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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 27 - No. 33 • 4 Sections – 30 Pages
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Pence confirms Trump will attend ASEAN summit in PH
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DATELINE
USA
from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA
Justice Department warns California, other sanctuary cities to abide by federal immigration law the U.s. Department of Justice (DoJ) on friday, April 21 has once again warned that sanctuary jurisdictions are at risk of losing grants if they continue to defy federal immigration authorities. Nine areas across the country — identified by the DoJ’s inspector general last may as having laws that potentially violate federal law — received letters wherein they were reminded that in order to obtain funding this year, they must prove that they are cooperating and sharing information with federal immigration enforcement. they have until June 30 to do so. “failure to comply with this condition could result in the withholding of grant funds, suspension or termination of the grant, ineligibility for future [office of Justice Programs] grants or subgrants, or other action, as appropriate,” Alan hanson, acting assistant attorney general for the oJP, wrote in the letters. Among the recipients were the California Department of Corrections and rehabilitation, and officials in Las Vegas, New York,
by AJPress UNIteD states President Donald trump will come to the Philippines to attend the Association of southeast Asian Nations (AseAN) summit in November, according to Vice President mike Pence. Pence confirmed the visit on thursday, April 20, following a previous statement made by an AseAN official that trump would attend the summit.
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During his visit to Jakarta, Indonesia at the AseAN headquarters, Pence said trump will attend three summits in Asia in November: the U.s.-AseAN summit and the east Asia summit in the Philippines, and the Asia-Pacific economic Cooperation (APeC) summit in Vietnam. the U.s. president’s attendance is “a sign, I hope to all, of our firm and unwavering commitment to build on the strong foundations that we already share,” the vice president said.
he added that trump is seeking to speak about trade, security, and the south China sea during his trip to the Philippines and Vietnam. on friday, robe Bolivar, a spokesman for the Philippine Department of foreign Affairs (DfA), also confirmed the American president’s upcoming visit to the country. earlier this week, marciano Paynor, director-general for operations of the AseAN 2017 National organizing Coun-
by Christina
Trump issues reforms to H-1B visa system New executive order could hurt immigrant workers
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President Rodrigo Duterte signs the guestbook during his tour inside the Russian Guided Missile Cruiser “Varyag” docked at Pier 15 of the Port of Manila on April 21 for a four-day goodwill visit to the Philippines. Also in the photo are Philippine Navy Commander Vice Admiral Ronald Mercado and Varyag Commanding Officer Captain Alexsei Ulyanenko. Toto Lozano/Presidential photo
POrCalla Philstar.com
mANILA, Philippines — fifteen members of the Liberal Party (LP) allied with the super majority coalition in the house of representatives have decided to steer clear of the impeachment complaints filed against President Duterte and Vice President Leni robredo. robredo herself said in an interview in Los Baños, Laguna on friday, April 21 that a “majority of the lawmakers present in the meeting were not supportive of any impeachment proceeding whether
M. Oriel and dana siOsOn AJPress
PhILIPPINe President rodrigo Duterte and his fiercest critic, senator Leila De Lima, are both included in TiME magazine’s annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world. the list, which was released on thursday, April 20, consists of five categories: Pioneers, Artists, Leaders, titans, and Icons. Duterte is listed under Leaders. De Lima, meanwhile, fell under Icons. former Colombian President César Gaviria wrote Duterte’s profile in which he criticized the latter’s controversial campaign against illegal drugs that has alarmed global rights groups and has made international headlines due to the rising death toll. “since Duterte’s inauguration last year, some 7,000 people have been killed,” Gaviria wrote. “his ironfisted strategy alarms governments, humanrights organizations and faith-based groups while
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US urges PH: Probe drug extrajudicial killings Arroyo camp blames Aquino for South China Sea instability by helen
FlOres Philstar.com
mANILA, Philippines — the U.s. government has urged the Duterte administration to pursue investigations of extrajudicial killings in the government’s war on illegal drugs “whether they’re committed by law enforcement or of a vigilante nature.” Patrick murphy, deputy assistant secretary of state for southeast Asia, told a press briefing that the growing number of extrajudicial killings in the
Philippines is “troubling.” While it recognized the country’s “serious challenge” with illicit narcotics, the U.s. government has “very sustained and deep concern when elements of the drug war are operating outside the rule of law,” he said. “We are urging the Philippines to follow up on its commitment to investigate extrajudicial killings, whether they’re committed by law enforcement or of a vigilante nature. so I think those concerns are quite sustained,” murphy said. he said the U.s. government is
willing to support the Philippines on its drug rehabilitation program. According to a reuters report, more than 8,000 people, mostly petty drug users and dealers, have been killed in the administration’s anti-illegal drug campaign since President Duterte took office on June 30 last year. Police said about a third of the victims were shot by officers in self-defense. human rights groups believe many of the remaining two-thirds were killed by paid assassins cooperating with the police or by police
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Robredo, LP won’t support Duterte impeach raps by delOn
Vice President Mike Pence
Duterte, De Lima among TIME’s 100 most influential people
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PresIDeNt Donald trump signed an executive order this week that may affect the h-1B visa system, a non-immigrant visa program that allows U.s. employers to hire foreign workers on a temporary basis. sticking to his “America first” message, the president’s “Buy American, hire American” executive order on tuesday, April 18 would review and propose reforms on the h-1B, which hires about 85,000 high-skilled foreign workers who obtain three-year work permits. of the 85,000 slots, 65,000 are for applicants with bachelor’s degrees and 20,000 for those with master’s degrees or higher. the trump administration proposed reforming the system that would eliminate the lottery selections process, which companies allegedly try to cheat by submitting multiple applications for the same workers. the executive order suggested a change in the selections process which throws out the lottery and would prioritize higher-wage ap-
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against the President or me.” robredo was referring to an LP meeting on thursday that she presided. she said the party would hold another meeting before Congress resumes session on may 2 because many of their members were out of town and failed to attend last thursday. the Vice President said the impeachment proceedings would be divisive and polarizing. robredo is supposed to succeed Duterte if he is removed from office but she is also facing an impeachment complaint. LP stalwart and house Deputy
speaker romero Quimbo – the highest LP official in the chamber – expressed the same belief when asked about the party members’ position on the complaints. “It’s just going to be a distraction to the important work that needs to be done,” Quimbo, who was at thursday’s meeting, said of their “common consensus.” LP president and sen. francis Pangilinan confirmed the matter of impeachment was discussed by the LP during the meeting but not as a Fifteen members of the Liberal Party allied with the super majority party. coalition in the House of Representatives have decided to steer clear he clarified they have no party of the impeachment complaints filed against President Duterte and
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Vice President Leni Robredo.
PPD/Rey Baniquet
by dana
siOsOn AJPress
the island-building spree along the disputed waters in the south China sea happened during the term of former Philippine President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, the camp of his predecessor, former President and now Pampanga representative Gloria macapagal-Arroyo said. In a press conference at the house of representatives on thursday, April 20, Arroyo’s camp criticized the Aquino administration for supposedly provoking China to build artificial islands over the contested waters. In his remarks, former Justice secretary and solicitor-General estelito mendoza claimed that it was the Aquino administration’s maritime case before the Permanent Court of Arbitration that triggered China’s construction of artificial islands. “I do not know the reason that claim was filed so I cannot say it is right or it is wrong. What I can only say is that as
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A APRIL 22-25, 2017 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
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From the Front Page
Pence confirms Trump will attend ASEAN…
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cil, said Trump has reportedly indicated that he would attend this year’s ASEAN summit. According to Paynor, who is also Malacañang’s chief protocol officer, Trump made the confirmation during his phone call with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte last year. “As of now, President Trump, for instance, when President
Duterte called him up to congratulate him had already indicated that he was coming in November,” Paynor said on Wednesday, April 19. “So at least verbally he said he was coming.” During a telephone call in December 2016, Trump reportedly invited Duterte to visit the White House this year. In response to the White House invitation, the Philippine president also invited
Trump to attend the 2017 ASEAN Summit, which will be hosted by the Philippines. The 31st ASEAN Summit will be held from November 10 to 14 in Clark Field, Pampanga. According to Paynor, organizers expect complete attendance from ASEAN member states at the upcoming summit — which include Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. He said other country leaders from dialogue partners like Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, Russia, and South Korea are also expected to attend. “Multilateral meetings of this sort, we usually expect 100 percent attendance. And many of the leaders who do not attend do so because they have internal issues and – which prevents them from coming,” Paynor said. He further added, “So there will be one or two who may not be able to come but this is because of, let’s say, internal issues with their individual countries.” n
RELIEF AID FOR BICOL. Senator Nancy Binay shakes the hand of residents of Pili, Camarines Sur during a visit earlier this month. The lady senator was asked by her sister, Makati mayor Abby Binay, to accompany Makati officials during the turnover P16 million of financial aid for 24 towns and cities in Bicol that were affected by Typhoon Nina last year. As a sister city of Makati, Pili was one of the chosen beneficiary towns of the rehabilitation fund. Senate photo
Duterte…
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winning high approval ratings at home.” In an opinion piece published by The New York Times in February, Gaviria urged Duterte to not commit similar mistakes his administration made by using the same heavy-handed measures in tackling the problem of narcotics. Duterte, in response, called Gaviria an “idiot” for “lecturing” him about the Philippine government’s war on drugs. Reiterating his warning, Gaviria said: “When I was president of Colombia, I was also seduced into taking a tough stance on drugs. But after spending billions, I discovered that the war was unwinnable and the human costs were devastating. The cure was infinitely worse than the disease.” Gaviria, who was the president of Columbia from 1990 to 1994, notably battled drug kingpin Pablo Escobar. He is also a founding member of the Global Commission on Drug Policy. He then advised Duterte to start treating drugs as a health, human rights and development
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From the Front page
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US urges PH: Probe drug extrajudicial…
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themselves, disguised as vigilantes. The government and police reject that. Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said the Philippines shared the concern of the U.S. and said authorities “follow operational protocols” and those who breached procedures were made to answer before the law. “We expect fairness and not a rush to judgment,” Abella said in a statement. Abella said persistent news report about close to 9,000 people being killed in the drug war “is false news.” From July until March 24, Abella said police recorded more than 6,000 people had been killed, classified as cases under
investigation, but only 1,398 of the deaths were found to be drug-related. Abella’s figure did not include more than 2,600 people killed in police operations. Recurring issue In reaction to Murphy’s statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the government is not setting aside allegations of extrajudicial killings in the administration’s war on drugs. “The government has been firm in its condemnation of extrajudicial judicial killings,” DFA spokesman Robespierre Bolivar said. “The President himself already called for an investigation and prosecution of those involved in
such killings,” he said. Bolivar maintained the administration’s illegal drug campaign is waged with firm adherence to the country’s established human rights principles and in accordance with the rule of law. Duterte was infuriated by U.S. expressions of concern about extrajudicial killings after he took office last year and threatened to sever the long-standing U.S. defense alliance. The Commission on Human Rights (CHR), however, declined to comment on the Reuters report. Asked if the commission has gathered similar reports in the course of their investigation, CHR commissioner Gwendolyn
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Duterte, De Lima among TIME’s 100 most…
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issue. “[Duterte] could prosecute the most violent criminals and provide treatment for users rather than condemn them to prison, or worse,” the former president wrote. He further added, “There will always be drugs in the Philippines, whether the President likes it or not. The tragedy is that many more people are likely going to die as he learns this lesson.” Malacañang hailed Duterte’s inclusion on the list, with presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella saying that the president is supported by “a majority of Filipinos in his campaign against illegal drugs, crime and corruption.” On the other hand, he said that the magazine’s highlight on De Lima — which was written by former United States Ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power — “failed to clarify” that she was jailed for her alleged involvement with the drug trade, not because she has criticized the current administration. In her piece, Power noted how Duterte “has insulted Pope Francis, told U.S. President Barack Obama to ‘go to hell’ and expressed regret he did not go ‘first’ in a gang rape. She went on to describe the Duterte administration’s anti-illegal drug campaign as “merciless.” “Most opposition politicians have kept their heads down, knowing Duterte is both terrifyingly brutal and massively popular,” she said. “But Senator de Lima has become Duterte’s most vocal critic — a role her friends call suicidal.”
GRADUATION SPEECH. Senator Joel Villanueva tells the graduates of Baliwag Polytechnic College (BPC) in Baliwag, Bulacan that having a degree will not define a person’s level of success, “it is your attitude, the effort that you exert, hard work, dedication and commitment, and most of all, your persistence to be successful, to be the best that you can be.” Villanueva also shared his journey from being an athletic scholar to senator of the Republic of the Philippines, emphasizing the importance of “never giving up on your dreams. Because if God is with you, no one, and no circumstances here on earth can be against you.” Senate photo
Arroyo camp blames Aquino for South… PAGE A1 t
Senator Leila de Lima and President Rodrigo Duterte
Power also emphasized how De Lima, who was detained in February over drug-related allegations, “continues to speak out” against Duterte even from prison. “It is a disturbing testament to the current solidarity among strongmen and the global surge in impunity that de Lima’s cause has not been more embraced,” Power wrote. “And yet, even from prison, she continues to speak out against her President: ‘It’s not O.K. with me that we have a murderous psychopath occupying the highest post in the land.’” De Lima, who is detained at the Philippine National Police Custodial Center, said that she would continue to speak out against Duterte. “I could have chosen to stay silent and dance with the regime’s music, but that would have been a betrayal of the country, the oppressed, the marginalized, and the fight for justice,” she said in a statement. “I cannot for once
contemplate capitulating to the dark side that this regime now embodies in exchange for a comfortable but opportunist life.” United States President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and Pope Francis were also named among the world’s most influential individuals. The official TIME 100 list was selected by the magazine’s editors. Earlier this week, Duterte topped the magazine’s annual poll that asked readers who should be included on the list. He received 5 percent of the total “yes” votes, consistently leading the survey which started in March and closed on Sunday, April 16. Following Duterte in the poll results were Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Pope Francis, Microsoft founder Bill Gates, and Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg. They all each got 3 percent of the total “yes” votes. n
far as China is concerned, it says it provoked their island building factory,” Mendoza said. He added, “We were fighting in the Hague, maybe we were winning, but China outflanked us. China made it a point that while we are winning in the Hague, China was winning in the waters of the South China Sea.” In July 2016, the United Nations-backed Arbitral Tribunal in the Hague ruled that China’s historic nine-dash line, which claimed almost all the South China Sea, had no historic and legal basis, in favor of the Philippines. But by the time the Philippines won its case, China managed to construct islands over the contested areas. “That is now going to be the most difficult problem of President (Rodrigo) Duterte — these islands, which China has built during the Aquino administration,” Mendoza noted. He also compared how this was far from the “peaceful” situation under Arroyo’s administration, adding “a cooperative effort” between disputed countries and the Philippines also existed during her term. “There was, during that time, a joint seismic survey which was a joint effort of the Philippines, China, and Vietnam that meant the cost of the survey was borne
Representative Gloria Arroyo
by the three countries, with the understanding that the results or information that will be gathered will be shared [among] the three countries,” Mendoza said. Mendoza also lauded Arroyo for passing Republic Act 9522, an act which defines the archipelagic baselines of the Philippines that helped the country implement the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). While saying that Beijing protested Manila’s claim over the
Kalayaan Group of Islands and the Bajo de Masinloc or Scarborough Shoal, Mendoza pointed out that China “did not contest” and “implicitly recognized” the Philippines’ 200-mile exclusive economic zone under UNCLOS. “Built during the previous administration,” Arroyo said, referring to China’s island-building spree in the South China Sea. Asked what advice she could give to current President Rodrigo Duterte in handling maritime issues, Arroyo refused to give any. She explained that during her term, she was advised by people who didn’t see the whole picture. Arroyo remarked that as the current president, Duterte “knows what he’s doing.” “You know, I can only share what happened in my administration. I don’t know all the facts that are available to the current administration, so I do not dare to make any recommendations. And I keep that attitude because of my own experience as president,” she said. She went on to say, “There were so many other people in the peanut gallery telling me what to do, and they did not have all the facts at their disposal. So as far as I’m concerned, President Duterte knows what he’s doing and I do not have any recommendations to make.” n
A APRIL 22-25, 2017 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
From the Front page
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Robredo, LP won’t support‌
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stand on moves to impeach Duterte and other impeachable officials, thus positions expressed are based on individual capacities of members. Pangilinan said he and other LP senators would not comment on the impeachment complaint against Duterte because they could be acting as judges if it prospers in the House. Quimbo said it would be best for the House to prioritize important legislative matters than support the impeachment com-
plaints. “We likewise reiterated our strongest commitment of support to the (Vice President), our party leader,� Quimbo said. But a fellow LP member, Ifugao Rep. Teddy Baguilat, who belongs to the so-called Magnificent 7 of the independent opposition bloc, said each and every member may have to make an individual decision on the impeachment complaints, ruling out a party consensus. “If and when some of us will support the impeachment (com-
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plaint) against (Duterte), I believe it will not be a group decision,â€? he said. Their group is led by Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman, another LP member but originally from the Lakas-NUCD party. The impeachment complaint against Duterte was filed by Baguilat’s and Lagman’s colleague, Magdalo Rep. Gary Alejano, while the case against Robredo – a former Camarines Sur congresswoman – has yet to be filed. Duterte is facing various charges based on Alejano’s complaint, including the extrajudicial killings happening in the country vis-Ă -vis his drug war and alleged unexplained wealth. Meanwhile, Robredo caught the ire of Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez for her video aired in a United Nations event where she hit the administration’s war on drugs. Marcos loyalists Oliver Lozano and Melchor Chavez filed an impeachment complaint against Robredo also because of the video. Will Leni be Duterte’s Corona? Reliable sources in the House said the threat of Alvarez to have Robredo impeached when Congress resumes session on May 2 is more than real, carrying parallelisms with the late chief justice Renato Corona’s impeachment during the Aquino administration. The sources said Alvarez, an ally of Duterte being secretarygeneral of the ruling PDP-Laban party and a fellow Davaoeno, has already garnered 100 lawmakers who were supposed to endorse her immediate impeachment last March. Only 97 signatures out of 293 members of the House are needed for the complaint to be sent to the Senate for an impeachment trial – where select House members who signed the complaint will act as “prosecutorsâ€? while the senators will be sitting as “judges.â€? “This is almost very reminiscent of the 185 lawmakers who signed Corona’s impeachment in 2011 without even the benefit of reading the complaint,â€? a senior congressman, who sought anonymity, said citing the LP’s bold move to send it to the Senate for trial. “And mind you, this may well be the karma of LP who impeached Corona with hardly any evidence except the LP’s tyranny
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President Rodrigo Roa Duterte receives tokens from Russian Guided Missile Cruiser “Varyag� Commanding Officer Captain Alexsei Ulyanenko and Russian Ambassador to the Philippines Igor Khovaev during his visit to the Russian Navy vessel docked at Pier 15 of the Port of Manila on April 21, 2017 for a 4-day goodwill visit to the Philippines. Toto Lozano/Presidential photo
Justice Department warns California, other‌
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Chicago, Philadelphia, New Orleans, Miami, Milwaukee, and Cook County, Illinois. In a release, the DOJ said “many of these jurisdictions are also crumbling under the weight of illegal immigration and violent crime,� citing the murder rates in Chicago, New York, and California’s Bay Area. On Friday, Attorney General Jeff Sessions said the department is “pleading with the cities� to ensure cooperation. “So I hope we don’t end into a fight, but we’re perfectly willing to do whatever I can to ensure that we have the kind of unified effort that protects America,� he said, according to an MSNBC report. Back in March, Sessions urged the so-called sanctuary jurisdictions — without singling any out — to “consider carefully the harm they are doing to their citizens� by resisting federal immigration
enforcement. About $4.1 billion in law enforcement grants will be allocated through the DOJ this year. In order to receive a portion of that funding, cities and states must comply and share citizenship and immigration status if requested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Sessions previously said. In late January, President Donald Trump signed an executive order that called for the stripping of federal funds for areas that do not cooperate with federal law enforcement agencies and do not hand over undocumented immigrants who are subject to deportation. Those who do not comply “are not eligible to receive federal grants, except as deemed necessary for law enforcement purposes by the Attorney General or the Secretary,� the order read. It also called for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to is-
sue a “Weekly Detainer Outcome Report� that highlights crimes committed by undocumented immigrants and a list of jurisdictions that choose not to cooperate with ICE’s detainers or requests for notification. The requests call for local law enforcement to hold individuals who could be deportable for an extra 48 hours after they are jailed for their arrests so they can be picked up by ICE agents. Elected officials of certain sanctuary cities have vocalized that they would continue to defy the Trump administration’s crackdown on immigration. In his annual State of the City speech on Thursday, April 20, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti reminded residents that the city’s police department “will never act as a federal immigration force.� He, however, did not touch on the threat of the city losing federal funding. (Christina M. Oriel / AJPress)
US urges PH: Probe drug extrajudicial‌ PAGE A3 t
Pimentel-Gana said she could not issue a statement as their probe is still ongoing. “I will not for the moment make a categorical statement on whether or not there have been such allegations since our investigation is still ongoing,� Gana said in a text message to The STAR. Gana is leading a task force in charge of investigating whether there are human rights violations committed in relation to the death of suspected drug suspects during police operations. The investigation is currently covering over 800 deaths, including both those who died in police operations and victims of alleged vigilante killings. On Tuesday, Reuters released a report quoting two police officials who claimed that members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) have orchestrated the killings. The report said police officers received rewards for killing suspected drug pushers. The findings echoed those made by Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, which linked the Duterte administration to the killings. CHR chairman Chito Gascon confirmed receiving a copy of the Reuters report and said they are looking into the allegations. “We should do all we can to follow any lead that could ultimately shed light on these killings with the view to ultimately holding the perpetrators accountable,� he was quoted as saying. The PNP has denied the alle-
gations and dared the unnamed sources in the Reuters report to come out. “They should man up and not hide behind a white cloth. They are former and current members of the organization,� PNP spokesman Senior Supt. Dionardo Carlos said on Wednesday. “There’s no such order or instructions coming from the leadership,� he added. PNP chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa described the Reuters report as a creation of the foreign media, saying the two anonymous police officers should come out in the open. He lamented the PNP has to defend itself from accusations coming from anonymous sources. He called the two supposed police officers as cowards for going to the press instead of airing their grievances in the proper forum.
