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DATELINE

USA

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

CIA accused of botching Mamasapano operation THE Mamasapano operation that killed 44 troopers from the Philippines’ Special Action Force (SAF) was secretly led by the United States’ Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte claimed on Tuesday, January 24.

“And why was it under wraps? Bakit niyo tinago na (Why did you hide the fact that) actually it was an operation of the CIA?,” Duterte asked, addressing his predecessor, former President Benigno Aquino III, and former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Alan Purisima.

On Tuesday, a day before the second death anniversary of the police commandos, Duterte met with the families of the slain troopers

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PH optimistic about Trump admin despite ‘America First’ shift Andanar: Time to move forward with US-PH relations

by CHRISTINA

M. ORIEL

AJPress

THE administration of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has expressed its willingness to work with United States President Donald Trump and sees a strengthening in the relationship between the two countries.

Philippine Communications Secretary Martin Andanar — who went to Washington to meet with various U.S. officials and to attend Trump’s inauguration last week — made a stop to Los Angeles on Monday, January 23 to meet with members of the FilipinoAmerican community and to discuss a range of issues from U.S.-PH relations to the administration’s campaign against illicit drugs.

“The relationship of the United States and the Philippines go beyond personalities. We have been allies since time immemorial…,” Andanar told the audience.

“It was unfortunate that President [Barack] Obama and President Duterte had some skirmish, they didn’t see eye to eye but it’s time to move forward.”

Following the inauguration on Friday, Duterte praised Trump for being a wealthy businessman and for having a ‘beautiful’ wife. Since Duterte won the

White House to focus on deporting criminal immigrants LA Fil-Ams protest Pres. Trump at Women’s March u PAGE A2

by KLARIZE

MEDENILLA AJPress

Trump expected to sign immigration executive orders

JUST days after his inauguration on Friday, January 20, President Donald Trump has announced the first priority in his controversial immigration plans: deporting criminal immigrants.

In a press conference, White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer said that the president is focussing on the nation’s security and getting rid of undocumented immigrants with criminal records and/or who “pose a threat” to the country.

“First and foremost, the president’s been very, very clear that we need to direct agencies to focus on those who are in this coun-

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Philippine Communications Secretary Martin Andanar fields questions from members of the Fil-Am media and community at the Philippine Consulate in Los Angeles on Monday night, Jan. 23. Andanar discussed a host of issues, from the Duterte administration’s willingness to work with new U.S. president Donald Trump to the government’s war on drugs.

AJPress photo by Ding Carreon

Fil-Am woman marches on Saturday, Jan. 21 in Los Angeles.

Photo courtesy of Anna Marie Cruz

LOS ANGELES — Hundreds of thousands of protesters gathered in downtown on Saturday, January 21 to participate in the Women’s March, a global protest of President Donald Trump, his administration and his proposed policy changes.

According to the march organizers, the protest in LA garnered a whopping 750,000 marchers wielding signs and leading chants.

The LAPD and LAFD estimated the attendance of the protest — the city’s largest public demonstration in 10 years — to be “well over

100,000.”

Although called a “Women’s March”, the demonstration encompassed a wide range of political issues, including supporting undocumented immigrants’ rights, preserving Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood, maintaining Obamacare, LGBTQ+ acceptance, the Black Lives Matter movement, and climate change, among others.

But the overarching theme was a protest against Trump and his agenda, which many believe threaten the lives and rights of minorities.

“This is so incredible. It feels so great that there are people who

PH, China to unveil anti-poverty projects worth $3.7-B

care this much about not normalizing this administration,” Griselda Wallace, a Filipino-American nurse, told the Asian Journal at Pershing Square.

Wallace is a half-Filipino, halfIndian recipient of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, former President Barack Obama’s landmark immigration program for undocumented youth, DREAMers.

“I fear for DACA since it’s helped so many DREAMers like myself. I can only hope that we can fight for DACA and immigrants’ rights. I’m so grateful for all the people here since it’s such a diverse group of

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PNP Chief Bato not to responsible for slay of Korean exec

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

by ALEXIS

ROMERO Philstar.com

THE Philippines and China have agreed to collaborate on 30 projects worth $3.7 billion that focus on poverty reduction, the two countries announced following a bilateral meeting on Monday, January 23.

According to Chinese Commerce Minister Gao Hucheng, the deal is expected to be signed before the Philippine delegates return to Manila.

“The cooperation projects, which are the first batch, on improving people’s living standards now only need a series of bank-related procedures,” Gao said, as quoted by Xinhua News Agency.

On Monday, the two countries had a meeting in Beijing to finalize the economic and investment deals discussed during Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s trip to China last October. The Philippines’ Department of Finance (DOF) previously said that Beijing pledged $15 billion-worth of investments to Manila.

In a press briefing on Monday, Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said that the ties between the Philippines and China “fully recovered” after Duterte’s visit.

“China supports president Duterte to lead the

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Malacanang photo

Duterte meets Miss Universe candidates

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

PHILIPPINE President Rodrigo Duterte welcomed the Miss Universe 2016 candidates at the Malacañang Palace on Monday, January 23.

Eighty-four Miss Universe candidates paid a courtesy call on the president, who complimented them for their beauty. Miss

Finland and Miss Switzerland, however, were unable to attend the event because they were not feeling well.

“Before I proceed, I’d like to make an admission that never in my life I have been with a room full of beautiful women,” the president said before reading his prepared speech. “This is a privilege and an honor and I hope that this day will never end.”

Duterte, who was known for his tough-talk and profanitylaced speeches, said he was told to “behave” in front of the pageant contestants.

“I usually do not read my speeches. I’m not up to it really.

But this time they told me that I must behave in my language, in the adjectives that I would be using to characterize or define your

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MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte came to the defense of embattled Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Ronald dela Rosa, saying he is not to be blamed for the killing of a South Korean businessman inside Camp Crame.

Duterte said there was no criminal intent on the part of Dela Rosa when South Korean businessman Jee Ick Joo was kidnapped and killed by policemen.

“There are two ways of committing crime under the revised penal code. What are they?

Felony, malice or negligence,” the president said during Dela Rosa’s 55th birthday celebration last Sunday in Camp Crame.

“From the looks of it, I do not see any criminal intent, really on the part of Dela Rosa and the rest of the group. Who would want that to happen inside your camp? None,” he added.

Calls for Dela Rosa to quit mounted after the Justice department revealed that Jee was killed inside Camp Crame, a few steps away from his office, last October.

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From the Front Page

PH optimistic about Trump admin despite…

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presidential election last May, many have drawn comparisons between him and Trump, namely for their unfiltered, hardline rhetoric.

“He is a billionaire. His wife is very beautiful. I envy him,” Duterte said during the birthday party of Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa on Sunday night, Jan. 22.

The two leaders previously spoke last December when Duterte congratulated Trump for his win in the November election. Duterte said that Trump reportedly lauded the Philippine government’s handling of illegal drugs as the “right way.”

Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella added that the government was looking forward to “working closely with the new administration of President LIVELIHOOD PROGRAM. Senator Cynthia A. Villar leads the ribbon-cutting ceremony during the introduction of coconet weaving livelihood Trump anchored on mutual reproject at the Baseco Livelihood Training Center. This is a joint project of the senator, who has been known for providing livelihood projects to our people, together with the the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, spect, mutual benefit and shared Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Department of Social Welfare and Development and Kabalikat sa Kaunlaran. Senate photo commitment to democratic ideals and the rule of law.”

This sudden shift comes after months of remarks Duterte had made appearing to distance the PAGE A1 t Duterte previously an- Philippines from the U.S. and (NEDA) Director General Ernesto Philippines people in developing Pernia, Transport Secretary Ar- nounced that the Philippines lashing out at former President their economy,” she added. thur Tugade, and Public Works would shift away from Wash- Barack Obama’s administration On the other hand, DOF Sec- and Highways Secretary Mark ington to build closer ties with for criticizing the anti-drug camretary Carlos Dominguez said he Villar.

China, Russia, and other Asian paign and the extrajudicial killhad a “very productive” meeting Sought for comments if new countries. with the Chinese officials.

“I’m not sure at this moment U.S. President Donald Trump’s Among the Philippine officials economic policies would exactly what the new U.S. poliwho accompanied Dominguez in affect the relationship between cies, but I believe that the reoriChina were Budget Sec. Benja- China and the Philippines, entation of our president to our PAGE A1 t min Diokno, National Economic Dominguez replied, “It’s better neighbors really was very smart,” people, but we really need to take action,” Wallace, a student at Los and Development Authority to be with good friends.”

Dominguez added. n Angeles City College, added.

No arrests were made at the march, which police said was “peaceful.” melting in shame because of the “Simply because he understands Ten-year-old Jonathan Li was PAGE A1 t In his affidavit, co-accused killing of Jee inside the PNP’s that whatever happened… speaks one of the thousands of children SPO4 Roy Villegas claimed Senior main headquarters, said he is about the concerns that he had that joined their parents and famPolice Officer 3 (SPO3) Ricky Sta. ready to leave his post if the pres- regarding crime and corruption ily in the protest. Li — who is half ident asks him to do so.

Isabel strangled Jee to death.

— and also crime and corruption Filipino and half Chinese — sat Dela Rosa confirmed last Sun- in government institutions.”

The Justice department has on his father’s shoulders holding approved the filing of kidnapping day that he has offered to resign “The individuals involved were up a colorful, homemade sign and homicide charges against from his post but Duterte did not not part of the PNP chief’s team that read, “Love Trumps Hate.”

Sta. Isabel, Villegas and five oth- accept it.

“He doesn’t seem like a good and these matters are exactly “Bakit ka magreresign? Anong what the president has said, that guy who should be president,” ers believed to be involved in the kidnapping and murder of the kasalanan mo? Magtrabaho ka there is corruption in — within Li told the Asian Journal. “The (Why will you resign? What is the institutions,” he added. businessman. lady [Hillary Clinton] seemed Last week, House Speaker your fault? You work),” the PNP Abella said those who are like a better person who should Pantaleon Alvarez asked Dela chief quoted the president as criticizing Duterte for retaining be president because she didn’t Rosa to resign, saying the hei- saying.

Dela Rosa “misunderstand the make fun of people like Trump Asked why Duterte retained situation.” nous crime was an insult and “a did on TV.” clear indication that he has lost dela Rosa as PNP chief despite The fifth grader said that he Lesser evil the controversy, presidential the respect of his people.”

Duterte also assailed critics of wanted to come to the march “beDela Rosa, who claimed to be spokesman Ernesto Abella said: u PAGE A4 cause my mom and dad looked

PH, China to unveil anti-poverty projects…

ings associated with it.

Andanar added that while the Philippine government is still awaiting official policies from the new U.S. administration, the similarities between the two leaders suggested that they “hit it off right away.”

“President Trump mentioned in his speech about ‘America First’ policy and the Philippines, President [Duterte] also subscribes to the idea of giving Filipinos first dibs to everything,” the communications secretary said.

In his inaugural speech, the 45th president of the U.S. declared that “it’s going to be America First,” meaning that any decision made by the federal government would be to the benefit of “American workers and American families.”

“We will follow two simple rules: Buy American and hire American,” Trump added.

Despite Trump’s vow to keep jobs in the U.S., Andanar said that wouldn’t affect the BPO industry in the Philippines because businesses “need to be in an environment where they can maximize their investments.”

Later in his speech, Trump noted issues of poverty, crime and drugs that “have stolen too many lives and robbed our country of so much unrealized potential.”

“President Trump also mentioned they will not encourage asking other countries to follow their own lifestyle and President Trump also said that he wants to fight illegal drugs in the United States, the same way our president wants to fight illegal drugs.

President Trump believes in non-interference and what’s important here is that we have two presidents who have similar policies,” Andanar said.

Further, during his presidential campaign, Trump gained traction for his promises to curb undocumented immigration. On Monday, the White House said it would prioritize deportations for criminal undocumented immigrants first. It has yet to announce any moves to remove any past policies implemented

by Obama.

The Duterte administration will be monitoring these incoming policies, given the sheer size of undocumented Filipinos in the U.S. However, Andanar said the Philippine government would not interfere or try to sway any decisions.

“I can tell you right now that our president cares for any Filipino, not only in the Philippines, but around the world -- he cares for them. If you’re asking me

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LA Fil-Ams protest Pres. Trump…

PNP Chief Bato not to responsible for slay…

The crowd of marchers at the Women’s March on Saturday, January 21.

AJPress photo by Eric Anthony Licas

Jonathan’s father, Ted Li, said so sad when [Trump] won.” He also noted that the day after Elec- that he’s proud that his son chose tion Day, his teacher spoke to the to join the march on Saturday.

“Ever since the summer — class about kindness, respecting other people and the importance around the time of the Demou PAGE A3 of “not saying mean things.”

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From the Front Page

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A

PH optimistic about Trump admin despite…

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what our policy is right now, we have to respect the new administration, they are still in a transition,” Andanar said. “We have to wait and see which policies they will push forward, which policies they announced during the campaign...we respect the political and democratic process here in the U.S. and as I mentioned, noninterference.”

Earlier on Monday, Trump withdrew the U.S. from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), one of Obama’s signature efforts to pivot toward the Asia-Pacific region. The Philippines, however, is not one of the 12 nations that signed onto the deal. Duterte had yet to respond to his American counterpart’s actions, as of press time.

Andanar also took the community meeting to clarify the Duterte administration’s relationship with the press and the president’s colorful remarks. He said that the president employs “language that most Visayans would understand.”

Communications Secretary Martin Andanar

“How does it get misquoted?…

In this day and age of internet and social media, it is a fact, my friends, that the majority of us no longer read the inner pages of the newspaper...just the headline,” he said. “The majority of people don’t read the inner pages of the newspaper anymore. If we’re talking about journalistic

AJPress photo by Ding Carreon

responsibility and nation building, we have to keep in mind that we no longer live in the 1950s. If we want to be responsible journalists, we should think about how people read these days.”

