LA Midweek Edition -- October 13 -- 14, 2016

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Duterte to keep US ties but questions the need for military alliance

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

AFTER previously declaring that he would eventually break up with the United States, President Rodrigo Duterte said on Tuesday, October 11 that he does not intend to cut the military alliance with the country’s long-standing ally.

“I do not mean to cancel or abrogate the military alliances [with the U.S.],” Duterte said after the oath-taking of new appointees at Malacañang.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said that it was still status quo as far as security ties between the Philippines and the U.S. were concerned.

“We’re not giving up our rela-

USA

DATELINE Calif. infant care now costs as much as Univ. of Calif. tuition FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

PALO ALTO, California — Parents in California are hit hard in the wallet not only when their kids head out to college, but also in the first two years of their children’s lives.

According to the latest data on Kidsdata, the state’s parents spent an average of $13,327 per year to send their infants to a child care center in 2014, the same year that University of California tuition and fees hit $13,222.

Nationally, childcare for children below age five has also exceeded that of in-state college tuition.

When broken down by county, San Francisco Bay Area counties had the highest costs of infant care, with Marin County leading the pack at more than $18,000 per year, while more rural counties in far northern California and the Central Valley had the lowest costs for infant child care, at less than $12,000 per year.

Center-based infant care costs in the state made up an estimated 14 percent of the median annual income for married couples and

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Controversy overshadows substance at second presidential debate

STARK differences of temperament and perspective between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump — as well as present and past scandals — characterized the second presidential debate at Washington University in St. Louis on Sunday, October 9.

The two candidates did not shake hands at the outset of the debate and repeatedly went past their allotted response time as they defended themselves against sensational and oftentimes personal attacks on each other’s character and fitness for the presidency.

Moderators Martha Raddatz and Anderson Cooper were quick to broach emerging controversies and struggled to contain the reactions of both nominees and the audience.

Trump offered a fleeting apology in response to a wave of outrage resulting from the release of what has been dubbed the “Trump tape.” In a conversation recorded back in 2005, the Republican nominee told former Access Hollywood reporter Billy Bush that the billionaire’s celebrity status had enabled him to sexually assault women. The Repub-

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tionship with the U.S.,” Lorenzana told reporters at the Senate where he attended the Department of National Defense (DND) hearing on the proposed budget for 2017.

The president, however, expressed his doubt for the need of such military alliance.

“Do you really think we need

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FIST BE WITH YOU. President Rodrigo Duterte and Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol greet with their fists during the National Banana Contributedf photo Congress held in Davao City.

New petition calls for cancellation Executive order of Miss Universe in the Philippines seeks to ban smoking in PH

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

DOT Secretary Wanda Teo

Miss Universe Pia Wurtzback

AJPress photo by Noel Ty

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AJPress photo by Troi Santos

Drug cases filed against De Lima, 7 others

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

THE Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) filed a complaint against Senator Leila De Lima and her alleged cohorts for their supposed involvement in the New Bilibid Prison drug trade.

On Tuesday, October 11, the VACC, led by its founding chairman and incumbent president Dante Jimenez, filed drug charg-

by ERIC

DESPITE the Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT)’s efforts to quell rumors that the upcoming Miss Universe pageant will be cancelled, a new petition is calling for the latter organization to reconsider hosting the event in the country.

The letter, which was addressed to the Miss Universe organizing committee, asked the organization to “not reward a regime that is trying to turn back the clock as far as women’s causes are concerned.”

It was also posted on Facebook over the weekend by Annie Serrano, who has previously worked with the United Nations Development Programme, the Global Fund for Women, and the Women’s Crisis Center.

“This reason is the objectionable, scandalous, and demeaning sexist attitude demonstrated by the newly elected leaders of our country, by no

es before the Department of Justice (DOJ), citing the violation of Section 26 (b) of the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

The violations cite the attempt or conspiracy in sale, trading, administration, dispensation, delivery, distribution and transportation of any dangerous drug and/or controlled precursor and essential chemical.

Other respondents in the complaint include former Justice undersecretary Francisco Baraan

III, former Bureau of Corrections director Franklin Jesus Bucayu, De Lima’s former security aides Joenel Sanchez and Jad de Vera, her former driver Ronnie Dayan, and high-profile inmate Jaybee Sebastian.

In their 65-page complaint affidavit, the VACC accused the respondents of “conspiring and confederating with one another, engaged in the sale and trade of illegal drugs inside and outside

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ANTHONY LICAS AJPress

AN executive order awaiting approval by Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte will force roughly 17 million smokers to confine their habit to designated smoking areas or private buildings.

The policy, which is expected to be signed sometime this month, will ban smoking of both traditional and e-cigarettes in public spaces including restaurants, parks, and city or state-owned transit vehicles.

The ban should take effect nationwide, but decisions regarding enforcement and the specific language or anti-smoking ordinances will be left to individual municipalities. Smokers will still be able to light up at designated smoking areas that must be at least 33 feet away from any building.

“We are not stopping them from smoking,” Philippine Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial told the Associated Press on Tuesday, October 11. “We are just telling them not to smoke around non-smokers.”

About a third of the Philippines’ adult population are smokers according to a 2014 report by the Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance.

The tobacco control advocacy group, New Vois Association of the Philippines (NVAP), estimates that smoking-related diseases kill 10 Filipinos every hour.

The popular, but unhealthy practice costs the country an estimated $4 billion in medical costs and lost productivity, according to sources for the AP. When asked about potential opposition from the tobacco industry, Ubial responded with a shrug, according to the Philippine Star.

“It is up to you to oppose,” she told reporters on Monday. “It is already the President you will be fighting against.”

The current draft executive order is closely modeled

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Fil-Ams respond to ‘Mail Order Family’ cancellation Advocacy orgs demand a meeting with NBC execs

and days after the show’s announcement, executives scrapped the development of the project.

Writer Jackie Clarke said the show was based on her experience of being raised by a Filipino nanny in New Zealand. Clarke — who is also a writer and producer of NBC sitcom “Superstore” — has yet to comment on the show’s cancellation.

“We purchased the pitch with the understanding that it would tell the creator’s real-life experience of being raised by a strong Filipina stepmother

by KLARIZE

MEDENILLA AJPress

Protesters outside NBC Universal

Photo courtesy of GABRIELA USA

AFTER NBC executives cancelled the projected situational-comedy about a mail-order bride from the Philippines, Filipino activists are continuing to demand an apology.

The sitcom — “Mail Order Family” — was to tell the story of a single father of two preteen daughters who orders a mail-order bride from the Philippines, according to Deadline.

The show’s pitch sparked outrage for its stereotypical portrayal of Filipinas,

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A OCTOBER 12-14, 2016 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL

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From the Front Page

Duterte to keep US ties but questions…

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it? If there is a war? If we engage in skirmishes, do you think we really need America?” Duterte asked, also wondering if the country needs China and Russia.

He suggested that the Philippines should go for alliances that would contribute to health and education.

The president also warned the U.S. to watch its “arrogance” as Russian President Vladimir Putin gets what he wants.

“Let’s not make any mistake.

If he wants something, he will really get it. He wanted Crimea and he simply went there to occupy it. America was not able to do anything,” Duterte said.

Continuing his anti-U.S. rhetoric, the president lashed out anew at the U.S. for supposedly imposing its will on the Philippines.

“America, I’m serving notice to you. I cannot tolerate your style wherein you just order us around if they want to,” he said.

Duterte also criticized the U.S. for the deaths of African Americans in the U.S.

“Tell us why is there now a great divide between the blacks and the (whites). That’s your issue but nobody can question that.

Nobody has ever heard (anyone) demanding (an) investigation by the Human Rights (Council) of the United Nations,” he pointed out.

Ramos: First 100 days a letdown Although Duterte got a “very good” satisfaction rating from the public, former President Fidel Ramos said the Philippines has been ‘losing badly’ during the first three months of the current administration.

“In the overall assessment by this writer, we find our Team Philippines losing in the first 100 days of Du30’s administration— and losing badly,” Ramos said in the first installment of a two-part column published in the Manila Bulletin on Saturday, October 8.

The former president — who served the country from 1992 to 1998 — wrote that Duterte’s leadership is a “huge disappointment” and “let-down to many of us.”

According to Ramos, Duterte’s

remarks about the similarities between the Holocaust and his drug war was one of his “most unfortunate gaffes.”

“In the case of his recent ‘Hitler quip,’ no amount of apology could mollify the long-suffering Jews who have done well for the Philippines,” Ramos said.

The former president also criticized Duterte’s threats to sever ties with the U.S.: “Are we throwing away decades of military partnership, tactical proficiency, compatible weaponry, predictable logistics, and soldier-to-soldier camaraderie just like that?”

Ramos, however, noted flaws of the current administration can still be corrected so that the Philippines can fully rise as a competitive country.

“The outcome aspired for by the majority of us is to insure the CALL FOR CHANGE. Members of militant groups hold a rally in Mendiola, Manila to call for “meaningful” reforms, including an independent foreign policy that has been espoused by President Rodrigo Duterte.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Bob Dungo Jr. better future of our younger generations, who in due time — will assume the mantle of leadership over our nation’s political, security, cultural, economic and other interests,” he said. n same time the gains of womanIn response to the petition, the PAGE A1 t less than President Rodrigo kind in the Philippines have been DOT said in a statement that the government’s decision to accept Duterte, and his cohorts towards hard won.”

“In recent months, chauvin- the offer to stage the pageant in womankind,” the letter read.

As of this writing, it has been ism, brutal shaming, rape jokes the Philippines has gained “oversigned by more than 100 various and a sweeping disregard for whelming public support,” espewomen leaders and concerned women as persons deserving not cially among Filipino women and citizens, including business- merely of a token, but true, re- their families. woman and philanthropist Loida spect has been exhibited by the “While the DOT gives due reNicolas Lewis and former Ayala President of the Philippines with spect to such opinion as signiFoundation President Vicky Gar- his salacious and sexist com- fied by a group of women leadments and treatment of female ers and concerned citizens, we chitorena.

Former Social Welfare Secre- reporters and opposition figures, assure everyone that we deem tary Dinky Soliman, former Com- which has carried over to his al- it a great honor to host the dismission on Human Rights Chair lies in the Philippine Congress,” tinguished event that portrays Etta Rosales, former Presidential it added. the most beautiful and talented The letter concluded that to women with highest regard,” the Peace Adviser Teresita “Ging” Deles, and singer Leah Navarro hold the Miss Universe Pageant department said in a statement were also among the growing list in the Philippines at this time on Tuesday, October 11. “would serve as a reward of this of signatories.

According to the DOT, the The petition argued that Philip- intolerable behavior and excuse “golden opportunity” of hosting pine society has “always granted such behavior.” the event would be a big boost DOT: Hosting Miss U has to the country’s tourism promoa great amount of freedom and respect to women, but at the ‘overwhelming public support’ u PAGE A2

New petition calls for cancellation of…

Executive order seeks to ban smoking…

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after a smoking ban in place in the city of Davao, where Duterte served as mayor for over two decades before being elected to the presidency.

The slated restrictions coincide with a recent push to amend existing tobacco regulation so that it would be illegal to post cigarette advertisements at cash reg-

isters and other points of sale, as reported by Philstar.

In addition, the Graphic Health Warning law (GHW) requires cigarette packaging in the Philippines to feature prominent, sometimes shocking depictions of the health risks associated with smoking.

Anti-smoking groups and health advocates have lauded the

president for his longstanding position against tobacco.

Following Duterte’s election in May, NVAP President Emer Rojas told Philstar that “having a nationwide no smoking policy will certainly boost what the GHW and Sin Tax laws intend to achieve, which is to help discourage the public especially the youth from tobacco addiction.” n

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From the Front Page

LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 12-14, 2016

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Fil-Ams respond to ‘Mail Order…

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after the loss of her own mother,” a spokesperson from NBCUniversal said in a statement emailed to the Asian Journal in late September. “The writer and producers have taken the sensitivity to the initial concept to heart and have chosen not to move forward with the project at this time.”

The show’s announcement had garnered criticism for trivializing the issue of human trafficking and for stereotyping Filipinas.

Filipino-American advocacy group GABRIELA USA started a campaign on Change.org to get NBC to cancel the show and has raised more than 13,000 signatures.

According to the organization’s petition, the show “is the most recent example of how the exploitation and violence women face is normalized in U.S. mainstream media. The mail order bride industry in the Philippines is rooted in historical U.S. colonial occupation of the Philippines, feudalpatriarchal view of Filipinas, and current neo-colonial economic policies that have impoverished the Filipino people.”

The petition went on to cite examples of Filipina mail-order brides who were abused and eventually murdered by their husbands, including: Susana Blackwell, who was shot and killed by her husband in Seattle back in 1995, and Estelita Villa Reeves, whose husband was also found guilty of murdering two previous wives.

