062719 - Las Vegas Edition

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JUNE 27-JULY 3, 2019

T H E F I L I P I N O –A M E R I C A N C O M M U N I T Y N E W S PA P E R

Volume 30 - No. 26 • 16 Pages

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DATELINE USA FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

Filipina arrested in the US for recruiting OFWs illegally FILIPINA Maria Luisa Estrella Jaidi is facing a maximum of 10 years in prison after she arrested in the United States for visa fraud and illegally recruiting workers.

Jaidi, who is married to a Moroccan ambassador, is originally from the Philippines but with residence in New York. She was arrested upon the filing of charges over fixing illegal work visas for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and later subjecting these workers to illegal labor.

Ramon Singson Estrella, her brother, is charged with the same offenses, as well, however, he remains at large.

The District Attorney of New York, in a statement released last March, said: “Jaidi, 60, of Bronxville, New York, and Estrella, 55, of Manila, Philippines, are each charged with one count of conspiracy to commit visa fraud and make materially false statements, which carries a maximum sentence of five years, and one count of conspiracy to induce aliens to illegally come to, enter, and reside

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‘Bongga,’ ‘kilig’ among Filipino words added to Oxford dictionary

SEVERAL Filipino words have been added to the third and current edition of the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) this month.

The latest additions include loanwords like bongga (extravagant, flamboyant; impressive, stylish), halo-halo (a dessert made of mixed fruits, sweet beans, milk and shaved ice) and kilig (exhilaration or elation caused by an exciting or romantic experience).

There are also new senses of existing English words like gimmick (a night out with friends), viand (meat, seafood or vegetable dish that accompanies rice in a typical Filipino meal), and high blood (angry, agitated).

Pancit (noodles), adopted from Chinese, and Spanish loanwords, pandesal (bread roll) and despedida (going-away party), were also included.

Additionally, there are some words that are classified as English but are only used in the Philippines: kikay kit (cosmetics case), comfort room (toilet), overseas Filipino worker (OFW) for Filipinos who work abroad, and trapo (traditional politician perceived as belonging to a corrupt ruling class).

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‘How?’ Duterte asks amid call to keep Chinese out of Philippine EEZ him for saying that China could not be stopped from fishing in the Philippine EEZ, an area where the country has MANILA — “How do I ban Chinese rights to the marine resources.

Asked on Monday, June 24, if the ships from fishing in the Philippines’ Philippines can keep Chinese vessels exclusive economic zone?”

President Rodrigo Duterte posed the from fishing in the West Philippine question to critics who have chided Sea, Duterte said he does not believe

by ALEXIS

ROMERO Philstar.com

they will stay out of the Philippines’ EEZ. ‘How do I enforce?’

Speaking during the 122nd anniversary of the Presidential Security Group in Malacañang, Duterte said even western countries like the United States could not compel China to re-

frain from claiming ownership of disputed areas in the South China Sea. “They tell me you have to ban China, prohibit them. If I prohibit them, how do I enforce?,” Duterte said.

“Takot nga ang Amerika, ayaw nga mag-control tapos ako pa ipusta nila?

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Trump delays ICE raids two weeks unless Congress finds solution by

KLARIZE MEDENILLA AJPress

OVER the weekend, President Donald Trump cancelled the massive Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids of undocumented immigrants that were scheduled for Sunday, June 23.

Trump’s reversal came hours before the planned raids, which were scheduled in Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York City and San Francisco.

The raids were meant to target roughly 2,000 undocumented immigrants who have already been ordered to be deported by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

“At the request of Democrats, I have delayed the illegal immigration removal process (Deportation) for two weeks to see if Democrats and Republicans can get together and work out a solution to the Asylum and Loophole problems at the Southern Border.

If not, Deportations start!” the president tweeted on

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DUTERTE’S CHALLENGE. President Rodrigo Duterte administers the oath to the newly-elected senators from the Hugpong ng Pagbabago during a ceremony at the Malacañang Palace on Tuesday, June 25. With the president is Senator-elect Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go. Duterte on Tuesday asked newly-elected national and local officials for a unified effort to serve the interest of the Filipino people and improve their living condition following the May 13 midterm elections.

Malacañang photo by Robinson Niñal

Manila rises 29 places in ‘Cost of Living’ survey UN rights chief closely MANILA — Manila is now the 109th costliest city in the world, making one of the highest ascents worldwide amid the Philippine economy’s robust growth, Mercer’s 2019 “Cost of Living” survey released on Wednesday, June 26, found.

The Philippine capital jumped 29 places in Mercer’s annual report, the fourth sharpest climb worldwide.

“Manila’s rise in ranking was largely due to a marked increase in foreign investment and a buoyant expatriate market, as well as the movement of other cities,” Mercer said.

With its sky-high rents, Hong Kong remains the world’s costliest city, Mercer reported, adding that eight of the world’s top 10 most expensive cities are in Asia.

Other cities that took the top spots are Tokyo (2), Singapore (3), Seoul (4), Zurich (5), Shanghai (6), Ashgabat (7), Beijing (8), New York City (9) and Shenzhen (10).

Ashgabat in Turkmenistan saw the biggest rise in rankings, jumping 36 places from 43rd in 2018 “as a result of the country’s shortage of currency and imported goods driving up prices.”

“Despite the relatively high cost of living, many organizations still see a strong business rationale for moving talent into and within the region,” said Mario Ferraro, Mercer’s global mobility practice leader for Asia, Middle East and Africa.

“At the same time, cost considerations

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Filipino millennials have low trust in political leaders, journalists, says study

by ANNELLE

TAYAO-JUEGO Inquirer.net

MANILA — Filipino millennials have little trust in political leaders and the media as sources of information and positive social impact, according to a recent study.

Among traditional institutions, political leaders were the most distrusted, with only 16 percent of the young people surveyed regarding them as accurate sources of information. Only 36 percent believed they had a positive impact on society.

A total of 301 millennials in the country were polled by DeYouth activists protest President Duterte’s decision allowing the burial of deposed dictator loitte Philippines, a professional Ferdinand Marcos at Libingan ng mga Bayani in this November 2016 file photo. A 2019 survey showed that the majority of Filipino millennials are skeptical of public officials having a positive services company, for its 2019 impact on society.

Inquirer.net photo by Richard Reyes survey that focuses on a seg-

ment of the population born between January 1983 and December 1994. No margin-of-error figures were mentioned in the results.

‘Caught in the crossfire’ The Philippine findings were part of the company’s 2019 Global Millennial Survey that interviewed 13,416 respondents from 42 countries from Dec. 4, 2018 to Jan. 18, 2019.

The global report noted that the millennials’ distrust of traditional institutions could be influenced by how this generation had been “perpetually caught in the crossfire of social, political and economic commotion.”

“It’s a cause for concern when we see young people reporting

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monitoring Philippine human rights situation

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

THE number of deaths associated with the Philippine government’s anti-drug campaign continue to be a concern for the United Nations’ human rights body, its chief revealed at the Human Rights Council on Monday, June 24.

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet, in her opening statement at the 41st session of the Human Rights Council, expressed concern over the “extraordinarily high number of deaths” and “persistent reports of extrajudicial killings” since Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte took office on June 30, 2016.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) recently revealed that 6,600 “drug personalities” have been killed in law enforcement operations since Duterte assumed his post until May 31, 2019. However, human rights watchdogs estimate more than 27,000 deaths have occurred since June 2016.

It also announced that 240,565 drug personalities were arrested in 153,276 police operations nationwide with 1,283,409 sur-

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet Photo from UN.org

rendering in the same period.

“Even the officially confirmed number of 5,425 deaths would be a matter of most serious concern for any country,” Bachelet said.

The Philippine government, for its part, reiterated that extrajudicial killings are not state policy and that law enforcement operations are done according to due process. It also said it

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http://www.asianjournal.com • (702) 792-6678

JUNE 27-JUly 3, 2019 • lAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAl

From The FronT Page

Trump delays ICE raids two weeks...

PAGE 1 Saturday, June 22.

Democrats have been urging the White House to cancel or delay the raids since the Trump administration began considering deporting migrant families last month. Mayors, governors and other public officials have been calling on the Trump Administration to halt the raids,

including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) who made a lastditch effort on Saturday to get the president to reverse the order.

“Tomorrow is Sunday, and as many people of faith attend religious services, the President has ordered heartless raids,” Pelosi wrote on Saturday. “It is my hope that before Sunday, leaders of

the faith-based community and other organizations that respect the dignity and worth of people will call upon the President to stop this brutal action that will tear families apart and inject terror into our communities.”

Pelosi also denounced the president’s original order for mass deportations for lacking “distinction between a status violation and committing a serious crime.”

Trump said that he’ll delay the raids for two weeks or until Congress compromises on a solution for the U.S. asylum claims program at the border.

On the chances that Congress could arrive at a consensus, Trump said, “[It] probably won’t happen but worth a try. Two weeks and big Deportation begins!”

Many of the cities listed that are so-called “sanctuary cities” like Los Angeles have denounced the raids and offered support to at-risk families.

“No Angeleno should ever have to fear being snatched from their home or separated from their loved ones — we are doing everything we can to provide immigrant families with info and support,” LA Mayor Eric Garcetti said.

In a separate statement, the LA Police Department said it would not participate or help enforce ICE’s deportation efforts or inquiries.

Those who have deportation orders or are at-risk of being detained by federal immigration officials are encouraged to seek legal advice on how to move forward. (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)

Manila rises 29 places in ‘Cost...

PAGE 1 are still an issue, and we are seeing an increased focus on having a clear business case for the assignment, as well as measuring the return on investment,” Ferraro added.

Mercer said its data for cost of living and rental accommodation cost comparisons are derived from a survey conducted in March 2019. (Ian Nicolas Cigaral/Philstar.com)

Members of Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) hold a protest rally on Monday, June 24 in Manila to denounce what they call President Rodrigo Duterte’s “insulting” remarks that the sinking of the Philippine fishing boat by a Chinese trawler at Recto Bank was just a “little maritime incident.”

Inquirer.net photo by Earvin Perias

‘How?’ Duterte asks amid call...

PAGE 1

Gusto talaga nila mapasubo ako (Even America was afraid. They do not want to control, then they want me to put me on the line?

They really want to put me at risk),” the president of the Republic of the Philippines said.

Duterte claimed the U.S. did nothing even if it was aware of China’s plan to build a military base in the South China Sea. “We cannot drive away because they have insisted it is theirs,” he said.

Duterte has repeatedly said that the Philippines cannot match China’s military might, although critics of the administration’s policy in the West Philippine Sea have said diplomatic alternatives to war exist.

‘U.S., European countries should join Philippines’ Duterte also challenged the US and some European countries to join the Philippines in resisting China’s activities in South China Sea. “This is my challenge, America, Britain, France: Let us assemble in Palawan and proceed directly to Spratlys. Let us seize whatever we can seize,” Duterte said.

The U.S., UK and France have sailed through the South China Sea in what are sometimes called “freedom of navigation” operations.

“Kung maubos tayo lahat, sabi nila (If we all perish, they will claim) Duterte is not protecting the interest of the Filipino.

Godd**n sh**. You want me to put the lives of 110 million Filipino by going into trouble?”

Duterte added.

“It’s not the time to go to war...

Reality, that’s geopolitics.”

Duterte said a conflict could escalate if the Philippines resorts to agressive actions.

“Eh, kung magkainitan talaga?

Kung gusto talaga sundin, you enforce. Eh, kung magkapikunan?

Kung paputukin ka nila, magpaputok ka? (What if tensions rise?

Will you shoot?)” he said.

“Ang hawak nila, kwitis, pero ang warhead is atomic bomb. Ang ating hawak, kwitis pero para pangpista lang ‘yan.

Hindi yun pang-away (They have rockets but their warheads are atomic bombs. We have firecrackers but they are only used for feasts, not for clashes).

You know we will lose by sheer

might.”

Allision ‘untintentional’ Duterte also claimed that the ramming of the Filipino boat near Recto Bank was not intentional.

He said Cabinet members have agreed that the boat was sideswept by the Chinese ship.

“Hindi talaga na binunggo.

Kung binunggo nasa ilalim yun (If it was intentional, it should have been hit from below),” the president said.

Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi earlier made a similar observation, earning him criticism both from the public and from Lanie Insigne, the wife of the captain of F/B Gem-Ver 1, the fishing boat involved in the allision and whose crew was left in the water by the Chinese vessel that hit them.

“It’s like he would rather that people died to prove that the boat was really hit,” she said in Filipino after Cusi said Gem-Ver 1 would have been in the hull.

Duterte also called Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio “stupid” for criticizing his statement on allowing China to fish in EEZ. (With a report by Patricia Lourdes Viray/Philstar.com)

UN rights chief closely monitoring...

PAGE 1

recognizes and upholds human rights; allegations of abuse are merely attempts at smearing the reputation of the Duterte administration.

Taking action UN special rapporteurs have called for the UN Human Rights Council to launch an independent probe into the deterioration of human rights in the Philippines as well as take action on the alleged attacks on human rights defenders and independent watchdog institutions.

Bachelet, who welcomed the special rapporteurs’ call for a probe, said: “There should also be comprehensive and transparent information from the authorities on the circumstances around the deaths and investigations related to allegations of violations. These could dispel any false allegations and help regain trust for the authorities.”

However, the Philippines said the call was made “in bad faith by parties who want to undermine domestic processes and spread disinformation, on the basis of one-sided reports coming from questionable sources.”

According to the Palace, the special rapporteurs were “foreign propagandists masquerading as human rights protectors.”

In response, Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo this week said that one or two of them have “tried this [tack] using some gullible if not biased local and foreign media sowing the seeds of negative force and perpetuating them.”

“They used the art of continuing miscommunication to clothe them with believability,” he added.

‘Not too late’ Bachelet noted how human rights defenders, journalists,

lawyers, priests and others who have spoken out against the administration’s policies have been threatened by government officials.

“This creates a very real risk of violence against them, and undermines rule of law, as well as the right to freedom of expression,” she said.

But according to the Human Rights Watch, it is not yet too late for the UN member states to prevent killings in the Philippines.

“UN member states stood by while thousands were killed, but it’s not too late for them to act to prevent the killing of thousands more,” said Laila Matar, HRW deputy director for the UN, in a statement on Monday.

“When the council convenes in Geneva today, they have an opportunity to do just that—by urgently establishing an international investigation,” she added. n

Filipino millennials have low trust in political...

PAGE 1 that they have little trust for the organizations and institutions they’re supposed to look up to as leaders,” said Eric Landicho, Deloitte Philippines managing partner and CEO. Love-hate relationship Even the media — both traditional and social — didn’t inspire much trust.

Only 22 and 21 percent of the Filipino respondents trusted traditional and social media, respectively, as sources of reliable information.

