120118 - Los Angeles Weekend Edition

DECEMBER 1-4, 2018 Volume 28 - No. 95 • 4 Sections – 30 Pages

Malacañang: Duterte’s ‘death squad’ Fil-Am Democrat TJ Cox idea doesn’t violate due process declares victory in DATELINE

USA

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

California House race

FILIPINO-American Democrat TJ Cox has defeated three-term Republican incumbent David Valadao to represent California’s 21st Congressional District, giving Democrats its 40th House seat gain this election cycle.

Three weeks following the November 6 midterm elections, the 21st district remained one of the last undecided races in the country, with votes coming in favor for Cox on Monday.

By Wednesday, November 28, Cox pulled ahead with 529 votes in Fresno and Kings counties after having trailed behind Valadao by roughly 4,400 votes on election night. The Kings County Elections Division released final u PAGE A5

President reveals plans to form unit to counter NPAs

by NATHALIE

ROBLES

AJPress

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s plans to establish an armed civilian unit to counter communist rebels would not violate due process, Malacañang said.

Earlier this week, Duterte revealed that the armed unit would be formed to suppress the New People’s Army (NPA) “sparrow”, slang for Special Partisan Units (SPU), which have been blamed for the deaths of former communists and unarmed soldiers.

The Fil-Am Regents scholar was the youngest of the 12 victims

Fil-Am student Alaina Housley was among those killing during a mass shooting at a local bar in Thousand Oaks, California.

Photo courtesy of the Housley family

victims who were killed in

FAMILY, friends and classmates of Borderline Bar shooting victim Alaina Housley mourned her passing on Wednesday, Nov. 28 in a memorial service at Pepperdine University, where the 18-year-old was in her first year.

As previously reported in the Asian Journal, Housley — whose mother is Filipina — was the youngest of 12 a mass shooting on u PAGE A5

Panelo rebutted critics, saying that the government cannot “sit idly and watch” as the rebels “kill with impunity.”

As for fears that it would lead to more violence, the spokesperson said

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Duterte dismisses possibility of nationwide martial law

by NATHALIE

ROBLES

AJPress

PHILIPPINE President Rodrigo Duterte this week dismissed the public’s fears that he would declare martial law nationwide after he ordered the deployment of troops in several areas in the country as a means to contain the insurgency.

“No, I am not going to declare martial law. There’s enough powers of the presidency that I can use. Well, if there is really, it’s widespread violence then maybe.

But I do not need really violence in every corner of the Philippines to say that we are in danger,” Duterte said.

Duterte said that the issuance of Memorandum Order 32 was his way of controlling the “lawless violence Filipino-American Democrat TJ Cox has won the race to represent and acts of terror” prevalent to the Bicol region, Samar, California’s 21st Congressional District.

Contributed photo Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental.

The president claimed that doing so will not instigate nor serve as a “prelude” to martial law as believed by the opposition. He explained such during the media interview after the inauguration of the Bohol-Panglao International Airport.

Borderline shooting victim Alaina Housley laid to rest, honored at memorial

In a press briefing on Thursday, November 29, presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said, “Why are you violating due process? You’re running after criminals. You’re running after people who will assassinate us. You will prevent it from happening.”

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HONORING A FILIPINO HERO. Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea salutes the colors at the Bonifacio National Monument in Caloocan City after leading the wreath-laying ceremony to commemorate the 155th birth anniversary of Gat Andres Bonifacio on Friday, November 30.

Malacañang photo by Alfred Frias

DOJ files tax raps vs Rappler, Ressa Makati court lifts

travel ban on Trillanes

by REINA LEANNE

TOLENTINO ManilaTimes.net

THE Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed cases before the Court of Tax Appeals (CTA) against Rappler Holdings Corp. (RHC) and journalist Maria Ressa.

Ressa is listed as the chief executive officer of RHC. According to the CTA’s website, a case was filed on November 26 for alleged violation of Section 255 of the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC) of 1997 as amended.

Two other cases were filed on November 28 also for alleged violation of Section 255 of the NIRC of 1997 as amended.

Also on November 28, a case was filed against RHC/Maria Ressa for alleged violation of Section 254 of the NIRC of 1997 as amended.

Earlier, in a resolution dated October 20

Maria Ressa

ManilaTimes.net photo

that stemmed from a complaint filed by the Bureau of Internal Revenue, state prosecutors found basis to file cases against RHC and Ressa.

“It is undisputed that respondent RHC

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Court finds cops guilty in slaying of Kian Delos Santos

by AJPRESS THREE Philippine police officers have been found guilty this week for the killing of 17-year-old Kian Loyd Delos Santos in August 2017, considered one of the most high-profile cases associated with President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs.

Police officers Arnel Oares, Jeremias Pereda and Jerwin Cruz were sentenced by the Caloocan Regional Trial Court Branch 125 to reclusion perpetua or up Kian delos Santos was slain on the night of Aug. 16, 2017 during a “One Time, to 40 years in prison with no possibility Big Time” operation of the Caloocan City police. He was tagged by “Nonong” of parole. as a drug runner.

Philstar.com photo by Marc Jayson Cayabyab However, the three were acquitted

of charges of planting illegal drugs and a gun “for failure of the prosecution to prove the guilt beyond reasonable doubts.”

In the 35-page court decision, Judge Rodolfo Azucena Jr. recognized the danger that the police force encounters on a daily basis. He noted that the court greatly acknowledges the trouble that comes with the call of their duty.

“The court commiserates with our policemen who regularly thrust their lives in zones of danger in order to maintain peace and order and acknowledges the apprehension faced by their families

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A LOCAL court on Thursday, November 29 temporarily lifted its travel ban against Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV and allowed him to travel Europe and the U.S. in 2019 despite a pending rebellion case.

In its three-page order, the Makati Regional Trial Court Branch 150 said Trillanes was not a “flight risk” as claimed by the Department of Justice (DOJ) in its opposition to the senator’s request to travel abroad.

Branch 150 Judge Elmo Alameda argued that Trillanes has never attempted to flee criminal jurisdiction pending his cases before two Makati courts over the revocation of his amnesty through President Rodrigo Duterte’s Proclamation 572.

“In fact, he participated in the proceedings through his counsel who argued for [the denial of his arrest and issuance of a travel ban [and] voluntarily went with the arresting police officers to the Makati Police Station where he was [subjected to criminal booking procedures],” Alameda said.

Trillanes, however, was required by the court to post a travel bond in the amount of P200,000, which was not a problem with Alameda who said Trillanes had “always demonstrated” his willingness to abide with the conditions imposed by the court.

“Sen. Trillanes’ past actions

Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV Inquirer.net photo

demonstrated his willingness to abide with the conditions imposed for his provisional liberty specifically his appearance before court when required and do what the court mat require of him,” the judge said.

Alameda also directed the senator to file a Manifestation with a copy of the pages of his passport with the corresponding stamps of the Bureau of Immigration indicating the dates of his departure and return to the country.

The opposition lawmaker, who is out on bail, said he would be travelling to Spain, the Netherlands and United Kingdom from December 11 to January 12 next year on the invitation of various groups.

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From the Front Page

Duterte dismisses possibility of nationwide...

PAGE A1 t Duterte said that as a president, he has the responsibility to do what was “necessary to preserve this nation and to protect the people.” He believed that such is his duty as the country’s leader and it is his “oath of office.”

“So you are wondering what is it? That’s the riddle. Sometimes it’s good to have a riddle,” he

said as reported by The Manila Times.

He said deployment of additional troops was because of the encounters there with communist rebels. The president added that the placing of military forces is needed in order to curb the chaos and reestablish peace in the said areas.

“You place troops where you think that you need added forc-

es. Well I seem to be, I mean I’m — I’m surprised why you are so interested about deployment when I’m supposed to take care of the security of the country,” Duterte said.

“There is a need to reinforce the directive of the president to prevent further loss of innocent lives and destruction of property and bring the country back to a state of complete normalcy as quick as possible,” the president added.

In the same speech, Duterte also issued an order to deploy a division of troops in Jolo, Sulu after five soldiers were killed and 25 others were wounded in a clash with the Abu Sayyaf group.

“There, I will really place one HOUSE DELIGHTS. Families gaze at the ‘House of Lights’ in Policarpio St. in Mandaluyong City, one of several houses bedecked with dazzling ManilaTimes.net photo by Roy Martinez division there. Not only a com- lights. The neighborhood transforms into a magical Christmas village at night, drawing tourists. pany, not only a battalion, not a regiment but I’m going to place an entire division for the islands there towards Sabah,” Duterte said. n PAGE A1 t

Malacañang: Duterte’s ‘death squad’...

Makati court lifts travel...

PAGE A1 t He said he would also be attending events in Washington, DC, Maryland and California from January 27 to February 10.

Trillanes is facing his reopened case of rebellion before Branch 150, which ordered his arrest and granted the DoJ plea to issue a travel ban last September 25.

The Supreme Court ordered Branches 150 and 148 to hear pleadings to determine the factual issues surrounding the senator’s application for amnesty and admission of guilt, which was the basis Proclamation 572 that voided his amnesty ab initio (from the beginning).

Branch 148 Judge Andres Soriano dismissed the case after he ruled on the factual issues in favor of Trillanes, while upholding the legality of the executive proclamation.

Both Trillanes’ coup d’etat and rebellion charges over the 2003 Oakwood Mutiny and 2007 Manila Peninsula Siege were dismissed in 2011 after he was granted amnesty by then-President Benigno Aquino III. (Neil Jayson Servallos/ManilaTimes. net)

that citizens should “I don’t think it will encourage [violence]. In fact, people will be relieved that there is such, if this idea becomes a reality na may mga nagbabantay pala sa amin [laban sa] mga gustong pumatay sa amin. Eh kung ako ang civilian, matutuwa ako (where there will be someone who will protect us from those who want to kill us. If it were me, I would be happy),” Panelo said.

Named the “Duterte Death Squad,” the president said the unit will be composed of troops matching the alleged skill of the NPAs to kill people. They would be deployed to guard transport terminals, eateries and other public places to kill communist rebels.

“I will match their talent in assassinating people. They have firearms, for sure. That’s my plan, what I lack is a sparrow unit. That’s their advantage, so I will create a sparrow. Duterte Death Squad against the sparrow.

There’s no problem. They are the enemies,” Duterte said.

He also repeated his order among the government troops to shoot drug suspects should they feel threatened and if they perceive their lives to be in danger.

However, he noted that he does not want a war among his fellow Filipinos.

“If they resist violently, if you be-

President Rodrigo Duterte talks to troopers during his visit at Camp Rajah Sikatuna in Carmen, Bohol on Tuesday, November 27. Also in the photo are Presidential Adviser for Military Affairs Arthur Tabaquero, Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council Chairperson Eduardo del Rosario and Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana. Malacañang photo by Robinson Niñal Jr.

lieve your life is in danger, shoot.

If you believe in good faith, son of a b****, they will shoot you. If you are behind that animal, shoot him,” the president warned.

Death squads not allowed CHR Commission on Human Rights (CHR) chairman Chito Gascon responded to Duterte’s declaration, noting that protecting people from lawless violence should not be done with violence and should often abide by the established rules of engagement and due

process.

“International humanitarian law requires states to use only regular armed forces under strict military discipline. Thus this strictly prohibits death squads under all circumstances,” Gascon said.

Lawmakers criticize creation of a death squad Senator Panfilo Lacson said that the president knows that it is illegal and unconstitutional to establish troops solely intended to

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DATELINE USA

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 1-4, 2018

A3

After terribly deadly flu season, California aims to track deaths more closely

by HARRIET

BLAIR ROWAN Kaiser Health News

QCPD ACCOMPLISHMENTS. Philippine National Police Director General Oscar Albayalde (center), National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief, Director Guillermo Eleazar (2nd from left), and Quezon City Police District (QCPD) District Director Joselito Esquivel Jr. (2nd from right) present the QCPD Simultaneous Anti-Criminality Law Enforcement Operations (SACLEO) and Oplan Katok accomplishments during the press conference at the 79th Quezon City Police District (QCPD) founding anniversary held at Camp Tomas Karingal in Quezon City on Wednesday, November 28.

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

DOJ files tax raps vs Rappler...

PAGE A1 t

purchased RI (Rappler Inc.) common shares at P1.00 per share and used them as underlying security for the PDRs (Philippine Depositary Receipts) that it sold at a mark-up price,” state prosecutors said in part in the resolution.

“Verily, the foregoing PDR transactions triggered taxable events. For failing to recognize the profit it derived totaling P162,412,783.67, [which represents the difference between the aggregate book value of the underlying stocks [P19,245,975.00] and the total consideration paid for the PDRs [P181,658,758.67],

respondent RHC resultantly committed substantial under-declaration in the pertinent tax returns, tantamount to ‘Willful Attempt to Evade and Defeat Tax’ and ‘Willful Failure to Supply Correct and Accurate Information’…”

The state prosecutors recommended the filing of five informations for four counts of alleged “Willful Failure to Supply Correct and Accurate Information in Tax Returns” under Section 255 of the Tax Code, as amended, “relative to the income tax return and three value-added tax returns (2nd, 3rd and 4th quarters) for tax year 2015” and for one count of alleged “Willful Attempt to Evade

and Defeat Tax” under Section 254 of the Tax Code, as amended, against RHC and Ressa.

Section 254 of the NIRC punishes “Attempt to Evade or Defeat Tax” with a fine not less than P30,000 but not over P100,000 with imprisonment of not less than two years, but not over four years.

Section 255 punishes “Failure to File Return, Supply Correct and Accurate Information, Pay Tax Withhold and Remit Tax and Refund Excess Taxes Withheld as Compensation” with a fine of not less than P10,000 and imprisonment of not less than a year, but not over 10 years. ■

Court finds cops guilty in slaying...

PAGE A1 t whenever they go on duty,” Azucena wrote.

However, he stated that such recognition does not excuse the cops’ disregard for the value of human life. He noted that violence will never be the solution let alone be welcomed in the country.

“But the use of unnecessary force or wanton violence is not justified when the fulfillment of their duty as law enforcers can be effected otherwise. A shoot first, think later attitude can never be countenanced in a civilized society,” Azucena added.

Aside from serving prison time, the three police officers were obligated to compensate Delos Santos’ living family members for damages. The court ordered the cops to pay P100,000 as civil indemnity, P100,000 as moral damages, P45,000 as actual damages

and P100,000 as exemplary damages with interest on all damages hereby awarded at the rate of 6 percent per annum from the finality of the decision until fully paid.

Delos Santos was murdered on the night of August 16 last year.

The Caloocan police force dubbed the raid as a “One Time, Big Time” operation. A certain Renato “Nonong” Loveras tagged Delos Santos as a drug runner. The court issued an arrest warrant for Loveras.

In an earlier statement, Caloocan police claimed that Delos Santos fought back. Closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera footage, however, showed that Delos Santos was dragged by the police officers toward the Tullahan River.

Delos Santos was later found dead in a kneeling position which led the investigation team to believe he was killed execution style. His murder sparked public

outrage, prompting even vocal supporters of the government’s bloody war on drugs to voice their criticisms. It also led to transferring the drug crackdown operations from the Philippine National Police to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.

Malacañang welcomed the court’s decision on Thursday with Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo saying the verdict is “testament that there is, in this country, a robust judicial system, a working judicial system.”

He also told reporters that “if the conviction is murder, which is intentional, then I don’t think the president will pardon [them].”

Duterte previously backtracked on statements indicating pardons for cops who were involved in abuses, and instead said that he would “protect those who are doing their duty.” ■

CALIFORNIA’S Department of Public Health says the flu killed 329 people under age 65 in the last flu season, from October 2017 to August 2018.

But that is likely only a small fraction of the total deaths in the nation’s most populous state because the department didn’t count the hundreds of deaths of people 65 and older. The state figure could account for just 1 in 10 flu deaths.

The federal government’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that approximately 80,000 people in the U.S. died from complications from the flu during the 2017-18 flu season — the most since 1976. The vast majority of those who died — about 90 percent — were seniors, ages 65 and up, the agency estimates.

While the federal government uses mathematical modeling to estimate the number of flu deaths, California’s figures have been based on reports of individual deaths.

State officials said they haven’t counted flu deaths among seniors because, in part, health providers were not required to report them.

But this year the California Influenza Surveillance Program is changing how it tracks flu-related deaths. It will base its data on death certificates and count all people whose deaths were classified as flu-related, regardless of age.

The department acknowledged that its new system still will likely result in an undercount.

The flu, an upper respiratory illness caused by various strains of the influenza virus, can cause a high fever, cough, body aches and

gastrointestinal distress. While most people recover within a few days, older people, children and people with compromised immune systems are more vulnerable. Complications from the flu can cause severe illness, hospitalization and death.

Though it was an undercount, California’s figure still shows just how deadly last year’s flu was: About three times the number of Californians died compared with the previous flu season, state data show.

This year, experts predict a more typical, but still deadly, flu season.

So far, the flu is “circulating at low levels” in California, but the percentage of lab-confirmed flu infections are on the rise, a sign that this flu season is gaining momentum, said Dr. James Watt, chief of the Division of Communicable Disease Control at the state Department of Public Health. Using its new methods, the public health department reports that five Californians have died from

the flu since Oct. 1.

Last year’s flu season in California was dominated by the H2N3 strain of influenza, but Watt said the state is seeing more infections from the H1N1 strain this year.

Based on previous seasons, years in which the H1N1 strain predominates tend to be less severe, he said.

Experts recommend getting a flu shot to reduce the chances of getting or spreading the virus.

“The main thing is people should get vaccinated,” Watt said. “It’s not too late.”

But getting the vaccine isn’t a panacea. The flu vaccine developed every year tends to have 40 to 60 percent effectiveness, so even those who receive the vaccine still might succumb. “If people get sick, they should stay home and not share their virus with friends and co-workers,” Watt warned.

This story was produced by Kaiser Health News, an editorially independent program of the Kaiser Family Foundation. ■

Filipina-Mexican mom wins West Covina council seat LETTY Lopez, a 36-year-old mother of two, ousted incumbent city council member Mike Spence in West Covina District 2, in the last midterm elections, becoming the first Filipino-Mexican councilwoman of West Covina, California.

Lopez, a senior director for the Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks for 13 years, is married to a Filipino. Her mother is from Manila and her late father was from Mexico.

She started living on her own since she was 17 and earned a master’s degree in communication studies at California State University, Los Angeles, having to work “two sometimes three jobs” at a time.

Lopez was among the advocates of “At the Park after Dark” program, now called “Summer Night Lights,” a gang prevention program. She worked with the American Camp Association to get one of its parks accredited to

a higher standard. She has been a member of the West Covina Community and Senior Services Commission for the past six years and currently serves as Chair.

Her priorities are ensuring clean and safe parks, increasing police and firefighter protection of neighborhoods, building a business-friendly community, preventing government waste; and Increasing city government transparency resident involvement. (Inquirer.net)

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Virginia Tech sorry for using photo of Number of unauthorized immigrants Fil-Ams in flyer for foreign students in US reaches historic low, study says sociation (FASA) was used to represent international students in a promotional flyer.

The Collegiate Times reported that the promotional flyer released by the Cranwell International Center (CIC) was for the International Student Barometer survey and stated, “Help Make Virginia Tech Better for International Students! Tell us what IS and IS NOT working well.”

However, the photo used was taken at the International Street Fair last spring. All of the Filipino students in the photo are all American, not international students.

According to the Richmond Times-Dispatch, the issue gained after Screenshot of tweet protesting the use of a photo of Filipino attention American students in a flyer meant for “international students.” Rajni Kapania, a Photo from Twitter/@rajkpanania junior majoring in

HUNTER Gresham, executive director of communications and information technology for student affairs at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia, apologized to the Asian and Pacific Islander (API) community after a photo of the Filipino American Student As-

business information technology, posted the flyer with the caption, “VT stays disrespecting minorities when literally NONE of these students are international … when is this gonna end” The Asian American Student Union, a Virginia Tech organization that umbrellas 13 other student organizations, released a statement on social mediathat said “microaggressions make it difficult to feel a sense of community, especially at a predominately white institution (PWI). A university is supposed to be a (home) away from home for students. When Virginia Tech advertises a false narrative, it supports the idea that those who look foreign do not fit the image of an ‘American’. (sic)” Moreover, a second issue that arose was that in the email Gresham wrote, “On the flyer, a photo was taken at the International Street festival by our staff photographer.”

However, the photo the CIC used in the flyer wasn’t actually taken by them, but by Shawn de Lopez, a junior majoring in creative technologies. (Inquirer.net)

by Klarize

Medenilla AJPress

A REPORT from the Pew Research Center released this week found that the number of unauthorized immigrants in the United States has fallen to the lowest level in more than a decade, refuting President Trump’s claim that the Central American migrant caravans are amid an “invasion.”

Pew cited the sudden drop “entirely to a sharp decline in the number of Mexicans entering the country without authorization.”

The study — which used 2016 federal data — found that there were 10.7 million unauthorized immigrants living in the U.S. that year, compared to the 12.2 million figure in 2007.

The 2016 sum is the country’s lowest since 2004. Pew found that the decline of unauthorized immi-

grants meant that “their share of the total U.S. workforce over the same period” also decreased.

Despite the overall drop, Pew found that the number of immigrants from El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras has increased by 375,000 from 2007 to 2016; a majority of the immigrants in the highly publicized migrant caravans that have spent months traveling to the U.S.-Mexico border to seek asylum (which is legal per federal and international law) are from these countries.

The study also found that there was also a decline in recent arrivals, which the study categorizes as those who migrated to the U.S. within the last five years. In 2007, recent arrivals accounted for 32 percent of all unauthorized immigrants (from all continents and regions) from, and in 2016, that

figure dropped to 20 percent.

There was no change in the number of undocumented Asian immigrants, a group that had 1,300 unauthorized immigrants in 2007 and in 2016. But there was an increase in the number of recent arrivals; in 2007 it was 13 percent undocumented immigrants, and in 2016 that had risen to 22 percent.

The study posited that this would put a strain on what experts call “mixed-status households,” families in which the children were born in the U.S. to unauthorized immigrant parents.

“As their typical span of U.S. residence has grown, a rising share of unauthorized immigrant adults – 43 percent in 2016 compared with 32 percent in 2007 – live in households with U.S.-born children,” the study’s researchers wrote. n

Daly City Fil-Ams cement political dominance

by Cherie

Querol Inquirer.net

Moreno

DALY CITY, California — Results of the Nov. 6 midterm polls here reinforced Filipino dominance in Daly City politics, fulfilling the aspiration of immigrant pioneers and establishing a new generation of leaders.

With final tally to be ratified on Dec. 7 by the County Elections & Assessor-County ClerkRecorder, lawyer and current Vice Mayor Ray Buenaventura and first-time candidate teacher Rod Daus – Magbual as of Nov. 25 conclusively held first and third of 3 open seats on the City Council of Daly City. The northernmost town is where San Mateo County begins and where the City and County of San Francisco ends.

Filipinos took more than 80 years since settling down in Daly City with other refugees from San Francisco in the 1906 Great Earthquake to elect one of their own to the governing body. Two years ago, they made up for lost time by electing four Filipinos to the City Council of the most populous municipality in San Mateo County.

Minority majority This month’s race cemented the Filipino foothold in the city of some 110,000 residents and underscores shifting demographics within the Filipino community itself. At nearly 40 percent by unofficial estimates, Filipinos make

up the biggest population of color here.

In his third defense of his City Council seat, Buenaventura topped the winners yet again by collecting 17,320 votes or 32.08 percent of the total. Noteworthy, yes, but more impressive to political observers was the current vice mayor’s proven influence, having taken Daus-Magbual under his wing to garner 12,388 votes or 22.95 percent, pulling away by almost 1,500 votes ahead of the fourth challenger for the win.

Buenaventura did the same in 2016 for first-time candidates Glenn Sylvester, a retired sergeant with the San Francisco Police Dept., and Juslyn Manalo, a Filipino WWII veterans and housing advocate: Both sailed smoothly to victory, swearing in as Mayor and Vice Mayor on the same night they took their oath of office as duly elected Council Members.