On Thursday, October 6, GABRIELA Los Angeles, the National Alliance for Filipino Concerns (NAFCON) and Migrante International organized a protest in front of the NBCUniversal headquarters in Universal City to emphasize their opposal to the comedic portrayals of Filipina mail-order brides.

“We were concerned with the fact that it was a comedy making light of something so serious [and] something that already isn’t being seriously addressed, so I think it had a greater risk than a benefit to the Filipino community,” Nikole Cababa of GABRIELA Los Angeles told the Asian Journal. “[Clarke] may have one perspective, but there’s a whole other story that isn’t being told, like why Filipinos leaving in the first place and why this mail order bride system is even thriving.”

The groups have three goals: demand a formal apology from NBCUniversal, secure a meeting with NBCUniversal executives and educate them on the social and economic ramifications of the mail-order bride industry and encourage writers and producers to consult the Filipino community when crafting stories about Filipinos.

“I think part of our demands it to make sure they see us as a community resource so if ideas or stories like this come up it would be great to be consulted, like, do we think this is a show that will accurately portray the Filipino community?” Cababa added. “That’s something that we’d value. As GABRIELA we definitely support the arts and cultural work and Filipino celebrities and story writers, but at the same time it does matter who tells the story and how it’s told.”

Many members of the Fil-Am community were outraged by the show’s plotline, but some Fil-Ams thought that the show could have presented a positive view of the community.

A script was never released, so Fil-Ams like entertainment industry veteran Fritz Friedman suggested that the protest was simply presumptuous of a negative portrayal.

“Not having read the script, I don’t think that I have the right to give any intelligent opinion about

the NBC TV series -- that is, whether it was going to shed a good light or a bad light on Filipinos,” Friedman told the Asian Journal in an email. “Who knows? But there was always the possibility that the character might have been a strong, smart funny and proud Filipina who would have demonstrated the strength, pride kindness and intelligence of many Filipinos. But now, with the series cancelled, we will never know. Too bad.”

Allen Ongchangco questioned the public outcry against the perceived “negative portrayal” of Filipinas through the mail-order bride character. In a Facebook comment, he made a case for telling the stories of Filipina mail-order brides, referencing his friends that were mail order wives who were “educated, worked in various industries and live quite fulfilled lives.”

“Why is a mail order bride a negative portrayal of the Filipina?” Ongchangco said after the cancellation. “Why should a mail order bride be stereotyped as weak, obedient or seen as just a sex object? They are not a monolith, they have complex lives [and] values just as we do.”

“This protest saddens and angers me because some of you have decided that only certain stories should be told. Only certain times of Pinay should be held up to the light. By doing so you have stigmatized, delegitimized the [lives] and stories of my friends,” he added.

In the Philippines, thousands of Filipinas marry American men every year through the mail-order bride system even though it’s against Philippine law. In 1990, the Philippine Congress enacted the Anti Mail-Order Bride Law, but since the emergence of the Internet made it easier for businesses outside the Philippines to circumvent the law.

One site called “Pinay Brides” from Montana was able to bypass the law by pretending to be a travel agency, as reported by ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs.

GABRIELA Los Angeles will be hosting a discussion about the issue of human trafficking and advocating for Filipinas at Asian Americans Advancing Justice - Los Angeles on Friday, October 14. The discussion will feature a panel of speakers, human trafficking survivors and members of the media. n

REINFORCED. Officials on Monday promised to fill jails with more drug offenders now that the police and the Army are to enforce together President Rodrigo Duterte’s anti-narcotics campaign in Central Mindanao. Chief Superintendent Agripino Javier, police director of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and Major Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr. of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division on Monday signed at Camp S.K. Pendatun in Parang, Maguindanao an agreement binding units under them to cooperate against local drug syndicates.

Philstar.com photo by John Unson

Drug cases filed against De Lima, 7…

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the Bilibid.”

The complaint cited the testimonies of witnesses during the lower House probe on drug proliferation in the New Bilibid Prison (NBP), which alleged that De Lima received funds from the drug money for her senatorial bid last May 2016 elections.

“Sen. de Lima, utilized her power and authority as then Secretary of Justice (SOJ), to abet and even promote the proliferation of massive drug trade inside the Bilibid. This could not have been made possible without the support of other corrupt public officials of the DOJ, Baraan III and Bucayu, her driver-bodyguard Dayan, another security personnel Sanchez, Sec. de Lima’s nephew Jad, and well-known drug lord Jaybee Sebastian,” the complaint read.

The complainants also said

that De Lima “had every motive to engage in illegal drug trade.”

Though the senator welcomed the charges filed against her, she challenged her complainants to file the charges with the Ombudsman, not the DOJ. “The lawyers of VACC and Atty. Topacio should know that such a case against me for acts done while Secretary of Justice should be filed with the Ombudsman, not the DOJ,” De Lima said in a statement.

Drug lord: ‘I’m no government asset’ During the resumption of the House of Representatives inquiry into the Bilibid drug trade on Monday, October 10, convicted drug lord Jaybee Sebastian denied that he was a government asset, as De Lima’s earlier statement.

“No, your Honor… Iyon din po ang gusto kong linawin dito (That

is also what I want to clarify),” Sebastian replied when asked by Representative Reynaldo Umali -who is the chairman of the House committee on justice -- about the matter.

De Lima earlier claimed that Sebastian was an asset who gave the government information that led to the transfer of the 19 highprofile inmates to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in Manila after the NBP raid in December 2014.

Sebastian said he had no idea why De Lima identified him as a government asset.

“Parang gusto niya ko mamatay sa Bldg. 14 [inside the Bilibid Prison]. Biruin ninyo, nanunuod kami, sasabihin niya asset ako.

Kung totoo man, bakit niya sasabihin iyon. Delikado talaga buhay ko (It’s as if she wanted me to die in Bldg. 14. We were

ippines.

“Akong bahala, guys. Kalma lang (I’ll take care of it, guys.

Calm down),” Wurtzbach said.

She added, “Ipaglalaban ko ‘yan (I will fight for this). I want the competition in my home country!”

Last week, DOT Secretary Wanda Teo confirmed that venues to be used for the pageant

include Cebu, Batangas, Metro Manila, Siargao, Vigan, Palawan, Bicol and Davao, following an inspection visit by Miss Universe Organization representatives earlier in the month.

The Miss Universe pageant’s coronation night will be held on January 30, 2017 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City with Steve Harvey as its host. n

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New petition calls for cancellation of…

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tion program.

It will benefit local businesses and livelihood, as well as the travel and tour sector, the department added.

Meanwhile, reigning Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach expressed on her Twitter account that she’ll do her best to make sure the pageant will be held in the Phil-

A OCTOBER 12-14, 2016 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL

Dateline USa

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3 Pinoys among participants of New York marathon

by Risnie

DISCUSSING THE DA’S BUDGET. Senator Cynthia Villar, chair of the Senate Finance Subcommittee E, questions officials of the Department of Agriculture (DA) on the agency’s proposed P50.5B 2017 budget during a public hearing Monday, October 10. Villar welcomed the creation of a program that will allow Filipino farmers to produce the rice requirement for the 4.5 million household-beneficiaries of government’s conditional cash transfer program. “With this scheme, we will be able to feed the CCT beneficiaries and at the same time provide the farmers with the market for their rice produce. This makes the 4Ps program more meaningful,” Villar said. Also in photo are Senators Kiko Pangilinan (left) and Migz Zubiri (right).

Senate photo by Albert Calvelo

Controversy overshadows substance at second…

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lican has attempted to brush the explicit language in that video as “locker room banter.”

“This is who Donald Trump is,” said Clinton on Sunday night in reference to her opponent’s past comments.

She went on to point out the derogatory words Trump has previously directed toward minority groups, such as Muslims, Latinos and even Filipinos.

“Don’t tell me about words,”

Trump said on Sunday. “If you look at Bill Clinton, far worse.”

The real estate developer also accused Hillary Clinton of tormenting women involved in sexual misconduct allegations against her husband.

Clinton dismissed the veracity of many of Trump’s claims and encouraged viewers to fact check the Republican nominees statements instead of directly refuting them on the debate stage.

Immigration, a topic that has

inspired some of the most impassioned public discourse this election cycle, was scarcely touched upon during Sunday’s debate.

Little was said of Trump’s proposals to limit the flow of immigrants, increase deportations or his plan to have Mexico fund the construction of a border wall.

Trump did, however, shift his support for a ban on all Muslims entering the country in favor of what he has termed “extreme

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Drug cases filed against De Lima, 7…

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all watching, then she’ll say I’m an asset. Even if that’s true, why would she say it? My life is really in danger),” Sebastian said when later questioned by Cebu Rep. Gwendolyn Garcia.

He also pointed out it that would be stupid for him to tattle on his fellow inmates.

“Kung ako po ang masusunod... kung ako ang tatanungin na tama ba na maglista ako ng mga pangalan at ilipat sila at ma-identify na sa akin galing [ang listahan], hindi po ba katangahan iyan sa akin (If I would be asked if it’s right that I provide the list and transfer them and get identified that the list was from me, wasn’t that stupid?),” said Sebastian.

In his testimony, he also noted that De Lima was more of a protector rather than a conspirator of the illegal drug trade.

Admitting that he raised funds

to help De Lima in her senatorial campaign for the May 2016 elections, Sebastian said he had given a total of P10 million to De Lima through her security aide, Joenel Sanchez, whom the senator allegedly had an intimate relationship with.

He also claimed that De Lima was aware that the money originated from illegal drug trade.

Sebastian: ‘Colangco is De Lima’s favorite’ During the inquiry, Sebastian denied that he was De Lima’s favorite and pointed out that it was convicted robbery gang leader Herbert Colangco instead.

Colangco is one of the highprofile inmates who reportedly enjoyed several perks despite being imprisoned at the NBP. He said Colangco could to bring in contraband like women, guns, alcohol, and other expensive things inside the jail.

“Tahasan niya ring ipinagyayabang sa aming mga kakosa sa maximum na malakas siya kay Sec. De Lima dahil kapartido niya sa Liberal Party ang kanyang girlfriend na si Nova Parojinog na isang bise mayor at ang tatay nito na si Mayor Parojinog sa Ozamis City, (He boasted to his fellow inmates that he had the favor of Sec. De Lima because she was the party-mate of his girlfriend Nova Parojing and her father Mayor Parojing in Ozamis City),” Sebastian said.

De Lima, however, said that Sebastian was “pressured” by the authorities to testify against her and pin her down.

“Now that he has finally appeared there at sumama na rin sa mga kasinungalingan na ‘yan (and joined those lies), ibig sabihin hindi na niya kinaya yung pressure (it meant he was unable to take the pressure),” she added. n

Ann C. MARiCuelo Inquirer.net

THREE Filipinos are among the participants in the New York marathon, dubbed the world’s largest and most iconic marathon, which will be held on November 6.

Alberto Agulto Jr., Clint Ortiz and Leo Penas, sponsored by their company Open Access BPO, are set to run as part of Ryan’s Run, affiliated with Allied Services Integrated Health System, which helps children and adults with physical disabilities.

According to CEO Benjamin Davidowitz, the three employees were chosen based on their passion for running and tenure with the company.

As part of their training regiment, Agulto and Ortiz participated in several prestigious events in the country, such as SMDC Run 2016 (Leg 2), Caliraya 360 Run (Lumban, Laguna), 40th National Milo Marathon (Metro Manila), Takbo.ph Runfest 2016, Run GNC 2016, World Vision Run 2016, Colors of Freedom, NatGeo Earth Day Run 2016, SMDC Run 2016 and Condura Skyway Marathon 2016.

For his part, Penas joined local marathons like the NatGeo Run, GNC Run, SMDC Run and the Ultramarathon Run. He also trained

Leo Penas, Clint Ortiz and Alberto Agulto are among the participants of New York marathon, dubbed the world’s largest and most iconic marathon, which will be held on November 6.

for two months in the US. “Running an event outside of the country is some sort of a next level to my running career.

Participating in one of the most prestigious events–if not the most–The New York City Marathon, will be a game changer for me mentally and physically,” Agulto said.

Agulto noted that running in the New York marathon event is his own little way to help differently-abled people. “We are given a chance to do what we love the most–running, in a great place, supported by great groups

of people…. We are lucky, blessed and exhilarated indeed,” he added.

Penas cited personal reasons for participating in the event.

“I’ve always been a competitive athlete, since my high school days up to my college years.

Also, Ben Davidowitz, my boss, motivated me to go back to running and he was very supportive about this event,” he said.

He added that his goals are to go back to his healthy lifestyle and to reach the record of three hours and 30 minuntes in the said event. n

Calif. infant care now costs as much as…

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45 percent for single parents in 2014. In 2014, California was ranked the 8th least affordable state for center-based infant care in the nation.