When asked if Duterte would be visiting the U.S. anytime soon, Andanar simply said “it will happen.” n

LA Fil-Ams protest Pres. Trump…

PAGE A2 t

cratic and Republican conventions — he became interested in the election, but it’s been hard trying to expose him to political news while trying to remind him that what [Trump] says are hateful and, basically, fictitious.

It’s something that [my wife and I] know we’re gonna have to do for the next four years,” Li said, adding that when explaining Trump’s statements to his son, he likens Trump to “the bullies [on] the playground.”

Li also said that his family is most concerned with the Trump administration’s plans for the nation’s public education, noting the widely panned Senate confirmation hearing for Secretary of Education nominee Betsy DeVos. “[The hearing] was one of the most terrifying things I’ve seen,” Li, a junior high U.S. history teacher, remarked. “Education, and our children’s futures, [are] threatened by this administration. He lacks the decorum and the empathy needed to serve families who rely on the federal government for quality public education institutions and financial aid. It’s an outrage.”

“The very idea that someone so unqualified is that close to

leading the country’s education is astounding, in the worst way,” Li added.

The demonstration began at 9 a.m. at Pershing Square. The massive crowd then marched at 10 a.m. through downtown toward City Hall where a stage was set up for more speakers, including LA Mayor Eric Garcetti, City Councilmen Paul Koretz and Mike Bonin and former LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.

“There’s so much love for all people, for all races, all colors.

My friends and I are here, we’ve marched to represent [Filipinos] here,” Fil-Am Mickey Batan, who is openly lesbian, told the Asian Journal.

Batan expressed that the FilAm community should not sit idly by and needs to be active in fighting for the rights of all minority groups.

“We need to be heard and we need to be seen. We can’t just let people fight for us, we need to fight for ourselves,” Batan said.

Rachelle Ignacio, a software engineer, did not expect that “Trump could win the presidency.” A transplant from the liberal-leaning tech industry in San Francisco, Ignacio acknowledges that she “grew up in a bubble” and didn’t realize the severe per-

vasiveness of Trump’s agenda.

“These are issues that, growing up in a bubble, I kind of thought were non-existent anymore or weren’t widespread enough to get a guy who promotes these hateful messages elected the presidency. I feel like I now need to be a lot more aware and involved,” Ignacio said.

Ignacio added that before the election, she “wasn’t really aware that these issues exist” and the election — as well as others’ reactions to the election — inspired her to be more involved and take action “to fight those [issues].”

“Even if it’s not directly affecting you or it’s something that hasn’t been prevalent in your life, these are things other people have to deal with and I think it’s wrong to just stand by and not try to like do what you can for others even if it’s not for yourself directly,” Ignacio stated, adding that she is more fearful of Trump’s staff and Cabinet for their influence on the American people.

The march in LA also coincided with the main event in Washington, D.C., as well as ones in cities all across the world: Sydney, Berlin, London, Paris and Mexico City among others. n

WHAT A PARTY. President Rodrigo Duterte, Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez and Philippine National Police chief Ronald dela Rosa chat during the latter’s birthday bash in Camp Crame on Monday, Jan. 23. Malacañang assured the public there will be no whitewash or cover-up in the investigation into the abduction and killing of South Korean businessman Jee Ick Joo. ManilaTimes.net photo

Thousands brave rainstorm in Los Angeles, march in protest to Trump inauguration

by Eric

Anthony LicAs AJPress

THOUSANDS donned weather-proof ponchos and steeled themselves against an uncharacteristically heavy downpour in Downtown Los Angeles as they marched in protest of the inauguration of President Donald Trump on Friday, January 20.

The well-attended event served as a prelude to mass demonstrations that drew hundreds of thousands of people to Los Angeles, in addition to millions more at other sister marches across the world hosted under the banner of women’s empowerment on Saturday, January 21.

The Women’s March on Washington pursued a more focused agenda than the broad spectrum of perspectives found both in and out of mainstream political discourse represented at Friday’s march. Activists sponsoring the rally characterized it as part of an awakening of American’s political consciousness fueled by discontent toward the results of the 2016 presidential election.

“The silver lining is that people are very woke now,” Anthony Rogers-Wright, policy and organizing director of advocacy group Environmental Action, told the Asian Journal amidst his duties as a master-of-ceremonies for Friday’s rally. “They’re realizing that vulnerable populations … must come together right now

AJPress photos by Eric Anthony Licas

in a people’s covenant of resistance, not just against Donald Trump, but the entire system of oppression.”

People representing a diverse collection of opinions and backgrounds were present at the event including officials from the Filipino youth organization, Bayan USA as well as the labor advocacy nonprofit Pilipino Workers Center.

In addition, Filipino American Kenneth Mejia, the Green Party candidate for California’s 34th congressional district, took the mic as a scheduled speaker atop a double decker bus used as a stage during the culmination of Friday’s March.

The 26-year-old seeking a seat in the House of Representatives

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CIA accused of botching Mamasapano… One GOP plan says Calif. and other States that like their Obamacare can keep it

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at Malacañang Palace.

In his speech, Duterte alleged that the botched operation in 2015 was also covered up by the previous administration.

“Let it brought out in the open.

It was an American adventure with the cooperation of some and apparently with your blessing,” Duterte remarked, referring to Aquino.

During the raid, the police commandos successfully killed Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli Abdhir, also known as Marwan, in the southern Philippines where various separatist rebel groups are based.

Marwan’s allies reportedly started to attack the police commandos after being alerted by the exchange of gunshots that killed him. Unable to carry the body, the SAF troopers cut Marwan’s finger to show proof of his death.

It was later sent to the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for DNA identification.

Marwan had been included on the U.S. government’s “Most Wanted Terrorists” list.

“Kaya far from the highway, nandoon ang chopper and you had to delude the nation that after the Marwan finger was cut, it was delivered dito sa Crame for the forensics, when as a matter of fact, ang helicopter, ang nagdala doon sa just for validation, to confirm that it was indeed Marwan (That’s why far from the

highway, your chopper was there and you had to delude the nation that after the Marwan finger was cut, it was delivered here in Crame for the forensics, when as a matter of fact, your helicopter was the one that brought it just for validation, to confirm that it was indeed Marwan),” Duterte said.

The elite soldiers, however, were ambushed by rebel groups, including the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).

Duterte argued that if the government wanted to arrest a criminal not connected with the rebellion, they should have informed the MILF. The government had a peace pact with the Muslim insurgent groups based in the southern Philippines during that time.

“At bakit kayo pumasok (Why did you enter [the militant’s territory])? Because under the agreement, if you want to arrest a criminal, not rebellion connected, you have to inform the MILF. Eh kung pumasok kayo doon (but you went there), it was really a violation. That is why na-stymie kayo (That’s why you were stymied),” Duterte said.

Duterte also accused former presidential peace adviser Teresita Quintos-Deles of stopping then-President Aquino from ordering the military to send men to rescue the ambushed troops in

order to not risk the peace talks.

Addressing Deles, Duterte said, “I do not want to, you know, belabor. Ikaw ‘yung peace negotiator. And para sa akin, ikaw ‘yung nagpigil kay PNoy na huwag (I do not want to, you know, belabor. You were the peace negotiator. And for me, you were the one who stopped [Aquino] in sending reinforcements because war will break out), because then you have violated the agreement that you should not enter MILF territory?”

Duterte also argued that military support from Davao City was just 40 minutes away from Mamasapano, Maguindanao. He went on to remark that he would form a commission to investigate the Mamasapano tragedy.

“I will create a commission of seven. I will appoint men of integrity and honor. Kung tanggapin nila (If they would accept), I will choose mostly justices of the Supreme Court and few of the civilian sector, maybe a lawyer,” Duterte said.

According to the president, the commission will be similar to the Agrava commission that investigated the assassination of former Senator Benigno Aquino, Jr. in 1983.

“They will be independent in all aspects. They are free to summon and as president, the executive department, I will order you to honor the process,” Duterte added. (Dana Sioson / AJPress)

Duterte meets Miss Universe…

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beauty, all of you,” the president said.

In his speech, Duterte urged the candidates that besides “beauty and brains,” to use the pageant to promote their own advocacies and women empowerment.

He then went on, “More importantly, this is chance for you to make an impact, to inspire change, and even be the change that you wish to see in the world.”

Duterte also said that he hoped the contestants had a good time visiting different destinations in the Philippines during their prepageant activities, such as Cebu, Baguio, Batangas, Davao, and Vigan.

“I am confident that the Department of Tourism and our valuable partners in the private sector for government have prepared well enough to make this event to remember. And I am

equally confident that our host, communities, and the Filipino people would themselves have given and will give each candidate many precious memories to hold on,” he added.

With a glass of water in his hand, Duterte remarked at the end of his speech: “May I just give you a toast, by myself, to your beauty and to your brains.

Mabuhay kayong lahat (Long live all of you).” n

PNP Chief Bato not to responsible for slay…

PAGE A2 t

his anti-drug war during Dela Rosa’s birthday celebration last Sunday.

He said human rights advocates who are complaining about the extrajudicial killings of drug suspects are trying to limit his campaign against the narcotics

trade.

The president reiterated his warning against drug lords, whom he said do not have the monopoly of evil in the world.

“They have to realize they do not have the monopoly of evil in this world. We are in the government but that does not

mean we cannot do anything,” he said.

“Which is the lesser evil now? The ones cooking shabu and feeding them to our children or we who are killing them?”

Duterte threatened to use his presidential barge to throw drug lords at the Pasig River. n

STATES could keep their federally funded insurance exchange with consumer protections intact under a proposal unveiled Monday by two Republican U.S. Senators.

Sens. Bill Cassidy, R-La., and Susan Collins, R-Maine, said their proposed legislation would allow states that embraced the Affordable Care Act to keep operating under many of the current federal rules.

Another option is for states to pursue a less regulated alternative to Obamacare under the Patient Freedom Act. Or they could reject federal dollars completely in favor of a new state solution for health coverage.

“We give states the option,” Cassidy said at press conference Monday. “California and New York — you love Obamacare, you can keep it.”

Some health law supporters say the Cassidy-Collins proposal, one of several in the GOP-controlled Congress, could represent a lifeline for states such as California that have invested heavily in expanding coverage under the Affordable Care Act. But many Democrats at the state and national level criticized the plan as potentially harmful to millions of Americans who rely on the health law because it does not promise sufficient funding and consumer protections.

Use Our Content This KHN story can be republished for free (details).

“It provides a somewhat illusory option to stay in the ACA without the guarantee of federal assistance necessary to allow states to maintain the level of coverage they are currently providing,” California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones, an elected Democrat, said in an interview.

The Golden State fully implemented the health law by expanding Medicaid coverage to millions of low-income people and creating its own insurance exchange, which ultimately covered 1.3 million enrollees. Supporters have held California up as proof that the health law can work as intended — and as a counterpoint to Republican contentions that Obamacare is collapsing nationally.

Cassidy said his legislation promotes the Republican doctrine of states’ rights while avoiding the one-size-fits-all approach from Washington.

Collins echoed that sentiment, saying she favors letting states that had success with the health law maintain the status quo. She described it as “reimplementation of the ACA” in those states.

“If a state chooses to remain covered by the ACA, exchange policies will continue to be eligible for cost-sharing subsidies and advance premium tax credits,” Collins said in a speech on the Senate floor Monday. “The insurance market will still be subject to ACA requirements, and the individual mandate and

employer mandate will also remain in place in that state.”

Cassidy and Collins acknowledged that details of their bill haven’t been worked out, nor is it clear how it will mesh with other proposals. Competing plans in Congress don’t envision these state options, and it’s unclear what approach President Donald Trump and his nascent administration will take in crafting a replacement plan.

Still, some industry experts and analysts say the Cassidy-Collins proposal is intriguing.

“The advantage to a state like California is we could protect what we have accomplished already,” said Howard Kahn, former chief executive of L.A. Care Health Plan, an insurer on the Covered California exchange.

The large managed care plan serves patients in Medi-Cal, the state’s Medicaid program.

“Cassidy’s proposal could work for California better than other alternatives in the short term. The question is whether they maintain federal funding for the longer term,” Kahn said.

“My feeling is you do have to engage with the rational Republicans who are trying to find something that doesn’t tear it all apart.”

Some key state lawmakers are more skeptical. “I’ll be surprised if it really happens,” said state Sen. Ed Hernandez, D-West Covina, chairman of the Senate Health Committee. “This is just one of many proposals.”

State Sen. Richard Pan, D-Sacramento, a pediatrician and former Assembly Health Committee chairman, said he was relieved to hear of a Republican proposal that backs federal subsidies, but was concerned about potential loss of funding at current levels.

“It looks good on the surface” Pan said, but it’s important “to look at the details.”

Pan also said, however, that the bill could further the fragmentation of the health care system if some states keep Obamacare while others do not.

Covered California officials may weigh in on this Republican proposal and others at a board meeting Thursday. Executive Director Peter Lee didn’t respond to a request for comment Monday.

After the November election, Lee emphasized that Covered Cali-

fornia can show policymakers in Washington how to build a competitive insurance market.

California went beyond what other exchanges did. It chose to actively negotiate rates with insurers and didn’t allow every company to sell in its marketplace. It also simplified consumer shopping by requiring insurers to have standard copays and deductibles for each level of coverage.

Those moves pushed health insurers to compete more directly on price, and annual rate increases were a modest 4 percent in the first two years. Covered California’s rates are rising 13.2 percent, on average, this year. Still, that’s better than the 22 percent average rate hike in exchanges nationwide.

Walter Zelman, chairman of the public health department at California State University, Los Angeles, said it will be interesting to see whether state leaders try to negotiate with Republicans in Washington over funding levels.

“It’s not that Republicans don’t want people to have health insurance. They just don’t want to pay for it,” Zelman said. “It would be good for California to keep what it has and it would be much less disruption.”

Federal funding is a key issue for states. In a summary of the bill posted by Collins, it said states choosing to retain Obamacare or pick the Republican alternative could receive “funding equal to 95% of federal premium tax credits and cost-sharing subsidies, as well as the federal match for Medicaid expansion.”

