111519 - New York & New Jersey

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N O VEM BER 15-21, 2019 Volume 13 - No. 2 • 16 Pages 133-30 32nd Ave., Flushing, NY 11354 • 2500 Plaza S. Harborside Financial Center, Jersey City, NJ 07311 • Tel. (212) 655-5426 • Fax: (818) 502-0858

Also published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, LAS VEGAS, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

Duterte aide: Let numbers speak for ‘Build, Build, Build’

by JOVIC YEE, LEILA SALAVERRIA, MARLON RAMOS Inquirer.net

MANILA — The Duterte administration’s “Build, Build, Build” (BBB) program is not a failure but it can do better, according to the presidential adviser for flagship programs and projects.

Vivencio Dizon said the administration had still spent Vivencio Dizon, presidential adviser for nearly P1 trillion for infrastructure to boost the economy flagship programs and projects Inquirer.net photo despite the government revis-

ing its initial list of 75 flagship projects under the BBB program following studies that showed some of these were not feasible.

“Is Build, Build, Build a failure? Absolutely not and the numbers speak for themselves,” Dizon said in a press FULL SUPPORT. Vice President Leni Robredo on Wednesday, November 13, met with American officials from various U.S. government briefing at Malacañang. “Are agencies including International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs of State Department, Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal we happy with the progress? Bureau of Investigation, and USAID, to discuss possible improvements in the Philippine government’s campaign against illegal drugs,

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including the possibility of amending the country’s anti-narcotics law.

Photo courtesy of the Office of the Vice President

Doubts about the Census: How will PH envoy meets US senators seeking De Lima release DATELINE USA the first online census work and who guarantees confi dentiality?

PH supported 3 United

by RITCHEL

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

MENDIOLA

AJPress

Nation resolutions on journalists’ safety

THE Duterte administration has supported three out of the last four United Nations resolutions to ensure the safety of journalists amid heightened risks members of the media are facing globally, including the Philippines.

A report of Article 19, a British human rights organization with a specific mandate and focus on the defense and promotion of freedom of expression and freedom of information worldwide, titled “Ending Impunity: Acting on UN Standards on the Safety of Journalists,” showed the countries that expressed intent to support or co-sponsor UN resolutions that set out commitments for states to ensure the safety of journalists.

The Philippines was a party to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) Resolutions in 2018 and 2016 and UN General Assembly Resolutions in 2017 and 2015.

The 2018 UNHRC Resolution called on

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As 2020 approaches, many readers have questions about the upcoming census. If you have a question or any doubts about the Census, please write to editor@asianjournalinc.com and we will consult the experts to get the answers. These questions were gathered thru social media.

QUESTION: Do you mean that this Census will be digital and we will have to put our information online? How will this work? What will happen to people who do not have access to a phone or computer?

1. The census will be online, but not

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PHILIPPINE Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez on Wednesday, November 13, met with two U.S. lawmakers who sought for the release of Senator Leila De Lima to discuss the case of the detained

senator.

Romualdez met with Sen. Edward Markey (D-MA) and Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL), two of the five U.S. senators that earlier filed a resolution condemning De Lima’s imprisonment as well as a resolution banning the entry of Philippine government officials

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White House chef honored by UP

by JANVIC

MATEO Philstar.com

THE University of the Philippines conferred an honorary doctorate degree on Filipino-American White House executive chef Cristeta Comerford.

Comerford was conferred a degree of Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa, at the university’s Diliman campus in Quezon City, where she studied for two years before her family moved to the United States in 1983.

The honorary degree was for Fil-Am White House executive chef Cristeta Comerford is conferred an honorary doctorate at UP Diliman.

Philstar.com photo by Michael Varcas her “service that embodies the uni-

versity’s ideals,” including her humanitarian work and contribution to culinary diplomacy.

“As one of the longest serving White House executive chefs in history, through three presidents, chef Comerford has successfully introduced Filipino-inspired dishes to the White House, to presidents, to the families, officials and other dignitaries,” said the university.

“Her passion and commitment to promote nutritious food and healthy eating are likewise evidenced in her work as volun-

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November 15-21, 2019 • NeW YorK AND NeW JerSeY ASIAN JoUrNAL

From the Front Page

Doubts about the Census: How will...

PAGE 1 exclusively. As we do with almost any other transaction today, the 2020 Census will be conducted primarily online.

This will be the first time this happens in the survey’s 117 years of existence.

2. The way things used to be: Historically, the Census has been conducted through printed forms that are sent to homes. If the form was not returned, a Census enumerator would then be sent to conduct the survey in person.

3. Choosing how to respond: The 2020 Census will be conducted on a variety of platforms. This time, it will be different, explained Patricia Ramos, a Census Bureau spokeswoman. “Responding to the 2020 Census will be easy for everyone. For the first time, you can choose to respond online and you can also choose to respond by phone, mail, or to a Census worker who arrives at your home.

4. You will get an invitation to go online: Esperanza Guevara, director of Census

programs for the Human Immigrant Rights Coalition (CHIRLA) explained that beginning March 12, the Census Bureau will send a letter to 80% of all households inviting them to fill out about ten questions online using a special identifier number. Another 2v0% will get similar letters plus a paper questionnaire.

5. Not everyone has the Internet. But the first online census does not forget that there are sectors of the population that simply do not have easy access to a computer or an Internet connection. According to a report by the Public Policy Institute of California, 90% of households in California use the Internet and 73% have a cell phone.

However, there are populations that are less connected: in low-income communities, rural areas and Latinos or African Americans, only 54% to 67% are connected to the Internet.

6. You will have more than one opportunity to participate. “The invitation will also

include information about the option of doing it on paper or by phone,” said Guevara.

“Then they will send four more reminders until the end of April.” All households that haven’t self-responded by mid-April will receive a paper form in the 4th mailing. The fifth mailing – a “it’s not too late” postcard – will be sent to those who haven’t responded.

If there’s no response from a household after that, an enumerator will come to the door.

7. There will be computers in the community: Guevara indicated that his organization, CHIRLA, is one of the RESTORATIVE CLEANUP. Kärcher, a German cleaning equipment manufacturer, demonstrates a part of the restorative cleanup of “trusted” messengers who is the San Agustin Church on Thursday, November 14. The church’s cleanup from November 15 to 21 is part of the Germany-based working to answer commu- company’s cultural sponsoring program that aims to preserve historical landmarks around the world.

PNA photo by Gil Calinga nity questions and to inform them of the importance of filling out the Census. CHIRLA will provide computers in its offices and knock on doors to remind the community that it is important to participate. It PAGE 1 “It’s the halfway term of percent of its budget for new is anticipated that Public Lithe President and we want public infrastructure projects We could do better and we braries with computers will to be able to do more and in 2017 while the DOTr used also become a favorite place admit that.”

The new list of flagship proj- we want to be able to fast- only 25.6 percent of its alfor those who do not have ects now covers a hundred, he track and even speed up the location. u PAGE 4 said. But he also said the P8- infrastructure program in the Last year, it reported that trillion BBB program included second half of the term of the the DPWH disbursed only 39.7 thousands of other projects president and we wanted to percent of its funds for new not on the list, and some were rationalize,” Dizon said. roads and bridges, while the Not easy already under way or had been DOTr used only 23.8 percent Infrastructure projects are of its allotment for construccompleted.

The list of flagship projects is not easy and require a lot of tion projects, Drilon said. studies and detailed planning, “evolving,” Dizon said.

“The issue is underspendSenate Minority Leader he said. ing and the fact that only nine Of the initial 75 flagship projects have been started, it Franklin Drilon on Tuesday described the BBB program projects, two were completed is just a manifestation of this as a “dismal failure” because and more than 20, including underlying problem,” he told only nine out of the initial 75 interisland bridges, had been reporters. flagship projects had com- shelved as studies showed According to Anna Mae menced construction half- these were too expensive and Lamentillo, BBB committee way into President Rodrigo the technology to complete chair, the infrastructure flagthese was not available.

Duterte’s term. ship projects (IFPs) were not Of the 100 new projects, 70 the end-all and be-all of the Dizon acknowledged that the administration put a num- percent are transport and mo- program. “IFP is only a subset ber of wrong projects on the bility-related, and the rest deal of BBB. We have 40,000 projwith power, water, information ects under BBB,” she said. list, hence the revision. and communication technolNo white elephants Aquino admin record Some were shelved because ogy, and urban development.

