072917 - La Weekend Edition

July 29-August 1 2017 Volume 27 - No. 31 • 4 Sections – 30 Pages

PH seen to remain fastest growing ASEAN economy

by LAWRENCE

AGCAOILI Philstar.com

MANILA - Fitch Ratings expects the Philippines to maintain its position as the fastest growing economy in Southeast Asia with an average gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 6.6 percent over the next five years.

In a report, Fitch said the ‘BBB-‘ rating and positive outlook for the Philippines is supported by the continued strong macroeconomic performance, a net external creditor position, and government debt levels that are below its peers.

The projected GDP growth over the next five years would be

Workers start on a government road project outside Metro Manila, reinforcing the Duterte administration’s aggressive infrastructure buildup to pump prime the economy.

Philstar.com photo

faster than Vietnam’s 6.1 percent, Indonesia’s 5.1 percent, Malaysia’s 4.9 percent, Singapore’s 2.9

USA

DATELINE Pres. Trump bans transgender troops from serving in US military FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

Pentagon takes no action pending guidance from the White House

AMID controversies involving the Russia investigation and the health care bill outrage, President Donald Trump made a shocking announcement that he plans to bar transgender people from serving in the military.

The president announced on Twitter that military experts guided him on the decision, citing health care costs for transgender-related services. The ban comes nearly a year after former President Barack Obama allowed transgender people to serve.

In three tweets posted on Wednesday, July 26, the president wrote, “After con-

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US senator calls for renewal benefits program for Filvets WASHINGTON, D.C. – Amid its looming expiration, United States Senator Mazie K. Hirono sought the renewal of a provision under “Keeping Our Commitment to Overseas Veterans Act” which extends the country’s authority to operate the Veterans Affairs (VA) Regional Office in Manila, Philippines.

Hirono introduced the bill on Wednesday, July 16, pointing out that it is “imperative” for Congress to renew it, citing its thousands of beneficiaries. The day coincides with the 76th anniversary of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s order to incorporate the Philippine Army into the U.S. forces in 1941.

“Hawaii’s deep cultural and family ties to the Philippines extend to the sizable community of veterans and their dependents who rely on the Manila VA to receive their pensions and health care,” Hirono was quot-

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percent, Thailand’s 2.6 percent, and Taiwan’s two percent.

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GIFT FROM AMERICA. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana (right) and U.S. Ambassador Sung Kim try out one of two Cessna 208B Grand Caravan intelligence and reconnaissance aircraft donated by the U.S. government. Lorenzana said the two aircraft would be used for maritime patrols over the West Philippine Sea. ManilaTimes.net photo by Bob Dungo Jr.

Justices concerned that Marcos protest may challenge entire election process

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

SEVERAL Philippine Supreme Court (SC) justices this week expressed apprehension over the possibility that former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s electoral protest against Vice President Leni Robredo may put the entire nation’s

election results last year into question.

The concern, according to an Inquirer report, surfaced during the court’s preliminary conference for Marcos’s protest and Robredo’s counter-protest, which was conducted on Tuesday, July 11.

During the conference, Associate Justice Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa said that the

possible success of Marcos’s protest — citing, in particular, the former senator’s “first course of action” — may question the result of last year’s entire election process.

“If you were to succeed in proving the first cause of action, wouldn’t that put into question the results of the Former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. greets supporters after attending the elections of everybody else, preliminary conference at the Supreme Court on the poll protest he filed against Vice

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Babe Romualdez named new PH envoy to US

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

MEDIA executive Jose Manuel “Babe” Romualdez has been nominated as the new Philippine Ambassador to the United States, Malacañang announced on Thursday, July 27.

In a statement, the administration of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte expressed confidence that Romualdez’s nomination will further

strengthen the bilateral relations between the two countries.

“We are confident that with Mr. Romualdez at the helm of the Philippine embassy [in] Washington, D.C., [this] will further strengthen Philippine-US relations and promote stronger cooperation between the two countries,” Duterte’s spokesperson Ernesto Abella said.

According to Abella,

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ManilaTimes.net photo by Bob Dungo Jr.

Palace defends planned abolition of PCGG, other gov’t agencies THE current administration is planning to scrap the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG), the agency tasked to recover the ill-gotten wealth of late President Ferdinand Marcos.

“They don’t do anything.

What do they do?” Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno said on Wednesday, July 26.

According to him, the plan to stop the PCGG operations is part Jose Manuel “Babe” Romualdez has been nominated as the new Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. Philstar.com photo

DOT denies misinterpretation of data, updates tourism revenue graph

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo said that there was no intention to misrepresent the data presentation of tourism revenue comparing the first 11 months of the Aquino and Duterte administrations.

DOT photo

President Leni Robredo.

THE Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) denied accusations that it attempted to mislead the public when it released a graph showing a comparison of tourist arrivals and revenues between President Rodrigo Duterte and former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III’s respective first year in office.

“The graphic illustration merely intended to show the up-

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of the administration’s bigger proposal to trim redundant agencies in the executive branch.

On Monday, July 25, President Rodrigo Duterte, in his second State of the Nation Address (SONA), called on Congress for the “expeditious” passage of the House Bill No. 5707 or the “Rightsizing the National Government Act.” The bill, which was introduced

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From the Front Page

Palace defends planned abolition...

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by Senator Loren Legarda in September last year, aims to improve public service delivery by merging or abolishing agencies under the executive branch with redundant operating functions.

“There are many specific recommendations for policy actions under the rightsizing bill. One such proposal is to abolish the

PCGG and to transfer its remaining activities to the Department of Justice (DOJ),” Diokno said.

He noted, however, that the abolition of the PCGG remains a suggestion, and that the decision on the issue would be made by a committee chaired by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea.

“All decisions by the committee will be in the nature of an ex-

ecutive order to be signed by the president,” the budget secretary added.

Since its establishment three decades ago, the PCGG has so far recovered an estimated P170 billion-worth of cash and assets plundered by the Marcoses and their allies.

Reacting to the report, PCGG said it was “surprised” at the recent questions regarding its “performance, relevance, and efficiency.”

“Aside from the fact that it was awarded as the best DOJ performing agency for three years, what other government agency can effectively raise non-tax revenues?” the agency said in a statement on Thursday, July 27.

It also noted that it was able to recover P57.1 billion in 2012, P631 million in 2013, P1.57 billion in 2014, P14.01 billion in 2015 and P481.95 billion in 2016.

It went on to say, “Why is there a question on its budget and relevance when PCGG’s cost-torecovery ratio is exemplary as shown by [the] numbers? Of all agencies? Figures do not lie.”

The Defense of Human Rights and Dignity Movement (I-DEFEND) Philippines, also described the plan to abolish the PCGG as a “huge blow to human rights groups especially those who have been against the Marcos dictatorship.”

“This administration seeks to absolve the Marcoses from their responsibility to the Filipino people,” iDEFEND Spokeswoman Jean Enriquez said in an Agence France-Presse (AFP) report.

Malacañang, however, denied that politics is influenced the proposed abolition of PCGG. “It’s a question of streamlining. There’s no question of politics there,” Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella clarified.

He further explained that the proposal came from Office of the Solicitor General (OSG), which is tasked with filing of cases to recover Marcos ill-gotten wealth.

The PCGG, on the other hand, handles the administrative functions.

“There was a proposal that the OSG can also handle the administrative functions as well…

Based on the OSG’s position, apparently they can,” Abella said.

(Dana Sioson/AJPress)

MAUTE IN MANILA. Suspected recruits of the Maute terrorist group attend preliminary inquest proceedings at the Justice Department in Manila. The men were arrested in Zamboanga on Tuesday, July 25 and flown to Manila to face rebellion charges.

ManilATimes.net photo by Russell Palma

PH seen to remain fastest...

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Economic managers, through the Cabinet-level Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC), kept the country’s GDP growth target at 6.5 to 7.5 percent this year and seven to eight percent for 2018.

The Philippines emerged as one of the fastest growing economy in the region last year after the economy expanded 6.9 percent from 5.9 percent in 2015 as election-related spending boosted private consumption.

Last March 29, Fitch reaffirmed the country’s rating at ‘BBB-“ or minimum investment grade on a

positive outlook.

The debt watcher said positive factors for the Philippines include the continued strong growth without emergence of imbalances and maintenance of external buffers that are resilient to potential negative external developments.

Global financial markets remained volatile due to the series of interest rate hikes by the U.S. Federal Reserve, the decision of the United Kingdom to leave the European Union, and the protectionist policies of U.S. President Donald Trump.

Fitch said the further broaden-

ing of the government’s revenue base through the passage of the first package of the comprehensive tax reform program (CTRP) by the House of Representatives would result to greater stability in government finances.

“The lower house passed the first part of a CTRP in early June 2017, underscoring the importance the new administration attaches to the tax-reform initiative. The reforms aim to lower personal and corporate tax rates while expanding the tax base, resulting in a net-positive gain to government revenue,” Fitch said. n

Babe Romualdez named new PH...

PAGE A1 t Romualdez would also have concurrent jurisdiction over the Commonwealth of Jamaica, Republic of Haiti, Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Dominica, The Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and Grenadines and Saint Lucia.

For his part, Romualdez said he was “honored” and “humbled” by his nomination to be Manila’s representative in Washington.

“I’m happy and honored to

serve the country. I am humbled

by President [Rodrigo] Duterte’s trust and confidence,” Romualdez, who is also a columnist for the Philippine Star, said.

U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim also congratulated Romualdez.

“Warm congratulations to my good friend Babe Romualdez on his nomination to be Ambassador to the U.S.,” Kim said in tweet.

Duterte initially offered the post to Romualdez in December last year but the latter reportedly declined as he was still about

to undergo an operation the following January because of an eye ailment.

The Philippine Star reported that the columnist has since fully recovered and is now ready to assume the position.

Romualdez is the chairman of the Philippine offices of several U.S.-based multinational companies, including FCB Manila and Weber Shandwick Philippines.

He is also the president of the Manila Overseas Press Club and vice president of Manila Rotary, as well as the publisher and CEO of Stargate PeopleAsia. n

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Justices concerned that Marcos poll protest...

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both national and local?” said Associate Justice Caguioa.

Marcos filed three causes of action in his protest. In the first, he called on the SC, sitting as Presidential Electoral Tribunal (PET), to declare all the certificates of canvass used to proclaim Robredo’s victory as “authentic.”

Questioning the “flawed” Automated Election System (AES), the former senator also claimed that the Smartmatic vote-counting machines (VCM) used for the automated polls lack “demonstrated capability.”

“Are you sure that this country is willing to face the consequences of a decision in your favor?” asked Associate Justice Marvic Leonen.

In June of last year, Marcos filed an electoral protest against Robredo before the SC after she won the seat only by a slim margin. Robredo won the position by only around 263,000 votes more than Marcos.

The second part of his petition consists of the more “traditional” modes of cheating, such as vote buying, pre-shading,

intimidation and failure of elections, among others.

He asked for the reopening of ballot boxes in 36,465 clustered precincts.

He also asked the high court to annul the election results in Lanao Del Sur, Basilan and Maguindanao, saying that the ballots there have been pre-shaded — as well as the recount of 22 provinces and five cities.

In the third part of his protest, Marcos raised the unauthorized introduction by Smartmatic’s Marlon Garcia of a new hash code into the Transparency Server on the day of the elections.

“You are citing jurisprudence but since this is technology and we are talking about data streams and we are talking about transmissions, what are transmitted include all positions… And therefore how can you say that the transmissions are valid only as to one position or invalid as only to one position but valid as to the rest?”

Caguioa further asked.

Marcos’s camp, however, maintained that the vice presidential contest should be the

only one affected by the protests.

“As far as issues pertaining to the authenticity and due execution of the certificates of canvass of votes and proclamation, jurisprudence said that it should only affect the position as involved in the subject protest,” said Marcos’s lawyer, George Garcia.

Robredo’s camp, on the other hand, claimed that Marcos is “merely fishing for evidence and not sure of his election protest.”

“The problem here is that Marcos has not specified in his protest and in his preliminary conference brief what specific violations were committed by the Comelec and Smartmatic that could have affected the integrity and reliability of the 2016 automated election system,” Robredo’s lawyer, Romulo Macalintal, pointed out.

The vice president’s lawyer went on to say, “Clearly, Marcos is not sure where and how to proceed with his protest and that he is merely fishing for evidence. Such reservation is not allowed under PET rules.” ■

DOT denies misinterpretation of data...

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ward trend in international visitor arrivals, devoid of any intent to misrepresent data or mislead the public,” the DOT said in a statement on Friday, July 28.

The agency also maintained that tourism remains a “bright spot” in the country’s economy, citing the reported 5.8 million foreign tourist arrivals and receipts of P222.3 billion in the first 11 months of the Duterte administration.

On Monday, July 25, the DOT tried to show an upward trend of tourism revenue by posting a graph that compares the Aquino administration’s P106.3 billion during its first 11 months against Duterte’s over the same period.

The current administration, according to the department, achieved a 109.13-percent revenue increase.

Netizens, however, slammed the government agency for its supposed misleading data, pointing out the graph omitted tourism revenues from 2011 to 2015. “[DOT], why is your chart

missing a few years? Isn’t this a misleading graph? Selective use of data? As a matter of fact, 2016 had 313.6 billion tourism revenue from 306 billion in 2015,” a netizen tweeted, quoting data from the Philippine Statistics Authority.

Another netizen commented in part, “Compared to 2010, revenue increased during Duterte’s first year in office but compared to the last year of Noynoy Aquino in office, we lost a lot.”

In defense, the department said it only “intended to present the gains in the period of July 2016 to May 2017, to accurately and fairly reflect [the] accomplishments under the current administration.”

“Unfortunately, the data was lost in transition from its written form to the graph, hence the decision to take down the original graph, to be replaced with an updated one,” the DOT added.

In its updated graph, the department included all the tourism revenues from 2010 to 2017.

According to the department, the tourism revenue totaled to

P122.55 billion in 2010, P129.69 billion in 2011, P161.34 billion in 2012, P186.15 billion in 2013, P214.88 billion in 2014, P227.62 in 2015, and P230.13 in 2016.

Another table also showed a growth rate of P1.11 billion in tourism receipts from 2015 to 2016.

The DOT stressed that it “recognize[s] the significant contribution of the previous administration until the end of its term in June 2016.”

According to the agency, the “continuous upward trend” can be attributed to the “continuing support and cooperation among the tourism stakeholders to bolster the government’s sustainable and inclusive tourism program.”

“Furthermore, the state has embarked on massive tourism transportation infrastructure development, enhancement of connectivity and entry policies and renewed international and ASEAN tourism cooperation to achieve the mid-term goals contained in the National Tourism Development Plan,” it added. ■

Hundreds of protesters gathered in Times Square outside the U.S. Army Recruitment Center to protest President Donald Trump’s tweet banning transgender people in military.

AJPress photo by Momar G. Visaya

Pres. Trump bans transgender troops...

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sultation with my Generals and military experts, please be advised that the United States Government will not accept or allow..........Transgender individuals to serve in any capacity in the U.S. Military. Our military must be focused on decisive and overwhelming.........victory and cannot be burdened with the tremendous medical costs and disruption that transgender in the military would entail.

Thank you.”

Trump’s tweets did not specify the details of the military ban and what would happen to the transgender people who are currently serving in the military.

According to a RAND Corporation study, the estimated cost to provide transgender troops with the necessary health care — which includes gender reassignment surgery and the medication needed to maintain gender transition — would only amount to 0.004-0.017 percent of the Defense Department’s total health care spending. That would be $2.4 million - $8.4 million out of the roughly $49.3 billion that the Defense Department spends on health care.

That same RAND survey approximated that there may be between 1,320 and 6,630 transgender individuals of the 1.3

million active-duty members of the military. Meanwhile, A 2014 Williams Institute study had estimated that 15,500 trans people were currently serving in the U.S. military. They reached that figure based on a 2011 survey of 6,546 transgender Americans.

According to an NBC report, there are as many as 250 service members in the process of transitioning to their preferred genders or who have been approved to formally change gender within the Pentagon’s personnel system, citing several defense officials.

Military blindsided by announcement Despite the president’s tweets, the nation’s senior military officer said on Thursday, July 27 that the Pentagon will not modify its policies.

Marine Gen. Joseph Dunford, who serves as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, wrote a memo to the senior leaders of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines that the military will continue to “respect” all enlisted personnel.

Dunford added that the military will not change its policies on transgender troops until the White House issues a formal directive to the Defense Department so Secretary of Defense James Mattis can issue

guidance to service chiefs at the Pentagon.

“In the meantime, we will continue to treat all of our personnel with respect,” Dunford wrote in the memo. “As importantly, given the current fight and the challenges we face, we will all remain focused on accomplishing our assigned missions.”

The Navy assured that transgender sailors will not be discharged and they will still be provided the same “necessary medical care”, according to an email sent to USA TODAY. Chief of Naval Personnel Vice Adm. Robert P. Burke also acknowledged the confusion caused by the president’s tweets, saying that it caused “concern for some of our sailors and that they will likely have questions.”

Burke also indicated that despite the president’s claiming top military experts guided him in his announcement, the president’s tweets caught military personnel off guard. He noted that the office of Gen. Mattis is “working to quickly discern the President’s intent.”

The announcement was met with shock, especially after Trump made it a campaign promise to “protect” the LGBTQ+ community from dis-

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Mayor Garcetti says LA will likely host 2028 Olympics

Los Angeles locked in for either 2024 or 2028 Olympic games

by Klarize

Medenilla AJPress

FoR the last few years, the City of Los Angeles has heavily campaigned to have the city bring back the Summer olympics for the 2024 games.

Earlier this month, the International olympic Committee (IoC) made an unprecedented move and allowed Los Angeles and Paris — the two cities competing for the 2024 and 2028 bids — to negotiate the order. on Friday, July 28, LA Mayor Eric Garcetti said he’s optimistic that the city can negotiate an agreement with the IoC next week, with talks focussing on the city hosting the 2028 olympic and Paralympic Games. “We’re getting close, very, very close,� Garcetti told reporters at a Metro event on Friday morning. “our conversations have been going well. This coming week we should probably have things [in order]. Both cities have talked to the IoC about ‘24 and ‘28, so ‘24 is not off the table [for LA], but we have talked about what we would need to engage for ‘28.�

At an event at Buzzfeed on Wednesday, July 26, the mayor said that 2028 is more likely, citing financial reasons and that hosting the 2024 games “is probably not likely to happen.�

He also said that hosting the

for a third time. The city previously hosted the Summer olympics in 1932 and 1984.

The longer window for LA could give the city more time to complete infrastructural and transportation projects that could prove beneficial for the games. The Purple Line, for example, that would stretch to the Westside could garner more concessions from the IoC, generating more revenue sources for the city.

However, some experts think that the 11-year wait for the games could be dangerous, given the economic uncertainty SUBMERGED. Residents of Barangay Tatalon in Quezon City wade through floodwaters spawned by Tropical Storm Gorio on Thursday, July 27. that comes with a long window, MalacaĂąang suspended work in government offices and classes at all levels of public schools in Metro Manila in the afternoon. It said suspension of work in private companies and classes in private schools was up to their respective heads.

Philstar.com photo by Boy Santos according to Zev Yaroslavsky, former LA City Councilmember who served during negotiations for the 1984 games.

It is difficult, for example, to predict ticket sales for an event 11 years out, he told the Los Angeles Times.

However, the mayor’s office is key elements of the health law. where it can be substantively

by Michael Mcauliff confident that the 11-year wait Among them were rollbacks of altered.

Kaiser Health News the mandates for individuals and The four senators slammed LA Mayor Eric Garcetti AJPress file photo will not affect the planning process and that the city is financialemployers to buy health insur- the trimmed-down compromise.

2028 games would be “so fi- ly protected. “I am not going to vote for a WASHINGToN — Sen. John ance, changes to waivers availnancially attractive we would be “Mayor Garcetti does not be- McCain (R-Ariz.), who interrupt- able under Section 1332 of the piece of legislation that I believe stupid not to take 2028.� More- lieve that waiting four more years ed brain cancer treatment to re- ACA that would give states more is not a replacement, that poover, the last time Paris hosted would increase our risk profile,� turn to Capitol Hill and advance leeway to alter essential benefits litically would be the dumbest the games was in 1924, making spokesman Alex Comisar told the the health law repeal efforts, cast in insurance plans, and a repeal thing in history to throw this out the 2024 bid more attractive for a LA Times. “Whether we host in the dramatic and decisive “no� of the medical-device tax. there,� said Sen. Lindsey Gra100th anniversary.

