121419 - Los Angeles Weekend

december 14-17, 2019 Volume 29 - No. 98 • 4 Sections – 30 Pages

US Senate committee backs resolution in support of De Lima, Ressa Palace claims senators were ‘misled’

by Ritchel

Mendiola AJPress

Sen. Leila De Lima

the United states senate foreign relations Committee this week passed a resolution calling on the Philippine government to release sen. Leila de Lima from prison and drop the charges against rappler founder maria ressa. senate resolution 142 declared Philstar.com photo

USA

DATELINE What’s next for DACA recipients and their families?

De Lima a “prisoner of conscience, detained solely on account of her political views and the legitimate exercise of her freedom of expression,” and urged the Philippine government to release her.

De Lima has been detained since february 2017 on reported drug trafficking charges.

U.s. senator edward markey (D-massachusetts) authored the u PAGE A2

Maria Ressa among Time’s 100 ‘most influential people’ of 2019

by AJPress

from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA

After the Supreme Court oral arguments, immigration experts shed light on facts regarding the Trump administration’s efforts to terminate DACA

WheN the trump administration announced on sept. 5, 2017 that it would phase out Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), the world turned upside down for hundreds of thousands of program recipients and their families. since it was enacted in 2012 by former President Barack obama, DACA has provided work authorization and protection from deportation for eligible undocumented immigrants who were brought to the United states as young children. specific benefits varied from state to state; in California, DACA recipients are eligible for driver’s licenses, for example.

What followed was a turbulent two-year period in which multiple federal courts across the country placed injunctions on the administration’s termination of the program, allowing DACA to remain in operation. the trump u PAGE A4

Deadline for Covered California enrollment approaching Consumers who want their coverage to start on Jan. 1 must sign up by Dec. 15.

A LIfe-ALterING letter in the mail from Covered California has changed John and shannon’s outlook for 2020. the retirees are about “95 percent” done with building their dream home in red Bluff, but monthly health care insurance bills were stalling their project and making shannon considering going back to work full-time. that harsh reality was put aside when the couple received a letter from Covered Califoru PAGE A3

FAREWELL. President Rodrigo Duterte bids farewell to outgoing Apostolic Nuncio of the Holy See to the Philippines Archbishop Gabriele Caccia who paid a farewell call to the president at the Malacañang Palace on Wednesday, December 11. The president also conferred the Order of Sikatuna with the Rank of Datu (Grand Cross) Gold Distinction “for his dedicated service in diplomacy on vital issues of common concern, particularly climate change, refugees and migrant workers, and for having been an exceptionally worthy and competent representative of the Holy See in the Philippines.

Malacañang photo by King Rodriguez

rAPPLer founder and Ceo maria ressa was named one of Time magazine’s most influential people of 2019. ressa joins notable international personalities like U.s. President Donald trump, former U.s. first Lady michelle obama, Chinese President Xi Jinping, malaysian Prime minister mahathir mohamad, and musicians taylor swift and Lady Gaga.

According to Time magazine editor-inChief and Ceo edward felsenthal, this year’s list “is a community of hundreds of global leaders, many of whom support and challenge one another.”

Philstar.com photo

Rappler founder and CEO Maria Ressa

“At a time when so many of our problems require cross-disciplinary solutions, they are also uniquely positioned to effect change,” he said. ressa was lauded for remaining undaunted despite rappler’s struggles under the government, citing her commitment to “exposing corruption, documenting abuse and combating misinformation.” “maria’s manila-based news site, rappler, has already been indicted by President Duterte’s government on questionable tax evasion charges, and maria was arrested and briefly imprisoned earlier this year for allegedly violating dubious ‘cyberu PAGE A2

‘Duterte has all legal options’ on water firms’ rate hike bid

by AJPress WAter rates may increase by over 100% after the cancellation of maynilad and manila Water’s concession agreement extensions since President rodrigo Duterte has all the legal options at his disposal, malacañang reminded on friday, December 13. the water firms’ agreements with the metropolitan Waterworks and sewerage system (mWss) was supposed to end in 2037, but due to the revocation, they will now expire in 2022.

“these concessionaires can do their worst and continue with fleecing the consumers while the president will do his best in serving and protecting the interest of the people,” said presidential spokesperson salvador Panelo in a statement. he also cited the water concessionaires’ separate letters addressed to Duterte offering not to implement the approved new water rates after the President’s denouncement of the “onerous” provisions of the 1997 water deal. u PAGE A2

7 in 10 Filipinos concerned about China’s military might

by PatRicia louRdes Philstar.com

PDEA chief Aaron Aquino and Vice President Leni Robredo Inquirer.net photo by Noy Morcoso

Robredo failed to meet with ICAD clusters — PDEA chief

ViRay

mANILA — Amid China’s activities in the West Philippine sea, about seven in 10 filipinos have expressed concern about Beijing’s growing military power, according to a Pew research Center survey. the poll found that 71% of filipinos said China’s growing military is a bad thing for the country while 24% of respondents said it is good. the survey released last week showed that Asia-Pacific countries, including the Philippines, are more wary of the effects of a strong Chinese military to their country.

Japan and south Korea registered the highest concern on China’s military might with 90%, while Australia and India scored 84% and 73%, respectively.

Among the countries surveyed in the Asiau PAGE A2

by FRanco luna Philstar.com

Graphic courtesy of Pew Research Center

mANILA — Philippine Drug enforcement Agency (PDeA) chief Aaron Aquino said on thursday, November 12, that former Interagency Committee on Anti-illegal Drugs (ICAD) co-chair Leni robredo had certain missteps during her stint as co-chair of the committee.

“Nakita niya (she saw) there is no clear baseline of drug users and drug pushers. But now Dangerous Drugs Board is determining that.

We are hoping it will be consolidated by early 2020,” he said at a press briefing in malacañang.

“tama ang discovery ni robredo na walang scientific baseline data ng drug users in the country. that’s why DDB is doing something.”

Lack of data he was referring to robredo’s earlier remarks about the lack of accurate data on the drug problem in the country. “Ang pakiramdam [ko], parang iyong integrity ng numbers hindi masyadong puwedeng pagkatiwalaan kasi iyong, parang iyong circumstances, iyong sample size, iyong lahat iba naman (What i felt was that the numbers’ integrity cannot be trusted because the circumstancu PAGE A4

A december 14-17, 2019 • LA WeeKeNd ASIAN JOUrNAL

7 in 10 Filipinos concerned...

PAGE A1 t Pacific region, Indonesia scored the lowest concern on China’s military with 44%.

“China’s Asia-Pacific neighbors are especially doubtful about the effects of a strong Chinese military on their country: Among the six countries surveyed in the region, a median of 79% say China’s growing military might is bad for their

country,” the survey read.

Worry on China’s growing military extends across the Pacific with 81% of Americans and 82% of Canadians saying it is a bad thing.

China had installed electronic jamming equipment, anti-ship cruise missiles and surfaceto-air missiles on its artificial islands in the Spratlys group, which the Philippines also

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

From the Front Page claims.

Earlier this year, China’s defense minister Gen. Wei Fenghe stressed that Beijing has every right to deploy troops and build weapons on islands and reefs it claims in the disputed South China Sea, including the West Philippine Sea. “It is the legitimate rights of a sovereign state to carry out construction on its own territory,” Wei told an international security forum in June.

The same Pew survey found that Filipinos prefer having strong economic ties with the U.S. rather than China. The poll found that 84% of Filipinos identified Washington as the world’s leading economic power while 59% named Beijing.

According to the survey, those who identify the U.S. as the world’s leading economy are more likely to prefer stronger economic ties with it.

In the Philippines, the poll was conducted from May 25 to June 22 among 1,035 adult respondents using face-to-face interviews. The margin of error is at 4.3 percentage points. n

‘Duterte has all legal options’...

PAGE A1 t Panelo added that Duterte is still studying the issue and has yet to accept or decline the water firms’ offer.

“All legal options are open to him,” he said.

Panelo also reminded that Duterte is a lawyer and a public prosecutor for many years, “hence knowledgeable on the provisions of the anti-graft law.”

“An examination of the latter reveals that the contracts are on all fours with it. Stated differently, the agreements violate every prohibited act of the law,” he said.

According to Panelo, Duterte will not renege from his constitutional duty of enforcing the law.

“Neither will he be swayed nor enticed into accepting a compromise. Dura lex sed lex (The law is harsh, but it is the law),” he said.

“Water is a natural resource and access to it by the people is a basic human right, and constitutionally protected as well. Any measure therefore in derogation of this right requires government intervention,” he added. n

METRO YUMMY PICKS. Tourism Assistant Secretary Maria Rica Bueno (center), Muntinlupa City Representative Ruffy Biazon (3rd from left), and DOT-NCR Director Woodrow Maquiling Jr. (3rd from right), lead the ribbon-cutting during the launching of Metro Yummy Picks, a culinary tourism program in Metro Manila, held at the Glorietta Activity Center, Makati City on Thursday, December 12. The DOT also introduced the app called “MyMetroManila” that comes with a real-time messaging feature enabling travelers to make queries on where to dine and have a memorable trip within the city.

PNA photo by Gil Calinga

US Senate committee backs...

PAGE A1 t resolution, which was co-sponsored by Sens. Richard Durbin (DIllinois), Marco Rubio (R-Florida), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee), and Chris Coons (D-Delaware).

The resolution, which was filed in April 2019, also called the arrest of Ressa for libel and tax-related charges “part of a pattern of ‘weaponizing the rule of law’ to repress independent media.” Ressa, a staunch critic of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, has posted bail eight times and has been arrested twice in the period of five weeks.

It further called on the Philippine government to drop all charges against Ressa and De Lima and allow the senator to “fully discharge her legislative mandate especially as Chair of the [Philippine Senate] Committee on Social Justice.”

The resolution also requested that U.S. President Donald Trump “impose sanctions,” such as revoking U.S. visas and freezing assets on security forces and officials responsible for drug-related killings and De Lima’s arrest and

detention.

The move “demonstrates broad support for accountability” in De Lima’s case and with others, Markey said.

“For over 1,000 days now, [De Lima] has languished in prison.

Her crime: standing for human rights and good governance in the Philippines. Today’s passage of my resolution...demonstrates broad support for accountability in her case and with others,” the American senator said in a tweet on Thursday, December 12.

The Philippine Embassy in Washington called the resolution “ultimately unhelpful,” saying it could be interpreted as posing undue interference in the Manila’s affairs.

“We note the sentiments contained in Senate Resolution 142.

As close, treaty allies that seek to address common challenges, the Philippines and the United States should focus on what they can do together, including capacity-building for the criminal justice system and related institutions,” it said in a statement.

It added, “Senate Resolution 142 is ultimately unhelpful in this regard not only because it may be potentially interpreted as posing undue interference in our domestic affairs, but more importantly, because it calls on the Philippine government to pursue actions that undermine the rule of law, which is the very principle that the United States professes to uphold and stand for.”

The embassy also reiterated that the cases of De Lima and Ressa are “being handled in accordance with Philippine laws and processes, and that we remain open to engaging with U.S. lawmakers and other stakeholders on this matter.”

Malcañang on Friday further responded to the American legislators’ move, calling it “biased.”

“Apparently they have been misled by the reports coming from the opposition, as well as media outlets who had been biased against the administration,” presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in an interview on CNN Philippines. n

Maria Ressa among Time’s 100 ‘most...

PAGE A1 t

zine.

Ressa, named “Time Person libel’ law. But Maria remains undaunted,” wrote former U.S. of the Year” in 2018 along with Secretary of State Madeleine Al- several other journalists, is a bright in her piece for the maga- staunch critic of President Ro-

drigo Duterte’s administration.

She is currently facing several legal battles, including a cyberlibel case and five tax evasion cases. n

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • DEcEmbER 17-14, 2019

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Proposed public charge rule change, tied up in Deadline for Covered California enrollment... court, has huge chilling effect on immigrants

by Mark Hedin Ethnic Media Services

FEDErAL courts have temporarily blocked the public charge rule change from going into effect, but its chilling effects continue to reverberate. The number of immigrants who, fearing the consequences of the rule change, have taken or plan to take steps to drop out of public services for which they are eligible far exceeds the actual number who would be at risk if the rule ever goes into effect, research data show.

A May study by the Urban Institute found of adults in immigrant families almost 14% reported that they or another adult family member had dropped benefits or skipped applying for them, even on behalf of a child, rather than take on the perceived risk of exposure to new rules.

Among low-income families, that number rose to more than 20%, the study found. Programs they shied away from include: SNAP (food stamps) CHIP (children’s health insurance), and Section 8 and other types of housing assistance.

Nationwide, the families of 22.7 million people’s families include immigrants who could potentially fall victim to the chilling effect created by fear of public charge rules changes.

The proposed rule change was due to take effect Oct. 15 this year until four different federal courts all ruled to block it and issued injunctions against implementing it.

But long before, as word of the proposed rule change began leaking out ahead of its October 2018 announcement, millions of people feared being caught in its clutches and avoided using government programs intended to help them and their families lead healthier, more successful lives.

Nationwide, said randy Capps of the Migration Policy Institute, “So few noncitizens are eligible for the safety net programs covered by the rule that those who would be affected is estimated to

be in the low tens of thousands,” not millions, as cited incorrectly by both officials and the news media.

A Michigan government study found that “of 86,298 noncitizen legal immigrants receiving public assistance from the state health department, only 611 may find a tougher path to legal permanent residency if they continue receiving public benefits.” That’s less than 1%.

For those already in the United States, the category of people who most need to be cautious about public charge rules aren’t those receiving benefits, but those who plan to travel beyond U.S. borders.

“If I had one message for every immigrant in America I would say, ‘Look, if you’re a green card holder, don’t leave for more than 180 days,’” said former Obama administration official Doug rand, a co-founder of Boundless. com.

The public charge rules, even if toughened as proposed, simply don’t apply to many people already in the country. Not to asylum seekers or refugees, citizens or those applying for citizenship, nor DACA, or those with green cards. Use of benefits by family members and past use of benefits also is irrelevant, even under the proposed tougher rules.

“The list of programs now considered in the public charge test is more limited than it seems at first blush,” Sara Feldman of the National Immigration Law Center said. “The impact will mostly be restricted to use of food stamps, housing subsidies and cash assistance. While Medicaid is included, there are so many exceptions in the rule that few people enrolled in the program would be impacted.”

“And use of public benefits is only one factor considered when determining who gets a green card,” Feldman added. “Immigration officials also take income, health condition, English proficiency, and other factors into account.”

Distance isn’t forever: Undocumented Filipino immigrants in California yearn for home

by Cody

Cepeda Inquirer.net

LIFE used to be comfortable for Helen*, until her water refilling station business failed and her husband, a seaman, had a stroke.

In a blink, the comforts her family were once accustomed to had vanished, prompting her to leave Cavite and fly to the United States where she overstayed her tourist visa.

It has been seven years since then. Helen works as a caregiver in Northern California, looking after a kind elderly Filipino woman who has a dual citizenship. Helen cooks the old woman’s food, feeds her, and washes and cleans after her — things she could be doing for her husband had she stayed in the Philippines. Except, her husband has been placed in a care home following his stroke, while her youngest daughter, who was only in fourth grade when she last saw her, is now in her latter years of high school, with a life and friends of her own.

“Sa ngayon di na ako na hohomesick. Dahil sa high-tech na tayo, madalas ko na makausap ang mga mahal ko sa buhay para makamusta ang kalagayan nila,” she said. “Stress na lang ang kalaban ko dito. Pag ako na-stress, lumalabas na lang ako sandali para makahinga at makasagap ng hangin (I do not get homesick anymore. Because we already have technology, I can more frequently talk to my loved ones to check up on them. Stress is my only enemy left. Whenever I am stressed, I got out for a while to breathe and get fresh air).”

Helen was not afraid to overstay and become an undocumented immigrant. Before she left the Philippines, she spoke to friends and acquaintances who

went down the same route. Nobody denied that however much she makes in the U.S. would be far bigger than what she ever earned here, so Helen pushed through, but with an almost calculated awareness that her decision to overstay would come with its costs. “[Madami] na ‘ko naranasan na diskriminasyon,” she said. “’Pag alam nila ang sitwasyon mo, naa-abuse ka dito, lalo na sa kalahi mo. Mababa sweldo at [madami] gawain (I have experienced so many forms of discrimination.

When they know about your situation, you get abused, especially by your own people. The salary is low and you are overworked).”

In face of a crackdown, they’re on their own President Donald Trump has been explicit about deporting undocumented immigrants, with immigration being a central theme in his 2016 Presidential campaign. Last June, he threatened to remove millions who have illicitly found their way into the U.S. An official from Trump’s administration then said the crackdown would center on the over one million undocumented immigrants who were given final deportation orders by federal judges, but still remained in the U.S. President rodrigo Duterte, meanwhile, warned undocumented Filipino immigrants in the United States back in January 2017. He said he would not lift a finger should Filipinos be caught and deported, adding he would not interfere in the immigration policies of Trump.

Meanwhile, Helen has been living unassumingly in the U.S. for the past couple of years and never once considered that she might be deported.

u PAGE A5

PH’ s Subanen thanksgiving ritual added to UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list A COMMITTEE of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization on Tuesday inscribed the Subanen thanksgiving ritual system on its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding.

Buklog, the elaborate thanksgiving ritual system of the Subanen, an indigenous people of the Zamboanga Peninsula, was among the five practices inscribed on the UNESCO list.

The four others are as follows:

• Seperu folkdance and associated practices of Botswana • rituals and practices associated with Kit Mikayi shrine of Kenya • Sega tambour Chagos of Mauritius’ • Spring rite of Jurauski Karahod of Belarus The practices were inscribed during the meeting in the Bogota, Colombia last Tuesday, December 10.

During the said Subanen

u PAGE A4

The people who have most fallen victim to public charge rules are those applying to come to the United States. Since 2016, the State Department has cited public charge issues more aggressively. Visa denials on public charge grounds jumped from 1,000 in 2016 to 12,000 in 2018 at U.S. consulates around the world.

But half of those denials already have been overturned, and more may be overturned as the time-consuming appeal process continues, the Migration Policy Institute’s Jeanne Batalova pointed out at a telebriefing co-sponsored by Ethnic Media Services, the Immigrant Legal resource Center and the National Immigration Law Center.

“The brutal irony is that people are still disenrolling from public benefits when they don’t have to,” rand said.

Mark Greenberg, senior fellow at the Migration Policy institute, told Ethnic Media Services in a phone interview after the telebriefing that “It’s very unclear what problem the administration thought it was going to solve, because Congress had already agreed 20 years ago to public charge-based restrictions,” “The number of people who would be denied adjustment of status based on benefit use would be low because they aren’t eligible (for those benefits),” he said, far fewer than the number feeling the effect of the proposed rule change while it wends its way through the courts. n

PAGE A1 t nia this fall informing them that they were eligible for the new state subsidy program for middle-income Californians and that their bills would coming down to $287 a month in 2020 – after they will spend over $18,000 on monthly premiums this year.

“It’s been a blessing, it’s been a godsend really,” Shannon said.

“We still get the exact same coverage that we had before. We can stay retired and enjoy our lives because we worked hard, raised our kids and now it’s our time.

We want to travel and enjoy our grandkids and build our dream house.”

Open enrollment is underway for consumers to sign up for health insurance through Covered California. A key deadline is Dec. 15 for consumers who want their coverage to begin on Jan. 1.

This year’s open enrollment period features some of the biggest changes since Covered California first began offering coverage in 2014. First, two new state initiatives – the state subsidy program and the restoration of the individual mandate – were key elements in Covered California’s record-low 0.8 percent rate increase for the upcoming year.

“We have heard from people across the state who will be saving hundreds of dollars a month because California is putting its people first,” Covered California Executive Director Peter V. Lee said. “Whether you never thought you could get financial help, or if you have checked before, you need to check again because there is new money

available that may dramatically reduce the cost of your coverage.”

The new state subsidies are already helping consumers who have selected a plan for 2020.

New data shows that 500,000 people have already signed up to benefit from the program. Eligible low-income consumers who qualify for a subsidy are receiving an average of $21 per month per household, while eligible middle-income Californians who receive a subsidy are getting an average of $460 per month per household.

While Covered California’s open enrollment period runs through Jan. 31, 2020, consumers must sign up before the end of Sunday, Dec. 15 to have their coverage begin on Jan. 1.

Enrolling for coverage now is critical because California restored the penalty that was part

of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act from 2014 through 2018, meaning consumers who do not get covered could face a fine when they file their 2020 taxes in the spring of 2021.

For those facing a penalty, a family of four would pay at least $2,000, and potentially more, for not having health insurance throughout 2020.

Those interested in learning more about their coverage options can: • Visit www.CoveredCA.com.

• Get free and confidential inperson assistance, in a variety of languages, from a certified enroller.

• Have a certified enroller call them and help them for free.

• Call Covered California at (800) 300-1506.

Open enrollment runs through Jan. 31, 2020. n

A december 14-17, 2019 • LA WeeKeNd ASIAN JOUrNAL

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PH’ s Subanen thanksgiving ritual added to UNESCO...

PAGE A3 t

thanksgiving ritual, “dances are performed on an elevated wooded structure where its name is derived, buklog.” This resonates a sound believed to please the spirits, according to UNESCO. The dance is followed by a community dance “to mark the renewal of social ties.”

The rituals of the Subanen “express gratitude to the spirits and are meant to secure harmony within the community, and in relations to the human, natural and spiritual worlds.”

UNESCO said the Subanen have developed “highly adaptive mechanisms” to safeguard the ritual but it faces severe interrelated threats and constraints that compromise its viability.

Last year, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines nominated the Buklog to the UNESCO list.

Aside from Buklog, three other practices have been inscribed on the list: Darangen epic of the Maranao people of Lake Lanao and Hudhud chants of the Ifugao in

Buklog is the elaborate thanksgiving ritual system of the Subanen people of Zamboanga peninsula in the Philippines.

Photo courtesy of National Commission for Culture and the Arts of the Philippines

2008, and the Punnuk tugging ritual of the Ifugao in 2015.

The list of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Safeguarding was established by the UNESCO and is “composed of intangible heritage elements that concerned communities and States Parties consider require

LIGHT SHOW. The festive colors of Christmas light up the sky as SM Mall of Asia (MOA) launched its holiday drone show. The MOA Sky Light

urgent measures to keep them Drone Show, featuring 100 drones, will dazzle the public on all Fridays and Saturdays this month, on Christmas Day and on January 1, 2020.

ManilaTimes.net photo alive.”

Inscription on the list, the organization said, will “help to mobilize international cooperation and assistance for stakeholders PAGE A1 t rent and feeding their children or heard oral arguments in April reto undertake appropriate safeadministration has maintained just putting this together.” garding the census citizenship guarding measures.” (Rosette that DACA — which was signed Confusion surrounding DACA question.

