LA Weekend Edition -- June 11 -- 14, 2016

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E D I T I OE ND I T I O NI T I O N ED

EJune DIT ION 11-14, 2016

Volume 26 - No. 47 • 4 Sections – 32 Pages

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Duterte: I do not condone killing of journalists

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by Christina

M. Oriel

AJPress

DOING RIGHT BY LAPU-LAPU. A 12-meter bronze statue of Lapu-Lapu, known as the Statue of the Sentinel of Freedom, stands at Rizal Park in Manila. President-elect Rodrigo Duterte disapproves of the naming of a fish after the hero of Mactan. He says he will make Lapu-Lapu a “proper hero” to be honored for being the first Filipino to resist the Spanish conquistadors who came to the Philippines in 1521.

Inquirer.net photo by Richard Reyes

DATELINE

USA

from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA

Senate Democrats announce implementation of program to reunite Filipino World War II with families DHS will finally allow certain veteran family members to come to the US expeditiously, ahead of visa seNAtors mazie K. hirono (D-hI), harry reid (D-NV), and tim Kaine (D-VA) joined filipino World War II veterans and community advocates on thursday, June 9 to announce the implementation of a long-awaited program to reunite the aging veterans with their children and families.

Us citizenship and Immigration service (UscIs) chief of staff Juliet choi provided more details on how the veterans can apply for parole under the new policy. UscIs began to accept applications for the filipino World War II Veterans Parole (fWVP) Program on Wednesday, June 8. senator charles e. schumer said on thursday that the Department of homeland security (Dhs) Us citizenship and Immigration services (UscIs) will allow certain filipino World War II veteran family members who

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New Calif. law raises age requirement when buying tobacco products LegIsLAtors in california hope it will become more difficult for teens to start smoking now that a new law raising the age required to buy tobacco products has come into effect.

In addition to raising the minimum purchasing age for cigarettes from 18 to 21, new rules also categorize e-cigarettes as traditional tobacco products and ban their use in public places. senator ed hernandez, who authored the bill, told USA Today that california should see a significant drop in tobacco use, and hopes more states will consider enacting similar measures. california is the second state to raise the legal purchasing age for tobacco, while hawaii passed a similar law earlier this year. similar rules have been enacted in various towns and cities throughout the nation.

A coalition of anti-smoking groups backed

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PhILIPPINe President-elect rodrigo Duterte — who has been under fire for the past week for seemingly justifying the killing of journalists — has since backtracked from his comments, according to a statement released on Wednesday, June 8. since uttering the controversial remarks, the 71-year-old incoming president has been criticized by local and international groups, including United Nations (UN) experts earlier this week.

UN special rapporteur on summary executions cristof

heyns called the remarks “irresponsible in the extreme, and unbecoming of any leader.”

“A message of this nature amounts to incitement to violence and killing, in a nation already ranked as the seconddeadliest country for journalists,” he added. estimates show that 174 journalists have been murdered in the Philippines since President ferdinand marcos stepped down three decades ago; seventy seven of those murders have been committed since 1992. one of the deadliest incidents was in 2009 when 58 individuals, including 32 journalists,

were killed in maguindanao during a politically-motivated attack against esmael mangudadatu, who was a mayoral candidate for the town of Buluan. several members of the Ampatuan family have been accused of the mass murder plot. meanwhile, special rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression David Kaye argued that the incoming president’s statement “can be understood as a permissive signal to potential killers that the murder of journalists is acceptable in certain circumstances and would not be punished.”

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Drug lords raise bounty for Duterte Filipino bakery workers $15.2-M case to P50-M, says incoming PNP chief win against employers, by aries JOseph

heGina

(They increased it because they could not find any takers). No takers sa P10 million, so in-inINcomINg Philippine Na- crease nila (so they increased it) tional Police (PNP) director chief to P50 million,” Dela rosa said. supt. ronald “Bato” Dela rosa Dela rosa earlier claimed that remains unfazed by the reported the bounties were offered by assassination threats against drug lords incarcerated in the him and President-elect rodrigo New Bilibid Prison.

Duterte.

“Bring it on, really. Bring it on.

In an interview on ANc’s o, mas malaki (it has become “headstart” on thursday, June bigger) — 50 million. okay, you 9, Dela rosa said that the boun- come. Bring it on anytime — ties for him and for Duterte had anytime of the day, any place,” been raised from P10 million to he said.

P50 million because there were the former Davao police chief, no takers. who served from January 2012 “they increased the bounty to to october 2013, has shrugged P50 million. P50 million for may- off the threats against him, even or Duterte, P50 million for me. joking that he is “not that handIn-increase nila dahil nahirapan some” to fear death. daw silang maghanap ng takers “Am I that handsome that I Inquirer.net

awarded T visas by eriC

Incoming PNP head Chief Supt. Ronald dela Rosa.

Inquirer.net photo by Jaymee Gamil

would be afraid to die? I am not afraid to die,” he told reporters on Wednesday.

Dela rosa vowed that with or

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anthOny liCas AJPress

fILIPINo workers, who prevailed in a yearlong legal battle against the owners of a french bakery in southern california, now have temporary authorization to live and work in the Us. After winning a $15.2 million case against the owners of the now shuttered L’Amande Bakery (which had locations in torrance and Beverly hills), the 11 plaintiffs have been awarded t visas, which allow victims of human trafficking to temporarily live and work in the United states. the arrangement was made possible through the collaboration between the advocacy group Asian Americans Advancing Justice - Los Angeles and the office of house rep. ted Lieu, who represents california’s 33rd congressional district.

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Pacquiao plummets Obama endorses Clinton for president Former secretary of state makes history as first to No. 63 in Forbes’ list woman to get major presidential party nomination of top paid athletes

by MOMar

and

by dinO

MaraGay Philstar.com

mANILA — from his lofty status at second place in 2015, manny Pacquiao plunged to No. 63 in forbes’ list of highest paid athletes for this year.

Pacquiao owed his high ranking last year to his megabuck showdown with floyd mayweather Jr. in may last year, which ended up as boxing’s richest fight ever. the filipino lost that fight, and an in- Manny Pacquiao jured shoulder forced him to sit out the rest of 2015.

“Pacquiao’s fight with floyd mayweather in may 2015 set every financial record in the history of boxing, including PPV buys (4.6 million), gate ($73 million) and total revenue ($600 million), and rewarded him with a $125 million payday,” forbes wrote in its entry on Pacquiao. for this year, however, Pacquiao fought only once – defeating timothy Bradley in April – before announc-

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G. Visaya Christina M. Oriel AJPress

It’s official: President Barack obama has formally endorsed hillary clinton as the most qualified candidate to be his successor.

In a video released online on thursday, June 9, the president threw his support behind the presumptive Democratic nominee, saying “I don’t think there’s ever been someone so qualified to hold this office.” clinton, who ran against obama in 2008 and later served as secretary of state, made history as the first woman to capture a major party nomination for president, following her victory in four out of six primary contests on tuesday, June 7.

“I want those of you who have been with me since the beginning of this incredible journey to be the first to know that I’m with her,” obama said.

“I am fired up. And I can’t wait

Hillary Clinto and President Barack Obama

to get out there and campaign with hillary.” obama is scheduled to campaign with clinton in green Bay, Wisconsin next week, the clinton campaign announced.

In an interview with Bloomberg Politics, which was timed with the release of the president’s video, clinton welcomed obama’s endorsement.

“I want to be out there with him and have a chance to campaign with him,” she said. “It just means so much to have a strong, substantive endorsement from the president. obviously I value his opinion a great deal personally.”

In response to the support, presumptive republican nomi-

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A JUNE 11-14, 2016 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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From the Front Page

Duterte: I do not condone killing of…

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These statements come after a press conference on Tuesday, May 31, where a reporter asked Duterte how he would handle the problem of journalists being murdered in the country.

He responded by saying, “Just because you are a journalist, you are not exempted from assassination if you are a son of a b*tch.

Freedom of expression cannot help you if you have done something wrong.”

He went on to say that freedom of expression does not protect a journalist if he or she criticizes a person’s character.

Responding to the special rapporteurs on Wednesday, June 8, Duterte said “go home and get some sleep,” alleging that they

were “anchored on the wrong premise.”

“I never said that killing journalists is justified because they are involved in corruption,” he said. “What I said is that you don’t have to be a journalist to be the subject of an assassination.”

As president, Duterte noted that it is his duty to “uphold and enforce the law” and be “protective of the rights of journalists, and for that matter of any citizen, of the Republic.”

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon also weighed in on the controversy.

In a statement released on the UN’s website on Wednesday, Ban reiterated his commitment to “defend the rights of journalists and to do everything possible, publicly and privately, to ensure that journalists have the freedom to work.”

Ban said he was “extremely disturbed” by the former Davao mayor’s remarks.

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LAST DAY. Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo, the vice president-elect, talks to a colleague on the last day of session at the House of Representatives on Monday, June 6. The House leadership gave recognition to the lawmakers who will be bowing out on June 30.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Ruy Martinez

Drug lords…

PAGE A1 t without the P5 million bounty offered by Duterte for the death of drug lords, he would stamp out illegal drugs and criminality.

“May P5-million reward o wala, ang mga drug lord na iyan mamamatay talaga iyan kapag lumaban sila kahit walang P5 million (Whether there is a P5million reward or not, those drug lords will be killed if they fight),” he said in a separate Radyo Inquirer interview.

The President-elect first broached the idea of a P5 million bounty for the killing of a drug lord during his thanksgiving party in Davao City last week.

“Ang bayad ko ngayon, ‘pag drug lord, mag-announce na ‘ko, P5 million ‘pag patay. Kung buhay, P4 million 999 thousand lang,” Duterte told a crowd of around 500,000 people during his victory party at the Crocodile Park.

(If you kill a drug lord, you will receive P5 million. If a drug lord is arrested alive, the informant receives just P4,999,000.)

He also said that he would offer millions of pesos worth of bounty to anyone who could kill or arrest drug traffickers. n

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From the Front page

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 11-14, 2016

A

Duterte: I do not condone killing of…

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“I unequivocally condemn his apparent endorsement of extrajudicial killing, which is illegal and a breach of fundamental rights and freedoms. Such comments are of particular concern in light of on-going impunity for serious cases of violence against journalists in the Philippines,” the secretary-general said. “I will also continue to stand up for the rights of journalists and their defenders to be represented here at the United Nations.”

“Reaction of the UN is premature” Duterte’s running mate, Sen. Alan Cayetano, on Friday, June 10, blasted the “premature” reaction from the UN. “The reaction of the UN is premature and lacks information,” Cayetano said, according to Philstar.

The senator, who lost in the vice presidential race in the national elections, said that the UN officials are not accustomed to “the way the president-elect speaks.” He also argued that Duterte will do his part to protect the people in the country, including journalists.

“This issue is being magnified

to make it appear that we have a monster president when we have a president who hates crime but loves his people and he will fight even for journalists,” Cayetano said.

Incoming Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. also came to Duterte’s defense after Ban’s statement.

“All I am saying is, until [Duterte] becomes president of the Philippines and he has assumes office and he makes this kind of statement, only then can secretary-general make the kind of comment he has made on the basis of what he fears as a policy statement coming from the Republic of the Philippines,” he said in an interview with CNN Philippines.

Despite calls to apologize last week, Duterte instead dared the media to boycott him.

“Don’t threaten me, boycott, boycott!” he said, adding “I do not care if no one is covering me. Do not threaten me, I said I’m ready to lose the presidency, my honor or my life. Just do not f— with me.”

He described three kinds of journalists — those who do not accept bribes, those who serve

as a “mouthpiece of vested interests” and those who accept “money from illegal sources… whose greed is unlimited.”

He also criticized the UN for not solving “the Middle East carnage” and its supposed inability to “lift a finger in Africa.”

‘No ambush interviews’ Known for his unfiltered speak, Duterte said he would no longer grant interviews until his term ends to avoid criticism and “wrong statements.”

“If there are interviews, there will be many mistakes, there will be many criticisms. So no interview, no criticism, no wrong statements, no nothing,” he said when interviewed in Davao on Monday, June 6.

The incoming president later clarified his comments, saying he meant no more “ambush interviews.

“It was not an interview. An ambush to which I replied that I will not allow interviews anymore now or in the future. That will be the drill until the last day of my term of office,” he said.

Duterte, who led Davao as mayor for over two decades, will be sworn into the presidency on June 30. n

POLICE VISIBILITY. Two members of the Manila Police District keep watch on Thursday over shoppers buying school supplies at Divisoria Market in Manila a few days before the opening of classes on June 13.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Rene Dilan

Obama endorses Clinton for…

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nee Donald Trump tweeted: “Obama just endorsed Crooked Hillary. He wants four more years of Obama — but nobody else does!”

Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Reince Priebus said in a statement that Clinton “has telegraphed this entire campaign,” arguing that “she is running to give President Obama’s failed policies a third term.”

Clinton’s opponent Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders met with Obama on Thursday morning and said he would continue his bid for the presidency through the District of Columbia primary

this coming Tuesday, June 14.

“I look forward to meeting with [Clinton] in the near future to see how we can work together to defeat Donald Trump,” Sanders told reporters after the meeting with Obama.

Clinton clinches Democratic Party nomination Following her decisive wins on Tuesday, June 7, Clinton thanked supporters during a speech in Brooklyn, NY. “Tonight caps an amazing journey – a long, long journey. We all owe so much to those who came before, and tonight belongs to all of you,” she said, addressing her supporters who trooped to the

Brooklyn Navy Yard to witness history happen.

“Thanks to you, we’ve reached a milestone, the first time in our nation’s history that a woman will be a major party’s nominee,” Clinton told the audience. “Tonight’s victory is not about one person. It belongs to generations of women and men who struggled and sacrificed and made this moment possible.”

In her victory speech, the presumptive nominee talked about her mother, Dorothy Rodham who had an auspicious date of birth almost a hundred years ago. That date was June 4, 1919,

resentatives,” it added.

Forbes also stressed how Pacquiao’s recent controversial stance on same-sex relations affected his endorsements, with Nike among the biggest backers to sever ties with him.

“He was once a marketing darling with companies like Nike, Foot Locker, Hewlett-Packard and Nestle, but companies avoided the eight division world champ after his 2016 comments comparing gay people to animals,” the financial media firm said.

For his part, Mayweather, who topped the list last year, dropped to No. 16 with $44 million in earnings. He retired after fighting Andre Berto in September

last year.

Football superstars Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi finished at first and second place with total earnings of $88 million and $81.4 million, respectively.

Rounding up the top 10 are NBA superstar LeBron James (No. 3, $77.2 million), tennis star Roger Federer (No. 4, $67.8 million), NBA’s Kevin Durant (No. 5, $56.2 million), Serbian World No. 1 tennis player Novak Djokovic (No. 6, $55.8 million), NFL star Cam Newton (No. 7, $53.1 million), golfers Phil Mickelson (No. 8, $52.9 million) and Jordan Spieth (No. 9, $52.8 million), and recently retired NBA star Kobe Bryant (No. 10 $50 million). n

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Pacquiao plummets to No. 63 in Forbes’…

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ing his retirement. Forbes noted that Pacquiao took home a total of $25 million for this year, including $24 million in salary and $2.5 million in endorsements.

The boxer is now a member of the Philippine senate after a successful run in the May elecHouse Rep. Ted Lieu shakes hands with Filipino worker Ronaldo Suratos. Lieu helped Suratos and 10 other former employess of L’Amande tions. “Manny Pacquiao says he Bakery petition United States Customs and Immigration Services for T visas, which are meant to protect victims of human trafficking. AJPress is retired ‘as of now’ after his photo by Eric Anthony Licas April bout with Timothy Bradley where he banked a $20 million purse plus his cut of Filipino TV money,” Forbes continued. event hosted by Advancing Jus- had owned the L’Amande bakPAGE A1 t “He’s earned $500 million “They used to call us traf- tice - Los Angeles on Thursday, eries along with her husband, during this career from purses, Goncalo. The Filipino nationals pay-per-view and endorsements. ficked workers, but now you June 9. can also call us survivors,” said The victims said they were entered the US legally with E-2 Pacquiao was elected to the FiliRomar Cunanan, a former em- lured to work in the US by Anal- guest worker visas, then were pino Senate in May after first beployee of L’Amande, at a press iza Moitinho de Almeida, who u PAGE A5 ing elected to the House of Rep-

Filipino bakery workers win $15.2-M case…

Dateline USa

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New Calif. law raises age requirement when…

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the bill, including the California Medical Association, the American Cancer Society, and the American Lung Association.

Surveys cited by the Associated Press say most daily smokers pick up the habit before the age of 19. The Institute of Medicine reports that increasing the minimum smoking age will prevent 15 percent of young adults from becoming smokers.

According to the California Department of Public Health, about 34,000 Californians die each year

from tobacco use. In addition, tobacco-related diseases cost Californians $18.1 billion each year in both direct and indirect healthcare costs due to premature death and low productivity due to illness.

The California bill had stalled in the state legislature amongst complaints from veterans’ advocates who argued that individuals old enough to be sent to war should be old enough to smoke.

“You can give your life but you can’t buy a pack of cigarettes,” said California Assemblymember Chad

Mayes in opposition to the law, according to the Los Angeles Times.

A provision that makes an exception for enlisted service members helped the bill receive approval from Governor Jerry Brown just before it was set to expire in May. Other opponents of the bill include members of the e-cigarette or vaping industry, who claim their products are a safer alternative to traditional tobacco products, and should not be subjected to the same restrictions.

(Eric Anthony Licas / AJPress)

worry, we’re not smashing this one,” she said.

Filipino-American support Filipino-American leaders, led

by Loida Nicolas Lewis, were present that evening, along with Dr. Angie Cruz, Joe Ramos, Marilyn Abalos, Jerry Sibal and Edwin Josue. Filipino-American Democratic Club of New York president Aries de la Cruz also attended with his mother Tess and Juliet Payabyab.

“Hillary has been with us from way back, since 1998. She is the only one who came to a Filipino gathering, a NaFFAA conference in New York. She knows us, she knows our problems. Anytime we need her endorsement, she’s there for us,” community leader Loida Lewis said.

“My mom told Hillary that her son helped start the Filipino-

American Democratic Club and Hillary looked me into my eyes, shook my hand and thanked me,” said the younger Dela Cruz.

They were near the front of the stage when Bill and Hillary went around to greet their supporters.

He also described the feeling as incredible and phenomenal, specially for someone like him who moved to the United States when he was only seven years old.

For his mother, Tess, the message that resonated was exemplified by the short video that the Clinton campaign showed on the widescreen before the presumptive nominee delivered her speech.

“This means that girls can run for president, and they can become president of the United States in the future,” Dela Cruz said. n

Obama endorses Clinton for…

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the exact day that the United States Senate then passed the 19th constitutional amendment giving women the right to vote.

Call for unity “We all know this has been a tough fight, but the Democratic Party is a family. And now, it’s time to restore the ties that bind us together,” Clinton said.

Clinton’s win was also eight years to the day after she conceded the 2008 Democratic presidential primary to Barack Obama, with a speech in which Clinton famously declared that her supporters helped put “18 million cracks” in the “glass ceiling.” She recalled that concession speech Tuesday evening.

“It may be hard to see tonight, but we are all standing under a glass ceiling right now. But don’t

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Left to right: Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAJC) Director of Programs Marita Etcubanez; Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project Chair and Major General (Retired) Antonio Taguba; Filipino World War II veteran Celestino Almeda; Senator Tim Kaine; Filipino World War II veteran Rudy Panaglima; National Council of Asian Pacific Americans Executive Director Christopher Kang; Senator Mazie K. Hirono; USCIS Chief of Staff Juliet Choi Photo courtesy of the office of Sen. Mazie K. Hirono

Senate Democrats announce implementation…

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are beneficiaries of approved family-based immigrant visa petitions an opportunity to seek a discretionary grant of parole, on a case-by-case basis.

According to DHS, this measure would allow approved family members to come to the United States while they wait for their visa to become available.

“This effort to ease family reunification is long overdue, but it

is the right thing to do for the heroic Filipino WWII veterans who aided America in our hour of need. Our Filipino WWII veterans fought selflessly and valiantly for America and for that, we owe them a debt of gratitude,” said Schumer. “This measure reunites Filipino veterans and their family members with their loved ones abroad by expeditiously allowing them to come to the United States.”

In 1941, Filipinos in the United States began to enlist in the US Armed Forces, and formed the First and Second Filipino Infantry Regiments. Today, nearly 18,000 of the 300,000 Filipino soldiers who fought in World War II are living in the United States and the Philippines. Their courageous contribution attests to the Allied victory in the Pacific.

Filipino World War II veteran Rudy Panaglima shared his family’s experience of waiting 20 years to be reunited with his sons, and his hope that they will finally be able to come to the United States under the FWVP program.

“My two sons in the Philippines, Rolando and Raoul, have had approved immigration petitions since 1995 – and have waited more than twenty years to join us,” said Mr. Panaglima. “We need Rolando and Raul to take care of us because of our age.

We don’t have relatives in the area. I am a proud American who

had served honorably. Hopefully in a few months, my two sons can be with me in America with this parole visa program.”

Filipino veterans were granted citizenship in recognition of their service to the United States during World War II. Many of their children, however, were not. Due to backlogs in the US immigration system, it can take more than 20 years for immigration applications to be reviewed.

Hirono also spoke about the story of Mariano Guillermo – an 88-year-old Filipino World War II veteran from Kalihi who served in the guerrilla forces before joining the Philippine Scouts. Mr. Guillermo’s two children, who are 60 and 58, have been waiting to join their father in the United States for over 20 years.

