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Volume 11 – Issue 08 • 16 Pages

DE C E MBE R 1 - 7 , 2 0 1 7

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DATELINE

USA

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

Republican tax bill discussions continue, inches closer to passage Experts warn against the repercussions of yet another “trickle-down” system AFTER the failed attempts to reconstruct the American healthcare system, Congressional Republicans might be closer to their first major legislative victory in the Trump era with their overhaul of the tax system.

On the morning of Thursday, November 30, the Senate convened to continue discussions of the bill after it passed the preliminary vote through the Senate Budget Committee on Tuesday, as previously reported by the Asian Journal.

The original House bill — the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act — was met with much criticism upon introduction earlier this year. The bill detailed major tax cut for corporations, whose tax rate would drop from 35 percent to 20 percent.

The Senate version retains the seven-bracket system for individuals (currently: 10 per-

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

Duterte dispels fears of dictatorship amid push for Constitutional change

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

“Do not be afraid of dictatorship.

I am not aiming for it. I do not ask it and I do not like it,” Duterte said in a WHILE emphasizing the need to speech during the birthday celebration amend the Constitution to address of Philippine Amusement and Gaming corruption, Philippine President Ro- Corporation (PAGCOR) president and drigo Duterte on Tuesday, November lawyer Alfredo Lim. Duterte, who has been pushing for 28, allayed fears that he would become a shift to federalism, underscored the a dictator.

Sen. Grace Poe

need for a legislation that would “stop corruption” by limiting the powers of key government officials, including the chief executive’s.

“I am addressing myself to Congress.

Let us amend the Constitution. Shorten or restrict the powers of everybody, including the presidency but make a Constitution that would mandate more

accountability and responsibility of officials,” the president said.

“If you can craft a law wherein I would also put my own inputs there and it would guarantee everybody or stop corruption, do not be afraid to amend the law,” he added.

Under the 1987 Philippine Constitu-

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Inquirer.net photo

Poe to Duterte: Don’t step down, fi nish your term Over 200 companies u PAGE A3

urge FCC to maintain net neutrality

MORE than 200 businesses and organizations have signed and released a joint open letter to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on Monday, November 27, urging it to maintain net neutrality regulations.

The letter comes three weeks ahead of December 14, the date during which the FCC intends to vote on rolling back current net neutrality rules. Advocates of net neutrality say doing so will remove protections that ensure a free and open internet.

Included in the letter’s large list of companies are Airbnb, Automattic (owner of WordPress), Codeacademy, Github, Pinterest, Tumblr (despite being owned by Verizon), Sonos, Square, Squarespace, and Twitter to name a few. These companies join other giants like Amazon, Apple, Facebook, and Google who have openly advocated for net neutrality.

The letter was fittingly released on Cyber Monday, a day the letter called a “testament to the power of the free and open internet”. It

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by MAILA

AGER Inquirer.net

SENATOR Grace Poe has this friendly advice to President Rodrigo Duterte, who has repeatedly expressed his readiness to resign from his post: Just finish your term.

This after Duterte made a remark on Tuesday, Nov. 28, that he would like Poe to become president someday but the Constitution must be amended first to allow foundlings like her to run for the post.

“Unang-una ako ay nagpapasalamat sa tiwala ng ating Pangulo. Malaking bagay

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CONSTRUCTION CONGRESS. President Rodrigo Duterte is welcomed by Labor and Employment Secretary Silvestre Bello III to the 2nd Philippine Construction Congress at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City on Tuesday, November 28. The event outlined the Philippine Construction Industry Roadmap for ÐÐÐ2017-2022, in accordance with the government’s Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022, AmBisyon Natin 2040, anchored on the Php 8.4-trillion worth of infrastructure projects under the Duterte administration’s “Build. Build. Build” program.

Malacañang photo by Ace Morandante

PH, US begin discussions on bilateral free trade SEVERAL weeks since the conclusion of the first bilateral meeting between Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and United States President Donald Trump, officials begun exploring the proposed bilateral Free Trade AgreeThe Philippines and the United States engage in a wide-ranging discussion ment (FTA) between Manila and in an informal meeting under their Trade and Investment Framework Washington.

In a meeting held under the Agreement (TIFA) held on Wednesday. November 29 in Washington, D.C. Photo courtesy of PH Embassy Trade and Investment Frame-

Palace to supporters, critics: Revolutionary gov’t ‘not needed’

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

ANDRES BONIFACIO DAY. Vice President Ma. Leonor “Leni” Robredo (2nd from left), Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana (left), Dr. Rene Escalante (3rd fom left), Mayor Oscar Malapitan, AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero and other government officials lead the flag raising ceremony during the 154th birth anniversay of Gat Andres Bonifacio held at the Caloocan Monument on Thursday, Nov. 30.

PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan

AS far as Malacañang is concerned, both supporters and critics of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte were making a “big deal” out of the revolutionary government issue.

“So it’s actually a combination of some supporters of the president and the opposition making a big deal out of this revolutionary government,” Palace Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a statement.

During the 145th birth anniversary of Filipino hero Andres Bonifacio on Thursday, November 30, groups with clashing views on the idea of establishing a revolutionary government staged rallies in several parts of the country.

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work Agreement (TIFA), officials on Thursday, November 29, discussed how to enhance the economic relationship between the two countries.

According to Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo, who led the Philippine delegation to the TIFA meeting, among the topics discussed during the meeting

include the Philippines’ proposed bilateral FTA with the U.S. “Building on the productive bilateral meeting of our leaders in Manila recently, we have also begun discussions on negotiating and concluding a possible bilateral free trade agreement with the United States,” Rodolfo said in his remarks after the meeting held in

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‘BRING HOME A FRIEND’

Best way for overseas Filipinos to become tourism ambassadors

by JOSEPH

L. PERALTA

AJPress

THE Bring Home A Friend (BHAF) promotion launched last October 14 by the Philippine Department of Tourism (PDOT) represents one of the best ways for overseas Filipinos to help their homeland. This was emphasized by Assistant Secretary Frederick Monsod Alegre during an interview with the Asian Journal recently while on a brief visit to San Francisco.

Assistant Secretary Alegre, who is the official spokesperson for the Office of Public Affairs, Communications and Special Projects (OPACSP) of

Tourism Assistant Secretary Frederick Alegre (2nd from left) being interviewed by the Asian Journal during his brief stay in San Francisco.

Photo courtesy of PDOT-San Francisco

the PDOT, said that the BHAF promo “is actually a way for Filipinos to become, individually, tourism ambassadors of the country, especially now that the Department of Tourism and the

Philippine government under President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing for tourism. We are aggressively reaching out all over the world, and Filipinos residing

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A december 1-7, 2017 • NeW YOrK ANd NeW JerSeY ASIAN JOUrNAL

Duterte dispels fears...

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tion, congressmen and local government executives are limited to serve three consecutive terms for the same public offices, while senators are limited to two consecutive terms of six years each.

A president, on the other hand, is allowed to only serve a single term of six years.

While pushing for a Constitutional change, Duterte denied that he had the intention of becoming a dictator as claimed by his critics.

He also reiterated his commitment to step down from his post once a new Constitution is approved.

“In the event that Congress comes up with an anti-corruption Constitution, I will step down at the end of the year. That is a commitment, a guarantee,” Duterte said.

“Make me a Constitution that would do away with a long suffering corruption-ridden country and I would be willing to just step out so you won’t be afraid that I am just after being a dictator,” he further stressed.

In the same speech, Duterte also slammed a communist group for calling him “a dictator, an executioner, [and] somebody corrupt.”

Last week, exiled Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose Maria Sison tagged tagged Duterte as the “number one terrorist” in the country after the collapse of peace talks between the government and communist rebels.

Citing the supposed “despotic, criminal and corrupt character” of the present administration, Sison also claimed that Duterte is scheming “to set up a fascist dictatorship.”

‘Shoot armed NPA rebels’ On Wednesday, November 29, Duterte ordered the police and the military to shoot armed members of the New People’s Army (NPA).

“So what will be my orders?

‘Di shoot them. Eh they will kill you anyway. So if there is an armed NPA there or terrorists, if he’s holding any firearms, shoot,” Duterte said in a speech in Sual, Pangasinan.

He noted that both the military and the NPA, the armed wing of the CPP, are now on the offensive after the peace negotiations between the government and communists rebels were terminated last week.

The president has accused the communists rebels of making

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

From the Front Page unreasonable demands, including their what-he-described as “pure nonsense” proposal for a coalition government. Duterte also threatened to reclassify them as “terrorists,” citing their atrocities against civilians.

Amid his order to shoot armed NPA members, Duterte assured troops that he is willing to defend them if they accidentally kill innocent civilians in cases of mistaken identity.

He said the military and the police can justify their accidental killings of civilians if “in good faith you believe you are being followed by a killer and, by your standards as a police [officer], you believe in good faith that the guy there is going to slaughter you.”

“Kung balut vendor pala ang binira mo, pasensya, tawagin mo ako at aregluhin natin (If you killed a balut vendor, sorry, call me and let’s settle it)… Those are what you would call in the law [as] mistaken identity… which is really an exempting circumstance,” said the president.

He added that the officers should likewise not be afraid of being questioned by human rights groups as he told them, “Do not answer if that issue of human rights, you say, ‘Go to Duterte. It is and was his order.’” n

PH, US begin discussions on...

PAGE A1 t Washington, D.C. Earlier in November, Filipino officials suggested a bilateral free trade agreement be concluded with the U.S. during Duterte’s meeting with Trump.

The U.S. is the third biggest trading partner of the Philippines in 2016 after China and Japan.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), U.S. accounts for the 11.6 percent or $16.427 billion total trade of the country last year.

Data from PSA also showed U.S. exports to the Philippines increased 9 percent to $8.3 billion in 2016.

Overall, Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. Jose Manuel Romualdez described the recent TIFA meeting as “productive and frank.”

“This TIFA meeting came barely a fortnight after the successful bilateral meeting between Philippine President Rodrigo R. Duterte and U.S. President Donald J. Trump in Manila, where the

Philippine Trade and Industry Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SENATOR DRILON. Senate Minority Floor Leader Franklin M. Drilon is greeted a happy birthday by his fellow senators during a break a Senate session. Drilon turned 72 on Tuesday, November 28. Also in photo are (from left) Senators Risa Hontiveros, Sonny Angara, JV Ejercito, and Sherwin Gatchalian.

Senate photo by Joseph Vidal

Poe to Duterte: Don’t step down...

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yan personally at politically at salamat sa pagpapahalaga sa mga foundlings. Pero ang ating Pangulo ang pinili ng ating mga kababayan at dapat tapusin nya ang kanyang termino. (First of all, I thank our president for his trust.

It’s a big thing, personally and politically, and thank you also for putting importance on foundlings.

But, the president was chosen by the people and he should finish his term),” Poe told reporters on Wednesday, Nov. 29.

The senator reminded Duterte that he was elected by Filipinos for a six-year term and that he should finish it.

So when asked if the President should just drop his Char-

May 22 to 29, 2018

May 22, 2018 (Tuesday - Day 1) Los Angeles to Havana, Cuba Depart from LAX to Havana, Cuba. Upon arrival in Havana, meet our guide and transfer to the hotel for dinner.

May 23, 2018 (Wednesday - Day 2) Havana, Cuba Our day will begin with mass at the Cathedral of Havana located in the center of Old Havana. After mass, proceed for a city tour of Old Havana with an experienced local tour guide. The tour will take place on foot and you will visit all the squares of Old Havana. Take in the astonishing beauty of the historical buildings, sculptures, and monuments. After lunch you will have free time to bargain at the San Jose Craft Market. (Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Poe said her being a foundling should not be used as a reason to change the entire Constitution.

Besides, she pointed out that no less than the Supreme Court had already ruled that foundlings like her could run for the post.

“Pagdating sa mga ampon na katulad ko at mga foundlings, sa tingin ko naman malinaw na ang naging decision ng Korte Suprema. Ako’y nagpapasalamat dito na mismo na rin ang ating Pangulo ay iginagalang ito. (When it comes to adopted children like me, and foundlings, I think the decision of the Supreme Court is clear. I am thankful that even our president acknowledges it),” she said. n

Palace to supporters, critics...

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While the president “apprecitwo leaders affirmed their comates” his supporters’ gestures of mitment to further deepen the exsolidarity with him, Roque undertensive United States-Philippines scored that Duterte himself “has economic relationship,” Romualrepeatedly said there is no basis dez said. and there is no need for a revolu“This early follow-up is a clear tionary government for now.” demonstration of the two coun“Even if there are government tries’ shared resolve to enhance officials there, that is their personour long-standing partnership for Acting Assistant U.S. Trade Representative Karl al belief. I am the spokesperson of mutual prosperity,” he added.

Ehlers welcomes participants to the informal the president and I am conveying The next TIFA meeting in 2018 Trade and Investment Framework Agreement to you the president’s position. is expected to be held in Manila. meeting between the Philippines and the U.S. There is no need for a revolutionPhotos courtesy of PH Embassy (AJPress) ary government,” he added.

Havan�, Cub�

ter change (Cha-Cha) initiatives so he could step down, Poe said: “Basta ako kasi naniniwala ako na sagrado ang boto ng ating mga kababayan. So kung ikaw ay itinalaga ng anim na taon, dapat talaga na tapusin mo yung termino na yun. (I believe our people’s votes are sacred. So, if you were voted into leadership for six years, you should finish your term.)”

“Kung kelangan talaga natin magkaroon ng Charter change, sabi ko nga dapat hindi padalosdalos at siguro pagkatapos na ng kanyang termino. (If we really need a Charter change, I said that it should not be rushed and maybe do it after our president’s term),” she added.

Concerning the opposition’s view on the matter, the Palace official encouraged the president’s critics to “move on” and just “find other issues” to tackle.

Roque also dismissed rumors that Duterte would declare a revolutionary government on November 30.

“For the opposition, wala na ba kayong isyu pagdating dito sa (don’t you have other issues except for this) revolutionary government? Dahil di umano at ayon sa kanila, ngayong araw daw magde-

deklara ng (Because according to them, today will be the declaration of the) revolutionary government,” Roque remarked.

He then stressed: “Wala pong revolutionary government (There’s no such thing as revolutionary government).”

Roque likewise told Vice President Leni Robredo that there is no reason to be alarmed by Duterte’s call to revamp the government.

“With all due respect to the vice president, I do not see what

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Italia� Pilgrimag� Ho�� Wee�

Ho�� �hursda� - Go�� Frida� - Eas�e� Vigi� March 23 to April 3, 2018 Spiritual Director: Rev. Fr. Chin Van Dang Day 1 - March 23, 2018 (Fri) Los Angeles, California to Venice, Italy Trans-Atlantic flight from LAX to LHR connect to our flight to Venice. (Meals served in-flight)

Day 2 - March 24, 2018 (Sat) Venice, Italy

After we clear Immigration & Customs, we will meet our Tour Director and driver for our transfer to our hotel, Dinner at the hotel. (Dinner) If time permits, discover the most romantic views of Venice on foot and from the comfortable seats of a gondola, spend some time gliding through the cities peaceful canals.