Dela Rosa said Washington should just allow them to do their job in carrying out President Duterte’s mandate of wiping out illegal drugs and criminality. He said he is fed up with commenting on what he described as a “recurring issue.� “I’m already tired answering that. Just tell them I don’t work for them, I work for the Filipino people so I don’t have to be distracted by their comments,� Dela Rosa said. Despite President Duterte’s repeated statements threatening to kill drug pushers, Gana last month said they have yet to find evidence that would prove the summary killings are statesponsored. She later clarified that they are not ruling out anything, as their investigation is still ongoing. (With Janvic Mateo, Emmanuel Tupas, Alexis Romero)
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REPEAL & REPLACE WATCH
Conservatives’ goal to relax mandatory health benefits unlikely to tame premiums by Julie
RovneR California Healthline
WINNING PHOTO. Bennielita “Bennie” Sanchez talks with lola Nenita Padilla, 61, who is resting in her sister’s house in Cavite in this photo taken October 1, 2016. Bennie has made it her life mission to rescue homeless elderly folk off the streets and reunite them with their families. This photo won Gold in the Best Feature Photography, Asian Media Awards, Publish Asia 2017 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Inquirer.net photo by Lyn Rillon
Trump issues reforms to H-1B visa…
American workers. During his presidential campaign, he promised that he would “forever end the use of the H-1B as a cheap labor program and institute an absolute requirement to hire American workers for every visa and immigration program. No exceptions.” Earlier this month, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) said the 85,000 cap for H1-B visas was reached within five days of the application period being opened. (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)
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plicants. The administration also proposed increasing the number of jobs for American workers to encourage companies to prioritize American workers over their foreign counterparts. Under the order, the “Secretary of State, the Attorney General, the Secretary of Labor, and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall, as soon as practicable, and consistent with applicable law, propose new rules and issue new guidance, to supersede or revise previous rules and guidance if appropriate, to protect the interests of United States workers in the administration of our immigration system, including through the prevention of fraud or abuse.” The language in the order is vague regarding its effect on foreign workers; the action may modify the visa selections process or lower the annual limit of workers. At a speech he delivered in front of 500 workers in Kenosha, Wisconsin, the president said that visas given under H-1B status “should include only the most skilled and highest-paid applicants and should never, ever be
Presidend Donald Trump
used to replace American workers.” In the past, the president has criticized the program, arguing that employers take advantage of it by deliberately choosing lowerpaid foreigners over higher-paid
Vice President Leni Robredo
Robredo, LP won’t…
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of numbers,” he warned, noting that Robredo is the country’s highest elected LP official. Robredo, widow of former interior secretary Jesse Robredo who died in a plane crash in 2012, is an ally of former president Benigno Aquino III. In late 2011, Aquino wanted “all of the Supreme Court justices appointed by his predecessor Gloria Arroyo” – impeached, the sources claimed. Former speaker and now Quezon City Rep. Feliciano Belmonte Jr. suggested to Aquino that Corona – whose alleged midnight appointment was upheld overwhelmingly by the SC twice – be impeached first, and that the other magistrates may have to follow. The STAR also learned that Alvarez wanted the Robredo impeachment complaint to get past the House justice committee of Oriental Mindoro Rep. Reynaldo Umali who himself was – ironically – instrumental in Corona’s impeachment.
“They want the complaint sent straight to the Senate, just like what they did to Corona,” the insider revealed, noting that they did so with hardly any evidence, and ended up only finding loopholes in Corona’s declared assets, which is not even a ground for impeachment. But the Senate at the time voted 20-3 to remove Corona from office after finding him guilty of the charges. Alvarez declared last month that the House leadership will adopt an independent policy after Duterte asked his congressional allies to lay off Robredo and let her fulfill her six-year mandate as duly elected leader. “We respect the President but we have to do our duty as mandated by the Constitution,” Alvarez said. “There are issues where we agree with the executive branch, so we support it. But there are also issues where we may not agree with the executive branch,” he added. (With Helen Flores, Paolo Romero)
AS House Republicans try to find common cause on a bill to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, they may be ready to let states make the ultimate decision about whether to keep a key consumer provision in the federal health law that conservatives say is raising insurance costs. Those conservatives, known as the House Freedom Caucus, and members of a more moderate group of House Republicans, the Tuesday Group, are hammering out changes to the GOP bill that was pulled unceremoniously by party leaders last month when they couldn’t get enough votes to pass it. At the heart of those changes reportedly is the law’s requirement for most insurance plans to offer 10 specific categories of “essential health benefits.” Those include hospital care, doctor and outpatient visits and prescription drug coverage, along with things like maternity care, mental health and preventive care services. The Freedom Caucus had been pushing for those benefits to be removed, arguing that coverage guarantees were driving up premium prices. “We ultimately will be judged by only one factor: if insurance premiums come down,” Freedom Caucus Chairman Rep.
Mark Meadows (R-N.C.) told The Heritage Foundation’s Daily Signal. But moderates, bolstered by complaints from patients groups and consumer activists, fought back. And a brief synopsis leaked from the intraparty negotiations suggests that the compromise could be letting states decide whether to seek a federal waiver to change the essential health benefits. “The insurance mandates are a primary driver of [premium] spikes,” wrote Meadows and Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) in an op-ed in March. But do those benefits drive increases in premiums? And would eliminating the requirement really bring premiums down? Health analysts and economists say probably not — at least not in the way conservatives are hoping. “I don’t know what they’re thinking they’re going to pull out of this pie,” said Rebekah Bayram, a principal consulting actuary at the benefits consulting firm Milliman. She is the lead author of a recent study on the cost of various health benefits. Opponents of the required benefits point to coverage for maternity care and mental health and substance abuse treatment as driving up premiums for people who will never use such services.
But Bayram said eliminating those wouldn’t have much of an impact. Hospital care, doctor visits and prescription drugs “are the three big ones,” she said. “Unless they were talking about ditching those, the other ones only have a marginal impact.” John Bertko, an actuary who worked in the Obama administration and served on the board of Massachusetts’ health exchange, agreed: “You would either have very crappy benefits without drugs or physicians or hospitalization, or you would have roughly the same costs.” Maternity care and mental health and substance abuse, he said, “are probably less than 5 percent” of premium costs. Of course, requiring specific coverage does push up premiums to some extent. James Bailey, who teaches at Creighton University in Omaha, Neb., has studied the issue at the state level. He estimates that the average state health insurance mandate “raises premiums by about onehalf of 1 percent.” Those who want to get rid of the required benefits point to the fact that premiums in the individual market jumped dramatically from 2013 to 2014, the first year the benefits were required. “The ACA requires more benefits that every consumer is re-
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A APRIL 22-25, 2017 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
Dateline USa
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Members of Cathay Bank and various Asian American business organizations at the press conference at the Hilton San Gabriel Valley for Cathay Bank’s new Smart Micro Loan program.
Cathay Bank introduces new loan program for small businesses by KLarize
MedeniLLa AJPress
AS a way to help small business owners, Cathay Bank has announced a new business financing program designed to provide a solid financial start for small businesses and microenterprises. Called the Smart Micro Loan program, Cathay Bank is to give a credit line from $5,000 to $10,000 to these business owners get started as they begin to grow their business. Cathay Bank — which is one the longest-running Chinese-American bank in the U.S. — collaborated with local business organizations to craft this loan program, including Asian Pacific Islander Small Business Program, PACE Finance Corporation and CDC Small Business Finance. “Small businesses are a very important part of the economy in the United States; in fact, small businesses contributes around 80 percent to the global economy, so it’s very important to help them to start their businesses” Ray Chang, senior vice president and manager of retail loan administration at Cathay Bank, said at a press conference on Thursday, April 13 introducing the program. “The credit line may not seem like a lot, but it’s a start to their financial needs,” Chang added. “We want to help them close out that first step.” To qualify for the loan, prospective business must have been operating for at least one year, present good FICO scores and have clean financial histories with no bankruptcies. Chang also assured that the loan involves a “streamlined” application process with a “reduced documentation requirement.” Applicants must provide personal and business credit histories and three months of bank statements. Businesses that qualify for the Smart Micro Loan are also required to open a business checking account with Cathay Bank to continue “building a good finan-
NO TO HFCS IMPORTATION. Sen. Juan Miguel F. Zubiri joined protesting sugar workers and plantadores and vowed to protect the sugar industry by calling for strict regulation in the importation of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS). “The livelihood of 65,000 planters, 700,000 workers in farms and mills and their combined 5 million dependents nationwide are at great risk if HFCS importation continues unabated,” he said. The public hearing on P.S. Res. No 285 jointly filed by Sens. Zubiri and Richard Gordon established the negative effects of unabated HFCS importation as this directly cuts sugar farm household incomes by dampening prices and reducing the demand for workers in farms and mills. Zubiri, Chairman of the Committee on Trade Commerce and Entrepreneurship, said he will look into safeguard measures to strengthen the sugar industry in the face of ASEAN economic integration. Senate photo
US underscores freedom of navigation in South China Sea as Pence tours Asia the region amid issues of global concern. The disputed South China Sea MANILA, Philippines — Unit- carries $5 trillion in trade annued States (U.S.) Vice President ally and contains an estimated 11 Mike Pence stressed Washing- billion barrels of oil, 190 trillion ton’s stand on the South China cubic feet of natural gas and 12 Sea dispute during his visit to In- percent of the global fish catch. Cathay Bank Senior Vice President and donesia on Thursday, April 21. “We’ll ensure the unimpeded Director of Community Development Esther flow of lawful commerce and “The United States will uphold Wee praises the program for being a stepping the fundamental freedoms of promote peaceful diplomatic stone for young businesses. navigation and overflight in the dialogue to address issues of South China Sea and through- regional and global concern,” out the Asia Pacific,” Pence said Pence said. Pence also confirmed that U.S. during his joint press conference with Indonesia President Joko President Donald Trump will attend the U.S.-ASEAN and East Widodo. Pence also said that the U.S. Asia meetings in the Philippines will ensure the flow of trade in and the Asia-Pacific Economic by Patricia Lourdes Philstar.com
Ron Fong, executive director of Asian Pacific Islander Small Business Program, speaks about his organization and the collaboration process in the creation of the program.
cial relationship” with the bank, said Esther Wee, Cathay Bank’s senior vice president and director of community development. Wee also reiterated that the program is open to any and all kinds of businesses, adding that the bank knows how difficult it can be “get the ground running” on a new business venture. Different Asian American business organizations were present at the joint press conference, most of them catering to various Asian American groups. One of the groups, the Search to Involve Pilipino Americans (SIPA), is a prominent FilipinoAmerican advocacy group in the Los Angeles area that provides assistance and resources to FilAm business owners. “One of the biggest hurdles for small business owners is finding that loan and it’s very important to be creative as a business counselor,” SIPA community economic development program coordinator John Swing told the Asian Journal, expressing hope for the Smart Micro Loan program to help “kickstart any business out there.” “When we’re looking at something like Cathay Bank, who is reaching out to the community with these programs, it opens up
Viray
Cooperation Summit in Vietnam. The U.S. vice president said that Trump’s attendance at the meetings would be “a sign, I hope to all, of our firm and unwavering commitment to build on the strong foundations that we already share.” Former U.S. President Barack Obama sought a pivot to Asia, refocusing U.S. foreign policy in the region to counter the growing influence of China. Pence earlier went to South Korea and Japan to reaffirm U.S. treaty commitments to the security of the two countries as tensions rise over North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs. n
Conservatives’ goal to relax mandatory… PAGE A5 t
Cathay Bank Senior Vice President and Manager of Retail Loan Administration Ray Chang describes the details of the Smart Micro Loan program. AJPress photos by Ding Carreon
alternative opportunities for getting really into the funding sources that these business owners in our community need,” Swing added. To learn more about the program, applicants may visit any Cathay Bank branch or speak to Cathay Bank representatives on the phone at 1-800-922-8429. n
06/06/17
quired to purchase regardless of whether they want them, need them or can afford them,” Ohio Insurance Commissioner Mary Taylor said in 2013, when the state’s rates were announced. But Bayram noted most of that jump was not due to the broader benefits, but to the fact that, for the first time, sicker patients were allowed to buy coverage. “The premiums would go down a lot if only very healthy people were covered and people who were higher risk were pulled out of the risk pool,” she said. (Some conservatives want to change that requirement, too, and let insurers charge sick people higher premiums.) Meanwhile, most of the research that has been done on required benefits has looked at plans offered to workers by their employers, not policies available
to individuals who buy their own coverage because they don’t get it through work or the government. That individual market is the focus of the current debate. Analysts warn that individualmarket dynamics differ greatly from those of the employer insurance market. Bailey said he “saw this debate coming and wanted to write a paper” about the ACA’s essential health benefits. But “I very quickly realized there are all these complicated details that are going to make it very hard to figure out,” he said, particularly the way the required benefits work in tandem with other requirements in the law. For example, said Bertko, prescription drugs can represent 20 percent of costs in the individual market. That’s far more than in the employer market. Bayram said another big com-
plication is that the required benefits do double duty. They not only ensure that consumers have a comprehensive package of benefits but enable other parts of the health law to work by ensuring that everyone’s benefits are comparable. For example, the law adjusts payments to insurers to help compensate plans that enroll sicker-than-average patients. But in order to do that “risk adjustment,” she said, “all of the plans have to agree on some kind of package. So if you think of essential health benefits as an agreedupon benchmark, I don’t know how they can get rid of that and still have risk adjustment.” This story was produced by Kaiser Health News, which publishes California Healthline, an editorially independent service of the California Health Care Foundation.
