072617 - Los Angeles Midweek Edition

July 26-28, 2017 Volume 27 - No. 60 • 3 Sections - 20 Pages

USA

DATELINE US gov’t vows to address bells of Balangiga issue FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

US Ambassador Sung Kim

THE United States Embassy in Manila on Tuesday, July 25, vowed to work on a solution to address the issue concerning the bells of Balangiga church in Samar, which were seized

by U.S. soldiers as spoils of war in

Pres. Duterte delivers second SONA Maintains stand on fight against illegal drugs as ‘unremitting, unrelenting’

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

PHILIPPINE President Rodrigo Duterte delivered his second State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 24, covering a wide range of issues — from his administration’s policies, such as his “unrelenting” drug war; call for implementation of laws, including capital punishment; and government spending on infrastructure projects; to lambasting his critics and warning to tax mining companies to “death.”

He also cited his administration’s

achievements in his first year of presidency, including the establishment of Citizen’s Complaint Hotline, as well as the implementation of the No Balance Billing Policy, and the recent nationwide smoking ban.

The president mentioned the West Philippine Sea issue and federalism as matters the Philippine government has “to tackle sooner or later,” but were not further elaborated.

‘Unrelenting’ drug war Despite what he described as international and local pressures, Duterte maintained that his administration’s

campaign against illegal drugs will be “unremitting as it will be unrelenting.”

The drug war has earned heavy criticisms over its alleged violation of human rights and related summary killings. But the unfazed president, while clarifying that he “value[s] human life,” insisted that he has no intention “to loosen the leash in the campaign or lose the fight against illegal drugs.”

“I will not allow the ruin of the youth, the disintegration of families and the retrogression of communities, forced by criminals whose greed for money is as insatiable as it is devoid of moral

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Fil-Am dies after paddle boarding accident in Huntington Beach

by JENNIFER

by JENNIFER

SORIANO

AJPress

Loved ones start fundraising page for funeral funds

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BOC promotes tax-free ‘Balikbayan Box’ program

1900s.

“We are aware that the bells of Balangiga have deep significance for a number of people, both in the United States and in the Philippines. We will continue to work with

A 26-YEAR-old Filipino-American man has died after drowning in a paddle boarding accident in Huntington Beach on Tuesday, July 18.

Jose Luis Mendoza of Lakewood, Calif. went paddle boarding with his brother that Tuesday afternoon. At around 3:30 p.m., Mendoza — who was not wearing a flotation device and did not know how to swim — fell off his rented paddle board near the 16500 block of Channel Lane, according to a press release provided

by Huntington Beach Fire Captain Steven Teasdale.

When Mendoza did not resurface, his broth-

purpose. Neither will I be immobilized into inaction by the fear that I will commit an act that will expose me to public condemnation or legal prosecution,” he remarked.

Addressing his critics, Duterte went on to say: “Your efforts will be better spent if you use the influence, moral authority and ascendancy of your organizations over your respective sectors to educate the people on the evils of illegal drugs instead of condemning the authorities and unjustly blaming for every killing that bloodies this country.”

DIGONG’S SONA. President Rodrigo Duterte delivers his second State of the Nation Address (SONA) during the joint session of the 17th Congress at the House of the Representatives in Quezon City on Monday, July 24. Also in photo are House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez (right) and Senate president Aquilino Pimentel III. PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan

THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) is encouraging Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) to use the tax-free “Balikbayan Box” program, saying that no one has availed of it yet as of this month.

“We are encouraging the OFWs to avail of this program. Isa itong pagpaparangal sa ating mga OFWs (This is one way of recognizing our OFWs),” Customs Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon said.

Qualified Filipinos While Abroad (QFWA) can send balikbayan boxes to their families and relatives without having to pay for duties and taxes up to three times and not exceeding P150,000 in a calendar year, under the Republic Act No. 10836 or the Customs Modernization and Tarrif Act (CMTA).

However, Faeldon said that as of July 2017, the program has no takers yet.

“P75 billion annually, this is the amount the government has given to

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House panel releases detained ‘Ilocos six’

SORIANO

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

AJPress

THE Philippine House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability has ordered the release of the so-called “Ilocos six” government officials from detention on Tuesday, July 25.

House Majority floor leader Rudy Fariñas, who is also the Norte representative, On Monday, July 24, nearly 50 students, social justice activists and religious leaders gathered in front of the Philippine Consulate in Los Angeles Ilocos to address Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s track record as he surpasses one year in office.

AJPress photo by Klarize Medenilla ordered the release of the officials after they answered the panel’s questions during the House inquiry into the P66.45 Ilocos Norte governor Imee Marcos hugs one of the “Ilocos Six” after they were ordered

Fil-Am groups hold rally, rate Duterte’s first year in office Various groups criticize PH president for lack of commitment to promises

by KLARIZE

MEDENILLA AJPress

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was sworn into office on June 30, 2016, and Filipinos around the world have mixed feelings about the controversial leader’s first year in office.

On Monday, July 24, nearly 50 students, social justice activists and religious leaders gathered in front of the Philippine Consulate in Los Angeles to address Duterte’s track record as he surpasses one year as president.

Called the “People’s State of the

Nation Rally and Report Card for Duterte’s First Year,” the groups critiqued Duterte’s administration and condemned its handling of several national issues.

The rally was a part of a national movement in which cities across the U.S. and internationally held their own People’s State of the Nation Rally to call attention to many of the Duterte administration’s “unfulfilled promises.”

There was an emphasis on the Duterte administration’s handling of the illegal drug war, the recent extension of martial law in Mind-

anao and the increased militarization amid the stall of the peace talks between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP).

“People were very hopeful for change, but what has really changed?” Deputy Secretary General of BAYAN USA Nikole Cababa told the Asian Journal. “We still see abject poverty, low wages and contractualization, people being pushed out of the country...and at the same time, we’re seeing this

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released from detention for contempt by the House of Representatives.

Inquirer.net photo by Marc Jayson Cayabyab

SC junks petitions to compel Congress to convene for martial law debates

Thirteen high court justices ruled that Article VII Section 18 does not require Congress to THE Supreme Court (SC) on jointly convene in reviewing the Tuesday, July 25 dismissed the martial law proclamation. petitions urging the high court “The court, voting unanito compel Congress to convene mously dismissed the petitions in a joint session to review Pres- on the ground that Congress ident Rodrigo Duterte’s martial did not gravely abuse its dislaw proclamation in Mindanao. cretion in not convening jointly

by TETCH

TORRES-TUPAS Inquirer.net

upon the President’s issuance of Proclamation 216 as Article VII Section 18 imposes no such duty on Congress to convene,” the high court said in the ruling written by Associate Justice Teresita Leonardo De Castro.

The high court said the duty to convene jointly and vote

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Pres. Duterte delivers...

PAGE A1 Martial law ‘fastest way’ to quell rebellion Defending his martial law declaration and suspension of the writ of habeas corpus in the entire Mindanao, the president said he believed it is the “fastest way to quell the rebellion at the least cost of lives and properties.”

“At the same time, the government would be adequately equipped with the constitutional tool not only to prevent the escape of rebels who can easily mingle and pretend to be civilian evacuees only to re-group in another place to fight another day, but also to prevent them from spreading their gospel of hate and violence in the rest of Mindanao,” he added.

Death penalty, implementation of laws Duterte called on Congress for the implementation of several bills, including capital punishment, Rightsizing the National Government Act, Salary Standardization Law, tax reform, and es-

tablishment of a new authority or department for disaster resiliency, among others.

In his speech, the president asked Congress to “act on all pending legislations to reimpose the death penalty on heinous crimes — especially on the trafficking of illegal drugs.”

He pointed out that capital punishment is “not only about deterrence” but also “about retribution.”

“In the Philippines, it is really an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.

You took a life then you must pay for life. That is the only way to even. You cannot place a premium on the human mind that he will go straight,” he said.

Duterte also called on for the “expeditious” passage of the “Rightsizing the National Government Act,” which aims to improve public service delivery.

For the government owned and controlled corporations, the president cited the implementation of the existing Salary Standardiza-

From the Front Page

tion Law pending the review in the Compensation and Position Classification System.

“Salaries and allowances, incentives, benefits, and bonuses across the government owned and controlled corporations – at this time increases will have to pass by my office. And I am not inclined to increase your allowances, bonuses, and salaries at this time,” he said.

The president also asked the Senate to support his tax reform in full and to pass it without haste.

“The passage of the Tax Reform Law is needed to fund the proposed 2018 budget which I am submitting here and today. The poor and vulnerable are at the heart of my tax reform. Your support would ensure that the benefits of the tax reform can be felt immediately by them,” he added.

Duterte also called the members of Congress to “craft a law establishing a new authority or department that is responsive to the prevailing 21st century conditions PAGE A5

DUTERTE EFFIGY. Rallyists parade an effigy of President Rodrigo Duterte outside the Batasan complex on Monday, July 24. The president vowed to pursue peace and continue to fight drugs and crime in his second State of the Nation Address (SONA). He also urged foreign investors to put up factories and warned mining companies not to harm the environment.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Ruy Martinez

House panel releases detained...

PAGE A1 million-worth tobacco excise tax anomaly.

The six provincial officials have been detained since May 29 for their “dismissive answers” during an investigation into the alleged illegal purchase of motor vehicles by the Ilocos Norte Provincial office using the tobacco excise tax.

They were provincial planning and development officer and bids and awards committee chair Pedro Agcaoili, provincial budget officer Evangeline Tabulog, provincial treasurer Josephine Calajate, accountant Eden Battulayan, and treasury office

staff Genedine Jambaro and Encarnacion Gaor.

Earlier on the same day, Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos attended the House panel’s hearing into the alleged anomaly.

This was after the House panel issued a subpoena against her, warning that she will be detained for contempt if she did not attend the Tuesday’s hearing.

The panel issued the subpoena after Marcos skipped previous hearings, where she was invited to explain her knowledge in connection with the issue.

“Pagkakataon na rin para magsalita (It’s now time to

speak),” Marcos told reporters in a chance interview.

During the hearing, the governor maintained her innocence in connection with the issue.

“Walang korapsyon at katiwalian sa pagbili ng pamahalaan ng Ilocos Norte sa minitruck.

Walang kickback o ghost purchase (There was no corruption or anomaly in the Ilocos Norte government’s purchase of minitrucks. There was no kickback or ghost purchase),” Marcos insisted.

The House panel’s next hearing into the alleged misuse of tobacco funds is slated on Wednesday, August 9. n

SC junks petitions to compel...

PAGE A1 is limited to instances where Congress intends to revoke or extend any proclamation of martial law or suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus.

Two other justices–Associate Justices Marvic Leonen and Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa–voted

to dismiss the petition on the ground of mootness since Congress already convened in a joint session on Saturday (July 22) and allowed an extension of martial law until Dec. 31, 2017.

The petitions were filed separately by former Senator Rene Saguisag, detained Senator Lei-

la de Lima, former Commission on Human Rights chair Loretta Ann Rosales, former peace negotiator Alex Padilla and former Senator Wigberto Tañada.

Both petitions said a joint session of Congress to review a declaration of martial law by the President is mandatory under the 1987 Constitution. n

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Duterte camp spent $200,000 for troll army, Oxford study finds

by Mikas

Matsuzawa Philstar.com

A UNIvERSITY of Oxford study found that $200,000, around P10 million, was spent to hire trolls who would spread propaganda for President Rodrigo Duterte and target his opposition.

The study titled “Troops, trolls and troublemakers: A global inventory of organized social media manipulation” looked at how political parties and candidates across 28 countries deploy “cyber troops” who use a variety of strategies, tools and techniques to shape public opinion.

Countries included in the research were Argentina, Azerbaijan, Australia, Bahrain, Brazil, China, the Czech Republic, Ecuador, Germany, India, Iran, Israel, Mexico, North Korea, the Philippines, Poland, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, South Korea, Syria, Taiwan, Turkey, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, the United States, venezuela and vietnam.

The study said that Duterte’s team of 400 to 500 cyber troops post nationalistic and pro-government comments and interact with dissenters through harassment and individual targeting.

Membership in cyber troop teams in the Philippines is “liminal” but with some coordination.

Popular forms of individual targeting involve “verbal abuse,

hate speech, discrimination and/ or trolling against the values, beliefs or identity of a user or a group of users online” usually over a long duration.

Fake accounts, which, in many cases, are “bots”—bits of code designed to mimic human users—were also found to have been deployed in the Philippines. These were often used to flood social media networks with spam and fake news—propaganda made to seem like legitimate news articles—and inflate the number of likes, shares and retweets to create “an artificial sense of popularity, momentum or relevance.”

“This is different to traditional digital campaign strategies, which have generally focused on spreading information about the party or candidate’s platform, or sent advertisements out to voters.”

The study showed that Duterte’s online machinery is composed of his party Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan, his campaign’s social media manager Nic Gabunada, volunteer groups and paid citizens.

“Social media has become a valuable platform for public life.

It is the primary medium over which young people, around the world, develop their political identities and consume news.

However, social media platforms—like Facebook and Twitter—have also become tools for social control,” the study said.

The study listed 2016 as the year of the earliest report of organized social media manipulation in the Philippines. During that year “keyboard trolls” were hired to spread propaganda for then presidential candidate Duterte and many of them continue to amplify messages in support of the president’s policies now that he’s in power.

Ronwald Munsayac of PDPLaban’s Public Information Committee on Sunday, however, said their party never hired or used online trolls.

In a series of tweets, he said that the allegations by the study were “plain and simple ignorant.”

Research for the study was conducted in three stages. First, through a systematic content analysis of news media articles.

The content analysis was supplemented with other sources from think tanks, government agencies, civil society groups, universities and other credible research. Finally, they consulted with country experts to check facts, find additional sources in multiple languages and assist in evaluating the quality of sources. n

This May 2001 photo shows the two bells of Balangiga at the F.E. Warren Air Force Base outside Cheyenne, Wyoming, that signaled an attack

by Filipino insurgents on occupying American troops in 1901.

Inquirer.net photo

US gov’t vows to address Bells of Balangiga...

PAGE A1 our Filipino partners to find a resolution,” U.S. Embassy press attache Molly Koscina said.

