030919 - Los Angeles Weekend Edition

MARCH 9-12, 2019 Volume 29 - No. 16 • 4 Sections – 30 Pages

Labor Department: Foreign workers must DATELINE USA Trump administration secure working visa before entry to PH faces multiple FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

lawsuits against abortion “gag” rule

by NATHALIE

ROBLES

The labor secretary stated that in order to work in the Philippines, foreign nationals must acquire the necessary working visa from the Philippine consulate or the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) before they can come to the country.

Currently, “anybody can come here as a tourist and then apply for a special working permit (SWP).

We will already prohibit that,” Bello said as reported by The Philippine Star on Thursday, March 7.

AJPress

He added that “When you come here, you must come here to work. And for that purpose, you must have a working visa from your place of origin. For example, if you are a Chinese, you get from our Consular Office a working visa. If you are Japanese, you also get from our Consular Office in Japan.”

Foreigners who will work in the Philippines for a long period would have to apply for alien emu PAGE A2

THE Philippines’ Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) revealed this week that it would require foreign employees to secure a working visa before being allowed to work in the country.

DOLE Secretary Silvestre Bello III said that this THE Trump administration is now facing decision seeks to reduce the number of foreigners multiple legal battles over its new rule in Title employed in the Philippines illegally.

X, the federal family planning grant program, that would, among other things, cut funding to clinics that provide or refer patients to abortion services.

This week, 20 states’ attorneys general — including California AG Xavier Becerra — separately announced it was suing the administration to block these restrictions which potentially toughens access to public reproductive health care for lower-income patients. “[The] HHS has exceeded the scope of its statutory authority and acted in a manner that

by RITCHEL MENDIOLA AJPress is arbitrary, capricious and not in accordance with law ” Becerra wrote in a statement reCHINESE Ambassaleased on Monday, adding that the new HHS dor to the Philippines guidelines deny “access to critical health care Zhao Jianhua assured services and prevents doctors from providthat Beijing will not ing comprehensive and accurate information launch any attacks in the about medical care.”

South China Sea (West u PAGE A5 Philippine Sea).

“We are worried about possible attacks from the other side.

We don’t worry about China attacking anybody because it is not our policy,” he said on the Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao sidelines of the Presi- PARTNERS FOR PROGRESS, BROTHERS FOR PEACE. President Rodrigo Duterte and Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad clink their Jianhua ManilaTimes.net photo dential Anti-Corrup- glasses for a toast during the state banquet hosted by the Philippine president at the Malacañang Palace on Thursday, March 7.

Malacañang photo by Toto Lozano A 49-year-old u PAGE A3 Fil-Am Catholic priest has been charged this week with raping a teenager girl in

by NATHALIE ROBLES Philadelphia, and AJPress filming the attack.

PRESIDENT spokesman Salvador Panelo responded Rev. Armand to criticism surrounding his comment about alleged Garcia was arwiretapped intelligence reports from foreign govrested on Monernments, by saying that it was a mere “educated day, March 4 guess.” after surrenderRev. Armand Garcia The spokesperson and chief legal counsel said that ing to Philadelhis claim was “an educated guess on what is happening phia police for the conduct allegedly occurring in the world today. Countries whose survival depends sometime between the years 2014 to 2017 while on measures that they will undertake to preserve their he served at the Immaculate Heart of Mary , acterritory or sovereignty will have to use that.” cording to a statement.

He further noted that it was a misunderstanding as According to court filings, the count of rape he emphasized that the Philippine government was Aclan, a priest of 25 years, was named the newest auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Los came from an alleged incident in August 2014 Angeles, making him the second Filipino-American bishop in the U.S. adamant in revealing the list of politicians involved in President spokesman Salvador Panelo u PAGE A3 Inquirer.net photo u PAGE A2

China vows to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea

Fil-Am priest charged with rape of Philadelphia minor

Palace calls wiretapped intel ‘educated guess’

Pope Francis names Forbes names businessman Manny Villar PHs’ richest man second Filipino bishop in US to serve LA

by NATHALIE

ROBLES

AJPress

Real estate tycoon Manny Villar

FORBES Magazine named real estate tycoon and self-made billionaire Manuel Villar Jr. as the Philippines’ richest man as he topped the country’s list and ranked 317th among the 2,153 global billionaires on its list.

The 69-year-old former politician was the first wealthiest man in the country of purely Filipino descent. Villar was among the 17 Filipinos who made it to the 2019 Forbes list of the richest people in the world.

The global media company estimated Villar’s net worth at $5.5 billion due to his real estate businesses. He is currently the chairman of Starmalls and Vista & Landscapes. He also owns Golden Bria, a housing and condominium developer.

Villar, also known as the brown taipan, was the former speaker of the House and Philstar.com photo Senate president. He made an empire on

property development after losing his presidential bid back in 2010. He was a former seafood vendor in Tondo who no longer “dives in a sea of trash.”

Villar replaces Sy’s spot After the death of the Philippines’ wealthiest man SM group founder Henry Sy Sr. in January, Villar took the spot of the former richest Filipino and now led the country’s billionaires in the global media company’s list.

Forbes estimated the individual net worth of all his children. Due to their share in the family fortune, the six children of the former Philippines’ richest man still made it to the global list. The Sy siblings have a combined net worth of $13.3 billion.

Rich list Following Villar with an estimated net worth of $5.1 billion is industrialist and JG Summit founder John Gokongwei Jr. who ranked 343rd in the global list. Gaming tyu PAGE A4

by RAE

ANN VARONA AJPress

THE Vatican named Monsignor Alejandro “Alex” Aclan the newest auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles on Tuesday, March 5, making him the second Filipino to ever be presented as bishop in the United States.

Born in Pasay City, Philippines, Aclan, 68, moved to Southern California from the Philippines in 1982 and has served as a priest in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles for 25 years.

But before entering priesthood, Aclan’s career path started with a degree in medical technology from the University of Santo To-

mas in Manila, Aclan shared in a feature in the Asian Journal’s Balikbayan Magazine in 2017.

Upon graduating, his career path moved yet again towards electronic data processing, which lead him to working as a programmer and systems analyst for companies like San Miguel Corp. and Citibank in the Philippines.

Aclan’s decision to enter the seminary came after he moved to the U.S. and attended a religious retreat, while still working as a project manager for a bank in Los Angeles.

By 1988, Aclan joined the St. John’s Seminary in Camarillo,

u PAGE A2

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

From the Front Page

Pope Francis names second Filipino bishop...

PAGE A1 t California and was ordained five years later.

Serving as an associate pastor at churches in Burbank and Norwalk, then pastor of the St. Madeleine Church in Pomona in 2001, Aclan was named associate vicar for clergy in 2011.

Four years later in 2015, Aclan became vicar for clergy and im-

mersed himself in more service within the Los Angeles archdiocese. This included serving as an archdiocesan liaison to the Filipino Charismatic Prayer Groups.

“Everybody has his own share of troubles,” he said in his Balikbayan Magazine interview. “ That goes for priests and lay people as well, that seems to be part of the human condition. All have been

given tasks to do, equal to all.

We have some very holy priests, but they do not see themselves as holy. Some priests are holy, they have the desire and zeal to minister to people, despite their age. They continue to have compassion and care for the poor and they just say yes to God’s invitation to serve.”

Having served in Los Angeles—home to the largest Filipino immigrant community in the U.S.—Aclan has been praised for being a connection to the city’s Fil-Am community.

“As a priest, you are blessed with the opportunity to make Christ present to somebody else, every moment of your life, like no one else. Carpe Diem, be present and take advantage of it, it is a real blessing! At mass, you are the instrument to make Christ present, folks approach you, someone asks you to bless the water, everyone comes with different stories in their lives. Pope Francis is the best example, just Google him in the morning and listen to his homily. It is a gift, use those moments, don’t waste them. Stay and be inspirational to the people,” Aclan added.

Aclan’s nomination to bishop comes 15 years since Bishop Oscar Solis became the first Fil-Am priest to be name bishop in the U.S. in 2004. Solis served as an auxiliary bishop in Los Angeles until 2017 when he was named by Pope Francis to become Bishop of Salt Lake City in Utah.

In a statement, Los Angeles Archbishop Jose H. Gomez described Aclan as a “proud son of our vibrant community.”

“Bishop-elect Aclan is a man of prayer and he was a true heart for Jesus—and a deep concern for the people is called to serve,” said Gomez who announced the appointments on Tuesday.

Gomez continued, “And I know he will be a voice for Filipino Catholics, who are a beautiful sign of growth and renewal in our Church here in Los Angeles and throughout the country.”

Aclan’s ordination is scheduled to take place on May 16 with a special Mass at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Angels.

He joins Los Angeles auxiliary bishops Edward Clark, David O’Connell, Robert Barron, and Marc Trudeau, and will serve the Archdiocese of Los Angeles under Archbishop Gomez.

FOREIGN GUEST. Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir bin Mohamad receives a gift from former President and Manila Mayor Joseph Ejercito Estrada after the wreath-laying ceremony at the statue of Dr. Jose Rizal at the Rizal Park in Manila on Thursday, March 7. The Malaysian leader, who is on a two-day official visit, also met with President Rodrigo Duterte in Malacañang.

PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan

Labor Department: Foreign workers...

PAGE A1 t

ployment permit (AEP) from the DOLE with the working visa while foreigners who will work for a short period or less than six months would still need to apply for a special working permit (SWP) with working visa.

Bello explained that this is the first time for the department will issue this policy, which has been agreed upon by representatives from the Department of Justice (DOJ), Bureau of Immigration (BI), Department of Finance (DOF) and Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).

“We need to be certain that the work they will do here cannot be done by a Filipino. This way, we can already control the

entry of foreign workers,” the labor secretary said.

He also revealed that part of the memorandum would require issuing a list of occupations that are open for employees with foreign nationalities.

Bureau of Local Employment (BLE) Director Dominique Tutay emphasized that the “no work visa, no permit” system is part of the government’s long-term solution to address concerns with its immigration policies.

“It is considered long-term since it may take some time before the Philippine consulates develop the necessary capacity to process the work visa applications,” Tutay said as reported

by BusinessMirror.

The labor secretary said that the joint memorandum imposing the working visa requirement on foreign workers is expected to be out within the month.

Bello added that they are set to meet again on March 15 with representatives from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), DOF, BI and BIR. Last week, the Senate resumed its investigation into the influx of Chinese workers. According to DOLE data, nearly 169,000 AEPs were issued from 2015 to 2018, with 85,496 given to Chinese workers.

Palace calls wiretapped intel ‘educated...

PAGE A1 t the illegal drug trade in the legal and constitutional manner.

“Apparently, the discussion we had in the wiretapping created a firestorm. There was a misunderstanding. First, it’s the policy of the government to comply with the law. Wiretapping is illegal in this country, so that’s it,” Panelo said during a press briefing on Friday, March 8.

He added, “My elucidation

was more on a general term because there are many sources, one of them is surveillance; information coming from those who surrendered, and the arrested persons; including the use of high technology – that is where these supposed wiretapping activities come in.”

Media groups: Exercise prudence in reporting narco-list Media groups issued a joint statement cautioning all media

practitioners to exercise “utter prudence and fastidious judgment” in reporting the list of narco-politicians should it be released to the public by next week.

“Instead of rushing to print or air, we now urge all our colleagues to exercise utter prudence and fastidious judgment in evaluating this ‘story. To be sure, the story offers just a list of

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China vows to maintain peace and...

PAGE A1 t

tion Commission’s first anniversary celebration in Malacañang on Wednesday, March 6.

The ambassador did not elaborate when he was asked to identify the other side he was referring to.

“Use your imagination,” he responded.

Last week, U.S. Secretary of State Michael Pompeo said Washington would defend and protect the Philippines in the event of any attack.

“Any armed attacks on any Philippine forces, aircraft, or public vessels in the South China Sea will trigger mutual defense obligations under Article 4 of our Mutual Defense Treaty,” he said during a joint press conference with Foreign Secretary Teodoro “Teddyboy” Locsin Jr. on Friday, March 8.

Zhao, for his part, said China’s concerns are more about safe-

guarding peace, stability, and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea. “Maybe you would expect the Chinese side to be very concerned about these remarks. We are concerned more, it’s about the peace and stability in the South China Sea,” he said.

Zhao warned that, should the peace and stability turn into “chaos or conflict,” every country would suffer.

“I think it is in the common interest of all countries, including China, the United States, and ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries, that we keep the peace and stability there and we keep the freedom of navigation in the whole South China Sea open,” he added.

According to him, China was working on the Code of Conduct for the disputed waterway to help maintain peace and stability in the

PAGE A1 t when his accuser spoke out after Garcia was transferred to another parish.

Garcia faces charges of rape, corruption of a minor, and sexual abuse of a minor.

“These charges are serious and disturbing,” said the Archdiocese of Philadelphia in its statement.

“The Archdiocese is cooperating fully with law enforcement regarding this matter and remains fervently committed to preventing child abuse as well as protecting the children and young people entrusted to its care,” it added.

Following the allegations, the archdiocese placed Garcia on leave and prohibited himself from publicly presenting himself as a priest or exercising his public ministry.

The statement said that at the

time Garcia was placed on administrative, Garcia “possessed clear criminal background checks as well as child abuse clearances and had successfully completed safe environment training courses.”

“Father Garcia was immediately placed on administrative leave and had his priestly faculties restricted by Archbishop Chaput following the notification from law enforcement. He was also removed from his residence at Saint Martin of Tours Parish in Philadelphia, where he had been assigned,” said the statement.

In a statement on Tuesday, March 5, Kenneth Gavin, spokesman of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia said that Garcia passed a background check and attended child protection programs that were required of all priests.

DATELINE USA

area.

“We are hoping that we can make further progress in our joint efforts to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea,” he said.

Zhao also mentioned that the Chinese officials were verifying reports that Filipino fishermen were being driven away from sandbars near the Pag-asa island by the Chinese fishing vessels.

“We are checking and we are in close coordination with the DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) and we will be checking whether it is true or not but rest assured China is committed to peacefully settle the disputes we have. We are working very well in managing very well our differences,” he said.

“I took note of the media report, but whether it is authentic or not it is something subject to clarification,” he added. ■

Fil-Am priest charged with rape of...

Garcia, who served as a regional representative for the National Association of Filipino Priests, has been removed from the association’s website and from other parish sites.

According to the archdiocese, Garcia was ordained in 2005.

Since then, he has served at Saint Joseph, Downingtown (20052008); Saint Eleanor, Collegeville (2008-2009); Saint Katherine of Siena, Philadelphia (2009-2010); personal leave (2010-2011); Our Lady of the Assumption, Strafford (2011); Immaculate Heart of Mary, Philadelphia (2011-2017); Saint Martin of Tours, Philadelphia (2017-2018).

Following his arrest, Garcia was released on $250,000 bond. His preliminary hearing is slated to be heard on March 14. (Rae Ann Varona/AJPress)

Palace calls wiretapped intel ‘educated...

PAGE A2 t names, but not the full, substantive details of why or how those on the list had been tagged or plugged as so-called ‘narco politicians,’” the statement read.

They urged all members to practice diligence in verification and fact-checking in order to relay the truth to the public without the influence of authorities such as Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte.

“Verify, verify, verify. And do so independently. That is the first thing that the news media

can and should do, before running a list that tags and links people to hateful crimes, on the mere say-so of the President and his political lieutenants,” they said.

The statement was signed by members of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP), Philippine Center of Investigative Journalism (PCIJ), Philippine Press Institute (PPI), Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR), Mindanews, Center for Community Journalism and Development

(CCJD) and Freedom for Media, Freedom for All Network.

“Rather than seek publicity for its unverified narco list story, the Duterte administration should waste no time to build cases, file charges, prosecute, and send to jail the guilty if indeed it had proof and evidence on hand,” the media groups stated.

“Such naming and shaming call attention to the possible invasion of privacy, as well as denial of due process and the presumption of innocence, for those on the list,” it added. ■

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • MARCH 9-12, 2019

A3

A screenshot of CalEITC4Me’s new microsite in Tagalog to connect Tagalog speakers in California with information on the state’s Earned Income Tax Credit.

CalEITC4Me rolls out new Tagalog language microsite LAST year more than 1.4 million Californians claimed $346 million on their taxes from California’s Earned Income Tax Credit (Cal EITC). CalEITC4Me is the statewide outreach campaign to promote the use of this proven anti-poverty measure. This year, with the program’s expansion to young adults age 18 to 24 and those age 65 and older, more than 2 million people could benefit from the Cal EITC. However, a major reason more people don’t claim this credit is simply a lack of awareness. People don’t know the Cal EITC is available to them. Many who are eligible to claim the Cal EITC also may not be planning to file an income tax return, which is necessary receive the credit, because their income is low enough that it does not require them to file.

English language proficiency should not create a further barrier to receiving this credit. Last year, CalEITC4Me.org was available in Spanish, Mandarin and Vietnamese and this year it has expanded to Korean, Tagalog and Russian as well.

In addition to the eligibility calculator, there are downloadable flyers in each language with information on other public assistance programs people who qualify for the Cal EITC are likely eligible to receive.

“Our goal is for every hardworking Californian to keep more of what they earn,” said Golden State Opportunity President Josh Fryday, sharing the new resources unveiled this tax season.

Fryday said that it was important to include Tagalog as one of the language offerings given the

An infographic in Tagalog that shows who qualifies for Cal EITC.

1.4 million Filipinos in the state.

“Like so many other Californians, many Filipino-American workers in the Golden State are struggling in this economy,” he said. “That’s why it’s crucial that we offer our services in Tagalog, so language is not a barrier for them in claiming their Cal EITC refund.”

Since its inception in 2015, CalEITC4Me has helped more than 2 million people claim $4

billion in state and federal EITC funds. CalEITC4Me’s goal this year is to ensure that as much as $400 million in Cal EITC dollars reach eligible workers, and that more people file for the federal EITC as well.

The economic impact of this program is profound, pumping hundreds of millions of dollars into the state’s economy through income, business sales, new jobs, and tax revenue. ■

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Dateline USa

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Americans cross border into Mexico to buy insulin at a fraction of US cost For one patient, a three-month supply of insulin is $3,700 in the US versus $600 in Mexico. But is it legal?

by BrAM

sABle-sMith Kaiser Health News

WHen michelle Fenner signed up to run this year’s Los angeles marathon, it got her thinking: Tijuana, mexico, is only a 2½-hour drive from L.a. Why not take a trip across the border and buy some insulin for her son?

“It’s so easy to just go across the border,” mused Fenner.

This idea had been in the back of Fenner’s mind for a while. Her son was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes nine years ago, meaning he needs daily injections of insulin to live. The list price of the modern generation of insulin has skyrocketed since his diagnosis.

On one trip to the pharmacy last year, Fenner was told that a threemonth supply of insulin would cost her $3,700.

That same supply would cost only about $600 in mexico.

So, when she booked her trip

to Los angeles, Fenner said, “I decided we need to update our passports and go and get more insulin.”

Fenner is not the only one thinking like this. The U.S. government estimates that close to 1 million people in California alone cross to mexico annually for health care, including to buy prescription drugs. and between 150,000 and 320,000 americans list health care as a reason for traveling abroad each year. Cost savings is the most commonly cited reason.

‘Right To Shop’ Legislation In Utah last year, the Public employee Health Plan took this idea to a new level with its voluntary Pharmacy Tourism Program.

For certain PeHP members who use any of 13 costly prescription medications — including the popular arthritis drug Humira — the insurer will foot the bill to fly the patient and a companion

to San Diego, then drive them to a hospital in Tijuana, mexico, to pick up a 90-day supply of medicine.

“The average cost of an eligible drug in the US is over $4,500 per month and is 40-60% less in mexico,” PeHP clinical services director Travis Tolley said in an announcement of the program in October.

The program was part of a “Right to Shop” bill championed by health care economist and LIMITED SUPPLY. The water level at La Mesa Dam continues to dwindle as the temperature starts to sizzle. On Wednesday, March 6, the dam Utah state representative norm reached its critical level of 69.35 feet.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Ruy Martinez Thurston in 2018. Thurston said there is not yet enough data to know how much in savings the program provides; the first patients traveled to Tijuana in December.

But, Thurston said, he expects that in the next six months, savjust days into the new job. “I make good decisions. Children

by AnnA MAriA BArry-Jester ings will likely be “in the ballpark think my selection is a reflection with high aCes scores are more Kaiser Health News of $1 million.” of where that issue fits in the ad- likely to develop attention deficit There are some questions ImagIne identifying a toxin ministration’s priorities.” hyperactivity disorder, known u PAGE A5 so potent it could rewire a child’s A game-changing study as aDHD, and cognitive impairbrain and erode his immune sysadversity is the sort of thing ments that can make school a tem. a substance that, in high we intuitively understand, at least struggle. They are more likely to doses, tripled the risk of heart dis- to some extent. Having a parent grow into adults who drink to exease and lung cancer and reduced who struggles with addiction or cess, are violent or are victims of life expectancy by 20 years. mental illness is hard on kids, as violence. and then realizing that tens of is growing up in a neighborhood The research is compelling, millions of american children had marked by poverty, gun violence because it has the potential to exbeen exposed. or drug abuse. plain so many intractable health Dr. nadine Burke Harris, Calia 1990s study laid the ground- problems. What if some portion fornia’s newly appointed surgeon work, however, for an under- of generation aDHD really has general, will tell you this is not standing of adversity that sug- PTSD? What if obesity and hya hypothetical scenario. She is gests it poses a pervasive threat pertension are disorders with a leading voice in a movement to public health. roots in childhood experiences, trying to transform our underDuring interviews with patients and not just what we eat for dinstanding of how the traumatic at a Kaiser Permanente obesity ner? experiences that affect so many clinic in Southern California, Dr. ‘What happens to you matamerican children can trigger se- Vince Felitti was shocked at how ters’ rious physical and mental illness. many said they had been sexuUntil now, Burke Harris’ proThe movement draws on de- ally abused as children. He won- fessional epicenter has been cades of research that has found dered if the experiences could Bayview-Hunters Point in San that children who endure sus- be connected. (Kaiser Health Francisco. It’s a vibrant commutained stresses in their day-to-day news, which produces California nity with a history of activism, lives — think sexual abuse, emo- Healthline, is not affiliated with but also deeply impoverished, tional neglect, a mother’s men- Kaiser Permanente.) and blighted by pollution and viotal illness, a father’s alcoholism as head of the Department of lence. It was there that Burke Har— undergo biochemical changes Preventive medicine at Kaiser ris, at her pediatric clinic, noticed to their brains and bodies that can Permanente in San Diego, he had that many of her young patients dramatically increase their risk of access to a huge pool of patients with serious medical conditions developing serious health prob- to try to find out. Together with also had experienced profound lems, including heart disease, the Centers for Disease Control trauma. and patients who had lung cancer, asthma and depres- and Prevention, he surveyed experienced serious adversity sion. more than 17,000 adult patients were 32 times more likely to be “[nadine] has probably single- about 10 areas of childhood ad- diagnosed with learning and behandedly done more to elevate versity. among them: Did a parent havioral problems than kids who this issue than anyone else,” said or other adult in your household had not.

Dr. mona Hanna-attisha, the pe- physically abuse you? emotionWhen a colleague introduced diatrician known for documenting ally abuse you? Sexually abuse her to the aCes study, she saw the rise in children’s blood lead you? go to prison? Was your her patients written between its levels in Flint, mich., after the city mother regularly hit? Did you lines. Though these problems switched its water supply. often go hungry? Were your par- might be concentrated in BayWith Burke Harris’ selection ents divorced? The researchers view, they certainly weren’t conas the state’s first surgeon gen- scored each patient, assigning a fined there. This was a health crieral, California is poised to be- point for each yes, and matched sis transcending race, class and come a vanguard for the nation up the responses with patients’ ZIP code. in embracing the research that medical records.

