113019 - LA Weekend Edition

NOVEMBER 30-DECEMBER 3, 2019 Volume 29 - No. 94 • 4 Sections – 30 Pages

Robredo dared to reveal drug war discoveries

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

Vice President Leni Robredo

DATELINE

Inquirer.net photo

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday, November 28, dared Vice President Leni Robredo to release the discoveries she supposedly made during her quick stint as co-chair of the Inter-Agency Committee on AntiIllegal Drugs (ICAD).

“You seem to be threatening na may information ka (that you have information). Ilabas mo (Release it),” Duterte ordered.

Robredo promised the public that she would report her discoveries about the drug war a day after she was fired from her 19-day post as ICAD co-chair.

“In the coming days, I will report to the public. I will reveal what I discovered and my recommendations. I can assure you: even if I was stripped of the position, my determination will never waver,” she said. u PAGE A2

RECOGNITION. President Rodrigo Duterte greets one of the officials of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration during the awarding ceremony for the 2019 Model Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) Family of the Year Award (MOFYA) at the Malacañan Palace on Thursday, November 28. The president thanked the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), and the Model OFW Family of the Year Awards organizing committee for giving due recognition to the country’s OFWs and their families.

Malacañang photo by Toto Lozano

SEA Games mishaps to be investigated

USA

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

Ressa selected as Princeton University’s 2020 Baccalaureate speaker

RAPPLER CEO and Executive Editor Maria Ressa has been chosen as the speaker for Princeton University’s 2020 Baccalaureate ceremony, the university announced this week.

The Baccalaureate ceremony is an end-ofyear interfaith service that is one of Princeton’s oldest traditions, with its speaker selected by the Committee on Honorary Degrees and approved by the Board of Trustees.

According to the letter of invitation to Ressa, her record of civic leadership makes her “a superb role model for our students, and throughout your career you have demonstrated values of humanity, community engagement and social responsibility that we hope our students will exemplify in their lives.”

Ressa graduated from Princeton in 1986 with a degree in English.

Juston Forte, president of the senior class, expressed his excitement to have Ressa speak to the graduating class.

“In her work as an accomplished journalist

PHISGOC Chairman Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano

Philstar.com photo

Duterte: ‘I trust China’

by CATHERINE

VALENTE ManilaTimes.net

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has declared that he still trusted China amid claims that it was capable of controlling the Philippines’ power grid.

Speaking to reporters in Malacañang on Thursday, November 28, Duterte said he did not see China’s co-ownership of the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) as a threat to national security. u PAGE A4 He said that the military could handle any issues concerning the country’s national security.

“May mga (There are) security issues that can be handled by the military. It cannot be a

problem,” the president said during a media interview.

“China has talked to us, through me. Kulang pa ang Pilipino ng trust (Filipinos don’t have much trust) but I trust them. I take their word for it,” he added.

Duterte made the statement after some senators and former Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio have raised concerns over China’s co-ownership of the NGCP. China’s State Grid Corporation owns 40 percent of the NGCP, a privately owned consortium.

Carpio on Tuesday, November 26, said Beijing’s control of NGCP should be a “cause for concern” because it would be u PAGE A3

Former VP and presidential candidate Biden sounds off ‘Shutdown of Philippines on Fil-Am issues AS the U.S. presidential elections draw near, Democratic front runner Joe Biden expressed his message to Filipino American, and pledged to champion their causes.

TFC’s Bev Llorente and the Asian Journal’s contributor for Nevada recently caught up with the former U.S. vice president during his latest visit to Las Vegas.

In Nevada alone, eligible Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) voters are estimated to account for 10% of the state’s electorate. Filipinos are considered the largest AAPI group in Nevada, with 169,462 Filipinos in the state according to the latest American Community Survey (ACS) released in September 2018.

One of the hottest topics affecting the FilAm community is immigration, to which Biden said he would eliminate the long wait times for family-based petitions and provide relief to those affected by the visa backlogs.

“You should be able to be in a position while u PAGE A4

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has apologized and ordered an investigation following the rocky start to the Philippines’ hosting of this year’s Southeast Asian Games.

Acknowledging the “discomfort” and “suffering of the athletes,” the president apologized for the mishaps that have unfolded leading up to the games kicking off this weekend.

“I’m really apologizing for the

power by China groundless’

by JANVIC

MATEO, JAIME LAUDE Philstar.com

MANILA — There is no reason to fear a possible shutdown of the Philippines’ power infrastructure by China’s grid operator, a Beijing official said on Thursday, November 28.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang described as “completely groundless” the allegation that the State Grid Corp. of China (SGCC) poses a national security threat to the Philippines amid reports of its stake with the country’s grid operator.

“To my knowledge, the [SGCC] took part in the Transco project as a cooperation partner, providing safe, efficient and high-quality electricity services. The project is now operated, managed and maintained by the Philippine side, with the Chinese partner offering necessary technical support upon request,” he said at a press briefing in Beijing, referring to the Philippines’ National Transmission Corp. u PAGE A4

country. They (foreign athletes) have to know that the government is not happy with it and the president of the country where they are playing ordered an investigation,” he said in an exclusive interview with CNN Philippines on Thursday, November 28.

The Philippines has drawn flak and made international headlines for the blunders, such as unfinished venues, inadequate food supply, transportation woes, and accommodation issues.

Duterte was reportedly angry over the logistical troubles that have been plaguing the regional sporting event and called for a probe. However, he appeared calm on Thursday as he urged the public to refrain from creating a “firestorm” over the event.

“I said let us investigate. Do not create a firestorm now because we are in the thick of preparations,” he told reporters at Malacañang.

“To me personally there was u PAGE A2

Sandigan affirms dismissal of P1-billion Marcos wealth case

by ELIZABETH

MARCELO Philstar.com

MANILA — The Sandiganbayan has affirmed its earlier dismissal of a P1.052-billion civil forfeiture case against the Marcos family and their alleged cronies due to the insufficient evidence presented by the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG).

In a three-page resolution promulgated on Nov. 20 and obtained by reporters on Friday, November 29, the court’s Second Division said the PCGG failed to raise any new issue or argument in its motion for reconsideration that would warrant the reversal of its Sept. 25 ruling dismissing the case.

The resolution was penned by Associate Justice Michael Frederick Musngi with the concurrence of Associate Justices Oscar Herrera Jr. and Lorifel Pahimna.

“The Supreme Court has repeatedly held in a long line of cases that a Motion for Reconsideration should be denied when the same only rehashes issues previously put forward. In this case, no new argument was presented by plaintiff Republic of the PhilipChinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng pines in the instant Motion,” the Shuang described as “completely groundless” Second Division said. the allegation that the State Grid Corp. of Filed by the PCGG in 1987, the China (SGCC) poses a national security threat to the Philippines amid reports of its stake forfeiture case, docketed as Civil Case No. 0008, seeks to recover with the country’s grid operator.

Philstar.com photo from former first lady Imelda Mar-

cos, her husband the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos Sr. and their alleged cronies Bienvenido Tantoco Sr., Bienvenido Tantoco Jr., estate of Gliceria Tantoco and Dominador Santiago, a total of P1.052 billion in alleged ill-gotten wealth, composed of P609.27 million in shares of stocks and P443.05 million in real properties.

The PCGG also seeks P50 billion in moral damages and P1 billion in exemplary damages.

The PCGG said the Marcoses and their co-defendants must also be compelled to pay temperate damages, nominal damages and other judicial costs, the amounts of which shall be determined by the court.

The suit stemmed from the alleged use of Tourist Duty Free Shops Inc. (TDFS), then owned

by Santiago, to secure favorable deals from the government such as exemption from taxes and franchise to operate at international airports, for the benefit of the Marcos spouses and their cronies.

The PCGG said the Tantocos as well as Santiago also acted as “dummies, nominees and/or agents” of the Marcos spouses in unlawfully acquiring personal assets such as works of art, clothes, jewelry as well real estate properties in New York.

In its Sept. 25 decision, howevu PAGE A2

A November 30-december 3, 2019 • LA WeeKeNd ASIAN JoUrNAL

SEA Games mishaps to be...

PAGE A1 t a lot of money poured into this activity,” he added. “Now I suppose that with that kind of money you can run things smoothly.

Apparently, maybe something went wrong.”

The Palace has also lamented that the Philippine SEA Games Organization Committee (PHIS-

GOC) — the private entity in charge of organizing and hosting this year’s SEA Games — should perform better services expected of them, acknowledging the mishaps pointed out by critics.

“An array of criticisms has been made on how PHISGOC has handled the logistics of this momentous event, and these should

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

From the Front Page

be accepted and considered in order to rectify the errors it has committed,” presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said.

“The critics have a point. There is indeed something wrong with the preparations,” he added.

Cayetano ‘not involved’ PHISGOC and its chairman, House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, have come under fire for how the event is unfolding.

Cayetano on Thursday has also called on the Commission on Audit (COA) to conduct an audit on how public funds were being used for the SEA Games.

“First of all, there’s no such thing as conflict of interest. Puwede kayong mag-imbento ng kahit anong gusto ninyo, imimbento ‘nyo na, ‘di ba? (First of all, there’s no such thing as the conflict of interest. You can keep on making things up, okay?)”

Cayetano told reporters in San Juan City, responding to questions about any conflicts in interest in his dual role as House leader and chair of the games.

Duterte, however, said he does not believe Cayetano is involved in any of the corruption accusations relating to funds for the SEA Games.

“Yes, he (Cayetano) has to answer but I do not think corruption. I am sure Cayetano is not involved in corruption pero ‘yung ibang binigyan ng task, ‘yung POC (Philippine Olympic Committee) pati yung kay Bambol Tolentino (but those given tasks, like the POC and the one led by Bambol Tolentino),” the president said.

“I am not investigating Cayetano under it, I am just trying to find out. I think the money must have not been properly disbursed. I know Cayetano cannot handle everything, he has to delegate,” he added.

To further fan flames, Cayetano on Friday said the president ordered that 10,000 tickets for the majority of the 56 sports events and the closing ceremony be free for the public. “’Yong games [free na rin], except basketball, volleyball, and football where Philippine team is playing kasi sold out na rin (The games will have free tickets too except for basketball, volleyball, and football where the Philippine team is playing because they’re sold out already),” he added. n

BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF ANDRES BONIFACIO. Photo shows the statue of Andres Bonifacio at Liwasang Bonifacio, near Manila Post Office on Friday, November 29. The Philippines will commemorate the 156th birth anniversary of Andres Bonifacio on Saturday, November 30.

Bonifacio was a Filipino revolutionary leader and one of the most influential national heroes during the Philippine Revolution against Spanish colonial rule.

PNA photo by Gil Calinga

Robredo dared to reveal...

PAGE A1 t Robredo was sacked for her supposed “missteps,” such as speaking to foreign nations, failing to present a program of action in her new role as ICAD co-chair, and challenging Duterte to fire her.

According to Duterte, she “made an asshole of herself” after she met with representatives of foreign organizations, including the United Nations and the U.S. Embassy.

Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo, meanwhile, expressed his doubts about Robredo’s discoveries, pointing out that she should have immediately released the information.

“What’s taking her [Robredo]

so long? Is she trying to convey the message that she has kept her silence in recent past because she’s still part of the administration? Now that she’s no longer part of the same administration, she is inclined to disclose her revelations? That does not speak well with the vice president,” he said, adding that “presumably” whatever comes out of Robredo’s report is fabricated.

He continued, “If you discovered something, you should bring it out outright. But if you’re still crafting your alleged discovery, it will really take time to craft.”

Panelo also slammed Robredo for questioning what the administration is hiding from the public.

“My question to VP Leni is if

the administration is trying to hide something, you wouldn’t be appointed,” he said.

Following the vice president’s firing, Philippine National Police spokesman Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac said she did not commit any “missteps” during her quick term as ICAD co-chair.

Panelo quickly rebutted Banac’s statements, by saying the missteps he was talking about “were on a higher level.”

“Like when she talked with foreign nationals or institutions, for the president, that’s a misstep, why did you talk to them since they have judged that the drug war is wrong… In short, the PNP is being pitted against the administration,” he added. n

Sandigan affirms dismissal of P1-billion...

PAGE A1 t er, the Second Division said most of the documents presented by the PCGG were mere photocopies with no proof of the existence of the originals, in violation of the Best Evidence Rule.

The Second Division said the testimonies of the witnesses were not given weight as they testified on photocopied documents, which were not admitted as evidence due to their questionable authenticity.

The Second Division, in its new resolution, found no merit on PCGG’s claim that it was able to

present sufficient evidence pertaining to the “ill-gotten nature” of TDFS and to show that the Tantocos “acted as dummies and agents of the Marcoses in acquiring ill-gotten wealth.”

Civil Case No. 0008 was among 43 civil cases that PCGG filed at the Sandiganbayan against the Marcoses and their cronies in 1987, a year after the late dictator was ousted though a mass revolt.

The Sandiganbayan has already dismissed 22 of the cases including Civil Case No. 0008.

There are 19 more cases which remain pending while one was

indefinitely archived and one was ruled in favor of the government.

Among those recently dismissed by the anti-graft court due to “insufficiency of evidence” was the P102-billion forfeiture case which stemmed from the alleged grant of excessive loans to several firms particularly the shipping companies owned by the late ambassador to Japan Roberto Benedicto, during the martial law regime.

Early this month, however, the court allowed the PCGG to file an appeal on the case’s dismissal. n

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A

Coping with (power) loss: California’s hospitals, clinics, patients face new reality

by Mark

kreidler Kaiser Health News

WE all know that when the power goes out, refrigerators, heaters and air conditioners stop running.

Homes go dark, and desktop computers shut down.

But those are mere inconveniences. If you need regular dialysis or chemotherapy at a clinic, or you have an infant in a neonatal intensive care unit or a loved one on a hospital ventilator, a loss of power carries far more dire implications.

California’s recurrent power outages this year by Pacific Gas & Electric Co. and Southern California Edison, in response to wildfire Family of Marcial Escobia Jr., a Filipino doctor who was killed in a crash caused by an impaired driver, talk to media about getting justice. threats up and down the state, Photo by Bev Llorente have forced patients to think about how they get care when the power is cut at hospitals and clinics.

Hospitals that provide critical care are required by state and federal law to have backup generators on-site. In California, hospitals, outpatient clinics and treatbia’s 2013 Toyota Pathfinder, ac- higher amount as he remains in ment centers have long-standing

by AJPress custody at Clark County Deten- disaster plans in place, which cording to police reports.

THE impaired driver in a crash The Escobias were on their tion Center. cover the possibility of temporary Escobia, who is originally from power outages. that killed a Filipino doctor last way to church, family members Bohol, Philippines, was laid to month in central Las Vegas has said.

“But continuous power shutpleaded not guilty to murder and The Fil-Am’s vehicle reportedly rest on Saturday, November 23. offs, sometimes lasting for days several other charges on Tues- went into a roll and struck three A GoFundMe page had been set and then happening again within day, November 19. other vehicles. Escobia died from up by the family to help with fu- a week or two, were never what Appearing in a wheelchair be- multiple blunt force injuries at a neral arrangements. those plans were intended for,” “We want justice [for] what said Jan Emerson-Shea, vice presfore a district judge, 34-year-old nearby hospital, while Nimfa EsKevin Raspperry of Henderson, cobia is still in critical condition. happened to the family,” Jessie ident for external affairs at the CalNevada pleaded not guilty to Passengers of the other ve- Aguilar, a friend of the Escobia ifornia Hospital Association. “This three counts of reckless driving, hicles involved in the crash were family, said. (With reports from is all very new to everybody.” four counts of driving under the taken to University Medical Cen- Bev Llorente / ABS-CBN News Communities in Northern and influence, two counts of posses- ter for non-life threatening inju- North America bureau) Southern California have been sion of a controlled substance ries at the time. and two counts of second-degree “[It’s] very tough, we know murder. that we have to go through the Raspperry is the suspect in a struggle. Our pain is definitely seven-vehicle crash that killed permanent but we have to stay 65-year-old Filipino doctor Mar- strong,” Nimar Escobia, Marcial Escobia Jr. and injured his cial and Nimfa’s son, said. “For wife, Nimfa Escobia, who was a Kevin Raspperry, your decision... passenger in the vehicle. did not just impact one family, it Raspperry, who had a revoked impacted many more.” driver’s license, ran a red light at Raspperry’s blood alcohol a high speed around 7:54 a.m. level during the crash was 0.205, on October 27 near Tropicana more than two and a half times Avenue and Rainbow Boulevard, the legal limit, the district attorcrashing his vehicle into Esco- ney’s office wrote in a report.

The suspect also tested positive for methamphetamine, ecstasy and marijuana.

He previously has two prior DUI convictions in Clark County. ”Mr. Raspperry’s blood alcohol level after the crash was .205 (.08 is the legal limit), and he also tested positive for methamphetamine, ecstasy and marijuana. Raspperry has two prior DUI convictions in Clark County since 2012, which demonstrates his total disregard for the law,” District Attorney Steve Wolfson told reporters.

Raspperry’s bail was originally set for $100,000 but Nevada Kevin Rasperry Photo courtesy LVMPD prosecutors are pushing for a

Suspect in crash that killed Filipino doctor in Las Vegas pleads not guilty

Las Vegas-based Filipino doctor Marcial Escobia Jr. was killed in late October in a crash caused by an impaired driver. His wife Nimfa, who was a passenger in the vehicle, sustained injuries.

Photo courtesy of Escobia family

Duterte: ‘I trust...

PAGE A1 t “easy” for the foreign country to shut down the Philippines’ power grid by “inject[ing] malware or software.”

But the President said he would believe China rather than Carpio, who was “so enamored with China.”

“Hindi ako naniniwala diyan kay Carpio wala namang matinong sinabi iyan eh. Ano ang sinabi niyang nakatulong sa Pilipinas (I don’t believe Carpio because he does not make any sense. What are the things he said that became beneficial to the Philippines)?” he said.

In a survey conducted in September, 54 percent of Filipinos had little trust in China, while 21 percent said they had much trust in the communist state. It resulted in “poor” net trust of -33, down by 9 points from the “bad” -24 rating in June 2019.

Malacañang previously expressed optimism that Filipinos would eventually appreciate China, considering Duterte’s push for an independent foreign policy that is favorable to the Philippines.

“The Palace is not surprised, as it does not feel affronted, with the results of the survey released yesterday, November 20, by the Social Weather Stations which indicate that China remains to be the least trusted country among

Filipinos with a net trust rating of -33,” Palace spokesman Salvador Panelo said in a statement.

“It is in our belief, however, that China, like any other country, will be eventually appreciated by the Filipinos by reason of the President’s independent foreign policy which has resulted in significant benefits favorable to the Philippines,” he added.

Since assuming the presidency, Duterte has sought to downplay Manila’s maritime dispute with Beijing in exchange for improved ties with the world’s second largest economy.

Duterte has also refused to flaunt the Philippines’ victory against China in a United Nations-backed arbitration court in 2016 which invalidated Beijing’s expansive claims to the waters.

But the president defended his approach, saying Manila could not yet stand up to Beijing, whose military and economy were far superior.

Recently, Duterte said he would invoke the Mutual Defense Treaty with the United States and ask the the country’s long-time ally to send its Seventh Fleet to the disputed waters to confront the Chinese forces.

The Philippines claims parts of the South China Sea within its exclusive economic zone and calls it the West Philippine Sea. n

subjected this year to numerous outages, often with no assurance of when their power would be restored. The utilities’ estimates sometimes miss the mark. The outages are likely to be a longterm problem, given PG&E’s 10year timetable for fixing power transmission risks.

And the fires are not necessarily finished for this season: The Camp Fire, the most deadly in California history, started in the second week of November last year. And the Thomas Fire, a huge blaze that ravaged swaths of Ventura and Santa Barbara counties, erupted in early December 2017 and burned well into January.

The bottom line: Hospitals and clinics must be prepared for this new reality. And so must patients.

The following answers to some critical questions will help readers understand what patients’ options will be the next time a vital treatment is threatened by a loss of power.

Q: We have a family member on a ventilator in the hospital.

What happens to her if the power goes out?

She will likely not be affected.

All California hospitals must have backup generators and enough diesel fuel on hand to run for 72 hours without electricity. The generators kick in within 10 seconds of a power shut-off, EmersonShea said, so all critical functions — ventilators, heart monitors, surgical procedures — can continue without interruption.

Q: Some recent outages have

lasted longer than 72 hours.

What happens then?

As long as the hospital has access to diesel fuel, it can run on its generators for as long as it needs to (although air quality issues arise from their prolonged use).

But even with generators, hospital administrators must decide which services are absolutely critical and which ones are temporarily dispensable.

Q: What are some examples of both?

If you have elective surgery like a knee replacement scheduled, and power is expected to be cut off that day, there’s a chance the hospital will reschedule the operation. The generators are intended primarily to power the critical-care functions of a hospital — operating and emergency rooms; labor centers; the monitoring of patients’ heart rates, breathing and blood pressure — and officials will keep those functions going even if it means turning off the building’s air conditioning or heat.

Q: I have a chemotherapy treatment scheduled on a day when a power shut-off may occur. Should I still go?

That depends on your provider. Many oncology practices are located within or next to hospitals, so they would retain access to power even in a shut-off. The situation changes, though, if your treatments are normally provided at a free-standing health clinic or private care center, where such

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A November 30-december 3, 2019 • LA WeeKeNd ASIAN JoUrNAL

Dateline USa

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Ressa selected as Princeton University’s 2020... Fil-Am named new president of city college in California PAGE A1 t and executive editor of Rappler. com, Maria Ressa continuously fights against disinformation and fake news. Ressa’s work to share the truth and raise awareness of unjust situations despite its consequences embodies Princeton’s informal motto, ‘Princeton in the nation’s service and the service of humanity,’ by showing a dedication to humanity and an extraordinary level of social responsibility,” Forte wrote in a statement.

“I am confident Maria Ressa will impart wisdom and inspire the Class of 2020 as we continue to grapple with injustice in our lives and in our future journeys beyond the gates of Princeton,” he added.

Prior to becoming Rappler chief, Ressa has been a journalist in Asia for more than 30 years, with two decades nearly spent as a lead investigative reporter in Southeast Asia for CNN. In 2012, she co-founded Rappler and saw it grow to become one of the leading online news organizations in the Philippines.

