061419 - Northern California Edition

Volume 18 - No. 17 • 2 Sections – 16 Pages

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

Volume 18 - No. 23 • 2 Sections – 16 Pages

T H E F I L I P I N O A M E R I CA N C O M M U N I T Y N E WS PA P E R

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JUNE 14-20, 2019

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DATELINE

USA

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

California to become first state to extend healthcare benefits to some undocumented immigrants CALIFORNIA is closer to becoming the first state to guarantee health coverage for eligible undocumented immigrants after state Democrats on Sunday, June 9 agreed to the plan first proposed by Gov. Gavin Newsom.

As previously reported in the Asian Journal, Newsom’s May budget revision includes a statewide health care plan that would expand Medi-Cal (California’s state Medicare program) to all working low-income residents under the age of 26, regardless of citizenship status.

The governor’s budget proposal was approved by the California Legislature’s Conference Committee on the Budget in the Democratic-led legislature. The Medi-Cal expansion would cost nearly $100 million and would provide “full-scope coverage” for more than 130,000 undocumented people in the

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US to launch new program to fight extremism in PH A NEW program focused on thwarting efforts by Muslim extremists to recruit and mobilize followers in the south of the Philippines were discussed by U.S. and Philippine officials this week.

According to U.S. Assistant Secretary Denise Natali of the State Department’s Bureau of Conflict & Stabilization Operations on Tuesday, June 4, the three-year program involves helping local officials identify issues that foster extremism and find ways to address them.

Filipino troops were aided by American and Australian surveillance aircraft to quell the

Also published in LOS ANGELES, LAS VEGAS, NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY

Duterte: Philippines faced with ‘modern problems’

by CATHERINE

S. VALENTE ManilaTimes.net

THE country’s heroes faced foreign colonizers centuries ago, but Filipinos now are facing “modern problems” such as poverty, corruption, environmental degradation, terrorism, criminality, and illegal drugs.

President Rodrigo Duterte said this Wednesday, June 12, as he paid tribute to heroes “from the past and the present” during the celebration of the 121st Independence Day in Lanao Del Sur. “Let us honor them by keeping in mind that the

freedom that they won back then —the same freedom that we continue to enjoy today — is only as strong as our determination to [remain] free from any form of subjugation or oppression,” Duterte said in his speech.

“And while the noble heroes of our past faced the might of colonial powers, this time, we face the modern problems of poverty, corruption, environmental degradation, terrorism, criminality, and illegal drugs,” he added.

The president stressed that these threats have “infringed on our inalienable right to live peaceful, safe, comfortable, and meaningful lives.”

“We are at a crucial juncture in our nation’s history, and we need to learn from the lessons of our past if we are to [ensure] that these threats do not cause any more harm to the present and future generations of Filipinos,” he said.

Duterte was supposed to lead the ceremony set for 2 p.m., but he arrived at the venue around 5:45 p.m.

In his speech, the president also explained his decision to celebrate Independence Day in the province of Lanao Del Sur, citing the execution of former Chief Justice Jose Abad Santos.

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US Embassy in Manila to assume ‘limited’ services of USCIS

by CHRISTIA

MARIE Inquirer.net

RAMOS

THE United States Embassy in the Philippines has assured the public that citizenship and immigration-related services will continue despite the upcoming closure of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) field office in Manila.

In a Twitter post on Tuesday, June 11, the U.S. Embassy said it “will assume responsibility for certain limited services previously provided by the Manila USCIS field office.”

“All other services will be transitioned to electronic processing or performed domestically in the United States,” it added.

No change in visa processing “There will be no change in visa processing at the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines.

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121 YEARS OF FREEDOM. The Philippine flag is flown before thousands of Filipinos celebrating the country’s 121st Independence Day at the Rizal Park in Manila on Wednesday, June 12. This year’s theme is “Kalayaan 2019: Tapang ng Bayan, Malasakit sa Mamamayan.”

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

DND wants probe into collision near Duterte: I have completely lost trust in PH media Recto Bank that sank Filipino fishing boat

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

DEFENSE Secretary Delfin Lorenzana is calling for a formal investigation into a collision between a Chinese fishing vessel and a Filipino fishing boat after the Chinese boat fled the scene and left the Filipinos “to the mercy of the elements.”

In a statement on Wednesday, June 12, Lorenzana said the collision between the Chinese boat and the F/B GIMVER 1 happened in the vicinity of the Recto Bank in the West Philippine Sea—the portion of the South China Sea within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.

The Filipino boat was anchored when the two vessels collided, he said.

“We denounce the actions of

the Chinese vessel for immediately leaving the scene of the incident, abandoning the 22 Filipino crewmen to the mercy of the elements,” Lorenzana said.

He said the crew of the GIMVER 1 was rescued by a Vietnamese fishing vessel that was nearby. The Navy’s BRP Ramon Alcaraz, which Lorenzana said was on routine patrol in the area, was ordered to assist in the recovery of the sunken boat and its crew.

“We thank the captain and crew of the Vietnamese vessel for saving the lives of the 22 Filipino crew. However, we condemn in the strongest terms the cowardly action of the suspected Chinese fishing vessel and its

crew for abandoning the Filipino crew,” he also said.

“This is not the expected action from a responsible and friendly people,” he said.

We call for the conduct of a formal investigation on the matter and for diplomatic steps be taken to prevent a repeat of this incident,” he also said.

The Philippine government has sought warmer ties with China and has been courting investments from the regional giant.

Part of those warmer ties are a bilateral mechanism to thrash out issues in the South China Sea. Recto Bank is among the areas that could be covered by a joint oil and gas exploration deal with

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Saturday, June 8, said that the media has lost his trust after journalists went for his family following the narcotics trade allegations.

He also said that he would be choosy in granting media interviews from now on because of it.

“Hindi na ako nagpapa-interview ha. Choosy ako, choosy... (I don’t grant interviews anymore.

I am choosy). I have completely lost trust in Philippine media,” Duterte told religious leader Apollo Quiboloy in an interview aired on Sonshine TV. “After all the trash that you have read, all of you. Even your child is accused of being a drug u PAGE A2 lord,” he added, referring to the allegations made by selfconfessed former drug syndicate member “Bikoy” about his daughter Veronica. dorsements). of 2019 were:

by ARIC JOHN SY CUA Peter Joemel Advincula, the Pacquiao is preparing for his ManilaTimes.net 1. Lionel Messi ($127 million), man who claimed to be “Bikoy,” next fight against Keith Thurman, Football SEN. Emmanuel “Manny” Pac- which will take place in Las Vegas, 2. Cristiano Ronaldo ($109 mil- has recanted his statements as well as apologized for linking the quiao is the only Filipino to appear Nevada on July 20. lion), Football in the 100 highest-paid athletes of He had actively campaigned for 3. Neymar ($105 million), Foot- Duterte family to illegal drugs.

Duterte also made accusations 2019, in a list released by Forbes candidates under President Rodri- ball magazine. go Duterte’s Partido Demokratiko 4. Canelo Alvarez ($94 million), about some media practitioners being paid hacks.

Placing 92nd, Pacquiao was Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-LA- Boxing “They are the ones who can paid US$26 million this year BAN) for the 2019 midterm elec5. Roger Federer ($93.4 milwrite and they are the ones who (US$24 million in winnings and tions. lion), Tennis can, you know, invent or do US$2 million in commercial enThe top 10 highest-paid athletes u PAGE A2

Pacquiao enters Forbes 100 richest athletes in 2019

President Rodrigo Duterte goes through a security check at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 in Pasay City on Monday, June 10.

Malacañang photo

something outside of journalistic a lot of them. As you have noticed in the matrix, the one involving practices,” he said.

“Outright extortion. There are u PAGE A2

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From the Front Page Duterte: Philippines faced with ‘modern...

PAGE A1 “A true patriot even to the last moment, he told his son to be brave and not to cry for it is an honor to die for one’s country as not everybody has that chance. What beautiful words,” Duterte said.

The Chief Executive, who has

been going around military camps since he assumed office in 2016, added that he decided to hold the commemoration at the headquarters of the Army’s 6th Infantry Battalion to personally thank the unit for fighting lawless elements in the area.

Last year, Duterte was heckled during the Independence Day rites in Kawit, Cavite after a small group of anti-government protesters managed to slip into the crowd during the ceremony at the balcony of the house of Emilio Aguinaldo. n

PAGE A1 first year, according to the budget summary.

About 75% of all eligible immigrants already receive coverage through Medi-Cal or eceive benefits through SB 75.

Newsom’s plan satisfies two of his campaign promises: maintain California’s status as a sanctuary state and move the state more toward a universal health care plan that believes “in covering everybody regardless of immigration status,” Newsom said during a recent teleconference.

The Medi-Cal expansion is

only a part of the wide-ranging changes Newsom plans to make within the state’s public health care system. Newsom also plans to reinstate a version of the individual mandate imposed by the Affordable Care Act, which would penalize individuals who forego health insurance coverage. The GOP rolled back the individual mandate on a federal level in 2017.

California may also become the first state to extend eligibility for health insurance subsidies under Covered California to middleclass families that earn a maxi-

mum of 600% below the federal poverty level. A family of four may earn up to $154,500 a year and still qualify for a discount.

Both the Medi-Cal expansion and the subsidies extension would partially be funded tax dollars generated from the individual mandate’s tax penalty.

Newsom’s budget plan are currently pending final approval from both the Senate and the Assembly, which are going to review the proposal later this week — the deadline for a new state budget is Saturday, June 15.

(Klarize Medenilla/AJPress) n

PAGE A1 Immigrant and non-immigrant visa will continue to be processed at the Embassy,” the embassy said.

Further, the embassy assured that its office, including its consular section, will remain open.

For those planning to file an I130 petition for a family member,

the embassy advised that such petitions must be filed by mail with the USCIS lockbox facility in Chicago, Illinois.

Earlier, the USCIS announced a permanent closure of its Manila office effective July 5.

The visa-granting agency no longer accepted petitions and applications for family visa, foreign

adoptions and citizenship since May 31.

Those previously assisted by the USCIS Manila Field Office were advised to comply with the new filing instructions posted on the agency’s website at https://www. uscis.gov/about-us/find-uscis-office/international-offices/philippines-uscis-manila-field-office. n

California to become first state to extend...

DRIVERS RALLY. Car owners and drivers facing deactivation by Grab hold a rally in Quezon City. Grab had threatened to deactivate the accounts of 8,000 unaccredited drivers, as well as those using hatchbacks.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Rudy Martinez

US Embassy in Manila to assume ‘limited’ services... Pacquiao enters Forbes 100 richest athletes...

Duterte: I have completely lost trust...

PAGE A1 Bikoy. Bikoy has retracted his statements. But the people know it’s not true,” he added.

Duterte was referring to the matrix released by Malacañang last April that tagged several media entities like Rappler, Vera Files and the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) and lawyers group National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers to a supposed plot to oust Duterte.