Day 3 - March 25, 2018 (Sun) Venice, Italy

The greatness of Venice has always been reflected in the richness of St. Mark’s Basilica, the perfect synthesis of Venetian art and a unique blend of Byzantine, Romanesque and Gothic elements. Five Orientallooking domes crown the shadowy, mysterious interior gleaming with May 24, 2018 (Thursday – Day 3) Havana, Cuba golden mosaics, colored marbles, precious stones and pearls, and This morning, we will visit the Convent and Church of Our Lady of Bethlehem. This religious complex is the guarded by the four gilded bronze horses that stand proudly atop the central entrance. The glittering mosaics of the interior tell the story of St. Mark and episodes from the Bible. It’s most famous treasure stands most extensive of those surviving in Old Havana. Here you will attend mass. After mass, you will meet with the behind the altar in the sanctuary - the Pala D’Oro, a golden altar screen encrusted with jewels. nuns and assist with projects of the day. Lunch is included at a local restaurant. In the evening you will assist Holy Mass at St. Mark’s Basilica a Cuban cultural demonstration. (Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) We’ll visit theDoge’s Palace, the magnificent Venetian-Gothic building from where the leaders of the former Venetian Republic ruled until the late 18th century. Head inside and explore the grandiose public chambers that the doges lavished with fine art and ornamentation.

May 25, 2018 (Friday – Day 4) Havana, Cuba You will have mass at the Convent and Church of Our Lady of Bethlehem. After mass, you will Masterpieces by Renaissance champions. (BB, D)

continue to assist the nuns. Lunch is included at a local restaurant. This evening in Havana, we will plan an exciting tour of the historical complex of Castillo del and La Fortaleza de San Carlos de la Cabana. If the timing and weather conditions permitted, you will witness the special nightly cannon at the fortress. (Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) May 26, 2018 (Saturday – Day 5) Havana, Cuba Start the morning off with mass at a local church in Havana. After, you will visit the Abel Santamaria School for the blind, located on the grounds of an old military base. The school aims to integrate the children into mainstream schools as soon as the child is ready through an outreach program which continues to support children at their secondary schools. You will spend time meeting the students and teachers. Lunch is included at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit Cintio Vitier Community Project Center, where arts Programs of all types including painting, ceramic and dance hosted. You will learn about this community project and hear from the director of the program, Pedro Pulido. End your day with a panoramic drive through Modern Havana riding in old classic cars from the 1950’s. Be sure to have your camera ready for this unique experience. (Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 4 - March 26, 2018 (Mon) Venice to San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy

After breakfast, we will spend the day travelling from Venice to San Giovanni Rotondo, the home of Padre Pio of Pietrelcina from 28 July, 1916 until his death on 23 September, 1968. Sit back, relax and enjoy the drive and take in the picturesque scenery along the way. We will reach our hotel in San Giovanni Rotondo in the afternoon. Will have panoramic sightseeing on the way to our hotel, (BB, D).

Day 5 - March 27, 2018 (Tues) San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy

We begin the day by celebrating Holy Eucharist, followed by a short film about St. Padre Pio. Done by our local guides who are very knowledgeable about the life of St. Padre Pio. We’ll start our visit with the Old Church.

Here you can see his cell, his confessional box, the crucifix from which he received the stigmata, and nearly everything he owned or touched, carefully preserved and labeled. Then will visit the New Basilica, Santa Maria delle Grazie (Our Lady of Grace) dedicated to Padre Pio. (BB, D)

Day 6 March 28,2018 (Wed) San Giovanni Rotondo

Holy Eucharist in the Morning in the New Basilica. Followed by Station of the Cross. Rest of day spend praying and meditating (BB, D)

Day 7 – March 29, 2018 (Thur) San Giovanni Rotondo to Siena, Italy

After breakfast, we will spend the day travelling from San Giovanni Rotondo to Siena. We will begin in the old town center with a visit to the Basilica of San Domenico. Built in the 13th century, it is a treasure chest of Renaissance art and is dedicated to St. Catherine of Siena. You’ll learn about the city’s history while admiring its cathedrals, museums, and libraries. Then admire May 27, 2018 (Sunday – Day 6) Havana – Las Terrazas – Vinales Valley Start the morning off with mass at a local church in Havana. Then you famous Piazza del Campo, one of Europe’s great medieval squares.(BB, D) Continue to Assisi overnight/Dinner

will be transferred to Las Terrazas for a tour of the community. Visit the neighborhoods, their schools, artists and community projects in the area. You will then continue to Vinales. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel for check in and rest. (Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 8 - March 30 2018 (Fri) Assisi to Florence (Good Friday)

May 28, 2018 (Monday – Day 7) Vinales Valley Start the morning off with mass at a local church in Vinales. Then you will have a sightseeing tour. There is an opportunity to visit a Tobacco Farm and learn how to expertly roll a cigar. You will also have the chance to visit an interesting site called the Prehistoric Wall and to take a Boat Ride through underground caves known as The Indian Caves. Then visit Finca Agroecolgica El Paraiso where you will have lunch. After you will visit the gardens with the breath-taking views. Return to the hotel where you will have dinner. (Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

2 hrs. early walking tours of Florence, before we continue to Rome We will have a guided walking tour of this fascinating city with its Piazza, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistery of St. John the Baptist, Continue to Rome.

Upon our arrival in Rome,Lunch break near the Vatican , followed by Guided tours of the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel. See the Largest church in Roman Catholicism, St Peter Basilica, see the Crypt of St Pope John Paul (BB, D) Transfer to the Hotel/Overnight

May 29, 2018 (Tuesday – Day 8) Vinales – Havana – Los Angeles Today, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back home as your trip comes to an end. (Meal: Breakfast)

Celebrate Holy Eucharist in the Crypt where the tomb of the most beloved saints is located, after Mass visit the Basilica of St Francis, we’ll also visit the Basilica of St. Claire. After Lunch continue to Florence Best known for its leather goods, the best in the world Leather (BB, D) Free time in the afternoon. Dinner/Overnight

Day 9 - March 31, 2018 (Sat) Florence to Rome

Day 10 April 1, 2018 (Sun ) Rome

EASTER SUNDAY MASS, VATICAN SQUARE FOLLOWED BY PAPAL BLESSING Visit the Major Basilicas like St Mary Majors. John Lateran, the Holy Stairs, St. Paul Outside the Wall, St. Peter’s in Chain, Santa Croce of Jerusalem, afternoon see Imperial Rome, and short visit to the Trevi Fountain on the way to the hotel (BB, D) Dinner in the hotel

Day 11 April 2, 2018 (Mon) Rome Free time in Rome ( BB,D)

Day 12 April 3, 2018 (Mon) Rome – USA

Transfer to the airport for our flight back to USA, End of our memorable Pilgrimage

From the Front Page

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

Republican tax bill...

PAGE A1 t cent, 15 percent, 25 percent, 28 percent, 33 percent, 35 percent, and 39.6 percent.), but lowers the rates for all but two thresholds (10 percent, 12 percent, 22 percent, 24 percent, 32 percent, 35 percent and 38.5 percent).

By contrast, the House bill condenses the system into four brackets: 12 percent, 25 percent, 35 percent and 39.6 percent; this would raise the tax rate for the lowest income-earners.

In accordance to Senate rules, the Senate bill eliminates the individual tax provisions that help the middle class, including the child tax credit and lower tax rates at each income bracket, as a way to avoid driving up the deficit.

However, the Joint Committee on Taxation said on Thursday that the Senate bill will add $1 trillion to the deficit over the next ten years, even with economic growth.

Moreover, the committee said that any form of economic growth will offset only $407 billion of the $1.5 trillion cost, further muddying the Republican stance that the bill will not add to the federal budget.

Much like the Reagan-era “trickle-down” economics, Republicans promise that passing the biggest corporate tax in American history will catalyze an economic boom that will generate more jobs and more income for the middle class.

To the event in which the economy doesn’t grow fast enough for the GOP’s projections to flourish, several GOP senators pushed for a “trigger” which would automatically boost taxes, as previously reported in the Asian Journal.

Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) said

on Thursday that a trigger would “avoid a situation where you’re not creating deficits should the projections that have been laid out not be real.”

Additionally, the trigger would hopefully stop the federal deficit from increasing, which many lawmakers are afraid the GOP bills would do.

Economists, however, argue that lowering the tax rate won’t necessarily ignite a jobs boom that will boost the incomes of middleclass Americans. Instead, a likely scenario could involve returning the extra revenue to corporate shareholders.

“Frankly, I think they are bonkers,” David Mendels, former CEO of software firm Brightcove, told Politico. “It doesn’t really work that way. No CEO sits there and says, ‘When my tax rate goes down, I’m going to hire more people and pay them more.’”

How likely is it to pass?

Democrats are currently fighting to halt the bill’s passage, but due to the Republican control of both chambers, their efforts carry little weight.

Since the debate on the legislation is only limited to 20 hours of deliberation, a Democratic filibuster is unlikely, a feat Republicans were seeking to bypass.

Contents of the bill are expected to change within that 20-hour window with Republicans looking to compromise differences held by party leaders.

Republicans remain confident that the bill will pass, but have yet to hear confirmation from a few key Republicans who have committed support.

Previously, the passage of the

Best way for overseas...

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abroad and working abroad are definitely at the forefront of promoting the country.”

According to Asst. Secretary Alegre, there is no better person than the Filipino himself or herself who could better promote the Philippines and carry their message of “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” to both foreigners and Filipinos who have not gone back home in a long while. And what makes it more exciting is that both the sponsors and the in-

vitees get a chance to win prizes in the current BHAF cycle that runs from October 2017 to April 2018.

The Bring Home A Friend program gives away prizes from sponsors like Megaworld, Toyota, Philippine Airlines and Duty Free Philippines. Sponsors have a chance to win the following: 1st prize, Megaworld’s Eastwood Le Grand condominium unit; 2nd prize, brand new Toyota Vios; 3rd prize, Duty Free gift certifi-

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Over 200 companies urge FCC...

PAGE A1 t cites that $400 billion in online sales were made in 2016 — $3.5 billion alone were from Cyber Monday.

“The internet is increasingly where commerce happens,” the letter says.

Under current net neutrality rules enacted by the 2015 Open Internet Order under the Obama administration, internet service providers (ISPs) — Comcast, Verizon, AT&T, Cox, Charter, etc.

— are prohibited from blocking, throttling, or charging consumers to pay for “fast lane” access to certain sites.

The idea of net neutrality generally describes a free and open internet where everyone gets equal access to the same content, or in the case of the Cyber Monday letter, have equal opportunity to compete for consumers.

“This economic growth is possible because of the free and open internet,” the companies said.

“Our current net neutrality rules support innovation and gives all businesses the opportunity to compete equally for consumers,” they added.

Without the rules, the companies and supporters of net neutrality argue that ISPs would be able to put businesses into “slow lanes”, require them to pay a toll to reach customers, or even block them.

“This would put small and medium-sized businesses at a disadvantage and prevent innovative ones from even getting off the ground,” said the open letter. “An internet without net neutrality protections would be the opposite of the open market, with a few powerful cable and phone companies picking winners and losers instead of consumers.”

Yet despite the many urges to keep net neutrality regulations, FCC Chairman Ajit Pai — who was appointed by Trump in 2017 and once served as an attorney for Verizon — has remained steadfast in his stance to revoke the regulations. His final draft proposal was released on Wednesday, November 22.

There are a number of arguments net neutrality supporters have against Pai’s proposal, but an argument most are focusing on has to do with the reclassification of broadband internet.

Whereas current net neutrality regulations classify broadband internet as a “utility”, Pai’s 210page document proposes it be reclassified as a “telecommunications service”, essentially giving ISPs more control over how their customers get access to the internet, according to his opponents.

This would also put ISPs under the watch of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) rather than the FCC. The FTC would thus be in charge of making sure the companies adhere to a set of “open internet” principles.

Pai said that under his proposal, the FTC “will once again be able to police ISPs, protect consumers, and promote competition, just as it did before 2015.”

But critics of Pai’s proposal argue that unlike the FCC, the FTC will not be able to protect consumers and users before they become victims. They also point out that the extent to which the FTC has on policing broadband providers remains ambiguous.

Pai has also repeatedly argued that the current rules have been stifling ISP companies, thus preventing them from growing.

In a statement, he said that the regulations “depressed investment in building and expanding broadband networks and deterred innovation.”

He reiterated his stance in a Wall Street Journal op-ed on Tuesday in which he said, ”In the two years after the FCC’s decision, broadband network investment dropped more than 5.6 percent — the first time a decline has happened outside of a recession.”

Those for net neutrality say otherwise. Back in May, pro-net neutrality advocacy group Free Press released a report that cited ISPs saying that they had not been hurt by net neutrality.

“We found that not a single publicly traded U.S. ISP ever told its investors (or the SEC) that Title II negatively impacted its own investments specifically,” the report said.

ISPs cited in the report include AT&T whose CEO told investors that the company would actually “deploy more fiber” in 2016, and Charter whose CEO told investors, “Title II, it didn’t really hurt us; it hasn’t hurt us.”

With less than three weeks to go until voting time, advocates for net neutrality maintain that the regulations are necessary for a democratic, open, and competitive market.

Just recently, Comcast — aware of public fears — told CNET that the company currently has no plans to offer fast lanes on the internet if the rollback were to happen.

“Comcast hasn’t entered any paid prioritization agreements. Period,” said the company’s spokeswoman Sena Fitzmaurice in an email. “And we have not plans to do so.”

The FCC will note on the new rules on Thursday, December 14.

(Rae Ann Varona / AJPress)

bill was a concern due to misgivings by key Republican lawmakers, including Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine), John McCain (R-Ariz.) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska); all three had rejected several versions of the rebuffed GOP health care bill.

However, on Tuesday, McCain, who previously wavered on his support, confirmed that he’d vote “yes” on the bill.

“I believe this legislation, though far from perfect, would enhance American competitiveness, boost the economy and provide longoverdue tax relief for middle-class families,” the 2008 Republican presidential candidate said in a statement.

Murkowski is also expected to vote “yes.”

Collins, who (like McCain) hasn’t shied away from voting against her party, said she remains concerned about the effect to repeal the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) mandate. She also remains unsure about the provision that ensures that taxpayers can deduct some state and local taxes, a measure known as SALT. The current version of the bill eliminates the Obamacare mandate and doesn’t clearly state whether the SALT amendment will remain.

“The SALT amendment is extremely important to me,” Collins said. “The health care agreement is extremely important for me. It would be very difficult for me to support the bill if I do not prevail on those two issues.”

The GOP tax bills have been deliberated with almost no bipartisanship collaboration, which has unanimously angered Democratic lawmakers, including Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) who oppose

NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • DEcEmbER 1-7, 2017

giving corporations and the most affluent tax breaks with the hope of positively affecting the middle class.

“So here’s my suggestion. Instead of giving corporations a big tax cut, let’s give the middle class a real tax cut. Instead of giving America’s most fortunate more tax breaks, let’s ask them to make a contribution a little bit more to help invest in infrastructure, job training and making college more affordable,” Harris offered at a Senate Budget Committee hearing on Tuesday. “Instead of playing politics with people’s lives, let’s listen to the American people who have spoken loud and clear.”

It’s not only Democratic lawmakers who oppose the bill. A majority of Americans also expressed unfavorable opinions of the bill, which is slowly becoming one of the least popular tax proposals since the Reagan era.

According to a Quinnipiac University survey, only 25 percent of voters approved of the plan. Other surveys conducted by ABC News/ WaPo, CNN, Morning Consult and YouGov found approval at 36 percent or lower; voters found that the bill disproportionately favors the rich while providing little to no help for the middle class.

A majority of small businesses also oppose the bill, saying that the plan will benefit wealthy corporations the most.

A poll from the Public Policy Polling taken from Nov. 17-18 found that only 34 percent of small businesses support the GOP tax bills while 51 percent opposed it; nearly 800 small business owners across the nation were surveyed.

