030619 - Southern California Midweek Edition

March 6-8, 2019 Volume 29 - No. 17 • 2 Sections - 20 Pages

USA

DATELINE Gov. Newsom signs longdiscussed charter school transparency legislation FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

ALONGSIDE representatives from the California Charter School Association, California Teachers Association, California School Employees Association, California Federation of Teachers and SEIU California, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 126 on Tuesday, March 5, a historic legislation requiring all schools that receive taxpayer funding to follow the same standards for accountability and transparency.

“It’s common sense. Taxpayers, parents and ultimately kids deserve to know how schools are using their tax dollars,” said Governor Newsom. “This isn’t the end of a conversation but a beginning. Let’s use this momentum to move forward together, constructively and in partnership, to improve education for children across California. I thank the leaders on both sides of this issue for coming together to help get this bill across the finish line.”

SB 126 requires charter schools and charter management organizations to adhere to public records and open meeting laws such as the Brown or Bagley Keene Acts, Public Records

Duterte: Law & order, eradicating corruption keys to prosperity

by ROEL

PARENO Philstar.com

EVEN if a president is given five successive 10year terms in office, the Philippines cannot hope to achieve prosperity if problems on law and order and corruption in government persist.

Speaking during the first leg of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Laban ng Bayan (PDP-Laban)

grand rally for Mindanao late Sunday night, March 3, President Rodrigo Duterte aired the sentiment and warned that Filipinos would need to look seriously into those concerns.

“One, if we do not have law and order for the entire country, and second, if we cannot stop corruption in government, I will tell and I will guarantee that this country can never hope to rise. Even if you give a president five 10-year terms it will al-

ways be the same for as long as we have trouble in this country and we are into the criminal war,” he said.

Duterte, who endorsed the PDP-Laban senatorial slate and the administration guest candidates as well as local bets led by mayoralty aspirant Celso Lobregat, also apologized for arriving late at the city’s Vitaliano Agan coliseum, saying he took the

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4 out of 5 Filipinos worried about extrajudicial killings

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

A SURVEY released on Friday, March 1, revealed that 78 percent or almost 4 out of 5 Filipinos are worried that they, or someone they know, will be a victim of extrajudicial killings (EJKs) in the midst of the current administration’s war against illegal drugs.

The survey, which was conducted by polling firm Social Weather Stations (SWS) from December 16 to 19, 2018, noted the increase in number from the June u PAGE A3 2017 survey which showed 73 percent of Filipinos worried about EJKs. According to the December 2018 survey, anxiety over EJKs was highest in Visayas (83 percent). It was followed by Metro Manila (79 percent), Mindanao (78 percent), and Balance Luzon (75 percent).

The survey also revealed that the country is torn on who are the targets of the EJKs. Fifty percent said only the poor are victimized, while 48 percent said the Trump likely to veto the resolution problem does not choose a class. The remaining three FOLLOWING Senator Rand Paul’s an- percent answered only the rich are victimized. nouncements over the weekend that he inu PAGE A4 tended to support a resolution to block President Donald Trump’s national emergency declaration, Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell on Monday, March 4 confirmed that there were enough votes in the Senate for the resolution to pass.

If the resolution were to pass, Trump would be forced to veto the resolution that would otherwise prevent him from accessing approximately $8 billion for border wall construction.

“I think what is clear in the Senate is there will be enough votes to pass the resolution of disapproval which will then be vetoed by the president and then all likelihood the veto will be upheld in the House,” McConnell said at a Monday press conference in Washington, D.C. Adding that it was unclear whether the resolution could be amended by the Senate

Senate expected to pass resolution blocking Trump’s national emergency

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Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon and Senate President Vicente Sotto III

NEWLY-APPOINTED BSP GOVERNOR. President Rodrigo Duterte shakes hands with newly-appointed Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno on the sidelines of the 35th Cabinet Meeting at the Malacañan Palace on Monday, March 4. Diokno succeeds the late Nestor A. Espenilla Jr. who died last February 23 after battling cancer. See story on page A5.

Malacañang photo by Richard Madelo

Lawmakers reject narco-list release

by NATHALIE

ROBLES

AJPress

More lawmakers on Monday, March 4, expressed their disapproval on Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año’s plan to publish President Rodrigo Duterte’s list of narco-politicians.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III said that the DILG must just directly contact the politicians on the list and place them under investigation instead of disclosing their identities to the public since “the media will surely pick it up and it will then have a basis for their exposure.”

Senate Minority Leader Franklin DrilPhilstar.com photos

on warned the interior secretary on possible criminal and administrative suits.

As for the senator, “the DILG should just file cases against these candidates.”

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian explained that the narco-list will do no good as much as an impeachment charge would.

He proposed that such convictions must be done in courts.

“Shaming them can only do so much.

They have the money and local relationships that will ensure their victory. The best strategy is to remove them [from their present positions] legally through the proper courts,” Gatchalian said as

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Duterte insists on PH name Measles cases surge in PH as health change, drops Maharlika experts urge people to get vaccinated

by AJPRESS PHILIPPINE President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday, March 3, insisted on changing the name of the country but seems to have dropped his suggestion to rename it Maharlika.

“Kaya sabi ng mga ano na papalitan ko, gusto kong palitan balang araw (That’s why I said I want to change it someday),” the president said as reported by The Philippine Star.

The chief executive once again expressed his intent to change the Philippines’ name during a groundbreaking ceremony of a gymnasium in Isabela City, Basilan.

“No particular name yet but sure, I would like to change the name of the Philippines because the Philippines is named after King Philip,” Duterte added.

Duterte reiterated that the country and its people were stuck with the name since the Spaniards colonized the country in 1521. They named the country after King Philip II who funded the expedition of Ferdinand Magellan that led him to discover the Philippines.

The president first mentioned his plan to change the country’s name last Monday, February 11 in Bulan town of Maguindanao where he distributed land titles

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by

RAE ANN VARONA AJPress

THE number of measles cases in the Philippines has skyrocketed within the first two months of this year according to health experts and government officials.

As of Saturday, March 2, the Philippine Department of Health (DOH) reported 16,349 measles cases and 261 resulting deaths since the beginning of this year.

Most measles cases came from Calabarzon with 3,877 cases and 78 deaths, followed by the National Capital Region with 3,617 cases and 76 deaths.

In a report released Friday, March 1, UNICEF warned that measles around the world were

surging to “alarmingly high levels,” with ten countries—including the Philippines—accounting for the majority of the total increase.

Outbreaks were also reported for several countries previously declared measles free.

Despite measles being highly preventable, 98 countries saw an increase in measles cases in 2018 compared to 2017, according to the report. The top three countries with the highest increases between 2017 and 2018 were Ukraine (30,338), the Philippines (13,192), and Brazil (10,262).

Though UNICEF’s own data differed from that collected by

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Children with measles are confined at San Lazaro Hospital in Manila.

Inquirer.net photo

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From the Front Page

Lawmakers reject narco-list...

PAGE A1 reported by The Philippine Daily Inquirer.

Senatorial candidate Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III maintained that “they are all presumed innocent until proven guilty.” He reiterated that the government must be “convinced, by evidence of their involvement in the narcotics trade.”

“If the government has included them in a list, then it is [the] government’s duty now to file charges against them using the evidence which made them land [on] the said list,” Pimentel said as reported by The Philippine Daily Inquirer.

Akbayan Representative Tom Villarin labeled it a “virtual death warrant” for politicians

opposed to the administration as he called it a “gross violation of human rights.”

“The list is a virtual death warrant for politicians and their families who will not only be publicly humiliated but [also become targets] for political killings by death squads,” Villarin said in a statement.

Palace to narco-politicians: Go to the courts Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo insisted that they will release the list anytime before next week as he emphasized that the list of the DILG and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) will aid the voters this upcoming election.

“The idea of presenting a list by the DILG and PDEA is to tell the electorate the kind of candidates that they will choose from and I think it will help them,” Panelo said as reported by The Philippine Star.

“Now the fear that it may destroy the presumption of innocence, to my mind there is a judicial remedy for that: if you feel that you’ve been libeled, you can always go to the courts,” the spokesperson added.

The presidential legal counsel also said that this will give those people in the list the opportunity to redeem themselves and prove to the people that they really are innocent.

“Me, as a lawyer, I prefer that you release the name of my client so I can immediately respond to it, so I can clear his name if he is innocent and at the same time, sue you,” Panelo said.

“From the point of view of the voters, it will also be unfair if you do not tell them exactly your investigation relative to those involved in the drug industry. And if they are elected and then suddenly their place is contaminated with drugs, they will blame the government,” he added.

Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Spokesperson James Jimenez reminded the public that the said list would not guarantee a disqualification since it is not yet a final conviction. However, it is “negative campaigning” that might prevent them from acquiring a position. n

FACES OF PANABENGA. Senior high school students take part in the street dancing competition during the 24th Panagbenga Festival in Baguio City.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Thom Picaña

Duterte: Law & order eradicating...

PAGE A1 time to listen to a briefing by the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom).

“Now, I was late and I ask for your apology. But summarizing, I was looking for what will really give peace to Filipinos,” he added.

The president also talked for more than two hours about his war on drugs, corruption in government and abuses by some priests. His speech ended at about 2 a.m. Monday, March 4.

He said the country had al-

ready been forewarned by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, as early as the Ramos administration, to be careful as the Philippines is moving slowly towards a narco state just like Mexico and Medellin in Colombia.

Duterte described countries affected by illegal drugs as “vague” or those that have a semblance of government and an army being controlled and run downstream by drug cartels.

“I have a problem because these eight million Filipinos are

addicted to a deadly drug called shabu which will shrink your brain and render you inutile and, at the end, it will be just like Alzheimer,” he stressed as he appealed to all local government units to do something to stop the drug menace.

He pointed out that this has to be addressed or the country would risk having millions of Filipinos addicted to the drug and are likely to commit crimes when they run out of money to buy the drug or when under its influence. n

Duterte insists on PH name change...

PAGE A1 to Agrarian reform beneficiaries.

He affirmed that former president Ferdinand Marcos was right to propose “Maharlika.”

“Actually, tama si Marcos. Panahon ni Marcos, tama talaga si Marcos. Gusto niya palitan (ng) Maharlika the Republic of Maharlika. Gusto niya palitan it means, more of concept of serenity and peace (Actually, Marcos was right. He wanted to change it to the Republic of Maharlika. He wanted to change it for the concept of serenity and peace),” he said.

“We can’t do anything any-

more. Philippines because it was discovered by Magellan using the money of King Philip.

Kaya pagdating ng ulol ginawang Philippines. Pero okay na ‘yan, balang araw palitan natin (When they arrived here they named it Philippines. But it’s okay, we can change it someday),” he added.

Former senator Eddie Ilarde filed a bill that aimed to rename the country to Maharlika in 1978.

He emphasized that such word contains the term maha which means noble and likha which means create.

However, some critics frowned

upon Duterte’s plan noting that he must put emphasis on more important issues. Others criticized the suggestion stating that Maharlika literally means big phallus.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo reminded that changing the name of the Philippines would need a law and a referendum.

“The Constitution provides that Congress may enact a law that can change the name of the country and submit it to the people for a referendum. It’s more on asserting our national identity,” Panelo said. n

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Dateline USa

Duterte welcomes US guarantee to protect PH if attacked in South China Sea

by Alexis

RomeRo Philstar.com

President rodrigo duterte hailed the United states’ assurance that it would defend the Philippines from attacks but expressed qualms about the processes that require the approval of American lawmakers.

U.s. state secretary Mike Pompeo assured Philippine officials that Washington would protect Manila if its forces are attacked in the disputed West Philippine sea (south China sea).

Pompeo, who met with duterte in Manila last week, noted that an armed attack on Philippine forces, aircraft or public vessels in the West Philippine sea would trigger obligations under the Mutual defense treaty.

“America said, “We will protect you. We will — your backs are covered i’m sure. i said, it’s okay,” duterte said during a campaign sortie of the Partido demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan last sunday, March 3, in Zamboanga City.

“But the problem here is they would invoke the (Mutual defense treaty) which was entered into by us, by our ancestors... But in America, it has to pass through Congress. Any declaration of war will pass Congress. You know how b***s*** America’s Congress is,” he added.

President Rodrigo Duterte and United States Secretary of State Michael Pompeo pose for posterity during their meeting at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City on Thursday, February 28.

Presidential photo by Simeon Celi Jr.

duterte noted that U.s. President donald trump is facing a budget stalemate because of a disagreement with lawmakers. “they still do not have a budget. i almost experienced that. But our congressmen’s approval of the budget was timely,” he said.

“We were nearing the same situation as with America. they do not have a budget... We gave similarities. America crafted our constitution,” he added. the U.s. government was forced to shut down because of disagreements over trump’s appeal for funding of a wall along the

U.s.-Mexico border to prevent the entry of illegal immigrants. in a related development, Malacañang said it has to verify reports that Chinese ships drove away Filipino fishermen from sand bards near Pag-asa island in the West Philippine sea. if proven, such action by Chinese vessels are “certainly” not correct, presidential spokesman salvador Panelo said.

“Our fishermen have been fishing there. so...nobody has the right to drive our fishermen away.

But we’ll have to validate that,” he added. n

Gov. Newsom signs long-discussed charter...

PAGE A1 Act, conflict of interest provisions and the Political reform Act, just as public school districts do. it will take effect January 1, 2020.

“For far too long, charter schools in California have been held to lower accountability and transparency standards than traditional public schools,” said senator Connie M. Leyva (dChino), one of the bill’s authors.

“By codifying the Attorney General’s recent advisory opinion related to charter schools, sB 126 will ensure that all publicly funded schools—including charter schools—guarantee fair and open access to information. this measure also empowers parents to keep school leaders responsive and accountable. i thank Governor newsom for his signature of sB 126 today, as well as his continued leadership in supporting public education in California. sB 126 is a historic win for students,

parents, schools and communities.” “sB 126 is a good government bill that will ensure that schools are learning centers, not profit centers,” said Assemblymember Patrick O’donnell (d-Long Beach), co-author of the bill.

“With the enactment of this bill, there will be no doubt that transparency requirements and common ethical practices apply to all public dollars that go to public schools. i thank the Governor for taking leadership on this bill and look forward to working with him on additional charter reform leading to student success and taxpayer accountability.”

“For nearly a decade, CCsA has worked to secure a balanced and comprehensive resolution to this longstanding debate,” said California Charter schools Association President and CeO Myrna Castrejón. “Governor newsom’s leadership made all the differ-

ence here. We are grateful for Governor newsom’s leadership and we know that he will continue to bring the same skills and commitment to bear to unite all stakeholders behind a bold vision that embraces accountability and transparency for all public schools.”

“On behalf of California‘s students, we thank Governor newsom and the legislature for ensuring there is transparency and accountability in all California charter schools. Fixing these laws will put us on the right path to making sure all schools are held to the same standards for the sake of our students,” said California teachers Association President eric Heins. “this is and has always been about kids, not profits, and we’re glad this bill gets us closer to ending the waste, fraud and abuse that has taken millions in much-needed funding and resources from our students.” n

SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL • MARCh 6-8, 2019

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Dateline USa

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Trump administration unveils plan for historic investment in America’s students through Education Freedom Scholarships

FREE MEDICINE. A senior citizen gets her medicine during a free medical consultation and services program held at the Dapitan Sports Complex.