Drilon and fellow opposistudies showed these were not These include the P800-billion tion Sen. Francis Pangilinan railway to Clark City and the chided presidential spokesperyet feasible, he explained.

The National Economic and P700-billion Bulacan airport. son Salvador Panelo for claimUnderspending Development Authority also ing that the previous Aquino Underspending doomed the administration had failed to requires a threshold economic rate of return, and if the proj- administration’s infrastruc- complete even a single public ect does not have a return on ture program, Drilon said on infrastructure. investment of 10 percent or Wednesday, November 13, “Obviously that’s not true,” higher, it will not build it, he citing findings of the Commis- said Drilon, one of the staunchsion on Audit (COA) in the past est allies of former President said.

“Why? Because we don’t two years.

Benigno Aquino III. The senator said state audiwant to build white elephants,” Pangilinan said official govtors had found that the De- ernment records showed that he added.

Dizon said the government partment of Public Works and several major construction would give priority to projects Highways (DPWH) and the projects, including the rehathat deal with the people’s Department of Transportation bilitation of airports and the most urgent needs, as well as (DOTr) performed poorly in construction of new bridges those that would take decades disbursing funds for big-ticket and highways in various parts to finish but had to be started projects. of the country, were started The COA, he said, found and completed during Aquinow. President Duterte wants that the DPWH spent only 34 no’s six-year term. n continuity, he said.

Duterte aide: Let numbers speak...

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November 15-21, 2019 • NeW YorK AND NeW JerSeY ASIAN JoUrNAL

White House chef honored...

PAGE 1 teer in humanitarian missions outside the United States, including returning to the Philippines,” it added.

Comerford, who was appointed as White House executive chef in 2005, expressed gratitude to the university for the recognition, noting how her years at UP contributed to her development.

She also narrated her experiences in the Philippines prior to moving to the U.S., including living with her grandparents, who were farmers in Bulacan.

“For you to succeed in everything you do, you must passionately be in love in whatever it is,” she said after being conferred the degree.

“Life is the most fruitful journey in that each and every

step, you breathe all the influences, you ignite the passion and you continue to use your calling,” she added.

Comerford studied Bachelor of Science in Food Technology at the UP College of Home Economics for two years before her family moved to the U.S. She took a wide range of courses related to culinary arts, including food and beverage production, sanitation and quality management.

She worked in various hotels and restaurants in Chicago and Washington before she was accepted as a sous chef at the White House in 1997.

Comerford was promoted to executive chef when her mentor Stanley Schieb III retired in 2005. She is the first woman,

first Asian, first minority and the first Filipino to hold the distinguished post.

She has so far served three U.S. presidents: George W. Bush, Barack Obama and Donald Trump.

Comerford is also a member of Le Club des Chefs, an exclusive organization of 26 chefs of heads of state around the world that promotes culinary diplomacy, safeguarding of culinary traditions, as well as healthy, well-balanced gastronomy.

She has received numerous recognitions including the Gawad Pangulo Pamana ng Pilipino Award conferred by former president Benigno Aquino III in 2014 and the UP Alumni Association Presidential Award in 2013. n

Dateline USa

PH, US divers plant artificial reefs in Cavite

by Patricia Lourdes Philstar.com

Viray

PHILIPPINE and American divers installed artificial habitat reefs in the waters of Maragondon, Cavite last month to promote environmental conservation and biodiversity in the area.

Philippine and U.S. military personnel partnered with local government representatives, non-governmental organizations (NGO) and local residents and installed the reefs for the second time last October 8 as part of Operation Pamamalakaya. “[Operation Pamamalakaya] aims to protect, develop, conserve and promote biodiversity in the marine environment for sustainable fisheries in the area, including adjacent fishing grounds,” DV Boer Farm CEO Dexter Vilaccused Washington of inter- lamin said.

NGO DV Boer Farm, one ference on the Philippines’ of the partners of the project, sovereignty.

PH envoy meets US senators seeking...

PAGE 1 involved in De Lima’s detention. The other senators were Marco Rubio (R-FL), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Chris Coons (D-DE).

In their resolution, the five senators said De Lima was a “prisoner of conscience, detained solely on account of her political views and the legitimate exercise of her freedom of expression.”

“The Ambassador (Romualdez) said he will continue to engage the senators on these issues and all aspects of PH-

U.S. relations,” said the Philippine Embassy in the U.S. in a tweet.

Romualdez also said that the case of news website Rappler and its CEO, Maria Ressa, was also discussed in the meeting.

In September, a U.S. panel approved a bill titled “Prohibition on Entry” for local officials who had something to do in the “wrongful” imprisonment of De Lima.

Malacañang, for its part, was not pleased with the U.S. Senate resolution, and

“It seeks to place pressure upon our independent institutions, thereby effectively interfering with our nation’s sovereignty,” said presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo.

De Lima, a vocal critic of President Rodrigo Duterte, has been detained at the Philippine National Police Custodial center in Camp Crame since February 2017. n

Doubts about the Census: How will...

PAGE 2

easy access to the Internet.

8. It takes little time to respond and it means a lot: “We want to remind you that the Census takes little time to complete, but it means a lot to our communities,” said the activist. “Their results help bring resources to their homes and ensure that our values are represented in government.”

Question: How can I be sure that my information will be kept confidential or that it will not be used against me by the government?

According to a survey by the Public Policy Institute of California, 63% of Californians are concerned about the confidentiality of the data they give to the government in the Census. This sentiment is accentuated in communities such as Latinos (74%) and African Americans (74%).

There are two levels of mistrust.

The first is mistrust of the platform or whether delivering data “online” to the

government is safe at a time when hacking into private financial companies is often in the news.

The second is mistrust of the government and how it will make use of citizen data.

As for the first question, the Census Bureau says it has worked at various levels to protect the information it will collect online or through its door-to-door enumerators who will also carry phones with a special application that will transmit data directly to headquarters.

The data will be “encrypted” to protect its transmission. Staff must use double authentication to verify users and the government will use the Einstein 3A system to monitor networks and identify malicious activity around databases.

Second, the confidentiality of the personal information is guaranteed by law, according to Census spokespeople.

“The law is clear: no personal information can be

shared,” explained in an email Patricia Ramos, regional Census spokeswoman.

“Under Title 13 of the U.S. Code, the Census Bureau cannot disclose any identifiable information about individuals, households or businesses, even to law enforcement agencies. All Census Bureau employees take an oath to protect your information. We have sworn for life to protect the confidentiality of your data. We could go to jail or be fined up to $250,000 if we violate that oath,” she added.

Guevara, of CHIRLA added that the law is on the side of confidentiality. And for those who do not trust this government, the activist asked to trust the vigilance of the legal community and community groups.

“We are committed to serving as guardians of what happens, we are not afraid to take on the fight necessary to ensure that this government complies with the law,” she said. n

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was also involved in the installation of artificial reefs in Batangas a few months ago.

More that 40 divers and barge crew members of the Philippine Air Force, Armed Forces of the Philippines Special Operations Command (Socom) and U.S. Armed Forces assisted in the deployment of the reefs, the U.S. Embassy said in a media release.

The divers planted 60 jackstone-type artificial habitat reefs off the coast, which will cover the sunken structure of coastal communities in Cavite.

The artificial reefs will also revitalize marine life and improvise fishing livelihoods in the community.

AFP Socom commander Maj. Gen. Divino Rey Pabayo noted that pollution and destructive fishing techniques, such as illegal use of explosives, trawling methods and general overfishing threaten

Philippine coral reefs.

“To address this reality, there needs to be an international approach between governments and NGOs dedicated to preserving and protecting these coral reefs, which are a natural treasure,” Pabayo said.

U.S. Armed Forces diver Maj. Ryan Bone stressed that marine biodiversity is vital for a sustainable ecosystem.

“It’s wonderful to be able to assist in an endeavor that helps preserve this environment for generations to come,” Bone said.

In August, Philippine and U.S. troops, together with partners, planted 30 artificial habitat reefs in Calatagan, Batangas.

The project is also supported by the Philippine Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Philippine National Police and local government units. n

PH supported 3 United Nation resolutions...