As of press time, the Senate vote has not been completed. (Klarize/ Medenilla/AJPress)

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HONORING A REVOLUTIONARY HERO. Philippine Marine honor guards march during the celebration of Gat Andres Bonifacio’s 154th birthday at the Bonifacio Shrine along Padre Burgos, near Manila City Hall, Taft Avenue, Manila on Thursday, Nov. 30. Bonifacio (1863-1897), a Filipino revolutionary hero, founded the secret society Katipunan, which spearheaded the uprising against the Spaniards and laid the groundwork for the first Philippine Republic.

PNA photo by Jess M. Escaros Jr.

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Statement of former Speaker Jose de Venecia during the Fujian Normal University’s 110th anniversary by the three governments,” led to the FUZHOU — Former launching of a commonly financed Philippine Speaker Jose de 3-nation seismic ship survey which Venecia said last Nov. 18 he said found a “number of drillable that Philippine national hero structures in the South China Sea.” Jose Rizal, considered “Pride In his speech yesterday at the Fuof the Malayan Race,” which jian Normal University anniversary includes the peoples of Philrites, de Venecia said the great Chiippines, Indonesia and Manese and Asian leader Deng Hsiao laysia, had “Fujian, Chinese Peng said at the time that “we must roots, and if alive today would consider suspending the issue of be in the forefront of seeking sovereignty” and proceed to drill inter-Asian reconciliation in for the region’s most urgent energy the South China Sea.” requirements and share the fruits Here in Fuzhou, Fujian’s of oil production. He said President capital city, for the 110th AnDuterte and Foreign Secretary Alan niversary of the Fujian Normal University, with hundreds of Jose de Venecia Jr., Special Envoy for Peter Cayetano have been successful so far in improving the situation in members of Filipino-Chinese Intercultural Dialogue the South China Sea. and Asian alumni in attenEarlier in the 1970s in a speech before the Philipdance, 81-year-old de Venecia, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s Special Envoy for APEC and pine Jaycees, de Venecia proposed multi-national drilling in the China Sea to include China and the Intercultural Dialogue, told newsmen: “With the recent decision in ASEAN to begin the U.S. He now adds that the U.S. has the most addrafting of the China Sea Code of Conduct, key prin- vanced oil drill ships in the world and today China ciples would include free navigation, open skies, has the largest oil drilling vessel in the sea.

In his speech followed by the Indonesian Amcommon trade, tourism, hopefully joint exploration and joint development of petroleum resources, to bassador to China, de Venecia said President Xi be equitably shared, and taking into account contri- Jinping’s noble 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, following the pre-Marco Polo journeys across Cenbutions to oil drilling and development costs.”

De Venecia, 5-time Speaker of the Philippine tral Asia, Eurasia, and to the Mediterranean, has House of Representatives, and former President of now led to the Maritime Silk Road which goes all the Petroleum Association of the Philippines, said the way to Africa.

De Venecia proposed a “Third Route” across the under Presidents Xi Jinping and Rodrigo Duterte Philippine-Chinese relations “had improved consid- China Sea to the Philippines, Indonesia, Australia, erably and major Chinese investments are begin- New Zealand to Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Mexico ning to flow in the Philippines and major Filipino- and the U.S., in a New Age of Circumnavigation Chinese entrepreneurs have established branches and Globalization.

He added the time has also come for the Latin in various cities of China.”

In 2005, joining then President Gloria Macapa- Americans to journey across the South Pacific to gal Arroyo’s state visit to China, then Speaker de trade with and invest also in Asia.

He said the recent APEC and ASEAN Summits in Venecia proposed in Beijing a “tripartite oil seismic agreement in the South China Sea among the Phil- Vietnam and Manila had further improved Philipippines, China, and Vietnam which was approved pines-China and U.S. relations. ■

BAMBOO PRODUCTS. A bamboo plant can be made into fishing rods, fish traps, utensils and even a house, says Dr. Stanley Malab, former director of Ilocos Agriculture, Aquatic and Resources, Research and Development Consortium (ILAARRDEC) during a powerpoint presentation at the 1st Bamboo-Seaweeds FIESTA (Farms and Industry Encounter through the Science and Technology Agenda) at Iba Pa... held at Mariano Marcos State University in Batac, Ilocos Norte on Tuesday, Nov. 28.

PNA photos by Ben Briones

Best way for overseas...

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cate worth P200,000. Invitees, meanwhile, have a chance to win from the following: 1st prize – two roundtrip international business class tickets, two roundtrip domestic tickets to Palawan, 6day/ 5night stay at El Nido Hotel & Resort; 2nd prize – two roundtrip premium economy class tickets, two roundtrip domestic tickets to Cebu, 5day/4night stay at Jpark Island Resort & Waterpark; 3rd prize – two roundtrip international economy class tickets, two roundtrip domestic tickets to Davao, 5day/4night stay at Pearl Farm Beach Resort.

“Mas appropriate ngayon ang prizes,” remarked Asst. Sec. Alegre. “Noong araw kasi ang ipinangako eh bahay at lupa.

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living, di ba? So, who is at the forefront of development of condominiums? Megaworld. [And the] Toyota [Vios], kung di mo man gamitin, puwede mo ipaUber. So we also had to think of prizes na ma-e-engganyo ang tao.”

He continued: “Somebody commented why there was a need for prizes, and that shouldn’t it be incumbent on Filipinos to help.

DOT Secretary Wanda Teo said, ‘Of course, everybody wants to help. But it is also nice to have a prize for their efforts made.’”

The Assistant Secretary also revealed that since they launched the program in October, they have had an overwhelming and positive response. BHAF program rollouts have taken place overseas, including in some cities in the United States, London (United Kingdom), Sydney (Australia), Ottawa (Canada), and the Middle East, as well as locally in many provinces, most recently Davao and Cagayan de Oro. “We have actual events taking place in the Philippines… they do it in the mall,” Asst. Sec. Alegre related. “London was pretty strong. I was there for the launch of BHAF in London, which has about 300,000 to 350,000 Filipinos. Very strong ang naging dating ng BHAF doon kasi malamig din dun kaya tama rin yung strategy ni Secretary Wanda na i-launch [yung program] ng October to April, kasi ito yung winter season eh.”

The Bring Home A Friend program will also be launched soon in Paris (France) and other Asian cities. It is expected to contribute to the PDOT goal of 7 million tourist arrivals in 2017, although a more significant contribution is expected for the PDOT’s 2018 goal.

According to Alegre, “the advantage really we have is that there are so many Filipinos who reside abroad. It makes it easier to do a promo like this because of the on-the-ground presence of Filipinos abroad.”

The Assistant Secretary also told the Asian Journal that Filipinos overseas can be confident that the Philippines will be able to take care of tourists visiting the Philippines due to the efforts of the government and what the country has experienced this past year starting with the Miss Universe Pageant in January and up to the ASEAN Summit in November.

“We proudly declare to the whole world, ‘We are able to host an event like ASEAN for the whole year and have the world leaders there for a leaders’ summit.’ It just shows our capability to secure world leaders and their citizens when they are in our country,” Asst. Sec. Alegre, who sits on the ASEAN working group for DOT, said.

“The ones that sell souvenir items, they have seen in this past year of 2017, their products have moved so much kasi ang delegates when they come, they bring home souvenir items. The food industry had to make some adjustments. ‘Yung Halal… marami tayong neighbors sa ASEAN na ang requirement is Halal. Hotels had to hire, step up service kasi you’re not just hosting them in your hotel but you are representing the country. So when we go out we always say, ‘If everybody is conscious that the tourism boom is really happening, you will learn to clean your surroundings better, dress up better, learn a few languages, know how to treat the tourists when they arrive.’ And the ASEAN hosting was all forced upon us to learn it and embrace it, which is now happening.

“Secretary Teo is very happy to note that Filipinos now approach her and tell her that, ‘We are going to help, we’re going to secure them, we’re going to clean our surroundings.’ When you hit 12 million tourists a year, you’re definitely going to cross paths with a tourists wherever you are in the country. So, this is like an instant training for the Filipinos, itong ASEAN Summit. It came at a good time because we see a lot of improvements. Dati kasi ang mga turista eh binibiktima. Ang turista dapat ay hindi biktima, ang turista dapat ay alagaan.”

According to Alegre, they have gotten some feedback for future editions of the BHAF program, including one suggesting a competition amongst Philippine provinces as to who can bring the most tourists into the country.

“We’re very much open to suggestions. It shows that people are very interested to help. We’re taking note of the comments so that when we continue to launch, we find ways to improve it. We don’t have any claims that this program is fool-proof so I am sure there will be adjustments in the years to come. The original Bring Home A Friend program lasted three or four years. So far, because of the digital age, people are engaging. We’re seeing reactions from areas which we did not see before,” the Assistant Secretary said.

As for other projects in the PDOT pipeline, Asst. Sec. Alegre mentioned both the Ironman competition and a leg of the European Golf Tour taking place in 2018, the Philippines hosting the Southeast Asian Games in 2018, and a proposal for the country to host “The World’s Strongest Man” competition. This if course is in addition to its efforts in promoting the Philippines at both large-scale and small market events, which DOT Secretary Wanda Teo has directed her team to also concentrate on.

According to Tourism Director Pura Molintas, who accompanied Asst. Sec. Alegre, the Philippines has become a member in some organizations that have given it access to more information and the opportunity to market the Philippines to different segments and areas. They have, she added, given the DOT the opportunity cater the message of the tourism department to the prospective event.

“There are certain sections, like, for example, in the border of the U.S. and Canada, who enjoy an affinity for certain activities like outdoor and adventure. ‘Yung Northwestern Pacific like Colorado, Salt Lake, Idaho, Seattle, pati yung Vancouver, magkakasama sila. They work as a team. The presentors or the participants are usually the same people who go within that area because they have the same clients, and they’re all into outdoor adventure. And there is diving interest in Colorado,” Director Molintas said. “And then if you go the East, ‘yung Toronto, Canada has the same pattern if you go down to New York, it’s for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferencing, Exhibitions).

These areas are good for MICE marketing strategies kasi they are accessible to each other.”

Director Molintas also cited their experience in travel and outdoor shows in Canada, specifically the French-speaking areas. “Making use of these existing travel shows gives us access across the different markets and going into the mainstream as well kasi we’re also trying to target the mainstream which we cannot just do on our own. In Canada, usually you’ll have these shows in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Montreal. There are areas that are French-speaking so we also have to target the Frenchspeaking. You need very specific French brochures and we usually get translators in the booth.

Plus, you have to be ready with purely French brochures in that particular area, like Quebec and Montreal,” she revealed.

With a busy calendar for the Department of Tourism, Asst.

Sec. Alegre is clear on who he sees as the most valuable assets of the country, the Filipinos overseas, and he has this message: “Believe that the change is happening for best. The president has said that tourism should be very inclusive so we want every sector of society to benefit from this boom and in your own little way, wherever you are in the world, especially in the U.S., please help us promote. Bring Home A Friend is one of the ways you can, inyour way, do a promotion of the country. Of course the Department will not stop in going out and telling the message of the changes happening in the country. But it’s different when you’re here and you’re able to convince your friends that it’s a really beautiful place and ‘It’s More Fun in the Philippines’.” ■

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Gadon on Sereno impeachment case: ‘Boxing match’ is over

Rep. Reynaldo Umali (left), chairman of the House Committee on Justice, chats with Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez during the impeachment proceedings at the House of Representatives.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Ruy Martinez

FoR lawyer Lorenzo “Larry” Gadon, the “boxing match” is already over now that he has already proven his point in his allegations against Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno.

A delighted Gadon on Wednesday, November 29, said he is “more than vindicated” by the testimony of Supreme Court Associate Justice Teresita de Castro during the House justice committee’s deliberation on his impeachment complaint against Sereno.

“I am very happy because I’m more than vindicated because what Honorable Justice De Castro has said in her testimony confirmed everything that I have stated in my complaint,” Gadon told reporters.

During Wednesday’s hearing, De Castro said Sereno issued Administrative order No. 175-2012 on Nov, 27, 2012 — creating the

JDo (Judiciary Decentralized office), reopening the post of RCAo (Regional Court Administrative office)-7 Associate Justice, and appointing Geraldine Faith Econg as its head.

According to De Castro, the chief justice issued the order “without getting the approval of the Supreme Court en banc.”

“She even clarified deeper into the incidents involving the creation of the RCAo and the JDo,” Gadon said of De Castro’s testimony.

“She has further clarified the incident which points out to the fact that Chief Justice Sereno has indeed committed a culpable violation of the Constitution by arrogating upon herself the powers of the Supreme Court as a collegial body,” he added.

With De Castro’s attestment alone, Gadon expressed confidence that Sereno will be im-

peached.

“In fact sinasabi ko nga, tapos na ‘yung boksing eh (I’ve been saying that the boxing match is already over)… I’ve already proven my point, with just one ground,” he said.

Gadon further expressed confidence that his other allegations against Sereno would also be proven in the next hearings.

Sereno’s camp has refuted De Castro’s statements by saying that “the creation of said office, its budget as well as the designation of its staff, had already been approved and delineated in earlier resolutions of the Court.”

The chief justice’s lawyer, Jojo Lacanilao, also maintained that Sereno did not falsify the administrative orders.

‘Not ruled by emotions’ During the hearing, Siquijor Rep. Ramon Rocamora asked De Castro how she felt when Sereno, who is her junior in the Supreme Court, was appointed as the chief justice.

In response, De Castro she was not affected by Sereno’s appointment, noting that a person “has no right” to remain in the tribunal if he is “affected by his emotions.”

“Kaya ho itong pag-appoint kay Sere- Chief Justice Sereno, ano po ang magagawa ko (So, this appointment to chief justice of Sereno, what else could I do), the president appointed her. She was nominated by the [Judicial and Bar Council], what should I do?” De Castro added. (Dana Sioson/AJPress)

Palace to supporters, critics...

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is alarming because the president has time and again said that he will only resort to revolutionary government kapag (if) supposed, kapag lupaypay na iyong gobyerno, ‘pag naghihingalo na iyong gobyerno (the government became weak, crestfallen),” the Palace official noted.

“And of course, hindi naman ganyan ang nangyayari sa gobyerno ngayon (the government is not in that condition right now),” he added.

Earlier on the same day, Ro-

bredo expressed alarm over rallies supporting a revolutionary government as she noted that such declaration violates the Constitution.

“Nakakabahala ito, kasi... kapag sinabi kasing revolutionary government, gusto mong isantabi iyong Konstitusyon (This is alarming because when you say revolutionary government, you want to set aside the Constitution). Ito, ano ito, laban ito sa mga existing na batas, kaya nakakabahala na (This is against the existing laws, so it is alarming),” the vice president said.

Several times in his public remarks, Duterte has warned that he would declare a revolutionary government if the country descends into chaos amid what he believes are efforts of his political opponents to topple him from power.

But early in November, Duterte said he would not declare a revolutionary government after the military expressed against supporting his plan. The president then said that Robredo was “correct” and that the military must “listen” to her regarding the issue. n

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CYBER-LIBEL CHARGES. Senate Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III files a cyber-libel complaint before the Pasay City Prosecutor’s Office on Tuesday, Nov. 28 against Edward Angelo “Cocoy” Dayao. Sotto said Dayao, reportedly the person behind the “Silent No More PH” blog, in a post criticized seven senators for not signing a Senate resolution urging the government to end drug-related killings.

PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan

Gov’t officials defend drug war before SC

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

GovERNMENT officials on Wednesday, November 29 defended Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s controversial anti-illegal drugs campaign before the Supreme Court (SC).