The embassy issued the statement after Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte demanded the U.S. to return the century-old bells back to the Filipino people during his second State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 24.

In his speech, Duterte recalled the Balangiga massacre during the Philippine-American War in 1901, when U.S. soldiers retaliated by “mak[ing] a desert of Balangiga” through killing Filipinos aged ten and above in Samar.

Duterte said the killings “reduce[d] Samar Island into an

island of ‘howling wilderness’.”

Three bells were taken from Balangiga Church by U.S. soldiers as spoils of war — two of which were presently displayed at the F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyoming as a memorial to U.S. troops killed

by Filipino insurgents. The third bell was in South Korea.

“I say today give us back those Balangiga bells, they are ours, they belong to the Philippines.

They are part of our national heritage. Isauli naman ninyo, masakit yun sa amin. (Return those to us, it is painful for us),” the president said earning applause from the audience.

He pointed out that the bells serve as “reminders of the gallantry and heroism” of Filipinos

who “resisted the American colonizers” and “sacrificed their lives in the process.”

This was not the first time Duterte brought up the Balangiga massacre in his speeches.

In September last year, the president took a swipe at the U.S. government for the around 2,500 Filipinos killed in Samar under U.S. General Jacob Smith’s order, saying that his soldiers “hijacked [the Balangiga bells], stole it and never returned it” to the Filipino people.

Despite several attempts by previous administrations, the bells have yet to be returned in the Philippines. It remained to be a perennial issue between the two countries’ bilateral relations. (Dana Sioson/AJPress)

Fil-Am dies after paddle boarding accident...

PAGE A1 er cried for help.

According to witnesses on the scene, nearby paddle boarders dived into the water to try to save him. But due to the high tide, Mendoza’s body had already gone too deep.

Rescue teams searched for his body through murky water conditions for 25 minutes before pulling his body onto the harbor, according to the Huntington Beach Fire Department.

Mendoza was in critical condition when he was rushed to the hospital, but he was pronounced dead at about 5 p.m., according to authorities.

At a vigil held two days after the Infograpchis by

accident, loved ones expressed sadness at the loss of a friend.

“It just hurts so much,” Josh Saldana, a friend, told NBC 4 News at the vigil. “He was honestly the most genuine, loving person ever. He could fill a room with laughter.”

A close friend of Mendoza, Heidi Kim, had been texting Mendoza moments before he went paddle boarding and urged him to wear a life vest, which is provided by the paddleboarding shop they rented from. Neither Mendoza nor his brother wore one.

Wearing a life vest is not required for paddleboarders who

venture into enclosed bodies of water, like harbors or private swimming areas, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.

“I told them to wear a vest, and he didn’t,” said Kim told NBC4 News. “That was the dumbest mistake he ever made; that was the last mistake he ever made.”

Just before his death, Mendoza became a certified physical therapy assistant.

The family and friends of Mendoza have set up a YouCaring crowdfunding campaign to help raise money for funeral costs: https://www.youcaring.com/joseluismendoza-880479. (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)

BOC promotes tax-free ‘Balikbayan Box...

PAGE A1 the OFWs (in this project) instead of the government collecting tax from the OFWs,” Faeldon said.

Packages sent under this program is limited to packages sent to the OFWs’ family or relatives up to the fourth civil degree of consanguinity.

The program does not include items in commercial quantity or intended for barter. It should only contain personal and household items, Faeldon said.

How to avail Qualified Filipinos who can avail of the program are OFWs with valid passports and certified for overseas employment, the Customs chief said.

Qualified applicants for the program also includes: Filipinos under job contract that do not require certification from the Department of Labor and Employment and Philippine Overseas Employment Administration; non-resident Filipinos who are permanently living abroad but retained their Filipino citizenship; and resident Filipino citizens that are holders of student visa, investor’s visa, tourist visa, and similar visas which allow them to establish temporary stay abroad.

The OFWs will have to provide the biographical page of passport, the itemized list of their packages, and receipts of newlypurchased items to the consolidator.

Thereafter, international forwarders will then submit information sheets from the senders through a secured electronic format simultaneously to the BOC and to the deconsolidator.

The Philippine forwarder, on the other hand, will also submit the information sheets and documents in a secured electronic

format to the BOC. Migrant workers group calls it a new ‘money-making’ ploy Meanwhile a migrant workers’ rights group hits the Bureau of Customs’ new guidelines on balikbayan boxes, calling the memorandum a “money-making” requirement.

Migrante International opposes latest order Customs Memorandum Order 04-2017, specifically on the items that requires the balikbayan boxes to include an “itemized list” of the contents and receipts of the newlypurchased items inside the box.

Also, the new directive requires the recipients of the packages to show proof that they are a relative of the sender.

BOC said it issued the directive “to adopt transparent custom rules regulations policies procedures consistent with international standards and best practices and “to prevent revenue loss from possible abuse in the availment of the privilege on the tax and duty-exempt importation of balikbayan boxes.”

“Itong mga taga-Customs, halatang walang malasakit at walang respeto sa mga OFW. Hindi ba nila alam na kasama sa sayang dulot ng balikbayan box ang surpresang dulot nito sa mga pamilya? Pati ba naman ito ay tatanggalin nila? Gusto nilang tanggalin ang saya ng OFW at pamilya sa pagpapadala at pagtanggap ng balikbayan box (The Customs does not care and respect the OFWs. Don’t they know that the idea of surprise brings happiness to the OFWs and their families? And now, the Customs will remove this? They will remove the happiness brought about by sending and receiving balikbayan boxes to the OFW and their families?),” Migrante

International spokesperson Arman Hernando said.

Hernando described sending balikbayan boxes as the “most personalized translation of love and affection for its recipients,” a culture practiced by Filipinos and their relatives abroad since then.

“Bakit kami ang pinagdidiskitahan ng gobyerno gayong hindi naman nila masawata ang mga malalaking iligal na smuggler at sindikato? Pawis at dugo ng mga OFW ang puhunan para mapuno ang bawat isang balikbayan box (Why are we the one being blamed by the government now that they cannot suppress the big time illegal smugglers and syndicates? It requires hard work for the OFWs to fill in their balikbayan boxes),” Hernando said.

“The least the government could do is to make sure that this simple vehicle of love is not burdened by unnecessary requirements and money-making schemes at the expense of OFWs and their families,” he added.

Meanwhile, Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto on Monday, July 24, shared the sentiments of the migrant workers group, saying the present BOC guidelines and implementation on balikbayan boxes has loopholes that can encourage “pilferage and theft by corrupt customs personnel.”

Recto said that attaching a list of contents was “tantamount to providing a keyhole that might tempt unscrupulous handlers to open it and rid it of its contents.”

“We should review it because of the complicated requirements, balikbayan boxes will be wrapped in red tape,” Recto said in a statement. n

Qualified Filipinos While Abroad (QFWA) can send balikbayan boxes to their families and relatives without having to pay for duties and taxes up to three times and not exceeding P150,000 in a calendar year, under the Republic Act No. 10836 or the Customs Modernization and Tarrif Act (CMTA).

Inquirer.net photo

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Pres. Duterte delivers...

PAGE A2 and empowered to best deliver [an] enhanced disaster resiliency and quick disaster response.”

Golden age of infrastructure The administration is targeting to increase government spending on infrastructure from 5 percent of the GDP (gross domestic product) this year to 7 percent of the GDP by 2022, amounting to a total of 8 to 9 trillion pesos or 160 to 180 billion dollars.

“We will make the next few years the Golden Age of Infrastructure in the Philippines to enhance our mobility and connectivity, and thereby spur development growth equitable in the country. In other words, we are going to build, build and build,” Duterte said.

In connection with sea connectivity, he cited the launching of 15 brand new Ro-Ro vessels to ply major nautical routes all over the Philippines.

An ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Ro-Ro Shipping Route connecting the ports of Davao and General Santos, Philippines to Bitung, Indonesia, were also opened.

To further address the congestion of seaports in the country, ports of Iloilo, General Santos, Cagayan de Oro and Zamboanga were “modernized.”

“We shall complete strategic road and bridge projects and some of the road sections shall be widened and improved to address the worsening traffic,” Duterte added.

The president also said that the government of China has “committed to build two bridges to span Pasig River free of charge.”

He went on to say, “We might get some money also from China and we’ll have new airports in the coming days and we are now accelerating the implementation of the communications, navigation, surveillance and air traffic managements system projects which will result in the on-time arrivals, departures better managed air traffic, reduced flight operational cost and safer and more convenient travel experience.”

Prioritizing environment over mining Duterte warned mining companies and contractors in the Philippines “to refrain from the unbridled and irresponsible destruction of [the country’s] watersheds, forests, and aquatic resources.”

In his speech, he emphasized the government’s advocacy for “responsible, regulated and sustainable development,” saying

LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL • JULY 26-28, 2017

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Andanar tells US lawmaker: ‘Slap yourself’

by Alexis

RomeRo Philstar.com

“SLAP yourself.”

This was Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar’s message to Massachusetts Rep. James McGovern, who vowed to launch a protest if President Rodrigo Duterte is invited to the White House.

Andanar said McGovern should realize that he is just a congressman of Massachusetts and not a “congressman of the world.” “’Di doon siya makialam sa Massachusetts. Problema, pakiramdam kasi siguro niya, superior siya masyado, congressman of the world siya (He should just deal with the

matters in Massachusetts. The problem is that he seems to view himself as someone superior, a congressman of the world),” Andanar said on Sunday, July 23.

“Siguro, sampalin niya iyong sarili niya para magising siya sa katotohanan na congressman siya ng Amerika, doon sa Massachusetts, hindi siya congressman ng Pilipinas o ng buong mundo (Perhaps, he should slap himself so he will wake up to the truth that he is a congressman of America, in Massachusetts, not of the Philippines or of the whole world),” he added.

The Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, a bipartisan caucus

of the U.S. House of Representatives, has started a probe on the alleged extrajudicial killings linked to Duterte’s crackdown on narcotics.

In his opening statement during the probe, McGovern said Duterte should not be allowed to visit the White House because of his human rights record.

“I certainly believe, very strongly, that a man with the human rights record of President Duterte should not be invited to the White House. And if he comes, I will lead the protest because, again, we got to be on the side of advocating for human rights, not explaining them away,” McGovern said. n

President Rodrigo R. Duterte delivers his second State of the Nation Address (SONA) before a jampacked attendance at the House of the Representatives in Quezon City on Monday, July 24.

PNA photo by Oliver Marquez

that protection of the environment must be prioritized ahead of mining and all other activities that adversely affect it.

He then warned mining companies: “Either spend to restore the virginity of [your] source or I will tax you to death.”

“So I will increase the taxes.

Then I will think of something that will compensate or make up for the damage or at least the income restored. Otherwise, I’ll have to stop mining. I will ask you to stop it. It’s not good,” he added.

The president further warned government officials tasked with monitoring mining operations to “do their job without fear or favor.”

Duterte also said that if possible, the government “shall put a stop to the extraction and exportation of our mineral resources to foreign nations for processing abroad and importing them back to the Philippines in the form of consumer goods at prices twice or thrice the value of the original raw materials foreign corporations pay for them.”

Achievements Citing some of the administration’s achievements, Duterte mentioned the establishment of Hotline 911, which allowed the government to receive and immediately respond to emergencies; and of Hotline 8888, or the Citizen’s Complaint Hotline, which receives feedbacks or concerns on government services.

Executive Order No. 26 imposing a ban on smoking in public places was also implemented to “minimize access to tobacco products, and provide a more support-

ive environment for those who are attempting to quit tobacco use.”

In securing the rights and welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFW) the president said he has ordered the increase of government assistance from 400 million pesos to more than 1 billion pesos.

Meanwhile, to ensure that Filipinos are given equitable access to quality and affordable health services, Duterte said the administration has “expanded health insurance coverage and benefits.”

“The destitute and the indigents, or those who just could not afford hospitalization, can now be provided with free services of government-operated and public hospitals as well. We have strengthened the implementation of the No Balance Billing Policy,” the president said.

The administration also “sustained investments in higher education” and “committed to the full implementation of the K-to-12 Basic Foundation Program.”

Duterte added that his administration “took steps to promote inclusiveness in the Bangsamoro Transition Commission [BTC] by expanding its membership through Executive Order No. 8,” which he signed in November last year.

“By giving representation to indigenous peoples, women, children, and sultanates, and key stakeholders in the drafting of the Bangsa[moro] Basic Law, we ensure a Bangsamoro government that truly reflects the aspirations of our Muslim brothers and sisters as well as our indigenous brethren,” the president said. n

Various Fil-Am activists gathered in front of the Philippine Consulate in Los Angeles and released a “report card” of President Rodrigo Duterte’s performance thus far.

AJPress photo by Klarize Medenilla

Fil-Am groups hold rally, rate Duterte’s first year in...

PAGE A1 extension of martial law which has led to a lot of human rights violations.”

Cababa added that Duterte “should take a note in the history books,” in that martial law is widely condemned by people all over the globe. She also said that social justice organizations, like BAYAN USA, encourage Duterte — and all world leaders — to explore fighting terrorism through socio-economic reform, like addressing poverty and the need for social services.

The rally began with the diverse group of young Fil-Ams holding colorful signs and several chants, which were met with supportive car honks from drivers driving along the adjacent Wilshire Blvd.

One sign, in particular, was a blown up mock report card for Duterte, which criticized his handling of many foreign and domestic issues, including education, housing, the drug war, contractu-

alization and more.

The rally grew as the speakers voiced their concerns for the growing tensions in the Philippines, with a focus on socio-economic reform, especially poverty and education. Annalou Lingat, vice chair of ANAKBAYAN LA spoke about the lack of education reform and stressed the importance of public programs and affordable education.

In 2013, the Philippine Department of Education added two more years to the country’s 10-year basic education system, implementing the K-12 system, widely implemented throughout the globe. Educators, parents and students have petitioned to have this system revoked, calling it “unfair” and a “catastrophe,” according to a petition sent to the Philippine Supreme Court.

“Under this new education system, it’s much harder to gain access to quality education, forcing many Filipinos to settle for lower wage jobs or even make the hard

decision to find jobs abroad. The Duterte administration should be able revive a free, accessible education for all.

