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

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Volume 27 - No. 18 • 3 Sections - 20 Pages

T h e F i l i p i n o –A m e r i c A n c o m m u n i T y n e w s pA p e r

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Duterte denies existence of ‘death squad’ but admits hundreds killed in Davao

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

IN light of revelations by an alleged former death squad leader, Philippine President rodrigo has acknowledged that hundreds of criminals were killed when he was still the mayor of Davao City.

“I did not deny that hundreds of criminals died in Davao City. sa 23 years ko? eh talagang naubos (in my 23 years?

They were really eliminated),” Duterte

told reporters during a media briefing at the malacañang grounds on monday, february 28.

Last week, alleged leader of the socalled Davao Death squad (DDs) and retired sPo3 Arturo Lascañas testified that then-mayor Duterte personally directed the group to perform killings, usually of drug dealers and criminals, in exchange for money.

Despite acknowledging the killings, Duterte, however, insisted that no such task force like the DDs was formed.

USA

DATELINE PH Consulate in LA signs agreement with US Dept of Labor from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA

As an effort to expand its resources to workers, the U.s. Department of Labor’s Wage and hour Division (Us DoL WhD) Western regional office signed an agreement with the Philippine Consulate General - Los Angeles. the agreement — signed by Consul General Adelio Angelito s. Cruz and regional Administrator of the DoL WhD Western region ruben J. rosalez — establishes an understanding between the two agencies to collaborate on ways to help better serve filipino workers in California.

“We want to be there for everyone, we want to be there for the community, we want to reflect the communities we’re serving,” said rosalez, who boasts a 27-year career in the DoL WhD. the agreement, which was signed at a signing ceremony at the Consulate General of the Philippines office in LA on monday, february 27, has already brought forth ideas in which to strengthen both agencies’ commitments to providing filipinos with “information,

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Fil-Am among 43 most powerful female engineers of 2017

IN the maledominated terrain at san francisco’s silicon Valley, a filipina-American shines as one of the influential women in the realm of engineering and technology.

At the 32nd spot of Business Insider’s “43 most PowAnne Aaron erful female engineers of 2017, is Anne Aaron, current video algorithms director at Netflix. “she leads a team of software engineers and research scientists. they make the software that enables more than 86 million Netflix members worldwide to watch streaming with the best possible quality,” the report described Aaron.

Aaron graduated university valedictorian and magna cum laude from the Ateneo de ma-

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“there is no task force. You can see that I give the orders to the chief, to Bato. Wala akong bata-bata na ganoon (i don’t play favorites). even in the military,” the president said, referring to Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General ronald “Bato” Dela rosa, who also previously served as the Davao City police director from January 2012 to october 2013.

During the briefing, the president also said his current directives toward law enforcers are the same as they were

while he was mayor of Davao City.

“Do not destroy my country, do not deprive us of our young people. You will die,” he said.

Commenting on Lascañas’ claims that the members of the squad were paid to carry out killings, Duterte pointed out that the police were given funds for operating expenses.

“It so happened that, itong mga ibang pulis (other cops) pocket-up, gaya ‘nong mga pera (money), because you know you have to give the police money…

if they go out and hunt for trafficking of drugs, there must be a selling and a buying, otherwise, there is no trafficking,” Duterte explained.

Asked if he personally knew Lascañas, Duterte replied: “Well, as a policeman, yes. I saw him once, twice a year.” repeating his public confession last week, Lascañas, on monday, submitted his affidavit to the senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs chaired by sen. Panfilo Lacson.

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Liberal Party senators removed from PH Senate majority, committee posts

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

seVerAL Liberal Party (LP) senators have lost their committee chairmanships and were kicked out of the majority bloc during the senate reorganization on monday, february 27. on senator manny Pacquiao’s motion, LP senator franklin Drilon was removed from his post as senate President Pro-tempore.

Drilon, who second Pacquiao’s motion, was replaced by senator ralph recto, who switched to the majority from being the minority leader.

Pacquiao also moved the chairmanships of the committees on agriculture and education, which were both chaired by LP members, be declared vacant.

During the plenary session, senator Cyn-

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OATH OF OFFICE. Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III administers the oath of office to Senator Ralph Recto as new Senate President Pro-Tempore on Monday, Feb. 27. On Senator Manny Pacquiao’s motions, Liberal Party (LP) senators on Monday, February 27, were stripped of their positions and committee chairmanships. Pacquiao immediately moved to declare Senate President Pro Tempore Franklin Drilon’s position vacant as soon as the session opened. It was also Pacquiao, who moved to elect Senator Ralph Recto to Drilon’s post. Seventeen senators voted to elect Recto, who headed the Senate minority group.

Senate photo by Ariel Cagadas

DFA condemns killing of German hostage PH’s war on drugs to

by Patricia LourDeS Philstar.com

Viray

resume with AFP, PNP

by Dana

SioSon

mANILA, Philippines — the AJPress Department of foreign Affairs the Armed forces of the Philon tuesday, february 28 condemned the killing of a German ippines (AfP) will now be part of hostage under the hands of the the government’s renewed efforts to suppress illegal drugs in Abu sayyaf Group. the Armed forces of the Philippines has confirmed that German captive Juergen Gustav Kantner had been beheaded by the terrorist group. the Abu sayyaf earlier released a video showing the 70Golden pampano German hostage Juergen Gustav Kantner holds a flag declaring ‘This is my year-old Kantner being beheadlast hour’ in a photo tweeted on Dec. 29, 2016 by user @TerrorEvents.

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‘Marcos not interested in DILG post’

u PAGE A2 THURSDAY~WEDNESDAY • March 2-8

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PresIDeNt rodrigo Duterte on monday, february 27, said that former senator ferdinand “Bongbong” marcos Jr. is not interested to become the next secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). “he’s not interested,” Duterte told reporters, dispelling rumors that he will invite marcos to the Cabinet after the oneyear ban on appointing losing candidates in the may 2016 election expires. marcos, a longtime ally of the president, ran for vice president last year but lost nar-

the country.

A memorandum of agreement (moA) has been signed by the AfP and the Philippine Drug enforcement Agency (PDeA) on tuesday, february 28, detailing

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A MARCH 1-3, 2017 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL

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From the Front Page

Duterte denies existence of ‘death…

PAGE A1 t

“In the beginning, we targeted and killed drug addicts, drug pushers, snatchers, holduppers and other criminals. Later on, however, we were ordered by Mayor Duterte to go after and kill his personal and political enemies. We became like hired or contract killers who killed

not only criminals but innocent people,” Lascañas said in his affidavit.

This revelation contradicts the former death squad leader’s testimony during a Senate probe on the extrajudicial killings (EJK) last year in which he dismissed the existence of the DDS, saying the claims were mere “media hype.”

Asked to comment on Lascañas’ new statement, Duterte said: “Oh, well… There might be another one coming after recant of the recant. I’m sure.”

Malacañang earlier dismissed Lascañas’ claims as “political drama” and another attempt to “destroy the president and to topple his administration.” n

Liberal Party senators removed from PH Senate…

PAGE A1 t

thia Villar replaced LP president Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan as chair of the Senate committee on agriculture.

Leaving the minority bloc, Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero meanwhile replaced LP Senator Benigno Paolo “Bam” Aquino as chair of the Senate committee on education.

Hontiveros, who ran under the LP during the last May 2016 senatorial election, was replaced

by Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino (PMP) Senator JV Ejercito.

Drilon, Pangilinan, Aquino, and Hontiveros are now part the Senate minority, led by Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, a vocal critic of President Rodrigo Duterte.

In a press conference on the same day, Pangilinan claimed that the revamp was planned by the Duterte administration.

“This is a part of their plans because this administration is not comfortable with our criticism of some of their policies,” the senator said. “We voice out our opinions on certain policies

and orders. It seems that the administration wants total support, may they be right or wrong, and we can’t allow that.”

Notably, the four senators stripped of the chairmanships in their respective committees earlier expressed their support for LP Senator Leila De Lima, a staunch critic of Duterte’s war on drugs and the alleged rise of extrajudicial killings in the country.

De Lima was arrested last week after a warrant of arrest

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INCONVENIENT TRUTH. Hundreds of passengers are stranded on Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City amid a jeepney strike organized

by Piston, Stop and Go Coalition, and the No to Jeepney Phaseout Coalition. Authorities however said the strike failed to cripple Metro Manila and was not nationwide in scope.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Ruy Martinez

DFA condemns killing of German…

PAGE A1 t

ed by a masked militant with a curved knife.

“We condemn, in the strongest terms, this cruel and inhuman act by the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), and reiterate our firm resolve to oppose terrorism in all its forms,” the DFA said in a statement.

“The Philippine Government will do its utmost to ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous crime are brought to justice,” the statement read.

The DFA also extended its sympathies to the family and friends of Kantner and the government

and the people of Germany.

In Germany, Chancellor Angela Merkel condemned “this abominable act, which shows once again how inhumane and without conscience these terrorists act,” spokesman Steffen Seibert said in a statement. “We must all stand together to fight against them.”

German Foreign Ministry spokesman Martin Schaefer would not give any details on possible negotiations with the kidnappers, including whether there was a ransom demand, citing government policy and saying that “public comment never helps in find-

ing a solution” in such cases.

On February 14, the ASG threatened to execute Kantner if the P30 million ransom was not paid by 3 p.m. on February 26.

The ASG had claimed kidnapping Kantner and killing a woman sailing with him off Sabah, Malaysia in November 2016.

According to the military, villagers later found a dead woman on a yacht with the German flag off Laparan Island in Sulu.

Kantner and his partner Sabine Merz were taken hostage by Somali pirates in 2008 and later freed, officials said. n

PH’s war on drugs to resume with…

PAGE A1 t

the military’s role in the campaign.

The anti-drug unit will be composed of about 500 soldiers.

The military, however, will only be involved when it comes to “high-impact operations and arrest of high-value targets,” according to AFP Public Affairs Office Chief Col. Edgard Arevalo.

“Our forces and assets provided for each operation will not conduct Tokhang,” Arevalo clarified, referring to the PNP’s previous house-to-house anti-drug campaign.

The AFP is also set to expand

its Joint Counterintelligence Task Force (JCTF) Noah, which assists law enforcement agencies in identifying, investigating and neutralizing persons involved in the use, sale, manufacture and distribution of illegal drugs.

Since President Rodrigo Duterte took office last July, 7,000 individuals have been reportedly killed by both police and vigilantes. Over 52,000 people have been arrested during the legitimate police operations, according to various reports.

Apart from the AFP, the Philippine National Police (PNP) will also rejoin PDEA in implement-

ing the government’s anti-illegal drug operations.

In a press conference on Tuesday,Duterte disclosed that he has ordered PNP chief Director General Ronald Dela Rosa to recruit police officers “who are imbued with the fervor of patriotism” to become members of the new anti-drug task force.

According to Duterte, the members of the new group will be strictly selected with no “history of corruption.”

“I have to do it because I lack men. I am also fighting the NPA (New People’s Army) and I

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A

Fil-Am among 43 most powerful female…

PAGE A1 t

nila University with a Bachelor of Science in Physics in 1998 and Computer Engineering in 1999.

Soon after, she went to the US where she pursued her master’s and PhD in electrical engineering at Stanford University.

Before joining the entertainment company in 2011, Aaron worked as a senior software en-

gineer for Video Codecs at Cisco Systems.

In an interview with Variety in 2015, Aaron discussed how Netflix’s Video Multimethod Assessment Fusion project could provide viewers with crystal clear videos with lesser bandwidth.

“A one-size-fits-all model doesn’t give you the most optimal quality…Each episode could

be very different,” mentioned Aaron. “We want to be good stewards of the internet.”

In celebration of National Engineers Week in March, Business Insider publishes a list of top female engineers to reognize the female brains behind vanguard advancements in science and technology. (Gianna Francesca Catolico / Inquirer.net)

PH’s war on drugs to resume with…

PAGE A2 t

have this problem in Mindanao about terrorism and drugs so I need personnel,” Duterte said.

“I need personnel so I have to call back the police again to do the job most of the times, on drugs.”

Duterte maintained that the anti-drug operations would remain “PDEA-supervised, whether done by the military or the police.”

In late January, the president ordered the PNP to pull out from anti-illegal drug operations nationwide to focus on “internal

cleansing.”

He made the suspension amid the controversial death of South Korean businessman Jee IckJoo, who was abducted from his home in Pampanga, along with his house help, reportedly under the guise of an anti-illegal drug operation last October 18, 2016.

Washington-based think tank Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), however, warned that the United States could suspend its “military aid and training” to the Philippines if the AFP “were to join the drug

war and participate in extrajudicial killings.”

CSIS Senior Adviser and Deputy Director Murray Hiebert pointed out that the Leahy amendment prohibits the U.S. Departments of Defense and State from providing equipment or training to foreign military units that commit “gross human rights violations.”

The U.S. government has repeatedly expressed its concerns over the extrajudicial killings that have allegedly occurred in relation to the Philippine government’s drug war. n

PH Consulate in LA signs agreement with US… PAGE A1 t guidance, access to education and training resources to help them exercise their workplace rights,” according to the agreement read by Dyan M. Pastrana, Vice Consul of the Consulate General-LA. Cruz praised the DOL WHD for its commitment to reaching out to the Filipino community. The DOL WHD, according to Rosalez, has also made agreements with other consular offices like those of Thailand and Belize.

The DOL WHD office was one of the agencies affected by the hiring freeze on federal employees ordered by President Donald Trump on January 23.

According to Rosalez, three months ago the DOL WHD had just under a thousand investigators nationwide (under 200 in the Western Region office) that handled cases of underpayment, workplace discrimination, etc.

Currently, the DOL WHD has about 900 investigators seeking to educate workers and hold accountable employers that disobey the law.

“The number of hard working people in [the DOL WHD] that actually handles so many of these cases over the country, the ratio is so small. Hats off to

ENDANGERED. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources receives P74 million worth of seized rhino stockpile from the Bureau of Customs on Monday. Director Theresa Mundita Lim of the Biodiversity Management Bureau (above), who received the horns at the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife in Quezon City, said the BMB would coordinate with Mozambique for possible return of the specimen. The horns would be disposed of properly or possibly destroyed by the DENR if the African state refused to accept them.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Mike De Juan

Liberal Party senators removed from PH Senate…

PAGE A2 t

Consul General Adelio Angelito S. Cruz and Regional Administrator, DOL WHD Western Region sign the “Arrangement Establishing an Understanding” at the Consulate General Office in Los Angeles.

AJPress photo by Ding Carreon

them,” Cruz said.

The DOL WHD introduced a program called EMPLEO Pinoy, which Filipino workers can call to receive advice and action plans for any workplace issues. For example, they may call if their employers aren’t paying them overtime hours or minimum wage or if they’re experiencing discrimination in the workplace.

Workers can reach English and Tagalog-speaking representatives of EMPLEO Pinoy at +1 (877) 885-6641. The calls are

free and confidential.

“So I think what we’re finding is that we’re making a headway,” Rosalez said. “Also, we’re finding that we’re seeing the fruits of our labor and we’re seeing that compliance is starting to happen.”

The agreement is wide-ranging and will help assist Filipinos working in all industries including health care, restaurants, hotel and hospitality, construction, agriculture and garment industry to name a few, according to

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was issued for the drug-related charges filed against her by the Department of Justice (DOJ).

