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T h e F i l i p i n o –A m e r i c A n c o m m u n i T y n e w s pA p e r

Volume 26 - No. 79 • 4 Sections – 30 Pages

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Duterte references Hitler in defense of PH war on drugs

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only moments after complaining that the international community had likened him to hitler during PresIDeNt rodrigo Duterte’s a speech in support of what has latest controversial remarks become a violent crackdown on made shortly after landing in crime currently happening under Davao on friday, september 30 his administration. drew parallels between the Philthe president faulted the interippines’ war on drugs and the national community for portrayholocaust. ing him as a “cousin of hitler” Duterte made the comparison without conducting an appropriby eric

anthony LicaS AJPress

DATELINE

USA

from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA

National, state lawmakers hope to maximize impact of AAPI vote IN celebration of National Voter registration Day on tuesday, september 27, elected officials encouraged Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) to secure their right to be heard by registering to vote. the nonpartisan organization, Asian and Pacific Islander American Vote (APIAvote), invited national and state legislators from across the country to discuss the importance of raising voter turnout amongst AAPIs during a web conference on tuesday. they are the fastest-growing demographic and electorate in America, and represent critical votes in hotly contested political contests throughout the nation, according to Democratic rep.

Judy Chu of California’s 27th district.

“We have gone from being marginalized to being the margin of victory,” said Chu during the conference. “regardless of what party you belong to, or which candidate you back, there’s one thing I know: we, the AAPI

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Filipino Veterans of WWII Congressional Gold Medal Act gets closer to passage fILIPINo veterans who fought in World War II are closer to receiving the Congressional Gold medal (CGm), one of the highest civilians awards in the United states.

After the senate unanimously approved the filipino Veterans of WWII Congressional Gold medal Act of 2015, the bill received enough co-sponsors in the house of representatives. on July 13, the bill passed in the senate and was sponsored by the likes of senators mazie hirono (D-hI), Dean heller (r-Nev.), harry reid (D-Nev.) and Brian schatz (D-hI).

As of monday, september 26, the house version of the bill received 299 co-sponsors including representatives tulsi Gabbard (DhI), Joseph heck (r-Nev.), Juan Vargas (DCalif.), mike thompson (D-Calif.), mark takai

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ate investigation. he then went on to incorrectly state that there were about the same number of drug addicts in the Philippines as there were victims of the holocaust. “hitler massacred 3 million Jews. Now there is 3 million, what is it, 3 million drug addicts [in the Philippines],” said

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US issues Zika travel alert for Philippines

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REVERED. Students pay their last respects to former Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago at the Cathedral Grottos of The Immaculate Conception Cathedral of Cubao in Quezon City on Friday, Sept. 30. Former and current government officials along other supporters shared their thoughts about Santiago and the life she lived when they visited her wake.

Philstar.com photo by Michael Varcas

Asia’s Iron Lady Miriam Defensor Santiago passes away at 71 Interment scheduled on October 2

by KriStian JaVier Philstar.com

mANILA, Philippines — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warned travelers, especially pregnant women, coming to several southeast Asian countries, including the Philippines, to postpone nonessential travels due to the Zika virus. the CDC said the Zika virus has been present in areas of southeast Asia for many years with several countries reporting occasional cases of the infection.

Although a large number of local residents are likely to be immune, the CDC could not say the same for travelers. Countries where the virus is endemic or has a

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her sleep. she was unconscious when she passed away,” her husAJPress band, Atty. Narciso “Jun” santiaAfter battling lung cancer, go, told Inquirer. senator miriam Defensor sanIn 2014, santiago was diagtiago passed away at the age of nosed with late-stage lung can71 on thursday morning, sep- cer but later declared that she tember 29. had “conquered” her illness a the senator passed away year after. while being confined at the st. her remains were brought to Luke’s medical Center in Boni- the Immaculate Concepcion Cafacio Global City. thedral in Cubao. she will be bur“she died this morning in ied on sunday, october 2, at the

by Dana

SioSon

Loyola memorial Chapel and Crematorium in marikina City.

In a statement, President rodrigo Duterte expressed his sympathies to the families of the late senator. “she is best remembered as a graft buster ‘eating death threats for breakfast’ earning her the title ‘Iron Lady of Asia,’” Duterte said, who is presently in Vietnam for a two-day offi-

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ASEAN @ 50 IN 2017

PH officials look forward to ASEAN’s 50th anniversary, PH hosting summits and meetings

by MoMar

G. ViSaya

AJPress

NeW YorK — Department of foreign Affairs Undersecretary enrique manalo led visiting DfA-AseAN officials in a filipino community townhall meeting Wednesday, sept. 28 to promote the Phiippines’ chairDepartment of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Enrique Manalo (center) with his colleagues from the DFA (from left) Edgar Badajos, Office of ASEAN Affairs director; Elizabeth Buensuceso, permanent manship next year of AseAN in its golden representative of the Philippines to ASEAN; Hellen De La Vega, DFA assistant secretary and Zaldy year. the delegation was in New York to atPatron, Office of ASEAN Affairs executive director.

AJPress Photo by Momar G. Visaya

Pacquiao admits past drug use, reaffirms support for Duterte’s crackdown by eric

anthony LicaS AJPress

seNAtor manny Pacquiao, one of the most prominent supporters of President rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs, admitted to having his own history of substance abuse during an interview with reuters on thursday, september 29. the boxing legend-turned-lawmaker discussed his past, as well as his personal and political relationship with Duterte. he described the president as a generous and forgiving person when in close company, in contrast to the tough-talking, hardedged crime fighter often referred to as “the Punisher.” “the president, he doesn’t know my experience with drugs,” Pacquiao told reuters on thursday. “he always gives a chance to people who want to be changed.”

Publicly, however, the president has ex-

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Senator Manny Pacquiao

tend the UN General Assembly, along with AseAN meetings and conferences on the sidelines. they also delivered talks at the seton hall University and fordham University in order to raise awareness of the AseAN and the work that they do among the Asian American faculty and students.

Joining the undersecretary were elizabeth Buensuceso, permanent representative of the Philippines to AseAN; DfA

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A OCTOBER 1-4, 2016 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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From the Front Page

Duterte references Hitler in defense of…

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Duterte on Friday.”I’d be happy to slaughter them. At least if Germany had Hitler, the Philippines would have [me].”

Accounts vary, but some compilations of historical records estimate that about 11 million people, including roughly 6 million Jews, were the victims of Hitler’s final solution.

The president defended mass

murder, but not genocide on Friday, saying “ I want my victims to all be criminals.”

Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella on Saturday, October 1, later added that the president was only expressing his “willingness to kill” in order to save the Philippines from succumbing to the threats posed by the illicit drug trade, according to GMA News.

As of early September of this year, 1,033 alleged drug dealers and users have been killed by police in anti-drug operations, according to ABC News. Another 1,894 people were murdered in what appear to be instances of vigilante justice. However, human rights groups say these are more likely carried out by security forces or rival criminal cartels.

The president had publicly issued a “shoot-to-kill” order for people involved in trafficking drugs and has shown little compassion for the well being of the targets of extrajudicial killings and their families.

During his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 25, Duterte referred to the murders of drug dealers and the suffering of their loved ones as “lesser crimes.”

“Drug abuse is a serious issue,” Ronald Lauder, the president of the World Jewish Congress, told CNN while attending the funeral of former Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres on Friday. “What

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FRENCH AMBASSADOR MEETS PIMENTEL. Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III welcomes French Ambassador to the Philippines, His Excellency Thierry Mathou, during a courtesy call at the Senate on Wednesday, September 28. Besides being a career diplomat, Mathou is also a scholar specialising in Asian Affairs, particularly China and Himalayan Studies, and is fluent in several Asian languages.

Senate photo by Albert Calvelo

Asia’s Iron…

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cial visit.

“Rest in peace, Madam Senator. May your legacy continue to guide this nation for many years to come,” the president added.

Presidential legal counsel Salvador Panelo said Duterte is scheduled to pay his last respects to Miriam on Saturday, October 1, adding that the Philippines “lost a great leader” with the senator’s death.

Born in Iloilo City on June 15, 1945, Santiago was one of the most notable figures in Philippine politics. She was dubbed as the “Iron Lady of Asia” for her strong campaign against corruption.

Recently, she ran for presidency in the May 2016 elections despite the doubts cast regarding her health. The 2016 elections were won by current President Duterte.

Her running mate during this year’s elections, former Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr., described Santiago’s death as “devastatingly sad news.”

“Our beacon of wisdom, intelligence and ever-present humor and good sense has flickered out.

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From the Front page

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 1-4, 2016

A

Pacquiao admits past drug use…

PAGE A1 t pressed little sympathy for the roughly 3,000 alleged drug dealers and addicts who have been killed by police during crime fighting activities, masked gunmen in possible instances of vigilante justice, or rival dealers in veiled gangland executions since his inauguration.

During his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) in July, Duterte spoke with indifference regarding widely circulated photographs of a crying woman, Jennelyn Olaires, cradling the body of her partner, Michael Siaron, a pedicab driver and alleged drug dealer who was killed by unidentified gunmen in Pasay on Saturday, July, 23.

Despite supporting Duterte’s opponent, former Vice President Jejomar Binay, early on during this year’s Philippine presidential campaign, Pacquiao has been supportive of the president’s hardline stance on drugs since the outset of his appointment as a freshman senator.

In his debut speech to the Senate, Pacquiao cited the Bible while arguing for the revival of the death penalty and its application to drug-related offenses.

“God put him there for a reason, for purpose - to discipline the people,” Pacquiao told Reuters on Thursday. He went

on to refer to Duterte as “the anointed one.”

He also shrugged off concerns regarding extrajudicial killings during the interview, downplaying them as mostly incidents of drug dealers killing each other.

Recently, Pacquiao accused Senator Leila De Lima — a longtime Duterte opponent — of bias and initiated a motion on Monday, September 19 to remove her from the chairmanship of a Senate committee investigating alleged human rights abuses connected to the war on drugs.

“It’s not my intention to remove her from the chairmanship of the committee to stop the investigation,” Pacquiao said on Thursday. “The investigation will continue. We just want to implement it in the right way.”

Pacquiao’s own efforts against drug trafficking as a philanthropist and member of the Philippine House were far less violent in comparison to the Duterte’s administration. During a Senate committee hearing investigating extrajudicial killings related to the president’s bloody crusade against crime, Pacquiao noted the relative absence of executions prior to Duterte’s election to the presidency to Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Di-

rector General Ronald De La Rosa.

“Alam nyo (You know), before this administration, I’ve been spending my own money to fight [these] illegal drugs,” Pacquiao said in August. “Yung mga pinahuli, hindi ko naman pinapatay, kundi pinahuli ko lang dahil namiminsala ng mga kabataan (Those arrested were not killed but were just nabbed because they destroy the lives of the youth).”

Whatever past differences they may have had regarding policy, Duterte and the senator once known as “the destroyer” have managed to maintain a long political and personal relationship.

The two lawmakers have known and supported each other for 15 years and both reportedly have tattoos of the initials of the Guardians Mindanao Brotherhood, a group Pacquiao called a fraternity.

Since Duterte’s rise to the presidency, Pacquiao has championed reverence for authority.

“In the past administrations, people didn’t respect the law, the leader, the authorities,” the boxer-turned-senator said.

“What Duterte is trying to do is let the people know — and put it in their hearts and minds — that you need to respect the law of the land.” n

US issues Zika travel alert for…

PAGE A1 t

lower number of cases like the Philippines, may still be unsafe for travelers.

CDC said the risk of traveling to the Philippines is unknown but is likely lower than those where Zika is newly introduced and spreading.

It advised pregnant women who traveled to the Philippines or other Southeast Asian countries to undergo Zika virus testing.

Those traveling to the Philippines and other Southeast Asian countries, meanwhile, must follow steps to prevent mosquito bites.

Other countries included in the warning are as follows: • Brunei • Burma (Myanmar) • Cambodia • Indonesia • Laos • Malaysia • Maldives • Thailand

REVITALIZING CLARK, SUBIC FREEPORT ZONES. Senator Richard Gordon, in a privilege speech on Wednesday, September 28, stresses the need to maximize the potential of freeport zones like Subic Bay in Zambales and Clark, Pampanga in boosting the country’s economic growth and providing more jobs to Filipinos. Gordon, a former mayor of Olongapo and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Chairman, lamented that Clark and Subic have not been fully utilized over the years despite their airport runways and other infrastructure. He said that he will conduct an inquiry to find out what reforms and policies are necessary for the purpose.

Senate photo by Albert Calvelo

PH officials look forward to ASEAN’s 50th…

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Assistant Secretary Hellen de la Vega; Office of ASEAN Affairs executive director Zaldy Patron and Office of ASEAN Affairs director Edgar Badajos.

“We are also here in New York to reach out to the various student groups and the Filipino community here to raise awareness of the ASEAN and the fact that the Philippines will be the chair of ASEAN for 2017,” Manalo said.

President Rodrigo R. Duterte received the chairmanship of the association during the recently concluded ASEAN summit held in Vientiane, Laos earlier this month.

The Philippines is one of the five founding members of the ASEAN, through the Bangkok Declaration of August 8, 1967 signed by the foreign ministers

of Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.

Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Vietnam complete the ten-country roster of the association.

As a group, ASEAN is the third largest economy in the world and one of the largest markets in the world, according to Manalo.

The officials are all looking forward to the hosting of the Philippines of next year’s major ASEAN events such as the summits and meetings on the sidelines. ASEAN at 50 will have the theme “Partnering for Change, Engaging the World”.

“We’re talking about change, change for the many and not just for the few, change that will help those who are marginalized, victims of calamities, among others,” said assistant secretary De

La Vega. “That means ASEAN for the farmers, the teachers, fishermen and change that they will truly feel.”

“We are all going to be very busy next year and we enjoin you to become part of the celebrations. We’re also celebrating 40 years of ASEAN-US partnership and ASEAN-Canada, ASEAN-EU relations next year,” Buensuceso said.

Next year’s summit will be the third time for the Philippines to host. The last time the Philippines hosted it was in 2007 under President Gloria Arroyo and prior to that, in 1987 under President Corazon Aquino.

“There will be two major events next year, the 30th summit around April and the 31st summit around November,” shared Patron. n

Asia’s Iron Lady Miriam Defensor…

PAGE A2 t Zika virus

• Timor-Leste (East Timor) • Vietnam According to recent reports, Zika virus cases recorded this year in the Philippines rose to 12.

Department of Health spokesman Eric Tayag said that in all cases, the Zika virus was trans-

mitted through mosquito bites with no active transmission as of now.

Government officials, meanwhile, recently began distributing anti-Zika packets containing mosquito repellents and nets starting in Bacolod City. n

She leaves the world less wise, less bright and sadder,” he said in a statement.

Santiago had sought the presidency in 1992 and lost to Fidel Ramos, and in 1998 which was won by Joseph Estrada.

Santiago served as senator for three terms. She was elected in 1995, and again in 2004 and in 2010. She first became a regional

trial court judge in Quezon City Immigration commissioner and then an Agrarian Reform Secretary during President Corazon Aquino’s administration, prior to her senatorial career.