Ressa has received various awards around the world for her fight for press freedom and against disinformation, such as

Rappler chief Maria Ressa speaks to Princeton University students in April 2019.

Photo by Denise Applewhite / Princeton

the prestigious Golden Pen of Freedom Award from the World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers and the 2018 Gwen Ifill Freedom Award from the Committee to Protect Journalists. She was also named as “Person of the Year” by TIME Magazine in 2018.

“The only defense journalists have is to shine the light,” Ressa said in a Princeton “She Roars” podcast.

“And part of what’s keeping us safe is because of the coverage that international news groups are giving what’s happening in the Philippines, both the drug

SAN JOSE, California — San José City College (SJCC) has appointed Dr. Rowena M. Tomaneng as its next president.

Tomaneng is currently the president of Berkeley City College (BCC) and has been an educator in the California Community College system for nearly 25 years.

“With SJCC preparing to celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2021, now is an opportune time to set a course for the next 100 years and Dr. Tomaneng has the skills and experience to do so in collaboration with the dedicated team of professionals at the college already,” said SJCC chancellor Clift Breland.

During her tenure at BCC, Tomaneng advanced the school’s Undocumented Community Resource Center and BCC’s Learning Communities, which provide culturally responsive services and curriculum for low income and first-generation students of color.

A first-generation immigrant from the Philippines, Tomaneng holds a bachelor’s degree in English from University of California, Irvine; a master’s degree in English from University of California, Santa Barbara; and a doctorate in international/ multicultural education from the University of San Francisco. (Inquirer.net)

war, the information war and the attacks against Rappler,” she added.

Princeton’s Baccalaureate service focuses on members of the senior class. It includes prayers and readings from various religions and philosophical traditions. The earliest recorded Baccalaureate address — titled “Religion and the Public Spirit” — was delivered by University President Samuel Davies to the 11 members of the graduating class of 1760. The Baccalaureate ceremony for the graduating class of 2020 is scheduled on GREENHOUSE gases levels May 31. (AJPress) in the atmosphere, the main driver of climate change, hit a record high last year, the UN said Monday, calling for action to safeguard “the future welfare of mankind.”

“There is no sign of a slowdown, let alone a decline, in greenhouse gases concentration in the atmosphere despite all the commitments under the Paris Agreement on Climate Change,” the head of the World Meteorological Organization Petteri Taalas said in a statement.

The WMO’s main annual Greenhouse Gas Bulletin listed the atmospheric concentration of CO2 in 2018 at 407.8 parts per million, up from 405.5 parts per million (ppm) in 2017.

That increase was just above the annual average increase

Dr. Rowena Tomaneng will be the new president of San Jose City College. She is currently president of Berkeley City College.

Photo courtesy of San José City College

UN: Greenhouse gas levels in atmosphere hit new high in 2018 over the past decade.

Concentrations of the other two main greenhouse gases, methane and nitrous oxide, also hit record levels in 2018, WMO said.

“This continuing long-term trend means that future generations will be confronted with increasingly severe impacts of climate change, including rising temperatures, more extreme weather, water stress, sea level rise and disruption to marine and land ecosystems,” WMO said.

Emissions are the main factor that determine the amount of greenhouse gas levels, but concentration rates are a measure of what remains after a series of complex interactions between atmosphere, biosphere, lithosphere, cryosphere and the

oceans.

Roughly 25% of all emissions are currently absorbed by the oceans and biosphere—a term that accounts for all ecosystems on Earth.

The lithosphere is the solid, outer part of the Earth, while the cyrosphere covers that part of the world covered by frozen water.

The UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has said that in order to keep warming below 1.5 degrees Celsius, net CO2 emissions must be at net zero, meaning the amount being pumped into the atmosphere must equal the amount being removed, either though natural absorbtion or technological innovation. (Philstar.com)

‘Shutdown of Philippines power by China...

PAGE A1 t

“The allegation of China’s control over the Philippines’ power grid or threat to the country’s national security is completely groundless. Besides, the Chinese business also actively fulfills its social responsibilities,” he added, noting that the project has brought electricity to remote areas in the Philippines.

Earlier, Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, chair of the Senate committee on energy, filed a resolution seeking an investigation on the reported 40 percent stake of the SGCC with the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP), which operates Transco.

Various reports alleged that the setup allows China’s grid operator to remotely shut down the Philippines’ power infrastructure, posing a threat to national security.

The NGCP has already allayed fears over China’s supposed control of the power grid, saying the stake of SGCC in the country’s

grid operator is limited to its being only a technical adviser.

Geng maintained that the Philippines is China’s close and friendly neighbor, stressing that they support “Chinese businesses’ pursuit of practical, win-win cooperation in the Philippines in accordance with laws and regulations.”

“We hope certain individuals in the Philippines will look at cooperation with China in an open, objective and impartial manner.

There is no need to worry about the sky falling or imagine trouble where there is none,” he added.

Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said he is leaving it up to the defense department to clarify the issue.

“Since that is a national security matter, I will defer to the position of the Department of National Defense as well as the NICA (National Intelligence Coordinating Agency) director,” Panelo said.

Duterte said he has not yet

ordered an investigation of the matter as he has to see first how security officials view the situation.

In a previous interview, national security adviser Hemogenes Esperon Jr. said the Philippine government would not be that naïve to allow China or any foreign country to put the Philippines’ security at risk in relation to the NGCP transmission towers.

Even the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said the issue is for the NGCP and the National Power Corp. (NPC) to resolve.

“We believe that matter is within the purview of the NGCP and also the NPC,” Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo, AFP spokesman, said adding that NGCP is privy to the contract and that necessary safeguards are in place.

But Arevalo said the AFP’s stand does not mean it’s ruling out discussing the security aspect of the issue with concerned agencies. n

Former VP and presidential candidate Biden sounds off...

PAGE A1 t you are waiting for a green card to come here to take care of a family member who’s been here, who’s aging. You should be able to have that done while waiting for your green card,” Biden said.

As President Donald Trump continues to find ways to cut legal immigration, Biden said he wants to increase the number of legal immigrants.

“There’s direct co-relation between the sacrifice made. We are the country we are because of immigrants,” Biden said.

He adds that if elected he will make sure the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program (DACA) stays intact. He stressed that the Obama-era DACA has helped so many immigrants, including Filipinos.

Former U.S. Vice President Joe Biden

Nearly 4,000 Filipinos have been active DACA recipients since fall 2017.

“Everybody thinks DACA is just dealing with the Latino group, it’s not. By the way, the largest group is the AAPI group [and] we just need to make it clear to the American people that this is much broader,” he said.

Besides immigration, Biden also acknowledged the contributions of Filipino World War II veterans to American freedom.

Fighting for their full military benefits is an issue that is very close to the vice president’s heart.

“They helped us won a war, people gave their lives, over 50, 60, 70 thousands fought and when the war was over — they

call it the Recission Act — they didn’t get rewarded like other veterans did,” he said. “The generation of America has come along today has no idea [how] instrumental the Filipino military played in defeating the Japanese.”

Biden thanked Filipino Americans for their contributions, saying that immigrants are what make America great.

“You guys are incredible, we are a country that is built by you. And so many people like you. And the reason is, you are determined, you are optimistic, you are resilient, you’ve been through a lot and you still believe we can do this. So I say to you thank you, thank you for making us stronger.” (Bev Llorente/ABS-CBN News)

Photo by Bev Llorente

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Coping with (power) loss: California’s...

US Coast Guard rescues ill Filipino seafarer from cruise ship ST. CROIX, U.S. Virgin Islands — A U.S. Coast Guard helicopter crew medevaced an unnamed 29year-old Filipino crew member of the Marella Explorer 2 cruise ship Tuesday, November 26, who apparently had a heart attack.

The seafarer was flown from some 50 nautical miles southeast of the U.S. Virgin Islands for treatment on St. Croix.

Coast Guard watchstanders received medevac request from the Marella Explorer 2 at 10:47 p.m.

Monday, after one of their crew members experienced a heart attack and required immediate medical attention ashore.

The rescue helicopter arrived on scene and the crew deployed their rescue swimmer to assess the condition of the patient. An EMS crew later transported the patient by ambulance to the Juan F. Luis Hospital.

The cruise ship was traveling from Bridgetown, Barbados to The crew of a U.S. Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin helicopter assists a crew member of the Marella Tortola, British Virgin Islands, Eplorer 2 Cruise ship. The crew member had been stricken by a heart attack at sea and was when the incident was reported to medevaced to St. Croix, where he was treated at the Juan F. Luis Hospital. the Coast Guard. (Inquirer.net) Photo courtesy of U.S. Coast Guard

‘Comfort women’ sue PH gov’t before UN FOR perpetuating a “culture of impunity” that discriminates against women, 24 grandmothers who survived the Japanese military’s sexual slavery during World War II have sued the Philippine government for failing to address their demand for reparations from Japan.

The 24 grandmothers belonging to the group Malaya Lola had served as “comfort women” for Japanese troops stationed in Pampanga.

They filed the complaint in the form of a communication submitted to the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women on Monday.

They claimed that the Philippine government’s position favoring Japan over the comfort women constitutes a violation of the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women.

“The failure of the Respondent State to espouse the claims of the author-victims in respect to reparations for having been subject to sexual slavery, rape and other forms of sexual violence as well as torture perpet-

uates a culture of impunity for discrimination against women within the meaning of Article 1,” part of Malaya Lolas’ 38page communication read.

Malaya Lolas president Lita Vinuya, 82, urged the UN to listen to their cause before it’s too late.

Their numbers have dwindled to 28 from 70 who had come out as comfort women.

“We are only 28 survivors.

We all have illnesses. We might all be gone and never receive any legal help,” Vinuya said in Filipino. She was raped at the Bahay na Pula in San Ildefonso, Bulacan, where comfort women were detained by soldiers stationed in Pampanga. Vinuya was only seven at the time.

Their counsel Romel Bagares of CenterLaw on Thursday, November 28 said the victims have resorted to filing the complaint before the UN after exhausting all legal efforts in Philippine courts to seek reparation.

“Right now the only available option is the UN system, under a treaty to which we are a party,” said Bagares, who worked with lawyer Kimberly

Anne Lorenzo on the comfort women’s case.

In 2010, the Supreme Court in a decision penned by Justice Mariano del Castillo denied their petition for certiorari with an application for a writ of preliminary mandatory injunction that accused the Philippine government of grave abuse of discretion in not giving the lolas war crime reparations.

The high court sided with the government that reparation claims against Japan had been waived under the San Francisco Peace Agreement of 1951, and that the Philippine government does not have any international obligation to grant their cause.

The high court denied the Malaya Lolas’ appeal in 2014.

“In light of the Respondent State’s continuing failure to espouse the claims of the authorvictims, the Respondent State has violated its general legal obligation as contained in the chapeau of Article 2, namely, to ‘pursue by all appropriate means and without delay a policy of eliminating discrimination against women,’” the comfort women said. (Philstar.com)

PAGE A3 t backup may not exist. A survey by the disaster-preparedness nonprofit Direct Relief found that only 44% of California’s community health centers have a backup energy source in case of electrical failure.

Q: What do clinics without backup energy do, then, if the power goes out?

Phone calls by California Healthline to several such clinics found that most of them had a similar plan: Staffers use their cellphones to contact each patient and cancel his or her session. So be aware that you may see an unfamiliar incoming number that turns out to be your provider. If someone from your treatment team doesn’t call you, call them. And if your treatment is canceled, make sure it is rescheduled for immediately after power is restored. A few of the facilities noted that their doctors have privileges at local hospitals, so in cases where the treatment is indispensable, they can send patients there. Emerson-Shea said several hospitals have reported receiving patients who had been directed there by clinics.

Q: How bad is it if I miss a chemo or radiation treatment?

In many cases, a delay of a few days won’t hurt you. But missing a session altogether is not good.

A study published by the National Institutes of Health showed that missed chemotherapy doses correlated with worse prognoses and higher mortality rates among cancer patients. Missed radiation treatments, likewise, have been linked to a greater risk of cancer recurrence. So it’s important to stay on track.

Q: What about dialysis? If my clinic has no power, can I get treatment elsewhere?

Yes. During mandatory firerelated evacuations in Sonoma County last month, some clinics with no formal affiliation functioned as ad hoc cooperatives, cross-referring their patients depending upon which facilities were up and running, said Monica Hannaman, a dialysis social worker at Fresenius Medical Care in Santa Rosa. The goal was to treat patients without having to send them to a hospital, she said, “because the hospitals are already so burdened during emergencies like that.”

Also, keep in mind that if your dialysis center is part of a bigger chain, you can go to one of its other locations. Some Sonoma County dialysis patients of San

Jose-based Satellite Healthcare, which has multiple locations in California, went as far as Sacramento for treatment last month, said Lanie Borja, manager of the Satellite clinic in Windsor, Calif.

Q: What else can health care providers do to ensure my wellbeing in the likely case of future power outages?

Hospitals may start rethinking ways to store backup energy, Emerson-Shea said, especially given the long time PG&E has said it will take before it can stop

A

the precautionary outages. Some free-standing medical clinics in areas with high fire and wind risk are considering buying generators large enough to power their operations, despite the big expense. Hannaman said Fresenius is thinking of putting generators in its two Santa Rosa-area clinics, because “this will be happening more often, we’re afraid.”

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

A November 30-december 3, 2019 • LA WeeKeNd ASIAN JoUrNAL

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Duterte might take over PNP if he can’t find new chief by aJPress President rodrigo duterte on thursday, november 28, said he would take over the leadership of the Philippine national Police (PnP) if he cannot find the right person for the position. “if they have even a single case of corruption, i would rather not appoint anybody for that matter. Ako na ang hahawak (I’ll handle it). i will be the one directing. Guidance and direction lang naman ako (I’ll provide guidance and direc-

tion),” he said in an interview in Malacañang.

He said this is a last resort only if he “cannot find somebody i can trust.” duterte has previously admitted that he was having a hard time choosing his third PnP chief after former PnP chief Oscar Albayalde stepped down from his post amid the “ninja cops” controversy. the president also expressed his disappointment in the PnP for the controversies hounding the force. “isa pa itong mga pulis. Hintay kayo diyan. (The police are

another concern. You wait.) there are so many things the police has to improve on. Unless i see the very best guy there, you show me, tell me who is the best to handle the command,” duterte said. there are reportedly three candidates being considered for the promotion: PnP officer-in-charge Lieutenant General Archie Francisco Gamboa, Lieutenant General Camilo Cascolan, and Major General Guillermo eleazar.

“Just give me an honest man, period,” the president added. n

Sandigan junks Napoles, ex-lawmaker’s motions

by ELizabEth

marcELo Philstar.com

MAniLA — the anti-graft court sandiganbayan has upheld its earlier ruling denying the respective demurrer to evidence of detained businesswoman Janet Lim-napoles and former congressman edgar Valdez seeking the dismissal of their plunder case in connection with the multibillion-peso pork barrel scam. in a resolution promulgated on nov. 13, the court’s Fifth division said napoles and Valdez failed to raise any new argument in their motions for reconsideration that would compel it to reverse its Aug. 28 ruling denying their demurrer.

“As the Court sees it, the other issues raised are nothing but mere replications of the arguments stated in the respective demurrers to evidence of Valdez and napoles. these issues have already been meticulously discussed in our resolution dated Aug. 28, 2019... it would be a useless ritual for the Court to reiterate itself,” the Fifth division said. the Fifth division, in its Aug. 28 resolution, said the prosecution panel of the Office of the Ombudsman was able to present sufficient evidence against Valdez and napoles, which, if unrebutted, is strong enough

to convict them of plunder.

Filed by the ombudsman in February 2015, the case stemmed from the alleged misuse of Valdez’s Priority development Assistance Fund (PdAF) or pork barrel from 2004 to 2010 during his term as representative of the partylist group Association of Philippine electric Cooperatives (APeC).

Valdez allegedly received P57.78 million worth of kickbacks from napoles in exchange for allocating his PdAF to the latter’s bogus nongovernment organizations (nGOs) for the supposed implementation of livelihood projects. the ombudsman said the projects turned out to be fictitious or were never implemented.

Valdez and napoles were granted bail by the Fifth division in April 2016.

Valdez had earlier posted P1.71-million bail for his provisional liberty. napoles, however, remains in detention at the Correctional institution for Women in Mandaluyong City following her previous conviction of plunder in connection with the misuse of the PdAF of re-elected sen. ramon revilla Jr. napoles is also named as coaccused in the plunder cases former senators Juan Ponce

enrile and Jinggoy estrada and former Masbate congresswoman rizalina seachon-Lanete. in its new ruling, the Fifth division maintained that napoles’ participation in the alleged crime was clearly established by the prosecution through its pieces of evidence showing that she exercised control over the Masaganang Ani Para sa Magsasaka Foundation inc., Philippine social development Foundation inc. and social development Program for Farmers Foundation inc. – the three nGOs through which Valdez’s PdAF was coursed. “these purported bogus nGOs were formed by napoles to serve as the apparent recipients of Valdez’s PdAF. Otherwise stated, the nGOs are formed by napoles as mere instruments for the entire scheme, and the commissions/ kickbacks would be channeled through these napoles- formed nGOs for the benefit of Valdez,” the Fifth division said. “these foundations are conduits for the release of the disputed PdAF of congressman Valdez,” it added. the resolution was penned

by Associate Justice Maria theresa Mendoza-Arcega with the concurrence of Associate Justices rafael Lagos and Maryann Corpus-Mañalac. n

4Ps ADDITIONAL FUNDING. Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez (right), and World Bank Country Director Mara Warwick sign the loan agreement for the Second Social Welfare Development And Reform Program, which will provide additional financing for the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), on Thursday, November 28. The additional financing, worth USD300 million, will continue to support the delivery of conditional cash transfers to millions of beneficiaries until 2022. With the additional financing, the World Bank’s support for the government’s conditional cash transfer program has reached $1.26 billion.

Photo courtesy of DOF

Raise in government nurses’ wages adopted in proposed 2020 budget

by Franco Luna Philstar.com

MAniLA — the senate’s iteration of the national budget bill included an amendment by sen.

Panfilo Lacson that ensures the base pay of government nurses is not lower than salary Grade 15, in compliance with the supreme Court’s earlier ruling. the new special provision entitled “increasing the salary Grade of Government nurses” stipulates that the base pay of government nurses shall be at least P30,531 a month, good for salary Grade 15.

“As the funds are already there under MPBF, government nurses need not wait for the passage of legislation or the availability of funds to be provided by the department of Budget and Management,” Lacson noted in a press release on thursday, november 28. “the implementation of the salary adjustment shall take effect when the decision of the supreme Court had become final and executory, but not earlier than the start of Fiscal Year

2020,” read the provision. the supreme Court on October 9 ruled in favor of nurses in government institutions after Ang nars Party List said their salary grades were at around salary Grade 11, which is contrary to stipulations in republic Act 9173. With the ruling, the High Court “declared as valid” the aforementioned act. section 32 of the Philippine nursing Act of 2002 reads: “in order to enhance the general welfare, commitment to service and professionalism of nurses, the minimum base pay of nurses working in public health institutions shall not be lower than salary grade 15 prescribed under republic Act no. 6758, otherwise known as the “Compensation and Classification Act of 1989:” Provided, that for nurses working in local government units, adjustments to their salaries shall be in accordance with section 10 of the said law.” “the public is assured that the president will carefully scrutinize whatever appropriations bill that will be transmitted to

his office by Congress to ensure that the same would be in accordance with the imperatives of the Constitution and responsive to the needs of the Filipino people before it becomes a law,” presidential spokesman salvador Panelo said on Wednesday, november 27. this comes after the senate on Wednesday approved the P4.1 trillion national budget for 2020, where separate amendments providing P150 million and an additional P644 million for the Veterans Memorial Medical Center and the Philippine General Hospital were also accepted, respectively.

Groups in October claimed that there was a “health crisis” in the Philippines in the wake of the slashing in the budget for health, the understaffing of nurses and the sudden resurgences of infectious diseases like polio. “they don’t have to wait six months or another year. By January once we enact the GAA for 2020, ang salary upgrade nila is taken care of,” Lacson said in ending his statement. n

Complete rehab of Boracay on track

by EirEEnE JairEE

GomEz

ManilaTimes.net

tHe total rehabilitation of Boracay is on track to be completed in May 2020, the Boracay interAgency task Force (BiAtF) said on thursday, november 28. in a statement, natividad Bernardino, general manager of the BiA rehabilitation Management Group (BiArMG), said work was moving right on schedule for completion in the first half of next year in time for the expiration of BiAtF. “We are on track, and if everything goes smoothly, all our targets for the two-year rehabilitation program will be met by the time the task Force is dissolved,” Bernardino said.

Her statement came as BiAtF continues to make steady progress in its effort to rehabilitate the world-famous resort island as it enters the final six months prior to its scheduled dissolution. environment secretary roy Cimatu welcomed the good news and acknowledged the efforts of the task force and all those who are doing their share in the rehabilitation. “i am thankful and grateful for the all success we have gained no matter how big or small in the

continuing rehabilitation of Boracay,” Cimatu said.

On May 8 last year, President rodrigo duterte issued executive Order (eO) 53 creating the BiAtF and designating the secretary of the department of environment and natural resources (denr) as its chairman. the eO provides that the BiAtF shall be deemed dissolved two years after its creation.

“Boracay is truly an amazing turnaround story and we, the members of the BiAtF, the BiAMrG, and all stakeholders, are relentlessly working to secure the gains we have achieved,” Cimatu said.

“All of us want to bring back the beauty, cleanliness, and peace and order in Boracay,” he added. earlier this week, Bernardino reported that 67 percent of the total 339 commercial and residential structures along the beachfront have already complied with the 25+5 meter shoreline easement rule. she said the island’s maximum carrying capacity of 19,215 tourists at any given time was strictly being observed. the average number of tourist arrivals from October 2018 to november 2019 was at 5,639

tourists per day. the main road is expected to be finished by yearend and other road sections by April or May 2020.

Bernardino said the infrastructure works were seen as one of the obstacles that might delay the rehabilitation’s completion.