Buenaventura was not up for re-election then, but he had joined the candidates at early morning walks on gusty Skyline Boulevard, waving posters of the bets in the most palpable endorsement and a tacit step toward his own re-election campaign down the road.

Buenaventura was the second Fil-Am elected to the City Council of Daly City, 18 years after his fellow attorney Mike Guingona, whose term ends this year. Elected in 1993, Guingona, a martial artist who was a wrestling cham-

Daly City Council Member Ray Buenaventura has emerged as the new leader of Fil-Am politics in San Mateo County by getting the top vote and guiding his proteges to victory yet again.

Inquirer.net photo by Cherie M. Querol

pion as a student, did not seek re-election to concentrate on his work with the Philippine Wrestling Federation in Manila. His impending departure further solidifies his successor’s role as the senior statesman among Fil-Am politicos While not shy about his burnished accomplishment, Buenaventura, 54, gave credit to his allies and supporters.

“I am grateful to be a part in building the Fil-Am leadership in Daly City and beyond,” he told Inquirer.net. “No one person can do it alone. It takes a community effort to build a succession plan

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Daly City Fil-Ams cement political...

PAGE A4 t and continue to recruit people in the pipeline.”

To that end, he spurred the formation of Filipino American Elected and Appointed Officials, an organization aimed at identifying and guiding new leaders for a “powerful and dynamic movement to empower Fil-Ams.” His words echo those of his teachers, to whom he paid tribute in his shining hour.

Strategic “I owe my constant first place finish to hard work, grassroots efforts and surrounding myself with a great campaign team,” he told this writer. “I learned from mentors, including (Clinton Federal Council on Aging appointee) Alice Bulos, (Daly City Personnel Commissioner) Perla Ibarrientos and (Daly City Planning Commissioner) Ray Satorre. I benefited from years listening to ‘Tita Alice’ as I accompanied her to various political functions. She would never hesitate to give me advice on how to be politically successful. Perla Ibarrientos likewise was always there to guide me through the intricacies of Daly City politics. Ray Satorre is a master tactician and strategist.”

Satorre, an entrepreneur and political bankroller, hosted a record-breaking fund-raiser for Buenaventura in the summer.

The only time Buenaventura has lost an election was his run for the County Superior Court in 2014, thought by some as a premature endeavor. Locally, however, his golden touch is beyond reproach.

With victory comes responsibility, hence Buenaventura’s goal to grow potential elected officials who share his heritage. His eye zooms in on specific qualities.

“I recruited Glenn Sylvester, Juslyn Manalo, and Rod Daus Magbual because I saw in them true leadership capabilities. The one common denominator I believe they all had was their passion.”

He literally stood by his protégés.

“After recruiting them to run, I further believed I had a responsibility to make sure they won. That included not only managing their campaign, but actually doing the door-to-door campaigning with them. As the candidates would wake up at 5 a.m. to start campaigning, I, too, would join them.

I believe it was incumbent upon me to always be there every step of the way and I would always do that which I asked of them.”

As a consequence, Filipinos will preserve their 80-percent presence on the City Council of Daly City when the new members swear in on December 10. The lone non-Filipino on the City Council is Member-elect Pamela Di Giovanni, also an avowed Buenaventura ally and a familiar face at Filipino events.

Buenaventura is the lone Philippine-born on the City Council. In-

New Council Member-Elect Daus-Magbual teaches Ethnic Studies at Skyline College in San Bruno.

Inquirer.net photos

coming Member Daus-Magbual was born in Canada, Sylvester and Manalo in this country.

“I am ecstatic to see the continuation of four seats filled with Filipino Americans. Most importantly, my colleagues share the same values towards community, housing and public safety,” current Mayor Manalo shared her elation with usainquirer.net. “This is another milestone for Daly City, not only for the Filipino community but the whole community of Daly City. I believe we will see continual positive change ahead.”

Past Mayor Sylvester shared the sentiment: “Daly city consists of a large population of Filipinos. As such the council should also reflect the same.”

Some sectors see differently, saying Filipinos are now over-represented, a suggestion Buenaventura says he has heard and which he downplays.

“I believe in diversity of representation, and Filipinos historically have not been represented in government positions in the past,” he reminded. “The fact that we are catching up is a good thing and we should join together in celebrating the increase in FilAm representation. The success of those Filipino Americans who are already in elected positions is proof that we can govern and be leaders for everyone.”

Concern Some political players expressed concern that the incoming composition will be less than diverse, with all owing the fabled Filipino debt of gratitude to their mentor. Though openly sharing their opinion in person, none agreed to be identified for publication.

One said she supported the defeated candidate whose background is finance because the city is in urgent need of someone with fiscal savvy. Another said he was considering a run in the next election to balance the Filipino representation.

Buenaventura rejected the idea that reciprocity or identical views were at the root of his recruitment.

“On the contrary, I’ve tried to reach out to wide variety of diverse people from different backgrounds and interests. In fact, when I’ve mentored people along the way and have encouraged them to run for election, I don’t ask them where

Current Vice Mayor Buenaventura recognized teacher Rod Daus-Magbual’s (left) “passion” and poured support for the latter’s campaign for City Council.

Borderline shooting victim Alaina...

PAGE A1 t

Nov. 7 at the Borderline Bar & Grill in Thousand Oaks. (The bar hosted an 18+ college event that night.)

Housley had been attending Pepperdine as an English major since August 2018 but quickly acclimated with the student community, joining the school choir and mock trial.

Wednesday’s memorial followed Housley’s funeral in her hometown of Napa, California.

Housley was a Regents Scholar and English major at Pepperdine where both her parents and aunt and uncle went.

On the night of the shooting, Housley’s parents said the last they heard from their daughter was before she left to go to Borderline for line dancing.

Her father, Arik Housley, said that “she was invited to go line dancing at a place we used to go when” he and Housley’s mother, Hannah Housley (née Punzalan), used to frequent when they attended Pepperdine.

“We would encourage her, and we would do it all again. We would encourage her to go to Pepperdine, to go line dancing and to try new things,” her father added.

Tamera Mowry-Housley of “Sister, Sister” fame and her husband former Fox News correspondent Adam Housley expressed grief following the death of their niece.

Mowry-Housley also co-hosts “The Real” on Fox, returning on Monday, Nov. 26 and, through tears, shared memories with her

late niece.

“I met Alaina when she was 5, and the Housleys — we were a group of 10, meaning whenever we were together, we were together,” Mowry-Housley shared.

“I’m very blessed to have an amazing mother-in-law, father-in-law, sister-in-law, brother-in-law. So, they are my family, along with my immediate family.”

“We all get along, and Alaina was my little sister,” she continued. “She was my niece from marriage, but she was my friend and my sister from my heart.”

The grieving aunt also acknowledged the frequency of mass shootings in the United States and called for general action to eradicate these tragedies.

“I believe that it starts from within,” she said. “Our country – and it’s sad to say this – but you have to be living underneath a rock to not believe these words: our country is sick. It’s diseased, it needs healing.

It needs healing from within.”

The Housley family has started “Alaina’s Voice” to honor gun violence victims.

“We as a people in the U.S. must learn to be present, enjoy your loved ones, Be kind to one another, We will advocate for the Media to stop celebratizing (sic) the shooters,” the campaign’s website said.

As of this writing, the GoFundMe page created has raised over $97,000, exceeding its initial $50,000 goal. (Klarize Medenilla/ AJPress)

Dateline USa

they stand in a particular issue. I don’t want robots, I want people who will think for themselves and can articulate their own positions,” he said. “I see my role as a mentor to help develop their own thoughts and ideas into a simple and effective message. I see potential in people according to what they’ve done in the community and their record of accomplishments. I truly believe in the value of having diverse opinions. No one person has the answer to everything. There truly is strength in numbers and diversity of opinions matter.”

Heart and commitment weigh more than skill sets, he said.

“You don’t have to be a financial genius. No one profession is better than the other to serve. We also have a great staff of experts to help us with the financial data and analysis. It’s up to us to make the hard decisions based on meaningful hard work and deliberations.”

Interestingly, the Council previously was split 3-2 between the Buenaventura and Guingona factions, a cause for concern among advocates for Fil-Am “unity.”

“Just because (there are times when) we all don’t agree, it may seem the Council is divided,” Sylvester pondered past dynamics. “What matters is to stay relevant and acknowledge changing times, making decisions with this in mind. Other factors include age and longevity; if everyone can find common ground and can change their way of thinking, this would make a cohesive Council.”

For now, “cohesive” sounds like an accurate description of the incoming City Council of Daly City. n

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • DEcEmbER 1-4, 2018

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Fil-Am Democrat TJ Cox declares victory in...

PAGE A1 t

vote totals in which Cox gained a net 70 votes, while his lead grew by 23 in Fresno County.

As of press time, the 55-yearold Democrat led the Republican 56,634 votes to 56,105, according to the Fresno Bee. In a statement on Wednesday afternoon, Cox said he was “elated” to declare victory in the race and thanked Valadao for the “six years of service” in the district.

“Voters across the district resonated with our message of expanding health care, creating good jobs, and fighting for our families’ futures,” Cox said, adding “I am honored to be the next Representative serving all

of our communities throughout the 21st District. Now that the election is over, it’s time to get to work.”

With Cox’s win, Democrats now hold 46 of California’s 53 seats. It also marks Republican losses in all seven districts they carried where Hillary Clinton also won in 2016.

Valadao first entered office in 2012 and was projected to win, given the success of his previous races. With Cox’s advance this week, the Associated Press retracted its race call on election night.

Born in Walnut Creek, California to immigrant parents—his mother from the Philippines,

and half-Chinese father from China—Cox was among those endorsed by former President Barack Obama in August.

Cox, an engineer and small business owner, first entered the election by running for California’s 10th district which encompasses parts of the northern San Joaquin Valley, but dropped out to run against Valadao in the 21st district. The district includes the Central Valley areas of Fresno County, Kern County, Kings County, and Tulare County. The Fil-Am previously attempted to run for Congress back in 2006. (Christina M. Oriel & Rae Ann Varona/AJPress)

Malacañang: Duterte’s‘death squad’...

PAGE A2 t terminate a certain group. Even fellow Senator Aquilino Pimentel III doubted that it would push through.

“Being a lawyer and former prosecutor, I don’t think he was serious because he knows it’s illegal and criminal to perform such an act,” Lacson said.

Pimentel said, “I’m sure the president will not create one such squad.”

Senator Grace Poe echoed her colleagues’ sentiments, noting that Duterte often only talks about such cases.

“Sometimes the president makes such kind of statements, but we all know that we have laws and we know that in any situation, we have legal processes,”

Poe said.

Senator Francis Pangilinan, on one hand, noted that the deployment of the Duterte Death Squad would not resolve the most pressing issues in the country. He said that it would offer more problems than solve them.

“It will not create more jobs for the ordinary citizen. It will not lower the prices of basic goods.

It will not increase incomes and wages of the worker. It will only turn our country into a howling, lawless wilderness,” Pangilinan said.

“Creating death squads, sowing violence and daily killings is not a solution to our nation’s ills, it is part of the problem,” he added.

Senator Antonio Trillanes IV,

on the other, said that such is Duterte’s strategy to instigate the authority that he is allegedly slowly losing. He said that it is also an attempt by the administration to sway the public’s attention from the controversies during the president’s term.

“He is doing this because he feels that he is losing his grip on power and that fear is his only way to keep people in check,” Trillanes said.

“Duterte wants to divert the attention of the media and the public from the mysterious MOUs (memorandums of understanding) entered into with China; the questionable awarding of the telco to a Duterte crony; and the P11-billion shabu shipment issue,” the senator added. n

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Grandson replaces Imelda in Ilocos Norte gubernatiorial race

Matthew Marcos Manotoc announces his candidacy for governor of Ilocos Norte, substituting for his grandmother Imelda Marcos.

Photo from Twitter/@onenewsph

MANILA — Matthew Marcos Manotoc, the son of Gov. Imee Marcos, announced Thursday, November 29, that he will substitute for grandmother Imelda Marcos in Ilocos Norte’s gubernatorial race.

Manotoc made the announcement on the last day that the substitution for candidates running in the 2019 midterm elections would be allowed.

Matthew is currently a provincial board member of Ilocos Norte, where his mother is governor and his grandmother is congressional representative.

Imee is running for the senate in next year’s election, while Imelda, who was originally supposed to run for governor, is fighting a graft conviction at the Sandiganbayan. (Ryan Macasero/Philstar.com)

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DREAM PH SPORTS TRAINING CENTER. Senator Sonny Angara is looking forward to a “reinvigorated culture of sports” pervading throughout the country once a state-of-the-art national sports training center is finally built. Once a “pipe dream,” Angara said the establishment of the Philippine Sports Training Center (PSTC) moved an inch closer to reality after the bicameral conference committee recently approved a bill for that purpose.

Senate photo

SWS: 1.4-M Filipino families victimized by common crimes in past 6 months

by Christia

Marie Inquirer.net

raMos

AN estimated 1.4 million Filipino families (6.1 percent) reported that they were victimized by common crimes in the past six months, the latest Social Weather Station (SWS) survey showed.

This is a 0.7 point increase from the 5.3 percent or 1.2 Filipino families who reported the same in the previous quarter ended June 2018.

Survey results released by the pollster on Thursday, November 29, showed that 6.1 percent of families reported “victimization by any of the common crimes,” including pickpocket, robbery of personal property, break-ins, carnapping, and physical violence.

The September 2018 survey was conducted from September 15-23, 2018 using face-to-face interviews of 1,500 adults (18 years old and above) nationwide.

There were 600 respondents in Balance Luzon, and 300 each in Metro Manila, Visayas, and Mindanao.

It has a sampling margin of error of ±3 percent for national percentages, ±4 percent for Balance Luzon, and ±6 percent each for Metro Manila, Visayas, and Mindanao).

The SWS said it presented respondents with the following question: Ngayon, nais po naming malaman ang karanasan ninyo at ng iba pang miyembro ng inyong

pamilyang nakatira dito, tungkol sa krimen. Nitong nakaraang 6 buwan, kayo ba o kahit na sinong miyembro ng inyong pamilya ay naging biktima ng… Pandurukot o pagnanakaw ng pansariling kagamitan; pagpasok o break-in sa tahanan; pagnanakaw ng kotse o sasakyang de motor o wala kayong sasakyang de motor; pambubugbog, pananaksak o iba pang karahasan)? Kung OO: Ilang beses po? (Now, we would also like to know your experiences and the experiences of your family members residing here, regarding crime. In the past six months, have you or any member of your family been a victim of… (pick-pocketing/robbery of personal property; break-in at respondent’s residence; carnapping or no motor vehicle; physical violence)? IF YES: How many times?)

Property crimes The survey data also revealed that an estimated 1.3 million families (5.6 percent) reported victimization by property crimes within the past six months.

For pickpockets or street robbery, the survey showed that 4.6 percent or an estimated 1.1 families are affected.

For break-ins, the survey found that 2.0 percent or 474,000 families said they were victimized by break-ins.

Meanwhile, among families owning any type of vehicle, the poll data found that an estimated 50,000 families had their vehi-

cles stolen or taken.

The survey also showed that 0.7 percent or an estimated 159,000 families have members who were victims of physical violence.

Fear of burglary, fear of unsafe streets, and presence of drug addicts The survey also found that 52 percent of Filipino adults agree that people in their respective neighborhoods usually fear that robbers might break into their house.

Meanwhile, 46 percent of the respondents agree that people in their respective neighborhoods are usually afraid to walk on the street at night because it is not safe.

The poll data also showed that 41 percent of the respondents agree that in their respective neighborhoods “there are already very many people addicted to banned drugs.”

The September 2018 survey was conducted from September 15-23, 2018 using face-to-face interviews of 1,500 adults (18 years old and above) nationwide.

There were 600 respondents in Balance Luzon, and 300 each in Metro Manila, Visayas, and Mindanao.

It has a sampling margin of error of ±3 percent for national percentages, ±4 percent for Balance Luzon, and ±6 percent each for Metro Manila, Visayas, and Mindanao). n

El Nido rehabilitation deadline: 6 months DENR warns violators of easement, environmental rules of closure by redeMpto

anda

Inquirer.net

EL NIDO, Palawan — Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu on Wednesday, November 28 gave officials of El Nido, the top tourist destination in Palawan province, six months to complete a rehabilitation program to rid the town’s beaches of pollution and enforce environmental compliance of commercial establishments.

Cimatu made the announcement during an inspection of the town’s main public beach in Bacuit Bay, where several buildings had been partly demolished since early this year for exceeding easement limits set by law.

“There will be no closure for El Nido similar to Boracay but we will close all establishments that are not compliant,” he said.

Executive order The government, he said, is preparing an executive order to be issued by President Rodrigo Duterte detailing the rehabilitation plan for El Nido. He said the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) would also ask the national government to allocate funds for activities that the town would need, including a plan to transfer the local port.

Cimatu was accompanied during the inspection by Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat and Interior Secretary Eduardo Año.

“The three of us agreed that El Nido would not be closed and only those who would defy the law would be shut down … We really will not go for closure but only rehab,” Puyat said.

She said the government would make sure that thousands of tourist boats operating in the town would not spill wastewater and oil into the bay.

“You have to regulate the practices of [boat operators]. They also add to coliform pollution [here],” Puyat said.

Work plan Cimatu said he had ordered the deployment of 50 personnel from the DENR to conduct a baseline assessment of El Nido and oversee the rehabilitation effort.

Año said that unlike the situation on Boracay Island, which

The government campaign to rehabilitate El Nido, Palawan’s leading tourist destination, has paid off as pollution level in the town’s waters has gone down. Inquirer.net photo by Mica Velasco

needed direct national government intervention, El Nido took initiatives to address its problems.

“We like to commend El Nido for taking these initiatives, unlike in Boracay where we had to go down to implement the law,” he said.

The DENR, Department of Interior and Local Government and Department of Tourism are set to develop a detailed six-month work plan for the rehabilitation of El Nido.

Cimatu said the deadline was made in consideration of the town’s schedule to complete its water treatment and sewerage project.

Cimatu said he was pleased with the clearing efforts on the main beach in Bacuit Bay undertaken by the town and the DENR since May this year. The main beach area is now accessible to tourists.

Water quality Result of the latest water monitoring by the DENR showed that except in one area of Bacuit Bay fronting the town center, all other test sites showed safe pollution levels.

“This is what I’ve been saying. Even with a little effort, gumaganda na ang lugar (the area has been improving). What more if you will be totally compliant?” Cimatu told Mayor Nieves Rosento.

Rosento said local officials were confident of completing the cleanup within the deadline set by the DENR. Vice Mayor Leonor Corral

said the El Nido government had started implementing a carrying capacity limit in the main destinations of the town, particularly in the karst-enclosed lagoons.

While there had previously been no control over access of tourist boats to places like Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon, Corral said they were now limiting entry of kayaks in these areas.

Only 60 people are allowed in Big Lagoon while only 30 people can enter Small Lagoon at any given time.

Enforcement Owners of establishments affected by the government’s crackdown welcomed the rehabilitation, but some expressed doubts that regulations were strictly being enforced.

Mary Jane Ramirez, owner of Jarace Grill, a building that was partly demolished to comply with the easement regulation of 3 meters from the high tide line, said she was hoping to recover now that tourists were returning.

“We are doing our best to comply. We know that in the long run, this is also for us,” she told the Inquirer.

But Samy Benzaia, a French national who owns Submariner Diving Center in the town, said: “The plan looks good on paper but the execution is somewhat difficult.”

“Some establishments [will stop operation] but after several days, they are back again.

Sometimes if they are full, [septic tanks overflow] and [sewage] still goes out to the sea,” Benzaia added. n

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Pangilinan says leading opposition slate an ‘uphill battle,’ agrees to disgree with wife Sharon on politics by ryan

Macasero Philstar.com

Newly appointed Chief Justice Lucas P. Bersamin (2nd from left) takes his oath before Senior Associate Justice Antonio T. Carpio on Wednesday, November 28 at the Session Hall at the Supreme Court in Padre Faura Street, Manila. Looking on are Mrs. Aurora Bagares-Bersamin (3rd from left) and Chief Justice Bersamin’s immediate predecessor, Chief Justice Teresita J. Leonardo-de Castro.

Photo courtesy of Supreme Court-PIO

Bersamin asserts judicial independence as new chief justice

by Kristine Joy

Philstar.com

Patag

MANILA — Newly appointed Chief Justice Lucas Bersamin on Wednesday, November 28, asserted judicial independence as he takes the helm of the Judiciary.

Bersamin, after taking oath before Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio at the SC, faced the members of the press for the first time as the head of the Judiciary.

The chief justice, who has been a part of the 15-member Court since April 2009, said that

he has always given “analytical attention and deep study” when voting or rendering judgment.

Among the most high profile cases with ponencia or main decision written by Bersamin include the granting of bail to former Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile and former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Arroyo appointed Bersamin to the high court as an associate justice.

“Maybe your concept of judicial independence is that the government should lose the case. I hate to disappoint you.

The government is often better in the arguments than the other side,” Bersamin said.

“The government is represented by the solicitor general when it comes to issues raised in the Court of Appeals or in the SC and there are also many cases where the government loses and yet you do not call out independent,” the chief justice pointed out.

“It’s just the government has less on the merits than the other side,” he added.

“As far as the law is concerned, I am independent,” Bersamin stressed. n

Arroyo: US and China important friends of PH by glee Jalea Inquirer.net

HOUSE Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Wednesday, November 28 said there was no problem with the Philippines’ friendship with China and the United States.

“We can be friends with both.

They are both very important to the world and to the region, and our friendship with them is very important to us, and their friendship with each other is also very important to us,” Arroyo added.

She was present at the inauguration of the new building of the Bases Development and Conversion Authority (BCDA) in Clark Global City in Pampanga, attended by United States Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim and Hungarian Ambassador to the

Philippines József Bencze.

Arroyo then invited Kim and Bencze to bring more investments to the Philippines.

“So there’s plenty of room again for more investments and we hope that there would be a lot of new investments coming from the United States Ambassador, from Europe, Ambassador, and of course from our Philippine investors.

We hope that more people know about the American investments and we also hope that more American investments will come, now that we have this beautiful Clark Global City and the New Clark City as well,” she said.

Arroyo added that a big Chi- House Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo ManilaTimes.net photo nese industrial park and a Chinese Cultural Museum would also signed during the recent state be built in the New Clark City as visit of Chinese President Xi Jinpart of a framework agreement ping to the Philippines. n

MANILA — Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan said that it would be an “uphill battle” managing the opposition slate this time around now that the Liberal Party members are the “underdogs,” going up against the allies of President Rodrigo Duterte.

“It won’t be easy, but we ultimately believe we have a message we will bring to the people, and hopefully they will respond hopefully by way of supporting our eight candidates,” Pangilinan said in an interview with One News on Thursday evening.

Pangilinan will be the campaign manager of the opposition slate.

“We will be managing the campaign, the scheds, we will be managing the schedule as to which areas will be the priorities,” Pangilinan said. “We will also be finalizing the message that we will bring to the people and what we have to offer and managing the finances.”

The “Oposisyon Koalisyon” is fielding eight senatorial aspirants for the midterm elections next year. Included in the opposition slate are reelectionist Sen. Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino, former Sen. Mar Roxas, Rep. Gary Alejano (Magdalo party-list), former solicitor general Florin Hilbay, former congressman Erin Tañada, veteran lawyer Romulo Macalintal, Maranao leader Samira Gutoc-Tomawis and human rights lawyer Chel Diokno.

Pangilinan said that the slate will campaign on issues they think the current administration has not given priority to, which include “poverty, jobs, and prices of goods.”

“Without articulating the gut issues that will affect our voters, the voters will stay there. Our people are just trying to survive,” he told One News.

‘Family members should not be dictated upon’ Pangilinan is often at the receiving end of Duterte’s harsh words, especially over the lawmaker’s Juvenile Justice and Welfare Law, which the president attributes to allowing minors to get away with breaking the law.

