Volume 18 - No. 17 • 2 Sections – 16 Pages
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
Volume 18 - No. 30 • 2 Sections – 16 Pages
T H E F I L I P I N O A M E R I CA N C O M M U N I T Y N E WS PA P E R
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AUGUST 9-15, 2019
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Supreme Court lifts TRO on Mamasapano trial
DATELINE Advocates respond to USCIS plan to cut parole for family of Filipino WWII vets Graft, ursupation trial vs Aquino and others can now proceed FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
FILIPINO American veteran organizations are decrying the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announcement to terminate the pathway that reunited Filipino World War II veterans with their families. USCIS on Friday, August 2 said that it plans to cease the Filipino World War II Veterans Parole program in line with President Donald Trump’s 2017 executive order on border security and immigration enforcement that called for determining parole on a “case-bycase basis.” Maj. Gen. Antonio Taguba, national chairman of the Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project, said the pronouncement is an “egregious act of injustice and discrimina-
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Cesar Sayoc, Fil-Am who mailed pipe bombs, sentenced to 20 years in prison
by RITCHEL
MENDIOLA AJ Press
THE PHILIPPINE Supreme Court on Wednesday, August 7, has lifted the temporary restraining order on the Mamasapano trial, paving the way for the Sandiganbayan to rule on the plea of Ombudsman Samuel Martires to withdraw the criminal charges filed by his predecessor Conchita Carpio Morales
against former President Benigno Aquino III. “For those asking and upon verification with the Chief Justice, I would like to confirm that the Supreme Court has lifted the TRO on the Mamasapano trial before the Sandiganbayan,” SC spokesman Brian Keith Hosaka said in a text message. Aquino, as well as former Philippine National Police chief Alan Purisima, and former PNP-SAF director Getulio Napeñas, Jr., are all facing graft
and usurpation charges filed in 2017 before the Sandiganbayan in connection with the Jan. 25, 2015 Mamasapano incident which resulted in the death of 60 individuals, including 44 members of the Special Action Force (SAF). Relatives and family members of the SAF commandos, collectively known as SAF44, filed a petition with the Supreme Court asking that Aquino
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PH visa to be stamped on passports of Chinese nationals by PATRICIA LOURDES Philstar.com
VIRAY
THE Filipino American man who pled guilty in March for mailing inoperative pipe bombs to high-profile Democrat leaders and public figures was sentenced on Monday, August 5, to 20 years in prison and five years of supervised release. In reading the sentence, U.S. District Judge Jed Rakoff concluded that Cesar Sayoc, 57, made a “conscious choice” to design bombs that would not explode. “He hated his victims, he wished them no good,” said U.S. District Judge Jed Rakoff.
THE Philippine visa will now be stamped on passports of Chinese nationals wishing to enter the country. President Rodrigo Duterte has approved Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr.’s proposal to replace the practice of putting the visa on a piece of paper, presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said. Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra, meanwhile, vowed that the Department of Justice will monitor the stay of Chinese tourists in the country. During the Cabinet meeting Monday night, August 5, Guevarra assured the president that the DOJ will implement immigration measures should the Chinese nationals
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NEW LEADERS. President Rodrigo Duterte administers the oath to the newly elected officers of the League of Provinces of the Philippines during a ceremony at the Malacañang Palace on Tuesday, August 6. During the ceremony, the president assured the local leaders of equal distribution of government money particularly on infrastructure spending. He also made an assurance that he would defend local officials from prosecution and harassment similar to the protection he has extended to the members of the police and the military for as long as those are in connection with the performance of their duties. Malacañang photo by Richard Madelo
DOH declares national dengue epidemic Sandiganbayan junks P102 billion forfeiture case vs Marcoses, 11 others by AJPRESS
by NEIL IRWIN
MERCADO
Inquirer.net
THE Sandiganbayan has dismissed the P102 billion civil forfeiture case against late former President Ferdinand Marcos, former First Lady Imelda Marcos, and 11 other co-accused. In a ruling dated August 5, the anti-graft court said that the Presidential Commission on Good Governance (PCGG) “miserably failed” in presenting evidence to hold the former President and the former First Lady liable of the following: • Participated in extending loan accommodation to Aklan Bulk Carriers Inc., Coron Bulk Carriers Inc., Fuga Bulk Carriers Inc., and
THE Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday, August 6, declared a national dengue epidemic amid the rising cases of the mosquito-borne disease that has so far claimed at least 622 lives since January throughout the Philippines. According to Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, the declaration was needed to speed up response. “It is important that a national epidemic be declared in these areas to identify where a localized response is needed and to enable the local government units to use their quick response fund to address the epidemic situation,” he said during a press conference at the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) in Camp Aguinaldo. The announcement came following the national dengue alert that DOH issued three weeks the country makes him nervous. ninyo ngayon (I’m still thinking ago. He said he is afraid that a lot of about ISIS and that makes me Defense Secretary DelFilipino will lose their lives if ISIS nervous. I am not a person who is fin Lorenzana, as chair of the easily swayed but you see what’s NDRRMC, said he has issued a enters the Philippines. “Meron po akong ISIS at ito happening on CNN or on You- memorandum circular urging all yung nagbibigay sa akin ng kaba Tube, wherever you are),” said agencies of NDRRMC “to support talaga. I am not a person easily Duterte in a speech in Malaca- the nationwide dengue epidemic swayed itong mga dito, but… na- ñang Monday evening. response.” “Ang tinatakutan ko yung (What kikita naman niyo, nababasa na“Lahat nung mga member ng man ninyo — CNN, you go to You- I’m scared of is)… just like Iraq, NDRRMC na agencies (All memTube, wherever you are — makita u PAGE A3 ber agencies of the NDRRMC) Ecija Bulk Carriers Inc. • Appropriated, for their own benefit and unjust enrichment, income and revenues derived from the operations of RPN-9, IBC-13, and BBC-2. • Allowed their 11 co-accused to hold and launder purloined funds for and in their behalf prior to remittance and credit to their overseas of foreign accounts. • Participated in the establishment of the California Overseas Bank. “It saddens the Court that it took more than 30 years before this case is submitted for decision and yet, the prosecution failed to present sufficient evidence to sustain any of the causes of action against the remaining defendants,” the
anti-graft court said in its ruling. Sandiganbayan added that the parties must also rely from its own evidence and not rely on the weaknesses of the other parties’ defense. “Wherefore, premises considered, for failure of the plaintiff to prove by preponderance of evidence any of the causes of action against defendants Ferdinand E. Marcos, Imelda Marcos, Rafael Sison, Placido Mapa, Jr., Don M. Ferry, Jose R. Tengco, Jr., Ramon Monzon, Generosa C. Olazo, Cynthia Cheong, Ma. Luisa E. Nograles, Leopoldo Vergara, Jose L. Africa and Rodolfo Arambulo, the case against them is hereby dismissed,” the anti-graft court said. ■
Duterte prays: Spare PH from ISIS attacks by RITCHEL
MENDIOLA AJ Press
PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Monday, August 5, admitted that he has been praying to God to spare the Philippines from possible attacks by the Islamic State (ISIS). According to him, the thought of the extremist group harming
Health Secretary Francisco Duque III (left), Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Fortunato de la Peña (right), and National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) Executive Director, Undersecretary Ricardo Jalad, pose with a mascot during the press briefing of “Sabayang 4 o’clock habit para Deng-Get Out”, held at Camp Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Tuesday, August 6. PNA photo by Joey O. Razon
will now support the efforts of the a national emergency or state of DOH to stop this epidemic, elimi- calamity had not been declared due to the disease only affecting nate this epidemic,” he said. u PAGE A2 Lorenzana also explained that
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AUGUST 9-15, 2019 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL
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From the Front Page
SC lifts TRO on Mamasapano... Cesar Sayoc, Fil-Am who mailed pipe... In June, Martires moved to withdraw the graft and usurpation charges against Aquino, saying the charges filed by Morales had been denounced as “weak.� Sandiganbayan Associate Justice Alex Quiroz in July said the anti-graft court will have to wait
PAGE A1 be charged with reckless imprudence resulting in homicide instead. Homicide carries a maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment, while graft carries 15 years and usurpation, four years and two months.
