102519 - San Francisco Edition

Volume 18 - No. 17 • 2 Sections – 16 Pages

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

Volume 18 - No. 41 • 2 Sections – 16 Pages

T H E F I L I P I N O A M E R I CA N C O M M U N I T Y N E WS PA P E R

We’ve got you covered from Hollywood to Broadway...and Online!

O C T O BE R 2 5 - 3 1 , 2 0 1 9

1799 Old Bayshore Hwy, Suite 136, Burlingame, CA 94010 • Tel: (650) 689-5160 • Fax: (650) 239-9253 • www.asianjournal.com

DATELINE

USA

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

Following court injunctions, immigration experts weigh in on the future of public charge Five judges impose injunctions, delaying implementation of the new rule that would expand the definition of public charge in immigration AFTER multiple judges halted the Trump administration’s proposed changes to the public charge rule, immigration experts and attorneys access the impact of public charge in immigration law and the next steps.

As previously reported by the Asian Journal, federal judges in California, Illinois, Maryland, New York and Washington State blocked the controversial new rule regarding government assistance programs for applicants seeking permanent residency or a non-immigrant visa from taking effect. (It was to take effect on Tuesday, October 15.)

u PAGE A2

New committee seeks to ensure all Filipinos are counted in 2020 census Fil-Am leaders in Los Angeles launch Filipino Complete Count Committee of LA County IN an effort to combat an undercount of the Filipino community, Filipino American leaders in the Los Angeles area have established a new outreach endeavor to ensure a full count of Filipino residents in the United States in the 2020 census.

Comelec ready to conduct special polls for VP polls

by SHEILA

CRISOSTOMO Philstar.com

protest case against Vice President Leni Robredo.

“It is the Comelec’s job to hold elections. So, THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) is ready obviously, yes, the Comelec would be able to do it to conduct special polls in three provinces in Min- if it becomes necessary,” Jimenez said.

The statement comes in the wake of a pending danao in connection with the electoral protest of former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. petition of Marcos for the annulment of election But Comelec spokesman James Jimenez posted results for the position of vice president in Maguon Twitter that this is the call of the Presidential indanao, Lanao del Sur and Basilan.

This is the third cause of action that Marcos Electoral Tribunal (PET), which is hearing Marcos’

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

THE government has targeted to lift 1 million Filipinos out of poverty every year, Malacañang said Tuesday, October 22.

Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo issued the statement after the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey showed fewer Filipino families labeled themselves poor.

The survey showed 42 percent or some 10.3 million Filipino families consider themselves poor as of September this year.

Panelo said that “notwithstanding the latest survey showing favorable results, there is no denying that millions of families remain poor.”

But he assured the public that “bringing a comfortable life for all, with the objective of reducing poverty at a significant level, is the overarching socioeconomic goal

u PAGE A2

PATRIOT. Former Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III gives his response during the necrological service for his father, the late Senator Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel Jr., at the Senate in Pasay City on Wednesday, October 23. The late senator was also among the so-called “Magnificent 12”, who voted against the extension of the Philippine-U.S. Bases Treaty in 1991 that ended years of foreign military presence in the country.

PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan

Duterte to disclose result of medical consultation – Palace MALACAÑANG on Wednesday, October 23, vowed that President Rodrigo Duterte will disclose to the public the result of his medical consultation after concerns were raised due to the chief executive’s motorcycle accident last week and an abbreviated trip to Japan.

Duterte’s visit to Japan was cut short on Tuesday, October 22 because of an “unbearable” pain in the president’s spine and pelvic area, according to presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo.

He added that Duterte will see a doctor for consultation and assured that the public “need not be apprehensive about the President’s health.”

“His consultation with a doc-

tor is aimed at determining the medical condition of his body, as well as finding out whether his previous spinal injury from a past motorcycle accident has been aggravated by his recent fall,” Panelo said in a statement.

“The president shall inform our countrymen on the result of his medical consultation,” he added.

Duterte’s health has been a recurring issue in his presidency, with the public expressing concern over his health condition.

Under the Constitution, information about the state of the president’s health should always be available to the public in case the chief executive has a serious illness.

“In case of serious illness of the president, the public shall be informed of the state of his health.

The members of the Cabinet in charge of national security and foreign relations and the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, shall not be denied access to the President during such illness,” Section 12 of Article VII read.

Duterte, upon landing in Manila at 10:33 p.m. from Tokyo, went straight to the wake of his PDP-Laban party mate and former Senate President Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel, Jr., as stated

by Panelo.

Duterte, accompanied by Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, was received by Lourdes “Bing” Pimentel, Senator Aquilino Martin “Koko” Pimentel III, and Commissioner of Human Rights’ Gwendolyn Pimentel-Gana, among other members and friends of the late senator’s family. ■

Russia to help PH develop its own defense industry

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

RUSSIA Ambassador to the Philippines Igor Khovaev on Tuesday, October 22, said Russia wants to build a long-term strategic cooperation with the Philippines, with defense and security as a key area of cooperation both countries wish to expand.

“We are ready to supply our sophisticated technologies in or-

took to nullify Robredo’s proclamation after he was defeated by a margin of 263,473 votes in the 2016 elections.

Marcos claimed there were terrorism, intimidation, cheating and harassment in the three provinces during the elections.

Jimenez said it is the PET, not the Comelec, that must first determine if there was a failure of elections in these areas that warrants the holding of special polls. ■

Gov’t targets to lift 1-M Filipinos out of poverty every year — Palace

u PAGE A2

by AJPRESS

Also published in LOS ANGELES, LAS VEGAS, NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY

der to help your country develop your own defense industry,” Khovaev said.

He also said that the country may soon be making and exporting Russian-type guns through a proposal from Moscow.

“We have a very good proposal for you Filipinos. We are ready to organize joint production of Russian sophisticated light arms and small weapons here in the Philippines,” he said.

“You Filipinos will produce Russian arms and weapons….

They will be Philippine products based on Russian technologies,” Khovaev added.

According to the envoy, “bilateral negotiations” on the plan have started. He also expressed hope that the plan would materialize “as soon as possible.”

Khovaev also confirmed that the acquisition of several Mi-171

u PAGE A3

‘You told me to keep fighting, I promise you, I will:’ Senators deliver emotional eulogies for Nene Pimentel

by CHRISTINA

MARIE Inquirer.net

RAMOS

“KA Nene, you told me to keep fighting. I promise you I will. We will.”

Senator Risa Hontiveros made this promise as she delivered an emotional eulogy during the necrological services for former Senate President Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel Jr. “More than our achievements, more than our personal glory, I believe we are the things we protect. And Senator Nene Pimentel protected and defended our country and people,” Hontiveros said before the family, friends and former colleagues of the late senator.

She remembered Pimentel as “one of our most respected opposition leaders from Mindanao” and “a patriotic spirit we need to rekindle today.”

Hontiveros, a member of the minority bloc in the Senate, recalled one of her last encounters with Pimentel.

She said the late statesman talked to her on the sidelines of a Senate hearing on Charter change.

“In one of the last times I spoke with him at the beginning of last year, Ka Nene…said to me on the

sidelines of a Senate hearing on Charter change: ‘I’ve been there at the Senate like you, and it’s so difficult to be in the minority, but regardless keep fighting’,” she narrated.

“With his clear and steady gaze, smiling mouth and his raspy voice, he showed his fatherly empathy and encouragement to us young activists and politicians especially in these times when we sorely need them to know that we are not alone and that we should hold the line. Ka Nene, you told me to keep fighting. I promise you I will. We will,” Hontiveros, who at this point became emotional, further said.

Tears, meanwhile, immediately flowed from Senator Pia Cayetano’s eyes as she stood be-

side the casket of a man she said looked after her and guided her like a father.

“Tito Nene did grand things.

There’s no doubt about that. But for me and those who knew him well. We will remember him for the small things,” a choked-up Cayetano said.

“For what is greatness without kindness? Without humility?

Without compassion? Traits I saw in my seatmate and mentor for many years. Whenever he fought for on the floor, I saw it up close.

Beyond the brilliant legislator and defender of democracy that he was, I got to know the kind and gentle person who was a loving husband to Tita Bing and father to their children,” she added.

u PAGE A2

A

october 25-31, 2019 • NorcAL ASIAN JoUrNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 689-5160

From the Front Page Following court injunctions, immigration...

PAGE A1 In other words, the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) proposed changes to what defines a public charge do not currently apply.

On Thursday, October 17, immigration experts and attorneys broke down the current state of the public charge rule in a national teleconference hosted by Ethnic Media Services (EMS) along with the National Immigration Law Center (NILC) and the Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC).

In the call, each speaker emphasized the fact that the public charge rule only affects a small sect of immigrants and, historically, has had a limited impact on the sect of immigrants seeking permanent residency that also relies on public benefits.

Generally speaking, the public charge test is discretionary and any given green card or permanent residency seeker could either be turned away or accepted into the country depending on their unique circumstances.

“The concept of public charge has been a part of immigration law for 100 years, and what is changed now is how the DHS wants to interpret it. They want to apply a stricter standard,” Allison Davenport, supervising attorney at the ILRC, told reporters on the call.

Several categories of immigrants are not affected by the public charge test, including refugees, asylum seekers, victims of crime applying for special visas like the U-visa and T-visa, unaccompanied minors, those seeking renewal of Temporary Protected Status or recipients of DACA. Moreover, an overwhelming majority of immigrants who

are permanent residents or already citizens are not affected by either the current rule or the Trump administration’s new rule if it is passed in the future.

“No matter what the courts decide, these people will not be directly affected by that potential change in the public charge rules,” Davenport said.

Davenport noted that if the court injunctions are lifted in the future, there will be a grace period before the public charge regulation will take effect. For now, the pending court cases will determine the future of public charge as a determinant in immigration law.

As previously reported in the Asian Journal, the Trump administration sought to include Medicaid, Section 8 housing and food stamps, justifying the rule change by saying that “selfsufficiency has long been a basic principle of U.S. immigration law.”

Despite the recent court injunctions, the confusion surrounding public charge has resulted in many immigrant families wondering whether or not they shouldn’t utilize public benefits in fear that it would affect their plans to acquire green cards or other forms of residency.

But as previously reported, any rule changes to public charge would not apply retroactively. For example, if an immigrant is on food stamps before the rule is put into effect, they will still receive that assistance.

“Families should continue to use the services they need,” Mayra Alvarez, president of the Children’s Partnership, said in Thursday’s teleconference.

“People should feel safe using those benefits even if the injunc-

tions are lifted. This rule was not meant to be retroactive. It would only count benefits received after the date the new regulation goes into effect. The injunction is clear, that benefits received before that would not be considered.”

According to the Migration Policy Institute, misinformation and misrepresentation of the public charge rule may result in “millions of immigrants” who “will stop asking for help with health, nutrition and social services.”

Last year when the rule change was first proposed, senior policy manager with the Health Access Project Heng Lam Foong told the Asian Journal that roughly 3.8 million Asian and Pacific Islander immigrants relied on public benefits.

Research from the Migration Policy Institute backs this up, revealing that 300,000 immigrants of the more than 941,000 recent green card holders that would have been subjected to the rule come from Asian countries.

“The policy itself, the mere suggestion that the administration was considering the policy, has resulted in Asian immigrants and other immigrants pulling out of public benefits,” John C. Yang, executive director of Asian Americans Advancing Justice, told NBC News this week, adding that the new rule was “just a made-up reason to exclude certain classes of immigrants.”

The attorneys and experts on Thursday’s conference also encouraged immigrants who may be worried about their public benefits to seek legal assistance before either going off their benefits or signing up for them.

(Klarize Medenilla /AJPress) n

SEND OFF. Indian President Ram Nath Kovind troops the line escorted by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Deputy Chief of Staff, Vice Admiral Gaudencio Collado Jr., during the send-off ceremony after the Indian President’s five-day state visit on Monday, October 21. The Philippines and India signed four agreements for stronger trade and economic ties.

PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan

New committee seeks to ensure all Filipinos...

PAGE A1 On a bright morning in Unidad Park in Historic Filipinotown, the Filipino Complete Count Committee of LA County (FCCCLC) was launched on Saturday, October 12 with the comprehensive mission to increase Filipino participation for the decennial count scheduled for April 1, 2020.

“We need to make the concerted effort to count every single member of our Filipino community,” Executive Director of the Pilipino Workers Center (PWC) and co-chair of the FCCCLC Aquilina Soriano Versoza said at the committee’s launch.

Distributed to every household in the U.S. every 10 years, the census survey asks the following: the name, sex, age, dates of birth, race of every person living at that address and the relationships of everyone in the house to one central figure, usually the head of the household.