The brave Filipinos who supported the US during World War II consisted of soldiers, scouts and guerrillas whose persistence and commitment to the country made them invaluable members of the Armed Forces. Filipino soldiers participated in a myriad of military operations, including infantry combat, intelligence, sabotage, demolition, and reconnaissance.

“The Filipino American Democratic Club of New York is proud to support our Senator, Charles E. Schumer as he announces this landmark and historic policy for Filipino WWII Veterans, finally

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Dateline USa

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 11-14, 2016

A

US to strictly monitor Duterte administration

by Ian JamotIllo AJPress

OFW ASSISTANCE. Five returning OFWs from Saudi Arabia receive financial and livelihood assistance from Senator Cynthia A. Villar, who has been at the forefront of helping Filipino migrant workers and fighting for their rights and interest. The senator also gives them medical assistance, referring them to Las Pinas General Hospital so they can have the proper medical attention they need. Also in photo are OFW advocate Susan Ople and the returning OFWs Oscar Penaflor, Manolito Toston, Arturo Layson, Rolando Palao and Rodrigo Santiago.

Bill to aid seniors, families in danger of having homes forcibly sold to pay off debts to be considered State Assembly SB 308 is supported by AARP, NAACP, California Labor Federation, Attorney General Harris, Treasurer Chiang and broad coalition SACRAMENTO — The California State Assembly on Thursday, June 9, considered a bill on the floor to modernize the state’s outdated bankruptcy laws to provide a fresh start for families in need and to better protect consumers – especially seniors, the blind and the disabled – from having their home forcibly sold to pay off an unsecured debt. The bill, SB 308, is strongly supported by senior groups, labor, legal rights advocates, public interest organizations, and state elected officials, including Attorney General Kamala Harris, State Treasurer John Chiang and Board of Equalization member Fiona Ma. “When you look at the list of people and organizations supporting SB 308 it is a `Who’s Who’ of Californians who have a long history of standing alongside working people, struggling families and our seniors,” said Senator Bob Wieckowski, the bill’s author and a member of the Senate’s Judiciary Committee. “Supporters of this bill care about reducing income inequality, standing up to special interests to fight for working families and the elderly, and for providing a path out of debt for individuals who are trying to stay in their homes while battling rising medical bills. When it comes to protecting people’s homes from

creditors, other states have done much more than California, but SB 308 gives us a chance to close the gap and do what’s right.”

The bill will update the state’s homestead exemption law to better reflect current home values and housing market realities. It will allow consumers to retain more of their assets, and, in many cases, to keep their family home. The median price for a single-family California home is $509,100. SB 308 makes modest adjustments to the homestead exemption from $75,000 to $100,000 for single residents, from $100,000 to $150,000 for married couples, and from $175,000 to $300,000 for seniors, the blind and the disabled, the most vulnerable.

The bill also eliminates an onerous requirement that any leftover money from the forced sale of a home must be reinvested into another home within six months. It restores the flexibility that existed in code prior to a 2012 court case.

If a home is forcibly sold, any taxes, liens and the mortgage would be paid before the consumer receives the exemption.

Florida, Oklahoma, and Texas have unlimited homestead exemptions, and Nevada and Ohio are just a few of the 14 states that have higher limits than California despite

Filipino bakery workers win…

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subjected to harsh conditions shortly after they arrived.

According to court documents, the bakery employees were paid as little as $3 per hour, endured 12-hour or more workdays for extended periods without days off, were made to sleep on floors, and were regularly demeaned and intimidated by the Almeidas.

“I once asked Ana, ‘Ma’am, could you please treat us like human beings?,’” said former L’Amande employee, Gina Pablo. “She said ‘who are you to say that? You are just a maid.’”

Workers who wanted to stop

working for the Almeidas were told they would be deported and would each have to pay back $1,000 in immigration fees.

None of the guest workers acknowledge ever making that kind of agreement. Cunanan said that he had been in the US for seven months before ever hearing of his supposed debts.

The workers also alleged that the Almeidas also threatened to use their political connections in the Philippines to harm the former L’Amande workers’ families living there.

“I’m still afraid for my other daughter [still in the Philip-

u PAGE A6

Senate Democrats announce…

PAGE A4 t

allowing them to be reunited with their loved ones from abroad,” said Aries Dela Cruz, president of the Filipino American Democratic Club of New York.

Under the USCIS FWVP Program, Filipino veterans whose service has been recognized by the US Department of Defense, or their surviving spouses, may apply to bring their children to the United States. The policy will allow families, some of whom have been waiting decades, to be together in the United States while their applications are processed.

“This is an example of what happens when our community

comes together to demand action for our Filipino WWII veterans,” Dela Cruz added. “Our club is proud to have endorsed Senator Schumer for the New York Congressional Primary on June 28 because he understands the needs and concerns of our community, and we call on all Filipino Americans to support our efforts to re-elect him to the United States Senate.”

The policy went into effect for applications submitted beginning June 8. Eligible individuals are encouraged to request parole under the program within the next five years. Details can be found at http://www.uscis.gov/fwvp.

(Momar G. Visaya / AJPress)

having much lower home prices.

“SB 308 will help prevent the forced sale of many Californians’ homes from an unsecured creditor,” wrote AARP in support of the bill. “Not requiring the sale of a house to pay off a debt promotes the correct public policy of encouraging Californians to invest in their homes, with the knowledge that that investment is safe.” n

AN expert from a US-based think tank has stated that the United States government will be closely watching every move by President-elect Rodrigo Duterte, especially during his first 100 days in office.

Furthermore, Duterte’s response to the upcoming ruling of a United Nations tribunal court on the territorial dispute between the Philippines and China over South China Sea will be monitored as well.

Ernest Bower, a nonresident senior adviser for the Southeast Asia Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) said that the relationship between the United States and Philippines was strengthened during Pres. Benigno Aquino III’s administration.

“It is ironic that we are watching because if you ask leaders in Washington right now, they would say the US-Philippine relationship is at a high point,” Bower said.

Observation period Bower noted that it is a waitand-see period for the country until Duterte assumes his position on June 30.

Bower was a speaker at a symposium on “Asia-Pacific Perspectives on Implementing the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA),” which was held at National Defense College of the Philippines at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Tuesday, June 7.

EDCA’s importance on the USPhilippines ties remains high, especially to address China’s

Rodrigo Duterte,

pursuit of nearly all reefs and artificial islands in the South China Sea. EDCA allows US troops to build facilities for equipment storage and intensify humanitarian security and disaster response operations, in addition to giving broad access to Philippine military bases.

Not afraid of US intervention Meanwhile, China remains remained unabated despite the apparent intervention of the United States.

A day after US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter issued a warning over a Chinese construction on Scarborough Shoal, China said it is not afraid of “trouble” over its claim in the waters of South China Sea. “The South China Sea issue has become overheated because of the provocations of certain countries for their own selfish interests,” China’s Adm. Sun Jianguo said in a security summit in Singapore.

Carter, on the other hand, presented a stronger bilateral security cooperation with China to prevent collateral damage but declined to elaborate over what

“actions” Washington might take if China proceeds in the construction of an artificial island on Scarborough Shoal.

Sun insisted that the patrols in the South China Sea were a display of “military muscles” while stressing that China was being forced to accept and honor the tribunal’s ruling.

“China firmly opposes such behavior. We do not make trouble, but we have no fear of trouble,” Sun said.

China has claimed almost every reef and artificial islands in the South China Sea, despite protests from neighboring countries like the Philippines and Vietnam. The Scarborough Shoal is one of the contested territories, wherein China was reported to construct an outpost, 230 kilometers off the coast of Zambales province, and is part of the Philippines’’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

During his visit to Mongolia, US Secretary of State John Kerry issued a warning against Beijing on setting up an air defense identification zone over the disputed waters, stating it would be a “provocative and destabilizing act.”

Admiral Sun however, reiterated that China wants to solve the dispute with the Philippines bilaterally and said that the country is open to communication with incoming President Duterte.

“China has the patience and wisdom to settle any disputes through dialogue. We also believe the related countries have the wisdom and patience to make peace. I’ve always believed that shaking hands is better than clenching fists.” Sun said. n

A JUNE 11-14, 2016 â&#x20AC;˘ LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Dateline USa

http://www.asianjournal.com â&#x20AC;˘ (818) 502-0651 â&#x20AC;˘ (213) 250-9797

Panel urges victims to report scams and frauds to authorities

Most common scams targeting immigrant communities bared

by MoMar

G. Visaya

AJPress

SCAMMERS defraud members of the ethnic communities across the United States every day by selling worthless products and fake services for everything from immigration, housing and health, debt collection, jobs and education.

During the recent tax season, scams involving impostor IRS and US Department of Treasury officials experienced a spike.

Consumers and potential victims are told that they owe back taxes, and are then threatened with the prospect of being arrested or being charged with a felony unless they pay-up immediately.

A lot of these scams now happen online and through mobile phones via calls from weird and unknown area codes to unsolicited text messages. From a legitimate looking but fake email from your primary bank asking you to change your password to yet another email sent by the company you use to send money to relatives back in the Philippines. A quick and cursory click later and you have given these con artists your bank account number and passwords.

New America Media (NAM) and The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) arranged a briefing with members of the community media and invited law enforcement officials, community advocates and consumers to discuss the types of fraud that are on the rise, what people can do to pro-

tect themselves and the importance of reporting these scams to the authorities. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is an epidemic and the perpetrators are targeting the most vulnerable in our communities,â&#x20AC;? said NAM executive director Sandy Close. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Information is the best defense for people not to be victimized. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re all vulnerable to being scammed.â&#x20AC;?

Terrell McSweeny, FTC commissioner, said that a lot of scams and fraudulent activities are underreported, sometimes undetected. These scams range from impostor scams, debt collection, debt relief, mortgage modifications and student loans.

Due to a variety of reasons â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ranging from fear or shame, or even their immigration status, people are reluctant to report these scams when they get victimized.

McSweeny encourages people who have been victimized by scammers to come out. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You should tell your story, come out and report it. It is very challenging and very hard to talk about being defrauded but your story might help other people to avoid being defrauded and victimized as well,â&#x20AC;? she said.

Jane Azia, chief of the Bureau of Consumer Fraud and Protection under the New York Attorney Generalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office, echoed this sentiment. â&#x20AC;&#x153;People should not be embarrassed about being victimized as weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re all vulnerable. File a complaint if you believe you have

been victimized,â&#x20AC;? she said.

She also warned people to be wary and always be on the lookout. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Do not trust someone just because they are part of your community or they speak the same language,â&#x20AC;? Azia said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Do not blindly trust, learn how to say no and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t sign any contract easily.â&#x20AC;?

And for people who owe the Internal Revenue Service? â&#x20AC;&#x153;If you owe the government money, they will send you a letter but they will not call you or threaten you with deportation,â&#x20AC;? she said.

The US Department of Treasury and IRS have posted warnings on their websites about phone sams by operators using their agenciesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; names. Neither of them will contact consumers by phone to demand money or threaten legal action.

Next time you receive a phone call from someone claiming to be from one of these agencies, demanding money or threatening legal action, do not engage in a conversation with the caller and hang up the phone.

Top scams According to the FTC, 10.8% of US adults are victimized by scams.

William Efron, FTCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s director for its Northeast Regional office, explained that FTC maintains a national database which includes all these fraud complaints.

In 2015, FTC received 1.2 million complaints about fraud and

Sandy Close (right), New America Media executive director, welcomes the panelists and guests who attended an ethnic media briefing on spotting and avoiding scams in our communities.

AJPress Photo by Momar G. Visaya

where victims lost an estimated $765 million.

For scams in New York region, top on the list is debt collection, with more than 25,000 New Yorkers filing complaints, which has led to the cracking down on these unlawful debt collectors who use abusive tactics.

Among the other scams New Yorkers reported are impostor scams, telephone and mobile services, banks and lenders, shop-at-home and catalog sales.

Camille Mackler, director of legal initiatives at New York Immigration Coalition, cited numerous reasons why members of the immigrant communities do not report their cases. â&#x20AC;&#x153;For some, there is shame and fear in coming forward and for others, even if they want to, they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know where to go and they

donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t see a benefit in reporting,â&#x20AC;?

Mackler said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s immigration status is not relevant in these cases, we just want to catch the perpetrators.â&#x20AC;?

For those who are harassed by debt collection agencies, Nancy Schindler, associate commissioner of Legal and Regulatory Compliance Division at the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs, offers the following tip. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Check (through DCA) if they are licensed. Debt collection agencies should be licensed by the DCA, along with second-hand auto dealers, employment agencies, immigration service providers, tax preparers,â&#x20AC;? Schindler said.

If they are not listed as licensed, you can report it directly to the DCA. And even if they are

listed and you feel that they have gone out of bounds in harassing you, then report the case to the FTC. Claire Rosenzweig, President and CEO, Better Business Bureau Serving Metropolitan New York, issued a warning to job-seekers to be wary of employment scams, where scam artist attempts to convince the victim that he must pay money as a requirement of employment. â&#x20AC;&#x153;So far in 2016, nearly 10 percent of submissions to BBBâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s online Scam Tracker tool filed by metro New Yorkers, claim t have been targeted by fake offers of employment,â&#x20AC;? said Rosenzweig. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Never pay money to an â&#x20AC;&#x153;employerâ&#x20AC;? to get a job. Legitimate offers of employment do not require that you pay money for training classes, or anything else.â&#x20AC;? n

DFA, Johns Hopkins sign MOU on training of diplomats

WASHINGTON, DC â&#x20AC;&#x201C; A leading school of international studies and the Philippinesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; foreign service institute signed a cooperation agreement towards the advanced training of professional diplomats.

The Philippinesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Department of Foreign Affairs â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Foreign Service Institute (FSI) and the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) a memorandum of un-

derstanding (MOU) signed at a special SAIS Philippines Roundtable held at the Johns Hopkins University on June 6.

The MOU establishes institutional ties and collaboration between the FSI and SAIS. Such collaboration enhances institutional capability and competence in line with the mission of The Johns Hopkins University, according to its representative. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our respective institutions

are engaged in similar activities. which include training young professionals to play leading roles in conducting the foreign relations of our two countries,â&#x20AC;? Professor Peter Lewis, SAIS associate dean for academic affairs, said in his remarks. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This type of training is vital in this fast moving, globalized and connected world but even more vital is the development of analytical skills and critical thinking which are the key elements in international relations and are essential tools for our students to succeed as diplomats, policy makers and leaders of NGOs,â&#x20AC;?

Lewis added.

Ambassador Claro Cristobal who is the current director general of FSI represented it. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Diplomacy is of crucial importance. For a country so small, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got to have people to push, sell and work for the achievement of our aspirations and do the work that we need to perform for our country,â&#x20AC;? Cristobal said after the MOU signing.

After the signing, Cristobal also presented a brief scan of the socio-political, socio-economic and foreign policy agenda of the incoming Philippine administration at the roundtable. US government officials, private sector representatives and FilipinoAmerican community members were at the gathering.

Professor William Wise, SAIS

PROTEST. Mothers who have given birth at the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s busiest maternity facility, the Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital, are joined by their daughters in a campaign to save the 65-year-old institution from being torn down. The Dept. of Health (DOH) is planning to transfer the hospital to the nearby DOH compound on Rizal Avenue.

Inquirer.net photo by Jocelyn Uy

associate director of the Southeast Asia Studies Program also recognized Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose L. Cuisia Jr. for his contributions to the SAIS Philippines Roundtable and SAIS Southeast Asia Studies Program.

The SAIS Philippines Roundtable is the only forum in the United States that meets regularly to discuss Philippine affairs and the Philippines-US relationship. The special roundtable event was co-sponsored by SAIS and the US-Philippines Society.

(Inquirer.net) n

Filipino bakery workers winâ&#x20AC;Ś

PAGE A5 t

pines],â&#x20AC;? former Lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Amande employee Ermita Alabado told the Asian Journal. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s safer here.

In the Philippines, P20,000 [approximately. $434] would be enough to send someone out to hurt her.â&#x20AC;?

The Almeidas declined to comment on the default judgment when the Asian Journal reached out. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The default judgment is a miscarriage of justice, brought about by the abuse of both the justice and immigration systems by the plaintiffs and their lawyers,â&#x20AC;? Analiza Almeida had told NBC News in an e-mail back in May. In addition to providing work authorization and a pathway to citizenship, T visas allow recipients to petition their spouses as well as their unmarried children under the age of 21 for entry into the United States.

John Trang, the lead attorney in the Lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Amande employeesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; immigration proceedings, called the T visa program an important â&#x20AC;&#x153;incentive to testify,â&#x20AC;? in cases of migrant and guest worker abuse.

Rather than succumb to blackmail and despair, the employees sought help. They got in touch with Advancing Justice - Los Angeles, who enlisted the aid of Latham and Watkins for filing complaints against the Almeidas.

A Filipino American who works for Rep. Lieu shared the

workersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; stories with the congressman, who then met faceto-face with the former bakery employees. Lieu helped advance the workersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; immigration proceedings so they could finally reunite with their families and earn decent wages. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t seen my son since 2013,â&#x20AC;? said former Lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Amande employee, Armelinda dela Cerna. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Now I am planning to have him come here.â&#x20AC;?

Dela Cerna says she has known Ana Almeida for 13 years. She was told she would serve as purchasing manager for their bakeries, but instead found herself performing a variety of menial tasks in addition to her duties as a manager. Now she works as a food and beverage manager in the hospitality industry.

She, as well as many of the other Filipino workers, have found jobs in their respective fields since leaving the employment of the Almeidas. Most of them live in the vicinity of Lomita, California, and still keep in touch with one another, according to former Lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Amande employee, Recky Puzon. Some are entertaining the possibility of becoming naturalized citizens. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Filipino workersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; story ultimately ends with a victory in justiceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name,â&#x20AC;? said Rep. Lieu in a statement announcing Thursdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s press event. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sadly, their story is just one of many.â&#x20AC;?n

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 11-14, 2016

Dateline PhiliPPines

A

US may order Sison’s arrest while on his way to Philippines, NDFP negotiator says

by Alexis

RomeRo Philstar.com

SHAKE DRILL. Traffic enforcers practice their dance moves for the upcoming MMDA Shake Drill, an initiative that aims to drum up support for the nationwide quake drill to be held on June 22.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Russell Palma

Aquino keeping silence on Duterte stark contrast to his direct attacks on Duterte prior to the May 9 elections.

At one point, Aquino admitSPEAK no evil.

The public will no longer hear ted initiating talks between the anything–whether good or bad– camp of then Liberal Part (LP) from President Benigno S. Aquino III about his successor, Rodrigo Duterte, “for now,” according to a Malacanang official.

In a text message, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. on Thursday, June 9 said the president has since stopped making comments about the incoming government’s plans as the Liberal Party (LP) joined the Duterte bandwagon by being included in the so-called super majority in Congress.

“Let us review his [Aquino] recent interviews. In general, he prefers not to make any comments on the Duterte presidency for now,” Coloma told The Manila Times.

During his most recent interview with online news site, Rappler, Aquino fended off questions on Duterte, saying he has no direct knowledge of what his successor plans to do in the future.

The president’s silence is a

by Joel

m. sy egco ManilaTimes.net

standard-bearer Manuel ‘Mar’ Roxas III and Sen. Grace Poe for a united front against the Davao City mayor.

“I’m trying to get all these dif-

u PAGE A10

DAVAO CITY — Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose Ma. Sison’s homecoming remains a “ticklish” issue as he may be arrested while on his way because he has been labeled as a terrorist by the United States (US), a negotiator of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) said.

NDFP negotiator and spokesman Fidel Agcaoili said Sison’s arrest can spoil the peace talks between the incoming Duterte administration and the communists.

“You know, Joma’s (Sison’s nickname) coming home is a very ticklish issue. The US has again come up with statement putting the CPP and the NPA (New People’s Army) in the terrorist list,” Agcaoili said in a

press conference at the Ateneo de Davao Wednesday night, June 8.

“The US can become a spoiler through its control of the Interpol,” he added. Agcaoili said there is no direct flight from the Netherlands to the Philippines so Sison would have a stopover in Taiwan if he flies via the Royal Dutch Airlines. “They might present a warrant against him in Taipei and everything’s kaput that is an issue that has to be discussed seriously,” Agcaoili said.

“There has to be some guarantees from the Dutch government and Norwegian government including the US government to respect the sovereignty of the Filipino people in their desire to pursue just and lasting peace and allow professor Sison to come home without interference,” he added.

Agcaoili said he is not sure whether US would agree to such request because “it has always been a bullying agent.”

Resumption of peace talks Sison, a former social science and English professor, founded the CPP on Dec. 26, 1968. He was jailed during the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos but was freed by then President Corazon Aquino in 1986.

Sison, who has been on selfexile in the Netherlands since 1987, has said he is open to returning to the Philippines after President-elect Rodrigo Duterte, his former student, assumes office.

“There is a far greater chance than ever before for producing the comprehensive agreements at a faster rate to the mutual satisfaction of both parties and most importantly to the satisfac-

u PAGE A9

A JUNE 11-14, 2016 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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

OpiniOn

Features

A tool for good governance BEATING the deadline the other day, four of the five candidates who ran for president and all the bets for vice president submitted their statements of campaign contributions and expenditures or SOCE to the Commission on Elections. Now comes the hard part, which is verifying the accuracy of the statements.

