082518 - Los Angeles Weekend Edition

AUGUST 25-28, 2018 Volume 28 - No. 67 • 4 Sections – 30 Pages

Duterte slams US support for AFP modernization DATELINE USA

by AJPRESS

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

retary Wilbur Ross, and Defense Secretary James Mattis.

In his speech during the 12th founding anniversary of the Eastern Mindanao Command (EASTMINCOM) in Panacan, Davao City, Duterte told soldiers, local officials and guests that he is not keen on acquiring M16 rifles from the U.S. He added that he was more interested in acquiring propeller planes for the anti-insurgency campaign.

“Ngayon, bumabawi sila (Now, they are taking it back), three Cabinet

California may overturn order to return $331-M to mortgage settlement fund

PHILIPPINE President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday, August 23, slammed the request from U.S. government officials asking him to meet them over the country’s armed forces modernization program.

“It was sent to me. I want to share this because I want to impart how I feel,” Duterte said as he revealed the official letter signed by U.S. State Secretary Mike Pompeo, Commerce Sec-

DEMOCRATIC lawmakers in Sacramento are hoping to overturn a court ruling that would order California to use $331 million in helping homeowners hit with foreclosures. The sum came out of a 2012 nationwide financial protection settlement involving banks accused of improper foreclosure practices.

California received over $400 million as part of the National Mortgage Settlement Fund in 2012, but was accused of using most of it to offset state deficits.

The Third District Court of Appeal in Sacramento last month ordered the money be used for the original purpose of assisting owners hit hard by foreclosures, saying the money was “unlawfully diverted” from the settlement fund.

A California judge in 2015 gave a similar ruling, but ultimately said it was up to Cali-

Palace: Recovery of ill-gotten wealth will continue

Hundreds of foreclosures resulted from Wells Fargo glitch

THE United States has neither confirmed nor denied President Rodrigo Duterte’s recent accusations that the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) is devising a plot to kill him.

U.S. Embassy in Manila Press Attaché Molly Koscina said on Wednesday night, August 22 as reported by the Manila Bulletin that, “We would refer you to President Duterte’s office for any questions regarding his remarks.”

This comes after Duterte on Tuesday, August 22, accused the CIA of monitoring his conversations and has plans of assassinating him.

“I know that they, ang nakikinig sa akin is the United States, sigurado ‘yan ang CIA. ‘Yan ang papatay sa akin ‘yang mga ul** na ‘yan eh (They are listening, the United States, I am certain of CIA, they will be the ones to kill me, those insane ones),” Duterte said in a speech at the League of Municipalities (LMP) Visayas Island Cluster conference in Cebu City.

The president said that his security personnel advised him to use a basic keypad mobile phone instead of a smartphone as it more difficult to intercept.

“Yun na nga ang sabi ng mga sundalo sa akin noon, ‘Sir, huwag ka mag-gamit niyan.

“special relationship” between the two countries.

“Our commitment to continue to work with your Congress to support the strategic endeavors, recent decisions to procure and grant upgraded surveillance and aircraft system such as Bell combat utility helicopters and ScanEagle, Gulfstream and Cessna 208 aircraft exemplify our continuing commitment for the breadth and strength of our alliance,” the U.S. ofu PAGE A2

by AJPRESS

u PAGE A3

US has no comment on Duterte’s CIA accusations

members in one letter,” the president said, adding that the letter was sent by “three of their toughest officials.”

“We are writing you to reaffirm this administration’s strongest support for your efforts to modernize the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP),” the letter stated.

The letter also reiterated Washington’s continuous support in the country’s military system. They enumerated the equipment they gave to show that they are dedicated to continuing the

Answering questions on the issue of his father’s strongman rule, former senator Bongbong Marcos said that the proposed abolition of the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) is proof that their critics should “move on.”

PNA photo by Joey Razon

PR ESIDEN TIAL spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. said on Wednesday, August 22, that the government will still continue to recover the ill-gotten wealth from the Marcoses after Ilocos Norte governor Imee Marcos urged the public to move on from the atrocities of Martial Law. “Efforts to recover any ill-gotten wealth continue through the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG),” Roque said in a u PAGE A2

SURRENDERED ARMS. President Rodrigo Duterte leads the inspection of the firearms recovered from the New People’s Army, which were presented during the 12th anniversary of the Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) at the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM), Naval Station Felix Apolinario (NSFA) in Panacan, Davao City on Thursday, August 23. Accompanying the president are Sec. Bong Go of the Office of the Special Assistant to the President, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza, and EastMinCom Commander Lieutenant General Benjamin Madrigal.

Malacañang photo by Joey Dalumpines

Tourist arrivals hit 4.3 million in first seven months

by CATHERINE

TALAVERA Philstar.com

MANILA — Foreign visitor arrivals in the Philippines hit the four million mark in the first seven months of 2018 – an increase of 9.74 percent from 2017 – despite the closure of Boracay in April, the Department of Tourism (DOT) reported on Thursday, August 23.

Foreign arrivals from January to July grew to 4,308,043 from the 3,925,626 arrivals in the The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will hold a dry run on October 15 to 25 to find out what else needs to be done before Boracay Island opens its doors anew same period last year.

PNA photo In June alone, arrivals inched to tourists on October 26. up by 5.86 percent to 601,322 In June alone, arrivals inched up by 5.86 percent to 601,322 from the Philstar.com photo u PAGE A4 568,035 recorded in the same period a year ago. u PAGE A5

CURFEWS IN, PARTIES OUT

Beyond the Marcos name: Matthew Manotoc on his budding political career, promoting Philippine basketball talent

by CHRISTINA

M. ORIEL

AJPress

COMING from such a prominent Filipino family — with grandparents Ferdinand and Imelda, mother Imee as Ilocos Norte governor, and uncle Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. who was a senator and ran in 2016 for the vice presidency, the results of which are currently under an electoral protest — you could say a political career is somewhat inescapable younger members of the Marcos clan, like Matthew Marcos Manotoc.

The 29-year-old, third-generation Marcos entered the political arena in 2016 when he ran for senior board member of Ilocos Norte’s

2nd District, which covers Batac City and the municipalities of Badoc, Dingras, Paoay, San Nicolas, Banna, Solsona, Nueva Era, Pinili, Currimao, and Marcos.

He continues to be an agent for Filipino basketball players under his company, Espiritu Manotoc Basketball Management.

Sports, which he considers a life-long passion, have guided his political platform of health and wellness, youth development and entrepreneurship.

Manotoc was recently in Los Angeles for a week-long trip to meet with local loyalist groups, such as Bongbong Marcos (BBM u PAGE A4

Dry run set ahead of Boracay reopening

by EIREENE JAIREE

GOMEZ

ManilaTimes.net

THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will hold a dry run on October 15 to 25 to find out what else needs to be done before Boracay Island opens its doors anew to tourists on October 26.

Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu said the dry run would be open to local tourists, with natives of Aklan province as priority.

“We will [initially]test 1,000 rooms, then the following day, another 1,000. We will check the performance of the hotels [in terms of their sewerage system and water quality],” Cimatu said in a news conference in Quezon Matthew Marcos Manotoc AJPress photo by Ding Carreon City on Thursday.

In an interview with GMA News, Environment Undersecretary Benny Antiporda said many establishments had yet to fully comply with health and environmental standards for the island’s upkeep.

“We know that people are excited, but sorry to say we give the environment the number one priority rather than the economic side of it,” Antiporda said.

Only 30 percent of the establishments in Boracay will be allowed to operate in October as these have complied with the DENR’s environmental requirements, he said.

The DENR said the operation of the one-stop shop for the submission of requirements was extended to September 7 to alu PAGE A2

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From the Front Page

Palace: Recovery of ill-gotten wealth...

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statement.

Roque promised that President Rodrigo Duterte will continue to seek justice for the victims of the 20-year iron fist rule of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

“The government will continue to find ways and means to effect closure for all victims

of abuses that occurred during that period of martial law,” the spokesperson said.

In a report from The Philippine Star, Roque also added that the victims of human rights violations during that dark period in Philippine history will be given just remuneration.

“Likewise, human rights victims were given compensation

through the Human Rights Victims’ Claims Board (HRVCB),” Roque added.

The spokesman also addressed those who are doubtful of the president’s support in this clamor given his evident allegiance to the Marcoses.

“The president has opened the doors of his government to everyone, regardless of affiliation and ideology, in order to unite the country and bring us greater progress,” he said.

However, the spokesman also considered the Marcoses in the said situation. He said that the Ilocos Norte governor was merely “addressing the critics of her family” when she asked people her age to “move on” during the commemoration of Ninoy Aquino’s 35th death anniversary.

The governor claimed that “the millennials have moved on” and that the “conflict between the Marcoses and Aquinos happened a long time ago.”

She also encouraged the public to just “move forward.”

Roque also said that the government is interested in discussing the matter with sectors involved in the issue.

He noted that the goal is to come up with a solution for the good of all.

“As far as we are concerned, the Duterte administration is willing to work with all groups for the benefit of the people,” the presidential spokesman said.

The number of human rights violations increased during the Martial Law period. Its declaration was said to be intended to counter communists threats.

Amnesty International — a human rights group recorded that there were 70,000 people incarcerated, 34,000 tortured, more than 3,000 killed and 8,000 still missing — also known as the Desaparecidos.

In a report from GMA News, the PCGG recovered only 36 percent of the total Marcos illgotten wealth. The commission garnered $3.6 billion or P170 billion out of the estimated $10 billion. The said recovered funds were used to support the government’s Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) and reparation of Martial Law victims. n

Duterte slams US support for...

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ficials wrote.

The letter also highlighted the country’s partnership with the U.S. built on shared history and values. “This special relationship will only grow stronger by increasing our dialogue especially on security cooperation and trade,” the letter said.

Duterte clarified that he has nothing against the U.S. officials, however, he emphasized that he was merely stating “reality.”

“I have nothing against America and am sure wala rin kayo (you don’t have anything against them either), but mine is more of just the what is the reality on the ground,” Duterte said.

The letter further expressed that the U.S. officials are looking forward to a possible integration in aspects of economy and security. They also emphasized that such integration would be mutually beneficial for both parties.

“We hope to partner in other significant defense procurement of our mutual benefit including through the Lockheed Martin F16 multi-role fighter platform and your attack helicopter platform among other U.S. systems,” the letter added.

They also emphasized that they understand that the president wants the best for the Filipino people.

“At the same time, we keenly understand your country’s need for certainly when considering the selecting technology for the defense and security of the Filipino people,” it further stated.

Earlier this week, Duterte also criticized the U.S. over the coun-

President Rodrigo Duterte and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) Chair Nur Misuari discuss matters during a meeting at Matina Enclaves in Davao City on Wednesday, August 22.

Malacañang photo by Joey Dalumpines

try’s procurement of ineffective military gear. He said that the country bought six helicopters that were refurbished from the North American Treaty Organization (NATO) equipment.

“Now, to date, there are about two or three, nag-crash. Three.

Tatlong eroplano bumagsak ‘yun (Three helicopters crashed. Three of them went down). And the two crashed, I don’t know, and then the third was, patay lahat. ‘Yun ‘yung basura na ibinigay nila sa atin (All malfunctioned. That was the garbage they sent to us),” the president said.

Duterte’s latest tirade against the U.S. came a week after Randall Schriver, U.S. Assistant Secretary of Defense for Asian and Pacific Security Affairs, expressed his disapproval over the country’s proposed plan to acquire submarines from Russia.

“You just like throwing caution to the winds because it would be detrimental or not good for the

relations of America and the Philippines,” Duterte retorted.

Schriver said that when a country buys weapon systems, “you’re not just buying capability, you’re investing in a relationship.”

Duterte slammed the official on his remark. He questioned whether the U.S. even gives the Philippines the respect it deserved.

“Hindi naman nagsabi basta sinabi lang about our relations (They did not elaborate, they just mentioned about the) relations between our two countries. When was it really a relation of mutuality and respect? They never gave it to us,” Duterte stated.

U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim responded to the president’s recent strong criticism by saying that it is much more important to focus on what the U.S. government is doing rather than “pay too much attention into what is sometimes said publicly.” n

Dry run set ahead of Boracay...

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low more establishments to get permits.

No more parties Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat estimated that “only about 3,000 to 5,000 rooms will be open.”

Aside from this, curfew and guest limits will be imposed to preserve conservation efforts and change the island’s “party” image.

Cimatu is proposing to reduce activities at Boracay’s beachfront, including fire dances, loud parties, and massage and

spa services, when the island reopens on October 26, saying these contribute to all kinds of pollution, particularly land, water, and noise pollution.

Citing a study on the carrying capacity of Boracay, Cimatu said the carrying capacity of the island had been breached, leading to the generation of too much waste and the deterioration of water quality, among others.

The island’s carrying capacity was breached in the months of February, April and May last year, when local and foreign tourists packed the island for the

dry season, he said.

The number of hotel rooms and establishments also exceeded the island’s carrying capacity, he added.

“The results of the study will be used by the Boracay InterAgency Task Force in formulating policies that will ensure that the rehabilitation efforts of the island can be sustained,” Cimatu said.

Officials urged Boracay workers to claim their six-month compensation for the island’s shutdown before operations resume. n

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Fil-Am receives Fulbright grant to teach English in Malaysia 23-year-old Dan Santos found inspiration from his immigrant parents’ journey

by KLARIZE

MEDENILLA AJPress

MOST Asian Americans grow up with the overwhelming expectation to academically and financially succeed pursuant to the wishes of their immigrant parents.

Usually that means following a very precise trajectory — school, school and even more school before landing a job and establishing a career in a financially stable enterprise — planned out very early in life.

For second-generation Filipino-American Dan Santos, his upbringing definitely motivated him to excel in school and to work toward a secure future, but his road to success and happiness isn’t necessarily relegated to a carefully planned guideline.

The high-achieving Fulbright grantee and 2017 graduate of the Gies College of Business at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is currently utilizing his grant to teach English in Malaysia, something he never thought he’d do.

“It’s been such a great learning experience for me, and now I’m at a point where I’m teaching abroad and I think it’s really important to keep your options open,” Santos, 23, told the Asian Journal in a recent phone call.

Santos has been serving as an English teaching assistant for high schoolers since January of this year until this fall when he’ll start working for financial services firm Ernst & Young (EY) in forensic and integrity services.

As of press time, Santos is on break in the Philippines, treating himself to a Chance the Rapper concert in Manila, which happens to be where both his parents are

TASTE OF LOCAL DELICACIES. Mall goers enjoy the free tasting offered by the Store Specialist Inc. Group and the Tourism Promotion Board of the Department of Tourism (DOT). DOT-accredited farms nationwide, along with travel agencies and 30 local food exhibitors, showcase their products and services to promote farm tourism during three-day event of the Philippine Harvest at the Central Square Mall at Bonifacio High Street in Taguig City on Friday, August 24.

PNA photo by Oliver Marquez

California may overturn order to return $331-M... from before they migrated to the United States and settled in the Chicago area in the early 1990s.

Santos was born 40 miles north of downtown Chicago in Waukegan, Ill. and describes his upbringing as an equal balance of Filipino and American cultures.

“Growing up, my parents would speak to me in both [Tagalog and English], and of all my cousins who were born in the states, I’m really the only one who can speak Tagalog fluently,” Santos shared. “I really credit my grandparents because throughout [my youth] they would look after me and they really made it a point for me to be able to speak both languages so it’s really special.”

Throughout his life, his parents served as chief inspirations

Fil-Am Dan Santos used his Fulbright grant to teach English in Malaysia.

for the young Filipino-American, and it’s not lost on Santos that his parents’ migration to the United States was a “huge sacrifice,” and that proved to him the resilience and strength one person can have when trying to make something of themselves.

Before the big move, Santos’ mother, Belinda, was a nurse and continued working as a nurse in the states, and his father, Danilo (who passed away when Santos was 19), was a barangay politician and gave up his career in government to move to America.

The father’s difficult decision to leave his career in politics, and to go on to work odd jobs in the U.S., for the family put things into perspective for Santos.

“Working hard and really trying to make something of yourself were things that critically were important for me and trying to make my parents proud and having that same work ethic that they had when they made that leap to the U.S.,” he said. “I think this a sentiment echoed by a lot of children of immigrants. So seeing that sacrifice was really eye-opening for me.”

And Santos took that lesson seriously. A high achiever in school, he studied abroad in Sweden and took business honors class trips

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fornia Governor Jerry Brown and lawmakers to create a plan to return the $331 million when the state had the money to do so.

But legislative Democrats this week, rewrote two budget-related bills which moved through fiscal committees in both houses. The bills state that Brown had appropriately made apparent his funding decisions with Legislature. They further state that Brown had used the money in bailing out housing agencies and consumer services in the state, thus adhering to the 2012 state law.

In a hearing on Thursday, August 23 for one of the bills, a budget analyst with Brown’s Finance Department told the Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee that the bill — AB 1829 — had the intention of “clarifying that Finance operated within the intent of the original (2012) legislation.”

“In the heart of the recession, the state did the best it could in allocating money toward housing measures,” said budget analyst for the governor, Joshua Gauger.

The National Asian American Coalition (NAAC), which led the

case against Brown and state finance officials in 2014, maintained that the latest moves were still illegal.

“It’s disappointing that Governor Brown’s allies in the Legislature are now trying to deprive struggling homeowners of money that is rightfully theirs and that they have fought long and hard to recover through the courts,” said Faith Bautista, president and chief executive officer of the NAAC. She added that if passed, struggling California homeowners would be further vulnerable to the state’s already severe housing crisis. “$331 million is badly needed by Californians to get the housing services they need to buy their homes or modify their mortgages to keep their homes,” said Bautista.

A lawyer for the NAAC and other organizations that challenged the state’s fund usage, said they would pursue another legal battle if the legislation were to pass.

“Those actions were still illegal, and the governor remains under an obligation to use the National Mortgage Settlement Funds as the appellate court found they were intended — to help struggling homeowners,”

said attorney Neil Barofsky.

Wells Fargo glitch led to hundreds of home foreclosures Among the five mortgage services that were ordered to pay into the National Mortgage Settlement Fund in 2012 was Wells Fargo, which recently revealed that hundreds of people experienced foreclosures due to a computer glitch on the bank’s behalf.

Through a regulatory filing last week, Wells Fargo said that up to 625 clients were “incorrectly denied a loan modification” that they would have otherwise received because the glitch miscalculated the client’s’ eligibility requirements for mortgage modifications. Roughly 400 of the cases resulted in foreclosures.

Homeowners affected by the glitch were undergoing foreclosure processes between April 13, 2010, and October 20, 2015.

For remediation, Wells Fargo said it would put aside $8 million for “customers whose modification decisions may have been affected by the calculation error.” Based on the approximately 600 affected, that would amount to roughly $13,000 per customer. (Rae Ann Varona/AJPress)

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Robredo’s daughter Jillian to study in New York University with full scholarship THE youngest daughter of Vice President Leni Robredo, Jillian, is set to pursue her college studies at the New York University in the United States, her sister Tricia announced on Thursday, August 23.

The 18-year-old will be taking up her biomolecular science degree under a full scholarship at NYU’s Tandon School of Engineering.

“Been dreading this day for the longest time huhu. Early morning send-off for Jill, who will be attend-

ing NYU on a scholarship! Always so proud of my two sisters but yallz keep leaving,” Tricia wrote on Instagram.

The vice president said the Robredo family will start a “new chapter” in their lives, in a Facebook photo with her three daughters on Wednesday, August 22.

“We are yet again embarking on a new chapter and my girls dropped by the office today. Trish had to work yesterday, a holiday,

to be able to get off today,” she said.

Jillian, a graduate of the Philippine Science High School, had two other options for college, particularly the Ateneo de Manila University’s applied mathematics program, and the University of the Philippines-Diliman’s mathematics program.

The first two years of NYU’s biomolecular program focus on

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Using Filipino values, food key to better heart health, says study HONOLULU — Heart disease is the leading cause of death among Filipino American males and second among Filipino American females. Filipinos also have a high prevalence of hyper- Ilocos Norte 2nd District Senior Board Member Matthew Marcos Manotoc and his mother, Governor Imee Marcos, in front of the province’s tension resulting from obesity, capitol building. alcohol consumption, and physical inactivity. The good news: A University of Hawaii at Manoa MM: A lot of people obviously stand why my uncle, my mom, study has found that food and PAGE A1 t family are key factors in improv- United) and Governor Imee Mar- want to know what’s the lat- and even my aunt — the direct cos for Senator, and the Ilocano est with my uncle Bong’s pro- children — it’s hard for them to ing Filipino heart health. test or appeal in addition to my really admit certain things, that Values such as strong family disapora.

In an exclusive interview, the mother’s campaign — is it final? there were mistakes or errors. ties, empathy, a tradition of obLike my uncle Bong for exligation and reciprocity as well Asian Journal spoke to Manotoc What is she running for? I think, as nutritionally improving tra- about his rise to politics, the fu- more than anything, it’s been so ample. It took him a while. ditional foods evoke a better re- ture of Philippine basketball, and much warmth, appreciation, and Initially he was saying, ‘No, I apologize.’ Then he sponse from at-risk individuals. of course, how it’s been carrying complimenting my family, which won’t is a little weird at times honestly. softened his stance to eventuthe Marcos name. u PAGE A6 Asian Journal (AJ): How has I get it a lot even in Manila be- ally come around to saying, ‘of the reception been from the cause I think the people who like course there were mistakes and people you’ve met during your us will talk to us and the people if people are offended by that, who don’t like us probably won’t then I’m sorry.’ He kind of apolotrip to LA? Matthew Manotoc (MM): talk to us. So the things I hear gized but of course it didn’t make It’s very heartwarming. A lot of tend to be positive of course. But everyone happy. But I think what them are obviously nostalgic. It obviously, I know there’s another people underestimate is how PAGE A1 t comes from our region, they call side to it and I try not to get too sentimental or emotional it is for Ito na lang pindot-pindot kasi it the “Solid North” for a reason. carried away with all of the posi- them. That was their father, that really was their hero. He was evito mahirap i-intercept.’ Lalo na They’re fiercely loyal and some- tive comments.

AJ: Years later, your grandfa- erything to them so it’s not easy ‘yang pinaka old model. Kung times I’m not sure exactly why. gamitan lang ng isa old model But we really appreciate it and ther’s presidency continues to to criticize your own hero or your then mahirapan ang (This is what that’s the main point I wanted be a divisive topic among Filipi- own father.

For me, I’ve heard multiple the soldiers told me before. ‘Sir, to make when I spoke to [these nos. How do you deal with the sides of it so I wouldn’t criticize do not use that (smartphone). groups]. Even for me, I never critics?

MM: I get that they are totally him but I’ll readily admit that Use this keypad phone instead necessarily saw myself entering because it is harder to inter- politics but the loyalty they’ve entitled to their own opinion. In he wasn’t perfect and that there cept),” he said. shown us over the years is really addition, there is another side to were mistakes that he commitDuterte’s tirades against the overwhelming and inspiring. It’s the story or for most maybe that ted. There are many theories as U.S. are nothing new since tak- one of the reasons why my family is the story. There are multiple to why things ended the way they sides or faces to what happened. did. ing office two years ago. Also this and I continue to serve.

