La midweek edition april 19 21, 2017

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M I D W E E K M I D W E E K

EDITION

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EApril D I 19-21, T I O2017 N

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Volume 27 - No. 32 • 3 Sections - 22 Pages

T H E F I L I P I N O –A M E R I C A N C O M M U N I T Y N E W S PA P E R

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SWS: Pinoys rate drug war ‘very good’

by AUDREY

MORALLO Philstar.com

HAPPY TO BE HOME. President Rodrigo Duterte and the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) repatriated from Saudi Arabia wave upon their arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Monday, April 17.

Malacañang photo

USA

DATELINE With war games dropped, US-PH Balikatan shifts focus FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

MANILA, Philippines — The first US-Philippines Balikatan military exercises under the Duterte administration will focus on humanitarian assistance and disaster response, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said.

The Presidential Commission on the Visiting Forces Agreement earlier announced that war games have been dropped from the annual exercises between Filipino and American troops.

“The focus of Balikatan has been shifted to, out of the guidance of the president following receipt of the memos that we got and the guidance of the secretary because it is always definite that we are going to experience so many disasters one after the other every year, we have focused the concept of Balikatan to address our capability together to address humanitarian assistance and disaster response,”

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California hospitals lose ground in quality of care, report card shows NEARLY half of California hospitals received a grade of C or lower for patient safety on a national report card aimed at prodding medical centers to do more to prevent injuries and deaths.

The Leapfrog Group, an employer-backed nonprofit group focused on health care quality, issued its latest scores last week. The report card is part of an effort to make consumers and employers aware of how their hospitals perform on key quality measures, so they can make better-informed health care decisions.

The scores are updated twice a year, in spring and fall.

After steady improvement in recent years, California hospitals lost ground in last week’s report card. Two years ago, 37 percent of California hospitals received a C, D or F grade.

That increased to 46 percent of the 271 Cali-

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MANILA, Philippines — Satisfaction with the government’s intensified war on drugs plunged by 11 points in March 2017, a survey by the Social Weather Stations (SWS) revealed, as issues such as the need to capture suspects alive and concerns on extrajudicial killings continue to raise concern among Filipinos.

The March 25 to 28 survey showed an 11-point decline in satisfaction with the conduct

of the government’s anti-illegal drugs campaign, from +77 in December 2016 to +66 in March 2017. This represents a downgrade from an ‘excellent’ rating to a ‘very good’ score.

SWS said: “The March 2017 survey found 78 percent satisfied with the administration’s performance in its campaign against illegal drugs, consisting of 43 percent very satisfied and 35 percent somewhat satisfied. Ten percent were undecided, while 12 percent were dissatisfied, con-

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Duterte tops TIME’s ‘most influential’ poll Marcos pays

by AJPRESS PHILIPPINE President Rodrigo Duterte topped TIME magazine’s annual poll for its list of world’s most influential people.

In the poll, readers were asked who should be included on this year’s TIME 100.

Duterte received 5 percent of the total “yes” votes, consistently leading the survey which started in March and closed on Sunday, April 16.

Following Duterte in the poll results were Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Pope Francis, Microsoft founder Bill Gates, and Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg. They each all got 3 percent of the total “yes” votes.

In a statement, Malacañang credited the poll results to Duterte’s “national agenda.”

“What makes President Rodrigo R. Duterte so admired by Filipinos and international leaders alike is his national agenda — he has prioritized public interest first and foremost, especially the needs and aspirations of the poor and common people,” Philippine Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said.

Abella then made note of Duterte’s

three-point agenda, citing “prosperity for all, restore trust in government; [and] build a fair and equitable society.”

“With or without the distinction, the president continues to be a hardworking government worker and faithful servant of the Filipino people,” he further added.

In December last year, Duterte was also included in Forbes Magazine’s Most Powerful People list, ranking 70th.

Likewise, the latest Social Weather Stations survey results show that Duterte still enjoys a “very good” satisfaction rating for the first quarter of 2017 despite both local and international criticisms against some of his policies, particularly on his controversial war against illegal drugs.

U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders and Russian President Vladimir Putin lead the reader poll in 2016 and

P36 million for electoral protest against Robredo

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

2015 respectively.

The final TIME 100 list, which would be selected by publication’s editors, is slated to be announced on Thursday, April 20. ■

FORMER Senator and defeated vice presidential candidate Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. paid P36 million as part of the first installment required for the proceedings of his election protest against Vice President Leni Robredo.

Marcos paid the Supreme Court (SC), sitting as the Presidential Electoral Tribunal (PET), for the cost of retrieval of contested poll materials on Monday, April 17 — the deadline for payment of the first tranche.

“I hope this compliance we have done [with] the SC order will go a long way of getting the process started,” Marcos said.

In a chance interview, Marcos said he was able to raise the P36 million through the help of his supporters.

“Buti na lang may mga kaibigan

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SC affirms dismissal Robredo’s approval, trust ratings dip – Pulse Asia of PCSO plunder case against Arroyo

by HELEN

FLORES Philstar.com

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

THE Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday, April 18, has affirmed its July 2016 decision, dismissing the plunder case against former Philippine President and now Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in connection with the alleged misuse of P366-million fund from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).

In its summary resolution, the SC said it denied the People’s motion for reconsideration due to the insufficiency of evidence.

“The Court DENIED the People’s motion for reconsideration of the Court’s July 19, 2016

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MANILA, Philippines — Public satisfaction and trust in the country’s top officials remained steady in the first quarter of the year, according to the latest Pulse Asia survey.

Based on the nationwide poll taken from March 15 to 20, 58 percent of Filipinos approved of Vice President Leni Robredo’s work, while 56 percent expressed trust in her.

Robredo’s latest approval and trust ratings, however, were slightly below her scores in December last year of 62 percent and 58 percent, respectively.

In the first quarter survey conducted by the Social Weather Stations (SWS) released last week, Robredo’s net satisfaction rating fell by 11 points from +37 in December 2016 to +26 in March.

Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III, meanwhile, obtained a satisfaction rating of 55 percent – unchanged from the previous quarter. His trust rating in March, on the other hand, increased by a

Based on the nationwide poll taken from March 15 to 20, 58 percent of Filipinos approved of Vice President Leni Robredo’s work, while 56 percent expressed trust in her.

Office of the Vice President/Released

point to 51 percent.

Forty percent of Filipinos were satisfied with the

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From the Front Page

SWS: Pinoys rate drug war ‘very…

PAGE A1 t

sisting of 6 percent somewhat dissatisfied and 6 percent very dissatisfied.”

The March 2017 survey showed that 78 percent of the respondents were satisfied with the government’s performance while 12 percent were either somewhat dissatisfied or very dissatisfied.

Last December, 85 percent of the respondents were satisfied while 8 percent were not, for an excellent rating of +77.

Capture suspects alive Support for capturing drug suspects alive was also still strong.

The March 2017 survey showed that 92 percent of the respondents would like to see drug suspects captured alive, slightly lower than the 94-percent support recorded in December 2016.

“People’s call to capture drug suspects alive continues to be widespread: the March 2017 survey found 66 percent saying it is very important and 26 percent

saying it is somewhat important that suspects involved in illegal drugs be captured alive, for a total rating of 92 percent. It was 94 percent in both the September 2016 and December 2016 surveys,” SWS said.

On the veracity of police reports on drug suspects resisting arrest, opinions remain split, according to the SWS. Based on the survey, 24 percent said that the police were telling the truth while a slightly higher figure of 31 percent said that they were lying. A larger percentage, 44 percent, are still unsure on whether or not the police officers are reporting the truth.

In December, 28 percent said that the police were telling the truth, 29 percent said that they were not and 42 percent were unsure.

Fear of extrajudicial killings goes down A silver lining for the administration was the decline in the

concern of Filipinos on the possibility of being a victim of extrajudicial killing.

In March 2017, 73 percent were either very worried or somewhat worried that they would be victims of extralegal killings, lower compared to the 78 percent who expressed the same in December.

Seventy percent of the respondents also believed that the government was serious in solving cases of extralegal killings which marred the government’s flagship program.

On the government’s seriousness to address the issue, “34 percent answered talagang seryoso (very serious), 36 percent answered medyo seryoso (somewhat serious), 22 percent answered hindi tiyak kung seryoso o hindi seryoso (undecided if serious or not serious), 5 percent answered medyo hindi seryoso (somewhat not serious), and 4 percent answered talagang hindi

IN A JAM. Vehicles crawl along the Kamuning flyover in Quezon City on Monday, April 17 as the traffic situation in Metro Manila returned to normal after the Holy Week break.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Mike De Juan

Marcos pays P36 million for electoral…

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ako na nagmagandang loob (It’s a good thing that I have friends who were generous),” Marcos told reporters.

He added, “Sila ay naniniwala na tama at makatarunguan ang aking protesta kaya naman sila ay nagkaisa at inipon nila ang kanilang maibibigay (They believe that my protest is right and just which is why they united and saved what they could give).”

In June of last year, Marcos filed an electoral protest against Robredo before the SC, sitting as the Presidential Electoral Tribunal (PET). He accused the vice

president of committing massive poll fraud after she won the seat only by a slim margin.

“Mag-iisang taon na mula nung nakaraang halalan hanggang ngayon hindi pa alam ng taong bayan kung sino ba talaga ang nanalo bilang bise president noong nakaraang halalan (It has almost been a year since the last election and until now the public still does not know who won as vice president during the last elections),” he said.

The SC has ordered Marcos a cash payment of P81.46 million to proceed with his election protest against Robredo, which is

payable in two tranches. Marcos has to settle another P30 million on or before July 14.

In the same order, Robredo was asked to pay P15.44 for her counter-protest — P8 million for the first tranche and P7.43 million for the second.

Robredo, however, failed to pay the partial payment of P8 million and instead, filed a manifestation earlier in April 12.

According to Romulo Macalintal, Robredo’s lawyer, the vice president’s camp will pay the counter-protest fee only after Marcos has been able to

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Robredo’s approval, trust ratings dip…

PAGE A1 t

performance of Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, down from 43 percent in December. Trust in him also dropped by a point to 37 percent.

In the case of Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, almost the same proportion of Filipinos expressed approval and trust in her – 42 percent and 40 percent, respectively.

Sereno’s ratings, however, were also lower than her approval and trust scores of 47 percent and 41 percent, respectively, in December last year.

President Duterte’s approval and trust ratings for the first quarter of the year were released

by Pulse Asia last April 5.

The President obtained approval and trust ratings of 78 percent and 76 percent, respectively, as against 83 percent in December 2016.

Pulse Asia explained that the performance ratings of the country’s top officials remained basically the same between December 2016 and March 2017.

“All movements in their ratings, including the decline in approval scores of President Duterte, Vice

President Robredo and Chief Justice Sereno are considered insignificant as they are well within the survey’s overall error margin of plus or minus three percentage points,” it said.

The poll used face-to-face interviews with 1,200 adults.

Meanwhile, public satisfaction and trust in the government’s key institutions hardly changed in the first quarter of 2017, according to Pulse Asia.

The Supreme Court and the Senate obtained majority approval of 57 percent (from 55

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From the Front Page

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With war games dropped, US-PH Balikatan… SC affirms dismissal of PCSO plunder case…

PAGE A1 t

AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said in an interview with CNN Philippines’ “The Source” on Tuesday.

The 10-day exercises, which will kick off in May, will also focus on counter-terrorism as the country battles Islamic militants in Mindanao.

Padilla noted that there have been a series of small exercises last year when Duterte took office but the Balikatan exercises this year would be the first one after his suggestion to cancel the drills.

There will be no more live-fire exercises this year as the joint military exercises will focus on humanitarian and civil assistance.

“There will be a few live-fire (exercises) focused only for small units inside camp. There won’t be live fire outside of any military camp... All of these exercises will be held inside military installations,” Padilla said.

During his visit to Vietnam on September last year, Duterte said that he wanted to the joint military exercises with US forces

PAGE A1 t

and called for the withdrawal of American troops.

READ: Duterte: 2016 Philippines-US Balikatan to be the last The president said that he wants to establish new trade and commercial alliances with China and Russia. He also said that the war games with the US were something that Beijing does not want.

Earlier this year, the president threatened to abrogate the Visiting Forces Agreement if the US

decision for lack of merit,” the resolution read, penned by Justice Lucas P. Bersamin.

It added that “any attempt to reconsider the decision would amount to double jeopardy.”

With a vote of 11-4, the SC denied the Office of the Ombudsman’s motion for reconsideration in its July 19, 2016 decision, which granted Arroyo demurrer to evidence and resulted in her acquittal.

Among those who voted to affirm Arroyo’s dismissal were Justices Lucas P. Bersamin, Estela M. Perlas Bernabe, Mariano C. del Castillo, Teresita J. military will not stop unloading Leonardo de Castro, Francis H. weapons in the country. US Am- Jardeleza, Samuel R. Martires, bassador Sung Kim was quick to clarify that that Washington is not building any weapons depot in the Philippines.

Duterte has been hostile to- PAGE A2 t ward the US following criticism prove that there was indeed against his anti-drugs campaign. election fraud.

The president, however, has not “Kailangan patunayan muna made a move that would permani Mr. Marcos na talagang mernently sever US-Philippines ties on po siyang ma-rerecover na despite his rude remarks. (Patrimga boto. Kailangan siya muna cia Lourdes Viray /Philstar.com) ang magpa-deposit, siya muna ang magpa-bukas ng mga balota at makita natin kung talagang may basehan ang kanyang so a mix of factors could be re- protesta (Marcos needs to prove sponsible for the lower scores first that he could recover votes. statewide.

He should deposit first and open “This could represent Califor- the ballots first so we could see nia hospitals’ performance slip- if his protest really has basis),” ping in comparison to their peers Macalintal said. across the country or could also “E bakit kami magde-deposit mean that they may be staying ng P15- million pero pagkataconstant in their performance pos naman pala ay wala namwhile other hospitals are pro- ing mangyayari? So iyan ang gressing,” Mobley said. hinihingi naming sa Korte SuThe percentage of hospitals in prema (Why would we deposit the Golden State that got the top P15 million if after this, nothing rating also decreased in Leap- will happen? This is what we are frog’s latest analysis. Twenty-five asking to the Supreme Court).” percent of California hospitals, 68 Following Robredo’s failure facilities, earned an A grade this to deposit the first installment year, compared to 43 percent, or fee in time, Marcos’ camp said it 104, in 2015. would seek the dismissal of her California ranked 28th nation- counter-protest. ally in the percentage of A-rated hospitals. More than half of the hospitals in states such as Oregon, North Carolina and Massachusetts achieved the highest PAGE A2 t percent) and 55 percent (from 58 score.

