041319 - Los Angeles Weekend Edition

APRIL 13-16, 2019 Volume 29 - No. 28 • 4 Sections – 30 Pages

USA

DATELINE Philippine Senators tell US lawmakers to stay out of country’s affairs FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

THREE Philippine senators this week filed a resolution seeking to rebuke American lawmakers for their supposed meddling in the Philippines’ affairs by condemning Sen. Leila de Lima’s detention and Rappler chief executive Maria Ressa’s arrest.

The resolution was filed on Wednesday, April 10 by Senate President Vicente Sotto III, along with Senators Panfilo Lacson and Gregorio Honasan II. In Philippine Senate Resolution 1037, it expresses “the strong sense of the Philippine Senate to rebuke, for being an affront to the sovereignty of the Republic of the Philippines and an undue interference on its judicial process, proposed resolution nos. 233 and 142 filed by some members of the United States Congress.” u PAGE A4

24 charged in billion dollar Medicare brace scam FEDERAL officials on Tuesday, April 9, dismantled a $1.2 billion Medicare scam peddling unneeded orthopedic braces to hundreds of thousands of unsuspecting elderly and disabled patients through call centers in the Philippines and in Latin America.

According to the Justice Department, the scheme — which has been described as one of the largest health care frauds in United States history — relied on overseas call centers to pry Medicare numbers from beneficiaries.

Twenty-four people were charged, including doctors accused of writing bogus prescriptions.

“These defendants — who range from corporate executives to medical professionals — allegedly participated in an expansive and sophisticated fraud to exploit telemedicine technology meant for patients otherwise unable to access health care,” said Brian Benczkowski, the assistant attorney general for the department’s criminal division, in a statement.

The Associated Press (AP) reported that officials said the profits from the scheme were laundered through offshore shell companies and then were used to purchase exotic cars, yachts, and luxury real estate around the world.

They added that the scam was detected last summer after beneficiaries complained to the Medicare fraud hotline. u PAGE A3

Malacañang calls for compensation of martial law victims after US ruling

by NATHALIE

ROBLES

MALACAÑANG said martial law victims are entitled to compensation, following a United States federal judge’s approval to transfer the pro-

ceeds from the late President Ferdinand Marcos’ ill-gotten assets earlier this week.

New York City district court Judge Katherine Polk Failla on Tuesday, April 9 signed the order that mandates the transfer of $13.75 million (P715

Pres. Rodrigo Duterte

Malacañang photo

AJPress

million) from the retrieved properties of the Marcos family to the victims of the human rights violations.

Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo recognized that there were people who suffered during the dictatorial rule of the late president. How-

ever, he noted that each regime has had its fair share of violations committed against the people.

“I’m sure there must have been victims during critical times. There will certainly be abuses committed in u PAGE A2

Duterte satisfaction rating up in first quarter of 2019

by HELEN

FLORES Philstar.com

MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte’s net satisfaction rating rose by five percentage points in the first quarter of 2019, according to the latest survey of the Social Weather Stations (SWS).

The poll, conducted from March 28 to 31, showed 79 percent of adult Filipinos who said they were satisfied with the President’s performance and 13 percent dissatisfied, resulting in a net satisfaction score of +66, classified by SWS as “very good.” u PAGE A2

BALIKATAN CLOSING CEREMONIES. Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay, Philippine Exercise Director for Balikatan 2019; US Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim; Department of National Defense (DND) Undersecretary Cardozo Luna; Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief-of-Staff, Gen. Benjamin Madrigal Jr.; and Lt. General Eric Smith, US Commanding General of the III Marine Expeditionary Force; join hands at the closing ceremonies of the Philippines-United States Balikatan Exercises 2019 held at Camp Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Friday, April 12.

About 4,000 Filipinos, 3,500 Americans as well as 50 Australian troops, participated in this year’s “Balikatan” exercises which began on April 1.

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

Over 1.49-M foreign tourists visited PH from Jan-Feb

by KRISSY

AGUILAR Inquirer.net

MANILA — At least 1.49 million foreign tourists have visited the Philippines over the first two months of 2019, the Department of Tourism (DOT) disclosed on Wednesday, April 10.

“January to February, we already have 1.49 million foreign visitors,” Tourism UndersecreLocal tourists beat the summer heat by swimming at one of the beaches tary Benito Bengzon Jr. said dur- Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos in Hundred Islands in Alaminos, Pangasinan, the first national park and ing the Kapihan sa Manila Bay at protected area.

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon u PAGE A3

Inquirer.net photo

Imee Marcos on New human species discovered in the Philippine island of Luzon criticisms: ‘Sanay na kami’ Homo luzonensis revealed to have lived more than 50,000 years ago

by RAE

ANN VARONA AJPress

A NEW branch of the human family tree has been appropriately named ‘Homo luzonensis,’ after several teeth and bones — believed to be that of two adults and one child — were found on the Philippines’ main island of Luzon.

In a report published Wednesday, April 10 in the journal Nature, scientists revealed that the human species previously unknown to scientists likely lived in Luzon more than 50,000 years ago.

Based off the cache of seven hominin teeth, a thigh bone, two

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

ILOCOS Norte Governor Imee Marcos on Wednesday, April 10, dodged questions on her credibility to be a senator due to discrepancies in her school records.

“Sanay na kami (We’re used to it),” she said, referring to those doubting her capabilities and qualifications in running for senator.

When pressed for her reaction about the criticisms involving Seven teeth, believed to belong to a new hominin species, Homo luzonensis, were found in Luzon’s Callao Cave. her records in Ivy League school Photo courtesy of Callao Cave Archaeology Project Princeton University and Univerfoot bones, and hand bones un- around four feet tall. the University of the Philippines sity of the Philippines (UP) Colearthed from Luzon’s limestone Clues to the species first came found a toe bone in Callao Cave. lege of Law, Marcos only said: Callao Cave, researchers said the about in 2007 when Armand Mi- The cave features seven large “Next question, thank you.”

H. luzonensis may have stood at jares, a Filipino archaeologist at Separate statements have u PAGE A3

been issued both by the Princeton University and UP College of Law regarding Marcos’ claims.

The Ivy League school’s independent student newspaper Daily Princetonian quoted Princeton Deputy University Spokesperson Michael Hotchkiss who said, “records do not show that Ms. Marcos was awarded a degree.”

Meanwhile, UP said Marcos had “no record of her graduation from UPD nor any honors or academic distinction received with the University Registrar’s office.”

Marcos drew flak from critics for supposedly lying about her educational records.

Opposition Senate bets — former Solicitor General Florin u PAGE A2

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From the Front Page

Malacañang calls for compensation...

PAGE A1 t whatever regime that the governor or the president would not know about,” Panelo said at a press briefing.

The spokesperson noted that “just the same, if there are victims of a violation of human rights, certainly they should be compensated.” He clarified that

the administration does not tolerate those who defy the administration.

“It would be different if you are an enemy of the government.

If you kill people in government, you cannot say that you are a victim. If you want to kill the soldiers of the government and then they retaliate. But those caught in the

crossfire can be considered victims,” he said.

The Office of the Solicitor General (OSG), however, said compensating the victims would not benefit the government and be in accordance with Philippine laws.

“While the Republic fully recognizes that the human rights violation victims stand to benefit from this recent development, the government maintains its position that the proper venue for their claims are the Human Rights Victims’ Claims Board or in the probate proceedings where the Marcos estate is being settled. This procedure was recognized in the rulings of the Swiss Federal Supreme Court and United States Department of Justice amicus brief before the United States Supreme Court,” the office said in a statement.

The OSG also criticized American lawyer Robert Swift, who represented the victims in court, for being more concerned about getting his attorney’s fees rather than the “purely noble aim to seek justice” by helping his clients obtain their share of the $30-million sale of paintings allegedly owned by former first lady Imelda Marcos.

“In the interpleader action alone, he has sought an unaccounted $4.125 million in attorney’s fees to be deducted from the alleged settlement fund of $13.75 million — the remaining amount to be divided amongst the 6,500 human rights victims who shall receive a measly $1,500 each,” the OSG added.

The paintings were believed to have been part of some 200 art collections former first lady Imelda Marcos accumulated over her husband’s 20-year rule. The U.S. court has been adamant on locating the rest of the paintings.

Panelo said that he has not talked to Solicitor General Jose Calida about his opinion on the compensation for martial law victims, noting “I do not know exactly the grounds for the opposition of this solicitor general.

I have to know that before I can make a proper intelligent response.”

Groups rally for support of reparation Former Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Chair Loretta Ann Rosales, who was a victim of

u PAGE A4

BALIKATAN FLAG FURLING. Philippine exercise director for Balikatan 2019, Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay (3rd from right), and U.S. Commanding General III Marine Expeditionary Force, Lt. General Eric Smith (2nd from right), lead the furling of the Balikatan flag during the closing ceremony of Philippines-United States Balikatan Exercises held at Camp Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Friday, April 12.

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

Duterte satisfaction rating up in first...

PAGE A1 t The remaining eight percent of respondents were undecided on the matter.

Duterte received a net satisfaction score of +60, also categorized as “very good,” in December 2018. His first quarter rating also tied his personal high record in June 2017.

The president’s net satisfaction score also hit a new record-high in Mindanao, his bailiwick.

It was an excellent +88 (92 percent satisfied, five percent dissatisfied) in March 2019 from +73 in December 2018. It surpassed the previous record of +87 registered in March 2017 for the area.

It increased by seven points but stayed in “very good territory” in the Visayas, at +69 (81 percent satisfied, 12 percent dissatisfied) in March, from +62 (76 percent

satisfied, 13 percent dissatisfied) in December.

Duterte’s net satisfaction score was recorded at “very good” at +56 (73 percent satisfied, 17 percent dissatisfied), up by four points from +52 (69 percent satisfied, 17 percent dissatisfied) in December.

It also stayed “very good” in Metro Manila at +61 (76 percent satisfied, 14 percent dissatisfied from +58 (75 percent satisfied, 16 percent dissatisfied) previously.

The president’s net satisfaction rating rose to a “very good” +69 (83 percent satisfied, 14 percent dissatisfied), also a new recordhigh. It was up by seven points from +62 (76 percent satisfied, 14 percent dissatisfied) in December 2018 and surpassed the previous record of +66 in December 2017 and June 2018.

It stayed “very good” in class D or the masa at a new recordhigh +68 (80 percent satisfied, 12 percent dissatisfied) in March, up 10 points from +58 (73 percent satisfied, 15 percent dissatisfied) in December. This surpassed the previous record of +66 in June 2017.

His net satisfaction score remained very good in class E at +58 (74 percent satisfied, 16 percent dissatisfied) in March, although down by seven points from +65 (77 percent satisfied, 12 percent dissatisfied) in December.

The non-commissioned survey was based on face-to-face interviews of 1,440 adults, 18 years old and above, nationwide.

It has sampling error margins of plus or minus 2.6 percentage points for national percentages. n

earn a degree. There’s one who claimed she was a graduate of UP College of Law but there’s no diploma. There’s also another one who said she was a graduate of Princeton University, but there’s no diploma),” said Hilbay during Otso Diretso’s forum with students at the Bulacan State University.

“Mapagkakatiwalaan niyo pa ba ang isang senador na hindi man lang makuhang maging matapat tungkol sa simple ngunit importanteng bagay katulad ng

diploma (Can you put your trust in a senator who can’t even be honest about a simple yet important thing such as a diploma)?” he added.

In an interview with DZMM radio in December last year, Marcos dismissed the question about her scholastic achievements. According to her, the issue was only being thrown at her because it was the “election season” and that her “performance” record should speak for itself. n

Imee Marcos on criticisms: ‘Sanay...

PAGE A1 t Hilbay, former House Deputy Speaker Erin Tañada, and lawyer Romulo Macalintal of Otso Diresto all said Marcos is not fit to be a senator because of her dishonesty.

“Kayo, alam ninyo gaano kahirap magkaroon ng diploma.

‘Yung isa riyan, graduate raw siya sa UP College of Law. Pero walang diploma. ‘Yung isa riyan, graduate raw ng Princeton University. Pero walang diploma (All of you know how hard it is to

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A3

New human species discovered in the Philippine...

PAGE A1 t chambers — one of which was turned into a chapel by locals.

It was unclear at the time which species the bone came from, but researchers concluded it to have dated 67,000 years ago with measurements the size of a small Homo sapien.

In 2010, Mijares and his colleague Philip Piper, a zooarchaeologist at Australia National University, published a description of the finding. A year later, more of the bones were discovered.

The excavations at Callao Cave were conducted with researchers from the Griffith University in Australia, and a number of universities in France namely the University of Bordeaux, Paul Sabatier University, and the University of Poitiers. Leading the project was Dr. Mijares, and Dr. Florent Détroit of the National Museum of Natural History in Paris.

Mijares told CNN Philippines that he had a feeling that the 2007 discovery would be significant, and that the following years of work leading up the new species was well worth the wait.

“The opportunity to name a new species is difficult and rare.

That per se, for me, is a major contribution to knowledge,” Mijares told CNN Philippines. “And for this to happen in the Philippines, although I collaborate with foreigners, I am a very nationalis-

tic person.”

Discoveries in Southeast Asia and the Philippines The discovery of H. luzonensis is the second new human species to be identified in southeast Asia in recent years, according to Nature.

In 2004, another team of Australian and Indonesian researchers discovered bones of the Homo floresiensis species in the Flores island cave east of Bali, Indonesia.

Similarly short in height, the species have often been described as “hobbits.” The National Geographic reported them having lived with pygmy elephants and Komodo dragons on a remote Indonesian island some 18,000 years ago.

Aside from bones, tool-like artifacts have been found in the South Pacific, further bringing curiosity to the region as to how early humans could have arrived in the first place.

In 2016, stone tools dating back about 66,000 years before the arrival of the first anatomically modern human were found on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi.

Last year, dozens of abandoned artifacts next to a butchered rhinoceros carcass and other animal skeletal remains were reported to have been found in Luzon’s Cagayan Valley province

of Kalinga. Researches dated the clay-rich bone bed in which the tool-like artifacts were found to go back sometime between 631,000 and 777,000 years.

But in regards to H. luzonensis, Détroit said that the bones found in Callao Cave have recognizable differences from H. floresiensis and other hominins like Homo erectus — the species believed to be an ancestor of the modern humans that left Africa some two millions years ago.

While researchers are cautious in estimating H. floresiensis’ height, Détroit told Nature that the teeth and foot bones suggest they had a height similar to that of some Indigenous ethnic groups currently living in Luzon and throughout the Philippines.

As for Mijares, he’s hoping archaeological discoveries will be made in other parts of the Philippines including Palawan and Panay island. A two-year excavation project in Bulacan is also in the works to find out when H. sapiens first arrived in Luzon.

“There are a lot of potentials also there,” Mijares told CNN Philippines. “But what I want right now is not for me to personally leave those digs but to let my students now take over those sites. Because I’m training my students, and later on, give them the opportunity to lead those excavations.” ■

Over 1.49-M foreign tourists visited PH...

PAGE A1 t Cafe Adriatico.

According to DOT’s data, 1,490,255 foreign visitor arrivals were recorded from January to February 2019.

“So this represents almost 6 percent growth compared to the

same period last year. [About] 1.4 million last year for the first two months,” Bengzon added.

In January and February 2018, DOT recorded 1,406,337 foreign visitors.

Bengzon said Korea remains to be the top visitor market of

the country while China and the United States trail at number two and three, respectively.

“Number one market natin Korea, number two China, number three, U.S., number four Japan, number five Taiwan,” Bengzon said. ■

24 charged in billion dollar Medicare...

PAGE A1 t Under the scam, telemarketers would reach out to Medicare beneficiaries offering free or low-cost braces. Interested beneficiaries would then be patched through to call centers that are part of an international telemarketing network operating in the Philippines and throughout Latin America, according to AP. Afterwards, they would be connected to telemedicine companies for consultations with doctors, who wrote prescriptions for orthopedic braces, regardless of whether they were necessary or not.

The prescriptions would be collected by call centers and sold to medical equipment companies, which would ship out the braces to beneficiaries and bill Medicare. Medical equipment companies would earn $500 to $900 per brace from Medicare.

Officials noted that charges were being brought against people in California, Florida, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Texas.

“The breadth of this nationwide conspiracy should be frightening to all who rely on some form of health care,” IRS criminal investi-

gations chief Don Fort said.

“The conspiracy…details broad corruption, massive amounts of greed and systemic flaws in our health care system that were exploited by the defendants,” he added.

Healthcare fraud has been costing taxpayers tens of billions of dollars every year. Its true extent is unknown, and some schemes involve gray areas of complex payment policies.

The FBI, the IRS, and 17 U.S. attorney’s offices took part in the crackdown of the Medicare scam.

(Ritchel Mendiola/AJPress)

DAY OF VALOR IN WASHINGTON. Maj. Gen. Antonio Taguba, a son of a Filipino World War II veteran, shakes the hand of 101-year-old Celestino Almeda, the oldest living Filipino veteran in the Washington DC area, during the Bataan Day commemoration at the National World War II Memorial on Tuesday, April 9.

Photo by Bing Branigin

Day of Valor in the nation’s capital honors Bataan & Corregidor heroes WASHINGTON, D.C. — “I can think of no other place I would rather be today than at this ceremony, remembering with you the courage and sacrifice, the resilience and the strength of the Defenders of Corregidor and Bataan.”

U.S. Army Lt. Gen. David H. Huntoon (Ret) said those words on Tuesday, April 9, at the National World War II Memorial where community leaders, diplomats, veterans, families, and veteran advocates gathered to mark the 77th anniversary of the Fall of Bataan and Corregidor. On April 9 and May 6, 1942, over 72,000 Filipino and American soldiers surrendered to Japanese Imperial Forces and were forced to march for over 65 miles to prison camps. In the infamous Bataan Death March, approximately 10,000 Filipino and 700 American soldiers died.

“Here at this national shrine of service, we pause to reflect on their service, to remember their courage, and their resilience in the face of death,” Huntoon added. “Learning about and teaching others the stories of these heroic soldiers from the U.S. and from the Philippines matters. In doing so, we are reminded of our common values, of our purposeful lives, and of our mutual respect and compassion for each other that transcends and,

in time, can surmount the pain and suffering of war.”

A 40-year veteran with the U.S. Army, Huntoon served as Superintendent of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. He has a deep personal connection with the war in the Pacific as his father worked in the staff of General Douglas MacArthur during the New Guinea campaign. His father-in-law was assigned at Clark Air Force Base for a number of years.

In his remarks, Philippine Ambassador Jose Manuel G. Romualdez noted that this year’s theme of the “Day of Valor” or “Araw ng Kagitingan” is “Sakripisyo ng Beterano ay Gunitain, Gawing Tanglaw ng Kabataan Tungo sa Kaunlaran.” This theme “underscores the sacrifices of our war veterans and urges our youth to draw inspiration from this selfless act of giving oneself so that they too can contribute to the advancement of this nation,” Romualdez said.

“Knowledge of history is an essential guide to the future. We have to know where we have been and what brought us to the present, in order to be able to chart a course toward a better tomorrow.”

Brig. Gen. Marlo M. Guloy, Defense and Armed Forces Attaché of the Philippine Embassy, expanded on the ambassador’s

point by citing Proclamation No. 466, S. 1989, designating April 5 to 11 of every year as Philippine Veterans Week, in order to “promote, preserve and memorialize the principles, ideals, and deeds of the Filipino war veteran as a means to enhance patriotism and love of country, especially among the youth of the land.”

The great task remaining Attending the commemoration, which included a wreathlaying ceremony, were two Filipino World War II Veterans: 101-year-old Celestino Almeda of Gaithersburg, MD. and 91-year-old Rey Cabacar of Ft. Washington, MD. They are two of only four living veterans residing in the Washington, D.C. area. “Ten years ago, there were more than a dozen of us who were still around,” Cabacar recalls. “I miss my friends especially on occasions like this.”

Cabacar keeps himself busy by volunteering with the Veterans of Foreign Wars and other community service projects.

Despite his age, Almeda is still able to attend public events and, with a strong and forceful voice, always has something to say. This time, at the end of the ceremony, he spoke about his passionate love of country and democracy. Quoting lines from Lincoln’s Gettysburg address, he PAGE A5

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Philippine Senators tell US lawmakers to stay...

PAGE A1 t The U.S. House Resolution 233 and Senate Resolution 142 condemn the continued detention of De Lima and call for the dropping of charges against Ressa.

Senate Democrats Edward Markey, Christopher Coons and Richard Durbin, and Republicans Marco Rubio and Marsha Blackburn were the ones to file the U.S. Senate resolution. Meanwhile, Democratic Reps. Jackie Speier, James McGovern, Henry Johnson, Jamie Raskin, Brad Sherman and Lloyd Doggett II

introduced the House resolution.

The three senators called the U.S. resolutions “highly inappropriate” since “the Philippines is no longer a vassal or a colony of the United States of America, but a sovereign state and a member of the family of nations governed by its own municipal laws and the generally accepted principles of international law.”

“Considering the tenor of the resolutions of both houses of the U.S. Congress, the same can be considered an interference and intervention on a purely domes-

Senate President Vicente III Philstar.com photo

tic within the authority of the Republic of the Philippines, a sovereign state and equal in stature to that of the United States of America,” they added.

The Philippine Senate resolution also stressed that the separate criminal cases against De Lima and Ressa are “already filed in court and the judicial process against them are underway, the government cannot do anything but to let the wheels of justice take its course.”

Moreover, the senators pointed out that De Lima is still allowed to deliver her function as a senator despite her detention.

Sen. Risa Hontiveros, however, came to the defense of the American lawmakers.

“Let us not confuse international solidarity with foreign intervention,” she said.

“We in the Philippines believe in due process and freedom of the press,” she added.

Malacañang on Monday deplored the U.S. resolutions and accused the American lawmakers of meddling in Philippine affairs.

“Their resolution is an unwelcome intrusion to our country’s domestic legal processes and an outrageous interference with our nation’s sovereignty as the subject cases are now being heard by our local courts,” Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said.

“No government official of any country has the authority or right to dictate on how we address the commission of crimes,” he added.

Panelo also urged the lawmakers to “mind their own business” as “their country has enough problems and they should focus on them.” (Ritchel Mendiola/AJPress)

LA City Councilman and chair of the council’s transportation committee Mike Bonin of the 11th District led the unveiling of the new transit plat with expansion of DASH service on Thursday, April 11.

AJPress photo by Klarize Medenilla

LA Dept. of Transportation unveils new transit plan with expansion of DASH service

by Klarize

Medenilla AJPress

the city.

The Moving Forward ToPUBLIC transit in Los Angeles gether project by LADOT is an all-encompassing revamp of the just got a lot more accessible.

The LA Department of Trans- city’s public transit system that portation (LADOT) unveiled its includes weekend service for all new service expansion this week DASH routes, and it increases that includes wider access and DASH Downtown route hours to increased service hours, a new 9 p.m.

Additionally, the new ComCommuter Express Service and the increase of on-demand ride- muter Express Service offers share services in certain areas of a new, affordable route option

that stretches from Playa Vista and DTLA. “I am really glad to be here to celebrate what is a huge milestone for public transportation, for the City of Los Angeles and for the growing movement in this city and in this country to protect our environment and to stop climate change,” LA City Councilman and chair of the PAGE A5

Malacañang calls for compensation...

PAGE A2 t the dictatorial rule herself, urged the administration to support the reparation of the martial law victims.

“I cannot understand and imagine why the government should not support a ruling, a foreign judgment that is actually helping the poor,” Rosales said during a phone interview as reported by The Philippine Star.

“The fears (that something may prevent the distribution) are always there and we should be ready for the worst. But we can always appeal to the government to be compassionate,” Rosales added.

Claimants 1081 Executive Di-

rector Zenaida Mique called for the government to secure the distribution of the settlement proceeds. She stated: “we trust that the Philippine government will honor the ruling. We call on President Duterte to support the distribution.”

“A compassionate government should be more than willing to protect and make sure that this distribution goes through very smoothly. This is exactly what these poor people need,” Mique added.

A total of $13.75 million or about P715 million will be transferred from the retrieved properties of the Marcos family to the 6,500 eligible class members.

The compensation for the vic-

tims will amount to $10,712,157 after covering the counsel fee, incentive award, collective costs and expenses of counsel, and cost of distribution. Each class member will receive $1,500 while $762,157 will remain in the fund.