Despite the high costs of childcare relative to income, nationally, the median hourly wage for childcare workers is $9.77, and nearly half of this work force receives government assistance in the form of food stamps, welfare benefits, or Medicaid.

Early childhood is a critical period for cognitive, biological and social development. The quality of children’s environments and experiences during these years can have lasting effects .

From infancy, children are learning to relate to others and their environment while developing the skills to successfully navigate social, emotional, and educational challenges. Children who attend high-quality preschools tend to have better test scores, fewer behavioral prob-

CALSTATE.EDU_

lems and higher rates of high school graduation, among other long-term benefits.

Policies that could improve child care include improving the state’s professional development infrastructure to prepare and

support an effective early care workforce, making the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit fully refundable at the state level and encouraging other federal solutions to address the high cost of child care. (Inquirer,net)

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Dateline PhiliPPines

Palace slams French newspaper: ‘Duterte not a serial killer’ by dana

SioSon AJPress

MALACAÑANG on Sunday, October 9, slammed a French newspaper for tagging President Rodrigo Duterte as a “serial killer” amid the string of killings related to the government’s campaign against illegal drugs.

“It’s irresponsible the way they have termed it and the way they have carelessly used this word and their media power to paint the Philippines in such a way,” Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella told DZMM. Last Saturday, October 8, the French Daily Liberation pub-

lished a banner article headlined “Rodrigo Duterte, the serial killer president.”

The four-paged article, written by journalist Arnaud Vauleri, tackled Duterte’s anti-illegal drugs campaign that has recorded over 3,000 deaths from the end of June to early October.

It also touched upon the president’s verbal attacks against his critics like the United States, United Nations and the European Union, as well as his comments that paralleled the drug war deaths to the killing of Jewish people during the Holocaust.

Moreover, the article detailed the president’s supposed in-

volvement with the Davao Death Squad, the group that alleged killed people under his command when he was still the city’s mayor.

Abella noted, however, that despite the president’s colorful rhetorics, Duterte took action for the drug problem that “was not given attention” for many years.

“For the longest time, the drug problem was not given attention, emphasis. Now, it has grown so much so that drastic measures have to be taken for drastic situations,” he said Abella also argued that the best reflection of what’s happening

u PAGE A7

Controversy overshadows substance at second…

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vetting.” He went on to describe Syrian refugees as a potential “Trojan Horse,” a term he had used in past to describe immigrants from the Philippines and other countries where terrorist groups are active.

A palpable clash of personalities between the two candidates threatened to overshadow other headline-making revelations, including a batch of private documents published by the transparency advocacy website, Wikileaks on Friday, October 7.

Previously unreleased excerpts from paid speeches given by Clinton paint her as a well connected Washington insider, a characterization she has struggled to rebuke throughout her campaign.

On Sunday, Trump accused Clinton of advancing programs and policies over the course of her decades-long career that benefitted the wealthy over normal citizens like unfair tax loopholes. However, the Republican admitted to taking advantage of many of the technicalities he criticized.

Documents published by the New York Times suggest that Trump might have legally avoided paying taxes for up to 18 years.

The former reality TV star said he would close many of the loopholes he had been making use of, but Clinton said Trump’s tax plan would further favor the wealthy

while weakening the economy.

Over the course of an hourand-a-half, the two presidential hopefuls also displayed vastly differing perspectives and jousted over a variety of other issues including healthcare and foreign policy.

Trump also appeared to break ranks with his own running mate, Indiana Governor Mike Pence, regarding how the United States ought to react to the humanitarian crisis in Syria.

During the vice presidential debate on Tuesday, October 5, Pence suggested that military force against the Russian backed forces of the Assad regime may be necessary to end airstrikes that are targeting rebel forces but also killing scores of besieged civilians in the city of Aleppo.

In contrast, Trump spoke in support of the Assad regime and its supporters on Sunday.

“I think it would be great if we got along with Russia. We could fight ISIS together,” said Trump during the debate. He later added that “Assad is killing ISIS. Russia is killing ISIS.” Meanwhile, Clinton said that counterterrorism efforts were only a pretense and that Russia’s primary interest in the region was to keep Assad in power. She went on to say that sending American ground forces into Syria would be a mistake.

In a statement released on Monday, Pence expressed soli-

darity with his running mate and attributed their seemingly contradictory opinions to a misinterpretation of the vice presidential nominee’s comments by Raddatz. He said both he and Trump support creating “safe zones” in Aleppo, the establishment of which may require military force.

Despite Pence’s public show of support, Republican leaders may be ready to abandon hopes of sending their candidate to the White House following Sunday’s debate, according to sources for Reuters, Politico and other outlets.

On Monday, during a private telephone conference with GOP legislators, House Speaker Paul Ryan reportedly told party members that he would not attempt to defend his Republican presidential nominee against the backlash generated by the Trump tapes.

Although he has not officially dropped his endorsement of Trump, the speaker has advised that Republicans should focus on maintaining their majorities in Congress, rather than diverting energy to the presidential campaign.

“Paul Ryan is focusing the next month on defeating democrats and all republicans running for office should probably do the same,” a spokesperson for the Speaker told CNBC on Tuesday, October 11. (Eric Anthony Licas / AJPress)

U.S. Marines from the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade and their Philippine counterpart stand at attention at the exit of colors to end the 33rd joint U.S.-Philippines amphibious landing exercises dubbed PHIBLEX at the marines corps in suburban Taguig city, east of Manila, Philippines Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2016. The Philippine president says he will not abrogate a defense treaty with the United States but is questioning its importance and that of joint combat exercises, which he says only benefit America. President Rodrigo Duterte criticized the United States and his country’s engagement with the American military in a speech Tuesday as Philippine marines and their American counterparts ended combat drills a day early.

PH, US cut short joint military exercises

by Jaime Laude Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine and US marines decided to cut short their joint military exercises on Monday, Oct. 10, ending the war games one day ahead of schedule.

Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio was the keynote speaker at the closing rites of the joint military drill dubbed Philippine Amphibious Landing Exercise 33 (PHIBLEX) at the Philippine Marine headquarters at Fort Bonifacio in Taguig.

Carpio asserted the country’s maritime sovereign rights over the West Philippine Sea. He told the PHIBLEX participants that the West Philippine Sea covers the country’s territorial sea and exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

While President Duterte has declared that PHIBLEX would be the last Philippine military engagement with the US under his term as he intends to open relations with Beijing and Russia, Carpio maintained that the Philippines needs naval powers to assert freedom of navigation in the disputed region.

In contrast to the President’s stand on the issue, Carpio said the Philippines, as mandated by the Constitution, must continue protecting its territory by sending patrol ships to prevent foreign fishing vessels from poaching and fishing in the country’s maritime waters.

Carpio explained that while Malampaya is outside the Philippines’ territorial sea, the area is within the country’s since it is located 43 nautical miles from Palawan.

“Malampaya supplies 40 percent of energy requirement of Luzon. We have to protect that.

It’s vital to our interests. There is a provision in the Constitution that the state should protect its

EEZ. The Constitution says the Armed Forces is responsible for protecting the national territory.

Who is the head of the Armed Forces? The President,” Carpio said.

Brig. Gen. John Janssen, 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade commander and this year’s US PHIBLEX director, described the joint exercises as a success.

Michael Klecheski, deputy chief of mission of the US embassy, Philippine Marine commandant Maj. Gen. Andre Costales and PHIBLEX director Brig.

Gen. Maximo Ballesteros also attended the closing rites.

Around 2,000 Filipino and US Marines took part in this year’s joint military exercises. n

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OpiniOn

Features

Undervalued

“AMERICA has failed us,” said Foreign Affairs Sec. Perfecto Yasay as he echoed Pres. Rodrigo Duterte’s sentiments against the U.S. Amid a maritime dispute with China in the West Philippine Sea, Yasay lamented that the “U.S. could not assure the Philippines that it will promptly come to our defense under our existing military treaty and agreements” in “taking a hard line towards the enforcement of our sovereignty rights under international law.”

This was why Yasay believes that the president is pursuing an independent foreign policy, one that would not depend on the U.S. and will reject any attempt at meddling by other foreign governments or institutions.

“Breaking away from the shackling dependency of the Philippines to effectively address both internal and external security threats has become imperative in putting an end to our nation’s subservience to United States’ interests,” Yasay added.

The 1987 Philippine Constitution states that “the State shall pursue an independent foreign policy.

In its relations with other states, the paramount consideration shall be national sovereignty, territorial integrity, national interest and the right to self-determination.”

In September, Duterte said reiterated that his administration will implement a foreign policy that will observe “sovereign equality, non-interference and commitment to the peaceful settlement of disputes to best serve our people and protect the interests of our country.”

International relations are regulated by legal norms in issues such as security, trade, finance, the environment and communication.

Countries engage in bilateral and diplomatic relations that are based on universally accepted values and moral standards. This signifies the progress of civilization towards the world ruled by principle and not by force.

According to the U.S. Department of State: “The U.S.-Philippine Bilateral Strategic Dialogue advances discussion and cooperation on bilateral, regional, and global issues. U.S.-Philippine relations are based on strong historical and cultural links and a shared commitment to democracy and human rights. The United States has designated the Philippines as a Major Non-NATO Ally, and there are close and abiding security ties between the two nations. The Manila Declaration signed in 2011 reaffirmed the 1951 U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty as the foundation for a robust, balanced, and responsive security partnership. There is also a focus on economic, commercial, and people-to-people ties.”

In the last 10 years, the U.S. has provided more that $240 million in disaster assistance to the Philippines.

Through USAID, the U.S. has been assisting the Philippines in rebuilding schools and health clinics, investing in livelihood activities, and support-

Editorial

ManilaTimes.net photo

ing the government’s national recovery planning and coordination.

The two countries also share extensive peopleto-people ties: over 350,000 Americans reside in the Philippines, and approximately 600,000 U.S. citizens visit the country each year. There are approximately four million Filipino Americans in the United States.

The Philippines and the U.S. have shared a common ground since time immemorial.

Despite Duterte’s deep-seated abhorrence toward the U.S., this time-tested relationship has brought greater regional stability and security, and it has provided political, economic, and strategic benefits to both Filipinos and Americans.

(AJPress)

Is Trump’s race to the presidency over after tape exposes him bragging about sexually assaulting women?

Could Trump’s October surprise, revealed a few weeks before the November 8 presidential election, be the beginning of the end of Trump’s chances to be the 45th President of the United States?

While this latest controversy may not be a “new” revelation about the Republican Party’s nominee with reference to how he is deemed to be disrespectful of women. — with all his sexist comments and public toxic fights with the likes of Rosie O’Donnel, Megyn Kelley, Miss Universe Alicia Machado — critics say the video revealed not only the most vulgar, misogynistic statements Trump has made, but a character flaw that many people find disturbing especially in his pursuit of the most powerful position in the world.

A video leaked by the Washington Post on Friday, October 7 revealed Trump making sexist and vulgar statements in his conversation with Billy Bush of “Today” and “Access Hollywood.” This audio was reportedly captured in 2005 before Trump’s appearance on the soap opera “Days of Our Lives.”

As the Post reported, the tape includes audio of Bush and The Fil-Am Trump talking inside the bus, as well as audio and video once Perspective they emerge from it to begin shooting the segment.

The newspaper further said that in that audio, Trump discusses a failed attempt to seduce Gel SantoS-ReloS a woman, whose full name is not given in the video.

In that tape, Trump was heard saying, ”I moved on her like a bitch, but I couldn’t get there. And she was married…Then all of a sudden I see her, she’s now got the big phony tits and everything.

She’s totally changed her look.”

“You know I’m automatically attracted to beautiful — I just start kissing them. It’s like a magnet.

Just kiss. I don’t even wait,” Trump was heard saying on the tape.

“And when you’re a star, they let you do it,” “You can do anything.”

“Grab them by the p---y,” Trump said. “You can

do anything.”

In the second presidential debate on Sunday, October 9, moderator Anderson Cooper pointed out exactly what Trump’s critics have been saying that this is sexual assault.

Trump dismissed the accusation, saying his statements were locker room talk that most men engage in, and that he was sorry if anyone was offended by this statement. He again claimed that nobody respects women more than he does.

Many athletes and coaches from the NBA, Major League Baseball and the NFL, have spoken out, refuting Trump’s “locker room talk” explanation, contending, “that’s not what happens in their locker rooms.”

While his surrogates defended him at all costs, it seems not everyone in the Republican Party was buying his defense. Many Republican leaders and elected officials have disavowed him, including House Speaker Paul Ryan, who said

he will not campaign with Trump, but will instead use the final days of the 2016 election focusing on preserving the Republicans’ hold on Congress.

However, Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Reince Priebus said in a conference call on Monday that he is sticking with Trump despite this latest controversy. He said Trump has already apologized and that the RNC remains in full cooperation with the Trump campaign.

Priebus also denied reports that there are efforts to remove Trump as the Republican Party nominee.

Trump’s critics, even among his party, say the nominee has time and time again showed he is unfit to be president because of his character. *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https://www.facebook.com/Gel. Santos.Relos

Business confidence so far WHEN the then candidate Rodrigo Demand Duterte spoke before a group of Makati busi- and Supply nessmen, he outlined his economic program by talking about the war on drugs he will wage once elected. Boo ChanCo He impressed upon the Makati group that making sure there is peace and order will boost the economy.

He then said that he will cut red tape and corruption and build infrastructure. The Makati folks who were expecting something more substantial were disappointed. But in Duterte’s experience as Davao mayor for 20 years he thought he said all that was needed by way of helping the business sector thrive.

Duterte never imagined that on a national scale, there was more to it for business than facilitating issuance of a mayor’s permit. There are regional economic groups, international rating agencies, multilateral lending institutions, trade groups and even world power politics that impact on a country’s business environment. And analysts decipher every word he says.

Our president is probably bewildered why his political tirades against the United States, the United Nations and the European Union are causing prospective investors to hold back.

According to John Forbes of the American Chamber, some investors looking to set up shop in the Philippines, specifically in the BPO sector, have decided not to push through with their plans at this point. That’s so many jobs lost in a vital industry.

It looked like a short honeymoon between business and President Duterte.

The euphoria reflected in a bullish stock market and a strengthening peso appears to have evaporated in the

midst of political uncertainty.

It was a roller coaster ride with the new president over the last hundred days, essentially powered by his coarse and unpredictable utterances. Not even his Cabinet members are sure if some remark made during the witching hours meant a change in foreign or national policy.

It didn’t help that Duterte himself says his words should not be taken at face value. His spokesman urged media to make creative interpretations.

Former President Fidel V Ramos is not happy. A Duterte ally, Ramos observed that Team Philippines is losing badly.

“Duterte became stuck in unending controversies about extrajudicial killings of drug suspects and in his ability at using cuss-words and insults…This is a huge disappointment and let-down to many of us.”

Luckily the country’s economic fundamentals are still stronger than ever.

But even the determination of Finance Secretary Sonny Dominguez to push through his economic reform agenda could barely assuage the fears of risk analysts of potential trouble ahead.

An economist of Japanese financial giant Nomura wondered “whether a sustained pickup in political risk premium could ultimately outweigh the growth prospects.”

Bloomberg quotes another analyst saying “The market is just pricing in the risk and ignoring the fact that the government has a sound economic plan and a promising fiscal program on the table.”

Why is everyone so worried about Duterte? For one thing, uncertainty in the rule of law is a big deal in business. And it all points to the manner by

which the president’s war on drugs is being implemented.

“We believe this could undermine respect for the rule of law and human rights, through the direct challenges it presents to the legitimacy of the judiciary, media, and other democratic institutions,” Standard & Poors said.

The global focus on death squads and threats of major shifts in foreign policy are making foreign investors nervous. While a crackdown on crime is very important, foreign investors are concerned about the lack of judicial process and risks to the democratic system, another economist observed.

The first 100 days also did not reassure analysts and investors that the Duterte administration will be able to carry out its ambitious infrastructure program. The promised Golden Age of Infrastructure is slow to take off.

Boosting infrastructure spending is considered essential for improving competitiveness. The Philippines has under spent on infrastructure for decades, while other Asean countries have developed high quality infrastructure.

Apparently, the confusion arising from presidential utterances on foreign policy is giving potential investors second thoughts. Investors, who want a more stable, predictable investment environment have a lot of other choices in the region other than the Philippines.

“Duterte is unpredictable and anything that’s unpredictable is negative,” Hans Goetti, the Dubai-based chief strategist for the Middle East and Asia at Banque Internationale à Luxembourg told Bloomberg. “The worst thing for the markets is they don’t know what they’re dealing with.”

Some local business leaders were harnessed by the Palace communications team to help blunt the feeling that Duterte is harming the economy. But

even they could only say the analysts and investors must ignore the political noise and focus on the determination of the Duterte team to boost economic growth.

Tuning out Mr. Duterte’s noise is not easy. He is President, after all. Some of his statements seem not too welcoming of foreign investors. Indeed, some statements suggest Duterte has isolationist tendencies and that sounds so strange in today’s globalized world.

“We can do it alone,” as Duterte once uttered, no longer hacks it.

The pivot to China and Russia doesn’t seem too realistic even to locals. While an independent foreign policy is welcome, it is doubtful that the two communist countries can quickly replace the West as the nation’s principal trade and economic partners.

Bilateral trade with both countries is small. In the case of China, investment in this country is largely limited to their 40 percent equity in the National Grid. That investment pays handsome dividends to China that is almost like printing money. There is more investment pouring into China from the Philippines, courtesy of the Filipino-Chinese taipans.

Finance Secretary Dominguez talks of getting Chinese investments in some of our infra projects. There are plans to revive the broadband project initiated by former President Arroyo that was scuttled in the midst of corruption charges. A government run telco is said to be in the works.

Duterte may just be able to increase trade with China and bring home significant Chinese assistance in infrastructure development from his visit to Beijing next week. But two failed Chinese projects, the NBN and North Rail do not inspire confidence.

Still, the local business community is more sanguine about our future with Duterte than foreign analysts and jour-

nalists. For one thing, the first 100 days seem to have shown a determination to cut corruption and vastly improve front line government services.

The serious drive to cut red tape is a fountain of hope for locals. Extending validity of driver’s licenses and passports are long overdue reforms past administrations neglected.

Even the drug war gets mixed reviews but generally positive to local businesses. If it can deliver better peace and order, it may be worth their support.

Groups within the entrenched elite have been jolted by such things as a moratorium on agrarian land re-classification and the end to job outsource contracting or endo. But they know they are not threatened that much.

For one thing, the elite still have their minions in top positions in key agencies to protect their interests. Duterte doesn’t seem to mind the obvious conflict of interest of a DICT Secretary or a DOTr Usec, for instance.

If the infra agencies are able to bid out and implement the list of projects they have promised, the local business community will be too busy making money to complain about other policies of Duterte they may not normally agree with.

But it would tremendously help remove the tension and uncertainty in the air for both local and foreign investors if Duterte learns to enunciate policy clearly and thoughtfully. Cleaning his language would clear the air too.

The PNP should speed up resolution of cases known as extrajudicial killings, specially because those involved are members of the police force… so called “ninja cops.” That will reassure everybody that the rule of law still prevails. Investors like that. *** Boo Chanco’s e-mail address is bchanco@gmail.com.

Follow him on Twitter @boochanco

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

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A

Vice President Leni Robredo gathers the support of antipoverty groups for the launch of Angat Buhay, her flagship program, at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

Contributed photo

AID AIMED AT COMPLEX PROBLEMS

Robredo program about poverty solutions, receiving aid

by Jocelyn

R. Uy

Inquirer.net

SAYING that poverty is a larger war to be fought and that international aid is all about compassion rather than begging, Vice President Leni Robredo brought together antipoverty groups and aid agencies in a summit on Monday, Oct. 10, to come up with antipoverty solutions for the country’s 50 poorest municipalities.

Robredo, who marked her 100 days in office on Friday, on Monday launched her flagship program, Angat Buhay: Partnerships Against Poverty, which is aimed at raising the quality of life of every Filipino family through collaboration at the local government level.

Under the Angat Buhay program, an initial 50 local government units will be partnered with nongovernment organizations (NGOs) and private corporations that can help them fund projects such as for housing, infrastructure, education, livelihood and disaster management.

The program was the product of her countless travels to the poorest towns across the country, where she and her team learned

that many Filipinos are deprived of even the most basic services due to inefficiencies, barriers to development and other challenges, Robredo said.

Poverty: the larger war “We learned [that] poverty is the root cause of many Filipino families suffering. Poverty is a larger war that needs our focus and attention,” she said, addressing the summit attended by more than 1,000 representatives from local government units, as well as international and local NGOs. She said poverty causes the rise in the number of maternal deaths due to poor access to proper health care and this leads to irreversible stunting in the first 1,000 days of many Filipino children.

“It has pushed our people, young and old, to take or sell drugs and commit all forms of crime. It disempowers and erodes the dignity of the majority of our people, especially in the remote rural areas and the congested urban informal settlements,” Robredo said.

Poverty has also caused many women to be disenfranchised and more small farmers, fisherfolk and laborers—the country’s food producers—to go hungry and suffer from malnutrition,

she said.

To combat poverty, Robredo said the government needs a lot of financial resources and trust among partners, which she noted was a currency her office had in abundance.

She said her office has received an outpouring of offers for funding support, expertise and experience from the business community, domestic and foreign NGOs, embassies and multilateral and international aid organizations.

Two-way street “I’ve never looked at aid from other countries as a beggar-donor relationship,” she said, adding that giving aid was a partnership of two parties in finding ways and means to find the best solutions to the world’s complex problems.

“Our relationship with our foreign neighbors is not a one-way street, where we are the only one on the receiving end,” she said.

“As such is not about a country begging from another, but about human beings who recognize each other’s limitations and their need to harness their unique gifts and strengths, for the benefit of the greatest number who remain vulnerable,” she said. n

Palace slams French newspaper…

PAGE A5 t

in the Philippines is the public’s confidence — not the foreign reports.

“The best picture, the best mirror of what’s happening in the

Philippines, is the public, the citizens who are affected. So far, the response that we see is they have a very high appreciation of what the president is doing,” he pointed out.

Despite the torrent of controversies, Duterte earned a +64 net satisfaction rating or “very good” rating for his first 100 days in the office, according to a recent Social Weather Station (SWS) survey. n

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BUSINESS& COMMUNITY Journal

The BSP sees FDI inflows rising to $6.3 billion this year amid the country’s strong macroeconomic fundamentals and the implementation of much needed infrastructure projects under the public private partnership (PPP) scheme.

by Lawrence

agcaoiLi Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines — Net inflow of foreign direct investments (FDI) jumped 79 percent to $4.69 billion in the first seven months, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reported on Monday, Oct. 19,, citing the country’s strong macroeconomic fundamentals.

“The increase in FDI inflows was driven by investors’ positive outlook on the Philippine economy, reinforced by strong

macroeconomic fundamentals,” the central bank said.

The latest figure was $2.07 billion higher than the previous year’s $2.62 billion.

The Philippines has posted 70 straight quarters of positive gross domestic product growth.

The GDP expansion accelerated to seven percent in the second quarter from 6.8 percent in the first quarter amid the strong boost from election related spending.

This brought the GDP expan-

sion to 6.9 percent in the first half from 5.5 percent in the same period last year.

Economic managers of the Duterte administration see the GDP growing between six and seven percent this year after easing to 5.9 percent last year from 6.1 percent in 2014 due to weak global demand and lack of government spending.

Data showed net equity capital inflows increased 74.7 percent to $1.47 billion in the first seven

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Reforms underway to boost PH competitiveness by richmond

S. mercurio

Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines – Two more years and the Philippines will be able to reach the coveted goal of piercing through the top third of global competitiveness rankings, the National Competitiveness Council (NCC) said, in line with reforms planned to accelerate the country’s ascent.

Among 12 international competitiveness reports monitored Guillermo Luz

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LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 12-14, 2016

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B OCTOBER 12-14, 2016 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL

Business news

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

Duterte sees agriculture back as major industry in 30 years

by James

Konstantin ManilaTimes.net

Galvez

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte expects agriculture to be a major industry in the Philippines again in 30 years’ time if the nation supports government efforts to iron out law and order, including putting an end to extortion activities by bandit groups victimizing local farmers.

At the closing ceremonies of the 2016 Banana Congress held in Davao City last week, Duterte cited the role of Mindanao plantations in the development of agriculture in the country.

He said, however, law and order remain as the greatest challenge to the country’s banana industry in Mindanao, acknowledging that owners of plantations in the area continue to be harassed by lawless groups.

“Until and unless you can put together a country that’s bereft of any revolutionary tax, extortion and everything, sinusunog ang property [properties are being burned]– it’s all because of taxation. If it’s not taxation [by]the communists, it’s extortion of the roving bandits in Mindanao,” the President said.

Some of the industry stakeholders, particularly big banana plantations, have been seeking government support and protection against extortionists from the communist rebel group New Peoples Army (NPA), who continue to

demand “revolutionary” taxes.

A multinational company – DoleStanfilco – recently shut down two of its banana business operations [plantation and packing]in Surigao del Sur province after rebels the company believes were communists torched its container trucks early this year because it refused to pay the revolutionary tax.

Nineteen of Dole’s container trucks have been burned since 2010. The trucks were used to transport bananas from the Surigao del Sur plantations to Davao City. The closure affected more than 1,500 workers, the company reported.

