060519 - Southern California Midweek Edition

June 5-7, 2019 Volume 29 - No. 43 • 2 Sections - 20 Pages

Duterte lifts official travel ban to Canada — Palace

by CATHERINE

VALENTE ManilaTimes.net

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte lifted his order banning government officials from traveling to Canada, Malacañang said on Tuesday, June 4, after tons of trash were shipped back to its place of origin.

In a text message, Executive Secretary Salvador Media said the order was “now on the way to MRO (Malacañang Records Office).”

Environmental activists from the Ecowaste Coalition, Greenpeace, Ban Toxics and Break Free Palace spokesman Salvador from Plastics hold a rally in front of the Subic Freeport on Thursday, May 30, demanding that the Canadian government take back its garbage that it had shipped to the Philippines six Panelo said the travel ban was years ago.

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ManilaTimes.net photo

DATELINE USA

NINONG RODY. President Rodrigo R. Duterte shares a light moment with newlyweds First Lieutenant Jan Tabaculde and First Lieutenant Kerlyn Tabaculde as he stands as one of the principal sponsors during the wedding at St. Ignatius de Loyola Cathedral in Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City.

Malacañang photo by Alfred Frias

AAPI communities urged to participate in 2020 Census

by CHRISTINA

M. ORIEL

AJPress

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

US will require social media info from visa applicants THE United States State Department on Friday, May 31, issued a policy that requires visa applicants to provide the details of their social media accounts including their usernames, previous email addresses and phone numbers.

In an article from Rappler, the U.S. embassy’s visa application portal was revised to cover the “social media identifiers” that would aid the administration to enhance the screening process of potential visitors and immigrants.

“Do you have a social media presence? Select from the list below each social media platform you have used within the last 5 years. In the space next to the platform’s name, enter the username or handle you have used on that platform. Please do not provide your passwords,” it stated.

The social media platforms listed were Ask. fm, Douban, Facebook, Flickr, Google+, Instagram, LinkedIn, MySpace, Pinterest, Qzone (QQ), Reddit, Sina Weibo, Tencent Weibo, Tumblr, Twitter, Twoo, Vine, Vkontakte (VK), Youku, and Youtube.

Julie Lam, director of the Census Bureau’s LA Regional office; Neil Ruiz, associate director of global migration and demography at Pew Research Center; and Daphne Kwok, vice president of AARP’s Multicultural Markets and Engagement speak about the 2020 Census at the Asian American Advertising Federation (3AF)’s annual marketing summit.

AJPress photo by Noel Ty

PHILIPPINE Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III announced that the Consulate in Los Angeles will soon get its own overseas labor office during a recent town hall meeting with the local Filipino American community.

“Pretty soon, upon the instruction of your consul general, we are going to put a Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) here. You will have your own labor attaché,” Bello told the audience. He added that Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel “Babe” Romualdez ordered that there should be labor representatives for both the East and West Coasts.

While Bello did not specify when the POLO would be established, he hinted that it will take about a month, which includes the training of an attaché.

The office would work under the office of the labor secretary and monitor and assist Filipinos working in the West Coast. Currently,

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Palace to reject moves to block Marcos jewelry sale

by NATHALIE

ROBLES

AJPress

MALACAÑANG assured the public on Monday, June 3, that it would oppose any move by the kin of late dictator Ferdinand Marcos to block the sale of the jewelry trove labeled as the “Hawaiian Collection.”

Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo earlier announced that Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte gave his go-signal to u PAGE A4 sell the Marcos jewelry and has ordered officials to ensure that the proceeds of the auction would benefit Filipinos.

Panelo then clarified that they would still push through with the auction even if the Marcos family attempts to block the said

Philippine Labor Secretary Bello announces overseas labor office in LA during town hall with Fil-Am community

ASIAN American and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs), which are considered the fastestgrowing minority group, are encouraged to participate in the upcoming 2020 Census despite concerns about privacy and language barriers.

During a panel at the Asian American Advertising Federation’s (3AF) annual summit, stakeholders discussed the importance of AAPI communities filling out the questionnaire — such as the data used to determine congressional districts and to allocate federal funding.

“The census isn’t just about how many

people live in the United States. It’s about where they live too and that’s what gets used to draw the lines for things like congressional districts, voting precincts, school districts and zone for public safety,” Julie Lam, Los Angeles regional director for the U.S. Census Bureau, said. “Census data determines how many percentages each state will get in Congress…[and] provides vital information for you and your community.”

The 2020 Census will mark the first time U.S. residents can respond online in addition to the traditional phone or mail options.

The questionnaire is not supposed to take more than 10-12 minutes at most.

Lam emphasized that the process is

sale. When asked if the spokesman believed that the Marcoses would oppose, he said “that’s for them to respond.” He noted: “If they do, then we will oppose it.”

“Well, as far as we are concerned, these properties have been declared to be ill-gotten, that’s why precisely it is to be sold. If that was the court decision then we have to abide by it. That’s the right thing to do.

We feel that, as the president says, the proceeds have to go to the Filipino people who are in urgent need of government aid,” Panelo added.

The presidential spokesperson said that the Marcos family could freely submit their offer to the auction once the public bid-

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In 1989, world leaders made a historic commitment to the world’s children by adopting the UNCRC. Thirty years later, 196 countries have become signatories to the most widely ratified human rights treaty, which clearly illustrates the universal character of the norms, values and principles of the rights of the child.

Philstar.com photo by Edd Gumban

Junjun Binay permanently barred to hold public office – Court of Appeals ‘Lowering minimum age of criminal responsibility undermines PH’s child-sensitive systems’

by NEIL

ARWIN MERCADO Inquirer.net

THE Court of Appeals (CA) has ordered the perpetual disqualification of former Makati City Mayor Junjun Binay to hold public office.

In its May 28 ruling, the CA affirmed the Office of the Ombudsman’s 2017 decision against Binay over irregularities in the construction of Phase VI of the P1.3 billion Makati Science High School (MSHS) building.

The decision was signed by CA Associate Justice Ronaldo Roberto Martin.

The Ombudsman previously found Binay “guilty of serious dishonesty, grave misconduct and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of age service.”

“Binay Jr., as the city mayor and despite glaring irregularities in the procurement of the construction services of Phase VI, still approved the BAC (Bids and Awards Committee) resolution recommending Hilmarc as the bidder with LCRB (Lowest Calculated Re- Jejomar Erwin “Junjun” Binay Jr.

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Inquirer.net file photo

by PIA LEE-BRAGO Philstar.com

THE PHILIPPINES can be proud of the Juvenile Justice Law and its child-friendly laws and policies, but recent moves to lower the minimum age of criminal responsibility (MACR) to 12 would undermine the gains in setting up a restorative and child-sensitive system, the United Nations’ children’s agency said Monday, June 3, as the world commemorates the 30th anniversary of the

UN Convention on the Rights of the Child this year.

In 1989, world leaders made a historic commitment to the world’s children by adopting the UNCRC. Thirty years later, 196 countries have become signatories to the most widely ratified human rights treaty, which clearly illustrates the universal character of the norms, values and principles of the rights of the child.

On June 3, 1989, the Philip-

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A June 5-7, 2019 • SoCal ASIAn JOuRnAL

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From the Front Page

‘Lowering minimum age of criminal responsibility...

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pines signed the UNCRC and became one of the first countries to sign the treaty.

The Philippines, as a State Party to the Convention, committed to develop and implement a comprehensive juvenile justice policy, which came in the form of the 2006 Juvenile Justice and

Welfare Act (JJWA), seen as an example of good legislation by the international community.

“As the world celebrates the 30th Anniversary of the Convention, the Philippines has reasons to celebrate with pride. Childfriendly laws and policies introduced over the years reflect the commitment to protect children

against all forms of violence and harm, and to nurture them in every stage of their life,” the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said in a statement.

The UN commended the Philippines for having set the MACR at 15 in the JJWA, which aims to address erring children through rehabilitation and restoration rather than imprisonment.

“However, recent suggestions to lower the MACR to 12 would undermine the gains in setting up a restorative, child-sensitive system that seeks not to detain children but to reintegrate them back to society without criminalizing them,” the UNICEF said.

“Retaining the MACR at 15 years would show leadership and commitment to children and put the Philippines at par with countries leading on this issue around the world,” it added.

The UNCRC has commended countries, including the Philippines, for having a high minimum age of criminal responsibility. The committee has pointed out in its authoritative interpretations that state parties should not reduce the MACR if its current penal law set the minimum age higher than 14 years.

Retaining the MACR, according to the UNICEF, would also appear to stand in unity with a majority of Filipinos who are in favor of the MACR remaining at 15, according to the latest Social Weather Stations national survey and many other stakeholders engaged in the current debates.

“On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the United Nations joins the Philippines in celebrating the successes and gains in fulfilling children’s rights, in the implementation of the JJWA and we hope in refraining from lowering the MACR,” the agency said.

The UNICEF urged the Philippines to fully and effectively implement the JJWA and reject the proposal to lower the MACR as the agency pointed to efforts to undermine the impact of the law for rehabilitation and restoration rather than punishment of children.

The UNICEF made the urgent call on the 13th anniversary of the JJWA and reiterated its commitment to promote the rights of

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(L-R) Consul General Adelio Cruz, Montebello Commissioner Abraham Lim, Annie Cuevas-Lim, Mrs. Catherine Cruz, and Montebello Councilwoman Angie Jimenez pose for a photo during a reception on Wednesday, May 29 honoring Atty. Lim, who was recently appointed to the city of Montebello’s investment committee. The dinner was attended by various Filipino American community organizations and leaders.

Duterte lifts official travel ban...

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imposed because of “that waste issue” and was “the very reason for the recall.”

“Since that has been resolved, it goes without saying that memo will be recalled… unless there is another serious issue. But I don’t think there is one,” he said during the Palace press briefing.

Medialdea, by authority of the president, signed on May 20 a memorandum directing “all department secretaries and heads of agencies, government-owned and controlled corporations and government financial institutions to refrain from issuing travel authorities for official trips to Canada.”

The memo also directed heads of government agencies to “reduce official interaction with representatives of the Canadian government.”

These directives “are consistent with our stance on the diminished diplomatic relations with Canada,” Panelo said in a previous statement.

Duterte in April said he wanted the trash shipment returned to Canada and warned that the issue may spark a war.

In 2013, the Philippines found that Chronic Incorporated, a private firm in Ontario, shipped a total of 103 container vans of garbage mislabeled as “recyclable plastic materials” to Manila. The

shipment was consigned to Philippine company Chronic Plastics.

The Philippine government discovered that the 18 inspected containers consisted of mixed waste such as adult papers, waste paper and other household trash that needed to be immediately disinfected.

The other 26 container vans were illegally dumped into a landfill site in Tarlac.

The shipment of Canadian waste was deemed illegal, as provided by the Basel Convention signed by the Philippines and Canada prohibiting the trade of toxic and hazardous wastes, unless a country would give its consent. n

Phase V of the MSHS project on the basis of the condonation doctrine.

Through the condonation doctrine, “a public official cannot be removed for administrative misconduct committed during a prior term since his re-election to office operates as a condonation of the officer’s previous misconduct to the extent of cutting off the right to remove him thereof.”

Meanwhile, the CA found Binay’s co-accused, Eleno

Mendoza, “administratively liable” for simple misconduct and was ordered suspended for six months without pay. Mendoza was a former City Administrator of Makati.

In a complaint filed in 2014, lawyer Renato Bondal and anticorruption advocates said the Makati Science High School building was built in six phases from 2007 to 2014. They argued that the project cost P1.3 billion despite its original estimated cost of only P470 million. n

Junjun Binay permanently barred to hold...

PAGE A1 sponsive Bid), signed the Notice of Award, entered into a contract with Hilmarc on behalf of the city government of Makati, signed the Notice of Commence Work, noted the Certificate of Completion and Acceptance… for the construction of Phase VI of the MSHS building,” the CA ruling reads.

But the CA dismissed the three other administrative complaints against Binay that covers the construction of Phase IV and

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DATELINE USA

AAPI communities urged to participate...

PAGE A1 “easy, safe and important.” Every household will receive one census form but must include everyone living in that household in their response.

In past rounds, language barriers have hindered various groups from participating, however, the 2020 form will be available in five Asian languages, including Tagalog, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese. Language guides are also accessible in a total of 59 nonEnglish languages.

The census, which is done every 10 years, will become available in March 2020. Field takers will start visiting residents from mid-May to August if they haven’t responded through any of the three options. The official counts are scheduled to be delivered to the president by December.