PAGE 1 political leaders to stop denigrating journalists and undermining trust in independent media, and urges states to bolster digital security, and cease the abuse of defamation laws against journalists.

The 2016 Resolution, meanwhile, spotlights impunity, urges the release of arbitrarily detained journalists, the reform of laws that obstruct journalists’ work, and calls on states not to interfere with tools for encryption and online anonymity.

The UN-GA Resolutions focused on addressing genderrelated attacks on journalists and national security and counterterrorism measures that hinder journalists’ work.

The resolutions have also highlighted the growing threat posed by unlawful surveillance, and interference in the right to privacy, including government sponsored hacking.

But despite these, journalists — including those who live in countries that are party to these resolutions — still face heightened risk at work.

“In spite of the adoption of 10 UN resolutions on the safety of journalists since 2006, and the establishment of numerous mechanisms for monitoring implementation of States’ commitments at the international level, the risks facing journalists and media workers have not subsided and, in many contexts, are on the increase,” the report

said.

Through the resolutions at the UNHRC and UN-GA, states have increasingly recognized the need to take a holistic approach to enhancing the safety of journalists, addressing the range of interconnected, and often overlapping, threats, whether of a physical, legal, political, technological, or economic nature.

“Public officials and political leaders who denigrate and threaten the media, and undermine its credibility are also acknowledged as exacerbating journalists’ risks of facing other types of attack,” said the report.

Article 19, which took its name from Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and defends freedom of expression and freedom of information, said the international community must ensure that states that require technical assistance to meet their international human rights law obligations and commitments on the safety of journalists are encouraged to seek it, and that those mechanisms are sufficiently resourced to provide meaningful assistance.

Making resources available to organizations working to enhance media freedom, protect journalists from attacks and ensure their access to remedies, is also essential.

“At the same time, the international community must

respond more effectively to States who repeatedly or flagrantly violate their human rights obligations and commitments related to the safety of journalists,” the organization said.

The organization said that states must be pushed to condemn systemic challenges in country situations of concern, as well as to call for answers and targeted action in response to individual attacks, particularly in cases of impunity.

They should work collectively to ensure accountability in these situations, regardless of the political power of the state in which the violation or abuse has occurred.

Article 19 emphasized that “States should also, at minimum, ensure they are reporting on the implementation of their commitments on the Safety of Journalists, including by responding systematically to communications on the safety of journalists

by UN Special Rapporteurs, and requests for input by the OHCHR and UNESCO, and by systematically submitting data for the monitoring of SDG 16.10.1.”

UN Resolutions on the Safety of Journalists call on all states to effectively enhance the safety of journalists and break the cycle of impunity through targeted action on three interconnected fronts: prevention, protection and remedy. n

NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 15-21, 2019

OPINION

FEATURES

Creative cities EVEN before the year is over, tourist arrivals for 2019 have hit six million — the first time that the figure has been attained. It’s unclear if much of the increase can be attributed to Chinese mainlanders intending to work in offshore gaming operations but entering the Philippines by securing tourist visas on arrival.

Still, the overall visitor figures are up — and they could go even higher. One way of becoming more attractive to foreign travelers is by unleashing the creative juices of residents.

The cities of Baguio and Cebu have received recognition for creativity from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. As part of UNESCO’s “Network of Creative Cities,” Baguio and Cebu can draw more visitor interest from around the world.

Baguio, long known for its distinctive Ifugao designs and craftsmanship, was included in the network in late 2017 as a “Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art.” On Oct. 30 this year, UNESCO designated Cebu as a “Creative City of Design,” including it among 66 new addi-

5

tions to the network, which now covers 246 cities.

Cebu is renowned for its craftsmanship particularly in furniture and fashion accessories. The artistry is also evident in the new Terminal 2 of the Mactan Cebu International Airport, which is designed to look like a tropical resort. Opened only in July last year, the expanded airport has also received recognition as one of Asia’s best from the sleepinginairports.net travel website.

Apart from producing items that are pleasing to the eyes, creative cities are also expected to promote efforts for sustainable development. Congestion and the consequent urban blight are increasingly bedeviling Baguio and Cebu. Creativity and innovation can help the two cities manage overcrowding and the need for sustainable development.

Creativity also boosts tourism, which stimulates economic growth and creates jobs and livelihood opportunities. Other cities across the country should aspire for recognition in creativity. (Philstar.com)

Editorial

TFC honors the true ‘Global Pinoy Idols in Las Vegas’ on Nov. 23: See you all there!

The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS IDOL. LODI. I see these words a lot on social media especially in my engagement with kababayans all over the world. Usually they give reference to people in the entertainment industry that they admire, or people who sing very well to qualify and win in the “Global Pinoy Singing

Idol” competition they watch on ABS-CBN’s The Filipino Channel (TFC).

But ABS-CBN’s Radio DZMM, of which I have been an anchor for more than 12 years, and TFC, led by the Integrated News and Current Affairs Department of ABS-CBN have given “IDOL” a whole new meaning it rightfully deserve.

Going beyond Filipinos’ innate gift of singing, the “Global Pinoy Idol” campaign now aims to keep the spirit of Bayanihan alive by sharing stories of Filipinos helping one another around the

world.

As MyTFC.com shared, “DZMM Global Pinoy Idol is a global campaign to share and promote inspiring stories of overseas Filipinos who helped their fellow Filipinos.

Our Idols will be recognized and acknowledged during the event. Kapamilya artists will also entertain and give tribute performances for our idols, guests and event attendees.”

This campaign has started honoring our Global Pinoy Idols in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, New Zealand. Now, we will share and promote inPAGE 10

Philstar.com photo

An epic miscalculation

Commentary

ANTONIO P. CONTRERAS IT PROBABLY started as a bluff. Or perhaps President Rodrigo Duterte was simply fed up with the incessant criticism from Vice President Maria Leonor Robredo of his war on drugs. So, out of exasperation, he simply caved in to what would have been an irrational and ill-conceived urge. It was almost like someone who, having failed to do something right and facing a barrage of criticisms, just simply told these critics to take over and dared them to do the difficult job

knowing that they, too, would not succeed. This is a typical mindset of someone who in the face of failure just had had it, and threw a tantrum.

His loyal base and apologists would love to divine from this move of the [resident some semblance of reason. Others were even bold enough to paint over it the image of a strategic mind par excellence.

Some even described it as pure genius. When the offer to become the drug co-czarina was made, they gleefully said that this was a move to quiet Robredo. And when the offer was turned into an appointment, they said that it was a brilliant move to contain Robredo and

paint her into a corner. These loyal Duterte supporters even taunted Robredo, daring her to accept the post. They claimed that the president has brilliantly checkmated Robredo, in that if she refuses the offer then she would lose any moral ascendancy to criticize. On the other hand, if she accepts the position it would both silence her and give her the opportunity to self-destruct.

The diehard Duterte supporters (DDS) were all banking on their popular belief that Robredo is allegedly both inept and unhinged, judging by the quality of her pronouncements.

She is a walking disaster in the PAGE 10

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

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Dateline PDuterte hiliPPines still looking for ‘honest’ PNP chief

by Ritchel

Mendiola AJPress

TS RAMON. Senior Weather Specialist Christopher Perez of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) briefs the media on the gale warning signal as tropical storm “Ramon” brings intermittent heavy rains in some areas in Luzon, during a press conference at the PAGASA main office in Quezon City on Wednesday, November 13. As of Thursday morning, “Ramon” slightly slowed down as it continues to move in the west northwest direction.

PNA photo by Ben Briones

Sandigan grants gov’t bid to appeal junked forfeiture case vs Marcoses, cronies

by GabRiel

Pabico Inquirer.net

lalu

tHe Sandiganbayan has allowed government lawyers to appeal the dismissal of a forfeiture case against the family of former President Ferdinand Marcos and their cronies.

In a november 6-resolution penned by Second Division’s associate Justice Lorifel Pahimna, the motion for reconsideration — which was previously filed but denied for not complying with certain rules — was approved citing a Supreme Court provision, which states that exceptions may be made if only to ensure the right to due process. the prosecution, composed of lawyers from the office of the Solicitor General (oSG), sought for the relaxation of

the rules citing the importance of the case.

“It is undisputed that the Motion for reconsideration was laden with procedural defects for failure to comply with the requirements of rule 15. although the inadvertence of the plaintiff’s counsel is not a compelling or sufficient reason to relax the rule, the Court is of the view that the defendant’s right to due process will not be impinged should the Court act on the earlier motion,” the court said.