“Never mind about the criticism.

With regard to the media, the matrix, all of them are paid hacks, believe me,” Duterte stated.

He also claimed that Ellen Tordesillas, Vera Files president and veteran journalist, has been asking for money from her sources due to her cancer.

“Tagal na ‘yan sige pang hingihingi kasi may sakit daw siya –

cancer. Hanggang ngayon, buhay pa rin (She has been asking for money because she has cancer.

Until now, she is alive). So maybe tonight, we can pray together to pray for ano... Para hindi na maghingi (so she won’t beg anymore),” Duterte said.

“When we pray, you pray for help for her recovery. But my prayer would be different. And you know, what you are thinking, probably that you’d pay – you’d pray would be exactly the opposite of that and that is my fervent... prayer,” he added.

Tordesillas, for her part, said she no longer has cancer and never asked for money from other people.

“While I was undergoing treatment in 2003, I did not ask money from other people. The one who helped me was Jake Macasaet, the

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late publisher of Ang Pahayagang Malaya, where I used to work,” said Tordesillas in a statement.

According to her, two senators had written the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) to credit the cost of her hospital room to their Priority Development Assistance Fund without her asking for it.

“They did not give me cash,” she clarified.

Tordesillas also said that she donated the cash given to her by the two senators to the PGH Medical Foundation, which helps poor patients.

She added that she sent her donation receipts to the two politicians for proof.

“I always include the country in my prayers. I hope the truth will prevail in each one of us, including President Duterte,” Tordesillas said. n

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PAGE A1 6. Russell Wilson ($89.5 million), National Football League (NFL) 7. Aaron Rodgers ($89.3 million), NFL 8. LeBron James ($89 million), NBA

9. Stephen Curry ($79.8 million), NBA 10. Kevin Durant ($65.4 million), NBA In 2017, Forbes also named Pacquiao as among the 25 highest-paid athletes of all-time,

ranked 20th, with career earnings of US$510 million. He joined the ranks of NBA great Michael Jordan ($1.85 billion) and star golfers Tiger Woods ($1.7 billion) and Arnold Palmer ($1.4 billion) in the list. n

PAGE A1 China that Manila and Beijing are working on a framework for.

The Department of Energy suspended all drilling and exploration works in the West Philippine Sea in 2015 due to the territorial dispute with China.

In February 2018, the Philippines and China agreed to form a panel that would draft a framework on joint oil and gas exploration in the South China Sea. Representative-elect Alan Pe-

ter Cayetano (Taguig), while Foreign Affairs secretary, said that the Philippines wants a deal as good as the one on the Malampaya project, which is 65 km off Palawan.

“We desire a contract that’s as good or better than Malampaya...

If we can have a deal that is as advantageous as Malampaya or better, what’s the difference if we are dealing with China?” Cayetano said.

The Chinese government had

assured the Philippines that joint development would not affect the legal position of both countries on the dispute.

“Pending final settlement, China would like to conduct practical cooperation in various fields with parties concerned, including under the principle of shelving differences and seeking joint development,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said in a press briefing in April 2018. n

PAGE A1 disastrous 2017 siege by hundreds of mostly local militants in southern Marawi City, where the commercial and residential center remains in ruins and offlimits to the public. Philippine officials say surviving militants have maintained their efforts to recruit new followers and plot new attacks despite the militants’ defeat.

More than 1,100 militants were killed while hundreds of thousands of residents were displaced in the five-month siege in the mosque-studded city, renewing fears that the Islamic State group was stepping up collaboration with local jihadists to es-

tablish a foothold in the region.

“We are focusing on how to prevent further and future incidences of violent extremism and radicalization from occurring so that we don’t have another Marawi ever again,” said Natali at a news conference.

She added that both the U.S. State Department and the Philippine government are finalizing the program details to help provincial governments and non-government groups design and enforce effective projects to counter extremism.

Highlighting the importance of basing such projects on facts and evidence instead of assumptions, Natali cited a five-

month survey commissioned by the U.S. last year in four southern Muslim provinces showing which issues were helping spark extremism and radicalization the most.

The survey revealed that while some people may support local jihadists, there was significantly lower support for foreign militant groups like the Islamic State group and the Al Qaeda militant network.

According to Natali, religious intolerance, dire economic conditions and exposure to violence spark extremism more than religion.

“It’s not about religion; it is about living conditions. There is an economic component to this,” she said.

She added that there was strong public support for the government’s effort to combat extremism, as shown in the survey.

Since the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the U.S., the Philippines has been one of Washington’s strongest Asian allies in the fight against terrorism.

President Rodrigo Duterte, for his part, has said that he wanted U.S. counterterrorism forces out of the southern Philippines while he fixed the country’s relations with China after assuming the presidency in 2016.

However, the Philippine military has maintained robust U.S. relations. More than 100 U.S. military counterterrorism advisers and personnel remain in the southern Mindanao region to help Filipino forces battling extremists on a string of impoverished islands. (Ritchel Mendiola/ AJPress) n

DND wants probe into collision near Recto Bank...

US to launch new program to fight extremism...

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A

Ban on air travel for climate change talks only for DFA officials — Locsin

by Christa

Marie Inquirer.net

raMos

President Rodrigo Duterte’s “displeasure with more climate talk instead of climate action finally.”

FOREIGN Affairs Secretary TeIn a separate tweet, Locsin said odoro Locsin Jr. clarified that his that if “foreign post can travel by directive to ban “air travels to cli- land, go ahead, attend, talk.” mate change forums” is “strictly Last week, the foreign affairs limited” to officials of the Depart- chief said that he will “reject” all ment of Foreign Affairs (DFA). official participation of the Philip“My ban on air travel to climate pines in climate change conferchange forums is strictly limited ences if it would necessitate air to DFA. Of course Congress & all travel. other dep[artments] are free to I am rejecting all official pargo; We will accredit them,” Loc- ticipation in climate change consin said over Twitter on Monday, ferences requiring air travel,” he June 10. said last June 5.

The country’s top diplomat “We’ll just vote Yes to radiadded that the DFA will “follow” cal proposals. No more talk,” he

added.

However, his pronouncement was met with criticisms by several environmental groups.

One coalition even described his new policy as “arrogant, self-righteous, myopic and misplaced.”

But reacting to criticisms, Locsin clarified that the country would not send officials to “chitchat.”

“We just vote without talking.

A Nauru UN conference in New York said that using air travel to talk about climate change makes the climate worse. (We’ll just do it via the internet.) Clean communication,” he said. n

‘Hanjin closure perfect for US Navy’s return to Subic’

by JaiMe Laude Philstar.com

A RETIRED U.S. Navy official proposed that a private U.S. shipbuilding firm could tie up with the Philippine government to operate the closed shipyard of the South Korean Hanjin company in Subic to build both naval and commercial ships.

In an article published by the U.S. Naval Institute Journal, retired U.S. Navy Capt. Brian Buzzel noted that since the closure last February of the Hanjin shipyard due to bankruptcy, there are foreign parties, including U.S. and Chinese firms, that have expressed interest in taking over the operation of the shipyard.

He said the U.S. Navy’s return to Subic Bay, through Hanjin, would also send a strong message to China that the Philippine-U.S. alliance is strong and unbreakable.

Buzzel suggested that the U.S. government should inform Philippine officials of a possible private-public partnership to reopen and operate the Hanjin facility.

With Hanjin shipyard now up for grabs, Buzzel said that the U.S. Navy should move in quickly by informing acting U.S. Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan of its interest in the Hanjin facility in Subic.

Buzzel said Shanahan should inform the U.S. State Department of the U.S. Navy’s interest in Hanjin and the State Department, in turn, must inform the Philippine government.

He pointed out that at the height of Hanjin operations in Subic, the firm built 123 large cargo container vessels, bulk carriers and carriers for crude oil, liquified petroleum gas and mineral ore.

“It was the largest employer in Subic with more than 30,000 Filipinos, mostly skilled welders,” Buzzel said.

For this, he said, the U.S. IndoPacific Command must initiate a study to analyze the impact on

haLLare Inquirer.net

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Saturday, June 8, bared that he told Chinese President Xi Jinping that no American troops would set foot on Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea. “I told you I will not allow, as long as I am president, any American to set foot on that Pag-asa,” Duterte said in an interview over Pastor Apollo Quiboloy’s TV show “Give Us This Day.” Because I know that it will [really create] trouble. And I will not allow their arms,” Duterte added.

He also recalled what he asked Xi during their last meeting: “So why are you surrounding my is-

CrisostoMo Philstar.com

File photos show the Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction-Philippines’ shipbuilding facility at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone (inset) and workers posing next to a newly completed vessel.

Philstar.com file photo

operational readiness of more sovereignty of the Philippines, to repair facility in the western Pa- the benefit of the Filipino people cific, including the impact on the and the economy. n current workloads at the Ship Repair Facility in Yokosuka, Japan and the Guam Shipyard Division.

“The Navy may not be able to grow 355 ships, but adding a fifth public-private shipyard will go a long way to ensuring the ships in the Pacific are available and ready to fight. The party with most to lose in the U.S. return to Subic will be the Chinese. And they know it,” Buzzel said.

In recent years, the U.S. has struggled to persuade the Philippine government and the country’s citizens that it is serious about honoring its commitments under the 1951 U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty.

“China has been feeding growing mistrust, hoping to drive a wedge between the two longstanding allies to the point one or both will move to terminate the treaty,” Buzzel wrote.

“This compounded security in the Philippines defense establishment,” he said, adding that the confluence of all these factors gives the U.S. Navy a perfect opportunity to return to Subic Bay, except this time as an equal partner with a private shipbuilding firm and respecting the laws and

land with so many ships? You’re wasting your gasoline.”

“So, that is how it is. Talagang sinabi ko sa kanya, ‘Sinabi ko nga sa iyo.’ I will not. You have my word of honor,’” the president said.

Duterte also shared that he told Xi to let Filipino fishermen in the disputed waters.

“Okay na siguro kasi wala namang reklamo ”yung mga fishermen,” he said. “Do not deprive them because you know we are poor. You prohibit us.”

Although Duterte did not disclose when exactly he discussed the matter with the Chinese president, the chief executive last went on a state visit to China April. n

Locsin: Garbage to be shipped back to Australia

by Pia Lee-Brago Philstar.com

THE garbage from Australia illegally dumped in the Philippines is going back to the country of origin, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. said Monday, June 10.

Malacañang said the government was “offended” by the reported dumping of garbage from Australia.

Holcim Philippines, the consignee of the shipment, reportedly said the containers were declared as processed engineered fuel (PEF), which is used as an alternative fuel for its cement production.

“No, I don’t give a flying f••k that it is used in making cement.

If that is so cement makers should formally import the ingredient so it goes nowhere but to their plants,” Locsin tweeted.