Duterte said Mindanao is key to driving developments in Philippine agriculture.

While mining industries and export processing zones can sprout anywhere, Duterte said, “what would make the industry valuable is actually [agriculture in]Mindanao, and only in Mindanao.”

Shipping lines carrying agricultural exports from Mindanao indicated that banana exports account for more than 60 percent of the total volume shipped out of the region.

Part of the Duterte government reforms is to reach out to rebel groups in the country, and government peace negotiators are currently hammering out a deal with key leaders of the CPP-NDF in a meeting in Oslo, Norway. A government spokesman has said

both parties should recognize the need to complete negotiations in the next 12 months.

At the Banana Congress in Davao, Duterte told hundreds of delegates: “So, at first, even before I took my oath of office I tried to reach out to the communists. And right at the start of my administration we also started the talks, I’m very happy.

Now we are freed of this countryside [problem]vis-à-vis itong [this]Communist Party of the Philippines, NDF, NPA.” Duterte said now he is bullish about agriculture in the country, and sees that the sector will “make it big…in the span of the next 30 years,” provided the country is able to iron out law and order, and stop the extortion activities by bandits in the region.

The banana plantations in Mindanao cover about 83,000 hectares and are estimated to employ more than 330,000 workers supporting a total of two million people.

Organized for government policy makers, business leaders, technocrats, farmers and other stakeholders of the banana industry, the two-day Congress also served as a venue for the participants to share information on best practices in pests and disease management, value chain development, technology updates, maximizing benefits from trade and tariff agreements and market standards compliance. n

Businesses seek govt help on port congestion charges

by Raadee

s. sausa ManilaTimes.net

THREE business organizations in Cebu sought the help of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) over the weekend to regulate the activities of international shipping lines calling at the Cebu International Port (CIP) in

connection with their imposition of port congestion charges and container imbalance charges.

The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), Philippine International Seafreight Forwarders Association Inc. (PISFA), and Chamber of Customs Brokers Inc. Cebu Chapter (CCBI) said they sent a joint manifesto last month to President Rodrigo Duterte, DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez and Visayas Area presidential assistant Mike Dino.

The heads of the three business groups said the practice of international shipping lines to impose port congestion charges and container imbalance charges on shippers that use the CIP is making local enterprises uncompetitive.

They also lamented the fact that such additional charges are being imposed by these shipping lines “even though our Cebu International Port is not experiencing congestion.”

They said these charges imposed by the liners are “based on perception only without considering the impact to consumers who will bear the increase of the price of commodities passed onto them by the businessmen.”

In addition, citing reports from the import and export industries, they noted that a number of international shipping lines have not been returning the container deposits of importers “for at most two to three months.”

They cited in particular Hanjin

Shipping Co., which has gone bankrupt and sought court receivership in August, whose unreturned deposits they said have amounted to over a million pesos.

“The Cebu International Port plays a pivotal role in the movement of goods and economic improvement of the Visayas and Mindanao regions, however, the charges imposed by the international shipping lines would adversely affect the [region’s] competitiveness and connectivity with the Asean neighbors.”

The manifesto added: “The desire of the Cebu Business Organizations to become more competitive would only be achieved if government has full oversight of the international shipping lines’ operations using the Cebu International Port as their port of discharge.”

The business community called on President Duterte to designate DTI as “the government agency tasked to oversee, review and regulate the operations of the International Shipping Lines for container imbalance and port congestion charges using the Cebu International Port as the port of discharge, thereby leveling-up Cebu’s competitiveness in the Asean Economic Integration.”

CCCI president Melanie Ng, PISFA president Carmel de PioSalvador, and CCBI president Jose Jefferson Jajao signed the declaration September 13, 2016. n

Foreign investments…

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months from $841 million in the same period last year.

Equity placements rose 55.7 percent to $1.66 billion from $1.06 billion, while withdrawals fell 15.7 percent to $189 million from $224 million.

The bulk of the equity came from Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, US, and Taiwan. These were channeled to financial and insurance activities; real estate; manufacturing; construction; as well as accommodation and food service.

The BSP data also showed net investments in debt instruments or lending by parent companies abroad to their local affiliates to fund existing operations and business expansion more than doubled to $2.78 billion from $1.32 billion.

For July alone, FDI inflows inched up seven percent $503 million this year from $470 million in the same month last year.

Equity placements plunged 85.5 percent to $46 million in July

from $180 million in the same month last year, while withdrawals increased 8.4 percent to $23 million from $21 million.

Gross equity capital placements were sourced mainly from Germany, the US, Singapore, Japan, and Korea. These were invested largely in real estate; wholesale and retail trade; manufacturing; financial and insurance; and construction activities.

The BSP sees FDI inflows rising to $6.3 billion this year amid the country’s strong macroeconomic fundamentals and the implementation of much needed infrastructure projects under the public private partnership (PPP) scheme.

Investors remain wary about the volatile global financial markets brought about by the timing of the second round of interest rate hike by the US Federal Reserve, the economic slowdown in China as well as the decision of the United Kingdom to leave the European Union (Brexit) last June 23. n

Reforms underway to boost…

PAGE B1 t

by NCC, the Philippines has managed to breach the top third of only two – the World Economic Forum Global Gender Gap Report and the Global Competitiveness Index.

The country, however, was ousted from the top third of the Global Competitiveness Report in its latest edition released a few weeks ago.

“So it used to be two, now we’re down with one. I think for WEF Global Competitiveness Index we can get there (top third) fairly soon. We were already there but we just dropped. For the others maybe we are still two years away at least to get there, maybe three.

But I want to have an accelerated program so I want it in two years,” NCC private sector co-chairman Guillermo Luz told The STAR. Luz said the NCC wants to put more attention into the WEF Global Competitiveness Index, the International Finance Corp.’s Ease of Doing Business Report, Transparency International’s Corruption Percep-

tion Index and the Economic Freedom Index of the Heritage Foundation.

He said discussions have been made with the government on how to accelerate programs aimed at boosting the country’s competitiveness.

“I need to make specific recommendations what to do to improve and I’ve given some preliminary ideas,” Luz said.

For the Global Competitiveness Report, in particular, Luz said the government should focus on bureaucracy, infrastructure, and science and technology and innovation.

“In infrastructure, what we’re looking at is procurement law. If procurement law is streamlined and simplified then we will be able to work better with implementation. If we want to move infrastructure spending to equivalent of five to seven percent of GDP, the only way to do that is improve the absorptive capacity of agencies and also improve the procurement procedures.

Make it easier for agencies to be able to procure construction services,” he said. n

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

Debt Relief

Community Journal

Seniors file chapter 13 to rescue house and handle tax liens Client files chapter 7 for $40K credit cards

Atty. LAwrence yAng CLIENTS are seniors. Husband is 72. Wife is 71. Both are retired and receiving combined social security and pension total of $4,015/mo. Husband is still in good spirits although he is not in good health. He has been on dialysis for three years. He had hypertension when he was still working and left that condition untreated for years. He was ignorant of the fact that untreated hypertension destroys the kidneys because too much blood flows through the kidneys for too long.

Damage to the kidneys by untreated hypertension is irreversible, unlike damage caused by overdose of medication, which is reversible. By the time that client was educated on the cause and effect of hypertension on the kidneys, it was too late; his kidney function had been reduced to 10%, requiring dialysis, 3 X a week. But what about a kidney transplant? His doctors say that because of his age, he may not survive a kidney transplant. So he has resigned himself to being tied up to a dialysis machine to live. Wife is healthy, and they both seem happy. Their problem now is two-fold: 1) Their loan modification request was rejected two weeks ago, and they

Barrister’s Corner Atty. Kenneth UrsUA reyes ON January 2, 2013, Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano announced the posting of a final rule in the Federal Register that reduces the time U.S. citizens are separated from their immediate relatives (spouse, children and parents), who are in the process of obtaining visas to become lawful permanent residents of the United States commonly referred to as provisional waiver. The final rule establishes a process that allows certain individuals to apply for a provisional unlawful presence waiver before they depart the United States to attend immigrant visa interviews in their countries of origin.

The process will be effective on

are now 8 months in arrears in their mortgage 2) IRS has placed a tax lien on their house for $15K for back taxes from 2005 to last year, 3) Credit cards of $30K. They said that they wanted to keep their house because it had $150K of equity. They bought the house for $40K, forty years ago. Now its fair market value is $450K. They refinanced five years ago and owe $300K on the mortgage. Their default on the mortgage is $17K, the IRS is hounding them to pay the tax lien and threatening to sell their house if they don’t pay up, and they can’t pay the $1K monthly to keep the $30K of credit cards current.

Can a chapter 7 help clients in their situation? NO. Chapter 7 will not give them the opportunity to cure their default on the house, and Chapter 7 will not resolve the tax lien problem. It will discharge the $30K of credit cards, but the two main problems will remain unsolved. However, Chapter 13 will allow clients to “freeze” the default on the mortgage and give them 5 years to pay that off without any interest, and Chapter 13 will “freeze” the IRS tax lien and allow clients to pay that off over 5 years without interest. And in Chapter 13, in clients’ case, nothing has to be paid to the $30K

credit cards, those will just be discharged in full. How much will they pay on their Chapter 13 plan of reorganization? On the mortgage default of $17K, that will be $283 a month for 60 months.

On the tax lien of $15K, that will be $250 a month for 60 months.

They don’t have to pay any portion of the $30K credit cards because their home exemption of $175K covers their entire equity in the house of $150K. Together with court administrative expenses, their plan payment will be $586 a month, more or less.

Can they afford $586 a month of plan payment to cure their mortgage default and to pay off the tax lien? Their household income of $4,015 monthly is good enough to provide them a disposable income that is more than $586 a month because in Chapter 13, they don’t have to pay $1K a month to keep their $30K of credit cards current. Under their reorganization plan, the pay credit cards nothing. If they complete plan payments in 60 months, they will be back on current status on the mortgage, will owe IRS nothing and IRS will have to remove the tax lien on their house, and they will owe nothing on credit cards. So, Chapter 13 is perfect for senior clients. It’s too bad

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Provisional waiver of the 3/10 year bar from inside the US

March 4, 2013. The regulations will allow certain immediate immigrant visa beneficiaries, that are subject to the 3/10 year bar, to apply for a waiver inside the US rather than outside the US at the consulate overseas. The benefit of this new regulation is 1) it reduces the time for which the Petitioner and beneficiary will be separated while going through the consulate process and 2) Beneficiary can get a provisional approval on the waiver of the 3/10 year bar before beneficiary departs the US therefore reducing the risk of uncertainty and being stuck outside the US for up to 10 years.

The rule allows these individuals to file for a provisional unlaw-

ful presence waiver while inside the U.S. If approved, they can then depart the US to undergo consulate visa processing knowing that they have a provisionally approved waiver of the 3/10 year bar.

You may be eligible for a provisional unlawful presence waiver if: 1. You are physically present in the United States; 2. You are at least 17 years of age at the time of filing; 3. You are the beneficiary of an approved immigrant visa petition. This has recently been expanded to cover all categories.

4. You have an immigrant visa case pending with the U.S.

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LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 12-14, 2016

Calendar of Events across

B

America

ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS! PRE-EVENT AND POST-EVENT GO DEEPER. GO WIDER. LET THE WORLD KNOW. CALL ASIAN JOURNAL: (818) 502-0651 DISPLAY AD SIZES AT SPECIAL RATES FOR NON-PROFIT GROUPS O C TO B E R 1 3 -1 5

“Fiesta Atenista II” at the 12th all-Ateneo Alumni Convention in Las Vegas The festivities will be held at the Flamingo Hotel & Casino on the Las Vegas Strip. For complete event activities and registration, visit the convention’s website at www.aaana-atenista.org. For more information, contact Liz Carpenter at (702) 862-9212 / ecarpenterh@ aol.com or Dr. Rodrigo ‘Jun’ Farrales at (702) 373-4326 / jun_farrales@yahoo.com.

O C TO B E R 1 4

Ryan Cayabyab and the Ryan Cayabyab Singers in San Francisco Ryan Cayabyab and the Ryan Cayabyab perform ‘100 years of song’ at Herbst Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Maestro Ryan, the Philippines’ top composer (“Kay Ganda Ng Ating Musika,” Tuwing Umuulan” and more) presents his handpicked vocal group singing his arrangements and beloved hits. Tickets are at www.cityboxoffice.com, Herbst Theatre is at 401 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA 94102.

O C TO B E R 1 5

Free parenting class in Eagle Rock, California A free parenting class will be offered on Saturday, October 15 at Eagle Rock Lutheran Church. The class will be at 10 a.m. and will focus on resolving family conflicts. The address is 5032 Maywood Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90041. To RSVP, please call Mira Gonzaga at (323) 304-9898.

