111619 - Los Angeles Weekend Edition

NOVEMBER 16-19, 2019 Volume 29 - No. 90 • 4 Sections – 30 Pages

INT’L RIGHTS WATCHDOG AIRS CONFIDENCE IN ROBREDO

Robredo, US execs explore collaboration in drug war

by JHESSET

ENANO Inquirer.net

MANILA — Vice President Leni Robredo on Wednesday, November 13, met with U.S. officials for a discussion of possible collaboration in the Philippine campaign against illegal drugs.

In a statement issued by her office after the meeting, Robredo said representatives from the U.S. Department of State’s International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, Drug Enforcement Agency, Federal Bureau of

DATELINE

Investigation and U.S. Agency for International Development gave her a “comprehensive briefing” on their counternarcotics programs in the Philippines.

“We talked about the gaps in the current campaign and the assistance that they can give to further strengthen our campaign against illegal drugs,” she said.

“This includes the need for clear baseline data on the drug situation in the country.”

Full support They also discussed the possibility of amending the Compre-

USA

hensive Dangerous Drugs Act, as well as strengthening programs for prevention of drug use and community-based rehabilitation, she said.

“I thanked them for immediately meeting me right after my appointment. They expressed their full support and cooperation in our campaign,” said Robredo, whom President Rodrigo Duterte appointed last week as cochair of the Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs, giving her the lead role in his controversial war u PAGE A2

BELENISMO IN TARLAC. Tarlac has earned the title “Belen-making capital of the Philippines.” For 12 years now, the indefatigable mother-anddaughter tandem of Isabel Cojuangco Suntay and Dr. Isa Cojuangco Suntay, founders of the Tarlac Heritage Foundation, Inc., have been tirelessly bringing together individuals, barangays, municipalities, schools, organizations and business establishments in orchestrating the “Belenismo”, Tarlac’s greatest attraction during Christmas season. This year’s Belenismo is composed of 42 entries from different municipalities of the province. Photos above show Belen entries from Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Municipalities of Capas and Moncada; and Parish Youth Ministry of Alexandria Parish.

PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan

Go supports additional budget for Robredo’s drug war

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

PH envoy meets US senators seeking De Lima release 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 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 u PAGE A4

PH remittances up 3.9% to $24.6-B in 9 months US highest remittance source

DOLLARS sent home by expatriate Filipinos continued to rise in September as both landand sea-based workers remitted more cash to their local beneficiaries, according to the latest data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

The central bank said that personal remittances from Filipinos either working or living abroad hit $2.6 billion in September 2019, up 6.3 percent from the $2.5 billion reported in the same period last year.

This brought personal remittances for the first nine months of 2019 to $24.6 billion, up 3.9 percent from $23.7 billion a year ago.

“The growth in personal remittances during the nine-month period was driven by steady remittance inflows from land-based overseas Filipino workers with work contracts of one year or more, which grew to $18.8 billion from $18.2 billion in the same period last year,” the BSP said in a statement.

The data also showed that remittances from overseas workers—which are said to account for an estimated 10 percent of domestic economic activity, especially consumption—grew for every month of this year, except for a 2.7percent decline in June.

Remittance inflows from sea- and landu PAGE A4

SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go on Wednesday, November 13, said he fully supports Vice President Leni Robredo’s request for additional funds in the fight against illegal drugs.

“I, as a legislator, fully support whatever is needed to help us achieve our objective of eliminating drugs,” he said.

According to the senator, 82% of Filipinos support the drug war, and that the support could rise to 90% or even 100% Vice President Maria Leonor ‘Leni’ Robredo greets PDEA Deputy Director General Gregorio if there would be major breakthroughs in Pimentel during a meeting with police and anti-drug officials in Quezon City on Thursday, the campaign.

November 14.

ManilaTimes.net photo

“Now, 82% [of Filipinos] support the war on drugs. It could rise to 90 percent, 100%. We will help if it is for the interest of Filipinos and to ensure that there will be no additional victims of drugs,” Go said.

He also said that lawmakers are aiming to have the 2020 budget approved and signed by President Rodrigo Duterte before the year ends to avoid a reenactment.

“The budget should be signed before the year ends. A reenacted budget is unacceptable; big losses for the government, billions of losses from a reenacted budu PAGE A3

AFP mulls selective martial law extension in Mindanao

by ROEL

PAREÑO Philstar.com

ZAMBOANGA CITY — The military is likely to recommend certain areas in Mindanao to remain under martial law, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Noel Clement said on Thursday, November 14.

“But right now as we see it, because of the big improvement, we might make an assessment and if ever, we will recommend for the lifting of martial law, but there might be some areas where we will continue its implementation,” Clement told journalists here.

Clement visited the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) and assessed the current security situation following a

recent spike of terror threats launched by foreign militants embedded with the Abu Sayyaf.

Clement said before they make the recommendation, consultations will be conducted with all the stakeholders, local officials and communities “if they still wish to continue the implementation of martial law.”

Clement agreed with the observations of Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana that martial law has long been implemented but whether there is still a need for it will be determined in the assessment.

The entire Mindanao region was placed under martial law following the siege of Marawi City from May to October 2017. The celebrated Fil-Am chefs rekindle food roots in a nostalgic homecoming with the doyenne The third extension will expire on Dec. 31 of Pampangueño cuisine at the lovely Kusina Matua, the century-old home to Atching Lilian Borromeo in Mexico, Pampanga.

Photo courtesy of DOT this year. u PAGE A2

500 years of Christianity in PH: Duterte may yet get invite

by NESTLE

SEMILLA Inquirer.net

CEBU CITY—An invitation to be at the 500th anniversary of Christianity in the Philippines in 2021 may yet find its way to President Rodrigo Duterte’s table despite his public rant against attending the historical event.

Davao Archbishop Romulo Valles, president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, said Duterte may still get an invite out of courtesy.

“In everything, it is good to be courte-

ous,” he said at a press conference on Wednesday, November 13.

Valles, who is close to Duterte, said Church officials may send the invitation once schedules are fixed.

Duterte had minced no words in rejecting support for ceremonies marking five centuries of Christianity in the country, saying it was just a commemoration of Spanish colonization of the Philippines for 300 years.

Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma said he hoped the President would change his mind. u PAGE A2

DOT serves up 3 Fil-Am chefs as part of food tourism project NOT “the next big thing,” but “The Thing,” Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat on Thursday, November 14, said of Filipino food, as she expressed optimism that the country’s cuisine would soon take the world by storm.

“With a number of Filipinodescent culinary geniuses making names abroad” and reaping awards and accolades by serving Filipino dishes in their restaurants, Puyat said the Department of Tourism (DOT) had taken on food tourism as one of its main product portfolios.

Puyat met on Thursday with three Filipino American chefs who are in the country for the DOT’s “Chefs’ Food Trip Project.”

The chefs are Tom Cunanan, who was awarded best chef in the Mid-Atlantic Category in James Beard Awards 2019; Grant “Lanai” Tabura, host of the food show “Cooking Hawaiian Style” and winner of the Food Network’s “The Great Food Truck Race”; and Charles Olalia of Ma’am Sir and Ricebar restaurants in Los Angeles. u PAGE A3

A November 16-19, 2019 • LA WeeKeND ASIAN JoUrNAL

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

From the Front Page

AFP mulls selective martial law...

PAGE A1 t Clement said they will also be consulting the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other security forces as to the current and actual threat situation.

He said one of the areas the AFP is considering to extend martial law is Sulu, citing the terrorism threats where foreign

militants carried out a number of suicide bombings.

Clement gave assurance that military forces are closely watching the reported migration of Islamic State (IS) militants slipping through the country’s southern backdoor.

“Yes, we have to look into that issue and we have already estab-

lished the trilateral agreement with Indonesia and Malaysia to be able to address that problem.

So we can ensure they cannot just cross within the three countries,” Clement said.

“So if ever there are reports from, let’s say in Indonesia and Malaysia, that they are going here, they have to share that information to prevent their coming here and the same is true also if there are reports of fighters here going to their respective country,” he added.

Clement cited the information sharing among the three countries involved in the trilateral agreement, which he said is important in preventing the exodus of IS militants.

“The marching orders to the troops are to capture them all because if we look at their purpose in coming here, it is to conduct the terroristic activities, in particular to stage bombings.

We will not allow this because once they stage their plans a lot will be harmed from our communities,” Clement said.

“We need to help and support one another to thwart this terror plot, because the people can see the indications these terrorists are around and if we will not alert the security forces, time will really come that terrorists could hatch their evil intentions of staging bombing activities,” he added. n

500 years of Christianity in PH...

PAGE A1 t “It’s still a long way to go,” Palma said.

Palma, though, said Duterte would be just one person not supporting the event.

“There are more people who want to celebrate,” he said.

Palma said while Duterte may be “an important person” his opinion about the event would have no effect on whether it pushes through.

“How can you stop 500 years of Christianity?” Palma said.

“Nobody can stop the celebration,” he added. n

SAVING THE ENVIRONMENT. To drum up the importance of saving the environment, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) conducts tree planting activity along Sta Rosa-Tagaytay Road in Silang, Cavite on Tuesday, November 12. Trees contribute to the environment by providing oxygen, improving air quality, climate amelioration, conserving water, preserving soil, and supporting wildlife.

PNA photo

Robredo, US execs explore...

PAGE A1 t on drugs.

Robredo has been meeting with representatives of several organizations, including the UN Office of Crime and Drugs, since accepting her appointment.

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) welcomed the U.S. cooperation, saying on Wednesday that the Philippines needed all the help it could get to win the war on drugs.

Derrick Arnold Carreon, spokesperson for the PDEA, said the United States and some other countries had been providing the Philippines intelligence that had led to successful law enforcement.

He noted that most successful interdictions at Ninoy Aquino International Airport were due to intelligence shared by the DEA with the PDEA. Sen. Francis Pangilinan said Robredo’s decision to seek help from the United States and other countries was a step in the right direction.

“All those who want to help and all information that may lead to making the [campaign against narcotics] effective should be en-

tertained,” Pangilinan, president of the opposition Liberal Party.

New tack In accepting her appointment last week, Robredo said she wanted to change the campaign’s approach to the drug menace from fighting a crime to treating it as a public health problem.

She proposed scrapping “Oplan: Tokhang,” the door-todoor police campaign to flush out users for rehabilitation and peddlers for prosecution.

Accompanying the campaign since its launch in 2016 are police operations that have led to the deaths of more than 6,000 mostly poor suspects, whom the Philippine National Police says had resisted arrest.

Rights groups claim, however, that the death toll could be as high as 20,000 because of the almost nightly shootings in the slums at the height of the crackdown, carried out by unidentified men whom they say could be hired guns working for the police or were policemen themselves.

Robredo said she wanted to change the gauge for the ef-

fectiveness of the war on drugs from counting bodies to counting “improved lives.”

Malacañang said on Monday, November 11, that it was open to scrapping Tokhang if Robredo had a better way of dealing with the drug problem, and promised to give her all she needed to help her succeed.

She could make it work The international group Human Rights Watch said on Wednesday that despite difficulties, Robredo just might be able to make the war on drugs work.

She could score a “win” for the campaign, said Carlos Conde, researcher for the group’s Asia division.

“It seems unlikely that the drug enforcement agency and the police, the drug war enforcers (President) Duterte has promised to protect, would cede any sort of operational control to the vice president,” Conde said in a statement. “But Robredo may be able to make it work.”

Conde said the vice president’s plan would mean putting an end to “murderous police operations,” while developing u PAGE A4

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A

DOT serves up 3 Fil-Am chefs...

PAGE A1 t

“The (project’s) objective is for the Fil-Am chefs to learn more about Filipino heirloom recipes, iconic delicacies, heritage dishes and ingredients so they can expand their food offerings in their respective restaurants as a way of promoting the unique Filipino culinary culture,” Puyat said.

To give the chefs the opportunity to discover their food roots, they are taken to different culinary destinations, including Pampanga, Iloilo, Bacolod, Cebu and Davao.

“I want upcoming local chefs and culinary students to realize that they need not cook foreign dishes to make it big locally and

in the world; you have the likes of Cunanan, Tabura and Olalia who are proud of their own but are so successful abroad,” Puyat said.

Cunanan and Tabura have met with local heritage food advocates, among them Claude Tayag, who hosted a curated Kapampangan “degustation feast” in his Bale Dutung restaurant; Atching Lillian Borromeo, the acknowledged doyenne of Pampanga cuisine at her home Kusina Matua; restaurateur Happy Ongpauco; and food enthusiasts Edu Manzano and Rowel Santiago.

The two chefs also attended a symposium at Museo Ning An-

geles where they met and interacted with tourism, hospitality and culinary students.

The DOT quoted Cunanan as saying that he had learned a lot working with some of the country’s most respected culinary gems.

“I traveled here precisely because I want to listen to all the stories (people) have about their own unique dishes, and I want to capture them for the rest of my life so I can pass them on to my children’s children,” Cunanan said.

Tabura, for his part, recalled the many lessons he learned during his visit, and described being with prominent culinary figures

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

Philstar.com photo by Michael Varcas

White House chef honored by UP

by Janvic

mateo Philstar.com

THE University of the Philippines conferred an honorary doctorate degree on FilipinoAmerican 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 her “service that embodies the university’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 volunteer 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.

US defense chief to visit PH

by Dempsey

Reyes ManilaTimes.net

DEFENSE Secretary Delfin Lorenzana will meet his United States counterpart, Secretary of Defense Mark Esper, to discuss various topics ranging from counterterrorism to territorial disputes with China.

“In the Philippines, Secretary Esper will meet with his Philippine counterpart to advance the alliance as well as strengthen regional security cooperation to uphold international rules and norms,” the Pentagon said in a statement posted on its website.

Also to be discussed are “efforts to defeat terrorist groups” that continue to linger in Mindanao and the ongoing dispute at the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea).

“Esper will discuss Chinese claims in the South and East China Sea. He will reiterate the U.S. desire that any solutions in the disagreements over the na-

US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper

tional claims in those bodies are arrived at peacefully,” the Pentagon said. n

Canadian-American wanted for rape arrested at NAIA

by William

Depasupil ManilaTimes.net

AFTEr more than a year in hiding, the law finally caught up with a Canadian-American man who fled the country to evade arrest for allegedly raping a 17year-old minor in Subic, Zambales.

Bureau of Immigration (BI) port operations chief Grifton Medina disclosed on Monday, November 11, that the fugitive, 54-year-old Fouad Bounab, escorted by two Filipino policemen, planed in on Saturday evening (November 9) at the Ninoy

Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 aboard a flight from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The policemen fetched Bounab in Kuala Lumpur after he was arrested by Malaysian authorities. Bounab was later brought to Camp Crame in Quezon City. Medina said Bounab was charged with raping his victim several times in Subic, Zambales in March last year.

The suspect allegedly lured the victim to have sex with him through social media for prostitution and sexual exploitation. Rommel Tacorda, head of

u PAGE A4

Go supports for additional...

PAGE A1 t get,” he said.

“It’s also one of the causes of inflation during the first semester because there’s no government spending,” he added.

In response to the question about Robredo being invited to future Cabinet meetings, Go said that Duterte hasn’t talked to Robredo yet, but she could be invited if the need arises.

“The president has not talked to her,” he said.

“I am not authorized to speak on behalf of the executive, but what I know is there’s no plan yet to invite her. Maybe if drugs is on the agenda,” Go added.

Earlier this month, Robredo accepted Duterte’s offer for the position of co-chairman of the Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-illegal Drugs despite her supporters’ warnings that Duterte’s offer could just be a trap meant to tarnish her reputation. n

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 Filipino American chefs Tom Cunanan and Grant “Lanai” Tabura share some light and hearty laugh with equally prominent artist chef Claude 2013. n Tayag during DOT’s first collaboration with WOFEX University’s “FUN Food Talks.”

Photo courtesy of DOT

A November 16-19, 2019 • LA WeeKeND ASIAN JoUrNAL

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Nursing home safety violations put residents at risk, report finds

by BarBara

Feder OstrOv Kaiser Health News

AS huge swaths of California burned last fall, federal health officials descended on 20 California nursing homes to determine whether they were prepared to protect their vulnerable residents from fires, earthquakes and other disasters.

The results of their surprise inspections, which took place from September to December of 2018, were disturbing: Inspectors found hundreds of potentially life-threatening violations of safety and emergency requirements, including blocked emergency exit doors, unsafe use of power strips and extension cords, and inadequate fuel for emergency generators, according to a report released Thursday by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General.

The nursing home residents “were at increased risk of injury or death during a fire or other emergency,” the report con-

cluded.

The threat is not theoretical in a state that has been ravaged by natural disasters: One of the nursing homes that was inspected burned down in a wildfire afterward, so the report only includes results for the 19 remaining facilities, which it does not identify.

“The fact that one of the nursing homes inspected was later destroyed by a wildfire speaks to the grave danger residents are facing today,” said Mike Connors of the advocacy group California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform. He called the findings alarming but not surprising.

Even though the report didn’t name the nursing home that was destroyed, the California Association of Health Facilities, which represents most of the state’s skilled nursing facilities, identified it as one that burned down in the November 2018 Camp Fire, the deadliest wildfire in the state’s history.

Craig Cornett, CEO and presi-

dent of the association, said all the residents were evacuated safely from that home — and from two others destroyed in the same fire. Hundreds of other nursing homes also have responded to emergencies in the past three years without loss of life, he said, which shows that “the deficiencies in the report do not reflect true facility readiness.”

The association is concerned about safely violations, he added, but “this is an example of bureaucracy equipped with Aircraft from the U.S. Navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force perform a fly-over as ships from the U.S. Navy, JMSDF, Royal Australian blinders.”

Navy, and Royal Canadian Navy sail in formation during Annual Exercise (ANNUALEX) 19.

The federal auditors said the violations occurred because of poor oversight by management and high staff turnover at the

by Patricia LOurdes viray homes. But they also criticized Philstar.com the California Department of Public Health, the agency reUNITED States, Japan, Aussponsible for overseeing nurstralia and Canada recently ing homes in the state, for not joined forces for a maritime exensuring the homes complied ercise in the Philippine Sea. with federal safety and emerShips from the U.S. Navy, gency requirements.

Japan Maritime Self-Defense In some cases, the state’s own Force, Royal Australian Navy

US, Japan, Australia, Canada navies sail in PH Sea

u PAGE A5

and Royal Canadian Navy sailed in a formation during the Annual Exercise 19.

The joint drill is a bilateral exercise between the U.S. and Japan to further develop coordination and interoperability between the allies.

Among the ships deployed in the exercise were the U.S. Navy’s Arleigh Burke-class missile destroyer USS Milius, Canada’s Halifax-class frigate HMCS OtIn this Nov. 11 photo, Royal Australian Navy ship the Anzac-class frigate HMAS Parramatta tawa, Australia’s Anzac-class (FFH 154), front, a Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force surface contact ship, center, and the frigate HMAS Parramatta and underway replenishment oiler USNS Pecos (T-AO 197) sail in formation during Annual Exercise (ANNUALEX) 19.

Photos by Chief Operations Specialist Michael Ojeda/U.S. Navy Japan’s surface contact ship. n

Canadian-American wanted for rape arrested...

PAGE A3 t which earlier issued a red noBI’s Border Control and Intel- tice against him.

He added that a separate ligence Unit, said Bounab is on the wanted list of the Interpol, case for violating the anti-traf-

ficking act and cybercrime law was also lodged against the suspect before the family court of the Caloocan Regional Trial

PH remittances up 3.9% to $24.6-B in 9...

PAGE A1 t based workers with short-term contracts also contributed higher at $5.3 billion this year compared to $4.9 billion a year ago, the monetary regulator added.

Similarly, cash remittances coursed through banks by overseas Filipino workers with work contracts of less than a year rose to $2.4 billion in September 2019 from $2.2 billion last year.

This drove cash remittances —

which exclude transfers in cash or in kind by Filipinos who have migrated abroad—higher in the first nine months of this year to $22.2 billion from $21.3 billion recorded in the same period last year.

By type of worker, cash remittances from land- and sea-based workers increased by 3.2 percent to $17.3 billion and 8 percent to $4.9 billion, respectively.

By country source, the U.S.

registered the highest share of total remittances from January to September 2019 at 37.5 percent. It was followed by Saudi Arabia, Singapore, United Arab Emirates, Japan, the United Kingdom, Canada, Hong Kong, Germany and Kuwait.

The combined remittances from these countries accounted for 78.3 percent of total cash remittances during the period.

(Daxim L. Lucas/Inquirer.net)

PH envoy meets US senators seeking...

PAGE A1 t 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 accused Washington of interference on the Philippines’ sovereignty.

“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. (Ritchel Mendiola/AJPress)

Robredo, US execs explore...

PAGE A2 t voluntary, community-based rehabilitation services aligned with international standards and human rights principles.

“The Philippines needs to rethink its drug policies and just maybe Robredo is the one who can kickstart that process,” he said.

Risks Despite criticism, Robredo has expressed willingness to take risks, including joining law enforcement.