The LP senators also reportedly attended a rally on Saturday, February 25 as part of commemorating the 31st People Power anniversary that ended the regime of late President Ferdinand Marcos as the country’s dictator.

“If this is the price to pay to show up in the streets of EDSA talking about democracy, talking about the issues of violence in our streets, if this is the price to pay then I gladly pay this price,” Aquino said.

Hontiveros, for her part, remarked that she’d “whole-heartedly accept being a part of the minority” if staying with the majority means associating herself “with a violent administration that has no respect for human

rights.”

‘Clear lines have to be drawn’ Sought for comments, Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo clarified that Duterte did not play a hand in the recent reorganization of Senate leadership.

“I think the policy of the president is not to interfere with the other branches of the government,” Panelo told reporters on Tuesday. “If I hear right, those who replaced the current senators belong to the same party.

Otherwise, the allies of Malacañang should have been placed there.”

Following the reshuffling of positions on Monday, Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel assured that the Senate will remain “independent and true to its role as the last bastion of democracy in our coun-

try.”

Pimentel said that the majority of the senators decided that “clear lines have to be drawn” in order for them “to best achieve the Senate’s legislative agenda.”

“Work in the Senate has been hampered by the blurring of the lines between the majority and the minority to the detriment of public interest. There have been instances where the majority, instead of closing ranks, ended up divided,” Pimentel said in a statement.

Pacquiao, who initiated the motions to strip the LP members of their chairmanship posts, also insisted that Duterte played no hand in the reorganization of the Senate positions.

Like Pimentel, Pacquiao also stressed that the revamp is needed for legislative processes to move. n

A MARCH 1-3, 2017 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL

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LA County to vote on 14 meAsures on mArCh 7 The Asian Journal’s guide to the county’s ballot measures and recall votes

by Klarize Medenilla / AJPress

O

n Tuesday, March 7, voters in Los Angeles County will be deciding on a wide range of new ballot measures as well as recall votes of past ballot measures. A few of these measures only apply to some cities, and many of them call for more certain tax increases for cities to bolster their municipal services. The county of LA has the most ballot measures coming up than any other county in California. Angelenos will be voting on two important measures (Measure S and Measure H) that regard homelessness, one of the city’s most crucial issues, and two contrasting ballots regarding the regulation of marijuana (Measure M and Measure n).

Here’s your guide to the county’s measure ballots:

Measure s: Los angeLes Changes to Laws governing the generaL PLan and deveLoPMent One of the most contentious issues Angelenos will voting on, Measure S involves major changes to the city’s general plan (zoning and development laws), including: • Imposing a temporary ban on large-scale real estate projects in the city for up to two years • Restricting amendments to the city’s general plan that are specific to a single project • Requiring a review of the plan every five years • environmental impact reports conducted by city staff

rather than real estate developers or those involved in construction projects Those that support the measure say that the city’s current zoning and project approval system allows developers to bribe city officials through donations for the approval of projects. In other words, they say that “Measure S is one of the best ways to fix systemic corruption at City Hall.”

While there is a strong campaign for the yes vote on this measure, there is a resounding

opposition to it, as well. notably, LA Mayor eric Garcetti has been staunchly against this measure, arguing that it will stall efforts to build housing for homeless using funds from Measure HHH, a measure that passed in november that ensures government funding for homeless housing projects. Moreover, opponents say that Measure S will stall all housing projects, resulting in mass job loss, economic downturn and a major drop in tax revenue for city services like education, parks, etc.

Measure h: Los angeLes County saLes tax for hoMeLess serviCes and Prevention THIS measure calls for a 0.25 percent countywide sales tax for the next ten years to fund homeless services and programs to prevent homelessness in the county.

The bill would assist a wide range of individuals, including

homeless veterans and survivors of abuse. The services promised include mental health assistance, rehabilitation for drug abusers and educational and vocational training for at-risk youth.

According to the bill’s sup-

porters, Measure H will save the county millions of taxpayer money because “it’s six times cheaper to treat and house the homeless than continuing to pay for trips to shelters, emergency rooms and jails.”

Measure a: arCadia unified sChooL distriCt ParCeL tax MeASuRe A applies to those voting within the Arcadia unified School District. Put on the ballot by the City of Arcadia, the bill calls for an 18-year extension for a parcel tax (a form of property

tax based on property units rather than estimated value) of $288 per parcel that’s soon to expire.

Proponents of the measure argue that the local funding will provide upkeep to the school

district by “attracting/retaining quality teachers; keeping schools safe/clean; protecting quality math, science, technology, reading, writing, art and music programs…”

Measure t: BeLL hoteL tax THe City of Bell’s City Council placed Measure T to increase the city’s hotel tax to 12 percent, a 4 percent increase from current city law. Only voters in the City of Bell will be voting on this measure,

which states that the tax increase is estimated to generate $285,000 to be allocated to city services such as law enforcement, municipal infrastructural repairs and city beautification. The tax—which

is a transient occupancy tax (TOT)—is common among cities in California and it’s meant to provide “locally-controlled funding” for services that are guaranteed by the State Legislature.

Measure LL: Monterey Park, CaLifornia, LiBrary ParCeL tax VOTeRS in Monterey Park will be voting on a bill that impose a 20-year extension parcel tax on certain properties to fund library services in the city. The tax breakdown: $25 per singlefamily unit, $50 per multi-family unit and $75 per commercial and industrial unit.

This measure extends a 1998 measure, Measure C, which was set to expire next year.

Advocates of the bill acknowledge the proposed tax, but deem it necessary considering the well-loved Bruggemeyer Library in Monterey Park. The tax is said to generate an estimated

Measure n: Los angeLes Marijuana reguLation and taxation initiative SIMILAR to Measure M, this proposal would establish “a permitting system and a regulatory scheme allowing for commercial cannabis activity in the City of Los Angeles.”

Where Measure M was proposed by government officials, Measure n was proposed by a trade group on behalf that the city’s medicinal marijuana dispensaries.

This measure would a regulatory plan written by industry leaders that would prioritize licensing for 135 medical marijuana businesses in the city. This initiative would essentially create a monopoly of the industry by these select businesses and would restrict modifications and amendments proposed by the city.

In short, this measure favors the industry to place regulations on the product where in Measure M, the city takes care of it.

Measure B: BeLLfLower Marijuana tax FOLLOWInG the path of the recently passed state measure that legalized marijuana, Proposition 64, the city of Bellflower will be voting on whether to implement a tax on businesses that sell marijuana and other cannabis-related products. The passage of this measure would

put Bellflower among the dozens of counties and cities—like Long Beach, San Diego and San Bernardino—which have approved taxes or fees on pot.

While taxes like these are common, opponents of taxes on marijuana fear that the taxes will pile up and will

give growers and producers of the plant incentive to take their businesses underground.

But supporters of the tax say that it will provide the necessary regulations and licenses and will help the city provide public safety by policing the product.

Measure CC: Covina utiLity tax extension VOTeRS in the City of Covina will be voting on Measure CC, which calls for the authorization of the city to extend its

utility user tax for 10 years.

The tax—which stands at 6 percent—allows the city to impose on the usage and consumption

of some utility services, including electricity, gas, water, sewage, telephone, sanitation and cable television.

Measure Ps: Cudahy, CaLifornia, ParCeL tax for PoLiCe ProteCtion THe City of Cudahy will be voting to impose a five-year parcel to fund the city’s law enforcement services. The tax breakdown goes as follows: • $139 per parcel for a singlefamily homes and unimproved

properties • $181 per parcel for multifamily units • $1,550-$49,600 per parcel for industrial and commercial properties, including mobile home parks and nonresidential

Measure P: Los angeLes harBor dePartMent Leases MaxiMuM Length inCrease Charter aMendMent

properties The governing officials of the city say that if adopted, the taxes will generate $2 million in revenue per year to pay for half of the law enforcement and poTHIS bill proposes making lice protection services. changes to the city charter to extend the length of the Harbor Department—the Port of LA— leases from 50 years to 66 years to coincide with changes made to state law in 2015. Proposed

Measure M: Los angeLes Marijuana reguLation and taxation referred ordinanCe In light of the legalization of recreational use of marijuana with the passage of Proposition 64, this measure will enact the LA City Council’s ordinance to regulate and tax marijuana.

The measure was proposed by the LA City Council.

If passed, the city would provide oversight over the indus-

$504,000 annually, meaning that 5.3 percent of Monterey Park’s general fund will be allocated to the city’s library annual funding, which would be used to extend library hours, hire more staff and to update the libraries’ technology and resources.

try’s operations in the city.

The proposal would impose a local gross receipts tax of 5 percent for medical marijuana sales, 10 percent for recreational cannabis and 1-2 percent for companies that transport, research and cultivate the plants.

IT would also enact criminal and civil punishments that violate these new stipulations Those that support the measure argue that regulation and taxation is provides a middle ground, allowing marijuana users to use the product but with restrictions to promote safe use and prevent abuse and youth influence. Those that oppose this measure, however, fear that the abundance of restrictions overly polices the product will stall businesses, forcing them to operate underground.

Prop 64 allowed each city council and mayor to put forth their own regulations on marijuana within their respective cities.

by the office of the LA City Attorney, the law would parallel a state law amendment that would allow the Harbor Department to issue franchises, concessions, permits, licenses and leases for a maximum of 66 years.

The economic impact in costs and profits to the Harbor Department and the City of LA have not been determined.

Lawmakers do not expect for the City’s General Fund to be impacted.

Measure d: PaLos verdes estates fire and ParaMediC serviCes ParCeL tax ReSIDenTS of Palos Verdes estates will see Measure D on their ballots, which calls for the city to extend an expiring parcel tax for 12 years to help fund fire and paramedic services. unlike

the other parcel tax proposals in other cities, the city officials from Palos Verdes estates are calling for a $342.34 per parcel including $0.12 per square foot of building improvement.

The city’s current annual budget is at about $25 million, and if the existing parcel tax expires, the city would require $5.4 million annually to fund its fire and paramedic services.

Measure C: redondo BeaCh king harBor-Pier deveLoPMent restriCtions MeASuRe C is a citizen initiative to restrict development in the King Harbor-Pier area, amending existing legislation to create new land use regulations.

Those that support the measure argue that harbor revitalization prioritizes corporate interests of a mall developer CenterCal rather than the citi-

zens’ recreational interests.

According to its proponents who filed an argument and rebuttal form, “MeASuRe C balances revitalization to overdevelopment choking our streets with traffic. It protects views, allows for growth, and incentivizes development, all while maintaining the charm of our waterfront, and water-oriented

recreational uses we love about Redondo Beach.”

Those that oppose, however, believe that Measure C will impose unnecessary tax increases while generating less revenue, “creating a sinkhole in our harbor that will drain city resources and services from other priorities” like infrastructural repairs that would “cost millions.”

Measure sf: san fernando aPPointed City treasurer THIS measure would propose a passed, the city treasurer would manager, etc) would select an change in the way city treasurer be an appointed position, wherein individual, rather than having citiis chosen in San Fernando. If a government entity (mayor, city zens elect one.

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Dateline USa

LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL • MARCH 1-3, 2017

A

Robredo confirms visit to De Lima

by Rosette

Adel

Philstar.com

A DAY OF RALLIES. Members of urban poor group who held a rally in front of the US Embassy in Manila are doused by a water canon following skirmishes with policemen.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Rene Dilan

No TRO for Leila, but SC sets oral arguments by edu

PunAy Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines — There will be no temporary freedom yet for Sen. Leila de Lima after the Supreme Court deferred ruling yesterday on her pleas to halt her arrest and put on hold court hearings on her drug cases.

The high court has set oral arguments on March 14 to hear all sides before deciding on De Lima’s petitions.

On national TV yesterday, Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez chided De Lima for defying the court’s arrest order and even inviting people to accompany her to prison – a symptom, Alvarez said, that the senator could be suffering from mental problems.

After visiting De Lima following her arrest last Friday morning, Vice President Leni Robredo said yesterday the senator was “in good spirits” even while in detention at the Philippine National Police (PNP) Custodial Center at Camp Crame in Quezon City.

Offering help, Robredo was updated by De Lima on the latter’s next legal moves. Both lawyers, the two politicians belong to the opposition Liberal Party.

Robredo earlier said De Lima was a victim of political persecution for standing up against extrajudicial killings linked to the Duterte administration’s war on drugs.

The high court deferred ruling yesterday on De Lima’s plea for the issuance of a temporary restraining order (TRO) to stop the proceedings in the drug cases against her and a status quo ante order to stop the arrest warrant that the Muntinlupa City Regional Trial Court Branch 204 issued against her last week.

In its session yesterday, the SC justices opted to first seek comments from the respondents through the Office of the Solicitor General and set the case for oral arguments.

SC spokesman Theodore Te said the respondents, RTC Judge Juanita Guerrero and the PNP, are given a non-extendible period of 10 days or until March 10 to answer the petition, while oral arguments are set on March 14 at 2 p.m.

Although the high tribunal has done otherwise in many past cases, the justices, an insider explained, did not see the need to decide on De Lima’s petitions without hearing the case in oral arguments.

The source said the TRO and the status quo ante order could still be granted depending on the arguments to be presented by both parties.

In her petition filed last Monday, De Lima raised the issue on

whether the cases against her fall under the jurisdiction of the RTC or the Sandiganbayan.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) indicted the senator before the RTC. But the embattled senator insisted that the agency has no jurisdiction over her case, which, she claimed, should have instead been forwarded to the Office of the Ombudsman.

De Lima argued that the allegations against her involve only direct bribery and not actual sale or trading of illegal drugs. It was not even for liability of government officials under Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act), she said.

De Lima said such charges fall under the jurisdiction of the Sandiganbayan, not the RTC, because her position at that time was justice secretary, which has a salary grade higher than 27.

Opposition Rep. Edcel Lagman of Albay called Guerrero’s arrest warrant on De Lima “grossly premature,” saying it was an error and that the judge should have first resolved De Lima’s motion to quash the charges against her, since the RTC, he said, lacks jurisdiction.

Instead, Lagman said, the ombudsman and the Sandiganbayan should handle De Lima’s case, as the senator was a public official at the time.

It was not the first time De Lima took legal steps to stop the DOJ from indicting her.

She earlier filed a petition with the Court of Appeals (CA), also seeking transfer of the cases to the ombudsman, citing practically the same arguments. But the appellate court denied her plea for a TRO. SC relief unlikely When sought for reaction on De Lima’s move to bring the case to the SC, Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II said he believes she would not succeed.

“Malabo yan na makakuha siya ng TRO sa SC (It would be unlikely for her to get that SC TRO,” he said.

“It is the prosecution who solely determines what charges should be filed against the person accused. The accused cannot interfere or suggest what charges to be filed against her,” Aguirre explained.

Solicitor General Jose Calida, who is expected to defend the DOJ before the SC, echoed Aguirre’s opinion, saying Judge Guerrero did not commit grave abuse of discretion in issuing a warrant of arrest against De Lima.

“The judge shall issue a warrant of arrest if she finds probable cause after personally evaluating the resolution of the prosecutor and its supporting evidence. This

is clearly set forth in Rule 112, Section 6 of the Revised Rules on Criminal Procedure. Nowhere in the rules does it require the judge to personally examine witnesses in the form of searching questions and answers for the purpose of issuing the warrant of arrest,” the solicitor general explained in a statement yesterday.

Calida stressed that the issuance of the arrest warrant is necessary for the RTC to acquire jurisdiction over the accused person, just like in any other criminal case.