The family of victims claiming the settlement proceeds must bring the letter sent by the lawyers’ team with two valid identification cards bearing their photos. In the case of deceased victims, the next of kin may be able to receive the check.

This marks the third round of compensation from the U.S. court for the victims after they were awarded $1,000 and $1,100 in previous wins. n

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Day of Valor in the nation’s capital honors...

SEIZED. Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) personnel, led by jail warden Supt. Randel Latoza, prepare for disposal confiscated contrabands such as mobile phones, smart watches, tobacco bricks, tobacco sticks, and cigarettes, sneaked inside the Manila City Jail. The items were seized from inmates during the conduct of “Oplan Linis Piitan” on Tuesday, April 9.

PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan

china warns US, others in South china Sea: ‘Stop stirring trouble’

by Pia Lee-Brago Philstar.com

CHINA warned the United States and other nations against stirring up trouble in the “calm” South China Sea. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang on Wednesday said the presence of the U.S. and other “non-regional forces” could stir up the South China Sea, which he said is already calm.

Lu made the statement when asked to comment on the presence of USS Wasp in the disputed waters near the Philippines and the shoals.

“I may need to check on the specific situation. I can tell you that the principled position of the Chinese side is that we hope nonregional forces will refrain from stirring up troubles in the calm South China Sea,” Lu said.

The USS Wasp, a helicopter carrier of the US Marines with F35B Lightning II stealth fighter jets, was spotted near Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal that China has occupied since 2012.

Officials said the ship was participating in this year’s joint Balikatan exercises with the Philippine military.

Reports said fishermen from Zambales on their way to fish in Chinese-controlled Panatag Shoal saw fighter jets taking off and landing on the aircraft carrier.

Officials said the USS Wasp was only around 35 to 40 nautical miles off Zambales. Panatag is farther away at around 160 nautical miles from the mainland.

Malacañang said on Wednesday it would consider Chinese presence near islands occupied

by Filipinos an assault on Philippine sovereignty.

Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo emphasized the Chinese have “no business being there.”

Panelo was reacting to the reported presence of Chinese vessels off Kota Island and Panatag last March 28.

Chinese fishing boats, Coast Guard vessels and maritime militia ships also “swarmed” the areas surrounding Pag-asa Island, the largest of nine Philippinecontrolled islets in the disputed Spratlys region.

Officials said the swarming was an effort by the Chinese to stymie the further development of the island.

President Duterte told China to “lay off” Pag-asa Island because he has soldiers there.

Duterte warned he will or-

der the soldiers to prepare for a “suicide mission” to defend the island.

Department of National Defense (DND) spokesman Arsenio Andolong said the military is just awaiting the green light from Malacañang to deploy forces and defend the country’s sovereignty.

“We are ready to go into action if we are ordered to do so, not really in the context that we are ready to go to war but to defend our sovereignty and territory.

That’s what we’re going to do,” Andolong said.

The Department of Foreign Affairs earlier said the presence of Chinese ships around Pag-asa is illegal as the Philippines has sovereign rights and jurisdiction over the island, which China calls Thitu.

The Philippine government filed a diplomatic protest over the presence of the Chinese swarm.

Panelo said China is expected to respond to the Philippines’ protest within days.

Non-negotiable Malacañang said the Philippine government would continue to be “diplomatically kind” to China but matters of national sovereignty remain “non-negotiable.”

Panelo said the Duterte administration’s policy of seeking friendship with China has been effective despite the presence of Chinese ships in Philippineclaimed areas.

The spokesman noted China provided firearms to the Philippines when Islamic State-linked terrorists occupied Marawi City.

He also cited the China-funded rehabilitation center in Agusan del Sur. “We’re returning the courtesy... We need a studied response.

We are not reckless. We don’t just claim ‘There are vessels there’,” Panelo said.

Asked how the Philippines is reciprocating China’s “kindness,” Panelo replied: “By being diplomatically kind to them with respect to whatever action they are doing, at the same time asserting our sovereignty and our determination not for any foreign country to intrude into our sovereignty.”

Panelo said China should reciprocate the Philippines’ kindness by leaving the areas that belong to the Philippines.

“You know, we’re supposed to be friends. And as to the President, he says ‘friends don’t do that.’ If we are friends, we should be friendly in terms of our ac-

LA Dept. of Transportation unveils...

PAGE A4 t council’s transportation committee Mike Bonin of the 11th District said at a press conference in the LADOT Transit’s new facility in DTLA on Thursday, April 11.

The massive expansion of public transit comes after two years in the research and public engagement period, where city officials asked thousands of Angelenos who said they want “green public transit options” and new ways to alleviate traffic, reduce emissions and ensure safer commutes.

As a result, LADOT has purchased 77 compressed natural gas and electric buses that will be housed in the new DTLA facility.

In the vein of popular rideshare services Uber and Lyft, last month, LADOT introduced LAnow, an on-demand shared ride service for the city wherein you can hail a ride online, by phone or through the new LAnow smartphone app. Currently, the service is restricted to folks on the Westside — Mar Vista, Palms, Venice and Del Rey. LAnow one way fares are free for children 4-years-old and younger, $1.50 for adults and children 5-years-old or older and $0.75 for senior citizens

www.ladottransit.com/lanow.)

This month, LADOT says that its Cityride service — an assistance program for senior citizens and people with disabilities who live in the city and select areas of the county — has provided more riders with benefits such as free rides on the DASH system.

For years, the city has been looking for ways to improve its public transit system, partially as a way to mitigate the city’s notorious traffic problems. But it’s also a part of the city’s commitment for a sustainable future.

The State of California has committed to going 100% zero emissions bus fleet by 2040, but the City of LA plans to achieve that by 2030 with the new electric buses that the city purchased for its DASH service. Bonin also noted that the LA Metro service is also moving towards 100% electric as well.

“That means smoother and quieter rides and cleaner air for the neighborhoods that we serve,” Bonin said. “What’s exciting about what’s happening here is that it’s happening fast and it’s happening right now.

The future is here, and it’s here today. Los Angeles City, Los Angeles County and the State of California are gonna lead the way to make sure we have a cli-

tions,” Panelo said.

“We are kind in the sense that we are courteous to them but with respect to sovereignty issue, that’s a different story. We have to assert our sovereignty... It’s non-negotiable,” he added.

Panelo said the issue may be discussed during the bilateral meeting between Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Belt and Road forum in Beijing later this month.

“My educated guess is since we have already raised that, they may respond during the bilateral talk,” Panelo said. n

PAGE A3 t wondered if the nation he fought for had “a new birth of freedom, and that government of the people by the people for the people, will perish from the earth?” He reminded the audience: “We did our best to fight for democracy in the Philippines. But today, it’s going nowhere. Are we going to allow it to perish from the earth?

Please rise to maintain democracy in the Philippines.”

That is the great task remaining before the Filipino people, Almeda implied, so that those who died shall not have died in vain.

In his closing remarks, Commodore Elson Aguilar, the Philippine Embassy’s Director of Philippine Veterans Affairs, said the best way to “repay the sacrifices of our veterans” is to get involved in veteran-related activities, such as participating in the annual Bataan Memorial Death March in White Sands, New Mexico and the Freedom Trail Death March in the Philippines, which is organized by the Department of National Defense and the Philippine Veterans Bank. He also urged support for FilVetREP’s Congressional Gold Medal project, which is now in its education phase.

Also participating in the hourlong ceremony were the U.S. Armed Forces Color Guard and Filipino American stage actor Justine de Guzman Moral, who sang the Philippine and U.S. National Anthems.

War and memory At a reception held at the Philippine Embassy Chancery following the wreath-laying

ceremony, the Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project (FilVetREP) presented a slide show on the recently-concluded Bataan Memorial Death March 2019. FilVetREP executive committee member Sonny Busa opened the presentation by citing a quote by Vietnamese American scholar and novelist Viet Thanh Nguyen: “All wars are fought twice, the first time on the battlefield, the second time in memory.”

“Our participation in the Bataan Memorial Death March in the last six years has raised greater awareness about the role of Filipino soldiers, 10,000 of whom died in that 65-mile march from Bataan to prison camps,” Busa said. “Not very many people even knew that Bataan is in the Philippines. Today, the Philippines has a prominent presence in this annual event. But it is more than just a marathon. It is a meaningful way of remembering the courage of death march survivors who endured a horrendous experience. Those who could no longer keep pace with the march due to starvation, lack of water, shelter and medicine were beaten, bayoneted, shot while others were beheaded by the Japanese Imperial Army soldiers.”

Busa encouraged more participation from the community next year, which will be held on March 15 at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico.

This year, 30 FilVetREP members and their families joined as marchers and volunteers.

Next mission: Education FilVetREP National Chairman

Retired Maj. Gen. Antonio Taguba is now leading a nationwide effort to build a digital national education platform to complement the Congressional Gold Medal, which will be displayed at a major national museum, possibly at the Smithsonian’s American History museum.

“The medal is not just a piece of metal,” he says. “It symbolizes the service and sacrifice of Filipino and American soldiers who fought under the American flag and made the ultimate sacrifice.

Their stories are deeply moving and compelling. They need to be enshrined in American history and preserved for posterity so the next generation of Americans will learn what happened not only during the war, but after the war.”

The first phase of FilVetREP’s mission is almost completed, with more than 1,500 medals awarded at 56 ceremonies in the U.S. and three in the Philippines. FilVetREP’s task now is to collect memorabilia, souvenirs, letters, oral histories and other documents related to the war in the Philippines.

The plan is to launch a digital interactive program with an educational curriculum that’s accessible in classrooms, libraries and other public spaces. “We wish to educate the American public on the extraordinary acts of valor and selfless sacrifice of Filipino American soldiers in defense of the United States of America,” Taguba said. “Their exemplary story of patriotism, citizenship and courage embodied the American values of freedom and democracy.” n

A April 13-16, 2019 • lA WEEKEND ASiAN JOUrNAl

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Dateline PhiliPPines

Filipinos continue seeking work abroad World Bank: PH 4th biggest recipient of remittances in 2018

by Ben

O. de Vera Inquirer.net

THE Philippines was the fourth biggest recipient of remittances from migrant workers in 2018 and the World Bank expects a boost to these cash transfers from the plan to deploy more overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to Japan.

The Washington-based World Bank’s April 2019 Migration and Development Brief showed that the $33.8 billion in remittance flows to the Philippines were only behind India’s $78.6 billion, China’s $67.4 billion and Mexico’s $35.7 billion.

However, the Philippines’ ranking in terms of volume of remittances declined by a notch from third place in 2017.

Also, the 3.1-percent growth in remittances last year slowed from 2017’s 5.4 percent.

“Growth was lower due to the significant drop of 15 percent in

private transfers from the Middle East in 2018,” the World Bank explained.

The World Bank nonetheless said remittance fees to the Philippines remained among the lowest in the East Asia and Pacific region as costs to send money back home from Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Spain and Malaysia were the lowest cost corridors during the fourth quarter of last year.

Moving forward, the World Bank sees Japan’s new policy to hire 345,000 foreign workers during the next five years, starting April 11, boosting remittance flows to the Philippines and eight other priority countries.

The countries prioritized by Japan to supply foreign laborers also include Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Mongolia, Myanmar, nepal, Thailand and Vietnam.

Migrant workers from these

nine countries will be deployed to 14 sectors in Japan that have “severe labor shortages,” the World Bank noted.

“Both nepal and the Philippines signed a memorandum of cooperation with Japan on March 25, 2019. The Philippines is seeking to capitalize on the new demand, particularly for skilled workers, and anticipates filling nearly 100,000 of the possible positions,” it said.

BRAVING THE RAINS. Thousands of supporters brave the rain to witness President Rodrigo R. Duterte as he leads the Partido Demokratiko Remittances were the coun- Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) campaign rally at the Bacolod City Government Center Football Field in Negros Occidental on Thursday, try’s biggest source of foreign April 11.

Malacañang photo by Robinson Niñal, Jr. exchange income, insulating the domestic economy from external shocks by ensuring steady supply of dollars into the system. by nathalie rOBles These cash transfers were also should be no lapses in the budget “Our economic managers AJPress a major driver for consumption, that he will sign once he returns. have contingency plans prehence contributing to robust ecoPHIlIPPInE President Ro- He remained firm on his promise pared, responsive to any connomic growth.

An estimated 10 million Fili- drigo Duterte on Thursday, April to veto the bill even if everyone ceivable event, and they will corpinos, or a tenth of the country’s 11 threatened to veto the entire would suffer from such a deci- respondingly adjust their targets, which include the execution of P3.757-trillion national budget sion. population, work abroad. n “Pagka tagilid talaga (If it is re- programs and projects relating for 2019 if found to be problemally problematic), I will not hesi- to infrastructure as well as the atic.

During a campaign rally in Ba- tate to veto the entire budget. Eh delivery of basic services to the colod City, the president said that ‘di pasensya tayong lahat (We will people,” Panelo said.

The spokesperson emphasized the budget has been submitted, all suffer),” the president added.

Malacañang initially an- that the legal team of Duterte is but is pending his review.

“Kita mo ‘yung budget. Ang nounced that the appropriations currently focusing on assessbudget kasa-submit lang. I have bill will be signed on Monday, ing the 2019 budget before it is to sign it pagdating ko. Pagbalik April 15. However, Presidential signed as law.

“It (Office of the President) is ko pa. Pinag-aralan pa. So ang Spokesperson Salvador Panelo legal ko magbasa uli. ngayon pushed it to another date after poring over the details of the document and checking which items pagka talagang tagilid ‘yan, I will the Holy Week.

“Kinalendar na pero mukhang therein may be constitutionally outright veto the entire budget (Look at the budget. The budget pinag-aaralan pa eh baka after infirm or legally unacceptable had just been submitted. I have to Holy Week (The budget signing pursuant to the president’s powsign it when I return [to Manila]. has been calendared already but er and duty to ensure that the law I’m still studying it. So my legal is it seems that it is still being stud- is enforced and the Constitution reviewing it. Not, if there are re- ied, so maybe it will be signed is free from any violation,” Panally irregularities, I will outright after the Holy Week),” Panelo elo added.

The country is now operating veto the entire budget),” Duterte told reporters.

Panelo announced that the with a 2018 reenacted budget. told the audience.

The president emphasized that proposed budget would possible The national Economic and Deboth the House of Representa- lapse into law by April 26. He velopment Authority (nEDA) tives and the Senate have been added that the officials in charge warned that the 2019 economic arguing over the alleged pork of assessing the country’s bud- growth would slow down to 4.9 insertions in the General Appro- get were prepared to address to 5.1 percent if the budget is enpriations Bill for 2019 and cannot any possible outcomes with re- acted in August and to 4.2 to 4.9 gards to the General Appropria- percent if no new spending bill is reach an agreement. passed this year. n He went on to say that there tions Bill.

Duterte threatens to veto 2019 budget if problematic

Rappler, staff challenge Duterte coverage ban at SC

by Kristine JOy

Philstar.com

Patag

BAGUIO — Online news site Rappler and its reporters ran to the Supreme Court on Thursday, April 11, to ask for the lifting of the President Rodrigo Duterte’s ban against its reporters.

On Thursday, Rappler filed a petition for certiorari before the SC to assail the chief executive’s order to prohibit the news organization and its reporters from covering public events where he is present.

In a statement sent to media, the online news site said that the ban “violates constitutional guarantees of press freedom, free speech, due process and equal protection.”

The news site also argued that the prohibition “is based on a personal determination by the executive branch that Rappler or its journalists are ‘liars’ or peddlers of ‘fake news,’ a determination which has no basis in law, and effectively creates another layer of government regulation of the press.”

The Malacañang first banned journalist Pia Ranada, who covers the president, from covering a Duterte event the Palace in February 2018.

A member of the Presidential Security Group told Ranada on Feb. 20, 2018 that an order was issued to prevent her from entering the premises.

Harry Roque, presidential spokesperson at the time, said that Duterte got “irritated” with Ranada, whom the chief executive supposedly treated like his own granddaughter, and with Rappler.

The national Union of Journalists of the Philippines said then that the move showed “extreme pettiness” on the president’s part.

“The depth to which he can stoop to unleash the awesome power of his office against individuals with whom he disagrees is, to say the least, appalling and extremely unbecoming of his office. He has acted much like petulant child throwing a fit,” nUJP also said.

The petitioners noted that Duterte, on March 1, 2018, said in a speech in Filipino: “Don’t reply.

You’re investigating us, fact-finding, well sorry. Do not f*** with me. It’s difficult when it comes out, look at these newspapers and Rappler. The speech I’m making today will be presented differently by them tomorrow. That’s why I’m banning them now. That is my order. Do not talk to people who will produce lies out of your statements. And who can twist it forever to the angle that they would like it to.”

The Palace order against Rappler was issued a day after former Christopher “Bong” Go, then special assistant to the president and now running for senator, said Rappler delivers “fake news”—a comment often used for reports that are seen as critical of the administration.

Although the ban has been implemented for more than a year, no document containing the order has been made public.

The petitioners argued that the ban is “unconstitutional for violat-

ing the right to due process. Without prior notice or hearing, the president imposed the ban with no clear scope.”

In a separate statement, the news outfit said that their petition “is not just about Rappler.”

“It is about every journalist’s mandate to cover without prior restraint or threat of punishment the Office of the President and scrutinize the tremendous power it holds,” they added.

Cases against Rappler The ban on the news site came weeks after the Securities and Exchange Commission order their closure due to an alleged violation on foreign ownership laws.

Rappler challenged the order before the Court of Appeals, which later remanded the case to the SEC to review whether Omidyar’s donation mitigated or cured the alleged violation.

The ban from Malacañang compound for Ranada also later expanded to include all events that Duterte attends. All reporters of the news outfit, including correspondents in the regions, have been barred from covering the president’s events.

Rappler is also facing legal suits before different courts in the country, which the company says is part of a pattern of political persecution.

Despite the comments from the president and his allies, the Palace has distanced itself from the cases against the online news site, saying the government is only enforcing the law. n

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Dateline PhiliPPines

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • ApRIL 13-16, 2019

A

Philippines’ 1.6% annual population growth rate trumps India, US, China

by Neil

ASSISTIVE DEVICES. Department of Health- Calabarzon Regional Director Dr. Eduardo C. Janairo (in checkered polo), distributes 160 assorted assistive devices for senior citizens during the 2nd Senior Citizens Health Summit held at Ciudad Christhia Resort in San Mateo, Rizal on Thursday, April 11. The devices were turned over to the elderly community in Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon provinces.

PNA photo by Ben Briones

Duterte: I won’t reveal where I keep my wealth

by Nestor

corrAles Inquirer.net

MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday, April 11, said he won’t disclose where he keeps his wealth following the release of a three-part Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) series on the increase in his family’s earnings.

The PCIJ also raised questions about the presidential family’s law firm and failure to disclose some business interests in their Statement of As-

sets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN).

“Wag kayo maniwala sa basura ng oposisyon. I will explain it…Well, sabihin ko sa inyo in due time (Do not believe garbage from the opposition. I will explain it. I’ll tell you in due time),” Duterte said in his speech during the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) rally in Bacolod City.

But for now, the president said he isn’t revealing where his wealth is.

“Mayaman? Taguin ko. Bakit

2-M overseas Filipinos to vote starting on Sat–Comelec by williAM

depAsupil ManilaTimes.net

ABOUT two million registered overseas Filipino voters (OFVs) will cast their ballots starting on Saturday as the law-mandated month-long overseas absentee voting (OAV) opens in 85 Philippine posts in various countries around the world.

Figures from the Comelec Overseas Voting Office showed that of the 1,822,173 registered voters, 61.19 percent or 1,114,981 were female while 38.81 percent or 707,192 or 38.81 percent were male.

The highest concentration

of overseas voters are in the Middle East and African Region with a total of 377,237, followed by the North and Latin American Region at 136,924; Asia Pacific Region, 393,728; and European Region, 165,191.

There are a total of 1,779,140 land-and 43,033 sea-based voters respectively.

Jimenez said that all overseas and local voting centers would close at the same time at 6 p.m. (Philippine time) on May 13.

“The results of the overseas voting would not be known until the closing of the voting period on May 13,” said Jimenez. n

ko sasabihin sa inyo kung saan ko nailagay? Gago pala kayo eh. May tao ba rito, ma-holdap pa tayo. May pera? May pera ako. Ulol (Wealthy? I’ll keep it. Why will I tell you where I keep it? You are fools. I may be robbed. I have money, fools),” he said.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo had earlier dared critics to file charges if they truly believe that the rise in the wealth of Duterte’s family was ill-gotten. n

ArwiN MercAdo Inquirer.net

MANILA — The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) reported that the Philippines’ population grew by 1.6% annually from 2010 to 2019.

According to the report, the annual population growth rate in the country is faster than India (1.2%), the United States (0.7%) and China (0.5%).

UNFPA’s report also showed that the country’s annual population growth rate is among the highest in the Southeast Asian region along with Malaysia, Singapore, and Cambodia, which also reported an annual growth rate of 1.6%.

The Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, had the highest annual population growth rate in the region at 2.2%.

The Philippines’ current population of 108.1 million, the report added, is 40 million more than the 1994 population of 68.2 million.

In terms of population composition per age in 2019, 64% of Filipinos are in the 15 to 64 age range while 31% are aged 0 to 14.

Only 5% of the population are aged 65 and above.

Life expectancy of Filipinos is at 70 years, an improvement from the 66 years in 1994 and 61 years in 1969.

Amid the rising population,

UNFPA hailed the government’s efforts to implement family planning methods in the country through the revamped National Program on Population and Family Planning (NPPFP) which would accelerate the full implementation of the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act. “The Philippine government remains strong in its commitment to fulfill the promise of the Interna-

tional Conference on Population and Development Programme of Action, to put people at the center of sustainable development and to pursue the realization of every Filipino’s sexual and reproductive rights,” said Undersecretary for Population and Development and Executive Director of the Philippine Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM) Dr. Juan Antonio A. Perez III during the release of the report. n

A8 APRIL 13-16, 2019 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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OPINION

Extortion at Immigration

FEATURES

FOREIGN visitors are rarely knowledgeable about the laws of the country they are visiting, or about the processes for filing a complaint in case they become victims of abuses or crime. Tourists normally don’t have time to pursue complaints in the places that they visit.

These must be among the reasons why there have been numerous reports for many years now about foreigners becoming victims of extortion — by police, or by personnel at airports and the Bureau of Immigration.

The latest case involves 15 South Koreans, who were reportedly threatened with detention for overstaying unless they paid grease money to Bureau of Immigration personnel who apprehended them in Angeles City, Pampanga on March 6. The Koreans allegedly coughed out from P280,000 to P1 million each to the BI extortionists, for a total of P9.4 million.

South Korea has consistently ranked as the Philippines’ No. 1 source of foreign tourists, accounting for about a fifth of annual arrivals for several years now. Remembering how Filipinos fought with them in the war against the north, South Koreans have also provided significant amounts of official development assistance to the Philippines.

Foreign visitors must comply with the laws of the

host country. But extortion by Philippine government personnel obviously erodes bilateral goodwill.

Fortunately, the government has acted quickly and identified 18 immigration agents tagged in the alleged extortion.

President Duterte himself reportedly ordered the suspension of the BI personnel, 10 of them regular employees and the eight holding “job order” or confidential positions. Apart from administrative sanctions, the 18 may also face criminal charges, with the National Bureau of Investigation conducting its own probe.

The BI has been rocked by other extortion scandals in the past, as well as cases of foreigners being allowed to leave the country even if they are facing criminal charges here including drug trafficking.

Red tape, which opens opportunities for grease money, is a common complaint in the BI. This latest case involving the South Koreans should lead to a thorough housecleaning in the bureau. (Philstar.com)

Editorial

Philstar.com photo

Appreciating and preserving nature’s wildflowers and snow-capped mountains

Rhizomes

PROSY ABARQUEZDELACRUZ, J.D. “Something will have gone out of us as a people if we ever let the remaining wilderness be destroyed; if we permit the last virgin forests to be turned into comic books and plastic cigarette cases; if we drive the few remaining members of the wild species into zoos or to extinction; if we pollute the last clean air and dirty the last clean streams and push our paved roads through the last of the silence, so that never again will Americans be free in their own country from the noise, the exhausts, the stinks of human and automotive waste.” - Wallace Stegner, The Wilderness Letter, written to the Outdoor Recreation Resources Review Commission, 1962 and subsequently in “The Sound of Mountain Water” (1969) “Ecuador was the first country to officially recognize the rights of nature in 2008. Rather than treating nature as property, Ecuador recognized that nature has constitutional rights and has the “right to exist, persist, maintain and regenerate its vital cycles.”