Among those who said Robredo should join narcs in operations were her cochair of the interagency committee, PDEA

chief Aaron Aquino, and junior Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, the President’s first PNP chief who launched Tokhang in 2016.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra disagreed, saying the vice president’s presence would only distract officers, as their first concern would be to protect the country’s No. 2 official. “[S]he does not have to join an actual raid just to know how it goes,” Guevarra told reporters on Wednesday. “She can monitor in some other way.”

He said Robredo could follow operations through the body cameras worn by officers.

But Barry Gutierrez, spokes-

person for Robredo, said the Vice President’s willingness to join law enforcement did not mean she would be on the front line.

“She wants to get a fuller understanding of how operations unfold. She wants to talk to actual law enforcement officials who engage [and risk] their lives in these operations,” Gutierrez told reporters on Wednesday.

“But she will do so in a way that would not compromise the integrity of the situation, that is not distracting and not in a foolish way that she will put herself unnecessarily in the line of fire,” he said. n

LINKING PH-JAPAN STARTUPS. Dr. Rafaelita “Fita” M. Aldaba, of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), commends the organizers and participants of the “Pitch” event in her closing remarks, held at QBO, Makati City on Thursday, November 14. The event aims to strengthen linkages between the Philippines and Japan startup ecosystems.

PNA photo by Ben Briones

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Nursing home safety violations put...

PAGE A3 t

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 (November 14), “Ramon” slightly slowed down as it continued to move in the west northwest direction.

PNA photo by Ben Briones

Filipino lawyer elected transitional president of international group

by Neil

ArwiN MercAdo Inquirer.net

A FILIPINO lawyer was elected as the transitional president of the International Association of Democratic Lawyers (IADL).

Human rights lawyer Edre U. Olalia, who serves as the incumbent President of the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL), was elected as transitional IADL president during the council’s meeting last November 8 to 10, 2019 in Brussels, Belgium.

Olalia’s term will end in November 2020 when the group’s next Congress is held in South Africa, where his regular presidency may be potentially confirmed for a period until 2023.

The Filipino lawyer has been a member of the IADL governing bureau since 2010.

Aside from Olalia, other members of the IADL Transitional Team include outgoing President Jeanne Mirer, outgoing Secretary-General Jan Fermon, and transitional Secretary-General Micol Savia.

The IADL was founded in 1947 and is composed of democratic lawyers, jurists, law professors, judges, prosecutors and law students across 80 countries.

Red tagging of activists In a resolution adopted November 10, the lawyer group

condemned the series of raids conducted by the police in offices of several partylists and cause-oriented groups in the country.

The group said the Philippine government has “consciously and methodically made it a policy to brand and tag as communists or so-called communist fronts individuals and organizations critical of its programs and positions.”

The group said that the pronouncements and policies made

by President Rodrigo Duterte “resulted in or engendered, among others, the targeting and killing of activists.”

“This so-called red-tagging is consistent with an evidently premeditated design of targeting these individuals and organizations for legal assault and even violent attacks in clear breach of international human rights law,” the group noted.

Further, IADL called on the Philippine government to “stop the targeting and red-tagging of individuals and organizations deemed critical of its programs and policies, and to allow them to freely engage in legal discourse and legitimate actions consistent with the principles of democracy and independence Attacks vs lawyers, members of legal profession The group also condemned

the number of attacks and killings against lawyers and judges since President Rodrigo Duterte took office in 2016.

“The number of attacks on and even killings of judges and lawyers has intensified with at least 44 documented murders since July 2016 with the latest incident of two more judges killed in one day, one of whom happened to have ordered the case of activists dismissed,” IADL said.

The group resolved to “conduct or support international fact-finding missions into those attacks and killings and to urge the Philippine government to cooperate and allow them entry into the country.”

Further, IADL also vowed to “earnestly study the filing of cases in different countries, as may be warranted by the facts and evidence, against President Duterte and all those responsible for the killings, torture and other grievous violations of international law utilizing the principles of universal jurisdiction whenever applicable.”

The group added that it would also endorse pending communications before the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity against Duterte.

Some 50 lawyers from 30 nations were present during the group’s meeting in Belgium. n

inspectors had previously cited nursing homes for the same problems, but did not inspect the facilities again to ensure they had been fixed, the report said.

The department “can reduce the risk of resident injury or death by improving its oversight,” the report said. For example, it could “conduct more frequent site surveys at nursing homes to follow up on deficiencies previously cited rather than relying on reviews of documentation submitted by nursing homes.”

The public health department told the auditors it had followed up with the 19 remaining homes to ensure they were addressing the problems auditors identified. But the state disagreed with the auditors’ recommendation to inspect nursing homes more frequently, saying in a letter to the auditors that federal rules don’t require onsite visits to determine whether problems have been fixed — and that the agency simply does not have enough inspectors.

The department declined a California Healthline request for comment.

The Office of Inspector General is auditing nursing homes across the nation that receive payments from the public health insurance programs Medicare or Medicaid to determine whether the facilities meet the stricter federal safety and emergency guidelines that were adopted in 2016. The auditors did not choose the 20 nursing homes randomly out of the approximately 1,200 statewide, but rather selected those in fireand earthquake-prone regions, as well as ones already on notice for health and safety violations.

The inspectors found a total of 325 violations at the 19 homes.

Among them: Two of the homes had pathways leading to emergency exit doors that were blocked, including one exit door blocked by a pallet.

16 had violations related to their fire alarm and sprinkler systems, including two that didn’t have their fire alarm systems routinely tested and maintained.

All had violations related to electrical equipment, including using power strips that did not meet requirements or were unsafely connected to appliances

or other power strips.

Eight had not properly inspected, tested and maintained their emergency generators, which provide electricity for critical medical equipment during a power outage. Two didn’t have enough generator fuel to last 96 hours. Generator power has become critical for nursing homes in recent months amid widespread power shutdowns aimed at preventing wildfires.

Three nursing homes’ emergency plans didn’t address evacuations.

“We don’t want reports like this,” said state Sen. John Moorlach (R-Costa Mesa). “It sounds like maybe we need to ask the state auditor to see if the site visits done by the state are being done thoroughly.”

This KHN story first published on California Healthline, a service of the California Health Care Foundation. n

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Dateline PDuterte hiliPPines still looking for ‘honest’ PNP chief

4-day workweek proposal reviewed by catheRine

Valente

ManilaTimes.net

MaLaCañanG on thursday, november 14, said it would study a proposal that will allow private sector and non-frontline government agencies to implement a four-day workweek during the holiday season.

Palace spokesman Salvador Panelo made the statement after House Minority Leader Bienvenido abante Jr. revived the appeal for the implementation of a shortened workweek to help ease traffic congestion.

“We will evaluate all recommendations coming from any department or agency desiring to recommend,” Panelo said in a text message. at a press conference on Wednesday, november 13, abante said drastic measures should be put up to address the expected heavy traffic during the Christmas season.

“I appeal to Malacañang to study the implementation of a four-day workweek for nonfrontline offices of national government agencies,” abante said.

“I suggest that the Palace considers the feasibility of doing this during the holiday season. this could also serve as a trial period to assess if such a scheme can work long-term,” he added. abante said agencies located near eDSa could implement the compressed workweek system such as the Bureau of Internal revenue, Social Security System and the Philippine overseas employment administration.

“Microsoft recently experimented with a four-day workweek in one of its subsidiaries in Japan, and they discovered that this led to a 40-percent boost in productivity,” he said.

“It worked there, it could work here.” a couple of bills that seek to

compress the five-day workweek have been filed in the House of representatives.

House Bills 1670 and 1904 propose to shorten workdays as long as employees meet the prescribed hours within the week. the scheme, however, is optional. the bills filed by Deputy Speaker and Camarines Sur rep. Luis raymund Villafuerte and Baguio City rep. Mark Go are pending at the Labor and employment committee.

Labor groups have expressed concern over the proposal, saying workers would be at the losing end. the House committee has tasked a technical working group to study the bills and come up with a proposal acceptable to employer and labor groups. the Labor Code requires employees to render 40 to 48 hours a week. n

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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

Hontiveros: Gov’t needs health, rights-based law enforcement approach to drug problem

by Ritchel

Mendiola AJPress

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Darrick V. Tan, Esq. Licensed in California for over 17 years Licensed in Nevada for over 12 years* UCLA, Bachelor of Arts, Political Science with Cum Laude honors Southwestern University Law School, Juris Doctor Admitted to U.S. District Court, Central District of California Member, American Immigration Lawyers Association Member, Consumers Attorney Association of Los Angeles Former Member, Board of Governors, Philippine American Bar Association *Inactive

Senator risa Hontiveros on Friday, november 15, expressed her support for Vice President Leni robredo’s plan to use a public health approach in her fight against illegal drugs, saying that the government is in need of a health-based and rights-based drug law enforcement approach to stop the country’s drug problem. “this is not a contest on who can kill the most. this is about the best strategy that will jail Sen. Risa Hontiveros many drug lords and will save is needed. I look forward to the and reform many lives,” said vice president acting on these things,” she added.

Hontiveros in Filipino.

Hontiveros suggested to rorobredo, who accepted Duterte’s offer to be the admin- bredo ways to respond to the istration’s drug czar earlier this country’s drug problem such month, has been pitching for a as rolling out voluntary, outpublic health approach to help patient and community-based curb the illegal drug problem, programs in poor communinoting that countries that tried ties; implementing a “law ento solve it using violence did not forcement-assisted diversion” scheme in which the police will succeed. “addiction is a health issue. turn over those who are drug on the other hand, big-time drug dependent without any seripushing is a serious crime,” Hon- ous crimes to case managers for treatment and rehabilitativeros pointed out. “on the demand side, we need tion instead of simply arresting to push for the implementation of them; and implementing a coma barangay health and rehabilita- prehensive drug education and tion program. on the supply side, prevention campaign to deter a modern, rights-based drug law non-user from illegal drugs.

She also suggested the law enforcement which will focus on big drug lords and syndicates enforcers to implement internal

Inquirer.net photo

cleansing of law enforcement agencies to ensure their ranks are not infiltrated by elements corrupted by drug syndicates, replenish ranks of law enforcers with new and young agents who are impervious to police corruption, and mobilize government resources to fund nationwide automated crime reporting system, security-camera command centers in police districts and stations, air assets and modern laboratory equipment which can be used for more thorough and extensive substance analysis.

“We need to replace the government’s “kill, kill, kill” policy with a 4Ks approach namely: kalusugan, kapulisan, katarungan at komunidad, (health, police, justice, community),” Hontiveros stressed. n

Pneumonic plague is curable, no need to worry, DOH assures

by KRissy

aguilaR Inquirer.net

ManILa — the Department of Health (DoH) assured the public on Friday, november 15, there is no need to panic over the recent reports of cases of pneumonic plague in China since the disease is curable.

DoH Secretary Francisco Duque III said there is no need for the public to worry as antibiotics can treat the pneumonic plague.

“Sa ngayon wala naman [dapat ikabahala] dahil unang una, ito naman pneumonic

plague kung tawagin, ito naman ay nagagamot, meron naman tayong antibiotic (There is no need to worry for now because first of all, pneumonic plague is curable, we have antibiotics),” Duque said in an interview on radyo Inquirer.

“Hindi naman ito katulad nung sinauna na wala antibiotics pa noon, yung pumatay ng 50 milyon katao sa mundo.

Wala pang antibiotics noon. eh ngayon meron na tayong antibiotics. Kaya kinakailangan nito, early detection, early diagnosis, fast treatment (This is unlike before when there were no an-

tibiotics which killed 50 million people in the world. There were no antibiotics at the time. What this needs is early detection, early diagnosis and fast treatment),” he added. two people from north China’s Inner Mongolia autonomous region were recently diagnosed with pneumonic plague, state news media Xinhua News earlier reported. the World Health organization (WHo) describes pneumonic plague or lung-based plague as “the most virulent form of plague” which can be fatal if left untreated. n

First case of vaping-related lung illness in PH reported according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a vast majority of patients diagnosed with eVaLI have suffered respiratory symptoms like shortness of breath, cough or chest pain. others have suffered gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. this development comes as cases of vaping-related illnesses in the United States have been climbing.

Several U.S. states have banned or regulated the use of e-cigarettes after more than 2,000 people have developed lung damage. of the figure, at least 39 died. the Philippines’ health department earlier called for an outright ban on e-cigarettes, saying users of the products are exposed to health risks.

DoH Undersecretary eric Domingo previously said that about 1% of Filipinos, mostly youth, are into vaping. the government of Pasay City on Monday implemented an ordinance prohibiting the use of vaping devices in public spaces. the local ordinance also prohibits sale of electronic cigarettes A man blows a puff of smoke as he vapes with an electronic cigarette. to or by minors. (Gaea Katreena Inquirer.net photo by Raffy Lerma Cabico/Philstar.com) ManILa— the Department of Health recently documented the first reported local case of “electronic-cigarette or vaping product use associated lung injury” or eVaLI. the first probable case of

eVaLI was a 16-year-old girl from Central Visayas who started smoking in March 2019.

DoH said the agency and the country’s Food and Drug administration have reached out to the girl’s attending physician.

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A

Speaker should be elected – Cayetano

(Either way, there will be voting for the speakership because that is the procedure. No one can take IF House Speaker Alan Pe- over by just saying that you will be ter Cayetano had his way, there the next because there is no vice would be an election for the top speaker, we have deputy speakpost of the House of Representa- ers, but even the deputy speakers, tives. there are no next in line),” Cayet“Either way, magkakaroon ng ano said in an interview after the botohan sa speakership because Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng ‘yun ang procedure. No one can Pilipinas’ 45th Top Level Managetake over by just saying na ikaw ment Conference held in Tagaytay na next kasi wala namang vice on Thursday, November 14. speaker, we have deputy speakCayetano assumed the post of ers, but even the deputy speakers, speaker in July under the termwala naman ‘yung sumunod d’yan sharing agreement with Rep.

by Divina

nova Dela ManilaTimes.net

CRuz

President Rodrigo Duterte meets with Moro National Liberation Front Founding Chairman Nur Misuari at the Malacañang Palace on Monday, November 11.

Malacañang photo by King Rodriguez

Misuari claims government asked him to help reorganize Philippine territories

by Ratziel

San Juan Philstar.com

MANILA — Nur Misuari, founding chairman of the separatist Moro National Liberation Front, claimed that the Duterte administration has asked him to reorganize the country’s territory as part of ongoing peace efforts.

In a meeting with Manila Mayor Isko Moreno on Friday, November 15, Misuari disclosed details of his previous discussions with President Rodrigo Duterte.

“The government has asked me to reconfigure the entire country, territorially. So I decided to subdivide into three natural divisions because...

Luzon is separated by the sea, and so with Mindanao from the Visayas,” Misuari told Moreno during a courtesy call, as seen on Facebook Live.

“They said, we co-opt this into a political configuration. I said, okay we can adapt this to the proposed plan of the president to transform the unitary system (of government) into a federal one.” Misuari said that relations between the hypothetical federal states should still be maintained. “[W]e should prevent them (hypothetical federal territories) from drifting apart. We must instead bring about the strengthening of the unity and solidarity of the country so that

foreign powers cannot exploit us anymore,” Misuari said.

Citing the MNLF’s turf advantage in Mindanao, Misuari also said he asked the president if his group can be tasked to fight a branch of international terror group ISIS in Mindanao. “[Y]ou can can trust your problem with this and kami na ang bahala. Because our forces namin ngayon, 200-300K strong. We know every part of our land. Wala siyang mataguan dyan (We can handle this.

Because our forces stand at 200,000-300,000 strong. They have nowhere to hide),” the MNLF chairman said.

Shelved federalism agenda Duterte in June acknowledged that a proposed shift to a federal form of government— one of his campaign promises—might not gain support.

The president’s announcement came months after state economic managers cited the move’s adverse impact on the economy.

“If you do not want federalism, fine. But change the Constitution that would really change this nation,” Duterte said in the June 25 oath-taking of newly-elected local officials and Hugpong ng Pagbabago senators at Malacañan Palace.

However, presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo days later said Malacañang has not given up on federalism and still had three years to push for

the measure.

“Palagay ko ’di mawawala yan. May tatlong taon pa naman tayo (I don’t think it will disappear. We still have three House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano and Rep. Lord Allan Velasco years),” Panelo said in a June 30 radio interview.

Duterte’s fourth State of the Nation Adress in July, however, made no mention of federalism or charter change.

Peace process In response to reports of discontent among MNLF members, Duterte in February met with Misuari to boost peace efforts in Mindanao and discuss a possible shift to a federal form of government.

Misuari went into hiding after the 2013 siege of Zamboanga City by MNLF troops which resulted in nearly 200 fatalities and around 14,000 displaced.

Misuari, also a former governor of ARMM, has faced charges of rebellion in connection to the Zamboanga siege, along with charges of graft and malversation of public funds.

However, his arrest was granted a temporary suspension in 2016 upon Duterte’s request to seek his help in Mindanao peace negotiations.

The MNLF chairman had been in talks with the president after the Bangsamoro Organic Law (Republic Act 11054) was signed in July 2018, replacing ARMM with the BARMM. “[S]abi ko itong kay Nur, are-

u PAGE A9

ManilaTimes.net photos

Lord Allan Velasco brokered by President Rodrigo Duterte. Under the agreement, Cayetano will sit as speaker for 15 months, while Velasco will have the House’s top post for 21 months.

Despite his call for an election, Cayetano assured Velasco that he would continue to respect President Rodrigo Duterte’s order.

“As far as I’m concerned, walang dapat ikabahala si Congressman Velasco dahil sinabi ko naman from the start na susundin ko ang utos ng ating pangulo.

Siya ang chairman ng ating coalition (Congressman Velasco has nothing to worry about because, as I said from the start, I would follow the president’s order. He is the chairman of our coalition), so let’s just work at tutukan lang natin ito (let’s focus on this),” the speaker said.

Cayetano admitted that he meets with Velasco, but they do not talk about the speakership issue.

“Hindi naman kasi kailangan pag-usapan (It doesn’t have to be discussed), so we say hi to each other but that’s it. So, in fact, halos wala akong congressman na

u PAGE A10

A8 NOVEMBER 16-19, 2019 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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OPINION

Pushing ‘Build, Build, Build’

FEATURES

TOGETHER with his war on drugs, President Duterte unveiled an ambitious infrastructure program at the start of his term. Dubbed “Build Build Build,” it listed 75 flagship projects targeted for completion or substantial progress in implementation by the time he steps down in 2022. It was envisioned to herald the “golden age of infrastructure.”

As with many infrastructure projects in this country, however, those under Build Build Build have run into red tape, right-of-way issues, court injunctions, inaccurate project assumptions, sheer inefficiency and other problems.

The post of presidential adviser on flagship projects has been revived, to review BBB and speed up implementation of the projects that are being retained.

Of the original 75 projects under BBB, only nine are under construction, according to Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon, who described Build Build Build as a “dismal failure.” Administration officials have disputed this, citing ongoing projects and pointing out that the list has in fact been expanded to about 100 even as some projects were dropped.

A proposal has been made to grant the president special powers to cut through the red tape and other problems and speed up project implementation.

With just two and a half years left in the Duterte administration, however, the speaker of the House of

Representatives and other officials close to the president say the proposal comes too late.

Many infrastructure projects in fact need speedier implementation. Some of the proposed measures may be pursued without special powers. Local government units in particular can be prodded to cut red tape in processing the necessary permits for project implementation. LGU executives can show more leadership and political will to deal with opposition from residents affected by certain projects. Rightof-way and relocation issues in particular are best tackled by local executives with their constituents at the grassroots.

The flagship projects include roads, transportation facilities, airports, and even additional sources of water for Metro Manila. They are imbued with public interest and deserve to be completed. Every effort must be made to get them going as smoothly as possible. (Philstar.com)

Editorial

Philstar.com photo

Trump’s impeachment hearing begins: A review of the proceeding and legal terms to understand the process of removing Trump from office

The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS THE impeachment trials to remove President Donald J. Trump from office already started this week in the House of Representatives, pursuant to the provision and mandate stipulated in the United States Constitution.

Before we get lost in the seemingly parallel but divergent universe — the televised impeachment proceedings and the toxic attacks launched by Trump via his twitter feed against the witnesses who have stood before the House Intelligence Committee chaired by Rep. Adam Schiff – let us recover our bearings and go back to how this started and what the rule of law really says.

To REVIEW, an impeachment proceeding is the formal process by which a sitting president of the United States may be accused of wrongdoing. It is a POLITICAL process and NOT a criminal process.

At the heart of this process is

making elected officials accountable to the people, and to expel from office those who violate the sacred oath they took to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution. Aside from the president, the vice president and all civil officers of the United States can also face impeachment.

The proceeding’s formal opening of impeachment inquiry was announced by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on September 24, citing the 45th President of the United States’ “betrayal of his oath of office, betrayal of our national security, and betrayal of the integrity of our elections”. The full House voted on October 31 to authorize the inquiry.

After the ongoing House Intelligence committee investigation, the process then moves to the Judiciary Committee which may draft articles of impeachment — the list of charges against the president.