He also rebutted De Lima’s claim that the judge had violated procedure in issuing the warrant before hearing her motions.

“This determination of probable cause for the issuance of warrant of arrest should precede the resolution of Senator De Lima’s motion to quash the information,” Calida said. “A finding of probable cause needs only to rest on evidence showing that more likely than not a crime was committed by the accused.

It need not be based on evidence establishing guilt beyond reasonable doubt.”

The top government lawyer also agreed with Aguirre that De Lima’s decision not to answer the charges in an earlier preliminary investigation at the DOJ was a strategic mistake.

In the drug cases, the DOJ accused De Lima of receiving around P10 million in drug payoffs from November 2012 to early 2013 through her co-accused, former Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) officer-in-charge Rafael Ragos.

Ragos said he delivered the money to De Lima’s residence in Parañaque City, where her former driver Ronnie Dayan, who is also a co-accused of de Lima in the case, received the money.

Psychological debriefing Alvarez said the detained lady senator might need to consult a psychiatrist and undergo some sort of “psychological debriefing” from a mental facility.

“Sinasabi ko lang naman iyung totoo, iyung saloobin ko. Nakikita ko doon sa demeanor niya (I’m just telling the truth, my opinion.

I see in her demeanor), prior to the arrest, na kung ano-ano na ang sinasabi (she was talking nonsense). You know, inviting the people para sumama sa kanya (to come with her),” the Speaker said in an interview with CNN Philippines.

The Davao del Norte congressmen said De Lima should go directly to the National Center for Mental Health and consult a psychiatrist, noting she had been deliberately defiant when a warrant for her arrest was issued. (With Delon Porcalla, Helen Flores, Jess Diaz)

PH Consulate in LA signs agreement with US… PAGE A3 t Rosalez.

Cruz praised Rosalez and the DOL WHD for being the “silent heroes” for underpaid workers, but Rosalez lamented that there was still more work to be done to combat employers who don’t abide by the law and underpay their employers — especially immigrant workers.

“There’s still a lot of work to do, and it saddens me to say that it’s 2017 and we still have cases where people are making $2 an hour, $3 an hour [or] $4 an hour.

It’s sad but it’s true, and we still have to investigate and still have to do those cases and be there for all workers,” Rosalez acknowledged.

Additionally, Rosalez acknowledged the widespread fear regarding the president’s immigration policies, but assured that the statuses of immigrant workers are protected should they approach the DOL or the Philippine Consulate for assistance.

“We understand in the current climate that workers are afraid to talk to people in the government,” Rosalez stressed. “We’re not immigration, let me make that very clear. We’re not a part

MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Leni Robredo on Tuesday, February 28 confirmed that she visited detained Sen. Leila De Lima.

“Pumunta po ako noong first night sa Camp Crame, pumunta ako mga alas-otso ng gabi. Ako na lang, ako na lang yata ang huling bisita na dumaan doon.

Nabisita ko naman si Senator Leila,” Robredo said in a released interview transcript.

De Lima has been detained at the Philippine National Police’s Custodial Center since last Saturday.

She allegedly violated Section 5 (sale) in relation to Section 3 (jj trading), Section 26 (b) and Section 28 or the criminal liability of government officials and employees under the Republic Act 9165 also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 for allowing the proliferation of the drug trade inside the New Bilibid Prison.

During her visit, Robredo said De Lima just updated her with her legal team’s remedy plans

Vice President Leni Robredo on Tuesday, February 28 confirmed that she visited detained Sen. Leila De Lima.

Office of the Vice President/Released

including the petitions she filed at the Supreme Court to get her temporary liberty.

Despite her detention, Robredo described De Lima to be optimistic.

“Parang in good spirits naman siya, pinag-usapan namin, nagtanong ako kung anong puwedeng maitulong from our end,” Robredo said.

“Ano naman siya, siya ang

nag-update sa akin kung anong ginagawa ng opisina niya, ginagawa ng team niya para salungatin iyong mga pangyayaring, iyong mga nangyari,” she added.

On Friday, Robredo said the arrest of De Lima is part of the current administration’s persistent political harassment campaign against a duly elected member of Congress. n

Drilon is new Senate minority leader

by MAilA

AgeR Inquirer.net

SENATOR Franklin Drilon was elected new Senate minority leader on Tuesday, February 28.

It was Senator Benigno Paolo “Bam” Aquino IV who nominated Drilon for the post. Aquino’s motion was seconded by Senate Majority Leader Vicente “Tito” Sotto III. On Drilon’s motion, Aquino was elected assistant minority leader.

Before this, detained Senator Leila de Lima informed the body that she was withdrawing from the majority group to join the new minority bloc in the Senate.

De Lima has written Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III informing him of her decision. Sotto read the letter on the floor.

“This is to give notice that I am formally withdrawing from the majority in order to join the minority bloc in the Senate,” she

said in the letter, a copy of which was later distributed to reporters.

The lady senator is charged with and detained for alleged involvement in illegal drugs.

With De Lima joining the opposition group, Pimentel said the majority group will now be composed of 18 senators while the minority has six members.

De Lima will join Drilon, Aquino, Senators Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, Risa Hontiveros and Antonio Trillanes IV in the new Senate minority bloc. n

Ash Wednesday marks start of Lent by evelyn

MAcAiRAn Philstar.com

dren in poor communities.

In his pastoral letter, Tagle asked the people to “reconcile MANILA, Philippines — Ma- with God by praying, fasting and nila Archbishop Luis Antonio performing acts of charity.”

Tagle encouraged the faithful Cardinal Tagle has revived the Fast2Feed program as Catholics to fast during Lent and to donate troop to churches on Wednesday, the money they save to feed the March 1 to mark Ash Wednes- poor.

“It only takes P1,200 for day, which ushers in the 40-day six months or P10 per day to Lenten season.

Tagle urged the faithful to take make an undernourished child part in the Fast2Feed program healthy,” he said.

In his circular to priests in the of Hapag-Asa that aims to raise funds to feed at least 20,000 chil- Archdiocese of Manila, Tagle said

envelopes would be distributed in parishes and schools. The envelopes with donations could either be offered during masses or turned over to the parish office.

Hapag-Asa has fed around 1.6 million malnourished children since the program was launched in 2005.

Aside from the supplemental feeding program, the Church has been providing children with early values education while their parents were given skills training and livelihood opportunities. n

Sinusuportahan ng Loterya ng California

Pambansang Problema sa Pagsusugal Buwan ng Kamalayan Marso 1-31 Ngayon ang panahon upang gawin ang unang hakbang Para sa Kompidensyal na Libreng Tulong Tumawag sa 1-800-GAMBLER

Members of the Philippine Consulate General’s office and the DOL WHD Western Region after the signing and press conference.

AJPress photo by Ding Careeon

of immigration and we don’t share information with immigration at all. But we are here to help. Every worker that works in the United States is due, by law, to be paid correctly, regardless of their status.”

Moreover, Cruz emphasized that the Philippine Consulate was not in cahoots with U.S. immigration agencies and is not sharing the immigration statuses of undocumented immigrants who visit or seek the

Consulate’s advice.

“Some of our fellow nationals feel that the Consulate actually turns in undocumented immigrants; we would like to dispel those rumors,” Cruz affirmed.

“We are here to help everyone who comes by our office. We do not ask people if they are documented or undocumented; we are here to provide any assistance we can.” (Klarize Medenilla/AJ Press)

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OpiniOn

Features

Legislative jungle

SOME say that a governance needs a good opposition to bring out the best in itself. Will this hold true for a government that is marred by a political rumble where supremacy is tested and egos are displayed?

The three great departments of the Philippine government—the Executive (President), Legislative (Senate and House of Representatives) and Judiciary (Supreme Court and all other courts)—are empowered by the Constitution to preserve freedom and democracy among its people.

To serve such purpose, these institutions are accorded with distinct powers and responsibilities.

However, to prevent any form of abuse of power, they are also subjected to separation of powers with appropriate checks and balances to ensure accountability and responsiveness in the government.

This complicated exchange lives under the Filipinos’ scrutiny. The departments are expected to play a complementary relationship, one that is more symbiotic and less parasitic. If they begin to be at each other’s throats, erosion of public trust will be the impending result.

In the long run, this will leave the government to hang in a precarious balance. This might cripple the country that is dependent on the ideals of democracy and thrives on public participation.

In the Senate, a line has been (clearly) drawn on Monday, Feb. 27 when six senators were relegated to the minority. Sen. Manny Pacquiao has moved that the Senate President Pro Tempore post, held

by Sen. Franklin Drilon, as vacant.

Sen. Ralph Recto was sworn in on the same day to assume the post.

Three other senators took the hit on Monday as Senators Risa Hontiveros, Francis Pangilinan and Bam Aquino were stripped off their chairmanship of the committees on health, agriculture and education, respectively.

Senators JV Ejercito, Cynthia Villar Francis Pangilinan and Francis Escudero were named their replacements.

They now join Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV, a staunch critic of Pres. Rodrigo Duterte’s administration, in the minority. Another Liberal Party (LP) member Sen. Leila De Lima, who was previously arrested on drug charges by the Department of Justice, completes the minority bloc.

Pacquiao revealed on Tuesday, Feb. 28 that at least 15 senators previously gathered in his house in Makati City to plan the reorganization of the Senate. He also pointed out that Malacañang had no hand in the shakeup that resulted in the removal of LP senators and allies from their positions.

Sen. Panfilo Lacson told reporters that he, Sotto, Senators Gregorio Honasan II and Loren Legarda pushed for the meeting, concerned about the “awkward” situation in the chamber.

“Most of us are not pro-Duterte or anti-Duterte.

Editorial

ManilaTimes.net photo

We do not want to be subservient but we also do not want to be hostile to the administration,” Sen. Vicente Sotto III explained.

This current rumpus in the upper chamber of the Congress is a far more complex issue than just the “few bad apples spoil the whole bunch” defense.

Averting a constitutional crisis does not mean developing a pugnacious attitude. These are the

very people entrusted by the Filipinos to articulate measures that would ease their hardships.

Despite all these political horse trading, we can conclude that Filipinos are becoming increasingly informed today because finally there is actually a debate on issues—that matter—taking place. This means that both sides are engaging and the country is being better served. (AJPress)

Trump gives himself an ‘A’ for achievement in his first month as president: How do you rate him?

DONALD TRUMP has been the president of the United States for a little more than a month now, and when asked in a TV interview how he would rate himself, he said he would give himself the grade of “A” for achievement.

However, he acknowledged how bumpy the first month had been and said because of this, he would rate himself a grade of “C” or a ”C+” for messaging because he said apparently, his administration had not been as successful in communicating his policies and plans to the American

people in as much as he wanted it to be.

The Fil-Am This is a good segue to the latest poll of polls by RealClearPoli- Perspective tics. An average of recent polls reveals that Trump just got a 44 percent approval rating, with 48 percent disapproval. This is historically low for a newly elected Gel SantoS-reloS president.

A slim majority of Americans, however, say the in office? In his

media treat President Trump unfairly.

The recent Wall Street Journal/NBC poll shows 51 percent of Americans think the media have been too critical of Trump, while 41 percent say the press has been fair to the president.

WHAT DO YOU THINK? How do you rate Trump’s first month first speech before the joint ses-

sion of Congress on Tuesday, the theme of the address is “Renewal of the American Spirit — an optimistic vision for All Americans.” What can and shall he do to unify the nation and achieve his goals for the good of all Americans? *** 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 ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https://www.facebook.com/Gel. Santos.Relos

Tightening the screws THE screws are tightening on both Street sides of the Pacific, pretty much like the Talk garote that snuffed the lives of the Tres Martires, Padres Burgos, Gomez and Zamora. Sooner or GreG B. MacaBenta later, some necks are going to snap.

In America, the screws are being tightened around the neck of President Donald Trump, with calls for his impeachment, while, in the Philippines, the target is President Rodrigo Duterte, with hints of a coup.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is digging into Russian President Vladimir Putin’s suspected hand in influencing the results of the US presidential elections, and Trump’s alleged connections with Russian-controlled business interests. The first casualty has been Trump’s national security adviser, Michael Flynn, who was forced to resign, following revelations of possible unlawful contacts between him and the Russian ambassador to the US. The Democrats are calling for an independent counsel to conduct an impartial and thorough investigation of these allegations. Doubts have also been raised that Trump has not truly divested himself of his business empire and that his presidency is being used to benefit the Trump enterprises.

On the other hand, Trump’s executive orders on banning visitors and immigrants from predominantly-Muslim countries, Iraq, Syria, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen, have affected even legal US residents and citizens.

In a recent incident, passengers of a domestic flight landing in New York were asked to show their IDs by immigration authorities, ostensibly in the course of searching for a person who was subject of a deportation order.

Ordinarily, only passengers of international flights are subjected to such an inspection.

The most eyebrow-raising news was about immigration officers questioning the former wife of boxing icon, Muhammad Ali, Khalilah Camacho-Ali, and her son, Muhammad Ali, Jr., upon their arrival in Fort Lauderdale, Florida from a trip to Jamaica. Both Camacho-Ali and

Muhammad Junior are bonafide US citizens.

Trump’s obsession to build a wall on the US-Mexican border to keep out illegals from Mexico and other Latin American countries, has been translated into more aggressive action

by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). In cities across the US, ICE officers have conducted raids on business establishments suspected of hiring undocumented workers. In some cases, checkpoints have been set up at which motorists have been asked to produce IDs, to prove legal presence in the country.

Trump has also begun to tighten the screws on the media, singling out what he has labeled as “the fake press who are the enemy of the American people.”

The enmity between Trump and US media is escalating. Trump has sent word that he will not attend the annual White House correspondents reception where the chief executive is traditionally roasted.

The report is that Hollywood star, Alec Baldwin, who has been doing a hilarious impersonation of Trump on the TV comedy show, Saturday Night Live, may be invited in Trump’s place. It goes without saying that Trump will get the roasting of his life at the event.

That’s not all that the US media are doing. They are digging up all kinds of dirt about Trump, particularly those related to his businesses.

The New York Times, Time Magazine, The Atlantic and The Guardian UK have raised the possibility that Trump owes $560 million dollars to the Blackstone/Bayrock Group, which is wholly owned by Russian billionaires who are cozy with Putin. The media suspect that this explains why Trump refuses to release his tax returns.

The speculation is that Trump’s indebtedness is one of the reasons why Russia has him by his cojones and why he could be subjected to pressures against US interests.

On another front, a special report in Newsweek, aired on MSNBC TV, alleges that Trump could be subjected to blackmail by the government of Turkey be-

cause of his relationship with the Dogan business group which is building twin towers bearing the Trump name. It appears that the Turkish government has arrested a senior executive of the Dogan group and Trump has hinted that the executive should be given a break, otherwise, the Trump group will lose millions.

What the Turkish government may want in return is the extradition of a Turkish imam, suspected of having committed a terrorist act in Turkey.

The imam is now a legal US resident and the US had earlier refused to extradite him. Newsweek believes there could be US President Donald Trump and PH President Rodrigo Duterte a quid pro quo by which Duterte, his camp rallied thousands of Trump’s business associate will be released in exchange for supporters and staged a “vigil” at the Rizal Park on the same day. the imam’s extradition.

Interestingly, a delegation led by the If this, in fact, happens, the screws could Marcos family, attended the pro-Duterte really tighten around Trump’s neck.

In the Philippines, Duterte is be- rally, loudly branding as a “fake revoleaguered following revelations by a lution,” the 1986 EDSA uprising that self-confessed member of the dreaded ousted President Ferdinand Marcos.

