president had kept the wealth “to protect the economy.� Duterte has said the negotiation for the return of the Marcos wealth would require the approval of Congress. n

DOT says Catriona Gray a ‘perfect’... PAGE 1 Visayas, and Mindanao. You have made our country proud,� she said. “Because of you becoming Miss Universe, the Philippines... there is now awareness all over the world,� the secretary added. Gray, meanwhile, said she is hopeful that she could boost the

country’s tourism in her own way citing that it’s something she is passionate about. She expressed a willingness to promote the entire Philippines. Weeks before she competed for Miss Universe in Thailand last December, Gray and her team produced three tourism videos promoting the rich culture and

heritage of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. The 25-year-old Bicolana beauty was minted as the country’s fourth Miss Universe in December. She is now residing in New York to fulfill her duties as the pageant title-holder but she is in the country for her homecoming events. n

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Lawyers’ group files motion to quash cyber libel case against Rappler chief by Nathalie

Robles

AJPress

HONORING FILIPINO MMA WORLD CHAMPS. (From left) Mixed Martial Arts Filipino superstars Eduard “Landslide” Folayang, Kevin “The Silencer” Belingon, Brandon “The Truth” Vera, Joshua “The Passion” Pacio, and Geje “Gravity” Eustaquio, receive special citations during the SMC-PSA 2019 Annual Awards Night held at the Manila Hotel on Tuesday, February 26. Folayang reclaimed his ONE Lightweight World Title when he defeated Singapore’s Amir Khan via unanimous decision last November at ONE: Conquest of Champions, the same night Vera defended his ONE Heavyweight World Title against Mauro “The Hammer” Cerilli of Italy. Belingon finally got his hands on the ONE Bantamweight World Champion belt when he defeated Bibiano Fernandes via split decision in a highly-anticipated rematch at ONE: Heart of the Lion last November. PNA photo by Jess M. Escaros Jr.

Princeton student newspaper reports... PAGE 1

Despite evidence, Imee Marcos insists she graduated from Princeton. Interaksyon previously reached out to Princeton University, which confirmed that although she attended the school, she did not graduate. In a February 26 report, Daily Princetonian, quoting a university spokesperson, said no record shows that Marcos was awarded a degree. “In an email to The Daily Princetonian, Deputy University Spokesperson Michael Hotchkiss wrote that Marcos attended from fall 1973 to spring 1976 and returned again for fall 1977 to spring 1979. She had an independent concentration in Religion and Politics,” the report read in part. Despite previous denials from university officials, Marcos has repeatedly insisted that she finished a degree at Princeton. She also claimed that she graduated from the University of the Philippines College of Law, which has been disproven by the school’s officials as well. In 2015, Marcos’ brother, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., stirred up controversy after reports show he did not complete the degrees and

may have received mere diplomas instead from Oxford University in England and Wharton School of Business in Pennsylvania. ‘Different accommodations’ In the same report, Daily Princetonian also recalled Marcos’ years in the university, saying the daughter of late strongman was not an ordinary student. “In a letter from Philippine Consul General Ernesto C. Pineda to Dean of Student Affairs Adele S. Simmons dated July 30, 1973, Pineda described different accommodations that would be arranged for Marcos,” the student newspaper report said. “She would live off campus, be escorted by Philippine security personnel, and be driven to and from campus by a Filipino chauffeur,” it added. “According to an article in the ‘Prince’ on September 11, 1973, the Asian-American Students Association protested the University’s acceptance of Marcos and held negotiations with Simmons regarding her matriculation. The AASA worried that the presence of Marcos and her security personnel would be threatening to students who were critical of her father’s government,” it continued. The Marcos patriarch, whose

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

5 Fil-Ams killed in Delano... PAGE 1 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 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)

presidency was tainted by human rights abuses and massive corruption, was ousted in the 1986 “People Power” revolution. Despite the death of the strongman while in exile in Hawaii in 1989, his family has been making a steady political comeback, with his only son and namesake eyeing a return to Malacañang as Philippine president. In 2016, President Rodrigo Duterte, an ally of the Marcoses, granted the political clan’s longstanding wish to bury the late dictator’s remains at the Heroes’ Cemetery. (Ian Nicolas Cagaral/ Philstar.com)

A HUMAN rights lawyers group urged the Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) on Tuesday, February 26, to dismiss the cyber libel complaint against Rappler CEO Maria Ressa and co-accused, former Rappler researcher Reynaldo Santos. The Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG), along with former Supreme Court (SC) spokesperson Theodore Te, filed a motion to quash the cyber libel case before the Manila RTC Branch 146, noting that the offense did

not exist when the supposed crime was committed. The alleged libelous article, entitled “CJ using SUVs of ‘controversial’ businessmen,” posted seven years ago linked businessman and complainant Wilfredo Keng to criminal activities such as human trafficking and illegal drugs. The said article written by Santos was posted in May 2012, four months before the cybercrime law was implemented in September 2012. However, the article was corrected on February 19, 2014, for a typographical

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Rappler CEO Maria Ressa

Philstar.com photo

Filipino-made ‘NASA’ app brings space data to... PAGE 1 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 U.S. embassy, ISDApp was conceived during the embassy-sponsored event in October last year, which was at-

tended by Team iNON members Revbrain Martin, Marie Jeddah Legaspi, Julius Czar Torreda, Matthew Concubierta and Leandro 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 technology 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. n

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International rights exec to PH gov’t: Stop ‘harassment’ of de Lima by Consuelo

Marquez Inquirer.net

Zita Diez Balogo, head of Construction Solutions company’s cement plant in Davao, is among the women who now play important roles in ‘traditionally masculine’ industries. ManilaTimes.net photo

PH cited in World Bank study for removing all job restrictions on women

THE Philippines is one of the countries that removed all job restrictions on women, said a study released by the World Bank on Thursday, February 28. The “Women, Business and the Law 2019: A Decade of Reform” measured gender discrimation across 187 economies over the past 10 years. The study focused on how women must navigate discriminatory laws and regulations at every point in their careers, limiting their equality of op-

portunity. World Bank said the study used eight indicators which were “structured around women’s interactions with the law as they begin, progress thorugh and end their careers.” Indicators used were going places, starting a job, getting paid, getting married, having children, running a business, managing assets, and getting a pension. The Philippines had a total score of 81.25 out of 100. Among the eight indicators, the Philip-

pines got a 100 score in starting a job, getting paid, and running a business.The country however got a score of 60 in having children and getting married indicators and 75 on going places and getting pension. For managing assets indicator, the Philippines score was 80. “Bulgaria, Croatia, Kiribati, the Philippines, Poland, and Taiwan, China removed all job restrictions on women,” said the report. (Anna Leah E. Gonzales/ ManilaTimes.net)

Philippine Embassy decries Washington Post feature on drug war victim by PatriCia lourdes Philstar.com

Viray

THE Philippine Embassy in the united States has cried foul over an article of The Washington Post telling the story of one of the victims of the Duterte administration’s war on drugs. In its article titled “This is Manila,” The Post narrated the story of Ferdinand Santos, whose body was found floating under a bridge off Pasig River last month. The victim’s legs and arms were tied with a rope while his head wrapped in packing tape when his corpse was discovered on January 14. “Whether the deaths are mostly related to Duterte’s war on drugs is unclear. But what connects them all is a kind of numbed silence,” the article read. In a statement released Tuesday, February 26 (Manila time), the Philippine Embassy insisted that The Post article does not paint a picture of Manila, contrary to its title, “but of a hasty generalization that has no foundation in reality.” “It is disappointing how this article hides behind the guise of

journalism to advance an agenda that seeks to discredit the Philippines in the eyes of the international community,” the embassy said. Citing previous surveys of the Social Weather Stations and Pulse Asia, the Philippine Embassy stressed that majority of Filipinos continue to support the government’s crackdown against illegal drugs. The embassy also pointed out that total crime volume decreased by 30 percent, based on Philippine national Police data. “The PnP believes that there is a strong correlation between illegal drug use and focus crimes,” the statement read. The embassy also stressed that erring police officers from January 2016 to December 2018 have faced disciplinary actions such as dismissal from service, demotion, suspension, forfeiture of salary, reprimand, restriction and withholding of privileges. The Philippine embassy reiterated that the country upholds the rule of law and human rights in all of its endeavors. “We will continue to engage in sincere, constructive and evidence-based dialogue with our international partners in the

pursuit of common goals and mutual interests,” it said. The Post article noted that there have been at least 20,000 killings and drug-related deaths since President Rodrigo Duterte assumed office in 2016. This number is based on estimates of rights groups. Aside from Santos, the main character in the “This is Manila” story, two bodies were also found under the same bridge on the same day the victim was discovered. new York-based watchdog Human Rights Watch earlier warned that the human rights crisis in the Philippines has “deepened” during Duterte’s second year in office. In its annual report released last month, the human rights watchdog noted that Duterte’s drug war has expanded outside Metro Manila. “President Duterte has used the killing of thousands of largely poor drug suspects as a tool to bolster his popularity. He’s also targeting anyone who might undermine that popularity, from outspoken senators to journalists documenting his abuses,” HRW Asia director Brad Adams said. n

Lawyers’ group files motion to quash... PAGE 3 error — misspelling evasion as “evation”. The Department of Justice (DOJ) argued that the correction is “republication” covered by Republic Act (RA) 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act. However, RA 10175 was put on hold by an SC Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) on October 09, 2012 until April 22, 2014. “The alleged republication was done on February 19, 2014, when the TRO was still in effect. During the duration of the TRO, there was effectively no RA 10175 by judicial fiat,” the motion stated. It added, “That is the legal, practical, and actual effect of the Supreme Court’s TRO. The alleged republication was done when the TRO was still in effect. This court has to obey the Constitution, the law, and the decisions of the Supreme Court.” The written petition argued

that the typographical corrections should not be identified as republication, based on several decisions from the united States. One ruling suggested that “to treat the changes as republications would be inappropriate and defeat the beneficial purposes of the single publication rule.” Te, who now represents Ressa, Santos and the Rappler Inc., also criticized the ruling that the DOJ based its complaint on. According to the former SC spokesman, the 1988 case referred to the print media in “multiple republications” which does not apply to Rappler’s online platform. “It is a Third Division decision that binds only the parties thereto. It is canonical that only decisions of the Supreme Court En Banc are vested with authoritativeness or precedential character,” the motion read. “In the absence of any law or Supreme Court decision that adopts ‘multiple republications’ as a principle applicable spe-

cifically to online media, there is no basis for the prosecution’s reliance on [the 1988 case],” it added. In line with the said case and the Justice Department’s comprehension of the cybercrime law, the statute of limitations for a published story now adds up to 12 years, meaning online publications can be charged with libel within 12 years from the story’s publication. The ordinary libel charge under the Revised Penal Code originally states that it is only within a year and not 12. However, the SC argued in its decision noting that “cyber libel is not a new crime.” “Indeed, cyber libel is actually not a new crime since Article 353, in relation to Article 355 of the penal code, already punishes it. In effect, Section 4 (c) (4) above merely affirms that online defamation constitutes ‘similar means’ for ‘committing libel,’” the motion stated. n