for the SC to lift the TRO before it could act on the Ombudsman’s motion. In February 2018, the SC’s First Division issued the TRO against the Ombudsman and the Sandiganbayan, just before Aquino, Purisima and Napeùas were set to be arraigned. n
PH visa to be stamped on passports... foreign nationals working in the Philippines then,� he also said then. “We need to put an end to visas upon arrival; all visas should be issued by consular offices after vetting. We must take extra care in outsourcing any part of the visa application process, picking only the most reputable worldwide,� Locsin tweeted July 31 This was in response to the remarks of National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. that he considers the influx of Chinese nationals in the country as a threat. n
sas upon arrival scheme. “We saw a rise in the number of foreign nationals in the previous years due to emerging industries such as the online gaming industry,� Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente said in May, referring to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators, where 138,001 foreign nationals are employed based on data from the BI and the Department of Labor and Employment. “Issues and challenges only appear now. This has never been a problem in the past because of the relatively smaller number of
PAGE A1 exceed their allowable stay in the country. Last week, Justice Undersecretary Mark Perete bared that the Bureau of Immigration has been reviewing the visa upon arrival privilege of foreigners entering the Philippines. According to Perete, there have been informal recommendations to review the scheme to address the loopholes in the system. The Immigration bureau has been reviewing the mechanism as early as about a month before Locsin suggested ending the vi-
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PAGE A1 “But he was not so lost as to wish them dead, at least not by his own hand.� Sayoc was charged with 65 felony counts from four sets of charges after he mailed 16 explosive packages to 13 political targets including former President Barack Obama, former Vice President President Joe Biden, and current 2020 presidential candidate Sen. Kamala Harris. On Monday, Sayoc apologized and told the court, “I am beyond so very sorry for what I did.� “Now that I am a sober man, I know I was a very sick man. I should have listened to my mother, the love of my life. She told me to get help,� he added. Other targets of the mailed explosives included public figures like actor Robert Deniro and billionaire George Soros, as well as the CNN offices in Atlanta and New York. A list of over 100 names were also found in Sayoc’s van, which was covered in political images and stickers of Trump and Vice President Mike Pence. In pleading guilty in March, Sayoc said that while the devices were “intended to look like pipe bombs,� he had no intention for them to detonate, but was aware of the possibility that they could. “I wish more than anything I could turn back time and take back what I did,� he said on Monday. “With all my heart and soul, I feel the pain and suffering of these victims and I will be apologizing to them for the rest of my life.�
Seeking to get Sayoc a minimum sentence of 121 months or 10 years, Sayoc’s defense attorneys in the weeks leading up to his sentencing, pointed to a troubled childhood, mental illness, and steroid abuse. In a 39-page sentencing memo, Sayoc’s attorneys said that a “series of traumatic events� including abandonment by his father and sexual abuse by his Catholic school teacher as a child, pushed Sayoc “further and further into the margins of society� before finding a “sense of ommunity� among ardent Trump supporters. Assistant Federal Defender Ian Marcus Amelkin again on Monday highlighted Sayoc’s mental health and steroid use as having played a part in Sayoc’s actions and political radicalization. “We believe that the president’s rhetoric contributed to Mr. Sayoc’s actions in this offense,� said Amelkin. He said, “It is impossible to separate the political climate and his mental illness when it comes to the slow boil.� Prosecutors on the other hand, sought a life sentence and highlighted that in addition to planning and mailing the IEDs, real and highly dangerous components were used in making them. They also pointed to Sayoc’s previous run-ins with the law, including a 2002 conviction for making bomb threats, as justification for seeking a life sentence. On Monday, Assistant U.S. Attorney Jane Kim said that Sayoc’s
Cesar Sayoc Jr. Photo courtesy of the Broward County Sheriff
plan was to “deter and chill political activity� and that Sayoc “set out to terrorise people.� “Politics cannot justify a terrorist attack,� she added. Though not agreeing to a life sentence, Rakoff described the defense team’s focus on Trump’s and his supporters’ influence as a “sideshow.� ‘What counts is what he did, and what he intended at the time that he did it,� said Rakoff, further describing Sayoc’s actions as “by any measure, horrendous.� The decision to sentence Sayoc to 20 years as “no more� and “no less� than what he deserved,� said Rakoff. “While none of the devices exploded, at the very least, they were intended to strike fear and terror into the minds of their victims and to intimidate those victims (mostly prominent political figures) from exercising their freedom,� wrote Rakoff in his opinion. (Rae Ann Varona/AJPress) n
DOH declares national dengue... * "9
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PAGE A1 select areas. “May mga areas na malaki, mas malaki ang tama, may mga maliliit (There are areas that are worse affected, others not so much). It’s up to the provinces and towns to declare their own state of calamity,� he said. Duque noted that 146,062 dengue cases were recorded nationwide from Jan. 1 to July 20 — a figure that is twice the recorded cases (73,818) during the same period last year. Based on a DOH dengue surveillance report, Western Visayas had the most number of cases at 23,330, followed by Calabarzon with 16,515. Zamboanga Peninsula reported 12,317 cases;
Northern Mindanao, 11,455; and SOCCSKSARGEN, 11,083 cases. Meanwhile, the seven regions that have exceeded the epidemic threshold are Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol, Western Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula and Northern Mindanao. Ilocos, Central Visayas and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, on the other hand, are the regions that have exceeded the alert threshold. A risk A group of doctors, scientists and health professionals on Thursday, Aug. 1, urged the government to lift the ban on Dengvaxia vaccine due to the
surge in dengue cases. Dengvaxia was banned in 2017 after Sanofi Pasteur, its manufacturer, disclosed that the vaccine could cause severe dengue in patients with no prior exposure to the virus. Duque, for his part, pointed out that Dengvaxia was not costeffective at P1,000 per dose. “It is not recommended for mass vaccination because there is no reliable test that would establish prior dengue infection. If there is, this particular test crossreacts with several other viruses,� the health secretary said. “Who knows that severe dengue reaction will not occur in a particular individual? So there’s a risk,� he added. n
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NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • AUGUST 9-15, 2019
A
Advocates respond to USCIS plan... PAGE A1 tion.” “This is another broken promise against our veterans. It is senseless and totally unacceptable to terminate a program that would have allowed children to rejoin their parents,” Taguba said. “It is patently arbitrary and unjust to target aging and ailing veterans who only have a few years to live.” The administration said it will stop the categorical process and determine per case if the parole has “urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit” consistent with the Immigration and Nationality Act. “In a time where the Trump administration often questions the patriotism of others, we question where is that patriotism now for our veterans? When America needed them, our Filipino World War II veterans fought and sacrificed…Parole authority is provided when there is significant public benefit or an urgent humanitarian reason. The public benefit of our WWII Filipino veterans was met in their service to the country nearly 80 years ago,” Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC, an organization that advocated for the parole program, said in a statement following Friday’s announcement. The Filipino World War II Veterans Parole program, which was rolled out in 2016 under then-President Barack Obama, expedited the process for certain family members of the veterans — who are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents — to come to the country. While waiting for their immi-
grant visas to be issued, these relatives could provide immediate support and care for the aging veterans, given that visa wait times for Filipino American families can exceed 20 years. As of June 21, 301 Filipinos have received travel documents under the parole program since 2016 and 75 cases are still pending adjudication as of March 31, USCIS spokesperson Maria Elena Upson told the Asian Journal in an email. Among the program’s beneficiaries is 89-year-old Rudy Panaglima of Arlington, Virginia, whose two adult children were able to come to the U.S. from the Philippines in 2018 to care for him and his late wife before she passed away. “We served under the American flag, and yet we continue to be treated as if our sacrifices don’t matter,” Panaglima said, recalling the 1946 Rescission Act that denied Filipino war veterans benefits. “Who are we that the president should think less of us?” Justice for Filipino American Veterans national coordinator Art Garcia said the Filipino American community “can never forget this transgression” and should consider policies like this during the upcoming election cycle. While the phase-out of the program is not yet final, families who have benefited will be covered until it expires in June 2021, “unless otherwise terminated,” USCIS said. The agency also suggested that it may allow a 90-day transition period for beneficiaries who have not adjusted their status after the parole expires.
PAGE A1t Syria na maraming inosenteng taong nadadali (where a lot of innocent people died). Talagang ako’y nagdarasal, I’m praying, I really pray, talagang lumuluhod ako sa Diyos na (I really kneel in front of God) to spare us the kind of brutality and cruelty in our country because it will really be bloody. Bloody as it can ever be,” he added. However, Duterte assured that he will not go down without fighting. “Ayaw kong mag-umpisa. Ayaw ko naman sa panahon ko na gagawin mo sa akin ‘yan. Do it some other time pero ‘wag sa akin. Hindi talaga ako papayag at hindi ako magpalugi (I don’t want to start it. I don’t want it to happen within my term because I will not allow it and I will not go down without a fight),” he stated. Threats of Islamic State mili-
tants began when local terror group Maute pledged allegiance to ISIS and laid siege to Marawi City. The attack led Duterte to declare Martial law in Mindanao on May 23, 2017. Over the weekend, a supposed leaked alert memo issued to intelligence units in Northern Luzon ordered intelligence units of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)-Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) to confirm a report on a “Crusader City” in their area of operation that are “being targeted for terror attack.” A crusader city, according to the memo, is a term used by ISIS to describe a “target area” to fuel a supposed war between Muslims and Christians. The AFP, for its part, clarified Monday that there were no verified terror attacks in cities in Northern Luzon. It added that the memo was authentic but it contained raw information. n
Duterte prays: Spare PH...
Palace slams New York Times editorial vs Duterte
Photo courtesy of malacanang.gov.ph by Ritchel
Mendiola AJPress
MALACAñANG on Saturday, August 3, slammed the New York Times (NYT) for spreading “false information” about the Duterte administration. In the NYT’s editorial entitled “In the fight to save the planet, its defenders are being killed,” the publication cited a survey by rights group Global Witness that named the Philippines as the most dangerous country for land and environmental activists. According to presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo, the editorial was “not surprising” since the newspaper “has been dishing out false information and untruthful narratives on the Philippine situation” under President Rodrigo Duterte’s leadership. “The American publication has not exerted the research required of responsive journalism. Neither did it conduct an in-depth independent study on such a delicate subject-matter,” he said in a statement. “The NYT has the reckless habit of relying mainly on false facts regarding this administration’s campaign against illegal drugs and the causes of murders occurring in the land areas of the country, peddled by the communist rebels and their supporting leftleaning organizations, as well as the political opposition,” Panelo
added. The spokesman pointed out that communists were to blame for the high number of land defenders’ killings, not the government. “Global Witness made it appear that it is the government which is to blame for the situation, while failing or omitting to factor the local communist movement and armed conflicts as critical components thereof,” Panelo said. “It has not considered the fact that many of our local authorities, security forces and even tribal leaders died protecting land rights against communist insurgents who want to control these areas. Necessarily, the president had to undertake measures to maintain peace and order in the affected localities,” he added. Panelo also defended Duterte after the NYT editorial called him “brutal.” “The president is not brutal. He does not allow any law enforcer to use savage methods in enforcing the law. Anyone who goes against police protocols in effecting arrest and complying with court orders are prosecuted administratively and criminally,” Panelo said. “The president is very strict in enforcing the law. No friendship, alliances or blood relationship temper nor impede this enforcement. No one is spared from the harsh application of the law,” he added. n
Some immigration lawyers are suggesting that families in the meantime look for alternatives for lawfully staying in the country. “Those beneficiaries of the program should proactively seek other avenues of lawful presence, including through more general parole programs, and other nonimmigrant status until their priority date becomes current, at which point they can seek adjustment of status through their veteran family member’s petition. They should also explore other family and employment-based avenues to obtain permanent residence,” Darrick Tan, an attorney in Los Angeles who has advised several cases on the parole program, told the Asian Journal. USCIS’ announcement on Friday also affects the Haitian Family Reunification Parole program. Estimates show that there are currently less than 6,000 Filipino World War II veterans still living in the United States. In recent years, there have been multiple efforts to honor the remaining veterans, including the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation Act in 2009, which rewarded a one-time lump sum payment to these veterans and their families. Before leaving office, Obama also signed a measure that awarded them with the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian honor given by Congress. The Filipino Veterans Family Reunification Act was introduced in both the House and Senate this past May to expedite the visa process for children of Filipino World War II veterans. (Christina M. Oriel /AJPress) n
ASPIRING PUBLIC SERVANTS. Examinees locate their room assignment before taking the Career Service Examination-Pen and Paper Test at San Francisco High School in Bago Bantay, Quezon City on Sunday, August 4. According to CSC, a total of 276,819 examinees nationwide will take the CSE-PPT this month. PNA photo by Joey O. Razon
With less than half of eligible Fil-Am voters registered in California, civic engagement project seeks to change that by Rae
ann VaRona AJPress
FILIPINOS are one of the largest Asian populations in the United States with a population exceeding four million. In California alone, 1.6 million Filipino Amercans all the state home, making them the largest Asian American and Pacific Islander group. Yet despite the large numbers, Fil-Ams lack in civic engagement and political representation. Of the 19,432,609 registered voters in California, only 396,000 or 33 percent are Fil-Am. Furthermore,
there is only one Fil-Am in the California state Legislature — Assemblymember Rob Bonta — but none in the state Senate. In comes the Filipino Voter Empowerment Project (FVEP), a nonpartisan project that was founded in 2017 as a spinoff to efforts done by the Pilipino Workers Center (PWC) on increasing civic education and participation in elections among Fil-Ams. Running the project are Aquilina Soriano-Versoza, the founder and current Executive of the PWC; Alex De Ocampo, a philanthropic advisor for the Saban Family Foun-
dation; and Marco Meneghin, who has worked as a communications consultant, speech writer, and political advisor in government and nonprofits. “At the end of the day, you want your community to be there when decisions are being made and when legislation is being drafted. That’s going to impact the community, and it’s vital that we have representation,” De Ocampo told the Asian Journal. “When you look at what’s happening across America with voter disenfranchisement, a lot of peo-
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AUGUST 9-15, 2019 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL
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Pinoys abroad to get voter ID
DENG-GET OUT. Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Francisco Duque III (left), Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Fortunato de la Peña (right), and National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) Executive Director, Undersecretary Ricardo Jalad, pose with a mascot during the press briefing of “Sabayang 4 o’clock habit para Deng-Get Out”, held at Camp Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Tuesday, August 6. The DOH has declared a national dengue epidemic in wake of the 146,062 cases recorded since January to July 20 this year. PNA photo by Joey O. Razon
With less than half of eligible Fil-Am voters registered...