He called Pangilinan the “dumbest lawyer” for his role in authoring and passing the law last November 11.

Despite this, Cuneta has been publicly seen with the president and his family members.

Presidential daughter and Davao City Mayor Sara “Inday” DuterteCarpio even endorsed Cuneta’s brother Chet for mayor of Pasay City.

“It happens that we don’t agree.

I know other families who are on opposite sides of the political fences,” Pangilinan said. “So it’s a reality. I would like to have it some other way but that’s not the case.”

Pangilinan said, however, that while it’s ideal that families are on the same side politically, this isn’t the first time that families have been divided over politics.

“Families were split in the dying days of the Marcos dicatorship,” he said. “Last time I’ve seen this is in the Marcos regime.”

He added: “Families should be united, but family members should also not be dictated upon.” n

A8 DECEMBER 1-4, 2018 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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OPINION

A new chief justice

FEATURES

ALL members of the Supreme Court are picked by the lone appointing power, the president of the republic. SC rulings in the recent past show that gratitude for the appointment doesn’t guarantee that the incumbent chief executive will always get favorable opinions from his appointees.

Because of the circumstances preceding his promotion to the highest judicial post, however, new Chief Justice Lucas Bersamin has had to reassure the public that he will show independence from Malacañang in his new post.

Bersamin is one of the eight SC justices who voted to oust Maria Lourdes Sereno as chief justice on the basis of a quo warranto petition filed by the chief lawyer of the executive branch. Bersamin’s votes in controversial cases have also been favorable to the Duterte administration. Only time will tell if Bersamin’s loyalties lie in service to the nation or to an individual; to his mind, the two might not be incompatible.

At least Bersamin seems to have no feud with the other members of the SC. Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, bypassed for the third time for the top post in the judiciary, administered the oath to Bersamin on Wednesday, No-

vember 28, as Sereno’s arch foe and replacement, Teresita de Castro, looked on.

With no infighting to cramp his work, Bersamin should have an easier time facing the challenges of his new job.

The high tribunal supervises the judiciary — one that is notoriously inefficient, deeply politicized and riddled with corruption. Even the SC has a case backlog, with work moving at lightning speed, it seems, only when its members want to kick out the chief justice.

As chief magistrate, Bersamin is expected to spearhead and intensify judicial reform efforts.

The SC must also improve discipline and integrity among members of the judiciary.

De Castro spent only enough time as chief justice to qualify for a bigger retirement package courtesy of taxpayers. Much more is expected of Bersamin within his 11 months in office. He must not lose time in making a difference. (Philstar.com)

Editorial

Philstar.com photo

Trump intensifies attack on Mueller probe and dangles pardon for Manafort as his former attorney Michael Cohen pleads guilty

The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS PRESIDENT Donald Trump has reportedly been all the more consumed by the Russia probe and his nonstop Twitter storm — discrediting Special Counsel Robert Mueller and the latter’s independent investigation on the alleged collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia to win in the 2016 U.S. presidential elections — may be a clear indicator.

From “I have nothing to hide, I am innocent and I am willing to sit down with Special Counsel Robert Mueller”, the president dragged on with his cooperation with the Mueller probe and after almost a year of negotiations, he has refused to sit down for a faceto-face interview, fearing “perjury trap.” Instead, Trump has just submitted his written answers to questions of the Mueller team with a caveat “as far as I recall” to his answers.

His constant and unending

blabber of “No Collusion,” exonerating himself from day one, has now progressed to the toxicity of denigrating Mueller, a registered Republican, and Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, another registered Republican Trump appointed himself who designated Mueller after the president fired FBI Director James Comey (also a registered Republican). Lately, Trump has even been obsessing about putting these men and his political opponents behind bars and retweeted an image of them in jail.

The president fired his ever loyal Attorney General Jeff Sessions for recusing himself from the Russia probe out of “delicadeza” and picked Matthew Whitaker as acting attorney general, despite (and perhaps because of) Whitaker’s previous public and private statements that were hostile to the Russia probe.

Now, the Washington Post reports on President Trump’s Twitter rampage for a fourth straight

morning on Thursday, November 29 to attack special counsel Mueller’s investigation into Russian election interference, questioning whether it will “just go on forever” and calling it a waste of money.

“Did you ever see an investigation more in search of a crime?”

Trump wrote in a tweet. He also asserted that the probe “has proven only one thing-there was NO collusion with Russia.”

NO, Mister President. The probe has NOT yet proven “no collusion.” In fact, Mueller’s 18month-old investigation has led to charges against 32 people, which included 26 Russians.

Four of your aides have pleaded guilty to various charges. Many of them have decided to cooperate with the Mueller probe.

One of those now working with the Special Counsel is no less than Trump’s former attorney and “longtime fixer” Michael Cohen.

As the Washington Post re-

ported, “Cohen’s new guilty plea is the latest development in a wide-ranging investigation by Robert S. Mueller III into Russian interference in the 2016 election. Trump had insisted in the summer of 2016 that he had no business interests in Russia, statements that would be undermined if Cohen is now asserting conversations about the project continued past January 2016.”

Cohen said he lied because wanted to protect Trump and give him legal cover. Cohen used to say he would take a bullet for Trump, until the president threw him under the bus after the FBI raided Cohen’s Rockefeller Center office and Park Avenue hotel room, seizing business records, emails and documents related to several topics, including a payment to a pornographic film actress “Stormy Daniels.”

Cohen likewise intimated that he wanted to do the right thing this time to honor his father, Maurice Cohen, a Polish Holo-

caust survivor. The older Cohen reportedly urged his son not to protect Trump and said that he did not survive the Holocaust to have his name “sullied” by the president. Hence, Cohen made his first guilty plea to multiple fraud charges and campaign finance law violations. He also made decision to do the right thing for his children.

The Post further reported that activity in the Mueller probe has intensified this week, “as one planned guilty plea was derailed and, separately, prosecutors accused Trump’s former campaign chairman Paul Manafort of lying to them since he pleaded guilty.”

Now Trump is sending signals that he may pardon Manafort in a New York Post interview in which Trump said a pardon for former campaign chairman Paul Manafort was not “off the table.”

Incoming Democratic chairman of the House Judiciary Com-

mittee Jerrold Nadler told Newsweek that, should the president pardon Manafort, the committee was prepared to investigate.

As Newsweek reported, “Nadler, whose committee would have subpoena and investigative power come January, said even “dangling a pardon in front of Manafort, who is a witness in a serious investigation in which Trump is either a subject or a target, could be viewed as obstruction of justice.”

With these developments, let us all make sure the Mueller investigation continues where ever all the evidence and the facts take it. We should demand and expect nothing less to protect our democracy. *** 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

Immigrants are pieces of American history

Rhizomes

PROSY ABARQUEZDELACRUZ, J.D. “Once you know the truth, you can’t ever go back and pick up your suitcase of lies. Heavier or not, the truth is yours now.” — Sue Monk Kidd DESIRREE Delacruz shared this: “I am a millennial American citizen who was born in Westminster, CA whose father, Cesar hailed from Bulacan province. He is the second of eleven siblings who migrated by first becoming a seaman and who now works at USPS. He is credited with helping seven of his siblings migrate.

I can only imagine what my dad had to endure: depression, loneliness and in those tears, he had to be so strong to have a vision, larger than his situation then. He met my mother, Imelda who worked alongside my dad at a technology company until she was laid off. For six years, she cared for Juanita Lopez, my grandmother, who had a stroke. I believe if I had to face what they went through, to live lives for others, I would not have the emotional and psychological capacity to transcend their struggles and sufferings. Why? Because everything was given to me. I did not experience those difficulties and I would not know how to respond. Immigrants are a piece of history. They are pieces of American history that built our ancestry, that built our family, that built everything.”

First, Desirree’s smile was my red carpet welcome. Before the

ritual of facials started, she held both of my hands, and we both got still, in meditation. As we held hands, I sobbed uncontrollably inside O Skin Care in Cerritos.

After meditating, she asked what happened. I cried and could not help but think about the pain and suffering of toddlers in diapers, imagining what they went through when U.S. border agents tear gassed them. This act was supposedly done according to Pres. Trump on behalf of our national security interests.

As Americans, we were not consulted nor did we agree to these despicable acts of cruelty propagated by heartless, yet professionally trained federal agents.

I cried imagining the irritants that caused burning to these toddlers’ eyes, mucous membranes, throat, lungs and skin. Kim Kyung Hoon snapped a moving image that was published in the Washington Post. It catalyzed a discussion about who came to America’s shores and who were allowed in.

From persecution to a Philippine welcome Did you know that in 1939, SS St Louis, a luxury cruise liner, had more than 900 Jews who fled Germany? They first traveled to Cuba and then hoped to get to the U.S. but were turned away in Havana.

“Cuba was seen as a temporary transit point to get to America and officials at the Cuban embassy in Berlin were offering visas for about $200 or $300 each - $3,000 to $5,000 (£1,800 to £3,000) at today’s prices,” Mike Lanchin of

BBC World Service wrote.

They sought entry to Canada, Uruguay, Paraguay and Argentina but they were also turned down.

Forced to return to Europe, more than 250 Jews went back to Germany, only to meet their deaths in the gas chambers.

Six countries turned down these 900 Jews.

In the meantime, Philippines welcomed 1,200 Jews who fled Germany’s holocaust. One of those Jews was Herbert Zipper who was invited to conduct Manila Symphony Orchestra and today, in Colburn School of Music in downtown Los Angeles, there is a hall named after Zipper, then a Manila-based conductor.

The return of 250 Jews to Germany where they met their death in the gas chambers collectively moved countries in Europe, Great Britain and the U.S. who were all part of the United Nations to agree to a humanitarian concept, called asylum. It was premised on allowing migrants fleeing their countries because of persecution, war, or the inability of their governments to stop persecution but only after they make credible claims, when they apply, and then, they are allowed entry and integration into the country they are seeking asylum from.

Germany now recognizes that right to seek refuge or asylum in their constitution, while France enacted more stringent asylum laws that upon six months of residence, the application must be filed instead of nine months. But what about the United States?

The Daily Podcast of the New York Times on Nov. 21 reported 700,000 pending asylum cases in the U.S. So why would Pres.

Trump send over 5,000 military troops when he could have sent analysts, lawyers that would have reduced the backlog?

Instead, Trump introduced metering where only 30 asylum applicants can apply daily.

Crowds that are in the thousands have resorted to arbitrary encampments at the border, essentially waiting for their turn to apply for asylum and that waiting can be for months, if not years, as only 30 are allowed to apply each day.

These mothers were fleeing persecution at the hands of gang members, facing the certainty of

deaths if they do not comply so they have opted to protect their children and are simply seeking safety and a new future.

Silence and anger are residues of fear Recall how 100,000 Vietnamese were allowed as refugees in America? They were assigned to various countries first, in Thailand and in the Philippines and for years, they awaited their turn to enter the U.S. and then, allowed resettlement with American families who help them integrate into the U.S. cities like Boston, Westminster, and even Las Vegas.

But do you recall Haitian refugees fleeing the Duvalier’s dictatorship? Pres. Bush and Pres. Clinton classified them as economic refugees, and that con-

structive definition became their destiny – back to Haiti as they were refused entry into the U.S. What will the state of asylum be now? Where it has been strategic and political, the message to the world by Trump is – “go home, we could not be bothered, and if you are persistent, your children will be harmed.”

Trump is isolating America, America first is his cry, all resources to America first.

Will we allow the likes of Albert Einstein, a refugee? Or Mikhail Baryshnikov, a famous Russian dancer who sought refuge in America? Will America go back to its best practice of resettling refugees, as in the resettlement of the Vietnamese?

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • DEcEmbER 1-4, 2018 A

5 millions Filipinos still involved in illegal drugs’

by GilbeRt

bayoRan Philstar.com

BACOLOD CITY — Dangerous Drugs Board chairman Catalino Cuy admitted on Wednesday, November 28 that the all-out war of President Rodrigo Duterte against illegal drugs for almost three years now appears to have little or no effect, since about four to five million Filipinos are still involved in illegal drugs.

Cuy, who spoke at the Provincial Anti-Drug Summit organized by the Liga ng Barangay-Negros Occidental chapter the other day, explained that the four to five-million individuals who are involved in illegal drugs, either as users or peddlers, was a conservative estimate and authorities are having a hard time determining how many are actually involved in illegal drugs.

Cuy said about 1.3 million have surrendered through the Oplan Tokhang campaign of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

The PNP also reported that almost 5,000 persons linked to illegal drugs have died in what it called legitimate police operations.

Cuy said the government is focusing on the reduction of demand and supply, which is being highlighted in the media, and “where the action is, as it involves operations and enforcement.”

What people do not see is the demand reduction that involves rehabilitation, reintegration, international and regional cooperation, public awareness and alternative livelihood, said Cuy, who also lauded the efforts of the provincial government of Negros Occidental in helping re-

habilitate drug dependents who have surrendered.

Starting next year, Cuy said the government will implement a revitalized anti-drug campaign.

“The war against illegal drugs continues. We have successes and lapses. It is a long and challenging fight,” Cuy pointed out.

On Oct. 29, President Duterte signed Executive Order 66 institutionalizing the Philippine AntiDrug Strategy (PADS), which was supported by a Memorandum Circular signed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea requiring all government entities to be “active in the antiillegal drug activities.”

“This is a good development in the campaign against illegal drugs. It will have a renewed energy, especially in the demand and supply and reduction,” Cuy said. n

DOTr chief: Old PUJs can stay if roadworthy by dinG

CeRvantes Philstar.com

CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga — Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade clarified that not all old passenger jeepneys would be phased out under the government’s modernization program, since roadworthy vehicles would be allowed to operate.

At a press conference during the Sulong Pilipinas forum here Monday, November 26, Tugade said old but roadworthy jeepneys would still be allowed, but they will have to undergo regular inspections to ensure their good condition.

Contrary to some reports that as many as 600,000 jeepneys nationwide would be banned with the enforcement of the Public

Utility Vehicle (PUV) modernization program, Tugade estimated only 220,000 units would be affected.

Asked whether governmentendorsed modern jeepneys would be readily available for jeepney operators and drivers complying with the modernization plan, Tugade said the program would take three years to be implemented fully, contrary to the earlier target of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to implement the program by the end of 2018.

He cited affordable financing schemes available to help the operators buy the modern jeepneys.

The financing rates would include an easy down payment, very low interest rates, payability

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said old but roadworthy jeepneys would still be allowed, but they will have to undergo regular inspections to ensure their good condition.

Philstar.com photo by Miguel De Guzman

in seven years and P80,000 government subsidy.

The PUV modernization program mandates the phase-out of jeepneys at least 15 years old and their replacement by Euro-4 compliant engines with the new models prescribed by government.

While jeepney operators and drivers have argued that the PUV modernization would displace thousands of drivers, Tugade cited a study indicating that even if jeepney drivers pay for amortizations for new modern jeepneys, their take home pay would still be adequate for their families.

The DOTr has insisted that the modern jeepney should conform to the existing environmental and product standards set by the Bureau of Standards.

It has side doors instead of rear doors, and a higher ceiling that allows for standing passengers, which translates to higher carrying capacity.

Emergency exits are mandated and some units will have provisions for disabled passengers, coupled with WiFi, global positioning satellite, closed-circuit television cameras, dashboard camera, speed limiter and automatic fare collection system.

In compliance with the Clean Air Act of 1999, the modern jeepney will either have a Euro4 compliant emission system or an electric motor that would emit less pollution or none at all, the DOTr said. n

LOCSIN CONFIRMED. Senate President Vicente Sotto III (4th from right) pose together with newly-confirmed Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. (5th from left) and his wife, Ma. Lourdes Barcelon, at the Plenary Hall of the Senate in Pasay City on Wednesday, November 28. Also in photo are Senators Juan Edgardo Angara, Juan Miguel “Migz” F. Zubiri, Gregorio Honasan, Rep. Ronaldo Zamora, Sen. Panfilo Lacson, and other members of the Commission on Appointments (CA).

PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan

Teodoro Locsin Jr. breezes thru Commission on Appointments

by Paolo

RomeRo Philstar.com

MANILA — The Commission on Appointments (CA) confirmed on Wednesday, November 28, the appointment of Teodoro Locsin Jr. as secretary of foreign affairs in swift proceedings wherein he articulated the Duterte administration’s position on certain international issues.

The CA committee on foreign affairs, chaired by Sen. Panfilo Lacson, took only about half an hour to deliberate on Locsin’s appointment, with Sen. Risa Hontiveros doing most of the grilling on various issues, including the country’s withdrawal from the International Criminal Court, Chinese bullying in the West Philippine Sea and the influx of illegal Chinese workers.

“I said it is not true that we will waive this right. We do not waive a single inch of what is given to us in the arbitral award in UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea),” Locsin replied when asked about the

administration’s position on the country’s victory in The Hague in its case against China’s nine-dash line claim covering almost the entire South China Sea. He also pushed for closer coordination with Beijing to avoid confrontation in the West Philippine Sea, and to address the reported influx of illegal Chinese workers.

In moving for his confirmation, Lacson said Locsin has distinguished himself with the credentials and qualifications befitting someone at the helm of the Department of Foreign Affairs, including being a journalist for three decades, a lawyer and a member of Congress.

“As Secretary of Foreign Affairs, we all agree that he will bring his own brand of diplomacy, one that represents the true value of an independent foreign policy enshrined in our Constitution,” Lacson said.

Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto said the country’s top diplomat has not backed down from affronts against the

country.

“While we may not have missiles to launch, we possess something more potent – Locsin missives, to which no shield has been proven effective against their withering fire,” Recto said, referring to the DFA chief’s comments in social media.

San Juan City Rep. Ronaldo Zamora, vice chairman of the committee, said Locsin has never let any insult against the country pass that “he will tweet in his office, he will tweet in his car, he will tweet on the streets, he will never surrender.”

Sen. Grace Poe described Locsin as not just “a good choice, he is the right choice.”

“His appointment gives us assurance that the country’s top diplomat will now be held by one of the most brilliant legal and political minds of this generation,” Poe said.

Malacañang hailed Locsin’s confirmation and expressed confidence that he would fully advance the Philippines’ interests. n

Catholics urged to ignore Duterte attack vs Church by edu

Punay Philstar.com

MANILA — An official of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) urged the Filipino faithful to ignore the relentless attacks by President Duterte on the church and the clergy.

Fr. Jerome Secillano, executive secretary of CBCP public affairs committee, said the insinu-

ations of the President against bishops are meant to divert the attention of the public from what the priest described as the failure of the administration to address pressing problems of the nation.

“I don’t understand why we are taking this guy seriously. It’s obvious that he delights in creating controversy to deviate people’s attention from his government’s inefficiency,” Secillano said in a

statement.

“His ignorance of the Church’s workings tells us Catholics that we should neither believe this guy nor even take him seriously,” Secillano claimed.

The CBCP official also rebutted the appeal of Duterte for the Filipino faithful not to go to church anymore and instead just build their own chapels at home and pray there.

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A10 December 1-4, 2018 • LA WeeKeND ASIAN JOUrNAL

Dateline PhiliPPines

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No letup in crackdown on illegal aliens — Immigration by evelyn

Macairan

and Jess diaz Philstar.com

MANILA — The government should tighten the issuance of work permits to foreigners to discourage the illegal entry and stay in the Philippines of foreign nationals, congressmen belonging to the minority bloc said yesterday as the Bureau of Immigration (BI) gave assurance it is continuously working to deport illegal aliens from the country.

President Duterte said illegal

aliens must indeed be deported but crackdowns must be done with caution since there are also illegal Filipino workers in other countries.

The Federation of Free Workers has also called on Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III to immediately act on illegal aliens, particularly the undocumented Chinese nationals working in the country.

BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval said she could not give an estimate on the number of illegal foreign workers currently in the country amid reports that 52,000

of them are Chinese.

But she stressed they are careful when deporting them. “A thorough investigation (is conducted) to ensure that those arrested are really erring foreigners. We ensure that all information received are verified, checked and re-checked,” Sandoval said, adding the deported foreigner is blacklisted and barred from re-entering the country.

Sandoval said they have coordinated with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and deployed intelligence officers in different parts of the country to search for people illegally working in the country.

The immigration official confirmed there are illegal aliens working in call centers and online gaming casinos.

Minority Leader Danilo Suarez said the concerned agencies should allow employment of foreign workers only after a determination that no Flipinos could do the job.

Suarez said it puzzles him and members of the minority that the DOLE has been issuing alien employment permits to Chinese to become construction workers.

Suarez noted that of the alien employment permits the DOLE issued from 2015 and 2017, half were given to Chinese nationals, many of them working in retail and online gambling shops, jobs he said Filipinos could do.

Suarez pointed out that Filipino workers should not “suffer the consequences of the perceived slack of the government’s regulatory mechanisms intended to protect the interests of the public.”

“Given the lack of insight of the frontline agencies and poor interagency coordination, this situation defeats the intention and efforts of the national government to provide job opportunities to Filipinos,” Suarez stressed.

Rep. John Bertiz of party-list ACTS-OFW, an assistant minority leader, said it is almost certain that there is corruption in the issuance of employment permits to foreigners.

“How else could they explain the grant of work permits to Chinese construction workers?” Bertiz asked.

Bertiz said aside from DOLE, the BI “issues special work permits.”

“Foreign workers, mostly Chinese, enter the country as tourists.

When their tourist visas expire, their Filipino-Chinese or Filipino contacts apply for special work permits for them from BI that allow them to stay longer and work in the country. It’s almost a syndicated operation,” Bertiz said. n

HERO REVOLUTIONARIES. The marker (inset photo) and monument of the Cry of Pugad Lawin is the silent reminder when revolutionaries tore down their residence certificates in defiance of Spanish rule. Photo was taken at the Pugad Lawin Shrine at Pugad Lawin High School in Quezon on Friday, November 30 in commemoration of the 155th birthday of Gat Andres Bonifacio.

PNA photo by Jess M. Escaros Jr.

Robredo calls for probe into other EJKs

by Glee Jalea ManilaTimes.net

VICE PRESIDENT Maria Leonor Robredo on Thursday, November 29, called for a deeper investigation of the anti-drug campaign of the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte in the wake of a Caloocan City court’s conviction of three policemen in the killing of Kian Loyd de los Santos in August 2017.

“The conviction of the policemen who killed Kian de los San-

Vice President Maria Leonor Robredo

tos serves as a victory of the nation, but let us ask this again: Of the thousands who were killed under the ‘drug war,’ how many were innocent like Kian?” she said in a statement.

“This should serve as a way to begin a deeper investigation, because this only proves that there is a bigger problem that needs to be addressed in the government’s campaign against drugs,” Robredo added.

The Vice President has been a staunch critic of Duterte’s war on

drugs that began shortly after he took office in 2016.

On Friday, November 30, the Caloocan Regional Trial Court Branch 125 found Police Officers Arnel Oares, Jeremias Pereda and Jerwin Cruz guilty of killing 17-year-old de los Santos during an anti-drug operation.

De los Santos’ case sparked an outcry after investigations showed that he sustained two gunshot wounds in the head after an encounter with the Caloocan police. Authorities had claimed that de los Santos was a “drug courier” for his father and uncle, an accusation that his family denied.

His killing was followed by the murder of 19-year-old Carl Angelo Arnaiz and 14-year-old Reynaldo de Guzman, also allegedly by the Caloocan police, also in 2017.

According to the government’s “Real Numbers PH” campaign, the death toll in the drug war has risen to 4,999 since the crackdown started in 2016.

Human Rights groups claim the death toll is significantly ManilaTimes.net photo higher. n

Not all shipments undergo X-ray – Lapeña

by Glee Jalea ManilaTimes.net

FORMER Customs commissioner Isidro Lapeña on Wednesday, November 28 said not all shipments that enter the country undergo X-ray inspection.

Lapeña said 25 percent to 30 percent of the shipment only goes through the agency. He was one of the invited guests at the joint hearing of the Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability and Dangerous Drugs on the controversy involving the missing P11-billion shabu shipment.