EDSA 33 years later: On preserving... PAGE 2 dark chapter of our history),” he added. Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Menardo Guevarra emphasized that the current administration is still upholding to the democratic government acquired from the victory of the People Power Revolution. “We Filipinos continue to enjoy the liberties that we regained after the People Power revolution in 1986. Our government institutions function with vibrancy under a democratic regime,” Guevarra said. EDSA People Power Commission chairman Pastor Saycon said in English and Filipino said that the two million “countrymen, nameless, faceless and colorless. no yellow, red, left or right” Filipinos who marched in 1986 should be deemed as “the real heroes.” Analyst: Nothing much changed since; Ramos skips

leap university of the Philippines political science professor Clarita Carlos explained in a panel discussion aired by TMT Tv that the revolt had impacted a very little change in the political landscape of the Philippines “There hasn’t been much change after 33 years. We should not call it a revolution because there was just a circulation of elites. Pinalitan mo si Marcos et al, ng Aquino, Roxas (You just changed Marcos et al, with Aquino, Roxas),” Carlos said as reported by The Manila Times. The analyst emphasized that the country’s political system “is still broken” due to the fact that the EDSA rally did not impact a structural change. “First, we are still under a presidential system, where every 2,000 days you change the face of the president; and every 1,000 days you change the face of Con-

gress,” Carlos explained. Prominent people who participated in the revolt agreed with such a sentiment. Theater artist Cecile Alvarez said that despite such, the fruits of EDSA revolt must not be dismissed, including the freedom of the press. “The freedom of the press was restored nu’ng ibinalik natin ang demokrasya at sa EDSA mapayapang itinakwil ang diktadurya, walang karahasan at naging modelo sa buong mundo (when we restored democracy and we rejected dictatorship without violence and has become a model globally),” Alvarez said. Former president Fidel Ramos skipped the anniversary rites this year as he was in much pain due to his gout. The 90-year-old leader annually reenacts the famous leap he did when he was misinformed that the Marcos family fled the country in the height of the revolution. n

An ExECuTIvE of the ASEAn Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR) has called on the Philippine government to stop the “judicial harassment” against Senator Leila de Lima, who is currently detained due to alleged drug charges. “The two years Senator de Lima has spent languishing in prison serve as a dark reminder of President Duterte’s zero-tolerance for scrutiny and the eroding state of democracy and human rights in the Philippines,” APHR Chairperson Charles Santiago said in a statement on Saturday, February 23. “The charges against her fly in the face of justice and the Philippine government must end its judicial harassment against her without further delay,” Santiago added. De Lima is detained at the custodial center of the Philippine national Police (PnP) inside Camp Crame in Quezon City for almost two years. She was arrested on Feb. 24, 2017, based on the testimonies of convicted drug suspects at the new Bilibid Prisons. Santiago then dubbed the drug charges filed against De Lima as “politically motivated,” saying her imprisonment aimed to silence the senator, who has been a vocal critic of President Rodrigo Duterte. “It’s clear that the charges against her are politically motivated. Her prolonged and unjust imprisonment has been nothing but an attempt to deliberately silence Senator de Lima’s efforts, which were focused on important matters of public interest,” he said. Santiago was referring to De Lima’s criticisms on Duterte’s bloody crackdown on illegal drugs. Before being a senator, De Lima, who was then the chairperson of Commission on Human Rights (CHR), led a probe into Duterte’s alleged involvement in extra-judicial killings when he was still serving as Davao City mayor. Santiago said De Lima was only trying to end the drug-related killings under the Duterte administration’s anti-drug campaign. “Senator de Lima’s only ‘crime’

was trying to end the bloody antidrug campaign unleashed under the current government. The Philippine people need more champions for justice like the senator,” he said. Santiago added that while the senator is in detention, her “regional peers are standing in solidarity with her” and will keep supporting her until she “walks free again.” n

Senator Leila de Lima

Inquirer.net photo

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MARCH 1-7, 2019 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (212) 655-5426

OPINION

FEATURES

Universal health care

IT’S a dream measure for the millions of Filipinos for whom decent health care is a luxury beyond their reach. President Rodrigo Duterte has signed the Universal Health Care Law, which expands the services covered by state health insurance and intends to include all Filipino citizens in the program. AS in many other laws in this country, of course, the devil will be in the implementation. The government has tried to temper high public expectations, pointing out that the wider benefits and coverage will not happen overnight. While public impatience could set in, the measured rollout should help ensure the efficient implementation of the new law. The implementing rules and regulations are still being drawn up, with proponents acknowledging that with limited resources, the new law could fail to live up to expectations. As things stand, the country’s health care facilities, whether state-run or in the private sector, cannot meet the demand. Government hospitals in Metro Manila are overwhelmed, with patients spilling outside the emergency sections and new mothers sharing beds. How to finance the expanded services promised under the new law is a big question. Apart from higher sin taxes, Republic Act 11223 intends to increase PhilHealth premiums. How much will still have to be worked out in the IRR, but certain workers’ groups are already protesting against any hefty increase. The extent of free or subsidized treatment also

still has to be specified, especially for those involving costly medication or services such as sustained treatment for cancer and AIDS. Will mental health care and drug rehabilitation be covered? There are also concerns about the capability of PhilHealth to process claims quickly and efficiently. PhilHealth officials have reassured the public that they are up to the job. The private sector will also need a capacity boost to deliver on the promise of the new law. Quality health care facilities and equipment, however, require substantial investments that only a few hospital operators can afford. There’s also the question of human resources. Will there be enough medical professionals to handle universal health care coverage? The law aims to encourage students to take up health-related courses, with government scholars required to render three years of paid service in the country once they become professionally eligible. Proponents acknowledge the challenges facing the implementation of the new law. Every effort is needed to ensure that this law delivers on its promise. (Philstar.com)

Editorial

Philstar.com photo

Mounting opposition against Trump’s national emergency declaration to use funds to build border wall

The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS

publicans chose to side with Trump. As the Washington Post reported, Democrats contend that Trump’s claim of an emergency crisis at the border was baseless, and that “he was embarking on the road to dictatorship by unilaterally declaring an emergency to try to get money from U.S. taxpayers to fulfill an unpopular campaign promise” to build a wall in the U.S.-Mexico border, which he said Mexico would pay for during the campaign season. The Post further reported that the Tuesday vote by the House was the first time since the passage of the Emergencies Act of 1976 “that the Congress has invited provisions allowing for passage of a disapproval resolution to nullify a presidential emergency declaration.” Trump accused Democrats of not wanting to protect the borders by denying his demand for $5.57-billion downpayment for his wall. Congress has previous-

ly approved $1.6 billion toward strengthening border security through smart and modern technology and adding manpower in legal points of entry and parts of the border, as well as improving barriers already in place in critical areas of the border. But Congress is not alone in this opposition to Trump’s declaration of a national emergency. On February 18, a coalition of 16 states, including California and New York, challenged the constitutionality of Trump’s declaration in a lawsuit filed in Federal District Court in San Francisco. According to the New York Times report, “the suit argues that the president does not have the power to divert funds for constructing a wall along the Mexican border because it is Congress that controls spending.” On February 25, 48 former national security advisers and officials who served in both Democratic and Republican administrations — including

former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and former Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel — sent a letter to President Trump, sending the message they are not aware of any emergency that “remotely justifies” redirecting funds to begin construction of a barrier along the southern border. These officials pointed out that Trump had no basis for such declaration, arguing that illegal border crossings are at near-40 year lows, that there is no documented terror threat as Trump has been claiming without evidence, that immigrants are in fact not found to commit violent crimes as much as Trump paints. U.S.-born Americans have a higher rate of violent crimes committed per government data. Human and drug trafficking will not be affected by the construction of a massive wall as most of these crimes happen at legal points of entry and through tunnels built under whatever existing walls.

PRESIDENT Donald Trump, as of press time, is in Hanoi, Vietnam for his second rendezvous with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to talk about denuclearization. This comes despite no concrete verifiable evidence that North Korea has started to comply with the United States’ denuclearization requirement of the United States during their first summit in Singapore. “We fell in love,” Trump said, touting the “love letters” he received from the dictator and the “love” felt during the summit. Meanwhile, at the same time in Congress, Trump’s former long-time personal lawyer/fixer Michael Cohen has started giving his testimonies to reveal what he said everything the public needs to know about Trump’s evil deeds in violation of the laws of the land, offering to turn in more evidence to substantiate his allegations. These are all happening as

more people and institutions continue to challenge President Donald Trump’s declaration of a national emergency just so he could get $8 billion from funds already appropriated by Congress for military projects and disaster relief programs — a blatant attempt to circumvent the power of the purse accorded by the Constitution to Congress. They all argue that there is is NO national emergency and that Trump is abusing his executive power, which could pose a threat to the country’s national security. On Tuesday, February 26, the House of Representatives passed a resolution to overturn Trump’s declaration of a national emergency on the southern border. With a 245-182 vote, the resolution was passed mostly along party lines, with 13 Republicans voting with the Democrats. This vote, however, fell short of the two-thirds majority required to overcome Trump’s veto threat because more Re-

PeaceMaker

Rebuilding new roads to peace, security and human development

FORMER SPEAKER JOSE C. DE VENECIA, JR. Part 3 of 3

(Remarks of former Philippine speaker Jose de Venecia - founding chairman, International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP); co-chairman, International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace (IAPP); chairman emeritus, Universal Peace Federation (UPF); Special Envoy of the President to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and for Intercultural Dialogue at the UPF World Summit 2019 “Peace, Security and Human Development” Seoul, Republic of Korea; February 7-11, 2019) The challenge to Asian countries Excellencies, friends: Our task is to ask ourselves why this is happening and how we can keep peace within our region despite the stiff economic competition our countries face. We must be aware of all the pitfalls and failings of democracy and free market competition. What ethical standards can we bring in so that we can bring all our entrepreneurial skills but operate fairly and with civility?

Perhaps, the answer is in our distant past when the maritime highways linked our nations to one another and participated in a trade where one country supplied what was needed in another, for which they bartered for what they needed. My own country the Philippines, located as it is on the margins of islands in Southeast Asia, developed virtually on its own, though it did take part in a long-distance trading system, that encompassed both the Indian Ocean and the China Sea and reached past Madagascar in East Africa to Nagasaki, Japan. Most practical solution in China Sea crises Excellencies, friends: As we pointed out much earlier, the raging conflict in the South China Sea, West Philippine Sea to the Filipinos, and East Sea to the Vietnamese, with conflicting sovereignty claims, may be settled by temporarily shelving the issue of sovereignty, as earlier proposed by Deng Xiaoping, the paramount leader of China’s peaceful rise: revive the Seismic Survey Agreement signed by China, the Philippines, and Vietnam, which we had the priviledge to inititate in 2004; undertake joint oil/gas exploration and joint develop-

ment with an equitable sharing of production and profits; designate “fishing corridors”; demilitarize the disputed islets through the phased withdrawal of armed garrisons; and convert the zone of conflict into a Zone of Peace, Friendship, Cooperation and Development. This is perhaps the most realistic, most common-sensical solution to the problem of the Spratlys and Paracels, and which could subsequently be joined by Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan, and could also be the solution to the problem between China and Japan in the Senkaku Straits or Diaoyu in the East China Sea. Easier said than done but this is now the time to consider the practical, principled, commonsensical win-win compromises necessary for the geo-political settlements in the China Sea. Our own road to the future Excellencies, friends: We must make our own road to the future. And in this task we should take hope from the writer Lu Hsun, a hero of China’s revolutionary period. “Hope [says Lu Hsun] cannot be said to exist. Nor can it be said not to exist. It is just like roads across the earth. For actually the earth had no roads

to begin with; but when many people pass one way a road is made.” Here in our meeting in Seoul, we know the journey will be difficult. The journey will be long. But the rewards at the journey’s end will be more than justify every tear, every hurt, every fall. It is in this spirit that we in the Universal Peace Federation (UPF), the International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace (IAPP), and the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP) join hands with all of you, distinguished delegates from around the world, all advocates of reconciliation and peace – peace in our time, hopefully sooner than later in this century – peace in the Korean Peninsula, peace throughout in our planet Earth. For we share rebuilding new roads to the future for mankind, for all our peoples. Two Koreas should adapt to global changes Excellencies, friends: We must point out that despite the occasional harsh rhetoric on both sides of the 38th Parallel, we believe governments, parliaments, political parties, civil society organizations, and religious groups must encourage and support

direct talks between Seoul and Pyongyang. Indeed, direct talks between North and South will complement these high-level explorations. Perhaps they could even catalyze the long-suspended SixParty Talks to prevent nuclear proliferation in the Korean Peninsula. Perhaps direct bilateral or multilateral talks could even lead to agreement on a road map to eventual unification. But these talks have not been reopened for a long time now. We in Asia and the global community most acknowledge and applaud the forthright efforts of U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean Leader Kim Jong-Un, consistently supported by the South Korean President Moon Jae-In, which have the potential for a breakthrough, hopefully sooner than later, towards a final peace in the Korean Peninsula. Today the basic fact is that the distribution of power in the world is fast-changing–particularly in East Asia–and the Korean Peninsula must adapt to these epochal transformations. Vietnam itself emerged from three difficult successive wars, winning against great powers, and its socialist government