In the years since, Burke Hartraces adverse childhood experiWhat they found was striking. ris has worked to advance aCes ences, or aCes, to the later onset almost two-thirds of participants science though her work at the of physical and mental illness. In reported experiencing at least clinic and her nonprofit research pockets across the country, it’s one kind of adversity, and 13 institute, the Center for Youth increasingly common for schools percent — about 1 in 8 — said Wellness. She regularly travels and correctional systems to train they had experienced four or the country to train fellow pestaff on how academic and behav- more. Those who reported expe- diatricians in trauma screening ioral problems can be rooted in riencing high doses of trauma as and treatment. She has written childhood trauma. Burke Harris children were far more likely to an acclaimed book on the issue, envisions a statewide approach have serious health problems as “The Deepest Well,” and her TeD whereby screening for traumatic adults, including heart disease, talk on the topic has been viewed stress is as routine for pediatri- stroke, cancer and diabetes. and nearly 5 million times online. cians as screening for hearing the higher their aCes score, the now, she’ll be directing her or vision, and children with high worse their health was likely to singular focus back on CaliforaCes scores have access to ser- be. nia. vices that can build resilience and This extended to mental health, She plans to start with a statehelp their young bodies reset and as well: adults who reported ex- wide tour to hear from doctors thrive. periencing four or more aCes and other health leaders about as California’s surgeon gener- were 4.6 times as likely to have barriers to increasing pediatric al, she will have a powerful bully clinical depression and 12 times screening and care. She’ll also be pulpit — and the firm backing of as likely to have attempted sui- talking about the science of aCes. a new administration with deep cide.

“It’s Public Health 101 that raispockets. In his first weeks in office, In the 20 years since, scientists ing awareness is a critical form of newly elected gov. gavin new- have built on the research, repli- primary prevention,” she said. som has made clear he intends cating the findings and digging But even with the funding into devote significant resources to into the “why.” In the simplest cluded in newsom’s budget, early childhood development. He terms, traumatic events trigger there are challenges to standardhas named several recognized ex- surges in cortisol, the “stress” izing trauma screening. For one: perts in child welfare, along with hormone. When those surges go In medicine, it’s common practice Burke Harris, to top posts, and unchecked for sustained periods, that you screen only for what you is promoting child-centric poli- they can disrupt a child’s brain can treat. many doctors — even cies that include extended family development, damage the cardio- those persuaded by research on leave for new parents, home nurs- vascular system and cause chron- adversity — have raised concerns ing visits for new families and uni- ic inflammation that messes with about the lack of established versal preschool. In his first state the body’s immune system. protocols for treating childhood budget proposal, released last and where children really get trauma. What can a pediatrician, month, newsom called out aCes into trouble is when they also with her 15-minute time slots by name and committed $105 are missing the best-known anti- and extensive to-do list, do about million to boost trauma and devel- dote to adversity: a nurturing and the ills of an absent parent, or a opmental screenings for children. trustworthy caregiver. Without neighborhood riddled with gun “It should be no surprise to any- that positive stimulation, children violence? one that I’m going to be focusing can end up with an overdeveloped In general, experts working on on aCes and toxic stress,” Burke threat response and a diminished the issue say a critical ingredient Harris said in a phone interview ability to control impulses or u PAGE A5

California looks to lead nation in unraveling childhood trauma

Forbes names businessman Manny Villar...

PAGE A1 t coon and chair of International Container Terminal Services enrique Razon Jr. followed next with $4.8 billion ranking 379th.

The fourth spot in the Philippines belonged to Lucio Tan, with a net worth of $4.4 billion.

He has a diverse portfolio, ranging from tobacco, spirits, banking, and property development.

Followed by Jollibee founder Tony Tan Caktiong and family with $3.9 billion.

Sixth in the list is San miguel Corporation President and eagle Cement chair Ramon ang with $2.9 billion while on the seventh place is megaworld founder andrew Tan with $2.7 billion. eight on the country’s list is

Hans and Herbert Sy who tied for 962nd place globally with an estimated fortune of $2.4 billion each.

They were followed by their siblings—Harley, Henry Jr. and Teresita Sy-Coson with an estimated $2.2 billion each and ranked 1,057th globally. Their sister elizabeth ranked tenth with $1.9 billion. among those who made it to the list were San miguel chair eduardo Cojuangco Jr. with $1.4 billion; Insurance magnate Robert Coyiuto with $1.4 billion; Century Pacific founder Ricardo Po with $1.2 billion; and property developer Roberto Ongpin with $1.1 billion.

The 17 tycoons from the

Philippines have a combined fortune of $47.7 billion, equivalent to around 14 percent of the country’s domestic output in 2018.

Forbes’ Wealth assistant managing editor Luisa Kroll said that the number of billionaires decreased for the first time since 2016. Kroll noted that it is only the second decrease in over 10 years.

“The billionaire ranks prove that even the world’s richest are not immune to economic forces and the volatility of world markets. Yet, even with strong headwinds, resourceful and relentless entrepreneurs find new ways to get rich,” Kroll said. n

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Trump administration faces multiple lawsuits...

PNP WOMEN’S MONTH CELEBRATION. Hundreds of Philippine National Police (PNP) officials and non-uniformed personnel join the month-long celebration of the PNP 2019 National Women’s Month Celebration, themed, “We Make Change Work For Women” held at Camp Crame in Quezon City, on Friday, March 8. The National Women’s Month celebration every March is part of the worldwide observance of the International Women’s Day. PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

Americans cross border into Mexico to buy...

PAGE A4 t about traveling abroad to buy prescription drugs, however. The first: Is it legal?

According to the Food and Drug Administration, “in most circumstances, it is illegal for individuals to import drugs into the United States for personal use.” But the agency’s website does provide guidance about when it could be allowed. And the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s website has a whole section on traveling with medications in its “Know Before You Go” guide.

While the guidelines may still raise questions, Thurston said, this sort of purchase for personal use is a widely established practice.

“When we talked to people about this, there has never been a single person who has been prosecuted for doing it. And it happens every day at every border crossing all over the country,” Thurston said.

“The general understanding is you can bring up to a 90-day supply of a prescription from overseas, even though it’s a technical violation,” said Nathan Cortez, a law professor at Southern Methodist University.

“My sense is the FDA does not want to worry about individuals going overseas and bringing back small amounts of prescriptions that last a few months,” Cortez said, adding, “That doesn’t mean the FDA couldn’t change its mind at any point and start cracking down.”

A second major concern that comes up in any discussion of medical tourism is about the quality of that imported medicine.

According to the FDA, the reason it’s mostly illegal to import drugs is because the agency “cannot ensure the safety and effectiveness” of those drugs. In 2017, the World Health Organization estimated that 10 percent of drugs in developing countries were either substandard or falsified.

To address that problem, the Utah program sends its patients only to a designated, accredited Mexican hospital. Individual pa-

tients like Michelle Fenner are left to take their own precautions.

“You get a little nervous. You want to make sure that you have a reputable pharmacy,” Fenner said. To get pharmacy recommendations, she has been consulting with friends and acquaintances who have purchased insulin in Mexico. She’s calling those pharmacies now to make sure they have the type of insulin she wants to buy. When the March 24 marathon gets closer, she’s planning to call ahead with her order.

Fenner, who splits her time between Dallas and Arvada, Colo., said the amount she’s expecting to save on insulin could warrant multiple trips to Mexico every year.

Global Savings Fenner is just one of the growing number of activists online who are discussing the great lengths they go to — sometimes literally — to afford insulin. Lija Greenseid is another. Her daughter has Type 1 diabetes.

Almost one year to the day after her daughter’s diagnosis, Greenseid and her family were visiting Quebec City, Canada, in July 2014. Her daughter’s blood sugar started spiking and Greenseid feared her insulin might have gone bad, so she went to a pharmacy. With no prescription and fearing that her daughter’s life was on the line, Greenseid was prepared to pay a fortune.

Instead the box of insulin pens that normally costs $700 in the U.S. was only around $65 or so.

“At that point I started tearing up. I could not believe how inexpensive it was and how easy it was,” Greenseid said.

“I said to [the pharmacist], ‘Do you have any idea what it’s like to get insulin in the United States?

It’s just so much more expensive.’

And he turned to me and said, ‘Why would we want to make it difficult? You need insulin to live.’”

The more Greenseid traveled with her family, the more they realized how inexpensive insulin was everywhere except in the United States. In Nuremberg, Germany, she could get that $700

California looks to lead...

PAGE A4 t in helping kids heal is ensuring they find and develop healthy relationships.

“All of us want to feel seen, heard, understood and supported,” said Alicia Lieberman, a researcher at the University of California-San Francisco who specializes in early childhood trauma. Involving parents is an essential aspect of treatment, particularly because so many have experienced trauma themselves.

“It has to start with an acknowledgment that what happens to you matters.”

Researchers have found early success in seemingly simple interventions: Therapists coaching parents by filming and playing back positive interactions with their child. Therapists working with teachers on how to support their students. Key to success, said Pat Levitt, chief scientific officer at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, are quality programs that start early and recognize the role of relationships.

At her clinic, Burke Harris coordinates with a team that wraps a child in care, treating mind and body. When a patient scores high on the adversity scale, she can send them down the hall to a therapist; connect them with classes on meditation, nutrition and exercise; involve the family in counseling; and aggressively monitor for and treat any physical manifestations.

Most clinics aren’t set up for this staff-intensive approach.

Dr. Andria Ruth, a pediatrician with the Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics in California, is among those researching how to “treat” adversity within a more traditional doctor’s office. Her research team is randomly assigning patients who screen positive for trauma into one of three groups.

es for basic needs, such as food and housing. A second group also sees a behavioral health therapist at their child wellness visits. The third group receives both those services, and gets home family visits from therapists.

Ruth has a healthy skepticism about what’s possible, but she and her colleagues are convinced childhood trauma does pose a potent health threat: None of them felt comfortable including a control group that wouldn’t receive any services.

In the big picture, these experts say, addressing the fallout of traumatic stress will require a broader paradigm shift, to a system that recognizes that bad behavior can be a physical symptom rather than a moral failing. Gov. Newsom has signaled a move in that direction: In January, he said he would transfer the Division of Juvenile Justice out of the Department of Corrections, which runs the state’s prison system, and into the Health and Human Services Agency.

Garnering that kind of official backing is a powerful boost, said Jason Gortney, director of innovation at the Children’s Home Society of Washington, that state’s oldest and largest nonprofit dedicated to child welfare. His organization has lots of programs with promising results, he said, but connecting them to state agencies that aren’t used to working together is a challenge.

With Burke Harris crusading from the surgeon general post, Gortney said, he and fellow advocates across the country are hoping California can provide a beacon.

“Maybe California can show some of the other states how to do this,” he said.

This story was produced by Kaiser Health News, an editorially

box of insulin pens for $73. The same box was $57 in Tel Aviv, Israel, $51 in Greece, $61 in Rome and $40 in Taiwan.

“We get so accustomed in the United States to thinking that health care has to be difficult and so expensive that people don’t even consider the fact that it could be so much easier and less expensive in other places,” Greenseid said. “In fact, that is the case in most countries.”

This story is part of a partnership that includes Side Effects Public Media, NPR and Kaiser Health News, an editorially independent program of the Kaiser Family Foundation. n

PAGE A1 t Last month, the administration formally published the new rule, which primarily includes restricting federal funding to health care facilities that offer abortion services and prohibiting abortion referrals as a family planning option.

It would also reappropriate tens of millions of dollars from the Planned Parenthood Federation of America — which oversees roughly 40 percent of the Title X clinics that offer abortions or referrals — to faith-based health care clinics.

According to the rule announced by the Dept. of Health and Human Services (HHS) on Feb. 22, the new mandate “makes notable improvements designed to increase the number of patients served and improve the quality of their care.”

The HHS guideline that enforces the rule prohibiting abortion referral denotes that, “The final rule does not bar nondirective counseling on abortion, but eliminates the requirement that Title X providers offer abortion counseling and referral. It protects Title X healthcare providers so that they are not required to choose between participating in the program and violating their own consciences by providing abortion counseling and referral.”

Monday’s lawsuit marks the 47th lawsuit that the State of California has filed against the Trump administration.

In addition to the ongoing legal battle to uphold Obamacare, in 2017, California sued the White House over rules that allowed employers to opt out of providing

birth control coverage employees on religious and moral grounds.

“We’re ready for this next challenge,” Becerra told reporters in Sacramento on Monday. “We’re ready to stand up for a woman’s right to make her own health-care decision about her own body.”

Title X, which serves about 4 million patients, was established in 1970 as a family-planning and reproductive health care resource for low-income patients and families. Aside from Planned Parenthood, the nation’s largest provider for affordable reproductive health care, Title X also oversees and funds thousands of independent clinics across the country.

The fight for reproductive rights in the era of Trump has been a hallmark for the socio-political left, whose primary concern after Nov. 8, 2016 was whether or not the new administration would put forth efforts to tighten abortion laws.

Trump’s then-running mate and current Vice President Mike Pence, a devout Christian, has established a career and public imaged focussed on upholding “pro-life” (anti-abortion) policies and practices. The pro-life agenda has been a hallmark of American conservatism and has been one of the most polarizing socio-political issues of contemporary American policy.

In addition to the so-called “gag” rule and the possibility of defunding clinics that provide abortions, the finalized HHS guideline includes a variety of rules to be enforced, including improving transparency by requiring Title X grantees (i.e. the

clinics) to submit more thorough reports to the federal government, increased staff for sexual and domestic abuse victims and ensuring patient confidentiality and improving communication between doctors and patients.

Shortly after the attorneys general suits, medical organizations and reproductive health rights advocates, including Planned Parenthood and the American Medical Association (AMA), which filed a joint lawsuit on Tuesday, March 5.

“The Trump-Pence administration’s gag rule is unethical, illegal and harmful to public health,” Dr. Leana Wen, president of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, wrote in a statement.

“Title X serves women and families with low incomes, the majority of whom are people of color, Hispanic, or Latino and the gag rule will worsen existing racial, socioeconomic and geographical health disparities.”

Following Planned Parenthood and AMA’s joint lawsuit, the Center for Reproductive Rights (CRR), which sued the administration on Wednesday, March 6 on behalf of Maine Family Planning.

“Taking the rug out from under them will basically decimate them,” Emily Nestler, senior staff attorney for CRR said in an interview with NPR, explaining that Maine Family Planning falls under the Title X category that provides abortion assistance, and that means the new rules would “really decimate family planning services throughout the entire state, not to mention dramatically cutting back access to abortion.”

(Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)

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PCSO head resigns for ‘personal reasons’- spokesman

by Catherine

Valente ManilaTimes.net

PHILIPPIne Charity sweepstakes Office (PCsO) General Manager Alexander Balutan resigned from his post because of “personal reasons,” his spokesman said on friday, March 8. florante solmerin, PCsO deputy spokesman, disputed reports that President Rodrigo Duterte fired the PCsO chief.

A former military official, Balutan was appointed by the President to the PCsO in 2016.

Balutan has been accused by PCsO board member sandra Cam of spending P10 million for a Christmas party in a five-star hotel in December 2017.

Balutan denied the party was lavish and said the budget for the event was P6 million.

He also justified holding the party, saying the more than 1,500 employees of PCsO deserved it for raising the earnings of the agency.

Balutan claimed that Cam was sowing intrigue so that her friend, businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang, could control small town lottery operations.

Ang denied this and maintained that he did not meddle with the operations of the PCsO. In february last year, Duterte cleared Balutan from corruption allegations.

The President even asked Cam to befriend Balutan so that the communities affected by the Mayon Volcano eruption would get more assistance from the PCsO. Duterte won on a platform of eradicating corruption in government and crime. His critics, however, said he seemed to spare his allies accused of corruption, even as he has fired many of his appointees on a “whiff of corruption.”

Among prominent officials who were previously axed were former Tourism chief Wanda Teo, former Interior secretary

PCSO General Manager Alexander Balutan Inquirer.net photo

Ismael sueño, former Dangerous Drugs Board chief Dionisio santiago, former Commission on Higher education chief Patricia Licuanan, Housing and Urban Development Coordinating SUBWAY DRILLING MACHINE. Photo shows the miniature version of the drilling machine to be used for the construction of the country’s first Council secretary-general falconi 36-kilometer subway that will have 15 stations from Quirino Highway in Quezon City to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal Millar, Labor Undersecretary Joel 3 in Pasay City. The subway will traverse seven localities and pass through three of Metro Manila’s business districts.

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon Maglunsod. Maglunsod, and former Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor Terry Ridon. n

Lorenzana clashes with Locsin LAW OFFICES OF DARRICK V. TAN over PH-US Mutual Defense Treaty SERVING MY FELLOW KABABAYANS FOR OVER 17 YEARS

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by ritChel

Mendiola AJPress

Defense secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Tuesday, March 5, countered foreign secretary Teodoro “Teddyboy” Locsin Jr.’s pronouncement about the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT).

Locsin stated “in vagueness lies the best deterrence” on the decades-old defense agreement between the Philippines and the U.s.. This was during a joint press conference with U.s. secretary of state Mike Pompeo on friday, March 1.

Lorenza, who is pushing for a review of the MDT, released a statement that contradicted Locsin’s argument.

“I do not believe that ambiguity or vagueness of the Philippine-U.s. Mutual Defense Treaty will serve as a deterrent. In fact, it will cause confusion and chaos during a crisis,” he said.

“The fact that the security environment now is so vastly different and much more complex than the bipolar security construct of the era when the MDT was written necessitates a review of the treaty,” he added.

Lorenzana also argued that the review of the MDT should have been done after the U.s. bases were terminated in 1992 as the Philippines lost its “security umbrella.”

“A couple years after the U.s. left the bases, the Chinese began their aggressive actions in Mischief Reef — not an armed attack but it was aggression just the same. The U.s. did not stop it,” he said.

Unwanted war Pompeo on friday assured the public that “any armed attack on any Philippine forces, aircraft, or public vessels in the south China sea will trigger mutual defense obligations under Article 4 of our Mutual Defense Treaty.”

The reassurance was noted by former foreign secretary Albert del Rosario as “one of the most important statements made in

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana

Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr.

the many decades since the Mutual Defense Treaty was ratified in 1951.”

Lorenzana, however, pointed out that it is not the lack of reassurance that worries him.

“The Philippines is not in a conflict with anyone and will not be at war with anyone in the future. But the United states, with the increased and frequent passage of its naval vessels in the West Philippine sea, is more likely to be involved in a shooting war. In such a case and on

Inquirer.net photos

the basis of the MDT, the Philippines will be automatically involved,” he said.

“It is not the lack of reassurance that worries me. It is being involved in a war that we do not seek and do not want,” he added.

The U.s.’ sustained freedom of navigation operations in the disputed south China sea has continued to provoke angry protests from China and tense moments between the rival naval forces. n

11 PH cities have cleanest air in Southeast Asia by ritChel

Mendiola AJPress

have the cleanest air in southeast Asia include Parañaque (12.2 µg/ m³), Davao (12.2 µg/m³), Makati A GReenPeACe report has (13.7 µg/m³), Manila (14.3 µg/ revealed that 11 of the cities in m³), Mandaluyong (14.5 µg/m³), southeast Asia with the cleanest Balanga (16.1 µg/m³), Quezon air are in the Philippines.

(17.5 µg/m³) and Las Piñas (17.9 switzerland-based IQ AirVisual µg/m³). and Greenpeace’s 2018 Air QualWellington in new Zealand ity Report released on Tuesday, was revealed to be the city with March 5 measured the amount of the cleanest air with 6 µg/m³. fine particulate matter known as Moderate classification PM2.5 (µg/m³), which can penThe Philippines took the 48th etrate into the airways to cause spot in the list with an average of respiratory problems, in cities in 14.6 µg/m³ of PM2.5, classified as 73 countries. “moderate.” It ranked better than “The 2018 World Air Quality its southeast Asia counterparts Report is based on the review, like singapore, Cambodia, Thaicompilation, and validation of land, Vietnam, and Indonesia.

The report revealed Jakarta in Indonesia and Hanoi in Vietnam have the most polluted in southeast Asia with 45.3 µg/m³ and 40.8 µg/m³, respectively.

Worldwide, new Delhi, India had the world’s highest recorded air pollution in 2018 with 113.5 µg/m³.

“Air pollution steals our livelihoods and our futures, but we can change that. In addition to human lives lost, there’s an estimated global cost of 225 billion dollars in lost labor and trillions in medical costs. This has enormous impacts, on our health and on our wallets,” Yeb sano, executive director of Greenpeace southeast Asia, said.

IQAir AirVisual and Greenpeace’s report used air pollution data from tens of thousands of public and private monitoring stations across the world to rank Calamba City in Laguna province ranked first among the 15 cities with the cleanest air in over 3,000 cities from dirtiest to Southeast Asia (SEA) in 2018, a recent study reported.

Inquirer.net photo cleanest. n data from tens of thousands of air quality monitoring stations around the world. now everyone with a cellphone has free access to this data via the AirVisual platform. This has also created demand for air quality monitoring in cities or regions where no public data is available,” IQAir CeO frank Hammes said.

Calamba in Laguna took the top spot among Philippines cities with an average of 9.3 µg/m³ last year.

Valenzuela City ranked second with 9.9 µg/m³ while Carmona City ranked third with 10.9 µg/ m³.

Other Philippine cities that

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A

Filipinos’ daily plastic waste: 163 million sachets, 3 million diapers

by Melvin

GAScon Inquirer.net

ASH WEDNESDAY. A little boy joins his father as the priest applies ashes on their foreheads in the observance of Ash Wednesday at the Baclaran Church in Paranaque City on Wednesday, March 6. Ash Wednesday comes from the ancient Jewish tradition of penance and fasting. The practice includes the wearing of ashes on the head. The ashes symbolize the dust from which God made us.

PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan

Filipinos hooked on Facebook – report

by Aric John

Sy chuA ManilaTimes.net

More Filipinos use Facebook more than other social networking applications, a research agency has reported.

According to a report from the Pew research Center on Thursday, 58 percent of Filipino adults use Facebook, followed by Instagram (10 percent), Twitter (7 percent), Viber and photo-sharing app Snapchat (both at 6 percent), messaging app WhatsApp (4 percent) and dating app Tinder (1 percent).

The median usages of social media worldwide are: Facebook (62 percent), WhatsApp (47 percent), Instagram (20 percent), Twitter (10 percent), Snapchat (6 percent), Viber (4 percent) and Tinder (2 percent).

Pew research said the survey was based on how adults use the platforms. “respondents were asked about their use of seven different social media platforms and messaging apps,” it said.

“These platforms were chosen based on three criteria: high usage rates, input from local survey organizations and to capture a range of different types of sites with distinctive features,” Pew research said.

WhatsApp and Instagram are part of Facebook.

Pew research Center also reported that Facebook is popular among young Filipino adults.

The report showed that 88 percent of Filipinos aged 18 to 29 use Facebook, compared to 57 percent for ages 30 to 49 and 21 percent for adults above 50.

Facebook as a sole social media platform is used by 99 percent of Filipinos. of those who use only one platform for social media, almost every Filipino uses Facebook for their social media use, at a rate of 99 percent, followed by Vietnam (98 percent), Tunisia (93 percent), Venezuela (84 percent) and Kenya (65 percent).

Meanwhile, 96 percent of people in Lebanon use WhatsApp as their sole social media platform, followed by India (76 percent) and South Africa (77 percent).

“Younger and more educated people are more likely to go online,” Pew research said.

It added that young Filipinos were more likely to use the Internet.

A graphic showed that 91 percent of Filipinos between ages 18 and 29 are likely to go online, compared to 65 percent for ages 30 and 49 and 30 percent for those above the age of 50.

The Pew research survey was conducted among adults from 11 countries, including the Philippines.

The survey found that the vast majority of adults in these countries have access to a mobile phone of some kind, with 53 percent using a smartphone capable of accessing the internet and running apps.

Most of these people said they personally benefit from the technology: More than 9 in 10 say the devices have helped them stay in touch with loved ones, and nearly 8 in 10 said they use them to get news and information about important issues.

But when asked if mobile phones and social media have been good for society, the responses were mixed, with many expressing concerns about the impact of digital technologies on children.