During the resumption of the oral arguments on petitions challenging the constitutionality of Duterte’s drug war, Solicitor General Jose Calida maintained that the killings of drug suspects were not sanctioned by the state.

“There were no findings that the killings were state-sponsored killings and that they were committed with the State’s acquiescence,” Calida said.

He also claimed “petitioners have a skewed interpretation” of the government order to neutralize drug suspects. “‘Neutralization’ was defined under CMC No. 11-2017 as referring to the arrest or a surrender of an illegal drug personality.

Likewise, it refers to the death of a drug personality during legitimate drug operations,” the solicitor general noted. “viewed in their purely legal contexts, these terms should not

be construed as synonymous to extrajudicial killing but as a comprehensive term that includes to subdue, incapacitate, arrest and in the most extreme case when the life of the police officer is endangered, to kill,” he added.

Supporting Calida’s statement, PNP chief Director General Ronald Dela Rosa also denied that he has given any order to kill drug suspects.

“Never. Neutralize means arrest, having the suspect surrender or killing suspect only at very extreme situation as a result of legitimate police operations,” Dela Rosa said.

Last month, rights groups Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG) and Center for International Law (CenterLaw) headed by Aileen Almora and Sister Ma. Juanita Daño respectively filed separate petitions seeking to nullify Duterte’s drug war.

In their petition, FLAG argued that the Philippine National Police (PNP)’s Command Memorandum Circular (CMC) 16-2016 or “Project: Double Barrel” should be declared unconstitutional because it paves way for the police to kill suspects in guise of “neutralizing” them dur-

ing operations.

CMC 16-2016 states that PNP’s Project: Double Barrel aims “to clear all drug affected barangays across the country, conduct no let up operations against illegal drugs personalities, and dismantle drug syndicates” by pursuing the “neutralization” of illegal drug personalities and its network backbone.

FLAG also assailed the legality of Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Memorandum Circular 2017112, which establishes a system of anonymous reporting of suspected criminals.

FLAG lodged the petition for two victims of alleged extrajudicial killings identified as Ryan Dave Almora and Rex Appari and a survivor, Jefferson Soriano.

CenterLaw, on the other hand, filed the petition for the families of 35 alleged drug suspects killed in drug war operations and residents of San Andres Bukid in Manila who asked the SC to issue a writ of amparo in order to protect them from the alleged harassment of police.

But Calida insisted that the “unfortunate deaths” attributed

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FEATURES

OPINION

Toothless law

BEFORE President Rodrigo Duterte classifies communist rebels as terrorists and wages war against them, he should make sure his security forces are prepared to apply the law against terrorism — Republic Act 9372 or the Human Security Act. RA 9372 was enacted way back in 2007, but lawmakers inserted into the measure several provisions ostensibly meant as safeguards against human rights abuses, which left little room even for honest mistakes on the part of counterterrorism forces and virtually defanged the law.

The measure makes intelligence gathering transparent, allowing the person under police surveillance that must be court-approved to challenge the court order, and requiring the identification of the police officers involved, including their full names and addresses. The New People’s Army and Abu Sayyaf would be delighted to obtain such information. Failure to submit to the Court of Appeals a detailed report on the types and number of wiretapped recordings made can earn law enforcers from 10 to 12 years behind bars.

The law also requires the identification of police informants. And while the provision against the use of torture is in keeping with constitutional

guarantees on human rights, counterterrorism forces may not want to be imprisoned for 12 to 20 years for using “threat, intimidation” or “mental, moral or psychological pressure” on a terror suspect.

If RA 9372 had been applied in liberating Marawi from the clutches of Islamic State-inspired Maute terrorists, many members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines could end up behind bars for up to 20 years. The government did not even follow the procedure under RA 9372 for classifying the Mautes as terrorists.

The government may have to go through that process if it intends to classify the Communist Party of the Philippines, the National Democratic Front, their armed wing the NPA and their front organizations as terrorist groups. President Duterte may want to take a different route in dealing with these groups. Or he may ask his congressional allies to review the law that government forces avoid enforcing. (Philstar.com)

Editorial

Trump’s tax bill: Good for the richest, bad for the middle class and the US

The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS PRESIDENT Donald Trump has been touting that he will be giving Americans a great Christmas gift when he signs the Republican tax bill into law before the holidays.

What is he talking about? Who among the American people will pop the champagne for Trump’s tax plan? Unfortunately, it will not be you and me and most hardworking Americans. It will be Trump and people like him.

Don’t take my word for it. Take it from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) report that analyzed and projected the impact of the tax bill on the American people and the financial health of the nation. This is the reason why the Trump Administration continues to scramble to get enough votes even among Republicans.

The way it works is pretty much how we do our family budget. We need to work so we have the income to spend. As much as possible, we live within our means to pay our bills. If we run short of money to spend, we use our credit

card or get a loan from the bank.

We try to be frugal and only pay for essential basic needs, unless we need to invest on needs that will bring great return on investments in terms of better income, way of life and standard of living for our family members in the future. To save money, we either increase income/revenues and/ or cut on expenses.

In looking at the tax bill issue, the GOP plan boasts of the biggest tax cuts in the history of America.

As taxes are the sources of the nation’s income/revenue, then that means we have less money to spend for our needs. Spending more without the revenue to pay for it because of tax cuts means we add to our debt and budget deficit. Who benefits most from the tax break and who hurts most because of cuts in budget reflect what is important in this administration.

Based on the CBO study, the ultra-rich — the top 1 percent — will benefit most from this tax reform bill.

Who will suffer? According to the report of The Guardian based on the CBO and Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT), “starting in 2021, a year after the next election, Americans earning $10,000

to $30,000 a year or less would pay higher taxes if the bill passes thanks to plans to repeal a core element of Obama’s Affordable Care Act. The JCT also calculates that most Americans earning $75,000 or less would be paying higher taxes by 2027.”

The middle class, especially those living in high-tax states, who deduct their local property, income and sales taxes from their tax due could lose out from the complete or partial repeal of the deductions. Moreover, about 13 million Americans could lose health insurance coverage over 10 years under the Senate bill.

Add to these will be the social services that benefit the poor, the vulnerable and the middle class which are always the ones slashed to spend money.

The Guardian further reported that based on the studies, “paying for the tax cuts is likely to mean cuts to social security and Medicare, the federal program that provides health insurance to those 65 and older.”

“The House bill is also proposing to eliminate tax deductions for medical expenses that exceed 10 percent of a taxpayer’s total income. More than half of the 8.6 million people who claim

the deduction are older than 65, 49 percent had income less than $50,000, and 69 percent earned less than $75,000, according to AARP, the lobby group for older Americans, which has 38 million members.”

And how will this affect the economy of the United States?

Contrary to Trump’s claim that this tax bill will reduce the debt and deficit of the country, the CBO estimated that this Tax Cuts and Jobs Act would cost $1.4 trillion. With the Senate version, the trillion-dollar deficit would return by 2020, debt would exceed the size of the U.S. economy in just over a decade.”

Who will celebrate if this tax bill is passed? One of the sources of our nation’s income is the estate tax. This tax bill eliminates that from the revenue column to help “people who leave a fortune of $5.49m or above to their heirs. Parents can leave $11m to their children without paying the tax. The House bill doubles that exemption until 2024 and then eliminates it entirely at a cost of $151bn to the taxpayer over the next decade.”

According to The Guardian, “The cut would save the Trump family $1.15bn when he dies, ac-

cording to the Center for American Progress Action Fund.”

The Guardian further reported that with thus GOP tax bill: “Gone also would be the alternative minimum tax (AMT), introduced in 1969 to prevent the rich from escaping paying their fair share of tax via tax loopholes.

AMT mainly affects those earning over $500,000, according to Tax Policy Center. In 2005 the rule was responsible for $31m of the $38m Trump paid in federal taxes, according to leaked documents.

Lowering taxes on passthrough businesses will also help the rich. Pass through businesses are businesses taxed at the rate of the business owner. The current proposals would cut the top rate these companies pay to 25 percent, far below the 39.6 percent highest rate of personal income tax.

According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities some 80 percent of the benefit of these cuts would go to those earning $1-M or more – giving them an average increase of $50,000 in 2018. A similar plan in Kansas led to a budget crisis after the state’s tax revenues plummeted and promises of increased economic

activity failed to materialize.

Trump controls some 500 pass-through entities and he would save about $16m a year from the cuts, according to the New York Times.

Trump’s plan would cut the corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 20 percent, the lowest point since 1939. The idea is that lower taxes will allow business leaders to increase capital investment and create more jobs.

But the fact is that most US corporations pay far less than 35 percent tax already, many of the most profitable pay nothing and lower taxes have not been shown to create jobs. There is also little evidence that the current system is harming business given that both stock markets and corporate profits are at record highs while employment is at lows unseen since the turn of the millennium.”

TELL ME: How would this bill help YOU? *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https://www. facebook.com/Gel.Santos.Relos

More than ever, the need for a global anti-drugs summit

Peace Maker JOSE C.

Philstar.com photo

DE VENECIA, JR.

MORE than ever, perhaps the time has now come for President Rodrigo Duterte to initiate and expedite the convening of a “Global Anti-Drugs Summit” in Manila to help address the narcotics crisis in the country which is also a raging global problem. This way, we could let the Filipino people fully understand that the drug crisis at home is not just a domestic problem but indeed a deadly worldwide scourge.

Parents and their families, universities, civil societies, and media all over the world would heartily welcome and support such a global gathering and agree with governments and concerned public agencies in mobilizing to defeat the deadly narcotics syndicates operating in most cities of the world.

Their members and agents, at home and overseas, must be pursued and punished severely but the less guilty in their midst must also be accorded the benefit of rehabilitation.

We were invited to a dinner last week organized by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) Chairperson Andrea Domingo, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Chairman Gen. Dionisio

Jose de Venecia Jr., Special Envoy for Intercultural Dialogue

Santiago, Malacañan Undersecretary Dale Cabrera, Columnist and PAGCOR Director Chit Pedrosa and other officials of related agencies to consider our proposal for a Global Summit, and who unanimously agreed that the time for such a meeting is now urgent, and that they would urge the President to give the go-signal for an InterAgency Team to plan and set the date for the Summit in Manila to address the Philippine problem and work as well with anti-drug leaders and organizations in the global community.

The drug crisis in Metro Manila and various parts of the country has triggered an outcry in civil society and the religious community, with widespread coverage in multi-media and accusations of occasional police abuse aired at home and abroad, inspite of Presi-

dent Duterte’s genuine anti-drugs crusade.

But his determined and bona fide efforts backed by national police are at times unfortunately undermined by occasional reports of extra-judicial killings by a few but apparently unpunished policemen or by unidentified killers.

On another note, at our next meeting with the Inter-Agency Group led by Andrea Domingo, we hope to inform her that we plan to invite the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP), based in Seoul, with its more than 300 ruling, opposition and independent member political parties, and the International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace (IAPP), based in New York, representing international parliamentarians to perhaps extend their support to the Philippine initiative once it is launched.

The IAPP is composed of many current and former members of parliament, from some 100 national legislative bodies in Asia, Europe, Africa, the Americas and Australia. We are fortunate to be Chairman of ICAPP and Co-Chairman of IAPP, based in Washington, D.C., the latter, with former U.S. congressional leader Dan Burton as Co-Chairman.

The Universal Peace Federation (UPF), based in New York City, under the leadership of its founder Madame Hak Ja Han Moon and its American President

Thomas Walsh, with UPF’s more than 100 branches worldwide, and its U.S. affiliate, Washington Times, might also be interested to join and support a genuine worldwide anti-narcotics crusade, once organized and launched. UPF has more than 30,000 members in the Philippines under its President Julius Malicdem.

In our earlier column, we recalled that we met in Mexico City a few years ago with Mexico’s then newly elected President Enrique Peña Nieto in our capacity then as Election Observers in the presidential elections there, together with our ICAPP Secretary General Korean Chung Eui-yong, with our Latin-American friend, Gustavo Carvajal Moreno, former Mexican Speaker of Parliament, who unfortunately recently passed away. The Mexican Presidentelect expressed interest then in a global summit either in Manila or Mexico City, because of the continuing flow even today of illegal drugs to the U.S. market, through his country.

Indeed, at that time many realized that efforts to make trafficking more difficult in one locality—one region—or even one continent— simply shift trafficking to another venue. We were informed that the escalation of counter-narcotic campaigns in Mexico and Central America had been driving LatinAmerican traffickers to use West Africa to smuggle cocaine into

Europe.

In recent years, it was reported that the U.S. was already training elite counter-narcotics police in Ghana, while planning similar units in Kenya and Nigeria.

We pointed out that carrying out police measures was not enough.

We noted that in the emerging nations, weak states themselves had to be strengthened, and social institutions built up, to prevent trafficking groups from establishing themselves—and turning transit countries into consumer countries.

We said: “Stand-alone national programs can no longer suffice.

The global war on narcotic drugs as in the Philippines—cocaine, heroin and chemical amphetamines—now requires group intelligence and concerted action that only a supranational body focused on resolving the problem can supply.”

We declared then as we declare today: “The war against narcotics, with its powerful private armies, is not a singular problem of Manila.

Indeed, it is an inter-continental problem; it is a global problem.”

Thus, our plea for a Global Summit in Manila.

Indeed in Asia, we have serious problems with the large growing of poppies and opium by warlords in Afghanistan (perhaps the biggest grower); in the Golden Triangle along the banks of the Mekong River, in Laos, Thailand,

and Myanmar, and in the various transhipment points of various countries.

And some of the populous migrant workers of Asia including a few Filipinos are being corrupted to serve as “drug mules”, sometimes condemned to the death penalty or serving long sentences in prison when caught, as witnessed our unfortunate countrywoman presently languishing in Indonesian prison. As in the Caribbean in the 1980’s, poor, small, vulnerable countries, officials and impoverished citizens have succumbed to and been victimized by dirty money.

At our dinner meeting, we noted that already for a start, while still in the planning stage, Chairperson Domingo and Gen. Santiago and their staff already identified at least sixty (60) global leaders, active in international efforts against narcotics, who might be invited to journey to Manila for the conference, once called.

It is our hope indeed that governments and civil society organizations all over the world would attend the Manila conference once approved and announced, and extend support to the Philippine Government. There will be some critics of the conference because of some of the extra-judicial killings here but we believe overall the conference will be a big-plus for President Duterte and for the Filipino people. ■

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A

De Lima receives rosary from Pope Francis Revilla: Plunder evidence points to Napoles and Cambe, not me

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

A “deeply, deeply touched” Senator leila de lima on Sunday, November 26, said she received a rosary from pope Francis.

In a statement, the detained senator said the philippine National police (pNp) chaplain personally handed her the gift enclosed with a letter from the pope last Wednesday, November 22.

“This gift will constantly remind me that, despite the political persecution I am experiencing right now at the hands of a vengeful president, I should keep the faith and fight tirelessly for the welfare of the Filipino people,” she said.

She also described the rosary as “beautiful.” de lima, a top critic of president Rodrigo duterte, has been detained at the pNp Custodial Center in Camp Crame since February 2017 for her alleged involvement in the drug trade at the New Bilibid prison when she

was Justice Secretary from 2010 to 2015.

The senator said she sent the pope a letter before her 58th birthday August to ask him to pray for her and the Filipino people.

Calling herself duterte’s “political prisoner,” the senator also asked the pope’s blessing to give the the “strength to continue the fight against the injustice that is happening not only to me, but to thousands of Filipinos who are victims of extrajudicial killing.”