James Jimenez, spokesman for the Comelec, reported the poll body’s plan to issue IDs to Filipino overseas absentee voters. Philstar.com photo by Boy Santos PAGE A3 t by Mayen JayMalin
ers. It’s almost OK,” he said. According to Jimenez, there is a high demand from Filipinos FILIPINOS abroad may soon abroad for the issuance of voter be getting voter identification ID. “Since the population of overcards, an official of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) an- seas absentee voters is small, we thought we can have the IDs ininounced Monday, August 5. James Jimenez, spokesman for tially,” he said. Jimenez said the poll body is the Comelec, reported the poll body’s plan to issue IDs to Fili- not inclined to do the same for local voters. pino overseas absentee voters. He noted that the Comelec is “There is preliminary talk to start issuing ID for overseas vot- considering plans to tie up the
voter ID with the national ID system. But he admitted that the Comelec received information that the government does not intend to incorporate the voter ID into the national ID. “The commission is aware of the shape and form of the national ID,” Jimenez said. The Comelec stopped the printing and distribution of voter ID in 2012 amid plans to tie up with the national ID system. n
Watkins and top administrator Ron Watkins are residing in the country. He also said that shutting down the website is possible, depending on what the anti-cybercrime operatives find against the father and son duo. “It depends on what server or provider they are using. We have to conduct verification and intelligence build up based on the findings, especially if it is operated locally,” the PNP chief said during a media briefing. 8chan was launched in 2013 by Fredrick Brennan as an alternative to 4chan after policies deterring gamers from posting personal information and planning attacks were implemented on the site. U.S. Army veteran Jim Watkins, who was already then residing in Manila, offered assistance
to Brennan after 8chan kept on going offline due to exceeded bandwidth limits or offensive content. In 2014, Brennan accepted Watkins’ offer and moved to the Philippines to work with him. A year later, he gave Watkins full control over the site. The New York Times on Sunday released an article about Brennan, who stopped working with Watkins in 2018, demanding 8chan’s closure. “Shut the site down. It’s not doing the world any good. It’s a complete negative to everybody except the users that are there. And you know what? It’s a negative to them, too. They just don’t realize it,” Brennan said in an interview. Watkins, on the other hand, resisted the calls to moderate or shut down the site. n
Philstar.com
PNP checking if website 8chan used by Texan gunman is run from PH by AJPress
PHILIPPINE National Police Chief General Oscar Albayalde on Tuesday, August 6, said they are verifying that controversial website 8chan is operated in the Philippines. 8chan is an online messaging board that has been used by anonymous users to share extremist messages. Prior to the mass shooting in El Paso, Texas that killed 22 people and injured 24 others over the weekend, a user identifying himself as a gunman posted a four-page message encouraging his “brothers” on the site to spread the contents far and wide. According to Albayalde, he has ordered the Anti-Cybercrime Division to monitor 8chan, after reports said its owner Jim
UK warns citizens vs travel on ferries, boats in Philippines by Gaea
Katreena Philstar.com
CabiCo
THE United Kingdom urged its citizens to avoid travel on ferries and passenger boats in the Philippines following the IloiloGuimaras Strait maritime mishap last weekend. The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office updated its travel advisory on the Philippines Monday, August 6, and warned against sea travel. It advised its citizens to avoid travel on ferries and passenger, particularly from June to December—when the country is frequently hit by tropical cyclones. “They are often overloaded, may lack necessary lifesaving equipment or be inadequately maintained and have incomplete passenger manifests,” UK FCO said. It added: “Storms can develop quickly and maritime rescue services in the Philippines may be limited.” Squalls or sudden violent gusts of wind tipped over three wooden-hulled outriggers in the Iloilo-Guimaras Strait on Sat-
urday as the rest of the country was affected by rains induced by the seasonal southwest monsoon winds or habagat. The death toll from the sea accident has reached 31. Of the 96 passengers and crew on board the three boats, 62 survived and three remain missing. Coast Guard protocol up for review Capt. Armand Balilo, Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson, said the incident might prompt the agency to revisit its protocol in the area. “We should adapt to the changing weather patterns and this kind of occurrence,” Balilo told ABS-CBN News Channel Monday. Prior to departure, the crew of vessels must ensure the watercrafts have no unauthorized passengers to avoid overloading and check life jackets and fire fighting equipment. Memorandum Circular 022013 states that no sea vessel “shall be allowed to sail except to take shelter, as the situation may warrant, when Public Storm Warning Signal Number 1 or
higher is hoisted within its point of origin, the intended route and point of destination.” Sea vessels that are already sailing shall seek shelter when any storm warning signal is histed in its immediate vicinity, along its route and point of destination. MARINA suspends motorbanca operations on Iloilo-Guimaras route The Maritime Industry Authority has also launched an investigation into the capsizing and has announced the suspension of operations of all passenger motorbancas on the Iloilo-Guimaras route “subject to review and assessment of safety conditions of said vessels until further notice.” It will also direct two Ro/Ro ships to make more voyages along the route to meet passenger demand. “The MARINA continues to remind operators to ensure maritime safety at all times by observing the latest weather forecast, conducting proper risk assessment, and applying control measures, as needed,” it also said. n
ple are not realizing the potential things in terms of right to vote,” he added. “When we came together, we were realizing that there needed to be more voter education and civic engagement within the Filipino community.” One of the issues FVEP seeks to improve is Filipino visibility in California and making sure that the concerns and needs of Fil-Ams — as a large part of the state’s population — are addressed and known. “As Filipinos, we also face a lot of different challenges,” said Soriano-Versoza. One example she gave was of the 2016 California Domestic Workers Bill of Rights, which extended overtime pay rights to personal attendants working in homes who were not previously entitled to overtime pay under California state law. “We’ve been excluded from a lot of protections and we took a legislative campaign to change the law — to include caregivers into a lot of these protections like all other workers,” added SorianoVersoza. “We really saw how important having a strong presence by the Filipino community is in the eyes of elected officials and policymakers.” When it comes to challenges of civic involvement and voting behavior, FVEP has noticed them coming from lack of education and knowledge of the U.S. system, and from there being little research regarding the Fil-Am community and their concerns and voting behaviors. “Part of it is due to the fact that we’re a highly immigrant population, so we’re less familiar with this system here and how much it can make an impact on your life,” said Soriano-Versoza. “There is some cynicism in terms of dealing with corruption in the Philippines for example, and then also not necessarily doing full ownership of having a voice in this community and in this country,” she added. As for Filipinos being very underrepresented in terms of political representation, she said it would make a difference for FilAms to actually see themselves in the realm of politics and policymaking. Asked why Fil-Ams have had a tendency to shy away from civic involvement, De Ocampo suggested that as an immigrant population, it simply hasn’t been made a priority. “There hasn’t been this rush,” said De Ocampo. As immigrants, many Fil-Am families have naturally gravitated to what has worked in providing stability and financial security. For De Ocampo — who has worked in non-profit and political spaces, and was a 2017 candidate for District 51 of the CA State Assembly — a big majority of his family members have worked in the
healthcare industry as nurses, or in business as accountants. “My parents immigrated here from Pampanga, they put their head down, and they worked hard,” said De Ocampo, adding that they too gravitated to professions in the medical field. “Those are great professions and it’s amazing that our community is out there, but for a lot of these spaces, there hasn’t been a pipeline,” said De Ocampo. “I think there’s some opportunities there and we need to encourage our community to join and be a part of that pipelines to get more people involved in civic engagement and involved in working in government.” To address these challenges, FVEP has continued outreaching through phone banking, meeting with people one-on-one during outreach and community events, or through media like the Filipino Channel or GMA. In addition to providing education and information, FVEP has also been working on establishing infrastructure and data to make sure Fil-Ams and their concerns remain visible in the future. One way has been through working with the UCLA Asian American Studies Center in developing survey tools to answer fundamental questions about the Fil-Am community. This includes research on Fil-Am trends and statistics around Filipino voting, on what barriers and challenges they face, and on what things the Fil-Am community responds to, to ultimately create a helpful report. ‘Through the Looking Glass’ On Saturday, August 10, FVEP will be hosting an event called “Through the Looking Glass: An Exploration of Alternative Realities” as a non-partisan effort to bring awareness to Fil-Ams across California and the nation. The benefit event will be held at Rose Studio 54 in Los Angeles, and will allow attendees to explore eight separate art installation rooms created to not only bring people into alternate realities and take photos within the rooms, but to interact with the spaces and become part of artists’ visions. De Ocampo described the event as being “Instagram ready,” thanks to the handpicked individuals who created the spaces. “It’s going to be real fun and we want everyone to stop by and take photos and enjoy with other people from the community. It’s really a great way to raise awareness about getting Fil-Ams to be engaged in and to vote in this upcoming election,” said De Ocampo. Soriano-Versoza added that events and efforts like this are important in that they show the public that there are those that want to invest in the Filipino community. “We’re the ones who have to do a lot of fundraising because it takes actual machinery to be able to get information out to our large
community,” said Soriano-Versoza. “Phone bankers, all the infrastructure for phone banking and canvassing, and running PSAs and creating campaigns — all those things take a lot of resources,” she added. “So this is us having a fun visible interactive even that brings them together so that our community.” General admission tickets are still available for the event and can be found on Eventbrite through FVEP’s “Through the Looking Glass: An Exploration of Alternative Realities” Facebook event page. A worthy cause Through FVEP, the team has been able to see first hand how efforts to get Fil-Ams more involved in civic engagement and in exercising their voice has impacted the community. For Soriano-Versoza, many of her favorite encounters have come from phone banking where phone bankers of not only different ages, but of different Filipino dialects come together. “When we get a lot of different folks who speak different dialects, it’s refreshing for those who get on the phone,” said Soriano-Versoza. “Not only are they getting outreached to, they’re getting outreached to in their own language and their specific dialect. They’re just so happy to engage and they’re surprised that their language is being represented and has that kind of value.” One of De Ocampo’s favorite personal stories happened at a citizenship swearing-in ceremony where FVEP was outside tabling and providing information on voter registration and on how to be civically engaged. De Ocampo recalled meeting one elderly Filipina visibly excited to register to vote. “It meant so much to her and to see her make that signature and hand me the registration card was very heartwarming,” shared De Ocampo. He added, “It meant to much to her and it meant so much to me, and I think it means to much to the community to see someone like her who shared her story with me about her struggle to gain citizenship, and how she now felt whole as a Filipino-American.” De Ocampo also encouraged those interested in getting involved with FVEP to look at the different options of helping out, whether it be spreading the word about the FVEP’s programs, making a donation, or volunteering their time by joining a voter registration drive or through phone banking. And as always, he added, find ways to encourage people and work in any way to strengthen the Fil-Am community. “And if that’s not with us, it’s through volunteerism or through keeping engaged and aware,” said De Ocampo. n