He said only 25 percent of the shipment from Manila International Container Port and 30 percent from Port of Manila go through them.

“It’s because of trade facilitation. When we [conduct] the X-ray, it causes delay,” Lapeña said.

Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Director General

Former Customs commissioner Isidro Lapeña

Aaron Aquino and former Customs intelligence officer Jimmy Guban also attended the hearing.

The joint panel is set to issue a show cause order against sacked PDEA deputy director general for administration Ismael Fajardo, former police senior Supt.

Eduardo Acierto, SMYD trading owner Marina Signapan, magnetic lift-

ManilaTimes.net photo

ers broker Katrina Cuasay and six other individuals involved in the controversy who failed to attend Wednesday’s inquiry.

The same individuals were cited for contempt by the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee for not showing up in a hearing last week.

Guban had claimed that Acierto was behind the missing P11billion shipment. n

Catholics urged to ignore Duterte attack vs Church PAGE A9 t According to Secillano, Duterte cannot push for people to just pray at home as churches are special places that house the Eucharist or Christ in the form of host, which is reserved in the tabernacle.

The priest explained that the Eucharist cannot be placed in houses as the danger of its desecration is likely and such activity is against Canon 935 of the Code of Canon Law. He also said a church is one of the proper places specific to man’s activities and is no different from a government office.

“The church is a house of

prayer, it is a place for worship.

Remember that there are places proper to man’s activities. If government officials can do their meetings, conventions, conferences and even consultations in expensive hotels or restaurants, why can’t people pray in the church, which is the proper place for worship?” asked Secillano.

As for the supposed donations asked by the Church, he said they never oblige people to donate money whenever they visit churches, with some even pretending to be “so consumed in prayer” to not notice the collection boxes being passed.

He explained that the faithful are merely encouraged to donate or make “love offerings” when they go to church in order to help pay for its electric consumption and maintenance, among others.

The priest said it is a far cry from what happens whenever government officials do their business.

“When government officials conduct their meetings in highend hotels, people’s money are being spent,” stressed Secillano.

Duterte has had a long list of attacks against the Catholic church, including one where he called God “stupid.” n

Immigrants are pieces of American...

PAGE A8 t Or will America follow the example of Philippine President Manuel Quezon who welcomed Jewish refugees and who stayed in the Philippines from 1937 to 1941? CNN reported: “The Philippines’ first president, Manuel Quezon, and U.S. High Commissioner to the Philippines, Paul McNutt, devised a strategy to grant visas to European Jews, who were fleeing the Holocaust.

“That was like a rebirth,” said Noel Izon, the filmmaker of the documentary, “An Open Door: Jewish Rescue in the Philippines,” in which he interviewed several Jewish refugees. “They went from certain death to this life.”

CNN’s Madison Park reported on Feb. 3, 2015: “Among them

in Manila at the age of eight. He recounted his experience in his biography, ‘Escape to Manila: From Nazi Tyranny to Japanese Terror.’ “’My father got a lot of positive attention, coming from a place where Jews were exiled and treated so poorly,’ said his daughter, of his escape from Europe. Frank Ephraim died in 2006. ‘The Filipinos were incredibly kind and treated him extremely well. There was an element of something so redemptive.’”

We now know the merit of allowing a refugee in, like Albert Einstein, the scientist, or even a ballet dancer like Mikhail Baryshnikov. Why are we then viewing these caravans of migrants as a migration of criminals when we

government agency, process the 700,000 asylum seekers and lift the metering to a more reasonable amount of applications to be seen daily? *** Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz, J.D. writes a weekly column for Asian Journal, called “Rhizomes.”

She has been writing for AJ Press for 10 years.

She also contributes to Balikbayan Magazine.

Her training and experiences are in science, food technology, law and community volunteerism for 4 decades. She holds a B.S. degree from the University of the Philippines, a law degree from Whittier College School of Law in California and a certificate on 21st Century Leadership from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government.

She has been a participant in NVM Writing Workshops taught by Prof. Peter Bacho for 4 years and Prof. Russell Leong. She has travelled to France, Holland, Belgium, Japan, Costa Rica, Mexico and over 22 national parks in the US, in

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A11

The Evergreen of Pop Music Circle of China Sings for 400 Million Workers — Hong Su, the pop music leader of China by

For celebrating the 60th Anniversary of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, the outstanding conducting, creating and performing team of The Art Troupe of All-China Federation of Trade Unions went to Guangxi on 19th October for a special performance tour.

As the backbone of The Art Troupe, Hong Su also took part in the performance tour and sang several well-known golden hits, like Little Me, How Much I Want to Sing, When I Miss You and City Girl, for the workers and the masses of Guangxi, which brought the performance to a climax that day. Aside from the performance in the evening party, Hong Su also went to Nanning, Liuzhou, Baise and other places of Guangxi to give wonderful performances to front-line workers, sending deep love and best wishes for the workers and the masses of Guangxi.

Those who are fond of pop music must be familiar with the widely-praised pop songs, Little Me, Third March, How Much I want to Sing and Old Friend, which are all sung by Hong Su. Not only are Hong Su’s songs popular, but she has also won the praise and honor of the country, music production organizations and national top industry associations. As a national first-grade actor, Hong Su enjoys the special subsidy of the State Council, and she has been appointed as the special performer of CCTV, the top media of China. Hong Su is the

leader of Chinese pop music.

She has won the first prize of the popular music singing style of the professional group in the 2nd Young Singer Grand Prix, which has been held by CCTV in 1986 and was the first authoritative national-level TV singing competition, reaped the award of “Galin Cup” National Favorite Singer Grand Prix hosted by China National Radio in 1987, and ranked in the National New-Era Top 10 Golden Stars in 1988. Also in 1988, Hong Su’s album Little Me won the National Golden Cassette Award issued by CCTV and, in the same year, her single Old Friend won the Top 10 Golden Hits Award of Chinese Original Song Overall List. Her works gained great popularity among the TV audiences. Hong Su has performed in the CCTV Spring Festival Gala in 1987, 1990 and 1996. After singing Little Me on the stage of the CCTV Spring Festival Gala, she rose to fame, becoming a wellknown singer. She has sung theme songs and insert songs for more than twenty films and television dramas, such as Golden Dart Hero and Rescued from Desperation.

Hong Su is born with a beautiful, sweet singing voice.

Her singing has its unique style and characteristics. At an age of 15, Hong Su has been enrolled in Benxi City Song and Dance Troupe of Liaoning Province. She has performed many classic works, such as Sister Jiang, Peasant Takes a

Vicky Wang

Wife, Master Qiao’s Adventure and The Wandering Song Girl.

In 1984, she has been admitted into the Jianfen Gu Vocal Music Art Training Center in Beijing and become the star pupil of Jianfen Gu. Later, she has learnt music from Lin Fu and Tielin Jin, famous music educators of China. In 1987, The Art Troupe of All-China Federation of Trade Unions gave her admission, and then she began her career of performing for common workers all around the country.

For more than thirty years, Hong Su has devoted herself to the performances for grassroots units. There are several hundreds of such performances every year and Hong Su even needs to attend four or five performances in a single day.

Her singing has reached both oil fields and mine fields. She always sings five or six songs in each performance without stop and her signing is unanimously praised by the workers. She has travelled all the places of China, bringing songs and happiness to people all over the country. Besides, Hong Su also pays close attention to public welfare establishments.

She is a frequenter of all kinds of public benefit activities.

During the “SARS” period in 2003, she has specially recorded the songs of Warm World and Our Motherland and gone to the site to give performances for the medical workers.

After Wenchuan Earthquake happened in 2008, she went to the Wenchuan,

Beichuan and Deyang regions of Sichuan Province, singing songs of Give You My Love and Consolation for the quakeaffected people. She has also sent generous donations to the disaster-hit areas. As the main force of the Art Troupe of All-China Federation of Trade Unions, Hong Su has given touring performances in Brazil, the Netherlands, France, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Macau many times.

Seeking for a breakthrough in the career, Hong Su has built the “Old Friend Music Studio” in Beijing in 2004.

In several years, hundreds of songs have been created and recorded for A-list singers in the studio. Hong Su has also created the song Big Brother for the successful launching of Shenzhou V and the song Happy Run for Beijing Olympic Games and contributed to the public welfare establishments with dozens of golden hits, such as Give Our Love. She is definitely an evergreen in the pop music circle.

With the development of Hong Su’s career and the accumulation of her singing art experience, many people have asked Hong Su to be their singing teacher. Hong Su willingly agreed. Besides, since 2001, she has been the music tutor and the judge for the Vocal Music Major of the Dandelion New Teenager Artist Selection Contest, the Academy Award of China

Based in China/ United States, and well-prepared — Xiaoyun Zhang and the Art Without Borders Foundation by

If I tell you that there is a foundation called “Art Without Borders” in New York, you would not have imagined that this was created by a young Chinese. Yes, the founder of this non-profit organization is a 23-year-old girl whom name is Xiaoyun Zhang. The purpose of this foundation is to promote the cross-border communication of art - whether it is national boundaries or geographical boundaries. From the first day of the establishment of this institution Xiaoyun Zhang has fully promoted the exchange and integration of art forms and artistic concepts across borders.

Xiaoyun Zhang has made many explorations and practices in this regard. Her Art Without Borders Foundation has held art exhibitions in many cities in China and the United States. It became one of the most active institutions in the art curation category between China and

RogeR Fu

the United States.

Ms. Xiaoyun Zhang was influenced by her family and loved art since her childhood.

In 2008 she began to study with the famous Korean curator Won-il Rhee. During his two years of study with Won-il, Xiaoyun Zhang had a deep understanding of art curation and began to accumulate practical experience. She then began to hold several art exhibitions in Nanjing and won the praise of the audience and critics. Since then she has been out of control and embarked on the road of artistic curation. A few years later, after she found the Art Without Borders Foundation in the United States she took her practice to a whole new level. She is even more eager to work, becoming a recognized new generation of leading figures in the field of Chinese art curation. Located in New York, today’s most important gath-

ering place for contemporary art is the Art Without Borders Foundation exchanges and works with thousands of people every year. In addition to integrating various art forms, she also has her own unique concepts and innovations.

Under the leadership of Xiaoyun, Art Without Borders brought the exhibitions of Chinese painters to the United States, and also brought the exhibitions of American artists to China.

In addition to providing artists with all-round support to create better works and gain more quality audiences, Xiaoyun also brought famous curators such as Celyn Bricker and Nicole Condon-Shih to China to hold forums and share them.

She also brought Chinese masters such as Jingzhe Cui to Los Angeles to let the world see the charm of

Chinese art. During his time at New York University, Xiaoyun Zhang planned 12 art exhibitions in China and the United States in just over a year. In addition, the Art Without Borders

Light Music Society, and the Pop Music Session of National Vocal Music Competition in successive years. She has thus won the Outstanding Gardener Award of the 2006 Dandelion Outstanding New Teenager Artist Selection Activity.

Hong Su hopes that she could discover promising music artists with her more than thirty years’ experience in vocal music and sow the seeds of Chinese culture and music knowledge in the hearts of children and make them grow to blossom and yield fruits.

Chinese pop music is going global. Thirty years ago, Hong Su’s Little Me, Third March and How Much I Want to Sing have been popular in China.

After thirty years, the splendor of her singing still shines in the song circle of China. Hong Su believes that she can make her contributions in the process of Chinese pop music going global. She is confident that more and more people from Europe and America, who have different culture backgrounds, can appreciate the beauty of Chinese pop music.

Foundation is also committed to providing art education including cross-cultural forums, international art, and cultural exchanges. Enriching the world of art through a step-by-step effort to promote the flow of art in the international arena and to dig out the neglected art and value. Xiaoyun Zhang‘s next plan is that Art Without Borders will promote art of international value to South America, Southeast Asia, and other regions.

In the article “Info Loss Trasmitting Art Between Cultures “ published by NY Arts Magazine, Xiaoyun Zhang has profoundly explained what can be done in curatorial work to make art correctly spread in different cultures.

In addition to artistic value the works of artists who cooperate with Art without borders have stable market prices. Many of their works have long been sought after by collectors of calligraphy and painting. They are very active in the art market and are various exhibitions. Also, works that are indispensable for galleries and auction houses. In China many such as Professor Youshan You, Professor Yuankui Wu, Professor Jianming Xu, etc., have sold at a price of 10,000 RMB per square foot at the

auction prices of major auction companies. The famous Chinese artist Wei Liu’s “It is a Flower” has even reached a high price of 6.44 million RMB. Art Without Borders has also established sales and auctions of calligraphy and painting works with many well-known art institutions, such as Tangshan Painting Store, Laoting Changhe, Rongbaozhai, Xiqiao Printing Society, etc. The auction price of paintings and calligraphy is more than one million RMB. Taking international cultural exchanges as its own responsibility from the choice of painters and paintings, it focuses on whether it can represent China and can go international; or on behalf of the United States, into China. At the same time from the strategic layout of curatorial, Art Without Borders is also an international foundation. It promotes American outstanding artists in China and promotes the most outstanding Chinese artists into United States. Art Without Borders Foundation, in the midst of international cultural integration, is building an international art exchange platform with a solid academic background and a solid China-US cultural heritage and resources.

Wanhuida Lands in America, Haiyan Ren being CEO of American Branch

by SteVe

October 1, 2018, Wanhuida IP Agency (now renamed as Wanhuida Peksung IP Group, hereinafter referred to as Wanhuida) declares the official founding of the branch WHD IP Consulting Inc. in Napa, California, USA, with Ms. Haiyan Ren taking the post of CEO. This signals that Wanhuida has entered the American Market.

Thus, Wanhuida can better serve important client groups in the American Market and further invigorate local economy.

Haiyan Ren stepped into the

in 1994. With 24 years’ working experience, she has become the expert in the field of intellectual property in China, enjoying a high reputation and great influence in the industry.

She has witnessed Chinese intellectual property’s development from birth to gradual perfection.

In 1999, Haiyan Ren co-founded Wanhuida, the sixth intellectual property agency in China, as one of the earliest senior partners of Wanhuida.

Trademark business has been the long-term advantage of

many industry Firsts. Wanhuida has long put great emphasis on the trademark business. Haiyan Ren is extremely familiar with the handling procedures of affairs related to European and American intellectual property.

Being the person in charge of the intellectual property trademark business for Wanhuida’s overseas clients, Haiyan Ren devotes herself to providing intellectual property protection within the territory of China for overseas enterprises and providing intellectual property business consulting service for many transnational enterprises with her rich experience in fields such as cross-border intellectual property protection strategies and intellectual property portfolio optimization strategies. So far, Haiyan Ren has successfully handled thousands of intellectual property cases of all kinds. She is especially skilled in complicated and difficult cases in the field of trademarks.

Haiyan Ren attaches much

communication in her work.

Since many foreign clients have no branches in China, e-mail is the main avenue for communication. She firstly communicates with clients to know their needs and then conveys the intent of the clients to her service team. After the service team finally determines the feasibility of the cases, she again feeds the results back to the clients.

The communication process is so important that each step might change the future trend of a case.

In 2015, Wanhuida took on the administrative case of review of rejected trademark of Microsoft LAUNCHWORKS. For the case, Haiyan Ren, the leader in charge of trademark business, and her team, discussed the function and the limitation of the Classification and gave comprehensive analysis in the aspects of function, purpose, production department, distribution channel and consumer, finally convincing the court to affirm that “Game Software”

chiang nance Software” were not like products. This case was rare in the industry and received attention from the whole industry then because the products originally belonging to the same class of the Classification were identified as non-similar products.

Haiyan Ren has maintained a close and friendly cooperative relation with many foreign clients, which she has served, since first cooperation. Why could Wanhuida enjoy such a broad high-quality client base in the Chinese intellectual property market with increasing competition? According to Haiyan Ren, Wanhuida always holds the belief that “Expertise Makes it Possible and Communication Guarantees High Quality”, and, with the continuous development of economic globalization and internationalization of trademark strategies of enterprises, excellent expertise is only the basis and the key to success is winning trust of clients. Haiyan Ren has

maintaining of the cooperative relation with important foreign clients. She has said, “To win the trust of clients, accumulation of knowledge is far, far from enough. You need to communicate with the clients, care about the clients, consider the clients’ needs comprehensively from the standpoint of the clients, and provide strategic advice and do your best for them.

You must reach every aspect to truly solve the problems that the foreign clients cannot solve in China. Only in this way can you win the market and win the trust of the clients.” Haiyan Ren gains high praise from all the clients with her expertise, communication skills and adaptability to changes and build a long-term stable win-win cooperative relation with the clients.

Under the leadership of Haiyan Ren, Wanhuida will continuously improve itself and meet more and more challenges. In the course of innovation, Haiyan Ren will overcome all obstacles to welcome a brighter

A12 December 1-4, 2018 • LA WeeKeND ASIAN JOUrNAL

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SHOWBIZ&STYLE

Journal Sheldon Reynolds frontlines The Spirit of Earth, Wind and Fire on Dec. 2 “Kalimba” headlines The Love of Country International Music Festival

by AJPress HAVING played across the country at some of the nations most prestigious and historic theaters, music festivals, state fairs, corporate events and functions, casino’s, and larger clubs as well as upscale private events, Kalimba, The Spirit of Earth Wind and Fire is one of the busiest bands on the road.

This weekend, Sunday, December 2, the in-demand band makes a stop in Los Angeles, to bring its infectious rhythm to music lovers in the first ever Love of Country Music Festival.

Fans can expect the hits: September, Shining

Kalimba: The Spirit of Earth, Wind and Fire

Star, Boogie Wonderland, After the Love Has Gone, Let’s Groove, That’s the Way of the World, Devotion, Reas ons, Sing a Song, Can’t Hide Love, Getaway, Fantasy, and Love’s Holiday, to name a few.

The show features Sheldon Reynolds, vocalist, and the origi-

nal lead guitarist of Earth, Wind and Fire, credited as one of the writers of the megahit “SeptemSheldon Reynolds ber.” Reynolds.

Making a rare Special Guest Appearance is Rosemarie De Vera, the legendary beauty who aside from being crowned Mutya PAGE B2

Jake Zyrus invites Oprah to his wedding Ricky Lo Philstar.com

by

YES, of course, if and when Jake Zyrus and his partner Shyre Aquino finalize the date and venue of their wedding, Jake said that he would invite Oprah Winfrey, after all Oprah (in absentia) was among those who served as godparents (together with Boy Abunda and Your Funfarer) to then Charice Pempengco when she was baptized and confirmed in Catholic rites after she converted from Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC).

“But nothing is final yet,” clarified Jake last Wednesday after the presscon for Frontrow Cares which will be launched in a big charity music festival set for Dec. 16 at the SM Mall Of Asia (MOA) Concert Grounds. “For now, it’s enough that we have announced our engagement, that I am hers and she is mine.”

Jake wouldn’t even tell what kind of wedding it would be. Jake

Jake Zyrus Photo from Instagram/@jakezyrusmusic

is Catholic, Shyre is Christian.

Since same-sex marriage is not recognized in the Philippines, Jake confessed that he and Shyre plan to have it abroad (Canada or the US?) where same-sex marriage is legal. More than that, Jake begged off from revealing

any other details, saying, “Sa aming dalawa na lang ‘yon, after all everything about my life is in the book,” referring to his controversial autobiography I Am Jake which was released recently.

Asked if he would invite her Ninang Oprah, Jake said, “Why not,” adding in jest, “if she’s not busy, she can always use her private plane going to the venue.”

Asked further who would be invited to the “very private” event, Jake said, “The date is too far pa and we haven’t even started the preparation for it. But for sure, very limited ang guests…only really close friends. Ilan lang naman ang close friends ko, di ba?”

Hmmm, maybe…10?

“Even less pa,” Jake smiled, again adding, “those are details that we still have to discuss. Basta, we are happy that we have let people know our real status.”

What about his estranged mom, Raquel Pempengco?

PAGE B2

Rosemarie De Vera

B

EntErtainmEnt

B DECEMBER 1-4, 2018 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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Angel Locsin to star in action teleserye despite spinal injury by

Marinel r. Cruz Inquirer.net

DeSPIte suffering from a spinal injury in 2015, actress angel locsin insisted that action is still her genre of choice.

“I’m very excited that interest in this particular genre is returning,” said the actress, who will soon be seen in an action-adventure tV series, “the General’s Daughter,” on aBS-CBn. In the series, she plays a member of the army nurse corps. It also features Paulo avelino, JC de Vera, tirso Cruz III and albert Martinez. angel’s spinal injury earlier forced her to quit from the project that would once again bring the superheroine “Darna” to the big screen. liza Soberano has since agreed to play the titular role. angel, however, claimed her health never became an issue while making this tV project.

Photo from Instagram/@therealangellocsin “We’re very careful with the execution of all the scenes. of course, hard for her to relate to her I can no longer do what I used to character. “I had to make extra do, so I take extra precautions. effort to understand her, to build to make sure my body is ready her backstory. our worlds are so for the next taping day, I go to my different from each other,” she Pt (physical therapist) the night pointed out, adding that she also before. I also apply cold compress had to conform to the “new directafter we shoot difficult scenes,” ing style” of emmanuel “Manny” from every theater seat. she shared with the Inquirer.

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PAGE B1 ng Pilipinas World 1980, cut several records during her acting career aside from appearing in Philippine Cinema. the concert also features Filipino-american acts Michael Keith, Maricar and the 4700 Band, Ciamara Morales, la Front Page Band and the elite Dancers. the love of Country ambassadors shall also be presented in the concert, showcasing the different talents of its all-encompassing membership. the nationally touring show Kalimba, the Spirit of earth Wind and Fire provides an earth Wind & Fire experience so satisfying it transports audiences back to the excitement of the first time they heard these unforgettable songs.

In February the loss of eWF’s founder and musical genius, Maurice White, left the world mourning, but Kalimba, the Spirit of earth Wind and Fire faithfully honors his work by featuring lush treatments of the soaring vocal harmonies that are the hallmark of earth Wind & Fire’s music and eWF’s late founder, musical genius, Maurice White. Performances authentically replicate the signature high notes of Maurice White’s sidekick, Philip Bailey. lead vocalist, thomas “Chazz” Smith, created Kalimba, the Spirit of earth Wind and Fire in

Homemade Sardines Get a Crockpot Makeover Just cut the bigger fish into pieces. The sweet-pickle juice adds a beautiful complexity to these homemade sardines.

The olive oil provides the protection of polyphenols. I like to smash the sardines up and eat them on Saltine crackers.

Homemade Sardines Serves 2–4 Brine of ¼ cup salt dissolved in 2 cups water 2–3 lbs. of mackerel, herring, or smelt, cleaned with heads removed (skin on, bones in) ¾ cup olive oil ¾ cup water ¾ cup vinegar from a jar of sweet pickles 3 bay leaves 2 Tbsp. peppercorns

1. Add the fish to the brine and place in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours.

2. Remove the fish from the brine and add to a crockpot with the olive oil and all remaining ingredients. Be sure the fish is completely covered with liquid. Add more water if necessary.

3. Simmer on low heat for 3–6 hours (depending on the size of the fish) or until the fish is very soft, even the bones.

LA Front Page Band

Maricar and the 4700 Band

2011 with the vision of honoring the beloved earth Wind & Fire hits he and millions of others listened to while growing up. the 10-piece organization includes a full horn and rhythm section to reproduce the infectious grooves created by eWF’s Verdine White and ralph Johnson.

Gates open at 3:30pm for food purchases. Main show in auditorium starts at 5pm. Venue address is the Church of Scientology of the Valley, 11455 Burbank Blvd, north Hollywood, Ca 91601. tickets available at eventBrite.com or at the gate. the concert benefits the Mother Movement.

Jake Zyrus invites Oprah to his... © 2015–2019 by FoodTrients.com

My readers have let me know how much they enjoy crockpot cooking. They allow working families the chance to come home to long-simmered soups, sauces, stews and other comforting meals that warm the soul.

The trick to developing or converting recipes for slow cookers is to correctly estimate the liquid needed. Figure that about 2 cups of liquid will be evaporated during the cooking process over six to eight hours, so plan accordingly.