“According to the Chaplain, pope Francis was able to read my letter and assured that he is praying for me,” de lima said.

Commenting on pope Francis’ giving of a rosary to de lima, duterte on Tuesday, November 28 joked about showing the pontiff the senator’s alleged sex video.

Without mentioning de lima, duterte said said in jest that he would show the pope a “video” that would prod him to step down from the papacy should he watch it.

“Tapos ‘yung isa, ‘yung hambog binigyan pa ng rosary ni pope (Then one of them, the arrogant one, was even given a rosary by the Pope),” the president said during an anti-corruption summit in pasay City.

“Si pope naman o… Hanapan mo nga ako ng video ng ano, pakita ko kay pope. Baka magtingin pa si pope, baka umalis pa sa pagka-pope yan (Find me that video. Once the Pope sees it, he may leave the papacy),” he added. duterte did not elaborate on the video he was referring to, but de lima was rumored to have had a sex video with her former driver Ronnie dayan—which the senator denied.

The president later clarified that he was just joking. He, however, warned that he could also use his right to freedom of expression to criticize the pope back.

“That’s a joke. Aabot ng ano ‘yan (It might reach them). I am joking, pope. If you criticize me, I can criticize you ten times over,” duterte said. n

Aquino denies LP hand in destabilization plot

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

FoRmeR philippine president Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino on monday, November 27, dismissed allegations that the liberal party (lp) is working on a plot to destabilize the current administration.

Aquino, who is also the party’s chairman emeritus, clarified that the lp is not behind any plans to oust president Rodrigo duterte after the latter mentioned that the “yellows” are among those who wanted to unseat him.

“Wala kami pina-plano na ganyan (We’re not planning anything like that),” Aquino told reporters after the mass held at the manila memorial park in parañaque City for the 85th birth anniversary of his father—Sen. Benigno Aquino Jr. Aquino remarked that if duterte is doing a good job, any destabilization plot against him will not succeed. “pero kung hindi tama ang mga nangyayari, hindi natutupad ang mga pinangako, hindi maintindihan ang sinasabi—yan ang nagki-create ng dissatsifaction (But if what has been happening were improper, promises were not kept, and words were

unclear—these create dissatisfaction),” the former president added.

Instead of pointing at the lp, Aquino suggested duterte to also “look at people around him.” lately, duterte has been issuing warnings that he might declare a revolutionary government if things have gone “out of control” and if the government is at risk of being overthrown violently amid the alleged destabilization efforts by his political enemies.

Aquino, however, noted that a revolutionary government could only be established after a complete system failure that makes the government no longer able to carry out its functions.

The former president also said he found no reason for duterte to declare a revolutionary government.

‘No psychological issues’ during his interview with reporters, the former president also insisted that Chief Justice maria lourdes Sereno is mentally stable when he assessed her qualifications for the post.

“I didn’t see anything that would have made me think twice [in appointing her] during my interactions with her,” Aquino said.

He then asked, “We see her

by neStor

CorraleS

Inquirer.net

FoRmeR Senator Bong Revilla Jr. has asked the Sandiganbayan to dismiss his p224.5-million plunder case, saying the ombudsman’s evidence could only implicate his chief-of-staff Richard Cambe or businesswoman Janet lim-Napoles – but not him directly.

Revilla through his lawyer, former Solicitor-General estelito mendoza, raised these arguments as he asked the First division to grant him leave to file a demurrer and release him from detention after three and a half years.

The actor-politician was accused of receiving kickbacks, through Cambe, in exchange for his endorsement of Napoleslinked nongovernment organizations for projects funded by his priority development Assistance Fund.

In a 57-page motion, Revilla said the “ones solely responsible” for what turned out to be “ghost projects” were “Benhur luy and his fellow whistleblowers under the direction and management of Napoles.”

He said there was “not a scintilla or iota of evidence” regarding his part or knowledge that the NGos would not implement his pdAF-funded projects.

The motion claimed the ombudsman investigators asked local government officials “leading questions” portraying Revilla

himself to be the one who gave away the agricultural projects.

As for the kickbacks, Revilla claimed that “no evidence” was presented that these amounts really ended up with him even if Cambe allegedly received kickbacks on his behalf.

“The answer is apparently not disputed: ZeRo,” read his motion.

For him, the prosecution only “endeavored to prove… the amount of ‘kickbacks or commissions’ received by Cambe and that the amount was received in behalf of Revilla,” without tracing the money trail.

The motion also cited the court’s dec. 1, 2014 resolution denying Revilla’s bail petition.

It was quoted as saying “there are no direct proofs that [he] received commissions/rebates out of the proceeds of his pdAF… but the circumstances persuasively attest that accused Revilla on several occasions received money from the illegitimate deals.”

Focusing just on the lack of direct proof, Revilla took this to mean that the court made “a finding only as to the amount received

by Cambe,” but not him.

The motion also argued that the ombudsman failed to meet the requirement of Republic Act No. 7080, or the plunder law, to show the “overt and criminal act” through which Revilla could have amassed ill-gotten wealth. on the contrary, he reiterated that his act of endorsing pdAF projects could not be “criminal”

because this was authorized and required by pertinent legislation and regulations of the department of Budget and management.

Among the evidence that could be robbed of “probative value” on this ground was the testimony of Anti-money laundering Council bank officer leigh Von Santos, Revilla said. prosecutors cited the AmlC report on the Revilla family’s bank transactions in claiming they made numerous deposits of at least p87.63 million from 2006 to 2010 within 30 days from the dates when the senator allegedly received his commissions as listed in luy’s ledger.

The former legislator also argued that AmlC never asked the Court of Appeals to issue a freeze order on his or his family’s accounts on the ground of unlawful activity.

Revilla added the case would be hard-pressed to meet the p50million threshold for a plunder conviction.

The bail ruling earlier stated that p103 million of the amount was “strongly proven” thanks to the whistleblowers’ testimony on personal knowledge. yet, Revilla argued this could be pared down to only p36.5 million, as the other p66.5-million tranches were not supported by his endorsement letters or Special Allotment Release orders.

Napoles and Cambe already filed their respective motions for leave to file their demurrers ahead of Revilla on Nov. 24. n

Gov’t officials defend drug war...

PAGE A5 t Former Pres. Benigno Aquino III

speaking in forums. Have we seen anything that should have made us nervous about how she comported herself?”

Sereno reportedly failed her psychological exam taken during her application for chief justice in 2012 after supposedly getting a score of 4—the highest of which is 1 and the lowest is 5.

According to lawyer lorenzo Gadon, the complainant in Sereno’s impeachment case, the two psychologists who performed psychological examinations on her were supposedly terminated after she was appointed as the chief magistrate. n

by the petitioners to the antidrug campaign “cannot be classified as potentially unlawful.”

He pointed out that “the 27 out of the 35 deaths in daño, and the two deaths in Almora, were the result of legitimate police operations.”

“The remaining eight incidents in daño involve four homicides currently under investigation and four others that have not been reported,” Calida added.

Claiming that the petitions are “disingenuous moves to destabilize the duterte administration and sow anarchy,” Calida asked the high court to dismiss them.

“The petitions intend to drive a wedge between the president on the one hand, and the pNp and

dIlG on the other, inciting disobedience to the Chief executive and depriving him of his powers and prerogatives; and emasculate the government’s police powers by rendering inutile the pNp’s sworn mandate to enforce the law and maintain peace and order,” he said.

The solicitor general went on to say, “The court should not let these happen because they will have long-term, catastrophic effects on the nation’s stability and security.”

But for SC Associate Justice Francis Jardeleza, there is enough evidence to suspend the drug war.

Referring to the section 3 of CmC 2016-016, which is the double barrel project’s “highlight,”

Jardeleza noted that the houseto-house visitations of the police “is not a purpose allowed under the bill of rights.”

“To my mind, and not examining the mass of facts presented by both petitioners, there is a prima facie case to issue a TRo (temporary restraining order) against section 3, only section 3, of the provisions on house-tohouse visitation of [the] CmC ,” Jardeleza said. “effectively, the person is not secure in his house, and for any reason, and above reason, which is to confront, even if I accept your formulation which is to persuade the person to stop his evil ways, is not a purpose allowed under the bill of rights,” he added. n

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Philippine Neo-Ethnic Creations Presented in Tapestry Fashion Show

by MoMar

NEW YORK – A grand total of 57 looks using Philippine indigenous materials and traditional weaves in high fashion and wearable designs were showcased and highlighted during the Philippine Tapestry Show to an SRO audience at the Philippine Center New York on Thanksgiving weekend last 25 November 2017.

Presented by the Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) and Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) with the support of the Philippine Consulate General New York, the fashion show highlighted the versatility of Philippine ethnic weaves in mainstream fashion design.

Interpreted in modern and street-friendly or “neoethnic” styles by renowned designer and Philippine Ambassador of Fashion Renee Salud, the materials came from ethnic tribes in Luzon (Cordillera, Lumban, and Bicol), the Visayas and Mindanao (T’boli, Caraga, and the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao). The fashion czar has won global recognition and awards from international design expositions in key fashion capital

G. Visaya/AJPress

of the world.Consul General Theresa Dizon-De Vega expressed her pride in putting on the show in New York, highlighting the Philippines’ best in one of the world’s fashion capitals. “The show captivated many during the 2017 US Ambassadors’ Tour in the Philippines earlier this year,” she said. She thanked the DOT under the leadership of Secretary Wanda Teo for bringing the show for the first time to the US via New York. Susan J. Del Mundo, the newly designated Tourism Attaché of the PDOTNew York for her part is highly optimistic that bringing the Philippine Tapestry Show in New York is a conscious pioneering effort to promote to the North American mainstream market an opportunity to appreciate the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines through indigenous fabrics in neo-ethnic rendition in vogue and in style.

“This is just another facet to the many wonders the Philippines has to offer the world,” Del Mundo noted.

It also aims to attract foreign nationals to learn more about our culture, people and

Fabrics from Luzon take a modern and youthful twist with spring coats and dramatic skirts and heavily-beaded dresses.

destinations. This show is so timely as it brings in nostalgia especially to the balikbayans to come home visit the Philippines and bring home a friend as part of the DOT’s on- going campaign till April 2018.The new PDOT Tourism Attaché, further disclosed the need to preserve the intricate weaves of the Cordillera (Igorot fabric), Bicol (abaca), Visayas (Piña) and Mindanao (T’nalak, Inaul, Yakan, Mindanao silk and Pissyahit) in keeping with the love of our country’s legacy and age-old tradition.

The collection was presented in 6 musical segments, interspersed with videos from destinations being promoted by the DOT. The pieces were well received by the audience: from the modern pina twin sets; Cordillera-inspired beaded shift dresses and geometric print coats; fashionable Filipiniana capes and dropped-shoulder barongs; Lumban handembroidered cocktail dresses; to the t’nalak and yakan embroidered evening gowns; pissyabit and Mindanao silk

The Philippine Tapestry Fashion Show by Renee Salud (3rd from right) drew a capacity crowd last 25 November at the Philippine Center New York.

After the curtain call, models applaud the show and presentors. (3rd from L to R): Designer Renee Salud, Consul General Theresa Dizon-De Vega, Philippine Ambassador to the United Nations Teodoro Locsin, Jr, Mrs. Eleanor De Leon, Ms Susan Del Mundo.

formal ball gowns.The show is a prelude to the Philippines’ participation in more major New York fashion events in 2018.

The Philippine Tapestry

Intricately embroidered and carefully beaded pina from the Visayas are perfect for romantic looks.

Show is an offshoot from its successful launching in Ottawa, Canada in time for the opening of its Philippine Exhibition with the theme dubbed as

“Halo Halo “ (mix-mix) to represent the colorful variety and influences of the Filipino origin, character and beauty of the Philippine islands.

Mindanao patterns and weaves make for striking accents in evening wear and ball gowns.

PDOT Photos

PH takes pride in Rachel Peters’ Top 10 finish at Miss Universe

Luke Conde, Paulo Angeles, Jimboy Martin, Ryle Santiagio, Ronnie Alonte and Zeus Collins

What you should know about the #Hashtags by riCky lo

flimsy arguments just so I’ll make “suyo” to calm her down. I also don’t WITH the advent of social like someone who doesn’t know media, talents are discovered and her priorities. We all know someone launched overnight via YouTube who would dump you for a pair (Charice/Jake Zyrus, et al.) such of free shoes. I hate liars and flirts. as the ABS-CBN’s #Hashtags that What kind of a boyfriend are launches bunches of guys who you? Very seloso, but I’d really go Miss Universe 2017 Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters both sound and look good, and out of my way to cherish a girl. by arlo Custodio are gifted with fancy footwork to 3. Luke Conde, 28 (Oct. 29, ManilaTimes.net boot.

1989), #MamasBoyCutie (6’0”, Hopes were high for the Here are the 11 first batch of 180 lbs.): philippines’ Rachel peters who #Hashtags, courtesy of the book What do you look for in a advanced to the Top 10 of the #hashtags Journaledited by Kuiejor girl? Someone with a sweet smile, 2017 Miss Universe pageant in Garces and published by ABS-CBN family-oriented, at God-fearing.

Las Vegas, Nevada on sunday, What turns you off? Bad breath, Miss Universe Philippines 2017 Rachel Peters Photos courtesy of the Miss Universe Organization Publishing Inc. Nov. 26 Just as quickly, however, Meet them (with some dirty toes at bad-smelling hair, the biggest night of her life quotable quotes from the book): Wahehe! One line from a movie came to an end when she failed 1. Zeus Collins, 23 (March 19, that you can’t forget. “Love is like to make it to the Top 5, stunning 1994), #KingOfTheDanceFloor the wind. You don’t see it but you as she was in her ash blue long (5’11”, 183 lbs.): feel it,” from A Walk to Remember. gown by designer Val Taguba.

What are you looking for in 4. Jameson Blake, 20 (June Crowned Miss Universe a girl? Mabait, mapagmahal sa 17, 1997), #ResponsibleSon (5’9”, was Demi-Leigh Nel-peters magulang, singkit, sweet at may 138 lbs.): from south Africa, who bested takot sa Diyos. What turns you off?

Tell us about your first First Runner-Up Miss Colombia Madumi ang kuko at maitim ang heartbreak. I cried in front of her. I Laura Gonzalez, and second kili-kili. What kind of a boyfriend tried to win her back but she didn’t Runner-Up Miss Jamaica Davina are you? Malambing, ma-kwento love me anymore. What are you Bennett. Nel-peters succeeded tsaka honest. I’d rather tell the truth slooking for in a girl? Someone 2016’s winner Iris Metenaere than hurt someone with a lie. who is fun to be with, easy to talk to. of France, who was crowned in 2. Ryle Santiago, 19 (Oct. Not a jealous and clingy type, sakto Manila in January.

1, 1998), #YoungestOfThemAll lang at simple. What turns you even before the pageant (5’9”, 140 lbs.): off? Naninigarilyo at puro party ended, Binibining pilipinas What turns you off? Selfang alam. Hehe!!!

Charities Incorporated (BpCI) centeredness. Someone who has a 5. Paulo Angeles, 20 (Oct. The Top 5 finalists: Miss Colombia, Miss Jamaica, Miss Thailand, Miss Venezuela and Miss lot of issues and is fond of making 27, 1997), #CharmingHottie Continued on Page 4 South Africa.