In Leapfrog’s report card, some percent), respectively.

The two institutions registered performance measures are riskthe same trust ratings in March adjusted for patient severity and income so hospitals aren’t penal- at 54 percent. The Senate’s latest ized for admitting sicker, poorer trust rating, however, was four points below its December score, patients.

Some hospital industry officials while the SC’s score improved by have criticized Leapfrog’s let- a point from the previous quarter grades as too simplistic for a ter.

Slightly fewer Filipinos, meancomplex issue and as potentially while, approved of and trusted u PAGE A5

Jose Catral Mendoza, Diosdado M. Peralta, Bienvenido L. Reyes, Noel G. Tijam, and Presbitero J. Velasco Jr. Those who dissented, on the other hand, were Chief Justice Maria Lourdes P. A. Sereno, Senior Justice Antonio T. Carpio, and Justices Alfredo Benjamin S. Caguioa Marvic and Mario Victor F. Leonen.

In a statement, Arroyo’s camp thanked the court for clearing her of plunder case with finality.

“We thank the SC for putting an end to this case,” Arroyo’s legal counsel Laurence Arroyo said.

Atty. Arroyo also took note that the former president was already acquitted in July when

the SC granted her demurrer to evidence.

“That should be the end of the story. The Ombudsman’s filing of a motion for reconsideration clearly placed the former president in double jeopardy,” he added.

In a separate vote of 10-5, the SC also dismissed the plunder case against former PCSO budget and accounts manager Benigno B. Aguas.

The Sandiganbayan earlier acquitted former members of the PCSO board of directors Manuel Morato, Raymundo Roquero and Jose Taruc, as well as Commission on Audit (COA) officials Reynaldo Villar and Nilda Plaras. n

Marcos pays P36 million for electoral…

California hospitals lose ground in quality of care…

PAGE A1 t

fornia hospitals rated in the most recent report.

Many California hospitals still struggle to reduce preventable medical errors and infections in patients, despite industrywide efforts to remedy those problems.

California accounted for 6 of the 10 hospitals nationwide that received an F grade.

California public health officials track a wide assortment of patient infections that can be acquired during a hospital stay.

A recent state report noted progress in some areas, while other issues have been harder to address.

From 2014 to 2015, 56 California hospitals achieved “signifi-

cant improvement” in preventing certain infections, including ones in the blood and those resulting from surgery, according to the California Department of Public Health. But diarrheal infections in California hospitals have increased 8 percent above a national benchmark since 2011.

The state has created an interactive map where the public can check infection rates by hospital.

Leapfrog, which has issued hospital scores in California and nationwide since 2012, analyzes information it collects as well as data reported to Medicare. Erica Mobley, a Leapfrog spokeswoman, said the group’s methodology compares all hospitals to each other on a national scale,

SWS: Pinoys rate drug war…

PAGE A2 t

time, SWS said. seryoso (not serious at all).”

The March 2017 survey used These figures are comparable face-to-face interviews with with the data obtained in Decem- 1,200 adults nationwide, 300 ber when 70 percent said that each in Metro Manila, Balance the government was either very Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. serious or somewhat serious in It has a sampling error of plus/ addressing the issue while 22 minus three percent for national percent said that they were not percentages while plus/minus six sure if it was serious or not. Four percent for Metro Manila, Balpercent believed that the gov- ance Luzon, Visayas and Mindernment was not serious at that anao percentages. n

Bongbong Marcos

“We complied with the ruling of the tribunal and they did not. So I think they missed their chance and we will move for the dismissal of their counter-protest,” Vic Rodriguez, Marcos’ spokesperson, told ANC. He added, “That way, the

Robredo’s approval, trust… the House of Representatives, Pulse Asia said.

Half of Filipinos (50 percent) were satisfied with the work of the House, down from 51 percent. Its trust rating also fell from 51 percent to 49 percent.

“The overall performance and trust ratings of these key government institutions are essentially unchanged between December 2016 and March 2017,” the pollster said. n

whole process will be able to run its natural course unimpeded with unnecessary delays being filed by the protestee.”

Rodriguez also accused that the manifestation of Robredo’s camp was just part of the latter’s tactics in delaying the electoral protest.

Under Section 33 (b) of the PET rules, protestants are required to make a cash deposit amounting P500 per contested precinct, “if they require the bringing of the contested ballot boxes and election documents to the Tribunal”.

Marcos questioned 39,221 clustered precincts which are composed of total 132,446 established precincts. Robredo, on the other hand, contested 8,042 clustered precincts equivalent to 31,278 established precincts. n

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LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL • APRIL 19-21, 2017

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BPO sector safe, but manufacturing still in danger from US first policy

by Richmond

S. meRcuRio

Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines’ business process outsourcing (BPO) industry is now expected to be safe from U.S. President Donald Trump’s “America-first” policy, but the country’s manufacturing industry remains in the danger zone.

Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) director general Charito Plaza, who visited Colorado last month to meet with investors and stakeholders who are familiar with the policies of the US President, assured the country’s BPO industry that there is “nothing to worry about anymore” as far as Trump’s controversial policy is concerned.

“They said BPOs will not be affected because the America-first policy of the President is more on the manufacturing and not for service providers. No need for the BPOS to worry, even our Philippine embassy says that.

They were informed that service industry providers will not be affected with the America-first policy,” she said.

“They are more concerned for the manufacturing,” Plaza

Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) director general Charito Plaza, who visited Colorado last month to meet with investors and stakeholders who are familiar with the policies of the U.S. President, assured the country’s BPO industry that there is “nothing to worry about anymore” as far as Trump’s controversial policy is concerned.

File Photo

added.

In a meeting with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Plaza said the group disclosed that “the U.S. government will not press for the U.S. IT-BPO companies operating in the Philippines to cut down on their offshore operations to minimize job displacement of Americans.”

“However, the U.S. is seriously considering a regulatory intervention for some countries hosting American manufacturing companies where the U.S. has huge trade deficits with,” she

added.

At present, the value of products imported by the U.S. from the Philippines is higher than its exports in the country.

The trade deficit with the Philippines, however, is not as large as those with other U.S. trading partners such as China, Canada, Mexico, Japan, and Germany.

Plaza last January said American BPO locators of PEZA who have earlier expressed interest to expand have decided to hold off investments as they await for clearer policies from Trump. n

California hospitals lose ground in quality of care…

PAGE A4 t

misleading for patients.

Jan Emerson-Shea, a spokeswoman for the California Hospital Association, noted there are many different scorecards and said consumers shouldn’t put too much stock in any one ranking.

“While these scorecards often serve as a good starting point for patients to ask questions of their health-care provider, they should not be viewed as being a definitive source for determining the quality of care provided by any hospital,” Emerson-Shea said.

The Leapfrog data show that some of the top performers in California include Chinese Hospital in San Francisco, Mercy General Hospital in Sacramento, Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian in Newport Beach and Inglewood’s Centinela Hospital Medical Center.

Health giant Kaiser Permanente consistently posts some of the highest scores and shows little variation across its 35 hospitals in the state. Thirty-three

Kaiser hospitals received A or B grades; two got C grades.

The University of California health system fared well across seven hospital campuses, with five A ratings and two B grades.

Some large institutions lagged further behind. Providence St. Joseph Medical Center in Burbank received a D, as did the Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center.

Leapfrog cited San Francisco General, a public safety net hospital, for being below average at preventing surgical site infections after colon surgery and for allowing dangerous objects to be left in a patient’s body, among other factors. Providence’s Burbank hospital had a higher-thanexpected rate of patients who developed serious breathing problems and caught antibioticresistant infections, according to Leapfrog.

A spokesman for San Francisco General didn’t comment directly on the hospital’s results, other than to say it didn’t participate in Leapfrog’s optional survey on

safety procedures and training.

Providence said in a statement it takes patient safety seriously and respects efforts to help consumers make an informed choice.

However, “it is important to understand that health care data are extremely difficult to compare as each patient is unique,” the hospital said. “Often information is a few years old before it is analyzed and aggregated for the public.”

A full list of California hospitals and their scores is available here.

California’s Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development also offers data on hospital quality and patient outcomes.

And Medicare posts star ratings for hospitals nationwide, which are another resource for patients and policymakers. (Chad Terhune / California Healthline) California Healthline is a service of the California Health Care Foundation produced by Kaiser Health News, an editorially independent program of the Kaiser Family Foundation.

WARM WELCOME. President Rodrigo Duterte is welcomed by Qatar’s Minister of Energy and Industry Mohammed Bin Salah-Al Sada on Friday, April 14. Al Sada said Qatar was also proud to have hosted hardworking Filipinos, who were instrumental in the state’s progress.

Malacañang photo

California lawmakers mull improvements to troubled dental program

by AnA

B. iBARRA Califorina Healthline

CALIFORNIA lawmakers are considering several bills to improve and expand access to Denti-Cal, the state’s troubled dental program for low-income people — including ones that would draw from the state’s new tobacco tax to boost dentists’ pay.

Assembly Bill 753, introduced

by Assemblywoman Anna Caballero (D-Salinas), would direct money from the state’s new tobacco tax to broaden access to Denti-Cal, which for years has been faulted in state and federal reports. The bill will be heard in the Assembly Committee on Health on Tuesday.

A 2014 California state auditor’s report showed that fewer than half of the children eligible for Denti-Cal benefits actually saw a dentist in the previous year.

Critics say access to care suffers because Denti-Cal payments to dentists are so low that many can’t afford to participate in the program. The auditor’s report also found that Denti-Cal payments for the most common procedures averaged $21.60, about 35 percent of the national average.

In the next fiscal year, Caballero’s bill would earmark $300 million of the almost $1.2 billion expected in new Medi-Cal funding from the state’s tobacco tax revenues. In future years, the bill would require at least 15 percent of those revenues to be spent on Denti-Cal services.

Most of the money would go toward boosting payments to dentists who provide preventive services to adults, such as regular teeth cleanings. A program known as the Dental Transformation Initiative, funded by both state and federal dollars, offers extra money to dentists for children’s preventive services.

Caballero said she believes California voters who approved the tobacco tax last year wanted the money to be used to improve underfunded programs like Denti-Cal. “We want to make sure that this intent is kept alive,” Caballero said.

Caballero represents a largely rural district that includes the Salinas Valley, San Benito County and Watsonville. She said there are not enough dentists overall in the region, let alone ones who can afford to see Denti-Cal patients.

Dr. John Blake runs the Children’s Dental Health Clinic in Long Beach, where 85 percent of the patients are on Denti-Cal. Blake said Caballero’s legislation is a good start, although it probably is not enough to draw more dentists into the program, he said.

The initiative would help fill gaps in preventive care, he said, but adults may have serious dental disease and dentists would find themselves in a difficult position if they detected it during basic cleaning and screening.

“The adult population is a different beast from a treatment standpoint,” Blake said. “We’ve

done all this cleaning, but now we need root canals and extractions…how do we cover this?”

Caballero’s bill would also require that some of the tobacco tax money be used to increase payments to dentists for the 20 most common dental procedures for children, such as X-rays and fillings. This would supplement and expand efforts by the Dental Transformation Initiative.

Another bill, AB 15, introduced

by Republicans late last year, would require that Denti-Cal rates be doubled for the 15 most common prevention and treatment services.

Blake said most dentists ask only that Denti-Cal payments match the national median rate, and that’s not taking into account that California tends to have higher living and business costs.

Using tobacco tax money to improve Denti-Cal makes sense, Blake said. That was the intent of the proposition to better MediCal, including its dental program.

“We’d certainly like to see that honored,” Blake said.

AB 15 cleared the Assembly Health Committee last month and next will be heard by the Assembly’s Committee on Appropriations. A hearing date has not yet been set.

California Healthline is a service of the California Health Care Foundation produced by Kaiser Health News, an editorially independent program of the Kaiser Family Foundation.

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OpiniOn

Features

‘Shoot the corrupt’

IT can amuse the audience, and there are people who would love to shoot government workers who demand grease money before doing what they are paid to do. But everyone knows the average person isn’t going to shoot such crooks in government, as President Rodrigo Duterte advised the business community in Qatar last Saturday, April 15.

Addressing the Philippines-Qatar business forum in Doha, the President reiterated his commitment to stamp out corruption. If any employee of the Bureau of Internal Revenue or Bureau of Customs, for example, demanded even P10 in grease money, “shoot him,” the President told the businessmen.

The public would prefer to have the government do the shooting – figuratively, it must be stressed in this season of Tokhang and Double Barrel Reloaded. The country has tough laws against various forms of corruption including the most serious, plunder. Anti-money laundering laws also cover graft-related offenses. What is lacking, as is the case in many laws in this country, is proper enforcement.

Stamping out corruption, as the President has promised, also suffers from the weakness of the regulatory environment and institutional struc-

tures. Processes are designed to force the payment of grease money to oil the wheels of government.

Among the biggest hindrances to any attempt to fight graft are corrupt members of the judiciary. As long as justice is for sale in this country, people can expect to get away with corruption. This is true especially among those who are accused of large-scale plunder. These individuals typically have amassed sufficient ill-gotten wealth to hire topnotch lawyers who know the judges and justices whose decisions are for sale to the highest bidder. A recent report prepared by the US government also specifically cited the problem of corruption in the Philippine judiciary as a major hindrance to bilateral trade.

President Duterte has no disciplinary supervi- or promote members of the judiciary to help clean sion over an independent and co-equal branch of up the justice sector. Within the executive branch, government, but he can use his power to appoint he must demand results from his officials in drasti-

IN just two months and a few days, President Rodrigo Duterte would complete his first year in office. Before that, the one-year government-employment ban on those who ran and lost in the May 2016 elections will expire, and they may now join the government. It might do some good. After 10 months of muddling through, PDU30 needs to move on, to a higher moral ground and a higher level of administrative competence. Especially if Magdalo Rep. Gary Alejano’s impeachment complaint against him is thrown out of the House of Representatives. There are some good things going for him, but basic problems remain, and internal dissensions have begun to surface.