For instance, if you want to make chicken soup or minestrone soup in the slow cooker, just add 2 extra cups of water to your recipe and it should work out well.

Don’t add pasta or rice until the end (15 minutes before serving for pasta, 30 minutes before serving for white rice, 40 minutes before serving for brown rice).

Chili works particularly well in the slow cooker. Most chili recipes have long cooking times and won’t need much adjustment, but if the cooking time calls for only one or two hours of heat, add those two extra cups of water and let it simmer all day.

Because of the long cooking times, lean towards using tougher cuts of meat and heartier fish for best results. Lamb shanks hold up well to 10 hours of braising as do short ribs. Pork shoulder and rump roast become very tender after stewing for hours.

Don’t be afraid to make fish in your slow cooker. My Homemade Sardines cook for about 6 hours and can be made with mackerel, smelt, herring, or even trout.

Sardines are any type of small fish like mackerel or smelt or herring that have been preserved in oil or packed in sauce.

Sardines are a good source of protein, iron, zinc, vitamin D, and calcium (if you eat the bones). I like to make my own at home because it’s not very difficult and the result is wonderful. This cooking process can be applied to larger fish like trout very well.

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Sheldon Reynolds frontlines...

age gracefully

BY GRACE O

her research before she accepted the project. “I visited army camps as part of my immersion and spoke with the soldiers. I was with some of the members of the production team there. It’s true we’re getting a lot of help from the aFP (armed Forces of the Philippines) for this project.”

She added: “I also went to the set location ahead of the others.” the Angel Locsin series is currently taping in Daet, Camarines norte. “that’s a 10-hour drive from Manila. I really don’t mind. I enjoy road trips compared to flying,” the actress confessed. “It also helps that ours is a happy set. our team is very efficient so we finish fast and early.” angel admitted that it was

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

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

PAGE B1 “they will be invited,” admitted Jake, “but it would hurt kung wala sila doon.” raquel denounced Jake’s book as being full of “untruths” but Jake took it in stride, simply shrugged it off.

“By now,” he explained, “the public should know what our family relationship is like. We are in something like a game — you know, parang kampihan. I’m resigned to the fact that our family is like that. Iba-iba ang paniniwala.

From the start, my life has been an open book and I know that some people are against it. even if I didn’t write a book, even if I only released an album, mayroon pa ring hindi mag-a-agree. But that will change nothing.”

He might not be here this Christmas since he has signed up for shows abroad.

Cares’ the Biggest Charity Music Festival (of the year) together with ely Buendia, Parokya ni edgar, Billy Crawford, Gloc 9, Callalily, andrew e, Spongecola, plus exBattalion, Chicser, DJ ace ramos and Frontrow’s homegrown talents luxxe Stars.

“Many more artists are willing to perform gratis et amore,” said r.S. Francisco, Frontrow cofounder with Sam Versoza. “It’s been a great year and we can’t think of doing anything more apt than to formally introduce Frontrow Cares. We’ve been in touch with various organizations for suite some time now, but we want to extend this mission to people outside Frontrow who might want to give more to inspire more.” (note: r.S. produced and starred in the restaging of M. Butterfly and donated the proceeds to 28 charities.)

of glad tidings and goodwill, will he have the heart to make peace with his mom raquel?

“Make peace are not the right words,” Jake said. “Wala sa dibdib ko na may kaaway ako. It’s not a war, wala ‘yung hate. as I said, our family is not like other families and we are better off na hindi magkakasama. you know naman how my family has a different perspective pagdating sa aking sexuality, but the fact remains that I am happy with who I am and who I am with. I know that my heart is in a good place.“ Incidentally, Jake has been getting testosterone injections for more than one year and a half. He said it would take almost four more years (“and a lot of patience”) before he reaches the limit. and then, something more, uhm, “invasive?”

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B3

A note of gratitude

BY MONET

LU

I would like to thank everyone who came, and those who supported the recently concluded Beautiful Life Celebration 2018 last October 6th at the Quiet Cannon in Montebello, California.

The show’s amazing performances and fabulous guests in the A-list world definitely acclaimed that night as one of the most awaited and prestigious awards nights of the year. The show featured 15 of the most distinguished men and women (of different fields) in the FilipinoAmerican Community.

One of the highlights of the night was the coronation of the Queen of Queens and the 10 Most Beautiful Filipino-Americans of 2018. Congratulations to all the queens and awardees. Mabuhay! *** Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, award-winning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is known as an all-around artiste who produces sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns. Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary all-

HER “AMERICAN DREAM” SHATTERED WHEN HER CASE WAS DENIED AND HER TWO ATTORNEYS TOLD HER THE ONLY SOLUTION WAS TO JUST “HIDE.” Mariel (left) was devastated when her adjustment of status was denied after USCIS concluded she was out of status.

Distraught and lost, especially after her first two lawyers’ only advice was to “hide,” Mariel decided to consult with “Attorney-of-LastHope” Michael J. Gurfinkel who sought reconsideration and was able to get Mariel her elusive green card in record time. Watch Mariel’s dream come true on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” – on Sunday at 6:15 p.m. (PST) on TFC. (Advertising Supplement)

natural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration . To contact

Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at monetsalon@aol.com

Monet Salon moves to a new location

THIS winter, something merry and bright has opened up in Arleta! The salon that has brought you 20+ years of expert hair services in Panorama City has now moved to a new location at 8650 Woodman Ave. in Arleta, California.

Owner Monet Lu excitedly welcomed the change in location, saying that the “change in ambiance and scenery is sending off some good vibes!”

The location may have changed but the expertise remains the same – even better, in fact. They still offer top-ofthe-line haircuts, perms, hair coloring, highlights, as well as a wide selection of quality hair and facial care products.

Keratin Treatment with haircut starts at $100 for short hair.

This Smoothing Therapy treatment penetrates throughout the hair structure and repairs hair damage. Color and highlight start at $100 (short hair), and

their latest technology in hair awakening called Hair Reborn is made to instantly restore and vitalize weak and damaged hair, giving you that brilliant shine you’ve always wanted. This Hair Reborn treatment already comes with a haircut for only $49.99 for short hair.

You may contact the salon to inquire about treatment for long hair and expect a huge discount.

Aside from hair treatments, their bridal hair and makeup packages are quite popular among blushing client-brides.

But why stop there when holiday parties are coming up and they have been known for delivering the best ‘makeovers’ in the valley?

For Hair and Make-up, you may

call the salon for a consultation.

They also offer great discounts.

The Arleta Branch is open Mondays through Sundays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 8650 Woodman Avenue. You may also visit the other location at 20113 Vanowen St. Winnetka, CA 91306 or call (213) 216-4923 for an appointment.

(Advertising Supplement)

Jed Madela almost quit showbiz; gives advice for singer wannabes by

MARIDOL RAÑOA-BISMARK Philstar.com

FIFTEEN years in an industry that sees talents come and go is a feat.

Jed Madela has every reason to tell the world he is one of the few who have endured that long in the music scene. He knows it is best to perform songs the audience can sing along to, not those whose vocal reach are too high, only a Jed Madela can interpret them in international tilts where he emerges as winner.

This was not always the case.

Like all singers who pay their dues, Jed had his fair share of down-and-out moments.

“I almost quit showbiz,” he admitted in a recent interview with Philstar.com for his 15th anniversary solo concert, “Higher than High,” recently held at the Araneta Coliseum.

People were not listening to his songs anyway, Jed told his manager (people were for those with a wide vocal range, not for the average music lover).

The good thing is, Jed’s supporters quashed all his self-

Jed Madela

doubt. He calls these supporters “the right people who surrounded me.”

They reminded him that he has to wait a little longer, that the people (even if they were not too many at that time) actually love

ABS-CBN photo

to hear his voice.

Jed learned to silence the voices of self-doubt that threatened to overwhelm him when he sang before an audience of two in a small bar.

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Jed Madela almost quit showbiz...

PAGE B3 “One was my manager; the other, a walk-in customer who didn’t know I was having a show,” recalled Jed. It is from these small performances that he learned to interact with people, to go on with the show even when things were not going his way.

Thanks to these struggling years, Jed developed a humility that keeps him from letting success get the better of him.

After all, attitude is still the key to longevity when musical talent is a dime a dozen.

This is why Jed advised new talents who have won reality singing contests to nurture relationships, because these can be their saving grace during hard times.

“Ninety nine out of 100 singers are talented,” he observed.

“But only a handful will remain because of their attitude.”

One singer, Jed explained, was

politeness personified when he was just starting out. He would greet Jed with a “Hello po, kuya” whenever they bumped into each other.

But when he started becoming popular, the singer suddenly acted as if he did not see Jed at all when they were in the same area, “even if I happen to have a big physique.”

It saddens Jed because the scenario occurs over and over.

“More than talent, it’s your attitude that will keep you in the industry,” Jed would like to tell the singer and other new talents he mentors.

“Someday, all of us will be on our way out. And those you meet on your way down are the same people you met on your way up.”

Of course, shunning ice cream helps Jed stay on top of the heap by preventing him from getting cough.

Age, however, is something he cannot control. Jed professed he is not getting any younger, so his vocal strength can decline even if it has retained the power and range that has won him national and international honors. Discipline, therefore, is a must. So is discernment.

Asked why his love life has remained zero, Jed said someone like him must be extra cautious.

“You can’t give your heart away just like that when you don’t know who’s real and who’s not,” he mused.

Some people, he goes on, only want someone they can use and brag about. That is why he admitted that he is building a wall to distance himself from these users. Jed would rather be called choosy than make a fool of himself.

But he is not closing his doors to that one person he can give his whole heart to someday. For the meantime, he is ready to try more things in his career, like theater.

He said many have told him that his voice – strong, full-bodied and possessed with a wide range – is suited for theater.

Given the right project, Jed would gladly plunge headlong into theater. Fifteen years in the business has only whetted his appetite to learn more.

No wonder he is still around – doing what he loves to do – even when others, consumed by their own egos, have long faded away.

Health@Heart PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS THE 6 million Jews killed during the holocaust, genocide perpetrated by Nazi Germany (17 million total if the other exterminations are considered as a part of Hitler’s “The Final Solution,” between 1941 and 1945) pales in comparison to the 60,069,971 fetuses killed (per choice of the mothers or parents of these unborn) in the United States alone (about the same number killed in World War II) since abortion was legalized in America 45 years ago, on January 22,1973, thru Rose v. Wade Supreme Court Decision. According to WHO, there are about 45 million abortion a year performed around the world, about 125,000 fetuses killed a day.

When I read the question, “Do fetuses have rights?”, on the cover of a U.S. weekly magazine years ago, I wondered how some people could even think otherwise. If the fetus is allowed to grow and develop normally, it will mature to be someone like any one of us, humans, so why shouldn’t he/she have rights, just like anyone of us? I grant you that a fetus is not a fully developed person yet because it is still in the womb and not independent, just like anyone of us when we were in the womb of our mother, but our animal pets (and their fetuses) who are not even humans and do not even have the potentials to be human beings, are accorded their rights and have legal protection against cruelty and abuse under the law.

Why not the unborn child?

I am surprised why there is even a debate at all whether fetuses should be considered human beings, and whether we, fellow humans, should have the right to kill them or not. Legally, they are not considered a human, an individual, yet. To me, the issue is lucidly clear that the fetuses, when not killed, could have a “naturally pre-determined” fate, to develop into a human being. These are not fruits or vegetables or any inanimate objects, but future human beings. They have an active brain, a heart that beats, body, arms and legs that move, just like us.

They are living beings.

One of the issues being made is that the fetus is not a human being because it is in the womb, totally dependent on the mother, and therefore has no right at all.

In other words it does not count!

But if a pregnant mother is a victim of any violence or crime, which results in the death of both the mother and the fetus, the courts count the “value” of the fetus, and if the perpetrator is found guilty, he/she could be

Life Coaching in a Different Perspective Stargazer AFTER identifying the types of spirits and why they manifest, now let us learn how to protect ourselves properly from energies we can’t see.

But before we learn the basics of recognizing the good from the bad, we must first realize that everything around us is energy.

Spirits are energies. Each one of us emits energy, too. Plants have energy just like any other animal. The air we breathe and the sun that shines is energy itself. So is God, Himself.

In science, anything that can be quantifiable is also identifiable. Since spirits are also energies, they can be felt, quantified and identified. And how do we recognize good and bad spirits?

Simple. Pay attention to how you feel. When you walk into a room, do you feel relaxed? Do you feel happy or there is a certain warmth or relaxed ambiance? If yes, the energies must be good.

If you feel fear, irritated or restless and you want to leave right away, chances are there are some negative energies inside the room. Fear identifies the kind of spiritual presence as negative...or more bluntly, evil.

So never take chances if you feel anxious or afraid.

What then if you are confronted by the presence of negative spirits? Do we say a prayer, shield ourselves with white light or run away? You may do all of the above. You see, prayer is sometimes what these spirits need. They are too stuck in this dimension, trying to hold on to intense emotions such as anger and prayer may help loosen their grip a bit. It will pacify and subdue them.

Abortion vs. Holocaust

sentenced to, and meted out, “double” the punishment because of the two dead victims.

So, why should the treatment and regard for the value of the fetus be different in the case of abortion?

Another argument I find ludicrous is the one that says a woman has the right to do whatever she wants with her body, and therefore she has the right to terminate the life of her child inside her womb. The fetus inside the womb is not a normal, natural, and integral part of the female body. All the women I know or have read about were not born with a fetus inside her womb as a part of her anatomy.

All the rest of her anatomy, her entire body and appendages, are there as natural parts of her, but not a fetus. So how can these pro-abortion group claim that a fetus is a part of the woman’s body, and, therefore, a pregnant woman has the right to “cut it out” at her whim, like her hair, or her nails? The woman has the right to mutilate her own body, cut off her limbs, etc., if she so chooses, because those are her own body parts. But the fetus is not a natural part of a woman’s anatomy. It is another life, formed when she voluntarily chose to enable her ovum to come in contact with a man’s sperm. Rape is, of course, another story.

The fetus can’t defend itself.

It is in the womb, at the mercy of the mother, or parents, and of society, meaning all of us. All we have to do as a society is to gang up on the powerless fetuses, legalize abortion, and allow termination of the life of the unborn ad libitum at whim. This will also confer upon our people the right to practice irresponsible sex and escape parenthood. If a woman does not want to be pregnant, she could, and should, prevent conception. Why even allow life to start at all and then decide to annihilate it?

I do realize the situation is not that simple and straightforward.

But guided by our Christian sensibilities and sensitivities, by our education, by our culture where the family is the basic structure of our foundation in society, and the natural instinct of humans (even of animals) to protect their off springs, even while still in the womb (that’s why there is prenatal examination and other protective measures pregnant women do to maintain a healthy growing fetus), I am puzzled why there is even a debate on the matter at all.

Freedom to kill?

Freedom, individual rights, and the pursuit of happiness are fundamental tenets in a democracy. The constitution of all the civilized nations of the world, ours included, provides and guarantees every human

being the basic freedoms that protect their individual natural rights in the pursuit of a happy, productive, and peaceful life, regardless of race, color, creed, religion, gender, and age, without denying others their equal and natural rights.

The everlasting controversy in the abortion debate really hinges on the denial that a fetus is a human being, and on the misinterpretation of the word freedom.

The pro-choice group (who, accurately, should call themselves pro-abortion, but who prefers to be called pro-choice to hide behind a politically correct name) believes that the freedom under the constitution means the right to do whatever one chooses, and in this case, obviously including the right to kill. That is, of course, blatantly absurd, ludicrous, and unconstitutional, not to mention immoral and sacrilegious. The freedom and right to choose, as guaranteed us by our constitution, gives us the liberty to ONLY do what is right, proper, ethical, moral and legal.

Freedom does not mean the liberty to do anything one wants to do, even abridging the rights of others, like killing the weak, the sick, or even the hopeless and terminally ill, and extinguishing the life of the innocent, fragile and powerless fetus. Mutilating a living fetus for expediency, cutting them into pieces and crashing their skull is never a part of our freedom nor a right of anyone.

The unborn did not force its mother to have and enjoy a carefree, careless, unprotected sex.

IF the death “penalty” is at all warranted and needs to be meted out to one of them, it should be to the guilty perpetrator(s) and certainly not to the innocent victim, the faultless and defenseless unborn.

I honestly do not understand how some obviously intelligent and educated family people, who value their rights, and are vigilantly fighting for those rights, can unconscionably deprive and deny the helpless fetuses their rights? I wonder how any member of the pro-choice movement would feel if she/he were the targeted fetus in the womb?

As always, we welcome your opinion and feedback. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus in Northwest Indiana and chairman of cardiac surgery from 1997 to 2010 at Cebu Doctors University Hospital, where he holds the title of Physician Emeritus in Surgery, is based in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the Philippine College of Surgeons, and the Denton A. Cooley Cardiovascular Surgical Society. He is the chairman of the Filipino United Network – USA, a 501(c)(3) humanitarian foundation in the United States. For more data, visit philipSchua.com; Email: scalpelpen@gmail. com

Understanding spirits (Part II of II)

the harmful elements from affecting your aura thus keeping you safe from whatever harm negative entities may bring upon you. It strengthens your energy centers and fills it with positive vibes that will serve as your protection.

Here is a simple white light visualization technique that was taught to me by my priest/ mentor in the late ‘70s. I also use this meditation technique before I start my day and when I am about to sleep at night. The positive affirmations will help you become more positive.

Take deep breaths. Focus on your breathing. Inhale and exhale. Do seven counts.

Visualize a warm bluish white light or energy above your head.

It is swirling on top of your head in a clockwise manner. Slowly, the bluish white light energy will enter the top of your head, swirling and cleansing as it enters our head. Let it cleanse the inside of our heads. Say “I believe in God” in your mind over and over as the light swirls inside the head.

Let the light go down behind your eyes, swirling and cleansing that area. Say “I see things in a different positive perspective” over and over as the light cleanses behind the eyes.

Now the light will proceed to the throat area, cleansing the faculty of speech. Say “I speak in wisdom.” Let the light swirl and cleanse the area.

Let the light go down to the heart area. Say “I am kind and compassionate.” Let the light do its cleansing.

The light will now travel to the solar plexus area. Say “I am strong and determined.”

Down to the pelvic area, the light will descend, swirl and cleanse. Say “I am creativity at its finest.”

Then down to the base of the spine the bluish white light or energy travels. Say “I am strong

From the base of the spine let the light travel down to the thighs, then to the legs and down through your feet. Let the light go out and ground yourself with Mother Earth. Feel the connection with nature.

From the ground let it enter again through the soles of your feet up to your legs, to your thighs, to the base of your spine, to the pelvic area, to the solar plexus, to the heart, to the throat, to the eyes and to the head. Let the light go through the top of your head and let it envelop the outer head.

Like a caterpillar slowly being covered by a cocoon of white light, the energy will intensely cover the body until it reaches the feet. You are now covered in the bluish white light. Say “I am protected, I am enveloped by the power of God” repeatedly.

If everything else fails, never try and pretend you can handle them. You are not an expert on the matter and even if you can see them, you have not been trained to confront negative entities. Simply turn your back, say a prayer, shield yourself and walk away. If the energies are too overwhelming and violent, I say...RUN AWAY as fast and as far as you can.

Pray, meditate and shield! *** Stargazer is a life coach, aura reader, psychic/clairvoyant, and lecturer on the paranormal. She uses the aura, energies & vibrations as focal points of her psychic readings. Using several techniques involving the psychological, spiritual, paranormal and her own experience of the intricacies of life, Stargazer makes one get in touch with his inner and understand life in a positive manner. Faith in God and belief in self is what Stargazer emphasizes on. Currently, Stargazer is a radio anchor of DZMM Teleradyo, the radio arm of ABS-CBN. Her show “Pinoy Vibes” has been airing every Sunday morning since Sept. 2007.

She can be reached at stargazerphils@ gmail.com. For more information, please

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COMMUNITY Journal

From tourist to student: Mother of three obtains approval to pursue studies in the United States AFTER submitting multiple applications with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and living in a state of great uncertainty for several months, Priscilla was overjoyed when she finally received approval of her F-1 student status application and was allowed to begin her studies in the United States. Priscilla, whose name has been changed for confidentiality reasons, entered the U.S. along with her three minor children in 2017. She entered with a tourist visa for the purpose of attending a wedding and spending time with family members.

Initially, Priscilla only intended to visit the U.S. for a few months, but she decided to extend the stay to allow for additional time with friends and family members. When it was ultimately time for Priscilla and her children to depart the U.S., her young daughter became ill. Not wanting to subject her daughter to a long international flight during her illness, Priscilla filed another application to extend her tourist status.

Around this time, Priscilla began thinking about her life, her goals, and how to provide a better life for her children. She realized that the best way to do so would be to advance her academic studies. Believing that obtaining a degree from a university in the U.S. would provide her with better job opportunities in the future, Priscilla decided to pursue a MBA degree in the U.S. Priscilla filed a change of status application for F-1 student status with USCIS. In the months prior to filing the change of status application, USCIS issued guidance in relation to nonimmigrants seeking to change their status from tourist to student. The guidance stated that nonimmigrants seeking to change their status from tourist to student must maintain their tourist status while the change of status application for student status was pending. In compliance with this guidance, Priscilla filed two subsequent applications to allow her to extend her

Your Immigration Solution Atty. BrittAny MilliAsseAu tourist status while the student status application was pending.

Unfortunately, Priscilla retained an attorney for assistance with these applications who provided her with misguided advice and advised her that submitting fraudulent documents in her applications was the only way that USCIS would approve them.

Priscilla trusted and relied on the attorney and regrettably followed with his misguided advice.

A few months later, Priscilla received four notices from USCIS requesting additional information and documentation in rela-

“She entered with a tourist visa for the purpose of attending a wedding and spending time with family members.” tion to the pending applications.

Priscilla was overwhelmed with the requests and was also worried that she would face serious trouble because of the fraudulent information submitted in the applications. Overcome with uncertainty, fear, and concern about the fast approaching deadline to respond to the requests, Priscilla desperately needed guidance.

Knowing that she did not want to return to the prior attorney who had provided her with ill-advised advice, Priscilla began seeking competent immigration counsel who could provide her with sound and ethical advice. She contacted Reeves Immigration Law Group (RILG) to see if she had any chance at resolving her complex immigration situation.

The attorneys at RILG explained that although it would be very challenging in her case, obtain-

ing student status in the U.S. was possible. The attorneys at RILG further explained that Priscilla would need to submit very detailed responses with supporting documents to USCIS and that she should also disclose and avoid furthering the prior fraud.

Although Priscilla knew that her case presented many challenges and that approval was far from certain, she decided to retain RILG to assist with her case.

Priscilla worked closely with the team at RILG in preparing responses to the requests from USCIS. RILG argued that both her tourist and student status applications should be approved and that she should not be inadmissible for fraud/misrepresentation. Less than a month later, USCIS approved all four of her applications. USCIS approved the tourist status extension applications which allowed Priscilla to maintain a valid status while the student status application was pending. USCIS also approved the F-1 change of status application which granted Priscilla student status in the U.S. She is now able to begin her MBA program and remain in the U.S. while she works hard towards attaining her degree. Priscilla is excited about the knowledge that she will obtain during her program and the opportunities that will arise for herself and her children once she obtains her U.S. degree. *** REEVES IMMIGRATION LAW GROUP is one of the oldest, largest and most experienced immigration fi rms in the United States with offi ces in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Manila and China.

For more Information please call (800) 795- 8009 or visit www.rreeves.com.

Telephone: (800) 795-8009 E-mail: immigration@rreeves.com Website: www.rreeves.com. *** The analysis and suggestions offered in this column do not create a lawyer-client relationship and are not a substitute for the personalized representation that is essential to every case.

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Minding Your Finances Atty. RAymond BulAon

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To people struggling with payday loans! never had the intention of repaying.

The good news is that even though I have filed more than 5,000 bankruptcy cases for my clients, I actually have not seen this happen although theoretically and legally speaking, it could happen. The reason for this, I think, is that bankruptcy courts are not likely to look at payday loan companies favorably because of their abusive and predatory practices.