Dylan Roby, an assistant professor at the University of Maryland School of Public Health, said “California would still have to absorb a 5 percent cut, at least, in the premium tax credits and cost-sharing subsidies.”

Republicans will need 60 votes in the U.S. Senate to pass a full replacement for the Affordable Care Act. At his press briefing Monday, Cassidy said his compromise approach is designed to win over some Democrats and reach that 60-vote majority.

In her speech on the Senate floor, Collins said children could still stay on their parents’ health plans until they are 26. There would be no discrimination against preexisting conditions and no caps on annual or lifetime coverage, she said.

Other key features of the legislation include a provision allowing states to automatically enroll eligible people in health plans unless they opt out. The plan also promotes health savings accounts and price transparency requiring hospitals and other providers to disclose costs so consumers can shop around for the best price. (Chad Terhune and Pauline Bartolone) This story was produced by Kaiser Health News, which publishes California Healthline, a service of the California Health Care Foundation.

self as an example.

“I’m nothing special,” Mejia told the Asian Journal after giving a speech at Friday’s rally. “What you’ve got to do is find some-

thing that drives you. Once you find that issue … get involved, do something, talk to your community … look for groups you can join.” n

Sen. Bill Cassidy

Thousands brave rainstorm in Los Angeles…

PAGE A3 t

spoke out in support of efforts to combat climate change, shield immigrants from deportation and make college education accessible to all.

Following his speech, Mejia also encouraged Filipinos and other Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) to shirk the perception of apoliticism attributed to them as part of the model-minority stereotype. During an interview with the Asian Journal on the steps of Los Angeles City Hall, he urged all citizens to become and stay engaged in the political process, citing him-

AJPress photos by Eric Anthony Licas

White House to focus on deporting criminal…

PAGE A1 t

try illegally and have a record, a criminal record or pose a threat to the American people. That’s where the priority is going to be,” Spicer told reporters on Monday, January 23.

When asked about the future of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, Spicer did not explicitly rule out any action. Previously, Trump vowed to end the DACA program, as well as other Obama immigration initiatives.

DACA, created by Obama in 2012, is a renewable program that allows undocumented youth, commonly known as DREAMers, who were brought to the country as children reprieve from deportation, enroll in colleges and universities and access to work permits and driver’s licenses.

Since 2012, DACA has benefitted more than 700,000 DREAMers, many of whom are worried that Trump’s election will threaten their benefits.

Spicer did not provide specifics on Monday regarding the administration’s immigration plans,

only saying, “Give us a little bit of time, we’ll see what Congress moves forward with.”

Last week, Trump vaguely described his immigration plans on Fox & Friends, saying the plan -- which is said will be revealed in the coming months -- will be “very firm, but it’s going to have a lot of heart.”

Acknowledging DREAMers who have benefitted from DACA, the president said that the process of shifting to Trump’s immigration system is “a very tough situation.” But he, without detail, said, “I think they’re [DREAMers] going to end up being very happy.”

Gov. Brown vows to “defend” CA’s undocumented On Tuesday, January 24, California Gov. Jerry Brown said in his annual State of the State address that he plans to defend the state’s laws to protect its undocumented immigrants, saying that “California is not turning back.

Not now, not ever.”

“While no one knows what the new leaders will actually do, there are signs that are disturbing,” Brown said, noting the “bold as-

sertion” of Spicer’s previous use of the term “alternative facts.”

Brown said that the laws the state vows to protect include those laid out in the DACA program. He added that if the Trump administration challenges those laws, the state will be ready to “defend” the state’s undocumented immigrants.

“And defend them we will. And let me be clear, we will defend everybody, every man, woman and child who’s come here for a better life and contributed to the well-being of the state,” Brown asserted.

Executive orders on immigration According to congressional aides and immigration experts, the president on Wednesday, January 25 is expected to sign several executive orders tightening up immigration.

His orders will involve restricting refugees and some visa holders access to the U.S. The countries targeted include Iraq, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria and Yemen, the unidentified aides and experts said. (Klarize Medenilla / AJPress)

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OpiniOn

Features

Fresh start

A NEW dawn awaits as the United States is perceived to undergo dramatic changes in its political, economic and social arenas under Donald Trump’s presidency. The coming change is also expected to impact not just its people, but America’s relationship with other nations, including with the Philippines.

Under the rapprochement between the U.S. and the Philippines initiated by former Presidents Barack Obama and Benigno Aquino III, economic partnerships and remittances have generated billions of dollars in revenue.

The last few months saw this relationship turn sour when Pres. Rodrigo Duterte berated the U.S. for continuously criticizing his governance over “concerns around rule of law and civil liberties” in his administration.

In December last year, Washington has removed the Philippines from the roster of eligible countries for development assistance under the United States’ Millennium Challenge Corp. (MCC) fund.

The country received a total of $434 million in MCC funding from 2010 to 2016.

Irked by the criticisms on his brutal war against illegal drugs and criminality in the country, Duterte warned that he would review all military agreements with the Americans and scrap joint drills that, he claimed, were only beneficial to Americans.

Upon the inauguration of Trump as the 45th U.S. president on Friday, Jan. 20, Filipino officials recognized the turnover of power to improve Manila-Washington relations.

“We view transitions as opportunities to further relations. The U.S. and the Philippines are treaty allies and we are ready to work on bolstering this alliance on the basis of sovereign equality and mutual respect,” declared Patrick Chuasoto, chargé d’affaires ad interim of the Philippine embassy, in a statement.

Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said that the Philippines and the U.S. can have a “placid and mutually beneficial relationship” as longtime allies.

“Our diplomatic ties need to reflect our longstanding relationship but under terms and conditions that protect our people’s interests,” Abella said.

In early December, Duterte made a congratulatory phone call to Trump, where both leaders said that they are looking forward to seeing each oth-

Editorial

ManilaTimes.net photo

er at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit this year.

Duterte assured that after their seven-minute conversation, he felt a rapport with his American counterpart and that bilateral ties were intact.

May this renewed partnership not reverse the

concessions made by their predecessors. May it facilitate more dynamic and stable domestic economies, both addressing the needs of both their people. May it bring more bring political, economic, and strategic benefits to both Filipinos and Americans. (AJPress)

‘ALTERNATIVE FACT’: More Americans voted for Trump than Clinton to be the 45th President of the United States DONALD J. Trump won the presidency because more Americans voted for him is an “alternative fact”. A lie. A misrepresentation of the will of the citizens of America who casted their sacred vote in the November 8 presidential election.

The truth as substantiated by election results data verified and confirmed by both Republicans and Democrats in all states is that Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton defeated Donald Trump.

Nearly three million people more people elected her to succeed Pres. Barack Obama. She won the popular vote by this big margin.

But because of the Electoral College, Donald Trump was proclaimed and sworn in as the 45th President of the United States. The electoral college appropriated certain number of “electors” per congressional districts and states instead of just using the popular votes.

It is a FACT that the Democratic Party had been very graceful in acknowledging that this is the law as stipulated in the Constitution and so they paved the way for the peaceful and orderly transfer of power. Donald Trump was sworn in as president on January 20.

However, despite his victory he maintained that he believes he was cheated of the popular vote, al-

leging that about 3 to 5 million “illegals” voted that was why The Fil-Am election results revealed that Clinton won more votes than Perspective him.

This continued allegations of conspiracy from Trump himself has been troubling not only Democrats but even members Gel SantoS-ReloS of the Republican Party. One outspoken Republican Party leader Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina voiced out the concerns of his party in an interview. He told CNN: “It is the most inappropriate thing for the president to say without proof…We’re talking about a man who won the election and seems to be obsessed with the idea that he could not have possibly lost the popular vote without cheating and fraud. So I would urge the president to knock this off….People are going to start doubting you as a person if you keep making accusations against our electoral system without justification. This is going to erode his ability to govern this country if he does not stop it.”

Many kababayans unfamiliar with U.S. history would ask why and how the use of Electoral College came about. This is how TIME explained it:

Standard civics-class accounts of the Electoral College rarely mention the real demon dooming direct national election in 1787 and 1803: slavery.

At the Philadelphia convention, the visionary Pennsylvanian James Wilson proposed direct national election of the president. But the savvy Virginian James Madison responded that such a system would prove unacceptable to the South: “The right of suffrage was much more diffusive [i.e., extensive] in the Northern than the Southern States; and the latter could have no influence in the election on the score of Negroes.”

In other words, in a direct election system, the North would outnumber the South, whose many slaves (more than half a million in all) of course could not vote. But the Electoral College—a prototype of which Madison proposed in this same speech—instead let each southern state count its slaves, albeit with a two-fifths discount, in computing its share of the overall count.

Virginia emerged as the big winner—the California of the Founding era—with 12 out of a total

of 91 electoral votes allocated by the Philadelphia Constitution, more than a quarter of the 46 needed to win an election in the first round.

After the 1800 census, Wilson’s free state of Pennsylvania had 10% more free persons than Virginia, but got 20% fewer electoral votes. Perversely, the more slaves Virginia (or any other slave state) bought or bred, the more electoral votes it would receive. Were a slave state to free any blacks who then moved North, the state could actually lose electoral votes.

If the system’s pro-slavery tilt was not overwhelmingly obvious when the Constitution was ratified, it quickly became so. For 32 of the Constitution’s first 36 years, a white slaveholding Virginian occupied the presidency.

THE QUESTION: Why has the Electoral College not yet been abolished? When will the Constitution be amended so that elections will truly reflect the will of the people? *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https://www.facebook.com/Gel. Santos.Relos

Why President Duterte needs the Catholic Church OF all the dispositions and habits Opinion which lead to political prosperity,religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tributeof patriotism who should labor RicaRdo Saludo to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, thesefirmest props of the duties of men and citizens. — George Washington [W]hile I am a stickler for the principle of separation between Church and State, I believe quite strongly that there should never be a separation between God and State. — Rodrigo Duterte THE founding father of the United States of America and the leading political thinker of the Renaissance believed it was indispensable for nationhood. So does the current Chief Executive of the Philippines, as he said in his State of the Nation Address last July.

In the history of nations, religion not only shapes a people’s identity and culture. Its moral discipline, enforced by belief in divine justice in this life or the next, helps immensely in keeping citizens obedient to law and respectful of authority.

So why is President Rodrigo Duterte lambasting Catholic bishops and priests, whose stern admonitions on four-fifths of Filipinos under their sway do much to fight lawlessness and the lure of wanton living, including narcotics, on which he wages war?

Whatever the reason, it’s really not good for law enforcement if people lose respect for the Church and faith in its preachings.

What if Filipinos discard their faith?

As this column argued in our May

30 article last year, speaking of then-President-elect Duterte: “He can’t deliver on his winning pledge to eradicate crime and corruption if the Catholic Church ever lost its moral authority over the great majority

of Filipinos.

“Imagine if most of the 85 million baptized Catholics in the country water down the religion’s key tenets, and pick and choose which of the Ten Commandments to follow.

“Indeed, millions already discard the Sixth and Ninth Commandments, while countless others break the Fifth and the Seventh. (If people don’t know that the first two prohibit illicit sex, while the latter ban killing and stealing, that only underscores the problem.)

“What if Duterte actually succeeds in convincing tens of millions of Filipino Catholics that they don’t have to listen to bishops and priests because of abuses and hypocrisy by some clerics?

Would that lead to more or fewer people killing, stealing, and deviating from traditional family values?

“Would eroding Catholicism’s influence increase or decrease lawlessness, sleaze, drug addiction, violence, family breakups, juvenile delinquency, and all the other social ills Duterte rails against? Or does religiosity advance lawful, virtuous living?

“And which would help win the battle against lawlessness—quarreling with the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, or persuading the CBCP to issue pastoral letters and institute sermons, prayers, and parish programs enjoining tens of millions of

believers across the archipelago to abide by the law, support law enforcement, eschew corruption, and strengthen family values as a bulwark against delinquency and drugs?”

Indeed, the Church certainly commands far more credibility and respect than the government. The Philippine Trust Index of 2015, the latest nationwide survey done by public relations company EON, counted nearly three-quarters of Filipinos (73 percent) trusting the Catholic Church, far ahead of the academe (51 percent), media (32 percent), and the government (12 percent).

Sure, President Duterte enjoys an excellent trust rating of more than 80 percent. But that’s an argument not for bashing the Church, but working with it, so that their combined high public credibility would mobilize the people to fight crime and drugs, instead of eroding each other’s lofty trust ratings In short, Mr. President, you need the Filipino people’s centuries-old adherence to Catholic faith, morals and authority to fight the scourge of lawlessness and drugs.

The bishops also need Digong At the same time, the Church needs President Duterte’s rough campaign against drugs and lawlessness.

Crime incidence tripled in the past administration, to more than 1 million a year starting 2013, from 324,083 in

2010. Imagine how many grave sins are committed every day, endangering the souls of millions of people.

Thankfully, after six months under Duterte, crime is down by one-third to one-half, depending on the type of offense. That means at least 3,000 murders prevented, along with 3,000 rapes, 20,000 robberies, and 75,000 physical injuries, based on 2014 data.

As for drug addiction, which enslaves souls to the demands of body and psyche, between 1 million and 3 million users are in narco-chains, their free will and consciences rendered largely incapable of exercising the moral choices which affirms the faithful’s faith, hope and love toward the Lord.

Even worse, millions of families are torn apart, hugely burdened, and even bloodied and beaten, as loved ones are driven to anger, depression, crime, and violence.

Except in a few families graced by God, can virtue flourish amid such entrenched vice?

And while killing outside of self-defense violates God’s law and can never

be justified, the sad reality is that if the government relied solely on strict due process to fight drugs and crime, the syndicates and their protectors in government would just laugh, and more than a million drug users and pushers would still be sniffing and shooting, plus stealing, kidnapping, raping and killing under narco-influence or in hopes of getting cash for their habit.

But thank God, Church and State may be moving toward talking and walking together.

Last Friday, Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said of the Church: “Let’s try to reach out to one another and have a real dialogue and real conversation.”

“That is always the better solution to anything,” agreed Bataan Bishop Ruperto Santos. “You listen to them, present everything, and let’s observe what are the things that we can work together and things that we are going to avoid.”