2024 or 2028, our low-risk plan vote in the early morning hours It was not immediately clear ham (R-S.C.).

According to an IoC poll, 78 remains the same — using exist- that upended the Republican ef- how the bill achieved savings He said that he, Johnson and percent of Angelenos support ing infrastructure, and control- fort to repeal the Affordable Care similar to $133 billion in the McCain and Sen. Bill Cassidy bringing the games back home ling costs.� n House’s version of repeal legis- (R-La.) would not vote for the Act. The Senate struggled late lation. An equal or better level skinny repeal until Ryan pledges into the night to craft and then of savings is required under the to “go to conference,� where vote on a “skinny repeal� of the arcane budgetary process that is Graham can include a measure health law, but came up empty being used to advance the bill, to shift current obamacare fundvices these veterans deserve,� tens of thousands of veterans as the bill was defeated in a 51- known as reconciliation. ing into a block-grant program and their families who receive 49 vote that prompted gasps in the senator added.

Budget reconciliation allows for states.

If not extended, the bill will VA disability compensation, the chamber. McCain’s vote was the measure to pass the Senate His fear, Graham said, is that pensions or healthcare which unexpected and ends — for now on a simple majority vote, but the House might simply take up expire on September 30, 2017.

Edmund Aczon, chairman will give peace of mind to their — the Republican Party’s effort requires that all of its provisions and pass the skinny repeal in orof the board of directors of the families in Hawaii,� Aczon add- to kill obamacare. pass muster with the Senate par- der to be done with it and notch Filipino Community Center in ed.

Sens. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alas- liamentarian as budget-related. a win in their seven-year battle Retired U.S. Army Major Gen- ka) and Susan Collins (R-Maine) The text of the bill posted pub- against obamacare.

Waipahu, Hawaii, thanked the senator for her “steadfast efforts eral Antonio Taguba, chairman cast the two other Republican licly at 10 p.m. The CBo report Graham referred to estimates to support [the] Filipino World of the Filipino Veterans Recog- “no� votes in a cliffhanger drama on it began circulating on Twit- that said the repeal of the ACA War II Veterans,� including nition and Education Project, that ended just before 2:00 a.m. ter around midnight and the vote mandates would “collapse the those who are currently residing also expressed gratitude to the Friday. finally closed around 1:45 a.m. individual market� and leave senator for her leadership in inthe Philippines. the GoP to “own the problem at Earlier, a group of Republi- Friday. “We are grateful to Senator troducing legislation to reautho- can senators trashed the new one provision that had been a time when obamacare is colHirono for introducing this bill rize the Manila VA. measure, widely dubbed a “skin- restored after the parliamentar- lapsing.�

Taguba said the VA’s longtime ny repeal,� saying it would only ian initially struck it was an atto reauthorize the Manila VA Ryan did release a statement Regional office and outpatient presence in the Philippines is a worsen the health care system, tempt to defund Planned Par- with a conditional promise to Clinic to ensure stability for the reflection of Washington’s duty and they demanded unprec- enthood for a year. The new take the bill to conference. Inito provide the benefits and ser- edented promises from their provision took in at least one ad- tially, it did not satisfy Graham vices the veterans have earned House colleagues to change it. ditional abortion provider, and or McCain. Graham and Johnson during World War II. “The skinny bill in the Senate was expected to survive. The were persuaded, however, after Veterans of Foreign Wars doesn’t even come close to hon- funding for Planned Parenthood a phone conversation with Ryan.

(VFW) National Legislative Di- oring our promises of repealing was to be shifted to community McCain was not. rector Carlos Fuentes, on the obamacare,� said Sen. Ron John- health centers.

For their part, Democrats other hand, described the Ma- son (R-Wis.). “Virtually nothing Keeping the attack on Planned uniformly panned the GoP’s efnila VA as not only a testament we’re doing in any of these bills Parenthood solidified Murkows- forts. to Washington’s commitment and proposals are addressing the ki and Collins’ opposition to the “We’ve had one bad bill after but also serves as “a reminder challenges, the problems, the vote. another. There is no bill that is of the sacrifices of those veter- damage done [by the Affordable This new iteration of the repeal a good bill,� said Sen. Dianne ans in the Philippines who an- Care Act].� comes after two versions failed Feinstein (D-Calif.). “Every bill swered President Roosevelt’s Staff of Senate Majority Leader to win over the 50 GoP senators takes people off health care. Evcall to service during World War Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) crafted needed. But even with all the re- ery bill makes you pay more for II 76 years ago.� the new bill, which was under writing and behind-the-scenes less. There’s a race to the bot“The VFW thanks Senator Hi- discussion all afternoon and negotiation, four senators called tom, so to speak.� rono for her leadership in intro- posted publicly late Thursday a press conference to declare Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), ducing this bill to ensure veter- evening. they will not vote for this “skinny hammered the entire process: ans in the Philippines continue The slimmed-down version of repeal� unless House Speaker “This is nuclear grade bonkers.� to have access to their earned the Senate bill — The Health Care Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) promises not This story was produced by health care and services,� Fuen- Freedom Act, which the White to merely pass the measure but Kaiser Health News, an editorites added. (Dana Sioson/AJ- House refers to as the “free- send it to a conference commit- ally independent program of the Photo from senate.gov Press) dom bill� — included an end to tee between the two chambers, Kaiser Family Foundation.n

US senator calls for renewal of Filipino...

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ed saying in a news release.

According to the VA, its regional office in Manila supports around 13,000 beneficiaries through over $19 million per month in disability compensation or pensions.

The office also serves about 6,000 enrolled patients through its outpatient clinic. “We must keep our commitment to these veterans and all veterans who rely on the Manila VA. It is imperative for Congress to promptly renew authority for this facility to avoid any impact to the hard-earned critical ser-

Senator Mazie K. Hirono

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McCain votes no, derails â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;skinny repealâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; in marathon session

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The Portrait Project: ‘A Portrait of Asian Americans in the Law’

Study shows limited progress of group in top ranks of profession WAShINGTON — Asian Americans have been the fastest-growing minority group in the legal profession for the past three decades, but they have made only limited progress in reaching the top ranks of the profession, according to a new report recently released by the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) and Yale Law School.

The report, titled “A Portrait of Asian Americans in the Law,” is the first-ever comprehensive study of Asian Americans in the legal profession.

According to the study, there are over 50,000 Asian American lawyers today, compared to 10,000 in 1990. Asian Americans comprise almost five percent of lawyers in America and roughly seven percent of law school enrollment. Asian Americans are the largest minority group in big law firms, but they have the highest attrition rates and the lowest ratio of partners to associates.

Asian Americans comprise three percent of federal judges and two percent of state judges, compared to nearly six percent of the U.S. population. Only three out of 94 U.S. Attorneys in 2016 were Asian American, and only four out of 2,437 elected district attorneys nationwide in 2014 were Asian American.

The two-year study — authored

by California Supreme Court Justice Goodwin h. Liu, recent Yale law graduates eric Chung, Xiaonan April hu and Christine Kwon, and Yale law postgraduate associate Samuel Dong — included a dozen focus groups and a national survey of over 600 Asian American lawyers.

The survey revealed that Asian Americans identify lack of access to mentors and contacts as a primary barrier to career advancement. They also report being perceived as careful and hardworking, but not assertive or creative. “Whereas Asian Americans are regarded as having the ‘hard skills’ required for lawyerly competence, they are regarded as lacking many important ‘soft skills,’” the study found. More than half of the Asian American lawyers surveyed said they “sometimes” or “often” experience implicit discrimination in the workplace.

“Our study shows that Asian Americans have a foot in the door in every sector the legal profession,” said Justice Liu. “The question now is how wide the door will swing open. Despite much progress, Asian Americans still face significant obstacles to reaching the leadership ranks.”

“The Portrait Project shines a

light on the obstacles and challenges faced by Asian American lawyers every day,” said Cyndie M. Chang, president of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association. “While incredible strides have been made over the past 25 years, much work remains to be done to push past the stigmas and assumptions associated with Asian Americans.

The insights gleaned from this report will unquestionably lay the groundwork for the road ahead.”

“This project is timely and important — a must-read for anyone who teaches or practices law,” said heather Gerken, dean and Sol & Lillian Goldman professor of law at Yale Law School. “Justice Liu is a trailblazer, and it’s a testament to him that he is trying to ensure that other Asian Americans have a chance to pursue their dreams going forward.”

“This path-breaking project literally changes the face of Asian American law. For too many centuries, Asian Americans have been the objects, not the subjects, of American law: victims and litigants, not activists, lawyers, or judges,” said harold hongju Koh, Sterling professor of international law at Yale Law School and former legal adviser of the U.S. Department of State.

“This indispensable report finally provides the facts behind the stereotypes, the deeply felt feelings behind the faces.”

“The Portrait Project provides important and necessary data on the advances and areas for further improvement for Asian Americans in the legal profession,” said Michelle K. Lee, former undersecretary of commerce and director of U.S. Patent and Trade Office. “Much progress has been made, but much work remains ahead. Particularly noteworthy are the differences highlighted by the data along gender lines, which illustrate the challenges faced by Asian Americans in the legal profession are even more pronounced for Asian American women.”

“This first-ever study of its kind is significant not only for its breadth and the insights it provides on the so-called ‘bamboo ceiling’ in the legal profession, but also because it provides a roadmap for how Asian American attorneys can continue to break through and advance within the profession,” said Ivan K. Fong, senior vice president and general counsel of 3M, and former general counsel of the U.S. Department of homeland Security.

“This new empirical study is a significant contribution to our understanding of the challenges

US willing to return all 3 Balangiga bells The United States government is willing to return all the three bells taken by American soldiers from the Balangiga church in eastern Samar more than the century ago, U.S. Ambassador Sung Kim said on Thursday, July 27.

Talking to reporters after the turnover of two Cessna 208B Caravans by the U.S. government to the Department of National Defense, Kim said the U.S. government was aware of the significant meaning of the bells to Filipinos.

“We know that these bells are very important to the Filipino people and we in fact have been

working for some time to reach a resolution on this issue and we will continue that efforts,” Kim told reporters.

Two of the bells are at F. e.

Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming and one bell is at Camp Could in South Korea.

“If at all possible we would like to return all three bells as soon as possible,” the U.S. ambassador said. he however admitted that the bells also have significant importance to U.S. veterans.

The three bells taken by American soldiers from Balangiga church are considered war booty. (ManilaTimes.net)

This May 2001 photo shows the two bells of Balangiga at the F.E. Warren Air Force Base outside Cheyenne, Wyoming, that signaled an attack by Filipino insurgents on occupying American troops in 1901.

Inquirer.net photo

faced by Asian Americans in the legal profession,” said Ajay K. Mehrotra, director of the American Bar Foundation and professor of law at Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law. “It is only by first identifying the factors that have impeded the long-term leadership success of Asian Americans that we can find potential solutions to this vexing problem.”

“The Portrait Project has confirmed the existence of the bamboo ceiling. It also shows that the future success of the Asian American legal community requires more leadership and mentoring,” said Don Liu, executive vice president and chief legal officer of Target Corp. “The study will be tremendously helpful in removing the professional obstacles that exist for Asian American lawyers.”

“The Portrait Project not only points out the flaws of the hiring and promotion system of workplaces toward Asian Americans, but also shows what Asian Americans can do to succeed,” said Bijal Vakil, partner, White & Case.

“Change requires both mentoring Asian American lawyers on strategies to effectively navigate the status quo of law firms in a manner as personally authentic as possible and to continue pressuring law firm leaders for inclusive leadership.” n

Philippine Air Force (PAF) pilots check on a Cessna-208B Grand Caravan Intelligence, Surveillance and Recoinnaissance (ISR) aircraft acquired through grant programs by the the U.S. government to the PAF during a formal turn-over ceremony at the PAF headquarters in Manila.

US planes to monitor West PH Sea

by Dempsey

Reyes ManilaTimes.net

The two new planes donated by the United States will be used to monitor the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea), Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said on Friday, July 28.

The Philippine Air Force on Thursday received two Cessna-208B surveillance aircraft.

Lorenzana said the planes will be equipped with sensors and will also be used in “conflict areas” in Mindanao.

he added that the aircraft will also monitor the West Philippine Sea, Philippine Rise (Benham) and Sulu Sea “once in a while.”

[These planes will fly] in about a month since sensors, including cameras, will be attached,” Lorenzana told The Manila Times in a text message.

“They will be used all over the Philippines, maritime areas and land areas,” he added.

In November last year, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) received two C-130 planes from the U.S.

Lorenzana said the two Cessna planes will also be used in monitoring high value targets, locating enemy lairs, encampment and fortifications.

“These aircraft are also intended to help address terrorism and support our intelligence, surveillance and reconnaisance operations of the Philippine Air Force and the entire AFP in particular,” he added.

The Defense chief said the military is also waiting for the unmanned aerial vehicle units that the U.S. will turn over this year. n

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Pres. Trump bans transgender troops...

PAGE A3 t crimination.

“As your president, I will do everything in my power to protect our LGBTQ citizens from the violence and oppression of a hateful, foreign ideology,” Trump said at the Republican National Convention on July 21, 2016.

It’s unsure how the supposed ban will affect transgender troops who are currently serving, according to deputy press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders. But if implemented, the ban will abolish a 2016 landmark Obama-era achievement that allowed transgender troops to serve.

The president’s declaration, which came out of left field, drew criticism from veterans as well as LGBTQ+ advocacy groups — including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) — who promised to challenge Trump in federal court if the ban were to come into effect.

Political backlash A few hours after Trump’s tweets, hundreds of protesters descended on Times Square in New York City in front of the U.S. Army Recruitment Center to protest the commander-inchief’s latest pronouncements.

It also sparked outrage and criticism from both Democrats and Republicans.

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said the ban is “fundamentally un-American and unconscionable.”

“The United States should be leading the way on inclusivity and diversity, not running away from it,” de Blasio said. “The brave Americans who choose to dedicate themselves to serving this nation deserve dignity and respect, regardless of their gender identity.”

Senator John McCain (RAriz.), chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, criticized Trump’s tweets, saying that the statement was “unclear” and citing it as an “example of why major policy announcements should not be made via Twitter”.

“Any American who meets current medical and readiness standards should be allowed to continue serving. There is no reason to force service members who are able to fight, train, and deploy to leave the military—regardless of their gender identity. We should all

be guided by the principle that any American who wants to serve our country and is able to meet the standards should have the opportunity to do so—and should be treated as the patriots they are,” McCain said.

According to McCain, the Department of Defense is currently conducting a study on the medical obligations it would incur, the impact on military readiness, and related questions associated with the accession of transgender individuals who are not currently serving in uniform and wish to join the military.

“I do not believe that any new policy decision is appropriate until that study is complete and thoroughly reviewed by the Secretary of Defense, our military leadership, and the Congress,” he added.

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (DNY) also issued an immediate statement denouncing Trump’s announcement.

“These service members are willing to die for their country, and this is an insult to their brave and honorable service,” Gillibrand, who serves on the Armed Services Committee, said. “This new directive is harmful, misguided, and weakens – not strengthens – our military.”

Organizations condemn ban Various organizations across the United States have expressed their sentiments, calling the president’s announcement discriminatory, mean-spirited and hateful.

The National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) issued a statement denouncing the ban and expressing its support to the transgender members of the military.

“President Trump’s latest order banning transgender individuals from serving in the military is a complete affront to America’s standing as a beacon of equality and inclusion,” said Brendan Flores, NaFFAA’s national chairman. “Individuals who love their country should be able to serve it proudly and honorably, regardless of how they identify.”

Viva Tarroza-Taft, a member of NaFFAA’s Board of Governors and U.S. Army (Retired), added: “This is a major setback to the progress made on behalf of LGBT military per-

sonnel. There are thousands of transgender individuals already serving honorably and effectively in the military, and this action pushes them back into the shadows. When members of our brave military are forced to hide and are subject to discriminatory retaliation, it impairs military readiness.”

“Rather than deeming transgender individuals as a ‘disruption,’ we should work to educate each other about how heteronormative language and systems can allow for bigotry and intolerance to spread,” Jason Tengco, NaFFAA’s first openly gay executive director, said. “NaFFAA looks forward to uplifting our global Filipino LGBT diaspora - everyone from Jake Zyrus to Geena Rocero and advocating for our community’s diverse segments.”

Johanna Puno Hester, national president of the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance (APALA) called Trump’s announcement “deeply disappointing.”

“Serving our country in this capacity should be open to all Americans, and this includes the diverse transgender community throughout the country,” Hester said. “Our AAPI community has and continues to face discrimination – from the barring of Japanese Americans from serving in the military during World War II to the current administration’s agenda to criminalize and deport millions of immigrants.”

The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), the largest immigrant rights organization in California, joined community leaders in condemning Trump’s to ban transgender men and women from serving in the military.

“Mr. Trump had a golden chance to protect, honor, and recognize the sacrifices transgender men and women in the military make on behalf of this country and he blew it – big time,” said Angelica Salas, CHIRLA executive director.

“Instead, Trump’s ban endanger the lives and careers of an estimated 15,000 transgenders who are active-duty service members, national guardspeople, and reservists, as well as shuts down the dreams of many who wanted to join the armed forces in the future.”

(Momar G. Visaya and Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)

WOUNDED POLICEMAN. President Rodrigo Duterte awards the wounded personnel medal to SPO4 Jerome Delara during his visit at the Siliman University Medical Center in Dumaguete City on Thursday, July 27. The president also extended financial assistance to Delara who was among the police officers wounded in an attack on July 21 by suspected members of the New People’s Army in Guihulngan City.

Malacañang photo by Ace Morandante

Donaire has new promoter, eyes featherweight return

by Dino

Maragay Philstar.com

NONITO Donaire Jr. will begin the next chapter of his boxing career under a new promoter.

ESPN.com’s Dan Rafael reported that the former four-division champion has signed with Ringstar Sports of promoter Richard Schaefer, who once headed Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions.

The 34-year-old Donaire now seeks “the biggest fights possible,” turning his attention again to the featherweight division, where he once reigned as the WBA champion.

“Exploring what was out there in the new landscape of boxing was unnerving and exciting at the same time,” he said.

“I have known Richard for many years and have always respected what he has been able to do for the fighters he promotes.

At this point in my career I want the biggest fights possible and Richard’s track record to deliver Nonito Donaire Jr. them speaks for itself,” added part, is ecstatic with his latest Donaire. signing.

Donaire (37-4, with 24 KOs) “Nonito wants to fight at 126 hasn’t fought since losing the pounds again, and it’s one of WBO super bantamweight crown the hottest weight classes in the to Jessie Magdaleno in Las Ve- sport,” said Schaefer, adding gas last year. He lobbied for a that Donaire will return to the rematch but failed, prompting ring in a 10-round tune-up bout him to amicably part ways with either in September or October. promoter Top Rank Inc. After that, Donaire will reportNow, he’ll resume his career edly seek showdowns with feathunder Schaefer, who, for his erweight titlists Leo Santa Cruz,

AJPress file photo by Robert Macabagdal

Abner Mares and Lee Selby, or ex-champ Carl Frampton.

“The thought of the megafights against the likes of Mares, Santa Cruz, Selby or Frampton gets my blood boiling,” Donaire continued.

“The next chapter of my career is starting now and I am excited to say that it is with Ringstar. I am grateful to my fans and team for their continued support.” n

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A

Dateline PMorales: hiliPPines Duterte can’t meddle in ombudsman probes

by ElizabEth

MarcElo Philstar.com

INAUGURATION. Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar seated (left), DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu (center), along with Senator Cynthia Villar and Rep. Emmeline Aglipay-Villar (partly behind), led the inaugural drive thru of the Phase 3 of Zapote River Drive that will help ease traffic congestion and reduce the incident of flooding in the area. Phase 3 covers a full kilometer of flood control structure and improvements covering Pegasus St., Moonwalk, Talon 5 to M. Alvarez Avenue and an additional 500 meters that extend to San Isidro Subdivision and Pamploma 1, at the Zapote River Drive, Las Pinas City on Wednesday, July 26.

PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan

PH theatre group, economic director among recipients of 2017 Ramon Magsaysay Award

by Krissy

aguilar AJPress

THE Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) and former Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) Director General Lilia de Lima are among this year’s recipients of the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Awards.

The Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation (RMAF) announced the 59th batch of awardees on Thursday, July 27 at the Rufino Campus of De La Salle University in Bonifacio Global City.

The award-giving body said it elected de Lima for developing PEZA’s work culture into one marked by honesty, efficiency and a one-stop, nonstop service.

“Under Lilia de Lima’s leadership, PEZA enabled the rise of the Philippines as one of the region’s top investment destinations,” the RMAF said.

The World Bank even praised the agency for demonstrating “best practices” in eco-zone man-

agement worldwide under de Lima.

Theater group PETA, on the other hand, has grown beyond its early traditions as a theater company and was acknowledged for “its bold, collective contributions in shaping the theater arts as a force for social change.”

Now on its 50th year, PETA was founded with the initial vision of creating a “national theater” in the Philippines.

This award pursues the mission of “honoring greatness of spirit in selfless service to the peoples of Asia” and is considered Asia’s premier prize and highest honor.

The four other awardees are: Yoshiaki Ishizawa of Japan, former president of Sophia University and an eminent scholar of Southeast Asian history, recognized for “empowering Cambodians to be proud stewards of their heritage”; Abdon Nabahan of Indonesia, secretary general of “Indigenous Peoples Alliance of the Archi-

pelago,” honored for giving a voice to Indigenous Peoples’ communities and working with the government in legal reform, conflict settlement and economic empowerment; Gethsie Shanmugam of Sri Lanka, a member of the country’s minority Tamil community, hailed for providing psychosocial support in war-affected schools and helping in the recovery of war widows, orphans and traumatized children for over four decades and; Tony Tay of Singapore, recognized for organizing Willing Hearts which distributes hot, packed meals to the needy and “inspiring influence in enlarging this simple kindness into a collective, inclusive, vibrant volunteer movement.”

The awarding ceremony for the 2017 Ramon Magsaysay Awards will be held at the Cultural Center of the Philippines on August 31, coinciding with the birthday of the late Ramon Magsaysay. n

MANILA - None of your business.

Ombudsman Conchita CarpioMorales on Friday, July 28 reacted to President Duterte’s requiring the police and the military to seek his clearance first before appearing in investigations of the ombudsman and the Commission on Human Rights (CHR).

“Anong pakialam niya (What’s his business here)? Under the law, we have subpoena powers.

We have orders for particular officials, including police and soldiers, to show up or to file pleadings. If they don’t file pleadings, that’s their lookout,” Morales told reporters on the sidelines of an anti-corruption forum in Quezon City.

On Tuesday, July 25, Duterte warned the ombudsman against citing policemen and soldiers in contempt for not attending investigations, particularly on the issue of extrajudicial killings (EJKs).

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales

“Everything has to go through me… Whoever you will investigate, you have to course it through me. You address it to the DILG (Department of the Interior and Local Government) …

If I say do not allow yourself to be investigated, you will not allow yourself to be investigated,” Duterte said.

“There is no law that requires a soldier or a policeman or any respondent for that matter to

Philstar.com photo

seek clearance from anybody,” even from the President, she said.

“To say they need prior approval of the President, that’s the lookout of those to whom he is addressing that,” Morales said.

Morales maintained that the investigation on police and military officials facing complaints before her office would push through whether or not the re-

u PAGE A10

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OPINION

For whom the bells toll

FEATURES

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte, obviously, is no George Clooney.

But the President has every right like any other Filipino to demand that the United States return the Balangiga bells of Samar to their supposedly rightful owner, the Philippines, which lost the bells to U.S. troops in 1901 as war booty.

Duterte raised the issue of the Balangiga bells apparently to drive home his administration’s foreign policy of independence from Washington and of pivoting to Asia (China and Japan) and Europe (Russia) and away from the watchful eye of the European Union and the clutches of Donald Trump, whom he is beginning to dislike.

His second State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, however, was not the right medium through which a supposed theft of a historical treasure and a “part of our national heritage” should be raised.

This SONA should have summed up in facts and figures what the nation under the President’s leadership achieved from July 1, 2016 to July 24, 2017.

Instead, Filipinos were given the same doses that Duterte’s first SONA already administered, with the war on drugs and corruption, among other recycled priorities of his administration, hogging the nearly two-hour speech that had been

promised earlier to last no more than 50 minutes.

A SONA is a speech on achievements, not a tool for haranguing critics of the human rights record of the Duterte administration, allegedly irresponsible mining companies and a supposedly top local communist in exile who is battling “colon cancer,” among other bullets that sadly missed their mark.

There was hardly any mention, if at all, of the “state” of his promises a year ago on the South China Sea dispute with Beijing, endo (end of contract) employment or contractualization, unemployment, poverty, land distribution, wages, alleged extra-judicial killings, the justice and penal systems, tax reform, agriculture, education and other far more significant matters that would have required more than 120 minutes for him to elaborate on and for which ordinary Filipinos would

have dropped everything to listen to what he had to say even if it took them the entire day.

What transpired on July 24 was a townhall washing of some choice pieces of dirty linen that the masa must have lapped up partly because the President was perceived to be talking their or in their language or, as a top official of the Management Association of the Philippines described the second SONA, “very personal.”

President Duterte could, perhaps, try to unlearn lessons from the first and second SONAs and exert some effort not to play to the gallery by dropping those cuss words and unnecessary swearing that really add no value to what he has to say on drugs and corruption and everything else in between.

He has four more such speeches to deliver until 2021.

By which time, however, the

Guest Editorial

ManilaTimes.net photo

Balangiga bells would have become a footnote to the country’s history.

Still, the President should not hope that the bells would be removed from a U.S. military base where they are ringing right now and shipped back to Samar, unless the Philippine government

suits up for an expectedly protracted legal war with the U.S. government over a relic that shamed mighty America more than 100 years ago.

Clooney and his wife Amal Alamuddin Clooney are the “most high-profile celebrities to call for the [Elgin Marbles]

to be sent [back]to Greece,” the country where the marbles were originally sculpted.

In 2015, however, Athens skipped taking legal action over the Elgin Marbles, seen as a sign that the demand of the Greeks to return the “loot” lacked legal basis. (ManilaTimes.net)

Defense officials, Fil-Am US military general respond to Trump’s transgender military ban dous medical costs SURPRISE! Presiand disruption that dent Donald Trump The Fil-Am transgender in the woke up on the mornmilitary would ening of Wednesday, July Perspective tail. Thank you.”

26, and announced via The announceTwitter that transgenment came nearly ders (those born with one year after the a certain gender but GEL SANTOS-RELOS Obama administraidentify self with antion announced that other gender) will now be banned from serving in the U.S. mili- transgender individuals would no longer be banned from serving openly in tary in any capacity: “After consultation with my Generals the U.S. military.

This policy reversal blindsided not and military experts, please be advised that the United States Government will only about 1,320 to 6,630 transgender not accept or allow transgender indi- personnel actively serving, and anyviduals to serve in any capacity in the where from 830 to 4,160 serving in the reserves (RAND Study). Even Trump’s U.S. military.”

“Our military must be focused on own Defense Secretary James Mattis decisive and overwhelming victory and was caught off guard by the announcecannot be burdened with the tremen- ment and was reportedly “appalled”

and even “infuriated” by the tweets.

Mattis, who was on vacation at the time of Trump’s decision, only had one day’s worth of notice before Trump tweeted his announcement of the policy, according to the New York Times.

The Times reported that Mattis saw the tweets as an insult to transgender Americans currently serving in the military.

Even the Joint Chiefs of Staff, including chairman General Joseph Dunford, were not aware that Trump planned to tweet a ban on transgender service members, according to three U.S. defense officials in a report by CNN. CNN further reported that Dunford has informed service members that there will be “no modifications to the current policy until the president’s direction has been received by the Sec-

retary of Defense and the Secretary has issued implementation guidelines.”

“In the meantime, we will continue to treat all of our personnel with respect,” Dunford wrote in a memo to the military per the CNN report.

This sentiment was shared by Filipino-American retired Major General Antonio Taguba.

In a statement sent by Taguba to The Filipino Channel’s daily newscast “Balitang America”, Taguba said: “I believe it’s totally unjustified. President Trump made a reactionary, illadvised, ill-informed, and inconsistent policy announcement through Twitter which does not justify his original support for the LGBT community when he campaigned in 2016.

“He made a policy announcement on Twitter which, in my opinion, is unoffi-

cial and out of character for a president and commander-in-chief.

“If I was one of the generals who advised him, I would ask President Trump to wait for General Mattis and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs General Dunford to advise him on alternatives with regards to the transgender policy.

“In other words, he should not have made that announcement in this way.”

DO YOU SUPPORT Pres. Trump’s transgender military ban? What do you think compelled Trump to do this at this time, in this way, via Twitter? *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https://www.facebook. com/Gel.Santos.Relos

Reflecting on Asian American studies through the teachings of Grace Lee Boggs and community

Rhizomes

PROSY ABARQUEZDELACRUZ, J.D. [EDITOR’S note: Once a year, a guest columnist will be part of Rhizomes to encourage scholars in education and Asian American Studies at California State University, Northridge, where the columnist set up an endowment to honor her mother, Asuncion Castro Abarquez, and her eldest sister, Rosalinda Abarquez Alcantara. Michelle Bac was chosen, after a vetting process done

by CSUN’s literature and Asian Am faculty, as the recipient of 2017’s Abarquez-Alcantara Asian American Studies and Education Endowment Scholarship.]

By Michelle Bac Truth be told, most students I have spoken to do not begin their undergraduate careers thinking to major in Asian American Studies, and I am no exception.

In my sophomore year, I dropped an exceptionally boring philosophy class and instead picked up Asian American Studies; Race and Critical Thinking on a mere whim. I was able to add the class because of the small roster and remember feeling captivated

by Professor Fong from the very start. For the first time, I felt like a part of history, a classroom, and a movement. I started to feel my own presence as an Asian American woman. Never before had I been able to ask questions about my identity or understand why the word “Oriental” made me feel so uncomfortable. I immediately developed an insatiable hunger for ethnic studies and switched

my major. The workload and amount of reading were prolific, but each word in every article and book lent me more understanding as to who I was, and who I am.

Looking back, my time in Asian American Studies is grounded in academia, but more importantly, the experiences and time spent with people in my department that influenced my identity.

On one such occasion, my peers and I got together for an Asian American Studies movie night to munch on sandwiches the department provided and watch “American Revolutionary: The Evolution of Grace Lee Boggs.” The film follows the life and work of Chinese American philosopher, writer, and activist, Grace Lee Boggs, who made waves from the ‘40s, ‘50s, and ‘60s, until the day she passed in 2015. She firmly believed in radical change and wrote that “movements are born of critical connections rather than critical mass” (The Next American Revolution, 17). Students and teachers are the most essential foundation to AAS, as they provide the spark and passion required for “critical connection” and community building. In my interactions with people in the Asian American Studies department, I felt a genuine bond that was missing in all of my other classes.

Despite intimidating and oftentimes highbrow appearances, the ideals and concepts in Asian American Studies research and education inherently lead

back to the community and our shared humanity. Ethnic Studies is beneficial and necessary both theoretically and practically for students of color because other more “traditional” fields of education can be alienating to students. In public universities, students in popular majors have difficulties enrolling and feeling connected to their departments, especially at the California State University of Northridge. Within the Korean American community I was a part of, most of my friends had to push their schedules back one to two semesters because of a single required class that was perpetually full. Many of them also felt detached from campus life and saw their classes as just units to fulfill towards a degree.

With the large class sizes and overwhelmingly white classes I had experienced as a Cinema and Television Arts major, I was drawn to Asian American Studies not only because there was actually room to enroll, but because I felt welcomed.

Asian American Studies is welcoming and appealing to many students like myself simply because the movement was made of students. Ethnic Studies originated from students of color wanting to challenge the educational system and see their identities reflected in higher education. Due to the sacrifices and efforts of young students during a 1968 boycott of San Francisco State College and amidst “an era of heightened civil rights activism, anti-Vietnam War protests,

urban violence, and ethnic and feminist identity formation,” Asian American Studies was born and persists to this day (Fong 1). Since students sought to create radical change within the institution by establishing new programs and departments, the founding concepts of Ethnic Studies would have to “distinguish ethnic studies research from other traditional disciplines” and lay the groundwork for progress (Fong 2). Thus, the four founding concepts inherent in Asian Americans studies are a focus on community, reinterpretive and protective agendas, questioning objectivity and neutrality, and a focus on social change.

During one of my last senior Asian American Studies courses, Professor Buenavista informed the class that if we were only to take away one lesson from our undergraduate years, it should be those four founding concepts.

Although quite simple, these four concepts allow Ethnic Studies to empower students of color and inspire their future actions for social justice. Although I was exposed to intercultural literature in high school, I clearly remember the stark absence of Asian Americans in my K-12 education and recall my first few courses absolutely blowing my mind.

Learning about non-canon experiences and histories of people of color empowered me, giving me more confidence in a newly discovered identity as well as the strength to ask questions.

Furthermore, Asian American Studies ushered me into a community of mentors and friends.

I was one of Grace Lee Bogg’s “young people whose self-concept ha[d] undergone a fundamental change” that must then “be given concrete opportunities to change their actual conditions of life” (“Education: the Great Obsession” 51). Indeed, concrete and wonderful opportunities arose from my community, and I attended academic conferences, became a student tutor in the department, and graduated with an Asian American Studies degree.

An Ethnic Studies education positively impacted my retention in university, language and critical lens, and my concept of success, molding me into a self-actualized person.

I am one of the lucky Asian American students walking along the path paved by countless civil rights and social justice activists like Grace Lee Boggs.

However, within the safety of CSUN’s structured Asian American Studies department that has yet to see major cutbacks, I admit to becoming complacent regarding activism and working for the community, but not apathetic.

While both students and professors can become entrenched into the educational system we benefit from, Ethnic Studies will always be founded on four concepts geared towards the community. Now more than ever, Asian American Studies must not be rendered obsolete by assertions of “reverse racism” (the

notion that Whites experience the same amount of discrimination as people of color). In order to focus on our immediate community, more rapport could be created between professors and their students in the form of roundtables with faculty. Additionally, student - led events can inspire future majors to become more involved, as people and our “critical connections” are the foundations of change.

Asian Americans in education, from students to professors to activists, must advocate the importance of Ethnic Studies principles more strongly, stay grounded, and work to remain motivated by whatever, or whoever may have brought them into the field. *** Michelle Bac is an alumna of the California State University, Northridge. She is open to the possibilities of life and plans to pursue a Masters in Ceramic Art as her next goal.

Works Cited Boggs, Grace Lee. “Education: The Great Obsession.” Monthly Review: An Independent Socialist Magazine, vol. 63, no. 3, July 2011, pp. 38-55.

Boggs, Grace Lee, et al. The Next American Revolution: Sustainable Activism for the Twenty-First Century. 2nd ed., University of California Press, 2012.

Fong, Timothy. Introduction. Ethnic Studies Research: Approaches and Perspectives, by Fong, Lanham, MD: Alta Mira Press, 2008, pp. 1-14.

Murase, Mike. “Ethnic Studies and Higher Education for Asian Americans.” Asian Pacific American Experiences: Past, Present, and Future, edited by Edith Chen and Eunai Shrake, Kendall Hunt Publishing Company, 2012, pp.

124-152

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

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OpiniOn & Features

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL â&#x20AC;˘ JULy 29-AUgUSt 1, 2017

A

In this Aug. 15, 2016 file photo, human rights activists light candles for the victims of extra-judicial killings around the country in the wake of â&#x20AC;&#x153;War on Drugsâ&#x20AC;? campaign by Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte in Quezon City.

Philstar.com photo

Palace: CHR execs can be fired any time

by LLanesca

T. PanTi ManilaTimes.net

â&#x20AC;&#x153;However, the CHR is a constitutional body and it cannot MANILA - In the face of be abolished by mere legislaPresident Duterteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plan to abol- tion. The CHR chairperson and ish the Commission on Human its members, however, serve at Rights (CHR), MalacaĂąang on the pleasure of the President,â&#x20AC;?

Thursday, July 27 said officials presidential spokesman Ernesto of the CHR could be fired any Abella said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Technically, they may be time, noting that they serve at replaced at the pleasure of the the pleasure of the President.

President,â&#x20AC;? he added.

Duterte merely expressed his frustration when he slammed the agency following its supposed interference in the actions of government security forces in conflict-torn Mindanao.

During the Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s State of the Nation Address on Mon-

u PAGE A10

House urged to lift limits on foreign ownership

by LLanesca

T. PanTi ManilaTimes.net

REP. LRay Villafuerte of Camarines Sur called on the House of Representatives to amend the constitutional provision restricting foreign ownership of public utilities, saying it hampers the flow of foreign direct investments (FDIs).

Villafuerte made the call in response to the plan of the House and the Senate to form a technical working group (TWG) to craft amendments to the Constitution since President Rodrigo Duterte has yet to appoint members of the constitutional commission.

Villafuerte cited government data from 2011 to 2015 showing that the Philippines only got $20.4 billion in foreign direct investments, lower than Singaporeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s $305.6 billion, Indonesiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s $107.6 billion, Malaysiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s $56.6 billion and Thailandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s $42.0 billion. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Federalism is the way to attain the Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s goal of ensuring equitable regional growth

West Coast

and countryside development.

However, federalism should be complemented by liberalizing foreign ownership in many sectors of our economy which can only be done through charter change,â&#x20AC;? Villafuerte said in a statement.

Under the 1987 Constitution, foreigners can only own up to 40 percent of land and public utility companies, including media outfits and educational institutions. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I hope the TWG will work on easing constitutional restrictions on foreign investments, in support of the governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s agenda of inclusive growth. The 40 percent [foreign]ownership limit is a deal breaker,â&#x20AC;? Villafuerte said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Even if we amend the Foreign Investment Negative List to accommodate more investments, we will still be limited by this constitutional restriction on foreign ownership. We need to catch up with our neighbors by opening our doors to more foreign investors,â&#x20AC;? he added.

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A10 JUly 29-aUgUst 1, 2017 • la WEEKEND asIaN JOURNal

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Mayor Estrada slammed for inappropriate publicity stunt by iris

Vicente AJPress

NETIZENS slammed the local government of Manila, especially Mayor Joseph Ejercito Estrada, for heading the clean-up drive of Manila Bay last Friday, July 21 which they alleged to be a publicity stunt.

The supposed clean-up drive initiated by the local government of Manila was a trending topic for the past few days when video footage of an ABS-CBN reporter circulated online showing trash that

was being scattered prior to the efforts for “picture purposes.”

The video revealed how the reporter asked whether the people were serious about deliberately throwing out trash in the water before administering the clean up drive.

“Cleanup po iyan. Pupulutin po ulit para lang may photo. (This is a cleanup. They’ll pick this up later after taking a photo),” the man in the said video explained.

The video was shared multiple times earning criticisms from the

Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada Philstar.com photo

public.

It was later revealed that the environmental activity was spearheaded by Rizal Park Hotel not by the City of Manila.

“This is spearheaded not by the city but by Rizal Park Hotel in cooperation with some government agencies such as the City of Manila... It will be done monthly,” said Atty. Sol Arboladura, the director of Manila Tourism and Cultural Affairs.

Estrada was asked if he was aware or had given instructions for his staff to throw trash into the water for the publicity photo but he answered vaguely saying, “For publicity only, but we are serious in cleaning Manila Bay.” Even former Manila Mayor and now Buhay Party-List Rep. Lito Atienza showed repulsion over the absurd incident.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) expressed indifference towards the controversy.

“Kapag nagtapon ka ng basura sa Manila Bay, mayroon naman talagang parusa ‘yan sa batas.