Aside from politics, Santiago was also renowned for her academic achievements. She graduated magna cum laude and cum laude in political science and Bachelor of Laws from the University of the

Philippines, respectively. She then pursued further studies both in the Philippines and abroad.

The senator is also known for her jokes, one-liners, pick up lines, comebacks, and feisty speeches. The late senator even released a compilation of her humor entitled “Stupid Is Forever,” which is 2014’s fastest-selling and best-selling book, according to the National Book Store. n

A OCTOBER 1-4, 2016 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Dateline USa

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Duterte’s Fil-Am backers, critics tussle over alleged ouster plot

by Jun

nucum Inquirer.net

ALMOST THERE. A worker checks the water level at the La Mesa dam, which neared the critical level of 81 meters on Thursday, Sept.

20. A tropical storm will enter the Philippines this weekend but it is not expected to enhance the southwest monsoon that has brought rains to Metro Manila and other parts of Luzon.

ManilaTimes.net photo

Duterte references Hitler in defense of…

PAGE A2 t

President Duterte said is not only profoundly inhumane, but it demonstrates an appalling disrespect for human life.”

In the past, Duterte highlighted other humanitarian crises like the war in Syria to support his claims of unfair scrutiny from the international community. On Friday, he referenced the plight of displaced refugees in the European Union (EU) in a similar rhetorical appeal.

“There are migrants escaping from the Middle East. You allow them to rot and then you’re worried about the death of about 1,000, 2,000, 3,000?” said the president on Friday. “You U.S., EU. You can call me anything.

But I was never into or I am never into hypocrisy like you.”

The Philippine president’s penchant for brash commentary has lead to diplomatic flare-ups with his country’s historic ally, the United States. A defiant ti-

rade issued by Duterte ahead of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Vientiane, Laos, drove U.S. President Barack Obama to cancel a much-anticipated meeting between the two heads of state that had been scheduled for Tuesday, September 6.

In recent weeks, Duterte has also suggested that U.S. troops should withdraw their support from counterterrorism activities in the Southern Philippines, and declared an end to joint training exercises and patrols by the American and Philippine militaries, according to various sources. The president said the latter suggestion was made in hopes of currying favor with China.

White House officials say Duterte’s controversial speeches and his administration’s efforts to build stronger ties with other countries do not detract from the longstanding relationship be-

tween the two countries, according to the Philippine Star.

Earlier this week, U.S. State Department Deputy Spokesperson Mark Toner said American policymakers will continue to view the Philippines as a key partner on a variety of developing issues in the Asia-Pacific region.

In addition, Malacañang spokespersons have been quick to clarify and modify Duterte’s headline grabbing statements.

On Tuesday, September 27, Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. echoed Washington’s perspective on its relationship with Malacañang. “[Duterte] simply wants to undertake an independent foreign policy,” said Yasay on Tuesday. ”He would not overlook that we are part of an international community and that the constitution, in fact, mandates that we should carry on with amity amongst all nations.” n

population make a difference in this election.”

The November election will set the course for emergent policy debates on issues affecting the AAPI community like immigration, education and the economy, said Democratic Virginia House Delegate Mark Keam on Tues-

Filipino Veterans of WWII Congressional Gold…

PAGE A1 t

(D-HI) Jackie Speier (D-Calif.) and vice presidential candidate Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.).

The award would collectively honor the more than 260,000 Filipinos who lent their efforts on behalf of the United States during the second world war. As previously reported by the Asian Journal, less than 16,000 of those soldiers are alive today. day.

“If we don’t secure a seat at “This is a significant step forHowever, Rep. Grace Meng the table, we’re going to be on ward in the long battle for due (D-New York) of the state’s 6th the menu,” said New Jersey As- recognition of our veterans who district pointed out during the semblyman Raj Mukherji on courageously fought side by side conference that only about 60 Tuesday. with the Americans in the defense percent of eligible AAPI voters He went on to say that voter of freedom and democracy,” Mintypically registers to vote. In turnout drops dramatically, par- ister Patrick Chuasoto, Charge comparison, the registration rate ticularly amongst first generation d’Affaires ad interim of the Philipis 78 percent amongst all eligible Americans, in off-year elections. pine Embassy said in a statement.

Americans. u PAGE A6 If passed, the Filipino WWII

veterans join other ethnic military groups that have been awarded the CGM like the Tuskegee airmen, the Navajo Code Talkers, Women Air Service Pilots and more, according to Cecilia Gaerlan, executive director of Bataan Legacy Historical Society, an organization that seeks to preserve the historical significance of Filipinos’ role in WWII. The Filipino Veterans of WWII Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2015 was introduced on June 11, 2015 and was supported by the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) and the Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project (FilVetREP).

FilVetREP was formed last year to obtain national recogni-

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Duterte policies.”

Batongbacal was also concerned that the warning of prosecution of opposition and casting them as subversives was meant to intimidate and silence critics, aside from being a sign of a dictatorship-in-the-making.

“There’s no plot that we know of by U.S.-based Filipinos to oust President Duterte, although I can imagine that many Filipinos might be wishing he wasn’t the President because of the extrajudicial killings his public statements have inflamed. Instead of a plot to oust President Duterte, what some Filipinos here in the U.S. are involved with is opposition to the extrajudicial killings he publicly encourages, the

SAN FRANCISCO – Filipino American critics and supporters of President Rodrigo Duterte predictably gave different reactions to a Palace spokesman’s claim of “credible” reports of a Filipino American plot to oust the president by January next year.

Communications Secretary Martin Andanar recently alleged that “credible sources” in the United States reported a plot by some Filipino Americans to oust President Duterte by January 2017. Andanar publicly claimed that the plan was hatched in New York and that the administration already had names of people behind the consipiracy. u PAGE A5 But the organizations that recently held a memorial in Daly City for victims of extrajudicial killing and martial law victims doubted the existence of any USbased coup plot or attempts to destabilize the government.

San Francisco Kontra Libing coalition leader Rodel Rodis added that in a local radio station interview, Andanar failed to provide evidence on the alleged plot.

“There is absolutely no basis to the rumors. It is completely bogus. But from this questionable quadruple hearsay report, Andanar has launched a campaign of intimidation to quell Edwin Batongbacal (left) is concerned that recent developments on suspicion of a plot and anti-Duterte opposition from prosecution of the opposition point to a dictatorship-in-the-making and Rodel Rodis branded overseas Filipinos, even threat- as bogus and quadruple hearsay the rumored plot of destabilization by Fil-Ams in the U.S. Photo by Jun Nucum ening to file criminal charges of

National, state lawmakers hope to…

PAGE A1 t

incitement to rebellion against Filipino Americans involved in the ‘plot,’” charged Rodis.

‘Marcos playbook’ “Andanar announced that the government has compiled a list of Filipino Americans involved in the plot. Marcos also compiled a blacklist of Filipino Americans opposed to martial law. The Duterte administration is taking another page from the Marcos playbook.”

Martial Law and extrajudicial killings critic Edwin Batongbacal termed the allegation as “a disdainful effort by Andanar to cast aspersion on dissent, a crass rumor-mongering and an alarming display of the absolute inability of the Duterte presidency to tolerate legitimate opposition to

tion and awareness of the Filipinos’ efforts in WWII. They plan to conduct research on the Filipino American experience during the war and seek to bring the Filipino side of the war to light.

The California State Board of Education recently approved curriculum changes of the state’s high schools to incorporate more information about Filipinos’ roles in the war in Grade 11 U.S. History lesson plans.

Earlier this year, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) rolled out a new family-based immigration program for Filipino WWII veterans and their families called the Filipino World War II Veterans Parole Program. (Klarize Medenilla / AJPress)

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From the Front Page

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 1-4, 2016

A

US senators reconsider assistance to Philippines amid drug war

by Patricia Lourdes Philstar.com

7TH ANNIVERSARY OF TYPHOON ONDOY. Residents of Barangay Bagong Silangan in Quezon City light candles at San Isidro Labrador Parish Church to commemorate the seventh anniversary of the deadly flooding unleashed by Tropical Storm “Ondoy” in their community.

Inquirer.net photo

Duterte’s Fil-Am backers, critics…

PAGE A4 t

threat of authoritarian rule his administration bandies about, and the hero’s burial for dictator Marcos he intends to carry out,” Batongbacal added.

‘Plot a waste of time’ Anti-martial law activist and human rights lawyer Ted Laguatan has not heard of any destabilization moves, calling the plot, should it exists, a waste of time and effort.

“Duterte is doing a great job of doing it to himself. His present popularity among the Filipino masses will quickly erode as it is built on sand and blood — not on solid basic policies that improve people’s lives. They themselves will turn on him when their lives become more miserable over time. The whole world will again cheer Filipinos when that happens,” Laguatan believes.

On the other hand, staunch Duterte supporter and leader of a coalition of pro-Duterte groups in Northern California Adnan Alonto viewed the report with grave concern, saying rumors about a plot have abounded since the start of the Duterte administration.

“On the day President Duterte assumed office, I expressed cautious optimism because change is not easy and there will be those who will resist it, especially those who have benefited from the old rotten system. We are seeing drastic change unfold before us and because of this, plots and conspiracies are not far behind.

I’ve spoken to many well-meaning friends who have whispered reports of personalities involved.

I have reasons to believe in them because the president and the government are at war with very powerful and wealthy cabal of people. Some of them have benefited from drug money and official corruption,” Alonto charged.

‘Investigation needed’ Alonto thinks an investigation must be conducted since activities and actions that seek to thwart the will of the Filipino people are serious crimes and (perpetrators) should be sought, investigated and prosecuted, if warranted.

But pro-Duterte group U.S. Pinoys for Real Change in the Philippines (USPRCP) Chair Arnedo Valera of Virginia, also has not heard of any plot from the US to oust President Duterte by January 2017.

“If there is a plot, that would be next to impossible to execute such plan against a president whose popularity keeps soaring up to 91 percent favorable rating in terms of governance.

USPRCP urges the Fil-Am community to unite and give their full support behind President Duterte. We have to be patient.

Let us judge him on his programs and not on his forced habit of using “colorful language,” Valera said.

“Let us give constructive criticisms to help him succeed and not to create division and instability,” Valera exhorted. “I urge our kababayans around the

globe to respect the mandate of the Filipino people, move forward beyond the last elections and support our president. But of course we will remain vigilant as we want him and country progress and advance under the rule of law and due process.”

‘Yellow plot’ Another Duterte supporter Larry Laurel of the Batangas said that the Laurel clan regards the development as a trend of panic amongst those in the “yellow” group that won’t stop at nothing to stop President Duterte from moving the nation forward to benefit national interest and strengthen the nation.”

Laurel said further, “I am reaching out to all Filipinos not be swayed into this political maneuver your time and your lives are more precious and a rebellion is not what God would want. Give President Duterte the chance to bring the great change that our people fought for, support President Duterte in his efforts and give him the chance to prove himself.”

Digong Duterte Supporters of Northern California chapter head Kelly Dayag said that he heard from the “grapevine” that the same people they defeated in the last elections were behind the plot. He also said that the Philippine government was correct in taking the threat seriously considering the crusade against drugs and criminality.

“Fil-Ams should be pro-active, we cannot just be spectators on what will happen to the president or to our home country. We should prove ourselves that we love our country. Let’s unite and rally behind the president all he wants is for drug free and crime free Philippines so Filipinos will live a quality of life,” Dayag added.

‘Due process necessary’ Filipino veterans advocate Lou Tancinco said that if the Duterte administration really has a list of names of “extremist Filipino Americans who wish to destabilize the present government” they must be provided with due process before any punitive action is taken against them.

“I hear a lot of our clients favoring President Duterte and it is not fair that all Filipino Americans are perceived as being against his leadership of President Duterte. There is another group that speaks very strongly against the extrajudicial killings and advocates for respect for human rights but does not go to the extent of advocating for an overthrow of government,” Tancinco advised.

“Media should always be professional in reporting and maintain a balance story instead of just concentrating on the negative stories about our homeland and the Filipino American immigrants in general.

J.R. Luna, a Filipino teacher in California contended that many of those who want Duterte out of office would have nothing to do with any “illegal plots” or “illegal movement” and rather do things

Larry Laurel (left) is certain that the “yellow group” will stop at nothing to stop reforms in the Philippines by the Duterte administration, while Brotherhood for Duterte leader Adnan Alonto is gravely concerned about reports of alleged ouster plot against Duterte.

Photo by Jun Nucum

legally.

“This may be a result of an overreaction of the Duterte camp since he disdains any criticism.

Like what is happening to Senator Leila de Lima. He would do anything to make her look like a criminal to get rid of her. This is what he wants to do with critics like us. File trumped up rebellion charges against us after making up stories to make us look like criminals. Or this may also be the administration’s strategy to win sympathy,” Luna suggested. n

Viray

MANILA, Philippines — An American senator warned that the United States government may take action if the extrajudicial killings and state-sanctioned violence continue in the Philippines.

Sen. Patrick Leahy said that the spate of killings in the Philippines as a result of President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs lack respect for international human rights commitments.

Leahy noted that more than 3,000 people have been killed in the 12 weeks that Duterte announced his war on drugs.

“While there are ways we can find out which units were involved in these abuses, if President Duterte’s government is unwilling to work with us, including by refusing to investigate allegations of abuses, then we are faced with a broader issue that cannot be remedied simply by withholding assistance from specific units or individuals,” Leahy said on Tuesday, September 27.

The US State Department is yet to discuss with the Senate their current assistance for the Philippines which will affect their national budget for 2017.

“It may be necessary to consider further conditions on assistance to the Duterte government to ensure that US taxpayer funds are properly spent and until that government demonstrates a commitment to the rule of law,” Leahy said.

The senator authored the Leahy Law which prohibits the US

Police examine the rope-bound body of an unidentified man who police believe was a victim in a drug-related killing in suburban Navotas, north of Manila, Philippines Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2016. The man was found floating before dawn in a pumping station under a bridge in the early morning. More than 3,000 suspected drug dealers and users have been killed since July and more than 600,000 others have surrendered for fear of being killed in President Rodrigo Duterte’s unrelenting anti-drug campaign.

AP/Bullit Marquez

Department of State and Department of Defense from providing assistance to foreign military units that violate human rights.

“I wrote the Leahy Law, which applies worldwide, to ensure that the US is not complicit in human rights violations committed by forces that might receive US assistance, and to encourage foreign governments to hold accountable perpetrators of such abuses,” Leahy said.

Leahy stressed that stability requires legitimate governance and protection of human rights.

“I also know, as do most people, that when governments condone extrajudicial killings and forced disappearances, and prey on vulnerable populations, they are sowing the seeds of instability, not preventing it,” Leahy said

on Tuesday.

The senator added that Duterte should instead focus on improving services for Filipinos by holding law enforcement accountable and strengthening the judiciary.

Meanwhile, Sen. Benjamin Cardin said Duterte has “chosen the wrong way” in his war against narcotics.

“President Duterte, in advocating and endorsing what amounts to mass murder, has chosen the wrong way. Senator Leahy is absolutely right when he said that a lack of respect for rule of law and democratic governance breeds instability, distrust and sometimes violence,” Cardin said.

