LA Midweek Edition -- October 26 -- 28, 2016

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E DITION October 26-28, 2016

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T H E F I L I P I N O –A M E R I C A N C O M M U N I T Y N E W S PA P E R

Volume 26 - No. 86 • 3 Sections - 20 Pages

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US official warns: Duterte’s controversial remarks cause uncertainty

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PH relationship with China welcomed

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

A TOP United States diplomat said on Monday, October 24, that President Rodrigo Duterte’s string of controversial comments has created distress around the world.

U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Russel met with Philippine Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr., following Duterte’s recent announcement of “separation from the United States.”

“The succession of controverUS Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Russel sial statements and comments,

DATELINE

USA

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

Trump blames Obama for PH-US separation

IN response to President Rodrigo Duterte’s call to sever economic and military ties with the United States, Donald Trump blamed President Barack Obama for the split.

The Republican presidential nominee attacked Obama for campaigning for Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton rather than “working.” He criticized the president for being “weak” in maintaining the long-standing alliance between the United States and the Philippines.

“Why is Obama campaigning? He ought to be out working,” Trump said at a rally in North Carolina on Friday, October 21.

“The heads of the Philippines, they’re so angry. [Duterte] leaves for China, [and] he’s now negotiating with China,” Trump said. “We’ve

u PAGE A3

Worker’s initiative celebrates one year of advocacy ahead of Larry Itliong Day LOS ANGELES – Stephanie Ong couldn’t have anticipated the harsh working environment she would find herself in after travelling to the U.S. from the Philippines for on-the-job training in the hotel and resort management industry.

She was physically and verbally abused, given an impossible workload, frequently threatened with deportation and denied overtime pay. After she had been injured by a housekeeping cart that ran over her foot, her supervisors said the La Salle University student’s English was too poor for them to transfer her to a non-menial position.

When Ong looked in the mirror, she could

u PAGE A2

and the climate of uncertainty about the Philippines’ intentions, have created consternation in a number of countries,” Russel told reporters after meeting with Yasay in Manila.

During his speech at the Philippines-China Trade and Investment Forum on Thursday, October 20 in Beijing, Duterte declared he would part ways from the U.S. economically and militarily.

“I announce my separation from the United States both in the military…not social, but economics also. So please you have another problem of economics in

u PAGE A2

Duterte wants present generation to be the last batch of OFWs

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

SPEAKING before the Filipino community in Japan, President Rodrigo Duterte said the current generation will be the last wave of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

“Ang pagtrabaho n’yo sa ibang bansa, hanggang diyan na lang. Next generation, [sa] Pilipinas na [magtrabaho] (Your work in other countries will end here. The next generation will work in the Philippines),” he said in his speech after arriving in Tokyo on President Rodrigo Duterte Tuesday, October 25.

The president also reiterated his promise to boost the country’s economic growth so that Filipinos no longer need to search for a job abroad.

“We have to improve the economy na hindi ka na babalik dito, na kung bumalik ka rito, baka-bakasyon na lang (so that you do not have to come back here, and even if you do, it’s just for vacation),” he said, ad-

u PAGE A2

Outgoing U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg, right, greets Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana as the latter arrives for the formal turnover of the Philippine Air Force C-130T cargo plane (background), the second to be acquired through the United States Excess Defense Articles (EDA) at Villamor Air Base in suburban Pasay City on Monday, Oct. 24.

US ambassador: America wants its troops to remain in southern PH

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg said on Tuesday, October 25, that the United States is committed to staying in the southern Philippines to help the campaign against Islamic militancy.

Describing the threat as “very serious,” Goldberg warned that the Islamic State group is among a number of foreign militant organizations trying to increase its involvement in the southern Philippines.

“We are not just dealing with Abu Sayyaf but groups from the region like Jemaah Islamiyah.

We see increasing efforts from ISIS (Islamic State) to become involved,” the ambassador said.

Although the militants’ presence in the region had “largely devolved into disorganised groups resorting to criminal undertakings” in 2014, the U.S. expressed its concern about a possible intrusion by the Islamic State group.

“But we are concerned obviously about any new intrusion of ISIS or any other group that

wants to take advantage of open space in the south of the Philippines. So we want to continue doing that,” the ambassador said.

From 2002 to 2014, a rotating force of about 600 U.S. troops were deployed to provide training and share of information and resources to Filipino troops in order to combat insurgents in Mindanao.

Last month, however, President Rodrigo Duterte said he wanted U.S. troops to leave Mindanao in order to pursue peace talks with the rebels.

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DSWD chief: Foreign aid not yet needed for typhoon victims tayo humihingi ng foreign assistance o donations mula sa ibang bansa para sa Karen o Lawin daTHE Philippines is not asking hil nakitang may sapat na pondo for foreign assistance since the ang gobyerno at mga ahensya government has sufficient funds nito para saklolohan ang mamato cover relief operations for mayang apektado (To our fellow the victims of Typhoon “Karen” countrymen, just a little expla(international name Sarika) and nation: we are not asking assisSuper Typhoon “Lawin” (inter- tance or donations from other national name Haima), according countries for victims of Karen to Department of Social Welfare and Lawin because our governand Development (DSWD) Sec- ment and departments have sufretary Judy Taguiwalo. ficient funds to help the citizens “Mga mahal naming kababay- affected),” Taguiwalo said in a an, kaunting paliwanag po: hindi u PAGE A3

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

DSWD Secretary Judy Taguiwalo.

Philippine firms secure over $11B deals during China trip

by MARY

GRACE Philstar.com

PADIN

BEIJING — The Philippines secured $11.24 billion worth of investments from Chinese companies involving 17 different projects as a testament to the warming economic relations between Manila and Beijing.

A total of 15 companies on Tuesday, Oct. 25, signed agreements with various Chinese investors in the fields of infrastructure, energy, agriculture, transportation, manufacturing and disaster resiliency.

These projects are estimated to generate 2.67 million jobs.

MVP Global Infrastructure Group, for one, inked a memorandum of under-

standing (MOU) with China Railway Engineering Corp. involving a $2.5 billion project. It also forged a $3 billion deal with Suli Group Ltd. to build a cabling manufacturing facility.

China Harbour Engineering Co. Ltd. agreed to invest both in Mega Harbour Port Development Inc.’s $780 million Davao Coastline and Port Development Project, and R-II Builders’ $148 million Manila Harbour Centre Reclamation Project.

Mega Harbour also secured a deal with CCCC Dredging Co. for the $328 million Cebu International and Bulk Terminal Project.

Philippine State Group of Co. signed

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From the Front Page

US official warns: Duterte’s controversial…

PAGE A1 t

my country,” he said.

The president previously said that the Philippines has only gained a little from its long alliance with the U.S. “Your stay in my country was for your own benefit. So time to say goodbye, my friend,” the president said, addressing the U.S. Although Duterte later clarified that he wouldn’t sever the U.S.PH alliance, which has spanned seven decades, Russel pointed out that this is still worrisome to many people around the world.

According to the U.S. official, the unease was evident “not only among governments, but also…in other communities, in the expat Filipino community, in corporation boardrooms, as well.”

Responding to Russel’s comments, Duterte hit the U.S. anew for being “malicious,” prior to his departure to Japan on Tuesday, October 25.

“Now, what did I tell to China?

I went there just being nice. O

tingnan mo ang lumabas (Oh look at what has been published), ‘Duterte sparks International Distress...’ Kaliit-liit kong tao bat ka ba mag-stress, nerbiyoso kayo.

Kasi guilty (I’m such a small man, why are you stressed and nervous? Because you are guilty),” Duterte said.

He added that he does not want to see foreign troops in the Philippines in the future.

Duterte, who took office in June, has frequently voiced out his antagonism toward America.

He has repeatedly lashed out at the U.S. for criticizing his campaign against illegal drugs, and has declared that this year’s joint military exercises with the U.S. would be the last in his term.

“This is not a positive trend,” Russel said.

The U.S. official arrived in the Philippines on Saturday, October 22, to meet with government officials and have lunch with Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) participants, the U.S. Embassy said in a statement.

Russel’s agenda for the trip was to also seek clarity on Duterte’s statements and discuss “the source of the uncertainty” in PH-U.S. relations, White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest said in a briefing on Friday, October 21.

Russel’s conversation with Yasay further touched upon America’s concern about the “loss of life in connection with the counternarcotics campaign,” referring to Duterte’s war on drugs that has reportedly killed more than 3,700 individuals since July 1.

“I also reiterated the importance that we place and that others place on due process and respect for the rights of citizens as an important part of protecting our communities as well,” the U.S. official said.

‘Addition, not subtraction’ Regarding Duterte’s plan to improve the Philippines’ relationship with China, Russel said that the United States “welcomes a relaxation in relations between Beijing and Manila.”

u PAGE A3

MASKED WINNERS. Barangay Granada was adjudged grand slam winner in the arena dance competition’s barangay category of the MassKara Festival, Bacolod City’s top tourist attraction, which ended on Sunday night after 23 days of festivities.

Inquirer.net photo by Andy Alvarez

Duterte wants present generation to be…

PAGE A1 t

dressing the migrant workers.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, there were about 2.4 million OFWs in 2015.

Duterte also told the Filipino community in Tokyo about his plan to create an OFW bank by buying the Philippine Postal Savings Bank (PostBank), a government thrift bank that provides

services in the ‘unbanked’ areas of the country.

A bank that would specialize in OFW services were among his promises to the migrant workers during the campaign period.

President Duterte is currently in Japan on a three-day official visit to discuss “greater politico-social and defense cooperation particularly in maritime domain aware-

ness and maritime security.”

“I go to Japan with full trust that we can understand each other and Japan will understand my position vis-à-vis with the foreign policy that I want to implement. It’s just a question of a policy that is really truly Filipino,” Duterte said at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport prior to his departure. n

Worker’s initiative celebrates one year…

PAGE A1 t

see the evidence of her employer’s mistreatment.

“I was so skinny, paper thin, and pale like a scavenger,” she told people gathered to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the EMPLEO-Pinoy during the Larry Itliong Parade at St. Columban’s Church on Saturday, October 22.

“This was the first time I’ve talked to people about this because, back then, I didn’t have the courage to talk.”

Her fears echo the struggles of workers throughout history who suffered abuse at the hands of their employers and lived in fear of retaliation. Ong’s story reminded those in attendance at the public gathering held three

days ahead of the holiday celebrating the Filipino labor leader’s birthday on Tuesday, October 25 that the fight for fair treatment continues into the present.

Before finding the nerve to tell her story in public, Ong reached out to the Pilipino Workers Center (PWC). The nonprofit connected her to mental health professionals to help her cope with the trauma she had endured. They also directed her to the services of the EMPLEO-Pinoy initiative, which helped her find justice and secure her immigration status.

The initiative pairs the Wage and Hour Division (WHD) of the U.S. Department of Labor, the Philippine Consulate, and organizations like the PWC to stop

wage theft, employee abuse and child labor and to inform all workers of their rights.

“If you are a worker working in the united states, regardless of your immigration status, as a worker you have rights,” said WHD Community Outreach and Resource Planning Specialist, Ralph Valles. “As a partner with EMPLEO-Pinoy Pinoy, the Wage and Hour Division is here to help.”

Workers who believe they may be the experiencing unfair working conditions, or employers who are unsure if they are in compliance with labor laws can reach out to EMPLEO-Pinoy by dialing its hotline at (877)-885-6641.

(Eric Anthony Licas / AJPress)

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From the Front Page

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A

DSWD chief: Foreign aid not yet…

PAGE A1 t

Facebook post on Sunday, October 23.

The DSWD secretary said that Philippines should not be relying on foreign assistance when it can stand in its own feet.

Replying to a comment in the post, she said the government acquired a large amount of foreign donations for the victims of Super Typhoon Yolanda in 2013.

Until now, it is not clear where most of the donations went, stating that many did not receive the benefit from the aid.

“Pagsisikapan natin na paghusayin at linisin ang sistema ng relief and assistance distribution nang walang halong pulitika (We will make sure to enhance and clean the system of relief and assistance distribution without the influence of politics),” Taguiwalo said.

However, she clarified that the

On Monday, October 24, the Chinese Embassy said in a statement that it donated P50 million for the “disaster relief of farmers and fishermen in the affected regions.”

Meanwhile, the Red Cross Society of China said it will also provide “humanitarian aid of $100,000 to the Philippines.”

According to the Cagayan provincial disaster risk reduction and management council, four people were killed, 11 injured, while P5.7 billion worth of crops and P433.8 million worth of infrastructure were damaged after Super Typhoon Lawin struck Northern Luzon last Wednesday, October 19.

On the other hand, Typhoon Karen caused an initial damage of P53 million to the agriculture sector as it hit the Bicol region on Sunday, October 16, according to NDRRMC. n

government was open to aid and donations, including foreign assistance from “friends” who will not impose conditions in return.

In fact, according to Romina Marasigan, the spokesperson for the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), the ASEAN Coordinating Center for Humanitarian Assistance (AHA Center), the World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) were on standby to provide help.

Also ready to provide assistance once requested are the Philippine Disaster Relief Foundation (PDRF), Doctors Without Borders (MSF), and World Vision.

Marasigan added that the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) also pledged “dignity and maternity tents” for pregnant and lactating mothers.

Trump blames Obama for PH-US…

PAGE A1 t

been with the Philippines for, practically, forever. They’re a very important strategic ally, and what happens? China and Russia are probably going to take it, and I see [Obama] campaigning for Crooked Hillary, come on.”

Duterte’s anti-American rhetoric has sparked concern over the Philippine/U.S. alliance, which has remained since 1946 when the Philippines became an independent nation. According to a survey from Pew Research Center, 92 percent of Filipinos hold a favorable opinion of the United States.

The Philippine president made international headlines when he

son, garnering a 22 percent rating in the same category.

Duterte has also expressed plans to establish an alliance with Russia. When probed about whether he supports Trump or Clinton, Duterte dodged the question and opted to praise Russian President Vladimir Putin who has also expressed antiAmerican sentiments.

“I cannot gamble an answer.