May Church and State find common cause for our nation’s sake. So help them God. n

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

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A

Dateline PhiliPPines

Judges handling cases of slain Espinosa face admin raps

by TeTch

Torres-TupAs Inquirer.net

TWO regional trial courts in Visayas are facing formal administrative probe after one issued a search warrant used by the police to justify the operation against Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa Sr. and another for sitting on his motion that he be transferred to another detention facility.

Espinosa filed a motion to transfer detention before Baybay, Leyte RTC Branch 14 Judge Carlos O. Arguelles while Basey, Samar RTC Branch 30 Judge Tarcelo A. Sabarre Jr. issued the search warrants against Espinosa and fellow inmate Raul Yap. The warrant was implemented on Nov. 5 that led to the deaths of the two inmates.

Aside from the two judges, the high court also ordered an administrative probe against Calbiga, Samar RTC Branch 33 Judge Janet M. Cabalona who also issued a search warrant against detainees in a government facility that also led to the deaths of the detainees.

The three judges were given 10 days from notice to respond to the complaints and provide the Office of the Court Administrator with copies of the applications for search warrants of police officers, transcript of stenographic notes during the hearings as well as anonymous letters to Sabarre and Cabalona.

Espinosa sought a transfer of detention due to risk to his life.

However, the court has not immediately acted on his motion.

The high court said Arguelles should been more alert in acting on Espinosa’s motion since two other inmates, Edgar Allan Alvarez and Fernando Balagbis, were killed a few months before Espinosa. Alvarez was killed on August 2016 while Balagbis was killed Oct. 28.

“These incidents should have alerted Judge Arguelles to the fact that the perceived threats on the life of Espinosa while in detention at the Sub-Provincial Jain in Baybay City were not merely imagined but real,” the high court said.

“Furthermore, it appears that

Espinosa, Yap, Alvarez and Balagbis were all detained within the territorial jurisdiction of either the RTC of Baybay Leyte Branch 14 or the RTC of Abuyog, Leyte, Branch 10—both presided

by Judge Arguelles,” the high court said.

Sabarre, on the other hand, issued the warrant based on the testimony of Paul Olendan. The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said Olandan provided false information when he testified in court that he saw Espinosa with a gun inside the jail facility while Yap was in possession of illegal drugs.

“The situation in this case is made more grievous by the fact that several persons have been killed in circumstances brought about by a court process,” the high court said.

“In the interest of the administration of justice, it is important that the circumstances behind the resolution of the motion for transfer of detention and the issuance of the search warrants be delved into more deeply,” the high court added. n

M. Aurelio Inquirer.net

MANILA — A Filipino-born priest has been appointed by Pope Francis to head a diocese in the Oceanian country of Papua New Guinea.

The Pontiff named Fr. Pedro Baquero Jr. to head the Diocese of Kerema as its new bishop following the death of its previous bishop in 2013.

Established in 1971, the Diocese of Kerema is estimated to have a population of 28,300 Catholics and is found in the Gulf Province, near the capital city of Port Moresby.

According to a post on the Vatican Radio website, Baquero, 46, was the superior of the Salesian vice-province of Papua New Guinea – Solomon Islands.

Pope Francis made the appointment on Friday as the dio-

Pope Francis

cese has been without a bishop since the death of then bishop Patrick Taval in April 2013.

Baquero, a Salesian priest, was born in Manila on September 15, 1970 and was ordained a priest in 1999 in Parañaque City.

He served as the Salesian Su-

Inquirer.net file photo/ Marianne Bermudez

De Lima seeks Senate action on fake news

by TArrA

QuisMundo Inquirer.net

MANILA — She was apparently thrown out of a Berlin Conference Hall, slapped by her arch nemesis, the secretary of justice, and pole-danced for a high-profile convict. Queen Elizabeth purportedly congratulated the Senate for ousting her, while former United State President Barack Obama even called her “abnormal” for standing firm against the Duterte administration’s drug war.

These are just some of the things that Sen. Leila de Lima, among lawmakers most frequently attacked on social media, learned about herself online in the seeming parallel universe of fake news.

Alarmed at the “deliberate” escalation and deceptive power of false reports, Sen. Leila de Lima called on Tuesday for an inquiry into the spread of untruths online, noting that the deliberate spread of such stories have destroyed reputations, threatened families, damaged political careers and endangered the freedom of choice.

“I am here to say enough is enough,” said De Lima, citing hurtful false stories that have targeted not just herself but her family.

“I am fortunate to have the perior Delegate of Papua New strength to stand up and defend Guinea – Solomon Islands from myself, but my relatives and 2014 to 2016. family members who have done Later on, the Salesian jurisdic- nothing to deserve being at the tion was raised to the rank of receiving end of these lies should Salesian vice-province, leading not have to be obliged to even to Baquero being appointed as acknowledge these lies. More the Superior. n importantly, I will not stand here

Pope taps Filipino priest as bishop of Papua New Guinea

by Julie

Sen. Leila De Lima.

and wait for them to invent hurtful and damaging rumors about my special child, Israel, or my ailing mother,” De Lima said.

In a privilege speech, De Lima expressed support for separate resolutions that Senators Antonio Trillanes IV and Francis Pangilinan earlier filed also seeking a legislative investigation into the spread of fake news.

“People’s morals are degraded by fake news, some of which thrive on plain salaciousness o kabastusan at kalaswaan. Nothing is off limits. The personal life, good name and reputation of women, and even men, are fair game,” said De Lima.

“It’s open season for anyone who dares criticize this government, and it’s severely skewing the moral compass of our people, not to mention our youth,” she said.

De Lima, a fierce administration critic, linked the spread of fake news to President Duterte’s oftchanging statements. She noted his recent friendliness to China even while he promised during the campaign that he would jet ski to the disputed Spratlys to plant the Philippine flag.

“Fake news, the outrageous, the half-truths, the outright lies, the misleading headlines, and even the crass jokes and the profanity that accompany the President’s every appearance on our television screens – these are all nothing but the sticks that make up the broom that this Administration and its supporters use to sweep under the rug their crimes, their incompetencies, their laziness, their lack of dedication to

the public’s interests, their broken campaign promises,” said De Lima.

She said addressing fake news was “a matter needing legislative attention,” saying fake information has become a “weapon that is being wielded against the Filipino people and their exercise of their rights.”

The lawmaker, who has repeatedly denied drug allegations thrown against her by the Duterte administration, called on the public to be discerning about information they get online, and check the crediblity of their news sources.

“We are faced with the situation where there are elements in our society who are deliberately poisoning the well of information that is readily available to the Filipino people and to us, their public servants,” the lawmaker said.

“Every lie, every piece of fake news, every form of propaganda that is manufactured and shared by people is like a disease or a poison that will kill everything that is good and just about our beautiful nation. It does not matter that not everyone is fooled. It only matters that there are people being fooled,” she said.

De Lima said false information has led to deaths, as in the case of the innocent who have been slain in the drug war.

“I call on our people not to believe everything they hear or read; but, instead, to be critical and to be inquisitive. Magtanong.

Magmatiyag. Magsaliksik. Magisip. (Ask. Observe. Research.

Think.),” she said. n

A JANUARY 25-27, 2017 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL

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BUSINESSJ& COMMUNITY ournal

B

Duterte pivot to China may result in more investments

by IrIs

Gonzales Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines — The Duterte administration’s pivot to China, which has resulted in better relations between Manila and Beijing, is expected to attract more Chinese investments to the Philippines, HSBC Philippines said.

“The Duterte administration’s foreign policy pivot toward China gives a big push to its own Philippine Development Plan as it puts together plans,

u PAGE B3

Pres. Rodrigo Duterte

Peso may fall past P50:$1

by March – FMIC-UA&P Think tank sees peso weakening faster than year-end forecast earlier

group of private financial analysts.

First Metro Investments Corp. (FMIC) and the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P) said their joint study considered pressures on the Philippine currency from the impending Federal Reserve in-

by MayvelIn

U. Caraballo ManilaTimes.net

A private think tank said the expected weakening of the Philippine peso past the P50:$1 level may occur before the end of the first quarter, much earlier than the end of the year, forecast previously by another

should also include non-poor informal workers, PIDS said in a policy note.

INCOME and social inequaliPIDS said that operationally, ties still persist in the country out-of-pocket spending, or OOP, even as the economy shows is defined as “any direct outlay by brisk growth, with out-of-pocket households, including gratuities spending for health care remain- and in-kind payments, to health ing a major portion of household practitioners and suppliers of expenditure, state-think tank pharmaceuticals, therapeutic apPhilippine Institute for Develop- pliances, and other goods and ment Studies (PIDS) said. services whose primary intent is Given this, the government to contribute to the restoration must expand its health benefit or enhancement of the health package for households, which status of individuals or populaby MayvelIn

u PAGE B3

U. Caraballo ManilaTimes.net

tion groups. It is a part of private health expenditure.

The level of OOP is an important indicator of an effective health-care system, it said.

“Ideally, an optimal health-care system should pacify irrational growth in health expenditures. It should also have the capacity to provide equitable financial protection, substantially reducing the amount that people pay for medical expenses,” it explained.

PIDS stressed that heavy reliance on OOP may lead the popu-

lation to forgo or delay seeking care, or at worst, impoverishment.

It found out that basic social provisions, such as health care, remain generally inaccessible among the vulnerable segments of the population.

“Although social safety nets are in place to facilitate access (e.g., social health insurance and supply-side financing mechanisms), out-of-pocket (OOP) expenditures remain to be the

u PAGE B4

P117-B train project to link Manila and Bicol

by WIllIaM

b. DepasUpIl ManilaTimes.net

FILIPINO and Chinese transportation and railway officials are expected to seal anytime soon a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) that would pave the way

for the rehabilitation and modernization of the 653-kilometer Manila to Bicol railway system.

The P117.3-billion Manila-Bicol South Railway Project was approved last year by the National Economic and Development

u PAGE B3

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Tourism department Diversity as the Disruptor: targets more ASEAN arrivals How US demographics are changing business dynamics

by Raadee

S. SauSa ManilaTimes.net

THE Department of Tourism (DOT) aims to boost tourist arrivals by enticing member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to visit the Philippines.

DOT Secretary Wanda Corazon Teo made her pitch over the weekend at the 20th ASEAN Tourism Ministers meeting of the ASEAN Tourism Forum in Singapore from January 19 to 21, 2017.

During the meeting, Teo presented the DOT’s major projects and invited her fellow ministers to important tourism-related events that are slated in the Philippines this year, among them, staging of the 65th Miss Universe pageant in Manila on January 30, the 3rd Madrid Fusion Manila from April 6 to 8, 2017, and the 6th UNWTO International Conference on Tourism Statistics.

Teo requested the ASEAN ministers for assistance in promoting the events to business

NEW YORK, NY — More than 50 speakers of diverse cultural background, representing four dozen major corporations, prominent business and community organizations and leading universities and over 300 conference participants attended the second annual Asian American Business Roundtable (AABR) “The New Majority: Igniting the Future through Inclusion and Partnerships,� held at the Venetian, Las Vegas from Jan. 11-13.

The coming together of a multicultural community comprising of African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans and Asians to and outbound travelers from policies to improve the com- form a “New Majority� in Amerpetitiveness of ASEAN as a tour- ica means changes, challenges their countries. “Pursuant to the ASEAN Tour- ist destination, and to promote and new collaboration strategies ism Strategic Plan (ATSP), we ASEAN as a single destination,� for businesses and organizations would like to emphasize the Teo said. that seek to thrive in the coming The ASEAN member countries decades. importance of ASEAN working assiduously to ensure that a are: Brunei, Cambodia, IndoneThe AABR Summit’s mission is sustainable and inclusive growth sia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, to harness the strengths and enpath for tourism will be achieved. Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam courage the strategic partnership We must develop programs and u PAGE B3 as the ethnic communities in the USA continues to grow into a demographic majority of the United States.

Many of the keynote speakers delivered profound and authentic messages about their companies and the economy and how the New Majority must work to-

Making the Keynote address at the Asian American Business Roundtable Summit was Bernard J. Tyson, Chairman and CEO of Kaiser Permanente. Mr. Tyson delivered a profound and authentic message about his company and the economy and how the New Majority must work together.

Making Opening Remarks at the 2017 Asian American Business Roundtable Summit II were Mehmood Khan, Vice Chairman and Chief Scientific Officer, Global R&D, PepsiCo and John Wang, President, Asian American Business Development Center

Lunch Keynote Speaker Solomon D. Trujillo, Chairman of Trujillo Group, LLC and CoFounder and Chairman of the Latino Donor Collaborative (LDC) discussed The New Mainstream Economy: Driving our Economy’s Growth Today and Accelerating for Tomorrow.

gether; including Bernard J. Tyson, CEO of Kaiser Permanente; Dr. Mehmood Khan, PepsiCo’s Vice Chairman and Chief Scientific and co-sponsor; Solomon D. (“Sol�) Trujillo, Chairman of Trujillo Group, LLC and; Pamela G. Carlton, President of Springboard-Partners in Cross Cultural Leadership.

In addition, powerhouse companies such as Cisco Systems, JP Morgan Chase, Morgan Stanley, and Univision, all, made their mark at the Summit.

The Asian American Business

Development Center was established in New York City in 1994

by John Wang, to promote greater recognition of Asian American businesses’ contributions to the general economy. AABDC encourages Asian American businesses to be more actively involved in issues and policies that directly affect them at the federal, state and city levels and provides capacity-building assistance to business entities that enables them to compete in the mainstream marketplace and expand business opportunities. n

How Three Ethnic Groups Build Sustainable Parnerships for future collaboration - this panel discussion included Dr. Dario A. Cortes (Pictured Far Right) Senior Vice President , Strategic Alliance of Berkeley College; (L to R)Josè Calderòn, President of the Hispanic Federation, Kamesh Nagarajan, Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor of Morgan Stanley Wealth Management; Fred S. Teng, President of the America China Public Affairs Institute and Michael J. Garner, President of One Hundred Black Men, Inc. Photos by Traci Coulter

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Business news

SCE files plan for expanding electric transportation Plan aims to reduce emissions from goods movement industry, passenger vehicles

ROSEMEAD, Calif. — Southern California Edison, a leader in the transformation of the energy sector, has filed with the California Public Utilities Commission a wide-ranging plan for expanding electric transportation in its service area.