Cardin noted that more than 6,000 people would be killed as a result of extrajudicial killings in

u PAGE A6

Dateline USa

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CA Gov. Jerry Brown strengthens nation’s strictest anti-wage discrimination laws

by Eric

Anthony LicAs AJPress

TWO bills signed by California Gov. Jerry Brown on Friday, September 30 enhance what many regard as the toughest anti-wage discrimination policies in the country.

Senate Bill 1063 makes it a crime for employers to pay employees less based on their eth-

nicity. It was introduced by Democratic state Senator Isadore Hall of Compton and is modeled after existing legislation passed in 2015 prohibiting wage disparity based on gender, according to the Associated Press.

Assembly Bill 1676 was also signed into law on Friday, and is designed to prevent employers from getting away with paying women less for performing simiGov. Jerry Brown

lar tasks as other co-workers. It keeps companies from using a person’s prior wages as an excuse to pay them less than other people doing the same work.

One of the lawmakers who NOW OPEN. The first segment of Ninoy Aquino International Airport Expressway is now open. It will link Terminals 1 and 2 in Paranaque introduced the bill, Democratic City to Macapagal Boulevard and the Entertainment City. For the first month, motorists will not pay toll for using the expressway.

Assemblywoman Nora Campos Inquirer.net photo by Richard Reyes of San Jose, told the AP the new legislation prevents women from falling into a pattern of chronic wage discrimination based on prior unjust compensation.

A bill vetoed by the Governor last year would have made it illegal for potential employers to ask NEW YORK CITY — MemShe cited DENR’s plans to in the UN headquarters to speak about prior wages at all. n bers of the Filipino community develop Sibugan Romblon (the at the Global Leadership Forum here heard visiting Department densest forest in the world) and upon the invitation of Dr. Scott of Environment and Natural Batangas (known for marine bio- Massey and Bryan Thomas, in support of a proposed Caraga Resources (DENR) Secretary diversity).

Gina Lopez explain that social She said Filipino Americans region sustainable development PAGE A4 t justice is a component of her can contribute to prosperity and project in Mindanao.

Mukherji called upon voters department’s projects in the ru- national progress by investing Sultan Julius Mabandos, leadto cast their ballots during these ral areas. capital with the help of the Natu- er of 21 Lumad Certificate of less publicized contests, where Lopez was attending at the ral Resources Development Cor- Ancestral Domain Titles (CADTs) their voices would have a greater Global Leadership Forum timed poration (NRDC). She also said attended the UN forum, repeffect on the outcome. He hopes with the United Nations General that the leadership of President resenting his people and also the wave of political engagement Assembly.

Duterte is a catalyst for changes joined the town hall forum as a that comes with a presidential guest.

Members of the Fil-Muslim in the country. race will not dissipate in the community, the Lumad, Fil-Am The Consulate General in New Lopez addressed environmenyears that follow. press and National Federation tal issues such as open pit min- York and the Philippine Embassy “2016 is going to be the largest for Filipino Concerns attended ing in Davao and Caraga region, in Washington, DC have been mobilization effort of AAPI voters the event organized by the Phil- and protection of local farm- in conversation with Dr. Scott we’ve ever seen in history,” said ippine Consulate. ers and fishermen. Presidential Massey, the Department of AgAPIAVote Executive Director Lopez explained that the en- Spokesperson Secretary Abella riculture in Washington DC, and Christine Chen. vironmental resources of the was also on hand to convey the Sultan Mabandos on the proHowever, time is running country should benefit the local government’s official position on posed Caraga development projout. Registration forms must be population and laid out plans that criminality, peace and order and ect in the Lumad’s ancestral land postmarked or submitted online include prioritizing happiness, the government’s ongoing war involving sustainable practices

by Friday, October 14 in New health, environment, economy on illicit drugs. that preserve the environment.

York, Tuesday, October 18 in and peace and order.

Earlier in the day, Lopez was (Inquirer.net) Nevada, and Monday, October 24 in California.

APIAVote partners will conternational law. campaign, Cardin said. tinue to conduct outreach and PAGE A5 t “But these recent reports of “I too am greatly concerned signup events throughout the the country by the end of the year thousands of extra-judicial killings that unless we are able to see a registration period in 25 states at based on the current trends.

The killings have been attribut- as well as detentions and a lack of more constructive approach on grocery stores, cultural centers, temples, boba shops, and a wide ed to drug suspects who report- respect for international human these issues from the governvariety of other locations. These edly resisted arrest but the presi- rights commitments are profound- ment of President Duterte — an approach that is just as serious gatherings also allow people to dent rejected calls to investigate ly troubling,” Cardin said.

Cardin added that the killings about combatting the scourge of check the status of their reg- the deaths and claimed that the undermine the mutual goals of narcotics, but approaches the isistration, learn what’s on their killings were lawful.

Duterte has also declared the the Philippines and the US to up- sue in a legal framework — that ballots, and develop a plan for November 8. (Eric AnthonyLicas killings of drug suspects as proof hold liberal democratic values in we may need to consider taking the success of his anti-narcotics the region and to strengthen in- these steps,” Cardin said. n / AJPress)

DENR Sec. Lopez explains vision to Fil-Ams in New York

National…

11/01/16

US senators reconsider assistance to…

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Dateline PhiliPPines

A

‘Arrest me!’ De Lima nearly breaks down US-PH war games to end this year

by Jefferson

And

AntipordA CAtherine s. VAlente

by eriC

ment spokesperson John Kirby said on Wednesday that MalacaPHILIPPINE President Rodri- ñang had sent no official notice go Duterte made comments sug- for American troops to leave the gesting the end of joint military Philippines.

Just as they had for previexercises with the United States ous headline grabbing outburst in favor of improved ties with China and Russia on Wednesday, made by the president, officials September 29 while speaking in in Manila acted quickly to clarify Wednesday’s pronouncement.

Hanoi, Vietnam.

ManilaTimes.net

“ENOUGH! Arrest me!”

This was Senator Leila de Lima’s challenge to President Rodrigo Duterte in another emotionally charged news conference where she addressed a plan by lawmakers to show her alleged sex video, and insinuations that she had something to do with Wednesday, September 28’s stabbing incident at the New Bilibid Prison.

De Lima, who is accused of getting millions in payoffs from prison drug syndicates when she was Justice secretary, called on the President to just order her arrest.

“Tama na. Hulihin niyo na ako ngayon! `Yun naman talaga ang gusto niyo! Ikulong niyo na ako ngayon! (Enough! Just arrest me!

That’s what you really want! Just put me in jail!)” she said.

“Tama na po! Stop it! Stop the madness!” the neophyte lawmaker said as she chided the President for mistakenly accusing three Pangasinan officials of also being involved in illegal drugs.

Duterte on Tuesday apologized to Pangasinan Rep. Amado Espino, former Pangasinan provincial administrator Rafael Baraan and provincial board member Raul Sison for their erroneous inclusion in a “drug matrix” with de Lima.

De Lima said: “I’ve been telling you Mr. President but you’re not listening … I warned him already, he’s starting to lose face … the information being fed to you, it’s all lies.”

The senator said she had been losing sleep and that the allegations had taken their toll on her health and her family.

The senator also cried foul over claims she might have had a hand in the prison brawl that resulted in the death of a Chinese drug convict and injuries to three others including Commando gang leader Jaybee Sebastian.

Sebastian is being urged to testify against de Lima before the investigation of the House Committee on Justice on the proliferation of illegal drugs at the national penitentiary.

Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez on Wednesday expressed suspicion there were “forces” who wanted

Anthony liCAs

Senator Leila de Lima

to stop Sebastian from testifying.

“What are they trying to insinuate? That it (brawl) was my doing? They are the ones harassing me. They are blaming me for everything,” de Lima said.

The senator said the incident could be another way of the government to persuade Bilibid inmates to testify against her. If this is the case, de Lima said, the

AJPress

Duterte cited China’s opposition to the U.S. military’s participation in drills and naval patrols conducted in the South China Sea as the reason for his most recent controversial declaration, according to the Associated Press. government had reached a new The president said his country level of “murderous policy.” would continue to honor the 65“These prisoners are supposed year-old defense treaty between to be under the government’s the Philippines and the U.S., protection. To threaten them but next week’s scheduled war with violence and murder simply games will be the last. because they refuse to be used in “I would serve notice to you the ongoing House hearing is the now that this will be the last miliheight of mafia tactics and gang- tary exercise,” he said. “Jointly, ster-style operations that makes Philippine-U.S., the last one.” u PAGE A10 However, U.S. State Depart-

The AP reported that Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. said U.S. troops will continue to train with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) until 2017 in accordance with agreements made during administration of Duterte’s predecessor, Benigno S. Aquino III.

u PAGE A9

A OCTOBER 1-4, 2016 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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OpiniOn

Features

Choosing words

ADMINISTRATION officials prefer to attribute the weakening of the peso to actions of the US Federal Reserve. But the administration cannot completely ignore observations of investment analysts that statements issued by President Duterte are creating uncertainty, which contributed to pulling down the peso this week to its lowest level in seven years.

The peso has recovered slightly and diplomats have so far maintained that the governments they represent would continue to pursue friendly ties with the Philippines. But privately, several diplomats have reportedly started relaying to Philippine officials concerns raised by businessmen from their countries about the drugrelated killings and the pugnacious volatility of President Duterte.

Investors like stability and a measure of predictability. And like it or not, business sentiment can pull down the peso. Credit rating agency Standard & Poor’s announced it was not downgrading the Philippines’ investment grade, painstakingly attained during the previous administration. But S&P noted “rising uncertainties” that would prevent a rating improvement in the next two years.

Investment analysts also said recent statements issued by Duterte, including those against long-

standing friends, were eroding business confidence.

That sentiment contributes to other pressures on the Philippine currency. While depreciation may be good news for exports, the sector that keeps the economy afloat in the worst of times will be hit hard by a weaker peso: Filipinos working overseas.

Positive credit ratings, which make doing business easier in the Philippines, can also quickly change for the worse if political volatility becomes chronic. While the rating agencies bombed big-time in the last financial crisis, their assessments still serve as guides for investors – people who create jobs and drive economic growth in the countries where they choose to operate.

Words can be deemed so powerful scores of puting the impact of hurtful words on the nation’s journalists have been murdered in this country for allies, the administration should not discount the critical commentary or reporting. Instead of dis- possibility that statements and consequent nega-

Guest Editorial

Philstar.com photo

tive media reports can be bad news for the economy. There is nothing to lose and everything to gain in speaking with prudence. (Philstar.com)

A majority of Filipinos in America believe Clinton beat Trump during their first presidential debate AFTER the much-anticipated, most watched presidential debate in history, a majority of Filipinos in America who tuned in on Monday, September 26 said Democratic Party nominee Hillary Clinton won this round versus Republican Party nominee Donald Trump.

In an online viewer poll of The Filipino Channel’s daily newscast “Balitang America,” 65 percent of the viewers who voted said Clinton won the debate over Trump, stating that the Democratic nominee seemed more prepared and was very specific in her answers to policy questions.

The remaining 35 percent thought Trump won, contending that he was tough on Hillary and did not back down as they discussed the issues.

round of debate in both form While the “Balitang America” and substance. poll was not scientific as the tabu- The Fil-Am Gonzales, however, said these lation was based on viewers who two candidates already have the actually voted in the online poll, Perspective support of their loyal base withthe results came close to the nain their own respective parties. tional poll conducted immediately What would really be critical is after the debate. how much each of them would According to the CNN/ORC poll be able to gain among the undereleased after the event, 62 percent Gel SantoS-ReloS cided and independent voters. thought Clinton won compared to In the earliest poll post-debate in two key battle27 percent who felt Trump won.

Filipino-American Political Science professor ground states, Clinton seems to have gained more Jay Gonzales of the Golden State University in San ground than Trump.

According to CNN, a Mason-Dixon poll of likely Francisco told me in my interview on “Balitang America” that he thought Clinton won the first voters in Florida found Clinton leading Trump 46

percent to 42 percent, just outside of the poll’s margin of error.

CNN further reported that Clinton is ahead of Trump by 7 points in New Hampshire, according to the new WBUR poll released Friday after the debate. Clinton had 42 percent support to Trump’s 35 percent.

The next debate will be on October 9. Abangan! *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https://www. facebook.com/Gel.Santos.Relos

How responsible are we as American citizens? Do we vote?

WHILE grocery shopping at a major Rhizomes seafood market, Filipina shoppers hesitated to pick up the free community dailies. One said, “They do not report the Prosy AbArqueznews, they change DelAcruz, J.D. the news.” Philippine News, Weekend Balita, Manila Express, and the Asian Journal were on the display rack. I could not pass up the chance to demur. About to exit, I came back.

I said, “This is credible (pointing to the Asian Journal), as I write for them.

They assign journalists to cover events.”

To which the lola quickly shared with her friend, “Iyon naman pala. Heto, kunin na natin.” They took copies of the Asian Journal and added Philippine News.

I have been covering events and doing interviews for the Asian Journal, one month short of 10 years. At those events, I regularly see journalists from Balitang America and the Asian Journal. But, for mainstream events, like the Democratic National Convention, I saw Paul Henson, Don Tagala and Rommel Conclara of Balitang America, and Momar Visaya and Christina Oriel from the Asian Journal.

Do we regard first person interviews as higher/better sources of information?

In mainstream journalism and even scientific fields, we value objectivity. Do we form conclusions based on observable facts or do we simply parrot and echo the partisan opinions of faux news from television stations?

Objectivity is illustrated by taking care to present not just the sentiment, but the sum and substance of the issues, the opposite perspectives, the subjects with their insights and at times, and consequences of each perspective.

I was elated when I saw Balitang America reporters at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Philadelphia and personally conveyed to Rommel Conclara and Don Tagala how I appreciate their work. I trust their broadcast pieces as they are comprehensive, with both sides presented, and when verified, they withstand scrutiny.

If Steve Angeles reports on a sports event, much like his award-winning documentary on Michael Martinez, I learn about the athlete’s journey but also, the sacrifices needed to achieve his Olym-

pic dreams and how the Los Angeles community came together to support him.

This comprehensiveness of coverage from all three comes from sustained presences at events.

The values of our Asian Journal publishers, Cora and Roger Oriel, continue to animate our work: harmony, love of country and community. From those values, we write from first-hand observations, interviews, foregoing meals at times, to commingle with DNC delegates, enjoying research, verification and synthesis to know the history, the context and to gain a broader understanding and importance.

Much of the political and feature stories are derived from a strong work ethic, of going the extra mile to give space to Filipino-American voices, not normally covered by mainstream news and positively highlighting what makes our FilAm communities succeed in America.

But do you know what matters to our country and to our community here in America?

Knowing what matters to our American communities is the outcome of a strong work ethic, working with sustained curiosity, care and concern for our community, but also a high regard for excellence.

We now frown on the “shallow and superficial” reporters of a past generation where the earlier generation of community newspapers preferred to “cut and paste” and failed to give us the Fil-Am perspectives on what it takes to build a community in America.

