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Duterte to lift martial law in Mindanao DATELINE USA

by RITCHEL

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

Palace slams Filipino couple for using Duterte for US grant of asylum

MALACAÑANG on Tuesday, December 10, criticized a Filipino couple for using President Rodrigo Duterte’s human rights record as a reason to seek political asylum in the United States.

Last week, Rene Flores and his wife Joy were granted asylum by a San Francisco immigration judge after claiming that they might experience political persecution from the government if ordered to return to the Philippines.

The couple sought help from immigration lawyer Ted Laguatan, who said the rulings affirmed that many American officials are already aware of what he described as the “extensive human rights violations” of Duterte.

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Fil-Am California prosecutor Patrick Bumatay confirmed to the Ninth Circuit The Trump nominee becomes the first Filipino American to serve on a federal appeals court THE United States Senate on Tuesday, December 10 voted to confirm a President Donald Trump-nominated Filipino American prosecutor to the largest appeals court in the country.

As the first Filipino American and second openly gay federal appeals court judge, Patrick J. Bumatay’s confirmation is historic. Originally nominated for the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California last year, Bumatay was nominated to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth District on Oct. 15, 2019.

MENDIOLA AJ Press

“The people of Mindanao are assured that any incipient major threat in the region would be nipped in the bud,” he added.

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte will no longer ask Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana earlier the Congress to extend martial law in Mindanao, said he was no longer inclined to recommend presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said extending martial law and called for a tougher Tuesday, December 10. anti-terrorism law instead, saying it would be a According to him, a security assessment better arrangement than martial law. showed “the weakening of the terrorist and Meanwhile, Drieza Lininding, chair of the extremist rebellion” in Mindanao through Marawi-based Moro Consensus Group, said the the arrest and killing of leaders of local terror announcement was “ long overdue but a welgroups. come development.”

“The Palace is confident in the capability of He also expressed hope that the curfew in our security forces in maintaining the peace and Marawi and Lanao del Sur will also be lifted “to security of Mindanao without extending martial ensure freedom of movement and maximize it law,” said Panelo in a Palace briefing. for economic recovery.”

Cotabato City Mayor Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi, on the other hand, lamented the lifting of martial law, saying it had greatly improved the city’s peace and order situation.

“We, the city officials, want martial law to be retained, but we will respect the decision of President Duterte,” Guiani-Sayadi said.

Martial law was first declared on Mindanao island in May 2017 after Islamic State-inspired armed groups, led by the Maute brothers and leaders of Abu Sayyaf, laid siege to Marawi City.

The martial law was only supposed to last for 60 days, as indicated in the Constitution, but Congress extended it three times after Duterte warned that militants continued to recruit fighters and plot attacks. ■

Poll: 84% of Filipinos prefer economic ties with US over China

by PATRICIA LOURDES Philstar.com

VIRAY

MAJORITY of Filipinos prefer having strong economic ties with the U.S. rather than China, according to a survey by Washington-based Pew Research Center.

The poll released December 5 found that 84% of Filipinos named the U.S. as the world’s leading economic power while 59% answered China.

Pew noted that those who identify the U.S. as the world’s leading economy are more likely to prefer stronger economic ties with the country.

A separate survey from Pew also showed that 64% of Filipinos said they rely on the US as a dependable ally in the future while only 9% chose China.

In terms of views on China’s growing economic stature, Filipinos have mixed views.

The same Pew survey revealed that 48% of Filipinos said China’s growing economy is a bad thing while 47% said it

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CLOSING CEREMONY. Fireworks light up New Clark City in Capas town, Tarlac as part of the closing ceremonies of the 30th SEA Games on Wednesday, December 11. The Philippines topped the regional biennial meet with a total of 387 medals.

Photo from Facebook/Sea Games 2019

Tagle to hold key Vatican post PH coalition for ICC: ‘Any killing in any police investigation should be investigated’

by AJPRESS

CARDINAL Luis Antonio Tagle on Sunday, December 8, was appointed by Pope Francis as the Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, usually referred to by its historic name of Propaganda Fide.

According to Catholic News Agency, the Propaganda Fide is one of the largest curial departments, with a size and scope exceeding almost any other. It is also the most financially autonomous curial department.

As the Propaganda Fide, the 62-year-old cardinal is tasked with the Church’s missionary works and territories.

This appointment marks the end of Tagle’s eight-year reign

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by AJPRESS

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle

Philstar.com file photo

On Human Rights Day, Robredo reminds people: Preventing abuse a continuous work

by GABRIEL

PABICO Inquirer.net

LALU

International Human Rights Day on Tuesday, December 10.

After being asked whether WORKING towards the protec- the country has improved its aption and enshrinement of human proach towards human rights rights is a continuous work, Vice in the context of the drug war, President Leni Robredo said dur- Robredo said that the mindset ing the commemoration of the should revolve on never being

satisfied with the current state of human rights.

“Kapag usapin ng human rights, dapat hindi tayo nakukuntento,” she said during a special edition of the Istorya ng Pag-asa, where photos of

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THE Philippine Coalition for the International Criminal Court on Tuesday, December 10, called for a state-sanctioned investigation into the alleged extrajudicial killings linked to the government’s war against illegal drugs — even the ones supposedly done in self-defense.

“Self-defense is a valid reason to kill,” said Dr. Aurora Parong, Philippine Coalition for the ICC chairperson.

“But even if a suspect fights back, there has to be first immobilization. The use of force cannot just be used to kill people.

The work of the police should be to just arrest a person who may have been issued a warrant of arrest because they are pushing or using drugs,” she added.

The Revised Philippine National Police Operational Procedures released in 2013 stated that “the excessive use of force during police operation is prohibited” but “in the lawful performance of duty, a police officer may use necessary force to accomplish his mandated tasks of enforcing the law and maintaining peace and order.”

It also stressed that a police officer should first issue a verbal warning, which should include “identifying himself; his intention; and what he wants the offender to do.” However, police officers are not required to give attacking offender/s “the opportunity for a fair or equal struggle.”

“The reasonableness of the force employed will depend upon the number of aggressors, nature and characteristic of the weapon used, physical condition, size and other circumstances to include the place and occasion of the assault,” the manual added.

Parong cited figures from human rights groups who said the

victims of President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs have reached up to 27,000 — with some of them not necessarily killed during official police operations.

The PNP, however, released their own data that claimed only 5,000 “drug personalities” were killed.

“Even if they’re not police, there should be that responsibility of the police to investigate [the deaths],” Parong said.

“It should be their responsibility to investigate any crime, including the crime of killing or murder. Any killing in any police investigation should really be investigated,” she added.

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FROM THE FRONT PAGE

PH coalition for ICC: ‘Any killing in any police...

PAGE A1 t Parong also noted that suspects fighting back and “forcing” police officers to “neutralize” them has been a recurring theme in police reports of anti-drug operations, and pointed out that autopsies reported that most of the wounds on the bodies were found in areas that would criti-

cally injure a person, not just immobilize them.

“It has also been shown that many of those who supposedly fought back were asleep, holding their children, or even chatting and eating,” she said.

According to her, there should be cases filed against those who killed for reasons that are not

self-defense.

“As of now, there should be cases that should be filed against those [cases with] the possibility of having used force without a good reason not in self-defense,” Parong said.

“If they didn’t really fight back, there is really no reason to kill,” she added. ■

On Human Rights Day, Robredo reminds...

PAGE A1 the various faces in the drug war were displayed at the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) office.

“Dapat parati tayong, iyong desire na pag-igihin iyong ginagawa, parating nand’yan. Parating naghahanap ng mga paraan kung paano mapoproteksyunan iyong ating mga kababayan (When talking about human rights, we should never be contented. The desire to improve our body of work should always be there. We should always look or ways to protect Filipinos),” she added.

Robredo also mentioned that the occasion is a good platform to show the alleged human rights problems facing the administration’s conduct of the war on drugs. Just weeks ago, she headed the Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs (ICAD).

She was fired by President Rodrigo Duterte after 19 days, as she allegedly talked with foreign organizations that have been rebuked by the government. While she was ICAD co-chair, Robredo pushed for the integration of community-based rehabilitation programs, the creation of baseline data on the campaign, and the eradication of the police’s Oplan Tokhang.

“Sa usapin ng drug war […] sa usapin ng karapatang pantao, dapat iyong pamahalaan nandiyan para proteksyunan iyong bawat mamamayan,” Robredo explained.

“Doon naman sa nalabag iyong karapatang pantao, dapat iyong pamahalaan din iyong mag-aassure sa bawat isa na iyong hustisya nandiyan para sa kanila (In terms of the drug war, in discussing human rights, the government should always be there to protect every citizen. In terms

of human rights abuses, the government should also assure that justice will be served).”

The International Human Rights Day is celebrated every December 10, on the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). For this year, the theme is “Youth Standing Up for Human Rights” — which aims to engage young people into discussing such issues.

CHR Spokesperson Jacqueline de Guia earlier said that the youth’s participation in talks about human rights is vital to a democratic future.

“Youth participation in nationbuilding, therefore, is essential to ensure a vibrant and healthy democracy. Empowering the youth to better know their rights while teaching them the lessons of the past will lead to a better tomorrow where everyone’s rights are respected,” De Guia said.

Concerns over the whole human rights situation in the Philippines have been raised especially with reports of abuses in the authorities’ conduct of the drug war. Duterte has been criticized for allegedly disregarding human rights, threatening human rights defenders who oppose his policies.

According to police data, over 5,500 drug suspects have already died in legitimate anti-drug operations, but groups claim that the true number could be way higher.

They also maintained that the drug war has been used by state actors to harass people with different political beliefs, left-leaning groups, critics, and dissenters.

The administration and the police force have constantly maintained that all operations are regular and no abuses have been done while implementing the law. ■

Train for a Career of Value!

CHRISTMAS AND COMMERCE. Christmas figures are displayed in front of the Venice McKinley Grand Canal Mall in Taguig City during the mall’s Grand Christmas Parade.

Manilatimes.net file photo

Palace slams Filipino couple for using Duterte...

PAGE A1 The couple, who flew to the U.S. in 2000 to visit relatives, participated in U.S. protests against Duterte for the alleged extrajudicial killings and the war on drugs in the Philippines.

However, presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said Malacañang “have never heard of Rene and Joy Flores being political activists in the Philippines.”

“We consider the application of the Flores couple highly doubtful.

Their attendance to political rallies and issuance of anti-Duterte statements while in the U.S. are more of a stratagem of their lawyer for them to stay permanently in the U.S. and to shield them from being deported. Apparently, they have opted for an easy way

out at the expense of the Duterte administration,” he said.

According to the spokesman, the Flores couple “have been illegally overstaying in the U.S.” “The ignorant granting of the judge of their application would, therefore, set a dangerous precedent to other illegal aliens who can abusively use politics as a scapegoat in violating immigration laws of the United States,” Panelo noted.

He assured that no citizen of the Philippines has been charged in court nor clamped in jail by reason of criticism against the policies of the present government.

“If they happen to be critics and they presently face criminal charges, it is because both the

administrative and judicial officers found probable cause for certain infringement of laws and for which by law should be properly charged,” Panelo said.

“Their being critics have absolutely nothing to with their criminal prosecution. They can not hide behind the mantle of the freedom of the press and of speech when they are found violating the laws of the land. This circumstance alone casts doubt on the scheme employed by the Floreses,” he added.

Panelo also stressed that the Duterte administration does not resort to any form of persecution and welcomes criticisms as long as they are based on facts and not on rumors or fake information.

(Ritchel Mendiola/AJPress) ■

Fil-Am California prosecutor Patrick Bumatay...

PAGE A1 The Republican-majority Senate voted 53-40 on Tuesday in favor of Bumatay’s appointment which is currently awaiting judicial commission.

The 41-year-old assistant U.S. attorney for the Southern District of California is the son of Filipino immigrants. He was born in Secaucus, New Jersey and graduated cum laude from Yale University, earning his Bachelor of Arts; after, he earned his Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School.

He then served the U.S. Department of Justice in a variety of capacities, working in the offices of the Attorney General, the Deputy Attorney General and the Associate Attorney General and Legal Policy.

He also volunteered for President George W. Bush’s presidential campaign in 2000 and was later hired as a staff assistant and paralegal for the Bush White House.

As Assistant United States Attorney for the Southern District of California in the San Diego office, he has served in the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Forces Section. At the time of his confirmation, he served as a counselor to the Attorney General consulting on the national opioid crisis, organized crime and the Trump administration’s “zero-tolerance” approach at the Southern border.

The Fil-Am prosecutor had assisted in the president’s efforts to appoint Supreme Court Justices Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh, during which he earned a departmental award for his work on the latter’s confirmation.

In 2018, Trump announced

Fil-Am federal prosecutor Patrick J. Bumatay

Department of Justice photo

his intent to nominate Bumatay to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California despite opposition from both U.S. Sens of California Kamala Harris and Dianne Feinstein.

Both senators noted the diversity that Bumatay would bring to the court — as most court appointees are white and straight — but expressed concern over Bumatay’s lack of experience in appellate courts. Harris also cited Bumatay’s “troubling prosecutorial record” when she formally opposed his nomination in 2018.

On Sept. 20, 2019, Trump announced his intent to nominate Bumatay for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, which is headquartered in San Francisco and covers Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Washington State, Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands.

Bumatay is also a member of

the National Filipino American Lawyers Association (NFALA) which recommended Bumatay to the executive branch in early 2019 “and has supported him throughout the appointment and confirmation process,” NFALA said.

“We congratulate Patrick on his historic confirmation to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit,” NFALA President Philip Nulud wrote in a statement. “Patrick’s strong qualifications, including his breadth of experience as a federal prosecutor, a defense attorney and a senior Department of Justice attorney make him ideal for the Ninth Circuit. We commend President Trump on his selection of Patrick, adding much-needed diversity to the federal judiciary.”