But in terms of positive impact on people, social media fared slightly better than the traditional one, 48 percent against 38 percent.

Ironically, an apparent lovehate relationship between the millennials and social media surfaced in the survey, even though their generation grew up with it.

Eighty-one percent said they would be physically healthier, while 73 percent said they believe they would be happier if they would spend less time on social media.

Conflicted attitude These figures are higher than the global average of 64 percent, who said they would be physically healthier, and 60 percent, who said they would be happier.

Fifty-two percent, however, said they would be anxious if they could not check their social

media accounts or had to give it up for a day or two. This is higher than the global average of 44 percent.

Also, 61 percent believed that social media did more harm than good, compared to 55 percent globally.

“You could say that this conflicted attitude toward social media is a reflection of the conflicting impact the platform has on the lives of its users,” Landicho said.

“It allows people to connect more easily with others across geographical and societal divides, but it also exposes users to so many serious risks, such as fraud and cyberbullying.”

Most favorable According to the survey, 90 percent worried about being a victim of online fraud, while 78 percent admitted feeling they had no control over who had access to their personal data and how it was used.

Thirty-five percent said they would like to completely stop using social media.

Fifty-eight percent saw leaders of nongovernmental organizations as having a positive impact on society. Only 28 percent, however, agreed that they were reliable sources of information.

Also, 76 percent of Filipino millennials considered businesses as having positive impact, down from 93 percent last year. Worldwide, this view is shared by only 55 percent of

those surveyed.

The dip in trust, according to the report, directly affects the spending habits of this “socially and environmentally conscious” demographic.

Forty-four percent of the Filipino respondents said that as consumers, they had ended their relationship with or reduced their patronage of a business entity because its products or services had negative impact on society or the environment.

Globally, 38 percent said they had the same response to such companies.

“For our part as business leaders, we have the responsibility to understand what is fueling this distrust or wariness, and then to take appropriate steps to mitigate or address it,” Landicho said.

Bleak future As to what they thought of the country’s economic prospects and its social or political landscape, the respondents were not optimistic.

Only 48 percent (down from last year’s 78 percent) said they expected the economy to improve next year, while only 41 percent (down from 68 percent) said they saw a sociopolitical landscape getting rosier in 2020.

Globally, less than 33 percent expected their respective economies and sociopolitical situations to improve in the next few months.

Dateline USa

(702) 792-6678 • http://www.asianjournal.com

US: Hainan’s maritime militia most professional in China

by Pia Lee-BraGo Philstar.com

HAINAN’S maritime militia is China’s most professional and receives extensive subsidies to encourage frequent operations in the Spratly Islands, according to the latest United States Department of Defense Annual Report to Congress.

The People’s Armed Forces Maritime Militia (PAFMM) is a subset of China’s national militia, an armed reserve force of civilians available for mobilization. Militia units organize around towns, villages, urban sub-districts and enterprises and vary widely in composition and mission.

In the South China Sea, the PAFMM plays a major role in coercive activities to achieve China’s political goals without fighting, part of a broader Chinese military theory that sees confrontational operations short of war as an effective means of accomplishing political objectives, according to the report.

The Hainan provincial government, adjacent to the South China Sea, ordered the building

of 84 large militia fishing vessels with reinforced hulls and ammunition storage, which the militia received by the end of 2016, along with extensive subsidies to encourage frequent operations in the Spratly Islands, according to the 2019 Military and Security Developments Involving the People’s Republic of China.

“This particular PAFMM unit is also China’s most professional. Its forces are paid salaries independent of any clear commercial fishing responsibilities and recruited from recently separated veterans,” the report said.

The militia has played significant roles in a number of military campaigns and coercive incidents over the years, including the 2009 harassment of the USNS Impeccable conducting normal operations, the 2012 Scarborough Reef standoff, the 2014 Haiyang Shiyou981 oil rig standoff and a large incursion in waters near the Senkakus in 2016.

A large number of PAFMM vessels train with and assist the People’s Liberation Army Navy

and the China Coast Guard in tasks such as safeguarding maritime claims, surveillance and reconnaissance, fisheries protection, logistic support, and search and rescue.

“The government subsidizes various local and provincial commercial organizations to operate militia vessels to perform ‘official’ missions on an ad hoc basis outside of their regular civilian commercial activities,” the report said.

Gregory Poling, director of Washington-based think tank Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative and a fellow with the Southeast Asia Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said the Chinese fishing vessel that sank a Philippine boat and left the 22 crew to the elements is the “inevitable result of Beijing deputizing hundreds of fishing boats as a militia force.”

The incident, according to Poling, will happen again because there are hundreds of Chinese state-directed militia vessels in the Spratlys, but Beijing should not be allowed to hide that fact. n

Filipina arrested in the US for recruiting...

PAGE 1 in the United States, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years.”

The brother and sister tandem fixed U.S. visas and claimed that the Filipinos they recruited would work as clerks or technicians at the Moroccan consulate in New York.

The OFWs, however, ended up

as drivers, helpers, farmhands and assistants in their house and property in New York.

“The fraudulent employment contracts also overstated the Domestic Workers’ salaries, understated their hours, and falsely guaranteed benefits, including, among others, sick leave, dental insurance, and medical insurance,” the District Attorney of

New York noted.

The OFWs were denied workers benefits and were subjected to certain abuses like working seven days a week by Jaidi and her former husband – who was not named in the press statement. The workers were also required to surrender their passports, according to the District Attorney of New York. (AJPress)

‘Bongga,’ ‘kilig’ among Filipino words added...

PAGE 1 The OED, aside from being a dictionary, is a long-running language research project constantly evolving through its mission to expand the English language. It recognizes that the language has different varieties from all over the world — which is why it has been continuously adopting words from localized versions of English, one of which is Philippine English.

An event was recently held at the Philippine embassy in the United Kingdom, hosted by the recently inaugurated Sentro Rizal London, to celebrate the uniqueness and creativity of Philippine English, as seen

through the lens of the OED. “Filipinos have enriched the English vocabulary since the language was first introduced to the country on a wide scale at the turn of the 19th century.

Since then, Filipinos have not only contributed new words but have also expanded the meanings of existing ones,” said Philippine Ambassador to the United Kingdom Antonio Lagdameo, who opened the signing and turnover ceremony of the latest edition of the dictionary.

Representing the OED in the event were John Simpson, its former chief editor, who spoke about how Philippine vocabulary has been covered by earlier

editions of the dictionary, and Danica Salazar, the dictionary’s World English Editor, who promised they would persist in diversifying the English language.

“The OED is pleased to have this opportunity to collaborate with Sentro Rizal and to present its work on Philippine English to a Filipino audience in London,” Salazar said.

She added, “The dictionary is committed to making space for words from the Philippines, as by doing so, we recognize how its Filipino speakers contribute to the richness and diversity of English.” (Ritchel Mendiola/AJPress)

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 27-JULy 3, 2019

Pacquiao: Thurman reminds me of Cotto fight

by Mark

GionGco Inquirer.net

MANNY Pacquiao is boxing’s only eight-division champion for a reason.

The Filipino legend has fought the finest that boxing has to offer no matter what division he’s in and, more often than not, he’s gotten the best of them.

Pacquiao is slated to meet WBA (Super) welterweight champion Keith Thurman in a title unification bout next month in Las Vegas.

Thurman, who is undefeated in 29 fights with 22 knockouts, presents a new challenge for Pacquiao but the hard-hitting American also reminds him of a familiar foe he faced earlier in his career.

“Keith Thurman reminds me of the Cotto fight,” Pacquiao, who holds the WBA (regular) title, told boxingscene.com, referring to Puerto Rican star Miguel

Cotto.

Pacquiao brutally stopped Cotto in the 12th round 10 years ago.

The 40-year-old Pacquiao really has nothing left to prove but the trash-talking Thurman, who vowed to sent Pacquiao into re-

tirement, has lit the fire under his belly.

“I feel motivated because of what he said. We’ll see how the fight ends. I think it’s going to be exciting but we’ll see what happens in the ring,” Pacquiao said. n

THE United States’ Department of State has acknowledged the contribution of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) in the campaign against human trafficking that enabled the Philippines to retain for the fourth consecutive year its Tier 1 rating in the U.S. government’s human trafficking index for 2019.

“The Government of the Philippines fully meets the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking. The government continued to demonstrate serious and sustained efforts during the reporting period; therefore the Philippines remained on Tier 1,” the report said.

A Tier 1 rating means the Philippine government continues to demonstrate serious and sustained efforts to combat human trafficking.

The Philippines joins 32 others nations in the Tier 1 ranking, which include the U.S., United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Japan, Taiwan, Israel, South Korea and France, among others.

In its recently released 2019 Trafficking in Persons Report (TIP), the U.S. State Department cited the BI Travel Control and Enforcement Unit for its efforts to combat human trafficking, which deferred the departure of 24,753 passengers due to incomplete or missing travel documents or misrepresentation.

It added that the BI also referred 286 potential cases of suspected trafficking to the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking Task Force for further investigation, identified 286 potential victims of trafficking and arrested nine suspected traffickers.

The BI also stopped 199 foreign registered sex offenders from entering the country last year.

Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente urged BI personnel in different ports to “remain vigilant as there is no sign that these human trafficking syndicates who prey on the poor, including minors, will stop their nefarious activities.”

BI Port Operations Division (POD) chief Grifton Medina said the TIP report would “inspire and motivate POD personnel manning the ports to sustain their efforts in fighting human trafficking.”

Medina added that more than 10,000 travelers were stopped from leaving the country from January to April this year, mostly for having incomplete travel papers and questionable purpose in going abroad.

The U.S. report also lauded the efforts of the National Bureau of Investigation and the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency (POEA), which, it said, investigated 278 cases of

alleged illegal recruitment and recommended 123 cases for filing in the courts.

The Philippine government reported 11 convictions, compared to eight convictions in 2017 out of 309 investigations.

The POEA filed 1,432 administrative charges against licensed recruitment agencies for fraudulent deployment or exorbitant fees, resulting in the cancellation of licenses of 40 agencies.

The POEA also reviewed 30 bilateral and multilateral labor agreements with other countries, and signed two multilateral and nine bilateral agreements aimed at preventing trafficking and reducing the vulnerability of overseas Filipino workers.

But the same report pointed out that while the Philippine government meets the minimum standards, “it did not vigorously investigate and prosecute officials allegedly involved in trafficking crimes, consistently criminally prosecute labor traffickers, or increase the availability of specialized protection and assistance services for child victims of sex trafficking or services for male victims.”

It added that access to mental health services, employment training and job placement for survivors also remained inadequate.. (William Depasupil/ManilaTimes.net)

Manny Pacquiao training with Freddie Roach Photo by Wendell Alinea/Manny Pacquiao Promotions

US lauds Philippines for anti-trafficking campaign

JUNE 27-JUly 3, 2019 • lAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAl

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Dateline PhiliPPines

Robredo on 2022 presidential Following Eddie Garcia’s death, lawmakers bid: Anything is possible propose bill to protect actors at work

by Patricia Lourdes Philstar.com

Viray

MANILA — Vice President Leni Robredo hinted at the possibility of seeking the presidency in the 2022 national elections, saying that anything is possible.

The vice president, however, clarified that she is not yet preparing for the next presidential race.

“Lahat naman posible. Lahat posible dahil iyon nga, iyong history pinakita na — ako, hindi ko naman plinano kahit ano, eh.

Tingin ko kasi iyong presidency, ano iyon, destiny (Anything is possible. Anything is possible because history had shown that — I, myself, did not plan anything.

I think the presidency is a matter of destiny),” Robredo told reporters in Naga City.

Robredo recalled that her first candidacy for Congress was last minute. She was representative of third district of Camarines Sur from 2013 to 2016.

In October 2012, Robredo said she only had two hours to make a decision on running for the congressional seat after the Liberal Party’s chosen bet then Naga Vice Mayor Gabby Bordado backed out of the race.

Her vice presidential bid in the 2016 elections also had similar circumstances, the vice president said.

“Iyong sa akin, dapat hindi ito paghahanda for 2022. Pero

by AJPress

Asked if she would run as president in 2022, Vice President Leni Robredo said anything is possible.

Photo from the Office of the Vice President

paghahanda sa lahat na dumadating ngayon kasi iyong laban ngayon depende kung papaano mo hinarap iyong mga issues, iyon iyong magshe-shape ng 2022 (For me, this should not be a preparation for 2022. But a preparation for all coming issues as the fight today depends on how you face the issues, that will shape 2022),” Robredo said.

Robredo added that many possible contenders for the presidency would still emerge in the next three years.

“Marahil iyong mga frontrunners ngayon, later on hindi naman sila iyong mga kandidato (Maybe the frontrunners now, later on they will not run),” she said.

The vice president stressed that

it is not proper for her to prepare for the 2022 presidential race as she has much work to do in her office, particularly the anti-poverty program.

Thinking of the presidential race would only be a distraction on her anti-poverty program.

“So dapat iyong iniisip iyong ngayon, papaano makakatulong, papaano pagbubutihin. Kung after three years na bumuti iyong sitwasyon, bakit hindi? Pero ngayon, useless talaga na paghandaan iyon (So what we should be focusing on now is how to help, how to improve. If after three years the situation gets better, why not? But for now, it is useless to prepare for that),” Robredo said, referring to the presidential race. n

Joint PH-China probe of Recto Bank incident a ‘joke,’ says ex-ASEAN official

by AJPress

ing part of the investigation? I’ve never heard [of] any such situaA FORMER top official of the tion, [even] in the movies.”

Villacorta insisted that a sepaAssociation of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) called the Phil- rate investigation into the Recto ippines and China’s joint investi- Bank incident should be congation into the Recto Bank colli- ducted by the Philippines.

“We are the victims. We don’t sion a “joke.”

According to Dr. Wilfredo Vil- have to involve China,” he said.

On June 9, a Filipino boat sank lacorta, deputy secretary-general of ASEAN from 2003-2006 and after being hit by a Chinese vesformer ambassador and repre- sel at Recto Bank in the West sentative to the international Philippine Sea, leaving 22 fishbody, the joint probe of the two ermen adrift for hours before a countries is strange and unheard Vietnamese vessel helped and of. It is also a “laughing stock” in rescued them.

While Manila declined China’s international relations.

In an interview with the ANC, proposal for a joint investigation he said: “It (joint Philippine-China over the incident, President Roprobe) is a joke. The accused be- drigo Duterte announced on Satur-

day, June 22 that he is welcoming a “joint and impartial investigation” between the two countries.

Villacorta urged the Philippines to not let the joint investigation be turned into an underthe-table negotiation, should it continue.