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Dateline PhiliPPines
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‘Endo’ bill still Palace priority Bill on medical marijuana pushed anew by alexis
by Glee Jalea
romero
ManilaTimes.net
Philstar.com
MANILA — The security of tenure (SOT) bill, vetoed by President Duterte due to provisions seen as disadvantageous to employers, is still a priority of the administration, MalacaĂąang stressed Tuesday, August 6. Presidential Legislative Liaison Office (PLLO) chief Adelino Sitoy said the priority measures not enacted during the previous Congress, including the SOT, would be refiled. Asked to react to senators’ claim that the SOT bill, which seeks to ban illegal contractualization or “endo,â€? was not included in the Palace priority list, Sitoy replied: “No, this time the priority bill will be refiled. But with some changes.â€? “It’s our priority,â€? he added. Senate President Vicente Sotto III and Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri met with Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea and other Cabinet officials for a preLegislative Executive Development Advisory Council meet to prevent the vetoing of key measures. Also present during the meeting were Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto, Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon, Sen. Sonny Angara, chairman of the finance committee; Sen. Christopher Go, Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, Deputy Speaker Luis Raymund
Villafuerte, House Majority Leader Martin Romualdez, House Minority Leader Bienvenido Abante and Davao City Rep. Isidro Ungab, chairman of the appropriations committee “Hopefully, we will be able to eliminate the issues on bills being vetoed. As manifested by the majority leader (Zubiri) during the meeting, we were there to clear the air, also. So it was an organizational meeting,� Sotto told reporters. “We have ironed out details to avoid veto,� Sitoy added in a phone interview. “Same priorities. The remaining priorities in the past, in the 17th
THE House of Representatives is eyeing a “zero presidential vetoâ€? for all bills to be approved by the Senate and House of Representatives by working closely with the Duterte Cabinet, its leaders said on Tuesday, August 6. “We have three mechanisms: first is that we should hold a monthly small group LEDAC aside from the quarterly LEDAC. Two, a more active Presidential Legislative Liaison Office (PLLO)‌as per Senate President Vicente Sorto 3rd, he said that the legislative liaison should be able to attend committee hearings. Third, Sen. [Christopher] Bong Go has a direct line to the president,â€? Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano told reporters in a mix
of English and Filipino, a day after the House contingent attended the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) with Senate leaders and executive officials. Majority Leader Martin Romualdez said that this was an effort by lawmakers to ensure “better linkages, synergy and coordination to fast-track, facilitate and harmonize measures,“ especially the ones prioritized by President Rodrigo Duterte. The House is also eyeing the approval of the 2020 budget by October before going on a congressional break. “So we will start out with the Development and Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) with
Philstar.com file photo
Congress and then we will refile,� he added. Aside from the SOT bill, other priority measures are the coco levy bill, the proposed National Land Use Act and the revival of the mandatory Reserve Officers Training Corps, Sitoy said. Interestingly, the federalism bill, one of the campaign promises of Duterte, was not included in the list of priorities. “Nothing, no mention,� Sitoy said when asked if the federalism bill is among the priority measures. He said he does not know why the measure was excluded from the list. n
House eyes ‘zero presidential veto’ of bills, approval of 2020 budget a hearing convening the complete economic team. Once the committee on appropriations is satisfied, we will have simultaneous hearings,� Cayetano said. Ways and means committee chairman Joey Salceda told reporters on Monday, August 5 that the House would receive the budget proposal on August 16 and start committee hearings until its final approval on October 5. The budget will likely be under a cash-based budgeting plan, similar to this year’s expenditure system. Duterte on Monday night approved the P4.1 trillion budget proposal for 2020. (Glee Jalea/ ManilaTimes.net) n
ISABELA Rep. Antonio Albano has not given up on his bid to legalize medical marijuana. He refiled a bill previously authored by his brother Rodolfo Albano, seeking to provide Filipinos the right of access to medical marijuana. House Bill 279, or the “Philippine Medical Cannabis Compassionate Act,� seeks to grant access to medical cannabis “as a compassionate alternative means of medical treatment, expanding research into its medicinal properties and for other purposes.� “Its objective is for the patient to have access to safe, affordable,
cannabis as products such as capsules and oil in their pharmaceutical formulation, which shall have detailed and accurate information regarding the concentration of tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabinol certified by the Department of Health registered Manilatimes.net file photo physician to qualified available medicinal cannabis pre- patients. Identification cards will be isscribed by a registered physician in cases where cannabis has been sued to qualified medical cannafound to be effective in preven- bis patients and caregivers upon tion, treatment and management compliance with DoH documenof specified symptoms, illnesses tary requirements. Medical cannabis will only be and diseases,� Albano said in his accessed through Medical Comexplanatory note. The measure defines medical passionate Center dispensaries. n
‘The time has come’: Duterte to invoke PH arbitral ruling with Xi by Catherine
Valente ManilaTimes.net
PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte will finally “invoke� the historic arbitral ruling that asserted the Philippines’ sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) when he goes to Beijing this month, his spokesman said on Tuesday, August 6. Speaking to reporters, Palace spokesman Salvador Panelo said Duterte would raise the ruling in a “one-on-one dialogue� with Chinese President Xi Jinping. “That is pursuant to what he said the first time we visited China that there will be a time that I will raise this issue and talk about it but not now. The time has come,� Panelo said during a press briefing. Panelo, who also serves as the President’s top legal counsel, said that Duterte has decided to invoke the international ruling because he was nearing the end of his term. “He (Duterte) said, ‘Remember that I said before that there will be a time when I will invoke the arbitral ruling. This is the time that’s why I’m going there,’� he said. Duterte is set to meet with his Chinese counterpart by the end of the month but no specific date has been set. Asked how Duterte would raise the issue with Xi, Panelo said, “Let’s see how it goes when he goes there.� “It’s enough that you know that
he will be raising those issues. That’s precisely [why] he’s going there,� he added. Panelo also bared that Duterte was interested in bringing up the 60-40 sharing arrangement on the proposed joint exploration for oil and gas in the West Philippine Sea in his meeting with Xi. The Palace said the government would always consider what would be beneficial to the Philippines in so far as what the terms of reference on the proposed joint oil exploration would be. Duterte will also raise the June 9 Recto Bank (Reed Bank) maritime incident where a Chinese vessel allegedly rammed and abandoned a Philippine fishing boat at sea, according to Panelo. “Sinong responsible doon? Ano bang compensation doon? Kasama yun (Who’s responsible for that, what will be the compensation there, that’s included),� he said. The Palace official said the two leaders both agreed to meet in China. “I asked the president last night like you were asking me, under whose initiative? And I asked him, sabi ko, ang sagot niya sa’kin, (after I said that, and he answered me) ‘That was our agreement with the President of China,’� Panelo said. Asked if there would be an agreement to be signed between Philippines and China on the joint oil exploration, Panelo said: “Let’s
see. Whatever agreement they enter into, that will be reduced into writing.� Despite Xi’s previous warning to Duterte that there would be “trouble� if the Philippines would undertake oil explorations in the disputed sea, Panelo said Duterte was ready to face it. “Ibig sabihin, ready na siyang humarap (That means, he’s ready to face it),� the Palace official said. The president is always firm. There is no doubt about it.� Since assuming presidency, Duterte has sought to downplay Manila’s maritime dispute with Beijing in exchange for improved ties with the world’s second largest economy. Duterte has also refused to flaunt the Philippines’ victory against China in a United Nations-backed arbitration court in 2016 which invalidated Beijing’s expansive claims to the waters. But the president defended his approach, saying Manila cannot yet stand up to Beijing, whose military and economy were far superior. Duterte said he would invoke the Mutual Defense Treaty with the U.S. and ask the country’s long-time ally to send its Seventh Fleet to the disputed waters for a confrontation with Chinese forces. The Philippines claims parts of the South China Sea within its exclusive economic zone and calls it the West Philippine Sea. n
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OPINION
Living in the dark
MEN have gone to the moon and people can enjoy face time with loved ones almost anywhere in the world, any time, thanks to electronic gadgets. Yet in the Philippines, an estimated two million families, or about 13 million people, are still living without electricity, according to the head of the party-list coalition in the House of Representatives. Rep. Mikee Romero of 1-Pacman said 19,000 barangays still have not been covered by the government’s rural electrification program. That’s over a tenth of the population still relying on kerosene, wood or paper for lighting purposes. Apart from lighting, what can people not have or do in the absence of electricity? Obviously, nighttime activities are limited with inadequate lighting, and productivity is retarded. In a wired world, access is acutely limited for people without electricity. People in remote areas cannot enjoy television and the full benefits of the Infor-
Editorial
FEATURES
mation Age. Battery chargers for cell phones and computers need electricity. In some remote villages, people must travel to the town center just to charge their
cell phones. The electrification program is supposed to be supervised by the National Electrification Administration. Romero wants to expand the authority of the NEA to discipline rural electric cooperatives that are inefficient or fail to live up to their commitments in rural electrification. Apart from electrification, the government must also ramp up efforts to provide safe water and sanitation facilities in rural areas. If communities are too remote for electrification, they usually also lack modern water networks and sanitation facilities including toilets. Residents in such areas rely on deep wells, but the safety of groundwater is un- the illnesses attributed to contaminated drinking reliable. Periodic outbreaks of diseases including water. Safe water and electricity are among the basic cholera have been reported in recent years, with
Philstar.com photo
human needs in the modern world. Any anti-poverty program must give priority to meeting these needs. (Philstar.com)
Facts reveal how Trump’s hateful rhetoric and Congress’ inaction have led to recent mass shootings The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS PUT YOURSELF in the shoes of the men and women who have just lost their son, daughter, mother, father, spouse, or best friend to the bullets coming from these senseless mass shooting in America. As of August 5, which is just the 217th day of 2019, there have been 255 mass shootings in the United States, which means there is an average of more than one mass shooting a day. A mass shooting, as defined by the nonprofit Gun Violence Archive (GVA), refers to “any incident in which at least four people were shot, excluding the shooter.” Almost all of these mass shootings have one thing in common — the shooters use assault weapons that were made to be used by soldiers in war zones, not by civilians! As CBS News reported, just in the past eight days, more than 100 people have been shot, including the most recent shooting at a Walmart in El Paso, Texas with 22 people killed, and at least 24 wounded. In less than 24 hours, nine people were killed and 27 were injured in a historic district of Dayton, Ohio.