Every household will be able to respond to the survey via mail, phone or online. As digital options become more ubiquitous, most households will be able to comTo realize this, he added that medium to long-term programs plete the questionnaire online. On PAGE A1 of the Duterte administration.” “pertinent departments and to alleviate poverty, such as en- or between March 12-20, 2020, He, however, said that “pov- agencies have instituted social hancing investments not only in households will receive a letter in erty is a concern that cannot be protection measures, which in- infrastructure to address eco- the mail on how to answer the cenaddressed overnight and this clude rice liberalization and in- nomic disparities in urban-rural sus survey online. administration recognizes this stitutionalization of cash trans- areas but also investing in huSoriano Versoza emphasized the fact.” fers, to ensure that no one is man capital, including ease of significant relationship between “[O]ur economic managers left behind as we progress as a access to education and health, the census count and federal fundhave intensified their efforts and nation under the leadership of in order to make good the comtargeted to lift one million Fili- [Duterte].” mitment of the President to depinos from poverty every year,” He said the Executive Branch liver genuine and meaningful he said. would “continue to implement change to our society.” n PAGE A1 Cayetano remembered Pimentel as someone who always encouraged and commended her for the work she was doing. //", 9Ê /Ê 7 “Thinking about him while writing this, I am reminded of how generous he was with praise and how slow he was to criticize,” she said.

“In a world where trading barbs and sometimes the use of foul language can be the norm, I cannot even recall Tito Nene saying an unkind word about someone. Don’t get me wrong, he was quick to stand up and register his opposition to something he was against, but always in a professional manner,” she added.

Lightening up the mood, Cayetano recalled a conversation she had with the late senator’s wife, Lourdes “Bing” dela Llana.

“Yesterday, when I paid my respects, ito na po ‘yung nakakatawa, hindi na po ako iiyak sa part na ito (this was the humorous part and I won’t cry about this part).

Yesterday…I sat by Tita Bing and I said I was at a loss on what to say because many of my stories about Tito Nene were very personal.

Stories I would tell his family but was not very comfortable sharing in a eulogy,” she said.

“Tita Bing asked me, ‘Like what? Tell me.’ And I said well, one day out of the blue, Tito Nene 7 7 7° 6 1 6 7° " said to me, ‘Pia, I don’t do this, it’s

Gov’t targets to lift 1-M Filipinos out of poverty...

ing as a major influence on the committee’s genesis.

According to data retrieved from the 2018 American Community Survey, there are more than 4 million Filipinos in the United States.

California is home to 1,651,933 Filipinos, making the the largest Asian and Pacific Islander group in the Golden State; Los Angeles County alone has more than 400,000 Filipinos.

An accurate count is tantamount to how the estimated $675 billion of federal funds is diverted to states and local communities every year.

The federal funding determined by the census also affects the number of representatives each state gets in the House of Representatives and the ways in which federal, state and local districts are drawn every year.

“If the Filipino community is undercounted, then the government doesn’t see as much of a need to put resources toward infrastructure like streets or parks that serve those communities,” Soriano Versoza noted.

“We are making the argument that our community needs these dollars and they deserve these dollars, but if we don’t have an accurate count, then it makes it really hard for us to advocate for as much resources as we actually should be getting,” Soriano Versoza explained.

Historically, Filipinos have been

one of the hardest-to-count communities. Soriano Versoza noted that undocumented Filipinos often don’t complete a survey for fear that their immigration status will be used against them.

But Ivy Daulo, partner specialist at the LA Regional Census Center emphasized that census responses are confidential by law and will not be shared with any other government agencies.

Additionally, the Trump administration’s proposal to ask a question about citizenship on the next census has been blocked by federal judges; as of press time, that question will not be on the 2020 census.

At the end of Saturday’s launch, members of the Filipino community in the Greater Los Angeles area signed a resolution establishing the committee and promising to encourage greater Filipino turnout at the 2020 census.

“No other API committee I’ve observed is as organized and diligent with meeting twice a month and getting work done,” Artesia City Councilwoman Melissa Ramoso told the Asian Journal, noting that the LA committee was established after Nevada’s Filipino American community established its own complete count committee.

“We have to set the precedence for our Filipino and API communities,” Ramoso affirmed. (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress) n

‘You told me to keep fighting, I promise you, I will’...

* "9

/Ê 7

* - /" Ê­ Óx®Ê Èn {ÎÓx

, Ê "

- 1 / / "

not my thing, but you deserve to be happy and have a good man,” she added.

Cayetano then disclosed that Pimentel introduced her to someone.

“The outcome of which I will leave to your speculation because it will remain forever a Pimentel and Cayetano family secret.

Of course, my dear sister Gwen knows all about this, but I was surprised that even Koko knew and he was laughing last night recounting his version of the story,” she said, which earned light-hearted laughs across the session hall.

She ended her eulogy with an emotional expression of love to the late senator.

“I’ll end with this… The Senate staff would know that we were still in the building because my pink water bottle and his cup of pencils and pens would still be on our table. I have since upgraded my water bottle to a bamboo tumbler.

He has turned in his cup for one that flows eternally,” she said.

“When I saw Tita Bing last night, she said to me, “‘Love ka nun.’ Tita Bing, love ‘ko din siya,” she added.

Pimentel’s former colleague, former Senator Anne Dominique Coseteng, also delivered a eulogy to honor the late senator.

“It is a blessing to know at close hand and be familiar on first name-calling basis a passionate,

impressive and genuine and wellgrounded leader as Senator Aquilino Pimentel Jr.,” she said.

“Though was he was always just simply Nene to me. Nene was a man of focus, he embodied the values that a nationalist and a human rights warrior espoused,” she added.

She turned emotional as she recalled how Pimentel encouraged her even long after their stint in the Senate together.

“Nene still managed to give me words of encouragement during the times that we would meet as I pursued my own advocacy sometimes very lonely by strengthening my resolve to do what is right against forces that would threaten our well being as a country,” she said.

“Very recently I heard once more for the last time, ‘Ituloy mo ‘yan, tama ‘yan (Do it, that’s the right thing), he would always reassure me,” she added.

She said Pimentel’s words served as her “own catalyst in never giving up to fight for what I believe me.”

“The teacher has taught the student well…Thank you Nene, you meant a lot to me,” she added.

Aside from the three women, former Senators Jose Lina Jr, Rene Saguisag, Heherson Alvarez, and Orlando Mercado also gave their eulogies for the former Senate leader. n

(650) 689-5160 • http://www.asianjournal.com

Dateline USa

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • OCtObeR 25-31, 2019

A

UN body: PH the country with fastest growing epidemic of HIV

by Ritchel

Mendiola AJPress

A sTudY conducted by the united Nations Program on HIV/AIds (uNAIds) found that the Philippines has the “fastest growing epidemic” of the sexually transmitted disease, with a 203 percent rise in new HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infections from 2010 to 2018.

Worldwide HIV cases, on the other hand, declined by at least 18 percent.

Only Pakistan and Malaysia registered an increase in HIV cases in the Asia-Pacific region, with 57 percent and 4 percent, respectively.

“Fastest growing in terms of growth rate, comparing 2010 and 2018…” said uNAIds country director Louie Ocampo in a forum on Monday, October 21.

According to him, the growth of HIV cases can be attributed to vulnerable populations, such as the youth, which do not have access to contraceptives or do not effectively use them.

“But in terms of absolute number, it is still very low and we have not defeated African countries when it comes to the number of cases,” Ocampo noted.

The department of Health in June released a report that 6,372 new cases had been recorded since the start of the year, accounting for about 10 percent of the total reported cases of 68,401 since 1984.

200,000 HIV cases in PH by 2025 The number of HIV cases in the Philippines is predicted to hit 201,000 by 2025 if the country fails to implement some “drastic moves,” according to uNAIds.

“The Philippines has been projected to have 201,000 HIV cases by 2025, up from 56,000 cases in 2016 and 142,000 cases in 2022,” Ocampo said.

To help curb the epidemic, he stressed that the local governments should have a higher level of commitment to confront the disease like putting in place a functional local AIds council and creating an investment plan.

He added that psychosocial support should be continuously 48TH GAWAD SAKA AWARDEE. PCOO Secretary Jose Ruperto Martin M. Andanar (5th from right), Agriculture Secretary William Dar (4th from provided to those living with left), and DA Undersecretary Ariel T. Cayanan (2nd from left), pose with Mr. Vicente Lugaygay (front), the Outstanding Fisherfolk-Aquaculture HIV. Fisheries awardee during the 48th Gawad Saka awarding ceremonies held at Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City Ocampo also said that it was on Tuesday, October 22. Lugaygay, of Barangay Rizal, Santiago City in Isabela, received a trophy and P250,000 check. important to “destigmatize and PNA photo by Gil Calinga mainstream” condom use as well as to provide pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) — which is only given by some HIV advocacy groups and not yet part of the PAGE A1 t our defense cooperation as a pre- envoy added.

Last year, u.s. President donnational program — to high-risk Russian helicopters for the Armed text to interfere, to meddle into groups. n Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is the domestic affairs of other sov- ald Trump signed a law punishing Russia for its 2014 annexation of actively being negotiated by the ereign states,” he said. crimea from ukraine, its support No interference two governments and assured Khovaev, without mentioning for syria’s government as well that the outcome of negotiations any specific country, said that as its suspected meddling in the “will be positive.” ommended increasing the cov- lia with 75. Other countries in the He added that the Philippines the Philippines’ allies should not 2016 u.s. presidential election.

Any u.s. ally who would buy erage of employees and support top 10 were Finland, sweden, “has the right” to have its own interfere in the country’s bilateral for the poorest aged individuals, Norway, singapore, New Zea- submarines because it is an archi- relations with Moscow as the two weapons and equipment from setting aside public funds for the land, canada, and chile. pelago, and that Russia is “ready countries’ defense cooperation is Russia would be penalized and “systems around the world to supply” submarines at “very not against any other country. could see the transfer of those future, and introducing non-cash out options for retirement plan are facing unprecedented life ex- competitive prices.”

“No third country has the right arms disrupted. pectancy and rising pressure on Khovaev, meanwhile, stressed proceeds.

Aside from weapons, Russia is to interfere into our defense coThe Philippine pension system public resources to support the willing to offer military education operation because our defense that Russia and the Philippines is at the very bottom of the list in health and welfare of older citi- by welcoming Filipino cadets to cooperation is not not against would continue to share informaterms of integrity, an area that zens. It’s imperative that policy train in its military institutions, anyone. It’s not against any other tion and cooperate closely against terrorism, without conditions. considered regulation and gov- makers reflect on the strengths according to Khovaev. country,” he said.

“We’ll do our best to help your ernance, protection and commu- and weaknesses of their systems “Your traditional partners, your “All options are on the table. nication for members, as well as to ensure stronger long-term Once again, no political condi- allies, have no right to interfere country with no political condioutcomes for the retirees of the tionality. Russia will never teach into our bilateral cooperation. tionality, simply because terroroperating cost.

In adequacy, an area that con- future,” said david Knox, author anyone human rights or some- They must respect the choice of ism is our common threat,” he sidered the benefits provided to of the study. n thing like that. We’ll never use Russia and the Philippines,” the said. n the poor, as well as design features that enhance the efficacy of the overall pension system, the Philippines ranked the third lowest.

However, the country placed in the top 15 for the most sustainable in terms of level of funding, length of expected retirement, labor force participation rate of the older population, and the current level of government debt and economic growth.

The Netherlands ranked first with an overall index value of 81.

This is followed by denmark with an index value of 80, and Austra-

PH retirement system among worst in the world

by Ritchel

Mendiola AJPress

A REcENT study revealed that the retirement or pension system of the Philippines is the 4th lowest out of 36 countries.

According to the 2019 Melbourne Mercer Global Pension Index — which takes into consideration the pension system’s sustainability, adequacy, and integrity — the Philippines had an overall index value of 43.7, placing it above Turkey, Argentina, and Thailand.

The index also considers the level of retirement income provided to replace the previous level of employment earnings.

“By benchmarking global retirement income systems, the Melbourne Mercer Global Pension Index can help both the public and private sectors in the Philippines understand how they can improve the country’s retirement system and generate better outcomes for retirees,” Harold Tan, wealth leader of Mercer Philippines, said.

To improve the country’s index performance, the study rec-

Forum with BSP governor spotlights Philippine economy’s resilience WAsHINGTON, d.c.— “The Philippines has come a long way but it is now recognized globally as among the fastest growing and most resilient economies in the world. Its future prospects are bright. However, the transformation was a product of a long list of structural reforms. It did not happen overnight,” declared Bangko sentral ng Pilipinas (BsP) Governor Benjamin E. diokno at a forum held at the Philippine Embassy in Washington, d.c. on Wednesday, October 16.

“The Bangko sentral has always been the bulwark of continuity and stability. And we are honored to provide a platform in Washington dc for Governor diokno to talk about the Philippine

economy and our reform process.