“Rights of nature” means that

ecosystems and natural communities are not merely property that can be owned, but are entities that have an independent right to exist and flourish.” In November 2010, the city of Pittsburgh in western Pennsylvania became the first major municipality in the United States to recognize rights for nature.” – Priscilla Woolworth, 2019 WILL California follow the example of Ecuador and Pittsburgh? Go North towards Antelope Valley and the super bloom of orange poppies are prevalent as far as the eyes could see.

Drive South to Anza-Borrego or east towards Joshua National Tree and the wildflowers of different colors are in full bloom.

A drive towards southeastern San Luis Obispo and Carrizo Plain’s 246,812 acres of national monument promises a spectacular extravaganza of wildflowers in bloom, known as California goldfield flowers. Others describe these wildflowers as yellow daisies, tiny violets, and lavenders.

“In the foothills, golden brush shrubs begin to bloom, gleaming with bright yellow petals. The supple purple of the bush lupines will bless the scenery along with pale yellows of the loco weed.

Depending on the year, pop-

pies will litter the landscape with plump orange petals,” according to the Bureau of Land Management in 2016.

Nurturing respect for mother nature’s wildflowers “Mama, are we going home now?”

“No, we are going on an adventure,” Mom responds, as she grips the steering wheel and describes where we are headed.

It is where the clouds awaken your spirit, made weary by streets with large potholes, untrimmed trees and uncollected trash in LA City. It is where colors of hot pink, purple, yellow, orange are in the hills. It is as if Monet painted the hillsides with these colors, almost an artist’s palette.

Princess, a pseudonym for my four-year-old granddaughter, calls them out: “yellow, purple, orange, and rainbow.”

“But there are no rainbow hills,” I said.

“I color them on paper, Grandma,” she said.

It is where we went on unpaved roads, “off roading,” surrounded by vibrant yellow daisies on both sides of the road. It is where the birds are tweeting so loud that my granddaughter pointed north, “You hear them over there.” It is where you see patches on the mountain, from

Ramboterte

Street Talk GREG B. MACABENTA FIRST, Malacañang spokesman Salvador Panelo described as “futile,” the recent complaint against Chinese President Xi Jinping filed by former Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario and former Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales over China’s transgressions in the West Philippine Sea. Now, President Rodrigo Duterte has issued a blunt warning to his erstwhile friend to back off from Pagasa Island or else he will order “suicide missions” against the obviously superior Chinese forces.

The Duterte warning comes after he received reports that over 200 Chinese vessels have begun to apply its “cabbage” tactic against Pagasa, with the apparent objective of choking the Philippine presence on the island.

Duterte, who has insisted that he still wants to remain friends with China, declared, “I will not plead or beg, but I am just telling you that lay off the Pag-asa because I have soldiers there.”

The news has been carried by international media and has been described as the first time Duterte

has been this blunt to the Chinese over territorial disputes in the West Philippine Sea. Duterte added, “If you touch it (Pagasa), that’s another story.

Then I will tell my soldiers ‘prepare for suicide missions’.”

You might call them the ‘Rambotertes.’

Of course, the reason for describing an armed conflict with the Chinese as suicidal is because of the obvious superiority of China’s military. The fate of the Rambotertes could be worse than that of the Fallen Forty-four.

But why has Duterte changed his tune?

Has Duterte finally realized that he is being regarded as full of hot air because of his passivity towards the Chinese in contrast to his fire and thunder rhetoric against his political opponents and his undiplomatic language against his international critics?

Or is it because he wants to gain brownie points in the forthcoming elections with voters who have begun to doubt his strong man persona?

Or is it because he has been reassured of U.S. military support in case of an armed conflict with the Chinese? In a recent visit to Manila, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo reportedly gave the

assurance that the U.S. will come to the Philippines’ aid in case of an armed attack by the Chinese.

Pompeo was clearly referring to the tensions in the West Philippine Sea. Observers believe the reasons for Duterte’s bluntness are all of the above. Duterte’s popularity with his base has been mainly due to his tough guy stance. Even his visual symbol is a clenched fist. But his fawning attitude towards the Chinese has increasingly been described by his critics as cowardice – and that apparently is the one thing that hurts Duterte’s macho ego.

To be realistic, the Philippines has a puny military compared to the Chinese and our country would be like a little mouse roaring at the dragon. But critics have demanded that, as the leader of a sovereign nation, Duterte should at very least defend our rights in the proper international forums.

Which was what then-President Benigno Aquino III and then Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario did, and which was what Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio has repeatedly urged Duterte to do.

But Duterte did the opposite when he disregarded the ruling of the international maritime tri-

30 miles away, carpeted by wildflowers that you get so excited at seeing the possibilities of thousands of blooms.

In one section, my daughter C saw a small rabbit and said, “Princess, there goes a bunny.”

“It is almost Easter, I would greet the bunny ‘Gung Hai Fat Choy,’” Princess answered.

“Princess, that means Happy New Year,” Mom explained.

“But, the bunny does not know that,” Princess said, with her celebrated wit.

We all could not stop laughing.

“Stop laughing,” she said.

Even at 4 years old, she has boundaries.

“Sweetheart, when grandma laughs, she likes what you are saying. She is not laughing at you. She is not making fun of you,” Mom explained.

I almost choked to the point of an asthma attack, holding back my laughter, my joy really!

Purple, orange, yellow carpeted hills My favorite daughter C enthusiastically points to the hills, as if Monet painted them, not with pastel shades, but vibrant yellows, purples and oranges.

The season had just started.

What happens then when the orange mini flowers grow more in

two weeks or so? I imagine these poppies would bloom, much like Lake Elsinore’s Walker Ranch’s super bloom early March. You feel closer to the Creator and overcome by gratitude for what He created. I could not contain my delight, and the blooms seemed enough, keeping me inspired for days. Lunch was halfeaten, as I felt satisfied, not needing more.

I imagine the Ryan Cayabyab

Singers (RCS) singing, “The Hills Are Alive,” like Julie Andrews did, but with RCS’ signature dance moves, complete with a wheeled-in Steinway piano. I continue to imagine Maestro Ryan Cayabyab, the Philippines’ National Artist on Music, playing with gusto all the pieces he wants to, absent an audience. I imagine the music he would play would be out of the 12 musicals

bunal that China’s claims had no legal basis. Duterte’s apologists have tried to justify this by claiming that ruffling the feathers of the Chinese would jeopardize negotiations for economic aid and infrastructure loans.

But even this rationale has worn thin because of China’s allegedly predatory lending tactics which have resulted in its taking over of countries’ facilities that have had difficulty paying back development loans.

With his rationalizations becoming less and less defensible, Duterte may have found something to fall back on with the recent reassurance given by Pompeo. Added to this are the continuing activities of the U.S. Navy in the South China Sea, which the Chinese have characterized as increasing tensions in the area.

Just recently, naval forces of the U.S. and the United Kingdom conducted joint exercises in the South China Sea. The Chinese have been unable to do anything about this not-so-subtle warning that there are superior military powers that can make them behave.

The Americans have made it clear that they intend to exercise freedom of navigation in the South China Sea. They are, in a manner of speaking, placing a chip on their shoulder and daring the Chinese to knock it off. At this

point, Beijing knows better than to take on the 7th Fleet.

Of course, this is not necessarily because of America’s fondness for the Philippines. The South China Sea lanes are of utmost political, military and economic importance to the U.S. and the Americans won’t be deprived of the freedom to navigate the area.

U.S. military officials have expressed growing concern over China’s increasing military might.

They know that China is raring to reclaim Taiwan, as well as take over the entire South China Sea area, but they do not believe that China has the capability at this point in time. However, the Chinese are famous for biding their time.

But what could force the hand of the Chinese military is an armed conflict with the Philippines over Pagasa. If Duterte makes good his threat to dispatch suicide missions to defend Philippine sovereignty, the Chinese dragon may have to think twice about crushing the pesky Pinoy mouse.

But the Chinese will have to worry about an American military reaction to such a conflict.

Thus, any action that the Chinese may take against the Philippines will have to be “measured” and “calculated.”

The “cabbage” tactic – which is a process of wrapping up the disputed territories like several

layers of cabbage leaves – is precisely such a measured and calculated move. If Duterte’s Rambotertes suddenly strike at the Chinese vessels in a suicide or surprise attack, the Chinese can pretend to be the victims of unprovoked violence and will claim the right to “defend” themselves.

The question is, will the U.S. consider such a “defensive” move an “attack” on the Philippines?

This may be a game of chess or Chinese checkers or sungka.

Whoever makes the first violent move will be construed as the “attacker.” In such a case, a suicide mission may not be advisable.

What may be advisable is for Duterte (accompanied by Ping Lacson, perhaps) to make an official trip to Pagasa and celebrate Philippine independence day there, complete with a flag raising ceremony.

Better yet, have U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo as a guest of honor. Or, at least, U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim. Bets can be safely placed that the Chinese can only seethe with frustration over this.

But they won’t dare do more than that. Dragons can get scared too.

Come to think of it, Duterte may also want to invite the Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines to the event. (gregmacabenta@hotmail. com)

Snow capped mountains in front of frozen Convict Lake

Photo by Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz

u PAGE A9

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OpiniOn & Features

Appreciating and preserving nature’s wildflowers...

PAGE A8 t

he has created, the last one, from, Larawan, based on Nick Joaquin’s plays, which got the best musical score award at the Metro Manila Film Festival 2017.

Joy from flowers “Mama, I am very very happy here. Great flowers to bring me here. I like seeing all the colors.”

“Mama, I do not want to leave, I like it here.” She perhaps has her agenda: to look for ladybugs, as we just pointed to a giant one.

“Don’t step on the wildflowers. They will say, ‘Ouch, it hurts, stop,’” she said.

We got off our vehicle to walk up the trails. She ran so fast to the top of the trail, then ran down to get me and took my hand: “Here Grandma, let me help you.”

As we got up the trail, I thanked her.

When we got home to eat dinner, she laid out the spoons for us and handed us a pint of ice cream, but withheld the last one, which she likes.

Her mom reminded her to share both. She got off her chair and took out another pint to share: lavender honey and a prior one, cacao nibs with mint.

“Hmm, delicious,” I exclaimed and took a few spoons.

Days later, she remembered and whispered: “Grandma, thank you and Lolo for coming to my house for dinner.”

I kissed her and said, “Welcome, we are so happy to be with you. We love you so much.”

After our goodbyes, she gave me a purple heart with glitter.

“Is this mine?” I asked. “Oh my Princess, you really know I love hearts, huh?” She nodded.

Would your heart not melt if you spent this kind of a day, surrounded by nature’s wildflowers, whose energies somehow are absorbed?

Will you gain an appreciation for every wildflower, even the miniatures, similar to recognizing a four-year-old’s warmth and compassion as her mom’s positive spirits?

The blowing winds gave us such a chill, realizing “the mountains are calling” as John Muir once said and “going to the mountains is going home.” We headed northeast.

Mammoth lakes Home feels serene and pristine.

We passed by Lake Palmdale, nearly four miles inshore length where trout fishing is an attraction. Lupines and mustard wildflowers saturated the hillsides with purple and yellow colors.

Hillsides carpeted with poppies in Lake Elsinore

The palette changed to red rock in the canyons as we approached Red Rock Canyon State Park a popular site for camping.

The desert has more in store for us literally, in the form of windmills generating power, whose blinking red lights on the horizon indicate power generation and power transfer at night, and acreage of solar panels absorbing the sun’s power to generate energy for our population’ s use.

As we approach Highway 395, gray rain clouds threatened the serenity of our very scenic ride.

Pelting sounds of rain on the rooftop of the vehicle could be heard.

Both sides of Highway 395 had snow-capped mountains. It was blinding pristine white as far as the eyes could see.

A local told us it was snowing since Thanksgiving. It is now mid-March. It started with 3-feet high snow, and by Valentine’s Day, 10-feet snow covered the main highway which was subsequently shut down. “Please hand me the shovel,” a worker said to me, while four others scooped the snow off the rooftop of a storefront business. I handed it to him, while he retrieved it, halfway down the ladder.

A frozen Convict Lake greeted us. It is described as “nestled in the aspens of Convict Canyon, below the towering peak of Mount Morrison and adjacent to a 170-acre crystal clear lake, Convict Lake Resort,” according to its website.

I watched two skiers come downhill the Mini Morrison

Photo by Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz

Chute Ski. It took four hours to walk up the ascent and the “cheap thrill downhill ski was 20 minutes,” a skier told me. Their priceless big smiles said it all.

We then drove to the Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, an 18-foot high snow bank, dwarfing our nine-foot high vehicle. A crowd of skiers waited for their lift to the snow line. They all looked so tiny as they skied the mountain so thick with snow. As they got off skiing, a refreshing look of satisfaction was apparent on their faces.

“The Earth has taken excellent care of us – let’s return the favor,” Oprah asserts in April 2019’s The Oprah Magazine.

More than returning the favor, we must follow the example of Ecuador and Pittsburgh that recognizes the “constitutional rights of nature to exist, persist, maintain and regenerate its vital cycles.” *** Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz, J.D. writes a weekly column for Asian Journal, called “Rhizomes.” She has been writing for AJ Press for 10 years. She also contributes to Balikbayan Magazine. Her training and experiences are in science, food technology, law and community volunteerism for 4 decades. She holds a B.S. degree from the University of the Philippines, a law degree from Whittier College School of Law in California and a certificate on 21st Century Leadership from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. She has been a participant in NVM Writing Workshops taught by Prof. Peter Bacho for 4 years and Prof. Russell Leong.

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

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • ApRIL 13-16, 2019

A

A10 april 13-16, 2019 • la WEEKEND aSiaN JOUrNal

Dateline PhiliPPines

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2 Filipinas ‘hired’ as surrogates barred from leaving PH TWO Filipinas who were “hired” to be surrogate mothers allegedly in Hongkong were stopped from leaving the country after the Bureau of Immigration discovered that they were actually bound for China.

Grifton Medina, Immigration Port Operations Division chief, said in a statement that the bureau’s travel control and enforcement unit (TCEU) intercepted the alleged victims only known as Ria, 32; and Ellie, 28 who were checked in at a Cebu Pacific flight at the immigration departure area of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3.

Medina said the victims who were both former overseas Filipino workers admitted to immigration officers that they agreed with the arrangement to carry the babies of others so that they

could support their families.

“They immediately confessed during interview that they were actually bound for China where their services as surrogate mothers were engaged for a fee of P300,000,” Medina said in his report to Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente.

“Both victims said that their visas will be processed in Hong Kong,” he said.

The women were turned over to the Justice department’s InterAgency Council Against Trafficking for further investigation and assistance.

A surrogate mother is a woman who agrees to become pregnant and give birth to a child for another person.

A surrogacy arrangement is usually sought when pregnancy is medically impossible or when

pregnancy risks are too dangerous for the intended mother.

Medina said the women were intercepted after seeing that the arrangement exploits women whose wombs were treated as commodities to meet the reproductive needs of rich people who were unable to bear a child.

In a similar case in 2018, the BI said that 32 women were held in Cambodia for being surrogate mothers in an illegal surrogacy ring supplying services to Chinese clients.

“We do not want the Philippines to be the next hub for this ‘womb for rent’ business,” said Medina. “It exploits the vulnerability of our women, who, out of poverty and desperation agrees to such arrangements,” he added. (Catherine Modesto and Bennie Vergara/ManilaTimes.net)

Pacquiao endorses Enrile for senator

be a senator once again),” Pacquiao said.

Enrile, Puwersa ng Masang SEN. Emmanuel “Manny” Pilipino (PMP) senatorial candiPacquiao has endorsed the date, thanked Pacquiao for his senatorial bid of former Senate endorsement during his visit to president Juan Ponce Enrile.

General Santos on Tuesday.

Pacquiao vowed the support “I am thankful for the enof his local party for Enrile’s re- dorsement of Sen. Manny Pacturn for a fifth six-year term in quiao, the People’s Champ, for the Senate. my candidacy to the Senate,” he “Our local political party, said.

People’s Champ Movement in “He is a hero to me and to all (General Santos), Sarangani Filipinos. As part of my camand South Cotabato will support paign here in General Santos Senator Enrile para maging se- City, I met with Senator Pacnador siya ulit (so that he can quiao to discuss our common

by Bernadette

taMayo ManilaTimes.net

objectives,” he said.

“We are in agreement that the government should speed up its efforts in providing adequate water supply and energy for Filipinos as well as in scrutinizing the privatization of companies concerning public services,” Enrile added. “These are issues I intend to take up in the Senate [if elected in May].”

Enrile held the position of Senate president from 2010 to 2013. He was Senate Minority Floor Leader from 2013 to 2016. Pacquiao was elected to the Senate in 2016. n

In this file photo, former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile shakes the hand of Manny Pacquiao during a visit at the People Champ’s house in General Santos City.

Senate photo

BUILDING COLLAPSE. A man passes by the abandoned part of a three-story building along Veronica St. in Binondo, Manila that collapsed due to structural deterioration on Wednesday, April 10. No one was reported hurt in the incident but tenants occupying the part of the building that is still standing have been told to vacate the premises for their safety.

PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan

PET urged to resolve Marcos’ case vs Robredo by edu

Punay Philstar.com

BAGUIO CITY — The Supreme Court sitting as the Presidential Electoral Tribunal (PET) was asked on Wednesday, April 10, to resolve the election protest filed by former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. against Vice President Leni Robredo.

Supporters of Marcos belonging to the “Marcos Pa Rin” group held a rally outside the SC compound and urged the PET to settle the dispute in the 2016 vice presidential race 1000 days since the protest was filed.

“We are appealing to our justices of the Supreme Court to expedite the resolution of the case to allow the real vice president to start serving our country. This 1000-day period is not acceptable, especially for us millions who voted for him,” said the group’s leader Frank Esquilon.

The camp of Marcos reiterated the earlier motion calling on the PET to conduct a technical examination of the election returns and Election Day Computerized Voters List (EDVCLs) from the provinces of Basilan, Lanao del Sur and Maguidanao.

They referred to the findings of the Voters Identification Di-

vision of the Commission on Elections-Election Record and Statistics Department (ComelecERSD) which conducted a technical examination in response to the election protest of former Sulu vice governor Abdusakur Tan against ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman.

The report showed that in 508 precincts, 40,528 signatures and 3,295 thumbprints in the EDVCLs were not identical with the Voter’s Registration Receipts.

“There is clear evidence of massive cheating in the provinces mentioned in the Comelec report. Ignoring this report would be unfair for the voters and would affect the integrity of our election system,” Esquilon said.

The group also lauded Marcos for choosing to continue with his election protest despite the prodding from various sectors encouraging him to run for office in the upcoming 2019 senatorial elections.

“His decision not to run but rather continue with his protest is truly admirable. This shows a strength of character, something that most of our leaders lack nowadays. A lesser leader would have buckled under that kind of tremendous pressure,”

Esquilon said.

The PET has reportedly completed the preliminary revision of votes in the poll protest.

George Garcia, counsel of Marcos, revealed that the PET has already finished the revision in three pilot provinces specified in their poll protest – Camarines Sur, Iloilo and Negros Oriental.

“The tribunal is now in the stage of appreciation of votes where it is resolving the issues on ballots raised by parties,” he revealed in an interview.

The preliminary recount covers Camarines Sur, Iloilo and Negros Oriental, covering a total of 5,418 clustered precincts.

After recount of these three provinces, the PET will decide whether or not to proceed with the recount on a total of 132,446 precincts in 39,221 clustered precincts covering 27 provinces and cities identified in the protest of Marcos.

With this development, Garcia said they are optimistic that the tribunal would be able to resolve his protest within the year.

He said they are in fact hopeful that the PET would be able to resolve the case before Chief Justice Lucas Bersamin retires in October. n

38 Filipinos diagnosed with HIV every day

by Catherine

Modesto ManilaTimes.net

THE number of people infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) daily had grown to 38 from 32 in 2018 and two in 2009, according to the Department of Health (DOH).

HIV/AIDS and ART Registry of the Philippines data from the Health department’s epidemiology bureau showed that there are a total of 1,013 newly confirmed HIV-positive individuals, with 59 reported deaths for February 2019 alone, 968 of whom are males.

Of the total figure, eight are overseas Filipino workers and all were infected through sexual contact.

This figure is higher than the 871 reported in February 2018.

Of the February 2019 reported cases, at least 153 cases or 13 had clinical manifestations of advanced HIV infection or AIDS. AIDS refers to the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, which is the most severe phase of the HIV infection.

Sexual contact remains the predominant mode of transmission.

Transmission among the newly diagnosed is most common with males who have sex with males.

ManilaTimes.net photo

This is followed by those who have sex with both males and female, and those who engage in male-to-female sexual activity.

Other modes of transmission include needle-sharing among drug users and mother-to-child transmission.

Almost a third (32 percent) of the new cases came from Metro Manila; 17 percent from Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon); 12 percent from Central Luzon; 9 percent from Central Visayas; and 7 percent from Western Visayas.

Bicol Region accounted for 4 percent of the new cases, while 3 percent came from Davao Region;

2 percent each from Mimaropa (Mindoro Occidental, Mindoro Oriental, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan), Ilocos Region, Northern Mindanao, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula and Cagayan Valley; and 1 percent from Soccsksargen (South Cotabato, Cotabato Province, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos).

Cordillera Administrative Region and Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao had less than 1 percent.

Since January 1984, there had been a total of 64,291 HIV cases, with 7,447 AIDS cases and 3,135 deaths. n

Duterte: ISIS will never gain a foothold in PH again by alexis

roMero Philstar.com

MANILA — International terrorist group Islamic State of Iraq and Syria will no longer gain a foothold anywhere in the Philippines but remains a cause for concern for government forces, President Rodrigo Duterte said.

Duterte cited the military’s gains against the Abu Sayyaf, a local terrorist group involved in bombings and kidnappings that has pledged allegiance to the ISIS. The strength of the Abu Sayyaf has been estimated at about 400.

“I am especially pleased with our military’s recent accomplishments against the Abu Sayyaf Group. Your efforts have brought us even closer to our ultimate objective of totally crushing the violent extremism at its roots,” the president said during the commemoration of Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) in Jolo, Sulu on Tuesday, April 9.

“With this, I can confidently declare that ISIS will never gain foothold anywhere in the Philippines,” he added.

ISIS, which aims to establish a

worldwide caliphate, inspired extremists from the Maute group to occupy the Islamic City of Marawi in 2017, a siege that paved way to the longest urban war in the Philippines since World War II. About 1,000 terrorists and more than 160 soldiers died during the siege, which prompted Duterte to place the entire island Mindanao under martial law.

Duterte, nevertheless, said the military should continue its campaign against ISIS and its supporters.

“Well of course, there is the ISIS that we have to worry (about) in this part of Sulu, up and down Basilan. We’ll just have to fight and fight,” the president said.

“When you fight, I will protect you, the utmost,” he added.

Duterte also lauded the soldiers who died and those who were injured during recent military operations in Sulu, a known hotbed of the Abu Sayyaf.

“I purposely went here to commemorate the Araw ng Kagitingan. All Filipinos deserve the title “kagitingan (valor).” But here in Jolo, the bravest ones are here.

To the gallant men of Jolo, you have my everlasting gratitude for

what you are doing to our country,” the president said.

“Let me assure you that the government continues to prioritize your welfare and that of your families,” he added.

Duterte: No more talks with CPP-NPA Duterte also reiterated he is not ready to talk to communists, whom he said lack sincerity in pursuing peace.

“They (communists) have shown that they do not like it (talks). If they want the two sides to disrespect each other, then let’s not talk anymore. If you want, let’s just kill each other,” the president said.

“You cannot even hang on to a barangay for 24 hours. You just hit and run. Why should I be scared of you?” he added of the New People’s Army, which has been engaged in guerrilla warfare against the government since 1969..