Adel/Philstar.com) into law through executive order and the precarious situation it’s Many commentators were — was enacted unlawfully by the currently in often revolves around adamant that the Supreme Court Obama administration, a claim that who DACA recipients actually would allow the question to apthe federal courts have deemed are. pear on the census, but two “capricious” and “arbitrary.”

Opponents of DACA have paint- months later, the court decided During this two-year period, ed a grim picture of who DACA otherwise.

DACA recipients across the coun- recipients actually are and where The current makeup of the Sutry have been essentially placed in they come from. (The president preme Court — which has five a state of limbo, unsure whether or tweeted in September that “many conservatives and four liberals — not their DACA benefits would be of the people in DACA, no longer is not necessarily a reliable detertaken away by the Trump admin- very young, are far from ‘angels.’ minant for how the court will vote. istration.

Some are very tough, hardened Further, “irresponsible” punditry But last month on Nov. 12, the criminals.”) and opinionating that posits one highest court in the nation, the A majority of DACA recipients way or another before a decision is U.S. Supreme Court, began hear- hail from Central America, but a made can result and has resulted ing oral arguments for and against strong contingent is of Asian de- in widespread fear and confusion the continuation of DACA, leaving scent; there are about 3,888 Fili- among immigrant communities, the fate of more than 700,000 un- pino DACA recipients in the U.S., Saenz noted, adding that the decidocumented immigrants hanging according to 2017 data from U.S. sion may come as early as Februin the balance.

Citizenship and Immigration Ser- ary to the end of June.

“The Supreme Court has not yet vices.

He added that DACA recipients decided the outcome of DACA,” California — in which 1 in 5 should remember three things: emphasized Tom Saenz, presi- DACA recipients is Asian — is know your rights, which include dent and general counsel of the home to the largest and one of exercising the right to contest reMexican American Legal Defense the most diverse populations of moval in the event of an arrest or and Educational Fund (MALDEF) DACA recipients in the country, detention by federal immigration at a press briefing of immigra- and they are doctors, business agents; never waive your rights tion experts and DACA recipients owners, college students, Uber and voluntarily agree to removal, held in downtown Los Angeles on drivers, teachers, and waiters. In and always know that if you are in Wednesday, Dec. 11. other words, they are contributors either of these situations that you And because the court has yet to the American economy. are not alone. to make a decision on DACA’s fate, A 2017 study from the Center “You have millions of people experts want to remind DACA re- of American Progress showed behind you ready to work with cipients and would-be DACA re- that 91% of DACA recipients are you and support you in asserting cipients that the program is still employed and that 69% were your right to a court hearing and open and accepting new and re- able to move to a job with better ultimately and to remain in this newal applications. pay. Notably, 94% reported that country,” Saenz affirmed.

“The DACA program is still open they were able to pursue educaSaenz added a call to action and this is a really big myth that tional opportunities “that [they] that goes beyond DACA to all we’re trying to bust. You can still could previously not” without residents of the United States apply for and renew your DACA DACA. regardless of citizenship: particistatus, and there is a network of Pundits from media outlets in- pate in the 2020 census to ensure non-profits here in Los Angeles cluding the New York Times, Vox everyone gets counted and vote that are ready to help you,” reiter- and CNN postulated that the Su- in the 2020 election for lawmakated Tiffany Panlilio, legal advocate preme Court will rule in favor of ers and leaders who “are reflecat Asian Americans Advancing the Trump administration which tive of the views of all of us” and Justice - Los Angeles, who wanted will lead to the de facto termina- would enact a long-term solution to quell fears that recipients are tion of DACA. But Saenz reiterat- for all undocumented youth. experiencing as they await the Su- ed the fact that the Supreme Court “In the end, we know what preme Court decision. will have until the end of June we’ve always known, which is Panlilio noted that some im- 2020 to make a decision, and any we need leadership in the United migrants have set up GoFundMe postulations that could instill anxi- States Congress and in the White pages in order to help pay the $495 ety and confusion within the com- House to exercise their authorrenewal fee, which the Trump ad- munity of DACA recipients and ity responsibility and to move forministration is looking to increase their families could and should be ward with a legislative solution to to $765. avoided. our DACA recipients, a solution “It’s not a surprise that a lot of “You cannot predict the out- that would provide them the right these folks are scared. They’re come of any Supreme Court case to continue to thrive and to convery stressed, and it’s already hard by any questions posed by jus- tribute to our economy, society enough for a lot of them to come tices during the oral arguments,” and to our country by being proup with the $495 [fee]; they either Saenz said, referencing the media vided legal status,” he said. (Klarhave to choose between paying reaction after the Supreme Court ize Medenilla/AJPress)

What’s next for DACA recipients...

Robredo failed to meet with ICAD clusters...

PAGE A1 t es, the sample size, everything are different),” Robredo said on November 8.

In her radio show in late November, she asserted that a campaign against drugs would not be possible without accurate information.

Robredo said the Dangerous Drugs Board placed the number of drug addicts in the country at 1.8 million based on the results of a survey it conducted in 2016.

However, she pointed out that ICAD had a different and contradictory “working number” of 4 million drug users.

Aquino was careful to assert that the Dangerous Drugs Board had already recognized that error since then and was already working to address it.

And although Aquino admitted that Robredo’s statement was correct, he also pointed out that the vice president made some errors of her own that he said hampered the progress of the ICAD. One of these, Aquino said, was her failure to meet and coordinate with the different clusters under the committee.

“Siguro may missteps na nangyari sa kanya na (Maybe there were missteps that) she should have met all the four clusters. Sana plinan out niya anong gagawin ko (she shoul’ve planned out what I could have done),” he said. “How would you understand everything if you’re not meeting with these people tapos itong ibang agencies, minimeet mo?”

The ICAD is composed of four clusters, namely the Enforcement, Justice, Advocacy and Rehabilitation and Reintegration clusters.

The PDEA, which Aquino heads,

is under the first.

‘Useless numbers’ Aquino also said that data would not have been as substantial as on-ground experience. “May data na prior to her assumption, during and after. Useless itong data na ito kasi (this date because) she wasn’t even involved sa ground operations [and] she did not give any directives,” he said.

Early on in her time as ICAD co-chair, Robredo announced her intent to meet with officials from the United States, the Catholic Church and the United Nations— which have been heavily critical of Duterte’s campaign—to share best practices in dealing with illegal drugs.

Duterte voiced out his dissatisfaction with this, even warning Robredo that he would remove her from her position if she were to share state secrets with foreign bodies.

“If Robredo met with the four ICAD clusters, lalawak ang kaniyang knowledge of the drug problem. [But] she started going around rehab centers without finishing her consultation with the four ICAD clusters,” Aquino added.

“The VP failed to meet the other three clusters of ICAD. She failed to meet them when she started to meet with international groups.

Na-misinform siya (she was misinformed).”

Despite this, Aquino agreed that her performance in that time was competent.

Aquino previously said he thought Robredo would fail if she were to lead the government’s anti-narcotics campaign.

The PDEA chief’s comments came as the PCOO released its up-

dated numbers on the drug war.

Over 5,000 deaths According to their Real Numbers PH initiative, a total of 5,552 drug personalities were killed in official police operations. However, rights groups and activists reject this notion, saying the number is already as high as 27,000.

For his part, Banac welcomed the vice president’s forthcoming report, saying it would assist the PNP’s efforts. “Anumang ilabas ni VP Robredo sa war on drugs ay welcome sa PNP, inaasahang magagamit ito sa kampanya kontra droga (Whatever Vice President Robredo reveals regarding the war on drugs is welcome with the PNP, we expect that this can help our campaign against drugs),” he said.

Robredo’s tenure as co-chair of the committee came after Duterte announced he would grant her law-enforcement powers for six months in response to Robredo’s calls for the administration to “tweak” its approach to the drug problem, which she said was clearly not working.

But less than three weeks in, though, Duterte removed Robredo from her position saying he did not trust her because she was part of the opposition. He said that her access to information would be limited to a “need to know” basis.

In response, Robredo at a press conference in her hometown of Naga said that her campaign for a bloodless anti-drug campaign would continue and that she was only getting started.

She also announced that she would soon be releasing a report including her findings and recommendations during her time as ICAD co-chair. n

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’They’ is word of the year

by Janvic

Mateo Philstar.com

“THEY” – a rather basic and unassuming term that has been used for centuries – has been named as the 2019 Word of the Year by English dictionary Merriam-Webster.

The dictionary noted an increase in the number of people looking for the word’s definition, noting the changes on how it is being used by English speakers.

“Although our lookups are often driven by events in the news, the dictionary is also a primary resource for information about language itself, and the shifting use of ‘they’ has been the subject of increasing study and commentary in recent years,” Merriam-Webster said.

“English famously lacks a gender-neutral singular pronoun to correspond neatly with singular pronouns like everyone or someone, and as a consequence ‘they’ has been used for this purpose for over 600 years,” it added.

While generally used as a plural pronoun, dictionaries recognize the use of the word “they” as a singular pronoun.

It is “used to refer to a single person whose gender is intentionally not revealed,” read one of the word’s definition in MerriamWebster.

“The use of they, their, them and themselves as pronouns of indefinite gender and indefinite number is well established in speech and writing, even in literary and formal

contexts,” it added, noting that writers such as Jane Austen and William Shakespeare have used the word as a common-gender third person singular pronoun.

In recent years, “they” has also been used to refer to one person whose gender identity is nonbinary, or those that is neither exclusively masculine nor feminine.

Merriam-Webster said that nonbinary “they” was prominent in the news this year, citing the revelation of a United States congresswoman that her child is gender-nonconforming and uses “they.”

Singer Sam Smith also announced preference for the use of “they” as third person personal pronoun.

“And the American Psychological Association’s blog officially recommended that singular they be preferred in professional writing over ‘he or she’ when the reference is to a person whose gender is unknown or to a person who prefers they,” it added.

In 2017, the Associated Press updated its Stylebook to allow the use of singular “they” in limited instances.

“In most cases, a plural pronoun should agree in number with the antecedent: The children love the books their uncle gave them. They/them/their is acceptable in limited cases as a singular and-or gender-neutral pronoun, when alternative wording is overly awkward or clumsy,” read AP’s updated entry on “they.”

“However, rewording usually is possible and always is preferable. Clarity is a top priority; gender-neutral use of a singular they is unfamiliar to many readers,” it added.

In cases when the person identifies as neither male or female, or asked to be referred to using gender-specific pronounce, the Stylebook recommended the use of the person’s name or rewording the sentence.

“If they/them/their use is essential, explain in the text that the person prefers a gender-neutral pronoun. Be sure that the phrasing does not imply more than one person,” it added.

Top contenders Merriam-Webster has also released the top 10 contenders for the Word of the Year.

These include “quid pro quo” and “impeach,” which have gained popularity due to the ongoing impeachment proceedings against US President Donald Trump.

It also included crawdad, which refers to the aquatic animal that looks like a small lobster and lives in rivers and streams; egregious, which means “conspicuously bad” and clemency, which means both “willingness or ability to moderate the severity of a punishment” and “an act or instance of mercy, compassion or forgiveness.”

Other contenders for the Word of the Year are the terms the, snitty, tergiversation, camp and exculpate. n

Distance isn’t forever: Undocumented Filipino...

PAGE A3 t “Bahala na Dios (I leave it to God),” she said on the thought of being sent home. It’s a familiar phrase uttered often by Filipinos, its intimation not lost on her and her reliance on divine fatalism.

“Wala naman ako ginagawa na magiging sagabal or pagiging abusado dito kaya hindi ko na naisip yun (I do not do anything here that would cause any problem or is excessive, so I do not think about being deported anymore).”

But for James*, the thought of deportation crossed his mind during his first few months in the U.S. He left Nueva Ecija over nine years ago in September 2010, following a career in the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

It seemed easier for him to leave, considering that his three sons were already adults then, while

he and his wife had gotten comfortable being apart since he was in the service. One of his sons works for a construction company today, another is in Dubai, while the last one is a tricycle driver.

Should he be caught and ordered to be deported by the courts, James said he would accept it.

“Pangarap ko na ‘to, ang America, noon pa. Gusto ko makarating dito kaya nagpunta ako,” he said.

“Maraming nagsasabi na ingat lang din. Kung talagang lalaanin, wala tayong magagawa, talagang ganun. Tatanggapin natin (This has long been my dream, America. I wanted to come here, that is why I did. A lot of people tell me to be careful. If it happens, there is nothing I can don, it really is like that. I will accept).”

He, however, believes that

Trump’s crackdown on undocumented immigrants are for those who have severe cases and criminal records.

“Katulad namin, nagbabayad naman kami ng tax, hindi naman kami gumagawa ng kaso, medyo hindi nila pinagtutuunan ng pansin,” he said. “Pero ganunpaman, wag lang mahuhuli, mararandom check. Made-deport ka talaga kasi, syempre, overstaying (As for us, we pay taxes. We do not have criminal cases. They do not pay that much attention to us. Nevertheless, unless we get caught, like in random checks, then we will get deported of course, for overstaying).”

There were also rumors before of legal Filipino immigrants who would rat out overstaying Filipinos to authorities for rewards, he said, but he has not heard of one who was actually deported. n

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D ateline PhiliPPines Senator Manny Pacquiao gets political science degree by daRRyl John

esgueRRa

Inquirer.net

ManIla — Filipino boxing icon and Senator Manny Pacquiao has finally received his college degree from the University of Makati. a photo released by his office showed Pacquiao attending the graduation rites on Wednesday, December 11, wearing his toga.

Pacquiao took a Bachelor of arts in Political Science Major in local government administration.

Prior to studying at UMak, Pacquiao enrolled in notre Dame of Dadiangas University in general Santos city under its business management program in 2008.

He completed his primary education at Saavedra Saway Elementary School in general Santos city but dropped out of high school due to poverty.

The senator earned his high school UNTIL THE NEXT GAMES. Fireworks light up the New Clark City Stadium where athletes and spectators gathered for the last time to mark the diploma in 2007 after passing the ac- closure of the 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games on Wednesday, December 11. Home advantage proved golden for the Filipino athletes who creditation and equivalency test unSenator Manny Pacquiao attends the graduation rites at the University of Makati on hauled 149 gold, 117 silver and 119 bronze medals.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Roger Rañada der the Department of Education’s Wednesday, December 11, to receive his degree in Political Science.

Photo from Instagram/@mannypacquiao alternative learning System. n

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Cayetano blasted online for SEA Games closing rant by dante

navaRRo Philstar.com

ManIla — Barely the euphoria of the 30th SEa games’ closing ceremony had subsided, social media was abuzz with scathing comments on House Speaker alan Peter cayetano’s long speech that delved much on politics, clichés and his wife. cayetano’s rant against critics of the Philippines’ hosting of the games left an indelible mark to an otherwise grand, athletecentered affair, ending it with a sarcastically “Peace be with you” line and sign.

“I like it when cayetano speaks on TV. He helps me lessen my electric bill,” said Twitter users @ edjStark, which drew rejoinders from a number of fellow users of the microblogging platform.

“OMg I did the same thing,” said @ViancaEMartinez. “Then I though he has finished, turned on the TV, only to see that he was still droning on and on. Turned it off again and just watched my dog play with his chew boy.”

“Savage,” according to @chikahontass and “no TV for me as well” from @loloy_15h.

“I think the speech should be athlete-centered, not allan-centered,” said @princessmaiter.

The 11-nation, 12-day meet ended in a captivating closing rites kick-started by the parade of nations and athletes and highlighted by a light drone show, the awarding of the overall championship to host Philippines, a series of numbers from Pinoy world class performers, the handover of the hosting chores to Vietnam

and the extinguishing of the P55 million SEa games cauldron. after a couple of speakers, cayetano took the podium and delivered his piece, capping it with: “For those of you who did not believe, for those of you who said this could not be done, for those of you who said this stadium will not be built on time, for those of you who said ‘sayang ang pera (waste of money), dapat hindi tayo nag-host (we should not have hosted),’ sa lahat ng nagkalat ng fake news (for all those who spread fake news), ang masasabi ko sa inyo, at ito itaga niyo sa bato: (what I can say to you, and you can cast this in stone): Peace be with you,” said cayetano while flashing the peace sign. @RedMooFriends even made a breakdown of the speech: “90% — thanks to my friends and me, 5% — political something, 3% — his wife, 1.9% — repeating and playing with the tagline “We win as one” and 0.1% — thanks to our athletes.”

From @Tsukkill: “Ugh can cayetano stfu? This is the worst ill-written speech I’ve ever heard, who wrote this? yikes” “and you think you won the hearts of the Filipinos with that cringy speech of yours, cayetano? Pasikat amp!” said @kahlan_ 001 while @itsbriankevin said: “Si alan Peter cayetano yung perfect example ng bida-bidang tao na di marunong lumugar.”

He added: “The issues you are presenting are not an issue of the other countries. You should have selected a different venue/ceremonies.”

House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano is chair of the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee or PHISGOC. PIA photo

From @mydearlJ: “I think the speech should include more truthful inspiring words for the athletes and for each country which participated, not on the political side.”

The organizing PHISgOc, which cayetano heads as chairman, took a lot of beating following a chaotic run-up to the games — from transportation, accommodations, food, among others, prompting President Duterte to issue an apology to all those who were affected by all the snafus.

But all was settled and put in order as the games kicked off, wore on until the final event was played, impressing athletes and officials alike with Oca (Olympic council of asia vice president Wei Jizhong lauding the Philippines and PHISgOc for their organization of the SEag and saying that the country can even host “bigger-scale” events. not necessarily with PHISgOc at the helm again. n

Palace urges Congress to pass FOI bill

by Ritchel

Mendiola AJPress

Malacañang on Friday, December 13, renewed its call for the passage of a Freedom of Information (FOI) Bill, saying it is needed for transparency in the government.

“Freedom of Information… must be implemented across the bureaucracy: the executive, legislature, judiciary, including the local government units. I still remain hopeful that our lawmakers will finally heed the call of the FOI-Project Management Office, the civil Society Organizations, and the people, and pass the FOI law,” said communications Secretary Martin andanar.

He added, “While the state wields immense power entrusted to it by the people, the exercise

of said power can be placed under the lens of strict scrutiny through transparency, through the freedom of information.” according to andanar, 18,036 requests had been lodged on the eFOI portal this 2019, which makes for a 47 percent success rate.

Sen. grace Poe, for her part, filed Senate Bill no. 121 or the “People’s Freedom of Information act of 2019” and called on her colleagues in the 18th congress to support her and give the bill “one big push.” cebu 1st District Rep. Raul del Mar, meanwhile, has already filed an FOI bill in the House through House Bill no. 12.

In July 2016, Duterte issued Executive Order no. 2 in the absence of an FOI law.

The EO imposes a policy of

full public disclosure and transparency in public service to promote accountability. It also sets the guidelines for requesting and releasing information from offices under the executive branch. It does not, however, include the legislature, judiciary and even local government units (lgUs). communications assistant Secretary and FOI executive director Kris ablan expressed hope that congress would “swiftly” pass an FOI bill.

“We are optimistic about the passage of the FOI law in the 18th congress,” he said.

Duterte in 2016 said it was the congress’ turn to pass the FOI bill so that “the people’s right to information will be honored across all branches and levels of the government.” n

House backs expansion of foreign ownership in PH

by Jess

diaz Philstar.com

ManIla — The House of Representatives committee on constitutional amendments on Wednesday, December 11 voted to endorse the rewriting of the constitution’s economic provisions to allow expanded foreign ownership of land and businesses, including public utilities, educational institutions and mass media.

The committee chaired by cagayan de Oro city Rep. Rufus Rodriguez consolidated six related measures into a still unnumbered Resolution of Both Houses authored principally by Speaker alan Peter cayetano and Majority leader Ferdinand Martin Romualdez.

The resolution’s other authors are Rodriguez, Deputy Speaker aurelio gonzales Jr. of Pampanga and Reps. lord allan Velasco of Marinduque, antonio albano of Isabela, Teodorico Haresco Jr. of aklan and Henry Oaminal of Misamis Occidental.

Rodriguez described the proposed rewriting of certain provi-

sions of the constitution on the economy as “economic chacha.”

“It aims to lift the limitations on foreign investments in public utilities and the development in natural resources in order to have more employment for Filipinos. The Philippines is lagging behind its aSEan (association of Southeast asian nations) neighbors in the amount of foreign direct investments,” he said.

Rodriguez said lifting foreign ownership or equity restrictions “will address the high rate of unemployment in the country.”

The Inter-agency Task Force on constitutional Reform (Task Force cORE) has joined hands with the Department of Finance in pushing for the removal of economic restrictions in the constitution, including the ban on foreign investments in some industries.

“Over the last 10 years, infrastructure development is also the poorest record in the Philippines, compared to the six major aSEan nations as of 2015,” finance expert and Task Force cORE member gary Olivar said

in a statement.

“With regards to economic growth, we have been left behind by our neighbors, we are now number 63 in a survey taken in 185 countries a few years ago. and because of all of these — this policy of restrictions in foreign investments — poverty is still rampant. We are the only country in aSEan that has failed to cut this poverty by half in the last 25 years,” he added.

However, Olivar said they are still for the retention of 100 percent land ownership to Filipinos only.

Under the cha-cha resolution, the phrase, “unless otherwise subsequently provided by law,” would be inserted in seven parts of the charter dealing with national economy and patrimony, and ownership of land, mass media, schools and telecommunications and other public utilities.

This means that the present restrictions would be retained but congress would be authorized to pass a law in the future to relax or scrap such limitations, Rodriguez said. n

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A

House eyeing Cha-cha approval next month

by Jess

Diaz Philstar.com

CHAMPIONS. Athletes and Philippine team officials led by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) join the parade during the closing ceremony of the 30th Southeast Asian Games at the New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac on Wednesday, December 11. Bagging 149 golds, 117 silvers and 121 bronzes, the Philippines clinched the overall championship of the regional biennial sports meet.

PNA photo by Jess M. Escaros Jr.

Higher cash incentives for PH athletes pushed

by Paolo

RomeRo Philstar.com

MANILA — With close to 400 medals won by the Philippine contingent in the 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, members of the national team have brought pride to the country and they deserve greater compensation from the government, Sen. Sonny Angara said on Friday, December 13.

Angara pointed out that part of the impressive medal haul were 149 gold medals — a feat that was achieved through hard work and a lot of personal sacrifice on the part of the Philippine contingent.

Angara has filed a bill seeking to increase the cash incentives for podium finishes in the SEA Games and Asian-level sporting events.

“What our national athletes achieved in the SEA Games is truly historic and should be heralded. It was not only how they performed in their respective sports, but the way they carried themselves during the games that captured the hearts of Filipinos and our ASEAN neighbors alike,” Angara said.