The list is mixed. His brutal war on drugs has reached a deadend. No one is amused any longer by the foul and offensive language he uses on foreigners he has not even met. He has made enemies needlessly where he should have made friends. Very few have been able to bridge the trench between his brusque rhetoric and what is supposed to be a President’s normal official discourse. His ability to perform for the crowd is undimmed, but the previously uncritical response of his audiences has begun to thin out. But TIME magazine reports that, in a recent online survey, DU30 topped the list of 100 “most influential persons in the world.”

Beating the world’s most popular TIME does not say whether “influential” means being an influence for good or bad. TIME normally picks a “Person of the Year” who has influenced world events for better or worse. Thus, from the time Charles Lindbergh made the first solo nonstop flight across the Atlantic on May 20 to 21, 1927 and became TIME’s first Man of the Year that year, we have seen Adolf Hitler, Osama bin Laden and Mao Zedong join Mother Teresa, St. John Paul II, Angela Merkel, Barack Obama, Mark Zuckerberg, the Tunisian fruit vendor who set himself on fire in a public square to set off the Tunisian Arab Spring, and others, as Persons of the Year.

One thing that can be said for The Manila Times is that it did not need an online survey to Opinion make DU30 “Man of the Year” on February 11, 2017, on his eighth month in office. But in case anyone is wondering how DU30 could have outranked Zuckerberg, the founder of Francisco tatad Facebook; Bill Gates, the richest human being in the United States; Pope Francis, who is loved even by non- and anti-Catholics; and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, whom individuals of all sexes and ages uniformly find “cute,” there is no need to suggest manipulation or fraud—the simple fact is that DU30 has more dedicated supporters (and trolls) in the social media than any politician or celebrity in the world.

Out of the country’s 103 million population, 54 million are on Facebook, while only 1.8 million Chinese and 157 million Indians are on Facebook out of a population of 1.38 billion Chinese and 1.3 billion Indians, respectively. Out of the 54 million Filipinos on Facebook, it is anybody’s guess how many got involved in the TIME online poll. As the Archbishop of Lingayen-Dagupan and president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) Socrates Villegas recently pointed out, these trolls are the ones who attack without compunction the character of Church leaders who criticize the extra-judicial killings in the war on drugs.

Cracks in the armor In ten months, DU30 has become the most widely travelled Filipino President on record, boasting of huge loans and financial commitments obtained from China, Japan and the Middle East, but without pointing out that all this has unnecessarily increased the size of the country’s external debt and the built-in opportunity for graft. The combined smell of money and power now appears to have created serious quarrels inside the administration,

Guest Editorial

Time for a Cabinet revamp?

beginning with officials tasked to make the critical decisions on the importation of Mekong Delta rice.

One Cabinet undersecretary who represents Cabinet Secretary Leoncio Evasco Jr., as chairman of the National Food Council, has been fired without a hearing because of these quarrels, but she could be the wrong victim, who has been fired for the wrong reason, and the administrator of the National Food Authority, who has so far been spared, could soon lose his job.

Unconfirmed reports say DU30 has signed the appointment of the new NFA chief, to be released in May. More later.

Regardless of DU30’s initial “popularity,” which the usual paid propaganda polls have tried to fudge in his favor, there is little sign that the country is being governed and governed well. It seems to be running on auto-pilot, doing well in spite and without the intervention of government. Aside from the disturbing cracks in DU30’s inner circle, nothing indicates that domestic and foreign policy directions and initiatives have been clearly set, to the extent that all members of his Cabinet have the same understanding of these. Everyone takes the President’s unscripted pronouncements as policy, but none of these are backed up by any kind of prior or subsequent study, nor accompanied by implementing rules.

The educated mind suspects that DU30 is unwilling to educate the nation on his real take on government. He needs to be more forthcoming and transparent. His duty is to govern the nation, not to create sensational headlines to sell newspapers. He should be encouraged to see, without any illusions or blinders, where he has erred and where he has done right. The errors must be corrected and as much as possible eliminated, and the correct things made perfect and expanded.

The on-the-job training is over, the real work be-

Philstar.com photo

cally cutting red tape and improving procedures in every agency. It will take more than bullets to rid this country of corruption. (Philstar.com)

gins. This may require a new beginning not only for the President but for all the parties. He may be too proud to ask for it, but this is what he needs.

As a presidential critic, I am more than willing to give him that.

Catching up on the basics These are some things DU30 may want to do immediately. First, he may want to review his own way of doing and saying things; and second, he may want to strengthen his Cabinet and make sure it works at optimum capacity as a Cabinet, and not as a choir or an echo chamber. Both are indispensable to his success as President. The first thing does not require “reinventing” himself, if there is nothing to reinvent at all. He simply has to learn the things he ought to have learned from kindergarten, as the author Robert Fulghum says (“All I really need to know I learned in Kindergarten”).

He has to realize that he is no longer the tough city mayor of at Davao who liked to impress the rural folk by talking of physically exterminating all anti-social elements, using the word kill, kill, kill. The presidency has a certain discourse and a set of manners, which are not optional; he must exert every effort to learn them, even at this late stage. The electorate did not impose DU30 on the presidency, so that he could do with it whatever he pleased; they handed him the presidency so that he would honor it, and make himself worthy of it.

An instructive and inspiring example would be the story of England’s King George VI (the subject of a recent film, “The King’s Speech”). Upon his ascent to the throne, he was confronted with a stammer which prevented him from making a casual speech. He froze before the simplest text.

To cure the impediment, the Queen hired Lionel Logue, an Australian actor and speech therapist, to help him overcome his defect. It took patience, hard work, and a beautiful friendship between the monarch and his therapist to bring to the court the

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If Duterte can’t be expected to change, perhaps media should PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has accused Street media, specifically the Philippine Daily Inquir- Talk er and ABS-CBN, of being bastos and unfair and, in the process, he sounded just as foul as GreG B. MacaBenta the objects of his ire.

Perhaps it is too much to expect Duterte to change.

But, with due respect to my media colleagues, I believe they – we – can use some frank self-examination and an overhaul.

Duterte isn’t the first head of state to complain about the way some members of the press have used “alternative facts” in their reportage, to echo Donald Trump’s Kellyanne Conway.

To drive home my point, I would like to re-run a piece that I wrote in January 2002, during the incumbency of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, entitled, “The Making of a Masturbated Story”: Vicky Garchitorena, former head of the Presidential Management Staff, in a recent meeting with the Filipino community in San Francisco, conjectured that “as much as 50 percent” of the stories put out in Manila media were distorted or even fabricated.

As a new palace insider with firsthand knowledge of what President Ar-

royo had said about an issue or how it had been discussed in official circles, she confessed to being often taken aback by the slant given by the media to that issue – stretched or twisted beyond recognition.

In the first of this two-part piece, I referred to that practice as “masturbating the news,” a term to which I was introduced as a cub reporter back in the mid-50’s. Perhaps today’s journalists are already using another term but the practice remains.

The constant refrain of government officials and prominent personalities in business and civil society has been that Philippine media have a tendency to “sensationalize” the news, to dramatize or exaggerate situations and even to distort or fabricate stories.

The media have been quick to protest this “generalization,” pointing out, quite rightly, that it unfairly tarnishes those who operate by the strictest standards of the journalistic profession (and it should be assumed that they are still legion).

But it cannot be denied that there are those in media who routinely stretch facts or present stories out of context for a number of reasons, the most be-

nign of which is to grab the attention of readers, viewers and listeners.

It also cannot be denied that there are those in government and the private sector who are just as guilty of misinformation and even outright disinformation. Or of simply not knowing what to say but saying it anyway.

On my recent visit to Manila, I decided to track the making of a masturbated story.

On Friday, January 18, the Inquirer ran the headline: “US senator says RP next Afghanistan.”

The American official referred to, Sen. Sam Brownback, a member of the Senate foreign relations committee, never said that. The exact quote, which appeared within the article, read: ‘”It appears that the Philippines is going to be the second, the next target, after Afghanistan on the war on terrorism,’ Brownback said during a stop in Wichita. ‘That Abu Sayyaf group is the target.’”

It doesn’t take rocket science to take that statement in proper context.

The United States and its allies, the Philippines included, have vowed to go after terrorists wherever they may be.

The Abu Sayyaf has been linked to alQaeda and Osama bin Ladin. President Arroyo and President George W. Bush have both agreed that the Abu Sayyaf should be eliminated. There is some

urgency in this for the US because two American citizens are being held hostage.

Thus, to quote Brownback: “That Abu Sayyaf group is the target.”

The trouble is that there has been a great deal of fudging and equivocating – too much masturbating – on the part of the Arroyo government concerning the role that the Americans will play in the campaign against the Abu Sayyaf.

That, coupled with the hypocrisy and piranha mentality of the opposition and the age-old “Yankee go home” rhetoric of the militants, has created an opportunity for sensationalizing, for creating suspense, conflict and confusion.

This was reflected in the treatment of the Inquirer’s Friday headline which expectedly, set off fireworks which, in turn, made for a perfect follow-up story on Saturday. Its headline the next day blared: “US senator stirs furor for remark on RP.” The subhead read: “No way RP will be next Afghanistan.”

The lead rubbed it in even more: “The statement of a United States senator that the Philippines could be the next Afghanistan has triggered an uproar, with senators seeking a personal briefing from President Macapagal-Arroyo on the presence of US troops and activist groups demanding their immediate pullout.”

The usual quotable notables wasted no time in jumping into the fray, even if out of context.

Sen. Blas Ople “dismissed Brownback’s statement, saying the US senator was ‘speaking from a complete ignorance of Philippine reality.’”

Even a media veteran like Max Soliven couldn’t help getting into the act. In his column in the Sunday, January 20, issue of Philippine Star, the headline snapped: “Too much puffery over an American Senator being a loudmouth, too.”

And then he wrote: “What’s Brownback supposed to have said? That the Philippines would be the next Afghanistan? We know, and this should suffice, that we are as different from war-ravaged, Taliban-humiliated, feudal-minded (except in some warlord areas) Afghanistan as apples are from oranges.”

Max is right. The Philippines is not Afghanistan. But Brownback never said it is.

Always feisty, Max (my former boss, incidentally) described Brownback as someone who sounded “like a delegate from Dogpatch high on Kickapoo joy juice.”

Ouch!

In a tabloid that picked up the same story, Roilo Golez called Brownback’s

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LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL • APRIL 19-21, 2017

A

Dateline PhiliPPines

Duterte won’t interfere in fate of Lopez, 3 other secretaries

by Nestor

Corrales Inquirer.net

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte will not intervene in the decision of the powerful Commission on Appointments (CA) regarding the fate of his four Cabinet nominees earlier bypassed by the appointments body, Malacañang said on Tuesday, April 18.

“He never intervenes,” presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella told reporters at the sidelines of the “Dutertenomics Forum” in Pasay City.

On Monday, April 17, Malacañang said Duterte has reappointed Environment Secretary Regina “Gina” Lopez, Agrarian Reform Secretary Rafael Mariano, Social Welfare Secretary Judy Taguiwalo and Health Secretary Paulyn Jean Rosell-Ubial.

Despite rejections from the CA, Secretary Regina “Gina” Lopez

Abella said the bypassed Cabinet officials still enjoyed the President’s trust and confidence.

“The President finds them fit for a reappointment,” he said.

Lopez has faced heavy opposition from mining groups after she ordered the closure and suspension of several mining firms.

Taguiwalo and Mariano, known to be left-leaning, became controversial after Duterte suspended the peace talks with the communist rebels.

Ubial, meanwhile, has faced criticisms for her stand on condom distribution.

The CA earlier rejected the ad interim appointment of former Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. amid questions about his citizenship.

The Senate resumes session on May 2. n

De Lima asks SC to stop ‘political persecution’ vs her by rosette

adel

Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines — Detained Sen. Leila de Lima insists that her case is a result of political persecution and is asking the Supreme Court to order her immediate release.

In her Memorandum submitted to the SC on Monday, April 17, De Lima said her case is not special because it involves a senator of the Republic of the Philippines who has been deprived of her liberty but because the cases filed against her by the government for trading in illegal drugs is a case of political persecution rather than legitimate prosecution.

“What makes this case special, in fact, has nothing to do with the petitioner but everything to do with the government officials who are going after her with all the might and power and state.

What makes this case special is their willingness to use the strong arm of the law to persecute Petitioner simply to fulfill one man’s promise to make her rot in jail,” De Lima’s prefatory statement in

Sen. Leila De Lima, through her lawyers, on Monday submitted her Memorandum before the SC to question her arrest and continued detention.

her memorandum read.

“She is not asking for any special consideration because of her public position or because she is in jail. She only seeks the fundamental right of every citizen to invoke the Constitution as shield and sword against government abuse,” the statement read.

De Lima reiterated that the charges filed against her “are

manifestly false and brought before a court that is manifestly without jurisdiction, simply to satisfy the lust for vengeance.”

Grounds for political persecution The detained senator had not been in good terms with Presdient Rodrigo Duterte since she investigated him while mayor of

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ASEAN meeting to push through in Bohol this week

by Pia lee-Brago Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines — A senior officials meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Bohol will push through as scheduled this week despite concerns over the recent bloody encounter between security forces and Abu Sayyaf militants in a remote town in the province.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), through acting spokesman Robespierre Bolivar, said international delegates have confirmed participation in the meeting in Bohol hosted by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

As this developed, tourism remains vibrant in Bohol despite last week’s violence, Gov. Edgardo Chatto said on Tuesday.

April 18.

“We can confirm that the ASEAN meeting in Bohol will push through as scheduled, unless any new information dictates otherwise,” Bolivar said.

Bohol is hosting the 10th ASEAN and Hong Kong Free Trade Agreement (AHKFTA) Trade Negotiating Committee and Related Meetings.

