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Volume 27 - No. 44 • 3 Sections - 20 Pages

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Palace clarifi es: Duterte will DATELINE USA Fil-Am nabs Hawaii respect SC decision on martial law GOP chairmanship FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

FILIPINOA M E R I C A N Shirlene De La Cruz Ostrov, who recently retired as a colonel in the U.S. Air Force, was elected chairwoman of the Hawaii Republican Party (GOP) at a convention on the island of Kauai on May 13.

Ostrov’s election is significant in a number of ways.

She is the first Fili- Shirlene Ostrov pino to lead a state organization of one of the major political parties in America.

She was fighting the entrenched establishment of the Republican Party in Hawaii who had put up an incumbent state legislator, Andria Tupola, as their candidate. As Ostrov was told, “If this were a beauty contest, you would

AFP in Marawi crisis: ‘End is almost there’

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

PHILIPPINE President Rodrigo Duterte will respect any Supreme Court (SC) ruling on his proclamation in Mindanao, Malacañang affirmed on Monday, May 29.

Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella gave the assurance days after Duterte remarked in a speech that “martial law will continue” until the military and the police say the Philippines is safe.

In a press conference, Abella clarified that Duterte is only saying that

the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) have the accurate information on ground.

“The president meant that those who are truly aware of the situation are the military and the police. This is not meant to bypass the Supreme

u PAGE A4

Janet Lim Napoles

DOJ: Napoles tags Trillanes, De Lima, Drilon in pork scam

u PAGE A4

CMS gives states until 2022 to meet medicaid standards of care THE Trump administration has given states three extra years to carry out plans for helping elderly and disabled people receive Medicaid services without being pushed into nursing homes.

Federal standards requiring states to find ways of delivering care to Medicaid enrollees in home and community settings will take effect in 2022 instead of 2019, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced earlier this month. The standards date to an Obama administration rule adopted in 2014 that governs where more than 3 million Medicaid enrollees get care.

Among other things, the rule requires states to provide opportunities for enrollees to engage in community life, control their own money and seek employment in competitive settings. It also ensures that enrollees in group homes and other residential settings get more privacy and housing choices that include places where nondisabled people live.

Matt Salo, executive director of the National Association of Medicaid Directors, applauded the delay.

“We have long been on record saying that the

Court (SC) of the legislative,” Abella said.

“It simply means to say that those who have true and accurate report on which he will depend on will be the military and the Philippine National Police,” he added.

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

APPEAL. A screenshot from a video posted on social media shows Catholic priest Fr. Chito Suganob appealing to President Rodrigo Duterte to pull out security forces in Marawi City and Lanao del Sur province. Suganob said he and 240 others, including mostly Christian civilians and children, are being held by local ISIS fighters.

DFA assures int’l community: No martial law abuses

by PIA LEE-BRAGO Philstar.com

MANILA - Protection of human rights is guaranteed under martial law proclaimed by President Duterte in Mindanao, Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano told the diplomatic corps.

“May I assure you that the President and the government remain steadfast in the commitment to uphold the Philippine Constitution and ensure that efforts to enforce peace and order are done with due regard to the laws and preservation of our people’s constitutional rights,”

Cayetano said in his opening remarks at the briefing.

“In other words no abuses,” he said.

Cayetano also explained the legal basis for and the objectives of martial law in Mindanao, which Duterte imposed hours after the Maute group took over parts of Marawi City. The terrorists killed several civilians, took hostages and burned buildings.

Duterte himself announced shortly after returning from Moscow that he would not tolerate abuses as security forces began their operation to retake Marawi, Cayetano stressed.

He also emphasized that de-

spite the martial law, democratic institutions like the courts and Congress remain open.

“However due to actual rebellion, terrorism and the presence of ISIS on Philippine soil the declaration of martial law in Mindanao became a necessity,” he added.

Questions raised by representatives of embassies and international organizations during the diplomatic briefing, Cayetano said, were focused on the duration of martial law, its scope, and on the capabilities of the Maute group.

He said many of the inquiries

DETAINED businesswoman Janet Lim Napoles is readying to file a case against three opposition senators in connection with the multibillion-peso Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) anomaly, according to Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II. In an interview with ABS-CBN’s “Umagang Kay Ganda,” Aguirre disclosed that Napoles’ lawyer

u PAGE A4

Manny Pacquiao during ONE Championship: Kings of Destiny at Mall of Asia Arena.

Inquirer.net photo by Tristan Tamayo

Manny Pacquiao vs Conor u PAGE A5 McGregor? Roach says fight u PAGE A4 boxing rules US embassy notifies citizens of stricter security measures must be under R L by

by PIA LEE-BRAGO Philstar.com

MANILA - The U.S. embassy in Manila has informed American citizens of increased security measures in Metro Manila, including possible checkpoints, following attacks by the Maute group in Marawi City.

In a message to its citizens, the embassy said it received information that the Philippine government had placed the Philippine National Police (PNP) on full alert throughout the metropolis.

It stated that a unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has been deployed to Quezon City to assist the PNP with security operations such as random checkpoints, security patrols and police visibility operations.

TIGHT SCREENING. A police officer checks the identity of a resident against a chart with “The PNP advises that this is a precauimages of “local terrorists” at a checkpoint in Iligan City. The city was placed placed under a temporary lockdown amid fears that members of the Maute Group may enter tionary measure in light of the declaration of martial law in Mindanao and not related the city disguised as civilians.

to any specified terror threat information directed toward Metro Manila,” the embassy said.

The embassy reminded American nationals of the most recent Worldwide Caution, dated March 6, 2017, which indicates there is an ongoing threat of terrorist actions and violence against U.S. citizens and interests abroad, including the Philippines.

Extremists have targeted sporting events, theaters, markets, mass transportation systems like airlines and other public venues where large crowds gather.

Crowded nightclubs, shopping malls, buses and popular restaurants have also been targets.

U.S. citizens are advised to be mindful of the importance of taking measures to ensure their safety and security while traveling and residing in the Philippines, said the embassy. ■

OY UARCA Inquirer.net

IF ever Manny Pacquiao and Conor McGregor fight each other, it should be under boxing rules.

This was the condition set by Freddie Roach, Pacquiao’s chief trainer, who is receptive to the idea of the eight-division champion tangling with the mixed martial arts superstar.

“It has to be a boxing match of course, in a boxing ring, in a boxing gloves and boxing rules,” Roach said on Tuesday, May 30 during the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum.

Roach, who is preparing Pacquiao for his defense of the WBO welterweight crown against Jeff Horn on July 2, sounded certain that Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr., McGregor’s choice as opponent, would dominate the Briton in the ring.

Meanwhile, Pacquiao sparred for eight rounds Tuesday, five against Leonardo Doronio and Sonny Katiandagho and another three against Mexican Adrian Young (23-win, 3-loss, 2-draw, 18 KOs), who arrived Monday, May 29. ■

A2 MAY 31-JUNE 2, 2017 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL

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From the Front Page Palace clarifies: Duterte will respect... DOJ: Napoles tags Trillanes, De Lima...

PAGE A1

PAGE A1 On Tuesday, May 23, Duterte placed the entire Mindanao region under martial law in the wake of the confrontation between the government troops and Islamic State (IS)-linked local militants identified as the Maute Group in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur. The 1987 Constitution states that the president of the Philippines may place the country under martial law or suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus “in case of invasion or rebellion.”

It also states that the SC may review the “sufficiency of the factual basis” of the proclamation or the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus following an “appropriate proceeding filed by any citizen.”

Under Proclamation No. 216, Duterte ordered both the implementation of martial law and the suspension of privilege of the writ of habeas corpus in Mindanao.

But in a speech on Saturday, May 27, Duterte said he “will not listen to others,” insisting that would only end martial law if the military and police say so.

“Until the police and the Armed Forces say the Philippines is already safe, this martial law will continue. I won’t listen to others,” Duterte told troopers of Joint Task Force Sulu at Camp Teodulfo Bautista in Jolo, Sulu.

Pointing out that the soldiers are the ones risking their lives, he remarking that justices and the lawmakers “don’t know what’s happening on the ground.”

Duterte went on to say, “The Supreme Court, the congressmen, they’re not here. Why, are they the ones risking their lives?

Are they the ones suffering here?

MINORITY BLOC CALLS FOR JOINT SESSION. Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon and his fellow minority bloc members hold a copy of a resolution calling for a joint Congressional session on President Rodrigo Duterte’s declaration of martial law in Mindanao during a press conference, Tuesday afternoon. Senate Resolution 390, which was filed by Drilon together with (from left) Senators Antonio Trillanes IV, Kiko Pangilinan, Risa Hontiveros, Bam Aquino, and Leila De Lima (not in photo), states that it is “incumbent upon both the Senate and the House of Representatives to conduct a joint session for the purpose of determining the constitutional and factual validity of the proclamation, of preventing abuses in its implementation, and ensuring the safety of the people of Marawi and the whole of Mindanao.”

Senate photo by Joseph Vidal

Are they – have they suffered the wounds of war? Are they the ones enduring this battle?”

‘End is almost there’ In the same press briefing, AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla confirmed that the security forces have regained “complete control” over Marawi City.

“We have complete control of the city, by the way, contrary to what is coming out in social media and other information, perhaps some fake news,” Padilla told reporters.

He also dismissed reports claiming that half of Marawi City is still under the control of militants.

“It is not true that half of the city is controlled by the rebels.

Totally untrue. The Armed Forces and the police... — our forces are in complete control of the city, except for certain areas of the city where they continue to hold,” Padilla said, adding that

Fil-Am nabs Hawaii GOP...

PAGE A1 win hands down.”

She won 265 to 111 because of good strategists, like Miriam Hellreich, Republican National Committeewoman for Hawaii. They conducted a grassroots operation among the delegates. The majority of the GOP in Hawaii also wanted a person with proven leadership qualities and a vision for the party. More significantly, the GOP

sought a leader who could attract non-Caucasians to join, especially Filipinos who are the biggest nonwhite voting bloc in Hawaii.

Ostrov’s only political experience was being a U.S. congressional candidate for the first district of Hawaii. She said that she ran against overwhelming odds because she did not want the election to be uncontested. As it turned out, she could not prevail against

clearing operations are still ongoing in the remaining Mautecontrolled areas.

As of Monday, May 29, the military confirmed the number of casualties related to the Marawi crisis has reached 104 — 65 from the Maute group, 20 from the government forces, and 19 civilians.

Asked if the military would recommend the extension of martial law, Padilla responded: “We’re just starting martial law. We’re just on the second week so I cannot, as of this moment, give you an assessment on the need for its extension.”

Padilla, however, affirmed that military remains committed to ending the operations as quickly as possible.

“Our ground commanders have assured that the end is almost there… If we can finish this in one month, then so be it. We end martial law right there and then,” he said. n a well known, well-funded, and union backed Democrat who had previously served in the House of Representatives – Colleen Hanabusa.

Ostrov’s goal for the GOP The Hawaii Republican Party is the minority party in Hawaii.

Ostrov said that she sought the chairmanship because she wants to help build the GOP to become the true opposition party in the state. It is a steep hill to climb, with only five Republicans in PAGE A5

Stephen David told him that her camp would soon file a complaint before the Department of Justice (DOJ) against “prominent personalities” who allegedly benefitted from the so-called pork barrel scam.

Among the senators Napoles implicated in the scam were Antonio Trillanes IV and Leila de Lima, and Franklin Drilon.

Former budget secretary Butch Abad was also included.

“Ang mga nabanggit niya ay prominent personalities sa nakaraang administrasyon—sina Abad, parang kasama rin si Senator Trillanes, Senator De Lima, at Senate [Minority Leader] Drilon (Napoles mentioned prominent personalities from the previous administration—former budget Abad, and also Senator Trillanes, Senator De Lima, and [former] Senate President Drilon),” Aguirre said.

Trillanes and De Lima were notably among Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s staunchest critics while Drilon is currently the minority president.

During the previous administration of former president Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, both Abad and De Lima headed the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), and DOJ respectively.

“Yun pong kay Janet Napoles ay nakausap ko na po, actually ‘yung

kanyang lawyer, at sabi niya in a few days magsasampa sila ng kaukulang habla at ifa-file ata nila ‘yun sa DOJ (I talked with Napoles’ lawyer, and he said that they will file a complaint before the DOJ in a few days),” Aguirre said.

Aguirre also denied accusations that the Duterte is taking “revenge” against his critics through the case.

“Ang tingin ko po diyan ay pagpapatupad ng katarungan, sapagkat kapag ikaw po ay nagkasala at alam naman natin na kung ikaw ay namuno sa napakalaking pag-rape sa ating kabangbayan, wala pong, walang dapat ipaghiganti ang ating Pangulo (I see this as an implementation of justice because if you committed a crime and you plundered our nation’s coffers, there is no need for the President to seek revenge),” he said.

In a what seemed to be a turn of events, Napoles, who has been accused as the mastermind of the scam, is being eyed as a state witness in the DOJ’s planned reinvestigation.

For their part, the three accused senators denied claims of their involvement in the scam.

In a statement, Drilon tagged the allegations against him as an “outright black propaganda” and political harassment intended to silence the members of the opposition.”

“The intention is obvious from

DFA assures int’l community...

PAGE A1 came from representatives of countries with serious problems with terrorism.

“So the ISIS group is failing in trying to attract bigger groups that have been fighting for justice or against historical injustice in Mindanao,” Cayetano said but declined to discuss other details on the briefing.

The DFA chief said the President’s declaration of martial law in the entire Mindanao for 60 days is necessary to suppress lawless violence and rebellion and ensure public safety.

The Philippines also assured the international community that the government is in full control of the situation.