Also on Tuesday, February 26, PBS reported that top U.S. military officials told senators in a committee hearing that there is no military threat on the southern border. But Air Force Get. Terrence O’Shaughnessy, commander of the U.S. Northern Command and North American Aerospace Defense Command said, “Russia’s advancements in training and capabilities, and its intent to hold the US at risk, present an urgent threat to America,” in addition to “real threats” from China. Trump’s judgment call is indeed questionable. Why is he cozying up with these dictators while alienating our allies, undermining the democratic institutions and the rule of law of the United States of America? *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https://

adopting a market economy, lifted its people from poverty to become today a rising peaceful economic power. North Korea can be like Vietnam, which is already emerging as a significant state in Southeast Asia. The great example of course is how the two Germanys finally emerged from Cold War confrontation and totally united under then Chancellor Helmut Kohl, to become today the predominant economic power in Europe. And China, under the unforgettable leader Deng Xiaoping, opened China to the world, lifted more than 500 million people from poverty and introduced appreciable elements of free enterprise capitalism to China’s socialist economy, which has propelled China to the second largest in the global economy with the potential to become No. 1 within 10-15 years. In my view, the immediate task of the parliaments and mainstream political parties of the Republic of Korea and the Communist Korean Workers’ Party (KWP) of the North, aided by the parliaments, political parties, civil society, and business leaders of the global community, is to draw up a clear, distinct and workable road map toward unification. ■

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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NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • MARch 1-7, 2019

Dateline PhiliPPines

Metro Manila Subway finally breaks ground by Lisbet

and

Surigao del Sur authorities recovered on Sunday, February 24, 34 bricks of suspected cocaine with the same packaging and markings as the ones found on the shore of Dinagat Island in the Caraga region last week. Police personnel from Surigao del Sur led by Senior Superintendent Francisco Dungo recovered the 34 cocaine bricks from two fishermen who found the contraband off Tandag City. Philstar.com photo

‘This is the most dangerous time for anybody to be playing with drugs’ by aJPress PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday, February 24, said that now is the most dangerous time to be involved in illegal drugs. People who profit off of narcotics should find another income source or they will lose their lives quickly, the president added. “Don’t ever enter into that. Those who haven’t tried it yet, don’t... You’ll earn money there quickly, but you’ll lose your life just as quick,” he said during the distribution of grants to cash transfer beneficiaries in Cebu. Duterte, who vowed to launch a harsher and bloodier war against illegal drugs last week, reiterated that the illegal drugs menace is destroying the country and making families dysfunctional. “I’ll make it simple. I will finish you off because my nation is going insane. You know, you create so many social dysfunctions. When you enter into drugs, the head of the family becomes inutile,” he said. “If you remain like that, I still have three years. I told you I will really finish the war against drugs in three years’ time,” he added. The president also issued a warning to human rights advocates who are planning on interfering with his anti-drug crackdown. He claimed he was not afraid to be assassinated. “Don’t mess around with me. You do not scare me a bit. You scare people by killing people, that you will kill the president. Son of a b****, do you want us all to fire at each other at the same time?” he said. “It will make me very happy for things to reach an end. Don’t try to scare me about assassination. I will walk when I want to walk.

When the time comes that I will no longer be able to walk on my own, I will tell God, ‘I am useless here. Kill me,” he added. Duterte also threatened to kill Peter Lim, a businessman accused of drug trafficking and money laundering. “I warned you on TV. I already warned you. That’s true. I will kill you. Do not show yourself to me. Find a hell where you can hide. Do not ever show yourself in the Philippines. I will finish you off,” he said. Lim, who has denied his involvement in illegal drugs, has not been seen since last year. Last week, Duterte told him to commit suicide or he would imprison him for 200 years. ICC withdrawal Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. on Monday said the drug trade profiting from the International Criminal Court (ICC)’s “self-seeking” publicity led to the Philippines’ withdrawal from the international tribunal. The ICC is a court of last resort for the prosecution of serious international crimes, including genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity. In July 1998, the Rome Statute, its treaty, was adopted. “What triggered my unilateral withdrawal was embarrassment by threats from Manila to withdraw and the reasons for it. I don’t do empty threats nor abide stupid reasons. So I withdrew with only valid one: the drug trade was profiting from the ICC’s self-seeking publicity. Sad,” Locsin posted on Twitter. “It will change when the drug trade lets up its pressure on the Philippine government to give up its war on drugs and against terrorism, both of which we aim

Trillanes charged for inciting sedition by RitcheL

mendioLa AJPress

A COPY of a resolution suggesting Senator Antonio Trillanes IV be charged for inciting to sedition was made public on Tuesday, February 26. The resolution, dated Jan. 29, 2019, was released by Assistant City Prosecutor Reynaldo Ticyado. Labor Undersecretary Jing Paras and Presidential Anti-Corruption Commissioner Manuelito Luna filed sedition raps against Trillanes for his “incendiary and hateful speeches against President Duterte after issuance of Proclamation 572 that voided the amnesty granted to him during the previous administration.” Under Article 142 of the Revised Penal Code, inciting to sedition can be done through speeches, proclamations, writings, emblems, cartoons, banners or other representations “which tend to disturb or obstruct any lawful officer in executing the functions of his office, or which tend to instigate others to cabal and meet together for unlawful purposes, or which suggest or incite rebellious conspiracies or riots, or which lead or tend to stir up the people against the lawful authorities or to disturb the peace of the community, the safety and order of the Government, or who shall knowingly conceal such evil practices.” Trillanes is being sued over a media interview he did on Sept. 4, 2018 for allegedly saying: “Itong amnesty is an act of Congress. Hindi siya masusupersede ng isang executive order (This amnesty is an act of Congress. It won’t be superseded by an executive order),” and “Di ko maisip na they would go to great lengths, even make themselves

Senator Antonio Trillanes IV Inquirer.net photo

look stupid para lang to get rid of me. Isa lang hamon ko eh. Pumirma sya ng waiver. Magkaalaman. Magreresign ako. Sabi ko papasok ako sa kulungan. Di mo kailangan gumawa ng ganitong kalokohan. (I didn’t think they would go to great lengths, even make themselves look stupid just to get rid of me. I only have one challenge. Sign the waiver. Let’s see. I will resign. I said I’ll go to jail. You don’t need to do this kind of stupidity).” According to Ticyado, Trillanes’ words were intended to instill in the minds of the people a feeling of hatred and distrust towards the president of the Philippines, the government and its duly constituted authorities. In Trillanes’ counter-affidavit, he said he was interviewed by media in his capacity as a lawmaker. However, the prosecutor said that the opposition senator’s defense of parliamentary immunity is not applicable as the statements “relate to the presidential proclamation revoking the previous grant of amnesty to him and therefore not made while PAGE 10

to destroy and never to accommodate in our society. A little patience,” he added. The Philippines withdrawal from ICC was in response to the ICC’s move to launch a preliminary examination of Duterte’s “drug war” killings to determine whether to open a full-blown investigation back in February 2018. n

esmaeL RaLph ViLLanueVa ManilaTimes.net

CONSTRUCTION of the multibillion-peso Metro Manila Subway began on Wednesday, February 27, with the first three stations expected to be operational by 2022. Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade told reporters the subway, which would use Japanese technology, would be quake- and flood-resilient. Also at the groundbreaking in Valenzuela City were Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Koji Haneda and Sen. Joseph Victor Ejercito. Groundbreaking for the country’s first subway system was initially set in December, then moved to January because of schedule conflicts, and then to February. The tunnel-boring machine to be used for construction was also unveiled on Wednesday. The Transportation department aims to start the process of bidding out the subway’s operation and maintenance contract before the year ends, said Timothy John Batan, undersecretary for railways. The winning bidder might come in as early as 2022 for partial operations, Batan added. Full operation is expected to start in 2025.

For the first phase, the government eyes the completion of three underground stations at Quirino Highway, Tandang Sora and North Avenue, as well as tunnel structures, the Valenzuela Depot, and the building and facilities for the Philippine Railway Institute. The 36-kilometer subway will have 15 stations from Quirino Highway in Quezon City to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 in Pasay City and Food Terminal Inc. in Taguig City. On Sunday, the Transportation department said in a statement it had sealed a contract for the project’s first three stations with Shimizu Joint Venture of Shimizu Corp., Fu-

jita Corp., Takenaka Civil Engineering Co. Ltd. and EEI Corp. The remaining phases of the subway would be bid out by end2019, Batan said. Awarding of the contracts is set by middle of 2020. The government and the Japan International Cooperation Agency signed the first tranche of the loan agreement in March 2018, amounting to 104.53 billion yen for the first phase of the subway. The Department of Finance earlier said the Metro Manila Subway might cost P356.96 billion or $7 billion. For the first year of full operations, 370,000 passengers are expected to utilize the rail system. It is designed to cater to up to 1.5 million riders per day. n

Officials and guests pose with a scale model of the tunnel-boring machine that will be used to build the Metro Manila Subway. Leading the groundbreaking rites in Valenzuela City on Wednesday, February 27, were Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Koji Haneda, Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno, Sen. Joseph Victor ‘JV’ Ejercito, and Metropolitan Mania Development Photo courtesy of Department of Transportation Authority Chairman Danilo Lim.

