091419 - Los Angeles Weekend

SEPTEMBER 14-17, 2019 Volume 29 - No. 72 • 4 Sections – 30 Pages

Palace: Duterte not abandoning arbitral Fil-Am Democrats turn ruling with PH-China joint exploration plan out as 3 presidential DATELINE

USA

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

candidates participate in AAPI forum

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA

AJPress

MALACAÑANG on Thursday, September 12, assured the public that President Rodrigo Duterte is not DEMOCRATIC presidential hopefuls flew abandoning the 2016 arbitral court down to Southern California last weekend to ruling after he revealed that China participate in what was billed as the first-ever and the Philippines are looking into Democratic national forum for the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community.

Making it to the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa, California on Sunday, September 8 were tech entrepreneur Andrew Yang, U.S. Representative Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii), and billionaire hedge fund manager and political activist Tom Steyer.

Author Marianne Williamson was also expected to show but had to cancel due to a scheduling conflict, according to the forum organizers.

Hundreds of AAPIs flew in from as far as Illinois, Hawaii, and even Canada to hear the candidates share their platforms and answer questions from the event’s moderators and audience members.

The forum was spearheaded by AAPI Victory Fund, a political action committee, which also held a day-long summit on Saturday.

Southern California locals took advantage of

joint oil and gas exploration in the disputed West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

The clarification comes after the president said both countries have agreed to a 60-40 sharing scheme in the sea in exchange for setting aside the arbitral ruling.

“Set aside your claim. Then al-

low everybody connected with the Chinese companies,” Duterte said Wednesday, September 11, quoting Chinese President Xi Jinping.

“They want to explore and if there is something, they said, ‘We would be gracious enough to give you 60 percent.’ They will only get 40 percent.

That is the promise of Xi Jinping,” he

Janet Lim Napoles remains detained in a correctional facility.

Philstar.com photo

Janet Napoles remains in custody despite inclusion in good conduct list

u PAGE A3

Philippines, US plan 300 ‘security cooperation activities’ in 2020 THE Philippines and the United States have agreed to conduct more than 300 security cooperation activities next year.

This was the result of the recently-concluded 2019 Mutual Defense Board and Security Engagement Board (MDB-SEB) at military headquarters Camp Aguinaldo.

The planned activities for 2020 have increased compared to the 281 activities this year, the U.S. Embassy in Manila said in a media release.

Although no specifics on the activities were given, the embassy said the Philippines and the U.S. reaffirmed their alliance through enhancing cooperation in counterterrorism, maritime security, cyber security, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

Adm. Philip Davidson, commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, said the two allies addressed regional security challenges in the meeting.

“We will continue to stand together on the u PAGE A3

added.

In a press briefing, Panelo clarified: “The setting aside doesn’t mean that we will abandon it. What the President means is that, as we have repeatedly said and as he has said, too, the arbitral ruling is still subject to talks between the two countries; negotiau PAGE A2

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

NOT A DRILL. Office employees, some wearing hard hats, gather in the open as they file out of their building following a magnitude 5.3 quake that rocked some areas of Luzon, including in the capital on Friday, September 13. In the metropolis, office workers, some wearing hard hats, poured out of buildings and guests moved out of hotels, and several shoppers in a supermarket yelled in panic as the ground shook.

Inquirer.net photo

THE Philippine Department of Justice said plunder convict Janet Lim Napoles remains in a correctional facility despite being included in a list of inmates eligible for early release under the good conduct time allowance (GCTA) law.

Justice Undersecretary Mark Perete, spokesperson u PAGE A3

Former Philippine corrections deputy chief reveals more ‘money-making’ scams

by AJPRESS

Ragos, who served as BuCor officer in charge during former MORE “money-making” President Benigno Aquino III’s schemes are occurring within administration, was the third the Philippine Bureau of Correc- witness presented when the tions and the New Bilibid Prison, Senate’s Blue Ribbon Commita former deputy chief of the tee resumed its inquiry into the good conduct time allowance agency has revealed.

BuCor deputy chief Rafael Ra- (GCTA) law.

“Sa loob ng maximum [segos on Thursday, September 12 alleged that several scams are curity compound], maraming taking place within the prison unusual transactions regarding and agency than previously un- money-making (Inside the maxiFormer Bureau of Corrections deputy chief Rafael Ragos informs senators covered, one of which is the hir- mum, there are unusual transof the several irregularities in the agency on Thursday, September 12. ing of female entertainers for actions regarding money-makManilaTimes.net photo by Enrique Agcaoili high-profile inmates for a fee. ing),” he said.

According to him, prison guards bring female dancers inside NBP to “entertain” highprofile inmates for P30,000 a night.

“For example, ‘yung ‘tilapia’ nakakapagpasok sila diyan. Babae. Para sa mga high-profile, magpapasok ng babae. Nag eenjoy sila sa mga babae (For example, women are able to go inside [the NBP]. For high-profile inmates, [entertainers] will be brought inside. They enjoy women),” Ragos said. u PAGE A3

Duterte says government respects press freedom Filipinos’ trust in government,

by CHRISTINA

MENDEZ

Philstar.com

MANILA — The administration will remain steadfast in upholding press freedom and respecting the constitutionally protected freedom of speech, President Duterte said, even as he continues to lash out at critics and the media amid various attacks against journalists in the country.

“Rest assured that the government will never waver in its duty to uphold press freedom, to promote free speech, cultivate a safer environment for journalists even as we work together in safeguarding our democratPhilstar.com photo ic institutions,” Duterte said in

a speech during the oath-taking ceremonies he led for the Malacañang Press Corps last Tuesday, September 10.

The President also stressed the importance of having a free press and its role in the country’s development and reminded the media of their “sacred responsibility to ensure that truth and fairness will prevail in the delivery of information to the public.”

“As an important conduit between the government and the people, you in mass media are tasked with the sacred responsibility to ensure that truth and fairness will prevail in the delivery of information to the public,” he added. u PAGE A5

other institutions declines MANILA — Filipinos’ trust in the government slightly fell in the past two years, according to results of the new Philippine Trust Index that also showed lower overall public trust in major institutions.

But despite the small decline in trust for all Philippine institutions, majority of Filipinos still want to remain in the country.

Findings of the PTI, a propriety research by communications agency EON Group, revealed that the “moderate trust” in government sagged four percentage points to 76% in 2019 from 80% in 2017.

Broken down, most respondents said they “extremely” trust the Office of the President among state institutions. The rest experienced a decline in trust levels, with Office of the Vice President hit by the sharpest downturn of about 16 percentage points.

“The informed public is more trusting of the Office of the President, while the general public is more trusting of the Office of the Vice President,” the PTI report read in part.

Aside from the government, the PTI also focused on five other key institutions: the busiu PAGE A2

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From the Front Page

Palace: Duterte not abandoning...

PAGE A1 t tion is ongoing peacefully. But meanwhile, we focus without other concerns that may mutually benefit the two countries.”

“In other words, there is an impasse so let them talk; so let’s talk about other things like this joint exploration,” he added.

Former Foreign Affairs Chief Albert del Rosario noted that China’s move asking the Duterte administration to “set aside” the arbitral court ruling “can be viewed as significant recognition

by Beijing of the arbitral outcome.”

Xi, at the bilateral meeting with Duterte in Beijing last month, refused to acknowledge the arbitral ruling that invalidated China’s nine-dash line claim in the South China Sea. Del Rosario, who was part of the legal team that helped the country secure a favorable ruling from the UN-backed court based in The Hague, said, “In our desire to advance the rule of law, therefore, we should not allow our rightful position to be thrown into reverse gear.”

“We surely do not want the consequences of a nine-dash line to once again confront us,” he added.

Del Rosario also pointed out “that ‘to come up with an economic activity’ in our exclusive economic zone (EEZ) need not involve setting aside the Arbitral Ruling and running afoul of the Constitution.”

Panelo, for his part, slammed the former foreign affairs chief.

“He talks too much. We’ve already responded to all his opinions and he should look at himself in the mirror and admit that he’s the one responsible for losing Scarborough Shoal,” the spokesperson said.

According to Panelo, Duterte regards the arbitral ruling as permanent, binding, final and unappealable.

“It’s there forever and ever, like forever,” he said.

‘Disappointing, irresponsible’ Vice President Leni Robredo expressed her dismay over Duterte’s remarks that he would set aside the arbitral ruling to spur “economic activity” in the Philippines’ EEZ. According to her, his declaration is “profoundly disappointing and extremely irresponsible.”

“It will affect the lives not just of our generation of Filipinos, but that of our children, and our children’s children. We must take great care in ensuring that we are not trading away the long-term interests of our nation and our children for short-term profit,” she said.

“Guaranteeing a better future for our children is perhaps one of the most important, and most difficult, responsibilities of any administration. Selling that future for a gas deal with China is a shameful way of abandoning that responsibility,” Robredo added.

The vice president pointed out that entering into an agreement “should not come at the expense

of upholding our rights to the West Philippine Sea.” “Our own Constitution already grants the State ample authority to enter into agreements with foreign entities for exploration and development of oil and gas resources, provided that these shall lead to ‘real contributions to the economic growth and general welfare of the country.’

Why, then, was this reckless pronouncement made?” she added.

Robredo also argued against Duterte’s statement that capitulation and conflict are the only choices available for the Philippine when it comes to dealing with the issue.

“I must point out that this is not true. Open warfare is far from the sole means of asserting our rights to our exclusive economic zone, as our neighboring nations Vietnam and Indonesia have recently and repeatedly proven,” she said.

“The strongest anchor to our claim must be consistency—in our official positions, in our negotiations, and in the statements of our top official,” she added.

Robredo stressed that a firm and consistent assertion of the country’s legal rights does not require a single shot being fired.

“Yet why do the President and his administration constantly fail at doing it? Why are the President and his administration the very ones who undermine our decisive victory before the arbitral tribunal in 2016 with remarks such as this?” she stated. n

Filipinos’ trust in government, other...

PAGE A1 t ness sector, media, non-government organizations or NGOs, the church and the academe.

All five saw a decline in trust levels.

While traditional media forms remain as primary sources of information for most Filipinos, the PTI found that media’s “trust drivers” deteriorated since 2017, with respondents believing that news outlets are now more susceptible to bribery.

Overall, the media saw a decline to 69% from 78%.

On the business sector, which posted a lower trust rating of 71% from 75% in 2017, trust

across industries dropped since 2017, with the mining sector being the least trusted.

Meanwhile, healthcare and food and beverage remain the most trusted industries in the Philippines.

The PTI also reported that trust in NGOs experienced the largest decline in the past two years to 37% from 59% as Filipinos continue to scrutinize this institution’s agenda.

NGOs scored “very low” with incorruptibility (50%) and being free from political interest (53%), PTI said.

For the church and the academe, both with a three per-

centage point drop to 90% from 93% keeps the trust level strong and highest among all institutions.

Despite the decline in trust for all institutions, the PTI showed that “majority of Filipinos still opt to remain in the country” with “86% among respondents that are amenable to leaving the Philippines would do so for work or business, 10% for pleasure, and only 3% for migration.”

“This equates to only 1% of total respondents intending to leave the country for good,” it said. (Ian Nicolas Cigaral/Philstar.com)

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A

Former Philippine deputy corrections chief... Fil-Am Democrats turn out as 3 presidential...

PAGE A1 t

Additionally, three new witnesses, namely National Bureau of Investigation agent Jovencio Ablen Jr.; inmate Jose Galario Jr.; and his daughter Greizl Fernandez, surfaced during the hearing to testify on what they know about irregularities at the BuCor and NBP. Galario was grilled by Sen. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go on the alleged “hospital pass for sale” scheme.

According to him, the duty physician recommends and approves the confinement of sick inmates.

“Sa Building 14, drug lords at malaki ang sentensya, ‘yung pag-recommend at approve, duty physician will admit them for several months. ‘Yung drug lords (In Building 14, drug lords with big sentences, it’s the duty physician who approves and ad-

mits them for several months), even though their sickness can be discharged in one week. Because of money, they can be confined for as long as seven months, eight months,” Galario said.

He further said that he saw inmates using cellphones inside the NBP Hospital.

Fernandez also claimed that one of the inmates shelled out at least P150,000 to be confined at the Philippine Heart Center in Quezon City.

Sen. Panfilo Lacson, meanwhile, said he received reports that some NBP inmates were being hired as assassins.

“Inmates can go out of jail to commit a crime, kill somebody, gun-for-hire style, then return in the morning [to jail]. We heard stories these are inmates committing crimes while incarcerated,” he said.

Lacson also said that Ragos and Ablen were invited by the committee to give the Senate panel a clearer picture of corruption at BuCor. “The money-making scheme has been there since time immemorial,” he said. “[This is] with the end in view to resolve these issues and come up with legislation to [stop] these malpractices,” he added.

Go, for his part, gave assurance to the public that heads would roll and those responsible for the anomalies would be held accountable.

“I am convinced that there is either corruption or negligence in the way our correctional facilities are being managed. Let me assure the public, heads will roll. Mananagot ang dapat managot (The guilty has to answer [for their acts]),” the freshman senator said. n

Janet Napoles remains in custody despite inclusion...

PAGE A1 t for the department, on Thursday, September 12, stressed that she “remains at the Correctional Institution for Women” and has not been released.

Perete also said that the DOJ has asked the BuCor for an explanation regarding Napoles’ inclusion in the list of nearly 2,000 GCTA beneficiaries who may soon walk free from prison.

ABS-CBN first reported that Napoles was part of the list, noting that the charge attached to her — rape, not plunder — expired on Nov. 12, 2018.

Napoles, the brains behind the multi-billion-peso Priority

Development Assistance Fund (also known as the pork barrel scam), was convicted of plunder and is facing a string of criminal cases before the Sandiganbayan.

Sen. Richard Gordon brought up the error-riddled list on Thursday when the Senate resumed its inquiry into the GCTA law, which drew public ire after several reports that said it has freed over 2,000 heinous crime convicts since 2014 and could have released Antonio Sanchez, a former mayor convicted in a highly followed 1990s rapemurder case involving two University of the Philippines, Los Baños students.

U.S. Indo-Pacific Command commander Adm. Philip Davidson (left) and Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Benjamin Madrigal Jr. (right) led the 2019 Mutual Defense Board and Security Engagement Board at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Friday, September 13.

Photo courtesy of the U.S. Embassy in Manila

Philippines, US plan 300...

PAGE A1 t foundation of common interests and values. Our national security, including economic security, is reliant on a free and open Indo-Pacific and a rules-based international order,” Davidson said.

Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Benjamin Madrigal Jr. said the enhancement of defense cooperation between the two countries is the only way to

move forward and prepare for challenges.

The MDB started in 1958, a few years after the two countries signed the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty while the SEB was formed in 2006.

The board serves as a central forum for the armed forces of both countries to coordinate and plan military activities for the upcoming year. (Patricia Lourdes Viray/Philstar.com)

Gordon, who is the chair of the Senate’s Blue Ribbon Committee, noted that there were inmates whose names were listed twice as well as inmates listed with wrong crimes.

In response, BuCor Documentations and Record Section chief Ramon Roque, who is currently suspended from service, said that the list was made in haste.

“Yung list na yan, mabilisan pong pinagawa samin. Magpepresscon po kasi (The list was made in haste because we were going to hold a press conference),” he said. n

PAGE A1 t the location, including a group of roughly 50 Fil-Ams who took a bus from Historic Filipinotown in Los Angeles.

“I’m so proud of all the candidates in the Democratic party who are bringing important issues that are really impactful, not just in our group, but for the whole country,” said Joselyn Geaga-Rosenthal, founding president of PhilippineAmerican Los Angeles Democrats (PALAD).

“We want to make America a place for our children and grandchildren so that they may reap the benefits. Really talk about climate change and how to make sure the world is reserved for our descendents,” she added, highlighting some of the topics covered at the forum.

The event was seen as a chance for the candidates to address the AAPI community, which continues to be the fastest-growing minority group in the U.S. Among the topics discussed were income inequality, healthcare, immigration, climate change, and the overall growth and increasing influence of the AAPI caucus.

“During the 2018 midterm elections, AAPIs organized and mobilized and turned out to vote in unprecedented numbers,” said U.S. Rep. Judy Chu (D-California), adding that 77% of AAPIs nationwide voted for Democrats in 2018.

“As a result, we were able to take back the House last November,” Chu added. “It wasn’t a blue wave, it was a blue tsunami.”

First to take the stage was Yang, who got quite the reception from his “#YangGang” supporters who

literally carried him out in cheers as he crowd surfed out of the theater.

Yang shared his experiences growing up as an Asian American born to Taiwanese immigrant parents and how like many young AAPIs, was taught to put his head down, study hard, do well in school, and not bother with politics.

As one of the candidates with no political background,Yang shared how his seven years running his national nonprofit Venture for America, and meeting with entrepreneurs around the U.S., eventually led him to run for president.

“I came to realize that our country is in much worse shape than I thought. When Donald Trump won in 2016, I thought for whatever reason, immigrants were being scapegoated for issues they had nothing to do with,” said Yang. “It’s not immigrants.

It’s the fact that technology had advanced to a point where many Americans are struggling to get by.”

Yang highlighted his idea of universal basic income (UBI) which he said would put $1,000 in the pockets of U.S. citizens ages 18 and older.

Known to his supporters as a “numbers guy,” Yang said that in the case of another recession like the one experienced in 2007, he’d opt out of recapitalizing banks and instead “put resources directly in the hands of the American people.”

“You want to have the individual citizen receive the money in a way that they actually have some autonomy and agency,” said

Yang, adding that much of the money would end up being spent in people’s local communities.

Yang mentioned financial literacy classes in high school as something that would accompany the UBI. He also mentioned the program as being an incentive for permanent residents or green card holders to become U.S. citizens.

On health care, Yang said that providing a Medicare for All system would control increasing costs, and encourage more competition in the private healthcare marketplace.

“I’m a numbers person so I just try to figure out what the actual costs are,” said Yang. “To me, it’s clear that we need to create a public option in the healthcare market that enables us to negotiate for lower prices and high levels of access.”

On climate change, Yang took a realistic approach by saying “it’s worse than you think.” He introduced a five-point plan that includes moving towards renewable sources of energy and exporting technologies to other parts of the world, prioritizing sustainable entrepreneurship, reversing damage, relocating people to higher ground where natural disasters are prone, and keeping administrations accountable.

Before leaving the stage, Yang took a stab at Trump’s slogan and offered his own: “Make America think harder.”

Steyer accounted his experience founding political advocacy group, NextGen America, as having played a role in his path to the

u PAGE A4

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Fil-Am Democrats turn out as 3 presidential...

PAGE A3 t presidency.

“For the last 10 years, what I’ve done is travel across this country and tried to put together coalitions of ordinary American citizens to take on corporate power,” said Steyer, whose candidacy has focused on challenging corporate influence on the government, and on climate change.

“We can have a better guaranteed lifestyle for every citizen than any country has ever provided,” said Steyer.

He said that the U.S. has the technology and enough money to provide better lives of U.S. citizens, but has been unable to due to a “political system that’s broken.”

“We can have guaranteed healthcare for every American.

We can guarantee quality education from pre-K to college for every American. We can guarantee a living wage, and we can guarantee clean air and clean water for every American,” said Steyer.

Having been among the louder voices for climate change, Steyer bucked down on his plan to declare a climate emergency on day one of his presidency and 100 days for Congress to enact a deal, should he be elected.

“We’re in a place scientifically where we have to act,” said Steyer.

Steyer has also been one of the most vocal about wanting to impeach President Trump emphasized the importance of keeping Trump accountable.

“I believe that when someone does something wrong, you have to stand up to them. And when someone breaks the law, and they’re rich and powerful, they have to be held to account,” said Steyer, whose father was a Nurembourg prosecutor. “If you don’t stand up to evil over time, they win.”

Last to take the stage was Gabbard who proudly represented Pacific Islanders also present at the forum. She and Yang are two of the three AAPI candidates along with California Sen. Kamala Harris.

Having served two tours in the Middle East and is a major in the Hawaii Army National Guard, Gabbard talked of how the U.S. has been spending trillions of dollars since 9/11 on counterproductive wars.

“We’ve spent since 9/11 alone in 2001, over $6 trillion dollars spent on waging these wasteful, counterproductive wars that have not served the interest of our national security,” said Gabbard.

“They’ve actually made our country less safe.”

Gabbard said that as commander-in-chief, the president should have a problem-solving and results-oriented mindset that puts national security, peace, and the interests of the American people at the forefront of the country’s foreign policy.

She suggested the U.S. step away from being the “world’s police” and “actually be a force for good in the world.”

“The goal is to be able to prevent war and to make sure that our forces are only being sent into harm’s way as a last resort to keep the American people safe,” said Gabbard. “We’ve got to be willing to have those conversations and meet with our adversaries.”

Speaking on gun legislation, Gabbard acknowledged the extremes of opinions where one side believes there should be no guns at all, and the other believes there should be no restriction on the Second Amendment.

“It’s a false choice in my opinion, and I think most Americans agree that we can and should uphold our Second Amendment rights while also making sure that those who are owning guns are doing so in a safe manner and will not do harm to others who are not going to use those guns to harm others,” said Gabbard.

On the topic of impeachment, Gabbard disagreed with going forth with impeachment proceedings and said that voters “are the ones who should throw him out of the White House” in the next coming election.

Fil-Am Democratic presence For the roughly 50 Fil-Ams who attended the AAPI Democratic Presidential Forum, the event was just the beginning of organizing for the 2020 elections.

Many were involved in the 2016 and 2018 elections, phone banking in each other’s homes in different congressional districts members lived in. In 2016, PALAD went on two trips to Las Vegas by bus to do door-to-door knocking for Hillary.

“Every time we do this is like a get together,” said Geaga-Rosenthal.

Having grown up in the 1960s after moving to the U.S. from the Philippines, Geaga-Rosenthal said civic engagement has always been something she’s felt a responsibility for, starting with the anti-war movement in the Civil Rights Movement.

“I feel more hopeful because I really see a lot of Asian Pacific young people,” said Geaga-Rosenthal. “It’s reassuring to know that you have fellow Filipinos and a number of young Filipino Americans who are getting involved in a very meaningful way.”

“But it’s really the way you make your voice heard. You affect the policies. It’s so true that your vote counts,” said Geaga-Rosenthal.

“Take that as a sacred obligation and do so with excitement.” (Rae Ann Varona/AJPress)

SPECTACLE. Republic of Singapore President Halimah Yacob looks on as a Philippine Eagle flies by during her visit to the Philippine Eagle Center in Davao City on Wednesday, September 11. Singapore is eyeing to forge various partnerships with the city government, especially on infrastructure developments, Yacob said. Yacob said Singapore and Davao City have many things in common and that increasing city-to-city links can be beneficial for both areas in terms of business and other areas of partnership.