Ang depensa siguro nila diyan ay kinuha rin naman nila. Sana lang nalahat nila. Hindi sana natin kailangan gawin ‘yun kasi marami namang puwedeng kunin sa Manila Bay. Kalkalin mo lang ‘yung kaunti sa shore. (Throwing wastes in Manila bay is punishable by law. Although they had taken the garbage they had thrown, I just hope they took all of them.

There’s no need to do that, in fact they can just dig a little bit on the shore and the wastes would come out),” Undersecretary Maria Paz Luna said.

Asked whether Estrada has any liability over the incident, “Di naman natin siya nakitang nagtapon e. Nakita mo ba siyang nag-utos?

(We didn’t see him throwing out garbage. Have you seen him giving directives?)”Luna said.

COURTESY CALL. President Rodrigo Duterte meets with People’s Republic of China Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi and Ambassador of China to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua who paid a courtesy call on the President at the Study Room of Malacañang Palace on July 25, 2017.

Joining the President are Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano and Philippine Ambassador to China Jose Sta. Romana.

Malacañang photo by Simeon Celi

Sereno: SC never issued TRO on RH Law

by Patricia Lourdes

Viray

specific contraceptives regulated abortifacient.

Sereno stressed that the reaunder the law.

“This pertains to two implants son why the TRO has not been MANILA - Supreme Court Chief Justice Maria Lourdes - Implanon and Impanon NXT,” lifted yet is with the FDA and not Sereno on Thursday, July 27 clar- Sereno said in a statement, add- with the high court. ified that the high tribunal never ing that the TRO is limited to the “By the express terms of the issued a temporary restraining two implants.

Court’s Decisions, there is no The TRO against the two im- TRO against the implementation order against the implementation of the Reproductive Health plants will be lifted as soon as of the RH Law or all contracepthe Food and Drug Administra- tive products,” Sereno reiterLaw. The statement was made in re- tion certifies that they are not ated. n sponse to the statement of President Rodrigo Duterte regarding the RH Law during his second State of the Nation Address last Monday, July 24.

Duterte said the TRO prevents the Department of Health from distributing subdermal implants, claiming that it puts to waste P350 million worth of taxpayers’ money.

“I also note that since its issuance two years ago, this TRO has impaired the government’s ability to fully implement responsibly family planning and methods and the RH Law,” Duterte said in his SONA. Sereno stressed that after the decision on the partial constitutionality of the RH Law, the high Inquirer.net photo court issued a TRO against two Supreme Court Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno Philstar.com

Palace: CHR execs can be fired any...

PAGE A8 t

day, Duterte chided the CHR, saying the security forces were implementing military rule in Mindanao “in good faith.”

Duterte shunned insinuations that there were violations of human rights committed by the police and military.

Vice President Leni Robredo warned yesterday President Duterte against abolishing the CHR, saying such move will strip ordinary Filipinos, especially the poor, of their protection against abuses.

Robredo, a former pro-bono lawyer, said the CHR is a constitutional body and was established as such to prevent human rights violations committed

against the people in the past, notably by those in power.

Created under the 1987 Constitution, the CHR is tasked to investigate all forms of human rights abuses involving civil and political rights.

CHR chief’s resignation sought CHR chairman Chito Gascon should resign instead of finishing his seven-year term, presidential legal counsel Salvador Panelo said.

Gascon is a known supporter of the Liberal Party and former president Benigno Aquino III, whose allies in the Senate, including detained Sen. Leila de Lima, have been critical of Duterte’s drug war.

“Since he is not functioning

as an objective CHR chairman, he should have the decency to resign,” Panelo said.

Gascon: Let’s just do our job For his part, Gascon advised Panelo to just focus on his job after the Palace official called for his resignation for supposed lack of objectivity.

“Everyone is entitled to his or her opinion about how each of us should perform our respective mandate. I stand by the full record of my public service, including my tenure as chairman of the CHR,” Gascon said.

“Secretary Panelo should focus on his job – to give the best legal advice to the Office of the President – and I will do my job as best as I can,” Gascon

Morales: Duterte can’t meddle in ombudsman...

PAGE A7 t

spondents cooperate with investigators.

“Tuloy yung kaso (The case will proceed) if there is probable cause, irrespective if he answers or not. If there is probable cause on the basis of the evidence of the complainant, we will push though with the filing of the case in court. Kung walang probable cause, kahit ’di siya sumagot (even if respondent does not respond) we will dismiss the case,” Morales said.

There are pending complaints with the ombudsman against several police officials allegedly involved in summary killings of suspected criminals and drug offenders.

Not inhibiting Morales also maintained she is not inhibiting from the complaint against former president Benigno Aquino III over the January 2015 Mamasapano carnage.

“Why should I inhibit? On what ground? No. I’m not a coward,” Morales said.

The Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) had earlier called on Morales to recuse herself from the complaint against Aquino, former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Alan Purisima and former PNPSpecial Action Force director Getulio Napeñas Jr. VACC legal counsel Ferdinand Topacio and founding chairman Dante Jimenez said Morales should either resign as ombudsman or inhibit from the complaint, as it is “obvious” that the latter is protecting Aquino from prosecution.

Morales, a retired Supreme Court associate justice, was appointed by Aquino as ombudsman in 2011.

Morales said that despite criti-

cisms, her office will decide on the complaint “based on evidence.”

“They can attempt to repress the messenger, but they cannot suppress the message... Maraming bumabatikos sa akin, akala mo kung sino sila. Kayo na maging ombudsman. (Many are criticizing me, as if they know better.

Try being the ombudsman). It’s a thankless job,” Morales said.

She also shrugged off Duterte’s remarks that the cases being readied against Aquino, Purisima and Napeñas are “silly” and are sure to fail.

“That’s his own opinion. The case is pending [with] motions for reconsideration. So, everybody is entitled to his own opinion,” Morales said. “I am not listening to anybody. I go by evidence.”

The VACC on July 1 last year assisted the families of the police commandos killed during the Mamasapano incident in filing 44 counts of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide against Aquino, Purisima and Napeñas.

The ombudsman, in a recent resolution, dismissed the complaint for “lack of probable cause,” saying that the acts or negligence of the three former officials were not the “proximate cause” of death of the 44 SAF troopers.

The ombudsman, instead, ordered the filing against Aquino, Purisima and Napeñas of cases of usurpation of authority under Article 177 of the Revised Penal Code and violation of Section 3 (a) of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. The families of the SAF 44 as well as Aquino have filed their respective motions for reconsid-

eration on the ombudsman ruling.

The policemen were killed in an encounter with Muslim guerrillas as they were leaving Mamasapano after killing high value terror target Zulkifli bin Hir, alias Marwan, before dawn on Jan. 25 two years ago.

The encounter left 44 SAF troopers, 18 members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and five civilians dead.

Meanwhile, Morales admitted that she did not attend the second State of the Nation Address of Duterte on Monday as she was not invited.

“It’s OK. I don’t care,” Morales said, adding that she was also not invited during the President’s first SONA last year.

“I was not invited last year, I don’t expect to be invited this year... If there’s a party or event for which you are not invited and you know your friends are invited, I’m not sensitive about it,” Morales said.

Duterte recently slammed Morales over the latter’s statement in a recent interview with Japan’s NHK World that his directive to kill criminals is “not acceptable” under “any circumstance.”

Morales said Duterte is “goading people to kill” with his repeated statements that policemen and even ordinary citizens have his blessing to arm themselves and kill criminals who resist arrest and who put people’s lives in danger.

Duterte answered back by challenging Morales to show him any law prohibiting him from threatening to kill criminals.

The President then went on to criticize the Office of the Ombudsman for being a “corrupt” agency, citing his experience as a Davao City prosecutor. n

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JULy 29-AUgUSt 1, 2017

A11

PH signs MOU on cooperation with China

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

The governments of the Philippines and China have signed a memorandum of agreement (MOU) on strengthening their bilateral cooperation.

Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Allan Peter Cayetano and his counterpart, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, signed the agreement on Tuesday, July 25, during the latter’s official visit to Manila.

In a press briefing, Cayetano described the friendship between the two countries under Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping as a “friendship worth fostering.”

Cayetano said the agreement “will reinforce the foundation of the relations” between the two foreign ministries “through exchanges and collaborative activities.”

“Taking to heart the Philippine Constitution and President Duterte’s independent foreign policy, we seek to strengthen ties and cooperation with all countries in order to bring tangible benefits to all Filipinos and to the people of our partner countries,” he added.

Joint gas exploration earlier on Monday, July 24, Duterte cited a possible joint oil exploration between Manila and Beijing in the disputed South China Sea. In a conference after delivering his second State of the Nation Address (SONA), Duterte, while saying he could not reveal the details, disclosed that the talks about the joint exploration are

COOPERATION DEAL. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (right) and Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano exchange pleasantries in Manila on Tuesday, July 25. The two agreed to strengthen cooperation in tourism, trade, finance and fighting illegal drugs.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Rene Dilan

ongoing.

“When they start to excavate the gas and all. I tell you, it’s going to be just like a joint venture.

Para pareho (So it will be fair),” the president said.

“We are there already, may partner na (There’s a partner already),” he added. “Di ko lang masabi kung sino. Nandoon na ang atin pati kanila (I just cannot reveal the partner. Our representatives and their representatives are there). They are talking and they are exploring.”

Asked about potential joint oil exploration with Beijing, Cayetano expressed hope that both countries would find a way to use the natural resources in the area “for the benefit of the people.”

“As very spiritual people, we

believe natural resources are blessings from God that should be enjoyed by his people,” Cayetano told reporters. he went on to say, “Thus, the natural phase two of better relations here and of the environment of dialogue, peace and stability is seeking to be able to use those natural resources to benefit your people.”

Wang echoed Cayetano’s sentiments.

“In waters where there are overlapping of maritime rights and interest, if one party goes for unilateral development, then the other party will take the same actions, and that might complicate the situation at sea that might lead to tensions, and as end result nobody might be able to develop the resources,” Wang said.

Duterte submits early budget plan for 2018 by iriS

Vicente AJPress

PReSIDeNT Rodrigo Duterte’s administration submitted a P3.767 trillion budget for 2018 to Congress on Monday, July 24.

For the first time since the administration of former Pres. Fidel V. Ramos in the 1990s, the budget was submitted on the day of the president’s State of the Nation Address (SONA).

About a quarter of the 2018 General Appropriations Act will be used for infrastructures.

Duterte plans to spend P8-trillion in his six-year term to set up new roads, bridges and airports and lead a “golden age” of in-

frastructure.

“The rationale for submitting on time is to give Congress more time and an early start to approve the budget, which also means an early start for us in the executive,” Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno said in an interview with ANC. A big portion of the budget will also go to the education sector, as well as the war-afflicted city of Marawi apart from its P5 billion allocated for rehabilitation in the 2017 budget.

“If the need arises, we’ll look for additional funds. But as I said, financing follows the plan. Unless we see the plan, we cannot com-

mit additional funding,” Diokno added.

Moreover, an outline for next year’s budget also includes the government giving P2,400 monthly to 10 million households to mitigate the possible effects of the president’s tax reform program. however, the provision for the Bangsamoro Basic Law legislation is not yet on the proposed 2018 budget.

“As soon as it’s approved—and I don’t know when it will be approved—we’ll provide for it,” said Diokno. he also said that Duterte can sign the 2018 budget by November this year once it is approved by lawmakers.

Town mates and Friends:

Please join us in celebration of our

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Nazario Perlas: Precy Castaneto- Ruedas:

nazario.perlas@yahoo.com pcruedas@yahoo.com

Lito Tambo: Ludy Lagmay-Ganzon: Mila Tadina: Josie Dolor Etrata: Mary Ann Arichea–Caunan:

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JOURNAL

Are Luis Manzano and Jessy Jake Cuenca excited to play Lizardo in â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Ang Pandayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Mendiola ready to tie the knot?

by ELIJAH

RODEROS AJPress

TV host and actor Luis Manzano was recently named among PeopleAsiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Men Who Matter.â&#x20AC;?

Actress Jessy Mendiola was with him to support his achievement as she was all smiles during the event.

Manzano said that he was overwhelmed and honored to be listed among his fellow awardees. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I guess I am doing something okay the past year to be recognized by People Asia. Thank you very much for this. This is a very special award, especially that we found out [that] my dad and I are the first father and son who received this award. Dad para sa iyo din ito. (Dad, this is also for you),â&#x20AC;? he said.

In the meantime, when asked about marriage plans, both have been open that they are already Luis Manzano and Jessy Mendiola

ABS-CBN photo

PAGE B2

Bruno Mars to perform in Manila in 2018

JAKE Cuenca is set to portray the iconic role of Flavioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s (Coco Martin) mortal enemy in â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ang Pandayâ&#x20AC;? the movie.

In an interview with ABS-CBN News, Cuenca expressed his excitement towards the new movie. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nagpapasalamat na lang ako kasi hindi ako nagpagupit before I did this movie. But Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m really excited with â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Ang Panday.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m excited working with Coco at sa iba pang malalaking artista. (Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m very thankful because I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have my haircut yet before I film this movie.

But Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m really excited with â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ang Panday.â&#x20AC;? Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m excited to work with Coco and other big stars),â&#x20AC;?

Cuenca said.

Cuenca promised to exhaust all his efforts for this character. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iibahin ko talaga ...on my own way. Like I said, when I do kontrabida I really do it well.

Jake Cuenca is set to play Pandayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mortal enemy Lizardo.

PAGE B2 Photo from Jake Cuencaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Instagram account

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by ELIJAH

RODEROS AJPress

GRAMMY Award-winning artist Bruno Mars is bringing his â&#x20AC;&#x153;24K Magic World Tourâ&#x20AC;? concert to Manila on May 3, 2018, at the Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena in Pasay City.

Concert promoter, Music Management International (MMI Live), confirmed the news on social media on Thursday, July 27.

The album, â&#x20AC;&#x153;24K Magicâ&#x20AC;? already hit the 1 million mark of copies sold in the U.S. last July 20, according to Nielsen Music in a report by Billboard.

The tour, which began in Europe this March, will conclude in Kuala Lumpur on May 9, 2018.

The 31-year-old singer-songwriter first rose to fame in 2010 when he lent vocals on B.o.Bâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nothing On You.â&#x20AC;? His hit singles include â&#x20AC;&#x153;Grenade,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Just the Way You Are,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Marry You,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Treasureâ&#x20AC;?

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and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Uptown Funk.â&#x20AC;? He released his third studio album â&#x20AC;&#x153;24K Magicâ&#x20AC;? in November of last year.

Peter Gene Hernandez or famously called as Bruno Mars was born to a family of entertainers, one of the six children of Peter

Photo from Bruno Marsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Instagram account

Hernandez, a Puerto Rican Jewish percussionist, and the late Bernadette San Fernando Bayot, a Filipina who migrated to Hawaii.

Mars last performed in Manila for his â&#x20AC;&#x153;Moonshine Jungleâ&#x20AC;? world tour concert in 2014.

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ENTERTAINMENT

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Sharon Cuneta shrinks to size medium, admits it’s not enough

By KRISSY

AGUILAR AJPRESS

MEGASTAR Sharon Cuneta happily shared that she has finally reached “medium” size in an Instagram post.

“I’m going for size small but really would like to get to XS – EXTRA SMALL (or over na ba ‘yun? Baka mata at ngipin ko na lang ang makita niyo) (or am I going overboard? My eyes and teeth might be the only thing left for you to see),” she said.

Cuneta admitted that aside from following a strict diet, she has also been losing her appetite.

She also said that she has a lot to think of “but at least this weight loss has been one good thing to come out of my concerns and stresses.”

The only thing she worries is to make sure she doesn’t get sick.

“Pumapayat ako (I’m becoming slimmer) but I’m afraid I’m not getting enough nourishment.”

Cuneta has long been dealing with her weight loss problems, but with perseverance, she’s finally getting back in shape.

She was congratulated by celebrity friends.

“Galing! Good job ate!” Judy Ann Santos said. “Happy for you mama,” actress Jackie Lou Blanco congratulated.

“I will love you in any size!”

Sharon Cuneta

singer Martin Nievera commented.

“The Voice” coach recently finished filming a movie, which is an entry for Cinemalaya 2017

Photo from Sharon Cuneta’s Instagram account

entitled “Ang Pamilyang Hindi Lumuluha.” It will be shown at the Cultural Center of the Philippines and Ayala Cinemas on August 4.

Are Luis Manzano and Jessy... Jake Cuenca PAGE B1

NG

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U.S. CASIN ST O BE

& AR ES O RT

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talking about it.

“We actually talk about it every day,” Mendiola told ABS-CBN News.

According to the pair, there’s already forethought and they treat it with weight and seriousness.

“Of course naman. Aminin naman natin lahat kapag may partner tayo, palagi nating pinaguusapan iyan. (Let’s be honest, when we have a partner, we always talk about that [marriage].

You always hope for the best),” she added.

“Ako kasi, I always ask him. Palagi akong nagtatanong kung, ‘Ano sa tingin mo? Ano kayang mas okay?

Tama ba ito? Mali ba ito?’ Ganoon ako lagi sa kanya and ganoon din siya sa akin. (As for myself, I always ask him. I’m always asking if ‘what do you think? what’s more okay? Is

this right? Is this wrong?’),” Mendiola explained.

“Kasi I think ganun talaga kapag partners. Hindi puwedeng walang say iyong partner mo kasi you are in this together. So whether it be his life or your life, dapat mayroon kang part doon.

(I think it is really like that since you’re partners. It cannot be that he has nothing to say on this at all because you are in this together.

(I think it is really like that since you’re partners. It cannot be that he has nothing to say on this at all because you are in this together),” she said in an article wrote by Tempo.

The couple recently celebrated their first anniversary last July 23.

Despite the talks, there is still no specific date on when they are going to ring the wedding bells.

excited to play...

PAGE B1

And kapag pinagsasama kami ni Coco, it’s magical, sumasabog.

And it’s about time to do it in a movie tapos ‘Ang Panday’ pa. (I will really change it [portraying the role]. Like I said, when I do antagonist role, I really do it well. And when Coco and I are together, it’s magical, explosive.

And it’s about time to do it in a movie especially it’s “Ang Panday),” he said expressing his joy portraying the iconic role.

Cuenca will also be in the cast of the 13th Cinemalaya entry, “Requited.” He is currently starring in the Kapamilya series “Ikaw Lang Ang Iibigin” with Kim Chiu and Gerald Anderson as Carlos.

“Ang Panday” is an entry to the Metro Manila Film Festival this year. (Elijah Roderos/AJPress)

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B3

Kitchen faucet facing the stove Is Tony Labrusca a ‘threat’ to KathNiel tandem?

By SEAN

SHONO

master of the house. This kind PEOPLE may get an awkward of layout may make the married feeling when they see the kitchen couple’s relationship awkward.

Meanwhile, if the kitchen is faucet facing the stove. This is because the water from the fau- located at the northwest corner, cet goes against the fire of the the master’s luck may decline. If it is to the south, a family member stove, creating disaccord.

This may give bad influence may suffer from an eye disease.

You may consult Dragon God to the relationship of a married couple. The kitchen stove by calling (310) 787-1891 or by symbolizes the wife, who is the visiting dragongodusa.com.

*All of our items have been purified by the authentic Feng Shui process. *** Feng Shui master Sean Shono owns Dragon God, a Feng Shui store in Gardena, California.

He 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.

Fil-Am short film about an undocumented immigrant at featured NYC film fest

By ELIJAH

RODEROS AJPRESS

“TO what extent can a mother sacrifice just to give her child a better life?”

An official selection at the 40th Asian American International Film Festival (AAIFF), “The Pleasure Of Being Served” by Michael Manese is a story of the inner struggle between principle and pragmatism.

The 15-minute short film centers on Rosa, a single mother from the Philippines who chose to work in the U.S. as a domestic helper with the hope of bringing her son along to the “the land of the free.”

She works for a young and rich American named Hudson, who is caught between two lovers at the same time: Lynn, also a Filipina, and Jen, an American, both of whom don’t know about Hudson’s shenanigans. Having befriended both of them, Rosa knows exactly the consequence of infidelity.

Rosa is torn between telling the two women about Hudson’s manipulative lies and to leave, or keeping mum about his deceit and accept Hudson’s generous offer.