Despite so many allegations of crimes and impropriety before and after Trump took office that

paved the way for the Mueller investigation and the civil/criminal cases filed in court against him, it appears that the Democratic-led House is focusing on the complaint filed by a whistleblower about a controversial call between Trump and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.

From this controversial call and Trump’s other actions surrounding it, like making his personal attorney Rudy Giuliani establish backchannel dealings with Ukraine’s leadership, it has been alleged that Trump abused his power as president and the resources accorded to his position of trust with the taxpayers’ money, and used it as leverage to get something of value to him, personally, in exchange for the release of military aid to Ukraine that he withheld until his demands were met — a formal announcement to the public of an investigation into Trump’s possible opponent in the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election, former Vice President Joe Bided, and his son Hunter.

The Constitution stipulates that the President may be impeached and removed from office because of “treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors.”

In this early stage of the impeachment proceedings, “House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has sharpened the focus of the Democrats’ impeachment case against President Trump recently, accusing the president of committing bribery when he withheld vital military assistance from Ukraine at the same time he was seeking its commitment to publicly investigate his political rivals,” according to a report by the New York Times.

What is bribery?

Cornell University’s Legal Information Institute defines bribery as “the offering, giving, soliciting, or receiving of any item of value as a means of influencing the actions of an individual holding a public or legal duty.”

“This type of action results in matters that should be handled objectively being handled in a

manner best suiting the private interests of the decision-maker.

Bribery constitutes a crime and both the offeror and the recipient can be criminally charged.”

“Proof of bribery requires demonstrating a ‘quid pro quo’ relationship in which the recipient directly alters behavior in exchange for the gift. Because the relationship does not occur directly enough, campaign donations from corporations or individuals to political candidates do not constitute bribery.”

“Another element of proving bribery includes proving intent to influence the discharging of another’s official duties. Some statutes also require proof that both parties understand and agree to the arrangement. Attempts to bribe exist in common law and under the Model Penal Code, and often the punishment for attempted bribery and completed bribery are identical. Solicitation of a bribe also constitutes a crime and is completed regardless of whether the solici-

tation results in the receipt of a valuable gift.”

ON TO THE IMPEACHMENT TRIALS… Ever wonder why Trump and his cohorts would not allow their key officials to testify under oath in the impeachment trials? Ever wonder why he would be intimidating, badmouthing the few courageous officials who would speak up and testify against Trump, which corroborates the allegations and concerns presented by the whistleblower? Ever wonder why Trump and his cohorts would openly defy the WHISTLEBLOWER ACT by demanding to know the identity of the whistleblower?

THINK ABOUT IT… *** 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 through email at gelrelos@ icloud.com, or send her a message via Facebook at Facebook.com/Gel.Santos.Relos.

Drilon, Robredo — and PDI — pushing opposition to extinction

Commentary

RIGOBERTO D. TIGLAO AT the rate the Yellow Cult leaders are demonstrating how incompetent they are, and with the Philippine Daily Inquirer unwittingly broadcasting their ineptness, there won’t be any opposition in the next national elections in 2022.

In the span of a few days, Sen. Franklin Drilon, the most experienced and smartest Liberal Party leader, and Vice President Maria Leonor Robredo showed how blatantly incompetent they are to be leaders of the nation.

Of all criticisms against the Duterte administration, Drilon attacked what is inarguably the most popular — among all classes — and most solid accomplishment of this administration: its massive “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program, its roads and bridges component led by the most respected Cabinet member, Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar.

If there’s anything wrong with the “Build, Build, Build” program, it is whether the massive infusion of funds into the system would be inflationary or whether government can sustain the debt burden on borrowed funds used for it.

I won’t waste this space debunking point by point Drilon’s claim that the Build, Build, Build program is a dismal fail-

ure. (Check out the rebuttals of Duterte’s spokesman Salvador Panelo and his adviser on flagship Vince Dizon who have very ably shown Drilon to be ignorant, bigtime.)

P1 trillion Suffice it to point out that the national income expenditure accounts (from which the more familiar GDP and GNP figures are derived from) show that from 2016 to 2018, the construction sector grew by 12.7 percent, while government budget data show that the Duterte administration spent about P1 trillion for its infra projects.

The PDI did have some saner editors so that right beside the article on Drilon’s harangue was a detailed list by “Inquirer Research” of the 75 ongoing and completed of the so-called flagship infrastructure projects.

What was Drilon thinking?

Anywhere you go in the metropolitan Manila area, there are clear indications of massive infrastructure being built that would, before Duterte steps down, drastically reduce traffic in EDSA, as well as in the expressways leading outside it. I am sure a component of the Build, Build, Build program just recently opened up to motorists would even make Drilon’s commute to his vacation house in the South a lot easier.

Hasn’t he heard of that?

Note how the other Liberal Party senators — the normally noisy Francis Pangilinan and Risa Hontiveros — have cleverly

not commented at all on Drilon’s claims.

On the other hand, the Liberal Party stalwart, its chairman, Robredo, in just a few days demonstrated how incompetent she is for the role that was given to her in the Inter-agency Committee on Anti-illegal Drugs (ICAD), whatever it really is. (Malacañang has not clarified how it could appoint a co-chair for the ICAD when the executive order that created it does not provide for such a position.)

Blabbering Instead of buckling down to work, which would rationally involve first studying what the illegal-drug problem really is and how to combat it — things on which she is as clueless as Drilon is on the infrastructure program — Robredo has been blabbering nonsense.

She said that the Philippine National Police’s Oplan Tokhang program should be stopped. This has been a practice of the police to visit drug suspects — pushers or users — to warn them and get them to surrender or just stop their illegal activities. But tokhang, on the whole, has been effective in clearing communities of the drug problem, as the drug suspects would realize they’ve been identified, and they mostly leave the area. The very term implies a peaceful approach really, as it is derived from the Visayan terms “toktok” (knock) and “hangyo” (plead).

The casualties do not occur

during tokhang operations but when the police are informed that drug suspects who ignored the tokhang warning so that the law enforcers undertake operations to arrest them.

What I find disgusting in Robredo’s recent actions is her statements that she would seek American help and front-paged again in the PDI was her talking to officials of U.S. law enforcement agencies.

She is in effect sending a message that we Filipinos can’t solve our drug problem that we need the might of the U.S. to help us.

Isn’t she aware that the U.S. has been powerless to help its closest neighbor, Mexico, in its war against illegal drugs? Indeed, only recently the Sinaloa drug cartel turned the city into a war zone to force the government to release the son of its founder the infamous “El Chapo” de Guzman who’s been convicted and thrown into a U.S. prison years ago.

Casualties And then the Commission on Human Rights, headed by Jose Gascon, Robredo’s partymate, probably thinking that she’s now the big boss at ICAD, is demanding detailed data on the casualties in the drug war. Have they ever demanded from the Communist Party that it disclose details of their killings?

The only thing going for the Yellow Cult is that they are firmly in control of three media outlets: the PDI and the Lopez-owned ABS-CBN, as well as Rappler in

The Yellow paper, of course, was so different.

which two Cory Aquino officials, Solita Monsod and Fulgencio Factoran Jr., sit as board members to watch over the Yellow investments.

I found it astonishing that PDI so starkly demonstrated that is still the mouthpiece of the Yellow Cult. It was the only newspaper that reported Drilon’s claim about the “dismal failure” of the Build, Build, Build program. Not only that, it put his canard as a screaming banner headline in unusually huge font. Other newspapers did not even have an in-

ManilaTimes.net photo

side story on Drilon’s fib.

Now that nobody believes his allegations, it would have been better for him and the opposition if the PDI had not been as eager to please its masters, and at the very least, just put Drilon’s allegations in its inside pages.

At the rate PDI has been trying to put down Duterte, reporting the Yellow leaders’ stupidities as screaming headlines in the foolish hope this would make people dislike Duterte, it is in fact pushing the Yellows to extinction.

(ManilaTimes.net)

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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A

Traditional Filipino games eyed vs diabetes

by Mayen JayMalin Philstar.com

MANILA — Health experts on Thursday, November 14, pushed for the return of “larong Pinoy” or traditional Filipino games to help control the high prevalence of diabetes in the country.

Grace delos Santos, president of Diabetes Philippines, said instead of giving children gadgets, parents should encourage kids to play larong Pinoy (Filipino games) outside their homes.

Delos Santos lamented that traditional games like tumbang preso, patintero, luksong baka and piko seem to have been forgotten with the advent of new technologies.

She proposed the return of CLIMATE JUSTICE. The Philippine Movement for Climate Justice holds a news conference to express their opposition to coal-fired power plants particularly those in Bataan and Toledo, Cebu.

ManilaTimes.net photo by John Orven Verdote traditional Filipino games to promote physical activity and healthy lifestyle among children to curb the rising prevalence of diabetes.

“We can see children, upon entering a restaurant or wherever, they look at their gadgets, there are no physical activities,” “The challenge of boostAn Analysis of the Loss of the by ian nicolas cigaral Delos Santos pointed out. ing farm productivity requires Labor in the Agriculture Sector Philstar.com Theresa Faller, president of smart policy responses. Without in the Philippines.”

MANILA — More young and Agricultural work was substi- these, most farming systems educated workers are leaving tuted for jobs that do not neces- will remain underdeveloped,” the Philippine agriculture sec- sarily pay high wages but offer a the country’s socioeconomic tor than entering and staying relatively stable income stream, planning agency said. in it in search of stable income non-wage benefits and better “One of the immediate meaand better working conditions, working conditions. sures is to address coordination a government study released on NEDA added that “internal failures between and among Friday, November 15, found. push factors” that drive workers government agencies, particuThe Philippine Statistics Au- out of agriculture include ris- larly those that implement cash thority reported that net em- ing production input costs (par- transfer schemes,” it added. ployment in the country’s ag- ticularly labor), low farm gate Agriculture production has riculture, hunting and forestry prices, land conversion, limited historically contributed about a sector, or AHF, has been de- access to credit and output mar- tenth to gross domestic product clining since 2010 as workers kets, poor management of ir- and accounted for a fourth of migrate to the industry and ser- rigation systems and changing employed persons. vices sectors.

Agriculture Secretary Wilagro-climatic conditions.

The agricultural employment Government investments in liam Dar has said he wants to loss was observed in 15 out of education and training along- grow the sector by 3%-4% in the 17 regions in the country, side cash transfers have also en- the next three years to achieve according to the National Eco- abled younger family members greater food security and break nomic and Development Au- to finish schooling and later ac- a long spell of weak growth that thority, which released the study quire better-paying jobs outside had been a drag on the econoentitled “Rural Labor Migration: of agriculture, NEDA also said. my. n

There is an exodus of workers in the agriculture sector, gov’t study finds

Misuari claims government asked him...

PAGE A7

glo tayo dito (I told Nur we have a truce). Sabi ni Nur (Nur said), he is willing to talk and he has waited this long for me to make a decisive decision when he comes back,” Duterte said in a February 26 speech during the 2019 General Assembly of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines in Manila.

“Sabi ko (I said), ‘time for us to craft a new deal for the MNLF of Misuari.’”

Senate President Tito Sotto, however, said Congress would not be coerced by Nur Misuari’s threat of war to overhaul the 1987 Constitution and approve a proposed shift to a federal government. “[D]oes he even know what

kind of federalism he wants?

Why are we going to jump into something because a citizen of the country says he wants this or that?” Sotto said in a March press conference.

“Hindi ganon kadali ‘yon eh.

Pinaga-aralan ‘yon eh (It’s not that simple. A change of that magnitude needs to be studied).” n

the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists-Philippine chapter, also cited the need for children to pick up sports activities.

“By providing them with these gadgets, we do not actually encourage them to go out.

But we have to encourage our children to engage in sports,” Faller noted.

“Sports environment should be a very important advocacy for our children,” Faller added.

Both doctors said that early intervention is vital for the country to address the problem of diabetes.

They said diabetes is a hereditary disease, but studies show that diabetes in the family can still be arrested.

“Once you know you have diabetic parents, it does not mean you are doomed to be diabetic in the future. It’s up to you, it is your choice,” Faller said.

Based on Philippine Society of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism (PSEDM) data, 7.8 percent of Filipinos are diabetic, while another 8.2 percent are considered to be at pre-diabetic stage.

“The data that we have for diabetes is really becoming dangerous. About 15-16 percent of our population are in the diabetes range,” PSEDM president Jeremy Robles said.

Recently, the country succeeded in setting a Guinness World Record for the Most Number of People Opening Umbrellas Simultaneously as nearly 3,500 people participated in the Diabetes Awareness campaign at Quezon City Memorial Circle.

Lions Club-Diabetes Awareness and Action Committee chair Rafael Encarnacion said a total of 3,347 people simultaneously opened their blue umbrellas during the morning event.

“It was a dream, it was not really a target (to reach 3,500).

As far as I’m concerned, we won because we were able to draw the attention to diabetes,” Encarnacion said.

The world record setting event showcased the global symbol for diabetes awareness and signified unity of the diabetes community to address the diabetes epidemic. n

A10 November 16-19, 2019 • LA WeeKeND ASIAN JoUrNAL

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‘One inmate dies each day in Bilibid’

by Ralph

VillanueVa Philstar.com

Manila — an average of one inmate in the new Bilibid Prison dies every day, according to the nBP’s hospital chief. “(it) is in critical condition… it is more than the universally accepted computation,” Henry Fabro told reporters on the sidelines of the asian and Pacific Conference on Prison Health in Makati City.

Fabro said the worldwide standard is at 0.2 percent of the population. inside Bilibid, the figure is at 0.5 percent, which is equivalent to one inmate dying every day.

He said this may be mainly attributed to the prison system’s poorly equipped hospital and an astonishingly low number of medical professionals. There are only 13 physicians attending to more than 47,000 prisoners, across seven penal colonies of the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor).

“The basic problem… i think would be the hospital, it is poorly equipped. That is why we are asking help from other agencies,” Fabro said. “imagine, we only have four doctors who are going around four shifts. in fact, we are going to talk to Secretary of Health (Francisco) Duque to ask for doctors…

Maybe, they could give us some,” he added.

Despite this, Fabro said there is no unusual increase in deaths.

Earlier, inmate deaths had been recorded inside the nBP. Some groups pointed at the demolition of illegal shanties inside the prison’s maximum security compound as a reason as well as dehydration.

Both were denied by the BuCor.

Fabro also said they are trying to erase the issue of “hospitalpass-for-sale” scheme from the minds of inmates.

He added that the BuCor has started to increase the outpatient consultations to 80 per day, from 10 to 20 per day implemented previously.

For jails of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology nationwide, the mortality rate stands at 300 to 800 per year starting 2015, according to BJMP medical officer Paul Borlongan.

“Compared (with the) international standard, it is not that far off. i am not saying it is acceptable… but we cannot deny that some are dying,” Borlongan said.

He added that the congestion of jails affects the health of the inmates, but the facilities are being improved “little by little.”

There are only 12 medical practitioners and two psychiatrists inside BJMP facilities, according to Borlongan.

The BJMP, he said, currently has some 1,200 medical staff in 478 facilities across the country.

The bureau, he added, is making sure that each jail should have at least one nurse on duty. “(Our) biggest challenge is addressing the health perspective, we want to maintain how to provide health services to (persons deprived of liberty) or to the inmates, equal or equitable like the community,” Borlongan said.

Call for probe in a related development, the BuCor welcomed the resolution filed by Sen. leila De lima calling for a probe on the supposed deaths of 29 inmates at the nBP. The detained senator filed Senate Resolution 208, urging a thorough investigation on the deaths of the inmates within a 17-day

Speaker should be elected...

PAGE A7 nakakausap na pinag-uusapan speakership, parating trabaho (I do not know of any congressman talking about the speakership, it’s always about work),” he said.

He said once in a while, some congressmen would express their support and hope that he would no longer be replaced as speaker.

“Once in a while merong papasyal sa office, ‘Speaker, sana hindi ka na mapalitan,’ but standard pa rin ‘yung answer ko, hindi kita kokontrahin pero tutukan natin ‘yung trabaho. Kasi argu-

ment pa doon (Once in a while, someone would come to my office, ‘Speaker, I hope you would not be replaced,’ but my answer is still the standard, I would not contradict, but focus on work.

Because that would still be an argument),” Cayetano said.

He added that a lot of things could happen during the remaining days of his speakership. “let’s just do our best in the 15 months. Paano kung si Congressman Velasco mismo ang nagsabi na ayaw niya na or paano kung before the 15 months sabihin

period last October.

The deaths, according to De lima, were “due to lack of basic necessities and proper medical treatment.” in an ambush interview with reporters, BuCor chief Director General Gerald Bantag lauded the senator’s effort.

“What the senator filed is (a) good (move), so we can know the truth,” Bantag said.

He added he wants to open the BuCor as much as possible to show they are not hiding anything.

Bantag confirmed that indeed, there are deaths among inmates that are old, although he was not able to confirm the figure.

He also admitted that there is much to be done on the situation of inmates inside the national penitentiary.

“There are a lot of sickly (inmates) inside. So we invited all agencies, non-government agencies there to help us, not just on their release but also on issues on health,” Bantag said.

Meanwhile, the BuCor chief also called for a faster review of the good conduct time allowance (GCTa) following the reported walkout of some 46 inmates at the iwahig Prison and Penal Farm in Palawan. a large number of the inmates remain at large.

Bantag said those who returned to the fold of the law after the pronouncement of President Duterte are still inside the jails. “i am asking other government agencies to help speed up the computation (of the GCTa). Because, if you look at it… there are a lot (of inmates),” he said.

Bantag, however, said there is no overcrowding in jails because the returnees are placed in designated areas. n

ALL IN A DAY’S WORK. Senators made this clear to Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Sec. Mark Villar (center) as they took turns in questioning the agency’s underspending this year during the plenary deliberations on the proposed 2020 national budget on Thursday, November 14. In photo are Sen. Nancy Binay (second from left), Senate President Pro-Tempore Ralph Recto, Sen. Sonny Angara, Minority Leader Franklin Drilon and Majority Leader Migz Zubiri.

Senate photo by Alex Nuevaespaña

Filipinos in Hong Kong wait out storm by leena

Chua ManilaTimes.net

EaCH time videos of violent street protests are shown on television, fear envelops Marites Castro, who has been working in Hong Kong for more than two years.

She does not worry about her safety because she has learned to avoid areas where rallies are held. But she fears that if the spiraling protests will worsen, she may lose her job or be forced to return to the Philippines. “i’m not sure if i can get a good paying job in Manila,” she told The Manila Times. “i’d rather stay here, kahit na magulo (despite the chaos).”

Despite the chaotic situation, many Filipinos working in Hong Kong are willing to ride the storm. To them, it is better to dig in and continue working than go home to an uncertain future.

Jessica ancheta, a domestic kong nagawa ko na ‘yung dapat helper, admitted that the street kong gawin? So, andaming pwe- protests have greatly affected her deng mangyari pero wala na- routine. mang nagsasabi na as of now na “My day off is no longer sulit hindi masusunod. ang sinasabi (worth it). Wala nang gala (I selko (What if Congressman Velasco dom go out anymore),” she said. himself would say that he doesn’t She added that on those rare want the post or before the 15 occasions when she and her months, I would say I have al- friends go out, they go home earready done what I need to do? ly for fear that the MTR, the city’s So, a lot of things could happen but no one is saying as of now that it would not happen. What I am saying is) from the start, let’s respect the call of the President,”

by JaVieR ismael ManilaTimes.net Cayetano said. n

fast and once reliable rail service, may shut down without notice.

Jessica narrated that some of her friends had to walk home when the MTR stopped its operations unannounced.

She said the notices provided by the Philippine consulate on the schedule of rallies and what areas to avoid were a big help. “lately however, rally schedules are not followed anymore.

Protesters just assemble even without approval from authorities,” she told The Times. “i’m afraid that the economy might drop and we will lose our jobs.”

But even if the protests have become more violent, ancheta is not thinking of going home.

Gabby alvarado, Sports editor of the Standard, admitted that the situation had turned for the worse.

“Chaotic talaga the past three days (It has been really chaotic).

More could happen tonight,” he said on Wednesday, november 13. alvarado, who considers Hong Kong his second home, continues to nurture the hope that things would settle down.

“Most businesses and some friends with businesses, apektado sila ng rallies. Take, for instance, ‘yung mga kainang Pinoy. Usually

kumikita sila ‘pag weekends, dayoff ang mga OFWs, maraming kumakain ng lunch hanggang dinner. But since rallies happen on weekends, after lunch, naguuwian na ‘yung karamihan dahil ayaw ma-stranded. Minsan naman ‘yung iba hindi na lumalabas ‘pag off kasi affected ang mobility nila (Businesses are really affected.

Even restaurants where Filipinos dine, they are affected. Usually they do good on weekends when OFWs have their dayoff. But since the rallies started, usually after lunch, Filipinos already go home because they fear being stranded),” he said. like ancheta and Castro, alvarado is hopeful that the situation will not lead to the mandatory evacuation of Filipinos in the former crown colony.