Consistent with SCE’s longstanding role in supporting electric transportation, the plan aims to increase electrification of cars, buses, medium- and heavy-duty trucks and industrial vehicles and equipment.

“This filing lays out a clear plan to accelerate the adoption of electric transportation, which is critical to California achieving its climate change and environmental goals,” said SCE President Ron Nichols.

“The benefits of electric vehicles are growing, but barriers to their adoption still exist — and utilities and other market participants have a clear role to play in overcoming those barriers.”

In addition to innovative programs for passenger vehicle adoption, the plan is tailored to Southern California, where 40 percent of the goods entering the nation are moved through the region’s ports and over its highways. This immense goods movement industry is crucial to the state and local economy, but it is also a major source of greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution from heavy commercial and industrial vehicles at ports, warehouses and along freeway corridors.

These projects will benefit all SCE customers, with a particular focus on “disadvantaged communities” — areas that are disproportionately affected by pollution and economic hardship, often located along transportation corridors.

“Transitioning to zero- and near-zero emissions modes of transportation is essential to achieving air quality goals in this region,” said Wayne Nastri, executive officer of the South Coast Air Quality Management District.

“We are pleased and encouraged

by SCE’s plans that complement our efforts to accelerate this transition, including a focus on disadvantaged communities that are disproportionately impacted by air pollution.”

SCE also released a white paper, “Transportation Electrification: Reducing Emissions, Driving Innovation,” showing the central role transportation electrification must play if California is to succeed in reducing air pollution and greenhouse gases. Electric vehicles currently reduce greenhouse gases by more than 70 percent and smogproducing air pollutants by 85 percent compared to gas-powered cars. As more renewable resources are added to the grid, electric vehicles will increasingly benefit the environment.

The proposed projects in the commission filing complement and expand on SCE’s Charge Ready pilot program, which focuses on installation of EV charging stations in parking lots where passenger vehicles are parked for extended periods of time.

The Charge Ready model, which involves SCE installing all of the electrical infrastructure on a customer’s site to support charging stations and providing a rebate toward the purchase of those charging stations, would be applied to new vehicle segments, including plug-in trucks, electric buses, cargo-handling port equipment and forklifts.

If approved, the overall package in today’s filing would mean more than $570 million in programs and infrastructure to help grow the transportation electrification market over a five-year period and stimulate greenhouse gas reductions to support moving California closer to its 2030 climate change goal of 40 percent below 1990 levels. Supporting the shift to electrification will help reduce tailpipe emissions that contribute to violations of federal health-based ozone standards in Southern California.

Many of these projects may have future applicability in other parts of California, supporting progress toward the state’s emission reduction targets.

Proposals include: • Funding for medium- and heavy-duty vehicle charging infrastructure. As in the Charge Ready program, SCE would install infrastructure on a customer’s site and provide a rebate toward the purchase of the charging station. In addition to trucks, this program would support plug-in buses, forklifts and other off-road equipment. While it is not part of the current filing, SCE will be exploring options with the South Coast Air Quality Management District and other stakeholders for a zero-emission freight movement program for transporting freight from the Port of Long Beach to inland distribution hubs.

• Rates designed to incentivize EV adoption. This attractive rate option for EV owners would eliminate demand charges during an introductory period and stimulate charging during periods of the day that benefit both customers and the grid (i.e., lowcost periods during the day to support integration of renewable energy).

A number of short-term pilot programs are also part of the package: • Customer rebate for residential charging station

installation. SCE would provide a rebate to residential customers living in single-family residences or smaller multi-unit dwellings not covered in the Charge Ready program to install a “make-ready,” which is the electrical infrastructure required in a garage or at a parking space to support EV charging. The rebates would alleviate the cost of installing a new circuit and, for some customers, the cost of a new panel.

• Building vehicle charging infrastructure for electric transit buses. Similar to the medium- and heavy-duty vehicle program, SCE is proposing a one-year pilot to install infrastructure and provide a rebate toward the purchase of the charging stations for buses. This project will focus specifically on progressive transit agencies that are already preparing to receive electric buses and will provide charging infrastructure to speed adoption of electric transit buses.

• Port electrification projects.

At the Port of Long Beach, SCE would install charging infrastructure for the electrification of equipment used to unload and move goods containers from ships to off-port transportation vehicles currently powered by diesel engines.

• Building urban DC Fast Charger (DCFC) clusters. SCE would install five DC fast-charge sites in urban areas. Each site would have up to five dual-port charging stations for a total of 50 DCFC ports. The sites would be located in publicly accessible urban locations — for example, near a corridor, downtown or in high-density apartments.

• Bonus reward to rideshare/ taxi drivers who use EVs. SCE proposes a monetary reward to rideshare and taxi drivers who use an EV and exceed a specified number of rides during a given time period. The pilot promotes the use of EVs in rideshare services, increases EV miles traveled and introduces more passengers to the experience of riding in an EV. The filing’s proposed capital investments are subject to CPUC review and approval and will not be included in SCE’s capital spending and rate base forecasts currently provided through 2020 in its SEC disclosures. n

P117-B train project to link Manila…

PAGE B1 t

Authority.

“The President told us, ‘Give me a railway,’ ”Philippine National Railways Chairman Roberto Lastimoso said on Monday during the weekly Tapatan sa Aristocrat media forum in Malate, Manila, quoting President Rodrigo Duterte.

“It will happen, we will do it, ” according to Lastimoso.

The Manila-Bicol train project will be implemented under the public-private partnership scheme.

Lastimoso disclosed before the media forum that also in the pipeline is the P214-billion North-South Railway Project, which will connect the Visayas and Mindanao regions.

It will be one of the biggest infrastructure projects under the Duterte administration, he said.

In the same forum, lawyer Timothy John Batan, Railway Sector senior project development officer of the Department of Transportation, said the Manila-Bicol project would come first.

“The modernization of the

Tutuban [in Manila’s Divisoria area]to Bicol railway system will come handy because it has no more right-of-way problems,” he added.

At present, the PNR train service is only from Tutuban to Calamba City, Laguna, south of Manila.

Batan assured though that once the project is completed in 2021, it will reach Legazpi City (provincial capital of Albay in

Bicol), including an additional route to Matnog, Sorsogon, and Clark Freeport, Pampanga, north of Manila.

During the presidential campaign in May last year, Duterte expressed his support for the establishment of a modern train system in Luzon that will reach up to the Ilocos Region and also in the entire island of Mindanao and as well as in the Panay, Negros and Cebu regions. n

the most number of arrivals to the Philippines came from Singapore with 161,194 visitors; followed by Malaysia, 128,077; Thailand, 44,372; Indonesia, 40,651; Vietnam, 31,555; Brunei, 7,378; Myanmar, 6,832; Cambodia, 3,278; and Laos, 1,112.

“We don’t have to look far to find what we are looking for. In

2016, 115 million projected international arrivals can be attributed to the ASEAN countries,” the Tourism chief said.

“Let us not forget that our neighbors, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia, are considered affluent nations and major outbound travel sources,” Teo added. n

Tourism department targets…

PAGE B2 t

and the Philippines Latest data on visitor arrivals show that for November 2016, visitors from these nine countries combined, account for only 7.9 percent of the total tourist arrivals in the Philippines.

Based on the same data, among the ASEAN countries,

LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 25-27, 2017

Debt Relief Atty. LAwrence yAng CLIENT is 64, a young senior.

I say young because I consider seniors in their sixties as still active and robust. Except for more white hair, they still feel like they are 30. The problem with being in the sixties is that seventy is just around the corner.

Now when one becomes 70, after ten years you become 80. In your eighties, your hoping that Putin’s anti aging pill is already in commercial production. Putin is 64 right now, just like client.

He has a pharmaceutical company in Russia that is doing in depth research on mitochondria cells that focus on delaying aging and extending human life to 130. So, maybe this is why PEOTUS Trump wants to be his best friend. I wouldn’t mind being his best friend either if the Russian company actually makes this pill available for humans in the next 10 or even 20 years, I might still be around to benefit from it.

Client says that his net income is $3,500 and that he is separated from his wife. His rent is $600 for a room. He sends money to his brothers and sisters in his country of origin. The problem is that he owes $30K of

B

Chapter 7 to discharge credit cards, loans credit card debt. He pays minimum of $1K a month for the credit cards. He also has a car payment of $350. We don’t have to do more calculation here. The minimum payment of $1K for credit cards is almost a third of his next income. That is just way too much. He wants to get rid of his credit cards now that he is 64 so he can start saving some money. Well, it’s a little late to start saying money now but at least with the discharge of all of his credit cards, he can save $12K in the next 12 months, and $24K next year, then $36K then $48K. So when he turns 69, just before he becomes 70, he can have $50K saved up which he can use any way he wants.

This is a lot better than keeping these cards, paying them $50K for the next 4 years, then still owe them the same principal of $30K when he turns 70. So, this is really a no brainer, isn’t it? Would he rather have $50K in cash and not owe anything at the age of 69, or throw away $50K in minimum payments and still owe $30K credit cards at age 69?

He asks if his brother whom he used as reference for a personal loan who did not sign a personal guaranty is legally liable for his debt if it is discharged in bank-

ruptcy; of course not. Brother can only be made liable for his debt if brother signed a written personal guaranty. Without a signed personal guaranty, brother used a reference, cannot be sued because he has no legal liability to the creditor of client.

Next client are husband and wife who are 72 and 71. Wife made sure that I understood that she was only 71 and one year younger than her husband who is 72. Yes, I got that. One year makes all the difference. I told her that I stopped counting 20 years ago and advised her to do the same. It’s useless to keep counting, what’s the big deal anyway? Who wants to know that you are now one year closer to leaving this earth; certainly not yourself. Look at the picture of the Indonesian guy who is the oldest man alive at 145. I mean what can you do at 145? You’re practically a cadaver and blind.

Can’t hear anything. Quality of life is just zilch.

Clients owe $46K of credit card. Their social security is $3K a month. Rent is at $1200. They have $1800 left but their credit cards need minimum of $1500.

How are they going to eat and pay for other necessities if they

growing stronger.

The two-way investment between China and the ASEAN had exceeded $160 billion as of May 2016, with ASEAN remaining a major destination for Chinese companies.

“ASEAN and China are seeking to double their trade value, setting a target of $1 trillion by the end of 2020,” Veloso said.

China’s Belt and Road initiative – an initiative to increase China’s trade and infrastructure investments to the Southeast Asian region – will bring the two closer together, the study said.

For ASEAN member countries, this initiative will offer further integration by developing physical

infrastructure and a robust trade regime. The region will be ideally positioned to sit at the center of global value chains. For China, it will provide an ideal platform to develop ties with neighboring Asian countries while fostering the development of its own extensive high-speed rail network as a means to export high-end technology and services, Veloso said.

Veloso said for the Philippines, China’s Belt and Road initiative presents opportunities for government-backed funds looking for investments in big infrastructure projects and private equity funds looking for better returns abroad. n

u PAGE B4

Duterte pivot to China may result…

PAGE B1 t

reforms, policies, and targets to build a more sustainable economy. This sends strong signals to businesses in both nations that the Philippines is now a promising participant in China’s grant, trade and infrastructure plan,” said HSBC Philippines president and CEO Wick Veloso in a paper on normalizing relations between the Philippines and China.

The Philippines’ chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) this year would also allow the country to normalize relations with China faster with economic relations between the ASEAN and the world’s second largest economy

Peso may fall past P50:$1 by March – FMIC… PAGE B1 t

terest rate hikes in the US. “While there may be periods of peso appreciation, the overall trend of a depreciation will likely continue in 2017, albeit at a slower pace than 2016,” FMIC and UA&P said in the latest joint issue of The Market Call.

“We think that the US/PHP rate will remain under pressure… especially now that the Fed has set the stage for more hikes in 2017,” it added.

Given this, the think tank said the peso-dollar rate may drop from P49.99:$1 in January to P50.18:$1 in February, before further weakening to P50.49:$1 in March.

The report recalled that the

peso took a further beating after the US Fed raised interest rate by 25 basis points on December 14 last year.

Expectations for three rate hikes in 2017, based on indications made by US Fed chair Janet Yellen in a speech last month, added further weakness to the Philippine currency.

The peso closed at P49.72 against the greenback at the end of last year. For the entire 2016, the peso depreciated by 5.35 percent from the year earlier.

The currencies of emerging markets, still dampened by fund outflows amid the rate hike and possible further increases in Fed rates this 2017, remain on a depreciation mode, the FMIC and

UA&P said in the report.

Earlier, other private financial institutions forecast the peso to weaken to a range of P50:$1 to P52:$1 toward the end of the year, with the most pessimistic view seeing a scenario of worsening risk sentiment in case of a hardline trade stance between China and the United States.

The government has an exchange rate assumption of P48 to P50 per US dollar in 2017 to 2018.

The Philippine peso last touched the P50:$1 mark on Thursday last week as the market refocused on the US after Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen expressed a positive view of the US economy. n

AC 21: Changing the employer of your employment-based green card application Dear Attorney Tan, I HAVE an approved I-140 immigrant petition which was filed by Company A on my behalf. Company A would like to employ me as a bookkeeper. Based on that approved I-140 petition, I filed an application for green card (I-485 adjustment of status) in August 2014.

Since that time, my green card application has been pending, as USCIS has requested additional documents in support of my application. Recently, another company, Company B, has expressed interest in hiring me for a payroll clerk position. Company B is a more established company based in the Midwest and pays $10,000.00 less but offers much better benefits. Is there a way I can substitute Company B as the employer in my green card application? --P.T. Dear P.T. Under INA Section 204(j), commonly referred to as AC 21, an approved I-140 employment-based immigrant petition filed by one employer can be used by or “ported” to another employer providing certain requirements are met. First, a green card (I-485 adjustment of status) application must have been filed and must be pending for at least 180 days. Second, the “new” job offered by the second employer must be in the same or similar occupational classification as the job for which the first employer filed the I-140 petition.