“With such a stellar performance, it is only fitting that our national athletes and their coaches receive higher incentives from the government as they go on to compete in other international competitions,” he said.

Angara’s Senate Bill 1225 seeks to amend Republic Act 10699 or the National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act. Angara sponsored the law during the 16th Congress.

RA 10699 repealed the original Sports Benefits and Incentives Act of 2001 in order to provide

bigger benefits to the country’s national athletes, coaches and trainers whenever they win in international competitions.

The increases as proposed in SB 1225 are for the Asian Beach Games and Asian-level competitions held at least every two years with at least 25 countries participating, and qualifying competitions for world-level and Asian-level games: gold medalists will receive a cash-incentive of P600,000 from the present P500,000; silver medalists will get P350,000 from the current P250,000; bronze medalists will bring home P150,000 from P100,000.

For the SEA Games: the cash incentive for gold medalists will go up from P300,000 to P400,000; from P150,000 to P200,000 for silver medalists; and from P60,000 to P100,000 for bronze medalists.

In the case of the ASEAN Para Games, the cash incentive for gold medalists will go up to P200,000 from P150,000; silver medalists will receive P125,000 from P75,000; and bronze medalists will get P50,000 from P30,000.

“The added incentives will encourage Filipinos to engage in sports, especially those which have yet to attract mainstream popularity, and represent the country in the future,” Angara said.

The Philippines was crowned the overall champion of the 30th SEA Games, having harvested a total of 387 medals – 149 gold, 117 silver and 121 bronze.

With the Philippines’ overall dominance of the 30th SEA Games, the Clark Freeport where some of the competitions were held had also won the hearts of many athletes.

Daniel John Simmons, coach of the Thailand for lawn bowl team, described their experience here as “warm, positive and enjoyable.”

“It’s been a very positive experience. We’ve enjoyed the experience immensely and the facility here is brand new,” Simmons said.

Softball athletes from Malaysia were also happy with the field of play inside The Villages, the official site for the baseball and softball games.

“We arrived one or two days before the tournament and I must say that the field here is very good, well-maintained grass which is soft and easy to make a slide to avoid injury,” said Syarifah Aisyah, a softball player from Malaysia.

Relatedly, officials from the sports of archery and rugby 7s were also satisfied with the preparations made in the sports venue inside the Freeport.

World Archery Philippines (WAP) official Karla Cabrera lauded the Clark parade grounds as an ideal location for archery and for other international competitions.

“I am just happy to say that this is a really excellent facility that was prepared. It’s world-class actually. And our field of play, it’s a very good field for international competitions,” she said.

Cabrera also said that the vast area of the Parade Grounds makes it a suitable site for hosting world championships.

Philippine rugby team coach Andy Brown shared the same observation, while he also mentioned the Parade Ground’s unique pitch or playing field.

Similarly, he cited the other services and accommodations available near the area. n

MANILA — The House of Representatives is eyeing the plenary approval of Charter change (Chacha) proposals next month.

Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, who is constitutional amendments committee chairman, said that his panel would present its report on Chacha when Congress reconvenes on January 20 after its monthlong Christmas recess.

“These proposed amendments have been thoroughly discussed and debated not only in this 18th Congress but also in the 15th, 16th and 17th Congresses.

It’s about time that this present House already acts on these proposals and send them to the Senate,” he said.

He said if the House approves the Cha-cha proposals next month, these could be transmitted to the Senate in early February.

“In response to President Duterte’s appeal, we have enough time to finish Cha-cha within the remainder of his term,” Rodriguez added.

The president made such a plea in July when he met with then aspiring House speakers Alan Peter Cayetano of TaguigPateros, Lord Allan Velasco of Marinduque and Ferdinand Martin Romualdez of Leyte.

“We have to change the Constitution, whether federal or whatnot. I told the three…do it now while I’m here,” he said.

On Wednesday, December 11, the constitutional amendments committee consolidated six related Cha-cha measures into a still unnumbered resolution principally authored by Cayetano and Romualdez.

Rodriguez said his panel opted to endorse popular and less controversial proposals to hasten Cha-cha and hoped that the senators would have an open mind on the amendments his committee has endorsed.

The proposed changes affect only a few parts of the Constitution. They include the rewriting of economic provisions to authorize Congress to relax or scrap restrictions on foreign ownership of land and businesses, including mass media, public utilities and schools.

The other proposals are the changing in the term of office of House members, local officials and senators to five years with two reelections, the election of

senators by region and the election of the president and vice president as one ticket to ensure a united leadership in the executive branch.

The president would still be limited to a single term of six years, while there would be no reelection restriction for the vice president.

At present, congressmen and local officials have a term of three years with two reelections, while senators are limited to two terms of six years each. Senators are elected nationally.

The Cha-cha resolution proposes nine regions: Metro Manila, Northern Luzon, Southern Luzon, Bicol, Eastern Visayas, Western Visayas, Northern Mindanao, Southern Mindanao and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region.

Rodriguez said the House and the Senate would have to approve any proposed constitutional amendment as a constituent assembly, with the two chambers voting separately and each obtaining the required vote of three-fourths of all its members. n

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O piniOn Number one

Features

IT must be the morale-boosting hometown crowd, with the cheering more deafening when the going gets tough for the country’s athletes. It must be the familiarity of the environment — the training grounds and sporting venues.

Once again, as host of the Southeast Asian Games, the Philippines has emerged at the top of the heap among 11 participating states. Whatever factors might have contributed to the outstanding performance must be evaluated, so that these can be applied in other international sporting events wherein the Philippines will be participating.

The Asian Games are up ahead, and the country cannot give up on its dream of bagging its first Olympic gold. Philippine medalists in this year’s 30th SEAG talk of their interest in their chosen sport at an early age, the daunting challenges of getting the necessary rigorous training, and of obtaining much-needed support mostly from kind souls in the private sector. Officials in charge of sports development can engage in infighting all they want, but it should not compromise their

mission of producing worldclass athletes.

After this moment of national triumph, the country cannot backslide, as in the past, and languish near the bottom in upcoming sporting competitions.

The Asian Games are three years away; our athletes must sustain the momentum of their SEAG achievements and train so the country can shine in the bigger event.

And then there’s the ultimate goal, so elusive for the Philippines: a gold medal in the Olympic Games. The 2020 Summer Games in Tokyo are only a few months away. Filipinos are familiar with the rich rewards of world-class performance in sports. Such rewards, combined with national acclaim, should spur Filipino athletes to aim higher, to attain glory in even bigger events. (Philstar.com)

Editorial

On the Record Governor Gavin newsom There’s no state in America quite like California. In troubled times for the Nation, California is where the American Dream is alive and well. The most diverse state in the world’s most diverse democracy, California is bighearted, thriving, inclusive and bold.

This year, we’ve been working to build a California for All. Governing by our values of growth and inclusion, we have made principled yet practical investments in our people and our future.

Making sure that those investments are built to last, we have budgeted responsibly for the years ahead. Our balanced, ontime budget created the largest rainy day fund in state history and paid down California’s wall

of debt.

That budget addressed the biggest challenges we face.

Today, I will share our work to tackle the high cost of living in California, prevent and prepare for emergencies, and combat homelessness.

First, we’re working to confront the state’s affordability crisis. It is our state’s foundational economic challenge, which threatens lives and threatens futures. The things that make it possible to get ahead — housing, health care, saving for your kids’ college or your retirement — are getting farther out of reach for Californians.

When I took office last January, I got to work to make life more affordable for all. Together, we expanded healthcare subsidies to middle-class Californians. We took on rising prescription drug costs by seeking to establish the nation’s largest single purchaser system for drugs. We helped put higher

Philstar.com photo

One year of California for All

education within reach of more Californians by providing two free years of community college to first-time, full-time students and negotiated tuition freezes at California’s universities.

We also put money back in the pockets of California parents by doubling the state’s Earned Income Tax Credit and adding a $1,000 credit for families with children under the age of six.

We eased the financial burden on parents by repealing the sales and use tax on diapers.

Second, we are making sure that California is ready for the next natural disaster, and that communities still recovering from catastrophic wildfires have what they need to rebuild.

We invested $1 billion to build disaster resiliency, response and recovery — including funding the pre-positioning of emergency response teams in times of high-risk wildfire conditions.

We launched Listos California, a statewide network of com-

munity organizations that build disaster resiliency in vulnerable communities. We also moved the state toward a safer, affordable and reliable energy future by drafting wildfire safety and accountability measures and working with the Legislature to create a $21 billion wildfire fund.

Finally, we’re working nonstop to confront the statewide crisis of homelessness, which impacts 130,000 Californians in every corner of our state.

We’re pursuing solutions that work. We made a historic $2.75 billion investment — the most California has ever spent — on programs to fight homelessness and build more housing. That amount included $650 million in Emergency Homelessness Aid to cities and counties so that they can implement the best local solutions for their communities. We’re also striking at the root causes of homelessness, including the unacceptable lack

of housing construction and unscrupulous landlords who pricegouge their tenants and unfairly evict them. We negotiated and signed the nation’s strongest statewide renter protections and worked with technology companies to secure $4.5 billion towards California’s housing crisis.

We’re “all in” on tackling this crisis because it is a major quality of life issue not just for the person sleeping on a sidewalk, but for everyone in their community. We recognize that every homeless individual is someone’s child, parent, or friend. Many times, they are our service members, who served honorably in our military and fell onto hard times after they got home. These individuals are often struggling with mental illness or substance abuse.

They deserve better than the reckless rhetoric and heartless cuts to the social safety net that Washington is offering. They

deserve the thoughtful solutions that we are pursuing in California, in partnership with local governments, the private sector, and philanthropists statewide.

Make no mistake, we have so much more work to do. There are still too many Californians who do not get to share in the prosperity that they help to create. For them, and their children – and California’s continued leadership in the nation and the world – we must boldly confront our remaining challenges.

These challenges demand bold solutions, and above all, the courage for a change.

Fortunately, we have no shortage of courage here in California, a state of dreamers and do-ers who are not afraid to take risks for what’s right.

In the year ahead, we’ll continue to work hard and aim high on behalf of all Californians, and everyone who looks to our state as a beacon of hope. n

Pat pat, slap slap

Street Talk GreG B. macaBenta THE 30th Southeast Games hosted by the Philippines will end December 11 with a spectacular show, if we are to base our expectations on the opening ceremony. But more than that, as the host country we will have set a new record in terms of the medal harvest — well ahead of runner-up Indonesia, and the other participating countries, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Myanmar, Cambodia, Brunei and Laos (listed according to the number of medals won).

As of this writing, with still a few days of competition left, the Philippine sports contingents have already won 113 golds, 86 silvers and 90 bronzes compared to Indonesia’s 66 golds, 63 silvers and 79 bronzes (Thailand also has 66 golds and 79 bronzes, but only 62 silvers).

In the last two places are Laos with no gold, 5 silvers and 19 bronzes, and Brunei which managed to win a gold plus 5 silvers and 6 bronzes.

We Pinoys know how it feels to return home from an inter-

national sports competition with not much to show for our efforts. The best the Philippines has won in the Olympics have been three silver medals, two in boxing and one in weightlifting Anthony Villanueva won a silver in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and Mansueto Velasco won a silver at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. In Barcelona, boxer Roel Velasco won a bronze medal. Leopoldo Serrantes won a bronze, also for boxing in the 1988 Seoul Olympics. Hidilyn Diaz ended the Philippines’ 20-year medal drought when she won a silver medal in the women’s 53-kg weight division during the 2016 Olympics in Rio De Janeiro.

According to Wikipedia, the Philippines first participated in the 1924 Paris Olympics.

Then in the 1928 Olympics in Amsterdam, swimmer Teofilo Yldefonso, representing the Philippine Commonwealth, under the United States, won a bronze medal in the 200 meter breaststroke event. Yldefonso won another bronze at the 1932 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. Filipino athletes won two more bronze medals in Los Angeles.

The Philippines has never

won an Olympic gold, but a person of Filipino descent won two gold medals as a member of the U.S. diving team in the London Olympics in 1948. Victoria Manalo Draves (she married her coach, Lyle Draves) was the first woman to win gold medals for both the tenmeter platform and the threemeter springboard events.

And so, the quest for an Olympic gold medal continues.

The bountiful medal harvest in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games augers well for Philippine sports — if we do not allow the relative success to go to our head. In other words, if we do not pat ourselves on the back too much.

In an earlier column, I recalled the advice of a German friend to the effect that if we do something bad, we should slap ourselves on the face. And when we do something praiseworthy, we should pat ourselves on the back.

The 2019 SEA Games started out with the organizers deserving to be slapped. But the performances of our athletes are fully deserving of pats on the back.

But not so fast!

You see, being the top gold

medal winner in Southeast Asia, while something to pat ourselves on the back for, still falls far short of the standards of the Olympics, and even of the Asian Games.

Consider the current Olympic and world records in the running events. In the 100meter sprint, which is said to mark the fastest human on the planet, Jamaica’s Usain Bolt set the record of 9.69 seconds. In comparison, the Asian Games record is 9.92 seconds while the fastest recorded in the SEA Games is 10.17 seconds.

Bolt also holds the Olympic record for the 200-meter dash at 19.30 seconds. The Asian Games record is 20.14. seconds while the SEA Games mark is 20.69 seconds.

The men’s 400-meter Olympic record of 43.49 seconds was set by Michael Johnson of the U.S. at the 1996 Atlanta Games. The Asian Games record is 44.46 seconds and the SEA Games mark is 46 seconds, established by Kunanon Sukkaew of Thailand.

The holder of the record for the 800-meter run is Vebjorn Rodal of Norway with 1:42.58.

The Asian Games mark is 1:45.45 while the SEA Games record is 1:48.29 held by Sam-

son Villabuoy of Malaysia.

The 1,500-meter record is held by Noah Ngeny of Kenya at 3:32.07. Compare that to the 3:45.31 in the SEA Games held by Nguyen Dinh Curong of Vietnam and the 3:36.43 record in the Asian Games.

Among the Philippines’ women runners, SEA Games gold medal winner Kristina Knott set a record of 23.01 for the 200-meter dash while Lydia de Vega of Gintong Alay fame had 11.28 in the 100meter sprint in the 1987 SEA Games.

Compare those times to that set by Florence Griffith-Joyner, 10.62 seconds in the 100-meter sprint in the 1988 Seoul Olympics and 21.77 seconds in the 200-meter dash.

In other words, our athletes, as good as they already are, still have some scrambling to do to hit Olympic standards.

Said to be the fastest runner in the Philippines is Eduardo Buenavista of South Cotabato.

He holds a record of 8:40.77 in the 3,000-meter steeplechase.

The men’s Olympic record is 8:03.28 set by Conseslus Kirputo of Kenya in 2016 and the women’s record is 8:58.81 set

by Gulnara Galkina in 2008.

The only Filipino athlete

in the 2019 SEA Games who holds a world record is gymnast Carlos Yulo who won a gold and a bronze in the World Artistic Gymnastics championship in Stuttgart, Germany. Expectedly, Yulo has reaped gold medals in the SEA Games.

One should point out that Yulo has been studying and training in Japan, where some of the finest gymnasts in the world are raised. This tells us that our homegrown athletes and gold medal winners could benefit from coaching and training in the sports centers of the world.

The Philippine sports associations, while deserving of pats on the back for the impressive performance of our athletes in the 2019 SEA Games, should not rest on the regional laurels won. There is a whole world left to conquer and the performance of our athletes deserves more than passing praise.

They need the support of the government and the major corporations that have committed themselves to winning that elusive Olympic gold.

Those who rest on the SEA Games gold medal harvest deserve to slap themselves. (gregmacabenta@hotmail. com) n

The views expressed by our Op-Ed contributors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the predilection of the editorial board and staff of Asian Journal.

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Dateline PhiliPPines

NEW TRAIN. The Philippine National Railways shows off its new acquisition — a diesel model unit that will soon ferry rail commuters.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Enrique Agcaoili

New Ombudsman guidelines delay release of Duterte’s SALN — PCOO

by Patricia Lourdes Philstar.com

Viray

MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte has not yet released his Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN) for 2018 due to pending guidelines on public access to the document.

The Office of the Ombudsman has yet to release the revised guidelines on public access to SALN of government officials.

The Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) noted that all requests for copies of SALNs of government officials need approval from Ombudsman Samuel Martires.

“We appreciate that the Office of the Ombudsman will soon come up with the revised guidelines on public access to SALN,” PCOO Assistant Secretary Kris Ablan said in a letter to Philstar. com.

This was in response to an article by the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism titled “Duterte’s secret SALN: The lie of his FOI”.

The PCIJ report noted that Duterte has not yet released his SALN for 2018, becoming the first president in the last 30 years that did not release his or her SALN. Ablan, however, pointed out that there are procedures to follow in releasing the president’s SALN.

“Inasmuch as we want to take things expeditiously, there are procedures that we have to follow and be mindful of,” Ablan said.

The PCOO also noted that the SALN is an important document under Executive Order 2 or the Freedom of Information EO. Under Section 17 of the 1987 Constitution, “A public officer or employee shall, upon assumption of office and as often thereafter as may be required by law, submit a declaration under oath of his assets, liabilities and net worth.”

This covers the president, vice president, members of the Cabinet, the Congress, Supreme Court, constitutional commissions and other constitutional offices and officers of the military with general or flag rank, in accordance with the law.

Ablan noted that under Ombudsman memorandum circular 3 series of 2012 and Civil Service Commission Resolution 1500088, the SALN of the president should be submitted, kept and stored with the Office of the Ombudsman.

The PCOO official reiterated that request for the document must be made with the Ombudsman.

“This is a call to our Honorable legislators to heed the people’s clamor for a landmark legislation which would unify the rules on the right of access

to government information.

And with this legislation, definitely it will take precedence over other existing transparency and accountability laws,” Ablan said.

In the report, PCIJ executive director Malou Mangahas said multiple separate requests of the PCIJ and the Right to Know, Right Now! Coalition for Duterte’s 2018 SALN “have been tossed back and forth” between the Office of the Executive Secretary and the Office of the Ombudsman.

“Invariably, all such requests filed in a series from June to November 2019 were denied because of an identical reason: The Ombudsman has yet to finalize its new guidelines on the release of the SALNs of the President and other senior officials,” the PCIJ report read.

The PCIJ also noted that neither of the offices have explained why there was a need for new guidelines when past Ombudsmen had already issued guidelines for procedures of getting copies of SALNs. “The spirit and letter of Duterte’s own Executive Order No. 2 that operationalized Freedom of Information in the entire executive branch also requires the full public disclosure of, among other public documents, the SALN of all executive officials -- himself included,” the PCIJ said. n

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • DEcEmbER 14-17, 2019

A

A10 december 14-17, 2019 • LA WeeKeNd ASIAN JOUrNAL

Dateline PhiliPPines

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China, Turkey world’s leading jailers of journalists –report by arTemio

Dumlao Philstar.com

CHINA and Turkey topped the list of countries that keep journalists in jail, New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) revealed on Wednesday, December 11, a day after the worldwide commemoration of International Human Rights Day. With at least 250 journalists hauled to jails for the fourth consecutive year, China and Turkey topped the list, followed by Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Eritrea, Vietnam and Iran, the CPJ said in a report released Wednesday.

“The imprisonment of a single CHRISTMAS SYMBOLS. Lighted replicas of the world’s famous landmarks are on display during the month-long Christmas Symbols Festivals journalist is a terrible injustice 2019 held at the plaza of Tangub City, Misamis Occidental. The holiday extravaganza, one of the country’s longest running Christmas festivals, that has far-reaching conseruns from December 1 until January 8, 2020.

PNA photos by Ben Briones quences for families, friends and colleagues,” CPJ executive director Joel Simon was quoted in the report as saying.

“But the imprisonment of hunleged insertions, which suppos- there is no change in that poli- dreds of journalists — year after

by CaTherine ValenTe year — is a threat to the global edly included eight flood proj- cy,” he told reporters.

ManilaTimes.net Early this year, Duterte re- information system on which we ects worth P60 million each.

“I hope the president will again moved P95.37 billion worth of all depend,” Simon added.

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte On the one hand, the CPJ citwill exercise his veto power to exercise his political will in veto- public works appropriations remove any unconstitutional ing line items that will obviously from the original P3.757-trillion ed Chinese President Xi Jinping provision in the proposed P4.1- waste people’s tax money,” Lac- 2019 spending plan.

The president said the items, trillion national budget for 2020, son said.

“It is revolting to note that which came as a result of postMalacañang assured the public legislators keep on dipping their ratification budget realignments on Thursday, December 12.

Palace spokesman Salvador dirty fingers on our national made by lawmakers, were not by eireene Jairee gomez ManilaTimes.net Panelo made the statement after budget in spite of pending cases within the “programmed prioriSen. Panfilo Lacson claimed that involving the same issue,” he ties” of the government.

“Consistent with the foregolast minute insertions were made added.

FISHER and peasant groups on In a text message, Panelo said ing aspirations and in the faith- Wednesday, December 11 urged in the 2020 budget that was ratified on Wednesday, December Duterte would not hesitate to use ful exercise of my Office and Sen. Cynthia Villar’s to help enhis veto powers as he did when due fidelity to my oath, I will not sure stable food supply instead of 11.

Lacson, who skipped the sign- he vetoed the 2019 national bud- tolerate attempts to circumvent issuing “callous” remarks. the Constitution or any other ing of the bicameral report, said get.

In separate statements, the “Provisions in the budget that action that will prejudice the Pambansang he would give the Department Mamamalakaya of Budget and Managment and run counter to the Constitution Filipino people whom I serve,” ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) and Duterte’s office a list of the al- will be vetoed by the president, Duterte has said. n National Federation of Peasant

Duterte to veto illegal budget provisions

who, according to the press freedom watchdog, “further tightened the state’s iron grip on the press in China, where 48 journalists are behind bars.”

On the other hand, Turkey, having stamped out virtually all independent reporting and criticism by closing down more than 100 news outlets and lodging terror-related charges against many of their staff, had 47 imprisoned journalists in 2019.

Dozens more in Turkey still face trial or have been sentenced to jail and are free on appeal, according to Simon.

Repressive governments are using these cruel tactics to deprive their societies and the entire world of essential information, the CPJ noted.

It added that authoritarianism, instability and protests in the Middle East have led to a rise in the number of journalists locked up in the region – particularly in Saudi Arabia, which jumped to 26 jailed in 2019, putting it on par with Egypt as the third worst jailer worldwide.

The CPJ blamed politics as “the beat most likely to land journalists in jail,” followed by human rights and corruption.

A majority of journalists imprisoned worldwide, however, face anti-state charges, with the number charged with “false news” having risen to 30, the report said.

In 2012, the CPJ found only one journalist worldwide facing an allegation of writing “fake news.”