The DTI-sponsored ministerial meetings will be held at the Henann Resort in Panglao Island beginning tomorrow until April 22.

The “security committee of our national organizing council is continuously working to ensure the safety and security of the meeting,” Bolivar said.

Manila will play host to the 30th ASEAN Summit on April 26 to 29. The summit proper will be held on the last day at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).

The Philippines chairs the ASEAN Summit 2017 and will also host the 31st ASEAN Summit on Nov. 10-14 in Clark, Pampanga. The country’s chairmanship coincides with 50th anniversary of the 10-nation bloc.

Meanwhile, Chatto said tourists were largely undisturbed by the recent clashes between troops and Abu Sayyaf mili-

A guard patrols the premises of the Department of Foreign Affairs in Pasay City on Friday, April 18.

Phistar.com

tants, judging from the surge of visitors to the province during Holy Week.

“It’s normal here during the Holy Week. All the hotel rooms were almost filled up. From about 80, 90 to 100 percent occupancy in resorts – nothing has changed,” said Chatto in an interview over radio dzMM. On April 11, security forces acting on intelligence information pounced on Abu Sayyaf militants on three boats led by Abu Rami in Inabanga town.

The clashes left three soldiers and a policeman killed.

The militants were believed to be plotting another kidnapping.

Chief Supt. Dionardo Carlos, spokesman for the Philippine National Police (PNP), said police forces in Central Mindanao have beefed up patrol and intelligence-monitoring in the region to stave off terror attacks and kidnapping.

Carlos said coordination among local government units, police and military forces has been intensified to prevent another attempt by the bandits to cross the seas to the Visayas.

“We are continuously guarding these areas. There is a regular monitoring in these areas,” he said.

As part of security measures, Carlos said several police teams visited Siquijor and Negros Oriental – particularly the coastal areas – to encourage residents to inform authorities of the ar-

rival or activities of suspiciouslooking men.

Residents spotted and reported the arrival in Bohol of armed men who stayed in the house of one of the local residents married to a woman from Mindanao.

Bohol, popular among local and foreign tourists, is home to the Chocolate Hills, the Danao Adventure Park, a tarsier conservation area and white sand beaches.

The province is not far from other tourist destinations like Cebu.

Chatto admitted some areas in Bohol remain on heightened alert as authorities are still on the hunt for suspected Abu Sayyaf fighters who managed to flee after the April 11 encounter.

Carlos said the Philippine Coast Guard and the Philippine Air Force have also been tapped to help secure the coastlines of Central Visayas and Negros Island regions.

“It was also announced that air assets of the Philippine Air Force will be flying over these islands to secure the coastlines and monitor the movement of small sea craft,” said Carlos.

“There’s a joint task force in Negros Occidental with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, even local groups such as BantayDagat in Negros were tapped in this effort.” (With Cecille Suerte Felipe)

A APRIL 19-21, 2017 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL

Dateline PhiliPPines

Church to partner with gov’t in putting up drug rehab centers

by PhiliP

Tubeza Inquirer.net

THE Catholic Church, though highly critical of extrajudicial killings linked to the Duterte administration’s war on drugs, has agreed to work with government in putting up at least 20 community-based drug rehabilitation centers in Metro Manila, Interior Assistant Secretary Epimaco Densing III said on Tuesday, April 18.

The project will be funded both by the government and the church and will be replicated throughout the country if it succeeds in Metro Manila.

“I met with (Manila Auxiliary) Bishop (Broderick) Pabillo two or three weeks ago and we agreed that we should work hand in hand to fast track the establishment of communitybased rehab centers that are church-based,” Densing said.

“So, the parish itself will be the rehabilitation center. We hope that if we become successful, all other church-based or faithbased organizations can follow suit all over the country.”

These “outpatient” community rehabilitation centers will target the

Davao City in 2009 for his alleged involvement in extrajudicial killings attributed to the Davao Death Squad.

De Lima also conducted hearings on extrajudicial killings at the start Duterte’s term, when she headed the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights.

She presented Edgar Matobato as a witness.

Matobato claimed to be a professional hitman who witnessed Duterte executing victims of the DDS. The senator also cited in her memorandum that another witness, SPO3 Arthur Lascañas, also surfaced and testified before the Senate, tagging Duterte as the DDS mastermind responsible for the killing of hundreds of EJK victims in Davao City.

‘Government confused on charges’ De Lima also mentioned that the government seemed confused on what crime she is being jailed for. She said this only proved that she was arrested

Time for a Cabinet…

pleasure of listening to the King finally speak.

DU30 does not have a stammer to cure; all he has is an apparent oversupply of unprovoked invectives, which is dangerous to our children’s, and our own manners and moral health. Instead of listening to Hitler’s speeches and trying to imitate his rage, he could study how distinguished heads of state, prime ministers, parliamentarians, and even preachers behave. In dealing with himself, he has to insist that civility is not weakness and the lack of manners or charity is never strength. Marcos, whom he reputedly admired, never raised his voice or used an invective on anyone in public.

The Cabinet as an option He may want to take a closer look at his Cabinet.

They are almost all from Mindanao and from San Beda Law College—as though that island and that law school had a monopoly of the nation’s talents, and that being from Mindanao or San Beda was the first requirement for an important appointment. This was a mistake, and the result has been called a lightweight Cabinet, even among DU30 INTERIOR Assistant Secretary Epimaco Densing III says the planned rehab centers will target supporters. DU30 must realize by now the gravity those who are only “experimenting” with drugs.

Photo from Densing’s Facebook page and magnitude of this mistake.

Yesterday, Malacañang issued Memorandum “90 percent of the 1.1 million drug the barangays.

Circular No. 16, according to Rappler, requiring “The parishes will also hold the various executive departments under the consurrenderers” who are only “exfundraisers for the centers which trol of the President to first seek his permission perimenting” with illegal drugs.

“The clientele here are the ex- we will put up immediately,” and consent before negotiating and signing any perimenters or those who take he said. “The only way for gov- agreement or treaty with any foreign government. drugs once a week or once a ernment to win the war against This is absurdity on stilts, worse than anything month. Those who are not yet drugs is for everybody in our we ever saw during B. S. Aquino 3rd’s “student country to be involved. So, if the council government.” I nearly fell off my seat upon hooked,” he said.

Densing said the Church would Church, the private sector, and reading it. provide the personnel to run the local government units are inWhy should it be necessary to send out any such centers while the government volved, I’m quite sure we will win circular, when it is the first basic principle and fact could fund the project through the war against drugs.” n that no treaty or agreement with any foreign party may be negotiated and signed, except upon the authority of, and the “full powers” from, the President? Was this an offshoot of unverified reports that the National Food Authority administrator had and detained on the basis of fake positions. charges.

De Lima, through her lawyers, entered into separate negotiations with Thai supDe Lima was initially charged on Monday submitted her Mem- pliers for a big rice import without the knowledge at the Muntinlupa City Regional orandum before the SC to ques- and authority of the National Food Council?

Trial Court for Consummated tion her arrest and continued Trading in Dangerous Drugs. detention. This is in compliance However, the Office of the Solici- with the required submission of tor General told the SC that the memorandum within the 20-day crime she actually committed deadline after the oral arguments PAGE A6 t is mere Conspiracy to Commit last March 28. statement “grandstanding” and said that “the latTrading in Illegal Drugs.

Both De Lima and Solicitor Gen- ter’s fear is baseless and untrue. ‘It’s only part of The senator said this was a eral Jose Calida were required to speculation.’” violation of her constitutional submit the memorandum and anBut wasn’t he also “grandstanding” by making rights to be informed of the na- swer the interpellation of magis- an incorrect attribution to Brownback? The latter ture and cause of the accusation trates during the past three oral never expressed any “fear” about America helpagainst her. arguments last March. These oral ing in the campaign against the Abu Sayyaf and, “In plain terms, petitioner was arguments discussed the peti- as national security adviser, he knows that the US charged and arrested for the tions filed by De Lima against involvement is not “baseless and untrue” or “only wrong crime,” she stressed in Muntinlupa RTC Branch 204 part of speculation.” her Memorandum.

Presiding Judge Juanita Guerrero The ones who are speculating are the militants “She must therefore be re- and police officers who arrested and the political opposition who insist that, far leased without delay, as every her late February. from just giving advice and training, US troops will moment of confinement is unThe deadline of submission for actually go into combat against the Abu Sayyaf. constitutional,” she added. memoranda is on April 24.

And here is where Malacañang has been “masDe Lima repeated that the RTC De Lima was represented by saging the message.” No. Definitely not. The of Muntinlupa has no jurisdic- several lawyers, including former Americans will just train our soldiers. Although tion over her case since the San- Solicitor Genral Florin Hilbay, they’ll observe on the frontlines. And they’ll fire diganbayan, not a regular court, Jose Manuel Diokno, Teddy Este- back when shot at. But no, they won’t go into has jurisdiction over high public ban Rigoroso, Alexander Padilla, combat. officials accused of committing and former senators Wigberto The fuzz explains the comment of Sen. Joker crimes using their government Tañada, and Rene Saguisag. n Arroyo, also in the Inquirer, that “the presence of

De Lima asks SC to stop ‘political…

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On Monday, Evasco was reported to have submitted a letter of resignation, apparently as a result of the controversy, which had earlier caused the firing of Cabinet Undersecretary Maia Chiara Halmen Valdez, his protege from Maribojoc, Bohol, who got caught in a bitter conflict with NFA administrator Jason Aquino on the issue of rice importation. The letter was reportedly submitted to Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, but quickly “returned to sender” on DU30’s instruction, before he could read it.

It now appears that the tide has turned against Aquino, who is being implicated in an alleged effort to conclude a deal with Thai rice suppliers.

Sources claim that following the courtesy call of the Thai trade exporters association on Aquino last March 31, an NFA special assistant approached the delegation to inquire if the NFA could recommend a private firm, Seabridge Transport Corporation, to handle the shipment. The delegation ignored the question. A week later, the same assistant reportedly appeared at the Thai embassy to follow up on his request on behalf of Seabridge and the NFA administrator. He was told the Thai government would be the one to choose the transport company, not any other.

Although DU30 has rejected Evasco’s resignation unread, the Cabinet secretary has provided a window for a Cabinet overhaul. He cannot afford to let go of Evasco, who is his most trusted in the Cabinet. But he could redefine his powers and functions, so that he could avoid overlaps in the organization. Aside from reviewing who should be doing what, a Cabinet revamp should allow DU30 to make one very important decision with respect to mining, which has created a wedge between the government and the mining sector. Gina Lopez, the environment secretary, has earned DU30’s support for her radical position against destructive mining. But since mining per se is not and has never been the problem, the Cabinet must now decide what type of mining should be allowed within the framework of Gina Lopez’s concerns, and under what conditions would it be acceptable. (fstatad@ gmail.com)

If Duterte can’t be expected…

U.S. troops in Basilan and Zamboanga was an implied admission by the AFP that it could not defeat the Abu Sayyaf.”

Malacañang’s retort? Of course we can defeat the Abu Sayyaf ourselves without any US help. But we can use some help. But we really don’t need help. Although we are already being helped.

For those of us who live overseas, it’s disconcerting having to constantly strain to read between the lines when going over the news from Manila.

First, we’re never sure that the source of the news, especially when it is the government, is conveying it truthfully, with no equivocation, and without any material facts being withheld. And then, we’re never sure that the version being communicated in the media is an objective, complete, unvarnished portrayal of the facts.

To put it bluntly, we’re never sure that the news is not being masturbated.

Is it any surprise that the image of our country is so screwed up? (gregmacabenta@hotmail. com)

A APRIL 19-21, 2017 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL

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BUSINESSJ& COMMUNITY ournal

B

Mercury Drug founder passes away at 96 by iris

Gonzales Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines - Mariano Que, the founder of the iconic Mercury Drug, has died, according to the advisory posted by the company on its social media page on Saturday, April 15. He was 96.

In its advisory, Mercury Drug Corp. said those who wish to send flowers may just make a donation to their favorite charitable institution or to the Mercury Drug Foundation Inc. As of press time, no other details surrounding his death were provided.

The Que family led by daughter Vivian Que Azcona is listed in Forbes magazine’s 50 richest Filipinos in 2016 at number 24 with a net worth of $900 mil-

Chairman Alfonso “Al” Yuchengco

lion.

Vivian is the president of the company and has led the drugstore chain’s expansion into retail services with the addition of convenience stores.

The drugstore giant was started by the elder Que after World War II. Que, who was a regular employee at a drug-

u PAGE B2

4 Pinoys crack Forbes list of influential young Asians by iris

Gonzales Philstar.com

life pushing the boundaries of innovation. It’s fascinating to see how these millennials are MANILA, Philippines - Four using technology to disrupt Filipino entrepreneurs and a their industries, empower their Philippine-based Iranian made communities and overcome it to Forbes’ 2017 list of the cultural barriers,” said Forbes most influential Asians under Media senior digital editor 30, the magazine announced Rana Wehbe.

Furthermore, Forbes said this over the weekend.

The second annual list in- year’s list showcases a number cludes 30 honorees for each of women in Asia who are advoof the 10 categories that make cates for social change and are up the list. The 10 categories defying stereotypes and prejuare Consumer Technology; dice to set a positive example Enterprise Technology; Enter- for what women in this part of tainment & Sports; The Arts; the world can achieve.

Another highlight of the Finance & Venture Capital; Industry, Manufacturing & En- year’s list includes the region’s influential millenniergy; Healthcare & Science; most Social Entrepreneurs; Media, als, such as swimmer Joseph Marketing & Advertising; and Schooling, who beat American Michael Phelps to win SingaRetail & E-commerce.

“This year’s Forbes 30 Under pore’s first Olympic gold medal 30 Asia list highlights the diver- and Grammy award-winning sity of talent in this vast region, singer Lorde from New Zealand.

To make it to the list, the honwith 300 impressive young entrepreneurs from all walks of u PAGE B2

Remittances hit $2.17B in February by ben

o. de vera Inquirer.net

CASH sent home by Filipinos overseas through banks stayed at the $2-billion level for the 13th straight month in February even as year-on-year growth slowed on seasonality.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas data released on Monday, April 17 showed that cash remittances reached $2.17 billion last Febru-

ary, the same amount as in January.