Commentary
YEN MAKABENTA IT is striking that the U.S. State Department punctiliously avoided using the word “concerning” in expressing its view of President Duterte’s war on illegal drugs, and what it has achieved so far. In a report that got the top headline in the Manila Times, one U.S. State Department official sought to relay to Philippine authorities his government’s concern about the drug campaign. The official involved is Mr. Jortgan Andrews, deputy assistant secretary of state in the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs. Andrews told reporters in a teleconference that the United States will continue to keep a critical eye on President Rodrigo Duterte’s supposedly infamous war on drugs. “We will continue to raise our concern,” Andrews said. Further, he said the U.S. “remains committed to human rights,” which are continuously linked to the anti-illegal drugs campaign of the Philippine President. “Essentially, I know programs in the Philippines focus on drug prevention and treatment services and justice reform, professional development, law enforcement,” he added. The U.S. official recognized the
According to the data tracked by the GVA, “there have been a total of 33,237 total shooting incidents, resulting in 8,796 gun deaths and 17,480 injuries in America in 2019 as of August 5 alone. “These 2019 numbers could top the record of 2016, which recorded 382 mass shootings. The GVA reported that “the past two years came close, with 346 mass shootings in 2017 and 240 in 2018.” Even before President Donald Trump was sworn in, the United States was already notorious for being obsessed with guns, more than any other country in the world. According to a November 7, 2017 New York Times report, “no other country has more than 46 million guns or 18 mass shooters than the United States. According to a 2015 study by Prof. Adam Lankford at the University of Alabama, “Americans comprise 4.4 percent of the global population but own 42 percent of the world’s guns.” The Times further reported that according to the study — from 1966 to 2012, 31 percent of the gunmen in mass shootings worldwide were American. The University of Alabama study found that worldwide, “a country’s rate of gun ownership correlated with the odds it would experience mass shooting,” and this relationship held when Prof. Lankford excluded the United
States, which would reveal that mass shootings “could NOT be explained by some other factors particular to the United States. It remained true when he controlled for homicides, which would suggest “mass shootings were better explained by a society’s access to guns than by its baseline level of violence.” We would think a progressive and information-driven rich industrialized nation like the United States would address this issue head-on, just like how other nations have acted decisively to put an end to this tragedy. But not in the United States, thanks but no thanks to the powerful lobbyist National Rifle Association (NRA). The NRA has been heavily investing in lawmakers and the executive office by channeling most of their powerful dirty money to the election campaigns of members of the Republican Party and President Donald Trump. This is why no stricter gun control laws have been passed even despite the string of mass shootings in the United States, offering only “thoughts and prayers.” The last time the U.S. federal government enacted a law to limit gun ownership was 25 years ago — the Federal Assault Weapons Ban. It was written to be effective only for 10 years, the law banned the manufacture, sale and possession of some military-style assault weapons, including AR-15. However, the law reduced the num-
ber of mass shootings during the decade it was in effect, according to a recent study published in the Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery published in January 2019. When that law expired in 2004, several attempts had been made to bring back the law. Following the Sandy Hook mass shooting in 2013, President Barack Obama pushed to renew the ban, only to be blocked by the Republican-led Senate. Obama initiated his own measure to ban the mentally ill from purchasing a gun following the San Bernardino shootings in 2015. This Obama-era regulation required the Social Security Administration to submit records of mentally disabled people to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System, the FBI database used to determine whether someone can buy a firearm under the 1993 Brady Bill. As reported by USA Today, this rule would have applied to about 75,000 people who were “adjudicated as a mental defective” and who had applied for Social Security benefits, and had a mechanism to notify those affected so they could appeal. HOWEVER, when Trump became president, this regulation was among the very first pieces of the Obama legacy that he overturned. On February 28, 2017, Trump killed this regulation that would have tightened gun background checks to help prevent the
mentally ill from buying a gun. When the Democrats won back the House, they passed a sweeping gun control legislation in February 2019. While there were a few Republicans who joined the House Democrats, the Republican-controlled Senate NEVER debated nor acted on this new legislation. Now Trump blames violent video games, violent television programs, the media, and past administrations for the recent mass shootings. Reading from a teleprompter, Trump denounced hate, racism, violence, and would be visiting El Paso, Texas and Dayton, Ohio. EL PASO said it would be better if Trump would not come because they blame the president for the tragedy, especially as the victims of the mass shooting were Hispanic, intentionally targeted by the killer. Trump ran his presidential campaign on scare tactics and hateful rhetoric demonizing people of color, Muslims, undocumented immigrants and asylum seekers. The policies he has pushed as president have just further escalated this attack — by blaming these people who quite do not look like the “white Americans” for the crimes, social and economic problems of the United States. Trump would call this an “invasion,” “infestation” of America by criminals, murderers and rapists. In his rallies, he has encour-
aged chants among the audience shouting “send her back” about four duly elected congresswomen of color who are critical of him, even if three of them were born in the United States and one is a naturalized American who came in as a refugee. In Florida, he was firing up his base on how to solve the problems with these undocumented immigrants and somebody in the audience shouted “shoot them”, and he LAUGHED and said, “Only in the Panhandle can you get away with that.” THE FACT: The rise of violence in the United States has been perpetrated not by people of color nor Muslims after 9/11. These strings of violence have been committed by domestic terrorists— the white nationalists and supremacists who have been emboldened since Trump campaigned and got elected as president. Trump would not even accept this problem despite facts substantiated by hard data, whether here in the United States nor in other parts of the world. ENOUGH OF THESE SENSELESS MASS SHOOTINGS! Fellow Americans, speak out and speak up and compel our leaders to ACT. Now! *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFilAmPerspective.com, https://www.facebook. com/Gel.Santos.Relos
US State Department daunted to use ‘concerning’ on PH drug war country’s focus on the strengthening of the rule of law, but with “respect to human rights.” Andrews disclosed that he and his Philippine government counterparts had discussed various topics, including the combating of illegal drugs. Additionally, he said, they talked about criminal justice engagement, criminal law reform, reform on investigation and prosecution method, criminal justice program and enhancement of legal aid services for “Filipino citizens to have more access to justice.” The Manila Times headlined this story as: “U.S. State Department official: Duterte drug war cause for concern.” I was fascinated by this report because the State Department went into so much trouble and verbiage to avoid using the adjective “concerning” in describing the Philippine drug war, whereas officials and people nowadays employ “concerning” with total abandon. The effect of the official’s punctiliousness was to suggest that the U.S. is not really troubled or alarmed by the drug campaign. Is it possible that the U.S. State Department, unlike its boss, Donald Trump, is punctilious in observing strictly the rules and traditions of English usage? I personally do not use “concerning” to denote the sense of “troubling,” “unsettling” or “alarming,” even though I have a virtual license to use English as
I see fit. It does not look right to me. The Grammarist online provides an enlightening and expert guide on the use of “concerning.” It reads: “The use of concerning as an adjective, meaning of concern, has been decried by writers and usage authorities for being grating, for being nonstandard, and for sounding like a made-up word. But these complaints are not grounds for saying concerning is incorrect or is not a real word. The complaint about “concerning” having a grating sound is subjective; we can’t block a word from the language just because some people dislike its sound. The complaint about it being nonstandard is a few decades behind the times. And all words are invented, so the complaint about concerning sounding ‘made up’ doesn’t really say anything. “There are countless precedents for the formation of the participial adjective concerning from the verb concern, among them several synonyms of concerning that are similarly formed. For example, no one questions upsetting, disturbing, distressing, or alarming. If we accept these words, we should accept that concerning is a legitimate word, even if we don’t like it. “Also, while it’s true that concerning has grown in prevalence over the last few decades, the word is not new. The OED (Oxford English Dictionary) lists examples
of concerning used this way from as far back as the 17th century, and additional examples are easily found in Google searches of historical texts. We’ve found no explanation of its recent increase, but our guess is that synonyms like alarming and troubling are sometimes too extreme to accurately replace concerning, which has perhaps become gentler in modern usage. One complaint against concerning does stand up: The word is also a preposition meaning in reference to or regarding, and the adjectival concerning can cause confusion when readers or listeners initially interpret it as the preposition. For instance, if you hear someone say, ‘His email was concerning,’ you might at first expect something to come after concerning. This complaint isn’t a rock-solid case, though, as many words in English have multiple functions, but it’s a good reason for those inclined against the word to continue avoiding it.” By email, I received from a reader timely information on the climate change debate. It consisted of a report on how a scientist of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in the US has switched sides from climate alarmist to climate-change denialism. Headlined, “More evidence man-made ‘climate change’ is hype,” the report read: “A former NOAA scientist with more than 50 years’ experience
in weather and climate research reports censoring evidence at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, has now crossed to the other side and become a climate-change denier. “There is a darker — much darker — reason behind those who push man-made climate change. “Censoring evidence, ‘fiddling’ with data and silencing skeptics were part of life at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, according to Rex Fleming, a former NOAA scientist who no longer believes carbon dioxide is causing catastrophic climate change. “Rex Fleming admitted that while he worked for NOAA, he attributed global warming to carbon dioxide despite ‘having doubts.’ “‘Eventually I just read enough to realize it’s a totally wrong direction,’ he said in a podcast interview July 25 with British journalist James Delingpole. “‘And so, in the past 10 years, I’d say, I’ve been on the other side.’ His conversion, however, has shut him out of academic journals, despite his Ph.D. in atmospheric science. “The author of The Rise and Fall of the Carbon Dioxide Theory of Climate Change, Fleming told Delingpole he had to travel to Europe to have his 2018 paper on climate change peer-reviewed and published. “‘The ‘deniers’ have so much
evidence,’ he said, while the global-warming believers ‘bring nothing to the table of scientific proof.’ “‘All they have is hearsay. All they have is media coverage. All they have is government people saying it’s true,’ said Fleming. “‘He said more scientists would abandon the theory, but they are in ‘this groove of getting funds for huge, bigger computer systems to run these massive climate models.’ “‘And they want their salaries to increase. They don’t want to change,’ he said, describing it as ‘a wonderful gravy train.’ “Fleming agreed with Delingpole that carbon dioxide levels historically have risen due to warm temperatures rather than the other way around. “‘Past climates have been warm and cold and warm and cold with no changes in carbon dioxide,’ he said. ‘How can that be a cause when there’s no correlation?’ “Fleming said that one of the reasons proponents of the theory of man-caused climate change target the fossil fuel industry is to push socialism. “‘They’re using a calamity as a measure to get people’s attention,’ he said. ‘So, the climate is a good one to use. Because the media and scientists have wrongly, without any proof, assumed this is the problem.’ “Fleming has more than 50 years of experience as a scientist and manager in weather and climate research, noted Climate Depot.” (ManilaTimes.net)
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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AUGUST 9-15, 2019 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL
http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 689-5160
SF The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - August 9, 2019
Friday, August 9, 2019
Photos by Mogli Maureal
SF
cover story The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - August 9, 2019
Discovering UNDISCOVERED SF: Food, fashion and Filipino culture by
AJPress
WHERE can you find everything Filipino — from food, fashion to culture — in one place? In San Francisco, you don’t have to look too far as UNDISCOVERED SF has returned for a third season, every third Saturday of the month until October, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. The free, family-friendly night market in SOMA Pilipinas, San Francisco’s Filipino cultural heritage district is at a new location, at 598 Stevenson St. at 7th St. (except for
Guest performers at the launch of UNDISCOVERED SF.
August 18, where it will take place on Folsom St. between 6th and 8th in conjunction with Sunday Streets, 11 a.m. to 5p.m. UNDISCOVERED SF is a seasonal night market that highlights the diverse spectrum of Filipino culture, featuring live music, food pop-ups, artists, makers, performers, local businesses, and community organizations. A project of Kultivate Labs, a non-profit business accelerator that advances socially conscious com-
merce, and Make it Mariko, a Bay Area event production company, UNDISCOVERED SF is a part of a multi-prong strategy to build a thriving, sustainable community of economic and cultural activity in the SOMA district. Launched in 2017, the seasonal night market has demonstrated its value by generating an increasing economic activity, receiving corporate donations for economic development and drawing people to the cultural district. The night market will feature a different music headliner every month. Bay Area native, dance-pop singer and Queen of Freestyle Jocelyn Enriquez performed for its opening last July 20. Other all-star headliners for season 3 include veteran Bay Area reggae band Native Elements (August 18), genre-bending DJ SoSuperSam (September 21), and emcee/community organizer Bambu (October 18). Each month will also explore a different Filipino ingredient. Those with a “Kulinary Confidential” food passport can access a special, secret menu exploring the theme. Last month was calamansi, August is mango, September is ube and October is adobo. For more information about the UNDISCOVERED SF, you can visit their website at www. undiscoveredsf.com.
Dance pop idol Jocelyn Enriquez performs during the opening night last July 20.
The Kollective Hustle booth.
All-time favorite lechon is one of the food offerings from vendors at UNDISCOVERED SF.
The Sari Sari Store which sells classic Filipino snacks and drinks.
People trying out Sarap’s offerings.