The event which drew more than a thousand residents was sponsored by the Philippine-Chinese Charitable Association Inc., which owns and o p e ra t e s C h i n e s e General Hospital and Medical Center.

PNA photo

by Ben Briones

WASHINGTON — On Thursday, February 28, U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, along with U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) and U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne (RAL), unveiled Education Freedom Scholarships (EFS), the Trump Administration’s key proposal to expand and improve the education options available to students across the country. The policy will make a historic investment in America’s students, injecting up to $5 billion yearly into locally controlled scholarship programs that empower students to choose the learning environment and the Executive Director role. “NaF- style that best meets their unique FAA is excited to begin the search needs. The policy would not rely for our next Executive Director, on any funds currently allocated and we believe the perfect steward to public education, nor would it for our organization is out there,” create a new federal education said NaFFAA Director of Human program. Participation would be Capital Ryan Namata. “We are voluntary for students, schools, looking for a leader who can build and states.

“I believe every student in upon NaFFAA’s rich two decade history of Filipino American ad- America deserves the opportuvocacy, and lead us into 2020 and nity to pursue the education that beyond with an ambitious and in- best meets his or her needs,” novative vision that will help NaF- said DeVos. “No student should feel stuck in a school that just FAA reach new heights.”

Those interested in applying isn’t working for them, or feel for the Executive Director posi- hopeless because they live on the tion are encouraged to visit www. ‘wrong’ side of town. Education naffaa.org/jobs. Applications are Freedom Scholarships will finally being accepted until March 31, give students the opportunity to learn in places and grow in ways 2019. n that have too often been denied to them. This historic investment in students honors the fact that each one of them is unique and EJK, based on Administrative deserves an education that’s perOrder 35 of the Aquino adminis- sonalized for them, unleashes tration of which the PNP follows, their creativity, and unlocks their is committed by “state and non- potential.” state forces” to silence, “through violence and intimidation, legitimate dissent and opposition raised by members of the civil society, cause-oriented groups, THE Philippine Army repolitical movements, people’s ceived assault rifles and morand non-governmental organiza- tars from the United States, as tions, and by ordinary citizens.” part of the modernization proHowever, newly-signed Re- gram of the Armed Forces of public Act No 11188 or the Act the Philippines (AFP). for Special Protection of ChilThe 80 assault rifles were a dren in Situations of Armed part of a grant by Washington Conflict defines EJK as an “act under the Military Assistance and omission of State actors that Program while the 44 mortars constitute violation of the gen- were purchased from the U.S. eral recognition of the right to life embodied in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the United Nations Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the PAGE A1 UNCRC and similar other human the DOH, it did show a sharp uprights treaties to which the Phil- tick in cases in a short amount of ippines is a state party.” n time.

Looking at the Philippines alone, UNICEF reported 12,736 measles cases and 203 related deaths within the first two months of this year alone—just a few thousand less than its recorded 15,599 measles cases reported for the country in all of 2018.

Health experts and government authorities urge for vaccinations Measles is one of the most highly contagious of airborne infectious diseases and can spread from an infected person’s breaths, coughs, or sneezes. According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), measles is so contagious that someone can contract the virus from an infected person even two hours after the person has left a room.

But measles is also highly preventable through immunization, and health experts say those not getting vaccinated are making themselves unnecessarily vulnerable to the potentially deadly disease.

“This is a wake up call. We have a safe, effective and inexpensive vaccine against a highly

NaFFAA announces departure of executive director, launches national search for successor WASHINGTON, DC – The National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) recently announced that Jason Tengco, NaFFAA’s current Executive Director, intends to step down from his role at the end of April 2019. After serving more than two years beginning in December 2016, Jason’s departure comes as he begins a Master’s Degree program this summer.

He will continue to be involved as a NaFFAA Senior Advisor and will remain active in the planning of NaFFAA’s 2019 National Empowerment Conference, which will take place from August 15 through 18 in Carson, CA. “This is truly a bittersweet mo-

ment for NaFFAA. Jason has been a transformational leader whose unmatched experience and unshakeable work ethic have helped NaFFAA reach new heights in our efforts advocating for the more than four million Filipinos in the U.S.,” said NaFFAA National Chairman Brendan Flores. “What he’s helped accomplish in two short years—forging meaningful civic partnerships, fortifying our infrastructure, growing and empowering our grassroots network of Filipino American leaders—has strengthened NaFFAA’s foundation for years to come, and we are eternally grateful for his service.”

NaFFAA is now accepting applications for leaders interested in

4 out of 5 Filipinos worry about...

PAGE A1 In addition, 12 percent of Filipinos said they know someone who was a victim of EJK. Eight percent answered that an acquaintance of theirs had been a victim, while 3 percent said it was their neighbor. Other answers included a relative (2 percent), best friend (2 percent), or officemate (2 percent).

The December 2018 survey was conducted through face-toface interviews with 1,440 adults, aged 18 years and above. SWS noted that there was a sampling error margin of ±2.6 percent for national percentages, and ±5 percent each for Balance Luzon, Metro Manila, the Visayas, and Mindanao.

‘Something amiss’ The Philippine National Police (PNP), for its part, insisted that the SWS survey was incorrectly done.

During a Camp Crame briefing

on Monday, PNP chief Director General Oscar Albayalde said, “I don’t want to dispute the statistics derived from SWS except there is something amiss with how the questions are framed in relation to the perception [of] the alleged police involvement in illegal drugs and alleged EJK.” He also said the question of the SWS was bound to evoke fear from respondents due to its phrasing.

“Mali naman kaagad na ‘Gaano kayo nangangamba.’ Everyone will be scared of course, sino ba ang ‘di takot mamatay, sino ba ang ‘di takot mabiktima ng krimen? (It is wrong that you start with “How worried are you.” Everyone will be scared, of course.

Who is not afraid of dying? Who is not afraid of being victimized by crime?),” Albayalde said.

He added that the SWS should have explained the definition of EJK.

EFS will be funded through taxpayers’ voluntary contributions to state-identified Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs).

Those taxpayers will then receive a non-refundable, dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit. EFS will not create a new federal education program but instead will allow states to decide whether to participate and how to select eligible students, education providers, and allowable education expenses.

“The key element of the proposal is freedom for all involved,” Secretary DeVos added. “Students, families, teachers, schools, states—all can participate, if they choose, and do so in the ways that work best for them. The major shift is that a student’s needs and preferences, not their address or family income, will determine the type and quality of education they can pursue.”

Some of the ways states could potentially expand students’ access to educational opportunities include but are not limited to: • Advanced, remedial, and elective courses; • Apprenticeships and industry certifications; • Concurrent and dual enrollment; • Private and home education; • Special education services and therapies; • Transportation to education providers outside of a family’s zoned school; • Tutoring, especially for students in low-performing schools; and

• Summer and after-school education programs.

“A quality education is the gateway to the American dream and stable, family-sustaining employment,” Cruz said. “The Education Freedom Scholarships and Opportunity Act will drive increased investment in our students by creating a federal tax credit for taxpayers that donate to scholarship organizations.

Our bill enables all students to access a personalized education experience that meets their individual needs by providing access to scholarships for private and home education; apprenticeships, industry certifications, concurrent and dual enrollment; tutoring; educational therapy; after-school education programs; transportation; and more.”

Byrne added, “Every student in America should have the opportunity to receive a high-quality education, and we can help accomplish that goal through a new federal tax credit. This model has succeeded at creating opportunity for students in my home state of Alabama, and I am hopeful through this legislation that we can create similar opportunities for students around the country.

I applaud the leadership of President Trump and Secretary DeVos to expand choice and freedom in education, and I am committed to working with them and Sen. Cruz to see this legislation across the finish line.”

For more information on EFS, please visit www.ed.gov/freedom. n

PH Army receives rifles, mortars from US government under the Foreign Military Sales Program.

Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala, Army spokesman, said the assault rifles were the primary direct fire weapons used by troops assigned in infantries participating in armed encounters with the enemy while mortars were the indirect fire weapons mainly used in supporting the

infantry.

“The Philippine Army expresses its gratitude to the U.S. government in granting the assault rifles that will greatly improve the fighting skills of our frontline troops,” Zagala said.

The rifles and mortars arrived on Sunday, March 3, he said. (ManilaTimes.net)

Measles cases surge in PH as health experts urge... contagious disease—a vaccine that has saved almost a million lives every year over the last two decades,” said Henrietta Fore, UNICEF’s Executive Director.

UNICEF joined others in citing “vaccine hesitancy” as being a major enabler of measles outbreaks in both developed and developing countries.

“Almost all of these cases are preventable, and yet children are getting infected even in places where there is simply no excuse,” said Fore. “Measles may be the disease, but, all too often, the real infection is misinformation, mistrust and complacency.

We must do more to accurately inform every parent, to help us safely vaccinate every child.”

Vaccine hesitancy has been especially true in the Philippines where deaths allegedly caused by the now banned dengue vaccine, Dengvaxia, triggered a vaccine scare. DOH undersecretary Eric Domingo said early February that vaccination rates among children were down to 60 percent as a result of the Dengvaxia scare.

The Philippine government said Friday that it would file criminal charges against executives of the Dengvaxia-manufacturing pharmaceutical firm Sanofi Pasteur over the at least

10 deaths allegedly connected to the vaccine.

In addressing the vaccine hesitancy, Philippine government agencies have been working on mass immunization campaigns.

It previously said it hoped to meet a coverage rate of 95 percent, or roughly 12 million people by March.

According to the DOH, most affected to measles were children ages four years and younger with 4,911 cases and 124 deaths, and those under nine months old with 4,222 cases and 99 deaths.

The department added that 9,975 of the 16,349 who contracted measles and 209 of the 261 people that died so far this year were not vaccinated.

UNICEF said that it will support the Philippine government in conducting a campaign to vaccinate nine million children cross 17 regions. It said it will also utilize social media and other efforts to encourage apprehensive parents to vaccinate their children.

“These cases haven’t happened overnight,” said Fore.

“Just as the serious outbreaks we are seeing today took hold in 2018, lack of action today will have disastrous consequences for children tomorrow.” n

Senate expected to pass resolution blocking...

PAGE A1 given that it has “never been done before,” McConnell said he tried to dissuade Trump from making the declaration for reason that doing so would set up precedent for Democratic presidents to make their own declarations in the future.

“That’s one reason I argued without success that he not take this route,” said McConnell.

“I was one of those hoping the president would not take the national emergency route,” he added. “Once he decided to do that I said I would support it, but I was hoping he wouldn’t take that particular path.”

Under the National Emergencies Act of 1976, which gives Congress the authority to end a national emergency declared by the president, McConnell is required by law to bring the resolution up for a vote.

The resolution already passed in the House last week through a 245-182 vote, with thirteen Republicans voting in favor of the resolution. The Senate is slated to cast their votes by March 15.

In an op-ed published by Fox News on Sunday, Maarch 3, Senator Paul announced his intention to vote in favor of the resolution, becoming the fourth

Senate Republican to do so following Senators Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, and Thom Tillis of North Carolina.

“I support President Trump,” wrote Paul. “I support his fight to get funding for the wall from Republicans and Democrats alike, and I share his view that we need more and better border security.”

“However, I cannot support the use of emergency powers to get more funding, so I will be voting to disapprove of his declaration when it comes before the Senate,” said Paul.

He continued, “I would literally lose my political soul if I decided to treat President Trump different than President Obama.”

In the op-ed, Paul cited the fact that Congress already refused to give Trump his requested amount of $5.7 billion when it approved a spending bill of $1.375 billion for border security funding.

“Congress clearly expressed its will not to spend more than $1.3 billion and to restrict how much of that money could go to barriers. Therefore, President Trump’s emergency order is clearly in opposition to the will of Congress,” said Paul.

“Moreover, the broad principle of separation of powers in the Constitution delegates the power of the purse to Congress. This turns that principle on its head,” said Paul.

But even if the resolution were to pass in the Senate, Trump is expected to veto it, and it’s unlikely that a twothird majority in Congress will be able to ban together to override Trump’s veto.

In response to the likeliness that Trump will use his veto power, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Monday that Democrats would continue to fight it.

“We’ll fight him in the Congress, we’ll fight him in the courts and we’ll fight him in the court of public opinion,” said Pelosi while at an event in Texas. “What he’s doing is wrong and the Republicans know it.

Pelosi said that Trump, in declaring a national emergency in order to get border wall funding, was “asking us to ignore the oath of office that we take to protect and defend the Constitution by this declaration.”

The declaration, she added, was “undermining our system of checks and balances,” which she said were the “wisdom of our Constitution.” (Rae Ann Varona/AJPress)

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Dateline PhiliPPines

All eyes on Benjamin Diokno as he takes the helm of Bangko Sentral

by Ian

nIcolas cIgaral Philstar.com

ManIla — President Rodrigo Duterte took everyone by surprise when he appointed his budget secretary, Benjamin Diokno, as governor of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

Diokno, 70, replaces the late nestor Espenilla Jr. who passed away last February 23 after battling tongue cancer. central bank watchers had expected an insider or someone from the banking community to MAGINOO IS THE NEW MACHO. Senator Risa Hontiveros and Akbayan Partylist Representative Tom Villarin on Monday joined various transport succeed Espenilla. Known for his groups and construction workers nationwide to protect women, the LGBT -and men too- from “outdated” sexist acts, as they called out for the expansionary fiscal policy stance passage of the Safe Spaces Law which was ratified in both houses of Congress. In a press conference held in Manila today, Hontiveros, principal as budget chief, all eyes are now author and sponsor of the measure in the Senate, welcomed the proactive response from Filipino men in pushing for the signing of the Safe on how Diokno will face a tough Spaces Law. The law aims to effect positive behavioral change to make our public spaces, schools, workplaces, and online community free from balancing act of reining in soarall forms of sexual harassment. The Alliance of Concerned Transport Organizations (ACTO), NCR Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association ing prices without hurting the (TODA) Coalition, and the National Union of Building and Construction Workers are the allies of the Safe Spaces Law. Senate photo economy amid a softer global outlook.

“Mr. Diokno’s relaxed attitude to fiscal deficits as budget secre-

It’s DFA’s call to protest harassment of Filipino fishermen — Palace by aJPress Malacañang on Monday, March 4, said it’s leaving the decision to the Department of Foreign affairs (DFa) on whether to submit a diplomatic protest to stop chinese vessels from driving away Filipinos from fishing grounds close to the Philippineoccupied Pag-asa (Thitu) Island in the South china Sea. according to presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo, the government had not verified the report of Kalayaan town Mayor Roberto del Mundo about the chinese denying Filipino fishermen access to three sandbars,

which are located between Pagasa and Zamora Reef. last week, Del Mundo said the presence of chinese boats is affecting their fishing activities.

“It wasn’t that way before,” he said.

