031120 - Southern California Midweek Edition

March 11-13, 2020 Volume 30 - No. 18 • 2 Sections - 16 Pages

USA

DATELINE Ethnic studies resolution passes in Anaheim Elementary School District FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

ETHNIC studies will now be a part of the Anaheim Elementary School District (AESD) curriculum after the AESD Board of Education on February 26 voted 5-0 to broaden social studies curricula to the reflect dynamic and diverse communities the district serves.

Taking effect in the 2020-2021 school year, the updated curricula will adhere to the statewide mandate AB-2016, which requires schools to adopt the Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum.

Among the key principles and values of the model curriculum include the promotion of “the values of civic engagement and civic responsibility,” “self and collective empowerment,” and critical thinking and rigorous analysis of history, systems of oppression and the status quo in an effort to generate discussions on futurity and imagine new possibilities.”

The resolution’s passing reflects a national

Public health emergency declared in PH as virus cases rise to 33

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

As of Tuesday, March 10, 33 cases have been confirmed as the country’s Department of Health (DOH) PHILIPPINE President Rodrigo Duterte this week announced nine additional cases following Duterte’s declared a state of public health emergency in the proclamation the night before.

The president signed the proclamation putting the country as the number of novel coronavirus (COVIDcountry under the state of public health emergency 19) cases continues to rise.

on Monday night, March 9 in accordance with the Republic Act 11332 or the Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act. Under the act, a public health emergency is an “oc-

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PH Supreme Court defers action on ABSCBN petition to April

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

THE Philippine Supreme Court on Tuesday, March 10 deferred action on Solicitor General Jose Calida’s quo warranto petition against network giant ABS-CBN, pushing back talks to April.

The court, sitting en banc, gave no reason for the postponement of deliberations until the court’s April 14 meeting to be held in Baguio City, according to ABS-CBN. u PAGE A4 Last month, Calida filed a petition before the Supreme Court for the cancellation of ABS-CBN’s 25year franchise, alleging that the TV network reportedly violated rules set by Congress.

“We want to put an end to what we discovered to be highly abusive practices of ABS-CBN benefitting a greedy few at the expense of millions of its loyal subscribers. These practices have gone unnoticed or were disregarded for years,” the solicitor general said in a statement.

BLASTING THE VIRUS. A health worker disinfects the Marikina Sports Center after the city government confirmed that a senior citizen tested AHEAD of the 2022 Philippine national and ManilaTimes.net photo by Ruy Martinez u PAGE A3 positive for the new coronavirus. local elections, overseas Filipinos are being reminded to register to vote.

Though the deadline to register is over a year away on September 30, 2021, the Philippine Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs-Overwith the anti-drug campaign.

by RITCHEL MENDIOLA AJPress seas Voting Secretariat (DFA-OVS) are starting “To the Filipinos… bumoto kayo kay their outreach efforts, as registration began in Trump (vote for Trump). And they say PHILIPPINE President Rodrigo Duterte that I am interfering. Of course, I am inDecember 2019. told Filipino Americans eligible to vote to terfering. Tell that to the Americans, that Under Republic Act No. 9189, as amended support U.S. President Donald Trump’s Duterte is insisting on interfering,” he

by Republic Act No. 10590, all citizens of the re-election efforts this November.

Philippines or dual Filipino American citizens, added. “Do you know why I’m interfer“I’m telling the Filipino now: You’re get- ing? Because they did it first. They (acwho are not disqualified by law, at least 18 ting the best deal with Trump,” Duterte cuse us of) extrajudicial killing 70,000 years of age by May 9, 2022 may register as said during a press briefing on Monday (people).” an overseas voter and vote for president, vice night, March 9. president, senators, and party list representaEarlier in the press briefing, Duterte reThe Philippine president quipped about iterated his decision to terminate the Vistives in the upcoming 2022 elections. “interfering” in the U.S. election process iting Forces Agreement (VFA) between Registration is conducted in person for bioby endorsing his American counterpart, the Philippines and the United States afmetrics capturing at the nearest Philippine Emequating it to how several U.S. senators ter senators filed a petition asking the Subassy or Consulate to the voter. Registered votPresident Rodrigo Duterte confers with Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea and Senator ers who wish to change their mailing address, Christopher “Bong” Go during a meeting with the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of have reportedly meddled in domestic af- preme Court to compel him to seek Senate fairs and have criticized the administra- concurrence in the treaty’s abrogation. transfer their registration from other countries Emerging Infectious Diseases at the Malacañang Palace on Monday, March 9.

Malacañang photo by Ace Morandante tion’s human rights violations associated u PAGE A2

Filipinos in US urged to register to vote in next PH elections

Duterte urges Fil-Ams to vote for Trump, stays firm on VFA stance

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Police tracks 2 persons of interest in shooting of Kim Chiu’s van DFA to repatriate Filipinos in US cruise ship

by GABRIEL

PABICO Inquirer.net

FOREIGN Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. on Tuesday, March 10 ordered the repatriation of all 538 Filipinos onboard M/V Grand Princess which was hit by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

Locsin ordered the evacuation of the Filipinos after the United States allowed passengers to disembark from the cruise ship docked at the port of Oakland in California.

There are 529 Filipino crew and nine Filipino passengers aboard the vessel that carried 3,500 passengers.

“My instructions was that they

all leave together. We don’t distinguish,” Locsin said on Twitter.

The Department of Foreign Affairs has yet to confirm reports that six Filipinos aboard M/V Grand Princess were infected with coronavirus.

Eleven passengers tested positive for coronavirus.

Meanwhile, the DFA also confirmed the report of a fourth Filipino in Hong Kong who tested positive coronavirus.

The Philippine Consulate General (PCG) in Hong Kong said that the unidentified Filipino

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LALU

MANILA – Two persons of interest are now being tracked by the Quezon City Police District Station 10 in connection with the shooting of actress Kim Chiu’s van last March 4, even as investigators noted that six vehicles similar to the actress passed by the crime scene on the same day.

At a press briefing, QCPD Police Director, Brig. Gen. Ronnie Montejo said the station has obtained a closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera footage near the crime scene where the two persons of interest appeared.

“Meron tayong hawak na CCTV footage doon sa dalawang per-

son of interest (We already have a CCTV footage on the two persons of interest),” Montejo said.

Chiu’s van, a Hyundai H350, was shot at least seven times by two unidentified gunmen aboard a motorcycle near the UP Town Center Mall in Barangay UP Campus.

The actress, who was inside the van when the incident happened, was unharmed, but could not say who would want to have her killed, noting that she nor her family has no known enemies.

Montejo said that around six to eight vans similar to that of the actress passed by Katipunan Avenue on the same day her vehicle was shot at, three of which Scene of the crime operatives process the crime scene where the van of actress Kim Chiu had the same black color, further were shot by motorcycle riding gunmen along Katipunan Avenue cor C.P. Garcia in Quezon

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City last March 4.

Inquirer.net photo by Grig Montegrande

A2 MARCH 11-13, 2020 • SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL

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

FROM THE FRONT PAGE

Public health emergency declared...

PAGE A1 currence of an imminent threat of an illness or health condition which could pose a high probability of a large number of deaths… widespread exposure to an infectious agent.”

Duterte’s proclamation orders government agencies and local government units to provide as-

sistance and resources to address the current cases and prevent the virus from spreading further.

“All citizens, residents, tourists, and establishments owners are urged to act within the bounds of the law to comply with the lawful directives and advisories to be issued by appropriate government agencies to prevent further trans-

mission of the COVID-19 and ensure the safety and well-being of all,” he added.

The number of cases on Monday night was at 24, doubling from the previous 10. It was the same day the DOH received results of tests positive for the deadly disease.

According to Duterte, the latest cases came from West Crame in San Juan, Project 6 in Quezon City and Sta. Maria in Bulacan. He did not disclose the fourth location.

He also announced the suspension of classes in Metro Manila from Tuesday to Saturday, March 14.

“Tingnan natin incubation period (Let’s monitor the incubation period),” the president told reporters.

Health Assistant Secretary Ma. Rosario Vergeire said the department is gathering information on the places of residence and whereabouts of cases 11 to 20.

She also said that the DOH is still determining how the new cases were “epidemiologically linked” to previously confirmed patients.

Meanwhile, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said two of the 24 confirmed cases are now in critical condition — one Filipino and one American.

Both of the cases are said to have pre-existing conditions before being diagnosed with coronavirus.

“All of these mirror the same serious, if not critical cases that have been observed in Wuhan and the Hubei Province [in China], the epicenter of the COVID-19 virus,” Duque said Tuesday, March 10.

“It looks like more and more data that come in shows that most of the cases are actually mild cases, 80 to 85%,” he added.

The health secretary also urged individuals with a “known history of exposure and travel presenting mild symptoms” to self-isolate and be quarantined at home for 14 days.

The state of emergency declaration will remain in effect until Duterte lifts it.

Coronavirus symptoms include fever, tiredness and dry cough, according to the World Health Organization. The respiratory disease has left more than 3,800 dead and affected 110,000 worldwide. ■

YOUR WORKSPACE, YOUR FUTURE.

SAFETY CHECK. Manila City Hall personnel check the temperature of employees and visitors on Monday, March 9 amid the coronavirus disease 2019 scare.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Mike Alquinto

Duterte urges Fil-Ams to vote for Trump...

PAGE A1 “They cannot compel me. I refuse to be compelled. I have terminated it, tapos ang problema ko (my problem is solved),” he said.

Senators, led by Senate President Vicente Sotto III, filed the Petition for Declaratory Relief and Mandamaus before the SC on Monday, urging the high court to order the Office of the Executive Secretary to seek their concurrence in the termination process.

Declaratory relief is an action that seeks to determine a question of construction or validity arising from an instrument, executive order, regulation or statute, among others.

Meanwhile, Mandamus refers to compelling the other party to

perform a particular act.

“It is respectfully prayed that this Honorable Court…issue an order directing respondents to forthwith refer the Notice of Withdrawal to the Senate of the Philippines for its concurrence, pursuant to Section 21 Article VII of the 1987 Constitution,” the petition read.

While there is no explicit provision in the 1987 Constitution stating whether or not the concurrence of the upper chamber is necessary for the abrogation of a treaty, Section 21 of the 1987 Constitution states that no treaty or international agreement shall be valid and effective unless concurred with by at least two-thirds of all the members of the Senate.

Aside from Sotto, Senate Mi-

nority Leader Franklin Drilon, Senators Panfilo Lacson, and Richard Gordon were present to file the petition that included Resolution 337, asking the high court to define the chamber’s authority in the abrogation of international treaties.

Following Duterte’s order on February 11, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro “Teddy Boy” Locsin, Jr. sent the U.S. a notice to terminate the two-decade-old VFA. The treaty is said to be terminated 180-days after the notice.

“As far as I am concerned, we are beginning to count the 180 days for them to pack up and go.

I am not reneging on the VFA [abrogation] and I am not going to America to discuss this with anybody, though I respect highly Trump,” Duterte said. ■

Police tracks 2 persons of interest in shooting of...

PAGE A1 reinforcing the theory that the shooting could be a case of mistaken identity.

“Kino-consider din naman namin na meron tayong nakita na kapareho, tapos inistreamline natin, na ito, the same body color. ‘Yong kapareho, nasa six to eight, pero ‘yong kakulay talaga na kapareho, around three

to four (We’re considering that fact that we have seen similarlybuilt vans, then we streamlined it with the vehicles that had the same body color. There are six to eight similarly-built cars, and around three to four have the same body color),” he said.