Over 4 million people could be missed in the next census round, according to a study released by the Urban Institute on Tuesday, June 4. It also found that AAPIs, in addition to other groups like Black and Latino, are at risk of being undercounted in populous states such as California, Florida, New York and Texas.

Asian Americans are the least familiar with the census and the least likely to report their intention to fill it out, according to a Census Bureau study released in January.

The analysis also found that there are five main barriers that might prevent people from participating: concerns about data privacy and confidentiality; fear of repercussions; distrust in government; lack of efficacy; and belief that there is no personal benefit.

With the ongoing debate about whether the “citizenship” question will be included, ethnic groups across the country are already skeptical about what the data will be used for.

Asian Americans (42%) are the most concerned that the Census Bureau would not keep answers confidential.

However, Lam said that under Title 13, Census Bureau employees take an oath to protect the information. She also assured that information will not be shared with immigration enforcement agencies like Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), law enforcement agencies such as the FBI or police, or be used to determine eligibility for government benefits.

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Bill to protect undocumented immigrants passes in the House

H.R. 6 would give millions of undocumented youth and other eligible immigrants under TPS and DED a path toward permanent resident status

by KLARIZE

MEDENILLA AJPress

Julie Lam, director of the Census Bureau’s LA Regional office, speaks about the importance for Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities to take part in the upcoming Census during a panel at the Asian American Advertising Federation (3AF)’s annual marketing summit.

The panel was moderated by Tim Wang, founder and principal of TDW+Co, while other panelists were Neil Ruiz, associate director of global migration and demography at Pew Research Center and Daphne Kwok, vice president of AARP’s Multicultural Markets and Engagement.

AJPress photo by Noel Ty

For non-partisan fact tank Pew Research Center, the Census data would allow it to do a deeper analysis on AAPIs, such as their income and education levels.

“The Census allows us to understand the diversity within Asian American groups,” said Neil Ruiz, associate director of global migration and demography at Pew Research Center.

“A lot of people usually lump all Asian Americans as one category but there’s also so much diversity... Not everyone has high income or is highly educated.”

Data from the last census allowed the fact tank to do more research, finding that the U.S. Asian population grew 72 percent from 11.9 million to 20.4 million, making it the fastest growth rate of any major racial or ethnic group. Chinese, Indians and Filipinos are the top three largest Asian groups in the country.

While Asian American data tends to get aggregated together, Pew has found a “huge income inequality that is growing among Asian Americans, Ruiz said. The Asian population does well on economic well-being compared to the entire U.S. population, but there are disparities among the Asian subgroups — the median annual household income of households headed by Asian Americans is $73,060, compared with $53,600 among all U.S. households.

For example, Indian households have the highest median income ($100,000), followed by

Filipinos ($80,000), while groups like Bangladeshi ($49,800) and Hmong ($48,000) are below the median household income for the general American population.

“We hope the Census will give an accurate count. That way we can use the demographic and do more analysis in terms of tracking how AAPIs are doing in the United States,” Ruiz added.

In addition to data being used to allocate government funds, corporations like AARP, which serves Americans 50 and above, use the information to identify target audiences and to supplement in-house research.

Daphne Kwok, vice president for AARP’s multicultural markets and engagement, said that based on 2010 numbers, AARP developed Chinese and Filipino outreach, given that they were among the largest Asian subgroups.

Kwok added that AARP will be educating older respondents with filling out the form, especially those having difficulty with technology, as well as awareness campaigns around fraud related to the census.

As 2020 approaches, the Census Bureau is working with community organizations, like those in AAPI communities, to debunk myths about the process and to help recruit employees to be field representatives.

“It only comes once every 10 years. If we don’t get it right this time, we have to wait 10 more years in order to get it right…,” Lam said. “The Census is too important for us to not be part of it.” ■

ON Tuesday, June 4 Democratic-led House of Representatives passed legislation that would eliminate deportation proceedings against certain undocumented immigrants — including youth identified as DREAMers — and grant them permanent residence status for 10 years.

The permanent residence status would apply to eligible individuals who illegally came to the United States as minors — some of whom identify as DREAMers — as well as immigrants under the Temporary Protected Status) and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) programs.

“Today’s historic passage of the Dream and Promise Act is a landmark victory for our DREAMers and TPS Holders,” U.S. Rep Gil Cisneros (D-Calif.) of Fullerton, California said in a statement following the vote. “They deserve

the opportunity to live in the country they love and call home without fear of deportation.”

Introduced by Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-Calif.) — who represents the East Los Angeles area — the bill could provide protections to the 628,700 immigrants in California who would be eligible for the bill’s benefits, according to the left-leaning Center for American Progress (CAP).

In a press release, CAP said that 2.1 million immigrants in the United States would be eligible for protections laid out in the bill, which would direct the departments of Homeland Security and Justice to cancel removal, or deportation, proceedings.

Those qualified for these protections must have continuously been present in the U.S. and have enrolled or completed certain educational programs. Undocumented immigrants who were eligible for the Deferred Action

for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and are still qualified for renewal would also qualify.

“Dreamers and TPS or DED holders are immigrants who have lived much of their lives in the United States,” the organization noted. “The average TPS recipient has lived here for 22 years, the vast majority of that time in lawful status, while the average Dreamer potentially eligible for protection under the bill came to the United States at age 8,” CAP said, noting that “given their long-term resident in the United States, many of these immigrants have families here.”

The move to maintain protections and benefits for undocumented youth and TPS beneficiaries is a bipartisan effort. The bipartisan research and advocacy firm New American Economy broke down the economic impact of DACA recipients and TPS holders to the U.S. PAGE A4

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Dateline USa

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US looking forward to possible arms deal with PH UN fetes PH on 30th anniversary of UN child rights convention

by Patricia Lourdes Philstar.com

Viray

long-term defense cooperation with partners and allies.

“So we look forward to the next steps with the government of the Philippines,” she added. earlier this year, President Rodrigo Duterte declared that the country would no longer buy arms and military equipment from Washington as it had been criticizing the so-called war on drugs.

The president cited Trump’s order prohibiting countries from entering into arms deals with China or Russia.

“I will not agree to buy. Pangit tingnan. hindi maganda (It doesn’t look good). It does not sit well with the Filipino na ganunin

ka tapos pasunod-sunod ka na lang (they will treat you that way and you just obey),” Duterte said in January.

Despite Duterte’s position against purchasing weapons from the U.S., Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. still prefers long-time ally U.S. to rearm the Philippine military.

“The wisest, most expeditious alternate to one or the other view is for the U.S. to help re-arm our military (it prefers U.S. weaponry as I kept telling the U.S.) and enhance our self-defense capability; leaving the initial decision to fight to us in our best light,” Locsin tweeted in March. n

The United States is open to selling military equipment to the Philippines as it rolls out a new policy on foreign military sales.

Andrea Thompson, U.S. Undersecretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Affairs, confirmed that there has been an increase in arms spending of Southeast Asian countries.

Thompson met with her ASeAN counterparts at the sidelines of the 2019 Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, including Philippine Defense Undersecretary Ricardo David.

Last year, U.S. President Donald Trump implemented a new strategy called the Conventional Arms Transfer policy that added efficiency and transparency in both foreign and commercial military sales process.

Thompson added that Washington received positive feedback from allies and partners following the new policy.

“So whether it’s the importance of maritime security, which obviously is so incredibly important to the Philippines, as well as equipment in the counterterrorism fight. So added transparency, added a feedback mechanism,” Thompson said in a telephone press briefing Monday, June 3.

While the sales reflect the ef- In this April 8, 2019 photo, members of the U.S. Naval Special Warfare Operators and Australian ficiency of the policy, Thomp- Defence Force conduct training with their Armed Forces of the Philippines counterparts during son noted that it also indicates a Exercise Balikatan 2019.

U.S. Navy/Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Eric Chan

IN 1989, world leaders made a historic commitment to the world’s children by adopting the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Thirty years later, 196 countries have become signatories to the convention. It’s the most widely ratified human rights treaty which illustrates clearly the universal character of the norms, values and principles of the rights of the child.

The Philippines, as a state party to the convention, committed to develop and implement a comprehensive juvenile justice policy, which came in the form of the 2006 Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act (JJWA), seen as an example of good legislation by the international community.

As the world celebrates the 30th anniversary of the convention, the Philippines has reasons to celebrate with pride. Child-friendly laws and policies introduced over the years reflect the commitment

to protect children against all forms of violence and harm, and to nurture them in every stage of their life.

In particular, the United Nations commends the Philippines for having set the minimum age of criminal responsibility (MACR) at 15 in the JJWA, which aims to address erring children through rehabilitation and restoration rather than imprisonment. however, recent suggestions to lower the MACR to 12 would undermine the gains in setting up a restorative, child-sensitive system that seeks not to detain children but to reintegrate them back to the society without criminalizing them.

Retaining the MACR at 15 years would show leadership and commitment to children and put the Philippines at par with countries leading on this issue around the world.

The United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child has

commended countries, including the Philippines, for having a high minimum age of criminal responsibility.

The Committee has pointed out in its authoritative interpretations that State Parties should not reduce the minimum age of criminal responsibility, if its current penal law sets the minimum age higher than 14 years.

Retaining the MACR would also appear to stand in unity with a majority of Filipinos who are in favor of the MACR remaining at 15 according to the latest Social Weather Stations national survey and many other stakeholders engaged in the current debates.

On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the United Nations joins the Philippines in celebrating the successes and gains in fulfilling children’s rights, in the implementation of the JJWA, and we hope in refraining from lowering the MACR. (Inquirer.net)

Palace to reject moves to block Marcos...

PAGE A1 ding commences. however, he maintained that they must pass the qualifications should there be any.

“I do not know of any law prohibiting any person from bidding, if you are qualified. Unless there are requirements for a qualification specified by the auctioneer, then you will have to pass through the qualification,” the spokesman said.

The Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG), the body mandated to recover the ill-gotten wealth of the Marcos family and their cronies, asked Duterte in a letter dated Sept. 7, 2018 to approve the sale of the P704.8-million hawaii jewelry collection.

The rights group Samahan ng mga ex-Detainees Laban sa Detensyon at Aresto (SeLDA) expressed their doubts that the

proceeds of the auction will truly benefit the public. SeLDA vice chairman Danilo dela Fuente said that the beneficiaries must include victims of Martial Law. “While the Marcos family and the Duterte government cannot deny anymore that there are billions of pesos worth of ill-gotten wealth by the Marcos dictatorship, the question now is how do we make sure that this benefits the Filipino people,” dela Fuente said.

“They come from the poor and underprivileged, from faraway provinces who do not have access to the reparation process for rights victims. They deserve to benefit from these funds. Not doing so defeats the purpose of recovering all ill-gotten wealth from the Marcoses,” he added as reported by The Philippine Star.

The group voiced out the

concerns of the victims of human rights violations during the Marcos regime. In return, they promised to monitor the continuous recovery of Marcos ill-gotten wealth, including where the funds will go after auction.

“At present, victims cannot fully access the non-monetary assistance provided for them because of alleged non-availability of government funds.

Proceeds from the sale can be directed to this, and agencies involved should make sure that this will be accessed and availed of by the victims,” Dela Fuente stressed.

“There will certainly be individuals or parties who will prey upon these billions of pesos.

Who knows that with Duterte’s alliance with the Marcoses, the ill-gotten wealth recovered from the thieves will just go back to their hands?” he added. n

San Diego Honorary Consul Audie De Castro, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Administrator Hans Leo Cacdac, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) Administrator Bernard Olalia, Labor Attaché Angela Librado-Trinidad, and Consul General Adelio Cruz hold a meet and greet with the Los Angeles Fil-Am community.

AJPress photos by Ding Carreon

Philippine Labor Secretary Bello announces overseas...

PAGE A1 there are 34 POLOs globally, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs.

This visit on Friday, May 24 marked Bello’s only official encounter with Filipinos in United States aside from an engagement at the Philippine embassy in Washington.

Also joining the labor secretary on his trip were Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Administrator hans Leo Cacdac, Philippine Overseas employment Administration (POeA) Administrator Bernard Olalia, and Labor Attaché Angela Librado-Trinidad.

With the recent midterm elections in the Philippines, Bello told the Asian Journal that his department “can say with confidence that most of those elected are very, very qualified.”

“We are looking forward to a good working relationship be-

tween the president and the legislative body,” he said.