In a demonstration of tightening the Davao death squad (whose existence a Senate investigation committee has de- screws on the opposition, the Duterte nied). Former Davao policeman, Arthur government facilitated the arrest and Lascañas has revealed to the media that incarceration of Sen. Leila de Lima, a Duterte had personally ordered several fierce critic, on allegations of abetting killings, including the assassination of a the criminal activities of drug lords confined at the New Bilibid Prison. broadcast journalist.

In the Senate, in what may called a Duterte has been unusually quiet in the wake of these revelations, leaving it massacre, Liberal Party Senators Frankto his spokespersons and trolls to ques- lin Drilon, Risa Hontiveros and Bam tion the credibility of the self-confessed Aquino and Pwersa ng Masa Senator JV assassin. On the other, Sen. Dick Gor- Ejercito, were summarily ejected from don, who had conducted the Senator their committee chairmanships, apparinquiry into the Davao death squad and ently for being oppositionists.

At the Rizal Park rally, Justice Sechad doubted its existence, has shown retary Vitaliano Aguirre II did a virtual no interest in revisiting the case.

The 31st commemoration of the Peo- Pontius Pilate by asking the pro-Duterte ple Power Revolt at EDSA, on February supporters, in the course of his speech, 25, echoed with warnings against the whom they wanted him to arrest next. threat of martial law by Duterte and Like the Jews screaming for blood, the condemnation of the extra-judicial kill- crowd yelled out the name of Sen. Anings that have marked Duterte’s cam- tonio Trillanes IV, not that he has any paign against the drug menace. Per- moral similarity to Jesus Christ.

The message of Aguirre has not been haps fearing that the EDSA gathering could snowball into an attempt to oust lost on the critics of the Duterte admin-

istration. The screws are being tightened on them.

Meanwhile, Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay, who earlier swore under oath that he has never been a US citizen, may have been caught lying because of incriminating documents released by media. The documents show that Yasay did in fact become a US citizen and his renunciation only took effect before his appointment to the Duterte cabinet.

In that case, Yasay’s tenure as Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission and his senatorial candidacy in the 2004 elections were against the law. With the screws tightening around Yasay’s neck, will his patron, Duterte, come to his rescue or drop him like a hot camote?

Finally, the question is, whose neck will snap first. Trump’s or Duterte’s?

Or will it be Trillanes, following De Lima, as well as those who attempt to fight the Duterte juggernaut or Aguirre, Yasay and the mouthpieces, Martin Andanar and his trolls?

And in the US, will it be the US media and the Democratic Party or will it be Trump’s team of alternative fact-purveyors, like Steve Bannon, Sean Spicer and Kellyanne Conway?

Abangan! (gregmacabenta@hotmail.com)

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LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL • MARCH 1-3, 2017

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Plunder out of death penalty bill again move plunder from the bill.

“It will be a lot easier to present facts and figures re-imposing MANILA, Philippines — Ad- death penalty for drug-related ministration lawmakers on Tues- heinous crimes. The point is we day, February 28 removed plun- get a headway in the re-imposider, treason and rape from the tion of the death penalty,” Umali list of offenses covered by a bill said.

Drug offenses will make it easrestoring the death penalty and retained drug-related cases as ier for lawmakers to pass House among those qualified for capital Bill 4727, he added.

Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez punishment.

“We agreed that the bill be said an overwhelming majority limited to drug-related heinous – at least one-third, or 219 of 293 crimes,” House committee on House members – would vote for justice chairman and Oriental the restoration of capital punishMindoro Rep. Reynaldo Umali ment.

Alvarez was referring to the told journalists.

This is the second time that scheduled approval on second House members decided to re- reading of HB 4727, which will

by Delon

Porcalla Philstar.com

be done by members of the supermajority coalition either today or tomorrow.

“It will happen,” he said confidently, as he stood pat on the House’s policy for lawmakers to toe the party line of the dominant PDP-Laban party, including those allied with the ruling political party of President Duterte.

The House voted last week to terminate the period of debates and will now focus on individual amendments to the measure.

Lawmakers earlier included four offenses – plunder, treason, rape and drugs – among 21 heinous crimes to be covered by death penalty bill. n

Duterte inks Paris climate pact ‘Nature is rejoicing now’

by Michael liM Inquirer.net

JV MEETS WITH ANTI-MINING SUPPORTERS. Supporters of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Gina Lopez led by Bishop Ramon Arguelles (2nd from left) together with members of Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) and the Global Catholic Movement-Philippines present Senator JV Ejercito documents gathered from different mining sites in the country showing the adverse effects of the mining industry.

Ubac

PRESIDENT Duterte signed on Tuesday, February 28 the landmark Paris Agreement that will compel highly-industrialized nations to cap greenhouse gas emissions and pursue the massive development of renewable energy.

“The Paris Agreement has been ratified by the President.

The ratification will be transmitted by the Office of the President to the Office of Senator Loren Legarda for the Senate to concur in its ratification,” a highly-placed source told the Inquirer.

The signed document-called the Instrument of Ratificationwill be submitted to the Senate tomorrow (Wednesday) at 2 p.m.

Legarda will receive it as chair of the Senate climate change committee.

“The Office of the President has informed Senator Legarda about this wonderful news,” the source said, adding: “Nature is rejoicing now.”

Ratification process The process of ratification started with the agencies of government submitting their certificates of concurrence (COC) to the Office of the President.

Legarda, the United Nations Global Champion for Resilience, had quietly worked behind the scenes to ensure the climate pact’s ratification, personally calling up heads of agencies of government to submit their COCs and even talking with members of the President’s economic team.

Duterte had earlier threatened

Senate photo by Cesar Tomambo

Yasay’s confirmation in peril over renunciation of US citizenship

by Vince

F. nonato Inquirer.net

Senator Loren Legarda, Chair, Senate Committee on Climate Change and Finance delivered her message during the Climate Vulnerable Forum. Ministers from countries forming the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF) and global thought leaders addressed the Philippine Senate today as they presented new research indicating development by emerging economies would be optimized if global teperature increase was below 1.5C degrees celsius.

Photo by Joseph Vidal/Prib

not to honor the Paris accord because he believed it would only stymie the country’s economic growth and it was not clear how small countries could access the Green Climate Fund. However, he later agreed to it after his Cabinet members unanimously voted for its ratification.

Climate Change Commission Last January 31, Duterte himself convened the Climate Change Commission (CCC), a body created by Climate Change Act of 2009.

During the meeting, the President announced that Legarda would serve as the de facto chair of the CCC for being the principal author of the law that created it, a climate expert, and champion of climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction.

So far, 133 countries of the 197 parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change

have ratified the Paris Agreement. The threshold for entry into force was achieved as early as Oct. 5, 2016 and it became an international law on Nov. 4, 2016.

The climate deal requires nations to limit temperature rise to well below 2 degrees Celsius, a warming threshold that could significantly reduce the dangerous consequences of climate change.

The Philippines ranked sixth in Asia with a share of only 0.31 percent of the world’s total emissions of greenhouse gases, said the Senate Economic Planning Office.

By ratifying the Paris Agreement, the Philippines can access the US$100 billion climate financing pledged to be put up by developed countries annually by 2020 for climate mitigation and adaptation. n

MANILA — Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr.’s chances of being confirmed for his Cabinet post may be affected if it’s proven that he was once an American citizen who had to renounce it only last year, according to a ranking Commission on Appointments member.

Rep. Abraham Tolentino, committee assistant majority leader of the Commission on Appointments, said Yasay had not formally submitted the “certificate of loss of nationality of the United States.”

The document, obtained by the Philippine Daily Inquirer, showed he only renounced his citizenship on June 28, 2016, two days before President Rodrigo Duterte appointed him to his Cabinet.

“If proven na ganun… meron talagang effect yun (that will definitely have an effect),” Tolentino said of Yasay’s chances to clinch the confirmation.

He noted that Yasay’s citizenship was already “being questioned in the hearing” last week, even before the Philippine Daily Inquirer published the document this weekend.

Tolentino moved to suspend the Feb. 22 session over his com-

Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr.

mittee mates’ request for more documents to ascertain Yasay’s citizenship, even as he asserted that he has “never legally acquired American citizenship.”

After the Inquirer reported on his renunciation, the pronouncement drew speculation from several senators that he might open himself to a perjury charge for lying under oath.

Tolentino said he would not deem Yasay liable for perjury for now. He said Yasay could have “strong evidence in his defense.”

Tolentino also cited Yasay’s argument that he did not complete his residency requirement after seeking naturalization in 1986.

“I think meron siyang justification doon, meron siyang alibi kaya niya nasabi yun. Sinasabi niya di siya qualified, so maybe he’s not an American citizen (I

think he has a justification, he has an alibi for saying that. He’s saying he wasn’t qualified for citizenship, so maybe he’s not an American citizen),” he said.

That statement was already cited in a Feb. 23, 1993 affidavit Yasay submitted to the Commission on Appointments. It read that while he “was granted United States citizenship” on Nov. 24, 1986, his decision to return to the Philippines within a year made him “ineligible and disqualified for such citizenship.”

Tolentino also echoed the argument that while Yasay held a green card, permanent residency status did not equate to American citizenship.

He also noted how Yasay was able to run for senator and even vice-president, which meant the Commission on Elections accepted his Filipino citizenship.

“It means Filipino siya. Ayun nga based on sa submitted documents; siguro, hindi nahukay nung tumakbo siya noon (It means he’s Filipino. That was based on submitted documents; maybe, those weren’t dug up when he ran before),” he said.

Tolentino said these issues would be raised during the resumption of Commission on Appointments’ hearings. n

A MARCH 1-3, 2017 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL

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LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL • MARCH 1-3, 2017

BUSINESSJ& COMMUNITY ournal

B

PCC: Open construction business to foreigners by roy

ditional investments in the private market, while also boosting the public sector through knowledge transfer and the use of new technologies.

“PCC estimates that the lifting of the restrictions on foreign contractors will yield an additional P210 billion worth of private construction activities in these segments,” the policy note read. PCC did not quantify the gain on the part of the public sector.

The regulation in question, which PCC said “violates the constitutional state policy against unfair competition,” referred to the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of

Stephen C. CaniVel Inquirer.net

The competition watchdog said P210 billion more would be invested in the private sector if the government changed the licensing rules being followed in the construction industry.

In a policy note posted on its website, the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) renewed its call to address the nationality distinction that provides more flexible rules to domestic contractors in the construction industry, while restricting the access of foreign ones.

PCC said opening the market to more players would invite ad-

u PAGE B4

Duterte assures car industry of fair fiscal reforms

by Catherine

Valiente The Manila Times

President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday assured the automotive industry of a tax reform plan that is “fair and supportive” even if the proposals included higher taxes on cars.

In a speech during the launch of the first locally-assembled Mitsubishi Mirage G4 sub-compact in Malacañang, Duterte assured the industry that the proposed adjustments in car excise taxes will not have a

No more job cuts at TV5, says MVP

by Miguel

as “painful” and necessary.

“We are closely monitoring the situation, but that is the last of the cost-cutting situation,” Pangilinan told reporters on Monday.

“It had to be done. The choice will be you shut down the station or keep it alive,” he added. “We want to save the many and I know the few had got to be sacrificed.”

Those who lost their jobs in-

r. CaMuS

Inquirer.net

The head of PLDT Inc. said there would be no further job cuts at TV5, its television unit that has struggled to post a profit, after reports surfaced that about 100 employees were axed on Friday.

PLDT chair and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan confirmed on Monday the latest wave of layoffs, characterizing the event

negative impact on its growth.

“Let me take this opportunity, too, to reassure our stakeholders from the automotive industry that we will take due consideration of your concerns about our package of proposals, fiscal reforms,” the president said.

“We will ensure that its impact will be fair and supportive of your growth as participants in the CARS Program,” Duterte said. CARS is the Comprehensive Auto Resurgence Strategy.

The President said the program demon-

u PAGE B4

strates the government’s commitment “to pursue initiatives that will create more jobs for our people and help achieve sustained prosperity in our country.”

He said the program complements the government’s Zero Plus Ten-Point Socioeconomic Agenda, which aims to improve all sectors in terms of efficiency and development.

“Under the CARS Program, the investment committed or commitment of the Mitsubishi is expected to add around 7,900

u PAGE B4

New guidelines on PH-China trade, investment relations ready in March by roy

Stephen C. CaniVel Inquirer.net

The new Chinese commerce minister would soon sign a set of guidelines that would further boost bilateral ties between China and the Philippines and even “stand the test of laws,” the Chinese envoy to Manila said yesterday.

Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jianhua told businessmen and policymakers in an investment forum in Makati that the cooperation between the two countries must be corruption-free and mutually beneficial.

“It is a very important part for the coming visit of the new commerce minister of China. He will sign together with his coun-

terparts guidelines which would guarantee that proper and legal procedures to be followed,” he said in his speech.

Test of laws He did not expound on the details of the guidelines but noted that the “cooperation between both sides would be rule-based, transparent and will

u PAGE B4

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Royal Business Bank announces 2017 scholarship program

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

Looking for extra money?

Top debt management tips to save military service members money each month

$20,000 in scholarship awards available

Royal Business Bank is committed to supporting economically-challenged youth residing in its business service territories to fulfill their dreams of obtaining a higher education. Twenty (20) $1,000 scholarships available for high school seniors planning to attend college as a full-time, degree-seeking student in the fall of 2017.

The application deadline is at Wednesday, March 29, 2017 at 11:59 p.m.

Eligibility: • High school seniors who reside in Los Angeles County, Orange County, Ventura County and Clark County-Nevada • Plan to attend a U.S. Accredited 4-Year College/ University or California/Nevada Community College as a 1st year student in the Fall of 2017 (if selected, must submit college acceptance letter for verification) • Have a minimum cumulative unweighted high school GPA of 3.0 • Have a household income at or below the County Low Income Level (Must be able to show 2015 or 2016 tax return should applicant be selected for award.)

The scholarship is open to ALL MAJORS and there is NO ETHNICITY REQUIREMENT Employees of Royal Business Bank and their immediate family members are NOT eligible to apply All awardees (local to Southern California) must attend the Awards Reception in order to receive the scholarship. The reception will be held in the summer of 2017 in the greater Los Angeles area.

Date and location will be provided to awardees when available.

Application Requirements: 1) Application Form; 2) Recommender Form from a Community Service Advisor; 3) Official High School Transcript The scholarship awards will only be used to cover the cost of tuition for attending a college/university.

What is considered cost of tuition varies by institution.

For more information and to apply, please visit: http://apcf.org/2017-royal-business-bank-scholarship-program/ All materials must be RECEIVED by 11:59 pm on Wednesday, March 29. Anything received (whether mailed, emailed, or faxed) past that date and time will not be considered, regardless of postmark.

Questions or inquiries? Contact by phone: (213) 624-6400 ext. 6 or by email: scholarships@apcf.org

Want to learn how to save money? You’re not alone.

“One way to manage debt is to pay it down sooner,” says Jerry Quinn, Wells Fargo Military & Veteran Programs manager. “You can save on interest over time and on the total cost of borrowing.”

Quinn offers these tips to save money by paying off debt sooner: • Pay off debt sooner and save significantly on interest by paying more than the minimum each month on loans. Also, try paying half your monthly bill every two weeks instead of the full amount monthly, you’ll make one extra payment over the course of a year — and you could pay your debt off sooner. Ask if your lender applies these partial payments to your principal.