Because either way it would affect, you know, they might create a hostility here, antagonism here. So I am better off in saying that my favorite hero is Putin,” the Philippine president told reporters upon arriving in Davao City from China on Friday. (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)

announced a separation from the United States and a move to establish relations with China.

He later clarified his statements saying that he did not mean a separation of diplomatic and “social” relations, but strictly for economic and military reasons, as previously reported by the Asian Journal.

“There are three of us against the world: China, Philippines, Russia,” Duterte said.

Countering Duterte’s plans to cozy up to China, a recent poll from the Social Weather Stations (SWS) reported that more Filipinos trust the U.S. over China. The survey showed that 76 percent of Filipinos exhibit “much trust” for the U.S. China paled in compari-

GOODWILL VISIT. The training squadron of the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force arrived in Manila on Monday, Oct. 24 for a goodwill visit to the Philippines to enhance friendship with the Philippine Navy. The training squadron, commanded by JMSDF Rear Adm. Hidetoshi Iwasaki, is docked at South Harbor, Manila, and will be staying from October 23 to 27 for the five-day goodwill visit. The visit includes a series of engagements between the PN personnel and their counterparts such as ship tour, courtesy call to navy leadership, goodwill games and receptions for cultural exchanges.

Photo courtesy of Philippine Navy

Philippine firms secure over $11B…

PAGE A1 t

an agreement with Yangtse Motor Group Co. Ltd. and Minerals International Ltd. for the $100 million Manila EDSA Bus Transportation program.

Both Mannage Resources Trading Corp. and Global Ferronickel Inc. also signed their respective agreements for the construction of steel manufacturing plants.

In the field of renewable energy, Trademaster Resources Corp., and Greenergy Development Corp., signed deals to construct renewable energy plants.

Greenergy, in particular, will be cooperating with Guizhou Engineering Corp. and PowerChina for the $1 billion 300-megawatt Pulangi-5 hydro project.

For agriculture, SL Agritech Corp. and Jiangsu Hongqi Seed Duterte’s “separation” from its Co. Ltd. signed a cooperation Western ally would not be at the agreement to build a $160 million expense of millions of overseas hybrid rice to plant in two million Filipino workers (OFWs) in the hectares of rice farming area.

U.S. and of American businesses AVLB Asia Pacific Conglomerin the country, the spokesman ate also secured a $100 million also vowed. investment from Shangai Xinwo “Let me just clarify that…It’s Agriculture Development Co. for basically a separation from de- a banana plantation project. pendency… Again it’s a restateSinoHydro invested both in the ment of the independent foreign $600 million Pasig River-Marikipolicy that the President has na River Manggahan Floodway declared again and again. But Bridges Construction Project by there are no ties that are being Zonar Construct, and the $325 broken,” Abella noted.

Ambal Simuay Sub-River Basin of The Department of Trade the Mindanao River Basin Flood and Industry (DTI) has said that Control Project by One White none of the business processing Beach Land Development Corp.

Beijing and Manila also signed u PAGE A4

US official warns: Duterte’s controversial…

PAGE A2 t

However, he noted that the improved relations between Manila and Beijing should not come at the expense of Washington.

“That’s not the way that we think about it. This should be addition and not subtraction. We don’t want countries to have to choose between the U.S. and China,” Russel said, adding that countries should “be able to choose, to have choices, and to have autonomy.”

The U.S. official also reaffirmed America’s “enduring bond of friendship, respect and shared value with the people of the Philippines.”

‘Not something new’ Meanwhile, Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella commented that there is nothing new about Russel’s statements.

“It’s not a new line. It’s something that the U.S. and the Western alignment have referred to again and again. However, the president already has made his position clear regarding that, that there’s no state-sanctioned policy regarding these alleged extrajudicial killings,” Abella said in a press briefing.

He said that the Philippines will not renege on the treaties that have been made with the country’s established allies.

government-to-government MOUs on different areas of development.

According to Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez, all these agreements resulted in a total of $13.5 billion investment commitment from China. He said this is the biggest amount of pledges secured by the government in any state visit.

The Department of Tourism reported that some Chinese businessmen have already signified their intent to invest in tourism development projects in the Philippines.

Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo said one of the richest real estate tycoons in China has already discussed with the DOT its plan to build a township project in the Philippines.

The township will be an integrated complex, with seaports, airports, malls, hotels, resorts and theme parks.

FA R M F R E S H P R O D U C E

Teo, however, did not disclose the location of the project.

“They have already identified the land, but they are still working on it so (the DOT) will be helping them on that,” Teo said.

Teo said the project, which would take two years to complete, would entail a “very big investment.”

Meanwhile, Clarence Chung, chairman and president of Melco Crown Philippines, said the company was looking at expanding its business in the country.

Melco Crown is the owner and operator of integrated resort, City of Dreams located at the Entertainment City in Parañaque City.

“We’re looking at investment opportunities in the Philippines.

We have built a very nice property City of Dreams in Manila and with the good opportunities coming we’ll always look into those opportunities,” Chung said in an interview. n

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California’s RN wages now highest in the nation, federal data show

by AnA

B. IBArrA California Healthline

HARVEST TIME. Sen. Cynthia A. VIllar, happily leads the harvesting of organic ampalaya and other vegetables like upo, patola and mais at the Villar SIPAG farm during the graduation of the third batch of participants on the urban farming training program. The program, which runs for three months, is sponsored by the senator, vice chair of the Senate agriculture and food committee, together with its partners like Villar SIPAG and Allied Botanical Corporation. The latest batch of participants, who came from the NCR and Region 4A, were also given certificates during the graduation ceremony.

Senate photo

American couple face trafficking, child abuse raps

by Leo

UdtohAn Philstar.com

TAGBILARAN CITY — Charges of human trafficking and child abuse were filed against an American couple for running an orphanage here without a permit.

Matthew Dwinells, 56, and his wife, Dalisay, 63, were detained at the National Bureau of Investigation office here pending resolution of the complaint at the prosecutor’s office.

Attached in the complaint was the joint affidavit of six personnel from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), alleging that the The couple could not show proof that the parents of the 25 minors—13 girls and 12 boys—and 13 others, aged 18 and 19, allowed them to bring their children to Bohol province. Of the 38 chil-

dren and teens rescued from the orphanage, 35 were from Bohol, two from Leyte province and one from Negros Island.

The Dwinells couple are missionaries who identify themselves as directors of the Street Kids Philippine Mission, which has been operating for six years. It rescues street kids in Cebu City.

The couple operated an orphanage in a two-story house in Barangay Bool in this city that was raided by NBI agents on Oct. 22 on the request of the DSWD. Interviewed at his detention cell, Matthew claimed they were merely delayed in processing documents needed for the permit to run the orphanage.

He dismissed allegations of human trafficking, saying they sought consent from the parents of the 38 children. He could not, however, present a written proof.

US official warns: Duterte’s‌ PAGE A3 t

outsourcing (BPO) companies have left the country in light of Duterte’s declaration.

DTI Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo said the government’s policies, particularly on economic and trade investments, remain the same. “So in terms of policy, tuloytuloy ho yung policy natin dyan tapos pangalawa ho wala ho tayong sinasabi na nag disengage

tayo sa U.S. (So our policy continues and second, we didn’t say we have disengaged from the U.S.),� Rodolfo remarked.

He added that the government continues to encourage BPO investors to come in the Philippines, and pointed out that several companies have expanded to the country.

About 1.3 million Filipino workers are currently employed by the BPO sector. n

The couple showed a permit from the Office of the Mayor in Dauis town that authorized them to run an orphanage there. The permit, however, expired on Dec. 31, 2015. “I am not making money from these kids and if I do, I am really a bad person,� Matthew said. “I love the Philippines. I love the kids. We have done nothing wrong. We have nothing to hide.�

Matthew clarified that only 32 were under their custody because the six others were with another group living in the same house.

Lawyer Arcelito Albao, supervising agent of NBI Bohol, said the Dwinells couple might have used the children to raise money from foreign donors “for personal gain.�

But Matthew said the orphanage raised money to fund the education of the children and provide them shelter and food.

He said the children were free to leave the center as they pleased and with their families’ consent.

Now that the orphanage had been closed down, Matthew was worried that the children would not be able to go to school. “And they called it a rescue when the kids were happy, healthy and eating? They were keeping our kids when they were supposed to be in school‌ That’s a rescue? They were not rescuing anybody, it’s a joke,â€?

Matthew said. n

DEBORAH Burger, co-president of the California Nurses Association, says that when she started her career as an intensive care unit nurse in the 1970s, a grocery clerk made more money than she did.

Things have changed quite a bit since then, especially in California.

Registered nurses in the Golden State earn $100,000 a year on average, more than their counterparts anywhere else in the country, according to recentlyreleased data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The average hourly wage for registered nurses in California is $48.68 an hour, the 2015 data shows.

California also employs the most registered nurses — 255,010 last year. The Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale metropolitan area alone employs 70,810 nurses. The only other region employing more than that is New York-Jersey City.

Burger, who practices in Sonoma County, said appreciation for the value of nurses has grown over time. Their wages started rising in the early 2000s, and the female-dominated field began to see some parity with other occupations, such as law enforcement. A 1999 California law mandating specific nurseto-patient ratios also played a role in boosting registered nurse wages. “I think nurses themselves really started to understand that hospitals don’t function without them and they are indispensable for patient safety,� Burger said.

Nurses in Hawaii and Massachusetts earn nearly as much as those in California, with average annual salaries of $90,000 and $88,000, respectively. The national average salary for a registered nurse is $71,000.

This makes sense, experts say, considering that living expenses in those three states are high. In addition, the nurse’s union has a strong presence in California.

Dr. Joanne Spetz, a professor at the University of California, San Francisco School of Nursing, said that despite the high statewide average, it is important to consider regional wage differences. “California is a big state and there is lots of variation,� she said.

A nurse working in Bakersfield probably isn’t making the same salary as one in San Francisco, Spetz said. Incomes of nurses on the pricey Westside of Los Angeles, and in the Bay Area, most likely drive the averages up, Spetz said.

The ten locations in the U.S. that pay the highest salaries to registered nurses are all located in California. At top are nurses in San Francisco, who earn $133,000 per year, on average.

The city is also known for having the highest rents in the nation.

Other high-paying regions for California registered nurses include Santa Cruz-Watsonville, Sacramento and Modesto.

Spetz said another reason behind the higher salaries for RNs is that California’s licensed vocational nurses — who receive less training than registered nurses — are not allowed to do as much as their counterparts in other states. For example, LVNs in California cannot administer medication through an intravenous line. This results in a higher demand for registered nurses, who are paid accordingly, Spetz said.

In 1999, California passed a law that established minimum nurse-to-patient ratios in hospitals, driving up demand for registered nurses in particular. In a

2009 study, Spetz and colleagues found that from 2000 to 2006, registered nurses in California’s urban centers saw their wages rise by as much as 12 percent more than RNs in other states.

After the implementation of the nurse-to-staff ratios, “wage growth for RNs far outstripped wage growth in other states without such legislation,� the study says.

High demand, the high cost of living and union power underlie the higher salaries of California’s registered nurses.

Burger said the nurse’s union has also played a role in assuring that nurses have access to pension plans and that they retire with health benefits. And that’s something that some non-unionized nurses still don’t receive, she said.

There’s also been a culture shift. A registered nurse’s job is no longer to simply carry out a doctor’s orders; there are more functions and responsibilities, Burger said. “We’re also now writing orders that doctors sign off on,� she said. “It’s a little bit of everything.�

(This story was produced by Kaiser Health News, which publishes California Healthline, an editorially independent service of the California Health Care Foundation.)

US ambassador: America‌

PAGE A1 t

“One day, I must decide na umalis muna kayo para (you leave for now) to give us the space to talk,� Duterte said.

The president explained that the Moros have said that peace talks will not take place unless the Americans leave Mindanao. “Gusto ko makipag-usap ng

peace (I wanted to talk peace)‌ Sabi nila (they said), for as long as nandiyan Amerikano sa likod ng government niyo (the Americans were behind your government), ‘di kami makikipag-usap (we won’t participate in talks).â€? Duterte said.

Goldberg noted about 100 American troops currently remain in the region. n

We all love parks.

LA county residents love our parks. A large majority of us want to ensure they are supported and maintained — even expanded.

As LA’s population expands and urban space grows more dense, we can no longer take our parks for granted.

Help protect and improve our parks so that all of us, especially our children, can always have these special places to play, meet friends, exercise, celebrate family and community holidays, and find inspiration and consolation.

Go to www.WeAllNeedParks.org #WeAllNeedParks

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Dateline PhiliPPines

DOJ OKs filing of raps vs 3 Davao blast suspects 5 abducted

Filipino seafarers home soon

by TeTch

Torres-Tupas Inquirer.net

by Michael Joe

The AFP presents to the media the suspected terrorists involved in the Davao night market bombing last month.

Frances Mangosing/Inquirer.net file photo

zine and 20 live 9mmm ammunitions.

Also seized were caliber .45 combat commander, two caliber .45 magazines and 14 caliber .45 live ammunitions, improvised explosive device (IED) materials, two 60MM cartridge, two blasting caps, four mobile phones and two electronic circuit with a nine-volt battery. One of the four mobile phones contained a video of the night market bombing in Davao City.

“Taking into consideration that the Intratec semi auto pistol has no serial number, it necessarily follows that the same is unregistered. Since respondents were caught in possession of said firearms and ammunition without authority, the latter are deemed

liable under the aforesaid law,” the resolution stated.

Based on the certification issued by the police’s Explosive Ordnance Division (EOD), the confiscated IEDs were capable of producing explosion, capable of producing mass casualty and damage to property.

The three accused, in denying the accusations against them, said they were abducted and tortured by the police.

But the DOJ resolution stated that the denial of the three accused “is intrinsically weak.”

“As between the conflicting testimonies of the parties regarding the surrounding circumstances of respondent’s arrest, we find that of the complainants to be more credible,” the DOJ said. n

Analyst: Arroyo could help improve PH-US ties if Clinton wins US presidential race

by Dana

sioson AJPress

FORMER Philippine President and now House Deputy Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (GMA) could help in boosting the Philippines’ relationship with the United States if former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton wins the U.S. presidential election, according to an analyst.