Among the major announcements Bello shared was the creation of a P550-million hospital, under the supervision of the Department of health, for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in San Fernando, Pampanga. The hospital will offer medical services for OFWs and their families, whom President Rodrigo Duterte wanted to honor for their contributions to the country’s economy, Bello said. Another service would be medical examinations for Filipinos before they leave to work in another country.

“Considering that this will be servicing our OFWs for free, it will not only be a preventive, but curative remedy for our overseas workers who can now afford to have their examination for free courtesy of the OFW hospital,” Bello told the Asian Journal.

The bill, authored by house

Consul General Adelio Cruz welcomed Philippine Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III at the Philippine Consulate in Los Angeles.

Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo establishing the hospital was approved by the Philippine house of Representatives on Monday, June 3. (AJPress)

‘Lowering minimum age of criminal responsibility...

PAGE A2 all children, including children in conflict with the law and children-at-risk.

Senate Bill 2026 attempts to lower the age of criminal responsibility to 12 and al-

low children to be placed in a closed youth facility from the age of nine.

The bill argues that lowering the age of criminal responsibility will curb criminality and stop adults from using children in

criminal activities but the UNICeF said “this is a flawed argument.”

UNICeF added that the proposal to lower the age of criminal liability to 12 years old is a “giant leap backward.” n

US will require social media info from...

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“If you have used more than one platform or more than one username or handle on a single platform, click the ‘Add Another’ button to list each one separately. If you have not used any of the listed social media platforms in the last 5 years, select ‘None’,” it added.

The account information requirements were added to both immigrant and non-immigrant forms. Such account information would give the government access to photos, locations, dates of birth, dates of milestones and other personal data commonly shared on social media.

“National security is our top priority when adjudicating visa applications, and every prospective traveler and immigrant to the United States undergoes extensive security screening,” the State Department said as reported by the Associated Press.

“We already request certain contact information, travel history, family member information, and previous addresses from all visa applicants. We are constantly working to find mechanisms to improve our screening processes

The U.S. Embassy in Manila

to protect U.S. citizens, while supporting legitimate travel to the United States,” it added.

In the past, social media, email and phone number histories had only been sought from applicants who previously travelled to areas or countries under the control of terrorist organizations. More or less 65,000 applicants annually would be recorded in that category.

The department said that the additional information from

Inquirer.net photo

more applicants “will strengthen our process for vetting these applicants and confirming their identity.” A total of 710,000 immigrant visa applicants and 14 million nonimmigrant visa applicants will be affected by the revision, including those who want to come to the U.S. for business or education. Only applicants for diplomatic and official visas can be exempted from the rule, the AP said. (Nathalie Robles/AJPress)

Bill to protect undocumented immigrants...

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Among the findings in a recent report include that in 2017, 93% of “DACA-eligible immigrants and 94% of TPS beneficiaries” were employed and pay more than $5 billion in federal income, state and local taxes.

“For years now, DReAMers and the communities that depend on them have been trapped in a terrible limbo, wondering if

they’ll be allowed to stay in their homes,” John Feinblatt, president of New American economy, said in a statement. “It’s long past time for Congress to end this destructive uncertainty and pass the American Dream and Promise Act.” The bill was passed in the house weeks after President Donald Trump announced plans to gut protections for hundreds

of thousands of TPS and DeD beneficiaries and put in place a more restrictive, merit-based immigration system, as previously reported in the Asian Journal.

Following the bill’s passage in the house, it will now be referred to the Republican-led Senate. According to the New York-based political research firm Skopos Labs, hR 6 has a 38% chance of being enacted into law. n

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BI revokes working visa of 528 foreigners

by Faye

Orellana Inquirer.net

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) canceled the working visa of 528 foreign workers due to misrepresentation and fraud.

BI chief Jaime Morente made the announcement on Tuesday, June 3, after the agency conducted two separate post-audits of visa applications of six target companies.

“These are just six companies, we expect to uncover more in the next few months,” said Morente in a statement.

“We need everybody’s help.

Filipinos as well as legally staying aliens must report illegal foreigners in their area, and you can be assured that we will act on your reports,” he added.

Morente pointed out that the foreign employees submitted

fake Alien employment Permits (AeP).

The AeP is a permit issued by the Department of Labor and employment and is a requirement in applying for a work visa with the BI. The BI canceled the working visa of 259 Indians, 230 Chinese, 14 Koreans, 11 Japanese, 5 Taiwanese and 3 Vietnamese workers along with a German, Burmese, Nigerian, Nepalese, Sudanese and a Yemeni.

The six companies involved were not named, pending further investigation.

Morente, however, said that the companies are based in Manila, Parañaque, and Caloocan, and involved in consultancy, residential sales, tutorial, and information technology.

“I am appalled to learn of big companies that blatantly

disregard our laws and submit fake documents. These companies knowingly hire illegal foreign workers that take away jobs from Filipinos and law-abiding foreigners,” Morente said.

The Intelligence Division already recommended the cancellation of the BI permits of the accredited agents who processed the applications of the 528 individuals.

The foreigners with spurious documents, Morente said, will be expelled and blacklisted.

“The BI, through the Intelligence Division, is revitalizing its campaign of eradicating illegal foreign workers in the country.

It will be a campaign that will be felt nationwide, and you can expect more arrests and cancellations in the next few months,” Morente said. n

‘No single power should control SCS’

by Dempsey

reyes ManilaTimes.net

DeFeNSe Secretary Delfin Lorenzana warned countries against “sleepwalking” into an international conflict, even as he declared that no “single power” should have control over vital areas such as the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea).

Speaking at the Shangri-La dialogue in Singapore over the weekend, Lorenzana said disputes among nations could possibly spark war.

“With the untethering of our networks of economic interdependence, comes growing risk of confrontation that could lead to war,” he said in his speech.

“Our greatest fear, therefore, is the possibility of sleepwalking into another international conflict like World War 1,” he added.

Lorenzana’s remarks came after the United States warned China not to bully its Asian neighbors.

Acting U.S. Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan referred to nations using a “toolkit of coercion” to destabilize the region, including “deploying advanced weapons systems to militarize disputed areas.”

But Beijing countered that it would not hesitate to take mili-

tary action to defend its maritime claims.

Gen. Wei Fenghe said China would not yield an inch of its sacred land.

Lorenzana said war could happen, “even when no one desires it.” he suggested that “confidence building measures” should be comprehensive to cover all relevant concerns.

“This is most especially important in potential flashpoints such as the South and east China Seas, where the risk of miscalculation and unwanted conflict is rising on a daily basis, as great powers expand their military footprint and pursue divergent visions,” he said.

The nations, he added, should agree that freedom of navigation and overflight at international seas is “indispensable to regional peace and security.”

“In our view, no single power should exercise unilateral control over vital arteries of global trade, such as the South China Sea. We need to collectively protect our global commons,” Lorenzana said.

The Defense chief cited several disputes in Asia such as the Sabah dispute between Malaysia and the Philippines, the Ligitan and Sipadan dispute between Malaysia and Indonesia, and the

border dispute surrounding the Preah Vihear Temple between Cambodia and Thailand, among others.

Lorenzana said the Asean had been “unique” in its approach to manage and resolve the disputes through peaceful dialogue, diplomatic negotiations and obedience to the international law. he called for a peaceful and multilateral approach in resolving the South China Sea dispute.

“In more concrete terms, we should consider joint exploration activities, as well as environmental protection regimes, which ensures the equitable, just and lawful exploration, usage, sharing of hydrocarbon reserves and preservation and protection of marine resources,” Lorenzana pointed out.

“What is clear is that great power rivalry is a dangerous distraction from the coming storm. But if we continue to closely collaborate and cooperate we may very well overcome these existential challenges and, along the way, create a more inclusive, nimble and robust security architecture — one that is upheld by the collective effort of every nation, no matter their size, resources and creed,” he added. n

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OPINION

Improving competitiveness

FEATURES

AFTER falling nine notches last year, the Philippines saw its global competitiveness ranking recover slightly by four steps in the 2019 World Competitiveness Report. Out of 63 economies included in the annual report prepared by the Switzerland-based International Institute for Management Development or IMD, the Philippines now ranks 46th – an improvement from its 50th spot in 2018.

The country saw its rankings improve in all four factors that are used for gauging competitiveness: economic performance, government efficiency, infrastructure and business efficiency. There are 235 indicators grouped under the four factors. The improvement for the country, according to the IMD, was driven by solid economic performance backed by sustained real GDP growth as well as increases in employment levels and the labor force.

It was mainly a partial recovery, however, and the country remains near the bottom of economies in the Asia-Pacific.

Singapore and Hong Kong placed first and second, both globally and within the region. China and Taiwan ranked third and fourth regionally. Three other founding members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations also ranked ahead of the Philippines in the Asia-Pacific rankings: Malaysia placed seventh,

Thailand eighth and Indonesia 11th. The Philippines placed 13th among the 14 Asia-Pacific economies included in the study. Globally, the United States, Switzerland and the United Arab Emirates occupied third to fifth places.

The study details the areas where each economy needs improvement. For the Philippines, infrastructure has been a perennial weak point, with the country improving by only a notch from last year’s 60th ranking.

Also needing improvement are the subsectors of education, where the country ranked 58th, and development of human capital (60th). The country placed 44th in terms of risk of political instability.

Even slight improvements are welcome.

The challenge for the country is to sustain reforms across all the four factors, not only to catch up with its neighbors but also to excel. (Philstar.com)

Editorial

Philstar.com photo

Congress should grow a spine and impeach Trump after revelations in the Russia probe

The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS ROBERT Mueller finally broke his silence on Wednesday, May 29 to announce that he was ending his tenure as special counsel and that he was resigning from the Department of Justice. He clarified the truth behind the investigation that probed any links or coordination between the Russian government and individuals associated with the Trump campaign.

The short surprise statement Mueller gave did not offer additional information beyond what was already stipulated in the 448-page report his office turned into the DOJ, but effectively dispelled the lies and misrepresentation made by Trump appointee

Attorney General William Barr, and by President Trump himself and his administration, in connivance with their Republican cohorts in Congress.

Let the facts speak for themselves: The Mueller investigation debunks Trump’s characterization of the probe as a “hoax,” concluding based on hard evidence that Russia made “multiple, systematic efforts to interfere in our election.”

“That there were multiple, systematic efforts to interfere in our election, and that allegation deserves the attention of every American,” Mueller said at the end of his statement.

However, as it relates to the Trump campaign’s involvement in those efforts, the report said

there was “insufficient evidence to charge a broader conspiracy.”

Mueller, however, did NOT exonerate Trump on the issue of obstruction of justice. He explained that he could not bring charges against Trump because of a DOJ policy that does not allow indictment of a sitting president, and therefore it would be unfair to potentially accuse somebody of a crime when there can be no court resolution of the actual charge.

In the report, however, Mueller outlined at least 10 different cases where Trump obstructed justice. While the mandate given to him would not permit him to indict Trump, Congress has been mandated to investigate on the blatant abuse of power

with corrupt intent, and file appropriate charges to make the President accountable according to the provisions of the Constitution and the rule of law.

WHAT IS CONGRESS WAITING FOR? Why not impeach Trump when strong evidence just grow by the day?

Both Republicans and Democrats in Congress are just not doing their jobs because of their own selfish political reasons. The Constitution is very clear about consequences to assault to our democracy, our democratic institutions and processes, and yet our spineless Members of Congress are prioritizing what is political expedient looking forward to the 2020 elections.

This is why Trump has been emboldened to further stonewall all investigations against him because he knows how the Democrats are just like him and the Republicans — all want to hold on to power and win their elections.

Because of this moral corruption, we the American people lose. The Constitution and our democracy lose.

Democrats should remember that their chances of winning the votes of responsible and law-abiding Americans in 2020 actually depend on their political will and conviction to uphold and defend the Constitution, no matter what the cost.

CALL YOUR Senators and Representatives.

IMPEACH

TRUMP! Let your voices be heard.

Nobody is against the law, not even the President of the United States of America. If we give Trump a pass, we breed a dictator in him, and this sets a precedent for the future leaders of the United States.

Let us do our own role in protecting our democracy, which is, after all, the “government by the people, for the people, of the people.” *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https:// www.facebook.com/Gel.Santos.Relos

President Widodo re-elected in world’s third largest democracy; active peace organizations in Asia

PeaceMaker FORMER SPEAKER JOSE C. DE VENECIA, JR. WE congratulate Indonesian President Joko Widodo for his reelection as President of the world’s third largest democracy and hope he would reach out to his defeated rival Probowo Subianto, a retired general who has ran a second-time against him.