The president vowed to continue upgrading the military’s capabilities and to fund programs that would promote their welfare. He promised to look for money so the armed forces can acquire fast craft vessels. n

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • ApRIL 13-16, 2019

A11

Roxas, Pimentel slip; Tolentino, Estrada enter Pulse Asia ‘Magic 12’

by PatriCia Lourdes Philstar.com

PILGRIMAGE ISLAND. One of the tourist destinations and pilgrim sites this Lenten season is the Pilgrimage Island of Jesus at the Saviour National Park in Alaminos City, Pangasinan, where the 56-foot Jesus Christ The Savior statue was put up. Pilgrimage Island also features life-size statues of the Holy Family, the Stations of the Cross, and the Last Supper.

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

Lawyer candidates agree PH justice system is broken

by Gaea

Katreena Philstar.com

CabiCo

MANILA — The state of the country’s judicial system is “broken,� lawyers who are seeking Senate seats in the May midterm elections said in a forum on Friday, April 12.

Lawyers Ernesto Arellano, Neri Colmenares, Chel Diokno, Sonny Matula, Joan Sheelah Nalliw and Erin TaĂąada said this in a town hall meeting with legal professionals at the Integrated Bar of the Philippines office in Pasig City.

Diokno, a human rights lawyer and founding dean of De La Salle College of Law, said the broken judicial system is the reason why he filed his certificate of candidacy.

He cited the vacancies, disconnect between police and prosecution, lack of judicial accountability and transparency as the problems in the country’s legal system. “Ang paniniwala ko ang pagkabaluktot ng hustisya sa ating bayan ang pinakamalaking hadlang sa pag-asenso ng bayan, pag-angat ng buhay ng mga Pilipino. Hindi natin malulutas ang kahirapan, corruption, ‘di natin mahihikayat ang foreign investors kung baluktot ang justice system natin,� Diokno, who is running under the Otso Diretso slate, said.

He added: “If we want to bring back ang tiwala ng taumbayan sa sistema ng hustisya, dapat tayong magkaroon ng judicial accountability at transparency.�

Lawyers Ernesto Arellano, Neri Colmenares, Chel Diokno, Sonny Matula, Joan Sheelah Nalliw and Erin TaĂąada.

Philstar.com photo by Gaea Katreena Cabico

For Makabayan Coalition bet Neri Colmenares, the justice system is “definitely� broken, citing anti-people laws, inaccessibility of legal services and lack of mechanisms for accountability. “Impunity reigns. That’s why the moment somebody commits a crime, they get away with it, broken po ang justice system natin,� Colmenares said.

Arellano, a labor leader, lamented that justice system is crooked as it favors the powerful while it is against the poor.

Nalliw said that the judicial system in the Philippines is more focused on criminal aspect. “Legal and justice system una pa lang ang ating is so focused on criminal aspect. Nakalimutan na natin ‘yung social justice, restorative justice. And here comes also ecological justice napakaraming justice system na kelangang aralin,� she said.

While they agreed that the country’s justice system is indeed broken, some Senate aspirants said that everyone must face the reality to fix it. “We all agree here that the justice system is broken. Ang tanong, do we recognize it as broken and are we willing to fix it? Kasi matagal na itong problema ito,â€? TaĂąada said.

He added: “There has to be a recognition that there is something broken in order for us to fix it. And if we do not face the fact, hindi natin maayos ang problema na ito: problema sa vacancy, problema sa kakulangan ng prosecutions, sa clogged dockets sa masyadong maraming kasong hinahandle ng PAO para sa mga mahihirap na akusado.�

Matula, also a labor leader, is still hopeful that the broken justice system can be reformed if the “determination to succeed is strong enough.� n

Viray

MANILA — Former Interior Secretary Mar Roxas and former Senate President Koko Pimentel dropped in their rankings in the Pulse Asia senatorial preference survey released on Thursday, April 11.

The Pulse Asia survey was conducted from March 23 to 27 among 1,800 respondents aged 18 years old and above nationwide.

In the February survey, Roxas ranked 8th to 12th with 39.8% but the March poll saw him dropping to the 11th to 17th place with 31.3%.

Pimentel also slipped from the 9th to 14th place with 35.6% in February to 11th to 16th place in March with 33.6%.

Former Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chief Francis Tolentino’s ranking rose from the 11th to 15th place with 32.1% to 10th to 16th with 35.7%.

Former Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, whose name was at the 13th place but ranked 10th to 15th last month, also entered the top 12 in the latest survey ranking 10th to 16th with 35.2%.

Sen. Grace Poe remains the

The rankings of former Interior Secretary Mar Roxas and former Senate President Koko Pimentel dropped in the latest Pulse Asia senatorial survey.

Philstar.com photos

top senatorial bet with 72.6%, followed by Sen. Cynthia Villar with 63.7%, Sen. Sonny Angara with 58.5% and former Special Assistant to the President Bong Go with 55.7%.

Sen. Pia Cayetano ranked 4th to 6th with 52.2% while former Sen. Lito Lapid ranked 5th to 8th with 48.4%.

Sen. Nancy Binay and former Philippine National Police chief Bato dela Rosa are statistically tied in the 6th to 9th place with 45.5% and 44.8%, respectively.

Completing the “Magic 12� are former Sen. Bong Revilla with 40.9% and Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos with 39%.

The other probable winners are Sen. Bam Aquino and former Sen. Serge OsmeĂąa who are both in the 11th to 16th place.

The top 16 candidates in the latest Pulse Asia survey all have a statistical chance of winning if the elections were held today.

Pulse Asia’s nationwide survey has a +/-2.3% margin of error at the 95% confidence level. n

SC to Palace: Answer Chico Dam complaint

by Jomar

CanLas ManilaTimes.net

THE Supreme Court (SC) on Wednesday, April 10, did not issue an order stopping the government’s $62-million loan agreement with China for the Chico River Irrigation Pump Project in the Cordillera region.

The tribunal, however, ordered MalacaĂąang to submit its answer to the complaint. “The Supreme Court ordered the respondent to file their comment to the petition within a period of 10 days,â€? Brian Hosaka, spokesman of the high court, said.

Named respondents were President Rodrigo Duterte, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez 3rd, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra and Irrigation Administrator Ricardo

Visaya.

Palace spokesman Salvador Panelo said MalacaĂąang always respects the order of the high court. “It will respond properly.

The loan agreement has passed through many channels. There has been many review, evaluation. We feel that it is not in violation of the Constitution as alleged by the petitioner,� he said.

On April 4, a group of lawmakers asked the court to issue a Temporary Restraining Order against the P3.69-billion loan from China.

The petitioners alleged that the loan agreement “contains express waiver by the [Government of the Republic of the Philippines] of its sovereign immunity from execution against its patrimonial assets.�

They urged the respondents to produce procurement and other relevant documents.

The 20-year loan deal was signed by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotenciary of China Zhao Jianhua and Dominguez on April 10, 2018.

The lawmakers said the agreement, among others, contains a confidentiality clause in violation of the right to information of Filipinos on foreign loans contracted by the government as guaranteed in Sections 12, 21 and 22; Article II, Sec. 28; and Art. III, Sec. 7. “These assailed provisions open the possibility for China to acquire patrimonial properties in the Philippines which is tantamount to ceding in favor of China certain territories in the Philippines by virtue of our default in our contractual obligations. This situation obviously impacts negatively on our national sovereignty, territorial integrity, and is inimical to our national interest,� they said. n

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B

Journal

Catching up with Jej Vinson, the Filipino breakout star from ‘The Voice’

The talented Davao native on his musical inspirations, switching from nursing and performing for President Barack Obama that time when you decide to chase what fulfills you in ways that a career in nursing could FILIPINO parents usually ex- never do. Filipino singer and viral pect a few things from their kids: sensation Jej Vinson, is one such academic proficiency, good health individual. and a financially fortuitous career If you’ve watched the 16th in medicine. season of NBC’s “The Voice” reAnd it’s not just a stereotype. cently, you may be familiar with It’s many of our realities. the young Filipino baritone who But as economically promising wowed audiences and the celeba career as a nurse or a doctor rity judges alike with his rendition is, not everyone is built for the of Drake’s “Passionfruit” during medical field, much less have the the blind auditions. inherent enthusiasm for it that Vinson earned the coveted others do. four-chair turn (wherein all the And for some Filipinos — espe- judges decide to recruit a concially millennials — there comes testant for their respective teams) by

Klarize Medenilla AJPress

and ultimately chose to join Kelly Clarkson’s team.

“She’s just so genuine, like the Kelly Clarkson you meet in person is the same Kelly Clarkson you see on T.V. I mean, all the judges are so amazing, but I felt like Kelly would be the best fit for me personally,” Vinson tells the Asian Journal in a recent interview.

As of press time, 22-year-old Vinson is still in the competition, which airs Monday and Tuesday nights, and has since experienced an influx of new fans of all ages and backgrounds. (On his Instagram page @jejvinson, he shares short singing videos and behind-

Ryan Cayabyab (center) with the RCS and Filipino American singers and groups who performed at the John Wayne Performing Arts Center in Glendale, California on Sunday, April 7 Photo by Rick Gavino

Ryan Cayabyab Singers enthrall in an evening of all-OPM music Maestro Ryan’s singing group and roster of Filipino American singers wow the crowd in musical celebration

group, The Ryan Cayabyab Singers (RCS), were in top form, in spite of the hectic schedule upon A ROUSING finale of “Kay their arrival in the U.S. just days Ganda” brought the audience to prior, and a Las Vegas show its feet in a standing ovation befit- the day before landing in Los ting the night of Original Pilipino Angeles.

In a tribute-themed program Music (OPM).

The top-notch seven-singer directed and arranged especially

by AJPress

for the RCS, the exemplary vocals of Poppert Bernadas, Katherine Tiuseco, Celine Fabie, Nica Tupas, Erwin Lacsa, VJ Caber and Anthony Castillo were their energetic selves giving top-notch vocal performances. The group performed medleys of songs PAGE B2

the-scenes moments.)

Born in Davao, Philippines in the late 1990s, Vinson grew up loving music. Between attending his parents’ church choir rehearsals and participating in the Filipino tradition of frequent karaoke, Vinson was introduced to his love of singing early on.

“I kind of grew up chorally trained, and then a little bit after that, I started listening to more jazz and R&B, and then when I moved to LA, I started to appreciate more radio-friendly and pop artists, so it’s kind of a mixed bag of influences,” Vinson recalls.

Beth Griffith-Manley and Jej Vinson perform together in an episode of NBC’s “The Voice.”

PAGE B2 Photo courtesy of NBC/The Voice

B APRIL 13-16, 2019 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

EntErtainmEnt

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Catching up with Jej Vinson...

PAGE B2 R&B icons like Luther Vandross, Stevie Wonder, Beyonce and Brian McKnight have been vocal inspirations for the young singer, but growing up in Davao, Vinson also looked up to Pinoy soloists like Daryl Ong, Morissette Amon and Regine Velasquez, whom Vinson regards as “an icon and probably the best singer in the Philippines ever.”

At 15 years old, Vinson moved to South Dakota with his family, Cebu City, Philippines will be one of the featured cities on Netflix’s new series, “Street Food.”

Photos courtesy of Netflix and when he turned 18, he packed his bags for Los Angeles in search of a career, exploring music more seriously while enrolling into USC, initially studying to become a nurse.

But when it came time for Vinson to decide whether or not nursing was for him, he came at

by Ritchel Mendiola an impasse. When all you know in AJPress your family is a career trajectory into nursing, it could be uncomA NEW series celebrating local fortable, even nerve-racking, to culinary heroes from the Philipconsider something outside of pines and other parts of the globe that realm. is coming on Netflix.

“It’s kind of weird because a “Street Food,” from the crelot of cousins in my family are ators of “Chef’s Table,” embarks nurses or people who work in the on a global cultural journey fomedical field, but it kinda feels cused on street food in some of weird for me to study something the world’s most vibrant cities. that wasn’t in medicine because I The series, however, goes definitely had that mindset growbeyond the delicious food to ing up that I would be a doctor or document the stories of nine chefs a nurse,” Vinson shares, adding from different destinations, highthat his parents fully supported lighting their passion and persehis dreams in music. verance into bringing noodles, “That year when I decided to soups and snacks on the streets of go to school for music, there was their respective countries. a lot of doubt within myself but I’m Season one celebrates the folglad that my parents actually suplowing cities: Bangkok, Thailand; ported me. It actually helped lift Osaka, Japan; Delhi, India; Yogyame up and encouraged me to keep karta, Indonesia; Chiayi, Taiwan; going,” Vinson fondly shares.

Seoul, South Korea; Ho Chi Minh “I’m really thankful for my parCity, Vietnam; Singapore; Cebu ents for supporting me, and they City, Philippines. moved to LA with me when they One episode tells the story of didn’t really need to, so it was reJay-Fai who taught herself to cook ally sweet of them to do that, and after losing everything in a fire, they’re just always there for me while another introduces 100in every way. They really are the year-old Mbah Lindu, who serves best,” Vinson beams. jackfruit stew in Indonesia.

When Vinson made the switch The episode from the Philipfrom nursing to music at USC, he pines will explore Cebu City’s rich joined the university’s award-winhistory as a trading hub. It will ning acapella group, SoCal VoCals also highlight the city’s unique for which he has served as musical and abundant street food selecdirector. tion thanks to its fresh seafood Coming on April 26, “Street Food,” from the creators of “Chef’s Table,” will focus on As a part of SoCal VoCals, and easy access to produce. various cities in Asia.

Vinson and his troupe were flown The episode will also highlight local culinary heroes like Floren- 1940’s; Ian Secong, who runs a bakasi, a sour stew made with to the White House where they cio “Entoy” Escabas, who found a popular restaurant that brings ob- reef eel; and tuslob-buwa, a thick, performed for former President way to reverse the cycle of poverty scure cuisines to the mainstream; bubbling gravy made with sautéed Barack Obama and First Lady for his family and fishermen com- and Rubilyn Diko Manayon, who onions, garlic and pig brains will Michelle Obama, a memory that munity through his eatery; Leslie opened a roadside “carinderia” be featured in the episode, as remains a high point for Vinson.

“That was definitely one of the Enjambre, who runs the Lechon in Cordova where she sells 18 well.

“Street Food” will be available highlights of my life so far, to perbusiness in Talisay that her grand- different dishes. form for Obama, like he shook my Local delicacies like nilarang on Netflix on April 26. mother started way back in the hand! And I didn’t want to wash my hands for a long time,” he remembers with a laugh. “I was just so starstruck and totally fangirling over him. It was totally unreal and it’s not something a lot of people can say that they’ve done, so I’m very grateful for that blessing and my acapella group for bringing in these kinds of opportunities.”

New Netflix series highlights Filipino street food in Cebu

22-year-old Filipino singer Jej Vinson, a contestant on NBC’s “The Voice.”

Photos courtesy of NBC/The Voice

Vinson was a part of the SoCal VoCals, who were flown to the White House to perform for former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama.

Photo courtesy of Jej Vinson

After leaning into a musical career trajectory, performing for a U.S. president and becoming a fan favorite on “The Voice,” Vinson says he plans to utilize his inherent musical talent to forge a career in musical production and performance. In terms of people he’d like to collaborate with in the future, he has his sights set on multi-talented acts like Tori Kelly and fellow Filipino American singer, Bruno Mars.

His ultimate goal, however, is a career as an established recording artist with the hope of inspiring other young Filipino Americans.

And like many Filipinos and Filipino Americans with aspirations in any kind of creative field, especially entertainment, he had initial doubts that stemmed from a collective cultural mindset that values financially solvent career choices over chasing your passion.

“It was really difficult to make that switch [from nursing to music] because as Filipinos, we’re culturally brought up to think about our future a lot, and for a long time I didn’t think that pursuing music was gonna be a stable career,” Vinson reveals. “For the longest time I thought it was go-

ing to be a gamble, but I definitely had to change my mindset and I had to go into this industry making sure I can be comfortable with it and I had to start believing in myself. That was the No. 1 thing that was hardest to adjust to.”

Vinson notes the stigma that exists within creative members of minority groups, many of whom have either not or yet to realize their dreams in the entertainment industry. But the emergence of Asians and Asian Americans in mainstream entertainment of the last year has Vinson feeling hopeful that the Asian creative community is finally getting its due.

“I saw a lot of hopefuls who had their dreams crushed, and I just didn’t want that to happen to me or to any up and coming Asians and Asian American artists that are really working hard to make their dreams come true,” he says.

“I just feel like we need more representation, and I am really happy about how times are changing and how Asian Americans are being recognized even more, like the movie ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ and even half-Filipino artists who are emerging like H.E.R. and Bruno Mars. I’m very optimistic about our future.”

Ryan Cayabyab Singers enthrall...

PAGE B2

by Rico Puno, jukebox classics, The Apo Hiking Society, and of course, from Maestro Ryan Cayabyab himself.

The full house at the John Wayne Performing Arts Center in Glendale, California on Sunday, April 7 enjoyed a great variety of performances from Los Angelesbased artists who all have had a deep connection working with Cayabyab in his almost five-decade career.

Cayabyab was at the piano for two hours straight, something he is known for, motivated by musical interaction. He even declared that “that you (the audience) are lucky that these artists now live here, it’s Manila’s loss.”

Geneva Cruz, who has blossomed into a strong woman image, performed the songs which made her a teen singing, having been discovered and nurtured

by Cayabyab. Her songs “Kailan” and “Mama” brought tears through her heart-wrenching rendition.

The audience was treated to the first-ever musical exchange between Cayabyab and legendary songwriter Odette Quesada.

Never before had they “traded” songs, with Cayabyab singing “Don’t Know That to Do” and “Til I Met You” while Quesada sang “Kahit Panaginip Lang” and “Tuwing Umuulan” in one the most exciting duets of the evening.

Tenor Sal Malaki, one of the longest resident artists of the LA Opera, sang “Anak Dalita”, a selection from the all-kundiman album of Celeste Legaspi, “Koleksiyon”. Malaki’s trademark sustained high-notes at the ending was one of the highly-applauded numbers. Malaki was the lead in the Cayabyab-Asensio opera “Spoliarium,” about the life of Juan Luna.

Representing Cayabyab’s stage musicals, were Miguel Vera, who played the lead in Cultural Center of the Philippines’ stagings, and Annie Nepomuceno who performed excerpts from “Rama Hari” and “Noli Me Tangere.” Renowned Jazz vocalist Mon David sang “Mamang Kutsero” first re-

The Ryan Cayabyab Singers at the John Wayne Performing Arts Center in Glendale, California on Sunday, April 7.

AJPress photo by Andy Tecson

leased in Cayabyab’s revolutionary one-man acapella album.

Performing a song written for her by Cayabyab, Louie Reyes lit up the stage with her scatting vocals, while proving the versatility of Cayabyab’s songwriting skills and genre fluidity. This was also a quick reminder that Louie Reyes was one of the most active concert artists before moving to the US. A bevy of Filipino American musical artists was also featured.

Opening the show is Mirelle Anne Enriquez who played “Nais Ko” on the violin and was then joined by her brother, Neal Sean Enriquez on the cello for “Isang Awit.”

The most vibrant number was the dance number “Singkil,” a selection from Cayabyab’s first album of jazzified folksongs “Routes to Roots.” Closing the first half of the show, Kayamanan Ng Lahi in Maguindanao costumes juxtaposed with the young hip-hop group The Riot.

Rounding out the show was the stirring vocals of the RCS singing “Paraiso.” As they started ethnic chanting, the RCS was joined by a rush of choral singers, comprised of the Los Angeles Young Ambassadors, The Choristers of LA, the LA cast of Noli Me Tangere and the Inspirare Vocal Ensemble.

Conducted by Ed Nepomuceno, a rousing “Kay Ganda Ng Ating

Musika” closed the show. But before closing the curtain, the cast sang “Happy Birthday” to co-producer Henry Chen, one of the group’s staunchest supporters and music aficionado.

Cayabyab and the RCS were literally mobbed post-show, probably from hearts full of Pinoy pride and inspiration after the night of show-stopping singand-dance, phenomenal guest performances, and of course, the beauty and breadth of Cayabyab’s musical work.

This third U.S. tour comes after Cayabyab was recently conferred the title of National Artist for Music by the President of the Philippines in Malacanang last October 2018.

Presented by Music Arts Events and Philippine Patrons of the Arts USA, the concert was co-produced by JIR Foundation, Faith Hope Love Family Music, ANCOP USA, Diva Brava Entertainment, Meycauayan Association of Southern California.

Major sponsors were the Asian Journal, TFC The Filipino Channel and Individual Health Care, Get Assured, Cypress Residences, Medin Garcia of Saladmaster, LA Rose Café, Ninong’s Auntie Dees’ Bakery, Toto’s Lechon, House of Grill, Fiesta Fastfood, Island Pacific, Philhouse, and Flowers

by Ed Rame.

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Darren Criss during his recent trip to the Philippines

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • APRIL 13-16, 2019

Photo from Instagram/@darrencriss

Darren Criss calls on PH mayors to implement zero waste program

by KriSSy

aguilar Inquirer.net

EMMY and Golden Globe Award-winning actor Darren Criss has called on mayors in the Philippines to implement zero waste programs in their respective cities.

Criss made the call after visiting the country on the first week of April.

“I’m urging mayors in the Philippines to implement zero waste programs in their cities in partnership with their communities,” Criss wrote in an Instagram post on Thursday.

Criss said he flew to the country with his friends from the Global Citizen movement to learn about the problem of

waste management in Metro Manila.

“So let’s talk about waste management. Yeah, I know, it’s not a very sexy topic— but that’s exactly why it’s such a massive issue in so many parts of the world,” Criss wrote.

“So I decided to take a trip to the Philippines, a country close to my heart, with my friends from [Global Citizen] to learn specifically about Metro Manila’s waste and sustainability challenges.”

Global Citizen, according to its website, is a movement “of engaged citizens who are using their collective voice to end extreme poverty by 2030.”

“I met a lot of inspiring people who have made incred-

ible strides towards creating a cleaner, greener future, but the obstacles they face are still overwhelming,” he added.

Criss then encouraged his followers to sign a petition asking mayors to commit their leadership in implementing zero waste programs.

“As a Global Citizen, I’ve pledged to do my part to reduce my usage of plastic, but as a proud Philippine citizen I need you to join me in making a true collective impact,” the petition read.

“I’m calling on you to commit your leadership and resources as Mayors of metropolitan Manilla to begin implementing Zero Waste Program in your cites,” it added.

Jericho Rosales to stop doing soap operas after ‘Halik’

by Jan

Milo Severo Philstar.com

ACTOR Jericho Rosales revealed that he does not want to do another teleserye after the success of his current series “Halik.”

Speaking before reporters during the thanksgiving press conference of “Halik” which is now on its last three weeks, Jericho said he wants to create something new to challenge himself.

“I’ve been working for a soap operas or TV shows for 23 years now... I don’t wanna do soaps anymore, and it is not a problem for me. Do I want to stop TV? No. It’s time for me to challenge myself to create something new for myself. Hopefully, it works,” the actor explained.

Jericho, however, clarified that he will not leave show business since he loves acting.

“For now, I’ll be honest with you, I have to take a break, I have to do movies then come up with another TV show of a different kind. Will I say goodbye to the fans? No. Will I say goodbye to the one I love the most, acting?

Jericho Rosales

No,” he clarified.

“I just want to create something new and I want to challenge myself. If it doesn’t work? It’s my fault. Something in me is dying already, so I have to breathe new life in this career,” he added.

Since it started airing last August 2018, the Jericho-starrer

Photo from Instagram/@jerichorosalesofficial

“Halik” has been consistently high in ratings. The series is also a hit on iWant as it remained as the most-watched show on the ABS-CBN streaming service last March.

“Halik” has also been airing in Tanzania, Africa since February.

With Liza Soberano out, the search for the next ‘Darna’ continues

By Monet

Lu

THE on-and-off search for the Philippines’ favorite super heroine came to an end when it was confirmed that actress Liza Soberano was chosen to play the next “Darna.”

Then, it happened.

As if caused by some unseen “dark” forces; our supposedly new Darna got injured, which caused her to turn down the role tearfully and regretfully.

This turn of events begs the question: so, who will be the next Darna?

Who is deserving to turn into this brave and mighty lady warrior sporting a red bikini with a gold star in each brassiere cap; red helmet with ruby encrusted gold winged medallion; gold bracelets; golden medallion belt with a loincloth in the middle; and almost knee-high red stiletto boots?

Who do you think is worthy to swallow the infamous magic white pebble that transforms a common “Narda” to a “Pinay Wonder Woman” named, DARNA? “Who?” is the question everybody seems to be asking.

