092119 - Los Angeles Weekend Edition

SEPTEMBER 21-24, 2019 Volume 29 - No. 74 • 4 Sections – 30 Pages

Raising sea arbitral ruling before UN ‘futile’ — Palace

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

In this June 2019 file photo, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. delivers his remarks at the 29th Meeting of States Parties to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea at the UN headquarters in New York.

Photo courtesy of DFA

USA

DATELINE Trump nominates Fil-Am attorney to 9th Circuit Court of Appeals for second time FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

PRESIDENT Donald Trump has once again announced his intent to nominate a Filipino American federal prosecutor to the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals on Friday, September 20.

Patrick J. Bumatay, who is an assistant attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California in San Diego, was previously tapped for the appeals court last October 2018, but the Senate did not entertain a confirmation hearing, resulting in the nomination to expire.

The Ninth Circuit — considered to be the most liberal of circuits — is the largest federal appeals court with 29 judges, serving nine western states including Alaska and Hawaii. It is headquartered in San Francisco.

Following the nomination last year, California Senator Dianne Feinstein, who sits on the u PAGE A4

MALACAÑANG on Thursday, September 19, said bringing up the 2016 arbitral court ruling on the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) before the United Nations General Assembly would be a “futile exercise.”

The statement comes in response to former Foreign Affairs Chief Albert del Rosario who suggested that the administration use the 74th regular session of the UN General Assembly this month as an opportunity to drum up global support for the arbitral ruling.

Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo, however, countered that suggestion by saying that the UN has no enforcement over the ruling.

“He is citing the case of Nicaragua. Did anything happen there? None. It remained the same,” Panelo said. u PAGE A2

Ambassador Romualdez shakes hands with Nanay Fedelina, an 83-year-old woman who was recently granted freedom after being trafficked and abused by a Filipino family for 65 years, during a meeting at the Philippine Consulate in Los Angeles on Sunday, September 15. She was joined by Consul General Adelio Cruz and Pilipino Workers Center operations manager Malou Villacisneros and Executive Director Aquilina Soriano Versoza.

Photos courtesy of Benjamin Garcia-Ascue/Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles

Ambassador Romualdez meets with Polio reemerges in the LA Fil-Am community, boasts Philippines 19 years later economic opportunities under Duterte

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA

AJPress

by AJPRESS

PHILIPPINE Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez had a packed schedule in Los Angeles this past week as he met with several Filipino American community organizations and businesses to boost ties between the two countries.

One event on his itinerary included a town hall session with members of the Fil-Am community at the Consulate on Sunday night, September 15, during which he touted that the Philippines is experiencing a “golden age of infrastructure” and assured the audience that the country would not give up its claims over the West Philippine Sea. “We are making a lot of headway in terms of economic growth and performance, boosted by significant reforms that are being implemented by the administration for President [Rodrigo] Duterte,” Romualdez told the audience, citing examples, such as the Build, Build, Build program, universal A member of the Rotary Club International takes part in the oral polio health care and comprehensive vaccination program of the Department of Health on Friday to prevent more casualties after a resurgence of the disease nearly two decades tax reform to address “the perafter it was eradicated. ManilaTimes.net photo by John Orven Verdote sistent problems that have hamNINETEEN years after the Philippines was declared polio-free by the World Health Organization, the Department of Health on Thursday, September 19, confirmed the re-emergence of the disease in the country.

According to the DOH, one polio case has been confirmed in a 3-year-old girl from Lanao del Sur who is “now well at home but with residual paralysis,” while the virus has also been detected in water sewage samples in Manila and Davao.

It added that it is waiting for a suspected case of acute flaccid paralysis to be confirmed. u PAGE A5

pered Philippine growth.”

The ambassador also expressed a vision that for a more unified Fil-Am community.

“We envision Filipinos from all over the United States coming together someday in a show of solidarity…to highlight the strength in numbers of the Filipinos diaspora right at the heart of the U.S. government. We hope that this number of 4.3 million will one day be together and be a strong force,” he said.

Duterte has directed that the major infrastructure projects like the Sangley Point Airport in Cavite and Metro Manila Subway be completed by the end of his term.

“Apart from the surging economy, we also have a young, dynamic, tech savvy population and a democracy that is made even more vibrant by advances in the communications technology field,” Romualdez said, admitting that there are some challenges such as good governance and economic inclusiveness that the country faces so it seeks outside help, such as from the United States. u PAGE A4

LA’s Historic Filipinotown dubbed one of the ‘coolest’ LA Press Freedom Week: Rappler chief Maria Ressa bares neighborhoods in the world how social media has led to ‘erosion of democracy’ in PH, US Time Out magazine highligh Filipino cuisine option in one of LA’s up-and-coming areas

In the last two decades, Angelenos have lamented gentrification’s impact on the erasure of the historic local color that has raised rents and kicked out residents who’ve lived in certain neighborhoods for decades.

Among the neighborhoods on the cusp of that societal transformation is Los Angeles’ Historic Filipinotown, which seems to be reforming that jaundiced take of gentrification in a non-generic way that actually embraces the local culture.

So it’s really no surprise that this week, the global culture and lifestyle magazine Time Out released a list of the 50 coolest neighborhoods in the world and named Historic Filipinotown No. 5 on the list.

With it’s official designation in 2002 by thenu PAGE A4

by CHRISTINA

M. ORIEL

AJPress

RAPPLER CEO and Executive Editor Maria Ressa lamented use of social media to spread misinformation and contribute to the ‘erosion of democracy’ as evidenced in recent elections, such as those in the Philippines and the United States, during a panel for Los Angeles Press Freedom Week on Monday, September 16.

Ressa, TIME’s 2018 Person of the Year and a staunch critic of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration, cofounded digital news site Rappler back in 2012, which has relied on the power of social media and crowdsourcing information for news stories. u PAGE A2

Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez shares updates under the Duterte administration, including the Build, Build, Build infrastructure program, and fields questions from Filipino Americans during a town hall meeting at the Philippine Consulate General office in Los Angeles on Sunday, September 15.

80% of global swine fever deaths are in PH

AFRICAN swine fever has spread to Metro Manila from adjoining Rizal and Bulacan, provinces that the government earlier acknowledged as among the areas hit by the disease that is fatal to hogs but harmless to humans.

The Quezon City government has culled 146 pigs at Barangay Bagong Silangan since Sunday after 11 hogs in the area tested positive for the African swine fever virus, Mayor Joy Belmonte said on Wednesday, September 18.

The culling of the animals came as the World Organization for Animal Health, or OIE, reported that about 8,000 hogs had died in the Philippines from Aug. 30 to Sept. 12.

This figure accounted for the bulk of the 8,200 hogs lost in all of Asia and the 10,000 lost worldwide during the two-week period, said OIE in its latest fortnightly update on the global monitoring of the disease.

LA PRESS FREEDOM WEEK. Rappler CEO and Executive Editor Maria Ressa was among the speakers In yet another measure taken by a local government, during the “Press Freedom and Elections” panel at the Paley Center for Media in Beverly Hills, California Mati City in Davao Oriental has banned the entry of on Monday, September 16, alongside (L-R) Direkt36 investigative journalist Blanka Zoldi, Los Angeles fresh and processed pork unless these are transported Times’ Deputy OP-ED Editor Terry Tang, and Committee to Protect Journalists board chair Kathleen via refrigerated delivery trucks.

Carroll. The discussion was moderated by Ramzy Malouki (far left), the Los Angeles correspondent u PAGE A3 for French channel Canal+.

AJPress photo by Christina M. Oriel

A septembeR 21-24, 2019 • LA WeeKeND AsIAN JOURNAL

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From the Front Page

Raising sea arbitral ruling...

PAGE A1 t Del Rosario brought up Nicaragua filing a reparation case against the U.S. before the International Court of Justice in the 1980s, noting that it got a favorable ruling. The ruling was initially rejected by the U.S., but later on extended significant financial aid package to Nicaragua.

He also said that the Philippines could present a case for the UN “to reassert that right is might and the rule of law must be upheld.”

“In our case, the arbitral tribunal outcome was an overwhelming victory not only for the Philippines but also for the entire world. Unless we allow it, China can no longer claim the South China Sea as its own lake,” Del Rosario said.

Panelo, meanwhile, maintained

there would be no significant impact on the country’s position even if Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. raised the arbitral ruling at the UN assembly in New York.

Locsin echoed the spokesperson’s sentiment, saying that the Philippines would only “lose” as the UN is dominated by countries “grateful” to China.

“We’ve always lost NonAligned Movement votes to include our Arbitral Award. My many good friends in UN vote against us. We’ve nothing comparable to offer,” he tweeted Thursday.

Locsin, however, said that the Philippines could “never ever” give up its legal victory against China.

The July 2016 arbitral ruling handed down by the Hague-

based Permanent Court Arbitration shot down Beijing’s ninedash line claim over the South China Sea, part of which is the West Philippine Sea. China, for its part, has refused to acknowledge the arbitral ruling, saying it would only resolve its territorial row with the Philippines through bilateral negotiations. Duterte recently suggested that the two countries would enter a joint oil exploration deal.

“But we will never ever get [the] UN to vote for Arbitral Award. So let’s leave it as is; move on to mutual beneficial cooperation. Such is life,” Locsin said.

Locsin is scheduled to speak at the 74th regular session of the UN General Assembly on Sept.

28. n

LA Press Freedom Week: Rappler chief Maria Ressa...

PAGE A1 t

She, however, has observed the shift in technology years later, with certain platforms like Facebook and Twitter overtaking legacy media outlets in as news and information distributors.

“But they left behind the gatekeeping powers of news organizations, which means the way the system is designed, this attention economy, is that lies laced with anger and hate spread faster and further than those boring facts...

I think that’s the core of the erosion of democracy,” Ressa told a packed audience at the Paley Center for Media in Beverly Hills, California during a “Press Freedom and Elections” panel.

The event kicked off a weeklong series, hosted by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) and the Los Angeles Times, focused on press freedom and the First Amendment around the city.

Ressa was joined by Los Angeles Times Deputy OP-ED Editor Terry Tang, Committee to Protect Journalists board chair Kathleen Carroll and Direkt36 investigative journalist Blanka Zoldi of Hungary, as Ramzy Malouki, LA correspondent for French TV channel Canal+ and a member of the HFPA, moderated.

Tang also agreed on social media platforms’ stripping of the gatekeeper function and that

Rapper CEO and Executive Editor Maria Ressa attends the first night of Los Angeles’ Press Freedom Week on Monday, September 16.

AJPress photos by Christina M. Oriel

at the end of the day, there are certain skills and judgments that journalists have over other internet users and aggregators.

“The [journalism] industry itself is obviously changing a lot.

But the skills you need, that’s not going to change,” she said.

Carroll added that newsrooms should “invest more” in factfinding and reporting that is relevant to their audiences.

“You can’t just show up and record what happened and sort of regurgitate that into the paPAGE A5

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A

80% of global swine fever deaths...

Covered California Executive Director Peter Lee (center) speaks at a recent Asian American media roundtable in Los Angeles about the new changes coming under Covered California in 2020. He was joined by representatives in the AAPI community, including Jagdip Dhillon, information officer at Covered California, and Albert Young of Allied Pacific IPA.

More Fil-Ams encouraged to enroll in Covered California as subsidies are not considered a public charge, officials clarify

by Christina

M. Oriel

AJPress

WITH debate surrounding the public charge changes set to take effect in October, Covered California officials and navigators emphasize that individuals who receive subsidized health care will not be considered a public charge.

The public charge rule expands the federal government’s ability to penalize immigrants who seek green cards if they use taxpayer-funded programs, such as housing assistance, food stamps and Medicaid.

This clarification is part of the conversation during a recent series of multiethnic roundtables Covered California has organized, in an effort to shed light on the new changes coming in 2020 and to encourage higher enrollment in the upcoming period after noting a decline last year.

“If you get a tax credit through Covered California to lower your cost, that is not considered a public charge. The rules are very clear that is not what is subject to the public charge rules. Similarly, if through Covered California, you get a benefit for a cautionary reduction subsidy, that does not count as a public charge,” Peter Lee, Covered California’s executive director, said in a recent roundtable with Asian American media.

With the misinformation and fear surrounding the public charge, many health officials fear that it is sending a chilling effect within immigrant communities especially when it comes to applying for health care programs.

“We are very worried about confusion around public charge, discouraging people who are eligible and can get benefits from applying for benefits,” Lee added. “What we shouldn’t do is confuse consumers in California how good the benefits are, the subsidies available and discourage people from signing up.”

The new incentives come after Governor Gavin Newsom and the state Legislature passed a series of

laws to increase enrollment in the coming year. For 2019, the state experienced a 23.7% drop in the number of new consumers enrolling in Covered California.

Since 2013, close to a quarter of a million Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) have been insured under the state’s marketplace as part of the Affordable Care Act — 30,230 of whom are Filipinos.

“Covered California continues to be a model for other states because it has made a commitment to do the outreach to many of the diverse communities in California,” said Doreena Wong, project director for Asian Americans Advancing Justice - LA’s Health Access Project.

That’s why the state’s health care marketplace and its partners within the AAPI community are starting the education efforts months in advance.

“Amongst the Asian Pacific Islander community of people who had insurance, they didn’t drop them. They kept their insurance.

They know the value of insurance when they have it,” Lee said.

Lee told the Asian Journal that Filipino Americans have been among the top ethnic groups enrolled in Covered California but more are still eligible so it will continue its outreach, such as advertising in the community.

“Even though we’ve had good enrollment, we’re going to keep going at it to make sure the Filipino community understands the benefits of financial health and gets insured,” he added.

Around 922,000 Californians — including over 20,000 AAPIs — will be eligible for the new state subsidies that will help lower the cost of their coverage in 2020.

“Filipino Americans across the state can benefit tremendously from Covered California because [it] is the only place where they can get federal premium assistance to help them purchase a brand-name health insurance under the Patient Protection And Affordable Care Act,” Nida Fisher of D’Access Central, an accredited navigator for Covered

California.

For example, middle-income consumers who previously did not qualify for financial help because they exceeded federal income requirements will be eligible to receive an average of $172 per household per month.

Those enrollees (around 663,000 individuals) who currently receive federal financial help could be entitled to receive an average of an additional $15 per household per month which will help them save an average of 5% on their current premiums.

Also in 2020, California’s indi-

u PAGE A4

PAGE A1 t Compensation Mati adopted the measure despite the appeal on Monday of Agriculture Secretary William Dar to local governments to await guidelines from his department on how to deal with the disease and not unduly impose bans on the entry of pork and pork products in their respective localities.

In a statement, Quezon City Mayor Belmonte said affected backyard raisers would be paid P3,000 and P1,500 for every slaughtered pig and piglet, respectively, as compensation even if the animals were from illegally operated pens.

The city has said that as part of standard protocol, all pigs within a 1-kilometer radius of infected areas need to be culled to stop the highly contagious disease from spreading to animals in nearby areas.

Ground zero Sitio Veterans (Area 5) and Oriole Extension (Area 2) in Bagong Silangan have been identified as ground zero for the outbreak.

Anamarie Cabel, head of the Quezon City Veterinary Office, said additional blood samples from the 1-km radius of the two areas also had been sent to the Bureau of Animal Industry for testing.

Officials of the Quezon City Police District and barangays have been instructed to contain the spread of the disease, with the former being tasked with establishing and monitoring multiple checkpoints within the area.

Barangay officials have been ordered to crack down on other

informal backyard hog raisers and assist the veterinary office by acquiring blood samples for testing.

The veterinary office has pledged to aggressively monitor Quezon City’s biggest markets in Commonwealth, Balintawak, Mega Q-Mart and Novaliches.

Untreated swill In a bulletin, OIE is calling on governments to enhance sanitary measures on the disposal of food waste that crosses national boundaries by air or by sea.

It has also urged hog raisers not to feed the animals with untreated swill to help international efforts to deal with outbreaks.

In the Philippines, two-thirds of hogs are raised by backyard operators.

Agribusiness coalition Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (Sinag) laments the lack of clarity on the government’s policy on untreated swill.

Pigs raised by backyard farmers are commonly fed with food waste—a source of cheap feed that usually comes from household kitchens, hotels, restaurants and even air and sea ports.

The Bureau of Animal Industry and the Department of Agriculture have urged hog raisers to “not serve swill” as this may be contaminated with microorganisms and viruses that could cause the death of pigs.

Cultural practice Rosendo So, president of the industry umbrella group Sinag, noted that feeding hogs with swill was a cultural given, especially among backyard raisers.

“We are explaining to backyard raisers that in these times when we don’t know where the food scraps came from—maybe from hotels and restaurants that serve dishes with imported pork—using swill feed may ruin their business,” So told the Inquirer.

“Even in the carinderias, we can’t be sure that establishments use frozen imported meat—smuggled—that are readily available and come in boxes indicating their country of origin,” he added.

Banned in EU Swill feeding has been banned in the European Union since an outbreak of food-and-mouth disease in 2001, which was traced to cases of swill feeding in the United Kingdom.

Even then, there are calls to rethink a total ban on swill, with the emphasis on “untreated” swill.

Alternatives put forward in the European Union—to make swill feed acceptable—include the Japanese method of treating swill through, for example, a combination of heat treatment and acidification—fermentation or adding lactic acid.

Mati veterinarian Marites Erispe said the city would no longer allow the entry of meat products by bus, vans and other vehicles except for refrigerated meat delivery trucks.

“All those [meat products] which fail [to meet] the strict screening [standard] would be confiscated,” Erispe said.

(Germelina Lacorte, Matthew Reysio-Cruz and Ronnel Domingo/Inquirer.net)

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Garcetti announces New Americans Center in Echo Park Trump criticizes California for rampant homelessness

Los AngeLes Mayor eric garcetti on Thursday, september 19 announced the city’s seventh new Americans Center at the echo Park Public Library — an initiative to help guide immigrant Angelenos through the process of earning U.s. citizenship.

“Los Angeles is a city of belonging and a place where immigrant families are sources of economic strength and cultural depth — and we are stronger when we do our part to welcome anyone ready and willing to accept the rights and responsibilities of citizenship,” said garcetti in a statement. “our new Americans Initiative is making our public libraries into something more than institutions dedicated to the pursuit of learning and knowledge — they are becoming entry points to the American dream.” garcetti established the new Americans Initiative last year to provide resources, guidance, and assistance to immigrants seeking a safe and confidential way to pursue legal citizenship.

All of the new Americans

Initiative’s programs are free to the public. since its inception as the Path to Citizenship Program in 2012, the library has conducted more than 6,960 service and citizenship workshops, and has aided more than 65,627 applicants with the naturalization process.

“People need reassurance that their City stands behind them, and the first district is proud to now offer a space that supports Angelenos in their path to citizenship,” said Councilmember gil Cedillo. “Libraries are an obvious location where we should give people the confidence to visit, receive services, and know that they can do that in absolute safety. I applaud the Los Angeles Public Library for their leadership in this area.”

The Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) is the first municipal library — and one of only three in the country — to have librarians accredited by the Department of Justice to offer citizenship assistance. In addition to those services, new Americans Centers offer resources on english as a

second Language (esL), information on tenant and worker rights, and workshops on topics ranging from constitutional protections to financial literacy.

“Libraries have long served as places to welcome immigrants to Los Angeles, and I’m proud that our new Americans Initiative has expanded beyond citizenship support to become a one-stop source for the help and answers that people need,” said City Librarian John F. szabo. “We have helped more than 65,600 residents, and now our seventh new Americans Center will allow us to reach even more Angelenos.

At the library, we are proud to welcome everyone, and this initiative exemplifies what libraries do best — connect people to whatever it is they need to succeed.”

The echo Park branch is the seventh LAPL site to feature a dedicated new Americans space and trained library employees — joining the Central Library and the Benjamin Franklin, Junipero serra, Pico-Koreatown, Pacoima, and Wilmington branches. n

by Christina

M. Oriel

AJPress

PResIDenT Donald Trump embarked on a visit to California this week where he had some things to say about the state’s homeless epidemic. on Tuesday, september 17, the president was in Los Angeles for fundraising and speaking events for his re-election campaign. The week before this visit, the administration dispatched White House officials to LA on a fact-finding mission to compose a report on the issue.

Taking aim at Democrats and the liberal policies put in place to combat homelessness, Trump — who has previously called California’s homeless problem “disgusting” and a “disgrace to our country” — vowed to put an end to the rampant problem across the golden state.

“We can’t let Los Angeles, san Francisco and numerous other cities destroy themselves by allowing what’s happening,” Trump told reporters on Air Force

one on Tuesday without offering specific any solutions.

Along with secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Ben Carson, Trump promised a crackdown on homelessness by reducing restrictions on housing construction and being more strict on keeping people off the streets.

In the report, the administration stated that “two decades of misguided and faulty policies” were to blame for the 500,000 homeless individuals in the U.s., most of whom are concentrated on the West Coast and northeast.

According to the report, about 47% of all homeless people in the U.s. are in California.

Homeless shelters were also targets of criticism for bringing “in people who would otherwise be housed, thus increasing total homelessness.”