There must be a serious verification effort, at least for all those who sought the nation’s two highest posts. With tens of thousands of candidates, the Comelec will be swamped if it tries to verify all SOCEs. But random verification can also be conducted in the congressional and local government races, particularly among the winners, who cannot assume their posts unless they submit the statements.

The Comelec, which must attend to many other matters including election protests and preparations for the barangay elections later this year, can explore assistance from certain groups in the verification process. Citizens can do their part by providing pertinent information or submitting documents to determine the accuracy of the statements. Rival candidates can dispute the statements by submitting evidence of supposed inaccuracies.

Unless the nation sees clearly that such statements may be verified, submission of the SOCE – a crucial element in regulating campaign finance – will be an exercise in futility. This guarantees

that rules governing campaign finance, weak as they are, will continue to be flouted.

The nation’s failure to bring transparency to campaign financing is a major cause of corruption and the brazen influence peddling that has prevented the development of a merit-based society.

The public deserves to know the individuals, groups or special interests that bankroll election campaigns, whether in national or local races, and how much the contributions are. This makes it easier to track the distribution of the spoils of victory and keep an eye on possible anomalous deals and unworthy appointments in government service.

Putting a cap on campaign spending also aims to give candidates who are qualified but lack the financial resources and party machinery a fighting chance.

The requirement to submit the SOCE is not a frivolous one, but a useful tool for promoting good governance. Every effort must be made to compel honesty and accuracy in the statements.

(Philstar.com)

Guest Editorial

Philstar.com photo

Pope Francis inspires an atheist to go to Sunday Mass “THIS Pope Francis has inspired me to go to Mass again. He has convinced me that I have a place in heaven, even as an atheist. I had gone every Sunday, with my family.”—Gary Villar Gary (his given name in this piece) jubilantly shared that he found Pope Francis to be an inspiring leader.

He is an inspiring leader himself, constantly seeing the “the better angels of our nature.”

A book he enthusiastically shared with us on a visit was Steven Pinker’s “The Better Angels of Our Nature” and why violence has declined.

It catalogs the history of violence “when solidarity among members of a family, clan, or tribe, in particular their resolve to avenge killings-makes them fair game for someone with a bone to pick with any of them. As Aristotle wrote, ‘The angry man wishes the object of his anger to suffer in return; hatred wishes its object not to exist.’ When one side finds itself with an advantage in numbers or tactics, it may seize the opportunity to impose a final solution.”

Yet, for Gary, his heart filled with affection for his family, Sunday Mass became an act of solidarity with his family members -- an act that ensures a more enduring family unity.

“I now have a place in heaven,” Gary said., implying that he would join his family members in that place called heaven, one day.

When Pres. Barack Obama was re-elected, Gary’s wife shared: “He went to Mass, he prayed and thanked all the guardian angels in the heavens, all the Saints, the Blessed Mother and the Holy Trinity.”

Gary said: “ I just knew there was another Higher Power that helped the President win the elec-

tions, given all the barriers and all the obstacles in voting in the Rhizomes red states that were engineered.

Yet, for all those obstacles and man-made obstructions, the President still won re-election.”

Gary is a middle-aged man.

He was imprisoned by Ferdi- Prosy AbArqueznand Marcos when his opposi- DelAcruz, J.D. tionist opinion about greed in power was deemed a threat.

In a democracy, one’s opinions should be protected as First Amendment rights. In a dictatorship, his First Amendment rights were taken away, as what happened to 50,000 others, without due process or trial or evidence presented.

Yet, that has not embittered Gary.

He was impressed that Pope Francis took action against the “Bishop of Bling,” Frantz-Peter Tebartz-van Elst, who completed a $40-million home renovation: $20,000 spent for a bathtub, $500,000 for built-in closets, $35,000 for a conference table and a $1.1-million landscaped garden, as reported

by Forbes.com on October 2013.

Who would have known that the 9 percent taxes paid by German Catholics and public subsidies given by the German government to Catholic institutions ($680 million a year) would be abused in this manner? This Bishop is now suspended indefinitely.

He was even more impressed when he learned how Pope Francis shared his birthday meal with the homeless, and how he blessed the migrant workers in Rome with prepaid telephone cards and Metro transit passes, so they can visit with their families during the holidays.

Why this conversion?

It was not for fear of going to hell for this former atheist. Gary actively goes to mass to join a leader he respects.

For a long time, he did not find the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) worthy of respect.

Misdeeds and miscreant actions were shared. Bishop Oscar Cruz, who spoke on Boy Abunda’s show, admitted that CBCP opposes reproductive health for women, not on substantive grounds, but out of fear of losing their base of supporters, and I venture to say, the pesos that sustain the institutions.

Our conversation shifted to sexual abuse scandals of Catholic priests in America, Ireland and in other parts of the world. Pope Francis did not hide this problem; instead he created a commission on sexual abuse.

Nicole Winfield of NBC in the Bay Area reported on Jan. 3, 2014: “Pope Francis has warned that priests can become ‘little monsters’ if they aren’t trained properly as seminarians, saying their time studying must be used to mold their hearts as well as their minds. Francis also warned against accepting men for the priesthood who may have been implicated in sexual abuse or other problems, saying the protection of the Catholic faithful is most important. The pontiff made the comments Nov. 29 during a closed-door meeting of 120 superiors of religious orders who gathered at the Vatican for their regular assembly. On Friday, the Jesuit journal La Civilta Cattolica provided a report of the three-hour, informal question and answer

session. The Vatican never provided a transcript of the meeting.”

What impressed Gary is the return of Catholicism to simplicity -- service to the poor; the support of what is just, right and progressive.

Under the prior pope, the institution was given primacy and the needs of 1.2 billion Catholics were not prominently and adequately addressed.

The meaning of Epiphany On Jan. 4, 2014, Fr. Randy Odchigue’s homily described the Magis’ gift of wisdom: that Epiphany is the manifestation of Jesus to all the nations of the earth, symbolized by the Three Wise Men, (although we really do not know if there were three, six or eight), he said.

Three reactions happened during Jesus’ birth: Jerusalem was apprehensive, King Herod wanted to kill the child, while the priests wanted to support by waiting on what the king will do.

“This is a beautiful mosaic,” he said, and “we can have our own responses to the birth of Jesus.”

He named three ways in the Gospel: a symbolic way where light has come to darkness; or Magis bringing the light to a place; or chief priests, who are afraid and want to stop the light from shining.

“What is our response when Jesus comes to our life? What would our responses be? Will we be bystanders? Will our weakness destroy the light in the church and hinder the light of Christ from shining? Or will we be Magis who will embrace the light and become instruments of Epiphany?,” Fr. Randy eloquently exhorted us to reflect and examine.

Gary, the self-proclaimed atheist, chose instead

u PAGE A9

The sizzle’s nice, now let’s taste the steak

Jess Matubis, who has worked under Street more Philippine presidents at close Talk quarters than most broadcast journalists, recently posted the following blog by president-elect GreG b. MAcAbentA Duterte’s Agriculture Secretary- designate, Manny Piñol: “NO MORE JUNKETS, NO MORE FIRST CLASS TICKETS, NO MORE EXPENSIVE SUVS, NO MORE EXPENSIVE LUNCHES FOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS IN THE DUTERTE ADMINISTRATION “1. All officials taking air planes must fly economy.

2. Cabinet secretaries are discouraged from using the No. 6 car plate which is designated for cabinet officials.

3. Except for the Justice Secretary who faces imminent danger from drug lords, other cabinet secretaries will have to use non-luxury vehicles like a pick up.

4. There will be no more junkets and ‘Lakbay Aral’ for government officials and employees.

“For the Department of Agriculture (as announced by incoming DA Secretary Manny Pinol): 1.There should be no lavish preparations when the secretary visits the

regional offices or local government units.

2. There should be no garlands or formal speaking engagements for the Secretary, only working meetings.

3. There should be no expensive activities during the celebrations during the anniversary celebrations of the department.

4. There will be no unnecessary trainings and seminars.

“This is how the Duterte Presidency will run the country for the next six years. It is a simple governance style but it will effectively address the core issues concerning the ordinary Filipino.

Change is coming.”

This is certainly an impressive set of principles or policies and must resonate very positively with the 16 million who voted for Duterte – in fact, even with those who voted for the other presidential candidates. But my relatives in San Miguel, Leyte, a farming community about 40-plus kilometers from Tacloban City, are asking a more substantive question: How do all of these help poor farmers like them improve their miserable lives? Many of them have never flown in an airplane and can’t tell the difference between business class and economy. And they must think that an SUV is a breed of carabao, which is the official transportation in the farms.

As a lifelong advertising man, I’m keenly aware of the importance of symbolisms, expressed in the saying, “Sell the sizzle, not just the steak.” But when all is said and done, what counts most is the steak. The sizzle is just for first impressions.

Piñol’s declaration that Duterte’s administration will be frugal and no-frills is impressive, but we would have wanted the incoming Secretary of Agriculture to write a blog about how he plans to resuscitate our barely surviving agricultural economy, a sector on which over half of the population depends for their livelihood and on which the rest of the country depends for food.

The current buzz in Manila media is Duterte’s allegation that most Philippine journalists are corrupt and deserve to be killed. This statement – or rant – was typical of Duterte’s imprecise verbiage, subject to many misinterpretations. By casting such a wide net in his characterization of journalists, he dishonored those who lost their lives while simply trying to do their job. I was immediately reminded of my friend, Ermin Garcia, Jr., publisher and editor of The Sunday Punch, the hard-hitting community paper in Dagupan. His father, Ermin, Sr., founder and original editor of the paper, was killed by political assassins for exposing anomalies in the local government. Ermin, Jr. was an ardent supporter of Duterte during the presidential campaign (and may have been

part of the communications group – I’m just guessing).

Surely, Duterte owes Ermin Jr. an apology. But that’s not this presidentelect’s style. His style is brash, bombastic and unapologetic. That’s all part of the sizzle. But where’s the steak?

Wouldn’t it be nice if, amidst the furor over the hurt feelings of Philippine media, Duterte were to tell us what he proposes to do about the slaughter of 34 media persons in that infamous Maguindanao massacre attributed to the Ampatuans? The Ampatuans happen to be legal clients of Duterte’s official spokesman, lawyer Salvador Panelo.

Sadly, Manila media have been so taken by the Duterte sizzle that they may be overlooking the substantive issues that need to be confronted by the incoming administration.

Severe unemployment and underemployment (the latter requiring more than the sizzle of a vow to ban contractualization – okay so that’s banned, then what?). Over one quarter of the population “officially” living below the poverty threshold (the “unofficial” figure is much higher because many of those defined as “non-poor” are just managing to survive). A growing economy that has made more billionaires out of Philippine businessmen but has hardly benefited the masses in the six years of the outgoing Aquino administration.

Crumbling and inadequate infrastructure that routinely robs Metro

Manilans of valuable man-hours due to severe traffic, limits tourism development and discourages foreign direct investments.

An uncertain foreign policy that teeters between cheerfully accepting the military mantle of the United States or meekly accepting Chinese hegemony, between making friends with Western allies and the United Nations or choosing to be a virtual persona non grata, and between amending the Constitution to allow more foreign participation in the Philippine economy or toeing the line of the National Democratic Front and the CPP-NPA that foreign economic imperialism, represented by the US, must be banished from our shores.

The focus on corruption and criminality is great. This is where Piñol’s litany of frugality and simplicity in governance focuses on the steak. The lure of an opulent lifestyle, exacerbated by the short-term window of opportunity to make big bucks (just six years) is irresistible for the average public official.

But in combating crime, imposing a curfew on young people and banning the sale of alcoholic beverages after midnight is just the sizzle. So is the plan to reintroduce the death penalty. The threatened massive campaign against drug lords and pushers is also great.

But even that is mostly sizzle. The substantive question is, how can Filipinos be motivated away from a life of crime

u PAGE A9

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 11-14, 2016

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US may order Sison’s arrest while on…

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tion of the people who need and demand the reforms,” he said in a video message played in an academic forum at the Ateneo de Davao last Wednesday.

Duterte has promised to provide Sison a safe conduct pass once he assumes the presidency.

Representatives of the incoming Duterte administration and NDFP will meet in Oslo, Norway to tackle the agenda for the resumption of the peace negotiations next month.

The Duterte administration would be represented by incoming peace adviser Jesus Dureza, incoming labor secretary Silvestre Bello and former Pangasinan Rep. Hernani Braganza. The NDFP, meanwhile, will be represented by Sison, Agcaoili, chief negotiator Luis Jalandoni, Julie de Lima-Sison, Connie Ledesma and two lawyers.

Formal negotiations between the Philippine government and the NDFP collapsed in 2013 after negotiators failed to reach

an agreement on jailed rebel leaders.

NDFP said the rebels should be freed because the government is a signatory of the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG), which prohibits the arrest and detention of peace consultants.

Government negotiators, however, rejected the demand, saying the identities of rebels who are supposedly performing duties for the NDFP peace panel cannot be validated. n

Pope Francis inspires an atheist…

PAGE A8 t

to have the light and love in him salute the light and love in you and me.

Namaste. As the saying goes, I salute your divinity inside of you.

When I secretly do that in the space of my mind, something magical happens, as Marianne Williamson wrote: “within the inner space of your mind, bow before every person standing in the line. Within your heart, bless, apologize, and forgive whenever necessary. And complete forgiveness is necessary, if we’re to attract and produce miracles. Thank each person for the blessing he or she gave you, even if the blessing was in the form of a lesson learned.”

Gary wished us all blessings. He feels the world is much better with Pope Francis, who was named TIME Magazine’s Man of the Year.

Through the sterling examples and boldness in teachings he imparts daily to us, he teaches us to be God’s love to others. The Pope says, “especially those who are in need: the prisoners, the poor, the vulnerable, the sick, the suffering!” “Love your

neighbor AS I have loved you!,” Fr. Miloy said, emphasizing AS, the operative word.

2016 is the Jubilee Year of Mercy and also the Year of the Monkey. God seems to be harvesting a lot and we are going to a lot more funerals, two in one day when we buried my Mom. We believe those departed are now our angels and with eternal life.

From time to time we see butterflies, in pairs and in flight, and we like to believe our parents, my mom and my dad, are in flight, reunited. *** Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz, J.D. writes a weekly column for Asian Journal, called “Rhizomes.” She has been writing for AJ Press for 9 years now. She contributes to Balikbayan Magazine. Her training and experiences are in science, food technology, law and community volunteerism for 4 decades. She holds a B.S. degree from the University of the Philippines, a law degree from Whittier College School of Law in California and a certificate on 21st Century Leadership from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. She has been a participant in NVM Writing Workshops taught by Prof. Peter Bacho for 4 years and Prof. Russell Leong. She has travelled to France, Holland, Belgium, Japan, Mexico and 22 national parks in the US, in pursuit of her love for arts.

The sizzle’s nice, now let’s taste…

PAGE A8 t

and towards productive citizenship? The answer is jobs. In the US ghettoes, the same question has been asked and the same answer given. The lure of the drug lords is irresistible to young men who have lost hope of landing a job.

And speaking of the drug problem, Duterte should learn a lesson from several presidents of the United States, from Richard Nixon to Obama.

They still haven’t figured out how to arrest the flow of drugs into the country. It’s the law of supply and demand, something that the late President Ramon Magsaysay reportedly wanted to repeal but was told he could not.

It will take more than killing droves of drug lords, pushers and users to address the drug problem. It’s more basic. It starts at home. My wife and I had four growing kids in a neighborhood in Parañaque where pushers had begun to proliferate. I realized that lecturing the children on the horrors of drug use and threatening the neighborhood pushers (some of them lived in the squatters’ area across the creek from our house) was not enough.

Our three boys and one girl had to be provided with a positive alternative.

I had written a pro bono public service ad campaign for a group called, Parents’ Organization of

the Philippines, and had come up with two headlines that hit the parents in the gut: “Is a pusher paying more attention to your child than you are?” and “One dope deserves another. If you want your kid to stop doing his thing, you can begin by stopping yours.”

Those headlines hit me in the gut, too. I resolved to take full responsibility for my children, set up a gym in the garage, took up physical fitness and began a thrice-a-week jogging regimen in the hope that the kids would follow suit. They did. And so did their friends. Soon, the house became the unofficial sports center of the neighborhood. And the young people established their own rules. No cigarettes and, very definitely, no drugs.

One interesting side story is the fact that I was a three-pack-a-day smoker at the time. My eldest child, Ringo, made a telling remark: “Papa, it doesn’t make sense. You are exercising and yet you are smoking. Do you know that it’s bad for you?”

I quit smoking the very next day and haven’t picked up a stick ever since.

At any rate – back to Duterte and the media. It’s okay to write about the sizzle, but shouldn’t we pay more attention to the steak? (gregmacabenta@hotmail.com)

ASSISTANCE. Workers unload in a Madaris campus in a remote area in Maguindanao province the materials needed for the rehabilitation of classrooms, supplied by the Australian government and the education department of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Philstar.com photo by John Unson

A10 JUNE 11-14, 2016 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Dateline PHiliPPineS

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The Hall of Fish Paintings by Famous Artists will be opened to visitors

LOS ANGELES — After long planning and preparations, the Hall of Fish Paintings by Famous Artists which is located in Covina, Los Angeles will be formally opened to the public on June 15, 2016. This is the first permanent ink wash art exhibition that is focused on the subject of fish in the United States.

The Hall of Fish Paintings

by Famous Artists collects the exquisite ink wash artworks by contemporary masters who are adept at painting fish. Every painting on display in the hall is painted by a famous master of art with the highest rank of artist in his or her country. That is, it is painted by a “National First Class Artist.” The high standards for selecting a painting include the following considerations.

First, whether paintings by the artist have an international market price determined at international auctions. Second, what determinative official rank, what title, and what position in an art organization the artist has been given by his or her nation or the world. Third, whether the artist has received well-known major awards and whether the artist’s works have been collected by important museums or other important establishments. Only a painting whose artist meet these criteria can be selected.

One example of the famous artists is Gao Jianfu, a world renowned master of ink wash paintings, whose works have real international auction prices. He was a famous painter of traditional Chinese paintings and an art educator in modern China.

He was one of the founders of the Lingnan school of painting.

He, together with Gao Qifeng and Chen Shuren, were called the “Three Outstanding Painters in Lingnan.”

Another example is Guo Ruyu who has real international auction prices for his works. He is a Na-

tional First Class Artist of China and Dean of the Oriental Painting and Art Academy. He is worthy of being called a great master of art in this contemporary era.

He has been called “Matchless in All Three: Poetry, Calligraphy and Painting,” “Master-Hand of Lotuses,” and “Carp King of the Orient.” In 2005, three organizations including the Calligraphy and Painting Artists Association of China jointly conferred upon him the “Outstanding Achievement Award in the Art of Contemporary Calligraphy and Painting in China.” In 2006, four organizations, including the China Association of International Artists and Litterateurs, jointly selected him to be the recipient of the first medal awarded in China for outstanding achievement in art and literature, the Gold Medal in the Art of Calligraphy and Painting.

Another example is Wu Qingxia. There are real international auction prices for her works. She was a National First Class Artist of China, a member of the China Artists Association, a Professor in the Art Department of Shanghai Normal University, and a Fellow of Italy’s Academy of Europe. She learned from fish and was able to capture both their outer form and inner spirit. She earned the laudatory nickname “Carp Wu.” One more example is Wang Gengxin. There are real international auction prices for his works. He is a prestigious master of traditional Chinese paintings, the Vice Chairperson of the China Artists Association, the Vice Chairperson of the World Artists Association, and a lifetime Honorary President of the Calligraphy and Painting Institute of the National Palace Museum in Taipei, Taiwan. He earned the reputable title of “the double kings of tiger and fish” in international painting circles.

Yet another example is Chen Yongqiang. There are real in-

ternational auction prices for his works. He is a National First Class Artist of China and a Director of the China Artists Association. He enjoys a special stipend from the State Council of China as a outstanding specialist. Moreover, he was given the title “Outstanding Artist of the People” for the year 2005.

This hall is fortunate to also have on display Dragon Carp Frolic in a Lotus Pond painted by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III. This painting is appraised as a world treasure of outstanding quality, a peerless and sublime work of art. It is extremely wonderful, for what looks like detailed fine brushwork in it is actually derived from freehand brushwork. Even the small touches can be freehand brushwork depictions of lively charm. All of the six major parts composing this painting - the carp, the lotus leaves, the lotus root, the floating grass, the quality of the water, and the flowers are the fruits of hard work. The painting accomplishes a spellbound and miraculous state that is inimitable. In fact, both the artistic conception of and the prices for paintings

by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III have reached the topmost level in the world.

The Hall of Fish Paintings by Famous Artists will officially open at 10AM on June 15 and hold the exhibition for the long term. It not only gives the public a centralized place where the exquisite fish paintings by artists who have the highest status in their countries (i.e., National First Class Artist) are showcased, but also offers an opportunity for art lovers to concretely study and copy by hand these great masterpieces.

People of all walks are welcome to take the wonderful opportunity and visit this great exhibition. The admission is free.

Address: 170 E. School St., Covina, CA 91723 USA Telephone: (626) 281- 6378

ECONOMIC GROWTH. Workers build steel columns that will be used for the construction of Skyway Stage 3 project along Araneta Avenue in Quezon City, June 9, 2016. The Philippines economic growth is expected to firm to 6.4 percent in 2016, with an accelerated implementation of public-private partnership projects and strong domestic demand.