Nulud added, “We look forward to seeing the impact he will make not only on the bench but also on the community.” (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress) ■

Poll: 84% of Filipinos prefer economic...

PAGE A1 is a good thing.

Filipinos are also divided on investment from China as 49% said it is a bad thing while 45% said it is a good thing.

Generally, in the Asia-Pacific region, more countries tend to see investment from China as a potential liability as it gives Beijing too much influence over their economies.

“These same countries are also more likely than others to see U.S.

economic influence in their country positively. And, when it comes to developed countries, views of China are much more mixed to negative,” the report read.

The study also noted that countries in the Asia-Pacific region tend to be generally negative in their views of China.

In the Philippines, the percentage of those who have a favorable view of China dropped from 63% in 2002 to 42% in 2019.

The Pew survey was conducted

among 38,426 people in 34 countries from May 13 to October 2. A total of 1,035 adult respondents were surveyed in the Philippines using face-to-face interviews, with the margin of error at 4.3 percentage points.

“For results based on the full sample in a given country, one can say with 95% confidence that the error attributable to sampling and other random effects is plus or minus the margin of error,” the think tank said. ■

Tagle to hold key Vatican...

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PAGE A1 as pastor of the country’s capital city, including Makati, San Juan, Mandaluyong and Pasay as he will no longer be the archbishop of Manila once he assumes office in the Vatican “Historically, the prefect is based in the Vatican. The prefect has to be in Rome to advise the pope. Cardinal Tagle’s post is one of the top posts in the Vatican,” a Church official who requested anonymity said.

Tagle, who is now one of the most powerful figures of the Catholic Church, follows Cardinal Fernando Filoni, who will now take the post as Grand Master of

the Order of the Holy Sepulcher from Cardinal Edwin Frederick O’Brien, who retired last April when he turned 80 years old.

The appointment was met with a warm welcome from Tagle’s fellow pastors.

“We have again a Filipino cardinal who is working in the Vatican. He can bring his wisdom to the work of evangelization. We will him success in this heavy responsibility and we pray for him,” Bishop Broderick Pabillo said.

Bataan Bishop Ruperto Santos, meanwhile, stated that Tagle’s appointment is “an immense blessing to our country.”

“It is an immense blessing to

our country, overflowing grace to His Eminence. His appointment shows the trust and confidence of His Holiness to our dear Cardinal Tagle. He makes us proud as Filipinos, and our country as beacon for new evangelization.

For his appointment we glorify our God, we are grateful to His Holiness. And we give to His Eminence our collaboration and services,” he said.

Senator Richard Gordon also congratulated Tagle, saying his appointment brings pride and joy to our country because it is another manifestation that the world recognizes the ability and talent of Filipinos. ■

Dateline USa

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US to Asian allies: Choose prudently, protect sovereignty

by Pia lee-Brago Philstar.com

Supporting a “pluralistic” Asia, the united States will not force its allies and partners to choose between the u.S. and China, but Washington encourages them to choose prudently in ways that protect their sovereign national interests.

Assistant Secretary David Stilwell of the u.S. Department of State-Bureau of East Asian and pacific Affairs said many of the initial hopeful signs and assumptions for China’s reform and opening when it began to grow from ideologically self-imposed isolation and economic weakness 40 years ago – were wrong.

American officials hoped that demonstrating the benefits of “openness” would move Beijing onto a more liberal path.

He said that 20 years of empty post-World trade organization (Wto) assurances that “China will continue to work toward greater openness” have triggered an overdue rethink of China, its ambitions and u.S. response.

China, according to Stilwell, is a major consideration in the longoverdue changes to u.S. policy in the indo-pacific region that the trump administration has made. “the united States supports a

pluralistic Asia. A pluralistic Asia is one in which the region’s diverse countries can continue to thrive as they wish. they are secure in their sovereign autonomy,” Stilwell said in a speech on u.S., China and pluralism in international Affairs at the Brookings institution on Dec. 2. in a pluralistic Asia, he emphasized that countries enjoy open and shared use of the global commons, international waters and airspace belong to all and no one country can convert them into a sole possession or a zone of exclusion. on Beijing’s “new type” governance idea, he said Chinese officials have spoken for themselves.

He said former Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi summed up Beijing’s view of regional order in 2010, when he declared to an Association of Southeast Asian nations meeting: “China is a big country and other countries are small countries, and that’s just a fact.” the official stressed that for China, international relations is about hierarchy and big-makesright, and Beijing is not respectful of pluralism or sovereign autonomy. “now, let’s consider the commonly heard concern that countries will be forced to choose between the united States and

China. i want you to know, they won’t be forced to make such a choice by the united States,” Stilwell said.

He noted that America’s vision is pluralistic and inclusive and the u.S. record shows it, as Washington aspires to friendly relations with China and has no objection if other countries similarly strive to deal with Beijing in cooperative and cordial ways.

“We encourage our allies and partners to choose prudently, in ways that protect their sovereign national interests,” Stilwell said.

“Sovereignty means the ability to live free of foreign domination, to live according to one’s own laws and make one’s own decisions.”

“We’re not looking to dictate to others and we want our allies and friends not to be subject to anyone else’s dictates. Choosing for sovereignty is important because without it, the freedom to choose at all could be lost,” he added. the u.S. said Washington does not want the philippines to choose between the u.S. and China, and they do not object to improved relations of Manila with Beijing. the State Department said the u.S. remains a steady and trusted partner, strong ally, stands ready to honor its commitments, international law and stands by the philippines. n

‘You can’t compromise on human rights’ – Bono to Duterte

by Neil irwiN

Mercado Inquirer.net

“You can’t compromise on human rights.” this was the “soft message” of u2 frontman Bono to president rodrigo Duterte on tuesday, December 10, when he was asked about his opinion on the rights situation in the philippines.

Bono is in the country and held his first-ever philippine concert on Wednesday, December 11.

He also attended the launch of a blood-by-drone initiative between the philippine red Cross (prC) and the automated logistics company Zipline.

During a press conference following the launch, Bono, a member of rights group Amnesty international (Ai), was asked about his opinion on the rights situation in the philippines.

Ai previously raised its concerns about rights-related issues in the philippines. “i think we’re trying to make a difference here rather than make

headlines for something else,” tion for its lack of “meaningful accountability” in its campaign Bono said.

However, Bono continued by against drugs. n saying that he had been a member of Ai all his life and that he viewed human rights as “critical.”

“My impression of the philippines [is that it has] very caring, very sophisticated people. i understand that when progress is made, sometimes people make what they think are compromises for that progress,” Bono said.

“And i would just say, you can’t compromise on human rights. that’s my soft message to president Duterte,” he added.

Another reporter asked if Bono was planning to meet with Duterte, to which the musician responded: “i have no plans.” “president Duterte is very popular. He doesn’t need me on his side,” he added. presidential spokesperson Salvador panelo earlier said Ai had been “politicizing” the alleged cases of extrajudicial killings in the philippines after the group slammed the Duterte administra-

US Air Force conducts overflights at SCS

Philstar.com file photo

by JaiMe laude Philstar.com

tHE united States Air Force (uSAF) has been sending its planes and other air assets to conduct flight operations across the South China Sea to implement Freedom of navigation operations (FonopS) in the region. u.S. pacific Air Forces (pACAF) commander gen. Charles Brown said the air operations run parallel to the u.S. navy’s sustained FonopS to ensure stability in the indo-pacific region.

“We’ve been flying in and around the South China Sea for really about the last 15 years and i would probably tell you we’ve done some as recently as this week,” Brown said. “it doesn’t probably get as much press as what you hear about the freedom of navigation and the maritime environment, but we do hear about it because we do get calls from prC,” Brown said, referring to China.

Brown said the uSAF has been deploying its bombers, high-altitude u-2s, p-3 orions and p-8 poseidons surveillance planes as well as rQ-4 drones over the South China Sea. “We have quite a bit of air activity in the South China Sea,” Brown said in response to a question by a Vietnamese reporter on pACAF’s activities.

Claiming almost 90 percent of the South China Sea, Beijing’s posturing in the region has progressed into challenging vessels and aircraft of other countries sailing or flying over the vital sea lane. the u.S., a well as its partners and allies Australia, Japan, united Kingdom, France and india, have openly challenged China’s massive occupation and militarization of the South China Sea. uSAF chief gen. David goldfien

pointed out that despite the uSAF decline in personnel and air assets as compared to 1991, its posture in the pacific hasn’t changed.

He said with troop and asset numbers coming down significantly in Europe, uSAF’s footprint in the pacific has become very steady in the region, being the number one priority of the u.S. national Defense Strategy (nDS).

“We’re an Air Force that’s 300,000 less airmen and about 3,000 less aircraft than we were even back then to 1991 and yet, if you look at our footprint and our posture in the pacific, we haven’t changed. We’ve come down significantly in Europe. We’ve changed significantly in the u.S. our footprint in the pacific has been very steady over time,” goldfien said.

He issued this statement in response to question posed by a u.S.-based journalist pointing out the gap in the uSAF capabilities, given the distance of the theater from the u.S. mainland in a China scenario. on the recent visit of u.S. Defense Secretary Mark thomas Esper in the philippines, Brown said the discussions between him and his counterpart, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, centered on the two allied states’ Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA). “it’s not about basing. it’s really about the EDCA,” Brown said.

He said EDCA is a mutually beneficial agreement and the uSAF is now looking forward to building various airfields to support the philippine government’s humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADr). “there’s really no u.S. miltiary presence or expanding presence. it’s really how we equip those airfields to be able to support the philippines, in particular, the philippine Air Force on the conduct of HADr,” Brown said. n

ALTERNATIVE MODE OF TRANSPORT. Senator Christopher Lawrence Go, Manila Mayor Francisco Domagoso and other government officials lead the relaunch of the Pasig River ferry service at the Lawton ferry station in Manila on Monday, December 9. The public is encouraged to try the relaunched ferry service, a viable alternative for commuters wishing to avoid the hassles of vehicular congestion on the streets of Metro Manila.

PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan

BI to launch e-gates at NAIA before Christmas for departing OFWs tHE Bureau of immigration (Bi) on Monday, December 9, announced that they will launch electronic gates (e-gates) for overseas Filipino workers (oFW) at the departure area of the ninoy Aquino international Airport (nAiA) before Christmas. immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente said pilot testing of the e-gates will initially be at the nAiA 2 immigration departure area, adding that he already signed a memorandum of agreement with the service

provider.

Bi port operations division chief grifton Medina, meanwhile, said that the service provider has committed to install and operate two e-gates and biometric machines at nAiA terminal 2 catering exclusively for oFWs and airline crew of philippine Airlines (pAL).

Medina said the pilot testing will last for six months, targeting at least 100,000 passengers before the project becomes fully operational.

Medina said the project’s en-

tire cost will be shouldered by Ascent Solutions, a Singaporebased it company who supplied the e-gates.

Morente expressed hopes that the installation of the new egates will replicate the success of the earlier installed e-gates in arrival areas of nAiA, and international airports in MactanCebu, Davao, and Clark. the move was made in an effort to hasten immigration processes at the airports and avoid long queues. (Neil Arwin Mercado/Inquirer.net) n

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Dateline PhiliPPines

46 environmental defenders killed in the PH in 2019, group says

by Gaea

Katreena Philstar.com

CabiCo

MANILA — Forty-six environmental defenders in the Philippines have been killed in 2019, a watchdog said in a new report as it called on government agencies to conduct inquiries into human rights violations faced by community activists.

In a report released Monday, December 9, Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment said there was a 53-percent increase in the number of environmental activists killed this year. The group documented 30 deaths in 2018.

The Philippines was the deadliest country in the world for environmental and land defenders last year, according to a report published by international rights watchdog Global Witness last July.

Kalikasan PNE said conflicts driven by agribusiness and other land grabs comprise 70% of the recorded killings in 2019.

It cited the attacks against members of National Federation of Sugar Workers and Unyon sa Mag-Uuma sa Agusan del Norte as well as the struggles of Lumad communities.

The killed environmental activists stood in defense of almost 1.2 million hectares of forest areas and agricultural plains, the organization stressed.

“These fallen environmental defenders worked to protect ancestral lands and farmlands and to hold accountable agribusiness, mining and other extractive projects over the destruction of ecosystems and the plunder of natural resources,” Kalikasan PNE said.

“We stand to lose P212.8 billion worth of ecosystem services every year if environmental defenders in these landscapes continue to be attacked to prevent them from effectively doing their work.

These are ecosystem services fundamental to our country’s resilience in the face of the global climate emergency,” it added.

Ecosystem services refer to benefits that humans gain from

JOBS FOR THE ELDERLY. Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III (2nd from left); Ang Probinsyano Party-list Rep. Ronnie Ong (far left); and officials of the Manila International Airport Authority and the cities of Pasay and Parañaque show a copy of the memorandum of agreement for the employment of senior citizens at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). Under the agreement, some 100 senior citizens living near the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) will be enlisted in the work-for-pay program initiated by Ong in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the local governments of Pasay City and Parañaque City.

Photo courtesy of the office of Rep. Ong File photo shows environmental activist group Alyansa Tigil Mina picketing near Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila Philstar.com photo by End Gumban

the natural environment like food and water, climate and disease control, nutrient cycles and oxygen production as well as the cultural benefits like recreation.

Militarization In its report, Kalikasan PNE also said the places subjected to heavy militarization are the areas where most environmental defenders were killed.

Nineteen environmental defenders in Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental have been killed in 2019, making the island the “epicenter” of deaths, the group said.

In 2018, President Rodrigo Duterte signed Memorandum Order 32, which directed the deployment of more troops to Samar, Negros Oriental, Negros Occidental and the Bicol region.

The chief executive also created the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict through Executive Order 70. Karapatan earlier told Philstar. com that more individuals have been subjected to red-tagging since the order was signed.

Eleven environmental defenders in Mindanao—under martial law—were killed with positive identification or corroborating circumstances linking to state

forces and paramilitary groups, Kalikasan also said in its report.