Meanwhile, the public is al-

lowed in today’s briefing for House members by security and Cabinet officials but may be asked to leave if discussions veer toward sensitive national security issues.

House Majority Leader Rodolfo Fariñas told reporters the meeting will no longer be held in a closed-door executive session as originally agreed upon by members of the supermajority coalition, but that media coverage will only be limited to what is necessary.

He said he “amended” the House leadership’s original policy through a motion in plenary Monday night. He said the change was approved at a special meeting of the House committee on rules, but it was overlooked by a House official, Fariñas said.

the personalities being linked. If this is not revenge, I don’t know what it is,” Drilon said, stressing any claims of him misusing public funds is “a blatant lie.”

Trillanes, meanwhile, accused Aguirre “using his office to persecute and harass members of the opposition by fabricating testimonies from dubious convicts or detainees.”

“I categorically deny any involvement in any irregularity regarding PDAF (Priority Development Assistance Fund), DAP (Disbursement Acceleration Program), or any government funds, for that matter. I was never even mentioned in any of the so-called Napoles lists provided during the height of the investigations in 2013,” Trillanes said.

De Lima, for her part remarked that “only fools will believe” Aguirre and Napoles.

“The woman who stole billions in the PDAF Scam is now being glorified to turn state witness against targeted opposition personalities,” she added.

De Lima further said, “Expect a complaint substantiated with nothing but Napoles’s worthless words, and Aguirre’s reputation for fake accusations. Justice in the Philippines now is a joke, the biggest joke since Aguirre was appointed Secretary of Justice.

Unfortunately, it’s a joke that imprisons and punishes the innocent and rewards criminals.” n “That was really what I stated in the special meeting, but director Jef Baquiran forgot to change the script he prepared. And, like a newsreader, I simply read the wrong script. Hence, my amendment,” he said.

Duterte’s lawmaker-allies in the House voted overwhelmingly Monday night to convene into a Committee of the Whole for the purposes of taking up the legal basis of the 60-day martial law in Mindanao.

Invited to the briefing were Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea and defense and military officials, including Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and national security adviser Hermogenes Esperon; Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Gov. Mujiv Hataman, Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II, among others. n

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Fil-Am nabs Hawaii GOP...

PAGE A4 the State House of Representatives and none in the Senate, the party struggles to get their voices heard. The GOP in Hawaii is not represented in the U.S. House or Senate.

In an op-ed in the Honolulu Star Advertiser on May 4, Ostrov was quoted as saying, “The Hawaii Republican Party is not just the party of no, nor are we simply the party of tax cuts. I believe we’re the party of aloha and ohana. We are the party that wants to see every resident thrive so they can build their business, family and community without excessive government interference. That’s the future we see for Hawaii.”

Ostrov, who, since her retirement, has become a business executive, and a co-founder of a nonprofit Hawaiian Cultural School in the National Capitol Region said, “I think Hawaii’s Republicans have an excellent opportunity to rebuild and offer voters a real choice. My intent is pure and simple. I don’t have a private agenda. I am not seeking fame or fortune, I am not pursuing other positions at this time. I simply want to serve the party in a full-time manner to help the Republicans take their rightful place in Hawaii.”

She also pointed out that the most critical aspect of building a solid foundation is to get the party on a firm financial footing. “We are supposed to be a sharp contrast to the Democrats, offering viable, workable alternatives that energize the state’s residents to want our solutions and not continue with what we already know doesn’t work. Our financial underpinning helps us speak our message broadly, and I know we are at a critical financial crossroads today.

In fact, I believe that this is one of the main reasons why the Hawaii Republican Party has been in decline for the last few years and it will be a primary area of focus for me as chairman.”

Immediately after her election as chairwoman, Ostrov went to Washington, D.C. to meet with GOP leaders and communicated with them her plans for the party in Hawaii. She said that they expressed their optimism and committed to providing support and resources to rebuild the local party.

Attracting Filipinos to the GOP Ostrov stressed that, “Education and outreach in the community is key to our success as a party. Not only will we increase transparency and accountability within party leadership, but sharing our

points of view will attract more members from the growing ranks of disillusioned or disengaged Independents and Democrats looking for a conservative home. We need those numbers in our party and their votes in the next election, votes that will come from the conservative cultures and people the Democrats have taken for granted.

“Two districts out of 51 are Districts 28 and 29, the Kalihi and Palama areas. Those areas are 78 percent Filipino, and not only are they the largest voting bloc in Hawaii, they are also very, very conservative. They are Democrats now, but they are starting to understand that their voting habits are clashing with their conservative culture.

Education in the community will attract people whose family values and cultural background align more naturally with the Republican Party, if they hear us talk with them regularly as we share our message. With a diverse staff that starts with a broad range of ideas, we will articulate a message that covers the values and issues most people in our state care about and that the opposition isn’t even paying attention to.”

Filipino roots Ostrov’s father is from Batangas and her mother is from Bulacan.

Her father joined the U.S. Navy in the Philippines, became a U.S. citizen in 1962 and settled in Hawaii.

She was the fifth of eight children (6 girls and 2 boys), and was born and raised in Mililani, among the pineapple fields of Central Oahu, Hawaii.

She said that her parents raised a “very tight-knit Catholic, conservative and patriotic family” who taught their children “to defend the institutions and the virtues of character that make the pursuit of happiness possible.”

She served for 23 years and retired as a colonel. As a seasoned Logistics Readiness Officer, she held command and staff positions at the U.S. Air Force and Department of Defense. She served as the commander of an Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, and as the Commander of an Air Mobility Squadron unit in the Pacific. She commanded the 376th Expeditionary Mission Support Group, providing air combat power projection throughout the CENTCOM Area of Responsibility, and also served as a hub for strategic airlift operations and as an intermediate staging base for transiting personnel and equipment in support of operations in

From the Front Page

LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL • MAy 31-JUNE 2, 2017

CMS gives states until 2022...

PAGE A1 regulation was hopelessly unrealistic in its time frame,” he said.

“Delaying it actually helps consumers because the underlying regulation was going to push too many changes too fast into a system that wasn’t ready.”

In California, a lot of work is still needed to bring the state into compliance, said Eric Carlson, a directing attorney at Justice in Aging, a nonprofit advocacy organization.

“The state is going to have to pick up the pace to meet the even more relaxed deadlines,” said Carlson, who is based in Los Angeles.

“Even the current timeline doesn’t give us much margin for error.”

California health officials said they appreciated the extra time.

“The additional three years will allow time for the state to work with settings to come into compliance, or relocate members if compliance is not achievable,” Anthony Cava, spokesman for the state Department of Health Care Services, said in an email.

The health care services department has already developed a survey for home- and community-based providers and started working with other departments throughout the state. The department plans to begin assessing care sites by this fall — work that could last into 2019 because of the “extremely large and diverse number of settings,” Cava said.

Overall, Cava said, implementAfghanistan.

Ostrov served the U.S. State Department in support of the U.S. Special Envoy to Sudan and also served as the Legislative and Interagency Liaison for USTRANSCOM in Washington DC. She likewise served as the Chief of the Global Combat Support Division at Headquarters, Pacific Air Forces.

Among Ostrov’s military awards are the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Defense Superior Service Medal, Air Force Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, and Air Force Outstanding Unit Award.

She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from the University of Florida, an MBA in Management from Troy State University and a Masters of Arts in Organizational Management from George Washington University.

She married her husband Mark Jacob Ostrov in 1990 and they have twin daughters, Jessica and Julia who are 16 years old. (Emmanuel Samonte Tipon)

ing the regulation has created unforeseen challenges. Among the biggest: funding.

“Some settings may need to make significant changes to come into compliance, but there is no additional federal funding provided for such changes,” Cava said.

The Obama administration’s 2014 rule was an effort to create a federal standard to improve the quality of care that the disabled receive outside institutions.

Some states had tried — and struggled — to make changes on their own, partly due to a lack of funding and the political difficulties of changing deeply entrenched relationships with providers.

Some, for instance, had required providers to change longstanding operations at group homes and socalled sheltered workshops, such as Goodwill Industries, where disabled people often work apart from other employees, performing menial tasks for less than minimum wage.

The delay in implementing the federal rule is “a victory for the status quo and for states reluctant to embrace the [new standards],” said Gary Blumenthal, CEO of the Association of Developmental Disabilities Providers. Helping dis-

abled people find work in places where they are not segregated costs states more money, he said.

States spent several years fighting the new rules during the Obama administration, and that delayed their planning, said Elizabeth Priaulx, senior legal specialist with the National Disability Rights Network. She noted that states were under pressure from nursing homes and for-profit group homes to resist the changes.

“It is unfortunate the delay had to occur,” but many states were not ready, she said.

The new rule also directs states and providers to reconfigure existing community settings such as group homes to ensure that people will have more privacy.

“Without these dollars it’s difficult to change the system,” Blumenthal said.

Funds already shifting In 2014, for the first time, state Medicaid programs spent more on long-term care in home and community-based settings than on nursing homes. But there was great variation among the states: Mississippi spent about 25 percent of its long-term care dollars on home and community care while Oregon and other states spent nearly 80 percent.

Camille Dobson, deputy execu-

A

tive director of the National Association of States United for Aging and Disability, said the extra time is important for states worried about losing federal funding if they don’t meet the new standards.

“It was very likely that most of the states would not have been in compliance by March 2019 and so CMS would [have been] faced with taking money away from programs that help people stay in their homes rather than go to nursing facilities,” Dobson said.

The administration’s delay announcement came less than a week after the House passed the American Health Care Act, which would take $880 billion out of the Medicaid program over ten years. The move was expected after Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price in March invited states to apply for waivers from federal Medicaid rules that he said were too onerous to help improve the program.

So far, Tennessee is the only state that has received final approval from CMS for its implementation plan. States still face a 2019 deadline for approval of their implementation plans.

Kathy Carmody, CEO of the Chicago, Illinois-based Institute on Public Policy for People with DisPAGE A7

A6 MAY 31-JUNE 2, 2017 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL

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OPINION

FEATURES

ISIS not a figment of the President’s imagination IT is easy to misread, misinterpret and misunderstand a leader like President Rodrigo Duterte whose public pronouncements are a mix of jokes and serious allegations regarding the extent of corruption in government, the illegal drugs scourge and the spread of terrorist organizations in the country, especially when his speeches are punctuated by a barrage of crisp profanities.

One thing’s for sure, he is not joking about the deepening infiltration of the southern Philippines by Islamist militants, particularly by the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, the global terrorist network that goes by the acronym ISIS or IS. ISIS has big plans for Mindanao, foremost of which is to turn the porous island into an IS nucleus.

But more than that, Mindanao will serve as base of operations for an IS East Asia Division.

It is no fantasy, and definitely not a figment of President Duterte’s imagination, when juxtaposed with images and footages of the raging battle between government troops and Abu Sayyaf and Maute militants in Marawi City, the capital of Lanao del Sur. The militants have taken over government buildings, took civilian hostages and probably killed scores of innocent civilians. They are carrying and raising the monochromatic flag of ISIS that has come to symbolize the brutality of jihad in the Middle East and Southeast Asia, particularly in Indonesia and southern Philippines.

The situation now in Marawi City was the very topic of a gathering of security experts last month in Singapore, the Milipol conference on homeland

security.

According to a report by Agence France-Presse, a security expert discussed extensively the creation of a militant base in Mindanao. “Currently, IS is moving towards creating a territory in southern Philippines. The most recent communication issued by IS has announced that they have formally declared an East Asia division of IS in the southern Philippines,” counter-terrorism analyst Rohan Gunaratna said.

“The instability in the southern Philippines and the availability of weapons, internal displacement, refugee flows … create the ripe conditions for foreign terrorists to come,” he told AFP after his speech.

The siege in Marawi prompted Duterte—on May 23—to issue Proclamation No. 216, Declaring a State of Martial Law and Suspending the Writ of Habeas Corpus in the Whole of Mindanao.

His critiques were quick to point out the folly of what the President has done. Human Rights Watch has raised the prospect of abuse of authority by the implementors on the ground. Martial law is not a free pass for abuse, according to HRW. Former President Fidel Ramos, a veteran of the Marcos regime martial law, noted that Proclamation

Guest Editorial

ManilaTimes.net photo

216 was ill-timed and “unbecoming” of the Duterte administration. “Those in the Cabinet, in Congress, who are very vocal about martial law being good for Mindanao, may not have experienced being shot by someone. Or being forced to evacuate in a safe place, or to lose a job, livelihood, or a loved member of a family,” Ramos said on Friday. He urged Duterte not to expand the coverage of martial law beyond Mindanao.

Sen. Francis Pangilinan, the president of the opposition Liberal Party, made it clear he would block

any move by Duterte to place Visayas and Luzon under military rule, especially in the absence of circumstances similar to Mindanao.

The criticisms are a healthy expression of the people’s constitutional rights and must not be suppressed even if the ISIS threat is as real as the cracks of gunfire ringing out of Marawi City. The body count tallied so far is 11 government soldiers, 31 militants.

The response must not only be real, but focused and equal to the exigencies of the situation without harming the innocent and truth. (ManilaTimes.net)

Duterte’s martial law in Mindanao: The pros and cons sides among Filipinos in America AFTER the escalating conflict and attack by The Fil-Am the terror group Maute in Marawi City, Presi- Perspective dent Rodrigo Duterte has declared the much dreaded martial law in the whole of Mindanao GEL SANTOS-RELOS to stop the “contamination” of the ISIS-linked terror group in Mindanao, in the whole nation, and in the Southeast Asia region.