Ramon Casiple, a political science professor at the University of the Philippines, suggested on Sunday, October 23, that Arroyo might “play a bigger role” in improving the Philippines’ relations with the U.S. because of her personal ties to the Clintons.

“Kung si Hillary, of course, may trust na kay GMA iyan dahil kaklase niya ang asawa niya at of course personal sila na magkaibi-

T. Delizo

ManilaTimes.net

gan (If it’s Hillary, of course, she already trusts GMA, since she’s the classmate of her husband and of course, they’re friends personally).” Casiple said.

Casiple pointed out that Arroyo and former President Bill Clinton, Hillary’s husband, were classmates at Georgetown University in the 1960s and have maintained their communication since.

During her hospital arrest in 2013, former President Clinton sent Arroyo a letter in January. He also invited her to talk at his Clinton Global Initiative meetings.

On the other hand, Arroyo granted Secretary Clinton the Sikatuna award, a recognition given to officials who have rendered notable services in strengthening relations between their country and the Philippines, during an

official visit in November 2009.

“Arroyo’s relations with the Clintons could help and it is good kasi ang susi naman sa mga relasyon ay iyong may confidence (because the key to good relations is trust and confidence),” Casiple said.

Last week, President Rodrigo Duterte announced his “separation” from the U.S. in terms of military and economics, which he later clarified as a realignment of an independent foreign policy and not cutting off diplomatic ties with the America.

On the other hand, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Russel warned that Duterte’s “succession of controversial statements” has “created a consternation in a number of countries.” n

THE five Filipino seamen freed

by Somali pirates after nearly five years of captivity are now under the custody of the Philippine government and will fly home on October 28, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

Charles Jose, spokesperson and assistant secretary of the DFA, said the Filipinos were welcomed

by Foreign Undersecretary for Migrant Workers’ Affairs Jesus Yabes, together with Philippine Embassy in Nairobi Chargé d’ Affaires Uriel Norman Garibay and other government officials, at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport upon arriving in Nairobi on Monday, October 24.

“Our countrymen are already in safe condition. They will undergo medical test and psychological debriefing before they will be sent to the Philippines,” Jose told reporters.

The official said the Philippines is cooperating with the international community to curb piracy.

“The problem of piracy is an international issue and many countries and international organizations are coordinating to combat this. In fact, the one responsible for the release of the hostages was an organization,” Jose said.

The US-based Oceans Beyond Piracy, a privately funded and independent non-profit organization, spearheaded the negotiation for the release of the hostages. However, because of security issues and the multi-national component of the case, it took a long time for the case to be resolved.

Arnel Balbero, Elmer Balbero, Antonio Libres, Jr., Edwas Tininggal, Jr. and Ferdinand Dalit were among the 29-man crew of the Omani-flagged FV Naham 3 that was hijacked on March 26, 2012 while traversing the Indian Ocean some 65 nautical miles south of Seychelles.

Other than the five Filipinos, the crew was made up of Cambodian, Chinese, Indonesian, Taiwanese and Vietnamese seafarers. Of the 29, one died during the hijacking while two others succumbed to illnesses while in captivity. n

Metro Proposes Measure M On November 8, 2016, LA County voters will be asked to authorize a Los Angeles County Tra;c Improvement Plan called Measure M. Currently, there are 10.2 million people living in LA County, and we are projected to grow by 2.3 million people in the next 40 years. Angelenos spend an average of 81 hours a year stuck in tra;c, and congestion and air pollution are expected to get worse with more growth. The measure is intended to raise funding to meet those needs. Get educated before you vote at metro.net/theplan.

Airport Metro Connector Final EIR Nearing Completion Metro is planning a new station that will connect the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to the regional transit system. The Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for this project is almost complete. Please visit metro.net/laxconnector for more information.

Union Station Patsaouras Plaza Upgrades Now Complete Renovations to Patsaouras Bus Plaza on the east side of Union Station are now complete. Since opening, the plaza is restricted to buses and shuttles only. Private vehicles should use the new Union Station East Pickup/Drop-o= Facility, accessible on Vignes St. For more information, visit metro.net/busplazaclosure.

Go Metro to LA Football The Bruins take over the Rose Bowl, and the Rams and Trojans share the Coliseum this fall – and Metro wants to get you there. Metro provides frequent bus and rail service to both stadiums, so you won’t get caught in tra;c or miss a minute of the action. To plan your trip and >nd the route that’s best for you, visit metro.net/gameday.

metro.net @metrolosangeles losangelesmetro

17-0834ps_gen-v-17-004 ©2016 lacmta

THE Department of Justice (DOJ) has approved the filing of charges of illegal possession of firearms and explosives against three suspected members of the Maute Terrorist Group who were the alleged perpetrators of the Davao City blast last September 2.

In a resolution released Tuesday, Senior Deputy State Prosecutor Richard Anthony Fadullon and Prosecutor General Claro Arellano approved the filing of a case for violation of Republic Act 9515 or Illegal Possession of Explosives, Firearms and Ammunition against TJ Tagadaya Macabalang alias Abu Tufail, Wendel Apostol Facturan alias Muraimin and Musali Mustapha alias Mus and Abu Hurayra.

The DOJ said the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) was able to prove that the three respondents illegally possessed small arms, ammunitions as well as the explosive components.

The three were arrested at a checkpoint along Pedro Colina Hill in Cotabato City last Oct. 4 at 3:30 p.m. Seized included one intratec model 9mm semi-auto submachine gun without a serial number, one machine gun maga-

A OCTOBER 26-28, 2016 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL

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OpiniOn

Features

Bad apples

AS the saying goes, it only takes one rotten apple to ruin the whole bunch because the decay can quickly spread to the good ones.

Such is the case of police officers, whose indiscretion left at least 50 individuals hurt as the dispersal of protestors in front of the United States Embassy in Manila turned violent last Wednesday, October 19.

A van, driven by a police officer, repeatedly rammed protesters who gathered near the embassy.

The groups that protested were part of the national minority and peasant groups from across the country who came to demand an end to the presence of U.S. troops in the Philippines, and to support President Rodrigo Duterte’s call for an independent foreign policy.

The man behind the wheel, PO3 Franklin Kho, and eight other police officers involved in the violent dispersal were relieved from duty by the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO).

Kho will also be facing criminal charges for serious physical injuries and will be held liable for gross misconduct, particularly violation of existing police operation procedures.

Meanwhile, despite valiant efforts by the government to thwart the proliferation illegal drugs in the country, there are still police personnel who have tested positive for the use of illegal drugs.

According to recent reports, 174 police personnel have tested positive for the use of metham-

phetamine hydrochloride or shabu.

Of that number, 167 are uniformed, while the highest ranking official among those who tested positive is a senior inspector.

It is an unpleasant sight to see for officers you expect to uphold the law and apprehend criminals, as the same people the citizenry should be afraid of. It is a betrayal of trust and a degradation of peace and security.

At the forefront of these scandals is the 160,000strong Philippine National Police (PNP), the central government unit in charge of ensuring the public’s safety and purging misfits from the streets, and now from its organization.

PNP Crime Laboratory director Chief Superintendent Aurelio Trampe Jr. said this figure is alarming.

“I think it’s alarming because we are supposed to implement the law and they are violating the law they are supposed to implement,” Trampe said as he assured that the organization is committed to cleaning its ranks.

The government has already implemented a “zero tolerance” for rogue cops and encourages a more active civic participation for a more proactive approach in crime deterrence and an effective civilian oversight of the police force.

(AJPress)

Editorial

Philstar.com photo

Pres. Trump or Pres. Clinton? We’ll know in less than 2 weeks was first extended to African IN less than two weeks, we Americans under the Fourteenth know who will be the 45th Presi- The Fil-Am and Fifteenth Amendments to dent of the United States. Have the Constitution, passed during you mailed out your ballots? Are Perspective the Reconstruction period after you voting in precincts near you? the Civil War. These guaranteed Or are you staying home, ranting that all male citizens, regardless about the problems that beset the of their race, would receive equal country, yet do nothing? treatment under the law and not Let me share with you the long Gel SantoS-ReloS be deprived of their rights withand winding road that got us to where we are now — with the right of suffrage out due process. The Fifteenth Amendment is — the power to choose the leaders of the nation. specifically dedicated to protecting the right of all Read this and do not take our right and obligation citizens to vote, regardless of their race.

For practical purposes, this was not the end of to vote for granted. This is from the White House: One of the most important rights of American the voting rights struggle for African Americans. citizens is the franchise — the right to vote. Origi- Because of widespread discrimination in some nally under the Constitution, only white male citi- states, including the use of poll taxes, grandfather zens over the age of 21 were eligible to vote. This clauses, and literacy tests, African Americans were shameful injustice has been corrected and voting not assured full voting rights until President Lynrights have been extended several times over the don Baines Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act course of our history. Today, citizens over the age in 1965.

Women were denied the right to vote until 1920, of 18 cannot be denied the right to vote, regardless of race, religion, sex, disability, or sexual orienta- when the Nineteenth Amendment was passed. tion. However, in every state except North Dakota, Prior to that, women had only been able to vote in citizens must register to vote, and laws regarding select states.

Federal elections occur every two years, on the the registration process vary by state.

The path to full voting rights for all American citi- first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. zens was long and often challenging. The franchise Every member of the House of Representatives

and about one-third of the Senate is up for reelection in any given election year. A presidential election is held every fourth year.

Vote on or before November 8!

Before that, watch Balitang America’s “The FilAm Vote 2016” on Saturday, October 29 at 6:15 p.m. with a replay on Sunday, October 30 at 11:15

p.m. on The Filipino Channel. *** 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

Did politics compromise Trump brand?

SAN FRANCISCO — It has been said Demand that politics and business cannot mix. and Supply One will suffer somehow. Too bad Donald Trump was too in love with himself he thought he could Boo ChanCo break the rule. Now it seems his political adventure may break his business.

It took years for Trump to build the image of desirable luxury for his properties. Now he will find out that rebuilding reputation lost during this blistering presidential campaign is an uphill drive. The latest surveys are showing that Trump will most likely lose to Hillary Clinton and the bitterness of the political battle will likely linger on years after..

The Trump brand image has been affected by the hateful campaign season. Young and Rubicam, had been studying Trump’s consumer brand for many years via surveys and other market research tools. In its most recent survey ending Sept. 30, they found out the Trump image experienced sharp declines in favorability compared with just six months earlier... This was determined by responses from 1000 people representing various segments of the US demographic..

Y&R reports that Trump’s antics, which seem to have generated media excitement, eventually started to bore the public. Indeed, even Republicans are finding Trump boring, according to the Y&R survey as reported by CNN. Trump’s worse performance is among political independents. They found Trump 31 percent less unique, 17 per-

cent less fun; 37 percent less dynamic, 30 percent less distinctive from just 90 days ago.

The findings of Y&R are significant given their expertise in reputation management.

They advice top corporations and leaders in business and politics. Y&R’s main tool is a continuously updated data base established in the 1990s called Brand Asset Valuator. They have gathered BAV data on Trump for more than a decade enabling them to track significant changes over time.

Y&R noted Trump has until lately, consistently scored well on measures of prestige and luxury. This means Trump and his businesses appealed to rich people who could afford his highend hotels and play at his expensive golf courses. Trump also appealed to people aspiring to one day be able to afford his offerings.

The Trump brand started falling after he questioned President Obama’s birthplace. Up until then, Trump could afford to brag about a premium attached to Trump real estate projects. Data on his faltering image suggest he has inflicted real damage on the Trump organization’s single most important asset... its brand image or reputation.

Because the brand is synonymous to his personal image, anything Trump said or did impacts on the corporate brand image for better or for worse.

People started to feel less loyal to his brand after he started to be openly political. Other brands he was associated with felt the negative drag and this led Macy’s, Univision and others to drop

him.

His newest hotel in Washington DC reports poor bookings so that its rates are being reduced, The New Yorker reports. Travel+Leisure reports too that bookings at Trump Hotels plummeted 59 percent in the first half this year. Indeed, the group’s new hotels will be called Scion rather than carry the Trump name. CNN Money reported that event planners are purposely avoiding the Trump hotel.

“I’m not recommending the Trump property,” the owner of a Virginiabased events planner told CNN, “just based on his character, and his actions and the things he said over his political campaign.” Two of DC’s most prominent restaurants scrapped planned properties to be housed inside the hotel, an article in ThinkProgress reports.

Trump’s daughter Ivanka recognized the danger to the brand. The New Yorker observed that Ivanka, in a Fortune conference of the most powerful women, complained not about the mistreatment by media of her father but of the Trump business. The New Yorker noted that Ivanka seemed to have intentionally aligned herself with the Trump brand rather than Trump the politician.

When she was asked about the controversial “locker room” conversations of her father that demeaned women, The New Yorker reported that her response was accompanied by a look of desperation. “My brand was launched far before the presidential cycle commenced and will continue long afterwards. I’ve always tried to maintain complete separation between that and the campaign...”

If tracking polls are accurate and

Trump loses the election, his brand could suffer even more. One Manilabased property developer with an agreement to use the Trump brand for one of its condo developments may have to reassess the benefits of doing so.

Politics does seem to poison business.

The Filipino politician who thought he had successfully mixed business and politics is Manny Villar. But even then, Villar faced conflict of interest situations. One example is the C5 extension road scandal. It probably contributed to Villar’s failed bid for the presidency.

There had been suggestions in the past for some of our top business tycoons to run for president as some sectors of the public believe private sector efficiency could be introduced to the public sector. But both Jaime Zobel de Ayala and Manny Pangilinan wisely declined to enter the ring. Given the vi-

ciousness of our electoral contests, the damage to the overall brand is certain, even after the election.

As for Trump, his decision to enter politics is probably the worse business decision he has made. The only way a business tycoon could enter politics and still be able to protect the business brand is to totally disengage from it, the way Michael Bloomberg did. Of course he returned to his business after his term as mayor of New York City.