Revelations that there were other similar vans that went near the La Vista Subdivision area

along Katipunan Avenue bolsters Chiu’s claim that she was a victim of a mistaken identity, as she believes her family has no known enemies, a fact that is not being discounted by investigators.

Montejo said that none of the other vehicles belonged to other artists or celebrities living in the area. ■

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Dateline USa

SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL • MARCh 11-13, 2020

A

Civil rights groups offer toll-free multilingual census hotlines for questions, concerns

by Mark Hedin Ethnic Media Services

WOMEN’S MONTH. Senators Grace Poe, Pia Cayetano, Risa Hontiveros, and Maria Lourdes Binay look at their portraits displayed during the opening of the Senate Photo Exhibit of Women Senators at the Senate on Monday, March 9 in celebration of National Women’s Month, and part of the worldwide observance of the International Women’s Day. March 8 was declared since 1990 as national women’s day.

PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan

Filipinos in US urged to register to vote...

PAGE A1 into a new country or city, or correct other details in their registration — such as a change in their name — must also do so in person.

There is no online registration option. Consulate offices will also begin outreach missions to other nearby cities where there is no office within the registration period.

Overseas voters must have a photocopy of valid Philippine passport; documents required by the Consulate General for passport application, such as a PSA-issued birth certificate and other supporting docs (i.e. valid Green Card, valid U.S. visa, Notice of Action). Or if the voter is a dual Filipino American citizen:

a copy of Dual Citizenship Identification Certificate or Order of Approval.

COMELEC and DFA-OVS also remind voters to check the list of previously registered voters on

the website of Philippine foreign service post nearest them. If they are on the list, then they have to reactivate the registration in person, subject to the requirements stated above. (AJPress)

PH Supreme Court defers action on ABS-CBN...

PAGE A1 The network maintained that it has complied with all the laws governing its franchise and secured all government and regulatory approvals for its operations.

Last week, several senators filed a concurrent resolution urging the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to allow ABS-CBN to operate while its renewal bid remains pending in the 18th Congress.

Among those in support of

Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 7 were Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto, Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri, and Senators Sonny Angara, Nancy Binay, Sherwin Gatchalian, Lito Lapid, Manny Pacquiao, Grace Poe and Joel Villanueva.

Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon previously filed a similar concurrent resolution, while Senator Ramon B. Revilla, Jr. filed Senate Bill No. 1374 to ex-

tend the franchise until 2020.

Palawan Rep. Franz Alvarez said the House of Representatives Legislative Franchises Committee is meeting “to come up and agree with the ground rules we’ll be using during the deliberatio” of the bills that seek to renew ABS-CBN’s franchise.

The Congress, which began its break on Wednesday, will resume its session on May 4, the same day the network’s franchise ends. n

As the 2020 Census gets underway, a group of four civil rights organizations is providing telephone hotlines in a range of languages to give people information and, when needed, legal referrals if they’re unsure about filling out the questionnaires.

The government uses the onceevery-10-years census provides to annually distribute up to $1.5 trillion tax dollars’ worth of services and guide the creation and realignment of political boundaries for allocating representation in Congress, the Electoral College and local governments across the United States.

The census, included in the original 18th century wording of the U.S. constitution, is the country’s largest peacetime project and participation is required by law. It invariably falls short of its mission to count absolutely everyone, no matter if they’re citizens, English speakers, hom-

eowners, renters or homeless.

But the census is intended to be a benefit to all who participate and it is widely understood to be risk-free. Four organizations are stepping up to provide confidential information to the communities they serve: the Arab American Institute, Asian Americans Advancing Justice, the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights, and the National Association of Latino Elected Official (NALEO).

“The reason for the hotline is we have to be available to our community and every person who has a question to make sure they understand their participation in the census is critical,” said Maya Berry, executive director of the Arab American Institute. “If they drive a car on a road, or they take public transportation, if they have a kid in school … there is nothing that’s not impacted by having an accurate census count.”

The telephone hotlines already are operating and will be available throughout the census data-

collection period. Census questionnaires have been distributed to some communities, but the effort begins in earnest in midMarch and April. Follow-ups to those who have not responded to initial Census Bureau outreach efforts will continue through July. The hotlines will operate throughout that entire time.

Those whose preferred language is Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Vietnamese, Urdu, Hindi or Bengali/Bangla can call (844) 202-0274, or (844) 2020API. This line is staffed from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. EST through the end of July, and Asian Americans Advancing Justice promises to return all voice mail messages within 48 hours.

The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights will operate its English language hotline, (800) 2686820, and 888-Count20, through the end of July. It’s working now from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST, and beginning March 2 will be staffed until 9 p.m. EST. The

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A March 11-13, 2020 • Socal aSIaN JOUrNaL

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Dateline PhiliPPines

‘Misogyny keeping more women out of government’ MANILA — Although there have been strides in the corporate world, women are still underrepresented in the Philippine government, according to recent studies on gender diversity.

According to results of a study released at the Gender Diversity Benchmark for Asia forum at the Thomson Reuters office in Taguig this week, women make up 56% of the total workforce in the Philippines. In terms of representation in senior level or leadership positions, women in the Philippines also ranked first in Asia while still being significantly unrepresented compared to men at 33%.

The World Economic Forum, in its Global Gender Gap report released in December 2019 noted that the political empowerment gap in the Philippines had “widened considerably over the past two years, albeit from a relatively high base...causing the country to drop from 13th to 29th position.”

WEF said that “[the] downgrade is almost entirely attributable to lower female representation in the cabinet, which declined from 25% to 10% between 2017 and 2019.” On the current Duterte Cabinet, only Education Secretary Leonor Briones and Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat are women.

‘Misogyny a factor’ A perceived lack of women in government has not been helped

by President Rodrigo Duterte’s misogyny, a journalism professor said on the sidelines of the GDBA forum.

In an ambush interview with reporters, Ma. Diosa Labiste, assistant professor at the University of the Philippines Department of Journalism, said: “Sa Cabinet ni Duterte (In Duterte’s Cabinete), increasingly nagiging male dominated na (it’s becoming male dominate). Some members of the Cabinet na babae are no longer there.”

Labiste, who has a doctorate in Sociology from the University of Birmingham, said this was not surprising considering how the president, whom she referred to as a “source of such misogynist comments” talks about women.

“I think it’s expected because the way he treats women and the way he would put across comments about them, mas mahirap na mag-demand ka (it is more difficult to make demands). What would you expect from a president like that?”

The president’s spokespersons and supporters, and the president himself, have said that his off-color remarks about women are just part of his style and an expression

of freedom of speech.

He said in March 2019, after being called out over his remarks about women, that he does not mean to malign anyone with his statements. “I love women. You see, I have two wives. That means, I really like women,” the president also said.

Women identified with the political opposition have also been subject to attacks that question their modesty as well as their intelligence, she said.

Among those women, she said, are Vice President Leni Robredo and detained opposition Sen. Leila de Lima, whom she called “targets of cyber-hate.”

Labiste, who was among the UP journalism faculty that spearheaded election fact-checking initiative Tsek.ph, said: “We’re seeing the rise of cyber-hate and gender trolling. These are the ways women are attacked.”

“If we have a government encouraging misogynist comments and demonizing critics, we should fight back,” she said. “If you keep quiet, they’ll think it’s okay.”

Most women in government are in bureacracy Labiste added that the gender gap can also be seen in the legislature, where, she said “if you look at representation of women in Congress, I think there are still more men.”

The WEF Global Gender Gap report noted that “representation in the parliament was also slightly down and stood at 28% at the beginning of 2019.”

Labiste added that “many of the women who are there are there because they’re part of political dynasties. They haven’t really gotten there because of their socio-political capacity but more because of their social and political capital.”

“There should be more women who should be elected to public office on the basis of their capacity,” she said.

She clarified, however, thet “we’re not saying na walang women sa bureaucracy,” saying many of them are in “the middle range” of government service.

“We have [members of] government who [are] very strong on gender equality,” she noted, adding however, that “they should be able to translate it into policy even in their workplaces.”

‘Bright spot but not perfect’ The GDBA study found that women make up 56% of the total workforce in the Philippines, and 33% in terms of representation in senior level or leadership positions in the private sector.

Researchers said that the Phil-

ippines was a bright spot among its counterparts in Asia but was still not perfect. Despite the glowing results of the Philippines, the country’s inclusion of women is clearly not without its lapses.

Asked why the Philippines could have ranked first across the board, Labiste credited this to much of the growth of the women’s movement from the 60s to the 80s.

She said these “paved the way for the country to have more laws that will promote equality and support for universal access to education [gave] women access to education on many levels.”

“Years of having women and feminist groups raising issues and consciousness in society, these are the gains we’re seeing now,” she said.

“Having women assert themselves in workplaces through associations and labor unions, I think this helped close the gap. We have to credit the part of our history where women demanded these laws and equal pay and fair and better representation.”

‘Men, too, should take part’ In a statement, Sen. Risa Hontiveros said that men, too, should take part in the struggle for women’s rights, citing the statistic that, in the Philippines, one woman is raped every hour while one in four women have experienced spousal violence.

Acknowledging the gap in gender empowerment, Hontiveros said: “Male privilege should be used one last time to provide a platform for issues surrounding women, then dismantled.”

“Men need to unlearn this entitlement to women’s bodies, clothing and attention,” the senator said, adding that that attitude leads to “gender-based abuses directed at women.”

“Sexual harassment, domestic violence, and rape start with the thought of ownership over women,” Hontiveros, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality said.

She said that men must acknowledge that they are prone to traits that could lead to disresepcting women, and that “they also have the power to stop themselves from exercising these traits.”

“Kaya ngayong araw, at sa mga araw na susunod pa (that’s why today, and in the coming days), men must actively participate in women’s call for justice and equality. Sama sama tayo dito (we’re al together in this),” Hontiveros said in her statement for International Women’s Day. (Franco Luna/Philstar.com)

GMA network temporarily stops admission of live studio audiences

by CoNsuelo

Marquez

Inquirer.net

MANILA — More shows of the GMA Network temporarily stopped admission of live studio audiences in its studios as the country intensifies measures to stop the spread of the 2019 coronavirus disease or COVID-19.

In an advisory, the TV network announced that “All-Out Sundays, Centerstage, Mars Pa More, Wowowin, Wowowin Primetime, Idol sa Kusina, The Boobay and Tekla Show, Sarap ‘Di Ba? and Tonight With Arnold Clavio” will not admit live studio audiences for the meantime.

“These measures are being undertaken to help ensure the safety and well-being of all concerned

and as part of GMA’s cooperation with the government in its efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19,” read the statement.

On Monday, longest running noon-time show “Eat Bulaga!” decided to suspend admission of live studio audiences. “Eat Bulaga!” is one of the blocktimers at the Kapuso network.

GMA also opted to cancel all its external activities and events in Metro Manila, where most local cases of the coronavirus are being reported.

Earlier, DOH said 33 people have been diagnosed with COVID-19 in the Philippines. Over a hundred more are still being monitored for possible infection.

The disease is caused by the novel coronavirus or SARS-

CoV-2 believed to have originated from Wuhan City of Hubei province in China in December 2019.

The coronavirus is part of a family of viruses which surfaces have crown-like appearance.

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año earlier said government will start implementing “social distancing” in Metro Manila in a bid to contain the spread of the virus, which has been declared to be highly contagious.