Last august 8, the same division dismissed the P102billion forfeiture case against the late dictator and his wife, Imelda, as well as their associates over the prosecution’s inability to produce the original copies of key documentary evidence.

according to the Sandiganbayan, the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG), which has been tasked to retrieve the ill-gotten wealth of Marcoses, did not satisfactorily prove that Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) officials extended loans to various shipping companies owned by Marcos’ cronies.

Since the former president has already died, the case was aimed at his relatives and crony roberto Benedicto, who supposedly took advantage of his connections to the Marcoses in order to secure loans.

With the court’s resolution, the defendants are given 10 days from receipt of the document to comment or oppose the issue. n

AFP eyes keeping parts of Mindanao under martial law ZaMBoanGa CItY — Gen. noel Clement, armed Forces chief of staff, said on thursday, november 14, that the military may recommend extending martial law in select parts of Mindanao only.

Clement visited the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) headquarters in Zamboanga City to assess the security situation in the southern Philippines after a recent spike of terror threats by foreign militants hiding with the abu Sayyaf group.

He said the military has to consult stakeholders, local chief executives, and commu-

nities to see “if they still wish to continue the implementation of the martial law.”

Martial law was declared over Mindanao in May 2017 in response to an attack on Marawi City by local terrorists inspired by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. although the city was declared liberated by october of that year, martial law has remained in place because, the government said, threats posed by stragglers and by other armed groups remain. “[r]ight now, as we see it, because of the big improvement, we might make an as-

sessment and if ever we will recommend the lifting of the martial law [but] there might be some areas that we will continue its implementation,” Clement told reporters.

Clement agreed with the observation of Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana that martial law has been implemented for a long time. that will be determined in the assessment. the military chief said they will be consulting with counterparts in the Philippine national Police and other security forces on the peace PAGE 10

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go on Wednesday, november 13, said President rodrigo Duterte is still looking for an honest official that would be appointed chief of the Philippine national Police. no new PnP has been appointed by Duterte after former police chief oscar albayalde went on terminal leave on october 14 prior to his retirement on november 8 due to being implicated in the operations of so-called “ninja cops” or policemen who sold illegal drugs that were seized during an operation in Pampanga in 2013.

“It’s the prerogative of the President to choose from onestar general to three-star generals now at the PnP hierarchy,” Go said, in response to a question about Duterte’s choices being limited to the top three police officials at the PnP. “Wala pa po, hanggang ngayon, wala pa siyang pinipili (No one has been chosen up until now),” he added.

according to Go, Duterte is giving the PnP time to reflect and find ways to clean their organization of erring policemen.

Criminal charges against albayalde were filed by the PnP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in connection with the missing P648 million worth of shabu seized by the alleged ninja cops. an amended complaint was also submitted before the Department of Justice (DoJ) panel of prosecutors wherein 13 original policemen were tagged as ninja cops. aside from albayalde, the other police officers tagged as ninja cops include police Supt. Col. rodney Baloyo IV, Senior Inspector Joven de Guzman Jr., Senior Police officer 1 Jules Maniago, SPo1 Donald roque, SPo1 ronald Santos, SPo1 rommel Muñoz Vital, SPo1 alcindor tinio, SPo1 Dante Dizon, SPo1 eligio Valeroso, Police officer 3 Dindo Dizon, Po3 Gilbert de Vera, Po3 romeo Guerrero Jr. and Police officer 2 anthony Lacsamana.

Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo on Monday, november 11, said Duterte would be taking a three-day break, but clarified that the President would still be working from home in Davao City, so there was no need to appoint any caretaker.

“He continues to work. even if you say he will not be here for three days, he might just show up and travel to Jolo or Zamboanga to visit the troops,” he said.

“In fact, the President does not want to rest. even if you say he was advised by the doctor to rest, he doesn’t want to rest. He does not want to stay at home for long because he wants to work,” he added.

Currently, the PnP is being headed by officer-in-charge Lt. Gen. archie Francisco Gamboa who is also PnP deputy chief for administration.   Gamboa is one of the contenders for the new PnP chief alongside PnP deputy chief for operations Lt. Gen. Camilo Pancratius Cascolan and Directorial Staff chief Major Gen. Guillermo eleazar. n

November 15-21, 2019 • NeW YorK AND NeW JerSeY ASIAN JoUrNAL

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November 15-21, 2019 • NeW YorK AND NeW JerSeY ASIAN JoUrNAL

Dateline PhiliPPines

AFP eyes keeping parts of Mindanao under...

PAGE 7 and order situation on Mindanao.

Police Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac, PNP spokesman, said this week that the police might recommend lifting martial law altogether because of an improved security situation but also said the alert level

over Sulu may remain high because of Abu Sayyaf members there.

Clement said Thursday that the AFP is considering recommending an extension of martial law in Sulu.

The declaration of martial law was welcomed by business groups, including those

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 community. You may contact her through on a new public service program for the email at gelrelos@icloud.com, or send

CabiCo

MANILA — Sen. Leila De Lima wants all students in all educational levels to be taught about basic human rights principles.

Noting that human rights education is merely incorporated in existing subjects, De Lima filed Senate Bill 1145, which seeks to institutionalize human rights as a separate and specialized subject in both basic and higher education.

“In a time when human rights violations are rampant and pervasive [i]t is but the State’s responsibility to protect every citizen against abuse both by state and private actors,” De Lima, former chair of the Commission on Human Rights, said.

If passed into law, it will require the Department of Education and the Commission on Higher Education to

from Zamboanga City, saying it would make the region more stable and attractive to investors.

Rights groups and activist organizations, however, claim martial law has led to PAGE 5 rights abuses and arbitrary eyes of the DDS. They thought killings. (Roel Pareño/Philthat the president had cornered star.com) Robredo.

They forgot one thing.

On her own, Robredo, may not be a strategic thinker. But the political opposition is not totally bereft of strategists and tacticians. They may be down, but definitely not out. It is also a fact that money can certainly easily procure strategists and tacticians. There are many whose loyalties are not to any politician or party, but to the highest bidder.

Many people paint the president as the ultimate strategist.

However, the jury is still out on whether this is just a claim made by believers based on partisan bias, or if it is based on actual empirical evidence.

But, certainly, admitting that he overestimated his capacity to wage war against illegal drugs, something he thought could be completed in three to six months, doesn’t offer a comforting proof of a brilliant strategic mind.

One needs to pause and ask what is the genius behind personally diminishing Robredo publicly, even asking people not to vote for her in the future because she is incapable, only to appoint her to a very important post. One has to perhaps read tea leaves or gaze at crystal balls, even make offerings to the oracle, to know where is the brilliance in the act of the president in appointing to a sensiher a message via Facebook at Facebook. tive position someone who is com/Gel.Santos.Relos. being investigated by his own

TFC honors the true ‘Global Pinoy Idols...

PAGE 5 spiring stories of Filipinos in America helping their fellow Filipinos here in their time of need.

Our idols will be recognized and acknowledged during the event “Global Pinoy Idol Las Vegas”.

Kapamilya artists Randy Santiago, Jaya and Inigo will also entertain and give tribute performances for our idols, guests and event attendees. I will be hosting this event with DZMM’s Ahwel Paz. Hear the stories of our Global Idols and be entertained by our worldclass performers!

The event will be held on November 23, 2019, Saturday, at the International Theatre of the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino Tickets are now on sale at $20 for general admission.

Go to MyTFC.com for details and where to buy your tickets.

Buy your tickets now! See you very soon, Kapamilya! ***

Katreena Philstar.com

formulate teaching modules that will cover introduction to equality, non-discrimination, human dignity, inclusion, empowerment and environmental awareness.

The teaching modules should also focus on personal values, attitudes and behavior that promote one’s responsibility in promoting human rights and provide practical information for protecting oneself from gender-based abuses.

“Human rights education must be taught from early childhood education onwards to build a strong, positive human rights culture where everyone’s rights are fully protected and realized,” De Lima said.

A 2012 study commissioned by the CHR and United Nations Development Program reported that human rights education in the Philippines was taught at the appreciation level only.

Among the study’s recom-

mendations was to “deepen human rights education and go beyond the appreciation level.”