Greenpeace Philippines called the dumping of garbage from Australia “unacceptable and deplorable,” saying the country is not a dumping ground for foreign trash.

The garbage from Canada that

WHO: Sexually transmitted diseases affect 1 million daily by sheiLLa

Duterte to Xi: I won’t allow US troops on Pag-asa island

by Katrina

STINKY SLUDGE. A worker removes decaying algae that brought a stench to residences near Laguna Lake at Bayanan, Muntinlupa ManilaTimes.net photo by DJ Diosina

arrived in 2013 and 2014 were shipped back to the North American country last month.

On May 28, Locsin said in a tweet garbage from Hong Kong, Australia and South Korea illegally dumped in the Philippines are the next to be shipped back.

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) discovered the shipment of mixed plastic scraps, shredded electronics and residual waste materials shipment from Hong Kong.

The shipment, initially declared as electronic accessories, arrived at the Mindanao Container Terminal in Tagoloan town, Misamis Oriental in Mindanao last January and has since been abandoned.

Upon inspection, the BOC discovered 21 large bags that contain crushed electronic parts classified as mixed plastic waste.

The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) said the Philippines and other Southeast Asian nations have seen a drastic increase in the quantity of plastic being dumped on them “in the name of recycling” after China banned plastic waste imports last year. n

With more than one million individuals contracting sexually transmitted infections (STI) every day, the World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that the diseases remain a persistent and endemic health threat across the globe.

Based on new data published online by the WHO, these one million cases involved people aged 15 to 49.

Annually, more than 376 million new cases of four infections — chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis and syphilis — are documented.

“We’re seeing a concerning lack of progress in stopping the

Based on new data published online by the WHO, these one million cases involved people aged 15 to 49.

Philstar.com file photo

spread of STI worldwide,” noted Peter Salama, executive director for Universal Health Coverage and the Life-Course at the WHO. Salama added that this should serve as a wake-up call for a concerted effort to ensure “everyone,

everywhere can access the services they need to prevent and treat these debilitating diseases.”

The research also showed that among men and women aged 15 to 49, there were 127 million new cases of chlamydia in 2016; 87 million with gonorrhea; 6.3 million with syphilis and 156 million with trichomoniasis.

According to the WHO, STIs have a profound impact on the health of adults and children.

“If untreated, they can lead to serious and chronic health effects that include neurological and cardiovascular disease, infertility, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirths and increased risk of HIV. They are also associated with significant levels of stigma and domestic violence,” the WHO said. n

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American fugitive nabbed in Tarlac

by Faye

Orellana Inquirer.net

AN American fugitive was arrested by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) in his residence in Tarlac City.

Ricky Masanque Sanchez, 44, is wanted by American authorities for violating his parole by fleeing to the country in August 2017, BI Fugitive Search Unit (FSU) head Bobby Raquepo said on Monday, June 10.

Sanchez was arrested last Thurs-

day, June 6, by agents of the agency using a mission order issued at the request of the U.S. embassy in Manila. “When we received information about his crimes from U.S. authorities about four weeks ago, we immediately conducted a case buildup to pinpoint his location,�

Raquepo said in a statement.

According to the information provided by the U.S. authorities, Sanchez was convicted of attempted murder but was later released on supervised parole.

It was also learned that a superior court in Santa Clara, California ordered the re-arrest of Sanchez in September 2017 upon confirming that he fled to the country to hide.

Prisoners freed on parole supervision in the U.S. are normally required to regularly report to their parole officer and are prohibited from leaving the state without permission.

Sanchez will be immediately deported once the BI Board of Commissioners issues his deportation order. n

investigators work to control an outbreak before it balloons. Such investigations have evolved with new technologies but remain among the best defenses against infectious disease outbreaks — and among the great untold costs of an epidemic.

The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, which has confirmed 566 measles cases since September, has spent more than $2.3 million on related investigations.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health estimates spending as much as $2,000 to track down each contact of a confirmed patient — and it has made hundreds of such efforts in recent months. “Public health departments across the country have had their budgets tightened in a sustained fashion over the past 15 years,� said Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious-disease specialist at Vanderbilt University. “There are no public health departments that are like firemen playing pinochle and waiting for an outbreak. They have other things to do, and they have to put aside those tasks to deal with an outbreak.�

At Cal State LA, public health officials visited the library and tried to figure out exactly where the infected student had gone — the photocopy area, for example — to determine who might have been exposed. They worked with the school to identify which library employees were present.

They scoured library records to find anyone who had checked out books or logged onto a library computer during the specified time period.

But they realized they were missing others who may have come in to browse, work or eat at a library cafe. So, school officials sent out emails and posted on Facebook, Twitter and Ins-

tagram to ask anyone who may have been at the library to come forward.

Working together, Cal State and county health officials came up with a list of 1,094 people who were exposed; all were required to present proof they had been vaccinated or had immunity.

At one point during the investigation, 887 people were under a blanket quarantine order from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health until they could establish their immunity status.

Public health departments regularly employ this sort of shoeleather detective work to track and control outbreaks of sexually transmitted diseases and foodborne illnesses like salmonella.

But there is a palpable sense of frustration that sets the measles apart: It is easily preventable. “We shouldn’t have to be using these ancient techniques.

We should have everybody immunized,� said Dr. Alan Melnick, director of public health in Clark County, Wash., which logged 71 measles cases during a twomonth outbreak that ended in February. “That’s what keeps me up at night. If we stop vaccinating, we can turn the clock back to the Middle Ages.�

In the course of Clark County’s outbreak, 237 people spent 19,071 hours doing outreach, investigation and monitoring the health of people exposed, at a cost of more than $864,000.

They investigated 53 exposure sites, including 15 schools and the arena where the Portland Trail Blazers play just across the state line in Oregon.

All this work meant delays in other programs, including restaurant health inspections and a home-visit program for high-risk pregnant women and infants.

PAGE A5

How measles detectives work to contain an outbreak

by Jenny

GOld Kaiser Health News

FLAG REGEARSAL. Members of the Philippine Marines lower the Philippine flag during rehearsal for the Independence Day ceremony in Manila on June 12.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Enrique Agcaoili

ON any given day, more than 4,000 people pass through the library at California State University-Los Angeles.

On April 11, one of them had measles. The building has only one entrance, which means that anyone who entered or exited the library within two hours of that person’s visit potentially was exposed to one of the most contagious diseases on Earth.

It’s the stuff of public health nightmares: Everyone at the library between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. that day had to be identified, warned and possibly quarantined. Measles is so contagious that up to 90% of people close to an infected person who are not protected by a vaccine or previous case of the disease will become infected. But how could the university figure out who had been in the library during that time frame? And which of those people were vulnerable to infection?

Rooting out answers to such questions is the job of the public health detectives who work at health departments across the country.

In 2000, the United States declared the measles eradicated, thanks to widespread use of vaccines. But the virulent disease is back, with more than 1,000 cases confirmed nationwide this year through June 3 — the greatest number since 1992. For every thousand cases, 1 to 3 people with measles will die, even with the best of care, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. So public health departments are redirecting scarce resources to try to control the spread.

Using basic techniques in place for over 100 years, public health

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Dateline PhiliPPines

A

Trillanes expects ‘worst,’ more cases ‘SC decision removing Filipino, against him after Senate exit Panitikan in college unconstitutional’

MANILA — Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV said he is expecting the “worst” from President Rodrigo Duterte and his allies after his Senate exit in July.

Known for being a staunch critic of the administration, Trillanes has long been involved in heated tirades between him and Duterte.

The president in May accused Trillanes of producing the “Bikoy Totoong Narcolist” video series that alleged the involvement of the Duterte family in the drug trade. Trillanes said he expects more cases to be filed against him. “Should they succeed in putting me behind bars, then I’ll just count the days. Same way that I counted the days when we were behind bars during the Arroyo administration then eventu-

ally that time in power ran out,” the senator said in an interview over ANC’s “Early Edition.”

Trillanes currently faces a revived rebellion case in Makati due to his involvement in the 2007 Manila Peninsula siege.

He also faces inciting to sedition cases and a libel case in Davao City, the hometown of Duterte.

‘Ordinary citizen’ The senator said he is not afraid of Duterte even though his Senate exit would mean also being stripped off of immunity from suits.

“But more importantly, I believe it would send a stronger message that I can be an ordinary citizen and still speak out against this ‘dictator’ Duterte,” he said.

Section 11, Article VI of the

1987 Philippine Constitution provides parliamentary immunities or privilege from arrest to senators and members of the House of Representatives.

The outgoing senator said he is “not comfortable” using legislative positions for immunity.

Trillanes did not run for the 2019 midterm elections but instead supported the Senate bid of fellow ex-mutineer Rep. Gary Alejano (Magdalo party-list) who failed to get enough votes to make it in the winners’ circle.

“We have a succession process in the Magdalo. We want new leaders to come out. So we’d have more speakers and voices that will promote the advocacies of the group,” Trillanes said. (Edelito Mercene Jr./Philstar.com) n

Duterte concedes on federalism

President Rodrigo Duterte

by Catherine

Valente Manilatimes.net

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has conceded that the shift to a federal system of government might not happen under his watch, according to Senator-elect Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go. “Actually, nagkausap din po kami ni Pangulong Duterte sa federalism, sabi niya mukhang mahihirapan din tayo ngayon (The President and I talked about federalism, he said it would be difficult for us),” he said.

For now, Go said the Duterte government would prioritize its

Manilatimes.net file photo

campaign to promote federalism. “’Yung (The) federalism, maybe kailangan po talaga ng (we really need) education campaign para maintindihan ng tao (so the people would understand). Sa ngayon, medyo malayo’t mahihirapan tayo (For now, it’s really far and difficult for us),” he said.

“Para sa akin, priority ang ipaintindi muna sa tao (For me, the priority is to let the people understand it first),” the incoming senator added.

Duterte has been pushing for a federal system, saying it would decentralize the government and would empower the regions

How measles detectives...

PAGE A3 t “Just because the measles outbreak is going on, it doesn’t mean other communicable diseases are taking a holiday,” Melnick said.

There was a time public health officials wouldn’t have bothered.

Before the late 19th century, officials “were busy trying to control diseases like typhoid, cholera and smallpox,” which had much higher death rates than measles, said Graham Mooney, an associate professor at Johns Hopkins University who studies the history of medicine. But as other infectious diseases declined, officials focused more intently on measles.

By the early 20th century, schools began noting which students had already had the measles, and who might be vulnerable. When a child fell ill, he might be sent home with a card o be signed by a physician before he could return. A school medical inspector often would visit the home to make sure the child remained isolated.

During an epidemic involving thousands of cases, officials placed warnings in newspapers and later on the radio, describing likely symptoms and asking parents to keep sick children at home. “Now it’s Twitter; before, it would have been The Baltimore Sun or the Chicago Tribune or the L.A. Times. But the actual information may not have changed,” said Mooney.