Observers note a record 245,000 candidates ran for public office, from the presidency and parliamentary seats to local positions, all undertaken in one day. The Indonesian polls perhaps represent the largest democratic electoral contest in Southeast Asia.

There will be accusations from the losers of largescale cheating but our friends in the diplomatic community in Jakarta indicate the polls were largely clean.

The modest soft-spoken Widodo, who has launched a largescale infrastructure program, visited Manila in April 2017, ahead of the ASEAN Summit then, on invitation of President Rodrigo Duterte and they discussed security of sea lanes, cross-border traffic and patrol, and economic cooperation.

We hope in President Widodo’s second term there would be more meaningful and concrete

economic exchange between Indonesia and the Philippines and with the ASEAN partners.

It is also the hope of Indonesia’s friends in ASEAN that perhaps after a decent interval, efforts will be undertaken to reach out to the defeated rivals.

It would be an excellent idea if Subianto, who also lost a presidential battle with Widodo in 2014, would perhaps be invited to serve as Indonesian Ambassador to Washington D.C. or to the European Union, and which could eventually lead to the beginnings of a much-desired government of national unity in Indonesia.

This columnist, who serves as President of Centrist Asia Pacific Democrats International (CAPDI), and of the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP) and other Asian senior officials of our organization had the privilege of conferring with President Widodo in Jakarta in February 2015, where we exchanged views on possible ways of cooperation in the common battles against poverty, terrorism and extremism, climate change and environmental degradation.

With us in the meeting then with President Widodo were our very own Former President Fidel V. Ramos, Chairman Emeritus of

Centrist Asia Pacific Democrats International (CAPDI); then Vice President Jusuf Kalla of Indonesia, CAPDI Chairman; Deputy Prime Minister Sok An of Cambodia, CADPI Vice Chairman,now deceased; Sen. Mushahid Hussain Sayed of Pakistan, CAPDI Secretary General, who is considered a credible aspirant for national leadership in Pakistan; and CAPDI officials and business leader Tan Sri Datuk Chen Lipkeong of Malaysia and Cambodia, Erwin Aksa of Indonesia, and Asian and Filipino business and civic leaders Alex Fu, Michael Chen, Fernando Pena, Lito Jimenez, my son Joey de Venecia III, and Francis Manglapus.

CAPDI is an organization in the Asia Pacific bringing together political parties and key institutions of civil society, think tanks, business leaders, media, women and youth groups. It has offices in Manila and Jakarta.

CAPDI works closely with other active organizations, the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP) and the International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace (IAPP). *** We met last Thursday in Manila with Dr. Chung Sik Yong, Chairman for Asia of the Universal Peace Federation (UPF); Dr. Robert Kittel, Director for

Indonesian President Joko Widodo

Peace Education of UPF Asia; and Dr. Julius Malicdem, UPF Philippines President, to discuss a forthcoming UPF World Summit in Phnom Penh, and a larger event in Manila at the turn of the year, 2020.

The New York- and Seoulbased Universal Peace Federation (UPF), of which we are Chairman Emeritus, is a global network of individuals and organizations dedicated to advancing the cause of peace through cooperation and dialogue among countries and peoples, pioneered by its late Founder Rev. Sun Myung Moon and his

Philstar.com photo

active widow Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, and currently under the active leadership of “Mother” Moon and New Yorker Thomas Walsh, with members in 180 countries.

UPF, which has a general consultative status with the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), carries out humanitarian programs, service-learning projects, character education, and sports programs.

Lately, it has launched some peacemaking initiatives.

We have alerted them to the possibility of joining a journey

to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to contribute with other Asian political leaders hopefully to peace-making efforts in the North Korean peninsula where we made an unforgettable journey to Pyongyang in April, 1990. Among those in our team were the late Congressman Miguel Romero, former Philippine Education Undersecretary Nestor Kalaw, and Japanese Journalist Kiyoshi Wakamiya.

We conferred with then North Korea Founder Kim Il Sung, which immediately led to the establishment of Philippine-North Korean diplomatic relations. ■

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

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Arroyo leaves ‘legacy of support’ for Duterte as House honors ‘graduates’ in closing rites

by Glee Jalea ManilaTimes.net

The house of Representatives formally adjourned on Tuesday, June 4, and paid tribute to its “graduating� third termers and outgoing Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo whose “concern� during her brief term was “to support President Rodrigo Duterte’s legacy.�

After the sine die adjournment rites, lawmakers with three terms went up the stage of the plenary hall to receive their certificates of recognition and have their photos taken. in her farewell speech, Arroyo thanked her colleagues for helping the 17th Congress achieve “genuine milestones that will benefit both the present and next generation of Filipinos.�

Arroyo lauded the lawmakers for their “tireless work and dedication,� which paved way for the passing of 250 house bills into law since July 23, 2018.

Arroyo fulfills mission to support Duterte legacy Despite having the shortest term as the 25th speaker, Arroyo reiterated that her primary mission as head of the house was to

support the legacy of President Rodrigo Duterte. “My concern has not been on my legacy as Speaker – my concern as Speaker was to support President Duterte’s legacy in the year that i had as the head of this house,� she said.

Through house Resolution 2600, Majority leader Fredenil Castro and Minority leader Danilo Suarez lauded Arroyo for passing “several vital socio-economic measures,� including the priority measures enumerated

by Duterte during his State of the nation Address (SOnA) in 2018.

Among these measures were Republic Act (RA) 1105 or the Organic law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (house Bill 6475), RA 11203 or an Act liberalizing the importation, exportation and Trading of Rice, lifting for the Purpose the Quantitative import Restriction on Rice (hB 7735), and RA 11223 or the Universal health Care Act (hB 5784).

The outgoing speaker urged the house to continue helping Duterte in “harvesting the fruits of the seeds planted� under his term.

The House of Representatives’ plenary hall during the last session of the 17th Congress.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Roger RaĂąada

Drilon to newbie senators: ‘Do not meddle in leadership row’

by Bernadette

tamayo ManilaTimes.net

SenATe Minority leader Franklin Drilon said neophyte senators were elected by the people to craft laws and “not meddle� in the leadership squabble.

The veteran senator issued the statement amid persistent rumors that some newbie senators were plotting to have Senate President Vicente Sotto 3rd replaced when the 18th Congress opens in July.

The 17th Congress will adjourn on June 7. The Senate and house of Representatives will jointly open on July 22. “inihalal sila ng taumbayan para gumawa ng batas, hindi kaagad na sumalpak sa leadership quarrel (They were elected by the people to make laws and not to immediately meddle in leadership quarrel),� Drilon said in a radio interview.

Four of the 12 senators elected in the May 13 midterm polls are neophyte. They are Senators Francis Tolentino, Christopher lawrence “Bong� Go, Ronald “Bato� dela Rosa, and Maria imelda Josefa “imee� Marcos. “We should work first and show our people that we are worth the mandate that we received from them. The Senate leadership can always come any time of the day,� he said. he said the leadership of the

Senate would eventually be decided by the chamber’s members and not MalacaĂąang. “Unless Sen. Sotto committed a mortal sin, i don’t think any senior senator will care to listen to a neophyte senator if he or she moves to campaign for a change of leadership,â€? Drilon said. he said the minority bloc would not sign the resolution prepared

by Sen. Panfilo lacson, expressing support for the continued leadership of Sotto in the 18th Congress. “The minority is not involved in the election of Senate president.

So, we will not sign because if we do, we will become part of the majority [bloc],� Drilon said in Filipino.

But he lauded the minority’s working relationship with the current Senate leadership, saying Sotto had treated everyone fairly. “his leadership has been good. he treats everyone fairly. he knows that he is the president of the Senate and not just of the majority, and he listens to everyone,� Drilon said. “Sana mag-aral po muna ‘yung mga baguhan. Sasabihin ko nang diretso, bilang isang neophyte, ‘yung pagpapalit ng liderato ng Senado ay malayo pa sa mandato natin iyan (The incoming senators should study first. I will say it directly, the leadership change is far from our mandate),� Drilon said. n

“in the first three years of President Duterte’s Administration, many good seeds were planted by way of executive decisions, the legislative agenda, strategic foreign engagements, and bold reforms. in the remaining years of his term, we just all need to help in the implementation to harvest the fruits of those seeds within President Duterte’s term,� she said.

Arroyo also lauded younger lawmakers for demonstrating exemplary work attitude in Congress. “i am also very gratified that as house Speaker, i was given more opportunity to work with our younger politicians. From what i have seen of them, their generation will serve our country very well indeed when their time comes. Congratulations, young ones!� she said. “We are all on a journey together. As our nation moves forward, let us all join hands in unity and walk confidently towards a better tomorrow. From the bottom of my heart, i thank you for giving me the honor and privilege of serving you,� Arroyo ended.

The outgoing members of Congress include Minority leader and Quezon governor-elect Danilo Suarez; ilocos norte 1st District Rep. Rodolfo FariĂąas, and former Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. who are both set to retire from politics.

The 18th Congress will formally convene on July 22 when Duterte delivers his fourth State of the nation Address. n

BACK TO SCHOOL. Parents accompany their children at the Diosdado Macapagal Elementary School in Barangay Tatalon in Quezon City during the first day of school on Monday, June 3. The Department of Education (DepEd) earlier assured it was ready to welcome more than 27 million students in both public and private schools across all basic education levels.

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

Duterte certifies bill to restore mandatory ROTC as urgent

by AJPress PhiliPPine President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday, June 3, certified as urgent the bill seeking the restoration of the mandatory Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) program for Grade 11 and 12 students. in a letter to Senate President Vicente Sotto iii, Duterte said that a law is required to restore basic military and leadership training for the Filipino youth “to invigorate their sense of nationalism and patriotism necessary in defending the State and to further promote their role in nation-

building.�

Senate Bill 2232 otherwise known as the “Citizen Armed Force or Armed Forces of the Philippines Reservist Act� was passed on final reading in the house of Representatives. it is still on the period of interpellation on the upper house.

The move made by Duterte allows the said bill to acquire a second and final reading approval on the same day, thus expediting the process of its implementation. Senator Sherwin Gatchalian sponsored it, while senators Richard Gordon and Manny Pacquiao are co-sponsors.

The mandatory ROTC pro-

gram was abolished after former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed the national Service Training Program (nSTP) law in 2002. Under the law, ROTC is just one of three nSTP components students can choose from, along with Civic Welfare Training Service and the literacy Training Service.

The death of University of Santo Tomas cadet Mark Welson Chua in 2001 at the hands of his officers and fellow UST cadets sparked a clamor for the scrapping of mandatory ROTC. Chua was killed for exposing irregularities in the university’s ROTC program. n

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Duterte invites Naruhito to Manila

by Catherine

Valente ManilaTimes.net

PReSiDenT Rodrigo Duterte has invited Japan emperor naruhito and his wife empress Masako to visit the Philippines, MalacaĂąang said on Monday, June 3.

Duterte extended the invitation during his bilateral meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe earlier this week in Tokyo, where he attended the nikkeiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 25th international Conference on the Future of Asia. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The President likewise conveyed the best wishes of the Filipino people to emperor naruhitoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ascension to the throne adding that it would be a great honor for our country to receive emperor naruhito and empress Masako in the future,â&#x20AC;? Palace spokesman Salvador Panelo said in a statement.

Panelo said the visit would strengthen the strategic partnership between the Philippines and Japan.

The Palace official described the meeting between Duterte and Abe as â&#x20AC;&#x153;productiveâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;fruitful.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Prime Minister Abe gave a

heartfelt welcome to President Duterte, who he considers as his special friend, at the Prime Ministerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office in the Akasaka State Guest house,â&#x20AC;? Panelo said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Prime Minister Abe expressed great delight to see the Filipino Chief executive whom he last met in november of last year,â&#x20AC;? he added.

Panelo said Abe also congratulated Duterte for the overwhelming victory of administration-backed candidates in the midterm elections. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Prime Minister Abe likewise mentioned that he looked forward to a fruitful exchange of views with the President on various issues of mutual concern and interest, including assistance on the Mindanao peace process and infrastructure development in the Philippines,â&#x20AC;? he said.

Duterte described Japan as a â&#x20AC;&#x153;valued ally for peace, development and the rule of law.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Chief executive emphasized that Philippines-Japan relations has an exemplary partnership built on shared values fostered over the years by mutual trust and respect,â&#x20AC;? Panelo said. n

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A JUNE 5-7, 2019 • SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL

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BUSINESSJ& COMMUNITY ournal

Extension of Makati subway project eyed Fitch: PH ‘stable’ but lags in key indicators

by Doris

DUMlao abaDilla Inquirer.net

IN the aftermath of the mid-term elections, businessman Antonio Tiu plans to extend his subway project—currently designed to run 10 kilometers under a publicprivate partnership (PPP) with the local government of Makati—to other cities adjacent to the country’s central business district.