In a 2018 interview with Philstar.com, Carlos Conde, Human Rights Watch Asia division researcher, said that human rights education in the Philippines has waned since the ouster of dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr. more than three decades ago.

“We thought everything was okay now and we should go about rebuilding our lives after the dictatorship. Many of us thought [there] was little point in dwelling in the past so we neglected to sustain human rights education, forgetting that human rights awareness is part of upholding human rights,” Conde said.

CHR spokesperson Jacqueline De Guia also acknowledged there is a “serious” decline in the appreciation of human rights. n

people as part of a cabal that is allegedly involved in inciting to sedition. One can argue that it is inherent in the art of war to keep your enemies closer.

Indeed, this is true. But if this is the reason why Robredo is now the anti-drug half-czarina, then it is a tacit admission that she is a formidable foe. This is contrary to Robredo being painted publicly both by the president and the DDS as an inept, incapable and clueless vice president.

It is clear that the president bluffed, and the political opposition, and not Robredo, called his bluff.

And now, the opposition has found a pawn and a platform, to troll the master troll Duterte on the very issue that truly vexes him, one for which he has been targeted for global condemnation, and for which he himself admitted to having overestimated his capability.

Some people call this a brilliant strategy, a stroke of genius.

Others can, nevertheless, call it an epic miscalculation, one that boomeranged big-time.

I read one DDS gleefully arguing that when Robredo accepted the post of co-chairman of the Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs (ICAD), the critics of the president will now be silenced. This is simple naïveté. When in the past, critics of the drug war had no official platform to articulate their criticisms, Robredo now comes in bearing these criticisms as she presides over official meetings. She will most definitely

push for things that the president and the DDS opposed or were skeptical about — decriminalizing drug use, ending killings, shifting to rehabilitative than punitive measures and looking at drugs more as a public health issue rather than a purely criminal one. If the Duterte administration continues to oppose these, the critics will definitely make noise. And if the DDS both inside and outside of government gang up on Robredo for espousing these ideas, which is very likely, then the opposition will paint this as bullying. Robredo can play the victim card.

What supporters of the president fail to appreciate is that in the attempt to paint Robredo into a wall, they have just delivered to the political opposition an early Christmas gift. Undermining Robredo can expose the idiocy of appointing her but not taking her seriously. And if the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and ICAD adopt her policies, and these end in failure, then it will become not only her failure, but a failure of the Duterte administration.

But should Robredo’s strategies succeed, then she wins. It will be easier for the political opposition to use this to boost her political capital. We can just imagine the political opposition proudly announcing to the world: where Duterte failed, Robredo succeeded.

To think that before this, Robredo was just an object of presidential trolling. (ManilaTimes.net)

An epic miscalculation

NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 15-21, 2019

COMMUNITY JOURNAL

Senate bill seeks to create specialized subject on human rights

by Gaea

SHAKE DRILL. Employees of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) participate in the 4th quarter National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill at the Government Media Complex, Visayas Avenue, Quezon City on Thursday, November 14. The drill aims to test the disaster response capabilities of institutions and the public in case of a major earthquake.

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

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11

The entrepreneur awareness: The importance of having your mission statement

One Global Academy JONATHAN OBOZA PETALVER

AN EMPLOYMENT SPONSORSHIP WAS FILED BACK IN 2004. YET 15 YEARS LATER, NO UPDATES HAVE BEEN RECEIVED. IS THERE A WAY TO CHECK ON THE STATUS OF THIS CASE? THIS QUESTION AND MORE WILL BE ANSWERED ON “CITIZEN PINOY: YOUR TANONG, MY SAGOT!” It is the turn of the second batch of Kapamilya who came to the Citizen Pinoy taping in Virginia to get answers to their immigration questions answered this Sunday. Be sure to watch this brand new 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)

Outright denials for missing information or documents Immigration Corner ATTY. MICHAEL GURFINKEL, ESQ WHEN a person files a petition or application, certain information and documents are required as part of the filing. For example, if a person is being petitioned by a spouse, a required document would be a marriage contract.

If a required document is missing, the petition or application may be denied.

Petitions and applications have a list of documents that should be submitted along with the case. In the past, if information or documents were missing, the USCIS would serve a Request for Evidence (RFE), for the missing documents or information, and would give the person approximately 84 days to respond. However, it seems USCIS is no longer bothering with serv-

ing RFE’s, but instead is immediately denying the case. This could have devastating effects for people, because in some cases, USCIS may also issue a Notice to Appear (NTA) placing the person in removal proceedings because of the denial of their case.

In one case, a U.S. citizen petitioned his spouse and concurrently filed for her adjustment of status. However, he neglected or overlooked that he needed to submit an afPAGE 12

Is there still hope for the petition if after all documents and visa fees have been submitted, the petitioner dies?

Get the answer this Sunday on — “Citizen Pinoy: Your Tanong, My Sagot”

THIS Sunday on TFC, the second batch of Kapamilya who attended the tapings in Virginia will get their questions answered on the most popular immigration program on television – “Citizen Pinoy.”

Leading U.S. immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel replies to questions like

— What is the fastest way for a green card holder to petition his fiancée? A green card holder petitioned her 19-year-old daughter, who eventually aged-out. Now she is applying for her U.S. citizenship, what steps can the mother take to ensure that her daughter’s petition is retained?

These and more questions will be answered on an allnew edition of the information-packed, public service program on television — “Citizen Pinoy: Your Tanong, My Sagot” – this Sunday at 6:15 p.m. PST/EST (9:15 p.m.

EST thru select Cable/Satellite providers).

(Advertising Supplement)

1. ACHIEVE clarity of Purpose As in any other business organization, your Mission Statement will give you a clear PURPOSE of why you want to do what you want to do. This will be your strong anchor as your progress being an entrepreneur.

2.

Basis of all your Strategies Year in and year out, your Mission Statement will be

the basis of your strategies.

Whether it is short or long term strategic plans, your Mission Statement will be your Yes and No in making strategic decisions for your business.

3. Great dividing line in all decision-making Having a very strong Mission Statement is like drawing a straight line where all else falls above or below that straight line. This will make all decisions whether financial, operational, people and development becomes simple and at ease.

Mastery of these 3 important reasons will be a big help in crafting a strong heart-felt Mission Statement, which will give you a

clear path.

Components of a Mission Statement 1. Market / Customers As entrepreneurial leaders, our Mission Statement should clearly address a particular market to serve.

For instance, you may want to provide services to students. Your mission is to increase confidence of students prior to them looking for jobs as soon as they graduate.

2. Product or Service to Offer Entrepreneurial Leaders with a mission know exactly what products and services they will offer that will improve the lives of their marPAGE 12

12

NOVEMBER 15-21, 2019 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAglAyA (Continued from last week …)

Fortunately, the dollar’s value is holding up pretty nicely, this time around but don’t go crazy spending like a drunken sailor.

If you are still in the work force, you know deep down in your bone marrow that each dollar is hard earned.

Tame that ego that wants to flaunt your dollar-earning status. It can trigger jealousy and envy from others. Come down from your high horse when buying stuff but go big-hearted when giving tips and gifts to others in your immediate and far-flung orbit especially strangers down on their luck.

If you have a good-paying job or a thriving business during this booming American economy in the Age of Trump, realize you are one of the blessed ones. Gratitude translates to generosity and benevolence. After all, each of us is God’s conduit or tool to spread His graces.

Depending on your persuasion, God or the devil, is in the details. You map out the daily schedule from Day One to the end date and get all the advance information you need.

Why? Because unlike in the US where information is like water available on tap, the flow of information in the Philippines, unless you are wired with a laptop and always in a place with wi-fi access, may be spotty.

Information may be inaccessible. Paying an extra $20 hotel rate per day for wifi access in your room is a stinker. A better way is to get a cellphone with local access and be good at texting. Filipinos are champion texters and they will leave you in the dust, if you aren’t. Even the magtataho and tricycle driver owns a cellphone.

Why go to the Philippines when there are a lot of choices out there at far less cost? Ask any emigre.

A trip to the native country is in a class by itself when it comes to travel choices.

For many first generation expatriates, the Philippines holds a special place in one’s heart. It’s a place you’ve seen be-

Community Journal

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EntErtainmEnt

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13

Getting the most out The entrepreneur awareness... Morisette on walk out issue: Karla confirms relationship ‘I take full responsibility’ with non-showbiz BF of a Philippine Visit (Conclusion of 2 Parts)

“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.”