He also said that since China is a superpower, it would do everything to avoid being incriminated.

“A country like China would not want to be portrayed as the villain, so it will do its best to exonerate the party involved in this case,” Villacorta said.

He added that he hopes the issue will be managed by Duterte well. n

Duterte tells Arroyo: Pick your replacement as speaker

by Jess diaz, deLon PorcaLLa, aLexis romero, PaoLo romero Philstar.com

MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte has changed his mind anew and is leaving it to members of the House of Representatives to decide on who their next speaker should be, saying he does not want to experience the “agony” of choosing because all the contenders are his friends.

Duterte revealed he had asked outgoing Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to choose her successor because he does not want to hurt the feelings of his allies.

“Do not give me a problem anymore... You are about to retire. You choose the next speaker,” Duterte, referring to Arroyo, said during the oath taking of local officials yesterday at Malacañang.

Duterte said the conversation took place during the thanksgiving of the Hugpong ng Pagbabago in Makati last Monday, June 24. He said people thought he was kidding but he was not.

Arroyo refused to select the next speaker, according to the Chief Executive.

Duterte said incoming Taguig Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano and Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Velasco signified intention to become speaker during the midterm polls.

Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez expressed interest in the post after the polls, according to the president.

“I said sort it out among yourselves,” Duterte said. “I am comfortable with any speaker as long as he is Filipino.”

Last Monday, the president said he was still undecided on who to endorse in the race for speaker, saying he was too busy to think about the issue.

“Look, I just came from Bangkok. Nagpatong ang trabaho ko (My work has piled up). I have to go home because I have to work,” Duterte told reporters last Monday.

“I have so many papers to sign.

Maybe, when I sit for a — in the bathroom and begin to ponder, I might decide on what to do,” he added.

Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said Duterte was just floating a possibility. He claimed that the president does not interfere with issues in Congress.

The spokesman added that it

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte strikes his signature pose with the distinguished guests during the Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP) Thanksgiving Night at the Peninsula Manila in Makati City on Monday, June 24.

Malacañang photo by Richard Madelo

is also possible that the president would not announce his choice for speaker.

“Puwedeng puwede, puwedeng hindi. Hindi natin alam. Siya mismo nagsabi maybe, eh (Maybe yes, maybe no. He himself said maybe),” Panelo said.

Panelo later admitted that the Duterte’s political alliances may be a consideration in his decisionmaking.

“All of them are allies, eh. Maybe, he doesn’t want to ruffle the feelings of the candidates; and all of them naman are supportive of the president,” he said.

Duterte’s former aide and senator-elect Christopher Go previously said the president had asked for more time to decide on who he would endorse in the speakership race.

Divided Allied political parties in the administration coalition, led by PDP-Laban party, at the House have been largely polarized owing to his failure to officially declare his candidate for the next speaker.

As it is now, no less than the country’s most dominant party is deeply divided, with the ruling party’s stalwarts and members endorsing Velasco, Romualdez and Cayetano as the three main speakership aspirants.

The camp of reelected Pampanga Rep. Aurelio Gonzales Jr., who sits as executive vice president, has officially endorsed the candidacy of Velasco — a close friend of the Duterte family — whose group has already garnered 40 signatures out of its 90 members.

Another PDP-Laban “faction,” that of Reps. Ronaldo Zamora (San Juan) and Neptali Gonzales II (Man-

daluyong), has declared their all-out support for returning congressman Cayetano, a former senator and foreign affairs secretary.

“As the battle for speaker heats up, PDP-Laban expressed their support for the Taguig-Pateros representative, notwithstanding the fact that he belongs to the Nacionalista Party (NP),” a statement from the Cayetano camp read.

A third wing, however, has thrown their support behind Romualdez, as per repeated pronouncements of outgoing House Minority Leader Danilo Suarez who disclosed that most of their 156 signatories actually come from the country’s ruling political party.

The incoming Quezon governor, however, refused to give the names of the PDP-Laban signatories.

Reliable sources in Congress have admitted that “practically all political parties” allied with Duterte — like the Villar-led NP, the Cojuangco-founded Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC), the National Unity Party (NUP) and others — are “divided” on the speakership issue.

Duterte is reportedly eyeing a win-win solution to the speakership quarrel among his congressmen-allies: term-sharing.

“He wants them to share the three-year term of the speaker,” a close presidential aide said in a text message to a lawmaker.

It was not clear, though, whether two or three aspirants would divide the term. If two, they would have one-and-a-half years each; if three, they would have one year each in occupying the position.

There is also a quarrel in termsharing: who gets the post first, or if they are amenable to the idea in the first place. n

PARTY-LIST lawmakers in the Philippine House of Representatives will be filing a bill next month that seeks workplace safety protocols for television and movie productions to avoid accidents similar to the one that led to the death of multi-awarded veteran actor Eddie Garcia.

1-Pacman Rep. Mikee Romero, the bill’s proponent, said the proposal will be called the “Eddie Garcia Law,” or the Actors’ Occupational Safety and Health Standard Bill.

Romero said this is his way of putting a bigger meaning to his late stepfather’s death.

“I expect more than 100 of my fellow legislators to cosign the bill with me. And [I] likewise expect the Senate, through [Senate President Vicente] ‘Tito’ Sotto, to do the counterpart bill,” he added.

Romero explained that the bill will be “a means to safeguard the welfare and well being of all actors working in the television and/or in the movie industries.”

The proposal, instituting workplace safety protocols in television and movie production, will be called the “Eddie Garcia Law,” or the Actors’ Occupational Safety and Health Standard Bill, according to the proponent, Rep. Mikee Romero (inset) of 1-Pacman party list.

Inquirer.net photos

The Eddie Garcia Bill will provide: 1. Mandatory actors and production insurance; 2. Specific working hours for a) below 18 years old, b) 18-59 years old and c) 60 years old and above (senior citizen); 3. Medical and safety procedures on the production set and within its area of responsibility; 4. Mandatory installation of safety officers within its area of responsibility; 5. Emergency standards and procedures; and 6. Penalties and liabilities for violation.

Bagong Henerasyon Rep. Ber-

nadette Herrera-Dy previously announced that the Partylist Coalition Foundation Inc. (PCFI) would nominate Garcia for National Artist.

“The man and his legacy stand for what is beautiful and true about Philippine art, specifically in film and television,” she said.

Garcia on June 8 tripped on cable wires while taping a scene for his upcoming GMA-7 television series in Tondo, Manila. He remained in a coma for nearly two weeks before he died on June 20 at the age of 90. n

Health Secretary Duque to DOJ: Investigate me

by John

Vera cruz ManilaTimes.net

HEALTH Secretary Francisco Duque III on Tuesday, June 25, said the Department of Justice (DOJ) would have his full cooperation in any investigation that it plans to conduct over his alleged role in a scam involving the stateowned Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth).

The scam involved fake dialysis treatments of kidney patients who had already died.

“I have asked the DOJ to include myself in the conduct of a fullblown, unbiased investigation,” Duque said in a statement.

He said he condemns all forms of fraud that threaten the sustainability and integrity of the Philippine social insurance system.

The Health secretary said he was willing to cooperate with Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra

PhilHealth president and chief executive officer, and that the new PhilHealth Board would move to ensure more transparent health insurance services to Filipinos.

“Issues have been made against me in the media. Let us not get distracted, the issues are not about me… [they are] about corruption and fraud,” he said.

In the statement, Duque warned healthcare providers and PhilHealth officials to not cheat the system or even attempt to, as the landmark legislation Universal Health Secretary Francisco Duque III ManilaTImes.net photo Health Care Act is about to be in any inquiry in order to “right implemented. what is wrong.”

The Republic Act 11223 or “The DOJ has my full support in the “Universal Health Care Act,” this top-to-bottom investigation, so signed on February 20 this year, that once and for all the concerned automatically provides all Filipinos individuals are made accountable with healthcare services without for their actions,” he said. causing financial hardship and Duque added that he was op- makes a priority the needs of the timistic about the appointment public who cannot afford such of Ricardo Morales as the new services. n

6

http://www.asianjournal.com • (702) 792-6678

JUNE 27-JULY 3, 2019 • LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL

OPINION

No progress

FEATURES

THE Association of Southeast Asian Nations has been calling for restraint and peaceful resolution of maritime regional conflicts for ages. ASEAN should do more to actually see restraint in aggressive activities to stake maritime claims in disputed waters.

ASEAN has had a regional agreement in place with China since 2002 on maintaining the status quo in the South China Sea. Probably because that deal is legally non-binding, however, it did not stop Beijing from constructing and fortifying artificial islands on seven reefs in disputed waters. The areas, now with missile defense systems, include Panganiban or Mischief Reef off Palawan in the West Philippine Sea, over which the Philippines has been awarded sovereign rights by the United Nations-backed Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague.

In the latest ASEAN leaders’ summit in the Thai capital Bangkok, the regional bloc has again called for self-restraint and peaceful resolution of maritime disputes. The statement was issued amid the latest incident in regional waters: the sinking of a Filipino fishing boat after it was hit by a Chinese vessel on June 9 near Recto or Reed Bank, one of three areas over which the Philippines was awarded sovereign rights by the arbitral court. Beijing had refused to

participate in the arbitration.

At the same time, ASEAN again renewed its commitment to work with Beijing on a non-aggression Code of Conduct in the South China Sea to prevent serious armed encounters in disputed waters. These talks have been going for an eternity, with no agreement so far even on its area of coverage.

For the past decades, thanks in large part to ASEAN, Southeast Asia has been one of the most peaceful regions in the world, despite the diverse political systems and cultures of the grouping’s member states. Progress has been slow in certain areas such as economic integration, but the initiative is moving along.

Where the grouping has made no progress is in supporting its members in maritime disputes. In this issue, which is critical for sustaining the peaceful environment needed for regional prosperity, ASEAN needs to speak with a clearer, louder voice.

(Philstar.com)

Editorial

PeaceMaker FORMER SPEAKER JOSE C. DE VENECIA, JR. THERE are two most difficult, complex, but not impossible opportunities for peace-making in the Korean Peninsula and in the Iran-Saudi Arabia conflict on both sides of the Persian Gulf — or Arab Gulf to the Arabs — in the Middle East.

In the case of the inter-Korean and U.S.-North Korean conflicts, the South Koreans led by President Moon Jae-in and North Koreans led by Kim Jong-un, grandson of North Korea’s founder Kim Il-sung, left to themselves, could move more expeditiously to a difficult but not impossible geopolitical settlement, which could perhaps include the following: • North Korean and South Korean troops withdrawal from the areas of tension in the 38thParallel and leave the Panmunjom area as a genuine neutral zone bereft of armed troops from both sides and could even be a credible, mutually designated site to host peace and unification parleys, with permanent conference and support facilities.

• The American troops below the 38th Parallel and around Seoul could consider eventually disengaging from the South upon the establishment of a confirmed durable peace with the North, the foreseeable establishment of two divided but peaceful trading Korean states, until at some point both Koreas agree to unite

Demand and Supply BOO CHANCO THE initial reactions of Foreign Secretary Teddyboy Locsin and Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana were correct. The facts were not all in yet, but both Cabinet members were ready to give our fishermen the benefit of the doubt.

Unfortunately, Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol and Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi joined the fray and started casting doubts on the story of our fishermen. It seems Piñol and Cusi were trying very hard to appease China.

President Duterte himself was quiet for a while, but eventually tipped the discussions to give the Chinese the benefit of the doubt.

He talked about not having the means to go to war against China, but no one is talking about going to war anyway. Just come

Philstar.com photo

Possibilities for peace-making in the Middle East and the Korean Peninsula like the two Vietnams or the two Germanys.

• Both sides could in the meantime exchange inter-Korean visits, especially among South Koreans with relatives in the North and North Koreans with relatives in the South, initiate the beginnings of limited North-South talks, and eventually even allow third-country tourists to visit Pyongyang in the North, which could lead to much larger numbers among Southerners and Northerners; • Pending a North-South political settlement, both sides could agree not only on visits by tourists of various nations but by businessmen and traders of both sides and their joint-venture partners from third countries that would lead to an immediate mushrooming of commercial trade in the region. Then both sides could eventually agree on a common railways system from Pusan in the south across the 38th Parallel, all the way to Pyongyang and the North Korean-Chinese border and agree on large-scale exchanges of inter-Korean trade. The railway could later cross to Russia and on to Europe.

• Most important, with the increasing volume of inter-Korean trade and rapid exchange of visits, the U.S. and North Korean governments could work on modalities for finally ending the Korean War, and conversion of their troops to police duties.

• Eventual phasing out of the North Korean nuclear weapons and withdrawal of U.S. troops,

weaponry, and facilities. This will be the subject of intricate, difficult negotiations and will most likely be long drawn-out and could take several years, but if there is mutual goodwill, this could lead to a final settlement and conclusion.

Obviously, these issues and arguments are easier said than done but if there is sincere, mutual goodwill and give-and-take, a final settlement is definitely possible. *** In the Middle East, U.S. President Donald Trump is correct in not allowing his militant and pro-war advisers to dictate policy. Instead, he could encourage opportunities for difficult but not impossible geo-political discussions leading to settlement in the area.

We would perhaps humbly suggest that the worrying fearsome conflict in the Persian Gulf (to the Persians) or Arab Gulf (to the Arabs) could lead to destruction of industrial facilities in cities and towns and modern infrastructure on both sides of the Gulf built patiently over the years, and indeed at incredible cost from their petroleum riches.

To simplify the basics of the conflict, let us simply state that the Muslim world had been divided since the earliest days of Islam between the Sunnis, led by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the Shiites, led by Iran, in a sense like the Catholics and Protestants of old Europe who had bitter, violent, and bloody

Sad reactions

out in defense of our defenseless fishermen.

I do not understand why the administration is always so worried about displeasing China. I have covered the diplomatic beat and in the course of my career, participated in preparations for diplomatic meetings. There are always things like public postures and backroom agreements.

Mr. Duterte and his minions could have come out strongly in support of our fishermen. At the same time, our ambassador in Beijing should have been in touch with the Foreign Ministry to explain why the President must make a strong stand, but assuring the Chinese government that official ties are not involved.

The Chinese government would have understood. The last thing they want is for the incident to escalate in a way that puts their loyal ally, Rodrigo Duterte, in a very difficult situation with his own people.

Sure… just words… but in

diplomacy those words count… prevent situations from deteriorating into a crisis.

But our own government went on an overdrive to force our fishermen to change their story, despite the corroboration made by the captain of the Vietnamese fishing vessel.

The editorial of the Philippine Daily Inquirer recounts what happened next: “The most basic response the Philippines could have offered the Vietnamese for their compassionate gesture was a simple ‘Thank you.’ How hard is it for the Duterte administration to do that—to reach out to the Vietnamese government and, through it, to formally thank the Vietnamese seafarers who saved our fishermen from their ordeal?