Some 79 percent of adults surveyed said people should be very concerned about children being exposed to harmful or immoral content, and nearly two-thirds said mobile phones have had a bad influence on children in their country.

“The rapid advancement of the mobile-social package invites people to think about the role of these devices in their lives and to look around and see how they might be affecting their societies,” said Lee rainie, Pew’s director of internet and technology research. (With reports from AFP)

local governments to find better ways of addressing plastic IF Filipinos keep on throw- waste. ing away more than 163 million The sheer volume of trash is plastic sachets daily, Metro Ma- “beyond the capacity of local nila will be covered almost knee- governments to manage,” Mendeep in plastic waste in one doza said. year, an environment group said Under republic Act No. 9003, on Thursday, March 7. or the Solid Waste Management Global Alliance for Incinera- Act, local governments are tor Alternatives (Gaia) described tasked with solid waste managethe environmental nightmare as it released findings of its fiveyear trash audit, a week before a meeting of the United Nations environment Assembly to discuss plastic pollution.

“The problem is the huge amount of single-use plastics being produced—not just the way waste is managed,” said Froilan Grate, executive director of Gaia Asia-Pacific.

Filipinos were also throwing away 48 million plastic shopping bags, 45 million thin-film bags, and three million diapers every day, Gaia reported.

21 cities and towns The audit, which was conducted by Mother earth Foundation (MeF), collected trash samples from households in 21 selected sites across the Philippines, including six cities and seven towns.

According to the report, the average Filipino uses 591 pieces of plastic sachets, 174 shopping bags and 163 plastic “labo” (translucent) bags yearly.

The study was meant to “expose” the role of manufacturers in the global proliferation of plastic waste, and “unmask” how the industry has supposedly passed on the blame for the disposal and cleanup of waste to local governments.

Cities and towns deal with a greater number of “branded” plastic waste—comprising about 54 percent of total residual waste—than “unbranded” plastics, it said.

Ten companies are responsible for 60 percent of “branded” plastics and four multinational companies account for 36 percent.

Pollution problem “Plastic is a pollution problem, and it starts as soon as the plastic is made. The only way to manage single-use plastic is to make less of it,” Grate said.

MeF chair Sonia Mendoza said the findings should prompt

ment in their respective areas.

Local governments can use the data to ban or regulate the use of plastic packaging and to compel companies to acknowledge their liability for plastic pollution, Mendoza said.

“Cities can strengthen regulations, improve waste management services and reduce waste

u PAGE A9

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OPINION

Think equal, build smart, innovate

FEATURES

FILIPINO women continue to break gender barriers and are among the most empowered in the world. In the latest Gender Gap Report released last December by the World Economic Forum, the Philippines ranked eighth among 149 countries, rising from 10th place in the previous year.

The report measures gender parity in the areas of health, education, economic participation and political empowerment. The Philippines saw its ranking slip in health and survival, but it maintained its high rankings in the three other pillars.

The country has some of the most stringent laws to promote gender parity and protect women from various forms of discrimination, harassment, abuse and violence. President Duterte has earned flak for his intemperate remarks about women, with critics fearing that his statements encourage abusive behavior and violence against women. But he has also actively pushed for reproductive health measures and has just enacted a law expanding maternity leave to over 100 days.

Filipino women have much to celebrate as International Women’s Day is marked today. But there is also a wide room for further improvement. Many Filipino women in low-income households continue to be unaware of their rights and privileges as

guaranteed by law. Domestic violence persists, with those tasked to enforce the law unable or unwilling to do it. Trafficking of women and girls, for exploitative labor or the flesh trade, continue both within the country and among those deployed overseas.

This year’s theme for Women’s Day is “think equal, build smart, innovate for change.” The theme recognizes barriers in the way of women empowerment. It also notes a growing digital divide between men and women, and continuing female under-representation in science and technology, engineering, mathematics and design.

There’s room for greater femalev involvement in mobile banking, artificial intelligence and the internet of things.

Even as Filipino women celebrate this special day, there’s always more that can be done to empower women and girls. Gender equality is still many years away and needs sustained effort to be achieved. (Philstar.com)

Editorial

Philstar.com photo

Liar vs liar: More Americans believe former attorney/fixer Michael Cohen more than President Trump, poll reveals

The Fil-Am Perspective

came in quite a week late after Cohen told the Senate Oversight Committee under oath last week that he never sought one.

According to the Times, “Mr. Trump made the claim on Twitter, referring to Mr. Cohen’s testimony to Congress in which Mr. Cohen said the president lied to the public about business interests in Russia, lied to reporters about stolen Democratic emails and told Mr. Cohen to lie about hush payments to cover up sexual misconduct.”

Trumped tweeted: “Bad lawyer and fraudster Michael Cohen said under sworn testimony that he never asked for a Pardon. His lawyers totally contradicted him. He lied! Additionally, he directly asked me for a pardon. I said NO. He lied again! He also badly wanted to work at the White House. He lied!”

The Times, however, reported on how this drama unfolded with all the twists and turns that lead to the falling out of the TrumpCohen connivance: “His current lawyer, Lanny J. Davis, acknowledged this week that Mr. Cohen’s previous lawyer had inquired about a pardon soon after the F.B.I. searched Mr. Cohen’s home and office in April 2018. But Mr. Davis said that inquiry came about because

WHEN two people notoriously who are known to have no respect for the truth get into a “he said-he said” public argument, who will Americans believe?

President Donald Trump, who has been lying even before he entered politics just to grab attention, get high ratings, discredit his opponents, win the sympathy of his loyal supporters by playing the victim role, push an agenda without regard for facts, intimidate people to get his way? Or his former long-time personal attorney/fixer Michael Cohen who is headed to jail for lying (to protect and defend his boss, the president) who now divulges testimonies under oath with hard evidence to support his allegations?

The latest Quinnipiac University National Poll reveals that most Americans think Cohen is more trustworthy than the man he was convicted for lying for.

In the wake of the Cohen testimony in three different committees in the House of Representatives last week, with one open hearing witness by the whole world, survey respondents were asked, “In general, who do you believe more: President Trump or Michael Cohen?”

As The Filipino Channel’s daily newscast “Balitang America reported on Wednesday, March 6, “A whopping 50 percent of respondents said they believe Cohen more versus the 35 percent who said they believe the President of the United States more.”

More bad news for Trump who is reaping the fruits of his own words and action: 64 percent of respondents to the survey think that Trump committed a crime prior to taking office, compared to 24 percent who do not. Thirteen percent said they did not know.

These findings, when analyzed according to the political affiliation of respondents, show how deeply divided Americans are in their perception and understanding of what is going in the Trump presidency.

Almost nine out of 10 Democrats said they think Trump committed a crime prior to taking office, while three out of 10 Republicans do.

The latest drama in Trump’s reality show now features the question if Cohen sought presidential pardon from Trump.

As the New York Times reported, “President Trump claimed on Friday that his former personal lawyer and fixer, Michael D. Cohen, “directly” asked him for a pardon”. This assertion

Sketches

Women empowerment

GEL SANTOS-RELOS

ANA MARIE PAMINTUAN RECENTLY I met two sisters from the provinces who have found work as domestic helpers in Manila. The older one is 22; the younger is barely out of her teens. They belong to a brood of nine; the youngest sibling is only about two years old.

Their mother is in her late 30s; she had her first child when she was not yet 18. Eking out a living in their mountain village is difficult. The older child dropped out of school after ninth grade to help her parents. The younger girl stopped at sixth grade.

The girls told me that the language of instruction in their school was their dialect, as it should be under the native tongue requirement. But English language lessons were never introduced at any point in their formal education, they said. They imbibed some English words in their math and science classes, but until now, their proficiency in English is

rudimentary.

Both are reed-thin; proper nourishment is difficult when there are 11 persons sharing the food on the table. Both also have bad teeth — the result, according to the younger one with an upper front tooth missing, of a fondness for sugary food and beverages and scrimping on toothpaste.

Bad teeth are often an indication of poverty. Salt is used in lieu of toothpaste and dental floss is a luxury. Regular prophylaxis and root canals are so expensive that teeth are simply pulled out even for minor decay. Corrective braces and implants are out of the question.

Buckteeth and badly aligned teeth are pulled out and replaced with dentures.

When a village elder asked their parents if any of the nine children could work in Manila, the parents sent the two girls.

They are among a still considerable number of Filipinas who are unaware that today is a special day worldwide for women, that March is a special month for their gender, and that the country has some of the best laws to promote the

welfare of women and girls. *** Among the first things that the two girls’ employer did, aside from trying to get the girls to eat more, was to send the younger one to a dentist.

Now her broad grins come quicker, with denture filling the gap of the missing front tooth.

She immediately relayed the good news to her family back home. If she and her sister send more positive news about their employment in the coming months, this could encourage more people in their village to seek jobs if not in Manila, then at least in nearby cities.

In underdeveloped rural areas, daughters have long been important family breadwinners. They can easily find jobs as domestic workers, where certain skills are desired but not necessary because these can be taught on the job. Boys, on the other hand, need training and experience even for most types of blue-collar work.

And if male blue-collar workers want jobs overseas, those with certificates from vocational schools have the edge.

the president’s team had “dangled” the possibility of one in implicit statements.

Mr. Cohen has told associates that the signals from Mr. Trump about a pardon date back more than a year, soon after Mr. Cohen had publicly disclosed making what he said at the time were unreimbursed payments out of his own pocket in 2016 to Stormy Daniels, a pornographic film star who had claimed to have had an affair with the president a decade earlier.

Mr. Cohen has told the associates that last March, before his office and homes were raided, he had dinner with Mr. Trump, and that he and the president talked on the phone after the raids in April. After those conversations, Mr. Cohen told the associates that he anticipated he would be given a pardon or some form of protection if he would remain silent about having been reimbursed by Mr. Trump for making the payments, according to people told of the discussions.

Mr. Cohen and Mr. Trump were part of a formal agreement in which their lawyers worked together to review documents that the F.B.I. had seized to determine what could be declared off limits to law enforcement officials because of attorney-client privilege. But that joint ef-

fort ended in July 2018, as Mr. Trump’s aides balked at paying parts of Mr. Cohen’s legal bills.”

Cohen tweeted back: “Just another set of lies by @POTUS @realdonaldtrump. Mr. President...let me remind you that today is #InternationalWomensDay. You may want [to] use today to apologize for your own #lies and #DirtyDeeds to women like Karen McDougal and Stephanie Clifford.”

WORDS matter. WORDS have consequences. WORDS, when used in vain and twisted to de-

Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https://www. facebook.com/Gel.Santos.Relos

There is often no such requirement for maids, although a certain level of education is of course preferred as well as some proficiency in English for working overseas. The average Filipino student usually has these requirements by ninth grade in the K-12 system.

As with the two sisters, however, this is not always the case. The skills lack may prevent them from working overseas, but it won’t prevent them from finding employment in the country’s urban centers. *** Across the country, there are many other women and girls like them, busy earning a living, with low awareness of the rights they enjoy under the law in terms of protection against harassment, gender discrimination and violence.

This is the persistent problem in the state of women’s rights in our country. Gender parity is the one area where the Philippines has consistently ranked among the top 10 best in the world. But millions of Filipino women and girls who are unaware of those laws continue to be subjected to various forms of abuse and violence.

The two sisters at least got

the job that they were promised, and so far they have no complaints. But there are many others who have been duped into becoming sex workers, whether in the Philippines or abroad. Others have ended up with abusive employers, kept as virtual prisoners in their workplaces and turned into modern-day slaves even in Metro Manila.

Within the country and abroad, female victims of human trafficking have been raped and some have been murdered. Last year, the body of domestic worker Joanna Demafelis, missing for a year, was found in a freezer in Kuwait, in an apartment abandoned by her Yemeni and Syrian employers.

Despite the Philippines’ high ranking in the World Economic Forum’s Gender Gap Index – in eighth place last year, from 10th in 2017 – Filipino women are among the biggest victims of human trafficking. Jean Enriquez, executive director of the Coalition Against Trafficking in Women – Asia Pacific, is taking a closer look at the data in the Gender Gap Report.

There is also a persistent culture of old-style machismo in our country, typified by Presi-

dent Duterte and his crude remarks about women that elicit laughter from his audience.

In observing International Women’s Day today, women’s groups will be marching to denounce Duterte’s remarks that critics such as Enriquez say smack of misogyny and encourage violence against women.

Emmeline Verzosa, executive director of the Philippine Commission on Women, which is under the Office of the President, told The Chiefs this week on Cignal TV’s One News, in so many words, that Duterte’s attitude is typical of Pinoy men of a certain period. Verzosa also stressed that promoting the welfare of women cannot be left to one person alone.

The theme of this year’s International Women’s Day celebration is “think equal, build smart, innovate for change.”

The emphasis is on innovation and technology for empowering women on the road to attaining full gender parity by 2030.

Millions of Filipino girls, such as the two sisters from the provinces, are too busy with mere survival to think about technology-related innovation.

(Philstar.com)

President Donald Trump

White House photo

ceive people — those who think and discern based on facts and not on blind loyalty and fanaticism — will erode one’s credibility and the capacity to lead, especially if you are the President of the United States of America. ***

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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A

Enrile, 95, campaigns house-to-house

by Bernadette

tamayo ManilaTimes.net

The DOH also reported that dengue cases in Cagayan Valley, Mimaropa, Cordillera Administrative Region and Caraga exceeded the epidemic threshold, while prevalence in Bicol, Western Visayas, Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and Davao region exceeded the alert threshold.

Philstar.com photo

Dengue cases hit 36,000

by mayen Jaymalin Philstar.com

MANILA — As the measles outbreaks in various regions in the country remain unabated, the Department of Health (DOH) reported that dengue cases nationwide have soared to over 36,000.

The DOH also reported that dengue cases in Cagayan Valley, Mimaropa, Cordillera Administrative Region and Caraga exceeded the epidemic threshold, while prevalence in Bicol, Western Visayas, Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and Davao region exceeded the alert threshold.

Data from the DOH Epidemiology Bureau showed that cases of dengue nationwide have reached 36,664, including 140 deaths from Jan. 1 to Feb. 23.

DOH said the figure in the

first two months of the year was 14,703 cases higher compared to the 21,961 dengue cases recorded during the same period in 2018.

According to DOH, 36 percent or 13,367 out of the total reported dengue cases were tested for laboratory examination. Of the number, 10,194 were confirmed positive for dengue.

A high 26 percent of the cases were young children aged five to nine years, though age of patients ranged from less than one year to 96 years. More than half or 19,455 of the cases were male.

Central Visayas accounted for the highest number of dengue cases with 4,089, including 29 deaths, followed by Caraga with 3,878 and National Capital Region (NCR) with 3,821.

Though NCR was among the

regions with high number of cases, dengue prevalence this year was lower than the 4,003 cases recorded during the same period in 2018.

DOH noted that dengue cases exceeded “epidemic threshold” in Cagayan Valley as the figure rose from 540 to 2,810 and in Caraga from 575 to 3,876. Cases in Mimaropa more than doubled from 432 to 946 and in CAR from 457 to 726.

Health experts said epidemic threshold means control measures must be stepped up.

Alert or early warning needs to be raised in Bicol, Central Visayas, Davao region and ARMM as cases significantly went up to 713; 2,703; 1,320 and 363, respectively.

The DOH previously warned the people that aside from measles, dengue cases nationwide are also increasing. n

HE may be the oldest senate candidate, but former senator Juan Ponce Enrile has proven that at 95, he can match the vigor of his younger opponents on the campaign trail.

On Monday, March 4, Enrile went on a house-to-house campaign in Pampanga to seek votes for a fifth term.

The former senator stopped at the Pampanga Provincial Capitol in San Fernando City, where he attended the flag raising ceremony. He also paid a courtesy call to Gov. Lilia Pineda.

This was followed by a motorcade passing through San Fernando, Bacolor, Guagua and Lubao.

Enrile then joined Senate aspirant Glenn Chong and Jolo Revilla, who represented his father, former senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., as well as House Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in a caucus.

“I thank Speaker Arroyo, Gov. Pineda and the officials of Pampanga for joining me and for

Reelectionist senator Juan Ponce Enrile during a motorcade in Bocaue, Bulacan.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Roger Rañada

the people of Pampanga who showed overwhelming support today,” the former Senate president said.

“One of my advocacies if elected will be to decongest the nation’s capital by creating thriving economic centers in other areas through tax incentives,” he said. “With the new projects being done in Pampanga, this is the perfect place to give incentives for new businessmen to put

up their businesses here instead of in Metro Manila.”

“We’re not only addressing the traffic situation in Manila, but also creating new jobs for Pampanga residents so that they don’t have to seek employment in the metro,” Enrile added.

Enrile’s campaign platform also includes consumer protection, improvement of telecommunication services and a thorough study of the energy sector. n

Hugpong, Otso Diretso debate looks dim THE proposed debate between Senate candidates of the opposition Otso Diretso and Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP) is not likely to push through.

Commission on Elections (Comelec) spokesman James Jimenez on Thursday said the debate proposal of Otso Diretso was discussed during the en banc session and the commission was not too keen on the idea.

“Mukhang mahihirapan tayo mag-guarantee na magkakaroon (It’s hard to guarantee that it will push through),” Jimenez said in

a radio interview. “The resolution is being finalized but it appears dim.”

Jimenez said there were 62 senatorial candidates and the poll body could not limit the debate between the two parties because it would disadvantage the other bets.

“It would run counter to the Comelec’s mandate which is to remain impartial in everything,” he added. “We have the resources to organize a debate but the primary reason really is time constraint.”

Jimenez said with only two

months left before the elections, candidate were busy campaigning.

“It might be burdensome to require them to come to Manila just to participate and then you just give them one minute,” he added.

The Otso Diretso asked the Comelec last week to sponsor the debate after Davao City Mayor Sarah Duterte-Carpio, who is leading the campaign of the HNP, accepted the opposition’s challenge on condition that the debate would have ground rules.(ManilaTimes.net)

Filipinos’ daily plastic waste: 163 million...

PAGE A7 t

volume,” she said.

Burden on manufacturers Von Hernandez, national coordinator of Break Free From Plastic, said the study reinforced the need to pass on the burden to manufacturers.

“They have been successful in framing the narrative that the

problem of plastic pollution has always been about government’s improper waste management and a problem of discipline among Filipinos,” he said. “It is high time we change that.”

The study called on the government to regulate the production and use of single-use plastics, and pressed manufac-

turers to find alternative means of packaging products.

Organic waste accounted for more than half of the waste produced in the Philippines, which supposedly affirmed organic waste management as an “important strategy” to create “substantial waste reduction” for local governments, it said. n Hugpong ng Pagbabago senatorial bets.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Gerard Seguia

A10 March 9-12, 2019 • La WEEKEND aSIaN JOUrNaL

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Viral UP Law yearbook with Imee Marcos not from 1983

by Patricia Lourdes Philstar.com

Viray

MANILA — The educational background of senatorial aspirant and Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos continues to be discussed despite statements from Princeton University and the University of the Philippines College of Law that she did not earn degrees there.

A photo of Marcos’ supposed yearbook from UP Law has been spreading on social media.

The caption reads — “Imee Marcos UP Law Class of 1983!”

“Nakakahiya naman sa mga Dilawan! Tuloy-tuloy ang demolition job! (How embarassing for the Yellows! The demolition job continues!),” the post also crows.

What the Facebook post failed to mention was that this is not the actual yearbook of the UP Law Class of 1983 when they graduated 36 years ago.

The latest photo of Marcos’ supposed profile from the yearbook was published in 2008 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of that batch. he Ilocos Norte governor’s family photo can also be seen on the profile page. In the photo with her are mother Imelda Marcos and her sons with Tommy Manotoc — Borgy, Matthew and Michael.

Coincidentally, Marcos’ eldest son Borgy was also born in 1983, the year when she supposedly graduated from UP Law. A few weeks ago, antique shop owner Angelo Bernardo Jr. posted photos of the 1983 Philippinensi-

an, the yearbook of UP graduates at the time.

Nowhere in the yearbook can Marcos be seen, particularly in the page with last names starting with “M” in the section of UP Law graduates, where she should have been included.

“She is not in the Philippinensian, not on the UP College of Law section and not anywhere else on the yearbook,” Bernardo said on Facebook.

This was posted shortly after Marcos posted on her official Facebook page photos of her supposed graduation ceremony in 1983.

“The ceremonies were held at Meralco Theater where her parents — former President Ferdinand E. Marcos and former First Lady Imelda Romualdez Marcos — pinned her cum laude medal,” the caption read.

Marcos’ supposed graduation from UP Law was a public relations stunt, former UP Law dean Froilan Bacungan said in a 1986 book titled “The Turning Point: Twenty-six accounts of February events in the Philippines.”

Journalist Raissa Robles cited Bacungan’s account in a blog post, which revealed that excerpts of the book indicated that Marcos did not graduate from the country’s premier state university.

“There was indeed some kind of a ceremony held which looked as if she graduated. I was there.

It was a little bit PR that, strictly speaking, we should not have participated in,” Bacungan told German journalist Marilies von

Senatorial aspirant and Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos PHilstar.com photo

Brevern.

The eldest daughter of ousted dictator Ferdinand Marcos only took non-degree courses at the UP College of Arts and Sciences from 1976 to 1977. She later on enrolled at the UP College of Law from 1979 to 1983.

In the Philippines, the study of Law requires an undergraduate degree and a certain number of units in certain subjects.

According to Bacungan, he allowed the younger Marcos to enter UP Law despite her lack of qualifications as her father was an alumnus of the college. Her father was also president of the Philippines, which was under martial law at the time.

“It borders in fact on a little bit of misrepresentation. No less than the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court graced the occasion,” Bacungan said, referring to the staged graduation ceremony. n

Go denies using gov’t funds for campaign by catherine

VaLente ManilaTimes.net

Former Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go visits fire victims in San Pedro Laguna.

Contributed photo

SENATE hopeful Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go has denied allegations that government funds are being used for his campaign, particularly the purchase of T-shirts bearing his face that were distributed to barangay (village) officials.

Go said he had “no idea” that his name and face were emblazoned on the shirts that were given to those who attended the Liga ng mga Barangay sa Pilipinas National Assembly in Pasay City on February 25.

“Wala po akong idea sa mga giveaways dun sa Liga ng Barangay (I have no idea about the giveaways that were distributed during the Liga ng Barangay),” he told reporters.

“No government funds will be used for my candidacy, kahit piso po, wala pong nagagamit (not even a peso will be used),” he added.

The former top aide of President Rodrigo Duterte said he was not foolish to commit such an offense.

“Hindi po ako bobo. Nag-iisip po ako. Hindi ko po gagawin yan. Hindi po alimango ang isip ko (I’m not stupid. I think and I will not do that. I do not have crab mentality),” he said.

Go has appealed to his supporters not to use his name without his consent.

Opposition Senate candidate Gary Alejano earlier alleged that Go used public funds for the shirts. n

ROGUE COPS. Maj. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar presents seven narcotics police officers, placed under arrest on charges of kidnapping, during a press conference at Camp Bagong Diwa on Thursday, March 7. Judge Jose Lorenzo dela Rosa of Tagaytay City Regional Trial Court Branch 134 issued an arrest warrant for kidnapping with serious illegal detention against the policemen, who have been under restrictive custody for arresting Cyrus Wency Lugutan in an alleged anti-drug operation in Cavite on Nov. 21, 2018.

Philstar.com photo by Joven Cagande

Tagle urges Catholics: Help fight hunger this Lent by ryan

Macasero Philstar.com

MANILA — Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle urged Filipino Catholics to help feed those most in need this Lenten season.

“We, Filipinos, have a deep relationship with our faith. The season of Lent is another opportunity for us to re-center our lives by helping those who are most in need,” Tagle said in a statement.

Lent is the 40-day period of solemn observance and sacrifice, marking the days leading up to the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. Church leaders also encourage members of the Catholic faith to be involved in small acts of charity.