We are confident that with him guiding Philippine monetary policy, there will be continued business and investor confidence in the country,” Philippine Ambassador to the united states Jose Manuel G. Romualdez said in a statement.

In his remarks, Governor diokno emphasized that Philippine economic performance is exceptional and sustainable, and powered through transformative reforms and political will. All the reforms — those undertaken in the past as well as being pursued today — are expected to support and sustain the currently favorable conditions of the economy PAGE A4

Russia to help PH develop its own...

A

october 25-31, 2019 • NorcAL ASIAN JoUrNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 689-5160

US official denounces China’s action on SCS

by Bernadette

e. taMayo

ManilaTimes.net

CHINA’S repeated provocative actions in the South China Sea (SCS or West Philippine Sea) inhibit Association of Southeast Asian Nations member states, including the Philippines, from accessing over $2.5 trillion in energy reserves and have contributed to instability in the region.

United States Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs David Stilwell stressed this on October 16 before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

“We remain skeptical of the PRC’s (People’s Republic of China) sincerity to negotiate a meaningful Code of Conduct [in the South China Sea] that reinforces international law,” Stilwell said.

He finds China’s maritime claims in the SCS, underscored by its self-imposed “nine-dash line,” unlawful, unreasonable and have no basis whatsoever.

The islets and atolls in the SCS are said to have rich aquatic resources and mineral and gas deposits that remain untapped

committed to peaceful diplomacy, the reality is that Chinese leaders — through the PLA (People’s Liberation Army) navy, law enforcement agencies, and maritime militia — continue to intimidate and bully other countries,” he said.

As emphasized in the Asia Reassurance Initiative Act of 2018, it is the policy of the United States to ensure freedom of navigation, overflight and other lawful uses of the sea.

Stilwell said the U.S. works closely with its allies in the Indo-Pacific region through joint mariDavid Stilwell, U.S. assistant secretary of state for East time training and operaAsian and Pacific Affairs Photo from State.gov tions to maintain free and and are disputed by China, the open access of the seas.

“Along with the daily operaPhilippines, Brunei, Malaysia, tions of U.S. ships and aircraft Taiwan and Vietnam.

China’s actions, such as patrol- throughout the region, we conling the SCS, putting up struc- ducted more Freedom of Navitures and bullying its neighbors, gation Operations in the South pose a threat “to all trading na- China Sea in 2019 than in any tions and all who value freedom of the past 25 years, to demonof the seas and the peaceful strate that the United States will settlement of disputes,” Stilwell continue to fly, sail, and operate wherever international law alsaid.

“While claiming that they are lows,” Stilwell added. n

BATTLE FOR THE PACIFIC. (Photo L-R) John Law, Charge d’Affaires, Embassy of the United States of America; Mr. Robert O. Wefald, Commissioner, American Battle Monuments Commission; Larry A. Adkison, Pacific Superintendent, American Battle Monuments Commission; and Kelly K. McKeague, Director, Defence POW/MIA Accounting Agency join the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Global City, Taguig City on Saturday, October 19 during the opening of the American Battle Monuments Commission’s (ABMC) new visitor center. The Manila Visitors Center is the first in the Pacific and tells the story of the war for the Pacific during World War II..

PNA photo by Gil Calinga

PH Army bags silver at world’s toughest patrolling test

by Frances

Mangosig Inquirer.net

A PHILIPPINE Army team has bagged the silver medal at the recently concluded Exercise Cambrian Patrol in Wales, United Kingdom.

An annual event organized by the British Army, the Exercise Cambrian Patrol is touted as the world’s toughest patrol exercise.

The international exercise tests the basic soldiering skills, as well as qualities like leadership, teamwork, and physical fitness of the

participating military units.

The eight-man Scout Ranger team was able to carry out various military operations despite extreme weather and terrain conditions.

“For 51 sleepless hours, the Army’s eight-man team successfully accomplished its mission by performing various military operations along the rugged Cambrian Mountains of Mid-Wales, with loads of logistics and minimal food and water,” said Army spokesperson Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala.

Around 130 teams from different overseas military units joined the exercises for this year.

On Monday, October 21, the Scout Ranger team that bagged the award was recognized by Army chief Lt. Gen. Macairog Alberto in a ceremony at Fort Bonifacio in Taguig.

He said their accomplishment only proves the “world-class caliber” of the Philippine Army.

“The challenge now is to how to enable many more of our soldiers reach the skills of these awardees,” he said. n

HHS awards $16-M to help primary care practices address patients’ unhealthy alcohol use THE U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, through the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), announced on Tuesday, October 22, a $16 million initiative to help primary care practices increase efforts to address patients’ unhealthy alcohol use.

Excessive alcohol use, which affects almost a third of adults, is the nation’s third leading cause of preventable death. It is a major risk factor for many health, social, and economic problems, and has an estimated annual economic burden of over $250 billion.

“President Trump has promised Americans a healthcare system that’s patient-centric, and treats you like a person, not a number. That means caring for Americans’ full range of health needs, including substance use challenges such as unhealthy alcohol use,” said HHS Secretary Alex Azar. “Primary care providers have emerged as an important pathway for connecting patients to treatment for substance use challenges, and HHS is pleased to support, through AHRQ, the testing of innovative approaches toward this end.”

Six grantees will work with more than 700 primary care prac-

tices over three years to implement and evaluate strategies to increase the use of evidence-based interventions such as screening for unhealthy alcohol use; brief interventions for adult patients who drink too much; and medication-assisted therapy for patients with an alcohol use disorder.

“In keeping with HHS Secretary Azar’s commitment to confronting the challenges of substance misuse and addiction, we recognize that many Americans struggle with unhealthy alcohol use, and primary care clinicians are critical to helping patients understand and address this challenge,” said AHRQ Director Gopal Khanna, M.B.A. “These grants will help primary care practices apply proven interventions to tackle this preventable problem.”

Grantees will be supported by a community of learning that will provide resources, tools, and evidence-based practices. These activities will be facilitated by NORC at the University of Chicago, with Tracy McPherson as principal investigator.

Project interventions will be evaluated by the grantees and an external evaluator assigned to conduct an overarching assess-

ment of the program. The grantees are: • Katharine Bradley, Kaiser Foundation Research Institute, and Anya Day, Altarum Institute in Michigan • Alexander Krist, Virginia Commonwealth University • Daniel Jonas, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill • Perry Dickinson, University of Colorado Denver • Melinda Davis and John Muench, Oregon Health & Science University • Abel Kho and Theresa Walunas, Northwestern University This activity is funded by AHRQ’s Patient-Centered Outcomes Research (PCOR) initiative, which identifies research findings that could significantly improve patient outcomes through broader implementation in clinical practice. Earlier this year, AHRQ funded another PCOR project, Increasing the Use of Cardiac Rehab After Coronary Events, a 3-year, $6 million effort designed to save lives by increasing patient participation in cardiac rehabilitation after cardiovascular events such as heart attacks, heart failure, angioplasty, or heart surgery.

Access more information about AHRQ’s PCOR investments. n

Forum with BSP governor spotlights...

PAGE A3 that the Governor summarized in four key observations.

Economic growth is solid and sustainable. The Philippines recorded its 82ndconsecutive quarter of uninterrupted economic growth in the second quarter of 2019.

“This shows that we have managed to sail through the toughest external challenges from the Asian financial crisis to the global financial crisis,” Governor Diokno pointed out.

Inflation has been reduced and within-target. This is credited to a series of monetary actions by the BSP combined with administrative and legislative measures that addressed bottlenecks to food supply. Inflation fell to 0.9 percent in September 2019, and is expected to settle at 2.5 percent in 2019, and 2.9 percent for both 2020 and 2021.

The country’s external position is also strong and is reflective of an economy driven by solid macroeconomic fundamentals and firm growth prospects. This is on account mainly of the lower deficit in the trade-in-goods account; increased trade-in-services net receipts; and rising investor confidence resulting in higher foreign direct investments.

Finally, Governor Diokno noted that the robust and stable banking system likewise offers a sound basis for optimism. Banks remain sufficiently capitalized, and their past due ratios have consistently declined over the years. Stability is also supported by financial sector reforms; cybersecurity and technology risk management; counter-terrorist financing; and capital market development.

“Our financial system is sound and it continues to effectively intermediate funds to productive sectors, thus promoting economic growth,” he added.

“The Council welcomes Gov-

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin E. Diokno delivers his keynote address in front of Washington DC community members at a forum held at the Philippine Embassy on Wednesday, October 16.

ernor Diokno’s message of sustained economic reforms, paving the way for continued and sustained growth in the Philippines.

The BSP’s focus on growth of digital payments and transitioning to a cash-light economy, as well as sustainable finance are areas of interest to U.S. business,” stated Alexander Feldman, President and CEO of the US-ASEAN Business Council, who moderated the wide-ranging conversation that followed the governor’s remarks.

The conversation with Mr. Feldman and the Q&A with the audience fielded questions relating to Philippine and BSP policy and regulations on sustainable finance, cyber-security, financial inclusion including financial technology, data governance, and the recently launched national retail payment system.

“The U.S.-Philippines Society applauds Governor Diokno’s remarkable record of public service and appreciates his willingness to share his unique perspective on regional and global developments, along with his

optimistic outlook on the Philippine economy,” said Ambassador John Maisto, US-Philippines Society President, in a statement after the forum.

“He made a persuasive case for Philippine resilience in the face of global uncertainties, stressed a commitment to sound macro-economic policies and reform measures, and support for a stable banking system, building on more than a quarter century of positive economic growth,” Ambassador Maisto added.

Among the guests at the forum were Philippine Monetary Board Member Peter B. Favila, former U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Thomas Hubbard, BSP Deputy Governor Francis Dakila, other officials of the BSP, U.S. government officials, U.S. corporate executives, Embassy officers & staff, and some members of the Filipino-American community.

The Forum was organized and hosted by the Philippine Embassy and the U.S.-Philippines Society with the support of the U.S.ASEAN Business Council. n

(650) 689-5160 • http://www.asianjournal.com

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • OCtObeR 25-31, 2019

Dateline PhiliPPines

A

Palace unfazed over possible raps vs Duterte in 2022 Marcos’ camp asserts PET voted in its favor ter the president steps down from office. “It’s a free country. Everyone MANILA — MalacaĂąang re- is entitled to file any case against mains unfazed over possible cases whomsoever they think that has that may be filed against president violated the law and let the courts Rodrigo Duterte once his term decide the validity of such comends in 2022. plaint,â€? Panelo said in a Palace Presidential spokesperson Sal- briefing. vador Panelo issued the statement NUPL national chairperson Neri after the National Union of Peo- Colmenares said they would also ples’ Lawyers (NUPL) said they file civil cases against Duterte for would file charges against Duterte the so-called extrajudicial killings in international and local courts af- under his brutal war on drugs.

by Nestor

Corrales Inquirer.net

Asked if Duterte is worried about the possible cases he might face once he loses his immunity as president, the Palace official said: “The only worry that the president has is the sufferings of the people.

That’s why he does a lot of things to make lives comfortable for them.�

Duterte has gained international condemnation for his crackdown on illegal drugs – labeled as drug war – which so far has killed at least 5,000 mostly poor people nationwide. n

Trillanes seeks dismissal of kidnapping case

Former Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV by ratziel

saN juaN Philstar.com

MANILA — Former Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV on Tuesday, October 22, called on the Department of Justice to dismiss the kidnapping complaint against him for allegedly detaining Davao-based businesswoman Guillermina Lalic Barrido in 2016, saying he only met her in 2019.

Trillanes also questioned the credibility of Barrido, also known as Guillerma Arcillas, on whose affidavit the Philippine National Police based its complaint. “The very evidence presented

by Ms. Barrido, as well as other testimonies and evidence on record clearly and indubitably show and prove that Ms. Barrido repeatedly lied and/or made material misrepresentations in her claims and/or allegations in her affidavit and/or her sworn statement, and is unfit to be a witness,� his counter-affidavit read.

The PNP-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group on August 30 filed a kidnapping with

Philstar.com file photo

serious illegal detention complaint against Trillanes and three other respondents before the Department of Justice.

In a three-page complaint dated August 15, Trillanes, father Albert Alejo, a certain Sister Ling, and lawyer Jude Josue Sabio were alleged to have illegally detained Barrido in 2016.