AJ: As you continue your poweek he lashed out against the AJ: In your conversations I think more than anything, for U.S. for sending defective mili- with these groups in LA, what me, like I’ve accepted it. It’s litical career, you’ll inevitably tary gear and disapproving of the have they been sharing or what very personal to me because of always be tied to your family Philippines’ plan to acquire Rus- issues have they’ve been rais- my family, my grandfather but but how are you making a name I didn’t live through it. I undersian submarines. (AJPress) ing? u PAGE A6

Beyond the Marcos name: Matthew...

US has no comment on...

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Tourist arrivals hit 4.3 million in first...

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NEGATIVE. Senate President Vicente C. Sotto III on Thursday, August 23, presented to media the results of his drug test, which showed that he was negative for drug abuse. Sotto, together with other senators, senate officials and employees, participated in a surprise random-mandatory drug testing that was administered by officials of the Department of Health (DOH) last month.

Senate photo by Cesar Tomambo

Fil-Am receives Fulbright grant to...

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to Malaysia, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates.

He was also one of 14 University of Illinois students and alumni to be offered a Fulbright grant, a highly competitive cultural exchange program that offers international education, teaching stints and research opportunities to the academically excellent.

He chose to travel back to Malaysia for his grant because “I knew I wanted to live in a diverse area in Southeast Asia.�

He chose to teach English because that was an area that he struggled with growing up — his Filipino accent as a young child was so strong that he had to take speech classes because his classmates and teachers couldn’t understand him. “It all just kind of came full circle, and to have this opportunity to go abroad turned out to be something that I really wanted. When

you study abroad, you learn how to present yourself in a foreign context,� Santos remarked. “Our education, as Americans, is sort of centered around the United States and you don’t learn about other cultures or how to conduct yourself, whereas when you’re studying in a foreign country, meeting new people from different backgrounds. You take away a lot of lessons that you’re able to apply to your own life, regardless of what career you pursue.�

The “soft skills� he’s learned from his experiences abroad not only opened his eyes to new cultures and people, but it helped him realize that staying present and seeing every experience as a learning opportunity is more beneficial than stressing out trying to find and follow a specific career trajectory. “That’s one of the key things I’ve learned from this whole experience: to take it slow and re-

Dan Santos chose to live in Malaysia for his Fulbright grant because he wanted to live in Southeast Asia.

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ally have faith and trust in the process of finding more about yourself and finding out what you want to do long-term, I think, regardless of what experience you pursue, regardless of how long,� Santos affirmed. “Throughout college, I was really stressed out about finding a career that I find meaningful, but now, coming back, I very much found value and trust in pursuing the current routine, and I realized my job at EY might not what I want to do my entire career, but it’s something that I’ll learn from and take lessons from.� n

from the 568,035 recorded in the same period a year ago.

Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said this puts the country on track in its 7.4 million arrivals target under the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP). “Things are looking brighter for the tourism industry. With the roll-out of a comprehensive branding campaign in the coming months and the scheduled reopening of a better Boracay on Oct. 26, we are optimistic that we will hit, or better yet, surpass our target of 7.4 million for 2018,� Puyat said.

Based on data from the Statistics, Economic Analysis and Information Management Division (SEAIMD) of the DOT, Korea remains the country’s top source market, followed by China, the United States, Japan and Australia. “With the challenges and hurdles the industry is facing, maintaining the positive trajectory of visitor arrivals is not an easy feat, but the industry has kept itself afloat. We only have our stakeholders and government partners to thank. But of course, this will not be possible without the dedicated men and women of the DOT,� Puyat said.

Puyat had earlier stressed that the DOT’s partnership with the private sector and intensified convergence with relevant government agencies served as the impetus in sustaining the upward trajectory of foreign arrivals in the first half of the year.

“The DOT’s continuous marketing promotions, aggressive actions to create new air routes and develop new tourism products, travel facilitation and confidence in tourism investments drummed up the industry and resulted in this stellar performance. But I would like to emphasize that this will not be possible without the consolidated efforts of all stakeholders,� Puyat said.

Tourism Congress of the Philippines (TCP) president Jojo Clemente had earlier told The STAR that there are still potential source markets for the Philippines to tap to further boost arrivals. “The good news is that there are still markets we have to fully tap, such as India, Sri Lanka and the ASEAN region, among others, which can boost our arrivals further,� he added.

India is one potential market the DOT has been eyeing to focus on due to the country’s large population.

Latest available data from the DOT show that arrivals from India grew 6.46 percent in the first five months of the year to 10,569 from 9,928 arrivals in the same period last year.

Dry run set As this developed, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will conduct on Oct. 15 to 25 a dry run of Boracay’s reopening to fully prepare the island before it reopens to the public on Oct. 26, according to Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu. “The dry run will help the Boracay Inter-Agency Task Force

to make an overall assessment of the island’s condition prior to its final reopening,� he said. “This will be open to local tourists, with Aklanons as priority, and will allow us to assess what else needs to be done before the island is reopened to all tourists, both domestic and foreign, on Oct. 26,� he said.

For the dry run, 1,000 rooms will be opened which the DOT is set to determine.

The DENR called on the public to wait for the announcement on which compliant and accredited establishments will initially be allowed to operate before they proceed with their reservations.

One-stop shop run extended The DENR also extended the operation of the one-stop shop for business operation requirements to Sept. 7 to allow establishments to comply.

Environment Undersecretary Benny Antiporda said it was put up to also check on hotels that can participate in the dry run. “As long as they are able to fulfill the requirements imposed by the DENR, the DOT and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), they will be allowed to participate,� he said in an interview.

Many establishments have yet to fully comply with health and environmental standards that will be given much weight for them to operate, especially during Boracay’s reopening, according to Antiporda.

Cimatu reminded business owners to secure the necessary

u PAGE A6

A august 25-28, 2018 • La WEEKEND asIaN JOuRNaL

Tourist arrivals hit 4.3 million in first...

PAGE A5 t

permits, licenses and certifications; otherwise, they will remain closed once the resort island reopens after the six-month rehabilitation period. The agency provides services such as verification of the status or classification of the land occupied by an establishment and its compliance with easement rules.

The DILG had earlier said they see that around 30 percent of establishments already connected to the sewer system and have their own sewage treatment plants will be allowed to operate when the island resort reopens.

The DENR is still giving establishments a chance to put up or connect to sewage treatment plants, which had been ordered several months ago.

“This is really the cause of problems, the sewage. We have to do something about it because it is concentrated at the beach front,” Cimatu said.

Antiporda added that during the dry run, they will only allow entry of local tourists, with Aklanons as priority.

“However, we still have to

check how many tourists can be accommodated in Boracay during the dry run. We will have to limit the entry of guests so conservation efforts are not wasted,” he said.

The Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), a DENRattached agency, has also assigned its personnel to help evaluate compliance with environmental laws, particularly on clean water, clean air, solid waste management, and toxic substances and hazardous waste control.

The EMB is currently conducting on-site visits to all business establishments on the island to check on their compliance with various regulations issued by the DENR, including the setting up of sewerage treatment plants for hotels and resorts with more than five rooms.

No financial aid yet In a related development, thousands of displaced workers from Boracay’s closure have yet to avail themselves of financial assistance from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

Dateline USa

Labor Assistant Secretary Benjo Benavidez said the DOLE has extended monthly financial grant only to more than 13,000 of nearly 18,000 displaced Boracay workers.

“Our budget is good for 17,735 displaced workers, but so far over 13,000 have availed.

We are still looking for more than 4,000 workers,” Benavidez said.

Displaced Boracay workers can still go to the nearest DOLE office in their area to avail themselves of the P4,200 monthly financial assistance, according to Benavidez.

“We will give them the differential starting May up to August or September,” he said.

The DOLE immediately reached out to affected workers and offered grant under its Adjustment Measures Program.

The financial aid, the DOLE said, is intended to enhance the employability and mitigate the adverse economic impact of the island’s rehabilitation. (With Rhodina Villanueva, Louise Maureen Simeon, Mayen Jaymalin/Philstar.com)

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Beyond the Marcos name: Matthew...

PAGE A4 t

for yourself?

MM: Personally, it’s nice to be in local politics where I really have...an impact on actual people that I can see. As a senior board member of the province, we’re on the legislative side and we draft ordinances and resolutions so I’ve been able to pass certain ordinances over the past two years.

I think [what] perhaps separates me is sports, for example, which I’m very passionate about. My platform when I ran was health and wellness through sports and the youth, because I am young.

Also entrepreneurship because I’ve started my own basketball agency. That’s what I push — the sports and the youth factors are maybe what distinguish me from my family, even though my mom has been very supportive of the youth since she was a founding member of Kabataang Barangay back in the day. She’s always recognized and supported the youth sector.

AJ: What are some of the accomplishments in the past two years as senior board member of the Ilocos Norte province that you can share?

MM: I wouldn’t necessarily say in the past two years but maybe in the five or 10 or since my mom has been in power: the poverty has gone down, the infrastructure has improved, commerce has grown. Generally, if you go to Ilocos, people are quite impressed.

We’re always blessed with a very diligent population — Ilocanos are known to be kind of stubborn, thrifty, and hardworking.

We benefit from that. If you look at San Nicolas, we have call centers that have entered in the last few years. Robinsons [Place] in San Nicolas has expanded almost three-fold. Manufacturing has diversified so our province has definitely grown. The province is at a pretty good place but obviously there’s a lot of development that can still happen.

AJ: What should the province focus on in the next five to 10 years?

MM: Hopefully bring more business in, that’s key for Ilocos.

Currently, I’m reviewing the investment code. I really want to make sure that incentivizes businesses. It’s tough, though. In the past two years, one of the most important things I’ve learned is that most of the laws and ordinances exist but it’s just a matter of practicing and implementation.

I think that’s where we often fall short...That’s where the bureaucracy and the systems and the enforcement are really lacking.

Manufacturing is something we really need to focus on — industrializing. Having an industry of our own wherein we create certain products even. We have that on a small scale. We can still do a lot with tourism. We’re kind of an under-the-radar destination. When people think of Ilocos, they think of Vigan first because it’s a World Heritage Site...but it’s not in our province. We have the sand dunes, we have forests, the beach, a huge lake. You get a lot of environmental attractions so I’m hoping we can step up our tourism in terms of operationalizing certain sites, developing more around [them], and accessibility. It’s tough because sometimes a new waterfall will be discovered, for example, and it’s not really managed, you have one guy there overseeing things but it takes a lot of coordination from the barangay to the municipality to the government...It’s not easy to do all the time.

AJ: You studied in the U.S. for college, what was it like going and taking that perspective back home to the Philippines?

MM: Honestly, sometimes I wish I were a lot more Ilocano in a sense or even more Filipino because I spent about eight years in the Philippines but I went to an international school and I went to Ateneo for about a year.

Sometimes I struggle even with myself because there are certain elements of myself that I think are Filipino and there are certain elements...that are more international, which a part of that could be American because I Iived here for almost 4 1/2 years. Those are

certain things you don’t agree with people on and I think that’s the upbringing here and certain cultural differences. But now that I’m spending more time in the Philippines, I also see it from their perspective. It gives you a broader, multicultural perspective which I think helps. But what I like to work on is being on the ground, getting that grassroots experience. It’ll take time, which I’m willing to invest in.

I wouldn’t say it was a big adjustment but sometimes there are certain issues and you see them both ways, you’re even torn yourself. You have a Filipino perspective and an American perspective and you see them clashing.

If anything, it gives you more to contemplate and evaluate in your head because you have more factors. Perhaps that’s a result of being more open-minded. It’s obviously a benefit, but as I said, I do think I’m not Filipino enough so that’s something especially as a public official now that I have to work on.

AJ: To you, what does it mean to be a Filipino and that identity?

MM: It’s hard to define because I think the ‘Filipino’ is evolving, especially with so much international movement...[and] because we’re very multifaceted and eclectic ourselves. It would be hard to pinpoint what is a Filipino, but I think the culture is what is unique to us, our hospitality that everybody talks about, the warmth that you receive from a Filipino wherever you are. The biggest thing is really the strong culture that we have that many people are working to sustain despite all the changes going on.

AJ: With the international perceptions of the Philippines, as someone who is living in the country, what do you want people to know about what’s really happening there?

MM: I suspect the way things are reported here tend to be negative. Duterte still enjoys quite a high popularity level…It has eroded a little bit, which I think is a result of 1) the drug war, which some people think that he’s overdoing and 2) recently, the TRAIN [Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Act] laws that passed have taken a big impact.

It’s also heightened inflation and that’s what people are struggling with. A lot of people are questioning — they understand that the [government] wants to raise money for the Build, Build, Build program but it shouldn’t hurt the poorest and the masses who are struggling day to day. But ultimately, these are growing pains.

I really applaud the president for his vision and his independence.

He is a very strong leader who has a ton of conviction and is a principled man.

Infrastructure, for example, is something that we need so one way or another we have to find a way to finance that. Hopefully... we find ways to limit the difficulties people are experiencing now with the higher inflation. The other day when I left [the Philippines] growth slowed down too from the 7-8 percent they wanted to 6 percent so I think the rise in inflation had an effect on that too. I don’t think they can adjust the TRAIN since it’s been passed so let’s see how things move forward. Now with Gloria Macapagal Arroyo also back in the picture, her being an economist, it seems that Duterte’s team is quite amenable to her and her people’s input so hopefully they can come together and control the economy because that’s crucial.

AJ: Shifting gears to your work in sports and your agency, how have you been recruiting more basketball players in the Philippines?

MM: Our agency is called Espiritu Manotoc Basketball Management (EMBM) that we started in 2011. We manage PBA players and have about 20 players right now. The biggest names are probably Japeth Aguilar and Matthew Wright. We also help out collegiate players so we want to open doors for Filipino Americans to see what basketball is like in the Philippines and how much it has to offer and poten-

tially play in the PBA. We want to help Philippine basketball in general. In addition, we try to assist with basketball development on the grassroots [level]. We also do a lot of sports marketing and for corporate brands who want more of a basketball slant. It’s something I’ve always been passionate about, being someone who has played basketball and continues to do so.

AJ: What is the future of basketball in the Philippines?

MM: I think we’ll always be good. But now, what it’ll take for us to be a great, it depends on how we define great. Well, that’s not true because Australia is now part of our crew. We’re probably top three to five in Asia. FIBA [the International Basketball Federation] — it’s a weird rearrangement — changed the groupings so Australia is now part of the Asiatic region, which personally is really unfair. We can’t compete against Caucasians so it’s really tough. See, that would be our limitation in the future of Philippine basketball is that we’re just physically inferior, but in terms of skill, our skill is second to none.

Even our ability is really high and the basketball culture is so strong so we’re always going to produce great talents and terrific players.

The question is if we can form a strong national team wherein they play together and play team ball. Nowadays, kids growing up are victims of social media and YouTube and they just see highlights so it kind of encourages them to be individualistic which runs counter to the right way to play basketball, which is team oriented. That’s something I would want us to move towards... because that’s what succeeds.

AJ: What’s next for you political wise?

MM: I don’t know. It’s something people have been asking me. It’s too early to say so I wouldn’t want to commit to anything. I’ll definitely be running again next year but I don’t know in what capacity. I’m looking forward to continuing to serve the Ilocano people. We’ll see what the cards have in store for me.

AJ: What’s some advice your family has given you as you build your career?

MM: I don’t think there’s one word of advice in particular. They’ve always strived and... whatever you do, try to be the best at it. There’s that certain track record which they have and really practice. They’ve been very lenient in a sense where they’ve let us essentially do what we like. But there’s also that expectation that whatever you do, you have to do it well and do it right. It’s not necessarily something they’ve preached but over time, it’s something you absorb and internalize and try to practice yourself.

AJ: Seeing your mom and other women as top leaders in the Philippines, what can people learn from them?

MM: [Female leadership] has come a long way. Most Filipinos, I don’t think, don’t have any problem with female leadership. With (Cory) Aquino, GMA, we have had and currently have a lot of female leaders. Given there are still some traditionalists who perhaps would rather not have female leaders, I think especially the younger generation is supportive of female leaders. Honestly and I’ve read some about the subject, there is so much that male leaders can learn from female leaders, like being more compassionate, collaborative, which sometimes our machismo and masculinity kind of get in the way of. I’m glad to see Filipinos be more amenable to female leaders and...that goes hand in hand with the LGBT issues.

We’re slowly chipping away from the older mindset and it’s great to see. I think that’s going to grow wherein we’re only going to become more open-minded especially with social media and everyone has a voice. People are starting to appreciate varying voices nowadays more than ever perhaps.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity. n

Using Filipino values, food key to better heart health...

PAGE A4 t

The study was prepared by Professor Kathryn L. Braun, director of the UH Office of Public Health Studies, with Jermy-Leigh Domingo, a recent UH-Manoa public health graduate, as the lead researcher, and Gretchenjan Gavero of the John A. Burns School of Medicine as a co-author.

They explored eight previous studies that involved healthcare

workers using culturally tailored interventions to increase Filipino Americans’ participation in heart disease prevention programs. Four of the previous studies were done in Hawaii, while the others were conducted on the mainland.

Some examples include serving traditional Filipino foods, but grilling fish rather than frying it.

Other interventions took advantage of the importance of

family relationships. For example, since turning down food is frowned upon, it is vital to get the whole family on board rather than focusing on the single individual with heart disease, the researchers said.

Dancing, popular among Filipino Americans, could potentially help the community increase physical activity and may be an area to target in future studies.

(Inquirer.net)

Robredo’s daughter Jillian to study...

PAGE A4 t

biotechnology and chemistry, according to the university’s official the “core courses” in science such website. as mathematics, physics, chemisThe vice president’s eldest try and biology, and would later daughter, Aika, finished her studon focus on biomedical science, ies in public administration at the

Harvard Kennedy School of Government last May 24, which her father, the late Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo, also completed back in 1999. (Philstar.com)

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • AUgUSt 25-28, 2018

Dateline PhiliPPines

A

Leni Robredo unfazed by plunder rap Seven Supreme Court justices face impeachment complaints by heleN

FloRes Philstar.com

MANILA — Vice President Leni Robredo is unfazed by the plan of a former Naga City councilor to file a plunder case against her over the alleged multimillion-peso “substandard” infrastructure projects that were implemented during her stint as congresswoman.

As this developed, Robredo’s spokesperson Barry Gutierrez said in an interview that the Vice President will press charges against blogger Drew Olivar, who made serious allegations against her in a video that circulated online.

Former Naga councilor Luis Ortega, in particular, cited the construction of a P200-million bridge, which he claimed was poorly built.

Gutierrez said they are confident all the projects carried out during Robredo’s term as representative of Camarines Sur’s second district were efficient.

He challenged critics to file cases before the courts if they have evidence that the projects were low quality.

Vice President Leni Robredo Philstar.com photo by Edd Gumban

Gutierrez also said Robredo is unperturbed by Ortega’s accusations that her brother-in-law, Butch, is allegedly behind the proliferation of illegal drugs in their town.

“This is a rehashed allegation.

This is not worth the Vice President’s time,” he said.

Robredo’s husband, Jesse, served as mayor of Naga for almost two decades.

Jesse, who served as secretary of the interior and local government, died in a plane crash in August 2012.

Robredo on Saturday called Duterte’s remarks a “huge insult” to the people of Naga City.

Vulgar video As regards Robredo’s case against Olivar, Gutierrez said “that’s definite.”

“We’re just finalizing the complaint but it’s sure we will sue him,” he said.

“Vice President Leni’s lawyers are just discussing what is the most appropriate case they will file against him,” he added.

Olivar’s video circulated online days after the highly criticized “pederalismo” video of him and presidential communications assistant secretary Mocha Uson.

Olivar made serious accusations against the Vice President, including going on a trip to South Africa just to engage in sex.

He also accused Robredo of using public funds to send her eldest daughter, Aika, to Harvard University.

Meanwhile, Gutierrez said he believes the latest attacks against Robredo were meant to divert the public’s attention from real issues. n

Construction of Makati City subway system to start in December

be conducted underground.

She pointed out that the project is an unsolicited public-private partnership proposal beTHE Makati City government tween a consortium led by IRC and a private consortium are set to Properties, Inc. and the city govbreak ground in December a $3.7ernment. billion intra-city subway project She stressed that the local govthat will help decongest traffic in ernment will not spend anything one of Metro Manila’s main busion the multibillion-dollar project ness and financial districts. and will only contribute the land The subway, expected to acit currently owns for the subway commodate 700,000 passengers system. daily, will link the key public and “The city of Makati will be a benbusiness spots of the City, Makati eficiary of a project which is a 10kilometer subway system that has 10 stops (stations) that will connect the central business district all the way to the second business district, iko-connect niya ‘yung Ospital ng Makati. That’s for Phase 1,” Binay told reporters at the weekly Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum on Wednesday, August 22.

“May phasing sila, pero as far as phase 1 is concerned, it is a 10-kilometer subway system,” she added.

The project has been opened to a “Swiss Challenge,” or a comparThe construction of the $3.7-billion intra-city subway project in Makati City will begin in ative bidding process, until SepDecember 2018.

Inquirer.net photo by Ed Lustan tember 24. n

by DaRRyl JohN

esgueRRa

Inquirer.net

Mayor Abby Binay said.

The subway line will connect business districts along Ayala Avenue, Makati City Hall, Poblacion Heritage Site, University of Makati, Ospital ng Makati, and other business zones in the city, Binay noted.

The target completion date for the subway system will be in 2025, the mayor said.

She assured that the construction of the subway system will not impede road operations as it will

by Nathalie

Robles

AJPress

SEVERAL members of the Philippine House of Representatives this week filed impeachment complaints against the seven associate justices of the Supreme Court (SC) who voted to oust former Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno last May. Representatives Gary Alejano of Magdalo party-list, Edcel Lagman of Albay, Teddy Baguilat Jr. of Ifugao and Tom Villarin of Akbayan party-list all filed impeachment complaints on Thursday, August 23, against the justices, four of whom are chief justice candidates.

SC associate justices who are on the shortlist for the chief justice position are Teresita de Castro, Diosdado Peralta, Lucas Bersamin and Andres Reyes. The three other SC associate justices included in the complaint are Francis Jardeleza, Noel Tijam and Alexander Gesmundo.

The SC officials in question were seven out of the eight who voted for Sereno’s ouster from the chief justice position via a quo warranto petition filed by Solicitor General Jose Calida earlier this year. SC Associate Justice Samuel Martires was the only justice not included in the complaint, as reported by The Philippine Star.

Since De Castro, Peralta, Bersamin and Reyes are aiming for the chief justice post, the filed complaint might prevent them from getting the seat.

According to the same report, sources in the administration said that De Castro will most likely be appointed the chief justice.

However, this will only give her a chance to serve for two months until her retirement in October of this year.

Lagman said that they decided to file the impeachment complaint to ensure that the SC magistrates would not get away with their “unconstitutional” move of ousting Sereno.

“It is important the errant justices should be made accountable to the people,” the lawmaker told ABS-CBN News.

The Magdalo party-list representative said that the ouster of the magistrate would give way to a significant display of the “ultimate standard of justice.”

“The ultimate standard of justice would be the impeachment and removal of the seven justices against whom we will file the impeachment complaint,” said Lagman.