O C TO B E R 1 7-1 9

Screenwriting seminar with Ricky Lee at the International Film Festival Manhattan Filipino scriptwriter Ricky Lee is coming to NYC! Join him as he imparts his talent and shares his 50 years of experience. Mr. Lee’s legacy started way back 1966 as an aspiring high school student who has pushed on with hard work and determination to become the Ricky Lee we know now; recipient of numerous awards, including the CNN Asian Viewers’ Choice Award for his film “Himala” and this year’s honorable guest at the International Film Festival Manhattan as the Lifetime Achievement Awardee; with hundreds of produced scripts to his name; novelist, journalist, playwright and mentor of the most notable writers and directors of Philippine Cinema. Be part of his workshop series entitled, “Writing Your Story,” on Oct 17-19. Laugh with him, cry with him, reminisce with him, feel with him and most importantly, write with him by your side. Who knows you might even be watching the movie “Himala” with him during those nights. Please email LuisPedron@gmail.com (Ricky Lee Seminar on the subject line) to get more information.

O C TO B E R 2 0

Screening of ”Curiosity, Adventure & Love” in Washington, D.C. As part of the celebration of the 70th anniversary of Philippines-U.S. relations and in celebration of Filipino-American History Month, a community screening of the film, “Curiosity, Adventure & Love” will be held at the Romulo Hall of the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. on Thursday, October 20 at 6:30 p.m. Ms. Sunshine Lichauco De Leon, co-producer and co-director of the film will be available for a brief Q&A session after the screening. To RSVP, please email info@philippinesusa.org.

O C TO B E R 23

Ryan Cayabyab and the Ryan Cayabyab Singers in Los Angeles Ryan Cayabyab and the Ryan Cayabyab Singers perform ‘100 years of song’ at the Plaza Del Sol Performance Hall at the Valley Performing Arts Center at 6pm. Maestro Ryan, the Philippines’ top composer (“Kay Ganda Ng Ating Musika,” Tuwing Umuulan” and more) presents his handpicked vocal group singing his arrangements and beloved hits. Tickets are at www.ticketmaster.com, Venue is at CSU-Northridge, 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge, CA 91330.

Harana in Glendale, California The Federation of Filipino-American Associations, Inc. in association with the DreamAgeGroup Art Entertainment presents ‘Harana: a journey for every Filipino.’ It will be held at Alex Theater on 216 N. Brand Blvd. Glendale, CA 91203 on Sunday, October 23 at 2 p.m. For inquiries and reservations, please call (818) 937-3071 or email The DreamAgeGroup@gmail.com. Box office tickets are available at Alex Theater; please call (818) 2432539.

O C TO B E R 28

Ryan Cayabyab and the Ryan Cayabyab Singers in Honolulu Ryan Cayabyab and the Ryan Cayabyab Singers perform ‘100 years of song’ at the New Life Theatre at 7:30pm. Maestro Ryan, the Philippines’ top composer (“Kay Ganda Ng Ating Musika,” Tuwing Umuulan” and more) presents his handpicked vocal group singing his arrangements and beloved hits. Contact Honolulu Broadway Babies for information (808) 783-2296. New Life Theatre is at 1190 Nuuanu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96817.

N OV E M B E R 5 - 6

Consular outreach in Orlando, Florida The Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C., in cooperation with the Philippine Nurses Association of America, Inc. - Central Florida Chapter, the Filipino-American Association of Pensacola, Inc., and the Philippine Honorary Consulate in Miami, is pleased to announce that it will conduct a consular outreach mission in Orlando on Saturday and Sunday, October 5 and 6 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Services offered include: Philippine passport applications; legalization of documents (acknowledgment, authentication, etc.); and receipt of reports of birth, marriage and death; and administration of oath of allegiance for dual citizenship. For an appointment, please email consular@philippineusa. org and indicate “Orlando FL Outreach” in the subject line. In the body of the email, indicate the complete name(s) of the applicant(s) and the corresponding service(s) required by each application. The outreach will be held at Hilton Garden Inn Orlando at Seaworld, 6850 Westwood Blvd. Orlando, FL 32821.

N OV E M B E R 1 2

University of Baguio High School 40th anniversary in Chino Hills, CA Come join us in celebrating University of Baguio High School’s 40th Anniversary on Saturday, November 12 in Chino Hills, California. For more information please contact, Romy Vidal at (951) 733-7140.

Hyatt Baguio/Manila/Palawan Reunion in Las Vegas Former and current employees and guests of Hyatt Terraces Baguio, Hyatt Manila and Hyatt Palawan are having a dinner/dance reunion on November 12 in at the Hampton Inn Tropicana in Las Vegas. The address is 4975 Dean Martin Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89118. For more details, please send an email to: Beng Paraguas-Flores (Hyatt Terraces Baguio) at bengparaguasflores@gmail.com or Marian Nobleza (Hyatt Terraces Baguio) at minobleza@ yahoo.com.

N OV E M B E R 1 9 -2 0

Consular outreach mission in Pensacola, Florida The Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C., in cooperation with the Philippine Nurses Association of America, Inc. - Central Florida Chapter, the Filipino-American Association of Pensacola, Inc., and the Philippine Honorary Consulate in Miami, is pleased to announce that it will conduct a consular outreach mission in Pensacola on Saturday and Sunday, November 19 and 20 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Services offered include: Philippine passport applications; legalization of documents (acknowledgment, authentication, etc.); and receipt of reports of birth, marriage and death; and administration of oath of allegiance for dual citizenship. For an appointment, please email consular@philippineusa.org and indicate “Pensacola FL Outreach” in the subject line. In the body of the email, indicate the complete name(s) of the applicant(s) and the corresponding service(s) required by each application. The outreach will be held at the Fil-Am Community Center at 234 West Oakfield Road, Pensacola, FL

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

B OCTOBER 12-14, 2016 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL

What’s New Arlene Al-os, CPA, MBA YOU may be liable for US selfemployment taxes if you have become an independent contractor either for a new employer or a foreign employer with no ties to the US. US citizen residing abroad is subject to self-employment tax as though you reside in the US unless an agreement between the US and the country in which you reside exempts you from self-employment tax under bilateral social security or totalization agreement.

What You Need to Know as a Self-Employed US Worker Abroad: • File Form 1040 and pay income tax.

• Pay social security and medicare tax unless subject to exception of a totalization agreement.

• You must file a schedule C with your US income tax return and self-employment tax paid on your net earnings by filing schedule SE.

EMPLOYMENT

Community Journal

Must US workers abroad pay self-employment tax?

• The self-employment tax rate is 15.3 % of net earnings from self-employment before any foreign income exclusion.

• You must pay self-employment tax if your annual net earnings from self-employment are at least $400.

• The maximum amount of net earnings from self-employment subject to the social security tax is $118,500 for 2016 and estimated to increase to $126,000 in 2017.

• Net earnings are subject to the medicare tax.

• Totalization agreement generally provide that self-employment income earned while working and residing in a foreign country is exempt from US selfemployment tax to the extent it is subject to taxes or contributions for social security of the foreign country in which you are working.

• You must secure a statement from the foreign government to substantiate your exemption from self-employment tax or ask from the social security adminis-

tration to issue you one.

• You cannot claim any credits to offset your self-employment tax. The credits allowed against income tax will not reduce your self-employment tax.

• If you divide your work between the US and a foreign country, you may fail to qualify for retirement, survivors or disability insurance benefits from one of both countries if you have not worked long enough to meet benefit eligibility requirements.

• Under a totalization agreement you may qualify for partial benefits based on combined or totalized coverage credits from both countries.

• To qualify for benefits under the US social security program, you must earn enough work credits to meet specified requirements.

• Under a totalization agreement if you have some US coverage but not enough to qualify for benefits, the SSA will count periods of coverage that you earned under the social security program

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EMPLOYMENT

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

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAglAyA WHEN something goes wrong regarding personal finance, our mental default setting is that we need someone else to help fix the problem.

But if we stop and think about it, there is really nothing new under the sun, as Ecclesiastes says.

Our guidelines for how we should live then as now, come from the Good Book and those the Holy Spirit has chosen and guided to explain and interpret its doctrine in the context of modern life.

These days, we click on Google and make it our personal adviser, our own impersonal Yoda. For anything we need to know, we’re just a click away online for mountains of information to inundate us. It can all be disconcerting and confusing. It’s like tackling the Library of Congress in one go. Don’t despair.

There’s hope yet. We can simplify and refer to that old why and how-to manual for all times and seasons.

The good book on money “Life is a journey and the heavier the luggage, the shorter the distance covered.”

The sub prime mortgage mess was a sorry and foolhardy attempt by liberals in the government power structure to democratize what was never meant to be a level playing field. This made it possible for millions who could not afford and should not qualify for a mortgage to be approved for loans they could not carry. A little known phrase in the Book of Proverbs for those who put up “security for debts” serves as stern warning, “… your very bed will be snatched from under you.” If only we took heed of the wisdom of the ages written in the Bible, we could have saved ourselves a lot of grief and gnashing of teeth.

Strive to live relatively debtfree. Sharply define what is a need and what is a want. For most things, frugal gurus tell us to buy only when we have the cash for it. Don’t mortgage your future for a mere whim, particularly that which strokes your

EMPLOYMENT

FOR RENT

ego. Debt can have you in a stranglehold. Many have found this out a tad too late when the recession hit.

Steer clear of scams particularly from high places. Bernard Madoff, the biggest Ponzi convicted scammer doing time in jail, had a Wall Street address.

He had a steady gaze and an air and demeanor of respectability and trustworthiness about him belying a heart of darkness.

But greed went both ways.

Madoff’s victims did not question why they were getting consistently great returns on their investments for as long as their phony statements were rosy year after year for decades.

Then the financial bomb exploded when the US and the global economy ground nearly to a halt in recent times and no new investors can be suckered in by the monumental Ponzi scheme Madoff and his cohorts hatched.

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The good book on…

Built on a big fat lie, it collapsed like a house of cards.

What a monstrous mess it was and still is. The tedious efforts at clawing back some of the money spent on a shamelessly luxurious lifestyle was as grueling as pulling teeth from a Tyrannosaurus Rex. One of Madoff’s sons, unable to bear the shame and ignominy sadly hung himself with a dog’s leash in his Manhattan apartment leaving behind a wife and children who would like to escape the stigma of the Madoff name.

The other son died of an illness.

His wife now bears the brunt of his crime. Madoff’s sentence is 150 years behind the slammer.

Considering the distress and sorrow he has brought others, a thousand years would probably still be inadequate.

Was there something from the Good Book to caution us about this? The one that comes to mind intended for scammers like Madoff and his ilk, is of course, “Thou shalt not steal.”

Scams are no more than sophisticated thefts generated these days from the comfort of one’s computer in the guise of legitimate sounding paper and

lately, quite easily, electronic communication like the Nigerian scam or identity theft. This is the modern version of a hooded, masked robber using a gun in a dark alley. New laws on tracking and enforcement procedures are decades away from dealing with this worrisome social phenomenon that seems able to breach all kinds of barriers. The antidote: continuous education, a smidgen of cynicism and a ton of common sense.

What’s the mantra worth remembering and repeating to one”s self particularly during these days of tight money when scammers are getting more creative and brazen?

Of course, tt’s still that one that says: “If it’s too good to be true, it probably is.” Well this one isn’t in the Bible but it might very well be. A similar quotation from the Book of Proverbs bears reiterating: “The naive believes everything, but the sensible man considers his steps.” In a word, “THINK.” The fictional character Gordon Gecko in the film “Wall Street” asserted that to be rich, “Greed is good.” Not so, said the Bible… Jesus was clear on the subject. “It is easier for a

Provisional waiver…

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Department of State (DOS), for which you have already paid the immigrant visa processing fee; and 5. You believe you are, or will be at the time of the immigrant visa interview, inadmissible based on having accrued a certain period of unlawful presence in the United States.

6. You meet all other requirements of the provisional unlawful presence waiver as listed in the regulations including a showing that a lengthy bar from the U.S. would cause their U.S. citizen spouse or parent“extreme hardship.”

You are not eligible for a provisional unlawful presence waiver and your application will be rejected or denied if: 1. You do not meet one or more of the requirements listed above; 2. You have a pending Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, with USCIS; 3. You are in removal proceedings unless your removal proceedings are administratively closed and have not been re-calendared as of the date of filing of the I-601A; 4. You have been ordered removed, excluded, or deported from the United States unless you have an conditionally approved I-212.

5. You are subject to reinstatement of a prior removal order; 6. DOS acted to schedule your immigrant visa interview prior to January 3, 2013, even if you failed to appear or you or DOS cancelled or rescheduled the interview on or after January 3, 2013.