Inquirer.net photo by Nino Jesus Orbeta

Poe, Robredo among top campaign spenders, Comelec says

by AJPress

THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) revealed that Vice President-elect Leni Robredo and Senator Grace Poe, who ran for president, came on top of the highest spenders during the campaign period leading up to the May 9 elections.

Comelec had extended the deadline for the submission of the campaign expenses and funding sources of local and national candidates until Wednesday, June 8.

Among the presidential candidates, only Mar Roxas failed to submit his Statement of Contributions and Expenditure (SOCE), which could cost him a fine of P10,000 or P30,000. Liberal Party (LP) Spokesperson Barry Gutierrez said that Roxas has asked the poll body for a 14-day extension to file his SOCE. Grace Poe, who placed third

in the presidential race, was the biggest spender among the candidates with P510,845,262.56, with campaign contributions reaching at P511,950,000. Poe is followed by Jejomar Binay, Rodrigo Duterte, and Miriam Santiago, who spent the least with only P74,652,689.87.

For the vice presidential bets, Vice President-elect Leni Robredo has the most spending with P418,664,130.60; with P423,163,737.34 in contributions. She was followed by Chiz Escudero, with P321,014,827.64.

Robredo’s SOCE also include a list of contributors to her campaign, which showed that TV personality Kris Aquino, President Aquino’s youngest sister, was the highest contributor.

Kris Aquino contributed four times, for a total of P30.8 million.

Comelec Chairman Andres Bautista pointed out that the accuracy and truthfulness of the information is more important than declaring what the candidates spent for their campaigns.

“The mere filing of SOCE does not mean that the information is correct. It’s a formal requirement and if it’s already posted then we will give you that certificate of formal compliance. But the numbers can still be altered.”

Bautista said.

The SOCE not only includes the declaration of campaign spending, but mandates candidates to file sources of contributions involving the donor’s personal details and contributed amount as well. It also sets spending limits for candidates and political parties — with the President and Vice President allowed to spend P10 per registered voter. n

Senate to vote on death penalty bill by October

by ChristinA

Mendez

Philstar.com

MANILA — Presumptive Senate president Aquilino Pimentel III is eyeing a three-month timeframe for the Senate to approve the enabling law that will allow the re-imposition of the death penalty under the administration of President-elect Rodrigo Duterte.

Pimentel gave the media a three-month timeline on the measure, which he expects to be filed

by July and approved by October or three months after Duterte assumes office on June 30.

“Win or lose. We should vote

by October (on a bill re-imposing) death penalty by the most humane way,” Pimentel said.

Pimentel said the measure would be subject to debates by his colleagues, adding he has no head count for support at this time.

The marathon committee hearings could be held by August, followed by debates until its presentation in plenary session by October. The measure should be in for third reading by October, Pimentel said.

Senators Vicente Sotto III and Panfilo Lacson are supportive of the calls to re-impose capital punishment in a bid to support Duterte’s call to stop the illegal drug menace and eradicate crime.

Lacson, who is eyeing the chairmanship of the Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs, said he is in favor of the death penalty for those convicted of heinous crimes.

He, however, opposed the pro-

posal of Duterte to implement the death penalty by hanging.

“I am in favor of death penalty for heinous crime offenders but the process (of imposing) death by hanging is a bit too medieval,” he said.

Lacson also believes that Pimentel’s three-month target is too tight.

But if the bill lands on his lap as chairman of the Senate committee on peace and order and dangerous drugs, Lacson said he would immediately conduct public hearings.

He said it might be difficult with the long debates on the floor.

“It depends on how firm each of our colleagues would stand their ground on the issues involved. I myself have my position which I intend to stand firm on,” Lacson added.

“What I can guarantee is to lose no time to conduct continuous public hearings and hear as many positions as possible after the referral to the committee on public order and dangerous drugs, if indeed the bill will be referred to us, again assuming that I’m elected as chair of that committee on July 25,” he said.

Lacson said the contentious issues would depend on the manner by which the death penalty will be carried out, and what crimes should be subjected to the capital punishment.

He cited for example that Pimentel did not want rape to be included in the list of crimes that would be punishable with death.

Lacson favors death for convicts who committed rape with murder, mutilation and other

heinous acts or statutory rape.

Since the government had acquired the formula for lethal injection, Lacson said the current administration might as well use it.

“We spent money for lethal injection that is now available.

That’s it. Death, especially the agony of knowing exactly when it will happen, is the ultimate punishment,” said Lacson, a former chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and head of the defunct Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Task Force (PAOCTF).

PNP chief-designate Chief Supt. Ronaldo dela Rosa, a former member of PAOCTF, has been vocal about imposing harsh punishments for offenders.

Sotto, a proponent of the death penalty law in the 9th Congress, said he would support similar measures on the floor.

“I will not go against it. Although I have recently reconsidered my stand against it, I must remind you that I was the author and sponsor of the law re-imposing the death penalty in the 9th Congress,” he said.

Sotto has proposed to isolate convicted high-profile drug traffickers to an island off Palawan province, similar to the now closed Alcatraz facility in the United States.

He said he would not block efforts to re-impose the death penalty under the Duterte administration.

The last death penalty was carried out against convicted rapist Leo Echagaray during the time of former president Joseph Estrada when Lacson was the PNP chief.

(With Evelyn Macairan)

Aquino keeping silence on Duterte

PAGE A7 t

ferent voices from so many sectors together and in that sense, perhaps help our candidates get together and have that united front,” he declared then.

Aquino’s most scathing remarks against Duterte were about the latter doing the opposite of good manners and values.

The mayor is notorious for his tough and oftentimes offensive remarks.

He previously cussed the Church and even “corrupt” members of the media.

Last Wednesday, June 8, Coloma and Budget Secretary Florencio Abad, an LP stalwart, said President Aquino and the party leadership have given their go-signal for members’ exodus to join the so-called super majority in Congress.

“Yes, the decision of [Senate President Franklin Drilon] has clearance from the party hierarchy,” according to Abad, who also told The Manila Times that the LP lawmakers will “generally” support the incoming government’s legislative priorities.

Presidient-elect Rodrigo Duterte and President Benigno Aquino III

“In general, yes [we will support], especially if the priorities of the new administration sustain the economic growth, promote inclusive development and safeguard the country from the dire consequences of climate change,” he said.

Coloma agreed, saying such decisions that will affect the fu-

ture of the party must have the imprimatur of its leaders.

“I am affirming [Abad’s] statement that they [House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. and Drilon] consulted the President and the LP leadership and that they received clearance for their respective decisions,” he pointed out. n

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Journal

Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra to stage a one-night only concert at Carnegie Hall THe Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, the leading professional orchestra in the Philippines, will make history on June 18 when they perform at the world-renowned Carnegie Hall in New York City.

Presented by the Cultural Center of the Philippines, this is the first time a Filipino orchestra will perform in the United States.

The project is spearheaded by Music Director/Principal Conductor Olivier Ochanine, who laid the groundwork for bringing the orchestra to Carnegie Hall more than three years ago.

“This is the culmination of a long period of work and we’re thrilled that we’re in the last few days into the performance,” Ochanine told us earlier this week via a Skype interview. “It means a lot for us to bridge people together through our music.”

Community and business leader Loida Nicolas Lewis, renowned pianist Cecile Licad and Butch Meily (via Skype from Manila) also joined the briefing and they encouraged Filipinos in the tristate to come out and support the PPO on June 18.

“Consider it as your Father’s Day gifts. Bring your dads, grandfathers, husbands to see this once in a lifetime show,” Lewis said.

“Filipinos can expect to listen to and watch the best of the best.

This is a once in a lifetime chance for everyone,” Ochanine said.

“This is also our chance to expose Filipino talent to the world.

I promise you will be leaving after the concert feeling special!”

Licad and violinist Diomedes Saraza, both first class Filipino musicians, are the featured soloists. Cecile Licad has performed with the world’s best orchestras, including the Chicago Symphony, Boston Symphony, Philadelphia Orchestra, and London Symphony, among many others. Diomedes Saraza recently graduated from the prestigious Juilliard School in New York, and is currently pursuing further studies at

Yale University in Cambridge.

Licad said she started performing with the PPO when she was an 11-year-old prodigy in the Philippines. She added that she will be performing a favorite, Rachmaninoff #2.

“The piece reminds me of the struggles, it’s like a roller coaster of emotions. I also associate it with typhoons, and call it a typhoon material,” Licad said. “It’s about what people go through in a typhoon, and then the rainbow comes out, there’s victory and joy in the end. It’s a happy ending piece.”

Previous international performances by the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra have been

in Tokyo (2002), Bangkok (2004), Shanghai (2010), Beijing (2011) as well as various european cities (2001). The Carnegie Hall concert aims to celebrate the

Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra

Filipino spirit through music and fundraiser for victims of typhoon bring pride to the multitudes of Haiyan. Philippine Disaster ReFilipinos living in both coasts of the country.

The concert will also be a

lief Corporation (PDRC) plans PAGE B5

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               

fjffff /fC  /J7Jf

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Moonlighting

by Mylah de

leon

Hollymont Castle is ready for more Chopin concerts

Hollywood—Peerless on its grace and splendor with changes subtle and grand, noble and patriotic this unending testimony of class, tradition and old world elegance has left even the most eloquent of connoisseurs bereft of words: a mix of restored pieces, paintings, chandeliers of the most skillful Murano, glass blowers, its mirrors and fireplaces are the enduring tesPart of the Maestro’s grand soiree took us on thrilling ventures inside the musical minds and timonies of Hollywood’s Golden souls of the great Masters.

Era. Its austere staircase, tell tales of those who had worked the steps to witness musical and humanitarian events, played on at dexter and linda Grey’s home and its Parisian setting musical salon with French 18th century architecture.

The historic castle, is more storied than anything else. To be a part of the celebration is a lifetime opportunity, set high in the hills under the famed Hollywood sign in the historic castle that once belonged to the legendary Barbara Stanwyck. A veritable museum of century old handcrafted furniture, antiques, priceless treasures that the Mae- The Maestro, The Senator and Fernandico Q. Gonong. stro has collected from his travels around the world. Among them, the bedroom set of England’s King Edward VII, a masterpiece by the esteemed Victorian Craftsman James lamb.

Just recently at the Hollymont Castle was a rare performance for the Special Guests, Senator Rob Huff and friends, latest musical celebration.

Maestro dexter Grey, worldrenowned musical personality, pianist and showman – star of stage, screen and television — has received a spectacular record of standing ovations.

PAGE B3

The Maestro and Dr. Linda acknowledge a standing ovation after his performance.

Ads 70_Layout 1 5/6/16piece 4:57 PM Polonaise.

Page 1 TheAJ Maestro playing his signature Heroic

Maestro raised hand

The Maestro and The Moonlighter.

Photos by Irwin Jazmines

age gracefully

Foods That Fight a Pain in the Joint

BY GRACE O

Summer is almost here. That means the days are longer and it’s time to get active. If the thought of picking up that tennis racquet or tying on those hiking boots makes you dread achy knees and shoulders, start thinking about how what you eat can help protect your joints and other moving parts.

Obesity and age also contribute to the degeneration of joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease where the body’s defenses attack itself, in this instance, cartilage surrounding the joints. Unlike osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis presents in both sides of the body—both knees, both hips, etc. RA is thought to be caused by a combination of factors including genetics, environmental conditions and hormones.

The good news is that there are many foods that can help prevent or slow the progress of arthritis, all of which are delicious and lend themselves to tasty, healthful meals:

OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS –

Found in wild salmon (fresh or canned) and other oily fish such as sardines, mackerel and trout.

Almonds, flaxseeds, walnuts and olive oil are also good sources.

BROCCOLI – The family of cruciferous vegetables includes broccoli (see my Tofu & Vegetable Stir Fry on FoodTrients.com), cauliflower and the beautiful romanesco.

OLIVE OIL – Olive oil’s anti-inflammatory properties are attributed to oleic acid, which contains polyphenols and omega-3 fatty acids, both of which are antioxidants.

GINGER AND TURMERIC – Useful for soothing nausea and migraines, ginger contains compounds called gingerols which act very much like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Turmeric is in the ginger family and

is also high in antioxidants. It’s also one of the most potent anti-inflammatories available.

NOTE: Ginger acts as a blood thinner, which could interact with blood thinning medication.

Check with your physician before adding ginger to your diet.

VITAMIN C – Rather than popping supplements which can irritate the stomach and in high doses aggravate symptoms of arthritis, get your vitamin C from antioxidant-packed food sources such as kidney beans, oranges, papaya, bell peppers, mangos, and pineapple.

Cherries, blackberries, raspberries, grapes, and eggplant – The intense reddish color of these fruits indicates the presence of anthocyanidins, which are potent antioxidants and free radical fighters.

Studies associate these foods with cardiovascular health, but these same properties have been shown that they may help reduce arthritis inflammation as well.

Sweet peppers, squash, pumpkin, orange sweet potatoes, papayas, tangerines, collard greens, and apricots – All these foods contain considerable amounts of beta-cryptoxanthin, a powerful antioxidant related to beta-carotene found in carrots.

Beta-cryptoxanthin is converted to vitamin A in the body and may help prevent inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.

A big part of keeping joints healthy is as simple as eating right and making moderate daily exercise a habit. Aim for a diet high in fruits, vegetables, nuts and legumes while minimizing intake of red meat, dairy, saturated fats and simple sugars. You’ll find plenty of delicious recipes with these ingredients in my new cookbook, The AGE BEAUTIFULLY Cookbook, which is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

GRACE O – Combining her passion for food and a commitment to promoting a healthy lifestyle, GRACE O has created FoodTrients®, a unique program for optimizing wellness and longevity. Grace O is a fusion chef and cookbook author with a mission: to introduce delicious recipes built on a foundation of anti-aging science and her 20 years in the healthcare industry.

Visit FoodTrients.com to learn more. Email us at info@FoodTrients.com

© 2016 by FoodTrients.com

B june 11-14, 2016 • LA WeeKenD ASIAn jOuRnAL

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL â&#x20AC;˘ JUNE 11-14, 2016

B

Citizen Pinoy â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Liveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; was such a huge success, so weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re bringing you an encore telecast this Sunday! â&#x20AC;&#x153;IT was really rewarding to be able to answer viewersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; questions live!â&#x20AC;? This summarizes how leading US immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel felt after doing two back-to-back live shows for â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Citizen Pinoyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; on Sunday, June 5, 2016. The first live telecast was at 3:15pm (seen live at 6:15pm in the East Coast). The second live telecast was at 6:15 PM for the West Coast audiences. The studios at the TFC headquarters in Redwood City, CA was abuzz with activity, as viewer questions came in via phone, Skype and through Facebook messages and

feedback from viewers is the ultimate interactive show.â&#x20AC;?

We look forward to bring more live telecasts in the future.

Atty. Gurfinkelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s parting words are â&#x20AC;&#x153;I hope viewers enjoyed TFCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first live show as much as I did.â&#x20AC;?

You may follow and like their page on Facebook for more updates. www.facebook.com/GurfinkelLaw Be sure to catch us the encore presentation of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Citizen Pinoyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Live this Sunday at 6:15 pm (PST) â&#x20AC;&#x201D; on TFC.

comments.

This was the first time TFC has ever broadcast a â&#x20AC;&#x153;liveâ&#x20AC;? show, and was in keeping with Citizen Pinoyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s goal of public service, by providing instantaneous, or â&#x20AC;&#x153;real timeâ&#x20AC;? responses to viewer questions.

Atty. Gurfinkel had a great time, seeing the outpouring of appreciation from the viewers.

He was able to see their comments and receive their feedback in real time via Facebook. And he was randomly picking questions to answer on the live telecast.

According to him, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The instant

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Martin Nievera returns to LA on June 26 V EnTERTAInMEnT presents the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Concert King,â&#x20AC;? Martin nievera LIVE in â&#x20AC;&#x153;Martin nievera Was Here,â&#x20AC;? in an intimate setting on June 26, 2016 at the JapaneseAmerican Cultural and Community Center (JACCC). Limited tickets available.

One of the Philippinesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; most popular and influential singers, Martin nievera has released almost 30 albums and scores of hits, many considered Filipino pop classics: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Be My Lady,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ikaw Ang Lahat Sa Akin,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Each Day With You,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;You Are My Song,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ikaw,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kahit Isang Saglit,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Please Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Throw My Love Away,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;You Are to Me,â&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Forever.â&#x20AC;?

Martin is also a songwriter who has written a number of the aforementioned classics, a fairly successful actor, and more famously, a TV host. He hosted his own late-night talk show, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Martin After Dark,â&#x20AC;? which lasted a decade, and co-hosts the top-rating musical variety show â&#x20AC;&#x153;ASAPâ&#x20AC;? on ABS-CBn. He was a celebrity judge of â&#x20AC;&#x153;The X Factor Philippines,â&#x20AC;? the local franchise of the world-renowned reality show-talent contest, also on ABS-CBn. Born in Manila, Martin grew up in Hawaii and the Bay Area of California. His father Bert, a singer with Hawaii-based Society of Seven, encouraged him to go to their motherland and pursue a singing career.

He landed in Manila in 1982.

That same year, he released his debut album and began hosting the TV variety show â&#x20AC;&#x153;Penthouse Live!â&#x20AC;? with singer Pops Fernan-

dez, who later became his wife.

After almost two decades as a popular celebrity couple, each successful in their own right, Martin and Pops separated in 1998; they have two grown sons, Ram and Robin.

His success as a singer carried over to acting, with starring or featured roles in 11 movies and seven television series and specials.

One of the most commercially successful Filipino pop stars for two generations, Martin has recorded 27 albums, of which 18 turned Platinum, five Double Platinum, three Triple Platinum and one Quadruple Platinum.

His numerous awards include Male Concert Performer of the Year for 2008, 2009 and 2010 at the GMMSF Box-Office Entertainment Awards; Entertainer of the Year and Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006 from the Aliw Awards Foundation Hall of Fame; Best Male Singer and Star of the Year in 1988 from The Honolulu Advertiser; and Best Interpreter for a Composition in 1990 at the Abu Golden Kite Awards in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

As a TV host, he won six Star Awards in 1989 to 1991, 1993, 1994, and 1996.

Martin has mounted dozens of national and international concert tours at world capitals, as a solo performer, and with fellow stars like Pops Fernandez, Gary Valenciano, Sharon Cuneta, Zsazsa Padilla, and Sarah Geronimo.

He gigged with his dadâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s old group, Society of Seven during the groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tenure at Flamingo Las

CITIZEN PINOY â&#x20AC;&#x153;LIVEâ&#x20AC;?: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The instant feedback from viewers is the ultimate interactive showâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Atty. Gurfinkel Kapamilya will get to experience once more the special telecast of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Citizen Pinoyâ&#x20AC;? when it went LIVE last Sunday, June 5. The encore presentation will be seen this Sunday, and viewers will see how leading US immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel went all-out in providing answers to those who sent in their questions via phone, skype and Facebook, on the very first live telecast from TFC. It was truly an ultimate expression public service, and because of the overwhelming viewer response, we can expect more innovations for the show in the future, including more opportunities for similar LIVE telecasts. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Follow and likeâ&#x20AC;? us on www.Facebook.com/GurfinkelLaw for more updates. Atty. Gurfinkel hopes â&#x20AC;&#x153;viewers enjoyed TFCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first LIVE show as much as I did.â&#x20AC;? The encore presentation of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Citizen Pinoy Liveâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201C; will be seen this Sunday, JUNE 12, at 6:15 pm (PST) on TFC.

Hollymont Castle is ready for more...

Martin Nievera

Vegas in 2008. He is also one of a few Filipino pop artists to perform at the Hollywood Bowl, which he did in 2012 along with apl.de.ap of Black Eyed Peas. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Martin nievera Was Hereâ&#x20AC;? marks the Concert Kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s return to the Los Angeles concert stage after a few years.

Joining Martin in this intimate concert are special guest artists Replay, Cheesa Laureta and Ken Eugenio.

Showtime is 6pm. The JACCC is located at 244 S. San Pedro St. Los Angeles, CA 90012.

Tickets are at $100 (VIP), $78 (Gold), $68 (Silver), and $48 (Bronze). For tickets, contact Vic Perez at (818) 458-9258.

(Advertising Supplement)

Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra...

PAGE B1 to distribute butterfly homes in Leyte to about 240 to 300 families displaced by the typhoon and who are still living in bunkhouses to this day, according to Meily. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Let us all enjoy the Philharmonic and Cecile for this worldclass event. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not often that we have Cecile here in new York so I am calling on everyone, let us experience her magic,â&#x20AC;? Lewis added.

Ochanine said it took a few years for this dream project to happen because it is tough to bring a total of 90 people and all their musical instruments from Manila to new York. They had a hard time gathering enough sponsors to shoulder the required expenses.

He also lamented the fact that a lot of people still consider classical music as elitist. â&#x20AC;&#x153;People are so quick to spend money on pop music nowadays, which is fine. They think that classical music is elitist, but what they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t often understand is that classical music is for everybody and ticket prices are among the cheapest,â&#x20AC;? Ochanine said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Today, people are so caught up in the five-minute pace society where people canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t focus on a 30-min-

Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra

Photo by Kiko Cabuena

ute symphony or a Rachmaninoff concerto.â&#x20AC;?