Malacañang photo by Robinson Niñal Jr.

US launches P92.3M literacy program for deaf, blind kids in PH

by Christia

Marie Inquirer.net

raMos

THE United States Agency for International Development (USAID) on Thursday launched a three-year, P92.3-million program that would enable visually and hearing impaired children in the Philippines gain access to quality education.

The project, which would be implemented in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) and Resources for Blind, Inc., (RBI) would work with local governments in the provinces of Batangas, Sorsogon, and Southern Leyte to identify kindergarten to Grade 3 pupils with vision and hearing impairments, so that they can receive literacy support earlyon.

“We believe that people with disabilities have and should have all the same rights as others,” USAID Mission Director Lawrence Hardy said during the launching of the project in Quezon City.

The project, the U.S. Embassy in Manila explained in a statement, aims to increase the

USAID Mission Director Lawrence Hardy II (5th from right) joins partners from the Philippines Department of Education, and NGO Resources for the Blind, Inc. in Quezon City to formally launch USAID’s Gabay project.

Contributed photo

capacity of service providers and health workers to detect the needs of children with visual and hearing impairments.

The program also seeks to improve the abilities of teachers to prepare and deliver appropriate learning plans, and enhance the responsiveness of the local government and communities to the needs of people with disabilities.

The embassy noted that “the disability population continues to be overrepresented among the world’s illiterate and economically poor, due to barriers in access to quality, equitable,

and inclusive education.”

It then pointed out that investing in quality inclusive education would improve a country’s economy.

“Investing in quality inclusive education can lead to a 7% gain in national GDP (gross domestic product),” it said.

The program called Gabay: Strengthening Inclusive Education for Blind/Deaf Children project is part of the US government’s commitment to improving the quality of basic education to support broadbased and inclusive growth in the country. n

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PH military unit in disputed sea One person dies by suicide every 40 seconds — WHO to get command facility from US

by Frances

Mangosing Inquirer.net

THE military unit overseeing a significant portion of the West Philippine Sea — the Western Command (Wescom) based in Palawan — will soon receive a command and control center facility from the United States.

“Wescom is also thankful that out of the U.S. generosity, (it) will soon be able to add the newly-installed Command and Control (C2) Fusion facilities in its inventory list of vital facilities,” Wescom chief Vice Adm. Rene Medina said on Thursday, September 12.

“The C2 Fusion is designed to synchronize activities and efforts during combined training in support of the provisions of RP-US Mutual Defense Board/ Security Engagement Board (MDB-SEB) Framework,” he told INQUIRER. net.

The facility, which started construction in January, has yet to be turned over by the U.S. to the Philippines. It is part of the exercise-related construction by the U.S., Medina said.

‘MDT not just a piece of paper’ The commander in charge of the U.S. military operations in the Pacific reiterated Washington’s commitment to its Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) with Manila when he visited Wescom on Wednesday.

Adm. Philip Davidson, head of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (IndoPacom), paid a visit to Wescom headquarters in Puerto Princesa City as part of his itin-

Western Command chief Vice Adm. Rene Medina (left) welcomes Indo-Pacific commander Adm. Philip Davidson (right) during his visit to Puerto Princesa City, Palawan on Wednesday, September 11 Wescom covers most of the Philippines’ claims in the South China Sea. Photo courtesy of Western Command

erary for the regular MDB-SEB meeting.

In his meeting with Wescom officials, Davidson was “very clear and specific” of the U.S. commitment to the implementation of the MDT and said it was “not just a piece of paper without any value,” Medina said.

The 68-year-old MDT binds the two countries to support each other in case of an armed external attack. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana had previously called for a review of the treaty due to ambiguities and the ongoing developments in the South China Sea. Earlier this year, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said “any armed attack” against Fili-

pino forces, aircraft and public vessels in the South China Sea “will trigger mutual defense obligations” under the treaty.

Medina likewise said Wescom is also committed to the MDT. He also took the opportunity to recognize the impact of U.S. efforts to help the Philippine military in defense and security capabilities and its role to maintain peace and stability in the region.

“We are very thankful that our harmonious relationship with the United States in terms of military cooperation grows even stronger each year. We do hope that this cooperation and partnership will continue to grow in the years to come,” he said. n

journalists in a speech before provincial vice governors, where he claimed the outfit’s journalists have foul odor.

Duterte also accused Rappler of playing up the accusation of Peter Joemel Advincula, the man who claimed to be Bikoy in the series of videos linking the Duterte family to the illegal drug trade.

In 2017, the RSF also said the Philippine Daily Inquirer and ABS-CBN were at the receiving end of Duterte’s tirades.

The group noted how the government “has developed several ways to pressure journalists who dare to be overly critical of the summary methods adopted by

‘Punisher’ Duterte and his notorious ‘war on drugs’.”

The President has accused the two media outfits of “slanted” reporting against his administration. He had threatened a number of times to not renew the franchise of ABS-CBN and the government has filed suits against the owners of the Inquirer.

Despite all this, Duterte was rather friendly with the MPC on Tuesday, asking for their support in conveying the good news about the administration’s campaign against corruption and illegal drugs to the Filipino people. n

Duterte says government respects...

PAGE A1 t Based on the World Press Freedom Index of media watchdog Reporters Without Borders, the Philippines sank a notch lower to the 134th spot out of 180 countries last April 2019. The Philippines had a score of 43.91.

In 2018, the Philippines ranked 113th, which was six notches lower than the country’s 2017 ranking 127th spot.

Duterte, known for his tirades against the media, called on the MPC to be the administration’s partner for change.

Prior to his speech in Malacañang, the President made personal attacks against Rappler

NEARLY 800,000 persons die by suicide every year and it is the second leading cause of death among the youth, the World Health Organization (WHO) said, prompting the agency to call for action.

WHO’s latest global suicide estimates showed close to 800,000 people die by suicide every year, or one person every 40 seconds.

For each death, there are more than 20 suicide attempts.

The report said every year, suicide accounts for more deaths than war and homicide combined, and is the second leading cause of death among those aged 15-29, behind road injury.

Globally, 79 percent of suicides occur in low and middleincome countries. High-income countries, meanwhile, have the highest rates of suicide.

Incidents are three times higher among men than women in wealthier countries, while these rates are more equal in poorer nations.

Addressing causes, the UN health agency said the link between suicide and mental health is well-established in high-income countries, but “many suicides happen impulsively in moments of crisis.”

“Experiencing conflict, disaster, violence, abuse or loss and a sense of isolation are strongly associated with suicidal behavior” WHO said. Vulnerable groups who experience discrimination show higher rates of suicide and “by far, the strongest risk factor for suicide is a previous suicide attempt.”

The complex issue demands coordination across multiple sectors to boost prevention. Stigma surrounding mental disorders, lack of awareness of suicide as a major health problem and a taboo in many societies to openly discuss it, mean many people contemplating suicide are not getting adequate help.

WHO recommended better training of health workers and non-specialists in assessing and managing suicidal behavior in its guidelines for prevention, along with early treatment of mental health disorders, effective monitoring of alcohol and substance use, responsible reporting by the media, and reducing access to means of suicide.

WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said “every death is a tragedy for family, friends and colleagues,” yet many more suicides can be prevented. All countries should

“incorporate proven suicide prevention strategies into national health and education programs in a sustainable way.”

Pesticide poisoning, which the agency identified as a lesscommonly used but tragically “highly effective strategy,” accounts for 20 percent of global suicides. Due to the high toxicity of many chemicals used in suicide attempts, this method often results in death.

The WHO mentioned how regulations of highly hazardous

pesticides in Sri Lanka have cut suicides by 70 percent, saving an estimated 93,000 lives in a ten-year span. It also halved suicide deaths from poisoning in North Korea between 2011 and 2013.

WHO’s action plan for 20132020 sets a global target of reducing suicide rates by 10 percent by 2020; in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, which sets a target of cutting suicide rates by a third to 2030.

(Pia Lee-Brago/Philstar.com)

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D ateline PhiliPPines PH lost P464-B in early 2019 because of delayed budget approval, says lawmaker

THE Philippines suffered economic losses worth P464 billion in the past six months because of a delay in the enacted budget for 2019, a lawmaker said on Thursday, September 12.

“The budget delay cost the country almost P465 billion in foregone revenues which slowed down the economy,” Deputy Speaker and 1-Pacman Party-list Rep. Michael “Mikee” Romero told reporters in a briefing.

He said that this amount was equivalent to P77.2-billion in losses per month, brought by the four-month delay in the approval of the 2019 money measure.

“We should do everything legal to avoid a repeat of this regrettable situation in the future,” said Romero, an economist.

He said that the government missed its 6.4 percent projected gross domestic product growth, registering a four-year low of 5.5

percent for the first half of the year.

To avoid a repeat of the consequences of this delay for the incoming year, Romero called on the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to submit the proposed National Expenditure Program on July of each year to give Congress enough time to scrutinize the budget proposal prior to its approval.

“This way, Congress will have at least one month addition to the budget study. The timetable is a very important matter that our economic managers should consider,” Romero said.

“Economically, the repercussions of the delayed budget passage [are] too heavy for the country that a repeat should be avoided,” he added.

The party-list bloc head expressed confidence that Congress would approve the 2020 budget

measure right before they go on a break to help the administration catch up with this year’s losses.

President Rodrigo Duterte had passed the 2019 budget but vetoed P95.3 billion worth of “unconstitutional insertions” even after Congress deliberated on separate versions of realignments which went on for months, resulting in a reenacted budget early this year.

The proposed P4.1 trillion budget for 2020 is 9.1 percent higher than the 2019 General Appropriations Act (GAA) of P3.7 trillion.

Proposals of over 20 agencies, including the Presidential Communications Operations Office (P1.63 billion), the Judiciary (P37.65 billion), the Department of Finance (P17.29) and the Office of the Ombudsman (P3.087 billion) have been approved in the House plenary as of Thursday. (Glee Jalea/ManilaTimes.net)

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CONFIRMED. Gregorio ‘Gringo’ Honasan II poses with his former colleagues in the Senate after the Commission on Appointments (CA) unanimously confirmed his ad interim appointment as secretary of Secretary of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) on Wednesday, September 11. Members of the commission described Honasan as ‘fit and qualified’ to head the DICT. Also in photo are (from left) Senate President Vicente Sotto III and Senators Bong Go, Imee Marcos, Panfilo Lacson, and Francis Tolentino.

PNA photo by Avito Dalan

UP among world’s top 500 universities

by Divina

Dela Cruz ManilaTimes.net

THE University of the Philippines (UP) earned the honor of being included in the world’s top 500 universities for the first time in the Time’s Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2020.

UP climbed to the Top 401 to 500 spot from its 501 to 600 ranking in 2019. The university was in the 601 to 800 spot in 2018.

The De La Salle University (DLSU) also appeared in the Top 1000+ ranking, but slid from its 801 to 1,000 spot in 2019.

Almost 1,400 universities in 92 countries were ranked based on

their teaching and learning environment (30 percent); research volume, income and reputation (30 percent); citations and research influence (30 percent); international outlook of staff, students and research (7.5 percent); and industry income and knowledge transfer (2.5 percent).

UP got an overall mark of 38.8 to 42.3 in THE’s metrics. It scored 24.1 in teaching, 17.2 in research, 86.9 in citations, 39.4 in industry income and 37.9 in international outlook.

Meanwhile, DLSU got 10.7 to 22.1 overall, scoring 17.1 in teaching, 12.9 in research, 26.4 in citations, 34.4 in industry income and 30.7 in international outlook.

The University of Oxford remained in the top spot since securing it in 2017. It clinched an overall rating of 95.4. The United States’ California Institute of Technology came in second, up from its fifth spot in 2019, and garnering an overall rating of 94.5. The United Kingdom’s University of Cambridge placed third, down from its second spot in 2019, and garnering an overall score of 94.4.

Occupying the rest of the Top 10 spots were Stanford University with 94.3 points; Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 93.6; Princeton University, 93.2; Harvard University, 93.0; University of Chicago, 90.2; and the Imperial College London, 89.8. n

Court denies Binays’ bid to suspend graft trial

by PatriCia anD

Denise Chiu Gabriel PabiCo lalu Inquirer.net

MANILA — The Sandiganbayan has denied the bid of former Vice President Jejomar Binay and son ex-Makati Mayor Junjun Binay to dismiss graft cases against them which stemmed from the controversial Makati City parking building.

In the resolution released by the Third Division on September 3, the court said Binay Sr.’s claim that the court should stop hearing the case until the Commission on Audit (COA) has finished answering his appeal on the notice of disallowance (ND) does not have any merit.

Binay insists that if COA sets aside its original ruling, it may be in direct conflict with the original charge, which was based on the COA report.

However, Presiding Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang who penned the resolution cited a previous Supreme Court (SC) decision, which said that the probe and charges made by the Office of the Ombudsman should not be affected by COA reports, even if it stemmed from COA’s findings.

“As such, there exists a very real possibility that the resolution of the COA Commission Proper may be directly in conflict with the resolution of this Honorable Court on the similar issues pertaining to the conduct of public bidding and undue injury to the government, or even with the appreciation of this Honorable Court of the evidence offered by the Prosecution,” the resolution said.

“Therefore, with or without the report from COA, the Ombudsman can conduct a preliminary investigation. This Court has declared that the findings in a COA report or the finality or lack of finality of such report is irrelevant to the investigation of the Office

Former Vice President Jejomar Binay and his son, former Makati Mayor Junjun Binay.

Inquirer.net photo

of the Ombudsman in its determination of probable cause,” Sandiganbayan said, citing the SC ruling.

The Binays, along with other Makati city government officials, were charged with graft and malversation for the allegedly overpriced Makati City parking building, which was priced at P2.8 billion.

The older Binay was charged for the first three phases of the building’s construction, as he was mayor when the phases occurred, while Junjun is facing raps for the remaining two phases.

The Third Division also stressed that even if COA’s report absolved the public officials of any wrongdoing, he or she may still be convicted based on the Office of the Ombudsman’s charges.

“To reiterate, the interest of the COA is solely centered on the administrative aspect of a public official’s liability. In fact, as held by the Supreme Court, even in instances when a public official’s account had passed in audit, the latter may still be held criminally

liable if there are other pieces of evidence establishing the latter’s culpability,” the court said.

Junjun Binay claimed that the Ombudsman committed forum shopping, or the filing the same cases in different jurisdictions or courts, as the parking building issue supposedly spouted three issues — his suspension order released by the Ombudsman, the COA investigation, and the Sandiganbayan trial.

Cabotaje-Tang denied this assertion from Binay.

“It is exceedingly clear that the prosecution did not commit forum shopping when it indicted the herein accused-movants in connection with the alleged anomalies in the construction of the Makati City Hall Parking Building II,” the resolution said.

“To be sure, the three (3) cases that were mentioned by accused Binay, Jr. in support of his allegation that the prosecution committed forum shopping […] merely pertain to the application of the three-fold responsibility of government officials for alleged violation of their sworn duty,” it added. n

Duterte has no authority to ‘set aside’arbitral award – Carpio

by PatriCia lourDes Philstar.com

viray

MANILA — Under Philippine law, President Rodrigo Duterte does not have the authority to “set aside” the July 2016 ruling issued by the Permanent Court of Arbitration, Supreme Court Senior Associate Antonio Carpio said.

Earlier this week, Duterte said the Philippines would “ignore” the arbitral award covering the country’s exclusive economic zone in able to pursue “economic activity” in the area.

“However, even if the President has no authority under Philippine law to set aside the arbitral ruling, the unilateral declaration by the President that he was ‘setting aside’ the arbitral ruling could bind the Philippines under international law under the doctrine of unilateral declarations,” Carpio said in a statement released on Friday, September 13.

Carpio, part of the Philippine

delegation in the arbitration against China, commended Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin for clarifying the matter.

The senior magistrate warned that Duterte’s unilateral declaration on setting aside the ruling might bind the Philippines if China accepts it.

“We should be thankful to Secretary Locsin for his vigilance in preventing a waiver of our sovereign rights under the arbitral ruling,” Carpio said.

Carpio also recalled the previous statement of Duterte admitting that he does not have the authority to give up or condece the country’s sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea. President has prerogative on when to raise ruling Despite not having the authority to set aside the arbitral award that favored the Philippines, Duterte has the prerogative when to invoke the ruling.

“Thus, the president can temporarily ‘put aside’ the ruling

and assert it at an appropriate future time,” the justice said.

While choosing to assert the ruling at a later time, the Philippines must still protest any act of China that infringe the country’s sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea. “Any acquiescence or implied consent can result in the loss of our sovereign rights under the arbitral ruling. The Duterte administration, and the Filipino people, must always be vigilant to avoid such asquiescence or implied consent,” Carpio said.

Duterte said he brought up the arbitral ruling with Chinese President Xi Jinping during their bilateral meeting in Beijing last month.

Xi, however, refused to “budge” and maintained China’s position on the matter.

“You know, China is there.

He holds the property under the claim of ownership. ‘Yan ang sagot niya. It is ours, we will not budge,” Duterte said. n

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A

Task force on Espino ambush formed by eVa

VisPeras Philstar.com

AFP-MISLATEL PACT. Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief-of-Staff, Gen. Benjamin Madrigal (2nd from right); AFP Deputy Chief of Staff for Communications, Electronics, and Information Systems, Maj. Gen. Adrian Sanchez Jr. (right); Mindanao Islamic Telephone Company chief administrative officer, lawyer Adel Tamano (left); and Dito president and chief executive officer Dennis Uy (2nd from left) lead the ceremonial signing of memorandum of agreement allowing the new telco player to build its communications facilities in military camps and installations held at the AFP Headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Wednesday, September 11.

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

Philippine NGOs to raise drug war at UN rights council

by Patricia Lourdes Philstar.com

Viray

A PHILIPPINE delegation from non-governmental organizations will provide testimonies on the Duterte administration’s drug war at the 42nd United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Switzerland this month.

The delegation will be composed of 11 human rights defenders, faith leaders and relatives of the victims of the so-called war on drugs.

Their testimonies will provide support in the report making of UN High Commissioner Michelle Bachelet on the human rights situation in the Philippines, the Ecumenical Voice for Human Rights and Peace in the Philippines (Ecuvoice) said in a statement.

Aside from Ecuvoice, representatives from the Philippine UPR Watch, Karapatan, Rise Up for Life and for Rights, Ecumenical Bishops Forum (EBF), Promotion of Church Peoples Response, the International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines, the Iglesia Filipina Independiente and the Ramento Project for Rights Defenders will be participating in the UNHRC sessions in Geneva.

Among the delegation is Marissa Lazaro, mother of a victim of the drug war. In 2017, the police killed her 20-year-old son after being mistaken for a robber and a drug suspect.

Lazaro claimed that what happened to her son has become a norm under the Duterte administration.

“I will sound the alarm in all platforms, from national to international redress mechanisms, to expose that the President’s drug war is a sham,” Lazaro said, ac-

cusing government officials of being liars and murderers.

The government has repeatedly said that the 5,375 drug personalities killed in law enforcement operations since July 2016 had violently resisted arrest. It has also said that extrajudicial killings are not a government policy and that all operations follow proper procedure.

Martial law in Mindanao IFI Bishop Antonio Ablon is also seeking to discuss the declaration of martial law in Mindanao during the UNHRC sessions. The bishop has been receiving threats and harassment in Mindanao.

“Human rights and development work, ecumenical ministry to the poor and marginalized, exercise of freedom of expression and association, and all forms of political dissent and social criticism are being criminalized by the Duterte government through martial law, counterinsurgency programs and other draconian measures,” Ablon said.

The group also criticized the latest statement of Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. that there is “no chance” that he will allow the UN to come to the country and investigate alleged human rights violations linked to the drug war.

“I don’t want them coming here and then saying that everything they have been saying, but have not proved, is true ‘because we saw it,’” Locsin said in an interview with ANC’s “Headstart” on Wednesday, September 11.

Karapatan Secretary General Cristina Palabay and EBF Executive Secretary Fr. Wilfredo Ruazol noted how this has become a “standard government reply.”

Palabay and Ruazol also said

the government has been presenting conflicting data alongside the government’s “nanlaban” narrative on drug suspects.

“We are accused of disinformation but we are not the ones cowering behind presumptuous words and shallow insults. Human rights organizations confidently stand by the evidence and testimonies from victims of human rights violations and their families,” Palabay and Ruazol said in a statement.

The Philippine delegation will also provide oral interventions on the reports of the UN special rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples Victoria TauliCorpus and UN Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights Andrew Gilmour.

While in Geneva, they will also conduct side events and meet with diplomatic missions, international rights groups and the Filipino migrant community.

In July, the UNHRC adopted a resolution tabled by Iceland mandating a “comprehensive” international review of the Philippines’ drug war.

The resolution required Bachelet to prepare a comprehensive report on the country that will be presented at the 44th session of the council.

The Philippines previously rejected a call by UN special rapporteurs for a review of the rights situation in the country, claiming that it was “made in bad faith.”

The DFA said the call for an independent probe into human rights violations in the Philippines was made by parties “who want to undermine dometic process and spread disinformation.”

The Philippines also rejected the UNHRC resolution. n

SAN CARLOS CITY, Pangasinan — The provincial police has activated a special task force to focus on the investigation of the ambush of former governor Amado Espino Jr. last Wednesday, September 11.

This developed as police found two of the three getaway vehicles in separate places in the province.

Maranan said they already have persons of interest in the attack but declined to disclose A Hyundai Elantra was found further details for operational reasons.

Contributed photo abandoned in Barangay Cobol while a Ford Everest was recovered in Barangay Pasima, both in Malasiqui town.

Police are still looking for the third getaway vehicle, a black Toyota Wigo.

Lawmen recovered five M16 rifles, two M14 rifles, a 12gauge shotgun, one hand grenade and several rounds of ammunition from the two vehicles.

Police provincial director Col. Redrico Maranan said the task force will focus on identifying the gunmen behind the ambush.

Maranan said they already have persons of interest in the attack but declined to disclose further details for operational reasons.

Police has yet to determine the motive behind the attack but Maranan said they are not discounting the possibility that it could be related to Espino’s background as a politician and former police officer.

Maranan revealed Espino sought assistance sometime last week due to the threats he has been receiving. He was then given two policemen as temporary security escorts, the policeman added.

Espino survived the attack while one of his six police bodyguards, identified as Cpl. Richard Esguerra, was killed after they were ambushed by unidentified armed men in San Carlos City on Wednesday.

The gunmen boarded the three vehicles and fled towards Malasiqui, police said.

Espino and his men just came from Basista town when they were waylaid in Barangay Magtaking, this city.