Duterte said the terror group has already infiltrated 75 percent of Marawi with the plan of targeting Christian communities while trying to recruit Muslim youth. He feared ISIS would push through with the plan of establishing a caliphate in the Philippines’ Mindanao area, Indonesia and Malaysia and that this must be stopped.

Philippine authorities have warned the Maute group militants to surrender or die. According to ABS-CBN News, more than 100 people have been killed in the conflict which began last week. Twentyone soldiers have reportedly died and the Marines have confirmed they have killed eight terrorists in one day.

Filipinos in America have protested in the streets to demand that Duterte lift martial law, concerned about the president steering the Philippines back

to human rights abuses of the Marcos dictatorship’s martial law era. Philippine Supreme Court Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno warned in a speech that impunity is on the rise and that fundamental rights are once again under threat.

The motive of Duterte in declaring martial law was all the more questioned because of the reported inaccurate statements he made claiming that the chief if police of Malabang was killed but the police chief himself debunked this saying he is still alive.

On Tuesday, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana along with other security officials reportedly told senators in a private briefing that the military could neutralize the Maute Group even without martial law, and that the recommendation to declare it did not come from them.

Many kababayans from back home defended Duterte’s declaration of martial law, arguing that Filipinos in America are not in the position to criticize the president’s decision, especially when all he wanted was to protect the country from being attacked and conquered by ISIS. This defiance has been especially per-

sonal for Filipinos from Mindanao who contend that their lives are the ones under threat and that the Fil-Ams’ opposition is just making the situation worse.

However, there are also Filipinos in America who support Duterte’s decisive action to declare martial law in Mindanao.

Here is the statement of Atty. Arnedo S. Valera, Chairperson of the US Pinoys For Real Change in the Philippines (USPRCP), to express their full support for Duterte’s May 23 declaration of martial law in Mindanao for 60 days, noting the extreme urgency of the crisis in the region.

Valera said: “President Duterte’s bold and decisive action is imperative in quelling the rebellion in the region, halting the escalating inhumane atrocities by the extremists, as well as insuring our national security and the safety of Filipinos, and demonstrating the government’s resolve in combating international terrorism.”

USPRCP, a nonpartisan organization composed of dual citizens based in this U.S. capital, advocates for a better life for Filipinos everywhere. Here is the full statement: 1. We support President Rodrigo Duterte’s May 23 declaration of Martial Law in Mindanao for 60 days to quell the existing rebellion, insure the national se-

curity of our nation and the safety of our people, especially the civilian population, as well as combating international terrorism.

2. We condemn in the strongest possible terms the heinous terrorist acts and unconscionable atrocities perpetrated by the extremist Maute terrorist groups and their cohorts, which resulted in the willful killing of three government troops, one from the Philippine National Police (PNP) and two from the Army. In wanton disregard of human lives, these extremists also attacked civilian facilities, including St. Mary’s Church, Dansalan College and Ninoy Aquino School.

3. We call on all Filipinos and the international community to support the Philippine Government’s war against terrorism and extremist groups which target even non-combatants, the civilian population and cultural property, including places of worship in direct violation of the International Humanitarian Laws on armed conflicts.

4. We urge the Mindanaoans to be vigilant and to extend their assistance to the Philippine troops through relaying vital information, taking into consideration their safety and that of their families as first priority in abiding by their patriotic duty. The civilian population is an important part of the government’s fight against terrorism.

We pray for the families and children of our troops killed in defense and security of our country. Further, that they may find divine strength and spiritual blessings in these trying times. We call on the government and our community to extend all kinds of support to the families of our heroes, especially their children.

5. We salute and express our full support for our troops in their heroic role to fight and eradicate terrorism in Mindanao and elsewhere. This is the time to support our troops and our government to secure the national and territorial integrity of our nation and the safety and security of all Filipinos, as well as to demonstrate our resolve that international terrorism does not flourish.

US Pinoys for Real Change in the Philippines (USPRCP) Chairperson of USPRCP : Rev. Atty.

Arnedo S. Valera , Esquire Dan Jimenez Mike Ocampo Conrad Martinez Elizabeth E. Babiera *** 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

Joint exploration in South China Sea: Proposal for third silk route

PeaceMaker FORMER SPEAKER JOSE C. DE VENECIA, JR. IN Beijing, we said we were honoured to be asked to speak before the great Beijing Forum, for we subscribe to the founding principle of President Xi Jin Ping’s historic revival and expansion of China’s legendary Silk Road—which links today’s Europe, the Middle East, and Asia much as its history and legend had linked them during the classical period.

From their beginnings—in the glory days of the Han Dynasty in the East and the Roman Empire in the West—the linkages between our countries and even those of parts of Africa had ranged beyond the exchange of material goods.

Commerce, culture, civilization From the beginning, East-West trade transcended the limits of commerce. From the beginning, it was also East-West cultural exchange; and the two-way technology transfer stimulated by that trade has been substantial enough to influence the course of either civilization.

Even long-distance travel on

the ‘Silk Road’ had its beneficial effects. Notably, the Venetian Marco Polo’s account of his Silk Road travels inspired the Genoese Christopher Columbus’s voyages to the Americas’ ‘New World.’ Marco Polo started out overland, crossing the Central Asian desert to the court of Kublai Khan, stayed a dozen years, and returned to Venice by sea on the maritime route of the Silk Road. Marco Polo’s voyage took him down the South China coast to Sumatra, southeast India and today’s Sri Lanka. From there, he crossed the Indian Ocean to the Black Sea, reaching Constantinople and finally, Venice after two years at sea.

China’s rebuilding of the Silk Road The value of China’s rebuilding of the Silk Road—in both its overland and maritime linkages—is obvious; and indeed it would redound to all those nations which gathered in Beijing.

Consider how already the Central Asian states are awakening to the possibilities of modernization—as Silk Road arteries begin to link them, westward, all the way to London and eastward to Beijing, encompassing Budapest, Hamburg, Moscow and Warsaw, yes, freight to 28 European cities, moving them by sea,

and by air.

We were privileged to be invited to speak at the “High-Level Dialogue in China’s Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation” in Beijing last May 15, 2017 together with more than 40 heads of state and government and former presidents, former premiers and heads of international congregations, indeed a great achievement for President Xi Jin Ping and the Chinese people. China’s leader launched since 2013 revival of the centuries-old silk route and its 21st Century Maritime Route by sea.

Today modern infrastructure is bringing together Kunming in Yunnan with Phnom Penh and Singapore in the beginnings of a Southeast Asian “Growth Triangle.” And the long-distance trains are moving great cargoes between Asia and Europe, back and forth.

We said that in 2005, the Philippines, China and Vietnam went so far as to venture on a threeway joint seismic survey, which we helped initiate, of disputed areas in the Spratlys chain—to assess the area’s potential for hydrocarbons exploration and development. Scientists of the three nations pronounced the prospects “promising”, and it

is obvious as members of the ASEAN family that today, with China, we must now find ways and means to jointly develop the area’s hydrocarbons potential to help lessen our common dependence on distant petroleum sources in the Middle East.

And look at the potential for peace, for economic development in the heartland of the South China Sea, once rid of conflict, a landscape and seascape of small seaports, airports, oil pipelines, small tourism townships, and fishing villages, can rapidly rise in the contested areas once converted into a Zone of Friendship, Commerce, Navigation and Development, and become the passage way, untrammeld, for all global shipping, carrying more than 50% of the sea freight of the world.

We in the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP) representing more than 340 ruling, opposition, and independent political parties in Asia, have held yearly conferences in various capitals in Asia, in Beijing and in other cities of China, to help bring our peoples in Asia closer together in fraternal understanding.

Our newly organized sister organization, the International Association of Parliamentarians for

Peace (IAPP), representing individual members of parliaments, from all the continents of the world are one with ICAPP in supporting China’s Belt and Road initiative, a historic and inspiring force for peace, friendship and development, encouraging simple, practical people-to-people understanding.

The people-to-people bonds in the Belt-and-Road Initiative are the first and principal keys to achieving good relations among nations, trade facilitation, joint-ventures, networking, and policy coordination, as we endeavour to connect highways, railways, electricity grids, rivers and lakes to the great arteries of the world. Indeed, the people-topeople bonds are the first prime catalysts in the forging of trade, tourism, economic and social development and in the framing of peace and unity among nations.

We said that, inspite of difficulties a durable peace today is not impossible even in some of Asia’s troubled areas. For indeed it is most desirable if we, among ourselves, discard occasional enmity and exaggerated pride, and if we respond to the Sermon on the Mount and the hallowed spirit of China’s storied Silk Road, we could all together embark on a journey that today

could lead towards the dream of a thousand years of peace and prosperity for all our nations and for all our peoples.

For the revival of the Silk Road is a vision that reflects the shift of the center of gravity from West to East, a global rebalancing whose time has come. It should help bind peoples and countries to a common future and rekindle the grandeur and glory of the old and new Asian civilization and serve as harbinger of real and expanding growth in the 21st Century.

Global potential of new expanded route And in Beijing, we said that: in order to expand, deepen and strengthen the cultural, geo-political, geo-economic, trade, and people-to-people linkages of the historic Silk Road, we now propose consideration of the development of a “third route,” to complement and extend China’s great “Belt and Road” Initiative.

For from Hainan island off Guangdong province in southern China, the route could also pass first through the Philippines, then Malaysia, Indonesia and the small island nation of Timor Leste onwards.

Already in Northwestern Philippines, as part of an extended Belt

u PAGE A7

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LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL • MAy 31-JUNE 2, 2017

A

Dateline PhiliPPines

House formally drops Duterte impeachment bid

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

THE House of Representatives on Tuesday, May 30, officially junked the impeachment complaint filed against Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte.

With 217 affirmative votes, the House has adopted the Justice Committee’s Resolution 1015 which recommends the dismissal of the impeachment bid filed by Magdalo Partylist Rep. Gary Alejano against the president.

Apart from Alejano, only three other lawmakers voted against the resolution. They were Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman, Ifugao Rep. Teddy Baguilat, and Akbayan Rep. Tom Villarin.

No lawmaker abstained from voting.

In March 16, Alejano filed an impeachment complaint against Duterte over the president’s alleged links to the so-called Davao Death Squad (DDS), the massive killings in his war against illegal drugs, and his alleged undeclared wealth worth nearly P2.2 million.

A supplementary complaint against the president was also filed in March 30 for his alleged inaction over territorial issues

concerning Benham Rise and the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea).

Article 11, Sec. 2 of the 1987 Constitution states that the president “may be removed from office on impeachment for, and conviction of, culpable violation of the Constitution, treason, bribery, graft and corruption, other high crimes, or betrayal of public trust.”

On Monday, May 29, the Justice Committee unanimously voted for the dismissal of the impeachment case against the president due to Alejano’s lack of “personal knowledge” in his allegations.

Lawmakers said that Alejano failed to procure “authentic records” and only based his supporting claims on “hearsay.”

“Now, be it resolved by the House of Representatives to dismiss the verified complaint and the supplemental complaint for the impeachment of President Duterte filed by Rep. Gary Alejano for the reason that the complaints, while defective yet sufficient in form, are not sufficient in substance,” the resolution read.

The Committee also recom-

CMS gives states until 2022...

PAGE A5 abilities, said there is concern the Trump administration may not just delay the rule’s implementation but eventually eliminate it altogether.

“We are disappointed,” she said, noting that Illinois ranks last or near last on several measures of care for people receiving home and community-based services.

That includes having about half of

its disabled Medicaid enrollees in residential care settings with seven or eight other disabled people and less than 6 percent of its disabled enrollees in competitive employment, she said.

“We were really hoping the rule would be a push from the federal government to help us evolve into the 21st century and get out of the mid-1980s where we are stuck,” Carmody said.

mended that “the Rules of Procedure in Impeachment Proceedings of the House of Representatives be amended to explicitly allow the dismissal of the impeachment complaint based on insufficiency in form.”

Alejano, for his part, expressed great dismay over the House panel’s decision to junk the bid.

“The members of this chamber have effectively provided a year of immunity to the President to hold him accountable to his actions,” he said.

Section 3, Article XI of the 1987 Constitution states that “no impeachment proceedings shall be initiated against the same official more than once within a period of one year.”

Alejano pointed out that the dropping of the impeachment case also showed the whole nation “how the rules were bent” and “how this institution became an accessory to the countless deaths in our streets.”

He went on to say, “By voting to dismiss, this institution effectively shied away from showing that it is independent, and is a trustworthy venue for its people to hold the President accountable to his actions and policies.” n Carlson, of Justice in Aging, said the implementation of the rule will help ensure California’s Medicaid beneficiaries have “real access to the community and that they are not improperly limited to the four walls of the assisted-living facility or group home or day center.”

(KHN reporter Anna Gorman contributed to this report. This story was produced by Kaiser Health News, an editorially independent program of the Kaiser Family Foundation.) (Phil Galewitz/California Healthline)

Joint exploration in South China Sea...

PAGE A6 and Maritime Road plan, on the banks of the South China Sea, an agri-tourism belt and large petrochemical and industrial complex, much needed in the region, is being planned for implementation by pioneering Chinese and Philippine groups. And from Timor Leste to Australia’s Gold Coast to Sydney, and New Zealand, the extended route could move across the south Pacific, and enter Latin

America: Chile, Argentina, Brazil, and the tourism-rich Caribbean islands, then Mexico, all the way to the U.S. as in the old days of the Galleon Trade from Manila to Acapulco, Mexico, which sailed for 250 years.

It is not far fetch: for there are already multiple large Chinese investments in South America. And at some point, we said the Latinos should also bring their trade to the south Pacific and into Asia.