7. You do not establish that the refusal of your admission to the United States would result in extreme hardship to your U.S. citizen spouse or parent, or that your application should be approved as a matter of discretion; The regulations would benefit certain immigrants who are unable to adjust their status to green card holder inside the US such as immigrants that entered the US without inspection (EWI), immigrants that entered the US without a visa, immigrants that entered the US as a crew men or sea men (C-1 or D-1) and jump ship, immigrants that entered on a K-1 fiancé visa but failed to marry their US citizen fiancé. If these immigrants are not grandfathered by INA section 245(i), typically, they cannot get their green card inside the US. These immigrants would have to leave the US and get their immigrant visa from the US consulate in their home country. This situation becomes a Catch-22

situation in that when the immigrants leave the US to get their immigrant visa overseas, then the 3/10 year unlawful presence bar kicks in to bar them from returning to the US assuming they accumulated over 180 days of unlawful presence. Once there is a determination that the unlawful presence bar applies to the immigrant at the Consulate overseas, the immigrant under the old procedure would have to apply for the waiver at the consulate overseas which in turn will forward the waiver to the DHS for approval. The entire process can take months or even years while at the meantime the immigrant is waiting outside the US. Meanwhile, families are separated, and the spouses and children of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents are forced to endure potentially dangerous situations in the home country until the waiver is granted and they can return to the U.S. The new provisional waiver procedure will allow certain immediate relatives of U.S. citizens apply for waivers of the unlawful presence bars while remaining in the U.S. If the individual is found eligible, USCIS will grant a provisional waiver. He or she will still have to depart the U.S. and visit a U.S. consulate abroad to apply for an immigrant visa. During the immigrant visa interview, the consular officer will make the finding of inadmissibility based on unlawful presence and apply the provisional waiver. If other grounds of inadmissibility are found, the individual would need to submit another waiver application, if eligible, while abroad. The provisional waiver will reduce the wait period abroad and the separation from the applicant’s family by several months or years. In addition, the applicant will know whether the waiver was granted prior to departing the US. *** Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, P.C. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kureyeslaw@gmail.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com. *** Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed.

The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, P.C. This article is not a solicitation.

(Advertising Supplement)

Seniors file chapter 13 to…

PAGE B3 t

there is no Chapter 13 to cure his kidneys. For that, he has to ask our God, Yahweh, or His one and only Son, Jesus Christ, for a cure. Jesus resurrected his friend Lazarus who had been dead for 3 days. Jesus healed the blind and performed numerous miracles of healing the sick and resurrecting the dead, to prove that He is the Son of God. So, healing his kidneys, this is something between client and Jesus but it is certainly possible. He needs to ask and it will be given.

Chapter 7 Client is 50 and single. He has a good job that pays him $55K a year. He doesn’t own a house and has just bought a new car. He doesn’t want to continue payments on his old car where he pays $258 a month for a title loan at 22% interest. He wants to give up the old car and he wants to get rid of $40K of

credit cards. Chapter 7 is perfect for client. He can keep his new car, surrender his old car and not owe any return deficiency, and discharge $40K of credit cards.

With Chapter 7, he can become productive again and start saving money again. Without credit card payments and the old car payment, client is looking forward to beef up his retirement account at least by $800 a month.

“Ask & it will be given to you; seek & you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”

— Matthew 7:7 *** Lawrence Bautista Yang specializes in bankruptcy, business, real estate and civil litigation and has successfully represented more than five thousand clients in California.

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(Advertising Supplement)

camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” Life is a journey and the heavier the luggage, the shorter the distance covered. Though that’s the physical explanation of energy required to carry the luggage weighed down by gravity as we travel, it has some bearings about a spiritual journey towards eternal life. Getting far too attached to material wealth and all its trappings makes one lose his focus of the journey’s goal. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.com

US workers…

PAGE B4 t

of an agreement country.

• Under the totalization agreement you may wish to file a claim for benefits at any social security office in the US or foreign country.

In accordance with IRS Circular 230, this communication is not to be considered a “covered opinion” or other written tax advice and should not be relied upon for IRS audit, tax dispute, or any other purpose. *** Sy Al-os Accountancy Corporation provides accounting and tax services to individuals, corporations, LLCs and business entities.

The Firm has a niche in defending taxpayers audited by the IRS and other governmental agencies.

(Advertising Supplement)

LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 12-14, 2016

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2

cover story The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - October 12, 2016

25th annual festival of Philippine Arts and Culture brings Apl.de.ap closer to home

by Klarize Medenilla / AJPress

“Great reception, always. Unconditional love, always. I feel at home.”

This was Apl.de.ap’s reaction after performing in front of a screaming crowd at the 25th annual Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture (FPAC) held at Echo Park Lake on Saturday, October 8 -- one of the largest gatherings in the country to celebrate Filipino American History Month.

The Black Eyed Peas star took to the stage in the afternoon and opened with the crowd favorite “Bebot.”

After he performed the Black Eyed Peas hit “Where is the Love?” he brought out Tess Paras and Vincent Rodriguez III — the Filipino-American cast members of the CW show “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” — for the 2009 hit “I Gotta Feeling.”

“I just feel like I’m at home with the warmth and reception. I just feel like me. When

Illustration by Kendrick Tan

I’m with the [Black Eyed Peas] I represent the Filipinos, but this time it’s all of me just being proud to be Pinoy and just being around my kababayans,” he told the Asian Journal with a smile.

He added: “I’m proud of who I am and I don’t want to forget where I come from.

Our culture is so beautiful, especially the people. We’re hard-working, kind, helpful and really family oriented. I’m just always really proud of our culture and where we come from.”

Apl — whose real name is Allen Pinedo Lindo — mentioned the significance of the 2016 reboot of “Where is the Love?” which originally came out in 2003 as a response to the tumultuous aftermath of 9/11.

Apl said that the group decided to reboot the song 13 years later because “the same problems are still occurring” but now on a global scale. The reboot included a long list of celebrities including Quincy Jones, Mary J. Blige and FilAm stars Nicole Scherzinger and Vanessa Hudgens.

The reboot, in particular, addresses recent terrorist attacks such as those that occurred in Paris, Belgium and Orlando. Apl said the song also confronted the issue of police brutality in the United States and the strained relationship between law enforcement and Americans.

“There’s a misunderstanding going on, and when you’re confused about something, it always makes you ask that question, ‘Where is the love?’”

AJPress photo by Andy Tecson

he said. “It felt like it was a calling to revisit the song and get everyone involved to raise awareness and to ask that question again.”

Philanthropy work Always one to give back to the community, Apl serves the community through the Apl.de.Ap Foundation International, which is committed to empowering Filipino youth through the arts, education and health care.

The foundation has so far established 14 classrooms in the Philippines; the most recent project was a 20-classroom public school in Zamboanga.

As a part of his campaign to serve disabled kids, he also brought a RetCam -- an ophthalmic imaging system -- to Bohol to treat children with vision problems. The cause is personal to Apl who was born legally blind and said his vision made it difficult for him to “excel [in school] as much as I wanted to.”

“Growing up in the Philippines is hard enough, but imagine being blind,” he remarked.

“So I’m trying to prevent that from happening, so we brought a RetCam to diagnose premature babies from being blind.”

Through his foundation, he also teamed up with the Vision Center at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) to promote the treatment and diagnosis of premature Filipino babies who have developed retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), as previously reported by the Asian Journal. Last year, his foundation sent its first set of RetCams to the Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao City.

AJPress photos by Ding Carreon

Trip to the Philippines As a way to more kababayan in touch with their roots, Apl is hosting a special trip to the Philippines through a project called FAM: Core Trip.

The project came out of a trip Apl took with a group of friends -- including Fil-Am celebrities including JoKoy, Chanel West Coast and Cassie -- to the Philippines this year, and Apl decided to open the

trip up to other kababayans.

Travelers get to travel with Apl who will act as a tour guide throughout the Philippines.

According to the brochure, the trip will be held from March 12, 2017 to March 19, 2017 and will start off with three days in Boracay and two days in Manila.

For more information, visit. www.facebook.com/famcore.

entertainment

3

The Asian Journal MDWK MAGAZINE - October 12, 2016

Angel Locsin: fit and fab again

by Tessa

Mauricioa-arriola ManilaTimes.net

Looking fabulous in a black low V-neck suit, Locsin happily After two successful surrelated that since returning to geries on her spinal injury, Angel tV work and shooting “third Locsin related to the Manila Party” in July, she no longer times in the Q&A portion of her “moved like an old lady.” upcoming Star Cinema movie, “I felt good all throughout “third Party,” she is pretty much the shoot. I didn’t need to take a hundred percent in terms of it easy but of course I always movement again, some seven make sure I’m careful with my months following her ordeal. back,” she explained.

In late 2015, Losin discovered Asked whether they treated a disc bulge on her spine follow- their leading lady with extra care ing two-years’ worth of rigorous on the set, co-stars Sam Milby trainings while preparing for and Zanjoe Marudo sheepishly what was supposed to be ABSlaughed with the latter confessCBN’s remake of her 2005 series ing, “Actually, it was Angel who in GMA Network, “Darna.” the took care of us more! She’s project was immediately put on known to be maalaga with evhold with ABS-CBN promptly eryone she works with di’ba ?” giving the actress time off to atexcited for her return to tend to her condition. the big screen, Locsin went on

Angel Locsin with “Third Party” co-stars Sam Milby and Zanjoe Marudo.

by ian

to disclose the unique plot of the October 12 movie, which finds the three of them in a love triangle. She as Andi who reconnects with her college sweetheart Max (Milby) in the hopes of rekindling their romance, only to find out that he is currently in a relationship with another man, Christian (Marudo). An unexpected problem leads Andi to seek Max’s help and Christian reluctantly agrees to take her into their home, which sparks twists that could either strengthen or break their samesex relationship. “third Party” is directed by Jason Paul Laxamana (Love is Blind) from the script of young writers Patrick Valencia and Charlene Sawit-esguerra.

Charice’s rebel soul

urruTia Philstar.com

AS far as the history of pop music is concerned, reinventions have become essential for artists to stay relevant. Madonna’s success can be attributed to her ability to shift music personas and styles from album to album, sometimes pushing sexual and political boundaries to stay ahead of the curve. In a similar way, her successors Lady Gaga, rihanna and Beyoncé have never been comfortable sticking to one character in the course of their top 40 residency. there is reinvention in every pop star’s DNA. Yes, some artists are just happy to adapt to the ever-changing trends of the music industry as a calculated marketing plot. But for others, reinvention comes naturally. take Miley Cyrus, who celebrated her newfound freedom on Wayne Coyne-produced fifth album, the independently released “Miley Cyrus and Her Dead Petz.” And, yes, take Sarah Geronimo, whose latest release, “the Great Unknown,” finds her collaborating with fresh indie talent like Bojam, thyro and Nica del rosario, helping her embrace a sound that pushes the outer edges of her personality. traversing this same path is Charice.

Landed at the bottom, now we’re here “every pop star must, at some point, confront career mortality. for

some, the end comes suddenly and without warning,” wrote Pitchfork music critic Jordan Sargent in his review of Mariah Carey’s 2014 album, “Me. I Am Mariah... the elusive Chanteuse.” for some observers, this seemed to be the fate of Charice last year, when he bravely decided to open up about his sexuality and come out as a trans man. With the world so unforgiving, offers in both local and international show business began to dry up, while several fans left his side.

But Charice never lost that swan of a voice that landed him a duet with Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli. His singing has vastly improved over time, knowing when to use his upper register at the right peaks and moments, and learning when to strip things down to showcase the ethereal quality of his vocals.

At the risk of losing the approval of “Chasters” — his supportive fan club since day one — Charice began looking outside the world of pop.

He got into Kurt Cobain, then David Bowie and Janis Joplin.

He also ventured into writing songs — confessional anthems that document the changes in his personal and romantic life, and observations about people he knew and met in passing.

“It was easy because it’s me,” Charice tells us. “I didn’t have to think if it fits the mainstream mold because it’s something personal, it’s something that I wrote and cared for.”

On ‘Catharsis’ With the help of Mayonnaise’s front man and acclaimed producer Monty Macalino and Starmusic’s Jonathan Manalo, these songs evolved into the polished studio recordings that make up Charice’s fifth release, “Catharsis.” Unlike his previous albums, “Catharsis” is the first time Charice was given an opportunity to steer the wheels his way — from songwriting to production, from track selection to mixing. “I was blown away by the talent of this person because 80 to 90 percent of the songs were written and mixed by Charice,” Macalino says.

Charice’s team has been adamant about pro-

moting the album as a rock record of some sort, citing Charice’s newfound appreciation for grunge, classic rock ‘n’ roll and ‘90s alternative as the major force behind the album’s drastic shift to an edgier, more guitar-driven affair. While you can hear a smattering of power chords in the mix, “Catharsis” is first and foremost a pop record in the Pink/Ashlee Simpson/Kelly Clarkson territory: a punchy, in-your-face release that fights emotional intensity with fire.