• Prioritize paying off loans with the highest interest rate first.

• Stay on top of debt by setting up automatic transfers — simply select the date, the amount, and the debt you’d like to pay off.

• Bank with a responsible lender that gives you options for paying down debt on terms better for your bottom line. For example, Wells Fargo offers consumers options that could shorten the length of loans, such as refinancing and debt consolidation. There are many different ways to consolidate debt, so talk to your bank about your options.

• Reduce your overall monthly expenses by lowering the rate of your current loans. If your credit score has improved or if overall interest rates have gone down since applying for a particular loan, you may be able to lower the rate of your auto, home, personal, or student loans or your credit cards.

Consider any fees that might be associated with refinancing.

• Be a savvy about credit. Check all three national credit bureaus annually to verify there are no errors. Don’t worry; requesting your reports won’t affect your credit score.

• Know your limits. Being close to or maxing out your credit limits may negatively impact your credit score. Keep balances low on credit cards and other revolving accounts; keeping your balance below 30 percent of your total available credit may improve your credit score. Always pay on time, and more than the minimum due, if possible.

• Use free educational resources, such as Wells Fargo’s Hands® on Banking for Military and Wells Fargo’s Smarter Credit Center (https://www.wellsfargo.com/smarter_credit) to help you make responsible financial decisions. These sites offers interactive features that explain key credit concepts, such as building credit, improving or rebuilding credit, taking charge of existing debt and practicing good credit habits..

Getting better money management skills can help you lower your monthly expenses on big ticket items like loan repayment and reduce the overall cost of your debt over time.

Green projects seen to fill up job losses from mine closures

by Czeriza

ValenCia

Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines - Job losses from mine closures can be easily replaced by green projects approved by the environment department, said Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia.

While there is still no full tally of the total number of workers to be affected by the closure order slapped by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on 23 mining firms, Pernia noted the entire mining and quarrying industry employs only around 217,000 workers, accounting for “half of one percent of total persons employed,” “Gina (Environment Secretary Gina Lopez) says she has alternative employment for them. She is into local area development to make local areas more attractive for tourism,” he said in a recent interview. “We also have a lot of construction projects.”

Lopez said last week her department is looking at the development of several mined out areas into ecotourism zones to rehabilitate the former mines and provide livelihood to affected communities.

Around 13 towns in Dinagat and Surigao are being considered for development into ecotourism sites integrated with organic farms. These, she said, would give residents a sustainable source of livelihood.

“In mining, the money goes out (of the community) but here in a green economy, 95 percent of the money is retained (in the community),” she said.

Lopez said the DENR is also coordinating with the Department of Labor and Employment and the Department of Social Welfare and Development for the provision of emergency employment to workers who will be affected by the closure order.

DENR’s harsh stance against the mining industry is unlikely to severely hurt the economy, according to Pernia, since the ex-

A UNQUE REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT

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WINDING ITS WAY SOON

A PROJECT OF

tractive industry only makes up 0.99 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) as of 2016. This corresponds to a contribution to the economy of $8.3 billion.

The multiplier effect of the industry is also “relatively small,” Pernia said.

He recognized, however, the ill-effects of the jobs loss at the family level.

“When you’re a mining worker and you are displaced, the family suffers. Of course at the family level it can be devastating. It is only at the macro level (that the effect is not severe),” he said.

Environment Undersecretary for legal affairs Maria Paz Luna said most of the mines ordered closed are still operating as they have not yet received the order.

These companies have 15 days from receipt of the closure order to file a motion for reconsideration before the Office of the Environment Secretary or the Office of the President or face certain closure.

“If they do not appeal, they have to close,” she said. n

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Barrister’s Corner Atty. Kenneth UrsUA reyes PRESIDENT Trump appears to be executing on his “America First” agenda by executing executive orders in record pace with the intent of securing American interest. However, these executive orders has affected certain rights of legal permanent residents and aliens residing in the United States. As a green card holder, you are still considered an Alien despite having many rights and privileges similar to US Citizens. You are not safe and may still be removed if you violate certain provisions of the immigration and nationality law.

You should seriously consider applying for Naturalization or US Citizenship if you qualify. Generally, you have to have the following in order to qualify to apply for Naturalization:.

Be at least 18 years old at the time of filing for Naturalization.

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAglAyA Thankfully, spring is almost upon us in a few weeks and the earth beckons. The atmospheric river that gave us the blessing of so much rain has quenched the thirst of the earth during the long draught in California.

This long, wet and cold winter, believe it or not, is one huge blessing.

We thank and praise God for the mercy He showers upon the earth and His people. Whether you are aware of it or not, miracles, great and small, are happening right before our very eyes. There is a strong sense that countless people are bending down their knees in prayerful supplication of miracles such as abundant rainfall to come.

Lo and behold, the rains have quenched the parched earth.

Meteorologists have dubbed this atmospheric river above our heads way up in the clouds the “Pineapple Express” which gavus this weather phenomenon. Tropical moisture from the Pacific Ocean near Hawaii runs like a choo choo train to the mainland first hitting the West Coast.

Thank God we now have water for our fields, our plants and many millions of people. At the same time, the rains have exposed the vulnerability of California’s aging infrastructure, such as the dam on the verge of bursting at the seams at Lake Oroville in Northern California.

Debt Relief Atty. lAwrence yAng CLIENT is 65 and a widow.

Wanting some male attention, I guess, she posted her picture on the Internet. She looks much younger in the posted picture.

She showed me the picture. She looked like she was 48. But she said that the picture was taken only last year. If her purpose was to get some male attention to her picture, she certainly got it. Ah, the wonders of the Internet where romance can bloom without people actually physically meeting each other. I asked her if she ever met the guy. She said she could not believe how stupid she was. I asked her if the guy was American. She said she doesn’t even know if the picture he sent was really he.

It started with him asking her for money for legal expenses, then money for this, and money for that. So, I asked her how long has it been going on? It started about 9 months ago.

Then I asked her how much she had given him. She said she had given him $100K in 9 months. I said, “Are you serious, you must be kidding!” She said she was not kidding. She admitted that her children told her not to do it, as did her friends and other relatives. So I said, “so, why did you do it? How can you give a guy that you have never met, $100K?” And her explanation was “I was crazy, I was insane…”

It really looks like she went nuts for a while there. Then I asked her where she got the $100K. She said I borrowed from credit cards, banks and relatives for a grand total of $100K. So now she wants to have the guy arrested. Even if she files a police report, it’s next to impossible to find who the guy really is, much less arrest him.

This guy could be anyone in the world who he lives in Timbuktu but pretends that he is a goodlooking American guy. I asked

Community Journal

Applying for US citizenship in these turbulent times

Be a permanent resident/ greencard holder for at least 5 years.

Show that you have lived for at least 3 months in the state or USCIS district where you apply.

Demonstrate continuous residence in the United States for at least 5 years immediately preceding the date of filing.

Show that you have been physically present in the United States for at least 30 months out of the 5 years immediately preceding the date of filing.

Be able to read, write, and speak basic English.

Have a basic understanding of U.S. history and government (civics).

Be a person of good moral character.

Demonstrate an attachment to the principles and ideals of the U.S. Constitution.

If there are no major issues in your case, your naturalization process should take approximately 5 months. If you pass the

naturalization interview and your case is approved, the USCIS will schedule you for your Oath taking ceremony shortly thereafter. ***

Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, P.C. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kureyeslaw@gmail.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com. *** Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, P.C. This article is not a solicitation.

(Advertising Supplement)

Tweaking the lessons learned from the garden First of 2 parts

“My garden is my most beautiful masterpiece” Parts of roads and freeways need reconstruction.

Water is a blessing but it is also a double-edged sword. It can also destroy. Oh if we only had leaders in California that had the foresight to build more dams and reservoirs for the periods of dryness that are sure to come in cycles. The problem is that we have politicians but no true leaders, who would place the interest of the people rather than their own agenda, in this part of the country.

The gardener at heart tunes out all such concerns. He can tune out all dire fake news of doom and gloom that the mainstream media bombards people with. Media has lost its credibility. Media does not realize that viewers have the power in their fingertips to kill their broadcast with their remote control. People have the power to cut off their revenues by unsubscribing. It’s that simple.

This year will still be an unsettling year. This is a transition year with nationalists battling globalists. The Chinese people say that there is always a danger in transitions. And it is true.

So many forces are in play. The country is divided and there are sinister globalist forces that work against the American

-Claude Monet, speaking of his garden At Giverny worker.

However, there is a movement worldwide among nations, specially in Europe, to unshackle themselves from unelected unions that dictate how nation states are to live. There will be so much uncertainty in the air as the nation state reasserts its primacy over global forces.

The forces of good and evil are aligned. There exists the specter of a protracted war with radical Muslim terrorists gunning for world domination with their visions of a caliphate, looming menacingly in the horizon. The goal for all peace-loving people is to avoid any nuclear war at all costs.

The realist in us thinks there is reason to be anxious. But the true gardener at heart remains unfazed. Cool, calm and collected, he chooses to live in that rare state of grace called equanimity. Sort of like the old song “que sera, sera, whatever will be, will be”……

It must come from the zenlike peace one gets when one gardens, even if it is simply tending a single potted plant on an office desk. Doing what must

u PAGE B4

Senior scammed out of $100K by internet boyfriend needs Chapter 7 relief Client filed for Chapter 7 without lawyer in 2008 did not get discharge her how come she never met the guy in person. She said that he was working, as a seaman so he would be in port for a short time, then would be out at sea for a long time. I asked her for a picture of the guy. She showed it to me. I said, “I think I’ve seen that guy somewhere before. Wait, that’s the most interesting guy in the world, the guy who is the spokesman for some European whiskey brand. Well, obviously, that’s not his real picture.

The real guy could be somewhere in Nigeria laughing his way all the way to bank. I asked her if she’s ever heard of the Nigerian scams where you get a call telling you that he is some kind of royalty from Nigeria whose assets have been frozen by the bank. If you wire him $1K, he will be able to unfreeze his bank accounts and send you $1.0 M immediately.

It’s so unfortunate that senior women fall for the oldest trick in the gigolo book. I had another client who was 50 but she actually had a real boyfriend who asked her to bring him around the world. The guy treated her as a ‘sugar mommy’. You know how that works, right? The woman being older, the man is younger. He professes that he loves her but that love has to be “sugared” with cash and exotic trips around the world. Well, the easiest way to sugar this love is to use credit cards. My other client maxed out her credit cards at $180K for so many trips around the world. Cruises galore! Lifestyles of the rich and famous for as long as there are credit cards to use. But as soon as the money runs out, good-bye my one and only love…it’s time to look for another sugar mommy with

unused credit cards.

Fortunately, client victim can discharge her $100K debts with a Chapter 7 petition to have a fresh start. By next year, her credit score will start going up. If she handles the new credit cards in a timely manner, she can be up and running around with another boyfriend all over the world with her new credit cards.

But this time around, I hope she can at least meet Mr. Romeo in person and spend a romantic year with a real guy while her new credit cards are not maxed out.

Next client is 56. She says she filed for Chapter 7 in 2008 but never got a discharge. I asked her how she knew that no discharge was given to her. She showed me a notice that her case was closed without discharge. Since then, she obtained new credit cards of $30K. She was just disabled and can’t pay the cards anymore. I asked her who her lawyer was.

She said she had no lawyer and filed it herself. She said now she wants to re-file with a lawyer so she can get a discharge. Can she file another Chapter 7 now? Yes, because it’s at least 8 years from the first filing date even if she did not get a discharge.

“THE LORD LIVES! BLESSED BE MY ROCK! LET GOD BE EXALTED, THE ROCK OF MY SALVATION!” 2 Samuel 22:47 *** 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

LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL • MARCH 1-3, 2017

Calendar of Events across

B

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 MARCH 5

Free women’s self-defense workshop in Los Angeles A free women’s self-defense workshop will be held on Saturday, March 5 from 2 to p.m. at St. Columban Filipino Ministry (125 Loma Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90026). It will be hosted by the Los Angeles Philippine Women’s Club in tandem with the Women’s Council of the St. Columban Parish. This is open to all genders. For more information, please contact MOTHER at (213) 268-3222

MARCH 6

Talk and book signing with Susan Quimpo, author of “Subversive Lives” in Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey Come see Susan Quimpo, one of the authors of “Subversive Lives” on Monday, March 6 at the Free Public Library of Hasbrouck Heights from 6 to 8 p.m. “Subversive Lives” is a memoir by eight siblings (plus one by marriage) who dedicated themselves to the anti-Marcos resistance in the Philippines. Quimpo will talk about her personal experience during the Marcos years. Books will be available for sale. A book signing will follow after the talk. The Free Public Library of Hasbrouck Heights is located at 320 Boulevard, Hasbrouck Heights, NJ 07604.

MARCH 9

Talk and book signing with Susan Quimpo, author of “Subversive Lives” in New York Come see Susan Quimpo, one of the authors of “Subversive Lives” on Thursday, March 9 at the 67th Street New York Public Library from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. “Subversive Lives” is a memoir by eight siblings (plus one by marriage) who dedicated themselves to the anti-Marcos resistance in the Philippines. Quimpo will talk about her personal experience during the Marcos years. A book signing will follow after the talk. The New York Public Library is located at 328 E 67th St. (between 1st and 2nd Ave.), New York, NY 10065.

M A R C H 9 -1 8

CAAMFEST35 in San Francisco & Oakland Come to the 35th anniversary of CAAMFest from March 9-19 and immerse yourself in expansive and diverse programs celebrating the best in Asian American film, music and food. The Center for Asian American Media (CAAM) is a non-profit organization dedicated to presenting stories that convey the richness and diversity of Asian American experiences to the broadest audience possible. The annual CAAMFest is the nation’s largest showcase for new Asian American and Asian films. It presents approximately 125 works in San Francisco and Oakland over the course of 11 days. Tickets can be purchased online or in person. For more information, please visit http://caamfest.com.

MARCH 11

CSFLU to hold dinner-dance in Brea, CA The City of San Fernando La Union Association (CSFLU) will hold its annual dinnerdance at the Embassy Suites in Brea, CA on March 11. Music will be provided by Willie Manacsa & The Midnight Motion Band. For more information, please call Vangie So, president of the association at (626) 485-3110.

Whitney High School’s 30th annual Pilipino Culture Night in Cerritos, CA Whitney High School’s Club Kaibigan invites you to attend “Ang Ating Salaysay (Our Story),” the 30th annual Pilipino Cultural Night on Saturday, March 11. The matinee show is at 2 p.m. ($12 / ticket), with the evening performance at 6:30 p.m. ($15 / ticket). The show will be held at the high school’s Mac Auditorium (16800 Shoemaker Ave., Cerritos, CA 90703). Any questions can be directed to clubkaibigan@gmail.com.

“Walk for Wishes” in Las Vegas Powered by wish families, volunteers, donors, and friends, Walk For Wishes is a nationwide Make-A-Wish fundraiser celebrating thousands of wishes that have already been granted, while raising funds for future wishes. Proceeds from this event help fund wishes that bring life-changing joy and hope to children battling life-threatening medical conditions in our community. On Saturday, March 11, Make-A-Wish® Southern Nevada partners with Caesars Foundation to present its 16th annual Walk for Wishes. Registration opens at 7 a.m., with opening ceremonies at 8:00 a.m. The 5K Run will begin at 8:30 a.m. and the 1 mile walk at 8:35 a.m. It will be held at Town Square Las Vegas at 6605 Las Vegas Blvd.