But Trillanes says that “until I accidentally saw her at the DOJ Compound sometime on September 5, 2019, I have never met or even seen Ms. Barrido in person, and I have never talked to or spoken with her, whether by phone or in person.�

Accuser’s credibility questioned Trillanes, referring to Barrido, said that “apart from admittedly consorting with drug lords and being publicly known to be a drug-user, our accuser has been shown to be lying on a material matter, apart from apparently being, through her own confessions under oath, a remorseless serial liar and perjurer of the truth.�

He also pointed out that in photographs that Barrido provided as

supposed proof of the kidnapping, “in almost all the said pictures, Ms. Barrido and [her] companions were all smiling and seemingly enjoying themselves.� “Obviously, these are not the normal, usual or expected images and demeanor of a person who is supposedly being ‘detained’ against her will or is being ‘kidnapped’, unless Ms. Barrido can genuinely claim that she was happy to be detained.�

Barrido said in a statement dated August 5 that Trillanes, Alejo, Ling, and Sabio allegedly detained and treated her like a prisoner at the Convent of the Cannussian Sisters in Makati City when she was fetched from General Santos City in December 2016.

The “Convent of the Cannussian Sisters� named in the CIDG complaint does not exist. However, there is an order named the “Canossian Daughters of Charity� in Manila.

Barrido also figured in other prominent legal cases involving government officials or agencies.

In relation to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency’s monitoring in 2010 of local government officials’ involvement in the illegal drug trade, Barrido claimed she knew of a PDEA agent who protected Joavan Fernandez, son of former Talisay City Mayor Socrates Fernandez.

More recently in the sedition complaint against Vice President Leni Robredo and 37 others, Barrido and Perfecto Tagalog accused Trillanes of involvement in the false accusations against President Rodrigo Duterte.

They also claimed Trillanes urged them to speak out against the president. n

s )NTEG R ITY s (ONESTY s *USTICE s )FMQJOH UIF JOKVSFE BOE UIFJS MPWFE POFT

INJURED? ACCIDENT?

FREE CONSULTATION

No Attorney Fee Unless You Recover

We Advance All Costs

Home and Hospital Visits Available

t 803, */+63*&4 t "650.0#*-& "$$*%&/5 t .PUPSDZDMF "DDJEFOU t 5SVDL "DDJEFOU t #JDZDMF "DDJEFOU t 6OJOTVSFE .PUPSJTU t #PBUJOH "DDJEFOU

t #PBUJOH "DDJEFOU t 1FEFTUSJBO *OKVSZ $BTFT t 1SPEVDU -JBCJMJUZ t 4MJQ BOE 'BMM *OKVSZ t 'JSF BOE #VSO $BTFT

t )FBE *OKVSZ t %PH "UUBDL $BTFT t 4QJOF *OKVSZ t $BUBTUSPQIJD *OKVSZ t 8SPOHGVM %FBUI

: ( 5 1 6 : , )PYK (]LU\L :HU 1VZL *(

^^^ PUQ\Y `H[[VY UL`KPYLJ[ JVT

/&&)#%3 ). 3!. &2!.#)3#/ \ 3!,).!3 \ /!+,!.$ \ 0,%!3!.4/. \ -/$%34/

by DiviNa

Nova joy Dela ManilaTimes.net

Cruz

FERDINAND Marcos Jr.’s camp has asserted that a recent resolution of the Supreme Court, sitting as the Presidential Electoral Tribunal (PET) over his election protest, was in its favor, despite Vice President Maria Leonor Robredo’s lead in the recount and revision of votes.

Romulo Macalintal, Robredo’s legal counsel, earlier reiterated his call to dismiss the election protest based on PET’s Rule 65, which allows the electoral tribunal to dismiss the election protest if there had been no substantial recovery.

Macalintal argued that based on the data culled from the PET’s resolution on October 15, Robredo had gained 17,520 votes from the three pilot provinces — Camarines Sur, Iloilo and Negros Oriental — which were chosen by Marcos for supposedly best exemplifying fraud or irregularities.

Marcos, meanwhile, recovered 2,427 votes.

Macalintal also earlier said the figures “prove that Robredo won in the recount of votes and gained substantial recovery� from the three pilot provinces. “While the rules mandates that a protestant, like Marcos, should

make ‘substantial recovery’ from his pilot provinces, the above facts and figures show Marcos’ dismal and miserable failure to make any ‘substantial recovery.’ On the contrary, it was Robredo who made an overwhelming substantial recovery, which justifies the opinions of PET members, Justices Antonio Carpio and Alfredo Caguioa, to dismiss the election protest of Marcos,� he noted in a statement on Sunday, October 18.

Vic Rodriguez, the spokesman for Marcos and one of the latter’s legal counsels in the election protest, argued the figures cited by Caguioa and Carpio in their dissenting opinions came from the revision report penned by Caguioa.

Majority of the justices set aside the Caguioa proposal to dismiss the election protest and instead decided to release to the camps of Marcos and Robredo the report on the revision and appreciation of ballots in the three pilot provinces and required them to submit their comments. “That is precisely why the majority of the tribunal, by a very decisive 11-2 vote, emphatically junked that Caguioa minority opinion favoring [Robredo], finding the figures presented before them to be outrageous and ordered the

‘No resurgence of kidnapping in Mindanao’ by roel

PareÑo Philstar.com

ZAMBOANGA CITY — Relentless military operations have prevented the resurgence of kidnapping in Mindanao.

Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, said recent reports of kidnapping could be the handiwork of mid-level Abu Sayyaf leaders who are out to make a living. “These sub-leaders are doing their own way of living. It’s the handiwork of those... who commission their contacts to snatch victims and likely bargain even for a small ransom,� Sobejana said.

He said the incidents have �significantly reduced� if not prevented in the last three years.

In 2015 and 2016, the number of captives reached 30, most of them foreign fishermen and sailors, who were taken by pi-

rates and handed over the Abu Sayyaf. “It is sad that most of the kidnappings occurred in the waters off Malaysia and the victims were brought to our place,� Sobejana said.

He said military offensives, particularly in Sulu, have prevented the bandits from making the island as its holding place for their captives.

Sobejana said trilateral maritime operations at the common border of Indonesia, Malaysia and Philippines also prevented Abu Sayyaf leaders and their followers from hijacking foreign vessels and taking their crewmembers as captives.

While the kidnapping of three Indonesian fishermen in the waters off Sabah on Sept. 23 were confirmed perpetrated by Abu Sayyaf bandits, the kidnappers of a couple taken in Zamboanga del Sur on October. 4 have yet to be determined. n

election protest to proceed with the parties to file their comment and memoranda,� Rodriguez said in a statement. “It only confirmed our suspicion that Mrs. Robredo’s premature celebration and claim of another fake victory in the tribunal was a product of advance information she’s been receiving all along through a highly placed deep throat,� he added. n

PAUNAWA NG HALALAN IPINAAALALA NG PAUNAWANG ITO na ang isang REGULAR NA HALALAN NG MUNISIPYO ay gaganapin sa Lungsod ng San Jose, California sa Martes, ika-3 araw ng Marso 2020, para sa layunin ng paghalal sa mga sumusunod na opisyales: Miyembro ng Konseho Distrito 2 Buong 4 na taon na Termino na Magtatapos sa 12/31/24 Miyembro ng Konseho Distrito 4 Buong 4 na taon na Termino na Magtatapos sa 12/31/24 Miyembro ng Konseho Distrito 6 Buong 4 na taon na Termino na Magtatapos sa 12/31/24 Miyembro ng Konseho Distrito 8 Buong 4 na taon na Termino na Magtatapos sa 12/31/24 Miyembro ng Konseho Distrito 10 Buong 4 na taon na Termino na Magtatapos sa 12/31/24 Ang nominasyon para sa mga tanggapang ito ay magsisimula sa Nobyembre 12, 2019 at magtatapos sa Disyembre 6, 2019 ng 12:00 pm. (Hapon).

Bukas ang mga botohan sa pagitan ng mga oras ng 7:00 ng umaga at 8:00 ng gabi.

TONI TABER, CMC CLERK ng LUNGSOD Petsa ng paglalathala: Oktubre 28, 2019 10/25/19 CNS-3300806# ASIAN JOURNAL (NORTHERN CALIF.)

A6

OCTOBER 25-30, 2019 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 689-5160

OPINION

Stunted, obese

FEATURES

POOR diet is making Filipino children grow up stunted and in poor health. Those in their teens, meanwhile, are suffering from obesity. This assessment is contained in a global report prepared by the United Nations Children’s Fund, which called for interventions to promote a healthy diet among Filipino children.

Unicef, in its State of the World’s Children: Children, Food and Nutrition report, warned that in the Philippines, one in three children under five years old is stunted while about seven percent of children are too thin for their height.

Among Filipino adolescents, meanwhile, a tenth are overweight, UNICEF reported, making them vulnerable to diseases. UNICEF attributed this not only to inadequate nutrition but also to poor hygiene and unhealthy behavior as well as incomplete immunization, now worsened by a vaccination scare.

UNICEF reported that by the age of 2, Filipino children who are undernourished in both quantity and nutrient needs were already irreversibly stunted and may be suffering from anemia.

Wrong diet is also blamed for obesity, with children particularly from poor families consuming too much processed foods that are high in sugar, fats and salt but lacking in the nutrients that are essential for healthy growth. Adolescent obesity

in the country has tripled in the past 15 years.

Proper nutrition need not be expensive. Many parents, however, need information on what types of food are needed for the healthy growth of their children, particularly in the first two years of life.

UNICEF reported that among Filipino children aged 6 to 23 months, around 44 percent are not fed fruits and vegetables, which are readily available particularly in rural areas, while 59 percent are not fed eggs, dairy products, fish or meat.

The importance of breastfeeding in healthy child growth also needs greater emphasis. UNICEF reported that only about a third of Filipino babies are breastfed during their first six months of life.

To address these problems, the government has launched a program to promote nutritious diet during a child’s first 1,000 days. The program must get sufficient and sustained support, so that healthy eating can become ingrained in national life. (Philstar.com)

Editorial

Philstar.com photo

Trump’s actions impeach himself with his betrayal of presidential oath and defiance of the Constitution

The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS KABABAYANS who are loyal fans of President Donald J. Trump have been contending that the launching of an impeachment inquiry into him is doing the country a disservice because it takes away valuable time and resources from Congress that should otherwise be spent in writing legislation that will help the life of ordinary hardworking Americans.

Some Republicans refuse any inquiry or investigations and just wanted Congress to immediately make Representatives vote on Trump’s impeachment NOW, if they have the evidence that indeed, he committed impeachable offenses that warrant his ouster.

There are also many Trump supporters echo the talking points of Republicans that instead of impeaching Trump, the American people should be given the power to vote him out of office.

As the country is divided in this issue, we should just go by what the Founding Fathers of America have already stipulated in the Constitution to protect our democracy.

The Founding Fathers, fear-

ing the potential for abuse of executive power, considered impeachment so important that they made it part of the Constitution even BEFORE they defined the contours of the presidency, according to House records.

“Impeachment, as Alexander Hamilton of New York explained in Federalist 65, varies from civil or criminal courts in that it strictly involves the ‘misconduct of public men, or in other words from the abuse or violation of some public trust.’

Individual state constitutions had provided for impeachment for ‘maladministration’ or ‘corruption’ before the U.S. Constitution was written,” the House website reads.

To argue against impeachment in favor of elections is a dereliction of duties the Constitution has mandated Congress to perform, and is pure and simple political expediency for both the Democrats and the Republicans.

While there may be so many other problems and issues that are important to the lives of the American people, nothing is more important than to hold the nation’s leaders accountable to the people and be required to be worthy of the public trust accorded to their position of

power.

Otherwise, government would be remiss in truly serving the interest of ALL Americans just to benefit the people in power and those that are close to them.

The Constitution gives the House of Representatives the sole power to impeach an official, and it makes the Senate the sole court for impeachment trials. The power of impeachment is limited to removal from office but also provides for a removed officer to be disqualified from holding future office. Fines and potential jail time for crimes committed while in office are left to civil courts. (House.gov) Article II, Section 4 of the U.S. Constitution stipulates: The President, Vice President and all Civil Officers of the United States, shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and Conviction of, Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors.”

As the Congressional Research Service explained,“The House impeachment process generally proceeds in three phases: (1) initiation of the impeachment process; (2) Judiciary Committee investigation, hearings, and markup of articles of impeachment; and (3) full House consideration of the

articles of impeachment.”

WHERE are we now in the impeachment process? Congress has already started the impeachment investigations and have been issuing subpoenas for witnesses to appear before Congress and/or submit documents required of them.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s office just released on Monday, October 21 a “fact sheet” which explains in details the allegations against President Trump amid the House Democrats’ ongoing impeachment inquiry.

“President Trump has betrayed his oath of office, betrayed our national security and betrayed the integrity of our elections for his own personal political gain,” the document stated.

Through the fact sheet, the Speaker’s office wants the American people to understand what Pelosi’s office calls proof of a “pressure campaign” and “cover up” by Trump related to Ukraine.”

As the Hill reported, “The sheet includes quotes from Trump and the anonymous whistleblower who filed a complaint regarding Trump’s July 25 phone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in which he pressed

for an investigation into former Vice President Joe Biden and Biden’s son, Hunter.”