— St. Augustine fore but would like to look at again with fresh eyes — notwithstanding the negatives— the seemingly endless spate of negative news, disconcerting tales of horrific traffic congestion, the heat, the pollution, extremes in poverty and wealth and the vicious inanity of politics.

Okay then, it’s not perfect but no place in the world is. Nonetheless, it’s still a special place. Period. No ifs and buts about it. Warts and all, there are a million and one reasons a Philippine trip is all worth it — particularly during Christmas.

With few exceptions, there can be no happier group of people come Christmastime than Filipinos. Of course, I’m biased.

Anyone else can claim the same. Nonetheless, it’s a perplexing phenomenon that the world has taken notice of with somewhat of a jaundiced eye.

Christmas begins in September and ends with a bang in January of the New Year, the longest season of merrymaking anywhere in the world. It is as commercial and profit-driven as anywhere else, with cavernous shopping malls and a slew of holiday activities that can give other international shopping malls a run for their money.

Dining out in restaurants can have you wearing clothes 2 sizes bigger in no time at all, if you don’t watch it. There’s just something about the Philippines during Christmas.

Despite crass commercialism, Christmas joy among the multitudes seems genuine.

The churches still get filled to the rafters with the faithful, unlike some churches in Europe that are more like empty, tomblike museums than churches with just a handful in attendance. In a largely

cynical, jaded world as we have today, JOY as pure, unfettered, unfeigned and childlike as all that, cutting across all social strata in a poor country, is a phenomenon as rare as the appearance of Halley’s comet.

Why do we come home?

Part of the reason is the people — a complex combination of goodness and wickedness, of intelligence and ineptitude and of humility and pride. In the world stage, the Filipino has become the unofficial poster child of what an imported model worker is — and for good reason.

Our best export is our overseas foreign workers, whose remittances, put together, from everywhere in the world, have been propping the Philippine economy, for decades now, IN A HUGE WAY. There are large numbers of OFWs that come home for Christmas just to be with their loved ones.

The Filipino is an amazing worker. Whether we like it or not, the work we do has become our sense of worth. To be sure, we have our fair share of scumbags and scalawags whose shenanigans make us cringe and cower in collective shame.

We DO have a disproportionate share of character flaws we laugh off self-deprecatingly with jokes we use in spades as we poke fun at ourselves. We don’t take ourselves too seriously. Maybe it’s time we did, so the world will sit up, take notice and render to us the respect that we deserve.

All told and for the most part, we are a Godloving and God-fearing mass of people — close to 100 million plus strong with about 3 million FilAms and several millions more scattered about the globe— who, in droves, contribute to the general

PAGE 11 ket. It has to be specific and address a growing pain or specific needs.

3. Contribution to society The most important component is for entrepreneurial leaders to include their share to the society.

This is where the deepest WHY completes the Mission Statement of knowing who to serve, what to give and WHY do it repeatedly until one sees its ultimate

objective come to pass and why they started in the first place.

YOUR MARKET. YOUR CUSTOMERS 1.

PRODUCT / SERVICES TO OFFER 1.

C O N T R I B U T I O N S TO SOCIETY 1.

Example of a Mission Statement: To provide students/start up entrepreneurs (market/

customers) a convenient and affordable blended learning programs (product/service) that will increase confidence in acquiring their dream jobs with the right entrepreneurial mindset and skills. (contribution to society). *** Jonathan Oboza Petalver is the Founder and CEO of Petalver Management Consultancy Services.

He is also the President and Dean of One Global Academy U.S.A. (Advertising Supplement)

Outright denials for missing...

PAGE 11 fidavit of support. Rather than serving an RFE for the missing affidavit of support, USCIS denied the case outright. Now, the petitioner would either have to seek reconsideration or file a whole new case.

In a different case, the beneficiary had committed fraud, but did not submit a fraud waiver in the initial filing. Again, no RFE, but instead an outright denial.

In yet another case, a birth certificate was not included, and the case was denied without an RFE. I know people want to save money on attorney fees by doing it themselves.

They think their case is simple and straightforward, so why do they need an attorney? But in this age of Trump, where USCIS seems to look for ways to deny cases, rather than approve them, it is like walking through a minefield or lion’s den when pursuing immigration benefits.

While hiring an attorney does not absolutely “guarantee” success or approval (in fact attorneys are pro-

hibited by law from guaranteeing results), I believe the chances of success are greatly improved when a person retains an attorney to assist them. This is because the attorney knows what supporting documents should be submitted when filing the case, can evaluate potential issues or problems and address those issues or concerns, etc. Moreover, with USCIS issuing outright denials and NTA’s without providing an opportunity to submit documentation, a person could find themselves in deportation for something as minor as forgetting to include a birth certificate or marriage contract.

Your immigration case (and your future in America) are not something where you should try to cut corners or save money by trying to do it yourself.

Pres. Trump has made obtaining immigration benefits much more difficult and riskier, such that legal representation could greatly increase your chances for success. ***

Michael J. Gurfinkel has been an attorney for over 35 years and is licensed, and an active member of the State Bars of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California. Each case is different and results may depend on the facts of the particular case. The information and opinions contained herein (including testimonials, “Success Stories”, endorsements and re-enactments) are of a general nature, and are not intended to apply to any particular case, and do not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter.

No attorney-client relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader.

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

good of humanity in an increasing number of places in the world in myriad capacities.

Edith Wharton was right when she said of travel, “ … you find out how many good, kind people there are.” This is true of this Philippine trip. With fresh eyes, you find out that our native land is worth coming home to again and again.

More importantly perhaps, a trip such as this forms part of a lifelong journey of self- discovery.

This trip and others I have taken over the years in different other places, reveals to me those secret places

about myself that I would not otherwise have known.

I have brought back with me thousands of digital images as a future, foreseeable crutch to my memory, to help me remember over time. I have brought back spare change and worthless trinkets and a string of pearls from the Philippine deep, some burnay pottery and some Ilocano woven cotton blankets from Vigan.

But the intangibles I’ve taken home with me are the best by far — shared experiences of grief, tears and laughter, rekindled friendships, a heartfelt ap-

preciation of people I have met and will probably never meet again, a sense of genuine gratitude for life on both sides of the globe and above all, a deeper, newer and fresh understanding of our tiny, yet brilliant and beautiful place in the universe.

So go ahead, head home this Christmas, kabayan — for a visit or maybe, for keeps. You’ll be glad you did. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal P u b l i c a t i o n s , I n c . To s e n d co m m e n t s , e - m a il m o n e t te. maglaya@asianjournalinc.com.

By Jan Milo Severo Philstar.com

SINGER Morisette Amon broke her silence on the walk out issue at Kiel Alo’s concert.

In her Instagram account, Morisette posted her statement in her Instagram story.

“Took some time to process things despite the schedules before me, but with much prayer and as I have never done this before, please let me start by saying sorry,” she said.

“To Tito Jobert and Kiel Alo who was celebrating his birthday concert at the Music Museum that night, what I’ve done was out of character but I still do take full responsibility,” she added.

The singer confirmed that her walk out was triggered by an interview with ABSCBN veteran showbiz reporter Mario Dumaual, who asked her about the issue surrounding her family.

“I guess I was also triggered by the surprise interview minutes before performing, regarding the issues between me and my family. This private matter is something I purposely did not want to openly share for fear that healing might not prosper between us. The moment got the best of me, and it wasn’t fair to those who expected me to come out on stage as one of the concert’s guests that evening,” she said.

Nonetheless, she apologized to the reporter as he

Morisette Amon

was only doing his job.

“I also want to apologize to Sir Mario Dumaual who, I was told, felt bad about the situation. I understand completely that he was doing his job and value it as much as I do mine,” she said.

It can be recalled that a viral video showed Jobert Sucaldito, the concert’s producer, saying that after the interview, Amon broke down and was unable to perform. He, however, clarified that Dumaual did not do anything wrong and the interview went well.

In another video, Sucaldito can be seen asking Morisette to greet the audience on stage so they could see that she was in the venue, but she left the hall instead.

Internet users criticized Morisette for her supposed

Photo from Instagram/@itsmorisette

“unprofessional” behavior.