Philstar.com

(5’9”, 145 lbs.): Tell us about your first heartbreak. Secret. Hahaha! Joke lang. High school crush ko ‘yon tapos naging girlfriend ko, pero nagkagusto siya sa best friend niya. What turns you off? Wala eh. Basta maging totoo lang siya sa sarili niya. Lahat naman ng tao may kanya-kanyang flaws and imperfections kaya respeto na lang siguro. Hindi rin naman ako perfect.

6. Jimboy Martin, 20 (Oct. 12, 1997), #HumbleDreamer (5’11”, 165 lbs.): Describe your ideal girl.

Maganda, mabait, at hindi maarte. How many times have you fallen in love? Maraming beses na. One line from a movie that you can’t forget? “There is knowledge from everywhere. Go get it fromanywhere you can,” from Three Idiots.

7. Nikko Natividad, 24 (Feb. 13, 1993), #GandangLalakiWinner (5’7”, 153 lbs.): How many times have you fallen in love? Five times.

What are you looking for in a girl? Sweet and faithful. Your ideal girl is standing in front of you; whatwould you say or do? Yayakapin ko siya kaagad at Continued on Page 3

I’M TIRED and just want to give up and go back home!

Immigration Corner ATTY. MICHAEL GURFINKEL, ESQ MANY Filipinos consult with me saying they are sad, lonely, and depressed over their immigration situation, and just want to give up, and go back to the Philippines. Many of them came to the U.S. years ago, leaving behind a spouse and small children. Because of their immigration situation, they are unable to travel back to the Philippines to visit their loved ones, or to even pray at the grave of a loved one who had passed away while they were trapped in the U.S. Instead, they watch their children grow up via Facetime or Skype, with conversations starting with “Mommy (or daddy), I miss you so much, when will I see you again?” Or they think of the funerals of loved ones they missed because they could not leave the U.S. Some of these people work two or more jobs and dutifully send money back home to their family, to ensure their care and support. They feel emptiness and loneliness, and they feel there’s no hope in sight. They want to give up and go back to the Philippines to be with their family.

While I fully understand the torment these people are going through, I urge them not to give up, as there may be changes in law that could benefit them. Also, they should think about what life would be like if they did give up and go home: Once at home, everyone will of course hug and cry the entire night, and reminisce on how

Michael J. Gurfinkel is licensed, and an active member of the State Bar of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California.

Each case is different. The information contained herein including testimonials, “Success Stories,” endorsements and reenactments) is of a general nature, and is not intended to apply to any particular case, and does not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorneyclient relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader.

WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com Call Toll free to schedule a consultation for anywhere in the US: (866)—GURFINKEL Four offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES · SAN FRANCISCO · NEW YORK · PHILIPPINES (Advertising Supplement)

Editor’s note: Due to a printing error, Asian Journal is reprinting the December 2017 Priority Dates chart which was published last November -- as part of Atty. Michael Gurfinkel’s column. We apologize for any inconvenience or confusion this error may have caused our readers.

The December priority dates for the Philippines are as follows:

First Preference

Second Preference

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

Application Filing Date

Visa Issuance Date

October 1, 2007

January 1, 2005

December 22, 2015

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

July 1, 2006

September 1, 2007

June 15, 1995

March 8, 1995

Fourth Preference

Brothers and sisters of US Citizens.

March 1, 1995

August 1, 1994

Application Filing Date

Third Preference

Professional/ Skilled Workers

Other Workers

Non-Skilled Workers

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond MONETTE ADEVA MAGLAYA (Continued from last week...)

HALF a lifetime later and half a world away, I have forgotten much about the murdered American soldier. Buried in the mists of time, his story would have remained shelved, tucked away in my memory banks and promptly forgotten until I came across an account of that incident long ago on the internet.

Written by Virgilio Lacaba, I read a long, detailed article, perhaps a reprint, on “Strange Occurrences at the UP” and like a flood, everything came rushing back as though it happened yesterday. Weeks after the session, I remember being interviewed for an article in a then popular weekly magazine, Mr. & Ms., by Neni Santa Romana Cruz, a

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 The Historic Filipinotown Neighborhood Council (HFNC) announced that the annual parade and festival will be on Friday, December 1 from 6:00 p.m. to 10 p.m. The event will start with the assembly of parols and vehicles at 250 N. Union St. at the Our Lady of Lorreto Catholic Church courtyard. The parade will start at 5 p.m. and will go westward from Union to Beverly, and will eventually end up at the FCC/FACLA compound at 1740 W. Temple St., Los Angeles, CA 90026. The HFNC is calling for volunteers who will serve as security, ushers, for registration and monitors for the parade. To volunteer, please call Art at (213)318-9065.

For more information, please contact Cecile at (213) 503-8176.

Pasko Na Naman in Glendale, CA

Third Preference

Second Preference

Calendar of Events across

D EC E M B E R 2

Married sons and daughters of US Citizens.

Advanced Degree (Masters)

THE UPS AND DOWNS, AND THE BITTERSWEET ENDING OF A SPECIAL CASE ABOUT A SPECIAL SON WHO HAD AUTISM ON THIS SUNDAY’S CITIZEN PINOY! When Norma immigrated to the U.S., she had to leave behind their autistic son, Michael because he aged out. The separation broke her heart.

Norma and husband Joy (left) went to three other attorneys who were unable to deliver results, until they decided to retain leading U.S. immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel, who was finally able to bring Michael to the U.S., to be reunited with his parents.

Watch the heartfelt journey of Michael and his family that led to a pleasant reunion, but with a painful ending, on a brand-new episode of CITIZEN PINOY – on Sunday at 6:15 pm (PST) on TFC.

Historic Filipinotown parol parade and festival in Los Angeles

(2A) Spouse and minor children (below November 1, 21 years old) of green 2016 card holder

LABOR CERTIFICATION:

The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY D EC E M B E R 1 , 20 1 7

who are frustrated, anxious, and lonely for their family, and are just about to give up hope and go back. But you have to think about what life would be like two weeks after you return, when all the hugging and crying are over.

In addition, maybe there will be changes in U.S. immigration law that could benefit you.

Or perhaps, there could be a way NOW by which you could legalize your status, but you may not be aware of the particular immigration benefit to which you may be entitled. Before giving up and going back, at least seek the advice of an attorney who can evaluate your situation, and see if there are options available to you, or you can pray harder for changes in law after the election. ***

much has changed, and how much everyone has missed each other over the years. The person could not be happier. It is like a dream come true.

When they wake up the following morning, they’re still in a blissful dream, being reunited once again with their family. They want to get together with their family and hug and cry some more. But the family is already used to being in the Philippines, so their family has already cried themselves out the previous night, and life is back to normal for them.

Eventually, because the bills still need to be paid, the family may start reminding the person that they now need to find work elsewhere as soon as possible because, after all, the person had been sending money all these years for rice, food, clothing, and education of their children.

Those expenses still exist. But there may be no work available in the Philippines. And so, they may find themselves going off to Dubai, Qatar, KSA, or Europe, as an overseas worker, so they can find new work, to keep the steady stream of remittance to their family. But they are again separated from their family, and instead of being in the U.S., they are now in some other foreign country. In addition, by leaving the U.S., they may now be barred from returning for at least 10 years, because of the 3\10 year bar.

My point is that I know there are so many Filipinos in the US

FAMILY CATEGORY:

3

An Asian Journal Magazine

Visa Issuance Date

The Federation of Filipino Rosary Groups will sponsor a fundraiser entitled “Pasko Na Naman 2” on Saturday, December 2 at the Glendale Civic Auditorium (1401 N. Verdugo Road, Glendale, CA 91208) starting at 4 p.m. The presentation’s theme is Salo-salo at Pagdiriwang” which means “getting together joyfully.” The show will provide a glimpse on how Filipinos celebrate Christmas in the Philippines, which will be depicted through choral singing and folk dancing. The performers are Malaya Filipino American Dance Arts, St. Lorenzo Ruiz Parish Choir, Monique Magpayo and Kurt Winterhalter. Benefactors of proceeds include but are not limited to: Channel of Charity, Filipino Priests Association of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, feeding programs and FFRG faith formation events. Come one! Come All! Feel the scents and sights of Filipino Christmas. The audience will also enjoy “merienda cena” during the intermission. Ticket donation is $45.00 per person. For souvenir ad and ticket information, please contact Tess Domingo at (909) 855-2208 or Carol Evangelista at (909) 969-3316.

Free oil filter exchange in Alhambra, CA Current

Current

August 1, 2016 January 15, 2016 August 1, 2016 January 15, 2016

The curious case of Stephen C. Davis Part 2 of 2

A ghost story “...he was no more than a lonely soul whose young life was cut down so suddenly and so tragically one dark moonless night...” well-known Filipino writer who also happened to be the elder sister of a good friend from St. Scholastica’s College, the kind and gentle Chona Santa Romana, who incidentally and sadly, I learned much later, was herself a tragic victim of murder and domestic foul play, sometime in the late eighties. I had left the country for America by then and lost touch.

I do remember that during

the interview for the article I have had to be careful in how the story is presented because I was living, working and studying in an academic environment, which by default should place reason and scientific explanation on everything that happens in the world. Paranormal phenomenon is an entirely different ball of wax that Continued on Page 7

Attention all Alhambra residents! Free oil filter & motor oil recycling event on Saturday, December 2! Everyone is invited to bring in their used motor oil and used oil filters. All those who recycle their used oil filter will receive one FREE new oil filter. Recycling motor oil and filters helps save our environment and keeps our water clean. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at AutoZone located at 1100 W. Commonwealth Ave., Alhambra, CA 91803.

6th annual grand reunion of the UPHPEIS Alumni Association of North America in Whittier, CA Join the 6th Annual Grand Reunion of the UPHPEIS Alumni Association of North America on Saturday, December 2. UP High, UP Prep, Elementary and Integrated School alumni are welcome. The reunion will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at DoubleTree by Hilton Whittier (7320 Greenleaf Ave, Whittier, CA 90602). Tickets cost only $60 per person. Registration starts at 10:30 a.m. Come early! There will be a buffet lunch and entertainment. Seating is limited, so make your reservations now! Contacts: Alice Cabel-Ramos (aramos.us@gmail. com), Bobby Canseco (562-607-8839) or Ellery Atienza (323-497-3492). Find the association on Facebook by searching UPHPEIS Alumni Association of North America.

D EC E M B E R 27-29

Ateneo de Naga High School Class ’67 celebrates 50th anniversary in Naga City The Ateneo de Naga University (ADNU) High School Class 1967 is celebrating its 50th Anniversary in 2017 from December 27 to 29 with various activities lined up for its 153 alumni members. (ADNU is a leading Jesuit university in the Bicol region located in Naga City, Camarines Sur, Philippines). The activities include the publication of its 50thAnniversary Yearbook, a coffee table book which features the individual life stories of the class members after high school, tributes to their mentors, and various articles about school life in the 1960s. Also scheduled for the middle of the year is a golf tournament which — aside from fostering camaraderie — will essentially be a fund-raising activity for planned alumni projects such as a medical mission to a remote provincial town, scholarships, and donations for other worthy causes. This year’s reunion will be at the ADNU main campus in Naga City with various fun and commemorative activities lined up for the occasion. All batch members, wherever they are domiciled, including those residing in foreign countries, especially those in the USA and Canada, are enjoined to contribute their life story articles for the anniversary book as soon as possible, to participate in the various identified activities and outreach projects, and attend the grand homecoming in December. For coordination and for details about the events and activities, please email or call up any of the following batch members: Jojo de Jesus (email: jvdejesus6@yahoo.com; cell: 09772114750); Nilo Ezequiel (email: nilo. ezequiel0977@gmail.com; cell: 09257200926; Antonio Sibulo, MD (email: assjrmd@gmail. com).

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

An Asian Journal Magazine

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The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY d Ec E m b E R 1 , 20 1 7

On the PEP Front

People, Events, Places

Dr. Ime Cruz-Banting: Living ecstatically a medical and musical life

BoBBy T. yalong MusIc is therapy. It moves people…soothes pain and longing.

It can boost memory and sets mood.

Its healing power is as effectual as the curative control of a medical dosage.

For hopeless romantics there’s but a thin line dividing Music and Medicine for both, no matter how diverse their specific range of knowledge, there’s still a peculiar universality of emotion that connects and justifies their relative status.

This far-fetched set-up threw Angat, Bulacan-born Imelda cruz, second among the three children of Rodrigo, a dentist, and sotera, a teacher, into a mind-boggling situation when she was pressured with an unsolicited advice from her parents to pursue a medical course than enroll at a conservatory of music.

“I was devastated at first since my childhood dream was really to be a singer-composer…but my parents firmly persuaded me to be in the practical side. There was no way that I could disobey them and so I followed the right track to becoming a doctor. From the university of santo Tomas I got my BsPT degree (Bachelor of science in Physical Therapy) in 1986, my Medicine proper at the Pamantasan ng Maynila, and later my post graduation from Ospital Ng Maynila,” Doc Ime elucidated with intense clarity.

“But my love for music persisted relentlessly and its blaze was kept burning within,” the petite sagittarian (born December 5) appended. “My limitless passion for music saw its materialization through performances in between school breaks and social events and that for me was fair enough.”

It was in New York where she did her four-year residency training to become a specialist in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation from the New York Medical college. currently, Doc Ime is a Fellow, American Academy of Physical

EMPLOYMENT

Photo courtesy of the Miss Universe Organization

PH takes pride in Rachel...

From Page 2 chairman Stella Marquez Araneta issued the organization’s Doc Ime feels great amid her music and Dr. Ime Cruz Banting...certified singer The lady doctor is undoubtedly passionately congratulatory statement on medical practice performer fashionable Facebook, lauding Peters “for Medicine and Rehab, a Licensed connection. her phenomenal representation Physical Therapist, and a Physician “It wasn’t actually a love-atof the country in this year’s Miss certified to use acupuncture. Her first-sight thing but there was Universe pageant.” private practice enables her to do something compelling during “The Universe is livelier with Physical Therapy, Acupuncture, our initial meeting…I don’t know you as a shining star. More than Electrodiagnostic services, Balance but until now I couldn’t believe your poise and beauty, you are Rehab, videonystagraphy, and it happened,” Doc Ime vividly a cut above the rest with your Braces/Prostheses. recalled with a giggly smile. “His grace and elegance that exempli“My parents were right!” This well-mannered stance was simply fies a true woman of substance time her voice took a higher tone. arresting enough laced with his and an inspiring Filipina. We are “Good that I heeded my parents’ innate friendly ways and affable proud to be a part of your jouradvice and I have no regrets. smile that made my heart skipped ney,” Araneta said.