This year, the Church has partnered with the Hapag-Asa Integrated Nutrition (Hapag-Asa) program to actively reduce hunger and malnutrition of more than two million Filipino children through regular feeding programs.

In the last quarter of 2018, a Social Weather Stations survey reported that some 2.4 million Filipino families are experiencing involuntary hunger.

A 2015 Food Security Survey also found that 21.9 percent of households in the country were “food insecure.”

The Catholic Church said in a statement that poverty is one of the main causes leading to three out of 10 Filipino children currently stunting (low height for age) or wasting (severe weight loss).

“These conditions have longterm effects on children’s physical and mental development, and render them susceptible to communicable diseases,” the statement read.

Hapag-Asa is asking Catholics who practice fasting during the Lent season to donate extra money saved to the FAST2FEED initiative.

“As little as PHP 10 a day can

Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle urges the faithful to do charity this Lenten season.

Philstar.com photo by Krizjohn Rosales

feed a child Manna Pack-based meal,” the statement said. “Manna Pack is a rice meal formula fortified with proteins, Vitamin A, B, C, D, and calcium which is mixed with vegetables and commonly used for nutrition feeding programs.”

Aside from feeding programs, the organization also offers skills and livelihood training for parents, and “values education” sessions for both parents and children.

“It takes only P1,200 for six months or P10 per day to nourish a hungry and undernourished child,” said Tagle.

Nuncio: See Christ in those suffering Echoing Tagle’s message to help those suffering from hunger this Lent, Papal Nuncio to the Philippines Archbishop Gabriele Caccia said on Tuesday that believers should see the face of Jesus in “all people who are suffering.”

According to CBCP News, Caccia said that people should see someone who suffered and was disfigured by violence, mockery and injustice when they see Jesus The Papal Nuncio is the Vatican’s official representative to a particular country.

“So anytime we look at the face of Jesus, we should be able to recognize him in all people who are suffering,” Caccia said during a mass at the Shrine of the Holy Face of Jesus in Quiapo, Manila on Tuesday.

“How can it be the face of God? God is beauty, God is justice. Why the face of God shows something different?” he added.

Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines President Davao Archbishop Romulo Valles said in an interview with Radio Veritas last week that Catholics should “avail the season of grace during Lent so that we would be really prepared into the joyous season of Easter.”

“This is a season that would prepare us deep in our hearts for the coming celebration of Easter, the Paschal mystery, the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus that brought us salvation,” Valles added.

At the beginning of Lent on Ash Wednesday, Valles said the ashes marked “the need to go back to the Lord, the grace of conversion, the grace of forgiveness and the mercy of God.” The Lent season ends on Easter Sunday, April 21, which commemorates the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. n

President Rodrigo Duterte hosts a state banquet for Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad on Thursday, March 7. in Malacañang. Duterte thanked Mahathir for Malaysia’s role in securing peace in Mindanao. The Malaysian leader is in Manila for a two-day official visit.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Joseph Gerard Seguia

Palace: PH claim to Sabah stands by catherine

VaLente ManilaTimes.net

THE Philippines has not abandoned its claim to Sabah, Malacañang assured the public on Thursday, March 7, apparently rebuking Malaysia’s Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad’s statement that “there was no claim” to the disputed territory.

In a news conference, Palace spokesman Salvador Panelo reiterated President Rodrigo Duterte’s position that he would pursue the Philippines’ claim to Sabah, a territory south of the country that is being administered by Malaysia.

“That’s the position of Malaysia,” Panelo told reporters, when asked about Mahathir’s statement that there was no claim to Sabah.

“The position of the President, meron tayong claim (we have a claim). Eh totoo namang may claim tayo, di ba (That’s really true that we still have a claim). That has been a bone of contention ever since,” he said.

The issue was not discussed when Duterte met Mahathir in Malacañang on Thursday.

Mahathir, who is in the country on an official visit, was earlier quoted by a report saying “there is no claim,” when asked about the Philippines’ dormant claim to Sabah.

The Sulu sultanate used to rule over parts of southern Philippines and Sabah.

In 1963, the British government transferred Sabah to the Federation of Malaysia.

The Philippines claims that Sabah was only leased, not ceded, to the British North Borneo Co. The heirs of the sultan of Sulu continue to receive lease payments for Sabah.

Malaysia, however, maintains that the international community has been recognizing Sabah as part of its territory since the formation of the federation in 1963.

Prior to formally assuming the presidency, then-Davao City Mayor Duterte said the Philippines under his administration would pursue its Sabah claim “only by peaceful means.”

In November 2016, Duterte and then-Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak agreed to set aside the dispute. n

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A11

De Lima wants inmate witnesses to be her co-accused in drug case

by Kristine Joy

The country’s ranking dipped following a 10 percent drop in the percentage of Filipino women in senior management to 37.46 percent this year from 47 percent last year.

Philstar.com photo

Philippines slips in global ranking on women in business

by LoueLLa

DesiDerio Philstar.com

MANILA — The Philippines saw its overall ranking drop to fifth place in the Grant Thornton International Ltd.’s Women in Business report this year from first place a year ago, but it still topped the list in Asia.

The country’s ranking dipped following a 10 percent drop in the percentage of Filipino women in senior management to 37.46 percent this year from 47 percent last year.

Grant Thornton’s latest report is based on a survey of more than 4,900 senior executives and decision-makers in 35 countries.

The report did not take into account the Philippine government’s recent measures to provide flexible working arrangements for women.

Topping this year’s list is New Zealand, with 43.90 percent of women in senior management.

Australia placed second with 41.94 percent of women in senior management, followed by Nigeria with 38.47 percent and Botswana in fourth spot with 38.25 percent.

While the Philippines saw its overall ranking dip, it was number one in Asia.

P&A Grant Thornton chairperson and chief executive officer (CEO) Marivic Españo said Filipino women still play significant roles in organizations.

The top three roles of Filipino women in business are as human resources director (75 percent), chief finance officer (66 percent)

and chief operating officer (53 percent).

Filipino businesses are also taking steps to improve or preserve gender balance in senior positions by making sure there is equal access to development work opportunities (70 percent), providing mentoring and coaching (66 percent) and allowing flexible working hours (56 percent).

While companies are implementing such measures, there is a need for women leaders to take action as female executives said there are still barriers from acquiring skills or to be successful in their roles due to lack of access to developmental work opportunities (55 percent), finding time alongside core job responsibilities (51 percent) and caring responsibilities outside work and lack of access to networking opportunities (both at 47 percent).

Globally, the percentage of businesses with at least one woman holding a senior management post went up by 12 percent to reach 87 percent this year from last year.

Overall, women now account for 29 percent of senior leadership positions globally, higher by five percent from last year.

Españo said more deliberate action is necessary to continue to see the rise in women taking senior positions in companies.

“Policies that address equal opportunity in careers, bias in recruitment and flexible working conditions cannot just be a nice thing to have. To achieve meaningful progress, they must be adhered to, enforced and

regularly revisited to assess their effectiveness and, when that is combined with real commitment from senior leadership, you begin creating a truly inclusive culture,” she said.

Españo added that diversity in senior management would help improve the performance of businesses.

“Furthermore, women and men are equally capable of good leadership; the critical point is that diverse leadership teams tend to outperform their socially homogenous rivals,” she said.

For her part, Grant Thornton International global leader Francesca Lagerberg said the figures are encouraging and a strong indication that gender parity is starting to be taken seriously by businesses.

“External factors, such as increasing organizational transparency, gender pay gap reporting and highly visible public dialogue like the #MeToo movement appear to be making businesses wake up to the change that is needed,” Lagerberg added.

Despite increasing number of women occupying senior positions in companies, there are only 15 percent of businesses globally with a woman holding the top post either as CEO or managing director.

“Hopefully, the sharp increase in the representation of women in senior leadership we’re seeing globally this year is not purely a knee-jerk reaction to the current social climate and that we’ll see similar progress in the coming years,” Lagerberg said. n

Patag

“These witnesses are not mere eyewitnesses of the alleged transMANILA — Detained Sen. Lei- actions inside Bilibid but rather la de Lima asked the Muntinlupa the major players and perpetracourt to include convict witnesses tors of the illegal drug trading,” who implicated her as her co-ac- the motion, made public only on cused in the government’s drug Thursday, March 7, read.

De Lima is facing three cases case against her.

In a motion filed last week, De before Muntinlupa courts. She is Lima asked Muntinlupa Regional facing three counts of conspiracy Trial Court Branch 205 to include to commit illegal drug trading the following prosecution wit- for allegedly having a hand in the proliferation of the narcotics nesses as accused: trade inside the national penin• Herbert Colanggo tentiary during her stint as jus• Engelberto Durano tice secretary.

• Noel Martinez “The prosecution should have • Reynante Diaz included first the witnesses and • Jaime Patcho let the courts decide on the issue • German Agojo of their exclusion especially so • Hans Antonio Tan that the said witnesses appear to • Peter Co be the guiltiest of the charges,” • Joel Capones De Lima’s latest motion read.

• Vicente Sy “They are in fact the ‘inmates • Rodolfo Magleo of the [New] Bilibid Prison’ be• Jojo Baligad ing referred to in the Informa• Froilan Trestiza Philstar.com

tion who allegedly sold and traded dangerous drugs by means of mobile phones and other electronic devices, without being authorized by law,” she also said.

De Lima has earlier moved for the disqualification of the above-named witnesses, arguing that witnesses convicted of crimes “with moral turpitude” goes against the law on state witnesses.

Lawyer Filibon Tacardon, De Lima’s counsel, said that their motion remains pending before the court.

Authorities arrested De Lima in February 2017 and the senator has since been detained at Camp Crame.

Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court Branch 206 Presiding Judge Amelia Fabros-Corpuz set the next trial on the case on March 20. n

Filipino women urged to demand poll bets to address women’s issues by gaea

Katreena Philstar.com

CabiCo

MANILA — A research and training organization for women on Friday called on female voters to demand candidates in the May midterm elections to address issues affecting women.

In a statement released during the celebration of the International Women’s Day, the Center for Women’s Resources stressed that the female population is a “force to reckon with” in the upcoming elections.

“Women have the power to make or break the results of 2019 elections. We must recognize and make use of that power to send in people who genuinely push for women’s agenda in the government,” Jojo Guan, CWR executive director, said.

She noted that the female voter turnout of 22.9 million in the 2016 national elections comprised the 81.6 percent of female registered voters and 51.6 percent of the country’s voter turnout. The female votes, however, did not fully translate into fulfilment of women’s agenda, Guan said.

“Many of the promises were left unfulfilled. This misogynistic and

sexist government did not only leave women behind but it also added more burden to women,” the CWR executive said.

The organization, moreover, challenged the female voting population to make sure that women’s issues are discussed and prioritized in the platforms of local and national candidates and party-list representatives.

“The list of women’s demands is too long and too many to be ignored by the government.

Women must raise their voices in demanding the government, both those who are incumbents and aspirants, to address the issues of women,” Guan said.

Women’s issues The result of CWR’s biannual report on women’s situation, Ulat Lila 2019, showed that women were forced to buy cheaper alternative commodities, purchase less than usual, find alternative source of income and resort to borrowing or getting loans due to the tax reform law.

The report also revealed that women have to endure the “unabated misogynist and sexist attacks of the president and his minions.” Guan said that President Rodrigo Duterte’s “low

regard” for women’s rights has translated to various forms of violence against women.

The leader has ordered soldiers to shoot female rebels “in the vagina,” kissed a married overseas Filipina worker, bragged about attempting to touch his maid when he was younger, among others.

Women and rights organizations have repeatedly slammed Duterte for his “vile remarks” toward women, saying such comments from the country’s most powerful man encourage objectification and violence against them.

Fifty-nine police officers are involved in 35 cases of violence against women since Duterte took office, the group documented. Of these cases, 18 involved rape, while seven were acts of lasciviousness.

“We shall continue supporting and electing progressive groups and individuals who have fought against TRAIN law, human rights violations and violence against women, and have pushed for policies that cater to women’s needs such as Expanded Maternity Leave and Occupational Safety and Health,” Guan said. n

A12 MARCH 9-12, 2019 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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SHOWBIZ&STYLE

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Journal TNT Boys fail to make it in ‘World’s Best’ finals

Sanchez, Mackie Empuerto, and Francis Concepcion, had a “flawless” version of Jessie FILIPINO boy group TNT J’s “Flashlight,” according to Boys fell short to earn a spot judge Drew Barrymore, but at the finals of American talent Naturally 7’s emotional version competition “World’s Best.” of Coldplay’s “Fix You” made the The trio, discovered in “It’s cut to the finals.

Showtime’s” Tawag ng Tang“There is no flaw in one note. halan, was pitted against other When you have a show called international artists, Vonnie ‘World’s Best’ that’s a very high Lopez & The High Praise Choir bar to set, and you guys just and Naturally 7. reach it every time, if not surpass The group’s members, Keifer it,” Drew said.

by Jan

Milo Severo Philstar.com

The American judges gave TNT Boys a score of 49 percent, higher than they gave to Naturally 7, with 43 percent. Nonetheless, only 18 juries of the 50 Wall of the World judges voted for the TNT Boys, as compared to 32 for the a cappella-style singers.

Naturally 7 took home a $50,000 prize for being the champion of their division and will move up to the show’s finals set next week.

Legendary Broadway musical ‘Cats’ comes to Hollywood Pantages Theatre

by AJPress THE iconic Andrew Lloyd Webber musical “Cats,” has landed at Hollywood Pantages Theatre in Los Angeles.

One of the biggest hits and longest-running musicals in theatrical history, the national tour of “Cats” will be at the theatre until March 24.

Tickets for “Cats” are now on sale, and available at www.

HollywoodPantages.com/Cats and www.Ticketmaster.com, by phone at (800) 982-2787 or in person at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre Box Office (opens daily at 10 a.m. PT).

The Jellicle cats include Phillip Deceus as “Alonzo,” McGee Maddox as “Bill Bailey/Rum Tum Tugger,” Lexie Plath as “Bombalurina,” Mariah Reives as “Cassandra,” PJ DiGaetano as “Coricopat,” Liz Schmitz as “Demeter,” Keri René Fuller as “Grizabella,” Kaitlyn Davidson as “Jellylorum,” Emily Jeanne Phillips as “Jennyanydots,” Tion

The North American Tour Company of “Cats”.

Gaston as “Mistoffelees,” Tony d’Alelio as “Mungojerrie,” Dan Hoy as “Munkustrap,” Timothy Gulan as “Peter/Bustopher Jones/ Asparagus,” Tyler John Logan as “Plato/Macavity,” Anthony Michael Zas as “Pouncival,” Rose Iannaccone as “Rumpelteazer,” Ahren Victory as “Sillabub,” Ethan Saviet as “Skimbleshanks,” Halli Toland as “Tantomile,” Devin Neilson as “Tumblebrutus,” Brandon Michael Nase as “Victor/Old Deuteronomy,”

Photo by Matthew Murphy

Caitlin Bond as “Victoria,” along with Zachary S. Berger, Nicholas Burrage, Erin Chupinsky, Maria Failla, Justin W. Geiss, Laura Katherine Kaufman, Charlotte O’Dowd, Adam Richardson, Tricia Tanguy, and Andy Zimmermann.

Composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber and based on T.S. Eliot’s “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats,” the original Broadway production opened in 1982 at PAGE B2

TNT Boys on the “World’s Best”

ABS-CBN photo

EntErtainmEnt

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Zia Dantes among ‘most Ai-Ai bags 4th international best actress trophy beautiful children’ of Asian celebs

by Katrina

Hallare Inquirer.net

SHE may only be 3 years old, but Zia Dantes has already stolen everyone’s hearts with her angelic looks.

The daughter of Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera was recognized by a Vietnamese website as one of the “most beautiful children” of Asian stars.

Zia was the only Filipino child on the list created by the website Kenh14.vn, a Vietnamese-based website catering to teen readers.

A translation was then provided by teamdantes.com, a fan-made website dedicated to the Kapuso Primetime King and Queen.

In an Instagram post by the @babyzia.updates account, the Vietnamese website said that Zia was a “beautiful baby” considering her mother and father’s lineage. Rivera is half-Spanish and half-Filipino, while Dantes is purely Filipino.

“Zia’s face is extremely perfect,” the website’s article read.

by lHar

Santiago ManilaTimes.net

Zia Dantes

Photo from Instagram/@marianrivera

“This little angel is expected to follow the footsteps of her parents. And [to] become the beauty icon of the Philippines showbiz in the future.”

Aside from being one of the

“most beautiful children,” Zia is currently awaiting another title—being an older sister. Rivera is currently expecting her and Dantes’ second child, which is a boy.

Why Gabby is looking forward to summer by lHar

Santiago ManilaTimes.net

IT’S almost summer and Gabby Concepcion is all set to embrace the hottest season of the year. The beach person that he is, Gabby is more than halfway done with renovating his getaway in Lobo, Batangas.

“Maganda siya,” the ever handsome actor beamed. “We used all-wood materials from the foundation to the rails. We particularly used drift wood pati sa mga chairs and tables.

I personally collected them for this purpose, and I’m so happy the pieces look great!”

Before you think that Gabby just lazes around on the beach, his love for the sea is mainly because of his favorite hobby since his younger years — fishing. He always went fishing with his late dad and whatever they’d catch would end up on the dinner table.

“I’m ready to fish,” Gabby exclaimed. “The boats are ready and my rods are ready. The kayaks are already prepared too.

Whoever wants to join us among our family and friends are welcome. We should really enjoy summer.”

Showbuzz has to commend Gabby for being able to juggle his summer preps with his busy taping schedule. He’s been cast in a GMA Network rom-com series with Jennylyn Mercado where he’s also having lots of fun.

“We’re allowed to do improvs, so there’s new dialogue added along with a few antics here and there, which make the scenes more natural,” he declared.

Besides the artistic freedom on the set, Gabby is also stoked about how the rom-com is being made.

“We’re using new technology na parang style ng paggawa ng pelikula. Feeling ko nga whenever I am at taping, we’re actually doing a movie. Iba ‘yung approach na ginagamit so I really can’t wait for our show to be aired.”

NEWS that she had won Best Actress at the Pantas Prieto International Film Festival in Portugal was Ai-Ai delas Alas’ wonderful wakeup call on Sunday. She received a text message from Louie Ignacio, her director in “School Service” for which she won the award, but had to read it several times before it all sank in.

“I’d already forgotten I was nominated in Portugal!” the Philippine Comedy Queen, who has proven herself a versatile actress in a string of heavy drama indies, laughed out loud.

“What I knew was that I was nominated in another festival in Queens. Direk Louie’s text also told me to look my Viber and there, I saw the picture of my trophy! May girl na mahaba ang hair, and that was the only time it dawned on me na, ‘Oo nga, nominated nga pala ako at nanalo ako’.”

[Ai-Ai tied with Ina Raymundo for “Kuya Wes” and Dante Rivero won as Best Actor for “Kung Paano Hinihintay ang Dapithapon.”]

Originally, there were plans for Ai-Ai to fly to Portugal for the festival as a “double-purpose trip,” because she was also planning to proceed to Medjugorje being a Marian devotee.

“Pero hindi na naman ako natuloy, and lagi nalang akong absent pag nanalo ako! The only time that I attended was at the festival in Kazakhstan at lot-lot (loser) ako,” she laughed again.

The Pantas Prieto Award impressively brings Ai-Ai’s total number of international acting trophies to four, although it is her first for School Service. Her first first three awards were for the movie “Area.”

“I feel so blessed and happy

Ai-Ai delas Alas

that I won an award again. Sobrang nakaka-inspire. I can’t wait to see and hold my the trophy in my hands. Ang sarap talaga sa pakiramdam,” she honestly stated.

Explaining why she had to forego her travel plans, the actress shared, “I’m now shooting ‘Feellennials’ with Pops Fernandez and ang role namin dito kambal — o di ba? It’s a fun story about a mom na nagpapaka-millennial para lang maintindihan ang anak.

“Tapos right after that, I’ll be shooting din ‘Kiko En Lala’ for Regal Entertainment. I’m not in the title role here, but si Super Tekla. Kasama namin si Derrick Monasterio at si Kim Domingo.

Ang role ko naman is very, very special and sabi ko kasi kay Tekla, I’m Tekla I’m going to support him kasi sobrang galing siya. Kaya lang hindi talaga kinaya ng schedule ko na umalis kasi sa dalawang pelikula.” Aiai

GMA photo

said laughing.

As Showbuzz wrote early this year, once her movie commitments are over, the Comedy Queen will take a yearlong leave from showbiz to pursue her plans with husband Gerald Sibayan to have a baby.

“Siyempre with the help of science ‘yon and I get so inspired when I hear of people having babies at an advanced age. Sa age ko, kailangan na ng aid ng siyensiya and I will not deny it.”

But as early as now, Ai-Ai is already doing what she can to be a healthy mom-to-be. She continues a strict diet that controls her allergies and goes to the gym regularly.

“My doctor advised I need exercise. Kailangan na mapalakas yung likod ko for carrying a baby so physically, I’m preparing my body while the rest, handang-handa na din,” she enthused.

Ruru Madrid not afraid to explore by angel Javier-Cruz Philstar.com

Gabby Concepcion

GMA photo

WHEN he turned 21 years old last Dec. 4, Ruru Madrid officially became an adult. One gets the feeling, however, that the Kapuso hunk is still in the process of figuring out what that exactly entails, in a good way of course.

His Instagram feed is a series of posts featuring family (most recently of his father Bong Madrid, who also celebrated his birthday), co-workers and selfies — so many selfies. Whether grinning mischievously or making faces, Ruru is a delight to look at; he is extremely easy on the eyes and his adoring fans can attest to that. The camera seems to lap up his every angle, profile and curve.

When he was younger, Ruru knew he was destined to appear onscreen. “I loved watching TV and movies. I would mimic the actors’ lines, and surprisingly managed to memorize those uttered by some of my favorite actors,” he says. His parents were amazed at their precocious son and this encouraged him to continue acting out movie scenes. That’s when he told them that he was going to be an actor.

Fast-forward to the present and Ruru now stars in GMA’s political-romantic-comedy series, “TODA One I Love,” with Kylie Padilla. Earlier projects include major roles in “Encantadia,” “Sherlock, Jr.” and “Alyas Robin Hood.” Ruru is also a regular on Sunday PinaSaya, the Sunday afternoon variety show together with other notable GMA artists.

He can shift from drama to comedy when the role calls for it although he dares not claim to be an expert. “It was really my dream since childhood to be in front of the camera but until now I’m still

Ruru Madrid

getting the hang of it,” he says.

Ruru credits his mentor for instilling in him the value of being open and willing to hone his craft. “One of the most important lessons I learned from my mentor, the late direk Maryo J. delos Reyes, is to always give your best in whatever role you do, whether big or small; and always try to improve yourself as an actor and as a person.” Direk Maryo was also Ruru’s first talent manager who told him to “learn new techniques and not be scared to explore.”

To this end, Ruru has been participating in acting workshops initiated by his management team GMA Artist Center so he can improve his craft as an actor and performer. “I also do my own research and watch a lot of movies to see the different styles and techniques that other actors do.

I critique my own work and ask for feedback from directors and co-actors. I think for you to grow

Photo from Instagram/@rurumadrid8

in this business you have to learn and listen to people that matter on what would they say about your performance as an actor,” he says.

His dream role is that of a superhero like Marvel’s Ironman. “I also want to portray a real-life hero like Jose Rizal or Ninoy Aquino in a biographical film. But my ultimate dream is to be able to direct and act at the same time,” he says.

He’s all of 21 but if Ruru continues to be open to learn from new experiences, who knows how far he’ll go?

Asked where he sees himself in the next 10 years, he replies, “Hopefully, I would still be acting and performing but on a different level. I want to explore new venues and platforms where I can showcase my talent as an actor and a performer. I also want to make good use of what I have worked for as an artist and put up my own business.”

Legendary Broadway...