“So far, wala pa naman akong planong umuwi. Kahit sa Pilipinas, marami ding problema, di ba? Sa akin naman, everyday na nagtatrabaho at productive ka, it’s a blessing (I have no plans of going home. There are problems in the Philippines too, right? For me, each day that I can work and be productive is a blessing),” he said.

“Hopefully the worst is over.

But i can be wrong. Who knows?

One incident might trigger more violence and confrontations.” n

Binay wants more special education centers

SEn. Maria lourdes “nancy” Binay is pushing for the establishment of special education (SPED) centers for children with special needs.

Binay has filed Senate Bill (SB) 1150, an act incorporating a system of special education in all public and private elementary and secondary schools nationwide for children and youth with special needs. according to the Country Report by the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Department of Health, there are about 4,124,833 persons with disabilities in the Philippines.

Of these, 21 percent are children aged 0 to 19. But only around 7 percent of these children have access to educational opportunities.

Sen. Nancy Binay

PHilstar.com photo

according to Binay, the present educational system provides for limited SPED centers.

SB 1150 seeks to institutionalize an adequate and relevant educational program for children

and youth with special needs (CYSn) through the establishment of SPED Centers.

This will provide all CYSn the opportunity to be educated in the most enhancing environment consistent with the provision of quality education that best meet their needs.

The measure calls for the creation of a Bureau of Special Education (BSPED) to institutionalize and govern special education in the Philippines.

The full continuum of educational services shall also be made available by the BSPED to CYSn below school age through regular home visits, consultations, daycare activities and any media or programs.

BSPED shall function as a regular bureau of the Department of Education, under the direct supervision of the secretary of Education. n

Solutions to Metro Manila traffic ‘coming along’

by FRanCo luna Philstar.com

Manila — Solutions to heavy traffic in the nation’s capital are coming despite budgetary and logistical issues, a national Economic and Development authority official said on Wednesday, november 13.

Roderick Planta, nEDa assistant secretary for infrastructure Development, speaking at the Future Cities Forum 2019 organized by the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, said the scale of the “Build, Build, Build” program — the Duterte administration’s plan for a “golden age of infrastructure” — is a challenge. asked by Philstar.com what Manila’s commuters have to look forward to in the short term, Planta explained that “a bit of the challenge is how we are positioned to deliver, and the challenge of the bigger budget [and] coordinating our infra team.” “if you want to move it faster, you’d have to [take on] additional costs,” he added. “So kumbaga, it will get worse before it gets better, yun talaga. This is where we are, and the solutions are just coming along.”

Limited infrastructure, limited government capacity Planta pointed to the country’s population density outpacing the government’s capacity to provide services, and the limited infrastructure in Metro Manila as the main culprits behind congestion.

However, he said the government is working to raise capac-

ity through, for example, the Department of Public Works and Highways hiring more engineers. “[i]f you compare the magnitude of the infra being done right now compared to previous administrations, obviously, the same number of people is doing more work right now, so obviously that strains the capacity,” he said.

“There is also the aspect of implementing that [and] it should be done on the proper timing. The phase of reform could be hastened.”

Planta also added the challenge for nEDa has been maintaining continuity in the projects, pointing out that “toplevel officials come and go, but the technocrats provide continuity.” asked if passenger and motorist behavior could be shaped by the infrastructure, Planta said, “it’s a series of events. What’s important is the continuity and inclusivity of programs.” among the listed infrastructure priorities he outlined under the roadmap were road transport, mass transit networks, and traffic management and intelligent transport sudden, investment funding, sector governance, preparatory studies and new town development.

A worsening crisis angeline Tham, CEO of motorcycle taxi service angkas, spoke about the links between enhanced mobility and commuters’ quality of life.

“There is a consensus of what defines Metro Manila that

everyone agrees on: traffic and congestion. it takes an average of five minutes to drive one kilometer,” she said. “There’s a traffic epidemic that plagues us here. it affects our choices, freedom, and mental health.

What about the regular commuter and his options?”

Progressive groups in early October labelled the traffic situation a mass transportation crisis after lRT-1, lRT-2 and MRT-3 all experienced technical difficulties in the same week.

Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo responded by saying that the situation only involved a certain degree of traffic. He suggested commuters simply leave their homes earlier if they wanted to reach their destinations on time, something that many commuters have already been doing.

The MMDa has advised the public to expect heavier traffic in the coming days due to the nearing Christmas season and the upcoming SEa Games.

Sen. Franklin Drilon on Tuesday called the “Build, Build, Build” program a “dismal failure” because only nine out of the 75 flagship infrastructure projects under it have began construction.

Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said this criticism was “baseless” but did not dispute Drilon’s figures.

Presidential flagship project adviser Vince Dizon said at an economic briefing on Wednesday that 35 of 100 projects on the government’s list are ongoing construction. n

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A12 November 16-19, 2019 • LA WeeKeND ASIAN JoUrNAL

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SHOWBIZ&STYLE

B

Journal Capturing the diverse realities of the Ethel reveals she’s six months pregnant

Asian and Pacific Islander community through authentic cinematic story-telling

By Krissy

AguilAr

Inquirer.net

COMEDIENNE Ethel Booba turned emotional on Friday, November 15, in noontime variety show “It’s Showtime” as she announced being six months pregnant.

After winning the show’s segment “Tawag ng Tanghag i rls, wh ich feat u res a g i rl to Los Angeles and are settling

By KlArize MedenillA lan,” Ethel called for a double into their new lives in a country wearing butterfly clips in her AJPress distant in geography and cul- celebration when she shared the hair. good news.

I N t he autobio g r aph ic a l The year is 1997 when the ture from their motherland.

“Double celebration, double short film “Jiejie” (Chinese for United States is in the throes Studying the magazine cov“older sister”) by Taiwanese of one of the largest influxes er, Fen recreates the look with congratulations to me,” a teary filmmaker Feng-I Fiona Roan, of Asian immigration. Fen, her her own fashionable butterfly Ethel said. “Ito na nga, six a 7-year-old girl named Fen younger sister A nn (Harmo- hair clips. Like many younger months na.”

Host of the show and co(Eva Du) looks at a cover of an nie He) and their mother Lily sisters, Ann copies everything median Vice Ganda embraced American magazine for teen (Leann Lei) have just migrated PAGE B2

API cinema paves its own road at HBO’s APA Visionaries program

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Here, well-respected builders ensure that new homes meet every expectation for quality and craftsmanship for the new home you have always wanted.

But, for affordability, search from San Diego to Los Angeles and you’ll see that this masterplanned community stands out

from the rest, bringing hopes of homeownership from someday to today.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or ready to retire, your ideal home is waiting for you at The Preserve at Chino. Renowned builders CalAtlantic Homes – A Lennar Company, PAGE B2

Ethel and gushed, “She’s six months pregnant!”

In a previous television interview, the comedienne admitted being happily in love with non-showbiz boyfriend Jessie Salazar.

When asked if she is ready to settle down with Salazar, Ethel said: “Oo, siya na talaga. Ready na nga ako e.” (It’s really him. I’m now ready.)

The couple has reportedly been togethEthel Booba er since 2017.

Photo from Instagram/@ethelbooba

B November 16-19, 2019 • LA WeeKeND ASIAN JoUrNAL

EntErtainmEnt

Capturing the diverse realities of the...

PAGE B1 Fen does, much to the elder sister’s chag r i n. T hey f ight over said butterfly clips in an argument that ends with Ann purposefully breaking one of the butterfly clips.

The film follows the family, showcasing t he minut iae of a t y pical Sunday after noon, but through these seemingly mundane situations – going to church, shopping for shampoo and sibling arguments and the parental scolding that follows – there is a deeper impetus.

Although the film is only 14 minutes long, it captures the nuances of an identity crisis familiar to many young immigrants: the internal conflict of Eastern customs vs. Western sensibilities, reconciling the feel ing of cultural isolat ion and the desire to fit in, and how both those ideas fit in within the unique dynamic between sisters.

“I thought I was ashamed of my younger sister, but really, I was ashamed of being an immigrant,” Roan, 29, said of her personal motivations to create this film and share this story.

“Jiejie” was one of the finalists in the 2018 showcase of HBO Asian Pacific American (APA) Visionaries, a short film compet it ion hosted by HBO that gives filmmakers of Asian and Pacific Islander descent a unique opportunity to exhibit their work and, more importantly, share stories of the APA experience that have yet to be told on screen.

To celebrate the program’s four-year anniversar y, HBO hosted a Shor t Fi l m Showcase at t he R ideback Ranch in Historic Filipinotown last Tuesday, November 5 where t h ree awa r d-w i n n i ng f i l ms were screened: the aforementioned film “Jiejie,” “Monday” f rom Viet na mese-A mer ica n f i l m m a ker D i n h T h a i , a nd “Ha lwa” f rom I nd ia n-Pa namanian-American filmmaker Nirav Bhakta. (All three films are currently available on HBO and its streaming services.)

“Monday” – which won first place at t he 2017 HBO A PA Visiona r ies showcase – follows a young Asian American hustler who makes ends meet by delivering drugs and other m i scel la neous pa r apher nalia to different communities within LA. “Halwa” is a short

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The ‘joy’ in Joshua’s life

and his admission of romantic feelings for Jane Oineza — Garcia was the average housemate WHEN Joshua Garcia first and cou ld have easi ly been joined show business via reality forgotten following his stint in TV show “Pinoy Big Brother: All the show.

Nevertheless, ABS-CBN saw In” in 2014, not a lot of people saw him as celebrity material, potential in the budding celebmuch more t he sought-after rity and gave him a break in the afternoon TV series “Nasaan Ka young actor that he is today.

Only 16 years old at that time, Nang Kailangan Kita” which Garcia was thought to be a non- aired in 2015. The same year, contender in the competition he landed a supporting role in and was often seen lazing inside the Star Cinema movie “You’re the famed Pinoy Big Brother Still The One.” Moreover, the following year house. In fact, in some episodes he was punished for sleeping proved even bigger for Garcia past wake-up call and in the seeing his acting skills in full swing with an important supmiddle of the day.

P r e d ic t a b l y, G a r c i a w a s porting role in “Barcelona: A evicted towards the end of the Love Untold” starring top love show and failed to snag a spot team Kathr yn Bernardo and in the grand finals. And save Daniel Padilla; his major role in for a few intrigues — his close the hit drama series “The Great- The 22-year-old actor is ever grateful for his career’s growth. relationship with Loisa Andalio PAGE B4

Photo from Instagram/@garciajoshuae

By Christina

alpad ManilaTimes.net

The preserve at Chino delivers a...

drama that won first place in the 2019 HBO APA Visionaries that explores the desires and dreams deferred by an Indian housewife and mother.

In the last few years, major Hollywood studies have heeded that call for diverse representation by giving the spotlight to films and filmmakers from an array of backgrounds, and what was once a niche talking point among minority communities is now a mainstream effort to vary the output of talent and the narratives told on screen.

In regard to the Asian and Pacific American community, many point to the 2018 film “Cra z y R ich A sians” as t he mainstream breakthrough for Asian A merican cinema. Directed by seasoned filmmaker Jon M. Chu and based on the successful book series by Kevin Kwa n, “Cra z y R ich A sia ns” is on track to be the most financially successful romantic comedy of the decade.

Soon after, not only did the call for API representation in

Hollywood amplify but so did the urge to showcase the diversity within the API community.

Though the three films showcased by HBO last week al l fall under the umbrella of API cinema, each film represented tonally different lived experiences from three vastly different cultural upbringings.

The success of “Crazy Rich A si a n s” paved t he way for t he successes of A PI f i l m s that came out this year, like Lulu Wang’s “The Farewell,” Nanatchka Kahn’s “Always Be My Maybe” and Diane Paragas’ “Yel low Rose,” sig na l i ng a seismic turn toward other API f i lmmakers. T he emergence of t hese f ilms, t he personal and authentic nature of each of them, also pointed to the unearthed trove of API stories yet to be unpacked.

Hol ly wood ’s sh i f t towa rd API filmmakers and API stories shows no signs of slowing down, but, as each of the filmmakers at the HBO showcase PAGE B3

Be Thankful for Cranberry Bread Pudding

By Grace O

Looking for a perfect dessert for Thanksgiving or the holidays, or anytime? Try my delicious Cranberry Bread Pudding. Cranberries don’t grow in the subtropical climate of Southeast Asia, so when my mother and I wanted to make this dessert, we had to use a local red-colored berry as a substitute.

I like this recipe better with cranberries, which are high in antioxidants and vitamin C. They even have a bit of resveratrol in them—the heart-friendly nutrient found in red wine. Cranberries also rank very high on the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) scale.

Use my Cranberry Compote on the bottom layer (it becomes the top layer when you turn out the dessert). The Compote will keep for many days in the refrigerator and can also be used on its own as an accompaniment for poultry.

To serve this dessert cold, place the pudding in the refrigerator overnight before turning upside down.

Cranberry Bread Pudding Serves 6-8

Ingredients 2 large beaten eggs 3 cups cubed whole-wheat bread 1 can (12 oz.) fat-free evaporated milk ¼ cup melted Smart Balance 50/50 Butter Blend ¼ cup Why Low Gold brown sugar substitute ¼ cup chopped walnuts ¼ cup dried cranberries ½ tsp. lemon zest 1 recipe Cranberry Compote (below) Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees 2. In a bowl, combine the eggs, the cubed bread, and the milk. Mix well and soak for 10 minutes

Cranberry Compote YIELDS about 4 cups

Ingredients 1 cup jasmine rice

3. Fold in the melted butter substitute, sugar substitute, walnuts, cranberries, and lemon zest.

1/2 cup water

4. Grease the sides of a loaf pan and spoon 1 cup of Cranberry Compote into the pan. Spoon the bread mixture over the compote.

sugar substitute

5. Cover the pan with aluminum foil and place it in a larger roasting pan halfway with water. Bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes.

6. Remove the foil and bake until top is golden brown and center is set, about 15 minutes.

7. Remove from oven and let cool for about 15 minutes.

Turn the pudding out onto a serving platter for slicing. The compote will be on top, glistening and warm.

1 Whey Low Gold brown 1 cup fresh cranberries Instructions

1. Boil the water and sugar substitute in a large nonreactive saucepan, such as copper or enamel-coated cast iron, for about 5 minutes.

2. Add the cranberries and boil until most of the cranberries have softened and the sauce is thick, about 25 minutes.

3. Cool and refrigerate.

ABOUT GRACE O

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

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

PAGE B1 Lennar, Richmond American Homes and TRI Pointe Homes craft their homes with exceptional quality, with options for every lifestyle. Ranging from approximately 1,229 to 2,640 square feet with up to six bedrooms and four-and-onehalf baths, these homes can accommodate even the largest of families. Priced starting in the $300,000s, these homes are an exceptional deal, making homeownership attainable for all.

In the center of the community, The Parkhouse at The Preserve at Chino brings neighbors together in an impressive resident-only clubhouse. Whether you’re trying to stay active in the fitness center or getting a little work done in a quieter spot at the business center, The Parkhouse supports all your goals and ambitions. Game rooms and an intimate movie theater will help you relax and unwind. A wonderful location for any event, the multipurpose room has a welcoming feel and features a connected on-site catering kitchen. Lighted tennis courts, a junior Olympic swimming pool, spa and playgrounds make the outdoors at The Parkhouse just as inviting. In addition, The Parkhouse library is a great place for students from

the award-winning Cal Aero Preserve Academy across the street to finish homework and study before walking home.

Residents will also have access to the agrarian-themed Gardenhouse Recreation Center, where get-togethers happen organically. Community gardens connect residents back to the land, while indoor-outdoor kitchen and dining spaces take farm-to-table entertaining to new heights. Whether you’d rather go for a swim in the junior Olympic pool or lounge on the deck, afternoons in the sun will leave you feeling refreshed and re-energized. The Gardenhouse Recreation Center is all about relaxation that’s in harmony with nature.

With a home at The Preserve at Chino, days always turn towards new adventures. Just moments away, explore The Shoppes at Chino Hills to find hidden treasures in the shops or a new favorite meal in one of the restaurants. Or take a short drive for new experiences at Chino Spectrum Marketplace, Chino Spectrum Towne Center, Eastvale Gateway, Victoria Gardens, Ontario Mills or the famous Fairplex. This exciting location makes it easy to head up to the local mountains, find your spot on the beaches of Los Angeles and Orange counties

or tour all the world-famous Southern California entertainment hotspots. From days spent at theme parks to afternoons at prestigious gardens and museums, you’ll find you’re at the center of it all.

Connect with nature and your neighbors in more than 33 scenic acres dedicated to parks, playgrounds, lawns and gardens at The Preserve at Chino. Larger parks are home to team sports, picnics, group events and more, while smaller parks spread throughout the neighborhoods for outdoor play closer to home. All year round, these colorful outdoor spaces become an extension of the backyard and bring the community to life.

Please call (877) 417-9623 or visit ThePreserveAtChino.com for more information.

The Preserve at Chino is a development by Lewis Community Developers, a member of the Lewis Group of Companies.

The Lewis Group of Companies has successfully developed more than 55,000 residences, 10,000 apartments and over 14 million square feet of retail, office and industrial space.

Founded in 1955, the company is one of the nation’s largest privately held real estate organizations.

(Advertising Supplement)

Features

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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).

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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).

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Capturing the diverse realities of the...

PAGE B3 emphasized, that shift needs to be in the hands of the API community to avoid painting the community with a broad brush, as it historically has been by non-API filmmakers.

“We can only do so much sitting in a corner at Starbucks

to keep wr iting and wr iting and pushing out content, but we need collaboration,” Bhakta shared during a Q&A portion of last week’s showcase. “Even if we, specifically, aren’t your collaborators, [we need you to] help lift up our voices. We’re of ten sidel i ned , espec i a l ly

Sout h and Sout heast Asians right now. The diaspora voices are so often sidelined, even to the behemoth of Bollywood in Indian cinema.”

“I only speak when I have something to say, and I have so much more to say,” Bhakta added.

Pilgrimage to Central Europe

by Emil

PErito

ONE of the many tour packages organized by Air Plus Travel is the recently concluded trip to Central Europe. Led by no less than the owner and manager Emil Perito, a group of 16 people — considered small group — left Los Angeles for Austria on September 26, 2019.

Although it is not customary to accompany each and every tour, the owner wants to make sure he is on top of what is going on in order to ensure best customer service to its customers. What made this tour special is the fact that there are only a few participants and all, except one, are Filipinos. Air Plus Travel is 100 percent Filipino-owned.

Our first stop was the beautiful and picturesque Vienna. Upon arrival, we were met by our tour guide named Jan “Chris” Malinicki, a Polish national who speaks fluent English and French. He was calm, soft-spoken and patient. A former college professor who became a tour guide out

of his love for travel, he was very knowledgeable about the places, culture, and history of the region.

We arrived in Vienna past 12 noon the following day. After clearing the immigration and claiming our luggage, we were met by our tour guide and went straight to board our waiting motor coach for our first stop at the Heiligenkreuz Abbey.

The second oldest Cistercian monastery in the world as well as the oldest continuously active and inhabited one is nestled in the Vienna woods where the European armies, headed by Polish King Jan Sobieski III, stopped the Ottoman advance into Europe and achieved victory over the Ottomans through the intercession of Our Lady of Victories.

As a result, at present, the Catholic World celebrates the feast of “Our Lady of Victories.”

It is annually visited by over 120,000 tourists from all over the world.

During our visit, our local tour

guide, a seminarian showed us around. As we walked, we could only admire the architecture of one of the most beautiful medieval monasteries in the world and relish its calm atmosphere.

Among the sights we saw were the Romanesque nave and facade, the Gothic cloister, and the neo-Gothic high altar. We also admired the Baroque paintings that the monastery houses.

The Cistercian monks here have a medieval ritual where they gather several times a day to praise God by singing a Gregorian chant and we had the opportunity to witness that as part of our tour.

Afterwards, we headed to Bratislava, Slovakia for dinner and overnight at our hotel.

Established in 1995, Air Plus Travel specializes in religious travel. We have our next Central Europe Tour in July 27-August 6, 2020. For more information, please contact Air Plus Travel at (562) 863-0624. Or visit www. airplustravel.net.

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B4 NOVEMBER 16-19, 2019 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

The ‘joy’ in...

PAGE B2 est Love” with Sylvia Sanchez in the lead; and his fi rst major movie starrer, “Vince and Kath and James” opposite his would be on- and off-screen partner Julia Barretto.

Since then, Garcia has been regarded as a bankable actor, even labeled “t he next John Lloyd Cruz” at one point, and amassing a huge following. As a result, brands sought him for product endorsements render-

ing him a certified celebrity.

Always grateful One of the fi rst brands to sign Garcia up was giant fast food chain Jollibee to whom he is grateful to this day.

“Isa siya sa mga naging unang endorsements ko kaya sobrang happy ko nung unang binalita nila sa akin na magiging parte ako ng Jollibee. Bihira yun, big endorsement yun eh,” Garcia humbly noted at the sidelines of Jollibee Katipunan’s branch

FEATURES

reopening.

The actor also recalled his f i r st com mer c i a l wh ic h he shared with former girlfriend Barretto.