In the end, it is easy to suspect Trump’s presidential run was largely driven by a desire to test the limits of his oversized ego. But the consequences of failure, or even if he won, would be considerable both to his ego and his business. *** Boo Chanco’s e-mail address is bchanco@gmail.com.

Follow him on Twitter @boochanco.

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Tourist arrivals breach 4-M mark

by Mary

grace Philstar.com

BUDGET HEARING. Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV, chairperson of the Senate Finance Subcommittee C, tackles the proposed 2017 budget of the Department of Trade and Industry amounting to P7.95 billion, which is 20 percent higher than the agency’s current budget of P6.64 billion, during a public hearing, October 24, 2016. The DTI’s 2017 budget, according to Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez, is geared towards boosting employment and entrepreneurship in the country as a means to uplift the quality of life of Filipinos and alleviate poverty. Also in photo is former Senator Serge Osmeña.

Senate photo by Cesar Tomambo

Goldberg happy to leave Philippines with integrity intact

by Pia Lee-Brago Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines — Even without the Order of Sikatuna, America’s top diplomat in the country Philip Goldberg would be happy enough to leave the Philippines with his integrity intact.

“Everything I do here is for my country and for our relationship.

And so I would rather leave with my integrity,” Goldberg said in an interview on ANC’s Headstart.

Outgoing ambassadors traditionally receive the Order of Sikatuna award from the President.

However, President Duterte has on numerous occasions expressed his dislike for and badmouthed Goldberg after the top US diplomat criticized the conduct of his war on drugs.

Duterte’s dislike for Goldberg dates back to the campaign when the diplomat called him out for making a joke about the rape and murder of an Australian missionary during a 1989 Davao City prison riot.

“I would rather leave with the friendship of so many Filipinos and with all of the legacy that we have created, all of the good things that we have done together than have a piece of paper,” he said.

“We’ve gotten a lot done,” he added.

Goldberg arrived in the country right after the devastation of Super Typhoon Yolanda in 2013 and was active in relief efforts launched by the international community.

During his term, the Philippines and the US signed the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).

“A lot of what has been going on over the last three months has been somewhat at odds, inconsistent with all of the great things that we have done and the partnership we have together,” Goldberg said. “I hope that our legacy and partnership will remain, and the friendship.”

Goldberg also said he does not regret speaking out against Duterte’s making a joke about the prison riot. “I’m a representative of my country,” he said.

“I said I’m not going to discuss your candidates or your campaign but anytime, anywhere something like that is said we don’t condone it. It was a very mild statement. It was said also in support of my Australian colleague,” he said, referring to Australian ambassador Amanda Gorely who also

President Rodrigo R. Duterte welcomes United States of America Ambassador Philip Goldberg at the Music Room in Malacañan Palace.

Presidential Photographers Division/King Rodriguez

criticized the joke.

“I’m here representing the values of the United States which is part of our foreign policy. So when I said that it was not in any way intended…

I never mentioned anyone’s name,” Goldberg said.

“It was clear who had said something and that is now part of the record but that’s my responsibility and I don’t regret having carried out my responsibility. I’m sorry that it needed to be carried out,” he stressed.

China trip In the same ANC interview, Goldberg also revealed Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano and Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade made an “unpublicized” trip to China last June to start a “process” that led to the billion dollars worth of investment and financing agreements for the Philippines.

Goldberg said he was not surprised the trip resulted in investment and financing agreements that amounted to up to $24 billion.

He said Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jianhua and others in the Chinese business community were visiting then presidentelect Rodrigo Duterte very often in June.

“I also know and I don’t think this has been revealed publicly, but I know that Sen. Cayetano, President Duterte’s runningmate, made an unpublicized trip to China in June along with Secretary Tugade and so all of these was actually in train I think,” Goldberg said.

“There were already discussions going on so it predates a lot of the sort of discussion about us and our involvement and where we stood in all of this,” he said.

Cayetano and Tugade were with Duterte in his state visit to China earlier this month.

“I don’t think Sen. Cayetano’s role was fully known publicly but he was actually starting this process way back in June,” Goldberg added.

When asked if was it fair to say that the government was pursuing backdoor negotiations, Goldberg said, “I guess that’s what you’d say.”

“I don’t really know because it was never explained publicly, but it’s something that now is well known if not having been made public,” he added. “But what I’m saying is that this was clearly in train before all of the recent statements and upset and all of that. So it wasn’t exactly for me surprising.”

Reaching out The ambassador said he had tried to reach out to the President through Cabinet officials, to get the US message across that the Philippines and the US are friends and allies.

“But the members of the Cabinet, while they try to convey these messages and are still very much in dialogue with us, don’t seem to have a full grasp either of what’s happening,” he said.

The state of Philippine-US relations, he said, is uncertain because of the pronouncements and the statements from the President, he pointed out.

“We have an enormous stake in each other’s countries and our relationship, so I go with that knowledge and with the hope that we will be able to continue that relationship but very much aware of the uncertainty that has been created and the bad feeling in a way that has been created by some of the statements,” Goldberg said. n

Padin

MANILA, Philippines — Foreign tourist arrivals in the Philippines breached the four million mark as of the end of August 2016, sustaining the upward growth trend.

This is the first time the country surpassed four million arrivals in just the first eight months of the year.

According to the latest report from the DOT, the figure was 12.59 percent higher than the 3.59 million arrivals in the same period last year.

With the exception of May and August, most months of the year have observed double-digit gains so far.

For August alone, the country welcomed a total of 502,739 tourists or an increase 4.59 percent year on year.

The DOT noted this was the first time the country surpassed 500,000 arrivals during the month of August.

Neighboring countries from Asia contributed to 60.95 percent of the total market share during the eight month period, while North and South America flew in 17.47 percent of the total visitors.

About 10.38 percent of the arrivals came from Europe while 5.13 percent came from Australasia.

Korea continued to be the country’s top source market with a total of 976,499 in tourist arrivals.

US came in second with an aggregate of 584,149 in arrivals and China with a total inbound traffic of 484,567.

China registered the highest growth in arrivals

Tourists line up at the immigration counters at the NAIA.

File photo

from January to August with 50.29 percent.

The fourth largest market was Japan, with a total of 367,144 visitors. Australia ranked fifth accounting for 161,016 arrivals.

About 157,517 tourists were from Taiwan; 120,241 from Singapore; 117,535 from UK; 114,074 from Canada; and 95,129 from Malaysia.

The Philippine tourism sector also saw substantial growth from Hong Kong and India.

Meanwhile, the Philippines earned P164.25 billion in tourism receipts from January to August this year, up 7.92 percent.

The month of August slowed down the growth in tourism receipts as total revenues decreased by 28.58 percent to P15.69 billion.

Average length of stay for tourists was 9.65 nights while average daily expenditure for the month amounted to P4,095.32. n

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BUSINESS& COMMUNITY Journal

In a dramatic foreign policy shift, President Duterte announced in Beijing that he is cutting military and economic ties with the US.

by Lawrence

agcaoiLi Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines — The decision of President Duterte to sever military and economic ties with the US as it veers toward China elicited mixed reaction.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo said the country’s strong macroeconomic fundamentals would help fend off uncertainties caused by the pronouncements

made by Duterte.

“I think it is also important to note that one, our macroeconomic fundamentals continue to be a great support to any of the uncertainties in the market,” he said.

The economy grew by seven percent in the second quarter from 6.8 percent in the first quarter due to election-related spending.

On the other hand, inflation averaged 1.6 percent in the first

nine months, below the two to four percent target set by the central bank.

“It’s too early and too premature to really see the impact of the pronouncements. It’s also important that we take note of our strong fundamentals and increasing diversification of our economy and the greater flexibility of our economy,” he said.

In a dramatic foreign policy shift, President Duterte an-

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Anti-US sentiment triggers anxiety among investors by carLa and

gomez Victor SiLVa

Inquirer.net

CEBU CITY — President Duterte’s announcement of a “separation” from the United States has caused anxiety among foreign businessmen in the Philippines, a business leader here said.

As a result, some were considering either to postpone expansion plans or just leave the country altogether, said Gordon Alan Joseph, president of the Cebu Business Club.

Joseph said he had received

calls from European, American and Japanese businessman who could not understand what was going on.

“They are worried,” he said.

During his recent visit to China, President Duterte told state and business leaders that he was going to “separate” from the United States, in both military and economic aspects.

But Joseph said there was no reason for the Philippines to cut ties with the United States, one of the country’s biggest trading partners, as this would lead to capital flight and decrease for-

eign direct investments here.

Exports would drop and unemployment would unnecessary increase, he added.

He also said that with the change in the Philippines’ foreign policy, foreign investors were also starting to get worried about their personal safety amid the brewing anti-foreigner sentiment.

“Their customers [abroad, particularly in Europe] are even asking why they should buy goods from the Philippines,” Joseph said.

Cebu Chamber of Commerce

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LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 26-28, 2016

B

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Labor group sees 2.4-M jobs Philippines climbs 4 notches in from Duterte’s China, Japan trips the latest doing business report

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Labor group Associated Labor Unions (ALU) expects around 2.4 million jobs, particularly in the construction sector, with the P15 billion in prospective investments made between China and the Philippines during President Rodrigo Duterte’s state visit to Beijing.

In his two-day trip to Tokyo, Duterte is expected to close the deal for the financing of the envisioned Mindanao Railway project, the group said.

“These projects are expansive and comprehensive that if it pushes through we estimate it would create an immediate 2.4 million jobs for Filipinos over a period of three years. If these are constructed altogether at the same time, we might need additional skills, especially those skilled Filipino OFWs repatriated from Saudi Arabia as a result of Saudization,” Alan Tanjusay, ALU spokesperson said.

The policy saw Saudi Arabia

File photo

giving local jobseekers priority and preference. An estimated 700,000 skilled and professional Filipino workers have been affected since it was implemented in June 2011.

ALU added that “aside from Filipino construction workers who would directly benefit from these investments, we are look-

ing at the allied job opportunities that will be created as a result of the construction of projects.

Small and medium businesses will start to converge around these projects to cater to the needs of the workers, engineers, architects, as well as the material needs of the projects itself.”

(Philstar.com)

PH infra gets China boost

MOUs on railways, roads, airports, telecoms signed during Duterte trip

by Jun

ebiAs And mAyvelin u. CARAbAllo ManilaTimes.net

THE Philippine government’s ambitious P7 trillion infrastructure plan for the next six years received a huge boost from President Rodrigo Duterte’s state visit to China last week, with the two countries signing major deals on roads, rails, airports, seaports, and telecommunications projects.

Malacañang said the agreements were part of the $24 billion loans and investment pledges the government received from China.

“The country’s business leaders have long called for bold solutions and swift improvement of the country’s infrastructure and transport network,” the Palace said in a statement on Monday.

“It is hoped that the President’s state visit to China will be the

catalyst to making all these plans a reality.”

These memoranda of understanding include the construction of mega bridge projects connecting Luzon to Visayas; major rail systems, including the proposed Mindanao Railway System and the Manila to Clark and Clark to Subic cargo and passenger railroads, it said.

Projects to rehabilitate airports

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Anti-US sentiment triggers anxiety among…

PAGE B1 t

and Industry (CCCI) president Melanie Ng, who witnessed Mr. Duterte deliver his announcement, said it was probably his strategy to gain more support from China.

Still, she added, it would be prudent to maintain good relations with the United States considering the business opportunities in that market.

Federico Escalona, executive director of the Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (Philexport) in Cebu, said Duterte’s rhetoric was “confusing.”

“Members of his Cabinet are saying something else. Duterte also did not say that the mutual defense treaty was voided. He said he would end economic relations, but not social relations,” he said.

In Bacolod City, Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri also expressed his apprehension over the possible backlash of President Duterte’s pronouncements.

He said it might affect the business processing outsourcing (BPO) industry that benefits 1.1 million Filipinos.

“My worry is the possible

backlash of the business community, especially the BPO sector.

The number one market of the BPO sector is the United States,” he pointed out.

The “separation” might also result in the Philippines’ losing its share of the US sugar quota, and markets for its other products, said Zubiri, who was in Bacolod City last week for the MassKara Festival.

“I am one with former President Fidel Ramos in saying we can have an independent foreign policy without making enemies,” Zubiri said. n

THE Philippines has climbed from notches from No. 103 to No. 99 out of 190 economies in the 2017 World Bank-International Finance Corporation Doing Business Report. The country has gained 49 spots in the Doing Business report since 2011. Data for the report was collected between February and May 2016 with the data cut-off date set at May 31, 2016 using Quezon City to represent the Philippines.

The Ease of Doing Business Report is the 14th in a series of annual reports reviewing the regulations that enhance business activity and those that constrain it. It measures regulations affecting the life cycle of a typical business. These areas are: Starting a

Business, Dealing with Construction Permits, Getting Electricity, Registering Property, Getting Credit, Protecting Minority Investors, Paying Taxes, Trading Across Borders, Enforcing Contracts, and Resolving Insolvency The Philippines advanced in four of ten indicators. Gains were seen in Protecting Minority Investors – up 18 (from No. 155 to No. 137), Dealing with Construction Permits – up 14 (from No. 99 to No. 85), Paying Taxes- up 11 (from No. 126 to No. 115), and Enforcing Contractsup 4 (from No. 140 to No. 136).

Among the reforms introduced this year in the Philippines were the extent of corporate transparency index, increasing the

transparency of building regulations, and the introduction of an online system for filing and paying health contributions.

Slight declines were registered in Getting Credit (down 9 from No. 109 to No. 118), Starting a Business – down 6 (from No. 165 to No. 171), Getting Electricitydown 3 (from No. 19 to No. 22), and Resolving Insolvency- down 3 (from No. 53 to No. 56). The country recorded no change in two out of 10 indicators, Registering Property and Trading Across Borders at No. 112 and No. 95, respectively.

Aside from the Philippines, four other countries in ASEAN – Indonesia, Brunei, Vietnam, and Thailand – all received upgrades. n

Duterte tells US businessmen: ‘Go ahead, pack your bags’

by Alexis

RomeRo Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines — If his scathing and vulgar comments are causing consternation and worry among American investors and businessmen, President Duterte said on Tuesday, Oct. 25, they can always pack up and leave.