Maranan said the gunmen, around 10 of them, had been waiting for the victims at the scene as shown in security video footage.

u PAGE A9

A8 SEPTEMBER 14-17, 2019 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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OPINION

Hospital passes for sale

FEATURES

ALL year round, it seems, it’s a season for gift-giving in the Bureau of Corrections. The “gifts” come wrapped or in envelopes, or are left unwrapped on desks or tables for the intended recipient to pick up.

Gift-giving was the explanation of Dr. Ursicio Cenas of the New Bilibid Prison Hospital, which serves inmates at the national penitentiary in Muntinlupa. Cenas was confronted on Wednesday with the accusation that he received money from former mayor Jose Galario Jr. of Valencia City in Bukidnon, who is in prison for graft, in exchange for emergency hospital referrals to the Philippine Heart Center and the National Kidney and Transplant Institute.

Facing the Senate on Wednesday, where lawmakers are investigating reports of multimillionpeso payoffs at the Bureau of Corrections in exchange for such hospital passes, Cenas ended up being detained for contempt together with two other BuCor officials linked to the questionable early release of heinous crime convicts based on the good conduct time allowance or GCTA law.

Galario’s story is hardly new. Over the years there have been numerous stories of VIP inmates spending much of their prison term in private hospitals outside Bilibid. One was found to have enjoyed the company of sex workers while supposedly confined for illness. Cenas himself said some prisoners spent months in private hospitals.

Among the most notorious is convicted drug trafficking queen Yu Yuk Lai, who reportedly

spent eight months at the Metropolitan Hospital in Manila’s Chinatown district from December 2014.

Road rage killer Rolito Go also reportedly enjoyed long stretches of confinement in the same hospital. A justice of the Court of Appeals and a regional trial court judge were dismissed by the Supreme Court for approving special privileges for Yu Yuk Lai, who is serving a life term at the Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong for selling three kilos of shabu to a police undercover agent in November 1998.

It must be stressed that convicts aren’t the only ones who use hospital confinement to escape the punishment of incarceration. VIP politicians accused of plunder and are therefore denied bail also work for prolonged “hospital arrest,” developing all sorts of ailments that miraculously disappear overnight if ever they are cleared.

All people get sick, and incarceration can truly trigger life-threatening afflictions. The NBP, however, has its own hospital, and there are several government health centers that can attend to genuinely sick prisoners, without allowing them to abuse the privilege. The government must move decisively to prevent private hospitals from becoming the refuge of scoundrels. (Philstar.com)

Editorial

Philstar.com photo

Philstar.com photo

Readers react to proposal to bring back life skills classes

The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS KABABAYANS are fired up after reading my article pushing for the government, in the Philippines and the United States, to bring back life skills subjects that have unfortunately been taken off the curriculum because of budget constraints.

They strongly agree that subjects that used to be mandatory like home economics, practical/ industrial arts/home repairs and gardening should be required of all students again to prepare them better for the day-to-day real life they will be facing as adults.

I propose to take this initiative several notches higher. I think these life skills — household chores, taking care of

Street Talk GREG B. MACABENTA IN September 2011, for the Global Summit of Filipinos in the Diaspora convened by the Commission on Filipinos Overseas, then CFO Chair Imelda Nicolas, asked me to write a poem, “We Hear Our Motherland Calling,” as a response of overseas Filipinos to the call of Inang Pilipinas to her children in foreign lands.

I had written that call of the Motherland for the 3rd Global Filipino Networking Convention held in Cebu City in January 2005. The convention, which I chaired, was attended by Filipinos from Europe, the Middle East, the US and countries in Asia. We called it A Gathering of Heroes/ Pagbabalik ng mga Bayani.

At the risk of seeming maudlin, some lines in the 2011 Global Summit response may answer the question of why I keep coming back to the Philippines (two to three times a year) in spite of all the horror stories told about our country, the least of which is the terrible traffic: For anywhere our path may lead, wherever we may roam, ’Tis only in your bosom that we’ll feel the warmth of home.

When age sets in and health has gone and stripped our spirits bare, We know that you will wel-

the babies, basic carpentry, plumbing, electrician skills, changing flat tires, among others —should be taught to ALL students, boys and girls.

I would like to include financial literacy to the “home economics” aspect of the learning.

All students should be taught about budgeting money, how to balance checks, how to live within your means, how to save money, how to invest money, the pros and cons of using credit cards, and different kinds of loans. These skills, I believe, will help shape more responsible and independent adults in the future.

Here are some of the comments of our kababayans here in the U.S. and in other parts of the world including the Philippines: Yes agree po kami jan ng matuto naman ang mga youth nowadays dahil kapaki-paki-

come us when no one else will care. And in the winter of our lives, when mournful bells will ring, The Philippines will always be our summer and our spring.

On this trip, my wife, Gigi, and I decided to celebrate our 80th birthday – literally, the winter of our lives – with friends and relatives in Manila, along with the launch of my new book, “Confusions of a Communications Man.” Of course, we will have a repeat celebration with our children and grandkids when we return to the U.S. But it is only in the Philippines where we can revisit our youth, and recall our foibles.

On Facebook, a dear friend and former Nestlé Senior Vice President, Levi Castillo, posted a photograph of me and Johnny Santos, former Nestlé Philippines chairman and president and former chairman of the Social Security System. It showed Johnny and me blowing out candles on an improvised birthday cake, as a belated celebration of his 81st birthday and my 80th, both in August.

This prompted me to dig up a photo of Johnny and me taken over 50 years ago. We were working on an ad. Johnny was a new executive recruit at Nestlé and I was an account supervisor and creative group head at Advertising & Marketing Associates. We both had plenty of hair then — which caused me

nabang yan kesa sa gadgets lang cla magaling!Marami tayo natutunan noong araw na iyan ang subjects sa school esp H.E. — Claire Sanga Delos Reyes Agree, nung elementary days nmin me home economics kmi mga babae (H.E) dun natututo kmi manahi ng ibat ibang stiches, ng iba pang gawaing pang pababae, mga lalake me Practical Arts (P,A) don gumagawa sila ng basurahan ng ilaw,, at iba pang panglalaking gawain.

— Day Garcia Decano Agree noong hs ako meron kami niyan. Pati GMRC [Good Manners and Right Conduct].

Ibalik din kasi di na marunong gumalang at mag respeto ang mga kabataan ngayon. — Billie Borbon Reyes During our time, we have those in schools and at home.

— Rafael Mejia Salonga I totally agree with this program. It should have never

been removed. — Steve Baguso I agree ma’am. Now as an adult, I’m clueless how to do repairs. — Jerald Uy Isama na rin ang Agriculture.

— Villamor Espiritu Madam, sa assignment nga dami ng nagrereklamo yan pa kaya? pero kung ako ang mag aaral ulit. my answer would be yes na yes. — Artemio Ramos I agree, school doesn’t want you to learn personal finance and entrepreneurship. Because they want you to stay poor and stuck in the rat race. Homework trains your brain of being inside a box because after you finish school they want you to be the best “employee”. — JP Pat Yes! Gaya ng pagluluto, nang mag work ako sa U.S. ako nagagawa ko pa din makapag luto ng Filipino dishes when I was in states na walang Fili-

pino restaurants. — Anthony Vincent Cruz Yes I agree — make it nongender for all classes. Females get to learn “male only” skills like carpentry and vice versa for males like cooking. — Victoria de Manila Yes na yes, it’s very practical and needful to students especially when they grow and mature, realistically they can apply to their daily lives. — Ruelito Salonga Ay masaya yan. Ganyan tayo dati!! Dami ko natutunan diyan. — Maria Riz Flores Home Economics Teaches About Life In All Its Areas Of Existences. It Provides Holistic Pathways To Expressions Of The Soul & Spirit Toward Realizations Of Being, Oneness With Nature, Reconciliation With The Planet, And Alignment With The Natural Order Of Things. Home Economics

In the winter of our lives

to quip, “Hair today, gone tomorrow.”

And then the other day, on Youtube, I found a jingle that I composed in 1967 for Filipinas Life Assurance Company, plus a commercial that I created for Milkmaid that featured a precocious 4-year old Niño Muhlach.

Both had funny anecdotes associated with them.

Concerning the Filipinas Life jingle, the project was assigned to me by Special Advertising Services (SPADS), the ad agency of Filipinas Life. I was then working with a production house, Scan, Inc. SPADS badly needed a new jingle to keep the account from being pirated by another agency, Ideas, Inc. Ideas had presented a speculative jingle to the CEO of Filipinas Life who, in turn, demanded that SPADS should present a better jingle or lose the account.

SPADS was under the impression that I was a jingle maker — which I was not — and, thus, gave me the assignment — which I accepted anyway, thinking I could pass it on to a real composer and make a few pesos in the process. The problem was, SPADS needed the new jingle, like, yesterday.

The bigger problem was that there was no bonafide jingle maker available at a moment’s notice.

Realizing the urgency of the job, I contacted my kumpadre, Rusty Velilla, an experienced commercial producer, and a

singing group led by Rudy Angus, and scheduled a recording session the next day.

All the while, I wondered how I could conjure a jingle from thin air. When asked for the jingle, I confessed that I had none. But maybe, I said, if we had lunch first I could think of something.

I then went to the restroom to relieve myself. At that point, an old Tagalog song came to mind with lyrics that went, “Mayroong pangsabong na tandang na pinakawalan sa gitna ng daan, at may dumalagang namasdan kaya’t gumiri na agad ang katiyaw ni Mang Juan…cu-cu-cu-cucu-cu-curook…cu-cu-cu-cucu-curoook…” (There was a fighting cock that was let loose in the middle of the road and it spotted a hen…thus Mang Juan’s rooster began to flirt and crow…)

Suddenly, a set of lyrics hit me, superimposed over “cucu- cu- cu- cu- cu- cur ook ”….

“Filipinas…Filipinas Life….

Filipinas Life Assurance Company…”

I rushed out of the restroom, screaming, “I’ve got the jingle…I’ve got the jingle!!!”

In the car on the way to the recording studio, I frantically worked on the lyrics and the melody of the incipient jingle and finished the song just as we arrived.

The rest, as the cliché goes, is history. SPADS presented the recording to a very pleased client The account was saved.

And the jingle became a hit.

I just confirmed it on this trip. I stumbled upon a blog, Isa Munang Patalastas, Philippine Retro-Advertising by Alex DR Castro, which reviews “classic” Philippine ads and commercials.

According to the blog, my song was used as the intro of a daily early morning newscast of Filipinas Life and it “became one of the most widely-heard jingles in the country, catapulting the company topmost in the minds of Filipinos.”

The same blog continued: “In 1990, Filipinas Life became Ayala Life Assurance, Inc. to underscore its transformation into a full-service life insurance company. Twenty years later, it would be renamed BPIPhilam Life Assurance Corp….

Despite its new name, oldtimers still recall the insurance giant’s former name through the strains of a memorable jingle that woke up everyone early in the morning, singing along with its catchy chorus – Filipinas, Filipinas Life, Filipinas Life Assurance Company!!”

Little did they know that my inspiration was a love-struck rooster crowing, “cu-cu-cu-cucu-cu-curook.”

As a post-script, word got around that my creative angels came alive in the restroom and some clients actually urged me to relieve myself whenever a brainstorming session hit the wall (the technique works… sometimes).

The Filipinas Life jingle was

Commences From Care Of The Self, To The Care Of The Home And Of The Family, Care Of The Community, Care Of Nature And The Environment, And Care Of The Common Home Planet Earth. Home Economics Enables The Understanding Of The Interconnectivity Of Life Toward Integral Consciousness Where The Sustainable Wholeness Of All Is Supreme Objective Of Life & Living.

Home Economics Embody The Bahay Kubo Paradigm And The Bayanihan Paradigm Which Are Apex Solutionary Cultures Crafted By Our Malay Ancestors. — VM Chan Velarde *** 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

one of my winners. I also had losers, one of them being the Milkmaid Grow Tall Little Man campaign.

That campaign, which I wrote and the commercials of which I directed, garnered two Clio finalist certificates (“For excellence in advertising excellence worldwide”), a trophy in an All-Japan Commercial Competition, and a first prize in a Philippine ad congress creative competition. What’s more, after seeing the commercial, Fernando Poe Jr. cast Niño Muhlach in the film, Ang Leon at ang Daga (The Lion and the Mouse). Niño became a box-office star after that, but that Milkmaid campaign was a loser, nonetheless.

You see, I created it around the consumer promise, “Malakas magpataas!”

(Makes you grow tall). But Niño, whose parents were of average height, was not destined to grow tall (besides working nights at a very young age can stunt a child’s growth, just like Hollywood’s Mickey Rooney).

Wrote Niño, in a comment on Youtube: “This is a classic!

Grow tall little man ung theme pero di ako tumangkad! BWAHAHAHA!” (The theme is grow tall little man but I did not grow tall!)

At any rate, win or lose, recollections like these make every visit to the Philippines so precious. Indeed, in the winter of our lives, the Philippines will always be our summer and our spring. (gregmacabenta@hotmail.com)

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

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Magnitude 5.3 quake hits Quezon, jolts Metro Manila, parts of Luzon

by Consuelo

Marquez

Inquirer.net

A MAGNITUDE 5.3 earthquake rocked Quezon on Friday afternoon, September 13, and was felt in various parts of Metro Manila and Luzon, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said.

Phivolcs recorded the epicenter at 39 kilometers northwest of Burdeos, Quezon at 4:28 p.m. The quake was tectonic in origin and had a depth of 62 kilometers.

OPERA MASKS. Students from various universities participate in the Peking opera mask painting during the “2019 Mid-Autumn Festival & Confucius Institute Day” at the University of the Philippines-Diliman Asian Center, U.P. Campus, Quezon City on Wednesday, September 11.

The Peking Opera facial mask is a special makeup method with unique Chinese cultural features, with the different colors representing varied personalities.

PNA photo by Gil Calinga

PNP asks The Netherlands to arrest, extradite Joma

by Catherine

Valente ManilaTimes.net

THE warrant of arrest against Communist Party of the Philippines founding chairman Jose Maria “Joma” Sison was not politically motivated, Malacañang said on Thursday, September 12, indicating that the government could extradite the rebel leader from The Netherlands.

Palace spokesman Salvador Panelo made the statement following Sison’s claim that he enjoyed “absolute protection” from the government of The Netherlands, after the Philippine National Police (PNP) sought the issuance of a Red Notice from the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol).

A Red Notice, according to the Interpol, is “a request to law enforcement worldwide to locate and provisionally arrest a person pending extradition, surrender or similar legal action.”

“Yes, why not. If The Netherlands government allows it, eh nasa kanila rin ‘yun (it’s up to them),” Panelo said during a news conference, when asked if the Philippine government could extradite Sison.

“But until such time he has faced the music, eh may problema siya (he has a problem). He should unchain himself from that illusory dream of ousting the President,” he added.

Panelo, who is also the President’s top legal counsel, dismissed Sison’s allegation that the warrant of arrest issued by a Manila court

for the 1985 Inopacan massacre was “politically-motivated.”

“He (Sison) always says that naman eh. Ang problema meron na siyang warrant (The problem is there is an arrest warrant against him). So, moot and academic ang lahat ng mga sinasabi niya (So, whatever he says is moot and academic),” the Palace official said.

“They were given the opportunity to rebut the evidence submitted before the court or prior to that, the preliminary investigation, the prosecutors found probable cause filed before the Regional Trial Court, and the court finds probable cause,” he added.

Sison and more than 30 individuals are currently the subjects of arrest warrants for 15 counts of murder in connection with the 1985 Inopacan massacre.

Sison and his wife, Juliet Sison, have been on self-exile in The Netherlands for around three decades. Juliet is also included in the arrest warrant.

On Monday, PNP chief Oscar Albayalde said the PNP had coordinated with the Philippine Center on Transnational Crime, Interpol’s National Central Bureau in the country, on the Sisons’ case.

“The legal basis for an Interpol Red Notice is an arrest warrant or court order issued by judicial authorities in a country. Many of Interpol’s member countries consider a Red Notice to be a valid request for provisional arrest,” Albayalde added.

“It is in The Netherlands where he continues to exercise command and control of the New

Communist Party of the Philippines founding chairman Jose Maria Sison ManilaTimes.net photo

People’s Army, the military arm of the Communist Party of the Philippines under the umbrella of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines that is waging a terrorist campaign in some parts of the Philippines,” he said.

But Sison, in a Skype interview with ABS-CBN News Channel, said he was “well-protected” by the Geneva Refugee Conventions and Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

“That means to say that no international authority can override the fact that I am in The Netherlands and I am within the jurisdiction of The Netherlands,” Sison said.

“There’s no way I can be extradited. There’s no extradition treaty between The Netherlands and the Philippines,” he added. “I enjoy absolute protection from being deported from The Netherlands whether it’s to the Philippines or to a third country because I enjoy absolute protection from being put at risk.” n

Phivolcs initially recorded the quake at magnitude 5.5.

Intensity 5 was felt in Burdeos and Infanta, Quezon; Los Baños and Pakil, Laguna; Intensity 4 in Jose Panganiban, Camarines Norte, Quezon City, Marikina City, Sta. Cruz, Laguna; and Alabat and General Nakar, Quezon; Intensity 3 in Guinayangan, Quezon; Muntinlupa City; Manila City; San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan; Bacoor, Cavite; Maddela, Quirino; San Mateo, Rizal; Baler, Aurora; and Lucena City; Intensity 2 in Dingalan, Aurora;

Mandaluyong City; Apalit, Pampanga; Taguig City; and Lucban, Quezon and Intensity 1 in San Isidro, Nueva Ecija; Gapan City; and Meycauayan, Bulacan.

A 5.1 tectonic aftershock immediately followed at 5:18 p.m. and was recorded at 34 kilometers northeast of Burdeos. It had a depth of 11 kilometers.

Intensity 5 was felt in Polillo, Quezon; Intensity 4 in Quezon City; and Intensity 2 in Guinayangan, Quezon.

Phivolcs said aftershocks are expected. n

Task force on Espino ambush...

PAGE A8 Malacañang condemned the slay attempt on Espino.

“Well, we certainly condemn the kind of ambush. It’s a dastardly act against a citizen of this country, and we will not allow criminal acts perpetrated by these transgressors of law,” presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said.

“We will investigate the case thoroughly, PNP is in fact doing that and we will prosecute those who are behind the attempt on the life of the former governor, congressman Espino as well as the death of one of his security men,” he added.

Congressmen also condemned the attack on Espino, their former colleague at the

House of Representatives.

“The House under Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano condemns in the strongest possible terms this attempt on the life of Congressman Espino in Barangay Magtaking in San Carlos City that killed at least one of his bodyguards,” Deputy Speaker Luis Raymond Villafuerte said. n

A10 september 14-17, 2019 • LA WeeKeND AsIAN JOUrNAL

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Alejano urges appeals court to stop preliminary probe into sedition rap

by Kristine Joy

Philstar.com

Patag

MANILA — Former Rep. Gary Alejano (Magdalo party-list) and Jonnell Sangalang of Magdalo sought the Court of Appeals to stop the Department of Justice’s preliminary probe into the police’s sedition complaint against them and other key opposition personalities.

In a statement sent on Friday, September 13, Alejano and Sangalang said they filed a Petition for Prohibition before the appeals court to stop the state prosecutors from conducting a preliminary probe into the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group’s criminal complaint against them.

Alejano and Sangalang, reportedly a member of former Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV’s staff, argued that the prosecution panel is “bereft of authority” to conduct the preliminary investigation.

“The appeal emphasized that it is clear under the Prosecution Service Act that the Secretary of Justice has no power to act directly on a complaint which does

not involve any crime against national security,” the statement read.

The state prosecutors wrapped up the preliminary probe into the complaint that tagged more than 30 people, including Vice President Leni Robredo, without Alejano and Sangalang’s respective counter-affidavits on Thursday.

The PNP accused the respondents of plotting to besmirch the reputation of President Rodrigo Duterte through the anonymous “Ang Totoong Narcolist” video series that featured a hooded figure who alleged the president and his allies had links to illegal drugs.

The complaint is based largely on the testimony of estafa convict Peter Joemel Advincula who twice claimed to be the “Bikoy” in the videos.

The complaint is now up for resolution.

‘OSG doing unofficial excursion’ Alejano and Sangalang also said that their plea “aims to stop the ‘unofficial’ excursion by the Office of the Solicitor General in the case.”

Citing Presidential Decree 478 and the Administrative Code, they raised that the OSG’s authority in criminal proceedings is limited to the Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court.

“It’s obvious that this administration is using these two agencies for political persecution, to bully its critics, in deliberate deviance of the Prosecution Service Act, P.D. 478 and the Administrative Code,” Alejano was quoted as saying in the statement.

“It is our position that the Court should intervene to stop this continuing and deliberate disregard of the law,” he added.

Several respondents objected to the appearance of the OSG, as supposed legal counsel of the PNP, in the preliminary probe but the panel of prosecutors said it has no authority to “disqualify the OSG” from the proceedings.

The panel, however, stressed that the denial of the respondents’ motion is “without prejudice to respondents’ recourse, when they so desire, to bring such issue before the proper forum.” n

Reconstruction of Marawi roads start

by WilliaM

DePasuPil ManilaTimes.net

THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has started the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the 18.9-kilometer transcendental roads in Marawi City in Lanao del Sur. Undersecretary Emil Sadain of the DPWH’s Unified Project Management Office disclosed over the weekend that work on the project had started, with three groups of contractors working simultaneously to complete it on time.

“It’s all systems go for the rehabilitation of Marawi roads, with essential heavy equipment working on multi-site preparatory works,” Sadain said.

The projects are funded by the Japanese government through its official development assistance (ODA).

Sadain said 18.9 kilometers of the project only covers the first stage, which is divided into three packages at 9.42 kilometers, 5.45 kilometers and 4.11 kilometers.

The contract for road-paving for the first stage was estimated to take about two months for detailed

Soldiers survey the damaged buildings in Marawi City on May 23, 2019.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Gerard Seguia

design preparation and 21 months for construction. The second and third phases are expected to be finished in 14 months.

The project’s first stage will cost P970. Financing for the second stage of the project is included in the P14-billion loan signed on June 18, 2019 under the Road Network Development Project in Conflict-Affected Areas in Mindanao. The loan will be from Japan International Cooperation

Agency.

Sadain said the loan from the Asian Development Bank would fund civil works for the third stage of the transcendental road project with a total length of 24 kilometers targeted to commence in 2020.

He added that the construction of a new Grand Mosque in Marawi, costing about P245 million, might also be funded through ODA. n

FRESH CATCH. A fisherman carries a 40-kilo yellow fin tuna caught off the coast of Barangay Libjo in Infanta, Quezon. A kilo of tuna costs P250.