“The people of san Francisco are fed up and the people of Los Angeles are fed up, and we’re looking at it, and we will be doing something about it at an appropriate time,” the president

added.

The report directly counters state lawmakers’ plans to address homelessness, which include billion-dollar measures to build apartments for the homeless and requesting federal funding to initiate those plans.

LA Mayor eric garcetti fired back at the White House report for handling the issue of homeless crisis “like fodder for a cable news debate.”

“We don’t have time for that. If the president really cares about solving this crisis, he wouldn’t be talking about criminalization over housing. He’d be making dramatic increases in funding for this country’s housing safety net,” garcetti said in a statement.

This week’s visit exacerbated the already complicated feud between the Trump administration and the famously and undeniable blue state of California.

As previously reported by the Asian Journal, homelessness increased 16% since last year, a report from the LA Homeless services Authority found. n

Trump nominates Fil-Am attorney to 9th Circuit...

PAGE A1 t senate Judiciary Committee, said Bumatay had “no judicial experience,” while sen. Kamala Harris likewise raised similar concerns.

Trump then nominated the 41year-old Fil-Am for a district judge position on the U.s. District Court for the southern District of California this past January.

If confirmed to the ninth Circuit, Bumatay would become the first Fil-Am judge to serve on a federal appeals court, and the second Fil-Am Article III judge ever in U.s. history. Bumatay would also become the second openly LgBT federal circuit court judge.

In his current position, which he has held since 2012, Bumatay is a member of the Appellate and narcotics section. He previously served as counselor to then-Attorney general Jeff sessions on various criminal issues, including the national opioid strategy and transnational organized crime.

“Patrick Bumatay will make a terrific judge on the ninth Circuit,” sessions said in a statement on Friday. “He has dedicated his career to upholding the rule of law. Patrick’s many fine qualities, including his integrity, intellect and collegiality, make him exceedingly worthy of this position.”

Fil-Am federal prosecutor Patrick J. Bumatay Department of Justice photo

Bumatay has also served in the Department of Justice in the office of the Deputy Attorney general, the office of the Associate Attorney general, where he oversaw aspects of the department’s civil enforcement program, and the office of Legal Policy.

A graduate of Harvard Law school, and an alumnus of Yale University, Bumatay started his

career as a law clerk for Judge Timothy M. Tymkovich of the U.s. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit Court, and for Judge sandra L. Townes of the U.s. District Court for the eastern District of new York.

He is also a member of the national Filipino American Lawyers Association (nFALA), the national Asian Pacific American Bar Association, the Tom Homann LgBT Law Association, and the Federal Bar Association.

Like many second-generation Fil-Ams, Bumatay’s family follows the immigrant experience, with his grandfather arriving in California from the Philippines in the 1920s, and working as a farm laborer while earning advanced education degrees. His parents are medical doctors who came to the United states in the 1970s.

The ninth Circuit has been the bane of conservatives and the Trump administration; the president has before blamed the ninth Circuit for a “broken and unfair” federal court system. since Trump came into office, the ninth Circuit’s moves have included blocking the president’s travel ban order and the shutdown of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), and striking down restrictions on socalled sanctuary cities. (AJPress)

Consul General Adelio Cruz presents a gift to Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez during a town hall meeting with the Filipino American community on Sunday, September 15. Photo courtesy of Benjamin Garcia-Ascue/Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles

Ambassador Romualdez meets with LA Fil-Am community...

PAGE A1 t “one example of this is creating more trade and investment opportunities with the United states,” he added. “We hope that many of you who are in business or just ordinary Filipino Americans can at least tell the story that there’s a lot of things going on in the economy of the Philippines.”

The U.s. continues to be the Philippines’ third-largest trading partner and number one destination for many Filipino exports. The country has also invested around $3.3 billion into the Philippines in the last five years alone.

Labor rights as priority Prior to his town hall, Romualdez met with Fedelina Lugasan, also known as nanay Fedelina, an 83-year-old woman who was trafficked to the United states and held captive by multi-generations of a Filipino family for 65 years.

she was accompanied by Pilipino Workers Center (PWC) executive Director Aquilina soriano Versoza and operations manager Malou Villacisneros.

Lugasan, who was born in Leyte, Philippines and recruited at the age of 16 by her employer, shared her wish to go back to her home country and visit Malacañang once her human trafficking visa is approved. “[With] the example of nanay Fedelina, we’re grateful that the U.s. government has taken the lead in prosecuting those involved in this, but at the same time, let it be an example to those are perhaps still involved in human trafficking...time is running out because the world is really going after human traffickers and the Philippines is no exception,” Romualdez told the Asian Journal.

Lugasan’s case is not an isolated one as modern-day slavery still persists, and the Philippine Consulate has recognized the need to be more vigilant as it happens in the Fil-Am community by having a labor attaché in Los Angeles.

“The program of this government is to precisely to protect many of the Filipino workers that we have. It’s unfortunate that here in the United states, which is a highly developed country, it can happen here,” the ambassador added. “Can you imagine what can happen in many other parts of the world where access for justice is very limited?”

The ambassador on Monday also met with Los Angeles Mayor eric garcetti and was invited for a luncheon at Cedars sinai Medical Center, which employs over 3,000 Filipino Americans. n

LA’s Historic Filipinotown dubbed one of the ‘coolest’...

PAGE A1 t Councilmember eric garcetti, Historic Filipinotown — nicknamed HiFi — was the first official geographic locale outside of the Philippines honoring the Filipino community. It exists within the section of echo Park south of the 101 Freeway, which was the hub for Filipino immigrants in the early 1900s.

Time out highlights the growing food scene of Historic Filipinotown which “reflects L.A. as its best: a convergence of cultures.”

Along Temple Avenue are

remnants of the historic Filipino American sensibility of the area: beloved traditional Filipino restaurants that host karaoke like Bahay Kubo and Chibogs and modern Filipino fusion joints like Park’s Finest and Tribal Cafe line the thoroughfare. on Beverly Boulevard, longtime local favorite Little ongpin serves classic Filipino flavors and sits across from the hip HiFi Kitchen, which serves up vegan takes on Filipino cuisine.

And it’s not just Filipino businesses that make up Historic Fil-

ipinotown’s vibrant landscape.

Time out also praises Woon, the new Chinese restaurant that blends authenticity and innovation and Bloom & Plume Coffee which celebrates black art.

In the extensive list, Time out remarked that Historic Filipinotown “is still in the early stages of its rise” but that “HiFi is a spirit as much as an area, a place that feels refreshing and honest in a Los Angeles landscape that is quickly becoming over-funded and monotonous.”(Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)

“Gintong Kasaysayan, Gintong Pamana (Filipino Americans: A Glorious History, A Golden Legacy),” the mural by Filipino American artist Eliseo Silva at Unidad Park in Historic Filipinotown.

AJPress file photo

More Fil-Ams encouraged to enroll in Covered California as...

PAGE A3 t

vidual market will see an average rate change of 0.8 percent, considered the lowest change since Covered California’s launch, due to new state affordability initiatives designed to lower costs and encourage enrollment.

People who choose to go without coverage they can afford in 2020 will be subject to paying

the penalty as part of their annual state tax filing, officials warn.

Penalties could go up to $2,100 per family, which is based on 2.5 percent of household income or a minimum of $695 per adult, whichever is greater.

“A $2,000 penalty is nothing compared to not getting to that right specialty physician or to not getting a condition diag-

nosed early,” Lee said.

The 2020 open enrollment period runs from october 15 to December 15, 2019 for a January 1, 2020 effective date. Those who do not avail of this period may still get coverage if they qualify for the special enrollment period or Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). n

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Polio reemerges in the Philippines...

PAGE A1 t “A single confirmed polio case of vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 or two positive environmental samples that are genetically linked isolated in two different locations is considered an epidemic in a polio-free country,” said DOH chief Francisco Duque III. Polio is a highly infectious viral disease that mainly affects young children. The virus spreads from person to person and can invade an infected person’s brain and spinal cord, causing paralysis.

Initial symptoms of the disease include fever, fatigue, headache, vomiting, stiffness in the neck and pain in the limbs.

WHO said there is no cure for

polio and that it can only be prevented by immunization.

The last case of poliovirus in the Philippines was reported in 1993.

Importance of vaccination According to the DOH, low vaccination coverage, and poor sanitation and hygiene are the culprits in the reemergence of the poliovirus in the country.

Earlier, Duque gave out a warning that the Philippines was at “high risk for poliovirus transmission” as there had been a drop in oral polio vaccine (OPV) coverage in the past years.

“In 2018, the vaccine coverage for the third dose of OPV was 66 percent. This figure is below the 95 percent target re-

Dateline USa

quired to ensure that the whole population is protected against polio,” he said.

The health secretary also admitted that the decrease in polio immunization can be linked back to the Dengvaxia controversy.

“We strongly urge parents, health workers and local governments to fully participate in the synchronized polio vaccination.

It is the only way to stop the polio outbreak and to protect your child against this paralyzing disease,” Duque said.

“Aside from immunization, we remind the public to practice good personal hygiene, wash their hands regularly, use toilets, drink safe water, and cook food thoroughly,” he added. n

LA Press Freedom Week: Rappler chief Maria Ressa...

PAGE A2 t

per. You have to bring something and I think audiences appreciate it when you’re doing something on their behalf, when you’re finding things out that they didn’t know, when you are advocating for them by finding out how their taxes were being spent, or you’re uncovering corruption,” she said, adding “that’s where our profession will thrive and it’s the rock we stand on.”

The panelists also touched upon safety of media practitioners on the job and what needs to be done to reconcile the threats to free press and fair elections in coming years.

“You cannot have election integrity if we do not have free will, and that’s the biggest question now the technology poses for us,” Ressa said. “So free press, yes, we will fight on the front lines. But we need to fight this whole new sphere that has triggered this deterioration of democracy, that triggered the elections of Duterte or Putin.”

Janet Nepales, treasurer for the HFPA and columnist for Manila Bulletin, closed the night sharing her own experiences as a reporter in the Philippines during the Marcos era.

“Early on as a reporter, I learned the value of not being afraid to stand for what is right, to speak your mind and do what you think is right even if it means losing a lot. Because what matters in the end is that you know deep in your heart, you did what you were supposed to do, to write the truth, to speak the truth, and to do what a true journalist is supposed to do. Because

without truth, what are you a journalist for?” Nepales said.

PH as a ‘petri dish’ In the past year, Ressa and Rappler face 11 complaints and cases as of July, including questions on the site’s ownership, tax violations and cyber libel.

“Shine the light. Call the spade a spade. It’s not a coincidence that in a little over a year, 11 cases and investigations have been filed against me and Rappler. The only thing I’ve done is to be a journalist,” Ressa told the Asian Journal in an interview on Monday when asked why she continues her fight amid the cases.

The Filipina journalist has been arrested twice earlier this year and has had to post bail eight times in a three-month period.

Her advocacy for press freedom has gained international attention, even garnering the honor as as a Fellow of Society, the highest honor by U.S.based organization, the Society of Professional Journalists, earlier this month.

However, she implored Filipinos, especially those in America, to pay attention and that they have a right to speak out against what’s going on back in the Philippines.

“Filipino Americans belong in two different countries and two different worlds that are both in trouble. What I’ve learned through all of this is that the time to ring the alarm is when you are still strong enough to fight for your freedom and that’s even more important in the Philippines than in the United

States,” she said in her Asian Journal interview on Monday.

She cited an interview she did with Cambridge Analytica whistleblower Christopher Wylie during which he admitted that the Philippines was a test ground for the company to experiment certain social media and propaganda tactics because of its underdeveloped infrastructure and lack of strict cyber laws.

“They tested these tactics in our country, the petri dish — those were his exact words.

If it worked, then they hoarded it over to the west. Understand that we no longer live in a local landscape, global is local and local is global,” she said, positing that this is a new form of ‘digital colonialism’ that hinders healthy civic engagement. “We must understand that we’re being actively manipulated. It is insidious on social media…Unless we significantly change it, this is leading to a dystopian future, a dystopian present and you’re seeing it happen in the Philippines.”

Ressa was also a speaker alongside CPJ Executive Director Joel Simon on Tuesday morning in a “Dictators and Disinformation: A Discussion on the State of Press Freedom” discussion moderated by Sewell Chan, LATimes deputy managing editor for news.

The weeklong press freedom series was held in collaboration with the Committee to Protect Journalists, International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, and the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press. n

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • SEptEmbER 21-24, 2019

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Senate Democrats call on return of WWII FilVets parole program

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) and 13 Senate Democrats wrote to Ken Cuccinelli, acting director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, urging him to rescind the Trump Administration’s decision to terminate the Filipino World War II Veterans Parole Program (FWVP).

“Over the past two years, the Trump administration has repeatedly attacked immigrants, and once again, its anti-immigrant disposition is reflected in this harmful and unnecessary action to end a program that helps elderly World War II veterans—who are now in their late 80s and 90s—reunite with their children and siblings.

By abruptly and cruelly terminating this program nearly two years early, you are breaking yet another promise to Filipino World War II veterans and denying them the relief they deserve for their service to our country. We strongly urge you to reverse your decision to keep these veterans separated from their families by ending the Filipino World War II Veterans Parole Program,” the senators wrote.

Filipino veterans were granted citizenship in recognition of their service to the United States during World War II. Many of their children, however, were not. Due to the volume of immigrant visa applications from the Philippines, it can take more than 20 years for families to be reunited.

Under the FWVP program, the adult children of Filipino World War II veterans, along with their spouses and children under age 21, can finally be together in the United States while they await an available immigrant visa. Hirono was instrumental in creating the program in 2016 and encouraged the Trump Administration to continue the program in an April 2017 letter.

In July, Hirono met for a second time with the Milla Family – the first family in Hawaii to benefit from the FWVP program in 2017.

After waiting more than 20 years for an immigrant visa, the FWVP program enabled Jeorge Milla to be reunited with his mother in Hawaii while awaiting his visa. Jeorge and his wife Juseline are now employed in Hawaii, their two daughters Jasmine and Jeraldine are attending college, and they have all earned their green cards.

In May, Hirono reintroduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation to build on the FWVP program

to reunite Filipino World War II veterans with their families in the United States. Hirono has introduced the bipartisan legislation in the 113th, 114th, and 115th Congresses and successfully added it as an amendment to the Senate’s 2013 bipartisan comprehensive immigration reform bill, S. 744, which passed the Senate.

Joining Hirono on the letter to Acting Director Cuccinelli are

U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Jacky Rosen (DNev.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Kamala Harris (D-Calif), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Cory Booker (DN.J.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Chris Coons (D-Del.), and Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif).

(Inquirer.net)

A september 21-24, 2019 • LA WeeKeND AsIAN JOUrNAL

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Pangilinan keeps post as LP president

by ConsuElo

marquEz

Inquirer.net

MANILA — Senator Francis Pangilinan will maintain his position as president of the Liberal Party (LP), one of the oldest political parties in the country.

In a statement on Thursday, September 19, a meeting of LP National Executive Council (NECO) — which is composed of two hundred elected and nonpolitician members — approved the mandate and ratified the tenure of LP’s national officers.

While Pangilinan was again designated president of the political party, Senator Franklin Drilon and Teodoro “Teddy” Baguilat Jr. were appointed as vicechairpersons of LP. Quezon City 6th District Rep. Kit Belmonte also stayed as secretary-general while Occidental Mindoro Rep. Josephine “Nene” Ramirez-Sato was designated treasurer.

Former congressman Erin Ta-

tion No. NECO-2019-06, which commended LP members in Congress for “upholding liberal values and defending democratic institutions.”

LP lawmakers of the previous Congress were hailed after they authored and sponsored bills that contributed to nation-building.

The bills are Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (RA 11310); Magna Carta of the Poor (RA 11291); National Feeding Act (RA 11037); Sagip Saka Act (RA 11321); Free College Tuition Act (RA 10931); 105-Day ExSenator Francis Pangilinan Inquirer.net photo panded Maternity Leave Law (RA ñada III became vice president 11210); Kalusugan at Nutrisyon for external affairs while Bolet ng Mag-Nanay Act (RA 11148); Banal was named vice-chairper- Mental Health Act (RA 11036); son for the National Standing Revised Corporation Code of the Commission for Political and Philippines (RA 11232); Ease of Electoral Affairs.

Doing Business Act (RA 11032); Meanwhile, Provincial Board Expanded National Integrated Member Jason Gonzales of Iloilo Protected Areas System Act (RA was named the party’s director- 11038) and Philippine Space general.

Agency Act (RA 11363), among LP likewise approved Resolu- others. n

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FOOTBRIDGE VENDORS. Ambulant vendors occupy a portion of the Baclaran footbridge despite an order to reclaim roads, sidewalks, and public spaces on Thursday, September 19. In the Baclaran area, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and city officials of Pasay and Parañaque have dismantled hundreds of structures and confiscated truckloads of assorted items during clearing operations.

PNA photo by Gil Calinga

Labor Dept. maintains GMA violated law in Eddie Garcia case by aJPress GMA Network is liable for the death of veteran actor Eddie Garcia, the Philippine Department of Labor and Employment-Occupational Safety and Health (DoLEOSH) said on Thursday, September 19.

The network earlier on Monday, September 16, filed a comment based on DOLE’s preliminary findings in the investigation on the incident involving the late actor, which stated that the network allegedly committed three violations under the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) law: failure to submit an incident report within 24 hours, employ or designate a safety officer, and employ or designate a certified first aider.

According to GMA, it initially gave a copy of the results of its internal investigation to the family of Garcia as a matter of respect and thereafter voluntarily submitted a copy to DOLE on July 5, in compliance with the law and its IRR. It also noted that, under IRR, a case of “work accidents resulting in disabling injury or death” is an exception to the requirement that a report be made within 24 hours from the occurrence.

The network also confirmed that it had sufficient number of DOLE-certified safety officers ca-

The late Eddie Garcia

Philstar.com photo

tering to its employees. It added that the “workplace” under the OSH law refers only to those places where services of the employees are regularly rendered, and that the IRR cannot expand the coverage of the law to include temporary, moving or shifting locations.

GMA also claimed there were three members of the production staff who have completed the Philippine Red Cross’ lecture demonstration on First Aid and Basic Life Support-CPR present on the location site the day of the accident.

On June 8, Garcia tripped on a cable wire and hit his head on the pavement during a shoot for

“Rosang Agimat,” an upcoming TV series on GMA, and was left in a coma. Twelve days later, he was pronounced dead at the age of 90.

OSH Director Noel Binag, however, said that there was no truth to the network’s claim that the taping of its television series was not permanent, meaning it was not subject to inspection.

In an interview with The Manila Times, he said, “Because their shooting happened in Tondo, they’re claiming it’s not a workplace. But it’s very clear in our IRR (implementing rules and regulations) that all economic activity is already a workplace. So, they cannot claim that.”

Binag also debunked GMA’s claim that it had safety officers and certified first aid responders and equipment to transport victims, pointing out that GMA did not submit a post-program to the DOLE that would support its claim that they had safety officers in place.

“Obviously, again in the [viral] video that appeared, they did not have any [first aid equipment],” he added.

Binag further noted that GMA committed the most serious violation by failing to report the incident to DOLE within 24 hours.

“We did not know what happened. It only came out after how many days when a viral video taken by a bystander came out [on social media],” he said. n

Duterte, Putin to meet anew in October

by CaThErinE

ValEnTE ManilaTimes.net

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte and Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet anew in October in Moscow to enhance the country’s bilateral relations with Russia, according to Malacañang.

In a chance interview, Palace spokesman Salvador Panelo confirmed that Duterte accepted the invitation of Putin to visit Moscow in the first week of October.

“Ang sabi niya ay inimbitahan siya ni Russian President at tinanggap na niya. Ia-announce niya na lang kung ano ang mangyayari doon (He said he was invited by Russian President and he accepted it. He will soon announce what will happen during his visit),” Panelo told reporters.

“Hindi ko pa alam ang exact dates, most likely first week of

October (I don’t know the exact dates of his visit to Russia, but most likely, it would be by the first week of October),” he added.

Panelo said the country’s relations with Russia were expected to be further enhanced when the President holds another round of talks with Putin.

“When you visit a country other than yours, it means you are trying to improve relations.

It could mean further improved relations between the two countries,” he said.

This would be the second visit of Duterte to Russia since he cut short his travel to Moscow in May 2017 due to the deadly clashes between government troops and Islamic State-linked militants in Marawi City.

Duterte then declared martial law in Mindanao before rushing

back home to deal with the security problem.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. earlier bared that the president would visit Russia next month “to make up for his first state visit that was aborted within half a day of arriving by the fall of Marawi to jihadis, including foreign fighters.”

The Philippines under Duterte has made overtures toward Beijing and Moscow — seeing the countries as sources of muchneeded investment — away from the United States.

Duterte and Putin first met in Peru during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in November 2016.

The president had once called Putin his “favorite hero,” as he tried to cement better ties with Russia. n

PNP: No shoot-to-kill order vs convicts

by EmmanuEl

Tupas

Philstar.com

MANILA — There is no shootto-kill order to the police to force the surrender of the remaining heinous crime convicts who walked free under the Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA) law.

Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesman Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac yesterday said the police will use force only if the convicts resist arrest and put up a fight.

“There is no shoot-to-kill order against convicts who will fail to surrender,” Banac stressed.

Banac said their tracker teams will exert all efforts to arrest the convicts following prescribed procedures and respect for human rights.

“We are also prepared to respond to contain or suppress any risk should a convict opt to put up any violent resistance,” he said.

A total of 538 convicts have surrendered as of yesterday, according to the PNP’s latest report.

However, 391 or 72.76 percent of them were not included in the list of the 1,914 heinous crime convicts granted freedom under GCTA. A total of 336 convicts were turned over to the custody of the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor).

On Sept. 4, President Duterte

ordered the released prisoners to surrender and register with the BuCor within 15 days or they would be considered fugitives.

They have only until today to turn themselves in.

Duterte voided the release orders following reports of irregularities and corruption in the computation of prison sentences under the GCTA law.

Duterte has renewed an offer of big bounties for their capture. He said he would be happier if they were caught dead rather than alive.

Duterte said there was a “prize” of P1 million for each of the former felons still at large, after less than 700 of them heeded his call for surrender.

“The P1-million prize is available to those who can capture them dead or alive. But maybe dead would be a better option. I will pay you smiling,” Duterte told reporters late Tuesday.

Banac added that even if there is no reward money, the PNP will continue to account for the convicts still at large.

“Although the reward may be helpful to entice possible informants against convicts who fail to surrender, the PNP will exert all efforts to arrest them,” he said.

Banac urged the remaining convicts to surrender before to-

day’s deadline.

The PNP has been prepping up its elite Special Action Force (SAF) to help in going after the convicts who fail to meet the deadline today to surrender.

Banac warned the SAF will commence operations starting Friday, September 20.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra, for his part, advised the public not to take the President’s “dead or alive” order literally.

“Law enforcers are supposed to effect peaceful arrests, but they may use reasonable force if the subject of the arrest violently resists and endangers the security of the arresting officer,” Guevarra said.

Justice Undersecretary Markk Perete added two high profile convicts in the rape slay of the Chiong sisters in 1997 surrendered yesterday.

Josman Aznar and James Anthony Uy beat the deadline to surrender.

Perete said the two convicts showed up at the BuCor gates early last Friday night.

The PNP said a majority of those who surrendered were from Mimaropa (Mindoro-Marinduque-Romblon-Palawan) region with 100, followed by Central Visayas with 50 and Zamboanga peninsula with 47. n

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • SEptEmbER 21-24, 2019

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Palace: Duterte‘happy’with Puyat’s work amid son’s criticisms TOURISM Secretary Bernadette Puyat continues to enjoy President Rodrigo Duterte’s trust and confidence, Malacañang said on Friday, September 20, amid presidential son and Deputy Speaker Paolo Duterte’s allegations against her.

Speaking to reporters, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Alexei Nograles said Duterte was satisfied with Puyat’s performance as Tourism chief. “‘Yung full trust and confidence ni pangulo kay Secretary SENATE INQUIRY. Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, former chief of the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Berna (The president’s full trust Group, appears before the Senate inquiry on the Good Conduct and Time Allowance on Thursday, September 19. Magalong said illegal and confidence in Secretary activities inside the New Bilibid Prison involving high-profile inmates and law enforcement officers is a “systemic” problem that needs to Berna) obviously continues. be addressed.

PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan Alam naman natin na maganda naman ‘yung mga ginagawa ni Secretary Berna (We all know that Secretary Berna is doing good) as far as tourism is concerned,” Nograles said during a media interview.

The younger Duterte on PNP to conduct arrest peaceselves in following Duterte’s orby Kristine Joy Patag Thursday said he had received fully der.

Philstar.com complaints about Puyat’s Last Tuesday, September 17, “We don’t really know beMANILA — Over 2,000 people cause the current situation, [the] two days before his imposed dead- “character and management have voluntarily surrendered to feeling or thought of people now line, Duterte gave an even graver style” in relation to her approvthe government since President is sense of fear given the presi- warning. He placed a P1 million al of contracts and projects in Rodrigo Duterte announced that dent’s directive that they should bounty for their capture, “dead or the Department of Tourism freed heinous crimes convicts surrender before the 19th, which alive but maybe dead would be a (DOT). released under a controversial is today, so many if not all are better option.” law should turn themselves in or afraid including their own famiNational Union of Peoples’ else, “things can go wrong.”

Lawyers President Edre Olalia lies,” the priest added.

Duterte’s imposed deadline “They’d rather be on the safe told Philstar.com that Duterte’s expired midnight of September side, surrender even though they directive is “dangerous and may 20, and the government now has are not under the heinous crime be illegal.” Justice Secretary 2,009 ex-inmates in their cus- category,” Lumbo also said.

Menardo Guevarra came to the tody. president’s defense and claimed What happens now?

Justice Undersecretary Markk Out of the more than 2,000 that the order should not be taken Perete explained that 1,773 are now under government custody, literally. staying at the Bureau of Correc- Perete said that at least 41 of The deadline has since expired tions while 236 are with the Phil- them were freed with no legal and the DOJ is expediting “cleanippine National Police. obstacle or not through the con- ing up” the list that would guide The number is 95 higher than troversial law. law enforcement agencies in enthe BuCor’s original and errone“These are the individuals acting Duterte’s directive. ous data that listed 1,914 individ- who have been pardoned or Perete said that from the list uals convicted of heinous crime paroled,” Perete said in a press they received from the BuCor, that should heed Duterte’s sur- conference. they will “subtract those who acrender order.

There were some who surren- tually surrendered and those on Fear made them yield their dered to the BuCor on Thursday pardon or parole and the only way liberty night but were not included in you can do this process is after On Thursday, September 19, the original list. you take account for those who Father Eli Lumbo, executive diThey could have left the Bu- have surrendered.” rector of the Philippine Jesuit Cor, Perete said, but “they reBut even without the “cleaned Prison Service Foundation, told fused to do so because they are up” list, the police have started ANC’s Early Edition that some asking for a certification from the hunting down the freed heinous of the inmates he talked to said BuCor that they will no longer be crimes convicts. they are enveloped with fear and the subject of re-arrest.”

Police Major General Guillermo a sense of uncertainty.

The Justice spokesperson Eleazar, National Capital Region He said that at least 20 ex-in- said they are preparing a docu- Police Office Director, told Philmates who surrendered to the ment that could protect them star.com in a text message that BuCor told him that they were for their immediate release. they started re-arresting 2:30 in not freed under the Good Con- “The certification should be the afternoon. duct and Time Allowance law. legal protection against re-arThe DOJ spokesperson also notSome were released on parole rest,” he added. ed the PNP have earlier said they and at least two were already acMeanwhile, the surrenderers “will apply all reasonable means” quitted. at the BuCor are to be detained to ensure that the operation would Still, they chose to turn them- at the minimum security area. be peaceful and orderly. n

BuCor list had 1,914 names, but 2,009 surrendered. What happens now?

The young Duterte, however, did not specify which contracts and projects were anomalous.

But according to him, he owed it to the people of Davao City to reveal Puyat’s character.

Nograles, a former lawmaker, said he was unaware of any complaints against Puyat that have reached the President.

But Nograles said the president may give new instructions on tourism in the upcoming Cabinet meetings.

When asked how the president was with Puyat during Cabinet meetings, Nograles said: “All praises, very warm.”

“He (Duterte) is happy with the work of Secretary Berna, so far. So abangan na lang po natin. Magkakaroon naman kami ng Cabinet meeting (let’s just wait. We’ll have a Cabinet meeting)… perhaps, we will have some directives from the president as far as the tourism industry is concerned,” he added.

Nograles also said tourism statistics have improved under Puyat and that tourism industry stakeholders supposedly have no complaints about her.

“Under her watch, tumaaas po yung tourism numbers natin, dumami yung turista natin, at maganda naman yung industry (tourism numbers have increased, the number of tourists went up and the undustry in general is good),” Nograles said.

“Pati yung mga stakeholders natin sa tourism industry wala namang reklamo kay Secretary Berna. Mabilis naman umaksyon, masipag naman, maganda naman yung mga projects ng DOT right now under her watch (Even stakeholders in the tourism industry have no complaints against Secretary Berna. She responds quickly and is hardworking.

The DOT also has good projects under her watch),” he added.

The agency had said that the number of foreign tourists who visited the country increased by almost 12 percent to 4.1 million in the first half of the year.

Puyat was appointed by Duterte last year to succeed then DOT secretary Wanda Tulfo Teo. (Catherine Valente/ ManilaTimes.net)

A8 SEPTEMBER 21-24, 2019 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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OPINION

Fighting revisionism

FEATURES

THE country marks 47 years since martial law was declared on Friday, September 20, with martial law in place in Mindanao for the entire year. Public protest has been muted against what has been called a “smiling martial law” whose principal mission is counterterrorism.

In President Duterte’s home city of Davao, the local council has passed a resolution calling for the lifting of martial law in the city. So far, no other local government unit has followed suit.

On multimedia, there are active efforts to rewrite the martial law years, with a selective presentation of what Imelda Marcos would describe as the true, the good and the beautiful about the dictatorship.

Whatever positive aspects are highlighted by the revisionists will be trumped by the atrocities of military rule: the mass arrest without warrant of dissidents, political enemies and critics of Ferdinand Marcos; the imprisonment for months and even years without formal charges; the shutdown of Congress and its replacement with a rubberstamp; the end of a free press and freedom of expression.

Detainees were beaten, stripped naked and raped or electrocuted, subjected to the water cure and deprived of sleep by the martial law enforcers. Some people were taken by state forces and never seen again.

And then there was the plunder. Based on the government salaries of Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos over 20 years, how could they have legitimately amassed the hundreds of millions of dollars deposited in banks that the Swiss government has returned to the Filipino people? Where did they get the money for Imelda to buy her mind-boggling collection of jewelry and artworks by the masters?

The price of one painting alone by Vincent van Gogh or Claude Monet will never be earned in 20 years by a Philippine president even with salary standardization at 2020 rates.

It’s a national tragedy that nearly half a century after martial law was declared, no one involved in such colossal plunder has been sent behind bars.

Ferdinand Marcos is buried in the heroes’ cemetery, his widow has served as congresswoman and their eldest daughter is in the Senate, following in her brother’s footsteps.

As George Santayana warned, the danger when memories fade is a repeat of past mistakes. Ef- a subject on martial law. UP is also setting up a forts are underway to counter the revisionism. Freedom Memorial Museum in Diliman on the The University of the Philippines will be offering same subject, to be opened on Sept. 21, 2022,

Editorial

Philstar.com photo

the 50th anniversary of the declaration. The nation cannot afford to forget the lessons of the dark days of the dictatorship. (Philstar.com)

How to help others who may be at risk based on social media posts

The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS SEPTEMBER is National Suicide Prevention Month in the United States. In my effort to help spread awareness on this health crisis that is now the 10th cause of death in America and the second among teenagers and young adults, I wrote an article on the risk factors, warning signs and how to help people who may be at risk to hurt themselves.

Many of our kababayans who read the article expressed how this crisis has affected them personally within their family circle, and how they hope people at risk may have better access to mental health services, and a stronger support system that may help them through depression, including their faith in God. Since many people are now engaging more on social media, readers also requested for more information on how to help those at risk based on their social media posts.

Here is some information I

found to help us all from the SuicidePreventionLifeline.org: Determine if there is imminent risk Regardless of protocols, warning signs, or risk factors, there may be posts, profile details, or comments that may indicate a need for immediate action outside of your community’s resources. Imminent risk is a term used to define a situation in which an individual is at immediate risk of harming themselves or another person.

To decide whether a person is at imminent risk of harming themselves or others, look for three distinct variables: plan (how), date/time (when) and/or place (where). If the individual identifies a specific method of suicide (the plan) and/or indicates a specific day or time in which they will carry out this method (the timeline), and/or states where he/she wishes to attempt suicide, then that individual is likely at imminent risk of suicide.

Examples of a community post from someone who may be at imminent risk: “I GIVE UP. Save your

thoughts, I’m killing myself later tonight.”

“I have no one, I’m completely done and I’m numb. I have NO purpose. I’m just wondering what is most efficient to end it, but I think I’m going to use my gun tonight because it should be painless. I’ll be home alone, so I have plenty of time to do it.”

I’m going to die by the end of tomorrow. I have a plan but I wanted to say goodbye to all of you before I do it.”

In situations where a person is perceived to be at imminent risk of harming themselves or others, it is imperative to connect that individual to emergency services or 911 for immediate assistance. Local emergency services are the fastest way to help a person who is at imminent risk of suicide. Other resources or protocols may be inappropriate during this situation and should not be applied.

It will also be important to share within your community a procedure on how community members can reach out to emergency services if they come across other members who are at imminent risk of

harming themselves or another person. Within these guidelines, important information to share with 911 or other emergency services should include: As much information as is possible about the person at risk (including name, current address or whereabouts, telephone number, or other mode of contact).

The nature of the emergency, including information about what the person posted, behavior or actions about to be taken or in the process of being taken, how the caller learned about the emergency (what website, post, chat forum was found).

You (or the caller’s) name, location, and relationship with the digital community.

Any other information that may be relevant to the situation.

What if someone is posting suicidal messages on social media?

Knowing how to get help for a friend posting suicidal messages on social media can save a life. Many social media sites have a process to report suicidal content and get help for the

person posting the message.

In addition, many of the social media sites use their analytic capabilities to identify and help report suicidal posts. Each offers different options on how to respond if you see concerning posts about suicide. For example: the Facebook Suicide Prevention webpage can be found at www.facebook.com/help/ 594991777257121/[use the search term “suicide” or “suicide prevention”].

Instagram uses automated tools in the app to provide resources, which can also be found online at https://help. instagram.com [use the search term, “suicide,” self-injury,” or “suicide prevention”] Snapchat’s Support provides guidance at https://support. snapchat.com [use the search term, “suicide” or “suicide prevention”] Tumblr Counseling and Prevention Resources webpage can be found at https://tumblr.zendesk.com[use the search term “counseling” or “prevention,” then click on “Counseling and prevention resources”].

Twitter’s Best Practices in

Dealing With Self-Harm and Suicide at https://support.twitter.com [use the search term “suicide,” “self-harm,” or “suicide prevention”].

YouTube’s Safety Center webpage can be found at https://support.google.com/youtube [use the search term “suicide and self injury”].

If you see messages or live streaming suicidal behavior on social media, call 911 or contact the toll-free National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1–800–273–TALK (8255), or text the Crisis Text Line (text HOME to 741741) available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals can contact the Lifeline via TTY at (800)799–4889. All calls are confidential. This service is available to everyone. People— even strangers—have saved lives by being vigilant. *** 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

Helping make the Pasig River commuter system succeed

Street Talk GREG B. MACABENTA IT’S remarkable, what a longunopened filing cabinet can yield.

On this trip to Manila, we found a faded document with the ambitious heading: “CONCEPT PAPER: A PASIG-BASED COMMUTER TRANSPORT SYSTEM FOR METROPOLITAN MANILA AND ENVIRONS.” I had just been introduced to Commodore Brillante Ochoco, Commandant of the Philippine Coast Guard. Upon learning that I was an advertising man, he asked me to suggest a topic for a talk that he needed to make before members of the United Nations Walking Corporation, a fanciful name for what I assumed was a gathering of gentlemen of leisure over coffee, much like the Intercontinental Hotel 365 Club and the old Escolta Walking Corporation at the venerable Botica Boie on the Escolta.

My mischievous self was tempted to suggest the Battle of Manila Bay led by another commodore, George Dewey, but I decided instead on a more benign theme that had to do with water (Philippine Coast Guard equals water, get it?). For a “walking” club, why not a topic on transport.

Thus, water plus transport equals a Pasig River transport system.

This was back in the early 80s, well before EDSA had become a monstrous parking lot. But even then, traffic congestion tormented Metro Manilans. I, therefore, wrote a concept paper on a commuter system reviving the prewar use of the Pasig River.

My dusty 40-plus-year-old paper reads: 1. The current situation 1.1. Continuing growth of Metro Manila population and resultant urban sprawl.

1.2. Escalating commuter transport problems caused by increase in number of motor vehicles, increase in number of commuters moving from the suburbs to Metro Manila’s business and commercial districts, inadequacy of existing thoroughfares and inadequacy of the transport systems themselves.

1.3.Negative effects on manpower productivity, traffic safety and on the ecology, as well as on cost-of-living, especially for lowincome workers.

1.4. North-South commuter needs filled by Metrorail. EastWest needs currently being met by standard land transportation systems, with corresponding problems and limitations.

2. The opportunity 2.1. Historically, the Pasig River has served as one of the princi-

pal transportation routes serving Manila and the towns of Rizal.

2.2. For years, however, the Pasig has hardly been employed for commuter transport (there are crude ferry services in operation at the present time).

2.3. The Pasig has also severely deteriorated because of pollution. Its banks are lined with slum dwellings. In this regard, the Metro Manila Commission and the national government have launched a determined program to save the Pasig and restore it to its former beauty and usefulness.

2.4. Running the East-West route, the Pasig passes through Metro Manila’s major business and commercial districts, including Mandaluyong, Makati, Santa Mesa, Quiapo, Santa Cruz and San Nicolas/Binondo and all the way up to the vicinity of the Port Area. The Metro Manila and Rizal towns through which the Pasig flows are, incidentally, among those suffering the most from traffic congestion.

3. The concept To solve the foregoing problem, we propose to take advantage of the opportunity provided by the Pasig River, thus: The Metro Manila love boat Commuter Transportation System On the Pasig River The Love Boat Transport System will have the following features:

3.1.Air-conditioned boats carrying the equivalent load of a standard bus in terms of passengers, plying the length of the Pasig from the farthermost Rizal town up to downtown Manila (Quiapo/Santa Cruz), with stops in Makati, Mandaluyong and other points.

3.2. Love Boat fares to be made affordable for average income workers.

3.3. Regular departure and arrival schedules to be observed.

Fixed Love Boat stations to be designated.

Corresponding wharves and facilities to be constructed.

Why did I suggest calling it the Love Boat? Because First Lady and Metro Manila Commission Governor Imelda RomualdezMarcos had successfully launched the Love Bus, a commuter system that operated on regular and predictable schedules while offering air-conditioned comfort at a reasonable price. Besides, there was a weekly TV sitcom, The Love Boat, being aired at the time.

At any rate, Commodore Ochoco’s speech, in which he proposed the Pasig River transport system, was so well-received, it got wide newspaper coverage and Mrs. Marcos herself became interested in the concept. She sent for Ochoco who took me along to the meeting. The First Lady agreed to develop the con-

cept further.

An overseas investment group also expressed interest in the concept and held several exploratory meetings with us.

Pleasantly surprised at the enthusiasm that his proposal had generated, Ochoco also arranged for us to actually sail the entire length of the Pasig River. Columnist Ruther Batuigas joined us on the trip.

Unfortunately, historic events overtook our incipient project.

The Power Power Revolt of 1986 scuttled any further discussions of the idea. Ochoco was promoted to Rear Admiral and Flag Officer in Command of the Philippine Navy, but was soon displaced along with the ejection from Malacañang of the Marcoses.

However, a Pasig River commuter transport system was too good an idea to let go of. Through the various administrations that came after Marcos, attempts to establish and operate such a system have been made by private and government entities, with varying degrees of success and failure.

A news item last year read: “The new Pasig River Ferry System, which will begin operations in December 2018, aims to have 29 stations and 24 boats servicing 76,000 commuters per day or 19,836,000 per year—not yet including passenger volumes for

weekend schedules, tours, or express routes. The new stations will be established along the river in the cities of Manila, Mandaluyong, Makati, Taguig, Pasig, and Marikina.

“At present, the Pasig River Ferry Service which is run by the MMDA has 12 stations: three stations are in Pasig City—Pinagbuhatan in Eusebio Avenue, San Joaquin on San Bernardo Street, and Maybunga on Dr. Sixto Avenue; two in Makati City—Guadalupe on J.P. Rizal Extension, and Valenzuela on A. Bonifacio Street; one in Mandaluyong— Hulo Station on Coronado Street; six in Manila—Lambingan on Bautista Street in Sta. Ana, Sta. Ana on Pedro Gil Street, Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) Mabini Campus in Sta. Mesa, Lawton, Escolta on Muelle dela Industria, and Plaza Mexico in Intramuros.

“Aside from the ferry service, the Technical Working Group also proposes improved connectivity to the ferry stations through additional pathways such as bridges, linear parks and esplanades leading to the ferry stations. The addition of the bridges, parks and esplanades will also serve as a network of open spaces that will provide Metro Manila’s dense urban population with a ‘breathing space’ as well as an evacuation

u PAGE A9

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • SEptEmbER 21-24, 2019

A

CHR on 47th anniversary of martial law:‘Never again, never forget’ THE Commission on Human Rights (CHR) urged Filipinos not to be afraid in commemorating the 47th anniversary of the declaration of martial law in the Philippines.

In a Twitter thread posted on Friday night, September 20, the CHR said that impunity continued to rule the nation, long after dictator Ferdinand Marcos, who ruled the country for over tow decades, had gone.