Yes, our proposal in Beijing for the 21st Century “third route”, hopefully an enlargement of the Silk Route would make China’s celebrated ‘Belt and Road initiative” almost globally inclusive and create a linkage with two more continents -- Australia and Latin America -- in a new circumnavigation, in a revivable of the Age of Exploration, and new spirit in the Age of Globalization. n

MEMORIAL DAY. U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Michael Klecheski and Brigadier General John Jansen, commanding general of the Third Marine Expeditionary Brigade of the U.S. Marine Corps lead the wreath-laying ceremony to honor fallen soldiers at the Manila American Cemetery on Sunday, May 28.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Roger Rañada

Rape joke not that funny, says Robredo

by Helen

FloreS Philstar.com

MANILA — Joke or not, President Duterte’s latest remarks on rape were improper, Vice President Leni Robredo said.

Robredo reminded all the country’s officials, including Duterte, not to make jokes about rape.

“All civil servants, law enforcers, from the President down to barangay watchmen, we are expected to ensure that this won’t happen, and

if in case this happens, we must ensure that the perpetrators will be punished,” Robredo said in an interview in Iligan City.

“Rape is a heinous crime and is not a joke,” she said.

Duterte on Friday, May 26 joked that he would take the rap for any soldier who commits up to three rapes during martial law in Mindanao.

“This rape joke is unnecessary during this time as many of our countrymen want an assurance

that this won’t happen,” Robredo said.

“Whether it’s a joke or not, it’s improper,” she stressed.

This was not the first time Duterte has made a joke about rape.

During the presidential campaign last year, Duterte caused outrage when he recalled a 1989 prison riot in Davao City, wherein an Australian missionary was killed, and that inmates lined up to rape her. n

Poe on Marawi City attack: What happened to billions of intel funds? by aJ

BolanDo Philstar.com

MANILA — With billions of government funds allocated this year for intelligence, a senator asked how the Maute group had successfully penetrated the city of Marawi in Lanao del Sur. Senate Committee on Public Information chair Sen. Grace Poe said that the attack on Marawi City was “absolutely” a failure of intelligence on the part of Armed Forces of the Philippines.

ISIS-inspired Maute group wreaked havoc in Marawi City, where establishments were

burned and prisoners were freed last Tuesday.

The intense firefight between government forces and armed group forced President Rodrigo Duterte to declare martial law in Mindanao and cut his trip short in Russia.

AFP admitted that they initiated the clash while serving the arrest warrant against Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon.

“What did you do with the intelligence funds that were given to you? You weren’t able to determine this one, no warning whatsoever,” Poe said.

“The president, you may say,

was caught off guard because he was in a state visit, unless, of course, I don’t know the plan, what’s going on inside the Palace, but it seems to me that they had no inkling that this was going to happen,” she added.

Under the 2017 General Appropriations Act, the Congress allotted P5.48 billion to confidential and intelligence funds, while the Office of the President alone has P2.5 billion.

CIF expenditures, however, are not subject to the regular auditing rules and procedures of the Commission on Audit and do not require a detailed accounting. n

A may 31-june 2, 2017 • La mIDWeeK aSIan jOuRnaL

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BUSINESSJ& COMMUNITY OURNAL

IMF keeps Philippines growth forecasts

by Lawrence

agcaoiLi Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines - Multilateral lender International Monetary Fund (IMF) is keeping its economic growth forecasts for the Philippines for the meantime despite the disappointing gross domestic product (GDP) growth in the first quarter.

Shanaka Jayanath Peiris, resident representative to the Philippines of the IMF, said the agency is holding on to its current GDP growth forecasts for this year and next year until the

release of the next World Economic Outlook (WEO) in July.

“We will do an assessment of the outlook and risks for the July WEO release so unlikely to revise anything before that,” Peiris said.

In its latest WEO released in April, the IMF said the country’s GDP would expand 6.8 percent this year and 6.9 percent in 2018. This is well within the targets of 6.5 to 7.5 percent for this year and seven to eight percent for next year set by economic managers.

San Miguel to build beer brewery in US $500M PH expansion also planned dumLao aBadiLLa Inquirer.net

WB calls for better policies amid rapid urbanization in Philippines

u PAGE B3

Shanaka Jayanath Peiris, resident representative to the Philippines of the IMF, said the agency is holding on to its current GDP growth forecasts for this year and next year until the release of the next World Economic Outlook (WEO) in July.

Philstar file photo

by doris

B1

San Miguel Corp. president Ramon S. Ang told reporters after SMB’s stockholders BEER giant San Miguel Brew- meeting on Tuesday, May 30.

SMB, which has been opery plans to set up a beer brewery in Los Angeles, California to erating in the last 126 years, cater to growing demand for its wants to increase its export beer products in North America. volume to the Middle East SMB is also investing $500 and supply more to America.

“I think soon, America million in the next 2.5 years to expand its domestic beer will have a bigger potential. business. The company is set Our intention right now is to to build one new brewery in have a brewery in the West Iloilo and another in Cagayan Coast,” Ang said, adding that de Oro, each with an annual the site should be close to the production capacity of two mil- critical mass of migrant Fililion hectoliters, SMB chair and pino community in the U.S. n

by mayVeLin

u. caraBaLLo ManilaTimes.net

THE Philippines should make its cities more competitive, inclusive and better governed to support the rapid increase in the number of Filipinos living in urban areas today, a joint study by the government and the World Bank said.

Released on Monday, May 30, the “Philippines Urbanization Review: Fostering Competitive, Sustainable and Inclusive Cities” report said the Philippines is one of the fastest urbanizing countries in East Asia but

it is at a critical juncture.

About 45 percent of Filipinos live in urban areas today, the report added.

This number is expected to more than double by 2050, to 102 million, generating higher demand for housing, basic services, transportation and jobs.

Currently, Philippine cities generate more than 70 percent of the country’s gross domestic product, more than half of it from Metro Manila (National Capital Region or NCR) alone, it said.

The report added that country’s seven largest cities–NCR, Metro Cebu, Davao, Ba-

colod, Cagayan de Oro, General Santos and Zamboanga–provide 54 percent of formal jobs in the country.

But inadequate investments in urban infrastructure, it said, have led to traffic congestion, lack of basic services and rising risk from natural hazards.

These factors undermine efficiency of the city network and exacerbates economic and social inequalities, the report pointed out.

It called for more affordable mass transport, such as metro rail transit and bus rapid transit systems, to raise productivity and im-

u PAGE B5

Economy stable enough to withstand unrest in Marawi City

by Ben

o. de Vera Inquirer.net

Despite the unrest in Marawi City that led to the declaration of martial law in Mindanao, the Department of Finance said yesterday that the economy remained unaffected given its sufficient buffers that would outweigh any adverse effect of the terror attack.

Last Thursday, “the country’s solid macroeconomic fundamentals buoyed the local bourse and the peso despite President Duterte’s declaration of martial law in Mindanao,” said Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, who heads the Duterte administration’s economic team.

Dominguez noted that the Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) rose 0.43 percent or 33.8

points to close at 7,871.65 on Thursday, May 25, while the peso recovered to 49.83:$1 after it weakened to 49.995 and touched the 50 level last Wednesday, May 24.

The DOF quoted National Treasurer Rosalia V. de Leon as saying that “the Philippines’ ample buffers positioned the country to weather changes in global environment,” adding

that “the nation’s external debtto-gross domestic product (GDP) at 24.5 percent is one of the lowest in the region.”

“The country has a current account surplus since 2003, while its net foreign direct investments [amounted to] $7.93 billion in 2016, which is higher by 41 percent year-on-year,” De Leon added.

u PAGE B5

Business news

B MAY 31-JUNE 2, 2017 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL

by Alexis

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Pernia: No ‘build,build,build’without tax reform bill

RomeRo Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines — The envisioned golden age of infrastructure under the Duterte administration may end up becoming a bronze age or even a dark age if Congress does not pass the proposed tax reform bill, an official warned Tuesday, May 29.

Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia said the non-passage of the tax reform measure, which has been certified as urgent by President Rodrigo Duterte, could limit the government’s capability to roll out key infrastructure projects.

“It’s not going to be the golden age of infrastructure. It will be the Bronze Age maybe of infrastructure, or maybe dark age of infrastructure. So that is how terrible, that is how unwelcome the non-passage of the CTRP (comprehensive tax reform program) is going to be,” Pernia said in a press conference in Malacañang.

Barrister’s Corner Atty. Kenneth UrsUA reyes ONE of the most emotional aspect of a marital dissolution case is dealing with Child custody issues. Sadly enough, this is an area where most parents play games with each other trying their best to deprive the other parents of their right to maintain relationship with their child.

Child custody comes in two parts, 1) physical custody and 2) legal custody. Physical custody may be awarded solely to one parent or jointly. Sole physical custody means that the child will reside primarily and under the supervision of one parent subject to visitation from the other parent upon order of the court. Family Code §3007. Joint physical custody on the other hand means that the child gets to spend frequent and continuing contact with both parents. Family Code §3004. The court would state specifically the periods of time the child will be under the supervision of each parent.

“

“There’s a problem, then we will be unable to fund the build, build, build. It will be small build, small build, small build… Maybe no build, no build, no build,” he added.

The government is planning to spend more than P8 trillion for various infrastructure projects to usher in what it called a “golden age of infrastructure.” It has also vowed to undertake massive spending on human capital and social protection for the most vulnerable sectors to address poverty and reduce inequality.

To finance these projects, the Duterte administration is pushing for a comprehensive tax reform package that involves sizable cuts in personal income tax rates, the expansion of the value added tax (VAT) base, and adjustments to excise taxes on oil, automobiles and other products.

Economic managers are hopeful that Congress will pass the measure before it goes on a break this week.

The Finance department has warned that without the tax reform measure, the government would have to raise deficit spending by three percent of the gross domestic product, a move that it said could lead to an “unstable fiscal position.”

Such move could also result in a credit rating downgrade that would cost the government

How courts determine child custody in california Legal custody on the other hand deals with the right and responsibility of a parent to make decisions regarding the health, education, and welfare of the child. Family Code §3006. Examples would be decisions such as where the child shall attend school, whether the child can travel to another jurisdiction

of the child. Fam. Code §3011. If the court is inclined to order sole custody to one parent, the consideration boils down to which parent is more likely to allow the child frequent and continuing contact with the noncustodial parent. Family Code §3040(a)(1).

A major factor that would tilt the courts decision are incidents or history of child abuse and domestic violence.

This can be from the part of a parent, a parent’s co-habitant, or other person to or state, legal decisions involv- whom a parent has a relationship ing the child. In cases where with. The childs amount and najoint legal custody is ordered ture of contact with the parents by the court, either parent alone is also another factor considered. can make decisions concern- Fam. Code §3011(c). Other facing the health, education, and tors that can be considered are welfare of the child unless oth- the parent’s use of controlled erwise specified in the order. substance, prior criminal convicIn making its determination on tions and registration as a sex child custody issues, the court offender, and existence of reconsiders various factors depend- straining order against a parent. ing on the specific facts of the The family code requires case. The court usually follows that the parties go to mediathe public policy of ensuring and tion and attempt to agree on encouraging the child’s frequent the custody issue prior to the and continuing contact with both court hearing the contested parents after the divorce unless it case. Family Code §3170(a). would not be in the best interest u PAGE B5

Child custody comes in two parts, physical custody and legal custody.

”

an extra P30 billion in annual debt servicing and P100 billion more in higher borrowing costs.

Lower GDP if tax reform bill fails According to the National Economic and Development Authority, the country’s real gross domestic product (GDP) level will be higher by between 0.6 percent and 1.1 percent by 2022 if the tax reform measure

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAglAyA A FARMER in Africa heard glowing stories of other farmers who have become rich by discovering diamond mines in the continent. Filled with excitement and visions of sparkling diamonds, he sold his farm quickly and set out to become a diamond prospector himself. He wandered far and wide for many years crisscrossing the huge continent hoping to strike it rich. Hope and change however proved to be a lame strategy. Alas and alack, the years took their toll and finally, having grown old, tired and despondent over his failures, he ended his life.

Meanwhile, the man who bought his farm settled in and one bright day, while fording a stream on the land he now owned, was attracted to a gleam of colored rock at the bottom of the shallow water. He picked it up out of curiosity and displayed it on his mantel as décor. One day a visitor noticed the rock and almost fainted. He asked the farmer what he thought it was and the farmer innocently said, it was a pretty crystal. The visitor told him that it was probably one of the biggest diamonds

is in place. Without the bill, which is formally called Tax Reform Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN), the GDP level will be lower by 0.5 percent and 1.1 percent by 2022. The GDP is the sum total of all goods and services produced in an economy.

Some lawmakers are opposed to a number of provisions in the executive department’s proposal including the lifting of VAT exemptions enjoyed by cooperatives.

The version of the House of Representatives is expected to generate P82 billion in additional revenues, lower by almost half than the P164 billion projected revenue gains from the Finance department’s proposal.

Pernia is hopeful that Congress will pass the executive department’s version in its entirety.

“They should realize that we in the economic team, our interest is really just the country’s development, the improvement of society. We have no personal agenda at all. And we are

trained to do economic analysis, tax analysis, as we know what is best, what is optimal,” he said.

Finance department spokesperson Paola Alvarez admitted that the final version of their proposal could be watered down because of concerns raised by some lawmakers.

“Until now we’re still encouraging our members if they can still consider the original provisions but of course that’s up to the legislators. We’re still trying to convince them to retain some of those provisions,” Alvarez said.

To make up for the foregone revenues, the government is planning to improve tax collection efforts and intensify efforts against leakages, she added.

In the same press briefing, Pernia said he expects the second quarter GDP growth to be “better” but did not provide specifics.