If you gave the payday loan company a postdated check in exchange for your last advance, the payday loan company may still try to cash that check. This is a violation of bankruptcy law and the court can order the creditor to give the money back to you if they were able to take funds out of your bank account after you’ve already filed bankruptcy.

Most payday loan companies don’t even pay that much attention to your credit history when you’re applying for a loan. As long as you have a good employment history, you can be approved im-

I’VE seen a rise in the number of cases with payday loans and they are becoming a common issue in bankruptcy filings.

What happens to payday loans in bankruptcy?

Payday loans are unsecured loans with outrageous interest rates (sometimes more than 1000% APR!!!). If you can’t pay them off quickly, they can be a huge debt burden and the monthly payments are just as outrageous.

To get them, you give the lender post-dated checks which the lender will deposit if you don’t pay as promised. In some cases, the payment is taken out of your bank account automatically.

These loans are designed to help the borrower meet his financial obligations until the next payday. As if living paycheck to paycheck isn’t already difficult as it is, a lot of desperate borrowers resort to payday loans thinking that it may help them avoid bankruptcy if they don’t have enough money to pay their bills.

If you are already struggling financially and you are relying on payday loans as a source of instant cash, I have bad news for you: Your situation is most likely going to turn even worse pretty quickly. You are exactly the type of customer that these payday loan companies want. They know you are desperate and they are going to take advantage of you to fill their pockets. The monthly payment you’ll be making will barely cover interest and there’s a good chance you will end up filing bankruptcy like most people do.

If you do end up filing bankruptcy, cash advances taken within 70 to 90 days before filing may be disputed by the creditor and they can sue you in bankruptcy court to have the debt declared non-dischargeable. They can try to argue that you were already broke when you borrowed the money, knew that you weren’t going to be able to pay but borrowed the money from them, anyway. In other words, they can argue that you borrowed the money fraudulently because you

The Prophetic Voice

Advent: An invitation to a deeper communion with God

ReVeRend Rodel G. BAlAGtAS it’s Advent season — a period of preparation for two “comings”!

First, we’re preparing for the coming of Christmas, the celebration of God becoming incarnate in His Son, Jesus Christ. Second, we’re preparing for Jesus Christ’s Second Coming, not the end of the world, but the fulfillment of God’s Kingdom on earth.

In this sublime twofold celebration, the Church is inviting us to enter into a deeper communion with God who wants us to be drawn to Him. In God’s most humble and generous act, He let His Son, Jesus, to be in our midst and to establish the Church that would continually be a Sacrament of God’s presence in the world.

How would we come into deeper communion with God during this heightened period of expectation? Our Scripture read-

ings this First Sunday suggest some ways.

The Book of Jeremiah (Jer 33:14-16) urges us to trust in God’s promises of protection and justice and to acknowledge His power and presence in our lives. From the lips of Jeremiah came this oracle: “The days are coming, says the Lord, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and Judah.

In those days, in that time, I will raise up for David a just shoot; he shall do what is right and just in the land. In those days Judah shall be safe and Jerusalem shall dwell secure; this is what they shall call her: ’the Lord our justice.’”

Amidst our fears and insecurities about the state of affairs of this world and our personal lives, isn’t communion with God about entrusting our preoccupations to Him and resting in His presence in quiet prayer? Isn’t it about total surrender to him who in the end will bring justice, especially to those who are wronged?

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The Book of Psalms (25:4-5) tells us that to be united to God means to follow his paths. Although they are not easy to follow, they are the sure way of attaining peace in ourselves and the world. God invites us then to search our hearts and see where we are along His paths. Every day our prayer should be: ”Your ways, O Lord, make known to me; teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my savior, and for you I wait all the day.”

A communion with God should transform human relationships in order to be genuine. It should make us increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as St. Paul reminds us in the Second Reading (1 Thes 3:12-4:2).

And so, one cannot profess his love for God if he does not have love and respect for his or her fellow human beings.

Hence, as the Gospel (Lk 3:124:2) says, our communion with God requires vigilance. This

Tax Stocks Tech Tips VictoR Sy, cPA, mBA

WARREN Buffett became one of the world’s richest people by adhering to simple doctrines.

Let’s learn from his simple living and savvy investing.

1. Be frugal • Multi-billionaire Warren Buffet lives in a modest house.

• He has lived in the same humble house for the last 50 years.

• He does not have a driver to chauffer him around.

• And yes, he had an old car.

• His daughter was so embarrassed by his aged car that she prodded him into buying a new car.

• In case you are wondering, it’s a sedan, not a limousine.

• His motto: live simply. You’d have more funds to invest.

2. Resist the itch to constantly buy or sell stocks • Have the patience to wait for expensive stocks to come down in price.

• Buy stock with cheap valua-

Barrister’s Corner Atty. Kenneth uRSuA ReyeS

CONSIDER this common factual situation. You are over 21 years old and your US citizen parent petitions you while you are inside the United States.

Since this is a preference category, you have to wait many years for your priority date to be current. As the years go by, your petitioning parent dies which in turn revokes the petition. Can you still apply for your green card when your priority date becomes current?

Under Section 204(l) of the immigration and nationality act, you may apply for a green card despite the death of the petitioner once your priority date becomes current as long as 1) you were in the United States at the time of the Petitioner’s death, and 2) you continuously resided in the United States until the present time when you apply for adjustment of status.

This provision does not apply to beneficiaries that are outside the u PAGE C3 United States. This provision

Warren Buffett’s 10 investing basics (Part 1 of 4) mation about your investment tions and keep them.

• Have the patience to hold them decisions from the stock market.

• You don’t watch TV or the infor a long time. ternet telling you every week that 3. Be a contrarian • Go against the crowd. Be skep- you made the right choice.

• Buffett buys disliked value tical of conventional wisdom.

• Be fearful when others are stocks that are ignored and beatgreedy and be greedy when oth- en down to low valuation.

(Read next week’s edition of ers are fearful.

• Buy when the public is ex- Asian Journal for Part 2) .* * * tremely negative; be skeptical when the public is confident.

Victor Santos Sy graduated Cum Laude 4. Stick with what you know from UE with a BBA and from Indiana State • If you don’t understand a com- University with an MBA. Vic worked with pany’s product or how it makes SyCip, Gorres, Velayo (SGV - Andersen money, avoid it.

Consulting) and Ernst & Young before • Stay within your circle of con- establishing Sy Accountancy Corporation fidence. in Pasadena, California.

• During the 1990s boom, Buf*** fett avoided tech firms because he did not understand what they He has 50 years of experience in defending taxpayers audited by the IRS, did.

• He did not comprehend why FTB, EDD, BOE and other governmental agencies. He is publishing a book on his they were valued so high.

• He may have seemed naïve… expertise - “HOW TO AVOID OR SURVIVE IRS AUDITS.” Our readers may inquire until the bubble burst.

5. Don’t depend on others to about the book or email tax questions at vicsy@live.com. say you’re right (Advertising Supplement) • You don’t need constant affir-

Can I qualify for a green card despite the petitioner’s death?

also applies to both approved and pending Petitions.

This avenue is available to all family based petitions as outlined in INA section 204(l)(2).

This includes 1)immediate relative petitions and 2)preference family petitions such as unmarried sons and daughters of us citizens, spouses and unmarried sons and daughters of lpr, married sons and daughters of us citizens, and brothers and sisters of us citizens.

Derivative beneficiaries of pending or approved employment- based immigrant visa petitions are also covered by this section. This includes the spouse and unmarried children under age 21 of an individual who was sponsored under the employment-based category.

If you fail to meet the requirements of INA 204(l) because you did not continously reside in the US since the death of the Petitioner, you may still try to reinstate the Petition under 8 CFR Sec. 205.1(a)(3) Humanitarian Reinstatement. The DHS (Dept. of Homeland Security) may exercise discretion “for humanitar-

ian reasons” to reinstate the petition and to allow the Affidavit of Support requirements to be satisfied by the qualifying I-864 of a spouse, parent, mother-inlaw, father-in-law, sister-in-law, brother-in-law, grandparent, or grandchild or legal guardian of the beneficiary, as long as the petition was “approved” prior to the Petitioner’s death.

DHS discretion does not mean “guaranteed” approval. The case will be evaluated on a case by case basis. Some of the factors that the DHS may consider are 1) disruption of an established family unit; 2) hardship to US citizens or lawful permanent residents; 3) beneficiary is elderly or in poor health; 4) beneficiary has had lengthy residence in the US; 4) beneficiary has no home to go to; 5)undue delay by USCIS or consular officer in processing petition and visa; 6) and Beneficiary has strong family ties in the United States.

The beneficiary must be prepared to show proof of the original I-130 that was filed, proof of I-130 approval if approved,

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John Santos Sy

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Ending sexual misconduct at work Maximizing recovery in personal injury cases Legal and the importance of court access Advice

LATE last year, bipartisan senators proposed a new law called Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Harassment Act of 2017 for Congress’ approval. This bill would ensure that every person facing sexual harassment in the workplace can make their case in a public court, rather than only behind closed doors in private arbitration.

Microsoft immediately threw its support behind this new proposed law. In advocating for this bill the company ended its own practice of requiring employees to sign contracts obligating them to arbitrate sexual harassment claims. Microsoft acknowledged that arbitration does silence the voice of the victimized. This silence has helped sexual harassment to keep happening in the workplace.

Early this month, Google also announced it was overhauling its sexual misconduct policy. This occurred after thousands of employees staged a global walk-out in protest of how Google handles sexual harassment claims. Google ended their forced arbitration policy in cases of sexual harassment to fulfill the workers’ demands.

Joining Microsoft and Google is Facebook, which recently announced that it was updating its Workplace Relationships policy and changing its arbitration agreements to make arbitration a choice rather than a requirement in sexual harassment claims. This

Debt Relief

Atty. LAwrenCe yAng LET me give you the background on this case. The husband is 81 but still looks active.

He is slim and sprightly. The wife is 79 and looks nervous.

Normally, spouses are on the same track and agree what has to be done. But in this case, I’m not sure what is going on. The wife owes between $20,000 to $30,000 of credit cards, which are all past due. One card has sued her and she has agreed to a stipulated judgment promising to pay $150 a month. Other cards are threatening to sue. They call her every hour to collect their pound of flesh. The wife looks really worried. She says she hides under the table when they call.

I guess she can’t take the stress caused by these credit cards.

She says that she was able to pay these cards until she stopped working two years ago. She suffered some kind of trauma in her work and received disability payments for a while. She was a caregiver in a hospice and her patient had violently killed himself in front of her. This scene had caused her extreme mental anguish. She could no longer work as before. This work-related trauma qualified her to receive temporary disability, which recently expired.

She did not feel like going back to work. She received social security of $700. Well, if she owed $20,000 credit cards, she would need at least $750 to keep $20,000 of credit cards current with minimum monthly payments. In other words, all of her social security would have to be used to pay credit cards and she would still be short $50. Where would she get $50? All eyes go to her husband.

The husband has not given her the $50 so eventually, all her cards became past due.

You know what happens when cards become past due, past due amount plus penalties make the bad situation even worse. As she said, they call her every hour to collect. One has sued her. They threaten to sue. They want all of her social security. What struck me the most was her statement that she had to hide under the table when they call. I believed her.

She was clearly stressed out. I empathized with her. At her age, she should just be collecting social security and enjoying what’s

Protecting Employee & Consumer Rights Atty. C. Joe SAyAS, Jr.

means Facebook employees can pursue their sexual harassment complaints in open court.

They are joined by Uber and Lyft, which have also ended their practices of requiring their employees to sign agreements to arbitrate sexual harassment and assault claims.

Arbitration is a procedure to resolve disputes without filing a complaint in court. By signing an employment arbitration agreement, the employee is agreeing to have her or his claim against the employer be decided by an arbitrator and not by a judge or a jury. This means the employee cannot sue that employer in court. Unlike court proceedings which are public, an arbitration proceeding is a private process and its results are generally confidential. The parties are bound by the arbitrator’s decision and the losing party cannot appeal.

The use of arbitration in employment disputes may be problematic as it is often not a product of negotiation. The company may make the signing of an arbitration agreement a condition of employment. The employee needs the job. The company may not give the job unless the employee agrees not to sue the company in court when disputes

arise. Employees often automatically sign these types of agreements, without understanding the consequences.

Nowhere is the impact of arbitration agreements more tragic than in sexual misconduct claims that are denied access to the courts. Since the complaint is not brought in the open, the wrongful conduct may continue to persist. Many employee advocates believe that ending forced arbitration, and the confidentiality that binds the parties involved, is the first step toward ending sexual harassment in workplaces.

As the National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG) put it best, “ending mandatory arbitration of sexual harassment claims would help to put a stop to the culture of silence that protects perpetrators at the cost of their victims.”

*** The Law Offices of C. Joe Sayas, Jr. welcomes inquiries about this topic.

All inquiries are confidential and at nocost. You can contact the office at (818) 291-0088 or visit www.joesayaslaw.com or our Facebook page Joe Sayas Law. [C. Joe Sayas, Jr., Esq. is an experienced trial attorney who has successfully recovered wages and other monetary damages for thousands of employees and consumers. He was named Top Labor & Employment Attorney in California by the Daily Journal, consistently selected as Super Lawyer by the Los Angeles Magazine, and is the recipient of PABA’s Community Champion Award for 2016.]

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A couple considers how to tackle debt relief for wife left of her life, the golden years.

She should not be living each day cowering in fear. Her life sucks.

I’m wondering what’s going on with the husband. He says he also owed a bunch of cards. His social security is $2,000. He says in addition to social security, he still works full time. But the employer is not doing too well. Even though he owns 25 percent of the business, his paycheck of $2,000 does not come in consistently.

There are times when the paycheck is delayed and he doesn’t get paid.

It looks to me that there’s more stuff going on here, although it’s my policy not to get involved in matters that are between husband and wife. I think wife doesn’t want to be harassed by her credi-

husband help her out in any way he can, like pay her credit cards?

First, let me say that this is a matter between them as husband and wife. It initially looks to me that all their expenses are separate — she pays her own expenses and he pays his own expenses.

A de-facto pre-nuptial agreement when it comes to expenses.

Second, there seems to be something that’s not being said. I can tell from the bodily movements.

So, eventually what has not been said is now said. The husband is paying $1,000 a month for a $250,000 term life. He believes that when he dies, the $250,000 will help the surviving wife pay down their mortgage of $400,000.

The wife doesn’t know what to think. All she knows is that since she stopped working, she’s has been and continues to be a nervous wreck because of the credit card debt. Her entire social security benefits are not enough to cover minimum monthly payments on the cards.

I can only say that Chapter 13 will give her peace of mind, immediately. And, only God knows when we die.

Whatever the outcome and the future, it’s better all around for peace of mind, not to have these credit cards around to bother you when you get older, right? So get rid of them now if you can with Chapter 7 or Chapter 13. You don’t want them getting half or all of your social security or pension when you retire.

Lastly, all of us will have to leave this world, sooner or later.

We have frail and imperfect bodies because of sin. Without sin, we would have perfect bodies.

We would never get sick and we would never die. True. Mortality is our human condition because Adam & Eve ate of the forbidden fruit. Fortunately, Jesus died for us so we can have eternal life in heaven with our God who loves us so. So it’s all good. Death for us is not the end. It’s the beginning. *** Lawrence Bautista Yang specializes in bankruptcy, business, real estate and civil litigation and has successfully represented more than five thousand clients in California. Please call Angie, Barbara or Jess at (626) 284-1142 for an appointment at 1000 S. Fremont Ave, Mailstop 58, Building A-1 Suite 1125, Alhambra, CA 91803.

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“It looks to me that there’s more stuff going on here, although it’s my policy not to get involved in matters that are between husband and wife. I think wife doesn’t want to be harassed by her creditors anymore. She can’t take the everyday stress and creditor collection calls every hour.” tors anymore. She can’t take the everyday stress and creditor collection calls every hour. In California, we only use tables to hide under during an earthquake. We don’t use them to hide under when creditors call to collect.

The wife cannot do Chapter 7 because they own their house, which supposedly has more than $175,000 of equity. Being seniors, their homestead exemption is $175,000. In Chapter 7, there’s a big risk they might lose their house to the Chapter 7 trustee who will sell it and give them $175,000 in cash and use the rest to pay off her credit cards. It doesn’t make sense to lose your house because of credit cards.

So, I will not file a Chapter 7 for them in this case. I will only file a Chapter 13 with the smallest possible plan payment so that there is no risk of losing the house.

The wife obviously cannot pay her credit cards. She needs her $700 of social security to buy necessities. So why won’t her

Advent: An invitation to a deeper communion...

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means that we need to be aware of our overindulgence in the things and pleasures of the world to the detriment of our spiritual health and the loss of our souls.

The words of John the Baptist apply to us: ”Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life.”

This is the same Advent message of Pope Francis for us on Nov. 27 in St. Peter’s Square.

nated by the things of this world, to material reality, but rather to govern them. If on the contrary, we are conditioned and overpowered by them, it is not possible to perceive that which is much more important: our final encounter with the Lord: and this is important. That, that encounter.” (Source: Catholic News Agency) Let’s allow the spirit of Advent to draw us closer to God. Let it be an opportunity to come to a

*** From a Filipino immigrant family, Reverend Rodel G. Balagtas was ordained to the priesthood from St. John’s Seminary in 1991. He served as Associate Pastor at St. Augustine, Culver City (1991-1993); St. Martha, Valinda (1993-1999); and St. Joseph the Worker, Canoga Park (19912001). In 2001, he served as Administrator Pro Tem of St. John Neumann in Santa Maria, CA, until his appointment as pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary, Los Angeles, in 2002, which lasted 12 years. His term as Associate Director

DEAR Attorney Tan, I was driving home and was at a complete stop when another driver rear ended my car. I was not feeling well after the accident, as my back seemed very tight and stiff. I took some days off from work.

After a week, I contacted the other driver’s insurance to report the claim. The insurance adjuster for the other driver said they would fix my car, and offered me $500.00 for my injuries. Is that enough? I do not know where to go from here. –K.K. Dear K.K., The first step is to make sure that any injuries that you have suffered in the accident are examined and treated. You can recover treatment costs since they are considered “economic damages” that you suffered due to the accident.

You can also recover for time away from work as “economic damages,” even if you used paid time off or sick leave.

The term “economic damages” means “objectively verifiable monetary losses including medical expenses, loss of earnings, burial costs, loss of use of property, costs of repair or replacement, costs of obtaining substitute domestic services, loss of employment and loss of business or employment opportunities.” Civil Code Section 1431.2(b)(1). A person’s claim for economic damages apart from medical expenses are often overlooked and not pursued by persons who settle their accident cases on their own, or with the assis-

Atty. DArriCk tAn tance of inexperienced counsel.

Loss of earnings are often a significant part of an injured person’s claim for economic damages. Damages are recoverable for both past and future lost earnings. To recover for past lost earnings, a person must prove the amount of income or earnings that he/she has lost to date. To recover damages for future earnings, a person must prove the amount of income or earnings that he/she will be reasonably certain to lose in the future as a result of the injury.

CACI No. 3903C. How are past lost earnings proven?

Medical records, which show the doctor authorizing a release from work or giving instructions to restrict work activities, can support the time taken off from work due to the injury. For those self-employed, medical providers typically do not provide a release from work; however, medical records should record work restrictions placed by the medical provider.

After showing that the time off was justified, the next step is to value the lost earnings. A letter from a person’s employer that outlines the amount of time that one has lost as a result of his/her injury, the loss of benefits, and the rate of pay during the time

of loss is evidence of the value of one’s loss of earnings claim.

Other supporting documents include pay stubs, time cards, and tax returns. The monetary value of sick leave and vacation time that are used due to the injury are also recoverable.

For those self-employed, earnings history as reflected by tax returns and profit and loss statements can help prove the value of lost earnings. Similar supporting documentation must be presented for future lost earnings.

Apart from economic damages, you can recover “general damages,” which are damages for the pain, suffering, and inconvenience due to the accident.

If you were suffered injury in an auto accident or someone’s premises, please contact our office to discuss your case. To maximize monetary recovery, it is important to have the assistance of an experienced attorney in presenting your personal injury claim. *** Darrick V. Tan, Esq. is admitted to practice law in California and Nevada. Mr. Tan is a graduate of UCLA and Southwestern University School of Law. He is a member of the Consumers Attorney Association of Los Angeles and is a former member of the Board of Governors of the Philipp ine American Bar Association. *** LAW OFFICES OF DARRICK V. TAN, 3580 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 900, Los Angeles, CA 90010. Tel: (323) 639-0277.

Email: info@dtanlaw.com.

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To people struggling with payday...

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mediately. This easy access to credit by desperate borrowers is what makes these loans very tempting. But trust me, they are often a trap. Before you know it, you’ve buried yourself in an even bigger financial hole and you will not be able to get out.

Payday loans can be discharged in bankruptcy just like credit cards and other unsecured debts. The payday loan companies are often aggressive and have no problem using misleading advertising to trick you into borrowing. I’ve seen them get very aggressive in calling people non-stop once you stop paying.

They will often call you at work

and sometimes even people that you may have used as a reference. But payday loans are just like most ordinary debts. They can be included in bankruptcy like all other debts.

Most people who take out payday loans also have credit cards and other debts. The reason they have resorted to payday loans is because they’ve already maxed out their credit cards so now they have found a new source of instant cash. In some cases, people who cannot be approved for credit cards because of poor credit will qualify for payday loans so they take as many of these loans as they can instead of applying for credit cards.

If you or someone you know is in financial trouble (payday loans included), I provide a free consultation to discuss all possible options. Please call Toll-Free 1-866-477-7772 to schedule a free consultation. We have offices in Glendale, Cerritos and Valencia. *** None of the information herein is intended to give legal advice for any specific situation. Atty. Ray Bulaon has successfully helped thousands of clients in getting out of debt. For a free attorney evaluation of your situation, please call Ray Bulaon Law Offices at TOLL FREE 1 (866) 477-7772.

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C4 DECEMBER 1-4, 2018 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Can I qualify for a green card despite...

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a copy of the Petitioner’s death certificate, proof of substitute sponsor’s relationship to the beneficiary, and meet all the I864 requirements. *** Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information. This article is not

intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, P.C. This article is not a solicitation.

President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, P.C. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kureyeslaw@gmail.com or visit *** Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a our website at Kenreyeslaw.com.

(Advertising Supplement) Certified Family Law Specialist. He was

Calendar of Events across

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

People and Events Fil-Am lawyer, Pilipino Workers Center among 25 overseas Filipinos groups to receive PH presidential awards

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 - D EC E M B E R 1 2

JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles features Sou Fujimoto: Futures of the Future exhibition JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles is pleased to announce the upcoming SOU FUJIMOTO: FUTURES OF THE FUTURE exhibition, taking place Oct. 27 - Dec. 12, 2018 at JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles, located at Hollywood & Highland. Named the Wall Street Journal’s Architecture Innovator of The Year in 2014, Fujimoto has designed public and private buildings around the world since establishing his atelier in 2000. This exhibition is a showcase of over 100 models and large-scale photographs of past and current projects by the celebrated Japanese architect. Fujimoto addresses many opposite concepts, including the recurring theme the “primitive future.” This apparent contradiction refers to the primordial, intuitive moments that reconnect us with our own humanity, and open us up to new possibilities. His designs often feature juxtapositions of outside and inside, nature and urbanity, objects and spaces, public and private. And, his work considers the macro and micro: when does an object become a space? Exhibition dates from Oct. 27 to Dec. 12 are from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, except Sunday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Closed Thanksgiving Day 11/22). JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles is located at 6801 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028 (inside Hollywood & Highland).

Admission is free. For more information, please call (800) 516-0565 or visit https://www.japanhouse.jp/losangeles/events/.

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Art exhibit inspired by Filipino food movement in Santa Ana, CA In “Super Sarap” — from November 3 to December 15 at Gallery 6/67 — three artists Mik Gaspay, Jeanne Jalandoni, and O.M. France Viana revisit commonplace objects and food within Filipino cooking. Through sculpture and photography, the artists elicit personal and collective memories and offer cultural connections that go beyond the Philippine diaspora.