“Instead, in a bizarre, contemptible turn of events, Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol made a big to-do about the Vietnamese being in the area illegally, poaching inside the Philippines’ excluPAGE A7

wars for centuries.

Perhaps the time has now ome for well-meaning leaders from the UN and respected leaders from other nations and religious groups to encourage and initiate the beginnings of a peaceful inter-religious dialogue among the deeply divided Muslim Shiites and Sunnis, which would lead Iran and Saudi political and military leaders to take note and realize that these suicidal conflicts could devastate their countries with casualties in large numbers and could even involve weapons of mass destruction.

We might suggest that the UN secretary general could perhaps make a quiet visit to the capitals of Tehran and Riyadh, visit the Sunni mosques in Riyadh and the Shiite mosques in Tehran, and strongly propose the advisability and scenario of a SunniShiite conference in Geneva or Paris or New York, initially attended by most capable Sunni-Shiite religious leaders and eventually by their highest political-religious leaders.

This will quickly bring a new dimension and perhaps a sobering effect on the tension-filled crisis in the Persian-Arab Gulf which in the last few days involved dangerous attacks on ships or oil tankers in the Gulf, assaults on oil pipelines in Saudi Arabia, and violent clashes in Yemen, long a site of large-scale clashes, and recently tensions and sporadic flare-ups in Syria and Israel.

We do not see immediate solutions but could appreciate

the beginnings of perhaps of a serious, sensible, and peaceful dialogue among the Sunnis and Shiites. *** We wish to thank Deputy Chairman Petr Tolstoy of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation for their invitation for us to speak at the international forum on “Development of Parliamentarism” to be held in Moscow on July 1-2, 2019. We are reminded of Leo Tolstoy, one of the greatest writers of all time not only in Russia but in the world.

The State Duma is Russia’s Lower House or House of Representatives, while its Upper House or Senate is called the Federation Council.

The Moscow parliamentary conference seeks to provide legislative response to global issues, particularly in the areas of peace, security, human development, and climate change and environmental protection. It will be participated in by lawmakers, scholars, experts, and leaders of civil society around the world.

Regretfully, we told our friend, the able Russian Ambassador to the Philippines Igor Khovaev that we would have wanted to participate in such an important and distinguished gathering, having been privileged to spend 23 years of our life as a parliamentarian and for 14 years as speaker five times of the House of Representatives, but could not do so as we had earlier accepted an invitation from Asian and Filipino communities in the

U.S. during the same period.

We were also privileged to have led several parliamentary organizations in Asia and the global community.

We co-founded the Asian Parliamentary Assembly (APA), now composed of more than 40 parliaments in Asia, with Sen. Mushahid Hussain Sayed of Pakistan, to create what we envisioned to be the beginnings of a still distant Asian Parliament. We had transferred the APA headquarters from Manila to Tehran to bring APA into an Asia-wide organization, instead of limited to East Asia, and to help bring Iran into the mainstream.

We also served as president of the Association of Asian Parliaments for Peace (AAPP), forerunner of APA, and twice president of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Organization (AIPO). We also helped transform AIPO into the now AIPA or ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly and established an AIPA Secretariat based in Jakarta.

Currently, we serve as cochairman, with former 30-year U.S. Congressman Dan Burton, of the International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace (IAPP), representing parliamentarians from the various continents around the world.

We are honored to mention these because we believe with persistent and constructive exchanges, parliamentarians play a crucial role in building stable, secure, peaceful, and progressive fraternities in the global community. ■

Elizabeth Warren: Building a brighter future for Asian American entrepreneurs Commentary

ELIZABETH WARREN AMERICA is built on two ideas: that we are a nation of immigrants, and that if you work hard and have a good idea, you should be able to pursue it. That promise of building something solid — a small business you and your loved ones can be proud of, has been the bedrock of the American dream.

There’s just one problem with that promise: the government helped create a wealth gap with decades of sanctioned discrimination, tilting the playing field against communities of color for generations.

As a result, Black and Brown households have a lot less wealth

than white households. That means less money for entrepreneurs of color to put into their businesses to get them going.

It’s no surprise that this disparity in startup money contributes to promising Asian American and minority-owned businesses being less profitable than white-owned businesses on average. And it’s partly why entrepreneurs of color own less than 20% of businesses with paid employees despite making up almost 40% of the population. It’s contributing to a small business gap that costs all of us millions of jobs and billions in economic growth.

Despite this hurdle, in places like Nevada immigrant-owned businesses have greatly contributed to the economy, generating over $795 million in business income in 2014 alone.

As one of the most diverse communities in the U.S., Asian Americans have helped form the

foundation of our nation.

In Nevada alone, Asian American and Pacific Islanders account for nearly 10 percent of the state’s population. One group in particular — Filipinos — have some of the fastest growth rates of any minorities in the state, with over 120,000 calling Nevada home.

Recently, I attended the Black Economic Alliance (BEA) Forum in Charleston, South Carolina to discuss the steep challenges facing minority-owned businesses in America, and how as president, I would remain committed to the fight for social, racial, and economic justice.

The way I see it, there is only one way to make progress and that’s by fighting for big structural changes across the board. We have to take this problem head-on.

That’s why I proposed a new plan to help close the startup capital gap for minority entrepreneurs: PAGE A7

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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LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 27-JULy 3, 2019

Panel slots for minority senators fine, says Drilon

by Javier ismael ManilaTimes.net

SENATE Minority Leader Franklin Drilon on Tuesday, June 25, said the matter of committee chairmanships and assignments for minority senators had already been resolved.

“What I can just say is, without going to specifics, we have come to broad agreements on the treatment of the minority senators. It will not be an issue. I repeat that the matter of the committees for the minority has been satisfactorily resolved,” Drilon said in an interview.

He added that out of respect for Senate President Vicente Sotto III, he would let him do the anMANO PO. President Rodrigo Duterte extends his hand to his daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Z. Duterte, who showed a gesture of respect nouncement where the commitduring the Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP) Thanksgiving Night at the Peninsula Manila in Makati City on Monday, June 24. In the May polls, tee assignments are concerned.

Duterte’s allies win big in the senatorial elections, with Sen. Cynthia Villar of HNP topping the race. HNP was formed by the younger Duterte.

“Committee [chairmen] are Malacañang photo by Richard Madelo chosen by the majority. So, I would defer to the Senate president,” Drilon said.

In the outgoing 17th Congress, the six-member minority bloc Duterte has been pushing federalism may not happen under PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte was given five of the 40 standhad apparently given up on his for a federal system, saying his watch. ing committees: Civil Service, “Sabi niya mukhang mahipromise to push for the country’s it would decentralize the govGovernment Reorganization and shift to a federal system of gov- ernment and empower the hirapan din tayo ngayon (The Professional Regulation ComPresident and I talked about regions. ernment. mittee headed by outgoing Sen. A recent survey, however, federalism, he said it would be “If you do not want federalism, fine. But change the Constitu- showed that charter change and difficult),” Go said in an earlier tion that would really change federalism remain unpopular media interview.

Duterte’s federalism initiative this nation,” Duterte said in a among Filipinos.

Incoming senator Christopher has yet to pass Congress even speech during the oath-taking of newly elected local officials in Lawrence “Bong” Go earlier with a legislature dominated by PAGE A6 said Duterte had conceded that his allies. (ManilaTimes.net) Malacañang. sive economic zone (EEZ), and so whatever thanks they deserved had to be given begrudgingly: ‘Salamat sa mga Vietnamese sa pagtulong pero you are not supPAGE A6 the average Black-owned business seek out a more diverse set of posed to be there, but thank God a Small Business Equity Fund, only gets three percent of what investment managers. you were there. That was an ilrun by my new Department of a similar white-owned business And third, I will triple the budget legal act that was actually proviEconomic Development. typically receives in outside invest- for the Minority Business Develop- dential.’

This Fund will be equipped ments shortly after founding. A ment Agency (MBDA) — an orga“What appalling ungraciouswith $7 billion to provide grants big reason for this disparity is the nization dedicated to empowering ness, and a most shameful stain — not loans — to minority en- startling lack of diversity among entrepreneurs of color with access on a country that, until lately, trepreneurs for startup capital so investors: 86% of venture capi- to funding networks and business prided itself on its friendliness their businesses can thrive from talists are white, and women and advice — so it can expand on its and sense of goodwill toward oththe beginning without having to minority-owned firms make up good work. er nations.” I might add, it makes worry about ongoing interest pay- less than 10% of the asset manThis entire plan is paid for by every right-thinking Filipino feel ments or the risk of default. agement industry. This hamstrings my ultra-millionaire tax — a small embarrassed such ingratitude The funds will be administered entrepreneurs of color: studies 2% tax on giant fortunes over $50 came from a high official. locally — through states, cities, show that investors are more likely million.

So the incident elicited reacand towns — but the state and to partner with entrepreneurs that If we keep putting forth a vi- tions that divided the Filipinos local partners will need to meet share their gender or race. sion of America that is inclusive, along political partisan lines: pro federal requirements, including To address diversity among in- we will level the playing field for Duterte and anti Duterte. We partnering with private parties vestment managers, I’m proposing Asian American, minority, and needed a reaction that was pro to make investment decisions, three steps. women entrepreneurs. We are Filipino. instituting strict conflict of interFirst, states and cities will be strengthened not lessened by our It also revealed the sentiest rules, and collecting data on required to partner with minority differences and owe every family ments of some people. It was outcomes. That way we can ensure and women-owned investment the opportunity to build wealth disappointing to find out that taxpayer money is generating a managers, including Asian Ameri- and pursue a bright future for the president of the Filipino Chistrong return. cans, to administer the money themselves and their little ones. nese Chamber of Commerce and In addition to creating this from my new Equity Fund.

Elizabeth Warren is a U.S. Sena- Industry, Henry Lim Bon Liong new fund, we must take steps Second, on day one of my tor from Massachusetts, running considered himself as having two to address the lack of diversity presidency, I will direct all federal for the Democratic presidential fathers, Philippines and China. among investors. For example, pension and retirement funds to nomination. n The Chinoy entrepreneur was

Duterte gives up on federalism

Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon ManilaTimes.net photo

Antonio Trillanes IV; Constitutional Amendments and Revision of Codes Committee, Sen. Francis Pangilinan; Science and Technology, outgoing Sen. Paolo Benigno Aquino 4th; Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality Committee, Maria Theresia “Risa” Hontiveros; and Social Justice, Welfare and Rural Development Committee, detained Sen. Leila de Lima.

Drilon, being the minority leader, is an ex-officio member of all the permanent committees

of the Senate.

The minority group chooses from among themselves the minority leader, who is considered as the titular head of the minority in the Senate and oftentimes called a “shadow president.”

In many past shake-ups of the Senate or the so-called Senate coups, sometimes the minority leader becomes the president and the ousted president becomes the minority leader.

The basic duties of the minority leader are that he becomes the spokesman for his party or group or coalition and enunciates its policies.

He is expected to be alert and vigilant in defense of the minority’s rights.

It is the minority leader’s function and duty to criticize constructively the policies and programs of the majority, and to this end he employs parliamentary tactics and gives close attention to all proposed legislation.

In the incoming 18th Congress, the Senate minority bloc is down to four members after Aquino failed to make it in the May 2018 midterm polls, while Trillanes’ term ends on June 30 this year. n

Sad reactions

Elizabeth Warren: Building a brighter...

quoted by journalist Tina Arceo Dumlao as saying he hopes the “unfortunate mishap” will not adversely affect diplomatic relations between China, and the Philippines, which he refers to as his “two fathers”, being FilipinoChinese.

Mr. Lim is probably Philippine-born and should no longer have divided loyalty between the country of his forefathers and presumably, his own. I have many Chinoy friends and they are militantly pro Filipino on issues involving China.

Perhaps Mr. Lim and the federation he heads can clarify how they stand because when push comes to shove, we expect them to be pushing and shoving for the Philippines.

No one wants a war with China.

But that doesn’t mean we should not forcefully express our feelings in defense of our national interests. Let us take inspiration from the millions of Hong Kong marchers in fighting for their seemingly impossible objective.

The Reed Bank incident revealed we are not a nation, we have no national feelings, no national pride. This can explain why

nations like Vietnam, Thailand, and South Korea easily overtook us in the economic front.

There is truth in the observations of James Fallows back in 1987 when the EDSA euphoria was still fresh and much could have been done, but we failed.

“Filipinos pride themselves on their lifelong loyalty to family, schoolmates, compadres, members of the same tribe, residents of the same barangay…

“Because the boundaries of decent treatment are limited to the family or tribe, they exclude at least 90 percent of the people in the country. And because of this fragmentation—this lack of nationalism—people treat each other worse in the Philippines than in any other Asian country I have seen.”

No wonder our officials had no hesitation in throwing our fishermen overboard because their story doesn’t jive with what the administration wants to believe.

Neither Cusi nor Piñol felt any obligation towards folks not in their social and political circles.

Duterte, on the other hand, probably just feels obligated to China. n

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june 27-july 3, 2019 â&#x20AC;˘ lAS VeGAS ASIAn jOuRnAl

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Go to remain presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s personal adviser the President in his own personal capacity even when he starts his work in the Senate. He said he was â&#x20AC;&#x153;excitedâ&#x20AC;? to start his work as a lawmaker.

He vowed to prioritize his work as a senator without having any conflict of interest with his commitment to serve the President. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I will continue as his adviser.

Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s my promise to him. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll assist him in my own personal capacity,â&#x20AC;? he told reporters. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll make sure na wala pong magiging conflict of interest sa aking trabaho bilang isang senador at bilang adviser ni Pangulong Duterte. Pero, sâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;yempre trabaho

ko po ay senador for the next six years, priority ko po ito (Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll make sure that there will be no conflict SENATOR-ELECT Christopher of interest with my work as senaLawrence â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bongâ&#x20AC;? Go said on tor and as advisor of President Tuesday, June 25, he would conDuterte. But of course my work is tinue his duty as President Rodri[to serve as] a senator for the next go Duterteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s personal adviser but six years, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s my priority),â&#x20AC;? Go vowed not to neglect his duties as said in a chance interview. a legislator. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But I will not limit myself The incoming senator stressed to being a legislator only,â&#x20AC;? he this as he and fellow senatorsadded, pledging to go around the elect Ronald â&#x20AC;&#x153;Batoâ&#x20AC;? dela Rosa, country and visit communities Francis Tolentino and Maria that are hard to reach to listen to Josefa Imelda â&#x20AC;&#x153;Imeeâ&#x20AC;? Marcos the ordinary Filipinosâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; concerns attended the orientation for firsteven when he starts his work in time senators. the Senate.