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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • APRIL 22-25, 2017
Dateline PhiliPPines
Philippines, Russia forge defense cooperation deal by Alexis
RomeRo
Philstar.com
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines and Russia are expected to forge a defense cooperation agreement during President Rodrigo Duterte’s visit to Moscow next month, his national security adviser said Friday. “Defense cooperation will be finalized when the president visits Moscow by the end of May,” national security adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. told reporters after Duterte’s visit to Russian ship Varyag in South Harbor, Manila. “Defense cooperation will come in the form of training, probably some exchange of information,” he added. Asked if the Philippines and Russia would hold joint military exercises, Esperon said: “That’s a long way to go but if it can come to that later on.” “We don’t really intend to go into alliances, which is a tighter agreement. But we can go into partnerships in mutually beneficial activities,” he added. Esperon said Duterte’s planned visit to Moscow was mentioned during his visit to the guided missile cruiser Varyag. “(Russia) ambassador (to the Philippines Igor) Khovaev is here…When the president was about to come down, ‘Mr. President, we will see you in May for the trip to Moscow,’” he said. Duterte is scheduled to visit Russia on May 25 to strengthen the ties between Manila and Moscow. In November, Duterte and Russia President Vladimir Putin met on the sidelines of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meet in Lima, Peru to discuss ways to enhance the ties between their countries. Ship visit Duterte toured the Russian ship Varyag, which docked in Manila Thursday morning for a four-day port call. “It (ship visit) was in keeping with the invitation extended to the president to visit the ship. It is showing that their coming here is show of goodwill; the visit
A
Sandiganbayan to proceed with Junjun Binay’s trial
the ruling read, dated April 18. No warrant of arrest has been THE Sandiganbayan will pro- issued, however, since Binay alceed with graft and falsification ready posted bail. Listed as Binay’s co-accused cases against former Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin “Junjun” were former city budget officer Binay Jr. in connection with the Lorenza Amores, former city enalleged overpriced P2.3-billion Makati City Hall Building II. In a 65-page resolution penned by presiding Justice Amparo M. Cabotaje-Tang, the anti-graft court’s Third Division said it has found sufficient grounds to proceed with the trial against Binay and several other former city officials. “There is probable cause to Russian sailors of the missile cruiser Varyag stand next to the missile launch pad as the believe that the crimes of falsivessel arrives at the international port of Manila on April 20, 2017. AFP/Ted Aljibe fication and violation of Section of the president is also a show of Contingent. He was accompa- 3 (e) of Republic Act 3019 were nied by Esperon, acting Foreign committed and that the herein goodwill,” Esperon said. Upon his arrival at Pier 15, Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo accused are probably guilty the president was accorded ar- and senior Philippine military of- thereof; hence, they ought to be u PAGE A10 arrested and brought to trial,” rival honors by the Russian Navy
by aJPress
gineer Mario Badillo, former city legal officer Pio Kenneth Dasal, former city administrator Marjorie de Veyra, former city accountant Cecilio Lim III, former bids and awards committee (BAC)
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A APRIL 22-25, 2017 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
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OpiniOn
Features
‘Golden age of infrastructure’ A SUBWAY in Metro Manila. Other projects to improve mass transportation as well as sanitation, solid waste management, flood control, telecommunications – you name it. All in all, the government aims to build approximately P3.6 trillion worth of projects under the so-called TRIP, or three-year rolling infrastructure program from 2018 to 2020. TRIP was unveiled at a forum dubbed “Dutertenomics” the other day, coinciding with the opening of several infrastructure projects built by the private sector. The inadequacy of infrastructure in this country has been among the top complaints of investors. Administration officials have vowed that the Duterte presidency will be remembered as a “golden age of infrastructure.” As of last January, the government reported that 64 big-ticket infrastructure projects were either in the pipeline or being implemented. These included roads, railway projects and airport and seaport modernization. Each administration has had its own infrastructure program. But numerous projects in the past were derailed by corruption scandals, voluminous red tape, the lack of feasibility studies and counterpart funds as well as sheer official ineptitude. The country cannot guarantee the sanctity of con-
Guest Editorial
tracts, while corrupt judges derail projects by selling indefinite restraining orders. Regulators are also weak and susceptible to
bribes. The sad consequence is that the country has been left behind by many of its Asian neighbors in terms of quality of infrastructure. This in turn has affected development efforts, levels of foreign direct investment and job generation. While the country has registered sustained economic growth, which is considered the fastest in the region, the figures in real terms pale when compared to neighboring countries. Among the founding members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Filipinos trail in terms of income levels and purchasing power as well as many quality of life indicators. President Duterte has vowed to be harsh on the corrupt, and the nation is holding him to his
Philstar.com photo
promise. Most infrastructure projects get bogged down in red tape, with personnel at almost every stage from barangay offices to local governments and national agencies demanding grease money.
Contracts are scrapped or altered whimsically. If President Duterte can eliminate these problems, he might yet deliver on his promise of a golden age. (Philstar.com)
Spotlight on PMSNC’s Dr. Maria Araceli De Guzman and Joe De Guzman (Part 3 of 3)
“Out of the mating of Wakea (Sky Father) and Papa Honua (Earth Mother), came and continues to come everything in our cosmos, and that’s why we’re all related and why everything is conscious and communicating. That’s the basis for wellness—this constant interaction between all life forces. When there’s proper interaction, things are pono (balanced); there’s appropriate mana, special kind of power or energy maintaining this balance. These spiritual inter-relationships are primary. Proper thoughts and actions maintain this pono, harmony. If there’s misfortune, such as ill health, that means loss of pono with loss of mana. And therefore, diagnosis is a matter of finding out how this has come to be, and treatment is a matter of restoring pono, restoring mana. That’s the underlying basis for wellness, which is more than physical health versus sickness. A health practitioner is one who facilitates this process of maintaining and restoring pono and mana. —Kekuni Blaisdell, M.D. “STAT!” Dr. Maria Araceli De Guzman called. All must act immediately to save a life! Dr. De Guzman is a medical physician, an anesthesiologist, who has joined the Philippine Medical Society of Northern California (PMSNC)’s medical mission to Dumaguete, Philippines. It was her 15th medical mission while living in the U.S.
THE current deadly “game of chicken” Street being undertaken by the U.S., under Pres- Talk ident Donald Trump, and by North Korea, under its Supreme Leader, Kim Jongun, isn’t the first time GreG B. MacaBenta that the world has teetered on the brink of nuclear war. For 13 days, from October 16 to 28, 1962, U.S. President John F. Kennedy, and Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev, both came closer to pressing their respective nuclear buttons than at any other period in the Cold War. Reacting to the deployment by the U.S. of ballistic missiles in Italy and Turkey, which the Soviets considered a direct threat, the latter installed equivalent missiles in Fidel Castro’s Cuba. The response of the Kennedy government was a naval blockade, to stop Soviet ships from delivering more missiles. Khrushchev vowed to break the blockade. Both sides threatened swift and devastating retaliation. But in the background, they worked desperately to find a way to defuse the situation. Nobody wanted war. Eventually, Khrushchev blinked. The Soviet ships turned back and the missiles already in place in Cuba were dismantled. In return, the U.S. committed never to invade Cuba and also agreed to dismantle the missiles in Italy and Turkey. But the latter agreement, as a facesaver, was not made public and was accomplished at a later date. Is a similar face-saving arrangement possible in the current confrontation? The usual experts and kibitzers have been placing much weight on the personality profiles of the two leaders who are playing the deadly game of Let’sWage-World War III.
Manang Belen, a single 60year-old woman, was PMSNC’s Rhizomes first thyroid surgery patient in Dumaguete last January. Her thyroid gland had grown huge over the last few years, but without the resources to afford an operation, her gland grew Prosy aBarquezexponentially, according to Dr. Delacruz, J.D. De Guzman, who was monitoring the surgery. During the operation, her blood pressure was dropping. Though infused with volume expanders by Dr. Sheila Vaz to maintain her blood pressure, her hemoglobin was really low, at 3. (Normal is 12 to 15 grams per deciliter). “STAT,” Dr. De Guzman called out, for blood donors to come forward. There were no blood reserves available for Manang Belen, given that the Philippine Red Cross only exchanges blood supplies, after relatives are prequalified, and actually donate blood. The Red Cross has a policy of constraint here, “no blood from female donors.” So, Dr. Peter Bretan said, “Take mine now!” Without hesitation, others followed his lead, as Rey Mallari, Kevin Miller, Sean Lio, Jessy Madayag and Dan Dublin; all were tested for blood compatibility. The Red Cross did not release blood
supplies until the replacement is received. Dr. De Guzman had to use her own personal cash to test for three more guys and for them to donate. “There was no bloodletting, but Dr. Peter’s blood was used, as well as two units from the other patients,” she added. Her quick call and the team’s response surfaced blood donations to stabilize Manang Belen’s blood pressure and for an additional good measure, she became the first patient to use the newly finished hospital in Dumaguete for post-surgery recovery. It only had lights installed, and no medical equipment and hospital beds yet. PMSNC had to use their own medical equipment. No wonder this mission was described as with lots of heroics, displayed mercy and compassion that “even a 9-year-old child managed to rescue a two-month-old infant, who found the baby while playing with his friends in the cemetery in Dumaguete, and decided to take her home to his family, ” Dr. De Guzman said. Meeting Dr. De Guzman and husband, Joe De Guzman, Ph.D. It was a stormy evening in Daly City, California when I first met Dr. Maria Araceli De Guzman. Storms had destroyed part of Highway 1 going
to Big Sur and part of Highway 17 had collapsed. She was part of nearly three dozen medical professionals attending the PMSNC’s meeting wherein reports were shared that over 6,187 patients were served over a five-day period in January in Dumaguete, including 82 major surgeries for cleft palate, hernia, cataracts, and thyroid. The Asian Journal’s Northern California issue on Feb. 17-23 featured the PMSNC’s tremendous efforts, amidst sustained rains, flooding and inclement weather in Dumaguete. Wispy clouds greeted us the next day during our one-on-one interview with Dr. De Guzman and her husband, Joe De Guzman. By the corner bend, approaching their home, blooming pink and white sakuras lined the avenue, and one towered with yellow leaves. It made for an early spring feeling, perhaps, the harmony of pono to bring out the appropriate mana, the positive energy. As I walked into their home, a piano sat at the far end of the living room, where she usually plays her pieces. With glistening eyes, you sense she is at peace, happy with who she has become: a practicing anesthesiologist in Northern California, serving two hospitals at times, and living a life of meaning joining medical missions and a founding member of the Alameda Sister City Association. Of course, like any physician in the United
Defusing the threat of nuclear war
Donald Trump has been portrayed by a battery of psychiatrists and psychologists as a megalomaniac whose perception of right and wrong is influenced by a “malignant narcissism.” During the presidential campaign, Hillary Clinton portrayed Trump as too unstable to be trusted with the nuclear code. The recent firing of 59 missiles at Syria and the use of “the mother of all bombs” on an ISIS stronghold in Afghanistan have been used by critics as indicators of Trump’s “impulsiveness” and “recklessness.” Yet, a closer study of Trump’s actions, throughout his colorful career as a businessman, throughout the Republican primaries and the election campaign itself, and up to the recent failure of the Republicans and of Trump to repeal and replace Obamacare, may provide insights into the way the mind of Trump works. Trump is devious and will resort to anything — exaggerate, tell outright lies, withhold paying a poor building contractor, flip-flop on issues — to get what he wants. But he also knows when his bluff is being called and he will back off. This was apparent when the Republicans called off the vote on the House bill to repeal and replace Obamacare, in spite of what Trump had said, the day before, that the time for negotiating was over. The timing of the missile attack on Syria and the use of the super bomb on ISIS may have had to do with the state visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping. For the author of “The Art of the Deal,” the two military actions may have been a reminder to China that being friends with the U.S. is a more desirable option, than being an enemy.
But before the state visit, when President Xi Jinping refused to talk to Trump unless the latter walked back on his idea of discarding the One China policy of the U.S., Trump backed off. In other words, Trump is very deliberate and doesn’t mind flip-flopping on an issue or backing off on a threat; for instance, if he were unsure of dealing a stinging defeat on North Korea. The trouble is, Trump’s generals may be convinced — and may convince Trump — that there is no way that North Korea can win a nuclear war. In fact, from any perspective, North Korea would be dead meat. The U.S. could suffer some damage, but missile interceptors could limit that. South Korea could be pulverized and Japan could be devastated. Maybe even the Philippines. But Trump’s generals may consider that an acceptable price for getting rid of a pain in the ass. China could also suffer severe collateral damage, not to mention the flood of humanity that will rush over from North Korea to China. Small wonder that Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated that there will be no winners in a war between the US and North Korea. China will also lose. This brings us to the other side of the equation: Kim Jong-un. Grandson of Kim Il-sung (who presided over North Korea’s invasion of South Korea to trigger the Korean War in 1950), and the son of Kim Jong-il by a consort, Kim Jong-un has been portrayed by the Western media as a mentally imbalanced individual eager to fit into the big shoes of his father and grandfather and be equal to the family’s god-like image. Considering such a psychological profile, Korea watchers fear that Kim Jong-un is liable to plunge his country into a war even if its destruction is virtu-
ally assured. Surprisingly, the analysis (albeit remotely) of renowned psychologists depict him differently. They do not think he is a psychopath who will mindlessly cause the destruction of his country, but a dictator no different from others who have had to prove to their constituents that they deserve to be respected and feared, and who had to command respect from other countries. Ian Robertson, Ph. D, a renowned neuropsychologist, wrote: “North Korean Dictator Kim Jong-un is behaving rationally. The survival of his dictatorship depends on maintaining a sense of threat from the outside world, and empowering his impoverished people with images of military power… “He is not a psychopath – he made good friends while in school in Switzerland - and is quite intelligent, being good at mathematics although lazy in his studying, according to his closest friend at school, Portuguese diplomat’s son Joao Micaelo. He was the ‘fierce competitive’ star of his school basketball team and ‘hated to lose’….Kim Jong-Un is a world leader with enormous, albeit malign, influence. But he is little different from many other world leaders over the centuries.” Someone who has a positive view of Kim Jong-un is former basketball star, Dennis Rodman. According to Rodman, he first visited North Korea in early 2013 and made five more visits afterward. At the time of his first visit, the wellloved comedy-basketball wizards, Harlem Globetrotters, were playing in Pyongyang. Rodman and Kim Jong-un apparently hit it off very well because of the Korean’s fascination with basketball (he is a big fan of Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan). At 5’7” Kim Jong-un is relatively tall among Koreans (and much taller than his 5’3” father). While he may never
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make it to the NBA, he was considered pretty good in basketball while studying in Switzerland. Recalls Rodman, “When I walked into that stadium…I sat down, and this little guy walks in. The Harlem Globetrotters were playing and I was sitting on the bench, and he sits right beside me. Seriously, I didn’t know who this f-ker was! People were sitting there kissing his hand and crying and giving their babies to him. I couldn’t believe these people—men and women sitting there crying for 25 minutes—and this kid’s like yay tall! They had this little chant and all the people were on their knees bowing down to this guy. That’s what shocked me right there. I’ve been around—I’ve seen a lot of leaders—but not like that. That’s how I actually met Kim.” In other words, Kim Jong-un may not be the monster that the media have depicted him but someone who believes he must show braggadocio and belligerence to command respect from other countries, particularly those that he considers a threat. He may, in fact, not relish the idea of seeing his country obliterated from the face of the earth – and may just want a face-saving way to retreat from the brink. Anyone who can recall the first state visit of President Richard Nixon to China — considered a mortal enemy of the U.S. at the time — may remember that the door was opened through a pingpong match between the Chinese and the U.S. table tennis teams. Would anyone like to suggest sending the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers to Pyongyang for an exhibition match, with Kim Jong-un throwing the first jump ball? Maybe, just maybe, that could save the world. (gregmacabenta@hotmail. com)
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OpiniOn & Features
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • APRIL 22-25, 2017
Spotlight on PMSNC’s Dr. Maria‌ PAGE A8 t
States, she is well-to-do, but it is not her material wealth which is celebrated -- it is her spiritual abundance, derived from giving herself regularly to medical missions. She is married to Joe De Guzman, who obtained his bachelor of science in chemistry at UCLA, masters in arts and dance at SF State, masters in Kinesiology, and a Ph.D. in applied physiology at Columbia University and a postdoctorate in the biochemistry of muscle metabolism in UC The Philippine Medical Society of Northern California (PMSNC)’s medical mission to Laoag. Dr. Maria Araceli De Guzman is pictured second from the right. Photo courtesy of the PMSNC Berkeley. He works as an exercise physiologist, trainer, and over 7,107 islands, surrounded by oceans, with consultant in the fitness industry. He taught well- plenty of oysters that can be sources of iodine). ness classes as part of the medical mission. When thyroids are these big, it occupies the enHe described how the Filipino diet has excess salt tire neck, the trachea is displaced, and the patient (i.e. bagoong, patis), which can cause hypertension; cannot swallow, � Dr. De Guzman shared. the kakanin (rice cakes, pastillas, biko, suman) that While performing these medical missions, they has excessive sugar and our dishes that have exces- are not just giving medical services, but are also sive fat (like lechon). Yet, he laments that the Philip- mentoring local surgeons, “if we are not going to pines has the most nutritious fruits and vegetables do it, who will?“ is their simple logic. with plenty of antioxidants (cabbage, ampalaya, Simple yet, for the long–term, these medical sweet potato, malunggay and more) and those do professionals are setting examples of a sustained not need additional butter and fat. He stressed the life principle of giving and living, a life with balneed to drink coconut water, instead of Coke with ance and a heart at peace. nine teaspoons of added sugar. For five years now, “I love what I do, “ Dr. De Guzman said, “but he has joined the mission in General Santos, Cota- also, because it is the Christian principle of sharing bato; Oriental Mindoro; Tagbilaran, Bohol; San Car- my blessings. I feel like I am a real doctor [when los Pangasinan; and now, Dumaguete. on a mission]. I did not have any forms to fill out. I “I feel sorry for the people’s nutrition and lack of did not need a billing company to get income and good physical activity. We are designed to move. get 6% of what I earned and without any red tape. We must move. We are all [descended] from Africa And you are a human being at your finest, just and we are designed to do hard, physical work. thinking of just your patient who can’t give back There are enough good things in the Philippines anything at all to you.� to have a good life,“ he said. Pono and mana were reconciled again in both Laoag coordinator the patients and the caregiving medical profesDo you get a sense that rains precede God’s sionals. grace, from the intersection of humanity with their Footnote: This writer is grateful to Cynthia Bondivine nobility? ta, a noble selfless community leader in Alameda, “When God makes something clear, it comes who is our human GPS, for locating these noble with something big,� Fr. Marty Silva said in a hom- Filipino-Americans of PMSNC and their Ameriily on March 12. The humanitarian giving in Duma- can friends. PMSNC is celebrating their 45 year guete and Laoag matched the nobility of the hero- anniversary of excellence in medicine, service to ics displayed, that even the inclement weather or humanity and 30 years of medical missions to the man-made issues in transport could have stopped Philippines. Their gala is scheduled for April 22 at the mission, but did not. the San Francisco Marriott to support the purchase Dr. De Guzman narrated the challenges of mov- of medical and surgical supplies. ing a container van of medical supplies from TagPart I was on Acupuncture Insights of R. Antobilaran, Bohol, which sat for a year at a camp, nio Whiteley, published April 1. Part II is on The then, transported to a local city recipient of medi- Reform of Health Care Through Healthy Eating, cal services, which did not attend to the task until published April 8. Part III A was on the Philippine the first week of December and the city’s budget Medical Society of Northern California’s Medical was not approved until the second week of Dec. Mission in Dumaguete, published on April 15. Then, of course, the task of finding the shipping *** company who wanted advance payment only, and Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz, J.D. writes a weekly column for Asian that by mid-December, no one wants to work. Journal, called “Rhizomes.� She has been writing for AJ Press But, given an “overachieving liaison,� a descrip- for 9 years now. She contributes to Balikbayan Magazine. Her tor she adopted for herself, she was prevailed training and experiences are in science, food technology, law and upon by Naida Raugh, whom she said has a heart community volunteerism for 4 decades. She holds a B.S. degree of gold, to go to Laoag. In Laoag, the container van from the University of the Philippines, a law degree from Whittier had not arrived. How could they proceed then? College School of Law in California and a certificate on 21st Century Through quick mobilization, the surrounding Leadership from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. She has hospitals’ equipment was borrowed. been a participant in NVM Writing Workshops taught by Prof. Peter “By the time the van arrived, half of the work Bacho for 4 years and Prof. Russell Leong. She has travelled to France, had been done on cataracts, thyroids (as big as Holland, Belgium, Japan, Mexico and 22 national parks in the US, in golf balls, 6 inches by 6 inches in a country with pursuit of her love for arts.