This is is corroborated by, among others, the testimony behind closed doors by top US acting envoy in Ukraine William “Bill” Taylor before the House Intelligence, Oversight and Foreign Affairs committees on Tuesday, October 22.

As National Public Radio reported , “President Trump orchestrated a parallel foreign policy for Ukraine that made U.S. aid to the country contingent on investigations to help himself politically.”

“In a written statement to three House committees tasked with Democrats’ impeachment inquiry, Taylor said he ‘became increasingly concerned’ as ‘irregular, informal channels’ of policymaking diverged from official U.S. goals — led

by Trump’s personal attorney Rudy Giuliani.”

A copy of this opening statement was obtained and published by the Washington Post, New York Times and CNN. Trump, his cohorts, and many members of the Republican Party have been stonewalling the investigations and ignoring subpoenas — a blatant disregard of the rule of law and an

obstruction of justice.

For Trump to fight against this constitutionally-mandated process and vilify Congress for doing its sacred duties to protect our democracy is a grave violation of the Constitution he has swore to uphold and protect. It also gives the message that he is above the law, precisely the cornerstone of the impeachment mandate in the Constitution.

The impeachment process has to be made public because the American people has to be part of this civic exercise. Our government is a government of the people, for the people, by the people. Our elected leaders should therefore be made accountable to us, the people.

We are a nation of laws and that violating this would have consequences. It also sends the message to all public servants, present and future, that no one is above the law, not even the president of the United States of America. *** Gel Santos Relos has been in news, talk, public service and educational broadcasting since 1989 with ABS-CBN and is now serving the Filipino audience using different platforms, including digital broadcasting, and print, and is working on a new public service program for the community. You may contact her

France, Qatar to Pangasinan and engagements in Asia and the US

PeaceMaker FORMER SPEAKER JOSE C. DE VENECIA, JR. WE had a hectic month-long journey to France including Lourdes where we visited once more the shrine of our Blessed Virgin Mary, then to Qatar in the Middle East, and in the last few days back to our home province of Pangasinan.

With wife Gina, we spent five days until yesterday with our former constituents, relatives, friends, teachers, farmers, fishermen, and employees in government in Pangasinan’s 4th Congressional District, where we served for twenty years before the advent of Martial Law until 2010, followed by Gina’s two terms in office.

We joined our son, now 33year-old Christopher, who is beginning his second congressional term as he visited new projects in Dagupan City and San Fabian, both along the South China Sea. Then we motored to the other municipalities of Mangaldan and San Jacinto enroute to the mirac-

ulous Blessed Virgin Mary town of Manaoag, visited by hundreds of thousands of pilgrims throughout the year every Sunday and even on ordinary days.

Christopher’s projects recently launched included irrigation systems, municipal and barangay roads, school buildings, barangay halls, health centers, covered courts, new farm equipments, and computer sets for 44 public schools.

In some villages, hedistributed water pumps and medicines, and even had experts conduct a martial arts seminar and self-defense classes for barangay police (tanods).

He also launched the 1stDe Venecia Challenger’s Cup, a 13kilometer cross country race traversing the upland barangays of San Fabian town.

Christopher held a week-long birthday celebration by inaugurating projects, conducting medical and dental missions, and launching livelihood programs in the 4th District of Pangasinan.

We told wife Gina that we believe Christopher is doing better now than in our own first term which was cut short by Marcos’

Martial Law and that he far exceeded our expectations.

We were joined during our Pangasinan visit by the celebrated Pangasinan publisher Roger Oriel from Binalonan, who now owns and publishes the popular Asian Journal newspaper in the U.S.: twice a week in Los Angeles, California, weekly in San Francisco and Las Vegas, and also once a week in New York City and New Jersey in the East Coast.

Wife Corazon team up with Roger in running their modest network and the editor-in-chief in L.A. is 26-year-old daughter Christina, a graduate of George Washington University, assisted by another daughter Carina, who will soon graduate in Fordham University.

The Oriels of Binalonan, Pangasinan used to own the Oriel Vocational School in Binalonan for 50 years.

Roger began as a junior accountant of Sycip, Gorres & Velayo founded by the legendary Washington Sycip, then became a small publisher in 1982, g to lead the first Filipino Yellow Pages directory until 1990 with 600

pages in California.

In the Philippines, the Yellow Pages directory was introduced in 1958 by the American-based firm, GTE Directories Corporation.

We are encouraging the 64year-old Roger to put up a Filipino-led newspaper in the Arab world, based in Dubai or Jeddah, followed eventually by a broadsheet in Iran’s capital Tehran to cover both the Shiite and Sunni cities of Islam, where this columnist pioneered for the Philippines as a businessman on both sides of the Persian Gulf (Arab Gulf to the Arabs) from the 1970’s until the early 1980’s, following our earlier stint in government as Minister-Economic Counselor in Saigon in the old Indo-China in the late 1960’s and then as congressman before Martial Law. *** In a few weeks, from November 18-21, we will travel to Phnom Penh to address the Asia Pacific Summit co-hosted by the Seouland New York-based Universal Peace Federation (UPF) and the Government of Cambodia underPrime Minister Hun Sen. Incumbent and former presi-

dents and prime ministers, parliamentarians, and civil society and religious leaders from the Asia Pacific region will discuss issues besetting the Asian region and the international community, such as peace and security, poverty, climate change, and terrorism and extremism.

UPF will hold a World Summit in Seoul in February next year.

Prior to the Phnom Penh conference, we hope to fly to Washington D.C. with Senator MushahidHussain Sayed of Pakistan and former South Korean Ambassador to Russia and Armenia Park Ro-byug, Vice Chairman-Special Rapporteur and Secretary General, respectively, of our International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP), for consultative meetings with incumbent and former members of the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate about a possible working cooperation between ICAPP and members of the U.S. Congress and the Republican and Democratic parties.

As we mentioned in this column much earlier, ICAPP has

working partnerships with the Latin American political parties under the Permanent Conference of Political Parties of Latin America and the Caribbean (COPPPAL), the Council of African Political Parties (CAPP), and the Alliance of Conservatives and Reformists in Europe (ACRE) and European lawmakers.

In December, we will travel to Terengganu, Malaysia to preside at the 33rd Meeting of the ICAPP Standing Committee and address the inaugural meeting of the newly-created subsidiary group under ICAPP, the Tourism Promotion and Inter-City Cooperation (TOPIC) Council, headed by our good friend Dato Seri ShahidanKassim, former Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister of Malaysia, now led by the legendary and still capable Prime Minister MahathirMohamad, pride of the Malays in Southeast Asia.

We will be accompanied in these trips by our long-time Assistant, AldwinRequejo, who previously worked as junior executive in the Secretariat of the House of Representatives for 17 years. ■

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

ADVERTISING AND ADVERTORIAL POLICIES

Main Office: 1210 S. Brand Boulevard Glendale, CA 91204 Tels: (818) 502-0651 Fax: (818) 502-0858 e-mail: info@asianjournalinc.com http://www.asianjournal.com

Manila Office: 2nd Floor Units D&E, Fort Palm Springs 30th St., Cor 1st Ave, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig Tel.: (632) 856-4921 • Fax: (632) 856-1661 New York: 133-30 32nd Ave., Flushing, NY 11354 Tel.: (212) 655-5426 • Fax (818) 502-0858

Northern California: New Jersey office: 1799 Old Bayshore Hwy, Suite 136 2500 Plaza 5, Harborside Financial Center, Burlingame, CA 94010 Tel.: (650) 689-5160 • Fax: (650) 239-9253 Jersey City, NJ 07311 Tel: (212)655-5426 • Fax: (818)502-0858 Las Vegas Sales Office: 2770 S. Maryland Pkwy., Suite 201, Las Vegas, NV 89109 Tel.: (702) 792-6678 • Fax: (702) 792-6879

ROGER LAGMAY ORIEL Publisher & Chairman of the Board

CORA MACABAGDAL-ORIEL President

CHRISTINA M. ORIEL Editor-in-Chief

MOMAR G. VISAYA Executive Editor

IVY MANALANG Vice President - Marketing Los Angeles Asian Journal

MONETTE ADEVA MAGLAYA Senior Vice President Los Angeles Asian Journal

DING CARREON Videographer

ANDY TECSON Photographer

Asian Journal Publications, Inc. (“AJPI”) reserves the right to refuse to publish, in its sole and absolute discretion, any advertising and advertorial material submitted for publication by client. (“Client’s Material”) Submission of an advertisement or advertorial to an AJPI sales representative does not constitute a commitment by AJPI to publish a Client’s Material. AJPI has the option to correctly classify any Client’s Material and to delete objectionable words or phrases.

Client represents and warrants that a Client’s Material does not and will not contain any language or material which is libelous, slanderous or defamatory or invades any rights of privacy or publicity; does not and will not violate or infringe upon, or give rise to any adverse claim with respect to any common law or other right whatsoever (including, without limitation, any copyright, trademark, service mark or contract right) of any person or entity, or violate any other applicable law; and is not the subject of any litigation or claim that might give rise to any litigation.

Publication of a Client’s Material does not constitute an agreement to continue publication.

Client agrees and covenants to indemnify AJPI and its officers against any and all loss, liability, damage, expenses, cost, charges, claims, actions, causes of action, recoveries, judgments, penalties, including outside attorneys’ fees (individually and collectively “Claims”) which AJPI may suffer by reason of (1) Client’s breach of any of the representations, warranties and agreements herein or (2) any Claims by any third party relating in any way to Client’s Material.

AJPI will not be liable for failure to publish any Client’s Material as requested or for more than one incorrect insertion of a Client’s Material. In the event of an error, or omission in printing or publication of a Client’s Material, AJPI shall be limited to an adjustment for the space occupied by the error, with maximum liability being cancellation of the cost of the first incorrect advertisement or republication of the correct advertisement.

Under no circumstances shall Asian Publications, Inc. be liable for consequential damages of any kind.

ASIAN JOURNAL PUBLICATIONS, INC. publishes the Los Angeles Asian Journal, published twice a week; the Orange County and Inland Empire Asian Journal, Northern California Asian Journal, Las Vegas Asian Journal and the New York / New Jersey Asian Journal which are published once a week and distributed to Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange Counties, Northern California, Las Vegas and New York and New Jersey respectively.

Articles published in this paper do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Letters to the Editor are welcome.

Letters must contain complete name and return address. The materials, however, are subject to editing and revisions.

Contributions and advertising deadlines are every Mondays and Thursdays. For advertising rates and other informations, please call the L.A. office at (213) 250-9797 or send us an email at info@asianjournalinc.com

(650) 689-5160 • http://www.asianjournal.com

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • OCtObeR 25-31, 2019

A

A

october 25-31, 2019 • NorcAL ASIAN JoUrNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 689-5160

SF The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - October 25, 2019

Friday, October 25, 2019

SF

cover story The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - October 25, 2019

‘Long Distance’: A podcast capturing stories from the Filipino diaspora returns for a second season

by Christina

M. Oriel /AJPress

LIKE most “1.5 generation” Filipino Americans, Paola Mardo learned about American life through pop culture, particularly by watching teen movies and romantic comedies.

Though she was born in Los Angeles, she lived and grew up in Manila and Kuala Lumpur before moving to the Bay Area suburb of San Ramon at the age of 15, which came as a “culture shock.”

“The teen comedies made me think that was how life was like in America. In the movies, you don’t see how diverse America actually is. It brought a lot of confusing feelings as I was finding it hard to find my place,” Mardo recalled in an interview with the Asian Journal.

Fast forward through her formative years, the lack of representation in mainstream storytelling continued to stick with her — from deciding to study film and theatre production and Asian American studies at UC Santa Barbara to working five years at Sony Pictures in the international publicity department and then marketing at Annapurna Pictures.

“I started to think, ‘Okay, I moved to LA to do something for myself, something that’s creative’ and also I realized I wanted to do something meaningful,” Mardo said. “So I started a podcast.”

This was back in 2015, a year after “Serial,” a podcast under “This American Life,” was released and arguably jumpstarted this audio interest and trend we’ve been experiencing over the last five years.

Today, after several iterations, Mardo is the creator, producer and host of “Long

Distance,” a year-old monthly podcast that tells stories of the Filipino diaspora. She does this alongside her partner and co-producer Patrick Epino, who also lends his voice acting chops to reenact scenarios to fill in gaps where archival tapes are not available.

The first season wrapped up earlier this spring, with six episodes taking listeners from Little Manila in Stockton to an introspective as to why 2018 was a breakout year for Filipinos across industries.

“Was it just me or was 2018 Hella Filipino?” Mardo asks in the third episode, featuring interviews with Bay Area-rapper Ruby Ibarra, the Pinays behind Historic Filipinotown gin bar Genever, and “Bitter Melon” director H.P. Mendoza.