Today, public health departments almost invariably learn of a measles case through a health care provider. Measles is a reportable disease, which means that any provider who suspects a case has to warn local health officials. Someone from the department visits the patient to conduct an interview and determine precisely where they might have gone while contagious. For the measles, that’s four days before the rash appears, and four days after, for a total of nine days.

The interviews are rigorous.

“We have to assess their hangouts, their friends, their hobbies, which grocery store do they go to, do they take Lyft or Uber?” explained L.A. County public health nurse Adarsh Almalvez.

For most people, it’s hard to remember everywhere they went days earlier. Some patients are reluctant to share details. Almalvez said she starts by building a rapport, asking them about their favorite foods and where they get their hair cut. She said it’s crucial to get the patient’s cooperation.

She looks for clues around the house that could tell her who

else might be living there. Extra pairs of shoes in the hallway, for example, might indicate other residents. If she’s interviewing a woman and finds the toilet seat up, she knows a man likely has been there as well.

The goal is to come away with a list of all possible contacts and locations the patient visited while contagious. The results can read like a bizarrely intimate window into one person’s day.

L.A. County recently published a patient’s itinerary in April; in one enviable day, that patient visited Peet’s Coffee, Fratelli Café, TART restaurant, The Grove, the Los Angeles Farmers Market, Whole Foods and the La Brea Tar Pits.

Public health officials visit each site to gather more information. They reach out to ridesharing services to locate drivers and other passengers who might have been in the same car during the infectious period. At restaurants, employees are easily identified, but customers can be hard to find. Officials don’t routinely look at surveillance video or track down people through credit card receipts. Instead, they mainly rely on news releases and social media to spread the word. They also look to schools and businesses to do outreach.

This can be a lot of work, especially for medical clinics where a measles patient initially sought care. During a 2017 outbreak, Children’s Minnesota, a hospital system in the Twin Cities, spent $300,000 on their emergency response. Part of that was tracking down everyone in the waiting room within two hours of a measles patient.

Patsy Stinchfield, who directs the Children’s Minnesota’s infection prevention and control program, has worked on three measles outbreaks, in 1989, 2011 and 2017. She said the work has gotten more efficient because of electronic health records and the state’s electronic vaccination registry. With the click of a few buttons, investigators can determine who was in the waiting room with a measles patient, and which people were unvaccinated.

Still, Stinchfield said, measles outbreaks remain a source of great frustration. “If we can get people to use the [measles] vaccine, we won’t have to spend all these health care dollars, all of this time and energy on followup,” she said. “And we won’t have to have all these miserable, sick children.”

This story was produced by Kaiser Health News, an editorially independent program of the Kaiser Family Foundation. n

more.

A recent survey, however, showed that Charter Change and federalism remain unpopular among Filipinos.

Duterte’s federalism initiative has yet to pass Congress even with a legislature dominated by his allies.

According to some federalism advocates in Congress, pushing for federalism would be more difficult during the remaining half of Duterte’s term. n

by Gio

onG Philstar.com

MANILA — A group advocating the use of the Filipino language assailed a previous decision of the Supreme Court (SC) affirming a policy to remove Filipino and Panitikan as core subjects in college, maintaining that it is unconstitutional.

The Alyansa ng mga Tagapagtanggol ng Wikang Filipino (Tanggol Wika) filed a 22-page letter of protest before the SC on Monday, June 10, noting that it chose to do so instead of filing another motion for reconsideration as they were “cautioned against it by our lawyers.”

The group believes that the decision affirming the Commission on Higher Education (CHED)’s Memorandom Order 20, Series of 2013 (CMO 20) “is patently unjust as it involves the violation of the (1987) Constitution’s language provisions.”

The order, according to the group, “is an illegal and unconstitutional act of stopping, rescinding, minimizing or reversing what has been initiated, contrary to the Constitution’s clear mandate for the official use of Filipino in the whole education system to be sustained, continued, expanded, advanced progressively.”

“Relegating” or downgrading “Filipino and Panitikan to elementary and secondary education only

The Alyansa ng mga Tagapagtanggol ng Wikang Filipino (Tanggol Wika) filed a 22-page letter of protest before the SC yesterday, noting that it chose to do so instead of filing another motion for reconsideration as they were “cautioned against it by our lawyers.”

Philstar.com photo by Edd Gumban

defeats the purpose laid down by the Constitution,” it added.

Tanggol Wika said the SC should be informed that the Filipino subjects in the elementary and secondary levels dwell on basic grammar and low-level to midlevel discourse/communication.

The Filipino subjects in college are way superior than the content and coverage of Filipino subjects in elementary and high school.

The group cited Article 14, Sections 6 and 7 of the 1987 Constitution mandating the government “to initiate and sustain the use of Filipino as a medium of official communication and as language of instruction in the educational system,” and stating that “for purposes of communication and instruction, the official languages of the Philippines are Filipino and,

until otherwise provided by law, English.”

Last month, the SC decided with finality that the CMO 20, which reduces the college general education curriculum to 36 and removing Filipino and Panitikan as core subjects, was valid.

Tanggol Wika, however, maintained that the decision has caused “the actual job displacements of hundreds of faculty members in dozens of universities, with the full impact potentially affecting at least 10,000 faculty members in the coming months.”

“It would also deprive millions of students of their chance and opportunity to expand and deepen their ability to use the national language in a more intellectual way, in all disciplines and at higher levels of discourse,” the group said. n

A6

JUNE 14-20, 2019 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

OPINION

A work in progress

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FEATURES

THE country marks the 121st Independence Day today with the administration professing to pursue an independent foreign policy, with the Philippines a friend to all and enemy of none, as President Rodrigo Duterte puts it.

A critical component of national independence is the capability for self-defense, and the freedom to form alliances based on values that are so cherished by the citizenry that these are enshrined in the Constitution.

Another component is freedom from poverty, which the founders of the Philippine Republic had aspired for when they declared the capability of Filipinos for self-rule during ceremonies in Kawit, Cavite on June 12, 1898, announcing independence from Spanish colonial rule.

Some countries in Asia have done a better job of nurturing their independence from colonial powers. Within just half a century, they have succeeded in attaining impressive economic progress, repaying external debts and forming alliances without losing their sovereignty or territory, and without compromising the values that they hold dear.

The Philippines has achieved much since declaring independence from Spain and gaining

political independence from the United States in 1946. But the aspirations for the country of those who fought for independence have yet to be fully attained.

Too many Filipinos still live below the poverty line. In terms of economic prosperity and many human development indicators, the country is the laggard among the five original members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

Even countries that are small in size work for strength in self-defense. The Philippines, on the other hand, cannot even enforce on its own a ruling of a United Nations-backed international arbitration court, which awarded the country sovereign rights over several areas in the West Philippine Sea, among them the Chinese-occupied Panganiban or Mischief Reef off Palawan.

Over a century after declaring independence, the country remains heavily dependent on various forms of foreign assistance. Attaining full independence is a work in progress. (Philstar. com)

Editorial

The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS IMPEACHMENT, according to President Donald Trump, is a dirty word and it does not have anything to do with him. This, despite the growing clamor among Americans to remove Trump from office using this process stipulated in the U.S. Constitution as a way to make government officials who hold positions of public trust accountable to the people.

Article II, Section 4 of the U.S. Constitutions reads: “The President, Vice President and all Civil Officers of the United States, shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and Conviction of, Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors.”

The House of Representatives has been accorded by the Constitution the sole power to impeach an official, while it makes the Senate the sole court for impeachment trials. While the power of impeachment is limited to removal from office but also provides for a removed officer to be disqualified from holding future office. Fines and potential jail

Commentary

What we need to know about impeaching Trump time for crimes committed while in office are left to civil courts.

According to the U.S. House of Representatives website, “impeachment comes from British constitutional history. The process evolved from the 14th century as a way for parliament to hold the king’s ministers accountable for their public actions. Impeachment, as Alexander Hamilton of New York explained in Federalist 65, varies from civil or criminal courts in that it strictly involves the “misconduct of public men, or in other words from the abuse or violation of some public trust.”

The House of Representatives History, Art and Archives website further explained that “Individual state constitutions had provided for impeachment for “maladministration” or “corruption” before the U.S. Constitution was written. And the founders, fearing the potential for abuse of executive power, considered impeachment so important that they made it part of the Constitution even before they defined the contours of the presidency.”

The History Channel outlines the impeachment process, noting that “impeachment doesn’t refer to the removal of an elected official from office, but rather the initial step in removing that

SINCE the imposition of 25 percent tariff on $34 billion worth of Chinese exports to the United States last July, the trade dispute between the two countries has escalated further, and today Chinese exports to the U.S. valued at $250 billion are subject to 25 percent import duties.

In retaliation, China has also imposed tariffs ranging from 5 percent to 25 percent on $110 billion worth of U.S. exports to China.

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump subjected the Chinese telecommunications behemoth, Huawei, to “entity list” restrictions on May 16 and repeatedly talked about imposing 25 percent tariff on the remaining $300 billion Chinese exports to the U.S. The Chinese government, at the same time, established an “unreliable entity list” on May 31, targeted against any foreign companies hurting legitimate Chinese commercial interest. It subsequently released a white paper on its position on the SinoU.S. trade negotiations on June

official.”

The impeachment process: “The process includes the filing of formal charges, which at the federal level is performed by the U.S. House of Representatives, and the resulting trial, which is conducted by the U.S. Senate. In the House of Representatives, an individual representative can initiate impeachment by introducing a bill, or the House can begin proceedings by passing a resolution. A simple majority of votes is enough to pass one or more articles of impeachment on to the Senate for trial. The Senate then acts as courtroom, jury and judge, except in presidential impeachment trials, during which the chief justice of the U.S. Supreme Court acts as judge. A two-thirds majority of the Senate is required to convict, and the penalty is usually removal from office, and sometimes disqualification from holding any future offices.”

CONGRESS now has an obligation and the power to make Trump accountable after the revelations of the Mueller report, detailing at least 10 instances the president may have abused his power with corrupt intent in obstructing justice. These are on top of the cases already filed in the judiciary involving campaign

finance law violations of Individual Number One (Trump), cases against the Trump administration, corporations, foundations, and the transition team. Mueller has explained that the only reason why charges had not been filed against Trump was because of a Department of Justice policy prohibiting the indictment of a sitting president.

But even the Democrats who now have leadership in the House of Representatives are divided, with the more progressive members pushing for impeachment, while the old guards including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi choosing to slow down for political reasons.

But nobody is above the law, not even the president of the United States.

The History Channel chronicled how “some framers of the Constitution were opposed to the impeachment clause, because having the legislative branch sit in judgment over the executive might compromise the separation of powers they sought to establish between the three branches of government: executive, legislative and judicial.”

“However, Elbridge Gerry of Massachusetts, who would later serve in the House of Representatives and as Vice President

President Donald Trump

under James Madison, noted, ‘A good magistrate will not fear [impeachments]. A bad one ought to be kept in fear of them.’”