The election of young and progressive mayors in neighboring cities may offer an opportunity for Tiu-led Philippine Infradev Holdings Inc., (formerly IRC Properties Inc.) to initiate discussions with other local government units (LGUs) to extend the subway project.

“Let’s wait for the mayors, these are new millennial mayors,” Tiu said.

One such young new mayor from an adjacent city who won during the recent elections is 30year-old Vico Sotto of Pasig.

“The reason why we started with Makati is that it’s the CBD. That’s the [area with the] highest value of property price and the most aggressive visionary mayor who’s friendly to us (referring to newly reelected Abby Binay), so it makes it a lot easier for us. But having the subway only within Makati doesn’t make sense, but that’s the best way to do it—through LGU PPP. After the election, we can now talk to the right people to connect [with],” Tiu said.

“For our outward extension, we have to consider partnerships with the next city. Pasay, Pasig, San Juan, Mandaluyong, Manila— these are all possible,” he said.

The Makati CBD has a daytime population of about five million and a night time population of only 500,000, which means that the rest of the 4.5 million workers mostly commute from other cities every day. This is the market that Tiu seeks to serve.

The Makati subway system, which is targeted to be completed by 2024 or 2025, is projected to cost $3.7 billion, including the cost of expropriation, demolition and relocation of structures to be affected by the project. Each station is expected to cost $100 mil-

by Mayvelin

U. Caraballo ManilaTimes.net

Inquirer.net file photo

lion to build.

Based on the financial model, the project can turn cash flowpositive by the third or fourth year of operating the subway. Breakeven point is seen by the 15th year.

Asked how much is the revenue share of the LGU, Tiu said it would depend on the land contribution of the city per station and the cost associated per kilometer. In the case of Makati, the city will have a share of about 20-25 percent, subject to the final valuation report.

Most subway systems elsewhere in the world do not make money and in some places, subsidized by the government. Tiu noted that the only subway systems making money are those in Hong Kong and Singapore because of the property developments in each station.

“So that’s exactly how we’ll do it,” he said. “Based on our financial model, we are going to build about 6.4 million square meters of property over the next 15 years.”

Under Philippine Infradev’s business model, fare revenue will only cover the operating expenses of the project while interest payments and depreciation will be covered by non-fare revenues, which are projected to be much higher than the fare revenues. On the property development component, each station is expected

to create 5,000 to 10,000 square meters of leasable area.

“We have the air rights so we can partner with property owners to build high-rise and have some [revenue] sharing,” Tiu said. For instance, he said two of the investors participating in the project were planning to build the tallest buildings in the city. “It will change the landscape of Makati.”

To date, the proponents have finalized the location for eight of the 10 stations. Two of the stations were originally envisioned to be along the stretch of Ayala Avenue, but these have yet to be finalized because the landlords were “not responsive,” Tiu said. “We can’t wait so we’ll start with station 3 and we may tweak stations 1 and 2. We’re thinking of the best alignment to go to Buendia to connect with PNR and LRT 1 or go toward Mile Long area,” he said.

Station 3 will be at the Makati fire station, which will be relocated elsewhere. The next station will be at a property owned by the Lucio Tan group near Circuit Makati, followed by a station at Makati City Hall. The next stations will be close to Century City, Rockwell Center, Makati Bliss Housing near Pasig River, University of Makati, Cembo and the final station will be in the vicinity of Ospital ng Makati. n

DEBT watcher Fitch Ratings on Friday, May 31, affirmed the Philippines’ “BBB” investment grade rating with a stable outlook, even as it noted that the country’s structural indicators continue to lag behind its peers.

“The ratings balance the Philippines’ prospects of strong sustainable growth and high levels of foreign-exchange reserves against relatively low per-capita income, governance indicators, and government revenue,” Fitch said in a statement.

The ‘BBB’ is a notch above minimum investment grade while the “stable” outlook means the rating is likely to remain unchanged within next 12-18 months.

The credit ratings agency said it expects the Philippine economy to expand at more than 6 percent annually over the medium term, which is well above the current peer median.

This year, it estimated that the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) will grow 6.1 percent “as momentum is likely to recover after a slowdown to 5.6 yoy (percent year-on-year) in the first quarter from weaker exports and government spending due to the delay in the passage of the 2019 budget.”

Fitch’s projection was lower than last year’s actual growth of 6.2 percent and falls at near the lower end of the government’s downwardly revised 6.0-7.0 percent target.

A dispute between the Senate and the House of Representatives over alleged insertions resulted in the four-and-a-half-month delay of the passage of this year’s budget. This forced the government to run on last year’s budget, limiting it to spend for items detailed in the 2018 outlay and not on programs and projects supposed to be implemented this year.

This put total national government spending in January to March — which include expenditures for infrastructure and capital outlay, maintenance, personnel services and subsidies — at P778 billion, up 0.8 percent or P6 billion from the amount in the same period last year.

This resulted in a lower-thanexpected 5.6 percent Philippine

economic growth in the first three months of the year, well below the government’s target.

That said, Fitch noted that growth will remain supported by strong private consumption and the government’s public-investment program, but warned that risks to growth could come from the slowdown in China and spillovers from escalating US-China trade tensions.

Meanwhile, the debt rater said the country’s gross international reserves coverage will remain adequate to cover more than six months of imports this year until 2021.

Latest data show that the country’s dollar reserves rose to a 30month high of $83.955 billion in April on the back of the central bank’s foreign exchange operations and investment income plus foreign currency deposits by the government.

“The Philippines remains less vulnerable to large outflows compared with some of its neighbours in the region due to lower nonresident holdings of domestic debt,” Fitch said.

However, Fitch noted that “the Philippines’ structural indicators continue to lag behind those of rating category peers,” expecting the country’s GDP per capita to reach $3,358 this year, lower compared with the current ‘BBB’ category median of $11,353.

It also stressed that standards of governance and human development are also weaker in the Philippines than its peer median.

“The Philippines ranks in the 41st percentile of the World Bank’s governance indicators, compared with the 56th percentile of the current peer median,” Fitch added.

Nevertheless, it pointed out that the decisive victory of President Rodrigo Duterte’s allies in the Congress during mid-term elections last month “has increased the ability of the government to implement its agenda.”

On the other hand, the credit watchdog said gross general government revenues in the Philippines — at 19.7 percent of GDP at end-2017 — were below the ‘BBB’ median of 27 percent.

But it noted that the improvement in central government revenues will be the result of a Comprehensive Tax Reform Program

(CTRP), notably the implementation of its first package or the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Act that was passed last year and is expected by the government to deliver the bulk of the revenue gains.

“Fitch also expects some progress in the passage of the remaining parts of the tax reform, which are designed to be broadly revenue-neutral,” the debt watcher added. The still to be approved CTRP packages are: • Package 1B, which seeks to reform the Motor Vehicle Users’ Charge; • 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; • Package 2 Plus, which proposes additional excise taxes on tobacco and alcohol products as well as increase the government’s share from mining.

• Package 3, which covers reforms in property valuation; • Package 4, which proposes the rationalization of capital income tax, that has also been approved by the House.

“We are glad Fitch has taken note of the Philippine economy’s resilience to both external and domestic headwinds,” Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez 3rd said in a statement following the rating-affirmation by Fitch.

“In part, the strength of the economy is credited to the decisive leadership of President Duterte who has demonstrated strong political will in implementing unpopular game-changing reforms to sustain the growth momentum and achieve financial inclusion for all,” he added.

For his part, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin Diokno said, “Guided by its price stability mandate, the BSP will continue to adhere to the conduct of sound monetary policy, making sure it is properly calibrated to provide an environment that enables sustainable economic growth.”

Fitch said it believes overheating risks have subsided following the cumulative rate hikes of 175 basis points implemented by the central bank last year. n

The BIR said non-resident aliens who are not engaged in trade or business shall be issued a TIN for withholding taxes on their income from sources within the Philippines. The withholding agent shall apply for the TIN in behalf of the non-resident alien.

In particular, the BIR said foreign nationals who want to work in the country under an employment arrangement should register with the Revenue District Offices (RDO) that have jurisdiction over the physical address of their employer.

Foreign nationals who intend to work, engage in specific activities, or render services outside of an employment arrangement, meanwhile, must secure their TIN from RDO 39- Quezon City.

Other non-resident aliens who already have working visas are also required to register with the RDOs that have jurisdiction over the address of their employers, while those who plan to engage in trade or business should be registered with the RDO that has jurisdiction over their place of business or local residence, in the case of practice of regulated profession.

The BIR also advises foreign nationals to update their registration information with the bureau, if applicable.

Employers of foreign nationals with Provisional Working Permits (PWP), and later on had been is-

sued an AEP or working visa with proper authorization, shall update their employee’s registration information with the RDO where they have been registered.

In case of termination of employment, the foreign nationals shall update their registration information.

Moreover, foreign nationals with Special Working Permits (SWP) and later on had been issued a visa should transfer their registration from RDO 39 to the RDO that has jurisdiction over their place of business or local residence.

According to the BIR, registered alien employees may apply for preferential tax rates if they are a resident of a country which has a tax treaty with the Philippines.

Currently, the Philippines has 43 effective tax treaties.

“However, the tax liability of foreign nationals engaged in trade or business or are gainfully employed in the Philippines will depend on the provisions of the applicable tax treaty. Moreover, the entitlement to tax treaty relief is on a case-to-case basis depending on the facts as represented by the foreign national applicant,” the BIR said.

Earlier, the Department of Finance (DOF) said the government has not been able to collect an estimated P32 billion in income taxes annually from foreign workers, particularly the offshore gaming industry. n

Foreign workers now required to secure taxpayer identification number

Philstar.com file photo

by Mary

GraCe Philstar.com

PaDin

FOREIGN nationals who intend to work or engage in business in the Philippines are now required to register with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and get a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), according to the agency.

This is pursuant to Revenue Memorandum Order No. 28-2019, issued by Internal Revenue Commissioner Caesar Dulay last May 30, prescribing the guidelines for the registration of foreign nationals who want to work or do business in the country.

The issuance of the RMO came after the BIR signed joint guidelines with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Bureau of Immigration (BI), which tightened the rules on the issuance of work and employment permits to foreign nationals.

This is also in line with the Department of Finance (DOF)’s orders to strengthen efforts in monitoring foreign workers, particularly in the online gaming industry, to ensure that they pay the correct taxes.

Under the RMO, foreign national who intend to work, engage in trade, or business in the Philippines are required to secure a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) with the BIR before they can be issued with working permits.

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ON THE COVER Illustration by Kendrick Tan

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - June 5, 2019

Young Fil-Ams share what Philippine Independence Day means to them

BY RAE ANN VARONA / AJPRESS EVERY year, Filipinos both in the Philippines and abroad celebrate Philippine Independence Day on June 12, also known as “Araw ng Kasarinlan” or “Araw ng Kalayaan.”

In the Philippines, it is observed with a day off from work and classes. Meanwhile, the celebration across the United States often takes form in parades and festivals filled with Filipino food vendors, performances, and parades.

A quick history lesson on Philippine Independence Day traces back over a century ago when the Philippines — after four centuries under Spain’s rule — declared independence on June 12, 1898.

But as many historians and Filipinos point out, June 12 didn’t mark the true liberation for the Philippines as the country in less than a year found itself under United States rule.

Upon losing war with the U.S., Spain gave the Philippines to the U.S. as part of the 1989 Treaty of Paris Agreement. The Philippines thus became a U.S. territory with the Philippine-American War beginning a year after.

It took years for the Philippines to gain independence from the U.S. Sometime during the Philippine-American War, U.S. President Teddy Roosevelt declared victory over the Philippines ironically on the fourth of July on 1902.

After giving into pressure of granting the Philippines independence and proclaiming amnesty between the two countries, William Howard Taft was elected as president and decided to put a halt on granting the Philippines independence.

Despite being defeated in 1912 by President Woodrow Wilson, who favored Philip-

pine independence, plans for a sovereign Philippines weren’t made until mid-1930s.

After one last set back due to World War II and the Japanese invasion of the Philippines, the Philippines was finally declared independent on July 4, 1946 through the Treaty of Manila.

For 15 years, the Philippines celebrated its independence annually on July 4 until in 1962 when Philippine President Diosdado Macapagal officially changed the date back to June 12.