Duterte was reacting to pronouncements from visiting US State Department Assistant Secretary Daniel Russel that his conflicting statements were causing jitters among US businessmen.

“Go ahead. Pack your bags. We will sacrifice. We will recover, I assure you. We will live and survive. We have gone through the worst of times in this planet,” the President said in a press briefing at the NAIA Terminal 2 shortly before his departure for Japan.

Russel on Friday said Duterte’s recent statements – especially his “separation” from the US – have ushered in a “climate of uncertainty.”

“The succession of controversial statements, comments and a real climate of uncertainty about the Philippines’ intentions have created consternation in a number of countries,” Russel told reporters Monday after meeting Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. in Manila.

“Not only in mine and not only among governments, but also growing concern in other communities, in the expat Filipino

President Duterte maintained he would never be subservient to the interests of the US or any other foreign country.

File photo

community, in corporate boardrooms as well.”

Duterte called the US official gago or stupid for asking him to tone down his anti-US rhetoric, saying it was Washington that started the rift between them.

“I had a talk with Secretary Yasay and here’s a guy his name is Russel, if you can just tone down our rhetoric. But I was not the one who started this rift. They are the ones who started it,” the President told reporters.

He noted that during the campaign, Ambassador Philip Goldberg got his goat when the diplomat reacted to his joke about the rape-slay of an Australian missionary during a 1989 prison riot in Davao City.

“Remember, it all started during the election. I made a comment in narration of an actual event which happened in Davao and which was covered by all media outlets there. The ambassador said something not very nice,” he pointed out.

“You are not supposed to do that because in an election of another country, you should be careful with your mouth,” he said, addressing Goldberg.

In the final stretch of the campaign, Duterte joked about the rape and murder of Australian missionary Jacqueline Hamill during a prison riot. He said Hamill looked like an actress and as mayor “he should have been

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Minding Your Finances Atty. rAymond BuLAon AS a Bankruptcy Attorney for the last 18 years, I have counseled thousands of individuals with all types of debt problems. A lot of these people often feel tired and hopeless as if there is no end in sight to their money problems.

If you or someone you know has ever been in this situation, I understand what may cause you to feel that way.

But listen to me! I often encourage people by telling them that it is not too late to get a fresh financial start and that the law is on their side. Bankruptcy is not the end of everything you’ve worked hard for. It is actually protecting everything you’ve worked hard for.

Read that last sentence again.

I believe it will help you a great deal in putting things in perspective if you are currently going through financial difficulties and

Debt Relief Atty. LAwrence yAng When I say young senior, I mean 60. She’s a single mom with two adult daughters who are over the age of 21. One daughter is still in college but has a part time job. The other works full time. Both daughters live with client in her house, but she does not claim them as dependents in her income tax returns. When we filed her Chapter 13 three years ago, she had disposable income of $900. however, at that time, her job security was already in question as another company had just purchased employer and heads were rolling. Client was able to keep her head for three years but lost her employment recently. Without work, she no longer has disposable income.

Our first attempt to end her case was filing a motion to pay off the 33% plan by liquidating $10K from her retirement account. The Chapter 13 trustee objected to our motion to pay off the plan unless the pay off was 100%. Well, that wasn’t a good deal because her unsecured debt was about $100K which meant that client had to come up with $90K more to get a Chapter 13 discharge, that’s a 100% plan pay off.

Client had two other options dismiss the Chapter 13 case, or convert it to Chapter 7 and get a discharge of $90K of unsecured

Community Journal

first.” his remarks drew condemnation from several quarters, particularly women’s groups.

The rising death toll in the Duterte administration’s war on drugs has sparked concerns among Western countries, particularly the US and the european Union.

For Duterte, Russel’s statement was an insult. “I said don’t do that to me. every time they threaten us, including the eU (european Union), they think they are brighter than us,” Duterte said.

“Then they will say ‘be careful, we will put you in prison.’ Son of a w***e. Go ahead.”

Duterte maintained he would never be subservient to the interests of the US or any other foreign country.

“You know before we can move forward, Mr. America, there are things – so many things – the massacre of the Filipinos before.

These are historical hurts that would never go away,” he said. he had earlier called the attention of the US to the massacre by its soldiers of hundreds of Muslims in the early 20th century.

“I am not also a lapdog of any country. Only the Filipinos can treat me as a lapdog. Period. nothing else.

“Do not make us dogs. Do not.

As if I am a dog with a leash and then you throw bread far away that I cannot reach.”

Duterte had previously branded US President Barack Obama a “son of a b***h” and told him to “go to hell.”

Duterte also hit Russel for supposedly being too nervous about his recent state visit to China. “now, what did I tell to China?

I went there, just being nice,” the President said. “I am just a small person. how can I cause distress? You are nervous because you are guilty.”

Duterte said his state visit to China last week triggered a lot of speculations. “napakabilis ng malisya ng mga gago (These fools were quick to think maliciously). We did not talk about anything in China except to cook siopao and chopsuey,” the President said in jest.

B

Bankruptcy: Don’t let your Calendar of Events across America past decide your future

have realized that you have no other choice but to file bankruptcy and start over. See, the protection provided by Bankruptcy is similar to the care that a sick person gets while recovering in a hospital. The goal is to help you get back on your feet again in the shortest time possible.

Yes, there are lessons to be learned in Bankruptcy. Those who find themselves in serious financial trouble when unexpected events in life occur such as sickness, disability or sudden employment, are immediately reminded of their vulnerability to life’s uncertainties. Life has its constant unexpected twists and turns, and you can never be sure of where you are going to end up at the next turn. Therefore, we should always be prepared for the unexpected.

To explain this point in a more practical context, let me ask you this question: how prepared are you for a sudden and unex-

pected financial crisis such as a loss of employment? have you saved enough money to use as an “emergency fund” if you had to survive for a few months without any income? If you are your family’s “breadwinner”, remember that your loved ones are depending on you and your lack of preparation will cause them to suffer as well. now to those whose financial problems are self-caused more than anything else, the lesson to be learned is that it is never too late to change. If you believe you cannot change, you are either already perfect or just plain stubborn. A lot of people that I counsel openly admit that it was all their own doing and that their financial problems would not have gotten worse had they immediately nipped the problem in the bud at the first sign of trouble.

To put it quite bluntly, I am talking about those people who

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Young senior loses job and converts Chapter 13 to Chapter 7 Senior files same to discharge $70k credit cards

debt. The problem is that for the last three years, the value of her house, just like most houses in Los Angeles and Orange County, have been appreciating significantly. We checked Zillow, which estimated the value at $400K, and ReDFIn estimated it at $440K. Whereas her house only had $30K of equity when she filed for Chapter 13 in 2013, now she has equity of $160K. The other problem was that she had testified at the Chapter 13 hearing last week that her daughter was independent, although she lived with her.

And she did not mention that she had a second daughter who also lived with her, a full time college student. So, the trustee concluded that her claim of homestead exemption should only be $75K, not $100K. We refused to reduce the exemption claim to $75K because the trustee was not on solid ground with her argument that debtor had testified that daughter was independent, therefore, she is not considered to be part of the family unit. We argued that the other daughter was a full time college student, therefore, unable to take care of herself. So by definition, she is part of debtor’s family unit. As a result, the homestead exemption of $100K is correct. Settlement offers and

counter offers were made. The negotiations were fruitful and trustee settled for a reasonable amount to allow the debtor to keep her house. even though debtor was not employed, she was willing to liquidate a part of her retirement account to pay for the settlement to keep her house.

Daughters were willing to buy the house from her anyway later on, so she gets her settlement payment back. nowadays, the correct value of the residence is critical to keeping the house safe from the clutches of the Chapter 7 trustee, because house values are at their peaks again. Mortgage rates have been kept very low by the Feds for a long time. The last time house values peaked was 2007, just before the mortgage crisis, which bankrupted a lot of big banks. When the crisis hit, house values dropped by more than half. now, all of that has been recovered, and new highs are being achieved. Therefore, a lot of factual and legal analysis must be done before deciding which path to take, Chapter 7 or Chapter 13.

The second client is 72. her husband passed away some time ago. She has a daughter who has just started college. I guess she

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Duterte tells US businessmen…

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LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 26-28, 2016

Duterte also scored Goldberg’s statement that the US remains committed to defend the Philippines.

“There will be no wars anymore. Who will wage war with us? China? What will they get?

Japan? What defense? They want to talk about the boogeyman war,” the President said.

“Stop that s**t. nobody is interested in wars anymore. And if there is a fight, you fight your wars. Do not include mine.

“Do not dangle me about America. They are already in disarray there. Why should you go there? Ask Filipinos there – doctors, soldiers who are studying, it’s pure bigotry and discrimination there,” he said.

EDCA fate hangs Before his departure for Japan, Duterte also hinted at dropping the enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (eDCA) with the US in pursuit of his independent foreign policy.

“I said ‘separate,’ separate, yes.

You have the eDCA. Well, forget it if I stay here long enough,” the President said.

“One day, that eDCA will… if it is an executive agreement, then…,” he added as he made a sweeping gesture with his hand.

Duterte said he is looking forward to a time when he would no longer see any foreign soldier in the Philippines.

“I do not want to see any military man of any other nation except the Filipino soldiers. That’s what I want. That’s the long and short of it. I want an independent policy wherein I won’t be subservient to anyone,” he added. eDCA – signed in 2014 – provides US troops access to Philippine military facilities. It also allows American forces to build temporary facilities inside Philippine bases.

Duterte had said he wanted a review of eDCA, noting that the deal did not contain the signature of a Philippine president. Goldberg and then defense secretary Voltaire Gazmin signed eDCA for the US and the Philippines.

In an interview on AnC’s “headstart,” Goldberg said many foreign investments and trade missions have been put “on hold” due to Duterte’s confusing

statements.

“I got more calls in the last three months than I did in two years and nine months before that. People are putting investments on hold. People are not going to go forward with trade delegations,” Goldberg said.

“They are very nervous about all of these and they don’t know what it means and they don’t know what it means for their investments,” he said, referring to Duterte’s conflicting and intimidating remarks.

“It’s those statements that get highlighted and people know that some of it is walked back by Cabinet members saying that the investment climate will remain the same,” Goldberg said.

“But quite frankly it’s the big statements that are the ones that are getting the most notice and it shows a lot of doubt in the business community,” he pointed out.

“You have to find out from them (government) how much they’re calculating the impact on the business community. What I can tell you is I know of several investments here which mean jobs that have been put on hold or are going elsewhere as a result of all of these,” Goldberg said.

Remarks softened On the eve of his visit to Japan, Duterte softened his remarks about a “separation” from US. “The alliances are alive,” Duterte told Japanese media in Manila on Monday, Kyodo news reported.

“There should be no worry about changes of alliances. I do not need to have alliances with other nations.” Japan is also a US ally.

Duterte told Japanese media he had been expressing a personal opinion, not speaking for the government, when he mentioned separating from Washington, the nikkei newspaper said. he said he only plans to have an “alliance of trade and commerce” with China, Kyodo reported.

The Yomiuri newspaper, however, said Duterte had repeated he wants to halt joint military exercises with the US and end a military cooperation pact seen as crucial to projecting US power

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 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 7:30 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. Contact Honolulu Broadway Babies for information (808) 783-2296. New Life Theatre is at 1190 Nuuanu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96817.

Filipino American Tarlac Association hosts anniversary dinner dance in Baldwin Park, CA

The Fil-Am Tarlac Association has announced an anniversary celebration with a dinner dance on Friday, October 28. For more information, please contact Cheody at (714) 2343330; Tessie Lightholder at (909) 576-4152; or Josie Opinaldo at (562) 671-1940. The dinner dance will be at 6 p.m. at the Courtyard by Marriott, 14635 Baldwin Park Towne Center, Baldwin Park, CA 91706.

O C TO B E R 3 0

Friend Day Sunday in Daly City Everyone is invited to Friend Day on Sunday, October 30 at 10:00 a.m. at Harvest Baptist Church. Lunch and nursery will be provided. The Church is located at 92 Hill St. Daly City, CA 94014. For more Information, please call Pastor Win Pechardo at (650) 296-0922.

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.

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

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PH infra gets China…

and seaports in various parts of the country, such as those in Zamboanga, Dumaguete, Tacloban, Cebu and Davao, were also part of the agreements, the statement said.

Also signed were four MOUs that will develop a rapid bus transit system connecting Fort Bonifacio to nAIA, and construct a railway system and industrial park inside Clark Green City.

Another deal to improve the telecom network in the proposed Clark Green City and Fort Bonifacio was also signed.

Budget Secretary Benjamin Dioko said earlier the government will raise its infrastructure budget from the equivalent of about 5.2 percent of GDP next

year to as much as 7 percent of GDP in 2022.

But some analysts, such as Justino Calaycay, research head of A&A Securities, expressed reservations about these deals, especially since they were signed amid the West Philippine Sea controversy.

“The questions arise, however, as to how this plays into the West Philippine Sea issue. If and when the President brings the hague decision on the table, will China be as “generous” as they are now? If the Philippines did not express in no uncertain terms its “separation” from the US, would $24 billion be $24 billion?” Calaycay said in an interview.

“These aside, however, it’s all

good and should translate to an added boost to our GDP moving forward.”

Calaycay said there could be some “strings attached” to these transactions.

“I doubt, however, that there are no strings attached to this aid. Any time and any one extends help, there are strings attached at the very least, to make sure the money and investment is disbursed and used for its intended purpose. If there is no quid pro quo, as some doubt, all the better,” Calaycay added.

Businessmen have placed the country’s lack of infrastructure facilities, including the worsening traffic situation in Metro Manila, as among their top concerns. n

Strong economy cushions impact of…

PAGE B1 t

nounced in Beijing that he is cutting military and economic ties with the US. “We don’t have the benefit of the policy translation of those pronouncements of the President in China. Those are pronouncements he made, how it’s going to be translated into policies is something else. I think we should wait until the President comes back, meets the cabinet and comes down to translating those pronouncements into actual policy,” he said.