She continues, “You’d have to be living under a rock if you didn’t hear or see or smell or taste anything Filipino this year.”

One of the most beloved episodes of the season was the fifth one entitled, “Long Distance Love Story,” a story following an undocumented Filipino couple who reunite 40 years later in Los Angeles after being ex-high school sweethearts.

“The love story of Terry and Jun is an epic one, like the kind you see in the movies or teleseryes,” Mardo narrates.

Like the movies Mardo savored, it’s a story of fate and love, but doesn’t shy away from capturing the hardships many overseas Filipino workers face as caregivers and laborers on top of being undocumented in the current political climate.

And that’s exactly what “Long Distance” tries to encapsulate: the Filipino story is

Paola Mardo

not solely about the triumphant moments, or about sweeping the hardships under the rug.

“The show is about stories in the Filipino diaspora and they’re not just going to be all the good stuff. I want to do stories that are real, which I think is missing in mainstream media and honestly, in the Filipino community,” Mardo said. “We’ll hear about the Miss Universe win or so and so is a Filipino actor starring in a Hollywood movie. That’s great, but there are so many other things happening. The Filipino experience is transnational, multicultural, and that’s what I want to talk about.”

Capturing the diaspora narrative “Long Distance” wasn’t the first podcast idea Mardo had, however. Maybe it would be about movie marketing, given her professional work in that industry. Then it came to life through “F This Weekly” about women of color in the arts of entertainment, which had one season and 27 episodes.

“Podcasting is so intimate and it can just be you with a mic in a closet and that’s it,” she described. “It is a simple production but it does take work to put it all together.”

It was around the same time she was accepted to the arts journalism master’s program USC Annenberg as a Sony Pictures Entertainment Fellow.

She created her own syllabus on podcast production, which she said served as the basis of classes the university offered after she graduated in 2017.

While studying, Mardo had her first endeavor in the radio Paola Mardo during an interview in LA’s Historic Filipinotown.

Photo by Patrick Epino world as an intern for KPCC’s arts, culture and entertainment show “The Frame,” but her audio recording and production expertise is self-taught for the most part.

On the side, Mardo began recording stories around LA’s Historic Filipinotown and pitched them to Third Coast’s residency workshop during their annual audio festival, like the “Sundance of Radio.”

“When I was at the residency, they were like, ‘I want to hear what it was like in HiFi.’ I didn’t know what it was like 50 years ago. How do I do Paola Mardo during an interview at the PRX Audio Studio at the Made in NY Media Center by IFP in that? That’s where journalism Brooklyn, New York.

Photo by Patrick Epino school helped because it made

Photo courtesy of Long Distance

me think of creative ways to tell stories, especially for stuff when you don’t have tapes or historical archives,” she explained.

The second season of Long Distance, which began production this summer, is set to be released on November 5, with the trailer teasing: “In this season, we’re going deep into the past to make sense of our present with new stories, new voices, new places…”

Though the first six episodes were U.S.-based because of access, Mardo promises more of a global perspective in episodes to come. Already, it has reached listeners beyond the United States in places like Saudi Arabia or Brazil, for example, and has received feedback from other Filipinos who are stunned by how popular Filipino food is in America.

The episodes of “Long Distance” are around 40 minutes, but the amount of work that goes into each one is arduous, from conceptualizing a story, researching, preinterviews, writing the script, actual interviews and editing.

What makes this podcast stand out is the crisp and seamless weaving in of Mardo and Epino’s narration and interviews that make the storytelling engaging. The episodes seem to go by quickly, but you are left informed and impacted.

“I like hearing our voices and letting these Filipino folks talk. I do narrate and there is a point of view from my lens that these stories are told through but I interview people for them and let them speak because I want them to speak. Putting them in this medium allows that,” Mardo said.

This is why a podcast is the best way to tell the stories Mardo chooses — they’re digital, accessible and free; though it covers long distances, it makes the Filipino experience not so isolating.

“Being expressive and proud of our Filipino American identity is important, but I felt that I would be doing a disservice if I kept the show to just that because of what I know about my own experience and what I know about the Filipinos’ experiences being outside the

Patrick Epino

United States,” Mardo said.

“It’s global. You can say that about a lot of cultures but I think our Filipino experience specifically, we are one of the largest diaspora populations in the world.”

Sustainable storytelling In the past year, “Long Distance” has gained a steady following, and was included in The Bello Collective’s 100 ‘outstanding podcasts’ of 2018 and among YES! Magazine’s recommendation as a podcast that doesn’t ‘whitewash race.’

One of the proudest moments Mardo notes was their acceptance into a competitive podcast program.

Out of 6,000 applicants from over 100 countries, “Long Distance” was one of six podcasts chosen in January to participate in the inaugural Google Podcasts creator program with Public Radio Exchange (PRX). Under the 20-week program, the creators received a one-week training crash course in Boston as well as seed funding to grow their series.

A main takeaway from the program, Mardo said, is how to transform “Long Distance” into a production company and sustainable business.

As of June this year, there are more than 750,000 podcast shows and over 30 million episodes. This comes at a time when traditional media players are crossing over to podcasting and hefty investments are being put into production — whether it’s Spotify acquiring podcast creators Gimlet and Anchor or Luminary, a podcasting production company that received $100 million in funding and offers a premium option for $7.99 per month through its app.

“People ask me if I’d work with a network. If there was a network it would work for, then yes, but pitching a show about Filipino stories has been a challenge. That’s the thing about making something for the Filipino community, I find it so important, but in the larger skew of things, it feels like it’s not important enough,” she said.

Despite podcasts seemingly going the corporate giant route, podcast listeners have become more diverse in the

Photo courtesy of Long Distance

last 10 years, with 4% of listeners being Asian, based 2018 data from Edison Research.

There are around 300 Asian American and Pacific Islandercreated podcasts, according to Asian American Podcasters; in the Fil-Am community alone, there is a handful to listen to, whether they’re about the nuances of Fil-Am life or Filipina entrepreneurs.

“I don’t think people know that Filipinos in general, we have a really rich audio/radio storytelling history. I learned this recently after my dad told me he grew up listening to these radio dramas that his mom, my grandma, would listen to in the afternoons while they were doing housework,” Mardo said. “To me, that’s fascinating but that’s what’s exciting about podcasts because we can bring some of that back.”

Though Mardo has invested her own resources into developing the two seasons and works on freelance projects outside of the podcast, she’s turning to the community for support either by contributing to the Patreon, sponsorships, leaving a review, or sharing it on social media.

She maintains that it should still be “independent as possible,” so don’t expect any mattress or e-newsletter ads in the middle of the show anytime soon.

Leading up to the second season, it’s been a busy few months for Mardo and Epino, as they have been moderating panels and speaking at podcast festivals, such as Werk It!, the International Documentary Association and Wondery’s Podcast Day and Podcast Movement.

“I want ‘Long Distance’ to be more than a podcast — a community — and it’s slowly starting to be that on Instagram as a way to share stories,” Mardo said. ‘It doesn’t matter if it’s a story of accomplishment or a story about being undocumented. They’re all important and we want the community to know that.”

“Long Distance” can be streamed on platforms like Apple, Spotify or its site https://www.longdistanceradio. com.

Aga’s passion is acting, Marjorie Barretto: ‘Gretchen does but family is now his priority not care about the family at all’ by allan POliCarPiO Inquirer.net

WITH his twins turning 18 next month and gearing up to attend college abroad next year, Aga Muhlach couldn’t help but wax sentimental about the family he has been “blessed with.”

“My daughter, Atasha, will study in London; my son, Andres, in the States,” he told the Inquirer at a recent press conference for his upcoming movie, the psychological thriller “Nuuk.” “It has been a fun household for us. We have had a nice and amazing journey. There’s nothing more I can ask for.”

Aga, who has been married to Charlene Gonzales, also for 18 years, said it was a “conscious effort” to have their children enroll in different schools.

“That’s our choice, so that they can have different worlds,” related the 50-year-

in 2001. And with Atasha and Andres leaving soon, Aga feels the need to spend even more time at home.

“Right now, I’m working on another movie, ‘Miracle in Cell No. 7.’ But once we finish that, I’m free again. I will be with my family for Christmas and New Year. I just want to spend more time with my family. That has been my mindset ever since,” pointed out Aga, Aga Muhlach ABS-CBN photo who stopped doing television old actor. for that very reason.

While his children have The matinee idol was last appeared in commercials in seen on the small screen as the past, the possibility of a judge in the 2016 talent them entering show biz seems search “Pinoy Boyband Superunlikely at the moment, Aga star” on ABS-CBN. said, because the two will be He’s not active on social focusing on their studies. media, either. “I have my “When they finish college, personal accounts just for the it’s up to them. When they’re sake of it. I just use them to in their 20s, they decide if watch videos and stuff [like] they want it or not,” Aga said. news. I’m not a social media While acting will always be person. I don’t vlog about my his passion, family has been at life. You could say I’m oldthe top of Aga’s priority since school in that regard. I want Continued on Page SF7 tying the knot with Charlene

by Krissy aguilar Inquirer.net

MANILA, Philippines — “It goes to show that Gretchen does not care about the family at all.”

This was Marjorie Barretto’s response to her older sister Gretchen who alleged she was the reason for her father’ “attack,” which eventually led to his death.

“It goes to show that Gretchen does not care about the family at all. My father died of acute respiratory failure. He did not have a heart attack,” Marjorie clarified in an interview aired on Tuesday over ABSCBN’s “TV Patrol.”

Marjorie said it was during their father’s birthday celebration when they brought him to the hospital due to “violent chills.”

“The day that I gave him a birthday lunch in his house, that was the day we rushed him to

The Barretto sisters (from left) Claudine, Gretchen and Marjorie

the hospital because of violent chills. Chills, hindi po heart attack, Gretchen. Dapat alam din ni Claudine to, but obviously, hindi,” Marjorie said. [“The day that I gave him a birthday lunch in his house, that was the day we rushed him to the hospital because of violent chills. Chills, not a heart attack, Gretchen. Claudine should have known this, but obviously, she doesn’t.]

“Violent chills. Yun pala may sepsis na yung father ko.

Severe pneumonia, high fever

Inquirer.net photo

and all of that. So he did not die of an attack,” she added.

[Violent chills. It turns out my father already had sepsis.

Severe pneumonia, high fever and all of that. So he did not die of an attack.]

Gretchen earlier claimed that it was Marjorie who triggered their late father’s attack because she did not even invite their mother to the gathering.

But Marjorie shot back at Gretchen, saying it was her who did not invite their Continued on Page SF6

community

SF

The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - October 25, 2019

CAN WE REINSTATE OUR SON’S PETITION FROM 1999 SINCE HE IS NOW SINGLE AGAIN AFTER HIS MARRIAGE WAS ANNULLED IN 2018? THIS QUESTION AND MORE WILL BE ANSWERED ON “CITIZEN PINOY: YOUR TANONG, MY SAGOT!” More Kapamilya who came to the “Citizen Pinoy” taping in Illinois will get the chance to have their questions answered this Sunday. Find out what is the fastest way to petition children from a previous marriage. What can one do if her visa renewal was denied because she overstayed on her first trip? A woman was petitioned by her first husband, but she has since remarried. She discovers that her first husband passed away in 2010. What are her chances of being a U.S. citizen now that the petitioner has died? Can her second husband petition her? Get answers to these questions and more on an encore episode of — “Citizen Pinoy”, this Sunday at 6:15 p.m. PST/EST (9:15 p.m. EST thru select Cable/Satellite providers).

(Advertising Supplement)

RELIEF Act could expedite family petitions

eligible for green cards, just like the spouses and minor children of U.S. citizens.

The RELIEF Act would increase the number of green cards available so as to clear out the backlog. Some of the Atty. MichAel highlights of the RELIEF Act Gurfinkel, eSQ include: Eliminating family and ON October 16, 2019, a employment green card bill (or proposal) was introbacklog over the next five duced in the Senate called the “Resolving Extended Lim- years, based on the dates the petitions or applications were bo for Immigrant Employees filed. This could mean that if and Families Act,” or RELIEF you were petitioned by a sibAct (SB 2603). If it is enacted (or becomes law), it could cut ling or as a married child, you could be eligible for a green the waiting time for family card in about five years! and employment petitions to Classifying spouses and five years. This could include children of green card holdbrothers and sisters of U.S. citizens (F-4) and married chil- ers (F-2A) as “immediate relatives,” meaning they dren (F-3), where right now would be immediately eligible the waiting time could be up for green cards, just like the to 30 years!

This bill would also classify spouses and children of U.S. spouses and minor children of citizens.