I am not surprised that several names have been thrown as to who fits the description of our Darna. And there were celebrities who have expressed

their interest in the role, like Pia Wurtzbach, Maja Salvador, Jessie Mendiola, to name a few. The director of Darna, Erik Matti, himself actually revealed who he thinks is a great fit for the role, now that Soberano can no longer play it.

In his interview with Ricky Lo of the Philippine Star, he said, “After her [Soberano], I only see Nadine Lustre so far as someone who can be Darna.

Very sultry. She has a lot of female sensuality and at the same time still looks tough and very Filipina.”

He added, “The key to casting Darna has always been someone who can look plain and ordinary in her Narda alter ego but can be tough, spunky and can be very sexy when she transforms to Darna.”

To this, Nadine reportedly expressed her gratitude for being one of the choices to play

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such an iconic role. Darna’s trademark red suit, magical stone, and catchphrase (“Ding, ang bato!”) are quintessential parts of Pinoy pop culture.

Mars Ravelo’s comic heroine dates back to 1939. No wonder, picking the best person to play Darna is tough.

The first woman to play Darna from 1951 to 1952 was none other than Rosa Del Rosario.

Her name might not ring a bell these days, but she was dubbed the “Queen of Philippine Movies” in her heyday.

She made a name for herself in silent films during the ‘30s and later, starred in many “talkingpictures”—including the firstever Darna movie produced by Fernando Poe Sr. and written by Ravelo himself.

Next to Del Rosario was Liza Moreno who played Darna in 1963 and 1964 which was acPAGE B5

“ABANDONED PETITION SUCCESSFULLY REOPENED 10 YEARS LATER BY ATTY. MICHAEL J. GURFINKEL. Elsinore (left) was petitioned by his father back in 2001. However, when his younger sister, Elvie (center), checked the petition status online in 2005, she found out it was denied due to “abandonment.” USCIS had sent a notice to petitioner’s old residence requesting additional documents, but the petitioner never received the notice because he had moved, and therefore did not respond. Their first lawyer’s motion to reopen was denied for being untimely, so their mother, an avid viewer of “Citizen Pinoy,” suggested they retain leading U.S. immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel. Watch this success story on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” – on Sunday at 6:15 p.m. (PST) on TFC. (Advertising Supplement)

B4 APRIL 13-16, 2019 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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Thread lift, the ‘surgery-free’ facelift Image Spa IMEE ONG-MAGHANOY I’VE been asked time and again: what’s a way to lift and tighten sagging facial skin without going under the knife?

And since I love being the bearer of good news (related to health and beauty), I tell my clients and my readers about this new alternative to a traditional facelift. It’s non-surgical, less invasive and has minimal downtime. We call this, the Thread Lift.

As the name implies, a thread lift is exactly what it sounds like. It is the use of absorbable sutures made from biodegradable polymers frequently used in medical devices to lift and recontour the mid and lower face.

And like its surgical counterpart we all call, ‘facelift,’ it lifts and firms sagging facial tissues to restore a more naturally youthful facial appearance or as most people say “to turn back the clock.”

But unlike a traditional facelift, this procedure is surgery-free, therefore, reducing the significant amount of downtime that inevitably comes with any surgical procedure.

Thread Lift, or more commonly known as a non-surgical facelift, helps lift sagging facial skin and improve the appearance of cheeks, brow, jawline and labial folds through soft tissue manipulation.

Another good thing about this innovative approach is that it can be performed by many professionals in addition to a plastic surgeon. The procedure involves the insertion of very fine surgical sutures into the soft tissue just beneath the skin. It uses Polydioxanone (commonly known as PDO), which has a long safety record in surgery in South Korea and has been used for decades in orthopedic (to treat frozen shoulders, tennis elbow, golfers elbow and etc.), and in cosmetic for skin tightening, skin rejuvenation and face lifting. Best of all, it’s biodegradable. This synthetic polymer is highly versatile and was originally used as a mono or multi-filament thread.

Beverly Vergel

Biodegradation of PDO occurs through a process of hydrolysis over a time period of between six to eight months.

The “threading process” targets the Dermis and Subcutaneous tissue using different threads for treating different areas. It is also a less expensive alternative to facelifts and takes less time to perform. No incisions are necessary; instead, we insert threads in your skin using a needle and then pull them to tighten your skin.

While it seems that the procedure is not very popular, I would like to note that historically, the earliest reports of surgical facial rejuvenation date back as far as 1911. The use of endoscopic malar and midface suspensions were reported in 1998 which paved the way for the future use of thread lifting suture technology as a means of facilitating non-surgical facial augmentation.

So who is the perfect candidate for this procedure, you ask. Thread Lift is specifically for those people who have not manifested a large amount of aging signs like mild to moderate sagging of facial tissues, who are usually those in their early thirties to late fifties; not to mention those who prefer the non-surgical and non-invasive route.

One perfect candidate and has actually visited our spa to try this procedure is Celebrity Star Mentor and renowned director, Ms. Beverly Vergel. She is known for her ageless beauty is an experienced director, producer, writer, actor, certified life coach, brand and marketing strategist, and a philanthropist. She has 29 years of experience in coaching actors, beauty queens and celebrities.

She has built a successful career in show business. Her parents were popular love team and screen idols in the 1950s Cesar Ramirez and Alicia Vergel.

She is also the younger sister of 1970s award-winning and popular action star Ace Vergel.

She was leading lady to the Philippines’ top action stars and comedy kings in the 90s. She became a household name as “Almira”, the mother of prime stars Judy Ann Santos and Gladys Reyes in “Mara Clara,” the longest running and biggest earning TV soap opera on ABSCBN. Beverly was also a line producer, writer and director for TV at GMA 7. She later continued her production work at ABSCBN as an executive producer.

In eight years, Beverly rose from the ranks to become the managing director of ABS-CBN CCAI workshops.

She now lives in Canada and continues her passion for people development.

I could go and on about how awesome this person she is and I might fill the whole column. But if you miss seeing her beautiful face, she is actually our celebrity guest on our upcoming Adobo Nation episode on TFC. Stay tuned for that. As I’ve said earlier, Beverly tried our signature Thread Lift and was indeed happy with the results!

You too can try a surgery-free way to get rid of sagging facial skin. Be sure to stop by our clinic for a free consultation and experience The “facelift” without the surgery!

Until the next column! Thank you all for reading. iSkin is located at 8709 Beverly Blvd in West Hollywood, CA. Image Spa MD is located at 9227 Haven Ave. Suite 120, Rancho Cucamonga, CA and 499 N El Camino Real, suite c200, Encinitas. Or you may call (424) 382-1002 for ISkin or (909) 989-8464 for Image Spa MD in Rancho Cucamonga. *** Imee is an established aesthetician, a business owner and a managing partner for Image Spa MD and CEO of Image Body SPA. She has a degree in Biology and Doctor of Dental Medicine. Image Spa is now one of the most reputable medical spa facilities in LA and has branches in Rancho Cucamonga and Encinitas for Image SPA MD and Image Body SPA-West Hollywood. Imee has been in the aesthetics industry for over 20 years.

(Advertising Supplement)

MOONLIGHTING

by MYLAH DE

LEON

SPRING has sprung. It is upon us in a scent that grows deeper, dizzying, improbable. It is too heady, too provocative to be diminished. Seeping through open windows, under doors, as you go out or slide out of a car. There it is — a scent that dominates the air, your bed, and clothes. It’s so dense, you can taste it.

Walking along a tree-lined street — as the moon begins to rise— one stops for a moment to take a deep breath. The scents of orange and honey are suddenly everywhere, sweet and floral, as if they were showers, or the breeze of an April day. As if we hear the songs of the seraphim or a remembered voice, softly speaking words of strength into an ear.

Look around: one moment, it is a tree of rather innocuous, dark green leaves, then it becomes covered with clusters of small creamy blossoms, in a transformation as sudden as first love.

The flowers release their strongest fragrance at night, moving alone and separate from the sun-lit scents of winter blooming jasmines, in calculated seduction, with its nocturnal redolence.

In the valley, the fruit trees have sprouted blossoms of pink and white. The coastal hills have turned, as they do this time of the year, to a peculiar and almost too vivid shade of green. Even late storms come along right on cue, to wash away any premature fretting and drought.

Suddenly, the most gorgeous

Life Coaching in a Different Perspective STARGAZER MISTAKES in life happen for us to learn important lessons.

These events allow us to become better and stronger. Bad choices make us more resilient and wiser.

Negative situations simply show us what must not be.

Again, I will emphasize on choices. Most of the hardships we go through were results of the choices we make in life. If we make good choices, it yields favorable or noble results. When we make bad choices, we suffer from the consequences.

It was our choice to stay in a company or serve a boss who treated us badly. We rant on how he orders people around and is not being fair/humane with his workers but there was always a choice to leave. One may say that the reason why they stayed on is that they needed a job. Fine. But it was always a choice to seek another option. You exercise a lot of restraint and control over emotion, it allows you to be more tolerant and persevering. Your boss’ karma? He will also reap what he has sown.

If someone scams you with money, there was always a choice whether you will believe him in the first place. But then, because of “too good to be true promises, such as big returns or money in place of an investment,” we chose to believe what is “offered.” We never scrutinized nor exercised discernment. Blindly, we go through with the transaction,

Health@Heart PHILIP S. CHUA, MD, FACS, FPCS NATURE is full of wonders.

Among them are gems in the form of many food items, basically plant-based, have therapeutic effects that can provide safe relief from pains and other illnesses.

A great example: The antibiotic penicillin, which has saved countless lives around the world, comes from penicillium mold (fungi) which naturally produces it, as discovered in 1928 by Scottish scientist Alexander Fleming.

Today, we shall devote our column to exalting the “medicinal values or therapeutic effects” of regular, ordinary food that people all over the world eat as a part of their diet. The reported health benefits of some of the foods we have listed hereunder are anecdotal, passed down from generations after generations, and have not been thoroughly and scientifically proven. But since they are regular food items we consume daily, trying them for some of the ailments or situations they are allegedly effective for is simply natural and safe. As long as one is not allergic to them, ingesting these food items does not result in

The flowers of spring

and startling flora has sprung — from the sedate camellia, the brazen hibiscus, flaming bougainvilleas frothing in every corner, sultry jasmines and the outrageous birds of paradise, all vivid and glorious.

How frequently we take them for granted — the palms that sweep the sky, that sky so bright and high. And as the scent of the flowers of spring surround us in surrender, our heads fall back, our shoulders loosen. Let those hands rise from our side, as we stand beneath the heaven and receive, just for a moment, the breath of angels.

In a calculated seduction, its nocturnal redolence suggest, seeking that first kiss. The silken pillow, the foaming bath shared and then abandoned, with the implication of tastier things to come. Then that dash for the warm covers where underneath, every blast of heaven howled and whistled all night!

It is so easy to take things, especially beautiful things, for granted. It is easy to point out what’s wrong with where we live — the traffic, the noise and the scandals, the meltdown mortgages and failing power grids. It is so easy to see only the concrete and billboards of Southern California, and the crowd and the sprawl. It is easy to let our lives become overwhelmed with things to do. And to that list, add our parents, our children. People who are always in pursuit of a deeper purpose in life that assures us not everyone wants something for another and that there are lots of gifts left in life.

An imaginer by trade and weaver of tales, I see people and street corners, have dreams and

nightmares of hope, and in spring I see…well, flowers.

Yes, flowers… there are always flowers. Roses, lilacs, daffodils, petunia, gladiolas and more — they bloom easily in the gardens of Southern California. But we have also seen them against fences and curbs.

I wrote about flowers on the beach once, at the foot of a cliff, where two very young girls threw themselves to their death.

I wrote about flowers at a curb, where nine families (each of which lost loved ones) decimated by a car accident, were erased as quickly as sketches on a drawing pad. They were on their way to a pilgrimage!

Further south, many moons ago, remember the tale of Santana High — an ordinary school in an ordinary town on an ordinary day, rocketed to the front page by an ordinary boy with an ordinary gun.

Mounds of flowers mark the school and dab at the corners of our conscience like a Monet painting — full of blended colors of sadness, subtle hues and grim news.

We look, gasp in horror and turn away. Yet the images of the stricken faces of the young, super imposed over the images of flowers will endure, long after the weeping chills of winter has truly vanished. It will endure for a thousand years to come, as they ponder us.

But today, we stop and breathe.

Because there it is that scent of hope, love and lust.

Inevitable, inexorable spring… the land’s perpetual gift of sudden grace! *** E-mail Mylah at moonlightingmdl@aol.com

Choices in life and the law of karma (Part II of II)

give cash or service in replace for something uncertain. Then the truth unravels that it was a scam or a hoax and our money was taken. It was not the scammer’s fault but being gullible is no excuse at all. Lessons learned.

Now, how do the “two cups in this lifetime” fit in? Remember that in the previous article, I spoke about one cup gathering good energies and other bad. We make good and bad choices and these energies fill it up. Eventually, these cups will fill to the brim and overflow.

In spite of the bad things that happen to us, continue to do good. Doing good fills up the cup of goodness. Do more good and it fills the cup inch by inch until it fills to the brim and overflows.

In this light, negative people talk trash, rumor monger and find fault in everyone. They create stories about others and blow up stories even if they are not true. With doing so, their cups are filled with negative energies.

The more they fool and take advantage of people, the more they fill their cups of negative energies.

Positive people simply ignore, give people chances and are quick to apologize. Though people may chastise them, their perseverance and quietness fill their cups of goodness and then blessings overflow. Good people never plot against others; instead, they forgive and love.

Following this line of thought,

reparations then must be made to offset the negative energies we encounter. We must then fill ourselves with positive energies to fill the cup of blessings to cause an overflow.

You reap what you deserve and it is not God punishing you of your wrongdoings. They are simply results of your choices.

So hurry and do more good but mean it, be sincere in doing deeds. What really counts is the genuineness of the action and not what it appears to be. Good deeds are good deeds. You can never mask intentions. Fill more your cups of positivity to offset the negative.

Also, be discerning and wise.

There is always the right choice to make so at the end of the day, you blame no one.

What matters, in the end, is the reaping. *** Stargazer is a life coach, aura reader, psychic/clairvoyant, and lecturer on the paranormal. She uses the aura, energies & vibrations as focal points of her psychic readings. Using several techniques involving the psychological, spiritual, paranormal and her own experience of the intricacies of life, Stargazer makes one get in touch with his inner and understand life in a positive manner.

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

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

Natural home therapy

adverse “side-effects” as could be encountered in, say, noni juice or some other cure-all “food supplements” in the market today.

Besides their essential nutritional value, many of the foods we ingest regularly have “medicinal effects” that we are not conscious about but which help alleviate or correct some diseases or conditions. It is common knowledge that scurvy (vitamin C deficiency), for instance, is cured by eating a lot of citrus fruits, or that hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) among diabetics will be alleviated by eating candies, sugar or other sweets. Or, that banana and apples are good for diarrhea, while papaya, prunes and other fruits, and vegetables are good for constipation.

But did you know that onion, hot pepper and tomato are good for common cold? Or that cherries are good for cramps? Or that apple, grapefruit, kalamansi are good for halitosis (bad breath)?

Here is a list of medical conditions and the corresponding food items claimed to either prevent, alleviate and/or cure them: 1. Arthritis: Apple, pineapple, cantaloupe, grape, grapefruit, orange, mustard green, strawberry, tangerine, cucumber, lettuce, cherries, celery, cauliflower.

2. Insomnia: Onion, cabbage, celery, avocado, onion, apple

3. Hemorrhoids: Prunes, date, beans, eggplant, plum, sweet potato 4. Nausea: Pineapple, papaya 5. High cholesterol: Soybean (tofu), red wine, oat meal, grapefruit, tomato, apple, eggplant, corn, cabbage, peas, beans, green leafy vegetables, high fiber cereals 6. Indigestion: Plum, papaya, pineapple, banana, apple, grapefruit, cucumber, peach 7. Sinusitis: Onion, hot pepper, tomato 8. Gastric ulcer: Pumpkin, rice, avocado, banana, date, okra, peach 9. Hypertension: Bamboo shoots, guava, pear, tangerine, squash, cherries, jackfruit, peach, celery, orange 10. Impotence: Pumpkin seeds, avocado, seaweeds, date, oyster, hot pepper 11. To lose weight: All variety of fruits and juices, like grapefruit, orange, apple, pineapple, radish, tomato, lettuce, especially when eaten as a substitute for red meat and carbohydrates.

12. Cancer: For prevention, high fiber, low cholesterol diet (fish), plus frequent intake of processed tomato (ketchup, tomato paste), broccoli, apricot, strawberry, cherries, mustard green, okra, apple, carrots, paPAGE B5

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • APRIL 13-16, 2019

With Liza Soberano out, the search... All or nothing for Sanya

PAGE B3 tually 11 years after Darna was first shown in the silver screen.

Then there’s Eva Montes in 1965, and then, of course, the Star for all Seasons, Vilma Santos is 1973. She played the role the longest: from 1973 to 1975; then again in 1980.

Some of the actors who also played Darna were Lorna Tolentino (1977), Dolphy (yes, Dolphy! In 1979), Rio Locsin (1979), Sharon Cuneta (1986), Nanette Medved (1991) and Anjanette Abayari in 1994. This was the last Darna film to date.

In 2003, “Asia’s Songbird” Regine Velasquez flexed her acting chops in a cameo appearance for the 2003 remake of Captain Barbell (starring her now-husband, Ogie Alcasid and Bong Revilla). She even wore the costume again for a performance with Alcasid during their concert tour.

Two years later, Angel Locsin flew into our TV screens (and everyone’s hearts) with her portrayal of Darna in 2005.

Locsin, who was already soaring after the success of Mulawin, dominated primetime ratings and her version enlisted four

former Darna actresses to be part of the show: Gina Pareño, Rio Locsin, Lorna Tolentino, and Regine Velasquez (who also sang the theme song and voiced the “Darna!” shout). Despite the clamor for her return in Erik Matti’s highly anticipated film with Star Cinema, Locsin had to retire her costume due to personal health risks.

The last actress to play the role on TV was Marian Rivera in 2009. Fresh off her role as Dyesebel, Marian’s version featured the famous opening theme “Narda” by Kamikazee, and depicted Narda as a young woman who initially didn’t want her powers and responsibility.

The series also enlisted Mark Anthony Fernandez and Dennis Trillo to play Rivera’s love interests.

Fast forward to the millennial times where “anybody can be a star.” Anybody can “dream, believe and achieve.”

I humbly think that the role of Darna is something that should be treated like a beauty title.

Not because it should be given to someone who is easy on the eyes but like our former Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach said

about being Miss Universe, “it is both an honor and a responsibility.”

As much as I love the top choices they currently have (to play Darna), for me, being the next Darna means she will be carrying on the legacy that the veteran actresses (who played the role) have passed on. She will embody one (if not the most famous) of the cultural icons in Philippine entertainment.

Having said that, I think this would a good time to discover and give a chance to fresh talent — someone new. And while that poses as a challenge (albeit, a good one), I am optimistic that finding the perfect Darna is worth the wait. ***

Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, awardwinning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada.

Ultimately, Monet is known as an all-around artiste who produces sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns. Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary all-natural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration . To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at monetsalon@aol.com

Natural home therapy...

PAGE B2 paya, prunes, spinach, peach, pumpkin, watermelon, green leafy vegetables 13. Heart attack: Just like for cancer prevention, high fiber and low cholesterol diet, plus a lot of fruits (persimmons is one) and most vegetables.

14. Stroke: The same anti-oxidants as above.

15. Cuts & burns: Sesame Seed Oil, coconut oil, olive oil 16. Dry scalp, skin: Coconut oil, papaya, avocado, sesame seed oil 17. Constipation: Papaya, prunes, green leafy vegetables, peanuts 18. Dizziness: Onion 19. Gall Stones: Soybean, radish, tomato, apricot 20. Headache: Beets, cabbage, apple, asparagus These are only a few sample conditions where foods have been taken not only for their fundamental nutritive and caloric value but for their alleged medicinal effects.

We want to emphasize that these food items are not substitutes for prescription medications. As a general rule, one should never stop taking prescription drugs without consulting with a physician.

Diet, smoking and alcohol are the three most important, if not the most notorious, killers of man and the reason why in today’s world we have catastrophic numbers of obesity, hypercholesterolemia, heart attacks, strokes, cancer, depression, infertility, male erectile dysfunction, and degenerative diseases like arthritis, gout, osteoporosis, etc.

Of course, there are other factors that contribute to the epidemic of these ailments, but food, even more than heredity, plays a very

significant role in the causation of diseases. What we eat, how much we eat, what we do not eat, how we take care of ourselves, or how we abuse our body, determine, to a great extent, how healthy or unhealthy we are, our quality of life, and our longevity.

The United States Congress and the Food and Drug Administration are now putting the screws on the so-called “food supplements, alternative medications, herbal and homeopathic therapies,” all of which make up for a flourishing $30 billion business annually. The medical and lay community in the United States are now (finally!) realizing that majority of the so called “food supplements” with purported therapeutic values are mostly useless, and nothing more than a money-making scheme that victimizes hundred of millions of unsuspecting people around the world.

The hundreds of food supplements in the market today are still not adequately regulated for efficacy, side effects, and potential complications. They advertised them so attractively, with money back guarantee, etc., just to lure the unsuspecting and misinformed public mostly for profit, not to help people become healthier. As a matter of fact, the use of unneeded substances, could be hazardous to health. The long term side-effects of these supplements, not to mention the money wasted purchasing them, should really concern the public.

Living a healthy lifestyles is the best strategy for good health and longevity. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical

lecturer/author, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian and anti-graft foundation in the United States. Websites: FUN8888. com, philipSchua.com Email: scalpelpen@ gmail.com (Advertising Supplement)

by Lhar

Santiago ManilaTimes.net

THERE’S no turning back for Sanya Lopez. When she decided to embrace a more daring and sexy image, she prepared herself for roles that would challenge her capacity in hot and steamy roles. Previously asked how far she would go, she replied she couldn’t say.

But now, it seems like the project that will put her new image as well as her acting chops to the test has arrived via the new soap “Dahil Sa Pag-ibig.”

“I was told during our story conference that in this series, I’ll be required to show more skin. Sexy talaga siya. I will have love scenes with my two leading men, Benjamin Alves and Pancho Magno,” Sanya shared.

She will not be alone in the sexy department though since the series will also star Reina Hispano Americana Wyn Wyn Marquez.

“When I learned that Wyn Wyn would be in the series, I actually thought we’d be doing something about pageants like what GMA did in a past soap.

And then I was briefed on the story na talagang may labanang magaganap between me and Wyn, I got nervous. Siyempre, she’s a beauty queen at talagang sexy.”

She added that their competition on screen will be very physical.

“Hindi lang sa pagiging sexy but may mga catfights din kami

Sanya Lopez Photo from Instagram/@sanyalopez

na talagang matindi. Walang magpapatalo. We are both empowered woman here kaya palaban kami pareho. In my case, I am not the type of wife who will just cry in a corner.

Hindi ako magpapaapi. Si Wyn, palaban din kaya magkatapat talaga kami.”

Even if they’ll be the worst enemies in the soap, off cam, Sanya and Wyn are very good friends.

“We became friends when we worked together in Encantadia and then sa ibang guest-

B

ings so we’re very comfortable with each other. Kahit siguro magkasakitan sa mga catfight, walang problema. Tatawanan lang namin,” Sanya added.

Outside work, Sanya admitted her new image has resulted in many admirers, including actors.

“Actually, I cannot say if they’re already making moves.

Alam n’yo naman ako, NBSB, no boyfriend since birth, so I don’t really know if a guy is trying to get my attention.

“I’m not in a hurry naman to have a boyfriend. I am so focused on my career and I really don’t want to miss the opportunities I’m getting. I know that time will come the right man for me will be there already. When he comes, mahirap namang pigilan ‘yun.”

The taping for “Dahil Sa Pagibig” has started this week but

by Tuesday, Sanya will fly to Japan with her brother Jak Roberto and his girlfriend Barbie Forteza.

“Matagal na po ‘tong nakaschedule. I’m very excited because this will be my first time in Japan. We will go to Osaka and Tokyo and I can’t wait to try eating the authentic ramen and other Japanese food. I also want to see their temples. We’ll be there for only five days and we have to come back because we all have so much work. Ako, sa “Dahil Sa Pag-ibig” at si Kuya and Barbie naman, may taping na ng “Kara Mia”. At least, kahit sandali lang, we’ll be able to have a vacation.”