The Carnegie Hall concert is made possible in cooperation with Philippine Airlines (the official carrier of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra), Smart Infinity, Rustan Commercial Corporation, One Meralco Foundation, with the support of PLDT Smart Foundation, Federal Land, Inc., Metrobank Card Corporation, Ayala Corporation and Ayala Land, Inc. Coordinated by Event4Good and with the help of non-profit and local organizations namely Filipino American Human Services Inc., JCI Philippine-new York, Foundation for Filipino Art-

ists Inc., Freedom Ladder, Encore Community Services, San Lorenzo Chapel, Parktivity, Un Philippine Cultural Society, Ateneo Alumni northeast Inc., Siliman University Alumni Association new Yorkâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;new Jersey, Philippine American Chamber of Commerce new York, Alpha Phi Omega, Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Orchestra Society and US-Philippines Society, proceeds from the concert will go to the housing project of the PDRC. Tickets to the Carnegie Hall concert are available through www.carnegiehall.org, CarnegieCharge 212-2477800 and Box Office at 57th and Seventh. Ticket prices are from $22.50 to $130.00

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PAGE B2 His performances have drawn worldwide critical acclaim. Dexter Grey became an unofficial Ambassador of Poland during the solidarity crisis â&#x20AC;&#x201C; raising thousands of dollars for Polish relief from all over the world while starring in his award winning show, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Polonaise.â&#x20AC;? The same show received additional acclaim during the summer Olympic Arts Festival and was honored with a special award from the City of Los Angeles.

He was the star of the late 80â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s TV special on the life of Frederic Chopin and Franz Liszt after who a son was named.

The cosmopolitan artistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s houseguests and friends are on the list of Whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s who from musical history, ranging from Friedlin Wagner, granddaughter of Richard Wagner and Cosima (daughter of Franz Liszt), and the Russian master Sergei Tarnowsky, the Grand Diva of Europe, Mme. Lotte Lehman (Arturo Toscaniniâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mentor). Though they are no longer with us, Dexter Grey has kept the tradition by opening his home as an international cultural center, hosting celebrities from all walks of life.

I remember the big musical celebration at the Hollymont Castle welcoming the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Magic Pianoâ&#x20AC;? that took more than a decade to be reunited with the Maestro â&#x20AC;&#x201D; all of its 3,000 lbs hoisted by a giant crane before and carried by a dozen help.

We swooned as Franz Liszt romanced the ladies with his famous Libestraum. Thrilled to take the rhythmic drive of his Hungarian Rhapsodies as the Emperor of Pianists swept up and down the keyboard with his revolutionary new music. Captured was the gaiety and charm of old Vienna as we waltzed down her cobblestone streets with John Strauss, and visited with the deaf Beethoven as he plays his Moonlight Sonata.

The exotic island of Majorca with Frederic Chopin as he serenades his beloved Madame George Sand with the ever popular â&#x20AC;&#x153;Fantasie Impromptu.â&#x20AC;? The haunting melody of Chopinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s music was played from the heart

by Maestro Grey, and it was like listening to mingled prayers of broken hearts.

We followed the spirit of his tortured genius on his tragically brief journey of sorrows and struggles as he performed for

his war-torn Polish countrymen (Revolutionary Etude, Raindrop Prelude, Minute Waltz, Funeral March, Ballades, Scherzos, Heroic A Flat Polonaise and Etudes).

All these on the magical piano of the Maestro. In deep spirituality and incomparable poignancy, Maestro Dexter Grey at 83 is still full of life. Always searching for new, richer and deeper views of musical interpretation.

His hands are fluttered in the lyrical parts like two butterflies â&#x20AC;&#x201C; so light, so delicate. One could not imagine that they would be able to bring out the impossible fortissimo of an exultant victory.

You succumb to a kinds of spell in the presence of his musical exploits and personal dynamics.

The priceless piano (currently valued at a million dollars) with the rest parts of it were made from instruments of the 17th and 18th centuries. The Maestro said the piano produces â&#x20AC;&#x153;supernatural musicâ&#x20AC;? that represents the most graceful music art in the world.

As soon as my fingers touched the keys it was like being sunder a mystic music spell and played spontaneously as if Chopin and Liszt were directing me.

Features

B june 11-14, 2016 • LA WeeKenD ASIAn jOuRnAL

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These Filipino celebrity dads make fatherhood so adorable great fathers are in spite of all the challenges that come along. And

By Monet Lu where else is a more challenging place to be a father but in show business, right?

THey say, “Anyone can be These Filipino celebrity dads a father but it takes a real man are so adorable; they could be to be a dad.” As Father’s Day your hashtag #fatherhoodgoals. approaches, I would like to pay Richard Gomez tribute to all the amazing fathers In an article Richard Gomez of the world. And what better way told his daughter, “Don’t have to do that but to talk about how a boyfriend like Dad. But if you

have to marry, marry someone like Dad.” Gomez admitted to being a hands-on dad to Juliana. And I don’t blame him one bit. Reason being is first, he knows exactly how “players” think (considering he was one during his younger years), secondly; his daughter is growing up to be a beautiful and fine young lady – I am sure a lot of guys are trying to get her attention. While Gomez admits that he is worried about boys taking an interest in his daughter, he also says that he trusts her. He and his wife, TV host/Congresswoman Lucy Marie Torres-Gomez, say that they support whatever dreams and aspirations Juliana has for her future.

A man known to have very active lifestyle; aside from acting, he is an athlete, a model, a director, and is now the mayor of Ormoc city. Gomez plays a lot of different roles outside the home but to his precious daughter, Juliana, he will always be her dad – a great one at that. albert Martinez Being a dad to three gorgeous children is tough. But being a dad – and a mom – to them is even tougher. After his wife, actress Liezl Martinez lost her battle to cancer last year, he has been adjusting to doing everything by himself. He says he misses his late wife so much but has to stay strong for Alfonso, Alissa, and Alyanna, who are all adults now.

To help him ease his longing for Liezl, Martinez said he enjoys spending time with his children.

He and Liezl seem to have raised their children well. It shows on how the three carry themselves and how they try to maintain a peaceful and private life.

Martinez said in an interview,

“Gusto ko lang to take [care] of them, make sure na makapagasawa sila nang maayos at mabigyan sana ako ng apo soon, kung sino man sa kanila.”

Zoren Legaspi Who can forget the fairytale proposal–turned–wedding that he made to his longtime partner, actress Carmina Villaroel in 2012?

It made women wish they one day find someone like Zoren Legaspi.

It was a perfect plan, not only because of how romantic it came out, but because of how their children were part of it all.

Lately, the twins are more visible on TV. With parents who are both in showbiz, they have big shoes to fill. But their dad had never put that kind of pressure on them. In fact, Legaspi makes it a point to spend time with them doing normal activities instead of shaping them to act as “celebrity kids” Legaspi and Mavy are very much alike. In an article written about Legaspi and his son Mavi, it reads: “They run together, pull pranks against each other, play basketball and tennis together,

and even to this day, also sleep together. He is also always on top of things when it comes to his studies.” yet despite his closeness to his children, Legaspi makes sure their children know their place and respect him, saying that “he is a father first and a friend second.”

Martin nievera He has always been very open about how his experiences as a father. Despite his annulment with estranged wife Pops Fernandez, he never stopped being a great PAGE B5

Programming of Kababayan Today, June 13-17, 2016 The Global Kababayan

Joseph Lizardo comes to the show to invite you to join the Lizardo Tennis Academy this summer.

Tuesday, June 14 - Five out of the 11 Filipinos in the L’Amande French Bakery Case celebrate the G. TönGi $15.2 million default judgment on their behalf and nally talk about Monday, June 13 - Some their experience. members of the Southern CaliforWednesday, June 15 - Midnia Filipino Dentist Association week News Updates from the come to the show to discuss details Asian Journal and Mia Mcleod of of their 50th year celebration.

McLeod and Associates gives real estate advice.

We feature highlights from the Flores De Mayo Festival held last month in Hawaii. Brandon Reilly of Know History No Self talks about ancient Filipino marital customs.

Thursday, June 16 - Legendary Asin band founder Noy Pilora shares concert details.

Learn about the summer program for the Filipino Cultural School and enroll your children today!

Friday, June 17 - Prince of Pop Jay R Sillona comes to the show

and shares his talent. He has an upcoming show entitled “Original Music Only.” *** Giselle “G” Töngi is the host and producer of Kababayan Today, a daily talk show that features relevant topics for Filipino’s living in America. Her aim is to bridge not only the cultural gap between America & the Philippines but to help with the generational gap between our own people. She is married with two children and is based in Southern California and makes frequent trips in the Pacific Rim to Hawaii and Manila to feature fellow kababayans who are empowering the FilAm community.

The return of Top Model of the World-Philippines THe international beauty niche of the Top Model of the World – Philippines from glitz modeling search slash beauty pageantry into a globally regarded beauty & fashion spectacle have marked the birth of the modern day Filipina – tough, upfront and competitive.

It all started way back in 2006 to recognize modern Filipinas for their exquisite allure, intelligence, confidence and determination.

Model queen dreamers who look beyond the competition and willing to unlock the significance of being truly proud Filipinas.

The principal proponent of Top Model of the World Philippines (TMWPh) has confirmed its launch in the greater Melbourne area. It will be headed by its partner and co-operator, “Face Australia Promotion & Management”, the leading pageant operator in Austral ia and the Oceania. TMWPh through its associations is a re-

nowned, prestigious model and pageant related competition for vibrant young women aged 18 to 25 years old with Filipino lineage.

It embodies the model as an inherent beauty proud of her roots , in - fashion and trends while featuring a dash of reality components. The search is national in scope and involves locations among the Filipino communities overseas.

This renowned glitz and glamour spectacle is a hybrid program with fashion, modelling, and pageantry as its main components. During an interview with TMWPh top official s Top Model of the World Philippines is proud of its association with Face Australia and cooperation with partners and supporters: the San Miguel Corp., Robinsons Land Corp., Prudential Guarante e and Assurance Corp, Zesto Corp., yeung Marine Products, Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, Resorts World Manila, Remington Hotel to name

a few.” The event will certainly draw attention and participation from dominant pageant operators in various jurisdictions among the overseas Filipino communities, namely Northern California, Southern California, east Coast USA, Canada, Germany, Italy, the Philippines, New Zealand, and Australia.

The finals is scheduled to take place at Pullman Melbourne on the Park (formerly Hilton Hotel), at Wellington Parade east, Melbourne this July. The winning delegate of this affair will be the official Philippine representative and will participate in the forthcoming international competition of the Top Model of the World in Germany this August.

Meanwhile, here’s the first batch of gorgeous aspirants: elizabeth Jane Soulsby, 19, 5’9” from Melbourne West is half Filipino & half Aussie who loves to sing & dance. Currently taking PAGE B5

Christine Opiaza

Elizabeth Soulsby

Jennifer Dizon

Jessica Obidos

Kelly Mciloy

Shannon Kelly

Features

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 11-14, 2016

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Wi Spa: an urban sanctuary in the heart of La THINK of a spa and the immediate perception is an air of pretense and privilege that only a select few can indulge in, given the exorbitant prices.

However, if you live in Los Angeles, Korean spas have sprouted up, contributing to the idea that pampering oneself and affordability are not mutually exclusive.

Though the options are abundant, among the best is Wi Spa, known as the “Disneyland of Korean day spas.” While there are no shiny bells and whistles to it, the spa certainly lives up to its reputation as an urban sanctuary, and it’s family-friendly too.

Prior to venturing into a Korean spa, one must understand the significance it plays in Korean culture: a communal place for friends and families to gather, bathe and receive the therapeutic benefits rooted in ancient bathhouse traditions.

Conveniently located in between Koreatown and Downtown, Wi Spa itself is an expansive, multi-level facility (48,000 square feet, to be exact) that blends the bathhouse tradition with the modernity of marble and glass interiors. It is open 24/7, so you can go anytime, even on a whim.

Enter Wi and the process of unwinding begins. For starters, valet parking is complimentary to relieve you of the stress of having to find parking, especially when there are a lot of guests

checked in.

With the $25 admission fee, you gain full access to amenities like a fitness room, pools, showers, saunas, a restaurant, and the rooftop deck. A wristwatch is given as your locker key and form of identification during your stay.

The rush of cramming in the day spa experience and trying out all the rooms is practically gone, as you are welcome to stay for hours on end. There are spaces to lounge in between services and even designated “sleeping rooms” for those who want to doze off in peace.

Wi is divided into gender-specific floors, where the spa and other facilities are located, as well as locker rooms and changing areas. For Korean spa newbies, it’s best to take a shower once you get settled in to wash away the day’s grime (dirt and the tubs do not make a great combination) and to ensure you get the maximum benefits of anything you decide to do, like sweating it out in the sauna.

Outside the bathing areas, you’ll find changing rooms, complete with vanities and toiletries.

And take this as a fair warning to expect nudity from guests of the same gender, but any judgments and awkwardness should be left at the door.

If you want to treat yourself further, the spa offers a menu of body treatments at the fraction of

the price tag you’d find at a spa elsewhere in the city. Better yet, if you purchase a treatment worth $110 or more, the entrance fee is waived. The usual spa treatments, like acupressure massages, facials, manicure/ pedicure, can be booked by reservation. But one must try the full-body scrub, perhaps Wi’s signature offering.

Based on the traditional Korean technique of buffing, the scrub entails a procedure of sloughing off dead skin cells with an exfoliating towel, as you lie down on a table and get doused with water every so often. It may take a few minutes to get accustomed to the intensity, but the person (of the same gender) administering the service repeatedly asks you if you’re doing fine. The service can last 35 minutes ($30) or can be reserved as a $90 package complete with the scrub, aroma oil massage, a face mask and hair shampoo, which all lasts for 90 minutes.

Depending on one’s pain tolerance, the impression afterward may vary, but you’ll feel cleaner after the dead skin is washed off to make way for the lasting effects of radiating, supple skin.

On the co-ed floor (called the Jimjilbang, which translates to “bathhouse”), guests are required to wear the yellow T-shirt and khaki shorts received upon check-in. There you’ll find families and couples convening at one of the five specialty sauna rooms,

These Filipino celebrity dads...

PAGE B4 dad to their children and a friend to their mom. His two sons, Ram and Robin, always loved this about their mom and dad.

Nievera is also glad to have his son Santino (his child with Katrina Ojeda) meet Robin and Ram and Pops Fernandez. “It’s a happy moment,” he said, describing the meeting of Pops, Santino and their two kids Robin and Ram. “I don’t know how everyone will accept it, what matters is my kids were together, which is what I want for Christmas and I got my wish.”

Aga Muhlach “When I look at the kids, I can’t wait for the day when Andres asks me for a car, or when Atasha shares her heartaches.

Sure, it’s going to be hard, but it’s something to look forward to because you know they’re growing up and they’re growing up with me. It’s such a wonderful thing

to be a father.” This is what Aga Muhlach said when asked about being a father.

Aga Muhlach is a doting father to twins Atasha and Andres, who are perfect replicas of their parents. When Muhlach married beauty queen Charlene Gonzales, he vowed to always be present in the lives of their children and to put his family above all.

I must say, he made the right decision. *** 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

noshing on Korean cuisine staples at the full-service restaurant, or taking in fresh air on the rooftop deck. The floor also features a kid’s area, a library and computer room.

It’s worth noting that the five sauna rooms—Bulgama, Salt, Clay, Jade and Ice—boast unique characteristics that contribute to the detoxification and healing powers. The Bulgama is set at 231 degrees, inviting guests to lie down somewhere between 10 to 15 minutes to sweat out toxins from the body; Salt features minerals to purify and strengthen the body; layers of clay improved from Korea are placed in the Clay sauna to aid in lymphatic stimulation and heavy metal detoxification; the Jade room is hot to relieve any tension and stress; and the Ice sauna is recommended to end your visit to cool the body’s temperature, tighten the skin and improve circulation.

If you felt like you’ve detoxed enough from technology, free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the building to bring you back from your moment of zen, as are TVs in lounge areas.

Before you leave, don’t forget to take another shower and close out your tab. Whether you stay for an hour or the whole day, Rampart). Visit http://www.wisit’s nearly impossible to not feel wallet. (AJPress) Wi Spa is located at 2700 pausa.com/ for more details on rejuvenated and make you itch for another visit. Good thing, Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, spa services and specials.

(Advertising Supplement) Wi won’t leave holes in your CA 90057 (on the corner of

The return of Top Model of the World...

PAGE B4 up Nursing. Her mom is originally from Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija. She lived for 9 months in the Philippines back in 2012. She won Miss Philippines Fiesta of Victoria Charity 2015 and Miss Asiaworld Australia 2016.

Shannon Monique Kelly, 20, 5’8” from Western Australia is half Filipino & half Irish. A part-time model, ballet, tap, contemporary and hip hop dancer and teacher. Taking up a double degree Major in Psychology and aspires to be a clinical Psychologist someday. Her mom is originally from Cagayan De Oro City.

She joins TMWP to challenge and push her boundaries as well as to allow herself to develop greater confidence.

Jennifer Dizon 22, 5’9”, Currently taking up a double degree in Bachelor of Arts Major in Psychology and Bachelor of Law at

Monash University. Her mom is originally from Manila. “I joined TMWP to be an inspiration for girls who aspire to join beauty pageant. I would like to convey to them that achieving thru dream of joining this pageant is attainable, and will only happen if they start believing in themselves in the same way that I did”.

Jessica Obidos 18, 5’8” from Melbourne East is currently working at a Meter Company in Dandenong as a gas metre calibrator.

Her mom is originally from Pilar, Bataan “Bataan is where my heart is because I spent 14 years growing up with full of memories and life experiences. I decided to join TMWP because it is an opportunity to explore more about myself and to boost my confidence with interacting different people”.

Kelly Mcilroy, 17, from Canada is Grade 12 at Northview Heights Secondary School in Toronto,

Canada. She plays basketball at a provincial level and does modeling. She won the Bb. Pilipinas Canada title last year. The pageant was organized by IPEN (partner organization of TMWP in Toronto). She enjoys playing sports mainly basketball and volleyball, working out, hanging out with family and friends. She aims to complete at post-secondary in Early Childhood Education and to become a Police officer in the future.

Christine Opiaza. 19, student, and hails from the province of Zambales. She won the recent Slimmers World Miss Bikini Philippines 2016. She desires to put up a friendly competition among her overseas counterparts.

Most pageant & model search in the Philippines are done in Metro Manila. That is why the pioneering launch is expected to be a full blast since it will be

the first time ever for a national event to be entirely launched outside the Philippines. Part of its distinction is to launch its selection processes and events in select parts of the world where there substantial concentration of Filipino communities. The search is open to qualified candidates from the Philippines, Australia, USA, Canada, Europe, Asia and among the Overseas Filipino Communities.

The finals is scheduled to take place at Pullman Melbourne Park (formerly Hilton Hotel), at Wellington Parade East, Melbourne in July next month. The winning delegate will be the official representative of the Philippines and will participate in the forthcoming international competition of the Top Model of the World in Germany this August.

More information can be viewed at at www.topmodeloftheworldph.com. (Haidee P. Martin)

B june 11-14, 2016 • LA WeeKenD ASIAn jOuRnAL

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COMMUNITY Journal

Your Immigration Solution Ben Loveman and nancy miLLer THE Ninth Circuit will soon hear oral arguments in two cases which could dramatically alter the ability of persons granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to apply for lawful permanent residency. The two cases concern whether a person granted TPS is considered inspected and admitted. The question is crucial because many TPS beneficiaries entered the country without inspection and are not eligible for adjustment lawful permanent resident status under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). The result is that they must complete their green card processing at US Consulate in their home country. When they leave the US, they invoke the unlawful presence bar and must either obtain a waiver – assuming they have a USC or LPR parent or spouse – or wait for ten years before they can return.

Section 245(a) governs the majority of applications for adjustment of status and requires that the applicant prove they have been inspected and admitted (or paroled). Without proof of admission or parole the applicant is not eligible for adjustment of status unless they are covered by a special exception contained in section 245(i). The details of 245(i) eligibility are beyond the scope of this article but to qualify a person must be the beneficiary of a petition filed on or before January 14, 1998 or prior to April 30, 2001 provided they were also physically present in the United States on December 20, 2000.

For many thousands of TPS beneficiaries living in the jurisdiction of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals (California, Nevada, Arizona, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, and Alaska) who are not covered by 245(i), the outcome of the two cases will determine whether they can apply for green cards inside the United States or will be required to apply for immigrant visas abroad.

Temporary Protected Status may serve as pathway to permanent residency The stakes for TPS beneficiaries are high as applying for an immigrant visa abroad requires departing the US, triggering waivable ten-year bar to reentry, and uncertain prospects about when and if they can return to the US Departing the US means separation from loved ones, interruption in work or loss of jobs and many myriad of other potential problems. Applying from within the US allows the applicant to avoid the risks of departure and maintain employment while in the process of obtaining their green card.

The Ninth Circuit is not the first court of appeals to face the question posed in these cases. The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals already ruled that being granted TPS status constitutes an admission for adjustment of status purposes while the Eleventh Circuit has deferred to USCIS’s policy to the contrary. The circuit split means that people living in different parts of the country are living under different rules despite the fact that immigration law is Federal and should, in theory, be uniform across the country. Generally, when Circuit splits involve significant issues such as the one discussed here, either USCIS adjusts its policy to conform to the most immigrant friendly ruling nationwide or the issue ends up before the Supreme Court which then decides the issue on a nationwide basis.