Yes, President Donald Trump.

No wonder you have been stonewalling all investigations because you fear the truth will come out. Otherwise, why even violate the oversight function of Congress as mandated by the Constitution?

White House photo

Actions have consequences.

Not even running for a second term will save you from your own self. *** 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

Who is winning big in the supply chain shift from the Sino-US trade war?

2.

HENRY CHAN

Philstar.com photo

China is the largest merchandise trading partner of the U.S. In 2018, its bilateral goods trade with the U.S. amounted to $660 billion, based on a U.S. Census report. China exported products valued at $540 billion and imported $120 billion worth of goods from the U.S. The Americans calculated their bilateral trade deficit at $420 billion, but the Chinese countered that the actual gap was smaller.

The Chinese argued that a good portion of their exports consisted of products of the global supply chain of U.S. importers and transshipment via Hong Kong that regularly run about $100 billion in profit, retained by importers in Hong Kong. The Chinese calculated the U.S. goods trade surplus at $324 billion.

The U.S. importers procured parts from Japan, South Korea and Taiwan into China and use the country as the final assembly point for products exported to the U.S. The combined trade deficit that China runs against these three places amounted to $257 billion in 2018, not far from the $324 billion trade surplus with the U.S. quoted by the Chinese. A detailed examination of the goods involved in the Sino-

U.S. trade and the trade among the four East Asian countries confirmed the story of the global supply chain, particularly in electronics products. The Asian supply chain run by multinationals and American importers is a good explanation for the persistently high Chinese trade surplus with the U.S. As the U.S. initiated this round of the trade war, and China is on the responding side, any meaningful resolution of the trade war lies more in a softening of the U.S. position and President Trump is the deciding factor in any resumption of talks. He is facing reelection in 2020, and the likelihood of a resolution of the trade war diminishes as the November 2020 election gets closer.

The speed of deterioration of the relationship between the two giants is unprecedented in modern history, and many analysts think the dispute has gone beyond the trade imbalance, unfair trade practices and intellectual property protection. The trade arguments are seen to have spilled over into security, ideology and the military arena. A clear majority of analysts now subscribe to the view of a protracted impasse over the trade issue and the like-

lihood of a solution may come only when both sides are hurt significantly, which at this point is not seen happening.

The Asian supply chain that the American importers have established is now moving out of China. American importers are moving in several fronts to mitigate the sudden disruption of the Asian supply chain center around China built up over the last 20 years. They are busy rewriting contracts to make it easier to pass the tariffs on to customers, shift supply chains out of China where possible, redesign products to avoid Chinese components where they are not present. And with U.S. unemployment hitting a 50-year low, reshoring back to the U.S. is technically not feasible. The beneficiaries of the current impasse are those nations to which Chinese production relocates.

In the first four months of 2019, Chinese exports to the U.S. dropped 13 percent from their 2018 levels, while the vital beneficiary of manufacturing relocation, Vietnam, increased its exports to the U.S. by 40 percent from a year earlier. The Chinese products that showed a decline in shipment matched those of Vietnam shipments that

increased.

The Japanese investment bank, Nomura, released a report on the impact of the shifting out of China of the Asian supply chain. It estimated that Vietnam would be the biggest winner in the shift, as its gross domestic product has grown by almost 8 percent as a result of the migration in production. The report also expects Taiwan will benefit from the relocation of many of its manufacturers back to the island, and Malaysia is likewise expected to benefit, though to a lesser degree.

The reconfiguration of the Asian supply chain is a multiyear process, and the opportunities it offers to developing Southeast Asian countries is once in a lifetime. The Philippines missed the first wave of Japanese factory relocation in the 1980s to Southeast Asia; it should not miss the next one coming this time around.

Participating actively in the supply chain will not only boost economic growth and mitigate the unemployment and underemployment problem, but it also allows the building up of human resources in manufacturing and catapults the country to the next level of industrialization. The

Asian success story from Japan to China all attest to this model of development, and their histories all point to the importance of government policy in their country’s participation in the supply chain. (ManilaTimes.net) Henry Chan is an internationally recognized development economist based in Singapore.

He is also a senior visiting research fellow at the Cambodia Institute for Cooperation and Peace and adjunct research fellow at IDSI. His primary research interest includes global economic development, AseanChina relations and the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

IDSI (Integrated Development Studies Institute) promotes productive, multidimensional perspectives that are pro-development. It works with a global network of organizations and businessmen, scholars, government officials, media, institutions and universities. Its advocacies have resulted in significant changes to the agenda and decisions made by organizations, government and legislators. IDSI welcomes logical feedback and possible opportunities for working together with compatible frameworks. (idsicenter@gmail. com)

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

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118TH ARAW NG RIZAL. Peñaflorida Atelier from San Mateo wins the Barbie in the East: Wedding Edition for Araw ng Lalawigan ng Rizal on Monday, June 10 held at SM City Taytay, Rizal. Under the 118th Araw ng Lalawigan ng Rizal, the Association of Tourism Officers of Rizal in partnership with SM City Taytay bring the wedding edition to showcase home-grown fashion designers who depict the influence and style in their respective hometowns.

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

‘President hands off speakership race’

by Catherine

S. Valente ManilaTimes.net

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte would not endorse any lawmaker to become the next speaker of the House of Representatives, Malacañang said on Monday, June 10.

Palace spokesman Salvador Panelo issued the statement after the president was seen with Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez when he visited a Manila airport in Sunday, June 9.

Panelo said the president would not meddle in the speakership race. He added that although Romualdez was with the president, the two officials did not discuss anything related to the latter’s speakership bid.

Duterte, who was accompanied

by Romualdez and other government officials, made a “surprise” inspection at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 amid concerns about flight delays and cancellation.

“Wala (There’s no agenda).

The president will not interfere in that. We have repeatedly said that,” Panelo told reporters.

He said the president and Romualdez came from the wake of Sendeng Loo Gaisano at the Capilla del Señor in Santuario de San Antonio Parish in Makati City.

Palace spokesman Salvador Panelo

Romualdez is one of the aspirants for the top House post. The others include former speaker and reelected Davao del Norte Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez, Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Jay Velasco, Taguig Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano and reelected Pampanga Rep. Aurelio Gonzales Jr. Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who is on her third and final term as a lawmaker, will step down from her post on June 30.

Duterte’s Partido Demokratiko

Manilatimes.net file photo

Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan (PDPLaban) party earlier expressed optimism that it would regain the House leadership.

Among the ruling party’s top contenders for the top House post are Alvarez, Velasco and Gonzales.

PDP-Laban President Sen. Aquilino Pimentel 3rd would meet with the President on Monday to convince him to endorse an aspirant from the administration party, according to reports. n

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ISLAND PACIFIC FPFC

SF The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - June 14, 2019

Friday, June 14, 2019

SF

cover story

From the cover: Illustration by Kendrick Tan

The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - June 14, 2019

Bryan Munar: Putting his place onstage The Fil-Am stage actor joins cast in 42nd Street Moon’s “Once” by

Malou liwanag-bledsoe / AJPress

SAN FRANCISCO’S 42nd Street Moon is proud to present the highly-anticipated Bay Area regional premiere of 2012’s Tony Award-winning Best Musical, “Once.” Directed and choreographed by Cindy Goldfield, “Once” runs from June 12-30 at the San Francisco’s Gateway Theatre.

Based on the 2007 movie, “Once” tells of an Irish musician who learns to love and dream again through a fateful week with a Czech immigrant. Heartbreakingly romantic but also bursting with joy and humor, “Once” features a lively folk score — with the onstage actors playing their own instruments — and is the only score to have won an Oscar, Grammy, Tony and Olivier

Award.

Joining the cast is Filipino American stage actor Bryan Munar, who is playing the character “Eamon.”

“Eamon is the owner of the recording studio where Guy and Girl record demos to help Guy’s music career. He’s pretty much unamused by these weirdos in the room, but after impressing him with their songs, he definitely becomes a fan,” Munar said.

“He’s a minor character but still a beautiful part of the story that illustrates the main characters’ music changing the characters in the story.”

Born in Saipan to Filipino parents, Munar also lived in the Philippines with his grandparents and Tita Pearl, before moving to

Bryan in “A Chorus Line” in Novato Theater Co.

Southern California.

Munar has been in and around the Bay Area theater scene, performing in musicals like “A Chorus Line” with the Novato Theater Company, “Flower Drum Song (2002 revival)” with Palo Alto Players, “The Wizard of Oz” at the Berkeley Playhouse, “South Pacific” with the Mountain Play Association, and “Yoga Play” and “King of the Yees” with San Francisco Playhouse. His passion for singing and acting, he shared, started when he was still young.

“I always wanted to sing since I was a little kid. I was singing in choirs in church, show choirs in high school, etc.,” he said. “I didn’t realize I loved acting until about two years ago when I discovered that musical theater can be a profession! I took a couple classes at Studio ACT in San Francisco, started auditioning, and never looked back!”

He considers his performance as “Paul” in “A Chorus Line” as his most memorable one because it was the biggest role he’s ever had. “It’s the biggest role I’ve played onstage and most lines I’ve ever had to learn,” he laughed. “It was a really valuable experience for me and to top it off, got a bunch of Bay Area awards nominations for it which is really cool. People also

Bryan in Woodminster’s production of “South Pacific.”

still recognize me from time to time if I’m in the North Bay and compliment me for my performance in that show! It’s kind of funny but also very humbling.”

He is also grateful that in spite being Filipino American, he did not have many struggles in the industry.

“In fact, I think because I am a POC (person of color) actor in the Bay, people notice me a lot more. For example, I was at an Equity audition for a company who solely does straight plays and I counted about two people of color, including me, in a waiting room with about 25-30 people,” he shared and continued, “And if that continued throughout the audition slots, then I think I definitely have been noticed simply due to that ratio! I will say though, some challenges include maybe people not ‘nontraditionally’ casting me in lead roles? Even though I can play them, I don’t have a traditional leading man look/type going on for me, so they choose the one who looks the part more.”

But he feels that the theater’s view on the “traditional leading man” is changing. Because of this, he gives this piece of advice to new artists: Work hard.

“Never stop learning, have role models, and have a healthy ego. There is a place for EVERYONE in the entertainment industry and sometimes you just have to knock the doors down yourself!”

The team Company: The cast of “Once” will feature Emma Berman as “Ivonka,” Cody Craven as “Guy,” Matt Davis as “Bank Manager,” Jake Gale as “Svec,” Devin Renée Kelly as “Reza,” Brady Morales Woolery as “Andrej,” Ariela Morgenstern as “Baruska,” Bryan Munar as “Eamon,” Olivia Nice as “Girl,” Christina Owens as “Ex-Girlfriend,” Rob Ready as “Billy,” Colin Thomson as “Da” and Myra Chachkin as “Emcee.”