“When our fishermen are about to get near Sandbar 3—that is really our fishing ground—a chinese vessel would immediately come up to us to ward us off so we can’t come closer,” he added.

Need to verify “I will need to verify that from the secretary of national defense (Delfin lorenzana),” Panelo responded.

When asked if the Malacañang would file a protest if Del Mundo’s report was proved to be true, Panelo answered: “I will leave it to the secretary of foreign affairs (Teodoro locsin Jr.).

That’s his turf.”

However, Panelo added that it was not correct to drive Filipino fishermen away from sandbars close to Pag-asa. “[T]hat is our area. We, from the very start, said that’s ours. and our fishermen have been doing that, our fishermen have been fishing there,” Panelo said. “[n]obody has the right to drive our fishermen away. But we need to validate,” he added. n

Arroyo denies manipulating ratified 2019 budget — Palace by alexIs

romero Philstar.com

ManIla — House Speaker gloria Macapagal-arroyo denied manipulating the 2019 budget after it was ratified by the two legislative chambers, presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said on Tuesday, March 5.

Sen. Panfilo lacson has accused arroyo of realigning P25 million from the Health depart-

ment’s budget for her “favored” congressmen after the bicameral conference committee approved the national expenditure bill. citing unnamed members of the House of Representatives, lacson said arroyo prepared and imposed a list of Health department appropriations for a health facilities program including a P2.5-million allocation for the purchase of an ambulance.

He claimed only P8 million was given to those who did not support her election as House Speaker last year. The senator said arroyo’s act was a “brazen” and “illegal act” and a clear violation of the 1987 constitution.

But Panelo said arroyo had told him that the budget approved by the bicameral conference committee has not been changed.

PAGE A7

tary suggests he will be dovish as governor. We have been expecting a rate cut at BSP’s meeting in May for a while, and this news makes that more likely,” londonbased capital Economics said.

Under Espenilla’s watch, the BSP hiked its policy rate by a cumulative 175 basis points to 4.75 percent last year after inflation hit a near-decade high in September and October. Soaring prices have eased since then, with headline inflation decelerating to 3.8 percent in February, the first time in a year since the monthly rate fell within the central bank’s 2-4 percent target range.

The late central bank chief was also vocal about his goal of gradually reducing bank reserves to single-digit level. He likewise spearheaded the digitalization of the retail payment system in the country for a more inclusive and efficient financial system.

“I was surprised that an outsider has been chosen. It will definitely have some adjustment time compared to someone who is already used to the workings of the BSP on a daily basis,” said Ruben carlo asuncion, chief economist at the Union Bank of the Philippines. “an outsider will almost always have to learn the ropes first, as they say. However, this may also be positive with someone coming in with different inputs and ways of doing things,” asuncion added. “as Diokno takes the helm of the BSP, I think the markets would want to hear continuity — continuity to the next level.” a BSP governor also sits as chairman of the Monetary Board, heads the financial intelligence unit anti-Money laundering council and occupies ex-officio seats in various national governPAGE A7

A6 MARCH 6-8, 2019 • SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL

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OPINION

Narco list

FEATURES

IT’S supposed to help voters make informed choices in the midterm elections in May. The presumption of innocence, however, is guaranteed under Section 14 of the Constitution. So if the government pushes through with the release of a list of so-called narco politicians when the local campaign period starts, it should be prepared for lawsuits related to constitutional violations.

The list has been trimmed to over 80 names, with the Department of the Interior and Local Government reportedly still waiting for President Duterte’s approval to delist six individuals following vetting by anti-narcotics agents. No amount of vetting, however, can replace the need for judicial determination of guilt if the DILG intends to describe anyone in public as a narco politician. At the very least, there must be formal criminal complaints filed against anyone who is described as a suspected drug offender.

Judicial conviction in a criminal case must be based on the establishment of guilt beyond reasonable doubt. In the absence of such a verdict, being tagged as a narco politician could be dismissed as black propaganda in an election season.

Drug trafficking is a serious offense that can warrant life in prison. Those who engage in this criminal activity must be meted appropriate pun-

ishment. Instead of simply subjecting those on the list to public shaming, the DILG, which has supervision over the Philippine National Police, should order the police to gather certified intel, file appropriate criminal charges and arrest drug traffickers. Government prosecutors should then work to secure the conviction of the suspects.

More effort is also needed to prevent drug money from financing election campaigns. In this, law enforcement agencies must work closely with the Anti-Money Laundering Council and the Bureau of Internal Revenue.

Drug trafficking and narco politics can destroy a country. If there is solid evidence against narco politicians, simply putting them on a list and outing them to prevent their election would not be enough to protect society. There should be no place in government for proven narco politicians; their place is not just on a list, but behind bars.

(Philstar.com)

Editorial

Philstar.com photo

Congress investigates: Did Trump abuse executive power and obstruct justice?

The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS TWO YEARS. It took that long for Congress to finally do one very important function the U.S. Constitution has mandated it to do: to fulfill its oversight responsibility, making sure co-equal branches of government provide checks and balances among each other so that no one individual or institution abuses its power and betray the public’s trust.

TWO YEARS. And now the 45th President of the United States again plays the victim role, crying against what he calls “presidential harassment,” when in fact the Democrats in the House, who reclaimed leadership of Congress through the American people’s sacred vote in the midterm elections, are just working hard to make President Trump account-

able.

Ladies and Gentlemen, good morning! After two years, this is a new day.

On Monday, March 4, the House Judiciary Committee has launched a sweeping probe into President Donald Trump to determine if his administration and associates obstructed justice and engaged in public corruption or any other abuse of power.

The House Judiciary Committee announced Monday that it had sent out 81 requests for documents to start building its record for the investigation.

As TIME reported, included in the requests were the Trump Organization, as well as several employees invoked by former Trump attorney Michael Cohen during his hearing last week before the House oversight committee: Chief Financial Official Allen Weisselberg, Executive Vice President Matthew Calamari, and President Trump’s longtime personal assistant Rhona Graff. The President’s two sons, Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr., also received requests, as did the White

House and his son-in-law, Jared Kushner.

Before we get lost and confused in the complicated web of investigations on Trump and his orbit, let me present the big picture.

The Mueller probe was launched to determine if there was a conspiracy between the Trump campaign and Russia to damage the campaign of Hillary Clinton and help Trump win in the 2016 U.S. presidential election.

The mandate given to Mueller was to turn over any evidence of crimes not within its purview of national security concerns to the appropriate government institutions to do further investigations and file charges if they find probable cause.

Consequently, the Southern District of New York has launched criminal investigations and filed charges to include federal campaign and financial reporting laws, fraud, corruption and cover-up of the violations of the law.

The House Oversight Committee, headed by Rep. Elijah Cum-

The curse of Adam and Eve

Street Talk GREG B. MACABENTA THE recently concluded “Abuse Summit” at the Vatican convened by Pope Francis frontally addressed the problem of priestly sexual abuse - a problem and a challenge set against the extremely difficult-to-meet standard of priestly celibacy.

Priestly celibacy, according to the rules of the Catholic Church, means being unmarried. In practical terms, it actually means sexual abstinence - which, frankly, is a denial of a basic human urge.

If one were to attempt to interpret the Bible, sexual abstinence is also a virtual denial of what the Lord God Himself urged Adam and Eve to do shortly after their creation: “Be fertile and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it.”

Simon Peter, the first pope, was a married man. In the New Testament, Jesus Christ healed Peter’s mother-in-law, which suggests that he had a wife. In the history of the Catholic Church, there were Popes who were married and who had children. Pope Saint Silverius (he was later canonized) was the legitimate son of Pope Saint Hormisdas (who was married before becoming Pope and who was also canonized later on).

And we must have all read about the infamous Borgias, particularly Alfons de Borgia who became Pope Callixtus III and

Rodrigo Lanzol Borgia AKA Pope Alexander VI. It was not until the Second Lateran Council in the twelfth century that the Church established the rule forbidding priests to marry. This was reaffirmed in 1563 by the Council of Trent.

So, if being sexually active is being human, if even the Lord God mandated it, and if celibacy was not imposed by the Church until centuries after Peter became Pope, what was the Abuse Summit all about and why the hassle?

Firstly, being sexually active is different from being sexually abusive. The first is part of human nature. The latter is a violation of both Church law and criminal law. Members of the clergy who use their position to take advantage of sacristans, school boys and women are violating the law of God and of society.

Secondly, the priesthood is not for everyone. It is a call to virtual sainthood. If, as Jesus said, it would be easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, how much more difficult would it be for a human being-priest to resist the call of the flesh and the carnal temptations confronting him?

What is, in fact, remarkable is how few cases there are of confirmed, recorded or reported cases of priestly abuses in the Catholic world compared to the number of Catholics (1.2 billion) and priests (414.313 as of 2012).

In the Philippines, a country

of over 100 million, the Catholic Church reportedly “apologized for sexual abuses, including adultery, homosexuality and child abuse by 200 priests over the previous 20 years.”

Granted that hundreds – even thousands – more abuses have not been reported (excluding Padre Damaso’s affair with the mother of Maria Clara, which Dr. Jose Rizal recounted in the Noli and the Fili), that would still pale in comparison with the incidence of graft and corruption in all sectors of Philippine politics, public service and business Of course, these numbers are irrelevant. As Bishop Michael C. Barber, SJ, of the Archdiocese of Oakland, California, rightly put it in his pastoral letter read last Sunday by our pastor, Fr. Geoffrey Baraan, at St. Joseph Church in Pinole: “The only acceptable number is zero.”

Bishop Barber had released the names of “20 diocesan priests. 22 religious order priests, deacons and brothers and three priests from other dioceses who have worked in the Diocese of Oakland and have had credible accusations of sexual abuse of minors.”

The release of the names of the culprit clerics appears to be a direct result of the Abuse Summit in the Vatican. While the Church hierarchy wrestles with the mandate of Pope Francis, one significant move that the Diocese of Oakland has taken has been to unravel the “pontifical secret,” described as “a policy

mings and the Committee to which Trump’s former long-time personal attorney/fixer Michael Cohen recently gave sworn testimonies to, focuses on determining whether Trump is improperly profiting from his office.

The focus of the House Intelligence Committee headed by Rep. Adam Schiff is on questions of money laundering, financial leverage foreign entities might have over Trump and his businesses, and whether Trump sought to use his political and presidential contacts to improve his own bottom line, during the campaign and since becoming president.

Meanwhile, the House Judiciary Committee focuses on investigating threats to the rule of law is a core function of the House Judiciary Committee.

Nadler defined obstruction of justice as any interference from President Trump and his associates in criminal investigations and any “alleged cover-up violations of the law,” and public corruption as any possible violation of the emolument clause and

“conspiracy to violate federal campaign and financial reporting laws.” Abuse of power was defined in part as “attempts to misuse the power of the Office of the Presidency,” which also included attacks on the press, law enforcement and judiciary.

Findings from the investigations being conducted by the Executive Department (Mueller probe under the DOJ), the Judiciary (Southern District of New York, plus Maryland), and the Legislature (House Oversight and Reform, Intelligence and Judiciary Committees) all function in accordance to the mandate of the Constitution, seeking evidence to move forward and determine if Trump and his people violated the laws. While many might overlap, the committee chairmen and chairwomen say they are working together on the investigations.

The House cannot file criminal charges but appropriate institutions may use the findings of the probe along with their own probe to bring charges to court. Congress will likewise use the findings to write laws as needed so

that these abuses will never happen again.

Meanwhile, the latest news on Tuesday, March 5, is that the White House rejected a request from the House Oversight Committee to hand over documents and make officials available for interviews for a probe into how Jared Kushner got a security clearance.

WHAT IS TRUMP HIDING? If he, his family, and his associates are not hiding anything, don’t you think they should gladly cooperate in these investigations? After all, their actions, lies, denials, retractions, and hard evidence have led to these probes.

This is the accountability mandated by the Constitution. Nobody is above the law, not even President Donald Trump and his cohorts. .* * *

of confidentiality in the Church, regarding cases of sexual abuse of minors.”

According to Church leaders, “while the Church has acknowledged for decades the seriousness of the crime of abuse of minors by clergy, this was the first time there has been an equally clear acknowledgment of the gravity of cover-up” - which, in plain language, is what “pontifical secret” means.

Clearly, this “pontifical secret” has practically condoned priestly abuses, by allowing the culprits to remain anonymous. So why not just fire or defrock the predatory priests, one might ask?

It appears that separating someone from the priesthood is not as easy as terminating a layman-employee. An article in The Sun, a newspaper in Seattle, Washington, reporting on the “resignations of two priests who were removed from active ministry amid allegations of decades-old sexual abuse” stated: “Both will remain on the archdiocese payroll unless they are ‘defrocked,’ or laicized - a cumbersome process that requires Vatican approval..

“Unlike secular employers, who may summarily terminate the position of an employee accused or suspected of misconduct, bishops have made a lifelong commitment to provide spiritual, intellectual and financial support to the priest,’ The Very Rev. Anthony Bawyn of Seattle, a canon lawyer and consultant on canon law for the archdiocese, said in testimony for a 1996 court case. “’Even valid allegations of

misconduct are not in and of themselves grounds for terminating the virtually irrevocable obligations that the bishop has assumed vis-a-vis the priest.’”

In the wake of the Abuse Summit, the Catholic hierarchy must now confront a problem that it has had to contend with – and at times, chosen to ignore – for centuries.

It is not an easy problem to deal with. The problem goes back to Genesis. While God gave Adam and Eve a lot of latitude in the Garden of Eden, they were forbidden from eating the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and bad. But God also gave them free will, thus making them vulnerable to temptation. Worse yet, God also exposed them to the wiles of the serpent. These conflicting circumstances were a challenge and a curse that Adam and Eve had to deal with – and they failed.

This is the sort of “imperfection” for which His Perfect Excellency President Rodrigo Duterte called the Lord God “stupid.” I hope some clear-minded aides have subsequently explained to Duterte that God could not have made Adam and Eve perfect because there can only one perfect being – God. That means everyone else is imperfect – including Duterte.

At any rate, the curse Adam and Eve had to bear is the same curse confronting the Catholic clergy. While they possess the power to forgive sin and thus open the gates of Heaven – they themselves are vulnerable to sin. Just as Adam and Eve were warned against eating from the

forbidden tree, these priests are forbidden from availing of the fruit of the flesh because of the rule of celibacy – in conflict with their human-ness.

However, according to scholars, the Catholic Church “distinguishes between dogma and regulations.” The male-only priesthood is said to be Catholic dogma, irreversible by papal decree. The ban on marriage is considered a regulation that the Pope can rescind.

But will Pope Francis do it.

Should he do it?

I guess depends on how one regards his obligations to God. When Jesus confided to His apostles that he would surely go to His death in Jerusalem, Simon Peter protested and declared that he would not allow it. Jesus tells him: “Get behind me, Satan! You do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men”.

His crucifixion was the commitment of Jesus Christ to mankind. The burden being borne

by Catholic priests is a symbol of their own commitment to their vocation. How much of that burden can they bear?

This brings to mind something that I wrote many years ago as a prologue for Malvarosa, a film produced by LVN Pictures: “How much can the human spirit bear Of the muck and the mire to which flesh is heir?