Until such time, Guinigundo pointed out it is difficult to ascertain on how this is going to play out and impact on both the economic and military ties between the Philippines and the US. “Of course, the US and the Philippines have a long history of economic and military ties. now

how the pronouncements of the President will impact on this long history of US and Philippines’ economic ties will have to wait until the government is able to provide us with greater detail on how this going to be done in terms of policies,” he said.

Guinigundo said the Philippines has successfully diversified in terms of external trade by entering into several free trade agreements (FTAs) by itself or in partnership with the Association of Southeast Asian nations.

For its part, BMI Research – a unit of Fitch Group – said President Duterte’s visit to China marks a dramatic reversal in the Philippines’ foreign policy stance from one that is US-centric, to one that is pivoted toward China.

“We highlight that this will not only undermine Washington’s geopolitical influence in

the region but will also create numerous opportunities on the economic, investment, and trade fronts between China and the Philippines. Japan and Russia will likely see few changes in their bilateral engagement with the Philippines for now,” it said in its latest political risk analysis.

BMI said the meeting between Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping would considerably undermine Washington’s geopolitical influence in Asia at a time when tensions between Beijing and its neighbors are rising “As a result, the US will likely have to increasingly cultivate Vietnam as a regional security partner to partially offset the withdrawal of the Philippines from an informal US-led bloc of Asian nations aimed at counterbalancing China’s rise,” BMI said. n

in Asia in the face of a fast-rising China.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has sought to strengthen ties with the Philippines and other Southeast Asian countries as a counter-balance to Beijing.

“It’s certainly unfortunate and we are worried, but such things will not change Japan’s commitment to the Philippines,” said narushige Michishita, a professor at the national Graduate Institute for Policy Studies and former defense official, referring to Duterte’s comments.

Japan, which is wary of China’s rising influence in the region, signaled it would be looking for clarification from Duterte about his foreign policy plans.

“It is important to have good communication and to listen directly to what Mr. Duterte has in mind,” Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida told reporters when asked about the firebrand leader’s comments on ties with Washington.

Abe had worked to improve

bilateral relations with Duterte’s predecessor, Benigno Aquino III. Japan provided patrol boats to support the Philippines in its territorial row with Beijing over rival claims to the South China Sea, as it sought backing in its own maritime dispute with China.

Aquino took Beijing to an international tribunal over its extensive claims in the South China Sea – where it has built artificial islands capable of hosting military facilities – and the Philippines won a resounding victory in July.

But Duterte has sought not to use the verdict to anger China, instead worked to improve ties and attract billions of dollars in Chinese loans and investments.

In Davao City, Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate commended Duterte for declaring his disdain for the presence of foreign troops in the country, including those coming from Japan.

“This reiteration of no-foreign troops policy in our country is much welcome and should be widely supported,” Zarate said,

referring to Duterte’s ruling out discussion on a visiting forces agreement with Japan.

The lawmaker said the President was right about initiating a review of the country’s relation with the US. “We hope that this clear pronouncement of the President will lead to the immediate passage of house Resolutions 422 and 31, which call for the scrapping of the Visiting Forces Agreement and the enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement,” Zarate said.

“This abrogation will give more life, spirit and credence to the constitutional edict of pursuing an independent foreign policy, with the interest of the Filipino people and the nation as our primordial considerations,” he said.

“For the longest time, the Philippines has always been perceived, nay, even treated as a surrogate or vassal state and not as an ally of the US, especially in terms of its foreign policy directions.” (With Pia Lee-Brago, Edith Regalado)

B OCTOBER 26-28, 2016 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL

What’s New Arlene Al-os, CPA, MBA KEEP a low audit profile. It reduces risk of an audit.

Here are some tips to keep the IRS from auditing your tax returns: • Make sure that social security numbers and names that you use on your income tax match exactly what appear on your social security cards. An incorrect number or name causes your electronic filing to be rejected.

• Do not just fill in your changed name carelessly. Mismatch information between IRS and Social Security Administration records could generate IRS notice. If you just recently married include your maiden name in the first year of filing a joint return to avoid receiving an IRS notice.

• Check your occupation. A professional who takes a study leave and fills in student as an occupation could raise doubt why employee business expenses is in a student’s return.

• Report ALL 1099 income.

This is a major cause of IRS notices. Paying $1,000 in additional taxes and interest for failure to report a $100 income does not make sense. Sure it happens.

• Report mortgage interests covered by Form 1098s on line 10 of schedule A itemized deductions. Report all others ownercarried mortgages on line 11.

This is important because IRS matches mortgage interests re-

Community Journal

Tips to keep the IRS away ported by banks with Form 1098 against line 10 of your tax returns. A mismatch generates an IRS letter.

• The same is true with K-1s from LLCs, S-corporations, and partnerships. Double-check your entries from K-1s to your tax returns. IRS matches K-1s reported by partnerships with schedule E of your tax returns.

• File your returns on time.

Extensions are fine. It extends the Statute of Limitations during which they can audit you. But prolongs your agony.

• Gather your documents and file your return early to avoid common mistakes that could have been avoided.

• Use IRS-approved software and forms. The use of unauthorized forms from tax software that have not received IRS approval causes IRS personnel to pull out your return to manually transfer data to approved forms.

• Do not automatically amend your previous returns at the sight of an error or claim for a refund.

Evaluate claiming a refund versus getting an IRS notice. A 1040X may cause your original return to be pulled out from storage for a closer look. And an audit.

• Depreciation schedule Form 4562 asks if you have evidence to support business mileage on your car and if your evidence is in writing. A NO answer invites an audit.

• Make-believe Schedule Cs income from business or profession, the days of reporting $500 of income and deducting $5,000 of expenses are over. Don’t do it.

• Rental Properties: Starting in 2016, Notice 201582 increased to $2,500 de minimis safe harbor limit from $500 under repair regulations for tax payers without applicable financial statements AFS. A policy must be in place beginning January 1, 2017 for use of safe harbor with per-item deduction limit costing $2,500 or less.

A. Avoid large deductions.

IRS agents are always looking for amounts that should be capitalized. You need to break down a $3,000 repairs into $948 electrical, $1,216 plumbing, $836 roofing.

B. Avoid those round solid numbers. Use $956 for carpets, not $1,000.

C. Never claim large travel expenses for rental purposes. If you insist, attach receipts and a good explanation.

D. If your address is identical to your rental address, allocate nondeductible portion for owner-occupied space. If you don’t, you could receive a letter that starts with “Your income tax return has been chosen for audit.....

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. ***

must have married late. She now receives only social security and has no other income. However, she owes $70K of credit cards, which requires $2100 of monthly minimum payments. Her social security is $1,600. Let’s not even go further. Client doesn’t own a house. She rents for $1,000. Well, with $600 left after rent is paid, and a daughter in college, let’s just say that there’s tremendous pressure on her to budget her expenses. Obviously, there is no money to pay $2100 for credit cards every month, is there? So, she chooses to make the $70K credit cards DISSAPPEAR with a Chapter 7 petition.

Just imagine the number of calls she gets everyday from these cards trying to get their pound

of flesh from her. That’s no way to live no matter how old or young you are. $2100 a month for credit cards is equal to a mortgage of $400K. I mean you can literally buy a house, condo or townhouse for $400K with nothing down, instead of carrying $70K of credit card debt.

Think about where you want your hard earned money to go.

Would you rather be the proud owner of a house, or the proud owner of $70K of credit cards?

At 72, client finally realized that she should have gotten rid of her credit card debt a long time ago. If she got rid of them ten years ago, she would have saved up $252K now. Instead she gave $252K to her credit cards of $70K, and she still owes the same $70K after ten years!

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAglAyA (Part 2 of 2)

POOR Echo! Her heart broke into a million little pieces. Beauty and light dissolved into darkness for her until nothing held any meaning. Refusing food and drink, Echo grew pale and consumptive and faded away, leaving only her far-off voice in the distance. It is said that Echo haunts the mountains where she answers all who call but only with the last words.

Narcissus meanwhile continued to break one hapless heart after another in the most mean spirited away, until one day, one totally aggrieved nymph with her heart shattered, prayed to the powers that be, for vengeance, to inflict punishment on Narcissus to make him feel the pure pain of unrequited love, to make him feel how it is to give love and have it flung back in his face. Her prayer was heard and in a world of swift and even-handed justice with no lawyers, judges and jury to cloud the issue, appropriate punishment was served.

One day Narcissus chanced upon a pool with water so clear, it looked like a mirror. Bending over to drink, Narcissus saw his Sy Al-os Accountancy Corporation provides own reflection, thought it was accounting and tax services to individuals, a water nymph, and forthwith, corporations, LLCs and business entities. was smitten with the image on The Firm has a niche in defending taxpayers the pool. He fell in love with the audited by the IRS and other governmental image of himself, hook, line and agencies.

(Advertising Supplement) sinker, not unlike celebrities who read their own press and believe

Young senior loses job and converts Chapter 13…

PAGE B3 t

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

Think hard what you should do now because the earlier you get rid of credit cards, the faster you can save money and be productive again. Even at 72, it’s not too late to get rid of them, better late than never.

“The Lord Himself Goes Before You And Will Be With You; He Will Never Leave You Nor Forsake You. Do Not Be Afraid; Do Not Be Discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8 ***

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

Please call Angie, Barbara or Jess at (626) 284-1142 for an appointment at 1000 S. Fremont Ave, Mailstop 58, Building A-1 Suite 1125, Alhambra, CA 91803.

(Advertising Supplement)

The ‘selfies’ generation idolatry on steroids “Vanity of vanities; ALL IS VANITY.”

—Ecclesiastes

them to be true. But I digress.

Narcissus tried to embrace his own reflection in the water but his attempt to touch or kiss his beloved ended in frustration each time. The image in the water dissolved into ripples, disappeared and came back on. Narcissus had to be content just by looking at the mirror image of himself in the pool, day and night, without ever knowing the joy of touching or being loved in return. He now knew, up close and personal, the excruciating pain of multiple rejections from the same object of his affection.

Still he persisted, becoming rooted to the spot by the pool.

He now knew how it is to be on the receiving end of rejection.

He slowly pined away, losing his youth and beauty and withering away on the same spot by the pool’s edge with Echo still hovering over him and repeating his poignant last word, “Alas!” as he lay dying.

As the woodland creatures prepared to bury his body, Narcissus’ body was nowhere to be found and in its place, stood a flower, bending over the pool, as though admiring itself. Gardeners know this flower as Narcissus.

Hence, we call those who exhibit the same folly these days as narcissistic. The irony of it is

that others clearly see it for what it is but the afflicted individual is blind to this egocentric flaw in himself, thinking the world revolves around him.

In today’s world, there’s opportunity to cash in on this tragic human flaw and use vanity and self-image as hot buttons to sell their wares: beauty products and services, diet pills and machines and illusions of power and beauty, with remarkable merchandising success. Self-improvement is great but only if it comes quietly from the inside out.

Pray that both the “once young” and the young ones don’t fall prey to the trappings of extreme self-absorption that rule the global culture of the present Age of Selfies. In biblical times, it was called idolatry. What we have now is IDOLATRY ON STEROIDS, self-love of biblical proportions.

Self love taken to extreme, is something that might account for much of the social problems affluent societies with only one or two self-absorbed children per family, experience and suffer from today. ***

and they come to realize that they have not saved a penny for their later years.

Please don’t get me wrong.

It is neither my intention to offend anyone nor is it my place to judge anyone. Whatever led you to your present situation no longer matters at this point. The question is: What will you now do from here? Regardless of your past, remember that your future can be different. The lesson to be learned in Bankruptcy on this point is that your past doesn’t have to be your future. Learn to forgive yourself for your past mistakes and don’t be too hard on yourself. Successful people are not people who have never failed in life but rather, they are people who have failed usually

more than once, learned from their mistakes and moved on to accomplish the goals that they have set for themselves. Keep in mind that the road to success is not always a straight path.

If you need help in figuring out the best solution for your debt problems, I would like to help you. Please call my office at TOLL FREE 1-866-477-7772 to schedule an appointment. We have offices in Glendale, Cerritos & Valencia. ***

Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.com

Bankruptcy: Don’t let your past decide…

PAGE B3 t

use credit irresponsibly by spending beyond their means with no regard for the ensuing consequences. I am talking about those who use credit without thinking, making decisions from the heart and not from the head. The tragic end result is usually a load of debt that cannot be paid even over a lifetime.

There are a lot of people who need to keep a second job just to stay afloat and have enough money for food and rent. By getting into debt that they can’t afford to pay, these people have sentenced themselves to a lifetime of working for their creditors, never enjoying the fruits of their labor. Before they know it, they’re close to retirement age

None of the information herein is intended to give legal advice for any specific situation.

Atty. Ray Bulaon has successfully helped thousands of clients in getting out of debt.

For a free attorney evaluation of your situation, please call Ray Bulaon Law Offices at TOLL FREE 1 (866) 477-7772.

(Advertising Supplement)

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

Barrister’s Corner Atty. Kenneth UrsUA reyes An action under the DVPA (Domestic Violence Protection Act) seeking a restraining order often is necessary to protect parties from abuse or domestic violence perpetrated by the other spouse or significant other. At times, it is effective in preventing harm to one of the parties.

At the same time, this process is sometimes abused by family law litigants as a strategy for obtaining an advantage in a child custody case. The basis for this is the presumption against sole or joint custody under California family code section 3044.

California Family Code Section 3044 (a) provides “Upon a finding by the court that a party seeking custody of a child has perpetrated domestic violence against the other party seeking custody of the child or against the child or the child’s siblings within the previous five years, there is a rebuttable presumption that an award of sole or

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Community Journal

LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 26-28, 2016

B

Will a domestic violence finding affect my claim for sole or joint custody of our children? joint physical or legal custody of a child to a person who has perpetrated domestic violence is detrimental to the best interest of the child, pursuant to Section 3011. This presumption may only be rebutted by a preponderance of the evidence.