The rally was hosted by BAYAN USA Southern California, the International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines (ICHROP) Southern California Network and National Alliance for Filipino Concerns (NAFCON) Southern California.

Filipino youth and student organization ANAKBAYAN and Filipino women’s organization GABRIELA USA also joined in to voice their concerns over the president’s lack of attention on the ongoing human rights abuses.

“Human rights are still violated in the country right now,” Cervas told the Asian Journal after the rally. “We still have over 400 political prisoners who were imprisoned, in the first place, for trumped up charges. They were arrested because of their political beliefs and for fighting for a more just and free Philippines.” n

A6 JULY 26-28, 2017 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL

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OPINION

‘Bane of efficiency’

FEATURES

TEMPORARY restraining orders, President Duterte said on Monday, July 24, are “the bane of our efficiency.” The president made the observation as he directly urged Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, who was seated in the audience during his second State of the Nation Address (SONA), to lift the Supreme Court’s TRO on the implementation of the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act. THE RH law was passed in 2012, and the TRO has been in place for two years now. Contraceptives and other drugs costing millions in public funds, bought by the Department of Health before the TRO was issued, are about to expire because of the restraining order, Duterte said.

Last May, the SC stressed it had tossed the issue to the Food and Drug Administration, which was ordered by the tribunal to determine if two contraceptive implants are safe to use and not abortifacient. The SC should give the FDA a deadline for completing a task that doesn’t require rocket science.

Similar deadlines should be given for resolving the subjects of TROs throughout the judiciary. A two-year TRO is anything but temporary. Criminal cases in many other countries are resolved with finality within that period. President Duterte correctly pointed out that TROs have grossly delayed many government projects and programs, setting

back poverty alleviation and reform efforts.

He’s not the only one complaining about the TROs. Local and foreign investors have long lamented the issuance of TROs and denounced the corruption that underpins many such orders. The orders are not only issued arbitrarily, they complain, but can also take forever to lift. This is what the Supreme Court TRO on the RH law is starting to look like.

Benigno Aquino III, during his presidency, had also feuded with the SC over “judicial overreach” including the restraining orders. President Duterte, who at the start of his term included the promotion of reproductive health in his 10-point socioeconomic agenda, asked Congress in his second SONA to give him a law that would deal with judicial TROs. The judiciary should not wait for this. The SC should be able to temper the exercise of its power without the need for checks and balances from the two other branches of government.

(Philstar.com)

Guest Editorial

Phlstar.com photo

Trump’s imminent ‘firing’ of Attorney General Jeff Sessions for recusing in Russia probe is an assault to conservative causes

The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS MY HEART goes out to Attorney General Jeff Sessions. As you are reading this piece, the man President Donald Trump appointed to be his Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary may either have been fired or has resigned, following the barrage of tweets the president has made on Twitter over the past several days that publicly criticized and even humiliated Sessions.

Trump said in his tweets how disappointed he’s been with Sessions for recusing himself from the investigation probing into the alleged collusion between Russia and the Trump campaign to meddle in the U.S. presidential election last year.

Sessions was the first Senate Republican who endorsed Trump and has, in fact, been instrumental in winning many conservatives to believe in Trump, whose conserva-

tive principles were being questioned when he announced that he was running for president.

Sessions was very much respected in his home state of Alabama for his conservative principles, programs and advocacies.

He went on board the Trump train because he wanted to help Trump solve the problem of illegal immigration in the United States — an issue that is very close to many conservative Filipinos in America.

The senator left behind his secure seat to serve the Trump administration as his DOJ Secretary (also known as Attorney General), and has, in the past six months, been earning accolades and support from among his fellow Republicans for being an honestto-goodness law and order officer who has helped lower the number of illegal immigration to the United States, and has been working hard to implement laws to solve the drug problems. He has been

deemed as a defender of the Constitution and the rule of law.

BUT TRUMP, in his recent interview with the New York Times, as well as in a news conference this week said he was disappointed in Sessions for recusing himself from the Russia probe in March, saying that had he known, he wouldn’t have hired him to be Attorney General.

His recent tweets have revealed that he has lost his amour for his loyal number one supporter and is willing to let go of him. President Trump has labeled him “beleaguered” (troubled, having a lot of difficulties). He also tweeted that Sessions was weak on investigating Hillary Clinton’s crimes and the leaks coming out of the U.S. intelligence community.

BUT why was Trump surprised?

Sessions had been forthcoming during the Senate confirmation hearings in January that he would recuse himself from any investigation of Clinton if confirmed be-

cause of the comments he previously made during the campaign about Clinton’s use of the email server and her family’s charitable foundation. He explained that this could place his objectivity and impartiality in question.

Trump said that by recusing himself, Sessions was unfair to the president and to the presidency. WHY? In my opinion, Sessions showed “delicadeza” in deciding to recuse himself from the Russia probe because he was part of the Trump campaign being investigated on after his undisclosed meeting with Russian officials during the campaign. How is that damaging to the presidency or to the Office of the President?

His recusing himself, in fact, has been helping Trump so that there will be no doubt in the investigation which, in fact, should be Trump’s way to prove he has nothing to hide and has not truly been colluding with the Russians

The many possibilities in North Korea

PeaceMaker FORMER SPEAKER JOSE C. DE VENECIA, JR. TWO weeks ago at the first meeting of Asian and European Political Parties in the Asia-Europe Political Forum (AEPF) held in Seoul, July 6-10, 2017, we listed the major conflict areas in Asia and some of their extensions in Africa and at the same time pointed to some of the successful but seldom mentioned geo-political settlements in explosive conflicts in the region including some of the solutions that we thought could be useful.

Today it is correct to say that the most dangerous of the conflict areas in Asia and in the world is the continuing confrontation between South Korean and U.S. forces on one side with those of North Korea across the 38th Parallel, which slices the two Koreas at the waist, with the nuclear-armed North under the young President Kim Jongun, supported but also restrained to some extent but perhaps not controlled by the People’s Republic of China.

Over the years since the Korean Armstice of July, 1953, which ended the Korean War without a formal peace treaty, the threat of new fighting has always plagued the peninsula. The Philippines bravely sent three Army battalions to help South Korea over three years since 1950, barely five years after the end of a crippling World War II in our own country

in 1945.

Over the years, an explosion between South and North has always threatened intermittently.

But today a new war is even more dangerous, more fatal because it is clear nuclear weapons are now available to both sides.

At the conference in Seoul which we presided, we recalled that in 1990, as a young Congressman, we led a small Philippine Congressional Mission to Pyongyang, and we had an almost one-and-a-half hour meeting with the founder of North Korea (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, DPRK) Kim Il Sung, who led the North Korean Armies which fought the U.S., U.N. and South Korean forces in 1950-53 since the founding of North Korea in 1945, following the partition in the peninsula.

Then with us were the late Congressman Miguel Romero, businessman Len Oreta, the late President Corazon Aquino’s brother-in-law, Education Undersecretary Nestor Kalaw, and we were later joined by Kiyoshi Wakamiya, the Japanese journalist who later accompanied the late Sen. Benigno Aquino on his last fatal plane trip to the Philippines on August 21, 1983.

When we asked him then about persistent reports that he planned to attack and invade the South, the North Korean leader replied in serious terms: “If we attack the South, the South will be destroyed but we in the North will also be destroyed”.

His tone was indicative of how

the leaders in Pyongyang regarded the seriousness of an all-out war with the Americans and with the Koreans in the South.

We had recalled earlier in this column that our conversation went so well that we asked him for a written assurance that he would not extend material assistance to the New People’s Army (NPA) in the Philippines and he did, and we then journeyed back to Manila via Beijing, and feeling elated, we proudly presented his letter to a then pleased President Corazon Aquino and Foreign Secretary Raul Manglapus in Malacañan Palace. Over the years, Pyongyang kept his word of their non-involvement with the Communist NPA. In a couple of weeks as he promised, and on our invitation, he sent to Manila then North Korea Vice-Premier Kim Dahl Hyun who set the schedule for the exchange of notes formalizing diplomatic relations between North Korea and the Philippines. We distinctly remember his last day’s visit in Manila because in that afternoon the Mt. Pinatubo volcano erupted and the gray ash rained over us all the way to Manila.

We also remember that the day before we took Vice-Premier Hyun on a helicopter visit to Corregidor and on the World War II island fortress, he suggested to us that we consider building a connecting bridge with enclosures between Bataan province to Corregidor to Cavite province, which links could be opened or closed to let ships in and out as needed, so

Manila Bay could then be part of a large reclaimed area for development as the North Koreans did with a successful similar project in North Korea (food for thought!)

Our friend, Kim Il Sung, has since passed away and was succeeded by his son Kim Jong Il who also led North Korea in many tense sessions with the South but did not live long enough. Today his 33-year-old son, the first President’s grandson, Kim Jong Un, is leader of a nuclear-armed North, over whom China apparently does not have overwhelming influence, since he has inherited and also built his own strength, developed a large army and created his own nuclear weapons and is today developing an inter-continental ballistic missile delivery system, already in an advanced stage, within easy reach of Japan and Guam, with its large U.S. bases, and farther, to the distant frontline areas of the U.S. in Alaska (range 6,700km).

We believe therefore the time has come for direct face-to-face talks, perhaps no longer avoidable, not through intermediaries, between a U.S. President and the young North Korean leader, in Beijing or in Hongkong, both reachable by train, the preferred means of transport by the North Korean leaders as far as we could remember.

We could also urge as well the revival of the long-postponed 6Party talks among the U.S., North Korea, China, South Korea, Japan and Russia to help the process but there is no substitute now to

as alleged.

Trump’s critics are alleging that the reason why Trump was disappointed in Sessions’ recusal from the Russia probe was because it paved the way for the hiring of Special Counsel Robert Mueller, the highly respected former FBI Director, by Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein to head the independent probe on the Russia connection.

As we read from the news, Mueller has now expanded the probe to include the Trump family’s business and financial ties to Russia.

His critics likewise allege that in firing or letting Sessions go, Trump could now appoint a new DOJ secretary who can fire Mueller (but the law says there needs to be a compelling cause to do this), OR, have this new AG stop the investigation because there was nothing out there, in support of Trump’s labeling this probe as a “witch hunt”.

Trump has to understand that the Department of Justice, despite being under the executive department, is an independent body tasked by the Constitution to seek justice and the rule of law for ALL, and should not let anybody, not even the president, be above the law.

Trump tweeted this week: “It’s very sad that Republicans, even some that were carried over the line on my back, do very little to protect their President.”

MR. PRESIDENT, our public officials— both elected and appointed are there to defend the Constitution and NOT you, as a person. Let them do their job. ***

direct talks.

The case is difficult but successful direct talks have been done before between the two Germanys and the two Vietnams, which have been both long united, and as we pointed out before, an inter-Korean family might perhaps emerge someday united in a unique, federated system under common inclusive or alternating leadership which could lead to a modern prosperous first-world power in Northeast Asia, or with an accepted separate North, which later could join an ASEAN Plus 4.

In Seoul, in an earlier conference not too long ago, we told our friend, former U.S. Ambassador to the Six-Party Talks Joseph De Trani, South Korea’s religious and economic leader Sun Myung Moon and now his widow, Madame Hak Ja Han Moon, that the Universal Peace Federation (UPF) under President Thomas Walsh and its network which includes the Washington Times, could perhaps revisit their friendships in Pyongyang. The late Reverend Moon, born in Pyongyang, a religious Christian leader with an influential global following, became a successful business leader in Seoul and in the U.S., built a hotel and automobile factory in Pyongyang, which he both later donated to the North Korean government. The goodwill remains and the Moon family and the UPF can avail of their useful links in Pyongyang. The International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP) could also rekindle its ties with the Korean Workers Party, the only political party in the North.

It is now clear that the conversations between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jingping although helpful in other ways have so far failed to get any positive response from the young North Korean leader.

Other sincere initiatives have failed over the years and the danger today continues to mount.

We believe the time has now come for the U.S. President and the young North Korean leader to meet face to face, and subsequently to be joined by the new South Korean President Moon Jae-In to try to settle the mounting crisis in direct talks, for there seems to be no other workable alternative. The U.S. and China might offer to supply some of the North’s petrol requirements; Japan and South Korea might establish economic joint-ventures in the North; Russia and China can help build a railway across North Korea all the way to Pusan in the South, linked with the Caucasus and Europe.

In the latest move, President Moon offered rare direct SeoulPyongyang military talks at the Panmunjom truce village on the militarized inter-Korean border in the 38th Parallel but has elicited no response. Also, the Seoul Red Cross proposed an early August meeting to discuss “reunions of families reported by the 1950-53 Korean War”. These two proposals have good value and are workable.

But we believe only direct U.S.-North Korean talks will be the ground-breaking first choice for the North Koreans. Even Mr. Trump says direct talks with the North is now possible. ■

Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABSCBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFilAmPerspective.com, https://www.facebook. com/Gel.Santos.Relos

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

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Dateline PhiliPPines

LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL • JULY 26-28, 2017

A

Dateline PhiliPPines

House Speaker cites bill on civil partnerships, marriage dissolution among priority measures

by Jennifer

Soriano

AJPress

SPEAKER Pantaleon Alvarez cited the need for a law to support civil partnerships and dissolving marriages easier as he enumerated priority measures and accomplishments in the chamber.

Alvarez gave a rundown of legislative priority measures and triumphs which commenced the second regular session of the 17th Congress on Monday, July 24.

“We must also be considerate of the fact that marriage may not be for everyone. I will file a bill that will recognize and protect civil partnerships,” Alvarez said, as he opened the second regular session.

“The bill will give legal protection to couples who cannot be married under existing laws, as well as save the children from the unwanted effects of failed marriages, Alvarez explained.

The legislation will provide legal protection to couples who cannot be married under existing laws. Their children too, will

benefit from the ill effects of unhappy marriages, he said.

These couples “must be treated with equality under the law” said the speaker who earlier admitted that he has separated with his wife and has sired children to different women.

“The sad reality about marriages: We do not always get it right the first time around. If it causes harm to the husband, wife, and worse the children, we must change this,” he added.

Alvarez earlier said that under his bill, couples can skip the painful process of annulment. This can be done by allowing them for a joint petition to a court for the dissolution of their marriage.