In her Instagram story, the singer asked for the public’s prayer for her continued healing.

“Please pray for me as I journey towards healing, my family’s, and the people around me. I am overwhelmed though by those who reached out to me with love and support, not just these past couple of days but earlier on this year, during this particularly painful season of my life. I appreciate all of you,” she said.

“As Christmas is fast approaching, I am also reminded by the coming of our Lord and I am grateful for His love, kindness, forgiveness, and guiding hand in my life. Wishing you all and your families a happy blessed Christmas!”

Bong’s rumored TV comeback draws flak from celebs By ian Biong Inquirer.net

SENATOR Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr.’s supposed return to television has earned the ire of his fellow celebrities, who are now questioning media giant GMA Network for being an “enabler” of a “plunderer.”

Poet and actor Juan Miguel Severo took to Twitter on Tuesday, November 12, to air his grievances over the senator’s alleged TV comeback, slamming GMA for his rumored guest appearance in the series “The Gift”.

PAGE 15

Bong Revilla

Inquirer.net photo

ACTRESS and morning show host Karla Estrada finally admitted that she is happily in a relationship with her new non-showbiz boyfriend.

Estrada was interrogated by her co-hosts Melai Cantiveros and Jolina Magdangal about “the journey of her life” in their morning show “Magandang Buhay”, as seen on the show’s YouTube channel on Wednesday, November 13.

“I can say that this is my happiest,” Estrada said.

Cantiveros and Magdangal could not help but also inquire about Estrada’s trip to Osaka, Japan with her partner.

“Okay naman, bukod sa last year na kasama ko yung mga anak ko na nag-snow kami… ito ang pinakamasaya na kasama ko ‘yong partner naman (It’s fine, aside from last year when I was with my children to see the snow… This is the happiest [vacation] — with a partner this time).”

Her co-hosts were ecstat-

Karla Estrada and her non-showbiz boyfriend.

Photo from Instagram/@karlaestrada1121

ic about her revelation. “[It’s] official, in a relationship ang Queen Mother (our Queen Mother is in a relationship),” Magdangal commented.

“Inamin na niya sa telebisyon (She [finally] admitted it on television.) I love it!”

Cantiveros added.

Estrada also admitted that her partner deserved to be recognized.

“Deserve naman (He deserves it),” Estrada replied to Cantiveros in the show.

“He is a very good man.”

The actress had nothing to hide indeed as she uploaded cute couple photos from Japan on her Instagram last Nov. 11.

Despite the revelation, Estrada did not disclose her partner’s name in the show.

The actress’ last longterm boyfriend was Mark Yatco. Their relationship started in 2017 but appears to have ended earlier this year. (Cha Lino/Inquirer. net)

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NOVEMBER 15-21, 2019 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

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POPE FRANCIS NAMES ARCHBISHOP AUZA AS APOSTOLIC NUNCIO TO SPAIN

Archbishop Bernardito Auza bids New York goodbye

A

by MOMAR

G. VISAYA /AJPress

RCHBISHOP Bernardito Cleopas Auza has nothing but good thoughts and warm wishes about the Filipino American community in New York and the tri-state area which welcomed him warmly with wide open arms when he took his post in 2014 as the Apostolic Nuncio or the Permanent Onserver of the Holy See to the United Nations.

Bishop Auza shared that he received word about his new assignment as Apostolic Nuncio to Spain and Andorra on October 1.

This ends his seven and half years in New York, where he has been posted twice: first as Deputy Permanent Observer to the United Nations from 2006 to 2008 and sent back as Permanent Observer in 2014.

“These have been years of learning and knowing in a deeper way all the big international questions that are discussed at the UN, the biggest multilateral setting in the world,” Archbishop Auza said at the sidelines of the farewell reception tendered in his honor by the Philippine Consulate General in New York led by Consul General Claro Cristobal.

Bishop Auza takes pride in having participated during his stint at the UN in big conferences which have given to the world some very important documents 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Addis Ababa Action Agenda on Financing for Development, the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, the Treaty

on the Elimination of Nuclear Weapons, the Global Compact on Safe Orderly and Regular Migration and many other multilateral achievements.

“I will certainly miss New York so much. There are so many Filipinos here,” he remarked.

While he considers himself as a priest doing diplomatic work for the Holy See, for the Holy Father but being a bishop, he also has the desire and intention to do pastoral ministry.

These include celebrating masses in various settings and communities, hearing confessions and blessing marriages and baptisms.

In the community, Bishop Auza was pretty visible in various community events such as the Simbang Gabi sa Konsulado.

Bishop Auza also hosted Pope Francis in New York during his official visit to the United Nations in September 2015 on the occasion of the summit on sustainable development goals.

“I’m very proud of that. I’m really most grateful that the Pope came during my time,”

A native of Bohol, Archbishop Bernardito Cleopas Auza served as the Vatican’s representative in the United Nations.

Photo by Devra Berkowitz/United Nations

Auza quipped. “I was also here in April 2008 when Pope Benedict XVI also visited the UN. So I have had the privilege of having been here for the visit of two of the five visits of the Pope in the history of the United Nations.”

This December, Bishop Auza will take over his post in Madrid as the Papal Nuncio of the Kingdom of Spain and the Principality of Andorra.

“I am very happy for this change, it is a good and happy change. After seven years, from multilateral to bilateral work with a single country is a good change,” he added.

“Being a Filipino, it does have a special flavor to represent the Holy See, the Vatican, the Catholic Church in general in Spain.”

“I will certainly miss the Filipino community here. I will miss the Simbang Gabi here at the Philippine Center,” he said. “I will miss the celebrations, from Simbang Gabi to Santo Nino to Santacruzan.

We have many festivities celebrating patronal saints.”

For the past couple of years, Bishop Auza has been celebrating masses during the Simbang Gabi.

Auza will not be a stranger to Spain, having been educated by Spanish Dominican Friars in Manila and Rome, and having traveled extensively throughout the country. He speaks Spanish fluently.

He looks forward to reconnecting with the Filipino community in Madrid, there’s a big one he says, that is based out of his future residence. He celebrated a mass with them

there three years ago.

Born in the town of Talibon, Bohol, Auza went to Rome for studies in 1986 and he looks forward to renewing his experiences in Europe, particularly in Spain this time around.

“I am moved and I have always felt the support. Wherever I went, there was always a big Filipino community to come out and support in the activities,” he added. “All the big celebrations of Filipinos not just in the tri state area, he also visited Miami, Dallas, Chicago and Detroit, among others, were all well attended.”

There is a joke in the Vatican, according to Bishop Auza.

“Find a young Filipino who has not been confirmed by Bishop Auza.”

The Pope himself laughed at the joke. One of Auza’s classmates relayed that to him. The Pope reportedly said, “Monsignor Bernardito is the international chaplain of the Filipinos.”

“I am very honored of that title and I intend to continue doing that,” he said.

History When Bishop Auza was younger, he never thought he’d be in this point in his career.

“Looking back, I didn’t even know that there was a diplomatic service in the church, much less intending to join it. Everything was kind of unplanned,” he shared.

When he graduated in elementary school, his two eldest brothers married two sisters, whose father donated a big PAGE 15

EntErtainmEnt

NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 15-21, 2019

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Michelle reveals how mom Melanie Matteo assures Sarah’s parents she will have a ‘happy life’ trains her for Miss World 2019

By Jan Milo Severo

By KriSSy aguilar

Philstar.com

Inquirer.net

MISS World Philippines 2019 Michelle Dee has revealed that her mother, Miss International 1979 Melanie Marquez, has always criticized her walk, but supports her 100 percent.

During her send-off party last Wednesday, Michelle also told the press that her mother believes in her wardrobe choices and she doesn’t train her for the question and answer segment.

“My mom, she’s such a character. We would be arguing one minute and then we’re best friends the next minute. But she always criticizes my walk. She wants to make ‘bale’ my waist a little bit more in terms of my walk,” Michelle said.

“My wardrobe, she really believes in my wardrobe. She believes I can carry whatever I wear, so she’s very confident in that aspect. My mom doesn’t really train me for Q&A naman. I do have Aces and Queens to help me with that.”