South (northwest corner of Town Square Blvd. and North St.), Las Vegas, NV 89119.

M A R C H 1 1 -1 2

Consular outreach mission in Phoenix, AZ A team from the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles will conduct a Consular Outreach Mission in Phoenix, Arizona on March 11 and 12. It will be held at Halo Halo Kitchen (3553 W. Dunlap Ave., Phoenix, Arizona 85051) from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 to 5 p.m by appointment and completed documents only. Please email arizona.consularoutreach@gmail.com with submissions and applications before March 3. No walk-in applicants will be accepted. The following consular services will be rendered: renewal and/or first-time applications for electronic passport ($60 processing fee + $24 mailing fee). New passports will be released to the applicant by mail twelve (12) weeks from March 15, 2017. No lost passport applications will be accepted; Applications for the retention and re-acquisition of Philippine citizenship pursuant to the Dual Citizenship Law ($50 processing fee). Oath taking will be scheduled on the same day for qualified applicants. Applicants are advised to wear appropriate clothing for the occasion; Applications for report of marriage & birth ($25 processing fee + $7 mailing fee); and registration for overseas voting for the 2019 national elections for senators and party list representatives. Fees must be paid in person at the scheduled appointment. Only cash, postal money order or cashier’s checks are accepted.

Personal checks will not be accepted. For more information, please visit http://www.philippineconsulatela.org/. A final list of all applicants will confirmed appointment schedules will be posted on the website by March 8.

MARCH 18

Free vision screenings & walk for sight in San Fernando, CA On Saturday, March 18, the Lions Club event Lions Eyes Across America will be having free vision screenings and a “Walk For Sight” at San Fernando Recreation Park (208 Park Ave, San Fernando, CA 91340). Registration is at 9 a.m. and the walk starts at 10 a.m. Donate your old eyeglasses and hearing aids. Gather family and friends to support low vision resources throughout Los Angeles. The $15 registration includes a 2017 Lion Eyes T-Shirt.

Contact Vangie Tabberrah at (818) 399-7965 or csvangie.tabb@gmail.com.

FASO’s “Swing the Night Away” in Glendale, CA Swing the night away with Filipino American Symphony Orchestra (FASO) on Saturday, March 18 at the Glendale Hilton! Bring your dancing shoes for an evening of swing, two-step, rumba, cha-cha, tango and waltz! Dance Instructors will be available on the floor.

You can feel free to sit back, relax and enjoy the music! No host cocktails at 6:00 p.m, with dinner at 7:00 p.m. Tickets (dinner included) are $125. You can also contact Arlene Ferrolino (213) 248-9850, Bob Shroder (818) 395-8936 or JL Garcia (310) 936-2988 for tickets and sponsorship opportunities information. FASO is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.

Proceeds will be used to sustain the orchestra, and to fund its education and outreach programs. More information is available on the FASO website at http://www.fasofoundation. org.

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 MARCH 1-3, 2017 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL

The Kite Runner Prof. EnriquE M. Soriano In a CNN report written by Paolo Taruc on September 21, 2015, the Philippines emerged as one of Southeast Asia’s fastest growing economies with an average gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate of 6.2 percent per year from 2010 to 2014. The figure represents the highest growth in nearly four decades, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

Former NEDA chief Arsenio Balisacan believes that the country’s economic gains have been a boon to the property sector. “The shape of real estate industry in the Philippines has changed dramatically over the years. In particular, the property market has grown robustly over the last 20 years as increasing demand for residential and commercial properties in the country became ever more evident against the backdrop of our changing economic landscape,” he said in a speech last July 28, 2015 during the summit organized by the Land Registration Authority (LRA) and The Organization of Property Stakehold-

What’s New

The Philippine housing plan is an epic failure ers, Inc. “While the property industry has already been doing very well in the past few years… the sector is seen to grow even more robustly, driven by the continued positive outlook on the economy and the projected expansion of outsourcing industry within the next five years,” he added.

Metro Manila has more than 3 million informal settlers However, behind a robust property canvass, it is time to paint a different picture. In a 2010 report, Metro Manila was already home to 2.8 million informal settlers...that’s 556,526 families living in improvised housing communities commonly referred to as shanty towns and often lacks property sanitation, safe water supply, electricity and other basic human necessities.

With very limited opportunity for livelihood, heightened military conflict and unabated poverty continue to wreak havoc in the countryside, it is estimated that around 200,000 annually troop to the National Capital Region hoping for a better life and preferring to be tag as informal settlers rather than risked being impoverished in their hometowns.

The National Urban Development and Housing Framework (NUDHF) 2009- 2016 finds the

housing problem to be serious and is a largely urban phenomenon. The magnitude of housing need, defined as the housing backlog plus new households, is enormous and is estimated to reach about 5.8 million housing units. That is the official figure.

My unofficial estimate having been actively monitoring the sector for close to 29 years is roughly hovering between 7 to 8 Million backlog.

And the gap is widening. Annually it is estimated that close to 500,000 new homes are needed to address the current housing need. Homebuilders can only supply anywhere from 20 percent to 22 percent of the unmet need.

CREBA, in its recent National Convention in Baguio City, where I moderated the proceedings, cites very disturbing figures and I quote its President Charlie Gorayeb: “The 5.5 million housing backlog is too huge to be ignored. It threatens to balloon to even bigger proportions if supply and access continue to fail to cope with the consistent rise in demand as a result of population increase, rapid urban migration, and affordability gaps, and other factors. The nagging housing problem transcends many other facets of the nation’s over-all

Foreign person NRA tax witholding First of 2 parts

Arlene Al-os, CPA, MBA Nonresident Alien NRA tax withholding is applicable to U.S sourced income paid to foreign person and does not apply to payments made to U.S. persons.

Foreign persons include nonresident alien individual, foreign partnerships, foreign corporations, foreign estates, and foreign trusts. The tax generally must be withheld from the payment made to the foreign persons.

If you are a withholding agent, you are responsible for withholding tax on payments made to a foreign person and are generally personally liable for any tax required to be withheld and is subject to penalties and interest for failure to withhold.

What You Need to Know: 1. NRA withholding generally requires 30% withholding on

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

payment of US sources income.

2. A reduced rate and exemption may apply if there is an existing tax treating between the US and NRAs country of residence.

3. Income is subject to withholding if it is fixed or determinable annual or periodical (FDAP) income. These are: interest, alimony, dividends, royalties, pensions and annuities, original issue discount, and compensation for personal services.

4. Requires filing of Form 1042-S to report payments subject to NRA withholding and file a tax return on Form 1042.

5. Payments to all foreign persons, including nonresident aliens, foreign entities and governments, could be subject to NRA withholding.

6. When to withhold: At the time you make payment to amount subject to withholding.

7. U.S. tax identification number TIN is generally requested

from the payee by the withholding agent.

8. TIN could be: SSN, SS-5, ITIN, and EIN. 9. If the requirements for exceptions are met, a foreign person may not have to provide a US TIN. You may request a foreign TIN issued by NRAs country of residence.

10. Foreign person provides the withholding agent Form W-8 to claim for treaty benefits.

11. Form 1042-S information return reporting must be filed by every withholding agent to report payments to foreign persons for U.S source income even if there is no tax withheld or is exempt from tax under U.S. tax treaty.

12. A separate Form 1042-S is required for each type of income that was paid to the foreign person but only one Form 1042 has to be filed consolidating all Form 1042-S recipient information.

13. Total amount is less than

economic and social development.

Overcoming this condition will require the application of innovative government approaches coupled with creative strategies by the private sector. “ Housing and Urban Development Council’s housing sector: accomplishment report?

HUDC’s Report for the period July 2010 to December 2015 showed that the housing agencies provided housing assistance to 894,569 families valued at P313.607 billion. The assistance includes the provision or funding of house and lot packages, developed lots, houses, or home materials for home improvement/repair.

In addition to the direct housing assistance provided by the key shelter agencies (National Housing Authority, Social Housing Finance Corp. and Home Development Mutual Fund) the Home Guaranty Corporation (HGC) guaranteed P222.026 billion worth of housing loans extended by private commercial and rural banks as well as other financing companies equivalent to about 127,500 housing units.

But are these numbers enough? Does HUDCC have the power to effect real change?

CREBA’s 30-year-old housing advocacy: Is the government lis$200: The Forms 1042 and 1042S must be filed by March 15 of the year following the calendar year in which the income subject to reporting was paid. If total amount is more than $200, taxes should be deposited within 15 days after the end of the month.

14. Form 1042 is a calendar year tax return.

15. If Form 1042-S is filed on paper it must be filed with Form 1042-T for transmitting purposes.

16. Where to file: All forms are filed with the IRS Center in Ogden Service Center, P.O. Box 409101, Ogden Utah 84409.

Disclaimer: Any accounting, business or tax advice contained in this communication is not intended as a thorough, in-depth analysis of specific issues, or a substitute for a formal opinion, nor is it sufficient to avoid tax-related penalties.

tening?

A Roof Over Every Filipino employing its five-point agenda, CREBA believes, is the most effective, doable and strong package of reforms that works to the benefit of government, the home buying public and the private sector.

It is so designed to bring about permanent and far-reaching solutions to our current and future housing problems as opposed to palliative roadmaps which address only the peripheries of the housing situation but not its core.

Yet, the housing sector continues to suffer heavily from administrative, structural and regulatory delays under various levels of government, from the national agencies down to the barangays. Five Presidents and this advocacy still remains a pipe dream.

HLURB license to sell issued for residential projects in units (2001-2014): a glaring imbalance From 2001 to 2014, the HLURB issued Licenses to Sell to less than 2 million housing units, covering all housing segments, from socialized up to the open market group. This performance rate, averaging about 130,000 housing units per year, is hardly enough to bridge the

widening housing demand and supply gap.

Despite all these, however, homelessness, unauthorized housing and lack of decent housing remain to be a major headache.

Why? What has been the problem? Where, how and why did the programs fail?

The Philippine housing problem has become a social malaise, a clear injustice to those who have less in life. Without a roof over one’s head, it strips a person naked and robs him of his dignity to a decent life.

If we continue to ignore this boiling point, Metro Manila will have “shadow” cities comprising millions of informal settlers soon. It is now a race against time. (esoriano@wongadvisory. com) ******* Prof. Soriano is a National Agora Awardee for Marketing Excellence, an ASEAN Family Business Advisor, Book Author and Executive Director of ASEAN-based Consulting group, W+B Strategic Advisory. He has close to three decades of real estate experience and is currently the Program Director for Real Estate at the ATENEO Graduate School of Business

New guidelines on PH-China trade...

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stand the test of time, stand the test of laws.”

Trade Secretary Ramon M. Lopez said that this explained the last-minute postponement of Chinese Commerce Minister Gao Hucheng’s Manila visit, which was initially suspected to be due to rising tensions between the Asian powerhouse and the Philippines following recent comments by Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay.

Internal meetings “That’s why the visit was postponed. They had those internal meetings that would decide on the new reassignments,” he said *** in a text message to reporters Al-os & Associates Accountancy Corporation also yesterday. provides accounting and tax services to According to Francis T. Chua, individuals, corporations, LLCs and business chair emeritus of the Philippine entities. The Firm has a niche in defending Chamber of Commerce and Intaxpayers audited by the IRS and other dustry, the new Chinese minister governmental agencies. was named Zhong Shan.

(Advertising Supplement) Tourist arrivals

In his speech, the Chinese envoy said that tourist arrivals of Chinese nationals would hopefully reach close to a million this year from only 500,000 in the previous year—one of the lowest among Asian countries when compared to nearly 10 million Chinese tourists in Thailand and close to 6 million Chinese visitors in Japan.

He also said that investments would soon be “balanced” as he noted that there were more Filipino investments in China instead of the other way around.

This comes as President Duterte signed agreements late last year that generated pledges for multibillion-dollar projects in the Philippines—signaling a change in foreign policy that previously favored the United States over the regional powerhouse.

Shan is expected to make his visit to the Philippines next month. n

Duterte assures car industry of...

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direct employment opportunities and an estimated additional government revenue of P5.72 billion,” Duterte said.

“This is a testament to the kind of friendship and cooperation that Japan and the Philippines have shared and nurtured throughout the years,” he added.

He thanked Mitsubishi for its “dedication and partnership,” citing the first of the 200,000 Mirage sub-compacts that will be locally made under the CARS Program.

“Proudly, we can now say that the Mitsubishi Mirage, currently

the second top-selling passenger car in the country, is made in the Philippines,” the President said.

He then recalled his state visit to Japan, where he met Mitsubishi Motors Chairman and President Osamu Masuko, who signed a letter of intent reaffirming the carmaker’s commitment to the CARS Program.

“Back here, the Department of Trade and Industry and the Bureau of Investments have been tirelessly working with stakeholders to ensure that the program is successfully implemented. Because of this collaboration, the first unit of the ‘Made in the

Philippines’ Mirage has been manufactured using materials and supplies from local parts manufacturers and other related local industries in the country,” Duterte noted.

“Let us continue working together in enlivening our business environment and in making the Philippines not only a regional auto manufacturing hub, but as one of the world’s liveliest economies. Let the cars we manufacture be the vehicles of progress and let the excellence of hard work be the fuel that will drive us towards greater success,” he added. n

No more job cuts at TV5...

PAGE B1 t cluded reporters, camera crew and production personnel.

READ: Biz Buzz: Bloody Friday at TV5 TV5, a third competitor to broadcast giants ABS-CBN Corp. and GMA Network Inc., has drawn criticism for the abrupt nature of the job cuts on Friday, with employees given no time to make preparations for unemployment.

Media Newser Philippines, a website that reports on developments on the television sector, said some employees were informed they were part of the layoffs via text messages from management.

“It’s always a painful experience,” Pangilinan said. “There will always be comments about how it was executed, the terms

under which the separation is being offered.”

Pangilinan said TV5, held by PLDT’s media investment arm, Mediaquest Holdings, still employed about 600 workers after Friday’s layoffs, the latest reported since 2015.

TV5 is now led by former basketball coach Vicente “Chot” Reyes, who Pangilinan said was doing a “good job” in reducing expenses. He said losses would “decline quite dramatically” in 2017 following the layoffs.

Pangilinan said TV5 was targeting to be “debt free” by 2019, about a decade since Mediaquest invested in the company. He gave no further financial details on TV5.

TV5 is facing the same digital pivot as PLDT, as consumers move toward more internet-re-

lated services.

“I think the viewing habits for video are slowly changing. So we want to move in that direction rather than stay with legacy, which is not competitive against ABS and GMA,” Pangilinan said.

The PLDT Group’s other media investments involved controlling ownership in newspapers BusinessWorld and Philippine Star.

The group also owns a minority stake in the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

PLDT is seeking to widen its media holdings, a business Pangilinan said had a natural fit with its telecommunications delivery platforms. The most high profile was its unsuccessful bid to acquire GMA. Pangilinan said there were no new talks with the owners of the television network. n

PCC: Open construction business...

PAGE B1 t

the Contractor’s License Law. According to the IRR, the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB) should license local contractors on a yearly basis, while mandating foreign contractors to renew licenses for each new construction project.

“Nationality-based distinctions are not mere labels and, in fact, carry with them substantial distinctions in terms of costs and benefits. It is a restriction that hinders competition in the construction industry, creating an uneven playing field between local and foreign contractors,” the policy note read.