The February figure was up 3.4 percent from $2.1 billion a year ago, although yearon-year growth was slower that last year’s 8.4 percent and the previous month’s 8.6 percent.

Monthly cash remittances have remained above $2 billion since February last year.

In a statement, the BSP said more than three-fourths or $1.7 billion of the cash remittances sent home in February came

from land-based employees, while the remaining $500 million were from sea-based workers.

The top six contributors to cash remittance growth last February were Japan (up 11.3 percent year-on-year), Qatar (up 53.5 percent), Singapore (up 17.5 percent), Taiwan (up 64.4 percent), the United Arab Emirates (up 23.7 percent) and the United States (up 12.8 percent).

u PAGE B2

Banking taipan Al Yuchengco dies at 94

by Mayvelin

U. Caraballo ManilaTimes.net

YUCHENGCO Group of Companies founding chairman Alfonso “Al” Yuchengco died on Saturday, a company under the conglomerate announced on Monday, April 17. He was 94 years old.

“Our bank is mourning the untimely demise of our chairman emeritus, Ambassador Alfonso T. Yuchengco, who passed away last Saturday, April 15, 2017,”

Rizal Commercial Banking Corp.

(RCBC) said in a disclosure to Philippine Stock Exchange.

RCBC did not provide further details.

In an email to its members, the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) said details of Yuchengco’s wake and interment would be announced soon.

Yuchengco was MAP’s Management Man of the Year in 1992.

Yuchengco was a descendant of Chinese migrants from Fujian province who established a lum-

ber and construction business in Manila in the early 1900s.

The family patriarch, Enrique, expanded into real estate and insurance, and passed on the chairmanship of his flagship Malayan Insurance to his son Alfonso in 1953.

In 1967, Alfonso became chairman of RCBC and established a strong base among Chinese-Filipino clients.

RCBC and Malayan form the nucleus of the diversified

u PAGE B2

Chairman Alfonso “Al” Yuchengco

B APRIL 19-21, 2017 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL

Business news

‘Dutertenomics’ debuts in Mideast Lopez said the President’s visits to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and ManilaTimes.net Qatar significantly strengthened PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte’s diplomatic relationships, resultsocioeconomic agenda was un- ing in stronger commitments to veiled in his trip to the Middle enhance bilateral trade and inEast last week and will be called vestments.

The government also made “Dutertenomics,” Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said on Mon- gains for overseas Filipino workers in the three countries, Lopez day.

“Dutertenomics” aims to wid- said, citing memoranda of underen the gains of economic devel- standing and agreements in the opment, address inequality and field of education, health, vocauplift the quality of life of all Fili- tional and skills training; investpinos, the Cabinet official said in ments; and technical cooperation.

These initiatives, Lopez said, a statement.

by Raadee

S. SauSa

form part of “Dutertenomics” that would lead to more job and income opportunities and improved quality of life.

Duterte urged the oil-rich countries to buy more Philippine products to improve their trade balance with the Philippines.

Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Qatar are the main sources of oil and oil products imported by Philippines.

Lopez also reported several initiatives to facilitate investments, including the Investment Protection and Promotion Agreement (IPPA) with Qatar, which should facilitate the flow of Qatar investments into the Philippines.

This agreement, negotiations for which started nine years ago, will make Philippines an eligible recipient of investment funds from the Qatar Sovereign Fund.

The initial investment estimate was $1 billion.

Lopez said: “Qatar investors will be treated fairly and will not be disadvantaged.”

The government, he said, would “facilitate identification of opportunities and entry of investments.” n

4 Pinoys crack Forbes list of influencial...

PAGE B1 t orees must show leadership and disruption in their field; entrepreneurial mind-set and results; and the likelihood of changing their field over the next half-century.

Forbes received more than 1,200 submissions but only 300 applicants made the final cut.

Meanwhile, Forbes will hold its Second Annual “Under 30 Summit Asia” in Manila on July 25, 2017.

The second annual summit will convene honorees from the 2016 and 2017 Forbes “30 Under 30 Asia” lists.ments in the field of education, health, vocational and

skills training; investments; and technical cooperation.

These initiatives, Lopez said, form part of “Dutertenomics” that would lead to more job and income opportunities and improved quality of life.

Duterte urged the oil-rich countries to buy more Philippine products to improve their trade balance with the Philippines.

Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Qatar are the main sources of oil and oil products imported by Philippines.

Lopez also reported several initiatives to facilitate investments, including the Investment Protec-

But the BSP said remittances from Canada, China, Hong Kong and Kuwait posted declines in February.

End-February cash remittances amounted to $4.34 billion, 5.9-percent higher than the $4.1 billion during the first two months of last year.

During the first two months, cash remittances from landbased workers rose by 9.1 per-

cent to $3.5 billion, compensating for the decrease by 5 percent to $900 million in sea-based workers’ transfers, the BSP said.

Nearly four-fifths of the cash remittances that reached the Philippines during the twomonth period came from Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, the UAE, the United Kingdom and the US. For 2017, the BSP has project-

What’s New Arlene Al-os, CPA, MBA 1. What is New? Same sex marriages are considered the same as couples of opposite sex marriages for Federal tax purposes. On the other hand, other relationships that are not considered marriage under state law are not considered marriage for Federal tax purposes.

2. In most cases, tax is usually less if you file married filing joint tax than if you file married filing separate.

3. Combined income tax in separate returns could be less than in a joint return in some situations.

4. Establish community and separate income should you and your spouse file separate returns.

5. Domiciled state laws will administer whether you have community or separate income for

Divorce issue and tax tips (Part 2)

federal tax purposes.

6.

What factors are considered for domicile test determination: 1) length and location of residence; 2) locality where you vote; 3) place you pay state income tax; 4) location of property you own; 5) citizenship and connection in your community.

7. Married filing joint or married filing separate filing status may not be available for registered domestic partners. They are not married under state law and for federal tax purposes.

8. What you need to report if you are filing separate return from your spouse: 1) half of all community income and deductions; 2) all separate income, deductions and credits; 3) must itemize if other spouse itemizes otherwise standard deduction is zero; 3) should complete and attach Form 8958 to Form 1040 to identify separate and community income, deduction, credits.

9. The spouse who actually paid the personal deductions out of separate personal funds may

claim the deduction.

10. Certain spouses and for nonresident aliens, community property laws may be disregarded if: 1) you choose not to treat nonresident alien spouse US resident for tax purposes; 2) income you received not known by other spouse; 3) lived apart for all year and have met all required conditions; 4) other separated spouses whose income earned after separation but before a divorce decree.

11. File Form 8857 to request for innocent spouse relief if you believe under payment in tax must be paid by your spouse.

Disclaimer: Any accounting, business or tax advice contained in this communication is neither intended as a thorough, in-depth analysis of specific issues, nor a substitute for a formal opinion, nor is it sufficient to avoid tax-related penalties. *** Al-os & Associates Accountancy Corporation provides accounting and tax services to individuals, corporations, LLCs and business entities. The Firm has a niche in defending

Mercury Drug founder passes away...

PAGE B1 t

store located in Manila during the prewar period, gained knowledge on medical prescriptions.

In 1945, when the war ended, Mariano had enough capital to put up a store, Mercury Drug, named after the Roman god Mercury who carried the caduceus symbol.

Forbes said Que sold medicine – particularly sulfathiozone – “from a pushcart” before he opened Mercury Drug’s first store in 1945 at Bambang Street in Manila.

tion and Promotion Agreement (IPPA) with Qatar, which should facilitate the flow of Qatar investments into the Philippines.

This agreement, negotiations for which started nine years ago, will make Philippines an eligible recipient of investment funds from the Qatar Sovereign Fund.

The initial investment estimate was $1 billion.

Lopez said: “Qatar investors will be treated fairly and will not be disadvantaged.”

The government, he said, would “facilitate identification of opportunities and entry of inPAGE B1 t vestments.” n Yuchengco Group that now includes construction giant EEI Corp., Mapua Institute of Technology and Malayan Colleges, ed a 4-percent growth in remit- Honda car dealerships and Manila Memorial Park. tances.

Yuchengco was a certified In 2016, cash remittances reached a record $26.9 billion, public accountant and an alumup 5 percent from $25.61 billion nus of Far Eastern University. He in 2015. also took graduate studies at CoRemittances are the biggest lumbia University in New York. source of foreign exchange inYuchengco was a vocal critic come for the country, helping of the late strongman Ferdinand insulate the domestic economy Marcos and became a member from external shocks by ensuring of the “Light-A-Fire” movement the steady supply of dollars in the that was suspected by the Marsystem. n tial Law regime of being behind

Remittances hit P2.17 B...

PAGE B1 t

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The drug store began repackaging bulk items into single pieces and selling them individually, pioneering the drug retail business in the Philippines.

In 1963, upon the invitation of Ayala Corp., Mercury Drug opened its second branch in a developing commercial center in Makati City, now known as the Ayala Center.

In 1965, Mercury Drug established its landmark branch in Plaza Miranda, Quiapo, Manila, which is notable for its large outdoor LED screen.

In 2001, then Trade and Industry secretary Manuel Roxas II said the drugstore giant accounts for 70 percent of the market and already has a “near monopoly” of the local industry.

Mercury now has over 1,000 branches with at least 11,000 employees nationwide but retail giants such as Ayala and Robinsons have also entered the drugstore business, with their respective drug store chains, somewhat breaking Mercury Drug’s monopoly of the market. n

bombing and assassination plots.

He was also a diplomat, having served as Philippine permanent representative to the United Nations under President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, envoy to Japan under President Fidel Ramos and envoy to China under President Corazon Aquino.

He was appointed presidential adviser on foreign affairs in 2004, and presidential special envoy to China, Japan and Korea in 2001.

Yuchengco was a member of the Board of Overseers at Columbia Business School, trustee of the University of San Fran-

cisco, and trustee emeritus of Asia Society.

Yuchengco made headlines in 2005 when he shelled out P250 million of his own money to assist plan holders of failed pre-need firm Pacific Plans.

Last year, RCBC figured in an $81-million heist in which Bangladesh Bank money in the New York Federal Reserve found its way to RCBC, a remittance firm, and local casinos.

In accepting the Management Man of the Year award in 1992, Yuchengco said: “Honor has no price. I prefer to lose millions of pesos than to have my reputation tainted in any way.” n

Banking Taipan Al Yuchengco...

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Business news

LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL • APRIL 19-21, 2017

Dealing with assets Calendar of Events across omitted from a divorce case

Barrister’s Corner Atty. Kenneth UrsUA reyes YOU and your spouse may have gone through a lengthy and contentious divorce proceeding.

This is usually the most difficult period of a person’s life. Finally, time heals all pain. You and your spouse get tired of bickering and being mean to one another that you both decide to compromise each other positions and resolve all issues in your divorce case through settlement.

Shortly thereafter, the divorce judgment is finally entered by the Court and you get a sigh of relief. Later you discovery that “Oops!,” your ex-spouse had community asset and/or debt that was left out of the divorce judgment. This may be a pension, retirement account, a hidden bank account, or a piece of real estate property which was not divided in the judgment. What is one to do in this situation? The answer can be found in California Family Code §2556.

California Family Code §2556 provides “In a proceeding for dissolution of marriage, for nullity of marriage, or for legal separation of the parties, the court has continuing jurisdiction to award community estate assets or community estate liabilities to the parties that have not been previ-

ously adjudicated by a judgment in the proceeding.” California Family Code §2556. Even if the parties did not expressly reserve jurisdiction on that piece of asset, the Court retains the power to divide a specific property if there is a community interest in it.

The Court’s “continuing jurisdiction” over omitted community estate assets or debts is invoked by filing a post judgment Motion, or Request for Order in the divorce case. Family Code §2556 provides “A party may file a postjudgment motion or request for order in the proceeding in order to obtain adjudication of any community estate asset or liability omitted or not adjudicated by the judgment.” The postjudgment partition of the unadjudicated community estate claims is properly entertained by the court even absent an express reservation of jurisdiction in its prior judgment. Marriage of Moore & Ferrie (1993) 14 CA4th 1472, 1483, 18 CR2d 543, 549, fn. 9.

The postjudgment motion is available to any omitted asset or debt not adjudicated by the divorce judgment. However, Family Code §2556 does not extend to division and adjudication of any separate property.

Marriage of Klug (2005) 130

CA4th 1389, 1396, 31 CR3d 327, 331–332.

If an asset was partially omitted, the Court can still divide and adjudicate the portion that has been omitted postjudgment under family code §2566. Community Property adjudicated under § 2556 shall be divided equally “unless the court finds upon good cause shown that the interests of justice require an unequal division of the asset or liability.”

Family Code §2556. *** Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, P.C. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kureyeslaw@gmail.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com. *** 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 (Advertising Supplement) is not a solicitation.

How many people were raised from the dead in the Bible?

Debt Relief Atty. lAwrence yAng YOU may be surprised to find out that quite a number of dead people were resurrected. The Bible mentions some resurrections that occurred en masse at the resurrection of Jesus. The whole Christian world celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ this Sunday about 2000 years ago, after His death on the cross on Mt. Calvary. When Jesus died on Holy Friday, “the earth shook, the rocks split and the tombs (of various saints in Jerusalem) broke open” Matthew 27:50-53. Those open tombs remained open until the third day. At that time, “the bodies of many holy people…were raised to life. The came out of the tombs after Jesus’ resurrection and went into the holy city and appeared to many people”. On the day that Jesus was raised to life, these saints were also raised and became witnesses in Jerusalem of the life that only Jesus can give. So this is already a bunch of people that were raised from the dead.

Who else was raised from the dead? Elijah the prophet raised the widow of Zarepath’s son from the dead (l Kings 17:17-24) Elijah was staying in an upper room of the widow’s house during a severe drought in the land. While he was there, the widow’s son became ill and died. In her grief, the woman brought the body of her son to Elijah with the assumption that his presence in her household had brought about the death of her boy as a judgment on her past sin. Elijah took the dead boy from her arms, went to the upper

room and prayed, “Lord my God, let this boy’s life return to him!”