B APRIL 13-16, 2019 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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COMMUNITY Journal

Get your green card even though you have been ordered deported THE ability to apply for permanent resident status (green card) in the U.S. rather than at the Embassy in your native country is frequently more than a simple convenience. Rather, being forced to depart the U.S. and apply abroad can have lifealtering consequences. By leaving the U.S. an applicant may be making themselves ineligible for the very thing they are leaving the U.S. to apply for – a green card. And no, it does not matter that they only reason you left the U.S. was because you were told that you were ineligible be granted your green card from within the U.S. So it is clear that it is beneficial to apply in the U.S. Not only is it less disruptive to your life and less expensive since you do not have to travel, but you also will not trigger any bars to returning because you would have never left. Unfortunately though, not everybody is eligible to be granted their green card in the U.S. There are many reasons why a person may not be currently eligible to apply for their green card in the U.S. A common reason for this ineligibility is because they were previously ordered deported.

Whether they were ordered deported after failing to appear in Immigration Court or because the Immigration Judge denied their application, this outstanding order of deportation will make you ineligible for your green card. It then becomes necessary to have the prior court case reopened.

A person will be ordered deported if they fail to appear for their hearing in Immigration Court. This is referred to as an in absentia order of deportation. A foreign national issued an in absentia order of deportation has 180 days to file a motion with the Immigration Court requesting that the order be rescinded because their failure to appear was due to ‘exceptional circumstances.’ The term ‘exceptional circumstances’ refers

Your Immigration Solution Atty. Devin Connolly to compelling situations beyond the control of the foreign national, such as serious illness to themselves or serious illness or death of their spouse, child, or parent. As you can see, a case will not be reopened for something as trivial as car problems the day of the hearing or an inability to take time off from work. Rather, it truly must be an

There are also times when a person appears in court and submits their application for relief, only to have the Immigration Judge deny their case. The foreign national may even appeal and have their case denied by the Board of Immigration Appeals as well. In this situation a person is required to file their motion to reopen within 90 days of the decision. But what happens if you do not become eligible for your green card for several years, perhaps when your child turns 21-years-old.

Despite being well beyond the 90-day limit, it may still be possible to have your case reopened and be granted your green card.

You will have to show clear evidence that you are eligible for your green card if the court case is reopened, and it helps to also show compelling evidence why your case should be reopened, such as hardship to family members or significant ties to the U.S. Despite an outstanding order of deportation, a green card may still be within your grasp. It is advisable to consult an experienced and knowledgeable attorney who is dedicated solely to the practice of immigration law so that they may advise you of potential options and their likelihood of success. *** REEVES IMMIGRATION LAW GROUP is one of the oldest, largest and most experienced immigration fi rms in the United States with offi ces in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Manila and China.

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

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

“Despite an outstanding order of deportation, a green card may still be within your grasp. “ exceptional situation for a case to be reopened on this ground.

A second reason an in absentia order of deportation may be rescinded is if the Immigration Court did not provide proper notice of the time, date and location of the hearing. And while many people are indeed notified and simply choose not to appear because they fear the outcome will not be positive, many others are not properly notified.

There are no official time limits on filing a motion based on a lack of notice, but a person should make this request to the court in a timely manner after learning that they were ordered deported. It is also important to note that a foreign national is required to inform the Immigration Court when they changes their address, Thus, a person cannot fail to appear after moving and then ask for their case to be reopened because the post office did not properly forward their mail.

(Advertising Supplement)

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • APRIL 13-16, 2019

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C APRIL 13-16, 2019 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Community Journal

Store manager needs bankruptcy relief CLIENT no. 1 is 50 years old and is the manager of a big retail store. He’s been working there for 30 years.

His spouse got into an accident and is now on disability. He owns a house with $200,000 of equity. He has, believe it or not, 11 children from age 2 to 18. Just imagine his food expense every month! He owes $60,000 of credit card debt. Since his wife became disabled, he applied for a loan modification of his first mortgage. His first mortgage payment is $2,800. His gross income is $80,000. With wife’s disability pay, they gross $100,000 a year. But with 11 kids and $60,000 of credit card debt, something has to give. He can’t pay the minimum credit card payments of $1,800 anymore. So he wants Chapter 7 to get rid of the $60,000 credit cards. But does he qualify for Chapter 7 discharge?

Well, in terms of the means test, there certainly is no presumption of abuse because he has 11 kids. But in Chapter 7, there is going to be a problem with the residence. The homestead exemption for the client is $100,000 but his equity is $130,000. So, there is $30,000 of nonexempt equity.

Theoretically, Chapter 7 could work for the client because there is almost no viable nonexempt equity to speak of if you factor in the cost of sale of 6%. The house is currently valued at $500,000. Six percent of $500,000 is $30,000, which is the amount of nonexempt equity. A Chapter 7 trustee would have nothing to administer and theoretically, the client should be able to keep his house in Chapter 7.

The problem is that real estate prices in Los Angeles are still going up. An aggressive Chapter 7 trustee can file an adversary proceeding to have the house sold because of the $30,000 nonexempt equity. The adversary case may take 18 months to reach trial.

By that time, the house value could have increased by another $50,000. The increase in value is justification in favor of the trustee’s argument that there is viable equity for him to administer. Nobody wants this kind of problem in bankruptcy but it happens.

I have this exact situation

Debt Relief

Atty. lAwRence yAng with another client whose case was filed two years ago.

The trustee filed an adversary complaint to get his house because the nonexempt portion, according to the trustee was $100,000. Our defense was that there was no viable equity for the trustee to administer because there was a judgment lien for $97,000. This adversary was due for trial on April 26, 2017. But a week before trial, the trustee offered a settlement to enable the client to keep his house. The trustee argued that the value of the house had increased “substantially” in the last 18 months resulting in viable nonexempt equity. So this kind of problem does happen in Chapter 7 although not often.

To avoid this situation, it is the better part of caution to file for Chapter 13. Why? The Chapter 13 trustee, unlike the Chapter 7 trustee, does not have the power to sell debtor’s house. So, in Chapter 13, there is no risk of losing debtor’s house. But in Chapter 13, the client must pay at least $30,000 over 60 months, or $500 a month. After five years, the client would have paid the trustee $30,000. Upon completion of the last payment, the court will discharge the other $30,000.

So, in five years, the debtor will not owe any more credit cards as the entire $60,000 will be gone.

Separated debtor needs Chapter 7 relief Client no. 2 is 64 years old.

He is married but separated.

He does not have his own children but he helps his nephews and nieces who live abroad with money for the monthly expenses, which include college tuition abroad. He makes a gross of $90,000 a year as a scientist. He does not own a house. He owes $50,000 of credit card debt, which is using up $1,500 a month of his net income. The client also likes to gamble, which he seems to be good at because he had $40,000 of gambling winnings last year.

The client wants a Chapter 7 discharge of his $50,000 of credit cards. Will he qualify for a Chapter 7 discharge given the fact that he is practically single with $90,000 of gross income a year? That’s a good question. After doing the means test analysis, it appears that there is no presumption of abuse with Chapter 7.

On the other hand, if some deductions we claim are disputed by the trustee, there could be some disposable income that will indicate that client has the ability to pay off a portion of his $50,000 credit card debt.

But note that this case is significantly different from the first case because in this case, the client does not own a house. So, even if it’s a borderline case, i.e. client can file Chapter 7 or 13, the client can file for Chapter 7 relief as long as the IRS deductions are kosher. Kosher means in this case that he can justify the money that he sends to his nephews and nieces abroad. If he can justify that expense, it can be argued that the nephews and nieces are his dependents even though they do not live with him. Under the worse case, he can convert his case to Chapter 13. However, he has very good chances of getting a Chapter 7 discharge. This is a no brainer for a gambler like the client, so he opts for Chapter 7.

If you need bankruptcy relief, please call my office for an appointment and I will analyze your case personally. *** Disclaimer: The foregoing is an expression of opinion and is not meant to be legal advice to any reader. There is no attorney-client relationship established by this article with the reader. If you want to discuss your situation, you have to set an appointment to consult with Attorney Yang. The first general consultation is free. *** Lawrence Bautista Yang specializes in Bankruptcy, Business, Real Estate and Civil Litigation and has successfully represented more than five thousand clients in California. Please call Angie, Barbara or Jess at (626) 284-1142 for an appointment at 1000 S. Fremont Ave, Mailstop 58, Building A-1 Suite 1125, Alhambra, CA 91803 or at 20274 Carrey Road, Walnut, CA 91789.

(Advertising Supplement)

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2019 tax filing due dates for 2018 tax returns

Tax Tips VictoR sy, cPA, mBA FORM

Original Due Dates in 2019

Form W-2 & certain 1099-Misc (electronic or mail)

January 31

Form 1065 – Partnerships

March 15

Form 1120-S – S Corporations

March 15

Form 1040 – Individuals

April 15

FinCEN 114 – FBAR (will be allowed to extend)

April 15

Form 1041 – Trusts and Estates

April 15

Form 1120 – C Corporations

April 15

Form 990 Series – Tax Exempt Organizations

May 15

Form 5500 Series – Employee Benefit Plan

July 31

FORM

Extended Due Dates in 2019

Form 1065 Extended Return

September 15th (9/16 for 2019)

Form 1120-S Extended Return

September 15th (9/16 for 2019)

Form 1041 Extended Return

September 30

Form 1120 Extended Return

October 15

Form 1040 Extended Return

October 15

FinCEN 114 (Extended with Form 1040)

October 15

Form 5500 Series Extended Return

October 15

Form 990 Series Extended Return

November 15

*** Victor Santos Sy graduated Cum Laude from UE with a BBA and from Indiana State University with an MBA. Vic worked with SyCip, Gorres, Velayo (SGV - Andersen Consulting) and Ernst & Young before

establishing Sy Accountancy Corporation in Pasadena, California. *** He has 50 years of experience in defending taxpayers audited by the IRS, FTB, EDD, BOE and other governmental

agencies. He is publishing a book on his expertise - “HOW TO AVOID OR SURVIVE IRS AUDITS.” Our readers may inquire about the book or email tax questions at vicsy@live.com.

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

AN action under the DVPA (Domestic Violence Protection Act) seeking a restraining order often is necessary to protect parties from abuse or domestic violence perpetrated by the other spouse or significant other. At times, it is effective in preventing harm to one of the parties. At the same time, this process is sometimes abused by family law litigants as a strategy for obtaining an advantage in a child custody case. The basis for this is the presumption against sole or joint custody under California family code section 3044.

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

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

Minding Your Finances Atty. RAymond BulAon SLEEPLESS nights… Stressed out… Worried about the future..

Always broke no matter how hard they work…Feeling hopeless about their situation.

This is what most people are going through when they are considering bankruptcy in order to get out of debt. The word “bankruptcy” often produces negative feelings because some people equate it with failure.

They think that filing bankruptcy means they have failed and that they are admitting defeat. But nothing can be further from the truth. Listen to me! Bankruptcy is not about failing; it’s about starting again and putting the past behind you so that you can move on to bigger and better things.

A lot of creditors will lie to you when you’re in debt and tell you that bankruptcy is the ‘worst mistake’ you can ever make because your credit will be ‘ruined forever’ and that you will never be able to buy a car or house again.

Wrong again.

The truth is that bankruptcy is a fact of life. At one time or another, everyone experiences financial difficulties. When you’re in a situation where you have done everything you can to pay your creditors but nothing has

Barrister’s Corner Atty. Kenneth uRsuA Reyes with both parents, as set forth in subdivision (b) of Section 3020, or with the noncustodial parent, as set forth in paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) of Section 3040, may not be used torebut the presumption, in whole or in part.(2) Whether the perpetrator has successfully completed a batterer’s treatment program that meets the criteria outlined in subdivision (c) of Section 1203.097 of the Penal Code. (3) Whether the perpetrator has successfully completed a program of alcohol or drug abuse counseling if the court determines that counseling is appropriate. (4) Whether the perpetrator has successfully completed a parenting class if the court determines the class to be appropriate.

(5) Whether the perpetrator is on probation or parole, and whether he or she has complied with the terms and conditions of probation or parole. (6) Whether the perpetrator is restrained by a protective order or restraining order, and whether he or she has complied with its terms and conditions.

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

A person has “perpetrated domestic violence” when he or she is found by the court to have in-

tentionally or recklessly caused or attempted to cause bodily injury, or sexual assault, or to have placed a person in reasonable apprehension of imminent serious bodily injury to that person or to another, or to have engaged in any behavior involving, but not limited to, threatening, striking, harassing, destroying personal property or disturbing the peace of another, for which a court may issue an ex parte order pursuant to Section 6320 to protect the other party seeking custody of the child or to protect the child and the child’s siblings.The requirement of a finding by the court shall be satisfied by, among other things, and not limited to, evidence that a party seeking custody has been convicted within the previous five years, after a trial or a plea of guilty or no contest, of any crime against the other party that comes within the definition of domestic violence contained in Section 6211 and of abuse contained in Section 6203, including, but not limited to, a crime described in subdivision (e) of Section 243 of, or Section 261,262, 273.5, 422, or 646.9 of, the Penal Code.The requirement of a finding by the court shall also be satisfied if any court, whether that court hears or has heard the child custody proceedings or not, has made a finding pursuant to subdivision (a) based on conduct occurring within the previous five years.

In Christina L v. Chauncey B, 229 Cal. App 4th 731 (2014),the

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Bankruptcy: Are you living without a financial plan? worked, bankruptcy may be your only option so you can start a new life. And this is exactly what Congress intended when they passed bankruptcy laws. So with bankruptcy, you get another chance. You wipe the slate clean and move on with your life, free from the burdens of debt.

Can you just imagine what would happen if we had no bankruptcy laws that can help people get out of debt when they can no longer help themselves?

Filing for bankruptcy means that you are filing a petition for relief from the bankruptcy court.

The court reviews your application and determines whether on not you are entitled to the relief you are seeking. It is not for dishonest people who are trying to cheat the system. Contrary to what others think, most people who file for bankruptcy are honest, hard-working people who have gotten themselves in a big financial mess. In some cases it is caused by factors beyond their control. In other cases, it is a result of making bad financial decisions. But who hasn’t made a bad decision in their life at least once? Life is not perfect. Neither are you.

Filing bankruptcy can help you regain your footing if you have lost control of your finances. If you are living your life without a financial plan for the future,

you will never achieve financial security. So you can say that bankruptcy is a tool that allows you to reorganize your finances so you can plan a better future for yourself and your family. It is neither good nor bad in and of itself. You can use a tool for the wrong or right reasons. Using it for the wrong reasons is NOT the intent of our bankruptcy laws.

Is it for you? Maybe yes.

Maybe no. It certainly is not for everyone. But when appropriate for your situation, it could be the best thing that ever happened to you- and it could be a big turning point in your life if you are drowning in debt. This is what you need, isn’t it?

If you need some straight talk about bankruptcy and get all your questions answered, I will give you a free initial consultation so we can talk about your situation. Just call 866-477-7772 and schedule an appointment. I have offices in Glendale, Cerritos and Valencia. *** None of the information herein is intended to give legal advice for any specific situation. Atty. Ray Bulaon has successfully helped thousands of clients in getting out of debt. For a free attorney evaluation of your situation, please call Ray Bulaon Law Offices at TOLL FREE 1 (866) 477-7772.

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

Community Journal

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • APRIL 13-16, 2019

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Firing employee after 12-week medical Extracurricular activities that give leave may be disability discrimination purpose and meaning to my life

OUR client, Teresa,* has always lived with a serious lung condition since childhood. Although Teresa knew that her condition limited her activities, she did her best to live a productive work life. She finished her schooling in the Philippines and worked in several skilled jobs there before she came to the U.S. with her two children. Once in the U.S., she went to work for DataBase Inc.* in its accounting department.

While working for DataBase, her performance reviews were generally satisfactory and she received regular pay raises.

Teresa happily believed she had found a stable career that allowed her to support herself and her young children in her adopted country.

Teresa had just celebrated her seventh year with the company when she started experiencing shortness of breath and random chest pains. For the next several months, she had doctor appointments and clinical treatments that caused her to be absent from work at least once a month. All of her requests for sick time were approved by her manager. After months of treatments that did not improve her condition, her pulmonologist recommended lung surgery. Teresa requested 3 months of leave to undergo surgery and recover from it. DataBase granted her leave for February 7 to May 7 of the same year.

Teresa’s surgery was successful and her recovery period went well. Five days before she was due to return to work, she received a letter from DataBase. The employer said that her leave had expired on April 30 and since she failed to return to work after 12 weeks of leave, her employment was being terminated.

DataBase never gave Teresa prior notice that her leave was expiring on April 30 and she would be fired if she did not

Protecting Employee & Consumer Rights Atty. C. Joe SAyAS, Jr.

return by that date. DataBase did not contact Teresa to ask if she was able to return to work

by April 30 or by May 7. Teresa immediately contacted her manager to ask for reconsideration and her job back. She faxed a doctor’s note releasing her back to work without restrictions.

Her manager passed her on to the Human Resources (HR) department, who told her that it was company policy to automatically terminate any employee who remains absent beyond the 12-week period. Teresa lost her ability to provide for her family, leading to considerable emotional distress and mental anguish. Though she exerted great efforts to look for another job, she was unfortunately unable to find one. Feeling frustrated, she called our office for help.

Our firm sued DataBase for wrongful termination in violation of California’s disability discrimination laws. We argued that when DataBase failed to ask Teresa if she was able to return to work or if she needed reasonable accommodation, DataBase disregarded its legal duty to engage in a good faith interactive process.

Our investigation revealed that the manager had been upset at Teresa for “taking a lot of sick time” and was bent on getting rid of her. The opportunity presented itself when after 12 weeks of leave, Teresa did not return to work. DataBase completely ignored the fact that its own HR gave Teresa a return date of May 7.

We prepared the case for trial, and readied our witnesses, our

HR and accounting experts, and other evidence necessary to support Teresa’s case. But Teresa showed shyness and hesitation in testifying before a jury. Thus, we spent some time preparing her for trial. We worked with a jury consultant and communication expert to teach Teresa to communicate clearly and confidently about what happened to her and how this affected her and her family. Our knowledge of Filipino culture proved helpful in this case because we understood that even though Teresa was telling the truth, she had trouble expressing herself because of a sense of “hiya.” And so we knew how to address her issues and made her trial-ready.

For Teresa, we sought to recover back wages, loss of future earnings, damages for emotional distress, punitive damages, and attorneys’ fees and costs. On the eve of trial, DataBase agreed to pay a high six-figure settlement amount to resolve Teresa’s claims. It was a hard-fought case. But it was worth it for Teresa and her family. *Names have been changed to preserve confidentiality ***

The Law Offices of C. Joe Sayas, Jr. welcomes inquiries about this topic. All inquiries are confidential and at no-cost. You can contact the office at (818) 291-0088 or visit www. joesayaslaw.com or our Facebook page Joe Sayas Law. [C. Joe Sayas, Jr., Esq. is an experienced trial attorney who has successfully recovered wages and other monetary damages for thousands of employees and consumers. He was named Top Labor & Employment Attorney in California by the Daily Journal, consistently selected as Super Lawyer by the Los Angeles Magazine, is the recipient of PABA’s Community Champion Award, and is a Presidential Awardee for Outstanding Filipino Overseas in 2018.]

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USCIS reaches FY 2020 H-1B regular cap Tapat Sa Batas Atty. rheA SAmSon NITONG nakaraang April 5, 2019, o apat na araw pa lamang mula sa pagtanggap ng mga H1B Petition na bilang sa Fiscal Year 2020 cap, ang US Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) ay naglabas na ng balita na ito ay nakatanggap na ng sapat na mga H1B Petition para umabot sa congressionally-mandated 65,000 H1B visa regular cap para sa Fiscal Year 2020. Ang susunod na titignan ng USCIS ay kung sapat na ang natanggap na mga H1B Petition para sa master’s cap o yung may mga advanced degree.

Ang Master’s Cap exemption ay 20,000 bawat taon.

Sino nga ba ang maaaring makasama sa Master’s Cap exemption? Ayon sa batas, ang may eligibility para sa Master’s Cap exemption ay yung mga indibidwal na nakapagtapos ng master’s degree o mas mataas na degree mula sa United States institution of higher education.

Ang tinutukoy na “institution of higher education” ay isang public o non-profit educational institution na “accredited” o binigyan na ng “preaccreditation status” ng US Secretary of Education. Hindi nakasaad sa batas kung kailangang ang educational institution ay accredited na noong panahon ng pagtatapos ng estudyante o sa petsa sa hinaharap kung kailan ang estudyante ay humihingi immigration benefit sa USCIS. Ito ang isyu na isinalang sa Administrative Appeals Office (AAO) sa Matter of A-T-Inc. Sa Matter of A-T-Inc., ang H1B employer ay nagfile ng H1B Petition sa ilalim ng Master’s Cap exemption para sa dayuhang empleyadong nakatapos ng Master’s degree (“Beneficiary”) sa isang educational institution o unibersidad sa California. Ang Director ng California Service Center ay naglabas ng desisyon na denied ang H1B petition sapagkat ang nasabing unibersidad ay hindi accredited noong magbigay ito ng Master’s degree sa Beneficiary. Dahil dito, ayon sa California Service Center, ang Beneficiary ay hindi nakapagtapos ng kanyang Master’s degree sa “United States institution of higher education”.

Sa kanyang apela sa AAO, iginiit ng H1B employer na hindi nakasaad sa batas na kailangang ang Master’s degree ay magmula sa United States institution

of higher education noong panahong ay degree ay ginawad.

Sinabi pa ng H1B employer na noong isinalang na sa USCIS ang H1B Petition sa ilalim ng Master’s Cap exemption, ang sinasabing unibersidad ay may accreditation na. Sa madaling salita, ang Beneficiary ay nakapagtapos ng kanyang Master’s degree bago nakakuha ang unibersidad ng preaccreditation o accreditation status, ngunit noong ang H1B employer ay nag-file na ng H1B Petition, ang unibersidad ay may preaccreditation status na.

Ayon sa interpretasyon ng AAO ng batas, ang mga kwalipikasyaon ng educational institution ay kailangang nasunod na sa pahanon na ang master’s degree ay ipinagkaloob, at hindi sa hinaharap na panahon. Kung ang educational institution ay may preaccrediation o accreditation status na noong ipagkaloob ang master’s degree, ito ay nagpapatibay ng kalidad ng edukasyon para sa Master’s Cap exemption. Kung ang educational institution ay nakakuha lamang ng nararapat na preaccrediation o accreditation status noong humihingi na ang beneficiary ng immigration benefit sa USCIS, maaaring masabing tagilid ang kalidad ng edukasyong kanyang nakamit. Sinabi pa ng AAO na kung ang beneficiary ay nakakuha ang kanyang master’s degree noong ang education institution ay may preaccrediation o accreditation status, kapag ang educational institution pagkaraan ng panahon ay mawalan ng accreditation, ang beneficiary ay pasok pa rin sa Master’s Cap exemption.

Ano ang mangyayari sa mga di nakasali sa cap-subject petition? Ang USCIS ay magbibigay ng mga “Rejection Letters” sa H1B employers at isasauli din ang filing fees nila.

Para sa mga H1b Petition na cap-exempt para sa 2020 tulad ng mga empleyadong aprobabado na ang H1B at kabilang na sa nakaraang H1B-cap, at pinananatili pa rin ang kanilang capnumber, ang USCIS ay patuloy pa ring tatanggap at magpoproseso ng mga ito. Para sa mga empleyadong ito na may aprubadong H1B petition, sila ay maaaring: 1. mag-file ng H1B extension; 2. magpalit ng mga tuntunin at kundisyon ng trabaho; 3. magpalit ng H1B employer; at 4. mag-file ng pangalawang H1B petition para sa kasabay o concurrent H1B employment. *** On April 5, 2019, the USCIS issued a news alert that it has received a sufficient number of H1-b petitions projected as

needed to reach the congressionally-mandated 65,000 H1B visa regular cap for Fiscal Year 2020. USCIS will then determine when it has received a sufficient number of petitions to meet the 20,000 H1-B visa US advanced degree exemption or the master’s cap.