Dateline PhiliPPines

March 1-7, 2019 • NEW YOrK aND NEW JErSEY aSIaN JOUrNaL

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Duterte to PLDT: Expand hotline or face shutdown by Ritchel

Mendiola AJPress

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has threatened to shut down PLDT Inc. if it does not expand the citizens’ complaint hotline by at least one more trunk line for frontline government services. Speaking at a PDP-Laban campaign rally in Cebu City on Sunday, February 24, Duterte urged everyone to report any act of corruption seen committed by any government official to the complaint hotline. He went on to issue PLDT an order to add another trunkline for the purpose after he recalled that the hotline number is always busy. “If you see corruption, tell me. Call 8888. Bong, add another trunk line. The present setup can’t accommodate all the calls. It’s always busy. Tell PLDT,� Duterte said, giving the order to his former special assistant Christopher Lawrence “Bong� Go, now one of the senatorial candidates of the PDP-Laban in the midterm

elections. “If not, I’ll shut down their business. Yes, that’s true. I don’t want to brag, but they owe [the] government P8 billion. No president has ever asked for payment,� he added. The president did not divulge what the P8 billion was for. Duterte signed Executive Order 6, which institutionalized the 8888 Citizens’ Hotline and Complaint Center, on Oct. 14, 2016. The hotline and complaint center will serve as a “mechanism where citizens may report their complaints and grievances on acts of red tape as defined under RA No. 9485 and other relevant laws, and/or corruption of any national government agency, governmentowned or -controlled corporation, government financial institution, and other instrumentalities of the government.� PLDT Chairman Manuel Pangilinan pledged to address the president’s complaint. “We’re going to put more lines than the 20 mandated in the contract with the government and

we will man it,â€? he said at the sidelines of a Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) briefing. “We will forget what the agreement said so we will increase the number of lines to accommodate the calls and we will man it ourselves,â€? he added. Pangilinan also said he was grateful for Duterte’s call out and apologized for the issue. “We apologize for that ‌ It’s a bit more complicated than what it appears,â€? he said. ‘Slap him’ Duterte on Sunday also threatened to slap any government official who extorted money from citizens. He urged everyone to report if any official tried to extort money from them. “Call 8888 about corruption. And if they refuse to air it on the radio, tell the announcer that I will summon him to Manila. If it’s corruption. Director, all of them who extort,â€? Duterte said. “If you’re asked for a permit, tell him you’re the one paying his salary...slap him,â€? he added. n

SWS: Most Filipinos believe cops involved in illegal drugs, EJKs by nathalie

Robles

AJPress

THE latest Social Weather Station (SWS) survey revealed that most Filipinos believed that some police officers are involved in the illegal drug trade, extrajudicial killings (EJKs), and are often planting evidence against drug suspects. Illegal drug trade The survey which was released on Wednesday, February 27, asked: “Here are some accusations against policemen. In your opinion, are these accusations Definitely true, Probably true, Undecided if true or not, Probably not true, Definitely not true, or Don’t know enough to give an opinion regarding this?� The response on the “accusation that some policemen are involved in the illegal drug trade� reported that 68 percent of Filipinos believe the allegations that police officers are involved in the illegal drug trade. Of the said percentage, 29 percent said “definitely true� while 39 percent said, “probably true.� In the same category, five percent were convinced that it was “definitely or probably not true�

while 26 percent said they were undecided. EJKs Another accusation in question is whether the respondent believed those police officers are involved in the extrajudicial killing of suspects. Sixty-six percent believed this to be true — with 28 percent of them picked “definitely trueâ€? and 38 percent chose “probably true.â€? Similarly, only five percent of the respondents believed the accusation to be “definitely or probably not true,â€? while 28 percent said they were undecided. Planting of evidence Lastly, 57 percent believed that police officers often plant evidence against arrested suspects — with 22 percent tagging the accusation as “definitely trueâ€? and 35 percent tagging it as “probably true.â€? Only nine percent believed otherwise, while 33 percent said they were undecided. The results followed days after Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte vowed to implement a “harsher drug warâ€? during his speech in MalacaĂąang last week. “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,� the president said as reported by The Philippine Daily Inquirer. However, Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson Police Colonel Bernard Banac, responded to the survey results as he insisted that all police units respect human rights. “We assure the public the PNP subscribes to the rule of law. All anti-drug operations are done with utmost respect for human rights and human life,� Banac said as reported by ABS-CBN News. The SWS said that the net opinion about the truthfulness of the police’s “nanlaban� claims was lowest in Metro Manila at 11, followed by Balance Luzon at -3, the Visayas at +3, and Mindanao at +11. The survey was conducted from December 16 to 19, 2018. They collected data through faceto-face interviews of 1,440 adults nationwide with 360 respondents PAGE 10

ATHLETES OF THE YEAR. The Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) bestows the Athletes of the Year award to Yuka Saso (left), who won two golds in women’s golf competition; and Skateboarder Margielyn Didal, also gold medalist in the 2018 Asian Games, during the SMC-PSA 2019 Annual Awards Night, one of the most prestigious sport-related awards, held at the Manila Hotel on Tuesday, February 26. The PSA Athlete of the Year is given to outstanding Filipino athletes annually. PNA photo by Jess M. Ecaros Jr.

4 Philippine universities in QS world rankings by subject by PatRicia louRdes Philstar.com

ViRay

MANILA — Four institutions from the Philippines appeared in the latest global ranking of universities based on academic discipline insights released on Wednesday, February 27. The 2019 Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) world university rankings by subject included the University of the Philippines (UP), De La Salle University (DLSU), Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) and University of Santo Tomas (UST). The Philippines ranked 13th in Asia Pacific and 47th in the world on the number of universities included in the latest rankings per subject.

Social sciences and management turned out as the broad subject area with greatest university representation in the Philippines with three universities in the list — UP, DLSU and ADMU. On specific subjects, Philippine universities have been recognized in English language and literature, sociology, business management studies and medicine. UP, the country’s national university, appeared in the world rankings by subject the most with 15 of 48 specific subject areas covered in the 2019 rankings, QS said in a media release. Last year, UP was included in the top 500 schools in 10 out of 48 subject areas. “University of the Philippines, De

La Salle University, and Ateneo de Manila University are the universities that appear most frequently in the subject lists,� QS said. Harvard University remains the top university in the world ranking first as the best institution in 12 subjects, followed by Massachussetts Institute of Technology being the world leader in 11 subjects. The latest world rankings by subject accounted the insights of over 83,000 academics, 42,000 employers and 150 million citations from 22 million academic papers. Over 1,200 universities across 78 countries were evaluated based on four key indicators — academic reputation, employer reputation, citations per paper and H-index. n

PhilHealth needs P22 billion in 1st year of universal health care MANILA — The government needs some P22 billion to implement the Universal Health Care (UHC) law in its initial year, the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) said. PhilHealth president and chief executive officer Roy Ferrer said they stand to get P18 billion through the General Appropriations Act and P217 billion from premium collections. Ferrer noted that aside from this, PhilHealth will also receive funds from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. This means that there is a shortage of P22 billion to implement the UHC law, which mandates the automatic enrollment of

all Filipinos in PhilHealth, among others. Ferrer, however, said they are looking forward to their share from the revenues that will be generated by the sin taxes from tobacco and alcohol to address the funding gap. Under the UHC law, PhilHealth will also have to expand its benefit packages for treatment and diagnostics. Ferrer added that to strengthen PhilHealth’s fund life, they are “aggressive� in collecting premiums and, at the same time, “prudent� in their spending. Ferrer, however, assured the public they “do not compromise the services that we are giving to our members.�

PhilHealth vice president for actuarial Nerissa Santiago admitted that the benefits the agency could offer and expand over the next years will depend on the funding they would receive. Santiago cited for instance that they could increase the benefits “in terms of support� value and control “out of pocket� payments by members if the funds will be released early. “We are positive that we can have (sufficient) revenues (from tax increase) and it can also help in leveling down the number of smoker and drinkers,� she added. If this will still not be enough, PhilHealtth will ask Congress for more funds. (Philstar.com)

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NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • MARch 1-7, 2019

10

March 1-7, 2019 • NEW YOrK aND NEW JErSEY aSIaN JOUrNaL

Dateline PhiliPPines

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PNP, PDEA, NBI agree: Duterte’s estimate of 8-M drug users has basis by Jonathan de

SantoS

Philstar.com

DEALING WITH THE WASTE PROBLEM. Sen. Cynthia A. Villar leads the oath-taking ceremony of the newly-elected Board of Trustees of the Chamber of Cosmetics Industry of the Philippines Inc. (CCIP) and the group’s 1st General Membership Meeting. The re-electionist senator said that since CCIP members are involved in the product manufacturing, raw materials supply, packaging and distribution, among others, they are in a very good position to make a big difference to ensure a sustainable environment. The senator, chair of the Senate environment and natural resources committee, says she plans to amend Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 since solid wastes particularly plastics is one of the most urgent concerns that we are facing now. Senate photo

Chinese Embassy denies Panelo claim of ‘tit-for-tat’ policy on illegal workers by Patricia LourdeS Philstar.com

Viray

MANILA — The Chinese Embassy in the Philippines on Thursday, February 28, clarified that it would not be enforcing a “titfor-tatâ€? policy on deporting illegal workers, opposing the earlier statement of MalacaĂąang. Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo earlier said the Philippine government would not act recklessly on supposed violations of Chinese citizens in the country as Beijing might employ a similar policy to Filipinos in China. The Chinese Embassy stressed that Beijing adheres to the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries. “The Chinese Embassy in the Philippines did not say that Beijing would adopt ‘tit-for-tat’ approach should the Philippine government deport Chinese nationals found

working illegally in the country,� the embassy said in a statement. As for foreigners working illegally in China, it would be the task of Chinese law enforcement agencies to handle such cases in accordance with domestic laws and regulations. The embassy also noted that China respects the Philippines’ laws and regulations on foreign nationals working in the country. Beijing stood firm on its position that Chinese nationals should not be staying or working illegally in other countries, including the Philippines. “China hopes that the Philippine law enforcement agencies would continue to deal with relevant issues in accordance with the laws and regulations in a professional manner,� the statement read. The Chinese Embassy said it

has always been reminding its nationals in the Philippines to observe local laws through consular notices. Earlier this week, MalacaĂąang said the government would be enforcing immigration laws against illegal Chinese workers in the country. This statement came after President Rodrigo Duterte said Chinese workers should just be allowed to remain in the Philippines. “We wish to clarify that the president’s policy on Chinese workers who are illegally staying in the country remains the same, which is the enforcement of immigration laws against violators,â€? Panelo earlier said. The presidential mouthpiece said the government would be applying “with full forceâ€? the country’s laws to all foreign nationals that violate them. n

SWS: Most Filipinos believe cops involved... PAGE 8

each in Balance Luzon, Metro Manila, Visayas, and Mindanao. It has a sampling error margin of Âą2.6 percent for national percentages and Âą5 percent each for

Balance Luzon, Metro Manila, Visayas, and Mindanao. The government’s anti-narcotics campaign reported a total of 5,000 drug suspects killed since 2016, but human rights groups

said that the numbers are severely understated. The war on drugs campaign was heavily criticized for alleged state-sponsored killings, which the government has denied. n

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MANILA — Agencies involved in the government’s campaign against illegal drugs believe President Rodrigo Duterte “has basis� to say that there are now seven to eight million drug users in the Philippines, up from 4 million claimed in 2017. The figure of four million was itself higher than an estimate by the policy-making Dangerous Drugs Board of 1.7 million users based on its survey. Senior Superintendent Bernard Banac, Philippine National Police spokesperson, said on Thursday, February 28, at the “Real Numbers� press briefing that the president “has wide access of information and unlimited sources of intelligence,� which, he said makes the PNP inclined to say there is basis for the estimate. On Wednesday, February 27, Director General Oscar Albayalde, PNP chief, said that the police do not have a verified number of drug users in the Philippines, stressing that “an estimate is just an estimate.� He said that “even the three million that has been declared before, we’re not sure if it’s really three million. Maybe what the president sees is despite our war on drugs, he has been saying that it is chilling because we still see people using drugs and there are still those who supply even down to the barangay level.� In 2017, Duterte claimed there were around 4 million drug users in the Philippines, a figure that contradicted data from the