Even if the Ninth Circuit does not rule that TPS approval equals

a lawful admission for purposes of adjustment of status, there are other routes for TPS beneficiaries to obtain permanent residency which have been made available by relatively recent changes to immigration law policy. Amongst these is the provisional waiver and advance parole. The provisional waiver process allows beneficiaries of immigrant visa petitions who were not inspected and admitted to the United States to apply for pre-approval for a waiver of the ten-year bar they will trigger upon departing the US to apply for an immigrant visa abroad. This process significantly reduces the risks and uncertainties for those wishing to apply for permanent resident status but who have to apply abroad. With the appropriate, sufficient and properly presented evidence, the provisional waiver can be approved but the process still involves uncertainty and the need to depart the US. Advance parole is the name USCIS gives to temporary travel documents that TPS and other persons are eligible to apply for under certain circumstances. Those who obtain advance parole and use the permission to travel out of the US and then return will be able to apply for adjustment of status inside the US upon return to the US. A grant of advance parole is no guarantee of being allowed to enter the US and carries its own potential problems; thus, one no one should apply for advance pa-

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 11-14, 2016

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C JUNE 11-14, 2016 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Community Journal

7!2.).' TO

(OMEOWNERS 3TOP STRESSING EVERY MONTH WITH PAYMENTS YOU CANNOT AFFORD ,OWER MONTHLY PAYMENTS BY OR MORE TYPICAL 2EDUCE INTEREST RATE WITHOUT REFINANCING 2EDUCE PRINCIPAL BALANCE IF QUALIFIED !PPLY EVEN IF YOU VE BEEN DENIED BEFORE OR APPROVED AND THEN DEFAULTED AGAIN

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Minding Your Finances Atty. RAymond BulAon A LOT of people in need of debt relief are often hesitant to file bankruptcy for fear that it will ‘ruin’ their credit and that they will never be able to purchase a car or home again, or that they will never be able to rent an apartment if they ever have to move.

First of all, most people who are not paying their bills ALREADY have negative marks on their credit report. And as long as they continue to be delinquent, creditors will continue to report this information to the credit bureaus every single month. All negative information (late payments, foreclosure, collections, judgments, liens, etc.) will stay on your credit report for seven years from the date last reported. Read the above again.

It’s seven years from the date last

Tax Tips VictoR Sy, cPA, mBA

818-408-6717

IF you run your own business, consider employing your children this summer vacation.

Employing your children gives you a triple benefit: 1. It teaches your children the virtue of work and the value of money.

2. It could save you taxes by shifting income down from your rate of about 33% to 39% for federal (about 9% to 12% for state) down to the children’s rate of zero to about 10% or 15% for federal (about 0% to 2% for state - depending on your tax bracket.

3. It saves American Opportunity and Lifetime education credit that would otherwise be lost if you, as parents, earn above certain prescribed income limits (phased out).

Bear in mind that a child who earned about $10,300 in wages in 2015 pays no income taxes because of the child’s estimated standard deduction of $6,300 and personal exemption of $4,000. If your child contributes another $5,500 for IRA, your child can

Need to file bankruptcy and rebuild your credit? reported. What that means is that even if you paid your creditors in full right now, whatever they have reported in the past will not be removed. So, you may ask: “what’s the point of paying them now?” Well, the point is that they can no longer sue you of course, but it doesn’t mean that your past negative credit history is automatically changed.

In some cases, you may negotiate a “deletion” when negotiating with creditors. This means that in exchange for paying the debt, the creditor must be willing to not only release you from liability but to also remove past derogatory remarks reported to the credit bureaus. While this may be possible in some cases, most bill collectors simply are either too lazy or don’t care. They will often tell you that it’s not possible and they will either make it difficult or impossible for you to get it done. Oftentimes, people do not

have the leverage to negotiate this type of arrangement anyway especially when they are already under a threat of legal action.

Which bankruptcy chapter you file will determine how long the bankruptcy stays on your credit report. Chapter 7 stays on your record for 10 years from the date of filing, while Chapter 13 stays for 7 years. The good news, however, is that with Chapter 7, most people regain their good credit only after 2-3 years. That’s correct, only 2-3 years in most cases. So unless you are planning to make a major purchase in the next 2-3 years that will require you to have excellent credit, that short period of time is most likely nothing compared to the benefit you will get by wiping out your debts so you can change your life for the better!

What would being debt-free mean to you? That might mean

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Should you employ your children this summer? earn as much as $15,800 without paying any income tax. While you are on a roll, add another $2,000 to $5,000 for education benefits.

That brings the total income of your child to about $17,800 to $20,800 without paying a dime in income taxes. Think about the possibilities if you use this concept for two or more kids. This is called Tax Planning.

It therefore makes sense to employ your children this summer and have them use their paychecks for paying tuition fees and purchasing books and school supplies. You convert non-deductible expenses (tuition fees) to deductible expenses (wages).

Keep in mind that tasks assigned to your children should be appropriate for their ages.

Such tasks include answering telephones, inputting computer data, taking messages, making errands, stuffing envelopes, sending out promotional literature, dropping and picking up mail at the post office, office filing, cleaning and gardening of business premises, and other chores. It is imperative to keep contemporaneous and accurate

records of the work performed and wages paid. Time cards or timesheets can help you defend the wages in case the IRS or EDD comes calling. Note that there is no minimum age requirement for your children to have IRA accounts.

Here are some bonus tax tips for sole proprietors: 1. You do not have to withhold or pay FICA (Social Security tax) for your children under age 18.

This saves about than 15% of their gross wages.

2. You also don’t have to pay FUTA (unemployment tax) for children under 21. *** Victor Santos Sy graduated Cum Laude from UE with a BBA and from Indiana State University with an MBA. Vic worked with SyCip, Gorres, Velayo (SGV - Andersen Consulting) and Ernst & Young before establishing Sy Accountancy Corporation in Pasadena, California. *** He has 50 years of experience in defending taxpayers audited by the IRS, FTB, EDD, BOE and other governmental agencies. He is publishing a book on his expertise - “HOW TO AVOID OR SURVIVE IRS AUDITS.” Our readers may inquire about the book or email tax questions at vicsy@live.com.

(Advertising Supplement)

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Protecting Employee & Consumer Rights Atty. C. Joe sAyAs, Jr. ON January 1, 2016, the minimum wage in California became $10.00 per hour. Most employees in California are entitled to be paid at least the minimum wage. On April 4, 2016, California’s governor approved a new law that will increase California’s minimum wage every year until it becomes $15 per hour by 2022. This new law will apply to companies with 26 employees or more.

For any employer who employs 26 or more employees, the minimum wage shall be as follows: (A) From January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2017: 10.50 per hour (B) From January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2018: $11 per hour (C) From January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2019: $12 per hour (D) From January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2020: $13 per hour (E) From January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2021: $14 per hour (F) From January 1, 2022, and until adjusted: $15 per hour Employers with 25 or fewer employees will raise their minimum wage in 2018 (a delay of one year from the above schedule). Their schedule shall be as follows: (A) From January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2018: $10.50 per

Insurance Matters Joseph DorAtAn, MBA, CFp® THE government is more lenient to people with low-incomes and assets in the sense that they can get Medicaid (Medi-Cal in California) anytime of the year.

That leniency to get Medi-Cal anytime is even more obvious to children and pregnant women whose household income is not more than 266 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) for children or 322 percent for the pregnant women. As an example, for a family of three, the 2016 FPL is $20,159. So if the household income is not more than $53,625, the children can get Medi-Cal. If not more than $64,915, the pregnant family member can also get Medi-Cal. Other health insurance programs have enrollment periods, such as initial, open and special enrollment periods.

A company can offer group insurance anytime of the year to its employees, but once past the initial enrollment, the existing employees cannot get it anytime until the renewal time known as open enrollment again, which occurs a year later. After initial or open enrollment, typically only new hires can be enrolled.

Both Covered California and

Community Journal

New law aims to increase minimum wage to $15 by 2022 hour (B) From January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2019: $11 per hour (C) From January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2020: $12 per hour (D) From January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2021: $13 per hour (E) From January 1, 2022, to December 31, 2022: $14 per hour (F) From January 1, 2023, and until adjusted: $15 per hour In order “to ensure that economic conditions can support a minimum wage increase” every year, California’s governor is given the power to “temporarily suspend the minimum wage increases” if certain economic factors are not met, as determined by the Director of Finance and other government agencies.

However, the Governor may temporarily suspend scheduled minimum wage increases no more than two times. If the Governor temporarily suspends the scheduled minimum wage increases for the following year, all subsequent increases shall be postponed by an additional year.

The new law also clarifies that an “employer” means any person who directly or indirectly, or through an agent or any other person, employs or exercises control over the wages, hours, or working conditions of any person. These include the state, political subdivisions of the state, and municipalities.

The increases in minimum wage does not only raise the wages of hourly (or “non-exempt”) employees, the increases will also boost the pay of most employees legally “exempt” from the overtime rules. True exempt employees (i.e., Executive, Administrative, or Professional employees) must be paid a salary rate that is at least twice the state minimum wage for full-time monthly employment. This means that for exempt employees working in a company of 26 or more employees, and the minimum wage is $11 per hour, their salary should be $45,760 per year.

The increase of the minimum wage thus affects not only the hourly rate but also certain employees’ rights to be paid overtime. Employees who have questions about whether they are properly paid under California law are well served to consult with an experienced employment attorney.

Atty. Kenneth UrsUA reyes

THERE is never the perfect time to think about who you would like to inherit from your estate in case you pass away or at least who among your closest friends (BFFs) and family members are even deserving of inheriting from your estate. In doing so, you should also think about which vehicle you plan to use in implementing your estate plan. One of the best vehicle in implementing your estate plan is a revocable living trust. Five major benefits of establishing a revocable living trust are: Your estate can avoid the time, cost, and hassle of going through the probate court process.

If you pass away without a will (intestate) in California, one of your close family would have to file a petition in probate court to probate your estate. Your estate will be divided and distrib*** The Law Offices of C. Joe Sayas, Jr. welcomes uted according to the California inquiries about this topic. All inquiries are probate code rules of intestate confidential and at no-cost. You can contact succession. Even if you have a the office at (818) 291-0088 or visit www. will when you pass away, your joesayaslaw.com. *** C. Joe Sayas, Jr., Esq. is an experienced trial attorney who has successfully obtained significant recoveries for thousands of employees and consumers. He is named Top Labor & Employment Attorney in California by the Daily Journal, consistently selected as Super Lawyer by the Los Angeles Magazine, and is a member of the Million Dollar-Advocates Forum.

(Advertising Supplement)

Health insurance enrollment periods off-exchange (direct) individual health insurance are not available anytime of the year. When the open enrollment started and ended have been different in the last few years. For this year, open enrollment ended on Feb. 6, 2016.

But those who have qualifying event after Feb. 6 can still apply.

A typical scenario would be that somebody lost or is losing health insurance after Feb. 6, but not due to non-payment of premium. This qualifying event during the special enrollment period allows for enrollment within 60 days the event happened. Another event would be somebody who just moved into or within California. Or a newborn baby can also get insurance beyond Feb. 6. Or somebody who just got married. How about people who just gained legal presence? Or those recently freed from incarceration? They can get health insurance outside of the open enrollment.

People who are offered Medicare for medical reasons and those 65 and over wanting Medicare have to follow Medicare enrollment periods. Typically, seniors have 7 months initial enrollment period, which starts from 3 months before his 65th birth date month and ends three months after his birth date month.

If they don’t get it, they have to

Barrister’s Corner

wait for the Medicare Part A or Part B open enrollment, which happens between Jan 1 to March 31 yearly. Outside of the initial or open enrollment period, a qualifying event is needed for the senior to have this special enrollment into Medicare. An example is a senior who losing his group insurance. Or another event is a senior who has just recently fulfill his five years of legal stay.

Seniors, who are with Medicare Part D for drugs, or who are with Medicare Advantage or Part C, have the right of changing their Medicare plans yearly during their open enrollment period, which is between Oct. 15 and Dec. 7 yearly. Outside that period, change plan is only possible with valid exemption.

For example, a person with low income or Medi-Cal can do it; a person who just moved to another county; or a person who have certain chronic illness.

How about a person staying in an institution? Or someone who was just freed from jail? They all have the right to switch or get a Medicare plan. *** If you have more questions regarding the enrollment periods or other insurance questions, feel free to ask the author for answers. A good telephone number to reach him is 855-955-1800. You can also check out www.GlobalWealthInsuranceServices.com.

E-2 Treaty Investor visa allows for stay in us along with family

Dear Attorney Tan, I would like to know if there is any way for my family and I to stay in the US if I invest in a US business. While I do have some money to invest, I do not have the $500k-$1m that I read was necessary to get a green card through investment. Do I have any other options? - S.K. Dear S.K., You should consider the E-2 Treaty Investor visa, which is a nonimmigrant visa that allows a person to be admitted to the US with investment of a “substantial” amount of capital in either a new or existing US business.

A main objective of the E-2 Treaty Investor classification is to promote and encourage investment in the US. Accordingly, the Treaty Investor must demonstrate that he/she is actually investing a substantial amount of capital in the US enterprise. The Treaty Investor must show that he/she is placing capital at risk with the objective of generating a profit; the capital must be subject to loss if the investment fails. There is no specific amount of money that is required to be invested to be considered “substantial.” Whether an investment is considered “substantial” is determined on a case-by-case basis.

The benefits of an E-2 Treaty Investor visa include an indefinite period of stay in the US with extensions of the E-2 visa. An E-2 Treaty Investor is allowed a maximum initial stay of 2 years, and requests for extension can be obtained in increments of 2 years. There is no limitation to the number of extensions an E-2 Treaty Investor may request. The E-2 Treaty Investor visa is a non-immigrant visa, and accordingly, the Treaty Investor must maintain an intent to depart the US whenever the E-2 status expires.

Another important benefit for an E-2 Treaty Investor is the ability to be accompanied to the US by his/her spouse and unmarried children who are under 21 years of age. An E-2 Treaty Investor’s spouse may apply for work authorization in the US, and no restriction is placed as to where the E-2 spouse can work. The spouse can work for another employer. Further, children who are under 21 years of age may enroll in US schools. The immediate family come to the US under the E-2 classification as dependents of the Treaty Investor. The family members will have the same duration of stay as the Treaty Investor.

In addition, an employee of a Treaty Investor may come to the US under the E-2 classification providing that he/she is the same nationality of the Treaty Investor, and either has duties of an executive or supervisory character or has other special qualifications.

What are the general requirements to obtain an E-2 Treaty Investor Visa? To obtain E-2 Treaty Investor status, a person: 1) must be a national of a country with which the US maintains a treaty of commerce or navigation, 2) either has invested or is in the process of investing a substantial amount of capital in a US enterprise, and 3) seeks to come to the US to develop and direct the enterprise in which he/she is investing or is going to invest.

Consideration of the E-2 Treaty Investor visa is made on a case-by-case basis. The assistance of an experienced attorney who can assess the proposed type of business in which investment is contemplated as well as the amount of investment is therefore recommended. *** 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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Five benefits of establishing a revocable living trust family would still need to file a petition in probate court if your estate is worth over $150,000 and go through the probate process. This can become a circus if certain beneficiaries contest the validity of the Will or the distribution of the estate. Your estate will pay for attorney’s fees, probate referee fees, appraisers and other experts, CPA fees, etc. If people contest the case, your estate would end up paying legal fees to defend the estate in litigation. The entire process can take anywhere from 9 months to years depending on the contentiousness of the probate case.

With a revocable living trust, your trustee or successor trustee if you were the initial trustee, would administer the trust and distribute the estate according to the trust document without having to open a probate court case.

If the trust is funded with all your assets, it is possible to administer and distribute the trust assets without any Court involvement at all. This process is a lot faster than going through probate.

Your estate is not public re-

cord When you file a probate case, the public has access to your probate case file. The public will know the assets of the estate including the values of those assets. If the Will is admitted into probate, the terms of the Will is open to public scrutiny.

Establishing a revocable living trust makes your estate affairs private. Strangers do not have access to the terms of your living trust. Only certain beneficiaries and possible heirs can request a copy of the revocable living trust after you pass away.

You can dictate who will inherit from your estate If you pass away without a Will, your estate will be divided and distributed in Probate Court following the rules of intestate succession in the California probate code. Certain relatives will be entitled to a share of your estate even if you feel they are not deserving. By establishing a revocable living trust, you can designate who you want to inherit from your estate. You can

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How to apply for Filipino WWII Veterans Parole Program (Part 2) the son, daughter, brother or IN an earlier article, I dissister of the deceased FWV and cussed about the Filipino World their qualifying derivatives can War II Veterans Parole Program apply for parole on their own (“FWVP”). The FWVP allows cerprovided the requirement untain family members of Filipino der the immediately succeeding World War II veterans (“FWV”) paragraph are complied with; are beneficiaries of an approved and the FWV was residing in I-130 Petition to apply for parole the US at the time of his death. with the USCIS so they can come The guidelines also pointed to the US while waiting for their out that while the FWVP is inimmigrant visa to become availtended for family members outable (or to become current). side of the US, certain relatives On 6/8/2016, the USCIS issued of the FWV can benefit from the additional guidelines regarding program. However, the relative the implementation of the Parole Atty. Gwendolyn Malaya-Santos of the FWV will have to leave Program. Under the said guidethe US to be interviewed in a lines, the following are eligible to apply for parole: US Embassy abroad, which can mean serious im• A Filipino War II veteran (“FWV”) can apply migration consequences on the relative, dependfor any beneficiary in his approved I-130 Petition, ing on the latter’s status in the US. As an alteras long as their relationship with him existed on or native, the relative can apply for parole in place before 5/9/2016. program which is available for spouses, children, • If the FWW is deceased, his surviving spouse and parent of current or former members of the can file for parole for any beneficiary of FWV’s I- US armed forces.

130 Petition provided: (1) the qualifying relationPetitioners are required to file the FWVP appliship between the FWV and the surviving spouse cations for all family members associated with the with the beneficiary existed before 5/9/2016; (2) same underlying approved I-130 Petition at the the I-130 Petition was approved before the FWV same time. If the parole application is approved, died and then reinstated, or the I-130 Petition was the beneficiary will be allowed to remain in the US not approved before the FWV died but at least one for the authorized period (usually three [3] years) of the beneficiaries was living in the US at the time and can apply for work authorization. However, of death of the FWV, and is still living in the US, the parole does not make the beneficiary automatiand that the I-130 Petition has been approved. cally qualified for legal permanent resident (LPR) • If both the FWV and his spouse are deceased, u PAGE C4

C JUNE 11-14, 2016 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Debt Relief atty. lawRence yanG CLIENT is 65 and recently widowed. Her husband was suddenly taken ill and was diagnosed with lung cancer even though he doesn’t smoke. Strange. Husband was in the pinnacle of good health, so it seemed. He had no known illness. His blood pressure was normal. He had no diabetes. He ate healthy, none of the greasy stuff. He was slim, not overweight, when all his friends were obese. He walked around their neighborhood every morning before he went to work as a scientist. He had a complete yearly check up provided free of charge by the large pharmaceutical company that he worked for the last 30 years. They have two children who are both professionals and doing well, with their own families. They have 3 grandchildren. Husband was a doting and dedicated grandfather. It seemed all was well and they were living the American dream, and looking forward to retiring next year.

They still had a $600K mortgage on their house which was now worth $800K. The mortgage payment was $3,000 a month, which was not a problem. That’s quite reasonable. Even a rental would now cost $2,000 in Los Angeles. They bought the house 33 years ago for $250K and refinanced it several times. They cashed out for home improvements and to pay for their children’s college expenses. Husband’s salary of $10K a month, make their life quite comfortable with no financial worries. When they retire next year, he would get $2,500 in social security, and client would get $1,500. So, $4,000 a month in social security can pay the mortgage with tight budgeting, or if the decided to do so, they could sell their house and pocket $200K tax free, and perhaps downsize to a condo which they can pay cash for $300K, and taking a much reduced mortgage of $100K, paying $700 a month.

Husband started coughing uncontrollably about 4 months ago.

He had never coughed this way before. At first, they thought he was just having some kind of allergy, but he felt that this cough was different. He felt pain in his lungs when he coughed. He rushed to see his doctor who determined that he had a lump on his right lung the size of a tennis ball. A biopsy was done and it was cancer, stage 3 which had not yet spread to other parts of the body. He immediately went for chemotherapy but after a month, it was determined that the cancer cells had spread to his liver. From then on, things just started going downhill. Although the prognosis was that there was no problem curing the cancer, husband died last month.

After the funeral, client started to get calls from credit cards of husband, collecting from client.

Client pulled the credit report

Community Journal

Senior seeks relief from $40K credit cards

Business owner seeks to discharge $100K credit cards used to buy business; Clinton beats Trump to become first woman president of America of husband and found out that he had $40K of credit card debt, which he did not disclose to her.

The collectors told her that California was a community property state; therefore, she is equally liable as her deceased husband to pay for his cards. Somehow, they were able to get her phone number at work and started to call her at work. This was too much harassment for client.

She asked me if she was liable for her husband’s credit cards.

I said that she was unless they had a prenuptial agreement. I informed her that life changing events such as death and divorces usually create this kind of financial problem. In fact, husband’s creditors can sue husband’s estate then put a lien on the house and eventually sell their house to collect. I asked her if her husband had life insurance.

She said just enough to pay for the funeral expenses. Client then opted to file a Chapter 7 case to discharge her liability for her husband’s credit cards. Since they held their house as joint tenants, upon husband’s death, client automatically owns the entire 100% of the house as husband’s share passes to her by operation of law under joint tenancy.

The Chapter 7 will discharge the $40K of credit cards and protect her house at the same time so she can live her new chapter of life unhampered by debilitating debt left by her husband.