Adding to this is overpopulation, particularly the big number of workers who stay in boarding houses. “the biggest problem we still have right now and even after the two-year rehabilitation is how to decongest the island,” she said.

Meanwhile, Cimatu noted that the creation of a Boracay island development Authority (BidA) to permanently manage the island is being proposed in Congress.

Under the proposal, BidA will become an attached agency of the denr since environmental sustainability will be its main concern. “in the meantime, we may request President duterte to extend eO 53,” Cimatu said.

Boracay was closed to tourists on April 26, 2018 to give way to a rehabilitation. it reopened on Oct. 26, 2018 six months after the rehabilitation adopting a stricter regulations on the use of its famous white beach. n

House bill allots P8.4-billion emergency fund for farmers by nova Joy

DELa ManilaTimes.net

cruz

A BiLL that aims to appropriate P8.4-billion emergency fund to aid farmers affected by the dwindling price of palay (unmilled rice) has been filed at the House of representatives.

House Committee on Ways and Means Chairman Joey salceda said House Bill 5669, which he authored, seeks to distribute P7,000 conditional cash transfers to affected farmers.

Priority would be given to areas with farmgate palay prices below P17 per kilo, in major rice producing provinces, and to farmers cultivating lands of 2 hectares and below. Beneficiaries must belong to a cooperative. the emergency fund will be sourced from the national treasury and will be released by the

department of Budget and Management to the department of social Welfare and development (dsWd). the dsWd, together with the department of Agriculture, was tasked to issue the guidelines for the fund distribution. the bill was filed amid the entry of record-high rice import into the country. the national Food Authority (nFA) reported that it had 209,525.15 metric tons of imported rice as of August 22 and had procured 5,864,007 bags of palay or 293,200.35 metric tons or 50 kilos per bag.

Government statistics from september to October showed that palay prices have plunged from P23.10 per kilo last year to P16.28 per kilo this year, the lowest recorded price in seven years.

“Passing this bill is most ur-

gent. But admittedly, this shortterm intervention will all come to naught if we fail to unite and support our rice farmers, help them increase their productivity and competitiveness and take our national and local agriculture officials to task in implementing our food security programs,” salceda said in the bill’s explanatory note.

On november 12, the House of representatives passed on third and final reading a resolution authorizing the use of the 2019 rice subsidy fund to procure palay from local farmers. Under the resolution, unused funds from the 2019 General Appropriations Act will be utilized for the purchase of rice from local farmers and will be distributed to beneficiaries of the dsWd and other agencies with rice subsidy programs. n

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A

Cayetano ready to quit House post House resumes discussions on

regulatory measures on vaping

by Franz Lewin

embudo ManilaTimes.net

SPEAKER Alan Peter Cayetano on Thursday, November 28, said there was no need for a coup d’etat at the House of Representatives because he was willing to step down from his post.

In an ambush interview at the Club Filipino in San Juan City, Cayetano said he did not want to speculate if there were plans to replace him as Speaker amid swirling coup rumors. “‘Yung gusto naman maging speaker, puwede naman maging speaker. Hindi naman ako magkakapit-tuko sa posisyon na ito (Those who want to be speaker can have the position. I will not cling to my post),” he told reporters.

He added that his colleagues could ask him to step down if they want to change the House leadership.

“They don’t have to have a coup d’etat, they can come to me and say,’ Sir mas gusto namin si Martin Romualdez.’ Eh kasundongkasundo ko naman si Martin Romualdez, sige (They can come to me and say we prefer Martin Romualdez. I am in good terms with Martin Romualdez). Martin take over,” Cayetano said.

“After 15 months, sabihin naman ni (Rep. Lord Allan)Velasco ‘Ako naman.’ Eh ‘di take over (Velasco can say, ‘It’s my turn.’

He can take over),” he added.

President Rodrigo Duterte

House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano

last week warned Cayetano and Velasco not to break the term-sharing deal they agreed upon.

Coup rumors swirled after Davao City Mayor Sara DuterteCarpio posted a cryptic message for lawmakers on Instagram. “‘I told you so’ is a sure-fire way to kick-start an argument. In the same way, ‘You do not listen’ will ignite a conversation into a heated one,” she said.

“May I just say to everyone in Congress, ‘I told you, but you did not listen, so there you go,’” she added.

Duterte-Carpio, head of the regional party Hugpong ng Pagbabago, had opposed the termsharing agreement between Cayetano and Velasco, saying it was “counter-productive” and would “slow down” the remain-

Barbers agreed and explained MANILA — The House of Representatives will proceed that “there is still a need to with its deliberations on pend- pass a law soon if the governing bills seeking regulation of ment will adopt a ban on vapes e-cigarettes and vapes despite that would cite policy and penal President Duterte’s order ban- provisions.”

Both lawmakers are proponing the public use of the tonents of pending bills seeking bacco alternative.

The Star learned that the regulation of sale and use of House committee on trade and ENDS in the country.

Biazon and Barbers, howindustry is set to tackle the proposed measure, which has ever, explained the President been pending since the previ- may order the ban and issue a ous 17th Congress, in hearings corresponding executive order for the implementation in the on Dec. 2 and 10.

Inquirer.net photo Muntinlupa Rep. Ruffy Bi- absence of an existing law baning three years of the Duterte azon and Surigao del Norte ning or regulating e-cigarettes.

“Yes, the president can issue Rep. Robert Ace Barbers both administration.

Last week, the president cau- stressed the need for legisla- a ban via an EO invoking the tioned Cayetano and Velasco tion to make any regulation or principle of public health and against turning their backs on control on electronic nicotine his mandate to protect the inthe term-sharing deal, saying it delivery system (ENDS) prod- terest of the people under the Constitution,” Barbers said. ucts permanent and effective. was a gentlemen’s agreement.

Biazon, however, said it would “I think the proposed legislaHe said there would be a problem if Cayetano will change his tion to regulate ENDS should be better if Congress comes up still proceed and the President’s with a regulatory measure so mind.

“He (Cayetano) does not want determination and firm stand the President can institutionalto honor it. That’s his problem,” against vapes should be taken ize his policy on ENDS. “An EO is not an institutionthe President said in a television as a signal for the legislature to alized policy though, unlike if take immediate and urgent acinterview. the policy was adopted via leg“I was there when we agreed. tion,” Biazon told The Star.

[It was the] three of us, and I announced it after,” he added.

Cayetano had repeatedly said the House speakership should be put to a vote.

SERVING MY FELLOW KABABAYANS FOR “Under the rules of the House kailangan magbotohan (A voting CIVIL AND PERSONAL INJURY LITIGATION should be done),” he told report• Breach of Contract and Fraud ers. n

tamayo

ManilaTimes.net

SENATOR Panfilo Lacson on Friday, November 29, disagreed with President Rodrigo Duterte’s opinion that his allies were “infallible.”

The senator made the remark after Duterte on Thursday, November 28, defended Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano against allegations of mishandling the P6 billion budget for the country’s hosting of the 30th Southeast (SEA) Asian Games.

Duterte believes that Cayetano, chairman of the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (Phisgoc) and his runningmate in the 2016 national elections, “is not involved in corruption.”

Lacson on Twitter said, “He (Duterte) describes his close

friends and allies like ‘lily-white driven snow’ and infallible while everybody else are demons and idiots.”

“While his opinion matters because he is the president of the republic, we know he is not always correct with a poor batting average in this regard,” Lacson tweeted.

In a previous tweet, Lacson said, “Nobody is saying that Phisgoc has committed corruption. We’re not there yet.”

“What’s evident so far are the complaints aired by the athletes which project incompetence and inefficiency that the President, no less, wants rectified and investigated,” he added.

Malacanang on Thursday said there would be no sacred cows in its investigation of the snafus that marred the country’s hosting of the 2019 SEA Games.

u PAGE A10

LAW OFFICES OF DARRICK V. TAN

Lacson: Duterte allies are not ‘infallible’ by bernadette

islation. What I am pursuing as an advocate is a law that would have some degree of permanence and that is not vulnerable to arbitrary changes,” he said.

Biazon added Malacañang should issue the EO sooner, saying “a simple verbal order will be difficult to implement properly and actions taken by law enforcers can be questioned.”

“It would be best if there is a written order detailing the basis of the policy, its scope and coverage, specific violations with accompanying penalties, identification of implementors to hold them accountable. This is essential to ensure proper enforcement and due process to those affected,” Biazon suggested.

Bagong Henerasyon partylist Rep. Bernadette Herrera said there is no more question about the need for regulating the vaping industry following the president’s directive.

However, Herrera expressed

The Phisgoc has been hounded by controversies such as overpricing materials, not being able to ferry football teams from other countries to their respective hotels, mixed-up press cards, inadequate breakfast for athletes, and unfinished sporting venues.

Palace Spokesman Salvador Panelo said, “There is no sacred cow in this government.

We have been repeatrdly saying that. Those who transgress the law will be accountable.”

Senators Christopher “Bong” Go and Maria Josefa Imelda “Imee” Marcos support the call to investigate the alleged glitches and anomalies that marred the conduct of the SEA Games.

Cayetano said he was ready to face any investigation on the alleged irregularities after the biennial regional sporting meet. n

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A8 NOVEMBER 30-DECEMBER 3, 2019 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

OPINION

Speeding up justice

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FEATURES

WHY do the wheels of justice move at snail’s pace in the Philippines?

Several factors have been blamed: corruption, systemic weaknesses, a heavily politicized system of appointment that gives more weight to connections rather than merit.

Legal professionals have pointed to another reason: judges and prosecutors are overwhelmed by the sheer number of cases. As the population grows, cases pile up with no corresponding increase in the number of prosecutors and judges.

Since the start of the Duterte administration in 2016, at least 4,000 cases have accumulated, according to the Department of Justice. These are on top of the 14,000 that were pending when the administration came in, the DOJ said.

Ideally, each court should have a prosecutor.

At present, however, government prosecutors typically handle two or more courts. In Region 6 or Western Visayas, only six prosecutors handle 41 courts, the DOJ noted.

In addition to their regular work, provincial and city prosecutors are deputized as ex officio legal counsels of local government units and sometimes act as the register of deeds. During elections, they also serve as vice chairs of the

election board of canvassers.

The DOJ says it needs 1,000 new prosecutors to speed up work. About 500 nominations have been submitted by the DOJ to the Office of the President. The OP should do its part by speeding up its processing of nominations.

While at it, the OP should also fill vacancies in the judiciary. Retired Supreme Court senior associate justice Antonio Carpio, who never had a case backlog, says the lack of judges is partly to blame for slow adjudication in this country.

He said there is only one judge for every 35,000 people — a far cry from the ideal of one judge per 20,000 population.

Appointments in the judiciary and prosecution service are up to the executive; it must do its part in speeding up the administration of justice. diciary and prosecution service are up to the executive; it must do its part in speeding up the administration of justice. (Philstar.com)

Editorial

Philstar.com photo

So much Grace to be had when your life is into right doings

Rhizomes

PROSY ABARQUEZDELACRUZ, J.D. “A Warrior of the Light knows that he has much to be grateful for. Angels help him in his struggle; celestial forces place each thing in its place, thus allowing him to give it his best.

His companions say: “He’s so lucky!” And the warrior does sometimes achieve things far beyond his capabilities. That is why, at sunset, he kneels and gives thanks for the Protective Cloak surrounding him. His gratitude, however, is not limited to the spiritual world; he never forgets his friends, for their blood, mingled with his own on the battlefield. A Warrior does not need to be reminded of the help given to him by others. He is the first to remember and he makes sure to share with them any rewards he receives.”

– Paulo Coelho, 2004.

TRY this exercise from the church pew during your worship, whether a Catholic, Presbyterian, Episcopalian or Baptist, to think of all the folks who contributed to your formation into becoming the kind of person you are now. From the pew, name the graces you have received, starting from the person officiating mass.

On occasions, I go to Church of the Good Shepherd in Beverly Hills where Rev. Colm O’Ryan still helps with Sunday mass and with noon weekday masses, even at 90 years old. He relies

on the lay leaders to administer communion as he struggles to keep his balance, using a cane.

But, his sharp mind makes for inspiring homilies.

For example, his homily one Sunday exhorted you to be fully human and in being humane, one can also fully grasp what it is to be divine. He has taken human experiences, even the divisions within the church, as opportunities to look at humanity as stories of the human heart.

How much have we offered our lives to right doings, as opposed to wrongdoings?

To me, it simply asks us: Are you a living sacrament of God? Do you have eyes that see beyond the weaknesses of a person, their gifts, their talents and what they offer to you by their presence?

By your life, are you able to see that God still moves stones, the way Max Lucado describes?

“The God who forgave King David still offers you forgiveness.

The God who helped men and women in ages past still comes into your world, and he comes to do what you can’t, to move the stone away so you can see his answer,” Lucado wrote.

January 1, 2019 - I had the biggest scare of my life when my daughter had major surgery. It shook me to my core that I must have gone to different churches praying for a miracle. It was so nerve-wracking as she is a young mother of an active, precocious 4-year-old girl. Yet, to her tenacity and physical strength, she managed to get up, walk 20 hours after

her surgery, and even make different animal figures using balloons for her daughter’s birthday, 19 days later. She is that strong, physically and mentally to will her recovery. Of course, her husband deserves a lot of kudos for his leadership and his mobilizing of friends and family.

I stood in awe of their strengths, but also grateful to Our Lady of Guadalupe and Santo Niño, both of whom I prayed to, for a miracle to manifest. I felt ready for God to pour His blessings on her and her family. Praying the rosary and going to Mass became uplifting moments for me as my burdens became lighter, knowing God and Mama Mary were there to surround her. For this, I am most grateful.

In one school activity, my granddaughter made a crown for Santo Niño from colored twist ties. It fit exactly the small statue’s head that I marveled at how she visualized it. She was quite excited for the crown to be put on Baby Jesus and told me how she loves him. Did I ask why? Her answer was – “Baby Jesus helps me in my nightmares and when He is there, I am not afraid.” Oh my, I could not believe my ears. I had made it a habit when she was an infant to pray daily in front of Baby Jesus, and holding her hands and telling her to gently touch the statue and do it with much love.

I had no idea that she was having nightmares and in her bad dreams, Baby Jesus was helping her out. Is this not a miracle

you want in your life?

This year, I am even more grateful to have joined three pilgrimages. In February, a trip to the Holy Land that brought me to places where I felt divine energies inside the Holy Sepulcher, inside the birthplace of Jesus and an opportunity to visit Israel and Gaza without encountering any form of violence. I am even more grateful to have joined a 14-day pilgrimage, led by a holy spiritual director, Fr. Joel O. Bugas, that covered Portugal, Spain, and France during which the group got to visit 14 saints and see much of the French countryside during our road trip. It is also where we evaded a lockdown for hours due to a murder that happened in a police station near the Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal in Paris.

This month, I had an opportunity to visit Portugal, monasteries and eat the best food.

“There was not a bad moment,” as my co-pilgrim said.

In all these three trips, we had the finest travel guides, who were not only knowledgeable about their locales and the cultural highlights, but also efficient. In the last tour, our travel guide’s pacing of travel for each day was just right and not rushed. It made for a very luxurious feel, one of retreat and renewal.

Back in America, I am not sure what right doings are anymore. Given these days, wrongdoings of a key tenant in the White House dominate the news. Still, we are grateful that

Inside the Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal in Paris, France Photo by Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz

federal staffers are standing up to uphold what is right and what is legal by the U.S. Constitution.

All throughout 2019, 11 months now, our guardians of U.S. democracy have been Congress, federal judges, key federal employees and key institutions who

have sounded the alarm, like the whistleblower complaint which led to the impeachment investigation of Pres. Donald Trump

by Rep. Adam Schiff.

We are grateful for all these freedom fighters and warriors

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Here are 4 reasons Medicare For All will doom Democrats

Commentary GABRIEL HORWITZ ASK voters whom they trust to do a better job on health care, and Democrats have a whopping 17-point advantage. That shouldn’t be a surprise after years of Republican sabotage on the Affordable Care Act, taking away coverage from people with pre-existing conditions, and their assault on women’s health care. But what should be a surprise is that some Democrats are looking to surrender that advantage in the general election with a proposal called Medicare for All. Contrary to what many think, Medicare for All would put every person on the same government run health care plan. There would not be a choice. This is also referred to as a single-payer system because the government would be paying for care, mean-

ing all private health insurers are eliminated. Candidates use “Medicare” in the name, but the actual health plan is very different. In fact, it would expand Medicare’s current coverage for medical care, emergency care, and prescription drugs to also include dental, hearing, vision, and long-term care. And there would be no premiums, copayments, or deductibles.

If it seems too good to be true, it’s because it is. Below the catchy name are a series of political and substantive issues that could sink Democrats’ chances to beat President Trump.

To start, Medicare for All would raise taxes on the middle class. Affording a program that costs more than $30 trillion over the next decade isn’t easy. Senator Bernie Sanders has openly said that it will increase middleclass taxes. Senator Elizabeth Warren developed a plan that

tries to spare the middle class, but it has been criticized by experts up and down the aisle.

Progressive economist Jared Bernstein claimed the plan was “…just like basically saying ‘I’m going to buy a unicorn and I’m going to pay for it with a unicorn.’”

Medicare for All would take away all private insurance and put everyone on a one-size-fitsall, government-run plan. In fact, page 8, section 107 of the Sanders Medicare for All singlepayer legislation outlaws private health insurance. That means 156 million people who get coverage through their job would see their plans eliminated. In addition to that, more than onethird of people on Medicare are currently in Medicare Advantage, or private plans offering comprehensive benefits. Under Medicare for All, these plans would also be gone.

It would also likely eliminate

the high-quality health care benefits provided by unions. For example, the Culinary Health Fund provides health care benefits, including medical, dental, and vision, to nearly 130,000 Las Vegas residents and their dependents. Under Medicare for All, unions would no longer have any control of their health care benefits. Bethany Kahn, a spokeswoman for the Culinary Union, has said, “We’re telling [Senators Sanders, Harris, Warren, and others] that the unions don’t want to lose their health care…It’s built by workers and run by workers.”

Medicare for All has some politically perilous consequences too. Over the past year, support for Medicare for All has fallen by a net of 17-points, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. In another poll, support for Medicare for All drops when people learn that it eliminates private insurance (support

drops from 56% to 37%), requires most Americans to pay more in taxes (support drops to 37%), or leads to delays in tests and treatments (support drops to 26%).

Medicare for All negatively impacts health care workers too. Nearly 2 million health care jobs nationwide would be eliminated, ending middle class workers’ jobs as insurance brokers, medical billing workers, and administrative employees.

That is 10% of the more than 21 million Americans that work in health care. This would be huge shock to the U.S. economy, as health care represents 14% of all U.S. jobs.

Those who keep their job under this new system face a tough reality as well. Medicare for All could put the reimbursement for doctors and nurses at the whim of the party in charge of the executive branch. Senator Warren is proposing cutting

reimbursement far below what private insurance pays now.

According to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office, cutting reimbursement rates would “probably reduce the amount of care supplied and could also reduce the quality of care.” Moving everyone to one government plan will have seismic consequences across the health care industry, creating instability for both the people receiving care and providing it.

Democrats are winning with a message of universal coverage, lowering health care costs, and addressing surprise medical bills. Let’s not surrender our advantage on Trump. There are far better ways to insure everyone and lower costs — and be best positioned to kick Trump out of the White House.

Gabriel Horwitz is the Senior Vice President for the Economic Program at Third Way, a Washington D.C. think tank.

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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OpiniOn & Features

PH ranks 41st in global diplomacy index

by Patricia Lourdes Philstar.com

Viray

MANILA — The Philippines maintained its ranking in the 2019 Global Diplomacy Index released by Australia-based think tank Lowy Institute.

The Philippines ranked 41st out of 61 countries covered with a total of 87 diplomatic posts across the world. The country also ranked 11th out of 22 nations in Asia.

The country has 60 embassies or high commissions, 23 consulates and 4 permanent missions in different countries and cities globally.

For the first time, China has surpassed the United States to have the largest diplomatic network. Beijing has 276 posts glob-

ally while Washington has 273.

China ranked second in 2017 but grew its diplomatic network in two years with five new diplomatic posts. China now has 69 embassies or high commissions, 96 consulates, eight permanent missions and three other representations.

The U.S. did not open any new diplomatic post in recent years after closing is consulategeneral in St. Petersburg, Russia last year.

Lowy, however, noted that the U.S. remains the most popular place for countries to maintain embassies and consulates despite dropping to the second place in the diplomacy index this year.

“The U.S. is home to some 342 posts belonging to the 61

countries included in the Index.

China, with 256, is a distant second,” the report read.

France ranked third with 267 total diplomatic posts followed

by Japan with 247, Russia with 242, Turkey with 234, Germany with 224, Brazil with 222, Spain with 215 and Italy with 209.

A recent Social Weather Stations survey found that Filipinos still trust the U.S. the most with an “excellent” net trust rating of +72.

The September poll also found that Filipinos have the least trust for China with a net trust of a “bad” -33.

Australia and Japan got “very good” net trust scores of +37 and +35, respectively, while Singapore recorded a “moderate” +26. n

So much Grace to be had when your life is...

PAGE A8

of light for without them, our Thanksgiving dinners this 2019 will be in darkness. Thank God for light overcoming the darkness in America and we pray 2020 will be brighter and where we can all know and experience God’s love and plan for our lives are our realities!

Lastly, “Good deeds from a filthy heart is wretched rags to God,” and all we need to do is acknowledge that “God loves us as He offers a wonderful plan for our lives,” as Max Lucado continues, but also, “Don’t overstep the forbidden mark.”

I do have a friend, who since he composed his CD, the music has been used by video game developers. Then, he got another job at a major university to take care of information technology. A few months later, he launched his first book on artificial intelligence and now, his publisher is asking for a second book and he just got another job promotion. God’s blessings on him have been one after another and keep achieving using his talent and even beyond his capabilities.

Ask yourselves this Thanksgiving: Are you in a position where God can pour blessings Sacré-Cœur Basilica in Paris, France and continuous grace on you? *** Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz, J.D. writes a weekly column for Asian Journal, called “Rhizomes.” She has been writing for AJ Press for 12 years. She also contributes to Balikbayan Magazine. Her training and experiences are in science, food technology,

law and community volunteerism for 4 decades. She holds a B.S. degree from the University of the Philippines, a law degree from Whittier College School of Law in California and a certificate on 21st Century Leadership from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. She has been a participant

Photo by Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz in NVM Writing Workshops taught by Prof.