It can be recalled that prior to Michelle, Melanie trained actress Ruffa Gutierrez for Miss World 1993, in which Ruffa placed as Sec-

MATTEO Guidicelli wore his heart on his sleeve as he assured the parents of Sarah Geronimo that he will give her a “happy life.”

Guidicelli took to Instagram on Thursday, November 14, to apologize to Geronimo’s parents Delfin and Divine should there had been “hard feelings” in the past.

“Tito Delfin and Tita Divine, if there have been hard feelings or events that were not supposed to happen in the past, I humbly apologize,” Guidicelli wrote.

“I assure you that I will give Sarah a happy life with the best of my capabilities.

With pure, honest love and respect. We wish to move forward with our life plans and begin this brand new chapter of our life,” he added.

Guidicelli also told Geronimo’s parents he hopes to be one family and vowed to take care of Geronimo the same way they took care of her.

“Mahal na mahal ko po si Sarah. Mahal ko din po kayung magulang nya at mga

Miss World Philippines 2019 Michelle Dee Photo from Instagram/@michelledee

Miss International 1979 Melanie Marquez GMA photo

ond Princess. Marquez also trained Charlene Gonzales for Miss Universe 1994, in which she eventually became a top 6 finalist; and Miriam Quiambao for Miss Universe 1999, where she was crowned first runner-up.

When asked if Michelle wants to have a moment in the competition like her mother did when Melanie competed for Miss International 1979, Michelle said she will definitely have one.

“I would definitely have my ‘Michelle moment,’ but probably not in that way,” she said.

Michelle is set to fly this week to London for the monthlong preparation for the Miss World pageant on December 14. She said her game plan is to do her best.

“My game plan is to really just do my best, because I have been training for months for all the respective categories for Miss World. All I can really do is do my best and be myself, be genuine, because I am kind at heart naman, and I hope the world sees that. My strategy is to show the world how beautiful the Filipinos are and what we have to offer as a country.”

Bong’s rumored TV comeback...

PAGE 13 decent guy. GMA better not subject him to the certainly unpleasant experience of working with a plunderer,” Severo said. “Malalang backlash ba ang hanap ninyo (Are you looking for serious backlash)? #NoToBongRevillaOnTheGift.”

In a separate tweet, Severo questioned GMA: “Seryoso. Why is giving Bong Revilla a job even an option for you, @gmanetwork???”

Archbishop Bernardito Auza, the Vatican’s permanent observer to the UN, has been “Serbisyong Totoo kamo appointed as the new Apostolic Nuncio to Spain. sa news, pero sa entertainPhoto by Roy Lagarde/CBCP ment arm ninyo enabler kayo ng magnanakaw at bibigyan ninyo pa ng mas malaking social capital para sa susunod na eleksyon???

Stick with memeable camp!

(Honest service in news reporting, you [GMA] said, but when it comes to your entertainment arm, you are enablers of thieves and are giving them a huge social capital for the next elections? Stick with memeable camp),” he added.

Revilla was formerly acArchbishop Auza on a recent meeting with Pope Francis in June.

cused of allocating P224 million from his “pork barrel,” or the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF), to fake non-government organizations owned

by Janet Lim Napoles. He was acquitted of plunder cases by the Sandiganbayan in December 2018.

Apart from guesting in “The Gift”, Revilla’s comeback to TV will be in a stilluntitled drama-fantasy anthology, a children’s show, as per Philippine Entertainment Portal on Nov. 4.

Severo stressed in another tweet that it does not matter whatever show the senator will be in, as Revilla should not be back on television at all.

“For a network to employ this man is for it to help his image-building, therefore help him acquire more political clout and eventually enable him to plunder some more,” he explained.

Musician Jim Paredes also shared his two cents via Twitter last Sunday, Nov. 10.

In the now-deleted tweet, Paredes questioned GMA if it is ok for Revilla to be the youth’s “role model.”

“PERA PERA PERA lahat.

Ok Lang sa inyo na maging role model siya ng kabataan? C’mon GMA. You can do better than this,” he said.

(Everything is about money money money. Is it okay for you to allow him to be the youth’s role model?

C’mon GMA. You can do better than this.)

Paredes also replied to one @mark_ocampo, who asked why Revilla would join a network whose franchise would supposedly not be renewed.

“Why would a franchise ALLOW this?”

Paredes asked. “That is the bigger question. They have social and corporate responsibilities. The airwaves belong to the Filipino people.”

Revilla grabbed the 11th spot in the Senate during the midterm elections in May, where he was voted by over 13 million people.

Matteo Guidicelli with Sarah Geronimo Photo from Instagram/@matteog

kapatid nya. Hangad ko po na maging isang pamilya tayo.

Pangako ko po na aalagan ko si Sarah na kapareho ng pangangalaga nyo sa kanya,” Guidicelli said.

(I really love Sarah. And I also love you as her parents and her siblings. I hope we become one family. I promise to take care of Sarah the same way you did to her.)

The actor also expressed thanks to his parents and siblings for turning him to what he is today and for welcoming Geronimo to their family.

“I deeply thank my parents for teaching me the values of a solid family. Life will never be perfect but what matters is that we learn, grow and

Pope Francis names...

PAGE 14 part of the land where the Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary was in his hometown in Tagbilaran City, Bohol.

They suggested that Bishop Auza and his younger brother then should go to the seminary, and that started it all.

After high school there, he went to the University of Santo Tomas in Manila where he obtained his Licentiate in Philosophy, Licentiate in Theology and Masters in Education, after almost ten years of studying. His younger brother left and became a doctor.

“There was a natural progression, nothing dramatic. It was a continuous progressive maturation of my desire to become a priest,” he shared.

Bishop Auza was ordained in Santa Rosa, California in 1985.

The year after he was ordained, the Vatican Diplomatic School wanted to recruit Filipinos. His bishop then gave Auza’s name and luckily he made it through the interviews, so he went to Rome.

He studied at the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum) where he obtained a Licentiate in

Canon Law in 1989 and a Doctorate in Sacred Theology in 1990.

He attended the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy to prepare for a diplomat’s career.

In 1990, he was given his first assignment in Madagascar. He has also been assigned in Bulgaria and Albania, prior to his first assignment at the United Nations in New York.

“I’ve had great opportunities and privileges as my assignments have certainly helped me mature in this work,” Auza added.

During the tenure of Archbishop Auza, the Holy See Mission has been active in organizing an average of 20 conferences a year at the United Nations on the scourge of human trafficking, the persecution of Christians and religious minorities in the Middle East and elsewhere, the right to religious freedom, the importance of fathers and mothers, the defense of the rights of indigenous people in the Amazon, the protection of migrants and refugees, the peace process in Colombia, interreligious dialogue as an essential component of peaceful and inclusive societies, the

improve until it is our time to take over,” Guidicelli said.

“My father has been my best example; he is my mentor, my solid rock. Papa and mama’s values, passion and selfless attitude have taught my siblings and me a lot and have molded us to become what we are today. One day, I pray, I will do the same for my own family.

“I’m very blessed and honored that my parents welcomed Sarah to our humble family like another daughter.

My sister and little brother love her the same way.

Knowing she is loved and accepted in the family simply fills up my heart with joy,” he added.

Guidicelli hinted about his engagement in Geronimo in an Instagram post last week.

But his brother Paolo’s cryptic post confirmed the couple’s engagement.

The couple has kept their relationship away from the limelight since confirming it in 2014, with Guidicelli occasionally sharing their photos via social media. They reportedly marked their sixth year as a couple in September. right to life, the advancement of women, and more.

As mentioned earlier, Archbishop Auza will spend October and November finishing up his duties in New York before arriving to begin his new responsibilities in Madrid on December 1.

Archbishop Auza describes his more than seven years of service of the Holy See to the United Nations as “intense years of learning and understanding more deeply the great international questions of our time.”

They were also years of “knowing and working with the Catholic Church in the triState area” (New York/New Jersey/Connecticut) and beyond, in particular in ministering to the Filipinos and other migrant communities. He expressed “profound gratitude to Cardinal [Timothy] Dolan,” Archbishop of New York “to all the other Bishops with whom I have worked, to all the priests, men and women religious and all the people of God for their kindness, welcome and great spirit of collaboration and fraternity.”

He said he looks forward “with enthusiasm” to working and exercising his priestly and episcopal ministries in Spain and Andorra.

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NOVEMBER 15-21, 2019 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (212) 655-5426