It linked us to the “loud perspectives,” emanating from the Philippines, without regard to our innate abilities to form credible perspectives and conduct mature independent discourses to unify us as community members. We were kept divided and we stayed divided.

News at the national and international levels echo favorite ringers and repeat rhyming phrases printed on Philippinebased newspapers and broadcast television. Yet, they do not illustrate the true needs of our caregivers to be paid their due wages, including overtime pay, or the struggle of our kababayans to find effective health care services, until the Affordable Health Care Act (or Obamacare) covered these needy citizens,

Americans) sharing these: “Failor the need to have our families reunited through comprehensive ure is not an option. Mediocrity immigration reform. is not our American standard, If we relied on these “cut and but excellence and quality in our paste” newspapers, we will be work products.” misled and made to believe that Gone are the days of Harry Reaour community cares less about soner, Mike Wallace, Ted Koppel, voting in every election. We will and Peter Jennings, the best jourbe misled that we simply care nalists in my book. I remember more about seeing movies about watching them from 7 p.m. World celebrities, the likes of KathNNews to Nightline and not for once iel (Kathleen and Daniel) JaDine doubted what they reported.

(James and Nadine).

When Peter Jennings died, we This is why I strongly believe were in Canada. His life story was that Momar Visaya’s news stories featured on Canadian television on the DNC and Christina Oriel’s and their newspaper, The Globe featured headliners on both the and Mail, featured his story of DNC and Republican National mentoring young journalists, his Convention (RNC) contributed to philanthropy and how he valued raising our national awareness as his Canadian citizenship. It was U.S. citizens here. Their pieces not until the last two years of his revealed more about the Fil-Am life that he opted for American delegates’ insights that we selcitizenship, at the request of one dom read in the mainstream news of his children. Imagine, the best and why our votes count and matnews anchor who delivered news ter in this election. with credibility did not vote unLike these Asian Journal retil the last two years of his life in porters, I too made it to the DNC America? in Philadelphia and wrote a threeWould you be a silent “wanJessie Lichauco, a 104-year-old American expat in the Philippines part series on democratic partici- registered to vote and will cast the ballot for Clinton/Kaine. nabe” American voter? Why not pation. By attending, I came to step forward now, it is as simple history-making event. know of a grandma and why she as going online. We are one of the They came in all rainbow colors and more technologically literate communisupports Hillary Clinton, following her three decade-career of what she did while I witnessed dissenting delegate ties and are able to work with computfor the public’s common good. I also voices. I also saw Senator Bernie Sand- ers to do animation work, be illustralearned that Larry Itliong, a labor union ers lead the Vermont delegation to ask tors, and even filmmakers. leader who spoke in many languages, for Madame Hillary Clinton to be deDo we take moments to do research clared by acclamation, as the DNC’s on each measure and ballot proposiattended the DNC. Larry Itliong persuaded Cesar presidential candidate. tion? Do we read about the candidates My thoughts then: if thousands sac- or do we simply rely on the faux news Chavez to join the farmworkers’ strike, started and initiated by Filipino farm- rificed to be represented in this conven- on television? workers, for better working conditions tion, why would I not?

Do we even attend community events Yes, we all can sacrifice a bit more and workshops to know what these poand higher wages, a measly 0.25 cents per crate of harvested grapes. One to give back to America, the country litical candidates support or do we supwould think that this measly increase of which gives and continues to provide port the candidate who looks handsome 0.25 cents was reasonable, yet the farm us opportunities for a new life! or beautiful and how to be a celebrity Having sacrificed for our American figure on television? owners refused these farmworkers, leading to an international and national citizenship, do we now vote for our Do we know that only the DNC can grape boycott. Do we know that about families’ quality of lives? proudly say that its history includes Do we now realize how our American opening its nomination ranks to people our forefathers in America? Do we even know that our forefathers were here citizenship was derived? Some families of color and now, a woman? as shrimp farmers in the 16th century, sacrificed two to three decades of waitI was inspired when I saw a Facebook much earlier than the English pilgrims ing here, working and taking on jobs as photo of Jessie Lichauco, a 104-yearthey come, while other family members old American who resides in Manila who established Thanksgiving?

By attending the convention, I per- feel abandoned, waiting in the Philip- and registered to vote so she can cast sonally witnessed parents holding pines to come here. her ballot for Hillary Clinton.

Or muting our wants, prioritizing our their newborns, as older grandparents I hope you know what is at stake this walked with canes and rode on wheel- family needs in America? election. When a presidential candidate Or how we got mentored to work with declares his hatred and contempt for chairs, all while enduring the heat and humidity of Philadelphia (which rose to others to adopt workplace standards? I Mexicans, Muslims, Asians, Jewish do104 degrees) just to be present at the still remember my mentors (Filipino/a u PAGE A9

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

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Dateline PhiliPPines

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 1-4, 2016

A

VP Robredo, other lawmakers object showing of De Lima’s ‘sex tape’

by Dana

SioSon

AJPress

7TH ANNIVERSARY OF TYPHOON ONDOY. Residents of Barangay Bagong Silangan in Quezon City light candles at San Isidro Labrador Parish Church to commemorate the seventh anniversary of the deadly flooding unleashed by Tropical Storm “Ondoy” in their community.

Inquirer.net photo

Why Donaire won’t vote for Pacquiao as president

by Dino

Maragay Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines — They may share the same trade and distinction as world-class Filipino boxers, but Nonito Donaire Jr. isn’t a fan of Manny Pacquiao the politician.

And if Pacquiao, currently a senator, decides to go for the highest public office in the land someday, he won’t have Donaire’s vote for now.

“Honestly, I probably wouldn’t [vote for Pacquiao as president],” the Filipino-American boxer said in a video posted by Luis Sandoval of fighthype.com.

Donaire is in Los Angeles to promote his WBO super bantamweight title defense against Magdaleno, which, interestingly, will be held in the undercard of Pacquiao’s fight with Jessie Vargas in November 5.

After taking the dais and talking about his upcoming fight, Donaire spent some time talking to reporters, even about things other than boxing. He was then asked about his thoughts on Pacquiao running for Philippine president in the future.

Donaire pointed out that Pacquiao lacks the commitment at this point.

“In order for you to become the president, you have to take the words of the people, you have to be there, you have to have the

Senator Manny Pacquiao and Nonito Donaire

time,” he said.

Pacquiao is known to wear different hats, and in fact, has chosen to hold his training for Vargas at a gym near the Senate office in Pasay City after sessions.

Some observers believe Pacquiao has set his sights on the presidency, with the senate as his springboard. He had been congressman representing Sarangani province, and was noted for his absences, which Donaire also singled out.

“He’s not presented himself well as a politician. He’s presented himself as a celebrity,” said Donaire. “For once, he is the most absentee in the congress.”

“But in terms of becoming the president, you have to put your effort, your mind,” he added.

Pacquiao’s commitment to his duties as a public servant has again been put in question when he decided to resume fighting just five months after announcing his retirement. After defeating Bradley last April, Pacquiao said he is hanging up his gloves to focus on politics.

The Filipino then quickly changed his mind, announcing his fight with Vargas. And Donaire has called him out for it.

“Sometimes you gotta be true to your word. I love Manny, he’s a great friend of mine, but I’m looking at it as a man who wants the country to become better,” said Donaire.

“In order for him to get my vote, he has to commit. If he says ‘I’m retired’, then you stay that way.” n

US-PH war games to end this…

PAGE A7 t

“He was simply saying, for now, taking into account the political reality, he does not want the joint military exercises to continue,” said Yasay on Wednesday.

The president said he intended to foster “new relationships for trade and commerce” with China and Russia.

Meanwhile, frequent off the cuff statements from Duterte have colored the relationship between his administration and Washington with tension and placed Philippine diplomats on near-constant damage control.

He had suggested that the presence of American soldiers were contributing to hostilities in the Southern Philippines. Duterte said that they should withdraw

their assistance from counterterrorism efforts in Mindanao earlier in September while speaking to leftist lawmakers, according to the Philstar.

Presidential spokespersons later stated that U.S. surveillance capabilities were vital to the AFP’s efforts and Duterte was speaking out of concern for the well-being of U.S. forces.

In recent months Duterte has threatened to pull the Philippines out of the United Nations, derided U.S. Ambassador to the Philippine Philip Goldberg for being a “son of a b*tch” and “a gay” and reportedly used similar language to describe U.S. President Barack Obama.

“I do not have any master except the Filipino people, nobody

but nobody,” Duterte told reporters ahead of the ASEAN Leaders’ Summit held in Vientiane, Laos earlier in September. “Putang ina, I will swear at you in that forum.”

Obama decided to cancel a much-anticipated face-to-face meeting with Duterte following the publication of those comments.

Duterte penchant for brash commentary risks damaging more than egos, according to U.S. security expert Richard Jacobson.

“The U.S. geopolitical stakes in the region are much too high to react to his hyperbole,” Jacobson told Reuters. “The current attitude in Washington is mature — more of patience than feeling provoked.” n

How responsible are we as American…

PAGE A8 t

nors, women (to call them pigs and housekeeping) and gold standard families of military veterans and those disabled, including Pope Francis and even our current Pres. Obama, it is time to believe he is who says he is. Full of hatred and bigotry, he has no room in any of the political public squares.

It is time to be heard as an American citizen of Filipino descent, and vote! But, first make sure you are registered to vote by checking www.registertovote.ca.gov before Oct. 24.

Be informed, and then, go to the polling booth and vote!

*** 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.

OPPOSITION to the showing of Senator Leila De Lima’s supposed sex video is gaining more ground as more legislators and political groups are slamming the proposal to view it during the next week’s congressional hearing on the alleged drug trade at the National Bilibid Prison (NBP).

“As a longtime advocate for human and women’s rights, I am profoundly disturbed by a proposal that amounts to the public shaming of a woman and the infliction of grave harm on her dignity as a human person,” Vice President Leni Robredo said in a statement on Thursday, September 29.

The vice president added that it will not “contribute to a substantial discussion of the issues being taken up.”

Robredo, also a member of the Liberal Party (LP) like De Lima, made her pronouncement after Speaker Pantaleon “Bebot” Alvarez said he would permit the viewing of the alleged sex tape.

“I don’t see anything wrong if we show it to the public so the people can judge if it’s true or not,” Alvarez said in an ambush interview on Wednesday, September 28, denying that it was a form of “slut-shaming” De Lima.

According to Alvarez, the video is the only evidence that could prove De Lima had a relationship with Ronnie Dyan, her supposed lover and driver who purportedly collected payoffs for De Lima from the NBP drug trades.

However, Commission on Human Rights Chairperson and former Akbayan Rep. Etta Rosales warned House members that showing the video violates the constitution.

Rosales reminded Alvarez and Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II that if the proposal pushes through, they would be held liable for violating the Anti-Photo and Video Voyeurism Act of 2009 that prohibits the recording, distributing, and publish or broadcasting a photo or video of sexual acts of private individuals.

Additionally, it would also violate three laws: the anti-voyeurism law, the anti-wiretapping law

and the Revised Penal Code on crimes against honor, according to a joint statement released by LP members, Senate President Pro Tempore Franklin Drilon and Senators Francis Pangilinan and Bam Aquino.

On Friday, September 30, women lawmakers in the House of Representatives also expressed their disapproval of the plan.

“The plan to show an alleged video of a Senator in the performance of a human act has nothing to do with what the House Committee on Justice is investigating. Furthermore, doing so is clearly illegal,” the joint statement read.

“We, as lawmakers, must always be reminded of our duty to protect and preserve the law.

The House of Representatives, as an institution that crafts and enacts laws, must not be the first to break them.”

The women’s group Gabriela, Diwa party-list, and Makabayan bloc of party-list also expressed their opposition through separate statements.

“No man, woman or child, no

u PAGE A10

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PH asks Vietnam to work for unified, cohesive approach on sea dispute

by Christina

Mendez

Philstar.com

HANOI – President Duterte enjoined Vietnam President Tran Dai Quang to work for a “cohesive” and “unified” approach to resolving conflict over territories in the South China Sea during their bilateral talks here on Thursday, September 30.

Duterte also encouraged countries belonging to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to work within a peace framework in resolving the maritime issue.

In his opening statement before the bilateral talks, Duterte expressed solidarity with Vietnam, which is itself embroiled in the South China Sea dispute.

The President stressed any initiative to resolve the maritime row, whether “bilateral, unilateral or whatever arrangements,” should come from ASEAN member-states, “especially those with stakes” in the issue.

Duterte has vowed to chart an independent foreign policy and has even talked about crossing the Rubicon in his dealings with the US. He said he is ready to enhance trade and commerce with Russia and China, both potential US adversaries.

China’s nine-dash line claim covers almost the entire South China and extends to the coastlines of smaller Asian countries.

It has been reclaiming lands in disputed waters, apparently to

YOUTH POVERTY REDUCTION CHALLENGE. Sen. Cynthia A. Villar poses with students from various universities and colleges from the National Capital Region and nearby provinces during the launching on Thursday of the 1st Villar SIPAG Youth Poverty Reduction Challenge, a friendly competition among college students, OSYs and other youth groups for the Top 10 Social Enterprises which seeks to reduce poverty in the country. The launching was attended by students from Manila, Las Pinas, Muntinlupa, Quezon City, Cavite and Batangas, among others.

Senate photo

President Duterte with Vietnam President Tran Dai Quang

further strengthen its hold on areas it claims as its own.

“I do not believe that any other country would do any talking for us,” he said, adding the Philippines and Vietnam “have not been in regular contact with each other.”

He added that while “we do not talk contradictory,” it “would be good if there is a cohesive and unified stand for us all.”

The President’s statement was cut as television crews were asked to leave after the video and photo opportunity.

In a press briefing, Foreign Af-

fairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. explained there is no conflict between the Philippines and Vietnam over territories in disputed waters.

Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to respect the rule of law as embodied in the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

“The Vietnamese and Philippine position on the handling of the dispute on the South China Sea are convergent. There is no conflict. We have agreed to – like the other ASEAN members, of

u PAGE A11

‘Arrest me!’ De Lima nearly breaks…

PAGE A7 t

this government worse than a narco-state,” she added.

‘Take a break’ Duterte on Wednesday said De Lima should take a break to avoid a nervous breakdown.

“She’s a lawyer. She’s bright.

I think she’s breaking down. I would suggest that she take days off … I am afraid that if she continues yakking there and listening to … she will have a nervous

breakdown,” he told reporters before leaving for Vietnam.

The President however said it was de Lima who “oppressed” him when she was chairwoman of the Commission on Human Rights and Justice secretary.

Duterte pointed out that despite a number of investigations into his role in alleged summary executions in Davao City when he was mayor, no cases have been filed.

Asked to comment on de Lima’s statement Tuesday asking if he really fancied her because of his relentless tirades, the President feigned falling off the podium at the airport, to the laughter of the audience.

No to sex video Senators on Wednesday expressed their objection to the plan of the House justice committee to show the alleged sex video of de Lima, saying that aside from being inappropriate, the move could also be in violation of the law.

“Just to embarrass or just to make a scene out of the video in a hearing where millions of Filipinos are expected to watch is not necessary, with all due respect to the congressmen,” said Sen. Panfilo Lacson.

Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito said playing the video could be a violation of Republic Act (RA) 9995 or the Anti-Photo and Video Voyeurism Act of 2009.

Section 4 (d) of the RA 9995 makes it unlawful “to publish or broadcast, or cause to be published or broadcast, whether in print or broadcast media, or show or exhibit the photo or video coverage or recordings of such sexual act or any similar activity through VCD/DVD, internet, cellular phones and other similar means or device.”

Senate President Pro Tempore Franklin Drilon urged Senate President Aquilino Pimentel 3rd to discuss the “sensitive” matter with the House speaker.

Pimentel said he had no plans to come out with an official stand on the issue.

Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre 2nd claims to be in possession of three videos of de Lima engaging in sex with unidentified males.

These will supposedly explain why de Lima’s driver-bodyguard Ronnie Dayan wielded influence in the penitentiary and was able to collect payoffs from drug syndicates for de Lima’s senatorial campaign.

The President said the most “serious” charge against de Lima could be the allegation that she used drug money to fund her senatorial bid.

“The portals of the national government has been opened by her election as senator because of the drug money,” Duterte claimed. n

VP Robredo, other lawmakers…

PAGE A9 t

matter how justified the case is presented for such proposals, deserve to be subjected to the prospect of one’s private affairs exposed,” said Gabriela Rep. Emmi de Jesus.

Diwa party-list Representative Emmeline Aglipay-Villa went on to add that if the drug trade investigations resorted to “insults about looks or sexual prowess,” then “we will have failed half the population of our country.”

Makabayan bloc, a sevenmember group in the major-

ity Congress, wrote to Alvarez to formally express its “disagreement on the proposal to present before the Committee on Justice the purported sex video of Sen. Leila De Lima for purposes of establishing links between the drug trade and the senator.”

The letter was signed by Reps.

Emmi De Jesus and Arlene Brosas (Gabriela Women), Reps.

Antonio Tinio and France Castro (ACT Teachers), Rep. Carlos Zarate (Bayan Muna), Rep. Ariel Casilao (Anakpawis), and Rep. Sarah Elago (Kabataan). n

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A11

UN committee probes PH’s state of human rights

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

DIOKNO CONFIRMED. Senate President and Commission on Appointments chair Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III (2nd from left) congratulates Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno whose ad interim appointment was confirmed by the CA during plenary session, Wednesday, September 28. Joining Pimentel are (from left) San Juan City Representative Ronaldo Zamora, Senator and CA Budget and Management Committee chair Juan Miguel Zubiri, and Senate Minority Leader Ralph Recto.

Senate photo by Cesar Tomambo

PH asks Vietnam to work for unified, cohesive…

PAGE A10 t

which the Philippines and Vietnam, are members – to respect the rule of law, international law and the 1982 UNCLOS,” he said.

Peaceful settlement Yasay said both countries have agreed to go for a peaceful settlement of the disputes even after the UN arbitral tribunal recently ruled in favor of the Philippines by invalidating China’s expansive maritime claims.

“And to ensure that we pursue the legal and diplomatic processes in the peaceful settlement of disputes, we should have more restraint in our deportment, in our actions to make sure that we do not do any provocative acts that would undermine the peaceful settlement of these disputes,” the foreign affairs chief said.

He said the two countries have also reaffirmed their commitment to follow the Declaration of Conduct signed by all ASEAN members in 2002 and work vigorously for a binding code of conduct.

“And we together agreed to fully implement the Declaration of Conduct that was already approved and signed by all ASEAN members in 2002 and to proceed on a fast-track basis with the coming out of a code of conduct,” Yasay added.

“So very clearly, the position of Vietnam and China and the Philippines is solidly in line with the ASEAN’s position on the matter,” he pointed out.

Yasay noted the Philippines cannot be partial regarding the matter, especially in the wake of the UN tribunal ruling.

“Having said that, we also agreed that insofar as the merits of our claims, our concerns, we cannot be involved or be partial about it,” he said.

“Even the rest of the international community that had – one way or the other – supported Vietnam, supported us or supported China have always just simply supported our adherence to the rule of law, of which China and the rest of the international community that have expressed support for that are signatories, including signatories to the UNCLOS,” Yasay said.

Vietnam, China and Taiwan are fighting over waters west of the Spratly Islands.

Also involved in the maritime row aside from Vietnam and the Philippines are China, Taiwan, Brunei, Malaysia.

Bilateral talks Ahead of his visit to China, Duterte encouraged his Vietnamese counterpart to have bilateral

talks with Beijing over the South China Sea issue.

Yasay said the President stressed to Tran the importance of bilateral talks with Beijing.

“Bilateral engagements with China are necessary with this respect because the arbitral tribunal’s decision has no enforcement capability or mechanisms on its own,” Yasay said.

Duterte also stressed during the meeting that the enforcement and implementation of the arbitral tribunal’s decision would have to be pursued and made by the claimants themselves based on acceptable terms.

The President, according to Yasay, also stressed that “at one point in time, we will begin bilateral talks with China insofar as coming up with a solution for the peaceful settlement of this dispute in the South China Sea.” He said the President emphasized “it must be within the context of the decision of the arbitral tribunal.”

“Incidentally, we also said that the decision of the arbitral tribunal is our contribution to the jurisprudence insofar as maritime law and the interpretation of the provisions of the UNCLOS is concerned,” the DFA chief pointed out. n

THE United Nations (UN) Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights has conducted an assessment on the state of human rights in the Philippines this week, according to various reports.

The two-day review conducted on September 28 and 29 probed the Philippine delegation regarding several issues such as poverty, education, labor, human trafficking, homelessness and gender equality over the Arroyo, Aquino and Duterte administrations, as well as an assessment on a 2014 consolidated report submitted by the Philippines.

The committee will release its full report on the Philippines on October 10, along with the reports on Costa Rica, Cyprus, Poland, Tunisia, Lebanon, and the Dominican Republic.

The review, however, was not part of President Rodrigo Duterte’s recent invitation to UN rapporteurs to come to the Philippines and investigate the extrajudicial killings in relation to his administration’s drug war.

It was instead in line with

Inquirer.net photo

the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) that the Philippines ratified along with 163 other nations. The last Philippine review was conducted in 2008.

Still, the committee tackled the alleged extrajudicial killings in the Philippines under Duterte’s campaign against illegal drugs.

“In particular, Experts were concerned about the extrajudicial killings which were related to the war on drugs, and which seemed to target the poorest populations,” the UN said in a news release.

One of the 18 UN experts had asked the Philippine delegation about its “plans to stop the ex-

trajudicial killings” and its measures “to prevent the current war on drugs from becoming a war against the poor.”

Responding to the question, the Philippine delegation said its government aims “to end the culture of impunity in extrajudicial killings,” citing “the establishment of a high-level inter-ministerial committee, where the Commission on Human Rights and the Ombudsman sat as observers.”

Philippine delegation chief Rosemarie Edillon also noted the administration’s”8888” anticorruption hotline and Duterte’s executive order on freedom of information. n

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SHOWBIZ&STYLE

B

Journal

Toni Gonzaga, Paul Soriano welcome baby boy Sharon Cuneta on Bilibid issue: So ridiculous Actress-singer-host toni Gonzaga and director Paul soriano are officially parents!

On Friday, sept. 30, Paul broke the exciting news on his Instagram with a text “severiano elliot Gonzaga soriano (seve) has arrived!�

According to the Instagram post, toni gave birth to a baby boy at 5:23 a.m.

Paul said that toni and their first child are “doing great and now taking it easy.� “thank you for all your prayers and support!! God bless,� Paul added. Philstar.com photo It was in April when the Ka- toni Gonzaga and Paul Soriano pamilya actress finally confirmed toni and Paul got married on cy surfaced in February but the her rumored pregnancy on noon- June 12, 2015. artist remained mum for months. time show “AsAP.� reports about toni’s pregnan- (Philstar.com)

Maguindanao music expert who brought ‘kulintang’ to US dies in California

by Nash

maulaNa Inquirer.net

cOtABAtO cItY — the Filipino who added the Maguindanaon kulintang ensemble to western academia of music died Wednesday, sept. 28 in california, relatives said.

Maguindanao-born Prof. Danny Kalanduyan died on Wednesday, sept. 28 at the stanford University hospital in california, where he was supposed to undergo a cardiac procedure. he was 69.

Kalanduyan literally exported the Maguindanaon music in kulintang ensemble, and the two-stringed kutyapi, by teaching ethnic Music at the University of Washington in seattle, after he left the Mindanao state University (MsU) at the height of the armed conflict in Mindanao in 1973.

In 1996, Kalanduyan was granted the national heritage Fellowship Award, recognizing him as “Master Artist� in the American society, by then First Lady, and now Democrat presidential candidate, hillary rodham clinton.

Kalanduyan was a college scholar, being a member of theÂ

by Nathalie

tomada Philstar.com

shArOn cuneta simply laughed off reports that included her in the list of artists who performed at the Bilibid. the Megastar was one of the celebrities, along with Freddie Aguilar, Mocha Girls, ethel Booba, mentioned in the ongoing congressional probe into the illegal drug trade at the maximum security compound of the new Bilibid Prisons (nBP). concerts featuring popular singers and performers were a regular occurence at the nBP, that the national penitentiary became a “Little Las Vegasâ€? during the previous administration, according to a testimony by convicted ex-copÂ

rodolfo Magleo. sharon’s hubby sen. Kiko Pangilinan had earlier released a statement clarifying sharon’s past visit to Bilibid. the actress/tV host finally had the opportunity to address the issue herself at a presscon held last Wednesday for her forthcoming concert at solaire resort & casino. sharon said that when it was first mentioned to her by friends in the media, she got confused. “I said, ‘I’m so sorry... I’m so apolitical. I do not know what those letters (nBP) stand for. What are they associating me with? Kasi kumanta ka raw doon sa Bilibid. (You sang at Bilibid).’�

PAGE B3

Sharon cuneta, who’s set to return to the concert scene come Oct. 15 and 22 at the theatre of Solaire Resort & casino, laughs off her inclusion in the list of artists who performed at the national penitentiary. Philstar.

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Prof. Danny Kalanduyan

Darangan cultural troupe of the MsU, where he graduated with a liberal arts degree in 1972. he obtained a post-graduate scholarship to study and teach ethnic music at the University of Washington at seattle.

In 2013, Kalanduyan toured his mostly caucasian students to his native Maguindanao, where they shot a video documentary of the Kulintang ensemble, in a bid to trace its authentic origin in the province.

Inquirer.net photo

Last February, Maguindanao Governor esmael Mangudadatu briefly cited Kalanduyan’s professional triumphs, when he, together with his younger brother Kanapia Kalanduyan was invited to judge cultural presentations at the sagayan Festival.

Kalanduyan told his friends last January that he already wanted to come home for good.

From his home in Los Angeles, california, his family announced PAGE B2

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A night of the scribes and lensmen with Consul General Adelio Cruz

LEON

IT is said that when God wanted to separate light from darkness, day and night were created. When media men had a similar itch, they bonded together.

One can count the press clubs that are recognized, sued, demolished, resurrected until one grew grey hair. Just putting all that brain power together in one room without starting a world war, would make the parting of the Red Sea a walk in the park that compelled us to take stock of ourselves and evaluate whether, as media people, we are progressing the way we should.

Among these are to pause and reflect on the tears and laughter of the past decades, of that what has been done or undone.

He sauntered and the cameras kept snapping and adored him.

He does not feel invaded. Has the media captured him, or has he captured us?

With that human imperative to celebrate the biggest media party took place at the Glendale Hilton last Sunday, September 25. Every breathing lensmen, reporter and marketing person joined PR practitioners, digital buffs, advertising folks, artists, producers and those who counted. They dragged their families, friends, almost friends, soon to be friends. In turn, they dragged other creatures.

Tables after tables were filled with guests, as well as spilling into half of the dancing area. They feasted on stupefying meals, capped by the coveted awards galore and tributes, with Consul General Adelio Cruz as the guest of honor.

The awards were a guarantee of eternal adolescence, in the

— RECEIVE UP TO —

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

Consul General Adelio Cruz with Her Highness, Princess of Moldova, Princess Eleonora Borisovna.

Vina Nacionales

Lydia V. Solis and daughters Louinn and Mitos

Maestro Robert Shroder’s acceptance speech was most meaningful.

phantom words — it was a night reinvented just for you and me.

There were news people out there making a difference in the media world, while celebrating their lives with inexhaustible achievements. It was an eclectic mix of wondrous people who are doing good and great works at what they do. Some are heavyweights, some lightweights; yet united in their effort in their drive to do the best they can whatever their circumstances.

Even though we are aware that all tenets of the media are circling the wagon, each vulnerable to falling circulation, down slide advertising and aging demographics, we remain undaunted.

But no one could no longer pretend that nothing has changed in the newspaper business in this age of social media and the Internet.

How is the ConGen handling the demands of his time?

PAGE B4

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Features

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • OctObER 1-4, 2016

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STAHYL, My Digital Kids to headline FPAC25 Right & left sides in Feng Shui FIlIpInO-American DJ, film designer, music producer, and dancer STAHYl will be headlining the 25th anniversary of the Festival of philippine Arts & Culture on Oct. 8, 2016 at the historic Echo park lake in los Angeles, California.

STAHYl is the co-owner of America’s Best Dance Crew Season 1 champion dance crew JABBAWOCKEEZ. For many young Fil-Ams, STAHYl is a trailblazer. After striking gold with JABBAWOCKEEZ in ABDC Season 1, he went on to expand his horizons. STAHYl, together with partner KlIZO, founded their own production team My Digital Kids. A lot of people have said that the production outfit is pushing the envelope in terms of creating artistic content for the digital age.

Fil-Am youths look up to STAHYl as the original pinoy B-Boy, or “Break-boy”, a colloquial term for male breakdancers. At a time when Filipino millennials are veering away from traditional career tracks, STAHYl is showing that a career in the arts is equally or maybe even more rewarding.

This is why STAHYl is one of the most anticipated performers at this year’s festival. Whether you love him for his music, dancing, or fashion, one thing is certain – STAHYl will always be in style.

FilAm Arts social media guru nicole Arca recently caught up with STAHYl, as he prepares for his headlining performance at FpAC25. Ever the talker, STAHYl was more than happy to oblige an interview with FAA. FilAm Arts (FAA): How did you get into break dancing?

STAHYl (S): I’ve been dancing for as long as I can remember.

Some of my childhood inspirations were Michael Jackson and MC Hammer, along with the bboy movie Beat Street. My parents put me into dance classes at age 5 when we lived in Hawaii. Vegas was where the spark was ignited for me to pursue break dancing.

I started b-boying with Full Force Crew, constantly working on our battling, choreography and breaking skills. Being part of a crew through high school was important to me.

FAA: When did dance become a serious craft for you?

S: Dancing became serious for me when I went to college. In 1999, I became part of a dance company called Culture Shock San Diego.

This company opened the door for hip-hop choreography train-

By Sean

Shono

In Feng Shui, it is said that a house facing a downward slope to the left brings bad luck to male family members.

The bad luck may come in the form of injury, illness, business failture or an inferior position in the family members.