Interestingly, the CPJ noted that “repressive” countries, including Russia and Singapore, have enacted laws criminalizing the publication of “fake news” in 2018.

The CPJ explained that its list is a snapshot of those incarcerated as of 12:01 a.m. last Dec. 1, while it does not include the many journalists imprisoned and released throughout the year.

Simon said journalists remain on CPJ’s list until it determines with reasonable certainty that they have been released or have died in custody. n

Groups gang up on Villar over ‘galunggong’ Women (Amihan) criticized Villar for her statement on the high cost of galunggong (round scad).

In an interview on Tuesday, December 10, Villar said if Filipinos could not afford the fish, then they should eat vegetables instead.

“Kung mahal ang galunggong, eh ‘di ‘wag kumain ng galunggong ‘di ba? There are other alternative food (If round scad is expensive then don’t eat it. There are other alternative food),” Villar was quoted saying.

Zenaida Soriano, Amihan National chairman, said Villar’s comment was “callous” and “unbecoming of her post as the chairperson of the senate committees on agriculture and food, and fisheries.”

This was echoed by Pamalakaya National Chairman Fernando Hicap.

“She is the committee chair both on agriculture and food, and fisheries in the Senate who is supposed to be resolving the instability of agricultural and fishery stocks,” he said.

“We remind Senator Villar that she is duty-bound to ensure that

there is stable and affordable supply of agricultural and fishery products in the market. Instead of looking into the alleged shortage of galunggong, and its unreasonable price increase, she chose to issue a comment that we find irresponsible,” Hicap added.

Galunggong prices have reportedly skyrocketed to P250 to P350 a kilogram from the previous P150 to P170 a kilo.

Last week, Agriculture Secretary William Dar gave the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) the green light to import 45,000 metric tons of small pelagic fish, including galunggong, to address the shortage in the country.

But fisher group Pamalakaya said the importation would not guarantee that prices in the market would normalize. The group said private traders control and dictate market prices.

The group called on the Agriculture department to strengthen the livelihood capacity of municipal fisherfolk across the country to boost fisheries production. n

NDFP agrees to resume talks

by DempSey

reyeS ManilaTimes.net

COMMUNIST Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose Maria “Joma” Sison on Thursday, December 12, said the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) has agreed to reopen peace negotiations with the government as long as “certain issues” are cleared first.

“NDFP has agreed to resume peace negotiations, provided certain issues are first settled,” he said when asked about the peace negotiations’ progress.

Sison gave no other details of his discussion with Labor Secretary and former peace negotiator Silvestre Bello 3rd.

At the same time, he said he was willing to meet with President Rodrigo Duterte, as long as it was not in the Philippines but in a nearby country.

“I hope that at a certain point in time, I shall meet president Duterte. At first, we can try meeting in a country near the Philippines,” the self-exiled communist leader said.

“It is a goal worth aiming for in order to accelerate progress in the peace negotiations,” Sison added.

A schedule has yet to be set for the face-to-face meeting between Duterte and Sison, who

CPP founder Jose Maria “Joma” Sison ManilaTImes.net photo

had been trading barbs following the abrupt termination of the talks in 2017.

Bello was quoted as saying that the NDFP has shown willingness to resume the talks but did not provide the full details of his discussion with NDFP representatives and those from the Norwegian government.

The president last week ordered Bello to talk to Sison for the possible resumption of the peace negotiations, a move that was welcomed by the communist leader, but insisting of holding it in a “foreign neutral venue.”

When Duterte won the presidential election in 2016, he and Sison spoke via video call exchanging pleasantries. n

Expert says pneumonia still top killer of PH kids, bats for wider vaccine access

by Tony

S. Bergonia Inquirer.net

MANILA — Pneumonia remained to be the top killer of children in the Philippines and the rest of the globe which makes it critical to give wider access to vaccines as a preventive measure, according to an international expert on pediatric diseases and their cures.

Dr. James Wee, medical director of pharmaceutical company Pfizer who had done extensive research on different diseases stalking children, said three types of deadly microbes, or serotypes, cause pneumonia among children 5 years or younger and are still prevalent in the Philippines.

The three serotypes, Wee said in a statement, cause serious infections but one, which he identified as serotype 19A, was the

most virulent and prevalent. It is also associated with antibiotic resistance, he said.

Another serotype, 3, is associated with complicated pneumonia. Serotype 6A is a cause of invasive pneumococcal disease.

According to Wee, pneumonia is the No. 1 cause of death among children worldwide, worse than AIDS, malaria and measles combined.

The Philippines is among the most vulnerable because scientific data showed that the three serotypes that cause pneumonia among children are present in 19.36 percent of samples extracted from pneumonia-stricken children in previous years.

The Department of Health (DOH) website, citing the World Health Organization, said in 2015 alone, almost 1 million children aged 5 and below died PAGE A11

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Dateline PhiliPPines

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • DEcEmbER 14-17, 2019

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Deported Sister Fox defends 80-year-old nun facing perjury rap MANILA — Australian missionary Patricia Fox—deported last year after earning the ire of President Rodrigo Duterte— expressed solidarity with the leader of the Rural Missionaries of the Philippines, who is facing perjury charges.

Sister Elenita Belardo, RMP national coordinator, has been charged with perjury after she claimed RMP is a duly-registered non-stock and non-profit organization when the group’s certification was revoked in 2003.

The 80-year-old nun, who said she made the claim in good faith, posted bail last week after the Quezon City Metropolitan Trial Court Branch 37 issued a warrant for her.

“Words escape me to hear that the case against Sr. Elen has been pursued by this regime… I stand in solidarity with Sr. Elen as she defends against this injustice to her and in solidarity

will all those facing trumped-up charges in the Philippines,” Fox said.

The perjury case was filed by National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. to counter the petitions for writ of amparo and habeas data filed by the RMP and other sectoral groups before the Supreme Court. His complaint against other individuals was dismissed due to lack of probable cause and insufficiency of evidence.

The Revised Penal Code penalizes people “who knowingly [make] untruthful statements and...shall testify under oath, or make an affidavit, upon any material matter before a competent person authorized to administer an oath in cases in which the law so requires.”

Fox described Belardo as an “upright, trustworthy and honest woman who would not resort to perjury” and said the nun

from the Religious of the Good Shepherd “tirelessly advocated” on the behalf of individuals from marginalized sectors.

“Rather than being awarded for her commitment over so many years, a government which reveals itself everyday as a government for the rich and powerful, now has the audacity to use the law as a weapon against this elderly religious sister,” the Australian nun said.

Fox left the Philippines in November last year after her missionary visa was rejected for renewal and had been downgraded to a tourist visa. She worked as a missionary in the country for 27 years.

Duterte was angered by her so-called political work, accusing the nun of violating a prohibition against foreigners to be involved in partisan activities. (Gaea Katreena Cabico/Philstar.com)

VIRTUAL PAG-IBIG. Acmad Rizaldy Moti (left), Chief Executive Officer of Pag-IBIG Fund; and Eduardo del Rosario, Chairman of Pag-IBIG Fund, lead the launching of the Virtual Pag-IBIG, held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City on Thursday, December 12. Del Rosario said Virtual Pag-IBIG is an online portal of the agency that provides members with more efficient and accessible services aligned with President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s call to make government service responsive to the needs of the public by harnessing technology.

PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan

NEDA: Attaining poverty reduction target already a ‘walk in the park’

by Alexis

RomeRo Philstar.com

Sr. Elenita Belardo posts bail at the Quezon City Metropolitan Trial Court on Wednesday, December 11 for one count of perjury.

Philstar.com photo

Expert says pneumonia still top killer...

PAGE A10 t

of pneumonia-related causes around the world.

In the Philippines, the pediatric death ratio is 23.4 per 100,000. The Philippines is among 15 countries that account for 75 percent, or three-fourths, of childhood pneumonia cases.

“Our children are at risk and vaccination is key,” said Wee. He said a particular vaccine, PCV 13, was found to be effec-

tive against the microbe strains.

The DOH has been using PCV 13 since 2014. Globally, the vaccine is used by 126 out of 159 countries with ongoing national immunization programs. The United States and China are on PCV 13 exclusively.

Since 2015, PCV 13 use globally has been on the rise because of the broader protection it offers and because of findings that preventing deaths actually

saves government more money than if it were to use cheaper vaccines like PCV 10 that do not offer protection against the three strains.

From 2015 to 2019, at least 18 countries introduced PCV13: Spain, Cambodia, Portugal, Solomon Islands, Uzbekistan, Eritrea, Lebanon, Namibia, Mauritius, Algeria, Kyrgyzstan, Iraq, India, Romania, Haiti, Mongolia and Seychelles and Bhutan. n

MANILA — Meeting the administration’s goal to lift six million Filipinos out of poverty by 2022 would just be a “walk in the park,” with the government poised to surpass its poverty reduction goal due to its reforms, the country’s top economist said.

Citing official data, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia said about 5.9 million Filipinos have been lifted out of poverty last year, only about 100,000 shy of its target.

“Actually, we are only about 1.6 percentage point to the 14percent poverty...rate by 2022, midyear. It’s like a walk in the park to reach the 14% by 2022,” Pernia said in a press briefing in Malacañang.

“By next year, we will hit that.

We will exceed...We will have a poverty incidence even lower than 14% by next year if we go by the rate of decline in poverty incidence,” he added.

The Philippine Statistics Authority has reported that poverty incidence in the Philippines dropped to 16.6% 2018 from 23.5% in 2015, with about 5.9 million Filipinos no longer considered poor last year.

However, about 17.6 million

Filipinos remained poor as of last year and about 800,000 families are struggling to buy the right amount of food.

The poor are those who live below the monthly poverty threshold of P10,727 for a family of five.

Pernia said he expects poverty incidence to go down to 11% by 2022.

“If you let poverty incidence which is 16.6% now, drop by 2.23 percentage point a year, then we will hit, I think, something like 11 or even less than that,” the socioeconomic planning secretary said.

Pernia attributed the lower poverty incidence to the lower unemployment rate, which dropped to 4.5% in 2019 from 5.1% last year.

“More jobs (have been) created. I think in between 2018 and 2019 the next employment increase, the net job addition was 1.8 million...So that is one major factor that brought down poverty incidence – that people are having more jobs, so they have incomes,” he said.

Pernia also cited policy reforms such as the conditional cash transfer program, which gives allowances to families who send their children to school and who avail of government health services and cash transfers in-

tended to mitigate the effects of fuel price hikes.

“In addition, I would also cite that we have intensified our family planning program. This program that has been neglected by the previous administrations, but now it is going full steam.

We are providing access to family planning services to women or couples who desire to have fewer children than what they are having,” Pernia added.

‘No frills’ meal Philippine Statistics Authority Assistant Secretary Rosalinda Bautista said about P7,528 of the P10,727 budget requirement for a family of five is set aside to buy food.

The amount can afford scrambled egg, coffee with milk, boiled rice or corn for breakfast, boiled monggo with malunggay, dried dilis, banana and boiled rice or corn for lunch, and fish or boiled pork, a vegetable dish and boiled rice or corn for dinner.

“That is known as basic needs so no frills. No fancy items there...I’m sure many families are subsisting with that kind of budget,” Pernia said.

Bautista said the menu would meet 100% of the energy requirements and 80% of protein, calcium, and iron requirements. n

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SHOWBIZ&STYLE

B

Journal Aga unfazed and unchanged in era of new-age cinema

By Tessa

Mauricio-arriola ManilaTimes.net

Acclaimed film ‘Quezon’s Game’ to be screened in LA Dec. 16-22

CRItICALLy acclaimed during its multi-award-winning festival run and successful May 2019 theatrical release in the Philippines, “Quezon’s Game” will have sneak peak screenings Dec. 16-22 in Los Angeles. there will be three screenings every day from Monday, Dec. 16 to Sunday, Dec. 22 at the Downtown Independent, which can be found at https://quezonsgame. bpt.me/.

“Quezon’s Game” will begin its U.S./Canadian theatrical rollout on Jan. 24, 2020 A true story of Holocaust heroism during World War II in the Philippines by Filipino President Manuel L. Quezon—who rescued as many persecuted Jews as Oskar Schindler at a time when most countries were turning their backs—the release of Quezon’s Game also marks the landmark 75th anniversary on Jan. 27 of the liberation of Auschwitz, the Nazi’s mostnotorious concentration camp.

Once forgotten to history, the incredible tale of what just one man can accomplish when defeat

isn’t an option … a miraculous feat of human triumph.

A Star Cinema/ABS-CBN Film Productions production, in association with iWant and Kinetek, “Quezon’s Game” is the feature film directorial debut of Matthew Rosen (also serving as cinematographer) who has directed television, music videos and more than 700 commercials over 25 years, winning more than 50 international awards. Rosen—a British national residing in the Philippines since 1986—and his Filipino wife, Lorena “Lori” Rosen, who co-produced the film, heard the little-known story of the film from members of the Jewish Association of the Philippines in 2009 and instantly realized they needed to retell this extraordinary and moving story on the big screen.

Comments the director, “I am a Jew who grew up in England and have experienced bigotry, but after 37 years in the Philippines, to this day, I have never come across prejudice, dislike or distrust because I am White or Jewish. I’m pinoy at heart and

this was truly a passion project for me. the story behind Quezon’s Game remains a reflection of the Filipino people today, a warm and welcoming culture.

“In a time of war, when the rest of the world was in despair and apathetic,” Rosen continues, “the Filipino people—who were suffering their own hardships—shed a light on justice and morality to lead others.

Quezon fought a lonely battle for what was right up until his untimely death. the message of this amazing story, which was largely forgotten, is more important than ever to in today’s growing climate of intolerance—and my wife, Lori, and I wanted to tell it. It’s my ‘thank you’ to the Philippines.”

As WWII loomed and the 1930s drew to a close, desperate Jewish refugees seeking to flee German/Austrian ghettos and the escalating atrocities of the Nazi regime found little help from countries around the world.

More than 10,000 miles away, PAGE B2

It’S the sign of the times.

Philippine show business’ golden boy Aga Muhlach is back with an entry to the Metro Manila Film Festival 26 years since he last had a movie in competition —1993’s “May Minamahal” with Aiko Melendez.

For 2019, he’s starring in a remake of a K-Drama [i.e. “Korean Drama” for the benefit of older generation fans of the 50year old actor] via South Korea’s fifth highest grossing full-length movie of all time, 2013’s “Miracle in Cell No. 7.” And since November, the multi-awarded actor has also been receiving endless figures from “Miracle in Cell No. 7’s” social media team

on the number of views the trailers have garnered. “they uploaded a teaser in early November and they were so excited when they told me, ‘three million views na po tayo in just five hours!’ then apparently it doubled to seven million in 16 hours, so they told me that. then 9.6 million in 24 hours, then 18.4 million in two weeks and so on and so forth. Ako naman, naka-smile lang. Kalmado lang. I’d say, ‘Talaga? Ganun ba?’ kasi, ibang iba na nga raw ngayon ang mundo, pati sa pelikula,” he good-naturedly chuckled at the grand media conference of the MMFF bet.

So much has changed indeed since Aga made his very first movie in 1975 (“May Isang tsuAga Muhlach PAGE B3

ABS-CBN photo

Vice and Anne, the merriest of friends

By Tessa

Mauricio-arriola ManilaTimes.net

tHERE’S really no doubt that years of working together on noontime tV program “It’s Showtime” have steeled the bond between widely popular showbiz celebrities Vice Ganda and Anne Curtis. the stories surrounding their very first movie together, Metro Manila Film Festival entry “the Mall the Merrier,” simply underline the fact, in ways the t-Zone will list down for you today.

First off, did you know that it was Vice Ganda — whose MMFF starrers have been the undisputed top grosser from 2013’s “Girl, Boy, Bakla, tomboy” to 2018’s “Fantastika” [save for 2016 when the festival lineup was all indie] — who asked for Anne to be his co-star for the Mall?

“Nung tinatanong na nila ako kung sino naman ang gusto kong makasama sa pelikula this

Vice Ganda and Anne Curtis

year, sabi ko, ‘10th anniversary ng Showtime. Sana dalawa kami ni Anne sa pelikula para kasama din ito sa 10th anniversary celebration namin.’ Kasi noon pa, marami na ring ‘madlang people’ na nagtatanong kung kailan kami gagawa ng pelikula. Pero sabi

ABS-CBN photo

ko din nung nag-co-conceptualize na, parang gusto ko dalawa kaming bida. Parang mali naman kung ako lang, so ako yung nagsuggest na magkapatid nalang kami ni Anne sa storya,” he related.

PAGE B3

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Daniel, Charo to star as mom and son in Typhoon Yolanda movie by

NiĂąa V. GuNo Inquirer.net

A PROJECT starring Daniel Padilla and Charo Santos has finally been confirmed: a film on survival in the aftermath of Supertyphoon Yolanda titled “Whether the Weather Is Fine.�

Pictures of the cast were released on Thursday, December 12, by Dreamscape Entertainment.

Santos and Padilla will play mother and son as they try to survive in the havoc wreaked by the supertyphoon. Actress Francinne Rifol will also star in the film directed by Carlo Francisco Manatad.

Pictures of the set appear to show Santos as a seamstress, while Padilla helps in her shop.

The film has been in development since 2014. It has been part

Francinne Rifol, Charo Santos, Carlo Francisco Manatad and Daniel Padilla Photo from Facebook/@DreamscapePH

of workshops abroad, namely the La Fabrique des Cinema du Monde, the Torino FilmLab and Semaine dela Critique’s Next Step program.

It was previously reported in April that real-life mother and son Sylvia Sanchez and Arjo Atayde would star in the movie.

US-based friends shocked

by Miko’s sudden death ricky lo Philstar.com

by

A FEW hours after what happened, California-based MuĂąoz brothers Leandro and Carlo were sending inquiries on my phone’s Facebook Messenger, “Is it true about Miko?,â€? praying that it wasn’t true.

Their friends in the Philippines told them that, yes, the sad/tragic news was true — Miko Palanca was found dead at a mall somewhere in San Juan City last Sunday. Gone too soon‌at 41. Except for a police report, no other details were released what Miko Palanca (circled, top) and his good friend Leandro Muùoz (circled, bottom) with the other members of Star Circle Batch 8 launched in 1998.

ABS-CBN photo PAGE B4

Acclaimed film ‘Quezon’s Game’ to...

PAGE B1 over weekend poker games at the MalacanaĂąg Palace, prominent Jewish businessman, twofor-a-nickel cigar maker Alex Frieder (Billy Ray Gallion), implored his friend “Manny,â€?

Filipino President Manuel L. Quezon (Raymond Bagatsing), to assist him in establishing asylum for refugees in the tropi-

cal, island country. Also helping devise the dramatic rescue plan was American diplomat Paul V. McNutt (James Paolelli), who labored to overcome oppressive U.S. objections to the plan, imperiling his own political career and presidential aspirations.

Willing to risk it all, it was a moral obligation the Filipino leader was determined to fulfill

‌ despite astronomical obstacles, the Philippines struggling, U.S.-reliant economy and his own gravely failing health due to a relapse of tuberculosis.

Instrumental as well was an ambitious, young U.S. Army Colonel, future president Dwight D. Eisenhower (David Bianco), then chief aide to General Douglas MacArthur, serving in the

Winter Squashes: From Dips to Desserts

By Grace O

Pumpkins are chock full of the FoodTrient carotenoids, which our bodies turn into vitamin A. These nutrients are really good for your skin, hair, eyes, and heart. They also help prevent cancer and support the immune system. Winter squash is also D JRRG VRXUFH RI WKH )RRG7ULHQW Ă&#x20AC; EHU ZKLFK KHOSV to control the appetite and is good for the digestive tract At this time of the year, pumpkin pie is very popular. Since I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t love pumpkin, I make a pie with a combination of fruit, such as apple, and pumpkin. Here are several ways to incorporate pumpkins and other squashes into your diet: SNACKS Â&#x2021; )RU D PLG PRUQLQJ VQDFN , VOLFH SXPSNLQ spice bread, toast the slices, and spread them with apple butter or cream cheese. Â&#x2021; <RX FDQ EX\ VTXDVK FKLSV DW D QHDUE\ 7KDL PDUNHW RU PDNH WKHP DW KRPH SHHO GH VHHG DQG slice raw Hubbard squash on a mandolin or other food slicer and lay the chips on a greased baking sheet in a single layer. Then set your oven to its lowest setting (200 degrees or so), and let the chips dry out in the oven overnight. A light sprinkling of VHD VDOW ZLOO UHDOO\ EULQJ RXW WKHLU Ă DYRU LUNCH Â&#x2021; ,I \RX SUHIHU WR PDNH D SXUH VTXDVK VRXS VWHDP

or boil butternut squash (without the rind or seeds) and blend with salt, a bit of balsamic vinegar or soy sauce, and some chicken or vegetable stock (to thin it out). A spoonful or two of yogurt smoothes the tastes of this soup nicely. Top with croutons or toasted pumpkin seeds. For a spicier dish, stir in a sprinkling of cayenne pepper and/or paprika.

DINNER Â&#x2021; )RU GLQQHU VWLU IU\ RQH LQFK FXEHV RI DFRUQ squash, chopped kale, olive oil, garlic, onions, and freshly grated gingerâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;you can add string beans and scallions, tooâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;in peanut oil for 7â&#x20AC;&#x201C;10 minutes, RU XQWLO FULVS WHQGHU 7R PDNH WKH VDXFH PL[ R\VWHU VDXFH DQG FRUQVWDUFK DQG DGG LW WR WKH VWLU IU\ QHDU the end of cooking. This dish is wonderful topped with seared beef or fried tofu and served over brown rice.

DESSERT Â&#x2021; )RU D FDURWHQRLG ULFK GHVVHUW XVH FXEHV RI pumpkin or almost any winter squash without its VHHGV RU ULQG , ERLO WKH FXEHV LQ D PL[WXUH RI HTXDO parts sugar and water (a simple syrup, really) until tender, 10â&#x20AC;&#x201C;15 minutes. Then I serve it with butter and maybe a sprinkling of cinnamon.

There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the IUXLWV RI WKH IDOO HYHQ IRU D QRQ SXPSNLQ ORYHU OLNH me!

ABOUT GRACE O

GRACE O is the creator of FoodTrients, a unique program for optimizing wellness and longevity. She is the author of two award-winning cookbooksâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;The Age Gracefully Cookbook and The Age Beautifully Cookbook, which recently won Gourmandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Best in the Worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Award for Innovation. She is a fusion chef with a mission to deliver delicious recipes built on a foundation of anti-aging science and her 20 years in the healthcare industry.