In this file photo, surrenderees in the government’s anti-drug campaign pledge to stop being involved in drugs. Law enforcement agencies say the estimated number of drug users has increased because of better information from anti-narcotics operations. Philstar.com photo by KJ Rosales

policy-making Dangerous Drugs Board that estimated the number at 1.7 million drug users. Duterte later fired the chairman of the DDB for “contradicting the government.� Banac said Thursday that the actual number of drug users may be higher than the DDB’s figure since some users “have not come out and admitted they are drug users.� He said that some users only occasionally use drugs (patikimtikim lang) and do not consider themselves drug users. “Marami po ‘yan. Marami ‘yan,� he said. The DDB survey counted respondents who have used drugs even once as drug users. ‘Drug figures increase with successful operations’ The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, lead agency in the campaign against illegal drugs, also backed the new estimate, stressing “the president has a

wealth of access to information.� PDEA spokesperson Derrick Carreon said that the number of drug users may be adjusted because of the number of arrests and surrenderees in the government’s vigorous campaign. “The four million was a conservative estimate. Definitely this will reflect a bigger data,� he said. National Bureau of Investigation Director Ferdinand Lavin, who was also at the briefing, said “when the president first made the estimate when he assumed office in 2016, the basis for the estimate was limited in number.� He said that “drug operations are improving, and with the arrests come additional information.� He added “arrested addicts that provide information� lead to the adjustment of drug numbers. Lavin said that estimates are only meant to guide policy, and are not meant to be a definite number. n

Trillanes charged for inciting... PAGE 7 the Senate was in session and in connection with the discharge of his official duties as a senator.� Ticyado also issued one-page information or charge sheet on the indictment that was filed on February 11 before the Pasay Metropolitan Court. It was made public on Tuesday as well. This is not the first inciting to sedition charge against Trillanes. The senator was first charged for inciting sedition by Pasay City Senior Assistant City Prosecutor Joahna Gabatino-Lim in March 2018 over a separate com-

plaint on his pronouncements on Duterte’s alleged hidden wealth. The case was given to the Pasay Metropolitan Trial Court Branch 45. Trillanes is also facing a libel charge filed before a Davao court by former Davao City Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte and Manases Carpio, the president’s son and sonin-law, respectively. In addition, he has been ordered by the Court of Appeals (CA) to answer the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) petition which seeks his arrest and trial for coup d’etat over the 2003 Oakwood mutiny.

The DOJ appealed the Makati Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 148’s decision last October not to revive Trillanes’ criminal case despite Proclamation No. 572 issued by President Rodrigo Duterte in August that nullified the 2010 amnesty given to rebel soldiers, mainly Trillanes. The CA’s Seventh Division, composed of Associate Justices Sesinando Villon, Edwin Sorongon and Germano Legaspi, gave Trillanes 10 days to answer DOJ’s petition to overturn the decision of Makati RTC Branch 148 Judge Andres Soriano. n

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COMMUNITY

Calendar of Events across

JOURNAL Health@Heart Run for your life PHILIP S. CHUA, MD, FACS, FPCS A 10-year study showed more than 57,000 pedestrians were hit by vehicles in Metro Manila — including those who lost their lives simply crossing the streets. Notwithstanding the designated crossing “zebra” lanes which are supposed to be the safe haven for crossing pedestrians, drivers and car owners do not seem to care to slow down and stop properly. They all break the traffic laws with impunity, putting the lives of people in jeopardy. Reason: Our lack of discipline as a people, which is also why our laws are not enforced. Discipline must start from the top executive of the city. I put the blame squarely on the city Mayors for defaulting on their sworn obligation as heads of their respective cities to uphold and enforce all laws to protect the public. Their negligence has led to the current rampant life-threatening behavior of drivers in our cities. While the drivers may be the actual law-breakers, who should be penalized, their employers, who should know better, are unapologetic consenting co-conspirators, who ought to be penalized several times more. If there is no existing “command responsibility law” applicable to this particular situation, its about time our legislators enacted one to prevent more deaths and injuries. Why should crossing the street on the designated lanes be risky at all? Weren’t they so designed to protect the pedestrians? Why should the citizens be in constant fear and have to run for their life every time they cross the streets? In more disciplined countries, where laws are strictly enforced and respected, like Singapore, Japan, the United States, here in Dubai, and others, vehicles start to slow down (with no Police Officer around) when they are about 50 feet from the crossing lane and then fully stop about 10 feet from the lane when drivers see a person wanting (not even starting yet) to cross, and do not try to outrun the pedestrians as they do in MetroManila. As long as there is even a single pedestrian on that safety lane, no car would be passing in front or at the back of that person. The pedestrian has the right to change his/her mind and suddenly turn around and go back without being hit by a car behind her. Only when the entire crossing lane was totally empty would any car move. Pedestrians in those countries are respected and protected and not terrorized like pedestrians here. As late as last week, near Greenhills Shopping Center, an elderly couple, the wife walking with a cane, was in the middle (yes, halfway) of the crossing lane on Annapolis Street, when a van zoomed through in front

of them, barely missing them, and another behind them. And this is not an isolated case. On some occasions, I have seen police officers modulating the traffic to allow pedestrians to cross on the designated lanes. That is good public service. But why do we even need an officer (or the mother of the driver) to stand by the corners to exact discipline? It is the carowner/employer’s responsibility to discipline his/her driver to protect the public and allow the officer to do his more needed job of arresting criminals instead. This would save the city some money. Assigning an officer at each of the thousands of crossing lanes in the entire MetroManila would be cost prohibitive, besides making policing even less efficient and the city less safe. These same drivers, who blatantly violated the laws in the city with brazen decorum, somehow became transformed into model law-abiding drivers when they entered the formerly American-owned Clark Field Subic Airbase. Why? Because they knew that traffic rules there were strictly enforced and violators severely penalized. But the moment they got out of the compound, they resumed their usual recklessness with impunity…because they knew they would get away with it. It is therefore clear that the behavior of drivers in MetroManila could be modified, IF (and only IF) our City Mayors, Chiefs of Police, MMDA, and other related agencies are themselves disciplined and patriotic enough to enforce the laws. Just one well-publicized story (highlighted in all news and social media around the country) about a drastic penalty levied against a violator driver and heavier yet against the employee/owner of the car (under a new law) for not stopping properly at crossing lanes would surely be noticed nationwide and serve as a good warning and deterrent to future violators. Behavioral modification through legal enforcement and application of heavy penalties on the offenders have been proven to be effective. Obviously, the initiative must start from the top, with the Mayor, where the bucks stop! Part of Article 3 of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights is the right to personal security. The Presidential decree of 1959 (1984), an amendment of the Land Transportation Traffic Code of 1964, obliges motorists to give way to pedestrians in pedestrians lanes or “Zebra Lanes.” Why mayors of Metro Manila do not ensure the city laws and ordinances are enforced is beyond me. They cannot claim ignorance because ignorance of the law excuses no one. They are the head of the city and must know all ongoing problems of the city, including law infringement that could hurt, maim or kill their constituents.

If the Mayor says he has already ordered the enforcement of all laws and ordinances from day one, then he is an impotent, ineffective, and useless Mayor, whose subordinates who do not respect, follow, or fear him. If law enforcement is not executed properly, it is the Mayor’s fault (doctrine of command responsibility). He swore before God to make sure the laws and ordinances of the city are strictly enforced and lawbreakers (like drivers together with their employers) are punished accordingly. Anything less on the mayor’s part is a dereliction of a sworn duty and is legally liable under the laws of the Philippines. And the culpability is self-evident. The thousands of dangerous ongoing breaches of the laws and ordinances are evidences in themselves which the mayors cannot refute. I challenge the people of Metro Manila to be proactive and preemptive and not wait for another 57,000 individuals to be killed by reckless drivers (and their more guilty employers) before confronting mayors and demanding that laws (traffic and otherwise) are strictly enforced, putting the onus not only on the driver but the employer-owner of the car, who, as earlier suggested, deserves a harsher punishment. Every citizen, especially the youth, should organize themselves just like the vigilant electronic socio-civic watchdog, e-Guardian Angels, and take videos on their cellphones as proofs of this dangerous governmental neglect, any uncorrected infra-structure hazards, and other misdeeds or abuses by government officials. If needed, rally a protest demonstration to garner people power. Use the social media, including television, to call attention to these and to all ineptitudes, graft, and corruption perpetrated by these civil servants, from the Mayors down. And this netizen watchdog movement could be duplicated in all cities in the country to serve and protect our national dignity and our people’s rights.. It is our obligation to ourselves, to our family, and fellow citizens to help protect and look out for each other. The politicians won’t. Unless, We, the People, fight for our rights, we deserve every rotten situation we get, and we can blame no one else but ourselves. Now, shall we still wait for a member of our own family to be killed first before we act in solidarity? *** 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 antigraft foundation in the United States. Websites: FUN8888.com, philipSchua. com Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com (Advertising Supplement)

4th annual healthy lifestyle expo set

HOLY Name Medical Center’s panel of physicians will share their expertise on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, strategies for disease prevention and available treatment options at the upcoming 4th annual healthy lifestyle expo on Saturday, March 2, 2019 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. It will be held at the Marian Hall of the Holy Name Medical Center on 718 Teaneck Rd. in Teaneck, New Jersey. For those who pre registered, screenings will be available for diabetes (A1C), hepatitis B, blood pressure and cholesterol (participants must fast 12 hours prior), as well as individual consultations with Holy Name specialists. There will also be yoga, healthy food demonstrations and refreshments. For more information or to register, call (201) Among the topics to be discussed at the expo are the importance of lung 8333399 or visit holyname.org/events. cancer screening and managing cholesterol.

America

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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. Co-presented 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/.

M AY 1 7-1 9

Santa Maria Ilocos Sur 12th Global Reunion in Honolulu, Hawaii The Santa Maria Ilocos Sur Global Association (SMISGA) and the Santa Marians of Hawaii are sponsoring the Santa Maria Ilocos Sur 12th Global Reunion in Honolulu, Hawaii from May 17-19, 2019. The festivities will start with a meet and greet on May 17 at 5 p.m. at the Ala Moana Hotel Hibiscus Ballroom to be followed by a gala night on May 18 at 5 p.m. at the Dole Cannery Pomaikai Ballroom. A picnic is also scheduled at Ala Moana Beach Park’s Magic Island on Sunday, May 19 starting at 10 a.m. The ticket to attend all the events is $130.00 per person. Due to limited space, reservations must be made not later than March 31, 2019. Hats and t-shirts will also be on sale for $20. For further information, call Nena Empleo at (808) 384-0394, Carlito Soria at (808) 487-3370, Alex Pena at (702) 373-9522 or Orlino Baldonado at (865) 789-8324. Leave a message if there’s no answer. Additional information is also on SMISGA.com and Facebook @ SMISGA19FB. Proceeds from the events will be for various projects in Santa Maria Ilocos Sur and in Hawaii. Donations are tax deductible since SMISGA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization approved by the Internal Revenue Service.