Eligibility for the Master’s Cap exemption is reserved for an individual who has earned a master’s or higher degree from a US institution of higher education. An institution of higher education is defined as a public or nonprofit educational institution that is accredited or has been granted preaccreditation status by the US Secretary of Education. The statute does not, however, expressly state whether the institution must have been (pre-)accredited at the time the degree was earned or at some different point in time when a relevant immigration benefit is adjudicated. This was the issue raised before the Administrative Appeals Office (AAO) in Matter of A-T-Inc. In Matter of A-T-Inc., the H1B employer filed an H1B Petition under the Master’s Cap exemption for a beneficiary who earned his degree from an educational institution in California before the university obtained its preaccreditation or accreditation status. However, when the H1B Petition was filed, the university already attained preaccreditation status.

According to the AAO, the provisions of statute are construed to require that the institution’s qualifications be established at the time the degree is earned. This will help to ensure the quality of education necessary to merit a Master’s Cap exemption. Assessing the educational institution’s qualifications at a later time – such as when an immigration benefit is requested for one of the institution’s graduates - does not advance those quality considerations. Also, under the AAO’s interpretation of statute, an individual who earns a degree from a (pre-) accredited institution may continue to qualify for the Master’s Cap exemption even if the institution later closes or loses its (pre-) accreditation status.

What happens to the unselected cap-subject petitions?

The USCIS will issue “Rejection Letters” and return filing fees. USCIS will also continue to accept and process petitions that are otherwise exempt from cap – current H1B workers who have been previously counted against the cap, and who still retain their cap number, are exempt from the FY 2020 cap.

USCIS will continue to accept

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(Part 1 of 2)

SINCE grade school, we were taught the Catholic practice of “Examination of Conscience” before we go to confession.

So reflecting on my own extracurricular activities is relatively very easy.

This Holy Week, during my slow recovery from a serious open-heart surgery, I have been pondering over my life of over 65 years. I am profoundly grateful, as my overall journey was very good, fruitful and fulfilling.

I know I am not a very rich man, but I believe I have a very rich and colorful life. With that realization, I have transformed my life through sweat, tears and countless trials into a much better life than my parents. I thank my Creator for His abundant blessings and grace to a sinner like me. That is the same hope and prayer I have for my two children, to have the opportunity and blessings improve their lives like ours.

I also hope that this chapter, as a part of my legacy to them and their own children, will give them a glimpse of my bittersweet journey to America.

Although my childhood environment was poor, what I initially learned there carried me throughout my life. A profound lesson that was imbedded forever in my mind ever since is that “A lazy man’s garden is full of weeds.” That is quite obvious in the farming world or in life’s physical quadrant. That early lesson also applies to the other necessary quadrants of productive life: social, mental or spiritual.

Along the way, I also learned life lessons primarily from two main sources: men and women that I respect and admire, and the hundreds of good books I have read. Those outside the classroom gems that were implanted in me were priceless. Reading more than the average Filipino or American, in my opinion, has also made

The Metamorphosis

ernie D. Delfin me a more proficient and prolific writer. Since that college semester when I was singled out by our English professor for my make-believe story, I was encouraged to hone my writing skills.

During my second year as a member of the Fountain Valley Jaycees, I surprised my fellow Jaycees in my club and in the State (and even myself!) When I won first prize in both “Write Up” and “Speak Up” state con-

California Chapter and eventually became its president in 1986.

A couple years later, I was also elected president of our young Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Orange County during the economic boom and business expansion in California.

In the 80s, once a Jaycee member reached 35, he becomes a “roasted” Jaycee and becomes an “honorary member.” Most of us eventually joined the older community service club, Rotary. During that time, the mayor and the councilmembers were all Jaycees or Rotarians! We were the movers and shakers of the city. Due to business reasons, I found it imperative to transfer my Rotary membership in City of Fountain Valley to the Rotary Club of Cerritos.

It was that year that I was also introduced to one of the most trustworthy movements for the poor in the Philippines called Gawad Kalinga (GK). GK’s noble and bold ambition was to eradicate poverty in one generation. Since its inception, there are now over 2,500 GK communities built throughout the Philippines. As of this writing, dozen GK villages in my home province are completed and the newest one in my own barrio is being completed, which this writer spearheaded and been actively engaged. Personally witnessing the transformation of the family beneficiaries is quite rewarding. After the International Convention in Osaka, five American members of our Cerritos Rotary Club proceeded to the Philippines, where we actually saw the small house that our club donated. That visit resulted into about a dozen houses donated by Rotarian clubs in America.

(To be continued next week) *** Email: ernie.delfin@gmail.com websites: www.gkerc.org www.edelfin.globalgn.com

“I have transformed my life through sweat, tears and countless trials into a much better life than my parents. I thank my Creator for His abundant blessings and grace to a sinner like me.” tests on the topic “Why Did You Became a Jaycee?” in the Calif.

Jaycees Convention in 1980! As a son of a humble farmer from the Philippines, I was elated and was given the Eagle’s wings to fly higher in my adopted county!

(Soon thereafter I started writing my “The Metamorphosis” for the [now defunct] California Asian American News and The Asian Journal).

Because of that award, I was recognized in our Fountain Valley Jaycees where I was not only the smallest member and but also the only Asian. There was not even a black person or Hispanics, then! I was elected as the vice president that year, and thereafter became the president of an all-white member club, the first Asian too.

I was also active with the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants-Southern

C4 APRIL 13-16, 2019 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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alendar of Events

across

COMMUNITY JOURNAL

America

ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS! PRE-EVENT AND POST EVENT GO DEEPER. GO WIDER. LET THE WORLD KNOW. CALL ASIAN JOURNAL: (818) 502-0651 DISPLAY AD SIZES AT SPECIAL RATES FOR NON-PROFIT GROUPS APRIL 13

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

Recycling used motor oil event in Los Angeles, CA Attention all Florence Firestone residents! Everyone is invited to bring in their used motor oil and used oil filters in exchange for a free new oil filter on Saturday, April 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It will take place at AutoZone at 1262 Firestone Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90002. Recycling motor oil and filters helps save our environment and helps our water stay clean. So, don’t miss out - we’re making it easier for you to keep your car running smoothly and efficiently.

A P R I L 22

West Ranch Music Masters Tournament in Valencia, CA West Ranch High School’s Instrumental Music Program is excited to announce their inaugural Golf Tournament fundraiser to be held on Monday, April 22 at The Oaks Club at Valencia, CA. Check-in and breakfast starts at 10 a.m. with a 12 p.m. shotgun start. The $125 per player fee includes: 18 holes of golf, use of golf cart, practice facilities, lunch and dinner.

There will be an optional Mulligan and Magic Putt package for purchase. Additionally, a wide array of silent auction and raffle baskets will be available. The awards dinner will be served starting at 5pm and will feature students performing live jazz music. For those who wish to attend only the dinner and award festivities, the cost is $50. All proceeds go directly to support the West Ranch High School Music Program. To register for the tournament or for more information contact Jean Conway at westranchband@gmail.com or visitwestranchmusic.com.

Deadline to register is on April 11.

A P R I L 25 -28

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

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

Palm Sunday: a celebration and building of God’s Kingdom!

The Prophetic Voice REVEREND RODEL G. BALAGTAS WE just ended Lent, and we start Holy Week, the most sacred time of the year in our Christian life. We begin it by reenacting Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem and contemplating his Passion according to the Gospel of Luke.

What is significant about these rituals? What do they mean to us? How would they affect us and transform our views of life?

These are questions we need to ask ourselves on this Palm Sunday. For most likely, many of us, including those who do not come to Sunday Mass regularly, would come to Church to observe these rituals with family members and friends.

In the light of the Gospel of Luke, Jesus Christ’s entry into Jerusalem signified his establishment of God’s kingdom on earth.

What kind of kingdom? It’s one that claims kingship as selfless and humble service to God and fellowmen, marked with trustworthiness, love, compassion, and mercy. It’s a kingdom of justice, peace, unity, and harmony, where everyone receives dignity and respect. It’s a kingdom that would give hope to those who are destitute, oppressed, and alienated from society. It’s one that would bring reconciliation among men and women and a promising future to children and youth.

It’s no wonder that the Gospel of Luke presents Jesus riding on a donkey instead of a horse because, in the ancient Middle Eastern world, rulers who rode on donkeys came in peace while those who rode on horses came

for war. Zachariah 9:9-10, for example, mentions that a king riding on a donkey is “righteous and having salvation, gentle.”

Jesus’ kingdom is not marked by megalomaniac attitudes of a ruler(s) that foster egotism, narcissism, vainglory, haughtiness, and arrogance? It does not breed corruption and greed for power, popularity and wealth. It embraces the cross and struggles for the sake of the redemption of all people from the bondage of sin and wretchedness. It’s the kingdom where the king becomes the servant and the least of all.

In Luke’s Passion of Christ, right during the last supper (Passover meal), an argument broke out among the disciples about which of them is the greatest. Jesus then told them: “The kings over nations rule by dominating. Those who exercise authority among them are designated as benefactors. But it is not to be that way with you. Instead, the greater among you is to become as the younger. And the one who governs is to be as one who serves. For who is greater, the one who reclines at table or the one who serves at table? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I am in your midst as one who serves at table.”

Luke’s Passion account highlights Jesus’ intense struggle to say yes to the will of his Father that he sweat blood. It focuses on his intense love for others and their lives: he healed the man with the severed ear, consoled the women of Jerusalem, forgave his executioners, and promised Paradise to the repentant thief. It shows how Jesus was willing to give over his own life for the sake of others’ life.

These rituals of Jesus’ entry to Jerusalem and the readings of the Passion have much to say about our present-day realities.

They touch on our understanding of leadership in the church,

government, and other sectors of our society. Whomever we elect among politicians as our leaders, for example, must be selfless and genuine in his service to the country and community.

Whoever becomes a bishop of a diocese must listen to his priests and people, be present to them, and inspire true holiness and service by his teaching, preaching, and witnessing. In these critical times, when scandal after scandal has rocked the Church, he must lead with transparency, accountability, and trustworthiness, protecting the Church, children, youth, and families from further harm.

The Palm and Passion Sunday liturgies also challenge us to look at our faith, our loyalty to God and the values of his Kingdom.

As parents, how are we exercising our responsibility of strengthening the faith of our children?

How are we leading them with patience and love? In a family relationship, how are we fostering unity, respect, and mutual understanding? As Christians, how are we leading our lives properly through the disciplines of prayer, study, and apostolate?

May our experience of Holy Week this year be deep! May it bring us peace, inspire you to serve and love unconditionally, and give us hope always! *** From a Filipino immigrant family, Reverend Rodel G. Balagtas was ordained to the priesthood from St. John’s Seminary in 1991. He served as Associate Pastor at St. Augustine, Culver City (1991-1993); St. Martha, Valinda (1993-1999); and St. Joseph the Worker, Canoga Park (19912001). In 2001, he served as Administrator Pro Tem of St. John Neumann in Santa Maria, CA, until his appointment as pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary, Los Angeles, in 2002, which lasted 12 years. His term as Associate Director of Pastoral Field Education at St. John’s Seminary began in July 2014.

A P R I L 26

Avengers Endgame fundraiser screening for Ateneo scholars The Blue Eagle Circle (TBEC) will be hosting a fundraiser screening of Avengers Endgame for the benefit of Ateneo scholars. The screening will be held on Friday, April 26 at Regal LA Live Stadium 14. Doors open at 7:15 p.m. PST. Tickets are $40.00 each, inclusive of popcorn and soda. Event proceeds will go to the Stipend Fund Program – an annual fundraising program that provides financial assistance to bright and deserving scholars of the Ateneo de Manila University. For more information, go to bit.ly/AvengersTBEC; or find us on Facebook as “The Ateneo Blue Eagle Circle.” For ticket sales and other inquries, please contact Joey Dungca (213-503-6407), Mico Letargo (818-620-4031), or Penelope Uy (213-810-2281).

M AY 4

Kulintang festival in Oakland, CA As part of the as part of the celebrations of Asian American Heritage Month, Gongster’s Paradise — a kulintang party — will be held on Saturday, May 4 at the Oakland Asian Cultural Center where the father of Filipino-American Kulintang music, Danongan ‘Danny’ Kalanduyan was once an artists in residence. This year’s line up will feature a new generation of Maguindanaon Master Artists from Cotabato City, Traditional groups from all over the United States and Contemporary groups from all over the world including Toronto, Philippines, Seattle, Virginia, Los Angeles and San Francisco. Alongside non-stop kulintangan, Gongster’s Paradise will feature visual artists, vendors, and dancers to showcase movements related to kulintang music rooted from all over Mindanao. A feast will be served throughout the evening to be prepared and served by Chef Eric Pascual, rising star and owner of Eats By E and will be joined by collaborator and sponsor, Ramar Foods. It will be held from 4 to 9 p.m. at the Oakland Asian Cultural Center (388 9th St., Oakland, CA 94607).

Filipino American Chamber of Commerce Tri-County Gatsby Gala Induction in Claremont, CA Roaring ‘20s is an optional attire for the ‘Gatsby Gala Induction’ of FACC Tri-County (Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino Counties) on May 4, at the Double Tree by Hilton Hotel, 555 West Foothill Blvd., Claremont, CA 91711, 6 to 11 p.m. Guest Speaker and Inducting Officer: Consul General Adelio Angelito S. Cruz; and Sierra Madre Councilmember Rachelle Arizmendi, inspirational speaker. FACC Tri-County, under the stewardship of President Merwynn Montenegro, leads to support and enhance businesses that serve diversified communities. Its mission is to advocate for all businesses, provide opportunities for growth, and increase their competitiveness in the market place. For more information, contact Merwynn (909) 319-3145; 1st VP Carmela Giliberto carmela.giliberto@getbeyond.com, or 2nd VP Gregg Vargas (909) 802-0901.

M AY 1 7-1 9

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

M AY 25

Marist School Marikina to celebrate 55th anniversary in Buena Park, CA Marist Alumni Abroad, coordinated by Arthur ‘Jojo’ P. Armada ‘77, invites alumni, family and friends, and the public who are interested, to the 55th anniversary grand reunion of the Marist School Marikina, to be held on Saturday, May 25, at the Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel (7675 Crescent Ave., Buena Park, CA 90620). The event’s theme is “Celebrating Our Marist Life...

The Legacy Continues,” hosted by Marist Alumni Abroad. Dinner and dance: 6 pm to 11 pm; donation: $55/pax (per person). Contact person is overall chair Jojo P. Armada at (626) 2163529 or email: armadaarthur@yahoo.com.

M AY 25 -26

Bulacan high schools reunite in Rosemead, CA The 2019 Global Gathering of Marcelo H. Del Pilar High School (MHPHS) of Malolos, Bulacan will be held on May 25-26, 2019 at the Double Tree Hotel in Rosemead, CA. For further information, please contact any of the following: Lourdes Ople-Smith at lourdesosmith@gmail. com / (310) 662-1948; Charito Aldaba-Gabriel at chato_gabriel1019@yahoo.com / (818) 6536047; Leni Flor Cruz-Florentino at lenflorcruz529@yahoo.com / (818) 282-0928; Tristan Zafra at tristan@trisoftco.com / (714) 686-3345; Gerry Torres, Jr. at gerrytorres50@gmail.com / (213) 249-1633; and Perfecto T. Martin at perfecto.martin@gmail.com.

If you have an upcoming event and would like us to post it, please email us the details at info@asianjournalinc.com or calendar@asianjournalinc.com

Charting a successful career path at Farmers Insurance in the South Bay AT Farmers Insurance LA South Bay District, we pair individuals with the right career choice, whether that be direct insurance agency ownership or a training path to becoming and insurance agency owner.

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Will a domestic violence...

PAGE C2 t

Court of appeal held that because a Domestic Violence restraining order must be based on a finding that the party being restrained committed one or more acts of domestic abuse, a finding of domestic abuse sufficient to support a DVPA restraining order necessarily triggers the rebuttable statutory presumption that an award of sole or joint physical or legal custody of a child to a person who has perpetrated domestic violence is detrimental to the best interest of the child.

Cal. Fam. Code §§ 3044. The presumption that an award of sole or joint physical or legal custody of a child to a person who has perpetrated domestic violence is detrimental to the best interest of the child changes the burden of persuasion, but may be overcome by a preponderance of the evidence showing that it is in the

child’s best interest to grant joint or sole custody to the offending parent. Cal. Fam. Code § 3044. In that case, the father had a history of perpetrating domestic violence against the mother. Domestic Violence restraining orders has been issued multiple times over the years including within the last 5 years. The trial court ignored both the existing restraining order, the legal effect of such a judicial finding, and failed to apply the family code 3044 presumption and instead awarded joint custody to father. The Court of appeal reversed and remanded the case back to the trial court. (copyright 7/7/15) *** Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice.

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

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

The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, P.C. This article is not a solicitation. *** 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 “mailto:kenneth@kenreyeslaw. com” kenneth@kenreyeslaw.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com (Advertising Supplement)

USCIS Reaches FY 2020 H-1B Regular...

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and process petitions to: 1. extend H1B Petitions; 2. change terms of employment for current H1B workers, such as higher position and higher salary; 3. allow current H1-b workers to change employers; and 4. allow current H1-b workers to work concurrently in a sec-

ond H1-b position.

*** Atty. Rhea Samson is a partner at Lindain & Samson Law Firm. Atty. Lindain and Atty. Samson are licensed attorneys both in California and the Philippines. They are also professors. Lindain & Samson Law Firm aims to provide excellent and effective legal representation to their clients, and support them in achieving

their dreams. As professors, Atty. Lindain and Atty. Samson strive to educate the younger generation as they believe that education is the way for progress and to attain success in life in order to serve other people.

Visit us at our office at 3580 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 1710, Los Angeles, CA 90010 or contact us by telephone at (213) 381-5710 or email attorney@ lindainsamsonlaw.com.

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Joint Regional and Provincial Women’s Month Celebration in Batangas City

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA

AJ Press

In commemoration of March as Women’s Month, a Joint Regional and Provincial Women’s Month Celebration with the theme “We Make Change Work for Women” was held on March 28 in Batangas City.

The theme, which will be used until 2022, emphasizes that women should be active drivers in bringing about positive changes in the world.

Highlights of the celebration included Zumba, free manicure and pedicure for women, and a musical performance by 250 talented scholars from Batangas Province High School for Culture and Arts

Joint Regional and Provincial Women’s Month Celebration 2019 at the Batangas Provincial Auditorium in Batangas City.

joined the celebration. Women have a large role in making the Philippines better, he said.

He also stressed the importance of promoting gender equality, not only in Batangas, but also all over the country.

The National Women’s Month Celebration every March is part of the worldwide observance of the International Women’s Day (IWD). It aims to inform and engage women as stakeholders of government programs and services; create and facilitate platforms to discuss good practices, gaps, challenges, and commitments in pursuing gender and development (GAD); and inspire and empower women and girls to be agents of change.

AJ Press Photos by Godwin Gasacao

Governor Hermilando “Dodo” Mandanas

Guest Speaker, Governor Imee Marcos

(BPHSCA).

The musical, entitled “Roselang Bubog,” celebrates Batangas-born Marcela Agoncillo, who gained the title of “The Mother of the Philippine Flag” for being the principal seamstress of the first and official flag of the Philippines.

The celebration was spearheaded by the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), in partnership with Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), Regional Gender and Development Council (RGADC), and Provincial Women Coordinating Council Batangas Inc. (PWCCB).

Batangas Governor Hermilando “Dodo” Mandanas gave a warm welcome to everyone who

Atty. Regina Reyes Mandanas

Guest Speaker, Manay Gina de Venecia

Engr. Ladislao Andal

PSWD Dept. Head Jocelyn R. Montalbo

Engr. Luis G. Banua

C APRIL 13-16, 2019 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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&

ATTY. MICHAEL GURFINKEL, ESQ

What are a green card holder’s rights if they get stuck at the airport when returning to the US?

RECENTLY, the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) posted a brochure concerning lawful permanent residents’ (LPR or green card holder) rights when they are detained at a port of entry, such as an airport, border crossing, or ship dock. Here are some of the key points of that brochure: If questions or issues arise at the immigration booth, the person may be sent to “secondary inspection,” where CBP will ask you questions and may collect biographic and biometric data, run record checks, and determine whether you should be admitted to the United States.

If you are detained by CBP in secondary inspection, you have the following rights: • If you have a lawyer, you should ask CBP for permission to contact your lawyer. Note, however, that CBP may tell you that you do not have the right to speak to an attorney.

• You have the right to review all written statements that are prepared for you, in a language that you can understand, such as Tagalog.

• If you do not agree with the contents of any papers or statements that are presented to you, you may refuse to sign them. (In other words, if CBP types of a “confession” for you to sign, but it is not accurate, you should not sign it.)

• CBP may search your cell phone, computer, iPad, text messages, and access your email and Facebook and Twitter accounts, to see if you posted anything that affects your admissibility.

• If CBP determines that you are an “arriving alien,” you could have problems. An arriving alien includes the following people, even if a green card holder: • Have abandoned or relinquished your LPR status. (This situation typically arises if a

green card holder has stayed outside the U.S. for a year or more); • Have been absent from the U.S. for a continuous period of more than 180 days; • Engaged in illegal activity after departing the U.S.; • Departed the U.S. while in removal proceedings or extradition proceedings; • Committed certain criminal offenses unless you were granted an immigration waiver; or • Are attempting to enter without inspection.

Right to a hearing before an Immigration Judge. An LPR who is deemed to be an “arriving alien,” may be placed in removal proceedings, and would have the right to a hearing before an immigration judge.

Abandonment of Residence/ LPR Status. CBP may attempt to convince you that you abandoned your residence because of your lengthy or repeated absences from the United States and may urge you to sign a Form I-407, Record of Abandonment of Lawful Permanent Resident Status. However, it is important to know: • You cannot lose your LPR status solely because of time spent abroad.

• An LPR remains an LPR unless the government proves abandonment by clear, unequivocal, and convincing evidence and an order of removal is issued by an immigration judge and becomes final.

• Form I-407 must be signed voluntarily. You may refuse to sign the form and there are no negative consequences if you refuse to sign it.

If CBP believes that you abandoned your U.S. residence and you refuse to sign a Form I-407, CBP must issue you a Notice to Appear (NTA) before an immigration judge who will determine if you have

Immigration Corner

abandoned your U.S. residence.

CBP cannot make this decision on its own.

If CBP believes that you abandoned your U.S. residence and you sign a Form I-407, you still have the right to request a hearing before an immigration judge.

If CBP takes your permanent resident card, you have the right to other evidence of your LPR status, such as a stamp in your passport.

Future travel. To avoid delays at the ports of entry or legal issues in the future, you should consult with an immigration attorney prior to traveling if you: • Have a criminal record (criminal convictions or a pending criminal charge).

• Have an application pending with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR).

• There is anything in your immigration history that was not disclosed during your immigration process or that might cause a government official to question you about the reason for your travel or about your immigration history. ***

The Philippine government would link up with various tertiary institutions to pursue an artificial intelligence (AI) road map.

Inquirer.net photo

PH can become artificial intelligence powerhouse INSTEAD of fearing artificial intelligence (AI), a supposed threat to the country’s thriving business process outsourcing (BPO) industry, the Philippines can position itself as a global AI hub, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said.

In a recent chance interview, Lopez said the Department of Trade and Industry would soon launch an initiative to train the country’s IT and engineering graduates to

create AI solutions for the global marketplace.

Lopez said the government could team up with successful Filipino technopreneur Dado Banatao to upgrade the skills of the country’s IT, science and engineering graduates.

The Philippines produces about 100,000 science and engineering graduates every year “but they will have to be trained in fast comput-

ing which is the expertise of Dado (Banatao),” Lopez said.

“That’s where we can excel because AI is knowledge. It’s programming and here you don’t need big machines, unlike in manufacturing. We have the strength because we have the manpower,” he said.

Banatao is the founder of PhilDev Foundation, a nonprofit organizaPAGE D2

Insurance Commission: 38.9-M Filipinos covered by microinsurance in 2018

by BEN

O. DE VERA Inquirer.net

In a statement on Thursday, April 11, Insurance Commissioner THE number of Filipinos cov- Dennis B. Funa said the number Michael J. Gurfinkel has been an attorney for over 35 years and is licensed, and an ered by microinsurance rose by of insured individuals increased active member of the State Bars of California almost a fifth to 38.9 million last 18.8 percent from 32.7 million and New York. All immigration services are year as mutual benefit associa- in 2017.