Can a flickering ember still burst into flame?

Must a frail child, falling, be held to blame?”

Heaven only knows. (gregmacabenta@hotmail. com). ■

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.TheFilAmPerspective.com, https://www.facebook. com/Gel.Santos.Relos

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

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Dateline PhiliPPines

SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL • MARCh 6-8, 2019

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DOLE: There should be preferential treatment for Filipinos on foreign-funded projects Chinese personnel hired on each project would depend on the contract.

“When we negotiated the loan, we said there’s no preferential (treatment) for China as far as sourcing is concerned,” Tan told the Senate panel.

Labor Assistant Secretary Joji Aragon, meanwhile, explained that the terms of references indicate whether foreign personnel would be hired.

In the case of the Chinesefunded Binondo-Intramuros and Estrella-Pantaleon bridges, only skilled Chinese workers were employed, according to the Department of Public Works and Highways.

Data from the DPWH showed that out of the 140 personnel working for the two bridges, almost 30 workers are Chinese na-

tionals.

“In as far as monitoring is concerned, all workers have to subMANILA — In all foreign-fundmit to the Department of Labor ed infrastructure projects, there [and Employment], which is the should be preferential allocation sole authority on issuing these for Filipino workers, the Departlicenses,” Aragon said. ment of Labor and Employment The DOLE, the DPWH and the said on Tuesday, March 5.

DOJ have agreed that all foreign During the Senate commitnationals working in foreigntee on economic affairs inquiry funded projects have to secure into the Duterte administration’s an alien employment permit.

“Build, Build, Build” project, Bases Conversion and DeSen. Nancy Binay asked governvelopment Authority President ment officials if hiring Chinese Vince Dizon, on the other hand, workers was part of the country’s clarified that all agreements with agreement with Beijing.

China have provisions for prefer“You have to face the fact that ential use of Filipino labor. there has been an influx of Chi“However, as to the percentagnese construction workers,” Bies and the division it’s really on a nay said. case-to-case basis depending on Responding to Binay’s inquiry, the project but, I think, as a genFinance Assistant Secretary Maeral rule if the work can be done ria Edita Tan said the number of Filipino labor, it will be done by Filipino labor,” Dizon said.

Binay then asked the DOLE officials present in the Senate hearing if this was true, to which Aragon answered they would have to look more closely on the matter.

The senator pointed out that the “Build, Build, Build” program was intended to create jobs for Filipinos.

“This nuance that labor is included in the (Official Development Assistance) or grant appears to be particular with Chinese loans... Maybe we should check with the NEDA or the DOF. Maybe this will add another diLabor Assistant Secretary Joji Aragon (left) attends the Senate committee on economic affairs’ mension when we enter into an ODA with China or other couninquiry into the administration’s “Build, Build, Build” project.

Philstar.com photo by Mong Pintolo tries,” Binay said. n

by Patricia Lourdes Philstar.com

Viray

Arroyo denies manipulating ratified 2019...

PAGE A5 “According to Speaker Arroyo, as far as she knows, whatever is approved in the bicam is now the one being printed for submission to the executive,” Panelo told reporters in Malacañang Tuesday.

“She said she does not know anything. As far as she knows, the version approved by the bicam was not changed. From what she says, the bicam version is the one being printed,” he added.

Copies of the proposed 2019 budget are printed before they are transmitted to the Office of the President.

Panelo made the remarks after calling Arroyo to ask her about the allegations of Lacson. The presidential spokesman called the House speaker after he was

House Speaker Arroyo is facing accusations of realigning P25 million from the Department of Health’s budget for “favored” lawmakers.

Philstar.com photo by AJ Bolando

asked to react about the issue during a press briefing.

Panelo assured the public that the president would scrutinize all items of the budget once it

is submitted to his office for his signature. He said the Palace is leaving it to lawmakers to address the issues raised by Lacson. n

SAVE MANILA BAY. Public Works Secretary Mark Villar, Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu, and former president and Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada lead the launch of desilting operations under the Sagip Manila Bay Program at Baywalk Roxas Blvd., Manila on Tuesday, March 5. An estimated 225,000 cubic meters of silt will be removed initially from a 1.5-km. stretch of Manila Bay from the Manila Yacht Club breakwater to the United States Embassy in Manila.

PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan

All eyes on Benjamin Diokno as he takes...

PAGE A5 ment agencies and state-run corporations.

Pro-growth bias Diokno has been part of Duterte’s economic team tasked with supercharging growth to 7-8 percent by heightened state spending and delivering on a massive infrastructure program.

HSBC Global Research economist Noelan Arbis — who expects a 100-basis point cut in banks’ reserve requirement ratio in the second quarter — said the appointment of the new BSP governor “is likely to signal more pro-growth measures.”

“Gov. Diokno has already noted that the BSP’s monetary policies must be ‘in sync’ with fiscal policy, in addition to its considerations for inflation and financial stability,” Arbis said. “Given the Duterte administration’s expansionary fiscal policy stance, this signals a bias for more monetary accommodation from the new governor. This is not entirely unexpected.”

Diokno will complete Espenilla’s six-year term, which several bankers had expected to be finished by any of the three central bank deputy governors. On Tuesday, BSP Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo struck a cautious tone in tackling “policy issues,” saying in a statement that it is still “premature” to talk about

cuts to bank reserves and interest rates despite the slower inflation recorded last month.

For Jonathan Ravelas, chief market strategist at BDO Unibank Inc., Diokno’s stint at the Budget department “highlights his commitment to keep fiscal discipline which will be the balancing force to support government but maintain independence.”

Politicization of BSP? Diokno assumes the position of central bank chief at a time members of the House of Representatives accuse him of several budget anomalies, which he strongly denied.

A House panel led by Rep. Rolando Andaya Jr. (Camarines Sur) has conducted an investigation into supposed irregularities in the budget department, including the supposed “insertion” of P75 billion in the proposed 2019 budget of the Department of Public Works and Highways without the agency’s knowledge.

Andaya also claimed that Diokno’s relatives received favors for government projects.

“Well, Diokno is technically competent and an excellent professional,” University of Asia and the Pacific economist Cid Terosa said. “He’s a good choice but the market may perceive him as politically tainted by allegations of corruption by the opposition.”

Under the 1987 Constitution, congressional confirmation of Diokno’s appointment is up to the powerful Commission on Appointments. At a press conference Tuesday, presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said Malacañang is optimistic that allegations against Diokno won’t impede his CA nod.

Meanwhile, Capital Economics said Diokno’s appointment as central bank governor “raises questions about the politicisation of the BSP.” “While Diokno himself is not seen as politically aligned – he is a technocrat with a long history as a civil servant under several administrations at the Department of Budget and Management – his appointment is being seen as a move to free up the position of Budget Secretary for a Duterte ally,” the London-based think tank said.

“There is a risk that markets ultimately become less confident in the BSP’s independence and willingness to tackle inflation and financial risks,” it added.

“It is still too early to say whether Governor Diokno will be able to maintain the BSP’s credibility as a well-run and independent central bank. But the news does add to the catalogue of evidence that Duterte is willing to break norms and politicise political institutions.” n

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BUSINESSJ& COMMUNITY ournal

Greater competition in power, telco, Economists see Feb inflation at 2 to 4% range transport boosts growth — World Bank by lawrenCe

agCaoili Philstar.com

In a new report titled, “Fostering Competition in the Philippines: The Challenge of Restrictive Regulation,” the bank said these sectors are crucial to the improvement of services and job generation, but so far, competition in these areas is limited.

Philstar.com file photo

by Czeriza

ValenCia Philstar.com

THE World Bank is calling for greater market competition in power, transport, telecommunication and professional services, saying greater diversity in these sectors can boost economic growth by 0.2 percentage point annually.

In a new report titled, “Fostering Competition in the Philippines: The Challenge of Restrictive Regulation,” the bank said these sectors are crucial to the improvement of services and job generation, but so far, competition in these areas is limited.

Data show that the Philippine economy is more concentrated compared with other economies in the region, with a higher proportion of monopoly, duopoly and oligopoly markets.

Graciela Miralles Murciego, World Bank senior economist and author of the report, said such market structures, borne out of political connections and natural market conditions like the need for economies of scale, have hampered the growth in productivity.

“The entry of politically connected companies limited productivity,” she said in a briefing Monday, March 4.

“The government is on the right path to reform. But implementation is a challenge. Slow implementation continues to hinder the potential benefits of these reforms to consumers, keeping prices high and choices limited,” she added.

World Bank noted that these market structures are more prone to collusion, and abuse of market power that are “abetted” by restrictive regulations and restric-

tions.

These restrictions, in turn, include state ownership and involvement in business operations, complex regulatory procedures and administrative burdens on startups; as well as barriers to trade and investments, including foreign equity investments.

The study said these restrictions to competition have so far constrained the growth of the economy and led to high prices of services.

Power costs, for instance, remain high and capacity is limited largely because of the slow implementation of reforms, such as the open access provisions and retail competition under the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) of 2001.

Limitations on foreign direct investments (FDIs), meanwhile, stunt the development of power infrastructure.

In communications, prices of mobile phone services in the country are highest in all of East Asia region and are four times higher than the average price in developed countries.

In the transport sector, lack of competition is among the main reasons why domestic travel in the country is more expensive than in Malaysia and Indonesia.

Restrictions in the transport sector, particularly cabotage rules, and limits to foreign participation were also found to create bottlenecks in the logistics sector.

Murciego said the estimated additional growth annually in gross domestic product that comes with greater competition in power, transport, telecommunications and professional services could be exceeded because of the spillover effects to other sectors of the

economy.

“These estimates only refer to these areas which give us the sense that the effect of further competition could be much more,” said Murciego.

“We are looking at sectors that are more critical to competition.

When there is a high concentration the economy, all the more it is important to have a strong competition policy,” she added.

To illustrate, Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) chairman Arsenio Balisacan said the opening of the domestic telecommunications industry in the country in the 1990s also spurred the development of the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry.

The World Bank study is meant to help the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) create an effective competition policy.

Balisacan said they are now finalizing the National Competition Policy (NCP), an executive order containing a framework that would guide the implementation of the Philippine Competition Act. The report puts forward detailed recommendations for reducing regulatory restrictions.

These include easing restrictions in infrastructure and professional services to create a spillover effect on other sectors, leveling the playing field for foreign and local investors, minimizing price control for encourage firms to compete, ensuring fair competition between private and public sector operators, and streamlining burdensome administrative procedures for businesses to facilitate market entry and rivalry. n

Taxes to be collected from foreign workers

by MayVelin

U. Caraballo Manilatimes.net

VARIOUS government agencies are now working closely to ensure that foreigners working for offshore gaming operators are paying income taxes, the Finance department said on Sunday, March 3.

In a statement, the department quoted Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez 3rd as saying that the list of foreign nationals working for service providers of Philippine offshore gaming operations (POGO) should be consolidated and reconciled by those involved in screening, providing work permits and registering them in the country.

“If we get all that [information], then it is possible that we can begin to collect taxes, enforcing the law on these foreign workers who are operating here.

Isn’t that what we really want to do here, enforce the law?”

Dominguez was quoted as having said during a February 19 meeting with the heads of various government agencies.

These included the Department of Foreign Affairs, which screens and issues visas to foreign nationals entering the country; Department of Justice, which oversees the Bureau of Immigration that grants short-term special work permits to foreigners; Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE), which issues alien employment permits; state-owned Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor), which has a list of licensed POGO operators; Department of Trade and Industry, which oversees the country’s special economic zones where a few POGOs operate; and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) that registers POGO agents.

Dominguez said “a good starting point” would be to trace

INFLATION likely eased last month back to within the two to four percent target set by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) due to easing food prices, particularly that of rice, according to economists.

In a report, ANZ Research chief economist for Southeast Asia and India Sanjay Mathur said inflation last month likely eased to 3.9 percent from a 10-month low of 4.4 percent in January as supply pressures continue to ease.

On a sequential basis, Mathur said headline consumer price index (CPI) inched up by 0.2 percent month-on-month due to higher global crude oil prices.

“However, a slight fall in rice prices should have provided some offset. The pace of decline in annual inflation will likely slow going forward,” Mathur said.

ANZ sees inflation remaining within the central bank’s target range of two to four percent over the coming months.

Inflation accelerated to 5.2 percent last year from 2.9 percent in 2016, breaching the BSP target range, due to elevated oil and food prices as well as weak peso.

This paved the way to a tightening episode wherein the BSP’s Monetary Board raised interest rates by 175 basis points in five straight rate setting meetings from May to November to prevent inflation from spiraling out

On a sequential basis, Mathur said headline consumer price index (CPI) inched up by 0.2 percent month-on-month due to higher global crude oil prices. Philstar.com photo by Michael Varcaso

of control.

Easing inflation due to declining oil and food prices as well as appreciating local currency allowed the BSP to take a breather by keeping interest rates steady in December and February to allow the economy to absorb the higher benchmark rates.

Mathur said the BSP is likely to leave interest rates untouched this year.

“Inflation and the policy rate have peaked,” ANZ said.

On the other hand, British banking giant HSBC said inflation likely slowed to four percent in February due to cheaper rice and other food items.

“Rice prices continue to moderate, which should limit the upward pressures on inflation despite a recent rise in oil prices,” HSBC said.

With easing inflation, HSBC

said the central bank could slash the reserve requirement ratio by 100 basis points as early as the second quarter of the year once inflation is more firmly within the BSP’s target.

“This is likely to keep the BSP from any monetary policy accommodation, including cutting banks’ RRR, despite lower levels of liquidity in the financial system.

The BSP’s Monetary Board has already reduced the RRR twice last year to 18 percent from 20 percent releasing around P190 billion in additional liquidity in the financial system to support the country’s growing economy.

The late BSP governor Nestor Espenilla Jr. was committed to reducing the ultrahigh level of deposits banks are required to keep with the central bank to single digit levels by 2023. n

Delinquency tax take to rise – DoF

Manilatimes.net file photo

by MayVelin

U. Caraballo Manilatimes.net

THE government could collect a portion of an estimated P80 billion in unpaid delinquency taxes following partial approval of an amnesty law, a senior Finance department official said.

President Rodrigo Duterte may have vetoed parts of Republic Act (RA) 11213 or the Tax Amnesty law but among the provisions retained is an amnesty on delinquency taxes, Finance Undersecretary Mark Dennis Joven told reporters late last week.

“The tax amnesty on delinquencies intends to wipe the slate clean for availing taxpayers.

It also helps the government un-

clog administrative and judicial dockets of slow-moving cases,” he added Joven stressed that the provision would allow the government to collect some of the estimated P80-billion worth of delinquency taxes in the Bureau of Internal Revenue’s (BIR) books.

“This is not moving, probably in the last decade or so … if at all it increases,” he said.

Joven also underscored that the retained provision could improve the BIR’s success rate in prosecuting cases against tax evaders.

“We also have the BIR’s batting average on tax evasion cases, which we know is not very good,” he said.

“We needed a mechanism to ensure that we clear the dockets and free the time of BIR employees to proceed against really errant taxpayers and involving more recent cases,” Joven added.