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

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond MONETTE ADEVA MAGLAYA

Holy Name’s Health Expo is scheduled this Saturday, March 2 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

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[SELECT a handful of those things in your bucket list that have the highest chance of coming to fruition given your time frame. In tech speak, it means before your life’s energy goes into ‘ low batt mode’ and life has run out of sockets to plug into.] The default setting for modern life is to plan a vacation elsewhere, the farther away, the better. Vacations are fine. They are meant to recharge our energy levels so we can come back swinging and getting into the groove of normal life. The problem with an elaborate, all too often expensive vacation, is we come home tired, jetlagged, light in the wallet, a few pounds heavier and needing a vacation from the vacation. Are we idiots or what? So how about learning the art of “staycation?” This is when we decide that our home is the best place to stay put and spend our time away from work, away from stresses and just away from it all: ringing phones; deadlines and production quotas, intrigues, to-do lists and every aggravation known to man. Sure, the mountain of laundry is there, the kitchen, bedrooms and bathrooms need cleaning, the garden needs weeding. But for a “staycation” to recharge your spirit, you may need to turn a blind eye to the screaming demands of your immediate envi-

The Bucket List The Art of “Staycation” 8th of a Series

“When you clear your mechanism and tune out the noise that invades your being, you may come to a rare state of grace — that state when you are thoroughly convinced that God is in His heaven and all is right with the world.” ronment. Just say NO. This time is for you alone. So okay, you are obsessive about a clean home. Just reserve a day or two of your vacation time to sprucing up just the essentials. Don’t go to Home Depot and decide painting the house as your “staycation” project. It doesn’t work that way. The art of doing a proper “staycation” is deciding you just want to give yourself time to JUST BE. You rip and shred your to-do list and find joy in the moment, forgetting the demands of your life, for the time being. So go ahead. Wear your pajamas all day. Turn off or mute the phones. Turn off the TV and mute the music. Vegetate. Order pizza. Let the world turn without your input. If you have a stressful job, you will appreciate a true “staycation” done right. Swing in a hammock and look at the sky and dwell on the wonderful parts of your life as you remember lessons learned over the years mixed with countless moments of overwhelming joy. Edit out the ugly and blot out its

existence, for the time being. Or better yet, think of nothing and take a nap just because you’re sleepy. There will be time enough for all the demands of your life in the next few days. But for the moment, all you want is to do absolutely nothing and JUST BE. There is an upside to a quiet “staycation.” When you clear your mechanism and tune out the noise that invades your being, you may come to a rare state of grace — that state when you are thoroughly convinced that God is in His heaven and all is right with the world. Unplug and be receptive. It is in the stillness that we find who we truly are. It is when we are quiet that we can listen to our thoughts and perhaps, listen to that still small voice that speaks to us. Next week: Another idea to consider for The Bucket List… *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette. maglaya@asianjournalinc.com

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MARCH 1-7, 2019 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

PeoPle & events

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Consuelo Almonte- Shaffer: Defying monumental cessation of her fragmented past

On the PEP Front

People, Events, Places BoBBy T. yalong Allowing the bitter-sweet fragments of the past to flow back freely inevitably creates either abysmal or ecstatic reminiscences. Regardless how profound and significant the recollections may be, there’ll constantly be recurring intense pain left in its afterthought or leaving a quaint smile on one’s lips while eyes are blinded with tears. I opted to focus on Consuelo Almonte-Shaffer’s prolific musings and mounting recollections of her colorful past than concentrate on her varied achievements, which have been widely covered and published. Connie’s personal anecdotes, noteworthy experiences, and the numerous fragments of her not-so-distant past are far more interesting. The quiet atmosphere in Connie’s room was instantaneously broken by our usual tete-a-tete as we tried to pick up the pieces from where we left. Innately bubbly and gregarious, being in confinement was a hell of a curse for her. “My whole life, if to be vividly written, would be a full capacity of hilarious, heartwarming, and sentimental anecdotes,” Connie admits with a grin. On meeting her to-be husband: “It was really odd how we met… of all places, in a doctor’s divorce party in November 1977 in Morris Hills. Unescorted, I was introduced to Mark H. Shaffer, a dashing General Science pedagogue. And that opened opportunities for us to better know each other, and how far a Catholic and a Jew would go.” On marriage “Although I once had a tumultuous relationship that bore me a daughter and Mark had had several affairs, my mom refused to visit us until we were officially married. After a couple of years that we’re

EMPLOYMENT

Beautiful inside and out...Connie Almonte epitomizes a strong-willed Filipina

Let’s drink and be merry... for tomorrow we know not what Consuelo Almonte with her late husband Mark H. Shaffer

Still stunning in her 80s

together, I was caught by surprise when Mark unexpectedly proposed a wedding…and Mom agreed to come. Only the three of us were before a judge. Pictures were taken for keepsake. We had lunch and the traditional breaking of the glass, such momentous event captured on cam. All the excitement and enthusiasm suddenly perished when the camera was empty…I forgot to load the film due to tension and exhilaration. But the good thing was Mark concurred on being married before a priest and in return, I said ‘I do’ before a rabbi.” On practicing their respective religion “Our having different religions was never an issue… he

The mellowed beauty that won Mark’s heart...

takes me to church every Sunday before attending his own religious service. It was always my magnificent obsession to convert Mark to Catholicism but it that might be the root cause of our marital dispute. Until one Sunday I saw Mark enter the church after dropping me off. I felt more elated than surprised. I thanked him later for his gratifying action and to my amazement from what he replied: ‘No I just used the washroom… I could no longer hold it!’ And I almost fainted.” On premonitions “We came home after two weeks of being out-of-town… when I heard Mark convincing his best friend Ivan and girl friend to have dinner with us to

EMPLOYMENT

the extent of saying ‘it might be his last’ just to persuade Ivan. We didn’t have much stock in the freezer but Mark insisted that spaghetti, bread, and wine would be okay. Dinner went well and when it was time for bed, Mark begged off to stay while watching his favorite TV show. I woke up the following day only to find him asleep on the couch. Once awoke, he requested to have lunch in the formal dining room which we seldom use.” On Mark’s final moments “That Monday afternoon Mark was scheduled for his medical check-up which he previously cancelled to give way and attend to my own medical appointment. The usual procedure I was ex-

pecting turned out to be one complicated process since Mark, after his dialysis, suffered from complications and passed away at 3:00 a.m. of July 25, 2017. Hell seemed to break loose and I felt heaven’s weight on me upon receiving the news. Amid the quandary I suddenly remember of his persuasive invitation to Ivan to spend dinner with us…we all failed to decipher the truest essence of Mark’s final words.” The real Maria Consuelo Almonte-Shaffer Connie’s diplomatic career as an Assistant to the Press Minister of the Pakistan Mission to the United Nations for two scores and three had more than firmly encompassed her being self-reliant and strongwilled. A quintessential exponent of a true-blooded Virgo (born September 4) Connie possesses an analytical mind and a virtuously respectable understanding of human nature. She straightforwardly calls a spade a spade… her opinions without sugar coats and false praises and doesn’t allow her emotions directly affect her opinions and decisions. “I just cannot stand to ignore faults. Call me judgmental but my honest opinion is what might straighten thwarted ideas,” she stressed with conviction. “Actually, I enjoyed every bit of my past with minor regrets, foremost of which was that I

SERVICES

never had the chance to make Mark feel how much I loved him and truly appreciate everything he did for me,” Connie candidly confessed tearyeyed and sounding genuinely remorseful. In celebration of Mark’s life and legacy, Connie launched the Mark H. Shaffer Endowed Fund purposely for the continued research and study on nephrology and related diseases at the Lenox Hill Hospital Division of Nephrology. Her ultimate dream: to establish the Philippine Community Center Services for the Aging (PCCSA) and build a dormitory-style facility for seniors where they can socialize and function normally while enjoying the last phase of their lives. “Remember, turning old and grey is one huge privilege others are deprived of,” declared the feisty octogenarian. Sadly, Connie, herself, is currently in bad shape following a massive depression attack from Mark’s untimely passing and from a fall she suffered just recently but life has to go on, although the irony of life continues to impact our comfort zone. And with that, she said, “The gift of life is something we should always be grateful. After performing our duties to God, our brethren, and the community, we enjoy living a well-rewarded life.” For comments and suggestions, please email to: gemini0646@yahoo.com.

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Community Journal

There could still be hope after a denial

appeal the denial to the Administrative Appeals Office (AAO) in Washington DC. Person was ordered deported/removed. Even if a person was ordered deported or removed, there could still be hope. Atty. MichAel For example, were there any proGurfinkel, eSQ cedural defects or irregularities in connection with their hearing? Are there any forms of relief availMANY people believe that once able that were not asserted or not their case is denied, that is the in existence at the time (such as end of the line. No more hope or just married a U.S. citizen for chances. There is nothing more love, U.S. citizen child just turned they can do, and the case is now 21, etc.)? Perhaps the trial attordead. However, depending on the ney will agree to reopen the case reasons for a denial, it could still to allow the person to apply for be possible to salvage the case relief. The case can also be apand get it approved. pealed to the Board of ImmigraThe first thing that should be tion Appeals (BIA) if meritorious done is a thorough and detailed grounds exist and the appeal is analysis as to WHY the case was timely filed. denied. What were These are only the legal and factual bases relied on Although there cannot be any “guarantees” a few examples of where there could by the government of success, if your case was denied, you still be hope after to support that denial? Were the should consider consulting with an attorney, a denial. Although there cannot be proper legal stanwho can evaluate your situation, and any “guarantees” dards and burdens of proof utilized by determine if there is hope in overcoming that of success, if your USCIS or the U.S. denial and assisting in helping you reverse case was denied, you should considEmbassy in supthe denial and your case approved. er consulting with porting the denial? an attorney, who Were there any can evaluate your misunderstandings or miscommunications that cre- reinstatement of his petition. Or situation, and determine if there ated confusion and resulted in a if the beneficiary was in the U.S. is hope in overcoming that dedenial? (For example, the person when the petitioner died and has nial and assisting in helping you was nervous, didn’t understand continued to live here after the reverse the denial and your case a question and gave a wrong an- death of the petitioner, it could approved. *** swer, etc.). Did the person fail to be possible to process the case Michael J. Gurfinkel has been an atfill out the forms correctly or in- without even needing to seek hutorney for over 35 years and is licensed, clude the required documents or manitarian revalidation. information? Case is denied because of and an active member of the State Bars The next thing to evaluate is fraud. If a person commits fraud of California and New York. All immigraWHAT can be done to overcome in connection with seeking or tion services are provided by, or under the denial. Is a waiver available to obtaining an immigration ben- the supervision of, an active member of overcome the denial? Could ad- efit (such as assumed name en- the State Bar of California. Each case is ditional documents or other evi- try, fake or altered documents, different and results may depend on the dence prove eligibility and over- etc.) their case could be denied. facts of the particular case. The informacome the denial? Is it possible to However, if they have a spouse tion and opinions contained herein (inseek reconsideration or reopen- or parent who is a U.S. citizen or cluding testimonials, “Success Stories”, ing of the case? Can or should immigrant, and can demonstrate endorsements and re-enactments) are the case be refiled? Can the case “extreme hardship” on that rela- of a general nature, and are not intended be appealed, and what would be tive, it could be possible to have to apply to any particular case, and do the grounds for appeal? a fraud waiver granted and the not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the There are several reasons a case approved. case could be denied, includFraud waiver was denied. outcome of your legal matter. No ating the following, where it could Sometimes, a person files a fraud torney-client relationship is, or shall be, be possible to get the case ap- waiver, but it is denied because established with any reader. WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com proved: the officer was not satisfied with Follow us on Facebook.com/GurfinChild aged out and therefore the documents or evidence subnot included under a petition. mitted and was not convinced kelLaw and Twitter @GurfinkelLaw Call Toll free to schedule a consultaHowever, it could be possible the the qualifying relative will suffer child could still be eligible under extreme hardship. Sometimes tion for anywhere in the US: 1-866-487-3465 the Child Status Protection Act it’s possible to seek reconsidera(866) – GURFINKEL (CSPA). tion and submit new, additional, Four offices to serve you: Marital petition denied be- and stronger evidence. The perLOS ANGELES ∙ SAN FRANCISCO ∙ NEW cause USCIS thought the mar- son could also consider filing a riage was fixed. If a couple truly new fraud waiver with a better YORK ∙ PHILIPPINES married for love, the petition presentation. Finally, they could (Advertising Supplement)