PAGE B1 Broadway’s Winter Garden Theatre, where it ran for 7,485 performances and 18 years. “Cats” was originally produced on Broadway

by Cameron Mackintosh, The Really Useful Company Limited, David Geffen, and The Shubert Organization.

The creative team for the new Broadway production of “Cats” includes John Napier (Scenic & Costume Design), Natasha Katz (Lighting Design), Mick Potter (Sound Design), choreography

by Andy Blankenbuehler of Hamilton, based on the original choreography by Gillian Lynne, and direction by Trevor Nunn.

Since its world premiere, “Cats” has been presented in over 30 countries, has been translated into 15 languages, and has been seen by more than 73 million people worldwide. Originally directed by Trevor Nunn with choreography and associate di-

rection by Gillian Lynne, scenic and costume design by John Napier, lighting design by David Hersey, and sound design by Abe Jacob, “Cats” opened in the West End in 1981. The musical debuted on Broadway in 1982 where it won seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Both the original London and Broadway cast recordings won Grammy Awards for Best Cast Album.

“Cats” hit song “Memory” has been recorded by over 150 artists from Barbra Streisand and Johnny Mathis to Liberace and Barry Manilow. The Tony Awardwinning Best Musical held the title of longest-running musical in Broadway history until it was surpassed in 2006 by Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera. The original Broadway production closed on September 10, 2000 and is currently the fourth longest-running show in Broadway history.

The first national tour of the revival of “Cats” is licensed by The Really Useful Group and produced by The Shubert Organization, James L. Nederlander, The Really Useful Group and Cameron Mackintosh.

The performance schedule for “Cats” is Tuesday through Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. & 8 p.m., and Sunday at 1 p.m. & 6:30 p.m. There’s an additional performance March 21st at 2pm and no performance March 24th at 6:30pm.Opening Night is Wednesday, February 27th at 8pm.

“Cats” is recommended for ages 5 and up. Children under 5 will not be admitted to the theatre. All patrons must have a ticket, regardless of age.

For more information on Hollywood Pantages Theatre, visit HollywoodPantages.com, Facebook.com/PantagesTheatre and Twitter.com/Pantages.

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Dubai: A city of splendor

by Emil

AN ENCORE EPISODE ABOUT A “SPECIAL CHILD” ON “CITIZEN PINOY!” When Mommy Conchita (center) immigrated to the U.S. in 2007, she had to make a difficult decision of leaving her special needs daughter, Nina (left) behind in the Philippines. It was a difficult time, because mother and daughter had never been separated before. Nina was left behind with her older sister Ruth, who was later about to migrate to Australia in May 2016. With Mommy Conchita and Ruth gone, who will take care of Nina? Find out how leading U.S. immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel was able to bring Nina to the U.S. through Humanitarian Parole, on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday 6:15 p.m. PST on TFC. (Advertising Supplement)

Life Coaching in a Different Perspective Stargazer IN my previous column, I wrote about three lessons learned when trying to please everybody.

We covered how doing so can affect your reputation, can cause disappointment, and doesn’t guarantee that you won’t be rejected again.

Lesson No. 4: In the same manner, never expect nor demand from people to reciprocate your kindness. They might not meet up to your expectations even if you have done so much for them.

“I please people to make my life easy. Whatever endeavor I am in, if I please people, I will get what I want in the terms and conditions that are favorable to me. They will all be loyal to me.” Indeed a statement but not necessarily a fact.

Pleasing people to make things easy doesn’t guarantee a 100 percent payback. Betrayal abounds, even if good has been sown. A lot of people have been skinned and burned alive by the very people whom they have pleased and served.

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

(Part II of II)

Joanne owns a food manufacturing company. Supportive and generous, Joanne contributes to causes, organizations and private entities. She sends her food products to media people for a chance to be promoted.

One day an opportunity opened up and she was introduced to an ex-politician cum civic leader we will hide by the name of Julia who seemed to be very nice and accommodating. Julia offered to promote her products when she holds talks and seminars if Joanne can regularly send some food products on a regular basis to her office. And Joanne took that invitation not knowing it will lead to something else.

Joanne felt Julia was so nice and treated her as a friend. Wherever Julia went, Joanne was there assisting her like a nanny, attending to her needs. When Julia needed to go somewhere and didn’t have a car to use, Joanne would come to

her aid and became her driver. In short, Joanne slaved herself just to please this personality. A company president and a businesswoman swallowing her pride just to have that much-needed exposure for her products?

Her friendship and loyalty were further tested to the hilt when Joanne even defended Julia from rumors and intrigues. Joanne gathered all information that could possibly be harmful and informed Julia to be wary or careful. Instead of being grateful, Julia even divulged to her detractors that it was Joanne who provided her the negative feedback amidst her emotional outburst during a confrontation. Instead of protecting the well-meaning Joanne, she revealed how she was able to get such information.

And yet, stupid as it may seem, Joanne did not mind that unfortunate situation. She still remained PAGE B5

PErito

SITTING at the edge of a vast desert, Dubai is an oasis that constantly strives for greater things. Gone are the pearl fishers with their wattle-and-frond domiciles, giving way to amazing towers that reach up to kiss the sky. Only the maze-like streets now remain as a reminder of the city’s past life. As it is, Dubai stands as a place of spectacular development and sprawling resplendence.

It’s hard not to admire Dubai’s rapid transformation into a global business hub. With its ambition and ability to dream up and breathe life into mindblowing projects, it has become a leading force in tourism that attracted tens of millions of visitors last year.

It houses some of the biggest — and greatest — shopping malls in the world, offering surreal attractions like an indoor

ski slope, a giant aquarium, or a botanical garden. If those are not enough, be wowed with malls that look like an Italian palazzo or a Persian palace. The city is unparalleled when it comes to an eye for detail, and its shopping centers are just some of the many structures in Dubai where aesthetics is unmatched.

Tourists looking forward to Dubai’s nightlife will be surprised that the experience is like none other. Most of it takes place in the city’s fancy hotels and resorts — a reflection of the opulence and grandeur that Dubai holds. Look forward to the city’s flashy dance temples, luxurious clubs, and shisha lounges where there is no shortage of fun, perfect for those who are looking for a good time.

Dubai, as the first Middle Eastern city to make the UNESCO list of creative cities of design, is a microcosm of cultures from around the world. It is home to

breathtaking examples of Islamic architecture, archaeological dig sites, and restored ancient neighborhoods to provide a small look at Dubai’s precedent state. Every building here has its own story to share, and every space can be a place to seek solace and comfort and fun.

Dubai’s diversity is evident in its culinary landscape, fashion, music, and religion — everywhere you look is a sign of harmony among different nationalities, making it easy for visitors to connect and enjoy. Truly, it is a golden city conducive to breaking down cultural expectations and preconceptions.

Established in 1995, Air Plus Travel specializes in religious travel. Join us in one of our private pilgrimages and tours.

For more information, visit us at www.airplustravel.net or contact Air Plus Travel – (562-8630624) (Advertising Supplement)

Fil-Am vlogger Wil Dasovich shares his life after fighting cancer

by KristinE

Daguno-BErsamina Philstar.com

A YEAR after being pronounced cancer-free, vlogger Wil Dasovich said that he continues to remember the good news and remains thankful for it.

In August 2017, the 27-yearold vlogger and former “Pinoy Big Brother” housemate first disclosed that he had been diagnosed with colon cancer.

Wil went through several rounds of chemotherapy and had surgery on his large intestine as part of his treatment. The surgery, according to his January 2018 vlog, was the final step to becoming cancer-free.

Last week, Wil opened up about his journey of battling cancer at the launch of Axe Recommends in Makati City.

“And everytime you go back, you know, it’s a very scary thing and life, reality kinda hits you hard that you really don’t know what’s going to happen next,” Wil said in an interview with Philstar.com.

“Luckily, I got the good news.

And you kinda like restart and come back with a fresh mind that

Wil Dasovich

you’re able to appreciate things a little more, so I’m very thankful that I’m doing okay,” he added.

Even after having completed the cancer treatment, Wil keeps regular follow-up appoinments with his doctors.

“It’s the same thing. It’s checking up, making sure everything is intact, and luckily for me, it has been exactly a year when I went back to my anniversary. I’ve been clean from the disease and everything,” Wil said.

Photo from Instagram/@wil_dasovich

During the interview, the vlogger also shared how this difficult experience changed him and his perspective on life.

“You know life is a constant challenge for everyone, even for people who think they don’t have any problem. We all have problems,” Wil said.

“The way you define success is how you handle the situation, to keep battling,” he said.

“Because really, that’s all you can do.”

B4 MARCH 9-12, 2019 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Health@Heart PHILIP S. CHUA, MD, FACS, FPCS OUR health and life, believe it or not, depend on the consistency of our blood. Our blood has to be just right — not too thin, not too thick. When blood is too thick, it sticks to walls of the arteries and accumulates to block them as time goes by, as in heart attack and

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Sticky blood is a risk

stroke. When it is too thin, bleeding could occur. As a general rule, the blood of the newborn or young children is simply “perfect,” not too thin or too thick, clean and unadulterated, and these youngsters are in terrific health. Some of us adults who behave by watching what we eat and by exercising, managing stress properly, abstaining from harmful substances like tobacco and dope, and who drink alcoholic beverages only in moderation, are reaping the

benefits of better health and “a more prolonged and sustained youth,” compared to those who abuse themselves.

Blood’s vital roles Besides carrying oxygen our blood also carries with it important hormones and other substances our body manufactures in its built-in “pharmacy,” in response to our daily activities, reactions to situations, or reactions to illnesses. Example of this is the auto-production of insulin by the Islets of Langerhans in the beta cell of our pancreas when we ingest carbohydrates (sugar) like rice, bread, and sweets. As long as we do not persistently overeat and abuse this wonderful privilege of having these God-given “perfect” and mind-boggling organs and systems, our inherent ability to maintain homeostasis (good internal physiologic balance) will keep us in good health.

When we eat cholesterol-laden or fatty food, especially red meat, egg-yolk, dairy products, butter, etc., our blood becomes thick.

When the blood is extracted and tested, it will have the consistency of milk. It is thick and white with fats, and prone to clotting. The other situations which will thicken the blood and promotes clotting are: cigarette smoking, fear and anxiety, stress, following and accident or injury (where our body tries to protect itself from bleeding, or at least, minimize bleeding by making the blood thick, instantaneously and automatically).

The thick blood that circulates within the arteries will then act like a fresh sticky, gooey, cement substance that is painted against the intima (inner wall) of the arteries throughout the body. This layer of “cement” that coats the arterial channel accumulates and becomes thicker and thicker as years go by. When the tiny caliber of the coronary (heart) arteries, or the carotid and cerebral (brain) arteries is so compromised by this build-up of cholesterol plaques, it will make the arterial channel tight and obstructed. This then restricts and prevents normal flow of blood to the heart (causing chest pains or heart attack), to the brain (causing stroke), etc.

Thick blood that clots in the leg veins could travel to the lung and cause fatal pulmonary embolism (massive clots blocking the artery to the lungs).

Inflammation The other enemy of our body PAGE B5

MOONLIGHTING

by MYLAH DE

LEON

WHAT a noble trade, being a street sweeper.

It’s about sweeping the filth we produce, of making our existence less infected.

Mindless and ungrateful are those who use the word “sweeper” in a disparaging way — who do not understand how extraordinary and how precious sweepers are.

We would die of stench, shame and plague without the sweepers.

A city without sweepers or with bad sweepers is a den of poison and death, of physical and moral barbarity.

In earlier times back home (in the 50’s and 60’s) nobody wanted to be a sweeper (they were branded as camineros or camineras; then Metro Aides during Mrs. Marcos governorship.)

The ones who accepted that work did it to the delight of the rats, the stray dogs (asong siga, asong kalye) and the flies.

They gather filth randomly — breaking bags and emptying dust bins.

Mang Segundo always swept the alleys, the lanes, the pathways and the sidewalks. He always unclogged the sewers, emptied the dust bins down to the bottom. He never broke the bag, he never lost the filth on the way, but spilled it into deep holes and burned it.

He was, in sum, a fine sweeper

The street sweeper

— a sweeper who practiced his trade with pride and meticulousness, like the arbulario who cures diseases.

The other protection was his bible. He employed his broom with special skill, without wasting ammunition and without wasting a shot.

He was gaunt, and awfully poor — the only clothing he owned was a pain of brokensoled shoes, a pair of pants, a jacket of multi-colored patches.

To soothe such poverty, he only had Sepa: his very tall, very fat and very pregnant wife.

He went to adult school at night, learned his lessons with ease, and from his 4’11 height, he saw more than tall people do.

Their barangay captain met him by chance, in an old city street. He saw how carefully Mang Segundo swept the sidewalk, only to realize he was a man, the epitome of those perceived and called as the eternal serfs, the eternal carabao people who plow other peoples lands for a thread of hay, a grain of palay, wherever they are.

The street sweeper and the Barangay Captain immediately started to talk and struck up friendship.

Mang Segundo told the Barangay Captain that at age forty, the only thing he was most familiar with was his broom and his Bible.

With the broom, he supported six children, a wife who is expecting their seventh child, and an infirm father. They could barely have three square meals a day and were all suffering from malnutrition.

I met him while I was covering the City Mayors Nutrition Program in a squatter’s area in Payatas.

He was rich in intelligence and knew how to read and write. He would tell me of the two kinds of malnutrition: one of the body (which comes from not eating); the other, of the soul (which comes from not knowing).

Since both of them prevent us from growing, we need to know, as well as eat.

I asked Mang Segundo if he has ever read a book. His reply was: “ Books are more expensive than meat…but now, he understands why he is hungry even when he eats.

His is not hunger for food that can be staved of by nutrition programs, but a hunger for knowing.

He would like so much to know, to discover why the world turns; why some people have five or six jackets and some only have one that is full of multi-colored patches; or why one only has a pair of shoes, while others have dozens.

He made me promise to bring him a book, and I did.

But then, the eviction and relocation order had been handed down by the court and had taken place.

A number of them were severely wounded, as they fought with authorities while protecting their hovels for years.

And besides, what book should I bring to a man who has never read one? *** E-mail Mylah at moonlightingmdl@aol. com

Hello, World. Meet Edielyn Quijano-Pagdanganan

BY MONET

LU

PERHAPS one of the best rewards that I get from recognizing distinguished individuals in the Filipino-American community is getting to know them and their success stories. Today I’d like to share the story of one of my favorite Queens.

Meet Edielyn Quijano-Pagdanganan. From being awarded as Outstanding General Practitioner to being crowned as The Beautiful Life 2018 “Queen of the World,” and now venturing into Aesthetics entrepreneurship, Edielyn has (finally!) opened up to the Fil-Am community. I have the pleasure of sharing her story as she tells us how becoming ‘her best version’ paved the way for her to step out of her comfort zone and spread her wings.

“Opportunities like these are so rare so I just grab them when they come,” Edielyn says as I commended her for being very active at different Filipino-American social events. It was just recently that she started coming out of her shell.

Edielyn was born and raised in the Philippines. She is the eldest in their family of four.

“I moved to the United States after finishing my Nursing degree in Manila. I graduated with Academic excellence and was a consistent Dean’s Lister and scholar at St Jude College of Nursing.

My first job is at the Queen of the Valley hospital. Then I moved to San Gabriel Medical Center. After three years of working at an acute hospital in California as a registered nurse, I decided to go back to school. I finished my masters in Nursing, then completed my family nurse practitioner course at the University of Phoenix and graduated with honors.”

“I think my introduction to the ’world’ started when I received an award which is the Trademark Women Distinction 2018 Honors edition. It is recognized all over the U.S. I was featured in the Asian Journal because of that. Then Joey, my friend who is a makeup artist and is active in Filipino-American events, introduced me to you. Of course, it was totally out of my comfort zone. I mean I am really the shy type, to tell you honestly, but I cannot pass up the opportunity that was given to me. So I went for it. I was The Beautiful Life Queen and next thing I know I am in front of so many people and months later I was on the cover of MISS Magazine! I can’t believe it!”

Edielyn works at Baldwin Park Medical Clinic as a full-time provider and part owner specializing in Family practice and Pediatrics.

She also works part-time at MD Medical Clinic/ Urgent Care and provides inpatient care at San Gabriel Hospital and Medical Center and Garfield Medical Center. She is happily married and has two beautiful kids. She says being

an “instant celebrity” somehow exposes her to the world outside the confines of her clinic.

“It was fun and overwhelming at the same time. I am also blessed to have a good mentor, supervising physician and a trustworthy business partner in Dr. Terry Lee.” Lee, who has been in the medical service for 25 years and has quite a number of achievements, co-owns Baldwin Park Medical Clinic. They have been serving the Baldwin Park Community for 7 years.

“Our patients were so excited when they saw me on the cover of The Beautiful Life souvenir magazine. They took all the copies! Most of them came up to me to ask if it was really me on the cover.”

“My daughter Kylee, she’s so proud of me! I think she idolizes me. She even brought the souvenir magazine to school and showed it to her classmates. She said, ‘Oh, look! My mom is not a doctor anymore. She’s a queen now!’ So one of the moms (from her school) actually texted me and said, ‘I saw your magazine. I didn’t know you are a beauty queen! And it’s so touching because she read my bio where I mentioned her and her brother as my inspiration. She told her teachers, ‘See? That’s me and my brother. My mom was talking about us!’”

So what is it like to be in Edielyn shoes? She shared: “I wake up really early. I have a 6-year-old who needs to be in school by 7:30 a.m., so I drop him off at West Covina.

I also take my daughter to school.

Between 8:30-9 a.m., I find time to go to the gym. That’s my pick-meupper! By 9 a.m., I am at the clinic.

My clinic hours are from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sometimes when I have Urgent Care patients, I work until 7:30 p.m. Then I pick up my son, cook dinner and help my daughter with her homework. I think I only get to squeeze in some personal time by 12 or 1 in the morning.”

Having been able to do a lot means she has a strong support system, a great partner (in crime!) and a number one supporter. She says all these are what her husband is to her. Edielyn is married to Ryan Pagdanganan who is also a nurse. They’ve been married for eight years. They have two beautiful kids, Kylee (6) and Kean (2).

“My husband and I have been classmates since college. We were going out for a whole but I had to break up with him when my petition to the U.S. was finalized.

I was 18 and I wanted to focus on working and getting situated

in America. After a few years, he followed me. He worked in a company cruise, and he never stopped calling me. He was very patient. That’s why my dad likes him. I was already working as a registered nurse at that time and I went back to school to take my masters...A year after my graduation, we got married.”

Aside from her medical work, Edielyn is also a licensed aesthetician, a dream she pursued just recently. “I’ve always wanted to become an aesthetician. In fact, my patients often ask me if I know how to do Botox and fillers. After giving it some thought, I decided I should also pursue that dream. So last December, I started training to get my license then early this year, we started offering anti-aging, botox, Xeomin, fillers and chemical peel services to our clinic,” she said.

It is quite a revelation for Edielyn that she has come this far – years after deciding to build a life here in the U.S. She has always been too cloistered and would not be bothered with social happenings in the Fil-Am scene. Now that she decided it’s her time to go out into the world and open herself up to possibilities, the pay-off is slowly coming her way. I guess there is life outside her small world and she is making the most of it!

“First of all, I think it’s very important to have a social life. And when you do, you have to be open to possibilities. I think it starts when you change your mindset.

If you don’t believe that you can do more and be more, then you wouldn’t know what’s out there.

The experience in itself is very rewarding… You get to meet people and you gain connections. Most of all, you’ll be surprised at the opportunities that come your way when you step out of your comfort zone. I say, in order to become ‘the best version of yourself,’ you need to dream BIG, and believe that dreams do come true.”

To Edielyn: Cheers to new possibilities! Thank you for opening yourself to the social world of the Fil-Am community. I assure you, my dear, the best is yet to come! *** Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, award-winning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is known as an all-around artiste who produces sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns. Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary allnatural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration . To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at monetsalon@aol.com

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

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • MARCH 9-12, 2019

You can’t please...

Ai-Ai deals Alas with husband Gerald Sibayan

Photo from Instagram/@msaiaidelasalas

Ai-Ai delas Alas set to have a baby by 2020

by Ricky Lo Philstar.com

LIKE in 2017 when she won Best Actress in the 7th Queens World Film Festival (QWFF) for Area, Ai-Ai delas Alas was absent at the 39th Fantasporto International Film Festival (FPIFF) awards night in Portugal over the weekend when she won Best Actress for “School Service.� “I’m lucky when I don’t attend the awards night,� Ai-Ai told Funfare, recalling that she was present at the Kazakhstan filmfest but she lost (also for Area). “When I won in 2017, a text message about my win roused me from sleep. Ganoon din last Sunday when somebody texted me the good news.�

On both occasions, it was Louie Ignacio, director of both movies (produced by Baby Go’s BG Productions), who received the awards for Ai-Ai who has been proven “winnable� abroad when she does drama. In Area (for which she won two other awards at the Los Angeles and ASEAN filmfests), she plays an aging prostitute who is running a brothel and in School Service, as a wheelchair-bound beggar who is a member of a child-trafficking syndicate. “Actually, I forgot all about Portugal because my mind was on Queens where I will hand over the Best Actress trophy to the next winner. During my time, it was Cherie (Gil), that year’s winner, who handed me the trophy,� adding, “I would have wanted to go to Portugal to visit the Our Lady of Fatima Shrine.�

(Ai-Ai is a Marian devotee.)

So far, Ai-Ai has been nominated more than a dozen times and won Best Actress 14 times for comedic performances mostly in her iconic “Tanging Ina� character.

The recent award is a new feather on Ai-Ai’s already well-

decorated cap, so timely for this year when she marks her 30th year in showbiz. She’s turning 55 in November yet but she will celebrate the milestone five months in advance (in June) with a big concert as a farewell gesture for Archbishop Antonio Tobias who is retiring this year.

All the earnings will be spent for the completion of the Kristong Hari Church which is one of AiAi’s charity projects.

By next year, Ai-Ai and husband Gerald Sibayan (who will be a licensed pilot in 2020 when he graduates from a flying school in Subic, Zambales) will focus on (finally!) having their first child.

Unlike former DILG Secretary/ Senatoriable Mar Roxas and his wife Korina Sanchez who just had twins through In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), Ai-Ai is determined to have it the natural way. “Para feel na feel ko,� she said. “This early, I am already preparing my body for it. I work out in the gym regularly to strengthen my back. I’m working harder now because I want to save because if ever I get pregnant, I will take a one-year leave from showbiz.�

Already, the couple has chosen two names: Sandrine Grain if a girl and Sargent Gail if a boy. They don’t expect twins.

The names have to start with the letter “Sâ€? because, according to Ai-Ai, “may ‘S’ ang names ng mga anak ko‌Sancho, Sophia and Shawn Nicolo. Gerald wants to have ‘G’ in the names.â€?

Meanwhile, aside from the GMA show “Sunday PINASaya,�

Ai-Ai is kept busy by movie assignments — one for Regal, one for GMA Films (titled Kiko & Lala, with “Super Tekla�), one to be directed by Joven Tan, one for Viva (“Sons of Nanay Sabel,� principal photography completed) and another one titled “Feellinneals� (with Pops Fernandez).

PAGE B3 a loyal friend of Julia.

As the days passed by, more favors were exchanged but Joanne had more to give than receive.

Yet she did not mind sharing it with a so-called friend. Joanne would now give an allowance on a monthly basis for Julia to carry her products wherever she goes.

Illegal as it may seem, Julia made it appear to Joanne that the said “loot� was divided amongst a lot of people other than her. And yet, Joanne continued to be kind to her.

Joanne’s generosity caught the attention of several other media personalities and politicians attracting the said people to patronize her products. Her circle grew larger and her exposure became more frequent.

Julia noticed this and started to spread rumors that Joanne uses people to promote her products.

Joanne felt slighted. She told herself, “How can I be a user when they ask me something tangible too? Why can’t Julia be happy if other people are starting to help me, too?�

It is a simple case of giving a hand yet people want your whole arm. Greed is insatiable. Julia only wanted Joanne to concentrate on her and give more.