Amid Duterte’s veto of the general amnesty provisions of RA 11213, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez 3rd has encouraged delinquent tax payers to avail of a pardon.

“We hope that in availing of this amnesty — a very, very generous reprieve from the state — taxpayers would feel more encouraged to pay the right taxes, and be more empowered to be good taxpayers in the future,” he said. n

Philippine debt up to new high of P7.494 trillion in January Finance Sec. Carlos Dominguez III

the employers of these foreign workers so that a portion of their salaries could be withheld and turned over to the government as partial payment of their income taxes.

Besides ensuring that foreign nationals comply with tax laws, the Finance chief also explained that it was imperative for the government to find out who and where all these alien workers are given national security implications.

During last month’s meeting, BIR Deputy Commissioner Arnel Guballa noted that the tax bureau had listed 54 POGO licensees, of which 10 were local and 44 offshore.

Only seven local operators and eight of the offshore licensees were registered with tax agency, he added.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra, meanwhile, said less than 95,000 foreign nationals had been issued temporary work permits as POGO employees as of June last year.

Pagcor Chairman and CEO Andrea Domingo committed to provide a complete list of, and information about, POGO service providers and require them to provide a list of their foreign

Manilatimes.net photo by Ruy Martinez

workers and their respective salaries.

SEC Deputy Commissioner Javey Paul Francisco, for his part, pledged to provide a list of corporations registered as POGO agents, while Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said the department would give the BIR a list of foreign nationals working in economic zones.

Lastly, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello 3rd said he would immediately convene an interagency task force to consolidate and reconcile lists to be provided by various agencies.

Dominguez said the Finance department and members of the task force would meet after 30 days, during which a complete and clean list of foreign nationals working in offshore gaming operations is expected to be presented.

The BIR wants regulators to strictly enforce registration rules for POGOs amid concerns that the industry has become a conduit for undocumented workers from China.

Pagcor, in particular, has been asked to verify that the gaming firms have been officially enrolled with the BIR before the regulator extends their licenses. n

by ben

o. de Vera Inquirer.net

AS the national government borrowed more both locally and abroad in January amid good yields, its outstanding debt further rose to a new high of P7.494 trillion that month.

In a statement Monday, March 4, the Bureau of the Treasury said the 2.8-percent month-on-month rise in outstanding obligations from end-2018’s P7.293 trillion was “mainly due to net availments of both foreign and domestic loans amid efforts to take advantage of generally favorable market conditions to raise foreign and local funding.”

Year-on-year, the debt stock as of January jumped 11.4 percent from P6.726 trillion during the same month last year.

To recall, the government sold $1.5 billion in new 10-year global bonds at 3.75 percent last January, as it traditionally tapped the offshore market at the start of recent years.

Domestic debt, which accounted for 65.5 percent or nearly twothirds of the total outstanding amount, increased 2.8 percent month-on-month and 10.8 percent year-on-year to P4.91 trillion.

The Treasury attributed the

increase in locally sourced obligations from a month ago levels to “net issuance of government securities amounting to P133.18 billion, which more than offset the P200-million downward valuation of onshore dollar bonds brought about by peso appreciation.”

The peso strengthened to 52.161 against the greenback in January from 52.563:$1 last December, the Treasury noted.

Meanwhile, external debt grew 2.7 percent month-on-month and 12.6 percent year-on-year to P2.584 trillion last January.

“The [month-on-month] rise in external obligations was primarily caused by net availments of foreign loans amounting to P83.29 billion. Meanwhile, the weakening of the dollar, on one hand, decreased the peso value of dollar-denominated debt by P19.24 billion; but on the other hand, increased the peso equivalent of third currency-denominated debt

by P4.63 billion, thereby resulting in a net downward revaluation effect of P14.61 billion,” the Treasury said.

Despite the rising amount of debt, its share to the growing economy was on a downtrend.

Department of Finance (DOF) Assistant Secretary Antonio Joselito G. Lambino II last week

said the debt-to-gross domestic product (GDP) ratio last year was estimated at 41.9 percent, below the 42.1 percent in 2017.

“This means we are able to pay our bills,” Lambino said.

While it plans to borrow more to finance priority programs and projects, especially infrastructure, the Duterte administration expects the debt-to-GDP ratio to further decline to 38.8 percent by 2022, as economic growth will outpace higher borrowings.

The government will again sell renminbi- and yen-denominated debt paper besides another possible issue of dollar-denominated IOUs this year.

For 2019, borrowings had been programmed to exceed the P1trillion mark, with a borrowing mix of 75-percent domestic, 25percent external.

This year’s bigger borrowings will finance the wider budget deficit cap equivalent to 3.2 percent of GDP, while also providing funds for the Duterte administration’s ambitious “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program.

Under “Build, Build, Build,” the government would jumpstart 75 “game-changing” projects, with around half expected to be completed during President Duterte’s term, to usher in “the golden age of infrastructure” by 2022. n

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The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - March 6, 2019

How Entrepinayship is creating a promising platform for Filipina entrepreneurs in LA — and globally by

Christina M. Oriel / AJPress

ON a Saturday morning in January, 92 Filipina women congregated at the backyard of a hillside home east of downtown Los Angeles for a half-day business and wellness retreat.

They spread out their yoga mats, where they would spend the next two hours being led through an opening ritual by an albularya (a traditional folk herbalist and spiritual healer), a 40-minute yoga practice, a guided meditation, and a talk about creating a vision for 2019.

“You have to lead from love and rig your environment for success,” preached Kamille Rose Soler, a motivational speaker and ‘CEO Whisperer’ behind The Ultimate LYFE. “Without a clear vision, we would perish…What is it that pulls you so much you can’t resist it?”

Each participant signed up for three of nine workshops (called “Kumare Circles”) centered on business, personal development and wellness.

Options included “Plant Based Cooking for the Busy Queen Bee,” “Manage Your Money Like a Boss Babe,” “Creating Intention Through Mantras and Mala Beads (by TV personality Giselle Tongi),” and “Decolonizing Self Care.”

After the sessions — during which cheers, tears, hugs, and numbers were exchanged — a lunch was prepared by Filipinaowned food companies like Spread the Love, Ninong’s Pastries & Cafe, Créme Caramel and Cafe 86.

Organized by LA-based Entrepinayship, this gathering for Filipina entrepreneurs, those thinking of starting a business, and those juggling a side hustle with a 9 to 5 job, was the first time many would be surrounded by this amount of Filipina professionals and feel spoken to through shared experiences. As several remarked, the energy was unparalleled, especially in a women-dominated environment that could stereotypically be competitive and catty.

“It was empowering to be around these women. You’re crying and sharing stories

but you feel safe,” reflected Ginger Lim-Dimapasok, owner of dessert shop Cafe 86. “You see an owner you admire who’s always strong and doing everything to make her business work, but then all of a sudden, she’s there so vulnerable.”

Lim-Dimapasok was introduced to Entrepinayship in July 2015, when Kristine de la Cruz of Créme Caramel invited her to an after-hours meet-up with seven other Filipina entrepreneurs in the food industry.

It was co-hosted by Anna Marie Cruz, who was then the small business coach at Search to Involve Pilipino Americans (SIPA) and had the idea of a group for this specific segment of entrepreneurs in the Filipino-American community.

Building a movement Numerous reports have noticed the trend of women starting businesses more than ever in the United States — from 2017 to 2018, an American Express report found that there were 1,821 new

women-only space a novel concept, no group has been directed at Filipina entrepreneurs here in the U.S. to connect with one another and provide access to tools to launch and grow their businesses.

“For Filipinas, we’re the ones who leave the country to pursue work outside of the Philippines. I can’t think of anything more entrepreneurial than that…we’ve been entrepreneurial from day one and these platforms for [women] are long overdue as are these movements like The Wing and Create & Cultivate,” said Cruz, founder and ‘Chief ElevateHer Officer’ of Entrepinayship.

“But what does it mean for women of color too? When we look at these movements, they’re often the mainstream, which is fine, but focusing on what we need specifically as a community allows us to target the resources even better.”

Considerations for this niche would, for example, include understanding credit when immigrant families generally don’t pass down this knowledge and defeating the crab mentality, all of which wouldn’t be acknowledged elsewhere.

Entrepinayship as the budding movement it is today comes from nearly a decade of Cruz’s work with small business owners.

After earning her MBA in 2012, Cruz diverted from the corporate route and was a marketing consultant for the International Labor Organization, which assigned her to a remote village in central Vietnam where she worked with 19 female weavers for six months to create market linkages and products to sell to incoming tourists.

Coming back to Los Angeles, where she grew up after migrating from the Philippines at a young age, Cruz landed at SIPA to oversee its small business programs. “I was supporting micro-entrepreneurship in the LA community.

Even though it looked a lot different from that community in Vietnam, it was still about providing the resources and the tools to help them launch and create a sustainable business,” she said. “Part of the reason why I chose to work

Giselle Tongi led a mala beads workshop at the Entrepinayship retreat in Los Angeles on Saturday, Jan. 26.

with the Filipino community was because I’d been working on my own identity.”

Though local Fil-Am businesses have existed, Cruz said owners were not receptive when she asked them to speak to the entrepreneurs undergoing SIPA’s training. It was one Sunday when she saw a stand called Créme Caramel at a farmers market that sold leche flan and ube desserts. She reached out to owner Kristine de la Cruz, who was enthusiastic about the idea of sharing her business story and mentoring others. “That was one of the indications that there was women-owned businesses more support if I’m finding the started on an average day. right people,” Cruz said.

It also illustrated that 12.3 De la Cruz reflected that million firms were owned by while there are chambers women, generating $1.8 trilof commerce for Filipino lion in revenue last year.

Americans, there was nothWhen looking at the Asian ing “inclusive of people who American population, 51.1 had the ideals that we Filipino percent of Filipino businesses Americans had growing up in the U.S. identify a woman versus what our parents grew owner. That’s 98,849 out of up with.” Second-generation 193,336 Filipino businesses, Fil-Ams are more open to according to Census Bureau collaboration and encouragdata between 2007 and 2012. ing other businesses to thrive Despite the rise, barriers by buying from them, she said still hinder women entrebased on her observations. preneurs, such as the lack of The two planned the 2015 role models and mentors; the intimate meet-up to get a gender pay gap; and unequal pulse of the needs and conaccess to funding. Co-workcerns of some women founders ing spaces (The Wing), online in the food business. Though communities (Ellevate Netthe gathering was “magical,” work), conferences (Create & Cruz said there was a period Cultivate) and female-founded of “self-doubt” — where it’s venture capital funds (Female common for entrepreneurs to Founders Fund) are some of remain stuck in between idea the platforms addressing these and execution — that kept obstacles.

Entrepinayship dormant.

While Entrepinayship “It took a while over the — a portmanteau of the words years to solidify the idea ‘entrepreneurship’ and ‘Pinay’ because I knew the ‘why’ and — is not a new term nor is a ‘what’ from the very beginning…The ‘how’ was still kind of shaping up because while that meet-up was effective, I looked at operational challenges,” she explained. “That was my main focus: How do I make this really sustainable? Are there enough people in the community who would want this and who would continue to give it momentum?”

To experiment with other mediums, Cruz uploaded a series of video interviews with Filipina entrepreneurs in 2016, but then thought it was too narrow so she called it “FoundHer” and expanded to any female entrepreneur, regardless of race and background. “There was one side of me that doubted if it was going to be a success if it was just focused on Filipinas,” she Mia McLeod Mercado facilitated a leadership workshop at the Entreprenayship retreat in January, which featured business, personal development and recalled. “There was another wellness components.

Photo by Lyka Gozon part of me that said that I can’t do it unless it’s just Filipinas. It didn’t feel 100 percent aligned with my passion.”

After SIPA, Cruz went on to her current role as a business development officer for CDC Small Business Finance, which offers low-interest financing for small businesses.

Reignited purpose Cruz was a panelist at a Filipina entrepreneurship event in Long Beach last summer, which “was validation that I needed to speak directly to Filipinas,” she said.

So she became more vocal about Entrepinayship again 92 Filipinas gathered at the Entrepinayship retreat in late January. Another retreat is scheduled for this summer.

Photo by Roslynn Alba Cobarrubias and started sharing stories on

Photo by Lyka Gozon

51.1 percent of Filipino businesses in the U.S. are women-owned.

Anna Marie Cruz, a health and business coach, began Entrepinayship back in 2015 as a platform to connect Filipina entrepreneurs with resources to build their businesses.

Contributed photo

Sara Meredith of Kaya Essentials in February organized a “kumare circle,” an intimate meet up with less than 30 women.

Photo by Project Mirror Booth LA

Instagram about Entrepinays and ‘Intrapinays,’ Filipinas who are taking the lead at other organizations and are entrepreneurial by nature.

Social media has led Entrepinayship to discover Filipina-owned ventures in far flung areas, from Londonbased Lunes shop, which creates Filipino-themed greeting cards, to Theo & Brom in Belgium, a chocolate company

by Filipina Myey Moyens that makes the world’s first Belgian tableya.

“It doesn’t matter if you’re in LA. Even if we’re born in LA, we are being raised by so many cities and communities around the world,” Cruz said.

“I’m finding women everywhere, literally in all parts of the world. The incredible amount of talent we have in every industry...I can’t think of one industry where we don’t shine, whether it’s tech, beauty, the arts. It’s overwhelming.

Sometimes I want to cry and ask, ‘Why hasn’t this been done before?’”

In the Bay Area, LEAD Filipino’s 2017 Fly Pinays summit borrowed the ‘Entrepinayship’ term from Cruz for a panel of Filipina entrepreneurs. Gina Rosales, an event planner in San Francisco who co-produces the UNDISCOVERED SF in the SOMA Pilipinas district, was on the panel and was inspired to start the similarly named ‘Entrepinay’ group. It held a summit last year with 130 attendees and plans to do so annually.

“The focus of Entrepinays is to support and encourage Pinay business owners, yes, but the real heart of our summit is to promote the idea of Pinayism,” Rosales said, referencing the work of professor and community leader Allyson Tintiangco-Cubales.

“It is rooted in the concept of sisterhood, and how as Pinays we’re actually taught to fear/hate each other and compete against each other, but really what we need is to join together and support each other.”

Though two separate groups, the emergence of Pinay entrepreneurs across California is promising.

Fast forward to this past fall, Cruz ran into Philippine Vice Consul Dyan Pastrana at a Women’s Entrepreneurship Day event hosted by the LA Mayor’s Office, with the latter encouraging Cruz to re-launch Entrepinayship. It took about three weeks for them to plan a day-long Women’s Entrepreneurship Forum under the Philippine Consulate General on December 11, 2018, which featured speakers from business institutions and two panels on women changemakers and how to start a business.

Pastrana said that initiatives on women’s empowerment, leadership and entrepreneurship like Entrepinayship align with her work as the gender and development lead at the Philippine Consulate in LA. “Women’s empowContinued on Page 4

Fil-Am singer wows ‘The entertainment 3 Voice’ judges with his rendition of Drake’s song Maine: Arjo makes me extra happy The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - March 6, 2019

by JAN

MILO SEVERO Philstar.com

by KRISSY

AGUILAR Inquirer.net

A FILIPINO-AMERICAN singer has wowed the judges of “The Voice US” as he received a four-chair turn during his blind audition.