Photos by Mogli Maureal/IG: @themogli
Enlightened Carlo pursues his Why does Nadine keep on dancing? passion amid controversy with Sam Concepcion as leading man. The first was “Ulan” Philstar.com with Carlo Aquino. “Like incest,” laughed NADINE Lustre has a good Nadine. reason to be dancing. Her caThat’s how she said she reer (including movies without felt doing a love scene with her perennial leading man, boyfriend James Reid) is going Sam in “Indak.” It’s because, great, that’s why, Indak, the ti- explained Nadine, she, James tle of her new movie perfectly and Sam are such good friends describes her present state of that they are like brothers and sister. Being professionals, being — you know, mapapaNadine and Sam beautifully indak ka sa tuwa. It’s Nadine’s second “solo” acquitted themselves in the love scenes despite the initial movie (read: minus James),
by riCky lo
concert “Liwanag” in concert late last week, Aquino had no ManilaTImes.net choice but to face the lingering controversy. The “bobo” post SHOW business is undoubtwas very fresh after all, going edly a challenging industry to viral only three days before this be in — besides the ruthless interview. competition among artists, there A cool and calm Aquino is also the public’s unrealistic simply said, “Para sa akin lang expectation for celebrities to kasi kung may apoy, hindi mo look and act perfectly at every naman bubuhusan ‘yon ng gasul waking moment. If they don’t, para lumaki pa. Huwag na lang then the “chismis,” the intrigues siguro nating pahabain. ‘Yung and the bashing begin to hound emotions niya valid ‘yon, kung and pound them. ‘yon ‘yung nararamdaman niya, It therefore takes an enduribigay na natin sa kanya ‘yon, ing passion for their craft for di ba? Ayaw ko na rin pahabain artists to survive the “hazards” kasi ang tagal na rin [ng issue], I of the job. For the pressure can think six or seven months.” get so unbearable it’ll make you Carlo Aquino Photo from Instagram/@jose_liwanag The singer-actor clarified want to quit. however that he has no ill feelThankfully, 33-year-old Carlo together on their social media ings for Panganiban and insisted until netizens allegedly spotted Aquino is just as deep into his he had done his part in appeasAquino was vacationing with acting and music as he was as ing her very early on. another woman. a child star that he is ploughing “Nag-sorry na naman ako. What ensued was a he saidforward despite his much-pubshe said scenario, where Aquino Sincerely, nag-sorry ako sa licized fall out with on-and-off kanya and hindi ko kailangang downplayed the issue and said girlfriend Angelica Panganiban. he and Panganiban were still on mag-sorry in public dahil napaIt can be recalled that the plastikan ako kapag ganun. pair were reunited on screen via speaking terms; with the latter Personal, mas maganda ‘yon. quickly deploring what he said, the 2018 box-office hit “Exes Ilang beses naman na kaming categorically stating they have Baggage.” They rekindled their nag-usap. I think okay na ‘yon romance not only on the set, but cut all communication between for me.” them. off-cam too, spending the rest If anything, the actor galPanganiban went a step of the year together lovey-dovey lantly said it is gratitude that he further and said that Aquino like before. has for his ex-girlfriend, creditactually led her on. In fact, she And then one day, Panganiing her for the resurgence of his posted on Twitter, “Nope. ban announced out of nowhere career. Sorry. Spare me. Si khang at si she’s distancing herself from “Di ba ilang beses ko rin josh lang ang tinuturing kong Aquino because of all the bashsinabi sa inyo na malaking bagay pamilya. Gusto kong maging ing and negativity she’s been siya kung bakit ako nandito mabuting tao. Pero ayokong getting for being with him. ngayon? So very thankful ako maging bobo :)” He said, she said every day sa kanya.” ‘Her emotions are valid’ It didn’t help that in the ‘Liwanag’ And so, even as he was profollowing months, the couple moting his upcoming birthday stopped posting their photos Continued on Page SF5
by ChristinA AlPAd
awkwardness. For sure, James doesn’t mind. Touted as a musical-romance-drama written and directed by Paul Alexie Basinillo, Indak bears close watching because it’s Nadine’s first movie after winning not just one but two Best Actress awards (for “Never Not Love You”) from the FAMAS and the Gawad Urian, validating her as a serious actress to watch. Having done two movies Continued on Page SF5
Marco takes showbiz career slowly but surely by Jerry donAto Philstar.com
MARCO Gumabao is a dreamboat with acting chops. His roles in “Los Bastardos,” “Para Sa Broken Hearted,” “Aurora” and the upcoming “Just A Stranger” all point out to his ability to become a bida, kontrabida or both (bida-kontrabida). The local tinseltown has been generous in giving him the ground to play meaty roles on the small and big screens. “All I can say is, I’ve been in showbusiness for eight years now, for the past two to four years lang talaga totally (ko ito) na(tutukan),” said Marco of the rate his career is going in an interview with The Star. “I’m happy. Hindi naman Continued on Page SF5 Marco Gumabao
Photo from Instagram/@gumabaomarco
Terminating a failed marriage could ‘expedite’ your petition tion would be processed based on the faster priority dates for F-1 petitions. There would be no need for your parent to file a new petition, as you keep the original priority date of the F-3 petition. Atty. MichAel The National Visa Center Gurfinkel, eSQ (NVC) is currently processing immigrant visas for married DEAR Atty. Gurfinkel: children from the Philippines I was petitioned by my filed in 1997. They are processU.S. citizen parent in 2008 as ing immigrant visas for single a married child (category F-3). children of U.S. citizens filed in However, I am now separated 2008. Therefore, if a person from my spouse, as he was abusive, cheated on me, and is has an F-3 priority date earlier now living with another woman than 2008 and they lawfully terminate their marriage, they with whom he already has two could already be processed children. for an immigrant visa as single, I want to join my family in which would also include their the U.S. as soon as possible. children under 21 years of age Is there anything I can do to (or eligible under the Child expedite my petition? Status Protection Act). Very truly yours, However, I want to warn JZ and emphasize to people that Dear JZ: just as there is the concept of As long as you are still sham or fixed marriage, there married, you cannot expedite is also the concept of “sham your petition. However, if a marriage is truly over, and there divorce.” In other words, there are situations where people is no chance of reconciling or are not really in love and get getting back together, you should consider terminating the married just for the papers, which is wrong and is a fixed or marriage (through annulment sham marraige. There are also if you are in in the Philippines, situations where a couple is or divorce if you’re in the truly in love, but terminate their U.S.). Upon termination of a marriage to take advantage of marriage, the petition would having one spouse’s immigrant “automatically convert” from a visa processed in the faster F-1 married child of a U.S. citizen category. This is also wrong (F-3) to an unmarried child of a and illegal. U.S. citizen (F-1), and the peti-
Immigration Corner
However, if a person had been petitioned as married, but the marriage is truly over and beyond all repair, you should consult with an attorney who can evaluate your situation and determine if there truly is a legal way to “expedite” your petition through terminating your marriage. *** MMichael J. Gurfinkel has been an attorney for over 35 years and is licensed, and an active member of the State Bars of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California. Each case is different and results may depend on the facts of the particular case. The information and opinions contained herein (including testimonials, “Success Stories”, endorsements and re-enactments) are of a general nature, and are not intended to apply to any particular case, and do not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorney-client relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader. WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com Follow us on Facebook.com/GurfinkelLaw and Twitter @GurfinkelLaw Call Toll free to schedule a consultation for anywhere in the US: 1-866-487-3465 (866) – GURFINKEL Four offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES ∙ SAN FRANCISCO ∙ NEW YORK ∙ PHILIPPINES
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The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - August 9, 2019
TRUE LOVE FOUND OVER A CUP OF COFFEE RESULTED IN MARRIAGE, A GREEN CARD, AND A MOTHER AND DAUGHTER’S REUNION. Magoy (center) had been separated from her first husband for over 17 years, and was lonely and guilty for having left her children behind in the Philippines, when she arrived in the U.S. She found love at a random stop in a coffee shop, where she met U.S. citizen Daniel. Magoy was able to get a divorce from her first husband, which allowed her to marry Daniel (without having to obtain an annulment in the Philippines), which, in turn, enabled Daniel to petition Magoy in the U.S. and Magoy’s daughter, Kara, from the Philippines, without having to adopt Kara. Watch this heartwarming story on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” – on Sunday at 6:15 p.m. (PST) on TFC. (Advertising Supplement)
Why does Nadine keep on...
From Page SF2 this year, Nadine has to beg off from “Miracle in Cell No. 7,” Viva’s entry in the 2019 Metro Manila Film Festival (Advertising Supplement) (MMFF) with Aga Muhlach as lead actor, saying that she’s a bit “burned out.” She’s replaced by Bela Padilla. Shot in Bantayan Island, Cebu and Seoul, “Indak” is Ultimately, in keeping with his show’s title, Aquino hopes to the story about Vin (Sam) who invites Jen, a simple island “spark the light of inspiration” girl (Nadine), to join Indak and remind people to chase Pinas, a dance group, after her after their dreams despite the odds just like what he continues dance video goes viral. The crew is going to compete in to do in his career. the World Championships in “’Yun naman ang pinakaimSeoul, so Jen’s presence will portante talaga di’ba?” he be of big help. ended. In Manila, Vin helps out “Liwanag in Concert” hapJen in improving her dancpens on August 31 at the Music Museum, after which Aquino will ing beat, as well as in adjustgo full blast in shooting his next ing to the metro lifestyle. movie with Maine Mendoza, “Isa The two are not only in their groove but also slowly fell Pa with Feelings” under Black for each other. With the rest Sheep Productions.
Enlightened Carlo pursues...
From Page SF2 Under the overall direction of Frank Mamaril and the expert musical direction of Louie Ocampo, Aquino chooses to look forward to his birthday concert to highlight his lesser known passion for music. “Nagsimula ako na tinuruan ako ng kapatid ko na mag-gitara ng right-handed, eh left-handed ako so hirap na hirap ako. Tapos natuto ako sa kaliwa at dun nagumpisa ang lahat,” he said of how his musicality grew. Besides guidance from his brother, Aquino shared his
father likewise helped him along exposing him to the various genres of music, particularly the classics. And since he’s known for his appeal across all generations whether on TV or the movies, the singer-actor is making sure his repertoire will have something for everyone. “Gagawa ako ng maliliit na fillers ng iba ko pang musical inspirations ko gaya ng boy groups and alternative and acoustic artists pati old hits,” he enthused, clearly making every effort not to wallow in his latest bout of intrigues.
After pocketing two Best Actress awards for “Never Not Love You,” Nadine Lustre shifts gears and dances up a storm in “Indak” with a new leading man in Sam Concepcion. Contributed photo
of the crew, they must work together to churn out the best performance of their lives even if sudden financial dilemmas and past issues get in their way. Touted as “The hottest dance movie of the year,” with G Force and Teacher
Georcelle as choreographer, Indak features great soundtracks like “Sumayaw sa Indak” (by Nadine featuring Po Balbuena and Shehyee), “Ikot-Ikot” (Sam’s soulful version) and “Hindi Tayo Puwede” (Janine Teñoso’s heart-wrenching version).
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celebrityworld The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - August 9, 2019
Is it the end for Ellen Adarna and John Lloyd?
celebrity world By Ferdie Villar RUMORS of the separation of controversial couple John Lloyd Cruz and Ellen Adarna were circulating over the weekend but as of press time, both camps have remained quiet. As per PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal), the couple are “co-parenting” their only child, Elias Modesto. According to rumors, Ellen and John Lloyd’s relationship have been strained since June, suggesting that the actress cannot handle the actor’s weird behavior. Another report by entertainment editor Salve Asis said that John Lloyd has been prevented from being near Ellen and their kid. Just recently, news came out that the actress was seen at the Regional Trial Court in Cebu, speculating that she may have filed a Temporary Protection Order or TPO against John Lloyd. Reports still remained unconfirmed and pure speculation. However, John Lloyd’s “weird” behavior (which is due to alcohol) has been the reason why he had to take a long leave of absence from showbiz. Many are not asking if he is well enough to work, now that he has new endorsements and projects. Let’s see how this story develops. *** Are you Team Bea? The ongoing controversy between Gerald Anderson, Julia Barretto and Bea Alonzo has started an online frenzy among netizens. Comments ranging from positive to negative to just plain cyber
bullying has made a personal matter a public forum. Bea has remained quiet and cryptic in all social media posts, choosing not to elaborate on the matter — which most people think is the smart thing to do. However, Gerald decided to go on TV and explain himself, then defend Julia. A lot of people didn’t seem to believe his sincerity. What made it blow over is that after his on-cam interview, Julia posted a statement on
her social media account, accusing Bea of “bullying” her and playing the victim. Her statement didn’t work favorably for her, as she mostly got negative reactions, including from her own auntie, actress Gretchen Barretto who castigated Julia for using a ghost writer to make the statement. Whatever the case may be, many people think that this issue should be resolved privately. The rate it is going, the Bea-Gerald-Julia drama has yet to blow over.