The Philippines’ GDP grew by 6.4 percent in the first quarter and by 7 percent in the second quarter of 2016. n

Acres of Diamonds

“Your diamonds are not in far distant mountians or in yonder seas; they are in your own backyard, if you but dig fro them.” - Russell H. Conwell, Acres of Diamonds he had ever seen. It turns out that the stream had many more such diamonds at its bottom.

The first farmer never knew he was standing on his own acres of diamonds. He already owned the land free and clear which he had sold practically for a song and a dance. If he only took stock of what he had, surveyed his surroundings and explored and worked on his own acres, his story might have had a happy ending.

This story is a staple used by noted motivational speakers and writers to bring home a point. And for good reason…

The “Acres of Diamond” Story is a powerful metaphor to inspire people to explore and harness their own potential as human beings striving to reach their goal of achieving the riches they seek, whether tangible, intangible or a hybrid of both.

In the most obvious terms, riches could mean physical wealth like money in the bank, a comfortable retirement, celebrity status and the perks that come with it. However, there are also those parameters that are harder

to achieve and can’t be bought outright by money, like inner peace, contentment, serenity, a healthy mind in a healthy body filled with good spirit and well being or a long, happy, meaningful life. The wisest ones go for a mix of both the tangible and the intangible. You get to choose your very own definition of wealth.

Oftentimes, staying the course and having the wisdom and the patience to use the resources found directly right under our noses and the neurons firing in the brain between our ears offer better odds than seeking out those greener pastures.

As one smart aleck pointed out, the other pasture is always greener simply because it has a gardener that waters, fertilizes and fusses over it all the time. (And used often as a multilevel marketing ploy to recruit people for get-rich quick-schemes. But I digress.)

Staying the course and mining your own acres of diamonds could also apply to married couples going through tough times. There are always critical moments that

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Business news

Client seeks chapter 13 relief for mortgage default, credit cards Senior seeks chapter 7 for relief for 40K credit cards

CLIENT is 48, married and has a good job paying him $100K gross a year. A family emergency has caused him some financial hardship because money meant to pay for the house and credit cards were used instead for medical expenses of his brother abroad. Brother is only 35 and single and lives abroad, waiting his turn to receive his visa to migrate here. Another 4 years to wait. Brother has a good job abroad working as representative in a call center. He makes about $700 a month. For a single person making $700 a month, and just waiting for his visa to come to the Promised Land, life can’t get much better. No responsibilities; enough money to spend; and good health. What else can a guy ask for? On weekends, he goes scuba diving about 40 miles off the capital. He says its very enjoyable because going under water with a lot of live corrals and fish to see is “like traveling to another planet”.

However, lately, brother noticed that his legs were getting “fatter.” The doctor says that his legs are starting to retain water because he has some kind of heart problem. Thoracic and cardiac surgery had to be performed immediately as otherwise his physical condition would rapidly deteriorate and he could very well die from cardiac arrest! Not cool. Brother had no medical insurance to pay for the surgery and medical expenses estimated at $20K. The family depends on client for financial help because at $100K gross a year, client does have the resources to help.

And since he loves his younger brother, client sends the $20K by not paying his mortgage and using $10K of credit cards. So that’s done. The surgery is performed and brother has a new lease on life. Thanks be to our God Almighty, Yahweh, and His beloved son, Jesus Christ! Whoever goes to the Lord for safety, whoever remains under the protection of the Almighty, can say to Him, “You are my defender and protector. You are my God;

“

Debt Relief

Atty. LAwrence yAng in you I trust.” He will keep you safe from all hidden dangers and from all deadly diseases. This is what Moses said in Psalm 91 so it is true. Moses was as close as a man could get to our God. After the family emergency, client is now behind 3 mortgage payments, is faced with $20K of credit cards. He also owes $5K to the IRS for 2016. He has sent this month’s mortgage payment to the bank. But that payment has

work related pension that gives her a combined gross of $2400 monthly. She still works full time as a caregiver and is paid $1800 gross monthly. So, she has $4200 monthly. Not too bad. The problem is that she owes $40K of credit cards. She needs $1500 to make minimum monthly payments on these cards, which she has kept for the last 10 years. To make a long story short, she has paid $180K on $40K of credit cards for the last 10 years but still owes today the same $40K. This is why Visa is a good stock to own. It makes tons of your money! As a result, everything that she makes from the full time job goes to pay her credit cards.

Chapter 7 will wipe out all of the $40K credit cards so she can start saving her net take home pay from her caregiving job. It’s about time. At 74, she certainly needs to be able to save all of the money she makes. She really should have filed for Chapter 7 ten years ago. If she did, then she would have $180K in the bank saved up today, wouldn’t she?

If you are saddled with debt, now is the time to get them discharged. Better now than later when you are about to retire. But if you have not yet gotten rid of your debts yet and you are now a senior, believe me, you need to get rid of your debts now that your income is less than half of what it was when you were younger.

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

“THERE WILL BE NO MORE NIGHT. PEOPLE IN HEAVEN WILL NOT NEED THE LIGHT OF A LAMP OR THE LIGHT OF THE SUN, FOR THE LORD GOD WILL GIVE THEM LIGHT. AND THEY WILL REIGN FOREVER AND EVER. “ REVELATION 22:5

If you are saddled with debt, now is the time to get them discharged.

Better now than later.

”

been returned to him with a notice that the bank will be sending him a notice of default with intent to foreclose soon if he does not send the bank 4 payment or $12K. The best relief for this kind of financial situation is Chapter 13.

Why? First, Chapter 13 will stop the foreclosure process upon filing. So client does not have to worry about losing his house to foreclosure. Second, client will be given 5 years to pay the default of $12K without interest. Third, he will also be given 5 years to pay the $20K of credit cards and the $5K of back taxes. So, Chapter 13 gives client a breathing time of 5 years to handle his mortgage default, his credit cards, and his back taxes. During all this time, client is immune from all collection efforts of creditors, including foreclosure of house, lawsuits, garnishment, and liens.

Second client is 74. Pretty much a senior but doesn’t look a day over 60. She is now a widow.

Her husband predeceased her 5 years ago. Her single daughter lives with her and they help each other. Her income is still ok. She receives social security and a

*** 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 • MAY 31-JUNE 2, 2017

Calendar of Events across

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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 JUNE 3

5th annual Kalayaan Parade in Los Angeles’ Historic Filipinotown The 5th Kalayaan Parade in Los Angeles’ Historic Filipinotown will be held on Saturday, June 3, beginning at 9 a.m. to celebrate the 119th Philippine Independence Day. LA Councilmember Mitch O’ Farrell of District 13 will be the guest speaker of the program. The assembly area is in front of the Silverlake Medical Center (SLMC) at Temple Street at 8:00 a.m. The parade starts at 9:00 a.m. and will end at the Filipino American Community of Los Angeles (FACLA) compound. For more information please call Art at (213) 318-9065 or visit www.jfavusa.org.

Kalayaan Incorporated’s Philippine Independence Gala Night in Garden Grove, CA Kalayaan Incorporated Southern California, with the cooperation of the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles, invites you to its Gala Night in commemoration of the 119th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence on Saturday, June 3. It will be held at the Hyatt Regency Orange County (11999 Harbor Blvd. Garden Grove, California 92840). Doors open at 5 p.m. with the program beginning at 6:15 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m.

It is $75 / per ticket (pre-paid). Attire is formal/barong/Filipinana. For more information, please visit https://www.kalayaanincorporatedsocal.com/.

Pista sa Nayon in Vallejo, CA Come and experience the celebration of Philippine Independence Day in Vallejo, California on Saturday, June 3. It will be held at the Vallejo Waterfront from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The festivities will kick-off with a grand parade beginning at the corner of Marin Street and Capitol Street in Vallejo. Then they will continue with non-stop entertainment and ending on two stages at the renowned Vallejo Waterfront. This annual event is one of Vallejo’s largest FREE outdoor festivals that draws crowds wanting to sample Philippine cuisine, soak up Filipino hospitality and enjoy entertainment that crosses all ages, cultures and ethnicities. This year’s entertainment — presented by GMA Pinoy TV and GMA Life TV — will be Dingdong Dantes, Marian Rivera and Kuh Ledesma, among others. Come and experience the Philippine culture firsthand & bring the whole family! Pista sa Nayon is the highlight of the City of Vallejo’s Philippine Cultural Month celebrated throughout the month of June. Vallejo Pista Sa Nayon will be held at 301 Mare Island Way, Vallejo, California 94590. For more information, please visit http://www.vallejopistasanayon.com/.

Walk for Mom in Teaneck, NJ The Filipino Medical Program invites members of the Filipino-American community to Holy Name Medical Center’s Walk for Mom, a breast cancer awareness walkathon on Saturday, June 3. Participate in a fun-filled celebration including music, snacks, prizes, FREE T-shirts and other exciting events. It will be held at 718 Teaneck Road, Teaneck, NJ (south parking lot), with registration beginning at 9:30 a.m. The walk begins at 10:30 a.m. and is 1.5 miles. Suggested donation is $10. Proceeds fund free mammogram screenings for up to 100 women. For more information, please call (201) 833-3336 or email walkformom@ holyname.org.

JUNE 10

119th anniversary of Philippine Independence Day in Carson, CA The Philippine Independence Day Foundation, Inc. (PIDF), in conjunction with the City of Carson, GMA Life TV, GMA Pinoy TV, GMA News TV, and Tesoro, will celebrate the 119th anniversary of Philippine Independence Day at the Carson Veterans Park (22400 Moneta Street, Carson, CA 90745) on Saturday, June 10. Thousands of people are expected to enjoy the non-stop, day-long event that will be jam-packed with entertainment and activities featuring the rich, beautiful, and spirited Filipino heritage. The eventful day kicks off with a flag raising ceremony at 7:30 a.m., followed by an ecumenical service and a community mass. The parade — to be headed by 119th Philippine Independence Grand Marshal, Consul General Adelio Angelito S. Cruz of the Philippine Consulate General Los Angeles, and to be participated in by a multitude of community organizations and associations from all across Southern California — will be at about 10:00 a.m. This will be followed by the daylong program featuring talented performers from across the South Bay, Southern California, and beyond! The program will be headlined by none other than GMA Network Kapuso’s Primetime Queen Marian Rivera and Primetime King Dingdong Dantes! In addition to the live entertainment, cultural center, food booths, exhibits, vendors, PWC’s Jeepney, chess tournament, and children’s area, there will also be a bone marrow drive for Fil-Am LAPD Officer Matthew Medina. This event would not possible without the leadership of Councilmember Elito M. Santarina, the hard work of our dedicated PIDF Trustees and volunteers, and of course the generosity of our sponsors; Tesoro Refining and Marketing LLC, Waste Management, Carson Companies, KL Fenix, Watson Land, Community Dynamics, IBEW Local 11 &NECA Los Angeles, Nationwide Environmental Services, Brea Canon Oil Co., Inc., Leelin Bakery & Cafe, and Kellogg Garden Products.

For more information or any questions, please email pidf.info@gmail.com.

JUNE 11

Filipino Medical Program hosts community health screening in Passaic, NJ Holy Name Medical Center’s Filipino Medical Program will have a health screening from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 11 at the Philippine Independence Day Festival in Passaic, New Jersey. It will be held at 3rd Ward Park, 350 Passaic Ave (cor. Van Houten), Passaic, NJ 07055. For more information, please call the FMP at (201) 833-3355 or email lavarro@ holyname.org.

JUNE 16

Philippine Independence Day Concert & Gala in San Francisco A concert and gala reception will be held at the beautiful and historic Marines’ Memorial Theater in San Francisco on Friday, June 16. The annual Philippine Independence Day Concert & Gala has been a favorite event for Fil-Am political, business, arts, academic and non-profit circles, foreign dignitaries, state and city officials, and a wide cross-section of the Bay Area community. This year’s event will kick-off with a full-length concert at the Marines’ Memorial Theater featuring renowned Filipino music maestro, Ryan Cayabyab with seven of his highly-acclaimed and award-winning vocalists at 7 p.m. The gala reception will follow immediately after the concert at 8 p.m. at the adjacent Marines’ Memorial Club & Hotel hall where guests will be welcomed by a beautiful Rigodon de Honor, a Filipino-Spanish quadrille folk dance, to be performed by consular officials and community leaders. Three beautiful ballrooms and reception areas will be open for guests to either sit with friends or mingle with the community. A sumptuous buffet dinner and bar will be served while guests are treated to exciting performances by featured artists.

Finally, a top DJ will be on hand to keep everyone dancing till midnight! Tickets are $125 / person. Marines’ Memorial Theater is located at 609 Sutter St., San Francisco, CA 94102.

For more information, please visit www.kalayaansf.com/gala or email gala@kalayaansf.com.

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

IMF keeps Philippines...

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The Philippine emerged as the fastest growing economy in the region after its GDP expansion accelerated to 6.9 percent last year from 5.9 percent in 2015 as election related spending boosted private consumption.

However, GDP growth eased to 6.4 percent in the first quarter from 6.6 percent in the fourth quarter of 2016 as weak private consumption dragged domestic demand.

IMF deputy director for Asia and the Pacific Department Kenneth Kang said during the Spring Meetings of the IMF and the World Bank in Washington in April the country’s economic growth is expected to remain robust at around seven percent this year and next year led primarily by domestic demand and a recovery in exports.

Kang pointed out investors’ confidence remain strong as shown by the investment grade

rating as well as positive and stable outllooks from S&P Global Ratings, Moodys Investor Service and Fitch Ratings.