Book by Enda Walsh Music and lyrics by Glen Han-

Bryan in “A Chorus Line” in Novato Theater Co.

“Once”

sard and Markéta Irglová Directed and choreographed by: Cindy Goldfield Music director: Eryn Allen Scenic designer: Brian Watson Lighting designer: Michael Palumbo Costume designer: Cindy Goldfield Sound designer/Mic operator: Travis Rexroat

Assistant stage manager: Lauren Howry Stage manager: Alicia Lerner “Once” runs until June 30, 2019 and will perform at San Francisco’s Gateway Theatre (215 Jackson St, San Francisco, CA 94111). Tickets range from $28 - $75 and can be purchased through the Box Office at (415) 255-8207 or online at www.42ndstmoon.org.

Derek on breakup with Gazini succeeds Catriona as Binibining Pilipinas Universe 2019 longtime gf: It’s for the best by deni Rose M. afinidad-beRnaRdo

by allan PolicaRPio

Philstar.com

Inquirer.net

AN early pageant favorite for her strong Latina looks, Gazini Ganados, won as the Philippines’ official representative to the 2019 Miss Universe pageant.

Ganados of Talisay, Cebu was crowned Bb. Pilipinas Universe 2019 at the coronation night held in Araneta Coliseum, Cubao, Quezon City on June 9.

Her fellow Cebuana, Samantha Ashley Lo of Cebu City, was crowned Bb. Pilipinas-Grand International 2019. It was a surprise that their fellow Cebuana and pageant favorite, Ilene De Vera of Mandaue City, Cebu, failed to make it to the top 25.

From the moment Gazini was named The Face of Binibini (Miss Photogenic) and Best in Long Gown, fans of the 23year-old, half-Palestinian beauty (who fondly call themselves the “Gazininjas”), already had a good feeling that she is going home with the topmost title by the end of the night.

Prior to winning as Binibining Pilipinas Universe, Gazini has garnered the second most likes on the pageant’s Facebook page, next to Vickie Rushton of Negros Occidental.

But in the question and answer portion, Ganados emphasized her advocacy for the elderly.

One of the judges, Bobby Barreiro, ABS-CBN’s Integrated Events Head, asked her: “If you win the crown tonight, what will you do to get more women in the workplace?”

Gazini answered: “If I win the crown tonight, what I do is to promote my advocacy. My advocacy is for us women to fight for our rights and for the elderly women and for us to know that someone is loving us, someone is pushing us to whatever ambitions that we have.”

ONLY two months ago, Derek Ramsay was chatting to the entertainment press about how he was trying to think of different ways to propose to his girlfriend, Joanne Villablanca.

He wanted something spontaneous, he said.

But this week, the 42-yearold actor revealed that, after six years of dating, he and Joanne have decided to part ways.

When asked by the Inquirer for further comment about the

Gazini Ganados of Talisay, Cebu has just been crowned as new Bb. Pilipinas Universe 2019.

Philstar.com photo by Kat Leandicho

“We will be able to rise from our decisions, to whatever dreams that we have, goals that we have, and we will achieve it because of those values, those wisdoms that they gave us.

Thank you,” she added.

Gazini, also called by her nickname Gaz, reportedly grew up with her grandparents, which prompted her desire to take care of the elderly. Likewise, she enjoys taking care of her fur babies, listening to Cebuano songs, watching Disney movies, and learning about self-improvement and business from podcasts.

In her profile video for Binibini, the five-foot-eight Tourism graduate from University of San Jose-Recoletos in Cebu City stressed that her advocacy for the elderly involves not only adding to their quantity of life or prolonging their life span, but also improving their quality of life. She feels that the elderly are among those most neglected in the society.

In an interview during the press presentation, Gazini said that apart from promoting the cause of the elderly, one of her reasons for becoming a beauty queen is to have a chance to

travel to meet her father, who she has never seen.

“I don’t know if he is still alive. I’m hoping for the best.

He’s a Palestinian. I just wanna go there and try to look for him,” Manila Bulletin quoted her as saying.

“I heard a lot of good stories about Palestines. They have good food. Who knows? I would bump into him.”

If she would ever meet her father, she said: “I would give him a hug. I would thank him for the genes because without him, I wouldn’t be here... I’d be joyful. That would be the happiest day of my life.”

Prior to joining Binibining Pilipinas, Gazini was Miss Cesafi in 2016, Miss Bohol 2017 first runner-up, and was a Miss World Philippines 2014 contestant.

“I am excited for what the future holds,” she said in another press interview. “I feel positivity in all my heart!”

If victorious, Ganados will become the Philippines’ fifth Miss Universe titleholder, following Gloria Diaz (1969), Margie Moran (1973), Pia Wurtzbach (2015) and Catriona Gray (2018).

breakup, Derek sent a terse text message that read, “Yes we have (broken up), but it’s for the best.”

The two also appear to have unfollowed each other on Instagram.

In an interview with reporters at his contract signing with GMA 7 in April, Derek thanked Joanne for being supportive and inspiring him to make a comeback in acting, after mulling retirement.

“She encouraged me and reminded me that I could do this,” he said. “She made me believe and helped me regain the right mind-set.”

Derek Ramsay

GMA photo

Sarah, Richard start wedding preparations

by Ryan aRcadio Inquirer.net

SARAH Lahbati revealed that she and longtime partner Richard Gutierrez have officially begun preparing for their wedding next year.

The actress marked the beginning of their wedding preparations with a series of photos of her and Gutierrez with their son Zion in Hawaii, as seen in her Instagram post on Saturday, June 8.

Lahbati expressed her gratitude for her life, her family and her husband Richard. “That afternoon in Hawaii with my family. (Kai was with his granny).

As we officially prepare for our wedding next year, I can’t help but feel grateful for this life I have, for my beautiful and amazing family, for my best friend who also happens to be the love of my life,” Lahbati stated.

“I thank God for all the

Sarah Lahbati and Richard Gutierrez

lessons, for His guidance and for growth. Being able to experience new things and places with the person you love and grow at the same time is something magical. I thank God everyday for what I have and for what’s to come,” she added.

Gutierrez proposed to Lahbati in Switzerland back in July 2017. “The stars aligned in the universe and this happened. I’m

Photo from Instagram/@sarahlahbati

marrying my best friend,” the actress said about the proposal.

The celebrity couple has two sons, one-year-old Kai and 6-year-old Zion. The entire family bonds through travel and enjoyed the beaches in Palawan earlier this year.

Other details of the wedding, such as the exact date and venue, have yet to be announced.

US Embassy still open, despite USCIS Manila field office closure

Embassy is part of the Department of State (DOS). They are two separate governmental agencies. Historically, the USCIS field office in Manila had handled various USCIS functions, such as accepting Atty. MichAel family-based petitions on beGurfinkel, eSQ half of U.S. citizens residing in RECENTLY, the USCIS the Philippines. Previously, if a announced it will be closing person needed a fraud waiver, its Manila field office. This has they might also file it with the created a lot of confusion and Manila field office. However, panic among Filipinos. Some most of the Manila field ofpeople are asking that with fice’s functions were transthe closure, how can they now ferred stateside, and were apply for a visitor’s visa? Are being handled and processed K-1 (fiancé) visas still available? within the U.S., such as filing What’s going to happen with at the Chicago lockbox, etc. their immigrant visa interview Therefore, with the reduction that was already scheduled? of workload, USCIS decided, To be clear, the closure of perhaps for budgetary reathe USCIS field office in Manila sons, to close their Manila will have no effect on the U.S. field office.

Embassy or its functions and To summarize, the U.S. operation. It will continue to Embassy remains open and provide its regular services, will continue to handle the including processing applicaprocessing and issuance of tions for visitor visas, other visas, U.S. passport services, non-immigrant visas, immietc. This means people can grant visas, passport services still apply for a visitor’s visa, for U.S. citizens, etc. other non-immigrant visas, The USCIS is part of the immigrant visas, and U.S. Department of Homeland passports at the U.S. Embassy, Security (DHS). The U.S. provided they are eligible for

Immigration Corner

the benefit they are applying for. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel has been an attorney for over 35 years and is licensed, and an active member of the State Bars of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California. Each case is different and results may depend on the facts of the particular case. The information and opinions contained herein (including testimonials, “Success Stories”, endorsements and reenactments) are of a general nature, and are not intended to apply to any particular case, and do not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorney-client relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader.

WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com Follow us on Facebook.com/GurfinkelLaw and Twitter @GurfinkelLaw Call Toll free to schedule a consultation for anywhere in the US: 1-866-487-3465 (866) – GURFINKEL Four offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES ∙ SAN FRANCISCO ∙ NEW YORK ∙ PHILIPPINES (Advertising Supplement)

What is the fastest way to bring a 42-year-old special child to the US? Get the answer this Sunday and more on ‘Citizen Pinoy: Your Tanong, My Sagot’

“CITIZEN Pinoy,” the most popular immigration program on television, just completed several episodes of “Your Tanong, My Sagot” with Kapamilya in Skokie, Illinois. This Sunday, get the answers to questions from the first batch of attendees.

Leading U.S. immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel

answers to questions such as “Is it possible for a U.S. citizen to petition her mother who has married twice, even if her first marriage was not annulled? A person was already given an SSN and work authorization, but their case was denied due to their non-reply on the Request For Evidence (RFE). Is there still hope for

this case?” These and more questions will be answered.

Watch an all-new edition of the information-packed, public service program on television — “Citizen Pinoy: Your Tanong, My Sagot” — on Sunday at 6:15 p.m. PST/EST (9:15 p.m. EST thru select Cable/Satellite providers).

(Advertising Supplement)

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SF

The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - June 14, 2019

IS THERE A WAY TO EXPEDITE THE PETITION FOR A 42-YEAR-OLD SPECIAL CHILD SINCE HER GRANDMOTHER WHO USED TO CARE FOR HER HAS ALREADY PASSED ON? THIS QUESTION AND MORE WILL BE ANSWERED ON “CITIZEN PINOY: YOUR TANONG, MY SAGOT!” The first batch of Kapamilya who came to the “Citizen Pinoy” taping in Illinois have their questions answered this Sunday. Find out if the petition for a married son, that has dragged on for 15 years, can be expedited since he is needed by his aging parents to care for them. Can a U.S. citizen petition her mother who has married twice, but her first marriage has not yet been annulled? Get answers to these questions and more on a brand new episode of “Citizen Pinoy” this Sunday at 6:15 p.m. PST/EST (9:15 p.m. EST thru select Cable/Satellite providers).

(Advertising Supplement)

SF

celebrityworld The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - June 14, 2019

celebrity world

Binibining Pilipinas crowns new queens

By Ferdie Villar OUT of 80 candidates that originally auditioned for this year’s Binibining Pilipinas pageant, only 40 were chosen as finalists for the coronation night last Sunday, June 9, held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Hosted by Anne Curtis and Richard Gutierrez (who surprised the audience because the two had a relationship before), the show opened with the candidates dancing to Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray’s song, “Raise Your Flag.” Some of them also lava-walked during the swimsuit competition as homage to Gray’s iconic walk.