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

Part III: A pilgrimage to Central Europe DAY 4 marked the first long distance land trip we had from Bratislava to Budapest, Hungary. En route, we stopped at Pannonhalma Abbey, a Benedictine monastery established in 996 which was visited by Pope John Paul II on its 1,000th anniversary celebration. Apart from being a secondary school and a theological institute, the monastery is also home to 70 monks. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s interesting to note, as explained by our tour guide, that the Benedictine order was created by the Catholics to counter the growth of Protestant Calvinism which was then gaining much influence in Europe.

As we continued our trip, we had a few stops in some rest areas to have stretches and lunch. We also enjoyed the countryside in Hungary, which is just as impressive as the capital city, holding many scenic destinations with its natural beauty.

Around 6:00 p.m., we arrived at our hotel to check in and

savor another full course meal prepared for us by the hotel.

After dinner, we joined the popular and alluring Danube River Cruise. Despite the cold evening, it was a moment to remember, with the glittering lights outlining the beauty of the buildings along both sides of the riverbank. After our one hour cruise, we headed back to the hotel to sleep in preparation for another adventure the next day.

Budapest, believed to be one of the most beautiful and fascinating cities in Europe, is composed of two district cities.

It sits high on the western bank and is the site of the Hapsburg palace, while Pest is flat, busy, and most populous; located on the eastern bank. We started the day with a visit to Gellert Cave Church, which can be found in a cave called St. Ivanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cave, named after a hermit who lived there and healed people. The Shrine belongs to the Hungarian Pauline Order.

Afterwards, we began our guided tour with a visit to Gellert Hill, and continued to the

Philippines, a U.S. territory at a time when Filipinos (even diplomats and officials), like African-Americans, were required to use â&#x20AC;&#x153;Coloredâ&#x20AC;? bathrooms at the White House.

Although Quezonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s intent to rescue 10,000 Jews was abruptly curtailed by the Dec. 8, 1941 invasion and three-year occupa-

tion of his country by the Japanese, he, his wife, Aurora (Rachel Alejandro), and daughter, Baby (Kate Alejandrino), succeeded against all odds to welcome more than 1,200 refugees, initially housing them on his own familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s property, Marikina estate. Yet in his final days in 1944, as president in U.S. exile,

by Emil

PErito

Castle district of Buda where many of Budapestâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sights are concentrated such as Mathias Church and the Fishermanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bastion. Inside we saw the reconstructed Royal Palace, as well as many shops, museums, and restaurants.

We also had a chance to see the unbeatable views of the Danube and Pest with Hungaryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ornate parliament building, prominently situated on the opposite bank of the river we saw during the evening cruise. We capped off the tour with a two-hour visit to the Central Market for lunch where we ate the traditional dish, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hungarian Goulash.â&#x20AC;?

We also did some last minute shopping before returning to the hotel.

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

(Advertising Supplement)

he regretfully turned to Aurora and asked, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Could I have done more?â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Quezonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gameâ&#x20AC;? runs 126 minutes in English and Tagalog (with English subtitles). For theater locations when it opens in the U.S. on Jan. 24, visit https:// www.quezonsgame.com/screening.

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Caroline Bowman as Elsa in the “Frozen” North American tour.

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 14-17, 2019

Photos by Deen van Meer

Now at the Pantages, the ‘Frozen’ musical doesn’t fail to warm hearts by

Christina M. Oriel AJPress

EVER since the Disney movie “Frozen” came out in 2013, everyone has sung along and learned the words to songs like “Let it Go” or “Do You Want To Build a Snowman?” Six years later, one may assume that we’d collectively be tired of these tunes.

The Broadway production of “Frozen” has made its way to Los Angeles’ Pantages and judging by the enthusiasm of the crowd on opening night, that’s not the case.

The story of princess sisters Elsa (Caroline Bowman) and Anna (Caroline Innerbichler), their band of friends like the magical snowman Olaf (F. Michael Haynie) and Kristoff (Mason Reeves), and the musical numbers along the way are still as captivating as ever.

The cast is also comprised of Austin Colby (Bowman’s husband) as Hans, Jeremy Morse as Weselton, Collin Baja and Evan Strand alternating as Sven, as well as Stella Cobb (Young Anna), Alyssa Kim (Young Elsa), Jaiden Klein (Young Elsa), and Arwen MonzonSanders (Young Anna).

The songs you know from the original Oscar-winning film are still very much central to the story, plus an expanded score with a dozen new numbers by the film’s songwriters, Oscar winner Kristen Anderson-Lopez and EGOT winner Robert Lopez. Joining them on a creative team that has won a cumulative 16 Tony Awards are Oscar winner Jennifer Lee (book), Tony and Olivier Award winner Michael Grandage (director), and Tony winner Rob Ashford (choreographer).

Whether you’ve seen the animated “Frozen” film once or hundreds of times, the stage production does not fail to enchant. The elaborate stage design and effects bring the kingdom of Arendalle to life and transform it into an eternal winter. You can’t help but watch in the moment and literally let go of anticipating what comes next

A 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 PHILIPPINES 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 petition 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 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 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. Watch 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 TFC. (Advertising Supplement)

Vice and Anne, the merriest of...

PAGE B1 It’s no wonder then that the top comedian is extra protective of Anne these days, after learning with the rest of the world she was already five months pregnant in November. Along with the rest of the cast, Vice was stunned to learn about the 34-year-old’s delicate condition when they had Caroline Innerbichler (Anna), Caroline Bowman (Elsa), and the Company of the “Frozen” shot very physical scenes for “The North American tour.

Mall” beforehand.

As director Barry Gonzalez described during the movie’s grand media launch this week, “Wala pong sinabi sa amin si Anne na buntis na siya. Meron kasi kaming isang eksena na puro aksyon — nagliliparan sila, ipinasok siya ni Ganda sa loob ng basurahan and ginawa naman niya. Pumasok siya sa loob ng basurahan at hindi namin alam na buntis na siya!”

“Pero alam na pala niya!”

Vice stepped in. “Tapos, hindi niya inaamin. But there was one instance we were in her dressing room tapos kumakain ako. Siya naman, biglang nagpalit ng damit tapos sabi ko, ‘Oh my God!’.”

Collin Baja (Sven) and F. Michael Haynie (Olaf) of the “Frozen” North American tour.

The comedian was shocked in Forever,” her duet with Hans not because Anne changed her in the story.

One particular question was in “Love Is An Open Door,” and clothes in front of him but behow the character of Olaf would Elsa’s climactic “Monster” in Act cause he noticed her breasts translate on stage. He’s a puppet Two. looked bigger. Vice even teased The musical comes to LA at the the wife of two years now [Anne’s voiced by Haynie and while it can be a off-putting at first wondering right time of year as the temperawhether to stare at the puppet or tures drop and the holidays will the man himself, Olaf still comes bring together family, reminding across as the comedic and naive, us that an act of true love — the yet lovable snowman that is a everlasting bond between Elsa and “little bit of Anna and a little bit Anna is seemingly more relatable and stronger seeing real people of Elsa.”

The end of Act One culminates act it out — can thaw a frozen in the iconic “Let It Go” number heart.

“Frozen” will be at the Panwith Elsa recognizing and owning her special icy powers. Right tages until February 2, 2020 with before our eyes, she switches into performances Tuesday to Friday her sparkly baby blue gown. It’s at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m. and one of the moments that makes the 8 p.m., and Sundays at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Children ages 6 and up.

“Frozen” musical worth seeing.

Other standout numbers in- All patrons must have a ticket, clude Anna’s “For The First Time regardless of age.

Aga unfazed and unchanged...

PAGE B1 per ng Taksi”) as a six-year-old actor, rocketed in the ‘80s as the hottest matinee idol (“Bagets,” “Miguelito: Batang Rebelde”) in showbiz, and conquered the ‘90s as the most defining leading man of his generation. All that time, never had he have to do a remake of a foreign movie, and the same can be said in the 2000s when he significantly cut back on showbiz commitments in order to spend more time with his family.

From 2002 to 2018 — which includes his five-year hiatus from filming in 2012 to 2017 — Aga still starred in all-original titles even if he only agreed to a single movie a year.

Amid the signs of the times, The T-Zone wondered how the prolific and perennial box-office actor feels. For back in the ‘90s and even the early part of this century, who would have thought Filipinos would be so addicted to Hallyu [the Korean Wave] that TV networks and such an established movie company as Viva Entertainment would be compelled to do remakes of K-Dramas and K-Movies like they’re doing now?

And then there’s social media. Has Aga ever had to rely on “views” or “hits” for an idea how his movie will do at the tills?

Negative.

“Everything is very different today, the movies included,” Aga acknowledged. “But for me, I don’t feel weird about it or pressured over hits or views because para sa akin as an actor, walang nag-iba. I’m 50 now but I’m still as passionate about acting as I was decades ago, or nung huling nagka-MMFF entry ako almost 30 years ago.

“Yes, I know ‘Miracle in Cell No. 7’ is a remake but we owned it. When we went to work as actors every day, we didn’t think or

feel we were doing a remake but a beautiful story based on the script. Our writer Mel MendozaDel Rosario adapted it from the Korean movie with the Filipino culture, sentiments and setting in mind and Nuel Crisostomo Naval directed us based on that.

It’s a beautiful story of a father and daughter and how their love for each other changed even hardened criminals. Kaya ito talaga, hindi masasayang ang ibabayad ng tao sa sinehan kapag nanood sila.”

Gr aded A by t he Ci nema Evaluation Board and rated General Patronage by the MTRCB, Aga plays Joselito, a mentally-ill man who is wrongfully charged of sexually assaulting and murdering a little girl who happens to be the daughter of a highrank ing off icial (Tirso Cr uz 3rd). Joselito has a very loving daughter himself, named Yesha (Xia Vigor), who is left with no one when he is jailed.

In all his innocence, Joselito yearns to be with Yesha and have her stay with him in prison. And with his fellow inmates softening up to this pure-hearted man, they device a plan to smuggle his young daughter inside the cell.

Once there, Yesha happily reunited with her dad, brings out the best in the convicted criminals who share their cell, forming a bond with all of them that lives on years later when, already as a lawyer (Bela Padilla), she is determined to clear her father’s name.

With a couple of previews already held for “Miracle,” reactions to the heart tugging movie have been overwhelmingly positive. In fact, Aga was so humbled to share how the country’s top cinema exhibitors who attended the first special screening gave him a standing ovation the moment he stepped into the theater at the end of the movie.

B

Palpably excited over t he initial response, the huge “netizenry” this side of the world included, Aga only feels immense gratitude that over four decades since making his first film, a movie like “Miracle” had still been offered to him and that the public is returning his excitement and looking forward to seeing him back on the big screen.

“That’s how I see those views and hits, kaya talagang grateful lang ako na mapasama itong pelikula namin sa mga pinagkakaguluhan ng mga artista ngayon, li ke sina Vice (Ganda), sina Coco (Martin), sina Vic Sotto.

Pinangarap ko yon kaya masaya lang ako that I also get to experience that sa MMFF ngayon,” the two-time MMFF Best Actor (“May Minamahal,” “Bakit Labis Kitang Mahal”) added ever so humbly.

And with the topic of winning Best Actor this year inescapable for Aga, he chuckled again and said it’s the farthest thing from his mind.

“Even before when I was younger, when they’d pit me with other actors for awards, I’d always say that when I act, I just give [every role] my all because it’s my passion. I never pressured myself with the idea of awards in any of my movies.

And up to now, sabi ko nga I’m still the same. Tuwing na lang may bagong artista, sa akin ikukumpara, iku- compete sa akin, pero ganun pa rin ako,” he explained in earnest.

Then with a sudden glint in his eye, the irreplaceable golden boy of Philippine Cinema teased, “Pero kung manalo, mag-papavictory party ako!”

“Miracle in Cell No. 7” opens on Christmas Day, and also stars John Arcilla, Joel Torre, JC Santos, Mon Confiado, Jojit Lorenzo and Soliman Cruz.

married restaurateur and food blogger Erwan Heussaff on November 12, 2017] he thought she was lactating if he didn’t know better.

“Sabi ko, ‘Bakit ang laki?’” he laughed at the recollection. “Ang sabi lang niya niya, ‘Eh, di’ba, Sis, nakita mo, kain tayo nang kain?

Kaya tumataba ako.’ So ako naman, ‘Ah, OK.’ Naniwala naman ako sa kanya pero ‘yon pala buntis na siya talaga.”

Vice made sure to clarify he wasn’t slighted in the least Anne kept her condition a secret and understood that the actress and her husband had agreed on the timing of their announcement.

“Gusto nila, sabay-sabay nating ma-experience iyong pagre-reveal,” he elaborated.

Given that Anne is now going into her third trimester and tired from a recent break she and Erwan took abroad recently, Vice has protectively excused her from joining the movie’s hectic promotion schedule.

“Ayoko rin naman siyang obligahin although lagi siyang nagtatanong, ‘Sis, kailangan mo ba ako dyan?’ Sabi ko naman, ‘Siyempre mas gusto ng tao nandito ka pero mas OK na magpahinga ka.’ Kasi, first baby

eh, at baby naming lahat yon.

Malaking suwerte na sa aming lahat na kasama namin si Anne Curtis sa pelikulang ito,” he touchingly said.

Practically like siblings for their love and concern for one another, Vice and Anne ironically portray enemies in The Mall the Merrier. In this co-production between ABS-CBN Films-Star Cinema and Viva Entertainment, they play estranged and warring “sisters,” Moira and Morissette Molina, respectively. They come face to face again when, after their parents die in a plane crash, they find out that only one of them will inherit the family’s aging mall, depending on who succeeds in the challenge.

Helping Vice and Anne bring on the laughs throughout the movie —“Kaya nga merrier di’ba?’ the comedian quipped — are young stars Elise Joson and Jameson Blake, Kapamilya hunk Tony Labrusca and the teleserye scene’s favorite kontrabida Dimples Romana, as well as MC Calaquian, Lassy Marquez, Brendamage, Petite, Chad Kinis, Miel Espinoza, Majo: The “You Do Note” Girl, Carlo “Gigil Kid” Mendoza, “Ate Girl” Jackie Gonzaga and Ion Perez.

B DECEMBER 14-17, 2019 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

US-based friends shocked...

PAGE B2 led to Miko’s death.

Leandro and Carlo migrated to the States 16 years ago. Carlo is married to actress Enid Reyes with whom he has three children and Leandro to Sheryl EsperoMuñoz who is giving birth to their first child in February next year. (Leandro has a grown-up daughter with a former girlfriend.)

Miko’s death came as a shock.

A member of the Star Circle

Batch 8 with Leandro, launched in 1998, Miko appeared in a few Star Cinema movies and several Kapamilya TV shows (It Might Be You, Lumayo Ka Man sa Akin, Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay, etc.). Until that fateful Sunday, Miko had stayed away from the limelight.

“When I think of Miko (he preferred to be called that, instead of Mico),” Leandro said in an e-mail message to Funfare, “it brings back beautiful memo-

ries I had when I was in showbiz.

We first met in 2000 when I was doing acting workshop for Talent Center’s Star Circle Batch 8.

We totally hit it off immediately.

We were inseparable! We were best friends. I knew all his secrets and he knew mine. There were two people in showbiz that I called true friends, Miko and Rico. Both gone too soon.”

Rico was Rico Yan who died in his sleep in 2002 while on a Lenten vacation in Palawan. (Incidentally, it’s sad to recall that another Miko…Miko Sotto…also died in tragic circumstances in December 2003, the same month FPJ died [Dec. 14]. Sigh, what is it about December that makes it such tragic month?)

Continued Leandro, “I went back to showbiz in 2011 and immediately I made sure I saw Miko. He even stayed with me at my pad for a few months until I went back to the US. Miko was a very smart, happy and sensitive person. He was vulnerable and some people took advantage of his vulnerability but he did not let it affect him because that’s the kind of guy ‘jude’ (we called each other dude or jude) was.

There was never a dull moment with him. He was a good actor, a good businessman. I will miss him. Rest in peace now, my brother Miko.”

In a Viber message, Carlo recalled his happy days with Miko.

“There were a lot of fun memories I treasure with Miko.

We spent a lot of time together ‘coz we had so much time in our hands right about the time we were starting our careers in showbiz. He was a Ladies’ Man. He dated the prettiest and the hottest models of our time.

(Note: One of Miko’s girlfriends at that time was Bea Alonzo.)

“The most unforgettable memory was when we went to Boracay for a promo tour for a new cell phone. He originally didn’t want to go but he ended up coming with me. Siya ang nag-enjoy the most in that trip.

He met this very attractive commercial model sa Boracay.

It’s one of those experiences you dream about…meeting a beautiful woman on the beach, only Miko could pull that off.

He was a very fun person to be with. He will be missed by the people who love him. The news about his death is devastating PAGE B5

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My Christmas box

Moonlighting

by Mylah de

leon

IN both fiction and reportage, I’ve always made known that the winding down of autumn and ushering of winter puts me in a heavy and philosophical mood.

I’m thinking about the deep and very private personal needs of people. A need that when met, gives us a sense of well being, one of them the best Christmas gift we could give, or perhaps receive.

Once it was just an ordinary Christmas box, decorated and given to me by my eldest daughter. But soon, it became the repository of other relics, sacred and outrageous, given to me by the other three. It became my treasure box where I kept my camphor hope chest.

Its components were standard — four coloring papers, orange, red, blue and green; wrappers of Toblerone, some little crooked white hearts with scribbles on it, and four crayons (short, fat, thin and thick). This white box was held together by a lot of white paste, smeared with chocolate and wrapped in a Christmas wrapper. IT also contained a handmade rosary that glowed in the dark, a match, a golf ball, and a dried up frog!

Anyway, my Christmas box isn’t looking too good now. It is a little shriveled and moldy where the chocolate and chewing gum (used as hairclip by the youngest) run together. IF you lift the cover, however, anyone will realize why I kept it and took it with me in every place I’ve lived.

On folded, faded, and fragile pieces of large lined school papers were words “hello, Mami,” “Hapi Valemstimes,” and a whole lot of “I love you,” and “Meri Christmas.” It had snap shots of their first splash on the deep waters of Hong Kong Seiko Beach as I gasped from a nearby yacht, clutching the loving hands of their grandmother.

As they grew older, when overcome by joy, anger, feeling neglected or abused or whenever emotions ran high; someone is apt to put pen to paper and vent.

“Why can’t I bring Papa’s horse to school as my pet?”

“Please don’t forget to come to my Christmas party or I’ll be “ulila” (orphan) was a note pinned on the Christmas baby’s chest, as I looked in one night coming from a late presscon dinner.

“Ate stayed on the phone for 19 minutes, please don’t tell anybody, even papa.” “Mamatay

The Christmas box

ang mauna sa peanut butter!

(Death to the first one, who gets to the peanut butter).”

“Thank you for letting me wear your red taffeta but forgive me for sleeping on ‘Porgy and Bess,’” was a note tied with four tickets from Radio City.

There were cut out menus from Broadway tickets and playbills and Niagara Falls handmade post card, autographed picture of Joseph in his Technicolor cape. I have counted them more than once. Also, scrawled in several places were names they called themselves – Wonder Woman, Sleeping Beauty, Cockroach, and MusMus. The treasures of the Pirates of the Caribbean are nothing on the face of this.

Does anyone have in his house that magic of the unexplained joy that envelopes you when you need it most? Like an evidence of love in its most uncomplicated and trustworthy state? One can live a whole lifetime, and you may receive Christmas gifts of great value and beauty, or experience tremendous love; but you will never believe in it quite as much as when I look inside that Christmas box. It makes this world with so much pain, stress and mess; go round the ride and be worth all the trouble.

The four girls are all grown up now. They still love me, though it is harder at times to get direct evidence. You see, it is a love that is complicated by age and knowledge, confusing values and the men daughters marry (creatures called sons-in-law).

Love, to be sure, but no longer simple. The love of grown up children, is not something you can put inside that magic Christmas box.

That magic box is now nestled in my favorite suitcase. Nobody knows it is there, except me. It is a talisman: like a kind of cairn to memory and I think about it each morning as I dress. This Christmas box was what flashed in my mind, one sad day in spring, when like some horror movie in slow motion. My piercing, helpless wail ripped the night as I saw the huge and heavy ceiling length entertainment center, crashing down on me, shattering my leg, but not my spirit.

Once in a while, I take it out and open it. Nothing can match the joy and bliss it gives me.

And it makes me lift my eyes heaven ward in praise of the wonders of the Lord. It is something I can touch and hold and believe in, especially when love gets difficult and there are no longer the small hands around my neck.

My gentle reader will perhaps find this piece as the worst kind a simpleminded heart and ranting mothers drivel on what the best Christmas gift one could hope for.

But the truth is, no mood rings or mantra can soothe me more than gazing at its contents. It stands for my kind of glorious peace like no one else could have. *** E-mail Mylah at moonlightingmdl@aol. com.

Megan cheers on Michelle for Miss World 2019 by

Ryan aRcadio Inquirer.net

MISS World 2013 Megan Young expressed her support for fellow beauty queen Michelle Dee, days before the latter is set to vie for the Miss World 2019 crown on Dec. 14.

The beauty queens were reunited at the Beauty with a Purpose (BWAP) Charity Gala Dinner in London, United Kingdom, as seen in Miss World Philippines’ Instagram page on Wednesday, December 11.

Young donned a nude-toned dress, with an intricate pattern of colorful flowers sewn onto it, and large puffy sleeves.

Meanwhile, Dee stunned in a strapless white gown designed

by Albert Andrada.

Dur ing the ev ent , De e ’ s BWAP video for autism awareness landed in the top 20 of the program. Dee also secured a Top 40 spot in the competition when she won her Head-to-Head challenge. In the said challenge, the candidates were divided into groups of five or six members and had to answer questions from the reigning Miss World, Vanessa Ponce.

Miss World 2013 Megan Young with Miss World Philippines 2018 Michelle Dee. Photo courtesy of MWP

Young reiterated her support for Dee in her Instagram Stories, as she reminded her fans and followers to vote for Dee before the Miss World coronation night.

She also described the aspiring Miss World as a “beautiful soul,” as seen in a separate post.

Should Dee win the presti-

gious crown, she would be the second Filipina to achieve the feat. Young was crowned Miss World in 2013 when the pageant was held in Bali, Indonesia.

Dee was crowned Miss World Philippines 2019 earlier this September at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City. She is the daughter of Miss International 1979 Melanie Marquez.

Bono salutes journalists, activists, volunteers at 2019 Philippine concert

by Jan

Milo SeveRo Philstar.com

MANILA — Irish rock band U2 has honored Red Cross volunteers, journalists and activists at the Philippine leg of their world tour, “The Joshua Tree Tour” promoted by MMI Live and held in Philippine Arena in Bulacan.

During the concert, frontman Bono asked concertgoers to include volunteers, journalists and activists in their prayers. In a Zipline press conference the Scenes from U2’s ‘The Joshua Tree Tour’ at the Philippine Arena last Wednesday, December PAGE B5 11.