External shocks arising from the normalization of interest rates in the US and the decision of the United Kingdom to leave the European Union or Brexit, as well as domestic political noise primarily from the all-out illegal drugs campaign of the Duterte administration have led to volatile financial and capital markets.n

B MAY 31-JUNE 2, 2017 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL

What’s New Arlene Al-os, CPA, MBA HOW do you determine if the person visiting you either at your business or at home or calling you are not an IRS imposter?

Look for two forms of credentials.

IRS Knocks at your door why it happens and what you need to do when it happens: • Reasons why an IRS visits you either at the places of your business or at your home: 1) to discuss taxes you owed; 2) you are being audited; 3) conducting an investigation.

• When you are being audited, an IRS Revenue Agent auditor may visit you at your business or at your home. You will first be notified by mail with specific day and time of the visit. The auditor may call and confirm the scheduled day and time of the visit.

• Special Circumstances. The IRS Criminal Investigators may do a surprise visit at your business or at your home but will not demand payment. If a surprise visit does occur, look for enforce-

EMPLOYMENT

Community Journal

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How courts determine child custody...

IRS consumer alert tips - the IRS at your door PAGE B2 t

ment credentials and badge.

• Two Forms of Official Credentials: 1) pocket commission; 2) HSPD-12 card a government wide secure form of identification. You have the right to obtain and see these credentials.

• Some cases are now assigned to private debt collectors beginning April 2017 under Section 32102 Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act) for the collection of outstanding inactive collectible accounts.

• There will be written notice to the taxpayer and representative that accounts are being transferred to private collection agencies, prior to assignment of the case to the private collectors.

• The private collection agencies will also send a separate letter to the taxpayer and representative to confirm the transfer.

The private collection agencies must follow Fair Debt Collection Practices Act provisions, courteous, and respect taxpayer rights.

• To report a misconduct of a private debt collection: 1) report to TIGTA hotline 800-366-4484; or 2) write to: Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, Hotline, Post Office Box 589, Ben Franklin Station Washington, DC 20044-0589. Also visit www. tigta.gov for more information.

• List of selected Private Collection Agencies: 1) CBE, P.O. Box 2217, Waterloo, IA 50704 Tel#1-800-910-5837; 2) ConServe, P.O. Box 307, Fairport, NY 14450-0307 Tel#1-844-8534875; 3) Performant, P.O. Box 9045, Pleasanton CA 945669045 Tel#1-844-807-9367; 4) Pioneer, PO Box 500, Horseheads, NY 14845 Tel#1-800-448-3531.

• Payments are always directly to the U.S. Treasury and NOT to the private collection agency.

• Submit a request in writing to the private collection agency if you want to settle unpaid taxes and do not wish to work with the as-

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EMPLOYMENT

If the case is not settled in mediation, it gets decided in court through a contested hearing. At times, the court will order a child custody evaluation if it determines that it would be in the best interest of the child. The court may also appoint a minor’s counsel if it feels it would be in the best interest of the child.

Family Code §3150(a).

The court retains continuous jurisdiction over issues of child custody and support until the child

Acres of...

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would require partners to fight for their marriage and stay committed no matter the struggle. There is the struggle of the infidelity of one partner attracted to another, maybe a young spring chicken or a hunk with washboard abs waiting in the wings, the struggle to rise above health issues or the struggle to keep their heads above financial waters or the struggle to stay as a family despite the discord brought about by various debilitating addictions.

reaches 18. This means the or- kureyeslaw@gmail.com or visit our website at der may be modified all through- Kenreyeslaw.com. out this period if there has been *** a change in circumstances. Please note that this article is not legal advice *** and is not intended as legal advice. The article is 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

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)

Many seem to think they can hit the reset button by trading up to another partner. They think that if they can only find the right one, find Ms. or Mr. Perfect, life would be better. Oftentimes, that route simply leads to more troubles ahead, more complications, more heartaches and crushing disappointments.

If one treasures the intangible acres of diamonds built by years of being together in the form of happy memories and achievements, scrapping the negativity, overlooking irritations or editing out the heartaches through genuine forgiveness brought about

by unceasing prayers, perhaps staying the course and loving the one you’re with, might not be too difficult. With faith and determination, you can mine your own acres of diamonds right in your own marriage, right in your own backyard.

The question is, are we mining our own acres of diamonds in every area of our lives right now? And if not, why not? *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@asianjournalinc.com

EMPLOYMENT

Performance Strong. Results Delivered.

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Community Journal

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People and Events

Tips for a healthy vacation Planning your next beach vacation? While having fun in the sun, consider these five tips to make sure your trip is a healthy one.

Avoid tanning, be sun safe Thinking about getting a “healthy tan” over vacation?

Think again. Any increase in skin pigment (called “melanin”) is a sign of damage. Ultraviolet radiation from the sun can cause wrinkles and dark spots among other problems—and tanning puts you at higher risk for skin cancer. Plus, sunlight reflecting off of sand or water increases exposure to UV radiation and increases your risk of developing eye problems.

But sunny days can still figure into your trip. Here’s how to be sun safe.

Use sunscreen. Wear a broad spectrum sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays, and choose an SPF of 15 or higher. You need at least one ounce of sunscreen lotion (the size of a golf ball) to cover your body. Reapply at least every 2 hours, or every 40 to 80 minutes when swimming or sweating, according to the directions on the product label. And limit the time your skin is exposed to the sun between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Wear sunglasses. Certain sunglasses can help protect your eyes.

Choose sunglasses labeled with a UVA/UVB rating of 100 percent to get the most UV protection.

Wear protective clothing. Con-

sider wearing a hat and clothing that covers skin exposed to the sun. Try to stay in the shade under an umbrella or limit your time in the sun—especially between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when the sun’s rays are most intense.

Understand the facts about tanning beds. You may be tempted to “pre-tan” before a beach vacation. But don’t. The lamps in these beds emit ultraviolet radiation that can be more intense and harmful than the sun. The FDA recommends carefully reading the instructions and warnings before using these beds. Also note that tanning pills and accelerators are not approved by the FDA. Beware of spray tans and bronzers. Know that sprayon tanning or bronzing products are not UV protective.

Check medications before you go Know what medications you’ll need while on vacation. Check that you have enough to last the trip.

Also, review the instructions for taking medications. Look for warnings about interactions your medicines might have with certain foods or drinks and any other side effects. For instance, some medications can make you more sensitive to sunlight. Talk to your healthcare provider about concerns or questions you have about your medications before you go. Don’t skip doses, don’t share medication, and don’t take

more than the suggested dose.

Keep your medicine with you when traveling. (If you’re flying, you don’t want to land in Cancun and have your prescriptions land in Cleveland.) And keep a detailed list of what you’re taking and note the phone number of your health care provider. If you need to seek medical care while you’re away, this information will be helpful.

Be careful with contact lenses If you wear contact lenses, be sure you have the supplies you need to last the trip. To avoid problems such as eye infections and corneal ulcers, make sure your contacts are prescribed by an eye care professional. Skip colored or decorative lenses sold in beauty supply stores or at the boardwalk, since they can damage your eyes.

Wash your hands before touching lenses, and use sterile solution. Never expose your lenses to saliva or non-sterile water, including that from the tap, bottle, or ocean. (Non-sterile water can put you at risk for an eye infection.) So remove your contacts before swimming or getting in the hot tub and follow your eye care professional’s other care and removal instructions.

Also remember to bring glasses in case your eyes become irritated. If your vision changes, your eyes get red, you have lots of tears, or your eyes hurt or feel itchy, take out your contact lens-

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novation. To enable cities to perform that role, we are investing heavily on infrastructure and human capital or health and education,” NEDA Undersecretary Rolando Tungpalan said.

The government targets to spend P847 billion on infrastructure development this year, covering projects in all regions, including small-, medium- and large-scale ventures.

In the six years to 2022, the government intends to spend P8.4 trillion on infrastructure.

Mara Warwick, World Bank country director, said city competitiveness is an important part of successful urbanization, because it creates jobs, raises productivity and increases people’s wages.

“But that is not enough. Cit-

The FDA has not approved any inks for injecting into the skin and, as a general matter, does not actively regulate tattoo parlors.

The FDA also hasn’t approved henna or hair dye for skin use, and some people have reported serious problems after using henna, including allergic reactions such as rashes and scarring.

Stay hydrated and eat healthy Dehydration happens when your body does not have as much water and fluids as it should. It can be mild, moderate, or severe.

So avoid getting dehydrated. For

instance, when you spend a late afternoon at the beach (remember sun safety!) bring water and drink even before you feel thirsty. That said, beware of ice or tap water in places where the water isn’t safe to drink.

Along with staying hydrated, try to make healthy food choices. If you’re at a buffet, you can follow the dietary guidelines, for instance, by first filling your plate with fruits, vegetables and whole grains and then adding the protein source. (FDA.gov)

Economy stable enough to withstand...

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Also, De Leon pointed out that year-to-date gross international reserves of $81.8 billion, equivalent to nine months’ worth of import cover, remained “healthy.”

De Leon also noted that the government’s fiscal position remained strong and well-managed with only 2.3 percent deficit-to-GDP as end-March this year, while its debt-to-GDP ratio stood at 41.9 percent.

“The government’s average maturities is over 10 years and we have declining vulnerabilies need to be inclusive and ity to foreign exchange shocks sustainable. They should have with only 34.2-percent share good land use management and of foreign-exchange debt to tostrong institutions,” she added. tal. We continue to increase Meanwhile, strong institutions our reliance on peso funding, and good governance are impor- taking advantage of ample litant for ensuring better manage- quidity,” De Leon further said.

On Thursday, Dominment of cities, delivery of social services and a good environment for job creation, according to Abhas Jha, a World Bank Practice Manager for Urban and Disaster Risk Management PAGE B4 t for East Asia and the Pacific. signed private collection agency.

“A good starting point for this • Taxpayers accounts not policy conversation can be a assigned to private collection comprehensive national urban agencies includes declared dipolicy that establishes a lead saster areas by the president, on agency for urban development installment agreement, offersand housing, and clearly de- in-compromise, identity theft fines the roles of national and victims, deceased, ages 18 or local governments,” Jha said.n under, innocent spouse cases,

WB calls for better policies...

prove the welfare of commuters.

The report recommends that the government simplify licensing requirements to attract more investment, improve infrastructure, focus on affordable housing and the delivery of basic services and encourage poor children to finish secondary education for better job opportunities.

It said decisions made now will affect how cities grow and how people benefit from urbanization through economic growth, job creation and poverty reduction.

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said central to development is the role of cities.

“Cities drive growth and are providers of knowledge and in-

es and seek medical attention.

Think twice about getting tattoos or henna on vacation Tattoo and henna shops are often found on boardwalks and other areas around the beach.

Whether you consider something non-permanent (like henna) or an actual tattoo, think before you ink. Getting a tattoo can put you at risk for serious infections like HIV or hepatitis if you are exposed to unclean tools, practices, or products.

Plus, tattoo inks can cause allergic or otherwise bad reactions.

guez said the economy was in no way threatened by the imposition of martial law.

“Martial law will ensure that these facilities [government installations and major infrastructure] are protected so that business transactions will be unaffected,” Dominguez added.

According to Dominguez, President Duterte himself committed the government to do “anything and everything” to end violence in Marawi City as well as “restore normalcy in the affected areas as quickly as possible so as not to affect the economy.”

While Marawi is Lanao del Sur’s business and economic center, Dominguez said that “the threats by lawless elements are contained in areas far from Mindanao’s major business centers and the military is doing

everything to minimize these.”

Martial law in Mindanao for a limited period is intended to protect the flow of commerce, protect the innocent and eliminate future threats to the communities, the finance chief said.

Also, Dominguez said that pursuing peace and order in Mindanao would help slash the poverty incidence on the war-torn island.

“The President is determined to protect the lives of innocent civilians and he will apply everything within his legal means to stop these extremist terrorist groups from further threatening the people of Mindanao and undermining government efforts to lift people up from poverty and transform Southern Philippines into a major growth center and investment destination,” according to Dominguez.n

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B6 MAY 31-JUNE 2, 2017 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL

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The Asian Journal

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Wednesday, MAY 31, 2017

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cover story The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - May 31, 2017

The #Balikbayan Chronicles:

Captivated by Coron, Inspired by Ilocos

by MOMAR

C

OMING home to the motherland is one of the best feelings in the world and no matter how often one goes, that elation that does not change.

The invitation to join a group of Miami-based travel agents and tour operators for a week-long trip to the Philippines came at a most opportune time: spring was almost there but winter had its claws out, trying to stay on for a few more weeks.

A March blizzard blanketed the city in a few inches of pure white snow, making it picturesque for a grand total of 24 hours. Rain followed, then the mercury rose, melting the once pristine snow and becoming puddles of dark brown mush. Not the best feeling to plow through that on a daily basis.

Me? I was already adrift on a boat, island-hopping and enjoying the blue skies and the bluer waters somewhere in Palawan.

That daydream was cut short when the pilot announced that we had already landed in Manila.

Indeed, it never gets old, that feeling of giddiness every time one sets foot on his or her homeland.

As we stepped out of the plane and into Terminal 1 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, I noticed a few changes that weren’t there BD, Before Duterte, that is.

The place seemed brighter and cleaner, and a quick bathroom check showed flowing water and toilet paper was available. The baggage carousels were moving efficiently, there was wifi and the airconditioning worked.

There was a line at the immigration, nothing out of ordinary at first, but as soon as the passengers of the two other planes that arrived with us deplaned, the place was packed.

The temperature in New York when we left was a nippy 35 degrees

G. VISAYA/AJPress

Fahrenheit. When we stepped out of the airport, the warm air of Manila’s 35-degree-Celsius weather struck us like a punch. I skipped spring altogether and jumped into summer with my jacket on.