Immigration Corner

NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • MARCH 1-7, 2019

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should be approved. However, in some cases the couple does not fully document or prove the bona fides of the marriage (they may not have enough joint documents, they live apart because of work, etc.). If they receive a notice of intent to revoke or the case is already denied, it could be possible to better document the case, refile with a far better packaging of the bona fides of the marriage, etc. The denied family petition could also be appealed to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). Petitioner died. Ordinarily, if the petitioner dies, the petition dies with him. However, in certain circumstances, the beneficiary may be eligible to apply for humanitarian revalidation or

FRAUD WAIVER DENIAL TURNED AROUND TO APPROVAL WITH NO FRAUD WAIVER REQUIRED, ON THIS SUNDAY’S “CITIZEN PINOY!” Wilma entered the U.S. on a C-1 “transit” visa, on her way to work in Guantanamo, Cuba. She remained in the U.S., married a U.S. citizen, and filed for adjustment of status. A “consultant” gave her hope and said he would take care of Wilma’s papers. Unfortunately, the consultant altered Wilma’s documents and put down false information (that she entered on a visitor’s visa), to cover up that she actually entered on a C-1 transit visa. Her case ended up being denied because of fraud! Wilma then consulted with the Law Offices of Michael Gurfinkel, who took over the case, and filed an appeal with the Administrative Appeals Office (AAO) in Washington, DC. Atty Gurfinkel convinced them that Wilma committed no fraud, and was eligible for a green card, despite her entry on a transit visa. Watch how Atty. Gurfinkel’s determination won the day for Wilma, when her name was cleared, and she got her green card with no fraud waiver required, on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” – on Sunday at 6:15 p.m. (PST) on TFC. (Advertising Supplement)

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1-7, 2019 NEW•YORK AND NEW ASIANASIAN JOURNAL JANUARY 4-10, •2019 NEW YORK ANDJERSEY NEW JERSEY JOURNAL A14 14 MARCH

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people events arts culture entertainment

Likha: Celebrating Filipino Creativity & Craftsmanship “

W

BY

MOMAR G. VISAYA / AJPRESS

e have to let the world know that we make beautiful and extraordinary products,” exclaimed Nathalie Lim when I asked her about her company Likha, which made its debut at last summer’s NY NOW, the premier retail market trade show in the United States. Headquartered in California, Lim and her husband Patrick started the company last year. Call it beginner’s luck: Likha won as Best New Product (Handmade Global Design) for Hector, the Hedgehog, an ecofriendly and upcycled planter, one of the many artisan products they showcased for the trade show. Likha offers a variety of products from home décor to fashion accessories crafted from natural, eco-friendly materials including natural straw and plant fiber, coco coir, sustainablysourced shells, and recycled wood. Some of these items are often repurposed by-products of the food/agricultural sector. The couple travels to the Philippines once or twice a year to meet with partners for sourcing and look for communities who make the products. Currently, they are working with seven different artisan groups from Bulacan to Iloilo to Cebu, each with craft specific to culture, methods, and materials native to their region. In order to make it, Lim noticed that the products should have that delicate mix of blending centuries-old tradition with modern aesthetic, which is why their products created by the artisans are hand-made and they are rooted deeply within Filipino tradition, yet their looks are sometimes contemporary, sometimes

Patrick and Nathalie Lim

whimsy. “We try to infuse that minimalist, modern look on our products but are done in a traditional manner,” Lim revealed. At the NY NOW show, they brought in more than 50 items, including planters, mother-ofpearl coasters, wooden jewelry, hand-woven palm clutches and tabletops. “Every single product that we offer comes from the Philippines and these are sustainably-sourced, ethically-made pieces,” Lim said. “The goal is to uplift the lives of our artisans who painstakingly make our products by hand and develop their confidence and sense of selfworth.” “We’ve been getting some good response so far, from art museums, high-end furniture shops and possible vendors and I think we’re targeting the right market,” she added. Likha has created partnerships with an array of artisans, from large NGOs, which are already fair-trade organizations to farming communities, small family workshops and women groups, just making sure that the products feature a blend of intricate traditional techniques and modern design. The products depend on the maturity level of

AJPress Photos by Momar G. Visaya

the community in terms of design skills. Sometimes they provide their own specific designs and sometimes, they rely on what the artisans come up with. “We stand on the pillars of design, tradition, and inclusion,” she explained. “And as a social enterprise, we work with communities in the Philippines to bring these beautifully handcrafted pieces into the US market.” Nathalie and her husband Patrick both used to work in banking and finance. She used to work for Standard Chartered Bank in the Philippines, then left to pursue her masters in international development in the UK. “I have always been passionate about helping the local communities and that’s why we’re trying to come up with a sustainable social impact model where we can reinvest part of the profits back into the community,” Lim said. This reinvestment may come in the form of training, education and financial literacy for the artisans and workers. “It’s still a long way to go but we’re getting there,” Lim quipped. Likha has also partnered with with almost 50 retailers across the United States, Australia, and Japan, have participated in heavily curated craft shows such as the Renegade Craft Fair, and have collaborated with brands such as West Elm, Pottery Barn, Williams Sonoma and Anthropologie in California to make sure that their products are out there. Coco coir Among Likha’s products are planters made of sustainablysourced coco coir, the fiber from the outer husk of the coconut and is often used for making ropes and matting. These planters come in a variety of designs including dachshund, corgi, hedgehog, pig, whale, hippo, sheep, bunny, frog, owl, pig, bear, dog and cat. Each planter is crafted by hand using biodegradable, renewable and ecofriendly coconut fiber. An agricultural byproduct of the area’s coconut trade, coco coir turns out to be amazing for plants since it is durable, rot-resistant, and lightweight, and it lets air in and retains just the right amount of moisture. In a blog post on their website, Nathalie shared that they had the privilege of meeting the fair trade community that makes the coco coir planters when they visited the Philippines and they were amazed. “As we watched the weavers expertly winding and wrapping the coir in swift, smooth motions, one thing was missing: there were no molds or templates. They were doing it all from memory!” Lim recalled. “Like children watching a master sculptor we stood in awe as they turned twig wireframe basket into amorphous brown ball and gradually into hedgehog or pig or sheep. Between that and

NY NOW named Likha’s hedgehog planter as Best Product (Handmade Global Design).

listening to their enriching stories about farm life, respect for nature, and family, it was surreal.” What does this mean to the buyer? Since these planters are individually crafted by artisans without the use of molds, and are entirely produced from memory, no two planters will be exactly identical to one another. The collection of planters includes various animals with matching monikers to grant each of them their own unique and individual flair. There’s Benji the Tiny Bear, Carlo the Corgi, Dara the Dachshund and Olivia the Owl joining the OG, award winning Hector the Hedgehog. Likha also unveiled new designs, which include Valena the Blue Whale, Blanca the Bunny, Hugo the Hippo, Figaro the Frog, and smaller versions of some of the classic designs. These planters come in different sizes, and they can fit a variety of different plants such as succulents, bulbs, air plants, ferns, flowers, more. When you buy from LIKHA, you

support Philippine artisans and their families. Our goal is to provide sustainable jobs for communities in the Philippines through the purchase of their handcrafted goods. When our partner artisans make their own income, they spend it on their children’s education and healthier food for

their families. Everyday we are motivated to support the people we work with. “Our makers are spread across the country. We aim to provide more than just livelihood - through our partnership with local artisans, we hope to help uplift their status, and uphold their dignity,” Lim concluded.

Patrick and Nathalie brought in more than 50 items to showcase at NY NOW, including planters, mother-of- pearl coasters, wooden jewelry, hand-woven palm clutches and tabletops.

TNT Boys proceeds to next round of ‘The World’s Best’ By KRISSY

AGUILAR Inquirer.net

Young singing trio TNT Boys proceeds to the next round of the U.S. talent show “The World’s Best” thanks to their powerful performance of “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” from the musical “Dreamgirls.” Kiefer Sanchez, Mackie Empuerto and Francis Concepcion once again wowed

the audiences and judges with their impressive rendition of the song, as seen in a video uploaded by “The World’s Best’s” Youtube channel on Thursday, February 28. “I already love them. I couldn’t think I could love them anymore. But my goodness, every note, pitch perfect. You boys are fabulous,” judge RuPaul said. “I think you’re the

embodiment of what this show is about. It is an all-ages party and everyone’s invited,” judge Drew Barrymore said. Faith Hill, on the other hand, said she feels lucky to be witnessing the trio’s performance: “You have the kind of confidence that allows the audience to relax and enjoy your performance. I just feel like the luckiest person in the world because I can sit here and

witness this.” After all the performance, the trio received a total score of 97 points from the American judges and the international panel comprising the “Wall of the World,” sending them to the next round of the talent show. The TNT Boys first wowed the talent show with their rendition of Beyoncé’s “Listen” where they got a score of 99 from all the judges.

Kiefer Sanchez, Mackie Empuerto and Francis Concepcion once again wowed the audiences and judges with their impressive rendition of “And I Am Telling You”. Photo screen grabbed from Youtube/@the World’s Best

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EntErtainmEnt

NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • MARCH 1-7, 2019

Gerald Anderson reacts to Bea Alonzo’s self-love post

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By Deni Rose M. AfiniDAD-BeRnARDo Philstar.com

ACTOR Gerald Anderson is now more comfortable to go public on his relationship with actress Bea Alonzo. In an interview with Philstar. com following the launch of a shoe brand he endorses, Gerald disclosed that he and Bea have never tried to hide their relationship. “Always naman. Lagi naman kaming public, pero hindi lang katulad ng ibang tao na sobrang lahat nasa publiko na o lahat sinasabi na. It’s okay to be public but always have ‘yung konting privacy, parang sa inyo lang.” Likewise, he said he is not strict with Bea when it comes to wearing something sexy, like a bikini, in public. “If you have it, flaunt it! As long as kumportable ka. Basta masaya ka.” Thus, the actor is happy about his lady love’s recent post on self-love. “Ganda, ganda! And totoo naman ‘yun, ‘wag tayo masyadong ma-pressure, magpapadala sa image na binibigay sa’tin ng tao, ‘yung kung anong maganda para sa paningin nila. Just be yourself, and I think ‘yun lang naman ‘yung pinaka-quote n’ya sa post n’ya,” said Gerald. In the post, the actress confessed she used to be apprehensive to show pictures of her in a bikini for fear of being body-shamed. Would Gerald like to see more of Bea’s bikini photos? “Ba’t naman hindi? Sobrang ganda n’ya. But again, hindi naman ‘yan ang ibig sabihin ng post na ‘yan. ‘Yung post is to

Iñigo Pascual’s hit ‘Dahil Sa ‘Yo’ continues to make waves in the music scene. Photo from Instagram/@inigopascual

Gerald Anderson with Bea Alonzo

encourage other people na ‘wag masyadong magpadala sa mga sinasabi ng ibang tao.” Last Valentine’s, he and Bea marked the occasion with an “intimate” celebration just around the city. When on a date with Bea, he makes sure to wear something comfortable. “Depende kung san kami pupunta. Kung medyo relaxed na date, pwedeng T-shirt lang, chill lang. Short sleeves na polo shirt tapos Skechers na shoes,” he enthused. “Namimigay ako ng gifts din depende sa dahilan or sa panahon. But I think ‘yung expressing love is everyday ‘yun eh. It’s about being there for the person and always being someone na strong

Photo from Instagram/@andersongeraldjr

for that person.” Will wedding bells ring for them soon? “Wala pa naman. Still mahabang ano pa…” assured Gerald. Similarly, the pair still has not made summer plans as Gerald is focused on building his gym near ABS-CBN. “It’s part of my lifestyle… Sa gym ako nagdede-stress… Ever since sa career ko, ‘yun ‘yung therapy ko,” the former “Pinoy Big Brother” housemate explained on why he decided to open a gym. Despite being busy, Gerald still finds time to workout every day, because like in love, he believes in giving time to things that matter most.