“Social distancing” has been described by the Associated Press as the process of limiting people to gather and spreading the virus. It is being practiced in some parts of the world with positive cases of COVID-19, such as Italy and Japan. n

DFA to repatriate Filipinos in US cruise...

PAGE A1 was asymptomatic.

This brings the total number of Filipinos in Hong Kong infected with the deadly virus to three after the first Filipino who tested positive for Covid-19 was

discharged from the hospital on March 6.

“The second and third cases of Filipino nationals who tested positive for Covid-19 are still confined in the hospital,” Meñez said.

“The Consulate continues to closely monitor the condition of all Filipino nationals in Hong Kong and render assistance as needed,” he said.

(Bernadette Tamayo/ManilaTimes.net)

Civil rights groups offer toll-free multilingual...

PAGE A3 organization promises to return voice mail messages left at other times on the following business day and will refer non-English speakers to its sister hotline organizations.

All hotlines will also field calls from English-language speakers.

The organizations expect calls will a range from basic census information requests to legal questions or concerns about incidents that require follow-up.

Together with the Leadership Conference, the Brennan Center and the Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund (MALDEF), the groups have also organized a network of legal specialists across the country to respond to questions as basic as

obligations regarding the census to concerns about threats to disrupt census participation.

The organizations have previously offered hotline services to protect election integrity.

One widespread concern about the 2020 Census is whether respondents can trust that their personal information will truly be kept confidential, as promised and required by law. Applicable laws include some of the strictest confidentiality regulations anywhere in government, such as fines of up to $250,000 and years of incarceration for anyone who shares a person’s personal information with other government agencies such as police, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the IRS or

the Border Patrol, to name a few examples.

But in case those laws and promises aren’t enough, the organizations, with MALDEF leading the way, also have taken a census confidentiality protection pledge. Intended to boost confidence among so-called hard-tocount populations, it commits a coalition of individuals and organizations to using their power and influence to address, deter and end any breaches of census data confidentiality.

The Census Bureau, as part of its own efforts to overcome language barriers, has prepared 1015 minute instructional videos about the census ranging from 10 to 15 minutes long in 27 languages, including Tagalog. n

BACK TO WORK. Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief, Gen. Archie Gamboa (2nd from right) joins fellow police officials during the flag raising ceremony at Camp Crame in Quezon City on Monday, March 9. Gamboa promised to return to work after figuring in a helicopter crash that also injured seven others on Thursday, March 5. Also in photo are Lt. Gen. Camilo Pancratius Cascolan (2nd from left), and Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar (right).

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

Foreign ownership of utilities pushed

by Nova Joy

Dela ManilaTimes.net

Cruz

A MEASURE that seeks to allow foreign ownership of traditional public utilities was approved by the House of Representatives on third and final reading on Tuesday.

House Bill (HB) 78 was passed with 136 affirmative votes, 43 negative votes and 0 abstention.

HB 78 aims to amend the 84year-old Commonwealth Act 146 or the “Public Service Act” (PSA).

It seeks to limit the definition of public utility to only power distribution and transmission, and water pipeline distribution or sewerage pipeline system. It also distinguishes the term “public service” from “public utility,” making other entities such as telecommunications and transportation businesses open for foreign ownership.

Albay Rep. Joey Salceda, the principal author of the bill, said, “[C]ompetition and foreign investment are inhibited because

limitations that should only apply to the operation of a public utility are applied to all public services.”

HB 78 hurdled second reading on February 24 after six months of deliberation on the plenary.

But Minority leader Bienvenido Abante Jr. said the PSA amendment violates the Constitution, which provides that public utilities must be majority-owned by Filipino citizens.

“The reality is, HB 78 intends to lift the nationality restrictions on all public services, and limit the application of the same to those that fall within the proposed limited definition of public utilities. Ang layunin po ba talaga ng amendment na ito ay papasukin ang mga dayuhan sa mga negosyong nilimitahan ng Saligas Batas sa mga Pilipino lamang or at least 60-percent Filipino-owned (Is the real goal of the amendment to allow the entry of foreigners in businesses limited by the Constitution to be Filipino-owned or at least

60-percent Filipino-owned)?”

Abante said.

Agusan del Norte First District Rep. Lawrence Fortun opposed foreign ownership of public services such as telecommunications, water supply and power generation.

“Telecommunications is such a critical and sensitive industry that has far-reaching implications on a country’s political and sociocultural life, that it is unimaginable to place the same in the absolute ownership and control of foreign entities,” Fortun said.

“Just imagine a situation where Filipinos no longer control telecommunications, water supply, power generation and petroleum right in our very own country. ‘Di po ba nakakatakot iyon (Isn’t that scary?) This we cannot, in conscience, allow,” he added.

House Deputy Minority leader and Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate said the measure would lead to higher and uncontrolled prices of the affected services. n

Losses due to ASF hit P80 billion by louise

MaureeN Philstar.com

siMeoN

MANILA — The local hog industry has lost around P80 billion since August due to African swine fever (ASF).

The amount represents 30 percent of the P260-billion industry, officials of the Philippine Swine Industry Research and Development Foundation Inc. told the hearing of the House committees on agriculture and food and local government yesterday.

“Bulacan is almost totally wiped out, then Tarlac and Pampanga.

Bulacan and Tarlac are the two biggest producers,” foundation president Arnulfo Frontuna said.

Frontuna disputed Department of Agriculture (DA) records which show that only 1.85 percent of the total hog population in the country were affected by ASF. “That is definitely too small. It is creeping despite control measures,” he said.

“If we could not control the situation, we will reach 60 percent

by September. It’s the worst,” Frontuna added.

Stiffer penalties Agriculture Secretary William Dar said he agrees with proposals to impose stiffer penalties against hog raisers and traders who continue to sell ASF-infected pigs.

A meat vendor waits for customers.

“Stiffer penalties must be put in place. We will submit a position on stricter penalties,” Dar said.

Isabela Rep. Antonio Albano said imprisonment aside from confiscation of license should be slapped on hog traders and raisers caught for the second time.

237,406 pigs culled The DA said 237,406 pigs were culled due to ASF. Nineteen provinces, 160 cities and municipalities and 625 barangays were hit by the swine disease.

“The virus can easily be contained but we cannot control the trading of infected pork and pork products,” Dar said.

Director Ronnie Domingo of the Bureau of Animal Industry also cited insufficient laboratory

Philstar.com photo

reagents.

“Delivery cannot be done immediately because these come from other countries. Commercial raisers are doing the testing on their own,” he said.

Processed meat confiscated In a related development, 700 boxes of hotdogs and sweet ham feared contaminated with ASF were confiscated from a van in a roll-on roll-off ferry at the Boracay port in Albay on Saturday.

The driver of the van failed to present the necessary documents for the processed meat worth around P720,000, according to the Philippine Coast Guard.

A total ban on the entry of pork and related products is being implemented in the province to prevent the spread of ASF. n

Ethnic studies resolution passes in Anaheim...

PAGE A1 and statewide shift in academia that values ethnic studies as a necessary interdisciplinary area of study for primary and secondary school students.

For the AESD, which serves a student body that is roughly 90% students of color, the groundbreaking move will introduce a variety of previously-disregarded social studies topics, including the history of Filipinos in the United States.

“I am incredibly proud that our Board voted 5-0 in support of Ethnic Studies,” Jose Paolo Magcalas, president of the AESD Board of Education, said in an email sent to the Asian Journal.

“I am proud that we understand the importance of including everyone’s contributions in the U.S. history curriculum. I wish I learned about Filipino-American history as well as many untold histories as a child.”

According to Census Reporter, Asians are the third-largest ethnic group living within the bounds of the AESD at 13%; they trail whites at 16% but the vast majority of residents are

Hispanic (67%). Raw data provided by the California Department of Education found that in the 2018-2019 academic year there were a total of 742 Asian students, 238 of them being Filipino.

Magcalas, a Filipino American educator who teaches ethnic studies and U.S. history at Loara High School, was elected school board president in late 2019, but his efforts to include Filipino American history into schools go beyond the ethnic studies resolution.

Previously he introduced a resolution to designate October 25 as Larry Itliong Day to honor the Filipino labor leader’s successful organizing efforts to establish rights for farmworkers. The resolution was unanimously approved by the AESD in 2017.

Board Clerk of the AESD Gabriel Alvarez also celebrated the resolution’s passing, noting that his own sons —who are of Mexican and indigenous American descent — belong to the district.

“I understand the importance

of my own children embracing their cultural roots and being proud of their ancestors and believe that all children should be afforded that opportunity. It is essential that all of our students from Anaheim see themselves and their families represented in the social studies curriculum,” Alvarez said.

The development and planning of the ethnic studies courses will take place over the course of several meetings in the summer of 2020 wherein the district’s Social Studies Committee will lead the “professional learning plan for all teachers to build awareness and understanding of the Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum.”

For any Filipino parents and community members who may want to get involved with the effort to include more Filipino history in school curricula are welcome to join the Local Control and Accountability Plan, the Social Studies Committee or any of the Parent Leadership groups, Magcalas said. (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)

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Duterte tells legislators: Have a problem with POGOs? Pass a law to regulate them

UNDER CONSTRUCTION. The Manila Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Line 7, a 22.8km-long elevated rapid transit line under construction, is one of the flagship projects of the Duterte administration under the “Build, Build, Build” Program. The elevated line will run from North Avenue, Quezon City, to San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, and will include 14 stations.

PNA photo by Rico H. Borja

PH mission to UN asserts tribunal ruling junking China’s nine-dash line claims in South China Sea

by Frances

Mangosing Inquirer.net

THE Philippines has quietly put forward to the United Nations an international tribunal ruling which found no basis for China’s claim to virtually the entire South China Sea but which the Duterte administration has set aside.

The Philippine Permanent Mission to the UN early this month submitted its response to address China’s diplomatic note to the UN over Malaysia’s petition to extend the limits of its continental shelf in the South China Sea. “The Government of the Republic of the Philippines considers China’s positions as inconsistent with international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos), which comprehensively allocates maritime rights to the States,” the Philippine Mission said in a note verbale to the UN Secretary General, Antonio Gutteres, dated March 6.

“On the features in the South China Sea, the Republic of the Philippines has sovereignty and

jurisdiction over the Kalayaan Island Group and Bajo de Masinloc,” it said.

Malaysia filed its claim at the UN to establish its boundaries in December, angering China.

“China has internal waters, territorial sea and a contiguous zone based on its Nanhai Zhudao,” the Chinese mission said in a note to the UN, referring to its islands in the South China Sea. “China has an exclusive economic zone and continental shelf…China has historic rights in the South China Sea,” it said.

China claims “indisputable sovereignty” over nearly the entire South China Sea, including the West Philippine Sea. This has become clear in their aggressive actions in waters that it claims to be part of China.

Manila filed a case against Beijing in the Permanent Court of Arbitration in 2012 after the China seized control of Scarborough Shoal following a standoff.

The nine-dash line claim was invalidated by the arbitral court in 2016, but China simply ignored the ruling. President Rodrigo Duterte, in the meantime, decided to sweep the rul-

ing under the rug in exchange for closer ties with Beijing and hopefully more Chinese loans and investments.

Aside from the Philippines and China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan also have claims in the South China Sea, which is crisscrossed by vital sea-lanes through which $5 trillion in global commerce passes every year and where islets, reefs, and atolls are believed to be sitting atop vast energy reserves.

China in recent years had transformed reefs and islands into outposts equipped with harbors, airstrips, missile shelters, and communications facilities.