Just recently, President Rodrigo Duterte received the draft of the said bill at the Palace and has expressed his support for its passage.

Federal transition, accomplishments Alvarez also said brought up the Philippines’ shift to federal government, one of the campaign promises of Duterte The speaker announced to representatives that on average,

they have produced two bills in one session per day compared to previous first regular sessions.

They also have produced a total of 210 legislative measures on third reading during their 97 session days.

“We didn’t waver and falter.

We did our job,” the speaker said.

Alvarez also commended Majority Leader Rodolfo Fariñas for his efforts during their first regular session wherein they have reached a quorum every meeting day.

The speaker linked the immediate passage of the 2017 budget and the death penalty bill to their “collective hard work.” To date, the bill is awaiting for the Senate approval.

Other accomplishments include the extension of passport and license validity to at least five years and free tertiary education and internet access.

However, the speaker emphasized that there is still a lot of work to be done.

“We have plenty of challenges to finish,” Alvarez pointed out to lawmakers. n

De Lima to Aguirre: Disclose your ‘verified’ EJK cases

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

SENATOR Leila De Lima on Monday, July 24, dared Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II to disclose the breakdown of the supposed 219 “verified” cases of extrajudicial killings (EJK) in connection with President Rodrigo Duterte’s campaign against illegal drugs.

“We should ask for a breakdown of the 219 ‘verified’ cases of EJKs disclosed by the DOJ (via a July 21 article by Rappler) by way of a retort to my claim, based on reliable sources that the SOJ issued an internal directive not to file cases against law enforcement officers enforcing the War on Drugs,” De Lima said in a statement.

The senator made the challenge after Aguirre denied her claim that he failed to investigate and prosecute more than 7,000 killings allegedly related to Duterte’s drug war.

Earlier on July 13, De Lima

filed a complaint against Aguirre before the Office of the Ombudsman, accusing him of issuing an illegal directive ordering National Prosecution Service (NPS) to restrict the filing of cases against any official enforcing the drug war.

This is the reason, she claimed, why “not a single case” of summary killings — apart from cases exposed in Senate hearings — “was ever investigated or prosecuted by the NBI (National Bureau of Investigation) and the NPS under respondent DOJ Secretary.”

In defense, Aguirre said that the DOJ has “219 verified cases of EJKs” covered by the Administrative Order No. 35 (AO35) or the Inter-Agency Committee on Extra-Legal Killings, Enforced Disappearances, Torture and Other Grave Violations of the Right to Life, Liberty and Security of Persons.

The figure, according to the department, include three cases un-

der preliminary investigation of the NPS, one case under preliminary investigation of the Office of the Ombudsman, 6 under police investigation, 21 under trial, 48 unsolved, 64 archived, and 76 terminated.

De Lima, however, stressed that AO35 pertains to the extrajudicial killings that occurred before the Duterte administration.

“I should know because I was the one who drafted the AO35 (as then SOJ) and recommended the same to then President PNoy (Benigno Aquino ‘Noynoy’ Aquino III) who signed and issued the same,” said De Lima, who also served as the justice secretary during Aquino’s term.

She also pointed out that she was “obviously referring to the present-day EJKs” in her recent complaint.

The senator went on to say, “Mukhang nanloloko na naman kayo (Looks like your’e fooling anyone again). Stop misleading or fooling the people, please.” n

FEEDING PROGRAM. Senator Cynthia A. Villar leads the feeding program for the 200 children from Baseco, Manila as part of the multiservices caravan of Villar Social Institute for Poverty Alleviation and Governance (SIPAG). The senator was joined by Atty. Regie Jularbal, Vice President of the Legal Department of Manila Broadcasting Corporation and Station Manager of DZRH, the longest-serving radio station in the country which celebrated its 78th anniversary.

Senate photo

Duterte vows to attain peace amidst ‘trying times’

by Jennifer

Soriano

AJPress

JuST a few days after the Congress approved President Rodrigo Duterte’s request to extend martial law in Mindanao, the president went further to justify military rule, marking the move as one step towards his persistent pursuit for peace for the country.

“Sometimes, I am almost tempted to conclude that peace might not be able to come during our lifetime. But, believe me, it will not be for want of trying,” Duterte said referring to the long-standing insurgency in Mindanao, during his second State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 24.

“And I will persist on our goal of attaining peace to the last day of this administration and maybe even beyond, although in a different capacity, “ said the 72-year-old president.

“The present terrorism threats in Marawi is quite a challenge in the country’s quest for peace and stability, to which the declaration of martial law “was the fastest way to quell rebellion at the least cost of lives and properties,” said the president.

The move, which the president said was necessary to crush the insurgency, earned criticisms from opposition lawmakers saying that it is Duterte’s ploy to expand the military rule in the whole country.

“To those who oppose and think that all these efforts are out of order, I hold myself — me and me

alone should be responsible,” said Duterte “We will not be disheartened, we will not be cowed, we will not be overwhelmed. It is during trying times and troubled events that the resilience, perseverance and determination of people are tested,” the president also vowed.

Citing the resilience of Filipinos, he further raised the hope that peace awaits as long as they unite towards the attainment of one goal.

“The Filipino is no stranger to situations like the one we face today. We can and we will overcome, as we did countless times in the past,” said the president.

Martial law extension On Saturday, July 22, the Senate and the House of Representative convened on a special joint session where majority of the lawmakers called for the approval of the martial law extension and suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus in Mindanao until the end of 2017.

“The result of the voting in Congress show that 261 in the affirmative and 18 in the negative. The motion to extend proclamation of martial law and the suspension of the privilege of writ of habeas corpus is hereby approved by the Congress,” Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez said, reading the results, before pounding the gavel.

The Constitution dictates that the president has the sole power to declare martial law, in cases

of invasion or rebellion. The declaration should not go beyond 60 days. The proclamation can either be revoked or extended for a period determined by Congress through joint voting.

Social and financial support to soldiers The president has also expressed his support to the troops and their families. The chief executive further promised to provide a comprehensive social and financial assistance for soldiers and policemen.

“For the family of those who are rendered totally disabled in the line of duty, we shall provide shelter health care assistance, education,” Duterte said.

“I am reiterating my unwavering support and commitment to the armed forces and members of the police force. Those who are on the ground and the battlefield risking their lives for our country and democracy, I have your backs,” he added.

On May 23, Duterte placed Mindanao under martial law after Islamic State-inspired Maute group attacked Marawi.

The rise of the terror group in the southern city of Mindanao is considered the biggest security problem to face the Duterte administration in his first year of presidency.

The Marawi conflict which has been going on for two months, and has left over 565 people dead, most of which were terrorists. n

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BUSINESSJ& COMMUNITY ournal

B

Twitter beefs up system vs abusive accounts

by Ma. Lisbet

K. esMaeL

ManilaTimes.net

SOCIAL networking service Twitter announced it is stepping up efforts to make its online platform safer from offensive users and has suspended 10 times more abusive accounts daily this year compared to last year.

“We promised to do more with our technology. We’re now taking action on 10x the number of abusive accounts every day compared to the same time last year,” Twitter said in a post over the weekend, without disclosing the actual figures.

“We also now limit account functionality or place suspensions on thousands more abusive accounts each day,” it added.

While there are still offenders

who create new accounts after being suspended for violation, Twitter stressed that its “new systems, in the last four months alone, have removed twice the number of these types of accounts.”

“Accounts that demonstrate abusive behavior are now limited for a time, and told why.

Accounts that we put into this period of limited functionality

u PAGE B4

Bangko Sentral to circulate new coins this year

by MayveLin

U. carabaLLo ManilaTimes.net

THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) targets to circulate new generation currency coins with enhanced security features before the end of the year, in line with the plan to demonetize old coins.

“In due time, the design for the new coins will be rolled out before the end of the year,” Bangko Sentral Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo told reporters in an ambush interview on Friday, July 21.

Guinigundo said a limited number of new generation coins may be released in December.

“These coins will also reflect some security features,” he said.

Demonetizing old coins is more challenging than the de-

Banks tighten standards for real estate, housing loans Banks continued to tighten lending standards for commercial real estate and housing loans for six straight quarters amid a steady rise in prices, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reported over the weekend.

Philstar.com file photo

by Lawrence

agcaoiLi Philstar.com

MANILA - Banks continued to tighten lending standards for commercial real estate and housing loans for six straight quarters amid a steady rise in prices, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reported over the weekend.

Dennis Lapid, deputy director at the BSP’s Department of Economic Research, said the central bank’s 2nd Quarter 2017 Senior Loan Officers Survey showed a net

tightening of overall credit standards for commercial real estate and housing loans in the second quarter using the diffusion index (DI) approach.

“The tighter overall credit standards for commercial real estate loans reflected respondent banks’ wider loan margins, reduced credit line sizes, stricter collateral requirements and loan covenants, shorter loan tenors, and increased use of interest rate floors,” Lapid said.

He added majority of the respondent banks expect a net tightening of credits for

commercial real estate and housing loans over the next quarter due to rising demand.

“A number of banks, however, indicated increased demand for the said type of loan on the back of increased accounts receivable financing needs, improvement in customers’ economic outlook, banks’ more attractive financing terms and lower interest rates,” he said.

Although most of the respondent banks anticipate generally steady loan demand in the third quarter, Lapid said a number of

u PAGE B3

PAL sets aside $2 B for fleet expansion program by iris

monetization of New Design Series banknotes, the central bank official noted.

Minted with the logo of the new BSP the P10, P5, P0.25, P0.05 and P0.01 coins that will be demonetized were circulated in 1995.

Replacing the old coins would take one to two years considering the physical and logistical difficulties involved in

u PAGE B2

gonzaLes Philstar.com

TORONTO – Philippine Airlines (PAL) is setting aside at least $2 billion for its massive fleet expansion program from now through 2019 as the Lucio Tan-led company strives to join the league of the world’s best airlines.

PAL president and COO Jaime Bautista said the amount would cover 12 Q400s; two Boeing777s; and six Airbus 350s, all of which would be arriving from

now until 2019.

“It should be more than $2 billion from now until 2019,” Bautista said following the delivery ceremony here of PAL’s next generation Q400, the world’s first dual-class 86-seater turboprop.

The new Q400, which will arrive in Manila on July 26, is the first of 12 that PAL is taking delivery from now until 2018.

With the new Q400s, PAL will mount new destinations out of Cebu and Clark such as Clark to Bacolod, Clark to Cagayan de

Oro and Clark to Basco.

Next year, PAL is also taking delivery of four A350s and two in 2019.

“The A350s will allow PAL to operate nonstop from Manila to New York,” Bautista said.

This will cut the flying time to around 16 hours from about 19 hours at present (including ground time) for the current Manila-Vancouver-New York route, he said.

“We will fly over the North Pole so it would be 16 hours or less

than 17 hours,” Bautista said.

PAL senior vice president for corporate planning Angelito Alvarez, for his part, said the airline is also looking into mounting flights from Manila to Chicago and Seattle.

There may also be new flights to European destinations from Manila.

“We’re looking at Rome, Paris and Frankfurt,” Alvarez said.

The acquisition of new aircraft would also help PAL achieve its

u PAGE B4

B JULY 26 - 28, 2017 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL

Business news

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

Five ‘adulting’ tips to help you prepare financially for your first solo travel journey

by Shuyi

Town mates and Friends:

Please join us in celebration of our

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Nazario Perlas: Precy Castaneto- Ruedas: Lito Tambo: Ludy Lagmay-Ganzon: Mila Tadina: Josie Dolor Etrata: Mary Ann Arichea–Caunan:

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*Discounted Room rates available at Gold Coast Hotel & Casino until September 3, 2017: Code: ABA2017

Wang

GROWING up comes with a lot of responsibilities: getting a job, paying bills, buying or renting a house – the list can seem endless.

Yet, being an adult also means you have more freedom to do the things you love, like travel.

Taking your first trip can be fun and exciting, but there are aspects of the planning process that require adult-like responsibilities. If you’re planning your first solo trip, there’s a good chance you’re a Millennial and studies show you’re willing to spend more on travel than other generations ($879 per trip, to be exact). Planning ahead and learning the financial ins-and-outs of travel early can help maximize your travel adventure.

To help you financially prepare for your first travel journey, here are five “adulting” tips you should not overlook before, during and after your trip: • Plan ahead Before you go out of town, take a minute to organize your finances, including any payments that might be due while you’re away.

Set-up account alerts to remind you of when a credit card payment is due or when a deposit is made. Some companies also allow you to receive electronic bills and view electronic copies of your statements online.

Additionally, planning ahead can help you get organized and grow your budget. If you’re looking to grow your savings balance for your trip, there are apps designed to help you achieve your goals. The Wells Fargo Daily ChangeSM App is a great example of how you can turn saving into a habit by alerting you to transfer money from checking to your savings account.

• Give a heads-up Be sure to give your bank a heads-up that you’re travelling and what cards you’re planning to use. This way, you can help avoid having your charges viewed as suspicious by your bank, even if you are traveling domestically

Some banks will soon offer new features that will simplify banking and help customers avoid financial inconveniences.

Wells Fargo will introduce a predictive banking feature that uses artificial intelligence to analyze your financial patterns and then provides personalized insights to help you avoid financial pitfalls or inconveniences. For instance, when you make a travel purchase, such as buying a flight, the predictive banking tool will use this information to provide a personalized message. For example, the feature might suggest you set-up a travel plan for your account and provide a link with information on how to do so to help avoid interruptions when using your debit or credit card.

• Do your research Learn about the local currency so you have money for taxis, tips, and meals at hand. If you’re planning to use a credit card, be aware that other places may have additional criteria around credit card acceptance. For example in Europe, some merchants may only accept “smart cards” encrypted with a chip or personal identification number (PIN). There may also be fees for ATM withdrawals. Find out your daily ATM and withdrawal limits and daily card purchase limits before you leave to make sure they will fit your needs. Also make sure you look into the currency exchange rate so you know what you’re paying in U.S. dollars. Some credit card providers may also offer no foreign currency conversion fees, like the Wells Fargo Propel American Express Card, which can help you avoid some added costs for transactions converted to U.S. dollars.