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A10 APRIL 22-25, 2017 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
Dateline PHiliPPineS
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Duterte declines honorary degree from University of the Philippines by Dana
SioSon AJPress
PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday, April 19 said he will not accept the University of the Philippines’ (UP) offer to confer an honorary doctorate degree on him. During a press briefing in Bohol, Duterte said that it has been part of his personal policy to not accept recognitions. “I simply decline,” he told reporters, adding, “With due respect to the University of the Philippines, I do not accept even when I was mayor. As a matter of personal and official policy, I do not accept awards.” The UP Board of Regents HONORARY DEGREE. Vice President Leni Robredo receives the Doctor of Humanities Honoris Causa during the 70th Commencement (BOR), the university’s highest Exercises at the University of Saint Anthony at San Miguel, Iriga City, Camarines Sur on Wednesday, April 19, 2017. policy-making body, earlier said Photo from the Office of the Vice President it plans to offer the president a Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, as part of its tradition. But reports of the award ter-protest within the deadline make the required cash deposit. sparked outrage among Duterte’s by Jomar CanlaS ManilaTimes.net Marcos accused Robredo’s critics. Many expressed their set by this honorable tribunal, protestant Marcos is now con- camp of delaying the recount . frustrations through social meVICE PRESIDENT Maria Leonor strained to move for the immedi“The filing of [Robredo’s] man“Leni” Robredo’s counter-protest ate dismissal of the counter-pro- ifestation with urgent ex-parte is in danger of being junked by test in accordance with Rule 34 omnibus motion cannot excuse the Supreme Court because of of the 2010 Rules of the Presi- Robredo from the payment of the her failure to pay protest fees. dential Electoral Tribunal,” the required cash deposit since the PAGE A7 t This was the contention of for- motion stated. same is obviously dilatory,” the vice chair Gerardo San Gabriel, mer Senator Ferdinand “BongMarcos motion stated. ‘Delaying tactic’? former BAC secretariat head bong” Marcos Jr. who asked the “Robredo’s intention to fur- Manolito Uyaco, former BAC Robredo’s lawyer, Romulo court, sitting as the Presiden- Macalintal, said they filed a mo- ther delay the proceedings in technical working group head tial Electoral Tribunal (PET), on tion on Wednesday explaining a this case is evident from the Rodel Nayve. Monday to dismiss the counter- request for a clarification as to arguments raised in her latest Also named as respondents protest in connection with the the timing of the payment for the submission. Protestant Marcos of the resolution were former May 2016 vice-presidential race. counter-protest, “that it could be finds it quite ironic that Robredo Central Planning Management In a six-page omnibus motion, done if and when Mr. Marcos has would ask for the deferment of Office (CPMO) chief Line dela the former senator stressed that already established his case as the payment of her cash deposit Peña, former CPMO civil engihis election protest should be the protestant.” even though she had already ex- neer Connie Consulta, former only one allowed to proceed fol“We will wait for the PET to pressed her conformity and will- acting city administrator Eleno lowing his initial payment of the resolve the matter,” Macalintal ingness to pay the same in her Mendoza Jr., former city treaelection protest fee. said in a statement. “If the PET [manifestation],” it added. surer Nelia Barlis, and Hilmarc’s Robredo failed to comply with decides we should pay now, we Marcos, through his lawyer Construction Corp.’s representathe tribunal’s order last March will make the necessary pay- George Erwin Garcia, asked the tive Efren Canlas. 21 for payment of the first install- ment.” PET for the setting of the prelimTheir arraignment is schedment required of both parties. Rule 34 provides that “[i]f a inary conference on the protest, uled for May 18 at 1:30 p.m. The last day of payment was last party fails to make the cash de- as mandated by Rule 29 of the Monday. Only Marcos complied. posits or additional deposits PET Rules. “[T]he protestee/counter-prot- herein required within the preThe PET had ruled that the case estant (Robredo) did not pay the scribed time limit, the tribunal deposit for Marcos amounted to required initial installment of the may dismiss the protest or coun- P66,223,000, or P500 for each of PAGE A7 t ficials. cash deposit in the amount of ter-protest, or take such action as the 132,446 voting precincts. Duterte first went to the upper eight million pesos (P8 million) it may deem equitable under the In his protest, Marcos assailed by 17 April 2017, she opted in- circumstances.” the election results in 39,221 deck where the short-range antistead to file a manifestation with The Marcos camp quoted the clustered precincts. He wants a missile rocket system is located. urgent ex-parte omnibus motion cases of Perla Garcia, et al. vs the recount in 36,465 precincts, and He then proceeded to the mid-ship (1) for clarification; and (2) re- House of Representatives Elector- the annulment of results in the where the long-range anti-aircraft consideration of the resolution al Tribunal and Rep. Harry Ang- remaining 2,756. Based on Com- missile rocket system is placed. The president also went to the dated 21 March 2017. ping; and Bienvenido William D. mission on Elections data, the “In view of the failure on the LLoren vs Commission on Elec- 39,221 clustered precincts are bough, where the ship’s main part of the protestee/counter- tions and Rogelio Pua Jr., where composed of 132,446 precincts. weapon or the long distance antiprotestant to pay the first tranche the high court upheld the disMarcos lost to Robredo by only ship missile and anti-aircraft carrier are located. of the cash deposit for her coun- missal of the protests for failure to 263,473 votes. n
Marcos asks SC to dismiss Robredo’s counter protest
UP Administration to confer an honorary Doctor of Laws degree to Pres. Rodrigo Duterte,” it said. “We must not turn a blind eye to the deeds of the current regime by giving it such recognition.” Citing his controversial campaign against illegal drugs in particular, the UP Office of the Student Regent argued that Duterte does not deserve the honors and should instead be held accountable for the alleged summary killings. “Honors are not deserved by a president whose regime killed thousands of citizens and leaders of progressive groups under Oplan Tokhang and Oplan Kapayapaan,” the group’s statement stressed. President Rodrigo Duterte In 2011, then president Benigdia, using the viral hashtag no Aquino III accepted the same #DuterteNotWorthy. offer but was met with protests. In a Facebook post, the UP The university also offered Office of the Student Regent honorary degrees to former expressed its opposition to the Presidents Joseph Estrada and planned award. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo but like “The UP Office of the Student Duterte, they declined to accept Regent condemns the plan of the the recognitions. n
Sandiganbayan to proceed with… and five of the Makati City Hall Building II when he succeeded his father as Makati mayor. He is facing four counts of graft, six counts of falsification and one count of malversation. Meanwhile, his father, former Vice President Jejomar Binay Sr., who was the mayor of Makati during the first three phases of the project, was charged with nine counts of falsification of public documents or violation of Article 171 of the Revised Penal Code. Junjun Binay Binay Sr. is also facing four Last year, Binay was charged in counts of graft, and one count court by the Office of the Ombuds- of malversation or violation of man for graft and falsification of Article 217 of the Revised Penal public documents for phases four Code. n
Philippines, Russia forge defense… “The Russians are with me, I shall not be afraid,” the president while posing for a photo with Russian officials. Duterte also toured the ship museum and the Admiral’s room for the guest book signing. “He (Duterte) is impressed. This is an old ship. The president has not boarded so many ships so he took time to come here,” Esperon said. Esperon clarified that there
are no exercises scheduled between the Philippine and Russian navies. “When they go out of the port, it is customary for our naval ship to see them off. Probably in the vicinity of Corregidor,” the national security adviser said. In January, Duterte also toured the Russian large anti-submarine ship Admiral Tributs, which also anchored in the country for a goodwill visit. n
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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • APRIL 22-25, 2017
A11
A12 APRIL 22-25, 2017 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • ApRIL 22-25, 2017
SHOWBIZ&STYLE
B
Journal
Dave Baustista back as Drax in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2’ For Fil-Am actor Dave Bautista, returning to the Guardians fold in Marvel Studios’ “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2� was a chance to reprise a character he truly enjoys playing. “What I really love about Drax is he’s not what you’d expect from reading the comics,� Bautista said. “Everybody was expecting one thing, and we gave them another. It makes it more interesting. It’s easy just to be the big guy who’s always growling at people and intimidating people. We’ve seen it a million times. But when you get the same guy who looks the same way but just says the most ridiculous things that make you laugh, it makes him more interesting,� he added. Bautista said Drax’s character also got that side to him that’s just
all heart. “He’s still heartbroken over the loss of his family. And I love that dynamic, man. I love playing with that. It’s challenging. It makes it’s interesting. It makes the character loveable and it makes people connect to him,� he explained. In the movie, Drax develops a friendship with a new character, Mantis, played by Pom Klementieff. The opportunity to work with Chris Pratt again was a plus for Bautista. “on a personal level, I think everybody involved on this film will agree that we just love him,� Bautista said, adding that Chris is a good dude, kind-hearted person and there’s nothing superficial or pretentious about him. Working with director James
Gunn once again proves to be a positive experience for the actor. “It’s great because the writer is there and the director is there, all in one person,� Bautista said. “Drax is the vehicle for James Gunn’s twisted, witty sense of humor. I love when I’m shooting and delivering stuff that I can hear James off in the distance laughing because I know that it is what he wanted. That it is what he was expecting out of the dialogue that he wrote. That in itself makes me feel really good because I love giving him what he wants,� he said. Bautista is confident that audiences will connect to the film on a personal level. As he said, “The first film was more about people coming together for the greater good. And I think this film is more
Jake Ejercito brings daughter Ellie to Dad Erap’s 80th birthday bash by Ricky Lo Philstar.com
DAyS before the 80th birthday dinner of Pres./Mayor Joseph “Erapâ€? Estrada, there were reports that Jake Ejercito, the celebrator’s son with former actress Laarni Enriquez, was attending but‌would he, or could he, bring along his daughter Ellie with ex-girlfriend Andi Eigenmann? Would Andi give him the go-signal? you see, the child, a carbon copy of her mom, is the bone of contention between her feuding parents, with Jake filing a case for joint custody against Andi who has found a new love in a non-showbiz guy (said to be treating Ellie like his own daughter). So when Jake quietly walked into the Fiesta Pavilion of the Manila Hotel Wednesday night, April 19, with Ellie in tow, all eyes turned to them. Father and daughter proved to be such a beautiful couple, with Ellie dressed like a little princess. (on social media, Jake describes Ellie as “my princess.â€?) A middle-aged
Home from Singapore (where he’s graduating with a degree in marketing soon) purposely to attend his dad Pres./Mayor Joseph ‘Erap’ Estrada’s 80th birthday, Jake Ejercito came with daughter Ellie whom he describes as ‘my princess.’Â
woman, presumed to be Ellie’s nanny, was with them. Graduating from a university in Singapore this year with a degree
in Marketing, Jake came home purposely to attend his dad’s birthday. He arrived two days earlier and is going back to Singapore on Monday, April 24. “I’m here to enjoy my dad’s birthday party,� said Jake who politely refused to answer personal questions from a movie writer. “I’m not going to talk about anything personal. I just like to enjoy quality time with my daughter.� Contrary to speculation, Andi graciously allowed father and daughter to be together, which is precious time for Jake who takes a break from school only every now and then. He said that Ellie had been with him for a few days. “She slept over in my place,� added Jake. Although a bit shy, Ellie said she was excited to dedicate the song When you Wish Upon a Star to her Lolo Erap. “I rehearsed the song twice and then they recorded it,� said Ellie who is turning five years old in November.
about relationships with people. It is the story of a family. your family doesn’t always have to be blood family. They can be chosen family. So I think this is more of a relationship film, and everyone can relate to that.� Set to the backdrop of ‘Awesome Mixtape #2,’ Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 continues the team’s adventures as they traverse the outer reaches of the cosmos. The Guardians must fight to keep their newfound family together as they unravel the mysteries of Peter Quill’s true parentage. old foes become new allies and fan-favorite characters from the classic comics will come to our heroes’ aid as the For Fil-Am actor Dave Bautista (Spectre, upcoming Blade Runner 2049), returning to the Marvel cinematic universe contin- Guardians fold in Marvel Studios’ “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2� was a chance to reprise a character he truly enjoys playing. ues to expand. (Philstar.com)
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Features
B April 22-25, 2017 • lA WEEKEND ASiAN JOUrNAl
Anne Curtis in ‘Top 30 World’s Most Beautiful Women of 2017’ ACTrESS and TV host Anne Curtis has made it to a Hollywoodbased social magazine’s “Top 30 World’s most Beautiful Women of 2017.” Anne is the only Filipina who made it to Buzznet.com’s list, joining 29 other iconic women from various industries of politics, Hollywood, sports, and modeling, among others. The sole Filipina beauty ranked 26th in the roster, where Beyonce is at the top of the list. According to the social magazine Buzznet, more than seven million participated in the poll, which determined the Top 30 World’s most Beautiful of 2017. The list was released on march 10, 2017 but was only posted by
Actress and TV host Anne Curtis was named one of “Top 30 World’s Most Beautiful Women of 2017” by a Hollywood-based social magazine.
Anne on Wednesday, April 19. (Rosette Adel/Philstar.com)
A table for one Moonlighting by Mylah de
leon
THE operating room could be likened to a theater — cupboards held tanks of oxygen, refrigerators filled with bags of blood, and a table for one. Beside it lay steel cutlery of unimaginable versatility. While it is on this table where bodies are stroked or penetrated (for all the pageantry), no love is ever made. The operating table is nestled in a room never allowed to grow dark. It is always glaring with a grotesque brightness, a full moon when it illuminates the world with its whiteness. on the table, the surgeon performs operations, and if he were likened to a poet, wouldn’t the scars he made into countless bodies be like verses into which he poured his soul? The surgeon stands over that table of one — gowned, hooded and masked. In time the stillness settles in his heart, and as silence, dignity and calling envelopes him, the surgeon carves in order to create. What is the special congress into which a patient and the doctor enter? The patient senses are deadened, the surgeons sensibilities are restrained. The patient is blind, in complete offering, he patient yields and the surgeon takes his will.
Six years ago, I was the patient who was brought to the operating table in a stretcher, having been washed and purged and dressed in a white gown. Fluid drips from a bottle into your arm, diluting you, leaching your body of its personal brine. As I waited in the corridor, I heard from behind the closed doors the angry clang of steel upon steel, like some battle were being waged. There is the smell of antiseptic and ether, and masked men and women hurry down the hallways, in and out of rooms. I could hear the watery sound of strange machinery, the tiny beeping, transmitting my heartbeat. And all the while, the dreadful knowledge that you’ll soon be taken, lay beneath great lamps that will reveal the linings of your body. In the very act of lying down, I had made a declaration of surrender to my surgeon. I’d lie down gladly for sleep, or love and to give over one’s body and will for surgery. To lie down for it is a yielding of unbearable anxiety, more than we could bear. You are wheeled in and moved into that table for one, an injection is given and as the silence of anesthesia falls across my brain, I watched my soul drift away. Later in the recovery room, you awaken and graze through the thickness of drug, at world returning, at first dimly, then surely, that you have not died. Then the surgeon’s scalpel rests… and waits for his hands again.
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Pechanga celebrates midway point of $285-million resort expansion with topping out ceremony A mAjor milestone in the construction of the $285 million Pechanga resort & Casino expansion was reached today. Dozens of construction members, elected officials, dignitaries, Pechanga Tribal members and Pechanga Team members gathered to watch the topping out of the Tribe’s massive addition that will make their resort/casino the largest on the West Coast. The mammoth expansion is now more than halfway complete. This topping out included crews 14 stories up pouring the last 710 tons of concrete into the upper framing of the new hotel tower that will house 568 rooms and suites. A giant, concretefilled bucket the size of a midsize car was hoisted via crane to the top of the south hotel wing and its contents poured into the structure. A small, sacred oak tree also hitched a ride onto the
top of building with the bucket, and was placed atop the tower as a symbol of strength and perseverance. The ceremonial tree will be planted on the resort grounds at the expansion’s completion. “Countless people, as well as more than 2,500 construction trades workers, have labored tirelessly to keep construction on schedule allowing us to celebrate today. This is the very spot new and existing visitors to Temecula and Pechanga will have their first impressions of our new resort come December. on this important day, we can look confidently toward our Tribe’s and the Temecula Valley’s future,” said Edith Atwood, President of the Pechanga Development Corporation. The project put more than 2,500 regional construction tradesmen and women to work for the two-year build. materials
Pechanga Tribal Councils & Members
used in construction have been largely sourced from Southern California. Builders have poured 81,000 tons of concrete to erect the Pechanga resort expansion’s new hotel wing. more than 2,174 tons of reinforcing steel went into the structure, The base of the intersecting hotel towers is 70-feet wide and 13-feet deep with a large tunnel system allowing the more than 4,500 Pechanga Team members to move easily through the property for the most efficient guest service. The hotel structure ascends 13 stories on the south and nine stories on the north. When the entire expansion project is complete in December 2017, Pechanga resort & Casino will offer a full-scale destination Sacred oak tree lifting onto the top of building with the bucket, and was placed atop the experience to visitors coming tower as a symbol of strength and perseverance. from California and beyond. Snapshot of Pechanga When Expansion is Complete: * Casino Square Footage: 200,000 * Event/meeting/Convention square footage: 100,000 (indoor) 174,500 (outdoor) * Number of Hotel rooms: 1,090 * Number of restaurants: 13 * Number of Pools & Spas: 13 * Number of Employees: 4,560 * other Amenities: 2-level luxury Spa, Fitness Center, Championship 18-hole Golf Course, Concert Theater, NightTopping Out Ceremony and Press Conference with over 60 Medias in the General/Chinese/ life, Green roof Vietnamese/Korean/Filipino and Japanese markets (100+ media guests), construction The building was designed by members, elected officials, dignitaries, Pechanga Tribal members and Pechanga Executives Delawie architects, the original (total of 200 attendees).
designers of Pechanga resort & Casino when it was built in 2002. Lifescapes International is building the four-acre pool complex. Tutor Perini was selected as the expansion builder. CLEo Design is the lead for interior aesthetics. Pechanga Resort & Casino Pechanga resort & Casino offers one of the largest and most expansive resort/casino experiences anywhere in the United States. Voted the Number one casino in America by readers of USA ToDAY and rated a Four Diamond property by AAA since 2002, Pechanga resort & Casino provides an unparalleled getaway. offering more than 3,400 of the hottest slots, table games, world-class entertainment, 517 hotel rooms, dining, spa and championship golf at journey at Pechanga, Pechanga resort & Casino features a destination that meets and exceeds the needs of its guests and the community. Pechanga resort & Casino is owned and operated by the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians. For more information, call toll free 1-888-PECHANGA or visit www.Pechanga.com. Follow Pechanga resort & Casino on Facebook <http://www. facebook.com/pechanga> and on Twitter @PechangaCasino <http://twitter.com/pechangacasino>. Pechanga resort & Casino is open 24-hours. Guests must be 21 and older to enter the casino. (Advertising Supplement)
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Features
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • ApRIL 22-25, 2017
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House with view of high-rise building to enhance business & academic energy By Sean
Shono
FAR AWAY, a building looks like a pen. It is considered as the symbol of “good writing skill,” as it enhances the power of concentration, creativity and wisdom. It is said that the same effect can be expected by placing a “Feng Shui nine-storey tower” on the left side of your desk. Moreover, a stronger effect can be seen by setting a purified and high quality crystal ball on the right side of the desk. It is said that it will cause you blood or heart troubles, when the tall building is too tall, giving you an oppressive feeling of being too close. *** *All of our items have been puriFeng Shui master Sean Shono owns Dragon fied by authentic process of Feng God, a Feng Shui store in Gardena, California. He Shui way. is the U.S. Chief of the International Feng Shui
Association. For more information, please call Sean Shono at (310) 787-1891. Dragon God is located at 1580 W. Artesia SQ. Suite A, Gardena, CA 90248.