Dramatic turns His big, amazing pipes are used as a weapon here, knocking the roof off with dramatic turns and cutting runs. Haunt is perhaps the best among the bunch, a bluesy show-stopper that makes explicit references to making love. It has that Janis Joplin-meets-Christina Aguilera circa “Back to Basics” vibe to it, minus the over-the-top kitsch. How Much I Love You delivers the most heartfelt moment in the record. It borrows a few elements from gospel and ‘60s soul, punctuated with retro-modern production touches to complement Charice’s tasteful singing. Happy feels like the record’s coming-out anthem, but instead of recreating the disco diva pastiche of Gloria Gaynor or Diana ross, Charice sings over infectious pop hooks and breezy guitar strums with lines such as “I’m happy being free” repeated to gleeful infinity. At least for once, he takes us to a place of captivating sunshine warmth, where people don’t need to wrap their heads around any form of negativity.

While Charice deserves some credit for setting his sight on a more rock-leaning direction, songs likeepitome of Beauty don’t seem to capture his strength as a vocalist capable of turning maudlin lines into some form of transcendence. the pop-punk shtick doesn’t give him much room to explore. It’s fun and easy to sing along to, but lacks the magnetic grace of the standout cuts in the record. the controversially titled Killing Myself to Sleep is the better rock-infused tune, in my opinion. His vocal firepower has always been his trump card, and when infused with bile-fueled chords and emotionally naked chorus, it leaves us with a rewarding listen.

“Catharsis” is far from being an ideal showcase for standard pop gold, but it’s a compelling effort that conveniently marks Charice’s transition from a young power belter to a budding singer-songwriter. the reinvention is now televised, and Charice is now ready to share his story with the world, unfiltered and devoid of gloss.

4

entertainment

Agot Isidro’s ‘psychopath’post draws mixed reactions

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - October 12, 2016

Jessy Mendiola, first Filipina to win Asia Pacific Actors award

TalenT management group Star Magic proudly shared with the Manila Times that one of its prime female talents Jessy Mendiola received her very first international award at the 5th asia Pacific actors network (aPan) Star awards in Korea.

Held on October 2 at the Sangnam Culture Plaza and MBC headquarters, Mendiola emerged as the “Best asia Pacific Star” in what is usually a Korean-dominated awards night. The actress is the very first Filipina and celebrity from South east asia to bring home the regional recognition.

In an emailed statement, Mendiola said, “It’s a big achievement for me, and a very fulfilling one, that I was able to win an award for our country, and to be ‘the first-ever Filipina recipient from South east asia.’

Mendiola takes part in the traditional hand printing ceremony with popular Korean star Kim Min Seok

I’m over the moon because this is the first major award I’ve ever received and it’s from an international award giving body. I’m very grateful for this.”

The actress, whose comedic

Jessy Mendiola beams with her Best Asia Pacific Star award

chops came to the fore when she joined aBS-CBn’s “Banana Sundae,” won the prize for her performance in the gag show, and promptly shared her latest feat with her co-stars. “at first I didn’t know this award is a big deal over here, which makes me even grateful to receive it,” she added.

In her speech, Mendiola thanked MBC for the recognition, and said, “I am so happy to be standing here tonight in front all of you and I am greatly honored to be the Filipino recipient of Best asia Pacific Star award. Tonight is a celebration of promoting cultural exchange and opening up of new opportunities in asia. I am extremely proud to be part of this prestigious ceremony.” according to Star Magic, besides walking the event’s red carpet and sharing it with the biggest Korean stars of the day, Mendiola also took part in a hand printing ceremony. In both activities, FHM Philippines’ Sexiest Woman of the year rubbed elbows Coffee Prince’s Chae Yung an, Cho Jin Woong, TV hosts Honey lee and Shing Dong Yup, as well as the lead stars of the hit Koreanovela Descendants of the Sun Song Joong Ki and Kim Min Seok.

(ManilaTimes.net)

Elizabeth Oropesa, Cherry Pie Picache dig in

by Arlo

Custodio ManilaTimes.net

On FrIDaY, Oct. 7, former singer and now actress agot Isidro posted on Facebook slamming President rodrigo and directly calling him a “psychopath.” It was obviously her most adverse reactions to the President’s strong words against the US and eU (european Union) that the Philippines does not need aid from them, that we are not mendicant, that we can live on our own.

“First of all, no one’s quarrelling with you. as a matter of fact, it’s you who’s starting a fight. Secondly, the country where you’ve been voted by 16 million out of 100 million plus people is Third World. If you talk, as if the Philippines is a superpower. excuse me, we don’t want to go hungry. Be alone [in this fight], don’t include us.

Most have nothing to eat, you make them hungry furthermore.

Thirdly, I know a psychiatrist.

Get an examination. You are not bipolar. You are a psychopath,” Isidro said in her post in mixed english and Filipino.

Duterte supporters were quick to react, same with members of the group that Isidro supported during the elections, the liberal Party.

One of those who reacted strongly on Sunday, Oct. 9 was

De la Salle University political science professor and the Manila Times columnist antonio Contreras. He posted on Facebook as well: “agot Isidro should be ashamed of herself. What she said is precisely what happens when you become mendicant.

You think heavens will fall and we will all get hungry just because the US and the eU are pissed off. let me educate you Ms. Isidro.

International relations is not as simple as you think it is. Countries do not behave like the soap opera characters you play where a bitchiness of one leads to a catfight, or a fistfight.” actress elizabeth Oropesa (Jacqueline elizabeth Freeman) posted a photo on Sunday, wearing a t-shirt bearing the writings, “IT’S a DUTerTe THInG YOU WOUlDn’T UnDerSTanD” and captioned it “One of the 16 million psychopaths.”

Meanwhile, fellow actress Cherrie Pie Picache reportedly expressed support for Isidro on occasion of the World Day against Death Penalty. “a colleague of mine, agot Isidro, went viral because of her message, her opinion and her stand. I want to say that I’m one with her. We’re artists, we’re in arts and culture, but we have our own minds, conviction and principles,” she said.

Agot Isidro

Some netizens though have pointed out that Isidro publicly said she herself sought psychiatric help years ago. a Pep.ph report has quoted one Jooyce Buenacosa saying, “One that has been seeking help of a psychiatrist doesn’t have the license to diagnose one.” another netizen, James arom Mangun, is more broadminded, “First of all the economy isn’t dependent on the few cents the americans throw,” he said in reaction to Contreras’ post. He continued, “even better, we can educate her [Isidro] and open her eyes. Shaming her isn’t gonna help really.”

Victoria Ferro, on the other hand, declared, “agot is a friend but I agree with you [Contreras].”

P20-per-photo op with Maine for charity draws flak by ronnie

CArrAsCo ManilaTimes.net

iii

rePOrTeDlY, a single picture taken with Maine Mendoza will cost a fan P20. no, this isn’t Yaya Dub’s income on the side, as the funds generated from the photo op will benefit an institution for the elderly.

We couldn’t help but travel back to the ’70s with this piece of news. Back then, diehard supporters of Superstar nora aunor embarked on a similar fund-raising drive, which they aptly called “Mamera Para Kay nora (a Penny For nora).” The estimated P1 million donations were turned over to the national Mental Hospital for charity.

Maine Mendoza

nora and Maine’s respective campaigns, more than four decades apart, are unmistakably earmarked for a worthy cause.

But what’s the value of a penny

now if it were still in circulation vis-à-vis a 20-peso bill?

Insignificant as the amount may be, to an ordinary fan P20 is equivalent to half kilo of nFa rice, an MrT ride from Pasay Taft-rotonda to Boni ave. station, or 750-ml of a popular cola brand at a retail store.

Herself broaching the very idea of charity work, can’t Maine part with the tiniest fraction of her God-knows-how-much earnings without burdening her fans?

Better yet, can she not mount a sponsored show where its proceeds will go the beneficiary institution? In Vignette’s opinion, what a clever way to generate funds at her fans’ expense.

MOONLIGHTING

by MYLAH DE

LEON

ONCE upon a time, the Secret Service had to be an all-embracing elite force — self-respecting, fearless and valiant. They were the ones who took charge of the security and decorum of every event that the president attends, and still do.

The Secret Service is more than a motorcade of shiny black limousines with dark tinted windows led by police motorcycles and a helicopter hovering around. They are among those paragons who could have been described by the third century BC Indian Machiavelli, Kautilya, belonging in high family, are influential, and well trained in arts. They have foresight, are wise, and are of strong memory, bold, enthusiastic, and dignified.

Pure in character, their endurance unwavering. Free from procrastination and fickle-mindedness, they make others feel less mortal.

Let us backtrack and recall what had been an excellent source of pride and honor for every Secret Service guarding the president.

On that March afternoon in 1981, the 40th American president was struck by gunfire. The only one to survive, as six bullets from the revolver of a deranged man blasted then President Ronald Reagan and five of his aides, while they were leaving the Washington Hotel after a luncheon speech.

Secret Service Agent

Once upon a Secret Service Timothy McCarthy turned to face the gunfire while remaining upright, as he had been rigorously trained to do and took a bullet meant for the president in his chest. Upon hearing the firecracker pop, one of Secret Service accompanying the president dived for the assailant and landed on his back as the last shot was fired. Another agent, instinctively shoved the president inside the car and fell on top of him to protect him, as he ordered the motorcade to proceed directly to the White House.

Then he ran his hands up and down the president’s body checking for bullet holes. Finding none, he radioed the Secret Service Command Post at the White House with the first report of the incident, which was inaccurate.

Inside the car and in pain, President Reagan cursed him, “You son of a bitch, you broke my ribs.”

As the agent saw that the President was coughing up oxygenated blood, he barked, “Get to George Washington Hospital, immediately!”

Arriving at the hospital, agents sprung out to carry the president inside, but the seventy-year=old president, although barely able to breath, refused their help. For himself and the office he represented, he needed to be seen walking on his power. Even when he was weak and disoriented from sudden loss of blood, he told the Secret Service to let him walk into the hospital alone and unassisted knowing that the television image of a wounded,

features

For Palace photographers, they are at their best when capturing presidents in their vulnerability. This is what they sell. Following instructions were almost stifling and cramped their styles. They’ve been pushed, shoved, man handled, literally—no longer allowed to eat near the president. That is why they’ve snubbed the yearly Van D’Honneur at the Palace,

helpless president would diminish him and throw the country into a panic. Only when he was safely beyond the press and cameras did he gasp for air and crumbled to the floor.

He could be physically protected by the Secret Service but only the President himself can solely protect his dignity.

Meanwhile at the White House bedlam ensued and everyone was shouting a question.

“Who’s running the government right now?” asked a reporter. “If the President goes into surgery and goes under anesthesia, would Vice President Bush become acting President at the moment or under what circumstances would he? Who is making the decisions for the government right now?”

The Secretary of State dealt with these questions of presidential succession inaccurately. He said that he was, forgetting that the Vice President and Speaker was above him in the line of succession.

The White House physician (who then carried a copy of the Twenty Fifth Amendment describing the temporary transfer of Executive Power in his black bag) admitted years later, the amendment should have been put into effect right there and then when the president went into surgery and could no longer communicate with people.

Still on the topic of Presidential guards, as newbies covering the Palace, they followed security and protocol as dictated by the Presidential Security Group (PSG) religiously. However, once in a while they insisted their

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The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - October 12, 2016

ways on benign issues, those that are never endanger the President, of course. Unwittingly they incite the guards’ anger when they break the dress code—especially when there was hardly a minute to change into evening formal attire after a whole day of covering the president’s activities. Nothing overwhelms them except the intensity of a deadline that flashed like a neon light.

We’ve witnessed the PSG at their best, or at times looking helpless when all they could do was watch a president slide into little, undignified accidental episodes.

Like that time, while getting off from the helicopter, then President Cory Aquino slightly lost her balance, and broke her ankle. She tripped, flanked by her two most trusted guards (who eventually become army generals), too horrified to pick her up or carry her.

Who can’t forget the dilemma of her doctor, who was seated across her enjoying a meal and saw the president swell due to an allergy?

Or that time when President Fidel Ramos was enjoying a sumptuous meal, his front tooth just fell off the table and none of the guards assigned could stop the photographers from clicking their cameras.

Or that incident when the president stepped on a photographer’s eyeglasses and the photo essay, blow by blow, captured the sequence and was front page on all the tabloids. It will go back to the issue, who protects the president’s dignity?

Not his security.

and for some reason, were never asked why.

The irony of it all is that they can’t take umbrage at the Presidential remarks or aggression. Their association with the guards almost demanded suspension of their pride and certainly their temper. ***

com

E-mail Mylah at moonlightingmdl@aol.

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The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - October 12, 2016

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