“Nag star t siya f i rst w it h Yum Burger [Jollibee’s burger variant] with Julia, yun yung ast ronaut pa kami kunwari.

Ang saya ko hanggang ngayon nagtuloy-tuloy [yung partnership] tapos binigyan pa nila ako ng [new product to endorse in] Jolly Hotdog” he said with a smile.

Fans noticed however that Garcia is no longer partnered with Barretto in this new endorsement in the same way that neither are cast across each other anymore, whether on TV or the movies, since going public with their breakup.

But the reality is no longer an issue for the ever grateful Garcia.

“Okay lang naman, ang saya kaya mag isa,” he jested.

Tur ning more ser ious, he noted, “Wala namang difference, it’s the same pa rin naman because Jollibee caters to families and children. Okay lang naman kung solo ka or may partner ka, hindi naman importante yun.”

Bright days ahead Instead of wallowing over what’s been lost, the 22-yearold chooses to be positive especially with bright days ahead in his career.

The upcoming “Block Z” is one, which is said to be poised as an award-winning and ambitious zombie movie from director Mikhail Red. He is also busy playing the role of Elias in the toprating prime time series “The Killer Bride” with Maja Salvador, and is very grateful for the public’s support.

“Season 2 na rin kami and t hank ful kami sa patuloy na pagsuporta ng tao. Kasi kahit sa social media, hindi rin kami binibitawan ng supporters namin, talagang pinapa-trend nila kaya sobrang thank you.”

He specially praised the fans’ dedicat ion to promote t heir show, noting, “Ang hassle kaya mag tweet nang mag tweet [in the social network site Twitter] pero sila ang sipag nila talaga.”

To reciprocate their unwavering support, Garcia, promised his fans, “May malaki kayong aabangan sa character ko kasi kung hindi dahil sa character ko hindi din mangyayari lahat ng iyon sa show.”

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The conquest of Kilimanjaro

MOONLIGHTING

by MYLAH DE

LEON

ROMEO Balboa’s photos are unrelated to stories that make an antidote to the unhappy news of the day. He sets as an example to the rest of his colleagues just to simply enjoy the fun of pictures: taking what recaptures the fun of photography and the enthusiasm that led one to become photographers to begin with.

Here is Romeo’s first person account, as narrated when I interviewed him last Friday, November 8: “My adventures in trekking started way back in 2014 when I was invited by a good friend from Oregon to join his mountain exploration in Africa. We planned to go to Mt. Kilimanjaro, one of Africa’s tallest peak, and also the world’s tallest free-standing mountain.

The summit, named Uhuru Point, is 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level. While most high mountains are part of ranges, such as Mount Everest’s Himalayan Mountain Range, free-standing mountains like Kilimanjaro are usually a result of volcanic activity.

“It was on October 2014 when I started my first journey to Africa; a 21-hour flight from Los Angeles to Amsterdam then finally to Tanzania, Africa. It was very exciting and I was ready to embrace the adventure and challenges that I will encounter on this journey to the peak of Kilimanjaro.

“From the base camp we took the Lemosho route, a trail that offers remote and spectacular, dramatic gorges and views of west Kilimanjaro. The weather was cold, we encountered some rain. As we were about to reached our destination, we have to adapt to the change in the altitude and temperature.

“After seven days we reached the Uhuru Point, we started 9 in the group but only 8 of us reached the summit. We spent an hour in Uhuru Point, I took pictures and enjoyed the 360-degree view of the mountain, I was blown away by the vast view and beauty of the nature.

It took us another two days to go back to our based camp, enjoying the feast for our eyes.

“On April 2018, I plunged in to another trekking adventure at Everest Base camp, the travel time is 22 hours from Los Angeles to China then Kathmandu, Nepal, landing on Lukla, the deadliest airport in the world. As known to everyone Mt. Everest is earth’s highest mountain above sea level, located in the Mahalangur Hi-

Romeo Balboa plants the Philippines flag on Mt Kilimanjaro

The group on top of Mt Kilimanjaro

mal sub-range of the Himalayas, this has an elevation of 8,848 m (29,029 ft). We spent 9 days going to Everest base camp. It was seven days ascending to the peak of Everest and 2 days going down. The continuing period of altitude going on the Everest Camp base is incessantly hard. Reaching the peak of Everest is inspiring, the trek is in the heart of the most mountainous part of the Himalayas.

“But the most recent travel and trekking adventure I had was last October 2019. I went back to Mt. Kilimanjaro. This time we took and explored another trail, the Rongai route. This route approaching the northern part of Kilimanjaro, offers true wilderness experience, for me it was the toughest summit night from the North. We reached the Uhuru point in 3 days despite losing the trails because of the heavy snow, the trail was difficult even for our trek guide, but we walked continuously, as our guide pushed us to the limits to conquer the trail. When we landed on the peak of Mt. Kilimanjaro, I wore my barong (Filipino traditional costume) and waved our flag, indeed it was sweeter this time, because I showed that I am one proud Filipino, who achieved climbing the highest mountain in Africa twice.

“Going back to the ground base took us two days not withstanding perils.

“Every mountain that I climbed is uniquely challenging, a wonderful quest. Behind a sense of fulfillment is hard work, impos-

Interviewed him when he won the Best Traveler Photographer award when he conquered Mt Everest.

sible to go into the battles without determined preparation, in order to succeed. Before going to my trek adventures, I underwent training and physical conditioning for almost two-three months, I have to adapt my body and mostly strengthen my lungs in order to acclimate. I walked six miles to work then another 6 miles going back home.

“I spent my weekends climbing Mt. Valley in Saint Gabriel, Los Angeles this has an elevation of 10,064 ft. (3,068 m) and the peak is Mount San Antonio. I had all the immunizations required each time before going to Africa and Nepal; prepared all the necessary gears needed! It is never cheap to climb mountains as you have to prepare an amount for the flight, support crew and accommodation.

“When trekking, all trails are not easy, ascending to a mountain is difficult as you have to acclimate, go on different slopes to reach the peak. We listened intently to our African guide ‘Pole! Pole!’ or ‘Walk slow! Slow!’ was our mantra. The sum of those little steps has put me in a sense of victory ascending the top of the world.

“My love for travel and hobby of walking has brought me to various conquests!

“Each exploration gave me an inspiration and determination to go on, unlocking milestones and see the beauty of the world!” *As told to the (Moonlighter) columnist. *** E-mail Mylah at moonlightingmdl@aol.com.

Part II: Tradition, fear and spirits Life Coaching in a Different Perspective STARGAZER WHEN our dearly departed loved ones come and visit us what do we do? We must be attentive to what they are trying to convey.

There must be a message that we have to be OPEN in order to UNDERSTAND. And to be open means to dissolve FEAR and replace it with LOVE. With LOVE, we will COMMUNICATE. Will everyone be able to experience a spirit? Yes. Usually people can feel other spirit presence.

Some may feel their hair raising behind the neck or their head “swelling” or seemingly grow big.

Sometimes they feel something brush against their skin sans the wind. Or they can feel a presence with them when they are alone in a room. These are the “unseen,” making themselves felt by you.

Other people experience “seeing” with their peripheral vision.

This is one way of seeing a spirit whether by accident or not. As you walk inside a room, you may catch through your peripherals a presence standing in a corner or sitting on a chair. When you turn your head and do a direct look, it will not be there at all.

Spirits also communicate while you are half asleep or half awake.

This is the Alpha state/level of consciousness. This level of consciousness enables a dearly departed loved one communicate since you are in the middle of two consciousness. Pay attention to dreams. Better yet keep a dream log beside you so dreams or certain dream symbolisms may be jotted down. This is the best way to remember what the spirit may show or convey in a dream ar alpha state.

You may also light a blessed candle, shield yourself with the white light of protection and pray.

In your mind, ask the dearly departed their message. Send them

love and understanding.

Be attentive to movement or signs they give. A simple movement of an object may also signify a message of some sort. An open book exposing a specific message can sometimes be possible.

Nightmares also happen in this level of consciousness. Most of us have already dreamt of a creature, ugly spirit or someone chasing us in “dreams”. These may probably be a spirit encounter in the alpha state of consciousness.

Now why do the dearly departed communicate or manifest their presence to you? They do this for a lot of reasons.

First, UNFINISHED BUSINESSES. The human spirit concerned may have been working on a project and his untimely death left it hanging. Since he is so much involved with it, his demise had left a void in the middle of everything.

The spirit becomes restless and would like to go back ang finish the job. I have heard of stories of spirits returning to their workplace and appear to be doing some writing or deskwork. Some spirits go back to factories and operate machineries. Some deceased hospital workers still walk the halls of wards and inspect their patients.

Dead doctors still in white gowns are still seen doing the rounds of the hospitals in the wee hours of the morning. They simply seem to be continuing what they used to do while still alive.

Another reason is that SOME SPIRITS DO NOT KNOW THEY ARE ALREADY DEAD. There are a lot of accident prone places that report a lot of hauntings in the wee hours of the morning.

These places become a magnet for accidents because of spirits that continuously come back to the place as if in search for something.

A dangerous curb may be the site for several car accidents that happened anytime time of the day.

Now why do spirits come back to these places? Their last memory was the accident itself. So they keep on coming back to where their last breath or waking memory was. Likewise, a lot of spirits are seen in hospitals where they died in. Watch the Sixth Sense of Bruce

Willis and get the drift.

Some spirits are disturbed because of TOO MUCH EMOTION that holds them back. A family fighting for inheritance, sibling rivalry, and other deep unseated emotions that causes discord among loved ones definitely disturb the one who had passed away. Unless the spirit himself is nonchalant of the emotions while he was alive, he would always look back to what is happening amongst family members or friends. They still have attachment to this earthly world until they have totally crossed over.

Whether the spirit could not move on or those living would not let go. Either or, it simply keeps a spirit “stuck” in this physical dimension, causing his frequent manifestations. The spirit could not transcend therefore causing the frequent sighting of his presence. These are just some of the reasons why human spirits still linger and felt by many.

Now for the NO answer. Not all spirits that manifest are those of our loved ones.

A lot of spirits are lurking around and t is also possible that they immitate our dearly departed loved ones. This becomes a different story then. They will appear to be our deceased grandpa, grandma, father, mother, uncle, aunt, sister, brother, cousin or other relatives or close friends.

These spirits that imitate familiar loved ones who had passed away want to catch your attention. They either lure you to dark places or influence you to do something else. These spirits are mischievous entities or evil. And they can cause harm.

Now there are also spirits that imitate those who are still alive.

These are called DOPPLEGANGERS. Dopplegangers are spirits that pretend to be someone else or they assume your likeness and appear to other people. For some this is an omen or impending danger to the one being imitated. It is best to seek the help of spiritual people or experts once this is seen.

We also have nature spirits or elementals that interact with us.

PAGE B5

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Inspirare Vocal Ensemble performs on Nov 16 The SATB choir sings choral pop and inspirational songs in Pasadena

THE Inspirare Vocal Ensemble will be performing a two-part a cappella concert at St. James’ Episcopal Church in Pasadena, California on November 16, 2019.

Choir buffs and pop music lovers alike are bound to recognize a song or two in the repertoire. The SATB chamber vocal group will sing sacred and popular music in known and fresh arrangements by renowned composers such as John Rutter, and Filipino American Nilo Alcala, as well as in-house arrangements and original compositions.

The ensemble came to be in 2011, when a disparate group of migrants, Filipinos save for one Japanese friend, met in the United States. Rekindling their shared love for choral singing, the Inspirare Vocal Ensemble has since grown into a full-fledged choir. It has performed in various cities in Southern California and neighboring states. The choir actively participates in church and community activities, outreach ministry, school programs, music festivals, and even simple home or facility visits.

The Inspirare Vocal Ensemble shone at the first ever Los Angeles International Choir Festival at the Colburn School of Music last August 24, 2019.

Inspirare has appeared in productions of Philippine Patron of the Arts and Music Arts Events, performing with the Ryan Cayabyab Singers (RCS), Geneva Cruz of Smokey Mountain, Odette Quesada, Louie Reyes, Annie Nepomuceno, Miguel Vera and Mon David at the John Wayne Performing Arts Center in Glendale last April 2019. In 2014, Inspirare was one of the main acts at the Ford Amphitheatre in “All Together Now: Celebrate in Song” alongside known Filipino American artists Sal Malaki, Edward Granadosin, Maria Cristina “Kit” Navarro and Erwin Andaya in this international reunion of the world-renowned Madrigal singers, musically directed by Ed Nepomuceno.

Filipino stars, Pedro Fernandez coming to Chumash Casino Resort

Each member comes from different backgrounds: ranging from humble members of local church choirs to rigorous members of internationally acclaimed choral groups, such as the AUP Ambassadors and the Philippine Madrigal Singers.

At present, the members are more than just singers; they are choir directors, teachers, medical professionals, students, and parents. In the choir, married couples sing together as cohorts in song while other members’ spouses and young children faithfully support the choir from the sidelines. Where most choirs have a designated venue for weekly practice, the Inspirare Vocal Ensemble finds itself holding practices enthusiastically wherever open doors welcome them: local churches, function halls, school prac-

tice rooms, a family’s humble abode, etc.

Tickets for the concert are available for purchase at eventbrite.com at $15. For in-person purchases or any other inquiries, email inspirareofficial@yahoo.com. This event is proudly sponsored by Asian Journal Publications, Bright Smile Dental, Remita Health, Concordia Health Care Provider Inc., Pristine Hospice, and the Valley Medical Coding Institute.

To learn more about Inspirare and how to contact the choir for appointments, visit inspirarevocalensemble.org.

The Inspirare Vocal Ensemble can also be found on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, and is available for listening on iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, and the like.

SANTA YNEZ, CA – November 13, 2019 – The Chumash Casino Resort has announced that popular Filipino entertainers Ian Veneracion and Jona will join forces for a performance, and Latin Grammy Award winner Pedro Fernández will also take the stage in two Samala Showroom events in January. Tickets for these events will go on sale at 10 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 18.

Veneracion, who started as a child actor before growing into an action film star and heartthrob concert performer, will perform his hits along with six-time Awit Award winner Jona on Friday, Jan. 24, 2020. Jona, who was born Jonalyn Viray and has become a popular songstress in her home country, was the first grand

champion crowned on the Philippines’ “Pinoy Pop Superstar” TV show. Tickets for the concert are $49, $54, $59, $64 and $69.

Fernández, who also launched his career as a child actor before becoming a cherished ranchera and mariachi singer throughout Mexico, brings his North American tour to the Chumash Casino Resort at 8 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 31, 2020. Tickets for the event are $69, $79, $89, $99 and $109.

Tickets for all events are available at The CLUB at Chumash or online at www.chumashcasino. com.

Located on Highway 246 in Santa Ynez, California, the Chumash Casino Resort is an age 21-and-older venue.

(Advertising Supplement)

Part II: Tradition, fear and spirits...

PAGE B4 They are believed to be living in forests or habitated the land before we built our homes. They also make their presence felt by moving objects and making sounds.

Dwarves, fairies, elves, tinkerbells or to the Filipino are called dwendes, tikbalangs, kapres etc have their own world too. We will delve on these some other time.

There are other unseen spirits like mischievous spirits that lean toward negativity. These spirits move amongst us everyday. They influence our decisions and actions. They influence us to be more violent or lazy. They make us more greedy and dishonest. They (Advertising Supplement) influence us to commit crimes. Of

course we do not discount mental disorders and psychological conditions but spirit influence is also true and existing.

But before we always conclude or assume it is a spirit influence or experience, one has to be more discerning and not superstitious.

If one claims to see a spirit, seek professional help first and have a psychologist or psychiatrist assess if one is undergoing depression, anxiety or other psychological disorders. Or talk to a priest or pastor for spiritual support.

If none of the professional help works, maybe then the paranormal may try to help explain if anything unusual is truly happening.

In the next issue, I will give the

do’s and dont’s when faced with a spirit encounter.

* * * Stargazer is a life coach, aura reader, psychic/clairvoyant, and lecturer on the paranormal. She uses the aura, energies & vibrations as focal points of her psychic readings. Using several techniques involving the psychological, spiritual, paranormal and her own experience of the intricacies of life, Stargazer makes one get in touch with his inner and understand life in a positive manner.

Faith in God and belief in self is what Stargazer emphasizes on. Currently, Stargazer is a radio anchor of DZMM Teleradyo, the radio arm of ABS-CBN. Her show “Pinoy Vibes” has been airing every Sunday morning since Sept.

2007. She can be reached at stargazerphils@ gmail.com. For more information, please visit http://stargazer.ph/.

B November 16-19, 2019 • LA WeeKeND ASIAN JoUrNAL

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 16-19, 2019

COMMUNITY JOURNAL

Outstanding Men & Women of the Year (Philippines) awards honor trailblazers

One Global Academy JONATHAN OBOZA PETALVER

Catriona Gray

Gazini Ganados

Iza Calzado

Sharifa Akeel

Hidilyn Diaz

John Gandia

Dr. Mario Guiang Jr.

Neliza Nandwani

Nora Aunor

Reggie Panganiban

THE importance of having your Mission Statement 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 Mis-

The Prophetic Voice Atom Araullo

Derrick Monasteri

MANILA, Philippines – They are game-changers, rule breakers, and trailblazers.

The country’s “Outstanding Men and Women of the Year” for 2019 were feted at a glittery gala in late November in Teatrino (“the biggest little theatre” in the heart of Manila’s shopping haven, Greenhills).

This year’s batch of awardees was led by Isko Moreno who is admired by many because, just days into his first term, he has accomplished what his predecessors, despite their brutish ways, had not. For this, he inarguably deserves this accolade.

The “Outstanding Men and Women of the Year (Philippines)” program recognizes and honors the outstanding achievements of Filipinos in the industries and communities they inhabit.

“Each year, we select people

Wilbert Tolentino

Concon Sinel

who want to accomplish, who have compassion and a good heart, not just make a lot of money. They must have real value to society,” said Richard Hiñola, the chairman of the awards committee.

Meet this year’s “Outstanding Men and Women (Philippines): • Isko Moreno – Mayor of Manila • Catriona Gray – the reigning Miss Universe, the 4th from the Philippines • Dr. Mario Guiang Jr. – noted dentist and social media influencer • Nora Aunor and Iza Calzado – multi-awarded actresses • Concon Sinel – the creator & director of “Best of the Islands” world tour • Neliza Nandwani – Singaporean-Filipino philanthropist • Reggie Panganiban – owner

Richard Gomez and Lucy Torres

REVEREND RODEL G. BALAGTAS

“THAT’S too scary to think about,” one person would say, referring to this Sunday’s Gospel. “Yeah, no one wants to think about earthquakes, wars, famines, and plagues,” another person would say. “We’d rather think of good and happy things, instead of these disasters.”

The truth is, these things have happened or are occurring already. Just look at the global news, and you’ll see evidence of these happenings.

Besides natural disasters, there is also evidence of continuMayor Isko Moreno ing moral decay, such as the disof one of the leading hospices in regard for the dignity of human life, mass shootings, racism, San Francisco • Wilbert Tolentino – LGBTQ homelessness, poverty, drug trafficking, human trafficking, advocate and entrepreneur • Gazini Ganados – Philippine greed, corruption, fake news, u PAGE C2 and all kinds of and injustices

C1

The entrepreneur awareness Mission: Finding your deepest WHY

sion 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 market. 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. *** 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)

Focusing on goodness “We can’t close our eyes and ears to the tragedies and changes happening in the world.”

and deception. And despite the connectivity of people on social media, we’re also seeing a higher number of people who suffer from loneliness, depression, and suicidal tendencies.

Then there are moral tensions we feel regarding same-sex marriage or change of gender identity.

“We can’t imagine seeing these things happening in our lifetime!” some of us would say.

“The world has changed!”

We can’t close our eyes and ears to the tragedies and changes happening in the world. No matter how we ignore them, there is something in the goodness of our human nature that affects us, making us suffer and

feel the pain and confusion of others. There is something in us that wants to do something good for others.

Perhaps, that’s what we need to listen to – this desire to do good for others and make a difference in the world, be it small or ordinary.

As we approach the holiday season, may we hear this good voice inside our hearts! May we focus on the good things that we can do to make this world a better place to live!

Blessings to all! *** Fr. Rodel “Odey” Balagtas is the pastor of Incarnation Church in Glendale, California.

C NOVEMBER 16-19, 2019 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Tax & Stock Tips Victor Sy,

cPA, MBA (retired)

1. Research.

Just as location is critical real estate investing, research is critical to stock investing. Without research, you have a better chance of making money; without it, a better chance to lose money.

2. Learn how to trade stocks.

Commit to learn how to trade stocks. Consider what you hope to gain from the stock market – mullah, of course and satisfaction of successful trades.