A simple depiction of an undocumented immigrant far away from home, yet a multifaceted narrative, “The Pleasure Of Being Served” speaks of the dilemma of our modern day heroes.

“I would like the audience to come out of the theater experienc-

ManilaTimes.net

NOT everyone knows that Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach first dreamed of being an actress rather than a beauty queen.

She was only four years old when she was launched as one of the talents in ABS-CBN’s Star Circle Batch 11, appearing with the screen name Pia Romero in such TV shows like “K2BU”, “Your Song”, “Bora” and “Sa Piling Mo.” She also had a taste of doing movies in the Sharon Cuneta-Aga Muhlach starrer “Kung Ako Na Lang Sana” (2003), Kristine Hermosa and Muhlach’s “All My Life” (2004), and the star-studded “All About Love” (2006).

Though her list of showbiz projects may seem long at first glance, Wurtzbach only played bit roles in these titles, which were unable to tap her full potential. Quite possibly the reason for her careerchange, the half-German Filipina eventually focused her efforts in joining beauty pageants, and—this one everyone knows—on her third attempt finally bagged the Binibining Pilipinas-Universe crown in 2015. Of course, this led to her grandest achievement yet when she won the pinnacle of all beauty contests via Miss Universe.

Regarded as Queen Pia these days, Wurtzbach recalls her last acting stint in 2012 in a guest role for the fantasy-drama “Ary-

Philstar.covm

SIGNS that a new face is well on his way to stardom: 1. He’s rumored to be the boytoy of a filthy rich gay; 2. He has sired a child out of wedlock; and/or 3. He’s being bashed relentlessly.

Newcomer Tony Labrusca is neither No. 1 and No. 2; but, yes, he’s the target of bashers only because in La Luna Sangre, the Twilight-reminiscent Kapamilya teleserye which marks his acting debut, Tony as Jake is so effective as the third wheel of the KathNiel tandem of Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla that the duo’s fans just couldn’t take it…sitting down…so they storm the social media with killer words against poor Tony.

The bashers really have a reason to be “threatened.” Tony is as macho as mucho-macho guys come, packed-full with star appeal and a veritable head-turner, never mind if he didn’t top the Kapamilya talent search Pinoy Boyband Superstar (it was his mom, Angel Jones [former member of the ’90s hip-hop trio Kulay], who pushed him into joining; his father is actor Boom Labrusca).

Tony Labrusca

A Leo (Aug. 7, 1995), Tony comes from, as he put it, “colorful family” with mixed Filipino, Hispanic and Afro-American blood. He stands 5’10”; weighs 145 lbs.; and wears medium-sized shirt, medium-sized boxers and size-9 shoes. His most prominent face mark is a mole right below his nose. Ask your neighborhood manghuhula and he’d tell you that it foretells big things on the way.

“I’m a very spontaneous guy,” Tony toldFunfare. “I love doing random things and when I come up with an idea, I love to get it done right away. I’m always down

for a new adventure.”

The bashing at first upset him, according to Tony.

“I felt so overwhelmed because I’ve never had to deal with bashing like that before,” he admitted. “But I just reminded myself about the industry I was getting myself into and I focused my attention on all my supporters instead of worrying about the bashers.”

In the next breath, he admitted being slow when it comes to social media.

“I used to only have Facebook and Instagram, and just started a Twitter (account) when I joined Pinoy Boyband Superstar because it was required. I’m getting better at social media, though, and I’m learning to keep up, hahahaha!!!”

Despite the bashers, Tony continues to have a pleasant relationship on the set with Daniel and Kathryn.

“I actually don’t get to see Daniel too often because we are still at the part of the story where Daniel and me don’t know each other. However, the times I’ve gotten a chance to talk to him he’s been very friendly. I’ve been able to bond with Kathryn more, though, and she’s also really PAGE B5

Paulo Avelino dating a Fil-Aussie model

By KRISSY

AGUILAR AJPRESS

“The Pleasure Of Being Served” tells the story of Rosa, a single mother from the Philippines who chose to work in the U.S. as a domestic helper with the hope of bringing her son along to the “the land of the free.”

ing complex emotions. Was Rosa right in what she did? What was she thinking? What would have the audience done in her situation?” said Manese, the writer and director of the film.

Drawing inspirations from different outlooks, the main character is inspired from Manese’s previous Latin American housekeeper while Hudson is from his favorite movie, “Hud.” He also shared that he’s always been fond of doing a film with subtitles.

“I always wanted to do a movie with subtitles. I loved the movies ‘The Remains of the Day’ and ‘Hud’. Both are two

of my favorite movies ever that just, coincidentally, have similar themes,” he said.

According to Manese, the title came from an episode of “Everybody Loves Raymond,” where the mother goes to a restaurant and tells her family to leave her alone; she just wants to have the pleasure of being served.

The short film is currently being written into a feature-length film set in 2016 U.S. Presidential Election, in the light of Trump’s administration wherein the deportation is a threat to undocumented immigrants.

The festival will until August 5 in New York City.

Pia Wurtzbach prepares to act anew

by IZA IGLESIAS

by RICKY LO

ana.” These days, one of the most beautiful women in the world has been looking back at her one-time showbiz career in interviews for the very fact that she is just about to resume it.

Come the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), Wurtzbach will grace the big screen once more, and finally in a lead role. She shares topbilling with Vice Ganda and Daniel Padilla in the comedy “The Revengers.”

While showbiz observers knew this time would come, there are still those who wonder what convinced her to return to the biz after so long.

Explaining she was only waiting for the right project and the right time after completing her reign as Miss Universe, Wurtzbach confirmed, “I really wanted to go back to acting. Even when I was Miss Universe, I knew that acting would be something I’d get back to since I’d been doing it since I was kid and I’m quite comfortable in showbiz.”

Despite her comeback being a comedy, the beauty queen revealed she is currently taking refreshers courses on acting to get back on the saddle.

Speaking at the sidelines of her launch as Century Tuna’s latest endorser, Wurtzbach related, “I need some time to practice my acting skills again so I’ve been taking workshops. I want to be

prepared for the movie so I asked for this time from ABS-CBN. The Revengers is a superhero flick, and so far, I’ve fitted my harness, but that’s about it so far.”

The rest of the cast has already started shooting as far as she knows but her first day on the set has yet to come.

“So far I still don’t have a lot of updates for you, and I can’t reveal much because I want most of it to be a surprise. After all, this movie has a lot of firsts—my first role as a superhero, first lead role, and my first MMFF movie,” she added.

Clearly excited about her showbiz come back, Wurtzbach, nevertheless, makes sure she does not neglect her advocacy in HIV and AIDS awareness. She shared how back in May, she was appointed as UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador for Asia and the Pacific. This is the joint United Nations program on HIV and AIDS. In this capacity, Wurtzbach is tasked to raise HIV awareness among young people and promote zero discrimination towards those living with HIV in key populations.

She also has projects lineup up abroad given her management contract with New York-based talent management company IMG. “I’ve been working on some projects on the down low. We’re still fixing them so I can’t reveal anything yet,” Wurtzbach ended.

Pia Wurtzbach will topbill comedy film ‘The Revengers” along with Daniel Padilla and Vice Ganda, directed by Joyce Bernal.

Star Cinema photo

PAULO Avelino confirmed that he and Filipino-Australian model, Jodie Elizabeth Tarasek are together now.

“Kami na (we’re officially dating),” he admitted to Philippine Entertainment Portal (PEP) when asked about the status of their relationship.

“Hindi ko na sasabihin kung kailan, pero kami na. Happy ako ngayon. (I won’t say when [we became official] but we’re now a couple. I am happy now),” the Gawad Urian Award-winning actor added.

Rumors about the two started when Avelino posted Instagram stories of him, teaching Filipino phrases to Tarasek.

He taught her how to pronounce words like “nakakapagpabagabag (worrisome)” and even taught the model a line from the song “Basang-Basa sa Ulan”

by Aegis.

Avelino said he first met her through a mutual friend and

Paulo Avelino

Jodie Elizabeth Tarasek

described Tarasek as “Sobrang simple lang, yun ang isa sa mga reasons kung bakit sobra akong na-attract sa kanya (She’s very simple. That’s one of the reasons why I was attracted to her).”

According to Tarasek’s Instagram page, she is a Manila-

based model who has starred in catalogue shoots and commercials.

Avelino is the father of 7-yearold Aki, his son from ex-girlfriend LJ Reyes. Prior to Tarasek, he also dated KC Concepcion and Natasha Villaroman.

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Health@Heart ‘La Luna Sangre’ saga soars high on national TV

By Monet

Lu

WE all know that aside from cheesy and a la Cinderellaturned-princess movie plots, Filipinos love horror, fantasy and folklores. It doesn’t come as a surprise then when a TV series with such themes drive us crazy to the point of drooling in front of the television. However, it takes a certain mastery in direction and casting the perfect characters to achieve a rating of 33.9 percent in its first week, a feat that “La Luna Sangre” — ABS-CBN’s newest serye — has gained without a doubt.

According to data from Kantar Media, “La Luna Sangre” hit a national TV rating of 33.9 percent from combined urban and rural homes, more than double the rating of its rival program — a local adaptation of a Korean series — which only got 13.8 percent.

“La Luna Sangre” revolves around the prophecy that happened during the ‘blood moon,’ which predicted that the offspring of the most powerful vampire and the chosen wolf will end the wickedness of the vampire imprinted with the cursed ink. This child is believed to be Malia (Kathryn Bernardo).

Malia survived an attack and was orphaned, which caused her to be raised under the care of other vampires and werewolves.

They took them under their wing with hopes of her being the chosen one who is to save them from the impending doom. But then

they begin to doubt Malia when she fails to show her powers upon turning 21 years old.

Out of shame, Malia chooses to leave her responsibility and bravely faces the world of mortals. There, she meets Tristan (Daniel Padilla), a young man who is hunting the vampire who killed his father. As their bond grows closer, it would seem like Malia could be the key to the justice that Tristan been searching for all these years. The plot thickens as the dilemma of Malia’s decision of whether to return to her world (which she left behind) and re-embrace her destiny or continue her quest to be on her own and with the company of someone she might be starting to have feelings for.

“La Luna Sangre” is the third installation to the Internationally-acclaimed “She Wolf: The Last Sentinel” (“Lobo”) and its sequel “Imortal.” This epic saga about werewolves and vampires premiered last June 19 and instantly soared high on national TV ratings and topped the trending topics on Twitter worldwide.

Top-billed by the Philippines’ premiere actors John Lloyd Cruz, Richard Gutierrez, Angel Locsin (who was nominated for Best Actress in the International Emmy Awards), and sought-after young actors Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla, the show is an amalgamation of folklore, love story, suspense featuring modern special effects and wellcoordinated action scenes.

In a recent episode, Malia

was caught in the middle of the jungle as she was confronted by a group of vampires. She had no choice but to fight these blood-sucking creatures using her instincts and speed.

Following her face-off with the vampires, she decided to change her appearance by cutting her hair short to deceive Supremo, the leader of the vampires played by Richard Gutierrez. Malia is on a mission to penetrate the vampire camp to avenge her family.

The show is heaping praises for the story and how the characters fit their roles so seamlessly.

As one of the biggest Filipino series to air this 2017, “La Luna Sangre” did not disappoint in bringing us entertainment at its finest.

Everything in this series screams world-class and the Twitter-world stands by it. I wouldn’t be surprised if the show gains praises internationally just like its successor. But until then, I’ll be on standby for the upcoming episodes that are getting more exciting by the minute. . *** Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, awardwinning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada.

Ultimately, Monet is known as an all-around artiste who produces sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns. Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary all-natural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration . To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at monetsalon@aol.com

PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS

THE United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued warning on the use of tanning beds at home and at tanning salons: tanning increases the risk for melanoma, a deadly skin cancer, up to 59 percent! More than 2.5 million teens, mostly girls, use tanning booths each year in the U.S. Just like with poison, the more exposure, the more sessions, the higher the risk.

The data are from the National Health Interview Survey’s Cancer Control Supplement, published in the Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. The World Health Organization has also determined that ultraviolet (UV) rays from tanning beds cause cancer.

The second most common cancer, melanoma has the following 5-year survival rates: About 95 percent for Stage IA, when diagnosed early, and between 5 to 20 percent for stage IV, when it has already spread to other organs.

Amazingly UV rays emitted from tanning beds are up to 15 times greater (deadlier) than the rays from the sun. Melanoma kills one person every 50 minutes, or about 28 every day. And these are useless and preventable deaths!

Let us review some facts about sunlight and its harmful UV rays.

What is in sunlight that is beneficial and harmful to us?

The sun and its light are not only beautiful, but vital to our life and survival on this planet.

Without the sun, we will be frozen to death, and life forms on earth will cease to exist as we know it today. About 75 percent of our body’s supply of Vitamin D is generated by our skin’s exposure to sunlight (UV-B rays in particular). Abnormally low blood level of Vitamin D increases the risk of colon and breast cancers and may also speed up .the growth of an existing or early melanoma. Of course, Vitamin D can be taken by mouth. The harmful effects of sunlight come from its UV radiation, which could be dangerous to our health in more ways than one, depending on the amount of exposure and dose that a person gets.

What are the sun-related diseases of the eye?

Cataracts (cloudiness of the lens), which, in severe forms, could cause blindness, especially exposure to UV-B radiation; macular degeneration, the major cause of impaired vision in the USA for people older than 55; photokeratitis, a reversible sunburn of the cornea, also from excessive exposure to UV-B; pterygium, growth of pinkish tissues on the while of the eye,

Tanning salons and skin cancer which may spread on the clear cornea and block vision. This results when one has prolonged sun exposure on the beach or snow without eye protection, and can be very painful for 1-2 days, with temporary blindness. Even with eye cover, the high dose of UV rays from a tanning bed is still most harmful to vision. A nice tan is too high a price to pay for blindness, much less cancer.

How about adverse effects on the skin?

Excessive exposure to UV rays predisposes to skin cancer, which includes the face and the eyelids, besides skin in other parts of the body. There are three major types of cancers of the skin: Basal Cell Carcinoma, the most common one, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, second most common, and Malignant Melanoma, the most deadly, but fortunately, the rarest. Malignant Melanoma spreads easily and often deadly if not caught early.

How prevalent are skin cancers?

This is an epidemic and is a global phenomenon. In 1978, in the United States alone, there were 480,000 cases of nonmelanoma skin cancers, rising to over one million in 1994, with a growth rate of seven percent per year. In Canada, from 19701986, melanoma frequency rose six percent per year for men and 4.6% per year for women. Australia has the highest incidence of melanoma in the world. It is said that by age 75, two out of three Australians will have been treated for some typed of skin cancer. In the United States, the estimated 30,000 cancer deaths each year could be prevented if Americans, who love sunbathing, do not over-expose themselves to the sun.

How do we protect ourselves from UV radiation?

First and foremost, let us not intentionally expose ourselves to UV rays, thru tanning salons (a costly way) or via the sun (for free). Just like anything in life, moderation is the key when it comes to the sun. Tanning beds must be avoided at all cost. While Americans laugh at Asian women when the latter stay under the shade or umbrella on the beach, they also recognize that Asian women’s complexion looks more youthful, with less wrinkles, and that Asian women look younger in general, compared to Caucasian females. Asian women also have lower incidence of sun-related diseases.

Since UV radiation comes not only from the sun but is reflected from the ground, snow, sand, water, and other reflective surfaces, the use of wide-brimmed hat or cap will reduce the UV radiation to the eyes by 50 percent. Wrap around UV absorbing eyewear provides the greatest protection, because it also limits radiation from the peripheral rays. Polar-

ized sunglasses or transition lenses reduce glare but do not, by themselves, provide protection from UV radiation.

Which are the best glasses?

Sunglasses, and or prescription lenses, that absorb 99-100 percent of the full UV spectrum to 400 nm are the best for babies, children and adults. Labels on sunglasses should be closely scrutinized to make sure that they say the lenses absorb 99-100 percent of both the UV-B and UV-A. If they do not have labels, do not buy them. Consumers must be cautious when the label claims the lenses “block harmful UV” but does not specify how much.

Are skin lotions effective for cancer protection?

For skin cancer protection, do not rely on sunscreen skin lotion. The best is not to sunbathe for more than 15 to 20 minutes, and apply “physical” sunscreen lotion. Wear protective clothing and wide-brimmed hat when you go outside during sunny days.

Avoid sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. if possible. Also, it has been shown that taking vitamin C, D, and E and selenium protects against the damages of UV rays by lessening the adverse effects of the UV rays on the immune system.

If one must absolutely be out in the sun, he/she must wear a “physical” sunscreen with a SPF of 15, which contains titanium dioxide, zinc oxide or talc. “Physical” sunscreen works by reflecting the UV radiation rather than absorbing the sunscreen into the skin. Doubling the amount of the lotion, or reapplying it later in the day, does not confer added protection. The best is to minimize sun exposure to a safe degree. Tanning beds are dangerous and must be avoided.

Lastly, if you develop any skin spots or notice any mole in your body to be growing larger or darker, or feel any lumps in your body, consult your physician without delay. If treated early and caught in time, most skin cancers are curable.

To our legislators and civic leaders: Tanning beds and tanning salons must be banned to protect the public from the unconscionable, greedy, and reckless entrepreneurs out to rob the ignorant people of their hardearned money while exposing them to cancer and death. *** 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

Brillante Mendoza, Lav Diaz elated over invitation to join the Academy

By Krissy

AguilAr

AJPress

I N T E R N A T I O N A L LY - a c claimed filmmakers Lav Diaz and Brillante Mendoza were recently named as new members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the organization behind Oscars.

In a press release on the Oscars website, Mendoza and Diaz are among the 774 artists and executives from 57 countries invited to join the Academy.

The members will vote in the annual Oscar awards under the categories they have been invited in. This means that Mendoza and Diaz will help choose Academy Awards best director for 2018.

Its “Class of 2017” brought the prestigious organization a total of around 8,500 members, a huge leap from last year’s 683 new members.

“We’re proud to invite our newest class to the Academy.

The entire motion picture community is what we make of it.

It’s up to all of us to ensure that new faces and voices are seen

Brillante Mendoza

and heard, and to take a shot on the next generation the way someone took a shot on each of us,” Academy president Cheryl Boone Isaacs said.

This year’s members also include high-profile directors such as Guy Ritchie (“Sherlock Holmes”), Barry Jenkins (“Moonlight”), Anthony and Joseph Russo (“Captain America: Civil War,” “Captain America: The Winter Soldier”) and David Ayer (“Suicide Squad”).

Hollywood stars like Gal Gadot (“Wonder Woman”), Chris Evans (“Captain America”), Chris Hemsworth (“Thor”) and former wrestler-turned-actor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson were also invited to the Academy Class of 2017.

“I am glad that we now have representation in the Academy,” Mendoza said in an interview with Inquirer. “In spite of our contrasting aesthetics, Lav and I were invited to join the same group.This can only mean that Hollywood now recognizes Philippine cinema.”

In 2016, Mendoza’s “Ma’Rosa”

Lav Diaz

was chosen as the Philippine submission to the 89th Academy Awards. He was also the acclaimed Cannes best director winner for “Kinatay” in 2009.

“It’s a good development, and I hope other Filipino filmmakers will continue our work of making positive contributions to the world of cinema,” Mendoza said.

It’s a historic first for Filipino directors to be invited. “It is an acknowledgment that Philippine cinema and Southeast Asian filmmaking are finally a part of the Academy’s once-exclusive forum,” Diaz told Inquirer.

“Now, they are opening up— albeit only in terms of the Oscars’ voting process. Uy, sama na rin kayo. May konting boses na rin kayo. (You can now join us. You now have a little say.)”

Diaz’s film, “Norte: Hangganan ng Kasaysayan,” was the country’s entry to Best Foreign Language Film to the 87th Academy Awards. He also directed the Golden Lion prize-winning epic, “Ang Babaeng Humayo,” in Venice Film Festival last year.