“The Tribunal conclusively settled the issue of historic rights and maritime entitlements in the South China Sea,” the Philippine mission to the UN said in the note verbale uploaded to the UN website.

“The Tribunal ruled that claims to historic rights or other sovereign rights to jurisdiction that exceed the geographic and substantive limits of maritime entitlements under Unclos, are without lawful effect,” it said. n

MANILA — Lawmakers should pass a law regulating Philippine offshore gaming operators if they have issues with the supervision of the gambling entities, President Rodrigo Duterte said.

Various illegal acts have been tied to the operation of POGOs, the latest being the alleged links between some of their transactions to various suspicious activities including violations of e-commerce act, fraud, and illegal drugs.

POGOs, which employ and target Chinese nationals, have also been associated with the trafficking and prostitution of Chinese women, tax evasion, kidnapping of Chinese nationals, and the socalled “pastillas” bribery scheme, which led to the entry of illegal Chinese workers.

Duterte, however, defended the operations of POGOs and even suggested that Congress pass a law regulating them. He noted that the government earns huge revenues from the gambling firms, money that he said can be used to “help the nation.”

“Now, there is a compelling reason, if there is no other reason and there is no legal impediment, I want it legalized. If they can pass a law about POGO, fine, go ahead. Supervise it by law, not us,” the president told reporters in Malacañang late Monday.

“We are not justifying it. We are just saying that it is allowed because we need the funds,” he added.

Duterte said Chinese nationals cannot be barred from entering the Philippines because Chinese authorities allow Filipinos to work in their country.

“If they (Chinese nationals) are here under the entry expedited by the Chinese Embassy but they are here to work as bonafide workers of POGO, there’s nothing I can do about it. Unless you want to, I said, jeopardize the Filipinos in (China),” he said.

The president also expressed doubts on reports that POGOs are being used for money laundering.

“With regard to the speculation of senators that they (POGOs) are being used for (money) laundering, well... we have a listing of their deposits. There is a report of money laundering. But in the banks themselves, there is none,” Duterte said.

“Money laundering... what will you use to pay? You are engaged in the business. You deposit

money, you withdraw money.

It’s running. There are winners.

There are losers. So they need to pay. And that’s it. If they want the payment to emanate from the Philippines, there’s nothing that we can do,” he added.

With regard to the abduction of Chinese POGO workers, Duterte said there were also kidnapping incidents among Koreans.

Duterte assured the public that all revenues generated from PO-

GOs would be accounted for.

“There is no corruption there.

We did not speak to anybody but PAGCOR (Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.)...If you have a recording, a telephone conversation, if you saw me talking to (PAGCOR chief) Andrea (Domingo) about money, then you are sorely mistaken. It’s just the opposition. Because you are thieves,” he said. (Alexis Romero/Philstar.com)

A6 MARCH 11-13, 2020 • SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL

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O PINION Disappearing beaches

FEATURES

THE Philippines may be small in land area, but with over 7,100 islands, the country has one of the most extensive coastlines in the world. This makes the archipelago among the most vulnerable to the impact of global warming.

Last week, researchers warned that sea level rise and climate change are on track to wipe out half the world’s beaches by 2100. Even with a drastic reduction in fossil fuel pollution — the biggest driver of global warming — the researchers warned in the journal Nature Climate Change that over a third of the sandy shorelines around the planet would still disappear.

Several communities in Bulacan are already feeling the impact of rising sea levels. Across the country, coastal areas that depend on tourism would feel the impact on their main source of livelihood. The researchers warned that sandy beaches also serve as the first line of defense from coastal storms and flooding. The destruction of beaches could make inland communities more vulnerable to extreme weather events.

In recent years, the Philippines has seen an increasing number of coastal cities and towns dev-

astated by powerful storm surges and freak floods, including areas in secluded bays where tropical cyclones used to be rare.

Even with ongoing global efforts to cut down on fossil fuel consumption and pollution, too many beaches will still disappear, and vulnerable countries must prepare for the disaster, the researchers warned. The 10 countries that stand to lose the largest sandy shorelines, according to the study, are Australia, Canada, Chile, the United States, Mexico, China, Russia, Argentina, India and Brazil.

Advanced economies are drawing up massive — and expensive — engineering interventions to reduce the impact. Obviously, countries with limited means for disaster mitigation such as the Philippines would need help to prepare such defense systems. as well as strictly impose construction easement The research said the problem was aggravated rules along shorelines. by reduced sediment from dammed rivers. CounCoastal communities in the Philippines are fatries with limited resources can stop such projects miliar with the consequences of natural disasters.

Editorial

Philstar.com photo

Long-term measures must be drawn up to prevent the loss of lives and destruction of property and livelihoods as a result of rising sea levels. (Philstar. com)

Open letter to the millennials who believe Sanders should be the Democratic nominee and not Biden to defeat Trump and transform America

The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS I HEAR YOU. As a mother of four millennials who have campaigned and voted for Senator Bernie Sanders since the 2016 presidential election, I feel your pain and understand your worries for your future.

The facts have been so excruciatingly painful in the past decade as you transition to adulthood and have to take care of yourselves. It just hit you that the America that had raised your Boomer parents has now turned out to be so different from the America where you are working so hard to survive in right now.

Whatever happened to the American dream — the ideal by which equality of opportunity is available to any American, allowing the highest aspirations and goals to be achieved?

You worry about your chance of finishing your bachelor’s degree, or the opportunity to go to graduate school. Quality affordable higher education has given your Boomer parents the chance to go up the economic ladder even if they were born to a low-income or middle-class family. Now, most of you would have to contract student loans to afford the astronomical rise in the cost of tuition and attendance fees.

You worry about your student loan debt in the tens of thousand, if not in the hundreds of thousand dollar range, that would take you decades to pay off, while banks have increasingly been more powerful and unbridled in their loan shark business practices, condoned by the government in the name of “free market economy.”

You worry about having to take on a job, or two jobs just to pay for your bills, cover the living expenses of going to college. Even after graduation, you worry about having less purchasing power because the decent wages that your boomer parents enjoyed in the past are now gone.

While the government boasts of low unemployment rate, a $7/ hour minimum wage that has not coped up with the higher costs of living is not a living wage, and has not been so for 10 years. This reality is contrasted by the millions of dollars in bonuses raked in by the CEOs of corporations even when their companies go bankrupt. Again, this is protected by the government in the name of “free market economy.”

You worry about your health and are afraid that you are jus one accident or medical diagnosis away from bankruptcy. Prices of premiums have skyrocketed and would have to take a much bigger share from your already lean income.

What happens when you turn 26 after the Affordable Care Act kicks you out of your parents’ health plan? How can you afford to give your own family health care coverage when you are struggling to have your self covered as employers fight hard to cover just the barest minimum for you to lower their cost and maximize their profits?

What happens to you when you are hit by a pandemic like the coronavirus and are asked to self-quarantine? How do you pay for the expensive tests? How do you pay for your family’s bills when you cannot work? How do you pay for your treatment when

your insurance coverage doesn’t give you enough coverage?

You worry about the taxes you have to pay every year to Uncle Sam, even as the quality social services accorded to you by the government get leaner and leaner every year. You wonder why you, as part of the middle class, pay for so much taxes as millionaires and billionaires pay less commensurate to the wealth they are amassing from the economy you help build? You wonder why corporations are given corporate welfare and pay zero taxes as you struggle to pay for the basic needs of your family?

You worry about racial biases and discrimination being persons of color, a sad reality in America that has escalated even more during the present administration.

You worry about how carbon emissions have been threatening our planet earth and the life of your family and the future generation, and yet the government has not been doing enough to fight against climate change, and even deny the facts and science of it to protect the interests of the fossil fuel industry.

YES, you worry about these realities and you have lost faith in the ideals of the American dream because you feel betrayed. You have witnessed how politicians do not really represent the interest of ordinary hardworking Americans like you, and have election cycle after election cycle failed to deliver on their campaign promises.

This is until Senator Bernie Sanders ran for president in 2016.

You got to know about his vision for America and how he has been fighting for this for decades since

he was a young adult like you.

You found out how Sanders marched with Dr. Martin Luther King to fight against racial discrimination, and for the protection of civil rights, justice and protection for all Americans.

Sanders has been fighting for an America where health care is a right for all Americans, and not just for the privileged powerful few by proposing to create a Medicare for All, just like how it is in all other major industrialized nations in the world. He has introduced a proposal to eliminate past-due medical debt. He also proposed measures to guarantee housing as a human right and to eliminate homelessness.

Sanders has been fighting for free public college education and wants to cancel all student loan debt, and place a cap on student loan interest rate going forward at 1.88%. He has proposed to guarantee universal child care and preschool for families in need and to reinvest in public education.

Sanders has been fighting to empower workers by strengthening labor laws and regulations so that each worker will get the fair and equitable living wages and benefits.

Sanders has been fighting to expand social security and to protect the most vulnerable sectors of society.

Sanders has been fighting to protect the environment by transforming our energy system away from fossil fuel and toward energy efficiency and renewable energy.

He has been proposing to pay for all of these by making the millionaire and billionaire people

and corporations pay their fair share in taxes, establishing an income inequality tax and wealth tax, and make the fossil fuel industry pay for their pollution.

THESE ARE WHY the powerful corporate elites have been fighting against a Sanders presidency. This is why Sanders does not accept hefty campaign contributions from Wall Street, Super PAC, millionaires and billionaires so that he will not be beholden to anyone but only to the American people.

For many Boomers like your parents and grandparents, Sanders’ vision for America may be too radical, too extreme. This is just how corporate lobbyists have been framing Sanders’ vision to tap into that fear of change, just like how Social Security and Medicare that our Boomers are now enjoying had been fiercely fought against in the past.

Millennials, you have been marginalized and mocked for being loud and fierce supporters of Sanders who did not show up in the polls to vote for your candidate last Super Tuesday that gave former Vice President Joe Biden the momentum moving forward.

Again, do not give in to these labels and intimidation to dishearten you and make you stay home and out of the game.

The Boomers have all to lose, having already established their life and fortunes, that is why they are more cautious and are more leaning to protect and perpetuate the status quo, fighting against “radical” changes, clinging to the same old model they have grown accustomed to, no matter how imperfect.

This is why for many of them,

Biden is the safe choice. Centrist is the safe choice. Moderate is the safe choice. This is exactly the position and the message of the Democratic Party, that is why the other centrist, moderate, safe candidates dropped out of the race to rally their support for Biden.

But changes in history have not been driven by those who want to play it safe. It is propelled by the youth, fueled by their dreams and idealism, lifted by their fearlessness and hunger.

The students spearheaded the French Revolution and ended the reign of abusive monarchs. The Filipino youth of the 70s to the 80s fought against the Marcos dictatorship through a peaceful and bloodless revolution.

Millennials, this is your time.

You have the numbers to write the next chapter of our history.

You have the power to transform America and make it live up to its ideals.

But history is written by those who show up and vote. Millennials, this is your revolution. Fight it to win it by getting out of your comfort zone, by going to the polls, by voting for Bernie Sanders to be the Democratic nominee who will defeat Trump. Fight it by empowering others to vote. Your future depends on it. *** Gel Santos Relos has been in news, talk, public service and educational broadcasting since 1989 with ABS-CBN and is now serving the Filipino audience using different platforms, including digital broadcasting, and print, and is working on a new public service program for the community. You may contact her through email at gelrelos@icloud.com, or send her a message via Facebook at Facebook.com/Gel. Santos.Relos.