Attacks vs state workers The watchdog also said there has been a rise in the attacks against state environmental workers. The attacks against government forest rangers and other local government officials comprise 22% of all recorded cases.

On September 4, Bienvinido Veguilla Jr. was hacked to death by illegal loggers in Palawan after his team confiscated the chainsaw they used.

Gaudencio Arana—a Department of Environment and Natural Resources informant assigned in Muñoz, Nueva Ecija—was shot dead on September 11. A month later, forest ranger Ronaldo Corpuz, also assigned in Muñoz was shot dead.

Kalikasan PNE called on the Commission on Human Rights, House of Representatives and the Senate to conduct investigations to look into “policies that promote extractives and consequently instigate attacks against environmental defenders.”

It also urged for the passage of the Human Rights Defenders Bill, which seeks to prevent violations and abuses against rights activists. n

SC allows live coverage of massacre verdict

by Jomar

Canlas ManilaTimes

THE Supreme Court (SC) is considering live media coverage during the promulgation of the verdict in the Maguindanao massacre case on December 20.

In an interview with reporters on Monday, December 9, Chief Justice Diosdado Peralta said he would consult with the court en banc Tuesday on the mechanics for the coverage because not all media entities could be accommodated in the courtroom in Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City.

Live coverage of the handing down of the verdict was recommended by the Pubic Information Office (PIO)and the Supreme Court’s Office of the Court Administrator.

“You’ll come to know about the procedure after the en banc tomorrow, but there’s already a recommendation. As to how many people will be accommodated inside…that will be taken up tomorrow,” Peralta said.

The court is negotiating with People’s Television Network Inc. (PTV4) to be the main carrier station for the live coverage.

Supreme Court PIO Chief Brian Keith Hosaka wrote to Julieta

Claveria-Lacza, general manager and chief operating officer of PTV4 to say that the high court will allow live media coverage because public interest is involved.

The high court is seeking PTV4’s technical support so that other TV networks could hook up with the government network.

Peralta said the tribunal wanted to ensure that the promulgation venue is secure.

“We are always after the security of a judge. If they need security, then we will provide them,” he said.

The presiding judge, Jocelyn Solis-Reyes, has not asked for security during the promulgation.

Solis-Reyes has not reported any threats against her life, Peralta said.

“She’s been doing her job very well. I think she gave all the… especially the accused the required due process under the Constitution and exhausted all the trial dates in order to defend themselves. I think she has nothing to fear. I know that judge… she was my former student. … performing very well. She does not hesitate to read her books, and ask her peers if she has problems in the course of the trial,” Peralta said.

He said the Philippine National

Police (PNP) gave suggestions in beefing up the security for the proceedings.

Peralta raised the importance of discussing the need to provide marshalls for justices, judges and the courts.

“This is my first time to hear cases involving so many victims I think in the last century I have yet to hear cases involving massacre of so many people. The accused are all entitled to due process.

But we adopted several ways to fast track the resolution of cases.

It’is good that the parties agreed to the tools that were adopted by Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes in order resolve the case as early as possible,” he said.

Fifty-eight people, including at least 32 journalists, were slaughtered on Nov. 23, 2009 in Ampatuan town, Maguindanao. The case has been on trial for almost 10 years.

Also on Monday, the PNP said it would go after the more than 80 suspects who are still at large.

PNP spokesman Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac said PNP acting chief Lt. Gen. Archie Francisco Gamboa, had assured the bereaved families and relatives of the victims that efforts to arrest the remaining suspects were being intensified. n

Duterte threatens to ‘expropriate everything’ from water firms by alexis

romero Philstar.com

MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday, December 10, threatened to “expropriate everything” from the two major water distributors, claiming he has an “airtight” case against people behind the concession deals that he said are disadvantageous to the government.

Duterte said he would seize water distribution from Manila Water and Maynilad if he is not satisfied with their explanation of the concession agreements.

“I want to face all of them here. I will ask each of them, the lawyers who crafted the son of a b**** contracts. Who are the officials of the MWSS (Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System)? I will ask them, what the f*** did you do and screwed the country?” the president said during the oath-taking of newlypromoted uniformed officials in Malacañang.

“Ngayon, pag hindi ako ma... satisfy (Now, if I am not satisfied), I will expropriate everything, kunin ko lahat. Magdemanda ka ng magdemanda. Tutal, dalawang taon lang naman wala na ako (I will seize everything. Go ahead, file charges. After all, I’ll be out in two years),” he added.

Duterte said he is ready to suspend the writ of habeas corpus to force those who drafted the water deals to appear before him.

“I want everybody, the lawyers, if they do not want to come here, I will drag them. If you will force my hand, I will throw my last card. If you don’t want, go ahead... Then I will suspend the writ of habeas corpus. I will drag you. Widespread economic sabotage,” the president said.

A writ of habeas corpus is an order to present the body of someone who is in jail. It serves as a safeguard against illegal detention.

According to the 1987 Con-

File photo shows environmental activist group Alyansa Tigil Mina picketing near Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila Philstar.com photo by Michael Varcas

stitution, “the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended except in cases of invasion or rebellion when the public safety requires it.”

Earlier Tuesday, Manila Water president and CEO Jose Almendras and Maynilad president and CEO Ramoncito Fernandez told a House panel that their firms will no longer try to collect nearly P11 billion that they had been awarded in separate arbitration cases.

On Monday, December 9, Duterte said there would be no compromise with water concessionaires until he has spoken with their owners and the state lawyers who crafted the water distribution agreements. He also demanded amendments to the contracts, which he claimed “bargained away” Philippine sovereignty.

Duterte has also threatened to file plunder, graft, and economic sabotage charges against people who allowed the concession agreements to be implemented.

Rody: Case vs. water firms ‘airtight’ The president expressed con-

fidence that his case against the water firms would stand in court.

“If they say, mayor run after them, then I will file economic sabotage. My case is airtight.

The contracts themselves, if you review it in relation to the antigraft law, it mirrors, it is a mirror of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices (Act),” Duterte said.

Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said the removal of onerous provisions in the concession deals would not exonerate people who crafted the agreements.

“You know, when the crime has been committed, even if you return, there is still a crime. And the President is mandated to enforce the law and the law said any transgression will have to be prosecuted,” Panelo said in a press briefing.

Panelo said former presidents Fidel Ramos and Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo would also face charges if it is proven that they were part of the conspiracy to implement the “onerous” contracts.

PAGE A7

PH hosting 2020 Asian swim meet

by PatriCK

roxas ManilaTimes.net

CLARK, Pampanga — Seemingly on its way to declare its hosting of the 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games successful, the Philippines again got the nod to host another major sporting event next year with the signing of the staging of the 11th Asian Swimming Championships at the New Clark

City Aquatics Center on Sunday, December 8.

The Asian Swimming Championships is a major aquatics event held every four years among athletes from Asian countries under the governance of the Asian Amateur Swimming Federation (AASF), the governing body of aquatics in Asia. The last edition of the championships was held in Tokyo in 2016.

This will be the first time the Philippines will host the event.

The signing ceremony was attended by Taha Suleiman Al Kishry, secretary general of the AASF; Lani Velasco, Philippine Swimming Inc. president; Butch Ramirez, chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission; and Vince Dizon, president and chief executive officer of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority. n

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A

No Christmas ceasefire with ‘Reds’ – DND

by Darwin

Pesco ManilaTimes.net

DEFENSE Secretary Delfin Lorenzana is not keen on having a ceasefire with communist rebels during the Christmas season.

“We will not recommend,” Lorenzana told reporters on Monday when asked if he would propose the declaration of a ceasefire to the President.

Last week, President Rodrigo Duterte declared his intention to resume the peace talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).

But the Philippine National Police (PNP) said it would continue arresting CPP members and associates with standing warrants of arrest even if the peace talks would continue.

“Hangga’t di pa opisyal na dinideklara, lahat ng warrant of arrest ay patuloy pa rin ang paghahain at paghahanap sa

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana

kanila, (While the talks have not been made official, the serving of warrants of arrest will continue),” PNP spokesman Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac said.

National Security Adviser Her-

Manilatimes.net file photo

mogenes Esperon said peace talks should happen in the Philippines.

This was rejected by CPP founder Jose “Joma” Sison who said it would jeopardize the National Democratic Front of the Philippines. n

99% of Filipinos can’t buy expensive meds

Philstar.com file photo by sheila

ocaMPo

Philstar.com

DAGUPAN City — About 99 percent of Filipinos cannot buy their prescribed medicines because of exorbitant prices, according to a recent survey conducted by Pulse Asia.

Based on the Ulat ng Bayan September report of Pulse Asia released by the Department of Health (DOH) , 99 percent of Filipinos are not able to afford their prescription medicines because they are expensive.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said the report supports the agency’s position that price ceilings should be imposed on expensive but needed medicines.

“Public sentiment corroborates the results of another survey commissioned by the DOH that the Philippines is still paying far more than the international reference prices for branded and generic medicines, at 22 and four times more, respectively,” he noted in a statement before the weekend.

The survey showed that 23 percent of 1,200 respondents found that medicines are not accessible while 16 percent said there are

no medicines in their place.

However, four percent claimed they have no time to buy medicines, while two percent said they do not have to take the medicines.

Some 73 percent of those surveyed said the DOH and the industry should work together to lower drug prices and make it at par with other countries.

Currently, the DOH is waiting for its proposed draft executive order submitted to Malacañang that would place 122 medicines under the 2nd batch of Maximum Drug Retail Price (MDRP).

“Our proposed list covers 122 drugs for hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic lung diseases, neonatal diseases and major cancers; the list also covers high cost treatments for chronic renal disease, psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis as requested by several patient organizations and medical societies,” he added.

The prices of these medicines are expected to have a mean price reduction of 43 percent from the prevailing market price once the EO is signed by President Durterte.

At a press conference here, Duque stood by the DOH’s posi-

tion that there is a need to limit the prices of the 122 medicines amid the strong opposition of the Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP).

He said the first batch of MDRP came out in 2009 and “not one molecule has been added” to the list since.

Duque added that medicines are intended to cure people so they should not be a means to earn huge profits.

“Why make huge profits from medicines? We are a middle-income country and our people, by and large, can’t afford medicines. If we cannot bring down the prices of medicines, our people will be at a loss,” he added.

Duque added that MDRP, “which will further protect Filipinos from financial difficulties,” is an important aspect of Universal Health Care reforms.

Earlier, PHAP made a pronouncement that having price control on medicines will not be beneficial to patients.

The group had cautioned that this scheme will kill small retailers and force manufacturers not to introduce new medicines in the country. n

‘Congress creating an agency for every problem’

by Jess

Diaz Philstar.com

MANILA — Rep. Lito Atienza of party-list group Buhay yesterday denounced what he described as the “propensity of Congress to create a department for every problem the nation is facing.”

“We have a water distribution problem. The solution of Congress: create a department of water resources. We have a slow response to disasters and the need to rehabilitate devastated communities.

The answer: create a department.

The legislature is forming a third department for overseas employment,” he said.

He would rather have both the Executive and Legislative departments force the existing state offices dealing with the country’s problems to do its jobs efficiently and effectively instead of constituting additional agencies that would cost taxpayers tens of billions to fund and maintain.

“We have multiple departments and agencies, and secretaries and other officials who are supposed to address these concerns. They just have to do their work,” Atien-

za stressed.

The President, he added, could simply dismiss officials who are not performing well or are underperforming their jobs. Congress could also cut or even scrap their budgets.

Atienza disagreed with proponents of new departments that there is diffused or scattered responsibility and accountability under the present setup. “No, there is no such thing. There is only one person who is ultimately responsible and accountable, and that is the President. The buck stops with him.”

He said President Duterte could use his usual profanity-laden, tough talk to force officials to do their job effectively, as he pointed out that the creation of new agencies would just “bloat the bureaucracy further and add to the tax burden of taxpayers.”

“We are expanding the bureaucracy, instead of right-sizing it, which is what the President has advocated in his last State of the Nation Address (SONA),” he said.

He noted though that Duterte, in his SONA, also pushed for the creation of the departments for water

resources, disaster management and overseas employment.

Atienza lamented that Congress is about to form new departments even while two recently created agencies – Department of Information and Communications Technology and the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) – have not been fully organized.

“In fact, the DHSUD is still headless because its secretary has not been appointed. In the meantime, the agencies have stopped building housing units for typhoon victims,” he said, noting that thousands of displaced families are still homeless six years after Super Typhoon Yolanda devastated Eastern Visayas.

As for the water crisis in Metro Manila and neighboring areas, Atienza said it is a distribution problem.

“We have enough sources of water in Rizal, Bulacan and Quezon. We can even tap Laguna de Bay and Manila Bay. The problem is processing it into potable supply and distributing it, which the government had contracted two companies to do,” he said. n

‘No one should feel threatened’: Robredo to release ‘drug war’ report next week MANILA — No one should feel threatened by the report on the government’s campaign against illegal drugs that Vice President Leni Robredo is expected to release next week, she said.

The vice president confirmed that she will release her report on Monday, December 9.

“Walang dapat matakot. Medyo nakakatawa nga na parang

‘yung anticipation nananakot ako.

Wala naman tayong tinatakot (No one should be scared. It’s kind of funny that the anticipation is that I’m threatening them. We are not threatening anyone),” Robredo told reporters.

The report will include the gaps that Robredo found in the “drug war” and her recommendations to improve the campaign.

“’Yung sa atin lang, mas rekomendasyon para ipakita ko naman na hindi ko sinayang ‘yung 18 days na binigay sa akin. Nakita n’yo naman kung papaano ako nagtrabaho (These are more like recommendations to show that I did not waste the 18 days given to me. You saw how I worked),” Robredo said.