In her plan for the future, the following is apropos: “in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs – 3:5. I mean, you can see, without our God’s direction, even if you think all is well, death is actually knocking at your door.

Death comes like a thief in the night. By God, I refer to God the Father, Adonai, El Shaddai, El Elohim, Yahweh, Jehovah whose only and beloved Son, Jesus Christ, willingly died for us on the cross, to redeem us from the consequences of sin because He loved us so. Client’s husband is now in heaven with Jesus and God the Father, and God the Holy Spirit. That certainly is a lot better option than spending an eternity of pain and suffering in hell with Lucifer, the evil one. Don’t you think so? I am so happy that our loving God and his beloved Son has given us this option.

Even the world’s smartest man, Stephen Hawking, denies that God exists! Perhaps he’s not that smart after all. If he’s the world’s smartest man, how come he cannot heal himself of his disability? Because he is so smart, he denies the existence of his own creator. This is really sad that the greatest intellect in the world thinks he evolved from monkeys.

But our God, in his infinite wis-

dom, created us with free will to choose for ourselves what we want. So you can choose to be a monkey’s descendant if you want to. Maybe someone should tell Trump that the world’s smartest man has concluded that Trump, just like the rest of us who don’t look like him, and who don’t have the “pelo de elote (corn hair) like he does is descended from apes. Oops, sorry did I say that, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that, that’s not what I meant.

I similarly rely on Trump’s excuse for his racist remarks. He loves everyone who doesn’t look like him, because after all, we’re all descendants of the same monkey; but wait, didn’t Trump also mock Mr. Kovaleski, a disabled reporter for the New York Times? I don’t know how this will sit with Mr. Hawking whose current physical state is worse than Kovaleski’s. But despite Trump’s Oscar winning performance on T.V. mimicking Mr. Kovaleski’s disability and therefore undisputably mocking Mr. Kovaleski, Trump categorically denies that he was mocking him and that he would never mock a disabled person. This guy is totally unfit to be president of our country.

Our society is not a homogenous block of corn hairs. People from all over the world migrate here and eventually become American citizens. All of us are Americans, disabled or not, Christian or not, regardless of all our different ethnicities. This is why America is the greatest country in the world as it has always been, and we don’t need Trump to make us great again, because Americans are a just and kind and courageous people who seek what is good and seek divine mercy and guidance. It is our God, Yahweh who makes our country great. It is all of us Americans who make America great. It is not Trump who makes America great. It is all Americans, you and I, all of us Americans, all of us a lot handsomer and prettier than Trump, all of us guided by the one true God, who make America great!

I will discuss the rest of the subject matter next week, including why Hilary will beat Trump to become the first woman president of the United States.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acnoledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” — Proverbs 3:5 *** 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.

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Need to file bankruptcy and rebuild…

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getting rid of the monthly stress you experience every time the bills come. That might mean being able to save again for your children’s college education or your retirement. Perhaps it means not having to work 2 jobs just to make ends meet and not being broke and depressed every payday because you realize that money is never enough to meet even your basic needs. Can you just imagine how your life will change?

Don’t misunderstand me, please. I am not saying the bankruptcy is an easy way out and that you should use it to avoid your legal obligations. I am not saying that at all. What I’m saying is that if you have tried everything within your power to get out of debt but you simply cannot do it anymore, there is hope for

you. If you are suffering in debt and feeling hopeless about your situation, there is a better way to live. We have laws in this country that allow you to start over with a new life free from the burdens of debt.

The catch? You must qualify.

The law has requirements that you must meet to find out if you are eligible for debt relief. And as I said, if all you are worried about is the effect it may have on your credit, perhaps this is not even an issue if your credit has been ruined anyway. Or perhaps you may have what they call “excellent” credit but you owe too much already that no bank will loan you any more money because you are overextended.

Does that make sense?

It all comes down to knowing what your priorities are. If you are seriously in debt with

no way out, your priority should be finding a way to get out of the financial hole you are in before you drown. Because if you let that happen, your family (not just you) will suffer because of it and you may be suffering needlessly when the law has provided you a way out.

If you need help in figuring out your options, I want to help you.

Call my office at (866) 477-7772 for a free office consultation. I have offices in Glendale, Cerritos and Valencia. *** None of the information herein is intended to give legal advice for any specific situation. Atty. Ray Bulaon has successfully helped thousands of clients in getting out of debt. For a free attorney evaluation of your situation, please call Ray Bulaon Law Offices at TOLL FREE 1 (866) 477-7772.

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Five benefits of establishing a revocable…

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designate what and how much each one will received from your estate after you pass away. The assets distributed to each beneficiaries does not have to be equal.

The people you designate as beneficiaries of your living trust does not even have to be close family members. You can designate anyone as a beneficiary, with certain exceptions, of your estate.

You can structure your estate to minimize estate taxes If your estate is valued above the estate tax exemption, establishing a trust can allow you to divide up your estate into smaller sub trusts to minimize the overall estate tax effect on your estate. It allows you to set up a vehicle for certain charitable giving which carries tax advantage and asset protection.

You can choose who will administer your estate after your

death When you establish a revocable trust, you can appoint someone else as trustee or you can appoint a successor trustee if you are the initial trustee. The trustee will be administering (managing) the trust after you pass away without a need to open a probate court case. This allows for continuity in operating the trust and the efficient and cost effective distribution of estate assets. If you are concerned about whether you can trust any family members as your trustee, you can appoint an institution as a professional trustee to carry out the terms of the declaration of trust. These type of trustee services are often offered by banks, financial institutions, wealth management firms, and business management firms for a reasonable fee. This minimizes conflicts within the family and prevents negligence and wrong doing by inexperienced

family members. ***

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

The gospel and theology of mercy

To Live With Faith ReveRend Rodel G. BalaGtas NO one is ever late for God’s mercy and forgiveness. This contention is what Pope Francis has always reflected on in all his actions and words, especially in promulgating 2016 as a Year of Mercy.

This Sunday’s Gospel powerfully illustrates God’s mercy in the story of a woman who came to wipe Jesus’ feet with her tears and hair. When the Pharisee criticized Jesus for letting the sinful woman washed his feet, Jesus responded by telling and explaining to those around him a parable: “Two people were in debt to a certain creditor; one owed five hundred day’s wages and the other fifty. Since they are unable to repay the debt, he forgave it both. Which of them will love him more? Simon replied, “The one, I suppose, whose larger debt was forgiven. He said to him, “You have judged rightly.”

Then referring to how the sinful woman bathed and kissed his feet, Jesus said, “So I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven because she has shown great love.”

Indeed, no matter how big or small our sins are, and however late we are in asking for God’s

forgiveness and showing him our love, God’s love will always be the same—it surpasses all our sins.

Fr. Ron Rolheiser explains this theology of God’s mercy. He says: “We need a theology that teaches us that God does not just give us one chance, but that every time we close a door, God opens another one for us. We need a theology that challenges us not to make mistakes, that takes sin seriously, but which tells us that when we do sin, when we do make mistakes, we are given the chance to take our place among the broken, among those whose lives are not perfect, the loved sinners, those for whom Christ came…We need a theology which tells us that a second, third, fourth, and fifth chance are just as valid as the first one. We need a theology that tells us that mistakes are not forever, that they are not even for a lifetime, that time and grace wash clean, that nothing is irrevocable.”

Bishops, priests, and seminarians in the past and the present may have a tendency to give more value to strict moral doctrines and rules, but the theology of God’s mercy has always been evident in the Gospel as in this Sunday’s Scriptures.

St. Paul conveys this theology of mercy in his Letters to the Galatians: “We know that a person is not justified by the works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law now one will be justified. (Gal 2:16)” This theology of God’s love is mysterious. It does not mean that we don’t follow the rules of our faith. Rather, we see following the commandments of God as a manifestation of our faith and love for him. In other words, all our actions should reflect a genuine Christian faith and a configuration to the image of Jesus Christ, the Sacrament of God’s Mercy, par excellence! *** From a Filipino immigrant family, Reverend Rodel G. Balagtas was ordained to the priesthood from St. John’s Seminary in 1991. He served as Associate Pastor at St. Augustine, Culver City (1991-1993); St. Martha, Valinda (1993-1999); and St. Joseph the Worker, Canoga Park (1999-2001). In 2001, he served as Administrator Pro Tem of St. John Neumann in Santa Maria, CA, until his appointment as pastor of ImmAaculate Heart of Mary, Los Angeles, in 2002, which lasted 12 years. His term as Associate Director of Pastoral Field Education at St. John’s Seminary began in July 2014.

People and Events

Mrs. Lydia S. Espiritu was recognized as an outstanding mother in the Filipino-American community during the Filipino American Service Group, Inc. (FASGI)’s “In Mother’s Embrace Legacy Awards.” The photo, which was taken at Los Angeles City Hall, shows (left to right): Hernan Espiritu,Henrietta Gaviola, Lakambini ng Kalayaan 2015 Ms. Rosemarie Mejia, Ms. Yey Coronel-Alcid, executive director of FASGI, Lydia Espiritu (in red Filipiniana dress), Teresita Mercado, Arturo P.Garcia and Elvira Espiritu.

Calendar of Events across

America

ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS! PRE-EVENT AND POST-EVENT GO DEEPER. GO WIDER. LET THE WORLD KNOW. CALL ASIAN JOURNAL: (818) 502-0651 DISPLAY AD SIZES AT SPECIAL RATES FOR NON-PROFIT GROUPS JUNE 11

Philippine Independence Day celebration The Philippine Independence Day Foundation in conjunction with the City of Carson and GMA Pinoy TV will hold the 118th Philippine Independence Day celebration at Veterans Park and Sports Complex, 22400 Moneta Avenue, Carson, CA 90745. The event is celebrated yearly in the City of Carson and is attended by thousands of Carson residents, as well as people from different parts of Southern California. The celebration will take place from 8am to 6pm. For more information, call (310) 549-3111.

Kalayaan Incorporated celebrates the 118th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence On June 11, from 6 p.m. to midnight, at the Concourse Hotel, a Hyatt Affiliated Hotel, Los Angeles International Airport, Kalayaan Incorporated will stage its annual gala dinner ball with Consul General Leo Herrera-Lim as the guest speaker. Attendees will hear his farewell words of wisdom as he ends his term in Los Angeles on June 30. At the helm of the freedom day commemoration are President Josie E. de Jesus, event chair, and Vice President Jose Relson Banas, co-chair. Emcees are Lydia V. Solis and Noel S.V. Omega.

Program Director Ted Benito and Program Committee Chair Zeny Sabocor will have a highspirited presentation from endearing singers Manny Evaldez, Sam Santiago, and Christine Love. PASACAT Philippine Performing Arts Company, the Filipino-American Musical Ensemble, a rondalla group, and the Fil-Am Choir of St. Pius V of Buena Park, Calif., promise an enchanting evening for attendees. And be carried away with the music from Bits N’ Pieces Band. For more information, contact Gil Mislang (562) 417-6772 or Lydia V. Solis lvsolis@aol.com.

LACFAEA to celebrate 118th Philippine Independence Day The Los Angeles County Filipino-American Employees Association is all set to celebrate the 118th Philippine Independence Day on June 11 at the Pasadena Hilton, 168 S. Los Robles Ave. Pasadena, CA 91101. Music will be provided by The Midnight Motion Band. For more information, please call Rosalinda Vangie Cruz (661) 406-5136; Edwin Martinez (818) 438-6517 or Tony Millonado at (818) 515-2147.

If you have an upcoming event and would like us to post it, please email us the details at info@asianjournalinc.com or calendar@asianjournalinc.com

Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, P.C. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kureyeslaw@gmail.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com. *** Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, P.C. This article is not a solicitation.

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Reeves 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) 795-8009 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.

*** Atty. Gwendolyn Malaya-Santos is a member of the State Bar of California and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines. To schedule for a free initial in-person consultation, please call Tel. Nos. (213) 284-5984 or (626) 329-8215. Atty. Santos’ office is located at 3450 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1200-105, Los Angeles, CA 90010. ***

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Temporary Protected… How to apply for Filipino…

role before consulting an experienced and knowledgeable immigration attorney.

Anyone with TPS should consult an experienced immigration attorney to discuss how recent and forthcoming changes in law may affect their ability to obtain permanent resident status. ***

status. He must apply and be qualified for LPR status later on.

If you are contemplating of filing any application based on this FWV parole program or any immigration petition for that matter, it is advisable to seek the counsel of an immigration lawyer to guide you on the intricacies of filing for such a petition.

Information contained in this article does not, nor is it intended to, constitutes legal advice for any specific situation and does not create a lawyer-client relationship. It likewise does not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of your legal matter.

We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code.

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C JUNE 11-14, 2016 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 11-14, 2016

MARKETPLACE SHOWROOM

& Immigration Corner

D

The July 2016 priority dates

The Priority dates for the Philippines are as follows:

Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ

Outgoing Finance chief Cesar Purisima and Incoming Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III

Smooth transition at finance department underway

by Edith

REgalado Philstar.com

DAVAO CITY—Incoming Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III sees a smooth transition in the agency’s leadership.

“I don’t foresee any hitches to the transition,” Dominguez told The Star.

Outgoing Finance chief Cesar Purisima has instructed all Finance officials to clear all policy actions with the transition team of his successor to ensure a smooth transition.

Covered by the directive are macroeconomic targets, including revenue and deficit, ongoing tax reform studies as well as the crafting of implementing rules and regulations for three revenue laws.

Purisima said rules governing

the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), Tax Incentives Management and Transparency Act (TIMTA) and Microfinance NGOs Act would already be handled by Dominguez.

“When we in the DOF say public service is a relay race, we mean it: we don’t drop the baton when our time is up only for the next team to start over. Operationalizing professionalism means that our job until the end of June is to make life as easy as possible for the incoming team to hit the ground running on day one,” Purisima said in a statement.

Purisima hopes the DOF can set a gold standard in institutional professionalism in the midst of leadership changes.

“We hope to give the incoming economic team all the information PAGE D2

According to the latest BSP Consumer Expectations Survey, the consumer composite index went up to 26.6 percent for the next 12 months in the second quarter from 25.4 percent in the previous three months.

BSP: Consumers upbeat of Duterte honeymoon period

by PRinz

Magtulis Philstar.com

“For the year ahead, consumers attributed their more optiMANILA—The next adminis- mistic outlook to the change in tration’s honeymoon period has administration as well as the elecbeen welcomed by more optimis- tion of new government officials,” tic consumers driving the local the BSP said in a statement. economy, the Bangko Sentral ng This was reinforced by a better Pilipinas (BSP) reported Friday, outlook for peace and order situJune 10. ation and availability of more jobs According to the latest BSP here and abroad, it added.

Consumer Expectations Survey, Running on an anti-crime the consumer composite index platform, President-elect Rodrigo (CI) went up to 26.6 percent for Duterte won the polls last May the next 12 months in the second 9 after he vowed to “suppress” quarter from 25.4 percent in the criminality in three to six months previous three months. or resign from office.

The CI measures the number The BSP survey, held from of optimists over pessimists and a April 4 to 16, asked 5,754 housepositive figure means the former holds nationwide. It had a 96.1outnumber the latter.

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A month before stepping down, Henares runs after property buyers, sellers

by PRinz

Magtulis Philstar.com

MANILA—Property buyers and sellers could be subjected to a tax probe under a new order from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) which wants to gauge their financial capacity to keep and acquire real estate.

Issued less than a month before the new administration takes over, Revenue Memorandum Order 24-2016 is said “to ensure the tax compliance of the parties” involved in property sale and transfer.

“Parties to the said transactions may be subjected to an audit or investigation to determine their capacity to hold and/or acquire properties,” the order dated June 7 stated.

Outgoing BIR commissioner Kim Henares

“In all cases (however), verify... that the parties (seller/assignor/ transferor and buyer/assignee/ transferee) regularly files returns and report income sufficient to establish financial capacity,” it PAGE D5

Business Quote of the Week “In the modern world of business, it is useless to be a creative, original thinker unless you can also sell what you create.”

- David Ogilvy, co-founder of Ogilvy & Mather

EACH month, the Visa Office of the State Department publishes, in the Visa Bulletin, the priority dates for that particular month, for the various family and employment based categories. A priority date is a person’s “place in line” for a visa, meaning immigrant visas (or green cards) would be available for persons whose priority date is earlier than the cut-off date listed below. If your priority date was “current,” but later retrogressed (or “moved backwards” and became unavailable) before your immigrant visa was issued (or before you adjusted status in the US), you would have to wait until it becomes current again.

Beginning last October 2015, the format of the Visa Bulletin changed, in that a new column was added, called the “Application Filing Date.” If a person’s priority date is earlier than the Application Filing Date, they can already file for adjustment of status and work authorization (provided they are otherwise eligible and USCIS indicates on its website it will use

FAMILY CATEGORY:

Application Filing Date

Visa Issuance Date

September 1, 2005

February 1, 2005

First Preference

Unmarried sons and daughters of US citizens (over 21 years of age)

Second Preference

(2A) Spouse and minor children October 15, 2015 (below 21 years old) of green card holder

November 15, 2014

(2B) Unmarried sons and daughters (21 years old or older) of green card holder

January 1, 2006

July 1, 2005

Third Preference

Married sons and daughters of US Citizens.

August 1, 1995

March 1, 1994

Fourth Preference

Brothers and sisters of US Citizens.

April 1, 1993

January 1, 1993

LABOR CERTIFICATION:

Application Filing Date Visa Issuance Date

Third Preference

Professional/Skilled Workers

January 1, 2010

February 15, 2009

Other Workers

Non-Skilled Workers

January 1, 2010

February 15, 2009

the Application Filing Date for that month). This could allow people to obtain work authorization much sooner than before, where they had to wait for the priority date to be current (in the Visa Issuance Date column) in order to both file for adjustment and be eligible for a green card. *** 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)

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Palawan town being groomed Wells Fargo launches yourFirst Mortgage as first Tourism Enterprise Zone

by Louise

mauReen Philstar.com

simeon

MANILA—A town in Palawan is all set to become the Philippines’ first Tourism Enterprise Zone (TEZ) under the initiative of the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA).

Guiller Asido, chief operating officer of TIEZA, said San Vicente, Palawan has been chosen as the first flagship TEZ mainly for its pristine natural attractions of forests, islands, coves, and especially its 14.7 km shoreline, which is said to be the longest in the world.

“The TEZ benefits from its location at the convergence of transport networks. The completion of Itabiak Road, which leads to the Long Beach area, makes it easier to reach the TEZ by land from other towns in Palawan.

The pier at Barangay Poblacion is being upgraded, but another docking area will be constructed at the TEZ,” he added.

TEZ forms part of the country’s flagship National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) which is aimed at improving the competitiveness of tourism products and developing sustainable tourisms destinations.

The project is expected to be ready within the year, in time for the projected opening of the San Vicente Airport by December.

“The San Vicente Airport, once operational, will be the main

Guiller Asido, chief operating officer of TIEZA, said San Vicente, Palawan has been chosen as the first flagship TEZ mainly for its pristine natural attractions of forests, islands, coves, and especially its 14.7 km shoreline, which is said to be the longest in the world.

entry point for most tourists and will make San Vicente a good weekend destination for Manila residents,” Asido said.

Palawan Governor Jose Alvarez is optimistiic the project will propel San Vicente as a major tourist destination and create additional employment for the community.

In consultation with the municipal government and property owners, an Integrated Tourism Master Plan (ITMP) for San Vicente was formulated to study the variety of tourism products possible in the area, taking into consideration property ownership and zonal values.

“The ITMP is now complete, and we are in the process of crafting an Investment Promotions Program that will make the publicprivate partnership in San Vicente

attractive to private investors,” said Tourism Undersecretary Maria Victor Jasmin.

The NTDP, a framework to guide the DOT and other stakeholders to harness the potential of the tourism sector as an engine for sustainable growth, is part of the department’s thrust towards inclusive growth.

Part of the NTDP involves the upgrade of of secondary international airports such as Clark, Mactan, Davao and Iloilo as well as the rehabilitation of the primary gateway Ninoy Aquino International Airport 1 and 2.

The installation of night landing facilities, improvement, rehabilitation and expansion of 23 domestic airports, 21 seaports and 28 strategic connecting roads are also part of the plan.

SAN FRANCISCO—Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) recently announced yourFirstMortgageSM, a new home loan program that offers a down payment of as little as 3 percent for fixed-rate mortgages, lower out-of-pocket costs, expanded credit criteria and incentives for homebuyer education to help more first-time homebuyers and low- to moderate-income families achieve sustainable homeownership. yourFirst Mortgage includes some of the best features of previous affordable homebuying programs while reducing the loan application complexity that made such programs less attractive for borrowers. Building on Wells Fargo’s history of responsible lending, yourFirst Mortgage is a conventional loan program that requires full documentation and underwriting to verify a borrower’s ability to repay.

“There are a lot of conventional loan products with low down payment options, but the criteria are so complex that it creates barriers for many qualified borrowers,” said Brad Blackwell, Executive Vice President, Wells Fargo Home Lending. “With yourFirst Mortgage, we wanted to provide access to credit and simplify the experience while maintaining responsible lending practices. We partnered with credit experts such as Fannie Mae and Self-Help, an affiliate of the Center for Responsible Lending, to develop an easy-to-understand affordable loan option that gives homebuyers the best offering in the market.”

With the goal of expanding sustainable homeownership, yourFirst MortgageSM specifically: • Lowers down payment and out-of-pocket costs: o Customers can get a conventional fixed-rate mortgage with as little as 3 percent down. o Down payments and closing costs can come from gifts and down payment assistance programs.