PCC added this hindered the potential of economic growth, especially since a foreign firm pays up to 12 times more in application fees compared to a local firm doing the same level of activity.

Citing a simulation of 12 projects in a year, PCC said a local firm would pay P14,730 in license applications, while its foreign counterpart would spend P176,760.

“The scheme fosters an uneven playing field between local and foreign contractors, thereby discouraging potential foreign firms from entering the market,” PCC said.

PCC cited detrimental effects on the economy and business down to the consumers.

The antitrust body said the practice would result in a less competitive market especially when there is a “limited threat of entry of a potential competitor.”

In December last year, the PCC filed an amicus curiae (friend of the court) brief with the Supreme Court, commenting on an ongoing case between the PCAB and Manila Water Company, Inc. The watchdog asked the high court to nullify the restrictive sections in the IRR, which, it believed, would help open up the market. n

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Tweaking the lessons learned...

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be done in the garden is his small way of keeping the delicate balance of nature in his own sphere of influence.

In many ways, gardening is like praying. It keeps fears and anxieties at bay and keeps one centered in the belief that all things in the cosmos work together for good.

I was and still am a reluctant gardener. I was thrust into it by circumstances since I have a thing about not wanting anything dying on my shift. I had to seek books and advice despite the frenetic schedule of a workaday world as I multitasked my way through the day. Nothing I did seemed right at the time. I tended to over water not knowing about the dangers of root rot.

My track record at growing things was dismal, yet I have often wondered what it would be like to watch something grow. I marveled at my mother’s green thumb. She can stick a seemingly lifeless stump at a clump of earth and grow a new beautiful plant nearly every time.

I wasn’t one to give up easily though. Tenaciously, doggedly I hung on to an image of me as a confident gardener. My education on the art and science of growing things had begun. I took

EMPLOYMENT

baby steps and stumbled countless times. I still do. Only these days, I don’t have very much time as life and its distractions get in the way overly much.

I became quieter within as I began to observe and seek to understand the process of growth, the seasons and the cycle of life. I read voraciously volumes upon volumes about plants and watched public television that featured gardening. Nurseries and gardens have become my favorite haunts where I could ask those who knew better. I boned up on my rusty, halting Spanish quizzing the gardener as best I could. Finally, I slammed on the brakes fearing I had become boringly, compulsively obsessive. But I found that unless I got down on the ground myself, nothing happened.

I have discovered gardening to be a quiet, solitary pursuit somewhat fit for hermits and loners — unglamorous, unexciting, backbreaking, time consuming, manual, icky, down in the dirt labor that was certainly not meant for immediate gratification. ***

LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL • MARCH 1-3, 2017

B

People and Events

Philippine Expressions Bookshop celebrates Pinay authors

Philippine Expressions Bookshop cordially invites the public to “Pinay Gathering 2017,” a celebration of Women’s History Month honoring Filipino-American women authors of Southern California. It will be from 2 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, March 25. From 2 to 3 p.m., there will be networking and a Filipino merienda / high tea buffet. Afterward, there will be book talks and book signings with the various Filipina authors. The Pinay authors present will be: Ludy Astraquillo Ongkeko — author, “Forty Years of Writing in America” Myrna J. de la Paz — author, “Abadeha: The Philippine Cinderella” Cecilia Manguerra Brainard — author, “Magdalena: A Novel” Carina Monica Montoya — author, “Los Angeles Historic Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is Filipinotown” SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To Carlene Sobrino Bonnivier send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ — author, “Filipinotown: Voices asianjournalinc.com from Los Angeles”

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Carmen F. Davino — author, “Of Love and Virtue. A Young Adult Novel” Roselyn Estepa Ibáñez — author, “Filipinos in Carson and the South Bay” Herminia Meñez-Coben — author, “Explorations in Philippine Folklore” Leslie V. Ryan — author, “I am Flippish: A Juvenile Book” Lucy Urgello Miller — author, “Glimpses of Old Cebu” The event is part ofthe ongoing community outreach program ofPhilippine Expressions Bookshop. Established in 1984, the bookshop blazed the trail in the US in promoting Philippine books written in English and Pilipino for all ages. Filipiniana specialist and founder Linda Nietes-Little dedicated the bookshop to Americans ofFilipino heritage who are searching for their roots. 2017 marks thirtythree years of service to the community. This new San Pedro bookshop was inaugurated on October 1, 2016.

To purchase tickets, please call (310) 514-9139 or email linda@philbooks.us. There will be limited seating and the deadline for ticket purchase is March 20. This literary soirée is also

FOR RENT

SERVICES

open to male guests. Philippine Expressions Bookshop is located at 479 West Sixth Street, Suite 105, San Pedro, CA 90731.

Street parking or public parking on 7th street are available.

B MARCH 1-3, 2017 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL

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Dr. Amado Gabriel Esteban: Promoting participation in higher education and lifelong learning

by Christina M. Oriel / AJPress

BY this summer, Chicago’s DePaul University will welcome its new president, Dr. Amado Gabriel Esteban. The Filipino academic leader will become the first non-ordained president in DePaul’s 119year history — considered the largest Catholic university in the United States — when he assumes office on July 1.

The new post shouldn’t be too much of a leap for Esteban, who has held the same position at Seton Hall University in South Orange, New Jersey since 2011, where he has overseen the development of new schools, ensured that the institution has stayed financially robust, and promoted its academic profile.

In a recent interview with the Asian Journal since his appointment was announced, Esteban shared his vision and goals for DePaul and why learning is a lifelong pursuit.

Journey to higher education Esteban, who was born and raised in Quezon City, Philippines, never intended to pursue a career in higher education.

Growing up — and it’s a familiar scenario for many Filipinos — he thought he would follow his father’s footsteps as a doctor. The draw to teaching must have come from seeing the elder Esteban spend the latter part of his life as a professor at University of the Philippines (UP) School of Medicine.

Esteban went on to earn a bachelor of science in mathematics and an MBA from UP, where he met Josephine King, who would become his wife. He was the first Philippine recipient of the Fujitsu Asian Scholarship, which brought him to Chaminade University in Hawaii for a master’s degree in Japanese business studies.

He returned to the Philippines for a few years to work in the private sector at a bank and then in consumer goods at San Miguel Corp.

“When you grow up in the Philippines, everyone at some point hopes that they’re given an opportunity to study overseas, whether it be in Japan, the UK, or the U.S.,” he told the Asian Journal, adding that scholarships and fellowships helped him and his wife study abroad.

The Estebans migrated to the United States, where

Esteban is photographed in the Cortelyou Commons on DePaul’s Lincoln Park Campus Photo courtesy of DePaul University/Jamie Moncrief

Esteban with Ban Ki-Moon at the School of Diplomacy and International Relations World Leaders Forum.

Josephine obtained her MBA from the University of California, Riverside, while he was working toward a doctorate in business administration at the University of California, Irvine.

“We’ve been blessed, being at the right place at the right time, having people who mentored us throughout my academic career who made sure I gave 150 percent effort in everything I do,” he said. “It paid off in the long haul.”

After completing his doctorate program, Esteban was hired as a marketing professor at the University of Houston-Victoria in Texas.

He planned to work in academe for five years at most before returning to the private sector.

However, opportunities at various institutions across the country arose.

The Esteban family then moved to Arkansas, where he was a professor and associate vice president of academic affairs at Arkansas Tech.

Eventually, he transferred to the University of Central Arkansas, also as a professor, before being named the dean of the College of Business.

Esteban’s presidential investiture on October 14, 2011

Esteban with his wife Josephine.

Photo courtesy of Seton Hall University

Photo courtesy of DePaul University/Jamie Moncrief

“When I was asked to become an administrator was when I thought that maybe this was the career path that’s being unveiled to me, so to speak,” he said, adding “so that’s the path I ended up taking.”

President of Seton Hall University He was once again uprooted and settled in New Jersey in 2007 when he became a provost at Seton Hall University, the oldest Roman Catholic diocesan university in the country and one of the largest. He was appointed interim president in late 2010, a capacity he served for six months before being formally named president.

He became the first lay person to lead the Catholic university — which has a population of 10,000 students, over 900 faculty members and 1,800 employees — after its board of trustees created an exception that presidents must be priests.

Esteban reflected on Seton Hall’s growth over the past seven years, as well as the changes he’s seen in himself as a leader and educator.

A lot of his time as president, he said, was spent listening to the voices on campus, whether they’re students, faculty or staff administrators in order to create a “vision for [what] the institution could look like in 1015 years.”

As for accomplishments under his tenure that he’s particularly proud of, Esteban listed a few, yet humbly acknowledged that they were not solely his own doing.

“In terms of contributions, it’s actually a group effort so it’s hard to point to one thing

Photos courtesy of Seton Hall University

because we’ve accomplished a lot as a university. For example, if you look at the academic profile of our students, since I was asked to oversee enrollment management in 2009, our SAT scores have gone up over 100 points and 35 percent of our freshmen are in the top 10 percent of their [graduating] class,” he boasted, adding that the student population has become more diverse in terms of ethnicity and also admission to firstgeneration students.

In 2015, Seton Hall unveiled the new College of Communication and the Arts.

It also developed a new health and medical sciences campus, which was done in partnership with Hackensack Meridian Health, that will house the School of Medicine and the College of Nursing and School of Health and Medical Sciences.

In 2018, the university will welcome the first class at the medical school.

Further, the university invested nearly $150 million in campus infrastructure in the last five years, resulting in “zero deferred maintenance,” he said.

(The deferred maintenance had reached $36 million in his first few years with the university.)

In a recent release, it boasted that fundraising has reached all-time highs, with $40 million raised in the last year and a half alone.

“There are a lot of those tangible things, but to me, the biggest change has been in the culture on campus and the perception outside the university. Seton Hall has always been a great national university and now more people are hearing about that story and internally, I think there’s been

Esteban and his wife enjoy a men’s basketball game with the Seton Hall Pirate mascot.

Photo courtesy of Seton Hall University

a shift in the culture because we’ve been able to do a lot of things in the midst of the recession,” Esteban said.

Selected to lead The search to find the 12th president for DePaul was a fivemonth, international process, following the resignation of Rev. Dennis H. Holtschneider last summer, who had been head of the university since 2004.

In early February of this year, the university’s board of trustees voted unanimously in favor of the 55-year-old Filipino, regarding him as someone who aligns with the core principles of the Catholic institution. He was formally announced as the next president on February 16.

“What appealed to me were Saint Vincent [DePaul], the saint of charity, and the university’s mission to help the poor, marginalized and immigrant populations, which are some things very near and dear to our hearts,” Esteban shared.

Part of the motivation of moving to the Windy City is to be closer to his only child, Ysabella, an alumna of Seton Hall who is a medical resident at the University of Chicago.

“It’s very a humbling experience that I’ve been selected. My wife and I were just overwhelmed by the reception we received at DePaul when we were introduced,” Esteban shared, referring to a special welcoming ceremony on the Chicago campus he attended last week. “But, there’s a tinge of sadness because Seton Hall has been home for 10 years.”

He said he hopes to be remembered at Seton Hall as a “collaborative decision maker” who listened and considered all sides.

“To me, what is fascinating is the number of individuals I’ve met, like alumni of Seton Hall for example, who start off by saying ‘If not for Seton Hall, I wouldn’t have been able to go to college.’ That shows you the power of education — how higher ed can transform the lives of individuals,” he said.

As with starting any other job, “it’s about setting priorities” and getting a feel of the culture of the unfamiliar environment through listening and talking to the different members of the university. He intends to bring that type of leadership and way of handling academic affairs to DePaul.

“Every place I’ve been to, I’ve told people to learn to set their priorities. I tell students to find out what theirs are — whether it’s family, friends, Church or your faith, try to live by them. It also means finding your passion. That would make your life a whole lot easier.

As a leader, one thing you’ll find about me is that I will listen, I will ask questions and encourage people to give me feedback,” he said.

“But at the end of the day, someone has to make a decision. If that’s me who has to make a decision, then I’ll explain why. I also understand that as you move up the hierarchy, at some point, it’s going to be me that has to make the final call and the willingness to do that is important.”

As of this writing, Esteban’s replacement at Seton Hall has yet to be named, but he notes that the university has been on a roll in terms of achieving its some of the goals he outlined early in the presidency. He intends to close out this current school year with helping the

transition process and making sure the pending projects are on course for completion.

Diversity in higher education Esteban is currently one of three Filipinos serving as a president of an American higher education institution, alongside Conrado “Bobby” Gempesaw of St. John’s University in New York and Lori Adrian of Coastline Community College, which has campuses in Orange County, California.

A 2013 study by the American Council on Education found that Asian Americans comprised only 1.4 percent of presidents at four-year institutions and 2.2 percent of other senior-level administrators.

He has been a champion for Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) representation in education, through his work as founding board member and vice chairman of the AAPI Association of Colleges and Universities — which advocates on behalf of minorityserving institutions that have a significant population of AAPI students — and a board member of the AAPI Research in Education Commission and the Asian Pacific Americans in Higher Education.

Though Esteban said he would like to see more Filipinos and Filipino Americans ascend the ranks of academia, he reminded that they must possess the passion to take on such leadership roles.

“As you move up in higher education,” he said, “one realizes that these are 24/7 jobs.

You have to have a willingness to serve. You basically put everyone else ahead of yourself. But it can also be very rewarding to be able to have the impact on the lives of the people you serve.”

Even if Esteban never saw himself in higher education before, he now says that this is the field he will continue to be in until he retires.

“If at some point it’s time for me to move on, then I’ll just go back and teach full-time, which would be a great way to complete by academic career,” he said.

With debates surrounding the rising costs of higher education and billions of dollars in student debt here, he said that affordability must be a goal governments and academic institution must work toward.

“There are individual benefits of a college education, but I think those are outweighed by the benefits to society as a whole,” he said. “I think governments — state and federal — have to step up to the plate. In higher ed, we have to do our fair share of making sure that the costs incurred are consistent with what we’re trying to achieve.”

However, even if pursuing higher education is not for everyone, Esteban emphasized that the spark for learning must be kept burning.

“For our entire lives, we should spend learning, whether it’s formal or informal.

We have to try continually to enrich ourselves through learning different and new things,” he said. “The world is becoming more and more competitive and I think it’s up to us to make sure that we continue to be competitive in our work. I know it can be difficult at times, but it’s something we should do.”

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Why Xia Vigor is ecstatic

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New liposome technology for advanced nutrient bioavailability set to transform the vitamin industry Vitasome Labs, Inc. unveils a groundbreaking solution to the problem of wasted nutritional value, which has eluded makers of nutritional supplements since vitamins were invented.

Placentia Principals at Vitasome labs, inc. announced the launch of a new line of nutritional supplements using its patented new liposome delivery technology. Developed to solve the common problem of nutritional waste, Vitasome’s groundbreaking technology vastly improves bioavailability, retention and efficacy of nutritional supplements. Whereas most vitamins lose on average between 82 to 95 percent of potency through digestion and excretion according to the Physician’s Desk Reference (pg. 1542), Vitasome’s nutritional supplements are scientifically formulated to: • Prevent degradation during digestive processes • improve bioavailability with a vastly higher absorption rate • Facilitate retention of nutritional value with timed release actives • Prevent natural immune responses from rejecting nutrients “We set out to solve some of the most common challenges that have eluded vitamin makers since nutritional supplements were invented,” said Jim Yiannios, founder and ceO of Vitasome labs, inc. who is the innovator behind the company’s patented liposome technology. Frustrated by the nutritional waste common to most vitamins, Yiannios spent several years researching existing liposome and conventional delivery methods and the reasons why many nutritional supplements fail to deliver sufficient nutritional value. through trial and error, and in partnership with leading doctors and scientists, Yiannios developed a new method of encapsulating nutrients in a way that drastically improves their bioavailability and nutritional value. What sets Vitasome’s nutritional supplements apart and makes them more effective than other vitamins has to do with the groundbreaking new method of delivery and encapsulation developed by Yiannios.