Everything is going well with a beat. There was some sort of Filipino fans and supporters, my career while simultaneously effortless charm in him that I touted as the most avid followers conquering some lost moments couldn’t help but notice.” of the pageant, shared the same of my musical passion. Now I’m “Actually, the feeling was sentiments. enjoying the best of both worlds.” mutual but I just could not execute Doc Ime with hubby Roman Banting New mechanics Lovelife a move just so to show my interest This year saw a new system in They say: “Love comes from in her…it was just our first meeting and reliance until they decided to choosing the first set of finalists unexpected places…” and Doc Ime’s otherwise my intention might be seal it with a marital vow…not only lovelife is somewhat as fascinating labeled wrongly… and beside she or the Top 16. Landing a spot once but twice: a civil wedding on as her career choice having was so petite that I mistook her for a May 5, 1993 and a church ceremony were four candidates from three unexpectedly met her prospective high-schooler,” Roman, who was just on December 17, 1995. geographical groups, while the life partner at her own birthday sipping his coffee, butted in upon remaining four (regardless of Their conjugal union was party in 1986. Roman Banting, a hearing what Doc Ime had revealed. blessed with two adorably geographical representation) dashing but almost taciturn guy He gently wiped his lips after a intellectually-gifted children: 20-year were chosen as “wild cards.” from Marikina, gamely tagged sip and continued with a tone of old college student Rodlyn Mae From Africa and Asia-Pacific, along with one of Doc Ime’s invited seriousness. “I knew right there and majoring in English and Rico-Ian the finalists were Thailand, Sri friends. That evening could have then that I had found the woman who’s currently a high school Lanka, Ghana and South Africa; been just like any ordinary birthday who embodied my ideal girl,” he freshman. from Europe, Spain, Ireland, Crocelebration but unpredictably made shared, to which Doc Ime reacted Getting to know Doc Imee atia and Great Britain, and finally special by their credulous meeting. coyly with a mischievous wink. better from the Americas were ColomAn instantaneous association Their reciprocated maiden It’s but fitting and proper bia, USA, Brazil and Canada. indicated a serendipitous whirlwind encounter led to a romantic that our readers get to know Doc Peters was chosen as one of affair while every music seemed togetherness blissfully spent while Ime better for she’s much more the wild cards along with Venezuto set the mood to a lingering consistently fortified by mutual trust Continued on Page 6

EMPLOYMENT

SCHOOL

SERVICES

ela, Jamaica and China.

The Top 16 then advanced to the Swimsuit Competition, and the candidates were whittled down to the Top 10 with Venezuela, USA, Canada, South Africa, Spain, Brazil, Colombia, Thailand, Jamaica, and the Philippines.

Peters was unable to take part in the question-and-answer portion, as they were only given out to the Top 5, and again the Top 3.

No clear advocacy As Filipinos began moving on from Peters’ loss at the Miss Universe pageant, some observers were quick to note that as beautiful, graceful and confident the half-British-half Filipino candidate was, she seem to have paled in comparison with the winners in terms of advocacy.

Nel-Peters, who had been held at gunpoint and robbed, took her advocacy for self-defense among women to the pageant, while others talked about championing the deaf, mental health and HIV Awareness among other weighty issues.

The 2017 Miss Universe Pageant was held at The Axis, Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas, the same venue where host Steve Harvey fumbled in announcing Miss Colombia as Miss Universe in 2015, instead of Miss Philippines Pia Wurtzbach.

An Asian Journal Magazine

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The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY DEcEmbER 1, 2017

UPAAA Holds 19th Grand Reunion and Convention

by Johnny

C. Ferrer, UPAA-NJ President

Ph.D.

The University of the Philippines Alumni Association in America (UPAAA), with the University of the Philippines Alumni Association, New Jersey (UPAA-NJ) chapter as co-host, held its biennial 19th Grand Reunion and Convention at the Renaissance Woodbridge Hotel in Iselin, New Jersey with “Renew, Reflect, Rejoice” as its theme on October 26-28, 2017.

Attendees, who came from all over the United States, Canada, Italy and the Philippines, heard UP President Danilo Concepcion, as the keynote speaker, list his goals over his six-year term for the UP system composed of eight (8) universities located in 21 campuses around the country.

He cited faculty development and training programs intended to attract and retain top level professors as a continuing and overarching endeavor. He also laid out maintenance and infrastructure projects together with the funding outlook for these by the Philippines government.

Diliman being the flagship campus will be the beneficiary of the initial set of projects.

Among his major goals is the establishment of an additional Philippines General Hospital facility in Diliman together with a Medical School that will also offer other health-related education. The burned Faculty Center will be rebuilt and the main library rehabilitated and refurbished.

A guiding principle espoused

by President Concepcion is the preservation of trees and the aesthetics of the surrounding areas whenever and wherever buildings are erected on campus. He plans to enhance the existing lagoon as well as develop a new lagoon with encircling walkways that will serve as a promenade for the UP Diliman campus community. These goals all require government funding and he has garnered support for these plans from different senators and other government agencies.

Consul General Theresa Dizon-De Vega of the Philippine Consulate General in New York, introduced President Concepcion but before doing so related her UP education, journey and experience. She highlighted statistics that showed the predominant representation of UP alumni among accomplished Filipinos in government, businesses, media, arts, medicine, law, literature, science, engineering and technology. Ms. Nelsie Parrado, UPAAA President, delivered the welcome remarks.

Other guest speakers from the Philippines included Atty.

Ramon Maronilla, UPAA President, and Mr. Max Ventura,

(L-R) Johnny Ferrer, UPAANJ President; Odie Ferrer, Mrs. Gabby Concepcion, Nelsie Parrado, President, UPAAA; 21st UP President Danilo Concepcion; Lita Pena, Trustee HTFI, Atty. Ramon Maronilla, UPAA President; Mrs. Rebecca Fong Contributed Photos Maronilla; Ludy Corrales, President, Kayumanggi Chorale.

President and CEO of PhilAm Life Foundation. Atty. Maronilla talked about the important role that alumni groups as well as individual alumni in contributing to the growth and development of UP. Mr. Ventura cited the value of social conscience (“doing well while doing good”) in uplifting the status of the less fortunate Filipinos particularly after natural events such as storms or earthquakes wreak their havoc. Fr. Gregory Gaston, Rector of Collegio Filippino in Rome, related his journey from being a UP medical student into the priesthood and discussed finding spiritual balance in our lives. Mr. Michael Dadap, Artistic and Music Director of the Children’s Orchestra Society and a renowned Filipino guitarist, presented the benefit that music and arts in general bring to the improvement of our society. He was then joined by some members of the Philippine Chamber Rondalla in a musical number.

Several accomplished UP alumni shared their respective expertise and perspective spanning various topics of interest including millennials, aging, lifestyle enhancement, history of UPAAA and UPMASA (UP Medical Alumni Society in America), balancing career and family, alle-

The registration crew headed by Zenaida Mendoza Sarmiento.

viating stress. Ms. Marivic Acosta, a UP alumna and currently Managing Director of International Sales at Megaworld International Corp., a major sponsor of the convention, spoke about investment opportunities in the Philippines.

Jubilarians were acknowledged and recognized on the Friday Fellowship Night and were given UP medallions during the event. Among the numbers that entertained the audience were

a Hawaiian hula dance by a UP 1967 group of women, a “black and white” optical dance rendition by six women from UPAA-NJ dancing to Meghan Trainor’s “All About That Bass” and an ensemble rendition by the Philippine Chamber Rondalla and the UP Alumni and Friends Rondalla along with Mike Dadap.

The culminating event of the Convention was a well-attended Saturday Gala Night, a formal affair, during which Distinguished Alumni awards were given to individuals and groups who have demonstrated outstanding accomplishments in various fields of endeavor as judged by an awards committee based on information contained in nomination forms submitted by alumni.

President Concepcion handed out the citation certificates and draped “UP sablays” on each awardee. Musical numbers by two awardees, Dr. Roy Coloma and Ms. Aida Gamboa provided the evening’s entertainment.

A welcome reception on the first evening of the convention featured karaoke singing whereas both the Fellowship Night and Gala Night events had dancing to DJ music.

Prizes offered by the major sponsors of the convention that were raffled included a roundtrip ticket for one to the Philippines from Philippine Airlines, a free three-day stay for two at a Megaworld facility in the Philippines from Megaworld International Corp., and 10 free Balik-

Atty. Ramon Maronilla, President Danilo Concepcion, Dr. Emman Lat, and the late Dr. Mars Custodio.

(Seated, L-R) Atty. Gabby Concepcion, UP President Danilo Concepcion, UPAAA President Nelsie Parrado (Standing, L-R) Ana Parcon, Dr. Jun David, Mr. Parcon, and Dr. Francis Sy.

UP Alumnus Joe Santos (far right) with the 21st UP President, Danilo “ Danicon “ Concepcion & his lovely wife Atty. Gabby Concepcion & UP Alumni Regent Atty. Ramon & Becky Maronilla & Kellie Sabas @ UP Alumni Association of America’s Spectacular Gala Night @ Renaissance Woodbridge Hotel, Iselin, NJ.

Father Greg Gaston, Rector of the Pontifico Filipino in Rome, Italy artist Lenore Lim, both are Distinguished Alumni Awardees.

bayan shipping from LBC. Two UP alumni artists donated their paintings that were also raffled, two from the late Dr. Mars Custodio and one from Ms. Lenore Lim. Election of a new set of UPAAA Executive Board officers was held during the convention.

Ms. Nelsie Parrado (NJ) was re-elected to another two-year term as President. Installation of the new officers was conducted

by President Concepcion. Other elected and appointed members of the UPAAA Executive Board were: Vice Presidents for the East, Midwest, South and West – Ludy Corrales (NJ), Zenaida M. Sarmiento (IL), Emma Aquino (TN), and Zenaida Ply (CA) , respectively; Secretary, Dr. Jovenia Celo (NJ); Assistant Secretary Norie Catiis (NJ); Treasurer, Gary Camacho (NJ); Assistant Treasurer, Ana Parcon (NV); Auditor, Cristy Colmenar (CA); PRO, Kellie Sabas (CA); Assistant PRO, Joe Garbanzos (CA); Historian, Luz Sapin Micabalo (NV); Parliamentarian, Lou Tancinco (CA); Liaison Officers - East, Dr. Jun David (NY); Dr. Johnny Ferrer (NJ); Midwest, Dr. Romy Aquino (MI); Roy Coloma (MI) ; South, Dr. Menchee Fulgado (FL); West, Dr. Juanita Nacu (CA); Daisy Rodriguez (CA).

The next biennial Grand Reunion and Convention will be in 2019. An announcement will be made as soon as plans are finalized.

Atty. Gabby Concepcion with Mr. Danilo Concepcion.

Diamond, Ruby and Coral Jubilarians were among those acknowledged and recognized on Fellowship Night of the 19th UPAAA Grand Reunion and Convention held in Iselin, New Jersey.

Consul General Tess Dizon De Vega was awarded the Distinguished Alumni Award in Leadership and Good Governance. Also in photo are the UP AVP for Alumni Relations and Nelsie T. Parrado.

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An Asian Journal Magazine

The anatomy of Mocha Uson’s ‘popularity’

The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY D Ec E m b E R 1 , 20 1 7

Health@Heart PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS LAST week, we took our readers in a journey back to year 1628, almost 400 years ago, when blood circulation, as we know it today, was “discovered,” understood, and accepted by medical science for the first time.

This fundamental information inspired and led to cascading advances, one after the other, in medicine as a whole, and in cardiovascular medicine and surgery in particular. One discovery enabled the invention of more sophisticated diagnostic and therapeutic measures or procedures. The cutting-edge and state-of-the-art medical and surgical procedures available to patients today were made possible and ushered in by those past proven concepts and evidencebased discoveries.

The first right heart angiography in human was done in 1929 by Werner Forssmann on himself. He was derided as crazy but was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1956, which he shared with Andre Cournand and Dickinson Richards, who introduced diagnostic cardiac catheterization in the early 1940s.

Selective coronary angiography, which is used today worldwide to diagnose coronary artery disease (which causes heart attack), was introduced by Mason Sones of the Cleveland Clinic in the 1960s.

Rene Favaloro of Argentina, also on the staff at the Cleveland Clinic, pioneered in the technique of coronary bypass surgery in the early 60s, which is used today with refinements.

In 1962, autogenous saphenous vein grafts were used for coronary bypass by D. Sabiston.

The first reported use of Internal Mammary Artery (from behind the breast bone) as coronary grafts was performed by R. Goetz in 1960 using sutureless technique. Four years later, V. Kolessov did the first sutured IMA as coronary bypass grafts. IMA grafts are superior to veins grafts.

It was not until the early 70s that the full impact of Forssmann discovery was realized when

History: cardiac surgery

(Part 2 - conclusion) the trend for most surgeries. The Marcus De Wood, M.D., of widespread use in the industrial Spokane, Washington, used arena is far ahead compared coronary angiography to search to that in surgery for obvious for blockages in the coronary reasons. artery. As late as that time, the About 400,000 coronary accepted concept was that heart artery bypass graft surgeries attacks were “merely the last gasp (CABG) are performed annually of a dying heart,” a gloomy and in the U. S. The past decade has hopeless situation that could not seen about 30 percent decrease be treated or altered or improved. in CABG operations because of His concept and research were the minimally invasive option ostracized and derided. In 1980, called coronary angioplasty and De Wood was able to prove by stenting. Around 700,000 coronary angiography his theory that virtually in every heart attack there angioplasties and more than 1,700 robotic cardiac surgeries are done was a clot blocking the artery. annually in the U.S. alone.

This was a revolutionary change TAVR: Hope for the rejected in cardiology which has led to the Another more recent advance modern clot-dissolving therapy in cardiac surgery is Transcatheter to prevent a full-blown heart Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) attack and save heart muscles and or Implantation (TAVI), which was save lives. This has dramatically first performed by Cribier and improved survival from heart associates on April 16, 2002. This is attack. a much less invasive procedure to Angioplasty opens new replace a severely diseased aortic horizons valve (with no chest incision) In 1977, the first angioplasty among old, high-risk patients was performed by Andreas with other major illnesses, who Gruentzig, M.D., of Zurich, were, before TAVR was developed, Switzerland, to “open up” a deemed inoperable and hopeless. tight blockage in a coronary The past half a century artery. This was improved on by brought us life-saving knowledge the invention of “stent” (a tiny and discoveries in cardiovascular mesh tube of coiled spring, like medicine and surgery. Since then, car shock absorbers) to keep the mortality rate from coronary the angioplastied artery from heart disease, among other re-collapsing and re-closing. The illnesses, has coasted down in stainless steel stents were then improved on with the introduction a steep plunge, from its record peak in the early 1960s. People of drug-coated stents that keep today are healthier and live longer the angioplastied artery patent — thanks to all the dreamers, (open) much longer. explorers, and brilliant minds in Robotic heart surgery the various sectors of sciences and In May 1998, the first coronary technologies. With the mindbypass using the da Vinci robot boggling advances in computers, was performed with a miniit is apparent that the best is yet chest incision. A year later, the to come. first totally endoscopic da Vinci No one discovery or invention robotic coronary bypass surgery could be awarded all the credit was accomplished with no chest for improving the standard of incision, except for small holes, care. Most of the new innovations through which instruments were have built upon, and improved inserted and manipulated. With on the ones before them. Each the more sophisticated da Vinci technology – from computer robots today, cardiac surgery science to medical science – has and other specialty surgeries are made possible the development routinely performed. of better, safer, and more effective There are at least 21 industrial diagnostic procedures and/or robotic firms and 11 surgical therapies. robotic companies in the “Insanity and audacity” United States. Robotic surgery Many of the great minds in is a standard part of the surgical medicine who dared to espouse residency training today. It is evident that the use of robots is Continued on Page 7

By Monet

Lu

After much thought and her staggering ‘virality,’ I have decided to put into writing the curiosity that’s been building up in me regarding this entertainerturned-blogger-turned-government official Margaux ‘Mocha’ Uson. Yes, friends, it has come to this: that I dedicate a column for the purpose of analyzing what the fuss is and why this woman is gaining popularity — for contradictory reasons.

I do not know Uson personally but my newsfeed is filled with news about her – some good but most of it are not-sogood, all the while leading to my ultimate question: who is Mocha Uson?

As I mentioned earlier, I’ve read that she was an entertainer (she also did a few movies) who became a blogger and has about 5.4 million followers on facebook, then became a government official specifically the appointed assistant secretary of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO).