Elijah stretched himself out on the boy three times as he prayed and “the Lord heard Elijahs’s cry, and the boy’s life returned to him, and he lived”. The prophet brought the boy to his mother, who was filled with faith in the power of God through Elijah.

Elisha, another prophet, not to be confused with the other prophet Elijah, raised the Shunammite woman’s son from the dead. He regularly stayed in Shunem in an upper room prepared for him by this woman and her husband. One day, while Elijah was at Mount Car-

Elisha, not the prophet Elijah. As you probably know, God brought Elijah up to heaven in a fiery chariot. So Elijah is one of two people who did not died but was brought into heaven alive and kicking. The other person who was brought to heaven alive was Enoch. Who was Enoch? Enoch was the great grandfather of Noah, the guy with the Ark full of animals saved from the great flood. Enoch was 365 years old when God took him to heaven still alive. Pretty cool, huh?

Sometime after Elisha had died and was buried, some men were burying another body in the same area. The gravediggers saw a band of Moabite raiders approaching, and rather than risk an encounter with the Moabites, they threw the man’s body into Elisha’s grave. “When the body touched Elisha’s ones, the man came to life and stood up on his feet (2 Kings 13:20-21).

The first resurrection performed by Jesus was for the dead son of the widow of Nain. As the Lord approached the town of Nain, He met a funeral procession leaving the city. In the coffin was a young man, the only son of a widow. When Jesus saw the procession, “his heart went out to the woman and he said, “Don’t cry”, then Jesus came close and touched the coffin and spoke to the dead man. “Young Man I say to you, get up.” Obeying the divine order, “the dead man sat up and began to talk” (Luke 7:11-17). And so, Jesus turned the funeral into a praise and wor-

“God has come to help his people.”

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAglAyA Joshua hurried outside the inn to the courtyard. A stranger summoned him for help. He had a mule tethered to a post. A badly beaten, wounded man who looked half-dead was splayed helplessly face down across the girth of the pack animal.

“What happened?” Joshua asked.

The stranger replied, “I came across this man on a deserted part of the roadway to Jericho.

He was stripped naked, unconscious and bloodied all over.

He was still alive, but barely. I couldn’t just leave him.”

He paused and pleaded with Joshua, the innkeeper, “Can you help us?”

Joshua sprang to action, “Let’s bring him inside quickly. I can have Luke look him over.”

They carried the man inside and laid him in a bed in one of the rooms. Joshua quickly fetched the man he called Luke. He was a physician who spent much of his time writing.

They hurried to the wounded man’s room. With his deft hands, Luke diagnosed the injured man’s condition and briskly gave instructions to Joshua to prepare warm water, oil, ointment and strips of clothing to bind the man’s wounds.

The man’s breathing was shallow. He opened his swollen eyes slightly seemingly regaining con-

mel, the couple’s young son died.

The woman carried the body of her son the Elijah’s room and laid it on the bed (2 Kings 4:18-37).

Then, she looked for Elijah. When she found him, she pleaded with him to come to his room. He sent his servant, Gehazi, ahead of them with instructions to lay Elijah’s staff on the boy’s face. As soon as Elijah and the mother arrived back to his room, he shut the door and prayed. Then he stretched out on top of the boy’s body, and the body began to warm. The boy then sneezed seven times and awoke from death. Elijah then delivered the boy, alive again, to his grateful mother.

A dead man resurrected after his body was thrown into Elisha’s grave. Don’t get confused here.

We’re talking about the prophet

u PAGE B4

Something to ponder:

America

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Fundraising event to benefit the first-ever Filipino American Heritage and Arts Museum in Las Vegas The Filipino American Heritage and Arts Museum (FAHAM) will host “Heritage Celebration - Filipinos Landing in California,” a fundraising event on Friday, April 21, starting at 6:00 p.m. at the Dallas Ballroom of Texas Station Hotel and Casino. Festivities include a buffet dinner, arts exhibits, vendor booths, cultural entertainment a native fashion show, a Philippine history presentation, and dance performances. The cultural entertainment will be provided by the FAHAM Cultural Dance Group, Heart of Polynesia, Gina Kim Korean Dance Group, Filipiniana Dance Company of Las Vegas, Sophia Ramos, Sharon Tanyag, and DJ Mike. Emcees will be Amie and Leo Belmonte. The donation is $50 / person. Attire is formal. FAHAM is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and is currently America’s first Filipino American Museum, Archives, Legacy, Culture, Innovation Research Center, and Library Garden founded in Delaware by Mrs. Ditta Camomot, M.Ed., M.A. Its holdings are artifacts, ethological materials, and ecclesiastical, historical, arts and ephemera collections, as well as environmental projects. Texas Station is located at 2101 Texas Star Ln, North Las Vegas, NV 89032. For tickets and more information, please contact Salve Edelman at (702) 418-8968.

Filipino American Chamber of Commerce Tri-County’s ‘maiden’ induction in Alhambra The newly-formed Filipino American Chamber of Commerce Tri-County (Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Riverside Counties) — with the motto “Empowered to Lead, Committed to Serve” — will have an induction of executive officers and board of directors on Friday, April 2, 6 p.m., at Almansor Court (700 South Almanzor St., Alhambra, CA 91801).

FACC Tri-County President Merwynn Montenegro has invited Philippine Consul General Adelio Angelito S. Cruz to induct the officers and give the keynote speech. Councilmember and former West Covina Mayor James Toma will be the inspirational speaker. Boardmember Atty. Abraham Lim serves as Legal Counsel while Noel S.V. Omega and Mary Ann Omega are Chamber Advisers. Cost is $40 with free parking. Business attire is required. For more information, contact Secretary Ed Cansino (909) 263-7297; Asst. Sec. Grace O. Vaughn (951) 261-0601; or 1st VP Elen Yuhico (909) 636-6271, or lvsolis@aol.com.

A P R I L 23

Afternoon of bowling and networking with Fil-Am Chamber of Commerce of Greater Los Angeles The Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Los Angeles (FACC-GLA) proudly presents an “afternoon of bowling fun and networking” on Sunday, April 23 from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Matador Bowling Lanes at 9118 Balboa Blvd., Northridge, CA 91325. Enjoy the Sunday afternoon with fun, laughter and meet new friends. Please RSVP to Connie Mapue, secretary of FACC-GLA at (323) 337-7714. Fee for bowlers, $25 / person (FACCGLA members); $30/person for non-members. $15 / person for non bowlers

A P R I L 29

12th annual Sikad ng Bayan bike ride in Anaheim Hills, CA The Sikad ng Bayan (Cycling for the Nation) is an annual bike ride that raises funds to build preschools for less fortunate communities at Gawad Kalinga (GK) villages in the Philippines. It is a non-competitive ride that will be held on Saturday, April 29, where cyclists traverse the Orange and Los Angeles counties. And in true Filipino fashion, this fun ride culminates in a Pinoy-style luncheon where cyclists can get together and know more about Sikad. It will be held at the Yorba Regional Park (7600 E La Palma Ave, Anaheim, CA 92807). For more information or to register please visit www.sikad.org or call Rey D. at (562) 964-1445 or Robbie V. at (949) 351-8344.

APRIL 30

Filipino Cultural School to host “Sari-Sari Talent Show 2017” in Cerritos, CA Filipino Cultural School (FCS) will host its 2nd annual Sari Sari: Talent Show Fundraiser on Sunday, April 30 from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Josephine’s Cerritos (11305 183rd St, Cerritos, CA 90703). Filipino Cultural School, based in Cerritos, CA and other neighboring cities, is a 501(c)(3) Non Profit Organization geared to the preservation and promotion of the Philippine heritage and culture. FCS has and continues to be open to all. Filipinos and non-Filipinos who are interested in Philippine culture are invited to attend. “Sari-Sari” is a Tagalog word for “variety,” and in this talent show, FCS aims to celebrate the diverse talents of our community members in forms of singing, dancing, spoken words, etc., along with some great Filipino food from the restaurant. Pre-sale tickets are $10 for ages 13 years old and above, and $5 for ages 12 years old and under. Door prices will be $15 for ages 13 years old and above, and still $5 for ages 12 years old and under (ticket prices do not include food). The raised funds for the event will go towards helping cover for the cost of venue, insurance, and materials for the FCS Summer Program. For information on how to purchase a ticket and also sign-up to perform in the show, please visit the website http://filipinoculturalschool.org. For any inquiries, feel free to contact FCS at filipinoculturalschool@ gmail.com.

M AY 4

Philippine Consulate Outreach Mission in Carson, CA

The story of Micah, the good samaritan

“… He opened his swollen eyes slightly seemingly regaining consciousness. The man moaned asking where he was. Then he drifted out once more. …” sciousness. The man moaned asking where he was. Then he drifted out once more. Luke felt his pulse. It was weak but steady.

They ministered to him as best as they could. The man drifted in and out of consciousness but the bleeding had stopped. Seeing that there was no more they can do for the man at the moment, the three men left the room.

“I am Micah from Samaria,” the man said. “I am Joshua,” the innkeeper replied, “and this is Luke.” Luke gazing at the two men with kind knowing eyes, nodded, acknowledging them both as he went back to his writing.

Micah stayed with the injured man through the night, lying down on a cot on one side of the room for short naps in-between while Luke checked in on the man’s condition from time to time during the night. Joshua made sure there is food for Micah and enough oil for the lamp that burned faintly in one corner of the room. It looked like the man was going to make it. He said a prayer of thankfulness.

Micah was up early. He had pressing business to attend to.

He looked in on the wounded

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man. He set aside two silver coins for the man’s care. Micah made a mental note to stop by the inn on his way back. He wanted to cover any other cost.

Sometime during the day, the wounded man opened his eyes and saw he was in a strange room. His body ached all over and his head was spinning. He was hungry and thirsty and was about to call out when Joshua entered the room.

“How are you feeling?” Joshua asked him. He had a tray of warm food and a flask of wine with him.

The man groaned in reply. Joshua placed the tray of food beside the man. He had great difficulty eating and swallowing but he must have been truly famished. He cleaned up what was on the tray.

Joshua asked as he sat down on a chair, “ So tell me. What happened?”

The man answered, “A band of four robbers sprang up on me while I was traveling on a deserted road on my way to Jericho. They beat me up so badly and left me for dead. They took all I had, even my clothing.”

The man continued, “Hours

u PAGE B4

The Philippine American Bar Association (PABA) will hold its 31st Annual Installation and Awards Gala on Thursday, May 4, 2017 in downtown Los Angeles. PABA is the largest local organization of Filipino-American attorneys in the United States. Formed three decades ago, PABA serves the needs of Fil-Am lawyers and law students in Southern California. The Gala is a celebration of the Fil-Am legal community, as well as PABA’s largest fundraiser of the year. The proceeds are used to carry out the group’s mission: strengthening the legal community through mentoring programs, networking events, scholarships for students, and continuing education. The keynote speaker for this year’s Gala is California State Treasurer John Chiang. Jose (Joe) Lauchengco, Jr., will be recognized as the 2017 Trailblazer, and The Honorable Bernie LaForteza, Los Angeles Superior Court, will be the recipient of the 2017 Distinguished Jurist Award.

The Gala will be held at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel, 506 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90071. Registration along with a A No-Host Cocktail Reception will begin at 6:00 p.m. and the Dinner & Program will commence at 7:00 p.m. Additional ticketing and sponsorship information are provided below. If you would like to purchase individual tickets, advertisements, tables or become an event sponsor, you can also pay online by clicking here: https://www.z2systems.com/np/clients/paba/giftstore.jsp

M AY 4 -1 1

FilAm ARTS and Philippine Expressions Bookshop to host art exhibit in San Pedro, CA The Association for the Advancement of Filipino American Arts and Culture (FilAm ARTS) and Philippine Expressions Bookshop in partnership with the Croatian Cultural Center of Greater Los Angeles proudly present BUKLOD: A Gathering of Filipino and Filipino-American Art and Artists from May 4 to 11. Over 50 works of art by Filipino and Filipino-American artists are featured in this exhibition, which aims to reassert the presence of Filipino-Americans in the Western canon. Although many Filipino-American artists have been recognized in the art world, their cultural heritage is rarely highlighted nor has there been a body of work categorized as Filipino-American masterpieces in the 600 years of the history of painting. The artists of BUKLOD strive to fill that void with works that instill culture, dignity, and imagination to a cultural landscape that seldom acknowledges and habitually denies them their shared humanity. This exhibition gathers contemporary LA-based artists who anchor their work with their heritage and have an active community involvement to further their respective passion projects as artists. The BUKLOD exhibit will be open to the public beginning on May 4 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., coinciding with the San Pedro’s First Thursdays Artwalk. The exhibit will run until Thursday, May 11 at the Croatian Cultural Center (510 W 7th St, San Pedro, CA 90731). The opening Reception will be held on Saturday, May 6 from 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. and will include live performances as well as food and artisan booths.

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

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Something to ponder: The story of Micah...

PAGE B3 t had passed when I saw someone, coming up the road. He was garbed like a priest. I shouted for help and he saw me. Alas, he went on the other side of the road and hurried along. No one else came for hours. My heart was sinking. And then, in what seemed to be forever, a Levite came by and saw me but he too could not be bothered and went to the other side of the road and went on his way.”

He paused for a while and said, “I was losing hope. I asked God for mercy to send someone, anyone to help me. The sun was going down and it will soon be cold and dark when I saw someone coming up the road. He was riding in a mule. I managed yet again to shout for help. This time, the man stopped, got off his animal and quickly hurried to where I lay bleeding. I must have passed out since that was the last time I remembered anything.”

Joshua told him, “The man who brought you here saved you just in time. God heard your prayer. A physician has been treating you.” Joshua looked at him squarely and added, “The man who saved you is named

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Micah, a Samaritan. He was up all night looking after you. ” Samuel’s swollen eyes grew wide. Joshua noted the man seemed stunned at knowing who had saved him.

“I’m the innkeeper. I’m Joshua.

What is yours?” he asked him.

“Sam … Samuel of Jerusalem,” the man stammered. Joshua nodded, stood up and took the tray away. “Well, rest and feel better,” he told him in a quiet voice, headed for the door and left the room.