“Forty-seven years ago, martial law was declared in our country,” the CHR tweeted. “The dictator [Marcos] has long been

Hundreds of members from multi-sectoral groups gather at the Quezon City Memorial Circle on Friday, September 20, to kick off a day of worldwide protests calling for action against climate change.

Philstar.com photo by Efigenio Toledo IV

Filipinos urged to demand urgent action vs climate crisis

by Gaea

Katreena Philstar.com

CabiCo

MANILA — Now is the time for everyone to speak up against climate emergency and take urgent steps to prevent an environmental catastrophe.

Hundreds of members from multi-sectoral groups stressed this message as they gathered at the Quezon City Memorial Circle Friday, September 20, kicking off a day of worldwide protests calling for action against climate change.

“We have on us is a climate crisis. And we should act now.

It’s not something that we should postpone,” Gia Ibay, Worldwide Fund for Nature-Philippines climate and energy program head, said.

Ibay added: “It’s important that we all come together for one voice, one new deal for nature and planet so all of us will be

able to live sustainably in a world where all will be able to rely to each other and rely on nature for generations to come.”

Fr. Pete Montallano, head of the Stop Kaliwa Dam network, urged Filipinos to take the issue of climate emergency seriously.

“The Filipino people should wake up. Mamamatay na tayong lahat. Hindi na pwedeng kikimi kimi tayo dahil takot tayo. I’m calling all Filipinos na tumayo na tayo at ipagtanggol ang kalikasan (The Filipino people should wake up.

We are all dying. Not speaking up because we’re afraid should no longer be done. I’m calling all Filipinos to stand up and defend the environment).”

The demonstration was part of a worldwide movement ahead of United Nations summit on climate change in New York.

World leaders will gather in United States’ financial capital

to present their plans to curb greenhouse gas emissions.

Greta Thunberg, a 16-year-old environmentalist in Sweden, inspired the global climate strike.

Students from different schools all over the Philippines took part in the coordinated strike, calling on governments and big businesses to pay attention to climate change.

The global rallies will culminate in New York where over one million students are expected to skip schools for the event.

Experts say that global warning caused by heat-trapping greenhouse gases from fossil fuels has led to droughts, melting of glaciers, rising sea levels and floods.

Environmental organization Greenpeace Philippines said the Philippines is among the nations experiencing the worst impacts of climate change. n

SC upholds P2-billion fine on MWSS, water firms

MANILA — The Supreme Court (SC) has affirmed the P2 billion in penalties imposed on the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) and its two concessionaires for failure to comply with environmental laws.

In a regulatory filing, the Metro Pacific Investment Corp., parent firm of west zone concessionaire Maynilad Water Services Inc., said the SC upheld with modifications the decision of the Court of Appeals finding the three parties guilty of violating the Clean Water Act. In a separate filing, east zone

concessionaire Manila Water Co. said it has received a copy of the SC decision.

The law mandates the MWSS, as the government agency tasked to provide water and sewerage services, and the concessionaires in Metro Manila and other cities to connect existing sewage lines to the available sewerage system within five years from the law’s effectivity in 2004.

The high court ordered the concessionaires along with the MWSS to pay P921.4 million for the period May 2009 to August this year.

The amount should be paid

within 15 days from the time the court decision becomes final.

In addition, the MWSS and the concessionaires would pay an initial amount of P322,102 per day, subject to a 10 percent increase every two years until full compliance with the law.

A six percent interest will be imposed on the total amount of fines should there be a delay in the payment.

Maynilad plans to file a motion for reconsideration before the SC on or before Oct. 2.

Manila Water said it would also exercise its legal options. (Louise Maureen Simeon/Philstar)

gone but the growing climate of injustice and impunity today seems to be reminiscent of the dark period of the dictatorship.”

The human rights commission further tweeted that people should not fall victim to “historical amnesia” and should educate the next generation that abuses were not an option.

“Let us not be victims of historical amnesia and push back against similar authoritarian tendencies that threaten our democracy,” it tweeted. “It is our duty to engage the younger gen-

erations and remind them that extreme measures, which enable abuses, must never be an option.”

The CHR said that it would continue to oppose any form of historical revisionism and concluded its thread saying, “Never again, never forget.”

Saturday marks the 47th anniversary of the declaration of martial law, which Marcos used to “save society” but was known for human rights abuses and detention of administration critics.

(Aric John Sy Cua/ManilaTimes. net)

Helping make the Pasig River commuter...

PAGE A8 area during times of calamity.”

The story added that several government agencies had been mustered for the project. I also found this item online: “Early this year, President Rodrigo Duterte approved the revival of the Pasig River Ferry to solve the severe traffic in Metro Manila. Makati City Representative Luis N. Campos Jr. said that at least P2 billion was required to revive the ferry system with smaller boats passing

through more stations at a faster speed.”

Frankly, it shouldn’t take an accidental discovery of old files and the efforts of a curious columnist to unearth information that affects millions of traffic-weary Metro Manilans. If I hadn’t exhumed my old files which, in turn, prompted me to research the topic, I wouldn’t have learned about these welcome developments.

No wonder the earlier efforts to operate the system didn’t fly.

Neither will the current efforts succeed unless wide awareness, interest, comprehension and conviction are generated for it. Without Advertising, Promotions and Publicity, even the best products and services are doomed to fail.

The fellow who coined the saying, “Build it and they will come!” was a miserable failure. No one learned about what he had built.

And nobody came. (gregmacabenta@hotmail. com)

A10 september 21-24, 2019 • LA WeeKeND AsIAN JOUrNAL

Dateline PhiliPPines

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Palace: Duterte to veto any ‘pork’ insertions in 2020 budget

by Catherine

Valente ManilaTimes.net

President Rodrigo Duterte inspects the firearms from the 727 Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa - Pilipinas/ Revolutionary Proletarian Army/ Alex Boncayao Brigade - Tabara-Paduano Group (RPM-P/RPA/ABB-TPG) during the decommissioning at the Camp General Macario B. Peralta, Jr. in Jamindan, Capiz on Thursday, September 19.

Malacañang photo by Albert Alcain

Duterte: Continue fight vs communists

by Catherine

Valente ManilaTimes.net

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has ordered incoming Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Noel Clement to continue the government’s fight against communist insurgency, Malacañang said on Friday, September 20.

Palace spokesman Salvador Panelo made the statement as he confirmed the appointment of Clement as the next AFP chief of staff.

“One of the marching orders of the president is to continue the government’s goal to end the local communist armed conflict — a task that is not new to General Clement as he previously headed the AFP Central Command, led the Philippine Army’s 10th Infantry Division (10th ID) and served as the deputy chief of staff for operations of the AFP, among others,” Panelo said in a statement.

“The Palace is confident that with General Clement at the helm of the AFP, he will continue to uphold the high degree of professionalism, the dedication and the integrity our soldiers have displayed to the flag and country,” he added.

The sixth chief of staff to be appointed by Duterte in only three years, Clement is scheduled to retire in four months or January 2020.

Clement replaces Gen. Benjamin Madrigal, who will reach the mandatory retirement age of 56 on September 28.

Both Clement and Madrigal belong to the same class at the Philippine Military Academy — Class 1985 or the Sandiwa class.

Clement said he was honored to be handpicked by Duterte in leading the Armed Forces, vowing to bring everyone in fighting the communist insurgency, which the military thinks has been infiltrating several sectors such as the academe.

“It has to be the whole country, the whole nation [that should also join us]. This is a national problem, so we have to address this as a people, collectively, so there will be peace in our country,” he told reporters.

“I think I will have to engage more sectors so there will be more of us fighting and have this problem resolved faster,” Clement said.

Jonas Burgos Clement was among the tagged military officers in the disappearance of activist Jonas Burgos in 2007.

But the incoming AFP chief said it was already a “very old issue.” He was not the first soldier accused in Burgos’ disappearance since retired general and now Interior Secretary Eduardo Año had been appointed to head the mil-

itary in 2016.

He was a battalion commander from the time Burgos disappeared at a mall in Quezon City.

“I will not honor them by answering that, so if they want to make that an issue, that is their problem. They should prove if there is factuality on that case [that I was involved], but I will not explain to them,” he said.

“I have been faithful in my service to our country and I have not been involved in any of those activities,” Clement added.

‘Long-term’ Aside from communist insurgency, the military is also being bugged by problems concerning local terrorism, among them the presence of the Islamic State in the country and territorial defense, which involves a maritime dispute in the South China (West Philippine) Sea. Clement said “some” of the problems, such as the territorial matters, were already considered as “continuing programs” of the Philippine military.

“They are continuing programs and some of them are going to take [on a] long-term (approach), like the territorial defense, we still have to develop our capabilities, so we need to continue our modernization program to address this,” he added. n

MALACAñANG on Friday, September 20, assured the public that President Rodrigo Duterte would exercise his veto power to remove any “pork” insertions in the proposed P4.1-trillion national budget for 2020.

Speaking to reporters, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Alexei Nograles said Duterte would not allow the return of the “pork barrel” system in Congress.

“Oo naman. Alam mo naman ‘pag kailangan mag-veto, biniveto ni Pangulo ‘yan, lalo na pagtingin niya (Yes of course, you know if he needs to veto it, the President will veto it, especially if he thinks) it’s unconstitutional, illegal, unlawful. He will veto it kasi kasama ‘yan sa (that’s part of his) power as president,” he said during a media interview.

The asssurance from the Palace came after Albay Second District Rep. Joel Salceda admitted that each congressman would get P100 million for infrastructure and social assistance projects in their congressional districts.

Nograles is confident that Salceda could clarify the issue to avoid another delay in the passage of the budget.

“I heard some of his interviews also sa media, ang sinasabi naman niya hindi naman pork ‘yan kasi (He said it’s not pork because) those are itemized in the

budget. So, if it’s itemized and it’s identified [it’s not pork],”the Cabinet secretary said.

“Siguro sinasabi niya hindi naman maiiwasan (Perhaps he just wanted to say that we could not avoid) that the representatives of Congress will appeal for budget[s] that will benefit their districts or their sector or their constituents,” he added.

Salceda, the chairman of the House Committee on Ways and Means, earlier said every House member would be given P100 million, but this amount was already itemized in the National Expenditure Program submitted

by Malacañang to Congress.

The lawmakers, according to him, propose projects to the executive branch, which then crafts the national budget.

“Before the budget was submitted, we have already recommended to the executive branch which projects require funding under the 2020 budget,” Salceda said.

“Under the leadership of Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, Majority Leader Martin Rolmualdez and Appropriations Chairman Isidro Ungab Jr., the House of Representatives remains true to its commitment to be a relevant, responsive and reliable Congress that the people can trust,” he added.

Salceda pointed out that “lawmakers can only propose, but cannot even amend the budget on the floor because of the

inline budgeting system that we strictly adhere to, to ensure that every item in the proposed appropriations law is legal and above-board.”

Duterte has already certified as urgent the 2020 budget to avoid a repeat of last year’s delay.

At the start of the year, the government operated on a reenacted budget after lawmakers failed to pass the bill on time last year over allegations of pork “insertions.”

Duterte signed the P3.757 billion for the 2019 budget in April this year, but vetoed P95.3 billion in items of appropriations in the details of Department of Public Works and Highways programs/ projects, which were not within the programmed priorities.

The President said operating under a reenacted budget would have adverse effects on the country’s economy, with the country’s gross domestic product taking a dip, and law enforcement would also suffer.

Pork barrel is a program that channels funds to congressional districts. It is used in the budget to give lawmakers lump-sum allocations to finance their pet projects after the appropriations law has been approved.

Several senators and congressmen are facing plunder and graft charges before the Sandiganbayan for allegedly pocketing billions in commissions and kickbacks from their pork barrelfunded projects. n

PMA cadet a victim of hazing – PNP by artemio

Dumlao romina Cabrera Philstar.com

MANILA — The Philippine Military Academy (PMA) has confirmed that cadet Darwin Dormitorio died of injuries resulting from hazing rites, supposedly at the hands of three upperclassmen in the military school.

Police said the cadet died after vomiting inside cadet quarters early Wednesday morning brought about by stomach pain.

He was rushed to the PMA station hospital where he died at 5:15 a.m.

PMA physician Florence Apple Apostol indicated that the initial cause of death of the 20year-old cadet, from Cagayan de Oro City, was cardiac arrest secondary to internal hemorrhage.

Police Maj. Gen. Ephraim Dickson, Cordillera Administrative Region Police Office director, said medico legal reports showed that Dormitorio died from blunt force trauma in various parts of the body.

He said that the “maltreatment” was possibly due to initiation rites committed inside the barracks of the PMA compound, based on testimonies by fellow cadets.

Three of Dormitorio’s upperclassmen, eyed to be the suspects behind the fatal hazing, have been detained by the academy’s officials while investigation is ongoing.

The police official said they are preparing criminal charges for violation of the anti-hazing law against the suspects. The PMA is also preparing administrative charges against the ca-

Facebook image shows Philippine Military Academy cadet Darwin Dormitorio who died from suspected hazing rites at the hands of upperclassmen in the PMA last Wednesday, September 18.

Contributed photo

dets involved.

More cadets eyed Dickson, however, said it was possible that more cadets were involved in the death, which would be subject to further investigation.

Twenty other cadets have been invited for questioning, said PMA superintendent Maj. Gen. Ronnie Evangelista, who affirmed that the school “definitely does not condone nor tolerate any malfeasance nor malpractices.”

“Hazing is actually taboo in PMA. It is not part of the training. We are doing a lot of interventions,” Evangelista said.

Dormitorio’s death came two years after 19-year-old cadet Erwin Christian Vergara died at the Baguio General Hospital barely a month after he was admitted for military training due to “hypovolemic shock secondary to upper gastrointestinal bleeding secondary to bleeding peptic ulcer.”

The PMA, however, ruled out maltreatment as the cause of Vergara’s death and argued that the cadet had an ulcer.

Cadets of the military school have come forward to condemn the incident as “an insult to the sanctity of humanity and an untoward act that destroys the core values that bind us together as brothers and sisters.”

“We, the Cadet Corps of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, denounce those who seek to undermine the mission of our institution. We are clear in our resolve to put an end to such excruciating acts that defy the very values the PMA instills and we stand as one corps against maltreatment,” said cadet 1st class John Michael Navarro, brigade commander representing classes 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023.

The PNP also condemned the fatal hazing incident and vowed to bring those behind it to justice. n

Ombudsman to probe de Lima, Roxas on GCTA mess if he’s not satisfied with replies

by Gabriel

PabiCo Inquirer.net

lalu

MANILA — Ombudsman Samuel Martires has vowed to investigate the roles of Senator Leila de Lima and former Interior Secretary Mar Roxas II in the good conduct time allowance (GCTA) mess if he is not satisfied with their replies.

The Office of the Ombudsman previously sent out letters to the two, asking them to explain why “heinous crime convicts” were removed from the list of those excluded from Republic Act No. 10592, which counted the GCTA credits of inmates.

Both de Lima and Roxas have already sent their replies, but Martires said on Thursday, September 19, he has yet to read them. He however warned the two that if the replies appear sarcastic, he will not hesitate to answer back.

“I am just asking them why is it that the prohibition in the law was not included in the IRR (implementing rules and regulations). Ikaw ang gumawa, ipaliwanag mo, kung satisfied ako sa paliwanag mo, titigil ako. Pero kung hindi ako satisfied sa paliwanag mo, aabante ako ng imbestigasyon,” Martires told reporters after an event at the Office of the Ombudsman.

“Pero kung namimilosopo lang sa akin, mamimilosopo rin

Senator Leila de Lima and former Interior Secretary Mar Roxas II

ako. Ayaw ko sanang humantong sa hindi pagkaka-unawaan di ba, pero sabi ko nga kung pipilitin ako, eh gagawin ko, tungkulin ko ito eh,” he added.

Martires clarified that both de Lima and Roxas are neither considered as respondents or resource persons in the ongoing investigation of the Bureau of Corrections.

Previously, Martires pointed out in his letter that there is a difference in Article 29 of the Revised Penal Code, which was amended by R.A. 10592 — signed by former President Benigno Aquino III — and the law’s IRR. Section 7 of R.A. 10592 mandates the interior and justice

Inquirer.net photo

secretaries — then de Lima and Roxas — to craft the IRR. Under the law, “recidivists, habitual delinquents, escapees, and persons charged with heinous crimes” are excluded from availing GCTA. Heinous crimes convict are however not included in Section 3 of the IRR. In her reply submitted on Tuesday, de Lima said the Ombudsman should direct his question instead to the Department of Justice, as she is no longer in the proper capacity to answer the question. Roxas on the other hand insisted that heinous crime convicts were excluded, as shown in the IRR’s Rule IV, Section 6. n

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A12 september 21-24, 2019 • LA WeeKeND AsIAN JOUrNAL

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SHOWBIZ&STYLE

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Journal Fil-Am hockey player Nick Kylie, Maxine patch things up

Robertson signs NHL contract with Toronto Maple Leafs by

rae ann Varona AJPress

FILIPINO American hockey player Nick Robertson has entered a three-year, entrylevel contract with the National Hockey League (NHL)’s Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday, September 20, nearly a week after his birthday.

Having just turned 18, Robertson was considered the youngest prospect for the Maple Leafs before securing himself as part of the team.

All new players entering the NHL under the age of 25 are required to be signed under an entry-level contract with a term of one to three years, depending PAGE B2

Nick Robertson

Photo from Instagram/@nickrobertson_01

Liza gets ready for teleserye comeback By iza iglesias ManilaTimes.net

Liza Soberano Photo from Instagram/@lizasoberano

BACK in July, ABS-CBN star Liza Soberano was greeted by her fans with signs and flowers when she came home to the Philippines after being away from the country for two-and-a-half months.

It will be remembered that the 21-year-old actress decided to withdraw from her role as Darna in April due to a fractured index finger that led her to flying to the U.S. to undergo a series of surgeries.

She suffered the injury while filming for the fantaserye “Bagani” in 2018. She revealed then after the operation that her finger will never function the same way again.

As a result, her doctor advised her to take two extra months of rest and recovery and is not

allowed to engage in sports or physical activity.

While she is still in the recovery stage, Soberano happily faced the press last week after being named as Jollibee’s newest celebrity endorser. According to her, she is just glad that the surgeries are finally done with and that she doesn’t have to worry about it anymore.

“I feel a lot healthier and stronger, and even more inspired to work harder kasi ever since that injury, parang I lost confidence talaga in myself. A lot of people know that. So now, I feel at my 100 percent best and I am just excited to start working,” Soberano said in an ambush interview.

“Mas maingat din ako sa mga ginagawa ko kasi it’s not fully healed yet. So I still have to take that into consideration. But I PAGE B4

By Honey

orio-escullar Philstar.com

“LOS Bastardos” leading ladies Kylie Verzosa and Maxine Medina have patched things up, following the controversial “spitting” incident in one of their catfights in the series.

Kylie cleared the issue during the series’ thanksgiving presscon last Wednesday, also attended by Ronaldo Valdez, Pinky Amador, Jake Cuenca, Marco Gumabao, Albie Casiño, Joseph Marco, Joshua Colet, Ritz Azul, Mica Javier, Mary Joy Apostol and Jeffrey Santos.

Kylie recalled she immediately apologized to Maxine.

Kylie Verzosa and Maxine Medina (fifth and ninth from right, respectively) with Los Bastardos co-stars (from left) Pinky Amador, Ritz Azul, Joseph Marco, Jeffrey Santos, Marco Gumabao, Ronaldo Valdez, Jake Cuenca, Mica Javier, Albie Casiño, Joshua Colet and Mary Joy Apostol.

Philstar.com photo

“We had an intense scene at emotions namin. Hindi naman po sobrang heightened na po ‘yung PAGE B2

EntErtainmEnt

B september 21-24, 2019 • LA WeeKeND AsIAN JOUrNAL

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Martin open to more ‘Panti Sisters’-like roles by

Ricky caldeRon ManilaTimes.net

As McDonald’s delivery business builds global momentum, the company hosts third annual McDelivery event across 50 countries and six continents

EVEN Martin del Rosario himself said he was surprised when he won Best Actor at the third Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino Awards for his role in “The Panti Sisters.�

He found his role as the youngest of the gay brothers as “simple� but was pleasantly surprised that a lot of people liked his performance.

It was the first time for Martin to win a Best Actor award and he was really shaking because he wasn’t expecting anything, the reason why he didn’t have a prepared speech.

At the One Esplanade victory party, he said that winning

moment for “The Panti Sisters� seemed like his triumph at the Gawad Urian when he won as Best Supporting Actor for “Dagitab� in 2014.

He said all three of them — he, Paolo Ballesteros and Christian Bables — shone in their respective roles, and they all gave their best that’s why he shared his award to his co-actors. Martin said it would have been a happier moment had the three of them tied for the Best Actor honors.

Besides winning several trophies, including the Audience Choice Award, The Panti Sisters is the runaway winner in the boxoffice race, with a very big lead over the second placer. It had earned more than P61 million on

the third day of the festival.