Jej Vinson, a Filipino based in Los Angeles, impressed judges Adam Levine, John Legend, Kelly Clarkson, and Blake Shelton with his rendition of Drake’s “Passionfruit.”

“You’re a better singer than all of us,” Levine said after Vinson’s performance.

Meanwhile, Legend said he was initially worried about Vinson’s song choice, but the Filipino singer was able to sing the notes “with precision.”

“That was like a wild inspired song choice. Drake is kind of like monotone normally, and I was worried that you would stay in that little zone, but then you soared,” Legend said.

“You showed us these really precise beautiful runs.

It’s like you knew the note you wanted and just picked it out in the air. And you hit every single one with precision and beauty and excitement.

You’ve got the whole crowd going,” he added.

Levine, on the other hand, assured that he would help Vinson put more feelings and connection to his performance if given the chance to coach

Paulo Avelino in character as Goyo

the Filipino singer.

“What I would wanna do as your coach if I were to be so lucky as to make sure we can get to a place where people can feel you, as well as they can hear you. That to me is the number one thing moving forward for you to make sure you can navigate to the competition and keep everybody connected to your heart,” Levine said.

Shelton predicted Vinson would be the winner for the

AFTER months of speculations, Kapuso actress Maine Mendoza admitted that she and Kapamilya actor Arjo Atayde are dating.

In her blog post on Sunday, March 3, Maine also said that their friendship is “growing deeper with time.”

“Again, without waiting any longer, here’s the statement and confirmation you have been waiting for: It’s true, I am dating Arjo,” Maine revealed.

“You might be waiting for an explanation as to why I chose him. Excuse me for saying this but... why not?” she said.

“You may have listed a long list of reasons why I shouldn’t but we all know it’s made out of hatred, anger and disappointment. I choose not to judge his character for whatever he’s done in the past because that Photo courtest of TBA Studios does not define him as a person.

I was raised to never judge a competition, saying, “You person, to always see the goodknow, I think everybody here is probably a little bit nervous ness of people no matter how other people see them,” the talking to you right now. We “Eat Bulaga” host added. all feel like we’re looking at Maine described Arjo as the winner of ‘The Voice’ this a guy who makes her extra season.” happy.

“American Idol” alumna “He always goes out of his Clarkson likewise assured way to make me extra happy Vinson she can help him win the show: “I can win this show and actually puts in effort in everything he does. I appreciate with you. You’re incredible, everything he does for me and man. I turned around, and I I am happy that I get to experiwas like ‘What?!’ and it was ence such wonderful things,” like so effortless.”

Maine said.

The “Phenomenal Star” also added that Arjo already met her family and friends. She said that it was her first time to introduce someone to her parents.

“He went to our house in Bulacan to personally talk to my also dedicated musicians in one parents and tell them that he song, Marcus composed “Filihas nothing but good intenpina Girl” with help from James. tions for their daughter. My The result is one of those tunes parents also gave him a warning with a beat that listeners cannot that they’d kill him if he does help but groove to and lyrics about “Filipina Girl.” Although that are in constant playback Billy, James and Marcus have inside your head. all made the Philippines their “There ain’t nothing in this home, they have lived and world/ nothing in the world like a Filipina girl/ there ain’t nothing worked here for years, they in the world like a Filipina girl…. are all technically “foreigners.”

Isn’t it funny that it took three But there is something “foreigners” to come up with a that I find even more amazing

Why there’s nothing quite like a ‘Filipina girl’

by BABY

A. GIL

Philstar.com

FATE brought James Reid and Billy Crawford together with music producer Marcus Davis Jr. to collaborate in a project. And out of this came this wonderful song that will become not just a big hit but a future classic.

Here is one fantastic example of what a collab among three amazing talents can do.

Fate brought singers and actors

James Reid and Billy Crawford together with music producer Marcus Davis Jr., who, by the way, also sings for a project.

And out of this came this wonderful song “Filipina Girl,” that I am sure will become not just a big hit but a future classic.

Marcus was invited to produce Billy’s recording comeback album and James was invited to join him in one cut. Probably inspired by the situation of having these two famous guys who are

Arjo Atayde with Maine Mendoza

Photo from Instagram/@arjoatayde

something bad to me. Haha,” she said.

Maine also addressed her “AlDub” fans as she explained that she and Alden Richards are just friends. The actress said she respects her fans’ feelings but spoke against online bashing. “[It] will never be right and acceptable to resort to personal attacks to get back at anyone or to relieve your frustration.”

Arjo and his family have been the center of attacks online from “AlDub” fans since Arjo admitted recently that he and Maine are exclusively dating.

“A lot of people close to me have experienced the immense

bashing from some ‘fans’ and haters combined, including my family and friends. It has to stop. You may not be required to love the people around the person you idolize but I don’t think it’s too much to show them at least some respect,” she added.

Maine added that she knew how their fans invested so much in the “AlDub” love team but added that their romance is just on screen.

“Sadly, I cannot stay as Yaya Dub forever. This is Maine, the real me. And this is real life.

And I cannot go on with my life behind a fictional character,” she said.

song like this? And it is because they adore and appreciate the virtues of Filipina girls more than the local guys.

Part-American Billy, a former child actor here, later lived and worked in Texas and New York, U.S. of A. and then in

Paris and London. Part-Australian James was born and grew up in the Land Down Under.

He relocated to the Philippines when he decided to try his luck in show business. Marcus comes from Orange County, California Continued on Page 4

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entertainment The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - March 6, 2019

How Entrepinayship is...

From Page 2 erment and gender equality [are what] we truly strive for, as we still see a lot of issues affecting women and children in our diplomacy work,” said Pastrana, who handles cases of Filipina women trafficked and abused in the Consulate territory. “Through Entrepinayship, “I am actually very glad that the TWBA interview hap- we can build on programs on pened,” the model-actor told financial literacy, reintegration and women’s entrepreneurship his Instagram followers in a for our community of women post. here and we hope this is repli“I agree with everything cated in other areas as well.” that was mentioned in the Invigorated by the momeninterview,” he maintained. tum from the December conIn the post, he answered people’s questions about the ference, Entrepinayship went into 2019 with the opportunity relationship one by one. to set the tone and position First, he said that he itself where a hole had existed agrees with his girlfriend of for so long. six years that she chose the It was clearer now that crown over love.

Entrepinayship, as intended, “Of course (it’s) ‘Crown’!

The career of a beauty queen would concentrate on: inspiration, connection, and is so different in many ways resources. to that of other career paths The group’s founder, who and even more extreme (than) is also a health and business that of an actor or (public) coach for high-performing figure… It’s not a question women, envisioned the Januabout personal preference ary retreat to be a small barbut urgent priority!” becue at a park, but scrapped Second, he admitted that to intentionally have prothat he and Catriona already gramming and an experience broke up even before the that would provide value for coronation. participants. In addition to the “It’s correct that the relationship was over the way business and personal development side, it was essential we used to have it before the coronation. But we didn’t to include a wellness component and how to incorporate make it official in private mechanisms that would fit into until after the coronation. the lifestyle of the Entrepinay.

However, it was actually me “I’m sure there are other who eventually and actively cultures like this but the idea pushed to make it official.”

Continued on Page 5 of martyrdom is so big in our community that we run ourselves ragged to our own detriment just to serve others.

It is embedded in us,” Cruz said. “For me, wellness in our community is not just taking the day off and pampering yourself. It’s changing the mindset about how you’re going to continually take care of yourself before you can be there for your business, your community, and your family.”

Selecting speakers and facilitators for the retreat came easily because Cruz tapped into her growing network of Entrepinays and saw who would be a good fit for each topic.

“Finding people who aligned with the vision, the why and the purpose is so Clint Bondad important. That’s really what’s Photo from Instagram/@clintbondad allowed this to have a life of its own. It’s not me and the idea,” Cruz said. “It’s people understanding that this is for something bigger…Just like any entrepreneur says, you have to identify a gap and you have to figure out what that need is and what you’re going to create to serve that need.”

The retreat was publicized on social media and sold out a few days before. Participants who drove to the ‘secret’ location in LA came from throughout Southern California, like the Inland Empire and Orange County, or flew in from the Bay Area.

The posts were meant to highlight that this event would not put speakers on pedestals, tout their accolades and accomplishments, and breed that insecurity.

“At the end of the day, why would you go to an event only to hear about how great someone is? You’ve got to feel it’s for you. You’ve got to know you’re getting your money’s worth and that investment is a self-investment. That was the message about everything I put out there. This is for you, a special day for you, and only

Clint Bondad reacts to Catriona Gray’s interview with Tito Boy

by Deni Rose M. AfiniDAD-BeRnARDo Philstar.com

CLINT Bondad on Monday, March 4, clarified accu-

sations thrown at him following his ex-girlfriend Catriona Gray’s recent interview in the ABS-CBN talk show “Tonight with Boy Abunda” (TWBA).

Kristine de la Cruz of Créme Caramel, TV personality Giselle Tongi and real estate entrepreneur Mia McLeod Mercado listen to a speaker at the Entrepinayship retreat in January.

Photo by Lyka Gozon

A handout from a workshop on “money mindset” at the Entrepinayship retreat. Photo by Lyka Gozon

you,” Cruz said.

Marketing advisor Roslynn Alba Cobarrubias, who cofounded and sold global talent discovery platform mydiveo for $7.4 million, said a platform like Entrepinayship has made her feel less alone and is a safe space to ask questions — which she still has a lot of despite being a serial entrepreneur — without being judged.

“For a long time, I felt that there wasn’t a group of women that understood exactly the challenges that I went through.

A lot of the times in other rooms, [I would be] afraid of being judged so we have to pretend to know everything in fear of not being taken seriously,” Cobarrubias said, adding “I didn’t have this support throughout my career nor in recent years so it was great to be surrounded by Pinays who are welcoming, sensitive and helpful [because] we care in a different kind of way.”

While a majority of retreat participants have established brands and services, there were many who have side hustles or leadership positions within their workplaces.

Entrepinayship, despite the entrepreneurial slant, has a place for them too and is not to “shame” those who are still testing the waters because “we still have day-to-day expenses,” Cruz said.

Professional development sessions and memberships can tend to be expensive, but Entrepinayship seeks to be accessible no matter what stage a Pinay is in her career or business journey. (The January retreat was priced at $45 per person, while similar mainstream events can bear a price tag in the hundreds, for instance.)

“Access and transparency are important for me and Entrepinayship. Transparency, especially when it comes to business ethics, is a topic that as a community we can start talking about. Another thing is fairness. I never want to put someone in the spotlight at the expense of somebody else,” Cruz said. “If you go

to an Entrepinayship retreat, you know you go there as an equal. Even if someone has more expertise in a particular area, you are going to feel that you are as valuable as the next person…The idea of democratizing access and also the resources and the way we see ourselves is huge.”

Sustaining the spark The feedback after the retreat has been constructive, like programs targeting specific concerns or allowing more time to talk with other Entrepinays.

De la Cruz, who co-hosted the retreat and is an advisor to Entrepinayship, said that professional networking environments can be daunting but she hopes that future events are welcoming to those who are not as extroverted or may be shy to pose questions to the more seasoned entrepreneurs.

“I like sharing and helping someone learn from the mistakes I made. If there’s one thing about experience, the value isn’t from what retains in your own head. The value is how it helps other people avoid those same mistakes,” she said.

That’s why the organization will have Kumare Circles throughout the year, which can range from wine nights or skillbased workshops for a smaller set of women.

Sara Meredith, founder of coconut oil-based skincare line Kaya Essentials, hosted a circle in February that had a yoga practice and conversation between women who represent a range of fields from law to fashion. “Our Galentine’s Kumare Circle brought 24 women together. We had a gentle heart opener sequence followed by a self-love workshop,” Meredith said. “We got to hear from each and every one of us and focused on the positive and what superpower we brought into our personal and professional lives.”

These circles are meant to be organized by members themselves and to be an exchange of ideas and support group on a face-to-face level.

Continued on Page 5

Why there’s nothing...

From Page 3 but has lived and worked in Asia, particularly the Philippines for many years.

Aside from the music, what this trio has in common is the fact that they have all fallen in love with and are now with beautiful Filipina girls. Billy is married to actress and model Coleen Garcia. James is with actress-singer and aspiring director Nadine Lustre. And Marcus is with Amber Davis, the very same Amber who popularized the big hit “Kembot,” which Marcus also produced.

I say those three lovely females are reasons enough for these guys to be completely lost in the beauty of the “Filipina Girl.”

Music producer Marcus Davis with James Reid and Billy Crawford

Photos from Instagram/@mkdavisjr

MayWard talks about Momo challenge and depression

by Marinel

r. Cruz

Inquirer.net

“STAY away from it,” said young star Edward Barber when the Inquirer asked his advice for his young supporters on how to deal with the dangerous game called the “Momo Suicide Challenge” that has been circulating on the internet lately.

The suicide app reportedly traces its roots in Japan. It targets children through the social media site Facebook and the messaging app Whatsapp. An anonymous person (“Momo”), with an unknown number, will instruct the child to engage in odd activities while recording these for Momo. If the challenge is successful, Momo will then ask the child to engage in even more dangerous activities— eventually leading to suicide.

“I’ve only learned about it this morning,” said Edward’s onscreen partner, Maymay Entrata, during a media gathering on Thursday. “I got worried because I have a younger brother, Rio, and cousins, who love playing with gadgets. I have yet to talk to them about this.

Goose bumps “Please don’t download the app. It’s also important that when you’ve already started playing it, and the person you’re talking with instructs you to do something bad to yourself, don’t do it,” Maymay advised youngsters. “Only God determines how long we shall stay in this world. It’s also important to read devotional books every day so that our hearts are guided, and our faith will grow.”

Edward added: “I’ve seen a clip about it and it’s really scary. I got goose bumps while watching it. I hope that no one will fall victim to it anymore. The internet is an amazing place, but it can be really dangerous.

Check on your loved ones. Make sure they’re all safe.”

To parents, Edward said: “Check your child’s gadget.

Make sure the app isn’t there.

These people have a way of finding out the child’s location so he/she will believe that it’s real.”

Maymay and Edward, collectively known as MayWard, were also asked about their opinion on depression. “I’ve gone through that in my life, twice,” admitted Maymay. “The

Maymay Entrata and Edward Barber

first was when I went from one audition to another, hoping to make it in show biz, but was unsuccesful. It came to a point when I wanted to give up, but I reminded myself of the reason I want to become successful: my family.”

The second incident in Maymay’s life that triggered depression was when her grandfather passed away. “He was my reason for joining ‘PBB’ (‘Pinoy Big Brother’). When I lost him, it felt like I lost my purpose,” she recalled. “I had to recondition myself. I had to make myself realize that I have other people in my life to fight for. Only one has left, and it’s not the end of the world yet for me.”