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

Laywer of Mary Jane Veloso prays SC allows her to testify vs recruiters by gabriel

Pabico Inquirer.net

lalu

MANILA — The lawyer of overseas Filipino worker (OFW) Mary Jane Veloso, who is still on death row in Indonesia, expressed hope the Philippine Supreme Court would allow her to testify against her recruiters to bolster the argument that she was a victim of trafficking and not a drug dealer.

Edre Olalia, of the National Union of People’s Lawyers (NUPL), said on Thursday, September 12, that as the presentation of witnesses at the Nueva Ecija Regional Trial Court (RTC) nears its end, he “fervently” hoped that the Philippine Supreme Court would allow Velo-

so to testify at the RTC against her recruiters.

Olalia said the last hearing for the illegal recruitment and human trafficking cases filed against Veloso’s recruiter had been set on Sept. 26, which meant there was still time for Veloso to become a witness.

Olalia said a written deposition could take the place of Veloso’s physical presence at the witness stand and is “the only mode allowed or permitted by Indonesian authorities”.

Veloso had been arrested in Indonesia after her luggage was found carrying 2.6 kilograms of heroin in 2010. She had been accused of being a courier for a drug syndicate but she insisted that she did not know what the

luggage contained because it was just given to her by her recruiters.

She was to be executed by firing squad in 2015 after her second appeal had been junked but a stay of execution was granted after Philippine authorities informed their Indonesian counterparts that Veloso’s recruiters had surrendered and were in the custody of Philippine law enforcers.

Veloso’s parents had petitioned the Supreme Court to overrule the Court of Appeals’ decision stopping Veloso from using a deposition to testify in the illegal recruitment and trafficking case against her recruiters. The case is still pending. n

to determine the guilt or innocence of the accused. Rather, what is involved is the resolution of the preliminary issue of the propriety of the exercise of the right to bail at this stage in the proceedings, whether or not the evidence of his guilt is strong,” the SC said.

In his petition before the SC, Ampatuan presented evidence but the magistrates did not buy his arguments.

“By deciding for or against his bail application on the basis of factual issues raised by petitioner, the Court will be prematurely deciding the case beyond the parameters of judicial review at this stage of the proceedings, and preempt the parties from presenting their respective evidence during trial,” the SC said.

The high court explained it must defer making a conclusion

on the case “since the participation of conspirators, principals, accomplices, and accessories are matters adjudged as a whole at the conclusion of the evidencein-chief.”

Recently, Quezon City RTC Branch 221 Judge Jocelyn SolisReyes issued a statement saying the 58 counts of murder filed against Ampatuan and over 100 other accused have been submitted for decision on Aug. 22.

Ampatuan, the former governor of the defunct Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, was charged with 58 counts of murder in the killing of 58 people, 32 of them journalists.

It was alleged that Ampatuan agreed to the plan of killing the family’s political opponents, the Mangudadatus, and he conspired by volunteering firearms and giving advice to those who would implement the plan. n

SC affirms CA denial of Ampatuan bail plea by evelyn

Macairan Philstar.com

MANILA — The Supreme Court (SC) has affirmed the decision of the lower courts denying the bail petition of former Muslim regional governor Datu Zaldy Ampatuan, among the accused in the 2009 Maguindanao massacre.

In the resolution of SC’s First Division dated July 22, it announced the denial of Ampatuan’s petition for lack of merit.

The SC said Ampatuan failed to “sufficiently show any reversible error” in the decisions of the Quezon City regional trial court (RTC) and the Court of Appeals denying him bail.

The SC said it is not a trier of facts and only questions of law should be brought before the high court.

“The bail hearing is not meant

Dengue cases hit 250,000; more than 1,000 dead

by Jovic

yee Inquirer.net

MANILA — Much is still to be desired from the efforts of local governments to stop the dengue epidemic as the number of cases has risen to nearly 250,000 nationwide with more than 1,000 dead, over a third them children.

Health Undersecretary Rolando Enrique Domingo appealed to local officials on Tuesday to do “a little more” to prevent the spread of the mosquito-borne disease, especially after the total cases breached 240,000, the higher of the year-end estimates of the Department of Health (DOH).

“What we need is [for the effort] to go down to the barangay level. It also needs to be done daily. We understand that sometimes it may be tiring but the threat of dengue is continuous. We ask for a little more effort because as we can see there are still a lot of cases,” Domingo told reporters.

The DOH recommends insecticide fogging in areas where a rise in the number of cases has been recorded for two consecutive weeks.

Cleanliness still key Domingo reminded the public that one of the most effective ways to control the spread of the disease is by ensuring cleanliness in communities so that the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which carries the dengue virus, would not be able to breed.

The DOH’s Epidemiology Bureau (DOH-EB) reported that as of Aug. 24, there were already 249,332 dengue cases across the country, or a 109-percent increase from last year. It said 1,021 people had died.

From Aug. 18 to 24 alone, the DOH saw 13,192 new cases, which is 60 percent higher than in the same period last year.

DOH data show that the eightmonth total dengue cases this year is the highest recorded

A Cebu City Medical Center nurse checks on a dengue patient in this file photo.

Inquirer.net photo

since 2012. In the last seven years, full-year cases ranged from a little more than 113,000 to more than 220,000.

Peaks during ‘ber’ months Domingo said this meant that the epidemic wasn’t under control yet and that more cases were to be expected given that the mosquito-borne disease peaks during the “ber” months.

That’s why, Domingo pointed out, health authorities needed more cooperation from local officials.

“If a community is aggressive and active [in fighting dengue], it’s control of the spread of the disease is more efficient,” he said.

Among all regions, Western Visayas still has the most number of dengue cases with 42,694 and 186 deaths. Other regions that reported a high prevalence of dengue were: Calabarzon (35,136 cases, 112 deaths), Northern Mindanao (18,799 cases, 69 deaths), Zamboanga Peninsula (17,529 cases, 93 deaths) and Eastern Visayas (17,107 cases, 52 deaths).

Child fatalities Children aged 5 to 9 accounted for nearly a quarter of all reported cases and 39 percent of all recorded deaths.

The DOH said dengue afflicted children 4 and under (16 percent of all cases), those aged 10 to 14 (20 percent) and teens 15 to 19 (15 percent).

The Philippines has the highest dengue case fatality rate in Southeast Asia of 0.4 percent.

According to Domingo, parents should suspect dengue if their child has fever accompanied by headache, pain behind the eyes or muscle and joint pain for at least two days.

He said the health department had not received any report that there was a shortage of supplies, including blood and intravenous fluid, due to the epidemic.

To avoid overcrowding, patients should be assessed at designated hydration areas in clinics and hospitals to determine whether they should be confined. Only those with severe dengue are to be hospitalized, Domingo said. n

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SHOWBIZ&STYLE

B

Journal

Barbie asserts TV’s rom-com princess tag

by Lhar

Santiago

ManilaTimes.net

AMONG the present crop of young actresses, Barbie Forteza can be said to belong to the elite class of good thespians. She has proven her mettle in drama, receiving acting awards for her performances both on TV and film.

Barbie has also proven her prowess in romantic-comedy projects. She first showed her flair in her first rom-com series, the very successful “That’s My Amboy” with Andre Paras in 2016 where she got not only good reviews but very high ratings for the show.

The following year was another fruitful period for Barbie in the rom-com genre as she headlined the much talked about late night rom-com “Meant To Be,” where she had four men trying to outdo one another to get her approval and eventually winning her heart.

There were Ken Chan, Ivan Dorschner, Jak Roberto and Addy Raj. As everybody knows, it was Ken’s character Yuan who won. But it’s an entirely different story in real life because after the airing of “Meant To Be,” it was revealed that Barbie and Jak are together already and until now, they are proving theirs is a relationship that can stand the test of time.

It looks like Barbie gets a rom-com series for TV every year, as it was last year when she convincingly portrayed the role of an empowered but lighthearted Cebuana who knew how to stand for her rights. In “Inday Will Always Love You,” she played a lechonera whose charm captivated the heart of her snobbish boss played by Derrick Monasterio. She considered this series special because it was produced by GMA Public Affairs, her

Barbie Forteza Photo from Instagram/@barbaraforteza

first series under the department known to produce internationally awarded shows.

Although Barbie started 2019 with a heavy drama-fantasy series, “Kara-Mia,” she hopped in to another rom-com project a couple of months after the conclusion of the twin-themed show.

She had her first taping day for the late morning show, “Wagas,” featuring “Wait, Is This Love?” last Monday, with real-life boyfriend Jak Roberto as her leading man, and her co-tween star and long-time friend Kristoffer Martin as the third wheel.

“The timing couldn’t be more perfect,” she said.

“After the super heavy drama, I’m back to doing rom-com. I really enjoy doing light stuff because I get to improvise, may mga ad lib na naihihirit at napaglalaruan ang character. Like in this one, I play the role of Yummy na isang dalagang pinalaki ng dalawang man-hater na matandang dalaga.

As I grew-up, nakuha ko yung pagkaayaw nila sa mga lalaki.

So when two men came into my

life, hate ko rin agad sila,” she continued.

Another reason why Barbie is so happy with this series is because she is working with two men who are close to her heart — her boyfriend Jak and Kristoffer, who she fondly calls frenemy.

“Ganyan kami ni Tun-tun [Kristoffer’s tweens pet name].

Sobrang lalim na ng friendship namin. We tell each other whatever it is na parang hindi maganda. We can say anything to each other na walang nau-offend.

This is actually the first time I’m working again with Tun-Tun after ‘Luna Blanca’ which was maybe five years ago.”

On the set, Barbie and Kristoffer are really buddies. They talk to each other everytime.

“Ganyan kaming magbabarkada. Sobrang close namin. Isipin n’yo, if Derrick, Bea and Joyce [Ching] were here, lalong magulo. Our kind of friendship is like that. We may not work together for long or we may not see one another for long pero pag nagkita-kita, sobrang saya, sobrang close like brothers and sisters.”

When Showbuzz visited Barbie on the set, Jak was not around.

“He has taping for ‘Bubble Gang,’” Barbie volunteered.

“I’m just happy that Jak and I are together in this project. Masarap din na siya ang katrabaho ko. Wala kaming ilangan sa mga scenes namin. We even help each other kung paano mas mapapaganda ang eksena.”

Barbie has a rom-com to offer every year to her fans because she is given this kind of assignment by GMA. The network trusts her big time in this kind project.

They know her ability. This is the type of show that Barbie can do anytime.

She really is a natural. Yes, she now can be called TV’s Rom-Com Princess.

Janine recognized by int’l news sites among most stylish guests in NYFW JANINE Gutierrez got recognized in not one but two international publications for her street style at the New York Fashion Week (NYFW).

The actress has been making New York her own catwalk, stunning in polished and striking outfits. Two of these have made best-dressed lists: a dark teal suit and a pair of matching red denim jacket and jeans.

Gutierrez dared to go bare underneath the suit and paired with Amina Muaddi pink satin slingbacks. Completing the look was bold pink eyeshadow and a slick high ponytail.

Her next look that turned heads was a red all-denim outfit with pieces from French fashion brand Mugler. The actress heightened the look with black Balenciaga boots.

UK news site The Independent took notice, including Gutierrez’s outfit in its list for best street style. “This crimson co-ord wins all the style points thanks to the boxy cropped cut of the jacket and the flattering pinstripe detail,” it wrote.

Gutierrez’s other scene-steal- Janine Gutierrez Photo from Instagram/@janinegutierrez ing looks included a frillly orange Martin Bautista dress and a looked like a belt bag. (Niña V. gray Tibi coat cinched with what Guno/Inquirer.net)

B september 14-17, 2019 • LA WeeKeND AsIAN JOUrNAL

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Mom’s special tilapia sinigang: PeDRO and the ABS-CBN Remembering Asuncion Castro Abarquez Foundation International partner to

raise funds for disaster relief

Rhizomes

Prosy AbArquezDelAcruz, J.D. “It’s all right, you made an error but you can start again. And maybe it wasn’t really a mistake but an opportunity for deep learning. I did the same thing earlier in life. It’s not easy to acquire wisdom, but it’s possible and eminently worthwhile.

Just keep on in your journey.”

-Rabbi Zalman schachter-shalomi, From Age-ing to sage-ing, 1995 Rabbi Shalomi’s words sounded like my mom. I underlined every word as it almost was verbatim, my Mom’s words to me: patient, tender, wise and compassionate and ultimately, using each moment as a teaching opportunity.

Like a sour soup of sinigang, flavored with plum tomatoes and the right balance of salt to the broth, eaten on cold nights, my mom’s words soothe me just right. Time with her is like having my ‘well balanced sinigang’ and her life’s examples become my balanced hot sour soup for life.

It is not like pinapaitan, a bitter aftertaste one gets from conversations that cut deeply with stern criticisms. It is not like kare kare, a dense soup of peanut butter, which drags you down from self-absorbed tales.

My mom tries to take up less space. She listens to your words, but mostly your sentiments and even an unexpressed desire to live up to some ideals. I try to live up to her example, but the more I try, the more I feel I will never be like Mom. When she was in her seventies, she went back to school and studied Mandarin language. Why, I asked, to which she responds, “I feel like I am conversing with your dad, but in Mandarin, as he used to share Chinese words with me.

Now, I know how to say thank you – Xièxiè.”

It was Saturday morning in Manila. “Halika na, (come now) we have to be there early as there will run out of fresh fish.”

She takes her purse, matching her simple yellow sundress, fitted to her size 2 figure, and step-in to boot.

Her hair is well-coiffed, the result of having them in pink tube rollers

Mom’s 80th birthday, surrounded by her grandchildren.

Photo taken by Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz in 2007

Prosy’s deconstructed sinigang.

Photo taken Aug. 1, 2017

and bobby pins that held the curls in place the night before, now unfurled to reveal soft curls that draped her shoulders. She is a proud, dignified, well-dressed woman.

We are now walking to the Central Market, few short blocks from my home. It is a Saturday routine that I did with my mom, some days willing, and some days not. She presents me with a choice, a choice she patiently tells me: “If you come, I can carry some fruits for our panghimagas. If you don’t, then, I can only carry the ingredients for sinigang.”

She deliberately pauses. Pausing allows me to decide. Pausing allows me to step up, be mature, and be helpful. Pausing also tells me that my mother trusts my good judgment. And prompted by her faith in me, not wanting to disappoint her, I choose to go.

She uses so little words, and when she does, I easily recall the hierarchy rule she followed as we bought the sinigang ingredients.

“Mom, how do you choose what to buy?“ “Oh, I go with what your dad wants. Then, if he is not firm about his choice, I go with what your Ate Rose wants next, then, you and so on down the line.”

“Oops, I told myself, that means, I will always be kulelat, as I am third in line.”

So I had to devise a plan. “Mom, what about if I choose the fruits?”

After all, she said my dad’s choice for entrée, then, my Ate Rose, so perhaps I can get what I want, lanzones and atis? She agreed.

When we got home, I thought I had the whole basket to myself. But, at the table, a fair simple rule is followed, the fruits are counted and they are divided equally amongst

us all: five sisters, my parents and our helper, eight in total.

I remember when the counting started for lanzones. “Ito lima sa iyo, lima sa kanya, lima sa akin...at sa iba pa. (Five for you, five for her, five for me.)”

I tried to reason out that a small size does not equal the big lanzones that another sister got. Maybe I was trying to convince her, but perhaps because she looks at me, seeing I am about to cry, my Mom conceded. Maybe she simply played along, and then gave me her portion.

“Nandaya na naman ang kapatid namin.” Sigaw ng lahat. (Our sister is outsmarting Mom).

“Dad, nandaya na naman si Tabachoy (Dad, our sister is less than honest).”

I was called tabachoy to poke fun, to diminish me a bit for outsmarting them in the counting of lanzones. And soon another label, ‘pilyang kapatid (mischievous sister).’

I laughed and plotted my next strategy. I had many nicknames: Tabachoy, Tabby, all related to my chubbiness.

Just when I thought I had outsmarted my sisters, my dad and my mom devised another way of leveling the playing field. They called my name and declared it was my turn to wash dishes.

Except, I foiled their plan. I hid inside the toilet, feigning diarrhea from eating too much lanzones, but most times, God must have been on my sisters’ side, as I sit there “Ere ere, ere” and like a car engine that would only rev..and not start, my innards sounded loud, and my bottoms hurt. Two parts of my body hurt from outsmarting fairness.

So, my Ate washed the dishes, foaming in the mouth, fuming mad,

LOS ANGELES – PeDRO, the Philippine Disaster Relief Organization, an organization whose mission is to extend relief assistance to victims of natural disasters and to mobilize resources to rebuild and restructure their communities, has partnered with ABS-CBN Foundation International, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of the Filipino people especially those affected by natural disasters, to produce its first benefit concert entitled “Friends …Unplugged” to be held Sunday, September 22, 3:00 p.m., at the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center’s Aratani Theater, 244 S. San Pedro Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012.

“We have never held an event as grand as this concert,” explained PeDRO President Benito M. Miranda. “The excitement amongst the Board of Directors and members of PeDRO has been growing in anticipation of this show. All of the artists are equally excited to participate in the event and we are all looking forward to presenting our first concert-fundraiser for the benefit of disaster victims back in the Philippines.”

The Philippine Disaster Relief Organization was formed in Los Angeles in 2004, as a result of the call from the Philippine Consulate General seeking help and donations for the victims of typhoons that wreaked havoc in Quezon province in December of that year. The FilAm community in the Greater Los Angeles Area responded positively to this appeal.

Together, PeDRO’s efforts helped raise $42,000 towards the cause and collected various relief items.

In 2005, due to the successful relief efforts, a decision was made to permanently organize Philippine Disaster Relief Organization for future relief efforts. The formation of this group has been a historic milestone in the FilAm community of Southern California, as this is the

first time that such a communitywide relief effort was mounted.

“Friends…Unplugged!” will feature a diversity of musical artists performing some familiar songs as well as some original music.

International recording artist and singer-songwriter Morris Albert will be flying in from Europe especially for this concert. The fourtime Grammy Award nominee is best known for his multi-platinum, global hit “Feelings,” one of the most recorded songs in music history. He is a singer, songwriter, composer and lyricist whose song became a standard ballad that spawned close to 3000 cover versions. With a successful career as a versatile artist who produces and performs, Morris continues to win audiences with his artistic versatility and musicality.

Odette Quesada was barely out of her teens when she became the Philippines’s most sought-after hitmaker. She is a multi-awardwinning singer-songwriter and record producer whose songs ruled the Philippine’s airwaves in the 1980’s. Odette’s songs have stood the test of time and have been recorded, covered and revived through the years by numerous artists such as Ric Segreto, Kuh Ledesma, Gary Valenciano, Raymond Lauchengco, Sharon Cuneta, Lea Salonga, Lani Misalucha, Jed Madela and Angeline Quinto, to name a few.

Kevin Click is an L.A.-based singer-songwriter and recording artist that grew up in two different worlds: American pop radio and his family’s country music and values. Today he plays a modern blend of southern, gospel-infused, passionate, real-life American Country music. Strong storytelling, profound lyrics, soulful vocal delivery and a passionate live performance make Kevin a rising force in the mainstream Country Music market today.

One can hardly talk about the LA Fil-Am jazz scene without men-

tioning Ner de Leon. An alumnus of the Berklee College of Music in Boston, Ner has developed a fresh new sound that reflects his eagerness to push boundaries and to make music that challenges the mind as it rewards the soul. He has played in several US cities and countries and has released eight albums. Ner takes pride in being a musician-evangelist playing and producing music that projects the message of love, hope and the peace of Jesus Christ who has the power to change all lives.

Becca Godinez — a seasoned singer, actress, songwriter, director and producer — is recognized as the first successful female singer-songwriter of pop music in the Philippines. Becca was simultaneously a student of vocal jazz, directing and production design. She performed in straight plays and musicals and was a recipient of several awards. At the 10th Tokyo Music Festival where she represented the Philippines, Becca won two awards. As a songwriter, she also won 1st Place at the Houston International Song Festival and under her record label, Vicor Records, Becca was the recipient of two gold record awards. Believing that all children should have equal educational opportunities, Becca helped to establish four children’s libraries in the Philippines. She gives all glory to God – the true source of all blessings.

“Friends…Unplugged!” is proudly sponsored by Alignment Health Plan, La Espanola Meats, Inc., Dr. Noli & Mrs. Nena Zosa, The Philippine Medical Association of Southern California and Fiesta Fast Foods with media sponsorship by the Asian Journal, Philippine News, The US Asian Post and Weekend Balita, and Philippine Post.

For ticket information, please visit the Aratani website at www. jaccc.org or call the Aratani Box Office at (213) 628-2725.

as the chore defaulted to her. Ate promised to get me. To this day, she still waits for the score to get even with the ‘pilya.’

Yet, the true lesson I came to learn much later-on was “ the one who outsmart others harvest their detriment.”

Those family dinners gave me my early lessons in life, the need to share and share fairly.

After a full day of teaching at least 30 children in science, my mom gathered us at the table for our fish sinigang.

“Kain na habang mainit ang

sabaw (Eat now while the broth is hot).” She waited until everyone gathered at the table. She handed out the bowl, spooning the rice, then, the sinigang and she hands it to each of us.

It was a routine she kept night PAGE B5

Under Project 888, Dingdong and YPF visit schools and communities to conduct leadership symposium such as this one in Saranggani Province.

Contributed photo

Dingdong is more than just an actor

By Angel JAvier-Cruz Philstar.com

ACCORDING to the wise words of our national hero, “Ang kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan.”

For some of us, these are nothing but empty words. But for someone with a heart as pure as Dingdong Dantes’, these words have become the premise in establishing his chaired foundation centered on youth empowerment and nation-building programs, the YesPinoy Foundation, Inc. (YPF).

Yet, apart from the countless characters that Dingdong has breathed life into in the course of his colorful two-decade career as a Kapuso, some people may not be aware that he wears different hats besides that of an actor.

He was a former commissioner of the National Youth Commission; an entrepreneur owning multiple business ventures; an army reservist; an active supporter of youth and environmental advocacies; and not to mention an amazing dad to Zia and Ziggy and a loving husband to his wife Marian Rivera.

They say a simple act of kindness can ignite a movement that

can one day change the world.

This, perhaps, is what fired the enthusiasm of Dingdong when he established the foundation on that fateful day of Aug. 21, 2009. Initially formed to bridge resource gaps in education and help out-of-school youth and children of fallen soldiers, YesPinoy has evolved and focuses on a now larger scale cause — YES or Youth, Empowerment and Service to the country.

“This is the issue we want to address; we want to make the youth as heroes kahit na bata pa sila. Paano nila mapagtatanggol ‘yung kapatid o kaibigan nila kung ‘yung sarili nila hindi nila kayang ipagtanggol,” expresses Dantes.