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

ENTERTAINMENT

ABANDONED BY HER BIRTH PARENTS, WILL NIKKA BE LEFT BEHIND AGAIN WHEN USCIS CHALLENGED HER ADOPTIVE PARENT’S ELIGIBILITY TO PETITION HER? Lilia (right) and her husband Peter filed a petition to adopt Nikka (left) when the child was 12 years old. The adoption decree was issued six (6) days before Nikka turned 16 years old, and the certificate of finality came out two (2) months after Nikka’s 16th birthday.

When Lilia and Peter filed an Immediate Relative Petition for Nikka, the USCIS served a Request for Evidence (RFE), challenging them eligibility to adopt Nikka. Lilia and Peter were devastated, depressed, and in despair. Would this mean losing the chance to be reunited with their adopted child - whom they loved and considered their own?

Watch how leading U.S. immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel came to the rescue and secured approval of their petition in a mere two months, on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” – on Sunday at 6:15 p.m. (PST) on TFC..

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Is Tony Labrusca a ‘threat’ to KathNiel...

PAGE B3 friendly.”

Music is his passion and acting is quite new to him. He attended an acting workshop for newbies, but felt so shy around stars that he found himself struggling in the class. And yet, he bagged the Sangre part, hands down.

“I was called to audition for a show at ABS one day and when I went, I was just told that the character I was auditioning for was the third wheel to a love team. I just went with the flow and did my best. The next day, I was told direk Cathy (Garcia-Molina) herself wanted to see me audition again.

“So I went and I performed my audition and she was just very

kind, she smiled and made a few jokes. I thought I did terrible and knew I lacked in my acting skills so I just decided to move on and not expect to get a call. But about two months later, I got a call for a look test and next thing I knew we were taping na!”

His experience with Boyband definitely helps now that he is in.

“The boys and me were taught a lot about how showbiz works and what to expect and how to be respectful, and I took that and I use it on set at work in La Luna Sangre. Boyband was a stepping stone for me. I wouldn’t be here without it.”

Also in a Wattpad show on TV5, Tony said that he doesn’t #32116

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Our company has been growing at an extremely fast rate and we need to expand. We have an aggressive pay plan with great bonuses. We have a great work atmosphere and need skilled professional to join our team. Our goal as a new company is to create long term careers with every one of our staff members and we hope that you will be a good fit.

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have any exclusive contract with any network, although he has a talent management contract with Star Magic, co-managed by Mario Colmenares.

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JULY 29-AUGUST 1, 2017

PHENOMENAL DIVA. Jessa Zaragoza, also known as the Philippines’ “Phenomenal Diva”, arrived in Los Angeles after a brief personal appearance in Manila, just in time for her “I AM ME” concert at Cache Creek this weekend and on August 12, 2017 at the Aratani Theatre in LA. She was met by her husband Dingdong Avanzado, also known as the Original Prince of Pop, and their daughter Jayda, an upcoming singer/songwriter. Both of them will perform as Jessa’s guests during the concert. Also at the airport to meet Jessa were Mendrei Leelin and Cecile Leelin of Rosy Cheeks Entertainment Group, Inc. Shown in first photo are, from left: Mendrei Leelin, Dingdong Avanzao, Jessa Zaragoza and Jayda Avanzado. Shown in second photo with Jessa is Cecile Leelin.

Tickets to the I AM ME: JESSA ZARAGOZA concert are available at all Leelin Bakery and Café and Seafood City locations in Los Angeles County. For more information or ticket sales,please call Mendrei or Cecile Leelin/Rosy Cheeks Entertainment Group, Inc. at (562) 577-2985.

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B5

B july 29-august 1, 2017 • la WEEKEND asIaN jOuRNal

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COMMUNITY Journal

Your Immigration Solution Ben Loveman and nancy miLLer A SIGNIFICANT recent change to California laws is providing new hope to persons formerly barred from immigration benefits. A new penal code section allows noncitizen-defendants to contest and potentially vacate a conviction at any time based on prejudicial error affecting the defendant’s right to understand and consider the immigration consequences before entering a guilty plea. Former law only allowed challenges while a person remained in custody and thus severely restricted the ability to bring such challenges especially since many people only learn of the severe immigration consequences of their conviction either directly after completing their sentence or many years after the fact.

Criminal convictions for even seemingly “minor” offenses can have major devastating consequences in the immigration realm.

Convictions for common offenses like theft, drug possession or sale, shoplifting, or domestic violence can result in permanent bars to citizenship or green cards and can result in deportation.

An “aggravated felony” conviction (which may be neither aggravated or a felony under criminal law) subjects a person lawfully in the United States to removal and leaves little defense from removal. At first blush these consequences might seem fair enough. The person has been convicted of an “aggravated felony” after all and so must have committed a serious crime.

Wrong. The INA defines aggravated felony to include minor offenses like the ones listed above.

For instance, a person convicted of any type of theft offense who receives a one-year sentence (even if the sentence is suspended and the person never spends a day in jail) will be included in the definition of an aggravated felon. The same would be true for a person convicted of crimes of violence, including assault, as-

New California law provides key to opening locked doors to remaining in the US sault regardless of the severity or circumstances of the assault if a one-year sentence is imposed.

Most immigrants and many criminal defense attorneys are unaware of the draconian consequences that follow these convictions. The result is that persons enter guilty pleas to these seemingly minor offenses (whether to avoid either exposure to more serious charges or the cost or time of fighting the charges, or both), receive what appears seems to be a good deal from criminal authorities but then tragically learn that they are forever barred from citizenship, face certain deportation or other harsh immigration consequences.

Former California law offered little recourse for persons in this situation to challenge the validity of their underlying criminal conviction. While many states have laws allowing such challenges, the legal framework of California’s system required that any such challenge be brought while the person was still in “custody’ of the state of California. The new law has no time limit and no requirement that the person still be in custody of the State at the time the motion is filed. The law provides that a motion to vacate a criminal conviction or sentence can be brought at any time on the grounds of “prejudicial error that damages the defendant’s ability to meaningfully understand the immigration consequences of the conviction or sentence, defend against them, or knowingly accept them.”

The ability to bring a motion challenging an old conviction even after service of the full sentence and completion of parole and/or probation is a huge development for persons suffering from harsh immigration consequences of convictions. However, simply making a perfunctory motion will not be enough to win such claims and vacate old convictions. Judges and prosecutors are likely to push back against over-

turning old convictions unless motions are carefully prepared and well-documented to meet all the requirements under the law.

Central to winning in this type of case will be presenting a clear case to the criminal court laying out the harsh consequences of the conviction, solid proof that the person would have not accepted the plea agreement had the harsh consequences been properly explained and understood, and that there would have been some other rational course of action for the defendant, like proceeding to trial or crafting some alternative reasonable plea agreement. Each of these elements must be carefully explored and then strongly supported in the motion to vacate a conviction.

The new law has opened a pathway to immigration benefits like permanent residency, naturalization, relief from removal, and possibly reopening of old removal and deportation orders to persons who were previously stuck. Determining whether you or a loved one might benefit from this new law will involve a detailed and careful analysis of the circumstances of each individual case. If you or a loved believes that this new law might apply you should contact an experienced and reputable immigration attorney as soon as possible to discuss your case. n ***

3Reeves Miller Zhang & Diza is one of the oldest, largest and most experienced immigration firms in the United States with offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas and Manila. For more Information please call (800) 7958009 or visit www.rreeves.com.

Telephone: (800) 795-8009 E-mail: immigration@rreeves.com Website: www.rreeves.com. *** The analysis and suggestions offered in this column do not create a lawyer-client relationship and are not a substitute for the personalized representation that is essential to every case.

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JULY 29 - AUGUST 1, 2017

C

C JULY 29 - AUGUST 1, 2017 â&#x20AC;˘ LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Community Journal

Bankruptcy debt relief: Should you file now or later?

INDIVIDUALS who have accumulated excessive debt are often left to ponder whether they should file bankruptcy in order to get out of debt. Sometimes, these people feel that somehow, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve lost, failed, or that they will never have a chance to rebuild their credit again. Because we are living in a society where having a lot of credit cards has become the norm, they canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t imagine themselves without credit cards.

Of course, the truth is that credit cards only give us a sense of false security. Why? Because these plastic cards create the illusion of having money that you really donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have in your bank account, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why. That is exactly how most people end up spending their money before they even earn it. And they wonder why they are broke every pay day no matter how hard they work.

If you find yourself over-extended and have tried living on a budget, doing financial counseling, etc. and still have not made great progress in repaying your debts, I applaud you at least for your efforts. However, your plan must be a realistic one or you will simply end up getting frustrated.

When you have incurred more debt that you can possibly repay, perhaps filing bankruptcy may be the only way to get debt re-

Minding Your Finances atty. Raymond Bulaon lief. And in most cases, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not as complicated and as bad as what your creditors would like you to believe. As a matter of fact, most of the hundreds of thousands of people (projection for year 2017 is more than 800,000) who file for bankruptcy in the United States do just fine. They rebuild their credit after a few years and a lot of them are able buy homes just like everyone else. Filing bankruptcy doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to be the end of the world. It is only a new beginning for those who really need it.

Suppose you have attempted to negotiate with your creditors to work out an affordable repayment plan but they simply would not work with you? Although youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve told them repeatedly that you cannot afford to pay the entire amount, they refuse to cooperate and continue to threaten you with filing a lawsuit, obtaining a judgment and perhaps even garnishing your wages (which you know you cannot afford).

What else can you do? This may leave you no other option but to seek debt relief through our federal bankruptcy laws.

If you are drowning in debt, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait until things get worse or you may regret not having acted sooner. Waiting until the last minute also doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t give you enough time that you need to find a good attorney who can protect your interests. Remember that like doctors, not all lawyers are the same. You need a competent legal representative who understands the debt collection and bankruptcy laws and has had the experience of handling a lot of cases like yours.

Hiring the wrong attorney can only make your situation worse.

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been helping families and business owners get out of debt since 1997. I would like to help you find the best solution for your situation. For a free office consultation, please call Toll-Free 1866-477-7772. We have offices in Glendale, Cerritos and Valencia.n *** 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.

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Our deepest desire for God WE have a fascinating Old Testament reading (1 Kings 3-5, 712) for this Sundayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mass. The Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream at night to tell him, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ask something of me, and I will give it to you.â&#x20AC;?

Worried about the tremendous task of governing Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s people, the young Solomon answered, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Give your servant, therefore, an understanding heart to judge your people and to distinguish right from wrong.â&#x20AC;?

Pleased with this response, God said to him, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Because you have asked for thisâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;not for a long life for yourself, nor riches, nor for the life of your enemies, but for understanding so that you may know what is rightâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;I do as you requested. I give you a heart so wise and understanding that there has never been anyone like you up to now, and after you,

regarding finance, vacation, career, or relationship, our hearts To Live long for what is best for us acWith Faith cording to Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plan.

What we need to develop is a discerning heart.

In his book, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Way of GoodReveRend ness and Holiness,â&#x20AC;? Richard Gula Rodel G. BalaGtas speaks about discernment in this way: â&#x20AC;&#x153;A process of making a there will come no one to equal decision, discernment tests the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;spirits,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; or the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;movements of you.â&#x20AC;?

Isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t this the same gift that we the heart,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; to detect which ones should also ask from Godâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;not reflect God-prompted desires. To for a long life, not for riches, but be out of touch with these desires for an understanding and pru- is to be out of touch with the Holy dent heart to distinguish right Spirit, for the spiritual tradition of from wrong? Every day we en- discernment of spirits has undercounter many situations when stood these murmurings of the we have to make choices and heart as Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s way of connecting decisions, and the conflict that is our human desires with the Holy always in our hearts is whether Spirit. The goal of discernment is we are doing the right thing and to discover the most fitting ways to express what our relationship fulfilling Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s will.

Be it a minor or a big decision u PAGE C3

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IRS expands audits to prior year and subsequent years

Tax Tips victoR sy, cPa, mBa

YOUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;LL be happy to note that the IRS also gets audited. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s audited by the Treasury Department to determine whether tax compliance officers conduct required filing checks in accordance with IRS policies and procedures.

In particular, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA, an agency that oversees the IRS) instructed the IRS to expand audits to prior and subsequent years. While this was already a standard operating procedure, the new instruction reiterates that agents obey this instruction to get you for three years. If the IRS audits your income tax return for 2016, they must expand the audit to your 2015 and 2017 as well. Ouch!

TIGTA stated that IRS must make every effort to ensure that audits are expanded to prior year

Estate Corner

Atty. BriAn Lerner Q: I AM a body builder and just won a big amateur contest.

Can I come and work in the U.S. on some type of visa?

A: Yes, there is what is known as the P Visa. The P-1A is for a person who performs as an athlete, individually or as part of a group or team that is â&#x20AC;&#x153;internationally recognizedâ&#x20AC;? (P-1A), or a person who performs with or is an integral or essential part of an entertainment group that has been recognized internationally as being outstanding in the discipline for a sustained and substantial period of time (P-1B), and in the case of the performer, has had a sustained and substantial relationship with the group (ordinarily) over a period of at least one year.

P-1s have been expanded to include certain minor leaguers, amateurs or professionals: (1) an athlete, whether or not professional, who performs at an internationally recognized level of performance; (2) an amateur athlete or coach of sports teams

returns, as well as subsequent year returns, when â&#x20AC;&#x153;substantialâ&#x20AC;? taxes may be involved.

TIGTA evaluated single-year audits of individual returns for which the taxpayers understated their tax liabilities by more than $4,400. Auditors scrutinized 100 of such sample cases. Although similar tax issues may have existed on prior and/or subsequent year returns, the audits were not expanded to those returns in 48 of the 100 sample cases. As a consequence, opportunities may have been missed to address the noncompliance that contributes to the tax gap and promote tax system fairness among the vast majority of taxpayers who properly report and pay their taxes year in and year out.

IRS has estimated that $197 billion of the $345 billion tax gap is attributable to individuals underreporting their income tax liabilities.

TIGTA identified two factors why the IRS may not have expanded audits: 1. The agency strives to keep its audit inventories free of old tax year returns.

2. Tax compliance officers do not take advantage of available internal sources of information. *** 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 - â&#x20AC;&#x153;HOW TO AVOID OR SURVIVE IRS AUDITS.â&#x20AC;? Our readers may inquire about the book or email tax questions at vicsy@live.com.

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in the U.S. that are members of a foreign league or association if (i) the foreign league or association is the highest level of amateur performance of that sport in that country; (ii) participation renders the athlete ineligible for U.S. scholarships under NCAA rules; and (iii) a significant number of the players in the league are drafted into major league teams or minor teams affiliated with them; or (3) a professional or amateur ice skater who performs individually or as part of a group theatrical production.

You should get an agent to sponsor you and one that can get a significant amount of events.

We can try to get up to five years on the P1.

Question: What if I also want to apply for the green card?

Answer: The P Visa is one of the few visas that allows dual intent. This means that immigration cannot deny your case because you intend on getting residency.

Question: Who should I get to sponsor me?

Answer: It can actually be an agent. It does not have to be a company. An agent can book you for competitions, tours and appearances all over the country for the next 5 years. This is

one of the very few visas that will allow a five-year span of authorization to work under it. In fact, once the five years is up, you can then renew again for another five years.

Question: I have heard about the O-1 Visa. Should I try for that as well?

Answer: In actuality, the O-1 is much more difficult to obtain and the burden of proof is higher. As an athlete, the P Visa would be better. It has a longer authorization period, easier burden to prove, dual intent and the other factors I described already. Keep in mind that it is never easy to get a P Visa. However, as a talented athlete, the doors are open for you to take advantage of this particular visa. n

Are you an athlete?

*** 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.

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UHSHDWHG RQVODXJKW RI RYHUZKHOPLQJ 6ZHGLVK IRUFHV GXULQJ WKH UHOLJLRXV ZDUV RI WKH WK &HQWXU\ 6LQFH WKHQ LWV %/$&. 0$'211$ KDV EHHQ YHQHUDWHG DV WKH ³4XHHQ Sept 4 (Mon) Day 10, Budapest / Zagreb RI 3RODQG´ DQG LW KDV EHFRPH WKH RQH RI 3RODQGœV QDWLRQDO V\PEROV DQG KROLHVW UHOLFV $IWHU HDUO\ EUHDNIDVW OHDYH %XGDSHVW IRU =DJUHE RQ RXU ZD\ WR 0HGMXJRUMH 8SRQ :H ZLOO FHOHEUDWH 0DVV LQ WKH %ODFN 0DGRQQD &KDSHO .UDNRZ IRU GLQQHU DQG RYHUQLJKW DUULYDO ZH ZLOO KDYH D WRXU RI WKH FLW\ WR VHH WKLV &DSLWDO RI &URDWLD 'LQQHU DQG RYHUQLJKW %% ' 'RXEOH WUHH +RWHO =DJUHE Aug 30 (Wed) Day 5, KrakowAuschwitzWadowice/Kalwaria We will visit the infamous former Nazi concentration camp $86&+:,7= %,5.(1$8 DV ZHOO DV LWV RQ VLWH PXVHXP 7KLV VLWH UHPDLQV D FKLOOLQJ UHPLQGHU RI WKH +RORFDXVW )URP WKHUH ZH ZLOO FRQWLQXH WR :DGRZLFH ELUWKSODFH RI 3RSH -RKQ 3DXO ,, YLVLW WKH QHZ 0XVHXP RI 6W -RKQ 3DXO DQG WKHQ LWœV RQ WR .DOZDULD =HEU]\GRZVND ZLWK LWV :HHSLQJ 0DGRQQD KRO\ SLFWXUH $W WKH HQG RI WKH WRXU ZH ZLOO UHWXUQ WR .UDNRZ IRU GLQQHU DW D +RWHO %% '

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Sept 5 (Tues) Day 11, Zagreb / Medjugorje $IWHU EUHDNIDVW FHOHEUDWH KRO\ (XFKDULVW DQG WKHQ OHDYH IRU 0HGMXJRUMH 8SRQ DUULYDO LQ 0HGMXJRUMH ZLOO HPEDUN RQ DQ RULHQWDWLRQ WRXU RI 6W -DPHV &KXUFK DQG LWV VXUURXQGLQJ 'LQQHU DQG RYHUQLJKW 0HGMXJRUMH Sept 6,7,8 ( Wed,Thurs,Fri) Day 12 to 14, Medjugorje :H ZLOO KDYH GDLO\ EUHDNIDVW DQG GLQQHUV DW RXU +RWHO (YHU\ PRUQLQJ DW DP ZH ZLOO DVVHPEOH DW 6W -DPHV &KXUFK WR DWWHQG +RO\ (XFKDULVW FHOHEUDWHG LQ (QJOLVK :H ZLOO FOLPE WKH $SSDULWLRQV +LOO 0W 3RGEUGR WR VHH WKH SODFHV PDUNHG E\ WKH FURVVHV ZKHUH LQ -XQH 2XU /DG\ ZDV Âż UVW UHSRUWHG WR DSSHDU WR WKH FKLOGUHQ 7KH QH[W PRUQLQJ ZH ZLOO FOLPE WKH VWHHS +RO\ &URVV 0RXQWDLQ 0W .UL]HYDF

for devotions and take in the Panorama of Medjugorje EHORZ

Sept 1 (Fri) Day 7, Prague, Infant Jesus of Prague :H ZLOO KDYH 0DVV DW 2XU /DG\ 9LFWRULRXV &KXUFK KRPH RI WKH ,QIDQW -HVXV RI 3UDJXH Sept 9,2017 (Sat) Day 15,Medjugorje / USA $IWHUZDUG ZH ZLOO GR VRPH VLJKWVHHLQJ WKDW UHYHDOV ZK\ 3UDJXH LV FRQVLGHUHG RQH RI (DUO\ PRUQLQJ GHSDUWXUH IRU RXU Ă&#x20AC; LJKW EDFN WR WKH 86$

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A private “nurse” or home health Rescinding removal/deportation aid is entitled to overtime pay order to allow for adjustment of status Q: I am a registered nurse in the Philippines but I have not yet obtained a license in California. However, I am working as a ‘private nurse’ to a bed-ridden patient in Los Angeles. My duties are mainly nursing duties – tube feedings, inserting catheter, tracheal suctioning, observing and recording vital signs, administering therapies prescribed by doctors, etc. I am a live-out employee and work a 12-hour shift, 7 days per week. I am paid a flat daily rate for all work hours. What are my rights?