Balancing our relationship with the United States and China

Babe’s Eye View BABE ROMUALDEZ WITH the recent developments following the decision of the president to terminate the Visiting Forces Agreement, the challenge now is balancing our relationship with the United States and China.

Being nuclear powers, there is no doubt both countries are competing for world dominance.

The U.S. intends to maintain its status as a super power (based on a book I read — Unrivaled: Why America Will Remain the World’s Sole Superpower by Michael Beckley) —— especially with President Trump’s creation of a U.S. Space Force. Some $2.3 trillion is being spent to build up the U.S. military within this decade, with the U.S. Space Force receiving $15.4 billion in its first budget request for 2021.

As early as 2000, the U.S. Department of Defense had already developed a blueprint known as

“Joint Vision 2020” whose goal is to achieve “full spectrum dominance.” A way to do this is to “invest in and develop new military capabilities,” the blueprint said, with emphasis on taking advantage of technology to “achieve warfighting effectiveness.”

In 2018, the Protected Tactical Satellite Communications (PTS) program was launched to develop jam-resistant satellite communications that the U.S. government, its military and allies can use. According to intelligence sources, the PTS program will enable U.S. allies to have facilities for satcom payload (equipment) to complement the Advanced Extremely High Frequency satellites that are used for classified-level communications. Along with the ground-based Protected Anti-jam Tactical Satcom (PATS), the PTS will enhance the “eye in the sky” capability of the U.S. to monitor the movement of enemies and mount effective defense, among others.

China on the other hand has

also been expanding its space program, reportedly focusing research on cislunar space (the area between Earth and the moon), sending a Chinese lunar exploration rover on the far side of the moon last year. Reports also assert that China wants to set up a cislunar “space economic zone” that could allegedly generate for it $10 trillion a year by 2050.

China has emerged as an economic powerhouse, acknowledged as one of the fastest growing economies in the last two decades, surpassing Japan to become the second largest economy in the world next to the U.S. A major driver of Chinese economic growth are the factories that produce everything from clothes to toys to gadgets for consumers worldwide.

China has also been ramping up military spending in the last few years. According to an International Institute for Strategic Studies report, China increased military spending by 6.6 percent to $181.1 billion in 2019. Last

year showed the biggest rise in global defense spending, the report said, with the U.S. spending $684 billion. Analysts also note the military modernization efforts of China, with President Xi Jinping saying he wants the Chinese navy to be the biggest by 2035, and its armed forces to become world class by 2050.

“A military force is built to fight. Our military must regard combat readiness as the goal for all its work and focus on how to win when it is called upon,” said President Xi. Military experts however say the fighting capacity of the People’s Liberation Army is not yet at par with a super power like the United States.

There is no doubt that China has become a major player in the global arena, emerging as an economic powerhouse and offering a huge consumer market. But both the U.S. and China recognize that they have to live with each other, in spite of the fact that they are strong competitors. Obviously, we have to deal with both coun-

tries in a manner that would also redound to our benefit. After all, every nation has its own interest to protect.

I thank my friend, Professor Richard Heydarian, for his kind words in his column last week, acknowledging our efforts at diplomacy. Our challenge today is to balance our relationship with both nations while assuring our friends in Washington that we want a renewed relationship wherein we are not entirely dependent on them – which our president has always made clear.

Very early on in life, I learned to get along with all levels of society. I went to two so-called rival schools — Ateneo and La Salle — which perhaps prepared me for this. I went to grade school and high school at the Ateneo, finishing my high school in the United States. During those days, the rivalry between the two schools was very strong. It was important to get along with my new La Salle friends while maintaining my relationship with old Ateneo school-

mates. Today, I consider myself lucky to have friends from both sides of the fence.

My close personal friend and media mentor, the late Philippine Star publisher Max Soliven, told me that in writing a column, one must put out both sides of the argument and not make readers feel as if you are saying, “it’s my way or the highway.” That advice from my dear friend taught me a lot.

Before I left for the U.S. to take up my post as ambassador in November 2017, I was seated beside former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile during a dinner. JPE is no fan of the U.S., his visa having been cancelled many years ago allegedly for his involvement in a coup plot against Cory Aquino in 1986.

I will never forget what he said: “I have no love lost for the United States. But your job is very important; we cannot afford to ignore a country like the United States.”

And I might add – neither can we ignore a country like China. (Philstar.com)

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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From Army nurse to author: Filipina American author Tif Marcelo releases fifth novel, ‘Once Upon a Sunset’ by

Christina M. Oriel / AJPress

veteran grandfather AntoWHEN Tif Marcelo first nio left behind, spurring read “The Outsiders” by S.E. Hinton growing up, she knew curiosity and a trip to the Philippines to find surviving she wanted to be a writer. relatives.

“I told my dad and, of Diana, who is of Filipina course, his reaction was and European descent, is an not super excited because homage to Marcelo’s four my parents were definitely more pragmatic and logical,” biracial children and “how they fit in the world,” she recalled Marcelo, who grew said. The character is witty, up in San Francisco after analytical and set on her migrating from Quezon City, own ways — oft times comPhilippines at a young age. ing across as stubborn — as Like the common exTif Marcelo’s five novels, including “Once Upon a Sunset,” which was released on March 3. a contrast to her more freeperience of many Filipino spirited mother.

Americans, she was directed life-changing event. I came until her children need to get The story also comes toward the nursing profesback feeling like, ‘Okay, I ready for school. Then, most from a six-week trip Marcelo belong somewhere.’ I always days, the house is quiet so sion, which she pursued took to the Philippines as a while serving in the Army. say now that where I belong she spends that time writteenager, during which she “I started blogging about is really in the in-between,” ing and revisiting until they being a mom return. The laser and doing crafts focus is where her and that led me Army and nursto a little bit of ing past come to “This visit has changed me. You have changed me, too, for the freelance writplay. better. But now I don’t know where I fall, with this family, with ing with Military “There’s no Spouse magasubstitution, my mother, with you.

I don’t…I don’t know what to do with all of zine,” Marcelo no matter what this, with all this information, at Corregidor, the letters between said. It was then process do you when her mom do — you either my grandparents, the will. Am I supposed to leap for joy? Cry? suggested that outline, not outshe consider writWhat of me is Filipino, is American, of my mom or Antonio? line, get up in the ing a book. stay late Was I supposed to be more than what I am now? I thought I knew morning, Fast forward at night, write years later, her one day, write who Diana was before coming here, down to what brand of socks fifth novel, “Once 10 days in a row, she likes, but it all doesn’t seem to make sense now. Who am I Upon a Sunset,” doesn’t matter. was released on But you have to supposed to be?” —“Once Upon a Sunset,” p. 300.

March 3. get to the end.

“Once Upon You have to write a Sunset,” the end,” Marcelo spent time with her grandfa- she described. published by Simon and said. ther, her “first pen pal” who Schuster imprint Gallery The first novel led to a Written in Marcelo’s sigMarcelo (second from right) was one of the featured authors during a recent “An Evening of also fought in World War II Books, follows Diana Galnature charming style, “Once three-book “Journey to the Romance” panel at East City Book Shop in Washington, DC. Photos courtesy of Tif Marcelo and had moved back to his lagher-Cary, a Washington, Heart” series and then “The Upon a Sunset” has the home country. She had won- recurring themes of identity, D.C. OB-GYN who is forced Key to Happily Ever After” dered if he had any romantic family, romance and that to take a leave of absence (2019) about three sisters connections during his 40 when a decision attracts bad search for ‘happily ever after’ who have their own share of years alone in the United press for her hospital. Her found in her novels. With this romantic adventures.

States. mother Margo finds a box While she does not write story primarily taking place “The trip was really a true in the Philippines, she also of letters her World War II with a target readership in hopes it will spark interest in mind, she thinks about the human inspirations around readers to visit the country and learn more about Filipino her, whether it was her grandfather, children or feculture. male friends.

“I really wanted to put Marcelo is set to rebooks out there that reflectlease yet another novel in ed the joy in being a Filipino spring 2021 titled “In a Book American and falling in love.

To me, I thought that was just Club Far Away,” which was as important of a message as prompted by the sisterhood all the non-fiction, historical, amongst military spouses. (“They’re in a book club so and very serious, sometimes very sad, books. It is my goal it’s very meta writing a book about them talking about even now in 2020 to write books,” she joked.) books that have a ‘happily “There are all kinds of ever after’ for these characlittle nuances that I grew up ters,” she explained. with and wanted to throw Since her first novel “North to You” was released out there in the world. I’d like my books to be slotted in 2017, Marcelo has unwith other Filipino American apologetically personified stories so that it is just one Filipino American main charstory out of so many stories,” acters who are experiencing love in a way that is not often Marcelo said. “My books are not meant to speak for all Filportrayed in media. ipino Americans, but I want Every morning, Marcelo it to be part of the landscape wakes up around 5 a.m. and Marcelo showcases her books at an event at Cascades Library in Potomac Falls, Virginia Marcelo with a completed copy of “Once Upon a Sunset” in fall 2019. writes for the next two hours and the fabric.”

Jane salutes past ‘Darna’ stars: ‘Symbol of a strong Filipina’ By ryan

arCadiO Inquirer.net

JANE de Leon honored the women who portrayed the Filipino superhero Darna in the past, just as the world marked International Women’s Day on Sunday, March 8.

De Leon, who is the latest actress to take on the role, uploaded photos of the previous Darnas on her Instagram page on the same day. Among the women she featured were Nanette Medved, Vilma Santos, Anjanette Abayari, Sharon Cuneta, Regine Velasquez, Angel Locsin, Marian Rivera and Rosa del Rosario.

She also included a drawing of Liza Soberano wearing the heroine’s red helmet. Soberano was named the newest “Darna” star in 2018 but withdrew from the project last April due to a finger injury.

“I respect and salute all these women (and to all the Darnas before them) who became a symbol of a strong and independent Filipina,” de Leon said.

“The voice of their generation who have been continuously doing their part as superheroes behind the costume through their individual achievements, efforts, and advocacies to help humanity and nature in general,” she added. “You are all and will always be an inspiration today and onwards.”

De Leon was chosen as the latest actress to portray the

Mylene finds working with Nora ‘surreal’ By iza iglesias ManilaTimes.net

Jane de Leon with Marian Rivera

iconic heroine last July following Soberano’s decision to back out from the upcoming “Darna” film. Paulo Avelino will also star opposite de Leon in

FOR almost 25 years in the entertainment industry, Mylene Dizon’s career has flourished from being a teen star in the youth-oriented show “Gimik” in ‘90s to portraying heavy dramatic roles in such programs as “Sahaya” in 2019.

With an astounding 30 films and almost 50 television appearances under her belt, not to mention three Best Actress Awards from Cinemalaya, Gawad Urian and Golden Screen Awards for Movies for her portrayal as Joyce De Leon in “100,” Dizon has indeed proven that she is one of the most respected actresses in Philippine cinema.

The 43-year-old depicted numerous characters onscreen, and of course, she has been with a lot of co-actors throughout her profession. But there is one actress that she has been dreaming to work with ever since, and that is no other than the country’s one and only superstar, Nora Aunor.

In an intimate interview with select members of the press, Dizon shared that she initially wanted to take a rest from soaps after doing “Sahaya” so she can focus on Photo from Instagram/@imjanedeleon her two sons Tomas and Lucas.

However, when she got an the production, which will be offer to star in “Bilangin ang helmed by filmmaker Jerrold Bituin sa Langit” with Nora Tarog, known for “Heneral Aunor, without hesitation she Luna” and “Goyo: Ang Batang accepted it right away.