Richard and Lucy Gomez: PH cinema’s most beautiful couple By Monet
Lu
I MeT Richard Gomez, also known as Goma, when he first came to Los Angeles more than 20 years ago. He was an excited, young up and coming actor. His manager, the late Douglas Quiano — an amazing mentor to Joey Marquez and other big stars — was well loved and respected by his peers. Douglas gave Richard an opportunity to visit Hollywood and other tourist places. All of his United States trips have proven to be memorable for him. During his first trip here, I took Goma to different landmarks like Universal Studios and Hard Rock Café, as well as bringing him to movies and dinner. Since then, we have formed a friendship, not just because I admire his work but also of his sincerity as a person. When I came to Manila he treated me to a dinner and introduced me to his wife Lucy. Although we don’t see each other often, our friendship has continued to flourish. every time he is in the area, we make sure to reconnect. What is most memorable to me is his appearances in the yearly Reflection shows back in the 90s.
AFTER 13 YEARS OF WAITING FOR THE FAMILY TO BE REUNITED, THE U.S. EMBASSY STILL DENIED THE RELEASE OF THEIR VISAS. MISERY AND REDEMPTION ON AN ENCORE EPISODE OF “CITIZEN PINOY!” Tatay Lando (2nd from right) went to the U.S. to provide a better life for his family. After 13 years, the petition became current in 2016. However, when his son, Allan (left), and his grandson, Chean (2nd from right) went to the U.S. Embassy for their interview, some doubtful details came up in Allan’s paperwork that caused the Embassy to deny their visas. Father and son left the Embassy heartbroken and traumatized over the incident. Immediately, Tatay Lando sought the help of leading U.S. immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel. Watch how hope was renewed, and a family was happily reunited after many, many years on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” – on Sunday at 6:15 p.m. (PST) on TFC.
The Global Kababayan
Programming for Kababayan Today, April 24-28, 2017
Monday, April 24 - Filmmakers who are part of the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival join us to talk about their film called “I Won’t Miss You.” Tuesday, April 25 - The Filipino Cultural School shares details on their Talent Night called “Sari Sari.” Wednesday, April 26 - The Asian Journal shares the latest headlines relevant to the Fil-Am community. Filmmaker Marie Jamora, who
is also a part of the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival, joins us to talk about her film” Flip The Record.” Thursday, April 27 - Filmmaker Patrick Green and Steve Tirona, who are part of the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival join us to talk about their film “TAG.” Discover Bronzeville Little Tokyo, a presentation of original multi-media work inspired by an overlooked moment in history known as Bronzeville. For a brief period in the 40s when Japanese and Japanese-Americans were interned during WWII and African-Americans moved into Little
Giselle “G” Töngi is the host and producer of Kababayan Today, a daily talk show that features relevant topics for Filipinos living in America. Her aim is to bridge not only the cultural gap between America & the Philippines but to help with the generational gap between our own people. She is married with two children and is based in Southern California and makes frequent trips in the Pacific Rim to Hawaii and Manila to feature fellow kababayans who are empowering the FilAm community.
He had always dreamed of having a career in show business, which was expected for the son of 1960s star Stella Suarez. He is blessed with good looks, the epitome of tall, dark, and Lucy Torres and Richard Gomez handsome. Up to now, he has He is always the life of the party wanted to reunite with his father maintained the title of “Philippines with his down-to-earth and makulit, and mother, who were separated. Brown Adonis.” I used to pick him up at Temple yet very professional personality. Richard has received a lot of I have witnessed his growth from Street in Los Angeles where Histor- awards for his acting in unforgeta young, aspiring actor to one with ic Filipinotown is located because table, blockbuster-breaking movies. that’s where he was staying with Love will always find its way to your an established career. Richard came from a single-par- his father. true partner. In this case, Richard’s He began as a humble worker true love is Lucy Torres. They met ent household, causing him to be left in the care of is grandmother. at McDonald’s until his modeling during a commercial shoot for Lux When he came to Los Angeles, he career set off. shampoo and sparks flew right
away. Lucy admits having been a fan of Richard. In her simple, yet beautiful ways, she was able to win over Richard. In 1998, the couple married at Saint Peter and Paul Church in Ormoc. Their wedding was so grand that it had three receptions and was televised. Lucy claims to be lucky that she got to marry her “one great love.” Together the couple has one daughter, Julianna, who really resembles her father but has the character of Lucy. Lucy is now Ormoc City con-
gresswoman, a public servant and a community leader. And now Richard is the mayor of Ormoc and is doing a great job with his advocacy for the people of Ormoc. Lucy knows how to balance the glamorous commercial endorser, fashion icon, host, wife and most of all, a mother. They say that they owe their longlasting relationship to “work[ing] at it every day” and communication so that they can “head towards the same direction.” and putting God in the center of their relationship. The couple surprised us by atPAGE B4
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Tokyo, this area was known as Bronzeville. Friday, April 28 - More filmmakers join us to talk about their projects for the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival. ***
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Features
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Gary V opens his 2017 international tour in North America Kiana Valenciano & Sam Concepcion join Gary V 2017 US Tour
FRESH from the commercial and critical success of his twonight benefit Valentine concert, Love In Motion at Shangri-La at The Fort, Gary Valenciano gears up for the very first leg of his 2017 international tour, which is set to happen in North America beginning this May. Gary’s 2017 international tour is in line with his 34th anniversary in the business as one of the most successful and prolific singersongwriters in the Philippine music industry. The North American tour of Gary kicks off on
May 27 at M Resort Spa Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada with online star and Philippine recording artist Katrina Velarde as his special guest. Gary will then perform at Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula on June 3 with special guests singer-songwriter, Philippine fashion icon, and it-girl Kiana Valenciano and Katrina Velarde. The tour will culminate on June 10 at Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Pasadena, LA County with guests Kiana Valenciano, Katrina Velarde, and popular singer-actor Sam Concepcion. For the past 34 years, Gary has been a shining beacon of hope as he has released some of the most inspiring songs and videos and has been the National Ambassador of UNICEF for 18 years now. He has produced some of the best concerts and an impressive array of multi-platinum albums that gave the world hits that have become the soundtrack of an entire generation of music aficionados making him one of the most powerful and influential performers in the history of the Philippine entertainment industry. Gary has also consistently filled major venues not only in the Philippines but the world over as well. With an impressive 3.3 million followers on Twitter, 664,000 on Facebook and 234,000 on Instagram he is
slowly penetrating the millennial generation through the content he continues to create. Gary never fails to receive well-deserved standing ovations for his concerts as he constantly stuns his fans with his amazing dancing skills and vocal gymnastics which have proven that he indeed is a living miracle despite 39 years of having Type 1 diabetes. In the Philippines, Gary is seen regularly on ABS-CBN as one of the flagship artists of its longest running Sunday musical variety show” ASAP.” Gary has also concluded his stint as one of the jurors of the top-rating international franchise Your Face Sounds Familiar Kids. He was likewise a judge in the “X Factor Philippines” and a host of “Twist and Shout.” His recent compilation albums “Gaya Ng Dati” which gathered his top Tagalog hits and Gold a collection of 50 of his English recordings both released by Universal Records are favorites of music buyers. GV @ Primetime released by Star Music is a sampling of the greatest theme songs that he recorded for some of ABSCBN’s phenomenally successful primetime soap operas including his rendition of the theme song of smash hit soap opera, Ang Probinsiyano – “Wag Ka Nang Umiyak,” which spawned video memes that went viral online. The songs are available on iTunes, Spotify, Amazon, and other online stores. With Mon Faustino as musical director, fans could look forward to an amazing show that is jampacked with Gary’s greatest hits and special surprises that will surely ignite excitement that only Mr. Pure Energy could deliver. The North American tour of Gary will be followed by a series of provincial shows in key cities in the Philippines, in Asia, and a second North American tour in the United States and Canada. Gary will also have a special show in Viridian Event Center in Utah on June 12. For more information check wee.garv. com and like Gary Valenciano Official on Facebook and follow @GaryValenciano1 on Twitter and @garyvalenciano on Instagram. (Advertising Supplement)
KIANA Valenciano and Sam Concepcion are set to appear as Gary Valenciano’s special guests in his upcoming 2017 US Tour beginning this May. Kiana is set to perform with Gary on June 3 at Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula with Katrina Velarde and once again in the culminating leg of Gary’s 2017 US Tour, this time with Sam Concepcion and Katrina Velarde at Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Pasadena, LA County on June 10. Kiana Valenciano is currently soaring with 149,000 Instagram followers, and a string of brands she has been made an ambassador of such as Australian cosmetic brand BYS Philippines, Adidas, Fuji Films, SM Parisian Bags and Shoes. This popular digital influencer recently released two hit singles – “Circles” and “Does She Know.” As soon as she opened her eyes, Kiana was destined to make ripples in the music industry – the same field that was instrumental in building the legacy of her parents. With a clan of artists behind her there is no way Kiana could escape her destiny as a musical artist. Both of her grandmothers are singers. Her mother used to sing in the band Music and Magic in the early 80s. Her brothers Paolo and Gab have also made their individual marks in the entertainment industry and it is just natural for Kiana to follow suit. In fact, she started in the field of recording at the age of six and was rewarded for her effort with the Awit Award’s Best Christmas Recording and Best Child Recording Artist Awards for the song “Once Again It’s Christmas,” a composition of Gary V, who also performed the song with her. This was the beginning of the evolution of a talent that was preserved and now is ready to be unleashed. As she entered her teens, she was able to further showcase her innate talent on TV shows like “The X Factor Philippines,” “Showtime,” and “ASAP.” She was also able to share the limelight with Maestro Ryan Cayabyab and the San Miguel Philharmonic Orchestra. She was chosen in 2014 as 89.9 Magic’s Most Promising Female Artist. She took a few months off in 2015 to take some special courses in Fashion Design at the prestigious art school, Central Saint Martins in London. The blogosphere also became her platform as she was chosen as Candy Magazine’s Reader’s Choice as Favorite Blogger for 2015 with her www.kianavee. com platform. Her journey in the field of music reached greater
heights when she bagged the Most Promising New Female Singer of Magic 89.9 for the song “With You,” a duet with her dad which he wrote for her older brother Paolo’s wedding and which was the title of the best inspirational album for the Catholic Mass Media Awards last year. In 2015, she bagged the Awit Award’s Best New Female Recording Artist trophy for “Dear Heart,” a finalist in the 2014 Philpop Songwriting competition. Sam on the other hand, is a popular singer, dancer, actor, VJ, and host. In the span of his spectacular 15-year career, he has come out with five successful studio albums, and he was featured in several soundtracks including the Asian soundtrack of the international blockbuster animated flick “Kung Fu Panda.” His duet with Tippy Dossantos “Dati” has generated a staggering 40 million views on YouTube. Sam has also appeared on some of ABS-CBN toprating shows such as “ASAP,” “Maalala Mo Kaya,” “Your Face Sounds Familiar” season 2, and the hit drama series “You’re My Home.” In movies, he headlined such blockbuster hits such as “Cinco” and “Way Back Home” under Star Cinema as well as the cult classic “I Do Bidoo Bidoo: Heto nAPO Sila.” Gary’s 2017 international tour is in line with his 34th anniversary in the business as one of the most successful and prolific singer-songwriters in the Philippine music industry. With Mon Faustino as musical director, fans could look forward to an amazing show that will be jam-packed with Gary’s greatest hits and a bunch of special surprises that will surely ignite excitement that only Mr. Pure Energy could deliver. The North American tour of Gary will be followed by a series of provincial shows in key cities in the Philippines, in Asia, and a second North American tour in the United States and Canada. Gary will also have a special show in Viridian Event Center in Utah on June 12. For more information check his website www. garyv.com and like Gary Valenciano Official on Facebook and follow @GaryValenciano1 on Twitter, and follow @ garyvalenciano on Instgaram; follow @kianavee on Twitter and Instagram, and like Kiana Valenciano Official on Facebook; and follow @sam_concepcion on Twitter and Instagram and like Sam Concepcion Official on Facebook.
(Advertising Supplement)
LEELIN VIP SWEEPSTAKES WINNER. Ely Tacata of Santa Clarita, grand prize winner of Leelin Bakery and Café’s VIP Rewards Sweepstakes, recently visited the company’s manufacturing facility and corporate office in Santa Fe Springs, California. On hand to welcome him and his family was Menard Leelin, president of Goodness Corporation of California which is the manufacturing arm of the Leelin family business. The Tacata family was given a plant tour and treated to various bakery products being produced fresh at the facility before being delivered immediately to the Leelin retail outlets. As the grand prize winner, Tacata won two round trip tickets to the Philippines plus a Kulinarya Tour courtesy of Director Richmond Jimenez of the Philippine Department of Tourism in Los Angeles. Photo shows Menard Leelin at extreme right with the Tacata family, from left: Gina Chico Tacata, Gian, Ely and Elgin.
Sharon Cuneta’s advice to the next Darna By Maridol
ranoa-BisMark Philstar.com
SOME netizens say it is time to retire Darna, the super heroine who flew her way to Filipino moviegoers’ hearts for decades. Sharon Cuneta disagrees. “The Voice Teens” coach is all for reviving the iconic character and passing her legacy to the next generation. Sharon Cuneta has had her fill of playing Darna as a curvy 20-year-old who had a cameo as the super heroine back in 1986’s “Captain Barbel” (Viva Films). Now, it is time to look for the next young one who can play the taxing role and look smashing in the body-hugging costume with a revealing cleavage and a thick belt around her waist. “Darna is such a strong, strong brand. It’s a wonderful franchise with a sentimental value to us
action scenes are taxing. Sharon thinks all the would-be Darnas on the list (Liza Soberano, Nadine Lustre, Jessy Mendiola and Pia Wurtzbach, among others) are fit for the role. And she will be happy for the next person chosen for the role. Sharon takes her hat off to Angel Locsin, who played Darna on TV in 2005. “She’s tough but feminine. She’s also curvaceous.” But Angel cannot reprise the role anymore because of damage in her spine. It’s time the role is passed on to the new generation. Sharon offers this piece of advice to whoever gets the prized Sharon Cuneta role. “Darna is a responsibility. Pinoys. If they (the Americans have Wonder Woman), we have Take it seriously. Huwag kang umarte sa shooting (Don’t be a our Darna,” she said. Not everyone can play Darna, diva during shooting). Mahiya ka of course. Sharon thinks it is only kay Darna (Be ashamed before for the physically fit, because the Darna).”
Richard and Lucy Gomez...
PAGE B3 tending our Christmas party that was held at my apartment in LA. Very down to earth indeed, I was so touched by that wonderful gesture of friendship. Richard and Lucy Torres Gomez are the epitome of a beautiful couple, both inside
Monet Salon salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is and out. known as an all-around artiste who produces I wish you all the best, Goma. sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as I know that your many fans and unforgettable marketing campaigns. Monet is supporters will be with you kahit sa also the founder of the revolutionary all-natural dulo ng “walang hanggan.” beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution *** to discoloration . To contact Monet, please Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, award-winning visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of monetsalon@aol.com
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COMMUNITY
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • APRIL 22-25, 2017
Journal
Spouses of certain H-1B visa holders at risk of losing work authorization
Your Immigration Solution Brittany Milliasseau and nancy Miller DURING the Obama administration, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) enacted a rule that allows the spouses of certain H-1B specialty occupation workers to apply for employment authorization documents (EADs). Prior to the enactment of the rule, the H-4 spouse of an H-1B visa holder could live in the United States, but was not authorized to work. Thus, numerous highly-skilled and advanced degree individuals, who chose to accompany their spouses to the U.S. were unable to pursue employment opportunities in the U.S. The H-4 EAD rule which went into effect in May 2015, changed the longstanding regulation and allowed H-4 nonimmigrant spouses of H-1B workers to apply for work authorization if their H-1B spouse is in process of becoming a lawful permanent resident. Specifically, the H-1B holder must be the beneficiary of an approved Form I-140, Immigration Petition for Alien Worker, or have been granted H-1B status pursuant to certain sections of the American Competitiveness in the Twenty-first Century Act of 2000, as amended by the 21st Century Department of Justice Appropriations Authorization Act, often referred to as “AC21.” The H-4 EAD rule was initially aimed at reducing “personal and economic burdens faced by H-1B nonimmigrants and eligible H-4 dependent spouses during the transition from nonimmigrant to LPR status,” as well as “attracting and retaining highly skilled foreign workers and minimizing the disruption to U.S. businesses resulting from H-1B nonimmigrants who choose not to remain in the United States and pursue LPR status.” While the H-4 EAD program has provided a much-needed pathway for H-4 visa holders to
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earn an income, it has also been challenged by certain groups claiming that the rule threatens the jobs of U.S. workers. Shortly after the H-4 EAD rule was announced, an organization of technology workers filed a lawsuit against the federal government arguing that DHS lacked the statutory authority to allow H-4 visa holders to work in the U.S. Further, the plaintiffs argued that the new rule injured its members as they would be forced to compete with both H1B and H-4 workers for jobs. The case was initially dismissed but plaintiffs appealed the ruling. In February 2017, DHS was
could be in economic jeopardy. Families may lose a household income and financial situations could be dramatically changed resulting in economic hardship for many, especially families that have become accustomed to dual family incomes. As of right now, there have been no changes to the H-4 EAD rule, but there is a possibility that DHS could amend the existing rule, publish a new rule, or even terminate the rule. The challenge to the H-4 EAD rule is a stark reminder of the uncertainty that is present in the immigration system – uncertainty that has recently been heightened due to the new presidential administration. If you believe that you may be eligible for work authorization under the H-4 EAD program, it is best that you speak with an experienced immigration attorney to discuss eligibilgranted an additional 60 days ity. Additionally, if you think that to assess the rule and “allow you may be eligible for another incoming leadership personnel type of immigration benefit, you adequate time to consider the is- should consult with a knowlsues.” Earlier this week, after the edgeable immigration attorney 60-day abeyance which ended who may review your immigraon April 3, DHS then asked the tion case history and determine Circuit Court for additional time. whether you are currently eligiThis time, the request for was an ble for any immigration benefits, additional 180 days to allow DHS particularly a benefit that may no time to “reconsider the H-4 Rule longer be available in the near and whether issuance of a notice future. of proposed rulemaking relating *** to it is appropriate.” In its filing, Reeves Miller Zhang & Diza is one of the oldest, DHS also offered to “update the largest and most experienced immigration court every 60 days concerning firms in the United States with offices in Los the Department’s review” and Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas and Manila. to “inform the Court promptly For more Information please call (800) 795should it determine new rule- 8009 or visit www.rreeves.com. making is or is not appropriate Telephone: (800) 795-8009 before 180 days elapse.” E-mail: immigration@rreeves.com Many H-4 spouses and their Website: www.rreeves.com. family members are now con*** cerned about the future of their The analysis and suggestions offered in work authorization and their this column do not create a lawyer-client ability to earn an income. If the relationship and are not a substitute for current administration revokes the personalized representation that is employment authorization for essential to every case. H-4 spouses, numerous families (Advertising Supplement)
Many H-4 spouses and their family members are now concerned about the future of their work authorization and their ability to earn an income.