Our friends from the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) prepared a tight but enjoyable itinerary to make the most out of this trip.

We had a walking tour in Manila, visiting Luneta, Fort Santiago and Intramuros. This was during the miniheatwave that happened last month so we were all sweating profusely.

I was part of a tour group that consisted of Colombians, Japanese, Mexican, Brazilian and Filipino tour and travel operators from Florida, all excited to see what the Philippines had in store for them. More than half of the group has been to Manila before and a few were first-timers.

Fernando DaSilva, COO and partner at Miami-headquartered Brickell Travel Management has been to all seven continents but he has never been to the Philippines. Upon the invitation of the Department of Tourism through Luisa Yu, herself a travel agent who has been promoting travel to the Philippines in South Florida for decades now, DaSilva cleared his schedule and joined the tour.

“It’s hard to sell or recommend any destination if you never been there,” DaSilva told the Asian Journal.“I was particularly very impressed with the Philippines and my enthusiasm was contagious.

The entire office heard about it, saw pictures, and learned about the country through my experience. It is hard to explain but the place is so magnificent it touches you.”

When he learned that the trip was pushing through, DaSilva did his due diligence and did his research.

“I knew it was a unique place but nothing could prepare me for what was to come,” he shared.“One has to

Our tummies were filled with a plethora of Filipino dishes - from bagnet served on top of pinakbet to the deliriously crispy lechon kawali, Vigan longganisa and steamed prawns.

experience it. One has to taste the delicious food, to smell the flowers, to swim in the most transparent lagoons and feel the warmth and welcoming of the people. No pictures can do due justice nor internet articles can accurately describe it.”

Our group of ten had a grand time during the tour but had an even greater time come lunch or dinner time.

From the buffets of The Peninsula to Manila Hotel to Ilocos hotels and restaurants (Fort Ilocandia in Laoag, Hotel Luna in Vigan, Two Seasons in Coron) that featured regional specialties to island picnic in Palawan, each meal was an opportunity to have conversations with some people who are looking at the country with a fresh set of eyes.

In Coron moments after conquering Mt. Tapyas, the group egged on DaSilva, the first-timer, to try the balut. The peripatetic travel junkie that he is, he obliged. And he lived to tell the tale, with videos to boot.

“The food was delicious and so diverse that for a food lover, the Philippines is a destination on its own,” he said.“From the infinite buffets in Manila to the local home made cuisine of Ilocos to the perfect fresh fish and seafood in Palawan.

And let’s not forget the street vendors as a simple green mango with salt, or the more exotic balut, were a total success.”

Ilocos in my mind We flew to Laoag City to see the sights of the Ilocos Region, something I’m all to familiar with.

Growing up, we would spend a big chunk of our summer vacations in Ilocos Sur, my father’s home province. We would drive all the way to Laoag to visit some relatives and I remember those easy drives quite well, with the endless view of the sea on one side and some mountains on the other side.

Fort Ilocandia was our home base this time and it is how I remember it from staying there a decade or so ago. We were told that they are renovating a wing, I can’t wait to see the finished product.

We went around the city to explore, visiting Museo Ilokos Norte, the local church and the market.

The following morning we drove to Vigan, home to the famous empanada, longganisa, bagnet ang sinanglaw, a sampling of the Ilocano cuisine I grew up eating. En route, we passed by the Malacanang of the North and the beautiful Paoay

Church, founded by Augustinian missionaries in 1593.

We were billeted at Hotel Luna, the first and only museum hotel in the Philippines today. The hotel’s location was prime, a block away from the famous Calle Crisologo – that stretch of cobblestoned street with preserved heritage houses, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

As a museum, Hotel Luna takes pride in its extensive collection of the finest in Philippine art, ranging from the classics to the modern.

There are rare and vintage artworks from notable artists, master painters, contemporary artists and National Artists such as Arturo Luz, BenCab and Napoleon Abueva, whose works adorn the lobby of the hotel, which was once one of the heritage houses in the village.

Palawan pride The Philippines is aiming to become a prime tropical travel destination and for the past few years, its islands have been reaping awards left and right. It has been a fight between Boracay and Palawan for the title of The Best Island in the World, but back in 2014, Palawan won the top plum from the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards.

It’s easy to understand why.

We’ve seen gorgeous photos of the island but these photographs just don’t give justice to the beauty of the place. From the calm azure waters that effotlessly blend with the emerald forests and karst limestone hills that seem to jut out of the waters to the melange of boats and huts that dot the islands, believe me, there are no bad views.

I’ve been to Coron before, maybe a decade or so ago. Back then, we stayed on one island resort for the rest of our trip and I maxed out on adventure back then, from snorkelling to an attempt to a little scuba diving.

This time around, we stayed in the town, at the Two Seasons Resort.

It was like coming to a totally different place, specially when we ventured out to the sea and began island-hopping. Island after island, picture after picture, it dawned on me why readers of Travel + Leisure and Conde Nast Traveler would vote

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From Grilled Pork Liempo, a juicy slice of marinated pork belly cut to order, to Grilled Squid, stuffed with tomato and onion salsa and drizzled with a tangy seafood sauce, there is a lot to choose from on the menu. Grab a Value Meal and you can get a grilled item plus 2 scoops of rice and your choice of a classic entrée. Interested in a combination of items to share with friends and family? Get the mixed platter and indulge in BBQ, tilapia, and liempo. If you’re craving meat without the carbs, go ahead and order a Value Pack.

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Around the corner, Crispy Town fills its tables with hearty indulgences – crispy bagnet, smelt, and chicken skin – and tops them off with refreshing Sago at Gulaman and Buko juice. Tossed in their own seasoning and deep fried to the right temperature and duration, these beloved Filipino foods give a satisfying crunch in every bite. Order them by the pound or with a Hometown favorite like Pinakbet or Chicken Adobo Sa Gata, and you’re set for a very worthy merienda.

For dessert, nothing hits the spot more than Grill City’s piping hot Bibingka. A fluffy rice cake made of egg yolks, flour, and coconut milk, its subtle

coconut flavor pairs well with the unapologetically sweet HaloHalo shakes available in three different flavors: melon, buko pandan, and ube. For the inner child in you, hot and sugary Turon, Camote and Banana Que are ready for the taking next to the Crispy Town’s checkout counter.

Conveniently located right off where the 2 and 134 freeways meet, Seafood City Supermarket’s branch in Eagle Rock Plaza is a hub for local families and communities to gather and shop for their favorite Pinoy products, fresh produce, and seafood. Accompanied by other Filipino establishments like Jollibee, Chowking, and Valerio’s (coming soon), it reminds the Fil-Am community of a home away from home. And now, with Grill City and Crispy Town providing delicious and hot meals that “Celebrate True Filipino Goodness,” Seafood City has become the go-to place for all the Filipino food essentials.

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A must-do whenever in Vigan City is a stroll along Calle Crisologo not only to see what the stores have to offer but also to experience what the Heritage Village looked like before since most of the houses on this street were preserved.

AJPress photos by Momar G. Visaya

for Palawan as the Best Island year after year.

Coron is blessed and that is why the Tagbanua tribe of Coron Island are taking good care of it, making sure that the place is not overdeveloped and that mother nature is protected at all times.

Outside the waters, Coron is just as beautiful. We visited the Coron Church en route to the 700-step Mt. Tapyas to catch the glorious sunset, and a visit to Maquinit Hot Springs to cap the evening and relax the sore muscles from the earlier climb.

Palawan is not just the last frontier, it is paradise. And it is good to realize that it is only an hour flight away from Manila. While it is an idyllic place to visit during the summer months, the locals we met shared that there are no longer peak months since even the oft-called lean months are now no longer lean.

After exploring the town proper on Day 1, we were off to explore the islands on Day 2 with an islandhopping tour that brought us to Siete Pecados, Banol Beach, CYC Beach and Twin Lagoon. We wanted to see Kayangan Lake but it was closed a few days earlier because of a drowning accident that involved a couple of Czech tourists. We settled for Barracuda Lake which was just as breath-taking as the hidden lagoons.

Our third day exposed us to a few more islands and lagoons, including a quick trip to Culion, the former leper colony. The municipality of Culion is roughly an hour and a half boat ride away from Coron port. We visited the La Imaculada Concepcion Church and

Culion Museum and Archives, which has become a repository of photos and memorabilia during the days when the town was the biggest leper colony in the country. The church, build around the ruins of the old fortress of Fort Culion (which was built around 1740), sits on top of a hill and provides a great vantage point for photographs.

I’m not an adventure junkie in the word’s strictest sense but I was able to enjoy exploring the islands including the trek to the lagoons and floating with the rest of the group to a secret lagoon that cannot be accessed by a boat.

I can just imagine how literal adventure junkies would feel when they get to visit the various islands of Palawan, particulalrly those who are into scuba diving because Coron Bay is reported to have some of the best ship wrecks in the world. This just means that whether you are above or below the pristine waters of Palawan, there’s an adventure waiting to happen for you.

For many in the group, the tour was perfect for its combination of the metropolis, countryside and the islands. For DaSilva, the highlight was Coron, and the buildup worked.

“Nature was very generous in Palawan. It’s a hidden paradise,” he concluded.“I must have taken over 200 pictures and none or all of them together can slightly do justice to this place. We are already working on a package that will include Coron, Kawasan Falls and whale shark swimming. It is my goal to go back next year and do this itinerary as well.”

entertainment

Arci Muñoz on being friends with her ex

by Deni

Rose BeRnaRDo Philstar.com

Can you still be friends with your ex?

Such is the premise of arci Muñoz and Gerald anderson’s new romantic comedy, “Can We Still Be Friends?”

“When they told me that it’s going to be with him again, sobra akong happy kasi the first movie (“always Be My Maybe”) was a success,” arci told Philstar.com in a recent interview. arci is happy that though not a permanent love team, she and Gerald have been tagged “Team Relate” and she assured that their second Star Cinema movie together is something the audience can affirm with.

She, for one, can greatly relate to the movie since in real life, she is also friends with her ex, Badi del Rosario, a Brunei prince’s son who is also a rock star like her.

“With the (movie’s) title alone, you can tell it’s my life’s story,” arci gushed.

The actress shared that she and Badi are “still friends and still talking to each other,” after four years of being together.

She described their current relationship as “casual and civil.”

“Ang daming naging factors ng breakup, but mostly, it’s

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - May 31, 2017

Ian Veneracion in his own words

by Ricky lo Philstar.com

Ian Veneracion (42, last Feb. 7, 1975) is hands-down the hottest TV romantic actor today, thanks to “a Love To Last,” the Kapamilya soap in which Ian plays Gerald Anderson and Arci Muñoz star in the new romantic comedy “Can We Still Be Friends?” anton, the head of his own company, with Bea alonzo as andeng s’ya nag-propose sa asawa time,” she revealed. as the events organizer he falls n’ya. Underwater pa ‘yung Her doors are still open just for. The role, far removed from ginawa n’yang proposal.” in case Badi decides to come She might be a vixen on TV those that he played as an action back. and a head-banging vocalist of star, has catapulted Ian to the top “S’ya nga ang nag-friend of the ratings game and spawned heavy-metal band Philia, but zone sa’kin!” arci said, stressa legion of fans composed mostly arci is really a Disney princess ing that the breakup was not of, yes, matrons, earning him the inside. her idea. title “Kilabot ng Mga Matrona.”

“My dream kasi akong There was a time when People remember Ian as the proposal ng guy. E baka ‘di Badi, who is younger than her, little son of Joey de Leon in the asked for her hand in marriage. kasi n’ya gawin kaya ako na early ‘80s sitcom “Joey & Son” lang ang gagawa! Gusto ko sa She regretted not accepting which also starred Eileen Macafireworks ng Disneyland!” she the proposal as she was still pagal (as Ian’s tutor) who would shared. enjoying her showbiz career. eventually became Joey’s wife.

She assured that Gerald’s She admitted that she is still up Did you know that Ian is a girlfriend, Bea alonzo, has to it if the proposal still stands. documented pilot (graduated nothing to worry.

But if the actress and rock from airlinks) and also a painter “Close kami ni Bea,” arci star would have her way, she like his father, Roy Veneracion claimed. “Alam ni Bea na ano would like to do the proposal (with whom Ian has done a few ako, lalaki!” than the traditional other way arci stressed, however, that exhibits)? around.

Here’s the Kilabot in his own she is not a lesbian and dreams “Lagi po akong ganon! words: to work with other leading men Ako nga ang lalaki sa relasyon • When I’m in love, it’s a love such as Xian Lim, Daniel Pae,” she said. “Ayoko lang ng dilla, Enrique Gil, Piolo Pascual to last because for me love is a double standard. Isipin nila habit that constantly reminds not and John Lloyd Cruz. lalaki lang. Si Tessa Prieto nga, only the other person but also myself to keep that habit.

• Did I ever imagine that “a Love To Last” would be a big hit?

Honestly, no! I’ve never stopped working as an actor. It’s a job and I just have to do the best that I can. I’m flattered that a lot of years later whom she finally marby Tessa MauRicioa-aRRiola people follow the teleserye at ried in January this year.

ManilaTimes.net talagang kumakapit sila like they Devoted as she was to her did for me and Jodi (Santamaria) late husband—taking care of IT is such a joy to see Cain “Pangako Sa’yo” (with Daniel him throughout his entire and mille Prats glowing both as a Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo). difficult illness—it is good that new bride and expectant mom I’m way, way past the peak age as Camille decided to move on as after the incredible heartbreak an actor and I’m now into father she deserves to find happiness she had gone through in her roles, so natutuwa naman ako. like all women her age, and a young life.