• Encourages buyers to make informed choices: o Customers who have a down payment of less than 10 percent may earn a 1/8-percent interest rate reduction when they complete a homebuyer education course.* o Working with Wells Fargo’s Home Mortgage Consultants throughout the process helps customers make choices that lead to sustainable homeownership.

• Offers additional income and credit guidelines: o Credit history is expanded to include nontraditional sources, like tuition, rent, or utility bill payments. o Income of others who will live in the home, such as family members or renters, can be considered.

• Builds on Wells Fargo’s history of responsible lending: o Applicants must demonstrate their ability to repay. o Loan is fully documented and underwritten.

“Wells Fargo’s yourFirst MortgageSM will provide fair mortgages to qualified working families and that’s good for families and neighborhoods,” said Martin Eakes, Self-Help CEO and co-founder. “For people of modest means, homeownership is the most effective path to building wealth and stability.

We are eager to partner with Wells Fargo and Fannie Mae to spur more homeownership opportunities for deserving borrowers.”

“We are pleased that Wells Fargo chose Fannie Mae as its partner on this important program. Fannie Mae is proud to

support our customers’ efforts to make sustainable affordable housing a reality. Together with Self -Help, we will expand homeownership opportunities for qualified homebuyers,” said Andrew Bon Salle, executive vice president of Single-Family Business at Fannie Mae. “We are a leader in serving this market and we are committed to responsible lending practices that allow our customers to lend with more certainty and less risk. The yourFirst MortgageSM product gives creditworthy borrowers access to affordable mortgage financing and guidance to help them succeed for the long term.” yourFirst MortgageSM joins Wells Fargo’s existing suite of homebuyer services such as yourLoanTracker, yourHome Matters, and My FirstHome® , an interactive online program designed to help first-time homebuyers prepare to purchase a home and become responsible homeowners.

“With the industry’s largest team of mortgage experts, yourFirst MortgageSM responsibly expands access to credit with trusted guidance from America’s largest home lender,” said Franklin Codel, head of Wells Fargo Home Lending. “We developed yourFirst MortgageSM to serve the broad population of qualified first-time homebuyers, including the low- to moderate-income customers and the diverse Millennial population – which is more than 2/3 of first-time homebuyers today. i This is good for our customers and benefits the economy by building stronger communities through sustainable homeownership.”

To learn more about yourFirst MortgageSM with details on requirements and guidelines, please visit yourFirstMortgageSM, or one of our Wells Fargo Mortgage Stores. *Homebuyer education must be provided by a certified U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-approved counselor.

(Advertising Supplement)

Gil Puyat Ave being eyed as nat’l hub for startups

by Richmond

meRcuRio Philstar.com

MANILA—The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) hopes to turn Gil Puyat Avenue in Makati into the country’s hub for startups.

DTI launched Friday, June 10 the country’s first “innovation hub” at the DTI International building. The innovation hub aims to provide a co-working space that will support startup enterprises in developing technology-based products and services for the global market.

Trade Secretary Adrian Cristobal Jr. said the space would serve as a venue for interaction among industries, universities, as well as public and private research institutions.

“The space and resources here at the DTI International

building will serve as a center for network-building and developing connections, a place where the community can regularly meet and exchange ideas, receive mentoring and advice on how to go about their business, and how to pitch their products and services to foreign investors and buyers,” Cristobal said.

The DTI has been supporting the development of local startups by encouraging venture capitalists to invest in them.

The agency said development of an innovation ecosystem would help address the government’s agenda of inclusive growth through job creation.

Based on the Philippine digital startup roadmap, the country is targeting 500 startups with a total funding of $200 million by 2020.

Smooth transition at finance...

PAGE D1 and resources they need to have an even more successful 6 years than we had. Their success is our success,” Purisima said.

Dominguez earlier questioned some decisions made by the government. These include the construction of a new Department of Finance building which is estimated to cost about P4.5 billion, as well as the approval of

the merger of the Land Bank of the Philippines and Development Bank of the Philippines.

Purisima, however, said nothing was final yet and that the incoming government could always conduct its review.

Both teams of Purisima and Dominguez have already started the transition and already discussed key operations at the DOF.

BSP: Consumers upbeat of...

PAGE D1 percent response rate.

“This was actually the highest second-quarter reading for the next 12 months on recorded. This is very positive,” BSP Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo told reporters in a briefing.

More pessimists In the same quarter in 2010, the CI was at a lower 10 percent for the next year during the time then presidential candidate Benigno Aquino III was leading unofficial polls.

But Guinigundo was quick to add that this could not be attributed to a particular administration since economic conditions were different back then.

“The economy is in a much stronger shape today compared to what we had in 2010...The additional six years after that further cements market confidence driven by the households,” he explained.

For this quarter, pessimists actually outnumbered optimists with -6.4 percent CI. While this has historically been the case for current-quarter readings, the figure was worse than the -5.7 percent in the first three months.

For the next three months, CI reading of 5.6 percent was also down from 9.1 percent, data showed.

Cited as reasons for less sanguine outlook were less harvests as a result of the El Niño phenomenon and impending La Nina as well as higher expenses for education during the enrollment period.

Nevertheless, Guinigundo said the positive outlook over the next year indicates the economy — which grew by three-year high 6.9 percent in the first quarter — will continue to source strength from consumers.

This is because businesses also take their cue from consumers as to the expansion of their operations, BSP deputy director Teresita Deveza said in the same briefing.

“If housing conditions are not good, business conditions are not good. It’s really the household that is driving economic growth,” she said.

Guinigundo agreed. “That particular component of GDP (gross domestic product) growth will also continue to drive the actual second quarter real GDP growth,” he said.

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

Showroom

Get the season’s best deals at Sierra Honda

BUYING a car can be an intimidating process, so it’s important to choose a good dealership with a wide selection of vehicles.

At Sierra Honda in Monrovia, team members strive to make the car buying experience as pleasant and hassle free as possible for customers through exceptional customer service and highly-trained salespeople.

“I want our guests to feel like they are a part of the Sierra Family since Honda vehicles pretty much sell themselves,” said John Ruiz, a Filipino sales manager at Sierra Honda. “So it’s really important that not only do we know what we are selling, but also to make everyone feel welcome. And I truly believe this is where Sierra shines.”

Kababayans who walk into Sierra Honda can expect to be taken care of by the extensively trained staff and sales team, who include sales manager Ellen Leung, and sales consultants Jason Fang, Edward Chun, Carlos Mejia and Filipino Adam Corpuz. One of the ways the dealership carries out this goal is by providing guests with correct information to help them make the best decision in what car to buy. Staff and salespeople also work through credit issues that may present challenges for potential car buyers.

“Aside from that, I really think that our Honda sales team is very efficient. We listen to our customers on what we can do better and we go ahead and improve our process,” Ruiz said.

Ruiz adds that the dealership boasts a cafe with burgers that

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are delicious with special sauce.

In addition to its physical location, Sierra Honda also has a website where car buyers can conduct research on vehicles before coming into the dealership, including used and new cars. A live chat option is available online that customers can use to obtain more information.

Ruiz adds that another contributing factor to Sierra Honda’s success in providing an excellent experience for customers is its team chemistry: many of the dealership’s employees have been working there for a long time.

“That speaks a lot because it shows that Sierra takes care of their employees. We are in the

business for the long haul so not only do we want to make sure our guests are happy, Sierra makes sure that everyone that works here is happy. Having happy employees makes happy customers,” he said.

Sierra Honda is part of the Sierra Auto Group, which includes dealerships that sell Chevy, Mazda and Subaru vehicles.

Sierra Honda 1450 S Shamrock Ave. Monrovia, CA 91016 Hours Monday to Friday: 8am to 9pm Sunday: 10am to 8pm P h o n e : ( 8 0 0 ) 3 3 3 - 0 4 9 7.

8[m\ik`j`e^ Jlggc\d\ek

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 11-14, 2016 D

D june 11-14, 2016 • LA WeeKenD ASIAn jOuRnAL

Marketplace & ShowrooM

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MRT-3 offers free Wi-Fi through tie-up with Globe The Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT-3) has started providing passengers with free access to Wi-Fi through a partnership with communications giant Globe Telecom, the telco said on Thursday, June 9.

This comes after Globe and the MRT management signed a memorandum of understanding allowing Globe to deploy wireless internet infrastructure in all MRT3 stations along epifanio Delos Santos Avenue (eDSA).

Globe Senior Vice President for Program Governance, Network Technical Group Joel Agustin said that this partnership cements its commitment to continuously improve the experience of com-

muters. “. . . This partnership is a milestone that is expected to improve the experience of the public riding the MRT, including those in the communities surrounding the MRT stations,” Agustin said.

“With the support of government agencies such as the operators of the MRT Line 3, we hope to change the experience of our customers in high foot traffic areas and strategic locations such as public transport systems,” he added.

Agustin further said a reliable mobile and Wi-Fi internet connectivity allows customers to catch up on emails, keep updated on online entertainment and other

communication requirements. he further said it will also help address existing challenges on mobile signals along eDSA, especially during rush hours.

This is expected to benefit about 350,000 commuters who will have free Wi-Fi access for 30 minutes daily, he added.

At present, Globe has set aside for 2016 a capital expenditure of USD750 million, the bulk of which will be used to boost data capacity and expand network reach.

The telco will also increase the capacity of its network for both mobile and wirelines using different technologies, including 3G, LTe and Wi-Fi. (ManilaTimes. net)

‘Sin’ tax collections rise to P8.89 B in April

by Prinz

Magtulis Philstar.com

MANILA—excise tax collections from tobacco and alcohol products rose 1.09 percent to P8.89 billion in April from a year ago, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) reported on Thursday, June 9.

The small increase, however, was more than enough to exceed the P7.85 billion target for April. Collections breached goals across-the-board, but were down year-on-year for cigarettes.

“The decrease in excise tax collection in cigarettes...is still largely due to the implementation of Graphic health Warning law,” the BIR said.

Jo-Ann Diosana, senior economist at think tank Action for economic Reforms (AeR), agreed.

“This is just a temporary decrease. The companies are adjusting to comply with the new law so obviously, volumes will decrease for now,” Diosana said.

RA 10643 took effect last March and required cigarette packs to contain photos showing health repercussions of smoking.

As a result, BIR said factory withdrawals of cigarettes dropped by more than quarter in April.

This, in turn, resulted in a 11.9percent decline in tobacco revenues to P4.88 billion in April.

In contrast, supplies of fermented liquors and distilled spirits rose around 14 and 15 percent, respectively. Tax collections went up 24.6 and 20.6 percent.

“The social costs of smoking is much more than the revenues

From January to April, sin tax collections reached P35.5 billion, up 16.5 percent from last year and beating the P32.58-billion target during the period.

we are collecting from it. If non-smoking results into better health, then that’s good news,” Diosana said.

AeR was among the lead advocates of RA 10351 that prescribed yearly upward adjustments in excise tax rates in cigarettes and alcohol beginning in 2012.

The law, meant to deter smoking and excessive drinking, allocates around 80 percent of incremental revenues to universal health care program and 15 percent to tobacco farmer support.

“Sin tax collections have consistently posted robust growth figures and exceeded targets since (the law’s) implementation, expanding our sustainable health financing capacity for the long-

term,” Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima said.

From January to April, sin tax collections reached P35.5 billion, up 16.5 percent from last year and beating the P32.58-billion target during the period.

Broken down, revenues from cigarettes went up 12 percent, fermented liquors by around 29 percent and distilled and compounded spirits by 7.9 percent.

The incoming Duterte administration plans a tougher implementation of smoking ban in public areas as well as prohibit public drinking.

“The people will adjust with that if it is implemented. There is no trade-off between that and higher revenues. Demand will adjust,” Diosana said.

D june 11-14, 2016 • LA WeeKenD ASIAn jOuRnAL

Marketplace & ShowrooM

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

MRT-3 offers free Wi-Fi through tie-up with Globe The Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT-3) has started providing passengers with free access to Wi-Fi through a partnership with communications giant Globe Telecom, the telco said on Thursday, June 9.

This comes after Globe and the MRT management signed a memorandum of understanding allowing Globe to deploy wireless internet infrastructure in all MRT3 stations along epifanio Delos Santos Avenue (eDSA).

Globe Senior Vice President for Program Governance, Network Technical Group Joel Agustin said that this partnership cements its commitment to continuously improve the experience of com-

muters. “. . . This partnership is a milestone that is expected to improve the experience of the public riding the MRT, including those in the communities surrounding the MRT stations,” Agustin said.

“With the support of government agencies such as the operators of the MRT Line 3, we hope to change the experience of our customers in high foot traffic areas and strategic locations such as public transport systems,” he added.

Agustin further said a reliable mobile and Wi-Fi internet connectivity allows customers to catch up on emails, keep updated on online entertainment and other

communication requirements. he further said it will also help address existing challenges on mobile signals along eDSA, especially during rush hours.

This is expected to benefit about 350,000 commuters who will have free Wi-Fi access for 30 minutes daily, he added.

At present, Globe has set aside for 2016 a capital expenditure of USD750 million, the bulk of which will be used to boost data capacity and expand network reach.

The telco will also increase the capacity of its network for both mobile and wirelines using different technologies, including 3G, LTe and Wi-Fi. (ManilaTimes. net)

‘Sin’ tax collections rise to P8.89 B in April

by Prinz

Magtulis Philstar.com

MANILA—excise tax collections from tobacco and alcohol products rose 1.09 percent to P8.89 billion in April from a year ago, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) reported on Thursday, June 9.

The small increase, however, was more than enough to exceed the P7.85 billion target for April. Collections breached goals across-the-board, but were down year-on-year for cigarettes.

“The decrease in excise tax collection in cigarettes...is still largely due to the implementation of Graphic health Warning law,” the BIR said.

Jo-Ann Diosana, senior economist at think tank Action for economic Reforms (AeR), agreed.

“This is just a temporary decrease. The companies are adjusting to comply with the new law so obviously, volumes will decrease for now,” Diosana said.

RA 10643 took effect last March and required cigarette packs to contain photos showing health repercussions of smoking.

As a result, BIR said factory withdrawals of cigarettes dropped by more than quarter in April.

This, in turn, resulted in a 11.9percent decline in tobacco revenues to P4.88 billion in April.

In contrast, supplies of fermented liquors and distilled spirits rose around 14 and 15 percent, respectively. Tax collections went up 24.6 and 20.6 percent.

“The social costs of smoking is much more than the revenues

From January to April, sin tax collections reached P35.5 billion, up 16.5 percent from last year and beating the P32.58-billion target during the period.

we are collecting from it. If non-smoking results into better health, then that’s good news,” Diosana said.

AeR was among the lead advocates of RA 10351 that prescribed yearly upward adjustments in excise tax rates in cigarettes and alcohol beginning in 2012.

The law, meant to deter smoking and excessive drinking, allocates around 80 percent of incremental revenues to universal health care program and 15 percent to tobacco farmer support.

“Sin tax collections have consistently posted robust growth figures and exceeded targets since (the law’s) implementation, expanding our sustainable health financing capacity for the long-

term,” Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima said.

From January to April, sin tax collections reached P35.5 billion, up 16.5 percent from last year and beating the P32.58-billion target during the period.

Broken down, revenues from cigarettes went up 12 percent, fermented liquors by around 29 percent and distilled and compounded spirits by 7.9 percent.

The incoming Duterte administration plans a tougher implementation of smoking ban in public areas as well as prohibit public drinking.

“The people will adjust with that if it is implemented. There is no trade-off between that and higher revenues. Demand will adjust,” Diosana said.

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

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 11-14, 2016 D

Southkey Place Northgate Cyber Zone Alabang breaks ground N o r t h g at e , a l a b a n g Southkey Place, the latest residential condominium development in Northgate alabang Cyber Zone broke ground last

thursday, June 9, 2016, its 17storey building located right next to the successful Southkey hub. the ground breaking ceremony was led by Keyland Corporation

president and Ceo Jose Ma. g.

Montinola, Southkey Development Corporation directors Julian garcia and tonet ramos. also in attendance were other key officials of Keyland Corporation, architect ed Pinga, Vice President for Project Development, abraham “Noy” Mercado, Vice President for Sales and Marketing and other officials. the laying of the capsule was preceded by a mass, while the formal blessing of its fully leased Southkey hub

Uber testing self-driving car in Pittsburgh DetroIt—Uber is testing a self-driving car on public streets in Pittsburgh.

Uber says it has outfitted a Ford Fusion hybrid with radars, laser scanners and high-resolution cameras. It’s using the car to test selfdriving capability and collect mapping data. a trained driver remains behind the wheel for now. Uber says it’s still in the early stages of its self-driving tests and needs to make sure the technology is safe. the San Francisco ride-hailing company says Pittsburgh is an ideal place to test self-driving cars because it has a wide variety of weather and road types.

Uber technologies Inc. announced a partnership with Pittsburgh’s Carnegie Mellon University last year. It has also opened its own advanced technologies Center, which is led by a former Carnegie Mellon robotics engineer. (Philstar.com)

Fitch lauds PH banks for prudent property loan management

by Lawrence

agcaoiLi Philstar.com

MaNILa—Fitch ratings said Philippine banks have managed their property risks prudently amid rapid lending growth, with adequate risk controls and lending standards in place.

In a report, Fitch said the residential real estate Property Index (rrePI) released by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) showed brisk but not excessive property price growth.

Fitch said results of the first rrePI suggest the robust real estate activity over the last few years has not led to significant overheating in the property market.

Fitch expects the country’s

gross domestic product (gDP) to grow six percent this year after slowing down to 5.9 percent last year. earlier, BSP Deputy governor Diwa guinigundo said the country’s property sector remained vibrant in the first quarter of the year, but there are no signs of an asset bubble in the real estate sector. guinigundo said the rrePI increased 9.2 percent in the first quarter from 5.1 percent in the fourth quarter of last year. the rrePI in the National Capital region (NCr) went up to 9.7 percent from 6.3 percent, while that of areas outside NCr (aoNCr) increased to 9.4 percent from 5.9 percent.

A month before stepping down, Henares...

PAGE D1 added. the order covers transactions involving the payment of capital gains tax on both property and non-traded stocks, donor’s tax, estate tax, expanded withholding tax, and those covered by tax-free arrangements under the law. outgoing BIr commissioner Kim henares has not replied to request for comment as of this post. estela Sales, deputy commissioner for legal affairs, declined to comment.

Disapproval Benedict tugonon, president of tax industry group tax Management association of the Philippines (tMaP), said the new order is “unjust and unfair” to taxpayers.

“Commissioner henares should refrain from issuing issuances now at this point in time, as a courtesy to the new administration,” tugonon said in a phone interview.

“We will strongly recommend to the next administration to include (this) among the issuances that should be withdrawn or canceled,” he added. according to the order, application for a certificate authorizing registration and tax clearance for property sale and transfer may be evaluated for “possible” audit.

‘Presumes taxpayers committed fraud’ If a buyer is found to not have the financial capacity to acquire the said property, a letter of authority may be issued by the concerned BIr revenue district office where the application was filed. a letter of authority is issued to taxpayers being investigated or audited. While such issuance may not stop the actual sale, tugonon

said it gives taxmen too much discretion. “this presumes taxpayers committed fraud. We all enjoy the legal presumption of good faith.

Fraud cannot be justified by mere speculation,” he said.

“BIr examiners (are) given wide latitude of discretion as to what constitute necessary documents to be submitted to determine capacity to acquire,” the tMaP official added.

Specifically, tugonon said it will be “inconvenient” for those without not required to file income tax returns (Itr) to prove financial capacity.

Under the memorandum, an affidavit will be required from the likes of minimum wage earners and even overseas Filipino workers stating their annual income, source of income and why they are buying the property. “the (order) also covers estate tax. how can the BIr investigate the financial capacity of the deceased when the owner is already dead?” tugonon said. henares, named as one of the most influential tax practitioners by a magazine last year, is stepping out of the BIr carrying controversial tax issuances that saw her drawing the ire of taxpayers.

For instance, she tried, but failed, in 2013 to require taxpayers to report on their Itr earnings charged with final taxes supposedly in a bid to better track tax evaders.

She also initially required doctors and lawyers to disclose their rates and manner of billings as part of its run after self-employed individuals said to be among the top tax non-compliant. the Supreme Court invalidated the BIr order in 2014.

building followed.

SoUthKeY PLaCe is the latest development that is redefining residential development at the heart of Northgate Cyberzone, alabang’s leading It business district and home to some of the fastest-growing Business and Knowledge Process outsourcing (BPo/KPo) companies in the Philippines. this 17-storey condominium offers a perfect balance of convenience, affordability, and practically

perfect, for the emerging class of independent young professionals with active lifestyles and a passion for life. It is located at Indo-China Drive, Northgate Cyberzone, Filinvest City, alabang, Muntinlupa City. the project is Keyland Corporation’s response to the growing demand for residential housing for BPo/KPo employees in the booming Northgate Cyber Zone in alabang. Southkey Place is only the third residential building

development in the area and only the other residential building that caters to mid-range customers and regular BPo/KPo workers to rent. It provides for an excellent opportunity for investors to own and rent out studio and one-bedroom units to BPo/KPo workers in the zone. Studio Units start at PhP 1.9 million while one bedroom units cost starts at PhP 3.8 to PhP 6 million. (Gerry P. Palabyab)

(Advertising Supplement)

D june 11-14, 2016 • LA WeeKenD ASIAn jOuRnAL

EMPLOYMENT

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EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

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