Peter Bacho for 4 years and Prof. Russell Leong. She has travelled to France, Holland, Belgium, Spain, Portugal, Japan, Costa Rica, Mexico and over 22 national parks in the US, in her pursuit of love for nature and the arts.

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A10 November 30-december 3, 2019 • LA WeeKeNd ASIAN JoUrNAL

Dateline PhiliPPines

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Int’l tribunal orders Philippine gov’t to pay Manila Water P7.4-B

MANILA — Manila Water Company Inc. said on Friday, November 29, it won in a legal battle against the Philippine government after a Singaporebased arbitration panel ordered the state to compensate the Ayala-led utility company for losses it suffered from the non-implementation of water rate hikes.

The international tribunal ordered the government to reimburse to Manila Water P7.4 billion, which represents the actual

CHILD-FRIENDLY. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte poses for posterity with Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rolando Bautista, Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) Executive Director Mary Uy, and the awardees of the 2018 Presidential Award for Child-Friendly Municipalities and Cities (PACFMC) during the awarding ceremony at the Malacañang Palace on Thursday, November 28.

Malacañang photo by Albert Alcain

PH gov’t urged to recognize women rights defenders’ work, ensure their safety

by Gaea

KatReena Philstar.com

CabiCo

MANILA — The government should recognize the legitimacy of the work of women human rights defenders and ensure their protection against violence and threats, the Commission on Human Rights said on Friday, November 29.

In a statement on the International Women Human Rights Defenders Day, CHR said women human rights defenders play crucial roles in developing solutions with a gender perspective and organizing communities and mobilizing actions on the ground.

“In our long struggle for substantive equity, women human rights defenders are a strong agent of change advancing the fight against inequality and discrimination,” Jacqueline De Guia, CHR spokesperson, said.

But women human rights defenders in the Philippines face repression, elevated genderbased attacks, sexual violence and harassment, De Guia lamented.

“Incidences of red-tagging, terrorist-labelling, illegal arrests and detention and criminalization of their political beliefs are just some of the grave violations that human rights workers endure,” the CHR official said.

She added: “Most of these women human rights defenders

losses it suffered from June 1, 2015 until Nov. 22, 2019.

The government was also directed to pay 100% of the amounts paid by Manila Water to the Permanent Court of Arbitration and 85% of the utility company’s other claimed costs.

“Manila Water will work with the Republic for an orderly and managed satisfaction of the Award,” the company said in a disclosure to the stock exchange.

Manila Water decided to sue the government after regulator Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System rejected the east zone concessionaire’s request for a water rate hike to help offset corporate income tax.

In 2013, MWSS ordered Manila Water to lower rates. The regulator argued that CIT is not supposed to be recoverable because the concessionaire is a public utility. (Philstar.com)

DND boosts cybersecurity awareness

by DempSey

ReyeS ManilaTimes.net

THE Department of National Defense (DND) has enhanced its campaign to raise cybersecurity awareness as it held a conference for its personnel to educate them on relevant issues concerning the matter.

Defense Undersecretary Cardozo Luna led the DND’s first annual cybersecurity awareness conference, dubbed as the “DND Cybercon,” on Wednesday, November 27, at Camp Aguinaldo,

Quezon City.

Luna said the cyberspace and cybersecurity have been “at the forefront” of the DND’s priority list, citing the agency’s crafted National Defense Strategy which considered cyberspace as the “fourth dimension of warfare” and has been identified by their strategy as “one of the new defense mission areas.”

He added that the conference aimed to focus on the human factor of cybersecurity “because the human factor in securing cyberspace could be the weak-

est link and also cybersecurity’s strongest link, given the right direction and knowledge.”

The conference cited the case of the 2016 cyberheist of the Bangladesh Bank, where hackers were able to steal $101 million by issuing fraudulent instructions.

The Philippines got involved as part of the money was transferred to a branch of the Rizal Commercial Banking Corp.

This incident underscored the vulnerabilities of establishments lacking effective cybersecurity measures. n

Probe into PCSO execs likely done by January — PACC

by Ratziel

San Juan Philstar.com

File photo shows a member of a women’s organization taking part in the 1 Billion Rising event during the celebration of International Women’s Day at People’s Park in Baguio City.

Philstar.com photo by Andy Zapata

are doing volunteer work and sacrificing their time for their loved ones to provide assistance to victims of violations and their families, even at great risk to their lives and security.”

Human rights monitor Karapatan earlier told Philstar.com that at least a hundred national and community-based organizations and “numerous” individuals have been red-tagged in 2019 alone.

It also said that at least 12 human rights workers of Karapatan have been killed under the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte.

“Unless the structural causes of violence and inequality are not eradicated and lack of access to justice for women, com-

munities and human rights defenders remain, our demand for respect, security and safety of women human rights defenders will continue to be silenced and ignored,” De Guia said.

The rights body then urged the government to condemn any form of public stigmatization of human rights defenders and strengthen mechanisms safeguarding them such as the immediate enactment of the Human Rights Defenders Protection Bill.

In the 17th Congress, the House of Representatives approved its version of the Human Rights Defenders Protection bill.

The Senate version of the bill languished in the upper chamber. n

MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte will likely receive in early January next year the results of the investigation on Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office officials tagged in corruption, according to the Presidential AntiCorruption Commission.

“Pinapa-lifestyle check lang namin. Medyo tinatrabaho na yung desisyon (We’re conducting a lifestyle check on the PCSO officials. We’re doing our best to come up with a decision),” PACC chairperson Dante Jimenez is quoted as saying in a report by state-run Philippine News Agency.

“Mga early January, nakatable na ‘yun eh (It’s tabled for around early January).”

‘Massive’ corruption The PACC’s investigation was launched after Duterte on July 26 ordered the suspension of all PCSO gaming operations and the revocation of all gaming franchises issued by the state firm.

These include lotto, smalltown lottery (STL), Keno, and Peryahan ng Bayan.

Duterte lifted the suspension order of lotto operations on July 31.

The president on August 22 also ordered the resumption of STL operations with the condition that authorized agent corporations will comply with new rules and regulations.

Other PCSO-license games remain non-operational pending probe results.

Before Duterte ordered the suspension of PCSO-run gaming activities, the Commission on Audit also called out the state firm for refusing to remit half of its annual earnings to the national treasury as required by law.

“PCSO has not declared and remitted dividends to the national government for dividend years 1994 to 2016 in the total amount of P8.426 billion, contrary to the provision under Section 3 of Republic Act 7656,” COA’s 2018 annual audit report on the PCSO read.

RA 7656, also known as the Dividend Law, states: “All government-owned or -controlled corporations shall declare and remit at least fifty percent (50%) of their annual net earnings as cash, stock or property dividends to the National Government.”

PCSO had total earnings of more than P16 billion between 1994 and 2016, according to the COA audit team’s review of the state firm’s financial statements.

COA’s other key findings include a deficit in required monthly STL proceeds, a pending transfer of P684.3 million to the state firm’s charity fund, the continued operation of noncompliant STL agents, failure to submit contracts to COA within proper time, and unsupported claims amounting to P2.2 million.

Case building The PACC on Monday, November 25, announced its investigation of the PCSO board chaired

by Anselmo Simeon Pinili.

“We are conducting a probe and lifestyle check on PCSO officials — about 15 of them with the exception of general manager Royina Garma who has just assumed her post,” PACC Commissioner Manuelito Luna said in an interview with The Star.

“The probe is pursuant to the directive of President Duterte to run after corrupt government officials, especially in agencies such as the PCSO, which is supposed to be at the forefront of providing social services to the poor.”

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra in July issued Department Order 384, directing the National Bureau of Investigation to build a case on the alleged corruption. “[T]he NBI, through Director Dante A. Gierran, is hereby directed and granted authority on the alleged graft and corrupt practices in the PCSO and its various gaming operations and, if evidence warrants, to file the appropriate charges against persons found responsible thereof,” the order read.

Gierran is also mandated to submit progress reports directly to the Office of the Secretary.

House Deputy Speaker Prospero Pichay Jr. (Surigao del Sur) last week asked the DOJ and NBI to disclose their investigation findings.

“Were there charges filed against those found liable? Did they investigate the STL operators?” n

House resumes discussions on regulatory...

PAGE A7 t

reservations regarding an all-out ban on vaping products. Herrera told OneNews’ The Chiefs that since there are many vape users in the country, a total ban could create a black market for illicit trading.

This situation could be more dangerous and have consequences since the government is not good at implementing an outright ban, she said.

Herrera filed House Bill 5510 earlier this week which requires the establishment of an interagency group to address the vaping regulation.

Herrera said she is eyeing the inclusion of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in this group, as well as the Department of Trade and Industry and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Biazon earlier filed House Bill No. 40, which seeks to regulate use, sale and distribution of ENDS products.

The proposed measure specifically seeks to ban sale and use of ENDS products to minors with mandatory signages for this purpose.

It imposes a penalty of P5,000 or imprisonment of less than 30 days for violators on first offense and penalty of P10,000 or the same prison term plus revocation of business license for succeeding offenses.

The bill also mandates the FDA to regulate e-liquids and ejuices used in these products.

Sin tax retained Lawmakers also took back their plan to drop tax measures on e-cigarette and vaping products following President Duterte’s decision to ban their importation and public use.

Albay Rep. Joey Salceda, chairman of the House ways and means committee, said Thursday that Congress will no longer move for repeal of existing law imposing excise tax on

ENDS products and withdraw the pending bill increasing it following Duterte’s clarification that the ban is not absolute and only covers use of e-cigarettes or vapes in public places.

“Yes, we will retain it (sin tax on vapes),” Salceda said.

Sen. Pia Cayetano said she will still push through with measures that would seek to tax the controversial device.

Aside from pursuing a higher tax on sin products, Cayetano said she would file a bill that would regulate e-cigarettes or vaping.

Salceda, however, said there would be adjustment or a bigger increase in excise tax imposed on e-cigarettes to support the ban. – Edu Punay, Romina Cabrera, Cecille Suerte Felipe “Given the precautionary principle of the initial reported ban, we might as well go for a higher rate than P25 per milliliter to P45 per ml. The one million vape users are almost totally upper-middle to highincome class as against the 23 million smokers, including the seven million in the lowest 50 percent. The entry cost to vaping is relatively high at P1,600,” Salceda said.

“Whether you do it at home or anywhere, you will pay P45 per milliliter. (It’s going to be) P45 ml from the current P25 ml.

So effectively, we are making it more prohibiting,” he said.

On Wednesday, November 27, Salceda said they would seek the repeal of Section 2 of Republic Act 11346, the law increasing tax on tobacco products, in the bicameral conference “to implement the position of the President to ban vape and heated tobacco products.”

Salceda said they would also amend House Bill 1026, the measure increasing excise tax on alcohol and vaping products that was already passed last

August to raise funds for the implementation of the Universal Health Care program of the government.

“This means a revenue loss of P1.4 billion, which we will offset from the taxes on alcohol products,” he explained.

Salceda changed this plan after Duterte clarified the ban is not absolute and only covers public places, which means vapes could still be used in private places as well as in designated smoking areas.

RA 11346, signed by the President last July, imposed on ENDS a minimum P10 excise tax for 0-10 ml of liquid solution or gel starting Jan. 1 next year.

Every 10.01-20 ml is taxed P20; 20.01-30 ml, P30; 30.01-40 ml, P40; 40.01-50 ml, P50; and for more than 50 ml, P50 plus P10 for every additional 10 ml.

Starting Jan. 1, 2021, the rate will be increased by 5 percent every year.

But HB 1026, once enacted, will increase these taxes.

As approved on final reading by the House, tax on heated tobacco products or e-cigarettes will be P45 per pack of 20 units or packaging combinations of not more than 20 units starting January 2020.

Specific tax per 20 units of heated tobacco products will increase to P50 in 2021, P55 in 2022, and P60 in 2023.

For vapor products with nicotine salt, P30 tax per milliliter starting 2020.

Specific tax per milliliter of vapor products with nicotine salts will increase to P35 to 2021, P40 to 2022, and P45 to 2023.

For conventional “freebase” or “classic” nicotine products, P4.50 tax per milliliter starting P2020, P5 in 2021, P5.50 in 2022, and P6 in 2023. The tax will also increase by five percent every year starting 2024. (Philstar.com)

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Journal Darren graduates as first honor in senior high

By Jan

Milo Severo

Philstar.com

SINGER-actor Dar ren Espanto has graduated first honor from senior high school.

In his Instagram account, Darren posted a photo of him wearing his toga with a medal and his diploma.

“I thought it was impossible to achieve this. Thankful that I did not doubt myself.... Today, I am officially a graduate of SENIOR HIGH and very excited to go through the next level. It is Photo from Instagram/@abscbnpr true that HARD WORK PAYS OFF,” Darren wrote.

Angelica Panganiban and Bea Alonzo

Both nursing a broken heart, Bea and Angelica help each other heal and move on

By Marinel

r. cruz

Inquirer.net

“I’M allowing myself to heal,” said Bea Alonzo, who admitted that she’s still reeling from her highly publicized breakup with actor Gerald Anderson.

Bea is not ready for a new love just yet. “Although I’m done with hurting. I’m OK now,” she said, adding that she doesn’t need another boyfriend to prove that she has fully moved on.

“I realized that there are a lot of blessings coming my way, and that I should be thankful for them. There are things in my life that are far more important than having a jowa (slang for boyfriend),” Bea told reporters during the press conference organized by Star Cinema for her latest dramatic film project, “Unbreakable.”

Her costar in the film, Angelica Panganiban, has gone

through a similar situation with actor Carlo Aquino, whom she allegedly dated for several months last year. “The secret to looking and feeling good is maintaining a happy disposition. Take care of yourself; eat right. What’s important is what’s inside you. Your goodness within will eventually show.”

Bea agreed: “We’re not shutting ourselves out. We’re just taking our time. We’re currently a work in progress.”

“Yes,” said Angelica. “We’re under renovation. We are currently upgrading [ourselves].”

The two girls said it was good that they got to work together on this project at a time when they were both hurting because they were able to help each other heal and move on.

“If you relate to what the other person is going through, you bond more. You pull each other up,” said Bea. “If one is

feeling down, the other gives her words of encouragement. It felt like everything just fell into place when we started working on this project.”

Angelica said their level of maturity was also a big factor.

“We are able to handle pain and rejection better now. Fate made us work together now because we needed to depend on and help each other. We would say to the other, ‘Huwag ka d’yan sa dilim!’ This strengthened our friendship. Also, we were going through something, so it gave our acting more depth,” Angelica observed.

They admitted to having had a falling out in the past and that working on “Unbreakable” made them rekindle their friendship.

“Friends grow apart sometimes. This is because they just want different things—that’s normal. I also believe that PAGE B2

He thanked the people who helped him achieve his goal, as well as his family and God for the guidance.

“Thank you to all the people who helped me and made me believe that I CAN DO IT. You g uys k now who you a r e.... truly grateful to each of you.

Thank you to my family and most especially to God for the wisdom and guidance. #NeverGiveUp,” he wrote.

T he “ T he Voice K ids” f inalist graduated high school under t he home school program of Homeschool of Asia Darren Espanto Photo from Instagram/@darrenespanto Pacific.

Make way for No Rome

By Mark

Bonifacio ManilaTimes.net

ANOTHER Filipino has conquered the international music scene. He is none other than Rome Gomez or simply No Rome, and truly another source of #PinoyPride.

Born and raised in Manila, the alternative pop star is now based in London where he continues to make waves. He’s been signed by British indie record label Dirty Hit, made his Coachella debut earlier this year, released an EP entitled “Crying in the Prettiest Places” in May (on top of three previous EPs), collaborated with popular British band The 1975 for the single “Narcissist,” and joined their tour which included Manila in September.

He also performed in a homecoming show last month held at Market! Market!

Just after his homecoming, No Rome released his latest single “Talk Nice,” which is said to be the first track from yet another upcoming EP. “It was the first time I wrote London-based Filipino alternative pop star No Rome.

Photo from Instagram/@noromeworldwide PAGE B3

B2 NOVEMBER 30 - DECEMBER 3, 2019 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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La Aunor and La Alcantara – TV’s newest dramatic tandem to beat

by LHAR

SANTIAGO ManilaTimes.net

AFTER completing two successful drama series, young television star Kyline Alcantara is taking another huge leap as she joins no less than the undisputed Superstar of Philippine Entertainment, Nora Aunor, in the teleserye adaptation of the latter’s classic film, “Bilangin Ang Bituin Sa Langit.�

Kyline shared with Showbuzz she literally jumped for joy when she first learned she would be acting across “The Nora Aunor.� “But just as quickly, the pressure of acting with the Superstar dawned on me and I got cold feet,� she confessed. “I know how great an actress she is and they’re even saying she is the greatest Filipino actress.

Samantalang ako, marami pang kakaining bigas before I can be called seasoned. Nakakadalawang soap pa lang ako sa GMA tapos ngayon, Nora Aunor na ang kasama ko! I can’t believe it.�

On the day of the story conference, Kyline woke up as early as 7 a.m. even if the call time was not until 1 p.m. “I wanted to get to GMA at least an hour early kaya hindi naman masyadong halatang excited si Kyline Alcantara, di’ba?� she joked. “I really didn’t want to be late. I’d be ashamed if Ms. Nora Aunor arrived ahead of me. Hindi naman dapat pinaghihintay ang Superstar.�

Besides Nora and Kyline, the stars of Bilangin Ang Bituin Sa Langit include Mylene Dizon, Zoren Legaspi, Ricky Davao, Ina Feleo, Isabel Rivas, Divina Valencia and Yasser Marta. The series is indeed an acting powerhouse.

Kyline’s manager, Manny Vallester, happens to be a dyedin-the-wool Noranian, and was

Kyline Alcantara with Superstar Nora Aunor

just as excited at the thought of meeting her. “Tinawanan ako ni Tito Manny pero siya actually ang kinikilig. I remember he told me one time that he wouldn’t eat just to see Ate Guy during the film festival parades in the 80s.�

Showbuzz was likewise thrilled to catch up with Ate Guy before the story conference went ahead as she sat next to Kyline. “Kinakabahan po talaga ko,�

Kyline whispered. “Si yempre po, Superstar siya at napakahusay niyang artista. I’m really humbled and very fortunate na sa napakaraming artistang gustong makasama si Nora Aunor, ako ang katabi niya ngayon.�

Ate Guy, ever kind and humble, replied, “Sa totoo lang, ako ang kabado because I’ll be working with so many stars na bata pa, ang gagaling na.�

Taking the opportunity to look intently at Kyline, she added, “At ang ganda pala ng batang

GMA photo

ito! Iba talaga ang mga bata ngayon. Mas magaganda sila at ang tatangkad. “Napapansin ko rin na maraming mga batang artista ngayon na ang gagaling umarte and I’m happy that they’re taking their job as actors seriously.

Nasa puso nila ang pagiging tunay na artista,� the Superstar enthused.

In the TV version of Bilangin Ang Bituin Sa Langit, Nora plays the character of Cedes, grandmother of Kyline’s character Maggie. Maggie’s mother in turn is portrayed by Mylene. “In the movie version, Cedes was played by Perla Bautista and the character died early in the story. But in the TV adaptation, hindi siya mamatay. Magiging pivotal ‘yung character niya sa itatakbo ng kwento. It will be a very exciting character-driven story kaya kaabang-abang talaga,� Ate Guy promised.

Both nursing a broken heart...

PAGE B1 friendship is a commitment.

You have to work on it, through thick and thin,� said Bea. “Time heals everything,� added Angelica. “I believe it’s easier to patch up a rift if you’re really good friends. It will all depend on your capacity to love and forgive. Between the two of

us, I’m the more impulsive one.

Bea is more dependable. She can be your anchor if you’re already feeling too lost. She is the one you can consult before making an important decision, because she’s smart and always strives to do the right thing.�

Bea described Angelica as the kind of friend who is “so

intense. She will protect and defend you. She is also very sweet and thoughtful. She will treat you as family. Even when we had our tampuhan, I still get affected whenever I hear that something had happened to her. I would still wish that she’s OK; that she would eventually feel better. I’m glad to be able

A pilgrimage to Central Europe Part 2

AFTER the end of our first stop, we drove to Bratislava, Slovakia — a 34-mile drive from Heiligenkreuz Abbey — where we had our dinner and overnight stay at our hotel. The autumn season had just started, and when we arrived at around 5:00 p.m., it was raining, casting a chilly atmosphere around us. After checking in at the hotel, we had a short time to rest and freshen up before having our dinner at 7:30 p.m.

Our group, comprised of 15 Filipinos and one Caucasian, enjoyed a full course meal and a few glasses of wine. The evening was filled with fun and laughter as we got to know each other and exchanged pleasantries and jokes. We had to retire for the night soon after, since we had our early scheduled activity the next morning.

We started the next day by

heading back to Vienna for the city tour. First on the itinerary was a visit to St. Stephen’s Cathedral, one of Vienna’s culturally significant landmarks.

This magnificent Gothic edifice houses a wealth of art treasures, such as Friedrich III’s Raised Sepulchre, a stone figure of the Angel of the Annunciation, and the miraculous image of Our Lady of Mariapocs, which is considered to be a weeping Madonna. The guide showed us the catacombs underneath the cathedral, leading us to the tombs of bishops and royals. After the tour, we had our independent lunch.

Vienna, the capital city of Austria, is a cultural highlight of Europe for offering a unique blend of imperial traditions and stunning modern architecture. For most people, Mozart and the Opera House are the first things to come to mind when you think of Vienna, but

to tell her that now,� said Bea. According to “Unbreakable� director Mae Cruz-Alviar, the film is a story of the love between friends. “We haven’t seen something like this in a while. This is very refreshing,� she stressed.

Angelica described her character, Deena Yambao, as someone who is “emotionally de-

pendent, always trying to look for someone to love. She’s a pleaser. She thinks doing things for people will make them love her and welcome her into their lives. That’s who Deena was when she met Mariel (Bea’s character) in college.�

For Bea, Mariel Salvador is “idealistic, a go-getter and a fixer. She likes fixing people

by EMIL

PERITO

this city is also known for its cultural events, coffee houses, cozy wine taverns, and imperial sights like Hofburg.