• To what do I would attribute partner in raising nathan.

It will be remembered that the success of “a Love To Last?”

Thankfully, her son is just as Camille became the youngin love with his new father figure Well, the story is very good, est widow in showbiz, when in thanks to the good script, and the 2011, her first husband anthony when the T-Zone asked him Linsangan succumbed to cancer. what it is like to have VJ around narrative is solid. We have a good director, Jerry Lopez Sineneng, the house.

She was only 26 years old, and who trusts his actors. For “It’s cool! He plays with me their son nathan was three. example, with me and Bea, the and takes good care of me,” Friends in showbiz and her script is more like a guide. Some fans therefore rejoiced when she replied the handsome boy who found love again in grade school already had a stint in showbiz via scenes are galing na sa amin. classmate John “VJ” Yambao Continued on Page 4 Magic happens during the shoot.

Camille Prats finds her perfect partner in husband John Yambao

The 31-year-old actress and her 9-year-old son, Nathan Linsangan.

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We would think of some lines and we say, “Saan galing yon? OK yan, a.”’ and we work on that. It’s also the sincerity and the honesty.

Hindi aktingan. What you see is what you get. When we cry, we shed real tears.

• So they say that men don’t cry? So what? It shows vulnerability. Gender doesn’t matter. We are human and some things make us cry. There’s nothing wrong with that. as an actor, kelangan mong humugot from your personal experience.

• I’m very much like anton in so many ways. Family is important to anton. I can relate to anton as a father, especially how he puts importance on his children. Sometimes, there are lines that make me think, “Si Ian ba ang nagsabi nito o si anton?” Kasi they are close to real life. But I’m unlike anton in the sense that he is rich and I am not, hahahaha!!! anton falls for a girl younger than he is.

• My wife (Pam Gallardo) and I have three children — Drico, 18; Deirdre, 16; and Duccio, 11. I am basically a family person. I’m fortunate to have this job na kapag busy, busy talaga. Pag wala, wala talaga. There’s a lot of time between projects, may mga months na wala akong ginagawa, and I spend it with my family. I set aside weekends for my family. Being a father is my priority. My career just complements my family life.

• How do I cope with being a Kilabot ng Mga Matrona? I’m proud of it, hahahaha!!! I meet a woman in her 60s and she swoons, and that makes me happy that I am able to bring out the youth in her. I would say it’s easier magpakilig ng isang woman in her 20s, kumbaga nanliligaw ka madaling mambola ng bagets, and a bit harder to do the same with older women.

• Yes, I am a one-woman man.

Yes, I am faithful. My wife knows that, that’s why she doesn’t get jealous. Everything is just work, nothing personal. With Bea and me, everybody knows that Bea is dating someone and I’m married, and everything is just make-believe.

Ian Veneracion

• What I learned from my parents is respect. at home, we respect each other’s privacy. If my phone rings, hindi pinakikialaman ng wife ko. She doesn’t ask, “Sino ang nagti-text na ‘yan? Sino ang tumatawag na ‘yan?” and viceversa. Malaking bagay sa akin ang respect.

• I like the fact that I have so much passion for so many things. Kung gagawin ko lahat ng gusto kong gawin, it would take a thousand lifetimes. I want to fly an airplane, I want to go scuba-diving, I want to rock-climb, I paint, I want to climb the Himalayas.

What I hate about myself is that one passion lasts for six months and I’m on to another passion.

But I go back to it. Like I collect guitars and they are just there.

Binabalik-balikan ko na lang every now and then.

• I have a private pilot’s license but it’s not current because you have to keep on flying for it to be current. I have tried skydiving. I’m also into paragliding which is cheaper, less hassle, and all you need is a pair of wings, you jump off a cliff and you fly.

• If I were to fly a plane with only one passenger, who would it be? Of course, my wife. I wouldn’t mind being stranded on an island with my wife for a year.

• What do I remember most from my days as a child actor Continued on Page 4

4

features

‘Even the Rainbow Has a Body,’ a review

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - May 31, 2017

Camille Prats finds her perfect...

From Page 3

ABS-CBN’s “going Bulilit” for a time. “When I was sick just a few weeks ago, he was the one who took care of me because Mommy wasn’t allowed to come near me.”

“I felt so terrible I couldn’t go near him but it was great

that John was there for Nathan,” related the 31-year-old actress who hardly looks she is with child.

“I’m not a panicky mom when it comes to Nathan getting sick—except when his allergic rhinitis hits since his dad had nasopharyngeal cancer—but of

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course I’m a very hands on in all his needs,” she added.

Assuring the celebrity mom she does not need to answer what may be such a personal question if she so decides, The T-Zone asked after the possibility of VJ—being the doting dad that he is to Nathan—offering to adopt the boy and giving him his and Camille’s new surname.

“We’re now a happy and healthy little family,” smiled the ever-sweet faced actress. “But we talked about it and we will be keeping Nathan’s surname Linsangan especially since he is the only grandchild in his late dad’s family who’s a boy. Kailangan ipagpatuloy ang pangalan di’ba?” she chuckled.

Indeed, what is truly is important is that VJ and Nathan forge a strong father and son bond despite their last names.

Which of course makes Camille even happier than happy, knowing that all will be well now for Nathan, herself, and the coming little one in their lives.

Ian Veneracion in his own...

From Page 3 (Joey & Son)? Tito Joey’s sense of humor, his green jokes, hahahaha!!!! Tito Joey and direk Al Quinn were fond of cracking green jokes on the set and they probably thought I wasn’t listening or I didn’t understand. The next day, bida ako saschool because I would repeat their green jokes.

(Asked what he remembers about the child Ian, Joey said, “The way he would roll his ‘r’s’ when he talked.”)

• When all this is over, I would tell myself, “What a wonderful ride! It’s like a rollercoaster ride and I’m here to enjoy it.” Even my life, when it ends, I already made bilin to my children to put this epitaph on my tombstone: hErE LIES A MAN Who LIVED LIFE To ThE FuLLEST. AND LAST WorDS WErE: LIFE IS Too F_____g ShorT.

By ElsiE

CaCha CastrEnCE

“ThroughouT history we have used art to express ourselves. We create art not only to represent and beautify our world but also as a means of understanding and sharing who we are in our world. Through creative self expression we grow in self awareness, generate insights, resolve problems and enhance our overall well being.” haven’t we all experienced joy or laughter after watching a play or a movie, or after reading a book or a good piece of literature or a general sense of well being after a good meal at a restaurant, all these that get our endorphins, the happy hormone flowing in our systems? What happens next is we become more energetic, more relaxed and with more clarity and peace of mind.

Even a smile in appreciation puts us in happy territory. Man surely does not thrive nor live by bread alone.

But over the course of time and history, we have witnessed a gradual withering of the arts.

It is not so much that we are lacking for artists in the world but how society views the arts especially now in “Trumpian America” where funding for the arts is being severely curtailed and not given as much importance.

An editor of an online magazine notes that, “by the time President ronald reagan danced onto the White house stage in 1981, politics was fashion, news was entertainment, celebrity was art, and literature, a regional dialect spoken only in the universities.”

“Art is seen as an embodiment of the good, the true, and the beautiful only to the extent that it could be exchanged for money,” or used to gain world power or hegemony. “under the aegis of the Congress of Cultural Freedom, the CIA was deploying American art as a Cold War weapon of mass instruction.” Note how our musical world has been invaded and heavily influenced by American rock and popular music. our movie theatres are showing mostly American movies and stage theatres are playing imported Broadway musicals. Thankfully, we have our own musical talents popularizing oPM’s (original Pilipino Music) and our PETA (Philippine Educational Theatre) vying for stage presence.

In her book, “Even the rainbow has a Body,” Prosy Dela Cruz celebrates and recognizes artists in varying fields mostly of Filipino-American heritage who through their gifts of self-expression are making important contributions in the world

stage of artistry. These personalities she features in the book were chosen well, but I must point out an omission because where are the artists of the bodily kinesthetic strain? Aren’t any of them in hollywood, in the author’s own neck of the woods? or are they all in New York? Does it mean she didn’t friend any of them, or is it a reflection of her own bias as a writer? I just have to find fault in the book!

There is a frequent theme in many of the subjects — the humble beginnings, the irrepressible urge to create even at a young age, the struggle for recognition in their artistic fields, the support of mentors and patrons of the arts who recognized their abilities and allowed them to obtain scholarship endowments.

Quite a few did not necessarily follow a straight path to their inner calling and made a circuitous journey before they were able to finally pursue their passions and unleash their true artistic selves, the artistic energy and self-expression that could not be hindered despite some deathbed parental admonitions that there is no livelihood in the arts.

Some have effectively used their whole brain learning, the logical, analytical and practical capacities generally associated with the left brain alongside their intuitive, creative and artistic right brain functioning that earned them success and recognition.

Dela Cruz ends her book by saying, “May you find your rainbow in your lifetime.” Yes, her collage of subjects with their rainbow of talents have joined the grand narrative by making their mark in society with their distinct artistic legacies.

It is only fitting that we recognize them during times like these as Dela Cruz effectively does. It is for the young and not so young to learn from their experiences and determination. They keep us inspired, even earn us a sense of pride because of our shared heritage and more importantly, help make our world a gentler and kinder one as the many assaults on humanity are threatening and endangering the arts and including our very own survival.

We thank Dela Cruz for sharing her stories about her remarkable and gifted subjects. Well done! *Elsie Casha Castrence is a practicing medical doctor in the United States and was an active community leader in Washington, DC. She now resides in the Philippines.

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The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - May 31, 2017

MOONLIGHTING

‘Let us join hands’

by MYLAH DE

LEON

THE Filipino Community of Los Angeles (FACLA) is a world unto itself. Last Friday, as the energy levels started going up, members gathered talking, laughing and thinking. The brain power becomes formidable, cell phones ringing as the day begins to beautifully blur and becomes formidable. Fruits of brain storming, working against all odds or parallel efforts, anchored on a common goal, in the last years of its persevering existence.

In every report and idea goes their dreams of becoming good at their assigned tasks — of doing best with their lives’ chosen career, of changing the world of public service or at least small corners of it, where they found themselves settled. They also imagined that a hundreds years from now, their accomplishments would be told, with their picture of how men and women felt and reached in response to circumstances prevailing at their time. The mind-boggling crisis restrictions to their chosen field, public service.

They were ready to work, generating the confidence.

There was no time to wait. These were the Fil-Am community members who acted rather than talked. Every challenge was going to be done, they had no doubt in their capacity to answer that. These determined individuals who worked hard and long to achieve positive results where others failed to get firm and competent. Always on the trail of what was novel and workable, sterling entrepreneurs making it a good cause to be shared by others to serve in the Fil-Am community led by their golden boy, president-elect Fernandico Q. Gonong.

In the area of innovation, Gonong is dependable as the sun, whose best friend is peace.

They gathered themselves together, disparate, empirical good men, young and old they were linked more to one another

Newly elected president, Fernandico Q. Gonong

through their school of thought sacrosanct value, social class and their concern in public hypocrisy.

Mixtures that were good personally and professionally, the idea honed that they could service and complement one another, shoulder to shoulder, in the public service, each for the other.

A little back story It was a non-profit charter, issued by the California Secretary of State and applied for

by Roque dela Isla (who was a lawyer in the Philippines until he migrated to the United States and became a real estate broker) and was named Filipino Community of Los Angeles (not Filipino American Community Los Angeles). Ninety percent of the members then came from rich families in the Philippines who owned farms, rice fields and/or cattle ranches. Beneath the weight of responsibility, every member vowed to carried these on. They were a compendium of able and dependable pioneers, doers, logistics, stamina, grit, imagination — a tale of heroes, of folks who refused to be beaten.

There were three houses, each had three bedrooms and a big yard. This was where the veterans would have weekly dancing and after their meeting, some of them would play music and we would join them and had to pay an entrance fee of $1.

The mortgage was paid using the collection from the entrance fee, and veterans took care of the rest. I believed the monthly payments for the mortgage was $93 a month and the utilities

were $14. Insurance was as I recall, was about $90 a year.

The houses (338 and 340 North Burlington and on 1740 W. Temple) had three bedrooms which we used for the meeting place for the vets, while the bedroom partitions were demolished for space to make a space bigger for meeting space. Later chairs and tables were moved, then the bar and the dance space opened. The Burlington houses were rented out to Filipino families for $120 a month.

As I recall, they would rent it until they could find a place to buy or rent near their jobs.

In 1965, the old house on West Temple was demolished and new building was erected.

Atty. Monte Manibog, brother of Ben Manibog who was president of FCLA and had been reelected for eight terms as nobody wanted to be president. Those were the good years. The annual celebration was held at the Coconut Grove or at the Wilshire Hilton when membership was about 700. We were told in one of the events at the Hilton the fire department stopped having more people enter the place.

When Manibog became a lawyer, he had a client named James Gardner, the moviea actor Who owned the Silverlake National Bank on Sunset in Echo Park. One day, he came to the property of FACLA and was surprised that a cultural center had a house for a center. He called the president of the bank and told him he was sending Ben Manibog and arranged a loan for the building of a new FACLA that he would guarantee.

The building was built and the loan was paid on time, with fundraising done by all members. FACLA purchased an apartment house across the street on Burlington and was all paid for

by FACLA funds, but lost it (but that’s another story).

Last Friday, current FACLA Board elected their shooin and unopposed president Fernandico Q. Gonong — though it wasn’t an election but more of a coronation. ***

com

E-mail Mylah at moonlightingmdl@aol.

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The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - May 31, 2017