On the right side of the house, it must be the place for the “Dragon,” which is superior to the “Tiger” whose place is the left side.

Also, if the right side of the entrance hall has less space than that of the left, it will make the energies of male family members weaker. **ALL Feng Shui items must be To avoid this, place the “Feng Shui dragon” on the right side to purified by the TAOIST way.

••• control the “Tiger.”

Feng Shui master Sean Shono The “Dragon” should be facing owns Dragon God, a Feng Shui store the house inward.

StAHYL

ing, and was an opportunity for me to be a part of a multicultural diverse dance team. I loved it! In 2003, Jabbawockeez was formed as a group, and there were many successes shortly after that, including becoming ABDC Season 1 Champions, the countless shows that we have performed on the Vegas strip, and more. It was an incredible journey.

FAA: What other ventures are you currently pursuing?

S: producing music is something I am heavily involved in now.

My partner, KlIZO and I, have created our own production team, called My Digital Kids. This team has collectively worked with and produced the infamous “Beyonce male twin dancers” les Twins’ first single. And since it has hit the market, they have been able to tour with Timbaland with our track. Since then, we have dropped two more Ep’s, and are inspired to create more.

FAA: What can we see from your showcase at FPAC? S: now I’m working on my own Ep showcasing some local MC rappers from las Vegas and Hawaii.

A few of the people on my Ep are Filipinos, and they’re really, really good. I’m trying to get them to come out (to FpAC) and have them perform as my special guests.

FAA: Why is it important for Filipinos to come together and perform?

S: I feel like there are not enough Filipino artists being showcased for their talents. It is important for our community and culture to be present in today’s mainstream, to bring our flavor to the entertainment

industry. By coming together, and supporting one another, we have a greater chance of influencing the current industry and its many facets.

FAA: What do you have to say about FPAC? S: FpAC is important because it gives our community an event to come together and perform in supportive atmosphere. I feel like this should happen more often, because there are many Filipinos out there that are undiscovered and could be showcasing their talents at events like FpAC that the Filipino community can support. This is my first time going over there, and I heard it’s one of the biggest Filipino festivals. I’m excited to see the energy, and feel the vibe of our community together. Hopefully, I am able to participate in more of these community-based events.

Catch STAHYl and My Digital Kids, alongside numerous other Filipino artists and performers at FpAC! FpAC is a free event; no admission is needed for entry. FpAC is sponsored in part by the: national Endowment for the Arts, California Arts Council, California Council for Humanities, lA County Arts Commission, City of lA Department of Cultural Affairs, lA City Council District 13 CM Mitch O’Farrell, Toyota, McDonald’s, Western Union, AARp, lA-18, Asian Journal (and others).

For more information, please visit www.filamarts.org or call 213-380-3722. For sponsorship and vendor opportunities, please email info@filamarts.org. (Nicole Arca and Mico Letargo)

Sharon Cuneta on Bilibid issue...

PAGE B1 “Oh my God, that’s for my show on TV5,” Sharon recalled.

This reportedly happened back in 2012 for her talk show Sharon, Kasama Mo Kapatid.

“It was organized by Gang Badoy (of the nGO RockEd philippines) and we were doing shows outside of the studio. We went to pampanga, Davao and Cebu... and if I’m not mistaken, it was the holiday season. And everybody would do that, even with ABS-CBn, I even went to the correctional,” she continued.

Sharon said that they taped an episode at Bilibid in the hope of finding some positive stories from those living behind bars.

“When I went there, I actually talked to the (inmates) — (asking them) how is your life here, what do you do to pass your time — because

Maguindanao music expert...

PAGE B1 that he would be buried there as a Muslim.

Born Danungan Kalanduyan in Tangguapo, Datu piang, Maguindanao, Danny is survived by wife pina, sons Dennis and Yogie, and only daughter, princess Yasmin.

Dean Amir Usman, a Maguindanaon professional who also lives in the U.S., said the last time he met Danny was during the recent Eidl Adha (Feast of Sacrifice) prayer in los Angeles.

I wanted the show to reinforce positive values and to give hope to those na medyo wala na (who feel somewhat hopeless). So gusto kong ipakita pati yung mga taong nasa loob ng Bilibid. Others found God, and you’d see it in how they live their lives, others went into painting, I even bought a painting.

(I wanted to show) what are the things they do to be productive.

Others were going to school or reading. Those were the people I interviewed.”

Sharon stressed she never encountered nor could she recall

in Gardena, california. He is the U.S. chief of the International Feng Shui Association. For more information, please call Sean Shono at (310) 7871891. Dragon God is located at 1580

meeting any of the high-profile prisoners. “I never met any of (them). not even close. not even their alalays.”

“It was so ridiculous,” she described the issue. “Sabi ko nga, makagawa lang ng (issue). Siguro nag-banggit lang yung tao, ng mga pumunta dito (sa Bilibid).”

She quipped, “Sabi ko nga, nagmagandang loob na nga ako at kumanta dun (laughs) at ang banda ko, banda nila. nakikanta ako habang nagbigay kami ng something — gifts na dala namin. Tapos yung ending, ikaw pa yung... It was just so funny and (it) died right away.”

Meanwhile, Sharon is all set to PAGE B4

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Djoanna Garcia-Kocher: On faith, fame and success

Programming of Kababayan Today, October 3-7, 2016

The Global Kababayan G. TönGi Monday, October 3 - Get to know Fil-am teen singer Asia Aragon.

Tuesday, October 4 - Frederick Docdocil and Nonie Belarmino come to the show to share the festivities happening in the City of Carson next week!

Wednesday, October 5 - Mid-

week News Updates from the Asian Journal.

Kristine Surla of Artisan Made Philippines visits “Kababayan Today.”

Brandon Reilly talks about our Filipino History when it comes to food.

Thursday, October 6 - Kat Iniba shares with us the specials from Goldilocks in Southern California.

Friday, October 7 - Get to know

the organization that is bringing us the Festival for Philippine Arts and Culture to Echo Park Lake this weekend! *** 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

Sharon Cuneta on Bilibid issue...

AJ Ads 77 September 2016_Layout 1 9/26/16 2:47 PM Page 1

PAGE B3 return to the concert scene with a two-night “intimate” performance at The Theatre of Solaire Resort & Casino. Her second daughter Frankie will be her special guest.

She shared that her youngest son Miguel wants to appear in her concert as well. “I asked him what will you sing? And he said, ‘Once I was seven years old (by Lukas Graham)’ then I told him, ‘How can that be? You’re just turning seven.’

He’s so funny!”

During the presscon, the media couldn’t help but notice how much weight Sharon has lost. Her battle with the bulge has been oftreported in the press, and Sharon herself has no qualms talking about her struggles. But it is now apparent that she’s on the right track.

“When I was in Channel 5 (her previous home network), I lost weight then I gained more. When I saw myself in my TV special on ABS-CBN’s “ASAP” in January this year, when I got home, I really cried. That’s when I really made a decision. So, in nine months, I dropped about 66 lbs. Not easy!

Some months I drop three lbs., some months biglang 10, it depends on your determination.”

“The Voice” of the Philippines coach further shared, “I’m happy to be back with ABS, I’m happy with my career, and not for anything, it was my health. You have no idea what I was going through... I was hospitalized, my blood pressure hit 190/200. So, I almost died. After that, it was really for health reasons.

Whether or not magka-career ako, I really have to lose weight. I want to see my kids grow up. It was a wake-up call, a serious wake-up

age gracefully

Lu

A GREAT Athenian playwright named Euripides wrote this about friends: “Friends show their love in times of trouble, not in happiness. “ I have not read Euripides’ work but his quote describes exactly what I experienced with one of my dearest friends, Djoanna.

Djoanna Garcia-Kocher is one of the greatest individuals I know. I met Djoanna in the early 90s when things were less complicated and having “friends” was not based on getting a number of “likes.”

There were no social media then; friends met face to face when they need a shoulder to cry on. Djoanna became my advisor when I was going through the worst times in my life. She would always listen to me, and in all my troubles she would tell me one thing – “Monet, you have to seek God.” I had the privilege of writing her life story in my column and I hope that after reading this, you would have a different perspective on faith, fame and friendship.

Djoanna was a former singeractress in the Philippines. She started out as a contestant in Tawag ng Tanghalan, a talent search show when she was 15 years old. Soon after, ABS-CBN gave her more projects, and one of them was a TV show named “Stop, look and listen,” which co-stars the late Jay Ilagan, Tirso Cruz, Eddie Mercado and Tina Revilla, among others. During her flourishing career, she had a relationship with former Caloocan Mayor Macario “Boy” Asistio.

They have 2 daughters and now have 4 grandchildren.

In 2001, Djoanna moved to the U.S. when she married her husband, Vincent Kocher. Vincent is a Filipino from Davao who is one of the reassigned ons my dear friend Djoanna is always blooming. Djoanna and her husband stayed in Monterey, CA for a while and then moved to San Diego. In 2007, Djoanna received a wonderful business opportunity from her friend that made her decide to move to LA. Djoanna is the owner and CEO of Helping Hands of Beverly Hills Home Care Services. They provide nursing and caregiving services to seniors. They are looking to expand soon, as God wills.

Aside from being a successful wife and a hardworking business owner, Djoanna is a passionate singer. She still goes to singing

engagements and gigs when she can. She tries to find time to improve her craft, which she believes is her passion and her first love – after God and her husband. She says that singing really makes her really happy. In her own words: “You get a certain high when you sing in front of audiences who appreciate it.”

As Djoanna and I were talking, I asked her to talk about her faith. She recounted everything with joy and pure conviction. She said she became a born again Christian in 1980. However, she thinks that during that time, her faith was not as deep as it should be. She would go through the motions but did not feel that she has a real relationship with God. But now, by the grace of God, she dedicates more time to church and bible studies. And says that she prays every single day of her life. Djoanna goes to The Church on the Way in Van Nuys, CA. When I asked her to describe her faith now, she said, “God steered me toward the right direction. Without God, I wouldn’t be where I am right now. My faith is the most important thing in my life. It is non-negotiable. I will never give it up. It is The one thing that I will never compromise.”

I’ve known Djoanna as a very compassionate person. It is nice to see her having a far greater reason to be that way. And that is because

of her faith in Christ. She said that they’ve never been so much happier. She and her husband live a very simple life. They try to live within their means and enjoy the blessings that come their way.

As I recall when I ran to her in times of trouble, I couldn’t help but appreciate how deeply rooted our friendship is, and how much impact her words brought to me.

I remember her saying, “When you encounter these challenges, you have surrender to our Savior.

It has to be His will, not our will that has to be done. Whatever happens, I will continue to pray for you. ‘She will perform this Sunday October 2, 2016 with the help of Mr and Mrs Raquel and some friends.

To my God-fearing friend Djoanna and her husband: Thank you for your prayers and for the gift of friendship. I hope that God will continue to bless all your endeavors. *** Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, award-winning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern california and Las Vegas, Nevada.

Ultimately, Monet is known as an allaround 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

No special someone for Pia Wurtzbach as she turns 27

Sugar Pumpkins Make a Great Sidekick

by Iza IglesIas ManilaTimes.net

MISS Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach took a little time off from her queenly duties in New York City to celebrate her birthday with family and friends here in the Philippines.

Wurtzbach returned to Manila on September 24 and was feted in several gatherings for her 27th birthday. The first was a welcome and surprise party at the Le Jardin in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig organized by her closest friends, led by “Eat Bulaga” host Pauleen LunaSotto, Niña Almoro, Harley Tan, Franchesca Que, Anne Margaret Luna, and Mara Isabel Sotto.

Wearing a stunning red gown and elegant bun hairdo, she posted a picture of her lovely face when she stepped into the restaurant with the caption, “That moment your friends surprise you and they catch your reaction on camera! I have the best friends in the world! Thank you.”

Besides this mini-reunioncumbirthday party with friends, Wurtzbach also spent time with her fan club, called the “Pianatics,” who had supported her since her Binibining Pilipinas days.

“Spent the birthday with the best and most loyal supporters in the world! They’ve been cheering me on since the first day I stepped on the Binibini stage! And just like how I celebrated my birthday last year,

BY GRACE O

Stuffed Sugar Pumpkins Serves 4–6 Ingredients 4–6 sugar pumpkins Salt or salt substitute and freshly ground black pepper to taste About 4 cups applesauce

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

2. Prepare the pumpkins: Carefully remove the tops of each pumpkin, scoop out the seeds and fibers with a spoon, and clean the pumpkin tops.

PAGE B2

4. Spoon the applesauce into the cavity of each pumpkin. Depending on the size of the pumpkin, you will use anywhere from ¼ cup to 1 cup of applesauce per pumpkin. Fill the pumpkin to just beneath the top rim.

5. Replace the pumpkin tops and roast in the oven at 350 degrees for 45 minutes–1 hour or until they are tender but not mushy.

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

were reunited again! Thank you, Pianatics! I love you sooo much!” she said online for this one.

The most beautiful woman in the world ended her special night with a with a grand dinner party at the Naxional South American restaurant in Bonifacio Global City, which saw her fellow Bb. Pilipinas queens.

Earlier this year, Wurtzbach confirmed that she was indeed dating New York’s “Hottest Doctor Alive” Mikhail Varshavski. However, the romance seemed to fizzle out a few months later with lesser sightings of the pair in the Big Apple as before.

Rumors that they had indeed called it quits surfaced in May after the beauty queen posted curiously posted a photo with the caption, “Boy, I’m a prize not a catch.” She deleted it shortly after she realized the stir the post caused, immediately tweeting, “Kalma lang po.

Okay naman ang lahat. Magandang umaga!” (Please calm down. Everything is okay. Good morning!)

Nevertheless, Wurtzbach’s last reported date with Varshavski was in late April when they spent a romantic evening around New York aboard a helicopter.

With hardly any talk about Varshavski, the beauty queen’s love life suddenly became a hot topic again, two days before she flew home for her birthday. This was

after Wurtzbach posted a photo with handsome Swiss-Filipino F1 racer Marlon Stockinger. She wrote “Marloner” to accompany their photo.

Stockinger is currently based in Zurich, Switzerland.

On September 28, the birthday girl posted two successive tweets expressing her sentiments over all the buzz regarding her love life. She felt saddened by the fact that it was gaining more attention than the advocacy to which she has dedicated her reign as Miss Universe.

She posted, “I wonder why the media won’t feature our recent trip to UNICEF instea;” followed by a second tweet that said, “Which is sad because I’ve done a lot but it doesn’t seem to get more media coverage.”

A night of the scribes and lensmen...

3. Salt and pepper the cavity of each pumpkin.

© 2016 by FoodTrients.com

Even living in sunny California during fall and winter when the days are shorter and a little bit chilly, I like to prepare hearty, cool-weather produce that also happens to fall into the “superfoods” category. On the top of my is pumpkin. Their many disease fighting and anti-aging properties make them a perfect go-to food during the cold, dark winter months.