Joshua thought to himself as he went about his day. In the many years he had been an innkeeper, he knew Jews and Samaritans took great pains to avoid one other. They were like oil and water. They just did not mix. Jews considered Samaritans as half-breeds, inferior in every way, since they had married pagans and had included pagan rituals in their worship. In the Jewish tradition, they were outcasts, tolerated but not welcome.

Joshua guessed Samaritans probably felt just as resentful toward Jews. They probably regarded Jews as high-handed, arrogant stiffs, rigidly set and unbending in their ways and traditions. So deep was the resentment be-

tween them that Samaritans and Jews did not even talk to each other. But now somehow Joshua knew it did not have to be so.

He knew and felt better about this bit of wisdom about who true neighbors are. He refused the two silver coins Micah was giving him. Joshua felt good doing his bit for the wounded man.

Joshua went about his day with a lighter heart. He felt sure God made him an innkeeper to meet people on the crossroads. Since that glorious night long ago when he witnessed something rare, precious and mysterious in a childbirth at the stable at the back of the inn that only a few men had ever seen, stories have been unfolding right before his eyes.

People and their stories have been opening up his heart and enriching his soul. Joshua often regaled his wife and children with these stories at the dinner table.

He thought that maybe one day when the time is ripe, he could share these stories with as many others who cared to listen.

These stories are just too good to keep to one’s self. Maybe he can tell Luke who can then write about these stories to pass them on to many generations.

EMPLOYMENT

Samuel, the wounded man, was in deep thought too. He felt sure the priest and the Levite who had both passed him by were going to help him in his hour of need. They were supposedly men of God. Samuel was a man of some means and had given generously to the temple’s coffers. He even sat with these men in places of honor. Like them, he grew up bound by tradition and despised Samaritans.

And yet, here he is, still alive by an unexpected grace. Here he still is because of a surprising deed of kindness from a man whose tribe people thought, including himself, were good for nothing.

He closed his eyes and felt deep shame and remorse. Samuel knew he could never repay the kindness this Samaritan man Micah had given him. Yet, Samuel now knows in his heart he can look at Samaritans and perhaps, even other groups who worshiped the same God, with fresh eyes and treat them like his own.

How many people...

PAGE B3 t

ship service: “God has come to help his people,” he people said.

Jesus also resurrected the dead daughter of Jarius, a synagogue leader. A crowd surrounded the Lord when Jairus came to Him, begging Him to visit his house and heal his dying 12-year-old daughter. Jesus began to follow Jarius home, but on the way a member of Jarius’ household approached them with the sad news that his daughter had died.

Jesus turned to Jarius with words of hope: “Don’t be afraid, just believe, and she will be healed.

Upon arriving at the house of Jarius, Jesus took the girl’s parents, Peter, James, and John and entered the room where the body lay. There, “he took her by the hand and said, “My child, get up!” Her spirit returned, and at once she stood up (Luke 8 42-55).

Jesus resurrected his friend Lazarus who had been dead for four days (John 11).

The apostle Peter raised Tabitha from the dead (Acts *** 9:36-43). The apostle Paul Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya raised the young man Eutychus is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, from the dead (Acts 20:7-12) Inc. To send comments, e-mail Of course, any list of resurrecmonette.maglaya@asianjournalinc.com tions in the Bible must include

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the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

His death and resurrection are the most important events in the history of the world. The resurrection of Jesus is different from the other resurrections in that the resurrection of Jesus is “permanent”. The others that were resurrected died again when it was time for them to die again.

They all died twice. Jesus rose, nevermore to die. The resurrection of Jesus is proof that his plan his for us to have eternal life with Him, God the Father and God the Holy Spirit! This is the best news there is in the history of the world from our loving Father!

If you need bankruptcy relief, please call my office for an appointment and I will analyze your case personally.

“Because I live, you will also live” — John 14:19h *** Lawrence Bautista Yang specializes in bankruptcy, business, real estate and civil litigation and has successfully represented more than five thousand clients in California. Please call Angie, Barbara or Jess at (626) 284-1142 for an appointment at 1000 S. Fremont Ave, Mailstop 58, Building A-1 Suite 1125, Alhambra, CA 91803.

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St. Bernadette

Holy mass at the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes with Fr. Camillo and Fr. Antonio

St. Therese child of flowers

Our Lady of Fatima Apparition Site

Our Lady of Fatima Square, Portugal

Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto

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St. Therese of Avila, Spain

Fr. Camillo and Fr. Antonio in Notre Damme Cathedral

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Photos by: Andy Tecson

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The Asian Journal

MDWK

Wednesday, April 19, 2017

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cover story

Kris Aquino goes to Hollywood A remembrance of her Filipino heritage

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The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - April 19, 2017

by ThelMa

Author Cristie Locsin writes about change and possibilities in “The Value of Equality” by

Malou liwanag-bledsoe / AJPress

WHEN writers make fiction, many would expect that they would go beyond what is expected of them purely because they have more room for imagination. For first time author Cristie Locsin, she had that in mind when she wrote “The Value of Equality” — that, with fiction, she would have freedom to create her own story. However, she did not go very far as she decided to stay close to her Filipino roots.

“The Value of Equality” tells the story of the hacienderos of the Philippines in the late 1960s, when times were turbulent with rebel groups vying for political reformation and new leadership. The first book of a proposed trilogy, it is inspired by the experiences of Locsin’s father and grandfather.

In 1969, the powerful hacienderos in the province of Azusa were known for creating politicians. Daria Hernandez, a haciendero’s daughter, loved her father’s land and the workers. She paved the way for the ambitious and idealistic Mayor Vasquez to lead the country into a new form of government.

Locsin explained that she chose to write historical fiction because she’s a big fan of alternate history genre. “It’s my imagination’s interpretation of a what-if scenario,” she said.

She also clarified that readers might try to find similari-

setting and culture that few can remember. It is also a sub-culture to the traditional Filipino culture that is presented in a lot of novels.”

She also talked about change, which seems to be part of the “The Value of Equality.”

In the book, the readers may perceive that change happens all the time — whether good or bad. “...It’s [change] a word that seems to have lost its significance and meaning. It is overused in my opinion,” she explained and then continued, “I don’t think things have changed much. History does have the tendency to repeat itself. A journalist once shared with that change is like billiard balls struck by a poor pool player. The vigor of the stroke seldom coincides with the direction intended.”

With roots from Silay City, Negros Occidental, Locsin holds a journalism degree from California State University-Northridge and hails from a family of writers. Her uncle (her father’s brother), Teodoro Locsin Sr., was a highly respected journalist and publisher of The Philippines Free Press Magazine. His son, Teodoro “Teddyboy” Locsin, Jr. is also a well-known journalist and columnist.

As a first time book author and publisher, she admits that there were challenges that she had to hurdle through, one of which is editing. “I have to thank my editing team for their hard work,” she said. “As an Photo courtesy of Cristie Locsin author or for me at least, it was

ties with the story’s characters and/or storyline. “The farmers and workers are part of the characters in the book. As for the past and current situation [in the Philippines], situation is different,” she said. “Agrarian reform has ended the patriarchal or matriarchal root of the landlord and former relations, which erased the sense of family, responsibility and care.”

In spite of the Filipino-inspired and background of the story, Locsin reiterated that her book’s message is universal, as it focuses on the political happenings not only in the Philippines but in other countries as well.

“Don’t let the cover of the book fool you. The theme for my book is universal,” she said and then added, “It is about love and sacrifice. It also dabbles on historical settings with politics on the side. The backdrop for the novel is a

The author with husband Michael, and kids James, Jenella and Jade.

difficult to edit my own work.

What’s on my mind at times, reflects differently on paper.”

She also has this advice to aspiring writers: “Write your heart out. Write the story you want to tell. Do not allow discouragement and negativity to stop your creativity. After you write your story, be confident and don’t let the money and sales rank be your guide for your success. Everyone is entitled to their interpretation of your story so accept the criticism that can help you improve and let go of all the worthless negativity.” *”The Value of Equality” is available in hardbound, paperback and electronic copy. It is available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble in all formats including E-books for Kindle, Nook and Ibooks. For bulk and distribution, please contact Authorhouse (http:// bookstore.authorhouse.com/ Products/SKU-001121174/TheValue-of-Equality.aspx). The novel was also released in the United Kingdom, Europe, Saudi Arabia, Venezuela and South Africa, as well as Japan and China. It is not yet available in the Philippines.

sioson san Inquirer.net

Juan

IF things go as planned, Kris Aquino will join the cast of a movie based on a bestseller— the first Filipino woman to be cast in this Hollywood movie.

Aquino flew to Los Angeles on Easter Sunday to meet with the producers and sign the contract, sources say.

About six Filipino actresses, according to sources, had auditioned, but apparently only Aquino had landed a role, so far.

2013 bestseller Talk has been going around that the movie is based on Kevin Kwan’s 2013 bestseller about an old-wealth Singaporean family, its matriarch Eleanor Young and its heir apparent—the Ivy-

Kris Aquino

League-educated Nick Young, who flies home to Singapore for a friend’s wedding with his New Yorker girlfriend in tow.

Kwan gives readers a jaw-dropping glimpse of the lives—and secrets—of the rich and the chi-chi set. Kwan followed up this bestseller with “China Rich Girlfriend” (2015) and just this year, “Rich People Problems.”

Kwan was in Manila about two years ago and met the lifestyle set—and apparently drew inspiration from some of its characters.

“Rich People Problems” has characters whose names curiously sound like those of Metro Manila’s A-listers, such as Diego San Antonio (Inquirer columnist Anton San Diego?) and Doris Hoh (business leader Doris Magsaysay-Ho).

Obviously the movie producers have had Aquino on their radar. According to our sources—and which Aquino confirmed in her Instragram post—Grammy and Tony award-winning producer Jhett Tolentino tried to contact Aquino through intermediaries—specifically Nene Chan and Rep. Len Alonte.

Instagram post In her Instagram post, Aquino wrote she had only a few days to prepare an audition reel, so she got a suite at Peninsula Manila to mount the audition shoot, tapping her network that included director Ricky Villabona, Jules Dacanay and makeup artist Juan Sarte. The team then did rush editing and color grading of her audition reel and video biography.

“At this particular point in my life, to have the Hollywood door open is God-sent,” Aquino said.

And the suspense builds up.

Dingdong, Marian working on Baby No. 2 by iza iglesias ManilaTimes.net

PHILIPPINE showbiz’ famous couple Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera revealed before the Holy Week break that they are indeed talking about having another child soon.

Together with their daughter Maria Letizia—more popularly known as Baby Zia—Dong-Yan faced the press as a family for the first time at the Johnson & Johnson’s #Dadventures Camp press launch on April 3, and were picture perfect in every way.

“We plan to have our second baby after my upcoming teleserye. That’s our target,” the ever-beautiful 32-year-old actress and GMA Network’s “Primetime Queen” declared.

Rivera furthered that Zia, who is turning two on November 23, will definitely love to have a sibling. “Of course, she will be excited to have a little brother or sister. Baby Zia likes the kids she meets,” the doting mom added.

Dantes, on the other hand,

emphasized that he and his wife are prepared to have another child any time.

“We’re ready if Baby No. 2 happens. It doesn’t matter if it’s a boy or a girl. Whatever God will give us, we’ll be more than happy,” the 36-year-old hunk of a dad beamed.

Meanwhile, their darling Zia is noticeably comfortable in front of the camera. During the event, the celebrity tyke showed off her wit and adorable ways as she engaged attendees by saying “po” and “opo,” demonstrating parts of the body, and waving and smiling at everybody in the room.

“She’s a very happy girl and very sociable. Her mother is a good teacher. She’s also in the stage of exploring so you cannot stop her playfulness. What’s really important is as parents, we have to be around her all the time so she won’t get hurt,” Dantes shared.

“I want to be a good role model to my child. In everything that we do, I want us to be an example, both her parents— how we love each other, how we deal with others—we want her to be like that,” Rivera elaborated.

With more commercials in the pipeline for their beautiful little girl, it was but natural

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Philippine showbiz’ royal family: Marian, Zia and Dingdong Rivera-Dantes

that the Danteses were asked whether they would allow Zia to enter showbiz when she is a little older. Without hesitation the responsible dad said they would neither discourage nor encourage her, but they will make sure to expose her to other options.

“It will still depend on her choice. We’re just here to support and guide her on what she wants to do in life. But it’s important for us also to introduce all other options to her so she’s free to choose. And of course, we want her to focus first on her studies in the future,” Dantes said.

Back to acting Many fans are excited that the power couple are set to return to acting as Prinsipe Raquim and Reyna Minea in GMA’s telefantasya Encantadia. They will also have separate soaps to lead and a sitcom they will both star in after their respective projects.

“We will return to Encantadia but we will not work together [in scenes],” confirmed Rivera.

Asked how the projects will affect their parenting schedules, with both very hands on in raising Zia, the Primetime Queen replied, “GMA talked to us so we can balance our schedules.

We said we don’t want to shoot [our scenes]at the same time. If ever I have taping, Dong should be at home taking care of Zia. And I will do that too if Dong needs to shoot. At least one of us should be with her.”

The actress further revealed she still has separation anxiety from Baby Zia even as she returned to showbiz in the latter part of 2016.

“Now you have seen how my daughter is attached to me, and how I am attached to her.

For sure I’ll continue to have a separation anxiety and have a hard time leaving her,” she said.

“But then of course I am excited to go back to primetime especially for the characters I will be playing. For my next soap I will have two leading men,” Rivera ended without giving other clues about her next project.

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - April 19, 2017

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features

KC Concepcion motivated by passion and hard work

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - April 19, 2017

by Deni

Rose BeRnaRDo Philstar.com

FASO to hold its first gala benefit at Hollywood legend’s estate The Filipino American Symphony orchestra (FASo), the only Filipino symphony orchestra outside of the Philippines, will hold “A Night of Symphony,” its first ever gala benefit dinner on June 17 at the majestic estate of hollywood legend Mary Pickford in hancock Park, Los Angeles.

The special evening will honor FASo’s first excellence in Music awardees and distinguished contributors to the pioneering orchestra’s mission and objectives. The names of the honorees will be announced soon.