Lagman also called for the withdrawal of the four justices from the shortlist of possible chief justice. He said that their

nomination was “acted with indecent alacrity.”

“The JBC should have considered with requisite deliberation the disqualification of the justices in view of the pendency of the impeachment cases which are akin to or even more serious than an administrative case whose pen-

u PAGE A11

A8 AUGUST 25-28, 2018 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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OPINION

FEATURES

Ninja cops

THE Commission on Human Rights has expressed concern. Public expressions of indignation, however, have been almost non-existent in connection with the way President Rodrigo Duterte is dealing with so-called ninja cops. These are members of the Philippine National Police who kidnap drug suspects and shake them down, or who are directly involved in drug protection rackets.

The President, exasperated with the rot in the PNP, has dangled a reward of P5 million for every ninja cop killed. Commission on Human Rights officials reminded the public that even crime suspects are entitled to due process, that guilt must first be established before imposing punishment — or retribution as the President puts it.

CHR officials surely realize the weakness of that appeal for ordinary Filipinos, millions of whom picked Duterte for president when he promised to kill criminal troublemakers. That vote reflected public frustration over a criminal justice system notorious for its snail’s pace, corruption and incompetence, which have bred impunity and the fear that the state can’t keep the public safe.

This public frustration lingers, making it likely that if so-called ninja cops turn up dead, only their close relatives and friends will shed tears over their demise.

The judiciary is an independent and co-equal

branch of the executive, with reforms at the hands of the Supreme Court. But the executive can contribute to capacity building in the judiciary, by providing sufficient funding and other resources. The President’s best contribution to improving the justice system is the appointment and promotion of persons to judicial positions based on competence and integrity rather than the right connections. Similar thrusts can be pursued in the prosecution service, which is under the executive, and in the PNP. Eradicating erring cops like vermin is vulnerable to abuse and grievous mistakes, and can undermine effective law enforcement. The PNP has processes for weeding out scalawags in its ranks, with tiered penalties based on the gravity of the offense.

Apart from sustained housecleaning, the PNP must also give attention to the prevention of criminal behavior in the police service. This starts at are criminally inclined. Once accepted into the the recruitment stage, in which screening must be PNP, a cop must undergo constant values formatightened to prevent the entry of individuals who tion and skills upgrading. There are no substitutes

Editorial

Philstar.com photo

for scientific criminal investigation and methods anchored on laws for keeping the public safe. (Philstar.com)

Trump intensifies rhetoric demonizing undocumented immigrants with the murder of Mollie Tibbetts: How this affects us all — with or without “papeles” The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS WHAT happened to 20-yearold Mollie Tibbetts —a beautiful college student from Iowa who was killed by multiple sharp force injuries by an undocumented immigrant when she was on her usual routine run — is perhaps every parent’s nightmare.

The family of Tibbetts, however, lamented that her death had been used by the Trump administration for its own political agenda.

“I don’t want Mollie’s memory to get lost amongst politics,” worried Billie Jo Calderwood, the aunt of Tibbetts.

Despite this wish expressed by the Tibbetts family and amid the news about Trump’s per-

sonal lawyer and fixer Michael Cohen’s pleading guilty and implicating Trump as co-conspirator in a federal crime, and former campaign chairman Paul Manafort’s conviction, Trump and his allies used her death to continue to demonize undocumented immigrants and push for funding for his “beautiful wall” that he promised Mexico would be paying for.

The White House tweeted on August 22: “For 34 days, investigators searched for 20-year-old Mollie Tibbetts. Yesterday, an illegal alien, now charged with first-degree murder, led police to the cornfield where her body was found. The Tibbetts family has been permanently separated. They are not alone.”

This tweet came with the video, titled “Permanently Separated,” that Trump’s White House released showing families discussing how their loved ones had been killed by undocumented immigrants.

Trump also said via a recorded message on Twitter: “We need the wall, we need our immigration laws changed, we need our border laws changed, we need Republicans to do it because the Democrats aren’t going to do it.

This is one instance of many.”

“We have tremendous crime trying to come through the borders,” he said. “We have the worse laws anywhere in the world, nobody has laws like the United States, they are strictly pathetic.”

On Tuesday, August 21, Trump told the crowd during a campaign rally in Charleston, West Virginia: “You heard about today with the illegal alien coming in, very sadly, from Mexico and you saw what happened to that incredible, beautiful young woman.”

The family of Tibbetts struck a different tone, however, after she was confirmed to have been murdered. Newsweek reported that her aunt Billie Jo

Is Assemblymember Phil Ting only for the crazy rich Asians, or will he fight for the crazy poor ones, too?

Community Voice FAITH BAUTISTA LAST week, the movie “Crazy Rich Asians” opened in theaters nationwide to long lines and critical acclaim, especially here in Daly City, California, where a lot of Asians reside.

Of course, where people are, there the politicians will be.

Assemblymember Phil Ting, who is of Chinese descent and who represents the California 19th Assembly District which includes the west side of San Francisco, Broadmoor, Daly City, South San Francisco, and Colma, was one of those who prominently supported the movie.

At a press conference before a screening of “Crazy Rich Asians,” Ting, who is the vice chair of the Asian-Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus, touted Senate Bill 871 or the film tax credit law recently signed by Governor Jerry Brown, which supposedly “moves the needle towards inclusion” by including diversity statistics in the application process for tax incentives.

What Ting didn’t say during the press conference was that the very next day, the Assembly Budget Committee that he chairs was

about to pass another bill, Senate Bill 861 (SB 861). He wouldn’t have been proud about passing SB 861 through his committee, however, because this trailer budget bill would move the needle towards exclusion for the Asian Americans and other low-income communities he is supposed to represent.

Here is the plot to the SB 861 story: In 2014, the National Asian American Coalition (NAAC), of which I am the president and CEO, and two other nonprofit organizations, sued Governor Jerry Brown to seek the return of $331 million, which his government illegally diverted for other budgetary purposes from the National Mortgage Special Deposit Fund (NMSDF) – a fund that was created in the aftermath of the subprime mortgage crisis to help fund housing counselors and other essential housing service providers, so that they, in turn, may help financially distressed homeowners buy homes or modify their mortgages to avoid foreclosure.

Long story short: the NAAC won. Governor Brown appealed.

The NAAC won again. Governor Brown was ordered to immediately return the money. Instead of doing so, like any of us regular citizens would do when we receive a court order, Governor Brown and his Legislative Democratic Allies in the Budget Committee sneakily passed SB 861 and AB 1829,

both of which are trailer budget bills that seek to overturn the two emphatic California court rulings and forever put out of the reach of struggling homeowners the $331 million that they badly need.

It is a shame that Assemblymember Ting would allow this bill to even pass his committee without scrutinizing how badly it will affect his constituents. He seems only interested in supporting the fictional “Crazy Rich Asians” – which perpetuates the “model minority” stereotype that Asians in America can survive on their own and don’t need governmental help – but not the real-life, “crazy poor” Asians, Latinos, Blacks, and other low-income communities in his district, who are struggling to make ends meet and are struggling even more to buy or keep their homes.

The fate of SB 861 is largely in Assemblymember Ting’s hands, being the chair of the powerful Budget Committee, and he can definitely “move the needle” on passing or rejecting the bill. The question is: Is Assemblymember Phil Ting only for the crazy rich Asians, or will he fight for the crazy poor ones, too?

Calderwood posted a message on Facebook urging people to remember that “evil comes in EVERY color.”

“Our family has been blessed to be surrounded by love, friendship and support throughout this entire ordeal by friends from all different nations and races. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you,” she said.

This is so true.

As The Filipino Channel’s daily newscast “Balitang America” reported on statistics, immigrants — legal and undocumented — actually commit fewer crimes than native born citizens.

According to the American Immigration Council, “From 1990-2013, the percentage of the U.S. population that is foreign-born rose from 7.1 percent to 13.1 percent. And yet, over that period, violent crime rates dropped 48 percent all over America.”

A study by the libertarian

Cato Institute concludes that the incarceration rate for nativeborn Americans is 1.53 percent compared with 0.85 percent for undocumented immigrants and 0.47 percent for legal immigrants.

Trump’s latest rhetoric is again part of his pattern of vilifying immigrants as a threat to America’s greatness.

You may argue that this is NOT your problem because you have “papeles.” It goes deeper than that.

Trump’s rhetoric instills fear, doubt, hate and racial profiling against people of color. This is xenophobia, and it affects all of us immigrants — with and without papeles.

How do you shield your self from this discrimination, fear and hate just because of the color of our skin, and just because we look different from the “white people”?

Many kababayans — all documented, and even U.S.

citizens — have reported being harassed, verbally attacked by white people. They have been labeled derogatory names echoing all the hateful vilifying words Trump use against undocumented immigrants.

Should you walk around carrying your green card and U.S. passport and H-1B working permits around, perhaps attached to your forehead, so you won’t be discriminated against and be racial profiled? Would you make your kids do this to protect themselves from xenophobia being instilled and nurtured by the Trump presidency?

Does this not go against what the Constitution enshrines about the values of America? *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https:// www.facebook.com/Gel.Santos.Relos

Filipinos on cruise ships

Street Talk GREG B. MACABENTA

ON a visit to Baguio a few months ago, the hotel we stayed at had several young people working at the front desk, in the restaurant, and as bellhops. What struck me was the fact that they were all working for free.

I soon found out that they were all taking up hotel and restaurant management, and their services at the hotel were for college credits. What I found even more striking was that, after graduation, they were all hoping to find employment overseas, mostly on board international cruise ships, as waiters, room attendants or kitchen personnel. Many of them said they hoped to work with Royal Caribbean, one of the largest cruise lines in the world.

I’m writing this piece on board a Royal Caribbean vessel, Serenade of the Seas, in the course of a Scandinavian cruise with my wife. This is our third cruise in as many years on Royal Caribbean and, as in the last two trips, Filipinos are all over the ship, providing a variety of services and showing off the very best in Pinoy *** Faith Bautista is the president and CEO of politeness, courtesy, diligence the National Asian American Coalition (NAAC) and discipline.

It turns out that Royal Cariband is currently a member of the Community Development Advisory Board, which advises bean has a special fondness for the U.S. Treasury Department’s Community Pinoy workers. According to one Development Financial Institutions (CFDI) Fund news item, as of the last count, the company has a Filipino crew on policies and activities.

of 11,000 and it plans to hire up to 30,000 more Pinoys in the coming years. They work mainly as room attendants, restaurant servers and in the kitchen.

The same new items stated, “Some of the open positions for the cruise line are bakers, butchers, Chef De Partie-Baker, Chef De Partie-Butcher, Chef De Partie-Garde Manager, Chef De Partie-Suchie, Commis, Head Baker, Pastry Sous Chef, Sushi Cook, Pantry Chef, Pantry Cook and Pastry Cooks.”

The company also needs lifeguards, housekeeping personnel, storekeepers, painters, varnishers, electricians, appliance and equipment repairmen, mechanics, motormen, plumbers, upholsterers, and assorted handymen.

I understand that Filipinos are preferred for all of these positions.

According to Richard Pruitt, vice president for safety and environmental stewardship of Royal Caribbean, Filipino crew members account for 60 percent of the cruise line’s workforce, making them the largest nationality on board the vessels.

The Philippines has become such an important source of service personnel for the cruise line that it maintains a training facility in Maragondon, Cavite. The facility is managed by the Philippine Center for Advanced Maritime Simulation and Training, Inc. (PHILCAMSAT) and trains up to 2,000 crew personnel a month.

On this current cruise, the

pleasant ever-smiling and efficient gentleman serving our meals is Dennis, who says he is from Quezon City. A recent Royal Caribbean hire, Dennis says he has been working on cruise ships for over 10 years.

We purposely sought out a Pinoy server for our evening meals (which are served in more elegant surroundings than the lunches and breakfasts) because of our experience in past cruises, as well as the testimonials of friends and family members.

Filipino travelers are literally pampered by Pinoy crew members, even to the point of preparing special dishes on request. We asked for adobo during our last cruise and got a sumptuous serving of it, courtesy of one of the chefs who was also a kababayan.

Of course, all the other passengers are given special attention by cruise line crew members and one reason is that cruise personnel survive on tips. They are paid less than the minimum wage or are not paid regular wages at all.

The convenient rationale given by the cruise lines is that this is an incentive for providing excellent service to customers to motivate the latter to give handsome tips. In truth, by passing on to the travelers the burden of paying what, in effect, is the principal income of the workers, the companies are able to keep overhead down and are also able to keep the cost of cruises relatively low.

The sad tale of a Pinoy waiter

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OpiniOn & Features

PUGAD LAWIN CELEBRATION. Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) soldiers prepare to commemorate the 122nd anniversary of the historic “Sigaw ng Pugad Lawin” at the shrine in Barangay Bahay Toro, Project 8, Quezon City. The event is a yearly celebration of the start of the Philippine Revolution against the Spanish rule launched by the Katipuneros led by Andres Bonifacio on August 23, 1896.

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

Philippine troops to train with Russian forces MANILA — Aside from Americans, Filipino troops will soon find themselves jointly training with their Russian counterparts as defense relations and cooperation between Russia and the Philippines level up.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, currently on an official visit in Moscow, told reporters at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City that the joint training was among the defense and military matters taken up during his meeting with the deputy of

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Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoyu.

“We discussed military-tomilitary relations and exchanges in military training, port visits of both navies and participation in military exercises,” Lorenzana said.

A Philippine Navy warship is scheduled for a historic port call on the city of Vladivostok in late September.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is holding joint military exercises with the Unit-

ed States under the auspices of the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty between the two allied states.

Other allies, including Australia and Japan, are now actively participating in the joint annual drill but only in limited capacity.

Defense officials considered Lorenzana’s visit to Moscow as a milestone in the defense relations between Russia and the Philippines that came to fore under President Duterte’s independent foreign policy.

(Philstar.com)

Pinoy seamen numbering over nearly half a million in 2013 alone. These seamen account for over a quarter of the annual dollar remittances of Filipino overseas workers.

Michael Landry, the hotel director of the Royal Caribbean cruise ship, Explorer of the Seas, was quoted in a media interview heaping praise on Pinoy workers: “They have brought to us a work ethic that’s almost without parallel in our experience. They have helped us to build a very tactile close-knit community with our guests because they are very empathetic, very much attuned with how our guests feel and what it takes to make that vacation experience just that more special.”

Landry went on to say that the “Filipino crew’s work ethic, particularly having that empathy needed to ensure that

cruise ship guests have an extra special cruise vacation experience,” is what makes Pinoys valuable in an industry that literally sinks or swims on customer satisfaction.

What observers find most remarkable is how Filipinos, epitomized by the cruise ship personnel and the seamen, have earned a reputation for being hardworking, pleasant and well-disciplined as overseas workers - yet we are said to be the complete opposite at home, being the undisciplined pasaways that we regard ourselves and fellow Pinoys.

This has prompted one foreigner to comment: “If only you Filipinos were as hardworking and as disciplined in the Philippines as you are overseas, your country would be as progressive as other countries in Asia.”

Aray! (gregmacabenta@hotmail. com) n

Filipinos on cruise ships

who attended to us during a Mediterranean cruise is soap opera stuff. According to him, because he had to be deserving of his share of the consolidated tips for a given day, which are split among the servers, he could not afford to get sick. Even when he had a fever, he still forced himself to work.

And, like all other overseas workers, he had to plod on for the sake of his wife and kids back in the Philippines. He had to send money home every month to a family whom he could only see once or twice a year.

In this regard, the Pinoys on cruise ships share the same heartaches as their fellow seafarers, the thousands of Filipino seamen who also account for the largest group of maritime personnel provided by a single country.

For the global maritime industry, the Philippines provides

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • AUgUSt 25-28, 2018

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A10 August 25-28, 2018 • LA WEEKEND AsIAN JOuRNAL

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Xiamen Air black box brought to Singapore

by Rudy

SantoS Philstar.com

MANILA — Civil aviation officials investigating last week’s accident involving Xiamen Air at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) brought the passenger plane’s flight data recorder to Singapore on Thursday, August 23, for analysis.

Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) spokesman Eric Apolonio said the Aircraft Accident Investigation and Inquiry Board (AAIIB) headed by

Rommel Ronda and Renier Baculinao left for Singapore with the aircraft’s black box.

Apolonio said both officials were tasked by CAAP director general Jim Sydiongco to get results “as soon as possible.”

Apolonio said Singapore officials assured them that it would take a week to decode the plane’s data recorder.

Sydiongco added the combined personnel of the Manila International Airport Authority and CAAP had difficulty in pulling out the 43-ton Chinese plane

from the mud.

“First hour is the rescue, second is the investigation and assessment and third is we cannot just pull out the 43 tons of B737800 plane with some thousands of reserved aviation gas inside…

We have to remove it first because a little bit of ignition will blow up the entire operation,” Sydiongco said.

He said civil aviation authorities had a meeting with Xiamen Airlines management on the conduct of the investigation.

Sydiongco added the Xiamen officials gave assurance they will bear the cost of aircraft handling and runway recovering caused by the accident.

Meanwhile, Philippine Airlines (PAL) said it will be issuing certifications to their migrant worker passengers who were among thousands affected by the Xiamen Air accident.

PAL spokesperson Cielo Villaluna said they will issue certifications explaining the delay of their flights was caused by the unfortunate incident blocking the main runway of NAIA. The entry visas of OFWs bound for Riyadh and Dammam had expired after they were prevented to fly out due to the accident.

The certifications would be addressed to the employers of the OFWs affected by the delayed flights, she said.

“We thank the Civil Aviation Authority of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) for approving the triangulated flight – Manila/Riyadh/Dammam/Manila – thus enabling our kababayans, our OFWs to fly back and resume employment,” Villaluna said.

In view of the recent flight cancelation to Saudi Arabia and due to the closure of the NAIA runway, PAL launched replacement fights the other day to accommodate displaced passengers en route to Riyadh and Dammam.

“PAL sincerely apologizes for the inconvenience resulting from flight cancelations. We seek the kind understanding of our passengers and their families as we carry out the necessary adjustments toward full normalization of flights,” Villaluna said.

On the other hand, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said at least 178 migrant workers affected by the runway mishap had availed themselves of the P5,000 financial assistance.

The DFA had also tasked Philippine embassies and consulates general abroad to make repre-

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COSTLIER. Consumers also have to grapple with rising egg prices as the cost of basic goods continue to rise. At Trabajo Market in Manila, a medium-sized egg sells for P6 apiece.

ManilaTimes.net photo by DJ Diosina

Philippines concerned over possible nuclear weapons in South China Sea

by PatRicia LouRdeS Philstar.com

ViRay

MANILA — Malacañang expressed concern over the warning of the United States that China might bring nuclear elements to its outposts in the South China Sea. The U.S. Department of Defense, in its annual report to the U.S. Congress, warned that Beijing may soon install floating nuclear power stations on its military bases in the disputed waterway.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said the Philippine government is concerned over any entry of nuclear weapons on Philippine territory.

“We are concerned about the possibility that any foreign power be it American, Russian, Chinese may bring nuclear warheads into

our territory and into Asean, which is declared as a nuclearfree zone,” Roque said in a press briefing on Thursday, August 23.

Citing the Constitution, Roque stressed that the Philippines is a nuclear-free zone.

Section 8, Article 2 of the 1987 Constitution states that “The Philippines, consistent with the national interest, adopts and pursues a policy of freedom from nuclear weapons in its territory.”

The Malacañang spokesman also noted that the whole Association of Southeast Asian Nations is a nuclear-free zone under the Treaty on the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone, which was signed.

Roque, however, said that the warning was only “U.S. observation” and that the Philippines is in no position to verify such report.

“The important point to underscore is we have a nuclear-free policy and that should be applied to all countries, including the Americans, because the Americans have been using nuclearpowered [weapons] and have been stationing warships with nuclear capability as well,” he said.

The Pentagon also reported that Beijing has invested resources to maintain a “limited, but survivable” nuclear force.

This is to ensure that the People’s Liberation Army would have the capacity to deliver a damaging responsive nuclear strike.

“China’s nuclear weapons policy prioritizes the maintenance of a nuclear force able to survive a first strike and to respond with sufficient strength to inflict unacceptable damage on an enemy,” the report read. n

Municipal mayors endorse Bong Go’s Senate run MANILA — The League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) has issued a resolution “strongly urging” Special Assistant to the President Christopher Go to run for the Senate in the 2019 midterm elections.

The group, composed of municipal mayors all over the country, approved the resolution last July 13 during the Mindanao Island Cluster Conference in Davao City and on Aug. 21 during the Visayas Island Cluster Conference in Cebu City.

In the resolution, the LMP said the mayors were declaring “unequivocal support” for Go’s candidacy.

“The Filipino people are in need of public servants with high competence, integrity, sincerity,

heartfelt gratitude for the mayors’ endorsement.

“I am sincerely thankful to the mayors of the country for their show of support for me. It warms my heart that a lot of people are already showing support even though I have no interest in running,” he said.

In a statement, LMP president Ma. Fe Brondial, mayor of Socorro, Oriental Mindoro, said the group believes Go “has all the qualities and qualifications that will make him an effective senator.”

Special Assistant to the President Christopher Go “His sincerity, integrity, and Philstar.com photo competence are qualities that and of known probity to serve SAP Go has shown in all his years and lead this country,” the group of service to the public both in said last Tuesday, August 21. his official and private capacity,” For his part, Go expressed his Brondial said. (Philstar.com)

De Castro, Peralta, Bersamin on chief justice shortlist

by KRiStine Joy

Philstar.com

Patag

MANILA — The Judicial and Bar Council on Friday, August 24 released its shortlist of candidates for the next chief justice.

Associate Justice Teresita De Castro and Diosdado Peralta received six votes each, while Associate Justice Lucas Bersamin received five votes, according to the Supreme Court Public Information Office.

Two other candidates, Associate Justice Andres Reyes Jr. and Davao Regional Trial Court Virginia Tejano-Ang, also received votes but these were not enough to land them on the shortlist.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra, a member of the JBC by virtue of his position, said Ang had been disqualified from consideration.

Guevarra said that Ang was disqualified “because of an adverse finding and recommendation in her administrative case.”

Impeachment complaint De Castro, Peralta and Bersamin face an impeachment complaint that opposition lawmakers filed on Thursday, August 23.

The complaint cited their voting on the quo warranto petition that removed Maria Lourdes Sereno as chief justice as a supposed betrayal of public trust.

The complaint is not likely to prosper.

Guevarra, in a message to reporters said: “[The] mere filing of an impeachment complaint is not enough to disqualify.”

“It is not yet considered an impeachment case, until it is affirmatively acted upon by the appropriate house committee,” Guevarra added.

Applicants’ stands on key issues Bersamin If Bersamin is appointed chief justice, he will hold the position until October 18, 2019.

During his public interview last week, he said that he would expand the distribution of the court’s decisions to the public, improve the infrastructure of trial courts and enhance the capacity

The three justices are facing an impeachment rap filed by opposition lawmakers on Thursday, August 23.

Photos courtesy of the Supreme Court of the Philippines

of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines to discipline lawyers.

Asked on the increase of the assets in his wealth declaration documents, he said those were from allowances received as a member of electoral tribunals and from cash deposits by his businesswoman wife.

Bersamin also told the JBC panel that in his years serving the judiciary, he “never felt [pressured]” by other government branches.