In determining whether the presumption in family code 3044(a) has been overcome, the court shall consider all of the following factors:(1) Whether the perpetrator of domestic violence has demonstrated that giving sole or joint physical or legal custody of a child to the perpetrator is in the best interest of the child. In determining the best interest of the child, the preference for frequent and continuing contact with both parents, as set forth in subdivision (b) of Section 3020, or with the noncustodial parent, as set forth in paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) of Section 3040, may not be used torebut the presumption, in whole or in part.(2) Whether the perpetrator has successfully completed a batterer’s treatment program that meets the criteria outlined in subdivision (c) of Section 1203.097 of the Penal Code. (3) Whether

the perpetrator has successfully completed a program of alcohol or drug abuse counseling if the court determines that counseling is appropriate. (4) Whether the perpetrator has successfully completed a parenting class if the court determines the class to be appropriate. (5) Whether the perpetrator is on probation or parole, and whether he or she has complied with the terms and conditions of probation or parole. (6) Whether the perpetrator is restrained by a protective order or restraining order, and whether he or she has complied with its terms and conditions.

(7) Whether the perpetrator of domestic violence has committed any further acts of domestic violence.

A person has “perpetrated domestic violence” when he or she is found by the court to have intentionally or recklessly caused or attempted to cause bodily injury, or sexual assault, or to have placed a person in reasonable apprehension of imminent serious bodily injury to that person or to another, or to have engaged in any behavior involving, but not limited to, threatening, striking, harass-

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ing, destroying personal property or disturbing the peace of another, for which a court may issue an ex parte order pursuant to Section 6320 to protect the other party seeking custody of the child or to protect the child and the child’s siblings.

The requirement of a finding by the court shall be satisfied by, among other things, and not limited to, evidence that a party seeking custody has been convicted within the previous five years, after a trial or a plea of guilty or no contest, of any crime against the other party that comes within the definition of domestic violence contained in Section 6211 and of abuse contained in Section 6203, including, but not limited to, a crime described in subdivision (e) of Section 243 of, or Section 261,262, 273.5, 422, or 646.9 of, the Penal Code.The requirement of a finding by the court shall also be satisfied if any court, whether that court hears or has heard the child custody proceedings or not, has made a finding pursuant to subdivision (a) based on conduct occurring within the previous five years.

In Christina L v. Chauncey B,

229 Cal. App 4th 731 (2014),the Court of appeal held that because a Domestic Violence restraining order must be based on a finding that the party being restrained committed one or more acts of domestic abuse, a finding of domestic abuse sufficient to support a DVPA restraining order necessarily triggers the rebuttable statutory presumption that an award of sole or joint physical or legal custody of a child to a person who has perpetrated domestic violence is detrimental to the best interest of the child. Cal. Fam. Code §§ 3044. The presumption that an award of sole or joint physical or legal custody of a child to a person who has perpetrated domestic violence is detrimental to the best interest of the child changes the burden of persuasion, but may be overcome by a preponderance of the evidence showing that it is in the child’s best interest to grant joint or sole custody to the offending parent Cal. Fam. Code § 3044.

In that case, the father had a history of perpetrating domestic violence against the mother.

Domestic Violence restraining orders has been issued multiple

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times over the years including within the last 5 years. The trial court ignored both the existing restraining order, the legal effect of such a judicial finding, and failed to apply the family code 3044 presumption and instead awarded joint custody to father. The Court of appeal reversed and remanded the case back to the trial court. (copyright 7/7/15) *** 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 (Advertising Supplement) a solicitation.

161026_Asian_NP.pdf 1 10/24/2016 9:27:34 AM

B OCTOBER 26-28, 2016 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL

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

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cover story The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - October 26, 2016

a river runs through:

saving the waterways of Pasig, City of Los angeles

by Eric Anthony LicAs / AJPress

T

eARS streamed down the face of the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission’s (PRRC) executive director, Ramil Tan, as he recalled the neglected and polluted state of the waterway the Philippine government had tasked him with restoring.

The Pasig River had been compared to the Grand Canal of Venice before the expansion of commerce and the population drastically reshaped the Metro Manila region.

Over time, the river took on a foul odor and murky green hue due to years of environmental damage wrought by the byproducts of industry and dense urban dwelling along its banks.

In addition, no funding from the Philippine government had been allocated in 2015 to support the PRRC’s efforts to rehabilitate what ecologists have regarded as one of the Philippines’ dirtiest rivers since the 1990s. “lahat ... grime, dirt, it’s all there” Tan told Southern California city officials and urban plan-

ning experts at Marsh Park in los Angeles on Saturday, October 22. “It’s dead, biologically.”

Yet despite its challenges, in the past year, the commission managed to establish environmental Preservation Areas (ePAs) protecting more than 1,700 linear meters of the Pasig River. The PRRC revitalized more than twice the amount of land the government had set as the commission’s goal for 2015 by directing public agencies and securing funding via private partnerships.

Tan related the commission’s achievements during a signing event celebrating a new “Sister River” partnership between the PRRC and the los Angeles County Board of Public Works (lACBPW).

Over the past few weeks, he

and a delegation representing the commission journeyed to Paris and los Angeles in hopes of expanding the Philippine agency’s network of support to the global community.

The signing of the sister rivers agreement on Saturday coincides with both Filipino American History Month and Architecture Month in los Angeles.

It also marks the beginning of a multifaceted exchange between communities surrounding the los Angeles and Pasig Rivers, two urban areas of starkly contrasting ecosystems and circumstance that face similar dilemmas.

“The issues moving forward (for the lA River) are exactly the same as what the Pasig was going through: community engagement and accessibility,” said Alex Anamos, the studio director for the Culver City-based architectural firm, R&A Architecture + design, during a panel discussion ahead of Saturday’s signing.

Although construction projects involving the lA River have garnered millions of dollars in public funds, private citizens and businesses had been slow to embrace its development, according to Anamos and other panelists.

About 10 years ago, many lA residents didn’t even know

Illustration by Kendrick Tan

Government officials and urban planning experts from the Philippines and Southern California celebrate new partnerships and the potential for shared growth and learning at the signing of the Pasig / LA River sisterhood agreement at Marsh Park on Saturday, October 22.

Los Angeles Board of Public Works Commissioners Luz Rivas (left) and Joel Jacinto (right) shake hands following a panel discussion (bottom left) and the signing the new sister river agreement with Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission Executive Director Ramil Tan (center, bottom right) at Marsh Park in Los Angeles on Saturday, October 22.

AJPress photos by Noel Ty

a river ran through their city, according to Ben Feldman, a principal with the architecture firm Mia, lehrer and associates, whose work includes a variety of improvements to the river’s accessibility. He said that in recent years, however, the river has drawn the attention of developers who view the river as the city’s “next coastline.”

“Forces are making this river an amazing amenity that’s really starting to bloom,” said Anamos on Saturday.

But as the lA River takes on greater prominence in the city’s landscape, concerns associated with gentrification like public accessibility and the possible displacement of existing communities have arisen.

“Projects have to be focused on the population,” lA Board of Public Works Commissioner Joel Jacinto told the Asian Journal following the river dedication.

“They have to benefit the people and they have to be owned, maintained and sustained by the people.”

He concurred with other panelists who stressed the importance of ensuring that improvements enhance rather than disrupt the lives of the people who live and work along the banks of the l.A. River.

In Metro Manila, many shanties erected by informal settlers are so close to edges of the Pasig’s waters that they are at risk of being swept away during severe rains. Most of their occupants live far below the poverty line; these flimsy structures are often all that they can afford.

Under Philippine law, residents must be provided with an alternative living arrangement before their makeshift homes can be demolished.

A portion of land cleared by the PRRC is always reserved for the construction of new housing as part of their mission to transform communities along the Pasig River.

Tan told the Asian Journal

Alden’s best man while Maine’s real-life sister, Coleen Mendoza, stood as the maid of honor.

Yaya dub’s father dodong, played by Vic “Bossing” Sotto, walked Maine down the aisle along with lola Tinidora (Jose Manalo), lola Tidora (Paolo Ballesteros) and lola nidora (Wally Bayola). during the exchange of vows, Alden and Maine recalled how their love story started in split screen and “pabebe wave.”

“Kahit madalas kang nag-

Alden Richards and Maine “Yaya Dub” Mendoza sealed their wedding with a kiss.

wawacky face, kahit nagdadubsmash ka, gandang ganda pa rin ako sayo,” Alden said in his heartwarming wedding vow.

As Alden was about to kiss the bride, lola nidora fainted, causing a commotion. The couple eventually sealed their wedding with a kiss after lola nidora regained consciousness.

Aldub’s onscreen romance started in the summer of 2015 in eat Bulaga’s “Kalye-serye” segment, which eventually became a global phenomenon.

(Philstar.com)

an 8.8-mile-long waterway running through the southwestern portion of the greater los Angeles region that Small called a tremendous untapped resource for his constituents. He was proud to mention the implementation of a bike path along the channel in Culver City, but said much more work needed to be done to realize the creek’s potential.

Meanwhile, ongoing revitalization efforts at the lA River are having a real positive impact, according to recent research and representatives of Carollo engineers, a firm conducting flow studies as part of Mayor eric Garcetti’s “One Water lA 2040” initiative.

“It’s not dead. It’s improving; it’s thriving,” said Carollo engineers Client Service Manager, Pravitra Rammohan.

Though there was much left to be done, she said, “but there’s immense, incredible work and now we have all these…different stakeholders interested in sharing the vision and making it a huge success.”

Optimism also characterizes future prospects for the restoration of the Pasig, thanks to the results the partnerships and results the PRRC had managed to forge in the past year. Tan told the Asian Journal that the progress the environmental organization has made will encourage the Philippine government to offer more money for revitalization projects.

He added that the group’s outreach to international bodies has resulted in funding pledges from officials in Spain and France.

On Saturday, Jacinto hailed the new bond between Angelenos and Manileños and predicted a future of mutual learning and growth.

“By that international agreement we have learning, we have exchanges, we have ideas, we have cooperation,” he said after the partnership document’s signing.

4 It girls, 1 reality show

Alden, Maine take forever in almost real church wedding Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza have finally gotten married and will head off for a honeymoon soon — on “eat Bulaga!’s” “Kalye-serye” that is.

Alden and Maine or “Yaya dub” said their vows in front of friends and family in a lavish ceremony on Saturday, Oct. 22 at Christ the King Church in Quezon City.

Primary sponsors include Joey de leon, Helen Gamboa-Sotto, Irma Idlawan and broadcaster Mike enriquez.

Actor Rodjun Cruz was

that, last year, the committee managed to relocate almost 80,000 shanty dwellers into more secure structures.

In addition, revitalization plans often incorporate features like hyacinth gardens which not only beautify neighborhoods, but also provide raw materials for artisans and a boon for regional commerce. The PRRC also collaborates with local organizations to create training programs that teach relocated community members how to take advantage their newly developed resources while preserving regional sustainability.

“That’s how we maintain and sustain the developed the esteros (river developments),” said Tan, citing the importance of getting individuals to take a personal stake in their neighborhoods. “We design all of these esteros…in such a way that, there must always be a community participation and engagement.”

He added that 90 percent of affected residents approved of the improvements in surveys conducted after the completion of estero development projects.

The PRRC managed to accomplish all of this at no cost to the Philippine government in 2015 thanks to collaborative efforts between the committee’s supporters from the private and nonprofit sectors. experts and local officials in attendance on Saturday said they were astonished by the progress the PRRC had achieved.

Some went as far to say that policy makers in California had much to learn from the methods employed by the Philippine commission.

“This was a huge inspiration,” said Culver City Council Member Thomas Small. “they’ve been able to do in Manila in such a short time [what] we can’t seem to accomplish in los Angeles and Culver City even though we’ve been talking about it for years.”

He referenced Ballona Creek,

by MArtin

yAMbAo Philstar.com

IT’S easy to get obsessed with these four women. I fell down that rabbit hole.

Four women, four friends — Georgina Wilson, Isabelle daza, liz Uy, and Solenn Heussaff — grouped up and given one very simple brief: to be the stars of their very own reality TV show.

It was a short three days before the project’s initial shooting date when I first sat down with the small cast and crew. I signed onto the project as half babysitter, half continuity supervisor, on the suggestion of my friend and professional contact liz Uy. I knew her — but apart from the hundreds and hundreds of endorsements, the professional roles as actresses, hosts and models, the monthly magazine covers, and the #GoalsAF domination of social media — that was it. I knew little else about the other girls.

I knew Georgina Wilson as the cut-throat diva with impossibly high standards and a closet to-die-for; Isabelle daza as fitness mogul and as talented actress (with a penchant for crazy roles) diagnosed with a permanent case of resting-bitch-face; Solenn Heussaff, multi-hyphenate actress, artist, singer, dancer, designer, the ubiquitous and perfect — and some might say, too perfect — jill-of-all-trades.

In equal parts, Isabelle Daza, Georgina Wilson, Liz Uy and Solenn Heussaff are human. They’re insecure, they’re relatable, they’re catty, they’re sincere, and you could bet your butt they could throw a really good bitch fit. Who wouldn’t pay to see that?

And then there’s liz, the careerdriven high-powered stylist I’ve known and followed.

I sat there listening to them talk about their plans, discussing their goals for the show, corralling their ideas into timelines and schedules — and just right then it started to hit me. everything I suspected I knew about them was true: Georgina doggedly won’t settle for anything but the best when it comes to the people she’s willing to work with; Isabelle is the straightest talker you’ll ever meet (and also, the funniest); Solenn’s schedule is booked from now to early 2017; and liz can disarm you with the most infectious laugh.

And yet, without sounding trite, I could see that they still had so so much more to give by way of access.

Unwittingly, I already became a fan of the show before we even started filming.

You could have heard me say, “These women are crazy,” and in the same breath, “they’re totally just like us.” In equal parts, they’re human, they’re insecure, they’re relatable, they’re catty, they’re sincere, and you could bet your butt they could throw a really good bitch fit. Who wouldn’t pay to see that?