Better day Edward said he knew a lot of friends who had gone through depression “be it here or in Germany (where he grew up).

It’s a hard place to be in but know that even if it seems so bad, there’s always a better day.

It’s best to keep yourself busy.

Focus on something that’s just for you, like going to the gym or doing some sports.”

Edward, a reluctant star, admitted there were times when he thought of quitting the biz.

“When things get hard, it’s always easy to just say ‘no’ or ‘I quit,’ mostly because of fatigue or when I’m worrying so much about something,” he pointed out. “The way to battle it is to remember why you started it in the first place. Every time there’s a challenge, I take it personally, I worry a lot. I also work hard to get better.”

entertainment

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - March 6, 2019

How Entrepinayship is...

From Page 4 They’re not meant to be transactional and peddling products to a group of women, but rather creating a relationship and support system organically.

One recent collaboration was when Lim-Dimapasok met Carissa Ortega of Ninong’s Pastries & Cafe at the retreat.

It led to selling the latter’s ube cookie butter jars at all Cafe 86 locations for one day in February. “[Ortega] and I discovered how much we had in common…and it only made sense to help my new sister Photo from Instagram/@edward_barber out by broadening her reach out to the Inland Empire and Edward said he would often Las Vegas where my stores are think of how his idols, like Piolo situated,” Lim-Dimapasok said.

Pascual or Aga Muhlach, would Beyond the attendance at react when similarly situated. the live events and the number “Faced with the same situaof shares online, examples of tion, I’m sure they didn’t worry deeper connections like mealike I did. They simply enjoyed sure the impact and facilitation the moment. I said I also want of a group like Entrepinayship. to reach that point when I just In the first quarter of 2019, enjoy my work and not think Entrepinayship has been active about whether or not I could do with its programming and vissomething well.” ibility. The FoundHer interHe said he would often views from 2016 have been draw courage and strength repurposed and relaunched as from “family and fans. When a bi-monthly podcast available you see the support and time on Spotify, iTunes, and the they’re giving you, you’d feel organization’s website. The that you owe it to them to give group held a panel with five your all, too. You can’t be lazy.

Entrepinays at the Southern Also, God has put me here for California Pilipino American whatever purpose, so who am Student Alliance (SCPASA) I to say no? Until I discover that summit this past February and reason, I will stay.” had a workshop with CobarFresh new singles rubias focused on “marketing The media gathering was Filipinos to a global stage.” to formally launch MayWard’s “It’s our time. We won Miss fresh new singles under Star Universe, a Golden Globe as Pop. Maymay’s song “Kakayanin a Filipino character, [and] a Kaya” sentimentalizes harborGrammy after being raised in ing feelings for a person who a karaoke household singing may like another. The ballad, Sharon Cuneta. The stars are Maymay’s first single from aligning for us to reach the her second album, tackles the global stage. We can’t hide dilemma of whether to stay or behind the scenes anymore,” let go.

Cobarrubias said. “We need Edward, on the other to work together to push our hand, is up with a heartwarmFilipino movement further in ing serenade, titled “No One music, film, TV, arts, science, Else,” which talks about how the and more. We need to own singer is hesitant in revealing his our history, our work and be feelings as he waits for the perproud of it. Most importantly, fect time to confess to the girl we need to stop bringing one he likes. It is a new single from another down with the crab…

Edward’s first album under the mentality but instead stand ABS-CBN sublabel. Songwriter proudly next to each other and Roque “Rox” Santos is overall offering guidance, support and producer. opportunities in the exact way

In addition to the business side, Entrepinayship focuses on wellness and self-care. “It’s changing the mindset about how you’re going to continually take care of yourself before you can be there for your business, your community, and your family,” says founder Anna Marie Cruz.

Photo by Lyka Gozon

Entrepinayship is.”

This March, the first online Entrepinayship Academy program led by Elisa Estrera of Gratefruit Consulting was unveiled. The four-week online course every Tuesday night is targeted for Entrepinays who want to experiment with their business ideas.

“Through Hatch, we hope to debunk the misconceptions of how scary and difficult it is to test a product or service in the real world, and especially that it doesn’t have to be perfect. The program is only a month long to show that progress can be made in that little time,” Estrera, a business consultant with a background in tech product management, said.

Participants will have that accountability and peer support to stay on track. “After four weeks, they will have done a proof of concept, walk away with a solid business plan, financial plan, [and] action plan for the next three months to keep momentum, and an understanding of when to keep improving or when to pivot. Most importantly, they’ll learn how to introduce more play and experimentation in bringing their ideas to life,” she added.

As its purpose is to build a sustainable and thriving business network for Pinays, Entrepinayship is a business in

itself and puts Cruz in the position of considering how it can be a viable, legacy organization for the community. Partnerships with corporations and organizations are being eyed.

Other offerings and services will be rolled out within the year, as well as a second retreat at a surprise location, Cruz teased.

“At its core, women’s entrepreneurship is women’s empowerment. For me personally, I’ve always been interested in women’s empowerment but that had changed for me over time...In some ways, it focused on victimization, whereas women’s entrepreneurship is this revolution of women’s empowerment because it really is about independence. I get so excited about it because it’s like the parable about teaching someone to fish versus giving them the fish,” Cruz said. “Entrepinayship takes on that principle that we’re not here to solve every problem and we’re not here to give you a blanket to keep you warm for one night, but we want you to be able to build the home that you need so that you have shelter forever. It’s a movement that anyone can gravitate to because it’s our own independence and supporting each other to reach their own independence. Maybe that’s why people are interested in it.”

entertainment

Antoinette Taus recovering Will Bianca Umali dare to bare? from chow chow attack The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - March 6, 2019

by Ricky Lo Philstar.com

IF and when Bianca Umali decides to, well, dare to bare, she will surely give her contemporaries headed in that direction a run for their two-pieces.

Bianca has been posting on her IG photos of her in bikinis and those “teasers� have driven the public guessing --- is she shedding her sweet/wholesome image for a seductive/ daring one?

Maybe Kapuso diehards will get a hint when Bianca’s new TV series Sahaya premieres on March 18 in which she plays the titular role as Sahaya, a Badjao torn between Ahmad, a fellow Badjao (played by Miguel Tanfelix), and city boy Jordan (Migo Adecer).

To prepare for the series, Bianca said that she took free diving lessons, without the gear. “We also underwent dance lessons and I had to learn the Badjao dialect. I also did a lot of research and immersion on the Badjao culture.�

Asked if she’s ready for sexy roles since she has been posting her sexy photos on social media, Bianca said, “I would say that I am ready for more mature roles but I don’t want to be judged on what I post on social media. Posting sexy photos is not actually what I do. ‘Yung nasasabi nilang ‘sexy’ I don’t really post it intentionally para magpasexy. I am ready for mature roles but I don’t want to be stereotyped based on the few sexy photos I posted.�

Rumored to have broken up (due to a “third party�), Bianca and Miguel talked about how they prevent “negative factors� from affecting their feelings for each other?

Bianca: I don’t really mind them. I just work hard and focus on improving my craft.

But I still I appreciate them because they talk about me and they think about me.

Miguel: You should know what to believe and what to doubt. There are some people who will help and support you but at the same time, dapat

by Jan

MiLo SeveRo Philstar.com

ACTRESS Antoinette Taus is now recovering after she was attacked by a dog over the weekend.

In her Facebook account, Antoinette posted photos of the dog bites on her left forearm and said that the chow chow also bit her on her left thigh and right breast. “I am currently confined and recovering from dog bites to my left forearm, left thigh, and right breast. I was Bianca Umali leaves her comfort zone by going ‘somewhat daring’ in her role as a Badjao girl in the attacked by a chow chow on forthcoming GMA series “Sahaya.�

GMA photos Saturday evening while at a Sahaya. For me, each teleserye family wedding in Baguio. alam mo rin kung sino ‘yung My left forearm suffered the is one level up and the roles I mga taong hindi makakatuworst and took two hours of get are more challenging.� long sa’yo. As long as we surgery and suturing,� AntoiHow does he keep up know the truth, that’s all that nette said. with his contemporaries and matters.

The actress also added shine in a field of talented and Do they believe that a that there was “some fat lasting relationship is rooted in good-looking hopefuls? “I realized it’s easier to just hanging out of the wound deep friendship? and I could even see the tenbe true to myself,� said Migo Miguel: Yes. Ganoon nadon in my wrist.� (who spent a good part of his man talaga kasi ‘yung friends, “Luckily there’s no permagrowing-up years in Australia). di ba? You look out for each nent damage and no arteries “I want people to see my ugly other, you care for each other or nerves were harmed,� she side and also my good side. and you love each other. For shared.

That is what I’m doing for my me, the foundation of any She said her post does career and I guess, I get and relationship is based on the not mean to worry anyone, keep my fans through my perfriendship you have with the sonality. What you see is what but she just wanted to give person. Friendship is develupdates for those concerned you get.� oped and nourished through because she has some events His contemporaries like the years and it can also be and meetings lined up this Ruru Madrid and Jak Roberto tested at the same time. But week. are fond of showing their bare in the end, what you’ve been “Praying for a speedy bodies to attract attention. through as friends will only esrecovery and deeply grateCan Migo compete with them tablish a strong bond between ful to the amazing doctors in this department? Is he willyou and your friend. and nurses that have been ing to do the same thing?

Bianca: Yes. It doesn’t so wonderful in taking care “I think we all have our necessarily mean being in of me since I arrived,� she own ways of expressing oura “romantic relationship.� added. selves and that’s how they do Miguel and I have a relationThe former child star also it,� explained Migo. “I respect ship, but we can say na it’s had an advice for dog lovers them but I’d rather show my actually one of the greatest who want to own a chow funny side through my social relationships people have, not chow. media posts. These posts romantically, but to the point show my natural self.� na we get misinterpreted as, Moreover, Migo doesn’t you know, being romantically together like inaalagaan namin believe that one must be in a ‘yung isa’t isa or how sweet we loveteam to make it. “Yes,� he agreed, “loveare. We’ve reached a point na From Page 4 team works for some artists. hindi ma-describe or mabigWhile Catriona blamed If there’s actually a chemistry yan ng name ‘yung klase ng the lack of communication between two personalities that relationship namin. between her and Clint as the looks good on screen, that’s Meanwhile, contrary to reason for them to fall apart, great. But I don’t think an acreports, Migo said that he’s Clint took the blame. tor’s success is only measured happy with the direction of his “I am truly the only one by the popularity of their career? who can be blamed for any“After StarStruck, I became loveteam. I believe if an artist thing and everything. I failed, is hardworking, passionate and part of Encantadia, My Love because the control was alprofessional then he/she will From the Star, The One That ways with me all along. I just flourish in his/her career.�

Got Away, Ika-5 Utos and now,

Antoinette Taus

“For those thinking of getting a dog, I have been told that chow chow’s are the number one breed known to be involved (in) dog bite cases. I am an animal lover and my natural instincts wouldn’t allow me to harm the dog that was attacking me. He is perfectly fine. But I am definitely traumatized most especially by the chowchow

Photo from Instagram/@antoinettetaus

breed,� Antoinette said.

She pleaded that instead of buying expensive breeds, “please give some thought to adopting dogs.� “Some parts of the US don’t allow dogs to be purchased in pet stores any longer. Please do consider adoption and give abandoned dogs a chance,� she espoused.

Clint Bondad reacts to Catriona... realized it too late.�

He, however, stressed that there is no bitterness between him and the singerbeauty queen. “What would have really broken my heart would have been not seeing that crown on her head. I am glad things happened the way they did.

Sure, maybe things could

have been a bit different if the outcome would have been different too,� he said. “Nobody can be blamed for things that simply happen and I actually believe that this is the best ever that could have happened for both of us. She will go down as the best Miss Universe in History.�

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community 7

The bucket list

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond

Become your own style icon

MONETTE ADEVA MAGLAYA WHILE appearances may deceive, more often than not, what you are is reflected on the outside.

Becoming your own style icon does not mean maxing out your credit cards just to follow the latest fashion trends. Don’t do it. It’s a fool’s errand. You can never get caught up with it anyway. Fashion, like technology, will push the latest trend just to keep and grow market share. It’s all about money and profits. Who says you have to buy every season’s new fashion?

Don’t let those so-called fashion Nazis dictate how you dress.

First, get comfortable in your own skin. Focus on the positive features and accept and mitigate what you consider as flaws. Then find the style that suits you — something well within your means and makes you comfortable and confident while you do the things you love to do, or in many cases, have to do, on a daily basis.

Experiment with the clothes you already have in your closet.

Chances are, with the exception of underwear, you probably have all you need. Test combinations of cut, color, texture and style.

Take a photo of the combinations that work for you and make you feel good and confident. Browse through magazines and pick a few that appeal to your own sense of who you are.

Stick to the time-tested classics and it is more than likely, you will hit the bullseye of being your own style icon. Dump the Hollywood

(9th of a series) look. Entertainment industry styl- unique style icon. There may be ists push trends that are flashy, clones of you, but no one is quite show far too much skin and wob- like you. God and your choices bly, jiggly bits of flesh. Notice how make it so.

If you work for an organization, they almost have the same cookie cutter look and the same frozen it means you have to blend your faces botoxed to the max? No, style and comply with the company dress code. Looking profesyou don’t want to go there.

Keep mixing and matching. sional and competent is key. ReDiscard the ones you know in your member that as an employee, you gut you will never, ever use. Re- are a reflection of the company claim valued space in the closet. you work for.

If casual jeans and tees are the Don’t be afraid to make mistakes.

There is no fashion police to issue norm in the company or because you a ticket. Pretty soon, you will the nature of your work requires know in your gut the look that you to be holed up all day in some telegraphs who you are without obscure cubicle and does not have to face the public, then wear saying a word. them. It doesn’t mean, however, that you are required to dress down at all times.

Predictability is boring.

From time to time, make an effort to look really good just to make yourself feel You’ve heard it before. “Dress good. Why buy clothes and let for success! Dress to impresss!” them hang by their lonesome Or that famous line: “If it doesn’t in the closet? Believe it or not, it fit, you must acquit!” (Okay, I am does your psyche good to receive going off tangent here.) But the compliments from time to time, point is you must regard slogans particularly on down days.

Do you know what is the cherry with a bit of caution.

Catchy rhyming slogans are not on top of a unique style icon?

It’s a killer smile. A smile that necessarily true. Discernment is key. When you dress to impress, comes from your eyes is a light you will simply get stressed try- bulb that dispels darkness and ing to top each ensemble you put negativity. It is essentially a sneak together with the next one. Your preview of the wellspring of goodego becomes the driver plus your ness and love busting to get out wallet is lighter. Life is just too from within you.

Next week: Back to yet anothshort to obsess on this matter.

The focus becomes the dress er idea to consider for The Bucket not on how your style makes you List … *** comfortable allowing you to function without having to fuss preen- Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is ing all day in front of a mirror. The SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. right style projects the person To send comments, e-mail monette. quite easily, making you your own maglaya@asianjournalinc.com

“ ...As within, so without...”