Heneral”.

The 43-year-old depicted

Myline Dizon with Nora Aunor and Kyline Alcantara

numerous characters onscreen, and of course, she has been with a lot of co-actors throughout her profession.

But there is one actress that she has been dreaming to work with ever since, and that is no other than the country’s one and only superstar, Nora Aunor.

In an intimate interview with select members of the press, Dizon shared that she initially wanted to take a rest from soaps after doing “Sahaya” so she can focus on her two sons Tomas and Lucas.

However, when she got an offer to star in “Bilangin ang Bituin sa Langit” with Nora Aunor, without hesitation she accepted it right away.

“Ngayon lang ako na-offer na may kasamang Ate Guy… first time ko. Tapos fan pa

Photo from Instagram/@missmylenedizon

ang mommy ko. To be honest lumaki ako around Kislap magazines. Kulang na nga lang i-plastic cover ni mommy yung Kislap — yung malalaki pa,” Dizon recalled.

According to her, it was a surreal feeling when she got to first share a moment with the acting legend during one of their scenes.

“In the beginning, nahuli ko yung sarili ko na nakangiti.

Dapat serious, dapat paiyak yung eksena eh. Sabi ko sa staff, ‘Teka lang naka-smile ako.’ Kasi talagang, ‘Oh my goodness. I’m really in front of her and I’m going to be doing scenes with her,’” she shared.

“It’s not starstruck, it’s more like surreal. Kasi parang nakikita mo lang siya sa magaContinued on Page 4

Kris is living proof of life after ABS-CBN CArrAsCo ManilaTimes.net

entertainment

By ronnie

BESIDES movies, Kris Aquino became the big star that she is because of ABS-CBN. Whether it was a payback for Pres. Cory Aquino “returning” the network to the Lopezes, Kris nevertheless amassed following even beyond the term of her mother. But, as they say, nothing is permanent in this world.

It will be remembered that Kris’ biggest career letdown happened when the gates of the network would never open up again, this after having served for 22 years and TV being her greatest love.

Only if she’s physically sound could Kris have sneaked up on the recent prayer vigil to tell its employees and artists alike that there awaits a glimmer of hope for them should the country’s leading TV station face shutdown (God forbid).

It’s true — and even more disheartening — that time is running out for some 11,000 employees and an undetermined number of network talents. But take it from Kris who has other things going — and growing — for her to supplement the absence of a high-paying profession.

Aside from a handful of business partnerships, Kris has invested in fast food store franchising with her son Bimby also having one of his own.

Kris’ former manager Boy Abunda cum business partner feels far from being severely

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - March 11, 2020

Why Gladys doesn’t get tired of playing ‘kontrabida’ roles

By Dolly

Anne CArvAjAl Inquirer.net

Kris Aquino

affected.

“I can go back to teaching,” Abunda, a former part-time communication arts professor at PWU, said. A PhD in social development holder, he can even land a much higher position.

Over a recent dinner he hosted for the GMA bosses, was Boy by any chance offered anew to be the network’s public relations consultant?

Exploring the many possibilities will also allow other big-names to discover their untapped potentials, or restudy their long-cherished plans.

Already in the taxi business, Luis Manzano — for instance —considered venturing into food business three years ago.

He can learn the ropes of the trade from her Tita Emilyn (his mom Vilma’s elder sister).

ASIDE from the bedroom, the fave part of Gladys Reyes and hubby Christopher Roxas of their home is the kitchen.

The Kapampangan in her and the French in him are certified foodies. That’s why they put up Photo from Instagram/@krisaquino Estela Restaurant, which is the go-to place for good food and cool vibes in Cainta.

Also arguably one of the Here’s my chat with Gladys: richest actors around is actorIf you and Chris were a producer Coco Martin. Holddish, what would you both ing a Hotel and Restaurant be?

Management degree, Coco I will be chicken curry, bemust have amassed a fortune to have one built. Also a former cause that’s the dish that Chris cannot have enough of. Chris OFW who worked as a janitor will be grilled salmon, since in Alberta, Canada, Coco can that’s my fave. perhaps put up an OWWA-acIf Sommereaux could cater credited recruitment agency posting vacancies for hotel and for a foreign celebrity, who restaurant utility personnel.

Continued on Page 4 Gladys Reyes Of ABS-CBN’s female stars, soon to be married Angel Locsin can help her would-be partner Neil Arce run his ice cream business while making use of what she learned from a refresher course in fashion and design from a London school.

This includes all the other Kapamilya stars who are just about to embark on one. Yes, life never stops after ABS-CBN.

Reading: A bonding time for Judy Ann and Ryan’s brood

By ChristinA

AlpAD ManilaTimes.net

AT a time when almost every reading material is accessible through digital platforms, it is truly admirable to learn that there are still parents who make it a must to gather and read them story books.

One such family is that of celebrity couple Judy Ann Santos and Ryan Agoncillo whose almost 11-year of marriage has blessed them with three beautiful children.

“When it’s reading time for the family, alam na ng mga bata

na wala ng TV, walang gadgets, our phones are out of sight — nakatabi na lahat yan. We focus on our children, we focus on that activity and they treasure that,” the multi-awarded actress told The Manila Times on the sidelines of McDonald’s Happy Meal Readers book launch.

The couple, together with their youngest, Luna, was revealed as the family brand ambassadors of the chain’s new program, the Happy Meal Readers. Through this, customers now have the option to bring Ryan Agoncillo with daughter Luna home a toy or a book for every Photo from Instagram/@ryan_agoncillo Continued on Page 4

Inquirer.net photo

entertainment The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - March 11, 2020

Reading: A bonding time for...

From Page 3 Happy Meal purchase.

“And then, eventually, our reading time became a regular thing. The kids are looking for it, they are requesting for it, they know what to call it — they know it’s bonding time when it’s reading time,” Santos continued.

The 41-year-old also said they knew their reading time became a thing even for their children who grew up in the digital age because they would often still talk about the stories they shared the night before in their breakfast table.

“Ibig sabihin natatandaan nila at nagmamarka sa kanila yung mga oras na nilalaan natin sa mga anak natin,” Santos said smilingly.

Meanwhile, for Agoncillo, Santos’ husband, encouraging their children to love reading seems natural since he himself loved the activity during his childhood.

“Reading was a big part of my childhood. Bedtime stories though were not, my parents were very busy with work. But fortunately, yung bahay na kinalakihan ko, may library and we really had a lot of books,” Agoncillo shared.

The growing Agoncillo thought it was normal for every child to grow up with complete encyclopedias and different story books from around the globe.

“That’s why I grew up read-

Ryan Agoncillo and Judy Ann Santos with their daughter Luna Photo from Instagram/@officialjuday

ing a lot. Tapos yung panahon na maraming brown out, walang TV at wala pa namang internet noon so you are really forced to pick up a book, stay under a tree and read a book. And we are all the better for it.”

A different challenge Successful in their goal to inspire their children to read more, the challenge now for the couple is how to gather all their three children — who may have varying interests now because of their age gaps — and read to them just one book.

“Their average is six years apart. Si Yohan, growing up, she had her fill of her books, and then Lucho, of course and then Luna. Ang maganda lang ngayon, sometimes, it’s kuya reading to Luna and ganun din si Yohan, it was ate reading to Lucho.

“So, yes, that’s the challenge now, to make them pick just one book but may mga

times naman na nagkakasundo sila,” Agoncillo answered.

He cited one instance where they read Goldilocks and the Three Bears which their youngest, Luna, 4, picked. Lucho, who is turning 10 this year, quietly slept in the room because he already knew the story.

“Sometimes, they’ll insist maybe on books by local authors, there’s a time na Filipino yung storya na babasahin namin just to enrinch their vocabulary in Filipino,” Agoncillo further informed.

In conclusion, Santos reminded parents that regardless of the title, it is important to encourage kids to read.

“Ngayon ko na realize that it really is important that we let our children read a lot because you let their minds be creative, their imagination, range ng vocabulary, and knowledge nila, [nagiging] malawak,” Santos ended.

Why Gladys doesn’t get tired of...

From Page 3 would you want it to be?

Robert Downey Jr. and Paris Hilton.

Don’t you get tired of playing “kontrabida” roles?

Not at all. I still enjoy playing them. Being mean and rude, which I can only do onscreen, is really challenging.

What’s your fave memory with Juday (Judy Ann Santos) from your “Mara Clara” days?

When we were doing outof-town shows. There were times we’d go from North to South.

What makes you and Carmi

EMPLOYMENT

(Martin) the best of friends?

Our friendship started in 1997, when we did “Ikaw Na Sana.” I’m full of energy, which rubs off on her. I always make her laugh, so she asked me if I could sleep over in her house.

Before we knew it, we became each other’s BFF. We totally get each other.

What are the ingredients of your happy marriage?

First is loyalty, followed by trust, good sex, open communication and having fun. Love spices it all up.

Still on Mommy Divine In my previous column, I

wrote that Divine Geronimo must not be too much of a mother to be a friend to her daughter, Sarah.

A colleague commented, “Although you have a point, I feel sad for Mommy Divine.

Out of respect, she should have been informed about the plans of Sarah and Matteo (Guidicelli). Since it was a Christian wedding, ’di ba dapat, ‘Honor thy father and mother?’”

I countered in jest, “In every wedding, there must be something old, new, borrowed and blue. Mommy Divine is the blue one.”

EMPLOYMENT

Vice Ganda retires ‘Gandang Gabi Vice’ to give way to new show

By Jan

Milo Severo Philstar.com

“GANDANG Gabi Vice,” a talk show hosted by TV host and comedian Vice Ganda, has officially signed off after almost a decade of bringing laughter to the public every Sunday night.

In his Twitter account, the “Unkabogable Star” posted a series of tweets to thank the show’s patrons and staff.

“Maraming maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat!!! #GandangGabiVice,” Vice wrote.

In another tweet, Vice said that the comedy talk show will just have a long break and will continue to bring joy to the public in the near future.

“Don’t be sad. No goodbyes. GGV will be back. Isang mahabang commercial break lang. I love you guys!” he wrote.

“Napakasarap malamang masaya kayong nakapiling ako at ang GGV sa loob ng 9 years.

Masaya akong nakapagpasaya ako. Salamat po!!!” Vice posted in another tweet.

In his final speech, Vice addressed the show’s fans and apologized to those he might have offended.

“I am not perfect. The show is not perfect, sigurado ako may mga pagkakataon na

For his finale episode, Vice Ganda interviewed popular TV host Raffy Tulfo.

Photo from Instagram/@raffytulfoinaction

nao-offend namin kayo— ang mga nakasayananan niyo paniniwala sa buhay o mga trip ninyo o hindi ninyo trip, mga ginagawa namin, We apologize… pero maraming salamat pa rin. This is a very big blessing,” Vice said.

Vice also announced that the comedy talk show will be replaced by “Everybody,

Sing,” which he will also host.

“GGV’s” last episode last Sunday featured broadcaster Raffy Tulfo. In one of the segments, celebrities such as Morisette Amon, Moira dela Torre, Angelica Panganiban, Kim Chiu and Daniel Padilla, to name a few, gave tribute to the show by stating what the show meant for them.

Mylene finds working...

From Page 2 zine [while] growing up, at sa pelikula. Nasa harapan mo na siya, so it’s not starstruck.

Parang mapapatanong ka, ‘totoo ba ito?’” she continued.

Dizon also mentioned that she felt head over heels right after she got to see for herself the “Nora Magic.”