A: You are a non-exempt, hourly employee entitled to overtime pay. This means, for all work beyond 8 hours per day or 40 hours a week, you must be paid one and a half times your regular hourly rate (“time and a half”). For all work beyond 12 hours per day or beyond 8 hours on the seventh consecutive day, you must be paid two times your regular hourly rate (“double time”). You are also entitled to one hour additional pay at your regular rate if you were not provided any of your two 30-minute uninterrupted meal periods, and one additional hour of pay at your regular rate if you are not provided at least three 10-minute rest periods.

Another issue that may arise for employees who work in private households has to do with the distinction between live-in and live-out employees. Live-in employees are those who live at the employer’s house. Live-

Protecting Employee & Consumer Rights Atty. c. Joe SAyAS, Jr. out employees are those who go home after their daily work is done. The computation of a private household employee’s overtime hours would depend on whether the employee is live-in or not.

A live-in employee may be employed as much as 12 hours per day, provided that the employee has at least three hours free of duty during the 12 hours span of work. Such off-duty hours need not be consecutive. If an employee is required to work during scheduled off-duty hours, the household employee must be compensated at the rate of one and one-half (1 ½) times the employee’s regular rate of pay (“time and a half”) for all such hours worked.

A live-in employee must have at least 12 consecutive hours free of duty during each workday of 24 hours. If the employee is required to work during the 12 consecutive off duty hours, then the employee must also be paid time and a half for all hours worked.

A live-in employee generally must be allowed a one day off (of not less than 24 hours) after 5 consecutive days of work in a workweek. If the employee is required to work for a 6th or even a 7th consecutive day in the

workweek, the employee must be paid the overtime premium rate for every hour worked on each of those days.

The overtime compensation for ‘live-out’ employees is computed in the same way as that of a regular non-exempt employee who works in other occupations. This means ‘liveout’ household employees must be paid time and a half for all hours worked that are more than 8 hours in a day or more than 40 hours in a week. Hours worked more than 12 hours in a day or more than 8 hours on the 7th consecutive day must be paid double time.

Correctly distinguishing between the two groups of employees makes a difference in the employee’s ability to recover overtime. Hence, it is wise to consult with an experienced employment attorney if an employee working in a private household has questions in this regard.n *** The Law Offices of C. Joe Sayas, Jr. welcomes inquiries about this topic. All inquiries are confidential and at no-cost.

You can contact the office at (818) 2910088 or visit www.joesayaslaw.com or our Facebook page Joe Sayas Law. [C. Joe Sayas, Jr., Esq. is an experienced trial attorney who has successfully recovered wages and other monetary damages for thousands of employees and consumers. He was named Top Labor & Employment Attorney in California by the Daily Journal, consistently selected as Super Lawyer by the Los Angeles Magazine, and is the recipient of PABA’s Community Champion Award for 2016.]

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Clients with wage garnishment, huge sales tax, freak accident seek BK relief Freak accident liability I think I want to discuss the client with the freak accident first.

First client is 45. This is really a very unusual case. In fact, I have never encountered a case like this before in the last 30 years.

Client has a rental condo that needs plumbing repair because of water leak coming out of the walls. He hires a plumber that he knows from work. Plumber determines that the leak is coming from a water pipe that is inside the wall. So he cuts a hole through the wall big enough for him to work on the leaking pipe.

He uses a blowtorch to seal the leak. The blowtorch accidentally sets the inside of the wall on fire.

They try to stop the fire from spreading. They fail to stop the fire from spreading. The condo burns down. The fire spreads to the other condos in the building. Eventually, the entire building is on fire and is destroyed.

The building has a master insurance that covers the repairs for building so the building is reconstructed and everybody gets their condos back in shape.

So what is the problem for client if the insurance has paid for everything and all the damage caused by the fire? The problem of course is that the insurance company will sue client to recover whatever they can from client and client does not have liability insurance for the fire.

I don’t know what else to call this but a freak accident. This is potentially a multimillion liability for client in the future.

If client qualifies for Chapter 7 relief then he has no worries anymore because Chapter 7 will just wipe out all of his potential liability for the damage caused. If he does qualify, he can wipe this out and have a fresh start. What we can learn from this accident is that if you should have a plumbing problem and the plumber uses a torch, you better stand behind him with a big fire extinguisher! So, just in case the same thing happens, you can immediately use the fire extinguisher on the fire to kill it and prevent your house from being burned down by a plumbing problem.

Wage garnishment The second client is 63. She had car repossession some time ago. As far as she knows, the repo deficiency was about $25K. Must have been an expensive car with that kind of deficiency. She has just received a wage garnish-

Debt Relief

Atty. LAwrence yAng

ment order for $40K based on the repo deficiency judgment!

She still works and earns a gross of $5K monthly. How does the wage garnishment work? It will take 25% of her gross wages, or $1,250 a month until the $40K is fully paid at legal interest of 10% a year. She can’t live with such a big deduction from her wages. She won’t be able to pay her rent of $1,100 if the garnishment is done. She also owes about $30K of credit cards.

She needs Chapter 7 relief to stop the garnishment, wipe out the judgment of $40K and all of $30K of credit cards. She will get a fresh start without the burden of accumulated debt. She will be able to reestablish credit immediately. She still has a car payment. She will also be able to get new credit cards as soon as she is done with her bankruptcy because there are banks that specialize in giving new credit cards to debtors who have just come out of bankruptcy.

Huge sales taxes The third client is 66. He operated a business for several years but did not pay sales tax for his products as they got sold.

He owes $120K of sales tax. He closed his business last year.

However, before he closed his business, he was audited by the State and it was determined that he owed $120K of sales tax. Well, that’s bad news. Nobody wants to owe $120K of sales tax at the age of 66; in fact, no one at any age would want to owe so much sales tax. I mean, at 66 you get full benefits from social security but if you owe $120K of sales tax, then your social security will just go to pay the sales tax.

Now what kind of retirement is that? That would be like living in the twilight zone, wouldn’t it?

Now the question is, are sales taxes dischargeable in Chapter 7? In California, sales taxes are dischargeable. The reason they are dischargeable is because they are transactional taxes. They are not taxes, which are held in trust by debtor. If they were held in trust by debtor then there would

be a fiduciary relationship that was breached and that would make the tax not dischargeable.

So sales taxes are not excepted from discharge, therefore they are dischargeable. The caveat is that the legal prerequisites to discharge the sales tax must be met.

Credit cards If you owe credit card debt that eats up a significant portion of your net income, it’s time to get rid of them now with a Chapter 7 wipe out or Chapter 13 reorganization. It’s time to get a fresh start and become productive again. If you owe $30K of credit cards, the minimum payment is $1K a month just for interest payment to keep them current.

In three years you will pay $36K of interest but still owe $30K of principal. Get out of financial quicksand now with Chapter 7 or 13. Owe nothing but keep all your assets, your house, your cars, your retirement accounts and everything else you own and more of your net income for your future financial well being and the financial well being of your family. Even Walt Disney filed for Chapter 7 twice before he became successful. Hershey also filed for Chapter 7 before his Hershey chocolate business became successful. Orange County also filed for bankruptcy to protect itself a decade ago. Several Catholic dioceses filed for bankruptcy protection from child molestation lawsuits just several years ago. So, if there is too much debt, bankruptcy is a prerequisite for future success and productivity.

It’s the right step to take and the simplest and best solution to take.

Disclaimer: The foregoing is an expression of opinion and is not meant to be legal advise to any reader. There is no attorney client relationship established by this article with reader. If you want to discuss your situation, you have to set an appointment to consult with Attorney Yang.

First general consultation is free.

“JESUS CAME AND SPOKE TO THE DISCIPLES, SAYING, ‘ALL AUTHORITY HAS BEEN GIVEN TO ME IN HEAVEN AND ON EARTH.’ MATTHEW 28:18 n *** 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.

Our deepest desire for...

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to God demands of us so that we keep our lives in line with our deepest desire for God.” What a beautiful way that Gula puts it to gauge the rightness of our choices and decisions. Indeed, do they keep our lives in line with our “deepest desire for God”?

Deep down inside our hearts is a hunger for God and a right relationship with him. Our task is to listen to these murmurings of the heart. We may not respond to them immediately and entire-

ly, but as long as we are in that process of humbly seeking our desire for God, God looks at our hearts with mercy and fills it with his promises of love.

Ultimately, our goal is to reach this promise, the “treasure buried in the field,” the “the pearl of great price,” as the Gospel this Sunday relates to us. Once we find it, we’ll do anything to have it.

Meanwhile, we keep asking God for His guidance, patience, and kindness and setting our hearts for the unceasing desire

for Him—for His will, His love, His peace, His joy. n

*** 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 (1991-2001). In 2001, he served as Administrator Pro Tem of St. John Neumann in Santa Maria, CA, until his appointment as pastor of Immaculate 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.

WE have all heard the popular saying, “Timing is everything.” Unfortunately, this saying often adversely applies to those persons who have found an avenue from which to obtain a green card, only to be prohibited from doing so because he/she has a prior removal/deportation order. A typical scenario involves a person who entered the US years ago on a B-2 tourist visa, overstayed, and was ordered removed by the Immigration Court. Fast forward to today, that person who was ordered removed finds true love and marries a US Citizen. Seemingly close to finally obtaining permanent resident status, he/ she is precluded from doing so because of the prior removal/deportation order. What options does one have in such a case?

A motion to reopen the removal/deportation proceedings and rescind the removal/deportation order can be filed in Immigration Court. If the motion to reopen the proceedings and rescind the removal/deportation order is successful, the alien can pursue whatever relief from removal/deportation that is available to him/her.

For the scenario cited in the first paragraph, the relief would be adjustment of status to permanent resident via marriage to a US citizen spouse. The relief would be presented in Immigration Court, with the Immigration Judge to decide the merits of the adjustment of status application.

Alternatively, if an agreement with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) can be obtained to terminate the proceedings, a decision on the adjustment of status application can be made outside Immigration Court, by the USCIS. Generally, a motion to reopen removal/deportation proceedings must be filed within 90 days of the date of entry of the removal/deportation order. However, several bases upon which a motion to reopen may be filed past 90 days exist, and are discussed below.

Under 8 CFR § 1003.23(b)(4), a motion to reopen can be filed at any time if notice of the proceedings was not received by the person subject to the removal/deportation order, and a removal/deportation order was entered in his absence. Written notice of the time and place of removal proceedings must be given in person to the alien, or shall be given by certified mail to the alien or to the alien’s counsel of record. INA §242B(a)(2)(A). Further, written notice of the proceedings, if provided by certified mail, must be provided at the most recent address reported by the alien. Matter of Grijalva, Interim Decision 3246 (BIA 1995). The requirements for notice of removal/deportation proceedings are strict, and

careful analysis of a person’s immigration court file often results in finding evidence that DHS did not comply with required procedure, which can be the basis for reopening the removal/deportation proceeding.

Further, the Immigration Judge has discretionary authority to reopen or reconsider cases on his or her own motion (“sua sponte”) at any time providing a valid basis can be shown. 8 CFR § 1003.23(b)(1).

Careful analysis of not only the immigration court file, but also the specific facts and circumstances of the case is necessary to put forward a valid basis on which the Immigration Judge can rely to reopen the proceedings.

Some bases upon which cases I have been able to reopen cases include improper section cited by the DHS attorney in the charging document, insufficient evidence presented by the DHS attorney in proving up the case against the alien, and hardship and humanitarian concerns.

If you have a prior removal/deportation order which is preventing you from adjusting status, it is recommended that you consult with an experienced attorney to ascertain the bases upon which a motion to reopen can be filed. n

“Generally, a motion to reopen, removal/deportation proceedings must be filed within 90 days of the date of entry of the removal/ deportation order.”

***

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.

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C4 JULY 29 - AUGUST 1, 2017 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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 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

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Seven things you should not do when served with divorce papers by your spouse 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 expens-

es 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 insurance 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. ■ ***

Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice.

The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information.

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

Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association.

He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, P.C. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 3881611 or e-mail kureyeslaw@gmail.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com.

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People & Events

U.P. Alumni Association induction ball to be held on August 13 THE University of the Philippines Alumni Association of Greater Los Angeles (UPAAGLA) will hold its gala and induction ball on Sunday, August 13 at 7:00 p.m. at the DoubleTree by Hilton - Whittier.

Mutch Carino will be sworn in as president of UPAAGLA for 2017-2019, by Consul General Adelio Angelito Cruz, together with the newly elected officers and board of directors.

The elected officers are Ethel Rubio (President-Elect), Nati Matitu (1st VP), Evelyn Andamo (2nd VP), Joy Angeles (Recording Secretary), Yvee Tadeo-Guevara (Corresponding Secretary), Gil Guinto (Treasurer), Melette Lampino (Assistant Treasurer), Dick Cu (Auditor), Benny Uy (PRO) and Bobby Canseco (IT Officer).

The board of directors consists of Ivy Manalang, Atty.

Mary Lyn Sanga, Ellery Atienza, Mary Trinidad, Sonny Gan-

cayco, Annie Nepomuceno, Mary Drees, Jess Espanola, Bob Shroder, Carina Slepian, Ivy Cosio-Bautista, Ellen Gomez, Relson Banas, and Angie Alvarez.

The advisers of UPAAGLA are Dr. Arnel Joaquin, Vicky Gancayco, Jazz Gaite, Alma Onrubia, Frank Mamaril, Doris Maligalig, and Sonja Menor.

Mutch Carino is a 35-year event professional, who has produced and promoted some of the biggest Fil-Am events in Los Angeles.

This includes Fiesta Filipiniana sa Knott’s Berry Farm that drew the 5th largest attendance in the oldest theme park in the world, Paskong Pilipino sa Universal Studios that was telecast live via satellite, and Fil-Am Funfest at Magic Mountain that headlined American Idol’s Jasmine Trias and nearly 100 U.S.-based Fil-Am artists.

He is expected to lead UPAAGLA in the creation of projects

that will help increase the membership of UPAAGLA, generate greater community involvement and set higher fundraising goals towards its scholarship program.

He looks forward to working with his team cohesively by sharing with each other creative, innovative and dynamic ideas towards the continued success of UPAAGLA as start-

ed by its previous leaderships.

Carino is a member of the Upsilon Sigma Phi - the oldest fraternity in Asia that will be celebrating its centennial in 2018 - whose roster includes Hon. Danilo Concepcion, current president of the University of the Philippines, and Atty. Ramon Maronilla, current UPAA President.

Top-rate entertainers starring

two-time Aliw Awardee Christine Love, Grammy Awards nominee Louise Marie Cornillez, and Spotlight Award’s Best Young Artist Michael Keith will be featured for everyone’s enjoyment, along with UP Madz alums.

Red carpet arrivals and no host cocktails begin at 6:00 p.m., program and dinner start at 7:00 p.m. and the AMFM Band will

provide dance music from the 70s to 2000s.

CalStar Motors, the Asian Journal, The Filipino Channel and RJB Law Offices are major sponsors of UPAAGLA. For tickets, sponsorships and souvenir program advertisements, please call Dick Cu (562) 547-0560.■

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Immigration Corner ATTY. MICHAEL GURFINKEL, ESQ ON July 20, 2017 Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) introduced a bipartisan bill (supported by Democrats and Republicans), called the Dream Act of 2017, which would provide a pathway to lawful permanent resident status to young people brought to the U.S. at an early age.

The Dream Act would differ from Deferred Action for Child Arrivals (DACA), in that DACA was an executive action by former Pres. Obama, whereas the Dream Act would be a law passed by Congress and hopefully signed by Pres. Trump.

Moreover, DACA merely provided protection against deportation and work authorization, whereas the Dream Act could eventually lead to a full green card.

Some of the highlights of this proposed Dream Act include: • Granting lawful permanent resident status on a conditional basis to a person who: • entered the U.S. when they were 17 years old or younger • Had been continuously physically present in the U.S. for at least 4 years before the date of enactment of the Dream Act, or the date when the president signs it.

• Must be law-abiding. This means they should not have been convicted of any offense punishable by one year in jail or more, or three or more offenses where they spent a total of 90 days or more in prison.

• Is not inadmissible (ineligible for a green card) for committing certain crimes, terrorism, student visa abuse, unlawful voting, etc.

• Has been admitted to an institution of higher education or has graduated from high school or obtained a GED or high school equivalency diploma.

• Anyone previously granted DACA would also qualify under the Dream Act, unless that

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Filipino-made SALt lamps ready for mass-production Senators propose ‘Dream Act of 2017’

by ELIJAH

RODEROS AJPress

person engaged in conduct that would make him or her ineligible for DACA. • If qualified and eligible, the person would be granted conditional permanent resident status for eight years.

(By comparison, people who marry a U.S. citizen are granted conditional permanent resident status for two years, after which they can apply to have their conditions removed. Under the Dream Act, the person would be a conditional resident for eight years, and then apply to have those conditions removed and get a full green card.)

• In order to have conditional resident status removed at the end of those eight years, the person: • Must have been law-abiding, without criminal convictions or inadmissibilities (such as fraud).

• Must have obtained a bachelor’s degree or at least two years in good standing for a bachelor’s degree, completed at least two years of military service, or has been employed for at least three years, with employment authorization.

• Must demonstrate the ability to read, write, and speak English, and demonstrates knowledge of the fundamentals of U.S. history, principles, and form of government.

• Information provided in DACA applications or applications filed under the Dream Act shall not be disclosed or used for purposes of immigration enforcement.

I want to emphasize this Dream Act proposal is NOT YET LAW. Therefore, there is nothing for you to apply for at the present time. Both the House and Senate must vote to approve this proposal and the president must sign it. The Dream Act has been proposed many times in the past, but never became law.

In addition, Pres. Trump initially vowed to eliminate DACA, but he has since expressed a willingness to support some kind

Young entrepreneurs name PH as an ideal place for doing business

by KRISSY

AGUILAR AJPress

YOUNG entrepreneurs who attended the “Forbes Under 30 Summit Asia” said that Asia, including the Philippines, is ideal for developing businesses.

“This is the place,” Shahab Shabibi, the co-founder and CEO of Machine Ventures, said during a panel discussion at Solaire Resort and Casino in Parañaque City.

Shabibi is included on the Forbes “30 Under 30 Asia” list, which features 300 young innovators who are challenging conventions and making an impact in today’s world.

The honorees were selected by judges who are some of the most accomplished and acclaimed in their respective fields like shoe designer Jimmy Choo, celebrity chef and restaurateur George Calombaris and CNN international correspondent Mallika Kapur, among others.

Shabibi noted how Asia, specifically the Philippines, is compatible

Shahab Shabibi, the co-founder and CEO of Machine Ventures

to enterprises involved with technical support.

“Technology can be applied in many creative ways and this cannot be done in a developed market.

This cannot be done in places where people have already been PAGE D2

PH schools for indigenous people highlighted at Asian Leaders Talk series

by JOANNA

ESTORQUE AJPress

THE Ramon Magsaysay Transformative Leadership Institute (RMTLI) launched the second series of Asian Leaders Talk (ALT), featuring previous Ramon Magsaysay Awardees’ educational projects, including Thailand’s Bamboo school and schools for Indigenous Peoples (IPs) in the Philippines.

Titled “Asian Leaders Talk, Episode 2: A Conversation between Education Revolutionaries,” ALT featured the bamboo school in Buriram, Thailand established by Mechai Pattana, a secondary school for IPs in Oriental, Mindoro, and

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the first tertiary school in the Philippines for IPs — the latter two of which were co-founded by Benjamin Abadiano.

The Bamboo School in Thailand offers students a unique place to study while strengthening concerns on sustainability and social entrepreneurship, promoting environmental protection, education, poverty eradication, philanthropy, and integrity.

Students in the school are entitled to free education in return for their commitment to community service and environmental conservation efforts. They farm vegetables, lime, and mushrooms, PAGE D2

Business Quote of the Week “There’s no genius behind it. It’s persistence and listening to people.”

- Craig Newmark, Craigslist founder

of legislation that could benefit young people brought to the U.S. at an early age, saying we have to deal “humanely” with these young people.