PAGE A7

SWEET KISS. Karateka Jamie Christine Lim of the Philippines gets a kiss from her mother, former Pag-IBIG Fund president and chief executive officer Darlene Berberabe, during the awarding ceremony in the 30th Southeast Asian Games at the World Trade Center in Pasay City on Monday, December 9. Lim clinched the gold in the women’s kumite +61 kilogram.

PNA photo by Avito Dalan

SC launches judiciary help desk by evelyn

Macairan Philstar.com

Diosdado Peralta, the JPAS is composed of three units: the help desk, hotline and e-mail messaging.

MANILA — The Supreme Court The JPAS will serve as the “of(SC) launched its Judiciary Public ficial line of communication beAssistance Section (JPAS) to ad- tween the judiciary, its stakeholddress complaints about question- ers and the public,” Peralta said. able conduct of judges and deIt is under the direct supervision layed court proceedings. of the office of the Chief Justice.

A pet project of Chief Justice Peralta said the help desk would

provide assistance and information as well as address questions from judiciary stakeholders and the public.

Queries and complaints may be coursed through JPAS hotline numbers (02) 8 526-6185, (02) 8 552-9644 and (02) 8 552-9646 and e-mail address chiefjusticehelpdesk@sc.judiciary.gov.ph. n

A6

DECEMBER 13-19, 2019 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

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OPINION

Promoting a human rights culture

FEATURES

THERE was one noteworthy detail during the 19-day stint of Vice President Leni Robredo as anti-drug czar last month: as confirmed by the Philippine National Police, there was not a single case of death resulting from “nanlaban” or the suspect resisting arrest anywhere in the country.

Officials of the PNP and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency have stressed that nanlaban deaths have in fact been abating for some time now, as anti-drug units shift their focus from street pushers to high-value traffickers.

Such killings by police have again been reported in recent days, but the cases are dramatically lower. This should be a piece of good news as the country joins the international community in observing World Human Rights Day today.

The special day is the culmination of the yearlong commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the day in 1948 when the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The declaration was proclaimed by the assembly as the “common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations” – with everyone enjoying inalienable rights regardless of race, sex, color, religion, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.

For 2019, the theme of this special day is “The Year of Indigenous Languages: Promoting and Deepening a Human Rights Culture.” In the Philippines, this takes the form not only of preserving

the many indigenous languages, but also promoting the welfare of indigenous communities. A number of these communities face challenging circumstances arising from development programs and armed conflict.

Although a democracy, the Philippines is a focus of concern among global rights advocates.

Last year, New York-based Human Rights Watch in its country report declared that there is a “human rights crisis” in the Philippines — due mostly to the violent war on drugs, the arrest or criminal indictment of government critics and killings of journalists.

President Duterte has often argued that his principal concern is the human rights of crime victims and the protection of law-abiding people.

Like several other Asian leaders, he also stresses the importance of economic rights – freedom from poverty, which he says is a focus of his administration.

Those in charge of his most controversial campaign appear to be heeding concerns raised by human rights groups. There is still more to be done, however, as the country pursues the principles embodied in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. (Philstar.com)

Editorial

Aquino, Hilbay agreed to keep water arbitration suits secret

Commentary

RIGOBERTO TIGLAO FORMER President Aquino 3rd and his solicitor general Florin Hilbay agreed to the two water companies’ demand to have the arbitration suits that the latter had filed against the government kept secret.

The two arbitration panels, one each for Maynilad Water Services Inc. and Manila Water Co. Inc., in decisions announced in July 2017 and November 2018, upheld the two concessionaires’ claims, and ordered government to pay them P3.4 billion and P7.4 billion, respectively. Each panel had three members, two of which were foreigners, and one Filipino. The suits were heard by a three-man panel the two parties agreed to, with the Singapore unit of the Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration acting as registrar.

What’s so outrageous about this is that the water companies in their suit claimed that these amounts represented their losses when the regulatory body Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) refused to grant their petitions to raise their tariffs from 2014 to 2018. (The other day though, the Ayala-led, majority foreign-owned Manila Water claimed the suit was filed for “breaches of procedure” it hasn’t explained.)

But the MWSS proved to have been correct in its computations.

Even without the rate increases

they demanded, these firms’ income in those years totaled P67 billion; their average annual income of P13.4 billion during those five years was even higher than the P10.5 billion of the previous five years.

Yet the firms still wanted to recover those amounts that they claimed in 2015 when they filed the case they would lose, but didn’t.

How could the arbitration panels have dismissed such facts staring them in the face? Was Hilbay as solicitor general just too dumb or too lazy to defend the MWSS stand? Or did he sabotage the government’s defense so it would lose the case?

Secret We don’t know. If Hilbay deliberately plotted to have the water companies win the arbitration, he was clever enough to hide his tracks, literally: the arbitration was kept secret.

Unlike other arbitration cases that the Philippine government has been involved in, such as its suit against China over the South China Sea dispute, the proceedings, the two water companies’ arguments, the government’s defense, and the award itself have been kept confidential. Check it out for yourself at the website of the Permanent Court of Arbitration for the two suits. Only the Maynilad case is listed, but contains no details. Manila Water’s case is not listed at all Such confidentiality is allowed under the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (Uncitral), under whose

provisions the suits were filed.

But this could be done only upon agreement of the two parties, and only when the private party can prove that it stands to have its proprietary secrets revealed to its competitors. What competitors?

Manila Water and Maynilad Water are monopolies in the sectors they distribute water.

Why did the government, represented by Aquino 3rd and Hilbay, agree to such confidentiality? If they had not agreed to keep the proceedings secret, they could just have told Maynilad and Manila Water: “Take it or leave it, and just comply with the MWSS decision.”

If not for a November 29 letter

by Manila Water’s assistant corporate secretary to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Disclosure Department — a requirement because the firm is publicly listed — the public would not known of the award and the water company would have secretly negotiated with government for the payment of the P7.4 billion.

It would have claimed that even the payment was covered by the confidentiality agreement.

If I were of a very suspicious mind, I’d even think that Hilbay’s bending oer to make the proceedings secret, and even perhaps a promise not to undertake a genuine defense of the MWSS decision, clinched his job as solicitor general. After then Solicitor General Francis Jardeleza was appointed to the Supreme Court in 2014, Hilbay took over, but only in an acting capacity for eight months until Aquino ap-

The Philippines’ Bernie Sanders Horizons

RICHARD HEYDARIAN “THE lesson of this moment is that winning politics is grassroots politics,” said the firebrand U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, reflecting on his unlikely political success in an interview with The New York Times.

Confined to the fringes of American politics throughout his youth, which was marked by radical activism and unabashed socialist advocacies, Sanders found an improbable political lifeline in one of America’s most rural, conservative states. A Jewishborn New Yorker, Sanders burst into electoral politics by moving to Vermont in the 1970s. For an

Philstar.com photo

entire decade, he became a serial loser, twice running for the Senate and once for the state’s gubernatorial position. His numbers hardly cracked into the double digits.

The following decade, however, marked a dramatic turn in his fortunes. In one of the most iconic electoral shocks of the era, Sanders became one of the first openly socialist American mayors at the height of the Cold War. In 1981, the tall, lanky activist found himself at the helm of Burlington, besting veteran mayor Gordon “Gordie” Paquette. Against all odds, including active sabotage by the establishment-infested city council, Sanders managed to secure several reelections throughout the 1980s before heading to Capitol Hill and, later, becoming the longest-running independent senator in American history.

In 2016, he almost pulled

off another electoral tsunami against the Democratic establishment. The latest polls show that Sanders can still beat Donald Trump were he to be picked as the Democratic presidential nominee today.

His secret to political success, as Sanders put it, is simple: “[W]inning politics is developing coalitions of working people, of low-income people, of women, of environmentalists. So the coalition is, we do it from the bottom on up, and we ended up in my years as mayor taking on everybody.”

Through nonstop political organization, and astute populist initiatives such as a local television show called “Bernie Speaks With the Community,” Sanders mobilized a whole new constituency, which sustained him in office throughout decades of progressive advocacy.

Throughout the world, the rise

pointed him formally to the post in June 2015.

Solicitor General Did Aquino need that much time to decide who the solicitor general would be? Was it just coincidental that after Maynilad filed its suit on March 2, 2015 and Manila Water on April 23, 2015, Hilbay was appointed permanent solicitor general about two months later on June 16, 2015?

Why would Aquino and Hilbay agree to make secret arbitration proceedings and rulings that would affect over 10 million Filipinos, the captive market of the two water monopolies? Indeed, Maynilad got the arbitral panel to order the Philippine government to pay it the P3.4 billion it asked for, while Manila Water got panel to agree for the government to pay it P11.4 billion. Did the two companies want to hide things from the public?

For all we know Hilbay might have just sent the tribunal a onepage defense or asked his clerk to write it. Sources claim that neither Hilbay nor any other staff from the Office of the Solicitor General had asked MWSS to help them draft their defense before the arbitral panels.

Technically called “rebasing” undertaken every five years, the process for computing reasonable tariffs the water companies can charge is complex, and involves the expertise of teams of accountants, auditors and technicians who even physically inspect the firms’ facilities, to determine how much the firms can charge

given the need both for their captive consumers’ right to clean, accessible water and a reasonable return on capital for them.

Objectionable The MWSS found objectionable many items the two firms included as part of their costs, which reduced their income, on paper. The most scandalous was their inclusion of corporate income taxes, as part of their costs.

This is such a blatant violation of accounting principles and even of plain logic. How can something (a tax) that is computed after expenses is deducted from income (to yield taxable profit) be included among the expenses?

Congress must call Aquino and Hilbay to a public hearing and ask them why they agreed to keep the arbitration cases confidential.

It must subpoena all of the docu-

ments involved in the arbitration cases, to determine if Hilbay really defended the MWSS stand against the water companies.

Congress must summon Manila Water’s owners, the Ayalas and Maynilad’s Manuel Pangilinan, who runs the firm for Indonesian owner Anthoni Salim, to its halls to ask them if they, or their representatives, ever consulted with Hilbay over their firms’ suits against the government.

During the last elections in which he ran for senator (where the hell did he get the funds to dare to do so?), Hilbay’s sole claimed qualification for that post, which he boasted about, was that it was he who filed the arbitration case against China, which the country purportedly won. AntiChina, but pro-oligarch? (ManilaTimes.net)

of right-wing populists such as Donald Trump has opened up the space for their polar opposites — progressive populists such as Sanders and Elizabeth Warren. Their rallying cry is an end to American oligarchy in favor of the middle classes, for, as Sanders explained, the likes of “Ronald Reagan and his billionaire friends do not represent America, but we do.”

Fortunately, we also have our own versions of Sanders. On top of my mind is professor Walden Bello, a world-renowned scholar and activist, among Princeton University’s most distinguished alumni, and a former progressive congressman who became the first-ever statesman to voluntarily resign his office out of sheer conviction.

I had the privilege of knowing and working with him about a decade earlier as his consultant on foreign affairs. He is unquestionably an indefatigable soul, a passionate advocate and arguably the best mentor one could ask for. While no socialist or

communist, I always appreciated Bello’s genuine passion for social justice. True, his bid for the oligarchic Senate failed to bear fruit, but he has been a consistent advocate for political reform and human rights in the Philippines. And despite unimaginable difficulties, including personal tragedy, he recently managed to finish not one, but two books almost simultaneously.

The first, as discussed in an earlier column, is “Counterrevolution,” tracing the global rise of right-wing populism. “I would say that Duterte is a counterrevolutionary” Bello argues, since ”he challenges the whole liberal democratic project” without offering a true progressive alternative.

His latest book is “Paper Dragons: China and the Next Crash,” which analyzes the structural vulnerabilities of the Chinese economy and its dangerous implications for the global economy. More fundamentally, it skillfully traces the contours of the existing international order and

the perilous direction of SinoAmerican rivalry.

Bello makes two crucial arguments. First, he rightly criticizes both the United States and China for their imperialist mindset and behavior, while arguing that Beijing’s foreign policy is far from predetermined.

Through a combination of diplomacy, engagement and tough bargaining, Bello believes that smaller countries such as the Philippines have some agency in shaping the rise of China. Moreover, he downplays fears of a Chinese “debt trap,” instead focusing on an even more troubling phenomenon.

For Bello, Chinese investments bring about a “20th-century [top-down] model of economic development, [with] tremendous negative impact on the environment” of its beneficiaries.

Like Sanders, Bello believes in participatory grassroots politics as the best countermeasure against both imperialism and right-wing populism. (Inquirer. net)

Hilbay at the arbitration hearing against China at The Hague. Did he also appear in the hearings for the suits filed by the water companies, even if these were only in Singapore, which the government lost?

Contributed photo

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Rice terraces in critical state – FAO

by Pia lee-Brago Philstar.com

WINNING FORM. Pauline Lopez (in red) shows her dominant winning form against Al Chhoeung of Cambodia in the women’s under-57 kilogram taekwondo final in the 30th Southeast Asian Games at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila. The 2018 Asian Games bronze medalist won gold along with teammates Dave Cea and Samuel Morrison.

PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan

Finally, Pacquiao gets college degree

by Javier

J. ismael ManilaTimes.net

INTERNATIONAL boxing icon Sen. Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao will finally get his college degree on Wednesday, December 11, at 2 p.m.

The graduation rite will take place at the University of Makati (UMAK).

After getting his bachelor of science in public administration, Pacquiao said he had plans of enrolling at Harvard for a master’s degree.

In an interview, Pacquiao said his toga was ready.

He enrolled at UMAK in 2008, but was not able to complete his college studies because he got

busy.

“Nag-aaral talaga ako, pag-tapos nito plano ko mag masteral ako sa Harvard University (I really studied. I plan to get my master’s degree at Harvard University),” he said.

Asked if he plans to run for a higher position, Pacquiao said he had placed his fate in God. “Kung reelection, [or] stop na, o higher position, kung ano ang ibibigay sa akin gagampanan ko.