The nature of reality TV is that everything you see hapContinued on Page 4

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The Asian Journal MDWK MAGAZINE - October 26, 2016

Andre Paras wants to be a good role model

by Bot

Glorioso Philstar.com

With his towering height and mestizo good looks, it’s not difficult for Andre Paras to showcase his sexy side and join AJPress photos by Ding Carreon the league of celebrity hunks.

But it looks like Andre is enjoying the idea of being wholesome and, more often, with a loveteam to boot.

You see, he was paired with Yassi Pressman in movies. he teamed up with Barbie Forteza in a drama series that led fans to coining the uni-name AnBie. Now, televiewers will see Andre with new screen partner, Mikee Quintos, on GMA 7’s “Usapang Real Love Presents Perfect Fit.” “For me, the target audience is the kids; the youth in general, and my acting appeals to them so i am happy to say that i could be one of the artists that kids can look up to,” said Andre on portraying comedy and kilig roles during the pocket interview. “At the same time, the parents can tell their kids that i can be a role model to them.” it feels good, Andre added, to hear parents tell him that their children watch his shows because of his being funny oncam and simple off-cam. “that’s why i want to have an image muna na role model, someone whom kids can emulate.”

But he is not closing his doors on the possibility of portraying mature roles. “When the time comes that i can go to the gym and all, maybe i can level up to another role support among families in the like action star level. As of now, Philippines is strong. Globally, entertaining the youth gives me the Philippines ranks #3 among a different high. Some may think remittance receiving countries, that it’s easy but it’s not since with the total amount of funds the kids may or may not get the approximating $28 billion in message you are trying to send 2015, according to the World so when they easily understand Bank. naman, i feel i am doing my the Filipino community sends money back home to help thing right. As of now, i am focused on this kind of role.” to support families for school At one point, Andre stressed tuition, housing, utilities, day-tothat he has nothing against day expenses, and gifting, with the peak seasons being back-to- those who took a bold step to beef up their career. he believes school and Christmas. *Advertising Supplement that anyone can do what he

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“At MBC, we are always looking for new ways to provide

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“Western Union’s well-established network, coupled with our identity and relationships in this district, give customers the convenience and choices they desire plus the reliability they expect when it comes to transferring their hard-earned money.” the need for financial

Andre Paras

or she thinks would be best to reach stardom. “i never thought of something about others. they can go to the gym and have an instant endorsement. they can do it; it’s easy to be a sexy person but what if they all go to that direction? Ako lang ang naiwan dito (wholesome image) then akin pa rin ang mga bata — their attention — and so i get to entertain and at the same time reach out to them.”

Besides, at home, he can make his little brothers laugh so easily “that’s why it’s cool to see the happy faces of a hundred or thousands of kids at pwede nilang masabi na, ‘Si Andre may edad na pero andito pa rin sa level naming mga kabataan.’” he, too, has no qualms about being paired with other stars. his team-up with Mikee excites him no end since they’ve been working together in Encantadia. Mikee plays Kylie Padilla’s daughter Lira in the requel of the Kapuso primetime series while Andre portrays Wahid, the character played by his dad Benjie Paras in the original version.

“Actually, we’ve known each other even before Enca because we have common friends. Our

team-up here (in ‘Perfect Fit’) is fine for both of us. if you talk about chemistry, andyan na kasi we are together inEnca and then from afternoon to evening kulitan lang during taping breaks kaya happy kami to be together.” in “Perfect Fit,” Andre is account executive Eugene who is set to date a model named Cindy (played by Arra San Agustin) whom he met through the dating app. Unfortunately, Cindy’s cellphone malfunctions and she asks the tiangge cellphone repair girl Ella (Mikee) to fix it. Ella discovers that Cindy is matched with Eugene who is her childhood crush. Curious to see him, Ella dresses up and pretends to be Cindy for a night. What started as a harmless lie turns into a complicated charade as Ella and Eugene begin to develop feelings for each other.

Asked if he didn’t find it difficult to act lovey-dovey with Mikee, Andre said that their being comfortable with each other helps in acting out some romantic scenes. “We stay in one tent also that’s why we get to talk a lot; we’re close so sobrang fun lang.”

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entertainment

4 It girls, 1 reality show

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - October 26, 2016

Maja Salvador now a college student at 28

by MJ

Marfori ManilaTimes.net

PROVING that it is never too late to earn a degree, dramatic actress and sultry singer Maja Salvador is now enrolled in an AMA Computer College online program. A birthday gift to herself after turning 28 years old on October 5, the former Ang

Probinsyano star chose to pursue a course in Business Administration.

Saying she wants to deepen her knowledge and sharpen her skills for her mini ventures, she told In the Know, “Meron po akong mga investments at may mga business din tayo sa mga restaurants [I have made several investments and gone into the

Maja Salvador

restaurant business too].”

Besides her admirable return-to-school endeavor, she meanwhile revealed that her birthday wish is to finally have a project with her good friend John Lloyd Cruz. Maja explained that a project between them never prospered because of her off-camera relationship with John Lloyd. While they are often seen in various events together, what they have is not what people think.

To be clear, there is no malice whatsoever in Maja and John Lloyd’s friendship as she considers the talented actor her spiritual guide as she traverses show business.

“I call him ‘Itay’ and he calls me ‘Baby Girl’,” Maja related.

“But now that I’m 28, I’ve had to stop calling him that way.”

It turns out that Maja and John Lloyd share the same handler under ABS-CBN’s Star Magic—the reason why they became close—and were reprimanded for using their respective monikers for each other.

“They said if I want to have a project with him, I should begin calling him ‘Lloydie’ instead,” she laughed, adding she has obeyed her superiors because “who wouldn’t want to work with John Lloyd Cruz?”

Besides John Lloyd, Maja is often seen with a non-showbiz chinito, whom some have thought to be her boyfriend.

The pretty celebrity was quick to deny the rumor, however, as she declared, “Single po ako. But yes, I’m dating but not exclusively [with anyone].”

From Page 2 pens post-fact. To wit, we shot and edited the show just a little over two months before the premiere date. But by the nature of their celebrity, what you’ll see happening to George, Belle, Liz and Sos has already been liked and shared to the tune of hundreds of thousands on every social media platform you could imagine.

We already know about the Snapchat scandal, the wedding in Tuscany and the baby gender reveal — but the plot points aren’t why you should be tuning in every Monday. What you’ll see is the dynamic behind the friendships that happen behind each of those events, their relationships with their partners, their stories as a group. It’s the sincerity and support system that took them through every hardship and heartbreak they’ve endured in the past decade, working under the public gaze.

“I think the show will take them places far beyond what their social media allows,” shares show director Raymond Gutierrez, “it takes you into their homes, it takes you into private conversations with their partners, it’ll show you what they’re really going through.”

“The girls can be playful and catty at times but behind all of that is a really strong foundation of friendship,” he continues, “and the sincerity they have in lifting each other up, inspiring each other to do better.

That’s really what the message here is, I think, that successful people, more so women, can be there for each other.” It’s the success and failures we all go through, the support to stall your personal life in favor of white-hot career growth, the joys and insecurities of motherhood, the incessant nature of showbiz, and the intricacies of fickle social media. “It Girls” is real life — what people don’t know, what people don’t see about these women. It’s about unfiltered access and their journey towards the next step.

“On top of your insane schedule, what made you say yes to the show?” I ask the artist and busy actress Solenn Heussaff, “I wanted “It Girls” to show women that this is 2016, and that they can be themselves.

That they can find their own character,” replies Sos, “it’s so hard to find your identity when

you’re on social media and you’re comparing yourself to everything little thing around you. When you’re being put down by people you don’t actually know. I want the show to tell this generation of women that having a good group of friends you can rely on, that you can be inspired from, can make the difference in your life.” Solenn’s narrative follows her recent marriage to boyfriend-turnedfiancé-turned-husband of six years, Nico Bolzico, and the way she manages her non-stop work commitments in tandem with little time she has to spend at home.

“Syempre, I’m not like these other gorgeous girls,” Liz says, bleary from a 16-hour red-eye flight from Paris to Manila and straight to set for her last day of shooting, “they’re used to being shot, used to being in front of a camera — when the reality of my life is behind-the-scenes, I easily get awkward. And that was a challenge.”

“It Girls” follows Liz as she navigates her day-to-day between running her business, styling regional campaigns and claiming her seat at the table during the four-week gauntlet known as fashion month. This is Liz at her most driven and relentless when it comes to building her career — surrounded by three friends who are all, if not almost, married, the question becomes; will she or won’t she settle down anytime soon? Or should she strike while the iron is hot? A blind date, a trip to a gay bar, and a host of conflicting advice later —”sometimes, life can just get in the way. You know?” Liz would ask. Can an It Girl truly have it all?

“I never actually thought I’d be part of a reality show,” confesses Georgina Wilson, “while I love watching reality TV and will never get tired of The Kardashians and the Real Housewives, I feel that I’ve always been such a private person.” One could say George takes the biggest leap on “It Girls” with the reveal of her pregnancy with her husband Arthur Burnand. “When I decided this might be something fun to do with my friends, “ she continues, “I still had a lot of hesitation, but what really motivated me was the idea of “It Girls” being a cool and powerful platform for us to air our thoughts and ideas; as women,

as professionals, as wives and especially as an expectant mother. It just felt like such a progressive thing to do.”

“Life doesn’t have to stop just because you’re getting married, or having a baby,” agrees Isabelle Daza, “I don’t know if that comes from a conservative culture, or an unforgiving culture, or a sawain culture — but the last thing I want to do is underestimate our audience. People now are wiser, it’s 2016; and I want this show to empower women, to prove to ourselves and to each other, that life can go on. You can be a homemaker and still play certain roles, you can still work, you can still thrive.”

Having recently lost her father some months before her wedding to fiancé Adrien Semblat, the show follows Belle as she deals with her upcoming Tuscan wedding on top of many, many unexpected mishaps. From assistants losing very important documents, to demanding work schedules, to sudden health issues, you name it, “It Girls” would probably have Belle power through it with a smile and the snap of a joke. “Doing the show was going to be a challenge, obviously, especially after everything I’ve just gone through. But I wanted to do the show because it was going to be with all of my friends — and you don’t get this opportunity more than once. A lot of people think we have it easy, but what people don’t see is the amount of work we do to get where we are,” says the actress, “started from the bottom.” Belle’s story forms one of the more dramatic arcs in “It Girls” — coming off of what could be the heaviest time of her life, to dealing with the minutiae of fixing a wedding, to her Bellechorette in Bali, and to the great joy of seeing all their friends come together for the series finale in Italy.

“It Girls” promises a good time for its first season: “You’ll see what we bicker about, the fun we like to have together,” gushes Georgina, “and also, all our husbands think they’re actually the stars of the show so you’ll be seeing lots of them.” The show highlights the friendship and the drama that surround these four friends and confidantes — all without sacrificing its weight in social commentary.

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The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - October 26, 2016

MOONLIGHTING

Time out for the grandchildren

by MYLAH DE

LEON

“If you want to civilize a man, begin with his grandmother.”

- Victor Hugo So, one moment you’re just a mother, and luckily, you’re done being tied down with your children’s troubles and demands. You think you can now relax and take it easy, then come the grandchildren.

All of a sudden, they hand back your youth in a fancy box and you’re starting all over again. You find yourself blinded once more by the needs of your grandchildren and their love.

I thought I had already forgotten how to hold a baby, but my arms remember. Gazing into the sweet, innocent face while grasping soft hands, so tiny and warm, it almost felt like a kitten in the shelter of your clasp.

Those gasps of astonishment and shrieks of pleasure, sighs of delight — lost a long time ago when my four girls grew wise and worldly — are suddenly back to you. In what seems to be same small hands that clutched you, they drag you from one excitement to another.

Rocking a tiny bundle of joy who is a loving extension of you is called a midlife ecstasy. It is the evidence of love in its most uncomplicated and trustworthy state, a blush-inducing love affair.

The moment a baby is born, a grandmother is born too. Suddenly, by no act of yours, you’ve become biologically related to a human being.

It really seems quite crazy that your baby should be sitting with a baby of her own. Then you realize that all that joy of becoming a mother was simply a prelude to the elation of becoming a grandmother.

On one sweet Sunday, I cradled in my arms a 7 pound, 15-ounce baby girl named Eliana Milaina, aged 26 hours and four minutes. I wrapped my grand-

daughter so tightly so that nothing else in this world could get at her.

Where there is love, there is usually a little granddaughter nearby. She tries to show her independence by parading around in her mother’s shoes or slippers, and looks alluring in a bandana, dark glasses and yards of beads. She relishes in turning my daily routine topsy-turvy with her ardor and curiosity. She is the biggest thrill; her laughter is like a concert of little bells, shattering the morning sun, a present joy and the promise of the future.

Through the years, I’ve learned that there are 147 different ways to hold a baby, all of them right. By trade, I am used to asking questions, but found myself groping for words, through the years when confronted by puerile questions that defied logic and/or whose answers required another question: “Why is God not married?”

“Did Jesus shave or did he go to a barbershop?”

“Is the sun hot?”

“Do flowers go to sleep?”

“Why is the sky blue?”

“Does the Easter bunny lay eggs?”

“Which cow gives chocolate milk?”

“How do birds fly?”

She is amusing and enchanting whether at 3, 6, or 13 years old. Now even when she is older, she has the power to raise spirits and expand my universe in the twinkle of her eye.

Together we learned names of plants, every tree, bird, insect and oddities. We drew cats, dogs, fathers, mothers and flowers. Her acts of kindness were what my mother taught me. The eldest had become my close confidante and best friend. And like grown-ups, she has started asking questions that can be answered.

My grandson, on the other hand, is a pint-sized bolt of lightning and has me wrapped around his fingers. He is bewitching, sprinkled with stardust.

Sometimes his antics would uncurl my hair, call out to saints I know and don’t know.

As much as I want them to stay young forever, I know the cycle will continue. One day, all five of them will have their own children — and then someday, they will also be great grandparents! *** E-mail Mylah at moonlightingmdl@aol.com

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The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - October 26, 2016