Coming from a family of soldiers, Dingdong has been influenced by his relatives to always put his life in the service of others leading to his decision to enlist in 2006 and be a part of the Philippine Marine Reserve corps.

In spite of being a marine reservist, Dingdong still feels the need to serve his country in a more concrete and sustainable way hence, the birth of YPF, which he effectively champions with the help of passionate benefactors and volunteers

from various institutions such as the GMA Kapuso Foundation.

As part of its initiatives on education, YPF provides scholarship opportunities and participates in the annual Brigada Eskwela of the Department of Education (DepEd). In addition, it has turned over classroom buildings and donated school chairs through The One Chair, One Child Project in Iloilo.

As a champion of environmental causes, YPF has trained young people and leaders on climate action, disaster preparedness and responsible citizenship; distributed go bags and emergency kits; led post-disaster programs; and established partnerships with schools and communities.

YPF also launched I am Super, a disaster preparedness campaign that organizes trainings in public schools and distributes YPF’s emergency go bags.

Recently, the foundation also partnered with the Stunt Association of the Philippines and the Seoul Action School-Korea to convene together all stunt actors and directors in the country for a series of extensive trainings and seminars titled Project #BeScene.

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • SEPTEMBER 14-17, 2019

B3

Fall in love with these fall makeup trends

BY MONET

LU

SOME weeks ago we welcomed the fall season with an article on hairstyles. Today, we tackle another one of my fortes – and a sought-after subject for women – the latest makeup trends. I can describe this season’s makeup peg in two words: fresh and minimal. With that image in mind, I invite you to experience “Valentine’s in October” and fall in love with these autumn-inspired makeup styles.

“Go easy on the eyes” Whoever said that sexy smoky eye is so 90 degrees ago must learn how to carry the classic eye-do with just a teeny bit of flaw. Allow me to elaborate before I give the impression that carelessly applied shadow is a thing – please…never been, never will be. What I meant by a little flaw is how you would do your smoky eye look at home. You know, the kind that gives off an ultra diffused shadow that looks intense while feeling soft. Makeup artist Pat McGrath created this look at Diane von Furstenberg by using a black and brown liner. You can also use gray shadows with just a hint of sparkle to keep it soft enough for daytime.

A bronze shadow is another equally striking-yet-with-aneasy feel. You can maybe give your metallic shadows a break this season by using bronze shadows instead of the classic gold or silver. This type of hue warms up your face and gives you a good reason to put a natural-looking lip color.

“Paint outside the lines” It’s this time of the year when you feel a bit more adventurous.

It shows on your outfit and your hair, and well, your eye makeup better match that mood. As they say, the eyes are the windows of the soul. And your carefree soul needs an audience! One article writes, “Tweak the classic cat eye by opting for a more straight across swipe of black kohl like we saw at Oscar de la Renta. This is a more modern way to wear liner that elongates and lifts the eye

Image Spa IMEE ONG-MAGHANOY EVEN though summer is fading away, it’s never too late to continue working out and getting back on track — especially when we here in Southern California get to enjoy more warm days at the beach well into fall.

My clients and my column readers know that I am all about staying fit and fab. I know a thing or two about working hard and eating right to maintain your figure. I also know that while going to the gym makes the difference, it, unfortunately, doesn’t always work well against stubborn fat.

Another downside is that some people who lose weight also gain an enormous amount of loose skin.

So what’s a fun and beach-loving person to do when she/he has to get rid of excess fat and fit into that bikini fast and easy?

Some would go straight to the surgical route. Although that’s not really the fastest way to go because of the downtime, and not everybody is willing to go under the knife. There are other non-surgical treatments for body sculpting that you can choose from, but many treatments don’t offer the same benefits as what I am about to tell you. This treatment has been proven to be effective for body contouring, and since it can reduce cellulite and tighten the skin without surgery, it serves as a safer way to reshape your body.

Some areas of the body that are regularly treated with Exilis are the abdomen, love handles, thighs and arms.

Introducing: the Exilis Body Contouring Exilis body contouring can help remove localized fat, and it can also help to tighten your skin in a very convenient way. It is a great alternative to surgery because it doesn’t involve incisions. It will help you get rid of loose skin and some excess fat around certain areas of your body. Best of all, it usually takes about an hour.

During Exilis Body Contouring, focused radiofrequency energy is delivered through the skin to destroy fat cells and reduce the fat volume in various areas of the body. Common target areas are the abdomen, flanks, upper and lower back, arms, thighs, and knees. As I mentioned earlier, this procedure also tightens loose skin on the body while reducing fat.

During an Exilis body contouring treatment, precisely controlled radiofrequency energy is used to heat the deeper layers

DREAMS OF A FAIRYTALE WEDDING ENDED UP IN A NIGHTMARE OF BATTERY AND ABUSE. Anne entered the U.S. on a fiancé (K-1) visa, hoping to build a beautiful, love-filled life with her U.S. citizen petitioner. But the marriage turned into a nightmare, when the husband became verbally and physically abusive. Battered and abused, Anne reached out to leading immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel.

Watch as Anne was able to escape the chains of abuse, through the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) self-petition that the Law Offices of Michael J. Gurfinkel filed and was able to get a green card for Anne….on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” – on Sunday at 6:15 p.m. (PST) on TFC. (Advertising Supplement)

and adds intrigue to the face.”

Add more spice to your usual winged liner, by scribbling some double-winged lines. seventeen. com suggests, “Use a soft kohl pencil to trace your lower waterline, then smudge it out with a makeup sponge for an extremely edgy and perfectly un-perfect vibe.”

“Tip of the lashes” Close your eyes and think: silver, water droplets, rhinestones.

Now open your eyes and give your volumizingmascara, falsies and lash add-ons a much-needed upgrade. It’s time those lashes shine as bright as your eyes!

Silver sparkles on the tip of the lashes give your eyelashes a water droplet effect. A bit of gold layers on the lashes will make it look like it has rhinestones tips. Bring on the prettiest lashes by layering, lengthening, or volumizing your top and bottom lashes.

“Rush that blush” Now is the perfect time to embrace your “just stepped out of the gym” look. Or for some people; “I just went on a brisk, wintry walk.” This is the season for flushed cheeks and naturally rosy blush. You had a good run with your sculpting tools, it’s time to give them a break. Grab your warm peach blush powder and head out the door. That’s all you

need. Now, fly.

“Lips like berry” Let’s talk about that lip color, shall we? This season, I am delighted to see a sea of lip colors that remind of the 90’s. That almost black but not quite is making a comeback and I LOVE it!

From ripe berry to plum black to oxblood red, they are undeniably luscious. It may sound scary but I dare you to rock a dark lipstick this fall! Nude is out. Let’s make way for the plums, magentas and berries.

Fall Season isn’t just about tucking away your tank tops and covering up with cozy sweaters and cool scarves. It is also “wearing” the best look of the season.

Although the weather isn’t as cool as we usually expect it to be around this time, it is best to plan your ensemble ahead – and stock up on the latest makeup finds. ***

by MYLAH DE

LEON

GOOD news and bad news, examination and treatments, even death happened in full view of everyone; as you are admitted at the triage of LAC-USC Medical Center.

It was an extraordinary experience of a community.

As a story unfolded, I was there — when a young woman was brought in comatose, having taken a massive overdose of antidepressant pills. Shortly after she arrived, her heart stopped. The triage staff worked to resuscitate her for some time, not because Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, award-winning they had much hope of success, celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of but because they knew it was Monet Salon salons across Southern California important to those who survived and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is to feel that everything possible known as an all-around artiste who produces had been done. They weren’t sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as successful. unforgettable marketing campaigns. Monet It fell on the physician, who led is also the founder of the revolutionary all- the Code Team, to tell her husband natural beauty products such as Enlighten, that his wife had died. The doctor your solution to discoloration . To contact sat there with him for a while and Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or listened to his story. That’s what email him at monetsalon@aol.com. doctors are for.

The couple had come to California with the hope of making something better for themselves. Both their parents had a history of violence and alcoholism. He was a

Exilis Body Contouring: A fast, non-surgical way to achieve your body goals

of the skin and fat tissue. The practitioner controls the amount of energy that will effectively and deeply destroy fat cells. Since fat tissues may contain many layers, it’s important to treat the deepest and most superficial layers of fat tissue for effective treatment and lasting results. The heat in Exilis causes fat cells to break apart and contracts the skin tissue, stimulating new collagen production in the process and destroying unwanted fat cells. Afterwards, your body naturally metabolizes the destroyed fat cell content.

The procedure is fast and you can easily resume normal activities right away.

The results are also fast. You may see fat reduction and skin tightening after just one to two treatments. In other cases, four to six treatments are needed for optimal results. Treatments will be spaced out over one to twoweek intervals and consistency is key to successful outcomes.

The best thing about Exilis is that you get three outcomes in one treatment – skin tightening, cellulite reduction and body shaping. It’s the ultimate fat-fighting treatment!

Exilis is very appropriate for patients looking to reduce the fat volume in small areas of the body that exercise and diet have not been able to address. It is also very effective for those looking for improvement of mild skin laxity especially in the common stubborn areas like the back of the arms, above the knees, and

MOONLIGHTING

across the abdomen. Since Exilis reduces fat and tightens skin, those looking to improve the appearance of cellulite may greatly benefit from it.

The unmatched precision that the Exilis body contouring device gives is designed for many different areas of the body. The energy delivered by the device is safe, and it can be specifically calibrated for use on your skin.

It’s non-invasive, can treat multiple areas, especially your arms, thighs, saddlebags and more.

It’s basically the most advanced technology because it addresses fat reduction and skin tightening in one same treatment.

If you’re interested in noninvasive body contouring, then Exilis is worth considering. Make an appointment at iSkin Face and Body or Image Body Spa to learn more and for us to get to know you. Contact us today to schedule a consultation! iSkin is located at 8709 Beverly Blvd in West Hollywood, CA. Image Spa MD is located at 9227 Haven Ave. Suite 120 Rancho Cucamonga and 499 N El Camino Real, suite c-200, Encinitas. *** Imee is an established aesthetician, a business owner and a managing partner for Image Spa MD and CEO of Image Body SPA. She has a degree in Biology and Doctor of Dental Medicine. Image Spa is now one of the most reputable medical spa facilities in LA and has branches in Rancho Cucamonga and Encinitas for Image SPA MD and iSkin in West Hollywood.

Imee has been in the aesthetics industry for over 20 years.

(Advertising Supplement)

An old love story

mechanic, while she waited tables in a bar. All they owned was a truck, which was more of an apology, and his tools. A week ago, the tools had been stolen and there was no money to replace them. Welcome to the human race!

They both had suffered from depression. She would wake in the night and wander in their hovel, so he would always hear her and awaken to sit with her in the dark. They were all each other had.

She had gone to the medical cabinet and taken down the whole bottle of a four-month supply of pills that had been given at the mental health clinic, a week before. She had swallowed it all. When she didn’t wander that night, he tried waking her up.

The man thanked the doctor for his efforts. It had been too many pills, too much pain, many years too late to bring her back. Once again, the doctor assured the man that “everything possible had been done.” The man sat quietly.

Nodding, he said “Everything?

Then she is healed and in heaven now.”

The doctor told me how deeply he was moved by the simplicity of the man’s life and depth of love for his wife. His heart went out to him in his loss. He had been a devoted husband, but she had been mortally wounded, long before she had been loved so completely.

And it was while I was lying down by the gurney in the emergency ward last Sunday, yielding to unbearable anxiety between blood tests and all the poking and prodding and humiliating assault to one’s body — while fluid drips down from a plastic bag into your arm — that I found myself thinking of that man and his wife.

I had sensed in him a sort of acceptance that was bewildering. He was young. Perhaps it never occurred to him that some pain might be beyond the power of love to heal…the thought was humbling. Is that what her husband had known? Is that what he had accepted? If so, how had he found the courage to love her so completely? And having loved her in this way, how could he go on?

In the anguishing aftermath of a spouse’s suicide, surrounded by many well-intentioned and impotent words of comfort, the man must have understood the power of acceptance as the only way for those who survive to find peace and heal.

In time, he will be able to go on, because he knew that he could not have loved her more. No one could have. But, she had been mortally wounded a long time ago… long before he even knew her name. Now, he would have understood. *** E-mail Mylah at moonlightingmdl@aol.com.

B september 14-17, 2019 • LA WeeKeND AsIAN JOUrNAL

EntErtainmEnt

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Gab to people with mental Khalil & Gabbi make sweet music together issues: You’re not alone

by Bot

glorioso Philstar.com

by Krissy

AguilAr

Inquirer.net

On Wednesday, September 11, a day after World Suicide Prevention Day, singer and dancer Gab Valenciano reminded those going through mental or emotional issues that there were people willing to listen to them.

“World Suicide Prevention Day isn’t just a day where we celebrate victories of those who have survived, instead, it is an awareness day where we magnify the importance and significance of how to deal with this growing epidemic,” Valenciano wrote in an Instagram post.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Interna-

Gab Valenciano Photo from Instagram/@gabvalenciano

KHALIL Ramos and Gabbi Garcia belong to different networks but they don’t see it as a cause of conflict or a hindrance in their relationship.

Khalil and Gabbi have been going steady for more than two years now. For those not familiar, Khalil is a Star Magic talent of ABS-CBN while Gabbi is part of the stable of talents of GMA Artist Center.

Gabbi said she does not meddle in his work in the same way her boyfriend gives her space and allows her to make decisions for her career.

“I don’t like seeing him in the same building doing the same work as mine and it’s good that every time we see each other, we always have stories to tell, new things to talk about,” said Gabbi.

“Mas naging blessing pa because we are able to balance things well kaya mas okey na we don’t get to see each other every day,” added Khalil.

They finally got to work together as lead stars in LSS (Last Song Syndrome) produced by Quark Henares’ film outfit Globe Studios under the direction of Jade Castro. The film is one of the entries to this year’s Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino (PPP) that is set to begin on Sept. 13, coinciding with the celebration of the Centennial Year of Philippine Cinema.

“It was hard to begin with,” said the 23-year-old actor of working with Gabbi for the first time in a movie, and added, “At the start, we had difficulty in the scene where we were supposed to be strangers. We’re not sure if our chemistry is effective on screen

tional Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) recognize every Sept. 10 as the World Suicide Prevention Day, aimed at raising awareness on suicide prevention.

Valenciano also expressed alarm of the increasing cases of suicide every day: “As of today, one person dies every forty seconds by suicide. That is not a good statistic at all.”

“I would have been part of that statistic, twice, if not for the grace of God and love for my family and friends,” he said.

Because of this, Valenciano felt like he had a calling to “reach out and help as many people as I can who are struggling with mental health issues, through empathy and compassion.”

“Please everyone, there are people willing to listen and help. It doesn’t need to end this way. The only way to battle this is to fight together so fight with us,” Valenciano said.

He continued: “Surround yourself with the right people and feed your soul with the right content. You can do this.

Stay alive, my dear friends. You are enough and you are worth it.”

Valenciano earlier revealed hitting “rock bottom” in 2018 and described it as “the darkest and most painful” time of Ben Adams his life.

Photo from Instagram/@benadamsuk

so we kept on asking direk Jade if okay ba.”

“But along the way,” Gabbi added, “we’ve seen the advantage of working together kasi nagkatulungan kami like we’re comfortable. You know, we don’t have to break the ice when it comes to doing scenes together.”

It can be recalled that the two previously collaborated on Gabbi’s music video for her song All I Need which Khalil directed.

Their relationship, both agreed, inspires them to improve as actors and individuals. “Siguro sa akin, the way I think about things, the way my mindset changed is because of Khalil. The way kung paano ko tingnan yung pamilya ko; my work kasi dati I would work because this is my job. Now, I work because this is my passion.

He taught me how to see the bigger picture and he taught me how to balance things,” maintained Gabbi.

“I think we found each other at a time when we were both ready to jump (into a relationship) kasi ako I was working on myself, my self-identity,” Khalil narrated. “I was working on my own mindset so when I met her nag-share kami ng same energy — nag-tulungan kami.”

Gabbi continued, “Mostly di ba at our age, some would tell you, it will destroy you, it will make you lose focus. But for us, it has been the other way around because it (relationship) helps us individually.”

They do not put restrictions on each other. Khalil believes in Gabbi’s artistry and as much as possible, he would like her to grow her passion as an artist “in the same way that I’m growing mine. So, I

Gabbi Garcia and Khalil Ramos Photo photo from Instagram/@khalilramos

really wanted to influence her to explore more, widen her scope as an actor and go for versatility.

I don’t want to be a hindrance to what she wants. If she wants to do a project outside of her comfort zone then, go.”

Gabbi, on the other hand, revealed that Khalil often gets the impression of being too serious “because he seldom shows his weird side. (But) he’s a funny guy.”

Asked if LSS is their love story, Khalil said it shares some similarities to real life. Like their characters, they are both into music. “I guess, it’s our love for music. We are big music fans. We love OPM and in the story, music leads us to fall in love with each other.”

LSS also features the hits of Ben&Ben, whose band members are the twins Paolo and Miguel Guico, Poch Barretto, Jam Villanueva, Agnes Reoma, Patricia Lasten, Toni Munoz, Andrew de Pano and Keifer Cabugao.

A1’s Ben wants to collab with Sarah ENGLISH singer-songwriter and member of boy band A1 Ben Adams wants to duet with singeractress Sarah Geronimo.

Adams said Tuesday he has already tapped Geronimo’s agency Viva Artists for a possible collaboration.

“Well, quick update, I’ve checked out all of the videos and articles you guys have sent me on @JustSarahG and I think she’s amazing! Have emailed @ VivaArtists so let’s see what they say…… thanks everyone! #Philippines,” Adams wrote in a Twitter post.

This was after he asked his followers over Twitter which female

Mom’s special tilapia...

PAGE B2 after night, regardless of how tired she was. Sometimes, I wondered where her energy came from. But, for us, all we knew were our hungry stomachs bidding us to the table.

In rushing downstairs, we slide down the polished wood banisters, for our sit-down meal.

“Ma, ang sarap!“ (Mom, it is delicious). Where did you find all these good looking vegetables?

The colors fascinated me: white, purple, green. It was my way of acknowledging the hard work she did, to call attention to it, and to let her know she nurtured us well.

I took some kangkong, okra, eggplant, and turnips. I chose them for colors mostly, but soon, my taste buds felt satisfied, and now, my tummy felt full from eating the fish sinigang.

Her fish sinigang tasted good. It had enough tamarind juice flavor, the right balance of tomatoes, chilies, onions and a hot broth, flavored with fish sauce, with the tilapia fish that we just bought from the market.

She mustered her last ounce of energy to extend herself, even more, just to listen. All five of us, sometimes in overlapping conversations, no different from what she did for her students. Without passing any judgment, with just an open ear and an open heart, she gave us advice for the next day of school.

After, a feeling that her sinigang hit the right spot, a feeling that all was well around the table, a feeling that the circle was complete. I felt full. I felt the love of my mom and my family.

Later that evening, more like early dawn, I got up. I saw Mom studying. I was not aware she gets up each night, quietly reading her books, while everyone was asleep.

“Ma, what were you doing?“ She showed me her books, studying for finals for her Master’s of Science subjects. She stayed up till four am, and three hours later, went to school to teach thirty students. She came home, had dinner with us and corrected her exam papers, and later, studied again, repeating that cycle night after night for years.

She could have brushed me off not answering my question, but she paused. She stopped to converse, to show me what she was reading.

She was patient with me. Such is my mom, ever so attentive, even while she pursued her desire for higher education.

I glanced at her table lamp, a single light bulb with enough brilliance to read from. I never forgot that evening; it became part of my

path in life, her footsteps to follow, and equally, her love for higher learning. I did the same, many years later, and obtained my Juris Doctor degree. At that time, I made no correlation at all that I was following the path my mother carved out for me – while working, pursuing her personal interests, but also taking good care of her family.

One day in California, I called her, wondering where she was.

She was 70 years old then. She nonchalantly shared she was going to adult school.

“But, why Mom? You are now retired. You are not working anymore,” to which she answered, “I wanted to follow your dad’s experience, I am curious as to what it takes to learn a language. And now, I can even count: ling, yi, er, san, si, wu, liu, qi, ba, jiu and shí. “ I am also learning about their culture.”

But she did not stop there. At 80 years old, she acquired a new skill, a reconnection with cooking, not her passion, as she abandoned this some years ago, when my dad took over cooking for her. I gave her a cookbook, Memories of Philippine Kitchens by Amy Besa. She called me to ask where to buy the ingredients. She was so delighted that she got to make two recipes.

Today was my regular call, every Tuesday. My mom sounded joyful.

“I cooked myself leche flan and sinigang. I just followed the recipe from the cookbook you gave me, remember?“ I stayed present to her joyful moments, asking her how she did it, where she got the ingredients, and imagining the fish sinigang, the ingredients we bought together in Manila, and the nightly dinner conversations we had. But what I remember most was her sense of independence.

For Corina, my daughter’s graduation in high school 27 years ago, my Mom insisted on taking the bus.

“No, I do not need a ride.”

“Ma, I will pick you up,” I offered.

In testing the power of wills, my mom will always prevail. She was so proud, as she was the first to arrive, ahead of anyone who drove their car to the event. She proudly came on time. Later, she shared her journey: she took three buses and three hours to travel 25 miles.

While traveling in New York recently to see the Statue of Liberty, I walked to 86th and Lexington, a distance from 92nd and Madison, took the subway, then the Staten Island ferry. I cried a bit, as I recalled the hardships my mom took

Southeast Asian artist he should sing with.

Most suggestions were Geronimo and Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray, Adams said.

“I’m looking for a well known South East Asian female artist to duet with me on something…… any suggestions? #Philippines #Singapore #Indonesia #Thailand #Malaysia,” Adams wrote.

“So @JustSarahG and @catrionaelisa seem to be coming up a lot in suggestions for who to duet with on my next project……. now I just need to find their contact details and make it happen! #Philippines,” he said in a separate post. (Inquirer.net) in being present to all of us, even to her grandchildren. She also went to New York first, and endured the harsh, cold winters for six months and then, went home. It was not till years later she immigrated with my sister Rose and lived in California.

My mom taught for nearly three and a half more decades, science and math at middle school, at Los Angeles Unified School district and Artesia-Bellflower-Cerritos School District. When she bought her house in Cerritos, we got worried with her long commute to Virgil Junior Middle School, but she persisted and reassured us she can handle all these bus stops. Later, we learned she was bothered not by the commute but the lingering cold winds while waiting for the buses.