Providing additional “age green card holders as “imout” protection for children mediate relatives,” such that who qualify for green card they would be immediately

Immigration Corner

status based on a parent’s immigration petition.

We hope the RELIEF Act will pass in Congress and be signed by the president. It is not yet law. However, in the meantime, people may want to consider filing family petitions now, such as a petition of a sibling or for married children, if they have not already done so. This is because even though the waiting time is up to 30 years, if the RELIEF Act becomes law, the waiting time could be reduced to about five years.

You may want to consult with an attorney to evaluate your immigration situation, and how this proposal could possibly help you and your family if it finally becomes law. This is great news! *** Michael J. Gurfinkel has been an attorney for over 35 years and is licensed, and an active member of the State Bars of California and New Continued on Page SF5

SF

celebrityworld

The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - October 25, 2019

celebrity world

Dennis Trillo comes out with new movie with Beauty Gonzalez

By Ferdie Villar AlthOugh actor Dennis trillo’s homebase is gMA 7/Pinoy tV, he is coming out with a new movie under ABS-CBN’s production outfit, Star Cinema. the movie also includes Kapamilya actress Beauty gonzalez. the horror film “hellcome home,” will be shown in cinemas on October 30, just in time for halloween.

Initially titled “A Family ghost Story,” the film also stars Raymond Bagatsing and Alyssa Muhlach. the movie is about two families haunted by ghosts and evil spirits.

Dennis share that he is happy that he had the opportunity to work with Star Cinema.

“Nalaman ko itong project two months ago. then mabilis lang namin shinoot,” he said, and then added, “May ilang days lang na tuloy -tuloy.

Sobrang happy ako kasi makakagawa ako ng movie sa Star Cinema na hindi co-prod (production).” the actor’s contract from gMA Network is exclusive only for tV projects, that was why it was easy for him to get permission to do the film for Star Cinema.

“Hindi rin naman ganun ka-active and gMA Films kaya siyempre, kailangan kong maghanap ng ibang venue para makagawa ka ng fulfillment mo sa career mo,” he said. “Wala namang naging problema.”

In “hellcome home,” Dennis plays a husband and a father, the sole breadwinner of the family who has kept a secret from his family.

“Isa ako sa breadwinner ng pamilya at meron silang

secret na hindi alam. Wala na pala kaming pera,” he said and then continued, “Mayroon akong nabiling lumang bahay na hindi ko alam, mayroon palang hindi magandang nangyari doon. Tumira kami doon at doona na magaganap yung mga kababalaghan.” *** last October 16, the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) selection committee released the eight official entries or “Magic 8” that made the cut. these are “3Pol trobol huli Ka Balbon” (Coco Martin), “Mindanao” (Judy Ann Santos), “Culion” (Iza Calzado, Meryl Soriano and Joem Bascon), “Write About love” (Miles Ocampo and Rocco Nacino), “Miracle in Cell No.

7 (Aga Mulach and Nadine lustre), “Mission unstapabol: the Don Identity” (Vic Sotto and Maine Mendoza), “the Mall the Merrier” (formerly known as “Momalland” with Vice ganda, Anne Curtis, and tony labrusca) and “Sunod” (Carmina Villaroel and Mylene Dizon).

“Sunod” replaced “(K)ampon” starring Kris Actor Dennis Trillo is the lead actor in Star Cinema’s new horror film, “Hellcome Aquino, after the latter was Home,” which be shown in cinemas on October 30. disqualified last month for “filing its request of change of lead actor beyond the July 30, 2019 deadline.”

According to Kris, the movie’s original lead actor Derek Ramsay had to bow out of the project due to his commitments. Actor gabby Concepcion was signed in to be his replacement.

Dorie Cachuela Paniza (far right), former president of the Filipino American Democratic Club in San Mateo, is shown with Philippine Consul General in San Francisco Henry Bensurto (middle) and his wife Mariza (far left) during the Bantay Bata fundraising gala held at the South San Francisco Conference Center recently.

BANKRUPTCY

Actress Beauty Gonzalez plays Dennis Trillo’s wife in Star Cinema’s new film, “Hellcome Home.”

Melanie Marquez, the first Filipina to win Miss International (1995), has returned on TV via the new teleserye on GMA 7, “One of the Baes.”

Versatile actress Chanda Romero is one of the lead stars in GMA 7’s newest teleserye, “One of the Baes.”

Tess Gregorio, known as the Filipina Singer for All Occasions, will celebrate her 78th birthday with an afternoon dance party on Sunday, November 17 at the Fremont Senior Center.

Actress Nadine Lustre recently denied rumors that she is pregnant with her boyfriend, actor James Reid.

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT FOR RENT

Angels Among Us

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond

(Last of 4 Parts)

Monette AdevA MAglAyA (Continued from last week …)

An angel is an invisible presence that must be acknowledged to become ever stronger.

God sends angels to keep watch over human beings and help them in every human challenge.

There is, however, the element of free will in humans.

You can acknowledge the presence of angels or deny it.

It is your choice ultimately. The more angels are acknowledged and become a conduit to heaven, they become a hovering, guiding reality in one’s life growing ever stronger in their influence to shape every thought, word and deed in one’s life.

On the other hand, if the dark side prevails repeatedly in one’s soul that is made progressively weak by severe addictions of any kind, whether chemical, sexual or the human inclination towards pride, disobedience and evil, then the angel’s influence becomes weak. The human protectee is like a a cell phone that is not receiving signals and becomes dead on a skip zone.

Only a direct divine intervention wrought by the most powerful force of intercessory, unceasing prayers by one or more prayer warriors can avert the cosmic disaster of a soul lost

SF

The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - October 25, 2019

“All God’s angels come to us disguised.”

– James Russell Lowell forever to darkness, death and nothingness.

There is a study of angels called angelology. In it, it is claimed that there is a hierarchy of celestial beings grouped into three spheres. According to Wikipedia, there is a First Sphere, the highest ranking of all because they are closest to God. This includes Seraphim, Cherubim and Thrones. The Second Sphere includes Dominions, Virtues and Powers. In the Third

as a help to mere mortals. They are powerful but we ourselves need to connect to that power to take effect.

If you acknowledge that you as a child of God was given a personal guardian angel from the time God conceived you in His thoughts, there should be no fear in our hearts to face even the unknown. An angelic relationship can be nurtured daily and can grow wonderfully through time until the end of human life.

Who knows? In the end, we might be able to see this yet unseen godly presence, link up face to face, do a high-five, even dance a jig and thank our personal guardian angel, whether you gave him a name or not, whether he revealed his name to you or not, when we transition out to a celestial realm ourselves — finally free of ALL heavy worldly concerns and ALL constraints of time, space and gravity.

Just perhaps, that light at the end of a long dark tunnel might give us a glimpse of the face of God himself. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.com

“If you acknowledge that you as a child of God was given a personal guardian angel from the time God conceived you in His thoughts, there should be no fear in our hearts to face even the unknown.”

Sphere can be found Principalities, Archangels and Angels.

Our personal guardian angels fall in the last group.

Each human being is believed to be assigned a personal guardian angel, Christian or not. The angels that keep watch over human beings belong to the lowest order of celestial beings and they are the ones concerned with the affairs of human beings.

They are holy celestial beings who are agents of God intended

RELIEF Act could...

From Page SF3 York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California. Each case is different and results may depend on the facts of the particular case. The information and opinions contained herein (including testimonials, “Success Stories”, endorsements and

community

re-enactments) are of a general nature, and are not intended to apply to any particular case, and do not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorney-client relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader.

WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com

Follow us on Facebook.com/GurfinkelLaw and Twitter @GurfinkelLaw Call Toll free to schedule a consultation for anywhere in the US: 1-866-487-3465 (866) – GURFINKEL Four offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES ∙ SAN FRANCISCO ∙ NEW YORK ∙ PHILIPPINES (Advertising Supplement)

Odette Quesada and Fe De Los Reyes teams up once again to bring you a truly ‘Senti-mental’ evening of love songs and parodies ODETTE Quesada is a multi-awarded winning singer-songwriter and record producer whose songs ruled the Philippine airwaves in the 1980s. She was barely out of her teens when she became the country’s most sought-after hitmaker.

Best known for her own hits such as “Friend of Mine,” Odette’s songs has recorded, covered and revived through the years by numerous artists such as Ric Segreto (“Don’t Know What To Do”), Kuh Ledesma (“Till I Met You”), Gary Valenciano (“Growing Up”), Raymond Lauchengco (“Farewell”), and Sharon Cuneta (“To Love Again”). Other artist who have recorded versions of her hits are Lea

Salonga, Lani Misalucha, Jed Madela and Angeline Quinto, to name a few.

Fe De Los Reyes is a gifted comedienne. She started her career as a member of Music & Magic, the Philippines’ premier showband. She has since emerged as one of the funniest live entertainers around.

Now based in the Bay Area, Fe has been performing stand up comedy and song parodies that are uniquely her own.

Many who watch Fe perform live are amazed at her high energy and ability to switch from funny girl to Broadway singer, or break into a choreographed dance, all without missing a beat (unless it’s part of the act).

Since 2003, Odette and Fe

have worked on numerous live musicals and song parodies together with Odette’s late husband, singer songwriter, Bodjie Dasig.

Catch this “Sentii-mental” pair live at the San Francisco Filipino Cultural Center located at 814 Mission Street, on Saturday, November 2. Show starts at 6:30 p.m.

For tickets and information, call Lichi at (415)4791543.

“Senti-Mental” is brought to you by Stayman Estates, Island Pacific Supermarket, Dr. Josephine Weber DMD, Mon Cargo Services Inc., Le Fleur D, Mesa Bar & Grill, Abby Skin Care, The Islanders TV Talk Show and MYR Productions

(Advertising Supplement)

SF

people & events The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - October 25, 2019

Preparing for the ‘What ifs’ (Part 1 of 2)

WITHOUT any doubt, crafting a Family Constitution or a Charter is one major step to every founder’s dream and aspiration of ensuring that his blood, sweat and tears (legacy) is cemented for generations to come. The objective therefore in any governance undertaking is to anticipate the “what ifs,” create harmony, and unite family members. The key is to prepare solid family and ownership agreements.

Today’s column will focus on family agreements and in what my industry colleagues Lansberg and Gersick refer to as “institutionalizing control.”

They went on to highlight that “Governance is concerned with all of the ways that the interests of owners are reflected and implemented in the organizational system…”

Formalize agreements Formality is very important in family businesses.

Assuming that one’s relatives would forever be supportive

to the family business and consistently remain productive may not be a good way to set one’s frame of mind.

We should always accept the reality that there are different types of family members working in the family business. Some of them may exhibit exceptionally good performance, are committed and trustworthy. There are some that are plain indifferent, selfish and would always look at his last name and employment as his or her birthright. For some entitlement is all there is to it in a family business.

Behaviors change According to a Business Week article, family business leaders must always recognize the family members’ individual differences (types of personalities, attitudes, and behaviors), varying opinions, values, demands, expectations, and capabilities and changing or evolving priorities in life. What you know of your younger or older siblings’ behavior when you were in your teens may no longer be the same in midlife.

With all these likely sce-

narios happening, family business leaders must anticipate and expect the difficulty in meeting the kind of certainty that is needed from its pool of family members to operate a business on a professional level and direct it towards specific objectives.

The core group of any family business would be the members of the family itself who could either be catalysts for positive outcomes or a major source of problems if they do not agree with certain guidelines.

Familiarity and entitlement The issue with members of the family boils down to familiarity and entitlement and they will naturally have the tendency to be complacent and presumptuous since they are related by blood or marriage with the president or any family business leader with significant influence, they would not be made accountable for underperformance or weakness they might have.

In most cases, “free riders” in the family can also compromise the business.

Continued on Page SF7

Playing the waiting game: Processing delays at USCIS The CTV Files

Atty. LiLLi BAcuLi coLLins, EsQ

Case example: I-751 applications In her article entitled “Agency Delays Enact the Administration’s Immigration Agenda” Sandra Feist examines the processing delays currently plaguing one particular application: the Removal of Conditions on Permanent Residence. She begins with a brief history of how the “conditional permanent resident status” came about: “In 1986, as part of President Reagan’s comprehensive, bipartisan immigration reform bill, Congress enacted the current framework for marriage-based permanent residence to require a two-year interim green card. At the two-year mark, these green card holders are required to file Petitions for Removal of Conditions on Permanent Residence with USCIS. Applicants must wait until the 90-day window before the two-year anniversary of their green card approval to file their I-751 petition before the expiration date on that card. Other than immigrant investors, this is

the only instance in immigration law where a timeline for filing a petition with USCIS is specifically limited to a 90-day filing window.”