Sometimes it is better to use the usual channels in promoting products. Relationships camouflaged as friendships can be deceiving.

Joanne fell into the hands of someone very much adept at using people for personal gain. Feeling betrayed, Joanne vowed to herself that no more fanatical friendships,

no more giving too much of herself, no more blind trusting, and no more pleasing others.

When Joanne tried to play hero and warned Julia of people stabbing her back and then later betrayed by revealing it came from her, wasn’t it a betrayal to the highest form? No amount of pleasing Julia prevented it from happening. Joanne was at the losing end then.

Lesson No. 5: You cannot expect loyalty from everyone. Some people cannot simply be loyal.

They want to have their cake and eat it too just to preserve or survive in this world. Pleasing everyone and extending too much of yourself and resources make you open to more betrayals. You may be loyal as a dog, but others cannot simply be. Some just need something tangible out of your friendship and that is a painful fact.

Be your true self. Be a true person full of compassion yet not putting on a mask just to please others. Try to be different and non-conforming. Try not to be “too embracing� of everything that you aim to gain everyone’s friendship that you lose yourself amidst the pretense and effort to be what you are not. Being true and real to people takes a lot of courage to face realities.

We need not please everyone to gain friendship. It is much better to have a few good ones than a multitude of hypocrites and advantage takers. You don’t need to dance too much to their music just to be accepted and patronized.

Just be who you really are.

In our everyday lives, we have

different roles to assume. We become a parent, a sibling, a child, a subordinate, a friend and an acquaintance to other people.

Express your true self and not pretend you can never get mad at people who take advantage of you.

Being different or outspoken opens a whole wide world of possibilities. Yes, others may persecute you. Some may think you are way above your head or even too radical. Others may feel you are a smart aleck trying to outsmart them. Don’t be afraid of what they think so long as you keep your intentions clear and pure. So long as you do it with humility and wisdom. Having expressions is not wrong, but the manner of how we express ourselves matters.

Speaking your mind during meetings in the office. Express what you truly feel even if you know that your boss or supervisor has a different opinion or direction. If you truly believe in your ideas, go for it! Don’t try to please everyone in that boardroom by licking their *ss! Say what is exactly on your mind. Each one is entitled to his or her opinion and observation. If there is a violent reaction, there is definitely some mystery. Anger is trying to cover up something. Smile and try to be gentle with your expression. If people would be objective enough, the truth will be acknowledged and given a shot.

Learn to say no. Don’t ever try to accommodate even if you cannot handle the situation anymore. Know your limitations and boundaries.

It is impossible to please everyone. Great people like Pope John Paul II, Mother Teresa, Martin

B

Luther King & Mahatma Gandhi have the greatest numbers of detractors. Jesus himself was persecuted for preaching what he believes in and he never tried to please everyone.

So, it is wrong to assume that when you try to please everyone, you will have no enemies. Just the same, you will have people who will not see things the way you do.

So why try to please everyone? Be kind to yourself ‌ have respect for yourself.

Do what you think is right. After all, science, religion and philosophy had always agreed that “for every action, everything you sow, there is a reaping or reaction�.

Let the heavens bestow what they deserve. Be kind, too, with your words and actions. And most of all, never deceive people by camouflaging your intentions.

We can always hide our true selves from others but we can never hide from God. What matters at the end is that you please God by doing what is right! It is between you and Him in the end anyway! *** Stargazer is a life coach, aura reader, psychic/clairvoyant, and lecturer on the paranormal. She uses the aura, energies & vibrations as focal points of her psychic readings. Using several techniques involving the psychological, spiritual, paranormal and her own experience of the intricacies of life, Stargazer makes one get in touch with his inner and understand life in a positive manner.

Faith in God and belief in self is what Stargazer emphasizes on. Currently, Stargazer is a radio anchor of DZMM Teleradyo, the radio arm of ABS-CBN. Her show “Pinoy Vibes� has been airing every Sunday morning since Sept.

2007. She can be reached at stargazerphils@ gmail.com. For more information, please visit http://stargazer.ph/.

Sticky blood is a risk...

PAGE B4 is inflammation. Anything that causes inflammatory response from our immune system, like dental carries, gum diseases, wound in any part of the body, infection in general (including gastro-intestinal illnesses) and auto-immune conditions, negatively impacts the cardiovascular system, and new studies show any of those infection could increase the risk for dementia, like Alzheimer’s. Inflammation also leads to thickening of the blood.

Although the body is normally strong, “tough,� and resilient, the constant insults and aggravation we subject it to usually cause us health problems, sooner or later, and especially as we grow older.

Indeed, the human body is amazing, to say the least. The organs are “normal� in size and function in a marvelous, almost magical way, very efficiently. The human body is really “perfect,� until we, humans, repeatedly abuse it, a self-destruct behavior majority of us are guilty of most of the time, knowingly or unknowingly.

What manmade invention can do these marvels, or even come close to what God has created?

The human body never ceases to amaze me, even at this time in my career as a cardiac surgeon.

More than ever, I have learned to respect and admire the human body.

The artificial kidneys (dialysis machine), for example, is about the size of small refrigerator, as compared to our natural kidneys, which are smaller than our clenched fist but which function a lot more efficiently (for free), with no bad side effects as they work, unlike the man-made kidney. The artificial heart, about 8 times the size of an adult heart, is a lot less efficient, cannot function without a power source, not as durable as

our natural heart, and has a lot of complications with its use. Indeed, nothing can beat the magnificence of the human body.

This also goes true with our blood, which no artificial or experimental blood can match, much less, beat. It is the precious liquid “gold� in our circulation that sustains us and keeps us alive and healthy. However, if we abuse our body and allow (actually induce) our blood to thicken dangerously by our bad habits and unhealthy lifestyle, we will eventually get what could be expected.

While there are available blood thinners (like aspirin, other more potent pills, and fish oils) and cholesterol-lowering drugs like the “statins,� there is nothing more natural, safer, cheaper, and with negligible “side-effects� than watching our diet (low carb, a lot of vegetables, high protein, and pushing ourselves away from the table less than full), daily exercises, good hydration, stress management and relaxation, abstinence from tobacco, disciplined alcohol intake, taking low-dose (81 mg) “baby� aspirin daily if prescribed by your physician, and having a regular medical and dental check-ups. These are indeed practical natural DIY (doit-yourself) ways to maintain good health and maximize longevity.

Artificial means could be risky, life-threatening, and quite cost prohibitive.

The million-dollar question now is: How thick is your blood? *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/ author, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian and anti-graft foundation in the United States.

Websites: FUN8888.com, philipSchua.com Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com (Advertising Supplement)

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B MARCH 9-12, 2019 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Features

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

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • MARCH 9-12, 2019

COMMUNITY JOURNAL

Your Immigration Solution ATTY. GEOFFREY J. LAMOUREUX THE L-1A new office visa allows foreign companies to send a beneficiary to the United States to establish a new office and commence business. The new office must be related to the foreign company as its parent, subsidiary, branch, or affiliate.

This relationship is called the qualifying relationship.

A typical example of this qualifying relationship is a foreign company that sends a beneficiary to set up a subsidiary company in the United States. In that case, the new office would issue a majority of its shares to the foreign parent company, thereby creating the parent-subsidiary relationship.

A new office is defined as an organization that has been doing business in the United States for less than one year. Therefore, timely applying for the visa after the new office’s operations have begun is crucial and requires careful planning and professional advice.

The new office visa application does not require proof of extensive business activity. However, because the new office must actually be “doing” business, the mere presence of an agent or an office mailing address is insufficient. Instead, the applicant must submit evidence that sufficient physical space has been secured to house the new office.

The required size of the physical space will vary according to business needs and the type of industry of the business, and a lease agreement with specifications will ordinarily satisfy this requirement.

The applicant must also show that the new office will support a managerial or executive position within one year. The manager or executive must have authority over the new operation. Although the manager or executive will initially be involved in running some day-to-day operations of the new office, it is expected

Working in the United States with an L-1A visa

that he or she will hire staff to take over running the day-to-day operations once the business is established.

The L-1A new office visa applicant must describe the proposed nature of the new office, its organizational structure, and its financial goals. It must also describe the size of the new office investment, demonstrate the financial ability of the foreign company to compensate the beneficiary and begin business, and explain the organizational structure of the foreign company. The visa application must also include a professionallyprepared business plan projecting staff levels by the end of the first year.

As mentioned, the L-1A visa applicant must be coming to the United States to perform managerial or executive duties. In exercising these duties, he or she must have wide latitude in making decisions about the management and goals of the organization.

Managerial duties are those in which an employee manages the company, supervises and controls the work of others, has the authority to hire and fire, and exercises discretion over the day-to-day operations of the company.

Executive duties are those in which an employee directs the management of the company, establishes the goals and policies of the organization, exercises wide-latitude in discretionary decision-making, and receives only general supervision from higher-level executives.

The beneficiary must have one continuous year of employment abroad as a manager or executive during the three-year period before the application is filed.

They are also allowed to be accompanied by his or her spouse and unmarried children under 21 years of age.

The L-1A new office visa is initially approved for one year.

To extend the visa, the applicant must produce substantial

evidence demonstrating that the new office has become an established business. The evidence should show that the foreign and United States companies maintain a qualifying relationship, and that the new office continues to do business. It should also show the duties performed by the beneficiary in the previous year and the duties to be performed under the extended petition, staffing of the new operation and payroll records, and the new office’s financial status. Other factors considered in extending the visa for the new office include the number of employees, significant growth in cash flow, and the presence of significant customers and clientele.

There are unfortunately many fatal mistakes that people make when applying for an L-1A new office visa. These mistakes include the failure to timely file the visa application within one year of commencing business in the United States, submitting a business plan that lacks required details or specifications, or submitting a poorly structured visa application. Fortunately, all of these mistakes are avoidable. Be sure to consult with an experienced and knowledgeable immigration attorney so that you can achieve success with your L-1A new office visa application. *** REEVES IMMIGRATION LAW GROUP is one of the oldest, largest and most experienced immigration fi rms in the United States with offi ces in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Manila and China.

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

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

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Tax Tips VICTOR SY, CPA, MBA

1. Mortgage Interest: The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) limits mortgage interest on loans used to acquire a principal residence and a second home debts up to $750,000 (down from $1 million) starting with loans taken out in 2018. The Act eliminates deduction for interest on home equity loans, regardless of when the debt was incurred.

2. State And Local Taxes: Taxpayers will no longer be able to fully deduct state and local property taxes plus income or sales taxes. Instead, the Act caps at $10,000 state and local income and property taxes or state and local property and sales taxes.

That means homeowners living in high-tax states like California, New York, and New Jersey could see an increase in their federal taxes.

3. Medical Expenses: Old law imposed a restrictive

The Prophetic Voice REVEREND RODEL G. BALAGTAS Many times we hear from fellow Christians of Evangelical denominations that if we accept Jesus as our Lord, we will be saved. Well, this conviction comes from Romans 10:8-13, the Second Reading on this Sunday of Lent. “…for, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

This is true for all Christians of different traditions—Protestant or Catholic. Our confession of Jesus as our Lord and Savior will lead us to salvation and life. But that confession and belief should lead to real actions and disciplines of love, mercy, prayer,

C1

Six tax changes for itemized deductions

floor of 10% of AGI (adjusted gross income) meaning that you can only deduct excess over 10%.The new law puts back a prior law that uses a less restrictive floor of 7.50% of AGI. 4. Casualty And Theft Losses: The itemized deduction for casualty and theft losses has been suspended (except for losses incurred in a federally declared disaster areas).

5. Miscellaneous Itemized Deductions: Miscellaneous itemized deductions for tax preparation costs, investment expenses, union dues, and unreimbursed employee expenses which were formerly deductible if they exceeded 2% of adjusted gross income have been eliminated. Sorry.

6. Overall Limitation On Itemized Deductions: The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) suspends the overall limitation on itemized deductions that formerly applied to taxpayers whose

adjusted gross income exceeded specified thresholds. The itemized deductions of such taxpayers were reduced by 3% of the amount by which AGI exceeded the applicable threshold, but the reduction could not exceed 80% of the total itemized deductions, and certain items were exempt from the limitation. *** Victor Santos Sy graduated Cum Laude from UE with a BBA and from Indiana State University with an MBA. Vic worked with SyCip, Gorres, Velayo (SGV - Andersen Consulting) and Ernst & Young before establishing Sy Accountancy Corporation in Pasadena, California. *** He has 50 years of experience in defending taxpayers audited by the IRS, FTB, EDD, BOE and other governmental agencies. He is publishing a book on his expertise - “HOW TO AVOID OR SURVIVE IRS AUDITS.” Our readers may inquire about the book or email tax questions at vicsy@live.com.

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Confessing God as Lord and Savior

forgiveness, and service to people. No one can refute this argument. We cannot just say, “Jesus, I accept you as my Lord and Savior” without living it through loving relationships with our fellow men and women.

A confession of Jesus as one’s Lord and Savior means that Jesus’ Spirit lives in us; that we entrust our lives entirely to him and allows him to govern our minds and hearts. This is difficult to do in a world of distractions and temptations where other forces dominate our thoughts.

Would this be the reason why on this First Sunday of Lent we recall the temptations of Jesus in the desert, where he was for forty days and nights? In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus himself who became human like us had to prove his fidelity to his Father.

It entailed resistance to the devil’s temptations, perseverance, endurance, discipline, and death to his human inclinations so that the glory of his Father would shine and triumph.

Lent involves the three disciplines of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving. It’s a period of dying to oneself so that the spirit of the Risen Christ would envelop our lives and the world.

It‘s overcoming overindulgences with material things and preoccupation with one’s prestige and power. It’s putting a stop to irreverence to God in speech and actions.

Pope Francis expresses this intention of Lent in his argument for fasting: “Fasting weakens our tendency to violence; it disarms us and becomes an opportunity

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Maximizing recovery in personal injury cases Under Howell v. Hamilton Meats & Provisions (2011) 52 C.4th 541, the California Supreme Court ruled that persons who are injured and who are pursuing a personal injury claim cannot recover the full amount of medical bills incurred if an insurer paid a smaller, negotiated amount to the medical provider.

The Court’s ruling further limited an injured person’s right to recover for past medical expenses.

In light of the Howell decision, it is even more important for a person who suffered injury to develop his/her claim for other economic damages. The term “economic damages” means “objectively verifiable monetary losses including medical expenses, loss of earnings, burial costs, loss of use of property, costs of repair or replacement, costs of obtaining substitute domestic services, loss of employment and loss of business or employment opportunities.”

Civil Code Section 1431.2(b)(1).

A person’s claim for economic damages apart from medical expenses are often overlooked and not pursued by inexperienced counsel.

Loss of earnings are often a significant part of an injured person’s claim for economic damages. Damages are recoverable for both past and future lost earnings. To recover for

Legal Advice Atty. DArriCK tAn past lost earnings, a person must prove the amount of income or earnings that he/she has lost to date. To recover damages for future earnings, a person must prove the amount of income or earnings that he/she will be reasonably certain to lose in the future as a result of the injury.

CACI No. 3903C. How are past lost earnings proven? Medical records, which show the doctor authorizing a release from work or giving instructions to restrict work activities, can support the time taken off from work due to the injury.

For those self-employed, medical providers typically do not provide a release from work; however, medical records should record work restrictions placed by the medical provider.

After showing that the time off was justified, the next step is to value the lost earnings. A letter from a person’s employer that outlines the amount of time that one has lost as a result of his/her injury, the loss of benefits, and the rate of pay during the time

of loss is evidence of the value of one’s loss of earnings claim.

Other supporting documents include pay stubs, time cards, and tax returns. The monetary value of sick leave and vacation time that are used due to the injury are also recoverable. For those self-employed, earnings history as reflected by tax returns and profit and loss statements can help prove the value of lost earnings. Similar supporting documentation must be presented for future lost earnings.

If you were suffered injury in an auto accident or someone’s premises, please contact our office to discuss your case. To maximize monetary recovery, it is important to have the assistance of an experienced attorney in presenting your personal injury claim. *** Darrick V. Tan, Esq. is admitted to practice law in California and Nevada. Mr. Tan is a graduate of UCLA and Southwestern University School of Law. He is a member of the Consumers Attorney Association of Los Angeles and is a former member of the Board of Governors of the Philipp ine American Bar Association. *** LAW OFFICES OF DARRICK V. TAN, 3580 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 900, Los Angeles, CA 90010. Tel: (323) 639-0277.

Email: info@dtanlaw.com.

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Confessing God as Lord and Savior PAGE C1 t

for growth. On the one hand, it allows us to experience what the destitute and the starving have to endure. On the other hand, it expresses our own spiritual hunger and thirst for life in God. Fasting wakes us up. It makes us more attentive to God and our neighbor. It revives our desire to obey God, who alone is capable of satisfying our hunger.”

Indeed, in the end, the whole purpose of Lent is to recognize and claim the power of God in our lives and the world through His Son, Jesus Christ. It’s to confess that all that we have and are comes from him, that we don’t claim ourselves as gods, and that submit to his rule and will.

Our First Reading from the

Book of Deuteronomy (26-4-10) reveals this message of submission to God’s rule in Moses’ instruction to the Israelites: “The priest shall receive the basket from you and shall set it in front of the altar…And having set them [the firstfruits of the products of the soil] before the Lord, your God, you shall bow down in his presence.”

On this First Sunday of Lent, it is good then ask ourselves these questions: What dominate my thoughts and actions? Who rules my life? How is the Spirit of Jesus living in me, in all my intentions, plans, and decisions? How do I guard my speech so that it reveals only goodness, kindness, and reverence for the people around me,

under me, and above me?

May this Lent be a period of growth and fruitfulness in God for all of us! Amen. ***

From a Filipino immigrant family, Reverend Rodel G. Balagtas was ordained to the priesthood from St. John’s Seminary in 1991. He served as Associate Pastor at St. Augustine, Culver City (1991-1993); St. Martha, Valinda (1993-1999); and St. Joseph the Worker, Canoga Park (1991-2001). In 2001, he served as Administrator Pro Tem of St. John Neumann in Santa Maria, CA, until his appointment as pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary, Los Angeles, in 2002, which lasted 12 years. His term as Associate Director of Pastoral Field Education at St. John’s Seminary began in July 2014.

Caregivers are entitled to overtime pay – whether they work at a facility or private home JACQUELINE C. worked as a caregiver for ABC Senior Care at its facility in Ventura, California. She was assigned to care for only one patient who lives at the facility. Ginnie P. worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant/ Caregiver for an ABC Senior Care facility in Los Angeles, California. She was assigned to work caring for several patients at the facility and was not assigned to one patient alone.

Maria C. worked as a caregiver in ABC Senior Care’s InHome division and was mainly assigned to work in patients’ homes.

Our law firm represented these employees in a lawsuit against ABC Senior Care in a class action, claiming that ABC Senior Care failed to provide them with meal and rest breaks required by California law; that ABC Senior Care failed to pay them all their earned overtime wages; and that ABC Senior Care failed to provide them with accurate, itemized wage statements required under California law.

ABC Senior Care is a retirement facility in California which employs non-exempt employees such as Registered Nurses, Licensed Vocational Nurses, Certified Nursing Assistants, Caregivers, maintenance staff, janitorial staff, drivers, foodservice employees, residentengagement staff, bereavement coordinators, social workers, receptionists, executive assistants, and laundry-services staff. To minimize labor costs, the employer prohibited and discouraged employees from recording their work hours outside of the employee’s scheduled work hours – including compensable hours that could result in the payment of over-

Protecting Employee & Consumer Rights Atty. C. Joe SAyAS, Jr. time wages. Employees were told that overtime work had to be authorized.

An ABC Senior Care officer explained that in theory, so long as employees worked only for their scheduled shifts, employees would not incur overtime hours under the three-shift schedule.

However, this same officer then stated that this theory was “not a great theory” and added that ABC Senior Care saw a lot of overtime incurred often resulting from short staffing caused by high turnover as well as employee absences or last minute callouts. There was evidence that the employer altered the time records to delete these overtime hours.

Due to the lack of staffing, employees were also forced to work during their meal and rest breaks. For the In-Home employees who provided care in private residences, the employer argued that they were not entitled to meal and rest breaks because they were considered Personal Attendants in a private household. However, we argued that ABC Senior Care was not a private household entitled to breaks exemption.

Caregivers and personal attendants are some of the most exploited and underpaid of domestic workers. As one California lawmaker put it, “Domestic workers who care for property such as landscaping or housekeeping are generally entitled

to overtime. Those domestic workers who care for children, the infirm, the elderly, and those with disabilities [are] not.” With the enactment of the Domestic Worker Bill of Rights, personal attendants became entitled to overtime pay of one and one-half times the employee’s regular rate of pay for all hours worked over nine hours in any workday and for all hours worked more than 45 hours in the workweek. Despite this recent changes in the law, the wage violations continue.

All non-exempt employees, including caregivers and personal attendants, whether they work at a facility or in a private household, are entitled to be paid for all of their work hours.

They must be paid overtime rates of time and a half for work in excess of 8 hours per day and 40 hours per week. This is true even if the employee is an undocumented immigrant.

In the case of the three ABC Senior Care employees, the parties agreed to settle the case with ABC Senior Care having to pay $3,775,000 to class members. *** The Law Offices of C. Joe Sayas, Jr. welcomes inquiries about this topic.

All inquiries are confidential and at nocost. You can contact the office at (818) 291-0088 or visit www.joesayaslaw.com or our Facebook page Joe Sayas Law. [C. Joe Sayas, Jr., Esq. is an experienced trial attorney who has successfully recovered wages and other monetary damages for thousands of employees and consumers. He was named Top Labor & Employment Attorney in California by the Daily Journal, consistently selected as Super Lawyer by the Los Angeles Magazine, and is the recipient of PABA’s Community Champion Award for 2016.]

(Advertising Supplement)

Will a domestic violence finding affect my claim for sole or joint custody of our children?

AN action under the DVPA (Domestic Violence Protection Act) seeking a restraining order often is necessary to protect parties from abuse or domestic violence perpetrated by the other spouse or significant other. At times, it is effective in preventing harm to one of the parties.

At the same time, this process is sometimes abused by family law litigants as a strategy for obtaining an advantage in a child custody case. The basis for this is the presumption against sole or joint custody under California family code section 3044.

California Family Code Section 3044 (a) provides “Upon a finding by the court that a party seeking custody of a child has perpetrated domestic violence against the other party seeking custody of the child or against the child or the child’s siblings within the previous five years, there is a rebuttable presumption that an award of sole or joint physical or legal custody of a child to a person who has perpetrated domestic violence is detrimental to the best interest of the child, pursuant to Section 3011. This presumption may only be rebutted by a preponderance of the evidence.

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

In determining the best interest of the child, the preference for frequent and continuing contact with both parents, as set forth in subdivision (b) of Section 3020, or with the noncustodial parent, as set forth in paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) of Section 3040, may not be used torebut the presumption, in whole or in part.(2) Whether the perpetrator has successfully completed a batterer’s treatment program that meets the criteria outlined in subdivision (c) of Section 1203.097 of the Penal Code. (3) Whether the perpetrator has successfully completed a program of alcohol or drug abuse counseling if the court determines that counseling is appropriate. (4) Whether the perpetrator has successfully completed a parenting class if the court determines the class to be appropriate. (5) Whether the perpetrator is on probation or parole, and whether he or she has complied with the terms and conditions of probation or parole. (6) Whether the perpetrator is restrained by a protective order or restraining order, and whether he or she has complied

Barrister’s Corner Atty. Kenneth UrSUA reyeS with its terms and conditions.