Sobra sobra pasasalamat ko sa Panginoon, talagang ang blessing sobra-sobra (Whether it is for reelection or seek a higher position, whatever responsibility that will be given me, I will do it. God has given me so much. My blessings Senator Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao Manilatimes.net file photo are overflowing),” he added. n

‘No one should feel threatened’: Robredo...

PAGE A5 Robredo met with several government agencies and foreign entities during her stint as co-chair of the Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs (ICAD).

President Rodrigo Duterte fired Robredo from the ICAD less than a month after her designation, saying he could not trust the vice president with classified information.

Robredo, however, said she would continue her work against the country’s drug problem despite being dismissed as ICAD

co-chair.

“Makakaasa kayo, kahit tinanggalan ako ng posisyon, hinding-hindi nila kayang tanggalin ang aking determinasyon itigil ang patayan, panagutin ang kailangang managot, at ipanalo ang kampanya laban sa iligal na droga,” she said in November (You can expect that even though I was stripped of my rank, they cannot take away my determination. My determination to end the killings, bring to justice those who need to answer for their doings, and win the cam- Vice President Leni Robredo Photo courtesy by Philstar paign against illegal drugs). n

THE Ifugao Rice Terraces are now in a critical stage of deterioration and do not allow the local communities to overcome the poverty line, according to the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO).

The Ifugao Rice Terraces are classified as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS) and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The GIAHS is a program of the FAO, founded as a UN partnership initiative for sustainable development in 2002. It aims to identify, support and safeguard globally important agricultural heritage systems and their livelihoods, agricultural and associated biodiversity, knowledge systems, cultures and landscapes around the world.

“The continued survival of the terraces is threatened by various factors such as environmental degradation, unregulated development and neglect brought about by urbanization and changing values,” the FAO said.

Over the last century, the Ifugao Rice Terraces had been selfsufficient in food, timber and water because of an organization of the landscape divided into five components, including woodlot and communal forest, swidden

Philstar.com file photo

farms, rice terraces, settlement areas and water bodies, and irrigation systems.

“This system is an example of adaptation of the local communities to the environment,” the agency said.

The Ifugao Rice Terraces have shaped a characteristic landscape in the mountains between 800 and 1,500 meters. They were previously forested areas while others were presumably grasslands. It is the availability of water, however, that dictates the Ifugaos to build terraces and

allowed them to create this system.

Home to a remarkably sophisticated system of livelihood and landscape management, the terraces are fed by an ancient irrigation system from the rainforests above them.

The rice terraces, recognized as a UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization World Heritage site since 1995, are a feat of engineering ingenuity carved into the mountains by ancestors of the indigenous people approximately 2,000 years ago. n

the Philippine government to compensate the two water firms for the losses they incurred due to the delayed implementation of rate hikes.

The Singapore court ordered the government to pay P3.42 billion in damages to Maynilad and P7.39 billion to Manila Water, prompting Duterte to demand the scrapping of a contract provision that barred the state from stopping rate increases.

“Two administrations, they allowed this to happen...Now they are saying through a letter, they will forgo with the P7 billion.

Then, they are willing to talk, to correct...How? How can you talk about correcting things?” the President said.

“You were collecting from the people,” he added.

Duterte claimed Filipinos are paying for the water treatments undertaken by water concessionaires and are shouldering their corporate income taxes.

“And you placed in the con-

tract, ‘The corporate income tax shall be spread in the accounts of the consumers in public.’ I want to throw this away,” he said.

Duterte said he was also angered by the provisions that allowed water firms to adjust rates, a set-up that he said “bargained away” the Philippines’ sovereignty. He reiterated his call for government forces to continue looking after the issue involving the water concession deals.

“But you know, I said if I do not make it, huwag ninyong bitawan ito (Do not let this slip away). I’m not saying you initiate something like coup d’état. Huwag kasi hindi na ‘yan tanggap ng Pilipino ‘yan eh (No because Filipinos won’t accept it),” Duterte said.

“If you want an outright, huwag martial law. Mag-revolutionary government ka na lang.

Diretso na (do not impose martial law. Just declare a revolutionary government). Tapos (Then) you start to correct everything,” Duterte said. n

Duterte threatens to ‘expropriate...

PAGE A5 “(Cases will be filed) against all so everybody that is involved in the drafting and approving of that concessionaire agreement,” Panelo said when asked if Arroyo and Ramos would also be charged in connection with the concession deals.

“He (Duterte) will file economic sabotage to those involved… against all of them,” he added.

The 25-year water concession agreements were signed in 1997 during the Ramos administration.

They were extended by 15 years in 2009 when Gloria MacapagalArroyo was president.

‘How do you correct that?’

Duterte was also unmoved by the announcement of Manila Water and Maynilad that they would no longer collect damages from the government despite the favorable rulings they secured from arbitration proceedings in Singapore.

The arbitration court has issued separate rulings ordering

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DECEMBER 13-19, 2019 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 689-5160

SF The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - December 13, 2019

Friday, December 13, 2019

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cover story

From the cover: Photo by Anthony Chan

The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - December 13, 2019

Give the gift of knowledge with these books by Filipino authors

by CHRISTINA M. ORIEL, KLARIZE MEDENILLA & MALOU LIWANAG-BLEDSOE / AJPRESS CHRISTMAS is just around the corner and we are all rushing to complete our shopping list. Gifting during the holidays is a tricky thing, however, as most people tend to buy what is trendy or popular. In the end, our recipients are most likely to receive something that someone else has given, or a gift that they have no use for.

This is why a book is one of the best gifts you can give — it’s compact with stories and details that can fill not only one’s brain but heart as well.

So this holiday, why not give the gift of knowledge? This year alone, The Asian Journal team has read (and featured!) a plethora of books by Filipino and Filipino American authors across genres, including: “Loves You” (poetry) by Sarah Gambito; “The Body Papers” (memoir)

by Grace Talusan; “I Was Their American Dream” (graphic memoir) by Malaka Gharib; “Patron Saints of Nothing” (young adult fiction) by Randy Ribay; “Why Karen Carpenter Matters” (biography/memoir) by Karen Tongson; “Somewhere in the Middle” (memoir) by Deborah Francisco Douglas; “No Forks Given” (cookbook/stories) by Yana Gilbuena; “Baking at République” (cookbook) by Margarita “Marge” Manzke; and “Rice. Noodles. Yum.: Everyone’s Favorite Southeast Asian Dishes” (cookbook) by Abigail Sotto Raines.

Here are a few more recommendations that will be perfect

either as a stocking stuffer or a special Christmas gift to family and friends.

“Trick Mirror: Reflections on Self-Delusion” by Jia Tolentino From the whip-smart voice of a generation Jia Tolentino, “Trick Mirror: Reflections on Self-Delusion” has been named one of the 10 best books of the year by the New York Public Library and appeared on best of the year lists from The New York Times Book Review, NPR, Time and The Washington Post to name a few. In nine moving essays, Tolentino captures, with photographic clarity, the state of collective confusion and distortion we’re currently experiencing in the age of the internet, peppering in her own experiences as the daughter of Filipino immigrants.

Among the contemporary cultural topics featured in the book, she discusses the capitalization of feminism, her tumultuous relationship with religion and how that intertwined with her experience with drugs in the vein of ecstasy and the toxic, convoluted triangle of “sex and race and power.”

“Trick Mirror” is a necessary read that showcases the incredible talent of the 31-year-old writer who, time and time again, perfectly sums up millennial sensibilities in the age of social media and attempts to untangle the most muddled parts of American culture.

In the intro to the book,

Tolentino writes, “I began to realize that all my life I’ve been leaving myself breadcrumbs. It didn’t matter that I didn’t always know what I was walking toward.

It was worthwhile, I told myself, just trying to see clearly, even if it took me years to understand what I was trying to see.”

“Lalani of the Distant Sea”

by Erin Entrada Kelly Embark on a courageous and mythical journey with 12-year-old Lalani Sarita in “Lalani of the Distant Sea,” the debut fantasy novel by Filipina American Newbery Medalist Erin Entrada Kelly. Drawing from Filipino folklore, Lalani is in search of Mount Isa, a mysterious landmark known for a flower with healing powers that could potentially help her ailing mother as well as good fortune that could save her fellow villagers on the island of Sanlagita, which is facing its own threats of survival. The 12-yearold protagonist is confronted by external tests along the way as many men, including her own fa-

ther, have perished in the quest for the mountain. The issues of toxic masculinity and gender stereotypes are also prevalent in the dialogue and text as well.

Though a children’s novel, the lessons of empathy, perseverance, identity and fate transcend any age. In the end, sometimes you choose yourself.

“I created a heroine in Lalani, who isn’t particularly gifted in any way,” Kelly told the Washington Post. “What’s extraordinary about her is her power to be compassionate... That’s not something we typically celebrate in our society.”

“From Rufio to Zuko” by Dante Basco You know him as the trimohawked Rufio of the Lost Boys in the 1990s cult classic “Hook.” You also know him as the voice of Prince Zuko from the wildly popular Nickelodeon show “Avatar: The Last Airbender.” Regardless of your point of reference, you’re Filipino American, you know actor Dante Basco as the symbol

Look and feel good: How two US-based Pinay beauty brands give back to the Philippines

of Filipino representation in entertainment of the 1990s and the aughts. Often playing a wide range of Asian side characters, Basco is the success story of the Asian American who broke into mainstream entertainment, and that journey is detailed in a new memoir called “From Rufio to Zuko.”

The memoir released this year chronicles Basco’s beginnings as a breakdancer from the Bay Area and the impact his family upbringing has had on his career. (Basco is one of four siblings who are also in entertainment) navigating the entertainment industry as a Filipino in a pre-“Inclusion Rider” world. In an interview with the Hollywood Reporter, Basco said that his memoir may be beneficial “for the next generation of people of color” who are trying to break into Hollywood.

“Steel Crow Saga” by Paul Krueger Named of the best books of 2019 by NPR, “Steel Crow Saga” by Filipino American au-

thor Paul Krueger takes readers on a post-colonial, adventurefilled fantasy heavily influenced

by Asian cultures, such as Filipino, Japanese, Chinese and Korean. From magical animal characters to themes of diplomacy, rebellion and unlikely alliances, the novel brings together four destinies — a soldier with a curse, a prince with a debt, a detective with a grudge and a thief with a broken heart — to defeat an evil force who defies the laws of magic. Many reviews liken the Fil-Am author’s second novel to Pokémon, Avatar: The Last Airbender and anime.

“The biggest thing I learned was to trust my instincts. ‘Steel Crow Saga’ happened because I felt like I had nothing left to lose, so I might as well roll the dice on the wildest, most specifically Paul book I could write. I’m very fortunate the dice came up in my favor, but I think it’s because readers respond well to specificity and honesty,” Krueger wrote in an AMA thread on Reddit.

soon took on a three-year internship with the Filipino organization’s Europe chapter and spent time on GK’s Enchanted Farm in Angat, Bulacan.

“That was my first introducchecking out. tion into a social business, the

by CHRISTINA M. ORIEL “Whatever free time I had, idea that the business model did AJPress I would play around and study good, rather than it being an all kinds of essential oils and afterthought,” the half-Filipina, BEAUTY products are often half-British entrepreneur said considered individually beneficial got really lost in it,” the Filipina in a recent interview. “What I as they are intended to make one American founder recently told the Asian Journal. “It was a great originally thought of as a business look and feel good. But certain outlet.” Walmsley had been doing good or charity was giving brands take it a step further and working in TV and film as an a percentage of the profit. It help others as well. With the made me think how your sourcseason of giving in full swing, pur- actress and producer (one project she produced, “God of Love,” ing and business model have a chases from two Filipina-owned won the Academy Award for Best true impact.” beauty and skincare brands Live Action Short in 2011) and DIY: Her experience with in the United States support A former TV and film professional, Stefanie Walms- Gawad Kalinga — coupled with was experimenting with ingredicauses back in the Philippines, ley started Prim Botanicals in 2013 as a hobby ents, many of which came from her childhood of making prodfrom feeding school children Disco nap and siesta spray aura mists by Prim Prim Botanicalsʼ face oil and facials potions to fight and officially launched it in 2015. Each month, the her native Philippines to treat her ucts with her mom and noticto supporting mothers in need Botanicals Photos courtesy of Prim Botanicals inflammation and breakouts. brand supports a non-profit back in the Philippines. various skin concerns. ing how there were hardly any postpartum. and I’m glad this generation is Walmsley wanted to bottle the “The more I owned my story Filipino-owned coconut brands in to different women to test out Prim Botanicals looking more at our own history excitement a woman gets in the the market — led her to foundand provide feedback. It’s now The story: With $3,000 of her as a Filipina from the Philippines moment before she uses a prod- and own traditions instead of ing Kaya Essentials in 2017, an own money and mixing and pack- and reflected that in Prim’s prod- one of the signature brand prodconstantly looking at what the ucts and branding, the more atorganic skincare line using colducts using cold pressed sea buck- uct. Each product is not meant ing products by hand, Stefanie rest of the world is doing.” to be mindlessly used. “It’s not centrifuged coconut oil from a thorn, black cumin seed, wild Walmsley started Prim Botanicals tention the brand got,” she said.

On paying it forward: Since meant to be a prissy brand. But fair trade farm in Davao. moringa from the Philippines, from her New York apartment as “I wasn’t just another brand — I 2015, Prim Botanicals has identiI wanted to fill this white space was a brand with a real identity, “My mom is a super DIYPolynesian tamanu and African a passion project. Today going that was decidedly and unapolo- fied several Philippine-based non- er. She would make her own marula to address inflammation four years strong, Prim Botanicals story and full culture behind it.”