Actor Gerald Anderson has come out on national TV to explain himself and defend actress Julia Barretto. The two have been in the news the past few weeks and have been accused of cheating against Bea Alonzo, who has been in a relationship with Gerald.
“Eat! Bulaga” Mr. Pogi 2019 winner is Oscar San Juan from San Pedro, Laguna. He received a cash prize and contract to be a mainstay performer in the no. 1 noontime show in the Philippines.
San Jose’s ideal couple Marvin and Merriane Charisma celebrated their 27th wedding anniversary last Thursday, August 1. Their celebration was held on Merriane’s birthday last Wednesday, August 7.
Singer-actor-dancer Billy Crawford will be one of the guest performers at the annual Pistahan at Yerba Buena Gardens in San Francisco on Sunday, August 11.
News has been circulating over the weekend that controversial couple Ellen Adarna and John Lloyd Cruz have separated.
Rumors have come out saying that actress Ellen Adarna has filed a Temporary Protection Order (TPO) against actor John Lloyd Cruz, preventing him to go near her and their son.
Antioch youth leaders Anthony Evan Perez, Kalia Majano and Pamela Joy Majano celebrated their birthdays recently and was held at the Perez residence. Shown in photo above are (L-R) Abby and Roxie Perez, Lorraine Fonseca, Leia Majano, Angeline Perez, celebrants Kalia, Anthony Evan and Pamela Joy, John and Erick Osorio, Giovanni Alghazzawi, Estrella Cuevas, Mark Anthony Perez, Khalil Alghazzawi, Victoria and Kai Majano.
John Ablaza: From nature and culture to couture
The internationally known Filipino designer takes stage via ‘Nature & Nurture’ fashion show in October WHEN one’s sense of style and fashion is innate, it wouldn’t be hard to transition to different mediums. For international fashion designer John Ablaza, having a degree in horticulture from De La Salle Araneta University did not stop with just growing plants, but rather became the door into something bigger. In 1982, Ablaza transitioned to interior decoration when he landed a job in Taipei, Taiwan, as a florist and decorator of Asiaworld Plaza Hotel, owned by Filipino tycoon Tan Yu. However, the call to fashion was hard to resist and so in 1987, the ever-artistic Ablaza flew back to the Philippines and launched his career in fashion design. From there on until the 90s, he presented shows both local and international. His creations have been featured in print such as Mod Magazine, Women’s, Woman’s Home Journal, Women Today, Miscellaneous Magazine and other countless glossy magazines. In 1994, he once again worked out the country as an in-house designer of Ahla Al Wasayef, a couture shop patronized by the royal families of Bahrain. Coming back to his country in 1998, Ablaza was given the task to do the replica of Jose Rizal’s personal belongings, as part of a traveling museum project by the National Centennial Commission. The exhibit traveled throughout the Philippines and to several cities in the United States and Europe. He was duly credited by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines for all his work and effort in the exhibit. In 2004, he decided to branch out by taking a different avenue in the fashion industry. Ablaza then started designing bags and accessories, which he exported to France, Spain, Greece, Maldives, Aruba, Bahamas, Bermuda and the U.S.
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The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - August 9, 2019
Making a difference
Two stories of kindness to warm the heart Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAglAyA
After a five-year residency in Canada and the U.S., he returned to the Philippines in 2010. During his time in North America, Ablaza participated in trade shows in Los Angeles and Las Vegas to market his products. He additionally undertook interior designing high end homes in New York, Rhode Island, Los Angeles, Toronto and Ottawa. Deeply inspired by models who made an indelible mark in Philippine fashion, he also authored Ramp Diva: Filipina. The 300-page coffee table book chronicled the lives of top Filipina models over a period of five decades. Since 2011, Ablaza has been showcasing his work in a series of fashion gala called “John Ablaza Couture and
Culture.” It has been presented in the U.S., including Phoenix, Arizona, Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Toronto and Harare, Zimbabwe. He also launched “Le Petite Couture,” a collection of miniature couture gowns, all handmade and mounted on a 23-inch mannequin. It was displayed in a curated exhibit at the Amar Estate in New York last May 2017 during his 30th year in the fashion industry. That same year, the Philippine Consulate General in New York also invited him to showcase “Le Petite Couture” as part of the 119th Philippine Independence celebration. “Nature & Nurture” To showcase his most recent work, One Global Continued on Page SF6
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HOW about a double scoop of stories about the kindness of the human heart? The first story is that of Lou Xiaoying. Lou is one remarkable Chinese woman who is a beacon of light, a ray of hope and a surge of warmth in a world that is sometimes overpowered by the forces of darkness. Her story needs to be retold over and over again in light of the fact that recently in the state of New York, it has become legal (yet utterly amoral and starkly depraved) to terminate the life of the unborn at full term. A few states are following suit. Yet other states are enacting preemptive laws to prevent such evil becoming law. May God have mercy on all of those evil lawmakers in New York and other states as they get their comeuppance. I wrote about Lou a few years back to shine a light on the life of a woman, who despite humble circumstances, managed to save the lives of babies salvaged from the trash heap, apparently discarded by women in compliance with China’s then draconian onechild policy to curb its population growth. She lived in the rural countryside in Eastern Zhejiang province. Picture her home as it was then. It is a humble hovel, its small yard littered with debris and recyclables. A little boy of 7 plays in the yard. Lou lived in that home with her husband Lin until he preceded her in death more
“…The boy looked at him, shrugged his shoulders and went back to throwing one more jellyfish back to the water, and told him, “ …Made a difference to that one …” than 20 years ago. When I first wrote about Lou in 2012, she was 88 years old and lay languishing of kidney failure in a hospital. Despite pain and impending death, Lou looks beautiful in repose. Her eyes sparkle with joy. A calm peacefulness is etched in her face. Lou and her husband made a living scavenging the village trash for recyclables. It was a tough, backbreaking way of life trudging through the streets and sifting through other people’s often filthy and smelly discards. Over the years, they picked up 30 abandoned babies from the trash heap. Of the 30 foundlings they saved, the couple kept 4 babies to raise themselves and the rest, they gave away to friends and relatives. They have one biological child, a woman, who is now past 50 years old. When Lou was 82 and already a widow, she saved one more baby from the trash. She said, “Even though I was already getting old I could not simply ignore the baby and leave him to die in the trash. He looked so sweet and so needy. I had to take him home with me … My older children all help look after Zhang Qilin … I named him after the Chinese word for rare and precious.” Lou’s story is riveting for its simple, unquestioning reverence for life despite living in stark poverty. She didn’t start out wanting to rescue foundlings but in 1982, her heart was touched when she found the first child, a baby girl, who
was lying helpless and abandoned amongst the trash. “Watching her grow and become stronger gave us such happiness and I realized I had a real love of caring for children … These children need love and care. They are all precious human lives. I do not understand how people can leave such a vulnerable baby on the streets. I realized if we had strength enough to collect garbage how could we not recycle something as important as human lives?” Since 1978, the Chinese communist government has enforced, with few exceptions, its one-child policy. Families were prevented from having more than one child under pain of penalty. Those who abide by the rule are given bonuses and incentives. Boys are preferred in Chinese culture so that couples who want a son feel compelled to throw away infant girls. It is claimed that the policy prevented the birth of 400 million babies. It seems that presently, China may have relaxed that social engineering policy for the time being, perhaps realizing the inadvertent negative effects on their society and culture over the long term. Lou’s life story bears resemblance to the story of the little boy and the jellyfish that is doing its rounds in the internet these days. There was once a little boy walking on the beach. He noticed that as the tide receded, there were thousands Continued on Page SF7
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people & events The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - August 9, 2019
Marco takes showbiz...
From Page SF2 ako nagmamadali, I’m happy and I’m not in a rush na gusto kong sumikat agad and to get all the good roles right away… I want (to take things) slowly but surely. So, I’m really happy with the rate (my career) is going.” Marco was one of the Viva Artists Agency talents who graced the two-day recentlyconcluded Viva Convention (VivaCon) 2019, wherein this newspaper was among the media partners. The actor gladly joined The Star in its booth for a Facebook live and granted a one-on-one. Although he has tried his hands at comedy, drama and some hybrid genres, Marco said he wishes to topbill an action-packed project. One which is replete with fights, car chases and stunts. You know similar to those movies that launched the careers of Robin Padilla, Sen. Bong Revilla, Jeric Raval and Victor Neri. “I really want to do action, gusto ko yung role na fighter, like an MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) fighter,” he said. “I really want to train for that also. (I’m game) basta anything action.” Asked about a particular narrative he has in mind to
place his dream character in, Marco replied, “Well, nothing in particular, anything action. Gusto ko talaga (action).” Well, given his physique and drive (to take on this genre and bring his acting to the next level), Marco could do a Brad Pitt-inspired role in ‘Fight Club’ (with Edward Norton as bored individuals who engage in underground fights to break away from the routines of life) or a goodlooking MMA fighter with an intriguing past. “Every role is different,” shared Marco, who has done a myriad of diverse roles. “So, I also believe in workshops, especially when you’re getting ready for a role. I believe that you need to do a workshop with the director, writers and co-actors.” He also hinted at the importance of establishing onscreen and off-screen chemistry or rapport among stars and creative people. Marco added that workshops can break the ice (or any form of wall that hinders actors from giving truth to their performances or being in the moment). As for what one may call familiar roles that need no (elaborate) preparations,
California divorce, domestic violence, and US immigration laws
If safety is a concern, we urge people to seek help first, Marco had this to say: “Siyemparticularly if there are minor pre walang ganun (There’s children who may also be at risk no such a thing). You need to of abuse. For non-emergency prepare for every role. Even calls, individuals may dial 2-1-1 though you can say that this to seek help finding resources role is the same as (that) role, Atty. LiLLi BAcuLi coLLins, EsQ for health, mental health, or magkaiba pa rin yung hugot temporary shelter. ng bawat character (they CALIFORNIA divorce – “No Options available for viccome from different contexts Fault.” tims of abuse: VAWA Self-Petiand have their own emotional California is a no-fault divorce tion baggage). I think that’s a way state. A party filing for divorce The spouse or child of a U.S. you build your character.” does not need the consent of the citizen or a Lawful Permanent Actors, Marco agreed, other in order to file a Petition Resident, or the parent of a U.S. need to create the backfor Dissolution (Divorce) or, in citizen, who is battered or subground for their characters, some instances, to get a judgject to extreme cruelty may file especially in rare cases where ment of divorce. a self-petition independently of writers do not provide the What needs to happen is that the abusive U.S. citizen or Lawful base information for their the other party (your soon-to-be Permanent Resident. roles. By doing so, actors may ex-spouse) needs to be served The spouse or child must have a deeper understandwith process. In proceeding in an demonstrate that he or she ing of their roles, “para mas action for divorce, there are pro- resided with the U.S. citizen or lumalim ka. Hindi porket cedural requirements dictated Lawful permanent spouse or sinabi nila na businessman ka, by law that must be followed to parent; was battered or subject it doesn’t automatically mean ensure that the other party has to extreme cruelty during the he is happy with his life, you notice of the action (that is, that marriage (or, in the case of a may be successful in business, s/he is being brought to court spouse self-petitioner, the child but you’re not in your love for an action of divorce) and that was battered or subjected to exlife, personal life,” he said. s/he is given time to respond. treme cruelty); the marriage was “Sometimes, you have to cre- However, there is no requireentered into in good faith; s/he is ate your own (circumstances) ment for the other party to reotherwise eligible for immediate for your character.” spond. There is no requirement relative or preference status; and In the sexy-drama Just a that s/he sign any document at has good moral character. Stranger, Marco’s character all. All that needs to happen is In certain cases, though an gets involved with a woman that s/he is properly served with individual has not suffered any twice his age (May-December, process according to the rules. physical harm, abuse can still Spring-Winter love affair). The What if I do not have legal be argued depending on the couple plays beautiful music papers, and my spouse is circumstances, since “abuse” is not limited to physical harm. Continued on Page SF7 abusive? Each application will be reviewed and examined on a case-bycase basis, and given the whole picture, an individual might just be able to show that he or she is a battered spouse or has suffered extreme cruelty from their U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident husband. If so, a VAWA Self-Petition will enable her to adjust her status without having to rely on their spouse. Deportability issues for green card holders with domestic violence conviction(s) A non-citizen, even if a Lawful Permanent Resident
The CTV Files
(green card holder) for ten years, is liable to be deportable if s/he commits or is convicted of certain crimes, even if it’s “just a misdemeanor.” A conviction for domestic violence can make a non-citizen deportable. A criminal conviction’s negative impact on immigration status The Record of Conviction (ROC) details an individual’s criminal history – his/her arrest, what s/he plead to, and the final judgment/sentence. The relief(s) available to an individual facing removal/deportation proceedings will depend largely on that individual’s record of conviction. If you are a non-citizen, it is best to consult both with a criminal attorney and with an experienced criminal immigration attorney who handles deportation defense before pleading to anything in criminal court. No two cases are exactly the same. Consult with an experienced and competent family law and immigration attorney immediately, and more importantly prior to filing any applications with the USCIS, or prior to pleading to anything in any court, in order to explore their options and possible legal ramifications that they might be facing. As always, be wary of online tools that offer immigration help or notarios who are not licensed to practice law. *** Atty. Lilli Baculi Collins is an associate attorney with Chua Tinsay & Vega, A Professional Legal Corporation (CTV) - a full-service law firm with offices in San Francisco, San Diego, Sacramento and Philippines. The information presented in this article is for general information only and is not, nor intended to be, formal legal advice nor the formation of an attorney-client relationship. Call or e-mail CTV for an in-person or phone consultation to discuss your particular situation and/or how their services may be retained at (619) 955-6277; (415) 495-8088; lbaculi@ctvattys.com; www. chuatinsayvega.com. (Advertising Supplement)
John Ablaza...