At 80 years old, she would not think twice about standing at the bus stop just so she can get to where she wants to go. She did not believe in asking her children for rides, but she scheduled her Saturdays with Asuncion, my younger sister and together, they would do the errands and cap it with Saturday lunch with her wisdom shared with my sister.

Yes, Ma, I remember. You are my model of strength, my model of persistence, my model of selfdiscipline and my model of independence, a feminist ahead of your time. Yes, Ma, I will never forget what you taught me; just like the fish sinigang we shared, I will always remember how you fed my hungry heart and me.

And, today, I am fuller! Maraming salamat sa lahat ng pangangalaga mo. (Thank you for all your caring efforts). I love you very much!

Footnote: Fast forward to 2019. I just visited my mother’s tomb. Next to her is my Ate Rose, who passed away in 2016, 60 days of my Mom. Next to my Mom is my Dad, who passed away in 2000. Three of them now have gone home to God. I stepped out to the backyard and a white butterfly with a black dot on its right wing flew next to me. I know that is my Dad watching over me, my angel in heaven. *** Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz, J.D. is a writer, after having retired from a 27-year public service at a state health agency. She served as LA Civil Service Commissioner, appointed by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, as part of a five-member board. She supports the slow food movement and buys organic produce at Los Angeles Farmers Market. Her essays have been published in the Los Angeles Times, Philippine News, Taliba and Amerasia Journal. She wrote this in 2007 and has updated it in 2019. She has been writing for the Asian Journal for 11 years now and occasionally contributes to Balikbayan Magazine. She authored her first book, “Even the Rainbow Has a Body,” an anthology of 31 distinct artistic legacies of Filipino, Filipino-Americans and Italian Americans.

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • SEptEmbER 14-17, 2019

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B september 14-17, 2019 • LA WeeKeND AsIAN JOUrNAL

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • SEPTEMBER 14-17, 2019

COMMUNITY Journal

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Largest University of PH alumni gathering in LA hits fundraising goals, welcomes VP Leni Robredo

Philippine Vice President Leni Robredo was the guest of honor for the UPAAGLA gala.

UPAAGLA’s officers and board of directors for 2019: (Back row from left to right) Maribel Catala, Gary Paglinawan, Annie Nepomuceno, Adrian Licaros, Joji Bautista, Lovee Sarenas, Jackie Rivera, Mary Lyn Sanga, Michael Melendres, Weny Khan; (Front row from left to right) Gil Guinto, Ivy Manalang, Natalia Matitu-Mercado, Ethel Rubio, Hon. Adelio Angelito Cruz, Philippine Vice President Leni Robredo, UP VP for Public Affairs Dr. Pernia, Evelyn Andamo, Relson Banas, Yvee Tadeo-Guevara and Eric Panuncialma AJPress photos by Noel Ty

LOS ANGELES, California – It was an epic night on Saturday, September 7 for the University of the Philippines Alumni Association of Greater Los Angeles (UPAAGLA) as one of U.P.’s most notable alumnae, Vice President

Leni Robredo, was the keynote speaker.

With over 330 guests in attendance and more than P1.2M ($25,000.00) raised, the recently concluded Installation Ceremony and Endowment Fundrais-

UPAAGLA board of directors and officers have a private meeting with Vice President Leni Robredo ahead of the gala night.

ing Gala held at the Los Angeles Grand Hotel was considered the largest, most demographically diverse, and most successful U.P. alumni gathering.

The induction of the 20192021 officers and board of directors by U.P. Vice President for Public Affairs, Dr. Elena Pernia, as well as the presentation of two $5,000 ceremonial checks to U.P. for the library laptop program and the UPERDFI for the College of Engineering Thesis Grants were among the highlights of the dinner-dance event. Guests were also delighted as the grand prize drawing of PAL roundtrip ticket to Manila was upgraded from economy to business class.

Other prominent U.P. alums present were Los Angeles Consulate General, Adelio Cruz; Los Angeles Metro Executive Officer, Cris Liban; and new Philippine Airlines President, Gilbert Santa

Consul General Adelio Angelito Cruz

Maria.

City of Artesia Councilmember Melissa Ramoso and City of Los Angeles Commissioner of Public Works Jessica Caloza were also there to support UPAAGLA. In a message to her team, new UPAAGLA President Ethel Rubio said, “Beyond words, we exceeded the Gala expectations!

But we don’t base our success on how others see us. We base it on setting goals and accomplishing all of them plus more.”

University of the Philippines Vice President for Public Affairs, Dr. Elena E. Pernia

Check presentation for two $5,000 checks to the UP Library Laptop Program and UPERDFI

u PAGE C5 for the College of Engineering Thesis Grants

C SEPTEMBER 14-17, 2019 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Tax & Stock Tips VictoR Sy, cPA, mBA

LET’S learn a few things from the greatest investor of all time – Warren Buffett.

It’s OK If You Don’t Know Much About Investing.

Most investors do not have business degrees. Most do not take courses in stock investing. Warren Buffett wrote in his 2013 letter to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders: I have good news for these nonprofessionals - The typical investor doesn’t need this skill. Just invest your funds in a low-fee index fund tracking a broad cross-section of businesses. When Buffett eventually passes away, he has this advice for his trustee: Invest 10 percent of in short-term government bonds and the other 90 percent in a low-cost index fund tracking the Standard & Poor’s 500 index.

This is simple enough, no bachelor’s degrees required.

Be Patient.

Buffett said that the stock market is a device for transferring money from the impatient to the

Tapat Sa Batas Atty. RheA SAmSon KUNG ang magulang/mga magulang na U.S. citizen (USC) ay magkaroon ng anak na isinilang sa ibang bansa o sa labas ng U.S., ang kapanganakan ay dapat iulat sa lalong madaling panahon sa U.S Consulate o U.S. Embassy upang makakuha ng ulat ng pagangkin ang bata sa U.S. citizenship. Ang opisyal na ulat ay tinatawag na Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA). Ang CRBA ay isang dokumento ng U.S. citizenship o ebidensiya ng U.S. citizenship ng batang isinilang sa ibang bansa sa magulang/mga magulang na nakatupad sa mga pangangailangan para sa pagbigay ng U.S. citizenship sa ilalim ng Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). Ang aplikasyon para sa CRBA ay kailangang gawin bago ang ika-18 na kaarawan ng bata.

Upang makapagbigay ng U.S. citizenship ang magulang/mga magulang na USC sa anak na

Community Journal

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Warren Buffett’s lessons Dealing with assets omitted from a divorce case for ordinary investors Barrister’s

patient.

Those who have patience invest and stay on the sidelines to watch their money grow.

Be Greedy When Others Are Fearful, And Fearful When Others Are Greedy.

Buffett repeated this advice frequently in 2008, in the middle of the Great Recession. At the time, fear was widespread and stocks were tanking, but Buffett said he was buying stocks others were selling.

The reason: Stocks are cheapest when fear is running high and a herd mentality has beaten down their prices well below what business fundamentals warrant. A large percentage of Buffett’s performance has been due to buying quality companies when markets crashed.

Avoid Difficult Business Problems.

Buffet stated that Charlie Munger and I have not learned how to solve difficult business problems.

What we have learned is to avoid them. He recommends that investors stick with what they know. It is usually far more profitable to simply stick with the easy and ob-

YOU and your spouse may have gone through a lengthy and vious than it is to resolve the dif- contentious divorce proceeding. ficult. This is why he is not a fan This is usually the most difficult of Bitcoin and other get-rich-quick period of a person’s life. Finally, time heals all pain. You and your fads.

Buy Into A Company Because spouse get tired of bickering and You Want To Own It, Not Be- being mean to one another that cause You Want The Stock To you both decide to compromise each other positions and resolve Go Up. Buffett believes that owning all issues in your divorce case stock in a company equates to through settlement. Shortly theredirect ownership in a business, after, the divorce judgment is so treat it is as such. If you own finally entered by the Court and an apartment, house or farm, you get a sigh of relief. Later you wouldn’t sell it based on so- you discovery that “Oops!,” your cial media news. Treat stocks the ex-spouse had community asset and/or debt that was left out of same way. the divorce judgment. This may *** Victor Santos Sy graduated Cum Laude be a pension, retirement account, from UE with a BBA and from Indiana State a hidden bank account, or a piece University with an MBA. Vic worked with of real estate property which was SyCip, Gorres, Velayo (SGV - Andersen not divided in the judgment. What Consulting) and Ernst & Young before is one to do in this situation? The establishing Sy Accountancy Corporation answer can be found in California Family Code §2556. in Pasadena, California.

California Family Code §2556 *** He has 50 years of experience in provides “In a proceeding for disdefending taxpayers audited by the IRS, solution of marriage, for nullity of FTB, EDD, BOE and other governmental marriage, or for legal separation agencies. He is publishing a book on his of the parties, the court has conexpertise - “HOW TO AVOID OR SURVIVE tinuing jurisdiction to award comIRS AUDITS.” Our readers may inquire munity estate assets or community about the book or email tax questions at estate liabilities to the parties that have not been previously adjudivicsy@live.com. cated by a judgment in the proceeding.” California Family Code §2556. Even if the parties did not expressly reserve jurisdiction on dito bago ang kapanganakan ng that piece of asset, the Court rebata; (2) kung ang ina ng bata ay tains the power to divide a specific USC at ang bata ay ipinanganak property if there is a community noong Hunyo 12, 2017 o pagkatapos ng petsang ito, ang bata ay maaaring may karapatan saS The citizenship kung ang inang USC ay may physical presence sa U.S. Prophetic ng 5 taon at ang 2 taon dito ay Voice noong ang ina ay may 14 taon gulang na, at bago ang kapanganakan ng bata; (3) kung ang ama ReVeRend ng bata ay USC at ang kapanga- Rodel G. BAlAGtAS nakan ay noong Nobyembre 14, 1986 o pagkatapos ng petsang SAINT Ambrose (397) beautiito, ang anak ay maaaring may fully reflected on the images of a karapatan sa the U.S. citizenship shepherd, a mother, and a father kung ang amang USC ay may to connect the three parables we physical presence sa US ng 5 hear this Sunday: The Lost Sheep, taon, at ang 2 taon dito ay noong The Lost Coin, and The Prodigal ang ama ay may 14 taon gulang Son. He wrote: na, at bago ang kapanganakan “Who, then, is this father, this ng bata. shepherd, this mother? Could they *** not, perhaps, represent God the If a child is born to a U.S. citi- Father, Christ, and the Church? zen parent abroad, the child’s Christ carries you on his shoulbirth should be reported as soon ders, the Church seeks you out, as possible to the U.S. Consulate and the Father receives you. One, or U.S. Embassy to establish a because he is Shepherd, conrecord of the child’s claim to U.S. tinues carrying you; another, as citizenship at birth. The official Mother, ceases not to search for record is called Consular Report you; and then the Father comes of Birth Abroad (CRBA). This back to dress you. The first, as a u PAGE C3 work of mercy; the second, look-

Consular report of birth abroad isinilang sa ibang bansa, sila ay dapat USC na noong isinilang ang bata. Kailangan din na ang magulang/mga magulang ay nagkaroon na ng sapat na physical presence sa loob ng U.S. para makapagbigay ng U.S. citizenship sa anak. Ang physical presence requirements ay depende sa petsa ng kapanganakan ng bata at kung kasal ang mga magulang noong kapanganakan ng bata.

Kung ang bata ay isinilang sa ibang bansa sa dalawang magulang na USC at ang mga magulang na ito ay kasal na noong ipinanganak ang bata, ang anak ay may karapatan sa U.S. citizenship. Kinakailangan na isa sa mga magulang ay nakatira sa U.S. bago ang kapanganakan ng bata.

Kung ang anak ay isinilang sa ibang bansa sa mga magulang na hindi kasal, ang mga regulasyon ay ang sumusunod: (1) kung ang ina ng bata ay USC at ang bata ay ipinanganak noong Hunyo 11, 2017 o bago ang petsang ito, ang bata ay maaaring may karapatan sa U.S. citizenship kung ang inang USC ay may tuloy-tuloy na physical presence sa U.S. ng isang taon (365 araw) o higit pa

Corner

Atty. Kenneth URSUA ReyeS interest in it.

The Court’s “continuing jurisdiction” over omitted community estate assets or debts is invoked by filing a post judgment Motion, or Request for Order in the divorce case. Family Code §2556 provides “A party may file a postjudgment motion or request for order in the proceeding in order to obtain adjudication of any community estate asset or liability omitted or not adjudicated by the judgment.”

The postjudgment partition of the unadjudicated community estate claims is properly entertained by the court even absent an express reservation of jurisdiction in its prior judgment. Marriage of Moore & Ferrie (1993) 14 CA4th 1472, 1483, 18 CR2d 543, 549, fn. 9. The postjudgment motion is available to any omitted asset or debt not adjudicated by the divorce judgment. However, Family Code §2556 does not extend to division and adjudication of any separate property. Marriage of Klug (2005) 130 CA4th 1389, 1396, 31 CR3d 327, 331–332.

If an asset was partially omitted, the Court can still divide and ad-

judicate the portion that has been omitted postjudgment under family code §2566. Community Property adjudicated under § 2556 shall be divided equally “unless the court finds upon good cause shown that the interests of justice require an unequal division of the asset or liability.” Family Code §2556. *** Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice.

The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information.

This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed.

The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, P.C. This article is not a solicitation. *** Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association.

He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He is a graduate of Southwestern University Law School in Los Angeles and California State University, San Bernardino School of Business Administration. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice.

LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, P.C. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail “mailto:kenneth@kenreyeslaw. com” kenneth@kenreyeslaw.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com (Advertising Supplement

The divine activity

ing after you; and third, reconciling yourself to him. Each one of them matches these qualities perfectly well; the Redeemer came to save, the Church assists, and the Father reconciles.”

Such is the divine activity we experience in our lives as Christians. There are times when we feel like a lost sheep that Jesus carries tenderly on his shoulder.

Then we experience the unconditional love of a God as a Father.

And there are times when God through the Church acts as a mother who never gives up seeking for her long-lost children.

We hope that many more people would experience these loving and compassionate actions of God. He never gets tired of seeking us out, forgiving us, and receiving us back home to his heart despite the many times we leave him or forget about him.

He’s looking out from the window hoping for our return, as the fa-

ther in the Parable of the Prodigal Son does.

The Church that Jesus Christ established acts then as a mother who always thinks of the spiritual care of her children. She hurts when her children do not practice their faith. She longs for their presence and hopes for their safety. In a secular world that presents so many false illusions of truth, happiness, and fulfillment, she hopes that her children would ultimately find the Way, the Truth, and the Life in Jesus Christ and through the Sacraments of the Church.

Let’s manifest and proclaim these attributes of God, especially to those who have stayed away from the Church. Let’s offer all our prayers to Mary, our Blessed Mother, for them and all people!

Amen. *** Fr. Rodel “Odey” Balagtas is the pastor of Incarnation Church in Glendale, California.

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COMMUNITY JOURNAL

Sex harassment creates a hostile work environment CHASTITY Jones, is a 42year-old single mother, who worked as a sales accountant Hologram USA and FilmOn.TV, companies owned by billionaire Alkiviades David. FilmOn. TV Networks is an online television service and Hologram USA operates a hologram theater in Hollywood that has produced holographic images of entertainers Billie Holiday, Jackie Wilson and Bernie Mac. Jones said that during her employment at David’s companies, David subjected her to a barrage of sexually harassing conduct. Jones said David forced her to watch a repulsive fetish video. David also hired a male stripper to come to the workplace during an executive’s birthday celebration. She said she found the stripper’s appearance offensive and considered it sexual harassment.

Jones said David gave her unwanted shoulder rubs while she worked. Jones also claimed sexual battery which included three incidents where David, while at the workplace, touched Jones’ private parts without her consent.

Jones said she was hired in January 2015 but was fired in November 2016 because she refused to have sex with David.

Jones sued David and his companies for wrongful termination, sexual harassment, sexual assault and battery, and retaliation.

Although the law is not designed to rid the workplace of vulgarity, specific conduct may cross the line from “vulgarity” into sexual harassment. Courts recognize two types of sexual harassment. The first type is

Protecting Employee & Consumer Rights ATTY. C. JOE SAYAS, JR. called quid pro quo harassment.

This harassment exists when submission to a sexual conduct is made a condition of employment benefits. When Jones was fired for refusing to submit to David’s sexual demands, it can be argued that sex with David was a condition of Jones’ continued employment at David’s companies.

The second type involves harassment created by a “hostile environment.” This claim may arise where unwelcome sexual conduct interferes with an employee’s job performance or creates a hostile working environment, even if it does not lead to economic job benefits. In Jones’ case, David’s unwelcome sexual comments and inappropriate touching of Jones despite her requests to stop created a hostile work environment for her (and others who witnessed this interaction), even if there was no threat of termination. The hiring of the stripper may also have crossed the line and created a hostile environment for those who found it offensive, as Jones did.

In either type of sexual harassment, the complainant must establish that the sexual conduct is unwelcome, or must create a work environment that would be intimidating, hostile, or offensive to reasonable people.

If the employee’s efforts to end

sexual harassment by reporting it to management resulted in suspension or termination, management’s conduct may be retaliation. Sexual harassment and retaliation cases are taken seriously by the courts and the juries.

In Jones’ case, the jury found David and his companies liable for sexual harassment and sexual battery. The jury agreed that she was wrongfully terminated after refusing David’s advances. The jury also deemed that workplace management knew or should have known about the harassment and hostile environment but failed to stop it. The jury awarded Jones $3.1 million in compensatory damages. The jury also found that the employers acted with malice, fraud or oppression, which entitled Jones to punitive damages. After hearing evidence regarding the malicious and oppressive nature of David’s conduct, the jury ordered David to pay $8 million in punitive damages for committing sexual battery. *** The Law Offices of C. Joe Sayas, Jr. welcomes inquiries about this topic. All inquiries are confidential and at no-cost.

You can contact the office at (818) 2910088 or visit www.joesayaslaw.com” www.joesayaslaw.com. [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 a Presidential Awardee for Outstanding Filipino Overseas in 2018.]

(Advertising Supplement)

What’s the difference between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy?

Debt Relief

ATTY. LAWRENCE YANG CHAPTER 7 is called the fresh start because it wipes out all dischargeable debt while allowing the debtor to keep most, if not all, of his assets.

Meanwhile, Chapter 13 is the reorganization of debtor’s financial affairs because he or she is allowed to restructure debts with partial or no payments.

In Chapter 7, the debtor pays nothing to creditors and gets a fresh start in life with no debt but keeping all exempt assets.

In Chapter 13, the debtor pays something to creditors depending on whether creditors are secured or unsecured.

Which is better, Chapter 7 or Chapter 13? The answer is it depends on what you are trying to achieve.

Let’s give some actual examples. The client is 64 and owes $50,000 of credit card debt. His gross income is $5,000 a month.

He is married and his daughter and two grandchildren live with him. His wife receives social security of $1,000 a month. He owns a house worth $500,000 on which he owes a mortgage of $325,000. He has a brand new Tesla Model X on which he pays $700 a month. These are the basic facts for this client. So, should he file for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13?

In this case, all of the debtor’s assets are exempt. He can keep all his assets. The bankruptcy trustee cannot take any of his assets to sell and liquidate for creditors. Paying for $50,000 of credit cards is taking a big chunk

out of his income. He needs to set aside $1,500 a month to keep his credit card masters happy every month with minimum payments.

So, if he can wipe out all of the $50K credit cards, he can save how much? He can save $1,500 a month, or $18,000 a year. In two years, he will save $36,000.

Whereas if he just kept on going without Chapter 7, he would pay $36,000 to his credit card masters, but would still owe how much of credit cards? After paying $36,000 in two years, he would still owe his credit card masters exactly the same $50,000 that he owed two years ago.

It would thus give the client a great benefit if he could just wipe out the $50,000 of credit cards now at the age of 64. Why? Because in two more years, he will be getting full social security benefits even if he continues working his job which gives him $5,000 a month. If he has to continue paying $1,500 a month for $50,000 of credit cards, the amount is significant enough to cause him a lot of financial and emotional pressure. It just doesn’t make any sense to not get rid of the $50,000 of credit cards now. It’s like having a bunch of monkeys on his back that he has to keep on feeding every day. Nobody in his right mind wants to be in this situation.

But does the client qualify for Chapter 7? Well, we have to check if the client will qualify for Chapter 7 using the means test.

We get his gross household income and family size and compare that with the state median

income to determine if it’s below or over the median. If he is below the median, then we don’t have to proceed to the next step. He would appear to be eligible for Chapter 7. If he is over the median, we will have to determine if he has at least some disposable income that will allow him to pay at least 25% of the $50,000 in Chapter 13. We use the IRS deductions to arrive at his net disposable income. If his disposable income is such that he can pay at least 25% of the $50,000 over 60 months, then he would not be eligible for Chapter 7. If his case is filed as Chapter 7, there would be what’s called a “presumption of abuse” and he would have to be able to overcome that presumption of abuse by proving by a preponderance of the evidence that he is not abusing bankruptcy law. Motions to dismiss due to presumption of abuse are brought by the U.S. Trustee and debtor would have to respond to that motion before a federal bankruptcy judge. If the judge believes the debtor, then he still gets a discharge despite the presumption of abuse arising. Let’s just say that it’s not an easy task to overcome the presumption of abuse.

Let’s say the client passed the means test and there is no presumption of abuse. Then, I would file client’s case as Chapter 7 so he can get a fresh start without the burden of the $50,000 credit cards, which would be totally wiped out, while he keeps all his assets. If the client fails the means

u PAGE C5

People and Events

Fil-Ams to pray for clergymen accused of sedition FILIPINOS, Latinos, Marian groups, civic organizations and devotees will join in an afternoon procession during the annual pilgrimage to Mary on Sunday, September 22 at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels (500 W. Temple Street, Los Angeles).

Procession and Mass will be at 2:30 p.m.

This year’s celebration includes special prayers for the Catholic Church in the Philippines so that the clergy and faithful be always courageous instruments of God’s truth, love and peace. Archbishop Romulo Valles, president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, has asked Filipinos to pray in solidarity for four Catholic Bishops, three priests and a religious brother among others who have been filed with charges of inciting sedition, libel, and obstruction of justice by Philippine authorities.

Newly appointed Filipino Auxiliary Bishop Alejandro Aclan of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles will preside in the solemn concelebrated Mass, Catholic columnist, Rev. Rodel Balagtas will

deliver the homily, as he leads his ‘kabalens’ from Minalin who are hosting this event. The highlight of the festivities is the reenactment of the canonical coronation of Virgen De Los Remedios bestowed by Pope Pius X11 in 1956.