–Hermes Trismegistus

Five benefits of establishing a revocable living trust

Barrister’s Corner

$150,000 and go through the probate process. This can become a circus if certain beneficiaries contest the validity of the Will or the THERE is never the perfect time distribution of the estate. Your to think about who you would like estate will pay for attorney’s fees, to inherit from your estate in case probate referee fees, appraisers you pass away or at least who among your closest friends (BFFs) and family members are even deserving of inheriting from your estate. In doing so, you should also think about which vehicle you plan to use in implementing your estate plan. One of the best vehicle in implementing your estate plan is a revocable living and other experts, CPA fees, etc. trust. Five major benefits of es- If people contest the case, your tablishing a revocable living trust estate would end up paying legal fees to defend the estate in litigaare: Your estate can avoid the tion. The entire process can take time, cost, and hassle of going anywhere from 9 months to years through the probate court pro- depending on the contentiousness of the probate case. cess.

With a revocable living trust, If you pass away without a will (intestate) in California, one of your trustee or successor trustee your close family would have to if you were the initial trustee, file a petition in probate court to would administer the trust and probate your estate. Your estate distribute the estate according to will be divided and distributed ac- the trust document without havcording to the California probate ing to open a probate court case. code rules of intestate succession. If the trust is funded with all your Even if you have a will when you assets, it is possible to adminispass away, your family would still ter and distribute the trust assets need to file a petition in probate without any Court involvement court if your estate is worth over at all. This process is a lot faster

ATTY. KENNETH URSUA REYES

than going through probate.

Your estate is not public record.

When you file a probate case, the public has access to your probate case file. The public will know the assets of the estate including the values of those assets. If the Will is admitted into probate, the terms of the Will is open to public scrutiny.

Establishing a revocable living trust makes your estate affairs private. Strangers do not have access to the terms of your living trust. Only certain beneficiaries and possible heirs can request a copy of the revocable living trust after you pass away.

You can dictate who will inherit from your estate.

If you pass away without a Will, your estate will be divided and distributed in Probate Court following the rules of intestate succession in the California probate code. Certain relatives will be entitled to a share of your estate even if you feel they are not deserving. By establishing a revocable living trust, you can designate who you want to inherit from your estate. You can designate what and how much each one will rePAGE B8

“The assets distributed to each beneficiaries does not have to be equal.”

Debt Relief

ATTY. LAWRENCE YANG THE client is 66. He says he is now old all of a sudden. He migrated here in 2004 so that’s 15 years ago.

When he deplaned at LAX, he was just 51 and single. He says he’s been working hard since he arrived, but hasn’t really been able to amass any wealth. He worked various jobs paying $10 to $15 per hour and never bought a car. He only rents a room for $400 a month. He uses public transportation to get around and to get to work. Mostly, he uses the bus.

So he has to do some walking from the bus stop to wherever he is going. About four years ago, he treated for some kind of cancer. Chemotherapy worked and he has been cancer free so far.

The problem of course is that for 5 years you are under observation to see for any recurrence. If there is a recurrence, you have to battle the cancer again. Another problem is that his knees are becoming a problem. They hurt when he walks. I said, “why don’t you use a cane?” He said he’s going to have some surgery done on them.

His general feeling is that he’s not as strong as before. He feels weaker than before. So he doesn’t want to keep on working anymore. He says he owes $20,000 of credit cards. He has timely paid these cards for the last 10 years at $500 a month.

That is the minimum payment required which pays all interest

Senior seeks Chapter 7 relief for $20K credit cards and a miniscule of principal. After paying $60,000 for minimum payments for the last 10 years, he said, “would you believe, I still owe the very same $20,000?” I said that I knew. It doesn’t make any sense that you should pay $60,000 but still owe the same $20,000. But that’s the way those cards work with minimum payments. You’re forever on the hook.

I asked if he is now on social security? He said, not yet. I guess he’s waiting for the day he stops working to claim full social security benefits plus some. As you probably now, after 66, social security benefits will increase by about 7 percent a year until you reach 70, at which time, your social security benefits will be bigger, maybe 30 percent bigger than at age 66.

I’ve heard stories about this waiting game with social security.

My friend was 68 and still waiting.

Then he died unexpectedly from complications from diabetes. He was able to manage his diabetes for well over 20 years. But who knows what happened. One day, his blood sugar just shot up and they could not bring it down, then his heart failed.

He was never able to claim his enhanced social security. Life’s not fair. Really? People die when they don’t expect to die. You may be all young and strong with your whole future ahead of you.

You get married in the Maldives with your sweetheart. Then you both go snorkeling; the current is too strong, your both swept further away into the ocean. You both try to swim back, but it’s

too far. You both drown, and so sorry, you both die on your honeymoon. Did you plan on this happening? Nope. Or, you go to Phuket for your honeymoon. But the Tsunami kills you while your bride is safe in the hotel; totally unexpected. Life is short even if you live up to 96.

So the question is why saddle yourself with debt and be miserable everyday when life is so short? Just get rid of all your debts if you qualify for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13.

Going back to the senior client, he says he wants to retire now but his social security will only be $700 a month. Just the minimum monthly payment on the $20,000 of credit cards is already $500. He won’t have enough to pay his rent if he doesn’t get rid of the credit cards now. If he gets rid of the $20,000 cards now and moves to a senior housing room, he might be able to rent a room for $250. With $700 of social security, he will still have about $500 left for food and public transportation.

Business owner seeks Chapter 7 for $120K credit card & business credit lines.

The second client is only 60.

His wife left him some time ago so he is now living by himself.

His rent is about $800. His son works but lives by himself and doesn’t help him. Right now, he has zero income. Don’t forget, to get early social security, you have to be 62, and you only get 70 percent of full benefits. I don’t know where his income is coming from. This is what I call PAGE B8

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - March 6, 2019

Minding Your Finances ATTY. RAYMOND BULAON ARE you seriously in debt and don’t know what to do?

Individuals who have accumulated excessive debt are often left to ponder whether bankruptcy is their only realistic way to get out of debt. However, they hesitate to do so because of all the negative things they’ve heard about bankruptcy.

Sometimes, these people feel that somehow, they’ve lost, failed, or that they will never have a chance to rebuild their credit again.

Because we are living in a society where having a lot of credit cards has become the norm, they also can’t imagine themselves without credit cards. They often tell me: If I lose all my credit cards, what will I use in case of an emergency? But this is the wrong question to ask.

Why most people file bankruptcy when out of options The truth is that credit cards only give us a sense of false security. Why? Because these plastic cards create the illusion of having money that you actually don’t have in your bank account, that’s why. That is exactly how most people end up spending their money before they even earn it.

And they wonder why they are broke every pay day no matter how hard they work.

If you find yourself over-extended and have tried living on a budget, doing financial counseling, etc. and still have not made great progress in repaying your debts, I applaud you at least for your efforts. However, your plan must be a realistic one or you will simply end up getting frustrated.

When you have incurred more debt that you can possibly repay, perhaps filing bankruptcy may be the only way to get debt

Calendar of Events across

relief. Otherwise, you may just remain stuck in your situation forever with no hope of getting out. And in most cases, it’s not as complicated and as bad as what your creditors would like you to believe.

As a matter of fact, most people who file for bankruptcy do just fine. They rebuild their credit after a few years and a lot of them are able buy homes just like everyone else. Filing bankruptcy doesn’t have to be the end of the world. It is only a new beginning for those who really need it.

Suppose you have attempted to negotiate with your creditors to work out an affordable repayment plan but they simply would not work with you? Although you’ve told them repeatedly that you cannot afford to pay the entire amount, they refuse PAGE B8

America

ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS! PRE-EVENT AND POST EVENT GO DEEPER. GO WIDER. LET THE WORLD KNOW. CALL ASIAN JOURNAL: (818) 502-0651 DISPLAY AD SIZES AT SPECIAL RATES FOR NON-PROFIT GROUPS MARCH 9

LolaLand: The Grandmother of All Shows in Los Angeles Rejoicers Events brings to Los Angeles, “LolaLand: The Grandmother of All Shows,” the show that sold out in Manila, and soon restaged in New York and the Bay Area. It will be held on Saturday, March 9 at the Aratani Theatre (244 San Pedro St, Los Angeles, CA 90012) at 7 p.m. Headlined by comedienne Fe delos Reyes, award-winning songwriters Cecile Azarcon and Odette Quesada are joined by singers Jam Morales and Chiqui Pineda, who popularized numerous OPM Songs. Part of the proceeds of this much-anticipated concert benefit Philippine Patrons of the Arts USA, a non-profit organization that helps bring Filipino Artists to U.S. stages.

MARCH 30

Philippine Medical Society of Northern California installation of officers in Foster City, CA The Philippine Medical Society of Northern California will hold its 47th anniversary and installation of officers for 2019-2021 at the Crowne Plaza in Foster City, CA on Saturday, March 30. For sponsorship information, please contact Dr. Clementina Manio at drtina0427@gmail. com or visit https://www.pmsnc.org/.

United Bicolandia Los Angeles induction in Montebello, CA United Bicolandia Los Angeles will hold its 45th Anniversary and Induction Ceremony at Quiet Cannon in Montebello, CA on Saturday, March 30. For tickets and sponsorship information, please contact Lanie Berrei at lanieberrei@hotmail.com or (818) 281-3169.

City of San Fernando, La Union Association-USA ball in Brea, CA The City of San Fernando, La Union Association-USA will hold its 29th Fiesta Ball — “A Reunion to Remember” — on Saturday, March 30 at the Embassy Suites (900 East Birch Street) in Brea, CA. It will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 12 midnight. For more details, you may contact ball chairman Noel Nabua at (949) 323-3873 / nsnabua@gmail.com; outgoing president Samuel Chee at (909) 662-7501 / samnlynnndchamp@yahoo.com; incoming president Vicky Neri at (562) 394-6293 / vickybneri@gmail.com; and director Vangie So at (626) 485-3110 / vangieso@ aol.com.

APRIL 7

Ryan, Ryan! The Maestro and the Ryan Cayabyab Singers in Glendale, CA Recently proclaimed National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab’s works will be showcased on Sunday, April 7 at the John Wayne Performing Arts Center (1440 E Broadway, Glendale, CA 91205) at 6 p.m. by his multi-talented singing group, the Ryan Cayabyab Singers joined by some local artists like Mon David, Annie Nepomuceno, Louie Reyes and many more. Come and hear how his work that spans five decades has made an indelible impact on Filipino culture. Copresented by Philippine Patrons of the Arts USA, a 501 (c) 3 organization that brings exemplary Filipino Artists to U.S. stages. For ticket information ($35-$125) visit www.philpatrons.org and to learn about other tour stops in Las Vegas (April 7), San Diego (April 12) and Seattle (April 14).

APRIL 13

2nd annual Filipino mental health well-being summit in LA The 2nd annual Filipino mental health well-being summit will take place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 13 at The Center of Cathedral Plaza (555 West Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012). In partnership with the LA County of Department of Mental Health, registration begins on March 11. This is a FREE event for all. Breakfast and lunch included with registration.

Please email FilipinoWellBeing@Gmail.com or visit https://www.facebook.com/FilipinoWellBeing for more updates.

A P R I L 25 -28

Philippine Nurses Association of America - North Central Regional Conference in Columbus, Ohio The Philippine Nurses Association - Central Ohio will hold a regional conference from April 25 to 28 at the Embassy Suites (2886 Airport Drive, Columbus, Ohio). For more information, please visit http://www.mypnaa.org/.

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 tshirts 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) 7898324. 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

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Why most people file bankruptcy when...

community The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - February 6, 2019

Five benefits of establishing a revocable...

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ceived from your estate after you pass away. The assets distributed to each beneficiaries does not have to be equal. The people you designate as beneficiaries of your living trust does not even have to be close family members.

You can designate anyone as a beneficiary, with certain exceptions, of your estate.

You can structure your estate to minimize estate taxes.

If your estate is valued above the estate tax exemption, establishing a trust can allow you to divide up your estate into smaller sub trusts to minimize the overall estate tax effect on your estate.

It allows you to set up a vehicle for certain charitable giving which carries tax advantage and asset protection.

You can choose who will administer your estate after your death.

When you establish a revocable trust, you can appoint someone else as trustee or you can appoint a successor trustee if you are the

EMPLOYMENT

initial trustee. The trustee will be administering (managing) the trust after you pass away without a need to open a probate court case. This allows for continuity in operating the trust and the efficient and cost effective distribution of estate assets. If you are concerned about whether you can trust any family members as your trustee, you can appoint an institution as a professional trustee to carry out the terms of the declaration of trust. These type of trustee services are often offered by banks, financial institutions, wealth management firms, and business management firms for a reasonable fee. This minimizes conflicts within the family and prevents negligence and wrong doing by inexperienced family members.

*** Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice.

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

This article is not intended to cover all

the issues related to the topic discussed.

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

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

EMPLOYMENT

PAGE B7 t

to cooperate and continue to threaten you with filing a lawsuit, obtaining a judgment and perhaps even garnishing your wages (which you know you cannot afford). What else can you do? This may leave you no other option but to seek debt relief through our federal bankruptcy laws.

If you are drowning in debt, don’t wait until things get worse or you may regret not having acted sooner. Waiting until the last minute also doesn’t give you enough time that you need to find a good attorney who can protect your interests.

For a free office consultation, please call Toll-Free 1-866-4777772. We have offices in Glen-

dale, Cerritos and Valencia. *** None of the information herein is intended to give legal advice for any specific situation. Atty. Ray Bulaon has successfully helped thousands of clients in getting out of debt. For a free attorney evaluation of your situation, please call Ray Bulaon Law Offices at TOLL FREE 1 (866) 477-7772.

(Advertising Supplement)

office rent. He has been paying the loans of $120,000 with minimum monthly payments for the last eight months. He stopped paying on month nine. So, the business is now dead in the water. “Kaput.”

His creditors are calling and asking for payment, which he can’t do. I examined his financial situation and told him that he can do a Chapter 7 to start again fresh by wiping out the $120,000 and the personal loans. The matter at issue here of course, is was there any intent to defraud creditors since all these loans are “very new,” all of them less than a year old. He needs an experienced bankruptcy lawyer

to assure success of his Chapter 7. I would expect some opposition perhaps from several of his creditors.

If you need debt relief, please set an appointment to see me.

I will analyze your case personally. *** Lawrence Bautista Yang specializes in bankruptcy, business, real estate and civil litigation and has successfully represented more than five thousand clients in California. Please call Angie, Barbara or Jess at (626) 284-1142 for an appointment at 1000 S. Fremont Ave, Mailstop 58, Building A-1 Suite 1125, Alhambra, CA 91803.

Senior seeks Chapter 7 relief for $20K...

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no visible means of support, but there’s some income coming in from somewhere.

He says that he started a business that requires him have an office here in LA and another office abroad. It’s a service related business. So he has two office rents to pay monthly. Total monthly office rent here and abroad is $5,000. He financed this business with loans consisting of credit cards, bank business credit lines totaling $120,000, and some personal loans. He got these loans 10 months ago. This is month eleven and the business doesn’t have enough cash flow for him to pay the $5,000

EMPLOYMENT

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The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - March 6, 2019

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The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - March 6, 2019