“Yung magic ng mata, yun ang inabangan ko talaga. Sabi ko ‘Ay totoo nga yung tsismis.’ Yung pag tumitig siya sa ‘yo…it’s not intimidating, it’s not scary, it’s not something to be nervous about pero parang katulad niya yung mga mata sa mga cartoon – nila ni Cinderalla, ganun eh. So I’m not scared, not really nervous,” she enthused.

“Kayo, you see her all the time. Ako this was my only

chance to be with her, to share the same space with her. So I had to say yes. And whenever there’s an opportunity to sit with her while waiting for the set to be finished, I would do it. Not to talk about how she was when she was younger, not talk about how she started. We can all read that, we can all Google that. But how she is now and just talk to the Nora Aunor as she is,” she added.

Dizon admitted that if not for Aunor, she would not accept any shows even “Bilangin ang Bituin sa Langit.”

“Si Ate Guy kasi hindi ko kailangan tanungin para magkuwento but she would really talk about how everything started for her, how different it is now, like yung nakatira

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FOR RENT

sila near train station, yung nagbebenta siya [ng tubig], kinuwento naman niya. Hindi ko na kailangan tanungin, nakakatuwa naman,” Dizon said.

“Sabi nga niya hindi na daw sana siya magtatrabaho.

Sabi ko ‘bakit ka naman hindi magtatrabaho, kaya ko nga tinanggap ito dahil sa iyo.’

Sabi niya ‘Kasi siyempre yung Ate mo… nahihirapan din ako.’

Sabi ko ‘Ooh, parang hindi naman,” she jested.

“Pero kung hindi kay Ate Guy, gusto ko mag-slow down kasi lumalaki yung mga anak ko nang wala ako. Ang daming changes sa buhay nila dahil ang teenager pala, ang dami talagang changes sa buhay.

So I wanted to be with them because it wasn’t easy for the boys,” Dizon ended.

5

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The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - March 4, 2020

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAglAyA I AM suspending my idea series for a Bucket To-Do List for the time being to share a story told to me by Sister Anna.

A little back story…

Anna Cinco was a classmate in high school who graduated way up the rungs and copped a college degree majoring in Mathematics. She taught at the International School in Manila for a while and decided to join the religious life thereafter.

She lived in Rome for more than a decade working on the canonization of Mother Candida Maria de Jesus, foundress of her religious order, Hijas de Jesus.

Mother Candida is now a saint with documented miracles ascribed to her intercession. Sister Anna speaks Spanish and Italian fluently.

Her story is not cut and dried as all that. There are twists and turns in every life story and hers is no different. She told me the Cliff Notes version of her conversion from someone who repudiated and did not need God at one point. But that riveting story when she became, as she describes how her young, irrepressible students at the International School saw her at the time of her epiphany, “positively radiant,” is for yet another day.

I reconnected with her on a trip to Europe in 2011 with my husband spending a wonderful spring day in Rome: dusting off the cobwebs of the past, cracking jokes (yes, religious people have a squeaky clean sense of humor that will have you ROTFLOLing, that is, rolling on the floor laughing out loud), scarfing down pizza margherita at one of those small joints by the Vatican and walking aimlessly about, shopping for Italian-made sandals on the sidewalks while slurping on scoops of gelato, all three of us looking positively ghetto. HAH! A perfect day in my book …

I emailed her just recently hoping to see her in Rome again mentioning in passing that I am putting together a Bucket List series of sorts.

Debt Relief

Atty. lAwrence yAng LET me give you the background on this case. The husband is 81 but still looks active.

He is slim and sprightly. The wife is 79 and looks nervous. Normally, spouses are on the same track and agree with what has to be done. But in this case, I’m not sure what is going on.

The wife owes between $20,000 to $30,000 credit cards, which are all past due. One card has sued her and she has agreed to a stipulated judgment promising to pay $150 a month. Other cards are threatening to sue. They call her every hour to collect their pound of flesh. The wife looks really worried. She says she hides under the table when they call.

I guess she can’t take the stress caused by these credit cards.

She says that she was able to pay these cards until she stopped working for two years.

She suffered some kind of trauma in her work and received disability payments for a while. She was a caregiver in a hospice and her patient had violently killed himself in front of her. This scene had caused her extreme mental anguish. She could no longer

Minding Your Finances Atty. rAyMond BulAon IF you’ve ever been in a situation in your life where you had to file bankruptcy as a last resort in order to get out of debt, you know exactly what I am talking about. After having counseled thousands of people with debt problems over the years, I have learned that unresolved debt problems can lead to devastating and sometimes irreversible consequences!

For example, did you know that financial problems account for one of the leading causes of divorce in this country? Since one out of 3 marriages ends in divorce, can you just imagine how many homes have been wrecked by financial problems?

Debt problems can cause a lot of stress at home and sometimes, spouses even blame each

God’s list

“Sister, do you speak Italian? Can I talk to you?

I am very angry with God.” I turned my head and it was a beautiful lady, elegantly dressed. I thought, “She has tortured eyes.”

Her story stuns me. It never occurred to me that while we are busy making plans, the Big Man upstairs also has plans for us to do. And whether we like it or not, we are part of His Grand Plan. It is up to each one of us to find out our part in His plan and decide to get in with the program or not.

Yes, God loves us so much, He gave us free will.

So enjoy this story. The actions happened in airports just before boarding. Time was on Sister Anna’s side. She checked in way early and didn’t miss her flight.

We might be able to widen our perspective just a tad and realize in time that we are each a piece of colorful mosaic in God’s Grand Mural for HIS story about us.]

HE HAS PLANS, TOO.

By Sister Anna Cinco, Hijas de Jesus In 2015 I had to make a 12-day trip to Spain and then a 9-day trip to Rome. Usually, for these short trips, I plan and make to-do lists way ahead, because I cannot afford to miss anything.

One day, as I was coming to the end of my stay in Salamanca, I was praying in the chapel before the Blessed Sacrament. I took out my to-do list for Spain, checked it carefully, and saw that I had pretty much achieved what I had come for. I was very satisfied with myself, when the thought came to me, “I have a list, too.” Startled, I looked at the tabernacle.

“I have a list, too.”

“You have a list Lord?”, I asked.

“Yes, I have a list.”

I pondered that for a few moments. Of course, He has a list.

So I prayed, “Make me open to Your plans, Lord. Give me a docile heart, a docile spirit.”

The day after, I left for Madrid for a 2-day stay. I had a few things more to do there. When the day of my departure for Rome came, since I was going to the airport alone, I decided to go early and leave a wide margin for the unforeseen. When I reached Barajas, I had almost the whole

morning to wait. So I sat by my boarding gate and buried my head in a book about causes for canonization.

Suddenly I heard someone say, “Anna Cinco!” Surprised, I looked up - it was a young woman in jeans but wearing a silver cross like mine. She smiled and came over and introduced herself. She was a young sister of ours from the Dominican Republic who had been in one of our houses in Brazil, and said that she had met me in one of my trips there.

(We have a cause for canonization which had been initiated in Brazil.) So I asked why she was in the airport, and she said she had just come from Rome where she had participated in the preparatory course for final profession, and that she was on her way to her boarding gate for her flight to the Dominican Republic. Since she was young and was not familiar with Madrid airport, and I knew her boarding gate was half an hour’s walk away, I insisted on going with her. We laughed and chatted along the way, and I was sorry to leave her at her boarding gate. I still had plenty of time before my scheduled flight, so without any hurry, I began walking back to my own boarding gate.

Then I heard a voice say in Spanish, “Sister, Sister!” And as I stopped and looked back, I saw a dark young man running towards me. And he said, “Sister, do you speak Spanish? Can I talk to you, please?” I wondered what for, but stopped. And he began to walk with me, and tell me about his problems. It was hard to talk while walking, and I was afraid we were getting too far from his boarding gate, so I invited him to sit down with me. He was a migrant worker from Mexico who had marital problems and did not know what to do. I listened to him in sympathy, and pretty soon he was in tears. I looked around with some embarrassment. People were beginning to look at us.

Continued on Page 6

Couple wonders how to tackle debt relief for wife “She says she hides under the table when they call. I guess she can’t take the stress caused by these credit cards.”

work as before. This work-related trauma qualified her to receive temporary disability, which recently expired.

She did not feel like going back to work. She received social security of $700. Well, if she owed $20,000 credit cards, she would need at least $750 to keep $20,000 of credit cards current with minimum monthly payments. In other words, all of her social security would have to be used to pay credit cards and she would still be short $50. Where would she get $50? All eyes go to her husband.

The husband has not given her the $50 so eventually, all her cards became past due. You know what happens when cards become past due, past due amount plus penalties make the bad situation even worse. As she said, they call her every hour to collect. One has sued her. They threaten to sue. They want all of her social security. What struck me the most was her statement

that she had to hide under the table when they call. I believed her. She was clearly stressed out.

I empathized with her. At her age, she should just be collecting social security and enjoying what’s left of her life, the golden years. She should not be living each day cowering in fear. Her life sucks.

I’m wondering what’s going on with the husband. He says he also owed a bunch of cards.

His social security is $2,000. He says in addition to social security, he still works full time. But the employer is not doing too well.

Even though he owns 25% of the business, his paycheck of $2,000 does not come in consistently.

There are times when the paycheck is delayed and he doesn’t get paid.

It looks to me that there’s more stuff going on here, although it’s my policy not to get involved in matters that are between husband and wife. I think the wife Continued on Page 6

Bankruptcy: Lose your debts before you lose your sanity other for their present situation.

Like a ticking time bomb, emotions eventually explode. When the debts are not getting paid, bill collectors are calling, basic needs such as food, utilities and rent aren’t even getting met, trust me, every conversation between husband and wife can easily turn into a big argument.

Like pulling a rubber band, as the tension keeps building up, it eventually snaps.

A lot of people coming to me for help with their debt problems tell me that they also have difficulty focusing on just about anything- their job, business or career. Many are stuck with jobs that they don’t even like. They want to go out there and find a job that they would at least enjoy doing but they can’t even afford to take some time off for fear of losing a paycheck. If they miss a paycheck, they will get buried deeper in debt as they can’t even pay their bills as it is

now.

Can you imagine waking up every morning and going to job that you don’t even like? You don’t like the working environment, the people aren’t friendly and your boss is always watching you like a fish in a fish bowl.

Besides being underpaid, maybe you feel you’re stuck in a dead end job with no room for advancement- no promise for the future. Perhaps you’re thinking about going back to school to learn something new and change careers. But you can’t do a damn thing about it because you just can’t afford to look for another job.

If you are in debt, something inside of you tells you that there is something terribly wrong with this situation. Is this the way to live? You’re looking for some peace in your life but peace just seems to elude you. You can’t even sleep at night because Continued on Page 6

Barrister’s Corner Atty. Kenneth ursuA reyes IMMIGRANTS who are identified by the USCIS or the US Embassy of becoming a public charge will not be issued a U.S. visa, granted admission to the United States as a legal permanent resident, or allowed to adjust status status to a greencard holder.

Under Section 212(a)(4) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), an individual seeking admission to the United States or seeking to adjust status to that of an individual lawfully admitted for permanent residence (green card) is inadmissible if the individual “at the time of application for admission or adjustment of status, is likely at any time to become a public chargeINA Section 212(a)(4).