Go said he would work with Go said that he is also planning to put a Malasakit Help Desk in his extension office to cater to all kinds of people who may be in need of assistance.

He would also speak up and initiate investigations, in aid of legislation, if he sees any form of corruption being done in government.

Other priorities under Goâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s legislative agenda include programs for health, agriculture, education, long-term sports development, fire protection and prevention, localized peace talks, anti-illegal drugs and criminality, barangay Senator-elect Christopher Lawrence â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bongâ&#x20AC;? Go attends the orientation for new lawmakers welfare, and improved benefits at the Senate on Tuesday, June 25.

ManilaTimes.net photo by DJ Diosina for senior citizens. n

by Bernadette

tamayo ManilaTimes.net

WATER FESTIVAL. Despite the scarcity of water being experienced in Metro Manila, thousands of San Juan City residents participate in the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Basaan Watercadeâ&#x20AC;? along Pinaglabanan St. on Monday, June 24. The dousing of water from fire trucks and water guns remains the most popular activity in the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Wattah Wattah San Juan Festival 2019â&#x20AC;? held in honor of the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s patron saint, St. John the Baptist.

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

Palace justifies Locsinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;colorfulâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; language

by Patricia Lourdes Philstar.com

Viray

MANILA â&#x20AC;&#x201D; MalacaĂąang defended Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. following his remarks against Vice President Leni Robredo.

The Philippinesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; top diplomat called Robredo â&#x20AC;&#x153;bobaâ&#x20AC;? or stupid after the latter slammed the Deto the national government for partment of Foreign Affairs for stepping up to rehabilitate Ma- revoking all courtesy diplomatic nila Bay. He said he wants the passports issued to former ofManila City government to take ficials and diplomats. part in the process as well.

Locsin, however, had immeâ&#x20AC;&#x153;Maraming salamat kay [De- diately apologized to the vice partment of Environment and president.

Natural Resources (DENR) SecAsked if Locsinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s behavior has retary Roy] Cimatu, [Metropolital been unbecoming as the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Manila Development Authority top diplomat, presidential spokes(MMDA) Chairman Danilo] Lim, person Salvador Panelo said it maraming salamat sa pagma- has not affected the secretaryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s malasakit niyo President [Rodrigo] Duterte sa Maynila dahil kung di pa kayo nag-[issue] ng order, specific order, malamang THE Sandiganbayanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fifth Diho wala ho walamg gumalaw diyan sa Manila Bay (Thank you, vision will resume the trial of the DENRâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Roy Cimatu, MMDAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plunder complaint filed against Lim. Thank you also, President former senator Jose â&#x20AC;&#x153;Jinggoyâ&#x20AC;?

Duterte for ordering the cleanup Estrada on July 8.

The court had denied the moof the Manila Bay),â&#x20AC;? he said.

Incoming Manila Mayor Francisco Domagoso â&#x20AC;&#x153;Basta po ipinababatid namin, tion for demurrer to evidence filed lier signed a memorandum of MMDA, DENRâ&#x20AC;Śpwede bang by Estrada and his co-accused, agreement with the Pasay City makisuyo sa inyo? Pwede kam- Janet Lim Napoles.

A demurrer to evidence is a mogovernment to cooperate and ex- ing sumali? Tulong naman kami. tend assistance to the proposed Tutal siyudad naman namin to tion to dismiss filed by the defenreclamation projects of three eh (We would like to relay to dant, challenging the sufficiency MMDA, DENR to include us of the evidence presented by the private groups in Manila Bay. Support for Manila Bay re- in the project. We would like prosecution during trial. The moto help. This is our city),â&#x20AC;? he tion can be filed after the plaintiff hab rests their case.

Moreno expressed gratitude added. n

Moreno on Manila Bay reclamation: Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not my priority by christia

marie Inquirer.net

ramos

MANILA â&#x20AC;&#x201D; The reclamation of Manila Bay will not be a priority for incoming Manila Mayor Francisco Domagoso, or more popularly known as Isko Moreno.

Speaking at the weekly press forum on Wednesday, June 26, Moreno said he remains firm on his stand on the matter. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not my priority; I am very consistent with that statement.

Dumating kayo (reclamation project proponents), thank you.

For me to initiate [the reclamation]? No way,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Pag pasok niyo rito (If you come here), weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll check if you comply with the requirements of [the] law, especially the requirements on environmental protection,â&#x20AC;? he added.

There are 22 pending reclamation applications proposing to cover 20,000 hectares of the 190,000-hectare Manila Bay area.

Morenoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s predecessor, outgoing Manila mayor and former President Joseph Estrada, ear-

work. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He (Locsin) is known for his colorful language just like the late Sen. Miriam (Defensor-Santiago) was in the same way that the president is also known for that but it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t diminish his competence to act as secretary of foreign affairs,â&#x20AC;? Panelo said in a press briefing.

Panelo also pointed out that Locsin already apologized to Robredo, which means that he admitted committing a mistake in throwing slurs at the vice president.

The MalacaĂąang mouthpiece added that the DFA chief might just have been exasperated by Robredoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s remarks on the issue of diplomatic passports.

Panelo added that Duterte himself uses â&#x20AC;&#x153;colorfulâ&#x20AC;? language

in his speeches. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ang presidente naman natin â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;di ba ganoon din ang style pero kita mo naman ang epekto,â&#x20AC;? Panelo said, citing Duterteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s previous remarks against former US President Barack Obama.

Meanwhile, opposition Sen. Francis Pangilinan condemned Locsin for insulting the vice president.

According to Pangilinan, Locsin violated Republic Act 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This kind of mockery and disrespect has no space in a civilized society, especially coming from the secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs, the office that leads national diplomacy,â&#x20AC;? Pangilinan said in Filipino. n

Jinggoy plunder trial to resume on July 8 Estrada was one of the three former senators charged by the Office of the Ombudsman before the Sandiganbayan in 2014 for their involvement in the â&#x20AC;&#x153;pork barrelâ&#x20AC;? scam. He is facing a P183million plunder charge.

The two others were former senators Ramon Revilla Jr. and Juan Ponce Enrile.

The defense will start presenting evidence on July 8.

In seeking the dismissal of the case, Estradaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s camp had argued that the prosecution failed to establish that he received the

kickbacks stated in the charge sheet. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Otherwise put, the prosecution failed to establish that any of the supposed rebates, commissions or kickbacks, or any of the funds arising from the PDAF (Priority Development Assistance Fund) projects, were actually delivered to or received by [former] Sen. Estrada,â&#x20AC;? the defense said.

Estrada was released from detention in September 2017 after the Sandiganbayanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fifth Division allowed him to post bail.

(ManilaTimes.net)

60 COUNTRIES. OVER 100 CITIES WORLDWIDE. THATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S INTERNATIONAL.

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10

June 27-July 3, 2019 • lAS VeGAS ASIAn JOuRnAl

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Journal Enchong, over 1,800 kids break Guinness world record for largest swimming lesson by ryan

arcadio Inquirer.net

Stills from Madonna’s “I Rise” music video show Rappler chief Maria Ressa answering journalists’ questions following an arrest and Filipinos protesting the state of press freedom in the Philippines.

Rappler chief Maria Ressa honored in new Madonna music video

New resistance-themed video tackles global social justice issues

by Klarize

Medenilla AJPress

MADONNA’S music video for her new single “I Rise” features footage of Maria Ressa, the fearless Rappler founder who has been jailed and faces several charges in the Philippines.

Ressa, whose criticism of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte propelled her to international acclaim, is one of the several social justice activists and movements featured in Madonna’s music video, which was made in partnership with TIME Studios. Around the 1:30 mark is footage of Ressa answering press questions following her arrest as well as Filipinos holding up “Defend press freedom!” signs in protest.

The music video also shows Reuters journalists Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo who were jailed for 511 days for their exposes

ENCHONG Dee took part in a successful attempt to break the Guinness world record for the largest swimming lesson in a single venue.

The 30-year-old actor and swimmer joined around 1,800 children in the attempt, in a waterpark in Clark, Pampanga, as per his Instagram post last Thursday, June 20.

“Today, we broke the Guinness world record for the most number of Children being taught basic swimming skills and water safety in one day,” Dee said.

In a separate post by Aqua Planet — the venue for the recordbreaking event — they revealed the specific number of people that participated in the attempt.

A total of 1,819 people had joined the swimming lesson at the waterpark, beating the current Guinness World Record for the largest swimming lesson in a single venue. The record has been officially held by a waterpark in

Enchong Dee with some kids who attended his swimming lesson.

Photo from Instagram/@mr_enchongdee

Florida, United States, with 1,308 participants on June 20, 2014.

The waterpark still awaits the confirmation of the World Waterpark Association (WWA) and Guinness World Records for the attempt to beat the existing world record.

Dee was part of the Philippine

national swimming team and has participated in the Southeast Asian Games and 2006 Asian Games.

His latest showbiz projects include starring in different episodes of “Maalala Mo Kaya” and in the 2018 TV drama series “The Blood Sisters”.

Sarah supports Matteo’s scout ranger training

by Jan

Milo Severo Philstar.com

on the Myanmar military’s brutal atrocities. They along with Ressa were named among TIME’s “Persons of the Year” as journalists fighting for truth.

In addition to the journalists representing press freedom, the social justice-laden video

featured footage of Black Lives Matters activists, survivors from the Parkland shooting, advocates for LGBTQ equality, survivors of sexual abuse and assault in the era of #MeToo and first responders to natural disasters.

SARAH Geronimo has recently paid her boyfriend Matteo Guidicelli a visit at Camp Tecson in San Miguel, Bulacan, where the latter is currently undergoing training as a scout ranger.

Photos of Sarah visiting Matteo in the camp have circulated online, but there was no indication on the exact date of the pop star’s visit.

The photos show the couple with Matteo’s parents, younger brother and sister.

According to an ABS-CBN News report, Matteo is the only reservist who asked to be enlisted in the leadership development course.

“This started few months ago when he visited us then he asked what is a scout ranger... He is really interested and asked if he can join the training,” said Brig. Gen. Wilson Gonzales, commander of 1st Scout Ranger Regiment.

Maj. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana also lauded Matteo for his initiative to

Celebrity couple Sarah Geronimo and Matteo Guidicelli at the 2018 ABS-CBN Ball.

Philstar.com photo by Kat Leandicho

undergo training.

“I really commend (his) volunteerism. ‘Yong pinapakita niya is a manifestation that his sense of patriotism is napakataas,” the major general said.

Last April, the 29-year-old actor has officially joined the Philippine Army as a reservist.

He cited his love for the country as the reason for joining the Army.

“I officially joined the Philippine ARMY today because I love my country. I would like to thank the people that have been very supportive. Exciting times ahead,” Matteo said.

How Ruffa handles kids amid abuse from ex-husband by deni

roSe Bernardo Philstar.com

IT has been years since actress and beauty queen Ruffa Gutierrez has been separated from former husband, Turkish businessman Yilmaz Bektas, but she admits that she is still scared of him.

“Would you believe until now I’m still afraid of my ex-husband?

Even if he’s invited me so many times to go back, I don’t want to go back because I have this notion in my head that he will kill me,” she disclosed in a recent ABSCBN interview.

In a phone interview with Philstar.com during her birthday last Monday, Ruffa shared that Yilmaz has been inviting her and her daughters to return to Istanbul.

She recalled that there were a lot of times that he invited her to return to Turkey with him because he said he loved her, so she would give her another chance.

But every time she would go with him, the abuses she got from him would get worse. So, as soon as she had the chance to return to the Philippines, she stayed in the country for good.

“My mom, my father and my whole family was there to support me, but I remember it was my mom who really stopped me from going back,” she recounted.

“When my job was weak and my ex-husband was inviting me back to Istanbul and to bring the kids, I was ready to go back.

Five, six, seven tickets purchased tickets every month all the time so anytime we can use (them), and my mom said, ‘If you plan to go back to Istanbul, I would run on the runway so the airplane couldn’t leave. They’ll have to run over me’.”

Despite being physically and emotionally abused by her ex-husband, Ruffa teaches her daughters not to be bitter toward their father.

“The example that I want to set to my children is to become strong and independent women and not let anyone put you down, especially, men that they will love one day, and will learn from my lessons and experiences as well,” she said.

“I never criticized their father because he is still their father and without him, they won’t be

Ruffa Gutierrez Photo from Instagram/@iloveruffag

here right now. I know that my children value peace and know that I’ve been through a lot, and it’s gonna help their future one day as well.”

Although short, she still considers her marriage to Bektas “very productive” as it produced her daughters Lorin and Venice, who are now 15 and 14, respectively.

She said that despite the distance, her daughters have “a pretty open relationship” with their father.

“Forgive and forget. Especially now that my children are teenagers and I don’t want them hating their father. I don’t want them feeling like they’re not enough because they are. I want them to have a good relationship with their father because it’s also going to be good for them mentally,” Ruffa said.

Nonetheless, she always remind them on what to watch out for should they marry someday.

“I believe I raised my children in a way that they are God-fearing and strong individuals even at their tender young age. I know that they would be wise enough to make the right decision, not yet now because they’re still teenagers, but one day, when they do find a spouse, I already gave them a list (on) what to look for in a man.”

Gender-based violence Ruffa marked her 45th birthday as a panelist in “Voices Against Violence,” an international training program that seeks to help raise awareness on gender-based violence in the country.

Gender-based violence remains one of the most prevalent

epidemics to impact women and girls in Philippines and around the world. According to the 2017 Philippine National Demographic and Health Survey provided by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), 17 percent of women aged 15 to 49 have experienced physical violence since age 15.

Almost one in four women of the same age group experienced other forms of physical, sexual or emotional violence by their current or most recent husband or partner. Of these statistics, about 41 percent have never sought help or told anyone about their ordeal.

To help end violence against women and girls, Avon Philippines recently launched its new Free as a Butterfly watch, which aims to help raise funds for female victims of abuse under the care of Avon’s partner non-government organizations.

“I’m very happy that I celebrated my birthday with Avon Foundation for Women. My birthday wish is not only to be happy, healthy and successful, not only for me, but also for my advocacy, (to fight against) violence against women and children. I want all women out there to know that they’re not alone. If they reach out and share their story, someone’s going to be there to help them,” assured Ruffa.

The actress, who has a new ABS-CBN soap opera that will start taping in July, wants to continue doing philanthropy and retire from showbiz at 50.

“I’ve recovered already. I survived. It’s just that there are instances like these when I talk to other women and remember the past, then it opens a lot of wounds in my heart but I believe that I’ve recovered already and I’ve been blessed with so much work to the point that I can forget about the past.”

Likewise, she encouraged other abused women to share their story and call help hotlines.