Philstar.com ploys by Jan Milo Severo

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 14-17, 2019

B

Joyce gets her first kiss from new Filipino Vincent Bueno to represent hubby on their wedding day Austria in Eurovision Song Contest FILIPINO singer Vincent Bueno was chosen to represent Austria in the Eurovision Song Contest in the Netherlands in 2020, according to the event’s official website.

Bueno, who was born in Vienna in 1985, won the talent show Musical! Die Show in Austria in 2008. Before that, Bueno opened a Sarah Geronimo concert in Vienna.

He was part of the ABSCBN talent show ASAP between 2010 and 2012, where he sang alongside Jovit Baldivino, Gary Valenciano, Enchong Dee, Toni Gonzaga, Jed Madela, Bugoy Drilon, Erik Santos, Billy Crawford, and Spongecola.

Bueno will sing the song “Alive” in the contest, which will be held in Rotterdam, Netherlands. (Aric John Sy Cua/ManilaTimes.net)

by Lhar

Santiago ManilaTimes.net

EVEN during her “Tween Hearts” days, actress Joyce Ching always said she’d like to be married before she reached the age of 25. She was also vocal about her desire to marry a man after God’s heart.

Now 24, both her wishes have come true as Joyce walked down the aisle on December 8 to marry a God-fearing man named Kelvin Alimon. Like his bride, Kelvin wished to glorify the Lord with his choice for a wife.

Joyce and Kevin’s big day was a simple but beautiful Christian wedding held at Infinity Garden in Baguio City. The GMA Network artist was the picture of a radiant bride as she made her way toward her waiting groom.

Midway along the aisle, Joyce’s parents met her and joined her for the rest of the march. She was all smiles at the sight of her mom and dad, but at the very same moment the lovely bride also started to cry.

“Even before the ceremony, I knew I wouldn’t be able to control my tears. But they’re happy tears; I’m happy God heard my prayers,” Joyce told Showbuzz later that evening.

As for their love story, Joyce and Kevin first met at the Victory Christian Fellowship Church where they’re both members quite a while back.

They became close initially, but lost communication for some four years. All the same, it was still at a VCF activity where they crossed paths again and developed deeper a connection.

From the start, Kevin was already smitten by Joyce’s charm.

But even if he felt he had found the girl he wanted to marry, he sought a sign from the Heavens first.

“I’ve been praying even before I started pursuing her because I already knew I wanted to marry her,” Kevin shared.

Little did he know by then that Joyce was already sensing he was the man she had been praying for: “When he laid down his intentions for me, parang kasama na talaga sa plans to get married. It was a relationship na hindi lang pang-boyfriendgirlfriend. So even before I said

Joyce Ching with husband Kevin Linamon

yes to him, inisip ko na kung kaya ko siyang pakasalan in the future.”

The wedding was officiated

by Pastor Paolo Punzalan, son of the late Helen Vela, who talked about commitment and love.

Meanwhile, those who witnessed the simple but meaningful rites included Kapuso stars and bigwigs, all happy for Joyce and Kevin.

Dingdong Dantes, Gina Alajar and Vic Del Rosario of GMA Artist Center all stood as sponsors.

Alden Richards was the Bible bearer, while Thea Tolentino and Julien Lee were bridesmaids.

Also spotted were Janine Gutierrez, Mikoy Morales and Rita Daniela who are all Joyce’s close friends.

At the end of the ceremony, when Pastor Paolo told Kevin he may kiss his bride, the newlyweds seemed to freeze even as they couldn’t stop smiling at each other. In fact, it took half a minute before the groom planted a light kiss on Joyce’s lips.

Apparently, their wedding kiss was actually their very first!

According to the two, they had agreed not to kiss until they were married in order to keep everything in their relationship pure.

Photo from Instagram/@kevinlinamon

“Actually, hindi naman rule na no kissing,” Kevin explained.

“We just tried our best not to so our love will remain pure before the Lord. That’s also the reason why we never traveled together because we might be tempted to kiss, which could lead to other things.”

Excitedly, he added, “But finally, this is the right time for me to travel with her! Ngayon na so no babies muna so we can enjoy being together first.”

As for Joyce’s career, she told Showbuzz she will continue to act and will in fact soon return to the set of Ken Chan and Rita Daniela’s toprating rom-com, “One Of The Baes.”

“We’ve already talked about it. I’ll continue with my acting career since I’ve just signed a new contract with GMA,” she shared.

In response, Kevin said, “I’m fine with it because it’s her passion. I will support her and she can keep acting even when she grows old as long as she still wants to. I will always be here supporting her and cheer for her.”

To Joyce and Kevin, you truly are meant for each other.

Wishing you more blessings in your new life as husband and wife!

Vincent Bueno

Photo from Instagram/@officialvincentbueno

US-based friends shocked...

PAGE B4 and heartbreaking.”

Here’s the official statement from the Palanca family (including Miko’s brother, Bernard a.k.a. BJ, and their twice-widowed mom Pita Revilla who was in the States when the incident happened): We are extremely saddened by the sudden passing of our beloved brother, Miko 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 through this very difficult time. Again, we appreciate all the love and support — thank you so much. — Pita, Lisa, Bernard, Erika, Martin and Santi Johnny Revilla, Miko’s uncle, obliged Funfare with the following statement: Miko was always an intense, quiet boy. He loved to follow his “big kuya” BJ. The two of them were inseparable and were

naughty together because BJ was the promoter. They once stood on top of the stairs and made peepee just to see it flow down the stairs.

As he got older and started to be his own person and was basically on his own, yet ready with a smile. He was a reluctant actor because he was basically shy. Still, he did have the looks and potential to be a good actor. Through it all, he loved his family very much…we will miss him terribly.

Bono salutes journalists, activists...

PAGE B4 other day, Bono shared that his concert was free for Red Cross volunteers and if not a singer, he would probably be a journalist.

“Red Cross is in the house tonight, volunteers. Let’s keep them in our prayers, the ones who keep us safe from physical harm,” Bono said.

“Also in our prayers, let’s keep the journalists, the truth-tellers, the activists who keep this country spiritually safe. We salute you. Truth-tellers, everyday heroes. Let’s see our lights, let’s see out stars in the middle of the

sky,” he added.

Bono’s statement comes on the same day it was reported that government officials and uniformed personnel were linked to at least 69 attacks and threats against journalists recorded since President Rodrigo Duterte assumed office, according to a report of a network of media organizations.

U2, composed of Bono, guitarist David Evans, bass Adam Clayton and drummer Larry Mullen Jr, was in the country for the first time since the band started in 1976.

Bono thanked Filipinos for their patience as they played the band’s greatest hits in four decades, including, “With or Without You,” “Bullet the Blue Sky,” “Desire,” “Elevation,” “Where The Streets Have No Name,” and “Sunday Bloody Sunday,” to name a few.

“Thank you, Manila for your patience. I know it’s taken a while getting in the arena tonight. It took us four decades, but we feel very welcome. And this is for sure gonna be the best show we ever play in Manila,” Bono said.

B DECEMBER 14-17, 2019 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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COMMUNITY Journal

Simbang Gabi 2019: ‘Come and celebrate as we encounter Christ; For we are one body’

LOS ANGELES: The Filipino Ministry of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles is now preparing for its annual Simbang Gabi celebration, which will be held on Sunday, December 15, 2019 at 6:30 PM. The liturgy will be held at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, located at 555 West Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012.

This year’s theme,”Halina’t Magdiwang sa Ating Pakikipagtagpo kay Kristo; Dahil Tayo ay Isang Katawan” (“Come and Celebrate as We Encounter Christ; For We are One Body”) was selected and agreed upon by parish representatives from the all over the San Fernando Pastoral Region. The Mass will be concelebrated by the bishops and priests of our archdiocese with the principal celebrant, his Excellency, Most Rev. Jose H. Gomez, D.D., Archbishop of Los Angeles.

The San Fernando Region is leading and organizing this year’s event. Chairperson Raymond De Guzman and ViceChair Patty Santiago are coordinating the preparations with the advice and support of Rev. Fr. Albert H. Avenido, Chaplain and Moderator of the Filipino Ministry of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. The celebration will again include the procession of Parols (star lanterns) which is a tradition that Filipino faithful from different parishes, Catholic organizations, civic, government and non-governmental organizations throughout Los Angeles continue to observe and enjoy. The parols will be blessed at the conclusion of the Mass and sent forth to the different parishes that will be celebrating Simbang Gabi for the next nine mornings or eight evenings leading to Christmas.

All participating parishes will have its in-parish coordinator submit their Simbang Gabi schedule for publication. Attendees to our Simbang Gabi are encouraged to wear Filipiniana to signify the beauty of our cultural tradition. We encourage Kababayans to attend and bring the youth, the next generation of faithful! Simbang Gabi is one of the longest and most powerful

celebrations in the lives of Filipinos and Americans of Filipino descent. We invite everyone to this joyous event, to prepare ourselves spiritually for Christmas and experience community solidarity. Mabuhay!

For more information, please

call or send an e-mail to: Raymond De Guzman, Chairperson of Simbang Gabi 2019, Phone: (818) 634-8664, E-mail: rdeguzman1317@verizon.net or Patty Santiago- Vice- Chair, Phone: (818) 472-4288, E-mail: piesan@ hotmail.com n

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 14-17, 2019

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C DECEMBER 14-17, 2019 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Debt problems: Can filing bankruptcy change your life for the better?

ARE you overwhelmed with debt problems that seem insurmountable? Are you starting to feel hopeless about your financial future and thinking you’ll never get ahead?

You may be at a critical point in your life where the decisions you make at this very moment will determine the kind of life you will have in the next few years.

So it’s important that you make the right choices.

A famous author said: “It is in those moments of decision that our destiny is shaped”. I think what this means is that the decisions we make in life are so powerful and regardless of whether you realize it or not, you are constantly creating results in your life, good or bad, at every single moment. You are literally the creator of your destiny. The path you take, whether right or wrong will take you to a certain destination. Are you on the right path?

Filing for bankruptcy when you are in debt may seem like a drastic step but when appropriate for your situation, it may be just what you need to do a complete turnaround and get back on track. If your debt problems are making you very insecure about your financial future, the fresh

The Prophetic Voice reVerend rodel G. BAlAGtAS AS many of you know, I spent five years working in seminary to train future priests. A big part of my job, which I enjoyed most, was visiting and evaluating seminarians on their year of supervised parish internship.

In my visits to our seminarian-interns, I didn’t only look for zeal, compassion, holiness, and maturity in our candidates for the priesthood. I also looked for a joyful spirit.

Do they manifest genuine joy to serve God and his people?

Is this joy coming from a pure heart that is free from the obsession with self-glory or positions?

Do they see celibacy as a gift that would allow them to serve God’s people freely and joyfully?

I would always remind myself of Pope Francis’ advice to semi-

Minding Your Finances Atty. rAyMond BulAon financial start provided by our bankruptcy laws can put you on the road to financial recovery so that you can start building wealth again instead of accumulating debts. If your life is out of control, only you can regain control of your circumstances by exercising your power of decision.

No one can do this for you. As a bankruptcy attorney, I tell my clients that my job is to help them understand their options but ultimately, they are responsible for the decisions that they make.

The people who understand this are the ones who come out of bankruptcy successfully over a very short period of time. Before long, they move on to bigger and better things in life. They understand the power of decision.

The refusal to decide is also a decision in itself. By refusing to decide what kind of life you want to have, you have made the deci-

sion to leave everything to chance and be a victim of circumstances.

Don’t let this happen to you.

There is power in decisionmaking. If you are burdened with financial problems, find out what options you have available and decide once and for all to get out of debt as soon as possible. If you can get out of debt without filing for Bankruptcy, decide on what strategy to use to accomplish your objective. If Bankruptcy is your only solution, however, perhaps you also need to decide that this is what you must do to change your life for the better. Seek legal help as soon as possible.

Call my office now at Toll-Free 1-866-477-7772 and request a free confidential consultation with me. I’d like to help you get your finances back in order. We have offices in Glendale, Cerritos and Valencia. *** None of the information herein is intended to give legal advice for any specific situation. Atty. Ray Bulaon has successfully helped thousands of clients in getting out of debt. For a free attorney evaluation of your situation, please call Ray Bulaon Law Offices at TOLL FREE 1 (866) 477-7772.

(Advertising Supplement)

Greetings on this third Sunday of Advent!

“We want to see Christians manifest joy in their faith.” narians, priests, and novices about the need for a joyful spirit in their vocation.

He said, “When one comes across a seminarian, a priest, a nun, a novice, with a long sad face, who seems as though a very wet covering has been thrown over his/her life, a heavy covering that pulls them down…something is wrong! But please let us never have nuns, never have priests with the face of a ‘pepper in vinegar,” never.”

Joy. It’s one of the marks of a true disciple. It should be an essential characteristic of every Christian. We want to see Christians manifest joy in their faith. For, indeed, as Chris-

tians, we believe that we have encountered the “pearl of great price”—Jesus Christ, our Lord, and Saviour!

It’s what Advent and Christmas are all about: it’s having and sharing the joy of receiving the greatest gift of God in our lives— his Son, Jesus.

This third Sunday of Advent, which is called Gaudete Sunday, let’s manifest this real joy. Let this joy come from within our hearts for the gift of faith and for being called to serve!

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

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Tax & Stock Tips Victor Sy,

cPA, MBA (retired)

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

7. Cover health care costs efficiently Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) permit you to deduct pretax contributions for qualified medical expenses that your insurance doesn’t cover.

HSA doesn’t require you to spend all the money in your account each year.

You can deposit funds into an HSA up to the tax filing due date next year up to the maximum dollar limit and still receive a tax deduction for the current tax year.

In other words, you can make your 2019 contribution by April 15, 2020. On the other hand, FSA contributions are elected during open enrollment or when you become an employee of a com-

Year-end tax plan for 2019 Part 3 of 3 stamps. But this is just one taxpany.

8. Increase your contributions man’s personal observation.

Roth conversions used to be to your retirement plans Boost your contributions to restricted if your income was your IRA, 401(k), or other retire- above a certain amount. That ment plan to reach the maximum restriction is gone. Anybody can contribution amount. This move now make such conversions. increases your retirement sav- How long these beneficial rules ings and lower your taxable in- last depends on the next national come. If you’ll be age 50 or older election.

10. Update your estate plan at any time during the calendar The unified federal estate and year, take advantage of “catchup” contributions to add an extra gift tax exemption for 2019 is a $1,000 for an IRA an extra $6,000 massive $11.4 million ($22.8 million for married couples). Even for a 401(k) plan.

Remember that you have until though these large exemptions Dec. 31, 2019 to contribute to a may exempt you from federal 401(k) plan and until April 15, estate tax, your estate plan may 2020 to contribute to an IRA for need revisions to reflect existing tax rules. the 2019 tax year. *** 9. Convert traditional IRAs into roth accounts… while you Victor Santos Sy graduated Cum Laude can from UE with a BBA and from Indiana If Elizabeth Warren wins the State University with an MBA. Vic next presidency, tax rates as we worked with SyCip, Gorres, Velayo (SGV know will change – for the worse - Andersen Consulting) and Ernst & Young for high bracket taxpayers. The before establishing Sy Accountancy current political climate could Corporation. *** make conversions beneficial this year to avoid higher future taxes He retired after 50 years of defending under a Warren administration. taxpayers audited by the IRS, EDD, BOE We are not billionaires but I didn’t and other governmental agencies. He enjoy paying for ground beef at a published a book on “How to Avoid or grocery while a fellow in front of Survive IRS Audits.” Readers may email me checked out steak with food tax questions to vicsy@live.com.

Replacement of naturalization certificate KAPAG ang Naturalization Certificate o Certificate of Citizenship ay nawala, ninakaw, nasira o nawasak, ang aplikante ay maaaring mag-apply ng replacement o kapalit ng Naturalization Certificate sa USCIS sa pamamagitan ng Form N-565 Application for Replacement Naturalization/Certificate Document. Ang filing fee sa Form N-565 ay $555.

Ang aplikante ay maaari ring humingi ng replacement o kapalit na Naturalization Certificate o Certificate of Citizenship at walang kailangang bayarang filing fee kapag: (1) Ang certificate na inisyu ng USCIS ay hindi umaayon sa citizenship o naturalization application na ibinigay ng aplikante; (2) ang USCIS ay may clerical error sa paggawa ng Naturalization Certificate, gaya ng typographical error sa araw ng kapanganakan ng aplikante. Ang aplikante ay kailangang magsubmite sa USCIS ng kanyang original naturalization certificate at patunay ng tamang impormasyon na nakasaad sa kanyang naturalization application.

Tapat Sa Batas Atty. rheA SAMSon Ang aplikante ay maaari ring humingi ng replacement o kapalit na Naturalization Certificate kung may legal change sa kanyang pangalan o kasarian.

Para sa name change request, kailangan ang mga sumusunod na dokumento: Marriage Certificate, Divorce Decree, o certified copy ng Court Order ng name change. Para sa change in gender designation, ang aplikante ay maaaring magbigay ng mga sumusunod na dokumento: (1) Court Order na nag-aapruba ng pagpalit ng kasarian; (2) mga opisyal na dokumento na inisyu ng gobyerno. Kasama dito ang amended birth certificate, passport, driver’s license, at iba pang opisyal na dokumento tungkol sa identity ng aplikante; (3) su-

lat galing sa licensed health care professional na nagpapatunay na ang hinihiling na gender designation ay sang-ayon sa gender identity ng aplikante. Kasama sa mga licensed health professional ang mga licensed counselor, nurse practitioner, physician, physician assistant, psychologist, social worker at therapist. Ang USCIS ay maaaring mag-issue ng Request for Evidence tungkol sa gender identity ng aplikante upang ma-verify ang hinihiling na pagpalit ng gender designation. Hindi kailangan ng patunay ng sex reassignment surgery o medical treatment upang maaprubahan ng USCIS ang Application for Replacement Naturalization/Certificate Document.

Ang mga dokumento ng USCIS na nagpapakita ng kasarian ay limitado sa kasarian o sex identifier na lalaki o babae. *** When a person’s Naturalization Certificate or Certificate of Citizenship is lost or mutilated, stolen, or destroyed, he can apply for replacement of Natural-

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

Instructing employees to record meal breaks not taken is illegal ALIVIA Stricklin worked as a security officer for First Alarm Security, a company in San Jose, CA that provides security and patrol services to businesses and homeowners. Stricklin’s duties included patrolling the premises, typically working from eight to fourteen hours a day, six days a week.

Stricklin and her fellow employees claimed that they were regularly required by their employer to remain on duty at all times during their shifts, including during meal and rest periods. The employees stated that the employer required them to handwrite 30-minute meal periods in their time records even though they never took these breaks, while continuing to remain on duty.

Employees claimed the employer also had a policy that employees must wait at their post until the next shift relieved them of their duties. As a result, employees ended up working 15 to 30 minutes past their shift. They were not compensated for these extra times they worked.

Stricklin, together with other fellow security guards, sued their employer for back wages.

California law requires employers to provide a 30-minute uninterrupted meal period to employees for every 5 hours of work. Merely offering or allowing a meal break is not enough.

The employer must affirmatively perform the following obligations:

Protecting Employee & Consumer Rights Atty. C. Joe SAyAS, Jr. Relieve the employee of all duty for 30 minutes within the first 5 hours of work Give employees the freedom to leave the workplace during breaks Relinquish control over the employees’ activities during breaks Employees should not be impeded or discouraged from taking breaks In light of these rules, the employer fails in its legal duty to provide meal breaks if: 1. Employees were not relieved of ALL duties but required attend to work-related issues while on breaks.

2. Employees are required to remain on the work premises where their breaks are interrupted.

3. Meal breaks are not scheduled and employees are merely told to take a break when not busy, even though work is continuous and always busy.

If an employee was not provided a lunch break (meaning, the employee did not take an actual break, the employee took the break late, or the employee was interrupted during their break), the employee should not be de-

ducted 30 minutes from their total hours at work. In fact, not only should there be no deduction, the employer should also pay the employee an additional one hour at the employee’s regular hourly rate for not providing a 30-minute meal period.

In the case against First Alarm Security, the parties decided to settle the case. The employer agreed to pay the employees $7,250,000 in damages.

Employers whose business necessities prevent them from giving lunch breaks (such as security guards or parking or gas station attendants) must learn to either structure the shift such that employees can take their lunch breaks, or pay their employees the California meal break premium if these breaks are not provided. The press of business is not an excuse to ignore an employee’s health and welfare. *** The Law Offices of C. Joe Sayas, Jr. welcomes inquiries about this topic. All inquiries are confidential and at no-cost.

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

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

(Advertising Supplement)

Chapter 7, 13 or debt settlement? Client with $40K in credit card debt examines the differences THE client is 42 and is going through a divorce after a short two-year marriage. He has moved out of the marital home and now lives by himself. He has a toddler who is with his wife, so he expects to pay child support.

There is not alimony because the marriage has not lasted 10 years.

So, if you are the higher income spouse and wondering why your spouse has not filed for divorce despite all of your philandering, it’s because, in California, you need to be married at least for a decade to claim alimony or spousal support from the higher income spouse.

In fact, I do have a client who was hit with divorce papers right after the 10-year-period was reached, and being the higher income spouse, he has to pay $1,500 of alimony to his wife.

We had to reorganize his financial affairs under Chapter 13 to handle $60,000 of credit cards, and to strip off $100,000 of a second trust deed. It is unusual nowadays to be able to strip junior liens because of the soaring prices of houses in Southern California. But in his case, a current appraisal report showed that his house was at least $10,000 underwater after considering the balance of the first trust deed.

His house had a fair market value of $220,000, while the balance owed on the first trust deed is $230,000, leaving the second trust deed, a HELOC line, of $100,000 completely unsecured.

Let’s go back to the client with the short-lived marriage. He left his wife a year ago and has not paid $40,000 of credit cards since then. He asks me what he can do to handle the $40,000 debt because his creditors have started to threaten lawsuits. After interviewing him, I determined that this was a classic Chapter 7 case. So I advised him to file for Chapter 7 to get a fresh start in life without the $40,000 of credit card debt. In Chapter 7, the court will discharge the entire $40,000, i.e., he doesn’t have to pay them at all. Here, the law gives him a chance to start all over again, without the burden of accumulated debt so he can become productive again. The $40,000 requires a minimum payment of $1,200 a month. But obviously, he hasn’t paid the cards anymore for the last 12 months since he left the marital home. So now that he is getting demand letters to pay, he is looking at the possibility of wage garnishments on the horizon.