• Travel with confidence Having a back-up plan is always a good idea. The same applies when it comes to your finances. If you’re planning to use credit, store a second back-up credit card in a safe and separate place in case you lose your primary card. It’s also wise to store

your financial institution’s contact information along with your passport.

If you’re planning a road-trip, don’t forget to also budget for things like gas and food while on the road. Although it may seem a little dated, always carry a map in case your GPS stops working or you lose phone service. Equally important is to make sure you have your driver’s license with you at all times and your vehicle registration and proof of insurance in the vehicle.

• Make the most out of it If you regularly use a credit card, check your rewards balance. You may have earned enough rewards to offset vacation costs like airfare and hotel stays. You can also redeem your points for prepaid debit cards to use as your spending money.

Prepaid cards can also be a great way to stay on budget — but you do need to make sure they’re accepted where you’re headed.

In addition to rewards programs, many cards offer little known perks that can help make your travel smoother. For example, some credit cards offer 24/7 concierge services that can help you plan your trip. Your card may also offer rental car and travel insurance, no-fee currency conversions, competitive currency conversion rates, and cell phone protection when you pay your bill with an eligible credit card.

To learn more, read your credit card’s Guide to Benefits, Card Terms and Conditions, and Card Account Agreement. Also, by responsibly using your rewards credit card for vacation costs, rewards can add up. You can redeem them later – perhaps, for your next vacation.

Preparing for the financial aspects of your vacation may not be the most fun part of your trip planning and can even seem too adult-like. However, financially planning ahead can help make your first solo travel experience much more enjoyable. n

PAGE B1 t

We will have to physically get them and collect them and do something with them. The banknotes are easier because we will just shred them,” he said.

The new design banknotes

were fully demonetized on June 30, 2017.

Under the New Central Bank Act, the BSP has the sole power and authority to issue peso coins and banknotes in the country. n

Bangko Sentral to circulate...

surrendering the coins to banks and branches and regional offices of the BSP, Guinigundo said.

“It is more challenging to demonetize coins than banknotes.

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

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond MONETTE ADEVA MAGLAYA (Continued from last week’s issue …)

DAEDALUS took off flapping his wings faster and faster to get vertical lift-off and escape gravity. Icarus followed suit and took off shortly after. As they flew, the people on the ground in Crete watched in amazement wondering whether the winged creatures are the gods themselves flying.

Icarus trailed his father closely at first, following his flight pattern and struggling to take heed of his father’s admonitions. But feeling an overwhelming sense of growing power in his ability to fly, reveling in his freedom and giving in to his impetuous, youthful nature, Icarus deviated a little at first, taking little swoops and side trips and catching up with his father who was intently flying on a steady speed and altitude.

As Icarus swooped, dived and indulged frivolously in his aerial acrobatics, Icarus soon forgot his father’s words and flew higher and higher towards the noonday sun. Then the wax in his wings melted, the wooden framework broke apart and the feathers blew away. Wingless and panicking, Icarus plunged headlong like deadweight into the blue waters. Daedalus swooped down in hot pursuit to save his son but it was much too late. All he saw were a few feathers floating on the surface.

Daedalus, with a heavy heart at the tragic loss of his beloved Icarus, managed to fly to Sicily.

In his grief, Daedalus retired his wings, lost his love for life and never flew again.

Over and over again through the generations, we see this tendency of some of the young ones to “forget” the things they have been taught and allow hubris and folly to rule. Some throw away

BUSINESS NEWS

Children just like you (2 of 2 parts)

“The deepest definition of youth is life as yet untouched by tradegy.”

- Alfred North Whitehead

everything they have learned and painstakingly worked for in one impetuous decision or action. It is as if their overwhelming sense of freedom, newly-attained independence and sense of power goads them to “fly close to the sun.”

Humility gets torpedoed and overweening pride rules. They feel they no longer need guidance from anyone. Sometimes a good scare or a tiny thorn of bad experience can be humbling and worth more than a lifetime of warnings, advice and admonitions to nudge prideful youth back to reality and on the straight and narrow.

While we may think that this tendency of the youth today is unique to our times, we only have to look back several thousand years to know that the scenario may have changed, the cast of characters in every generation in every nation may be different, but the predilection for hubris particularly in the young, remains the same.

Notice the youth within your immediate daily orbit. With few exceptions, you might see that the egocentric self-absorption that consumes the severely distracted young these days is borne of hubris that a modern, tech-savvy culture seems to engender with short-cuts that only serve to short-circuit.

Self-confidence and a healthy self-esteem come only after the young have paid hefty dues in life’s lessons learned. Humility, erroneously perceived as meekness these days, is scoffed at and swept under the rug. And yet without humility that instinctively knows and accepts that one needs to learn from others to grow in wisdom, no real learn-

ing is possible. There are lives all around us who can serve as models that we can emulate and cautionary tales we can learn from.

On the part of adults who have been there and done all that and have the scars to show for it, achieving perspective and an empathetic bone are needed to remember we were once just as young, just as foolish, or perhaps even more so. But that we praise the God of our being and with all humility admit that we were the lucky ones who got a pass because life was magnanimous enough to let us get past that harrowing stage of youthful folly, with barely a scratch and live long enough to see the cycle repeated in our children. Sigh.

Picture a flashback. You can almost see your mother or father, eyes rolling upward, throwing their hands in the air in sheer frustration after you’ve committed a stupid, arrogant stunt or acted like a mindless jackass for the nth time when you were young, quipping a line that sounds like a curse, “May you have children just like you!”

Of course, it works just as well on the flip side of the coin. When you have children who have finally become wise after being foolish, you can say the same line as a blessing and heave a sigh of relief.

Take heed, young ones. One day, you will become adults who will have children of your own.

Then you’ll know that what goes around, definitely comes around. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette. maglaya@asianjournalinc.com

Store manager needs bankruptcy relief Separated debtor seeks Chapter 7 relief CLIENT no. 1 is 50 years old and the manager of a big retail store. He’s been working there for 30 years. Spouse got into an accident and is now on disability.

He owns a house with $200K of equity. He has believe it or not, 11 children from age 2 to 18.

Just imagine his food expense every month! He owes $60K of credit card debt. Since his wife became disabled, he applied for a loan modification of his first mortgage. His first mortgage payment is $2800. His gross income is $80K. With wife’s disability pay, they gross $100K a year. But with 11 kids, and $60K of credit card debt, something has to give. He can’t pay the minimum credit card payments of $1800 anymore. So he wants a Chapter 7 to get rid of the $60K credit cards. But does he qualify for a Chapter 7 discharge? Well, in terms of the means test, there certainly is no presumption of abuse because he has 11 kids.

But in a Chapter 7, there is going to be a problem with the residence. The homestead exemption for client is $100K but his equity is $130K. So, there is $30K of nonexempt equity.

Theoretically, Chapter 7 could work for client because there is almost no viable nonexempt equity to speak of if you factor in the cost of sale of 6%. The house is current valued at $500K. 6% of $500K is $30K, which is the amount of nonexempt equity.

A Chapter 7 trustee would have nothing to administer and theoretically client should be able to keep his house in Chapter 7. The problem is that real estate prices in Los Angeles are still going up.

An aggressive Chapter 7 trustee can file an adversary proceeding to have the house sold because of the $30K nonexempt equity. The adversary case may take 18 months to reach trial. By that time, the house value could have increased by another $50K. The increase in value is justification in favor of the trustee’s argument that there is viable equity for him to administer. No-

Debt Relief

ATTY. LAWRENCE YANG

body wants this kind of problem in bankruptcy but it happens.

I have this exact situation with another client whose case was filed two years ago. The trustee filed an adversary complaint to get his house because the nonexempt portion, according to the trustee was $100K. Our defense was that there was no viable equity for the trustee to administer because there was a judgment lien for $97K. This adversary was due for trial on April 26, 2017.

But a week before trial, trustee offered a settlement to enable client to keep his house. Trustee argued that the value of the house had increased “substantially” in the last 18 months resulting in viable nonexempt equity. So this kind of problem does happen in Chapter 7 although not often.

To avoid this situation, it is the better part of caution to file for Chapter 13. Why? The Chapter 13 trustee, unlike the Chapter 7 trustee, does not have the power to sell debtor’s house. So, in Chapter 13, there is no risk of losing debtor’s house. But in Chapter 13, client must pay at least $30K over 60 months, or $500 a month. After 5 years, client would have paid the trustee $30K. Upon completion of the last payment, the court will discharge the other $30K. So, in 5 years, debtor will not owe any more credit cards as the entire $60K will be gone.

Client no. 2 is 64 years old.

He is married but separated.

He does not have his own children but he helps his nephews and nieces who live abroad with money for the monthly expenses, which include college tuition abroad. He makes a gross of $90K a year as a scientist. He does not own a house. He owes $50K of credit card debt, which

is using up $1500 a month of his net income. Client also likes to gamble. He seems to be good at it because he had $40K of gambling winnings last year.

Client wants a Chapter 7 discharge of his $50K of credit cards. Will he qualify for a Chapter 7 discharge given the fact that he is practically single with $90K of gross income a year? That’s a good question. After doing the means test analysis, it appears that there is no presumption of abuse with Chapter 7. On the other hand, if some deductions we claim are disputed by the trustee, there could be some disposable income that will indicate that client has the ability to pay off a portion of his $50K credit card debt.

But note that this case is significantly different from the first case because in this case, client does not own a house. So, even if it’s a borderline case, i.e. client can file Chapter 7 or 13, client can file for Chapter 7 relief as long as the IRS deductions are kosher. Kosher means in this case that he can justify the money that he sends to his nephews and nieces abroad. If he can justify that expense, it can be argued that the nephews and nieces are his dependents even though they do not live with him. Under the worse case, he can convert his case to Chapter 13. However, he has very good chances of getting a Chapter 7 discharge. This is a no brainer for a gambler like client, so he opts for Chapter 7.

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

“BE OF GOOD COURAGE, AND HE SHALL STRENGTHEN YOUR HEART, ALL OF YOU WHO HOPE IN THE LORD.” PSALM 31:24 *** 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)

Bank tighten standards for...

PAGE B1 t

banks expect demand for commercial real estate loans to continue to increase.

Using the modal approach, the BSP said 95.5 percent of respondent banks indicated unchanged credit standards for commercial real estate loans for the third quarter.

Likewise, Lapid said a larger proportion of respondent banks reported tighter credit standards for housing loans extended to households in the second quarter.

“The net tightening of credit standards for housing loans was attributed by respondent banks largely to their reduced tolerance for risk, a decline in borrowers’

profiles and perceived stricter financial system regulations,” he said.

However, results based on the modal approach indicated 84.2 percent reported unchanged credit standards.

At the same time, results continued to show increased demand for housing loans in the second quarter as well as expectations of a continued increase in demand for the said type of loan in the next quarter.

Lending by big banks or universal and commercial banks to real estate activities jumped 17.1 percent to P1.1 trillion in end May this year from P936.94 billion in end May last year.

On the other hand, residen-

tial real estate prices went up by 1.1 percent in the first quarter with the Residential Real Estate Price Index (RREPI) rising to 117.2 from 115.9 in the same quarter last year.

The growth in prices of condominium units was faster at 2.7 percent year-on-year, while those of single detached units edged higher at 0.4 percent.

Meanwhile, those of townhouses slowed down to 1.3 percent.

RREPI measures the average change in prices of various types of housing units comprising of single detached/attached house, duplex, condominium, and townhouse based on data from housing loans granted by commercial, universal, and thrift banks. ■

LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL • JULY 26 - 28, 2017

Calendar of Events across

B3

America

ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS! PRE-EVENT AND POST EVENT GO DEEPER. GO WIDER. LET THE WORLD KNOW. CALL ASIAN JOURNAL: (818) 502-0651 DISPLAY AD SIZES AT SPECIAL RATES FOR NON-PROFIT GROUPS J U LY 28 -29

The University of the Philippines Nursing Alumni Association International’s annual reunion/convention in Garden Grove, CA The University of the Philippines Nursing Alumni Association (UPNAAI) announces its 38th annual reunion & convention on Saturday, July 28 and Sunday, July 29. Calling all UP Nursing Alumni and Jubilarians to celebrate the milestone of their careers! This two-day event will be held at the Hyatt Regency of Orange County (11999 Harbor Blvd, Garden Grove, CA). The theme is “Charting the course for optimal impact.” The highlight of this reunion is the awarding of the JVSotejo Medallion of Honor to Lydia A. Palaypay, GN ’51, BSN, MSN, DSc (Hon.), RN. To read more about her, please visit http://upnaai.org/LAPNamed-2017-JVS-MOH-Recipient.

The full program can be accessed at www.UPNAAI.org. For questions, please contact Merly Abrenica at (818) 384-5064 or Natalia Matitu Mercado at (818) 894-5142.

J U LY 29

The Filipino-Americans of Contra Costa County, Inc. hosts annual picnic in Hercules, CA The Filipino-Americans of Contra Costa County, Inc. (FACCC, Inc.) invites you to its annual potluck picnic on Saturday, July 29 at Foxboro Park in Hercules, CA. It will be from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bring your favorite dish to share. FACCC, Inc. will provide barbecued beef, chicken, hot dogs and water. For any inquiries, call Chairperson Roy de Leon at (510) 5655465 or Vice Chair Joe Medrano at (510) 417-0585.

Spotlight on Vets in Van Nuys, CA Together with and under the leadership of Consul General Adelio Angelito Cruz, Mutch Carino of Maxx Promos is presenting a fundraiser show Spotlight on Vets, in support of the Filipino WWII Veterans. The benefit show was launched during a press conference that was hosted by Goldilocks Norwalk in Cerritos through the courtesy of Robert Yee and Ms. Jo Ann Kyle. The Filipino Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2015 was passed and was signed into law by President Obama on December 14, 2016. With this Act, our Filipino veterans will be honored by Congress with the Congressional Gold Medal (CGM) for their service and sacrifice during World War II. Spotlight on Vets aims to raise funds in order to purchase and award Congressional Gold Medal replicas in bronze to living veterans and posthumously to surviving family members. It will be held on July 29, 2017 Saturday 7:00pm at the Envision Center - 15055 Oxnard Street in Van Nuys, California. For tickets and sponsorship information, please call (626) 716-5442.