The exhibition title, “Super Sarap,” fuses both English and Tagalog together, to hold multiple meanings. It can convey something that is extremely delicious, an expression of excitement and affirmation. Artists in “Super Sarap” play with these definitions and mutate symbols, making them both strange and familiar, challenging the expectations of cultural norms. It is guest curated by Patricia Cariño Valdez, an independent curator based in Oakland, CA. In addition to the exhibit, there will be two art and culinary events: an intimate four-course gourmet dinner prepared by acclaimed Orange County Chefs, Ross Pangilinan of Mix Mix Kitchen Bar on November 15 and Chef Ryan Garlitos of Irenia Restaurant on December 9 combined with an exhibition walk-through. The opening reception for Super Sarap will be on Saturday, November 3 from 6 to 9 p.m. Gallery 6/67 is located at 404 West 4th St., Suite K (2nd floor), Santa Ana, CA 92701. Gallery visits are by appointment. For more information about the exhibit and related events, visit https://www.gallery667.com.

N OV E M B E R 24

Quarter Madness at Holy Name of Mary Parish in San Dimas, CA Quarter Madness is a fundraiser on Saturday, November 24 that is full of fun and excitement. It will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Holy Name of Mary Parish at 724 E. Bonita Avenue, San Dimas, CA 91773. Those who attend may find themselves raising bidding paddles for items that they may want to get. There are several vendors with a variety of items to bid for. Vendors will put up items and if you are interested on these items, you make a bid using quarters only. There will be many items for yourself and/or for your friends.

Come and celebrate with us this day as we raise funds for the poorest of the poor in Bagong Silang, Philippines. Your support will provide livelihood tools, and feeding programs. FCHNM projects include winter shelter and faith formation programs. Ticket donation: $20 includes lunch, dessert, bidding paddle. The event is sponsored by Bagong Silang Mission/ Philippines and Filipino Catholics of Holy Name of Mary Parish. For contact information, please contact Nora Prescott at (909) 525-2124.

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NAFFAA hosts civic leadership forum in Carson, CA The National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) will have a civic leadership forum on Saturday, December 1 in Carson, CA from 1 to 5 p.m. It is a free event focused on civic leadership and empowerment within the Filipino-American community. Following the forum will be a reception from 5 to 7 p.m. It will be held at the Carson Community Center on 801 E. Carson St. Carson, CA 90745. To RSVP, visit naffaa.org/events.

“Pasko Na Naman” in Glendale, CA The Federation of Filipino Rosary Groups will sponsor a fundraiser entitled: “Pasko Na Naman 3” on Saturday, December 1, 2018 at Incarnation Community Center (214 Fairview Avenue, Glendale, CA 91208) starting at 3:30 p.m. The presentation’s theme is: Tapestry of Music and Dance which will show a variety of music and dances in the Philippines especially at Christmas time. The show is filled with talented artists who give to the community with generous hearts. Bre Harris and Matt San Jose will portray the role of friends who happened to have shared a common denominator about life in the Philippines; depicted through choral singing and folk dancing. The performers are: Malaya Filipino American Dance Arts, Holy Family Adult Choir under the direction of Tom Makiling and the Spirit of God Community under the direction of Ralph Santiago. “Ninangs” and “ Ninongs “ will also be presented.

Pasko na Naman presentation is on its third year. This show will bring nostalgia especially to those who miss their families at Christmas time. Benefactors of proceeds include but are not limited to: Channel of Charity feeding and scholarship programs, FFRG faith formation events and projects. Come one! Come all! Feel the scents and sights of Filipino Christmas.

The audience will also enjoy “merienda cena” at intermission. Ticket donation is $20.00 per person. For souvenir ad and ticket information, contact Tess Domingo at (909) 855-2208 or Carol Evangelista at (909) 969-3316.

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UPAA-NJ biennial general assembly, election & holiday party in Iselin, NJ UPAA-NJ will hold its biennial General Assembly / Election / Holiday Party on Sunday, December 2, 2018 from 12:00 – 5:00 p.m. at the Renaissance Woodbridge Hotel at 515 US Highway 1 South in Iselin, NJ. The organization will honor distinguished alumni, induct a new set of officers and Board of Trustees and feature local UP alumni talents who will provide entertainment, lead line dancing and render DJ services for an afternoon of dancing. Come and learn more about future UPAA-NJ projects and initiatives. Meet old friends, make new ones. For tickets and more information, please contact any of the following: Daisy Macadaeg (201) 446-7767, keanemac@yahoo.com, Lani Benedicto: (201) 745-6829, benedicto78@yahoo.com, Minnie Corpuz-Castillo: (551) 587-2815, mcorpuzcastillo@gmail.com, Johnny Ferrer: (201) 323-1303, juancferrer09@yahoo.com.

If you have an upcoming event and would like us to post it, please email us the

LOS ANGELES — Foremost Filipino-American litigation lawyer C. Joe Sayas Jr. and the Pilipino Workers Center of Southern California are among 25 outstanding overseas Filipinos and foreign-based organizations to be conferred presidential awards

by President Rodrigo Duterte in ceremonies to be held on Dec. 5 at Malacañang Palace in Manila.

Sayas, a noted attorney who has recovered more than $125 million dollars in compensation and settlements for thousands of individuals, workers and injured clients during his 25 years of law practice in the United States, is one of 11 distinguished overseas Filipinos who will receive the Pamana ng Pilipino Awards.

The Pamana ng Pilipino Award is conferred on Filipino overseas “who, in exemplifying the talent and industry of the Filipino, have brought the country honor and recognition through excellence and distinction in the pursuit of their work or profession.”

The awardees, who come from 12 countries and territories, had gone through a four-stage selection process involving multi-sectoral representation. This year’s awardees were selected from a total of 96 nominations received by the CFO from 28 countries through 37 Philippine Embassies and Consulates across Asia, North and South America, Africa, Europe and Australia.

The awardees were thoroughly screened by four different committees from the Philippine Foreign Service Posts, an interagency Technical Committee, a multi-sectoral Executive Committee, and finally by the Office of the President.

Pamana ng Pilipino Awards The 10 other Pamana ng Pilipino awardees are: • Paul C. Balan (U.S.) — A coinage and medal designer based in Chicago who is the first Filipino and first Asian whose designs have been selected for commemorative coins and congressional medals of the United States; • Edward M. Brotonel (U.S.) — A special agent in the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division who received various meritorious recognitions for uncovering major theft and fraud in the U.S. Army, Pentagon and during the post-911 Iraq reconstruction; • Nicolas M. Caraquel (U.S.) — An immigration lawyer based in New York who broke out of poverty through his determination and hard work; • Elizabeth L. Engle (U.S.) — A pioneering woman engineer in Alaska who served in various leadership roles and managed major pipeline projects; • Maria Theresa A. Eviota (Switzerland) — A housekeeper based in Berne, Switzerland who has served excellently in various foreign embassies and diplomatic residences; • Pedro A. Jose (U.S.) — A scientist, physician and academician all rolled into one known for his breakthrough research and practice on hypertension; • Teresita A. Marquez (Portugal) — A professor of music and renowned musician, composer and director who founded awardwinning choir groups in Lisbon; • Jose Dennis C. Teodosio (Myanmar) — A multi-awarded writer for TV, cinema, advertising and the stage who supported Myanmar’s media transition; • Saturnino H. Tiamzon Jr. (Hong Kong) — A versatile musician who brought pride, honor and service to the country with his exemplary achievements, leadership and civic engagements; • Jhett D. Tolentino (U.S.) — A Broadway producer based in New York who produces awardwinning live theater and musical shows and the first Filipino to garner both Tony and Grammy awards.

Sayas was described by the awards committee as “a litigation attorney straight out of a John Grisham novel and based in Los Angeles who champions the rights of the underprivileged and the minorities, and served as the voice of Filipinos in U.S. courtrooms, resulting in the recovery of multi-million dollar settlements.”

In one celebrated case, Sayas

more than 500 truck drivers. The suit challenged the long-established industry practice of classifying port drivers as independent contractors. Sayas’ tenacity against two major defense law firms prompted the court to rule that the drivers are employees as a matter of law, setting a major precedent in changing trucking industry practices in the biggest port in the United States.

With their new employee status, the drivers now obtain benefits they did not have before health insurance, retirement benefits, paid medical and vacation leaves, pay for every hour worked, and Workers Compensation protection. The 500 truck drivers were also paid back wages from the more than $11 million slush fund awarded to them by the court.

In his most recent civil rights legal victory, Atty. Sayas and his team won a $2 million recovery for the family of a mentally disabled Filipino man who, instead of being granted accommodation, was brutally killed by a police officer. He has also fought on behalf of immigrant workers who survived labor human trafficking, including employees unlawfully discriminated on account of their disability, race, national origin, or gender.

For his excellent litigation skills and demeanor as a lawyer, Atty. Sayas has been named Super Lawyer three times – in 2012, 2014 and 2018 – by the prestigious Los Angeles Magazine, a rating made by his peers and third-party reviewers.

Atty. Sayas was honored by The Daily Journal — California’s leading newspaper for the legal community — as a top labor and employment attorney in the state. He was previously featured on the cover of the paper’s Verdicts and Settlements issue in recognition of his legal victories for consumers. He was also the recipient of the Philippine-American Bar Association’s Community Champion Award for his pro-employee advocacy. He is also a member of the National Trial Lawyers – Top 100 and the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.

Outside of his outstanding law practice, Atty. Sayas is also active in the Filipino-American community, having served as director for many years of the Search to Involve Pilipino Americans (SIPA) and as an active member of the Cavitenos of Southern California, having hailed from Cavite in the Philippines.

The Pilipino Workers Center of Southern California, based in Los Angeles’ Historic Filipinotown, is one of seven recipients of the Banaag Award, which, the committee said, is conferred on Filipino individuals or organizations that have significantly benefited or advanced the cause of overseas Filipino communities.

Banaag Awards The PWC, according to the awards committee, “serves as an integral part in the statewide and nationwide movement to uplift the dignity of caregivers, fights for labor protection, and advocates for fair wages and suitable working conditions of Filipino caregivers and domestic workers in Southern California.”

The Banaag Award is conferred on Filipino individuals or organizations for their contributions that have significantly benefited or advanced the cause of overseas Filipino communities.

Other Banaag awardees are: • Corazon A. Francisco (Australia) — A medical doctor and community leader in Sydney who assists Filipino doctors to practice their profession in Australia by linking them with the Australian medical systems and procedures, and by providing free tutorials and review classes in preparation for medical licensure exams; • Agnes Katbeth O. Kreimer (Peru) — A Lima-based Filipina who serves as a Filipino community coordinator in the absence of a Philippine post in Peru, helping Filipino prisoners and human trafficking victims receive the necessary advice and assistance; • Dindo B. Malanyaon (Italy) — Founded the iPARAMEDICi association in Rome that pro-

Atty. Joe Sayas

overseas Filipinos, as well as educating the Filipino community in Rome about the fundamental laws of Italy and how to avail of its health, education and social services; • Juliet Montano (Taiwan) — A Taipei-based medical doctor who provides accessible and affordable quality medical care services to overseas Filipino workers and overseas FilipinoChinese in Taiwan; • Maria Cristina F. Sulaik (Sudan) — A hotel manager based in Khartoum who assisted the Philippine Embassy in Cairo in its repatriation of overseas Filipino workers, assisting those in detention centers, and providing advice on consular and labor concerns while promoting Philippine culture and cuisine to the Sudanese community; • Wimler Foundation Hong Kong Ltd. (Hong Kong) — A non-profit and charitable organization which promotes the development and empowerment of Filipino migrants in Hongkong and other ethnic communities, and supports development-oriented projects for the education of underprivileged children and economic empowerment of local communities in the Philippines.

Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino awards Three Filipino organizations and two individuals were named Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino (LINKAPIL) awardees for exceptional or significant contributions to the reconstruction, progress and development of the Philippines. They are: • Association of Fil-Am Teachers of America Inc. (U.S.) — A nonprofit organization of Filipino teachers in New York who foster unity and collaboration among teachers towards the advancement of the teaching profession and rendering education, charitable and civic services in the Philippines and US; • Salvacion G. Cimanez (Netherlands) — An educator based in The Hague who established a foundation for deaf and blind children in the setting up of schools and centers for children with special needs in the Philippines; • Filipino-American Law Enforcement Officers Association (U.S.) — A San Francisco-based organization comprised of active and retired Filipino-American law enforcement personnel whp foster fraternal relationships and cultural awareness among its members while exchanging best practices with the Philippine National Police and other institutions; • Friends Indeed U.S.A., Inc. (United States) — A non-profit organization in New York that provided substantial support to calamity-stricken communities, assisted Filipinos suffering from serious physical ailments, and developed potable water sources and other small-scale infrastructures in the Philippines.

• Hilda L. Gigioli (United States) — A Washington-based Engineer, a Defense contractor and community leader who has mobilized support for the victims of calamities and for the construction of classrooms and water systems of several communities in the Philippines.

Kaanib Ng Bayan Awardees Two Filipino organizations were named as Kaanib ng Bayan Awardees for their exceptional or significant contribution to Philippine reconstruction, progress and development, or have significantly benefited a sector or community in the Philippines, or advanced the cause of overseas Filipino communities. The Kaanib ng Bayan awardees are: • Foreign Domestic Worker Association for Social Support and Training (Singapore) – An organization that advocates for the rights and welfare of migrant domestic workers, especially of Filipinos working in Singapore.

• Stichting LOOP (Netherlands) – An organization run by Dutch volunteers which supports organic and fair trade with farmer cooperatives, communities and small enterprises in the Philippines while promoting Philippine products to the Netherlands

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 1-4, 2018

APOGLA announces new president MIKE “Boy� Medina, an alumnus of Nu Chapter Batch 1974 (Manila Central University), was elected as new president of Alpha Phi Omega (Philippines) Greater Los Angeles (APOGLA).

An independent vascular technologist, Mr. Medina will be sworn in together with his fellow officers on Dec. 15, 2018 at Marriott Courtyard Hotel in Baldwin Park, California. He will succeed Casey Mansilla of Sigma (Adamson University).

Other officers to be sworn in are: Domel Evangelista (Gamma Phi) as vice president; Jenny Evangelista (Gamma Phi) secretary; Troy Agagon (Gamma Epsilon) treasurer; Rey Posadas (Alpha Lambda) auditor; and Dan E. Nino (Psi) public relations officer.

The Board members also to be inducted are Thomas Ayo (Beta Kappa) board chairman; Art Rivera (Eta) board secretary; Rene Calvario (Alpha); and Vic Paredes (Beta Xi) and Alex Pastores (Alpha Alpha). Outgoing President Casey Manilla and incoming President Mike Medina will also form part of the Board.

The swearing-in also dubbed as December Affair, coincides with the foundation anniversary of the founding of Alpha Phi Omega International Service Fraternity at Lafayette College in Easton Pennsylvania on Dec. 16, 1925, which bears the first Greek letter alphabet Alpha by Dr. Frank Reed Horton together with 14 charter members.

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

Alpha Phi Omega Alumni Association of Southern California which was the original corporate name, was organized in Los Angeles on Oct. 30, 1980 with Brod Jess L. Castillo as founding president. This milestone will also mark the 38th anniversary of APOGLA in the U.S., the first alumni chapter founded outside of the Philippines.

Right now, Alpha Phi Omega has alumni chapters in all continents of the world. Alumni members come from various colleges and universities in the Philippines who made their home in Greater Los Angeles and nearby counties, Alpha Phi Omega

C

PUPAA-USA welcomes new officers & directors for 2018-19

THE Polytechnic University of the Philippines Alumni Association USA Inc. (PUPAA-USA) had their Installation of Officers & Board of Directors for 2018 to 2019 and Membership Night on November 10, 2018 in Glendale, California.

It was a well attended event by over 200 alumni and guests. The Officers and Board of Directors were installed into office by Deputy Consul General of the Philippine Consulate of Los Angeles, California, Hon. Brian Enciso III. The Officers shown on the photo are (from left to right) Dr., Henry Divina, Vice-Chairman of the Board; Monette Santillan-Rivera, President; Vee Cristobal, Executive VP; Rosemarie Mejia, VP-Public Relations; Honeylette Deleon, VP-Job Placement; Jun Mapoy, VP-Finance; Vangie Codilla, VP-Membership, Global; Sandra Dollano, VP-Membership, USA; Aimee Sarmiento, VP-Ways and Means; Marissa Palanca, Secretary; Connie Acosta, Assistant to VP-Public Relations; Virgie Herbito, Assistant to VPPublic Relations; Tonette Hall,

The Polytechnic University of the Philippines Alumni Association USA Inc. (PUPAA-USA) held its installation of officers and board of directors on November 10.

AJPress photo by Noel Ty

Assistant VP-Membership; and Dr. Gerry Fernando, Treasurer and Accountant. Dr. Oscar Jornacion, the Chairman of the Board is not in the photo as he is out of the country, as well as Linda Santos, Auditor and Cori Ortega, Director for Special Projects, both had previous commitments; at the center is Hon. Brian Enciso III. The PUPAA-USA acclaimed by Historians as the most successful alumni association in Philippine history for raising more than $180,000 during its first year of operation. It built a building for student athletes at PUP Campus

in Santa Mesa, Manila and inaugurated in April, 2017. It is a three-story building called Tahanan ng Atleta. Currently, the PUPAA-USA has devoted its effort in raising funds for scholarship to deserving PUP students.

If you are an alumni or supporter of PUPAA-USA, please contact: Vangie Codillla (818) 468 3386, Sandra Dollano (213) 570 3179 or Monette Santillan Rivera (818) 970 8317 or go to our website:www.pupalumniusa. org for more information. PUPAA-USA is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.n

Food benefits available for LA County wildfire victims Photo shows incoming APOGLA President Mike Medina (left) and outgoing President Casey Photo by Dan E. Nino Mansilla with the APO seal.

fraternity whose three guiding principles are to develop leadership, promote friendship and provide service to humanity, is dedicated to serving the community in various roles. Some of its community involvement include manning a water station during the LA Marathon, Operation Gratitude, Feeding America, Heal The Bay Clean Up, Blood Drive, scholarship grants to outstanding college-bound high school students, conduct humanitarian, medical, dental and optical missions and provide relief goods to typhoon victims in the Philippines.

In the Philippines, this premier fraternity has produced a vice president, senators, congressmen, and cabinet members and honorary president. In the U.S., the fraternity has in its roster former presidents, senators, former first ladies, governors, ambassadors, astronauts, cabinet members, and business leaders.

Since 1925, Alpha Phi Omegas is the single most represented coeducational intercollegiate.

In the U.S., APO members

across the U.S. collegiate and alumni members boast more than 470,000 members from over 375 campuses. In the Philippines, APO membership has spread in more than 250 colleges and universities. It is the vision of Alpha Phi Omega to be the premier, inclusive, campusbased, leadership development organization through the provision of service to others and the creation of community.

Through its mission of preparing campus and community leaders through service, Alpha Phi Omega is committed to bringing together college students in a national service fraternity in the fellowship of principles derived from the Scout Oath and of the Law of the Boy Scouts of America and further the freedom that is our national, educational and intellectual heritage. It provides its members the opportunity to develop leadership skills as they volunteer on their campus, in their community, to the nation, and to the organization.

(Contributed by Dan E. Nino / denino1951@gmail.com) n

THE California Department of Social Services (CDSS) has announced that, as part of the continuing disaster recovery effort, individuals and families impacted by the wildfires in Los Angeles County may be eligible to receive one month of Disaster CalFresh food assistance.

A family of four with a monthly income up to $2,755 per month may be eligible to receive up to $640 in food assistance through California’s Disaster CalFresh program. Households can apply for this assistance December 3- 7.

In most cases, Disaster CalFresh food assistance benefits will be available within three days of the date of application.

On November 28, the United States Department of Agriculture approved California’s request for Disaster CalFresh food assistance to enhance the recovery effort in Los Angeles County. The program is known nationally as the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or D-SNAP. Wildfire victims may apply for CalFresh disaster food assistance in-person at local social service agency offices in Los Angeles County.

Disaster CalFresh benefits will

be provided via an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, which is similar to a debit card that can be used to purchase food items at grocery stores and other authorized retailers.

Who can apply?

Individuals and families who lived or worked in Los Angeles County in the following zip codes, 90263, 90264, 90265, 90290, 91012, 91301, 91302, 91304, 91307, 91311, 91361, 91362, 91372, may be eligible for Disaster CalFresh food assistance if the household experienced at least one of the following as a direct result of the wildfires: • Damage to or destruction of the home or self-employment business; • Loss or inaccessibility of income, including a reduction or termination of earned income or a significant delay in receiving income due to disaster related problems; or • Disaster-related expenses (e.g. home or business repairs, temporary shelter, evacuation, etc.) that are not expected to be reimbursed during the disaster benefit period.

Households already participating in CalFresh are not

eligible to receive Disaster CalFresh food assistance, but may be eligible to receive supplemental benefits based on their household size. Households already participating in CalFresh may contact their local social service agency to request supplemental benefits by phone or in person.

Some households already participating in CalFresh may also automatically receive supplemental benefits based on the direct impact, such as mandatory evacuations, of the wildfires in their community.

When to apply Individuals and families affected by the wildfires who are seeking food assistance may apply for Disaster CalFresh beginning December 3rd by visiting a social service agency in Los Angeles County. Additional application sites and more information is available at http://www.cdss. ca.gov/Disaster-Help-Center.

In addition, individuals or families with new needs for assistance due to the wildfires may always apply for regular CalFresh benefits and CalWORKs cash aid at their local social service agency or online at benefitscal. com. n

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MARKETPLACE SHOWROOM

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Warning: US Embassy charging crewmen with fraud, despite approved provisional waivers Immigration Corner ATTY. MICHAEL GURFINKEL, ESQ IN a shocking and disturbing change in policy, the U.S. Embassy in Manila has begun charging crewmen with fraud when those crewmen return to Manila for immigrant visa processing after obtaining an approved provisional waiver.

Until this policy is reconsidered, I would caution crewmen against leaving the U.S. for Embassy processing of their immigration visa even if they have an approved provisional waiver. This is because they could be charged with fraud if the provisional waiver is voided, and they would have to apply for a fraud waiver for the 10-year bar and misrepresentation which could take the USCIS several additional months to process, while they are stuck in the Philippines.

The reason or grounds for the fraud finding is based on the fact that the crewman merely overstayed his visa and/or began working in the U.S. soon after arrival. This is the case even if the crewman arrived in the U.S. decades ago! As the Embassy explains its fraud findings, the crewman entered the U.S. on a C-1/D visa, “and engaged in conduct inconsistent with his nonimmigrant visa status within 90 days of his entry by engaging in unauthorized employment and by failing to depart the United States within 29 days as required on a C-1/D visa.”

Under the Embassy’s reasoning, it would be legally impossible for any crewmen to now qualify for a provisional waiver, even though the provisional waiver regulations expressly state crewmen are eligible for provisional waiver, and even though, in the past, crewmen had routinely been granted provisional waivers, returned to the Philippines, had their immigrant visas issued, and then they returned to the U.S. I myself have written about provisional waiver for crewmen and featured several crewmen on Citizen Pinoy, who went back to the Philippines, were processed for their immigrant visa, and safely returned to the U.S. It appears the reason for this change in policy is the U.S. State Department’s recently imposed “90-day rule,” by which if a person enters the U.S. on a nonimmigrant visa, and then engages in conduct inconsistent with that visa within 90 days of entry, they have committed fraud. Therefore, if a crewman (or even a visitor who overstayed) entered the U.S., and started working within 90 days of arrival, they have committed fraud. If they now return to the Philippines on a provisional waiver, they risk being charged with fraud. In addition, the maximum time a crewman may remain in the U.S. is 29 days. Therefore, it could be considered fraud if they merely overstay beyond the 29 days or began working within 90 days of their arrival.