On August 14, 2019, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published the Inadmissibility on Public Charge Grounds final rule that codifies regulations governing the application of the public charge inadmissibility ground under INA section 212(a)(4). This final rule amends DHS regulations by prescribing how DHS will determine whether an alien applying for admission or adjustment of status is inadmissible to the United States under section 212(a)(4) of the Immigration and Nationality Act because he or she is likely at any time to become a public charge.

The final rule includes definitions of certain terms critical to the public charge determination, such as “public charge” and “public benefit,” which are not defined in the statute, and explains the factors DHS will consider in the totality of the circumstances when making a public charge inadmissibility determination. The final rule also addresses USCIS authority to issue public charge bonds under section 213 of the Act in the context of applications for adjustment of status. Finally, this rule includes a requirement that aliens seeking an extension of stay or change of status demonstrate that they have not , since obtaining the nonimmigrant status they seek to extend or change, received public benefits over the designated threshold, as defined in the rule. In short, the new rule makes it easier for the government to deny legal permanent residency to immigrants “likely to use public benefits” and

What is the ‘inadmissibility on public charge grounds’ final rule? more difficult for immigrants to get approved.

The good news is that any Adjustment of Status application that had been filed before February 24, 2020 will still be considered under the old rules.

The bad news is that the USCIS will implement its Inadmissibility on Public Charge Grounds Final Rule beginning February 24, 2020 and will apply to all cases filed on or after that date. This is a result

of a 5-4 U.S. Supreme Court decision to remove the nationwide injunction blocking the final rule.

The following cases will be subject to the public charge final rule: • Immigrants who are in the U.S. applying for a green card through the “adjustment of status” application.

• Immigrants requesting a visa extension to stay in the U.S. Continued on Page 6

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What is the ‘inadmissibility on public charge grounds’...

From Page 5 • Individuals who are applying to come to the U.S. through US Embassy overseas.

Anyone who received one or more public benefits for more than twelve months in aggregate within any 36-month period could be held to be a public charge.

The rule expands the “public benefits” to include the following benefits: • Supplemental Security Income (SSI) • Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) • Section 8 Project-Based Rental Assistance and Housing Assistance Under the Housing Choice Voucher Program • Subsidized Public Housing • Federally-Funded Medicaid (with Certain Exclusions) Any other public non-cash benefit that is not mentioned above will not be considered a public charge of inadmissibility.

All applicants for adjustment of status will be subject to the new rule. In determining inadmissibility, USCIS defines “public charge” as an individual who is likely to become “primarily dependent for subsistence, as demonstrated by either the receipt of public cash assistance for income maintenance or institutionalization for long-term care at government expense.”

USCIS will use a totality of the alien’s circumstances standard in determining whether immigrant or nonimmigrant visa applicants, applicants for admission to the

“The good news is that any Adjustment of Status application that had been filed before February 24, 2020 will still be considered under the old rules.”

United States, and applicants for adjustment of status to lawful permanent residence are likely to become a public charge “at any time” in the future. The alien’s circumstances will be measured by seven factors, including: • Age • Health • Family status • Assets, resources and financial status • Education and skills • Prospective immigration status and period of admission • Affidavit of support, filed under 213 of the INA No single factor, other than the lack of an affidavit of support will determine whether an individual is a public change. Beginning February 24, 2020, all adjustment of status applicants will need to attach an additional new Form I-944, Declaration of SelfSufficiency, when applying for a green card, which will request information and documents on personal and household assets, credit score report, resources, financial status, bankruptcy history, and public benefits history. This is a very thorough and extensive form that explores all aspects of your household’s financial affairs and requires supporting evidence of your finances and credit report. Immigrants who plan to file for adjustment of status should

seek the representation of experienced lawyer to help them navigate through this complex regulation. *** Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice.

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

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

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

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

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - March 11, 2020

Couple wonders how to tackle debt...

From Page 5 doesn’t want to be harassed by her creditors anymore. She can’t take the stress of creditor collection calls every day and every hour. In California, we only use tables to hide under during an earthquake. We don’t use them to hide under when creditors call to collect.

The wife cannot do Chapter 7 because they own their house, which supposedly has more than $175K of equity. Being seniors, their homestead exemption is $175K. In Chapter 7, there’s a big risk they might lose their house to the Chapter 7 trustee who will sell it and give them $175K in cash and use the rest to pay off her credit cards. It doesn’t make sense to lose your house because of credit cards. So, I will not file a Chapter 7 for them in this case. I will only file a Chapter 13 with the smallest possible plan payment so that there is no risk of losing the house.

The wife obviously cannot pay her credit cards. She needs her $700 of social security to buy necessities. So why won’t her husband help her out in any way he can, like pay her credit cards? First, let me say that this is a matter between them as husband and wife. It looks at initially to me that all their expenses are separate. She pays her own expenses and he pays his own expenses. A de-facto pre-nup-

tial agreement when it comes to expenses. Second, there seems to be something that’s not being said. I can tell from the bodily movements.

So, eventually what has not been said is now said. The husband is paying $1,000 a month for a $250,000 term life. He believes that when he dies, the $250,000 will help the surviving wife pay down their mortgage of $400,000.

The wife doesn’t know what to think. All she knows is that since she stopped working, she’s been and continues to be a nervous wreck because of credit card debt. Her entire social security benefits are not enough to cover minimum monthly payments on the cards.

I can only say that Chapter 13 will give her peace of mind, immediately. And, only God knows when we die. “Death comes like a thief in the night.” 1 Thessalonians 5:2. The husband plans to die ahead of the wife so she can get her $250,000 from insurance. But who knows, because of all her stress, the husband might outlive her. If she dies ahead of him, who gets the $250,000, and what’s the use of paying down the mortgage? Many couples who have been together for a long time die within a week of each other because the surviving spouse is heartbroken and has no will to live on without the other spouse. This is certainly a question that none of us can an-

swer so we rely on the Bible, the word of God for an answer. Even the Pope doesn’t have any idea when his time is up.

Whatever the outcome and the future, it’s better all around for peace of mind, not to have these credit cards around to bother you when you get older, right? So get rid of them now if you can with Chapter 7 or Chapter 13. You don’t want them getting half or all of your social security or pension when you retire.

Lastly, all of us will have to leave this world, sooner or later.

We have frail and imperfect bodies because of sin. Without sin, we would have perfect bodies.

We would never get sick and we would never die. True. Mortality is our human condition because Adam & Eve ate of the forbidden fruit. Fortunately, Jesus died for us so we can have eternal life in heaven with our God who loves us so. So it’s all good. Death for us is not the end. It’s the beginning. *** Lawrence Bautista Yang specializes in Bankruptcy, Business, Real Estate and Civil Litigation, and has successfully represented more than five thousand clients in California. Please call Angie, Barbara or Jess at (626) 284-1142 for an appointment at 20274 Carrey Road, Walnut, CA 91789 or 1000 S. Fremont Ave., Mailstop 58, Building A-10 South Suite 10042, Alhambra, CA 91803.

(Advertising Supplement)

Bankruptcy: Lose your debts...

From Page 5 you’re worried about what creditors will do next. Maybe for the last few months, you’ve managed to juggle your credit cards by taking money from one card to pay other credit cards but now you’re all maxed out. Your friends and family don’t even return your calls anymore because they assume you’re calling them to borrow money again. You’re feeling sorry for yourself and feel like you’re about to go insane.

I am not saying that bankruptcy is the solution to all debt problems. In some cases, it should not even be considered. But for your sanity’s sake, if you’ve done the best you can and the best you know how to pay your creditors but you have ran out of options, consider the new possibilities that bankruptcy relief may be able to provide you and your family. It’s a shame that so many people suffer in debt, sometimes for years, when the law provides a solution to their debt problems.

Bankruptcy is not for dishonest people who just don’t want to pay their debts. It is for honest people who need a second chance to rebuild their finances and their life. If you were physically sick, I am sure you would go to the doctor to get help. If you were financially sick, why not get help to regain financial wellbeing?

Since 1997, I have helped thousands of clients get out of debt. Let me help you determine if bankruptcy is right for your situation. Call Toll-Free 1866-477-7772 to schedule a free office consultation. We have offices in Glendale, Cerritos and Valencia. *** None of the information herein is intended to give legal advice for any specific situation. Atty. Ray Bulaon has successfully helped thousands of clients in getting out of debt. For a free attorney evaluation of your situation, please call Ray Bulaon Law Offices at TOLL FREE 1 (866) 477-7772.

God’s list...

From Page 5 I prayed for wisdom. After some time, he stopped and asked me, “Sister, is there still hope for us? for me?”

I directed that question to the Lord, and found myself saying, “Of course, there is hope for you. Look, I shouldn’t even be here. My boarding gate is half an hour away, on the other side of the airport. But the Lord brought me here because He wanted to reach you! So yes, there is hope for you.” I myself was surprised at my answer... His face began to clear, and then light up, and by the time we parted, he was smiling. He still emails me once in a while.

So I continued with my trip to Rome, still pondering what had happened. Toward the end of my stay in Rome, I did the same thing – tick off items on my list. Then, on the day of my departure, the Superior, who was bringing me to the airport, asked if I would mind leaving early for the airport, since she had to get back to the house for an appointment. I said, why, no, I would not mind at all. I always bring material to read.

So we reached the airport early, and I found that my boarding gate had not even appeared on the screen. I took one of the seats nearby. You know, those airport seats where people sit back to back. I had just opened my book, when I heard a voice behind me say in Italian, “Sister, do you speak Italian? Can I talk to you? I am very angry with God.” I turned my head and it was a beautiful lady, elegantly dressed. I thought, “She has tortured eyes.”

Saying, “May I sit beside you, then?”, I went over to do so.

Then I saw that she was reading a Spanish book, so I asked, “Do you speak Spanish?” And she said she was from Argentina.

“Fine,” I said, “I speak Spanish better than Italian. Let’s talk in Spanish.” And she began talking. I listened to her (prayerfully) for about an hour - it was a list of problems, sick family members, one trial after another, anger with God, etc. And I thought, looking at her, “Without those problems, she would be very self-satisfied,

with no thought of God whatever, angry or not.”

So when she had come to the end of her list and was looking at me expectantly, I said, “So now you wanted to tell God how angry you are with Him?” And she nodded her head vigorously and asked, “Is that wrong, Sister?” I answered slowly, “I guess, when things were going right, you never talked to Him. Now you are angry with Him, but at least you are talking with Him, right?”

Her eyes flew open in surprise, then she began to nod slowly, and as she saw me smile, she began to laugh. We laughed together for a while. And I said, “Don’t you think God prefers this, than have you go back to ignoring Him?” Her face changed completely.

And we continued talking happily, and she laughed heartily when I told her that story of St. Teresa of Avila, that in one of her travels, “...her saddle slipped, and she found herself head down under the belly of a donkey as she crossed a stream. Complaining to the Lord of her treatment, she heard him reply, “Teresa, whom the Lord loves, he chastises. This is how I treat all my friends.”

She replied tartly, “No wonder you have so few!” (http://www. paceminterris.org/experiencepacem/the-hermitages/st-teresaof-avila/) Time passed quickly, and I had to catch my flight. The lady had already told me her name (she was from Argentina but she was married to an Italian), and said she was so happy to have met me and talked with me. She invited me for coffee, but I had to go.

And as I walked to my boarding gate, I remembered that thought, “I have a list, too.” And I realized that had I fallen short of my to-do lists for Salamanca and Rome, the entire trip would still have been worthwhile if only for these two of His children...

Next week: Back to yet another idea to consider for The Bucket List *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette. maglaya@asianjournalinc.com

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The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - March 11, 2020

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - March 11, 2020

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