This year’s pageant was a pre-Independence Day celebration with the theme “Beyond Beauty.” It also introduced many changes in its program format, including the Free Speak preliminary segment, where candidates were asked to answer a picked topic for less than 30 seconds; and acknowledging designers during the evening gown portion.

The top crown of Miss Universe Philippines 2019 went to Cebu beauty Gazini Gazados.

For her final walk, Gray became emotional as she affirmed her gratitude for being part of the organization with her statement, “Forever Miss Philippines, forever a Binibini!”

The complete list of winners, who will represent the Philippines in pageants abroad are: Miss Universe Philippines Gazini Ganados of Talisay, Cebu Bb. Pilipinas-International - Bea Patricia Magtanong of Bataan Bb. Pilipinas-Supranational Resham Saeed of Maguindanao Bb. Pilipinas-Grand International - Samantha Ashley Lo of Cebu City Bb. Pilipinas-Intercontinental - Emma Mary Tiglao of Pampanga Bb. Pilipinas-Globe - Leren Mae Bautista of Laguna Bb. Pilipinas 1st Runner-up Maria Andrea Abesamis of Pasig Bb. Pilipinas 2nd Runner-up - Samantha Mae Bernardo of Palawan Special awards: Pitoy Moreno National Costume Award - Emma Mary Tiglao of Pampanga

Jag Denim Queen - Vickie Marie Rushton of Negros Occidental Miss Ever Bilena - Vickie Marie Rushton of Negros Occidental Manila Bulletin Reader’s Choice - Vickie Marie Rushton of Negros Occidental Miss Philippine Airlines Martina Turner Diaz of Muntinlupa City Miss Pizza Hut - Emma Mary Tiglao of Pampanga Poten Cee Gandang Palaban - Vickie Marie Rushton of Negros Occidental Bb. Megawide - Bea Patricia Magtanong of Bataan Bb. Cream Silk - Vickie Marie Rushton of Negros Occidental Bb. Friendship - Marie Sherry Ann Tormes of Polangui, Albay Miss Talent - Cassandra Colleen Chan of Bacolod The Face of Binibini (Miss Photogenic) - Gazini Ganados of Talisay, Cebu Best in Swimsuit - Bea Patricia Magtanong of Bataan Best in Long Gown - Gazini Ganados of Talisay, Cebu

Many were surprised when former lovers Anne Curtis and Richard Gutierrez came up onstage to host this year’s 2019 Bb. Pilipinas pageant.

(Philstar.com photo by Kat Leandicho)

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

Winners of this year’s Binibining Pilipinas beauty pageant: (L-R) Bb. Pilipinas 1st Runner-up Maria Andrea Abesamis, Bb. Pilipinas-Grand International Samantha Ashley Lo, Bb. Pilipinas-Supranational Resham Saeed of Maguindanao, Miss Universe Philippines - Gazini Ganados of Talisay, Cebu; Bb. Pilipinas-International Bea Patricia Magtanong of Bataan, Bb. Pilipinas-Intercontinental Emma Mary Tiglao of Pampanga, and Bb. Pilipinas-Globe Leren Mae Bautista of Laguna.

Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray during her final walk.

The top crown of Miss Universe Philippines 2019 went to Cebu beauty Gazini Gazados.

(All Bb. Pilipinas photos from official Facebook page)

Actor Joem Bascom will be reunited with his first leading lady, Iza Calzado, in the upcoming movie, “Culion.” The two first worked together in his first major role in the film “Batanes.”

Actress Iza Calzado takes the lead role in the newest movie, “Culion,” to be directed by Alvin Yapan.

SERVICES

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond

Divest Early 13th of a Series

Monette AdevA MAglAyA YOU have become a collector over the years.

Memories, good and bad, you have them, by the bucketful, stacked in yellowing photographs in frayed and tattered albums.

You used to dutifully collect them, way back when printed photos were the norm. But now you have them in your phones, in your computers, in USB drives and external hard drives in gigabytes of digital images.

Somehow you long for the printed ones. These are important specially when the neurons in our brains begin to malfunction as a natural order of aging. These will become mental crutches as our memories fade.

We became collectors of stuff as well. Admit it. There’s the spirit of a pack rat lurking in most of us. We load ourselves with stuff. Society encourages us. Witness the success of Costco, those warehouses and public storage companies. We buy as much or more than we really need or, in many cases, can really afford to pay in cash.

So we have far more stuff than we need: clothes, shoes, furniture, linen, décor, technology, gizmos and gadgets and collectibles of all sorts like baseball cards, guns, antiques, books, kitchen ware, cars and whatever else one thinks is valuable to collect.

So our apartments, homes and garages are bursting at the seams that we even feel the need to rent public storage spaces.

Here’s a thought that may well be worth considering as we try to TRAVEL LIGHT during this segment of our life’s journey. We have been taught to invest early in real estate or in financial instruments so we can reap the benefits of investments over time in our retirement years. This is wise

community

The Bucket List “…You won’t need a U-Haul truck when you pass. Jesus did say it is harder for a rich man to get nto heaven than for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle. …” counsel for all and it pays to take heed. Keep resources liquid. But when it comes to stuff, you become a contrarian and do the reverse instead.

DIVEST EARLY. Earmark those special high quality items that you have enjoyed but have no use for anymore and carefully consider giving to people in your immediate or even far-flung orbit who might appreciate it and use it and perhaps even remember you from time to time.

It might be that dainty English porcelain teacup set you bought in an antique shop on a whim that you have on display for decades in your china cabinet. Give it to someone who enjoys taking tea. Or it could be a piece of antique heirloom jewelry that you can give to an appreciative relative or friend or just an acquaintance. Or, how about giving away piece by piece, your collection of designer bags hidden away in your closet, forgotten and unused?

Okay, here’s the key. Divest wisely and choose recipients well. Give it to someone who can and will use it and not stash it away forgotten once more.

In short, filter out those whom you know have too much of everything and will likely shrug off the value of your gift. Don’t give to ingrates and spoiled brats.

More than likely, this is going to be a hit and miss operation. But over time, with practice, you will eventually

develop a well-honed instinct to find the deserving ones in your orbit.

If you can’t find anyone, giving to Goodwill, Salvation Army and other organizations of the sort is a good idea. It may be simpler too.

Divesting early is a way of paying forward for all the blessings we have received even if sometimes we didn’t deserve any of it. The payback is that you get to see the smiles and the genuine appreciation from the recipients who will be blessed by the item while you are still around. What do you get in return? Maybe some deep satisfaction only a genuinely generous giver gets when you find the right recipient.

The circle of use for that special item begins to have a ripple effect of good over time.

In divesting ourselves of it, we clear the space it once occupied as the blessing of that special item moves to another. We will feel lighter too. Guaranteed. There is beauty and poetry in an empty space.

The Japanese, with their minimalist sense of beauty, order and composition, may be ahead of the curve on this matter.

Our space is limited and so is our time on earth. How we use these can define the remaining segment of our life’s journey. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette. maglaya@asianjournalinc.com

SF

The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - June 14, 2019

SF Mayor London Breed announces expansion of CalFresh food assistance program

Expansion increases healthy food budgets for older adults and people with disabilities receiving SSI/SSP benefits On June 5, Mayor London N. Breed announced that San Francisco has implemented an expansion of the CalFresh food assistance program to alleviate hunger for thousands living on low and fixed incomes. For the first time, 41,000 seniors and people with disabilities who receive Supplemental Security Income/State Supplementary Payment (SSI/SSP) benefits are eligible for CalFresh.

CalFresh benefits supplement household budgets, allowing individuals and families to afford nutritious food, including vegetables, fruits,

and other healthy options.

The benefit amount depends on household income, and can range up to $192 per person each month. All newly eligible San Franciscans are encouraged to apply for benefits, and applying for CalFresh will not change or reduce their existing SSI/SSP benefits.

“CalFresh is our first line of defense against hunger for our City’s residents, and everyone deserves access to healthy, nutritious food,” said Mayor Breed. “This new expansion of the CalFresh program will help more of

our seniors and people with disabilities purchase the food they need to live healthy lives.”

San Francisco is implementing California Assembly Bill 1811, which reverses the existing State policy that made SSI recipients previously ineligible for CalFresh. A 2018 assessment by the San Francisco Food Security Task Force cited concerning declines in access to nutritious foods for vulnerable residents. According to the same report, one in three low-income seniors are reportedly Continued on Page SF6

PG&E expanding weather station and high definition camera network to monitor and reduce wildfire risk More than 200 new weather stations and 25 new HD cameras installed to date in 2019

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.— As part of its Community Wildfire Safety Program (CWSP), Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) announced that it is expanding its network of weather stations and highdefinition cameras to improve the company’s ability to predict and respond to extreme wildfire danger. By the end of 2019, PG&E plans to have at least 600 weather stations and 100 high-definition cameras in high fire-threat areas. These new installations are one of the many additional precautionary measures the company is im-

plementing following the 2017 and 2018 wildfires to further reduce wildfire risks.

“The enhanced meteorological data we are receiving from these weather stations is bolstering our ability to forecast high fire-risk weather conditions with further granularity so that we can take swift action to protect public safety,” said PG&E CWSP Vice President Sumeet Singh. “Personnel at PG&E’s 24/7 Wildfire Safety Operations Center will use these weather stations and cameras to better monitor wildfire risks and coordinate prevention and response

efforts, and the data is shared publicly and with agencies such as CAL FIRE.” New weather stations installed in more than 35 counties Building on the 200 weather stations it installed in 2018, PG&E has added an additional 200 weather stations in 2019 to capture localized, real-time data related to temperature, wind speeds and humidity levels. Approximately 400 new weather stations are scheduled to be installed in 2019, prioritized in areas at elevated and Continued on Page SF6

SF

people & events SF Mayor London Breed...

The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - June 14, 2019

“MY brother’s neighbor’s girlfriend’s uncle had the same exact case and it got approved and they did not use an attorney.”

I’ve heard this many times to have developed a well-curated response: Nothing. A person who has set out to hear only what s/he wants to hear can hear nothing else but what s/he wants to hear. Reason and logic be damned.

For the most part, technology has allowed us to gather as much information as we are able to handle at the tip of our fingertips. Yet, neither Google nor Siri nor Wikipedia can stand in front of a Judge as your advocate. Most attorneys cannot speak about cases they have not handled. Each case is unique – one tiny fact, one tiny detail could change the course of a case. And, in immigration cases where the threat of deportation is very real why would you gamble with your life? Or your family’s life?

New policy for rejecting incomplete or inaccurate filings.