You may only associate pumpkins with Halloween, but fresh pumpkins are available from October through February. Pumpkins contain cucurbitacin, a steroid-like anti-inflammatory compound that may inhibit cancer cells. They are also loaded with carotenoids, which enhance the appearance of your skin and are converted in the body into immuneboosting Vitamin A. They also contain large amounts of potassium (33 percent more than a medium banana) and beta carotene without a boat-load of calories—49 per cup mashed. The high amounts of potassium in pumpkins works with sodium to balance the amount of water in the body. A diet high in potassium helps keep blood pressure at a healthy level and assists with the prevention of strokes.

Pumpkins contain more than 2400 mcg of the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin, which are important for eye health.

On top of all of the healthy reasons to eat pumpkin, they are delicious, and this is a great time of year for them. Sugar pumpkins are mostly used in the fall months, which is a shame because they are the best variety of pumpkin to cook with and are available well through winter. Their flesh is less stringy and watery that the larger jack-olantern pumpkins. I like to roast them for a nice holiday side dish, too. My Stuffed Sugar Pumpkins are delicious and fun to serve any time. Enjoy!

By Monet

Of the 400 or more Filipino community organizations how will he convey his boundless efforts for unification in Southern California?

Community events ranged from the sublime to mediocre, bigwig politicians drop bys, working visits, inaugurals, memorials, fashion shows, weddings, baptisms, beauty contests and tournaments, not to mention random visits of government top guns and their families who make Los Angeles a must stopover.

In his heart, the ConGen knows that in these gatherings, fierce regionalism and parochial beliefs never fail to rear ugly heads. Unpleasant skirmishes and ruffled feathers to smooth out, paradoxical alliances are stitched together.

Compromises within bounds of propriety are reached, as well as how to assure the Fil-Am community that the government he

represents understands their needs and aspirations. After all, isn’t the deepest human yearns acceptance and recognition?

You can’t profile the ConGen. He has all the good character you want your Consul General to be. He is a true gentleman, whose remarks are graceful and unstudied. We already know that he is a problem solver who reacts to specific facts, rather than extreme ideology. He did not enter nor advance, but progressed with a sangfroid so deliberate, unconquered by weariness, given a work schedule, that could break the back of a 200-pound truck driver.

He has a task force he could tap and count on. A club induction (there are more than 400 Fil-Am clubs, and is still growing) doesn’t count unless he is the induction officer. Every dinner-dance (big, small, or grand) organizer would adjust the date, to be sure he graces the occasion as guest of honor. His

demeanor is impeccable.

The ConGen is known to be subtle, disciplined, and infinitely patient. He has to socialize beyond human endurance, in order to know everyone, whether they counted or not. He is also expected to listen to grief and pain, as well as impossible demands, beside whom James Bond becomes a flavorless character. He must also protect and understand his staff, so vulnerable to a demanding— if not abusive —public.

The art of diplomacy, we’ve read, is a blend of fact, fiction and poetry.

With its peculiar commerce of hints and harmonious overtures, it is about the important, the unimportant, the tragic, and the humane.

Its persuasive message: truth, accuracy, calmness, patience, good temper, modesty and loyalty, intelligence, discernment, prudence, hospitality charm, industry courage or test. These are the qualities expected of an ideal diplomat.

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • OctObER 1-4, 2016

‘We Call Her Yolanda’ at LAPIFF 2016 on Oct. 8 CArSOn, CA — Abe Pagtama, founder and chairman, of the Los Angeles Philippine International Film Festival (LAPIFF) announced that two well-crafted film documentaries will be shown at the upcoming festival on October 7-9 at Cinemark Carson at the South Bay Pavilion. “we Call her yolanda” — which will be shown on Saturday, October 8 — focuses on the efforts of the community folks in Tacloban, Philippines to rebuild their lives after the typhoon. The film, directed by Anthony Bari Jr., features the stories of the Filipino people hit by one of the worst disasters ever recorded in 2013 and their struggles to recover.

“The whole project is about recovery. This is something about being back to living. It is about growth,” Bari said.

The film documentary follows a family expecting a child, a fisherman and several other ordinary people who talked about their livelihoods and how

the disaster has affected them. “we Call her yolanda” is a sharing of the human spirit of the Filipinos.

Meanwhile, “Coral Gardening,” a film by Silky Fox, exposes the audience to the importance of coral reefs and the need to preserve the endangered areas.

Ten feature films and 10 short

films will be in competition at the film festival to be shown October 7, 8 and 9 at Cinemark Carson.

The GMA produced film “The road” starring Alden richards will be shown at 6 pm, followed by the thriller “nilalang” (entity) directed by Pedring Lopez, starring Cesar Montano and Maria Ozawa. For more info, check out website at www.lapiff.org.

Jeslyn Santos home from Miss United Continents win

by Arlo

Custodio ManilaTimes.net

TwenTy-Three-year-old Jeslyn Santos of the Philippines was crowned Miss United Continents 2016 in Guayaquil, ecuador making the lass from Bulacan the first Asian to win the title.

She arrived in Manila on Tuesday. ecstatically, she posted on Facebook, “yey!!! Im finally home… Salamat Pilipinas! This is all for you! Puso at laban.”

There are no immediate plans yet for a ticker parade for the new queen, but Filipinos are happy that a compatriot has set the tone once again for what is there ahead in beauty pageantry.

The 5’8”-tall volleyball player bested 28 other candidates from around the world. She delivered her speech in Spanish. her winning crown was designed by Jewelry Designer, Christian Quintero, based on the concept of the five continents.

First runner-Up or Virreina/ Vice Queen was Mette riis Sorensen of Denmark. Lopamudra raut of India was Second runner-up; Taynara Gargantini of Brazil was Third runner-up;

Miss Philippines Jeslyn Santos bested 28 other candidates to win Miss United continents 2016

Cynthia Lizeth Duque Garza of Mexico was Fourth runner-Up; and rita Silvestre of Panama was Fifth runner-Up. rounding up the Top 10 were the delegates from Colombia, Dominican republic, South Africa and Thailand.

Miss Philippines was also awarded Most Beautiful Face in the contest, which was originally named Miss American Continent

until it opened its borders to beauties from around the globe in 2012.

Other special awards went to Mexico as Miss Photogenic, China as Miss Congeniality, Dominican republic as Miss Punctuality and India for Best in national Costume.

In 2015, the Philippines also made it Top 10 in the person of Anabel Christine Gonzales Tia. On social media, beauty pageant aficionados cannot help but comment that Santos’ win in ecuador was a reversal of Miss ecuador Angela Bonilla’s win in the Miss Global Beauty Pageant in Manila 12 hours earlier. The Philippine candidate, Camille hirro, was first runner-up.

Pageant history Miss United Continents began in 2006, and is based in Guayaquil, ecuador.

According to its Internet profile, the pageant is organized by María del Carmen de Aguayo, and “was created considering that there was a space in the world of beauty pageants that had not been organized globally in ecuador.”

The very first winner of the title was Mía Taveras from Dominican republic.

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COMMUNITY Journal

Your Immigration Solution Ben Loveman and nancy miLLer IMMIGRATING through marriage is a very common way to get a green card. Once a U.S. citizen and an alien agree to marry each other, they must work out the details of when and where to marry and how the immigration of the non-citizen fits into their plans.

There are three different ways to accomplish this. Two of them involve K visas. The other involves completion of the entire process in the home country via a family petition and consular processing.

K-1 visas are for fiancés of U.S. citizens. A K-1 visa requires that the parties have a genuine intent to marry; the legal capacity to marry within 90 days of entry; and have met in person at least once in the last 2 years.

In rare circumstances this final requirement can be waived for extreme hardship or if satisfying the requirement violates strict cultural customs. The minor children (under the age of 21) of a K-1 visa holder can accompany or follow the K-1 beneficiary on a K-2 visa.

A K-3 visa is issued to an alien who had married a U.S. citizen; is the beneficiary of an immediate relative visa petition; and seeks to enter the United States to await approval of an immigrant visa (green card). The K-4 classification allows minor children of the K-3 to immigrate as a derivate of the K-3.

The K-3 process is similar, but not identical, to that of a family petition and consular processing.

Grounds of inadmissibility applicable to the beneficiary, previously approved K visas filed by the petitioner and the petitioner’s criminal history all affect the possible issuance of a K visa.

Subsequent to entry on the K visa (and after the marriage of the K-1 to the petitioner), the K beneficiary must apply to adjust status to permanent residence. A K visa holder can only adjust status based on the marriage to the K petitioner. Approval of the application leads to permanent residency as a conditional resident in

Current issues & recent developments in K visas

most cases. But the process is not always smooth. Divorce, separation, or the ageing-out of children complicates the path from K status to permanent residency.

Recent court decisions have mitigated these complications.

Recent case law has confirmed that K-1/K-2 visa holders are still eligible to adjust status despite divorce. This is because eligibility is established at entry. However, they may only adjust on the basis of the marriage to the U.S. citizen petitioner and must establish the marriage was bona fide.

For K-3/K-4 visa holders, divorce is a bigger problem. This is because eligibility for adjustment of status is tied to the visa petition from the petitioner. Divorce results in revocation of the petition. However, divorce will not be the end of the road for the K-4 derivative upon a showing that a family relationship continues to exist with the petitioner. Separation, legal or in fact, will not destroy eligibility for the K-3/K-4 visa holder so long as the marriage was bona fide.

Aging out (turning 21) is an issue that affects K-2/K-4 beneficiaries.

Until recently, USCIS policy held that K-2 visa holders lost eligibility for residency if the process was not completed before they turned 21. However, the courts have determined that eligibility is fixed as of entry so a K-2 visa holder’s age is locked in as of the date of entry provide the K-1 parent marries the K-1 petitioner within 90 days of entry to the U.S. The K-4 visa category carries a variation of this problem. A person is eligible for a K-4 visa if they are the under 21 year old child of a K-3

beneficiary. However, a K-4 visa holder adjusts as the beneficiary of an immediate relative petition filed by the U.S. citizen petitioner. That petition is only valid if the marriage between the petitioner and the K-3 parent took place before the K-4 turned 18. Thus, a K-4 visa holder over the age of 18 at the time their parent married the petitioner, could enter the U.S. in K-4 status but would not be allowed to adjust their status.

There is a glimmer of hope for those with this issue. A recent court decision held a K-4 visa holder can adjust status without an approved visa petition. The court left unanswered the question of how such an adjustment of status could be accomplished but still the door has been opened.

Whether the couple should apply for a fiancé visa, a K-3 visa or choose the consular processing route are major decisions. Consultation with an experienced and knowledgeable immigration lawyer will allow the couple to determine which method best suits their situation. *** 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.

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C OCTOBER 1-4, 2016 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Community Journal

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Minding Your Finances Atty. RAymond BulAon NO one ever likes to talk about bankruptcy. However, it’s simply a fact of life. Things happen.

Whether it’s losing your job, going through a divorce, having huge medical bills that you can’t pay – or sometimes simply making poor financial decisions- any of these can lead to bankruptcy.

It’s a scary thing to a lot of people and most never imagine that it could ever happen to them.

But like everything else in life, fear often comes from a lack of understanding. Most people have heard negative things about bankruptcy so they try to stay away from it the best they canuntil one day they realize that it’s the only option they have left.

Understanding that bankruptcy is not the end of the world and

Tax Tips VictoR Sy, cPA, mBA

MANY financially distressed borrowers lost their homes and had their loans cancelled during and after the recession. It was a relief to have their debts reduced or forgiven, but the same debt relief also triggered tax consequences that they were not aware of. In my CPA practice as a tax consultant, homeowners express shock and disbelieve when I inform them that they may owe taxes on loans that were cancelled right after they lost their homes.

What a bummer. I just hate to be the bearer of such bad news.

General Rule: • Tax laws specifically include income from the discharge of indebtedness in gross income.

• However, there are several exceptions and exclusions to this rule. The strategy here is to look for a way out via exceptions and exclusions described below.

Exceptions: There is no income from the following circumstances.

• Cancelation of debt by a private lender such as a relative or friend, if intended as a gift.

• Cancellation of debt by a private lender’s Last Will and

When does it make sense to file bankruptcy? that it is simply a chance for you to start over can be helpful if you ever find yourself in such. Under what circumstances is bankruptcy advisable? Well, cases vary, but let me mention a few examples.

When There Is No Other Way Out of Debt- Some people are so buried in debt that unless they file bankruptcy, they will simply remain in debt until hell freezes over. This is especially true for people who owe large amounts of credit card debt. As you already know, credit card companies usually charge anywhere from 18-29% in interest and paying only the minimum required every month guarantees that you will never pay off what you owe.

If your credit card accounts are now seriously delinquent and you’ve been sued by creditors or about to be sued, filing bankrupt-

cy may be the only way for you to either wipe out or consolidate your debts.

When Creditors Have Taken You To Court- Creditors will often harass you for months, making you feel like a deadbeat and a criminal, to force you to pay. But sooner or later, they will bring a lawsuit so they can obtain a judgment against you. Once they have a judgment, they can enforce the judgment by several ways- going to your employer to garnish your wages, levy your bank account or place a lien on your home or other real property. Unless you can work out a reasonable settlement with creditors to avoid the above, you may be forced to file bankruptcy in order to protect yourself and your assets. Filing for bankruptcy protection immediately stops all legal proceed-

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Tax consequences of debt discharge Testament.

• Student loans for doctors, nurses, and teachers who agree to serve in rural or low income areas in exchange for cancellation of their student loans.

• Price adjustment if an individual purchases property and the seller later reduces the price.

Exclusions: There is no income from discharge of debt in the following situations: • Bankruptcy, • Insolvent taxpayer, • Qualified farm debt, • Qualified real property business debt, and • Qualified principal residence debt (discussed below).

Qualified Principal Residence Debt Exclusion: This applies where individuals • Restructure their acquisition debt on a principal residence, • Lose their principal residence in a foreclosure, or • Sell a principal residence in a short sale (where the sales proceeds are insufficient to pay off the mortgage and the lender cancels the balance).

Form 1099-C, Cancellation of Debt: • A taxpayer should receive a Form 1099-C from a federal government agency, financial institu-

tion, or credit union that forgives a debt of $600 or more.

• The amount of the canceled debt should be shown in box 2.

• Any forgiven interest included in the amount of canceled debt in box 2 should also be shown in box 3.

• If you don’t agree with the amount shown on Form 1099-C, request your lender in writing to issue a corrected Form 1099-C showing the proper amount of canceled debt.

• If the lender refuses to issue a corrected report, attach to your tax return adequate documentation to show that the lender incorrectly reported the amount canceled. *** 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.

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Protecting Employee & Consumer Rights Atty. C. Joe SAyAS, Jr. ON Christmas night in 2013, 19-year-old Asa James Dolak was having a domestic dispute with his ex-girlfriend, who is also the mother of his two-year-old son.

The dispute ended with Dolak attacking his girlfriend with a knife and setting her apartment on fire, while their two-year old son was still inside. Firefighters were able to rescue the toddler, who suffered smoke inhalation.

Dolak then called his mother and threatened her, later setting her house on fire at dawn.

He threatened to kill police officers if they go after him. A few hours later, the police found Dolak’s car. An extensive search for Dolak ensued and about early afternoon on December 26th, officers were tipped off that Dolak was seen at a nearby high school, apparently bleeding and armed with a knife.