Apparently, the ‘giant leap’ from her former career to her present role was met with much controversy not only because of her reputation as a former ‘sexy star’ but because of her relentless devotion to President rodrigo Duterte during his presidential campaign – which some said was the reason why she was appointed in the first place. there were also allegations that she has been spreading false information and that did not sit well with the mass majority. Another reason she is drawing flak is because of her blog, which they say, “glorifies President Duterte and sends the message that the President can do no wrong.”

But before we dig deep into whether these observations are factual or not, I wanted to allocate some writing space for these information I’ve put together about Mocha Uson.

Born Margaux Justiniano Uson on May 17, 1982 in Dagupan City, Pangasinan, she is known professionally as Mocha Uson or by her stage name Mocha. She is a filipino singer, dancer, model, blogger best known as the lead vocalist of the Mocha Girls. Her mother, estrellita Uson, was a pediatrician in Dagupan. In 2010, her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer but is now cancer-free after undergoing treatment.

Uson first gained popularity as the leader of the Mocha Girls, an all-female dance group. they have released a couple of albums and performed in various venues throughout the Philip-

Mocha Uson

pines, United States, Dubai, and Guam.

She also had a series of online videos giving sex tips.

She once stirred controversy for the ways she showed her support in causes like breast cancer awareness and the passage of the then-reproductive Health Bill.

Uson started as a solo singer-dancer blogger performing in bars around Metro Manila.

She was popular for her sexy image & on-stage antics, which included lap dances. for a time, she served as the lead vocalist of the rock band Mocha With Spin Art. Unbeknownst to most people, Uson earned a degree in medical technology from the University of Santo tomas, she then attended medical school in the same university for two years before dropping out to pursue a career in the music industry. She attended the Mother Goose Special School System for her elementary and high school education.

Uson maintained a blog which made her one of the most widely read commentators in the Philippines. She uses her blog to provide commentary and advice on sex-related issues and to host online video chats. the blog has over 20 million hits as of June 2016.

During the 2016 Philippine presidential elections, Mocha’s blog posts started to focus on politics. Her facebook page, MOCHA USON BLOG, contained posts actively supporting President rodrigo Duterte and his anti-drug campaign. the blog also criticizes the Philippines’ top newsgroups - ABS-CBN, GMA Network, the Philippine Daily Inquirer, and rappler which she has labeled as “Presstitutes” — a portmanteau of press and prostitute. She has also criticized Vice President Leni robredo, Senators Leila de Lima and Antonio trillanes, and the Liberal Party.

One of the reasons behind Mocha’s support for Duterte, whom she believes would end criminality in the country, was the failure of justice in the as-

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From Page 2 sasabihan ko ng “I love you.” What turns you off?’Yung walang faith in God. 8. Ronnie Alonte, 21 (Oct. 26, 1996), #PassionateActor (5’10”, 180 lbs.): What are you looking for in a girl? Simple lang. Maganda, mabait at maka-Diyos. Higit sa lahat, ‘yung kaya akong mahalin ng totoo. What turns you off? ’Yung may bisyo. What kind of boyfriend are you? Responsible, mabait at mapagmahal.What’s your favorite movie? Zombieland. What’s your favorite food? Maling. What scares you the most? Ipis.

9. Tom Doromal, 21 (Nov. 28, 1996), #DavaoCutie (5’8”, 152 lbs.): How would you describe an ideal girl? Spontaneous. Parang kung saan lang kami dalhin ng mga paa namin. What turns you off?

Pag mahal ko, wala siguro. How many times have you fallen in love? Three times. Do you believe in second chances? Yes, kasi kahit

ako, I was given a second chance.

10. Mccoy de Leon, 22 (Feb. 20, 1995), #BoyNextDoor (5’6”, 143 lbs.): How would you describe an ideal date? Sa simbahan.

Your ideal girl? Basta masayang kasama, kuntento na ako d’un.

What turns you off? Hindi mapagmahal sa pamilya at hindi maka-Diyos. Your favorite movie?

Pursuit of Happyness. Your favorite food? Tocino. One funny incident from your childhood? Maagang

than what meets the eyes. She’s literally “a huge surprise in a small package” kind of personality: full of wit, amiable with a munificent heart, and a multi-faceted woman unbounded by her varied activities in the medical and musical fields.

Asian Journal (AJ): What was your childhood like?

Imelda Cruz-Banting (ICB): Just like any ordinary young girl with a supportive and happy family. I grew up in Bulacan and stayed in Tondo, Manila when I had to go to high school. I was probably born with music for my twin. I could skip my meal but not strumming my guitar or playing the piano. Despite my profound fondness with music (I was an active choir member) I never

sassination of her father, Judge Oscar Uson.

On May 8, 2017, Uson’s fearless attack on President Duterte’s detractors and her unyielding campaign for President rodrigo Duterte paid off. the president later on appointed Uson as assistant secretary of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), handling the social media department of the PCOO. Before taking on the PCOO post, she was a board member of the Movie and television review and Classification Board (MtrCB). Her term at the censor’s board started in January 2017 and was supposed to end on September 30, 2017.

Sometime in March, Mocha Uson’s twitter account got suspended. According to twitter, the common reasons for suspending an account include spam, account security is at risk or abusive tweets or behavior from the user. After the suspension, hashtag #MochaUsonIsOverParty became the top trending topic in the Philippines.

She went live after to criticize supporters of the Liberal Party, who she claimed was responsible for reporting her account.

Her account went back immediately in the afternoon.

Why the hate the question is rhetorical for some people. for them, “who wouldn’t hate this piece of trash?”

But is she really what they accuse her of? Or are we being too judgmental just because she dresses sexy? Well for some people it has more to do with her blog, which they find disconcerting because its main message is that President Duterte can do no wrong.

As if to add fuel to the fire, her articles contain stories about the president being bullied and maligned for doing his job. She is quick to name names and call out government officials and the media for being “pro-Pnoy” or “Maka-dilaw.” the majority claims that Mocha Uson is the epitome of anti-intellectualism. A netizen Continued on Page 6

pagtigil sa pagtangkad.

11. Jon Lucas, 22 (Aug. 18, 1995), #Directioner (5’9”, 175 lbs.): What are you looking for in a girl? ’Yung may takot sa Diyos, may respeto sa akin at sa mga magulang ko. May disiplina, atmapagkakatiwalaan. What turns you off? ’Yung palasagot sa mga magulang. What kind of boyfriend are you? Maraming hindi maniniwala dahil sa first impression ng iba sa akin, pero loyal talaga ako, guys! Promise, honest talaga ako.

Jon Lucas, Mccoy de Leon, Jameson Blake, Tom Doromal and Nikko Natividad

Dr. Ime Cruz-Banting...

From Page 4

Inquirer.net photo

abandoned my studies (I graduated valedictorian of our class).

AJ: Was there an option before you were counseled to pursue medicine?

ICB: Actually there was none…it was Medicine or nothing.

AJ: What motivated you to write and compose?

ICB: My intense passion for music…it’s my emotional expression… an outlet of my mood.

AJ: What was your first ever composition?

ICB: That would be “Friendzone” which has two versions: one pop and the other, standard.

AJ: What are your sources of inspiration?

ICB: Earlier my children’s poetry gave me the idea to compose music.

After reading my daughter’s “I Was Made For Loving You” and my son’s “Pouring” motivated me to apply notes on their lyrics. With the help of singer-composer Archie D, the songs came out in two versions; acoustic and jazzy. Then human situations and conditions that touched my heart would ignite the fading ember and awaken the passion within me.

AJ: How long does it take you to write and compose?

ICB: It depends…but when I’m inspired, it takes only 15 to 20 minutes because my mood was already conditioned.

AJ: You said, you’re inspired by human situations or conditions, what have you composed about them?

ICB:I have a nephew with severe autism that urged me to compose “Talk To Us,” for a PT friend with ESRD Continued on Page 7

Alden’s quietly helpful heart

By Lhar

Santiago ManilaTimes.net

“BUT when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.”

- Matthew 6:3 Alden Richards has anchored his Christian duties on the Bible verse above for indeed, very few people know that the popular actor does regular charity work away from prying cameras and sans the usual celebrity fanfare.

Showbuzz is one of the few friends whom Alden has allowed to join him every so often when he quietly makes donations to children’s charities, mounts feedings in indigent communities, or visits the elderly in homes.

He becomes all the more generous whenever a new blessing comes to his career.

Hesitant to talk about this side of his life, Showbuzz insisted the actor give a little peek into charity work in the hopes of inspiring others to do the same.

“I’ve been given a lot these past few years and I have more than enough for myself, so I’ve always thought, why not give to the needy and make them happy?”

What he discovered, however, is that doing good brings him more happiness that he ever imagined.

“It’s not just the feeling of happiness actually… it’s a feeling of joy,” he corrected himself. “You feel it when you know you have done something good for another person. You see, there was a time when I just kept buying things for myself. I thought I should reward myself with all that because I had been working so hard. But it

From Page 6

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The curious case of Stephen...

Alden Richards

didn’t make me happy—the joy you get is short lived. There’s no fulfillment.

“It’s so unlike helping other people and doing it in secret.

Yung hindi mo pinapa-alam sa iba, that’s where the joy is because you know you’re doing it to help and not for others to admire you.”

Most recently, Alden visited the wounded soldiers from Marawi. He brought them gifts, which he chooses not to reveal.

“I consider spending time with the Marawi soldiers very memorable. It was my honor to be them, who risked their lives for country and defending people they don’t even know. What’s

Dr. Ime Cruz-Banting...

(End-Stage Renal Disease), I did “A Reason Why,” and for somebody suffering from XLDP (X-Linked Dystonic Parkinsonism), I wrote “Twist” due to his involuntary abnormal movement disorder, I have a soft heart for them…I’m straightforwardly touched and moved and these instantly inspired me.

AJ: What was your first ever public performance as a

An Asian Journal Magazine

From Page 3 supposedly rational beings do not normally subscribe to, something that would raise skeptical brows.

Yet I have found that life is not entirely rational, a lot of things don’t make sense and we have only begun to chip away at the great mysteries of life that lay before us. I am thus convinced that quite possibly, I am just one of the multitudes the world over who believe that there are things in the universe that are far beyond the scope of reason and known science to explain and things that are far beyond human intelligence to comprehend fully.

Quite plainly, there are things in this world that cannot be defined, completely understood and pegged in a nice, neat box. The curious case of this murdered American soldier reaching out from the grave is GMA photo probably one of them.

As a postcript decades later, unfortunate is that many of us don’t know about their hardships,” Lacaba updated the account by verifying the information about shared Alden.

Stephen Davies with the American Without seeking anything Battle Monuments Commission in return when he goes about (http: //www.abmc.gov/search/ sharing his blessings, Alden detailwwnew.php). Something may is humbled by the fact that have been lost in the spelling and something always comes his way translation during the sessions, for all the same. In fact, shortly after there were two entries for Stephen visiting with soldiers, Showbuzz Davis (there was no e though in the Davis) — one was Stephen E. Davis, did this interview at Alden’s a US Air Force officer who was killed endorsement shoot for Cookie’s in Hawaii and whose remains were Peanut Butter. never recovered and a Stephen “This endorsement has a very C. Davis. The latter was listed as special place in my heart because Seaman, First Class, U.S. Navy, with the owners are my friends. They Service # 3759920 and that he had used to give me jars of peanut entered the service in California. butter as gifts and they’ve now The approximate date of death that they’re expanding, I’m just so was December 15, 1945 in Manila, happy to be their endorser.”

Philippines.

Mission in the Philippines where my group visited orphanages, School for the Deaf & Mute, and other less-privileged communities professional singer?

ICB: It was a fundraising concert in Mindanao. We deliver pain medications, administer injections, at D’Haven to benefit a progeria train the youth how to apply patient where I first delivered first-aid, and orient them about “Rochelle,” a song I composed and the importance of tree-planting. I dedicated to her.

AJ: Aside from your fundraising also contribute to the Angel Rising projects, what are your advocacies? Magazine, an internet Women’s Magazine.

ICB: In 2013 I joined IllinoisAJ: At this point and time, based Project Michelangelo are there still things you want to Foundation spearheaded by Jojo accomplish?

Sayson where I met Rochelle.

ICB: There are still a lot but Every year I do Mini-pain Clinical

at the moment, concerning my medical career, I want to write about the latest studies and available treatments on certain physical disabilities and diseases, and for my music, I may sound ambitious but I like to write and compose more songs, perform on the international stage, and be known all over the world.

AJ: Given a choice, what is your priority?

ICB: My being a doctor, of course! Singing gives me a different kind of fulfillment but an effective

strangers who would gladly take turns putting their hands around his poltergeist neck and choking him, if they could, for scaring them half to death while using the rest rooms.

The ghost simply wanted to call attention to his plight, to being stuck in limbo or trapped in a dimension that defies time and space. Scaring mortals was one heck of a way to do it.

If you remember the movie “Ghost” there was one such paranormal being who was practically forced into mentoring Patrick Swayze’s character in the ways of poltergeists. The movie character is a disembodied soul trapped in one dimension. He inhabited a New York subway because he was pushed on the path of a train and died. He was stuck and could not cross over to the other side because his time had not yet come. So he spends his time morosely bent on mischief scaring the living daylights out of subway commuters.

Because his approximate death anniversary is supposedly December 15, Stephen C. Davis is again reaching out from the grave one more time from another century, so that he may be remembered and included in prayers just once more until he reaches final closure and eternal rest. Do pray for him if you can.

If Stephen Davis’s story holds up, it is clear that to be forgotten as though one’s life didn’t matter is indeed tragic. ***

Davis earned a Purple Heart Award posthumously. Just like the other Davis in Hawaii, there were no remains recovered. The name of Stephen C. Davis is inscribed in one of the hemicycles on the west side in the American Cemetery near Forbes Park and what used to be Fort Bonifacio, a military camp sold to private real estate developers during the nineteen nineties and now known as The Fort in Global City.

There is absolutely no way to verify every minute detail of this cold murder case unless one is a tenacious private investigator with the mixed pedigree of a bloodhound and a bulldog. One thing that comes across clearly, at least to me, is that the ghost of Stephen C. Davis, whether real or conjured by hypnotic suggestion, didn’t seem to be obsessed with vengeance or justice although he did seem knowledgeable about his killer’s whereabouts. Underneath the bone-chilling poltergeist tactics his restless soul employed to reach out from beyond the grave, he was no more than a lonely soul whose young life was cut down so suddenly and so tragically one dark moonless night. Stuck in a nebulous, nether world between the living and the world beyond, nothing seemed to be as important to this murdered American soldier as being remembered. It didn’t matter even if the remembrance is by a motley crew of curious, total strangers.

With a sigh of relief over the realization that the spirit was neither malevolent nor malicious, Stephen C. Davis would probably have to deal with an incensed group of total

Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.com

and successful medical treatment gives me a different kind of high.

They’re both gratifying for I feel pleasurable joy from my clinical job and performing especially songs with medical theme.

AJ: By the way, what is Roman into?

ICB: He’s a numismatist for almost 2 decades now. It’s a rare occupation to be into but he’s doing good.

AJ: What advise can you give someone who is passionately torn between music and medicine?

ICB: Both could be expensive

but take it from me…take Medicine first and when you’re financially stable, you can lean towards Music…and you won’t regret!

In conclusion, after hearing Doc Ime Cruz-Banting’s personal point of view, I want to believe Kanye West when he said: “My music isn’t just music…it’s medicine!” Similarly, Red Averback quoted: “Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.”

For comments and suggestions, please email to: gemini0646@yahoo.com.

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