From Page SF5 Management Company Inc. — in cooperation with the Asian Journal Publications Inc., Balikbayan Magazine, Magic V Inc., Pageantry Global Inc., Miss Balikbayan International, miss Balikbayan USA, One Global Talent, Music Arts Events, Travel, Trade & Consumer, Lombard By The Bay and Premier Asia Pacific Real Estate and Development — is proud to present “John Ablaza, Nature & Nuture” on Friday, October 25, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Scientology of the Valley Auditorium, 11455 Burbank Blvd., North Hollywood, CA 91601.
In “Nature & Nurture,” Ablaza incorporates natural and organic materials, sourced from all over the Philippines and Africa. He now promotes sustainable fashion to show his concern and love for Mother Nature. Ablaza hopes to focus on his advocacy to mentor up and coming designers and artisans in the Philippines and different parts of the world. For additional information on “John Ablaza, Nature & Nurture,” please call Priscilla Marte at (626) 484-0807 and/or Trini Foliente at (818) 455-2132, or e-mail info@oneglobalmanagement.com.
SF Board of Supervisors unanimously people & events SF approves Traffic Congestion Mitigation Tax for November 2019 ballot For digging projects large and Small, The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - August 9, 2019
Sponsored by Mayor London Breed and Supervisor Aaron Peskin, the measure would add a surcharge on Transportation Network Company rides originating in San Francisco to fund congestion mitigation projects, including safe streets and Muni transit operations
SAN FRANCISCO, CA — The Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, July 23, unanimously approved a ballot measure introduced by Mayor London N. Breed and Supervisor Aaron Peskin to add a surcharge to rides made through Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) in San Francisco in order to fund street safety projects and investments in Muni service. The Traffic Congestion Mitigation Tax will now be on the November 2019 ballot and will need to be approved by two-thirds of voters. If approved by voters, the tax would become effective on January 1, 2020. The measure is estimated to raise up to $35 million annually for transit and Vision Zero safety projects, and would impose a 3.25 percent surcharge on all individual rides and a 1.5 percent surcharge on shared rides that originate in San Francisco. Rides in electric vehicles (EVs) would have a surcharge of 1.5 percent regardless of whether they are individual or shared, in order to encourage the use of EVs. The proposal was crafted by Mayor Breed and Supervisor Peskin in cooperation with TNCs Uber and Lyft. “We need to reduce congestion on our streets so that people can get around more easily, while continuing to invest in our public transportation and make our streets safer for everyone,” said Mayor Breed. “This requires coming together to find solutions to improve street design and encouraging people to
take transit, walk, and bike.” “We all know congestion in San Francisco is terrible and everyone needs to be a part of the solution, including the TNC companies, users and the City,” said Supervisor Aaron Peskin. “This requires strategic investment from all of us to prioritize solutions that get people out of their cars, onto public transportation and safely walking and biking.” In 2017, then-Board of Supervisors President Breed and Supervisor Peskin convened a task force to explore the potential for new transportation revenue measures in San Francisco, consisting of neighborhood organizations, advocacy groups, business and civic organizations, and public agencies. The task force issued its final report in 2017, which found that TNCs accounted for roughly 15 percent of intra-city trips, and an estimated 20-26 percent of vehicle trips Downtown during peak periods. It is estimated that on an average weekday, 6,500 TNC vehicles are on the street. Assemblymember Phil Ting authored legislation last year that ensured San Francisco’s authority to implement a surcharge on rideshare trips with voter approval. Governor Brown signed Assembly Bill 1184, which allows a higher tax rate for single-passenger rides and lower rates for shared rides and zero emission vehicles. The bill also allows the surcharge to be applied to autonomous vehicle rides when the technology
Marco takes...
From Page SF6 together and is challenged on how to keep it playing. When it comes to romantic relationships, does age matter? “For me, it doesn’t,” said Marco. “You can fall in love with someone kahit anong age yan. Age is not really important for me, unless na lang kapag minor. Siyempre ibang usapan na kapag minor. For me, age is just a number. Sometimes, you can find someone older and mature… para sa akin, kahit kanino tumibok ang puso ko… even if she is 40 years old or 35 years old, you can’t say no to it (love) right away.” Yes, love
Marco Gumabao
knows no boundaries, it knows no age. “For me, I don’t really look for love,” he added. “I just wait for it. For the meantime, habang wala pa (that I’m not yet committed to someone), I will focus on my work. Now, I just want to focus (on my career) na wala akong iniisip. For example, if you have a girlfriend, minsan kailangan mong magpaalam (You need to consult her on the work that you do like) ‘Can I do this role? Can I do this scene?’ What if she says, ‘You can’t.’” Once Marco has found that mood for love and that lucky girl, he will find time for it and for her.
Photo from Instagram/@gumabaomarco
Making a...
From Page SF5 of jellyfish being washed up and lay stranded helpless on the shore. He picked them up one by one and began tossing each jellyfish back into the water, into the sea where they can survive and live. A man also walking along the shore watched the boy in utter disbelief. To him, the boy was trying to do the impossible. Shaking his head, the man approached the boy and asked, “Hey, kid, what do you think you’re doing? You can never make a difference. There are thousands of jellyfish. You’ll only save a few of them.”
The boy looked at him, shrugged his shoulders and went back to throwing one more jellyfish back to the water, and told him, “Made a difference to that one …” Each precious human life saved certainly made a difference to that one life. If the Lord gives us just one chance to make a small difference everyday in someone’s life, by all means take it. The world becomes an infinitely better place with every quiet act of kindness that we take. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette. maglaya@asianjournalinc.com
becomes available. “San Francisco’s ability to move its people around safely in a growing economy is vital. But the City’s current transportation revenue streams can’t keep up with the demand,” said Assemblymember Ting. “I’m glad to see Mayor Breed and Supervisor Peskin taking the next step spelled out in AB 1184 and working to invest in bike lanes, public transit, and safer roads. If the tax is approved by voters, I hope the lower rates for shared rides and EVs motivate consumers to use those options.” Revenue from the tax measure would be split equally between transit improvement measures, such as improving bus and rail service frequency and reliability, and Vision Zero safety improvements, including pedestrian and bicyclist safety infrastructure and traffic calming measures.
celebrate 811 Day with one call
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — This Sunday (8/11), August 11, is National Safe Digging Day, serving as a reminder to all PG&E customers and contractors to call 811 a minimum of two business days prior to starting any digging project, no matter how large or small. 811 is a free service, and utility workers will mark the location of any underground lines, helping individuals to dig safely and avoid potential repair costs and even personal injury. Customers and contractors who prefer to submit an 811 request online can visit http:/ /811express.com/ for a single ticket with an individual address. “The safety of our customers, employees and the communities we serve is our most important responsibility and that includes safe digging any time of year,” said Mel Christopher, PG&E’s vice president for Gas Operations. “Guessing or assuming the location of an underground gas line is dangerous, and the consequences of hitting the unmarked line can be serious,” he added. “No digging project is too small. Whether you’re a contractor building a high-rise building or a
homeowner installing a fence or conducting landscaping or renovation, calling 811 can prevent damages and injury and even save a life.” A call to 811 is the best safeguard and the first line of defense to preventing strikes on underground utility lines. Callers are connected to their local 811 center that notifies local utilities of their intent to dig. Those utility operators send specially trained and qualified technicians to the digging site to mark the approximate locations of underground lines with flags or spray paint. Key facts In 2018, there were over 1,700 third-party dig-ins on PG&E’s underground infrastructure across Northern and Central California. • Of the over 1,700 dig-ins, nearly half resulted from not using 811 to have gas and electric lines marked in advance. • Of the third-party (customers or construction crews) dig-ins to PG&E’s lines in 2018, residential dig-ins accounted for 22 percent. • In 86 percent of residential dig-ins, 811 was not called in
advance. PG&E safe digging tips • Mark project area in white: Identify the digging location by drawing a box around the area using white paint, white stakes, white flags, white chalk or even white baking flour. • Call 811 or submit an online request a minimum of two working days before digging: Be prepared to provide the address and general location of the project, project start date and type of digging activity. PG&E and other utilities will identify underground facilities in the area for free. Requests can be submitted a maximum of 14 days prior to the start of the project. • Dig safely: Use hand tools when digging within 24 inches of the outside edge of underground lines. Leave utility flags, stakes or paint marks in place until the project is finished. Backfill and compact the soil. • Be aware of signs of a natural gas leak: Smell for a “rotten egg” odor, listen for hissing, whistling or roaring sounds and look for dirt spraying into the air, bubbling in a pond or creek and dead/dying vegetation in an otherwise moist area.
SF8
The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - August 9, 2019