Martin also felt elated with the box-office success of their film and added he didn’t expect that kind of reaction from the viewers. He was so overwhelmed and was proud to say his loved ones were proud of his winning.

He is willing to do another gay role after this film. In fact, The Panti Sisters has a sequel but he doesn’t know whether his character can be reinstated in the sequel since he already died.

Incidentally, Martin plays Alden Richard’s half-brother in the new GMA series, “The Gift,� which started airing last Monday.

He is happy with the opportunity given him by GMA to work with one of the prime actors of the Kapuso Network.

Global ‘McDelivery Night In’ includes ‘Staying In’ clothing line dropping Sept. 19

CHICAGO — McDonald’s now delivers to more than one million customers around the world every day. To honor this milestone, on September 19th McDonald’s and Uber Eats are encouraging customers to enjoy a “Global McDelivery Night In� – one night dedicated to enjoying their craveable and delicious McDelivery favorites where they order it most: at home.

With 60% of McDelivery orders being placed at night, and a growing culture of coziness and relaxation emerging around the world, McDonald’s has created a line of apparel and accessories designed to take quiet nights in to the next level – whether it’s curling up on the couch for a night of relaxation or spending time with loved ones – with McDelivery. Items offered in the McDelivery Night In line, a unique collection of comfortable, on-trend items to enjoy at home including plush loungewear, socks, slippers, games and more. “With McDelivery we’re meeting our customers on their terms,and providing more ways to get their McDonald’s favorites than ever before,� said Steve

Easterbrook, McDonald’s CEO. “In fact globally there are more than 10 McDelivery orders placed every second. With our third annual McDelivery celebration, we’re calling on our customers around the world to take a break and join us for a well-deserved night in.�

Around the world, countries across six continents will bring McDelivery Night In to life on September 19th. • In the U.S., customers can order McDelivery with Uber Eats from a participating McDonald’s to receive a limited edition item from the McDelivery Night In line* with $10 minimum purchase beginning at 5 p.m. local time, while supplies last. Available items in the U.S. include items ranging from cozy socks to slippers perfect for kicking up your feet in style with a Big Mac. • In the United Kingdom and Ireland, well-loved TV personalities will kick-off the activation, encouraging their fans and followers to join the big night in.

There will be a ÂŁ0 delivery fee for Uber Eats throughout the country on the 19th, and cozy socks will be given away with

orders between 5-7pm, while supplies last. • Canada will be celebrating McDelivery Night In through a partnership with Drake General Store – a Canadian retail and ecommerce shop. One hundred percent of the proceeds from all McDelivery Night In line items sold will go to supporting Ronald McDonald House CharitiesŽ Martin del Rosario Canada.

With over two decades of delivery experience in Asia and the Middle East, McDonald’s is already one of the largest global delivery players, offering the service in more than 21,000 restaurants across more than 80 countries. McDelivery is expected to be a $4 billion business globally in 2019, and leverages several different models, including partnering with various third parties for ordering and delivery fulfillment. McDelivery launched in the U.S. in 2017 with partners including Uber Eats, and by the end of 2019 will be available in 10,000 restaurants, more than 70% of the U.S. system.

For more information on McDelivery Night In, visit McDeliveryNightIn.com.

A new challenge for Kim

By Grace O

Kale is practically a wonder drug, what with all its antioxidant power from the FoodTrients indoles, carotenoids, choline, quercitin, vitamin C, as well as vitamin A and calcium. It protects against many kinds of cancer, as do olive oil and the sulfur compounds in garlic. Basil contains WKH O\FRSHQH DQRWKHU FDQFHU À JKWHU &DVKHZV contain copper and the zinc, which boosts the immune system. They are a sweet nut that helps to balance the bitterness of the kale. I use Tuscan kale, a tenderer, less bitter version of the green. It is also called lacinato kale, black kale, or cavolo nero. Young purple kale works as well.

ABOUT GRACE O

by

Pesto Whole-Grain Pizza with Artichokes

Ingredients 2 Tbsp. olive oil 1 Rustic Crust Great Grains organic pizza crust ½ cup Kale Cashew Pesto recipe (follows) 1 cup shredded mozzarella 6 oz. (1 package) Monterey Farms Grilled ArtiHearts

Instructions Brush crust with olive oil. Spread pesto evenly over the whole pie. Scatter the shredded cheese evenly across. Arrange the artichoke hearts on top. Bake at 425 degrees for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese melts and is slightly brown.

Kale Cashew Pesto

Ingredients

1 cup Tuscan kale leaves, stems removed, tightly packed 1 cup basil leaves, tightly packed ½ cup cashews, unsalted 1 tsp. crushed garlic Ÿ tsp. sea salt 4 Tbsp. olive oil + 1 Tbsp. olive oil 1/8 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions c

Ÿ g A of olive oil into the bowl of a food processor. Blend together for 10 seconds, or until the mixture is very granular but not

A f

A T Ÿ Tbsp. of oil and the cheese. Blend for another 6–10 seconds, or until you get an emerald-colored paste.

GRACE O is the creator of FoodTrients, a unique program for optimizing wellness and longevity. She is the author of two award-winning cookbooks — The Age Gracefully Cookbook and The Age Beautifully Cookbook, which recently won Gourmand’s ‘Best in the World’ Award for Innovation. She is a fusion chef with a mission to deliver delicious recipes built on a foundation of anti-aging science and her 20 years in the healthcare industry.

Visit FoodTrients.com to learn more. Email us at info@FoodTrients.com

chRistina alpad ManilaTimes.net

(Advertising Supplement)

Mama Mia! That’s a Delicious Pizza Pizza is a favorite food for most of us, but it’s even better when topped with delicious, agedefying toppings. My Kale Cashew Pesto is so full of anti-aging ingredients, I don’t have room to list them all here. (See the full recipe below.)

Pesto is a versatile spread that works on pasta, in sandwiches, in soups, and on this delicious pizza with artichokes, it works well in place of tomato sauce. Artichokes pair nicely with pesto, and they contain the lutein, which reduces the risk of age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.

I used to steam, trim, and de-choke my own artichokes until I met Jane MacDonald at the Natural Foods Expo West. She is the president of Monterey Farms in Salinas, California. She takes fresh artichoke hearts, steams them, tosses them in olive oil, and grills them. Then she vacuumpacks them without adding any preservatives.

You can buy her ArtiHearts at Whole Foods or order them by the case online at her website www.MontereyFarmsArtichokes.com

Photo from Instagram/@martinmiguelmdelrosario

The versatile actress of theater, TV and streaming is about to find out if she’ll be just as effective in the movies.

Photo from Instagram/@kimsmolina

TO theatergoers, she is the beloved Aileen from “Rak of Aegis.� To TV viewers she is the much hated sidekick Savannah from “Kadenang Ginto.� And to streaming audiences, she is the cute and funny Peng from “Momol Nights.�

There can be no doubt that the talented Kim Molina has made a name in various media but she has yet to make a dent in the biggest screen of all which is the movies.

Thankfully, she’s caught the eye of Viva Films which in turn believes she can and will pull off her very own solo movie. Thus was born “Jowable,� Molina’s launching film opening on September 25. “Dati pag may ganitong press con, after the Q&A, aakyat na ako sa dressing room, kakain na ako ng nuggets ko kasi inuuna sina Arci, Bella, Andi,� Molina laughingly shared at the the sidelines her solo-starrer’s media conference.

She was referring to the first PAGE B3

Fil-Am hockey player Nick...

PAGE B1 on their age at signing. “Happy to sign my first NHL contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs,� Robertson wrote on Instagram on Thursday. “Thank you to my family and those who helped me along the way.�

In the post’s comments were congratulatory messages and Philippine flag emojis from fans clearly happy about the news.

Originally from Arcadia, California, Robertson has been training in Peterborough, Ontario and playing with the Ontario Hockey League’s Peterborough Petes for nearly three years.

He’s also expected to be a part of Team USA’s 2019 World Junior Championship roster this winter 2019. He had a great performance with the team

at the World Junior Summer Showcase.

Despite having a height of 5 feet 9 inches, where the average NHL player height 6 feet 1 inch, hockey enthusiasts have lauded Robertson as being smart and strategic on the rink.

Others have considered the Maple Leafs lucky for being able to nab Robertson.

The entry-level deal is also familiar as just last year, his older brother Jason Robertson similarly signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Dallas Stars.

On Instagram, the older brother congratulated the younger on Thursday and said, “Maple Leafs got a good one in you.�

Back in June, Nick Robertson was among the Toronto Maple

Leafs’ draft picks coming from the team’s annual week-long development camp. He told Balitang America that he hopes to set an example to other young Filipinos interested in hockey, given that its unusual to see Filipinos excel in the sport.

In 2015, Filipino-Canadian Matt Dumba became the first ever Filipino to make it to the NHL. Fil-Canadian Jomar Cruz came close in 1988 when he became the first ever Filipino to make it to the second round of the NHL entry draft. “There are a lot of Asians in California that are coming up,� said Robertson. “Once people see how much hockey is growing in the Asian community — I try to hopefully get more Filipinos to play hockey.�

Kylie, Maxine patch things...

PAGE B1 maiiwasan na may masasaktan po na iba. But I said sorry right away.�

Maxine said she already accepted Kylie’s apology, adding that Kylie did so after four days. “I think this is also a lesson for us that before doing a scene, we should talk about it first. So if ever may mangyari na hindi ka-nais-nais, eh kaya natin magsorry right after. But she already said sorry and we already talked about it, okay na po ‘yun,� said Maxine.

Kylie added, “Actually, ‘yun nga po dapat ang ginawa namin before the scene na dapat nagusap kami. Siguro ‘yun lang po ‘yung pagkukulang ko or pagkukulang namin. I know that I asked sorry right away. I just hoped she confronted me man lang sa set if she was feeling bad ‘di ba? What’s important is we’re okay now and all apologies were said.�

Kylie’s co-star and boyfriend Jake explained, “I immediately

told Kylie na dapat pinag-uusapan ng artista ang gagawin sa eksena. But there are instances na hindi pinag-uusapan dahil nadadala lang talaga ang isang artista sa eksena kaya nakakagawa ito ng bagay na hindi naman niya sinasadya. It’s not our intention na manakit, mambastos but at the end of the day, you are in character.�

He added that what’s more important is they learned something from it “especially that they’re both new in the industry. At the end of the day, hindi naman kami inuupo before the show at tinuturuan ng etiquette na maging artista, wala naman.

It’s not something that’s taught.

Wala namang eskuwelahan talaga na nagtuturo sa iyo na ‘ito, dapat ganito sa eksena.’ You just figure it out, you learn from it while doing the scene. “I would say that for both girls, napakahusay nila. I think ‘yung highlight nila na nagsabunutan sila, ‘yun pa yung nag-20 percent, isa sa pinakamataas na

ratings namin. I’m very proud of both them, especially obviously Kylie because she is my girlfriend. I’m proud of her for what she has done... I have nothing but kind words for everyone in the cast,� said Jake.

When asked if they’re both willing to work together again, Maxine and Kylie eagerly answered “yes.�

Meanwhile, after almost one year since it aired in October 2018, the Kapamilya hit afternoon series is nearing its finale week starting Monday, Sept. 23.

The series promises more intense fight scenes as the Cardinal brothers played by Jake, Marco, Albie, Joseph Marco and Joshua encounter the biggest battle of their lives to make their family whole again using only their love for family and bravery as their strongest weapons. Viewers already had a taste of what to expect in the series’ run-up to the finale after the “spitting� incident.

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Lea admits she’s ‘not always the nicest person’ by

Krissy AguilAr Inquirer.net

A CREWMAN WHO JUMPED SHIP WENT HOME TO THE PHILIPPINES ON AN APPROVED PROVISIONAL WAIVER, BUT WAS CHARGED WITH FRAUD FOR OVERSTAYING, AND COULD NO LONGER RETURN TO THE U.S. Jimmy entered the U.S. in 1999 and jumped ship. When the provisional waiver regulations came out, (which also included crewmen), Jimmy immediately applied for it in his desire to “do the right thing” and legalize his status. When USCIS approved his provisional waiver (thereby “forgiving” his overstay), Jimmy traveled back to the Philippines for his immigrant visa interview at the U.S. Embassy, thinking he would be back in the U.S. in a few weeks. However, the Embassy charged him with fraud by imposing a new “90-day rule” for his having overstayed almost 20 years ago. He found himself stuck in the Philippines while his wife lay in a coma in the U.S. Leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel never abandoned Jimmy or his case, and kept fighting for him. Witness a heart-tugging and heart-wrenching homecoming and reunion on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” – on Sunday at 6:15 p.m. (PST) on TFC. (Advertising Supplement)

The StarStruck Ultimate Survivors by

Bot glorioso Philstar.com

AMIDST the heavy rains last Sunday night, new stars dazzled in the bright showbiz sky when GMA 7’s seventh edition of StarStruck announced the ultimate winners in the nationwide grand artista search live on national TV. Kim de Leon of Batangas and Shayne Sava of Rizal emerged as the Ultimate Male Survivor and Ultimate Female Survivor, respectively, after beating two other finalists, Allen Ansay of Camarines Sur and Lexi Gonzales of Manila, by only a slim percentage of combined total votes from StarStruck council Heart Evangelista, Jose Manalo and Cherie Gil, and the voting public. Kim garnered 97.4 percent score over Allen’s 95.2 percent. Shayne, on the other hand, received 96.9 percent of votes against Lexi’s 94.8 percent.

Their 14 weeks of acting tests, personality development and harnessing of talent proved fruitful for Kim and Shayne who truly worked hard to clinch the titles. Kim couldn’t help but become emotional while saying that his parents will no longer

need to sell the house where he grew up to pay for the family’s long-standing debt. Shayne, for her part, shared that their financial worries will be over. They each received P1M in cash, a GMA management contract worth P5M and a house and lot from Lessandra Homes.

Kim also shared that Mark Herras, the first-ever Ultimate Male Survivor, told him that whatever happens it is best to continue giving his best in everything he does. “I am really inspired to follow in his footsteps.”

Shayne admitted she “promoted” herself on social media and asked netizens to help her get to the top spot after learning her total votes during the pre-judgment episode aired Saturday.

“I know Lexi also excels in acting that’s why I really prayed hard to be the Ultimate Survivor at para na din po ito sa pamilya ko,” she said.

During the competition, Cherie, Heart and Jose were impressed with Shayne’s drama acting. They had nothing but praises for her until the final acting test that was featured last Saturday.

“Shayne is such a wonder-

ful, wholesome little girl. I see a very bright future ahead because this is what we need to see to be an inspiration among the young,” Cherie told Shayne before the audience.

“Coming from a solid blank page and then sumabak ka dito at naniwala ka, nag-bakasakaling pwede and here you are, pwedeng pwede and I can really see (that) you will reach the heights of the same stars of the GMA young actresses now. And I believe that if given a chance, a good role, a good director and a good story, you will be a very good actress.”

Heart, on the other hand, told Shayne, “For me, pang bida ka, pang wholesome (projects) and that image will make your career lasting.”

Jose added that Shayne can be likened to ‘80s teen star Julie Vega when it comes to drama.

“Malalim ang hugot mo. ‘Yung mga nginungudngod sa lupa na role ang bagay sa ‘yo. You have really developed your acting talent.”

Meanwhile, Allen and Lexi were named this season’s First Prince and First Princess and walked away with P250,000 in cash and a GMA management contract.

StarStruck Ultimate Male Survivor Kim de Leon and Ultimate Female Survivor Shane Sava each receive P1-M in cash, a GMA management contract worth P5-M and a house and lot from Lessandra Homes.

GMA photo

A new challenge for...

PAGE B2

time she had a supporting role in a movie, 2016’s “Camp Sawi” starring Bela Padilla, Arci Munoz, Yassi Pressman and Andi Eigenmann.

“Pero ngayon, hindi ko makain yung nuggets ko kasi ako na yung tinatanong kung anong kailangan ko!” she added, visibly overwhelmed by the changes in her career.

Her humble and easy going demeanor, however, is far from the character she’s playing in Jowable. In it, she plays Elsa, a 30-something “No-BoyfriendSince-Birth” gal who dreams to fall in love. She’s pretty, sexy and funny, surrounded and supported by her friends but still feels miserable and envious of every couple she sees.

That is until she meets a guy who seems very attracted to her.

Question is, is he the love she’s been waiting for, or will he only lead to her first heartbreak?

Far from Kim Originally, Jowable was a short film written and directed

by Darryl Yap. Shared on Vincentiments’ Facebook page in 2018, Jowable turned out to be such a relatable short it hit one-

million views overnight.

Nevertheless, the original also had its share of critics who deemed parts of the script offensive and vulgar. Apparently, some of Elsa’s rants bordered on blasphemy for certain religious groups.

True enough, Molina, who was raised in a religious family herself found the role of Elsa tricky and challenging at the start.

“Honestly, medyo natakot ako kasi both my parents are Catholic and grew up serving the church. Sa ganun din ako pinalaki.”

But the 28-year-old clarified that her parents have always supported all her projects, including this controversial movie, which besides showing Elsa ranting inside a church also features a nun discussing sexuality.

“I am blessed to have parents who are open with whatever decision I made pag tanda ko.

They were strict with me when I was young but when I reached 18, nung tamang edad, hinayaan nila akong lumipad.Binigyan nila ako ng pagkakataon na mag explore sa religion, sa kung ano ang gusto kong maging. I am just so blessed to have parents

like them na very supportive,” Molina proudly shared.

With her family’s approval, the actress is all the more excited to share Elsa’s story and the message of the movie.

“I want to be open with my sexuality and I want everyone to do the same. Everyone should be equal. If you are positive about your sexuality, ipakita mo kung gaano ka ka confident sa sarili mo.

“That’s where self-pity starts eh, when you are unsure of yourself. Kung sigurado ka sa gusto mong ma-achieve, lalabas yan.

Yun ang gusto kong ipalaganap, maybe that’s why ganitong roles ang tinatanggap ko kasi walang naglalakas loob gumawa.”

Finally asked if she is ready to face the backlash “Jowable” may get, especially from the religious community, Molina replied, “I guess when we accepted this project, kailangan ready na, so ako ngayon handa na rin ako.”

Presented by Viva Films and written by Darryl Yap, Jowable also stars Jerald Napoles, Kakai Bautista, Cai Cortez, Fabio Ide, Chad Kinis and with the special participation of Candy Pangilinan.

WHILE she is “outgoing and social,” Tony-award winning actress Lea Salonga admitted she is “not always the nicest person.”

Lea got candid about herself and shared a glimpse of what she is like by sharing a quote about how her personality confuses people.

“I enjoy being alone, a lot, but I am very outgoing and social.

My environment dictates how I behave. Sometimes I’m loud, sometimes I’m quiet,” a quote which she posted Wednesday via Instagram read.

“I read the energy and adjust.

There are times when I want to turn up and then there are moments where I want to read a good book or process thoughts, alone.”

Although she is a public figure, Lea bared how she enjoys her alone time and how important her personal space is.

“This is me. I don’t always make eye contact. I am not always the nicest person. I am overwhelmed in crowded spaces. I’m leery of strangers. I need personal space or else I can’t breathe. I have my limits. And I’m sure you have

Lea Salonga

ABS-CBN photo

yours too,” Salonga wrote.

Actress and television host Rica Peralejo chimed in and commented how similar she is to

Lea, saying “Love this, ate. I am an introvert and I surely suffer in the kind of industry I am in hahahaha.”

Why Dennis encourages combat training for actors JUST like fellow actors Matteo Guidicelli, Dingdong Dantes and Gerald Anderson, Kapuso star Dennis Trillo said he once attended military-style survival and combat training, but this was to prepare for future roles that he was targeting.

“As an actor, I believe that immersion and training are important. They help in terms of characterization,” Dennis explained to the Inquirer.

The actor said he trained under the Philippine Military Academy at Fort Del Pilar in Baguio City.

“Alam mo kung saan huhugutin ang emosyon. You are able to empathize with your character because you know the difficulties he is experiencing; because just like him, you also went into training. To subject yourself to such intense physical activity for several days or weeks is no joke,” he declared.

Dennis encourages other actors to do the same, “especially if you’re serious about your craft and you want your audience to believe more in your performance,” he pointed out. “’Pag ’ di mo alam, para kang ligaw. You are clueless as to which direction your character should head for in terms of emotions. Mas maganda na inaalam mo ang bawat detalye.” (Marinel Cruz/Inquirer.net)

Dennis Trillo

GMA photo

B4 SEPTEMBER 21-24, 2019 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Liza gets ready for teleserye...

PAGE B1 don’t want it to get in the way of everything, like parang lagi kong kailangan isipin ‘Ay hindi kaya ng daliri kong gawin ‘to.’ But since I’m in the stage of healing pa lang, I have to be a little bit careful. But, hopefully in the future, I can play volleyball again, I can do outdoor activities like I used to,” Soberano continued.

While her LizQuen loveteam with real-life boyfriend Enrique Gil has kept a low profile the past few

months since their time in the U.S., Soberano encouraged their fans to not be disappointed or sad anymore as they will star in another teleserye soon. This is just after their successful movie “Alone/Together” back in February.