Funa earlier said the governprovided by, or under the supervision of, an tions (MBAs) as well as life and active member of the State Bar of California. non-life insurers increased sales ment was targeting to increase the microinsurance penetration rate Each case is different and results may of these cheaper products. depend on the facts of the particular case.

The information and opinions contained herein (including testimonials, “Success Stories”, endorsements and re-enactments) are of a general nature, and are not intended to apply to any particular case, and do not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorney-client relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader.

WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com Follow us on Facebook.com/Gurfinkel

D1

to 48.7 percent by 2022.

Microinsurance sold by MBAs covered 22.8 million individuals; by life insurance companies, 11.9 million; and non-life, 4.3 million, the latest Insurance Commission data showed.

“Based on the statistical data PAGE D5

Business Quote of the Week “My job as a leader is to make sure everybody in the company has great opportunities, and that they feel they’re having meaningful impact and are contributing to the good of society. As a world, we’re doing a better job of that. My goal is for Google to lead, not follow that.

- Larry Page, CEO and Director of Alphabet Inc.

D April 13-16, 2019 • lA WEEKEND ASiAN JOUrNAl

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Peso back at P51:$1 as US dollar weakens Wait for faster internet to take longer

by Mayvelin

Caraballo

ManilaTimes.net

The peso returned to the P51:$1 level on Wednesday, April 10, hitting a one-month high as the dollar weakened on renewed concerns over U.S.-initiated trade disputes.

The currency, which opened at P52.10 against the greenback, gained 24 centavos to close at P51.90, its highest since a P51.72:$1 finish on March 4.

“The U.S. dollar was weaker today. This probably was from the recent statements of Donald Trump that he is not yet finished

with his trade wars and that the weakening global economy should just deal with it,” Union Bank of the Philippines chief economist Ruben Carlo Asuncion.

The U.S., which is currently embroiled in a trade war with China, has threatened to impose tariffs on european imports over subsidies granted to Airbus.

“Investors probably have seen the strength of the peso as lowerthan-expected inflation was reported last week,” Asuncion also pointed out.

Inflation slowed further to 3.3 percent in March and finally fell within the Bangko Sentral ng

Pilipinas’ (BSP) 2.0-4.0 percent target, hitting 3.8 percent year to date.

“This affords the BSP a wider policy space and may soon cut rates to help prop up economic growth,” Asuncion said.

Above-target inflation prompted the central bank’s policymaking Monetary Board to hike key interest rates five consecutive times last year, only pausing after consumer price growth began easing in November.

A third pause resulted from the last policy meeting on March 21, with monetary authorities noting the need for more data. n

IMF cuts PH forecast, lowers global outlook by anna leah

Gonzales ManilaTimes.net

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Tuesday, April 9, joined other multilateral institutions in lowering its 2019 Philippine growth forecast.

In its April 2019 World economic Outlook (WeO), the Washington-based lender trimmed this year’s projection to 6.5 percent, from 6.6 percent previously, in line with lowered global growth expectations.

The revised forecast for the Philippines, however, is still higher than the 6.4 percent separately announced last week by the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank, which had tagged budget approval delays, an ongoing el Niño and a global economic slowdown for cutting their previous projections of 6.5 percent and 6.7 percent, respectively.

For 2020, the IMF expects Philippine economic growth to hit 6.6 percent.

The latest estimates were released along with new forecasts for global growth, which the IMF expects to moderate to 3.3 percent this year, from 3.6 percent in 2018, and then bounce back to 3.6 percent in 2020.

The 2019 and 2020 global growth projections are 0.4 and 0.1 percentage points lower than the previous estimates.

“The global growth forecast reflects a combination of waning cyclical forces and a return to tepid potential growth in advanced economies; a precarious recovery in emerging market and developing economies, driven to a great extent by economies currently experiencing severe

by MiGuel

CaMus Inquirer.net

DeLAyS have hit a massive international undersea cable that would have bolstered the Philippines’ internet infrastructure this year. eliseo Rio Jr., acting secretary of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), said the Philippines’ connection of the submarine cable being built by global companies including social media giant Facebook would be finished by the first quarter of 2020 instead of late 2019.

“Their problem was mostly on scheduling the ships. So the first quarter of next year is the next window to complete it,” Rio said in an interview on Wednesday, April 10.

Known as the Pacific Light Cable Network, the undersea cable will span over 12,900 kilometers and will link hong Kong

in China and Los Angeles in the United States.

It will connect to the Philippines via landing facilities controlled by the Philippine government, which wants to reduce the dependence on international gateways controlled by PLDT Inc. and Globe Telecom.

Internet quality will also improve since most of the internet that users experience is possible through massive amounts of data traveling around the globe via submarine cables.

The government in 2017 announced its support for the project by committing to build what it called the Luzon Bypass Infrastructure.

This will allow international cable operators, such as the one being built by Facebook and its partners, to cross Luzon. This will allow data traffic to avoid the Luzon straight, which has a history of undersea cable damage due to earthquakes and

typhoons.

The Luzon bypass’ landing stations will be located in Baler, Aurora, and Poro Point in San Fernando, La Union.

The state-run Bases Conversion and Development Authority is building the P975-million project while the DICT will operate it for 25 years. Rio said the project would be completed before the end of 2019.

In exchange for the use of the Luzon bypass project, Facebook will provide the Philippine government with an annual capacity of two terabits per second free of charge.

The DICT said the capacity, valued at P4.8 billion a year based on prevailing rates, would be used to power a variety of government initiatives, including its free Wi-Fi project.

Rio said the Luzon bypass facility could also be tapped by other submarine cable companies. n

National government made record investment in 2018 by ben

o. de vera Inquirer.net

macroeconomic distress; and complex factors that shape the prospects for potential growth in both groups,” the IMF said.

The projection for emerging and developing Asia was maintained at 6.3 percent for 2019.

For 2020, growth is expected to hit 6.3 percent. Both figures are lower compared to the 6.4-percent expansion in 2018. “economic growth in China, despite fiscal stimulus and no further increase in tariffs from the United States relative to those in force as of September 2018, is projected to slow on an annualized basis in 2019 and 2020,” the IMF said.

“This reflects weaker underlying growth in 2018, especially in the second half, and the impact of lingering trade tensions with the United States,” it added.

China’s growth is expected to slow to 6.3 percent this year

The government’s investments on infrastructure and other capital outlays reached a record-high P940.4 billion last year, which the Department of Finance said would help sustain a robust economic growth in the near term.

In an economic bulletin Wednesday, DOF Undersecretary and chief economist Gil S. Beltran said national government investManilaTimes.net photo ment in 2018 jumped from P685.3 and 6.1 percent in 2020 from 6.6 billion in 2017, citing data from the Department of Budget and percent in 2018.

The Asean 5, which includes Management (DBM).

The share of national governthe Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam, was ment investment to gross domesforecast to grow by a slower 5.1 tic product therefore rose to 5.4 percent this year, down from 5.2 percent from 4.34 percent of GDP in 2017, Beltran said. percent previously.

“National government investFor 2020, the IMF expects Asean 5 growth of 5.2 percent.

Philippine economic growth hit 6.2 percent last year, dropping from 6.7 percent in 2017 and missing the government’s PAGE D1 downwardly-revised 6.5-6.9 per- tion that advocates to eradicate cent target, as surging inflation poverty through the benefits of dampened consumer spending. science and technology.

Last month, economic managLopez said Banatao’s local office, ers lowered their 2019 and 2020 Wave Computing, which is developgrowth targets to 6.0-7.0 percent ing the AI Center of excellence in and 6.7-7.5 percent, from 7.0-8.0 the Philippines, could also be the percent previously, citing Con- government’s partner in unlocking gress’ failure to pass this year’s the country’s potential. budget, droughts and dry spells “Before, our dollar revenues are caused by el Niño, and the US- from overseas Filipino workers: China trade war. n $25 billion (annually) produced

ment has been very efficient, with rates of return exceeding borrowing costs, currently at 5.9 percent per annum based on the 25-year Treasury bond rate. National government investment is strongly correlated with GDP growth; the economic rate of return is computed at 29.9 percent for the current quarter’s investment and 17.4 percent for the previous quarter’s investment. This compares favorably with 9.7 percent return for current quarter’s private investment and 7.9 percent for the previous quarter’s private investment,” Beltran said, citing a regression analysis using data from 2010 to 2018.

During project evaluations, the government uses as benchmark an economic rate of return of 15 percent.

Beltran attributed the high

economic rates of return to “stringent” project evaluation being undertaken by the interagency Investment Coordination Committee for big-ticket projects, “open and transparent” bidding process for procurement and readiness of projects for implementation before the DBM allocates the budget.

Beltran noted many of the projects should have already been implemented years ago.

“The current congestion in the country’s roads and ports is evidence that the projects, once implemented, will have ready clientele,” he added.

For Beltran, “investment expansion has been the driving force of the economy in recent years—pushing up the country’s competitiveness and making up for previous decades of underinvestment.” n

PH can become artificial intelligence... by 12 million people. Then with BPO, we have $25 to $30 billion (annually) produced by one million people. AI can be the (key to the) next $30 billion even with only 1,000 or 2,000 people producing high-valued service. And they don’t need to leave the country,” Lopez said.

AI refers to the creation of intelligent machines and programs that work and react like humans.

For instance, they can perform

tasks like speech recognition, facial recognition, learning, planning and problem solving.

To pursue an AI road map, Lopez said the government would link up with various tertiary institutions, without restricting itself to only the top schools like UP, Ateneo and La Salle.

“I and Dado agree that this should be market-driven,” he said.

(Doris Dumlao-Abadilla/Inquirer. net)

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PH urges ADB, WB: Stop duplicating roles

by Mayvelin

Caraballo ManilaTimes.net

Many Filipinos are increasingly drawn to digital career in digital jobs, whether on part-time or full-time basis, compared to most parts of Asia.

Inquirer.net photo

More Filipinos turning to digital careers by doris

duMlao-abadilla

Inquirer.net

MaNy Filipinos, even those aged 50 and above, are increasingly drawn to digital career options as a potential fallback to augment income when they reach retirement age. this is based on the 2018 Manulife investor Sentiment index (MiSi), which revealed that more Filipinos were participating in digital jobs, whether on part-time or full-time basis, compared to most parts of asia.

MiSi—which surveyed middleto high-end income Filipinos aged at least 25 with personal income of more than P30,000 a month and an education attainment of at least high school level—showed that 19 percent of respondents were engaged in full-time digital jobs while 34 percent participate in these part-time. this is higher than the asian average of 14 percent in full-time digital jobs and 30 percent in parttime digital jobs. the Philippines ranks third in terms of digital job participation, after indonesia with 30 percent in full-time and 44 percent in parttime digital jobs, and thailand with 19 percent in full-time and 43

percent part-time digital jobs.

While the primary objective of doing digital jobs is to earn income, many also cite “flexible working hours/places,” and “getting satisfaction from an interesting job” as other key reasons, the survey showed.

Freelance work and e-commerce top the list of prevalent digital jobs in the country, accounting for 71 percent and 55 percent, respectively, of full-time digital jobs. these are followed at some distance by sharing content to attract audiences and generate revenue, and creating a start-up company to develop new technologies, which account for 30 percent and 18 percent, respectively, of digital jobs. about 27 percent of the respondents also said they were interested in taking on digital jobs in the future. MiSi also shows strong interest among those 50 years old and above, to pursue digital work, either on a full-time or part-time basis. about 48 percent of the respondents above 50 years old were keen on doing such digital jobs, said Melissa henson, senior vice president and chief marketing officer at Manulife Philippines. henson said other digital work would include projects that people could do during their free time like

doing online surveys, encoding or administrative work through digital channels. these can also include services on online platforms or selling things online.

“Digital transformation provides more job opportunities, flexibility and options for Filipinos to bridge the retirement savings gap. however, Filipinos should still save and invest regularly to prepare for retirement,” she said.

“Most of those who are working digital jobs part-time are concerned because they feel that income is unstable. a lot of them are freelancers so there’s no regular monthly income…they feel they need to save now, or increase insurance coverage or seek advice how to manage their retirement,” she added. about 80 percent of digital workers are enrolled in mandatory retirement but only two-thirds felt they had enough for their retirement, henson said. it was earlier reported that a typical salaried Filipino typically fell short by about P4 million to maintain living standards after retirement due to low personal savings set aside for old age. by riChMond MerCurio But while there is a retirement Philstar.com savings gap, there is rising awareness among people to augment the Department of transporwhat they have and prepare for tation (DOtr) is set to publish retirement, henson added. n next week the terms of reference (tOr) for the Swiss challenge of the Bulacan airport proposal of conglomerate San Miguel Corp., which will officially kick off the bid tention of authorities, with the process for the project.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) transportation Secretary arsaying it was in touch with BPi to thur tugade said the tOr or resolve the matter and the Depart- guidelines for the Swiss challenge ment of information and Com- would be published next week. munications technology (DiCt) “Our undersecretary for planplanning to investigate. ning has told me that we are ready “the BSP is aware of the post to publish the tOr for Bulacan migration challenges encountered airport by april 15,” he said.

by BPi after the recent upgrade of “in the next 90 to 120 days PAGE D5 you have the window upon which

BPI, Globe glitches add to Ayala troubles CONglOMerate ayala Corp., still dealing with the fallout of a massive water shortage blamed on unit Manila Water Company inc., has been hit by fresh troubles courtesy of two other businesses: banking and telecommunications. a systems upgrade for Bank of the Philippine islands (BPi), announced well in advance and

supposedly completed over three days last Sunday, has over this week left clients complaining about wrong balances, inaccessible services and other issues. the system problems were not limited to the bank, with globe telecom inc, customers plagued by connection issues early on Friday. the matter caught the at-

Multilateral institutions asian Development Bank (aDB) and the World Bank (WB) can weed out duplications in their functions and respond more effectively to the financing needs of the asia-Pacific region if they closely coordinate efforts and explore complementarities.

“From the point of view of the governor of both institutions, i don’t see the necessity for spending so much overhead in duplicating the offices of both aDB and the World Bank around the region,” Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez iii was quoted as stressing during the recently concluded association of Southeast asian Nations (asean) 23rd Finance Ministers Meeting in thailand.

“From the point of view of the client, why do we have to deal with two bureaucracies for the same purposes?” Dominguez added.

“So i’d like to suggest, especially on behalf of the smaller countries, that aDB and World Bank consider becoming more closely coordinated, and perhaps look for areas where they can cut their own internal costs in servicing the other needs of asean,” he said.

Nevertheless, he took the opportunity to thank the two multilateral lenders for helping the Philippines develop new reform policies and secure infrastructure

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III

financing support for its “Build, Build, Build” program.

Of the 75 flagship projects under the government’s infrastructure program, 44 are under various stages of implementation, 24 are under pre-investment studies and the remaining seven are up for review. “i’d like to express our appreciation for the support of the

ManilaTimes.net photo

aDB and World Bank both in the assistance they have provided in developing new reform policies and in helping us get new infrastructure financing on board for the Philippines,” Dominguez said.

“Our engagement with aDB has been the most intense i think in the last 20 years; so with the World Bank,” he added. n

Bulacan airport Swiss challenge terms of reference issued by April 15 the formal and final approval of Bulacan airport would have been completed,” tugade said.

Once the tOr is published, other groups or companies will then have 60 days to give better offers than that of SMC’s proposal under the Swiss challenge.

Should there be an offer that is superior to SMC’s offer, the conglomerate led by tycoon ramon ang, having been granted the original proponent status by the government, has the right to match the offer. transportation undersecretary for aviation Manuel tamayo earlier said awarding of the concession agreement for the Bulacan airport could take place by the third quarter.

the P754 billion airport development of San Miguel holdings Corp. in Bulacan province, dubbed as the New Manila international airport project, was granted approval by the NeDa chaired by President Duterte in april last year. the project involves the construction of a world-class, major international gateway with four to six parallel runways, modern terminals, a seaport, an industrial zone, and necessary infrastructure such as expressways. the development of the Bulacan airport is part of the DOtr’s multi-airport strategy to decongest Manila’s Naia which serves as the country’s main international gateway. n

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Duterteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s popularity positive for fiscal reforms PReSIDeNT Rodrigo Duterteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s continued popularity could boost his fiscal reform agenda, Japanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Nomura Securities Ltd. said, especially if his allies end up winning seats in Congress next month.

In a commentary on Thursday, April 11, Nomura economist euben Paracuelles noted that Duterteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s +66% net satisfaction rating based on the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey was the highest since he took office in 2016. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The first quarter marks the third straight quarter in which President Rodrigo Duterteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s popularity has increased after hitting a low in mid-2018â&#x20AC;Ś,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This implies a rising likelihood of his allies retaining a strong majority in Congress, which, in turn, should support the fiscal reform agenda during the second half of his six-year term,â&#x20AC;? he added.

Approval of Duterteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Comprehensive Tax Reform Program (CTRP) has stalled following the passage of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (Train) Act in late 2019. Implemented at the start of 2018, the law â&#x20AC;&#x201D; which raised taxes on fuel, cars and other items in exchange for lower personal income tax rates â&#x20AC;&#x201D; has been blamed for causing above-target inflation.

This subsequently soured legis-

Pres. Rodrigo Duterte

Philstar.com photo

latorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; enthusiasm, particularly in the Senate, for other CTRP packages that remain pending in Congress and could have to be refiled after a new set of lawmakers takes office in July.

Still to be approved are: â&#x20AC;˘ Package 1B, which seeks to reform the Motor Vehicle Usersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Charge; â&#x20AC;˘ Package 2, which calls for the reduction of corporate income tax reduction and streamlining of fiscal incentives, that has already been passed by the house of Representatives as the Tax Reform for Attracting Better and high-Quality Opportunities (Trabaho) bill;

â&#x20AC;˘ Package 2 Plus, which proposes additional excise taxes on tobacco and alcohol products as well as increase the governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s share from mining. â&#x20AC;˘ Package 3, which covers reforms in property valuation; â&#x20AC;˘ Package 4, which proposes the rationalization of capital income tax, that has also been approved by the house.

Lawmakers are currently on a break for the May mid-term elections. Sessions are scheduled to resume May 20 and 17th Congress will wrap up its business on June 7. (Mayvelin Caraballo/ManilaTimes.net)

BPI, Globe glitches add to Ayala...

PAGE D3

its core banking system,â&#x20AC;? BSP Deputy Governor Chuchi Fonacier told The Manila Times.

The central bank, she added, â&#x20AC;&#x153;is now closely coordinating with BPI to ensure that their remediation efforts are on track to restore service levels to their clients.â&#x20AC;?

Information and Communications Assistant Secretary Allan Cabanlong, meanwhile, said BPI Senior Vice President Mon Jocson was coordinating with the department and had assured that customers should not be alarmed. â&#x20AC;&#x153;[Jocson said] they are upgrading their systems and it has been restored today,â&#x20AC;? he told the Times. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We will still conduct [an] inquiry and will ask them to submit cybersecurity report for recording purposes,â&#x20AC;? Cabanlong added Both BPI and Globe apologized for the disruptions and announced that services would be fully restored before the day ended.

Asked about the service disruptions in a chance interview, Ayala Corp. Chief Finance Of-

ficer Jose Teodoro Limcaoco told reporters: â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have issues sometimes and [we] just need to resolve them.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;everyone knows how we are trying to resolve Manila Water.

I think the BPI issue, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re up already. Globe is done. There was a glitch [but] all you have to do is reset your phone and it is okay,â&#x20AC;?

Limcaoco added.

Last month, parts of Metro Manila went without water for days after Manila Water suddenly halted services, blaming the lack of supply from La Mesa Dam in light of an ongoing el NiĂąo.

This prompted MalacaĂąang to intervene and President Duterte has threatened to scrap concessions granted to the utility and rival firm Maynilad Water Services Inc. In 2017, BPI was also hit by a technical glitch that forced it to suspend online transactions and automated teller machine (ATM)services for two days.

A BSP investigation found operational lapses on the part of the bank.

Given BPIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s problems, atten-

tion will now shift to Sy-owned BDO Unibank Inc., which is scheduled to stage its own system upgrade next week.

The bank has said that ATMs, mobile and online banking and debit and cash card transactions will be temporarily inaccessible from 8:00 p.m. on April 19 (Good Friday) to 12 noon on April 20 (Black Saturday).

BDO branches, meanwhile, will be closed from April 18 (Maundy Thursday) to April 21 (easter Sunday) in observance of the holy Week. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are advising our clients and the general public to perform their banking transactions ahead of this scheduled activity to avoid any inconvenience,â&#x20AC;? BDO said.

The latest system issues weighed on BPI and Globeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s share prices, which respectively fell by P1.50 to P81.50 and P4 to P1,890 apiece on Friday.

Manila Water closed flat at P23.25 while Ayala ended up P1 at P913 amid a 0.94-percent drop for the benchmark Philippine Stock exchange index. (ManilaTimes.net)

The DBM attributed the increase mainly to the payment of account payables carried over from prior years for completed infrastructure projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

Philstar.com file photo

Government infrastructure spending rises 26% in 2 months

by Mary

Grace Philstar.com

Padin

The national government managed to post a double-digit growth in its infrastructure disbursements in the first two months despite the delay in the approval of the 2019 budget, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) reported Thursday, April 11.

According to the latest disbursement report of the DBM, actual infrastructure and other capital outlays from January to February rose by 26.3 percent to P118.4 billion from P93.8 billion in the same period last year.

The DBM attributed the increase mainly to the payment of account payables carried over from prior years for completed infrastructure projects of the Department of Public Works and highways (DPWh).

Including equity and capital transfers to local government units, the DBM said the governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s total capital outlays as of end-February climbed by nine percent to P139 billion from P127.4 billion in the same period in 2018.

According to the DBM, in-

frastructure and capital outlays continued to be one of the major drivers of government expenditures, which grew by nearly seven percent to P490.7 billion in the first two months from P458.9 billion in the same period last year despite the delay in the 2019 budget.

Pending the approval of the 2019 General Appropriations Act (GAA), the national government has been operating on a reenacted budget in the first few months of 2019.

But the DBM said this setback is expected to end soon, with the Senate already transmitting the enrolled copy of the 2019 General Appropriations Bill to the Office of the President last March 26. The bill is expected to be signed by the President this month.

With this, the DBM said agencies would already be able to proceed with the award of contracts and start implementing new projects upon the effectivity of the 2019 GAA, and undertake catch-up measures to meet their respective targets for the year. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This will hopefully minimize the impact of the delays in the

approval of the 2019 budget,â&#x20AC;? the DBM said.

To further minimize delays, the government has already undertaken steps to facilitate the implementation and continuity of programs and projects.

For one, economic managers have asked the Commission on elections to grant exemption on priority infrastructure projects from the election ban. These include 603 programs and projects of the DPWh, and another 145 from various agencies.

The DBM has also come up with the guidelines for fund releases under the reenacted budget through the issuance of DBM Circular Letters 2019-1 and 2019-7.

Lastly, the Government Procurement Policy Board â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Technical Support Office (GPPB-TSO) issued Circular 09-2018, laying out the guidelines on the award of contracts for projects included in early Procurement Activities, to ensure smooth and continuous implementation pf projects, and to avoid the need for rebidding pending the enactment of the 2019 GAA. n

our countrymen,â&#x20AC;? Funa said.

Last year, total microinsurance premium production grew 14.5 percent to P8.1 billion from P7.1 billion in 2017.

Microinsurance sales of MBAs went up 16.8 percent to P4.6 billion last year.

Life insurers sold P2.6 billion in microinsurance products last year, up 6.9 percent.

Non-life insurance firms, meanwhile, sold P998.9 million in premiums in 2018, 25.8-percent higher than in the previous year.

In 2016, the Insurance Commission came out with microinsurance frameworks for agriculture, health, and pre-need products, making the Philippines widely regarded as a microinsurance model in the region. n

Insurance Commission: 38.9-M Filipinos covered...

PAGE D1

as of end-2018, we saw that the non-life and life insurance sectors showed significant increases in terms of premium production and number of lives covered. This only proves that microinsurance in our country continues to grow and is an effective and affordable financial product for the protection of the properties and lives of

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D April 13-16, 2019 • lA WEEKEND ASiAN JOUrNAl

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