AU G U ST 5

2017 St. Joseph College of Olongapo City “grand alumni reunion gala night” in Alpine, CA The St. Joseph College of Olongapo City Class of 1987 is hosting a grand alumni reunion gala night on Saturday, August 5. The fundraiser will benefit the high school library project. It will be held at Viejas Casino and Resort at 5000 Willows Road, Alpine, CA 91901 from 5 to 11 p.m. It is $87 / person and the attire is formal. Please contact Gemma Gutierrez Hornilla at (949)861-1732 or Maridy Salle Curry at (818)730-4490. For registration and for further details about the upcoming event, you may also visit http://sjs2017grandreunion. com.

17th Annual St. Francis Children’s Fund fundraising dinner dance silent auction in Burbank, CA Join us for a night of great food, dancing, fellowship, and answering to God’s call of helping our poor children in the Philippines. This special fundraising dinner dance and silent auction will take place on Saturday, August 5 at Burbank Legion Hall Post 150 (940 W. Olive Avenue Burbank, CA 91506) from 6 to 11 p.m. For reservations, please call Emie at (818) 748-7361 or Ramon (818) 297-6618.

AU G U ST 1 2

Silliman University Alumni Association of Southern California’s annual picnic in El Monte, CA The Silliman University Alumni Association of Southern California invites alumni, their family and friends, to its annual picnic and membership meeting on Saturday, August 12, at Whittier Narrows Recreation Area, Picnic Area D #9 ((near Legg Lake area with free parking for the early birds). The address: 750 S. Santa Anita Ave, South El Monte, CA 91733, 10 a.m. to sundown. For more information call: Jessie Mario Duran 626.715.2525, Joji Amparo 909.991.8919, and Zeny Duran Bennett 626.824.3595.

AU G U ST 1 3

University of the Philippines Alumni Association of Greater Los Angeles (UPAAGLA) Induction Ball in Whittier, CA The Univeristy of the Philippines Alumni Association of Greater Los Angeles (UPAAGLA) will hold its Induction Ball on August 13, 2017 Sunday at the Double Tree by Hilton - Whittier on 7320 Greenleaf Avenue, Whittier, CA 90602. Consul General Adelio Angelito Cruz will swear in Mutch Carino as President of UPAAGLA for 2017-2019, together with the newly elected officers composed of Ethel Rubio (President-Elect), Nati Matitu Mercado (1st VP), Evelyn Andamo (2nd VP), Joy Angeles (Recording Secretary), Yvee Tadeo-Guevara (Corresponding Secretary), Gil Guinto (Treasurer), Melette Lampino (Assistant Treasurer), Dick Cu (Auditor), Benny Uy (PRO) and Bobby Canseco (IT Officer). The 2017-2019 UPAAGLA Board of Directors are Ivy Manalang, Atty. Mary Lyn Sanga, Ellery Atienza, Mary Trinidad, Sonny Gancayco, Annie Nepomuceno, Mary Drees, Jess Espanola, Bob Shroder, Carina Slepian, Ivy Cosio-Bautista, Ellen Gomez, Relson Banas, and Angie Alvarez. The advisers of UPAAGLA are Dr. Arnel Joaquin, Vicky Gancayco, Jazmin Gaite, Alma Onrubia, Frank Mamaril, Doris Maligalig, and Sonja Menor. Red carpet arrivals and No Host Cocktails begin at 6:00 p.m.

Program and dinner start at 7:00 p.m. For tickets, sponsorships and souvenir program advertisements, please call Dick Cu (562) 547-0560.

AU G U ST 1 9

Philippine Madrigal Singers to perform in Northridge, CA Philippine Madrigal Singers in Concert on Saturday, August 19 is the long-awaited return to Los Angeles of the world-renowned prize-winning choir. The performance begins at 7 p.m. at the Plaza Del Sol Performance Hall at the Valley Performing Arts Center (VPAC) located at 18111 Nordhoff Street, Northridge, CA 91330. The theatre is part of CSUN, and tickets are $70, $55, and $40 online anytime at www.ticketmaster.com. Special student pricing is available only in-person at the VPAC box office, call or visit (818) 677-3000 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday. Tour information at www.musicartsevents.com.

AU G U ST 2 0

Philippine Madrigal Singers in Loma Linda, CA An Evening with the MADZ on Sunday, August 20 is an opportunity to hear the awardwinning first-ever two-time European Grand Prix winning choir, the Philippine Madrigal Singers, at Campus Hill Church, 11057 Hill Dr Loma Linda CA 92354. The performance is at 7 p.m. $40 General Admission, $20 Child/Student. For tickets, call Ephraim Dela Cruz at (909) 831-4225, Marjorie Ann Reyno-Huynh at (909) 965-6936 or Nemuel Enriquez at (323) 2290506.

SEPTEMBER 1-4

Ramon Magsaysay (Cubao) High School international reunion in Las Vegas Come and celebrate with RMCHS alumni and guests for the third biannual international homecoming. Sing, dance, party, share precious memories and join the fun from Friday, September 1 to Monday, September 4 at The Orleans Hotel and Casino at 4500 W. Tropicana Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89103. Join the golf tournament in the morning of Saturday, Sept.

2 and then wear your best (black and white) for a dinner dance later that evening. Make this event an opportunity to reunite with your own batchmates, watch a show, visit tourist spots, and stroll along the Las Vegas Strip. For more information, visit the RMCHS 2017 INTL REUNION Facebook page.

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

Community Journal

B JULY 26 - 28, 2017 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL

What’s New Arlene Al-os, CPA, MBA

2017 Guide for rental Putative spouse status as a defense property owners to a petition for nullity of marriage and managers Barrister’s

THE bills described in this Rental Property Owner and Mangers Guide are rental housing related bills that were signed into law in 2016 and become effective January 1, 2017 unless otherwise specified.

Certified Access Specialist Inspections AB 2093. Beginning January 1, 2017 to make sure that properties are in compliance with disability access laws, commercial property owners/lessors are required to specify in the rental agreement whether or not Certified Access Specialist has inspected the premises.

Bed Bugs AB 551. After July 1, 2017 and beginning January 1, 2018, the law require new leases to include notice on bed bug detection, importance of cooperation for prevention and treatment.

Sub-metering and Residential Utility Billing Service Requirements SB 7. Water sub-meters are to be installed beginning January 1, 2018 in multifamily construction or commercial properties.

Landscape Irrigation Equipment AB 1928. Beginning January 1, 2019, the bill requires new labeling requirements for manufacturers to make sure that irrigation equipment sold after

the effective date established by California Energy Commission is water efficient.

Environmental Hazard Disclosures AB 1750. The law encourages but does not require managers and property owners to provide tenants with booklet about property-related environmental hazards like asbestos, radon gas, lead-based paint, formaldehyde, fuel and chemical storage tanks, and water and soil contamination.

Development Bonus AB 1934.

The local government will grant a development bonus to a commercial developer in partnership with an affordable housing developer for the construction of affordable housing projects.

Accessory Dwelling Units AB 2299 & SB 1069. This bill permits property owners to build accessory dwelling units or in-law or granny flats in single family and multifamily residential zones. Local cities and counties are required to approve the accessory dwelling unit if the standards are met.

Junior Accessory Dwelling Units AB 2406: The bill permits local governments creation of junior accessory dwelling units laws in a single-family residential

PAGE B1 t

aircraft.

Bombardier commercial aircraft vice president Ross Mitchell said efficient airplanes are very important.

“It’s (all about) fuel efficiency and also seat cost. One of the advantages that PAL has in moving into the 86-seater planes is that they have more seats by which to distribute the cost of the aircraft’s operations. That certainly helps them in getting the efficiency and ensuring profitability,” he said.

In all, PAL is taking delivery of 12 Q400s – five this year and seven in 2018.

Eventually, Bautista said the target is to bring the fleet to 100 aircraft.

Bombardier commercial aircraft vice president Ross Mitchell said efficient airplanes are very important.

“It’s (all about) fuel efficiency

neighborhood.

Price Gouging AB 2820. The bill revised the definition on state of emergency and local emergencies for the purpose of criminal price gouging—increasing prices, including residential rental rates and towing services by more than 10 percent.

Water Efficient Landscaping AB 2515. The bill requires the Department of Water Resources to update water efficient landscaping ordinance every three years to make sure water efficient landscaping remains current and updated. This will impact property owners who remodel or improve exterior landscaping.

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

(Advertising Supplement)

PAL sets aside $2 B for...

goal of becoming a five-star airline.

“It would take around four years from now to get the five star status but we are aspiring to be a four star airline by the end of the year,” Bautista said.

Incidentally, Bautista welcomed the free publicity PAL got when its billboard had a cameo appearance – appearing by chance for a few seconds – on the latest worldwide blockbuster movie “Spider-Man: Homecoming.”

At present, the company has a fleet of 81 aircraft.

Bautista said this would increase to 88 by year-end with the delivery of the four other Q400s and two Boeing-777s.

In all, PAL is taking delivery of 12 Q400s – five this year and seven in 2018.

Eventually, Bautista said the target is to bring the fleet to 100

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PAL president and COO Jaime Bautista said the amount would cover 12 Q400s; two Boeing-777s; and six Airbus 350s, all of which would be arriving from now until 2019.

Philstar file photo

and also seat cost. One of the advantages that PAL has in moving into the 86-seater planes is that they have more seats by which to distribute the cost of the aircraft’s operations. That certainly helps them in getting the efficiency and ensuring profitability,” he said. n

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.

And for consideration in our print calendar, please send submissions at least three weeks before the date of the event.

To be included in our online calendar/ e-newsletter, please allow at least two to three weeks' notice.

The Asian Journal would be delighted to list your event in our Calendar of Events.

ALL property, real or personal, wherever situated, acquired by a married person during the marriage while domiciled in California is community property. Family Code 760. However, there are situations in which the marriage may be held to be null and void.

These situations include, but are not limited to entering into a bigamous marriage, fraud and misrepresentation in entering into a marriage, etc. The legal consequences of having your marriage annulled by your spouse is that it results to you not having any community property interest on property acquired by your spouse during the marriage. A nullity may also cut off your claim for spousal support.

What options do you have if your spouse files a nullity against you? You may still have a claim to community property and support as a putative spouse. A party to a void or voidable marriage has “putative spouse” status only if he or she believed in good faith the marriage was valid. Family.

Code. § 225; Marriage of Guo & Sun (2010) 186 CA4th 1491, 1493, 112 CR3d 906, 908; Marriage of Vryonis (1988) 202 CA3d 712, 721, 248 CR 807, 813. A party who has the requisite objectively reasonable “good faith” belief may be a putative spouse where any legal infirmity in formation of the marriage renders the marriage invalid. Domestic Partnership of Ellis & Arriaga (2008) 162 CA4th 1000, 1005, 76 CR3d 401, 404; Estate of DePasse (2002) 97 CA4th 92, 107, 118 CR2d 143, 155; see Marriage of Vryonis, supra, 202 CA3d at 718–719, 248 CR at 811–812.

A party’s “good faith” belief in the validity of the marriage is not tested by whether he or she believed a “marriage” lawfully occurred under some private, secular or spiritual set of standards.

A putative spouse must have had

Corner

Atty. Kenneth UrsUA reyes a good faith belief in the existence of a lawful California marriage. Estate of DePasse (2002) 97 CA4th 92, 107–108, 118 CR2d 143, 156; Welch v. State of Calif.

(2000) 83 CA4th 1374, 1378– 1379, 100 CR2d 430, 432–433; Marriage of Vryonis (1988) 202 CA3d 712, 723, 248 CR 807, 814–815 “Good faith” belief is tested by an objective standard based on facts that would cause a reasonable person under the circumstances to harbor a good faith belief in the existence of a valid California marriage. Domestic Partnership of Ellis & Arriaga, supra, 162 CA4th at 1005, 76 CR3d at 404; Marriage of Guo & Sun (2010) 186 CA4th 1491, 1497, 112 CR3d 906, 911; Marriage of Ramirez & Llamas (2008) 165 CA4th 751, 756, 81 CR3d 180, 183. Whether a party had an objectively reasonable “good faith” belief is a question of fact to be determined in light of all the circumstances.

Successfully proving putative spouse status or putative marriage status in court gives rise to certain property, support and attorney fees/costs rights, as well as certain other rights that ordinarily attach only between lawfully married persons. Property that would have been community or quasi-community property had the marriage been valid is deemed “quasi-marital property” and, in a proceeding to terminate the invalid marriage, “shall” be divided between the parties as if it were community. Family.

Code. § 2251(a)(2); Marriage of Tejeda (2009) 179 CA4th 973, 983, 102 CR3d 361, 368; Quasimarital property divided pursuant to § 2251 is also liable for the parties’ debts to the same extent as if it had been community or quasi-community property. Family.Code. § 2252.

In addition, “temporary” and “permanent” spousal support may also be awarded in a nullity proceeding in favor of a putative spouse “in the same manner as if the marriage had not been void or voidable” Family Code Section 2254. The court may also award attorney’s fees pursuant to family code section 2030 in favor of a party found to be “innocent of fraud or wrongdoing in inducing or entering into the marriage, and free from knowledge of the then existence of any prior marriage or other impediment to the contracting of the marriage for which a judgment of nullity is sought.” Family Code Section 2255. n *** Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice.

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

This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, P.C. This article is not a solicitation. *** Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar 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) 3881611 or e-mail kureyeslaw@gmail.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com.

(Advertising Supplement)

Twitter beefs up system vs abusive...

PAGE B1 t generate 25% fewer abuse reports, and approximately 65% of these accounts are in this state just once,” it said.

Twitter also said that it has introduced notification filters and muting keywords to protect its users from abusive users.

“Our Quality Filter has led to

fewer unwanted interactions: blocks after @mention from people you don’t follow are down 40%. These numbers will vary, but the approach is having a positive impact,” it said.

The company recognized that “while there is still much work to be done, people are experiencing significantly less abuse on

Twitter today than they were six months ago.”

“Online safety is an issue best solved in partnership with others, so we’ll continue to collaborate with our Trust & Safety Council, industry experts, and academics to solicit ongoing feedback,” it said. n

B5 JULY 26 - 28, 2017 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL

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People and Events

Filipinos to honor the Virgen de los Remedios in Los Angeles

Thousands will gather at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels on Sunday, September 17, for the annual coronation of Virgen de los Remedios, a tradition introduced by Kapampangans in Los Angeles a decade ago.