“They have been respectful to judges and justices. This is demonstrated by how the Supreme Court has arrived at each decision, especially at sensitive cases like [Disbursement Acceleration Program] and [Priority Development Assistance Fund],” he added.

De Castro De Castro has been serving the Philippine justice system for more than four decades, a feat acknowledged by the JBC panel during her public interview.

While she is due to retire from the SC in October, De Castro said a potentially short stint as chief justice would not deter her from imlementing reforms at the SC. “It’s not like as if I’m going to start working on projects that will benefit the Supreme Court today. I have been doing this since 2009. I have accomplished much already. There are projects set for completion within

this short period and I can start projects which may go beyond my term,” she said.

De Castro landed in the headlines because of her exchanges with ousted chief justice Maria Lourdes Sereno. She told the panel:, however “I may have raised objections to some of her official actions but it was done through proper procedure and it did not affect our personal relationship.”

Peralta Peralta is the youngest among the three on the shortlist. If appointed chief justice, he is expected to hold the position until March 27, 2022.

The JBC asked the justice, who wrote the decision o the case, on the controversial ruling that allowed the burial of the ousted dictator Ferdinand Marcos’ remains at the heroes’ cemetery.

Peralta insisted that Filipinos should move on from the issue.

“I hope that issue has already been buried. Whatever is in the past, we have to move on. And I think we are now moving on,” he said.

When asked if he thinks his decision brought unity to the nation, Peralta answered in affirmative. “I think so. We do not anymore hear complaints about the burial of Marcos. We are now focused on other issues confronting the nation.” n

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Dateline PhiliPPines

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • AUgUSt 25-28, 2018

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Palace: Cha-cha not yet dead, ‘just on power nap’

by Catherine

Valente ManilaTimes.net

ESCROW FOR OFWS. Advocates and Keepers Organization AKO OFW Inc. president Marcia G. Sadicon (center) discusses the stricter and stronger implementation of escrow deposit requirement for Foreign Placement Agencies (FPAs) deploying Household Service Workers (HSWs) bound for Kuwait and anywhere worldwide during the press conference at Aristocrat restaurant in Manila on Friday, August 24.

Also in photo are (from left) Gemma Sotto, president of Duterte Diehard Supporters (DDS Global) and Celerino “Dok Chie” L. Umandap (AKO OFW) founder and chairman.

PNA photo by Rico H. Borja

Xiamen Air black box brought...

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sentations if needed to explain to foreign employers that the delay in arrival of their Filipino workers was caused by the runway accident.

Suggestions Following last week’s accident at the NAIA runway that affected tens and thousands of passengers on cancelled and delayed flights, various sectors stressed the need to improve air transport services.

An infrastructure-oriented think tank said the Danilo Atienza Airbase in Sangley Point, Cavite, could have been a better option for diverted flights during the Xiamen Air incident had the Department of Transportation (DOTr) acted upon proposals to activate or rehabilitate it for general aviation use.

Terry Ridon, convenor of Infrawatch PH and former chair of the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor, said the lack of action on the various airport proposals for an alternative to the single-runway NAIA was tantamount to serious negligence.

“What needs to be made of record is the unacceptable delay that many airport proponents are

experiencing in the transport agency. The unsolicited Sangley proposal has been on the table since 2016,” Ridon said.

“The Bulacan airport proposal has already been approved by the Investment Coordination Committee yet final approval is still wanting before the DOTr,” he added.

Ridon said the Sangley proposal could have been completed within 12 months at no cost to the government.

Quezon City Rep. Winston Castelo, for his part, suggested the NAIA should be privatized.

Castelo said that allowing the private sector to run the premier gateway would make it more efficient.

He said bureaucracy makes the Manila airport inefficient, as what happened last weekend when a Xiamen Air plane got stuck off the only runway that could accommodate wide-bodied jets.

“We should not allow an accident like that to ever happen again. It embarrassed us before the world. What is saddening and sickening is that a single non-fatal incident paralyzed the whole airport for days, and it took authorities so long to remove the

THe proposed federal Charter being pushed by President Rodrigo Duterte’s government is not yet dead, Malacañang said on Thursday, as it urged the public to send their feedback to improve the document.

Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar, whose office was tasked to conduct a massive information drive on federalism, made the assurance after a majority of the senators took a united stand to oppose the proposed Charter change (Chacha).

“Cha-cha is just on a power nap. Ibig sabihin nagpa-power nap, e nag-iipon lang ng lakas para pag gising niya ay tuluy-tuloy na ang ating kampanya dito sa pederalismo or Charter change (Taking a nap means that it was just gathering its strength so that if it wakes up, we can continue our campaign on federalism or harter change),” Andanar said in an interview with radio dzRh. “But we respect the opinion of our lawmakers kung iyon po ang sinasabi nila (if that’s what they are saying). Ang mahalaga po dito ay maintindihan ng mga kababayan natin ang kahalagahan ng pederalismo sa kanikanilang mga lugar, mga rehiyon (But what’s more important here is for our fellow Filipinos to understand the importance of federalism to their places, region),” he added.

While members of the House of Representatives have expressed support for federalism, some senators said Charter change is “good as dead” in the Senate.

Speaker Gloria MacapagalArroyo has said there was not enough time to amend the 1987 Constitution ahead of the 2019

elections, considering that Congress is yet to come up with a draft federal Constitution, which would need ratification from the electorate via referendum.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III said the proposed shift to a federal government was still not a priority of the Senate.

But Palace spokesman Harry Roque Jr., in an interview, said the Senate as an institution has not made its final decision.

“I think as a body, I don’t think they have decided that federalism is dead. That’s why we have started the period of discussion, and we hope also to have this intelligent discourse with the Senate as well,” he added.

During a press briefing on Thursday, Roque said the federal Charter drafted by the Consultative Committee was a “very good draft” but the government would consider comments of all stakeholders and was “open to improving” the proposal before it will be transmitted to Congress.

“We have received guidance from the Office of the executive Secretary (OeS) that in line with our ongoing discourse on federalism, the government is preparing to receive feedback on the draft submitted by the Consultative Committee to Review the 1987 Constitution,” he told reporters.

“Let’s just say that even if the President was fully satisfied and has fully endorsed the work product of the Consultative Committee, of course, as part of the public discourse, we’re open to remarks and feedbacks from the general public,” he said.

The public, according to Roque, could send their comments and suggestions to the Office of the President, Office of the Spokesman and the Presi-

plane,” Castelo said.

By the time the Chinese jet was finally towed away, thousands of departing passengers had jammed the airport and NAIA officials did not know what to do except to blame airlines, Castelo added.

He pointed out that the officials could not even prevent scores of “uncoordinated” flights from adding to the chaos.

Castelo said privatizing NAIA and developing Clark International Airport in Angeles City are the short-term solutions to the problem of congestion at the Manila airport.

“We cannot wait for the construction of a new airport, which will take years to complete.

We need solutions in the short term,” he stressed.

Castelo sits in the House of Representatives committee on transportation, which will look into the Xiamen aircraft accident on Sept. 5.

He said one purpose of the inquiry is to determine who should be held financially liable for losses suffered by other airlines, NAIA and passengers.

Representatives Edcel Lagman, Teddy Baguilat, and Gary Alejano file “We cannot just charge that to impeachment complaints against Supreme Court Associate Justices who experience. Some people should voted to oust ex-Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno.

Inquirer.net photo by Gabriel Pabico Lalu be held liable. n

dential Communications Operations Office.

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III and economic Planning Secretary ernesto Pernia previously said the Philippines was not economically ready for the shift to federalism.

Roque said it was also incumbent upon these economic managers to submit their suggestions on the roadmap to federalism.

“They have articulated their views. We will discuss this further in I think a Cabinet meeting.

And I think it is also incumbent upon them because the individual members of the economic team are also committed toward federalism, to help in the process by coming up with their own suggestions on the roadmap how to get to federalism,” he added.

Roque said the government wanted a “reasoned and intelligent” discourse on the proposed shift to a federal government.

“We will consider the feedback, and if need be, incorporate some of them into the proposal to Congress. Of course, the feedback is also important to Congress. I’m sure Congress will also have its own roadshow when it finally hears the proposed revisions to the Constitution,” he said.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has started the federalism roadshow where officials also receive feedback from stakeholders.

Roque assured the public that the President remains “fully committed” to federalism, a promise Duterte made during his 2016 campaign.

Duterte believes it would pave the way for more equitable distribution of wealth and political power throughout the regions and bring lasting peace to Mindanao. n

Seven Supreme Court...

PAGE A7 t dency bars the appointment of any applicant to a judicial position,” he said.

Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Menardo Guevarra argued that the complaint cannot disqualify them because it has not matured into an impeachment case.

However, Lagman said that argument is “flawed.”

“The rationalization that the impeachment complaints have not matured to a pending case is flawed because upon the filing of the said impeachment complaints and before they are dismissed, said impeachment complaints are deemed pending just like an unresolved criminal and administrative cases,” he said. n

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Journal Iya, Drew show off ‘Baby Leon’ Mike Enriquez goes on medical leave

by Rosette

Adel

Philstar.com

Proud parents celebrity couple Iya Villania-Arellano and Drew Arellano welcomed their second child on Sunday, August 19.

Iya gave birth to their second son at 9:44 a.m.

They named the bouncing baby boy, Alonzo Leon Arellano.

Both Iya and Drew shared photos of Leon on their social media accounts.

Hours before her delivery, fit mom Iya was seen working out at home. She also shared it on her Instagram stories.

Leon follows his kuya, Primo, The birthing team, according to actress and host Iya Villania-Arellano. who was born in August 2016.

Photo from Instagram/@iyavillania

AS A growing number of viewers of GMA Network and listeners of AM radio station DZBB continue to wonder why they have not seen veteran newsman Mike Enriquez in his daily programs, the “24 Oras” and “Imbestigador” anchor sought has issued the following statement in an email to The Manila Times.

“I am issuing this statement in response to a growing number of inquiries regarding my prolonged absence from the radio and television programs that I host on GMA. “I am currently on medical leave. I am being treated for kidney disease and I am scheduled to undergo a heart bypass

operation in mid-September. My doctors have told me that two to four weeks after my surgery, I will be able to return to my normal duties. In the meantime, it is best that I rest and avoid stress to avoid any medical emergency before my bypass. While I am not yet back on the air, I continue to perform my functions as president of RGMA Network, Inc. and as Consultant for Radio of GMA Network, Inc. “I thank everyone for their expressions of support and wishes for good health, and most specially for their prayers. My doctors are good and caring and God is great!

“I will be back!” (ManilaTimes.net) Mike Enriquez

GMA photo

Philippine Chamber Singers give their all to Original Pilipino Music at the Walt Disney Concert Hall Part I of II

by PRosy AbARquez-delAcRuz, J.d.

AJPress

“I AM with you wherever you are. I am with you forevermore.

There is no other love more than my love for you. I am with you my one and only love. You are with me wherever I am. You are with me forevermore. You’re always in my mind wherever I am. You are with me forevermore. You’re always in my mind wherever I am. You are with me my one and only love. Through all the hardships and all the good times. I am with you eternally. My love for you will never change. I am with you. I am with you.” – Mon David’s translated lyrics to “Abe Mu Ku,” 2001.

Mon David was invited as one of the featured guest singers of the Philippine Chamber SingersLA (PCS-LA)’ Walt Disney Hall concert on Friday, August 17, alongside Kit Navarro, Edward

Granadosin and Pete Avendaño’s Immaculate Heart of Mary Children’s Choir and Precious Blood School’s Children’s Chorus, a 50-member group.

Prominent in attendance that evening were Philippine Consul General Adelio Angelito Cruz and generous donors of PCS-LA, Grace Mercado-Ouano, John S. Mina and Ted Benito.

It was an enchanting evening to hear the music of your childhood being sung in a venue with great acoustics. Usually, the best sounds emerged from the 10th row, as in the LA Legal Philharmonic’s concert this writer attended recently. But we were privileged with seats in the third row, where the sounds had uneven dynamics.

Yet, even with the seeming absence of the prominently hanging ceiling microphone in a prior concert, it could not diminish the impact of passion, the full-

est depths of the emotional experience from musicality at its masterful best, and the superior performances of PCS-LA onstage.

Everything was magical, soulful, gentle and warm!

Could it be the context of Asian Americans’ collective excitement, who came out to see director Jon M. Chu’s adaptation of Kevin Kwan’s best-selling novel, “Crazy Rich Asians,” with a blockbuster week total of $35 million?

“How does one express what it means to go from being and feeling completely invisible, insignificant, left out and whitewashed to all of a sudden being fully seen and fully human, on the big screen, in bright, bold and beautiful colors?” Soji Kashiwagi wrote on August 19.

‘Soul of the Concert’ – Mon David David has nothing else to prove, having been a three-decade major musical artist in the

Philippines, then, joined and won the 2006 London International Jazz Competition. He has since been performing in US stages like the Ford Amphitheater, LACMA, Vibrato Jazz Grill, Little Tokyo, Josephine’s, Catalina Jazz Bar, and Mon David after an inspired performance of “ABE MU KU” has eight albums to his credit. He Photos by Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz, J.D. has also graced the Tokyo-Manila Jazz festival, performing with notable jazz artists like Charito Vergara in Japan and Manila.

He got the “2017 Jazz Living Legend” from the LA City Council headed by Councilmember Herb Wesson. David believes that “our humanity connects us to one another regardless of national origin, creed and political affiliations and the arts, music and jazz can help achieve that deep and true human connection.”

When David walked onstage that evening at Disney Hall, a first for him to perform at this venue, he looked handsome in an Eric PAGE B2

Cynthia Bonta with Angelo “Gelo” Francisco

Kit Navarro with Mon David

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Philippine Chamber Singers give... Following a successful opening

PAGE B1 Pineda original barong of purple and white, a mandarin collar, and with a microphone in his hand.

We braced ourselves to enjoy every facet of his performance. We knew how meticulous he is about sound dynamics and expressing his feelings. We simply knew it would be masterful!

He was the “soul of this concert,” Cynthia Bonta whispered to me. She traveled from Alameda to Los Angeles, eager to listen

to the songs of her childhood, all originally composed by Filipinos, adding “I would not miss this for anything.”

Enrique Dela Cruz described it as “an inspired performance for Mon David who has mastered the legato, the long, sustained notes.”

Chris Oshima, a native-born American, felt the warmth and gentleness, listening to David’s song, a language foreign to her.

“Abe Mu Ku,” an original

composition of Mon David in Kapampangan, has been translated into seven dialects by Prof.

Edru Abraham of the University of the Philippines’s Kontra-Gapi Ensemble. Some of those dialects are Ibanag, Hiligaynon and Cebuano.

In Pampanga, “Abe Mu Ku” is frequently sung at various occasions because of its universal language and message of love.

David composed it in 2001, fresh from grieving the death of his loving father, Crisanto David, who sang often with his wife, Alejandra Canlas, David’s mother. He stopped by the North Expressway’s shoulder in the Philippines, as the sounds came to him nonstop, on the way to visit his grieving mother. He wrote the notes down and hummed it as he wanted to document the harmonic notes as they were flowing through. Verse A was composed.

Much later, a verse B (the bridge), until a full song emerged, with A, A, B, A. When David sings, he always dedicates them to all his loved ones: his father, his wife Ann and his family, now, a growing brood of grandchildren, soon to be four, with twins Nico and Leo. “Nararamdaman ko iyon, marubdob ang dating (I feel the lyrics, the intensity of my love for them pierces through),” he said.

That evening, he sang the Ibanag verse translation, in addition to Kapampangan, done by Prof. Edru Abraham. Some folks thought it was Japanese.

When David prepares for his performances, he is quite particular to address all aspects of the performance: harmony, feelings, sound dynamics and lyrics.

“When you sing for one person, it should be the same level

Ana Burog at her finest rendition of “HALIK”

week for ‘Crazy Rich Asians,’ sequel already in the works

Screenwriters Peter Chiarelli and Adele Lim and director Jon M. Chu are in talks to return for development on “China Rich Girlfriend”

by Klarize

Medenilla AJPress

IN the opening scene of the wildly popular and universally acclaimed “Crazy Rich Asians,” the character Rachel Chu (played by the charming Constance Wu) tells one of her students who lost a poker match, “You were playing to not lose. You have to play to win.”

Since it was first announced, “Crazy Rich Asians” — based on the first book of a trilogy written

by Kevin Kwan — has been play- Constance Wu as Rachel in Warner Bros. Pictures’ and SK Global Entertainment’s and Starlight PAGE B5 of quality as singing for 2,000 person capacity Disney Hall,” he said. Twenty of his family member came, as did over 2,000 people from the Filipino-American community and their friends.

Matching this masterful performance of David was Gelo Francisco’s generosity in spirit, who with PCS-LA, generously commissioned a new choral arrangement from Robert Delgado, for “Abe Mu Ku” to not just be masterfully sung by the passionate vocal chords and heart of Mon David, but even more so by the masterful choral voices of the PCS-LA. How soulful, gentle, warm, and inspired indeed!

The last mainstage, similar to Disney Hall, was Ford Amphitheater, a concert produced

by Ted Benito in 2011, when

Photo courtesy of Ana Burog

Culture’s contemporary romantic comedy “CRAZY RICH ASIANS,” a Warner Bros. Pictures release.

Photo by Snaja Bucko

David memorably sang with his children, Nicole David Yalong, a mother of twins, and Carlo David (a recent winner of A Song of Praise Festival in April 2018), a first for the family on a U.S. mainstage back then.

Alto Ana Burog in repartee with soprano Kit Navarro “I don’t want to lose you. My world will shatter. But what can I do? You don’t want me anymore.

Who am I to hold you back? Even if you go away, the memory of our love will stay. This song reminds me that I won’t forget you. Better you the only one in my world. My heart, my life. Your kiss, I so miss! Why did you leave me? I am hurting, baby. When I see you, I feel jealous, oh baby, when you are with someone else.

Because you are the only [one] in my universe. My heart, my life.”

– “HALIK,” originally sung by Aegis, arranged by Monet Silvestre, now performed by Ana Burog.

Facebook posts populated with comments: “A Star is Born” in Ana Burog in repartee with Ma. Cristina “Kit” Navarro. Another post showed OJ, a guy about to bite Burog’s cheek, with her comment: “It is a kiss, not a bite.” All were delighted to see Burog give it her all that night and queued up to have photos with her. We could not squeeze in.

“How did you do it?” I asked.

“Tita, if you go onstage at Disney Hall and look around, it is intimidating to see the people, the lights, and all the microphones. I

simply imagined I was singing in a karaoke bar.”

Capping “HALIK,” Ma. Cristina Navarro sang as if her voice traveled up and down the scales, on a run even, in leaps and thrills, in coloratura style. Burog was unfazed and challenged Navarro.

Mind you, Navarro is Burog’s idol. With humor and wit, Burog declared in Tagalog and asked who is the sponsor of these handsome barongs worn onstage (designs in black and on white barongs), as if finding her creative edge on Navarro. After Navarro’s impressive coloratura, Burog moved her hands, as if to say, “make room for me.” The amused crowd roared in laughter, and waited on what Burog could do.

She too had her coloratura, but in her abbreviated alto voice.

The repartee lasted two rounds, with soprano Navarro and alto Burog, displaying their prowess.

Navarro is a professional soprano, who has been part of Andrea Bocelli’s Christmas concerts in California, the West Coast tour of the “Lord of the Rings” with the Munich Symphony Orchestra and has graced international stages, singing in operas in Switzerland, the U.S., the Philippines and Austria. She was handpicked to perform for Ryan Cayabyab’s Sept. 1, 2018s concert at the University of the Philippines. Orange County Register describes her as “the gifted soprano, whose efPAGE B3

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Following a successful...

TWICE HE APPLIED FOR AN IMMIGRANT VISA. TWICE, HE WAS DENIED. FIND OUT THE FINAL SCORE THIS SUNDAY ON “CITIZEN PINOY!” Joseph (center) was initially petitioned as a minor child of a green card holder, but his visa was refused at the interview because he admitted to drug use. When he aged out, his petition was reclassified to F-2B. At his second interview, he was denied for the same reason. His mother, Josie (right), and his sister, Evelyn (left), felt hopeless. They were running out of options, and were desperate. It felt like Nanay Josie’s promise of having the family reunited in America would just remain a dream. Mother and daughter consulted with leading U.S. attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel, after seeing a case similar to Joseph’s that was featured on Citizen Pinoy. Atty. Gurfinkel went to the U.S. Embassy in Manila and becomes a major contributor to a landmark decision and policy change that benefitted Joseph and many more. Watch a mother’s promise fulfilled on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” – on Sunday at 6:15 p.m. (PST) on TFC. (Advertising Supplement)

The Monastery of the Temptation

by Emil

PErito

CLINGING to a cliff overlooking the city of Jericho and the Jordan Valley is the Monastery of the Temptation, a Greek Orthodox monastery situated in the mediterranean West Bank. Built high on the summit of the Mount of Temptation from which it gets its name, the belt-shaped monastery rises 350 meters above sea level and has become a unique tourist attraction.

Built in its earliest form by the Byzantines in the 6th century CE, its location is believed to be above the cave traditionally said to be where Jesus famously spent his 40 days and 40 nights meditating and fasting as Satan attempted to tempt Him. The Monastery of Temptation was identified as one of the “holy sites” of St. Helena of Constantinople’s pilgrimage in 326 CE. Today, the monastery is managed and owned by the Greek Orthodox Church despite the land being under the full jurisdic-

tion of the Palestinian National Authority.

The Monastery of the Temptation is just one of the places to be visited during our Holy Land, Jordan and Dubai pilgrimage in October 2018.

Established in 1995, Air Plus Travel specializes in religious travel. For more information, contact Air Plus Travel at 562863-0624 or visit us at www. airplustravel.net.

(Advertising Supplement)

Philippine Chamber Singers give...

PAGE B2 fortless production and lustrous, satiny tone were angelic.”

Yet, with humility and with grace, Navarro made room for Burog to claim the stage as her own and that night, a star was born during the latter’s rendition of “HALIK” (kiss), “which was originally performed at 2016 Regine Velasquez-Alcasid’s concert by the Filipino-American choirs which included PCS-LA. Soloists Ana Burog and Ma. Cristina Navarro bring fresh interpretation, humor and wit to the song,“ Emmanuel Miranda wrote in the program notes.

When the lyrics “Pagka’t ikaw ang tanging laman ng aking mundo, ng aking puso, ng aking buhay (Because you are the only one in my universe, my heart, my life)” were sung, the crowd stood up and applauded.

Bravo, bravo, bravo, giving “HALIK,” the only standing ovation that might have lasted longer, but for two more songs, “HANGGANG SA MULI” and “HIBANG SA AWIT” waiting to be sung at the program’s end at 10:30 p.m.

PCS-LA’s comprehensive program and quality musicianship PCS-LA’s members are: Sopranos (Kit Buhion, Anne Jeanette Dwight, Marivic Francisco, Anna Hurn, Maria Christina Navarro and Charmaine Normandia);

Altos (Kim Bautista, Ana Burog, Judith Guerrero, Melissa Eugenio Gutierrez, Jennifer Morelos, Apple Nestle Nazareno and Lisa Ulanday; Tenors (Noel Anzures, Aristotle Canlapan, Hero Emolaga, Gerry Francisco, Oscar Pantaleon, Jr. and Louie Ulanday; and Bass (Novem Cabios, Dale Francisco, Gelo Francisco, Emmanuel Miranda, Medard Obida, Dino Padallan and Dennis Quiambao.