3. Seek mentorship.

Look for a mentor. Seek some-

Tapat Sa Batas Atty. rheA SAMSon ANG USCIS Premium Processing Service ay nagbibigay ng mas mabilis na pag-proseso ng I-140 Immigrant Petition para sa extraordinary ability aliens, outstanding professors and researchers, multinational executives and managers (EB1 category), members of professions with advanced degrees or exceptional ability (EB2 category), skilled workers, professionals, and workers other than skilled workers and professionals (EB3 category). Maaari ring gamitin ang Premium Processing Service para sa Petition for Nonimmigrant Workers na treaty trader or treaty investors (E-1 or E-2), aliens in specialty occupation (H1-B), temporary workers performing nonagricultural services (H-2B), trainees or special education exchange visitors (H-3), intracompany transferees and blanket L-1 (L1-A, L1-B, LZ), aliens of extraordinary ability or achievements in the sciences, arts, education, business or athletics and essential support aliens (O-1 and O-2), internationally recognized athletes or members of internationally recognized entertainment group and essential support aliens (P-1, P-1S), international cultural exchange aliens (Q-1), aliens in a religious occupation (R-1), NAFTA professionals, Canada and Mexico (TN-1 and TN-2).

Community Journal

How to be a successful trader

body who can provide valuable insight based on their own experiences. Ask guidance on resources that were helpful to them. Mentors can identify landmines and assist you in avoiding common pitfalls to speed up your learning curve.

4. Start trading.

You can read all you want, attend seminars every year, but if you don’t start trading, all these are wasted. Take the first step – buy some equity. Start small.

Start with a trade that offers minimal risk. See how it feels to his the enter button. Maybe you’ll make some money, maybe you’ll lose some. Either way, it’s a baby step that leads you to the wonderful world of stock trading.

5. Evaluate your progress.

As you start to trade, see what’s working and what’s not.

Identify what you are doing right and make note of it. Same thing with what you are doing wrong – identify and avoid it in the future trades. *** Victor Santos Sy graduated Cum Laude from UE with a BBA and from Indiana State University with an MBA. Vic worked with SyCip, Gorres, Velayo (SGV - Andersen Consulting) and Ernst & Young before establishing Sy Accountancy Corporation. *** He retired after 50 years of defending taxpayers audited by the IRS, EDD, BOE and other governmental agencies. He published a book on “How to Avoid or Survive IRS Audits.” Readers may email tax questions to vicsy@live.com.

Premium Processing Service Ang petitioner-employer lamang o ang abogado ng petitioner-employer ang maaaring gumamit ng Premium Processing Service. Ang beneficiary ay hindi maaaring gumamit ng Premium Processing Service, maliban kung ang beneficiary ay nag-file ng self-petition (kung saan ang petitioner at beneficiary ay iisa).

Sa ngayon, ang premium processing fee ay $1410, ngunit ipinahayag na ng USCIS na simula Disyembre 2, 2019, ang premium processing fee ay tataas na at magiging $1440. Dahil sa pagbayad ng premium processing fee, ang petitioner ay maaaring humiling sa USCIS na ang kanyang petition ay ma-proseso ng 15 araw. Ang premium processing fee ay karagdagang bayad sa USCIS filing fee.

Kapag hindi na-proseso ng 15 araw ang petition, ang Premium Processing Fee ay isasauli ng USCIS. Sa loob ng 15 araw, ang USCIS ay magbibigay ng Approval Notice, Denial Notice, Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID), o Request for Evidence (RFE). Kung ang USCIS ay nagbigay ng RFE o NOID, may panibagong 15 araw ang USCIS mula sa pagtangggap ng Response to RFE/NOID para magbigay ng desisyon sa petition. *** USCIS Premium Processing Service provides expedited processing for I-140 Immigrant Petitions involving aliens of extraordinary ability, outstanding professors and researchers, multinational executives and man-

agers (EB1 category), members of professions with advanced degrees or exceptional ability (EB2 category), skilled workers, professionals, and workers other than skilled workers and professionals (EB3 category). Premium Processing Service is also available for Petitions for Nonimmigrant Workers classified as treaty trader or treaty investors (E-1 or E-2), aliens in specialty occupation (H1-B), temporary workers performing nonagricultural services (H-2B), trainees or special education exchange visitors (H-3), intracompany transferees and blanket L-1 (L1-A, L1-B, LZ), aliens of extraordinary ability or achievements in the sciences, arts, education, business or athletics and essential support aliens (O-1 and O-2), internationally recognized athletes or members of internationally recognized entertainment group and essential support aliens (P1, P-1S), international cultural exchange aliens (Q-1), aliens in a religious occupation (R-1), NAFTA professionals, Canada and Mexico (TN-1 and TN-2).

Only the petitioner or the attorney for petitioner can request for Premium Processing Service.

The beneficiary cannot avail of the Premium Processing Service unless the beneficiary has filed a self-petition (petitioner and beneficiary are the same).

The current premium processing fee is $1410 but USCIS has announced that effective December 2, 2019, the fee will be increased to $1440. Premium pro-

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Barrister’s Corner Atty. Kenneth UrSUA reyeS IN A divorce proceeding, people sometimes have a misconception that the only assets or properties that have to be disclosed are those situated in California. Even worse, sometimes parties even think that since an asset or property is situated in a different country or state, that property is not considered community property and not subject to division in California family court.

One has to understand the general community property presumption in California. Property acquired before marriage is the acquiring spouse’s separate property, as is property obtained during marriage that can be traced to a premarital acquisition [Family Code 770(a)]. Rents, issues and profits” of separate property are separate property. All property acquired during marriage and before separation, other than by gift or inheritance, is presumptively community property [Family Code 760, 771(a), 772; Marriage of Bonds (2000) 24 C4th 1, 12, 99 CR2d 252, 258; Marriage of Lehman (1998) 18 C4th 169, 177, 74 CR2d 825, 828].

Pursuant to Family Code 760, community personal or real property is consistently defined no matter where it is situated. Family Code §760 defines “community property” as, “Except as otherwise provided by statute, all property, real or personal, wherever situat-

Disclosure and characterization of overseas assets in divorce ed, acquired by a married person during the marriage while domiciled in this state is community property.” As such, out-of-state community property is community property for all purposes, including intra-spousal management and control fiduciary obligations. It does not matter if the property is located in another state or another country.

For the same reason, the parties to a divorce case is required to disclose all property, separate and community, including those outside the state. During the marriage, the parties’ fiduciary duties require full and accurate disclosure of true and full information affecting community property transactions [Family Code 721(b), 1100(e)].

In addition, disclosure duties arise upon separation in anticipation of dissolution, nullity or legal separation. The post-separation disclosure duties extend to all assets and liabilities in which either party has or may have an interest or obligation, regardless of community or separate property characterization, and to current earnings, accumulations and expenses. These duties “arise without reference to any wrongdoing” [Family Code §§ 721(b), 2100(c), 2102(a)(1); Marriage of Feldman (2007) 153 CA4th 1470, 1475– 1476, 64 CR3d 29, 33; Marriage of Brewer & Federici (2001) 93 CA4th 1334, 1342–1344, 113 CR2d 849, 854–855].

Parties to a divorce case have a duty to provide full and accurate disclosure of all assets and debts

including those in other states and other countries. Failure to disclose could result in certain legal consequences to the non-disclosing parties, including sanctions and attorney’s fees. If you are contemplating a divorce and you own assets and properties outside the state or country, it’s best to retain the representation of an experienced family law attorney. * * * Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice.

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

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

The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, P.C. This article is not a solicitation. * * * Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He is a graduate of Southwestern University Law School in Los Angeles and California State University, San Bernardino School of Business Administration. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, P.C. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kenneth@kenreyeslaw.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com (Advertising Supplement)

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act

THE Fair Debt Collection Practices (FDCPA) is a Federal law that was enacted in 1978 by the United States Congress to protect consumers from abusive debt collectors. However, the FDCPA applies only to third-party collectors who collect debt for original creditors.

It does not apply to the original creditor itself who uses its own employees to collect debt.

Let’s use our beloved Pres.

Trump’s businesses as examples since he owns a lot of them. You go to Washington, DC and stay in his hotel. What’s the name of the hotel? The Trump Hotel. You stay there for a week and rack up a bill of $50K. The credit limit on your credit card used to secure your stay at the hotel only has a credit limit of u PAGE C3 $5K. In short, you owe Pres. Trump $45K. He sends your $45K bill to a debt collector in LA. The LA debt collector calls you 20 times a day, and calls you at your place of work and talks to your boss about your debt. Is this debt collector covered by the FDCPA? Sure he is, because he is a third party collector.

What can this person do and not do to collect the $45K from you?

1. He can contact you in person, by mail, telephone, telegram, or fax. However, he may not contact you at inconvenient times or places, such as before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m., unless you allow it. He may not contact you at your workplace if he knows that your employer doesn’t allow personal calls.

2. He may not use repetitious phone calls that are intended to annoy, abuse or harass you or any person answering the phone. He may not use abusive or profane language. For example, he cannot shout at you over the phone and call you a “no-good lazy and goodfor-nothing bum! Pay the $45K today in certified bank funds, or the FBI will arrest you and ship you to a gulag in Siberia in a twenty-foot container with a giant cobra!” No,

Debt Relief

Atty. LAwrence yAng this kind of language is not allowed by the FDCPA. 3. He cannot threaten you with violence. For instance, he cannot tell you that he is going to send the biggest guy in the Mara Salvatrucha gang to separate your head from your shoulders if you don’t pay the $45K today.

4. He cannot use any false or misleading statements. These are examples of false statements: a) Implying that they are attorneys or government representatives when they are not b) Implying that you have committed a crime c) Falsely representing that they work for a credit bureau d) Misrepresenting the amount of the debt owed e) Indicating that papers being sent are legal forms, when they are not f) Indicating that papers being sent are not legal forms, when they are g) Saying that you will be arrested if you do not pay the debt h) They will seize, garnish, attach, or sell property or wages, unless the collection agency or creditor intends to do so, and it is legal to do so I) Actions, such as a lawsuit, will be taken against the debtor, when such action may not legally be taken, or when they do not intend to take such action j) Giving false credit info about you to anyone, including a credit bureau k) Sending you anything that looks like an official document from a court or government agency, when it is not

l) Using a false name.

Now let’s assume a different scenario. The Trump hotel uses its own employees to collect the $45K from you. Does the FDCPA apply to these employees? No, it does not. The employee can Twitter you all they want. They can call you and tell you that they are going to nuke your house in half an hour if you don’t pay up. They can tell you that they are ready to press the big red button that will send over the swat team of the FBI and the CIA to your door in ten minutes if you don’t pay up.

But why even worry about whether the Trump hotel sends a third-party collector or uses their own employees to collect the $45K from you when you can file a Chapter 7 petition to wipe out the $45K from the face of the earth? You can use a Chapter 7 petition to tell the collector to stop the third-party collector or the Trump employees dead on their tracks! They won’t be able to call you or even send you a collection letter. They have to shut up completely and they lose the right to file a lawsuit against you to collect the debt. At the same time, you will be able to keep all of your assets, including your house, your cars, everything in your house, and all of your retirement accounts up to $1M. You can get a fresh start in life without having to look over your shoulder to see if there are any FBI or CIA agents chasing after you.

If you need debt relief, set an appointment to see me. I will analyze your case personally. * * * Lawrence Bautista Yang specializes in Bankruptcy, Business, Real Estate and Civil Litigation and has successfully represented more than five thousand clients in California. Please call Angie, Barbara or Jess at (626) 284-1142 for an appointment at 20274 Carrey Road, Walnut, CA 91789 or 1000 S. Fremont Ave., Mailstop 58, Building A-10 South-Lower Level Suite 10042, Alhambra, CA 91803.

(Advertising Supplement)

Outstanding Men & Women of the Year...

PAGE C1 t

representative to Miss Universe 2019 • Sharifa Akeel – the first woman from Muslim Mindanao to win Miss Asia Pacific International title • Derrick Monasterio – responsible teen heartthrob who dabbles in acting, singing and dancing • Richard Gomez and Lucy Torres – the celebrity husband-andwife tandem who are in the service of the people of Leyte and Ormoc, respectively • Atom Araullo – award-winning broadcast journalist and environmental activist • Hidilyn Diaz – Olympic silver medalist in weightlifting The rest of the awardees are as follows: Aileen Adigue Carandang, Allan Taunan, Aries Villaester, Arlyn Dela Cruz, Ate Gay, Atty. Bruce Rivera, Atty. Ernesto Isip Jr., Atty.

Joel Respall Chua, Avon Morales, Chiqui Lacsamana, Cory Quirino, Daddie Wowie, Danilo Ramos Jr., Dante Salamat, Don Cristobal, Dr. Joseph Lee, Dr. Rey Salinel, Dulce, Ejay Pardo, Elmer Ngo, Emelie Katigbak, Evangeline Pascual, Faye Tangonan, Fernan De Guzman, Gladys Reyes Legaspi, Greg Gregorio, Hanina Omar Alrefai, Hellen Cayunda Miller, Jeffrey Jeturian, Jemuel Salterio, Jessie Marquez Baul, Jinnie Uy, Joanna Ampil, Joaquin Domagoso, John Estrada, John Gandia, John Salandan, Jojo Bragais, Jojo Gabinete, Joseph

Ople Canabuan, Josephine Canonizado, Keanna Duterte Reeves, Kristine Caballero Aplal, Lea Mae Luna-Parisales, Lharby Policarpio, Llena Tan, Lovely Gervacio Tajan, Major Rosalino Ibay, Manuel Zarcal, Marian Louise Villanueva, Marilou Talico Villanueva, Nato Roque, Niña Taduran, Noel Ferrer, Pilar Mateo, Pio Morabe, Pon Ho Acera Chua, Priscilla Meirelles, Prof. Childe Libertad, Raoul Barbosa, Reginald Lassy Marque, Ricci Ang, Rich Lopez Pabilona, Rodeli Salvador, Rodgil Flores, Rollie De Leon, Ron Macapagal, Shirley Pizaro, Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna, Wency Lagumbay, Wilbert Tolentino, William Thio, Yves Jacob Saguin, Zenaida Palisoc, Zenny Muncal Crago.

“I didn’t think what I was doing was enough to win an award. To begin with, I wasn’t doing it for an award. I simply wanted to promote Filipino fashion to the world,” said Concon Siñel, one of this year’s awardees.

Siñel is the founder and creative director “Best of the Islands: Luxe Fashion” – a touring show promoting the works of emerging Filipino designers in the international arena. The tour held successfully, SRO shows in America and Europe.

Siñel was also the creative director of another successful touring show, the “Philippine Tapestry” of the Department of Tourism, which showcased the “wearable art” of

noted designer Renee Salud in North America, Europe and the Middle East. All of Salud’s creations were made of indigenous weaves found only in the Philippines.

Now on its third year, the “Outstanding Men and Women of the Year (Philippines)” selects awardees based on influence and power, the contributions they have made to the society, and the advocacies they have initiated or have taken active participation in, which serves to inspire others.

“I didn’t expect it, and I’m really grateful,” said New York-based John Gadia. Gadia is the “go to” person of Filipinos in New York for their entertainment and event technology requirements.

“I know I wouldn’t have gotten where I am now without my mentors, many of them women,” said Reggie Panganiban, an awardee.

Panganiban runs one of the biggest hospices in San Francisco and, as such, has given employment to numerous Filipinos in the area.

“This award represents so much more than me,” Neliza Nandwani, a Singapore-based philanthropist, said. “There are so many people doing amazing things in their little corners of the world.” Nandwani conducts various charity projects in her native Zambales.

Indeed, Nandwani and the other awardees have all made an impact in the Philippines. n

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COMMUNITY JOURNAL

Protecting employees against discrimination and retaliation

AURORA Isabel is a Filipina who worked for the Pasadena Water and Power. Isabel complained that her manager discriminated against her for her accent. She was demoted to a field position and was told to stop complaining or she would be demoted again. Her manager told her that she had to learn to speak without an accent “like a white person” and “work on her diction.”

At some point, Richard Thompson became Isabel’s supervisor. Thompson was approached by management and told that Isabel was a “problem child” and that she was being placed under his supervision.

Thompson, however, later wrote a performance evaluation for Isabel in which he recommended a promotion for her.

Isabel and another Filipina coworker later sued the City for gender and racial discrimination. Thompson was asked

by Isabel’s attorneys to testify on her behalf. At this point, Thompson said that lawyers and representatives for the city met with him and instructed him to testify that Isabel wrote her own evaluation, not him, and that he did not recommend that she be promoted. Thompson claimed that this was an “obvious direction to commit perjury because it was not the truth.” He refused to follow this instruction.

Isabel’s lawsuit eventually settled before trial.

However, Thompson claimed that because he spoke out in support of Isabel, he was subjected to a backlash that included an unwarranted investigation over his signing of a work order as well as other “harassing and

Protecting Employee & Consumer Rights ATTY. C. JOE SAYAS, JR. retaliatory conduct.” The harassment and retaliation caused him so much stress that he was forced to retire from service. He sued the city for retaliation.

An employee who asserts his or her rights under the law, or who challenges an employer’s illegal conduct, may experience demotion or termination. This is unlawful retaliation.

In a retaliation claim, an employee must prove that she/he engaged in protected activity.

Engaging in “protected activity” means that the employee must complain or oppose a practice which is forbidden by law (e.g. sex, race, or age discrimination).

The complaint may be internal (e.g., made to managers or officers within the company) or external (e.g., made to government agencies).

Additionally, courts have held that “protected activity” includes complaints or opposition to conduct the employee “reasonably” and in “good faith” believes to be unlawful, even if the conduct is not actually prohibited under the law.

In a retaliation scenario, the employer will almost always present a different story. The employer may even create a pretext or fabricate a reason for the termination. To protect themselves, employees must gather their own evidence to establish that they

are telling the truth.

Employees can document the facts in a letter or email to their bosses or to HR or to colleagues they can trust. They can also write notes or memos that may help refresh their recollection later. The documentation must be done at or around the time that the important facts occurred and must contain the employee’s complaint and the employer’s response. Documenting the back and forth between employer and employee creates a record of communications that can later be reviewed to determine the true reasons why any action was taken against the employee. It is also good for employees to pay attention to anyone who may have witnessed the employer’s conduct.

Thompson’s case went to trial. A jury eventually awarded him about $825,000 upon a finding that he was indeed subjected to retaliation for speaking out in favor of Isabel. *** The Law Offices of C. Joe Sayas, Jr. welcomes inquiries about this topic. All inquiries are confidential and at no-cost.

You can contact the office at (818) 2910088 or visit “http://www.joesayaslaw. com” www.joesayaslaw.com. [C. Joe Sayas, Jr., Esq. is an experienced trial attorney who has successfully recovered wages and other monetary damages for thousands of employees and consumers.

He was named Top Labor & Employment Attorney in California by the Daily Journal, consistently selected as Super Lawyer by the Los Angeles Magazine, and is a Presidential Awardee for Outstanding Filipino Overseas in 2018.]

(Advertising Supplement)

People and Events

FilVetREP announce public release of ‘Duty to Country’

MAJ. Gen. Antonio Taguba (Ret), Chairman of the Filipino Veterans Recognition & Education Project (FilVetREP), announced on Monday, November 11, the public release of www. dutytocountry.org, the first phase of an online project that aims to tell the story of Filipino World War II Veterans, the injustice they endured over the years and their lifelong quest for recognition.

Produced by FilVetREP and designed and developed by Night Kitchen interactive, “Duty to Country” focuses on raising awareness about FilVetREP’s mission to preserve the legacy of the 260,000 men and women who fought during World War II in the Philippines. The online education project tells the compelling yet largely untold story of Filipinos who served under the American flag and labored tirelessly for decades after, striving for recognition and benefits promised by the U.S. “After the war ended in September 1945, the 79th Congress passed the Rescission Acts of 1946 that denied their status of active service during the war, and deprived them of their rightful benefits,” Taguba said. “This created a lifetime of indignation and injustice that still lingers to this day.”

FilVetREP plans to launch its education program in October 2020.

“Duty to Country” focuses on getting the word out and building support for future phases, including and Online Exhibition, a Graphic Novel, an Oral Histories Project and resources For Educa-

tors section.

“As we watch this video, let us remember our veterans and their families and the selfless sacrifice they made for our country’s noble cause. Let’s continue to honor

them with eternal gratitude and pride. Please share widely with your family and friends. Thank you.”

To watch the video and explore, go to www.dutytocountry.org. ■

Photo courtesy of filvetrep.org

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 16-19, 2019

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*** Darrick V. Tan, Esq. is admitted to practice law in California and Nevada. Mr. Tan is a graduate of UCLA and Southwestern University School of Law. He is a member of American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), Consumers Attorney Association of Los Angeles (CAALA), and is a former member of the Board of Governors of the Philippine American Bar Association DEAR Attorney (PABA).

LAW OFFICES Tan, OF DARRICK V. TAN, 3580 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 900, Los Angeles, 90010.