In your situation, you meet the first requirement in that your application for green card (I-485) was filed in August 2014. Your application has been pending for over 1 year, which is more than the required 180 days under AC 21.

In depth analysis in your case is needed as to whether Company B’s job of “payroll clerk” is considered a “similar occupational classification” to Company A’s job of “bookkeeper,” for which Company A petitioned you. In determining whether one job is similar enough to another job for AC 21 purposes, the USCIS takes into account the totality of the circumstances, including the job duties of both positions, the Standard Occupational Code (SOC) from the approved I-140 and the SOC code for the job offered by the new prospective employer, as well as the offered wages for each position.

In your case, analysis would begin with the job duties of each position. The more similarity in job duties between bookkeeper and payroll clerk, the greater the likelihood that USCIS would consider them similar. Also, the SOC code for the 2 jobs would be taken into account. In addition, the wages offered by each employer would be considered. The existence of a big disparity in wages offered by each employer is not by itself a reason to conclude that the jobs are not similar. In your case, the fact that Company B is offering $10,000 less than Company A has to take into account the fact that the Midwest has a lower cost of living, as well as the fact that better benefits are being offered by Company B. If it is considered a “similar occupational classification,” Company B may be substituted in as the employer in your pending green card application, and Company B will not have to start the process from the beginning by filing a labor certification application and by obtaining an approved I-140 petition.

The analysis of whether you can use or “port” your approved I-140 requires additional analysis, and consulting with an experienced attorney is recommended. *** Darrick V. Tan, Esq. is admitted to practice law in California and Nevada. Mr. Tan is a graduate of UCLA and Southwestern University School of Law. He is a member of the Consumers Attorney Association of Los Angeles and is a former member of the Board of Governors of the Philipp ine American Bar Association.

LAW OFFICES OF DARRICK V. TAN, 3580 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 900, Los Angeles, CA 90010. Tel: (323) 639-0277. Email: info@dtanlaw. com.

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B JANUARY 25-27, 2017 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond

Community Journal

Angels among us

– James Russell Lowell

(Last of 4 Installments)

ful force of intercessory, unceasing prayers by one or more prayer warriors can avert the cosmic disaster of a soul lost forever to darkness, death and nothingness.

There is a study of angels called angelology. In it, it is claimed that there is a hierarchy of celestial beings grouped into three spheres. According to Wikipedia, there is a First Sphere, the highest ranking of all because they are closest to God. This includes Seraphim, Cherubim and Thrones. The Second Sphere includes Dominions, Virtues and Powers. In the Third Sphere can be found Principalities, Archangels and Angels.

Our personal guardian angels fall in the last group. Each human being is believed to be assigned a personal guardian angel, Christian or not. The angels that keep watch over human beings belong to the lowest order of celestial beings and they are the ones concerned with the affairs of human beings. They are holy celestial beings who are agents of God intended as a help to mere mortals. They are powerful but we ourselves need to connect

continue to pay $1500 for credit cards? They can grow their own vegetables in their backyard, if they had a backyard. They rent an apartment with no backyard.

Husband says that he has all kinds of muscle pain and has a pacemaker, so that kills his plan to drive for UBER so he can raise another $1500 to pay for their credit cards. He says they have already lived a full life, having travelled all over the world, using the cards. But they have paid the cards for the last 20 years a total of $360K yet they still owe the very same $46K of credit cards today. I told them that they should have done their Chapter 7 twenty years ago, so today they would have $360K in their portfolio earning them at least 5 percent or $1500 a month, or $18K a year. That certainly helps now, instead of paying them a small fortune and still owing them the same amount of $46K. Should have gotten rid of these cards a long

time ago.

They decide immediately to file for Chapter 7 to discharge the $46K of credit cards. Peace of mind without credit card payments is what they need now at 72 and 71.

Last client were business owners. They are also seniors at 60 and 61. The owned a business that closed down in 2007.

When the business closed, the company, which is an S corporation, owed an SBA loan of $49K, which is now $89K because of the accrued interest. SBA started to garnish wife’s wages last week. She didn’t like the garnishment. Can’t blame her, who wants to get your hard earned wages taken at the rate of 25 percent of gross. As PEOTUS says that is a “bigly” deduction, NOT FAIR! And NOT NICE! In addition, they owe $90K of credit card debt plus another $30K of unsecured business debt. They ask if it makes sense to settle the accounts owed. I say what for? With a Chapter

Atty. Kenneth UrsUA reyes

to that power to take effect.

If you acknowledge that you as a child of God was given a personal guardian angel from the time God conceived you in His thoughts, there should be no fear in our hearts to face even the unknown. An angelic relationship can be nurtured daily and can grow wonderfully through time until the end of human life.

Who knows? In the end, we might be able to see this yet unseen godly presence, link up face to face, do a high-five, even dance a jig and thank our personal guardian angel, whether you gave him a name or not, whether he revealed his name to you or not, when we transition out to a celestial realm ourselves — finally free of ALL heavy worldly concerns and ALL constraints of time, space and gravity.

Just perhaps, that light at the end of a long dark tunnel might give us a glimpse of the face of God himself. ***

DIVORCING couples with children sometimes worry about who is going to pay for their children’s college education after the divorce once their children graduates high school. They want a guarantee that their soon to be ex-spouse will share in the college expenses of their children.

This is specially the case when the other spouse has moved on with a new family. The old family becomes less of a priority.

In California, there is no legal basis for a spouse to request the family court to order the other spouse to pay for their adult children’s college expenses.

However, the divorcing couple can agree to pay for their adult children’s college education as part of a marital settlement agreement. Family Code section 3587; In re Marriage of Rosenfeld and Gross, 225 Cal. App. 4th 478 (2014). Pursuant to statute and court cases, college expense payment provision in a stipulated marital settlement agreement, Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is as incorporated into a Court’s SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To judgment, constitutes adult child send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ support such that court had juasianjournalinc.com risdiction to modify the provision in light of the settlement’s failure to specifically provide that adult

Chapter 7 to discharge credit cards…

PAGE B3 t

Can a divorcing couple agree to pay for their adult children’s college expenses in their divorce judgment?

Barrister’s Corner

“All God’s angels come to us disguised.”

Monette AdevA MAglAyA AN angel is an invisible presence that must be acknowledged to become ever stronger. God sends angels to keep watch over human beings and help them in every human challenge. There is, however, the element of free will in humans.

You can acknowledge the presence of angels or deny it.

It is your choice ultimately. The more angels are acknowledged and become a conduit to heaven, they become a hovering, guiding reality in one’s life growing ever stronger in their influence to shape every thought, word and deed in one’s life.

On the other hand, if the dark side prevails repeatedly in one’s soul that is made progressively weak by severe addictions of any kind, whether chemical, sexual or the human inclination towards pride, disobedience and evil, then the angel’s influence becomes weak. The human protectee is like a a cell phone that is not receiving signals and becomes dead on a skip zone.

Only a direct divine intervention wrought by the most power-

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

7, you can wipe out all of the $210K debt, start fresh again with zero debt, all it costs is the attorney & filing fees, which are very reasonable. Settlement at half for instance, would still cost $120K, which they don’t have.

I mean, settlement is very expensive compared to Chapter 7 legal fees. You wipe out $240K for almost not cost except legal fees. That’s the American way.

Look at PEOTUS, his companies filed bankruptcy four times and he still the president elect.

That is one smart dude. VERY SMART! “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”

— Hebrews 13:8 *** 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.

(Advertising Supplement)

child support was not subject to modification. In re Marriage of Rosenfeld and Gross, 225 Cal. App. 4th at 488 (2014). Providing for payment of adult children’s college expenses is recognized more of an “add on” to adult child support. Family Code 4062(b)(1).

However, the parties may “opt out” or restrict the court’s jurisdiction to modify an adult child support order (including college expenses) but the parties must expressly and specifically state in their marital settlement agreement that any resulting adult child support order will not be subject to modification or termination by the Court because the adult child support order is rooted in the parent’s contractual agreement. Cal. Family Code Section 3587, 3651(a).

So if you are concerned about your spouse sharing for the college tuition and expenses of your children after the divorce, you should negotiate a provision in your marital agreement that both of you will share on the college tuition and expenses of your children. In doing so, you should also think about whether you want this provision to be non-modifiable or not. In the absence of a specific provision lim-

iting adult child support as nonmodifiable and non-terminable, the default is that child support is modifiable. Sometimes, leaving the adult child support provision as modifiable protects the spouses from unforeseen future events such as a disability or retirement which limits the earning capacity of a spouse and ability to comply with the adult child support provision in the MSA. *** 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 is not a solicitation.

(Advertising Supplement)

‘Income inequality high despite robust…

PAGE B1 t

major source of financing during health-care episodes,” it said.

Health expenditure rising PIDS also noted total health expenditure in the Philippines is increasing both in nominal and constant terms.

In constant terms, there has been an increase by more than two folds in the last 12 years, from P159 billion to P347 billion, with rapid increases noticeable especially in the latter years of the decade, it said.

“Despite the significant rise in government and social insurance spending, OOP health expenditure remains the major source, which accounts for more than 50 percent of the total health expenditures,” it said.

The think tank pointed out that from 1991 to 2011, the average annual growth rates for government, social insurance, OOP and private insurance

were 3.9 percent, 8.5 percent, 6.3 percent, and 9.5 percent, respectively.

“According to the Department of Health, the country targets to decrease the share of OOP by less than 50 percent and increase the share of social health insurance by 2016,” it said.

In the extreme, OOP payments could lead to poverty, it added.

For instance, it explained that about 18 percent of the population still live in poverty, and if OOP payments for health care are netted out, this percentage rises to 19.4 percent.

“Thus, 1 percent of the population become poor once health expenditure occurs,” it said.

‘Expand PhilHealth” Going forward, the think tank recommends the expansion of the benefit packages of Philippine Health Insurance Corp.

(PhilHealth), especially on outpatient medicines.

“The expansion should not be limited to the Sponsored Program, as selective benefit coverage losses the power of PhilHealth as the main purchaser.

However, it should ensure that bene ts are cost effective and necessary,” it said.

Policymakers must also strengthen the provider payment mechanisms (PPM) of PhilHealth, it said.

“PPM is a powerful tool in controlling and stimulating the behaviors of consumers (patients) and health-care providers. Strategic PPM can optimize health-care utilization; therefore rational growth in health care expenditures is expected,” it explained.

Lastly, PIDS said policymakers should continue the movement to expand coverage, especially of non-poor informal workers, now the battleground sector in achieving full coverage. n

WE ARE

ğ įōíľ ÀðıÃæµįPçį ʼn æIJįıÀ ØÃĉÃæîÂ ß ğÃqPç qíß߼æÃıŎįĤÀíĽØ ÕæíŊįPdíĽIJĕ If you have an upcoming event and would like us to post it, email us the details (title, description, time & date, location, etc.) at info@asianjournalinc.com.

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PeoPle & events

2017 brings changes to ‘full retirement age’ EVERY worker’s dream is having a secure retirement to enjoy the fruits of their labor. Social Security is here to help you secure today and tomorrow.

Part of that commitment is ensuring you have the most up-to-date information when you make your retirement decisions.

“Full retirement age” refers to the age when a person can claim their Social Security benefits without any reduction, even if they are still working part or full time. In other words, you don’t actually need to retire from your work to claim your full benefits. Also note that waiting until you’re 70, if you can, will bring you a higher monthly benefit.

The choices you make may affect benefits your spouse or children can receive on your record, too.

As the bells rang in a new year, they also rang in changes in 2017 for people considering claiming Social Security retirement benefits. For people who attain age 62 in 2017 (i.e., those born between January 2, 1955 and January 1, 1956), full retirement age is 66 and two months.

Full retirement age was age 65 for many years. However, due to a law passed by Congress in 1983, it has been gradually increasing, beginning with people born in 1938 or later, until it reaches 67 for people born after 1959.

You can learn more about the full retirement age and find out how to look up your own atwww.socialsecurity.gov/planners/retire/retirechart.html.

There are some things you should remember when you’re thinking about retirement.

You may start receiving Social Security benefits as early as age 62 or as late as age 70. The

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LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 25-27, 2017

if your annual earnings exceed a certain amount.

However, every month we withhold or reduce increases your future benefits. That’s because at your full retirement age we will recalculate your benefit amount to give you credit for the months in which we reduced or withheld benefits due to your excess earnings. In effect, it’s as if you hadn’t filed for those months. You can learn more atwww. socialsecurity.gov/planners/retire/whileworking. html.

If you pass away, your retirement date can affect the benefit amount your surviving loved ones receive. If you started receiving retirement benefits before full retirement age, we cannot pay the full amount to your survivors. Their benefit amount will be based on your reduced benefits.

You can learn more by visiting our Retirement Planner at www.socialsecurity.gov/planners/retire. (Guillermo Barron, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Los Angeles Metro Area)

longer you wait, the higher your monthly benefit will be.Your monthly benefits will be reduced permanently if you start them any time before full retirement age. For example, if you start receiving benefits in 2017 at age 62, your monthly benefit amount will be reduced permanently by about 26 percent.

On the other hand, if you wait to start receiving your benefits until after your full retirement age, then your monthly benefits will be permanently increased. The amount of this increase is two-thirds of one percent for each month –– or eight percent for each year –– that you delay receiving them until you reach age 70.

If you decide to receive benefits before you reach full retirement age, you should also understand how continuing to work can affect your benefits. We may withhold or reduce your benefits

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cover story The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - January 25, 2017

Families gather worldwide to ring in the Year of the Fire Rooster

by ERIC ANTHONY LICAS / AJPRESS

THE beginning of the next Chinese New Year falls on Saturday, January 28, inspiring celebrations in the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community during the surrounding days and weeks.

The exact date of the occasion varies because the Lunar schedule has 13 months that are a few days shorter than those of the Gregorian (Western) calendar.