Francisco is the artistic director of PCS-LA, having developed the musical program content, with the group’s input, into 22 songs in various categories of Kundiman, Novelty and Modern Classics; Contemporary AvantGarde, Great Filipino Songs and Maski Pops.

PCS-LA commissioned new arrangements of this Original Pilipino Music from Ryan Cayabyab, Robert Delgado, Ruben Federizon, John Pamintuan and Monet Silvestre.

That night, Gelo assumed multiple roles: bamboo drumming, conductor for several songs, soloist, part of Madz Alumni Men, and part of the PCS-LA’s choral group.

He upheld the very high gold standard for the performance of PCS-LA. One particular song received our riveted attention. It was Ruben Federizon’s composed “TINIG NG LUPA.” Soprano

Marivic Francisco soared in her rendition, as her family members Gelo Francisco (her husband) and Joaquim Francisco (her collegebound son on his gap year), who both pounded on their kalatong (a percussion instrument made of bamboo).

In the program notes, Miranda wrote, “Federizon derived his inspiration 35 years ago when he saw the Visayas’ mudslide burying an entire barrio. It affected him so much to see dead bodies in the mud. He reiterates, ‘We just have to love our Mother Earth.’ It represents an avant-garde work in three movements scored for mixed chorus a cappella and utilizes the kalatong, bamboo tubes struck by two bamboo sticks. It employs the technique of onomatopoeia – the voices mimic the haunting, earthly sounds of the underworld (the dead) as they struggle to free themselves from the abysss (mud).”

That evening, PCS-LA emerged to be bright stars onstage at Disney Hall, breaking down all barriers, to sing and express themselves with superior musicality.

Part II of this series will be on commissioned Great Filipino Love Songs, Anak, Maski Pops, Madz Men Alumni Singers and Pete Avendaño’s Children’s Choirs with Immaculate Heart of Mary School and Precious Blood School.

Adeva-Galano Boda de Oro Third in Three Generations

BODA de Oro is Spanish for Golden Wedding Anniversary. It is a landmark event in a married couple’s life worthy of a meaningful celebration. To have a marriage last 50 years or more is in a class of achievement all by itself — more so these days. Marriage, as a sacred institution and a pact between a man and a woman, is in grave danger relentlessly assaulted by the twisted values of popular culture. But for the time being, a milestone such as this deserves some mention.

The Adeva-Galano couple’s golden wedding anniversary celebration would be the third of three consecutive generations to experience a Boda de Oro, on Olga Adeva’s side of the union.

On June 29, 2018, 50 years ago to the day when Olga L. Adeva and Ricardo I, Galano exchanged “I Do’s”in 1968,the couple renewed their marital vows at the Villa Maria Cristina Brando Chapel on the outskirts of Rome in Italy.

Two of their 3 sons were there, Ricardo “Tek” Galano and his wife, Rochelle and son, Raymond for the landmark event in their family life.

PAGE B4

Boda de Oro # 1: Olga’s, grandparents, Lolo Vicente and Lola Aniceta Adeva held their golden wedding anniversary on December 09, 1961 in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro with their entire brood in attendance.

Boda de Oro # 2: On May 07, 1994, Olga’s parents, Manuel and Natividad Adeva renewed their marriage vows after 50 years of marriage in a meticulously planned, grand celebration at the Holy Family Church, followed by a reception for 180 friends and family at the Red Lion Hotel, now the Hilton in Glendale, California.

PAGE B2 ing to win.

The summer romantic-comedy opened on Wednesday, August 15, and after a five-day opener, it topped the box office charts and garnered $35.3 million at the box office, proving the cultural impact and bankability of diversity and representation of Asians and Asian Americans in entertainment.

Powered by the success of “Crazy Rich Asians,” it was announced Wednesday, Aug. 22 that Warner Bros. is going forth with the development for the film adaptation of “China Rich Girlfriend,” the sequel to “Crazy Rich Asians.”

The news of a sequel shouldn’t surprise those who saw “Crazy Rich Asians” because director Jon M. Chu cleverly included a teaser scene in the middle of the credits that continues the storyline for one of the major characters.

The studio has not officially greenlit the sequel, but development will begin.

As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, Chu is likely to return as director for the sequel and screenwriters Peter Chiarelli and Adele Lim are also likely to pen the sequel, but no deals have been made yet. According to Warner Bros. Chairman and CEO Kevin Tsujihara, the studio has an option for Kwan’s entire trilogy.

Warner Bros.’ announcement comes after a Taiwanese-Filipina led a Care2 petition calling for a sequel to “Crazy Rich Asians” to expand on the cultural impact the film’s representation had on Asian and Asian American audiences.

“As a Taiwanese Filipino woman born and raised on American media, the presence of Asian characters in films and television shows that didn’t lead with martial arts or racist cliche were limited at best,” Sydney Wuu said on the petition, which garnered 3,966 supporters of its 4,000 goal. “This groundbreaking film and its success at the box office harkens a new era of representation for Asian actors in film and now is the time to capitalize on it and make sure it grows.”

Wuu and the petition signers certainly weren’t the only people who were moved by the film and the impact.

Currently touting an impressive 93 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, the data aggregation site for film critique, “Crazy Rich Asians” is the first film to feature an all-Asian cast since 1993’s “The Joy Luck

Club,” and it comes at the heels of know, that I live,’” Kwan told ABC a massive industry-wide campaign News. to diversify all elements of Hollywood: casting, behind-the-scenes work, Academy members and the stories told on screen.

“I think it’s because it’s just, it’s at the heart of it, a very universal story. So readers around the world, you know, from India to Switzerland, have been telling me, like, ‘We’re not crazy. We’re not rich. We’re not Asian. But your family is so much like the one, you

B August 25-28, 2018 • LA WEEKEND AsIAN JOuRNAL

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Do you have Sleep Apnea?

nasal polyps, adenoids, tonsils, and any oro-pharyngeal deformities that cause obstruction to airflow. One of them is called uvuPhiliP S. Chua, lopalatopharyngoplasty, which MD, FaCS, FPCS excises tissues at the back of the throat. The success rate is TODAY, Obstructive Sleep Aplow, between 30-60 percent nea (OSA), as a distinct medical and it is hard to know which entity, is becoming more known patients will benefit from it, side and understood, compared to effects and eventual outcome. ten or twenty years ago. It’s However, today, the standard relationship to increased risk of treatment, which is less invasive cardiovascular diseases, such as than surgery and more effective, heart attack and stroke, diabetes is the use of CPAP machine. Only T2, and other major illnesses, severe anatomical deformities including cancer, and sudden require surgery. death, is now more clinically recWhat are the adverse effects ognized fully. There was a time of OSA? when even physicians did not Obstructive Sleep Apnea inknow what sleep apnea was as a creases the risk for a variety of medical condition. Snoring was medical ailments, heart diseases obvious, with its breath holding and cardiac failure, diabetes, episodes, but not sleep apnea as stroke, and others conditions a condition in itself. like arthritis, acid About one in reflux in the esfive Americans ophagus (food “Snore aids” advertised in the various (60 million) have Obstructive Sleep media, such as nostril clips, nasal or throat pipe), Alzheimer’s, and even cancer, Apnea. Extraposprays, magnetic wrist bands DO NOT not to mention lated figures for work to stop snoring, much less sometimes sudden Hong Kong is 7 death. Anxiety dispercent, the Philcure sleep disorders. orders and depresippines, about 4 sion are also assopercent, and in India, 13.7 percent. Ninety per- age that hangs down), tonsils, ciated with sleep disturbances, cent are undiagnosed, 40 percent adenoids, become flabby and not to mention poor performance of those with high blood pressure vibrate with the airflow, causing at work and at home due to fahave OSA and about 60 percent of the various classical noises of tigue from lack of rest and poor those with OSA have high blood snoring. They also cave in and body oxygenation. Consultation out (like a floppy valve) with with a sleep specialist is critical pressure. respiration, blocking the upper for proper diagnosis and manageWhat is sleep apnea?

Usually but not always associ- airway and causing sleep apnea. ment of these disorders.

What is Overlap Syndrome? ated with snoring, sleep apnea Not all snorers have OSA. A Sleep This new entity is the combinameans the cessation of breathing Study is essential to confirm the tion of COPD (Chronic Obstructed during sleep. This breath holding presence of OSA or not.

Are “snore stoppers” effec- Pulmonary Disease, seen among initially lasts for 10 seconds and smokers and also among those progresses to 20 to 30 seconds, tive?

“Snore aids” advertised in with chronic gastric acid reflux and each episode is immediately followed by gasping for air. As the various media, such as nos- disease) and Obstructive Sleep a result the body does not get tril clips, nasal or throat sprays, Apnea (OSA). Their treatments enough oxygen, and the tissues magnetic wrist bands DO NOT are individualized, entity-specific, suffer, leading to various ill- work to stop snoring, much less and simultaneously done for betnesses, including heart attack, cure sleep disorders. Only those ter success. More clinical studies diabetes, and cancer, sometimes fraudulent vendors who make are being done on this entity.

Remember, Sleep Apnea is sudden death. This cycle could bundles of money by duping the repeat itself several times (20 to ignorant public could sleep well, nothing to snore about! *** 100 times per hour) the whole minus their conscience. CPAP is Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, Cardiac night long. The snorer is totally the proper and effective treatoblivious of all this and only the ment for OSA. Untreated OSA, Surgeon Emeritus in Northwest Indiana and roommate is aware of this both- or not using a prescribed CPAP chairman of cardiac surgery from 1997 to ersome snoring and scary sleep treatment, could increase the risk 2010 at Cebu Doctors University Hospital, where he holds the title of Physician Emeritus apnea. The bed partner is also for death during sleep.

What is the non-specific in Surgery, is based in Las Vegas, Nevada. adversely affected and is also He is a Fellow of the American College of deprived of a good restful sleep. therapy?

Weight loss for those who are Surgeons, the Philippine College of Surgeons, This is why snoring could be a overweight can minimize the epi- and the Denton A. Cooley Cardiovascular legal ground for a divorce.

What are the types of sleep sodes of sleep apnea. Avoidance Surgical Society. He is the chairman of the of sleeping pills, sedatives and Filipino United Network – USA, a 501(c)(3) apnea?

There are two types: Central alcohol, all of which increase the humanitarian foundation in the United States.

Sleep Apnea (CSA) and Obstruc- frequency and duration of sleep For more data, visit philipSchua.com; Email: tive Sleep Apnea (OSA). CSA is apnea, is most essential. Lying scalpelpen@gmail.com much less common, less than 10 flat on the back induces sleep percent of cases comprises this apnea for a lot of people. This group, and is due to the brain’s could be avoided by placing a failure to send a signal for the pillow at the back and lying on person to breathe. This can the side.

What is the standard of care happen among individuals with PAGE B3 All five who live in the Philippines cardiac or neurological diseases. for OSA? The standard of care today flew in to Rome and synchronized In OSA, part of the back of the throat collapses and blocks the includes confirming the diagnosis their arrival to meet up with four airway during sleep, preventing of OSA with a Sleep Study, and guests, 3 of Olga’s sisters and airflow to the lungs. This causes when confirmed, use of a CPAP a brother–in-law, all from the decreased oxygenation and a machine while asleep, with pres- US: husband and wife, Emil and low blood oxygen level, which is sure tailored to each individual Rhodora Posey from Alabama , person based on data obtained Evelyn A. Jovellana and Monette unhealthy.

What side effects does sleep during the Sleep Study. View A. Maglaya from Glendale, California. Of course, they were there CPAP use on YouTube. apnea have?

What is the surgical treat- not only for the wedding renewal The person wakes up with a rite but also for some shopping dry mouth and throat, perhaps ment?

Surgery removes tissues, like and touristy blitzkrieg side trips to with a headache, and a lousy Padre Pio, San Antonio de Padova (Padua), Pompeii, Lanciano, the Amalfi Coast and the usual stops: the Vatican, Venezia (Venice) and Firenze (Florence) hot spots in Italy. For 7 of the group, there was the added small taste of Eastern Europe such as Krakow, Auschwitz and Wadowice in Poland via Frankfurt and Budapest in Hungary via Slovakia.

Fifty-seven years ago on December 09, 1961, the Adeva clan had the “Boda de Oro in Mindoro”— their first taste of such an event not realizing then how rare it was. Many still remember when, as young tykes living in Manila, they sailed by boat from Batangas pier to Oriental Mindoro to celebrate their grandparents, Vicente Adeva and Aniceta Fortunato’s 50thwedding renewal rites in the tiny, rustic town of Naujan.

Thirty-three years later on May 07, 1994, the eldest son of Vicente and Aniceta and Olga’s parents, Manuel Adeva and his wife, Nafeeling akin to a hungover. There may also be fatigue and sleepiness throughout the day, together with some memory deficiency, poor attention and concentration, and bad mood— all signs of lack of sleep, due to sleep apnea. The psychological stress of all this impacts negatively on the individual and the bed partner. The recurrent transient hypoxemia (low blood oxygen level) and daily impairment of sleep are added risk factors for the development of hypertension and coronary heart disease, cancer, and even sudden death.

What causes snoring?

In some people, especially after middle age, the muscles of the upper airways in the back of the throat, like the soft palate (the back end of the roof of the mouth), the uvula (tiny append-

By Monet

Lu

EVERY time the “Ber” months are about to start, I get a sense of nostalgia and astonishment on how fast the year goes by. This year has been bittersweet for me as I remember the friends, families and families of friends who passed on. While I have so much to be thankful for this year, I can’t help but wonder about my bereaved friends — especially those who have lost their soulmates.

I was watching Lorna Tolentino on her latest soap opera and I remembered that it has been 10 years since her late husband Rudy “Daboy” Fernandez passed away from cancer. I remember because I was with her at that time and I got to know her a little bit when she was with Rudy undergoing treatment here in the U.S. It’s heartbreaking to see couples driven apart by an inevitable fate we all can’t escape.

But surprisingly, a loved one’s death also has a way of unveiling our true selves. And for my dear friend, Lorna, she is happy being single – a status I haven’t seen in years in the midst of #hugot and #mayforever.

What can I say, Tolentino — sometimes known as L.T. — has so much to live for. She can choose to be “single and ready-to-mingle” or she can just enjoy the projects she has and being a mom to sons Rap and Renz Fernandez. She had her one great love and that was it for her. Her love life is the last thing on her mind.

She currently stars in the daytime action-drama series “Asintado” on ABS-CBN. She portrays the role of Miranda Ojeda, the mother of Gael (Paulo Avelino) and the Chief Strategist of Salvador del Mundo. She is ruthless and will go as far as breaking her son’s heart to protect Salvador’s political career. Senator del Mundo depends on her to orchestrate his every movement to the public.

Throughout the years, Tolentino has already played a lot of roles in Kapamilya teleseryes, such as “Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay,” “Dahil May Isang Ikaw,” “Momay,” and “Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin.”

Lorna Tolentino: What being ‘single and happy’ looks like

She first appeared in Prima Productions’ “My Little One,” using the screen name of Giselle.

Later she changed this to Lorna Tolentino, after Siony Tolentino, who helped her enter the movie world of FPJ Productions. She played the young Susan Roces in “Divina Gracia” in 1970. Her first starring role was in “Langit Ko ang Pag-Ibig Mo” with Eddie Garcia and Panchito. She was paired with Tirso Cruz III in “Dalagita” in 1976 and with Rudy Fernandez in “Leap year ngayon, lagot ka pipikutin kita.”

The 1980s proved to be a turning point in her career when she was recognized by award-giving bodies.

Her outstanding films of this period and the nominations she received were: “Moral,” where she got nominated for Gawad Urian Best Actress, Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS), Star Award, Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) and Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP); “Init Sa Magdamag,” “Huwag Mo Kaming Isumpa,” “Maging Akin Ka Lamang,” “Natutulog Pa Ang Diyos,” “Kailan Mahuhugasan Ang Kasalanan?”; and “Kislap Sa Dilim.”

Tolentino has had 14 FAMAS nominations for Best Actress and won three times. The first of which was for Best Child Performer in 1971, alongside best child actor Arnold Gamboa, her co-star. Her incredible feat in 1992 for the film “Narito Ang Puso Ko” earned her the monicker “Grandslam actress.” From FAP, she has three Best Actress Awards from her films, “Mag-

ing Akin Ka Lamang” (1987), “Narito Ang Puso Ko” (1992) and “Abakada... Ina” (2001). From Gawad Urian she has had 10 nominations.

She also has had her share of television work, including four very successful soap operas: “Kay Tagal Nang Hinintay,” “Timeless”; “Hanggang Kailan”; “Dahil May Isang Ikaw”; “Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin”; and the hugely successful, “May Bukas Pa (2009-2010),” detailing the chronicles of a young boy who could talk to God. I could go on and on about her achievements and what has kept her busy all these years but one thing stands out to me is that this lady has been a dreamer and fighter in all aspects of life.

She’s not about to give all that up because she is no longer part of a “couple.” She is the epitome of “single but not alone.”

To the one and only “pictorial queen” and box-office queen, I am touched by your positivity and strength. I am honored to have known you and your family.

I wish you all the happiness in the world. May your life continue to be an inspiration to many. *** Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, awardwinning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is known as an all-around artiste who produces sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns.

Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary all-natural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration . To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at monetsalon@aol.com

Adeva-Galano Boda de Oro... tividad Laguio, celebrated their own grand golden wedding anniversary with all of their 8 children, their spouses and many grandchildren in attendance at Glendale, California’s Holy Family Church.

They were joined by 180 friends and family at the church rites and at the reception held at the Red Lion in Glendale, now the Hilton.

It was a surprise event pulled off by stealth planning for the prior two years by their children as a gift to their parents who had met and married during World War II and had to forego many niceties at the time including a formal wedding rite.

That was nearly a quarter century ago. This time around, it was an altogether different tack for the third set of Boda celebrants.

Ric and Olga wanted something simple, leaner yet memorable. The heat was on and they prayed over it fervently.

Faced with the prospect of spending an awful amount of time and logistics for months to pull off a traditional renewal of vows, Ricardo came across a friend who suggested staying at the villa during their trip to Italy in 2015. They checked it out, liked what they saw at the villa run by nuns and the idea to hold it there was born.

The friend who suggested the place was a woman who had experienced a miracle of healing in her life due to the documented intercession of a saint of modern times, then undergoing the rigid

Boda de Oro #3: On June 29, 2018, Olga L. Adeva and Ricardo I. Galano renewed their marriage vows marking 50 years of married life with 2 of their 3 sons, Ricardo “Tek” Galano and his wife, Rochelle, and Raymond at the Villa Maria Cristina Brando Chapel on the outskirts of Rome in Italy.

Rhodora and Emil Posey flew in from Alabama as special guests to join the Boda de Oro.

At the center is the ever-able Sor Pia, Mother Superior of Villa Maria Cristina Brando. She herself baked the wedding cake seen in the photo.

process of canonization. The newly minted saint was the foundress of a religious order, Saint Maria Cristina Brando.

The kind nuns of the villa headed by Mother Superior, Sor Pia, pulled out all the stops to make the day truly blessed. They arranged every detail of both the mass and the reception with quiet, efficiency: singing as the choir during the renewal rite, cooking delicious Italian entrees, inviting the Argentinian priest, Father Dom Federico who officiated the mass and with Sor Pia’s direct hotline with the Vatican, Ric and Olga received a document signed by Pope Francis memorializing their golden day. Sor Pia even secured ringside seats for a Papal audience and brought the group to little known miraculous sites in Rome.

Sor Pia, in her generosity, even dug up from her vault of sacred possessions, many precious gifts that she bestowed on the couple and their guests. All of the nuns put out the welcome mat for the party of 9 making them feel right at home with daily holy mass spoken in Italian right at the villa.

Sister Irene and Sister Emma were often the point persons and acted as interpreters.

Just like in the past two previous generations decades ago, Ric

Sor Pia drove the group of 9 in her van navigating Rome traffic like a pro bringing them to little known secret holy places in Rome, such as the small church where Saint Paul was jailed and beheaded centuries ago. It is said that springs of water gushed forth from the ground where St. Paul’s head bounced three times.

and Olga’s Boda de Oro in Rome turned out to be a day as golden and happy as it was divine. It remains to be seen whether any of the current fourth generation of millenials can pull off a redux a quarter century down the line.

Here’s hoping and praying. A common denominator in all three sets of golden couples is a deep and abiding faith in God and in each other.

They say that when everything falls into place, the phenomenon is called Serendipity. The truth is—it is simply a loving God at work in people’s lives.

California residents, Evelyn Jovellana and Monette Maglaya and Alabama residents, Rhodora and Emil Posey were family members from the US who came as witnesses of the simple renewal of marriage vows. Left to right: Olga’s sisters, Evelyn and Rhodora, Ric & Olga and another sister, Monette.

Left to right: Sisters Irene, Emma, Ausilia, Ursula, Germana and Igina who have come collectively from the Philippines, Indonesia and Colombia. Sor Pia (back to camera) hails from Napoli, Italy and Father Dom Federico who officiated the mass and the renewal rites is from Argentina.

A special audience with Pope Francis was one of the highlights of the trip. Pope Francis beamed and smiled as the Vicar of Christ shook hands with the faithful who had come from all over the world. There were jubilant, rhythmic shouts of “Papa Francesco!”

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • AUGUST 25-28, 2018

MITA’S KITCHEN MARINADES AND SAUCES: Making food delicious with love from our family to yours

by JEFF

In our family, we call our grandmas “Mita.” It is a term of endearment given to all grandmothers in our family. Coming from a family with a passion for cooking (my and mom and her sisters — the Gamboa clan from Pampanga — are all good

GAMBOA LAPRADEZ

cooks) and gathering together, we recognized that Mita’s affection towards her grandchildren could be found in the simple act of preparing home cooked meals, using only fresh and natural ingredients that’s good for you.Food has always been

the center of our gatherings, and every gettogether is not complete without lots and lots of Filipino food — maybe even too much! This loving gesture has been the key in the passing down of recipes from generation to generation, allowing Mita’s love and great tasting food to be shared for years to come.

Founded in 2012, Mita’s Kitchen marinades and sauces has built its brand around AUTHENTICITY, QUALITY and INNOVATION. Mita’s Kitchen simmer sauces are simple to use and takes the guesswork out of cooking.

Mita’s Kitchen marinades are unique and flavorful. From the grill to the table, your family will

surely enjoy it.

Mita’s Kitchen products are 100 percent MADE IN THE U.S.A with ALL NATURAL, PREMIUM INGREDIENTS and NO MSG. After all you would only want the best for your family!

People from all cultures could agree that fond memories of their childhood and family are often associated with food. Mita’s Kitchen provides food products reminiscent of grandma’s delicious home cooking, from our family to yours.