Kris Aquino brings up Phillip Salvador’s affair with Rosanna Roces By Deni Rose M. AfiniDAD-BeRnARDo Philstar.com

IN a Facebook live video on Wednesday night, Kris Aquino not only shared her dismay over the skit her former partner Phillip Salvador made with senatorial candidate Christopher “Bong” Go, but also recalled her relationship with the actor. “Sa bawat pagkakataon, meron talagang may mga storya na hindi mo gugustuhin na buklatin pa kasi akala mo parte na ‘yan ng nakaraan mo,” Kris said. Besides the skit that mentioned Kris during political rallies, the actress brought up Phillip’s shortcomings in the video. She said she was 23 years old when she began her relationship with the actor. “How many times did I hear, ‘Nakaisa si Ipe. S’yang naka-una kay Kris.’ Yes, totoo ‘yun. I was a virgin and I got pregnant. And I left my family. I chose him,” she narrated. During her time with Phillip or Ipe, she said she “turned a blind eye” to his alleged gambling and the nights he would not go home right away after a taping. “It was very hurtful kasi sinabihan ako ng mom eh: ‘Don’t you realize, kay Phillip Salvador,

dressing room in ABS-CBN. “Kinalimutan mo na si Josh because I’ve done a good job in raising him. Pero mali na ginagawa mong biro ang anak ko.” Kris was enraged after Phillip and Go mentioned Kris in their punch lines that said Phillip fooled Kris. “Gusto ko lang sabihin na sana naisip lang ninyo na in the midst of your campaign, there is a 23year-old boy that is special. Who is autistic. Who watches you. And I Kris Aquino am directing this message to Phillip Photo from Instagram/@krisaquino Salvador.” you’re only a trophy?’” Kris Kris said Josh does not deserve remembered her mother, the late to be the topic of a joke because he Pres. Corazon Aquino, as saying. had done nothing to hurt anyone. She also disclosed that Phillip “I deserve that, I made the allegedly had an affair with former mistake of falling for you. I made sexy star Rosanna Roces. the mistake of loving you. You “Sampal din sa mukha ko nung did not love me. Because had dinitalye ni Rosanna Roces ‘yung you loved me, 20 years after hindi affair nila habang kami pa magako magiging biro, sa isang skit, sa asawa.” bawat entabladong inaakyat mo.” Kris, however, took the blame Like what she said in her for choosing “the wrong man to Instagram post on Thursday, she love.” hopes those also deeply hurt by “But again, that’s my fault. failed relationships would have Sumama ako sa isang lalaki na hindi “time to heal.” pa annulled.” “I hope na ‘yung mga babae She clarified that she made na iniwan at pinabayaan sana the statement not for her, but for makabangon sila at magkaron sila her son Joshua or Josh, who last ng trabaho para hindi mapabayaan saw his father Phillip in 2012 in a mga anak nila.”

Karla Estrada reveals long-distance relationship with non-showbiz BF By kAtRinA HAllARe Inquirer.net

KARLA Estrada is happy with her love life despite the distance that keeps her and her boyfriend apart. The singer and television host opened up on her seven-year relationship with her non-showbiz boyfriend in a “Tonight with Boy Abunda” interview aired on Tuesday night, Feb. 26. Estrada is currently seeing Mark Yatco, who she introduced in a 2014 episode of the now-defunct morning show “Kris TV.” When talk-show host Boy Abunda brought up that Estrada does not believe in the concept of long-distance relationships, she admitted: “Ngayon nangyayari [sa relationship namin], pinapabayaan ko na muna ng ganun (We currently have that type of relationship, I just leave it at that for now).” She revealed that her boyfriend flew to the United States to care for his two children. “So I said, ‘Okay, okay.’ Kasi di ko kaya eh, pagdating sa mga anak, talagang give up ko talaga. Talaga ako’y isang ina.” (So I said, “Okay, okay.” Because

Karla Estrada

I can’t handle it. When it comes to children, I can give up everything. I really am a mother.) Abunda then asked what their real status is, to which Estrada jokingly replied: “In a relationship, but it’s complicated.” She added that they have talked out the possibility of meeting someone new while they are apart. “If may ma-meet

Photo from Instagram/@karlaestrada1121

ka dyan or may ma-meet ako, just tell me and ayusin natin kung saan tayo masaya,” Estrada said. (If you meet someone new there or I meet someone new here, just tell me and let’s find out who we’re happy with.) Estrada stars in the new comedy movie “Familia Blondina,” which is currently running in theaters.

Newly married Moira dela Torre soars in singing her love songs. Photo from Instagram/@moirarachelle

Iñigo Pascual, Moira dela Torre share thoughts on positive music By nikA

Roque ManilaTimes.net

IÑIGO Pascual and Moira dela Torre made sure that their audience left with a lot more love in their hearts when they performed their sweet love songs at a recent Valentine concert. Because they mostly sang ballads, said artists would probably spend every Valentine’s Day working but they promised, they will balance it our with time for their loved ones. Pascual shared that February 14 is actually his lola’s death anniversary so it became a family tradition to celebrate that more than anything. “I haven’t had any Valentine’s Day na sobrang romantic, wala pa sa point na yun. Pero para sa akin, if someone is special, it shouldn’t be just one day. I want to make them feel loved and I’d rather do it everyday rather than just one day of the year,” he said. True to his sentiments, Pascual is honored that his hit song “Dahil Sa’Yo,” continues to be used to express different kinds of love.

“I made Dahil Sa‘Yo with the one thought to make a positive song where I could thank those around me, but I never thought that it could have different meanings,” he shared. “Some have used it for worship and I also had a fan that was battling leukemia and it was kind of a fight song for her.” For Pascual, the simplest of gestures from others mean the most. “Dedicating and writing a song for someone special comes from the heart and its genuine emotion. If I’m not able to express myself through my actions or my words, that’s how I do it. “So, ako rin, I appreciate when a girl writes a song for me or would sing for me. Sa akin, the simpler the sweeter. It doesn’t have to be something grand. Kinikilig ako when a girl leaves me a sweet message.” Surprise! Dela Torre joined December Avenue for a surprise performance of their hit song “Kung ‘Di Rin Lang Ikaw,” during the concert. As always, the impromptu number

garnered kilig and hugot feels from the audience. Moreover, it was a rare moment for the musicians as they have rarely performed the song live together. At the time of the interview, Dela Torre who recently married her best friend, guitarist Jason Hernandez, said they are so happy to share their lives together. It was on Valentine’s Day, in fact, when the couple’s longawaited wedding video was released online, making their love story go viral anew. No strangers to showing their affection in public, they said that their ongoing love story is their main inspiration in songwriting. “He drove to Olongapo to ask permission from my dad if he could court me, and then he went all the way to the States to ask my other dad if he could marry me,” recalled dela Torre. “I’ve surprised him and given him gifts but I think the little things like respecting and honoring him are the best because sometimes your emotions get the best of you,” the “Tagpuan” singer ended.

How Jodi Sta. Maria successfully juggles career, school and family By MARinel

R. CRuz

Inquirer.net

I AM happy where I am right now. I’m content with what the Lord has given me. I’m in no position to grumble or to complain. I’m just thankful.” Thus said Jodi Sta. Maria when reporters asked the actress if she had learned to temporarily set aside matters of the heart, now that her schedule was packed with work, school and travel. Jodi’s ex-boyfriend, actor and Cavite Vice Gov. Jolo Revilla, has apparently moved on, seven months after he announced their breakup. On Valentine’s Day, Jolo posted on his Instagram account a romantic message for Binibining Pilipinas 2016 first runner-up Angelica Recto Alita, much to the surprise of his followers. “I consider my family a blessing, so are my friends and coworkers, as well as my bosses who continuously give me the opportunity to work,” said Jodi, refusing to elaborate. Jodi is currently taking up BS Psychology as her premed degree. “I blocked off my schedule for school every Tuesday. I stay there from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The rest of the week is family time and work,” she told reporters during the media gathering for her latest film, the Jet Leyco horror-thriller “Second Coming,” produced by Reality Entertainment. “I want to pursue and finish studies not just because I want a degree. It’s really to be able to put into practice all the tools, skills and knowledge that I will get from studying psychology,” Jodi pointed out. “There are a lot of hurting, broken people right now. One way for me to serve them is to put to good use what I’ve learned.” Asked whether she could also use what she learned from psychology on herself, the actress replied: “In a way, it makes you understand and know yourself better. You now have a clear view of why you are like this, or why you react that way. There are theories supporting why we have the kind of personality that we have.” She added, “When it comes to other people, since you already

Jodi Sta. Maria

have that kind of understanding, you tend to be more kind and compassionate.” She further said: “This is one way for me to influence and inspire people. Oftentimes, we don’t know who among the people we communicate with actually need help and immediate attention. With the response I’ve been getting (via social media), I realized that there are indeed a lot of people who need encouragement and recognition.” Only recently, Jodi announced that she topped her class with a GPA of 3.670. “It’s not easy to juggle work and school along with my other personal activities—like being a mom to Thirdy—but I’m glad that I’m able to pull this off. With everything that’s happening in my life, I can’t say that I’ve achieved this on my own. God was always with me.” This 2019, aside from “Second Coming,” Jodi is also busy with her teleserye, titled “Mea Culpa” and another horror-thriller flick called “Clarita” for Black Sheep Films.

Photo from Instagram/@jodistamaria

For Jodi, who is more identified with romantic comedy films, doing horror was fun. “At least I get to show a different side of myself. I welcome challenges when it comes to my career. I think it’s also good that people see you in different projects, that you are not stereotyped to just one genre. It’s also an avenue for you to show people what you can do.” “Second Coming,” which also features Marvin Agustin, Queenie Lehman and child actress Angelica Ulip, opens today in cinemas nationwide. “I’ve never had any encounters with ghosts, but I also have my fears—like the fear of spiders. I tried to conquer arachnophobia by attempting to touch a tarantula (during a trip to Sweden),” Jodi shared with reporters. “Another is swimming in the cold at night (in the Baltic Sea). Sometimes, your mind messes with you and you think of what you could possibly encounter while you’re submerged in dark waters.”

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MARCH 1-7, 2019 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (212) 655-5426

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