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Minding Your Finances Atty. RAymond BulAon LIFE just happens. Sometimes even the best laid plans can go wrong. How do you respond when this happens to you? Do you easily give up when you’re overwhelmed? Remaining calm can be difficult when things are chaotic so the usual reaction is panic. As a bankruptcy attorney, I often see this when people are facing a financial crisis. But let me tell you that even the worst problems rarely mean that it’s the end of the world. What may seem like a dead end may actually turn out to be a new path for a better life. Recently, a middle-aged couple came to my office for bankruptcy help. A few years ago, they decided to invest in a few rental properties. With no prior real estate investing experience, they purchased three properties with “zero down” hoping to make some money “flipping” homes. Each property had a 2nd mortgage for more than $75,000. The plan was a complete fiasco from the beginning. They
Immigration Corner Atty. BRiAn leRneR QUESTION: I have a roommate who left an abusive relationship. She actually filed a temporary restraining order (TRO) against this person. Court was yesterday. She went to court to testify in front of the judge so that he would rule in her favor and her abuser would not come within 100 yards from her and hurt her again. She won the TRO, but when she was leaving the courthouse, she was apprehended by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). She is now in detention. Can ICE do this? Answer: Yes, if the person they apprehend is inside the U.S. and here illegally, they can be apprehended. It is unfortunate and chilling that ICE has decided to do this for people at court and those coming out of court. What message will this send? It will
Community Journal
Bankruptcy: Because life doesn’t always go as planned immediately found out after purchasing that they couldn’t even rent the houses for enough money to cover the mortgage payments, property taxes and HOA fees. They also haven’t been lucky in keeping good tenants so at different times over the last few years, some of the properties were vacant for months at a time. Every time cash was short, they would take money out of their 401K plans and use their credit cards. Three years later, after deciding to engage in real estate investing with the good intentions of building a comfortable nest egg for themselves, this couple instead found themselves financially drained and with all 3 properties in foreclosure. The 2nd mortgage holders on the 3 foreclosed properties are attempting to collect on the now unsecured promissory notes and one of them has already filed suit. To top it all off, they are also now buried in more than $120,000 of credit card debt. After going over their legal options with me, they decided to seek bankruptcy protection. They realized that that it was pointless to continue
stressing over a problem that is beyond their financial capacity to handle and blaming themselves for past mistakes. If you are currently facing a financial crisis, it may be tempting to just throw in the towel and give up all hope for a better financial future. But let me tell you that instead of getting frustrated and angry about things that you cannot control or change, your energy will be better spent focusing on finding a solution. Stop analyzing everything that happened and quit being too hard on yourself. In life, things will not always go your way but keep your head up and focus on putting the pieces of the puzzle back together. For a free consultation, call Toll-Free 1-866-477-7772. We have offices in Glendale, Cerritos and Valencia. *** 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)
ICE coming to courts: What can you do? send the message that people who are illegal and who are victims of crime should not go and get justice against those persons who committed the crime on them. In this exact case upon which you have asked the question, she probably would have kept taking the abuse from the person committing domestic violence on her and she would have lived in fear every day that he is around the corner and will abuse her more. It also emboldens the accuser and the perpetrator. They will know the fear that the person who is not here legally has and will use that against them. They will commit their crimes on the victims and then tell them if they are reported to the police that ICE will be called and they will be deported. ICE’s decision to do this is deplorable. They have no sense of how this will affect victims. You can already see statistics.
People here illegally are reporting fewer crimes. This is not because there are fewer crimes, but because they are afraid of the police and ICE and of being deported. In fact, there are probably more crimes actually being committed. Question: My friend said that ICE wanted to force her to sign her deportation papers. She felt compelled to do this. However, she luckily read something that she has a right not to sign. What can be done? Answer: You are correct. She did the right thing by not signing. Now, she will have an opportunity to fight her case in immigration court. She might qualify for the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), the U Visa, the T Visa, or possibly the S Visa. There are other avenues as well. Question: Could she have resisted the ICE official?
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Tax Tips VictoR Sy, cPA, mBA
Estate Tax: AMERICANS pay taxes throughout their lives, then pay again after death. This is wrong. The death tax itself should be terminated. Yes, there are two things we can’t avoid – death and taxes. But it should not mean that taxes paid during our lives resurrect to haunt us again… after death. Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT): This is a terrible second set of tax traps to get you if you don’t pay enough income tax. We pay enough tax, some more than enough; yet, some of us have to pay an additional alternative tax after paying income tax. This AMT was designed to target millionaires who were not paying their fair share. But over decades, it has snared common taxpayers like you and me. It’s the cancer of the tax code. This has to go. Corporate Taxes: Our corporate tax rates are the highest in the developed world. Highest. This is why U.S. companies leave our shores. This is why they keep their income abroad.
Barrister’s Corner Atty. Kenneth uRSuA ReyeS FOR most people, being served with divorce papers by your spouse is probably one of the biggest surprises in your life. The spouse in the receiving end of the divorce sometimes are not offered any explanation for the divorce petition by their spouse. You may start getting upset about how this can happen to you and start doing things that are going to be seriously detrimental to your divorce case later on in the proceeding. Here are seven things you should not do. Do not confront your spouse and commit domestic violence Many spouse feel very angry and upset upon receiving the divorce papers. You may start blaming your spouse and attacking your spouse. You may even yell, threaten, scream, or even physically assault your spouse. This
Why we need President Trump to overhaul our tax code This is why U.S. multinationals stash their cash overseas. As a result, we miss out on investment opportunities that could grow our economy and create jobs here in the good old USA. President Trump has to bring jobs back. Foreign Bank Accounts: Some foreign banks refuse to open bank accounts for Americans because of complicated U.S. tax laws. Foreign bank reporting is cumbersome and may not be worth dealing with especially for relatively small deposits. U.S. tax laws are just too complex to deal with. This is why some expats renounce their U.S. citizenships. Earned Income Credit (EIC): Do you have friends or relatives who cannot receive refunds because hackers and thieves have already filed their tax returns and stolen their earned income credits by using their name and social security numbers? This credit is plagued by fraud. It’s estimated that about 30 percent of all payments is fraudulent. Terrible. Tax-Exempt Organizations: While most charities do their jobs to help the afflicted, the poor, and the sick, some charities give so little to their causes. Some organizations collect bil-
lions of dollars; yet almost none go toward missing children, wounded veterans, or cancer patients. For example, the Cancer Fund of America spent less than 1 percent of donations on charitable activities. It paid $5 million to its founder’s family and spent $80 million on hired fundraisers, but gave only $890,000 to cancer patients. There are plenty of good charities, of course, but the rules need reform. One also wonders why the National Football League (NFL) pays multi-million dollar salaries to athletes but is classified as tax exempt. There’s a need for sweeping changes. President Trump has to overhaul our complicated tax laws. *** Victor Santos Sy graduated Cum Laude from UE with a BBA and from Indiana State University with an MBA. Vic worked with SyCip, Gorres, Velayo (SGV - Andersen Consulting) and Ernst & Young before establishing Sy Accountancy Corporation in Pasadena, California. *** He has 50 years of experience in defending taxpayers audited by the IRS, FTB, EDD, BOE and other governmental agencies. He is publishing a book on his expertise - “HOW TO AVOID OR SURVIVE IRS AUDITS.” Our readers may inquire about the book or email tax questions at vicsy@live.com. (Advertising Supplement)
Seven things you should not do when served with divorce papers by your spouse type of confrontation is called “domestic violence.” You may be arrested criminally if your spouse calls law enforcement. Your spouse may also file a domestic violence restraining order against you. Either one would compromise your ability to seek custody of your children, child support, and spousal support. It would also affect your credibility as a witness for future proceedings. In addition if you do this in front of the children, this may be looked at as domestic violence and abuse against the children. The incident may be reported to Child Protective Services for investigation. Do not run to the bank and empty out all your bank accounts or sell assets except for funds necessary retain legal representation in the divorce. If you have assets, do not run and empty out your bank accounts
with the goal of securing it from your spouse. The divorce petition and summons includes certain automatic temporary restraining orders (ATROS) which prohibits transferring and encumbering assets. You will be in violation of the ATROS if you do this. Your spouse may also make a claim for breach of fiduciary duty against you. However there are certain exceptions to withdrawing funds such as funds necessary for your living expenses and funds you need to retain an attorney. Do not cut off your spouse from any insurance policies One of the ATROS prohibits you from removing your spouse from health insurance coverage and other insurance policy. It would be a violation of ATROS to do so. You need to maintain your spouse on all existing insur-
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Community Journal
The O’Reilly Factor: Sexual harassment allegations at Fox News Currently, Andrea Tantaros, ON April 1, 2017, The New the former on-air personalYork Times reported that Bill Protecting ity who sued the network and O’Reilly, his employer Fox Mr. Ailes, claimed that O’Reilly News and its parent company Employee had asked “her to come to stay 21st Century Fox, paid out a to- & Consumer with him on Long Island where tal of about $13 million to five it would be ‘very private,’” and women from 2002 until 2016. Rights told her “on more than one ocFour of the women had comAtty. C. Joe SAyAS, Jr. casion that he could ‘see [her] plained about being sexually as a wild girl.’” harassed by Mr. O’Reilly while Wendy Walsh, a former guest on O’Reilly’s working with him on his show, The O’Reilly Factor at Fox News. The individual payouts were show, stated that O’Reilly invited her to dinner at in exchange for the women to drop their com- the Hotel Bel Air in Los Angeles, and they talked plaints and not sue O’Reilly or his employer in of her working as a paid contributor at the netcourt. In their report, The New York Times de- work. When she refused his invitation to his hotel suite, O’Reilly allegedly “became hostile” to tailed the women’s allegations: In 2002, O’Reilly stormed into the newsroom her. She was later told that she would no longer and screamed inappropriate words at a pro- appear on O’Reilly’s show. She never became a ducer, Rachel Witlieb Bernstein. Bernstein, left paid contributor at Fox News. In each complaint against him, O’Reilly dethe network with an undisclosed amount of payout and a confidentiality agreement. The case nied wrongdoing. But on April 19, 2017, Fox involved inappropriate behavior but not sexual News fired O’Reilly. O’Reilly was an asset to the company, with his show reportedly bringing in harassment. In 2004, Andrea Mackris, a producer on over $446 million in advertising revenues in the O’Reilly’s show, filed a sexual harassment case past two years. However, after The New York Times story broke against him. Ms. Courts have recognized two types of about the sexual Mackris alleged sexual harassment. One is called quid pro quo harassment claims, that O’Reilly “told many big advertisher to buy a viharassment, which exists when to a sexual ers pulled their ads brator, called her conduct is made a condition of employment at times when it benefits, such as a promotion, a pay increase, or from Fox. Courts have recsounded as if he was masturbat- a job itself. The second type involves harassment ognized two types of created by a “hostile environment.” This claim sexual harassment. ing and described may arise where unwelcome sexual conduct One is called quid sexual fantasies involving her.” unreasonably interferes with an employee’s job pro quo harassment, She apparently performance or creates an intimidating, hostile or which exists when recorded some offensive working environment, even if it does not to a sexual conduct is made a condiof the conversation of employment tions. Ms. Mack- lead to tangible or economic job consequences. benefits, such as a ris further alleged that O’Reilly “threatened her, saying he would promotion, a pay increase, or a job itself. The make any woman who complained about his be- second type involves harassment created by havior “pay so dearly that she’ll wish she’d never a “hostile environment.” This claim may arise been born.” O’Reilly ended up settling the case where unwelcome sexual conduct unreasonably interferes with an employee’s job performance for about $9 million. In 2011, Rebecca Gomez Diamond, a network or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive host, underwent an experience similar to Ms. working environment, even if it does not lead to Mackris’. She, too, had recorded inappropriate tangible or economic job consequences. Sexual misconduct in the workplace is wrong comments from O’Reilly, which she brought to the company. Ms. Diamond’s contract with the and should be stopped. However, some victims network was not renewed. O’Reilly paid her an do not complain for fear of retaliation or embarundisclosed settlement amount and she signed a rassment. Employees are better served by consulting with an experienced employment attorconfidentiality agreement. In 2016, Laurie Dhue, a Fox News anchor from ney. Various options can be explored ranging 2000 to 2008, complained to the company about from confidential resolution procedures to fullthe harassment by O’Reilly and Roger Ailes that blown litigation in order to protect the victims’ she suffered during her tenure. In response, the rights. company reportedly reached a settlement with *** her for over $1 million. The Law Offices of C. Joe Sayas, Jr. welcomes inquiries about Also in 2016, Juliet Huddy, a regular guest this topic. All inquiries are confidential and at no-cost. You can at O’Reilly’s show, accused O’Reilly of making contact the office at (818) 291-0088 or visit www.joesayaslaw. inappropriate phone calls to her, that he tried com or our Facebook page Joe Sayas Law. [C. Joe Sayas, Jr., Esq. to kiss her, and that he pursued a sexual rela- is an experienced trial attorney who has successfully recovered tionship with her. She alleged that when she wages and other monetary damages for thousands of employees rebuffed O’Reilly’s advances, he retaliated by and consumers. He was named Top Labor & Employment Attorney denying her career opportunities. O’Reilly’s em- in California by the Daily Journal, consistently selected as Super ployer reached a settlement of $1.6 million with Lawyer by the Los Angeles Magazine, and is the recipient of PABA’s Ms. Huddy. Community Champion Award for 2016.] (Advertising Supplement)
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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • APRIL 22-25, 2017
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Checklist – If immigration officers (ICE) knock on your door RECENTLY, our office has noticed growing concern in the community about the possibility of immigration (ICE) agents unexpectedly knocking on the door of your home. Our office has received a lot of inquiry as to what to do in such a situation. It is important to realize that all people living in the United States, including undocumented immigrants, have certain U.S. Constitutional rights. If you are undocumented and immigration (ICE) agents knock on your door, know that you have the following rights: • You do not have to open the door. You do not have to open the door or let the officers into your home unless they have a valid search warrant signed by a judge. • An ICE deportation warrant is not the same as a search warrant. If this is the only document they have, they cannot legally come inside unless you verbally agree to let them in. • If the officers say they have a search warrant signed by a judge, ask them to slide it under the door or hold it up to a window so you can see it. • If the warrant does not have your correct name and address on it and is not signed by a judge, you do not have to open the door or let them inside. • If at any point you decide to speak with the officers, you do not need to open the door to do so. You can speak to them through the door or step outside and close the door. • You have the right to remain silent. You do not need to speak to the immigration officers or answer any questions. • If you are asked where you were born or how you entered the United States, you may refuse to answer or remain silent. • If you choose to remain silent, say so out loud. • You may refuse to show identity documents that say what country you are from. • Do not show any false documents and do not lie. • You have the right to speak to a lawyer. If you are detained or taken into custody, you have the right to immediately contact a lawyer. • Even if you do not have a lawyer, you may tell the immigration officers that you want to speak to one. • If you have a lawyer, you have the right to talk to them. If you have a signed Form G-28, which shows you have a lawyer, give it to an officer. • You can refuse to sign any/all paperwork until you have had the opportunity to speak to a lawyer. • If you choose to sign something without speaking to a lawyer, be sure you understand exactly what the document says and means before you sign it. *** Darrick V. Tan, Esq. is admitted to practice law in California and Nevada. Mr. Tan is a graduate of UCLA and Southwestern University School of Law. He is a member of the Consumers Attorney Association of Los Angeles and is a former member of the Board of Governors of the Philipp ine American Bar Association. LAW OFFICES OF DARRICK V. TAN, 3580 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 900, Los Angeles, CA 90010. Tel: (323) 639-0277. Email: info@dtanlaw. com. (Advertising Supplement)
ICE coming to courts: What can… PAGE C2 t
Answer: Most likely not. However, she had and has a right to not speak to the officer and not to answer questions. She should simply say “I am choosing not to speak to you as that is my legal right and I am going to have my immigration attorney help me.” Question: She is in detention now. Can she get out? Answer: Yes, a Motion for a Bond Redetermination can be made. It will show she is not a flight risk and not a danger to
the community. If granted, then she will be released during the pendency of the deportation hearings. I certainly understand the reluctance to report crimes. However, the way to help yourself is to see an immigration/deportation attorney who can see if and what you might qualify for under the U.S. immigration laws. ICE only wants to deport you. If you will see an immigration attorney in sufficient time, then you might very well be able to be helped and to later obtain
legal status.