Now nearly 60 years later, Filipinos in the U.S. continue to honor Philippine Independence Day, with the younger members of today’s Fil-Am generation making their own meanings out of the holiday.

Christine Liwag Dixon, a Fil-Am writer from New York, sees the irony in its June 12 celebration date and said, “Philippine Independence Day is a mixed bag for me. On one hand, it marks our independence from Spain, but it also marks the beginning of American colonial rule.”

“I do, however, appreciate the cultural aspect,” added Dixon. “At the very least, it’s an excuse to get together with the community with some Pinoy barbecue and halohalo.”

Aaron Jugueta, who works as a project coordinator for a non-profit in Miami, Florida, sees Philippine Independence Day more as a day to recognize the people who were involved throughout the country’s journey to independence.

“Philippine Independence Day means to me the liberalization and recognition of the islands as a people and as a nation,” said Jugueta.“ A great way to celebrate it

would be to remember what was fought for and the people who died fighting for it.”

Virginia-based Fil-Am rapper Noah-O similarly sees Philippine Independence Day as being an opportunity to honor those who fought for the Philippines’ independence.

He said, “Philippine Independence Day is a time to celebrate our country’s past and honor those including my grandparents who fought to keep the Philippines free.”

According to the United States Office of the Historian, over 20,000 Filipino combatants died during the PhilippineAmerican War. Modern sources say that as many as 200,000 Filipino civilians as a result of the war.

But shared among Fil-Ams was that Philippine Independence Day presented an opportunity to celebrate Philippine culture and what makes the Philippines so unique as a country.

This is especially true for Fil-Ams who grew up in dual American and Filipino households.

Crystal Tolentino, a young Fil-Am mom who attended this year’s Pista Sa Nayon festival in Vallejo, California with her son, described Philippine Independence Day as providing an opportunity for people — including Filipinos — to learn more about emerging FilAm talents looking to promote the culture.

“I wasn’t raised in a traditional Filipino household, so I basically had to rely on articles and books to study my roots,” said Tolentino.

Attending Philippine Independence Day festivals have not only allowed her to immerse herself in Filipino culture and see first hand the impact of the current Fil-Am community, but have allowed her to share

FREE RSVP: levittlosangeles.org

Fil-Am Crystal Tolentino shares photos from the Vallejo Pista Sa Nayon, an annual Philippine Independence celebration, in Vallejo, CA on June 1.

Contributed photos

her experiences with her son.

“I do love seeing our Filipino community come together as one big family and support each other — we’ve got a lot of undiscovered talent out there from chefs, clothing designers, to musicians,” said Tolentino.

“And I feel that Filipinos are often overlooked and we have to work twice as hard to be recognized.”

“This is a time where we can display our talents, acknowledge each other’s accomplishments and show each other support,” she added.

Tolentino said her son particularly loved the martial arts demonstrations. As for herself, she loved the entertainment lineup.

“The dance groups took us all back to our roots,” said Tolentino, highlighting the colorful costumes worn by the dancers.

“I also enjoyed the musicians — seeing Fil-Am local singing groups such as Legaci and One Voice perform against after so many years, then to see upcoming Fil-Am artists like Ruby Ibarra and CRSB take the stage,” said Tolentino.

Compared to previous years, Tolentino noticed this year’s to be much bigger and more diverse.

“Everybody was dancing, including my son. I

couldn’t’ stop capturing the moments with my camera and all I could think about was, ‘Wow! Great job Vallejo!” said Tolentino.

She plans on taking her son to the Kalayaan Festival, another Philippine Independence Day festival in San Francisco’s Union Square later this month.

For halfFilipina college

student Onike Browne in New York, Philippine Independence Day has always been an opportunity for her to celebrate her Filipino side.

“Knowing how much the Philippines has suffered through colonialism makes me want to celebrate our independence every year,” said Browne. “The Philippines has a rich, diverse culture and we truly deserve to celebrate and be proud of it.”

She attended the annual Philippine Independence Day Parade in New York City, and has attended it every year for the past five or so years.

“It’s so nice seeing how the various islands display their cultures. I get chills every time, honestly,” said Browne.

“I always look forward to the floats with drums and I love the dances dedicated to mangoes,” she added. “I’m Cebuano as well, so of course I get excited seeing Cebu get out there too. I really loved their performance this year.”

Also attending the parade was Fil-Am William McGuire, who like Browne, saw the celebration as an opportunity to celebrate his mother’s culture and build a connection with other Fil-Ams.

“That sense of connection was something I didn’t appreciate enough until last Sunday, (June 2) where many new people met me with kindness and camaraderie,” shared McGuire. “The feeling was unfamiliar to me since I live far away from most family on my mom’s side.”

He added, “After taking my own initiative to celebrate, I can say I learned our capability of building a future where we could eat, love, and laugh together.”

Noah-O — who attended the parade for the first time — further found it to not only be a way for him to experience Filipino culture, but to actively exercise his voice as a Fil-Am. “It was beautiful to attend and have the opportunity to connect with my roots,” said Noah-O. “To hear my people and see so many Filipino was overwhelming as I live in Richmond, Virginia which doesn’t have a large Filipino population.”

He marched alongside the Malaya Movement organization, which he became involved with in 2017, after they helped him get an interview with ABS-CBN’s Don Tagala after seeing him on the Hip Hop show “Sway in the Morning.”

Noah-O’s music has focused on the struggles of marginalized communities, including

racism experienced by African Americans in his home state of Virginia.

Marching with the Malaya Movement was his way of bridging his platform with the Fil-Am community, while at the same time sharing Filipino culture with his close friends otherwise unfamiliar with it.

“I really enjoyed being able to connect with new people, and picking up souvenirs for my loved ones,” said Noah-O. “I really enjoyed the amount of love and unity among our people. And being able to expose some of my friends to our culture and history was great.”

Illustration by Jillian Peñalosa

entertainment

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The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - June 6, 2019

Philippine Ballet Theatre: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Filipino Masterpiecesâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Serye at Sayawâ&#x20AC;?

ONE Global Management Company, Inc., in cooperation with Asian Journal, Balikbayan Magazine, Pageantry Global, and Asian Commodities Company proudly present: Philippine Ballet Theatre: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Filipino Masterpiecesâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Serye at Sayawâ&#x20AC;?.

Everyone watching will be in for a treat as the Philippine Ballet Theatre dancers perform critically acclaimed pieces from their original Filipino repertoire. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Filipno Masterpiecesâ&#x20AC;? features two of three acts of the ballet â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mantones de Manilaâ&#x20AC;? by the late, esteemed choreographer, Tony Fabella: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sa Salaâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sa Entablado.â&#x20AC;?

A tribute to the pantheon of Philippine dance, each of the acts pays homage to different aspects of Tony Fabellaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dance influences, which run the gamut from classical to Philippine folk dance.

In performances which have been choreographed to occur at a genteel, upper-class receiving room for guests (â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sa salaâ&#x20AC;?) and onstage (â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sa entabladoâ&#x20AC;?), both acts use the medium of dance to portray a nostalgic visualization of different customs and traditions during the turn of the 20th century, Noteworthy are the costumes, originally designed and made by Fabella himself, and now updated to accommodate the passing of the years.

Lavish gowns and tutus recall an opulent Spanish-Philippine era, each one accented by the â&#x20AC;&#x153;manton,â&#x20AC;? a beautifully embroidered shawl worn by the cultured ladies of an era long gone, but still wielding its influence in modern Filipiniana dress and demeanor. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Serye at Sayawâ&#x20AC;? provides interesting vignettes behind the scenes into the world of dance and the life of Marguerite, a dancer. It chronicles the intimate and triumphant story of a girl who gave up her childhood in pursuit of the prestigious title of prima ballerina, and who only much later discovered the price she has to heed the

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Morissette meets Will Smith, sings entertainment with Disney composer Alan Menken James shifts focus on music as artist-producer The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - June 5, 2019

by KRISSY

AGUILAR Inquirer.net

IT felt like “A Whole New World” for singer Morissette Amon when she got the chance

by NIKA ROQUE to meet actor Will Smith and ManilaTimes.net sing with Disney composer Alan Menken.

FROM his humble beginDisney Philippines posted nings on “Pinoy Big Brother Monday a video of Morissette (PBB),” James Reid was known meeting the two international as the shy kid who grew up in personalities as part of the Australia, the one who always promotion of the Disney movie got sick, and someone who “Aladdin.” loved playing the guitar. Since “Lea told me about you!” then, he has grown into a fullMenken told Morissette as they fledged artist — prime time met, to which the latter replied, television and film actor, host, “Lea’s such a sweetheart!” daytime dancer and, above They were referring to Tony all, a musician.

Award-winning actress Lea His stint in multiple areas Salonga who was the original of show business are definitevoice of Princess Jasmine in the ly impressive, but Reid stays 1992 animated film of “Aladtrue to what he loves doing din.” the most, which is music.

Smith, who plays the Genie In contrast to most local in the 2019 version, turned artists who pursue a solo the tables and made a wish to career and release the typical hear Amon sing “A Whole New album, Reid decided to start World.” a music label and production “I know I’m supposed to Actor, musician and Careless Music Manila CEO James Reid Contributed photo company — along with “PBB” be the Genie, but you know, from the artist, thanks to the batchmate Bret Jackson, year’s Careless Mixtape. can the Genie have a wish? creative freedom he enjoys in who is also known as rapper Platform for up and comBecause when you have the his own realm.

KingWAW — called Careless ing musicians master and the lovely voice However, Reid will not be Music Manila.

At Careless, they aim to having a follow-up to “Palm The label’s first release give a platform for up and Dreams,” a teleserye or film was Reid’s third album “Palm coming musicians from all any time soon. Instead he is Dreams,” which features a over the Philippines by signfocusing his energies on this new and dreamy R&B sound ing them and featuring them on mixtapes. The first was released in October 2018, featuring Reid, on-and-off screen girlfriend Nadine

by CODY CEPEDA Lustre, KingWAW, Curtismith, Inquirer.net Sofia Romualdez, Massiah and Astrokidd.

MARIEL de Leon excitedly “We released the Careless announced to her fans that she Mixtape with seven artists has been signed by modeling last year and we’re almost agency True Model Managefinished with our second ment in New York City. mixtape with, I think, 15 to De Leon took to social 20 artists. It’s coming out in media last May 30 to announce maybe a month or two,” rethe beginning of the new chapvealed the artist-turned-proter in her life. As per De Leon’s ducer in a media roundtable, at the sidelines of the Fujifilm post, modeling in the U.S. has always been her dream, but X-T30 launch.

“We’ve given spotlights to being a “bigger” girl made her think it would never hapartists that are out in Cebu, pen. De Leon represented the Dumaguete and Davao. We country as Miss International want to help bring those artPhilippines back in 2017, but ists to the limelight. They’re has since expressed her dislike all already so talented. We of being labeled as a “beauty just wanted to help and give queen.” them a push,” he added.

“I grew up being surroundDespite being the CEO, ed by + seeing + hearing what Reid assures that the deciContinued on Page 6 Continued on Page 5

Morisette Amon with Will Smith and composer Alan Menken

of Morissette here, I mean I would like to make the wish that I hear the two of you,” Smith said.

Menken then played the piano and sang the part of Aladdin, while Amon sang the part of Princess Jasmine.

This garnered applause from Smith and Menken who complemented Amon saying,

Photo from Instagram/@itsmorisette

“You hit some great notes there though!”

Amon was earlier handpicked by Disney to do a local version of the Disney hit “A Whole New World” alongside Darren Espanto.

Espanto, however, did not get to meet Smith and Menken due to prior commitments, said Amon.

Mariel fulfills dream, joins New York-based modeling agency

Mariel de Leon

Photo from Instagram/@mariadeleonofficial

Maligayang Araw ng Kalayaan!

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Long Beach Bacolod Association to hold MassKara Festival this August THE Long Beach Bacolod Association (LBBA), part of the non-profit organization Sister Cities of Long Beach Inc., will hold its MassKara Festival grand gala and ball on Friday, August 2, at the Long Beach Marriott Hotel on 4700 Airport Plaza Drive from 6 p.m. to midnight.

On the agenda will be an MOU signing between the International Seafarers Center of Long Beach and City of Bacolod LBBA International to establish its ISC similar to Long Beach ISC. Another MOU signing will also be done between Vital Clean Tech and Bacolod to bring the latest clean and sustainable energy and agriculture systems to Bacolod.