“We’re going to be working in a teleserye. Ang masasabi ko lang, na lagi naming sinasabi na iba siya kasi iba naman talaga, kakaibang character siya. But I really feel like since coming from ‘Alone/Together,’ we showed more mature

characters. Of course, mature pa rin yung characters na ipu-portray namin. But this time, I feel like it’s going to have a lighter touch. It’s going to be something fun. We’re going to take risks, something outside of our box,” Soberano related.

“I would say mature this time kasi minsan ang iniisip ng mga tao kapag mature ka is like sexy.

Mas mature siya in the character’s choices, the choices that they have to deal with and the decisions that they make in their lives. So that’s how they’re mature. But I would say si Quen medyo sexier siya in this show,” she enthused.

According to her, they will be shooting out of the country which makes her more excited.

“I actually heard about doing it in Croatia. Hindi lang ako sure because they’re still talking about it. Pero sana. I think Croatia is a beautiful country that hasn’t really been explored yet by the Philippine media,” she revealed.

“But I’m just very excited because I feel like this is going to be my most difficult characters to portray and that excites me because it’s a challenge. It also makes me nervous kasi I really want to be able to pull it off. But I’m more excited for it. And I am excited to do a teleserye that is rom-com,” Soberano added.

Since being paired with a different actor outside a loveteam is now becoming a trend after the success of “Hello, Love, Goodbye” of Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards, Soberano then was asked if she is open to be working with other leading men beside Enrique Gil. “Actually we’ve always been open to working with other people kasi kahit noong time namin ni Quen na nagsu-shoot ng movies and teleseryes, he was doing other movies outside [the loveteam], but not with other leading women yet like ginawa niya yung ‘Tukod’ and ‘Seven Sundays’ which is more family-centric. Pero napagusapan naman namin yun. We’re really open to working with other people,” Soberano shared.

“Kasi, as actors we feel like we’ll grow more when we meet other people too. So I think that’s good, like a good breather for us and for our fans as well. Pero hindi naman mawawala yung LizQuen.

So feeling ko kahit mag-work kami with other people, there will always be a comeback moment for us. We will always have movies and teleseryes after that,” she ended.

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We’re the last leaves on the oak

MOONLIGHTING

by MYLAH DE

LEON

WE who are old know that age is more than a disability. It is an intense and varied experience, almost beyond our capacity at times, but something to be carried high. If it’s a long defeat it is also a victory, meaningful for the initiates of time, if not for those who have come, less far.

Being old, I am out of step, troubled by my lack of concord; and it is confusing, wondering.

I feel exposed, bereft of a right matrix with the present crime, violence, and nihilism heavy on my heart. I weigh an appearance of appraise, recoiling, suffering, but very alert. Now that I have withdrawn from the active world, I am more alert to it than ever before.

Old people are not protected from life by engagements, pleasures or duties: we are open to our own sentience. When I am with friends, I try to find them, or try to find a point in myself from which to make a bridge; or I walk on the eggshells of affection trying not to hurt or misjudge. All of this is very tiring, but love at any age takes everything you’ve got.

There are no effects of age on me. Age only defines one’s boundaries. Life has changed and improved me greatly, but it has also left me practically the same. I cannot spell, and I am over critical, egocentric and vulnerable. I cannot be simple. In my effort to be clear I become complicated. I know my faults well that I pay them small heed.

They are stronger than I am.

They are me.

Now, at the sunset of my life, I am myself as never before. I am aware at the mercy of multiplicity.

Ideas drift in like bright clouds — arresting, momentary — but they come as visitors, shaft of insight that can enter the back of my mind and when I turn to greet it, it is gone. I did not have it, it had me. It is no longer I that choose my moods. I accept them, but from whom?

The family I love my family for many reasons — for what I see them to be, for the loveliness they have been, for the good that I know in them. I love their essence, their “could be,” and all this, in spite of knowing their faults well. I love the individual life in them that I saw when they were still buds. I have spent so much of my life watching it unfold — enchanted and anxious.

I have felt respect, even reverence, for I have seen it meet tragedy and gain nobility. I have watch it win its prize and I have learned the hard truth that a mother learns slowly, that the quick of intimacy she has known becomes hope for loved strangers.

Author with her “Purple Squad” during her 80th birthday in Rancho Mirage, California.

Author with her youngest grandson, Ezekiel.

A mother’s love for her children, even her ability to let them be, is because she is under a painful law that the life that passed through her must be brought to fruition.

No matter how old I’ve become, I watch my middle-aged daughters for signs of improvement. It couldn’t be otherwise for I’m impelled to know that the seeds of value seen on them have been winnowed.

I’ll never outgrow the burdens of love, and to the end, I’ll carry the weight of hope for those I bore. Oddly, very oddly, I am forever surprised and even faintly wronged that my daughters are just people, for like many mothers, I hope and half expect that my new born child makes the world better on one’s 80th birthday is a time of thinking about the future, not in the past, after all, for that younger person’s life is still a battle royal of each against them, but now I have nothing more to gain or lose.

Here on the sidelines, I can

hear the shrieks of exultation, the moans of the gravely wounded, and meanwhile I feel secure: nobody will attack me from ambush.

I sympathize with every 80year-old’s lonely soul, but the men and women I envy are those who accept old age a series of challenges. For them, each new infirmity is an enemy to be outwitted, an obstacle to be overcome by force of will, and enjoy each little victory over themselves. Sometimes they win a major success.

I turn to records of the past and books, only to find not so much realistic advice as I had hope for about the problems of aging.

This happily phrased maxim can be a comfort for the elderly: “Old age,” Cicero says “Is the closing act of life, as of a dreamer, and we ought to leave when the play grows wearisome, especially if we had our fill. *** E-mail Mylah at moonlightingmdl@aol. com.

Scarlet Snow Belo with Philippine Tourism Chief Bernadette Romulo-Puyat and other DOT officials.

Photo from Instagram/@scarletsnowbelo

Scarlet Snow named new Tourism ambassador

Puyat.

“Okay Tita Berna, let’s get to work and invite all the people APART from being an Inter- of the world to our Philippines. net celebrity and products en- But on ly as v isitors, okay?” dorser at the young age of four, Scarlet wrote.

Scarlet Snow Belo is now an For her pa r t , P u yat a l s o official tourism ambassador. posted a video of her welcomIn her Instagram account, ing Scarlet as tourism ambast h e d a u g h t e r o f c e l e b r i t y sador. doctors Hayden K ho Jr. and “@ s c a r l e t s n o w b e l o , o u r V i c k i B e l o p o s t e d a p h o t o youngest and cutest advocate of her w it h Depa r t ment of of Philippine tourism, is now Tour ism off icials, including part of the fun!” the Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo- chief wrote.

by JAN

MILO SEVERO Philstar.com

Scarlet was introduced to the public by her parents on 2016 and instantly became an internet sensation. Her Instagram account, managed by her parents, now has 3.4 million followers.

It can be recalled that last July, the Tourism department has named act ress Di mples Roma na as Tou r ism a mbassador, thanks to her popular #OhDani memes inspired by her “Kadenang Ginto” character, Daniela Mondragon.

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • SEPTEMBER 21-24, 2019

COMMUNITY Journal

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Fil-Am chambers of commerce meet with Citizenship Day: Advancing Justice Ambassador Romualdez during SoCal visit affiliates encourage immigrants to naturalize ahead of 2020 election

LOS ANGELES, CA — In celebration of National Citizenship Day on September 17, Asian Americans Advancing Justice (Advancing Justice) affiliates throughout the U.S. hosted citizenship clinics to promote the many benefits of citizenship, including a critical benefit that has caused many long-time green card holders to choose to naturalize: the upcoming presidential election.

Citizenship advocates have seen wait and processing times for citizenship applications increase and are urging that any lawful permanent residents seeking to vote in the 2020 presidential election submit their application for naturalization before September 2019 ends.

“Asian Americans are the Photo by Joe Cobilla

THE Coalition of Filipino American Chambers of Commerce (COFACC) welcomed Philippine Ambassador to the United States, H.E. Jose Manuel “Babe” Romualdez, during an exclusive luncheon at the Diamond Bar Golf Club last Sunday, September 15.

On hand were the Founding Board of COFACC, the Executive Board which consists of all the incumbent Presidents of affiliated Chambers of Commerce, Board Members and representatives from the Philippine Consulate based in Los Angeles (PCGLA) and Philippine Embassy in DC. The ambassador shared the infrastructure projects of President Rodrigo Duterte, aimed to bring the Philippines to Economic growth by building bridges, airports and railroads.

COFACC established its support by expounding on its trade missions, conferences and network building efforts by strengthening its local chambers, and connecting resources.

COFACC is a not for profit organization incorporated in May

2018 as a 501C6 under the not for profit laws of California. It is founded by 15 Filipino American business entrepreneurs and professionals representing 5 Filipino American Chambers of Commerce in Southern California, namely the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Los Angeles (FACCGLA), Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Tri County (FACC-Tri County), Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Hollywood (FACCHO), Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Orange County (FACC-OC), and the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of San Diego (FACCSD).

Photo shows COFACC members with Ambassador Romualdez: (2nd row) COFACC VP Conferences & Program Angelo Varsobia; DOT attaché Richmond Jimenez; DTI Commissioner Eric Elnar; FACC-SLAA VP of Programs Jason Agcaoili; PCGLA Protocol Officer Fernan Balicoco; Vice Consul Ambo Enciso; Consul Emil Sales of the Philippine Embassy in DC; Heddy Trinidad, FACC Tri County

Board Member, Jeffrey Bautista, COFACC VP Marketing and Branding; COFACC President Gerry Palon; Consul General Adelio Cruz; Asian Journal CEO and COFACC board member Roger Oriel; FACC Hollywood President Paul Mirador; COFACC VP Budget & Finance Fred Docdocil; John Swing, SIPA CED Program Manager; Art Abellada, FACC Tri-County Board Member. (1st row, seated): Labor Attaché Armi; Evangel N. Peña; Vice Consul Rea Oreta; Tiffany Porter, FACC Hollywood Secretary; Mary Trinidad, FACC-GLA Board Member; Christina Camiling, FACC Glendale/Pasadena Interim President; Catherine SyLiub, FACC San Diego VP; Ellen Samson, COFACC Founding Board and FACCGLA President; H.E. Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez; Janice Jimenez, FACC-SLAA President and COFACC Founding Board; Carmela Gilberto FACC Tri-County VP; Annie Nepomuceno, FACCGLA President-Elect; Asian Journal President Cora Oriel; Mary Grace Leaño, Consulate Information Officer. n

fastest-growing ethnic population in the United States. We are a diverse community with diverse immigration statuses,” said Christine Chen, Citizenship Project Director at Advancing Justice-LA. “It’s critical that we assist as many community members as possible to help reach their citizenship goals - and in particular this month - so they can vote in next year’s presidential election.”

Asian Americans are a quickly developing voter bloc: 30% of eligible immigrant voters nationally are of Asian descent. Research has indicated that as political candidates and parties recognize the importance of the Asian American voting bloc and increase voter registration among the community, promote Asian

American candidates, and outreach to increase civic education, the power of the Asian American vote stands only to grow.

With the number of registered voters growing by nearly 1 million every presidential election, Asian Americans are poised to continue to grow in influence and make or break close elections in pivotal battleground states. Asian Americans are said to have a pivotal role in deciding the Democratic presidential nominee and the congressional majority in 2020.

“Nearly 1/3 of our clients express that being American and wanting to vote is the reason they’ve decided to apply for U.S. Citizenship. For some of these community members, this comes

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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 n

C SEPTEMBER 21-24, 2019 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Tax & Stock Tips VictoR Sy, cPA, mBA

THE end of Sears, Roebuck & Co. predicted by Warren Buffett 14 years ago. I personally find it ironic that the iconic retailer that started mail order catalog was displaced by modern-day Amazon using the same delivery by mail that Sears once pioneered.

Buffett was once asked about hedge fund manager Edward Lampert and his attempt to turn around Sears. In his reply, the famed investor said that putting Kmart and Sears together was a tough hand. Turning around a retailer that has been slipping for a long time was very difficult. He was referring to the acquisition of Sears by K-Mart. Personally, I scratched my head when I heard the news about Sears, Roebuck & Co, being acquired by Kmart.

It just wouldn’t work. It didn’t.

Buffett also compared it to his experience investing in retail in the 1970s. He learned that the shifting winds in consumer preferences made it impossible for retailers to catch up to more for-

Tapat Sa Batas Atty. RheA SAmSon KAPAG ang F1 international student ay hindi nakapanatili ng kanyang status at ang Designated School Official (DSO) ay nagterminate ng kanyang SEVIS Record (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System Record), ang F1 student ay kailangang magfile ng reinstatement ng kanyang F1 status sa USCIS. Maaari din siyang umalis kaagad o lumabas kaagad ng US upang hindi humaba ang panahon na ang F1 student ay wala nang status sa loob ng US. Subalit kung ang termination ng SEVIS Record ay dahil lamang sa pagkakamali ng DSO, hindi na kailangang magfile ng application for reinstatement sa USCIS. Ang DSO ay hihingi lamang ng SEVIS correction o data fix.

Kung ang F1 student ay gustong manatili sa loob ng US ngunit ang kanyang SEVIS Record ay terminated na, siya ay

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

Warren Buffett predicted fall of Sears 14 years ago

ward-thinking stores after falling behind.

He said that retailing is like shooting at a moving target. In the past, people didn’t like to go excessive distances from the streetcars to buy things. People would flock to those retailers that were nearby. He narrated that he bought the Hochschild Kohn department store in Baltimore in 1966. We learned quickly that it wasn’t going to be a winner in a very short period of time.

We had an antiquated distribution system. We did everything else right. We put in escalators.

We gave people more credit.

We had a great guy running it, and we still couldn’t win. So we sold it around 1970. That store isn’t there anymore. It isn’t good enough that there were smart people running it.

Buffett said other competitors such as Costco and Walmart could provide better deals while operating on smaller margins, making it hard for Sears and Kmart to compete. Costco is working on a 10% gross margin. In comparison, department stores work with 35% gross

margins. It’s tough to compete against the best deal for customers. Department stores will keep their old customers that have a habit of shopping there, but they won’t pick up new ones.

This is what has happened.

The focus on downsizing Sears and Kmart store footprints under Lampert didn’t translate into sustainable sales or profits. Instead, the stores hemorrhaged customers to other retail competitors, and lost. *** Victor Santos Sy graduated Cum Laude from UE with a BBA and from Indiana State University with an MBA. Vic worked with SyCip, Gorres, Velayo (SGV Andersen Consulting) and Ernst & Young before establishing Sy Accountancy Corporation in Pasadena, California. *** He has 50 years of experience in defending taxpayers audited by the IRS, FTB, EDD, BOE and other governmental agencies. He is publishing a book on his expertise - “HOW TO AVOID OR SURVIVE IRS AUDITS.” Our readers may inquire about the book or email tax questions at vicsy@live.com.

Reinstatement of F1 student status maaaring humiling sa DSO na magbigay ng rekomendasyon para sa kanyang reinstatement sa SEVIS. Kung ang DSO ay magbibigay ng hinihinging rekomendasyon, ang DSO ay mag-iisyu ng panibagong Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status” sa F1 student. Pagkatapos nito, ang F1 student ay magpapasa sa USCIS ng Form I-539 Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status. Magbabayad ang F1 student ng filings fee at magbibigay ng mga dokumento para suportahan ang kanyang application for reinstatement.

Mainam na ang application for reinstatement of F1 status ay maipasa sa USCIS sa loob ng 5 buwan mula sa termination ng SEVIS Record. Ang F1 student ay kailangang magpaliwanag kung bakit ang kanyang SEVIS Record ay terminated, kung paano niya mapapanatili ang kanyang F1 student status, at kung paano siya ay mag-aaral ng full-time. Kai-

langan ding ipakita ng F1 student na wala siyang tala ng paulit-ulit at sinasadyang paglabag sa mga regulasyon ng USCIS, na wala siyang unauthorized employment, at ang kanyang paglabag sa kanyang status ay dahil sa mga pangyayaring hindi niya mapigilan, katulad ng malubhang sakit o pagkakapinsala, pagsarado ng school, o mga natural na sakuna.

Ang USCIS ay magbibigay ng desisyon sa application for reinstatement. Kung ito ay aprubado para sa bagong program, ang F1 student ay kailangang mag-enroll para sa bagong program ayon sa nakasaad sa I-20. Kung ito ay aprubado para sa continuing program, ang F1 student ay kailangang bumalik sa full course of study. Kung ang application ay denied, kailangang sundin ng F1 student ang mga tagubilin sa denial notice. *** If an F1 international student fails to maintain his status and

The Prophetic Voice ReVeRend Rodel G. BAlAGtAS THIS Sunday, September 22, thousands of us, particularly Kapampangans, will gather at the Cathedral of Los Angeles to celebrate the 63rd Canonical Coronation Mass of Virgen de Los Remedios.

We will come to this annual Marian celebration to express our love and devotion to Mary, the Virgin of Remedies, and to ask for her powerful intercession.

You may ask why the title Virgen de Los Remedios (Virgin of Remedies) and how this devotion started?

The title dates back to the late 12th century in France. The Order of Trinity and Captives, founded

by St. John of Mata and St. Felix de Valois, started to invoke this Marian title and promoted its devotion throughout Europe.

In the 1500s, when Spain began their exploration of the Americas, the New World, it became the favorite devotion of Spanish conquistadores. Juan Rodrigues de

Barrister’s Corner Atty. Kenneth URSUA ReyeS

IN the absence of a premarital agreement, the general community property presumption under California family code section 760 controls which provides“…. all property, real or personal, wherever situated, acquired by a married person during the marriage while domiciled in this state is community property.” Family Code 760. This becomes a problem if you are the spouse that has the substantially higher income or the one who accumulates the majority of the assets during the marriage. You are called in family law lingo “the in spouse.”

The other spouse (or in our lingo also called the “out spouse” gets a half interest on everything accumulated during the marriage even if the asset is under your name alone or it was accumulated solely due to your sweat and hard work. The out spouse, u PAGE C3 who stayed at home most of the

On the devotion to Virgen De Los Remedios, patroness of Pampanga Villafuerte, one of Hernan Cortes’ men, for example, brought an image of Virgen de Los Remedios to American territories “for comfort” and to invoke her name in times of danger at seas and battles. It was the image that the Spanish conquistadores and friars would introduce to natives to convert them to Christianity from their worship of pagan idols.

Consequently, the Spanish conquistadores also brought this devotion to the Philippines. In 1624, Rev. Juan Guevara, O.S.A. installed a statue of Virgen De Los Remedios from Andalucia, Spain in Malate Church. Devotions to the Virgin spread, especially faithful, especially mothers. To this day, every year, on the third Sunday of November, mothers recovering from childbirth or with sick children would flock to Malate Church to ask for the Virgin’s intercession and blessings.

How did this popular devotion start in Pampanga?

In 1952, the bishop of San Fernando, Pampanga, Most Rev. Cesar Guerrero, started a crusade of

peace and penance in a province that was ridden by conflicts between poor farmers and wealthy landowners and terrorism from communist bands who wandered all over towns of Pampanga. The bishop was disgusted at the lack of mutual understanding and friendly relation between different social classes that he often uttered in Spanish: “Aqui en la Pampanga hay mucho piedad pero poca caridad, which means, “Here in Pampanga, there is so much piety but less charity.”

Consequently, Bishop Guerrero founded the Crusade of Charity and Goodwill and placed it under the patronage of Virgen De Los Remedios. He looked around for an image of Virgen De Los Remedios in the diocese and found it in Baliti, a barrio parish of San Fernando. He borrowed it from the parish priest and the parishioners so that the Virgin could be used to visit different towns. The priest and the people happily consented with the agreement that the image would be brought back to

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Do I need a premarital agreement before getting married? marriage, gets a one half interest on all the accumulations during the marriage under California community property law. For example, if you opened a savings account during the marriage under your name alone for which you religiously and diligently stash away 25% of your earnings during the marriage while your spouse blows away his/her salary during the marriage, your spouse still gets a half interest in the money you saved in your savings account. Another example would be if you purchase a piece of real property during the marriage under “your name alone” and have your spouse sign a “quit claim” deed, your spouse may still have a claim for a half interest in your real property.

Another example would be if you owned a business prior to marriage, but due to your hard work, long hours of labor, and efforts, the business grew exponentially during the marriage, your spouse

may still have a claim for an interest in the business.

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

Premarital agreements may also serve to preserve a person’s estate for his or her heirs, free of the other party’s inheritance claims.

Pursuant to Family Code 1612(c ),“ Parties to a premarital

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • SEPTEMBER 21-24, 2019

Contractor or employee: Why is it a big deal?

RON Carter worked for XPO Last Mile, Inc. (“XPO”) as a delivery driver. XPO provides delivery services to retail merchants like Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Macy’s. These companies contract with XPO to provide delivery and basic installation of newly purchased appliances, and removal of old appliances from their customers’ homes.