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Atty. Brian D. Lerner has been an Immigration Attorney for nearly a quarter of a century. He is married to a Filipina and has helped thousands of Filipino families all over the country. In addition to his offices in Southern California in Long Beach and Carson, he has an office in Quezon City. He is a certified specialist in Immigration and Nationality Law by the Legal Board of Specialization, California State Bar. The initial consultation is free. Call (562) 495-0554 and/or send an e-mail to blerner@californiaimmigration.us. (Advertising Supplement)
C APRIL 22-25, 2017 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
Debt Relief Atty. LAwrence yAng FIRST client is 45 and single. His gross income last year was $98K, which is good. It reached $98K because of bonus. Without bonus, his gross income is $72K. This year started out for him with nothing to expect by way of bonus. So his last four months gross income was $6K a month, net of $4,500. His rent is $1500. He lives by himself but claims his 70-year old dad as his dependent. For a household of 2, his gross income is $10K of $72K is $10K over the median income of $62K for California. This fact complicates the means test analysis because a presumption of abuse may arise if there are insufficient IRS allowable deductions. So, this is what I call a borderline Chapter 7 case. It can be filed as a Chapter 7 case assuming client has enough allowable deductions so that the presumption of abuse does not arise, but if the trustee
To Live With Faith reverend rodeL g. BALAgtAs LAST Thursday night was quite a treat for me. I had dinner with Fr. Seraphim Michalenko, MIC, the former Rector of the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy in Stockbridge, Massachusetts and the Vice-Postulator for North American for the Canonization Cause of Sister Maria Faustina Kowalska. I had met him several times before at Puri and Dario Narvaez’s house in Glendale, California, but this night was the time that he impressed me the most through his non-stop sharing of stories and accounts of miracles and conversions about the devotion to the Divine Mercy until 11 o’clock at night. How timely that I met Fr. Michalenko again on the first week of Easter before the Feast Day of Divine Mercy this coming Sunday, I told myself. Fr. Michalenko played a significant role in the canonization cause of Sister Faustina Kowalska, the “Secretary” and “Apostle” of Jesus (The Divine Mercy). He was a witness to the first healing miracle
Community Journal
Clients seek Chapter 7 and Chapter 20 bankruptcy relief
objects to the reasonableness of deductions taken, then a conversion to Chapter 13 is required. Of course, client prefers a Chapter 7 discharge where he pays nothing to creditors. On the other hand, Chapter 13 would require a partial payment of debt at least. Client has $60K of credit card and payday loans. Of that amount, $50K is credit card debt and $10K is payday loans. These are both high-interest debt but payday loan interests are sky-high. Once you start using payday loans, you know you’re in a deep hole that you cannot get out of. So it’s really time to get rid of these debts. It’s time to get a fresh start in life without accumulated debt. This is a no brainer. Client pays $2000 a month for minimum monthly interest payments on his unsecured debt from his net income of $4,500. That’s almost half his net income every month! No one should be under the yoke of so much debt. Wise up and get rid of these debts now and be productive again. Even Walt Disney
filed for Chapter 7 twice before Mickey and Disneyland became successful. Now his business is multibillion and worldwide. Shanghai Disney just opened and its so successful that they are expanding the park. There’s Hong Kong Disney and one in Japan too. Before all of this success, Mr. Disney had to file for bankruptcy twice. His second fresh start from Chapter 7 led to business success beyond imagination! Milton Hershey also filed for Chapter 7 once before Hershey chocolate products became successful. Now, his business is probably the biggest chocolate business in the world. I’m sure you must have brought your family to Disneyland and you must have bought Hershey chocolate products for yourself and children at some time in your life. These businesses were borne from successful fresh starts after Chapter 7 bankruptcy! President Trump’s businesses filed for bankruptcy 4 times during the nineties. He nuked his
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The humble Fr. Michalenko, an apostle of the Divine Mercy attributed to Sr. M. Faustina for her beatification in 1993. He coordinated all efforts to verify this miracle and a second one that led Sr. M. Faustina to Sainthood on April 30, 2000. There is something more special about Fr. Michalenko when you are with him. He exudes a genuine holiness that is marked with humility and childlike faith. Armed with licentiate degrees from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas (The Angelicum) and the Pontifical Institute of Eastern Church Studies (The Orientale) in Rome, you would never hear him brag about these academic degrees or hear him talk about sophisticated theological concepts. Instead, you would hear him speak kindly and simply about the devotion and spirituality. He would hand you pictures of Jesus, The Divine Mercy, and tell you countless stories of miracles attributed to this piety. Fr. Michalenko is truly an apostle of the Divine Mercy for he speaks with authority, not just because of his long years of experience and studies about this devotion, but most of all because of the way he presents himself as a
man of prayer and holiness. God has touched his life beautifully and has given him long years of service as a priest, now 60 years! Ask him to fly from his home, the National Shrine of Divine Mercy in Massachusetts, to give talks to your parish, and he’ll respond to you lovingly, “If I’m still alive.” As we celebrate the Feast of the Divine Mercy on this Second Sunday of Easter, let’s remind one another to give witness to our faith not only through piety and prayer but most importantly through the way we relate with people in acts of love and mercy. A blessed Divine Mercy Day to all! ***
From a Filipino immigrant family, Reverend Rodel G. Balagtas was ordained to the priesthood from St. John’s Seminary in 1991. He served as Associate Pastor at St. Augustine, Culver City (1991-1993); St. Martha, Valinda (1993-1999); and St. Joseph the Worker, Canoga Park (1999-2001). In 2001, he served as Administrator Pro Tem of St. John Neumann in Santa Maria, CA, until his appointment as pastor of ImmAaculate Heart of Mary, Los Angeles, in 2002, which lasted 12 years. His term as Associate Director of Pastoral Field Education at St. John’s Seminary began in July 2014.
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Calendar of Events across
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Afternoon of bowling and networking with Fil-Am Chamber of Commerce of Greater Los Angeles The Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Los Angeles (FACC-GLA) proudly presents an “afternoon of bowling fun and networking” on Sunday, April 23 from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Matador Bowling Lanes at 9118 Balboa Blvd., Northridge, CA 91325. Enjoy the Sunday afternoon with fun, laughter and meet new friends. Please RSVP to Connie Mapue, secretary of FACC-GLA at (323) 337-7714. Fee for bowlers, $25 / person (FACCGLA members); $30/person for non-members. $15 / person for non bowlers
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12th annual Sikad ng Bayan bike ride in Anaheim Hills, CA The Sikad ng Bayan (Cycling for the Nation) is an annual bike ride that raises funds to build preschools for less fortunate communities at Gawad Kalinga (GK) villages in the Philippines. It is a non-competitive ride that will be held on Saturday, April 29, where cyclists traverse the Orange and Los Angeles counties. And in true Filipino fashion, this fun ride culminates in a Pinoy-style luncheon where cyclists can get together and know more about Sikad. It will be held at the Yorba Regional Park (7600 E La Palma Ave, Anaheim, CA 92807). For more information or to register please visit www.sikad.org or call Rey D. at (562) 964-1445 or Robbie V. at (949) 351-8344.
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Filipino Cultural School to host “Sari-Sari Talent Show 2017” in Cerritos, CA Filipino Cultural School (FCS) will host its 2nd annual Sari Sari: Talent Show Fundraiser on Sunday, April 30 from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Josephine’s Cerritos (11305 183rd St, Cerritos, CA 90703). Filipino Cultural School, based in Cerritos, CA and other neighboring cities, is a 501(c)(3) Non Profit Organization geared to the preservation and promotion of the Philippine heritage and culture. FCS has and continues to be open to all. Filipinos and non-Filipinos who are interested in Philippine culture are invited to attend. “Sari-Sari” is a Tagalog word for “variety,” and in this talent show, FCS aims to celebrate the diverse talents of our community members in forms of singing, dancing, spoken words, etc., along with some great Filipino food from the restaurant. Pre-sale tickets are $10 for ages 13 years old and above, and $5 for ages 12 years old and under. Door prices will be $15 for ages 13 years old and above, and still $5 for ages 12 years old and under (ticket prices do not include food). The raised funds for the event will go towards helping cover for the cost of venue, insurance, and materials for the FCS Summer Program. For information on how to purchase a ticket and also sign-up to perform in the show, please visit the website http://filipinoculturalschool.org. For any inquiries, feel free to contact FCS at filipinoculturalschool@ gmail.com.
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PABA’s annual installation and awards gala in LA The Philippine American Bar Association (PABA) will hold its 31st Annual Installation and Awards Gala on Thursday, May 4, 2017 in downtown Los Angeles. PABA is the largest local organization of Filipino-American attorneys in the United States. Formed three decades ago, PABA serves the needs of Fil-Am lawyers and law students in Southern California. The Gala is a celebration of the Fil-Am legal community, as well as PABA’s largest fundraiser of the year. The proceeds are used to carry out the group’s mission: strengthening the legal community through mentoring programs, networking events, scholarships for students, and continuing education. The keynote speaker for this year’s Gala is California State Treasurer John Chiang. Jose (Joe) Lauchengco, Jr., will be recognized as the 2017 Trailblazer, and The Honorable Bernie LaForteza, Los Angeles Superior Court, will be the recipient of the 2017 Distinguished Jurist Award. The Gala will be held at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel, 506 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90071. Registration along with a A No-Host Cocktail Reception will begin at 6:00 p.m. and the Dinner & Program will commence at 7:00 p.m. Additional ticketing and sponsorship information are provided below. If you would like to purchase individual tickets, advertisements, tables or become an event sponsor, you can also pay online by clicking here: https://www.z2systems.com/np/clients/paba/giftstore.jsp
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FilAm ARTS and Philippine Expressions Bookshop to host art exhibit in San Pedro, CA The Association for the Advancement of Filipino American Arts and Culture (FilAm ARTS) and Philippine Expressions Bookshop in partnership with the Croatian Cultural Center of Greater Los Angeles proudly present BUKLOD: A Gathering of Filipino and Filipino-American Art and Artists from May 4 to 11. Over 50 works of art by Filipino and Filipino-American artists are featured in this exhibition, which aims to reassert the presence of Filipino-Americans in the Western canon. Although many Filipino-American artists have been recognized in the art world, their cultural heritage is rarely highlighted nor has there been a body of work categorized as Filipino-American masterpieces in the 600 years of the history of painting. The artists of BUKLOD strive to fill that void with works that instill culture, dignity, and imagination to a cultural landscape that seldom acknowledges and habitually denies them their shared humanity. This exhibition gathers contemporary LA-based artists who anchor their work with their heritage and have an active community involvement to further their respective passion projects as artists. The BUKLOD exhibit will be open to the public beginning on May 4 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., coinciding with the San Pedro’s First Thursdays Artwalk. The exhibit will run until Thursday, May 11 at the Croatian Cultural Center (510 W 7th St, San Pedro, CA 90731). The opening Reception will be held on Saturday, May 6 from 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. and will include live performances as well as food and artisan booths.
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Philippine Consulate Outreach Mission in Carson, CA The Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles will have an outreach mission in Carson, California on Saturday, May 6 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. It will be held at the Carson Community Center Rm. 107 ABC at 801 E. Carson St., Carson, CA 90746. Services include passport applications (new and renewal), dual citizenship applications, notarization of legal documents, reports of marriage and reports of birth, and overseas voting registration. Please note that all services are by appointment only; walk-in applications will not be accepted. Please stay tuned for the official notice of online application and scheduling from April 6 to May 5 at www.philippineconsulatela.org. For more information, please contact Riezl Locsin-Pe Benito at (310) 952-1743 or rpebenito@carson.ca.us. This mission is done through the Philippine Consulate General Los Angeles in cooperation with Assemblymember Mike Gipson (64th assembly district), City of Carson Councilmember Elito M. Santarina, Filipino-American Chamber of Commerce—SouthBay Los Angeles Area, Farmers Insurance, Carson Adult Day Health Care Center, Dreams and Visionaries of South Bay, Inc., and the Philippine Independence Day Foundation, Inc.
25th Annual Filipino Fiesta in Waikiki, HI The Filipino Community Center, Inc. will be hosting its 25th Annual Filipino Fiesta on Saturday, May 6 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Kapiolani Park in Waikiki. This year’s theme marks the 25th year of the annual celebration with the theme, “And the Fun Continues...” The event is free and open to the public! Participation from the local Hawaii and Hawaii-Filipino community from the over 100 Filipino community organizations, U.S. and or Philippine based business owners and/or their representatives are expected. For more information about the Filipino Fiesta, please visit www.filcom.org or call (808) 680-0451.
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Community Journal
Clients seek Chapter 7 and Chapter 20 bankruptcy…
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business debts with reorganization under bankruptcy law. Argentina filed for sovereign bankruptcy in 2000. It could not pay back even the interest on its loans and bondholders were left holding the bag. Greece is has been under bankruptcy reorganization for the last 3 years. I was in Athens last year and I could feel the depression of the people there. The city has no vitality because it has too much debt; same thing happening to debtors with too much debt. They have no vitality because their income goes mostly to debt service. They are debt slaves
who practically work for nothing because they have lost the ability to save money and cannot be productive. If you are a debt slaves, get rid of your debt ball and chain now with a Chapter 7 discharge. Who knows, you might become the next Walt Disney, Milton Hershey or Donald Trump. Pick your choice of who you want to be. You can become the next billionaire or the next president of the USA with your fresh start. Second client is 58. His is going through a divorce. Wife filed for divorce after 10 years of marriage, and now asks for alimony or spousal support. Why 10
years, you might wonder. Well, in California, after 10 years of marriage, if you make less than your spouse, you are legally entitled to ask for spousal support. So, you see a lot of divorces filed by the spouse making the lesser income once the 10-year qualification has been reached. Your spouse is not as dumb as you think. Or, you may not be as smart as you think. In this case, client makes about $100K a year in his profession, while his younger wife makes $20K a year. This means that wife can and surely will ask for $1600 spousal support. Now, where did all the love go to? It all
went to alimony. So think twice and thrice before you make the big jump. If you do make the jump, make sure your clock yourself and if you are the higher income spouse, if you think you made a mistake, better end the marriage before you reach your 10 year mark. Otherwise, you will be on the hook for alimony. Client had a previous Chapter 7 discharge in 2012. He now owes $50K of credit card debt. I guess he used these cards to pay for travelling the globe with his younger wife. Wife is 10 years younger. Whatever the reasons are, his situation now is he only has one amount of $1600. He can use this to pay alimony or pay the minimum on $50K of credit cards. Either way, it’s not a pretty OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, P.C. is located sight because instead of saving at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, $1600 a month, he’s paying that CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail out to a person who no longer is kureyeslaw@gmail.com or visit our website at his wife. Between paying alimoKenreyeslaw.com. ny and credit cards, the choice is *** clear. He has to pay alimony. Please note that this article is not legal advice Client is however fortunate that and is not intended as legal advice. The article the current value of his house is intended to provide only general, non-specific does not exceed the balance of legal information. This article is not intended to his first mortgage. This means cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter that Chapter 13 will allow him to may make the outcome different than would be strip the 2nd mortgage of $76K. anticipated by you. This article does create any The $76K was discharge in his attorney client relationship between you and the 2012 Chapter 7, but the mortgage Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, P.C. This article lien survived. Although creditor (Advertising Supplement) cannot legally collect on the note is not a solicitation.
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • APRIL 22-25, 2017 because it is discharged, the fact that the mortgage survived the discharge leaves creditor with the legal remedy of foreclosure, which it will not do because foreclosure will yield zero for payment of the 2nd mortgage. Chapter 13 now plus Chapter 7 in 2012, makes this case a Chapter 20. This works only in Riverside. Fortunately for client, he lives in Riverside. So he loses his wife and has to pay alimony of $1600 but he gets to strip his 2nd mortgage and make a partial payment on his $50K credit cards over 60 months. As the 2nd mortgage is stripped, client doesn’t have to pay the mortgage
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because the note has been discharged in Chapter 7 previously. If you need bankruptcy relief, please call my office for an appointment and I will analyze your case personally. “Cast all your anxiety on God because He cares for you.” — 1 Peter 5:7 *** 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)
Seven things you should not do when served… PAGE C2 t
ance until the divorce is finalized or the status of marriage is dissolved in a bifurcated trial. Do not take off with your child and move out of state or out of the country If the child has been living in this state, California Court has jurisdiction over your child even if you leave California after being served the divorce. Your spouse can get an order from the California court to return the child to California and get sole physical custody of your child. This can be enforced through law enforcement in other states. In addition, this would also be an ATROS violation. Such a move would seriously undermine your claim for custody of the children. Do not use your child as a messenger to communicate with your spouse Divorce process is a very difficult process for the children. Children often blame themselves for the divorce of their parents. Children sometimes manifest this through their academic performance during the divorce process. Do not involve the children in your divorce case. Using the children to communicate messages to your spouse puts them in a difficult and very stressful situation. This will also affect your claim for custody of your children if you regularly involve your children in your attempt to communicate with your spouse. In addition, you should not say disparaging remarks about the other parent to your children. Do not stalk your spouse in social medias such as facebook or tweeter. Your spouse probably stopped informing you as to what is going on in his/her life at this point. You
may be curious if your spouse hooked up with a third party or an old flamer. You may be curious what your spouse are telling your friends and family. Do not stalk your spouse in social media such as facebook. Do not hack into your spouse’s e-mail. This is a crime. Your spouse can also file a domestic violence restraining order against you for stalking. Most of the evidence obtained illegally is not admissible in court anyways. If you have been unfriended by your spouse, let it be. Do not quit your job voluntarily If you think you can dodge child support and spousal support by quitting your job voluntarily, it is not going to happen. Your spouse’s lawyer will argue that there was no legitimate reason for you to leave your employment and may seek the court to impute income on you. Your spouse may seek vocational evaluation for purposes of determining your earning capacity. In addition, the amount of income you will lose by quitting is substantially more than the money you will owe in child or spousal support. Even if you are successful in dodging the support orders by quitting your job, your spouse can modify them back up the moment you go back to the work force. If you have been served with divorce papers and are unsure how to react, seek professional help before you dig yourself deeper in the hole. *** 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
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Trump biggest risk to The May 2017 priority dates global trade - Razon Immigration Corner by MigueL
r. caMus
Inquirer.net
FILIPINO ports and casino billionaire Enrique Razon Jr., known for making risky bets around the world, is facing his latest challenge yet: charting an uncertain global environment led by United States President Donald Trump. Razon told reporters on Thursday, April 20 that the fierce protectionist trade policies that might emerge under Trump’s “America first” stance would harm global trade, and Asia foremost, if pursued. “Trump is the biggest risk by far, probably the only risk,” Razon told reporters after the annual meeting of International Container Terminal Services Inc., where he is chair and president. “Well, economic growth is always a risk (but) Trump is the biggest unknown,” he said. ICTSI operates almost 30 port deals around the world, a third of which are located in the Philippines, and many in fast-growing markets such as Asia, Eastern Europe, Africa and Australia. It recently exited its only US project in Portland, Oregon after a longrunning dispute with workers. ICTSI is cutting capital spending this year by more than a third to $240 million, given the completion of most of its projects. Razon said there were a few more prospects abroad, noting they hoped to wrap up the bidding for a port project in Greece in the next few months. He added they were also looking at two projects in Africa. Despite the uncertain picture overseas, Razon said he was optimistic about developments in the Philippines, citing the Duterte
Enrique Razon Jr.
administration’s infrastructure push. “The subway, I’ve been harping on that for the last 10 years. A subway is what we need,” Razon said, referring to a P227-billion underground train plan that the government hoped would link Quezon City to Taguig by 2024. Razon said there were no plans to invest in infrastructure outside the group’s core business. But he is not closing the door to certain opportunities, such as roads, which would aid in his ports and gaming businesses. Razon also controls Bloomberry Resorts Corp., which operates the Solaire Resort & Casino in the Entertainment City complex along Manila Bay. He said Bloomberry hopes to start work on a casino in Ayala Land Inc.’s Vertis North project in Quezon City by early 2018, once they have cleared out informal settlers. “The government launched its infrastructure projects. If it can execute that in its timeframe, that’s very good for the country,” Razon said.
Duterte men woo credit watchers to PH side by Ben
o. de Vera
Inquirer.net
IN a bid to stave off possible repercussions from political news hogging even foreign headlines, economic managers would be meeting with credit risk watchers to prove the country’s economic growth was bigger news. Economic managers attending this week’s spring meetings of multilateral lenders International Monetary Fund and the World Bank were set to meet with officials of credit rating agencies to assure them that the Philippines was poised to sustain robust economic growth. Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia told reporters that during their scheduled meetings with the top global debt watchers in Washington, “we will, of course, highlight the positive tidings and the good plans moving forward.”