His income is a gross of $3,500 a month. Even for a single person, his gross income is below the median for California. In California, a single person without any dependent living with him or her earning a gross of less than $4,000 a month is eligible for Chapter 7 under the means test. Of course, a single person making a gross of more than $4,000 a month, can still qualify for Chapter 7 under different circumstances. But for this client, we do not have to bother with other circumstances because $3,500 is less than $4,000, which is the applicable threshold. Since it’s below the thresh-

Debt Relief

Atty. LAwrenCe yAng old, the means test will conclude that there is no presumption of abuse for this client to file for Chapter 7. The presumption of abuse, if it arises, presents a major obstacle to a successful Chapter 7, although this is not to say that the obstacle cannot be overcome. We don’t want that kind of situation as much as possible.

There is no problem regarding house-ownership as the client never owned one. If there was an issue regarding house-ownership with non-exempt equity, the preferred filing for debt relief would be Chapter 13, not 7. The client said that he was worried that he could not get new credit after filing but admitted that his current credit score was below 500. I informed him that with Chapter 7, he would be getting new preapproved credit cards within months of discharge from banks and lenders that specialize in issuing cards to debtors who have just filed for bankruptcy under Chapter 7. These would have annual fees and higher interest than normal cards. And buying a car can be done immediately after discharge but the interest rate would also be higher than for one with good credit. With Chapter 7 discharge, his credit score would increase pretty fast.

It would go to 500 on filing and increase to 580 in one year. On year two, his credit score would be 620. On year five to seven, his credit score, if he handled new debt timely, would reach and surpass 700, which is very good.

And on year 10, the fact of Chapter 7 filing would disappear from the credit report. On year three, he can qualify to buy a house at higher interest assuming he handled new credit well. So, getting new credit after bankruptcy is no problem. I suggested to him, that the new credit card use should be paid in full at the end of the month, so it doesn’t become bigger and bigger and go out of control. Further, he can get credit cards at Walmart, Visa or Mastercard, where the credit limit is set by the cash deposit on the account if he wants credit cards immediately for whatever reason.

An alternative to Chapter 7 is Chapter 13, which I suggested he could use if he for some reason wanted to pay a portion of the $40,000. I don’t suggest a Chapter 13, if you qualify for 7 because it makes absolutely no sense to do so. He felt guilty I think, about discharging the entire $40K in Chapter 7. Credit card companies factor in their cost of bad debt between 7-10%. In other words, they expect that between 7% to 10% of their card users will not be able to pay them back anything so that cost

is already added to the interest everyone pays. They don’t really lose money on unpaid credit card debt. They just write them off as bad debt and sell the account to third parties at a fraction of the outstanding debt. I informed him that he may pay between $150 to $300 in Chapter 13 for 36 to 60 months. So Chapter 13 costs $18,000 at $300 a month for 60 months. Then, if he completes 60 payments, the court will discharge $22,000. On this point alone, Chapter 13 will cost $18,000 more than Chapter 7, which costs zero.

Another alternative is debt settlement. This does not have a bankruptcy filing. Attempts to settle the $40,000 are made.

Let’s just say the rule of thumb is that creditors will agree to cut the $40K by half for a lump sum payment to be made within 48 hours. In this situation, the debtor has to have ready at least $20,000 for the settlement. This is $20,000 more than Chapter 7, and inferior to Chapter 13 because Chapter 13 allows a fiveyear repayment plan supervised by the court.

The last alternative is just to do nothing and change your phone number. The problem with this is that creditors are apt to file lawsuits and will get a judgment that will result in wage garnishments in due time. In this situation, your credit score has no chance of improvement within your lifetime, and you live in the constant fear that your payroll department will receive a wage garnishment notice, or your bank will receive a notice of levy on your bank account. Can you imagine even if half of the $40,000 got wage garnishments and bank levies? The client would have nothing left to pay rent and food! Why live like a rat under the sewer when you can start fresh without accumulated debt and benefit from the rapid increase in your credit score if you handle your new credit right?

Walt Disney filed for Chapter 7 twice, yet Disney is now a billion-dollar business worldwide.

So, this is something good, not bad.

You have to change the way you think about debt and opt for the most expeditious and simple way of getting a fresh start in life without accumulated debt. Maybe you’re smarter than Mr. Disney and Chapter 7 may pave your way to being the next American below 50. Who knows? But certainly, if you have accumulated debt that is not discharged, life will be very difficult for you and your family, and you will not get a fresh start in life.

If you need debt relief, set an appointment to see me. I will analyze your case personally. *** Lawrence Bautista Yang specializes in Bankruptcy, Business, Real Estate and Civil Litigation and has successfully represented more than 5,000 clients in California. Please call Angie, Barbara or Jess at (626) 284-1142 for an appointment at 20274 Carrey Road, Walnut, CA 91789 or 1000 S. Fremont Ave., Mailstop 58, Building A-10 South Suite 10042, Alhambra, CA 91803.

(Advertising Supplement)

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 14-17, 2019

Barrister’s Corner Atty. Kenneth UrSUA reyeS CERTAIN aliens are barred from adjusting to legal permanent residents by virtue of having entered the United States under the following conditions: Entering the US as an alien crewman (C-1 visa/ jumpship) Accepting unauthorized employment Entering the US without inspection (No I-94 or crossing the border without a visa) Remaining in the US past the expiration of their status (overstays) Status/ Visa violations Admitted in the US in transit without a visa Admitted in the US as a non immigrant visitor without a visa These bars will prevent an alien from getting their green card inside the US even if they are eligible to receive a green card through a Petition that is current. Aliens that with the above issues who try to adjust may encounter problems with the USCIS. INA section 245(i) waives these inadmissibility grounds for aliens

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How can INA section 245(i) benefit you? that are grandfathered (covered)

by INA section 245(i). How does someone get grandfathered by section 245(i)? An alien is grandfathered if the alien is a beneficiary of a qualifying petition filed prior to April 30, 2001 and the principal beneficiary was physically present in the US on 12/21/2000. For petitions filed on or before 1/14/1998, no physical presence in the US is required. Qualifying petitions are I-130s, I-140s, some I-360s and I-526s, labor certification applications, that are filed and approvable when filed. In addition, under Matter of Jara RIERO and Jara ESPINO L, 24 I&N Dec. 267(BIA 2007), the applicant must demonstrate bona fide marriage for I-130 filed based on marriage.

Derivative beneficiaries that existed at the time the qualifying petition was filed are independently grandfathered under section 245(i). They may adjust under a separate petition. After acquired dependents may adjust under 245(i) but are not independently grandfathered. After acquired dependents must adjust pursuant to the original qualifying petition that grandfathered them under section 245(i). If an alien

is covered by section 245(i), the alien can adjust to a legal permanent resident by paying a $1,000 penalty and submitting evidence that the alien was a beneficiary of a qualifying petition.

Being covered by section 245(i) makes a lot of difference for aliens who lost their I-94. It is a common situation for aliens not to have their I-94 and passports if they entered the US many years ago.

Sometimes, the I-94 and old passport are lost through the years when the alien move from one residence to another. The problem with this is the alien might have problem proving inspection into the United States specially if the alien is unable to obtain a replacement I-94 or present other proof of inspection such as the immigration admission stamp or a copy of the visa.

Another common situation are crew men under a C-1 visa that were inspected but admitted as “in transit.” Many of these crew men never make it to their final destination. The crew men instead decides to remain in the United States. What they do not realize is that they cannot adjust

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Replacement of naturalization...

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ization Certificate with the USCIS by filing Form N-565 Application for Replacement Naturalization/ Certificate Document, with filing fee of $555.

A person may also request a replacement of certificate without payment of filing fee if: (1) USCIS issued a certificate that does not conform to facts on the applicant’s citizenship or naturalization application; or (2) USCIS committed a clerical error in preparing the certificate, such as when there is a typographical error in the date of birth. The applicant should submit to the USCIS the original certificate and proof of the correct information as stated in his naturalization application.

A person may also request for Replacement of Naturalization Certificate if there is any legal change in the person’s name or gender. A name change request requires the following documents: Marriage Certificate, Divorce Decree, or certified copy of Court Order on name change.

For the change in gender designation, the applicant may submit the following documents: (1) Court Order granting change of sex or gender; (2) governmentissued document reflecting the requested gender designation.

Acceptable government-issued documents include amended birth certificate, passport, driver’s license, other official documents showing identity issued by the US government, state or local government, or foreign government; or (3) letter from a licensed health care professional certifying that the requested gender designation is consistent with the individual’s gender identity. The licensed health professional includes licensed counselors, nurse practitioners, physicians, physician assistants, psychologists, social workers and therapists.

USCIS may request additional evidence of the individual’s gender identity as necessary to verify the requested change in gender designation. Proof of sex reassignment surgery or any other specific medical treatment is not

required to issue the requested Replacement Naturalization/ Certificate Document. USCISissued documents that display a gender or sex identifier are limited to indicating only male or female. *** ATTY. RHEA SAMSON is a Partner at LINDAIN & SAMSON LAW FIRM. Atty.

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

As professors, Atty. Lindain and Atty.

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

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

(Advertising Supplement)

C DECEMBER 14-17, 2019 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

How can INA section 245(i)...

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to legal permanent residence even if they end up marrying a US Citizen. However if they are grandfathered by section 245(i) such as if their parents were petitioned when they were minors, the crew men will be able to adjust inside the United States and get their green card by paying a $1,000 penalty and presenting evidence of the qualifying petition. *** Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice.

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

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

The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, P.C. This article is not a solicitation. *** Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar

Calendar of Events across

Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He is a graduate of Southwestern University Law School in Los Angeles and California State University, San Bernardino School of Business Administration. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, P.C. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kenneth@kenreyeslaw.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com (Advertising Supplement)

America

ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS! PRE-EVENT AND POST EVENT GO DEEPER. GO WIDER. LET THE WORLD KNOW. CALL ASIAN JOURNAL: (818) 502-0651 DISPLAY AD SIZES AT SPECIAL RATES FOR NON-PROFIT GROUPS D EC E M B E R 1 4

Holiday Parol Making Workshop in Eagle Rock, CA

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

People and Events

Big ways for small businesses to save energy during the holidays THE holiday season is often an active time that can become even busier for small business owners who keep the rush humming. From serving their neighborhoods to wrapping up end-of-year projects and preparing for the new year, small business owners have plenty to think about. However, remembering to check in on your energy use during the holidays will help more than just your bottom line.

Energy Upgrade California, the statewide initiative encouraging Californians to use energy better, is committed to keeping you and your small business upto-date on how you can reduce energy use and shrink your carbon footprint. Even the smallest of changes can make a big impact on a business’ energy use Photo courtesy of energy.org

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Red Cross: 10 ways to safely decorate your home Christmas and New Year’s are the top days for home candle fires in the U.S.

Make craft Filipino paper lanterns (parols) with SIPA for the holiday season on Saturday, December 14! It will take place from 2 to 5 p.m. at Eagle Rock Plaza (upper level center court) at 2700 Colorado Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90041. It is a FREE workshop with complimentary food and refreshments. Contact Maria Carmel Valendez at (213) 382-1819 ext. 107 or maria@sipacares.org for more info!

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The Filipino Ministry of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles hosts Simbang Gabi The Filipino Ministry of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles will have its annual Simbang Gabi celebration, which will be held on Sunday, December 15, 2019 at 6:30 p.m. The liturgy will be held at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, located at 555 West Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012. This year’s theme,”Halina’t Magdiwang sa Ating Pakikipagtagpo kay Kristo; Dahil Tayo ay Isang Katawan” (“Come and Celebrate as We Encounter Christ; For We are One Body”) was selected and agreed upon by parish representatives from the all over the San Fernando Pastoral Region. The Mass will be concelebrated by the bishops and priests of our archdiocese with the principal celebrant, his Excellency, Archbishop of Los Angeles. For more information, please call or send an e-mail to: Raymond De Guzman, Chairperson of Simbang Gabi 2019, Phone: (818) 634- 8664, E-mail: rdeguzman1317@verizon.net or Patty Santiago- Vice- Chair, Phone: (818) 472-4288, E-mail: piesan@hotmail.com

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Simbang Gabi at Good Shepherd in Beverly Hills, CA A traditional Filipino pre-Christmas novena mass will be held on Monday, December 16 at 7 p.m. at the Church of the Good Shepherd (505 N. Bedford Drive, Beverly Hills, CA) with Msgr.

Loreto “Mac” Gonzales as main celebrant. Theme of this year’s Simbang Gabi in the LA archdiocese is “Come and Celebrate As We Encounter Christ For We Are One Body.” The Philippine Chamber Singers of Los Angeles, which has been promoting Filipino culture through choral music, will render Christmas liturgical music in Tagalog during the Simbang Gabi at Good Shepherd. A reception will follow at the parish hall after the one hour mass which is sponsored by the GSBH Filipino Ministry. Rev. Fr. Ed Benioff, parish priest of Good Shepherd will concelebrate the mass with Msgr. Gonzales.

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FACCGLA Holiday Mixer in Sherman Oaks, CA The Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Los Angeles (FACCGLA)’s holiday mixer will be held at Marie Callender’s Restaurant in Sherman Oaks, California (14743 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403). Come join in the spirit of the season with the FACCGLA. Early bird special for Members is $30 and $35 for future members. After December 15 tickets will be $35 and $40, respectively. Please purchase online at www.faccgla.org, select ‘Events’ and select December 18. Venue address is 14743 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403. For inquiries email info@faccgla.org.

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SIPA’s holiday festival and toy distribution in LA During this season of giving, volunteer with Search to Involve Pilipino Americans on Saturday, December 21 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. as they spread joy in Los Angeles. Join SIPA as they hand gifts out to over 250 youth in the Historic Filipinotown community, eat a delicious meal, and listen to some Christmas tunes! It will be held at 3200 W. Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA. Contact Maria Carmel Valendez at maria@sipacares.org or (213) 382-1819 ext.107.

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UPAGGLA holiday celebration in LA Pasko Pa Sa UPAAGLA will be held on Saturday, December 28 from 1 p.m.-5 p.m. at the San Antonio Winery in Los Angeles. It is the annual Holiday party of the University of the Philippines Alumni Association of Greater Los Angeles. All are welcome, simply purchase online at www. upaagla.org/events/pasko-pa-sa-upaagla. There will be a silent auction and raffle drawing. Tickets are $28. Venue address is 737 Lamar St, Los Angeles, CA 90031. For inquires, connect with Monette Carranceja at (818) 585-1115 or upaagla.rsvp@gmail.com.

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#HashtagLunchbag/SIPA food drive in LA The Search to Involve Pilipino Americans (SIPA) and #Hashtag Lunchbag are joining forces to create positive changes in Historic Filipinotown on Sunday, December 29 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. SIPA will be hosting a Food Drive with #HashtagLunchbag to create letters of encouragement, decorate lunch bags, and assemble sandwiches for those in need in Historic Filipinotown.

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

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

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Feast of Infant Jesus of Prague in LA The public is all invited to a Special Celebration of the Feast of Infant Jesus of Prague on Saturday, January 11, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels (555 West Temple Street, Los Angeles. CA 90012). Bishop Alex Aclan will be the main celebrant. Bring your Infant Jesus Statue to touch the Holy Robe that the Holy Infant wears in the Shrine of Prague. The history of the devotion to the Miraculous Infant Jesus of Prague dates back more than four hundred years when the statue of the Holy Infant in the guise of a king was brought to Prague, Czech Republic. Miraculous healings were attributed to the Child Jesus, as was the protection of Prague when it was laid siege to by the Swedes in 1639. The mass event is sponsored by the Holy Trinity Ministry Fellowship.

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FACCGLA’s gala in Woodland Hills, CA The ‘Shining Shimmering Splendid Gala’ is the annual fundraising event of the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Los Angeles (FACCGLA) on January 12, 2020 at 6 p.m. at the Hilton Woodland Hills. Everyone is welcome to attend to enjoy good food, music and dancing plus raffle prizes and other entertainment. Installation of the new President and Board precedes the merriment. Tickets are only $75 for all this enjoyment ($85 after Jan. 5), available online at www.faccgla.org, select ‘Events’ and select the Jan12 event. Sponsorships available. Venue address is 6360 Canoga Ave, Woodland Hills, CA 91367. Email info@faccgla. org for inquiries.

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

Photo courtesy of redcross.org

THE 2019 holiday season is here, and the American Red Cross Los Angeles Region wants everyone to stay safe as they decorate their homes. Decorations like trees, lights and candles increase the risk of home fires during the holidays — with Christmas, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day being the top three days for home candle fires in the U.S.

10 holiday decorating safety tips 1. Use battery-operated candles. If you must use candles, never leave them unattended, keep them away from anything that could burn, and place them out of reach from children and pets.

2. Check all holiday light cords to make sure they aren’t frayed or broken. Don’t string too many

strands of lights together — no more than three per extension cord.

3. When decorating outside, make sure decorations are for outdoor use and fasten lights securely to your home or trees. If using hooks or nails outside, make sure they are insulated to avoid an electrocution or fire hazard.

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

Remembering a community historian

LOS Angeles Philippine Women’s Club board of directors member and historian Lorna Dumapias passed away on November 30, 2019. Lorna was one of the longtime members of the 58-year-old organization that brings together Filipina woman throughout Los Angeles to promote education, cultural and philanthropic activities.

Photos show Lorna attending the Philippine Women’s Club meeting last October 10. A pro-

moter of Philippine heritage and an advocate for the preservation of Filipino historical landmarks, coupled with her experience as a journalist, Lorna had collected and edited stories about the Filipino American community, which were published in “Filipino American Experience: The Making of a Historic Cultural Monument.” A memorial service will be held in her honor to remember her contributions to the community. n

Red Cross: 10 ways to safely decorate...

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4. If buying an artificial tree, look for the fire-resistant label.

When putting it up, keep it away from fireplaces, radiators and other sources of heat.

5. If getting a live tree, make sure it’s fresh and water it to keep it fresh. Bend the needles up and down to make sure no needles fall off.

6. Don’t use electric lights on metallic trees.

7. If hanging stockings on the fireplace mantel, don’t light the fireplace.

8. Turn off all holiday lights when going to bed or leaving the house.

9. If using older decorations, check their labels. Some older tinsel is lead-based. If using angel hair, wear gloves to avoid irritation. Avoid breathing in artificial snow.

10. If using a ladder, be extra careful. Make sure to have good,

stable placement and wear shoes that allow for good traction.

“We want everyone to enjoy the holiday season with fire safety in mind,” said Jarrett Barrios, CEO of the Red Cross Los Angeles Region. “You can help keep your family safe by testing your smoke alarms monthly and practicing your home fire escape plan until everyone can escape in two minutes or less. Remember to get a kit, make a plan and be informed.”

Home fires are the most frequent disaster in the U.S. Every eight minutes, the Red Cross responds to a disaster in the U.S. — most often, home fires.

Just in the past five months, Red Cross volunteers responded to 137 home fires in Los Angeles County.

In addition, the Red Cross is working with partners to prevent fire-related deaths and injuries by installing free smoke alarms in

high-risk communities and helping families create escape plans through its Home Fire Campaign — which has saved at least 658 lives across the country since launching in October 2014. Since then, volunteers and local partners have installed more than 33,800 free smoke alarms in Los Angeles making thousands of homes safer from the threat of home fires.

Free preparedness classes are available online and by request across Southern California as part of PrepareSoCal, an American Red Cross campaign designed to address the needs of individuals and families to prepare for disasters by providing tips, tools, and training, and to promote community resiliency with a focus on Southern California’s most vulnerable communities. More information on this campaign and available resources can be found at preparesocal.org. n

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 14-17, 2019

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Dec. 16 is deadline to apply for $1.2 million in scholarships from Edison Scholars Program

ROSEMEAD, Calif. — There’s still time for high school seniors whose dreams are to power the future and make a difference through the study of science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) to apply for Edison International’s $1.2 million 2020 Edison Scholars Program.

The scholarship application deadline is Dec. 16. To apply and obtain additional eligibility information, visit: edisonscholars.com.

Each year, Edison International, the parent company of Southern California Edison, awards $40,000 scholarships, paid over four years, to 30 high

school students who plan to major in designated STEM fields at a four-year accredited U.S. college or university. See the list of eligible STEM majors.

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

Program.

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

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

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

Big ways for small businesses...

PAGE C4 t

during the busy holiday season: • Audit your energy use, not just your books. Requesting an energy assessment from your local energy provider can help identify any opportunities to save energy and money.

• Make your thermostat work for you. A programmable thermostat can save an extra 10 percent on heating and cooling costs.

They regulate the temperature of the building or space, so you don’t have to. Adjusting the thermostat by even a few degrees according to when people are in the space

versus when they’re not can save energy.

• Put the closed sign on your equipment. A good rule of thumb for your office equipment: if it’s plugged in, it’s using energy – even if you’ve powered down for the day. Unplugging light-up signs and displays when not in use can help you save.

• Incorporate your HVAC into your cleaning routine. Dirty air filters make HVAC systems work harder and reduces air flow. With the change in seasons, check to see if your air filters should be swapped out to ensure the system

runs more efficiently.

• Protect office hardware with a power strip. All those cords coming from your printers, computers and phones use energy even when you’re not using them.

Organize and plug them into a power strip to make them easy to shut off at once and to help save up to $100 a year.

To learn more simple ways to save energy during the busy holiday season and to join the growing number of California small businesses working to use energy better, visit https://www.energyupgradeca.org/smallbusiness/.n

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Embassy’s erroneous ADB maintains 2019 PH growth outlook at 6% employment visa refusals

Immigration Corner

by AnnA LeAh

e. GonzALes ManilaTimes.net

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 location of employment.

A prevailing wage determination from DOL is obtained by the employer before filing the PERM application, and that prevailing wage determination (or 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.

The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) has reported that the U.S. Embassy in Manila, Philippines has been requiring applicants to provide updated, notarized letters from their petitioning employer confirming the employer’s intent to pay the applicants at the current prevailing wage, even though the wage listed on the employer’s I140 petition remains in effect for

the life of the petition. The employer need only agree to pay to prevailing wage listed at the time of initial filing, and it is in error to require them to now commit to pay a salary at the current wage rate. (unless it is a “minimum wage” job, in which case the current minimum wage might need to be paid vs the minimum wage at the time of filing).

The “job offer” letter from the employer need only confirmation that the terms and conditions of the employment offered in the I140 petition are still available to the alien, including the prevailing wage 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 em-

ployment-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: 1-866-4873465 (866) – GURFINKEL Four offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES ∙ SAN FRANCISCO ∙ NEW YORK ∙ PHILIPPINES (Advertising Supplement)

Business Quote of the Week “Don’t take too much advice. Most people who have a lot of advice to give with a few exceptions generalize whatever they did.

Don’t over-analyze everything. I myself have been guilty of over-thinking problems. Just build things and find out if they work.”

— Ben Silbermann, Founder of Pinterest

THE Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Wednesday kept its Philippine economic growth forecast for this year and next, encouraged by an increase in state spending and strong private consumption.