As our city tour came to an end, we gained an overall impression of the most significant historical sights of Vienna, and enjoyed the richness of the cultural atmosphere that this picturesque city has to offer.

After a little bit of free time for our own sightseeing and shopping, we returned to Bratislava for another overnight stay at our hotel. We capped off the evening with a full course meal for dinner.

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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and situations. In this movie, we will see her grow up after surpassing a lot of difficulties in life‌ Conflict in their story arises when they start comparing their respective marriages.â€? “Unbreakable,â€? which started screening in cinemas nationwide last Wednesday, also stars Richard Gutierrez and Ian Veneracion.

Pump It Up With Pumpkin Seeds

By Grace O

Most people throw out the healthiest part of pumpkins and squashes—the seeds! Don’t do it!

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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

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • NOvEmbER 30 - DECEmbER 3, 2019

B

John Lloyd shares joys of fatherhood in speech at Vhong’s wedding

by Deni Rose M. AfiniDAD-BeRnARDo Philstar.com

WHY AM I BEING HELD FOR QUESTIONING, AND MY PASSPORT AND GREEN CARD BEING TAKEN EVERY TIME I ENTER THE U.S. EVEN IF I AM A PERMANENT RESIDENT? THIS QUESTION AND MORE WILL BE ANSWERED ON “CITIZEN PINOY: YOUR TANONG, MY SAGOT!” The fourth and final batch of Kapamilya who came to the “Citizen Pinoy” taping in Virginia get the chance to have their questions answered this Sunday. Find out if someone is able to acquire her work permit if there is an employer willing to sponsor, even if her B1-B2 visa already expired a year ago. And get to know what the best option is for someone who filed all necessary paperwork for humanitarian reinstatement after their father died, but the documents were misplaced by the USCIS. Get answers to these and more on a brandnew 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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Can I contact the USCIS office to find out why I get stopped and held up, and my passport and green card are taken every single time I enter the US even if I am a permanent resident?

ACTOR John Lloyd Cruz shared some pieces of advice for good friend Vhong Navarro, who tied the knot with writer Tanya Bautista in Kyoto, Japan on Thursday, November 28.

In his speech at the reception, as seen in a video uploaded by celebrity doctor Vicki Belo on Instagram, John Lloyd sports the clean-shaven dapper look he has been known for before he went on an “indefinite leave” from showbiz last 2017.

“Gawa kayong baby, pare.

Gawa kayong maraming baby.

Masaya,” John Lloyd, who has a son with actress Ellen Adarna, told Vhong.

“Parang iyon ang magpapaganda sa mundo ... maraming babies para palitan ‘yong mga katulad natin,” he added.

He then wished that Vhong and Tanya would stay faithful to

The actor attends the wedding of Vhong Navarro and Tanya Bautista in Japan.

Photo from Instagram.com/@victoria_belo

their wedding vows.

“Parang gusto ko lang sundan ‘yung mga sinabi ni Father na sana maalala n’yo ‘yung mga sinabi n’yo today, mga binatawan, mga moves n’yo today with so much conviction,” he said.

John Lloyd’s new photo show-

ing him bond with son Elias recently went viral online.

The award-winning actor, who has a cameo appearance in the upcoming Metro Manila Film Festival entry “Culion,” has also been recently named as among the new faces of international menswear brand Fred Perry.

Pia shines at Bangkok fashion events Ricky Lo Philstar.com

by

THE only Miss Universe invited, Pia Wurtzbach shone in Oliver Tolentino creations in the recent Thailand’s fashion scene.

“CITIZEN PINOY,” the most m i s pl ace d my do c u ment s? B1-B2 visa expired one year It was a repeat for the tanpopular immigration program Our Kapamilya just filed hu- ago? dem after last year’s inaugural These and more questions fashion week in that country. on television, completed sev- manitarian reinstatement and eral successful sessions with submitted all necessary paper- will be answered on an all-new This time, Pia and Oliver Kapamilya in Virginia. This work, but it seems that USCIS ed it ion of t he i n for mat ion- represented the Philippines at Sunday, get t he answers to m i s pl ac e d t he do c u ment s . packed, publ ic ser v ice pro- the 9th Celebration of Silk fashquestions from the fourth and What’s the best option to move gram on television — “Citizen ion gala for Thai diplomats and Pinoy: Your Tanong, My Sagot at the 2nd Thai Silk Internaforward with the case? final batch of attendees.

A n employer is willing to —this Sunday 6:15 p.m. PST/ tional Fashion Week sponsored Leading U.S. immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel sponsor and obtain work per- EST (9:15 p.m. EST thru select by the Thai Tourists Assistance replies to quest ions li ke --- mit for one of their employees. Cable/Satellite providers).

Foundation (TTAF), featuring Is it possible that the USCIS Is t hat possible even i f her (Advertising Supplement) 70 designers, 40 from around the world (one designer representing each country) and 30 from Thailand.

Saturday night, Nov. 23, Pia (the only Miss Universe R I C H A R D G u t i e r r e z that the Gutierrez family invited) and Philippine Amcouldn’t be more grateful for lived in the United States for bassador to Thailand Mary Jo the blessings in his career, years before moving to the Bernardo-Aragon walked on such as his movie “Unbreak- Philippines. the runway in Oliver gowns “I was about to, you able” with Bea Alonzo and made of silk provided by Her Angelica Panganiban, and know, live in a different Majesty Queen Mother Sirikit’s a forthcoming teleserye also country. Nag plano na ‘ko factory, along ambassadors (I planned) to live in a difwith Alonzo. and national beauty queens H o w e v e r , G u t i e r r e z ferent country, start a new before a crowd of 3,000 diploshared in a recent “Tonight life, just like… You know, mats, socialites, celebrities and with Boy Abunda” segment, my dad did that,” he said. posted online on Nov. 27, “My dad walked away and that such was not the case started a different life and about two or three years I asked myself, maybe I can ago, when he almost left do the same.”

“What stopped you?” show business to live in a asked Abunda. different country.

As per Gutierrez, he did The revelation came after Abunda asked him if there not pursue his plan because was ever a point in his life he realized his destiny was when he wanted to back in the Philippines.

“Yung destiny ko talaga out or walk away from show is to be here, right now, and business.

Gutierrez said he indeed opportunities came,” said planned to leave the country Gutierrez. “I grabbed it and to live abroad—something then sunud-sunod na (they his father, Eddie Gutierrez, just kept coming).” (Cody Richard Gutierrez Photo from Instagram/@richardgutz did in the past. It is known Cepeda/Inquirer.net)

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

Richard recalls almost quitting show biz

Make way for No Rome...

PAGE B1 with a band arrangement in mind. There’s more organic stuff happening in the music, among all the synths. The mixtape I’m currently making is all different, but this one kinda came from being inspired by being out in L.A. I was in a proper studio, with all these ideas. This was the first thing that really came to life,” No Rome said in an email interview with Music Geek.

Here’s more of that exchange with the newest Filipino music sensation, thanks to the efforts of Nixon Sy of MMI Live.

Can you tell us how you started with music?

I started making music when I was 12. I learned piano before then, but I only started taking it seriously when I started forming bands. That was when I realized I wanted to write my own music.

I started uploading my music online when I was about 14; it was all just personal stuff that I’d done with keyboards and synthesizers.

Who are your musical influences growing up and now?

Growing up, it was a lot of Nirvana, Biggie, Aphex Twin, Björk —so much Björk! Now, it changes a lot. I love to spend my time looking for new music to listen to. I’m really into Dinosaur Jr., Squarepusher, Kaytranada.

Oh, and Thursday! A lot of the records that I’m writing take influence from Broken Social Scene, modern-day hip hop, Cardi, Chief Keef… I could keep going!

Any plans for an album or an EP in the future?

After this mixtape, I’m trying to put out an album next year.

I’m excited to showcase that.

At the moment though, I’m focusing on this mixtape, and then the Dirty Hit tour that’s coming up.

How did it feel to be back to perform in the country where you grew up?

It was special to me. In a way, it [also felt] odd, just because I came from a situation where I used to promote my stuff there locally and just have people listen to the music. And now I’m starting to feel the benefits of that so it’s a special feeling.

There are people I know who’ve seen my growth as a musician, so that’s pretty cool. It’s a flattering feeling that my fellow Filipinos really commit to my music.

You collaborated with The 1975. How did that come about?

It just happened when I was sending a few tracks to Matty.

We just felt like “Narcissist” could have been something.

When I sent it to them it was a rough demo, and we wanted to see it come to life. Matty was as much of a fan of my music as I was his. He sent me a vocal while he was on tour, and that’s how it came about and we went from there.

Any dream collaborations for the future?

I’d love to collaborate with Jay Som! She’s cool. I’m just open to working with people, especially people who are a bit off-stream. I would love to work with Omarion, that would be great! I’d love to work with Thom Yorke — that’s a dream collaboration. I don’t know what the fuck we’d do together, but it’d be nice to just even meet him.

What is music to you?

Music is a subjective thing, it means so much to everyone differently. But to me it’s selfexpression. It could be the backup music to your life, or it could feel like a diary that you pick up when you feel bad and you find

something relatable. That’s what music is to me–in a cinematic way, I want to make music that feels like it’s playing in the background of your own life.

How important is it to you that your music should be heard not just in the UK or in the Philippines but all over the world as well?

I think people resonate with my music, because they feel like they share a same space with you when they listen to your music. A radio station for the outcasts — that what I feel like my music is, and why it’s important to have it exist outside of just one scene. I want anybody to feel like they can be a part of it, and make it the background to their life. That’s what I want it to be. I want to be able to provide a sonic experience in a pop manner.

Is it harder to please a Filipino or foreign audience?

In that more local mindset, they kinda depreciate a lot of stuff just because they know where it’s coming from.

If something feels familiar, the appreciation of it is lessened, just because people are like, ‘Oh, that guy’s from here, his references are of this, or that.’

I guess it’s always hard to feel like you can please the people that know you.

What is the highlight of your career so far?

Going on tour. The biggest tour I’ve been to is The 1975’s tour. But putting this music out on a bigger platform has also been the best thing–being able to put these things that I work so hard on, and obsess about, out into the world.

Your message to your Filipino fans?

Thank you for supporting me!

Thank you for everything, and keep livin’.

Pia Wurtzbach with designer Oliver Tolentino

Photo from Instagram/@theolivertolentino

media at the Royal Thai Navy Convention Hall across from the royal palace. Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha was in attendance. After the ambassadors modeled, Oliver walked with Ambassador Aragon to take a bow.

Earlier, on Wednesday (Nov. 20), Oliver presented a 35-piece collection at the Fashion Week held at CentralWorld. It was the largest country collection presented, consisting of 12 Thai silk outfits, nine piña looks, and

14 couture pieces.

Pia opened the show in a pale blue Thai silk printed ball with quilted ruffled sleeves and covered button accents. She opened the piña portion in a haltered mermaid gown, fully embroidered with geometric black and off-white calado. A modern black obi belt completed the look.

As a nod to the red gown that Oliver sent to Pia the day before the 2015 Miss U preliminaries PAGE B4

B4 NOVEMBER 30 - DECEMBER 3, 2019 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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Karla’s new boyfriend PH Commission on Filipinos explains why he courted her Overseas Secretary Francisco Acosta

meets LA Fil-Am community

By JAN

MILO SEVERO Philstar.com

Jam Ignacio and Karla Estrada

TV host Karla Estrada was all smiles when her non-showbiz boyfriend Jam Ignacio was a guest in her morning talk show “Magandang Buhay.”

During last Wednesday’s edition of the morning talk show, Karla and ABS-CBN photo Jam were interviewed by Karla’s cohosts Jolina Magdangal and Melai Cantiveros.

Karla said she’s nervous for her boyfriend because Jam is not into showbiz.

“Actually, ninenerbyos ako para sa kanya kasi hindi naman siya sanay. Masaya naman. Bago sa akin ‘to kasi wala naman akong naiharap ‘di ba? First time ‘to, kahit ‘yung mga tatay ng anak ko. Parang nahihiya ako kasi parang kung kailan may apat na ‘kong anak.

But you know, sabi nga ni Vice, deserve nating lumigaya, sumaya,” Karla said.

Jam said he was attracted to Karla the moment he first met the actress last June 1.

“Maganda siya. Nagkakatinginan kasi kami madalas eh,” he said, adding that he fell in love with her all the more “nung madalas na kami magkasama. ‘Yung nakilala ko na siya mas mabuti. ‘Di naman siya mahirap mahalin eh.”

Karla admitted that she quickly fell in love with Jam because she’s been brokenhearted for the longest time.

“Actually, ang bilis nang sa akin.

Kasi ang tagal ko nang heartbroken.

Kaya lang, nagdadalawang-isip ako kasi baka natutuwa lang ako na mayroong ganong tao na nagpapakita ng concern,” Karla said.

“Natutuwa ako sa tapang niya kasi ‘di ba ang lakas ng personality ko, ang tapang kong tao? Pumunta siya sa bahay na hindi niya iniisip na bahay ‘yon namin, kung sinong nakatira do’n. Three days palang kaming magkakilala, so pumunta siya, nagdala siya ng bulaklak, may coffee,” she added.

Despite the celebrity status of Karla and the fact that she has four children, including “Teen King” Daniel Padilla, Jam said he courted her just like what men usually do when they want a woman.

“Wala kasi akong naisip na parang superstar siya e. Inaano ko na pareho lang kaming normal na tao.

Kung ano ‘yung ginagawa ng isang lalaki sa isang babae, ganon yung ginagawa ko,” he said.

MOONLIGHTING

by MYLAH DE

LEON

PICTURE a man across the hall. He carries his everyday business suit like they were black tie and tails, and his demeanor gave the impression that he had been born with a gold watch and chain instead of an umbilical cord.

One would remember with clarity the gentleman’s grace, his good manner, his capacity to put all of us at ease, as clearly as the substance of his talk, though it was an important meeting about the migrants here in the U.S. There was an act of excitement about his every small act, every gesture, every word for everyone who came to meet and greet Commission on Filipinos Overseas Secretary Francisco Acosta, who was formerly a Court of Appeals Associate Justice.

His interesting talk promised all the possibilities — grassroots excitement, surpassed only by the heart and generosity of spirit for the cause. “We’re not here to make a point, but to make a difference, no matter how small,” he said.

Interviewing Sec. Acosta is like having a fun conversation at a party with someone you may never run into again. It is filled with the possibility of random pleasure. It is hard to keep in mind, however, that he has been in the public eye for so long so you’re meeting an actual person, an astute guardian of the law, and not a media creation or the product of your research.

He needs to be interpreted, observed, profiled, quoted in context, as we get him to open himself up, in a genuinely feel with the community, he was addressing.

His professional lists of mayor

A sparkling conversation with Commission on Filipinos Overseas Secretary Francisco Acosta at the Filipino Cultural Center of Los Angeles.

achievements are so enormous it defies enumeration.

In his previous meetings, his presence above makes it an occasion. Since it was mostly freewheeling, he had no need to ask for silence and he merely smiled and the spectators would hush.

Since his appointment to head the Commission Filipino Overseas, no one could ever doubt his intentions. He is always for justice, for a good cause and the right reason, determination and service to the community, above all.

He sees the law as the basic of society and respect for justice paramount.

On the issue of the migrant workers here abroad, he slightly hinted, they ought to be tendered with the pomp they deserved – for what they do here and the nobility of their endeavors.

“It gave us peace of mind

knowing you’re doing everything one can do, for the little big guys who had no one to fight for them or too shy and feel theirs are just small cases – there should be a warrior for these little mighty migrants,” he said.

At the Ugnayan at the Philippine consulate last Tuesday, the Fil-Am community wasn’t surprised, by the hint of showmanship instinct in which he anticipated acute questions or the dignified ways in which he parried the probing ones.

It was inevitable to listen to him speak and plead for the plight of the migrants. Compassion is a pleasure that should be taken as a gift, and as he continues to chair with dignity and determination. He doesn’t diminish. *** E-mail Mylah at moonlightingmdl@aol. com.

Part III: Tradition, fear and spirits Life Coaching in a Different Perspective STARGAZER THE past two articles touched on different spirit presences, how they communicate and why are they still lingering.

Now let us be aware of actual occurrences and how to react to them. When do you know there really is a spirit manifestation and how do they manifest?

One night, as you sit quietly watching tv, a shadow seems to have moved and was caught by the corner of peripheral vision.

You take a look, but nothing is there. Or in the middle of the night, you wake up at 3 a.m. and hear a bang in the kitchen as if a dish had been thrown on the floor. You investigate, but find no broken glass or dish. Everything becomes so quiet that you even heart your heart pounding. The silence is eerie and the strong presence seems to dominate the darkness.

Imagine this: While working overtime all alone in the office and only the sound of a wall clock keeps you company when suddenly you hear footsteps. You look around and no one is there so you continue clicking away on your computer keyboard. As you type, another sound echoes.

You type again, and the sound grows louder and louder. Then it stops and you hear a chair being dragged across the room and ends with a loud stomp. This makes you crazy and in a frenzy, you leave the office.

Are these bad spirits? Maybe yes or maybe no. They could be anywhere from an elemental to an earthbound soul or a mischievous spirit. But how do we know that the presence is bad or good?

When you feel fear and negative emotions and want to run away, a bad spirit may be near you. When you are unreasonably angry, and emotions are as hot as

fire, probably the negative spirits are taking fancy on you. When you are urged to do something bad or contrary to your wishes, a bad spirit may be trying to influence you. Bad spirits are danger themselves.

Good spirits, on the other hand, give you peace. When a good spirit is around you, you feel warmth, love and a sense of comfort. They never threaten nor scare you. Oftentimes they help you through a predicament or protect you from danger.

What then should we do if ever we encounter bad spirits? There are some tips on how to react to a spirit encounter.

DON’Ts Don’t FEAR. Spirits feed on your fear. They love to taunt people who are very afraid. The more you get scared, the more they manifest and scare you. To be fearless is easier said than done but that is the plain truth.

They love scaring people.

Don’t CHALLENGE the spirit.

If you don’t know what presence is around you, never act as if you are infallible. These spirits know your weaknesses and may challenge your greatest fear. Never TAUNT or make fun of the spirit because evil ones can always harm you.

Don’t TRY TO BE AN EXPERT WHEN YOU ARE NOT. You think it may as simple as a Harry Potter movie. Maybe you think saying a Latin prayer given by others may help. Or you saw a banishing ritual in some movie and in curiosity you try if it will work or not. It is a risk to act like an expert because the ritual may actually turn against you.

Don’t INVOKE on other spirits to help you. Feeling powerful and on top of everything, some think they can conjure other spirits to come and help. Be careful as you might call on the negative spirits instead of the good. There is a saying, “Never sell your soul to the Devil.”

DO’s Pray and focus on your faith. Try to hold on to prayer to feel strong.

Shield by visualizing the white

light of protection. Imagine the white light coming from God enveloping your being and protecting you from harm.

Stay away from areas where murder, massacres or accidents took place. This is not the place to be as the atmosphere is charged with so much negativity.

If you’re Catholic, hold a rosary or St. Benedict medal or any item you consider sacred. This will help you have courage. Then pray.

Call a priest, pastor, nun or the religious or an expert to come and help you. Never try to do it alone. Never assume you can do it by yourself.

Let me end this with my four S’s.

SPIRITUALITY: Have your place blessed by a priest or prayed over by a pastor. Or you can turn to prayer and holding on to your FAITH when confronted by spirits.

SMOKE: lighting incense to keep negative spirits away.

SALT: placing them in strategic places inside a room to help dispel negativity.

SOUND: Use a bell or keep a radio continuously playing in quiet places of the house or office.

Or move around every morning and ring a bell to disturb quiet places where spirits stay. This will help in driving them away.

Let me end this with one simple rule to follow when you are not sure what kind of presence is in front of you. Just remember, IN CASE OF DOUBT, DON’T.

*** 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/.

Pia shines at Bangkok fashion events...

PAGE B3 in Las Vegas, the designer created a stunning fully-beaded red mermaid gown with couture godet.

During the week, Oliver spoke to college fashion stu-

dents on a panel with Thai designers. Oliver promoted Philippine fabrics to an eager crowd that was so large they set up an overflow room with live videostream of Oliver’s hourlong hosted discussion.

Incidentally, Oliver has been invited as the first Filipino designer to open a European fashion week later this year after a producer saw his collection during model fittings before it was even presented.

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • NOvEmbER 30 - DECEmbER 3, 2019

B

Heart part of ‘Vogue 100’ list by

Katrina Hallare Inquirer.net

AIDE from being an actress and a fashion icon, Heart Evangelista proved she can achieve international status as she was included in the “Vogue 100” list released by the coveted fashion magazine.

The actress-socialite made the big reveal in an Instagram post on Tuesday.

“Some news that I’ve been holding in for a while now that I can finally reveal — I was chosen to be part of Vogue 100!”

Evangelista wrote.

“This is such an honor, especially to be alongside other amazing individuals from all around the globe,” she added.

Evangelista then expressed her gratitude to the magazine and its U.S. editor Anna Wintour for including her on the list.

Heart Evangelista

She expressed her excitement as well, saying that the year 2020 is “looking bright” and told her fans and followers that she cannot wait “to bring you all along with me.”

According to the Vogue website, the Vogue 100 list features “distinctive creative voices from

Photo from Instagram/@iamhearte

around the globe, encompassing actors, artists, musicians, athletes, stylists, activists, chefs, choreographers, videographers, beauty fanatics, glamour girls, and wonderful weirdos of every stripe.”

The list made its debut in February 2018.

It’s final: Ai-Ai not having baby ricKy lo Philstar.com

by

SHE will, she will not; she will, she will not. Have a baby, that is. No, she will not.

Funfare has been reporting that Ai-Ai delas Alas is ready to have a baby and she has been preparing for it. She and her husband Gerald Sibayan have preserved an embryo to be implanted in Ai-Ai’s womb.

“I want to conceive the baby,” Ai-Ai has been saying and she wouldn’t have a surrogate mother do it.