The offerings: Prim Botanibeauty, skincare and a lot of and blotchy skin. There’s also the getically feminine and celebrated profits to give back to, including is now sold at all U.S. Anthrowomanhood,” she said. “It’s not the Yellow Boat of Hope Founda- cleaning products at home so I cals offers products predominate- Hair Oil that has Virgin Coconut pologie stores, certain natural ly using Philippine-found ingreOil from the Philippines, camellia, unisex...I wanted something that tion which builds boats for kids in always grew up making organic beauty storefronts, and online flood-affected areas so they can dients that can be used on hair, products. One thing we always moringa, marula, and black seed; felt really feminine and was also on its website. Each month, the get to school and Glory Reborn clean and something you would lips, body and face. Prices range did was use coconut oil as a hair the Debauchery Detox Body company sets aside an amount in Cebu that helps marginalized keep on your bathroom shelf. I from $12 to $60. Her first concoc- Scrub using Activated Charcoal, mask where we would put the to donate to Philippine-based know there are so many products pregnant women receive medical coconut oil all around ourselves Philippine Barako Coffee, Hawaiorganizations, but customers can tion was a Face Oil that took a and childcare support. Walmsley that are hidden behind, I love year to create and then was sent from root to tip and we’d leave it ian Black Lava Salt; Aura Mists to also add an extra donation while that a lot of our customers come announced that the next nonfor three hours. She would make energize you; and CBD-infused profit the company will support from seeing a Prim product in the coconut oil from scratch, from products from body lotion to a for the next eight months is Tiny someone else’s shower or on coconut meat and make it into an roll-on for period pain.

Blessings, which provides food, their shelf.” oil,” Meredith recalled.

“The question I ask myself shelter and basic needs to homeTeaching Pinay beauty rituKaya spirit: Her first products each time is, ‘Is something that less children in Manila. als: Rooted in the beauty and were the calamansi and lemonI confidently feel is better than “It’s 2019 and there’s so wellness rituals Walmsley grew grass lip balms, using essential whatever else on the market?’ much going on. I don’t think it’s up following — whether using oils from a Filipino family-owned ‘What could I sell that I would enough to just sell a product for coconut oil as a mask or barako business called Casa de Lorenzo. buy and confidently get my coffee as a skin scrub — she said profit anymore. At one point, it As a part-time commercial friends to buy it?’ But I also need Prim Botanicals is a way to teach was enough that we’re natural model, Meredith would sell the stuff that’s affordable. Trust my others about the ingredients the and sustainable, and we know lip balms to people she met on gut, know my customer and country is rich in and its resource- where everything is coming from sets. know what I would like to see and we’re transparent,” Walmsful, inventive traditions. In the “I started with the lip balms and so far, that formula has been ley said. “Now, those values are coming months, expect more because those were something working really well,” she said. pretty common. How else can I basic, day-to-day products from everybody could use. My focus Not so proper: The product give back and what more can I a cleanser to body wash too. was not so narrow. I was looking formulas at the beginning used Sara Meredith of Kaya Essentials displays her products at a local farmersʼ market. do? Even within the green beauty at it more like, what is something “In 2020, I plan to go harder a lot of evening primrose oil so Photo by Nailah Barcelona the brand name is a play on that and natural, organic world, it can is for every age group, male or on wellness as a whole and I’m start to feel like any other busihappy that trend is occurring. female, and is a small way that ingredient, as well as Walmsley ness, especially when these really could do good?” Meredith said.

Back home in the Philippines, liking “how nice and clean the big companies are getting into you don’t even think about “Starting with calamansi came name sounded,” she said. “But the game. For Prim, we give back from wanting to introduce a it. When you get a sunburn, we’re not so prim and proper... all year long and I feel really good product that was proudly Filipino everyone says to put aloe vera. and we try to highlight all of that about that.”

If you have a stomachache, they so I wanted it to capture the Filiin our copy. It’s a brand effort Kaya Essentials say to drink ginger tea. These are pino culture and essence. I always to keep the writing accessible, The story: Sara Meredith things we have taken for granted knew the [brand’s] name would snarky and more tongue-inwas a college student at Univerbut the rest of the world... I’m have a Filipino affirmation in it. cheek. With everything that I do very that most of our ingredients sity College London when she That’s where Kaya comes from.” with Prim, I want to take away heard Gawad Kalinga founder come from the Philippines,” Now based in Los Angeles, any sense of intimidation and Tony Meloto delivering a talk Meredith makes each product make the language like if a friend Walmsley said. “Younger genCoconut oil-based body balms and lip balms from erations are now paying homage about alleviating poverty in the by hand and in small batches. is talking to you.”

Kaya Essentials come in seven different flavors, Philippines and building social to our roots — I see it in fashion, The brand is sold online, at select Embracing womanhood: Kaya Essentials, founded in 2017, uses high-grade from calamansi to honey. enterprises toward that goal.

She design.

It’s such an exciting time With Prim Botanicals’ products, Continued on Page SF5 coconut oil from a fair trade farm in Davao.

Photos by Nailah Barcelona

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The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - December 13, 2019

Immigration Corner ATTY. MICHAEL GURFINKEL, ESQ WHENEVER an employer sponsors (or petitions) an alien for labor certification (or PERM), the employer must agree to offer at least the “prevailing wage” for the job position, as determined by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), based on the job requirements and locaA CREWMAN TRIED TO FOLLOW THE LAW TO GAIN LEGAL STATUS, BUT FELL INTO A “FRAUD TRAP” AT THE U.S. EMBASSY WHEN HE RETURNED TO THE PHILIPtion of employment.

PINES ON A PROVISIONAL WAIVER. Albert (left) entered the U.S. and jumped ship in 2007. His U.S. citizen wife, Cherrie (center), petitioned him. Although the A prevailing wage determipetition was approved, Albert was not eligible to adjust status in the U.S. because he did not have 245(i). However, he qualified for a provisional waiver, which was approved, thereby “forgiving” him for overstaying, waiving the 10-year bar. He went back to the Philippines, thinking that he would be able to obtain his nation from DOL is obtained by immigrant visa from the Embassy, only to be shocked when he was charged with fraud based on violating their new 90-Day Rule for deciding to overstay back the employer before filing the in 2007. His provisional waiver was considered void, and he was required to file a fraud waiver and a 10-year bar waiver while he waited in the Philippines.

PERM application, and that preWatch how leading U.S. immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel helped Albert — on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy – this Sunday at 6:15 p.m. (PST) on vailing wage determination (or TFC. (Advertising Supplement) salary) is valid throughout the entire labor certification process, even if that process takes years to complete. Simply put, the prevailing wage obtained from DOL at the outset of the case is the wage the employer must offer to and pay the sponsored alien. like to share to you when it instrumental in your journey The American Immigration One Global comes to People or sometimes as an entrepreneur whether as Lawyers Association (AILA) has called your Human Capital. corporate, start up or creatAcademy reported that the U.S. Embassy When starting your own busiing new strategies for your in Manila, Philippines has been ness enterprise consider the business. All these 3Ps are requiring applicants to provide strategic in nature and will serve people who will form part of updated, notarized letters from as a strategic management tool your organization. Over the JONATHAN OBOZA PETALVER their petitioning employer confor you whether you are looking years, I have the 3 important firming the employer’s intent for new and innovative business “S” that you need to conto pay the applicants at the INTRO to MBA tools sider to have a strong Business strategies, the right business current prevailing wage, even These Entrepreneurial opportunity, starting to set up a Foundation. And these are the though the wage listed on the Leadership STEM Articles are business, looking for new prod- following: employer’s I-140 petition relike taking your Masterclass in 1. Structure. Just like any ucts and services or looking for mains in effect for the life of the Strategic Entrepreneurship that new strategies to expand its other building, whether it is petition. The employer need will serve as a strong business business. After reading the 3Ps, low rise, mid rise or high rise, only agree to pay to prevailing and entrepreneurial manageStructural Integrity or its basic you are expected to: wage listed at the time of initial ment learning framework for foundation comes first. Same 1. Create a strong Brand filing, and it is in error to require you and become a Strategic with any business, big or small, Value that offers unique busithem to now commit to pay a Entrepreneurial Manager by its structure, its people should ness propositions in gaining salary at the current wage rate. understanding the 3Ps (People- and sustaining your competitive come first. So the question (unless it is a “minimum wage” Process-Profit). It aims to enable advantage is how do you build a strong job, in which case the current you to understand the signifi2. Continuously develop and foundation? How would you minimum wage might need to cance and relevance of Business strengthen PULL strategies in know this is the right team for Management and Entrepreyour business? The answer. You be paid vs the minimum wage positioning your products and at the time of filing). neurship (Profitable Decision) in services to the right market need to match their WHY and The “job offer” letter business creation and develyour WHAT (Company Vision) so 3. Strategically position from the employer need only opment amidst a disruptive the HOW (you and them) would yourself as a Strategic Entreworld. The key take away is for preneur knowing both the seller come easier and will just be the confirmation that the terms and conditions of the employment you to always gain and sustain end result day in day out. and buyer process to build offered in the I-140 petition your competitive advantage.

During the interviews, brand loyalty to customers. are still available to the alien, You will be guided through ask them directly as to WHY People Continued on Page SF7 including the prevailing wage each P-topic that will be There are 3 things I would

UNDERSTANDING MBA TOOLS

People, product, process

Embassy’s erroneous employment visa refusals provided by the DOL and approved by USCIS at the I-140 stage. According to AILA, the Visa Office of the U.S. State Department confirmed that “consular officers [at the U.S. Embassy in Manila] should not require the employer to pay the current prevailing wage…”

Unfortunately, some consuls are requiring job offer letters from employers that state the employer will pay the current prevailing wage, and are refusing to issue visas unless that letter is submitted to the Embassy. But this is in error.

The employer need offer only the prevailing wage initially determined by DOL at the outset of the case.

If you, or someone you know, is being processed for an employment-based visa at the U.S. Embassy in Manila, but are being refused to issue their visa based on this prevailing wage validity, you should seek the assistance of an attorney, who can help resolve the matter, which may simply be a training issue for that Post.

*** Michael J. Gurfinkel has been an attorney for over 35 years and is licensed, and an active member of the State Bars of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California.

Each case is different and results may depend on the facts of the particular case. The information and opinions contained herein (including testimonials, “Success Stories”, endorsements and re-enactments) are of a general nature, and are not intended to apply to any particular case, and do not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorney-client relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader.

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

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The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - December 13, 2019

celebrity world

Gone too soon: Actor Mico Palanca passes away at 41

By Ferdie Villar Actor Mico Palanca passed away last Sunday, December 8, at the age of 41.

He is the younger brother actor Bernard Palanca.

A lot of people were surprised about Mico’s passing, and there were a lot of speculations also on how he died. However, his family has not mention anything about the circumstances surrounding his death, but only released a statement to the public requesting to respect their privacy.

“We are extremely saddened by the sudden passing of our beloved brother, Mico Palanca. the whole family is grateful for the incredible outpour of love and support that has been coming in today.

“As of now, we would like to respectfully request for privacy as we go through this very difficult time.

“Again, we appreciate all the love and support — thank you so much “—Pita, Lisa, Bernard, Erika, Martin and Santi.” the statement came from Mico’s mother, Pita revillaPalanca and his siblings Bernard, Erika, Martin and Santi.

Mico is the grandson of the late actor, Armando Goyena. His father, race car driver Bernand Palanca Sr. passed away when he was still young. the news about the young actor’s death came out first when the Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP) extended its sympathies to Mico’s family.

FAP posted on Facebook: “the Film Academy of the Philippines extends our sincerest sympathies to the family of Mico Palanca for his untimely

EMPLOYMENT

passing.”

Mico’s former handler with Star Magic Monch Novales also posted her heartfelt message of her former ward.

“I will miss you miko! I love you forever,” wrote Novales.

Mico used to be part of ABS-cBN’s talent management, Star Magic. He was part of the weekly teen-oriented show, ‘tabing Ilog.”

He also starred in movies like “K2BU” (2000), “Kay tagal Kang Hinintay” (2002) and “It Might Be You” (2003). the actor’s last projects were short guest spots in the tV series “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano” (2016) and “Nang Ngumiti Ang Langit” (2019). *** Jomari Yllana is probably in hell and heaven right now, because of the controversy surrounding his break up with former partner Joy reyes, and his recent admission that he is seeing his first love, former sexy star Priscilla Almeda (Abby Viduya in real life).

In an interview with PEP. ph, the 43-year-old actor and politician initially avoided giving the name of the girl he is involved with now.

“Meron akong kinakasama,” he said. “I’m seeing someone now.”

But Jomari explained that he want to respect the girl’s family and not let them get dragged in the issue.

“Respeto lang dun sa pamilya at sa kanya.

“And I deny that also na meron siyang asawa. I’set na lang natin sa ganun.”

However, when asked if it was Priscilla that he is see-

ing now, he just laughed and finally admitted, “Yes, we’re seeing each other.”

Jomari and Priscilla started to get known in showbiz during the 90s, when the latter was part of the popular teen group “Guwapings” together with Eric Fructoso and Mark Anthony Fernandez.

He and Priscilla had a relationship, but eventually parted ways. After years of being a sexy star, Priscilla left showbiz and settled in canada where she got married and had three kids.

Jomari got married to actress Aiko Melendez but eventually separated. they have one son, Andre, who is 21 years old now. the actor shared that he and Priscilla reconnected sometime 2015 or 2016.

Rey Satorre, owner of Health Professional, Inc. will be the Hermano Mayor of the 22nd Fiesta of Padre Jesus Nazareno de Quiapo on Wednesday, January 1 at the residence of beauty impresario Ferdie Syquia Villar on Escanyo Drive in South San Francisco at 11 a.m.

EMPLOYMENT

Young actor Mico Palanca passed away last Sunday, December 8, at the age of 41. He is the younger brother of actor Bernard Palanca.

Jomari Yllana recently admitted that he is seeing former sexy star Priscilla Almeda.

Estela McCovey, operation manager of New Haven In-Home Care, Inc. will be the Hermana Mayor of the 22nd Fiesta of Padre Jesus Nazareno de Quiapo on Wednesday, January 1 at the residence of beauty impresario Ferdie Syquia Villar on Escanyo Drive in South San Francisco at 11 a.m.