The Philippines currently enjoys investment grade credit ratings from the top debt watchers Fitch Ratings, Moody’s Investors Service and Standard & Poor’s. Credit ratings are a measure of a government’s credit-worthiness. As the stability of state finances is also related to a country’s performance, credit scores serve as a proxy grade for the economy. Early this week, economic managers unveiled the administration’s so-called “DuterteNomics” of “Build, Build, Build” that they claimed would usher in a “golden age of infrastructure.” A total of P8.4 trillion would be spent by the Duterte administration in the next six years to build vital infrastructure. The goal is to bring to 7.4 percent the share of infrastructure expenditures to the gross domestic product (GDP) by 2022 from a 5.4 percent this year. The government plans to roll out PAGE D2
IMF sees tax overhaul boosting PH revenues by Lawrence
agcaoiLi Philstar.com
WASHINGTON – The International Monetary Fund (IMF) said the proposed tax overhaul pending in Congress could boost the revenue and tax effort of the Philippines, raising additional funds to bankroll the plan of the national government to ramp up infrastructure spending. Vitor Gaspar, director at IMF’s Fiscal Affairs Department, told The Star. the Comprehensive Tax Reform Program (CTRP) submitted by the Department of Finance (DOF) to legislators could yield additional revenues equivalent to 2.5 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) over the medium term. “This reform could yield additional revenues of 1.5 percent of GDP over the medium term, while structural improvements in revenue administration could raise another one percent of GDP. Altogether, these additional revenue gains would provide for a sustainable increase in much-needed infrastructure spending and help expand the country’s growth frontier,” he said.
Gaspar pointed out fiscal policy in the Philippines is appropriately focused on achieving broad-based, inclusive growth by increasing social and infrastructure expenditure, financed with additional borrowing and higher tax revenue collection. Gaspar said he is confident the government’s tax reform proposal covering personal income tax, value added tax (VAT) and excises would be approved by Congress later this year. Data from the Finance department showed the tax effort of the Philippines imrpoved to 13.7 percent of GDP last year from 13.6 percent in 2015 while revenue effort slipped to 15.2 percent from 15.8 percent. Tax effort is the ratio between the government’s tax collection and the whole economy as measured by GDP while revenue effort covers non-tax income. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. said the national government has committed to raise infrastructure spending to 7.4 percent of GDP by 2022 from 5.4 percent this year. Tetangco said the Duterte administration has earmarked bePAGE D2
Business Quote of the Week “Understand that you need to sell you and your ideas in order to advance your career, gain more respect, and increase your success, influence and income.” - Jay Abraham, Marketing Expert and Author of “Getting Everything You Can Out of All You’ve Got”
can already file for adjustment of status and work authorization (provided they are otherwise eligible and USCIS indicates on its website it will use the Application Filing Date for that month). This could allow people to obtain Atty. MichAel work authorization much sooner Gurfinkel, eSQ than before, where they had to EACH month, the Visa Office wait for the priority date to be of the State Department pub- current (in the Visa Issuance lishes, in the Visa Bulletin, the Date column) in order to both file priority dates for that particular for adjustment and be eligible for month, for the various family and a green card. *** employment based categories. A Michael J. Gurfinkel is licensed, and an active priority date is a person’s “place in line” for a visa, meaning im- member of the State Bar of California and New migrant visas (or green cards) York. All immigration services are provided by, would be available for persons or under the supervision of, an active member whose priority date is earlier of the State Bar of California. Each case is than the cut-off date listed below. different. The information contained herein If your priority date was “cur- including testimonials, “Success Stories,” rent,” but later retrogressed (or endorsements and re-enactments) is of a “moved backwards” and became general nature, and is not intended to apply to unavailable) before your immi- any particular case, and does not constitute a grant visa was issued (or before prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice you adjusted status in the U.S.), regarding the outcome of your legal matter. you would have to wait until it No attorney-client relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader. becomes current again. WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com Beginning last October 2015, Call Toll free to schedule a consultation for the format of the Visa Bulletin changed, in that a new column anywhere in the US: (866)—GURFINKEL was added, called the “ApplicaFour offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES tion Filing Date.” If a person’s priority date is earlier than the · SAN FRANCISCO · NEW YORK · PHILIPPINES (Advertising Supplement) Application Filing Date, they
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The Priority dates for the Philippines are as follows: Application Filing Date
FAMILY CATEGORY:
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First Preference
Unmarried sons and daughters of US citizens (over 21 years of age)
Second Preference
(2A) Spouse and minor children (below April 8, 2016 21 years old) of green card holder
July 15, 2015
(2B) Unmarried sons and daughters (21 years old or older) of green card holder
July 22, 2007
August 1, 2006
Third Preference
Married sons and daughters of US Citizens.
February 1, 1995
September 22, 1994
Fourth Preference
Brothers and sisters of US Citizens.
February 8, 1995
October 15, 1993
LABOR CERTIFICATION:
September 8, Fberuary 1, 2007 2006
Application Filing Date
Visa Issuance Date
Second Preference
Advanced Degree (Masters)
Current
Third Preference
Professional/ Skilled Workers
July 1, 2014
January 1, 2013
Other Workers
Non-Skilled Workers
July 1, 2014
January 1, 2013
Current
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Lbc assures more value and convenience for air cargo customers
Filipinos in California, new York and new Jersey can now ship to the philippines for less cost and added convenience. lBC, the philippines’ leading company in parcel, courier and cargo deliveries, has flexed their rates and upped the notch for their various services, much to the delight of their customers in the region. They are announcing that their Air Cargo is now ready to cater to customers whose parcels weigh a minimum of one pound. lBC’s superb parcel prices in California are the following -- For the first pound, deliveries to Manila and luzon are now charged $8 with $5 for every additional pound; Visayas is charged $9, with an excess fee of $5.50 while Mindanao is charged $10, with an excess rate of $6.00. For new York and new Jersey, parcel prices for the first pound to Manila and luzon are also at $8 with $4.50 on top of every added pound. Visayas carries a fee of $9 with an excess charge of $5.50; while Mindanao is charged $10 with a going rate of $6 for every excess. To complement their new rates
for parcels, they have also introduced more affordable rates for their courier services. From the states of California, new York, and new Jersey to Manila and luzon, the first 1/10TH of a pound will be charged only $8. Visayas and Mindanao, on the other hand, will be charged $9 and $10 respectively. in all regions, parcels exceeding 1/10th of a pound will be charged $.70. Add-on values for the valuable customers here in the Us includes 7-to-10 day delivery, and free pick-up of parcels weighing ten pounds and above. Consignees will also receive free delivery for parcels six pounds and above. no fee for parcels picked-up by consignee at the branch, and a free sMs notification is also available. What’s better news is that lBC now accommodates parcels, regardless of the packaging they come in, with definitely zero charges! Filipinos in northern America can conveniently transact at any of lBC’s 27 branches in the region. Truly, lBC has continued their responsiveness to the growing
needs of the Filipino public, both in the philippines and abroad. lBC is the philippines’ market leader in retail and corporate courier & cargo, money remittance, and logistics services. With a growing network of over 6,400 branches, hubs & warehouses, partners, and agents in over 30 countries, lBC is committed to moving lives, businesses, and communities and delivering smiles around the world. listed in the philippine stock Exchange through lBC Express Holdings, inc., lBC aims to deliver value to all of its stakeholders, as it has for over 60 years. Founded in 1945 as a brokerage and air cargo agent, lBC pioneered time-sensitive cargo delivery and 24-hour door-to-door delivery in the philippines. Today, it is the most trusted logistics brand of the Global Filipino. lBC can move it for you: visit www.lBCexpress.com, or call telephone +632 8585 999 (Metro Manila), 1 800 10 8585 999 (provincial), +632 9086 522 (solutions) and follow lBCExpress (Facebook and Twitter).
PAGE D1 tween p8 billion and p9 trillion for infrastructure spending over the next five years. As part of the reform agenda, he explained the national government has continued its infrastructure build up. “The philippines has made significant progress in strengthening its institutions and bolstering its competitiveness over the past years. And our efforts have not gone unnoticed. These reforms have begun to bear fruits by encouraging business initiative for investments,” Tetangco said.
Finance secretary Carlos Dominguez said the proposed CTRp is the “key link” to the “grand effort” to break out from the cycle of low growth and deliver a dynamic and truly inclusive economy to Filipinos. “The CTRp is an indispensable component of the Duterte administration’s economic strategy. it is an audacious strategy that seeks to lift our country to upper middleincome status by 2022 and high-income status by 2040,” Dominguez said during the opening of the first ‘Dutertenomics’ forum. Realigning income tax rates,
however, he explained would bring down revenue even as we improve tax administration and broaden the tax base. “This means we have to introduce new revenue measures that will not only compensate for lower tax rates but also fund the massive infra program that commences now,” he said. The tax reform package is designed to raise an additional p718 billion for education; p139 billion for health; p267 billion for social protection, welfare, and employment; and p1.73 trillion for urban and rural infrastructure.
(Advertising Supplement)
IMF sees tax overhaul boosting...
Duterte men woo credit watchers to... PAGE D1 over p3.6 trillion worth of infrastructure projects from 2018 until 2020 while also jacking up to 75 from 55 previously the number of flagship projects that the administration aims to complete before president Duterte steps down in 2022. Considered a firebrand by many, the president’s management style—including his unrepentant war on drugs—has been a cause
for worry for many investors. pernia, who heads state planning agency national Economic and Development Authority (neda), earlier said he expected the GDp to have grown by 7 percent during the first quarter. pernia said he would be joined by Bangko sentral ng pilipinas (Bsp) Governor Amando M. Tetangco Jr., Finance Undersecretary and chief economist Gil s. Beltran
and neda Undersecretary Rolando G. Tungpalan at the meetings with the credit rating agencies. Beltran said they wanted the game-changing credit risk watchers to know that “the philippine economy has been very resilient, growing at over 6 percent during periods of distress in our major trading partners.” last year, the GDp expanded by 6.9 percent, among the fastest in the region.
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Health@Heart PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS THE silent killer of the 1970s, high blood pressure, is now replaced by metabolic syndrome, a cluster of three or more risk factors like abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, high triglycerides, abnormal lipids, and insulin resistance (pre-diabetes type 2). The expanding waistlines of Americans (and Filipinos as well) in the past several decades have been alarming, not only from the cosmetic/physical point of view but, more importantly, from their adverse impact on health, morbidity and mortality. It is now obvious that “love handles” can be deadly. The researchers from Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine at Florida Atlantic University, in an article posted this year in the Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology and Therapeutics, stated that “being overweight and obesity contribute to metabolic syndrome, which affects 1 in 3 adults and about 40 percent of adults aged 40 and older…that the risk factors are more than just the sum of their parts.” Obesity is indeed surpassing tobacco as the preeminent preventable cause of early morbidity and premature deaths in the United States and globally. The rule of thumb is that optimizing health requires and includes a waistline of less than 40 in men and less than 35 in women, and a healthy lifestyle: diet, exercise, abstinence from tobacco, disciplined alcohol intake, and stress management. The authors of the study explain “that the visceral fat component of abdominal obesity leads not only to insulin resistance but also to the release of non-esterified free fatty acids from adipose tissues or body fat…the lipids then accumulate in other sites such as the liver and muscles, further predisposing individuals to insulin resistance and dyslipidemia-abnormal amounts of lipids…and adipose tissue may produce various adipokines that may separately impact insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease risk factors.” Persons with metabolic syndrome are generally without symptoms and are severely underdiagnosed and untreated, but have a 10-year risk of a first heart attack, according to the Framingham Risk
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The new silent killer Smart’s mobile internet speeds fastest in PH, according to study
score of 16 to 18 percent, which puts them in a higher risk category similar to those who already had a previous heart attack. Various clinical studies have shown that even with a normal Body Mass Index (BMI), individuals with expanding waistlines from visceral fats could still have metabolic syndrome. Those who consume soft drinks of any kind, cola, diet or regular, caffeinated or not, have a higher risk for the development of metabolic syndrome, especially children. Indeed, soft drinks are toxic to our body and to our DNA. As I have highlighted in the book, “Let’s Stop ‘Killing’ Our Children,” healthy lifestyle and disease prevention, in order to be fully effective, must start in the womb, and dieting and discipline must begin in the crib to protect the children’s DNA. This preemptive and proactive strategy at the cellular/molecular level will exempt them from having the so-called “expected and normal diseases of aging,” like arthritis, high blood pressure, diabetes T2, heart diseases, stroke, Alzheimer’s, and even cancer. Indeed, these are preventable. The pandemic of obesity, which begins in childhood, has been increasing in the past century, and the current generation of children and adolescents (who eat more calories and unhealthy foods and who exercise less) will reach middle age with higher morbidity and mortality from metabolic, cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and cancer, which may even be worse than their parents’ in spite of the great advances in medical science and technology. While colon cancer rates have been going down among the elderly (55 and older) since the 1980s, they are increasing among those in their 20s and 30s. This was the recent alarming finding of a U.S. cancer registry, which reviewed nearly half a million color-rectal cancers diagnosed between 1974 and 2013, published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute and in the March 1, 2017 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine. The research shows that for colon cancers, a rate increase of 2.4 percent annually was noted for those in their 20s and 1.0 percent among those in their 30s. For rectal cancers, the yearly increase was even higher, 3.2 percent. In general, the study also found that there was an increase in the rate among adults in their 40s and early
50s, but not as bad. This report revealed an alarming retrogression in our battle against colorectal cancers: “that young adults’ colorectal cancer risk is now similar to that of adults born around 1890.” The investigators pointed out that high obesity rates during the past several decades “may play a role in this generation. Obesity increases the risk for all types of cancers and cardiovascular diseases, like high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, and diabetes.” Our lifestyles, which includes what and how much food we eat, whether we exercise or not, and all our self-indulgences/abuses, contribute a lot to our state of health. Metabolic syndrome, especially obesity, and red meat and processed meat consumption, all increase the risk for cancer. Neglecting regular medical/dental check-ups and recommended tests also increase our health risk. The National Institutes of Health reports “approximately 2/3 of adults between 20 and older are overweight or obese with BMI greater than 25, and nearly 1/3 have BMIs greater than 30…less than 1/3 of them are at a healthy weight with BMI of 18.5 to 24.9.” The estimated cost of obesity in the United States is around $190.2 billion a year, almost 21 percent of medical spending, not including the personal expenses of the individuals and the toll on human misery and human life. Shedding off at least five pounds of our excess weight through disciplined caloric counting and walking exercise for about 20 minutes a day will reduce our risk for metabolic syndrome and cancer by more than 33 percent. This is a practical and wise strategy we can painlessly do — for free! Glaringly obvious are the evidence-based roles and impact of diet, exercise, tobacco, and alcohol on our individual health and longevity. They can’t be any clearer. To a great extent, our health and our lives are in our hands and what to do with them is our choice.
*** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus in Northwest Indiana and chairman of cardiac surgery from 1997 to 2010 at Cebu Doctors University Hospital, where he holds the title of Physician Emeritus in Surgery, is based in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the Philippine College of Surgeons, and the Denton A. Cooley Cardiovascular Surgical Society. He is the chairman of the Filipino United Network – USA, a 501(c)(3) humanitarian foundation in the United States. Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com
by James
Konstantin ManilaTimes.net
Galvez
PLDT’s wireless unit Smart Communications has delivered significant improvement in its mobile internet service, with its download speeds steadily improving through the months, according to a JPMorgan study based on data from crowd-sourcing research agency OpenSignal. In an April 2017 report based on the actual mobile experience of OpenSignal app users, JP Morgan said Smart “leads in overall LTE download speeds and at regional levels.” The OpenSignal app enables mobile data users to run their own speed tests. At the country level, Smart recorded an average LTE download speed of 10.91 Mbps from December 2016 to February 2017. It averaged 11.76 Mbps in Metro Manila, 8.56 Mbps in South Luzon, and 10.42 Mbps in the Visayas in the same period, the data showed. Smart has improved its average LTE speeds in all areas covered by the study, with the latest figures Smart’s highest in the last eight testing periods of OpenSignal. Smart also led in terms of average 3G download speeds at the country level (2.22 Mbps) and in Metro Manila (3.25 Mbps). These 3G figures are also Smart’s highest in the last eight testing periods. “We are happy to know that our subscribers are increasingly enjoying our newest and fastest LTE network. We have made intensive
Smart has improved its average LTE speeds in all areas covered by the study, with the latest figures Smart’s highest in the last eight testing periods of OpenSignal.
capital outlay to accelerate the deployment of LTE sites because LTE significantly boosts the speed, quality, and reliability of our mobile data service,” said PLDT-Smart chief technology and information advisor Joachim Horn. Smart is re-equipping its cell sites to use low-frequency bands such as 700 MHz and 850 MHz to provide better indoor coverage. It is also deploying high-frequency bands like 1800 MHz and 2100 MHz to increase the cell sites’ capacity to handle mobile data traffic. PLDT and Smart have committed to make LTE progressively available to 95 percent of the country’s cities and municipalities by the end of 2018. “While the JPMorgan study did not include Mindanao, our
subscribers are already experiencing improved LTE service there, particularly in Metro Davao where we have completed our network overhaul program,” Horn said. “Soon, more Filipinos from all over the country will enjoy a digital experience like never before,” said PLDT-Smart chief revenue officer Eric Alberto. Through its LTE rollout, Smart is also laying the foundation for further service improvements, such as LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) which can provide even faster speeds and greater capacity to subscribers, Horn said. Smart has also continued to fortify its 3G network to better serve the majority of its smartphone-owning subscribers, who are using 3G handsets, he added.
Foreign, local investors flock to Subic, Clark by Richmond
meRcuRio Philstar.com
MANILA - Foreign and local investors continue to flock to the Clark-Subic area ahead of upcoming big-ticket projects by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA). SBMA chairman Martin Diño said his agency intends to develop a 3,000-hectare expansion project to be known as Subic 2. “We will develop a 3,000-hectare project, similar to the size of Makati, which will be our answer to Clark Green City,” Diño said. “This will create another 150,000 new jobs with 1,500 new locators with complete facilities,” he added. According to the SBMA official, 900 hectares of the planned Subic
2 development have already been sold to a Filipino-Chinese-Singaporean consortium. SBMA said there is no more available land space in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone to cater to new investors looking for large areas for their new facilities, thus compelling the agency to endorse these investors to other areas such as Clark or Bataan. The planned Subic Freeport expansion is part of the P140-billion projects which SBMA intends to develop within the term of President Duterte. The projects, which include construction of roads that will shorten the travel time of cargo trucks and passenger vehicles to and from Northern Luzon and Metro Manila, has been endorsed for signing of the President. Diño said the projects have re-
ceived strong interest from China, Russia, Japan and South Korea investors. Apart from SBMA’s projects, BCDA’s Clark Green City development has likewise captured investors’ attention, according to its president and CEO Vince Dizon. “There are a lot of interest,” Dizon said, noting that educational institution Ateneo is among the latest to indicate plans to set up in Clark Green City. “Ateneo just sent a letter of interest, they want to reserve 80 hectares,” he said. BCDA has earlier entered into an agreement with the University of the Philippines for the construction of the UP global campus on a 70-hectare lot inside the Clark Green City.
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