Manny Pacquiao, the adopted son of Bacolod, senator and world famous boxing personality will receive the LBBA lifetime achievement award, while Mayor Bing Leonardia and Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia will receive the LBBA civic awards. This year’s international achievement award goes to TFC’s Henni Espinosa, a three-time Emmy awardee.

MassKara Festival and performances To perform at the LBBA is the famous 15-member MassKara dancers composed of various native dancers from the province of Negros Occidental. The group recently won Best Foreign Group at the 2019 Daegu Colorful Festival in South Korea.

Aside from the LBBA grand gala and ball, the MassKara dancers. These same dancers are planning to perform at California Adventure in Disneyland on Thursday, August 1.

On Saturday, August 3, the dancers will perform at the South Bay Mall in Carson during the Asian Journal’s Travel, Trade & Consumer roadshow.

They will also attend the MassKara premiere of Ana Barredo’s movie, “The Year I did Nothing” at Long Beach City College (4901 East Carson Street, Long Beach, California 90808) at 8p.m. A ticket donation of 15 dollars is suggested.

On Sunday, August 4, these same dancers will be the highlight of a free MassKara Festival at Recreation Park, 4900 7th Street in Long Beach, CA. Filipino cuisine will be offered, along with the famous chicken inasal will be prepared by the Chicken House of Bacolod pop up tent. There will be other food vendors to satisfy all different tastes.

In addition to the MassKara dancers, The Philippine Women’s Club dancers will have their second annual performance. Singers such as Jet Montelibano, Michael Keith, Maaikee Pronda and Shekinah will also perform. Movie star Jared Silva will also give his famous hiphop dance routine.

Music throughout the day will be provided by Arjay Jimenez.

There will be a martial arts demonstration by the PTK Kali group of Leo Gaje, Survival Arts

by Jamie Yancovitz, and also from the central coast, students of master guru Romero Estalilla of the Carbonaran Kali will give a bone-crushing demo. The famous Roller Derby team, the Los Angeles Derby Dolls-Philippine Team headed by our Bacolod daughter, Kristen Marie Orola aka JaegerBomb, will be on hand to talk about their international competition in England last year and perhaps a demo.

The trade and finance section will include Mabuhay Bank, Port of Long Beach and an International Finance booth

by East West Bank. There will also be plenty of goodies from Bacolod.

What is MassKara?

This year’s theme is “Overcoming Adversity Through Perseverance and Conviction.”

Bacolod City in the Philippines has long been the Sister City of Long Beach, home to an estimated 40,000 Filipino Americans. The Sister Cities program promotes community building through cultural, educational and civic programs.

It also facilitates trade and economic relationships.

The LBBA is happy to collaborate with the various Long Beach agencies including the Port of Long Beach, Port of Los Angeles, local businesses and financial institutions to promote and strengthen ties between the two cities.

The year 1980 was a time of doom and gloom for Bacolod City and its people who were dependent on the sugar industry. The advent of sugar substitutes caused the sugar price to plummet to an all-time low and it created an economic crisis.

Compounding the desper-

This authentic costume was on display and won the best costume award for the 2017 Masskara Festival in Bacolod.

entertainment The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - June 5, 2019

Daniel leads celebration of all kinds of passion A FUN-filled day of singing, dancing, styling and games for those who live and celebrate their passions, the #PepsiPusoFest became an avenue for everyone to express themselves freely for the love of different passion points through interactive and fun activities.

The main show included musical performances by Unique and Kiana Valenciano, viral star Mimiyuuh featuring Allmost, along with dance numbers from AC Bonifacio and “America’s Got Talent” finalist, Junior New System. Nico Bolzico and Pam Swing also joined in on the fun together with their fans.

Daniel Padilla made a very special appearance to serenade his fans and gave away treaContinued on Page 6 Daniel Padilla

Contributed photos

Mariel fulfills dream, joins New...

ate situation was the sinking of the ferry, MV Juan on April 22, 1980 that killed more than 700 people including members of the prominent Negronese families.

Two artists, George Macainan and Ely Santiago, broached the idea of making paper mache masks for livelihood to then Mayor Jose Montalvo. The mayor thought it was a great idea and organized the first Masskara Festival.

Masskara is a coined word for Mass that means “many” and Kara or Cara that means “face.” The once grieving community used the festival with the smiling masks to hide their grief, heal their pain and move on with their lives.

This year, we are bringing the Masskara Festival to Long Beach. We hope to bring the spirit of resilience and perseverance to the public through this Festival.

Awardees for 2019 • Two-time MMA champion Anthony Formosa for his great martial arts skills and his well known volunteerism in Long Beach • Chocolatier Romeo Garcia of Romeo Chocolates, Best Small Business Awardee and Best Desert Place in Long Beach • Disney star Michael

From Page 4 the public and media said was ‘model worthy,’ ‘beauty queen worthy’ or even just ‘beautiful’ thinking that I’m supposed to drastically change myself into something that I’m not just so I could ‘fit in’ or succeed,” De Leon said via Instagram. “Especially coming from an Asian country wherein the standards JPress photos by Andy Tecson are even harder to measure up to…”

Keith, for his volunteer efforts De Leon noted, however, to stop bullying that times have now changed • Maaikee Pronda, engiand the modeling industry has neering graduate and beauty queen (Miss 2018 Multinational become more diverse.

“The industry is now more Philippine America and Miss diverse and accepting of difGarden Grove) for her efforts ferent types of women and in promoting STEM (science, men! No matter the size, color, technology engineering and race, or background: YOU ARE math) BEAUTIFUL AND YOU ARE • Broadcaster and threeWORTHY!” time Emmy awardee, Henni True Model Management, Espinosa of The Filipino Chanfounded by model and entrenel’s “Balitang America” preneur Dale Noelle, is known • Long Beach Mayor Robfor representing models of all ert Garcia sizes and categories. It can be • Mayor Bing Leonardia, gleaned through De Leon’s who just won a landslide reehashtags that she will be lection modeling as a plus-size or curvy • Leo Pandac, original model. founder of the Long Beach and Bacolod Sister City, for his outstanding leadership with the Historic Filipinotown of Los Angeles • Leo Gaje, founder of the Bacolod-based PTK kali, teacher of teachers and recipient of the lifetime achievement award of martial artists.

• Boxing champion and Sen. Manny Pacquiao, adopted son of Bacolod.

• Nathan Fasching, for his volunteerism in singing at LBBA events. He is the Frank Sinatra of the Philippine community and a martial arts expert.

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“Through the years I have learned to love myself even through rough times and even if nobody else did,” she said.

“Now, I am the strong and

confident woman I’ve always wanted to be. Or should I say ‘confidently beautiful’ and thicc!”

Congratulations, Mariel!

Daniel leads celebration... entertainment James shifts focus...

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - June 5, 2019

From Page 4 sions are made as a group, even when it comes to choosing those who would be part of the label.

“I have my friend Bret for that. He has more artists in his repertoire, he’s the one scouting and listening to music, seeing what’s happening in the underground and what’s being done in the provinces,” he shared. Lustre has been teasing lyrics on her Instagram account, whereas rapper Curtismith has most recently released his song and music video.

Like all artists, Careless has a creative process and takes a hands-on approach from behind the scenes all the way to in front of the camera.

“To be honest, it’s different with every song. Some artists like to write first before going into the studio. Others, like myself, we have the music

EMPLOYMENT

and we sit down in the studio and we write on the spot,” said Reid.

Numerous music videos for the label have also been directed by Lustre, including Reid’s “The Life,” and their duet “Summer.”

“She’ll look at visuals and moods, that’s where she gets her inspiration.

That’s why she’s good at directing,” he said proudly.

For the new mixtape, Careless also hired a foreign music video director, whom Reid revealed that “he’s making really amazing visuals.”

In ending, Reid emphasized that he is giving his all into music, taking a break from teleseryes and movies. “[The Careless Mixtape] is really occupying all my time right now and shooting music videos, which are all looking really amazing. I’m very excited with where Careless is going.

Other than that, they’ve [the management] given me time off to really focus on music right now but I’m still doing ‘Idol Philippines’ so I’m still on TV,” the young music mogul concluded.

From Page 5 “Pepsi’s #Sundi“Sundin Ang Puso,” in sured possessions that have nAngPuso campaign is collaboration with global always been close to his heart. all about encouraging pop group NowUnited.

He also reminded everyone to Filipinos to pursue the The Love of Style go all out and embrace their things they have always booth then gave guests passions like never before. wanted to do and to be a chance to temporarily Up and coming artists such transform their hair to confident in expressas Renee Dominique and Dom- a shade they love from ing themselves,” said inique Casacop took the stage Gutzee Segura, Pepsi the style menu. The Love to show off their vocal prowPhilippines Marketing of Dance provided the ess while A-Team and Upeepz Manager. “Through the opportunity to dance pumped up the jam with their #PepsiPusoFest, we to the beat of “Sundin dance routines. A showcase wanted to give Filipinos Ang Puso.” Lastly, guests of out-of-the-box skills were an avenue to showcase were able to dabble into also exhibited throughout the their different passions singing and record their program with basketball tricks and embrace whatever performance with their

by Hype Streetball, pen-tapthey do for the love of friends in the Love of ping by Dineson Caneda, it.” (ManilaTimes.net) Singing booth. beatboxing by Neil Rey Llanes, freestyle yoyo tricks by champion Miggy Hizon and comical flair by Comedy Manila. Guests were also treated to fun games which got them to play with pro volleyball and basketball stars.

Topnotch performances and different activities also allowed guests to showcase their talents and get lots of fun prizes.

For the Love of Stories, guests were able to take the spotlight to shoot their own rendition of Pepsi’s new jingle titled “America’s Got Talent” finalist, Junior New System.

EMPLOYMENT

FOR RENT

SERVICES

AC Bonifacio

Contributed photos

community Clients with failed businesses need relief from credit card debt and loans

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The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - June 5, 2019

THE first client is 34. She is recently married and now has a oneyear-old son. She used to be employed making a gross of $50,000 yearly. At the same time, she was doing a home-based business using credit cards to finance the purchase of goods for people who had no credit.

She would use her cards to purchase a gift card and give that to the end buyer. The end buyer would use the gift card to purchase say a TV set or furniture set. Then the end buyer would pay her back in installments, plus a certain extra margin as her profit for providing the service of acting as a financing intermediary to enable the end buyer to obtain the desired merchandise.

Theoretically, this business model could work but is very risky.

The risk that the client assumed, of course, is that the end buyers may not pay her back on time, or may not pay her back at all. They can just say, well, we bought this TV set with a gift card, so the client just gave them the gift card for free, to get away from their agreement to pay her back so she can

Barristerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Corner Atty. Kenneth UrsUA reyes COUPLES get divorced for various reasons. California is a no fault state. The reasons why a couple is getting divorced are often irrelevant to the issues of the family law case. Divorce is often a difficult and negative experience for most families. However, getting divorce may have some unintended benefits in the immigration law arena.

Four situations in which filing for divorce can be beneficial to your immigration case are as follows: Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens If you were petitioned for legal permanent residence by your U.S. Citizen parent as a married son or daughter 21 years old or over, you are classified in immigration law under family sponsored third preference (F3) which usually carries a

Debt Relief

Atty. LAwrence yAng pay back her credit cards.

Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just say that the client is young and has no business experience at all and is too trusting of people. She actually did not get the end buyers herself. She had an in-between person, an â&#x20AC;&#x153;up-lineâ&#x20AC;? who did the recruiting of end buyers, and I believe, this â&#x20AC;&#x153;up lineâ&#x20AC;? also collected the payments from the end buyers and turn over the collections to her.

To make a long story short, the end buyers defaulted on payments and consequently, the client is left holding the bag of credit card debts. She now owes, would you believe, $300,000 in credit cards!

Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a lot of credit card debt.

For any person, let alone a young one in her 30s to owe a ton of credit cards is like being put in a prison cell with the key thrown

away. Just imagine the minimum payment required on $300,000 of credit cards. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s at least $10,000 a month of minimum payments every month just to keep the $300,000 current every month!

Without question, the client needs a fresh start in life without these credit cards hounding her every day for payment.

We would expect questions from the Chapter 7 trustee as well as maybe the U.S. trustee on how she racked up so much credit card debt. But as long as she is telling the truth about what happened, that she used those credit cards, the law favors giving her a discharge to free her from those debts so she can get a fresh start in life without accumulated debt. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why Chapter 7 is called the â&#x20AC;&#x153;fresh startâ&#x20AC;? law. Everyone wants to be productive again. How can she be productive again if she has to give $10,000 a month to her credit card masters just because her business failed? Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cruel and unjust punishment.Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s like torture every day for the rest of her life.