Tess Gregorio, known as the Filipina Singer for All Occasions, celebrated her 78th birthday recently in Fremont. Shown in photo is the celebrant with Maryjo Motano while receiving a certificate of recognition from San Mateo Supervisor David Canepa.

Marc and Cora Garvida, a happy couple in South San Francisco, celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary in Gana, Israel recently.

Former sexy star Priscilla Almeda, who left showbiz to settle in Canada with her family, is now seeing actor Jomari Yllana. Photo from Facebook/Abby Viduya

HOUSING

PSYCHIC

PERSONAL

California divorce, domestic violence, and US immigration laws The CTV Files

Atty. LiLLi BAcuLi coLLins, EsQ

CALIFORNIA divorce – “No Fault.”

California is a no-fault divorce state. A party filing for divorce does not need the consent of the other in order to file a Petition for Dissolution (Divorce) or, in some instances, to get a judgment of divorce.

What needs to happen is that the other party (your soon-to-be ex-spouse) needs to be served with process. In proceeding in an action for divorce, there are procedural requirements dictated by law that must be followed to ensure that the other party has notice of the action (that is, that s/he is being brought to court for an action of divorce) and that s/he is given time to respond. However, there is no requirement for the other party to respond. There is no requirement that s/he sign any document at all. All that needs to happen is that s/he is properly served with process according to the rules.

What if I do not have legal papers, and my spouse is abusive?

If safety is a concern, we urge people to seek help first, particularly if there are minor children who may also be at risk of abuse. For non-emergency calls, individuals may dial 2-1-1 to seek help finding resources for health, mental health, or temporary shelter.

Options available for victims of abuse: VAWA SelfPetition.

The spouse or child of a U.S. citizen or a Lawful Permanent Resident, or the parent of a U.S. citizen, who is battered or subject to extreme cruelty may file a self-petition independently of the abusive U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident.

The spouse or child must demonstrate that he or she resided with the U.S. citizen or Lawful permanent spouse or parent; was battered or subject to extreme cruelty during the marriage (or, in the case of a spouse self-petitioner, the child was battered or subjected to extreme cruelty); the marriage was entered into in good faith; s/he is otherwise eligible for immediate relative or preference status; and has good moral character.

In certain cases, though an individual has not suffered any physical harm, abuse can still be argued depending on the circumstances, since “abuse” is not limited to physical harm. Each application will be reviewed and examined on a case-by-case basis, and given the whole picture, an individual might just be able to show that he or she is a battered spouse or has suffered extreme cruelty from their U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident husband.

If so, a VAWA Self-Petition will enable her to adjust her status without having to rely on their spouse.

Deportability issues for green card holders with domestic violence conviction(s).

A non-citizen, even if a Lawful Permanent Resident (green card holder) for ten years, is liable to be deportable if s/he commits or is convicted of certain crimes, even if it’s “just a misdemeanor.” A conviction for domestic violence can make

a non-citizen deportable.

A criminal conviction’s negative impact on immigration status.

The Record of Conviction (ROC) details an individual’s criminal history – his/her arrest, what s/he plead to, and the final judgment/sentence. The relief(s) available to an individual facing removal/deportation proceedings will depend largely on that individual’s record of conviction.

If you are a non-citizen, it is best to consult both with a criminal attorney and with an experienced criminal immigration attorney who handles deportation defense before pleading to anything in criminal court.

No two cases are exactly the same. Consult with an experienced and competent family law and immigration attorney immediately, and more importantly prior to filing any applications with the USCIS, or prior to pleading to anything in any court, in order to explore their options and possible legal ramifications that they might be facing. As always, be wary of online tools that offer immigration help or notarios who are not licensed to practice law. *** Atty. Lilli Berbano Baculi is an associate attorney with Chua Tinsay & Vega, A Professional Legal Corporation (CTV) - a full service law firm with offices in San Francisco, San Diego, Sacramento and Philippines.

The information presented in this article is for general information only and is not, nor intended to be, formal legal advice nor the formation of an attorney-client relationship.

Call or e-mail CTV for an in-person or phone consultation to discuss your particular situation and/or how their services may be retained at (619) 955-6277; (415) 495-8088; (916) 449-3923; lbaculi@ctvattys.com; www. chuatinsayvega.com.

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This cookbook shows that an Instant Pot is all you need to prepare classic Filipino dishes

For many of the Instant Pot diehards and believers, the appliance is the best to use when it THERE are many Filipino comes to cooking Filipino food. dishes typically take a long time From classic dinner staples to cook, with nilaga, pata tim and like the traditionally sour Sinigang bulalo to name a few. na Baboy (pork tamarind soup) We can remember our mothto sweet treats like Putong Puti ers and grandmothers slaving it (steamed rice cake), the rich flain the kitchen boiling and braising vors of Filipino food are typically pork or beef bones. We also unlocked through a long braise remember that trusted pressure or boil, a delicate steam, or some cooker, which comes out to help other treatment by moist heat. shorten the prep and cook time Fortunately, this is exactly what for many of these dishes. the Instant Pot does best.

A whiff of the dish wafting in family recipes into a cookbook.

“The Filipino Instant Pot the kitchen and eventually tastTisha and I agreed that it would Cookbook” is an absolute ing it usually triggers nostalgia, be a pretty cool thing to preserve must-have for every modern bringing back memories of days our family history and culture in home cook and the timing of its past. Such is the immense power this special way,” Jorell posted in publication could not have been of food. the Facebook group. any more perfect as Filipino food That is why the Instant Pot “It’s been such a great and is fast becoming a mainstay in the is a lifesaver and a Godsend for eye-opening experience. We consciousness of foodies from working moms and dads who especially appreciate the spirit around the world. crave these classics once in a of bayanihan that comes alive in “I believe that anyone can while. our/your sharing of stories, phobecome a great Filipino cook.

There’s no shortage of Instant tos, cooking tips, and recipes,” However, cooking new food can Pot groups on Facebook, one he added. sometimes feel intimidating. just needs to look hard. Among The authors all currently live The Filipino Instant Pot Cookthem is the Filipino Recipes in California and self-identify as book helps any level of cook Instant Pot Community, which second-generation Filipina and step into the kitchen and create as of press time has 40,300 plus Filipino Americans. They all have delicious Filipino food, the kind members and counting, making young children, so there’s a need you thought only your mom and it one of the largest and most to prepare dishes quickly and aunts could make for you,” said active Filipino Instant Pot (IP) easily (Filipino or otherwise).

Chef Dominic Ainza, an expecongregation on the web.

“The IP has certainly been a rienced restaurant owner and When Jorell and Tisha game-changer for all of us. And corporate chef.

Domingo got their Instant Pot, we, of course, would love to see That’s one of the good things they were a bit overwhelmed and Filipino cuisine continue to make about the Instant Pot. You can went on Facebook to see if there its way into mainstream American easily cook for a small group or was a group or a community foculture...this is our little contribu- you can create a feast enough for cused on Filipino recipes for what tion to that movement,” Jorell the extended family, friends and she calls “a magic little machine.” added. neighbors included.

They came up empty-handed so Many of the members shared It was actually her mother they decided to start one. That how they used the Instant Pot who introduced her to Instant was in February 2018. to cook Filipino dishes for their Pot, according to Tisha Gonda There were a few rules, Thanksgiving feast, and are plan- Domingo. She quickly developed among them keeping the focus ning to cook the same for the her expertise cooking with the on Filipino recipes cooked using upcoming holidays, particularly electric pressure cooker through the Instant Pot and if possible, for Noche Buena and Christmas practice with traditional Filipino posting the photos and the Day grub. ingredients, methods, and dishes. recipe along with the posts.

Members shared the usual, Through her first published Last month, they announced from lechon kawali to mechado work, The Filipino Instant Pot the release of “The Filipino Inand desserts such as leche flan Cookbook, Tisha offers personal stant Pot Cookbook: Classic and and bibingka. Others were more stories and family recipes that Modern Filipino Recipes for Your adventurous, coming up with bring her love for food, commuElectric Pressure Cooker.” ube coconut tart and using ube nity, and Filipino culture together.

In the book, its six authors for their sweet potato casseOutside of her work as an author — Tisha and Jorell Domingo, role, showcasing the range of and home cook, Tisha works in Jeannie E. Celestial, Art Swendishes that can be done using the publicity for a major television son, Romeo Roque-Nido, and kitchen workhorse. studio. She currently lives in OrJaymar Cabebe — set out to Crafting the cookbook ange County, California, with her explore their Filipino heritage “To truly appreciate and unhusband, Jorell, and two children. and intimate family histories, one derstand Filipino dishes, you have One of the book’s authors, dish at a time. The result was to understand the evolution of Jeannie E. Celestial was born a collection of over 75 Filipino the spices, the nuances of the fla- on Guam and raised by Filipino recipes, all carefully translated vor profiles, the land from which parents and grandparents who for preparation in the Instant Pot, these dishes were birthed. That’s were skilled farmers. They helped today’s most essential piece of what this book provides. This is develop her cooking instincts kitchenware. not just a book of recipes; this is early on, instilling in her a deep “Late last year, some friends a book about our story,” said Pati understanding of and respect for approached us about joining Navalta Poblete, editor-in-Chief traditional Filipino ingredients. them in converting our collective of San Francisco Magazine.

Continued on Page SF6

By MoMar

G. Visaya

AJPress

community SF What you need to know about the vape outbreak The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - December 13, 2019

A SUDDEN and severe lung illness from vaping has affected over a thousand people in the U.S., becoming a public health crisis. Nearly all patients have been hospitalized, receiving treatments including medically induced coma breathing machines5, and advanced life support interventions.

Lung injury patients have experienced a range of symptoms prior to being diagnosed.

Doctors have treated patients with varying severity of symptoms from trouble breathing to lung damage that resembles chemical burns. Current investigations have not revealed the exact cause of the outbreak, whether it’s from the vape liquid or toxic chemicals released from the device itself. But here’s what is known: • 2,291 cases of vaping lung illnesses are reported so far, across 50 states, including more than a 100 cases in California.

• 48 vaping deaths have been confirmed nationwide, including four in California.

• Products containing THC, particularly those obtained off the street or from other informal sources (e.g., friends, family members, or illicit dealers), are linked to most of the cases and play a major role in the outbreak. However, the liquids in vape devices associated with the lung illness include nicotine, THC, and CBD. Many people report vaping a combination of cannabis and nicotine.

• A third of the patients need breathing machines to keep them alive.

• Two-thirds are between

18-34 years old.

• Most are men. *As of December 5, 2019 For an updated weekly report on California-specific outbreak information, visit California Department of Public Health and download the VAPI Weekly Update Report.

People with lung damage from vaping typically have symptoms that start a few days to a few weeks before they go see a doctor.21 All people hospitalized developed some type of breathing problems, but many people also have other symptoms. The symptoms reported by those affected are: • Cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain • Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or diarrhea • Fatigue, fever, or unexplained weight loss If you vape and are experiencing any of these symptoms, please see a doctor. Keep in mind, you don’t have to be a long-time user in order to develop the lung illness. New users have been affected as well.

Need help quitting? Call

Look and feel good...

From Page SF2 retailers and special farmer’s markets and pop-ups in LA. Prices range from $5 for balms in seven flavors, $16 for a 2 oz jar of extra virgin coconut oil, and $26 for body balms ranging from calamansi to tea tree flavors. The products don’t contain fragrances nor long, unidentifiable ingredi-

ents.

“I wanted it to be minimalist so there are only seven flavors.

We don’t do different blends.

You know exactly what you’re getting so that puts you more in control of your skincare,” she added.

In the coming months, Kaya Essentials is expanding its line to

1-844-8-NO-VAPE or CHAT NOW at https://helpline-vision. ucsd.edu/Chat. For additional resources go to NoButts.org.

Refraining from vaping is strongly recommended until the investigation is complete. For those who choose to vape THC, products should only be purchased from a licensed cannabis retailer. Never buy any type of e-cigarette or vaping product off the street, particularly those that contain THC. Consumers should never modify a storebought vape product.

Officials are concerned about whether the vaping illness increases the risk of influenza or other respiratory viral infections during or following treatment. CDC recommends everyone six months of age and older should get a flu vaccine every year by the end of October, including people who use e-cigarette, or vaping products.

Get more outbreak information from the CDC at https:// www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/severelung-disease/need-to-know/index.html.

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include clay masks, candles, and limited edition jewelry, which will be made by Filipina artisans through Gawad Kalinga.

One for one: Kaya Essentials uses the ‘one for one’ model, meaning that for every product sold, one school meal is provided to an elementary school student through Gawad Kalinga’s feeding program. This model, Meredith argues, allows more transparency Continued on Page SF7

people & events Look and feel good...

SF

The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - December 13, 2019

From Page SF6 for customers to know the direct recipient of their purchases. To date, the company has fed over 5,000 students.

“People innately want to give back... but there’s a distrust in how much is going and what it’s really helping. With one for one, it’s tangible and transparent because you can imagine what a lunch school meal looks like and everyone knows the importance of education. It’s a small way to give back, but I would argue that it’s big because you’re helping nourish a child who can then con-

tinue going to school,” she said.

Meredith will be launching a partnership with No Kid Hungry to bring the giveback model to local LA schools, a way to reflect the “Filipino American experience” of sourcing from the Philippines, yet producing and selling the products here in the U.S. “I felt like it was time the give back really reflected the making of our balms,” she added.

Until Dec. 13, Kaya Essentials is running a promotion that for each body balm purchased, customers can get a free lip balm too. In turn, the brand will

This cookbook shows...

From Page SF5 In addition to her work with food, Jeannie is a practicing psychologist who is committed to holistic wellness and fostering healthy Filipinx (Filipino/a/x) communities.