Devotion to Virgen De Los Remedios dates back to the galleon trades between Mexico and the Philippines in the 15th Century. One of the oldest Marian images is the Virgen De Los Remedios enshrined at Malate Church. With a growing Communist movement in 1952, Bishop Cesar Maria Guerrero entrusted the province of Pampanga under her patronage.

He sent out the image of Virgen De Los Remedios to visit every village, town and city so that people could gather in prayer and learn from Mary the right way to live, to find God and live in harmony. These visitations continue up to the present day with daily Masses and recitation of the rosary.

“Kapampangans” in Los Angeles introduced the tradition of

presenting a crown to Our Lady every September as “a symbol of her dominion over us, because we know that we will always be in good hands- in the hands of a mother.” There are places all over Spain and Latin America including India dedicated in honor of the Virgen De Los Remedios.

At this time of the year, Mexicas pay homage to the 18th-century image of Virgen De Los Remedios in the Cathedral of Naulcapan. Numerous miracles and answered prayers are attributed trough the intercession of Virgen De Los Remedios. Marriages are strengthened, families reunited, sick get healed and disputes are settled. Everyone is invited to come in their national costumes; bring families and children.

“Mary is the sure path to our meeting with Christ. Devotion to the Mother of the Lord, when it is genuine, is always an impetus to a life guided by the spirit and values of the Gospel.” – St. John Paul ll For more information, please call: Vidal Aguas at (323) 6307652 ■

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • SEPTEMBER 14-17, 2019

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Checklist – If immigration officers (ICE) knock on your door RECENTLY, our office has noticed growing concern in the community about the possibility of immigration (ICE) agents unexpectedly knocking on the door of your home. Our office has received a lot of inquiry as to what to do in such a situation.

It is important to realize that all people living in the United States, including undocumented immigrants, have certain U.S. Constitutional rights. If you are undocumented and immigration (ICE) agents knock on your door, know that you have the following rights: • You do not have to open the door. You do not have to open the door or let the officers into your home unless they have a valid search warrant signed by a judge.

• An ICE deportation warrant is not the same as a search warrant. If this is the only document they have, they cannot legally come inside unless you verbally agree to let them in.

• If the officers say they have a search warrant signed by a judge, ask them to slide it under the door or hold it up to a window so you can see it.

• If the warrant does not have your correct name and address

Legal Advice ATTY. DARRICK TAN on it and is not signed by a judge, you do not have to open the door or let them inside.

• If at any point you decide to speak with the officers, you do not need to open the door to do so. You can speak to them through the door or step outside and close the door.

• You have the right to remain silent. You do not need to speak to the immigration officers or answer any questions.

• If you are asked where you were born or how you entered the United States, you may refuse to answer or remain silent.

• If you choose to remain silent, say so out loud.

• You may refuse to show identity documents that say what country you are from.

• Do not show any false documents and do not lie.

• You have the right to speak to a lawyer. If you are detained or taken into custody, you have the

right to immediately contact a lawyer.

• Even if you do not have a lawyer, you may tell the immigration officers that you want to speak to one.

• If you have a lawyer, you have the right to talk to them. If you have a signed Form G-28, which shows you have a lawyer, give it to an officer.

• You can refuse to sign any/ all paperwork until you have had the opportunity to speak to a lawyer.

• If you choose to sign something without speaking to a lawyer, be sure you understand exactly what the document says and means before you sign it. *** 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) 639-0277.

Email: info@dtanlaw.com.

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Consular report of birth...

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is a U.S. citizenship document or evidence of U.S. citizenship of a child born abroad to a U.S. citizen parent/s who meet the requirements for transmitting citizenship under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). CRBA applications must be made before the child’s 18th birthday and it is recommended that the parents apply for CRBA as soon as possible after the child’s birth.

In order to transmit U.S. citizenship to a child, the U.S citizen (USC) parent/s must have been a USC at the time of the child’s birth and must have accrued sufficient physical presence in the U.S. to transmit citizenship. The physical presence requirements depends on the date of birth of the child and the marital status of the parents at the time of the child’s birth.

If a child is born abroad to 2 USC parents who are married at the time of birth, the child is

entitled to citizenship, provided that one of the parents, prior to the birth of the child, had been a resident of the U.S..

For a child born out of wedlock abroad, the following regulations apply: (1) if the child is born to a USC mother on or before June 11, 2017, the child may be entitled to U.S. citizenship if the USC mother had been physically present in the U.S. for a continuous period of at least one year (365 days) at some time prior to the child’s birth; (2) if the child is born to a USC mother on or after June 12, 2017, the child may be entitled to U.S. citizenship if the USC mother had been physically present in the U.S. for at least 5 years, 2 years of which are at the age of 14 at some time prior to the child’s birth; (3) if the child is born to a USC father on or after November 14, 1986, the child may be entitled to US citizenship if the USC father had been physically present in the U.S. for

at least 5 years, 2 years of which are at the age of 14 at some time prior to the child’s birth. *** ATTY. RHEA SAMSON is a Partner at LINDAIN & SAMSON LAW FIRM. Atty.

Lindain and Atty. Samson are both licensed to practice law in California and in the Philippines. Both Attorneys were also professors. LINDAIN & SAMSON LAW FIRM aims to provide excellent and efficient legal representation to clients, and support clients in achieving their goals and dreams.

As professors, Atty. Lindain and Atty. Samson wish to educate the younger generation, as it is through education and continuous study that one can achieve success and serve others.

Please visit our office: LINDAIN & SAMSON LAW FIRM 3580 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 1710, Los Angeles, CA 90010 Call or text us: (213) 381.5710 Email us: attorneys@lindainsamsonlaw. com.

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Calendar of Events across

PEOPLE AND EVENTS

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 S E P T E M B E R 22

Virgen de los Remedios procession and mass in Los Angeles Filipinos, Latinos, Marian groups, civic organizations and devotees will join in an afternoon procession during the annual pilgrimage to Mary on Sunday, September 22, 2019 at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in downtown Los Angeles. This year’s celebration includes special prayers for the Catholic Church in the Philippines that the clergy and faithful be always courageous instruments of God’s truth, love and peace. Archbishop Romulo Valles, president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines has asked Filipinos to pray in solidarity for four Catholic bishops, three priests and a religious brother among others who have been filed with charges of inciting sedition, libel and obstruction of justice by Philippine authorities. Newly appointed Filipino auxiliary bishop Alejandro Aclan of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles will preside in the solemn concelebrated Mass. Catholic columnist, Rev. Rodel Balagtas will deliver the homily, as he leads his kabalens from Minalin who are hosting this event. The highlight of the festivities is the reenactment of canonical coronation of Virgen de los Remedios bestowed by Pope Pius XII in 1956. The procession and mass begins at 2:30 p.m.

‘Friends…Unplugged,’ a benefit concert in Los Angeles The Philippine Disaster Relief Organization (PeDRO), in partnership with the ABS-CBN Foundation International, presents ‘Friends…Unplugged,’ a benefit concert in Los Angeles on Sunday, September 22 at 3 p.m. at the Aratani Theater (244 S. San Pedro Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012). Artists included Becca Godinez, Morris Albert, Odette Quesada, Ner De Leon and Kevin Click. Additional artists to be announced. Tickets are $65 for lower orchestra, $45 for upper orchestra and $35 for Balcony.

S E P T E M B E R 28

75th Anniversary of Leyte fundraiser gala in Carson, CA The Erasto R. Batongmalaque Foundation will be holding a fundraising gala on Saturday, September 28 at the Carson Community Center leading up to the 75th anniversary of the Leyte landing on Oct. 20. The foundation is dedicated to servicing the ongoing needs of surviving veterans of World War II as well as other veterans of recent conflicts. This will lead into two other events on Oct. 12 and Oct. 20. The ticket is at $75 payable to the E.R.B. Foundation. Call Julie at (310) 835-8365 or (424) 257-2504 for more information.

Feast of San Lorenzo Ruiz in Chatsworth, CA The Archdiocese of Los Angeles Filipino Ministry invites you to the San Fernando Region celebration of the feast day of the first Filipino Saint, San Lorenzo Ruiz de Manila. This festive occasion will take place on Saturday, September 28, 2019 at St. John Eudes Church, 9901 Mason St., Chatsworth, CA 91311. Procession will start at 10:30 a.m. Eucharistic celebration will immediately follow at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Joel Henson, director of Ongoing Formation of Clergy, Archdiocese of Los Angeles as the main celebrant. Reception, fellowship and program to follow immediately after the mass. For further inquiries, please contact Patty Santiago (818)472-4288, Dominic Mendoza (818) 687-4890 or Mia Macalino (818) 517-4300.

O C TO B E R 5

Asian American Drug Abuse Program to host annual benefit in Los Angeles Back by popular demand, the legendary Kalapana and special guest Michael Paulo will be performing once again at the Asian American Drug Abuse Program (AADAP)’s annual benefit on Saturday, October 5. Kalapana emerged as one of the most popular bands on the Hawaiian music scene in the 70s, producing a steady stream of hits. Their 1975 debut album was hailed as one of the best of the mid-70s Hawaiian renaissance. Tracks like “Naturally,” “Nightbird,” “The Hurt,” “You Make It Hard,” and “When the Morning Comes” became household tunes and still enjoy frequent play on contemporary Hawaiian radio. Musical trends have come and gone, but Kalapana’s many hits have remained Island classics. This promises to be an unforgettable experience, as it pays tribute to the late Malani Bilyeu, founding member and Hoku Awardwinning artist. Performing as Kalapana will be: DJ Pratt (lead guitar, vocals), Gaylord Holomalia (keyboards, vocals), Kenji Sano (bass, vocals); accompanied by: Todd Yukumoto (saxophone & flute), Garin Poliahu (drums) and John Valentine (vocals, guitar); and special guest Michael Paulo (saxophone). Aratani Theatre is located at 244 S. San Pedro Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012. The program will begin at 6 p.m. with a VIP reception, followed by the concert at 7 p.m. and a dessert reception and meet-and-greet at 9 p.m. For more information, please visit www. showtime-AADAP.org.

Filipino American History Month celebration in Carson, CA The City of Carson, California will be holding its annual Filipino American History Month celebration on Saturday, October 5 from 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. It will be at the Congresswoman Juanita Millender-McDonald Community Center (801 E. Carson St. Carson, CA 90745). For more information, please call (310) 830-9991.

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Beatrock Music’s 10 year anniversary in Los Angeles Beatrock Music, an artist-driven, independent West Coast Hip Hop record label announced their entire lineup for their 10 Year Anniversary concert on Sunday October 6, 2019. Since 2009, the label has released a prolific catalog and has amassed a dedicated fanbase around the globe.

To celebrate their 10 Year anniversary, Beatrock Music will host an all-day music festival, partnering with community organizations to produce programming fit for Hip Hop fans of all ages.

Fans can expect a day of music and arts programming, with live performances from Beatrock Music artists including: Klassy, Ruby Ibarra, Bambu, Prometheus Brown, Rocky Rivera and more.

Parents are welcome to bring kids and can enjoy the live-art activation led by artist Bodeck Luna. Attendees can also enjoy food and merchandise for purchase from local artisan vendors.

The 10 Year Anniversary will also feature local community organizations, utilizing the event to amplify the work and increase the impact of each organization’s mission. As an added treat, the concert will feature a special guest performance from G. Yamazawa, a National Poetry Slam Champion, Cultural Diplomat for the Department of State and Kundiman Fellow. The Beatrock Music 10 Year Anniversary celebration takes place on Sunday October 6, 2019 (12 p.m.-8 p.m) at Bootleg Theater (2220 Beverly Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90057). All ages are welcome. Tickets are available at BeatrockMusic.com.

O C TO B E R 1 1 -1 3

Palaris Colleges Alumni 4th International Reunion in Las Vegas, NV All alumni of the Palaris Colleges are invited to attend the 4th International Reunion to be held at the Gold Coast Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada from October 11 to October 13. Let us rekindle friendships, reminisce, renew acquaintances and create new memories! For more information, please contact Lumen Mendoza, executive chair, at (408) 718-9729 or send email to lumen_mendoza@yahoo.com; or Claver “Butch” Soriano, PCAA president, at (412) 805-1944 or send email to clasor@aol.com.

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West Ranch High School presents the Wildcat Classic in Valencia, CA West Ranch High School is proud to present the 11th annual Wildcat Classic, a daylong display of musical artistry on Saturday, October 19. More than 20 high school bands from the Santa Clarita Valley and around the region will gather for the Southern California School Band and Orchestra (SCSBOA) Marching Band Competition. The Wildcat Classic will take place at Valencia High School’s football stadium, located at 27801 Dickason Dr. in Valencia. Tickets are $12; parking is free. Each high school band will compete by division followed by an astounding showcase performance of the three-time state champion West Ranch Band and Colorguard.

The day-long event culminates in an awards ceremony with trophies presented in each division as decided by a panel of SCSBOA judges. The performance schedule will be announced prior to the event. Vendors will be on site with plenty of delectable food and drink options as well as gifts and apparel for the music enthusiast. For additional information, please contact West Ranch Music Director Jason Marshall at 661-222-1220 x 646 or jmarshall@hartdistrict.org or visit www.westranchmusic.com.

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

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PeoPle and events

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • SEPTEMBER 14-17, 2019

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Call for artists to celebrate excellence in visual arts Largest University of PH alumni gathering in LA... ahead of November 16 Arts and Glamour Night PAGE C1 t

Awardees featured in art exhibit, community heroes and trailblazers to be honored

ATTENDEES at the November 16 dinner-dance event at the Long Beach Marriott shall be treated to a feast for the eyes. This unique concept is the vision of Emerald Lantern Group who want to showcase the world-class caliber of Filipino American visual artists.

Wilson Deomampo is one of the Emerald Awardees, among the carefully selected Fine Artists, most of whom are professional world-class architects as well.

Deomampo has worked on the famed Merlion Tower in Singapore. He mounted recently a successful full-scale exhibition titled “LIVE LOVE LIFE: Drawings of Architect Wilson B. Deomampo” held in Shanghai, China He is currently in the process of publishing his first book titled “Visual Diary” A celebration of Creative Spark in 30 years of Architecture, which is a compilation of his design drawings using different mediums of illustrations in chronological order from 1987–2017 as well as travel sketches from around the world.

A call for Exhibiting Artists can be found on www.emeraldlanterngroup.com, where they are seeking more visual artists to join the Emerald Awardees in exhibiting their work.

Other awardees are Community Heroes, for extraordinary work that benefits the Filipino American community, such as Consul General Adel Cruz for his rescue work in Libya. Trailblazers shall be recognized for their pio-

neering efforts that benefit Filipinos, such as Eddie Ferrer, who has been multiplying his efforts to bring Filipino products to the global market.

The prime movers of this event are art enthusiasts and professionals Ron Tuanquin, Giovanni Javier, Rose Capobres, spearheaded by Emerald’ President, Rosemarie De Vera. Though De Vera’s claim to fame is as Mutya ng Pilipinas in 1980, in her college years, she had been winning awards and joining exhibits.

Before she was a recording artist and actress in films with the likes of renowned action star Fernando Poe Jr., she had been winning art awards in college, some even for sculpting the Virgin Mary’s face on soap. She continues to draw and sketch today.

De Vera has been married to Giovanni Javier, with whom she not only shares a marketing business, with but the passion for art.

Javier is also a professional painter, model mold maker and sculptor who graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree through a scholarship at the Arts Institute in Chicago. A winner of painting contests, Javier went on to doing commissions in Chicago restoring artwork in the Chicago Archdiocese, including an oil painting of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Holy Trinity Church. He went on to create professional props for the movie industry in Hollywood, CA. Exhibit Art Director Ron Tu-

anquin will be exhibiting as well.

The Design Manager of Retail Design Collaborative in Long Beach studied architecture at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila. Tuanquin’s talents as a professional designer/ illustrator has brought him to do commissioned work for clients in Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Brunei. He has been designing Commercial Retail Buildings still using hand-drawing techniques for the initial stages of design. His watercolor paintings are currently being shown at the Midnight Gallery in the Arts District in Long Beach.

Rose Capobres, owner of Smart Tax Inc and property manager of UPAAGLA’s officers and board of directors participate in the induction ceremony during the gala on Saturday, Sept. 7. several buildings, was a former model of Philippine designer Mike de la Rosa. Capobres and De Vera have also been supporting “Gabay,” a Parents Group of Children with Cerebral Palsy and Autism, for which part of the proceeds of this event will be donated.

Early bird tickets are only $75, with regular pricing taking effect on Oct 16 for $100. Register online at www.artsandglamournight.eventbrite.com, or call Vanie (818) 284-7966 or Wawan (818) 648-4709. For more information email emerald@ musicartsevents. com or visit www.emeraldlanterngroup.com. Event starts at 6:30 p.m. on November 16 at the Long UPAAGLA sponsors: Charles Ligeti, Rose Hills, US Army, Natalia MatituMercado, Dr. Arnel Joaquin & Dr. Agnes Joaquin, Philippine Airlines, Lay Beach Marriott Hotel at 4700 AirBare, the Asian Journal, TFC, Pilipino Express, Philippine Post, Puente Hills port Plaza Dr, Long Beach, CA U.S. Army Color Guard Maserati, Alfa Romeo and VW 90815. n This record-breaking event was made possible with the support of many generous donors and sponsors including: Charles Ligeti; Rose Hills; U.S. Army; UPAAGLA 1st Vice President, Natalia Matitu-Mercado; the Asian Journal; Philippine Post; Pilipino Express; Philippine Airlines; Lay Bare; Dr. Arnel and Agnes Joaquin; TFC; Puente Hills Maserati, Alfa Romeo, and VW. UPAAGLA, founded in 1999, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit alumni organization that aims to engage U.P. Alumni in Southern California and to raise funds to support the various academic programs and capital improvement projects in the eight campuses of the University of the Philippines. To donate to the UPAAGLA Endowment Fund or become a member, please visit their website at www.upaagla.org. n

City of Los Angeles Board of Public Works Commissioner Jessica Caloza and UPAAGLA President Ethel Rubio

National Asian American Coalition President and CEO Faith Bautista and LA Board of Public Works Commissioner Jessica Caloza AJPress photos by Noel Ty

What’s the difference between Chapter 7...

PAGE C3 t

test, then I would file his case as Chapter 13 where he would have to pay at least $200 a month for 60 months, more or less. This means he pays $12,000 over 60 months, just the principal; no interest. After paying $12,000, the court will discharge $38,000 of the $50,000 and he will owe nothing.

Now, if the client in this example had a house that is worth $510,000, not $500,000, and owed $325,000 on it, I will file this case as Chapter 13 where the client would pay about $180 a month over 60 months. After that, $40,000 will be discharged.

If we add another fact, say client owes $10,000 to the IRS for last year’s income tax, then I would also file this as Chapter 13 where he would pay $150,000 a month to the IRS over 60 months with nothing paid to the $50K credit cards.

After that, the entire $50,000 would be wiped out.

In other words, only the IRS gets paid the $10,000, the credit cards do not get anything. If we filed this as Chapter 7 under the first set of circumstances, the $50,000 would be wiped out, but the $10,000 IRS

debt would not be discharged because the income tax is not yet three years old. If the tax were owed for the year 2016 and all other conditions to discharge income tax were present, then Chapter 7 would wipe out the $50,000 credit cards, and the $10,000 income tax.

As you can see, many factors can affect which case should be filed, Chapter 7 or Chapter 13. And the fact is that there are many other factors that can affect the issue of which case should be filed for the debtor, Chapter 7 or Chapter 13.

Suffice it to say that bankruptcy law is actually pretty complicated.

If you need debt relief, set an appointment to see me. I will analyze your case personally. *** Lawrence Bautista Yang specializes in Bankruptcy, Business, Real Estate and Civil Litigation and has successfully represented more than five thousand clients in California. Please call Angie, Barbara or Jess at (626) 284-1142 for an appointment at 20274 Carrey Road, Walnut, CA 91789 or 1000 S. Fremont Ave., Mailstop 58, Building A-10 South-Lower Level Suite 10042, Alhambra, CA 91803.

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • SEPTEMBER 14-17, 2019

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Safeguarding your petition

Immigration Corner ATTY. MICHAEL GURFINKEL, ESQ MOST family-based petitions take years to be processed and for the priority date to finally become current. For example, it could take nine or more years for USCIS to process a petition for a married son or daughter or a sibling, and then up to 30 years for the priority date to become current, or visa to become available.

Meanwhile, there could have been changes in circumstances that could affect the petition and/ or could result in the case being denied or terminated without the alien’s knowledge.

The following are some of the more common situations I have encountered with Filipinos in connection with issues they have with their petitions. It could help your case if you follow these tips or suggestions to safeguard your petition: • Make copies and file by certified or overnight mail. I’ve encountered situations where a person came for a consultation stating they “remembered” that some time back in the early 80s or late 90s, Tatay filed some sort of petition. When I asked for a copy, they state they cannot locate it. Or they did not bother making any copies before filing, and sent it by regular mail. To

Part 1 establish eligibility for a benefit, case was filed and it is beyond you need documentary proof, USCIS’s processing times, but not your memory. Therefore, no approval notice was received, whenever you submit anything you could have issues or probto USCIS, make copies and don’t lems with your case.

• Notify USCIS and NVC of adsend it by regular mail. Sending or filing by certified or overnight dress change. If the petitioner mail at least provides a record/ or beneficiary moved since the date the petition was filed, you receipt.

• Get the filing receipt. Once need to notify the USCIS and a person files a petition, they NVC of your new address. It is should get a receipt within a few not enough you give a postcard weeks. If you filed something, to the post office when you first but never received a receipt, move, as that notification expires there may be problems as to after one year. You need to give whether it was ever received by direct notice to USCIS and the the USCIS. The receipt is impor- NVC. This is critical because tant because it has the receipt if you do not provide your new number, which is how USCIS address, they will send notices to the last address they have on will track your document.

• Get the approval notice, file. Sometimes the USCIS will check processing times. After request for evidence (RFE) and the petition has been filed and there is a deadline to respond. the receipt is issued, keep track If you do not respond within the of the approval notice. I have had deadline, the case could be demany situations where a person nied or terminated.

For example, a petition is filed, may have received the filing receipt, but not the actual approval the family moves, and five years notice. Receiving the approval later USCIS sends a request for notice depends on how back- evidence (RFE) to the old adlogged the USCIS is and their dress, giving the person 87 days processing times for particular to respond. The person never petitions. For example, petitions receives the RFE, because they by green card holders of their moved. The case is then denied spouse and minor children could for abandonment. Meanwhile, take up to two years to process. the family keeps waiting for Petitions for a brother and sis- years and years on the petition, ter of a US citizens could take unaware it had been denied. at least 10 years before the ap- And you can’t seek reconsideraproval notice would be received. tion on the grounds you never So, you may not receive the ap- received the notice, because it proval notice right away. If your PAGE D2

Business Quote of the Week “People don’t take opportunities because the timing is bad, the financial side unsecure.