The holiday marks a transition from the year of the Ram into the year of the Rooster in the Chinese zodiac.

Fortune People can typically expect bad luck during the years associated with their astrological symbol. However, the next few months might spell even worse misfortune for those born under the sign of the rabbit, according to an expert in the practice of Feng Shui, Master Sean Shono.

2017 would be characterized by the elements of fire and, to a lesser extent, metal, Shono told the Asian Journal. That combination is normally a “symbol of optimism, innovation and progress,” but clashes with the sign of the rabbit.

Shono added that the Year of the Fire Rooster would be a potentially prosperous one for business and industry, especially those associated with aviation, energy, entertainment and finance.

He also warned that disharmony in international rela-

tions might persist. However, the influence of the elements fire and metal could promote open-mindedness and inspire people to find innovative solutions.

He went on to predict that 2017 would be a good year to travel or relocate, but warned people born under the sign of the tiger to avoid heading west, the direction of the Grand Duke.

People whose birthdays are associated with the astrological symbols of the dragon, snake and ox are entering a “year of harmony,” according to Shono.

Festivities No matter what stars people were born under, whatever their ethnicity might be and wherever they are in the world, the Lunar New Year is an occasion to appreciate the past year with the company of loved ones while enjoying a variety of traditional customs and festivities.

Families typically kick off more than two weeks of revelry with a reunion dinner on the eve of the holiday. Traditional dishes include noodles or mustard greens, which are good omens for a long lifespan, and fish, or yu, which is a homophone for prosperity in Mandarin.

It is also

customary to thoroughly clean one’s home before the New Year in order to clear out bad energy.

However, preparations ought to be finished before merrymaking begins in order to allow good fortune to enter a house.

Various cities in Southern California — which boasts one of the largest Chinese populations in the country — will have a host of celebrations.

On Saturday, January 28, the city of Santa Monica will put on a Lunar New Year celebration at the 3rd Street Promenade showcasing dragon and ribbon dancers, stilt walkers, glutinous rice sculptures and more.

The city of Los Angeles will host one of Chinatown’s oldest traditions, the 118th annual Golden Dragon Parade beginning at 12 pm on Saturday, February 4. The iconic festival will feature attractions for all ages including a craft beer garden, street food, as well as storytelling, face-painting and paper-folding activities for children.

A street fair in Alhambra on Saturday, February 11 will have 250 food and craft booths as well as musicians, dancers, and kung fu demonstrations on two stages.

The event takes place on Valley Boulevard, between Almansor Illustration by and Vega streets.

Kendrick Tan In the Philippines, revelers

THE Original Farmers Market in Los Angeles hosts its first-ever Chinese New Year this Sunday, January 29, featuring live dances, martial arts performances, dumpling-making workshops and more. To commemorate the Year of the Rooster, the market unveiled a rooster sculpture — handmade by the property’s own facilities craftsmen — constructed of steel that is over 5-feet tall and weighs 430 pounds. It will be displayed on the Farmers Market Plaza next to the market’s iconic clock tower until Feb. 12. To further celebrate the new year, the market will feature festive decorations throughout the property, such as mandarin orange trees and lanterns, while merchants will offer various specials, all featuring the number 8. AJPress photos by Christina M. Oriel

What the Year of the Fire Rooster means for your sign

By AJPRESS

2017 is the Year of the Fire Rooster, which is 10th out of the 12 animals in the 12-year Chinese zodiac cycle. The Rooster comes after a Monkey year (2016) and before a Dog year (2018).

According to China Highlights, each zodiac year bears an animal sign mixed with one of the five elements (gold/metal, wood, water, fire or earth). The Fire Rooster is known to be trustworthy, responsible, hardworking and time conscious.

ROOSTER 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017 Those who fall under the Rooster sign are said to expect a not-so-lucky year in 2017, facing misfortune in various aspects of life, such as career, assets and personal relationships. According to China Highlights, Roosters will have to try harder to be financially stable; it is advised to budget and save money instead of pursuing risky investments. Additionally, safety and health for Roosters are important to pay close attention to. Those in relationships may experience conflicts with their significant others, which may affect your mutual affection. For those who are single, there is minimal luck with attracting the opposite sex.

Roosters should avoid red, the direction of east, and the numbers 1, 3 and 9. Roosters are compatible with ox and snake, while they should avoid other roosters, as well as rat, rabbit, horse and dog signs.

DOG AJPress photos by Eric Anthony Licas

will steam and eat immeasurable amounts of tikoy, the Filipino interpretation of a sticky rice cake called nian gao in Mandarin, or nin gou in Cantonese, that is popular during the Lunar New Year. The Pinoy version of the dish is often infused with regional flavors like ube (purple yam) Filipinos take the event as an opportunity to honor one’s ancestors in celebrations akin to those of All Saint’s Day. Manila’s Binondo enclave is set to lead other locales across the island nation in welcoming the Year of the Fire Rooster FilipinoChinese and non-Chinese revelers are also expected to flock to the world’s oldest Chinatown on Saturday to join the festive celebration filled with elaborate dragon and lion costumes manned by multiple people that will parade through the streets and the sounds of drums, cymbals and firecrackers that will fill the air.

1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018 Dogs are characterized as loyal, prudent and amiable.

However, they can sometimes come across as stubborn and bad communicators. In 2017, dogs may need to put in additional effort in order to gain more wealth and should be wary of treacherous individuals. For their professional lives, they may come up with creative ideas that will help with advancing in their careers. They are also advised to keep learning new skills.

Dogs should pay attention to their respiratory and urinary systems, and should seek medical attention if any discomfort arises.

In terms of their love lives, there is no significant shift and should remember to pay attention to their relationship if they are in one.

Dogs pair well with rabbit signs, while they are worst with the dragon, sheep and rooster.

BOAR/PIG 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019 Those who are born in the year of the boar (pig) are said to be compassionate, energetic and generous. For 2017, it is projected that the boar will not experience huge transformations, but it will be a unlucky year in the areas of fortune (little improvement), health and love.

However, boars can expect a shift in their career if they work hard and seek help in personal development. In terms of health, China Highlights advises that boars be careful with their bones, spleen, stomach and urinary system. They are reminded to not be excessive in eating, drinking and smoking in order to ensure good health throughout their lives. Boars are best matched with sheep, tiger and rabbit signs, while they are not compatible with monkey or snake signs.

RAT 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020 Rats are intuitive, sharp, resourceful and can adapt to any setting they are placed in. The Year of the Rooster will bring relatively good fortune for those born with the rat sign. They are said to expect some wealth if they exert more effort in their respective jobs and seek mentorship from a superior. As always, they should be cautious when investing as there may be individuals trying to undermine them.

Rats should watch out for stomach trouble and indigestion this year, China Highlights wrote. In order to prevent this, maintaining a well-balanced diet and exercise routine, and getting rest are advised. Rats will experience a lucky love life — it’s a good year to have children or get married. However, rats that are single shouldn’t move too fast into a relationship. Rats work well with ox, dragon and rabbit, while they are not so compatible with horse and rooster signs.

Continued on Page 3

What the year of the Fire Rooster...

From Page 2

Ox 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021 Those who are born with the ox sign have strong, dependable, patient, and motivated personalities. This year, oxen may be presented with several opportunities in terms of love and wealth. Their financial situations will improve as there will be chances to expand their businesses or get promoted at their jobs. Despite generally being healthy, 2017 may bring about some accidents so it is advised not to participate in any dangerous activities. For relationships, they can expect meeting new people or get married if they are in stable relationships. Ox signs match with the rat, monkey or rooster, however, they should avoid the tiger, dragon, horse or sheep.

tigeR 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022 Stubborn, judgmental, brave and self-confident are some ways to describe someone born in the year of a tiger. They are said to be prosperous if they are in sales or consumer-driven businesses.

To acquire more good luck, China Highlights advises donating to charity and minimizing investments. Tigers may be unlucky in health and be prone to accidents. Tigers pair well with a dragon, horse or boar (pig), but should steer clear from an ox, snake or monkey.

Rabbit

features

3

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - January 25, 2017

Turning your luck around with Dragon God Feng Shui Garry Prado felt hopeless.

He was broke, struggling to maintain his personal relationships, and stressed out.

But then an unexpected conversation with a stranger rekindled his fascination with the principles of Feng Shui.

Fortune led Prado to Master atsushi “Sean” Shono, the head of the International Feng Shui association’s U.S. Branch and proprietor of Dragon God Feng Shui. The lifelong practitioner of the ancient tradition was a student of Grandmaster Kayoko Ogura and Master Atsushi “Sean” Shono raymond Lo, and has evaluated major projects like the Tokyo Tower in Japan.

With the aid of Shono’s expertise and the specialty items from his shop designed to optimize the flow of energy

1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023 Characterized as gentle, quiet, patient and responsible, 2017 will be a tough, tumultuous year for rabbits. For fortune, they are advised to plan and budget and to not participate in any joint financial ventures as they may turn out unsuccessful. They will be stressed out at work, however, they may be lucky in finding another job opportunity. Like other animals, this year will bring about accidents if they are not careful in driving or following signs while crossing the street. additionally, they should follow a healthy routine of rest, diet and exercise. For relationships, rabbits may find luck in getting married or having children. They may encounter problems with their loved ones so they are advised to communicate and talk through their issues. rabbits are best matched with a rat, goat, monkey or dog, but do not work well with a rooster or snake.

dRagOn 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024 Dragons are known for being courageous, intelligent, and risk takers. 2017 will be a relatively lucky year for them. In terms of fortune, they are encouraged to start their own businesses or a new project. according to China Highlights, dragons who are working in sales, insurance or beauty will be fortunate this year. There will also be opportunities to develop their careers or change jobs. Since dragons are social people, they will attend a lot of social gatherings, but should limit them as to not deteriorate their health. This year will be good to get married if you are in a stable relationship. Dragons go well with a rat, tiger or snake, but are not so compatible with ox, sheep or dog.

throughout a person’s home, Prado started to see his luck turn around in just a few weeks.

“It can work if you allow it to,” said Prado, a clinical research coordinator. “It helped me find inner peace.”

Prado said Shono’s guidance has helped frame his life with positivity and left him better equipped to handle its challenges. Because circumstance and energy are always in flux, he regularly consults with Shono, and, over time, has gotten to know him.

“Sometimes he’s so funny, but when it comes to giving advice he takes it very seriously,” said Prado. “They’re very genuine, They will really help you.”

For more information visit Dragon God USa at 1580 W artesia Sq. #a in Gardena, California, or its website at www. dragongodusa.com. you can also direct questions to dragongod4@gmail.com or dial (310) 787-1891.

(Advertising Supplement)

Snake 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025 Snakes embody wisdom, intelligence and privacy. This year will be especially lucky for them, seeing expansions in business, making large purchases and success at work and investments.

However, they are advised to take care of themselves, as they are prone to bouts of different moods, poor sleep, and pressure.

Their love lives won’t experience too much transformation; if they are in serious relationships or married, they need to take care of their partners and not let work or other parties interfere. Those who are single may find someone, but it will generally be an uneventful year. Snakes are well-suited with a dragon or rooster, and should avoid a tiger, rabbit or sheep.

hORSe 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026 Horses are energetic, active and love to be the center of attention. The fortune for a horse in 2017 will be mixed, but overall good luck will be experienced. For finances, they can expect getting promoted or a raise or expanding their businesses. at work, horses will thrive by developing strong personal relationships with their peers or clients. However, they should steer clear from any competition from colleagues. Horses should take extra caution when it comes to their respiratory and urinary system, their heart and blood vessels and stomachs, according to China Highlights.

In order to do this, they should regularly exercise and go to the doctor. Further, horses will be lucky when it comes to love — they may meet the “right one” and enter a relationship or start a family if they are married. Horses are best with a sheep or tiger, but they don’t work well with a rat, ox or rooster.

Sheep (gOat) 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027 Gentle, shy, kindhearted and creative are some of the attributes of a sheep. Overall, they may have a bad year. For wealth, they should prepare, budget and avoid spending too much money because there may be some financial problems underway.

Their careers will be somewhat luckier, however, if they work hard to improve their circumstances. They should be diligent with monitoring their health as there may be some problems caused by negative moods. There will be no significant improvement for their love lives, unless they work hard to attract a partner or maintain their current relationship.

Sheep work best with a rabbit, horse or boar, but should stay away from an ox, dragon, snake or dog.

MOnkey 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028 Monkeys are clever, quick-witted, gentle and honest. 2016 was the year of the Monkey, which was a relatively unlucky year for monkeys. However, that bad luck is said to transition out this year in favor of more good luck. In 2017, they will reap benefits from their hard work. Those who work in creative fields will be lucky, especially. at work, they may be promoted, have opportunities to travel, or seek a job change, though it is recommended to seek advice from a mentor. They should do more exercise, eat more fruits and vegetables and not argue with their family members. For their love lives, single women may have a good shot at entering a relationship this year, but they should get to know their prospect well beforehand.

For men, they will also be lucky in finding a relationship, but it may not be stable. Monkeys are most compatible with ox or rabbit, but don’t work too well with tigers or boars.

Jonas Gaffud: The queenmaker features Joshua Garcia: Boy meets world 4

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - January 25, 2017

by Gaby

Gloria Philstar.com

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WhEN you think of tearjerker movies, “The Devil Wears Prada”—a film about an assistant’s traumatic year working for an editor-in-chief from hell—doesn’t usually come up. But 38-year-old Jonas Gaffud, head of aces and Queens, the country’s top training camp for beauty queens, is not ashamed to admit one particular scene in this blockbuster comedy unexpectedly made him weep.

“You think this is just a magazine, hmm? This is not just a magazine,” said the Nigel character, creative director of the fictitious Runway magazine, as he scolded andrea, the whining assistant.