Earlier this week, Celestial and her husband Art were on Good Day, Sacramento talking about the cookbook and showcasing the ease in cooking with the Instant Pot. They served adobo sa gata, ginataang sitaw at kalabasa, Filipino style spaghetti, ginataang mais and mango royale cheesecake, all done using

the versatile kitchen gadget.

“The Filipino Instant Pot Cookbook” brings her passions together, allowing her to promote mental health through food, helping to break down colonial mentality by proudly sharing the recipes, stories, and cultural practices of her motherland, the Philippines. She currently works in Vallejo, California.

Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Romeo Roque-Nido’s cooking was influenced early on by a diversity of cultures before being broadened further during his time as a world-

donate two school meals for each purchase.

“Purchasing with a purpose, voting with your dollars, and our new tagline in 2020 is ‘small acts of kindness together have a big impact.’ Sometimes when you talk about making a difference or contributing, it can feel overwhelming so I really love the message of even kindness to one another and any little act can make a difference. Just because you’re not some huge corporation making a huge donation doesn’t mean your impact isn’t there. In fact, I would argue that it’s even stronger,” Meredith said. traveling student in the California Maritime Academy.

While his culinary influences are varied, his truest passion Filipino cuisine. With The Filipino Instant Pot Cookbook, Romeo hopes to preserve the rich culinary heritage of the Philippines, by using modern appliances to make it more accessible to even the busiest of families. He lives in Vallejo, California with his wife and two children.

This holiday season, instead of using multiple pots and pans and spending time over the stove, let the Instant Pot do all the work so you can spend more time with loved ones.

How to make ube cheesecake in an Instant Pot Reprinted with permission from ‘The Filipino Instant Pot Cookbook’

“NOT to be mistaken for taro, ube has been a longtime staple in Filipino desserts and has recently made its way into mainstream American culture.

This yam adds a sweet and nutty flavor to desserts and is easy to identify by its deep purple color, making ube desserts very Insta- gram-worthy.

In this recipe, I used ube halaya (purple yam jam) and ube extract to make ube cheesecake. Cheesecake is probably one of the most popular desserts to make in the Instant Pot because you can cut your cooking time in half.” -Tisha Gonda Domingo Serves 6 to 8 Prep Time: 15 minutes Active Time: 0 minutes Pressure Cook Time: 15 minutes Release: Natural For the cake: 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese 1⁄4 cup sour cream 1⁄3 cup white sugar 3⁄4 cup ube halaya (purple yam jam) 3 tsp ube extract 3 eggs, room temperature 11⁄2 cups water For the crust: 1 packet graham crackers 2 tbsp white sugar 4 tbsp butter, melted Equipment:

Ube Cheesecake

Food processor Parchment paper 7-inch springform pan Hand mixer Instant Pot trivet Heavy-duty aluminum foil 1. About 30 to 60 minutes in advance, take cream cheese, sour cream, and eggs out of the refrigerator so they can come to room temperature.

Prepare the crust: 2. Break graham crackers into food processor and pulse until fine. Alternatively, you can put the graham crackers in a resealable plastic bag and crush the crackers into crumbs using a rolling pin.

3. In a small bowl, combine 1 cup graham cracker crumbs, 2 tbsp sugar, and butter. Place a larger circle of parchment paper on the bottom of a 7inch springform pan. Spray the liner with cooking oil and pour crumb mixture into pan and press evenly to form the crust.

Make the cake: 4. In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, 1/3cup sugar, ube halaya, and ube extract using a hand mixer at low speed.

Add eggs one at a time and continue mixing at low speed until all ingredients are fully incorporated. Be careful not to overmix batter.

Photo by Nancy Cho

5. Spray the sides of the pan with cooking oil. Pour batter into springform pan and tap pan on counter to get air bubbles out.

6. Add water to the inner pot and place trivet inside.

7. Make a sling using an 18-inch piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil and fold it into thirds lengthwise and place the springform on the center.

Carefully lower the spring- form onto the trivet using the sling.

Fold down the excess foil from the sling to ensure that the pot closes properly.

8. Turn and lock the lid into place, making sure the steamrelease valve is in the sealed position. Select Manual and program for 15 minutes on High Pressure. When cook- ing is complete, allow pressure to release naturally.

9. Unlock and carefully remove the lid. Remove the cheese- cake using foil sling and place on a wire rack to cool.

Gently blot any water on the cheesecake with a paper towel.

10. Cover and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight.

11. To remove the cheesecake from the pan, run a thin knife around the inside of the pan and release the spring to remove the round pan rim.

Celebrate Graton’s 6th Year Anniversary

THIS November, Graton Resort and Casino invites you to join them in celebrating their 6th Year Anniversary! Come and check out exciting casino games, gourmet food and entertainment shows. Get your free Graton’s Collectible Anniversary Rewards Card. More rewards are waiting for you!

What are you waiting for? Join us and share you luck at Graton Resort and Casino!

The Anniversary Slot Tournaments will be held every Thursday night from 5pm to 10pm in November. Fifty (50) winners will be guaranteed at each tournament. Top prize is up to $15,000 cash, with total prize up to $120,000! All reward members get one free entry into each tournament. Premier and Platinum members win double the prize amount and Elite members can win tripe the prize amount! Join Graton Resort & Casino on its 6th birthday to see if you’re one of the lucky winners! Don’t miss your chance! For more information related to this promotion, please visit GratonResortCasino. com or call 707-588-7100.

In addition to the exciting entertainment gaming, no matter if you want to enjoy some world-class cuisine with your family, gather with friends and colleagues to enjoy a fantastic show together, or just simply enjoy a luxury spa alone after a long day, Graton is always your to-go place! There are 200 elegant comfortable rooms and luxurious suites, a glamorous lobby and luxurious spa, more than 130 table games, including Blackjack, Baccarat, Pai Gow Poker and more, in Graton. It also offers 3,000 slot machines, live poker, video poker and a large function space for different music concerts and special events.

What’s new, Graton Resort & Casino’s non-smoking gaming area is now open! The 9,000 square feet non-smoking gaming area, which offers 300 slot machines and video poker, is located just next to the casino valet. Now, you can enjoy gaming in a non-smoking environment at Graton Resort & Casino!

And, there are delectable restaurants and bars that offer different cuisines in the casino, such as twelve-time World Pizza Champion Chef Tony Gemignani’s Tony’s Of North Beach, PanAsian eatery Boathouse, a topquality steakhouse in 630 Park Steakhouse, classic American dishes from Daily Grill, and 500 seats in the Marketplace, which offers casual and convenient eateries for your selection – you will be sure to have a happy and unforgettable experience.

Graton Resort & Casino Graton Resort & Casino is located in Rohnert Park, California, next to the Golf Course Drive exit of 101 freeway – it is near easy transportation, it has gourmet food, entertainment & accommodation all in one, and is the largest integrated resort in the Bay area. The casino is owned and operated by the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, managed by Station Casinos LLC. For more information, please visit www.GratonResortCasino.com, www.facebook. com/GratonCasino or www. twitter.com/PlayGraton.

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Work begins on Presidio Tunnel Tops Groundmaking ceremony features House Speaker Nancy Pelosi HOUSE Speaker Nancy Pelosi was a special guest at the Presidio Tunnel Tops Groundmaking Ceremony in early November which marked the beginning of a two-year construction project that will ultimately create 14 acres of new national parkland on top of highway tunnels and present dramatic, breathtaking views of the San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, its skyline and the bay, and the Presidio area itself.

The United States Congressmember, who represents California’s 12th congressional district which encompasses almost the entire city and county of San Francisco, was among a host of speakers who made brief remarks before invited guests, city residents and media lauding the project. The Tunnel Tops project is expected to add to the city’s already bustling tourism industry, and further boost the revitalization project that has seen the Presidio emerge from its beginnings as a military post in the Bay Area.

Braving the foggy, cold morning to join Speaker Pelosi to offer their thoughts and blessings on the podium were Board Chair Bill Grayson, Ohlone Tribal Elder Linda Yamane, National Park Service Chief of Interpretation and Education Michele Gee, City Librarian of San Francisco Michael Lambert, Crissy Field Center/ Golden Gate National Parks Center Conservancy Intern Dylan Nepomuceno, Main Landscape Architect and CEO/Founder of James Corner Field Operations James Corner, and Presidio Tunnel Tops Campaign Committee Co-Chair Lynne Benioff. Renel Brooks-Moon served as master of ceremonies, and the Burton High School Chamber Choir sang a couple of songs as well at the event.

In her remarks, Speaker Pelosi briefly touched on the history of the Presidio, how it became part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area in a bill (the Presidio Trust Act, enacted in 1996), the funding challenges attached to the Presidio becoming a national park, and how philanthropy and support has enabled it to come on its own. Speaker Pelosi went down the program, acknowledging each of the speakers before her and commended their involvement with the Presidio and its new purpose as a national park.

“This is something quite spectacular and it takes us to a new level – a park example for the rest of the country, a new level of beauty, a new level of inspiration.

But, most importantly, a new level of involving young people. If they look at that Golden Gate Bridge as Michele discussed, before even the bridge, was a place where newcomers came to our country, invigorated who we are and that diversity is the beauty of our community here and we want that reflected in this beautiful Presidio as well,” Speaker Pelosi said.

“It is an accomplishment of national significance,” she continued. “God truly blessed America with this Presidio, but especially with the involvement of all of you and what you are doing to make it even better. So, thank you, and congratulations.”

One of the morning’s speak-

Speaker Nancy Pelosi (at podium) talks about the Presidio’s history and challenges, and stated that the Tunnel Tops project is an accomplishment of national significance.

Dylan Nepomuceno and mom Louise, who both have Filipino ancestry, prepare to throw soil to the area which will eventually become the Presidio Tunnel Tops. Dylan was chosen as a youth speaker at the groundmaking event.

ers, Dylan Nepomuceno, who is part-Filipino, told the Asian Journal and other media present, that he was surprised to be chosen as a speaker at the event. His mom, Louise Eleanor Nepomuceno, was born at the Letterman Army Medical Center in the Presidio and Louise’s dad hails from Albay in the Bicol Peninsula.

“I would really want more of the Filipino community to join [the Presidio and Crissy Field Center] and have the experiences that I have had,” Dylan, who credited his mom and the Crissy Field Center as inspirations for his brief remarks, said. “Also, I am very passionate about sharing my culture with others.”

Dylan revealed to the Asian Journal that the youth programs in Crissy Field Center have helped him with his confidence, dealing with bullying, as well as exploring wellness within himself and caring for his well-being. He has also established a close bond with staff members at the center which he considers his second home. He hopes to nurture his involvement with the Crissy Field Center and the Presidio even as he looks at other avenues and opportunities.

Chris Lehnertz, President/ CEO of the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, meanwhile described what people will expect to see when the Presidio Tunnel Tops project is completed.

“It is like many national parks.

There will be beautiful trails, there will be places where you can bring your family and picnic, there will be education programs, there will be a big place to have evening campfires and look at the stars out to the bay and to see the beautiful parklands across to the Marin Headlands,” Lehnertz revealed, while adding that the Presidio Visitor Center will serve as the initial point for visitors in the area as they make their way to various trails, play areas and even Crissy Field.

Lehnertz also said that the park will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and will feature programs geared for the different communities in the Bay Area, for visitors, and for youth/

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education.

“It will be open to all… if you want to come here to celebrate a holiday, to have a wedding, to just walk the trails by yourself, it’s open for all those reasons… for everyone. What we say is ‘parks for all forever’,” Lehnertz

people & events

SF

The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - December 13, 2019

Officials and staff from The Presidio Trust and Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy hold up the pails used to add soil to the ground in the Tunnel Tops groundmaking event.

elaborated.

Presidio Trust CEO Jean Fraser, for her part, said the groundmaking event was an exciting moment for all involved as it is “the culmination of years of planning, years of raising money, years of getting community input as to what we should do here.”

“Today, we actually started building it. It was a thrilling day and to have Speaker Pelosi come and participate in the ceremony and talk about the importance of the Presidio and especially the Presidio Tunnel Tops as being of national significance, can’t get better than that,” Fraser said, even as she revealed that the project is due to finish in 2021 and will feature a playground, barbecue, walking paths, lots of trees and plants, food, and places for people to sit.

Fraser said the Tunnel Tops

design involved the input of some 10,000 people as the Presidio set out to ask the community what features they think the Presidio may be missing or need, and which will encourage people to come.

“We wanted to make sure that the Tunnel Tops is a place where everybody would feel that there is something for them,” Fraser elaborated. “For people who want to have family gatherings, we are going to have large picnic benches and areas where people can barbecue. For people who have little kids and want to make sure they someplace to play, we are building a playscape for kids. For people who want a quiet spot just to get recharged and refreshed, there are going to be quiet meadows. For people who love campfires, we are actually going to have a campfire out

here. So, everybody loves a park, but people use parks differently.

And we spent a lot of time talking to people about ‘How do you use a park and how do we incorporate that into the Tunnel Tops?’.”

Pets, Fraser added, will be allowed in the Presidio Tunnel Tops provided they are on a leash and do not bother other people.

According to information provided by The Presidio Trust, no taxpayer money is being spent on the Tunnel Tops project. The Presidio Trust is providing $20 million, while about $87 million out of the $98 million campaign goal has so far been donated by generous people from the San Francisco and Bay Area through efforts led by co-chairs Lynne Benioff, Mark Buell and Randi Fisher, and the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy. A public campaign for the community will kick off in Spring 2020.

When finished, the Tunnel Tops will provide a host of different features for visitors, including the Gateway Plaza, Campfire Circle, Golden Gate Meadow, Cliff Walk, Parklands Overlook, Presidio Steps, Crissy Field Center Youth Campus, Field Station, The Courtyard and The Outpost.

For more information on the Tunnel Tops, visit www.PresidioTunnelTops.org. Renderings of the project can be found at https://presidiosf.widencollective. com/c/rt0395kq.

SF8

The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - December 13, 2019