In its December 2019 Asian Development Outlook Supplement, the Manila-based multilateral lender retained its projections at 6.0 percent for 2019 and 6.2 percent for 2022.

“GDP (gross domestic product) growth in the Philippines picked up to 6.2 percent in Q3 (third quarter), boosting growth in the first three quarters to 5.8 percent,” the report said.

“The pickup was supported

by a rebound in government expenditure, particularly on infrastructure.”

The report also said sustained robust private consumption, which grew by 5.8 percent in the January-to-October period, contributed the most to growth.

“Investment declined by 0.8 percent following brisk 16.5-percent growth in the same period of last year, as buoyant construction was mostly offset by lower investment in transport equipment and machinery,” the ADB said.

“Weaker external demand trimmed export growth, with imports also easing in line with subdued demand for materials for export-oriented manufacturing,” it added.

“GDP growth is seen accelerating in Q4 (fourth quarter) of 2019

and throughout 2020, supported by investment as more infrastructure projects come onstream. Accommodative fiscal and monetary policies will support domestic demand.”

Meanwhile, the ADB lowered its growth projection for Southeast Asia from 4.5 percent to 4.4 percent. It kept its 2020 forecast at 4.7 percent.

The downward revision was attributed to the likely slower growth in Singapore and Thailand.

The ADB also maintained the Philippines’ inflation forecast to 2.6 percent for this year and 3.0 percent for 2020.

It kept its inflation projection for Southeast Asia at 2.3 percent for 2019 and 2.6 percent next year. n

Philippines to remain as largest rice importer next year

by Louise

MAureen Philstar.com

siMoen

THE Philippines will maintain its status of being the world’s biggest rice importer by 2020, according to the United States Department of Agriculture-Foreign Agricultural Service (USDAFAS).

The country is seen importing some 2.7 million metric tons of rice next year, higher than the 2.4 million MT imports of China.

“There is an expected continuation of import trends,” USDA said.

While the Philippines will tone down its rice importation amid excessive supply coupled with improvements in the local production next year, this will still remain above the five-year average.

The country is officially ending 2019 as the world’s biggest rice importer for the year, reaching a record 3.2 million MT as the country opened up the industry to liberalization.

“Global trade is nearly unchanged with reduced imports

Philstar.com file photo

for China partially offsetting higher imports for Ghana and the Philippines,” USDA said.

Rice imports of the country had nearly quadrupled from just 800,000 MT three years ago to 3.2 million MT this year, representing over seven percent of total global rice imports.

In comparison, China’s share of global rice imports almost declined by half even as Chi-

na’s population has reached 1.4 billion compared with the 110 million population of the Philippines.

This year’s importation for the Philippines is 68 percent higher than the 1.9 million MT imports in 2018.

In March 2019, the Philippines implemented the Rice Tariffication Act which led to a considPAGE D2

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Awareness in PH on cryptocurrency high but high risks keep investments low, says report

PH improves in campaign vs illegal software use

Philstar.com file photo

by LOueLLa

desideriO

Philstar.com

Inquirer.net file photo

by Ben

O. de Vera Inquirer.net

WHILE a majority of Filipinos had been aware of cryptocurrencies, actual holdings remained low due to perceived risks from these digital assets.

An Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) report published this month said the level of awareness on cryptocurrencies in the Philippines was 74 percent among respondents in a survey conducted last February and March.

According to the report, “Cryptoassets in Asia: Consumer attitudes, behaviors and experiences,” the level of awareness ranged from “not very well” (27 percent), “some extent” (20 percent) to “very well” (17 percent).

The survey was also conducted in Malaysia and Vietnam.

A lower 38 percent of respondents were aware of so-called initial coin offerings, or ICOs, a form of crowdfunding using cryptocurrencies.

Among Filipino respondents, only 32 percent said they owned cryptoassets while just 14 percent were ICO investors.

In the Philippines, majority or 51 percent of cryptocurrency holders were between the ages of 45 and 54, likely male, employed, hold master’s or doctorate de-

grees, according to the survey.

Intent to invest in cryptocurrencies was high among Filipinos (53 percent) but only 25 percent expressed interest in ICOs. The top reasons for Filipinos having cryptocurrencies included curiosity (40 percent), legal tender for online purchases (39 percent) and to make money quickly (36 percent).

ICOs appealed to Filipinos who wanted to earn money quickly (38 percent), those looking for long term investments or retirement funds (31 percent) and to know more about ICOs (31 percent).

At least 43 percent of those with cryptocurrencies bought them online, 37 percent mined them and 27 percent received them as payment for goods or services.

To buy cryptocurrencies, 47 percent of Filipino respondents shelled out money from their monthly budget, while 43 percent used funds from their savings.

Before purchasing cryptocurrencies or investing in ICOs, 55 percent sought advice from relatives or friends while 72 percent sought the opinion of experts in blockchain and related technology.

At least 62 percent of Filipino respondents said they could afford to lose money if their investments in cryptocurrencies turned bad.

The OECD report said, respond-

ents in the Philippines “were slightly more exposed to risk.”

At least 15 percent of respondents had put half of their crypto eggs in the basket.

Filipino investors in ICOs were exposed to risk with 21 percent having half of their investments in ICOs, the report added.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and Securities and Exchange Commission were the main regulatory agencies for cryptocurrencies in the Philippines, said OECD. But cryptocurrencies are not recognized or classified as legal tender but entities engaged in cryptocurrency trade were required to obtain a certificate of registration as remittance and transfer companies.

These types of companies are required to have sufficient safeguards against money laundering, terror financing, tech risks and consumer protection mechanisms.

In 2018, the amount of trade in ICO was estimated at $9.6 million in the Philippines.

But these were largely unlicensed as the SEC filed cease and desist orders against four ICO traders.

This was followed by an SEC notice for consultation on proposed regulatory framework for ICO. n

THE Philippines has made inroads in the campaign against the use of unlicensed software in corporate offices, ranking second out of four countries in Southeast Asia, the Software Alliance (BSA) said.

In a statement, BSA said the Philippines has given a positive response to clean up corporate offices using illegal software with the country’s results at the halfway point of the campaign, placing second to Thailand and beating Vietnam and Indonesia.

“This encouraging response is the result of both the Philippine government enforcing laws that require corporations to use only legal software, and corporate CEOs (chief executive officers) in the Philippines ensuring that their companies make comprehensive efforts to obey those laws,” BSA said.

To date, nearly 250 corpora-

tions across nine provinces in the Philippines have been involved in the software legalization process, with the majority in Metro Manila, Laguna and Cebu.

In terms of industries, BSA said most of the participating companies in the Philippines are engaged in manufacturing, engineering and industrial design.

BSA’s Legalize and Protect campaign seeks to raise awareness among CEOs of the security, legal and reputational risks associated with the use of illegal and unlicensed software.

After the end of the campaign in February next year, BSA will issue full performance reports for each participating Southeast Asian country which are intended to help respective governments plan further enforcement and educational activities to put a stop to the use of illegal software.

“This campaign works in the Philippines because many corporations understand that software legalization is necessary, and it is

better to be proactive than wait for a cybercrisis or legal consequences,” BSA senior director Tarun Sawney said.

“The Optical Media Board (OMB) also plays an important role in holding corporations accountable. We believe that most CEOs in the Philippines are aware of their responsibility to use legal software, and we expect many more to make certain their companies do so as our campaign continues,” he added.

Headquartered in Washington, DC, BSA, which has operations in more than 60 countries, serves as the leading advocate for the global software industry by promoting legal software and pushing for policies for technology innovation and growth in the digital economy.

Earlier, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) also raised concerns on the use of unlicensed software by government offices in the Philippines. n

Philippines to remain as largest...

PAGE D1 t erable increase in imports and a decline in domestic prices.

Rice is a staple food in the country and the law is intended, in part, to spur imports in order to quell domestic unrest caused by inflation. While this helped lower inflation, USDA said the adjustment to rice liberalization remains a challenge for the Philippines.

Production of milled rice went up to 12 million MT. Rice consumption, on the other hand, is seen to increase to 14.4 million MT from 14.1 million MT in 2018.

USDA said there is a slight decrease in area planted as rice areas reach 4.7 million hectares this year or 0.8 percent lower.

Yield, on the other hand, is

expected to improve to 4.05 MT per hectare per harvest from 3.93 MT. The country’s rice inventory maintained its upward trend, surging 43 percent to 2.28 million MT in October.

Based on the average daily consumption of Filipinos of 32,000 MT, the current inventory is sufficient for 71 days. n

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BSP on PH inflation battle: Online couriers urged to register with DICT ‘Mission accomplished’

by RaniieR

aLLan Philstar.com

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas

by Daxim

L. Lucas

Inquirer.net

THE central bank on Thursday, December 12, declared victory in its war against inflation — which it had been waging for two years now — saying prices of consumer goods and services for next year and beyond will likely be “benign.”

This developed as Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno announced that the Monetary Board decided to maintain the interest rate on the BSP’s overnight reverse repurchase facility at 4 percent during final meeting of the year.

Accordingly, the interest rates on the overnight deposit and lending facilities were kept unchanged at 3.5 percent and 4.5 percent, respectively.

“The Monetary Board’s decision is based on its assessment of a benign inflation environment,” the country’s chief inflation buster said in a press briefing. “Latest baseline forecasts indicate that the future inflation path remains within the target range of 3 percent, plus or minus 1 percentage point in 2020-2021, with well-anchored inflation expectations.”

Market expectations At the same time, Diokno sought to manage the market’s expectations, saying that the balance of risks to the inflation outlook continue to lean slightly toward the upside in 2020, but toward the downside in 2021.

“Upside risks to inflation over

PInquirer.net file photo

the near term emanate mainly from potential volatility in international oil prices amid geopolitical tensions in the Middle East as well as from the potential impact of the African Swine Fever outbreak and recent weather disturbances on domestic food prices,” he said.

But this would be offset by prevailing uncertainties over trade policies in major economies which would continue to weigh down on global economic activity and demand and could thus mitigate upward pressures on commodity prices.

Economy robust The central bank believes that, notwithstanding the weak global growth outlook, prospects for the Philippine economy continue to be robust on the back of firm domestic demand. Sustained policy support from increased fiscal spending, as well as improved domestic liquidity conditions owing to recent monetary adjustments, is also expected to support growth in the coming months.

“Given these considerations, the Monetary Board is of the view that the within-target inflation outlook and solid prospects for domestic growth support keeping monetary policy settings steady,” Diokno said. “Going forward, the BSP will continue to monitor developments affecting the inflation outlook and demand conditions to ensure that the monetary policy stance remains consistent with its price and financial stabil-

ity objectives.”

Meanwhile, market watchers believes the central bank is pointed to reduce interest rates early next year to help spur economic growth which has underperformed this year, and will likely come in at the lower end of the government’s 6-6 “Given this outlook, we expect the BSP to cut its policy rate by 25 basis points as early as the February 2020 meeting and ease by a total of 50 basis points next year,” ING Manila senior economist Nicholas Mapa said in an emailed note to reporters.

Banks’ reserve reduction He added that the central bank chief will likely bide his time with regard to further reductions in banks’ reserve requirement as he opts to gauge whether the deluge of liquidity released from previous cuts are actually feeding into the productive sectors of the economy.

“Given the central bank decision to pause, we maintain our call for further peso appreciation bias to end the year on seasonal flows from overseas Filipino migrants although the recent sell down in the local equity market could limit the peso’s gain,” Mapa said.

However, given the projected acceleration of the government’s infrastructure program, the economist expects the local currency to face renewed depreciation pressure in the coming months as the trade balance is forecast to widen further into deficit. n

RonDo

ONLINE couriers not registered with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) can only operate and offer their delivery services upon the issuance of guidelines by the agency.

DICT Undersecretary for operations Eliseo Rio Jr. said they would issue the guidelines in the first or second week of January.

The guidelines are being crafted by the DICT after Buhay party list Rep. Lito Atienza questioned why the biggest online shopping stores are using unlicensed couriers in the transport of goods ordered online.

Rio said there are 113 couriers registered with the DICT. In an interview, Atienza said he is set to summon representatives from the top online stores to ask why they are using courier services like Ninja Express PH or NinjaVan and J&T Express which are operating in the country without any license from the DICT. Some of the top online companies in the country are Lazada and Shopee.

Rio said the lack of training by delivery personnel of unregistered couriers could lead to incidence of transport of contraband such as illegal drugs or terrorist paraphernalia.

“They should not use them (unregistered couriers). Because they will be the ones liable if these couriers are involved in irregularities,” Rio said.

Rio said the DICT would tap the services of the Philippine

Philstar.com file photo

Drug Enforcement Agency and the National Bureau of Investigation for the training of personnel of online couriers.

Atienza earlier filed House Resolution 481, urging the House of Representatives to look into freight and forwarding services operating without any license.

These include NinjaVan, J&T Express and Entrego, all employ thousands of motorists to deliver goods nationwide.

“I thought before these companies were small fry, but when I was told that they had at least 5,000 motor vehicles operating under their name, they are no longer small companies but big time colorum,” he said.

They are also wholly owned by foreign companies, which is prohibited under the Constitution.

Rio said the DICT had already warned traditional and online merchants against dealing with unlicensed couriers.

Among the couriers that are licensed to operate nationwide are 2Go Express Inc., Go21, Intertraffic Transport Corp., JRS Business Corp., LBC Express, Quickreliable Courier Services, Wide Wide World Express Corp. and Xytron International.

Atienza said courier services used to be regulated by the Department of Trade and Industry until the regulatory powers were transferred to the DICT. n

Tan’s wife appointed as PAL vice chairman

by RichmonD

meRcuRio Philstar.com

PHILIPPINE Airlines Inc. has appointed the wife of majority owner Lucio Tan as its new vice chairman as part of the ongoing changes and appointments in the country’s flag carrier.

In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange yesterday, PAL Holdings Inc., the parent firm of the flag carrier, announced Wednesday, December 11, the appointment of Carmen Tan as vice chairman of PAL as approved by its board of directors.

Carmen will take over the position previously held by her son Lucio “Bong” Tan Jr., who

passed away last month.

PAL Holdings said the airline’s board likewise approved the resignation of Estelito Mendoza as a member of its board of directors.

The STAR earlier reported the resignations of Mendoza and former Bangko Sentral governor Amando Tetangco Jr., two esteemed members of the PAL board.

PAL earlier confirmed that both Tetangco and Mendoza have submitted their resignations from the board.

In a letter dated Nov. 20 addressed to PAL chairman Lucio Tan, Mendoza tendered his resignation from the board.

PAGE D5 Carmen Tan

Philstar.com file photo

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Think tankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s crystal ball: 53 Vehicle sales hit year-high in November pesos per US dollar in 2020

by Ben o. de

Vera

Inquirer.net

THE peso is seen to weaken to 53 per U.S. dollar in 2020 as a result of higher infrastructure spending by government which would use up more foreign currency, according to Londonbased think tank Capital Economics.

While the peso had gained strength in recent months because of a narrower current account deficit, the deficit was seen to widen again as government accelerates spending, according to economist Alex Holmes, in a report in Capital Economics Asia on Dec. 9.

Holmes said the current account deficitâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;more dollars being spent than coming inâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;narrowed to â&#x20AC;&#x153;almost zeroâ&#x20AC;? in the second quarter from 4 percent of gross domestic product in 2018.

The deficit movement had

been driven in part by a fall in trade deficit caused by exports recovering.

But the key reason for the deficit narrowing was not too desirable, said the report. It said it was caused mainly by a drop in imports which was the effect of delays in infrastructure spending.

The delays were caused by late approval of the 2019 national budget by legislators bickering over pork funds that go to their pockets.

The latest government data showed that import receipts declined for the seventh straight month in October.

Actual end-September public expenditures on infrastructure and other capital outlays of P546.3 billion fell 8.1-percent below the P594.5-billion program for the nine-month period.

Holmesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; report said government spending is â&#x20AC;&#x153;now rebound-

ing.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;As a result, import growth should also pick up strongly,â&#x20AC;? said the report.

Couple that with weak global demand which sets back export growth and the country would see wider trade and current account deficits in 2020, said Holmes in his report. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A wider current account deficit would make the currency more vulnerable,â&#x20AC;? said the report.

It forecast current account deficit to be 3 percent of GDP in 2020. It said the last time the deficit reached this level, the peso fell to 54 per dollar.

It said the peso was likely to settle at 53.5 per U.S. dollar by end of 2020.

Data released by the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (CAMPI) showed combined sales with the Truck Manufacturers Amid easing inflation and man- Association Inc. (TMA) reached 34,465 units in November, higher than the 31,258 units sold in the same month last year. Philstar.com file photo ageable foreign-currency debt, the upward trend the automotive Corp. ranked second with its by loUella desiderio Holmes, however, said a weaker industry is tracking toward the 17.27 percent share, and Nissan Philstar.com peso will not be too much of a Philippines Inc. was on third spot end of the year,â&#x20AC;? CAMPI said. concern for the Bangko Sentral For the month of November, the with an 11.88 percent share.

AUTOMOTIVE assemblers in ng Pilipinas. n Ranking fourth and fifth were the country recorded their high- groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s PC sales rose 3.8 percent est monthly sales for the year in to 9,551 units from 9,197 units a Suzuki Philippines Inc. and Ford Motor Co. Philippines Inc. with November, rising 10 percent from year ago.

CV sales also posted 12.9 per- respective market shares of 6.56 the same month last year, due to strong demand for both passen- cent growth to 24,914 units in No- percent and 5.85 percent.

CAMPI president Rommel Gutinamely in the form of continued ger cars (PC) and commercial ve- vember from the previous yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s errez said the automotive industry U.S.-China trade tensions, slow- hicles (CVs).

22,061 units. ing growth in both countries and For the January to November is optimistic the strong market deData released by the Chamber political uncertainty in Hong of Automotive Manufacturers period, combined sales of CAMPI mand seen in October and NovemKong,â&#x20AC;? Fitch Solutions said. of the Philippines Inc. (CAMPI) and TMA posted a 3.27 percent ber would still be seen this month, Despite this, it pointed out showed combined sales with the uptick to 336,226 units from amid continued sales promotions and positive economic outlook. that domestic activity, as the key Truck Manufacturers Association 325,569 units last year.

December is traditionally a driver of Philippine economic Inc. (TMA) reached 34,465 units The groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s PC sales grew growth in 2020, supports the in November, higher than the slightly to 99,951 units as of end- strong month for the automotive forecast of firmer import de- 31,258 units sold in the same November from 99,823 units a industry as this is when exponential growth is seen every year. mand in 2020. year ago. month last year. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are continuously working With the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Philippine governCVs sold by the group also inTotal vehicle sales in November ment set to ramp up its expendi- are also slightly higher than the creased 4.7 percent to 236,275 double time to achieve the industure through 2020, import de- previous monthly sales record for units in the 11-month period from tryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s overall sales target of 410,000 mand should recover, and thus the year of 34,397 units achieved the previous yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 225,746 units. units which we believe remains will drive a widening of the defi- in October.

Ranking members based on achievable,â&#x20AC;? Gutierrez said.

CAMPI and TMA account for cit over the coming quarters,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;The November sales perform- sales performance, data showed Fitch Solutions said. ance is now recorded with the Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. bulk or 89 percent of the indusLower debt serving costs in highest monthly sales for the in- remained the top automotive firm try target of 410,000 units for the recent years should also help dustry so far this year. It is also in the country through its 43.47 year, while the Association of Vethe government tap markets to the second successive month that percent market share in the Janu- hicle Importers and Distributors Inc. holds the remaining 11 perfund infrastructure spending, it CAMPI and TMA posted record- ary to November period. added.

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines cent. n breaking sales, further reinforcing â&#x20AC;&#x153;We expect the latest round of tax reforms to be passed in the coming months, which should also see a pick-up in foreign diand consultants have left PAL, with immediate effect,â&#x20AC;? he said. rect investment as uncertainty PAGE D3 t Mendoza said in his letter that such as senior vice president for â&#x20AC;&#x153;I served as member of the dissipates, with government keen for public-private partner- board through many crises which he became a member of PALâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s planning and commercial group PAL had undergone, many of board when Tan took control of Angelito Alvarez, senior vice ships,â&#x20AC;? Fitch Solutions said.

Relatively low inflation and a which threatened its very exist- the company, the precise date president for legal and general rebound in lending activity on ence, but overcame all of them. of which he can no longer recall counsel Siegfred Mison, chief the back of monetary easing by With some amount of trepidation, â&#x20AC;&#x153;but it has been many decades commercial group adviser Datuk Bernard Francis, and senior vice the BSP should feed through to but reflecting on this carefully, I ago.â&#x20AC;?

The STAR has also previously president for operations Ismael healthy demand from house- have decided to tender my resignation, as I do so by this letter, reported a number of key officials â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nickyâ&#x20AC;? Gozon. n holds for imports, it added. n

Fitch unit trims CAD projections

by MayVelin

U. CaraBallo ManilaTimes.net

A FITCH Group unit has significantly lowered its estimates for the Philippinesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; current account deficit (CAD) for this year and the next amid weaker import demand.

In a report released on Thursday, December 12, Fitch Solutions said its current account-togross domestic product (GDP) forecasts for the country were cut to -0.4 percent and -1.2 percent for 2019 and 2020, respectively, from the previous -2.1 percent and -2.8 percent.

The 2019 outlook compares to the $7.9-billion CAD in 2018, which is equivalent to 2.4 percent of GDP. The estimate is also comparable to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; (BSP) forecast that the current account shortfall would hit $10.1 billion this year. This amount is equivalent to 2.8 percent of GDP and higher than the previous estimate of $8.4 billion.

The CAD in the first six months of 2019 reached $1.74 billion, smaller than the $3.75billion gap in the same period last year.

The central bank is set to re-

lease current account figures for the third quarter and first nine months today (December 13).

The current account â&#x20AC;&#x201D; a major component of the balance of payments â&#x20AC;&#x201D; consists of transactions in goods, services, primary income and secondary income, and measures the net transfer of real resources between the domestic economy and the rest of the world.

Fitch Solutions said the sharp revision reflected the significant drop in import demand. Import growth fell by 10.8 percent yearon-year in October. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Part of this is on the back of base effects from 2018 and a fall in the cost of energy imports, but it also represents weaker economic activity in the Philippines and a wider moderation in trade activity within the Asia region,â&#x20AC;? it added.

The Fitch unit also said export growth had been flat in the first 10 months, as the Philippines experienced the same external headwinds faced by other countries in the region.

These headwinds, it added, are unlikely to fade significantly enough to see a strong rebound in the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s export sectors. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We expect these external challenges to remain in place,

Tanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wife appointed as PAL...

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D DECEMBER 14-17, 2019 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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