But none of this makes sense!

• The regulations specifically and expressly state that crewmen qualify for provisional waiver.

• Provisional waiver is supposed to benefit those aliens who

overstayed.

• Obviously, anyone applying for the provisional waiver has overstayed.

• Crewmen are allowed to remain in the U.S. for a maximum of 29 days. But if the Embassy is imposing a 90-day rule, no crewmen could qualify for provisional waiver and the regulation is meaningless.

• Simply put, if the Embassy’s position is that overstaying constitutes fraud, how can any crewman qualify for the provisional waiver?

For my part, I’m continuing to monitor this development, and will provide updates if there are any changes. But for now, crewmen risk being charged with fraud if they return to the Philippines for Embassy visa processing even with an approved provisional waiver. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel has been an attorney for over 35 years and is licensed, and an active member of the State Bars of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California.

Each case is different and results may depend on the facts of the particular case. The information and opinions contained herein (including testimonials, “Success Stories”, endorsements and re-enactments) are of a general nature, and are not intended to apply to any particular case, and do not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorney-client relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader.

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

Business Quote of the Week “For CEOs today, it’s all about achieving growth and efficiency through innovation. It’s not about product innovation so much anymore as about innovating business models, process, culture, and management.”

—Ginni Rometty, President and CEO of IBM

D1

BSP sees lower Nov inflation

by MAYVELIN

U. CARABALLO Manilatimes.net

INFLATION will likely decelerate for the first time this year in November, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said on Thursday, November 29.

In a statement, the central bank said it expected consumer price growth to “settle within the 5.86.6 percent range,” easing from October’s nine-year high of 6.7 percent.

“The deceleration of inflation for the month could be attributed to the sharp decline in petroleum prices, the normalization of supply conditions in rice and other agricultural commodities, and the peso appreciation,” it added.

Oil companies implemented hefty pump price cuts in November, with the latest involving P2.30, P1.10 and P2.20 per liter reductions, respectively for diesel, gasoline and kerosene.

Meanwhile, latest Philippine Statistics Authority data show that rice prices decreased in the first week of November, with the average wholesale price dipping by 0.73 percent from P44.04 per kilo the week before.

“These could be offset in part by the adjustments in jeepney

In this undated photo, a man arranges the vegetables he is selling at his stall in an unidentified market in Manila. According to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), inflation will likely decelerate for the first time this year in November.

Manilatimes.net file photo

and bus fares as well as higher electricity rates in Meralco-serviced areas,” the Bangko Sentral noted.

Earlier this month, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board increased the jeepney fare to P10 from P8 for the first four kilometers (km).

For buses operating in Metro Manila, ordinary and air-conditioned fares were raised to P11 from P10 and P13 from P12, respectively, for the first 5 kms.

Meanwhile, Manila Electric Co.’s per kilowatt-hour (kWh) rate for households consuming 200 kWh monthly was also raised by

P0.1135.

“Moving forward, the BSP will remain watchful of economic and financial developments to ensure the achievement of its primary mandate of price stability conducive to balanced and sustainable economic growth,” the central bank said.

The BSP has raised key interest rates five consecutive times so far this year, for a total of 175 basis points, after inflation breached the 2.0-4.0 percent target beginning March.

Official November inflation data will be announced on December 5. ■

be unfunded since the previous outlay will be reused next year.

“The reenacted budget in 2019 in itself does not present a material crystallization of downside risks. It has a mix of actually a positive and negative impact,” Moody’s Investors Service Senior Credit Officer Christian de Guzman said in a phone interview.

The House of Representatives passed the proposed 2019 Fiscal Year General Appropriations Bill on final reading last November 20.

Budget hearings were suspended for three weeks last August after lawmakers opposed the Duterte administration’s shift

to a budgeting system designed to impose fiscal discipline across state offices. Senators have said the chamber will not have enough time to examine the spending plan before Congress adjourns on December 14.

‘Positive’ According to an ABS-CBN News report on August 13, Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno cautioned that a budget deadlock could lead to the downgrading of the Philippines’ credit rating and increase the cost of borrowing in foreign currencies.

Last July, Moody’s affirmed the Philippines’ long-term local PAGE D2

Moody’s: No ‘downside risks’ from reenacted budget

by IAN

NICOLAS CIGARAL Philstar.com

A REENACTED national budget for 2019 does not present “downside risks” to the Philippines, a global debt watcher said, adding that operating on old appropriations is both a boon and bane for the country.

The Department of Budget and Management on Tuesday, November 27, said that based on the Senate-approved timetable, a reenacted budget may have to be implemented for the first quarter of 2019, the first in nine years.

This means new programs and projects proposed for 2019 will

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Moody’s: No ‘downside risks’... Congress amends Corporation Code PAGE D1 t currency and foreign currency issuer and senior unsecured debt ratings at “Baa2”—a notch above minimum investment grade—and maintained the outlook at “stable.”

At a press conference Tuesday, Diokno warned that delayed approval of P3.757-trillion national budget for 2019 will likely hurt the economy, which needs state spending to fuel growth as household consumption remains in retreat due to inflation and high interest rates.

Diokno explained that a rollover budget will likely result in a five-month “implementation gap” for new projects—worsened by the 45-day ban on state spending ahead of the May 2019 mid-term elections.

Despite the risks cited by the Budget chief, De Guzman said disbursements are expected to remain on track next year.

De Guzman added that slower growth in public spending could help ease “pressure” on inflation and the Philippines’ current account deficit.

“I think we had already flagged before that there are risks to spending in the first half of the year (2019) because of the up-

Lawmakers approve changes to ease doing business

Last July, Moody’s affirmed the Philippines’ long-term local currency and foreign currency issuer and senior unsecured debt ratings at “Baa2”—a notch above minimum investment grade—and maintained the outlook at “stable.”

Philstar.com file photo

coming elections. I think that is clear,” De Guzman said.

“But one thing to note on the positive side is that the budget execution for 2018 is actually largely on track and that means it will also spill into 2019,” he added.

“The new projects may be delayed because of this reenactment but spending will continue for ongoing projects. So it’s not

a hard stop.”

A reenacted budget was last experienced when House Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was president. Her administration operated under old appropriations for three of the nine fiscal years that she was president, severely restricting infrastructure projects and services and casting doubts on the Philippines’ credit worthiness. n

Falling oil prices to ease economic pressures in Philippines FALLING oil prices would help ease economic pressures in the country in the coming months, starting off with inflation and the pressure on the central bank to further raise interest rates, London-based Capital Economics said in a report.

The macroeconomic research firm said lower oil prices would put downward pressure on domestic energy and fuel prices, easing the growth in inflation.

This, in turn, would reduce the pressure on the central bank to raise interest rates further after its Nov. 15 adjustment that saw policy rates rising to 4.75 percent, up by a cumulative 175 basis points since May. “We think this month’s rate hike by the central bank will be the last in the current tightening cycle,” said Capital Economics in a research note.

The drop in oil prices should also lead to a fall in the country’s import bill, and provide some support to the current account, in turn propping up the peso.

The shift from a current ac-

count surplus to a deficit over the past few years has put downward pressure on the local currency.

As lower oil prices ease the growth in consumer prices, Filipinos stand to realize an increase in real income, which should provide a boost to consumption and investment and offset the impact of the recent interest rate hikes.

Capital Economics said while most countries in Emerging Asia would benefit immensely from the rapid decline in oil prices, it is the Philippines that would benefit the most from it.

“Most countries in the region are net oil importers and should gain from the recent drop in oil prices, with the Philippines likely to be among the biggest beneficiaries,” said the firm.

Inflationary pressures remain strong, but is already showing signs of easing. The headline inflation stabilized to a nine-year high of 6.7 percent in October, the same as in September.

Economic managers expect inflation to start pulling back within the quarter and within the two to

four percent range next year.

The Philippine Statistics Authority is expected to announce the November 2018 inflation figures next week.

To stabilize inflation, the government has implemented a combination of aggressive monetary policy tightening and non-tariff measures meant to ease the importation of food stuff.

Recently, Congress has approved a bill for the replacement of the quantitative restriction on rice imports with tariffs, liberalizing the importation of rice.

The rice tariffication bill is widely expected to be signed by President Duterte by the end of the year.

Rising inflation in the second semester of the year also led the administration to consider the suspension of the increase in oil taxes scheduled in January 2019.

But the rapid decline in oil prices now has economic managers reviewing if there is a need to postpone the next tranche of fuel tax hike. (Philstar.com) n

Philstar.com file photo

by LoueLLa

DesiDerio PaoLo romero Philstar.com

THE bicameral conference committee in Congress approved Tuesday, November 27, the reconciled version of a bill amending the Corporation Code of the Philippines to make it easier for investors to set up businesses.

The bicameral committee’s approval comes amid a drop in the country’s rank in the latest Ease of Doing Business Report of the World Bank.

Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon, the principal sponsor and author of the measure, said the old law, which set numerous and stringent incorporation requirements, discouraged individuals from setting up a business.

“One of our difficulties today is our laws have not been updated.

As a result, in terms of our ranking in the ease of doing business, we are lagging behind, especially in the areas of starting a business where the country was ranked 166th,” he said.

The Philippines’ ranking in the Ease of Doing Business Report of the World Bank released earlier this month fell to 124th out of 190 economies, from 113th

previously.

Apart from the starting a business, the Philippines ranked close to the bottom in other indicators of the report such as getting credit (184th) and enforcing contracts (151st).

Drilon said the amended Corporation Code is expected to improve ease of doing business in the country as it would allow a one-person corporation.

As the current business environment makes it hard for corporations and individual business owners to get loans, Drilon said the new code would allow a one-person corporation to secure financing.

The new code also removes the minimum capital requirement and minimum number of incorporators, provides for perpetual existence of corporation, and allows electronic filing of reportorial requirements, as well as attendance in meetings via remote communication.

Minority stockholders are likewise provided protection under the new code as it requires corporations vested with public interest to have independent directors.

Drilon is confident the country would be able to catch up with its neighbors with the enactment

of the law.

“Suffice it to say, then, that the enactment of this measure and its immediate signing into law by the President is in order, so that we can change the atmosphere of conducting business in the country and make our economy more competitive,” he said.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Department of Finance have earlier called on World Bank to review the Philippines’ ranking amid concerns on the data and methodology used in arriving at the results of the survey.

As the World Bank only collected data from the BAP Credit Bureau Inc. which has the smallest database of 1.7 million borrower-entrepreneurs, the two agencies said the agency did not capture the correct information for the Philippines’ ranking in the getting credit indicator of the report.

Still, the DTI is hopeful of an improvement in the country’s overall ranking in the next Doing Business report as it engages with the Bureau of Customs to work on reforms on trading across borders, and pushes for the inclusion of data from the country’s other credit bureaus in the survey. n

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Tycoons tapped to boost domestic energy resiliency PH better off with a ‘good neighbor’

than a ‘distant cousin,’ think tank says

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte shakes the hand of Chinese President Xi Jinping during the latter’s recent visit to the Philippines in November.

Inquirer.net file photo

by Doris

Photo courtesy of the Philippine Department of Energy

by JorDeene

b. lagare

Manilatimes.net

THE Department of Energy (DoE) is boosting its energy resiliency efforts in the Philippines by tapping business tycoons.

In a statement on Thursday, November 28, the DoE said it signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Philippine Disaster Resiliency Foundation, Inc. (PDRF) as part of its push to promote energy resiliency to stakeholders, the public, and the business sector.

PDRF has for its board members the top officials of some of the county’s biggest companies.

Under the MoU, both parties agreed to regularly hold a dialogue and develop activities towards energy resiliency, conduct joint exercises to test disaster response protocols, and engage other sectors in disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation.

The MoU was signed between Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi, PDRF President Rene Meily, and PDRF board members Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc. (AEV) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Erramon Aboitiz, Ayala Corp. CEO Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, and First Pacific Co. Ltd. CEO Manuel Pangilinan.

During the signing ceremony, Cusi stressed to the business moguls the DoE’s Energy Resiliency Policy (ERP) that outlines the government’s disaster risk reduction plans, programs and activities

intended to minimize the impact of calamities like earthquakes, typhoons and floods.

The DoE, he said, has been moving to ensure that the impacts of disasters on electricity will be minimal.

“I am proud to say that prior to the issuance of the ERP, the energy sector has already been proactive in developing resiliency measures,” Cusi said.

Cusi said a country’s energy sector is only as strong as the weakest link in the energy chain. As such, each element in the energy chain should be equally resilient to function properly, he added, citing the “need to institutionalize resiliency measures at every phase.”

In January this year, the DoE promulgated Department Circular DC2018-01-0001 or Adoption of Energy Resiliency in the Planning and Programming of the Energy Sector to Mitigate Potential Impacts of Disasters to strengthen the country’s resiliency to disasters.

The circular aims to adopt a resiliency program to help industry partners to plan and address potential impacts of disasters in the country.

The DoE would work on strengthening existing infrastructure facilities; integrating the Build Back Better principle in reconstruction and rehabilitation; enhancing existing operational, maintenance and practices to ensure continuous operations and energy supply; and developing re-

siliency standards that will be used as basis in the future construction of energy facilities.

One of the circular’s salient points is the inception of the Resiliency Compliance Plan (RCP), which provides both structural and non-structural measures to ensure infrastructure and human resource disaster preparedness.

The RCP shall cover the following: systems, stockpiling, response and recovery, and strengthening infrastructure.

It also calls for companies to earmark a budget for implementing this provision.

President Duterte in July signed into law Republic Act 11039 or the Electric Cooperatives Emergency and Resiliency Fund (ECERF) which aims to aid ECs restore and rehabilitate their respective infrastructure following a natural disaster.

The P750-million fund will be initially taken from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (NDRMMC). The National Electrification Administration (NEA) will be responsible for managing and disbursing the fund solely dedicated to restoration or rehabilitation efforts of power co-ops after a force majeure or a fortuitous event.

Afterwards, the ECERF shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act. The NEA is finalizing the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of RA 11039.n

Dumlao-abaDilla Inquirer.net

THE Philippines has reaped some economic gains from its improved relations with China in the last two years, suggesting that the country is better off dealing with a “good neighbor” than a “distant cousin.”

This is according to New Yorkbased think tank Global Source, which said that while critics might describe the progress as “too little, too slow,” there had been advances for the Philippines on the economic front since the rekindling of its diplomatic ties with China.

“For now, the president’s high popularity, which will not be challenged in next year’s midterm elections, means he (Mr. Duterte) would probably get his way in dealing with China. China, on the other hand, has found in President Duterte a like-minded ally to whom it could open its doors wider to the Philippines through more trade, investments and people-to-people linkages.

Will this friendship between the two nations stand the test of time?

That, is certainly the hope,” said a research note dated Nov. 22 written by Global Source economists Romeo Bernardo and Marie Christine Tang.

With the renewed friendship with China, Global Source noted that Chinese tourists were arriving in droves, almost doubling from 490,000 in 2015 at the height of the diplomatic chill to close to 970,000 in 2017. This year, arrivals from the mainland have reached 870,000 in the first eight months, ranking second only to South Korea, and are expected to breach a million by

yearend, the research noted.

Philippine-China bilateral trade has also expanded by almost 45 percent between 2015 and 2017, from $17.6 billion to $25.5 billion, and by another 16 percent in the first half, not counting supply chain trade that passed through third countries. Global Source noted that this had turned China into the country’s largest trading partner, accounting for more than 15 percent of total trade.

“In this, China is of course as much a winner as the Philippines, evident in annual import growth (over 20 percent) far outpacing export growth,” Global Source said, noting the 14 percent compounded annual growth from 2015 to 2017 and the 8 percent growth in the first half of this year.

Practically non-existent a few years ago, Global Source noted that foreign direct investments (FDIs) have trickled in from 2016 to August this year, summing up to $220 million.

However, Global Source also cited concerns that some of the funds were being invested in the gaming industry, whose sustainability was still under question.

Another concern was that the Chinese funds may be “helping to fuel a real estate bubble especially with the increasing number of Chinese nationals entering and working in the Philippines.”

As to China’s multibillion infrastructure commitments, the research noted that only two grantfinanced bridges valued at $112 million had started construction while one loan agreement for an $82-million irrigation project had been signed.

“Here, sentiments are mixed: one side criticizing the slow pace

of implementation; the other side relieved at the slow pace seeing how other countries have fallen under China’s supposed “debt trap diplomacy,” Global Source said.

When President Duterte went to Beijing for a state visit in 2016, he brought home $24 billion worth of loan and investment commitments from mainland China.

Yet, Global Source noted that recent developments suggested that the two countries were ready to elevate their friendship. Shortly before President Xi’ Jinping’s state visit to the Philippines, the government awarded the rights to operate a third telecommunications company in the country to a consortium that included state-run China Telecom. On his first day here, President Xi also witnessed the signing of 29 cooperation agreements, including the P18.7-billion loan agreement for the construction of a dam to provide additional water supply for Metro Manila and a memorandum of understanding on joint oil and gas development in the West Philippine Sea. “In Manila’s small business circle, one could easily hear grumblings about the first two deals. But the third (oil and gas exploration), despite providing only a framework, is perhaps the most controversial especially since President Duterte is not seen as being assertive enough about the country’s rights in the disputed waters. With it, many fear that the Philippines may play into the hands of China and validate the latter’s claims over the WPS/SCS (West Philippine Sea/South China Sea),” Global Source said. n

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Aboitiz bigwig passes on

Better opportunities in Philippines encouraging more Filipino expatriates to come home by czeriza

Valencia Philstar.com

Jon Ramon Aboitiz, chairman of the Aboitiz Equity Ventures (AEV), passed away at the age of 70 on Thursday.

by Jose

santino s. Bunachita Inquirer.net

CEBUANOS expressed their grief and sympathy on social media over the death of Jon Ramon Aboitiz, chairman of the Aboitiz Equity Ventures (AEV) on Thursday, November 29.

Aboitiz was 70 years old.

“Today, we lost a champion… and it hurts so bad! He was my mentor. He was the kind of leader one would follow anywhere without question, one who inspired and motivated us to give our best,” said Caroline Ballesteros of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) in a post on her Facebook account.

Aboitiz served as chairman of the board of directors of AEV since January 5, 2009. He began his career with the Aboitiz Group in 1970.

From being manager of Aboitiz Shipping Corp., he was promoted to president in 1976. He headed the Aboitiz Group’s power business in 1989 and was president of Aboitiz & Company, Inc. from 1991 to 2008.

He was also chairman of the board of trustees and the chief executive officer of RAFI.

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“Sir Jon, thank you for all the lessons you have taught me, you have lived out the life of a leader you taught about in you modules, you truly walked the talk! For these and so much more, you shall be missed terribly,” Ballesteros added in her Facebook post.

Sources close to the family confirmed the passing of Aboitiz yesterday morning.

Even former employees of Aboitiz-led companies and alumni of different youth development programs of the Aboitiz Group expressed their admiration of Jon Ramon Aboitiz, who was fondly referred to as JRA. “You were exacting without being disrespectful. You showed us what kindness and sincerity mean, and that family and doing good for others, matter more than anything,” said Rianne Tecson, former RAFI employee in a Facebook post.

She said it was a privilege to have worked with him closely before.

For his part, youth leader Bryl Jan Yucaran recalled learning a lot from Aboitiz during the Aboitiz Future Leaders Business

Summit in 2013 which he was a part of.

“Thank you for all the things we have learnt from you. Rest in peace, JRA. We will be forever grateful for your words of inspiration for #AFLBSBatch8,” he said in a Facebook post.

Aboitiz was the brother of former RAFI president Roberto Eduardo “Bobby” Aboitiz who also passed away in April last year.

Aboitiz also held several positions in public listed companies including vice chairman of Aboitiz Power Corp. and Union Bank of the Philippines; director of Bloomberry Resorts Corp. and International Container Terminal Services, Inc.; and chairman of UnionBank’s Executive Committee, Risk Management Committee and vice chairman of its corporate governance committee.

He was also a trustee of the Santa Clara University and the Association of Foundations. He was a member of the Board of Advisors of The Coca-Cola Export Corp. and Pilipinas Kao, Inc. Aboitiz was a graduate of Commerce, Major in Management from the Santa Clara University, California, USA. n

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MANILA, Philippines — Experienced and highly-skilled Filipino professionals based in Southeast Asia and the Middle East are expressing their intention to come home as demand and compensation for top professionals in key Philippine industries are now rising, according to a report by professional recruitment firm John Robert Walters.

In its 2019 Salary Survey, the London-based firm said experienced employees in accounting and finance, banking and finance, human resources, sales and marketing, and technology and transformation can realize salary offers that are 20 percent to 60 percent higher if they switch jobs in 2019.

This is because employers are now seeking to attract top-tier talent with international exposure and specialized skill sets.

Monty Sujanani, Philippine country manager for John Robert Walters, said 2018 already saw salaries rising between 20 percent to 40 percent for job movers as hiring for mid-level and high-level corporate executives — those with work experience of seven to eight years—become highly candidate-driven owing to the scarcity of top professionals with above 10 years of experience because of the relatively young talent pool of the Philippines.

Recruitment flourished in 2018 amid a relatively stable economic environment influenced by the influx of foreign companies and surging growth in local demand for goods and services.

Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who have gained extensive experience abroad stand to directly benefit from developments in the labor market at home. These developments coincide with the launch of John Robert Walter’s Balikbayan Campaign two years ago in an effort to attract OFWs who wish to work in the country again to be with their families.

“We speak to thousands of (OFW) candidates and reach out to candidates all over the world.

Sometimes they say no, I’m not ready to move, but when we reach out to them, they tell us, can you tell us about opportunities? To us that is success,” Sujanani said in a recent roundtable with reporters.

More OFWs based in nearby

Philstar.com file photo

countries in Asia as well as the Middle East have been asking about career opportunities in the Philippines so they can be with their families.

“It’s new; we only started the program in the past two years,” said Sujanani. “But we see more success in people coming from Southeast Asia like Singapore and Malaysia as well as in the Middle East like Dubai. Sometimes, it’s not really about the distance, it’s about how ready they are to move back to be close to family.”

For returnees, increased digitization across industries is causing employers to demand for workers with digital or e-commerce experience.

“There was also a greater demand for niche specialization due to new regulations in the banking and financial services sector, migration activities from abroad, and increasingly digital and cashless banking activities,” said Sujanani.

Along with greater demand for executives with strong technical skills, employers are also looking for company leaders with strong soft skills. These skills go hand-inhand for functions that involve the revenue side of businesses.

“In accounting and finance, for example, companies are looking for senior professionals who can face the revenue side of the businesses. They are not looking only for number crunchers. It uses soft skills, how they communicate with clients and various stakeholders,” he said.

In banking and finance, the imposition of stricter requirements by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) fuels the demand for compliance officers and risks analysts.

In human resources, employers are looking for executives who have knowledge in regional operations of firms, as well as knowledge in changes in the ongoing tax reform agenda of the

government. Sales and marketing executives, meanwhile, who have experience in industrial sales and marketing are now much sought after because of the infrastructure boom in the country.

The hardest executives to recruit are technology professionals, causing companies to dangle as much as 60 percent pay increase for job switchers. Most in demand are professionals who work with big data as clients now increasingly use analytics to grow their businesses.

Other IT professionals in demand in the Philippines are those who specialize in robotics, automation and internet of things (IoT).

“It has come to a point when tech talents can choose their jobs.

It is now a talent-driven sector,” said Sujanani.

For professionals in these fields who are still climbing the corporate ladder, the good news is that companies have been making signifiant investments in training and grooming juniorlevel employees for mid-level to senior roles.

Such investments can contribute to the maturity of the Philippines labor market, the majority of which are young professionals.

“In 2019, we expect these companies to begin reaping the rewards of their investments, as there will be an increase in professionals with sought-after skill sets in the market,” said Sujanani.

“However, there is still a scarcity of top professionals with above 10 years experience due to the relatively young talent market in the Philippines,” he added.

Luring OFW professions back into the country may require companies to consider offering more non-monetary incentives such as extensive medical healthcare coverage for employees and their dependents. n

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