“It’s not difficult anymore to seek help. I want to let them know that they’re not alone. If I am able to overcome it and I am a celebrity, I have a new life now, I am free, and if I can overcome those troubles in my past, I’m sure that they can as well.”

COMMUNITY JOURNAL

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Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond MONETTE ADEVA MAGLAYA PAUL, aka Saul of Tarsus, lived more than two thousand years ago. He had something to say about what does matter in life. He spoke about a special kind of love that in Greek is called Agape (ahgah-pay).

Agape is unconditional love, a kind of love that has no agenda or motivations, a kind of love that is exemplified in God sending His only Son, a kind of love that if emulated by humans, sets us apart from all of God’s creatures, makes us a little closer to the angels and truly created in God’s own image and likeness.

But Paul didn’t start out as a defender of the Christian faith.

He was, in fact, an avid persecutor feared by early Christians. As a Jew and a Pharisee who was also an educated man and a class above because he was a Roman citizen, he used everything in his power and position to quash the growth of the church persecuting the members of the then budding Christian church.

Saul was his Jewish name. Paul was his Roman name. Paul stood by watching the cloaks of the stone throwers, tacitly approving the stoning of Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr.

Paul was a young, rising brilliant star of his time eager to make his mark in the Judaic tradition. At first, Paul was hot and bothered by the intensity of the love and fervency of the Apostles and early believers.

This start-up movement was a threat to his career track and his Judaic core belief system. Paul thought he was going to make it his life’s work to eliminate Christ’s early followers and eradicate what Christ himself has started. If murder and mayhem were the tools to get it done, he was going to use them.

But God had other plans for Paul. On his way to Damascus on a mission to arrest and persecute Christians, a blinding light shone on him. He fell off his horse while Jesus’ voice is heard asking him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” This dramatic, miraculous conversion when he temporarily became blind was a critical juncture for the Christian church.

Inspired by the Holy Spirit who suffused his entire being when the scales of his blindness fell off his

Health@Heart PHILIP S. CHUA, MD, FACS, FPCS SHALOM! I wrote this column last Friday, June 21, 2019, in Nazareth, during our family tour of Israel, on the way to Galilee and Jerusalem.

The use of cellphones is very popular among at least 88 percent of people in this country, one of the top tech nations in the world. The concept of SMS (Short Message Service) was originally developed by a French-German duo (Friedhelm Hillebrand and Bernard Ghillebaert) in 1984, but the very first text message sent (two-words: “Merry Christmas”) was done 8 years later, on December 3, 1992.

Nokia became the first to produce total GSM phones in 1993, the first to manufacture a mobile phone with a full keyboard in 1997, the Nokia 9000i Communicator. The Filipinos were ahead of many nations, the United States included, in utilizing mobile text messaging.

With great dexterity, most Filipinos, from executives to tricycle drivers, started texting since it first came out. It was a couplr of years later when SMS became popular in the USA. This marvelous advance in technology is most valuable unless used unwisely. As I have stated in my past columns, if you want to meet God sooner, text and drive.

No more finger stick Worldwide, there are at least 422 million afflicted with type 2 diabetes, more than 100 million in the USA alone, with an added 85 million prediabetics, and about 4 million in the Philippines, many more undiagnosed globally. Diabetics, especially those on insulin, test their blood glucose (sugar) level more than once a day by pricking the tip of a finger with a lancet (needle) that comes with the glucometer. No matter how tiny that needle is, it still stings, and for more sensitive people, it really hurts. Some do not test themselves because of the pain.

So, science is striving to find painless alternative ways to measure blood glucose. There is the Dexcom continuous glucose monitoring, where a filament is inserted under the skin in the abdomen and the glucometer shows realtime blood glucose level, for those who are on insulin and testing their sugar level at least 4 times a day.

There are studies being done to find out if a sensor attached to contact eye lens could measure glucose level in the tears, or if saliva could be used (instead of blood or tears)

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 27-JULY 3, 2019

Love as the center of gravity Calendar of Events across “All you need is love.”

—Lennon-McCartney

eyes, Paul’s teachings and writings have an eternal shelf life - true today, as it was then, and will be for much of human history.

Amid troubled times, read the gospels. Also, you just might discover the exquisite beauty, range and depth of human emotions made known to God, contained in the Psalms, all 150 of them. And then read Paul. You’ll be surprised at the clarity and current relevance of many of his writings to today’s unfolding history. He has a wealth of wisdom to share with anyone seeking meaning in a confusing world seemingly bent on self-immolation.

In a swirling fast-paced technological world full of self–love, vanity, illusions and artifice that only tend to distort and act as centrifugal forces pushing God away as the center of our lives, Paul’s directives make absolute sense. His words have the power to keep us all centered, as they were intended to be, not on ourselves, but on God. Ironically, it’s like being in the eye of the storm where there is peace while swirling forces rage about in the periphery.

This one below, if etched in many hearts and minds and lived out in our daily rounds through thoughts and more specifically in even the tiniest of actions, particularly in couples, already married or planning marriage in the foreseeable future, could remarkably bring down the alarming rate of break-ups and a whole universe of heartaches among couples. This has the power to preserve FAMILIES, the last best hope of humanity on steroids.

These days, the very structure and integrity of the family unit are heavily assaulted from many fronts with popular culture, Hollyweird, media and the internet leading the charge at a time when the church is weakened by internal abuses and scandals and when persecutions of Christians around the world are at a terrifying, alarming rate and intensity.

Fear not. Let not our hearts be troubled. As history will bear and as written in the song, “Canticle of the Turning,” which is based on the Blessed Mother Mary’s “Magnificat,” it is when the church is at its most vulnerable when the forces

of heaven align to defend itself and go on the offensive in subtle yet dramatic ways. The blood of early Christians spawned the rise of the early Church. History does repeat itself.

Marriage as a bedrock institution between man and a woman is in serious danger, as man-made laws masquerading as civil liberties, are enacted to challenge it, all in the name of political correctness.

Strong family units built on LOVE are so essential in creating strong societies from the ground up. Each generation builds upon and learns from the ones that came before it.

The passage below is a favorite among couples and wedding planners and for good reason. These words are more than the pretty, superficial veneer of rituals in weddings.

Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians 13, are words to live by telling us what really matters as he did then to members of the early church who were probably just as lost, confused and disconcerted as most of us probably are.

“Set your hearts on the greater gifts. I will show you the way which surpasses all the others. If I speak with human tongues and angelic as well, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong, a clanging cymbal.

If I have the gift of prophecy and, with full knowledge, comprehend all mysteries, if I have faith great enough to move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give everything I have to feed the poor and hand over my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient; love is kind.

Love is not jealous, it does not put on airs, it is not snobbish. Love is never rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not prone to anger; neither does it brood over injuries. Love does not rejoice in what is wrong but rejoices with the truth. There is no limit to love’s forbearance, to its trust, its hope, its power to endure.

Love never fails. … And now faith, hope and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love.” *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.com

Health news Nazareth The global keyboard

to measure glucose level with a biosensor (organic transistor) as accurately as the conventional blood glucose testing.

Vegetables/fruits and death rate Our intake of vegetables and fruits affects our longevity, according to a global study. Statistics on each country about its national intake of vegetables and fruits were analyzed together with the country’s data on causes of deaths and cardiovascular risk and found that low intake of plant-based food items was associated with increased risk for cardiovascular diseases and deaths. The diet in Israel is a healthy mixture of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines, with a lot of plant-based items, even for breakfast. The mortality rate from heart attack in Israel has dropped 50 percent the past 15 years.

The research data were presented at the annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition June 8-11, 2019, noting that in 2010 alone around the world, not eating enough vegetables was associated with about 200,000 deaths from stroke and more than 800 deaths from heart attack, and the low fruit consumption linked to around 1.3 million deaths from stroke and more than 520,000 deaths from heart disease. In the USA alone, low intake of vegetables along has been linked to 82,000 cardiovascular mortality and low fruit consumption to about 57,000 deaths.

Cancer risks higher among meat eaters For the past couple of decades, I have written about the higher risk for the development, not only for cardiovascular illnesses, but also for deadly cancers among meat eaters (especially processed meats), featured in the book, Let’s Stop “Killing” Our Children (view at philipSchua.com and amazon. com).

Like most cancers, pancreatic cancer is significantly impacted by diet, like those high in saturated fats. A pescatarian diet (fish and plant-based foods) started during childhood, and sustained faithfully, together with a healthy lifestyle, would lower the risk for the development of cancers, besides cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.

A diet high in meat, especially processed meat (sausages, bacon, luncheon meats, etc.), increases the risk for developing pancreatic cancer by almost 70%, reported the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

A study showed “an average of 41 cases of pancreatic cancer were

diagnosed per 100,000 people each year among those who ate the most processed meat compared with 20 cases among those who ate the least.” This research, which included 180,000 individuals, also found that individuals who ate even non-processed red meats, including pork, beef, and any other red meats, had a 50% higher risk of having cancer of the pancreas.

Scientists think the culprit-carcinogen (cancer-causing agent) may not be only the saturated fat in red meats but the nitrate-based preservatives and the cooking method, like charcoal-grilling and broiling, where burned oil drips on the fire causes carcinogenic fumes to rise and be absorbed by the meat. Other studies have shown that people who eat red meat regularly also have a higher risk for cancer of the colon, breast, other cancers in general, and heart attack and stroke, compared to those who minimize or do not eat red meat.

Dangers of self-medicating Self-diagnosing/medicating is dangerously popular. Taking the same drug a friend or family member is taking for cough, for instance, may not be safe nor effective for treating your own cough, which may be due to other bacterial causes, like pneumonia or tuberculosis, etc. The other potential dangers of self-medicating besides a wrong diagnosis are: delays in seeking medical consultation, incorrect choice of drug, incorrect dosage, drug interaction, adverse side reactions and complication, and masking an underlying disease. Even “simple” aspirin or paracetamol could lead to gastric bleeding or liver damage, respectively. One drug may be safe for an individual and dangerous for another. Most herbals on the market today have not gone through rigid evaluation for purity, efficacy, safety, dosage, side-effects, and complications. The highest incidence of self-medication is about 15 percent in South America followed by 13 percent in the USA. Self-medicating could lead to serious complications, including death. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus in Northwest Indiana and chairman of cardiac surgery from 1997 to 2010 at Cebu Doctors University Hospital, where he holds the title of Physician Emeritus in Surgery, is based in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the Philippine College of Surgeons, and the Denton A. Cooley Cardiovascular Surgical Society. He is the chairman of the Filipino United Network – USA, a 501(c)(3) humanitarian foundation in the United States. Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com

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SIPA’s Filipino Summer Program in LA Happening from June 24-28, Search to Involve Pilipino Americans’ (SIPA) Filipino Summer Program is a fun, week-long experience that enriches, educates, and engages youth about the Filipino Culture! Youth will get to learn more about Filipino food, language, dance, arts, and music! Children ages 6-13 are able to participate, while older youth can volunteer. The program will be held at SIPA (3200 W. Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA 90026) from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day. Drop-offs and pick-ups are at the SIPA parking lot at Dillion St. and Temple St. Each day is $30 for the first child. Every additional child will be $3 less a day (e.g., the second child will be $27/day, the third child would cost $24/day, and so on). If your family cannot fully afford the cost of SIPA’s Filipino Summer Program, the FEE CAN BE LOWERED depending on the financial situation. Families can pay by cash, credit/debit card (2.75% fee), Venmo (1% fee), or check!If interested, contact Maria Carmel Valendez by phone at 213-382-1819 ext. 107 or email at mvalendez@esipa.org.

J U N E 27-J U N E 29

“Tagolilong: Hidden in Plain Sight” exhibit in San Pedro, CA An interactive homage to Indigenous California Habitat will be on exhibit from May 18 to June 29, 2019. Created by LA-based artists-collaborators, champoy and Sarita Doe, it will open on Saturday, May 18th, 2019 from 3:00pm-6:00pm at Pinta*Dos Philippine Art Gallery which is located at 479 W Sixth Street, Suite 108, Historic Arts District, San Pedro, CA 90731. Tagolilong: Hidden in Plain Sight will be the sixth exhibit at Pinta*Dos Gallery since it was inaugurated in June 2017.

The Gallery is open from Wednesday to Friday, 3:00pm to 6:00pm except on First Thursdays when it is open until 8pm. It is also open by appointment. For further information, email Linda NietesLittle, Founder of the gallery at info@pintadosgallery.com. Also visit their website: http://www. pintadosgallery.com , facebook and instagram pages.

J U N E 28 -29

“Raised Pinay” Benefit Production Raises Funds & Awareness for Filipina Health in New York City The third generation cast of Raised Pinay will grace the stage in solidarity of reproductive health justice in the Philippines on Friday, June 28 and Saturday, June 29, 2019. There will be three showings of this unique benefit production at University Settlement 184 Eldridge Street in the Lower East Side of Manhattan. Directed by Co-Founder Jana Lynne Umipig, who created The Journey of a Brown Girl, this community-centered production will raise money for Palawanbased non-profit organization Roots of Health also known as Ugat Ng Kalusugan.

J U N E 29

UST Medical Alumni Association of SoCal anniversary ball in Garden Grove, CA The UST Medical Alumni Association of SoCal will have its 25th year anniversary ball on Wednesday, June 29 at the Hyatt Regency Orange County (11999 Harbor Blvd, Garden Grove, CA 92840).

Mass begins at 5:30 p.m., with dinner reception at 7:30 p.m. Part of the proceeds will benefit the UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery and Hospital on Wheels. Tickets are $110 for premier and $90 for regular. Please RSVP by June 1 to Marilou Dichoso, MD at (310) 387-1632.

Book talk with 5 Fil-Am authors at Philippine Expressions Bookshop in San Pedro, CA Philippine Expressions Bookshop on Saturday, June 29 from 3 to 6 p.m. will host book talks and conversations with Filipino American scholars and authors: writer and professor Grace Talusan (“The Body Papers”), sociologist and educator Anthony C. Ocampo (“The Latinos of Asia”), Deborah Francisco Douglas (“Somewhere in the Middle”), entrepreneur and life coach Belen Loreto Grand (“Family Matters”) and journalist Albert Samaha (“Never Ran, Never Will”). This event is an outreach program in collaboration with FilAm ARTS. Philippine Expressions Bookshop is located at 479 W. Sixth Street, Ste 105, San Pedro, CA 90731. RSVP is requested via telephone at (310) 548-8148 or email at info@philippinebookshop.com.