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

A person has “perpetr33ated domestic violence” when he or she is found by the court to have intentionally or recklessly caused or attempted to cause bodily injury, or sexual assault, or to have placed a person in reasonable apprehension of imminent serious bodily injury to that person or to another, or to have en-

committed one or more acts of domestic abuse, a finding of domestic abuse sufficient to support a DVPA restraining order necessarily triggers the rebuttable statutory presumption that an award of sole or joint physical or legal custody of a child to a person who has perpetrated domestic violence is detrimental to the best interest of the child. Cal. Fam. Code §§ 3044. The presumption that an award of sole or joint physical or legal custody of a child to a person who has perpetrated domestic violence is detrimental to the best interest of the child changes the burden of persuasion, but may be overcome by a preponderance of the evidence showing that it is in the child’s best interest to grant joint or sole custody to the offending parent. Cal. Fam. Code § 3044. In that case, the father had a history of perpetrating domestic violence against the mother. Domestic Violence restraining orders has been issued multiple times over the years including within the last 5 years. The trial court ignored both the existing restraining order, the legal effect of such a judicial finding, and failed to apply the family code 3044 presumption and instead awarded joint custody to father. The Court of appeal reversed and remanded the case back to the trial court. (copyright 7/7/15) *** 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.

“ The requirement of a finding by the court shall also be satisfied if any court, whether that court hears or has heard the child custody proceedings or not, has made a finding pursuant to subdivision a based on conduct occurring within the previous five years.” gaged in any behavior involving, but not limited to, threatening, striking, harassing, destroying personal property or disturbing the peace of another, for which a court may issue an ex parte order pursuant to Section 6320 to protect the other party seeking custody of the child or to protect the child and the child’s siblings.

The requirement of a finding by the court shall be satisfied by, among other things, and not limited to, evidence that a party seeking custody has been convicted within the previous five years, after a trial or a plea of guilty or no contest, of any crime against the other party that comes within the definition of domestic violence contained in Section 6211 and of abuse contained in Section 6203, including, but not limited to, a crime described in subdivision (e) of Section 243 of, or Section 261,262, 273.5, 422, or 646.9 of, the Penal Code. The requirement of a finding by the court shall also be satisfied if any court, whether that court hears or has heard the child custody proceedings or not, has made a finding pursuant to subdivision (a) based on conduct occurring within the previous five years.

In Christina L v. Chauncey B, 229 Cal. App 4th 731 (2014),the Court of appeal held that because a Domestic Violence restraining order must be based on a finding that the party being restrained

*** 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)

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • MARCH 9-12, 2019

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What is the minimum People and Events payment in Chapter 13? Applications open for the Bonta California Progress Foundation

Debt Relief

ATTY. LAWRENCE YANG AS you probably are aware of, an individual can file either Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 under the bankruptcy code when he or she needs relief from accumulated debt.

In Chapter 7, the debtor gets a fresh start in life, without having to pay anything to creditors.

The debtor gets to keep most, if not all of his assets, including the house, furniture, cars, retirement accounts, bank deposits etc., subject to qualifying under a system of asset exemption. In order to keep the assets, there has to be an applicable exemption under the law.

For instance, if you have a 401K of $750,000, can you keep this asset in Chapter 7? Yes, you can. There is applicable exemption for qualified retirement accounts up to about a million dollars, therefore the Chapter 7 debtor with a 401k of $750,000, can wipe out credit cards, medical bills, business credit lines and any other kind of debt which are not excepted from discharge, in any amount, even $500,000 or $50-M. There is really no limit to the amount of debt that an individual can wipe out in Chapter 7, and still be able to keep his $750,000 of 401K. Let’s say that debtor owed $100,000 of credit cards, $50,000 of business credit lines, and medical bills of $500,000 because he guaranteed the hospital bill of his father who was visiting from abroad and did not have travel insurance but got a heart attack when they went to Disneyland.

The Chapter 7 discharge will wipe out all $650,000 of debt while he keeps his $750,000 of retirement account. That’s a great deal. He gets a fresh start in life without $650,000 of debt but with his asset of $750,000 still whole. Now, where in the world can you have such a great deal in life? Everything in your life stays the same; you don’t lose anything other than your accumulated debts.

But let’s say that you can’t qualify for Chapter 7, the next best alternative for debt relief is Chapter 13. This is sometimes called a financial reorganization. In the above example, let’s assume that

debtor also owns a house with equity of $120,000 and he or she is not yet 65. Another modification we will make to the above debtor is that he does not owe medical bills of $500,000, but he does owe $100,000 of credit cards and $50,000 of business credit lines.

So he owes $150,000 of unsecured debt.

The question is: What is the minimum Chapter 13 payment that he will have to pay? Generally speaking, he will have to pay at least the non-exempt portion of any assets that he has. In this example, we said that his house has equity of $120,000. This means that if he has another relative living in the house, his home equity exemption is $100,000 maximum.

But because his total equity is $120,000, there is $20,000 that is

subject to IRS standards for the size of debtor’s family in California. Rent is also subject to IRS standards depending on family size. There are laws that apply to allowable expenses that your lawyer knows. For instance, you may have two kids in college. He gives them allowances of $500 each per month. Sorry, that’s not an allowable expense.

What happens if all assets are exempt? The minimum Chapter 13 payment would then depend on the disposable income of debtor’s household using the foregoing described calculation method.

There is no set formula for calculation. Lawyers have bankruptcy software that helps them do this calculation. But the software normally is not accurate because each case has subtle differences from other cases. So the lawyer’s experience comes into play in this calculation. It’s important to consult your case with an experienced bankruptcy lawyer. The calculation is almost an art.

What happens when you complete all plan payments?

In this example, the debtor will make 60 monthly payments at $350 per month.

Upon completion all plan payments in five years, he will have paid the Chapter 13 trustee who has the responsibility of distribution these payments among all his creditors, a total of $20,000. So what happens to the difference between his total debt of $150,000 and his total payment of $20,000? In other words, what happens to the $130,000 that he did not pay? The $130,000 disappears and is wiped out by the bankruptcy court’s order discharging his debts. The $130,000 is forever wiped out. It doesn’t come back forever, even if debtor’s income increases ten times in the future.

If you need debt relief, please set an appointment to see me. I will analyze your case personally.

“The debtor gets to keep most, if not all of his assets, including the house, furniture, cars, retirement accounts, bank deposits etc., subject to qualifying under a system of asset exemption.” a non-exempt asset. Therefore, in this example, his minimum Chapter 13 payment will be $20,000 over five years, or more or less $350 a month of 60 equal monthly payments.

Why is this the minimum? Because in Chapter 7, creditors will have a right to get $20,000, so in Chapter 13, creditors must at least get paid $20K over 5 years.

Make sense? Of course, it does. In this situation, debtor’s household income and expenses must be able to show that he has at least $350 of disposable income every month.

What is disposable income?

Disposable income is net income (gross income minus allowable deductions such as social security and taxes, union dues etc.) minus allowable expenses.

The calculation is not that simple because not all expenses are allowed to be deducted. For example, charitable contributions are deductible without any set limit. But food expenses are

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

(Advertising Supplement)

The Preserve at Chino delivers a fresh start at 6 new neighborhoods

CHINO, CA — The Southern California dream can now be yours.

In a new home at The Preserve at Chino by Lewis Community Developers, days are filled with first-class amenities, the satisfaction and peace of mind provided by award-winning schools and the remarkable shopping and dining that SoCal is known for.

Here, well-respected builders ensure that new homes meet every expectation for quality and craftsmanship for the new home you have always wanted. But, for affordability, search from San Diego to Los Angeles and you’ll see that this master-planned community stands out from the rest, bringing hopes of homeownership from someday to today.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or ready to retire, your ideal home is waiting for you at The Preserve at Chino. Renowned builders CalAtlantic Homes, Lennar, Richmond American Homes, William Lyon Homes and Woodside Homes craft their homes with exceptional quality, with options for every lifestyle. Ranging from approximately 1,380 to 2,749 square feet with up to five bedrooms and four baths, homes can accommodate even the largest of families. Priced starting in the low $400,000s, these homes are an exceptional deal, making homeownership attainable for all.

In the center of the community, The Parkhouse at The Preserve at Chino brings neighbors together in an impressive resident-only clubhouse. Whether you’re trying to stay active in the fitness center

or getting a little work done in a quieter spot at the business center, The Parkhouse supports all your goals and ambitions. Game rooms and an intimate movie theater will help you relax and unwind. A wonderful location for any event, the multipurpose room has a welcoming feel and features a connected on-site catering kitchen. Lighted tennis courts, a junior Olympic swimming pool, spa and playgrounds make the outdoors at The Parkhouse just as inviting.

In addition, The Parkhouse library is a great place for students from the award-winning Cal Aero Preserve Academy across the street to finish homework and study before walking home.

Residents will also have access to the agrarian-themed Gardenhouse Recreation Center, where get-togethers happen organically. Community gardens connect residents back to the land, while indoor-outdoor kitchen and dining spaces take farm-to-table entertaining to new heights.

Whether you’d rather go for a swim in the junior Olympic pool or lounge on the deck, afternoons in the sun will leave you feeling refreshed and reenergized. The Gardenhouse Recreation Center is all about relaxation that’s in harmony with nature.

With a home at The Preserve at Chino, days always turn towards new adventures. Just moments away, explore The Shoppes at Chino Hills to find hidden treasures in the shops or a new favorite meal in one of the restaurants. Or take a short drive for new experiences at Chino Spectrum Marketplace,

Chino Spectrum Town Center, Eastvale Gateway, Victoria Gardens, Ontario Mills or the famous Fairplex.

This exciting location makes it easy to head up to the local mountains, find your spot on the beaches of Los Angeles and Orange counties or tour all the world-famous Southern California entertainment hotspots. From days spent at theme parks to afternoons at prestigious gardens and museums, you’ll find you’re at the center of it all.

Connect with nature and your neighbors in more than 33 scenic acres dedicated to parks, playgrounds, lawns and gardens at The Preserve at Chino.

Larger parks are home to team sports, picnics, group events and more, while smaller parks spread throughout the neighborhoods for outdoor play closer to home. All year round, these colorful outdoor spaces become an extension of the backyard and bring the community to life.

Please call (877) 417-9623 or visit ThePreserveAtChino.com for more information.

The Preserve at Chino is a development by Lewis Community Developers, a member of the Lewis Group of Companies.

The Lewis Group of Companies has successfully developed more than 55,000 residences, 10,000 apartments and over 14 million square feet of retail, office and industrial space. Founded in 1955, the company is one of the nation’s largest privately held real estate organizations.

(Advertising Supplement)

THE Bonta California Progress Foundation invites the following students to submit an application in response to this scholarship announcement: High School Seniors; Entering College Students, or Current First-year College Students.

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

In 2017, California Assemblymember Rob Bonta launched the Foundation with the purpose of supporting communities, organizations, and individuals that lift up the social, economic, educational, civic, and environmental well-being of Californians and advance progressive values in California and around the world.

To this end, the Foundation will provide a limited number of scholarships to students with a record of academic achievement, leadership, and service to their communities, who would benefit from additional support

to realize a higher education.

Disbursement of awards will be contingent upon proof of registration or enrollment in an institute of higher education (including technical schools, community colleges, and four-year colleges). Awardees will also be expected to submit a brief report, summarizing their academic and extracurricular and/ or professional work during the 2019-2020 academic year, by May 1, 2020.

Application and Award Overview: • Application Deadline: 11:59 PM on March 29, 2019 • Award Announcement: April 12, 2019 • Awards: One $5,000, four $2,500, and five $1,000 scholarships (one-time) Eligibility Requirements: • High school senior, or • Entering first-year college student, or • Current first-year college student

• California resident; residents of 18th Assembly District (Oakland, Alameda and San Leandro) will be given preference Application Components: • Completed cover sheet (Section 1 of online application) • One-page resume (Section 2 of online application) • Official transcript (Section 3 of online application) • 500-word essay responding to the following theme: “Overcoming adversity, giving back, and promoting opportunity, equity, justice, and/or inclusion” (Section 4 of online application) • Two letters of recommendation that speak to the applicant’s character, integrity, and/or uniqueness (these may be from teachers, counselors, supervisors, coaches, and/or mentors) (Letters of recommendation must be received by email, at Bonta.Foundation@ gmail.com, no later than 11:59 p.m. on March 29, 2019) ■

Menthol cigarettes — 10 years too long, it’s time for them to go!

MANY may be wondering why there has been a steady increase in advertisements and commercials about smoking cigarettes, youth vaping and e-cigarette use over the past year. The U.S. FDA Commissioner, along with lawmakers in California, have ignited the conversation by increasing efforts to curb smoking rates and address the youth vaping epidemic, specifically targeting flavored tobacco products, including menthol cigarettes.

Despite the growing scrutiny of flavored products, and increasing number of flavored tobacco bans in cities and towns across California, menthol’s mint flavor has flourished. A critical opportunity to ban menthol cigarettes was unfortunately lost when the Federal Tobacco Control Act (ACT) was passed in 2009. The Act, which banned all flavored cigarettes, inexplicably exempted menthol cigarettes from this legislation. In the decade since it’s estimated that if a menthol cigarette ban had gone into ef-

fect in 2011, more than 320,000 smoking-attributable deaths would be averted by 2050.

The risk of menthol cigarettes is particularly important for the Asian community. Nearly a third of adult smokers in this community smoke menthol cigarettes in California, as compared to only 18 percent of white adult cigarette smokers. This contributes to an alarming burden for this diverse community. Cancer is the leading cause of death among Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders. More than 19,000 Asian American/ Pacific Islanders are diagnosed with a tobacco-related cancer each year and more than 9,000 die from a tobacco-related cancer each year.

Overall, menthol has a long history with tobacco. Tobacco companies started adding menthol to cigarettes nearly a century ago because the menthol flavor helps disguise the harsh taste of tobacco, making the smoke feel smoother and easier to in-

hale. Unfortunately, this actually makes menthol cigarettes worse than regular ones. Menthol lets smokers inhale more deeply and permits the harmful particles present in menthol cigarettes to settle lower inside the lungs.

Menthol cigarettes’ smooth taste and easy feel also make them popular. Despite reports that cigarette use in the U.S. overall has declined, sales of menthol cigarettes have steadily increased, especially among youth and new smokers.7 In fact, studies prove that among cigarette smokers, menthol use is more common among people under the age of 25. This popularity is attracting attention from concerned citizens and legislators.

Tobacco industry targeting contribute to the higher rates of menthol cigarette smokers among the Asian and Pacific Islander community. The industry has purposely and directly targeted communities of color

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C4 MARCH 9-12, 2019 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Calendar of Events across

America

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

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Spring Forward: Time to change your clocks & your batteries AS we prepare to change our clocks this Sunday, March 10 for Daylight Saving Time, the Los Angeles County Fire Department reminds everyone to also change the batteries in every smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector in their homes.

When properly installed, working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors can mean the difference between life and death.

“A working smoke alarm in your home greatly increases your chances of survival during a fire,” says Fire Captain Tony Imbrenda. “The device can alert sleeping family members and provide them with critical seconds to escape.”

Carbon monoxide poisoning can be fatal. Symptoms include severe headache, dizziness, mental confusion, nausea, and fainting.

Photo courtesy of scvnews California law requires the installation of carbon monoxide mum protection against carbon recommends installing a carbon detectors outside of each sleep- monoxide gas, the Los Angeles monoxide detector inside each ing area in a home. For maxi- County Fire Department also bedroom. ■

Beware of impostor scams

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.

JUNE 1

7th Historic Filipinotown Kalayaan Parade and Festival in LA The 7th Historic Filipinotown Kalayaan Parade and Festival Committee (7KPFC) announced that it will holding the 7th Kalayaan Parade in Los Angeles on Saturday, June 1, 2019 in commemoration of the 121st PH Independence Day on June 12, 1898. This will be the 7th Kalayaan Parade and Festival in Historic Filipinotown, as the first was held in 2013 in cooperation with the PH Consulate General in Los Angeles. This is the only Independence Day parade and Festival in Los Angeles and is held every year in Historic Filipinotown. For more information, please call Freddie at (818) 220-2075 or email at jfavusa8@gmail.com.

Photo courtesy of AARP

AARP has found that older As3ian Americans and Pacific Islanders are often targets of certain fraud (www.aarp.org/AAPIfraudsurvey). Scammers often use caller ID spoofing to mask their true location, making it appear that they’re calling from a legitimate or local number to raise the odds that you’ll pick up.

If you do, the robotic voice on the other end might claim to represent a utility, name-brand company or government agency, like Medicare, the Internal Revenue Service, and Consulates. It might tell you to press a particular key to learn more, or to get off a call list.

Maneesha Mithal, Associate Director for the FTC’s Division of Privacy & Identity Protection, said “We’re happy to be a part of getting the word out to Asian American Pacific Islander communities and encouraging people to report scams to the FTC. The more we hear from people, the more we can help fight scams.”

Whatever the message, don’t engage. Doing so can lead you to a real live scammer, who’ll pressure you to make a pur-

chase or pump you for personal information, like a credit card or Social Security number. Even just pressing a key or answering a question alerts scammers that they’ve hit on a “live” number, and they’ll call it again and again.

Do’s: • Do hang up on illegal robocalls.

• Do put your phone number on the Federal Trade Commission’s National Do Not Call Registry. It won’t stop fraudulent calls, but it will make them easier to spot because most legitimate telemarketers won’t call you if you’re on the registry.

• Do consider using a call-blocking app or device to screen your calls and weed out spam and scams. You can also ask your phone service provider if it offers any such tools.

• Do review a company’s privacy policies before you give it permission to call you. You might be authorizing them to share your contact information with others.

Don’ts: • Don’t answer calls from unknown numbers. The FCC rec-

ommends letting them go to voicemail.

• Don’t press any keys or say anything in response to a prerecorded message. This lets scammers know yours is a working number and will lead to more spam calls.

• Don’t follow instructions to “speak to a live operator.” This will likely transfer you to a call center for an aggressive sales pitch or a phishing expedition.

• Don’t judge a call by caller ID alone. Scammers mask their location by tricking your phone into displaying a legitimate government or corporate number, or one similar to your own (a practice called “neighbor spoofing”).

“We must all vigilantly protect our information and can all play an active role in trying to stamp out potential fraud by reporting any suspicious activity,” said Daphne Kwok, AARP Vice President of Multicultural Leadership, Asian American and Pacific Islander Audience Strategy. “Report fraud at ftc. gov/complaint and visit aarp. org/fraudwatchnetwork for more information.” ■

Kalayaan Incorporated’s annual Philippine Independence Day gala in LA Kalayaan Incorporated invites the community to its celebration of the 121st Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence on Saturday, June 1, 2019, at the Los Angeles Airport Marriott Hotel (5855 W. Century Blvd. Los Angeles, CA). Kalayaan is extremely proud to have Honorable Risa Hontiveros, an incumbent senator who assumed office on June 30, 2016, as the grand gala’s guest of honor and speaker. For tickets to the Gala Night, please contact Annie Cuevas-Lim, Kalayaan President at (213) 447-7078. For more information, contact KI PROs Violet Mislang at vmislang@gmail.com or Lady Hope Robillos at lhopepr@yahoo.com.

J U LY 2 0

The Ibaan Association USA-Canada gala dinner in LA The Ibaan Association USA-Canada will hold its 32nd Annual Gala Dinner & Dance July 20, 2019 from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m. at the Hilton Los Angeles / Universal City - Ballroom A at 555 Universal Hollywood Drive, Universal City, California 91608. For reservations call Monica Benitez at (323) 697-3731 / email: monica_benitez03@yahoo.com or Irene May Villafranca at (323) 4232299 / email: imay02@yahoo.com.

Tickets are $85 for Adults and $40 for Children (3 to 10 years old). Please make checks payable to: Ibaan Association USA-Canada and mail to: Merly Pagunsan at 5025 Heintz St. Baldwin Park, CA 91706.

For sponsorship information on our 2019 Souvenir Program please contact President Noli Reyes at homesbynoli@gmail.com or call (818) 458-7888. Please RSVP by April 12, 2019.

J U LY 24 -28

40th annual Philippine Nurses Association of America National The Philippine Nurses Association of America (PNAA) will have its 40th annual national convention from July 24 to 28 at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis in Atlanta, GA, hosted by the PNA-GA chapter. More information and details TBA. To learn about the PNA-GA, please visit: https://pnaga.wildapricot.org/.

AU G U ST 1 - 9

University of the Philippines Nursing Alumni Association International Convention & Alaskan Cruise The University of the Philippines Nursing Alumni Association International, Inc. (UPNAAI) will have its 40th convention on a cruise aboard Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas. The theme will be “In the New Millennium - UPNAAI at 40: Evolving and Emerging Nursing Roles.”

On Aug. 1. it will be UPNAAI Volunteers Service Day in Seattle, then 2-9 will be a cruise from Seattle, Juneau, Skagway, Endicott Arm & Dawes, Victoria, and back to Seattle. Convention Fee $100 for Alumni in addition to cruise pricing. No convention charge for friends and family members. Contact Hours will be provided for the educational conference. For more information/to register and view cruise rates, please visit https://www.upnaai.com/.

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

Menthol cigarettes — 10 years...

PAGE C3 t with these deadly products. For example, the tobacco industry is particularly aggressive in its advertising to Asian/Pacific Islander communities, placing more advertising on billboards and inside stores in urban neighborhoods where people predominantly identify as Asian American. The industry has also supported Lunar New Year celebrations for years to promote their deadly products.

“Now, more than ever is the time to focus efforts and advocate for a ban on the sale of all flavored tobacco products, including menthol cigarettes,” said Carol McGruder, Co-Chairperson of the African American Tobacco Control Leadership

Council, which aims to address health inequity in tobacco control. “For years, the tobacco industry has managed to prevent a ban on the sale of menthol cigarettes and menthol flavored tobacco products, and this has been to the harm of our diverse communities. It’s time to put a stop to it!”

McGruder is working hard to address these issues with direct outreach and partnerships with grassroots organizations within the community.

“The time has come for menthol cigarettes to go. Here in California, the fight is well underway as numerous cities and counties have already passed legislation banning the sale of all flavored tobacco products, in-

cluding menthol,” she said. “The California legislature recently proposed two bans regarding the sale of tobacco products and flavored e-cigarettes. People can help by contacting their local representative to confirm support and urge them to work to pass legislation that will help our state stop the deadly harm of menthol cigarettes.”

To learn more about menthol visit www.tobaccofreeca.com.

If you are a smoker looking for information and resources to help you quit, visit the California Smoker’s Helpline is at www.nobutts.org or 1-800-NO-BUTTS. The California Smoker’s Helpline offers free quit support in six languages, including in Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese. ■

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C MARCH 9-12, 2019 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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MARKETPLACE SHOWROOM

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PH overheating risks ‘have decreased a lot’ ICE has access to AB-60 license information, including the driver’s address

Immigration Corner

by ANNA LEAH

E. GONZALES Manilatimes.net

ATTY. MICHAEL GURFINKEL, ESQ AB-60 licenses allow undocumented immigrants to drive legally in California. (Note: these licenses merely allow a person to drive legally and obtain car insurance, but do not authorize employment.) Other states have similar programs.

AB-60 licenses, which were designed to help undocumented immigrants drive legally, are now being used against them. It was recently reported that an undocumented immigrant was pulled over

by ICE agents on his way to work.

Those agents had a copy of his AB60 driver’s license photo when they pulled him over, which was used to confirm his identity. (It appears he had an old deportation order issued against him in 2005, but had committed no crimes in the U.S. So, it appears the ICE agents were looking for him to enforce that old deportation order and send him back to his home country.)

What makes this troubling is that when AB- 60 driver’s licenses were first introduced in 2013, the law stated that any information would not be used “as evidence of the [person’s] citizenship or immigration status” or “as a basis for a criminal investigation, arrest or detention.” In other words, in applying for an AB-60 driver’s license, undocumented immigrants were basically promised that their information will remain confidential and not be shared with immi-

gration authorities.

Both the DMV and ICE confirm that ICE has the ability to access driver’s license information, including the person’s photo and address. That database does not separate AB-60 driver’s license information from other driver’s licenses, and the information does not necessarily include a driver’s immigration status in the U.S. Therefore, ICE would simply enter a person’s name in the DMV database, and while the database does not indicate the person’s immigration status, their photo and address could still show up. (Remember, if you had an old deportation order, ICE would have your last address, date of birth, etc., from your immigration files.)