Ordinary vitamin pills and capsules typically deliver nutrients by binding them to additives, which often causes the active ingredients to be eliminated before they can deliver nutritional value. By contrast, Vitasome’s liposomal supplements are taken in the form of a powder, which can be mixed with water or juice without any need for additives present in pills or capsules.

While liposome vitamin products are not new, the new liposomal technology developed by Vitasome vastly improves bioavailability and nutritional value.

Unlike existing liposomal products on the market, Vitasome’s liposome technology utilizes what Vitasome’s scientists call a “stealth” layer of an all-natural lipid derived from non-GMO sunflower lecithin to encapsulate nutrients and serve as a protective membrane. this not only preserves potency throughout digestion, it also increases retention of nutritional value. the primary lipid used to encapsulate Vitasome’s liposomes is touted by Forbes Magazine as a brain-boosting nutrient, which closely resembles membranes of human cells and, therefore, vastly improves bioavailability by allowing delivery of nutrition at the cellular level.

While Yiannios began developing nutritional supplements in 2010, Vitasome is debuting his newest liposome delivery matrix this week, starting with two brand new formulations of health-optimizing supplements, Glutasome and curcumin-c.

Glutasome features a proprietary formulation of Vitamin c and l-Glutathione (GSH) a naturally occurring protein that has been praised by renowned doctors as a proven treatment for chronic fatigue, autoimmune disorders, environmental sensitivities, autism and more. in addition to its regenerative health benefits, GSH has become popular for it’s anti-aging and skin enhancing benefits. curcuminc is specially formulated to promote immunity and enhance workout recovery with Vitamin c and turmeric, an herb known for its antioxidant activity historically used for a wide variety of health benefits.

“Our primary goal is to set superior standards of nutritional value,” said Yiannios, who explained that his work at Vitasome is a labor of love, born from his desire to create a healthier world for his children. “We go above and beyond to source the purest non-GMO plant-based ingredients available on the market today. Our new technology allows us to deliver superior products for our customers’ optimal health.”

Vitasome Labs, Inc. Based in Placentia, california, Vitasome labs, inc. is poised to transform the vitamin market with its patented liposomal delivery technology, which has been developed in partnership with leading scientists and doctors over the last decade. as a matter of policy, Vitasome’s products undergo rigorous testing for purity, potency, safety and efficacy at independent laboratories. the company places a high priority on integrity, innovation and principles of optimal health as key values guiding best practices that facilitate better quality.

(Advertising Supplement)

by Boy

aBunda Philstar.com

XiaMaRa Sophia Vigor, also known as Xia, is ecstatic to be cast in a starring role in langit “lupa,” a family drama that airs daily.

But it was Xia’s “Your Face Sounds Familiar Kids” stint that brought the talented seven year old to the attention of international media, including blogger Perez Hilton. after the Filipino-British performer impersonated taylor Swift in the show’s second week, Perez — a noted Hollywood gossip blogger — took to twitter to rave about her performance.

Xia did “You Belong With Me” and ripped off a marching band costume to reveal a sparkly silver dress underneath, similar to what taylor did on her Fearless tour in 2009. after Perez posted his tweet, several foreign media outlets picked up the story and ran with it. Xia and her mother, christy, a Filipina, have since been interviewed by countless radio and tV hosts. Magazine and newspaper reporters from america, the Philippines and the United Kingdom — where Xia’s father, construction worker alan is based — have written features on her as well. according to Xia’s mother, the calls just keep on coming. “actually, my phone is still ringing off the hook. i recently talked to

people from a British newspaper called the Daily Mail and a British tV show called “itV news.” So many people have asked to interview Xia, however, they can, like via Facetime. normally i would’ve granted their requests, but Xia would have had to wake up early due to the time difference. Since i want her to get as much rest as she can, i did some of those interviews myself.” “i’m really happy,” Xia replied when asked for her reaction to the attention she continues to receive. “i’m doing this because i love it. it’s really my dream. i also want to thank taylor Swift’s fans, the Swifties, because i trended worldwide. thanks to them. thank you so much!”

She also posted a photo on her official instagram account several days afterward and captioned it, “i just did what i love to do and magical things started to happen.”

Most of the comments on Xia’s performance have been favorable, save for those made

by British journalist and television personality Piers Morgan, who called it “disturbing,” among other things.

“He’s wrong,” christy said when she appeared on a British tV show to discuss Xia’s performance. “We know the bigger picture over here so we don’t worry about Piers Morgan. Xia’s

Xia Vigor

not really like that on a day-to-day basis. She has to dress up like that and put on make-up for the show because she has to copy someone else — an icon. Our culture is different so i don’t expect people from other countries to understand what we’re doing. i respect them. if they know me as a parent, they won’t say those things.

People may say she’s on tV and i’m exploiting her, but she does many things people don’t see. For instance, we gave away toys to disadvantaged kids recently. Xia’s a very nice girl.” according to her father, Xia is reportedly being considered for the lead role in a planned movie about the life of american child star Shirley temple. (“i can’t tell you who the director is — it’s top secret at the moment,” said alan.)

Wherever she goes from here, one thing is clear: Xia definitely belongs to the limelight.

Derek Ramsay: Like father to girlfriend’s daughter

by MJ

MaRfoRi ManilaTimes.net

nO scripts and no rehearsals. this is what Derek Ramsay got into when he signed up for cannes Best Director Brillante Mendoza’s upcoming tV movie, “amo” on tV5, set to air this summer of 2017.

“Grabe talaga, you won’t feel like a celebrity on set. no special treatment, no nothing.

You’re there for the job. it’s amazing, and i am always on my toes and nervous because the other night Direk Brillante made me run the whole stretch of timog without any traffic enforcer. at first i was thinking why, but then again when i saw Derek Ramsay with girlfriend Joanne Villablanca. the trailer i couldn’t question through three movie scripts the guy—it was brilliant!” some of which are from Star Derek is also reading

cinema. the dramatic actor promises he will be active on the big screen this summer. “a bunch of them are sexy so i’m still looking at them but some are action naman so it’s great. i also have one with Viva and i’m set to star opposite Sarah lahbati.”

He also promised his nonshowbiz girlfriend of three years, Joanne Villablanca, that he would take her on vacation late this year once his schedule clears up—of course with her daughter Sophia, who is like Derek’s own now. “that’s what really attracted me to Joanne she is a mother, and Sophia is just wonderful and beautiful.” they’re both busy right now but Derek said they are on the path of settling down.

Viva artist Yassi Pressman: Will she soar as Darna?

by Ricky Lo Philstar.com

SHe’S perfect as Darna (isn’t she?), but Viva star Yassi Pressman has only been rumored to be the next Flying Woman and hasn’t been actually chosen. at the moment, Yassi is focused on the long-running Kapamilya action-adventure series “FPJ’s ang Probinsyano” as alyana, the girlfriend of the titular

actor coco Martin.

Yasmin isabel Yasto Pressman was born on May 11, 1995 (a taurian) in Hong Kong to a British father and a Filipino mother from isabela. Her second name, isabel, is a nod to her mother’s home province. She has a younger sister, issa, who is also in showbiz.

Yassi stands 5’3”; weighs 116 lbs.; and wears small-sized shirt and size-7 shoes.

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What kind of diet do you follow? “i love bread, eggs and milk but those are the things that i try to stay away from kasi sobrang hindi ko matanggal ang sugar.”

How much water do you takWhat workout do you do? “i’ve been boxing for five years. i’ve been doing Muay thai this year.”

What part of your body needs improvement?

“Maybe my legs.”

What part of your body is your favorite?

“My lips and my hips.”

What part of a guy’s body do you notice first?

“His face. if it looks bright, nakakagaan tingnan. also, his smile. can you consider that a part of the body?”

What’s in a guy turns you on?

“First and foremost, he should be mabait.”

What’s in a guy that turns you off?

“Pag sobrang mayabang.”

How’s your love life? “it’s like a glass with no water. empty!!!” (laughs) How do you unwind, cope with stress?

“Massage…always. i also like going up to high places like antipolo, tagaytay or San Mateo from where i can see buildings clustered like toys. i can also feel how huge the world is and that’s when my problems don’t seem to be that big.”

Favorite hideaway?

“Siguro, Batangas kasi that’s where the accessible beaches are. i love the beach.”

Using only body language how would you make a guy know that you admire him? “ako, i’m very caring. i think kapag nafi-feel ko na gusto ko yung tao lagi kong papakitaan ng sweet, simple gestures. For example, dalhan ko siya ng food.”

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Extraordinary dining experience at Fuji Buffet & Grill

L

Fuji Buffet & Grill is conveniently located near the 134 freeway in Glendale and offers ample parking.

Stir fry station

Crab legs

Sashimi

Fruit and dessert section

Shrimp dish

ocated off the Harvey Drive exit of the 134 freeway in Glendale, California is Fuji Buffet & Grill, an all you can eat fare that gives you a taste of different Asian regions — without a steep price tag.

Enter the restaurant and you’ll be greeted by sleek, modern interiors. The dining area itself is expansive, so you’ll surely be seated promptly without having to wait too long. The space is also ideal for any large occasions, which can be booked in advance.

Navigating the buffet can be overwhelming at first, with multiple directions appealing to one’s eye. Fuji boasts that it serves more than 158 fresh items every day.

On one side of the restaurant is the stir fry noodle station, where you can select ingredients — from noodles, vegetables, eggs, and meats like rib eye or New York steak — and have one of the cooks fry them for you within minutes. The soup and dim sum stations (chicken’s feet, shrimp hargow, and xiao long bao are among the offerings) are nearby, which are the perfect starters for your meal.

One of the attractions is the sushi bar, which is worth the trip to Fuji itself. There, you’ll find an array of options, from the classic California to Tempura rolls to tuna and salmon sushi.

Everything is made in house with the freshest ingredients. The seafood display is also another reason why many customers come to Fuji: jumbo shrimp, crab legs, oysters, and more await them.

Some seafood are seasonal and served only at dinner, however.

The aforementioned food already sounds filling, but wait, there’s more! Don’t forget the entire hot food section, which is mostly comprised of Japanese, Chinese, Mongolian and BBQ dishes.

For those who want lighter, healthier options, there is a station where you can make your own salads.

If you have room, head to the fruit and dessert section. Enjoy a colorful spread of sliced juicy fruits or some sweet cakes and soft serve ice cream. FuJi also serves draft beer, wine and sake.

From the time you enter the door to when you exit, the service is impeccable, with attentive staff readily bussing empty dishes to making sure cups are always filled.

Whether you want to indulge in a full meal for dinner, celebrate a special occasion or pop in for a quick lunch, Fuji does not disappoint and is certainly worth every penny. It’ll leave you and the entire family satisfied and ready to plan the next trip there!

(Advertising Supplement)

Dim sum pots

Fresh sushi rolls

Fuji Buffet & Grill is located at 300 Harvey Drive, Glendale, CA 91206.

Price: Weekday lunch buffet is $12.99 (Monday - Friday 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.); dinner buffet is $18.99 (Monday - Thursday 4:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m); Friday dinner, Saturday & Sunday all day buffet is $21.99 (Friday 4 - 10 p.m.; Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.).

Senior citizens over 65 years old must show ID to get 10% off. Kids under 2 years old are free; kids 3 to 10 years of age are priced as follows: starting at $0.95 per year (lunch) and $1.30 per year for Monday - Thursday dinner or $1.60 per year Friday - Saturday. Kids over 10 years old are full price. Drinks are not included.

Hours: Open 7 days a week from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. (until 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays) Contact: (818) 553-1688 for more information or to make a reservation for any occasion.

AJPress photos by Noel Ty

T h e As ian Jou r n al MDWK MAGAZ IN E - M arch 1 , 2 0 1 7

5

Extraordinary dining experience at Fuji Buffet & Grill

Fuji Buffet & Grill is conveniently located near the 134 freeway in Glendale and offers ample parking.

Stir fry station

Crab legs

Sashimi

Fruit and dessert section

Shrimp dish

Located off the Harvey Drive exit of the 134 freeway in Glendale, California is Fuji Buffet & Grill, an all you can eat fare that gives you a taste of different Asian regions — without a steep price tag.

Enter the restaurant and you’ll be greeted by sleek, modern interiors. The dining area itself is expansive, so you’ll surely be seated promptly without having to wait too long. The space is also ideal for any large occasions, which can be booked in advance.

Navigating the buffet can be overwhelming at first, with multiple directions appealing to one’s eye. Fuji boasts that it serves more than 158 fresh items every day.

On one side of the restaurant is the stir fry noodle station, where you can select ingredients — from noodles, vegetables, eggs, and meats like rib eye or New York steak — and have one of the cooks fry them for you within minutes. The soup and dim sum stations (chicken’s feet, shrimp hargow, and xiao long bao are among the offerings) are nearby, which are the perfect starters for your meal.

One of the attractions is the sushi bar, which is worth the trip to Fuji itself. There, you’ll find an array of options, from the classic California to Tempura rolls to tuna and salmon sushi.

Everything is made in house with the freshest ingredients. The seafood display is also another reason why many customers come to Fuji: jumbo shrimp, crab legs, oysters, and more await them.

Some seafood are seasonal and served only at dinner, however.

The aforementioned food already sounds filling, but wait, there’s more! Don’t forget the entire hot food section, which is mostly comprised of Japanese, Chinese, Mongolian and BBQ dishes.

For those who want lighter, healthier options, there is a station where you can make your own salads.

If you have room, head to the fruit and dessert section. Enjoy a colorful spread of sliced juicy fruits or some sweet cakes and soft serve ice cream. FuJi also serves draft beer, wine and sake.

From the time you enter the door to when you exit, the service is impeccable, with attentive staff readily bussing empty dishes to making sure cups are always filled.

Whether you want to indulge in a full meal for dinner, celebrate a special occasion or pop in for a quick lunch, Fuji does not disappoint and is certainly worth every penny. It’ll leave you and the entire family satisfied and ready to plan the next trip there!

(Advertising Supplement)

Dim sum pots

Fresh sushi rolls

Fuji Buffet & Grill is located at 300 Harvey Drive, Glendale, CA 91206.

Price: Weekday lunch buffet is $12.99 (Monday - Friday 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.); dinner buffet is $18.99 (Monday - Thursday 4:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m); Friday dinner, Saturday & Sunday all day buffet is $21.99 (Friday 4 - 10 p.m.; Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.).

Senior citizens over 65 years old must show ID to get 10% off. Kids under 2 years old are free; kids 3 to 10 years of age are priced as follows: starting at $0.95 per year (lunch) and $1.30 per year for Monday - Thursday dinner or $1.60 per year Friday - Saturday. Kids over 10 years old are full price. Drinks are not included.

Hours: Open 7 days a week from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. (until 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays) Contact: (818) 553-1688 for more information or to make a reservation for any occasion.

AJPress photos by Noel Ty

B MARCH 1-3, 2017 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL

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