Tel: of 323-639-0277. outlinesCAthe amount time that was driving home and was Email:I info@dtanlaw.com one has lost as a result of his/her Legal at a complete stop when another (Advertising Supplement) injury, the loss of benefi ts, and driver rear-ended my car. I was Advice the rate of pay during the time not feeling well after the acciof loss is evidence of the value dent, as my back seemed very of one’s loss of earnings claim. tight and stiff. I took some days Other supporting documents inoff from work. After a week, I clude pay stubs, time cards, and contacted the other driver’s in- ATTY. DARRICK TAN tax returns. The monetary value surance to report the claim. The of sick leave and vacation time insurance adjuster for the other damages. Damages are recover- that are used due to the injury driver said they would fix my able for both past and future lost are also recoverable. For those car, and offered me $500.00 for earnings. To recover for past lost self-employed, earnings history my injuries. Is that enough? I do earnings, a person must prove the as reflected by tax returns and not know where to go from here. amount of income or earnings that profit and loss statements can –K.K. he/she has lost to date. To recover help prove the value of lost earnDear K.K., damages for future earnings, a ings. Similar supporting docuThe first step is to make mentation must be presentsure that any injuries that ed for future lost earnings. you have suffered in the Apart from economic accident are examined and damages, you can recover treated. You can recover “general damages,” which treatment costs since they are damages for the pain, are considered “economic suffering, and inconvenience damages” that you suffered due to the accident. due to the accident. You can If you were suffered inalso recover for time away jury in an auto accident or from work as “economic someone’s premises, please damages,” even if you used contact our office to discuss paid time off or sick leave. your case. To maximize The term “economic monetary recovery, it is imdamages” means “objectively person must prove the amount of portant to have the assistance verifiable monetary losses in- income or earnings that he/she of an experienced attorney in cluding medical expenses, loss will be reasonably certain to lose presenting your personal injury of earnings, burial costs, loss of in the future as a result of the in- claim. use of property, costs of repair jury [CACI No. 3903C]. *** or replacement, costs of obtainHow are past lost earnings prov- Darrick V. Tan, Esq. is admitted to ing substitute domestic services, en? Medical records, which show practice law in California and Nevada. loss of employment and loss of the doctor authorizing a release Mr. Tan is a graduate of UCLA and business or employment op- from work or giving instructions Southwestern University School of portunities” [Civil Code Section to restrict work activities, can sup- Law. He is a member of American Im1431.2(b)(1)]. A person’s claim port the time taken off from work migration Lawyers Association (AILA), for economic damages apart due to the injury. For those self- Consumers Attorney Association of from medical expenses are of- employed, medical providers typi- Los Angeles (CAALA), and is a former ten overlooked and not pursued cally do not provide a release from member of the Board of Governors by persons who settle their acci- work; however, medical records of the Philippine American Bar Assodent cases on their own, or with should record work restrictions ciation (PABA). LAW OFFICES OF DARthe assistance of inexperienced placed by the medical provider.

RICK V. TAN, 3580 Wilshire Boulevard, counsel.

After showing that the time off Suite 900, Los Angeles, CA 90010. Tel: Loss of earnings are often a was justified, the next step is to 323-639-0277. Email: info@dtanlaw. significant part of an injured value the lost earnings. A letter com person’s claim for economic from a person’s employer that (Advertising Supplement)

Maximizing recovery in personal injury cases

“Loss of earnings are often a significant part of an injured person’s claim for economic damages. Damages are recoverable for both past and future lost earnings.”

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cessing is an optional service and the payment of the premium processing fee will allow petitioners to request 15 calendar days processing of their Petitions. The premium processing fee is paid in addition to the base filing fees and other applicable fees.

USCIS guarantees 15 calendar days processing if the Premium Processing Service and fees are paid. Otherwise, the Premium Processing Service Fee will be refunded. USCIS will issue an Approval Notice, a Denial Notice, a

Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID), or a Request for Evidence (RFE) within the 15-day period. If an RFE or NOID is issued, a new 15 calendar days period will begin upon receipt by USCIS of Response to NOID or Response to RFE. *** ATTY. RHEA SAMSON is a Partner at LINDAIN & SAMSON LAW FIRM. Atty.

Lindain and Atty. Samson are both licensed to practice law in California and in the Philippines. Both Attorneys were also professors. LINDAIN & SAMSON LAW FIRM aims to provide excellent and ef-

ficient legal representation to clients, and support clients in achieving their goals and dreams.

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

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

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Housing Rights Center to host free workshops in Alhambra

N OV E M B E R 1 6

Arts and Glamour Night in Long Beach, CA Emerald Lantern Group and Pangasinan Brotherhood USA on Saturday, November 16 proudly present dinner-dance at the Long Beach Marriott from 5:30 to 11:30 p.m. This unique concept is the vision of Rosemarie De Vera and the Emerald Lantern Group who want to showcase the world-class caliber of Filipino American Visual Artists.Receiving Emerald Awards for Excellence in the Arts are international architect Wilson Deomampo and author of “Visual Diary” A celebration of Creative Spark in 30 years of Architecture. Another recipient is Archie Gadon, Senior Designer and Architect of Freidmutter Group Newport Beach, Project Designer of Ceasars Forum Convention Center, Solaire Resort and other international properties. Also receiving an award is Filipino-American muralist Eliseo Art Silva, the creator of the landmark mural in Historic Filipinotown’s Unidad Park. Emerald is proud to honor Trailblazer Emmanual E-Man Coquia, celebrity who was names Director of Programming of several radio stations after an exhaustive nationwide search. Mereulo Media’s CEO Otto Pardon selected Coquia for his sensible plan and vision that lined perfectly with the company’s goals. Coquia head programming for 3 stationsL Power 106FM, Classic HipHop 93.5, and Cali 93.9 Latin Music Station. Also to be bestowed recognition are Faith Bautista as a Community Hero awardee for her tireless work in retrieving $331 million dollars back into the housing fund amongst other non-profit efforts.

Special Recognition will be given to Henry Sadang, for his charitable work for “Gabay”, parents group of children with autism and cerebral palsy. Gabay is also the beneficiary who will receive part of the proceeds from this event. The art exhibit shall feature the works of Alberto Dulay, Butch Lara, Napoleon Merana, Roland Escalona, Micah V. Javier, Gani, Dino, Rodolfo Mora, event art curator Ron Tuanquin, and more. The Art Exhibit will be open for the duration of the event, open doors at 5:30pm. Guests shall enjoy dinner before the awarding ceremonies, followed by social dancing with DJ Luigi Dizon. Part of the proceeds shall benefit “Gabay” Parents Group of Children with Cerebral Palsy and Autism in the Philippines. Tickets are regularly $100, but readers of this article can use the discount code “AJ” for a 25% discount online at www. artsandglamournight.eventbrite.com, or call Vanie (818) 284-7966 or Wawan (818) 648-4709.

For more information, email emerald@musicartsevents.com or visit www.emeraldlanterngroup. com. Event starts at 6:30pm on November 16 at the Long Beach Marriott Hotel at 4700 Airport Plaza Dr, Long Beach, CA 90815.

N OV E M B E R 2 0

FACCGLA General Membership Meeting in Northridge, CA FACCGLA General Membership Meeting and Networking Mixer “Winning Together” on Wednesday, November 20 features motivational speaker William Hung. He burst onto the scene via American Idol, and now he is a sought after speaker and author, featured on TEDTalks. Members must attend (free admission) to vote for a new Board of Directors. Guests and future members can get early bird tickets for only $20, and after Nov 15 at $25, available online at www.faccgla.org (EVENTS tab). Venue is Ninong’s Pastries and Cafe at 19524-3 Nordhoff St., Northridge, CA 91324 at 6:30 p.m.

N OV E M B E R 22-24

World Education Summit on Sustainability and Transformation in Las Vegas The World Education Summit on Sustainability and Transformation is a call to action and transformation to finding solutions to the challenges of our times. Join on November 22-24 for three days of activities, learning, networking and events, such as panel discussions and presentations, industry leader keynote speeches, and a dinner and gala featuring an eco-fashion show. The summit aims to gather stakeholders from educational institutions; business and civic organizations; government agencies and international development organizations to galvanize collaborative and strategic partnership to achieve a common goal in environmental sustainability. We are expecting delegates from different countries. The Summit will serve as a collaborative platform to achieve a unified mission. The venue is The Convention Center at The Orleans Hotel (4500 W Tropicana Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89103). For more information and to register, please visit http://worldsummit.info.

N OV E M B E R 24

#HashtagLunchbag/SIPA food drive in LA The Search to Involve Pilipino Americans (SIPA) and #Hashtag Lunchbag are joining forces to create positive changes in Historic Filipinotown on Sunday, November 24 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. SIPA will be hosting a Food Drive with #HashtagLunchbag to create letters of encouragement, decorate lunch bags, and assemble sandwiches for those in need in Historic Filipinotown.

When finished, they will be giving out lunch bags to homeless youth, women, and families.

Registration contact and link: Maria Carmel Valendez at maria@sipacares.org or (213) 382-1819 ext. 107.

N OV E M B E R 25

UPAAGLA presents Fil-Am authors on artificial intelligence and sustainability in LA Two Filipino-American authors, Dr. Cris Liban and Elzar “Dodjie” Simon, on Monday, November 25 will discuss two current and relevant topics: artificial intelligence and sustainability.

Liban is the executive director for environment and sustainability for the LA County Metropolitan Transportation Authority. Simon is director of global infrastructure for New York University.

The discussion, moderated by LA Deputy Mayor for Budget & Innovation Miguel Sangalang, will take a deeper dive on: What should you know? Why do they matter to you? How do understanding and embracing these fields help countries like the Philippines be an emerging market?

The event, organized by the University of the Philippines Alumni Association of Greater Los Angeles (UPAAGLA), will be from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Los Angeles Public Library -Echo Park Branch (1410 West Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA 90026). “A.I. Hacked” books will be available for purchase and signing. A portion of books sold will be donated to the UPAAGLA Endowment Fund.

D EC E M B E R 1

Kalayaan Incorporated’s Christmas Party and induction of officers in Monterey Park, CA Kalayaan Incorporated’s Induction of Officers 2019-2020 will be held during its Christmas Party on Sunday, Decemeber 1, from 12 to 4 p.m., at the Monterey Hill Event Center. The hilltop venue offers a spectacular view of the San Gabriel Valley, and is located at 3700 Ramona Blvd., Monterey Park, Calif. 91754. Kalayaan Incorporated, a non-profit public benefit corporation in the State of California, classified as a public charity organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, holds the annual celebration in Southern California of the anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence. Chairing the Induction and Christmas Party is Violet Mislang with Lady Hope Robillos, Co-chair, and Nonie Belarmino, Program Coordinator.

Cost of lunch is $40.00. For more information, please contact Violet at (562) 644-4073, vmislang@gmail.com; Lady Hope at (310) 500-0917, lhopepr@yahoo.com; or Nonie (310) 357-0222, Idancenonie@outlook.com.

Rotary Club of Historic Filipinotown anniversary & Christmas Party On Sunday, December 1, the Rotary Club of Historic Filipinotown will celebrate its 13th anniversary and Christmas Party during a major FUNdraising event. Expect a night filled with food, drinks, entertainment and activities such as raffle prizes and silent auction prizes. The Rotary Club of Historic Filipinotown was chartered in 2007 originally of Filipino descendants, who are leaders of the community, professionals and entrepreneurs. Today it has members from different cultural backgrounds. Dinner begins at 5:30 p.m. at Capital Seafood Restaurant (50 N. La Cienega Blvd. Ste 130 Beverly Hills, CA 90211). Attire is business casual. Donation is $65.

D EC E M B E R 2

LA County Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony Los Angeles kicks off the holiday season with the County’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Monday, December 2 from 5 to 6 p.m at the Music Center Plaza (135 N. Grand Ave). The joyous celebration will include civic speakers, including Fifth District Supervisor Kathryn Barger, and performances by Brass Pacifica and a local school choir. The event is free and open to the public, plus hot cocoa will be served to keep attendees warm!

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

Photo courtesy of alhambrasource.org

DO you have questions about fair housing, rent increases, repairs, evictions, notices and more? Attend any of the workshops this month for answers and learn about your landlord/ tenant rights and responsibilities.

A FREE workshop for land-

lords and tenants by the Housing Rights Center will be held on November 15 and 22 from 2 p.m. - 5 p.m. at the Alhambra Civic Center Library.

The workshops will address: Fair Housing, Evictions, Security Deposits, Reasonable Accommodations and more.

For more details, call Susan Lin, Outreach Coordinator at (213) 387-8400 ext. 1104.

In addition, the Housing Rights Center is hosting several workshops on Fair Housing at other locations throughout the month. For more information, call 1-800-477-5977. ■

Santa Monica Police Department awarded traffic education and enforcement grant from OTS SANTA Monica Police Department received a $250,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) for a oneyear enforcement and education program. The money will fund various activities intended to reduce deaths and injuries on California roads.

The Santa Monica Police Department takes great pride in being a recipient of the grant.

We understand the critical importance in traffic safety and will continue to do our part in ensuring we are active and maintaining a safe space for everyone.

The grant-related activities are for the 2020 federal fiscal year, which runs from Oct. 1, 2019 to Sept. 30, 2020.

The funding from the OTS will be used for numerous programs, including: • DUI/driver’s license checkpoints.

• Patrols specifically looking for suspected alcohol and/or drug-impaired drivers.

• Patrols targeting violations of California’s hands-free cell phone law and vehicle code violations by drivers, motorcyclists, bicyclists and pedestrians that put other roadway users at risk.

• Patrols targeting the primary causes of crashes: Speeding, improper turns, running stop signs or signals, right-of-way violations and driving on the wrong side of the road.

• Traffic safety education presentations for youth and community members on distracted and impaired driving, bicycle and pedestrian safety.

Photo courtesy of santamonica.org

• Serving warrants to multiple DUI offenders.

• Creating “Hot Sheets” identifying repeat DUI offenders.

• Officer training to identify suspected impaired drivers and conduct sobriety tests.

“Getting in a vehicle remains one of the most dangerous things we do,” OTS director Barbara

Rooney said. “We must continue to work with our partners in law enforcement to shift that realization and make traveling on our roads safer.”

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. ■

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 16-19, 2019

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The Donald and Priscilla Hunt Cancer Center at Torrance Memorial Medical Center to open next month

Torrance Memorial Medical Center hosted a media tour of its new 38,000-square-foot Donald and Priscilla Hunt Cancer Center on November 7. The center, which opens to patients next month, consolidates cancer care in one location, featuring 27 exam rooms and a 32-station infusion center for those undergoing chemotherapy.

Priscilla Hunt and Craig Leach

The 38,000-square-foot Donald and Priscilla Hunt Cancer Center at Torrance Memorial Medical Center will open next month, and will consolidate treatment of more than 60 types of cancer in one location.

The center also boasts of specialists from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, after the two health care facilities affiliated earlier this year.

The cancer center is named after Manhattan Beach resident Priscilla Hunt and her late husband, Donald Hunt, who have donated about $34 million to the hospital over the years.

Last November 7, Torrance Memorial Medical Center hosted a media tour of the Hunt Cancer Center. When complete, the center will consolidate many of the hospital's treatment programs for various cancers under one roof. It will also become the new home of the 50-year-old Torrance Memorial

Physician Network-Cancer Care.

The Hunt Cancer Center —located at Lomita Blvd. next to the Lunquist Tower — will offer an expanded number of clinical trials and a 32-station infusion center, where patients can receive chemotherapy and other medications.

The interior of the center, designed by c|a Architects of Long Beach, will integrate natural light with hues of blue and green, intended to produce a “hopeful” environment, hospital officials said.

There also will be a private underground parking garage for patients to provide additional privacy Dr. Vanessa Dickey, Dr. Swati Sikaria, Dr. Dan Theodorescu, Dr. Hugo Hool, Dr. David Chan, Dr. Syed Jilani, Dr. Tom Simko, Dr. Andrew Horodner, and Craig Leacb. during visits.

HUNT TOWER located at Lomita Blvd. and TORRANCE MEMORIAL HOSPITAL, THE LUNDQUIST TOWER. the Donald and Priscilla HUNT CANCER CENTER is at the same compound of the huge beautiful TMMC.

The beautiful Priscilla Hunt at the podium.

Judy Gassner and Melanie Lundquist

Torrance Memorial Medical Center President & CEO Craig Leach with Dr. Eric Nakkim, Priscilla Hunt, Mary Wright, and Laura Schenasi.

Craig Leach, President & CEO Torrance Memorial gives his opening remarks. In photo are Dr. Hugo Hool, Oncologist, Hunt Cancer Institute; Dr. Mark Lurie, Cardiologist and President TorThe beautiful Priscilla Hunt cuts the ceremonial ribbon to the Donald and Priscilla Hunt Can- rance Memorial Foundation; beautiful dynamite Priscilla Hunt; Dr. Dan Theodorescu, Oncologist Cedar- Sinai; Dr. David Chan, Oncologist, Hunt Cancer Institute, Shelly Smith, cancer survivor cer Center. With her during the momentous event are Dr. Hugo Hool, Oncologist, Hunt Cancer and ESPN reporter, Dr. Tom Simko, Radiation Oncologist, Hunt Cancer Institute.

Institute; Dr. Mark Lurie, Cardiologist and President Torrance Memorial Foundation; Craig Leach, President & CEO Torrance Memorial; Dr. Dan Theodorescu, Oncologist Cedar- Sinai; Dr. David Chan, Oncologist, Hunt Cancer Institute, Shelly Smith, cancer survivor and ESPN reporter, Dr. Tom Simko, Radiation Oncologist, Hunt Cancer Institute.

The Hunt Family during the ceremony.

Ralph Moore, Susan Moore, and Derek Berz.

Priscilla Hunt with family members and friends.

These are photos of the Donald and Priscilla HUNT TOWER located at Lomita Blvd. and TORRANCE MEMORIAL HOSPITAL, THE LUNDQUIST TOWER. The Donald and Priscilla HUNT CANCER CENTER is at the same compound of the huge beautiful TMMC

C NOVEMBER 16-19, 2019 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 16-19, 2019

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Outright denials for missing ‘Powerhouse’ PH economy to withstand information or documents global slowdown, says DOF chief

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 serving 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 affidavit 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 prohibited 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: 1-866-4873465 (866) – GURFINKEL Four offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES · SAN FRANCISCO · NEW YORK · PHILIPPINES (Advertising Supplement)

Business Quote of the Week “I don’t look at business as a zero-sum game. I don’t. I’ve never seen it play out that way in our industry, and I think you innovate and you add value, deliver value back to customers, and you get value back from the world.”

— Marc Benioff, CEO of Salesforce

by DAXIM

L. LUCAS

Inquirer.net

THE Philippine economy is “ready to soar” after its strong performance in the third quarter of 2019 and is likely to grow by 6 percent or more for the rest of the Duterte administration, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said.

This despite international trade conflicts and other signs of a global recession, he added.

According to the head of the administration’s economic team, the massive rollout of the “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program and bold reforms by President Rodrigo Duterte support the rosy outlook for “one of Asia’s powerhouse economies.”

The Philippine economy posted a growth of 6.2 percent in the

third quarter of 2019 and an average of 6.4 percent in the first three years of the Duterte administration.

“You will find this country an oasis of optimism in a world burdened with trade wars and uncertainties,” Dominguez said in a speech before the Chief Executives Organization (CEO) in Makati City.

He said while most “mature economies are expected to go slower this year, the Philippines stands staunchly as a growth leader in this dynamic region of the world.”

“Against the headwinds of a broad slowdown in the global economy, we expect our economy to grow at around 6 to 7 percent this year. The country is strong and ready to soar,” he said in his speech.

The economic team, he added, was confident of sustaining a growth rate of 6 percent or higher despite the dangers of a global economy sinking into recession.

Dominguez said Filipinos were starting to reap the rewards of a well-managed economy under Duterte’s watch. Unemployment has dropped to its lowest level in 40 years, while poverty rate has fallen to 21 percent.

He said the Duterte administration stands by “our commitment and our ultimate goal to bring down poverty incidence to just 14 percent by 2022.”

This meant a million Filipinos being lifted out of poverty every year, Dominguez added.

The Philippines, he said, was expected to wear the badge of an upper middle income country by PAGE D2

Jollibee Foods Corp. says ‘to expand and operate’ Tim Ho Wan in China

by IAN

NICOLAS CIGARAL Philstar.com

HOMEGROWN fast-food operator Jollibee Foods Corp. said Thursday, Nov. 14, it entered into a joint venture agreement to expand and operate popular Chinese dimsum restaurant chain Tim Ho Wan in China.

JFC said its wholly-owned subsidiary Golden Plate Pte. Ltd. (GPPL) signed a deal with Dim Sum Pte. Ltd. (DSPL) to form a joint venture company that will seal a unit franchise agreement with Tim Ho Wan Pte. Ltd. — the master franchisor of Tim Ho Wan in the Asia Pacific.

JFC said it wants to develop and operate Tim Ho Wan stores in Shanghai and other cities in China “as may be agreed with the franchisor.”

GPPL will own 60% of the business while DSPL — a unit of Titan Dining Holdings Pte. Ltd. that owns and operates Tim Ho

JFC said its wholly-owned subsidiary Golden Plate Pte. Ltd. (GPPL) signed a deal with Dim Sum Pte. Ltd. (DSPL) to form a joint venture company that will seal a unit franchise agreement with Tim Ho Wan Pte. Ltd. — the master franchisor of Tim Ho Wan in the Asia Pacific.