Several lawmakers are looking into this situation, as they believe this can now have a “chilling” effect in the immigrant communities across the state and immigrants may be less inclined to apply or renew their AB-60 licenses in the future.

I know that there are many people who are out of status, may have an old deportation/removal order, and are afraid every single day that ICE may come and pick them up.

Many of these people in California have AB-60 driver’s licenses, and this new development will make them more anxious.

If this applies to you, then you may want to consider consulting with an attorney as soon as pos-

sible, rather than waiting for the knock on the door or being pulled over on your way to work, as perhaps there may be legitimate avenues for relief or ways to get a green card despite your past immigration history. While of course no guarantees can be made, rather than worrying in the dark, you should consult with an attorney, so you can see the light. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel has been an attorney for over 35 years and is licensed, and an active member of the State Bars of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California. Each case is different and results may depend on the facts of the particular case. The information and opinions contained herein (including testimonials, “Success Stories”, endorsements and re-enactments) are of a general nature, and are not intended to apply to any particular case, and do not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorney-client relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader.

WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com Follow us on Facebook.com/GurfinkelLaw and Twitter @GurfinkelLaw Call Toll free to schedule a consultation for anywhere in the US: 1-866-4873465 (866) – GURFINKEL Four offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES · SAN FRANCISCO · NEW YORK · PHILIPPINE (Advertising Supplement)

Business Quote of the Week “In this ever-changing society, the most powerful and enduring brands are built from the heart. They are real and sustainable.

Their foundations are stronger because they are built with the strength of the human spirit, not an ad campaign. The companies that are lasting are those that are authentic.”

— Howard Schultz, former CEO of Starbucks

OVERHEATING risks for the Philippine economy have diminished and the country is expected to continue posting above 6-percent growth, an International Monetary Fund (IMF) official said on Wednesday, March 6.

“The risks seem to have decreased a lot,” IMF Resident Representative to the Philippines Yongzheng Yang said during The Manila Times 9th Business Forum at the Dusit Thani Hotel on Wednesday.

The IMF last year noted that while Philippine growth remained high, rising inflation and a benign external environment were a cause of concern.

“First of all inflation has already come down,” Yang noted.

The Philippine Statistics Authority on Tuesday, Mrch 5, reported that headline inflation eased to 3.8 percent, finally settling within the government’s 2-4 percent target.

Last year, inflation peaked at a nine-year high of 6.7 percent in September and October.

“We will have an economic update in the coming week, but right

Yongzheng Yang, the International Monetary Fund resident representative to the Philippines, speaks during The Manila Times 9th Business Forum: The Philippine Economic Outlook for 2019 at Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati City on Wednesday.

Manilatimes.net photo by J. Gerard Seguia

now what I can see is the economy will grow without the risks that we had last year,” Yang said.

For this year, the IMF is projecting 6.7 percent growth, but this is expected to be revised in the upcoming update.

“Philippine growth is expected to remain robust on account of strong domestic demand,” he said.

The government, however, must continue to be watchful of

the risks as the global economy is undergoing a slowdown.

“The global environment is tough. There’s Brexit and there seems to be a lot of concern whether the WTO will continue to be effective,” said Yang.

“There seem to be less international cooperation. The global economy is going through a slowing pace and there are risks for countries including the Philippines,” he added. ■

Forex reserves build up to 2-year high

by LAWRENCE

AGCAOILI Philstar.com

THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) continued to build up the country’s foreign exchange buffer as the gross international reserves (GIR) level increased for the fourth straight month to hit its highest level in more than two years.

Newly installed BSP Govenor Benjamin Diokno said the GIR level settled at $82.89 billion in February, higher than the revised $82.49 billion in January due to the strong inflows of foreign exchange into the country.

This was also the highest GIR level in 27 months or since hitting $85.11 billion in October 2016.

“This rise in the GIR level was

Newly installed BSP Govenor Benjamin Diokno said the GIR level settled at $82.89 billion in February, higher than the revised $82.49 billion in January due to the strong inflows of foreign exchange into the country.

due mainly to inflows arising deposits by the national govfrom the BSP’s foreign exchange ernment, and the BSP’s income operations, net foreign currency PAGE D2

D MARCH 9-12, 2019 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Government overspends for infrastructure in 2018, says DBM

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Underemployment, unemployment decline in January – Philippine Statistics Authority

by Ben

O. de Vera Inquirer.net

THE number of Filipinos in the labor force who wanted more working hours or better jobs than what they have dropped to 15.6 percent in January, the government reported Thursday, March 7.

Results of the Philippine Statistics Authority’s (PSA) January 2019 Labor Force Survey showed that the underemployment rate declined from 18 percent during the same month last year.

The PSA defines the underemployed as “employed persons who express the desire to have additional hours of work in their present job, or to have an additional job, or to have a new job with longer working hours.”

In 2018, the share of underIncluding program support to state corporations and transfers to local government units, Diokno said infrastructure expenditures last year reached P886.2 billion, equivalent to 5.1 percent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).

Philstar.com file photo employed belonging to the labor force population inched up to Inquirer.net file photo “We are serious in closing the 16.4 percent for the entire year than the P775.4 billion program.

by Mary Grace Padin Philstar.com DBM data also showed that infrastructure gap, owing to de- from 16.1 percent in 2017. ary from 70.9 million a year ago, bor force population, the unemthis is 41.3 percent higher than cades of neglect to our roads, The labor force, comprised of the PSA’s preliminary estimates ployment rate also slightly eased THE national government’s the infrastructure disbursement bridges, mass transport systems those 15 years old and above, in- showed. to 5.2 percent in January from spending on infrastructure went level of P568.8 billion in 2017. and all sorts of infrastructure. creased to 72.5 million last JanuDespite an increase in the la- 5.3 percent last year. n above program last year followIncluding program support to Build Build Build is well undering the completion of major proj- state corporations and transfers way and we have delivered on ects, as well as implementation to local government units, Dio- our commitment to disburse at of budget reforms, according to kno said infrastructure expendi- least five percent of GDP for pubthe Department of Budget and tures last year reached P886.2 lic infrastructure,” he said. by anna Leah e. GOnzaLes Management (DBM).

Diokno attributed the accelerManilatimes.net billion, equivalent to 5.1 percent In a forum, outgoing budget of the country’s gross domestic ation in infrastructure disbursechief and newly appointed Bang- product (GDP). ments in 2018 to budget reforms THE Asian Development Bank ko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) This is likewise higher than done in preparation for the shift (ADB) will lower its 2019 growth Governor Benjamin Diokno said the government’s targeted in- to cash-based budgeting, particu- outlook for the Philippines given infrastructure and other capital frastructure spending of P868.6 larly the shortening of the validity a global slowdown and last year’s outlays amounted to P803.6 bil- billion or five percent of GDP for of appropriations and the cleaning below-target result. lion in 2018, 3.6 percent higher the year.

“We expect the economy to PAGE D3 continue its strong expansion in 2019 but lower than our earlier projection of 6.7 percent for 2019,” ADB Philippines Country The GIR is the sum of all for- foreign exchange market and to Manager Kelly Bird said during PAGE D1 t from its investments abroad,” eign exchange flowing into the support the expanding economy. The Manila Times 9th Business The peso ended the third Forum on Wednesday, March 6, country. It serves as buffer to enDiokno said.

Data showed the central bank’s sure that the Philippines would weakest currency in the region at the Dusit Thani hotel in Makati foreign investments inched up to not run out of foreign exchange after the Indian rupee and Indo- City.

“There are two reasons. Eco$70.44 billion last month from that it could use to pay for im- nesian rupiah last year. It lost 5.3 ported goods and services, or percent to close 2018 at 52.58 to nomic growth at 6.2 percent last $69.97 billion in January.

However, Diokno said the in- maturing obligations in case of $1 from end-2017 level of 49.94 year was lower than what we expected. Second is the faster-thanto $1. crease in reserves was partially external shocks.

Diokno said the GIR is equiva- expected slowdown in the global The central bank has been tempered by payments made by the national government for building up the country’s forex lent to 7.3 months’ worth of im- economy,” he added.

Gross domestic product growth Kelly Bird, Asian Development Bank Country Manager for the Philippines, delivers a speech servicing its foreign exchange buffer since November last year. ports of goods and payments of last year came below the govern- during The Manila Times 9th Business Forum on Wednesday. services and primary income.

It obligations as well as revaluation It uses the buffer to buy or sell Manilatimes.net photo by J. Gerard Seguia losses from the central bank’s dollars if it deems necessary to is also equivalent to 6.3 times ment’s downwardly revised 6.5challenges for the Philippines, conflict.” gold holdings, resulting from the prevent sharp depreciation or the country’s short-term external 6.9 percent target.

“These lagging regions are The ADB currently has a 6.7 Bird said, are the country’s high decrease in the price of gold in appreciation of the peso against debt based on original maturity characterized by under-investpercent forecast for 2019 but Bird poverty rate and income inequaland 4.1 times based on residual the dollar. the international market. ment in infrastructure, low private said the revised projection would ity.

Last year, the BSP allowed maturity.

The BSP’s gold holdings also He noted that some regions, es- investment, poor quality services, “The end-February 2019 level fall between 6.2-6.7 percent. amounted to $8.36 billion in end- the moderate and gradual deThe government is aiming for pecially those in Mindanao, were low skills trap, and poor goverFebruary, slightly lower than the preciation of the peso against of GIR serves as an ample ex“vulnerable to natural hazards and nance,” Bird said. $8.41 billion recorded in Janu- the dollar as part of its mandate ternal liquidity buffer,” the BSP 7.0-8.0 growth this year.

Among the key development ar subject to intermittent armed PAGE D3 to smoothen the volatility in the chief said. n ary.

ADB expects to lower 2019 PH growth outlook

Forex reserves build up to 2-year...

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PH retailers anxious over trade liberalization Expect more moderate consumer prices going forward, says BSP by angelica

BallesterOs Manilatimes.net

PROPOSED measures to amend the Retail Trade Liberalization Act will likely affect the small retailers in the country, the chief of the Philippine Retailers Association (PRA) said on Wednesday, March 6.

During The Manila Times’ 9th Business Forum in Makati City, PRA President Rosemarie BoschOng said they are bothered by the revisions contained in the Retail Trade Liberalization bill as they can adversely affect members of their organization.

“We welcome competition … but we are kind of worried about the trade liberalization because it will definitely affect a lot of small retailers. We are competing with the retailers from different parts of the world that have really big pockets,” said Bosch-Ong, who is also chief operating officer and senior executive vice president of Wilcon Depot, Inc. Both House Bill (HB) 4595 and Senate Bill 1639 seek to amend HB 8762 or the Retail Trade Liberalization Act. The revision in-

by Daxim

l. lucas

Inquirer.net

Philippine Retailers Association (PRA) President and Wilcon Depot Inc. Chief Operating Officer Rosemarie Bosch-Ong discusses the effects of trade liberalization on the local retail industry during The Manila Times’ 9th Business Forum in Makati City on Wednesday, March 6.

Manilatimes.net photo by J. Gerard Seguia

cluded the reduction of minimum paid-up capital (from $830,000 to only $200,000) for foreign firms upon entry to the local retail sector in a bid to create a more favorable investment environment.

But while the PRA is anxious over the amendments, it said they serve as a call for domestic retailers to be more adaptive, competi-

tive, and aggressive in the industry. “We can not stop progress in our country. Our government is really very liberal in attracting investors,” she said.

The Retail Trade Liberalization bill is awaiting approval of Congress, which is currently on break for the midterm elections in May. n

CONSUMER prices around the country are expected to rise at an even more moderate pace in the coming months as policy interventions undertaken by various government agencies work their way through the economy, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said Tuesday, March 5.

This came after the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) announced that inflation in February fell to 3.8 percent, lower than the 4.4 percent in January — and the third consecutive month of decline — boosting sentiment that the central bank under newly appointed Governor Benjamin Diokno would cut interest rates

soon.

In its statement, BSP said latest inflation outturn is consistent with BSP’s expectation of the continued easing of price pressures.

“Inflation will likely settle within the target range in 2019 and 2020 as previous monetary and non-monetary policy actions work their way through the economy,” the central bank said. “The recent enactment of the Rice Tariffication Act will further temper rice prices in the near term and help raise long-run productivity in the agricultural sector.”

Diokno, in a message to ABSCBN News on Tuesday, said his priorities as the country’s new monetary and banking regulator will be to promote economic growth in addition to the BSP’s

primary role of fighting inflation.

“BSP’s role is to ensure steady, strong growth,” he told the network, indicating that interest rates — raised sharply last year to fight nine-year high inflation — may soon be adjusted down to give the economy a boost.

“In order to achieve this, the monetary policy has to be in sync with fiscal policy,” he added.

For its part, the central bank statement said it will continue “to keep a close watch” over price developments in the country, and will “consider all relevant information” at its next monetary policy meeting on March 21, 2019 “to ensure that the monetary policy stance remains consistent with the BSP’s primary mandate of safeguarding price stability.”n

Funds for rice industry to hit P22B with rice import law

Government overspends for infrastructure...

PAGE D2 t of prior year’s accounts payables.

“This shows the superiority of cash-budgeting against the old, inefficient system of two-year obligation-based budgeting. Simply put, under cash-budgeting, projects get done sooner and contractors get paid faster,” he said.

Furthermore, the DBM said major infrastructure programs and projects boosted capital spending last year.

In particular, disbursements of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the main infrastructure arm of the government, jumped 46 percent yearon-year to P538.2 billion in 2018.

This was used for the implementation of road widening, improve-

ment and rehabilitation works, and flood control projects.

The Department of National Defense also recorded capital spending for the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Modernization Program, while the Department of Education had capital expenditures for the repair and rehabilitation of school buildings and facilities, and its computerization program.

The government also spent funds for the Department of Health’s projects, including the construction and repair of health facilities, and acquisition of various medical equipment.

According to Diokno, infrastructure expenditures was one of the main drivers of government

spending in 2018.

Total disbursements last year reached P3.41 trillion, 1.1 percent above the government’s target of P3.37 trillion.

“This reverses 12 straight years of underspending, where actual disbursements of the national government fell short of the program,” Diokno said.

“I’m glad to report that underspending is a thing of the past.

For a developing country like the Philippines with urgent needs in infrastructure and social services, underspending is unacceptable. The Duterte administration promised promised effective and This photo, taken in August 2018, shows Officials of the Bureau of Plant Industry along with the National Food Authority inspecting the sacks of prompt delivery of public ser- imported rice from Thailand inside MV Emperor 1 docked at the Tabaco City port. Starting on March 3, 2019, the government will start imposina Inquirer.net photo by Michael B. Jauciana vices, and we have delivered,” he tariff on imported rice. said. n DA has also allocated P7 bilgiven the biggest budget in hisby Karl r. OcampO lion of its funds to rice. tory.”

Inquirer.net In total, the rice industry will Last week, the Department GOVERNMENT funding for of Budget and Management get P32 billion for its developPAGE D2 t agriculture sector’s contribution to from 3.95 percent in 2017. the country’s rice industry is released P5 billion to the De- ment.

“This is actually the greatInitiatives that can be pursued seen to hit a record of P22 billion partment of Agriculture (DA) to Aside from this, the ADB official overall growth.

“The agriculture sector has been by the government, said Bird, is this year with the implementa- protect rice farmers against the est irony,” the secretary said. said access to quality education making negligible contribution to support for farmers’ transition to tion of the Rice Import Liberal- possible adverse effects of the “Farmers are worried with the was still inadequate. implementation of this measure ization Law, the agriculture chief Rice Import Liberalization Law. To address these issues, Bird overall growth. Rice tariffication higher valued crops.

“Those farmers having difficulty said.

This is on top of the annual but it’s also now that they will be urged the government to acceler- law is a major first step in improvIn an interview with reporters P10-billion subsidy under the getting this kind of financial asate infrastructure and long-term ing productivity and incomes in producing rice could shift to high on Monday, March 4, Agricul- Rice Competitiveness Enhance- sistance.” investments, promote local eco- the agriculture sector,” he added. value crops,” he noted.

The measure, which is exThe government must also re- ture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol ment Fund, which aims to cut Rice tariffication, he continued, bomic development, and invest in is “the first step” towards higher think how extension services are said that with funding from the the cost of producing rice so lo- pected to be implemented today, people. delivered to farmers and make national government along with cal farmers may be able to com- removes the regulatory and imThe ADB official said the pas- agriculture growth.

Growth in the agriculture sector sure that there is connectivity in the agency’s budget for the sec- pete with the influx of more af- porting function of the National sage of the Rice Modernization tor, “the rice industry will be fordable imported rice.

PAGE D5 Act could also hopefully boost the slowed to 0.56 percent last year rural areas, Bird said. n

ADB expects to lower 2019 PH growth...

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Oil import bill rises 31% in 2018

Government loses P3B/mo in tax revenues from foreign Pogo workers by ben

O. de Vera Inquirer.net

THE government is losing at least P3 billion in tax revenues a month from foreign workers in the Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogo) industry who do not pay personal income taxes, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said on Wednesday, March 6.

“It is so unfair that Filipinos doing the same kind of work pay tax.

Why should foreigners not pay tax? That’s the law. All I want is fairness,” Dominguez told reporters on the sidelines of The Manila Times’ Ninth Business Forum.

Dominguez said the governThe net import bill or the difference between oil imports and exports amounted to $12.12 billion in 2018, 30.9 percent higher than the year ago, data from the Department of Energy showed.

Philstar.com photo by Michael Varcas ment was going after both employees and companies. cent consists of finished products percent from Russia and 4.5 perby danessa riVera “If they (companies) are opand 45.5 percent crude oil.

Philstar.com cent from the ASEAN region. erating under investment incenThe country imported 85,753 Meanwhile, there was 0.1 per- tives, that’s fine with me.

HIGHER volume and import million barrels (MB) of crude oil cent of crude oil from local proBut there is no investment cost pushed the Philippine net oil last year, an increase of 10.4 per- duction. import up by nearly a third last cent.

In terms of petroleum prodyear.

In terms of cost, the 2018 fig- ucts, the country imported a total The net import bill or the dif- ure amounted to $6.14 billion or of 97.57 MB. ference between oil imports and 41.8 percent more than the year

by Lisbet K. esmaeL The top imported product for Manilatimes.net exports amounted to $12.12 bil- earlier due to higher cost insur- the period was diesel oil, which lion in 2018, 30.9 percent higher ance freight (CIF) price. declined by 3.3 percent. Fuel oil than the year ago, data from the The average CIF price of crude imports also decreased by 24.2 GRAB Holdings Inc. reported Department of Energy showed. oil was at $71.59 per barrel last percent. on Wednesday, March 6 that According to the DOE, the year compared with $55.77 per On the other hand, the import it had received a $1.46-billion country’s total oil import bill barrels year ago. of gasoline went up by 10.7 per- investment from the SoftBank reached $13.48 billion, a 31.8 Bulk of the imported crude cent, LPG by 9.4 percent, and Vision Fund, bringing its total percent jump from the previous oil, or 86.9 percent, was sourced kerosene/avturbo by 3.8 percent. raised to $4.5 billion. year. from the Middle East.

In terms of exports, the counIn a statement, Grab co“This was attributed to the Saudi Arabia was the top sup- try’s petroleum exports earnings founder and Chief Executive Ofcombined effects of higher im- plier, accounting for 33.7 per- grew 40 percent to $1.36 million. ficer Anthony Tan said the new port cost and increased import cent, followed by Kuwait with This as the country exported funding only showed SoftBank volume of crude oil vis-à-vis last 26.3 percent and the UAE with 17.04 MB of petroleum products Vision’s confidence in Grab’s year,” the DOE said.

20.9 percent. exports, which rose 16.7 per- capacity to step up its game in Of the total imports, 54.5 perThe country also imported 7.4 cent. n Asia.

“This investment will help the company explore exciting new opportunities across on-demand PAGE D3 t Last year, the farm-gate price complete the law’s implementing mobility, delivery and financial Food Authority and allows the of palay reached its highest at rules and regulations (IRR). Piñol services as it continues to grow expansion of the private sector’s P24 a kilogram, but following said the IRR will be ready today. its offline-to-online platform role in the market. Shipments speculation that imported rice “There are calls from other across Southeast Asia,” David would be charged tariffs between will flood the market, prices in industry stakeholders that the Thevenon, partner at SoftBank 35 percent to 50 percent, which some provinces dipped to P15 a formulation of the IRR should be Investment Advisers, was quoted would be used for the industry’s kilo. extended but I’m against that. as saying in the statement.

The ride-hailing company modernization.

But according to Piñol and of- The longer we wait, the longer it Economic managers said the ficials from socioeconomic plan- will take for the budget to be re- targets to spend the bulk of the law could cut retail rice prices in ning agency National Economic leased. That’s one planting sea- amount in boosting its segments, including financial services, food half and ease inflation by 0.5 to and Development Authority, such son lost for us,” he said.

0.7 percent.

The IRR tackles the details of delivery, parcel delivery, content worry is misplaced.

During the DA’s nationwide Piñol admitted that the gov- the law, including the govern- and digital payments.

In Grab’s current financing consultation with industry stake- ernment’s intervention should ment’s safety nets for local farmholders last week, Piñol said have been implemented as early ers who may be affected by the round, it was able to entice infarmers only wanted assurance as last year, but bureaucratic industry’s liberalization. It will vestors like Toyota Motor Corp., from the government that the un- processes have been derailing also explain in detail the importa- Oppenheimer Funds, the Hyunimpeded entry of imported rice the budget’s release. tion process and the transition of dai Motor Group, Booking Holdwould not pull farm-gate prices This is the reason why govern- various agencies to the new rice ings, Microsoft Corp., Ping An Capital and Yamaha Motor. of palay down. ment agencies are scrambling to regime. n

incentive for foreign workers.

There is none—the law says you work here, you pay tax. Anywhere in the world, it’s the same: You are a foreign worker, an OFW (overseas Filipino worker) in the United States, you pay tax. Why shouldn’t they pay tax here? It’s unfair,” Dominguez said.

A rough calculation by Dominguez showed that with an estimated 100,000 foreign Pogo workers earning about $2,500 a month, each would have to pay about $600 as th“That’s $60 million (over P3 billion) a month that we seem not to be collecting. I checked with the BIR (Bureau of Internal Revenue), they said they don’t have a clue. What?,” Dominguez said.

The finance chief added that there were national security implications if these foreign Pogo employees were not registered with the government.

“If there are some Chinese, some Ethiopians or whatever, they should pay tax. We want it to be fair because Filipinos working abroad also pay tax. We’re not asking anything special, just follow the law,” Dominguez said.

The finance chief earlier asked the departments of Foreign Affairs, Justice and its attached Bureau of Immigration, Labor and Employment, Trade and Industry as well as the state-run Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. and the Securities and Exchange Commission to come up with a consolidated list of all foreigners working for Pogo service providers in the country in order to collect taxes due them.

The BIR earlier disclosed that only seven of 10 local Pogo licensees had been registered with the country’s biggest tax-collection agency, on top of only eight of 44 offshore operators. n

Grab gets $1.46B from SoftBank fund

Funds for rice industry to hit P22B with rice...

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Manilatimes.net file photo

“We have been blessed with overwhelming shareholder support in our current fundraising round, with strong interest both in terms of capital invested and the quality of strategic partners seeking to support the continued development of Grab,” Grab President Ming Maa said.

“We continue to receive new investor interest and look forward to welcoming more global industry leaders as partners in 2019,” he added.

Established in 2012, Grab has since expanded its transportation service to include food and pack-

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age delivery services. Its mobile app has been downloaded on more than 138 million mobile devices across Asia.

In the Philippines, Grab is present in the cities of Manila, Cebu, Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Bacolod, Baguio, Naga, Iloilo and Tacloban; Bataan and Pampanga provinces; and the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

According to the company, it has 42,000 drivers locally, but only 35,000 are active on the streets to meet the company’s 600,000 bookings on regular days. n

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