Too many people are overanalyzing.

Sometimes you just have to go for it.”

— Michelle Zatlyn, Co-founder of CloudFlare

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Fitch keeps PH growth projection at 6.1%

by MAYVELIN

U. CARABALLO ManilaTimes.net

FITCH Ratings has maintained its 6.1-percent growth forecast for the Philippine economy this year as it expects it to bounce back in the second half.

In a report released on Tuesday, September 10, the global credit ratings agency said the figure kept the country among “the fastest-growing economies” in the Asia-Pacific region.

The projected figure falls within the government’s downwardly revised 6- to 7-percent gross domestic product (GDP) growth target range.

Fitch also said it “expects growth to improve in 2H19 [second half of 2019] following a weak first half. Growth was weighed down by the delay in budget implementation and a weak external environment.”

The government earlier reported that the country’s GDP expansion slowed to 5.5 percent in the second quarter, bringing growth in the first half of the year to 5.5 percent.

A dispute between the Senate and the House of Representatives over alleged insertions resulted in the four-and-a-half-month de-

Workers are busy at a construction site in Quezon City. Manilatimes.net photo by Ruy Martinez

lay in the passage of this year’s budget. This forced the government to run on last year’s outlay, limiting it to spend for items detailed in the 2018 appropriations and not on programs and projects supposed to be implemented this year.

Fitch also believes that the tight monetary policy and slowing growth momentum last year “have lowered overheating risks” for the economy.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas implemented a cumulative rate hikes of 175 basis last year,

when the country’s economic growth slowed to 6.2 percent from 6.7 percent in 2017.

On the country’s average inflation rate, the debt watcher expects it to slow to 3.1 percent this year from 5.2 percent in 2018.

Its inflation forecast fell within the 2- to 4-percent official target range of the government, but was higher than the 2.6-percent forecast of the central bank.

Year-to-date average inflation rate now stands at 3.0 percent following the three-year-low 1.7percent print in August. ■

The ICT sector accounted for the biggest share of investments during the period with P308.8 billion, well above the P340 million it generated a year ago.

Power projects, which previously had the lion’s share of investments, took the second spot with P195.1 billion as of end-August, a 50.5 percent increase from P129.6 billion in the same period last year.

In terms of sources of investments, domestic firms continued to account for the bulk at P404.5 billion as of end-August, up 61.2 percent from P251 billion last year.

Approved foreign investments, meanwhile, surged to P204.5 billion as of end-August from just

P18.3 billion in the same period in 2018.

Finance Undersecretary Karl Kendrick Chua said the increase in investments committed by foreign companies shows that the investors continue to have confidence in the Philippines, and that fears of investment flight due to the expected passage of the Corporate Income Tax and Incentives Rationalization Act (CITIRA) are unfounded.

“It goes to show that the noisy naysayers against the long-due efforts to reform the country’s convoluted corporate income tax (CIT) system are mistaken,” Chua said.

Singapore continued to top foreign sources of investments with PAGE D2

Investment pledges more than double

by NESTOR

CORRALES Inquirer.net

THE pipeline of projects approved by the Board of Investments (BOI) – the country’s main investment promotion agency – more than doubled in the first eight months, strengthening government’s claim that investors are not spooked by a proposed law which seeks to rationalize fiscal incentives.

Investments registered with the BOI surged 126 percent to P609.04 billion from P269.3 billion in the same period last year, with projects in the information and communication sector as the main driver amid the ongoing digital transformation.

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Boost sustainability drive, PH business leaders told Data security a major concern to PH consumers

by Tyrone Jasper

C. piad

ManilaTimes.net

THE Philippine business sector should continue promoting sustainability as it is not spared from the adverse impact of climate change, a global business advisor said.

During the Management Association of the Philippines’ (MAP) 17th International CEO Conference on Tuesday, September 10, in Makati City, Gate International Ltd. President Henry Wang said local businesses are in a nation cited as the “number one most affected country by climate change” in the global climate risk index.

Wang said geography was partly to blame as the Philippines is situated in the western Pacific Ocean. “The Philippines is sur-

rounded by naturally warm water that will likely get even warmer as average sea-surface temperatures continue to rise,” he said.

Climate-related disasters and risks, such as cyclones, cost the world output $4 trillion annually, affecting trade, investment, fuel and electricity, among others, Wang said.

As a prescription for the Philippines, Wang said more firms should follow suit in issuing green bonds being programmed to fund initiatives aiding the environment.

“More and more corporations are raising green bonds …. [and] ethical investors are tremendously interested,” he added.

Nevertheless, Wang lauded the government for mandating listed companies to submit annual sustainability report beginning 2020

amid the threat posed by climate change.

The report, which he described as an “important requirement that has to be reported,” covers non-financial and sustainability matters including environmental, social and governance, among others.

Earlier, the Securities and Exchange Commission released Memorandum Circular 04 series of 2019 or the Sustainability Reporting Guidelines for PubliclyListed Companies.

Wang also welcomed the government’s call to promote renewable energy resources to reduce the country’s dependence on coal as a source of electricity.

He said clean energy is the key for sustainability which could help lower electricity prices in PAGE D3

Investment pledges more than...

PAGE D1 t P170 billion in the January to August period.

Netherlands placed second with P9.2 billion, followed by Thailand at third place with P8.6 billion, Japan fourth with P6 billion, and the U.S. fifth with P2.4 billion.

Sought for comment, ING Bank senior economist Nicholas Mapa said the latest numbers on foreign investment pledges may point to continued confidence in the prospects of the Philippine economy, with or without the implementation of CITIRA. “Still one of the fastest growth centers and boasting a young and skilled working population, growth potential in the Philippines remains a cut above most of our peers,” Mapa said in an email.

“There was a noticeable deceleration, however, in both debt instruments (loans from headquarters) and fresh equity (so-called fresh FDI) in 2019, perhaps showing that although some investors remain upbeat over the Philippines, others may want to see the final version of the CITIRA law before deciding how to proceed on their planned investment,” Mapa said.

He said the reinvestment of earnings continued to expand, “demonstrating the faith of corporations who have already located onshore as they vote with their money, choosing to plow back profits into Philippine operations.”

For the month of August alone,

Inquirer.net file photo

by Miguel

r. CaMus

Inquirer.net

DATA security attacks remain a top concern for Filipinos, many of whom respond to data breaches with lawsuits and social media exposes, the latest Unisys Security Index showed.

The survey, conducted from Feb. 27 to March 22 this year, noted that Philippine consumers recorded the “highest level of concern” about security issues.

They topped those in 12 other countries: Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Germany, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, the United Investments registered with the BOI surged 126 percent to P609.04 billion from P269.3 billion in Kingdom and the United States. the same period last year, with projects in the information and communication sector as the main Unisys said three out of four driver amid the ongoing digital transformation.

Philstar.com file photo by Justin Sullivan top concerns in the Philippines investments approved by the BOI P134.5 billion project of Philip- related to data security. These grew 1,640.9 percent to P296.2 pine Fiber Optic Cable Network billion from just P17 billion last Ltd. Inc.; and the P16.7 billion cement facility of Republic Ceyear.

“The August figure of invest- ment and Building Materials Inc. PAGE D1 t ment approvals nearly matches in Rizal.

Given the latest approved in- was your responsibility to notify investments approved for the first seven months of 2019, amount- vestments, Trade Undersecretary the government of your new ading to P312.8 billion. This shows and BOI managing head Ceferino dress.

Similarly, the NVC will send big-ticket projects have begun to Rodolfo said the agency remains roll in and proves that the Philip- on track to meet the P1 trillion notices to the last address they have on file for you. If you move, pine economy remains resilient target this year.

“We still have pending big- they will send the notices to your in attracting investors despite the global slowdown,” Trade Secre- ticket projects that need to be old address, giving you one year tary and BOI chairman Ramon thoroughly studied and evalu- to respond. If you do not reated. With four months remain- spond, the case is shredded and Lopez said.

Notable projects which se- ing, we have to ensure that those terminated, and the priority date cured approval from the BOI in who got the nod are deserving is lost.

In a future article I will discuss August include the P141.1 billion of the tax incentives and transinfrastructure project of ISOC late to more job opportunities for more tips and strategies for safeAsia Telecom Towers Inc. to our countrymen,” he said. (With guarding your petition.

But if you have experienced build 25,000 cellular towers; the Mary Grace Padin) n

were unauthorized access to personal information (90 percent of respondents), internet hacking and viruses (87 percent) and bankcard fraud (84 percent).

The other major concern was natural disasters, as noted by 89 percent.

The same survey said 36 percent of Filipinos suffered a data breach in the last year.

Those were e-mail hacking, social engineering scams where victims are enticed to divulge information and the hacking of their social media profiles.

The results have broad implications for consumers, but also businesses and government institutions, which will ultimately bear the brunt of the blame.

“Consumers hold the business or government agency responsi-

ble for not protecting their data, and many Filipinos are taking action,” said Ashwin Pal, Unisys director of security services for Asia Pacific.

He said 24 percent of Filipinos took legal action in response to a data breach. He said 21 percent cut ties or terminated their accounts while another 18 percent exposed the issue on social media.

“This results in customer loss, reputation damage, legal disputes and inhibits take-up of online or digital services,” he said.

Overall, the 2019 Unisys Security Index of the Philippine public is 234 out of 300, where 300 represents the highest level of concern. The figure is up from 232 in the company’s 2018 survey. n

any of the issues discussed in this article, you may want to seek the advice of an attorney to make sure your petition is still active and moving forward. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel has been an attorney for over 35 years and is licensed, and an active member of the State Bars of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California. Each case is different and results may depend on the facts of the particular case. The information and opinions contained herein (including testimonials, “Success

Stories”, endorsements and re-enactments) are of a general nature, and are not intended to apply to any particular case, and do not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorney-client relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader.

WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com Follow us on Facebook.com/GurfinkelLaw and Twitter @GurfinkelLaw Call Toll free to schedule a consultation for anywhere in the US: 1-866-4873465 (866) – GURFINKEL Four offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES ∙ SAN FRANCISCO ∙ NEW YORK ∙ PHILIPPINES

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BSP strengthens consumer protection

Infra spending spree seen to shield PH from global growth slowdown

by Daxim

L. Lucas

Inquirer.net

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas

by Lawrence

agcaoiLi Philstar.com

THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has strengthened its financial consumer protection framework in light of the increased complexity of financial products and rapid technological innovations in financial products and services.

BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno has issued Circular 1048 stating that the Monetary Board has approved the revision of the framework issued in 2014.

The BSP Charter mandates the central bank to promote broad and convenient access to high quality financial services and consider the interest of the general public.

Diokno said the BSP aims to ensure that financial service providers conduct ethical business practices and do not engage in practices that may cause harm to the consumer as well as consider consumer outcomes in the conduct of their business.

“Practices that harm consumers introduce risks not only at the level of the financial institution, but also to the overall health of the financial sector particularly through decreased public trust and confidence. A well-informed and protected consumer can better benefit from the financial

Philstar.com file photo

services received and be a more ture and risk profile.

The framework has retained responsible client,” he said. the five consumer protection The BSP chief pointed out the standards of conduct including framework establishes the guide- disclosure and transparency, lines and expectations from BSP protection of client information, supervised financial institutions fair treatment, effective recourse (BSFls) to institutionalize con- mechanism, and financial educasumer protection as an integral tion and awareness.

The BSP chief said financial component of corporate governance and culture as well as risk consumers have the right to expect that their financial transacmanagement.

“The objective of the frame- tions, as well as relevant personwork is for BSFIs to manage al information disclosed in the the risks of financial loss that course of a transaction, are kept are detrimental to the financial confidential and are secured.

“Toward this end, BSFIs must consumers or consumer protection risks inherent to the BSFIs’ ensure that they have well-aroperations that, if not properly ticulated information security managed, would affect other rel- guidelines, well-defined proevant risks, such as compliance, tocols, a secure database, and reputational, legal, operational periodically re-validated procedures in handling the personal and credit risks,” Diokno said.

The new circular also es- information of their financial pouses principles-based con- consumers,” Diokno said.

The BSP has also directed BSsumer protection regulations that are aligned with the BSP’s FIs not to employ practices that risk governance and compli- discriminate or take advantage ance frameworks and consistent of vulnerable groups such as with international practices and low-income earners or persons with disability. standards.

To facilitate transition, banks Also taking into account the emerging risks associated with are to perform a gap analysis of digital financial products and their current consumer protecservices, the framework provides tion practices in relation to the flexibility for the BSFIs to strate- new rules and to propose an acgize its consumer protection ap- tion plan duly approved by the proach commensurate with its board of directors to comply business model, corporate struc- therewith. n

PRESIDENT Duterte’s centerpiece “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program will provide the Philippines the stimulus it needs to keep creating jobs and open new investment opportunities as the feared global economic slowdown looms, according to the head of the administration’s economic team.

In a statement, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III stressed the country’s positive economic outlook as he invited Singaporean investors to consider investing in the infrastructure sector and other related businesses that would open up as a result of this modernization program.

He also informed a visiting delegation from the Singapore Business Federation (SBF) that the Philippines expects to hit upper middle-income country status next year on the strength of its stable macroeconomic fundamentals and game-changing reforms enacted over the first three years of the Duterte administration, such as the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Law. “I think we have proven that we can chew gum and walk across the room at the same time,” he said. “We can do reform and we can deliver in the field. We have done significant reforms in taxation, and we are moving forward

Inquirer.net file photo

with that,” Dominguez said in his meeting with SBF members at the Department of Finance office in Manila Monday morning, September 9.

He said the Duterte administration “delivered in the field,” as it was able to increase spending on infrastructure from 2.5 percent of the country’s gross domestic product in the last 50 years, to 5 percent of GDP in 2018.

Dominguez said the infrastructure building spree would create jobs and boost domestic consumption, thus shielding the domestic economy from the global growth slowdown, the adverse effects of the ongoing U.S.-China trade war and other risks to the government’s efforts to sustain the Philippines’ high growth rate.

“The Philippine economy con-

tinues to demonstrate strength, stability and resilience in adverse conditions,” he said. “We hope to sustain our growth, relying on strong domestic demand to offset the general slowdown.”

Led by its chair, Teo Siong Seng, the SBF met with Dominguez and other DOF officials to know more about the business climate in the country and explore investment opportunities here.

The SBF represents 25,800 companies based in Singapore.

“Even as the global economic outlook deteriorates further, we are confident that the economic stimulus provided by our infrastructure program will continue to create new jobs and be very beneficial for businesses in the sense that it will lower your logistics costs in the Philippines,” Dominguez said. n

Boost sustainability drive, PH business...

PAGE D2 t the country which has one of the highest power cost in Southeast Asia.

Meanwhile, MAP President Rizalina Mantaring said the business sector should prioritize sustainability.

She said the conference served as a platform for sharing insights and promoting stronger business partnerships to maintain competitiveness amid the fourth industrial revolution.

“The MAP conference focuses on … competitiveness and sustainability in the future which is [about] doing good, not just looking good; with purpose, not just profits,” she said.

Recently, MAP, along with audit firm PricewaterhouseCoopers, released a survey noting that 80 percent of the chief executive officers (CEOs) in the Philippines

Gate International Ltd. President Henry Wang

Manilatimes.net file photo

would change their business model in the next three to five years to promote sustainability.

“Income inequality, climate change, lack of access to qual-

ity education and environment damage are making sustainability a major concern for both private and public sectors,” the report said. n

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Vehicle sales slip in August by louella

DesIDerIo Philstar.com

VEHICLE sales dipped 2.4 percent in August from a year ago, the first time since January, due to the weak performance of the commercial vehicle (CV) segment and supply issues.

In a joint report yesterday, the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (CAMPI) and Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA) said combined sales reached 29,599 units in August, lower than the 30,313 units sold in the same month last year.

Total sales declined as rollouts of CVs were down 3.8 percent to 20,818 units from 21,635 units a year ago.

Passenger car (PC) sales, on the other hand, went up 1.2 percent to 8,781 units in August from the previous year’s 8,678 units.

“Supply constraints and the run out of outgoing models of some brands have hampered the industry’s rate of recovery in August.

Together with that, the reality of the seasonal trends in the industry continue to hold true despite the boosted sales and marketing campaigns during the off-peak month of August,” CAMPI president Rommel Gutierrez said.

For the January to August period, CAMPI and TMA sales were

by Ian

Philstar.com file photo

still up 2.4 percent to 235,544 units from 229,941 units in the same period a year ago PC sales as of end-August slid 1.5 percent to 70,596 units in the January to August period from 71,637 units last year.

CV sales, meanwhile, rose 4.2 percent to 164,948 units in the eight-month period from the previous year’s 158,304 units.

For the eight-month period, Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. remained the top automotive company as it accounted for 42.73 percent of the market.

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. followed with 17.42 percent market share, Nissan Philippines Inc. with 11.98 percent, Suzuki Philippines Inc. with 6.48 percent and Ford Motor Co. Philippines Inc. with

6.26 percent.

Gutierrez said CAMPI is upbeat of seeing a reversal of the monthly sales decline in until the end of the year as new vehicle models and offers are being continuously made available to consumers.

“CAMPI will continue to push for sustainable sales efforts to headline our recovery from last year’s numbers. Our target of 410,000 units remains to be a highly achievable goal for the industry and we expect the road to recovery to continue until the end of the year,” he said.

Last year, CAMPI and TMA’s sales reached 357,410 units, 16 percent lower than the 425,673 units in 2017, on weak appetite for cars due to higher taxes under the government’s tax reform program. n

BSP targets live ‘chatbot’ in 2020 by lawrence

agcaoIlI Philstar.com

THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is set to launch a ‘chatbot’ as it continues to embrace artificial intelligence in efficiently handling consumer concerns.

The ‘chatbot’ is envisioned to equip the regulator with more insight into customer experiences, banking practices and conduct as input to policymaking and supervision and develop consumers’ trust in the financial system.

“The chatbot is expected to go live in mid-2020,” the BSP said in a statement.

From the existing manual process to using AI and natural language processing (NLP), the ‘chatbot’ will be able to adequately and efficiently handle consumer concerns coursed through channels including SMS and social media.

The ‘chatbot’ will also provide the public a more accessible and efficient means to engage the BSP on financial consumer concerns.

Currently, the public could ac-

EMPLOYMENT

PH property sector to withstand global headwinds — Colliers

cess the consumer assistance mechanism of the BSP by visiting in person or by telephone, post or e-mail.

The BSP’s Consumer Empowerment Group relies heavily on manual processes and relatively outdated technologies such as direct mails and calls to handle complaints and queries and provide resolution.

A third of the complaints that come in are not even related to institutions BSP supervises.

Data showed the BSP received 3,392 complaints, inquiries, and requests in the first quarter, of which 51 percent was accounted for by credit card related and electronic banking concerns.

In 2018, banking related complaints almost doubled to 20,000 from 10,930 in 2017. However, only 11,172 complaints were found valid.

Credit card has consistently been the top category of concern processed by CEG, accounting for 30 percent or 3,391 last year, with perceived unauthorized online

and point-of-sale transactions as the primary issue, while e-banking issues particularly unauthorized withdrawal or transaction cornered 27 percent or 3,019.

The BSP has also developed an API-based prudential reporting system as part of its continuing efforts to strengthen its supervisory capacity in a rapidly evolving financial services landscape.

By providing a machine-tomachine link between the banks’ core banking systems and BSP’s system, the system allows for the streamlined transmission, processing, warehousing, and analysis of the banks’ prudential reports.

This will significantly improve the timeliness, ease, and integrity of data submission,” the central bank said.

Preparations are underway to move the system to cover all universal, commercial, and thrift banks for a total of 96 institutions.

The system now covers 19 banks from a pilot run covering two banks. n

FOR RENT

nIcolas cIgaral Philstar.com

THE Philippine property sector should withstand external headwinds that are threatening the global economy amid “strong appetite” for commercial and residential spaces in the country, property consultancy Colliers International said.

In its “Trends Shaping Asian Real Estate” report released Thursday, September 12, Colliers said property developers should take advantage of the expected recovery in state spending in the second semester and expand their office, residential and hospitality footprints outside Manila.

Lower interest rates should also create a supportive environment for high property investment volumes, it added.

“Developers should seize this opportunity to build more offices in key hubs outside of the country’s capital and acquire land parcels near soon-to-be expanded and modernized regional airports,” Colliers Philippines’ Ieyo de Guzman said.

The Philippine economy expanded 5.5 percent in the second quarter, weaker than 5.6 percent recorded in the preceding three months after the delayed approval of the 2019 budget disrupted public state spending.

Public construction contracted

Philstar.com file photo

27.2 percent in the April-June period, offsetting the growth posted by private construction.

According to Colliers, the expansion in private construction last quarter indicated strong demand for office towers, residential condominium, malls, hotels and industrial parks in the country.

But Colliers warned that the mood of unease may spread to property developers if anaemic state spending persists for the remainder of 2019 and stall government projects that could decongest the capital and raise land and property values outside the city.

“The public projects also help dictate the long-term plans of developers,” Colliers said.

Overall, Asian real estate re-

mains active despite risks posed by the US-China trade war and Brexit, Colliers said.

Amid the trade war uncertainty, Asia — especially markets outside greater China — is poised to benefit should US enterprises relocate their projects in Beijing elsewhere, fueling demand in industrial and logistics segments in these markets.

“The confluence of these factors makes for an exciting time in Asia,” Colliers said.

“The region’s commercial real estate sector remains an appealing destination offering an assortment of opportunities and promising returns to all investors appraising their portfolio strategy for the remainder of 2019 and beyond,” it added. n

Duterte pushes for gross taxation system to curb corruption

by Darryl John

esguerra

Inquirer.net

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte proposes a gross income taxation system over net tax collection which he believes will help curb corruption in the government.

Duterte did not provide further details of his proposal but he said Thursday, September 12, that the shift would significantly abate corruption in the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).

“Gusto ninyong mahinto ang corruption? O ito, tanggalin natin ang neto [net icome] at pupunta tayo doon sa gross sa BIR. Pag ‘yan ang isunod natin kagaya ng Hong Kong, Singapore, Brunei, and the rest, you would have removed about 70 percent

President Rodrigo Duterte

Inquirer.net file photo

“I guarantee you, ‘pag pumunof the corruption,” Duterte said ta tayo ng gross wala na examinin a speech in Bataan.

Duterte also said that chang- er, wala ng deduction then they ing the computation of corpo- do not haggle for anything. ‘Pag rate taxes would eliminate the nandiyan ‘yung resibo, ‘yan na need for examiners. ‘yun. Wala ng istorya,” he said. n

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SCHOOL

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