IN 1956, Pope Pius XII bestowed the canonical crown to the revered image in recognition of Kapampangans’ devotion to Mary. There have been numerous miracles and answered prayers which are attributed to the intercession of Virgen de los Remedios. Marriages are strengthened, families reunited, sick get healed and disputes are settled. The people of Pampanga held their faith during the 1991 devastation of Mt. Pinatubo eruption. They turn to the Mother of God, in times of ideological threats, natural calamities, political destabilization or personal difficulties.

The afternoon festivities will commence with a procession participated by both Latino and Filipino devotees.

Filipinos widespread devotion to the Blessed Mother goes back to the Spanish times during the galleon trades between Mexico and the Philippines. In 1571, the Augustinian missionaries brought the oldest Marian image of Nuestra Senora de Guia.

Pope Gregory XIII and Pope Clement VIII decreed in 1578, the erection of the Manila Cathedral under

EMPLOYMENT

the tutelage of the Immaculate Conception. The image of Nuestra Senora del Rosario was brought by the Dominicans in 1587. She has become a national treasure and symbol of peace after Spanish forces won the Dutch invasion in 1646. One of

EMPLOYMENT

the first churches built in 1588 was under the title of Nuestra Senora de los Remedios located in the Malate district.

With a growing communist movement in 1952, Bishop Cesar Maria Guerrero, borne in Malate and first bishop of Pampanga, entrusted Pampanga under the patronage of the Blessed Mother.

He sent out the image of Virgen de los Remedios to visit every village, town and city so that people could gather in prayer and learn from Mary the right way to live, to find God and to live in harmony.

With the universality of the devotion to Virgen de los Remedios – from South of France, to the region of Andalucia, on the southern coast of Spain, the pyramids of Cholula Mexico, the villages of Dominican Republic, Bolivia, Argentina,

Sri Lanka and India, devotees to Mary, who continues to provide for their necessities and brings them together in Christ. A crown is presented to our Lady, a symbol of her dominion over us, because we know we will always be in good hands – in the hands of a mother.

Lubaoenos of Southern California are hosting this year’s celebration, which coincides with the 445th anniversary of the coming of the Catholic faith in their hometown. Everyone is invited to come in national costumes and organizations to bring their banners in procession.

For more information, please contact Vidal Aguas at (818) 636-9661 or aguadelosangeles@aol.com.

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Community Journal

LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL • JULY 26 - 28, 2017

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MDWK

Wednesday, JUly 26, 2017

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AJPress photo by Noel Ty

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cover story The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - July 26, 2017

LA Deputy Mayor for budget and innovation Miguel Sangalang

Helping Los Angeles and the community connect through technology

by CHRISTINA

M. ORIEL / AJPress

IT’S no secret that Los Angeles is home to one of the largest Filipino populations outside of the Philippines.

Filipinos have made their mark in various facets of the city, whether it’s entertainment, business or politics. Many have even been involved with the inner workings of LA to ensure that it is functioning properly and efficiently.

The Los Angeles Filipino Association City Employees (LAFACE) boasts over 500 members and as of last fall, the LA Mayor’s Office had six FilAms, working in departments such as immigrant affairs and gang reduction.

“This is one of the great Filipino cities of the world and Los Angeles should think itself that way,” Mayor Eric Garcetti told the Asian Journal’s MDWK Magazine in November 2016, adding that “I don’t think there’s a department that…doesn’t have somebody Filipino-American.”

The mayor’s push for diversity is evident in the composition of his administration. Most recently in June, he appointed Miguel Sangalang as deputy mayor for budget and innovation, where the latter was previously executive officer.

While several FilipinoAmericans have taken on similar capacities for previous mayors, the 34-year-old became the first Fil-Am deputy mayor under Garcetti.

“We have a responsibility to use Angelenos’ tax dollars as wisely as we can — and Miguel’s brilliant strategies and tireless work ethic have been critical to helping us meet that obligation,” the mayor said in a statement. “Miguel has helped us find innovative ways

to make our city run better, and that positive influence will have even greater impact as he becomes my new deputy mayor.”

Working his way to public service Sangalang, who was born in Quezon City, Philippines, recalls immigrating to Walnut, California at four years old and not knowing how to speak English.

“It was…kind of a culture shock for me, where my cousins spoke a different language.

But I eventually learned through English as a Second Language (ESL) [classes],” he said in an interview with the Asian Journal. “I am a product of the California public school system, from grade school all the way to college.”

He went on to the University of California, Los Angeles, where he earned a degree in Japanese with a minor in public policy.

Growing up in a “civically minded” family and benefitting from opportunities compelled him to enter into a public service career.

“I’ve always thought every man, woman, and child should have the same opportunities that I do and what better way than the place that’s supposed to look out for that, which is government,” Sangalang said.

After training himself in information technology, he landed his first job with the city of LA as an IT specialist in the Bureau of Sanitation. A few years later, he received a fellowship and moved to finance and performance management

Playing with cousins during early childhood in the Philippines, prior to arrival in the U.S.

Deputy Mayor of Budget and Innovation Miguel Sangalang

during then-Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa’s tenure.

During Garcetti’s first term, Sangalang was a director for innovation and performance management before transitioning to the Mayor’s Office of Budget and Innovation.

LA as a hub of innovation Now a 10-year veteran of the city, Sangalang remarked how LA, under Garcetti’s leadership, has invested in technology and innovation to have a more direct line of communication between residents and the local government.

“It’s great that [Garcetti] just doesn’t see a Michael, he sees a Miguel. He doesn’t see just David, but a Ding or something like that, to be able to do these things and really be inclusionary. That’s part of what he sees as being an inclusionary and dynamic LA of the future and it’s been great to help implement his vision and really restoring faith in city government by going back to basics,” he said.

Upon assuming office in 2013, the mayor laid out a “Back to Basics” agenda that looked at revamping how accessible the government is in terms of response times and deploying services. In the following year, the Mayor’s Office launched a website that publishes up-to-date data to increase transparency and accountability of the city’s performance and usage of taxpayer dollars.

“I helped author the mayor’s open data executive directive to start sharing some information, not only between departments but to the public who [has] a hand in making their city a better place,” Sangalang explained. “Not all the best ideas come from one source so we’re really looking to make those connections to the civic tech world.”

AJPress photos by Noel Ty

Deputy Mayor of Budget and Innovation Miguel Sangalang analyzes data with Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti. Garcetti appointed Sangalang to deputy mayor in June 2017.

Photo courtesy of Deputy Mayor Miguel Sangalang

He added, “The fact is that Mayor Garcetti is detail oriented where not a single dollar… gets past him. Rest assured, we’re trying to use the money that taxpayers of Los Angeles have entrusted with us in the best and most efficient possible way.”

This past June, LA’s CleanStat program — which uses data to assess how clean LA’s streets and alleys are — received the City Livability Award during the U.S. Conference of Mayors’ annual meeting.

Since being appointed deputy mayor a month ago, Sangalang said his goals for the role continue on this initiative in terms of leveraging technology to manage information “in a secure and thoughtful way” and how people interact.

“Being an immigrant and a person who has seen [the] differences in poverty, equity and service, it’s along the lines of the CleanStat model where we’re driving out the outcomes to make sure that the money

and the resources are going to the right places so it’s much more strategic and that we actually drive to cleaner streets, have healthier kids, make it so the air is cleaner, and we could get to locations in LA in a quicker way,” he said.

The city is also looking at how to adapt this model to address the homelessness problem, which in the past two years has become a top priority for Garcetti.

Mentoring future Fil-Ams in government As he oversees making LA’s government a more modern and efficient operation, Sangalang said one of the most significant aspects of his role is engaging with neighborhood councils and community groups, like Search to Involve Pilipino Americans (SIPA) or the International Society for Filipinos in Finance and Accounting (ISFFA) so they understand what the city is trying to achieve.

“On a larger scale, the city

Sangalang with his mother, Luisa Salumbides Sangalang

Celebrating Christmas with extended family from across the U.S. and Philippines

Photos courtesy of Deputy Mayor Miguel Sangalang

(L-R) Anne, Michelle and Miguel Sangalang with Lola Anicia Salumbides, who passed away in 2016

of Los Angeles has always fostered Filipinos. We have Historic Filipinotown and we have Eagle Rock as a major center… Right now, looking at Downtown, there’s an explosion of Filipino cuisine at LASA and Ricebar so there’s more and more general acceptance and elevation of the Philippines and its culture.

Moving forward as the largest congregation of Filipinos outside of the Philippines, it’s a significant type of purchasing power with $1-2 billion that people would want to invest in. In a lot of aspects, it is very encouraging to be Filipino-American here…” he said.

Further, as a Fil-Am in this role, he noted how important it is to mentor future generations who are looking to pursue public service. As a member of LAFACE, he credits past mentors for helping him reach this point in his career.

“The one thing I really want to highlight there is the mentorship aspect because we’re looking out for each other and making sure that the next generation can actually start doing some of the things and exceeding us. I’ve benefitted from having, in the previous administration, Deputy Mayor [Romel] Pascual who took me under his wing. We have Susana Reyes, who has worked for Mayor Garcetti, who’s on the board of the Sierra Club, which is the largest environmental organization in the world, and she’s Filipina-American and proud of it.”

As for his advice, he said that an individual shouldn’t “peg” him or herself in a certain way, as opportunities tend to present themselves and to not forget those who have helped you along the way.

“If you look at my background and how I got here, it’s not necessarily a straight line to government. All of those experiences end up being a part of who you are so you need to have them in order to calibrate your own internal compass because, in places where you have greater responsibility and greater elevation, it becomes a little hazier — cloudier, I’ll say. You always need that internal compass to help guide you,” he said.

Charo Santos-Concio: ‘You learn more from your failures than your success’

by IrIs VIcente AJPress

AT 61, Charo Santos-Concio is considered as one of the most powerful women in local media industry—surging from production assistant to now Chief Content Officer of ABS-CBN. The host of the longest-running television drama anthology “Maalaala Mo Kaya,” passes on new life lessons these days including aging gracefully and leaving a legacy based on values.

“Legacy is really more about values, a universal truth that you leave your children. Whatever role a person portrays because we wear different hats in life, I hope they were able to touch the lives of everyone they meet along the way and teach them lasting values,” Concio said.

The media executive teaches everyone to face their fears saying, “you learn more from your failures than you would ever learn from your success.”

She believes that having confidence allows people to take risks, learn from experience and reach their goals.

“It’s really courage and having the inner strength to face the truth and your fears and see how you can stretch yourself and see

your capacity to excel, to love, to do good,” she said.

Now in her golden years, Concio starts to confront the next phase of her life— retirement. Nonetheless, she has become more adventurous and open.

“I knew that I’ll be going through some adjustments but I look forward to it because I’ve been working all my life. I’m enjoying this stage where I’m able to try things I have never done in my life. I’m still discovering myself. You reach the stage where you have gone through so much, you learned so many lessons. Maybe because I’m so open na to all the opportunities coming my way. That also speaks about my attitude ever since I was young. Surprises continue to come my way,” Concio shared.

She said that at her age, the only thing that has changed is her attitude towards life, she has now more desire to try different things.

The mother of two also shared what she’s doing to secure the future of her children, what with the early demise of her father, it taught her the importance of preparing for the future of the loved ones that individuals

entertainment

3

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - July 26, 2017

Liza Soberano, Daniel Padilla are not pairing up for ‘Darna’

by KrIssy AguIlAr AJPress

SPECULATIONS about Teen King, Daniel Padilla, being Soberano’s leading man in highly anticipated “Darna” surfaced online.

The rumor created an online buzz especially to fans who are expecting Soberano’s on-screen partner, Enrique Gil, to be the Charo Santos-Concio Inquirer.net photo leading man. leave behind.

“Not true po,” Liza SoberConcio is an award-winning ano’s manager, Ogie Diaz, said actress who starred in criticallyas he shuts down the rumors in acclaimed films both local and a recent Facebook post. international. She was appointed There is no official anas the 5th President of ABS-CBN nouncement yet as to who will in 2008, making her the first play Soberano’s male lead in woman president of the media “Darna” as well as the movie’s conglomerate and the Lopez other cast members in the Group of Companies. upcoming movie directed by On January 1, 2016, she Erik Matti. retired as President and CEO Matti confirmed that he of ABS-CBN Corporation. She will pen the script, but has yet remains as the Chief Content to cast the characters because Officer of ABS-CBN while having he’s more focused on the techan additional role as the Presinical aspects of the film. dent of ABS-CBN University and “Look at this [new movie] as serves as the executive adviser to a coming-of-age film—not just ABS-CBN Corporation Chairman as Narda to Darna, but also Liza Eugenio Lopez III. to becoming a serious actor,”

Liza Soberano

he told Spot.ph.

As Soberano is still undergoing training for her role as the Filipina superhero, Star Cinema still hasn’t announced the movie’s release date.

“You know the amount of challenge Liza is facing, not just emotionally or psychologically, but also physically. All these years, hinahasa siya sa (she was

Daniel Padilla

ABS-CBN photos

trained for) light teen stuff, but now it’s coming-of-age for her,” the filmmaker explained.

Some of the actresses who previously played Darna in a film or television series include Angel Locsin, Marian Rivera, Nanette Medved, Anjanette Abayari, Sharon Cuneta, Lorna Tolentino and Vilma Santos, among others.

Sarah Geronimo on her ‘guiding light’ and best time to settle down by rIcKy lo Philstar.com

WhAT is it about promoting a movie that opens the heart of stars and unloose their tongues?

As they embark on their fourth movie together, Star Cinema’s “Finally Found Someone.” Sarah Geronimo and John Lloyd Cruz are having fun titillating the imagination of the fans and the media by confessing that, yes, they keep a secret affection for each other. Their first starrer, “A Very Special Love,” was done in 2008, followed the next year by “You Changed My Life” and by “It Takes a Man and a Woman” in 2013, all directed by Cathy Garcia-Molina for the same company. (“Finally Found Someone” is by

Theodore Boborol.)