Current processing times: Currently, according to the article, I-751 Petitions proceed as follows: (i) 89 days before expiration of the applicant’s conditional permanent residency card – Applicant files Form I-751 with USCIS; (ii) 2 months later, filing fee checks are cashed and receipt notice is issued by USCIS; (iii) 2 years later, based on client experiences, Approval notice or interview notice arrives in the mail.

Processing times for other related applications Similar delays are happening across the board. For example, a family-based Adjustment of Status application which used to take approximately 4 – 6 months is now estimated to be around 17 – 35.5 months in district offices like San Francisco, California. As well, Naturalization applications are currently estimated at 10 – 19.5 months. Further, Employment Authorization documents are now estimated at about 4 – 6 months, when it used to be 90 days.

Tips on how to best ride out the delays Plan and create a timeline.

Work with your attorney to plan out the 90-day filing window.

Moreover, communicate with

your attorney any planned travels to and from the United States or changes in employment where the status of your lawful permanent residence may arise. Your attorney will be able to guide you so that you have the proper documentation when traveling, as well as proper documentation to show a prospective employer.

Consult with a licensed and experienced immigration attorney before filing Individuals must proceed with caution when filing for any application with USCIS. Just because it is easier now to file for an application does not mean that you should, without sound counsel of an experienced immigration attorney. We urge individuals to pause and take the time to consult with a licensed and experienced immigration attorney before submitting any application with USCIS. *** Atty. Lilli Berbano Baculi is an associate attorney with Chua Tinsay & Vega, A Professional Legal Corporation (CTV) - a full service law firm with offices in San Francisco, San Diego, Sacramento and Philippines. The information presented in this article is for general information only and is not, nor intended to be, formal legal advice nor the formation of an attorneyclient relationship. Call or e-mail CTV for an inperson or phone consultation to discuss your particular situation and/or how their services may be retained at (619) 955-6277; (415) 4958088; (916) 449-3923; lbaculi@ctvattys.com; www.chuatinsayvega.com.

(Advertising Supplement)

Sheryl Cruz and Sunshine Dizon with their ‘Magkaagaw’ co-stars Jeric Gonzales and Klea Pineda

Sheryl Cruz and Sunshine Dizon as ‘Magkaagaw’

by Jan Milo Severo Philstar.com

BEGINNING this week, the story of two successful women caught in the downward spiral of infidelity will unfold in GMA Network’s newest Afternoon Prime drama series, “Magkaagaw.”

Former on-screen rivals in “Bakekang” and two of the industry’s sought-after actresses, Sheryl Cruz as Veron and Sunshine Dizon as Laura, reunite in this highly intriguing drama hinged on love and vengeance.

“I’m very happy because it’s been a while and maganda ‘yung team up namin ni Sunshine all the time. I also have to thank GMA for this project because it’s a different character — it’s my first time portraying a role of having an affair with a younger man,” Cruz said.

“It’s a reunion project with Sheryl so that’s very excit-

ing. We are also working with director Gil Tejada Jr., who is our director in ‘Bakekang.’

What makes ‘Magkaagaw’ unique is first time mata-tackle dito ‘yung character ni Laura na hindi sinasadyang maging kabit. She was blind sided and put in a situation na wala siyang laban kasi hindi niya alam. She did not intentionally ruin a relationship,” Dizon revealed.

Meanwhile, the original drama also introduces the freshest team up of “StarStruck 6’s” Ultimate Female Survivor Klea Pineda as Clarisse and “Protégé Season 2” winner Jeric Gonzales as Jio in their most daring roles yet.

Completing the stellar cast of “Magkaagaw” are Polo Ravales, Dion Ignacio, Dennis Padilla, Lovely Abella, Isay Alvarez, Patricia Tumulak, Joanna Marie Tan, as well as the special participation of actor-politician Alfred Vargas.

(ManilaTimes.net)

Marjorie Barretto...

From Page SF2 mother.

“Gretchen, stop diverting. My mom is always invited.

Why wouldn’t she be invited?

She is my mother, and she is the wife of my father, and we are in good terms. If I did not want my mother in the birthday celebration of my father, I wouldn’t have done it in my house,” Marjorie said.

“My dad claimed to us that my mom was ill that day. That’s why she was not able to join us, which is not unusual. There are birthdays that she really doesn’t go because she’s ill. My mom is 82 years old,” she continued.

Marjorie then mentioned that Gretchen had been estranged from their parents.

“Now when we talk about her painting me as a bad daughter, I will put my foot down,” Marjorie said. “I am a good daughter. I am present every Sunday, every family event, I throw their parties. I serve them. I visit my family.”

“Speaking of not inviting

your mother to your house, Gretchen, for more than 25 years, has never invited my parents to her house, any of her mansions and rest houses, not even to their garage. So don’t paint me as the bad daughter, Gretchen,” she added.

Meanwhile, Gretchen took to Instagram to respond to Marjorie’s statement that she did not visit their father while he was confined at the hospital.

“I was not allowed to go to the hospital because of your outbursts & because there will be more tension for me to see EX MAYOR ECHIVERRI,” Gretchen wrote, referring to the Enrico Echiverri, former Caloocan mayor and later House representative.

Marjorie admitted in the same ABS-CBN interview that Echiverri is the father of her youngest daughter, Erich.

The Barretto sisters had a scuffle during their father’s wake last Oct. 16, which then continued as a feud on a social media.

Calif. Treasurer Fiona Ma urges swift passage of federal SAFE Banking Act SACRAMENTO – California State Treasurer Fiona Ma recently urged swift passage of federal legislation that will bring safety, certainty, and security to financial institutions that support the cannabis industry.

Last week the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act with a strong bipartisan vote of 321-103. The legislation now goes to the Republicanled Senate for approval.

Earlier this year Treasurer Ma urged Congress to bring clarity to the cannabis-banking relationship during her testimony to the U.S. House Committee on Financial Services: House Consumer Protection and Financial Institutions Subcommittee.

H.R. 1595 (Perlmutter, D-CO-7), also known as the SAFE Banking Act, would allow financial institutions such as banks and credit unions to legally provide financial services to legal cannabis businesses and would provide a safe harbor for those federally regulated or federally insured banks and credit unions wishing to accommodate cannabis businesses in California – and 32 other states – that have approved the use of cannabis in some form or another.

Prior to assuming her duties as State Treasurer in January of this year, Ma served as a member of the California Board of Equalization, one of two principal tax collection agencies in the state where cannabis dispensaries were supposed to collect and remit sales taxes.

“Duffel bags and sometimes suitcases of cash with tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars would arrive quarterly at some of our designated offices and some business owners had to drive

350 miles to pay their taxes,” Treasurer Ma testified before Congress. “I asked how much we collected from the cannabis industry and my agency really didn’t know since tax revenues are commingled and deposited with other cash tax payments.

“Many business owners didn’t know the local and state filing requirements and many didn’t even file income taxes. And we are also concerned with the public safety surrounding all-cash businesses and heard many offthe-record stories. Eventually it became starkly clear that the Big Elephant in the room was lack of banking access.”

Currently, federal law considers cannabis a Schedule 1 Drug on the same level as heroin, LSD, GHB, and Ecstasy. It prohibits financial institutions from supporting the cannabis industry without running afoul of multiple layers of financial law and regulation. Penalties for doing so could include the federal officials closing offending financial institutions.

This presents an especially difficult problem for states such as California where cannabis use is now legal.

Currently, there are 33 states that allow legal medicinal use and 10 states plus the District of Columbia that allow adult recreational use.

“One of the surest ways of bringing a business out of the shadows and collecting lawfully-imposed taxes is to promote access to the economy’s banking and payments systems,” the Treasurer said. “Yet, federally regulated banks and financial institutions risk severe penalties if they inadvertently aid and abet—no matter how remotely—activities that the federal government deems illegal.”

Treasurer Ma says the

Aga’s passion...

From Page SF2 my private life private,” he stressed.

Not that he needs the regular exposure to keep his name afloat in the industry.

Aga, after all, is already of a certain stature that affords him to be selective of projects and that allows him to work at his own pace. After 2001, Aga did at least one film every year or two. He then stopped in 2012, before making a comeback in 2017 with “Seven Sundays.”

“I see these projects as God’s gift. I don’t react, I don’t complain. I just let it be, let things unfold. Whatever comes my way,” he said.

The same goes, he said, with “Nuuk”—his reunion movie with Alice Dixson— which will open in cinemas on Nov. 6.

Produced by Viva Films in

cooperation with the Embassy of the Kingdom of Denmark, “Nuuk” is the first Filipino movie shot in Greenland.

Set in the island’s Arctic landscapes, the story follows Elaisa (Alice), a Filipina living in Greenland who’s left reeling after her husband’s death.

She crosses paths with Mark (Aga), a fellow Filipino, whom she falls for. Things take a strange turn, however, when she realizes that no one recognizes Mark but her.

“Alice and I didn’t expect that, at this point in our lives, we will be able to work again together in a movie,” he said of the actress, whom he worked with in such films as “Hot Summer” in 1989 and “Sinungaling Mong Puso” in 1992. “She still looks amazing. I was just so excited. And on the set, we just gave it our best.”

Preparing for the...

From Page SF6 They think that being entitled will allow them the advantage to put little or no effort at all in the development of the business. Without any performance metric and a semblance of accountability, they continue to draw their salary every payday and benefit from dividend sharing. And to add salt to the wound, they moonlight and put up separate businesses outside of the family business.

Another cause of major conflict is in dealing with different personalities in the family. Some could be very intellectual, capable and productive, but are greedy, overly controlling and manipulative for their own good.

Some are usually quiet and have the penchant to question every policy laid out by a family member or sibling disrupting initiatives for growth.

Start by crafting solid agreements and policies There are different kinds of agreements that could be created and followed in the family business to keep family

relationships in harmony and espouse professionalism in the industry. Based on my experience coaching family businesses in the Asia Pacific region, the most important documents and policy to unite and harmonize family members are the following: Family Constitution or Charter incorporating Governance Policies covering Employment, Compensation Policy, A Code of Conduct, Job Description of working family members and a Statement of Vision and Values Shareholders Agreement, on the other hand, covers agreements on ownership and Board level accountabilities (To be continued next week) *** Prof. Soriano is a National Agora Awardee for Marketing Excellence, an ASEAN Family Business Advisor, Book Author and Executive Director of ASEAN-based Consulting group, W+B Strategic Advisory. He has close to three decades of real estate experience and is currently the Program Director for Real Estate at the Ateneo Graduate School of Business.

(Advertising Supplement)

SAFE Banking Act touches more than cannabis growers and storefront businesses.

Plumbers, electricians, attorneys, and landlords who service the industry also have had their banking relationship jeopardized by these antiquated federal regulations.

The cannabis market in California alone is expected to exceed $5.1 billion in overall revenue in 2020 according to an Arcview Market Research and BDS Analytics report. This same report highlighted that the legal cannabis market could triple over the next four years - being worth as much as $32 billion globally.

Ma is the state’s chief banker. Money paid to the state for licenses, taxes, and fees is collected and invested through the treasurer’s office.

That is why she advocates this action at the state and federal level to rectify the banking conflict.

“The U.S. will fuel a majority of this revenue, and it’s critical we accommodate the magnitude of this economic uptick with access to banking for this new state regulated industry,” Ma said.

people & events

SF

The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - October 25, 2019

Survey finds more than 75% of employees are satisfied with the City of Santa Clara as an employer

City conducts first-ever employee engagement survey THE survey results are in, and City of Santa Clara employees are overwhelming satisfied with the City as an employer. Of the 575 employees who responded to the 2019 survey, 77% of survey takers said they are satisfied overall with the City as an employer. Nearly half, or 45%, of full-time City employees participated in the survey.

The employee survey also found: • 91% of respondents feel their jobs support the City’s overall goals and priorities; • 92% agree that the City plays an important role in the community; • 91% agreed with the statement that their co-workers are doing quality work;

• 74% felt valued at their job; and • The performance of direct supervisors and peer co-workers receive the highest marks.

“The results from an employee survey provide a beneficial check on the health of an organization’s workforce,” said Deanna J. Santana, City Manager. “Employees are the City’s biggest asset.

Knowing what’s going well for staff and where there are opportunities for improvement are vital for helping increase employee engagement and retention levels.”

Based on the survey results, areas for improvement include internal communications, responsiveness to employee concerns and willingness to try new ap-

proaches to solve problems.

While the survey found most employees agree that they are well-informed about issues affecting their jobs and departments, under 60% felt the same way about issues outside of their department.

Just over half, or 52%, of employees agree that the City’s supportive of new ideas. This feedback is an indication that employees are eager to innovate and bring new ideas to the table while the City must update antiquated processes and manual administration in order to match staff’s innovative drive.

EMC Research conducted the survey from May 23-July 3, 2019. The survey results have an overall margin of error of ±4.09 percentage points.

SF8

The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - October 25, 2019