J U LY 4 - 6

International reunion of the Society of Boehringer Ingelheim Philippines Ex-Employees & Representatives in Las Vegas Join the first annual international reunion of the Society of Boehringer Ingelheim Philippines ExEmployees & Representatives (SOBER) to be held on July 4-6, 2019 at Stratosphere Hotel Las Vegas, Nevada. There will be a dinner-dance, induction of officers and a fun weekend of activities! For more information, contact Ben (818) 447-1411, Osang (213) 446-7209 or Rollie Agonoy (818) 806-5446.

J U LY 6

Philippine Cultural Night at St. Paul in Chino Hills, CA The Filipino Catholics of Saint Paul the Apostles invite you to their Philippine Cultural Night on July 6 at the St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church (14085 Peyton Dr., Chino Hills, CA 91709). The program will begin at 6 p.m. Children volunteers will be performing popular folk dances. Watch Fr. Joseph Pilotin, MS, Parochial Vicar of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, dance the Tinikling as in previous cultural nights. Savor Filipino dishes while watching cultural performances. For more information, contact The Filipino Catholics president Tessie Lightholder (909) 576-4152; Email: tessielightholder@gmail.com; or vice president Edzel Fuertez (909) 519-4958; Email: edzelf@hotmail.com. We invite you to also visit the church’s website: sptacc.org.

J U LY 2 0

The Ibaan Association USA-Canada gala dinner in LA The Ibaan Association USA-Canada will hold its 32nd Annual Gala Dinner & Dance July 20, 2019 from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m. at the Hilton Los Angeles / Universal City - Ballroom A at 555 Universal Hollywood Drive, Universal City, California 91608. For reservations call Monica Benitez at (323) 697-3731 / email: monica_benitez03@yahoo.com or Irene May Villafranca at (323) 423-2299 / email: imay02@ yahoo.com. Tickets are $85 for Adults and $40 for Children (3 to 10 years old). Please make checks payable to: Ibaan Association USA-Canada and mail to: Merly Pagunsan at 5025 Heintz St. Baldwin Park, CA 91706. For sponsorship information on our 2019 Souvenir Program please contact President Noli Reyes at homesbynoli@gmail.com or call (818) 458-7888. Please RSVP by April 12, 2019.

J U LY 24 -28

40th annual Philippine Nurses Association of America National Convention in Atlanta, GA The Philippine Nurses Association of America (PNAA) will have its 40th annual national convention from July 24 to 28 at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis in Atlanta, GA, hosted by the PNA-GA chapter. More information and details TBA. To learn about the PNA-GA, please visit: https://pnaga.wildapricot.org/.

AU G U ST 1 - 9

University of the Philippines Nursing Alumni Association International Convention & Alaskan Cruise The University of the Philippines Nursing Alumni Association International, Inc. (UPNAAI) will have its 40th convention on a cruise aboard Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas. The theme will be “In the New Millennium - UPNAAI at 40: Evolving and Emerging Nursing Roles.”

On Aug. 1. it will be UPNAAI Volunteers Service Day in Seattle, then 2-9 will be a cruise from Seattle, Juneau, Skagway, Endicott Arm & Dawes, Victoria, and back to Seattle. Convention Fee $100 for Alumni in addition to cruise pricing. No convention charge for friends and family members. Contact Hours will be provided for the educational conference. For more information/to register and view cruise rates, please visit https://www.upnaai.com/.

AU G U ST 3 - 4

Travel, Trade & Consumer Expo in Carson, CA The second annual Travel, Trade & Consumer Expo is back on Saturday, August 3 and Sunday, August 4 at the SouthBay Pavilion in Carson, CA. The two-day event is Southern California’s largest B2B expo showcasing tourism, trade, and investment opportunities in the USA and Philippines. It will feature networking opportunities for business-to-business, business-to-government, and business-to-consumer. The event is powered by the Asian Journal and Balikbayan Magazine. For more information, please visit https://traveltradeconsumer.com/.

If you have an upcoming event and would like us to post it, please email us the details at info@asianjournalinc.com or calendar@asianjournalinc.com

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June 27-July 3, 2019 • lAS VeGAS ASIAn JOuRnAl

PeoPle and events

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Goodnight, Tito Eddie: Cherie emotional on first Urian win Farewell to the legend

by Ricky

caldeRon ManilaTimes.net

By Monet

Lu

PHILIPPINE Cinema has lost one of its greatest treasures. The man who has not only been an icon Philippine show business but was – more than anything – a great friend to many.

The multi-awarded actor-director Eddie Garcia passed away on Thursday at 4:55 p.m. after suffering from a neck fracture while working on a TV series, Makati Medical Center confirmed. He was 90.

Garcia is survived by his partner of 33 years, Lilibeth Romero, his stepsons Michael and Nikki Romero, and daughter Lisa Ortega.

He left behind an impressive and unforgettable legacy in a showbiz career that spanned nearly seven decades, with over 600 films to his name as an actor and film director.

Garcia’s death came just days after he was awarded the Gawad Urian for best actor for his role as a delusional military officer who tortures students in the 2018 Cinemalaya movie “ML.” Mr. Garcia portrayed the role of a retired colonel who — in a state of dementia — tortures young people in his household basement, thinking the country is still under Martial Law. Mr. Mique enjoined the audience to work towards making Mr. Garcia “a National Artist” for film.

Eduardo Verchez Garcia was born on May 2, 1929, in Juban, Sorsogon. His parents were Antonio Garcia and Vicenta Verchez.

He spent his early years in Juban.

After World War II, he was stationed as a military policeman in Okinawa, Japan. He was part of the occupation troops of the Philippine Scouts with the U.S. Army for 3 years.

In 1949, President Elpidio Quirino disbanded the troops.

Garcia would have wanted to reenlist for the U.S. Army, but he got sidetracked and joined the movies instead.

He was convinced to try out as one of the talents for director Manuel Conde, who was developing a swashbuckling film, “Siete Infantes de Lara.” After being shortlisted and eventually cast for the role, he never looked back.

Since then, his craft and gift for acting made it very clear that

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while he really wanted to become a soldier, he was destined to face the camera.

Garcia’s International Movie Database (IMDb) page lists 653 acting credits to his name from films to TV series.

Due to his Hispanic features and bearing, Garcia was typecast into playing villain roles. One of his films was named just that — Contravida (1955) by Olive La Torre.

He was so effective as a villain that he won the FAMAS (Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences) award for Best Supporting Actor for three straight years from 1957 to 1959. The same awardgiving body would eventually give Garcia six best supporting actor trophies, five best actor trophies, and five best director trophies.

“He is the only one in the history of the FAMAS to win the Best Supporting Actor trophy for three consecutive years (1957, 1958 and 1959); was the first to be inducted into the Best Supporting Actor Hall of Fame; and is the only one to have also been inducted into the Best Actor and Best Director Halls of Fame, in addition to a Lifetime Achievement Award,” Greg Macabenta’s wrote in his June 11 column in BusinessWorld.

The consummate artist that he was, he eventually ventured outside the villain role and accepted more controversial roles — he played a closeted gay family man in National Artist for Film Catalino “Lino” Brocka’s Tubog sa Ginto.

Garcia won the best actor tro-

she was named Best Supporting Actress for Mike de Leon’s comeback film “Citizen Jake.”

Cherie, who co-hosted the awards night with Manunuri member Butch Francisco, is a first time winner at the Urian although she had already received several nominations. Butch even said some of the Cherie’s relatives won the Gawad Urian ahead of her like her brothers Michael de Mesa and Mark Gil, her nephew Sid Lucero and niece Max Eigenmann, just to name a few.

What made her triumph even more memorable was the fact she was also celebrating her birthday.

In her speech, she said it is the dream of every actor to win an Urian award. In her excitement, Cherie forgot to dedicate her award to her parents Eddie Mesa and Rosemarie Gil. Winning the Best Supporting Actor was Joel Lamangan for “School Service.” Direk Joel crossed over to acting and this was his first acting award from

VIVA contract star Nadine Lustre failed to savor her winning moment as Gawad Urian Best Actress for “Never Not Love You” as she was absent at the awards night at the UP Film Institute.

She was taping for a reality show in Bulacan and she was not granted permission to attend the 42nd Gawad Urian rites. The award was her first from the Manunuri, the esteemed critics’ group. She earlier triumphed at the Young Critics Circle (which named her Best Performer) and at the Famas where she was voted Best Actress.

With her win in Urian, Nadine is hailed as the Best Actress of her generation. She is also the second youngest winner at the Urian as Best Actress at 23. Nora Aunor won her first Urian Award phy from the FAMAS for his work in 1976, also at 23. in Tubog sa Ginto. During the Meanwhile, Best Supporting period of what is commonly called Actress winner Cherie Gil became the “Second Golden Age of Phil- emotional in her speech after ippine Cinema” (the 1970s to the early 1980s) when seminal works of Nationals Artists Lino Brocka and Ishmael Bernal among others abound, Garcia was an intergral

by Ronnie caRRasco iii part of the movement.

ManilaTimes.net He was in Brocka’s Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang (1974), Eddie ONLY when his hands are full does The Times Romero’s Ganito Kami Noon, never get to catch talent manager-cum-comedian Paano Kayo Ngayon (1976) and Ogie Diaz online.

Miguelito: Ang Batang Rebelde But almost in perpetuity, Ogie pops out at the (1985), to name a few. drop of a hat whenever we bug him on Facebook He also starred in more social Messenger most especially on his career-related dramas like Gumapang Ka sa concerns.

Lusak (1990), Joel Lamangan’s Showbiz circles know too well that Ogie is Bakit May Kahapon Pa (1996) and synonymous with one of ABS-CBN’s prized gems Deathrow (2000). In Deathrow, Liza Soberano, his ward, who’s still in the U.S. for he played an aged convict who treatment of her injured finger. shielded a young prisoner from Curious about her condition, we requested Ogie harsh prison life. He won a Gawad to give us Liza’s latest medical bulletin (since we Urian for Best Actor for his work know that his recent trip to Los Angeles had a lot in the film. to do with looking after the young actress).

He was fondly called “Manoy” For all her fans to know, Liza is still being moniand has dabbled in comedy films tored after a new antibiotic has been administered as well as action flicks for much through her PICC line. of the 1980s and 1990s where To make us better understand what it meant, he acted opposite Fernando Poe, Ogie tagged a series of photos showing a patient Jr. in Kapag Puno na ang Salop (not exactly Liza) whose either arm is inserted with (1987) and its sequel, Ako ang PICC (for peripherally inserted central catheter), Huhusga (1989) which the latter a long, soft and flexible tube used to give fluids, also directed. medications and nutrients, and/or take blood Garcia’s love affair with the samples for testing. screen didn’t stop at acting as However, the PICC will have to remain attached he was also a multi-awarded to the patient for several weeks or months. director — among his directo“But God willing, Liza will come home this rial credits were Karugton ng July. But it still depends on her surgeon (the one Kahapon (1961) and Historia un administering the catheter),” Ogie told The Times, Amor (1963). His most recent thinking that the medical procedure must have directorial credit was “Abakada… been performed weeks ago.

Ina” in 2001.

While we failed to ask him when Liza would In 1969, Garcia directed be back to work — as she’s set to star in another PAGE 14 reunion teleserye with Enrique Gil on ABS-CBN

Cherie Gil

GMA photo

the Manunuri. He was Urian Best Director winner for the “The Flor Contemplacion Story” starring Nora Aunor.

Liza still in therapy for finger injury

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Liza Soberano

Photo from Instagram/@lizasoberano

and a film under Star Cinema — or maybe these plans may have to wait in the wings until the young actress will have fully recovered.

The Times couldn’t help but vividly recall the message of an English poem titled “Invictus” recited back in fourth grade. Its poet William Ernest Henley wrote it while at the hospital for treatment of his bone tuberculosis.

The poem, which ends with “I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul,” might help Liza realize that in her spiritual strength lies her triumph against all odds. Of course, next to the One up there.

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Fil-Am model Geena Rocero rewrites Playboy’s history as its first transgender API Playmate

By MoMar G. Visaya / AJPress FIVE years ago, Filipina American model Geena Rocero made a very public confession and came out of her closet in a TED Talk in Vancouver.

“The world makes you something that you’re not — but you know inside what you are,” she proclaimed.

She pointed at a picture of a boy dressed in a traditional Filipino folk dance garb and said that the boy was actually her. In less than 10 minutes, Rocero shared her journey from a pageant contestant in Manila during her teens, moving to the United States in 2005 and getting surgery in Thailand at the age of 19.

This week, Rocero officially became the first transgender Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Playboy Playmate, appearing as the centerfold of the magazine’s Gender & Sexuality issue.

“I am incredibly honored and excited, it is history making. I remember growing up in the Philippines seeing Caroline

(Tula) Cossey on Playboy in the 1990s and thinking that I wanted to be like her when I grew up,” she said during the ‘Behind the Lens’ press brunch at the Playboy Playhouse on Thursday, June 20 in New York. “Here I am now, I am a part of the Playboy family. I’m on cloud nine right now.”

Cossey posed for Playboy in 1991 for a solo pictorial and became the magazine’s first transgender women model.

“It gives me goosebumps just thinking about it. To be a part of the family, to be associated with such an iconic and progressive brand is such a big honor for me,” Rocero said.

She added, “As the first trans Asian Pacific Islander Playmate, I feel that I’m making it possible for someone to reach for their biggest dreams just like the people who came before me. I also hope that for anyone who’s been deemed ‘other’ to know that what makes you different, is your power, especially the unapologetic expression of your

sexuality, gender and the value of your unique perspective.”

Incredibly confident with her own skin, Rocero upped her Pilates training and practice and worked out whenever her schedule permitted because she knew she’d be working with highly qualified photographers and an incredible group of people from Playboy.

The shoot happened in Costa Rica last April where the Playboy team and Rocero spent four days “playing around on the beach barely wearing anything.”

Last week, the magazine’s official Instagram account (@Playboy), with 7.4 million followers, introduced Geena as an August 2019 Playmate and the post has generated almost 59,000 likes and about 250 comments.

“It was just about feeling myself, feeling confident, sensual and loved and I could not have asked for a better place to shoot,” she said. “The beautiful beach reminded me of the Philippines, this one is by the forest which spills onto the beach,

Geena Rocero moderates a panel of Playboy photographers and their experiences working with the magazine.

which was very lush.”

The Playboy team welcomed, confirmed and celebrated her, something that Rocero said she will cherish for the rest of her life.

In the Gender & Sexuality issue, Rocero wrote about her “strict Catholic upbringing in the Philippines” and being inspired by seeing transgender beauty pageants on national television.

“We spoke English in the Philippines, but when I moved to the United States at 17 and started hanging out with other teenagers, it was a totally different culture,” she explained.

She also shared her hidden talent of making “swimsuits out of natural materials, whether it’s leaves or fruits” and her love of cooking Filipino and Italian food.