“This is a shining beacon of hope Joshua Garcia for... oh, I don’t know... let’s say a Lloyd Cruz” (thanks to his impres- young boy growing up in Rhode Island with six brothers pretendsive acting skills). We witnessed ing to go to soccer practice when his first major leading role as Vince, the mostly torpe Cyrano de he was really going to sewing class and reading Runway under Bergerac (minus the long nose), the covers at night with a flashsemi-guy-next-door type in star light.” “That’s a line that made Cinema’s Vince & Kath & James. sure, Joshua’s a pretty face. But a me cry,” Jonas says with a wistful smile. “I feel for them…” he trails quick assessment of his perforoff. “I feel for them.” mance as Vince says so much That line hit a nerve because more: the depth he brought to once upon a time, Jonas Gaffud the character and the ease in was that young boy, except he which he effortlessly handled all was living in Isabela, not Rhode Isthose kilig moments was what land; except he was reading Mod made him stand out. and Woman Today instead of he’s been in the business for Runway. “I’d cut out the figures of over two years, but it seems like the girls in print ads or I’d get the he’s still warming up to the daily hustle — the back-to-back shoots glossy pages and make gowns,” he recalls. he hid his creations and interviews, the taping for his beneath their book shelf, but his afternoon serye The Greatest Love, the high-energy mall shows, mom always discovered his stash and gave him hell him for it. Joand the promo tour for “Vince & nas is the third son in a brood of Kath & James.” five, born to a military man and a since his performance as school principal. he knew he was Vince, Joshua’s been quite indemand. With TV show guestings different early on, preferring to play with his sister’s Barbie dolls and magazine and newspaper over toy guns. his family knew as shoots happening left and right, well, but they thought it was just he reveals that he hasn’t had any a “phase.” “They thought, ‘In the time to take a break. future, mag-a-asawa rin yan,’ but Joshua wants to take on here I am.” more roles that challenge him to Even as a kid, Jonas had a be a character completely difclear, burning desire in his heart. ferent from what he’s like in real “My family is okay. I don’t need to life. he explains that taking on a variety of roles will help him grow be a breadwinner or something,” he qualifies. “But I wanted to go as an actor, especially since he to Manila. Makipagsapalaran. can use different aspects of the characters to mix things up. “Ma- I dreamed big. I wanted to do something with my life, but I hahasa ka, maensayo — mahodidn’t know how.” When he was hone (ang skills),” he explains. eight years old, around the time once the shoot wraps, he People Power won our country thanks us all, making sure to give all the ladies in the room a kiss on its freedom, he stumbled upon a passion that would open up his the cheek before leaving for his mall show in Navotas. It’s a simple world and eventually become his ticket out of that little town. gesture, one we imagine would uP Diliman became both Joget lots of girls doubling down nas’ teacher and playground. up from the kilig.

Jonas Gaffud with PIa Wurtzbach (Miss Universe 2015), Megan Young (Miss World 2013) and Kylie Verzosa (Miss International 2016)

until sophomore year, the probinsyano was scared of what could happen to him in that big school in the big city. Every day, without fail for two years, he would sing “I have Confidence” in his head (a song from The sound of Music, his mother’s favorite film) and attended his classes and tried to survive. Things got better when he made friends with members of the RoTC. Jonas was invited to join Babaylan, an LGBT student organization, as well as sigma Rho, a fraternity which his brother was a member of. he declined both. “ang ginawa ko, nagtayo ako ng sariling org.

Binuhay ko yung org namin: Geographical society of uP. That’s my interest. That’s what I want to do.” Their org’s agenda was to educate people about how to take care of the environment. “Meron kaming mga exhibits about saving the ocean.

Geography encompasses everything. It’s very holistic.” on his third year, they spent an entire semester just drawing maps, and he fell in love with the Mercator projection, which, several years down the line, would end up being the name of his own modeling agency.

Where the Mercator map was used by European voyagers to discover lands, Mercator modeling agdency became Jonas’ way of discovering potential stars.

How to make a Queen Venus Raj’s 4th runner-up finish in Miss universe 2010 her-

alded the beginning of a series of almost-wins. shamcey supsup was declared 3rd runner-up in 2011, while Janine Tugonon was this close to becoming Miss universe 2012, except Miss universe olivia Culpo ultimately won. In the years that followed, Jonas continued to scout for and train girls who had potential, and one of them was a certain Pia alonzo Wurtzbach. he had seen her twice prior to an encounter in Greenbelt, but it was that night that he convinced Pia to do it.

The fairy godmothers of aces and Queens worked on Pia. she underwent training for the seven core areas beauty queens must ace: makeup, Q&a, posture, personality, walking, dancing, and fitness. But the most crucial of all, the one that spells the difference between a winner and a runnerup, says Jonas, is the aura. she followed his advice from start to end. and she ended up winning Miss universe 2015.

Jonas initially said he would retire from training beauty queens the moment one of his girls wins the Miss universe crown. But he has changed his mind, and will continue to do the work pro bono. his purpose is now clear to him: “I want a beauty queen to be recognized as someone who is really aware of things; someone who wants to make a difference in her community or in her sphere of influence. I want to help them become better women of our society,” Jonas stresses.

Continued on Page 5

features 5

SeaWorld San Diego to celebrate Lunar New Year Jan. 28 - Feb. 20

By KLARIZE

MEDENILLA

AJPRESS

SEAWORLD San Diego fans rejoice: the park’s annual Lunar New Year Festival is back.

From January 28 to February 20, the world-renowned marine theme park will be celebrating the Year of the Rooster and Asian cultures with a flurry of exciting sights and sounds.

During SeaWorld’s 3rd Annual Lunar New Year Luncheon, SeaWorld officials told media partners what to expect for the park’s annual celebration, including Chinese acrobatic and folk dancing performances, Asianinspired cuisine and extravagant parade performances.

The park will host a wide array of cultural entertainment and interactive activities which promises fun for the whole family.

At the festival stage located in the Lunar New Year Festival area, visitors can revel at the skilled taiko drummers, lion dancers, Kenda-

ma presentations and a fun, new interactive Dragon Parade.

Guests will be enthralled with the incredible Chinese Acrobats of Hebei who will be performing at the park’s Mission Bay Theater, located at the back end of the park. The 25-minute acts include amazing feats like lion dancing, contortions, hoop diving, chair stacking and much more.

Keeping the Chinese tradition of giving out red envelopes for good wishes and happiness, guests at the Mission Bay Theater will get to receive red envelopes with surprises inside. Guests may receive park coupons and tickets among other fun surprises.

Guests also have their choice of a wide array of tasty Asianinspired culinary offerings to purchase including spring rolls and bao sandwiches, savory stir fry noodles, sweet lunar stuffed pancakes with red bean or vanilla custard and more.

At the media luncheon, park

officials also announced new exciting features coming to the park in 2017 and 2018. One of the most anticipated features includes the Ocean Explorer: Deep Sea Discovery attraction, an extraordinary attraction that combines large-scale aquarium installments with digital technology to create a unique scientific exploration experience.

They also revealed the plans for the highly anticipated Electric Eel roller coaster, a multiplelaunch roller coaster which will be the tallest and fastest roller coaster in SeaWorld San Diego history to expand the large Ocean Explorer attraction.

The park’s one-month Lunar New Year celebration dates are January 28-29 and February 4-5, 11-12 and 18-20. The seasonal event is included with regular park admission.

For more information, visit www.SeaWorldSanDiego.com/ LunarNewYear.

ROSE BERNARDO Philstar.com

IT was a very emotional morning last Friday, Jan. 20 as some Miss Universe candidates shed tears together with the patients of child charity group Smile Train.

Moved by stories of men and women with cleft and lip palate abnormalities, the bets also relayed their own tales of struggles and hope during their meetand-greet with the patients in Manila and at Our Lady of Peace Hospital in Parañaque City.

Miss Mexico Kristal Silva “A lot of people think that we’re perfect, that we have a perfect life, but in my case, when I was a child, I didn’t have confidence in myself, with my appearance, my figure. I tried to be skinny all the time, but it only gave me problems because I wanted to be perfect, but it’s just impossible, especially during this moment. We always have to take care of our outside appearance to be acceptable,” shared a tearyeyed 24-year-old Latin beauty.

“People might think that we’re happy all the time, but they don’t know us. They don’t realize that we’re just like everybody else.”

MOONLIGHTING

Inside Dante’s ‘Inferno’

punished, if not burned to the ground. The clergy’s greed of DE LEON material goods.

He was also outraged by the endless strife and rebellion against imperial authority.

The story of Paolo and THE memory of what is irre- Francesca are the best-known vocably lost is the true meaning and most pitied of all Dante’s damned souls. of Hell in The Divine Comedy.

A tale that is simple, as it is Dante Alighieri is considalso tragic. ered as the Father of Italian One day, while reading the Poetry.

French Romance Lancelot du The poetry of the Comedy Lac, they fell in love. But the is immortal. It is an unequaled lovers were surprised and killed phenomenon, as well as a brilby the angry husband. liant work of art.

In hell, they are condemned Written in the vernacular to be swept away perpetually (Italian) rather than in Latin in the “infernal storm.” of medieval authors this fruit Although the husband’s act of his imagination, (through a poetic journey,) thus ushered in was a “crime of honor,” justified and to be proud of, it is the flowering of the Romantic the ill-starred couple, defiantly Language which took place and hopelessly in love, even in the Renaissance, 600 years after death, which aroused ago.

Dante’s (even the readers’) The plot of the Comedy compassion. is simple. The poet, narrator, Dante’s Inferno would seem wandering lost in the woods on Good Friday in 1300, meets the economical with fire. There are no flames that shoot up from spirit of Virgil (who acts as his the abyss, plunging toward the guide) — the greatest of Latin center of the earth. poets and author of Aenid.

Only four categories of Despite the universality of sinners are punished by fire: the Divine Comedy, with its the heretics are buried in fiery great theme of man’s search arcs; the violent against God, for salvation, the poem can be confined on dry, sandy oil in read on one level as an imwhich flames rain slowly and passioned partisan discourse continuously; the simoniacs, on Italian politics in the 13th fixed in narrow holes, head century. downward, their soles licked All of Dante’s bitterness by flames; the counselors of and indignation come out of Miss Haiti Raquel Pelissier and Miss Mexico Kristal Silva comforting a Smile Train beneficiary, who shared her story.

Philstar.com photos by Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo his poetry: many of the souls he fraud, imprisoned within the tongues of flames. meets on his journey are local Eternal ice and cold torfigures, enemies he curses.

Miss China Li Zhenying Miss Haiti Raquel Pelissier The Inferno is vivid. Dante’s ment the gluttons, whipped by “Before I joined Miss UniUpon hearing the beneficiahail and snow. Those guilty of verse, I was not really confident. genius as a poet allows us ries’ stories of being bullied for anger are caught in the mud of to feel pity for many of the I just have to believe in myself,” their condition, Raquel cryingly the Stygran marsh; the traitors, tormented souls, although it remarked the 23-year-old from shared her own tale of survival. in the icy grip of Cocytus. is clear that their own actions Shanghai.

“Seven years ago, I survived The other torments are have brought them through the According to her, the gap the earthquake and it’s really imaginative and horrible, borgates of hell. between men and women in hard to overcome,” the 25-yeardering on the grotesque. The No literature paints such a China has become narrower and old disclosed. “So, I’m really detailed picture as Dante pres- thick river of blood in which narrower “because we’re now proud of you guys because I see ents in the Comedy. Its geogra- homicides are immersed; the you guys smiling despite of what more developed and there are phy is explicit, the punishments twisted cursed trees in which now more balanced opportuniyou’ve been through, and that souls of suiciders moan. and rewards of its inhabitants ties for men and women.” inspires me and I would like to But if fire was scarce in scrupulously based on their “As a woman, you should inspire others.”

Dante’s Inferno, there is no behavior, which brought them believe that you can do the Miss Myanmar Htet Htet shortage of devils. There to damnation. same as men can do and that Htun are herds of them medieval In the Inferno, there is a we have the same place in the “Since I was young, I wanted demons: horned, fanged hairy, diatribe against Italy’s proud world. If a woman has more to become a beauty queen, an armed with whips or hooks.

Florence and her ungrateful confidence, you can make your actress, but everyone in my famThousands had to be dispeople — filled with greed heart stronger in facing difficulily doesn’t approve of it,” bared persed so that Dante and Virgil and corruption that should be ties,” she espoused. the 24-year-old model.

Miss Universe bets share their own struggles

by DENI

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - January 25, 2017

by MYLAH

could pass, horned demons with large scourges who pitilessly belabored backs of the damned, forcing them to run a breathless, endless race.

The worst demons literally have Evil claws. They are, by implications, the extensions of the offspring of evil. They guard the barrators, those who trafficked public offices and authority for profit.

Dante’s imagination gave free rein among these.

They had tusks like hogs protruding from their mouths on either side, grinding their teeth, rolling their eyes in their eagerness to strike the damned souls.

All are armed with drag hooks, which tear the flesh off their victims. All vent their ferocious glee with rude gestures and noises.

Even more hideous are the demons who dominate the chasms of the sower of scandal and schism, guard and executioner, wielding a sword with which they viciously mutilate the damned passing by. Thus, we see raised amputated hands, swinging severed heads by the hair, like a lantern.

This cold horror paves the way for the encounter with the three-headed Lucifer, The Emperor of the Realm of Sorrow, who is immersed up to his chest in the icy river of Cocytus.

The perpetual flapping of his bat-like wings raises an icy wine, which freezes the river Cocytus for eternity, while his three monstrous mouths tear and bite the three greatest sinners of antiquity.

According to Dante, Brutus and Cassius, the traitors of the Caesar’s Roman Empire and Judas Escariot are the betrayers of God. The worse torment of all, shared by every damned soul, is the consciousness of having lost God with a certainty that is confirmed by the inscription over the threshold of the “doleful city…Hell.”

“All hope abandon, ye who enter here.” ***

E-mail Mylah at moonlightingmdl@ aol.com

6

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - January 25, 2017

VA L I D AT I S L A N D PAC I F I C W E S T C O V I N A , PA N O R A M A , C A N O G A PA R K , N . V E R M O N T L A , S . V E R M O N T L A , O X N A R D, C E R R I T O S , R A N C H O C U C A M O N G A , LO N G B E AC H , S A N T A C L A R I T A .

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