But at way past 50, Ai-Ai may not be physically up to the challenge. So it’s final: she won’t be having the baby but didn’t say what she and Gerald would do with the embryo.

During the renewal of her (fifth) contract as endorser of Hobe Bihon & Noodles (“Sales have been going up these past five years,” according to HB&N CEO Bobby Co), Ai-Ai revealed the health issues that led to her decision. She has been suffering from psoriasis so she’s on an “organic” diet to prevent the skin patches from recurring.

“Like magic,” was how AiAi put it. “Thanks to my diet, the patches (patse-patse) have stopped appearing. I have to continue eating organic food. If I would get pregnant, I needed to eat healthier food and stop

Toxic Air: the rise of secondhand vape and marijuana

WHILE the days of choosing between “smoking or non-smoking” sections may be long gone, the threat of secondhand smoke is as real as ever. Just take a look around — on the way to work, at a public park or beach, on the sidewalk, around your home, or just about anywhere. You don’t have to go far to run into secondhand smoke these days.

It’s practically everywhere and that’s no coincidence. Secondhand smoke exposure has been skyrocketing and here’s why.

Secondhand marijuana exposure increased 86% in the last two years.

Secondhand vape exposure

increased 67% in the last two years.

Let’s pause here for a second and consider those numbers.

That’s an awful lot of smoke.

And that’s without taking into account the source that started this whole mess — cigarettes.

That’s right, even secondhand tobacco smoke exposure went up almost 6% over the same time period. Between those three sources alone, we’re facing an issue that’s too big to ignore and almost impossible to avoid.

Naturally, you’re probably wondering: Is all of it harmful?

Unfortunately, YES. Even vape

and marijuana secondhand smoke contain toxic chemicals.

To keep it simple, a good rule of thumb is that all secondhand smoke is harmful. No matter what it comes from or smells like, there’s no such thing as safe secondhand smoke. That includes cigarillos and hookah, too. But despite the rising threat of secondhand smoke, there’s actually plenty you can and should do.

Visit SecondhandDangers. org to download a free guide and find out how to protect your family from all types of toxic secondhand smoke.

(Advertising Supplement)

Is Luis planning to propose to Jessy Mendiola?

Ai-Ai delas Alas

eating ‘organic’ kaya baka bumalik ‘yung patse-patse sa skin ko. I can’t take medicines because it might put the baby in danger, so Gerald and I decided na huwag na muna kami mag-baby.” (Paolo Bediones also has psoriasis and he has been talking about it to help educate people about the skin disease.)

Besides, with the renewal of her GMA contract, Ai-Ai will be kept busy and she can’t avoid stress (bad for the baby).

“We leave it to God for the right time,” said Ai-Ai who is

GMA photo

preoccupied with the shoot of an MMFF entry (3Pol Trobol: Huli si Balbon, with Coco Martin and Jennylyn Mercado) and two GMA shows, The Clash and Sunday PINASaya which is (according to a Funfare “scoop” ) good only until end of December after the block-timer didn’t renew the contract and might be replaced by the studio-produced variety show Studio 7.

Incidentally, Ai-Ai was Gerald’s passenger in the singleengine plane during a trial flight as part of Gerald’s graduation from an aviation school.

cHa lino Inquirer.net

by

IT appears that even actor Luis Manzano and actress Jessy Mendiola are not safe from the usual wedding-related teasing that comes with being together for a long time.

Mendiola posted a photo of her perfectly manicured hand wearing two rings on Instagram last Monday, Nov. 25. She wore an oval eternity ring on her ring finger, and a sparkly heartshaped diamond ring on her middle finger.

Manzano’s good friend, Billy Crawford did not waste the op-

portunity to nudge the couple about their plans to get married when he commented on Mendiola’s post.

“Sibihan mo na yung bestfriend ko ilagay nya na yung singsing sa ring finger mo (Tell my best friend to put a ring on your ring finger),” Crawford said.

Despite not being tagged in Crawford’s comment, Manzano apparently got the hint. “[Y]es (heart emoji) that’s the plan (wink),” Manzano replied.

The couple celebrated the third year of their relationship last June. Jessy wrote a heartfelt message to her boyfriend,

reminiscing about their time together, via Instagram on June 25.

She thanked him for fighting for her and taking care of her, as she also claimed that Manzano still knows how to make her smile.

“I know in my heart you are the one for me. Who would’ve thought?” Mendiola said.

There have been speculations about the two’s engagement even back in 2018. While they appear to be open about discussing marriage-related matters, they are yet to confirm if there is going to be a wedding in the near future, as of writing.

B November 30 - DeCember 3, 2019 • LA WeeKeND ASIAN JoUrNAL

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 30 - DECEMBER 3, 2019

COMMUNITY Journal

Closing reception to be held for Eliseo Silva’s last solo art exhibition

One Global Academy Jonathan oboza Petalver

LARRY Farrell in his book “Entrepreneurial Book” made 5 critical success factors in crafting a Vision Statement. Right out of the Matsushita playbook, there are questions every aspiring entrepreneur has to answer. These are the “What Questions” that matter most. Answering them can be turned into a Vision Statement that will give you the confidence and bring you on top of your game!

1. What do I really WANT to do?

Want has more impact than LIKE. A lot of people I saw in the past, they like and they can but in the end they do not WANT it in the first place. All their efforts will just be put to waste. Decide on the product and service you would offer.

2. What am I really GOOD at Eliseo Silva’s portrait of Larry Itliong entitled “DAHIL SA IYO” (Because of You), Acrylic on Canvas, 60” x 80”, 2019. doing?

What do you think is your GodSAN PEDRO, CA – The closing stance, the mixed-media work ti- artistic director of her dance comreception for “Recuerdos-Sou- tled “Spectres of Comparison” pro- pany, Ancestral Vision Movement, given strength? What is this somevenirs,” New Works by Eliseo vides us a center point and axis to who has performed alongside art- thing you can do day in and day “EL1SY” Art Silva has been set for the artist’s current and immediate ists such as Gingee, Bohan Phoe- out, without noticing what day and December 5, 2019 from 5 p.m. - 8 frame of mind. Manila folders be- nix, Guy Tang, and Nitemrkt and time it is! What does your friends come an underpainting. Racist bod- has been featured on NBC Asian or family notice about you and p.m.

The exhibit opened at Pinta*Dos ies get nativized, inverted, abstract- America and Buzzfeed.

Since this is the artist’s last Philippine Art Gallery on Octo- ed. Yet, the recognizable mascots ber 5th and will close during San of corporate fast food are united in solo exhibit as a U.S.-based artist, Pedro’s 1st Thursdays Artwalk. color, faceless, seemingly innocu- most of the artist’s original drawThe artist will conduct an Artist’s ous and powerless clumps of crap. ings, studies, sketches, and waterTalk at 6:30 p.m., and at 7:30 p.m. Everyone has their backs to us. colors during the last thirty years ROSEMEAD, Calif. — High Ally Vega will perform an original Mirrors are large spoons of candy- in the U.S. will be available for sale school seniors whose dreams are Filipino Folk Fusion dance perfor- coated opaque almonds providing for under $100 each (neatly pack- to power the future and make a mance, bringing the artworks on no vanity, no reflections. Rooftops aged in clear plastic cover with difference through the study of display to life as part of the closing of nipa huts become smoking vol- black cardboard backing). In ad- science, technology, engineering canoes spewing dark fecal matter. dition, more than a dozen original or math (STEM) are invited to apreception.

New artworks have also been Silva chalked “Boondocks” on the oil on canvas and mixed paintings ply for Edison International’s $1.2 added since the show opened on sliver of blackboard surface, while in various sizes (up to 4’ x 6’) will million Edison Scholars Program.

October 5, covering a wide range expressionist scribble invade the also be available for under $1,000 Each year, Edison Internationof mediums and styles, from oils overall scatalogical, explosive com- each. al, the parent company of SouthPinta*Dos Gallery is located ern California Edison, awards on canvas to works on paper position.”

In addition, the public will also at 479 W Sixth Street, Suite 106, $40,000 scholarships, paid over during the last fifteen years. One of the highlights of the show is be treated to an original dance Historic Arts District, San Pedro, four years, to 30 high school stutitled: “Spectres of Comparison,” a choreography by Ally Vega, re- CA 90731 and this exhibition will dents who plan to major in desiglarge mixed-media painting which sponding to and bringing to life- give viewers a chance to see both nated STEM fields at a four-year revisits the Philippine Pavilion of the artworks currently on display Eliseo Silva’s new and old works accredited U.S. college or univerinside the gallery. Ally creates one last time before he restores sity. See the list of eligible STEM the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair.

Curator Edwin Ramoran de- what she calls “Filipino folk fu- his original trajectory to create majors. scribes the painting this way: “Here, sion” pieces where she blends art as a Philippines-based painter, Scholarship applications are you may experience and record traditional Filipino dances with thus this new collection was called now being accepted through Dec. a transitional energy. For in- hip hop. She is the founder and recuerdos (souvenirs). n 16. To apply and obtain additional

C

The entrepreneur mindset: Seeing your clearest what

Part 2 of 2 complement you for doing it? That for Entrepreneurship) Academy as is a great clue in what your are an example.

1. We want to educate and engood at. It is your strength.

3. What UNMET market needs able learners.

2. We are good at engaging live do I see?

What great opportunity is out workshops.

3. Unmet needs in building Enthere that must be met? What is it that people are willing to pay for trepreneurial mindsets.

4. We need to address and comin exchange of satisfying and even exceeding their expectation? That municate at each level.

5. Sustainable operational exis called opportunity.

4. What CAPABILITIES must I pense which is online.

To provide an entrepreneurial have?

Do I have the time to bring my Vision Statement , we will combine ability to the next level? What all 5 in one single statement in any should I improve to become better order.

Example of a Vision Statement : and better each day? How do I tap To educate and enable (what my existing resources and make the most out of it? Everything must we want) learners in building their be laid out and seen from the start. entrepreneurial mindsets (unmet 5. What CASHFLOW will I needs), by effectively addressing and communicating at each need?

Do I have sufficient funds to level (capability) through highly instart? Do I need support from oth- teractive and engaging workshops ers to start the business? This must (good at doing) with reasonable be answered and must be clear and affordable rates (cash flow first prior to engaging yourself else support). this can be a pitfall. *** Now after analyzing these 5 Jonathan Oboza Petalver is the Founder WHAT Questions, let us now pick and CEO of Petalver Management one and make it a Vision State- Consultancy Services. He is also the President and Dean of One Global ment.

Let us take THE (Training Hub Academy U.S.A.

$1.2 million Edison Scholars Program 2020 application period begins eligibility information, visit: edisonscholars.com.

Applicants must live in SCE’s service area and plan to be a fulltime undergraduate student majoring in a STEM field. Eligible students also must be a high school senior, have at least a cumulative 3.0 GPA and demonstrate financial need. Students from underserved communities and ethnic minorities are encouraged to apply. Dependents of Edison International and SCE employees and retirees are not eligible for the Edison Scholars Program.

“These future leaders have the opportunity to change lives, communities and perhaps even the world,” said Pedro Pizarro, president and CEO of Edison Inter-

national. “We are proud to help talented students realize their academic dreams and support these important STEM programs.”

Scholarship recipients will be announced next spring. They may also be eligible for summer internships at SCE after completing their second year of college.

Since 2006, Edison International has awarded an estimated $9.9 million in scholarships to 640 students through the Edison Scholars Program.

Edison International’s support of charitable causes, including the Edison Scholars Program, is funded entirely by Edison International shareholders. SCE customers’ utility bill payments do not fund company donations. n

C NOVEMBER 30 - DECEMBER 3, 2019 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Tax & Stock Tips Victor Sy,

cPA, MBA (retired)

THE Tax Cuts and Jobs Act made significant changes to income tax rates and traditional deductions. Let’s look at 10 tips on how those changes affect tax plans for this year ending December 31, 2019. This is the first of a three-part series.

1. Determine if itemizing deductions still works for you More taxpayers have shifted away from itemized deductions to standard deduction. There are good reasons for this shift.

Recent law doubles the standard deduction to $24,400 for married couples filing jointly and $12,200 for single filers in 2019. It also places new limits on itemized deductions, including a $10,000 cap on property and state and local income tax deductions. This is a windfall offering for taxpayers without home mortgage in-

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Year-end tax plan for 2019 Deep and reverent appreciation for God’s gifts Part 1 of 3

terest deductions. It also simplified tax preparation. This is tax simplification at its best.

2. Make tax-free gifts You can give gifts up to $15,000 per year ($30,000 for a married couple who elect to split gifts) without reporting it to the IRS. A gift reduces your estate which will no longer pay estate taxes on such gifted amounts.

Bonus: The gift will not be considered taxable income for the donee (recipient). Nice.

The lifetime federal gift and estate tax exemption doubled to $11.40 million for individuals ($22.80 million for married couples). This means that fewer estates will owe estate tax.

3. Donate appreciated stocks to charity If you itemize deductions on Schedule A, charitable gifts such as cash or appreciated stock, are still tax-deductible. Consider giving several years’ worth of gifts into a donor-advised fund (DAF) for a single year. This fund allows

you to spread out deductions over the next several years as you need them to maximize tax benefits of charity giving.

This would be ideal for a retiree with significant assets and modest living expenses. Pardon me but that wouldn’t be you or me. Such taxpayers can now deduct cash charitable contributions of as much as 60% of their adjusted gross income (was 50%). That wouldn’t be you or me either. Sorry. *** 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.

IT’S Thanksgiving Day here in the U.S. Happy Thanksgiving Day to all!

As I reflect on the beauty of this day, I remember a thanksgiving homily that my fellow priest, Fr. Anthony Lee shared with the seminary community.

He started his homily with his experience of a “culture shock” during his first Christmas in America. He was stunned to see how people in the U.S. would rip beautifully wrapped gifts in front of their family and friends.

“We would never do this in Korea,” he said. “It would be embarrassing to do it. “In Korea, we open each gift gently, carefully, and slowly to show our deep appreciation and delight for the gifts and the givers.”

There is a lesson to learn from Koreans’ manner of opening gifts. It reminds us to cherish all

Barrister’s Corner

Widows and widowers of US citizens

KADALASAN, kapag ang petitioner ng I-130 Petition for Alien Relative ay namatay, ang petition ay automatically revoked. Subalit may mga beneficiary at family members na pinapahintulutang ipagpatuloy ang kanilang pag-apply ng immigration benefit, kahit namatay na ang petitioner. Ang mga biyudo at biyuda ng mga US citizen (USC) ay kasama sa statutory definition ng immediate relative at maaaring makakuha ng survivor benefits sa ilalim ng Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).

Kung ang USC ay namatay at may naiwang asawa, ang kanyang biyudo or biyuda (“biyuda”), ay may classification pa rin na immediate relative at mananatiling eligible para sa mga immigration benefit. Kung walang pending I130 Petition noong mamatay ang USC, ang biyuda ay maaaring mag-file ng I-360 Self-Petition bilang immediate relative. Ang I-360 Petition ay kailangang i-file sa loob ng 2 taon mula sa petsa ng pagkamatay ng USC. Kung ay biyuda ay nasa US, maaari rin siyang mag-file ng kanyang I-485 Adjustment of Status Application o Green Card Application kasabay ng I-360 Petition. Kung ang biyuda ay nasa labas ng US, ang kanyang immigrant visa application ay dadaan sa consular processing.

Tapat Sa Batas Atty. rheA SAMSon Ang biyuda ay kailangang magbigay ng abiso sa USCIS tungkol sa pagkamatay ng USC petitioner kung may pending o approved I130 Petition. Pagkatanggap ng abiso, ang pending o approved I-130 ay gagawing I-360 Petition ng USCIS. Ang biyuda ay hindi kailangang mag-refile ng petition at wala na siyang babayarang filing fees.

Upang ipagpatuloy ang immigration process pagkatapos ng pagkamatay ng USC, ang biyuda ay hindi maaaring mag-asawa muli bago matanggap ang kanyang green card o immigrant visa. Kailangan ding ipakita ng biyuda na sila ay may legal na kasal sa USC noong mamatay ang USC, at walang divorce o legal separation noong mamatay ang USC. Kung ang biyuda ay nasa removal proceedings o deportation proceedings noong kasal, kailangang ipakita pa rin ng biyuda na may “clear and convincing evidence” na totoo ang kanyang kasal sa yumaong

Atty. Kenneth USC upang makakuha siya ng UrSUA reyeS green card.

*** Generally, when the petitioner of an I-130 Petition for Alien Relative dies, the petition is automatically revoked. However, certain beneficiaries and family members are allowed to continue seeking immigration benefits, even after the petitioner has died.

Widows and widowers of US citizens (USCs) are included in the statutory definition of immediate relative and may avail of survivor benefits under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).

If a USC spouse dies leaving his widow/widower (“widow”), the widow remains under the classification of immediate relative and continues to be eligible to obtain immigration benefits.

If there was no pending I-130 Petition at the time of the USC’s death, the widow can file an I-360 Self-Petition as an immediate relative. The I-360 Petition must be filed within 2 years of the USC’s death. If the widow is present in the US, the I-485 Adjustment of Status Application or Green Card Application can be filed simultaneously with the I-360 Petition.

If the widow is abroad, the immigrant visa application will be done through consular processing overseas.

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TO many people, the New Year signifies a chance to have a fresh beginning. People dispose of old personal items and clean out the closet in order to make room for the new. This is also the time of the year many people realize when a marriage is not working out and it may be time to start a new life as a single person whether or not you have children. You can decide to take action and file a divorce.

Before you take any action, you need to think about your situation carefully. First, you should decide whether you should you move out of the family residence or not? If you and your spouse are communicating and have some type of respect left with one another, it may be more economical to continue residing in the same household until you resolve the issues in the divorce case. However, if your relationship is heated and riddled with conflict, then someone should to move out. If your spouse has threatened you, hurt you, or committed domestic violence, you may file a domestic violence temporary restraining order and request the court to order your spouse to move out of the house. In the same application, you may also request for custody, support, and attorney’s fees. If on the other hand you decide to be the one to move out, you should move somewhere close to your spouse if you have children to make it easier for both of you to co-parent with the children.

Second, you should decide whether your spouse is the type who will disclose all the financial assets or not after you file for divorce. Although the family code (family code 2100 et seq.) imposes

Debt Relief

Atty. lAwrence yAnG THE client is a corporation that has been in business since 2000. It had both good and bad times over the last two decades but always managed to land on its feet.

It has an ever-growing list of clients that need its products, which it sources from abroad. It has two kinds of clients: clients with their own brands for the same product and clients who buy the product with the client’s own brand.

In 2015, the client appeared to have had some kind of misunderstanding with one of its major foreign suppliers regarding a large order that apparently was not produced by the supplier to conform to the correct specifications. This resulted in the delivery of the large order being rejected by the ultimate buyer. Well, you can see why this rejection of the order shipped caused a major disruption in the business relationship between client and foreign supplier.

Since the ultimate buyer rejected the shipment, the client was not going to get paid the expected $1.3M from its customer. But the foreign supplier demanded to get paid in full for the shipment, which had an FOB value of $1M. If the client paid the supplier $1M for a rejected order, the client would have to immediately eat the loss of $1M. The client does about $3M of yearly business, so an outright $1M loss is not sustainable. The client does not have $1M in cash or available credit lines, and does not see the wisdom of eating such a big loss. In addition, the client believes that it was supplier’s fault that the shipment did not comply with the required specifications, which caused the rejection of the order.

On the other hand, the foreign supplier believes it complied with the required specifications as far as they understood it. So, it’s a big mess. The client offered to give the shipment back to the supplier but the supplier does not want the

The Prophetic Voice reVerend rodel G. BAlAGtAS the blessings we receive from God and other people with a profound sense of reverence, awe, and gratitude.

And although our lives are simple, imperfect, and are filled with challenges, we never forget to see and appreciate every nugget of grace and flicker of hope and love happening around us.

In her song, Blessings, Laura Story shared this sentiment: “We pray for blessings, we pray for peace; Comfort for family, while we.

We pray for healing, for prosperity.

We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering.

All the while You hear each spoken need, Yet love is way too much to give us lesser things. ”Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops What if Your healing comes through tears?

What if a thousand sleepless nights Are what it takes to know You’re near?

What if trials of this life Are Your mercies in disguise?

We pray for wisdom, Your voice to hear.”

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

Starting the new year fresh with a divorce

a duty to disclose all material facts and information, spouses’ are not always forthcoming in disclosing completely all assets, debts, income and expenses specially after a divorce case is commenced.

What sometimes happens is once a divorce case is commenced, assets are either not disclosed, disappears, or documents/ bank statements are not produced even with formal discovery. You should gather and make copies of all financial documents before filing the divorce.

Third, there is an automatic temporary restraining order (ATROS) in place once you file and serve your spouse with the divorce papers. The four standard mutual restraining orders are 1) removing their minor children from the state without the prior written consent of the other party or a court order. family code Section 2040(a)(1) 2) restraint from transferring, encumbering, hypothecating, concealing, or in any way disposing of any property, real or personal, whether community, quasi-community, or separate without the other party’s written consent or court order; fam code 2040(a)(2) 3) restraint from cashing, borrowing against, canceling, transferring, disposing of, or changing the beneficiaries of any insurance or other coverage, including life, health, automobile, and disability held for the benefit of the parties and their child for whom support may be orders. Fam C 2040(a)(3).

4) restraint from creating a nonprobate transfer or modifying a nonprobate transfer in a manner that affects the disposition of property subject to the transfer without the other party’s written consent or court order. fam c 2040(a)(4).

There are exceptions to the above restrictions. One exception is for

property transfers in the usual course of business or for the necessities of life. Examples would be property transfers as part of your usual business operations or to pay for usual household living expenses. Another exception is payment of reasonable attorney’s fees. fam c. 2040(a)(2). If you need to do any transactions that may violate the ATROS, it is best to do it prior to filing and serving the divorce petition provided you do not breach your fiduciary duty to your spouse. If you are thinking of filing a divorce, it is best to consult an experienced family law attorney before taking any action. *** 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)

Company files Chapter 7 due to $1 million judgment

merchandise back. The supplier wants cash of $1M. Eventually, the supplier files a lawsuit her in Los Angeles against the client for $1M breach of contract and fraud. Many breach of contract lawsuits add a fraud cause of action, which basically works as follows. The element of fraud consists of a misrepresentation made by the defendant to the plaintiff. The plaintiff justifiably relied on the misrepresentation.