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B August 25-28, 2018 • LA WEEKEND AsIAN JOuRNAL

Features

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COMMUNITY

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • AUGUST 25-28, 2018

C1

JOURNAL The Trump administration’s plan to block green cards and citizenship for noncitizens who used public assistance programs THE Trump Administration is planning to deny noncitizens either green cards or United States citizenship if an individual used a public assistance program in the past. Crafted by White House Senior Advisor Stephen Miller, this alarming proposal represents another pillar in the Trump Administration’s greater anti-immigrant policy to curb legal immigration in the United States, especially for refugees and asylum seekers, and forge ahead with a merit based immigration policy.

As a result, immigrants legally living in the United States who used or whose household members used Obamacare, children’s health insurance, food stamps, or other public benefits (i.e. transportation, housing vouchers and preschool child care) could be blocked from legal permanent residency and United State citizenship. Use of the following public benefits could become problematic for individuals applying for green cards and United States citizenship: Social Security Insurance (“SSI�), Supplemental Assistance Program (“SNAP�), and Children’s Health Insurance Program (“CHIP�).

The myth purported by the Trump Administrative focuses on noncitizens being a drain on public resources in the United States. The center of this new proposal stems from the concept of a “public charge.� The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS�) and the Department of State (“DOS�) consider whether to grant an individual’s immigration application for legal permanent residency or United States citizenship by weighing the likelihood that an immigrant will become dependent on the United States Government. Traditionally, the agencies would consider the totality of the circumstances, which included whether the noncitizen received public assistance, his or her age, capacity to earn of living, health, family situation, work

Your Immigration Solution ATTY. MICHAEL BHOTIWIHOK history, affidavits of support, physical condition, and mental condition. A noncitizen is considered a “public charge� if he or she is “likely to become primarily dependent on the government for subsistence, as demonstrated by either 1) the receipt of public

force non-citizens to forgo necessary health care out of fear and use public benefits designed for individuals in need. This continued anti-immigrant policy shows that the Trump Administration does not want to make American great again, but instead dehumanize America. The pathway to a green card or United States citizenship should not be blocked simply because an individual needed help along the way.

It should be noted that this disturbing proposal in its current state would only apply to individuals who utilized public benefits on or after the date that it becomes a rule. However, considering the unpredictability of the Trump Administration’s past immigration policies, noncitizens must stay abreast of the current laws and policies.

Any noncitizen who has used a public benefit must consult with an experienced and knowledgeable immigration attorney before applying for legal permanent residency or United States citizenship.

As the Trump Administration continues to reshape the United States’ legal immigration policies, an immigration attorney’s advice is indispensible in navigating noncitizens through the immigration system.

“Surprisingly, the Trump Administration may be unintentionally attempting to protect welfare benefits for poor and low-income United States citizens at the expense of those noncitizens entitled to the same public benefits.� cash assistance for income maintenance or 2) institutionalization for long-term-care at government expense.�

With this new proposal, the Trump Administration is redefining the definition of “public charge� and expanding it to include immigrants who depend on Government assistance programs. It believes that the proper role of the United States Government is to ensure that legal immigration does not negatively impact existing Americans in the United States. Surprisingly, the Trump Administration may be unintentionally attempting to protect welfare benefits for poor and low-income United States citizens at the expense of those noncitizens entitled to the same public benefits.

Clearly, this new proposal continues to create fear in immigrant communities throughout the United States. Further, it will

*** REEVES IMMIGRATION LAW GROUP is one of the oldest, largest and most experienced immigration fi rms in the United States with ofďŹ ces in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Manila and China.

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

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

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Pilgrimage to Some of ITALY’s Highlights and Miracles of the Eucharist 6SLULWXDO 'LUHFWRU 5(9 -2(/ %8*$6 ĹĄ 1RYHPEHU WR 1RYHPEHU 'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY 0RQ Ĺ&#x; 86$ 520( 'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY 7XHV Ĺ&#x; 5RPH Upon our arrival in Rome, our Tour Escort will welcome us to Italy. Rome is the heart, home and the spiritual capital of over one billion Catholics all over the world. After a short panoramic orientation of this Eternal City to us Roman Catholics, we will have our dinner and overnight rest at this great ancient City.

DINNER AND OVERNIGHT IN ROME (BB,D) 'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY :HG Ĺ&#x; 5RPH 3DSDO $XGLHQFH 5RPH This morning before we continue with our tour, we will have a Papal Audience.

Then after, we will visit the famous Coliseum and see the Forum, the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon, one of the best preserved ancient monuments in the world. Celebrate the Holy Eucharist at St Peter Basilica St Joseph Chapel .Short stop in Trevi Fountain, before heading to our Hotel. DINNER AND OVERNIGHT IN ROME (BB,D)

'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY 7KXUV Ĺ&#x; 5RPH %DVLOLFDV We will visit the Vatican Museum this morning and the Sistine Chapel to admire the awesome masterpieces of Michaelangelo, and even ancient Greek and Roman artists. the largest church in Roman Catholicism, St. Peter’s Basilica. Holy Eucharist at ST Mary Major, Followed by visit of the Basilica. We continue to visit the rest of the major Basilicas within the walls of Rome, and St. John Lateran, St Paul Outside the Wall. We will also pray at the Scala Santa or the Holy Stairs. St. Helena transported the steps from Jerusalem; the same steps that Christ ascended to receive Pilate’s unjust condemnation.

DINNER AND OVERNIGHT IN ROME (BB,D) 'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY )UL

Ĺ&#x; 5RPH 6DQ *LRYDQQL 5RWRQGR 2018 is the 100th Anniversary of the stigmatization of St Pio. Church Will have Monthly Pastoral Program of Activities for the whole year. San Giovanni Rotondo, the home of St Padre Pio of Pietrelcina from 28 July, 1916 until his death on 23 September, 1968. Enjoy the drive going to San Giovanni, after we check in our Hotel. vWe visit the Shrines of St Padre Pio of Pietralcina as well as the places associated with him, such as the Shrine of Our Lady of Grace that contains his tomb. Here, we spend some time meditating, see his room, his confessional box and the cruciďŹ x that gave him his supernatural Crucifying stigmata, Celebrate Holy Eucharist (Hotel Gran Paradiso) DINNER AND OVERNIGHT IN San Giovanni Rotondo (BB,D) 'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY 6DW Ĺ&#x; 6$1 *,29$11, 52721'2 This Morning we visit the new and Modern Basilica of St Padre Pio, See his uncorrupt body. Celebrate Holy Eucharist Spend some time meditating in this awesome Basilica. DINNER AND OVERNIGHT IN SAN GIOVANNI ROTONDO (Hotel Gran Paradiso)

'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY 6XQ Ĺ&#x; 6DQ *LRYDQQL 5RWRQGR /DQFLDQR /RUHWR MASS AND BREAKFAST. We arrive at Lanciano, famous for the Miracle of the Eucharist. Near the Piazza Plebiscito, the Miracle is inside the Sanctuary of the Eucharistic Miracle. The miracle took place during the 8th century when a Basiline monk doubted the Real Presence of our Lord in the Eucharist. He found himself holding the host that had changed into Real Flesh and the Wine on the altar had changed into Real Blood. We continue our pilgrimage to the great Marian shrine of Loreto to see the famous sacred home of the most Holy Family, Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. Since 1294 the holy home has been located inside the Basilica of Loreto. Celebrate Holy Eucharist in Lanciano. DINNER AND OVERNIGHT IN Assisi.

'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY 0RQ Ĺ&#x; /RUHWR $VVLVL Today we explore the hilltop birthplace of St Francis of Assisi. In the Crypt of St Francis Basilica lies the tomb of one of the most humble and beloved Saints of all times, St. Francis of Assisi, Holy Eucharist at the Crypt of St. Francis See the Basilica of St Clare, with her incorrupt body, and the little Church of St. Damiano and its CruciďŹ x from which Jesus spoke to Francis about his mission in 1206: “Go, Francis, and rebuild my house, which as you see is falling into ruin.â€? We visit the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels, located in the lower plains of Assisi, and the place where the miracle of the Eucharist of Assisi took place in 1240. The small Church of the Porziuncola is inside the Basilica itself. Pope Honorius III granted a plenary indulgence for those entering this humble Church on August 1st and 2nd every year, with Confession, reception of the Eucharist and no attachment to venial sins. (BB,D) 'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY 7XHV Ĺ&#x; $VVLVL 6LHQD )ORUHQFH We will spend half day in Siena. Begin in the old town center with a visit to the Basilica of San Domenico. Built in the 13th century, it is a treasure chest of the Renaissance art and dedicated to St Catherine of Siena. You will learn about the city’s history while admiring it’s cathedrals, Museum, and libraries .Also you will admire the famous piazza del Campo, one of Europe’s great medieval squares. Continue to Florence. (BB,D) We start with a guided walking tour of Florence, this fascinating city with its Piazza, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistery of St. John the Baptist.

Rest of the day free (BB,D) 'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY :HG Ĺ&#x; )ORUHQFH 5RPH Leave Florence around 2PM Arrived Rome almost dinner time (BB.D) 'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY 7KXUV Ĺ&#x; 5RPH 86$ End of our wonderful Pilgrimage

Please call QTS Tour and Travel NOW at 1 (714) 288-0800 or (714) 761-6280 1095 N Main St. Suite O, Orange, CA 92867

C AUGUST 25-28, 2018 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Minding Your Finances Atty. RAymond BulAon I KNOW we’ve never met. But there’s a common fear that everyone shares when they’re in debt.

As a bankruptcy attorney, I hear it from people who consult with me every day. It is this: The possibility of losing what they’ve worked hard for all their lives… their homes, their savings, their retirement money, their business, etc. Why is this fear so common?

Personally, I think the fear comes from a feeling of losing control. As a bankruptcy attorney, I deal with a lot of clients who are feeling very vulnerable because of the financial situation that they’re in. They could be facing a financial crisis for the first time in their lives and they don’t know what to do.

If you are facing serious debt problems, a foreclosure, a lawsuit, judgment or a pending wage garnishment, it’s not the end of the world and chances are

The Prophetic Voice ReVeRend Rodel G. BAlAGtAS IN this Sunday’s Gospel, Peter remarked to Jesus, “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”

Such is Peter’s testament of unwavering faith and fidelity to Jesus. Can we also express the same faith and sentiment, especially in times of difficulties and challenges?

Many of us would say that we can do it. It’s because we have learned to turn to Jesus through prayer, the Scriptures, and the Sacraments when the going gets tough. We get our strength and live in hope through the Spirit of Jesus that is in our hearts and in our faith community. We’ve learned to draw strength from our faith in Jesus in trying times.

It’s not that we have been programmed like a computer to respond in this way as some unbelievers would rationalize. For our Christian life is a relationship with the person of Jesus, whose

Community Journal

If you are in debt, this is probably what you’re afraid of that you have options that you didn’t even know existed. It may be possible to settle your debts out of court or as a last resort, file bankruptcy to either wipe out or reorganize your debts.

Recently, a couple came to my office for debt help. They’ve just been assessed huge taxes by the IRS and they had to enter into a payment plan for that reason.

But they were already behind on their mortgage payments, not to mention the credit card debts that were piling up. One car just broke down and needed replacement.

Over the last few years, they’ve been borrowing money from all sources just to keep their heads above water, including their 401K plans. The 401K loan payment deductions from their paycheck are not helping. If you were in this situation, what would you do?

The tremendous debt burden has put a strain on their marriage and has caused a lot of grief at home.

I helped this couple reorganize their debts under Chapter 13. We came up with a payment plan that combined all their debts into one

low payment every month- a payment that they could afford. This has allowed them to sleep better at night knowing that they are paying their creditors the best they can. More importantly, they now have peace of mind knowing that they will not lose their home and everything they’ve worked so hard for.

If you need help figuring out your options, I’d like to help you.

There is no reason to live in fear and not knowing what the future holds for you. The worst thing that you can do at this time is to do nothing because if you do, things tend to get worse especially if you have assets or property that may be at risk. Call us for a free consultation at Toll-Free 1866-477-7772. I have offices in Glendale, Cerritos and Valencia. *** None of the information herein is intended to give legal advice for any specific situation. Atty. Ray Bulaon has successfully helped thousands of clients in getting out of debt. For a free attorney evaluation of your situation, please call Ray Bulaon Law Offices at TOLL FREE 1 (866) 477-7772.

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Jesus, our spirit and life words are spirit and life.

We can obtain wisdom from self-help books, podcasts and videos or from the latest research on how we can live a more successful, healthy, and wholehearted life, but, ultimately, it’s our faith in Jesus that would help us navigate through many uncertainties.

We can numb ourselves from experiences of pain and suffering from alcohol, drugs, clothes, jewelry, gadgets, sexual pleasures, travels, and vacations, but in the end, it’s our faith in God, our relationship with Jesus, that would grant us the graces of perseverance, endurance, and hope.

I’ve seen it in many Christians of various economic and educational backgrounds. I’ve witnessed it in people who suffer from separation from their loved ones because of their occupation. Their trust in God, their personal relationship with Jesus, inspires and encourages them to be faithful to their families and married life.

John M’s life is a concrete example. He earns a living by working on a cruise ship that takes him to different countries, but he is separated from his wife

and children for eight months every year. He endures the hardship of not being with his family in order to provide for their material and educational needs. His love for them, his commitment to their welfare, and his Christian faith are what keep him going every day at work. As a Catholic, he does not have the privilege of attending Sunday Mass on the cruise ship, but the weekly bible study with some of his fellow workers sustains his Christian faith.

Like John M., may Jesus renew and reinvigorate our lives every day! May he be our Spirit and life. Amen! *** From a Filipino immigrant family, Reverend Rodel G. Balagtas was ordained to the priesthood from St. John’s Seminary in 1991. He served as Associate Pastor at St. Augustine, Culver City (1991-1993); St. Martha, Valinda (1993-1999); and St. Joseph the Worker, Canoga Park (19912001). In 2001, he served as Administrator Pro Tem of St. John Neumann in Santa Maria, CA, until his appointment as pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary, Los Angeles, in 2002, which lasted 12 years. His term as Associate Director of Pastoral Field Education at St. John’s Seminary began in July 2014.

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

Tax Tips VictoR Sy, cPA, mBA

BEING audited by the IRS is dreaded by most taxpayers. My clients constantly asked which method increase their chances of getting audited. Let’s compare two methods of filing your tax returns: • Old method of manually preparing and mailing your tax returns via post office.

• Newer method of electronic software and efiling tax returns via IRS website.

First, Let’s Look At Error Rates.

• The error rate for paper returns is 21 percent.

• The error rate for electronic returns is less than one percent.

Paper Filing: • There are more mistakes in paper filing which increases your odds of getting audited.

• Paper filing guarantees that a person looks at your return.

• A person is more likely to flag something than a computer.

Barrister’s Corner Atty. Kenneth uRSuA ReyeS IN the absence of a premarital agreement, the general community property presumption under California family code section 760 controls which provides “all property, real or personal, wherever situated, acquired by a married person during the marriage while domiciled in this state is community property.” Family Code 760. This becomes a problem if you are the spouse that has the substantially higher income or the one who accumulates the majority of the assets during the marriage. You are called in family law lingo “the in spouse.” The other spouse (or in our lingo also called the “out spouse” gets a half interest on everything accumulated during the marriage even if the asset is under your name alone or it was accumulated solely due to your sweat and hard work. The out spouse, who stayed at home most of the marriage, gets a one half interest on all the accumula-

Which has less chances of IRS audits – paper or e-file?

• IRS uses its computer infrastructure to target returns with audit potential.

• Less than half of manual returns are put into this algorithm for red flags.

E-Filing: • The error rate for electronic filing is minimal; therefore, it has less chances of being audited.

• But IRS can data mine e-filed returns to identify those with risk indicators.

• IRS can use its computer infrastructure to target efiled returns with audit potential.

• E-filing increases your exposure because it’s instantly analyzed for discrepancy.

• Less than half of manual returns are put into this algorithm for the IRS to flag.

Which One Is Better For You? • Tax preparers are divided between these two schools of thought.

• Some suggest that e-filing is a quicker way to get audited because of efficient IRS algorithms.

• Some suggest that it takes more time to audit paper returns because they sit on the shelf lon-

ger.

• But some indicate that paper returns incur more errors and have likelihood of getting audited.

• Confusing? Yes, it is.

• I almost always give my readers direct advice, but not on this one.

• I’d like you to read these bulleted points again and discuss this issue with your tax preparer.

• This gives you a reason to say hello to your tax preparer.

• Suspense isn’t that bad. I know that you enjoy suspense once in a while.

*** Victor Santos Sy graduated Cum Laude from UE with a BBA and from Indiana State University with an MBA. Vic worked with SyCip, Gorres, Velayo (SGV - Andersen Consulting) and Ernst & Young before establishing Sy Accountancy Corporation in Pasadena, California. *** He has 50 years of experience in defending taxpayers audited by the IRS, FTB, EDD, BOE and other governmental agencies. He is publishing a book on his expertise - “HOW TO AVOID OR SURVIVE IRS AUDITS.” Our readers may inquire about the book or email tax questions at vicsy@live.com.

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Do I need a premarital agreement before getting married? tions during the marriage under California community property law. For example, if you opened a savings account during the marriage under your name alone for which you religiously and diligently stash away 25% of your earnings during the marriage while your spouse blows away his/her salary during the marriage, your spouse still gets a half interest in the money you saved in your savings account.

Another example would be if you purchase a piece of real property during the marriage under “your name alone” and have your spouse sign a “quit claim” deed, your spouse may still have a claim for a half interest in your real property. Another example would be if you owned a business prior to marriage, but due to your hard work, long hours of labor, and efforts, the business grew exponentially during the marriage, your spouse may still have a claim for an interest in the business.

Signing a premarital agreement may serve as added protection to the future “in spouse” and a hurdle for the future “out spouse” by avoiding or altering the applicability of California community property law to assets 1) already owned by each and 2) to property and income to be acquired or earned during their marriage. Marriage of Grinius (1985) 166 CA3d 1179, 1186, 212 CR 803, 807 Premarital agreements may validly provide that the earnings and accumulations of each party during marriage will remain that party’s separate property, free of any claims, community property or otherwise, of the other party.

Marriage of Dawley, supra, 17 C3d at 350, 131 CR at 8; Cheney v. City & County of San Francisco Employees Retirement System (1936) 7 C2d 565, 569, 61 P2d 754, 756. Premarital agreements may also serve to preserve a person’s estate for his or her heirs,

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

Community Journal

Are you getting paid less because of your gender?

THE California Fair Pay Act (a.k.a. the Equal Pay Act), enacted in October 2015, prohibits employers from paying employees less than those of the opposite sex for “substantially similar work,” even if their titles are different or they work at different sites. This means the lower paid employee does not have to prove that the higher paid employee of the opposite sex has exactly the same job as she (or he) does.

If differences in wages exist, the difference must be legally justified based on one or more of the following factors: a) A seniority system. b) A merit system. c) A system that measures earnings by quantity or quality of production. d) A bona fide factor other than sex, such as education, training, or experience.

On September 30 2016, the Equal Pay Act was amended when it prohibited an employer from relying on the salary history information of an “applicant” for employment as a factor in determining whether to offer an applicant employment or what salary to offer an applicant, except in specified circumstances. The employer is also prohibited from seeking an applicant’s salary history information, including compensation and benefits. The employ-

Debt Relief

Atty. LAwrenCe yAng THE clients are seniors who just stopped working two months ago. The husband is 75 and the wife is 71. They own a house with $140,000 in equity.

Their unmarried son lives with them for free. For free, meaning that he doesn’t pay them any rent to live there. This is understandable because parents who love their children would normally just let their children live with them as long as possible for free just like when their children were still minors. Most parents still feel protective of their children no matter how old their children are. However, this situation can morph into something that is not good.

In the news several months ago was an article about parents on the East Coast who sued their 35-year-old son to eject him from their house. The son refused to leave and defended himself, claiming that he had the right to live in his parents’ house for free and even if his parents did not agree. The judge did not agree with his defense and ordered him to leave the house and to take all of his personal belongings with him in two weeks. I would say that this is a rare situation because parents normally still take care of their children as long as they are able to do so. Perhaps parents were afraid that their son would not learn how to support himself if they were no longer around if they allowed him to live in their house for free forever.

House prices now are so high that young adults are forced to live back with their parents after they graduate from college. Maybe it’s a good idea to build and sell tiny houses for $50,000?

In my clients’ case, their residence now has equity of $150,000, but they still owe $500,000 on the balance of the mortgage. They pay $2,600/

Protecting Employee & Consumer Rights Atty. C. Joe SAyAS, Jr. er, upon “reasonable request,” must provide the “pay scale” for a position to an applicant applying for employment.

In July 2018, California clarified what it meant by “applicant,” “pay scale,” and “reasonable request.”

“Applicant” means an individual who seeks employment with the employer. This excludes a current employee who may be applying for a different position within the company.

“Pay scale” means a salary or hourly wage range, which may mean providing the highest and lowest pay for that position, not simply the median pay. The pay scale does not include bonuses or other types of compensation.

“Reasonable request” means a request made after an applicant has completed an initial interview with the employer.

Employees are not prohibited from voluntarily disclosing salary history information to a prospective employer. But they should remember that if they do so, the employer is then not prohibited

from considering or relying on that voluntarily disclosed salary history information in determining the salary for that applicant. The employer is also not prohibited from asking an applicant about his or her salary expectation for the position being applied for. However, the law does not allow prior salary to justify any disparity in compensation.

Lastly, an employer may still make compensation decisions based on an existing employee’s current salary. This is true as long as any wage differential resulting from that compensation decision is justified by one or more of the factors specified above *** The Law Offices of C. Joe Sayas, Jr. welcomes inquiries about this topic.

All inquiries are confidential and at nocost. You can contact the office at (818) 291-0088 or visit www.joesayaslaw.com or our Facebook page Joe Sayas Law. [C. Joe Sayas, Jr., Esq. is an experienced trial attorney who has successfully recovered wages and other monetary damages for thousands of employees and consumers. He was named Top Labor & Employment Attorney in California by the Daily Journal, consistently selected as Super Lawyer by the Los Angeles Magazine, and is the recipient of PABA’s Community Champion Award for 2016.]

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Seniors rely on Chapter 7 and son for debt relief month in mortgage to Chase Bank, and they owe $50,000 of credit card debt, which requires them to pay $1,500/month for minimum interest payments to keep them current.

Their combined social security income is $2,000/month. So, obviously, they have a problem.

They stopped working regular jobs only two months ago.

That gave them a net of about $3,500/month from their combined regular jobs. When you add $3,500/month to social security of $2,000/month, they had no problem making the house payment and the credit card payments. But starting two months ago, they could not make the credit card payments anymore.

They liquidated their $50,000 of 401K and converted that to cash and used that to cover the shortfall between their social security income, and their monthly necessary expenses.

Not a pretty picture. The $50,000 will be gone in a little over a year, and when that runs out, they won’t be able to even pay their mortgage of $2,600/ month.

Their son should now step in to help them financially because after all is said and done their son will be inheriting $150,000 of the equity in their house. The equity will only increase as the mortgage is paid down and when the market price goes up further.

Son can sell it at that time and get $150,000 to $200,000 in cash, or live in the house and continue paying the mortgage, or just rent out the extra rooms and receive rent income. So, it’s only fair to his parents that he now helps his parents solve the house payment problem by contributing a significant part or all of the mortgage so the clients do not have to worry about it anymore.