Carter and drivers like him sued XPO in a class action claiming that misclassified them as independent contractors. The workers argued that they are employees because the company essentially controlled their work, as follows: • Delivery drivers had no ability to negotiate rates of pay; • Drivers are assigned by XPO to one or more retailer stores and cannot refuse deliveries; • Drivers must notify XPO upon completion of delivery through a scanner or smartphone app provided by XPO; • Drivers must wear XPO shirts, dark pants, black shoes, and a company issued badge; • Drivers must use trucks that meet certain requirements for age, appearance, and have an XPO logo when making deliveries; • Drivers are required to attend meetings to discuss the customer satisfaction; • Delivery drivers routinely work more than 40 hours a week for XPO, and do not per-

Debt Relief

Atty. LAwrenCe yAng The clients are 63 and 64. They are young seniors. Up to 65, you are a young senior in my book.

You can get senior discounts at Golden Corral for a satisfying buffet. Last time I went there, half of the patrons looked like they were over 65. A lot of them looked like they were pushing 75. I know the manager there, Terry. I’ve known him for 30 years. He was the manager at Home Buffet before it closed.

That guy is probably the best restaurant manager in LA because his idea of service comes from the heart. In addition, I get free dinners if you bring this article with you! Younger or older, bring the whole family with you to the Golden Corral at the City of Industry. You won’t regret it. Price is cheap and they have a great selection of all kinds of meat.

Let’s get back to our young seniors. They own a house that’s currently worth $500,000. All their children have grown up and they are now empty nesters like a lot of us baby boomers. They owe a first mortgage with a balance of $165,000. They also owe a HELOC second mortgage with a balance of $200,000. Yes, the second is bigger than the first.

They’ve been reading about getting rid of the second mortgage since five years ago.

Unfortunately, it’s now too late to get rid of the second mortgage in Chapter 13 because there is equity supporting the second.

Sorry, you can’t avoid the second lien. Maybe five years ago, it was still possible, but now with house values reaching the sky, it’s not possible to strip the junior lien.

I did a lien strip last month for a client who lived in Rialto. His house was appraised at $258,000 whereas the balance of his first was $264,000. He had a second of $77,000. We were able to strip the second mortgage of $77,000 in Riverside bankruptcy court, just barely. Citibank called me three days before the hearing date and informed me that they

Protecting Employee & Consumer Rights Atty. C. Joe SAyAS, Jr. form deliveries for other companies In their complaint, the drivers sought to recover payment of minimum and overtime wages, reimbursement for business expenses, payment for missed meal and rest periods, and waiting time and other civil penalties. The court later granted the drivers request to proceed with trial as a class. Before the case could go trial, the parties reached a settlement of the case.

XPO agreed $16.5 Million to the drivers.

Last week, we wrote about Assembly Bill 5, a bill created to deter businesses from engaging in misclassification of independent contractors. After being approved by lawmakers, the bill was recently signed into law by Governor Gavin Newson. The new law states that a person providing labor or services for remuneration shall be considered an employee rather than an independent contractor unless the hiring entity demonstrates that: 1) the person is free from the control and direction of the hiring entity in connection with the

performance of the work; 2) the person performs work that is outside the usual course of the hiring entity’s business; and 3) the person is customarily engaged in an independently established trade, occupation or business.

The legal trend that guards the status of workers as employees reflects the public policy of protecting the basis rights of working men and women. Those basic rights are what workers lose when they are misclassified as independent contractors. They include the following: the right to overtime pay, meal and rest breaks, reimbursement of business expenses, and the right to be provided with Worker’s Compensation coverage. *** 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)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The analysis of whether you can use or “port” your approved I-140 requires additional analysis, and consulting with an experienced attorney is recommended. *** Darrick V. Tan, Esq. is admitted to practice law in California and Nevada. Mr. Tan is a graduate of UCLA and Southwestern University School of Law. He is a member of the Consumers Attorney Association of Los Angeles and is a former member of the Board of Governors of the Philipp ine American Bar Association. *** LAW OFFICES OF DARRICK V. TAN, 3580 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 900, Los Angeles, CA 90010. Tel: (323) 639-0277.

Email: info@dtanlaw.com.

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Seniors need relief from big HELOC & $40K credit cards Do I need a premarital agreement... would stipulate to a judgment granting the motion. So that’s done but this client practically won the lottery on this issue.

But for most cases now, there is some equity supporting the second mortgage, so it cannot be stripped just like the case of my young senior clients. The husband had a major stroke two years ago but recovered almost completely with no slurred speech, and he walks normally except for a slight limp. He can still drive but can’t work anymore. So the household income has gone down so it’s now hard for them to pay the second which is still on interest only, once it becomes interest and principal at the start of the new year. A lot of people who got an interest-only mortgage are destabilized when the payment converts to interest and principal. In this case, for interest only, they only pay $550.

But with interest and principal, they have to pay $1,600. When it rains, it pours just like Irma in Florida. Everything gets destroyed.

The husband also owes $40,000 of credit cards. That’s another problem. Step one is trying to refinance the second with a fixed 30-year loan, maybe interest and principal will just be about $1,000 a month; still a lot less than $1,600. If no one will give them a 30 year fixed to refinance the second, then take step two: Sell the house and get their net cash of $160K. At least, they will have some cash, which they can invest. If they invest $160,000 with Bernie Madoff, he can print them returns of 20 percent or $32,000 a year; too bad, Bernie’s already in jail. They can probably get a decent return of 6 percent or $9,600 a year. That’s not bad. $800 a month of income will certainly help pay for the senior housing they can move into.

Senior housing, I understand, is about $1,000 a month for rent and you get to play the whole day with all the other seniors living there. They have children who have invited them to live with them, but they don’t want to burden their children with caring

for them. Husband jokingly says PAGE C2 t that if they can’t sell the house, agreement may contract with he will just hang himself. I said respect to all of the following:(1) that he doesn’t have to do that, The rights and obligations of just go sell the house first, and each of the parties in any of then let’s dissolve the $40,000 of the property of either or both credit cards after the sale of the of them whenever and wherhouse. He says he needs to go to ever acquired or located. (2) the bathroom.

The right to buy, sell, use, transSenior loses job, needs Chap- fer, exchange, abandon, lease, ter 7 debt relief consume, expend, assign, creThe second client is 68, mar- ate a security interest in, mortried, and he has just lost his job. gage, encumber, dispose of, or He says Trump eliminated his otherwise manage and control job. I thought the president was property.(3) The disposition of a job creator? He says he can’t property upon separation, maripay for the new car that he just tal dissolution, death, or the ocbought and about $15,000 of currence or nonoccurrence of credit cards. I said just return any other event.(4) The making the car and the voluntary return of a will, trust, or other arrangedeficiency of about $10,000 and ment to carry out the provisions the $15,000 of credit cards will be wiped out with Chapter 7.

He is much relieved so he says he has to take a month vacation first abroad with his wife. I said sure go ahead, and let’s file your case when you get back to LA. He said just the minimum payments on the $15,000 of credit cards is about $500 a month.

He said he’s paid it for the last 20 years, just the minimum. So, he has paid $120,000 to keep $15,000 of credit cards current for the last 20 years. Was that a smart thing to do? I don’t think so. I think when you are 68 you would rather have $120,000 of cash invested in a portfolio giving you $1,000 a month of extra income in addition to social security rather than owing the same $15,000 of credit cards that should have disappeared a long time ago when you were a lot younger.

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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Reinstatement of F1 student...

the School’s Designated School Official (DSO) terminates the F1 international student’s SEVIS Record (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System Record), the student must file for reinstatement of F1 status with the USCIS or immediately depart the US. However, if the termination of SEVIS Record is due to error of DSO, the DSO may simply request for SEVIS correction or data fix. No application for reinstatement for F1 status is to be filed with USCIS. If the student wishes to remain in the US in the F1 status and the SEVIS Record has already been terminated, the student can request the DSO to recommend his reinstatement in SEVIS. If the DSO recommends the reinstatement, the DSO shall issue a new Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status” to the student. The student must then complete and submit to the USCIS Form I-539 Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, together

C

with filing fees and supporting documents.

It is recommended that the student file the application for reinstatement of F1 status within 5 months of termination of SEVIS Record. The student must explain why his SEVIS Record was terminated, how he plans to maintain F1 status, and that he will resume full-time study. The student must also show that he does not have a record of repeated or willful violations of USCIS regulations, that he is not engaged in unauthorized employment, and that the violation of status resulted from circumstances beyond the student’s control, such as serious injury or illness, closure of the school, or natural disaster.

USCIS will then make a decision on the student’s application for reinstatement by accepting the application or rejecting the same. If the student is approved for reinstatement to a new program, the student should enroll for the new program, as stated in Form I-20. If the student is approved for reinstatement to a

continuing program, the student should resume full the full course of study. If the application for reinstatement is denied by USCIS, the student should follow the instructions in the denial notice. *** 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.

(Advertising Supplement)

of the agreement.(5) The ownership rights in and disposition of the death benefit from a life insurance policy.(6) The choice of law governing the construction of the agreement.(7) Any other matter, including their personal rights and obligations, not in violation of public policy or a statute imposing a criminal penalty.

However, the right of a child to support may not be adversely affected. Family Code 1612(b) Premarital agreements that are entered into voluntarily by parties who are each represented by independent counsel and aware of the effect of the agreement, a post 1985 premarital waiver of post dissolution support does not offend contemporary public

policy and is not per se unenforceable.

Under both the Uniform Premarital Agreement Act and prior law, the spouse claiming the agreement is invalid or not enforceable bears the burden of proof on that allegation. Family Code. 1615(a); Marriage of Bonds, supra, 24 C4th at 27, 99 CR2d at 269; Marriage of Iverson (1992) 11 CA4th 1495, 1502, 15 CR2d 70, 74–75; However, the UPAA (as amended effective 1/1/02) deems that a premarital agreement was not executed voluntarily unless the court makes five prescribed findings provided for under Family Code.

1615(c) (1) The party against

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C4 SEPTEMBER 21-24, 2019 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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Citizenship Day: Advancing Justice...

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after 10, 20, 30 years with their green card and many feel like now, more than ever, this step is crucial for them and their families,” said Angelica Peña, Immigration Program Administration Director at Advancing JusticeLA. “We are truly in awe of these clients, who already work in and serve their communities - and are taking on a daunting task so that they can be more civically engaged.”

The Pan Asian Citizenship events provided free legal and application services in more than seven Asian languages, assisted nearly 200 individuals seeking U.S. citizenship each spring and fall. Over 100 volunteers, including Advancing Justice staff, community partners, attorneys and Department of Justice

(DOJ) accredited staff, trained to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) standards, provided eligibility screenings, guidance on securing fee waivers for those eligible, and legal assistance to those applying for citizenship.

“Each year, Advancing Justice | AAJC supports the eight organizations we work with as part of the New Americans Campaign to assist hundreds of individuals in the D.C. metropolitan area to obtain citizenship through our naturalization clinics,” said Marita Etcubañez, Director of Strategic Initiatives for Advancing Justice | AAJC. “We also assist people to apply for fee waivers or reduced fees, resulting in significant savings for applicants. Now more than ever, it is important for immigrants to get advice from

Calendar of Events across

experienced immigration attorneys, and we are committed to providing high-quality legal assistance to help people navigate the naturalization process and access their full rights as U.S. citizens.”

Free citizenship services are still available in Orange County, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Washington, D.C. and across the country throughout the year. Required appointments can be scheduled by calling the toll-free helplines at (888) 349-9695 for English or (855) 300-2552 for Tagalog.

Helpline staff operate between 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. For voicemail messages, callers are encouraged to leave their name and contact information. Calls will be returned within one business day. ■

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.

O C TO B E R 6

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.

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

People and Events PeDRO and the ABS-CBN Foundation International partner to raise funds for disaster relief 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 Fil-Am 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 community-wide 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 four-time 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

mentioning 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. ■

On the devotion to Virgen De Los Remedios...

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their parish church.

In every crusade, the bishop would appoint seven reputed women of charity that represented the seven sorrows of Mary to be in charge of collecting “Lamac” (offerings in kind for the poor). The “lamac” awakened the generosity of the Kapampangans that even the poor shared the little blessings they had.

The cruzadas for peace, charity, and goodwill were successful that many Pampangueno Catholics credited the end of social unrest and communist threats in their province to the powerful intercession of Virgen de Los Remedios.

For decades years now, the people of Pampanga, continue to hold the Cruzada and celebrate the Canonical Coronation of Virgen de Los Remedios.

In the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and other U.S. dioceses, we have been propagating this devotion to Virgen de Los Remedios.

At the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angles this Sunday, we will the dedicate the Mass in honor of Mary, the Virgin of Remedies, to pray for the Catholic Church in the Philippines, her clergy and religious, particularly those under persecution. We will also pray for mutual understanding and respect among government and church leaders, between the State and the Church, to work harmoniously in uplifting the dignity of every person. We will pray for the nurturing and preservation of the Catholic faith as we joyfully antici-

Virgen De Los Remedios in San Fernando, Pampanga, Philippines | Photo courtesy of Mikaela Eloisa Orosco/Archidocese of San Fernando

*** pate the celebration of 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines. Fr. Rodel “Odey” Balagtas is the pastor Virgen De Los Remedios, pray of Incarnation Church in Glendale, California. for us!

Do I need a premarital agreement...

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whom enforcement is sought was represented by independent legal counsel at the time of signing the agreement or after being advised to seek independent legal counsel, expressly waived, in a separate writing, representation by independent legal counsel. (2) The party against whom enforcement is sought had not less than seven calendar days between the time that party was first presented with the agreement and advised to seek independent legal counsel and the time the agreement was signed. (3) The party against whom enforcement is sought, if unrepresented by legal counsel, was fully informed of the terms and basic effect of the agreement as well as the rights and obligations he or she was giving up by signing the agreement, and was proficient in the language in which the explanation of the party’s rights was conducted and in which the agreement was written. The explanation of the rights and obligations relinquished shall be memorialized in writing and delivered to the party prior to signing the agreement. The unrepresented party shall, on or before the signing of the premarital agreement, execute a document

declaring that he or she received the information required by this paragraph and indicating who provided that information.(4) The agreement and the writings executed pursuant to paragraphs(1) and (3) were not executed under duress, fraud, or undue influence, and the parties did not lack capacity to enter into the agreement.(5) Any other factors the court deems relevant. In addition, the parties are required to provide each other with full disclosure of all material financial information.

A premarital agreement may be unenforceable if found to be unconscionable when it was executed and the requisite disclosures were lacking and not waived Additionally, a spousal support provision in a premarital agreement executed under the UPAA, whether before or after January 1, 2002, is not enforceable if found to be unconscionable at the time of enforcement. Family Code 1612(c). If you are the higher earning spouse and have assets to protect, it is important to seek the representation of experienced counsel in drafting a premarital agreement to make sure that all statutory requirement are met which increases the likelihood that your premarital agreement will be deemed enforceable

when attacked in court in case of a divorce. *** Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice.

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

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

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

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MARKETPLACE SHOWROOM

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October 2019 priority dates Wider current account gap seen as economy recovers

Immigration Corner

by MARY

GRACE Philstar.com

The Priority dates for the Philippines are as follows: Application Filing Date

FAMILY CATEGORY:

ATTY. MICHAEL GURFINKEL, ESQ

January 1, 2009

July 1, 2008

(2A) Spouse and Second Preference minor children (below 21 years old) of green card holder

August 1, 2019

Current

(2B) Unmarried sons and daughters (21 years old or older) of green card holder

March 1, 2009

September 1, 2008

Third Preference

Married sons and daughters of US Citizens.

October 1, 1998

April 1, 1998

Fourth Preference

Brothers and sisters of US Citizens.

January 8, 1999

July 8, 1998

LABOR CERTIFICATION:

Application Filing Date

Visa Issuance Date

Second Preference Advanced Degree (Masters)

Current

Current

First Preference

EACH month, the Visa Office of the State Department publishes, in the Visa Bulletin, the priority dates for that particular month, for the various family and employment based categories. A priority date is a person’s “place in line” for a visa, meaning immigrant visas (or green cards) would be available for persons whose priority date is earlier than the cut-off date listed below. If your priority date was “current,” but later retrogressed (or “moved backwards” and became unavailable) before your immigrant visa was issued (or before you adjusted status in the U.S.), you would have to wait until it becomes current again.

Beginning in October 2015, the format of the Visa Bulletin changed, in that a new column was added, called the “Application Filing Date.” If a person’s priority date is earlier than the Application Filing Date, they can already file for adjustment of status and work authorization (provided they are otherwise eligible and USCIS indicates on its website it will use the Application Filing Date for that month).

This could allow people to obtain work authorization much sooner than before, where they had to wait for the priority date to be current (in the Visa Issuance or Final Action Date column) in order to both file for adjustment and be eligible for a green card.

Unmarried sons and daughters of US citizens (over 21 years of age)

Visa Issuance Date

Third Preference

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Business Quote of the Week “The only society that works today is also one founded on mutual respect, on a recognition that we have a responsibility collectively and individually, to help each other on the basis of each other’s equal worth. A selfish society is a contradiction in terms.”

— Tony Blair, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom

PADIN

THE Philippines’ current account (CA) deficit may widen again by as much as one percentage point of gross domestic product (GDP) by the end of the year as the economy is seen to recover in the second half, according to a senior official of the Department of Finance.

In a text message, Finance Undersecretary and chief economist Gil Beltran said the CA deficit may settle at 1.5 to two percent of GDP by the end of 2019, higher compared to the 1.03 percent in the first semester.

“Because economic growth will normalize to six to seven percent, the CA deficit may widen by about 0.5 to one percentage point assuming no improvement in trade and income balances,” Beltran told The STAR. The current account is the balance of exports and imports of goods, services and income balances.

In his latest economic bulletin, Beltran said the CA level is seen to “normalize” as economic growth recovers, which would revive growth in the importation of capital goods.

In a text message, Finance Undersecretary and chief economist Gil Beltran said the CA deficit may settle at 1.5 to two percent of GDP by the end of 2019, higher compared to the 1.03 percent in the first semester.

Philstar.com file photo

“This is after the CA deficit narrowed to 1.03 percent of GDP in the first half from 2.36 percent of GDP in the same period last year,” Beltran said.

Broken down, Beltran said the deficit in the trade in goods balance dropped to 13.91 percent of GDP from 14.68 percent as imports slowed down because of less entry of capital goods.

He said the slower capital formation also led to the slowdown in economic growth to 5.5 percent in the first semester.

On the other hand, the DOF’s chief economist said the surplus in the trade in services and income balances in the first half widened to 12.9 percent of GDP from 12.3 percent a year ago. He said this can be attributed to earnings from the business process outsourcing sector, remittances inflows and earnings from investments abroad

by Filipino citizens.

“Maintaining good fundamentals by keeping both the budget deficit and current account manageable, keeping interest rates at the level that sustains the volume of investments and allowing the exchange rate to maintain its competitive level will allow the country to sustain economic growth in the medium-term,” Beltran said.

Earlier, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez expressed optimism that economic growth would still hit the government’s target of six to seven percent this year, on the back of lower inflation and the expected recovery in public spending.

Dominguez said the government is implementing a spending catch-up strategy, which seeks to reverse the public underspending seen in the first half of the year resulting from the delay in the passage of the 2019 budget. ■

‘Higher alcohol tax to reduce demand, revenues’

by EIREENE JAIREE

GOMEZ

ManilaTimes.net

ALTHOUGH it welcomes the new tax structure for distilled spirits proposed under House Bill (HB) 1026, the Distilled Spirits Association of the Philippines (DSAP) warned the government that too many tax increases might lead to reduced state revenues.

In a position paper submitted to the Senate Ways and Means Committee, DSAP President Olivia Limpe-Aw said industry data and analysis showed that higher tax increases could lead to lower demand.

“Between 2017 and 2018, the price of alcoholic beverages and tobacco products have increased by 20 percent while no other major household expenditure had

Manilatimes.net file photo

increased by 7 percent. The ef- cent in 2017 to down 5.1 percent fects of these are decreased con- in 2018,” Limpe-Aw said.

She also said the “elasticity” sumption of alcoholic beverages that seem to be decreasing at a of demand, or the responsivehigher rate from down 3.4 perPAGE D2

D SEPTEMBER 21-24, 2019 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Businesses less upbeat, consumer

confidence up in Q3 — BSP

by ian

nicoLas cigaraL

B. Lagare ManilaTimes.net

A vendor hands over chopped meat to a customer at Nepa Q Mart market in Kamuning, Quezon City on Tuesday, July 3, 2018. Businesses turned less upbeat in the third quarter on anaemic demand, lower sales and tighter competition, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said Thursday, September 19.

Philstar file photo by Michael Varcas

Norway,” the BSP said.

“However, business sentiments in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, France, Greece, Hungary, Israel and Ukraine were more optimistic,” it added.

For the fourth quarter, the central bank said companies are more bullish amid expectations of stronger demand during the holiday and harvest seasons, as well as more favorable macroeconomic conditions and business expansion prospects.

Optimistic consumers In a separate statement, the BSP said its July survey of 5,676 households found that consumer confidence rebounded to 4.6% in the third quarter from -1.3 percent previously.