The second client is a 69-yearPAGE B8

4 ways filing for divorce can benefit your immigration case long wait time. The wait time for Filipinos for example is currently 22 years. The priority date is normally the date the petition was initially filed by your U.S. Citizen parents. If you get divorced, you revert back to single status and your category automatically becomes reclassified to first preference (F1) where the waiting time is substantially shorter. For example, for Filipinos the wait time under F1 category is 10 years shorter than F3 category. This means if your parents filed your immigration petition 12 years ago, then you can adjust to a green card now instead of waiting another 10 years.

Married sons and daughters of legal permanent residents If your parents are legal permanent residents, getting divorced will convert you back single status

making you eligible to be petitioned by your legal permanent resident parents under the family based second preference (F2b) category if you are 21 years old or older or under the family based second preference A (F2a) if you are under 21 years of age.

For those who married after they were petitioned by their LPR parents (F2A and F2B), the petition is automatically revoked under operation of law the moment you get married and cannot be reclaimed by a divorce. In theory, it can be argued that filing a subsequent petition after your divorce under the same category inherits the previous petitionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s priority date under 9 FAM 42.43 N10 and 8 CFR 204.2(h), Part 205. However, success of such argument is not PAGE B8

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people & events The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - June 5, 2019

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond MONETTE ADEVA MAGLAYA (Let me introduce to my readers a bit of a background on the ‘Once Upon A Time’ Series that I am launching in this edition and will be running from time to time.

Stories have a power and influence to touch the heart that a cut and dried essay or a report cannot give. Somehow the lessons and insights we learn from stories have a longer shelf life. They stick.

Along the way, I have met many whose stories seem like the stuff of fiction. A lot of what I write are stories told to me. I view them from my personal lens and filter. I listen quietly, file them away and sort things out. I fictionalize story elements to protect their privacy and like the deft fingers of a tapestry maker, I weave the colorful threads together, conjure a composite character from different, engaging people I have met just to tell a story. Hopefully these series warm and lift the heart just a tad. For as long as we live, we all need a boost daily.

The first of these series is Abigail’s. Abigail is the name of my granddaughter. I used her name for the story of a real live person among us (who shall not be named) whose story is so much more enchanting than fiction only because it’s true. ENJOY!) Abigail thought of her husband who passed away five years ago and her tears fell as though it was just yesterday. People say that time heals all wounds but hers seems to be a stubborn, festering, open wound.

She remembers the one audacious move she made in her entire life. Abigail still squirms at the thought and smiles at the unbelievable chutzpah it took her to say three words that would change her life in a mysterious wy.

Twenty years ago, she came to America as a single person on a tourist visa and overstayed. It was a tough time to be. She was alone in a strange land trying to nurse a broken heart from a guy who just walked away for no apparent reason other than love wasn’t there to hold them together. She was going to deal with the heartache and tune out matters of the heart

Abigail’s story Once upon a time series

“ Will you marry me?” she asked him. with tons of work instead.

Although she tried as best as she could to find a company sponsor her and work her way to a green card, it just didn’t happen.

She heard about paying a citizen to get hitched on a fake marriage until she got her papers – a pure hushed-up business transaction.

But Abigail wouldn’t live a lie.

Staying true to herself, she would have none of it. If marriage was her route in being allowed to stay in the country, SO BE IT. But it had to be the real thing or none at all.

She would pack her suitcase and leave if it came to that.

She didn’t know how to drive a car and she believed she needed to learn this skill if she were to have a modicum of career success. She picked off numbers of driving instructors from a phone book. She called several until she spoke to one who was the owner and instructor himself. He must have given her a good vibe over the phone. The instructor picked her up from her apartment for the first lesson. The guy was easy on the eyes and her first driving lesson was pleasant and smooth. She began looking forward to the next lessons. .Mike, her instructor, was tall and quiet. He was from a few generations of a modest, hard-working, immigrant family from Poland.

He was always on time, cleanshaven and smelled fresh from the shower each time for her driving lesson. He was polite and kind and — dear heavens – a devout Catholic just like her. Abigail learned he had long been a widower from a short-lived marriage and had no immediate plans to remarry.

Before she was to take her driving schedule for her license, Abigail prayed hard and while choking on her words in pure embarrassment, asked Mike, “Will you marry me?” He was stunned and so was she.

She didn’t know what got into her. She remembered her face felt hot and flushed and wanting to take back her bold words as soon as they were out. As tiny as she felt at the time, she felt like diving into her purse to hide. She gulped several times and told him of her predicament — the whole enchilada.

She came clean. She wasn’t going to deceive Mike of the reason she propositioned him. All her cards were out on the table.

To both their surprise, after the shock had worn off, he accepted and they became a genuine item with the traditional rite of passage — romance, marriage and the delicious daily discovery of one another as a gift. They were childless but the gift of each other was more than enough of a heavensent blessing.

Abigail never expected their marriage to turn out the way it did. It wasn’t perfect but they were both quick to overlook things — Mike more than her. That is how good he was. Mike turned out to be the gentle, kind, thoughtful person he was from day one — the type of guy countless women the world over would pray for on their knees.

For her part, she responded in kind. Abigail knew early on that she had won some kind of cosmic lottery because she dared to boldly say three little words. They had a good, wonderful run until one day, Mike didn’t feel right. He had a diagnostic procedure that revealed pancreatic cancer. He was in pain and Abigail ached with him as well through the short, grueling months until the end came.

Abigail didn’t know what hit her.

She walked in a daze after the funeral going through the motions like a robot. It has been five years.

Healing would indeed come. With each memory, Abigail realized that Mike was the one marvelous gift to her from the God of love and mercy. In time, Abigail realized and became thankful at the core of her being that Mike was and will continue to be the gift that keeps her going doing good in every way she could for the rest of her mortal life.

She likes to imagine that one day in God’s perfect timing, Mike will pick her up and drive through the clouds through the pearly gates to heaven where they might be together. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette. maglaya@asianjournalinc.com

4 ways filing for divorce can benefit...

PAGE B7 t

clear since the old petition was automatically revoked the moment you married. The best thing that can be done in this situation is to have your LPR parent repetition you as an F2A or F2b even if you are unable to reclaim the previous petition’s priority date.

Conditional legal permanent residents in failed marriages For those who obtained their legal permanent residence status through marriage based petition by their U.S. Citizen spouse of less than 2 years marriage, the legal permanent residence status conferred is usually a “conditional legal permanent residence” valid only for 2 years. The couple would need to sign and file a joint petition to remove this condition prior to the expiration of the 2 years or the conditional legal permanent resident spouse would fall out of status.

The problem arises when the marriage is in trouble. Often it becomes difficult to obtain the cooperation of the U.S. Citizen spouse specially when the couple has separated. U.S. Citizen spouse often refuse to sign the I-751 for or appear at the I-751 interview if one is set by the USCIS. Filing for divorce would terminate the marriage and allow you to file a “waiver” of the joint petition to remove the conditional LPR status based on entering into the marriage in good faith. Terminating the marriage by filing a divorce is a requirement in order to file the “waiver.” It is important to time this correctly as soon as the marriage starts falling apart because by terminating the marriage early

on, you might be able to file the waiver before the expiration of your 2 year conditional LPR thus allowing you to extend your LPR status in 1 year increments until a final decision is made in your case.

Married aliens in non-Immigrant visas and those without status For those who enter the U.S.as a non-immigrant and are separated from their spouse but still married, filing a divorce would open up opportunities in case they meet a new significant other who is a U.S. Citizen and who can petition them as an immediate relative. This is usually the fastest of process in obtaining legal permanent residence.

In countries such as the Philippines where there is no divorce, many people come to the U.S. to start a new life after they have been separated from their old spouse (often still married to them). Even if the alien over stays their status as a visitor, the alien can still adjust to that of a legal permanent residence if petitioned by a U.S. Citizen spouse. If the alien was never inspected, the alien can still adjust to legal permanent residence if they are grandfathered under INA 245(i) and there are no special restrictions on their status. To be grandfathered under INA 245(i), the alien must have been a beneficiary of a legal permanent residence petition filed no later than April 30, 2001.

Finally, a common concern of divorcing immigrants is “What happens if my spouse refuses to sign the divorce papers?” The truth is you do not need your spouse’s signature to obtain a divorce in Cali-

fornia. You only need to provide your spouse notice that you filed a divorce by personally serving your spouse the divorce petition and summons. In countries that are members of the Hague Convention, special procedures need to be followed to effect service. So yes it is possible to divorce your spouse even if your spouse is in a country that does not recognize divorce among its citizens such as the Philippines. For some immigrants, filing for divorce opens up opportunities in this land of milk and honey. *** 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

Clients with failed businesses need...

PAGE B7 t

old widow. Would you believe she bought six expensive cars costing at least $100,000 each? She owes a total of $800,000 in car loans!

These are expensive cars, large Mercedes-Benzes and Lexus, SUVs and large sedans. They are all purchased with car loans, not leased. Her business model was to rent these high-end cars to people who want to use them temporarily maybe to show off to some people that they have an expensive car. These people would pay her rent to use the cars; then she would use the rent to pay back the car loans plus make her profit. This plan is also flawed because the renter may just decide not to pay the rent, or just run away with the car. The renter is authorized to use the car but has no liability for the car payment. It’s a sweet deal for the renter, but a terrible deal for the client who should know better at her age.

In addition to these car loans, she obtained a business credit line of $50,000 to finance her car rental business. Of course, when the rents don’t come in a timely manner, she will need some money to pay the car loans on time so that’s why she needs a business credit line.

However, the client says that she was actually defrauded by two people who set up the whole business operations, including setting up a company to do the car rental business, purchase the cars, obtain the business credit line, and to get the renters.

Again, this senior needs a fresh start in life without the car loans of $800,000, and the business credit line of $50,000. She

needs the “fresh start” provided by bankruptcy law. Even seniors need this fresh start without accumulated debt. How can she retire in peace with $800,000 in car loans, and a $50,000 credit line when she’s not a billionaire? She gets social security plus she has a decent retirement portfolio in six figures that give her enough income to enjoy her life, but certainly not to carry the financial burden of paying for $800,000 of car loans and a $50,000 business credit line.

As long as she is telling the truth about how she got into this mess, bankruptcy law will give her a chance to start fresh again without the $800,000 car loans and the business credit line. She can keep her retirement portfolio and social security.

All these renters are now driving all over the country and getting all kinds of toll tickets from different states, and guess who gets the bill for all the traffic violations for six expensive cars? Not Donald Trump for sure.

The third client is 55. She bought a restaurant for $80,000 about five years ago. Unfortunately, the restaurant has been losing money every year. Surprise! The minute she forked out her purchase payment for the restaurant, it started to lose money. And now, some employee wants to sue her a job-related injury. If she gives up the restaurant, the landlord will sue her to collect three more years of unpaid rent at $50,000 per year, or a total of $150,000. Fortunately, she signed the lease as an officer of the company which owns the restaurant, and did not sign as an individual lessee, and did not sign as an indi-

vidual guarantor of the lease, otherwise, she would also be personally liable for the $150,000 unpaid lease.

So, the company that owns the restaurant needs to file Chapter 7 to get out of the lease and the workmen’s comp claim.

Of course, with Trump’s trade wars, a lot of importers here are going to need bankruptcy relief soon. Either that or the Yuan is devalued by 25% to offset tariffs. A long and protracted trade war could happen and plunge the entire world into chaos and recession. Nobody wins. Nowadays, this is really a sad fact.

Bankruptcy is the only realistic and effective solution for accumulated debt. Chapter 7 is used to wipe out unsecured debt completely.

Chapter 13 and 11 are used to reorganize and/or consolidate financial affairs, or to save a house from foreclosure, or to resuscitate a business. Walt Disney did Chapter 7 twice before his Disney-empire became successful. Yes, that’s true.

Without Chapter 7, there would be no Disneyland today on earth, and what will we all be without the happiest place on earth to go to?

In my lifetime, I have brought my family to Disneyland 23 times!

If you need debt relief, set an appointment to see me. I will analyze your case personally. *** Lawrence Bautista Yang specializes in bankruptcy, business, real estate and civil litigation and has successfully represented more than five thousand clients in California.

Please call Angie, Barbara or Jess at (626) 284-1142 for an appointment at 1000 S. Fremont Ave, Mailstop 58, Building A-1 Suite 1125, Alhambra, CA 91803.

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The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - June 5, 2019

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The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE -June 5, 2019