Fortunately, the son does make $70,000 gross income a year so he has the capacity to help out his parents at this time in their lives. But, is he willing to help

out?

If the son does provide this help, the clients will have $2,000 of social security to cover their monthly necessary expenses, which should all be covered with maybe $1,000 saved every month since they no longer will have a house payment.

The only problem left will be the $50,000 of credit cards.

These can be taken cared of with bankruptcy. Chapter 7 will wipe out the entire $50,000 without any repayment whatsoever. They get a fresh start in life as they retire without accumulated debt.

They can thus save $1,000 a month and use that for whatever they want to. They can invest or spend it traveling the world.

If you’re about to retire, you must seriously consider getting rid of your credit card debts now because when you retire and rely on social security, your income will suffer a significant reduction. When that happens, the last thing you need to worry about is credit card debt. True? Yes, this is absolutely true.

Fortunately, the son is willing to help out and pay for half the mortgage. This means that clients will still have to pay half or $1,300 for their share of the mortgage.

After that payment, they would still have $700 of social security left for necessary expenses but with the Chapter 7 discharge of their $50,000 of credit cards, the clients may have $300 left every month as savings.

If you need debt relief, please set an appointment to see me. I will analyze your case personally. *** Lawrence Bautista Yang specializes in bankruptcy, business, real estate and civil litigation and has successfully represented more than five thousand clients in California. Please call Angie, Barbara or Jess at (626) 284-1142 for an appointment at 1000 S. Fremont Ave, Mailstop 58, Building A-1 Suite 1125, Alhambra, CA 91803.

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Getting a domestic violence restraining order IN the last column, we addressed different forms of domestic violence and steps you can take if you are experiencing violence in your intimate partner relationship. In this column, we will discuss what a domestic violence restraining order is and how to obtain one. Our goal is to educate the community on how to seek protection for yourself and your family as well as basic information about your rights.

Keep in mind that the information below is not a substitute for legal advice. For advice about your individual situation, you should consult with an experienced, trustworthy family law attorney.

What is a domestic violence restraining order?

It is a court order that can help protect you from violence. You can ask for a restraining order against someone who is physically hurting you, has tried to hurt you, is threatening to hurt you, or stalking you. You can also ask for this order if that person has forced you to have sex by being violent towards you, or is threatening you, or engaging in other behavior that makes you concerned for your safety. There

Commentary

Lou MArie reyeS is no court fee for domestic violence restraining orders.

You can ask for this type of order against someone you have a close relationship with. For example, you can ask for this type of order against a husband, wife, boyfriend or girlfriend, or just someone you dated. It does not matter whether you are still in a relationship with that person or not. You can also ask for this type of order against someone else you may be related to: parent, child, brother, sister, grandmother, grandfather, in-law, etc.). If someone else is bothering you, such as a neighbor or a co-worker, you need to request a different kind of order. In that type of situation, you need to request a civil harassment order.

In a restraining order, you can ask that the person: • Not contact you, your children,

or other relatives • Not to come near you • Not to own a gun • Move out of your house • Follow child custody and visitation orders You can file for a domestic violence restraining order at your local family courthouse (a courthouse where they hear family law cases) any weekday that the court is open. Many courthouses have “self-help” centers that can help people without a lawyer file for a restraining order.

If the judge believes your situation, you will receive a “temporary” restraining order, and a next court date. The “temporary” restraining order will last until this date. At the next court date, you and your adverse party will have the chance to come to court and present evidence to the judge. You will ask the judge to give you a “permanent” restraining order that will be valid for several years (up to five years).

At the same time, the other party has the chance to fight against the restraining order and he or she can bring his own evidence.

You should bring any kind of evidence you have to support your

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • AUGUST 25-28, 2018

C

AC 21: Changing the employer of your employment-based green card application DEAR Attorney Tan, I have an approved I-140 immigrant petition which was filed by Company A on my behalf. Company A would like to employ me as a bookkeeper.

Based on that approved I-140 petition, I filed an application for green card (I-485 adjustment of status) in August 2014.

Since that time, my green card application has been pending, as USCIS has requested additional documents in support of my application. Recently, another company, Company B, has expressed interest in hiring me for a payroll clerk position.

Company B is a more established company based in the Midwest and pays $10,000.00 less but offers much better benefits. Is there a way I can substitute Company B as the employer in my green card application? --P.T. Dear P.T. Under INA Section 204(j), commonly referred to as AC 21, an approved I-140 employment-based immigrant petition filed by one employer can be used by or “ported” to another employer providing certain requirements are met. First, a green card (I-485 adjustment of status) application must have been filed and must be pending for at least 180 days.

Second, the “new” job offered by the second employer must be in the same or similar occupational classification as the job for which the first employer filed the I-140 petition.

In your situation, you meet

Legal Advice Atty. DArriCk tAn the first requirement in that your application for green card (I-485) was filed in August 2014. Your application has been pending for over 1 year, which is more than the required 180 days under AC 21.

In depth analysis in your case is needed as to whether Company B’s job of “payroll clerk” is considered a “similar occupational classification” to Company A’s job of “bookkeeper,” for which Company A petitioned you. In determining whether one job is similar enough to another job for AC 21 purposes, the USCIS takes into account the totality of the circumstances, including the job duties of both positions, the Standard Occupational Code (SOC) from the approved I-140 and the SOC code for the job offered by the new prospective employer, as well as the offered wages for each position.

In your case, analysis would begin with the job duties of each position. The more similarity in job duties between bookkeeper and payroll clerk, the greater the likelihood that USCIS would consider them similar. Also, the SOC code for the 2 jobs would be taken into account. In addition, the wages offered by each

employer would be considered.

The existence of a big disparity in wages offered by each employer is not by itself a reason to conclude that the jobs are not similar. In your case, the fact that Company B is offering $10,000 less than Company A has to take into account the fact that the Midwest has a lower cost of living, as well as the fact that better benefits are being offered by Company B. If it is considered a “similar occupational classification,” Company B may be substituted in as the employer in your pending green card application, and Company B will not have to start the process from the beginning by filing a labor certification application and by obtaining an approved I-140 petition.

The analysis of whether you can use or “port” your approved I-140 requires additional analysis, and consulting with an experienced attorney is recommended. *** Darrick V. Tan, Esq. is admitted to practice law in California and Nevada. Mr. Tan is a graduate of UCLA and Southwestern University School of Law. He is a member of the Consumers Attorney Association of Los Angeles and is a former member of the Board of Governors of the Philipp ine American Bar Association. *** LAW OFFICES OF DARRICK V. TAN, 3580 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 900, Los Angeles, CA 90010. Tel: (323) 6390277. Email: info@dtanlaw.com.

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Do I need a premarital agreement...

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free of the other party’s inheriance claims. Estate of Wamack (1955) 137 CA2d 112, 115, 289 P2d 871, 872.

Pursuant to Family Code 1612(c ),“ Parties to a premarital agreement may contract with respect to all of the following:(1) The rights and obligations of each of the parties in any of the property of either or both of them whenever and wherever acquired or located. (2) The right to buy, sell, use, transfer, exchange, abandon, lease, consume, expend, assign, create a security interest in, mortgage, encumber, dispose of, or

otherwise manage and control property.(3) The disposition of property upon separation, marital dissolution, death, or the occurrence or nonoccurrence of any other event.(4) The making of a will, trust, or other arrangement to carry out the provisions of the agreement.(5) The ownership rights in and disposition of the death benefit from a life insurance policy.(6) The choice of law governing the construction of the agreement.(7) Any other matter, including their personal rights and obligations, not in violation of public policy or a statute imposing a criminal penalty.

However, the right of a child to

support may not be adversely affected. Family Code 1612(b).

Premarital agreements that are entered into voluntarily by parties who are each represented by independent counsel and aware of the effect of the agreement, a post 1985 premarital waiver of post dissolution support does not offend contemporary public policy and is not per se unenforceable. Fam.C. 1612(c); Marriage of Pendleton & Fireman (2000) 24 C4th 39, 53–54, 99 CR2d 278, 288–289; Marriage of Facter (2013) 212 CA4th 967, 981, 152 CR3d 79, 90.

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C4 AUGUST 25-28, 2018 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Getting a domestic violence...

PAGE C3 t

case: witnesses, photographs, medical reports, threatening letters, e-mails, or voicemails.

If the judge does not believe your situation, it is possible she or he will not give you the first “temporary” restraining order.

However, the Judge will still have to give you your next court date.

The next court date is your chance to bring more evidence and con-

vince the Judge you need the restraining order to protect you.

If you are granted a restraining order, you should call the police if the person does not follow the order. They can be arrested and charged with a crime.

If you have questions about your situation or need legal assistance, please contact Advancing Justice - L.A’s Tagalog helpline at (855) 300-2552.

Calendar of Events across

*** Lou Marie Reyes is a community legal advocate at Asian Americans Advancing Justice – Los Angeles. She joined the organization in February 2018 and staffs the Tagalog helpline, which prioritizes in-language assistance to the local Filipino community. Ms. Reyes works alongside Advancing Justice – LA’s attorneys that specialize in family law, domestic violence, citizenship and immigration, and employment law.

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America

ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS! PRE-EVENT AND POST EVENT GO DEEPER. GO WIDER. LET THE WORLD KNOW. CALL ASIAN JOURNAL: (818) 502-0651 DISPLAY AD SIZES AT SPECIAL RATES FOR NON-PROFIT GROUPS AU G U ST 25

Fil-Am of SCV holds annual cultural festival in Valencia, CA You are cordially invited to Fil-Am of SCV’s biggest event of the year, its annual FACE (FilAm Academic & Cultural Enhancement) Program’s Cultural Festival on Saturday, August 25!

This year, the organization has partnered with the Santa Clarita Valley’s International Program.

This year’s theme is “KULTURA PILIPINAS, Kasaysayan at Sayawan”, celebrating the history of Philippine cultural dances. The popular and inspiring Malaya Filipino American Dance Arts dancers will beautifully interpret the renditions of Philippine history and culture through the art of dance. The event begins at 5 p.m. at West Ranch HS Theater (26255 Valencia Blvd, Valencia CA 91381). $50 for VIP Seats / $25 General Admission. For tickets & sponsorship information, please call: Cecile Ocampo at (818) 439-9392; Zeny Justiniano at (661) 645-0948; Josie Maglalang at (661) 607-5665 or Zony Gordon at (661) 312-3422. This event will benefit Fil-Am of SCV’s Scholarship Program and SCVIP’s Sister City Program for Sariaya City, Philippines.

One La Salle of Southern California Soiree in LA One La Salle of Southern California will host a dance party, Soiree 2018, on Saturday, August 25, from 6:00 pm - 11:00 pm at St. Casimir’s Parish Hall (3855 Evans Street, Los Angeles, CA). Live music will be provided by The Quantum Wave Band along with mixes by DJ Ernie.

Alumni from all schools are invited to attend. Drinks, tacos and unique bar snacks will be available at the event. Tickets may be purchased online at http://www.eventbrite.com/e/onela-salle-presents-soiree-2018-tickets-45496546395.

AU G U ST 25 -26

Grand Opening of JAPAN HOUSE in Los Angeles The public is invited on Saturday, Aug. 25 and Sunday, Aug. 26 to participate in tea ceremonies and ikebana floral arrangements, and see the Prototyping in Tokyo exhibition. Kids can take pictures and interact with Pepper, an adorable Japanese humanoid robot providing helpful information about JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles – roaming between the 2nd floor gallery and shop. He is capable of recognizing the principal human emotions and adapting his behavior to the mood of his interlocutor. He’ll make for the cutest robot selfie you’ve ever posted! Times are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday. Address is JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles, 6801 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028 (located at Hollywood & Highland). For more information, please contact (800) 516-0565 or visit https://www. japanhouse.jp. Prototyping in Tokyo Exhibition: a Visual Story of Design Led Innovation at Japan House Los Angeles runs from Aug. 17th - October 10, 2018. Admission is free.

AU G U ST 28

“Phlavor of Success” in Van Nuys, CA “Phlavor of Success” on Tuesday, August 28 will feature and expert panel on food retail at the business mixer hosted by the Filipino-American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Los Angeles (FACC-GLA) at the Van Nuys State Building Auditorium (6150 Van Nuys Blvd, Suite 300, Van Nuys CA, 91401). Networking and light dinner at 5:30pm, program at 6:30-8:30pm. $15 for members, $25 for non-members, tickets available at www.faccgla.org Street parking, or $10 at State Building on Calvert St.

S E P T E M B E R 4 -27

SIPA hosts 8-session Entrepreneur Training Program (ETP) in Los Angeles The Entrepreneur Training Program (ETP) is an 8-session skills building training program designed for startup entrepreneurs covering the A to Z of starting and running a successful business. This is open to all! If you want to start your own business and don’t know where to start or how to start, this program was made FOR YOU! Don’t miss this amazing opportunity to learn from the experts and from business owners themselves on how to build the business of your dreams! Program details: One time fee of $100 covers food and beverage and training materials for all 8 sessions; 5 FREE slots are available for College/University students and low income families; FREE Parking on site. Parking lot is accessed on Robinson St.; Includes FREE one-on-one business counseling with SIPA’s counselor, Fidji Victoriano; and you will receive a Completion Certificate at the end of the program. The eight sessions will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays for the whole month of September 2018: September 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25 and 27 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Program will be held at the SIPA Multipurpose room at 3200 West Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA 90026 (through Robinson St. entrance). For any questions or to register in person, please contact Fidji Victoriano at (424) 235-5011 or e-mail at fvictoriano@esipa.org. This program is brought by Search to Involve Pilipino Americans (SIPA) in collaboration with the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce Hollywood (FACCHO) and the support of Asian Pacific Islander Small Business Program (APISBP) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

SEPTEMBER 8

Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Greater LA hosts photoshop training “Adobe Photoshop Training” on Saturday, September 8 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. is a crash course for beginners to intermediate hosted by the Filipino-American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Los Angeles (FACC-GLA). It will be held at BFG Boardroom (5121 Van Nuys Blvd), with instructor Peter Galace. Call to reserve your seat ($100) with Angelo Varsobia (818) 6469453 or Mary Trinidad at (661) 713-0014. Participants should bring their own computers, download a free version of Photoshop (https://bit.ly/2NYPbLW), and bring one USB thumb drive.

S E P T E M B E R 1 3 -1 9

Golden Jubilee Anniversary celebration for MVGFC ’68 in Las Vegas CLECSN (now MVGFC) class of ’68 in Cabanatuan City, Philippines will have its golden jubilee anniversary celebration in Las Vegas, Nevada from Thursday, Sept. 13 to Wednesday, Sept. 19. For more information, please contact Eddie C. Talusan at (415) 583-1300 or Cindy Frando Reyes at (949) 705 - 9324.

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

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

Do I need a premarital agreement...

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Under both the Uniform Premarital Agreement Act and prior law, the spouse claiming the agreement is invalid or not enforceable bears the burden of proof on that allegation. Family Code. § 1615(a); Marriage of Bonds, supra, 24 C4th at 27, 99 CR2d at 269; Marriage of Iverson (1992) 11 CA4th 1495, 1502, 15 CR2d 70, 74–75; However, the UPAA (as amended effective 1/1/02) deems that a premarital agreement was not executed voluntarily unless the court makes five prescribed findings provided for under Family Code. § 1615(c) (1) The party against whom enforcement is sought was represented by independent legal counsel at the time of signing the agreement or after being advised to seek independent legal counsel, expressly waived, in a separate writing, representation by independent legal counsel. (2) The party against whom enforcement is sought had not less than seven calendar days between the time that party was first presented with the agreement and advised to seek independent legal counsel and the time the agreement was signed. (3) The party against whom enforcement is sought, if unrepresented by legal counsel, was fully informed of the terms and basic effect of the agreement as well as the rights and obliga-

tions he or she was giving up by signing the agreement, and was proficient in the language in which the explanation of the party’s rights was conducted and in which the agreement was written. The explanation of the rights and obligations relinquished shall be memorialized in writing and delivered to the party prior to signing the agreement. The unrepresented party shall, on or before the signing of the premarital agreement, execute a document declaring that he or she received the information required by this paragraph and indicating who provided that information.(4) The agreement and the writings executed pursuant to paragraphs(1) and (3) were not executed under duress, fraud, or undue influence, and the parties did not lack capacity to enter into the agreement.(5) Any other factors the court deems relevant. In addition, the parties are required to provide each other with full disclosure of all material financial information.

A premarital agreement may be unenforceable if found to be unconscionable when it was executed and the requisite disclosures were lacking and not waived Additionally, a spousal support provision in a premarital agreement executed under the UPAA, whether before or after January 1, 2002, is not enforce-

able if found to be unconscionable at the time of enforcement.

Family Code § 1612(c). If you are the higher earning spouse and have assets to protect, it is important to seek the representation of experienced counsel in drafting a premarital agreement to make sure that all statutory requirement are met which increases the likelihood that your premarital agreement will be deemed enforceable when attacked in court in case of a divorce. *** Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, P.C. This article is not a solicitation. *** Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association.

He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association.

He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, P.C. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010.

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People and Events

LA Mayor Garcetti announces new $100 million insulation rebate program The rebate adds to an extensive suite of LADWP programs that help homeowners lower their bills with sustainable home improvements

LOS ANGELES Mayor Eric Garcetti and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) announced on Friday, August 24 a five-year, $100 million insulation rebate program to help Angelenos better control temperatures in their homes, reduce energy use, and save money.

The new attic insulation program is expected to help Angelenos save between $200 to $375 per year on their electric bills, or 15-30 percent of average annual cooling and heating expenses.

“We are here to help people shrink their bills and make their homes more comfortable,” said Garcetti. “This insulation rebate program will help take pressure off the electrical grid, which is increasingly stressed by a warming climate, so we can keep reducing the number of power outages caused by extreme temperatures.”

The program will provide homeowners with a rebate that covers $1 per square foot of insulation up to 80 percent of the total project cost. It’s the latest addition to a roster of rebates offered through LADWP’s Consumer Rebate Program, which is part of the ongoing “Save Energy LA” campaign launched by Garcetti in 2016 to help Angelenos conserve electricity, reduce their energy bills, and protect the environment. The Consumer Rebate Program includes savings for a number of projects, including: • A/C Optimization Program: provides basic air conditioning diagnostic and maintenance services which can reduce heating

and cooling costs up to 25%.

• Cool Roof Rebate: subsidizes the costs to install a roof designed to reflect heat from the sun, which can reduce cooling costs by 7-15%.

• Smart Thermostats: automatically optimizes home temperature settings to maximize energy savings, saving customers $180 per year on their utility bill.

• Refrigerator Exchange Program: exchanges qualified older model refrigerators with Energy Star®-rated refrigerators for lowincome residents, free of charge.

• Home Energy Improvement Program: offers a free home assessment to identify potential cost-effective energy efficient upgrades and repairs.

• Clothes Washer Rebate: provides a $400 rebate on energy and water efficient washing machines, which can reduce water use by 11,000 gallons per year.

Since entering office, Garcetti has worked to make Los Angeles the most sustainable city in the world by directing LADWP to make nearly $531 million in energy-saving investments through customer programs and rebates.

Together, these investments have conserved 2,065 GWh of electricity, which is enough to power 345,000 homes for a year, and equivalent to removing 170,000 gasoline-fueled cars from our roads.

The attic insulation rebate — which is available to all LADWP customers in a detached single family or multi-residential home, such as a duplex — subsidizes the cost of materials and other expenses that are re-

quired to install the insulation.

“Many of our customers overlook attic insulation as one of the easiest ways to save money on their electric bill. With this new rebate, we want to help make it more affordable for our customers to make their homes much more comfortable and energy efficient for years to come,” said LADWP General Manager David H. Wright. “We encourage all of our customers to explore this and the many other money-saving programs and rebates offered by LADWP.” Insulation, especially in an attic, allows for cool air from an air conditioner to spread more evenly — keeping living environments cooler for longer periods of time. Insulation has the opposite effect in winter by working to trap heat indoors. Homes without insulation typically experience temperature fluctuations of 5 to 10 degrees, forcing their heating or cooling systems to work harder to keep homes comfortable. Homeowners participating in the new insulation program can expect temperature fluctuations to drop to 3 degrees or less, resulting in reduced costs for air-conditioning or heating.

Eligible insulation types include blanket (batts and rolls), loose-fill, blown-in, attic-applied foam board or rigid foam, sprayed foam, and foamed-in-place insulation systems. Rebates are available to customers regardless of whether they hire a contractor or do it themselves.

To learn more about the insulationrebateandhowtoapply,please visit www.LADWP.com/CRP

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LA-based Filipina to represent Philippines in Mrs. Asia USA pageant CORAZON Ugalde Yellen Armenta will be representing the Philippines as Mrs. Philippines 2018 competing in the Mrs. Asia USA 2018 pageant to be held at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center in Redondo Beach, California on November 17, 2018.

Produced by Virgelia Productions, Mrs. Asia USA unites and displays the rich ethnic diversity of the countries and regions in the Asian continent by provide a glimpse into the significant contributions made by Asians that now flourish in the United States.

Women from across the United States will gather in the name of friendly competition to represent their ancestral country. Through the workshops and training, it provides women the opportunity to enhance their social skills, enhance confidence level, poise, communication skills, personality development, goal setting, career planning, health and fitness. It provides hands on philanthropic training, community service and it opens doors to wonderful opportunities. The competitions include national costume, evening gown, and swimsuit. The title is earned through hard work, demonstration of self-confidence, intelligence, dedication, beauty and elegance.

Corazon was born and raised in the Philippines and is the youngest daughter of former Brigadier General Aurelio Ugalde and Chony Ugalde. Corazon’s oldest sister is Cynthia Ugalde Tan, former Miss Philippines. She attended Siena College and University of Santo Thomas. She has traveled extensively in Asia, Europe, Australia, Africa, North and South America, Antarctica, the seven continents of the world. She has also visited 83 countries and the seven wonders of the world.

A model and cover girl, Corazon has done numerous print ads and TV commercials for Pepsi Cola, Firestone, Macy’s department store, Kings Hawaiian Bread, Western Airlines, San Miguel Beer, among others.

She has modeled in the Philippines, Scandinavia, New York City, Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Mexico, and Puerto Rico. She was a regular fashion model at the Luncheon Fashion Show at The Excelsior along Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, modeling for designer couturiers Lanvin, Saint Laurent, among others in the 1990s. She modeled for well-

Corazon Ugalde Yellen Armenta will represent the Philippines in the Mrs. Asia USA 2018 pageant at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center this November.

known designer Goulle Gorospe when she was a teenager, as well as for Oscar Peralta, Emil Valdes, and Rene Factora. In the U.S. she modeled for designers Danny Felipe, Richard of Corros, Katrina Ponce Enrile, and Baby Declaro.

Corazon appeared in several TV shows like “Days of Our Lives,” “Botyok sa America with Alma Moreno and Vandolph,” and Filipino TV series, “Corazon” as Lloyd Samartino’s wife and Celia Rodrigues as her mother in law.

She starred in numerous stage plays and musical plays like “Balikbayan,” and “New Yorker in Tondo,” produced by Manila Actors Studio, East West Players and Asian American Theatre.