This will be a unique chance to be on the sprawling grounds of the former home of Mary Pickford, the original America’s Sweetheart, and the location of movies, including the 2011 oscar best picture winner, “The Artist,” and “Rocky IV.” edwin Raquel, one of FASo’s board members, and his family will graciously open their home for the event which will raise funds

to sustain FASo, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting Filipino music and artists and for its music education programs.

Filipino chefs who are part of the movement that’s making Pinoy cuisine a worldwide sensation will prepare the sumptuous dinner.

Guests will be serenaded

by FASo, which has been giving enthusiastically received concerts over the years, under the baton of musical director and conductor Robert “Bob” Shroder. Select performers and the Music in excellence awardees will also entertain the guests.

In addition, guests will have the opportunity to bid and win unique auction items, including a week’s stay at an apartment on Champs-elysees in Paris; a round-trip ticket to Manila via Philippine Airlines plus a trip to Coron, Palawan; a stay at the handumanan estate in Kalibo, Aklan, with complimentary river cruise and sightseeing to coincide

The sprawling grounds of the Mary Pickford estate where FASO’s first benefit gala will be held.

with the popular Ati-Atihan Festival, and a stay at Boracay; and a chance to conduct FASo, no less.

Another highlight will be the Rigodon de honor, the traditional Filipino dance by couples.

The exciting gala, sponsored by Bank of hope, Pacific Western Bank and Silver Saddle Ranch & Club, will feature two parts. There will be a meet and greet for a limited number of guests, starting at 4:00 p.m., with a guest of honor, the awardees and other distinguished guests.

The second part will be the main event – awards program and dinner – which will begin at 5:30 p.m.

For inquiries, contact FASo board members Rocio Nuyda, the gala’s chairperson (818-602-3214, rocio@msn. com), or Jose Luis Garcia (310-936-2988, jl.garcia@aol. com). More details are also available atwww.fasogala. org.

No matter what people say about her, KC Concepcion feels she is “hot” and “successful” at 32.

“My birthday wish is really to be the healthiest, fittest that I can be,” the actress and TV host shared in a recent interview with Philstar.com.

“Being 30 is a different ball game altogether. I want to show Filipinas that you can be 30 and hot and successful and still young at heart and still really be motivated by hard work, passion, and be supported by people around you. I really want to thank people who have been there for me through ups

KC Concepcion

and downs,” the star shared.

According to her, her secret to being “hot” is eating well and moving a lot.

She also feels she has achieved a lot when her social enterprise earned its first onemillion-peso sales, so she is very thankful for online shoppers that supported her.

When it comes to her showbiz career, she said, “Patuloy pa rin ‘yung inquiries sa’kin.

Pero gusto ko lang talaga piliin ng tama ‘yung gagawin kong next. But I’m continuing to host. hosting is my first love talaga. I’m still very thankful for endorsements. It just goes to show that many Filipinas still look up to us!”

Never ever say goodbye, Willy Cruz

by Bayani

san Diego Inquirer.net

JR.

he once jokingly quipped that he had already run out of “stars” to write about in his songs.

Willy Cruz, after all, was the composer behind the theme songs of Sharon Cuneta’s “Tala” trilogy: “Pangarap na Bituin” (from the movie “Bukas Luluhod ang mga Tala”), “Bituing Walang Ningning” and “Sana’y Wala Nang Wakas.” he was also behind such pop classics as “Never ever Say Goodbye” (Nonoy Zuñiga), “Kahit Na” (Zsa Zsa Padilla), “Mahawi Man ang Ulap” (Dulce), “Let the Pain Remain” (Basil Valdez) and “Araw-Araw, Gabi-Gabi” (Didith Reyes).

Cruz passed away last Monday, after suffering a brain aneurysm last week. he was 70.

The country’s finest singers fondly remember the shy maestro who seemed reluctant to embrace his genius.

Sharon Cuneta. heartbroken. No words, only tears, gratitude and love. I have lost a part of my history and my heart, but he will continue to live on in his masterpieces. I hope I was able to do them some justice, and that he was proud of me.

I love you, Willy. I forever will.

“Thank you” will never suffice.

Ogie Alcasid. Willy Cruz was a national treasure, a genius musician who has written so many beautiful love songs.

I only worked with him once, for a Carmen Soriano concert, where I was a guest in the 1990s. even back then, he left me in awe of his talent.

Dulce. he was my musical director and accompanist at the Asia-Pacific singing competition, held in hong Kong, in 1988. From the 1980s to the 1990s, I recorded at least four of his movie theme songs. he rarely talked, but made sure to express his appreciation if you did well in interpreting his songs Last time I saw him was at a reunion of his Ateneo batch two years ago. he kept chatting the whole night. he said he wanted to hold a concert again. he was so happy because he seldom got to see artists from our generation. Until now, I still sing his compositions in my shows.

Nonoy Zuñiga. he was my mentor. he discovered me at the 4th Metropop Music Festival, where I performed as a guest, not as a contestant. he was a songwriter/composer/arranger par excellence.

Willy Cruz

Sharon Cuneta

Celeste Legaspi

Nonoy Zuñiga

his songs, both in Filipino and english, were hits. he was a special songwriter. It was easy for him to write lyrics and compose the melody. Just tell him a topic, and he’d expound on it in a short while.

Cherie Gil. I have many wonderful memories of Willy (from the movie, “Bituing Walang Ningning”). he was a gift to all of us.

Celeste Legaspi. My heart is broken. I met Willy when I was doing the play “Showboat” in St. Paul College. I was 17 then. he was with the Ateneo Glee Club, and they made up the chorus, along with the St. Paul Glee Club.

Then, we met again when we joined the showband Ambivalent Crowd—memories of youth and music. I will always be in love with Willy’s beautiful songs. he was one of the Philippines’ most gifted musicians. his songs always captured the Filipino’s passion and romance.

I interpreted “Never ever Say Goodbye” at the Korean Song Festival in the 1980s— and we won. I also sang it for King hassan of Morocco in a special concert and the king gave us—Willy and me—a standing ovation!

Mitch Valdez. As a singer, you knew you were in good hands when you sang a Willie Cruz song. As a listener, your heart will surely be touched.

Raymond Lauchengco.

Willy’s song, “Sana’y Wala ng

Wakas,” will always be one of my most favorite oPM ballads. he was a musical genius wrapped inside a gentle, almost timid personality.

I caught a very rare glimpse of his character when I photographed him in my studio for his “Got to Believe in Magic” album for Viva Records in 2002. he took a while to warm up because he didn’t like being in front of the camera, and there were so many people milling about in the small room. So, I asked everyone to leave the studio.

It was just him and me. We talked a bit until he seemed comfortable enough. I shot a few rolls of film, and he was ecstatic upon seeing the Polaroids. he said it was the first time he had “opened himself up” for a shoot.

I also had the unique privilege of recording one of his masterpieces, “Kapag Puso’y Sinugatan,” also for Viva, in 1985.

I was very young then, and he knew I was having difficulty understanding the level of maturity that the song had required. But he remained patient and encouraging all throughout the session.

That’s what struck me most about him: he wasn’t just great at what he did; he was also very kind. he was such a nice man who never flaunted his genius. he actually seemed embarrassed by it.

Introducing ‘Miss Saigon’s’ latest Filipino Engineer

by Rito

P. asilo Inquirer.net

The list of Filipino performers in “Miss Saigon” just got longer—and, this time, its newly minted cast is paced by theater actor Red Concepcion, who will portray The engineer in the UK tour of Cameron Mackintosh’s musical extravaganza. It will begin its monthlong run on July 3. Singing champ Gerald Santos (as Thuy) is also part of the production’s principal cast.

Last Wednesday, we woke up to the great news of Red’s casting when we saw a flood of congratulatory messages on his FB wall—but, we knew all along Red Concepcion most versatile performers that the 32-year-old actor had —he’s a “triple threat” who what it took to get cast in covis as proficient with english eted roles with a high degree dialogue as he is with Filipino of difficulty. lines.

Red, who is singer-actor Heft, power Sam Concepcion’s older brothhis singing voice is made er, is one of Philippine theater’s

more significant by its heft and power. But, as theater aficionados know only too well, Red has another ace up his thespic sleeve—his comedic timing is impeccable, and his sense of humor subtle but spot-on.

Why do we know this?

Because we’ve worked with Red in a couple of productions, both in 2007, and we saw just how versatile he was.

In February that year, we acted with Red in director Jose estrella’s “Basilia ng Malolos” for Dulaang UP. Then, later in November, we directed him in New Voice Company’s “Into the Woods,” where he made what seemed like inconsequential lines funny, making even his fellow actors in the musical’s gifted cast snicker in the wings or onstage during performances!

Knowing this, we can imagine his characterization of The Continued on Page 5

Moonlighting

features

The arms of war

After all these calculations, he drew a plan and offered it to de leon a businessman who examined it with great interest. The businessman called his technicians and told them to make a test bullet (but very secretly They consist in running so that no one would steal the bits of metal through the flesh of men — large, small, pointed, idea from him). his technicians did it proudly, the businesssquare, round splintered man looked at it as if it were an — that tear and kill. It is not emerald or sapphire and asked metal in its natural state, but to see how it works. metal fashioned by the intelThere was a test and a ligence of man. bullet was fired. At whom? At For some bullet, just one is what? A dog, a cat, a piece enough to kill a man. The first of steel? Certainly not a man. time I saw an M-16 bullet I Instead, why not the inventor almost cried. There is no need or the businessman, or both! to fire a burst at him, because While both were left unhurt, it moves at the speed of sound the businessman called his and its trajectory is always board of directors and showed nearly off balance. So that them the bullet. he suggested when it arrives, it doesn’t stop inside the flesh like an ordinary patenting it and producing millions of bullets for the army, to bullet. It doesn’t go through be used in every war or fights an arm or leg either. It twists, for an ally. turns, tears and cuts; and in a The board of directors few minutes, it empties all the approved of his suggestion. blood out of you.

Now, look at the factory full Let’s look at a bullet that is really well made. Who invented of workers making bullets, the kind proletariat Marx defended it? Man did. and trade unions protect, One day, that man was just the nice workers who are there with his patience, knowledge, imagination and technol- never guilty. (The guilt is in the businessman, that’s all). The ogy. he calculated the form, weight, powder, velocity, trajec- workers only carry out orders, the poor innocents, they’ve tory, and moment of impact.

by Mylah

got to earn a living and keep their families and pay for their upkeep, haven’t they? have they the time or means to ask themselves moral questions?

So they make bullets laboriously, carefully throwing out any defective ones. Because if a bullet is imperfect, it doesn’t tear, cut or empty all the blood out of the little yellow man who gets its when he’s 20 years old, defending a hill and a flag in Saigon. Or out of the little white man in Iran or the big black man in Afghanistan. Now, they get a string of bullets in a butchery inside a movie house, malls, school rooms, even freeways.

There are bullets as well in Moscow, Peking, and its isn’t a businessman who orders them.

It is the state, which has exactly the same results, and the workers are exactly the same, maybe even more diligent and obedient.

One day, I’d like to visit a bullet factory in Kiev, Chicago or Shanghai. I’d like to look them all in the face — workers, directors, businessmen.

And finally, I’d like to look the inventor in the eyes.

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - April 19, 2017

Fil-Am eliminated from ‘The Voice US’ FILIPINO-AMerICAN Anatalia Villaranda failed to advance to the Top 12 of “The Voice US” after not getting enough public votes that will carry her through the singing competition’s Live Shows.

The 16-year-old Villaranda, who was born in the US from Filipino parents, delivered a rendition of Ben e. King’s “Stand by Me” for her last performance. She also did not get a “save” from her coach Alicia Keys.

The artists who would represent Team Alicia in the Live Shows were Chris Blue, Stephanie rice, and Vanessa Ferguson. eliminated with Villaranda were Jack Cassidy and Ashley Levin.

During her blind audition, the California-based Villaranda turned the heads of Keys and fellow coaches Adam Levine,

***

E-mail Mylah at moonlightingmdl@ aol.com

engineer to vastly benefit from his kind of leavening offbeat humor.

Coveted role What are red’s thoughts about winning the coveted role? To get his answer, we touched base with the actor to talk about his upcoming “Miss Saigon” adventure.

Our quick chat with red: When did you learn about the great news? The auditions took place in March last year. I got the news on Christmas eve. I was out buying last minute groceries for Noche Buena with my sister when I got a Facebook message from my agent [about it]. I couldn’t jump up and down even if I wanted to be-

cause we were in a crowded shopping mall!

Who’s your Kim? And who are the other Pinoys in the cast? Kim will be portrayed

by Sooha Kim and, in some performances, Joreen Bautista— who’s Pinay. There are a few other Filipinos in the cast: Christian rey Marbella, Kristine Mae Diaz and Winchester Lopez, among them.

You have big shoes to fill. Some of the other actors who played The Engineer included Jonathan Pryce and his Filipino successors, Junix Inocian, Cocoy Laurel, Robert Seña, Leo Valdez and Jon Jon Briones. How do you hope to reimagine the role? Super big shoes, yes! I feel honored to join the exceptional Filipino

actors who were or have been cast in the iconic role. As for reimagining it: Although I grew up listening to the songs of “Miss Saigon”—ginasgas ko yata ang cassette tape nu’n—I’ve never actually seen the show. That way, I’ll be able to look at the role with fresh eyes. And I’ll be guided by an amazing creative team. I met them all during the audition process, and they seemed very supportive.

Did you have an inkling about getting cast as The Engineer and not Thuy?

I did—after the first round of auditions, when they told me that they were calling me back for The engineer. I couldn’t believe it! I think I said “Are you sure?” (Laughs)

Blake Shelton, and Gwen Stefani with her performance of Bruno Mars’ “runaway Baby.”

She also successfully hurdled the show’s Battle round with a rendition of Carrie Underwood’s “Two Black Cadillacs.”

Villaranda, whose mother is from Bacolod and father is

from Manila, also auditioned for the final season of “American Idol” in 2016.

Another Fil-Am singer Gaby Borromeo also made it to the current season of The Voice US under Team Adam, but got booted out during the Battle rounds. (Inquirer.net)

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The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - April 19, 2017