The plaintiff suffered damages by relying on the misrepresentation, and the damages of the plaintiff are proximately caused by the misrepresentation. More or less these are the essential elements of the fraud or deceit cause of action. If the plaintiff fails to prove one element, there is no fraud.

For instance, the plaintiff alleges that he suffered damages because he relied on defendant’s misrepresentation that he doesn’t have to file income tax returns for 2017.

However, the plaintiff himself is a certified public accountant. There is no justifiable reliance on defendant’s representation because the plaintiff himself is a CPA and therefore should know himself that he should or should not file income tax returns for 2017.

In any event, at trial, the plaintiff was able to prove by a preponderance of evidence that the client did indeed defraud the plaintiff supplier of $1M. Well, so now the choice is to pay the $1M or the company files for Chapter 7 liquidation. What would you do if you owned this company? Of course, a fraud judgment for $1M is an intentional tort that is that dischargeable. But the fact that the judgment is not dischargeable does not prevent the company from filing Chapter 7 to handle the claim. So what happens? In Chapter 7, the trustee will attempt to liquidate the company. The plaintiff will have to file a proof of claim in the bankruptcy as a judgment creditor. If the liquidation results in cash, the trustee will pay creditors in the legal order of priority. The IRS has no.

1 priority for unpaid taxes. This judgment creditor will get paid after the IRS gets paid. The trustee will auction off the inventory, if any, and collect receivables. The trustee will administer cash in the bank.

Senior wants Chapter 7 discharge of $35K credit cards The second client is 70 years old and single. She never got married. She is still pretty and charming. But I guess she never met her prince charming so she decided to stay single. She owes $35,000 of credit cards. She has been paying $12,000 a year for the last 20 years. She has paid $240,000 in the last 20 years, and yet she says she still owes $35,000! Wonder of wonders indeed, sad but true.

She says she is just tired of paying for the cards and now that she is retired, the $12,000 a year for interest payments on the cards is a big dent on her retirement income and prevents her from enjoying her retirement years. Not surprising.

Her retirement income consists of $1,200 of social security and $1,800 of pension. So, she has $3,000 a month. The cards take a third of that every month. Ouch!

In addition, she has already paid $240,000 to her credit card masters, modern-day slavery, no doubt. She decides it’s high time for her to get rid of these cards with a discharge or wipe out in Chapter 7! I guess she got smarter as she got older, but could have saved $240,000 if she got rid of these cards when she was 52.

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 5,000 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 Suite 10042, Alhambra, CA 91803.

(Advertising Supplement)

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

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 30 - DECEMBER 3, 2019

Getting paid correctly for working on holidays Q: I worked on Thanksgiving Day and the Day after Thanksgiving. Am I entitled to holiday pay?

A: Around this time of year, we get this question a lot.

So we thought we would revisit this issue, especially since Christmas Day and New Year’s Day are coming up and they fall in the middle of what many people would consider a workweek.

Hours worked on holidays are treated like hours worked on any other day of the week.

The law does not require payment of overtime or other special premiums for work during holidays, unless such work goes beyond 8 hours per workday or 40 hours per workweek. The law also does not require that employers pay employees for holidays that are not worked.

The employer chooses when to be open and closed for business. They are not required to close their businesses or give employees the day off on any holiday. If the employer is open on a holiday and schedules the employee to work that day, the law does not oblige the employer to pay the employee anything but the employee’s regular pay.

However, if by working on a holiday the employee incurs overtime hours, then the employee should be paid the overtime premium for all overtime hours worked.

Protecting Employee & Consumer Rights ATTY. C. JOE SAYAS, JR. The employer may pay a premium rate for working on a holiday if the employer adopts such a policy or practice. If the employee is subject to a collective bargaining agreement or an employment contract that provides for premium pay for hours worked on holidays, then the employer must pay a premium rate for working on a holiday.

Some employers choose to close their business on major holidays and give their employees paid time off equivalent to 8 hours of work at the employee’s regular rate. Many employees are subject to a collective bargaining agreement or an employment contract which provides that the business be closed on holidays and employees be paid time off from work.

Employees are smart to be vigilant about their rights to correct wages. Aside from inquiring into whether they are correctly paid for working on holidays, employees should also ask whether they are in fact paid for all the hours they have worked. Are they paid correctly for any of the following?

1) off-the-clock work 2) missed meal or rest breaks 3) work-related travel time 4) preliminary or postliminary work (such as time spent putting on uniforms or washing tools) 5) work done “at home” 6) controlled on-call or standby time 7) not being provided at least 5 hours of uninterrupted sleep while on a 24-hour duty If an employee has issues regarding any of the above, the employee may be entitled to additional back pay.

Whether you’re working during the Holidays or not, we wish all employees and their families Happy Holidays! May you continue to enjoy good health and fairness in the workplace! *** 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

APOGLA welcomes incoming president, new officers for 2020

2020 APOGLA Executive officers (from left): Dan E. Nino, Troy Agagon, Jenny Evangelista, Tony Amon, Liza Valera, Marisol Roberto-Lee, Jobe Jovellanos and Glenda Tavera.

Antonio “Tony” Amon, a registered financial advisor, consultant and businessman, was elected as the new president of the Alpha Phi Omega of Greater Los Angeles (APOGLA).

Amon, who was initiated from Far Eastern University (Alpha Chapter), also graduated with B.S. Mechanical Engineering degree from this university where Alpha Phi Omega was founded and formed its first chapter. He will succeed Mike “Boy” Medina, who was initiated from Manila Central University (Nu Chapter).

Comprising the 2020 officers include Jobee Jovellanos, as vice president, Marisol Lee, secretary; Troy Agagon, treasurer,

Emma Galang, auditor; Dan E. Nino, public relations officer and Liza Valera and Glenda Tavera as Sgt.-at-Arms. Appointed as presidential advisors are Edgar Ninofranco, Eric Serrano and Lito Tarculas.

Members of the Board are Mike Medina, Tony Amon, Victor Paredes, Rene Calvario, Alex Pastores, Hazel Salas and Ronald Paras.

In accepting his nomination speech, Amon said, “APOGLA is a well-oiled machine. We are well established. We don’t have to change anything anymore except to improve if there are still things to improve upon.

My main intention is to develop more leaders.”

He quoted Indian political ethicist Mohandas Gandhi, “A sign of a good leader is not how many followers you have but how many leaders you have created.”

Amon added, “Through successful recruitment, we can increase the number of members, hence we will be able to develop more leaders. Quality members are from the quantity of members. With the proper use of our resources, we will reach out to all members, both active and inactive and potential new members.”

Amon adopted a motto for his presidency, “Leadership is influence wherein we will be the best example.”

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West Ranch HS Marching Band pays tribute to Saugus HS during big championship win SANTA CLARITA, CA — The West Ranch High School Marching Band and Color Guard took home the gold medal for best band on Saturday, November 16 after competing in the annual Southern California School Band & Orchestra Association (SCSBOA) 5A State Marching Band Championships in Downey, California.

The win marks the fourth marching championship for the band following wins in 2007, 2008, and 2012, and the first time it has won all three major awards at the championships. In addition to taking home the gold for best band, the West Ranch Marching Band was also recognized for having the best color guard and percussion sections.

“I am so proud of the students for their wonderful performance at Championships. To regroup from the tragedy that struck our Valley just two days prior was inspiring. All of the students in the West Ranch band played beyond themselves that night and were galvanized for our community. To not only win the overall 5A state band championship, but also the high color guard and

West Ranch High School Drum Majors (left to right) Robby Legat, Joey Tremonti and Cameron Delgadillo.

percussion awards, is just further testament to the hard-work and effort of the West Ranch students. Everyone contributed fully to the success of the group,” said Jason A. Marshall, Director of Instrumental Music at West Ranch High School.

The championship, which took place in Downey’s Warren High

School, was the culmination of months of dedication, afterschool rehearsals, competitions, and performances. But as the students went out on the field to showcase the fruit of their hard work, emotions this year were mixed due to the tragic Saugus High School shooting that hap-

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AC 21: Changing the employer of your employment-based green card application DEAR Attorney Tan, I have an approved I-140 immigrant petition which was filed

by Company A on my behalf.

Company A would like to employ me as a bookkeeper. Based on that approved I-140 petition, I filed an application for green card (I-485 adjustment of status) in August 2014. Since that time, my green card application has been pending, as USCIS has requested additional documents in support of my application. Recently, another company, Company B, has expressed interest in hiring me for a payroll clerk position. Company B is a more established company based in the Midwest and pays $10,000.00 less but offers much better benefits. Is there a way I can substitute Company B as the employer in my green card application? --P.T. Dear P.T. Under INA Section 204(j), commonly referred to as AC 21, an approved I-140 employmentbased immigrant petition filed by one employer can be used by or “ported” to another employer providing certain requirements are met. First, a green card (I485 adjustment of status) application must have been filed and must be pending for at least 180 days. Second, the “new” job offered by the second employer must be in the same or similar occupational classification as the job for which the first employer filed the I-140 petition.

In your situation, you meet the first requirement in that

Legal Advice ATTY. DARRICK TAN your application for green card (I-485) was filed in August 2014.

Your application has been pending for over 1 year, which is more than the required 180 days under AC 21.

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

In your case, analysis would begin with the job duties of each position. The more similarity in job duties between bookkeeper and payroll clerk, the greater the likelihood that USCIS would consider them similar. Also, the SOC code for the 2 jobs would be taken into account. In addition, the wages offered by each employer would

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

The analysis of whether you can use or “port” your approved I-140 requires additional analysis, and consulting with an experienced attorney is recommended. *** Darrick V. Tan, Esq. is admitted to practice law in California and Nevada.

Mr. Tan is a graduate of UCLA and Southwestern University School of Law. He is a member of 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 (PABA). LAW OFFICES OF DARRICK V. TAN, 3580 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 900, Los Angeles, CA 90010. Tel: 323-639-0277. Email: info@dtanlaw. com (Advertising Supplement)

Widows and widowers of US...

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If there is a pending or approved I-130 Petition at the time of the USC’s death, the widow must inform USCIS of the death of the USC petitioning spouse. Upon receiving notification, USCIS will automatically convert a pending or approved I-130 Petition for Alien Relative to an I-360 Self Petition, and the widow does not need to refile nor pay additional filing fees. The date of filing is deemed to be the date the initial I-130 Petition was filed. Otherwise, the I360 Petition initiates the process for availing immigration benefits for the widow.

In order to continue with the immigration process after the

death of the USC, the widow must not remarry before receiving the green card or immigrant visa (if abroad). The widow must also show that she was legally married to the USC at the time of death, and that there was no divorce or legal separation at the time of death. If the widow was in removal proceedings at the time of the marriage, the “clear and convincing evidence” standard under the INA will apply to the adjudication of her adjustment of status or green card application.

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

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

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

LINDAIN & SAMSON LAW FIRM. Atty. com.

(Advert ising Supplement) Lindain and Atty. Samson are both li-

C4 NOVEMBER 30 - DECEMBER 3, 2019 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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

APOGLA welcomes incoming president... West Ranch HS Marching Band pays tribute...

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The executive officers and Board members will be sworn-in

by Alpha Phi Omega Council of North America President JV De Castro, Jr. on Dec. 14 at Marriott Courtyard Hotel in Baldwin Park coinciding with the 39th-anniversary foundation of APOGLA and 94th-anniversary foundation of APO-USA. APOGLA, originally known as APO of Southern California, was founded in 1978 with Bro. Jess Castillo as the founding president. Alpha Phi Omega International Service Fraternity was founded on Dec. 16, 1925 by Dr. Frank Reed Horton with a group of 19 scouters at Lafayette Col-

lege in Easton, Pensylvania.

In the Philippines, it was established by Bro. Librado I. Ureta, Ph.D. on March 2, 1950 at Far Eastern University with the encouragement of Scoutmaster Sol Levy, a visiting brother from the U.S. Beyond graduation, the spirit of the fraternity refuses to fade.

During this December Affair and Inaugural Ball, the recipient of the Dr. Librado I. Ureta award will be announced and be presented by 2018 awardee and 2019 LIU Search Chairman Dan E. Nino.

Alpha Phi Omega’s three cardinal principles are Leadership, Friendship and Service. With these precepts, its members from

Calendar of Events across

various colleges and universities in the Philippines who are now based in Greater Los Angeles serve or volunteer in the Los Angeles Marathon, Operation Gratitude, Feeding America, Blood Donation, Relief Operations, Provide scholarship grants to selected children of APOGLA children who are college-bound.

It also honored in the past The Outstanding Filipino-American Senior Students (TOFASS) with supplemental college scholarship grants.

Interested parties may call Brod Mike Medina at (909) 2144737 or Domel Evangelista at (323) 302-3871. (Contributed by Dan E. Nino) ■

America

ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS! PRE-EVENT AND POST EVENT GO DEEPER. GO WIDER. LET THE WORLD KNOW. CALL ASIAN JOURNAL: (818) 502-0651 DISPLAY AD SIZES AT SPECIAL RATES FOR NON-PROFIT GROUPS 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!

D EC E M B E R 5

Closing reception for Eliseo Silva’s last solo art exhibition in San Pedro, CA The closing reception for “Recuerdos-Souvenirs,” New Works by Eliseo “EL1SY” Art Silva has been set for December 5, 2019 from 5 p.m. - 8 p.m at Pinta*Dos Gallery. The exhibit opened at Pinta*Dos Philippine Art Gallery on October 5th and will close during San Pedro’s 1st Thursdays Artwalk. The artist will conduct an Artist’s Talk at 6:30 p.m., and at 7:30 p.m. Ally Vega will perform an original Filipino Folk Fusion dance performance, bringing the artworks on display to life as part of the closing reception. The Gallery is located at 479 W Sixth Street, Suite 106, Historic Arts District, San Pedro, CA 90731 and this exhibition will give viewers a chance to see both Eliseo Silva’s new and old works one last time before he restores his original trajectory to create art as a Philippines-based painter, thus this new collection was called recuerdos (souvenirs).

D EC E M B E R 7

UPHPEIS-AANA fundraising event in Whittier, CA UPHPEIS-AANA (UP High Prep Elementary Integrated System- Alumni Association in North America) is hosting its annual fundraising event with the 8th Annual Grand Reunion on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019 at the DoubleTree Hilton in Whittier (7320 Green Leaf Ave. Whittier, CA 90602) from 10:30 a.m. through 4:30 p.m. Luncheon buffet includes entertainment, DJ music, dancing, raffle drawing and other fun surprises. Thereafter, guests are invited to more live dancing and fun music provided by the AM FM Band at Noypitz Bar & Grill at 333 S Alameda, LA 90013 in the evening. Funds raised will be use for needed building repairs, classroom and educational projects for UP Diliman students in Elementary and High School, and for the training of public school teachers in nearby communities. Tickets donations are $50.00 each which you can reserve on line through our website at www.uphpeisaana.org, or by calling for Bobby at (562) 607-8839 or Mabel at (562) 852-7116.

Kapayapaan Healing Festival in Los Angeles Kapayapaan Healing Festival will be held on Saturday, December 7 at the FASGI Bayanihan Center (135 N Park View St, Los Angeles, CA 90026) from 10am - 6pm. Come join for FREE healing services, health screenings, workshops, and one-on-one sessions from holistic healers and medical practitioners! Please wear comfortable clothing so that you can move freely during healing activities. Healthy food and drinks will be served. Everyone is urged to help save the environment - bring your own reusable/recyclable plates, bowls, utensils and beverage containers. Reserve your one-on-one healing session now by calling (213) 908-5050 and register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/kapayapaan-healing-festival-tickets-84055868365.

D EC E M B E R 22

SIPA’s Christmas toy distribution in LA During this season of giving, volunteer with Search to Involve Pilipino Americans on Sunday, December 22 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. as they spread joy in Los Angeles. Join SIPA as they hand gifts out to youth in the Historic Filipinotown community, eat delicious pancakes, and listen tosome Christmas tunes! Contact Maria Carmel Valendez at maria@sipacares.org or (213) 3821819 ext. 107.

D EC E M B E R 29

#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, December 29 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.

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

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pened just two days before.

During the competition, the young student musicians paid tribute to the victims of the recent Saugus High School shootings, holding up a “Saugus Strong” banner, and making sure to display the banner along with their awards. Both schools are part of the William S. Hart Union School District.

At a pizza night fundraiser held on Monday, November 18 meant to raise funds for West Ranch High School’s band program, proceeds were instead offered to go towards the Saugus High School Band Boosters.

“After four months of the students and staff putting their

hearts and souls into this show and getting through so many challenges in this season, we are thrilled with their success,” said Marguerite Syvertson, President of West Ranch Band Boosters.

She added: “It’s more than that though. Dedicating this performance to Saugus High is what being part of the Band and Color Guard family is about, both at West Ranch and across the District.”

Established in 1937, the SCSBOA is the largest organization that serves over 1,000 schools in Southern California, and overseas marching band reviews and field show competitions. Only 12 schools are able to secure a spot to compete at the SCSBOA 5A

Field Championship.

The West Ranch Marching Band and Color Guard has grown to be the largest and most successful group at West Ranch High School and consists of over 150 members from the school’s wind ensemble, symphonic band, concert band, and color guard. The school’s color guard performs as a unit with the marching band during the fall semester and has been recognized over the years as both Winter Guard Association of Southern California (WGASC) Gold Medalists and Winter Guard International (WGI) National Finalists.

For more information, please visit www.westranchmusic.com ■

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MARKETPLACE SHOWROOM

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Thanksgiving is a time Success of PH’s first ‘catastrophe’ bonds for giving thanks mirrored investor confidence—Dominguez

Immigration Corner ATTY. MICHAEL GURFINKEL, ESQ THANKSGIVING is when people step back and reflect on all of the wonderful things and events to be grateful for, and to give thanks to those people who played such a key role in helping us achieve them.

At this Thanksgiving, I would like to once again give thanks to all of the people who have been so kind and supportive of me and my immigration law practice.

Thank you to all of my clients.

You are the reason I am able to remain in business. I also know how important your immigration matter is in your life and in the life of your family. I appreciate your trust and confidence in my office, in allowing us to handle such an important matter.

Thank you to the entire Filipino community. I truly appreciate your warmth and support, and I thank you for all of your letters and emails telling me how you enjoy my articles and television show, Citizen Pinoy. I am happy to be of service to you, and I will continue to support Filipino events and causes.

Thank you to ABS-CBN, TFC, and the entire crew of “Citizen Pinoy,” who share my vision of providing a public-service program to the Filipino community concerning immigration information. It makes me so proud and

“ At this Thanksgiving, I would like to once again give thanks to all of the people who have been so kind and supportive of me and my immigration law practice.” happy when people come up to me, saying they watch “Citizen Pinoy” every single week, and have learned so much from the real life stories and questions and answers presented. I thank all the crew of Citizen Pinoy for their hard work, dedication, and passion for this worthy public service.

Thank you to all of our friends in the media, who through their prestigious publications, enabled us to reach those who need our services and inform the Filipino community about newsworthy immigration information. You serve as an avenue to help “BRING FAMILIES TOGETHER” and help “MAKE THE AMERICAN DREAM COME TRUE.” Thank you to my staff. Your tireless efforts and dedication to our clients are the main reasons we can continue to provide quality service to our many loyal clients.

Thank you to my wife, Millie.

People say that behind every successful man, there is a Filipina wife. After many years of marriage, I know it’s true. Words cannot express my gratitude for your help, support and dedication to our business. You are the “wind beneath my wings.”

And most of all, thank you to the Almighty. Without His blessings,

of $225 million in CAT bonds investors’ full backing for the and listed these securities in disaster resilience agenda” of the Singapore Stock Exchange the Philippine government, said Dominguez.

THE Philippines’ successful (SGX).

He said the first ever issuThe three-year CAT bonds issuance of catastrophe-linked (CAT) bonds mirrored foreign were issued in two tranches— ance of this type of bonds by the benevolence, and guidance, none investors’ confidence not only in $150 million covering losses Philippines was “just one of the of this would be possible. May He the country’s economy but also from tropical cyclones and $75 many innovative structures and allow me to continue to assist peo- in its disaster-resiliency goals, million in protection for losses projects” of the Philippine govple with their problems, and allow Finance Secretary Carlos G. from earthquakes. ernment aimed at improving rethe prayers of all people to be an- Dominguez III said.

The bonds were settled last silience against natural calamiswered and fulfilled.

The head of the Duterte eco- Nov. 22, and will mature on Dec. ties.

The Philippines, he said, “is *** nomic team said the success of 2, 2022.

Michael J. Gurfinkel has been an attor- the CAT bond float “is one more The Treasury said the bond among the world’s economies ney for over 35 years and is licensed, proof of the strong investor sup- float “was met with strong in- most vulnerable to climate and an active member of the State Bars port of the international business vestor interest” because “it will change.” of California and New York. All immigra- community for the Philippines.” serve as a diversifier to the curAccording to the Treasury, the tion services are provided by, or under Dominguez, quoted by the Bu- rent pool of CAT bonds in the issuance marked several firsts as the supervision of, an active member of reau of Treasury, attributed this market.” it was the Philippines’ first CAT the State Bar of California. Each case confidence to the Duterte admin“This high level of investor bond, and the first in Asia; the is different and results may depend on istration’s “sweeping reforms.” confidence underlines not only first CAT bond listed in SGX, and the facts of the particular case. The On Monday, Nov. 25, the Phil- the attractiveness” of the Philip- the first listed in any Asian stock information and opinions contained ippines completed the issuance pine CAT bonds “but also these PAGE D2 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,

by MARY GRACE PADIN Philstar.com warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matSTATE-RUN Social Secuter. No attorney-client relationship is, or rity System (SSS) has collected shall be, established with any reader. more than P30.5 million in conWEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com Follow us on Facebook.com/Gurfin- tribution delinquencies from 71 employers following the state kelLaw and Twitter @GurfinkelLaw Call Toll free to schedule a consulta- pension fund’s intensified ention for anywhere in the US: 1-866-487- forcement activities this year.