She won Best Actress at the Virgo Awards for her role for “There Was a Soldier.” She co-hosted a Filipino TV show in the 1980s, “Entra Pinoy,” as well as several Celebrity Night fundraisers for the Filipino Press Club. She was the president of the Beverly Hills Barbie Club, with 2,000 dolls in her collection. Her club hosted a handful of fundraisers and charity work for several organizations.

Corazon is also an author of a beauty and fitness book, “Total Beauty and Life –The Natural Way,” dubbed as Asia’s Jane Fonda. She launched her book at

the National Bookstore, Makati and Philippine Consulate in the U.S. in 1988. Her beauty & fitness book was endorsed by Gloria Diaz, Miss Universe 1969, Marianne Rogers, actress and wife of Country singer Kenny Rogers and John Silao, celebrity photographer. She was the owner and founder of Corazon Ugalde Yellen Cosmetics. She was the first Filipina to model for a major mannequin manufacturer. They sculpted her face and made a face mask to be immortalized as an Asian mannequin for several department stores in the U.S. She was America’s Ms. Charisma 1987, Ms. Travel of the World 1989, Gandang Pilipina 2015 and one of the Love Of Country Ambassadors 2018.

Currently, she is a real estate agent in Las Vegas and Los Angeles. Corazon’s greatest achievements in life is her family: her daughter Bridgette Yellen Rosenberg, son-in-law Matthew Rosenberg, son Sean Ugalde Yellen and daughter-in-law Sheila Yellen, and her two-year-old grandson, Charles Yellen. Her significant other is Frank Armenta Jr., a network engineer. They live in Los Angeles and consider Las Vegas as their second home.

For more information on Mrs. Asia USA, please call (310) 709 -7711. ■

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Attorney General Sessions makes it harder to Business group backs Bulacan airport proposal obtain court continuances/postponements ON August 16, 2018, Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions issued an opinion, to be binding on all immigration courts, on when an immigration judge may grant a continuance of deportation/removal proceedings, where the alien is pursuing a green card or other relief from USCIS (collateral relief). This situation typically arises when a person is in deportation/removal proceedings, and marries a U.S. citizen, who petitions them for green card. Or, they were petitioned by an employer or a family member, and the priority date is almost current. They seek a continuance/postponement of their court proceedings, to give USCIS enough time to approve the petition or other immigration benefit. Under this new decision, the Atty. Gen. is severely limiting the ability of a person to obtain such continuances. Instead he instructs that immigration judges may grant a continuance only for “good cause” by evaluating (1) the likelihood that the collateral relief (such as a petition or other application) will be granted, and (2) if that relief is granted, will it materially affect the outcome of the removal proceedings.

In the decision, the Atty. Gen. noted that many people in deportation/removal seek continuances solely to delay and drag out their case, without having any legitimate way to obtain a green card.

Immigration Corner ATTY. MICHAEL GURFINKEL, ESQ But this decision could actually result in people being ordered removed/deported even if they have a viable way to legalize their status, just because the Atty.

Gen. wants to rush cases through the immigration courts.

According to the Atty. Gen., among the leading causes of continuances was a petition or other application pending at USCIS, and the person was merely waiting for that petition or application to be approved. Under this decision, to request a continuance, the person must demonstrate “good cause.” There are several factors immigration judges must consider to determine whether “good cause” exists. However, the two most important factors are: (1) the likelihood that the collateral relief (such as a petition or other application) will be granted; and (2) if that relief is granted, will it materially affect the outcome of the removal proceedings? Other factors in determining “good cause” for a continuance would include: the person’s diligence

in seeking that relief (i.e. could a relative have petitioned them years ago, but they are filing only now); whether DHS opposes the continuance; the length of the continuance requested; the number of hearings held and previous continuances granted; concerns of administrative efficiency; and the timing of the request for continuance.

The Atty. Gen. noted that if a person became ill just before a hearing, or there was a drastic change in circumstances that would alter the course of the case, that could constitute good cause for a continuance because it would be “wasteful and inefficient to plow ahead immediately.”

However, if a person is not eligible for adjustment of status, the priority date on their petition is not yet current (for example, they were petitioned as a married child or brother or sister of U.S. citizen, and the priority date is still years away), or they want to pursue some other “speculative” relief, such as post-conviction relief or governor’s pardon in connection with a crime, that may not justify a continuance. Moreover, if it appears the person has already been granted several continuances in the past and they are seeking continuances merely as a way of delaying the case, the request for continuance should be denied.

PAGE D2

Business Quote of the Week “There’s an entrepreneur right now, scared to death, making excuses, saying, ‘It’s not the right time just yet.’ There’s no such thing as a good time. I started an apparel-manufacturing business in the tech-boom years. I mean, come on. Get out of your garage and go take a chance, and start your business.”

- Tim Cook, CEO of Apple

MANILA, Philippines — The International Chamber of Commerce-Philippines (ICCP) sees San Miguel Corp.’s proposed international airport in Bulacan as the best airport proposal for the country as it urged the government to focus on building a new international gateway outside Metro Manila as a long term solution to congestion.

“After carefully studying all airport proposals, we strongly believe that SMC’s new Manila international airport proposal is the best for the Philippines,” ICCP chairman Francis Chua said in a statement on Thursday, August 23.

He said the recent incident involving Xiamen Air’s plane, which skidded off Ninoy Aquino International Airport’s runway and paralyzed airport operations,

has brought to clearer light inherent problems of the country’s main gateway and why it is no longer sustainable.

As the NAIA has no space for additional runways and could no longer serve the needs of the growing economy and population, he said the government should work on having a new international airport outside Metro Manila.

“Government should now put all its efforts to pave the way for a new international gateway outside Metro Manila, which will serve as a long-term, futureproof solution to airport congestion problems that have held our country back for so long,” he said.

The group is of the view SMC’s proposed airport is the best proposal for the country as it could

accommodate future growth, with the plan involving an aerotropolis with up to four parallel runways and could be expanded further to six.

SMC’s project, which involves the construction of a 1,168-hectare airport and a 2,500-hectare city complex, is expected to be completed in six years upon approval.

With a capacity for 60 aircraft movements per runway per hour, Chua said the proposed airport would eliminate all congestion issues and make the country a more attractive tourism and investment destination.

He said the modern air terminals and cargo facilities, as well as the seaport and industrial zone, would help provide convenience and growth opportunities PAGE D5

Cebu Pacific introduces new Davao, Bohol routes via Clark

by DARRYL JOHN

ESGUERRA

Inquirer.net

CEBU Pacific announced on Thursday, August 23 the introduction of its new Davao and Bohol routes at the Clark International Airport.

Starting November 9, the country’s leading airline will mount daily flights between its Clark and Davao hubs. The airline company will also launch daily flights between Clark and Tagbilaran in Bohol once a day.

Cebu Pacific’s Tagbilaranbound flight will depart at 9:55 a.m. daily and will arrive at 11:20 a.m. Its return flight departs Tagbilaran at 11:50 a.m., and will arrive Clark at 11:05 p.m.

Meanwhile, the flight from Clark to Davao departs daily at 1:45 p.m., with scheduled arrival at the Francisco Bangoy International Airport in Davao at 3:40 p.m. The return flight departs Davao at 4: 10 p.m., with estimated time of arrival at the Clark International Airport at 6:

Cebu Pacific will have new Davao and Bohol routes at the Clark International Airport File photo by Inquirer.net

05 p.m.

Cebu Pacific also announced that the two new routes are on an introductory sale with a base fare of P599 up to August 28, or until seats last. Travel period is from November 9, 2018, to March 30, 2019.

Lowest year-round base fare for the Clark-Tagbilaran route is at P888 and P1,088 for ClarkDavao, the carrier noted.

“Cebu Pacific has been operating flights in and out of the Clark International Airport since 2006.

Since our maiden Clark-Cebu

route, we have not only expanded, but consistently maintained our presence at the Clark airport.

We remain committed to helping play a pivotal role in the growth of the Clark airport,” Atty. JR Mantaring, vice president for Corporate Affairs of Cebu Pacific said.

On top of the new routes, Cebu Pacific announced it will also add an additional daily flight between Clark and Cebu starting October 28, 2019. From once daily, Cebu Pacific will fly between Clark and Cebu once in the morning and another in the afternoon. ■

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Philippines seen making all the right moves in adopting Industry 4.0 SINGAPORE — The Philippines is taking steps toward the digitalization of the country’s manufacturing sector and enterprises, joining its neighbors in the region in entering the fourth industrial revolution.

Data from consultancy firm AT Kearney show the Philippines is still at the “planning phase” in adopting the so-called Industry 4.0, in which technology gathers and analyzes factory data to allow manufacturers to identify machine problems that hamper production process.

The data from AT Kearney were presented at a press event in Singapore for the inaugural Industry 4.0 trade show called “Industrial Transformation AsiaPacific” or ITAP, a conference and exhibition that will be held at Singapore EXPO from October 16 to 18.

“I personally do believe industry 4.0 is always a journey and different companies, regardless of whether you’re big or small or what country you’re from, have different starting points,” Singapore Economic Development Board Assistant Managing Director Lim Kok Kiang said in an interview on the sidelines of the ITAP press event last week.

“So I think every company can take the incremental step to try and be better than what you are today... To me there’s no end to the journey of adoption because it’s always how to do better,” Lim added.

According to a 2018 report by the World Economic Forum

Data from consultancy firm AT Kearney show the Philippines is still at the “planning phase” in adopting the so-called Industry 4.0, in which technology gathers and analyzes data to allow manufacturers to identify machine problems that hamper production process.

File photo by Philstar.com

titled “Readiness for the Future of Production,” the Philippines belongs to the “legacy” countries category, or those with strong production base today that are at risk for the future due to weaker performance in three areas: improving institutional framework, investing in human capital and boosting technology platforms.

Meanwhile, a joint report by the WEF and Asian Development Bank published last year said based on the International Labour Organization’s estimates, 56 percent of jobs in five Southeast Asian countries, including the Philippines, are at high risk of automation in the next few decades.

“Legacy countries need to avoid getting squeezed between more advanced Leading countries, which can offer more advanced manufacturing, and

Nascent countries that can offer lower cost labour,” the WEF said.

“Legacy countries, in particular, can accelerate readiness and transformation by utilizing the private sector more actively in tackling macro level challenges,” it added.

For his part, Yong Yoon Kit, executive vice president and partner at PEMANDU Associates, said during a fireside chat at ITAP’s press event last week that governments should give incentives to businesses and enforce the “right policies” to help in the adoption of Industry 4.0.

But Yong stressed such incentives must have “appropriate size” so the “government can afford it as well as for the industry to feel the benefits.” (By Ian Nicolas Cigaral/Philstar.com) n

Attorney General Sessions makes it harder...

PAGE D1 This recent decision is another demonstration that the Trump administration is getting extremely tough in connection with deporting/removing aliens and is expecting immigration judges to rush cases through, at the expense of ensuring the alien’s due process.

Judges are expected to have a “deportation quota,” meaning they have to process a certain number of cases per year, regardless of the complexity of the cases.

Atty. Gen. Sessions also warned immigration judges against allowing “administrative closure” of cases, or the closing of cases that really do not involve serious immigration violation so there is more time available for serious

immigration violators. Instead, Atty. Gen. Sessions wants those cases reopened and processed to conclusion.

With this decision, the Atty.

Gen. is now telling immigration judges to limit continuances. All of this is to make deportation/removal almost like an assembly line. That’s why if you have court proceedings, you should have an attorney represent you, who can make sure your rights are protected, and you’re not railroaded through the legal system without adequate protection. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel has been an attorney for over 35 years and is licensed, and an active member of the State Bar 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. The information contained herein including testimonials, “Success Stories,” endorsements and re-enactments) is of a general nature, and is not intended to apply to any particular case, and does 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: (866)—GURFINKEL Four offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES · SAN FRANCISCO · NEW YORK · PHILIPPINES

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PH urged to tap $1-B India credit line

by AnnA LeAh

e. GonzALez Manilatimes.net

THE Duterte administration should consider tapping Indian funding for its “Build Build Build” program, New Delhi’s envoy to the Philippines said on Wednesday, August 22.

“The Government of India has, in fact, a $1 billion line of credit for ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries for any infrastructure projects that they may wish to do especially in the area of digital infrastructure,” Indian Ambassador to the Philippines Jaideep Mazumdar told reporters during the opening of the India Engineering Exhibition Philippines (INDEE) pavilion at the International Metalworking Expo and Forum in Pasay City.

Several Indian companies have expressed intent to participate in the government’s infrastructure projects, he added.

Bangalore-based GMR Infrastructure Ltd. has partnered with Megawide Construction Corp. to operate and maintain the Mactan-Cebu International Airport and last month formally opened a new terminal.

The consortium has also bagged an engineering, procurement and construction contract for the expansion of the Clark International Airport.

Aside from infrastructure, Mazumdar said Indian companies were also looking at investing in telecoms, railways and pharmaceuticals.

“I understand that there are

Jaideep Mazumdar, ambassador of India to the Philippines, signs a memorandum of understanding with Mahesh Desai, Senior Vice-Chairman of the Engineering Export Promotion Council of India, at the inauguration of the Indian Pavilion at the International Metalworking Expo and Forum, currently being held at the World Trade Center in Pasay City, on August 22.

Photo by Andrea De La Cruz / ManilaTimes.net

some companies who are interested but these are still works in progress. I think we will get to know in the next couple of months,” he added.

Indian companies are already present in the local textiles, garments, airport, chemicals, steel and IT sector.

These include the Aditya Birla Group, Ispat Group, Tata and Mahindra.

“The Philippines is a large country so there are a lot of opportunities here especially in the manufacturing sector,” Mazumbra said.

“I think India will give far more attention to the Philippines,” he added.

Mazumbra said INDEE, an initiative of the Engineering Export Promotion Council of India (EEPC), was a bid to further boost trade and investment rela-

tions with the Philippines.

“The business community in India and the Philippines are looking at opportunities … [given]renewed interest which is evident from an over 25-percent rise in the bilateral trade,” he added.

“India has a policy of looking east and Asean countries are really in the heart of that and Philippines being a major country in Asean has a lot of potential for bilateral and economic relationship.”

EEPC Senior Vice-Chairman Mahesh Desai said engineering exports to the Philippines had so far reached $640.43 million since last year up to the first half of 2018.

“The focus of the bilateral commercial engagement has to be not only on trade but investment as well,” he said.n

Retailers, fast food see train sales boost

by MAyveLin

U. CArAbALLo Manilatimes.net

IMPLEMENTATION of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law boosted consumer demand and sales by retail firms and fast food chains, a Finance official said on Wednesday, August 22.

“The significant growth in sales reported by retail establishments and restaurants point to the fact that people now have more money to spend as a result of the hefty PIT (personal income tax) cuts under TRAIN which is now benefiting 99 percent of our taxpayers,” Finance Assistant Secretary Antonio Lambino claimed in a statement.

Passed last December and implemented at the start of 2018,

the TRAIN law raised taxes on petroleum products and car sales, among others, in exchange for lower personal income tax rates.

The finance department estimates that the law gave individual taxpayers, most of them compensation earners, a combined P12 billion in additional income.

Lambino said that since Train’s implementation, retail giants and fast food chains such as Robinsons Retail Holdings, Inc., Philippine Seven Corp., Puregold Price Club and Max’s Group Inc. had all reported more robust sales.

Robinsons Retail was said to have posted 9.6-percent profit growth in the second quarter with net sales rising by 13.5 percent to P31.5 billion, attributed partly to the increased take-home pay of consumers under the Train.

The P533 million in earnings of Philippine Seven, which licenses 7-Eleven convenience stores, was also up 19.4 percent in the first six months of the year despite the increase in commodity prices.

Retail sales in all stores amounted to P22.2 billion during the first half for a 22.7-percent hike from the previous year.

Lambino said that Philippine Seven had also pointed to lower personal income taxes under Train as the the reason behind the increase in sales.

For Puregold’s consolidated net sales, which increased by 13.2 percent to P64.03 billion, he said that these “benefited from higher consumer spending due to increased levels of takePAGE D5

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Textile and garment industry banks hope on possible US-PH FTA

by Roy

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NAIA-BGC link to start in 2019 Gov’t agency reviewing details of proposed expressway extension

Stephen C. Canivel Inquirer.net

THE textile and garment industry, now far from its glory days, will have to bank on a possible free trade deal with the United States in a bid to revive its struggling businesses.

Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez told reporters on Thursday, August 23 that the government will try to help the industry through a possible free trade agreement (FTA) with one of its oldest allies.

“We used to be one of the biggest exporters of garments in the world. We supplied to the U.S. Hopefully, we can bring it back with an FTA,” he said.

He said this on the sidelines of the first ever “Philippine Garment Leader Goods Industries & Fabric Expo,” participated by 81 local and foreign companies in search of buyers.

Only more or less 20 companies are from the Philippines, which shows a glimpse of the current state of the industry.

As the U.S. focuses on bilateral FTAs instead of multilateral deals, there are high hopes that this would eventually bear fruit to an FTA with the Philippines.

Preliminary talks are already ongoing, with the initial goal of finding enough mutual gains to jumpstart the formal negotiations.

This will be a good opportunity for the local industry, which used to be very competitive in its exports, and was even considered

Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez

a sunrise industry during the 90s, according to DTI-attached agency Board of Investments in a separate statement.

Export performance, however, dropped since the abolition of textile quotas by the World Trade Organization in 2005.

As a result, garment and textile enterprises in the Philippines which relied on quotas underwent difficulties leading to closure of factories and downsizing, BOI said.

In a press briefing earlier this month, William Ang, manager of Globe Textile Inds. Corp., complained about the garment industry receiving little to no support from the government.

“Sayang ang Pilipinas (the Philippines could have been more). We have a lot of talented designers. We should be the Paris of Asia but what’s happening?” he said.

“Never in my lifetime had the government asked what it could

File photo by Grig C. Montegrande / Inquirer.net

help us with in the industry,” Ang said, who represented the Garments Manufacturers Association of the Philippines during that time.

Wrapping up an FTA might take years, however. In the meantime, Lopez said that companies can apply under the Investment Priorities Plan, which provides incentives such as income tax holiday on preferred kinds of businesses that help reach inclusive growth.

It is not clear, however, if any company in the garment and textile industry applied under the IPP, even though the list includes manufacturing activities.

He also said that garments might be eventually included under the U.S. Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), a trade arrangement allows market access for numerous Philippine exports.

He said this will have to come after the inclusion of footwear in the U.S. GSP. n

Business group backs Bulacan airport...

PAGE D1 for the country.

The group also sees SMC’s proposed airport as the best option when it comes to accessibility.

Located just north of Metro Manila in Bulacan, Bulacan, or some 27 kilometers from the present NAIA, Chua said such would be accessible within 45 minutes or less from anywhere in Metro Manila via multiple expressways.

“It’s about time we have a truly world-class airport we can all be proud of—one that will rival the best in the region and the world.

Our country needs it, and our people deserve it,” he said.

Last June, Rolando Tungpalan, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Undersecretary for investment programming, said the draft concession agreement for the Bulacan airport is under review by an interagency group.

He said if the draft is consistent with what the NEDA board has approved, the Swiss challenge for the proposal could proceed.

Aside from SMC’s proposed Bulacan airport, the government has received other airport proposals.

The NAIA Consortium which is composed of some of the country’s biggest conglomerates, namely Aboitiz InfraCapital Inc., AC Infrastructure Holdings

Corp., Alliance Global Group Inc., Asia’s Emerging Dragon Corp., Filinvest Development Corp., JG Summit Holdings Inc. and Metro Pacific Investments Corp. has secured original proponent status for its offer to upgrade the main international gateway at a cost of around P106 billion for a concession period of 15 years.

There is also a proposal from the provincial government of Cavite to develop the Sangley airport amid congestion at the NAIA. Last year, NAIA had 42 million passengers, higher than its designed capacity of 31 million passengers. (By Louella Desiderio/Philstar.com) n

Plans for a toll road connecting Bonifacio Global City (BGC) in Taguig and Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is being studied.

Photo by Inquirer.net

by Miguel

R. CaMuS

Inquirer.net

AN elevated toll road linking Bonifacio Global City (BGC) in Taguig and Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) might soon be underway.

Alex Bote, who heads the Public Private Partnership (PPP) service of the Department of Public Works and Highways, said in an interview that San Miguel Corp.’s offer to extend its NAIA Expressway project all the way to BGC was currently being studied.

“It’s already been submitted,” Bote said, while explaining that the project was an extension of the NAIA Expressway and not an unsolicited proposal.

He did not give added details, but noted that they expected the project to start “definitely by next year.”

SMC revealed its plans to extend the 7.7-kilometer Naia Expressway last year. This is seen to ease traffic on the Sales Bridge and cut travel time from the Coastal Road, the Naia passenger terminals and SM Mall of Asia to BGC.

This will reduce road congestion around the areas of Magallanes and Edsa-Pasay. SMC noted that it would also build new ramps from the Naia Terminal 1 and 2 areas all the way to SM Sucat, where it connects to the C5 extension project.

The NAIA Expressway is among the successful PPP projects bid out under the Aquino administration. SMC won the project in 2013 after it outbid sole rival Metro Pacific Investments Corp.

However, delays in the delivery of right-of-way, a perennial issue for infrastructure projects, apart from power and water utilities that needed to be relocated along its alignment, postponed its completion. The Naia Expressway finally opened in September 2016.

Toll roads are a key part of SMC’s ambitious diversification strategy, which was launched more than a decade ago.

It is also a main driver of the company’s infrastructure assets under San Miguel Holdings Corp. SMC’s infrastructure business posted P12.14 billion in revenues in the first semester

of the year, still a fraction of the group’s almost P500 billion in sales.

Infrastructure revenues were up 11 percent year-on-year “on the back of continuous growth in traffic volume at all operating toll roads.” Its operating income was up 19 percent to P6.22 billion during the first half of 2018.

Contributions are expected to rise as SMC implements a massive pipeline of road projects, valued at around P554 billion when it was announced last year.

Included in the pipeline were the San Pedro-C6 Laguna Lake Road, Tanauan-Tagaytay Expressway or Sky 8, the extension of SLEx to Matnog, Sorsogon, Sky 7 linking Taguig to Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City, the Buendia Interchange and ramp extension to Macapagal Boulevard, and the Sky 9 “Pasig River alignment.”

SMC’s existing portfolio includes the South Luzon Expressway, Metro Manila Skyway, Tarlac Pangasinan La Union Expressway, Star toll road and NAIA Expressway.n

Retailers, fast food see train sales...

PAGE D3 home pay after the implementation of the Train.”

Max’s, which operates brands such as Max’s Restaurant, Pancake House, Krispy Kreme and Teriyaki Boy, saw net income rise by 34 percent.

Citing company disclosures and Bloomberg data, Lambino said first quarter sales of fast food chains also rose, with McDonald’s and Jollibee reporting growth of 40.6 percent and 18.8 percent, respectively.

Real estate developers also

benefited, Sta. Lucia Land reporting sales growth of 25.3 percent; Rockwell Land, 6.5 percent; Ayala Land, 18.8 percent; Megaworld, 8.1 percent; SM Prime, 11.1 percent and Century Properties, 104.5 percent, the Finance official reported.n

D AUGUST 25-28, 2018 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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