“Of course, I can make a mean chicken adobo with my eyes Fil-Am model and transgender advocate Geena Rocero poses at the “Behind the Lens” event closed,” she said. at the Playboy Playhouse on Thursday, June 20 in New York City.

Rocero is shining a light on AJPress photos by Momar G. Visaya trans women and she is just thankful that the offer to do this fell on her lap like manna from heaven.

“If feminism doesn’t include the journey and spectrum of trans womanhood, I don’t want to be part of it. I’m an advocate for transfeminism!” she wrote.

She plans to use this new platform to be more visible and continue fighting for trans rights.

Since her viral TED talk in 2014, she co-founded Gender Proud, a media production company that tells stories about the global transgender community.

“Trans people are human beings who deserve respect, they need to be affirmed and celebrated. It is so important to talk about these issues, especially since we are celebrating 50 years of Stonewall Pride,” she told the audience at the talk on Thursday.

“It is a great reminder about where we have been and the absolute certainty why we still have so much to do, especially for my trans sisters, particularly the African American, my black trans sisters who are being killed in epic proportions.”

This month alone, five trans PAGE 14

Photo from Instagram/@geenarocero

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Heart talks about her China experience NaFFAA welcomes Philippine Congresswoman-elect Josal Fortuno

by MJ

MArfori

ManilaTimes.net

Officers and members of National federation of filipino American Associations (NaffAA) Nevada recently welcomed congresswoman-elect of the fifth district of camarines sur Josal fortuno and her family including her husband, incumbent congressman salvio fortuno.

The congresswoman-elect also met with some members of the filipino American community as they pledged their support for her projects in the future.

A retired teacher who went into politics, fortuno will replace her husband who is now on his last term in the same district.

Prior to becoming a congressman, salvio served as a provincial board member then vice governor of camarines sur.

DON’T worry — this one’s got good news written all over! it always does when it comes to the gorgeous multi-slashie Heart evangelista and her career conquests. from a globe trotting fashion icon, painter, dramatic actress, she’s now poised to become an action star.

Bet you did not see that coming!

Apparently, all while dropping a sold-out collab art lipstick collection with french makeup brand L’oreal and becoming the face of skin whitening product Thiocell, she was getting fit and more fab in the process in preparation for an action flick with Hollywood producers.

“The training’s been really hard. Actually, naiiyak na ako sa hirap. Action is a lot of blood, sweat and tears as they say,” Philippine showbiz’ sweetheart confessed.

The movie is still in so the title and who exactly her Hollywood producers are remain under wraps, but Heart was free to tell all about getting the part mid-2018. “i got a call from this group and they made me read live online and then nagulat nalang ako i got the lead role! i only had a few weeks to get in shape and to train kasi nga grabe ang requirements!”

Heart Evangalista Photo from Instagram/@iamhearte

she then flew to china to shoot her scenes, which went on for a month of non-stop work. But what Heart appreciated about the whole experience is how the international production had a definite work schedule that made it easier for her to plan when to rest and schedule all her other endeavors in between.

“Pagod ka pero sakto lang ‘yung pagod ko. Kasi doon you’re only going to work for 10 hours so ‘yon lang ang gagawin mo. so kahit mabigat na mabigat yung eksena, pagod ka pero hindi na-

man ‘yung parang hindi mo na kaya. “ Meanwhile, her calendar’s next big event is Paris fashion Week in september, after which she will jump right into shooting the action movie’s second book even if the other one’s still in prod!

Thankfully for Heart, she’s already getting used to the intense demands of the action genre and hardly asks for body doubles to do her risky scenes. “i only have a double kapag kunwari may basagan ng totoong bubog but still, they really want you to be the one to do it so sugatan ako at naiiyak pa rin,” she giggled. “But you know what?

When i saw the rushes, it was really rewarding.” if she had an action star peg, Heart says it would be Jennifer Lawrence. “i really like her and all the action movies she’s done before. i like her kasi kahit pumapatay siya parang meron siyang guilt.

But with this, it was really more of how to punch, kick and all that.” finally asked how her husband, graduating senator and sorsogon governor-elect reacted to her latest achievement, she replied, “He was so proud of me kasi out of character ‘yung ginawa ko. Siya rin iniiyakan ko pag nahihirapan ako kasi na-homesick din ako. it was just really hotel-studio-hotel for me then and no time to do anything else.”

Ian: ‘Music colors my world’ by tessA

ArriolA ManilaTimes.net

Eddie named Urian Best Actor two days before death

by Arlo

Custodio ManilaTimes.net

Eddie Garcia

fOr his role in the movie “ML” as a retired Metrocom colonel suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, veteran actor eddie Garcia was named Best Actor by the Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino in the 2019 Gawad Urian two days before his passing.

The awards were held on June 18 at the University of the Philippines (UP) film institute. “ML” was an entry to the 14th cinemalaya independent film festival in August 2018 and won the actor the same honors. it had a commercial run in November of the same year.

Garcia, 90, who was comatose since June 8 when the Urian was ManilaTimes.net photo held, following an accident on the

set of a TV series won over Tony Labrusca, who played the role of the student he tortured in the movie; christian Bables in “signal rock;” Dingdong Dantes in “sid And Aya: Not A Love story;” Victor Neri in “A short History Of A few Bad Things;” carlo Aquino in “Meet Me At st. Gallen;” Dante rivero in “Kung Paano Hinihintay Ang Dapithapon;” Ketchup eusebio in “Mamang;” and Miyuki Kamimura in “Tanabata’s Wife.”

He was nominated for the the same category for his role in “Hintayan Ng Langit.” in 2000, Garcia won his first Gawad Urian also as Best Actor for the movie “Deathrow” then honored by the critics circle with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006.

Goodnight, Tito Eddie: Farewell...

PAGE 12

“Pinagbuklod ng Langit,” a biopic about former President ferdinand e. Marcos, which won him his first Best Director award from fAMAs. in 1978, he directed “Atsay,” which won Best Picture at the Metro Manila film festival.

Atsay starred Nora Aunor.

When the new millennium came, Garcia once again reinvented himself, this time as a supporter of independent cinema. He starred in raymond red’s Anino, which won the grand prize in the short film category at the cannes film festival in 1999 and in rica

Arevalo’s “icU Bed #7” where he won best actor in the first cinemalaya film festival in 2005. some of his last works were “ML” (2018) by Benedict Mique Jr., “Hintayan ng Langit” (2018)

by Dan Villegas and “rainbow’s sunset” (2018) by Joel Lamangan.

“Tito eddie” has contributed so much to the Philippine cinema.

His passing is a great loss to the industry. Nevertheless, his legacy remains and no matter what happens there can only be one eddie “Manoy” Garcia. He will be missed but never forgotten.

PAGE 13 women of color have been reported killed, bringing the number to 10 this year.

“Let’s look at those figures and remind ourselves why we need to be more vocal about this and there should be more media reports about it and it affects everybody, their families and their communities,” she added.

Looking at the print copy of Playboy with her photos for the first time was quite a surreal experience for rocero. even with the magazine in her hand, there was a moment where she could not believe her eyes. “i have to speak about caroline Tula cossey because that was so critical for me. What a full circle moment, i was this young trans girl living in Manila and dreaming of one day

becoming a model like caroline and to now, be the one hopefully giving that inspiration to young trans girls, not just in the Philippines but all over the world,” she said, wearing a big smile on her face. “Their identities matter, they should pursue who they are. There’s nothing wrong with them, just keep being themselves.”

Playboy Magazine featured its first transgender Playmate, french model ines rau, back in 2017. “i never thought this day would come,” rocero said.

“When i did TeDTalks, it was a significant moment in my life to free myself and express myself truly in the most authentic way and so many opportunities have been given to me after that.”

More than just baring her

My condolences to the family and friends of Tito eddie.

Goodnight Tito eddie, you are a TrUe legend. *** Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, award-winning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is known as an all-around artiste who produces sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns. Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary allnatural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration . To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at monetsalon@aol.com

Fil-Am model Geena Rocero rewrites... body, rocero also bared her soul.

“There’s nothing more powerful than being comfortable in your own skin. There are criticisms saying that it is sexualizing the body. No, it is about ownership of your sexuality.

What is more powerful than us human beings in our most natural state of being. We were all born naked,” she said. for her critics and bashers, rocero shrugged and said she’d rather focus on her advocacies than think about what others think of her.

“They will always have their opinion. for me, this is a moment of celebration and i know i am surrounded by people who love and celebrate me. When one wins in our community, everybody wins,” she said.

JUsT over a year since he found the courage to reveal his musical side with a major concert, ian Veneracion — one of the day’s most noted dramatic actors — is at it again and raring to go. since bursting into showbiz as a child star in the ‘80s [via Joey de Leon’s iconic sitcom “Joey and son”], Veneracion had hidden his talent for playing classical piano and guitar, composing and singing but nurtured and savored music every day of his life.

“Music has always been part of my life but career-wise, acting came first and i concentrated on being an actor. i didn’t want to do the all-around talent type of thing. it was that simple,” he told The Times in a previous interview.

Having proven himself a worthy actor both on television and the movies, Veneracion, now 44, decided last year his fans and the industry would be kinder to him, and forgiving even, if his attempt at singing publicly went south.

Happily, April 2018’s “ian in Three Acts” became such a success that the rest of the year saw the actor in show after show, not just on the home front but even in canada and all over North America. “i can’t even put to words the feeling i had at the end of that first concert — hindi mo na mauulit yun eh,” the handsome mestizo recalled for the The Times.

“Natatakot ka na baka hindi mo matawid and when i did, ang sarap ng feeling at hindi naman ako inatake sa puso,” he added laughing.

Based on audience reaction, Veneracion didn’t just survive the big reveal that he is a singer and musician too, but he actually aced it, proven now more than ever that his major concert for 2019 has no less than OPM royalty, singer-songwriter Ogie Alcasid as

Ian Veneracion

producer.

“This one’s called ‘ian: in color,’ and to have Ogie and [h[his wife]egine [V[Velasquez]ehind it… it’s a validation that i should continue to share my music. imagine, sila yung tinitingala sa OPM and they’re producing my show and both guesting in it? i feel really good about it,” he said gratefully.

Music moods Now a legitimate concert performer, Veneracion is all the more eager to whip out his diverse musicality in “ian: in color.”

“The concert’s title is ‘in color’ because it will show how i try to play songs in a different light evoking different kinds of moods; different kinds of shades. i guess you can liken it to flavors of ice cream — you pick a particular flavor depending on your mood right?” he chuckled again.

And unlike his first concert, which was staged in a huge venue, this two-night performance will have a totally different approach at the Music Museum.

“Naturally it will be more intimate, hence more interactive. Plus the arrangements of the songs are something i would describe as musically more playful.”

His musical influences, while di-

Photo from Instagram/@ianveneracion1

verse, are what Veneracion would describe as “old school.”

“There’s sting, U2, eric clapton, The eagles, Peter frampton and fra Lippo Lippi to name a few, but of course, i’ll be singing the songs with my own interpretation and making them my own.

Otherwise, what’s the point? if i try to sound like them, the audience might as well listen to the originals, di’ba?”

To give the cozy huddle at the New Order Urban Lounge Bar in Ortigas [w[where this interview took place] taste of what he means, Veneracion casually picked up an acoustic guitar, and, sans a microphone or any other equipment, strummed the chords to “Baby, i Love Your Way” singing both unaffectedly and effectively.

His voice is honest — relaxed, purely his own, and soulful and passionate. “i sing because i really enjoy live performances. At the risk of sounding mayabang, it’s not about the money. Whether it’s in front of a big crowd or just jamming with friends, i’ve come to terms with the fact that i can’t psychologically survive without music. Just like in other art forms, music is its own reward,” he ended.

Mariel shares details of baby no. 2 with Robin “iT’s showtime” TV host Mariel rodriguez-Padilla was not expecting to have another baby with actor robin Padilla until their firstborn, isabella, turns three. “i really wanted a second child, but the plan was when isabella was three, that’s when we’ll start trying,” the TV host shared.

“And then i was surprised na wala pa s’yang three, maagang binigay ni God. it’s a blessing that i’m grateful for,” Mariel told Philstar.com in an interview.

“My husband was not expecting it also, so we’re shocked.”

Her initial reaction upon learning that she is expecting was how isabella would react to it. “i was in tears because i was worried how isabella would react.

Kasi sanay s’ya na she’s the sun and the moon, the world in the house. she’s the princess, she’s the queen, everything.”

But Mariel knows that isabella would be able to accept and adapt. “eventually, she’ll be okay. i know i’m just worrying.”

While she considers isabella as her personal gift, she believes the second child is God’s gift especially for isabella.

“A lot of them are saying na sana this time it’s a boy. Ako naman okay lang sa’kin ang boy para may isa pang boy si robin,” shared Mariel.

“Pero kasi ‘pag girl, panalo pa rin ako. Ako kasi i have a sister and

iba ‘yung bond ng sisters. Di ba, iba ‘yung meron kang kapatid, eh. so, thank you God for this blessing!” she also considers her second pregnancy to be more relaxed and less expensive that her first. she was rushed to the hospital at least twice from the “it’s showtime” studio during her pregnancy with isabella.

“Kasi with isabella, nag-iinsulin din ako,” shared Mariel, who still gets her heparin injections every day to avoid blood clots. But this time around, she has no gestational diabetes.

“Mas madali ito at mas mura!” she kidded. she, however, did not experience morning sickness or skin darkening during her pregnancy with both kids.

“Pero for a time, sobra akong nahihilo. As in! i was so dizzy.

There came a time na ‘di ko pa nasasabi sa madlang people. so i’ve been working with my head spinning around pero kailangan mag-function. so ‘yun lang ‘yung difficulty, pero maliit lang,” she recalled. in addition to her usual beauty and fitness regimen, Mariel is now into the habit of putting lotion like cetaphil on her stomach for less stretch marks. she clarified that she did not plan to reveal her pregnancy during Mother’s Day. she only announced it on Mother’s Day because she was waiting until her first trimes-

Mariel Rodriguez with husband Robin Padilla Photo from Instagra/@marieltpadilla

ter was over before she made the revelation. “i’ll work as much as i can, definitely. i will take some time off, for sure,” said Mariel, whose due date for her yet unnamed baby is November 17.

“Ako, i’m just so grateful. i’m able to be the mother that i am, i am able to be the host that i am, i am able to be the granddaughter that i am, all that’s because of robin,” Mariel shared.

“Because robin is the husband that he is, alam mo ‘yon? Nagagawa ko lahat ng gusto kong gawin because of him, and so i’m so thankful for that and i’m so thankful for everything that he does for us. Thank you so much for loving isabella, for always putting her needs first.” (Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo/ Philstar.com)

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