In a statement, SSS president 3465 (866) – GURFINKEL and chief executive officer AuFour offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES · SAN FRANCISCO · NEW rora Ignacio said the employers settled their delinquencies after YORK · PHILIPPINES (Advertising Supplement) being served with preliminary and final assessment notices of their obligations.

“This is only an initial collection as we have identified 93 In a statement, SSS president and chief executive officer Aurora Ignacio said the employers settled other employers with combined their delinquencies after being served with preliminary and final assessment notices of their Philstar.com file photo contribution delinquencies obligations. amounting to nearly P200 mil- cies, avail of an installment pay- contributions.

Currently, SSS said there are lion,” Ignacio said. ment scheme, or file a request Serving assessment notices for reconsideration or reconcili- two employers with total delinquencies amounting to over is part of the initial procedure ation. under the SSS’ Warrants of DisThe SSS said failure to avail of P2.91 million who are set for traint, Levy, and Garnishment any of the said methods would warrant execution.

The pension fund is in coor(WDLG) program. lead to the issuance of WDLG, The notices are given to de- which would enable the state dination with the Land Registralinquent or non-compliant em- fund to seize the properties and tion Authority, Land Transporployers, giving them the option garnish bank accounts of delin- tation Office, and various banks to either settle their delinquen- quent employers with unsettled PAGE D2

Business Quote of the Week

“Empower yourself and realize the importance of contributing to the world by living your talent. Work on what you love. You are responsible for the talent that has been entrusted to you.”

— Catharina Bruns, Founder of WorkIsNotaJob

by BEN

O. DE VERA Inquirer.net

SSS collects P30.5 million from delinquent employers

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Banks’ exposure to MSMEs below 10% Government crackdown on POGOs

yields add’l $25 million revenues

by Mayvelin

U. Caraballo ManilaTimes.net

TOTAL exposure of the banking industry to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) remains below 10 percent, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), which has adopted a three-pronged approach to further promote MSME financing.

In his speech at the 17th Citi Microentrepreneurship Awards at the central bank’s headquarters in Manila on Tuesday, November 26, BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno attributed the low figure to lenders’ limited understanding of the MSME sector as a market.

“They tend to perceive MSME financing as high-risk and lowmargin, which leads to [the] lack of availability [and] variety of MSME financing products,” Diokno explained.

These small businesses, he said, are reluctant to approach formal lending institutions because they lack acceptable collateral and credit history.

“They will also get intimidated by the documentary requirements and [thier] limited financial literacy,” the Bangko Sentral chief added.

These conditions resulted in the banking sector’s MSME exposure of only 6.2 percent of the total loan portfolio and 9.2 percent of total business loans.

Latest data show that banks also continue to fall short of the mandated credit for the MSME sector as of the first half of the year.

A total of P552.09 billion was set aside for lending last year, short of the P776.07 billion mandated under Republic Act 6977 or the “Magna Carta for MSMEs.” It was also equivalent to just 7.11 percent of the P7.760 tril-

by Mary

GraCe Philstar.com

Benjamin Diokno, Governor, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas

lion in total loanable funds for last year, below the 10-percent threshold set by the law.

Nevertheless, MSME lending in the first six months of 2019 was P48.42 billion higher than the P503.67 billion extended in the same period in 2018.

Broken down, big banks extended P431.85 billion in loans, followed by thrift banks (P78.79 billion) and rural and cooperative banks (P41.44 billion).

“We recognize these issues and have undertaken a three-pronged approach to improve MSME access to finance,” Diokno said.

The first approach, he said, is putting in place the digital financial and digital infrastructure to mitigate the risk and lower costs of MSME financing.

“Such infrastructure includes a robust credit information system, digital ID platform, movable collateral registry, warehouse receipt system and credit surety fund,” the BSP head added.

The second strategy is promoting innovative approaches to MSME financing.

According to Diokno, the Bangko Sentral has put enabling regulations for banks and other lend-

Manilatimes.net file photo

ers to roll out innovative solutions and strategic use of cutting-edge technologies to serve the MSME market.

“Our efforts to promote digital payments are meant to facilitate the delivery of financial services, including credits that are designed around the needs and preference of small value transactions,” he added.

The central bank is also promoting MSME financing by bridging the information gap.

“The BSP’s key initiative under this theme is a comprehensive MSME study that will generate new and more granular data on MSMEs that can lend to a more nuanced understanding of the characteristics, segmentation and needs of the sector,” Diokno said.

“This can support evidencedbased policymaking and equip banks and other lenders with valuable market insights for customer-centric product development,” he added.

Diokno also assured MSMEs that the BSP and its partners in financial inclusion were more committed to support microentrepreneurs reach their full potential. n

SSS collects P30.5 million from delinquent...

PAGE D1 t to ensure the compliance of the said employers.

“The SSS has given the employers the opportunity to fulfill their obligations under the Social Security Act of 2018, especially through offering a Contribution Penalty Condonation Program (CPCP) for six months starting last March until September this year, but they still failed to comply,” Ignacio said.

Including these two, the SSS said 13 delinquent employers have been referred to the SSS’ Employer Delinquency Monitoring Department for WDLG since

April 2018.

The state fund said one of the 11 other employers paid through the garnishment of bank account, one has levied properties for public auction, one has encumbered properties, while eight have availed of the CPCP. The SSS has initially collected over P3.06 million from them, excluding installment payments from the CPCP. “We would like to remind non-compliant employers to obey the law and remit religiously the SSS contributions of their employees. This is your obligation not only under the law

but also show your empathy to your employees who have been your partners in business. Give them the social safety net they deserve,” Ignacio said.

Aside from the warrant or seizure of properties, the SSS also conducts its Run After Contribution Evaders (RACE) campaign and Tokhang against delinquent employers with issued warrants of arrest from courts.

As of October 2019, the SSS, in partnership with the Philippine National Police, has conducted 14 execution of warrants of arrest and 29 RACE operations nationwide. n

Padin

THE government’s intensified effort against erring Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) has so far yielded the government $25 million (about P1.2 billion) in additional revenues, the Department of Finance (DOF) said Wednesday, Nov. 27.

In a statement, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez said a task force led by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has temporarily shuttered three POGO service providers, one of which one has already settled P1.2 billion in tax deficiencies.

Dominguez was referring to Great Empire Gaming and Amusement Corp. (GEGAC) which was closed down last Sept.

25 for failure to register with the BIR and had tax arrears amounting to P1.3 billion.

The company was allowed to resume operations last Sept. 27, after initially paying P250 million. It committed to settle the remaining P1.05 billion in three separate monthly payments through post-dated checks.

GEGAC was also required to update its withholding tax payments, and register its employees with the BIR. Last Oct. 17, the BIR also padlocked Altech Innovations Business Outsourcing’s head office in Parañaque City and a branch in Pasay City for its failure to register as a value-added tax (VAT) taxpayer.

According to the DOF, the shutdown of the POGO service providers was in compliance

has unregistered branches – as certified by the Revenue District Office No. 52- Parañaque City, which has jurisdiction over the said branches – in violation of Section 115 (b) of the Tax Code.

“The main branch is in Makati. That is registered but its branches are not. It’s Philstar.com file photo like a bus operation. with Dominguez’s instructions The franchise holder is regisfor the BIR to crack down on tered but it has many colorum offshore gaming operators and units,” Guballa said. their service providers that fail “They should be registered. or refuse to pay the tax liabilities Even under Pagcor (Philippine of their foreign workers.

Amusement and Gaming Corp.)

Dominguez warned that the rules they should be registered, government would not offer a even every floor,” he added. respite in this campaign as part Guballa said the 11 branches of its efforts to boost revenue employ some 6,700 Chinese collections. nationals, but provided no esti“Basically we’re going hard mates yet on the company’s total against people who are evading tax liabilities. taxes,” he said.

However, an industry source Dominguez also ordered the said only one out of the 11 quesBIR to file the appropriate cas- tioned branches were actually es against tax-dodging POGO operational as the other offices firms. are still under construction.

Meanwhile, the BIR, led by The BIR had so far listed 218 deputy commissioner Arnel Gu- POGOs and service providers in balla, yesterday closed down 11 the country, employing a total branches of POGO service pro- of 108,914 foreign workers, Guvider New Oriental Club88 Corp. balla earlier said.

(NOCC) in Parañaque City due to The agency reported that it failure to register with the BIR. has so far collected P1.63 billion According to BIR, NOCC op- in withholding taxes from these erates as a customer relations firms covering the period from service provider and live studio January to August. streaming provider, with its main This is higher compared to the office located in Makati City.

P175 million in withholding taxResults of the agency’s in- es paid by the industry in 2017 vestigation showed that NOCC and P579 million in 2018. n

Success of PH’s first ‘catastrophe’ bonds...

PAGE D1 t exchange; as well as the first World Bank-issued CAT bond listed in SGX. “This instrument was years in the making” said National Treasurer Rosalia V. de Leon.

De Leon said she was grateful to the World Bank and SGX for the successful bond float.

Revenue generated by the CATS bonds, she added, will help the Philippines cope with disasters.

“With our exposure to natural disasters, we cannot just sit idly by and do nothing,” De Leon said.

“This instrument is a way for us to proactively protect the fiscal health of our government against natural disasters,” she added.

During the CAT bonds listing in SGX last Monday, World Bank country director for Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand Mara K. Warwick noted that “across its 7,641 islands, the country is exposed to multiple hazards including typhoons, earthquakes, flooding, storm surges, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions and landslides” while 74 percent of Filipinos were “vulnerable to these natural haz-

ards.”

“Poor families suffer the most from these calamities,” Warwick said.

“They are less able to secure their resources and homes, and therefore lose more when disasters strike,” Warwick said.

“Supporting disaster risk resilience and climate change adaption in the Philippines is a critical part of our work in the country,” said the WB official.

The CAT bond, he said, “complements a suite of diverse financial instruments and programs for enhancing resilience” in the Philippines. n

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‘Crispy money’ still available for Christmas – central bank

Budget deficit narrows to P49.3B

Manilatimes.net file photo

by Mayvelin

U. Caraballo

ManilaTimes.net

THERE is an adequate supply of “crispy money” or fresh banknotes that can be withdrawn during the Christmas season, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) assured the public on Monday, November 25. “There… will be enough new money for Christmas,” BSP Governor Ben-

jamin Diokno said in an interview. According to a separate statement from the central bank, the currency supply is enough to meet the seasonal demand for fresh banknotes.

On circulation is the New Generation Currency Banknote Series, which features the 1000-, 500-, 200-, 100-, 50- and 20-Piso banknotes. The Bangko Sentral also said the country’s cur-

rency supply remains sufficient to meet the needs of a growing economy.

To meet surges in demand, the BSP also said it partially outsourced the production of banby Mayvelin U. Caraballo knotes under domestic procureManilaTimes.net ment regulations or international competitive bidding processes.

THE government’s budget gap This is similar to the practice narrowed in October as revenue of other central banks that print grew faster than state spending, their own currency, it added. n the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) reported on Monday, Nov. 25.

In a statement, the Treasury bureau said October’s P49.3-billion shortfall was lower than the deficit of P178.6 billion in September and P59.9 billion a year ago.

Government revenues accelerated by 5.99 percent to P261.6 billion in October from the yearearlier P246.8 billion, while expenditures grew by 1.37 percent to P310.8 billion from P306.6 billion in the same month last year.

A month earlier, revenues rose by 16.89 percent and expenditures increased by 39.01 percent.

October’s budget gap dragged the year-to-date deficit to P348.3 billion, 20.51-percent smaller than the P438.1 billion posted in the first 10 months of 2018.

For September alone, the Bureau of Internal Revenue acInquirer.net file photo counted for the bulk of revenues of imported equipment would with P178.1 billion, an 8.09-pertranslate to a P1.80 per kwh in- cent growth from P164.8 billion crease in capacity cost, raising a year earlier. The growth was the plant’s power rate to P7.46/ slower than September’s 15.24 kwh. percent.

“This would be exorbitant The Bureau of Customs netted compared to other players who P57.7 billion, 3.04-percent highPAGE D5 er from last year’s P56 billion.

Duterte urged to order review of all power deals with generation firms HOUSE Deputy Minority leader and Bayan Muna Rep. Isagani Zarate on Wednesday called on President Rodrigo Duterte to order the review of all power supply agreements (PSA) that power utilities entered into to see if they are the best deals for local consumers.

Zarate made the call as the Luzon grid is placed on yellow power alert for the second straight day, stressing this situation could mean an increase in electricity costs just like what happened last month.

“President Duterte should immediately order the review of the PSAs of these generation companies as well as those in the works, like the seven midnight deals of Meralco-related companies, chief among which is the Atimonan One power plant,” he said.

Zarate said that “an additional P1.80 per kilowatt-hour will burden power consumers once

President Rodrigo Duterte

Meralco passes on the escalating construction cost of its subsidiary, Atimonan One Energy Inc. (Atimonan One).”

The congressman warned that the reported P15 billion additional cost of Atimonan One’s interest on loans and increased cost

Manilatimes.net file photo

Meanwhile, other offices contributed P1.7 billion, bringing total tax revenues for the month to P237.5 billion.

Tax-revenue growth was slower at 6.78 percent in October than 15.15 percent a month earlier.

Non-tax earnings totalled P24.1 billion, with the Treasury contributing P10.6 billion — up 26.77 percent — “fueled by higher income from NG (national government) deposits, NG share from Pagcor (Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.) income and dividends on NG shares of stocks,” the Treasury bureau said.

The bulk of government spending — P290.1 billion — was for primary expenditures, which rose by 2.65 percent from P282.6 billion a year ago.

Interest payments (IP) of P20.7 billion, on the other hand, accounted for the rest of state spending. It dropped by 13.70 percent year-on-year “primarily due to a high base effect from October 2018 IP as well as the premium from the re-issued bonds series.”

Netting out interest payments, the primary balance hit a deficit of P28.5 billion in October, bringing the year-to-date tally to a shortfall of P33.8 billion.

Commenting on the latest data, analysts from ING Bank Manila and Security Bank Corp.

provided contradicting view on the government spending performance.

“We expect government spending to sustain the same strong pace to close out the year, which should translate to higher spending growth in both November and December given that government spending was in contraction by end 2018,” ING Bank senior economist Nicholas Antonio Mapa said.

He added that state spending coupled with revived capital formation after interest rate cuts by the central bank, and robust consumption supported by low inflation and the impact of the Southeast Asian Games will likely be enough to get the Philippine economy past the 6-percent growth rate this year.

For his part, Security Bank Assistant Vice President and economist Robert Dan Roces pointed out the narrow fiscal deficit in October “highlights the strain faced by the catch-up spending plan for the remainder of the year, making it less likely for the government to reach its fiscal deficit target.

“Government spending will carry a heavier burden in nudging growth for the rest of the year as the positive effects of the fiscal stimulus pitches and the lag upshot from monetary easing have yet to be felt,” he added. n

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DOST seeks P3-B fund to support startups by roy

stephen C. CanIvel Inquiere.net

THE Department of Science and Technology (DOST) says the government needs P3 billion to help develop a thousand startups before President Duterte steps down of his office in 2022.

Science and Technology Secretary Fortunato de la PeĂąa said his department had so far helped developed about 200 startups, through different support systems such as helping them in research or in developing their prototypes.

De la PeĂąa said this on Friday, Nov. 22, after he and other cabinet secretaries signed the imple-

menting rules and regulations (IRR) of the Innovative Startup Act, which aims to help develop the startup ecosystem in the country.

The DOST is one of three lead implementing agencies of the law. The others the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Information and Communications Technology, whose heads also signed the IRR Saturday, Nov. 23.

It is unclear at this point where the DOST would get the P3 billion needed.

Not every new and small company is necessarily a starup. It has to have an innovative and

scalable model, according to Katrina Rausa Chan, director of Qbo Innovation Hub, the country’s first public-private initiative for startups.

Meanwhile, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said state-owned firm National Development Co. (NDC) would invest in select startups, therefore making the government part owner of the budding business.

Lopez is chair of NDC, the government’s investment arm. While the guidelines for selecting which startups to support are still being fleshed out, Lopez said NDC might initially allot P125 million for 50 startups. n

Filipinos spent more during this year’s 11.11 sale and may splurge even more on 12.12

Swine output up in Q3 despite ASF by eIreene JaIree

Gomez

ManilaTimes.net

DESPITE the outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) in the country that saw countless pigs culled in Luzon and demand for pork products plunge, hog production grew in the third quarter of 2019, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

In its “Swine Situation Report,� the statistics agency said swine output increased by 2 percent to 551,620 metric tons (MT) in the July-to-September period from 541,030 MT in the same period last year.

Eleven regions recorded production increases in the three months. In terms of growth, Region 4A (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon provinces, or Calabarzon) registered the highest at 8.4 percent. In terms of volume, Region 3 (Central Luzon) leads with 102,920 MT, followed by Calabarzon with 96,740 MT from 89,260 MT yearon-year, and Region 6 (Western Visayas) with 46.470 MT. The three regions make up 44.6 percent of total hog produc-

tion, the PSA said.

Total swine inventory as of October 1 was estimated at 13.01 million heads, nearly 1 percent lower than last year’s 13.13 million. “In backyard farms, swine inventory at 8.20 million heads decreased by 1.7 percent from the previous year’s count of 8.34 million heads. On the other hand, stocks in commercial farms at 4.81 million heads increased by 0.6 percent from the previous year’s level of 4.78 million heads,� the agency said.

The average farmgate price of live hogs from July to September fell by 10.2 percent to P103.66 per kilo from P115.40 per kilo a year ago.

During the quarter, the highest average farmgate price was noted in July at P106.02 per kilo and the lowest in in September at P100.80 per kilo.

A total of 461 villages have been affected by the ASF, which first emerged in Rizal in July, according to the Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Animal Industry.

So far, about 70,000 pigs had

In this undated file photo, a boy plays with the ears of pig before it and fellow hogs are delivered for slaughter.

Manilatimes.net file photo

been culled or depopulated to contain the spread of ASF. n

SEC issues guidelines on revival of expired corporations

by IrIs

Gonzales Philstar.com

Philstar.com file photo

by Ian

nIColas CIGaral Philstar.com

FILIPINOS spent more during 2019’s “11.11� shopping bonanza compared to the previous year, and they may shell out more cash on discounted items for the “12.12� sale amid robust demand ahead of Christmas day.

Data compiled by online shopping aggregator iPrice Group showed that Filipino consumers spent an average of P1,217 on this year’s Singles’ Day, which is held on November 11 and is also referred to as Double Eleven because of the date.

That was 10% higher than last year’s P1,106 as more shoppers migrate online, iPrice reported.

Citing data from the Philippine

Statistics Authority, iPrice said Filipinos spent P628 more than the average daily household expenditure during the 11.11 sale, with sports and outdoor items as well as electronic products dominating their shopping carts. “This could be due to the growing number of emerging gyms and outdoor amenities in the country,� iPrice said. “Surprisingly, Filipinos spent more on sports bags and fitness-related food supplements than gaming items and gadgets.�

Online stores typically hold annual sales during the Christmas shopping season where they have everything discounted from gadgets and appliances to potato chips, heating up competition and testing Filipinos’ willingness

to spend.

For its report, iPrice said it gathered and analyzed data from more than 100 online merchants and more than 35 million products in the Philippines to reveal the amount spent during Singles’ Day and the product categories Filipinos splurged on the most.

According to iPrice, this year’s 12.12 sale may even be bigger than the 11.11 shopping blitz.

As of Nov. 22, 2019, data from Google Trends showed that the 12.12 sale had a 12% higher search interest than last year’s Singles’ Day. “Singles’ Day 2019 has even more interest searches than 12.12 2018, which goes to show the potential interest in this year’s 12.12 sale,� iPrice added. n

THE Securities and Exchange Commission has issued the guidelines on the revival of expired corporations.

In a memorandum circular, the SEC cited Republic Act 11232 or the Revised Corporation Code of the Philippines, which provides that the term of existence of a corporation shall now be perpetual unless its articles of incorporation provide otherwise.

Under the Corporation Code, a corporation whose term has expired “may apply for a revival of its corporate existence, together

with all the rights and privileges under its certificate of incorporation and subject to all its duties, debts and liabilities existing prior to its revival.�

Corporations eligible to file a petition for revival of a corporate existence are those whose terms have expired and those whose certificate of registration has been revoked for non-filing of reports.

Also qualified are those whose certificate of registration have been suspended, provided that it shall file the proper petition to lift its suspended status which may be incorporated in its petition for revival and an expired corpora-

tion whose corporate name has already been validly re-used by another corporation.

Those that cannot apply for revival are expired corporations who have completed the liquidation of assets; corporations whose certificate of registration have been revoked for reasons other than non-filing of reports and corporations dissolved by Presidential Decree 902-A. According to the SEC, the required number of votes to initiate a revival of an expired corporation should be at least a majority vote of the board of directors and the vote of at least majority of the outstanding capital stock. n

Duterte urged to order review of all power...

PAGE D3 t offer electricity for as low as P2.95/kwh,� Zarate pointed out.

Bayan Muna chairman Neri Colmenares, meanwhile, said that President Duterte should also review the missionary charges that are being passed on to consumers. “In the off-grid islands not connected to the national grid, most of the power generation use expensive diesel and bunker fuel

that costs P12 to P15 per kwh that the island communities cannot afford to pay. The government charges the consumers only P5.80 to P6.00 per kwh and pays the difference as missionary subsidies which in turn it charges to the national electric users of about P0.15 per kwh. We therefore cannot understand why the average subsidy in Marinduque is 12.44 to 22.65 per kwh and in Occidental Mindoro it is P15.91 to 19.98 per

kwh,� Colmenares said.

Pinapasa na nga sa national electric users tapos ang taas pa ng singil sa mga taga-island provinces. Dapat talagang mabusisi ito dahil mukhang may malaking kumikita dito (It is being passed on to electric users but the rates are still high for those in the island provinces. This should be investigated because it seems like there’s someone profiting from this),� he added. (Inquirer.net) n

60 COUNTRIES. OVER 100 CITIES WORLDWIDE. THAT’S INTERNATIONAL.

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D NOVEMBER 30 - DECEMBER 3, 2019 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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