Did you know that a single error could mean a rejected application? And, more importantly, that a rejected application could lead to the issuance

and experienced immigration attorney before filing anything.

First things first, do not file anything with USCIS or any other government entity without first seeking advice. Filing for applications “frivolously” can and will come back and haunt you. While certain applications are available online making it easy to access, individuals must nevertheless proceed with caution when filing for any application with USCIS. Just because it is easier now to file for an application does not mean that you should. We urge individuals to pause and take the time to consult with a licensed and experienced immigration attorney before submitting any application with USCIS. ***

Napa, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, San Benito, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo, Santa Barbara, tions help us monitor conditions Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Shasta, Sierra, Solano, Sonoma, Tearound the clock, improving hama, Trinity, Tulare, Tuolumne our ability to understand when and Yuba. and where it is necessary to HD cameras being intake this precautionary action stalled throughout high firein the interest of public safety,” said Aaron Johnson, PG&E vice threat areas PG&E has installed 25 of president of Electric Operathe 100 high-definition camtions. eras planned for this year. The Counties that have already company has now installed received weather stations 34 HD cameras since 2018, include Alameda, Amador, Butte, Calaveras, Colusa, Contra with a goal of installing 600 new cameras by 2022 as part Costa, El Dorado, Fresno, of the ALERTWildfire Camera Glenn, Humboldt, Kern, Lake, Network. The ALERTWildfire Lassen, Madera, Marin, MariCamera Network is a situational posa, Mendocino, Monterey,

awareness tool built by the University of California, San Diego, the University of Nevada, Reno and the University of Oregon. The high-definition, pan-tilt-zoom cameras allow firefighters, first responders and companies like PG&E to confirm and monitor potential wildfires.

The system is used by fire managers and has been instrumental in tracking more than 500 fires since it was first developed in 2013. Images from the ALERTWildfire system are viewable online at www. alertwildfire.org.

Counties that have received cameras so far include Amador,

El Dorado, Humboldt, Lake, Marin, Mariposa, Monterey, Napa, San Benito, Shasta, Sonoma, Tehama, Trinity, Yolo and Yuba.

Community Wildfire Safety Program In addition to improving real-time monitoring and intelligence capabilities, other actions PG&E is taking as part of CWSP include putting in place new and enhanced safety measures and doing more over the long-term to strengthen the safety and resiliency of the electric grid in an effort to further reduce future wildfire risks.

More information can be found at pge.com/wildfiresafety.

PG&E expanding weather station... actions such as PSPS. Before any PSPS, PG&E will carefully review a combination of criteria including predictions of strong winds and very low humidity levels; additional weather stations will assist PG&E’s Meteorology team to better predict conditions specific to local geographic areas.

Data collected by the weather stations is available to state and local agencies and the public through online sources such as the National Weather Service and MesoWest.

“These new weather sta-

Just say no: Legal advice from the internet

of a Notice to Appear (NTA)?

In September 2018, changes in policy were put in place allowing immigration officers to reject visa applications immediately due to missing or inaccurate information. Previously, USCIS will issue “Requests for Evidence” (RFE) if there are missing information, allowing applicants to address gaps in their paperwork. “Notices of Intent to Deny” were also issued, as per prior guidance, which gave applicants a 30-day warning that their application would likely be rejected.

Applications affected by these policies and its recent changes in policy apply to: (i) applications and renewals of temporary (non-immigrant) visas, and (ii) permanent resident status (immigrant) visas. Securing such visas are required in order for non-U.S. citizen foreign nationals to legally live and work in the United States.

Can USCIS refer a file to deportation for the issuance of a Notice to Appear after it the case has been denied?

Yes. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) may also issue an NTA when it finds a noncitizen has not complied with regulations governing admission or maintaining lawful status after admission.

Consult with a licensed

offer enrollment events and EBT. Older adults, disabled From Page SF6 application assistance training unable to afford enough food. and homeless residents can to community organizations, also use CalFresh EBT to The expansion of CalFresh to purchase hot, prepared foods housing and health care proSSI recipients will help allevividers that serve people that at more than 50 participating ate the food insecurity and receive SSI. For more informarestaurants throughout the lack of access to nutritious tion, visit: http://www.SFHSA. City. food that many low-income org/Calfresh.

“Each day in our comseniors and disabled individuHow to apply for Calmunities, too many people als currently experience.

Fresh are sacrificing buying nutri“This historic expansion There are three ways to tious foods to cover expenses of our food safety net will connect with the San Franlike rent and medicine,” said double the number of San cisco Human Franciscans Services who can Agency to receive Cal“The expansion of CalFresh to SSI apply for Fresh,” said CalFresh: Trent Rhorer, recipients will help alleviate the food Online: Executive Diinsecurity and lack of access to nutritious Visit• www. rector of the San Francisco food that many low-income seniors and GetCalFresh.

Human Servdisabled individuals currently experience.” org• By ices Agency. phone: Start “We want your applicaevery eligition by calling (415) 558-4700 ble household to apply. For Anni Chung, President and • In person: Come in to families in a high-cost city like Chief Executive Officer of San Francisco, every dollar of Self-Help for the Elderly. “Cal- an HSA service center in San Francisco, open Monday-FriCalFresh assistance is vital to Fresh gives more freedom to day, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.: put more nutritious food on people with limited incomes - 1235 Mission Street the table.” to buy what they need to live - 1440 Harrison Street CalFresh currently prohealthier lifestyles.”

- 2 Gough Street vides food assistance to The San Francisco HuProviding support to comnearly 50,000 San Franciscans. man Services Agency (HSA) plete an application online is Benefits are delivered on an will support the influx of new the most convenient way for Electronic Benefits Transfer CalFresh applicants through community partners, caregiv(EBT) debit card and can be expanded community outers and families to help SSI reused at any grocery store, reach efforts and eligibilcipients apply for and receive neighborhood market, or ity enrollment staff. In the CalFresh benefits. farmers market that accepts coming months, HSA will

From Page SF6 extreme risk for wildfires, based on the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) High FireThreat District Map. To help protect customers and communities during extreme weather events, electric power may be shut off for public safety in an effort to prevent a wildfire. This is called a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS).

PG&E’s meteorologists will feed data from these new stations to the company’s Wildfire Safety Operations Center team, where it can be utilized to help inform

The CTV Files

Atty. LiLLi BerBAno BAcuLi, eSQ

Atty. Lilli Berbano Baculi is an associate attorney with Chua Tinsay & Vega, A Professional Legal Corporation (CTV) - a full service law firm with offices in San Francisco, San Diego, Sacramento and Philippines.

The information presented in this article is for general information only and is not, nor intended to be, formal legal advice nor the formation of an attorney-client relationship. Call or e-mail CTV for an in-person or phone consultation to discuss your particular situation and/or how their services may be retained at (619) 955-6277; (415) 495-8088; (916) 449-3923; lbaculi@ctvattys.com; www.chuatinsayvega.com.

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The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - June 14, 2019

SF SF

The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - June 14, 2019

Beauty impresario Ferdie Villar all set to blow the candles on his cake while his guests are singing “Happy Birthday.” In photo are well wishers, including Nina Alberto, Shirley Ordoveza, Susan Pacifico, Dorie Paniza, Matilda Velasco and Manny Nugera.

Beauty impresario Ferdie Syquia Villar’s 82nd birthday celebration a great success

P

hilanthropist and international beauty impresario Ferdie Syquia Villar’s 82nd birthday celebration added another memorable chapter in his glorious life. It took place last June 1 at his residence along Escanyo Drive in South San Francisco.

The celebration started with a Holy Mass officiated by Rev. Fr. Abraham Alonzo, spiritual counselor of ANX Hospice in Daly City.

After the Thanksgiving Mass, a salo-salo luncheon was prepared by his son Ronald Villar, niece Vangie Perez, Brenda Padilla, and Elaine Estabrooks; catered

by Manny and Ludy Noguera of Karilagan and Ongpin Restaurant in South San Francisco.

The affair to remember was attended by Ferdie’s family and friends in the Filipino American community which include Edwin, Myrna and Michael Cabrera; Manny, Joy, and Joseph Cabrera; Anthony and Vangie

Perez; Joselito Cabrera; Margie Cabrera and son Roxie; Cypress Lawn planning counselor Shirley Ordoveza; San Jose fashionable lady Susan Pacifico; New Haven House Care operations manager Estela McCovey; Daly City religious leader Brenda Padilla and daughter Eren; Daly City public relations executive Tony Bayudan; Duggan’s Serra Mortuary owner Dan Duggan; Stockton community leaders Jaime and Matilda Velasco; Statewide real estate broker Alice Atienza; San Jose community leaders Marvin and Marriame Cuaresma, Las Vegas businesswoman Nina Alberto; entertainment producer Frank Sityar; San Francisco community leaders Violeta Orence and Janet Meneses; photographer Ray Guarin; Daly City community leaders Lambert and Dorie Paniza; Filipina beauty queen, socialite and model Marilen Bernardo; and former United Pangasinanes president Gloria Junio.

International beauty impresario Ferdie Syquia Villar celebrated his 82nd birthday last Saturday, June 1, at his residence on Escanyo Drive, South San Francisco. Shown in photo is the celebrant with his relatives (seated on floor), L-R) Roxie Mark Cabrera, AJ and Abigail Perez; (seated) Manny Cabrera; Margie Cabrera; Ferdie Villar, Elaine Estabrooks, (standing) Michael Cabrera; Ronald Villar; Edward and Myrna Cabrera; Joselita Cabrera; Vangie and Anthony Perez.

Estela Bejar McCovey, operations manager of New Haven Home Care, and Cypress Lawn planning counselor Shirley Ordoveza, old time friends of the celebrant; were present during the celebration.

Dan Duggan, owner of Duggan’s Serra Mortuary, a close friend of the celebrant, was one of his guests.

Entertainment producer in Northern California Frank Sityar is shown with Rev. Fr. Abraham Alonzo, spiritual counselor of ANX Hospice in Daly City.

San Jose Filipino community leader and one of the most fashionable ladies in Northern California Susan Pacifico, was present at the beauty impresario’s birthday celebration.

Filipino restaurateurs Manny and Ludy Noguera, owners of Karilagan and Ongpin restaurants in the Bay Area were present at the celebration.

Ray Guarin, well-liked party photographer in the Filipino community, is shown with the beauty impresario taken during the celebration.

Daly City community leader Tony Bayudan is shown with Rev. Fr. Abraham Alonzo.

Filipino religious leaders Jaime and Matilda Velasco, longtime friends of beauty impresario Ferdie Villar, traveled all the way from Stockton to be at the celebration.

Old time friends of the celebrant Gloria Junio and Norma Bitanga also attended the beauty impresario’s birthday affair.

Roxie Cabrera Perez, great grandson of beauty impresario Ferdie Villar, is shown with his mother Margie Cabrera Perez and San Francisco community leader Elaine Estabrooks.

SF8

The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - June 14, 2019