Tim Ho Wan/Facebook photo

Wan in Singapore — will have the remaining 40%. Both companies will invest up to $13 mil-

lion to their joint venture company, which will have its own PAGE D2

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Marketplace & ShowrooM

Rice tariff collection reaches P11.4 billion

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ADB OKs $300M loan for PH LGUs to deliver services, reduce poverty

by DaxiM

L. LUcas

Inquirer.net

by MayveLin

U. carabaLLo ManilaTimes.net

THE government has collected over P11 billion in duties from rice imports by private traders since the Republic Act (RA) 11203 or “Rice Tariffication Law” took effect in March this year, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez 3rd said.

In his speech during the 14th World Rice Conference held in Makati City on Wednesday, he reported that tariff revenues collected from March 5 to October 31 of this year reached P11.4 billion.

“This means we have gone beyond the minimum earmark of P10 billion and have ample means to do even more to make our agricultural production more efficient,” Dominguez said.

He is referring to the P10-billion Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund, which was set up under the law to finance the modernization of the country’s rice industry, and provide farmers with access to credit and training, as well as funds for mechanization, high-quality seeds and fertilizers, among others.

“The revenues raised from rice tariffs will help us mechanize production, provide cheaper financing and better training for our farmers, and encourage

a more diversified farm sector,” the Finance chief said.

“Through inter-agency and multi-sectoral efforts, our farmers will gain knowledge of financial literacy, modern agriculture technology, climate and disaster resilience, and agribusiness, among others,” he added.

That said, Dominguez is firm the government will continue implement the rice tariffication law amid calls for its suspension.

“There is no inclination to repeal, revise or suspend the Rice Tariffication Law. We are confident that this is the best means to move our agriculture sector forward and foster competitiveness,” he said.

The Cabinet official also stressed the government remains confident the transition challenges brought about by the law’s implementation are temporary, specifically the drop in palay (unmilled rice) farmgate prices in specific areas.

Citing Philippine Statistics Authority data, he noted that from an average of P17.23 per kilo (kg) of dry paddy from 2015 to 2017, when prices were normal, prices declined to an average of P15.71/kg from the third week of September to the second week of October of this year. This translates to an average loss for farmers of about P1.52/kg.

THE Asian Development Bank has approved a $300-million loan to support efforts to help local government units nationwide deliver high-quality and accountable services, push progress and reduce poverty.

In a statement, the Manilabased multilateral lender said the loan, which is part of its Local Governance Reform Program, will help local governments meet needs of citizens.

It would also ensure delivery of Manilatimes.net file photo basic services aligned with local In some provinces, farm gate nuances, improve revenue colprices fell by as much as P5.63/ lection by local government units kg while in others, palay pric- and lower costs of doing busies actually rose by P3.75/kg, ness for the private sector.

The program is in line with the role of LGUs as catalysts of local Dominguez added.

“The government is constant- government’s plan to expand the economic development as outly monitoring location-specific prices so that interventions may be deployed on an evidencebased and tightly targeted manment to cybersecurity, and 11th

by Lawrence agcaoiLi ner,” he assured. in emerging services.

Philstar.com Furthermore, the Finance Sec“Interoperability in retail payretary reiterated that executive THE ranking of the Philip- ments is still constrained by a agencies are working with Con- pines in terms of an enabling limited number of participating gress on providing unconditional environment for financial inclu- institutions and high transaction cash transfers to the affected rice sion slipped anew for the sec- costs. The supervision of nonfarmers and distributing rice as ond straight year, according to banks and microfinance institupart of the government subsidy a study conducted by the Econo- tions need strengthening as do program for the disadvantaged mist Intelligence (EIU). dispute resolution mechanisms families to help address the drop Based on the 2019 Global Mi- for government payments,” the in palay prices in a number of croscope, the Philippines ranked EIU said in the report. specific provinces.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipififth with a score of 71 together “The Department of Agri- with India. Last year, the rank- nas (BSP) has created a support culture is coordinating with its ing of the Philippines slipped to institution to focus on digital fiattached agencies and agricul- fourth from third spot. nancial technology for reaching ture-related financial institutions Columbia topped the list with a the underserved. for the implementation of the score of 82 followed by Peru with “The Philippine has increased Survival and Recovery or SURE- 80, and Uruguay with 76. its focus on digital financial inaid program — a P15,000, interOn the other hand, Mexico clusion, with the launch of a est-free loan payable over eight jumped two spots to fourth place biometric national identification years,” he said. system and a program to provide with a score of 74.

“Complementary programs inThe Philippines received a one-stop shop for online governclude the procurement of paddy score of 90 for stability and in- ment services,” it said. (palay) above production costs tegrity, 85 for products and outThe BSP has committed to by local governments; and the lets, 76 for infrastructure, 72 for print 116 million pieces of blank provision of loan programs to government and policy support, ID cards under Republic Act enable local governments to buy and 71 for consumer protection. 11055 or the Philippine Identithis season’s harvest from doThe report said the Philippines fication System (PhilSys) Act as mestic producers,” Dominguez ranked 43rd in terms of connec- part of a memorandum of agreeadded. n tivity, 34th in terms of commit- ment (MOA) with the Philippine

Inquirer.net file photo

lined in the Philippine Development Plan 2017–2022. n

Philippines ranking in financial inclusion slips anew Statistics Authority (PSA).

Despite the numerous IDs issued by the Philippine government, 14 percent of Filipinos are denied government and financial services for lack of proper identification documents.

With the Philippine ID, BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno earlier said unbanked Filipinos would have a proof of identity that is a key requirement in opening a bank account.

Malacañang has also institutionalized the Financial Inclusion Steering Committee (FISC) – the governing body that provides strategic direction, guidance and oversight in the implementation of the National Strategy for Financial Inclusion (NSFI).

The EIU said efforts are being made to increase financial and digital literacy, but they lack gender goals.

On the other hand, the Philippines ranked first in terms of credit portfolios for middle- and low-income customers, market entry as well as online requirements. n

Jollibee Foods Corp. says ‘to expand and operate’... ‘Powerhouse’ PH economy to withstand...

PAGE D1 t resources and personnel to operate the business.

JFC has been aggressively expanding its global footprint by opening Jollibee stores overseas and acquiring foreign brands.

JFC last month said it increased its investment in Tim Ho Wan, giving the conglomerate the opportunity to have a significant interest in the franchise in the long term.

In the third quarter, JFC’s net income stood at P1.87 billion,

7.9% lower than the profit recorded in the same period last year due to losses from Smashburger in the U.S. and Red Ribbon in the Philippines.

As of 2:36 p.m. Thursday, shares in JFC were down 1.69% to P209.60 apiece. n

PAGE D1 t 2020 way ahead of schedule. The government is preparing for opportunities lying ahead with this newfound status by investing on a young, talented workforce.

On top of the spending spree through the administration’s

ambitious infrastructure program, the private sector is also pumping money into the economy through a construction boom fuelled by low interests, a stable peso and growing demand for housing and office space, Dominguez said.

He said the Build, Build, Build program, whose to-do list has been expanded to 100 highly strategic infrastructure projects, “creates a multiplier effect on domestic economic activity, ensuring continued rapid expansion.” n

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BSP ends cycle of cutting rates

by Lawrence

agcaoiLi Philstar.com

THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) on Thursday, November 14, decided to step on the brake pedal, keeping its interest rates unchanged to monitor the impact of previous monetary actions.

In a press briefing, BSP officerin-charge Francisco Dakila Jr. said the central bank believes that prevailing monetary view settings remain appropriate.

The overnight reverse repurchase rate was maintained four percent, while the interest rates on the overnight deposit and lending facilities were likewise unchanged at 3.50 percent and 4.50 percent, respectively.

“This is supported by the benign inflation outlook and a firm outlook for domestic economic growth. At the same time, a prudent pause in monetary adjustments will enable the cumulative 75-basis-point reduction in policy rates as well as the cut in reserve requirement ratios to continue working their way through the economy,” Dakila said.

The BSP has reduced interest rates by 75 basis points so far this year, partially unwinding the tightening cycle that saw benchmark rates rise by 175 basis points last year.

It has also lowered the reserve requirement ratio for big-and mid-sized banks by 400 basis points and for small banks by 200 basis points to free up more funds to boost economic activity.

Inflation eased to a 43-month low of 0.8 percent in October from 0.9 percent in September, bring-

o. De Vera Inquirer.net

WITH President Rodrigo Duterte certifying as urgent the bill that would make so-called “sin” products—alcohol, heated tobacco and vapes—more expensive, expect a spike of prices of these by the start of 2020, according to Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III. The bill would slap higher excise on the products which could double their prices.

Dominguez told reporters late Tuesday, Nov. 12, that he and Senate President Vicente Sotto

Job-creating investments in the Philippines continue decline for 6th month in a row

by Daxim

L. Lucas

Inquirer.net

BSP officer-in-charge Francisco Dakila Jr. said the central bank believes that prevailing monetary view settings remain appropriate.

BSP Facebook photo

ing the average to 2.6 percent in the first 10 months of the year.

Dakila said inflation has likely bottomed out in October and would start to move closer to the mid point of the central bank’s two to four percent target in 2020.

He said the BSP has further lowered its inflation forecast to 2.4 instead of 2.5 percent for this year but maintained its 2.9 percent projections for 2020 and 2021.

“Upside risks to inflation over the near term emanate mainly from the potential impact of the African Swine Fever outbreak on food prices and from potential volatility in oil prices amid geopolitical tensions in the Middle East,” he said.

According to Dakila, weak global economic prospects continue to temper the inflation outlook, as uncertainty over trade policies weigh down on global economic activity and demand.

The economy bounced back in the third quarter with a gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 6.2 percent after easing to a four-year low of 5.5 percent in the second quarter from 5.6 percent in the first due to the impact of the US-China trade war, the tightening episode by the BSP last year as well as the delayed implementation of the 2019 national budget.

The central bank, the BSP deputy governor said, is confident that the fiscal budget for 2020 would be passed within this year.

ING Bank Manila senior economist Nicholas Mapa said the BSP opted to gauge the impact of its latest moves before acting further after aggressively rolling back policy rates and conducting operational adjustments.

Mapa said the Monetary Board is set to resume its easing cycle to boost economic growth with a 50 basis points rate cut next year. n

DOF sees more expensive alcoholic drinks, heated tobacco, vapes at start of 2020

by Ben

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 16-19, 2019 D

III had requested the President to certify the bill as urgent so it could be passed before the end of 2019.

He said if the bill is passed after January 2020, “it’s very hard to implement the law midway in the year.” “The reception has been very good from the senators,” he said.

After the P4.1-trillion 2020 national budget is passed in the coming days, Dominguez said the sin tax bill was likely to be acted upon by Congress prior to its three-week holiday season break.

Although the Department of

Finance (DOF) has its preferences on the amount of excise and schedule of implementation, Dominguez said “we leave it up to the legislature” to pass its version of the bill.

Dominguez said the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) had already started to draft the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for the upcoming adjustment in excise of sin products.

Senate Bill (SB) No. 1074 is currently on second reading, or period of interpellation. Dominguez said the Senate bill had been “well-studied” and supported its immediate approval. n

JOB-creating long term equity investments in the Philippines dropped sharply in August and declined by almost as much in the first eight months of the year, as global economic uncertainties dampened foreign businessmen’s sentiment toward the country, the central bank said.

According to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) at least $416 million in foreign direct investments flowed into the country, but it was 45.1 percent lower than $758 million in 2018.

A large part of net investment

in August were on debt instruments—mainly inter-company borrowings or lending between foreign direct investors and subsidiaries or affiliates.

These reached $263 million in 2019 compared to $534 million in 2018.

Net equity capital investments by nonresidents fell by 55.3 percent to $77 million from $172 million in 2018.

Equity capital placements during the period came mostly from Japan, the United States, Hong Kong, Cayman Islands and Singapore.

These investments were chan-

neled mainly to manufacturing; real estate; financial and insurance; information and communication; and wholesale and retail trade industries.

Earnings reinvested in the country, however, rose by 46 percent to $77 million from just $53 million in 2018.

Total foreign direct investment since January 2019 was lower by 39.7 percent, or $4.5 billion, from $7.5 billion in 2018.

The BSP blamed this on “ongoing uncertainty in the global environment.” It said investment plans had been put on hold as a result. n

PAL Holdings president Lucio ‘Bong’ Tan Jr. passes away by ritcheL

menDioLa AJPress

PHILIPPINE Airlines (PAL) Holdings president Lucio “Bong” Tan Jr. on Monday, November 11, passed away. He was 53 years old.

“It is with deep sorrow that I announce the passing of my brother, Lucio ‘Bong’ Tan, Jr. this morning, November 11, 2019,” Vivienne, his sister, said in a statement.

“His untimely passing leaves a big void in our hearts and our group’s management team which would be very hard to fill.

Bong was a son, husband, father, friend and, most importantly, our elder brother whom we all relied on for advice, counsel, and leadership,” she added.

Tan was hospitalized at the Cardinal Santos Medical Center last Saturday, November 9, after collapsing unconscious during a basketball match in Mandaluyong City. He was then declared to be in stable condition.

Tan, the namesake son of Lucio Tan, one of the country’s richest individuals according to Forbes Magazine with a networth of $3.4 billion, was just named president and chief operating officer of PAL Holdings last October 28.

PAL Holdings owns Philippine Airlines, one of the group’s crown jewels.

Tan was also a director of the family’s main holding company, the $2.8 billion LT Group Inc., holding key positions in many of its subsidiaries, which include Philippine National Bank, Tanduay Distillers Inc., Asia Brewery Inc., Fortune Tobacco Corp., and Eton Properties Philippines Inc.

Tycoon Lucio Tan’s son and namesake, Lucio “Bong” Tan Jr. Philstar.com photo by KJ Rosales

among others since 2003.

Tan is survived by his wife Julie and sons Hun hun (Lucio Tan III) and Kyle Tan. “Our sincerest thanks to all who offered prayers and shared

words of comfort during this hour of grief. Our family continues to request everyone to respect our wish for privacy as we go through this very difficult time,” Vivienne said. n

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DA, World Bank in talks for $500-M funding Tycoon John Gokongwei Jr. by eireene Jairee ManilaTimes.net

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) has received commitment from the World Bank (WB) to finance four proposed projects aimed at enhancing agri-fishery extension systems, providing livelihood assistance to fisherfolk and indigenous peoples, and updating the national farmers’ registry system.

“Within our first 100 days in office, we received the World Bank’s nod to bankroll several projects that highlight our ‘New Thinking’ for agriculture,” Agriculture Secretary William Dar said in a statement over the weekend.

“The proposed projects are on top of the extension of the current World Bank-funded Philippine Rural Development Project worth $280 million,“ he added.

Dar personally received WB’s firm commitment from Mara Warwick, WB’s country director in the Philippines.

He explained the proposals include $200 million for provincial agricultural and fishery extension delivery system, which is a new proposal, $200 million for coastal resilience and fisheries development project, and $100 million for Mindanao’s inclusive agriculture development project.

The DA, he said, also proposes to update and enhance the registry system for basic sectors in ag-

passes away at 93

riculture (RSBSA) that will contain, among other information, a reliable list of legitimate farmers and fishers nationwide.

“With an updated RSBSA, we will be able to focus the delivery of needed services and initiatives to our clienteles — most especially small farmers and fisherfolk — more effectively and efficiently. We will strive to make all our agricultural, fishery and agribusiness projects inclusive, market-oriented and sustainable,” Dar said.

The agriculture chief also said the DA will ask the WB to provide technical assistance on critical policy matters such as for crafting a rice value chain industry road map. n

DTI evaluating safeguard duty on imported cars

by LoueLLa

DesiDerio Philstar.com

THE local automotive industry, which is recovering from a slump in sales last year, may face a new challenge as the government is evaluating a petition to impose a safeguard duty on imported cars.

“We are currently evaluating the safeguard duty on auto,” Trade Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo told reporters.

This, after the agency received a petition for the application of safeguard measure on imported motor vehicles from the Philippine Metal Workers Alliance.

Registered with the Department of Labor and Employment, the group is a broad alliance of automotive iron and steel, electronics and electrical sectors including affiliates in key automotive industry players.

The group wants the government to impose safeguard measures on motor vehicles as imports have increased from 2014 to 2018.

Data showed Philippine imports of motor cars for transport of people rose to 207,000 units last year from over 153,000 units in 2014.

Of the more than one million cars imported by the Philippines from 2014 to 2018, the bulk or 428,000 units came from Thailand, while Indonesia was the second biggest source with 312,000 units and Korea was on third place with more than

100,000 units.

Increased imports are seen to pose threat to local car assembly, auto parts manufacturers, as well as employment in the sector as such would lessen opportunities to produce cars in the country and source parts from local suppliers.

Free trade arrangements entered into by the country have made it easier to import cars.

At present, cars imported from Southeast Asian neighbors can enter the country duty-free, while those from Korea are imposed a five percent tariff.

Republic Act 8800 or the Safeguard Measures Act allows the government to provide relief to the local industry when this is seriously injured by a surge in imports.

In the evaluation of the petition, Rodolfo said the technical working group on trade remedies would convene to look at the application of safeguard measure for car imports, and all interested parties would be notified about the preliminary investigation and asked to submit their response.

“It may take three months before the technical working group can come up with a recommendation for the DTI secretary to consider,” he said.

Should the DTI secretary make a preliminary determination to impose safeguard measure, the matter would then be endorsed to the Tariff Commission (TC) which shall conduct its formal investigation.

After the TC’s probe, it would make a recommendation to the DTI which will decide on the matter.

Higher taxes under the government’s tax reform program took a toll on the local automotive industry last year as the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc.’s sales declined by 16 percent to 357,410 units from the 425,673 units in 2017, while the Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors Inc.’s sales were down by 17 percent to 88,700 units from 106,285 units in 2017.

Earlier this year, the government decided to impose a definitive safeguard measure on cement for three years to enable local players to become more competitive amid rising imports.

Currently, the TC is conducting a probe on whether there should be a definitive safeguard measure on ceramic floor and wall tiles, as well as float glass given higher imports and its threat to the domestic industry.

For the period of 2010 to 2017, the Philippines has applied two safeguard measures, lower compared to neighbors Vietnam which had four, Thailand with four, Malaysia with three, and Indonesia with 14.

In terms of anti-dumping measure within the same period, the Philippines had two, also fewer than others in the region such as Indonesia with 28, Thailand with 28, Malaysia with 23, and Vietnam with seven. n

John Gokongwei Jr. by ritcheL

MenDioLa AJPress

JOHN Gokongwei Jr., the country’s third richest tycoon with a net worth of $5.3 billion according to Forbes magazine, died on Saturday, November 9. He was 93 years old.

“Our beloved husband, father and grandfather John Gokongwei Jr. passed away peacefully 11:41 pm, November 9th, at the Manila Doctor’s Hospital surrounded by his loved ones. Please pray for the repose of his soul. Details of his wake to follow. Rest In Peace, Mr. John,” Lance, his son, confirmed.

Gokongwei founded JG Summit, a sprawling and diversified business empire that includes interests in air transportation, telecommunications, banking, food, power, property and petrochemicals.

According to The Manila Times, JG Summit ranked 9th in its 2019 issue of The Manila Times 500, a roster of the country’s top conglomerates and corporations, for

Photo courtesy by Forbes

amassing P291.9 billion revenues last year.

One of Gokongwei’s legacies is transforming a cornstarch manufacturing plant, Universal Robina Corp. (URC), into one of the Philippines’ largest food and beverage companies.

Another is when he donated P20 billion to the family foundation after he turned 80 years old in 2006. His donation, which was half of his shares in the JG Summit Holdings, was considered “the biggest philanthropic endowment in Philippine history.”

Malacañang on Sunday, Nov. 10, expressed its sympathies to the family of Gokongwei Jr, calling the business tycoon a “visionary” and “pillar of the Philippine economy.”

“The Palace expresses its deep condolences to the family, the surviving wife Elizabeth, children Lance, Robina, Lisa, Faith, Hope and Marcia, friends and colleagues of Mr. John Gokongwei, Jr.,” said Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo in a statement.

“Our people recognize Mr.

Gokongwei’s amazing journey as a self-made industrialist, respected business leader, and generous philanthropist. A grateful nation respects the man for the indelible legacy he made in the fields of business, entrepreneurship and philanthropy,” it added. “Mr. Gokongwei was an exceptional and ideal Filipino. He exemplifies the traits that should endow us: industrious, disciplined, indefatigable, creative, generous, always hungry for knowledge, grateful and never forgetting his origins, and most of all, a loving person to his family and his country.”

Meanwhile, Vice President Maria Leonor Robredo took to Twitter to send her condolences.

“Our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Mr. John Gokongwei Jr. We will remember his many contributions not only to the business community, but to helping our fellow Filipinos in need,” she said.

Gokongwei is survived by his wife Elizabeth; children Robina, Lance, Lisa, Faith, Hope and Marcia; siblings; and grandchildren. n

D NOVEMEBR 16-19, 2019 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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