In the meantime, you should start gathering documents showing you have been in the U.S. for at least four years, make sure you are law-abiding, and pray this proposal becomes law! ***

Michael J. Gurfinkel is licensed, and an active member of the State Bar of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California.

Each case is different. The information contained herein including testimonials, “Success Stories,” endorsements and reenactments) is of a general nature, and is not intended to apply to any particular case, and does not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorneyclient relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader.

WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com Call Toll free to schedule a consultation for anywhere in the US: (866)—GURFINKEL Four offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES · SAN FRANCISCO · NEW YORK · PHILIPPINES (Advertising Supplement)

THE Filipino-made lamp that runs on saltwater is currently in the process of inking a deal to raise funds for mass production to support off-grid communities.

In a report by ABS-CBN News, Raphael Mijeno, the co-founder and CFO of Sustainable Alternative Lightning (SALt), said that the company is currently having a charity drive to help mass produce the saline solution-powered lamps.

“We’re fund raising for $500,000 that will help us with the transition from low volume production to mass production...We’re working on a deal with a packaging company. Hopefully, that works out and they’re very keen on supporting us,” he said on the sidelines of the “Forbes 30 under Summit” on Tuesday, July 25 In 2015, Filipina engineer and inventor of SALt, Aisa Mijeno, was lauded by former U.S. President Barack Obama at the AsiaPacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit for her innovative project. ‘’One of the most important things you said, in my mind at least, is that this starts from the bottom,’’ Obama told Mijeno. ‘’If we’re working at the grassroots level, seeing what folks need

“This isn’t just a product, it’s a social movement,” Aisa Mijeno, CEO of SALt, said.

and figuring out efficient ways how to deliver an improved quality of life while being environmentally sustainable, that’s an enormous opportunity. But it starts at looking at the aspiration and hopes of ordinary people,” Obama added.

SALt lamp can last up to eight hours straight and has a lifespan of six months with just one glass of tap water and two tablespoons of salt or ocean water.

Aisa, who is also a member of Greenpeace Philippines, said it was during her immersion in Kalinga, which has no electricity, that she was inspired to make the

SALt lamp.

“When I did a personal immersion out in the mountains of Kalinga, I heard their story. Because of scarcity of public transportation, people have to travel down the mountain and walk hours just to get kerosene for their lamps. They do that every day,” Mijeno said during the APEC forum.

“The danger in (kerosene) lamps is it could cause fire accidents. We want to provide a lighting option that is more cost-effective, safer, more sustainable, and environment-friendly like lanterns but usPAGE D2

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Faster internet, free WiFi among top tech priorities

by LoueLLa

desideRio Philstar.com

also exploring the possibility of getting assistance from the US or Japan for the conduct of the feasibility study.

“In parallel, we are trying to see how we can accelerate the formulation of the feasibility study by talking to other potential sponsors to do the feasibility study,” he said.

The DICT wants the selection process for the third party to take place within the current quarter and for the feasibility study to start within the year.

Through the feasibility study, the DICT would be able to determine how to implement the NBP, as well as the amount of investment required.

The DICT made an initial estimate of P77.9 billion in investment which will be needed to implement the NBP. Villorente, however, said the amount may be reduced if the government would utilize fiber assets which are already in place.

He said the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP), for instance, has expressed willingness

to allow the government to use the existing fiber optics network in the transmission grid for the implementation of the NBP. DICT Secretary Rodolfo Salalima said the department is in talks with the NGCP on the use of the fiber optics network.

Salalima said he wants the memorandum to be signed within the year.

NGCP president and chief executive officer Henry Sy Jr. has said the grid operator would want to support the government’s NBP. Apart from the NBP, the DICT has also identified Pipol Konek, which involves the rollout of free WiFi in public places, as another priority project.

In line with the directive to provide free internet access in public places, telcos Smart Communications Inc. and Globe Telecom Inc. launched with the DICT last June 12 the EDSA WiFi project which makes high-speed internet connectivity available throughout the 24-kilometer stretch of the main thoroughfare.

MANILA - Faster internet speed and free WiFi in public places were among the promises made by President Duterte in his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) last year.

A year after Duterte ordered the development of a National Broadband Plan (NBP) to accelerate the deployment of fiber optic cables and technologies to improve internet speed and provide WiFi, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has identified the nationwide internet access and free WiFi as priority projects.

DICT undersecretary Denis Villorente said the department is now preparing to conduct a feasibility study for the implementation of the NBP. Approved by the President last March, the NBP serves as the blueprint for broadband infrastructure to interconnect government offices in the country, as well as to enable internet access of individuals in areas currently not served by telcos.

Amid increasing reliance by individuals on the internet, the government wants to see faster speeds and greater access particularly in the countryside.

Following the approval of the NBP, Villorente said the department needs to conduct a feasibility study to provide details to the blueprint.

For the feasibility study, the DICT is planning to tap the services of a third party firm.

Villorente said the DICT is coming up with the terms of reference for the selection process of the third party firm for the feasibility study.

While the DICT is coming up A commuter shows off his smartphone’s free WiFi connection at an MRT-3 station along EDSA. with the terms of reference, it is Philstar.com photo

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry President George Barcelon and Makati Business Club Chair Ramon del Rosario Jr. Philstar.com photos

Trade, investment climate had share of highs, lows in 1st year of Duterte

by Richmond

meRcuRio Philstar.com

MANILA - The country’s trade and investment climate had its share of highs and lows during the first year of the Pres. Rodrigo Duterte’s administration.

“It’s either you love him or you hate him,” was how some businessmen felt about the President and his policies — some of which they lauded as those resulted in better trade and more investments, while those they felt questionable dampened prospects.

For Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez, the renewed and strengthened relationship with the powerhouse economies of China and Russia, along with enhanced ties with Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-member states and Japan, have so far been the biggest achievements of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) under the current administration.

Lopez said the country’s improving relationship with these countries not only helped turn

around the Philippines’ export performance but also led to increased investments which will translate to more jobs for Filipinos.

The DTI said the President‘s state visits have so far resulted in investments amounting to $37 billion, official development assistance totaling $18 billion, and trade worth $4.3 billion.

The countries visited by the President include Indonesia, Vietnam, Brunei, China, Japan, Malaysia, Cambodia, Singapore, Myanmar, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar and Russia.

Heightened investor interest in the country is also reflected in the rising number of projects being registered with the investment promotion agencies attached to the DTI. Investment pledges registered with the Board of Investments are tracking a 30 percent year-on-year growth to P290 billion from January to July 2017, while those approved by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority during the first 365 days of President Duterte in office have reached P268.36 billion.

Local businessmen likewise lauded the government’s efforts to open up the country to nontraditional markets. International Chamber of Commerce Philippines chairman Francis Chua said such undertakings have opened up the floodgates to more investments, particularly those from China.

Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry president George Barcelon, for his part, said significant investment pledges and official development assistance generated from Duterte’s state visits are all very positive for the economy moving forward.

Former Makati Business Club chair Ramon del Rosario Jr., how-

ever, earlier warned the country’s push to revitalize its relationship with China should not be to the detriment of ties with existing allies such as the US and the European Union (EU).

Duterte had lambasted both the US and EU for criticizing his war against illegal drugs in the country, resulting in numerous cases of alleged extrajudicial killings.

Such tirades prompted several American and European investors to put on hold their investment plans in the country.

Lopez, however, assured that the Philippines “remains a friend to everyone” despite the administration’s move to open up to nontraditional markets.

In pursuit of the government’s goal of achieving inclusive growth, the DTI has come up with a socalled manufacturing resurgence program (MRP) – a scheme designed to revitalize the country’s manufacturing sector.

“MRP targets to close the gaps in industry supply chains, providThe trade chief said MRP aims to hike manufacturing’s contribution to total value-added to 30 percent from 23.2 percent, and total employment to 15 percent from 8.3 percent.

Complementing the push toward more trade and investments for the country are efforts that uplift and support the country’s entrepreneurs – an advocacy which Lopez has been championing for since day one.

Lopez said more programs to promote entrepreneurship, improve the productivity and efficiency of MSMEs, and increase market access of products and services were made available to existing and potential enterprises during the first year of the Duterte administration.

Young entrepreneurs name PH...

PAGE D1 taking things for granted,” the 21year-old entrepreneur said.

Abbas Kami, co-founder of Collegiate Capital, added that demographics also play a big role in considering a good place to grow a business and it’s definitely positive in Asia.

“At the macro level is the demographics. All these things combined with a large population is impossible to ignore. At the demographic point of view, it’s a great place to grow companies,” Kami said.

More than being a great target market, Shabibi also emphasized that the Philippines has the “most kind-hearted, most hardworking people” he has ever met.

“They have [the] willingness to do whatever it takes to have a better life,” Shabibi said.

“You have to get your hands dirty and that’s how things work here and it’s pretty enjoyable,” he added.

The summit themed “Diversity and Empowerment” featured a series of panel discussions themed ‘Leading Innovation Across Asia’ and ‘Changing Asia.’

Filipino-made SALt lamps ready...

PAGE D1 ing saline solution or ocean water, as a catalyst to generate electricity,” Mijeno added.

Mijeno shared that her greatest dream is to power up an entire island by using only ocean or saline water, in a hope to traverse the quickening effects of climate change.

“Climate change is like cancer.

On stage one, you’re cells start mutating, on stage two, you start

feeling the symptoms. If you take it for granted, in stage three you start feeling the symptoms. In stage four, your health starts declining… and everything is too late,” Mijeno explained.

Mijeno said that after her talk on APEC, they had earned quite a lot of partnerships with the product.

Currently, companies from the United States and Germany are keen on procuring units of the saltwater-powered lamp.

PH schools for indigenous...

PAGE D1 employ hydroponic agriculture, sell their produce, and fabricate products that use biodiesel and solar energy.

The students of Bamboo School have vital roles in the institution, participating in school governance, determining the school’s curriculum, and hiring teachers.

Viravaidya envisions the school to become “a lifelong learning center for the community.” He is the founder of Thailand’s largest NGO and 1994 Ramon Magsaysay Laureate.

On the other hand, 2004 Magsaysay Laureate for Emergent Leadership Benjamin Abadiano cofounded Pamulaan Center in Davao City, the first tertiary school in the Philippines that caters IPs. IPs culture and tradition, current realities in IP community, and competencies (4C’s) define Pamulaan education.

The school also develops leadership skills of students as early as the first year through a Community Service Learning Program, conducting community immersion and engaging in designing and leading projects.

ALT showed that IPs are trained to venture in micro enterprises, producing food products and handicrafts sold in specialty stores to sustain the livelihood programs and education in their communities.

Abadiano also co-founded Tugdaan Mangyan Center for Learning and Development in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro. The secondary school is devoted to serving the eight tribes of Oriental and Occidental Mindoro.

Programs offered include formal and non-formal education, environmental and resource management, a research center for Mangyan Culture, income generating project, and capability building.

Tugdaan also encourages IPs to process fruits, herbal juices and teas, and virgin coconut oil to fund the center while providing handson training.

Last year, the first episode of ALT, titled “Asian Leaders Talk: 1992 Ramon Magsaysay Awardee Washington Sycip,” premiered together with the announcement of Ramon Magsaysay Awardees.

Industrialist Washington SyCip, a Ramon Magsaysay awardee in 1992, was interviewed in the series

by Cheche Lazaro, also a former trustee of the foundation. Traffic and performance failure of leaders were some of the issues they discussed.

ALT is an online video series launched by RMTLI, a major program of the Ramon Magsaysay Foundation. It features the inspiring lives of the Magsaysay laureates and their insights on social media.

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Longo Lexus 5000: Great Dealership with a heart for service at Longo Toyota deals for vehicle dreamers

WITH its goal to set a record of 5,000 vehicle sales until September 4, Longo Lexus, the largest Lexus dealership in Western United States, is having its largest sale.

To maximize its business facets, Longo Lexus has been up to the challenge to sell 5,000 vehicles for a limited time while continuously providing its customers with excellent service.

The sales include L/Certified Lexus, a collection of hand-selected, pre-owned vehicles with a six-year, unlimited mileage warranty, special financing, and lease deals.

The over 1,000 huge selection of new Lexus vehicles are lined up and displayed in a temperature-cooled underground showroom.

Longo Lexus started leading the industry with its excellence in sales, service, guest experience, and satisfaction in 1989.

Its performance has been recognized, making it a recipient of the award “Elite of Lexus,” the most prestigious honor given to Lexus dealers for their excellence, three years after it was launched.

The dealership claims to provide customers with a luxury

Francis Maragay

Victor Reyes

brand experience and fabulous quality cars.

The company also strategically designed a first-class environment to take care of its guests’ needs, making buying vehicles a very easy experience for them.

It claims to provide guests with sparkling facility and luxurious amenities and further equates waiting in the Longo Lexus as “waiting in a captain’s club” with its comfortable chairs.

Aiming to build a family of loyal guests, Longo showers its customers with hospitality and good customer services and pays attention to every detail of their demands.

One of the demands answered by the dealership is the various financial services and options for the buyers that provide them presales conveniences and noteworthy post-sales services.

In addition, Longo Lexus claims to offer “low, no haggle prices” despite its financial success, which makes it a Lexus Circle of Excellence Awardee.

Beyond its objective to provide good sales and services, the preeminent role of the company lies on its progressive leadership and triumph in highlighting the con-

cern of its team.

The company established Penske College, an in-house training and development center to learn meaningful skills for its team members’ career advancement.

Longo’s investment and benefits for its human capital are extended to their members’ health and well-being. An on-site Fitness Center, a full-time Wellness Coach and a comprehensive Wellness Program are made available for them.

The efforts of the company to promote the wellness of its employees were recognized by the American Heart Association. It then awarded Longo Lexus as a National, Platinum Status, FitFriendly company.

Aside from this, the dealership was named by Automotive News, the auto industry’s leading news and information source, and Best Companies Group as “Automotive News’ Best Dealerships To Work For in 2012” for providing quality workspaces for its employees.

Sharing its success to people in need, Longo Lexus has not forgotten its commitment to offer event for the local communities of El Monte and Los Angeles.

The company offers use of its dealership to local and nonprofit organizations to host events, sponsor charity runs, walks and triathlons.

Among the activities it hosted are the City of Hope Blood Drive, February- Wear Red Fridays for Healthy Heart Month, Earth Day Celebration, and Children’s Hospital L.A. (CHLA) Beanie Drive.

For more information, you may call (626) 539-2956 or visit them at 3530 North Peck Road, El Monte CA, 91731 US, or its website at www.longolexus.com.

(Advertising Supplement)

Cesar Macalino

Butch Gabutina

Raymond Perez

LONGO 5000 is back. Longo Toyota, the world’s largest dealership, is having the world’s largest sale for new and used cars until September 4.

Recognized for its drive to constantly set the bar high in every aspect of its business, Longo Toyota is set to sell 5,000 vehicles and continue to make history.

In addition to its primary work selling and servicing cars, a large part of Longo’s success is fueled by its commitment to community involvement and quality customer service.

For 50 years, Longo Toyota has been actively involved in local communities surrounding El Monte and Los Angeles areas, offering programs on education, human services and wellness.

“Ninety-nine percent of what we do flies under the radar, but we think it’s important to give back to the community as it gives to us,” Brendan Harrington, Longo’s president and general manager told Edmunds.com.

They host on and off-site events and sponsor charity runs, walks, triathlons, food, clothing and blood drives.

A blood drive was conducted last May to benefit City of Hope, a cancer treatment and research center in Southern

California. 50 blood donors were able to give hope to 162 families.

During the summer, Longo hosts movie series at the dealership on select Friday nights at sunset, and invites local schools and charities to sell concessions for fundraisers at the events.

Longo Toyota has also been creating opportunities for local high schools and civic groups that build better futures and bring progress to the community.

Established in March 2012, Longo Toyota Saturday Fundraiser helps high schools and the Fire Department Explorer programs raise funds to sustain their academic and athletic programs and community activities, while gaining hands-on work experience and earning money.

Aside from giving back, great customer service along with a pleasant buying experience are always present as Longo Toyota goes several steps beyond what customers expect.

Team Longo’s workforce consisting of various culture, races and languages provides comfort to its customers through sales process in their preferred language.

With its 700 plus employees, closing the language barrier through representatives

from 21 countries who speak 40 languages and dialects is the reason for their exceptional guest experience.

“It’s about creating an easy and memorable shopping experience that makes our guests want to come back to us again and again,” says Harrington.

Longo has earned the Toyota President’s award for outstanding performance every year since 1986. In 2016, they also won their 15th consecutive Toyota President’s Cabinet award, an honor that recognizes excellent operations, high volume sales, and most importantly, outstanding guest satisfaction performance.

And to make car-buying even more convenient, Longo offers a complimentary delivery service from Monday through Saturday within a 50mile radius of Longo Toyota without charge.

Consumers looking to buy or lease a new vehicle may just want to look to Longo Toyota, not only to become a part of history, but to find a car buying experience at values that are beyond compare.

The 50-acre Longo Toyota Campus is located at 3534 North Peck Road in El Monte.

For more information, call (626) 539-2584 or visit www. longotoyota.com.

(Advertising Supplement)

New 2017 Camry SE

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Driving joy to people the Browning Mazda way MAZDA builds cars that inspire, excite, and most of all, bring joy to people. This is the philosophy that guides people behind Browning Mazda, from the manufacturing of cars down to the service it gives to its customers.

At Browning Mazda in Cerritos, California, customers can get the key to unlock their dream car that will usher them toward their journey of a thousand miles — and more!

Whatever suits your taste or lifestyle, the customer service and sales team at Browning Mazda will guide you through your journey to find the perfect car. Not only does this dealership specialize in new Mazda models, but it has a fantastic and huge selection of used cars for sale.

Mazda vehicles are recognized for their safety features. As Mazda drivers, customers get maximum confidence and enjoyment out of their drive knowing that these available systems are constantly working to alert them from potential hazards, avert collisions, or reduce their severity when one is unavoidable. It is another example of Mazda’s Jinba Ittai philosophy of creating oneness between car and driver. It is an experience drivers won’t find at any other brand.

Mazda is well-known for its affordable, quality-performance vehicles. Browning Mazda employees believe that a car should stir the emotions, it should

Jun Paguinto cell: (213) 321-6728

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make your heart race before you even get behind the wheel.

This is why Browning Mazda’s mantra is “make cars that make driving matter.” No wonder the employees don’t feel competition at all when it comes to their brand. Mazda considers “a car as an art” which makes it a cut above the rest. As a company commitment, Browning Mazda will continue to defy convention in everything it does in order to achieve the best possible results.

Browning Mazda takes pride in its loyal customers from whom it draws strength. Here are a few examples of how Browning Mazda drives joy to its customers’ lives: “The family still comes back for great deals even on accessories.”

(Maurice Varela, a customer since 1998) “Excellent attention and courtesy, a treatment that makes you feel comfortable.”(David Colmenares) “I’ve bought two vehicles here.

Service has been good.” (Erick Montoya) “I’ve purchased two new cars here and have always taken them back to be serviced at Browning Mazda. The service is always always prompt and reliable.”

(Deidra Toney) An essential part of driving joy to the people is giving back to the community. A core value of The Browning Automotive Group is to partner with the communities where

our associates and clients live.

Through the Browning Family Foundation and other sources, they support a wide-range of organizations, primarily focusing on the next generation and those with special needs. They believe that strong, vibrant communities are mutually beneficial to all.

Browning Mazda sponsors an annual “Drive For Good” where Mazda donates to several charities such as; St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, American Red Cross and American Heart Association, to date Mazda has raised $15,564,550. They also sponsor local blood drives, health fairs and recently we were sponsors in ABC Education and Foundation- Into the Summer Fun Run. Browning Mazda is always running specials from sales to service and parts. Customers may approach Browning Mazda’s very own Filipino salesperson, Jun Paguinto, who boasts a 13-year career in sales.

To learn more about how Browning Mazda dealership in Cerritos, you may call Tofan Hans at (562) 881-5295 or Jun Paguinto at (213) 3216728. Or take a trip and swing by the dealership at 18827 Studebaker Road, Cerritos, CA 90703.

Make that first step toward your amazing journey of a thousand miles at Browning Mazda!

(Advertising Supplement)

Tofan Hans cell: (562) 881-5295

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