This means the optimists outnumbered the pessimists in the July-September period, the central bank said.

“Respondents’ optimistic outlook during Q3 2019 was attributed to their expectations of the following: (a) improvements in the peace and order situation, (b) availability of more jobs, (c) additional and high income, and (d) good governance,” the BSP reported.

According to the central bank, consumer confidence was more upbeat for the last quarter of the year and the next 12 months fueled by Filipino families’ anticipation for more jobs, additional income, good governance and stable prices of goods. n

Trade war fears, weak PH economy early on drive $391M in ‘hot money’ away Net portfolio outflow for the first eight months of 2019 reached $1.1 billion, marking a sharp conShort term investments fled lo- trast to the $602-million net inflow cal financial markets in August recorded during in January to Auresulting in more than $300 mil- gust 2018.

A closer examination of the lion leaving the Philippines in the first eight months of 2019, which numbers showed that BSP-regthe central bank attributed to fears istered investments in August of a US-China trade war and the amounted to $1.2 billion, reflectlackluster performance of the Phil- ing a 27.8 percent decline from ippine economy in the first half of $1.7 billion in July.

About 75.7 percent of investthe year.

According to data from the ments registered in August were Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), in Philippine Stock Exchangethe economy lost $391.7 million in listed securities pertaining mainly net outflow of so-called hot money to property companies, holding in August from only $225.8 million firms, banks, food, beverage and tobacco companies, and transporduring the same period in 2018. by daxim

L. Lucas

Inquirer.net

PDIC: Deposit insurance claims hit P1.1B at end-July

by Jordeene

Philstar.com

BUSINESSES turned less upbeat in the third quarter on anaemic demand, lower sales and tighter competition, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said Thursday, September 19.

Meanwhile, consumer confidence recovered in the July-September period on expectations of higher income and improvement in job availability, the BSP also said.

In a statement, the central bank said results of its July 10 to September 10 poll of 1,487 companies showed overall business confidence dipped to 37.3% in the third quarter from 40.5% in the preceding three months.

“The lower but positive [confidence index] means that the number of optimists declined but continued to be greater than the number of pessimists for Q3 2019,” the BSP explained.

Firms surveyed by the central bank attributed their weaker sentiment on “seasonal factors” such as slack in demand and lackluster business activity during the rainy season.

Respondents also cited lower orders, lack of raw supply and “perceived unfavorable effects” of state policies such as the EDSA bus ban and rice tariffication as reasons for their gloomy outlook.

“The sentiment of businesses in the Philippines mirrored the less buoyant business outlook in Bulgaria, Croatia, Germany, India and

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tation firms; while 24.3 percent went to investments in peso-denominated government securities.

The United Kingdom, Singapore, the United States, Malaysia, and Hong Kong were the top five investor countries for August with combined share total at 73.9 percent.

Overall transactions for August 2019 yielded net outflow of $392 million, in contrast to the net inflow of $15 million recorded in July.

Aside from the trade war and weak Philippine economy early in 2019, the BSP said heightened pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong added to the jitters. n

DEPOSIT insurance claims worth P1.1 billion were paid to bank account holders as of endJuly, the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp. (PDIC) reported on Tuesday, September 17.

In a statement, the state-run deposit insurer said these claims covered 47,916 valid deposit accounts that had balances in shuttered banks that fell within the maximum deposit insurance coverage of P500,000.

Of the total, P1.05 billion, or 94.5 percent, was paid to depositors of seven banks closed by the Monetary Board of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) earlier.

These are East Coast Rural Bank of Hagonoy Inc., Rural Bank of Guihulngan (Negros Oriental) Inc., Rural Bank of Basey (Samar) Inc., Valiant Bank Inc. (A Rural Bank), The Palawan Bank (Palawan Development Bank) Inc., Rural Bank of Mabitac (Laguna) Inc. and Bagong Bangko Rural ng Malabang (Lanao del Sur) Inc. The remaining P60.4 million, or 5.5 percent, was given to depositors of banks closed before 2019 and who either filed depositor insurance claims or completed required documentation of their claims only this year.

The PDIC primarily sources its deposit insurance claims from its Deposit Insurance Fund (DIF), which amounted to P177.8 billion, or 6.4 percent, of the estimated insured deposits in the banking system as of end-June.

The ratio is higher than the minimum corporate target of 5.5

Photo courtesy of Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation

percent for the year for the DIF adequacy.

The agency pays claims through various modes to provide convenience to closed banks’ depositors.

Payments are made through postal money orders for depositors who have valid deposit balances of not higher than P100,000; have updated addresses in the closed bank’s records or through the PDIC’s mailing address update form; have no obligations with the bank, or have not acted as co-makers of these obligations, or are not spouses of the borrowers; and have not maintained the account under the name of business entities.

These depositors are paid outright and are not required to file

such claims.

But for depositors required to file claims, they were compensated on site through the state-led entity’s Field Operations Claims Settlement.

These involve depositors with valid deposit accounts with balances of more than P100,000; or depositors regardless of type of account and deposit balance who have outstanding obligations with the closed bank, either as borrower, co-maker, or spouse of borrower; with incomplete or outdated mailing address found in the bank records; with accounts under the name of business entities; with accounts not eligible for early payment; and who are deceased, whose filing of claim is through the legal heirs. n

‘Higher alcohol tax to reduce demand, revenues’ PAGE D1 t ness of demand after a change in a product’s price, in the 2015 Family Income and Expenditure Survey was measured at -1.2.

This means demand was elastic and indicated that further price increases would lead to proportionally greater demand decreases.

“Thus, higher increases in tax may lead to decreased revenues and tax yield will also decline,” the DSAP chief added.

Data from the 2009, 2012 and 2015 surveys, in contrast, showed that the wine category

had a price elasticity of demand of -.2, which, she said, means it was highly inelastic. This means that increasing prices — through tax or other measures — would lead to a marginal decrease in consumption and a positive tax yield.

Under current tax rates under Republic Act 10351, the distilled spirits industry is paying a specific tax of P22.50 per proof liter and an ad valorem rate of 20 percent of net retail price.

The Department of Finance (DoF) is proposing to increase the specific tax rate from P22.50

to P40 in 2020. There will also be an annual increases of P5 until Jan. 1, 2023.

The DoF is also looking to increase ad valorem rates from 20 percent to 25 percent of net retail price without any escalation from year to year.

HB 1026 also proposes to increase the specific tax rate to P30 this year from P22.50 last year, including yearly escalations of P5 until Jan. 1, 2023. It also seeks to increase ad valorem rates to from 20 percent to 22 percent of net retail price without any escalation from year to year. n

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • SEPTEMBER 21-24, 2019 D

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US investors urged to participate in Build Build Build Government to launch national QR code soon

by Mary

Grace Philstar.com

Padin

THE Department of Finance (DOF) has urged U.S. investors to participate in the Philippines’ massive infrastructure initiative, particularly in the development of the New Clark City in Pampanga.

During a recent meeting with the U.S.-ASEAN Business Council, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez said that there has been interest from the American business community to participate in the government’s ambitious infrastructure program.

“Now is a good time to check if there has been any real participation from you in our Build Build Build projects,” Dominguez said.

Dominguez said that if American investors are interested, they can explore opportunities in New Clark City in Pampanga, which the government is transforming into the country’s first green and smart metropolis.

According to Dominguez, the Duterte administration has proven in the first half of its term that it can initiate policy reforms, while delivering its commitment to roll out its Build, Build, Build

program “on time and on budget.”

He said infrastructure investments have already breached five percent of the gross domestic product (GDP) in 2018, which is double the Philippines’ annual infrastructure spending-to-GDP ratio of 2.5 percent for the past 50 years.

This is expected to rise even further to seven percent of GDP by 2022, with support from the Philippines’ international development partners such as Japan, China and South Korea, he said.

However, the finance chief, during the meeting with the delegation, noted that the U.S.led Millenium Challenge Corp.

(MCC) has been “reluctant“ in providing assistance to the Philippines.

He said the Philippines “for one reason or another, didn’t make the cut” for a $200-million compact grant from the MCC, which could have been used to develop infrastructure in the eastern coast of Luzon.

“Fortunately, South Korea stepped up with five times the amount,” Dominguez said, referring to South Korea’s commitment of $1 billion in official

development assistance (ODA) to the Philippines.

He said Japan and China, for their part, have pledged $9 billion each in ODA loans and grants to the Philippines to help finance its infrastructure program.

The Philippines first received a $434 million grant from the MCC in 2010, as support for the country’s tax reform, social development and infrastructure programs.

The MCC in December 2015 had reselected the Philippines to receive another five-year grant in recognition of the country’s progress on good governance.

However, the MCC Board decided to defer its formal decision on the reselection of the Philippines in its December 2016 meeting, citing concerns on rule of law and civil liberties.

In 2017, the MCC reversed this and upheld the eligibility of the Philippines for a new compact, but the Duterte government later on decided to withdraw its application for the grant.

As a result, the MCC decided not to renew its assistance program for the Philippines and instead gave the grant to TimorLeste. n

PH seeks greater access for pineapples in the US

by Louise

Maureen Philstar.com

siMeon

WASHINGTON – The Philippines is seeking an expanded market access of its pineapples to the U.S. amid an increasing demand for the tropical fruit.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture-Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service said the Philippines recently sent a request for an expanded access to the American market.

“They want to get market access across the U.S. except Hawaii. It may take a little time because there are other things going on, but we already started working on it,” Lisa Kohl, assistant trade director at the U.S. Deparment of Agriculture-Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, said in a meeting here.

Currently, admissible ports for Philippine pineapple include the Northern Mariana Islands, a U.S. commonwealth in the Pacific Ocean, North Atlantic and Guam.

Only varieties that are at least 50 percent smooth Cayenne by lineage are admissible.

Kohl said it was in the ‘80s

Philstar.com file photo

when the Philippines gained market access.

Another round of risk assessment would have to be done to determine more scientific information such as the possibility of pest presence.

“We will negotiate and come up with something that works for everyone,” she said.

“A lot of tropical fruits are really popular here in the U.S. and Hawaii cannot supply all the lo-

cal demand as there is a huge demand for pineapples,” Kohl said.

Other Philippine commodities that have limited access to the U.S. include avocado, mango, rambutan, sugar, carrot, cauliflower, celery, potato and radish.

Agricultural products that have access to all ports in the U.S. are banana, coconut, durian, garlic, ginger, mushroom, onion, shallot, tamarind, turmeric and yam. n

Philstar.com file photo

by Lawrence

aGcaoiLi Philstar.com

THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is set to launch a national QR (quick response) code soon as it is confident of exceeding the target of raising the share of cashless payments to 20 percent of all transactions by next year from the previous level of one percent.

BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno told reporters after trying the PayMaya QR payment system during the re-opening of McDonald’s 32nd Street, located at the corner of 32nd Street and 5th Avenue in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, the launch of the national QR code would coincide with the government’s plan to roll out the national ID system.

“We will try to do it as soon as possible. That is also related to the national ID system. As you know, when we print the national ID, at the back of the ID, (there is) a QR code for each Filipino,” he said.

President Duterte signed Republic Act 11055 or the Philippine System Identification Act in August last year mandating the government to create a single official identification card for all Filipino citizens and foreign residents that would serve as a de factor national identification number.

“Under the law, it is supposed to be foundational ID. The objective it to make sure that you are that person that you claim to be.

And that will solve the problem in the banking sector,” Diokno said.

Banks currently require customers opening a new account to present two government IDs,

a requirement that prevents unbanked Filipinos from opening bank accounts.

The government is looking at registering 10,000 individuals for the national ID system until December this year, ramping it up to 50 million in 2020 and another 50 million by 2021.

“We, at the BSP, acknowledge the crucial role the private sector plays in driving the digital transactions in the country. Together with the government and key industry enablers, we must work hand in hand towards our common goal of increasing electronic payment transactions in the country to 20 percent by next year,” the BSP chief said.

Latest data from the BSP showed cashless transactions through the use of QR code amounted to P3.27 billion in the first half, P1.41 billion higher than the P1.86 billion recorded for the full year in 2018.

The BSP launched the National Retail Payment System (NRPS) in December 2015 to raise the level of cashless transactions to about 20 percent by 2020 from the previous level of one percent in 2014.

The updated level of cashless transactions in the country would be released within the month.

PayMaya founder and chief executive officer Orlando Vea said Filipino consumers could easily shift to and adopt cashless transactions including via QR code.

“As you know, Filipinos are very tech-savvy. Just give them some basic training, tutoring, and off they go. That’s why I confer with the government here that

adoption is going fast,” Vea said.

Vea congratulated McDonald’s for being one of the trailblazers in pushing for innovations in the quick-service restaurant industry.

McDonald’s Philippines president and CEO Kenneth Yang said the fastfood chain operator has received great feedback from customers about McDonald’s NXTGEN. “They have noticed the elevated dining experience that it offers, which is why we are bullish about continuing its roll out to more parts of the country. With our expanded collaboration with PayMaya through QR payments on top of card acceptance in our stores, we are able to offer another convenient way for our customers to pay for their favorites,” Yang said.

McDonald’s NXTGEN offers customers the convenience of multi-point ordering. Most noticeably, the self-ordering kiosks, allows customers a digitized alternative to order and pay for their McDonald’s favorites, providing a more seamless transaction.

To pay using PayMaya QR at McDonald’s all users have to do is download the PayMaya app on their phones, register for an account, and add money via PayMaya’s widest network of over 40,000 add money touchpoints nationwide.

Once their account is ready, they can simply go to one of over 200 McDonald’s stores accepting cashless payments, order via the self-ordering kiosk or at the front counter, and scan the QR code that appears on the terminal. n

D SEPTEMBER 21-24, 2019 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • SEPTEMBER 21-24, 2019 D

Adhere to ‘ease of doing business’ law, SBMA told Grand opening of two new neighborhoods Locators seek shorter processing time of documents; Subic freeport exec vows to review system

Bay and mountain visitors and businessmen are treated to a view of Subic Bay and the Zambales mountains at Subic Bay Freeport. This former American military base is among the top business and rest and recreation destinations in the country.

Inquirer photo by NIño Jesus Orbeta

by Joanna

Rose aglibot Inquirer.net

LOCATORS catering to tourists on Tuesday, September 17, said the implementation of the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018 (Republic Act No. 11032) would help them transform the free port into a magnet for the travel and leisure crowd in the country.

The Subic Coastal Development Corp. (SCDC), parent company of Moonbay Marina, said it would benefit from the law since it aimed to shorten the processing time and cut the number of documentary requirements in government transactions.

Moonbay Marina is a commercial development area that hosts a stretch of business establishments such as the Lighthouse Hotel, Buma Hotel, Vista Marina, Bayfront Hotel, Terrace Hotel, Subic Park Hotel and The Villas.

The SCDC has asked the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) to implement the law “as President Duterte intended his government officials to do so.”

The SCDC said that securing permits like the certificate of registration and tax exemption (CRTE) could take “an excessive amount of time.” CRTE is issued to new locators before they open their business here.

“Some locators have gone

without this important document for months for unclear reasons.

Even if you are a locator in good standing … in the eyes of the SBMA, the process can still take very long,” the SCDC said in a statement.

Lawyer Ernesto Perez, deputy director general of the Anti-Red Tape Authority (Arta), said his office was “given the teeth to ensure that regultory reforms will not just be on paper but will translate into concrete action beneficial to the business sector and the ordinary people transacting with the government.”

Perez said RA 11032 was enacted following the directive of Mr. Duterte to make reforms to ensure competitiveness and ease of doing business mandatory.

Unnecessary delays “[This] gives our people time to speak out and say enough is enough of corruption and unnecessary delays in government service,” Mr. Duterte said during the signing of the law’s implementing rules and regulations on May 28.

Alex Dayrit, president of Brighterday Subic Ltd. Inc. (BSLI) that operates the All Hands Beach here, said “there is no such thing as ease of doing business in the Subic Freeport.”

But lawyer Wilma Eisma, SBMA chair and administrator, said that some locators would come to her office with incom-

plete requirements or would not follow procedure.

“We are now reviewing our systems to be able to comply [with RA 11032],” Eisma told the Inquirer in a text message.

She said her office might cut down on the number of signatories on permits and other necessary papers for business licensing.

‘Punitive’ According to Dayrit, the SBMA has a “stringent collection policy” that is “punitive rather than corrective.”

“How can they collect what is owed if the SBMA itself is tying the hands of locators to do business and generate revenue?

They’ll punish you first before they even think about helping,” he said.

Robert Gonzaga, president and chief executive officer of Subic Bay Marine Exploratorium Inc. (SBMEI), said the SBMA had a “tremendous influence on [free port] locators, for good or bad.” “[The] SBMA can either be a catalyst or disruptor of economic development in the Subic Freeport. Clearly, President Duterte wants all government agencies to help move our country forward, and the SBMA is no exception,” Gonzaga said.

SBMEI is the parent company of Ocean Adventure, Camayan Beach Resort and Hotel and the Adventure Beach Waterpark. n

at the Preserve at Chino on Sept. 21!

CHINO, CA) — You’re invited to the Grand Opening celebration of two new neighborhoods at The Preserve at Chino today, Saturday, September 21! Come out to enjoy a family-fun event and tour the model homes at the two newest neighborhoods, Hazel and Ivy by TRI Pointe Homes. This is also your opportunity to experience The Preserve at Chino, an incredible master-planned community where days are filled with first-class amenities, quality new homes and award-winning schools. So don’t miss out—this is one grand event you’ll want to be a part of!

Ivy by TRI Pointe Homes introduces a welcoming new collection of townhomes with open layouts and loft space perfect for family time. These premium residences are designed for the lifestyle you want, offering 1,250 to 1,773 square feet plus up to three bedrooms and twoand-one-half baths.

At Hazel by TRI Pointe Homes, five stunning floor plans embrace the life you’re looking for with spacious bonus rooms and dens that make way for flexible living.

These beautiful new townhome residences boast up to four bedrooms and four bathrooms in addition to 1,229 to 1,986 square feet of style.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or ready to retire, your ideal home is waiting for you at The Preserve at Chino. Renowned builders CalAtlantic Homes – A Lennar Company, Lennar, Richmond American Homes, Woodside Homes and TRI Pointe Homes craft their homes with exceptional quality, offering options for every lifestyle. Ranging from approximately 1,229 to 2,749 square feet with up to six bedrooms and four-and-one-half baths, these homes can accommodate even the largest of families. Currently priced from the high $300,000s, these homes are an exceptional deal, making homeownership attainable for all.

In the center of the community, The Parkhouse at The Preserve at Chino brings neighbors together in an impressive resident-only clubhouse. Whether you’re trying to stay active in the fitness center or getting a little work done in a quieter spot at the business center, The Park-

Lewis Communities The Preserve at Chino

house supports all your goals and ambitions. Game rooms and an intimate movie theater will help you relax and unwind. A wonderful location for any event, the multipurpose room has a welcoming feel and features a connected on-site catering kitchen.

Lighted tennis courts, a junior Olympic swimming pool, spa and playgrounds make the outdoors at The Parkhouse just as inviting.

In addition, The Parkhouse library is a great place for students from the award-winning Cal Aero Preserve Academy across the street to finish homework and study before walking home.

Residents will also have access to the agrarian-themed Gardenhouse Recreation Center, where get-togethers happen organically. Community gardens connect residents back to the land, while indoor-outdoor kitchen and dining spaces take farm-totable entertaining to new heights.

Whether you’d rather go for a swim in the junior Olympic pool or lounge on the deck, afternoons in the sun will leave you feeling refreshed and re-energized. The Gardenhouse Recreation Center is all about relaxation that’s in harmony with nature.

With a home at The Preserve at Chino, days always turn towards new adventures. Just moments away, explore The Shoppes at Chino Hills to find hidden treasures in the shops or a new favorite meal in one of the restaurants.

Or take a short drive for new experiences at Chino Spectrum Marketplace, Chino Spectrum

Contact: Rachel Mullins (562) 499-6707

Towne Center, Eastvale Gateway, Victoria Gardens, Ontario Mills or the famous Fairplex.

This exciting location makes it easy to head up to the local mountains, find your spot on the beaches of Los Angeles and Orange counties or tour all the world-famous Southern California entertainment hotspots.

From days spent at theme parks to afternoons at prestigious gardens and museums, you’ll find you’re at the center of it all.

Connect with nature and your neighbors in more than 33 scenic acres dedicated to parks, playgrounds, lawns and gardens at The Preserve at Chino. Larger parks are home to team sports, picnics, group events and more, while smaller parks spread throughout the neighborhoods for outdoor play closer to home.

All year round, these colorful outdoor spaces become an extension of the backyard and bring the community to life.

Please call (877) 417-9623 or visit ThePreserveAtChino.com for more information.

The Preserve at Chino is a development by Lewis Community Developers, a member of the Lewis Group of Companies. The Lewis Group of Companies has successfully developed more than 55,000 residences, 10,000 apartments and over 14 million square feet of retail, office and industrial space. Founded in 1955, the company is one of the nation’s largest privately held real estate organizations. n (Advertising Supplement)

D SEPTEMBER 21-24, 2019 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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