Actually, Sarah and JLC needed not pretend that they have, well, “something.” The public knows very well that in real life they are (committed) to other people and yet, moviegoers troop to the theaters to bask in their make-believe romance in the same way that Vilma Santos and Christopher de Leon did in the more than 10 movies that they starred in.

To dig deeper into Sarah’s thoughts, Funfare decided to let her take the “Who, what, where, when, how” test. (JLC begged off.)

Who Who are the people that you look up to?

“My parents. I also have high

respect for my closest friends in the industry — Ms. Rachelle Ann Go, Yeng Constantino, Ms. Lea, Ms. Reg, Tito Gary and Tito Martin. And also Teacher Georcelle who I consider as one of my mentors in the industry.”

Who are the people you can trust?

“My family, God and my close friends.”

Who is your “guiding light?”

“God, his Word.”

Who do you consult before you make a major decision?

“God and my parents. I also seek advice from the people I truly trust.”

What What were you thinking when you woke up this morning?

“My hopes, my dreams, my prayer.”

What do you like most about your character in “Finally Found Someone”? “her honesty.”

What’s the upside of being Sarah Geronimo?

“Being able to inspire and touch people’s lives.”

What is the downside of being Sarah Geronimo?

“Missing out on many things in life.”

What is your present state of mind/heart?

“Grateful.”

Where Where are you most comfortable?

“At home.”

Where else do you want to

Sarah Geronimo is starring in her fourth movie with John Lloyd Cruz in the film “Finally Found Someone.”

Star Cinema photo

live aside from where you are now?

“In a peaceful and safe place.”

Where do you go to unwind?

“Movies, restaurants.”

Where would you go to spend private time with somebody special?

“Some place where we can Continued on Page 4

4

features

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - July 26, 2017

Long Beach celebrates culture at POW! WOW! 2017 THE week-long, third annual POW! WOW! Long Beach gathered local and international artists to celebrate culture, music and art.

From July 16 to 22, gallery shows, lecture series, schools for art and music, creative community spaces, concerts, and live art installations were organized in an effort to renew Native American culture and preserve the rich heritage of American Indians.

Pow Wows were Native Americans’ way of meeting together, to join in dancing, singing, visiting, renewing old friendships, and making new ones.

Long Beach Vice Mayor Rex Richardson said that “the transformative power of art and murals really helps make a neighborhood.”

This year, 21 globally renowned muralists were invited to create large format art pieces using Long Beach buildings as canvasses.

Among them were Mike Giant, Kevin Lyons, Tatiana Suarez, Niels Shoe Meulman, Nosego, TRAV MSK, and Adele Renault.

On the other hand, those representing Long Beach include Bodeck Hernandez, The Draculas, Nate Frizzell, Ryan Milner and others The public was able to watch the creative process behind the artists’ effort to make giant murals come to life.

Jasper Wong, POW! WOW! founder, emphasized the role of engagement in art as an instrument to broaden the community. “They come to our commu-

Julia Huang, CEO of Intertrend and Long Beach advisor

Jasper Wong and his team

POW! WOW! founder Jasper Wong

nity, they feel like a part of our community,” he said.

Sharing of cultures between the artists and the community through the language of art mold the purpose of the festival.

“The third time’s the charm,” Julia Huang, CEO of Intertrend and Long Beach advisor, said during the celebration.

“Without Jasper, his little vision of saying, you know, I’m going to make this world a little bit prettier, I’m going to make this world a little bit more beautiful, I’m going to make this world a little bit more peaceful and better with art, without his vision, we would not be here,” she said.

POW! WOW! Long Beach’s week-long event started with the grand opening of a pop-up shop at local retailer Made by Millworks on Sunday, July 16.

The week’s events included a press preview on Monday, July 17 with Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia launching the festival.

Talks with designer Jeff Staple and Dutch artist Adele

Pechanga’s live August treat: ‘Golden Voices’ of Jed Madela & Morissette Amon

TWO of the most-coveted, multi-awarded international Filipino singersJed Madela and Morissette Amon, are set to perform live in Pechanga Resort & Casino theater on August 19 at 7:30 p.m.

Pechanga Resort & Casino is well-known for hosting the best and the brightest Filipino entertainers and performers such as Megastar Sharon Cuneta, the singer/actress and Tony AJPress photos by Mark Xavier Bautista Award winner Lea Salonga, popular comedian and actor Vice Ganda, winner of “Star Power Search 2011” Angeline Quintos, international actress and top endorser Anne Curtis, and Pop Star Princess Sarah Geronimo - who all gave wholesome entertainment to the delight of the crowd.

Not only fine dining, relaxation and entertainment, Pechanga Resort & Casino wish to provide the ultimate experience especially, to FilipinoAmerican patrons.

Commonly known as John Edward Tajanlangit, JED is a Filipino recording artist and TV host, who became the first to win the World Grand Champion title with a uniquely wide vocal range.

Madela, who hailed from Iloilo, Philippines, started his singing career at five years old while joining various competitions where he usually ended up winning. As Madela rose to stardom, Long Beach Vice Mayor Rex Richardson he represented the country in 2003 to join and Renault on Tuesday, July 18 and landed first in surveys in the Voice of Asia competition as he bagged the ‘People’s Choice Award.’ local journalist Sarah Bennett Thereafter, he received numerous awards like and Miami artist Tatiana Suarez the ‘Sponsor’s Choice’, the Mainhill Award as the on Wednesday, July 19 were ‘Best Voice of Asia Male Singer. ‘ He made waves also held. during the 2005 World Championship of the PerThe week closed with an forming Arts in Hollywood, California a she vested art battle hosted by Mike Giover 3,000 contestants from 52 countries to win ant on Saturday, July 22 which the grand prize. also featured live art, DJs and The highly acclaimed singer also shared the refreshments. limelight with George Benson and Billy Joel who Over the past three years, both received the Lifetime Achievement Awards 52 murals have been painted throughout the city by range of in the same award-giving body. Madela’s powerful voice was showcased in these winning pieces artists from all over the world, providing a POW! and a WOW! in the three-day competition-- “I’ll Be Around”, “Labis Akong Umiibig”, and the festival version of to the public.

Martin Nievera’s hit song “Be My Lady”.

It’s not just 52 murals that While Madela’s albums became a hit and line the streets of Long Beach or living on the walls, but 52 ideas after nine years with Universal Records, he finally inked a contract with ABS-CBN’s music recording fueled by different individuals company and likewise, remains a contract artist of with the aim to share their own the ‘Kapamilya’ record label, Star Records, with an culture. all-original feature songs.

The festival has been Back to back with Madela to render one of expanding to cities and the most ‘Golden Voices’ in the music industry is countries such as Taiwan, Morissette Amon, who at the onset of her career Israel, Singapore, Jamaica, Washington D.C., Guam, New was discovered and coached by world-renowned singer, Sarah Geronimo.

Zealand, Germany and many Amon, better known as Johanne Morissette more.

Daug Amon, who was runner up on TV5’s ‘Star For more information, visit http://www.powwowlongbeach. Factor’ at the age of 14. In 2012, she made her com or email info@powwowha- professional stage debut in the Repertory Philippines production of Disney’s ‘Camp Rock. waii.com.

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The talented singer-actress, who also joined the Voice of the Philippines, became a recording artist of Star Music/Star Records in early 2014 and released her self-titled album, ‘Morissette’ in March 2015. Amon was tagged as “The Next Diva, “ as she became part of ABS-CBN’s Sunday noon show, ASAP. Like Madela, Amon is not far behind in winning an award as the New Female Recording Artist of the Year by the 7th PMPC Star Awards for Music in November 2015 and she bagged the Female Artist of the Year on M.O.R. Pinoy Music Awards in August 2016.

One of the most sought-after singers internationally, Amon is frequently invited to perform in various singing engagements abroad to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) through the Filipino Channel (TFC) mainly, in Hong Kong, Dubai, Los Angeles, Qatar, San Francisco, Abu Dhabi, Taiwan, Bahrain, Toronto, Canada and New York.

Don’t miss this chance of a lifetime! The singing combination of this duo, under Stargaze Productions, will surely transform the patrons’ live entertainment experience at Pechanga Resort & Casino.

For a very cozy and scintillating performance, patrons and guests could expect a unique experience with JED and Morissette at the most-frequented destination- Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula, California. Tickets are now on sale Wednesday-Sunday from moon to 8p.m. from $125, $100, $78 and $58, and may also be purchased at the Pechanga Box Office, 877-7112WIN (2946) or online at www.Pechanga.com.

Shows in the Pechanga Theater offer a comfortable and intimate concert experience. With 1,200 seats in its theater, each show features state-of-the-art and acoustically perfected sound.

Enjoying favorite artists at Pechanga versus other venues proves effortless with free valet and selfparking for guests, complimentary casino/resort shuttles, gourmet and casual dining options on site, plus comfortable chairs and an up-close view from every theater seat.

Pechanga Resort & Casino Pechanga Resort & Casino offers one of the largest and most expansive resort/casino experiences anywhere in the United States. Voted the Number One Casino in America by readers of USA TODAY and rated a Four Diamond property

by AAA since 2002, Pechanga Resort & Casino provides an unparalleled getaway. Offering more than 3,400 of the hottest slots, table games, world-class entertainment, 517 hotel rooms, dining, spa and championship golf at Journey at Pechanga, Pechanga Resort & Casino features a destination that meets and exceeds the needs of its guests and the community. Pechanga Resort & Casino is owned and operated by the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians. For more information, call toll free 1-888-PECHANGA or visit www.

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(Advertising Supplement)

entertainment 5

Jay-R spearheads ‘original music only’ campaign

by TINNIE

P. ESGUERRA Philstar.com

IMITATION may be the sincerest form of flattery for an artist. But for a purist yearning to find his own voice, there comes a point where he has to walk away from everything and start his own music empire.

Just like his contemporaries, R&B King Jay-R pitched his musical tent on familiar terrain when he first came to Manila more than a decade ago.

Even then, the musical references were quite clear: He was merely riding on the coattails and lurking in the shadows of his more popular and commercially-accepted musical idols and mentors.

But after observing those musical clichĂŠs, he did the unthinkable.

He mustered enough knowledge to start his own record label, enlisting artists just like him, that have had the urge to yank out that inner voice brimming with individuality and creativity.

Jay-R explains, “As an artist, it’s extremely important to keep creating new music. It’s our identity. It’s the reason why people want to come to our shows and experience the live

performance. Basically, it’s an artist’s bread and butter. Original music equals people at the shows equals bread and butter equals more original music.�

Toughened by his own experiences, Jay-R has studied the playing field well. Despite being his own boss, he knows pretty well that each HomeWorkZ artist and each HomeWorkZ team member have to all work together to be able to take big steps in a movement they all believe in so passionately.

And just like any live performance lover knows too well, there’s no better way for your music to be heard than to bring the music out there for the people to see, hear and experience. The bigger the audience, the better.

This is the rationale behind Homeworkz Original Music Only (OMO) tour.

For Jay-R, the OMO tour represents a triumph of sorts — an affirmation of his longheld belief that there is indeed an audience hungry for Original Pinoy Music (OPM).

He says, “I love the OMO tour. Since we started it in 2014, more and more artists have been wanting to be part of the

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - July 26, 2017

Sarah on her ‘guiding light’ and best...

From Page 3 talk, just the two of us.�

Where do most of your earnings go? “Bank.�

When When did you realize that you are famous? “Never.�

Jay-R Philstar.com photo When are you happiest? “When the people I love are movement. I’m guessing it’s happy.� because it’s a rare venue where When is the best time to true musicians can showcase settle down? their original music. And that’s “When you feel that you’re the statement of this tour. It’s to ready.� let everyone know that it’s OK How do you know that you to love local. It’s OK to love your are in love? own because it’s actually great “When you are constantly quality music.� thinking about the person.�

But what other marketing/ How are you away from the promotional strategies does the limelight?

R&B King have up his sleeve?

He reveals, “I’ll be releasing a new album very soon which is long overdue. We’re planning a Soul Brothers concert on Sept.

15 at the Kia Theater (with Kris Lawrence and Billy Crawford).

And since we’re on the topic of goals, I have more than a few tricks up my sleeve on how to flip our Philippine music industry upside down — in a good way, of course. Join the HW moveSarah Geronimo Star Cinema photo ment!�

“I love being in the entertainment business but not much in the limelight.�

How many real, real friends do you think you have? “Just a few.�

How did you and John Lloyd become comfortable working together?

“When we enjoy each other’s company.�

How do you see yourself 10 years from now? “Still living out my passion.

By then, I hope I am married to my wonderful husband and enjoying the company of my own kids.�

Ogie Alcasid pays tribute to OPM with ‘Nakakalokal’ album

by RICKY

CALDERON ManilaTimes.net

OPM icon Ogie Alcasid launches his new abum titled “Nakakalokal,� a first-of-its kind musical collaboration with the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra under Star Music. “This is my way of paying tribute to OPM,� said the songwriter. “It is also my way of saying thank you to all those who have supported my music for three decades.�

His wife Regine Velasquez did the back-up vocals, for free, of course.

Ogie sang five songs during the launch — “Do You Wanna Dance With Me� (a song with a disco beat), “Di Na

Muli� (a song dedicated for those who don’t want to fall in love again), “Kailangan Kita� (his own version of the theme song of the Aga MuhlachClaudine Barretto movie), “Ikaw Ang Tanging Pag-ibig Ko� (dedicated to people who are in love) and Nakakalokal which is the theme song of this year’s Himig Handog Songwriting Competition.

The album is the first joint project of the premiere ensemble with a solo artist in an album. The orchestra, led by music director Gerard Salonga, complements Ogie’s latest offering to his fans and those eagerly awaiting the new OPM pieces to hit the radio.

He said this album is a big

one for him as he is turning 50 this year. “I am looking forward to that,� Ogie said of his forthcoming birthday but which he is celebrating earlier by having a concert at the Kia Theatre. “It is a dream of any artist to do an album together with an orchestra,� said the singer.

And since this is his first album under Star Music, that makes it even more special. “A song always sounds best when it’s with the orchestra as there are a lot of things you can’t do with a software that an orchestra can deliver. It is a blessing that the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra agreed to do this musical collaboration with me.�

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The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - July 26, 2017