When police officers arrived at the high school, Dolak ran to a nearby sports field. Officers pursued him and fired several shots at him as he was running away. Various news outlets reported that eight shots hit Dolak and seven of the entry wounds went from back to front. Bullets struck him on the hip, head and arm and entered from the right side. Dolak died from his injuries. A witness to the shooting said that Dolak did not confront the officers.

Dolak’s family reported that Dolak suffered from undiagnosed mental illness, that Dolak had “dramatic highs and lows,” was prescribed medication, and

Barrister’s Corner Atty. Kenneth UrSUA reyeS YOU own a successful business, as a sole proprietor, prior to marriage. You later meet the love of your life and decide to marry her. Years into the marriage, you decide to incorporate the business. A common question when the couple later divorces becomes 1) did your separate property business become community property by virtue of incorporating it during the marriage? 2) Was your separate property business “transmuted” to community property by incorporating it during the marriage?

No Community Property Presumption Family Code §760 defines “Community property” as “Except as otherwise provided by statute, all property, real or personal, wherever situated, acquired by a married person during the marriage while domiciled in this state is community property. However under Marriage of Koester, the Court held that the community

Community Journal

Police use of excessive force results in wrongful death verdict

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 1-4, 2016

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The tree and the chaff

3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither — whatever they do prospers.

4 Not so the wicked! They are like I JUST came back from Pismo Beach, that he was “miswired since he deadly force. The “reasonablechaff that the wind blows away. was a little boy.” Dolak’s family ness” standard simply asks: Are California, where the fall conference for 5 Therefore the wicked will not members, the guardians of his the officers’ actions “objectively the Foursquare Churches in our Southstand in the judgment, nor sinners son, filed suit against the city of reasonable” in light of the cir- ern California district was held. in the assembly of the righteous.

With that experience, I am even Torrance, accusing the police of cumstances confronting them?

6 For the LORD watches over the A police officer, therefore, may more encouraged about the intervenusing excessive use of force in way of the righteous, but the way of violation of Dolak’s civil rights, use deadly force only if he has a tion, manifestation, and all the greater the wicked leads to destruction. resulting in his wrongful death. reasonable belief there is an im- works of the Holy Spirit. It is so powThe tree planted by the streams of The family argued that Dolak was mediate risk that the person be- erful that the fire shut in my bones water is always full of life. Let us be running from the police when he ing detained will cause death or and in my heart (Jeremiah 20:9) is so rooted and connected in the Word of was shot, and he did not pose serious bodily harm. However, ignited and it cannot easily be extin- Henjie Pimenta God through the Bible by regularly an officer who uses excessive guished. To God be the glory. any immediate threat to them.

To see fellow servants in the Lord in that gath- reading and digesting the Word, and what is written However, the police argued force in making a lawful arrest or ering gives me a strong affirmation of God’s di- will help us in our spiritual growth. Our connection to that Dolak was given repeated detention commits a battery.

The heirs of persons who died rection in my life and the ministry entrusted to God gives us strength and stability, able to withstand orders to stop and drop the knife, but he did not. The officers be- as a result of an officer’s exces- your humble servant. In this article, I would like to trials and tribulations in life.

Prosperity is not limited to the financial aspect, lieved that Dolak posed a threat sive use of force in violation of specifically mention Pastor Eugene Montilla of the to construction workers and local their civil rights may be entitled Cross Culture Church in the San Fernando Valley. but life in general. We are winners and overcomers residents (the school was not in to recover monetary damages for He is another influential man of Go d who I met because of our connection to the life-giving water session during the incident but loss of financial support, medi- early on in my journey with the Lord; he is respon- of God. We can be with our friends and influence the school was under construc- cal and funeral expenses, and for sible for my water baptism assisted by Pastor Rene them towards God’s direction rather than be pulled towards a worldly direction that brings mockery to tion). Police claimed they acted the loss of love, companionship, Hulleza less than 20 years ago.

Before we parted ways on the last day of the God. Easily swayed and blown away like the chaff: reasonably and should not be care, assistance, protection, affection, and moral support that conference, he left me another word of encourage- spiritually dry, barely surviving, and lifeless. held liable for his death.

Dear heavenly Father, forgive us if we have ofThe case was tried before the decedent provided during ment. I tried to recall what he told me and it was a jury. The jury awarded Dol- his/her lifetime. The heirs may more memorable with an object of illustration. Not fended you in our action or our speaking. We surak’s family $6 million in non- also be entitled to punitive and far from us was a huge tree, and he said that the render our life to you and allow you to manifest economic damages, finding that exemplary damages, prejudg- width of the tree is the same as the stretch of the in and through us. Help us to stay connected with two of the four officers involved ment interest, and reasonable at- root under the ground. The tree was tall and wide you by giving us conviction when we do something so I could imagine the depth of the root that went wrong through the power of the Holy Spirit. in the shooting were negligent. torneys’ fees and costs.

We don’t want to live this life with spiritual drybeneath the earth. The depth of the root is indicaHowever, the jury found the po*** ness, we want to be by the streams that give life. We lice only 15% liable for Dolak’s The Law Offices of C. Joe Sayas, Jr. welcomes tive of our maturity in Christ.

Hence, the fuller growth of branches and leaves want to be fruitful for your glory. We say this prayer death and that Dolak himself inquiries about this topic. All inquiries are was 85% liable for his own confidential and at no-cost. You can contact and more people would like to come and enjoy the only in Jesus, for there is power in His name.

And all who agree say, Amen! death. Thus, the family’s award the office at (818) 291-0088 or visit www. benefit of the shade from this huge tree. Basically, If you need prayers, please do not hesitate to he was saying that the best is yet to come as we get was reduced to $900,000. joesayaslaw.com. deeply rooted in our faith in Jesus Christ. I am ex- call or visit us on any Sunday at: Praise Christian The Fourth Amendment of the *** Fellowship of the Valley, 9051 Woodman Avenue, U.S. Constitution guarantees a C. Joe Sayas, Jr., Esq. is an experienced pecting the fulfillment of this prophetic encourageperson’s right to be free from trial attorney who has successfully obtained ment. It added fuel within me with a higher octane. Arleta, CA 91331 (inside Helping Hands ADHC, Speaking of trees, I would like to share with you: behind the CVS drugstore and Vallarta Supermarunreasonable use of excessive significant recoveries for thousands of emket at the back alley) at 4:30 p.m. or call Pastor Psalm chapter 1: force by law enforcement of- ployees and consumers. He is named Top La1 Blessed is the one who does not walk in step Emmanuel Madeja at (818) 813-3971; or at Praise ficers. Cases decided under a bor & Employment Attorney in California by Fourth Amendment claim affirm the Daily Journal, consistently Aselected as with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners Christian Fellowship, Los Angeles on 2235 Beverly Blvd. (corner Roselake/Rosemont) in Los Angeles, this guarantee. The police owes Super Lawyer by the Los Angeles Magazine, take or sit in the company of mockers, 2 but whose delight is in the law of the LORD, CA 90057 at 8:30 a.m., 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. or call a duty to use reasonable care and is a member of the Million Dollar-AdvoPastor Courtney Hall at (213) 484-8294. in deciding to use and in using cates Forum.

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A Dash of Salt and Pepper (A simple thought of inspiration with biblical encouragement)

by Henjie Pimenta

Will incorporating a separate property business during marriage make it community property? does not “acquire” a separate property business simply because the business is incorporated during the marriage. The mere incorporation of a business operated by spouse is not a change in its character, for purposes of division of community estate following divorce. In Koester, the Court stated that he incorporation simply effects a change in the legal form under which the business is conducted and property does not change its character merely because of a change in form or identity. Marriage of Koester (1999) 73 CA4th 1032, 1035, 1038, 87 CR2d 76, 79, 81. The Court in Koester also stated that “In contrast with the way title is taken when a married couple own residential property, the incorporation of a sole proprietorship business is typically done for reasons extrinsic to the marital relationship. To say ... that an asset was ‘acquired’ by the community ... because some aspect of corporate formation took place during the marriage is to elevate semantics over substance” No Transmutation

Incorporation of a sole proprietorship business during the marriage can trigger a family code § 2640 tracing right of reimbursement only when it is also accompanied by an unambiguous express written transmutation of the business to community property as required by Family Code § 852.

Marriage of Koester, supra, 73 CA4th at 1036–1037, 87 CR2d at 79–80 & fn. 5. Under Family Code §852, a transmutation of real or personal property is not valid unless made in writing by an express declaration that is made, joined in, consented to, or accepted by the spouse whose interest in the property is adversely affected. In Koester, the act of changing the legal form under which a business is conducted does not meet the requirements of family code § 852 for a valid transmutation.

Marriage of Koester (1999) 73 CA4th 1032, 1037, 87 CR2d 76, 80 & fn. 5. Incorporation of a sole proprietorship business is typically done for reasons extrinsic to the marital relationship.

Although the mere act of incor-

AC 21: Changing the employer of your employment-based green card application DEAR Attorney Tan, I have an approved I-140 immigrant petition which was filed by Company A on my behalf. Company A would like to employ me as a bookkeeper. Based on that approved I-140 petition, I filed an application for green card (I-485 adjustment of status) in August 2014.

Since that time, my green card application has been pending, as USCIS has requested additional documents in support of my application. Recently, another company, Company B, has expressed interest in hiring me for a payroll clerk position. Company B is a more established company based in the Midwest and pays $10,000.00 less but offers much better benefits. Is there a way I can substitute Company B as the employer in my green card application? — P.T. Dear P.T. Under INA Section 204(j), commonly referred to as AC 21, an approved I-140 employment-based immigrant petition filed by one employer can be used by or “ported” to another employer providing certain requirements are met. First, a green card (I-485 adjustment of status) application must have been filed and must be pending for at least 180 days. Second, the “new” job offered by the second employer must be in the same or similar occupational classification as the job for which the first employer filed the I-140 petition.

In your situation, you meet the first requirement in that your application for green card (I-485) was filed in August 2014. Your application has been pending for over 1 year, which is more than the required 180 days under AC 21.

In depth analysis in your case is needed as to whether Company B’s job of “payroll clerk” is considered a “similar occupational classification” to Company A’s job of “bookkeeper,” for which Company A petitioned you. In determining whether one job is similar enough to another job for AC 21 purposes, the USCIS takes into account the totality of the circumstances, including the job duties of both positions, the Standard Occupational Code (SOC) from the approved I-140 and the SOC code for the job offered by the new prospective employer, as well as the offered wages for each position.

In your case, analysis would begin with the job duties of each position. The more similarity in job duties between bookkeeper and payroll clerk, the greater the likelihood that USCIS would consider them similar. Also, the SOC code for the 2 jobs would be taken into account. In addition, the wages offered by each employer would be considered. The existence of a big disparity in wages offered by each employer is not by itself a reason to conclude that the jobs are not similar. In your case, the fact that Company B is offering $10,000 less than Company A has to take into account the fact that the Midwest has a lower cost of living, as well as the fact that better benefits are being offered by Company B. If it is considered a “similar occupational classification,” Company B may be substituted in as the employer in your pending green card application, and Company B will not have to start the process from the beginning by filing a labor certification application and by obtaining an approved I-140 petition.

The analysis of whether you can use or “port” your approved I-140 requires additional analysis, and consulting with an experienced attorney is 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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porating a separate business during the marriage does not change the character of the business to community property, the community may still acquire an apportionment interest if the value of the business substantially appreciated during the marriage due to the labor and hard work of the managing spouse during the marriage. The apportionment calculation is done using the formula in the Pereira or Van Camp case

where the contributions of effort Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kureyeslaw@gmail. and return on capital are separat- com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com. *** ed from the value of the business.

Please note that this article is not legal advice *** 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.

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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Debt Relief atty. lawRence yanG CLIENTS are young seniors at 60. Husband has a stable middle management job that pays $5K a month. Wife is not employed.

They don’t own a house. They rent for $1200 a month and pay for a 2016 Lexus SUV 3.0. They enjoy travelling by SUV. This is the little luxury that they indulge in. On weekends, they drive to the border of Las Vegas and try their luck at the slot machines.

This is their routine almost every weekend. On some weekends, they may drive to the beach at Santa Monica or Dana point and just relax, soaking in the sun and enjoying the sea breeze. This is their life in Southern California since they moved to Los Angeles thirty years ago. Kids are all adults, on their own and have their own lives and families. They have been empty nesters for the last fifteen years.

The problem is that in the last twenty years, they accumulated $80K of credit card debt.

Minimum payment to keep them current is $2,400 a month. This is half their gross income and double their rent. Believe it or not, they are still current on the $80K. None of the $80K credit card debt is on past due status. I guess wife takes care of sending out the $2,400 to fifteen credit card companies every month.

That alone is a full time job. No wonder she doesn’t work. Clients have been working for the credit card companies, paying them $2,400 a month, $28K a year.

And how much have they paid in the last twenty years to keep their cards current? $576K, more than half a million dollars! And how much do they still owe today after paying $576K? They still owe the very same $80K! If they had just set aside the $576K in savings,

Seniors seek relief from $80K and $28K credit cards instead of paying credit cards, think of what clients can do with half a million dollars today, now that they are 60? Well, for one, instead of renting, they can fully pay for a house. Or, they can invest that in a wealth portfolio that will give them at least $2,500 a month in additional income even at a 5% annual return. Or, they can pay for the 2016 Lexus in cash. Think about all the productive things they can do with half a million dollars in cash. They can travel and enjoy all the beautiful sights and cultures that the world has to offer.

When you’re younger you don’t think about these things until it is too late. You think you will live forever and you will be young forever. But reality sets in when you turn 60. I don’t know why that’s the magic number.

People are not faced with the prospect of mortality in their forties or fifties. But the sixties are different. I believe it is because the next decade after the sixties is the seventies. While one can still be “young” at 60 and do practically anything that one can do in their thirties, except at a slower pace, at 70 the whole range of possibilities changes.

At 70, the signs of physical aging are obvious, unless one has managed to delay these signs by exceptionally healthy eating, living and exercise. Unfortunately, despite all the advances in stem cell technology and cancer cures, mankind has not yet been able to defeat the number one cause of death of humans, old age. The oldest person today is 116. How many of us can even reach 90?

Most of us will kick the bucket and either be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in paradise, or locked in a 10 x 10 feet cell guarded by monsters who will eat our flesh in hell in our eighties. If you are 60 now, that’s just

When does it make sense…

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ings against you and your property. Even the IRS (a government agency that you don’t want to mess with), who has more powers than ordinary creditors, cannot continue to collect from you once you are in bankruptcy. Unpaid tax liabilities can either be discharged in bankruptcy or be paid back with no interest and

Community Journal

additional penalties.

If Your Home or Other Property Is In Foreclosure- Bankruptcy immediately halts foreclosure proceedings. If a Notice of Default or a Notice of Trustee Sale has been filed by your lender, you have very limited time to protect your property so you must act quickly.

Chapter 13 may be an option for

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another 20 to 25 years from now.

The choice is life eternal with total joy and bliss with our Lord and Savior in his Father’s house in heaven, or an eternity of pain and suffering in hell with Lucifer, the choice, my friend, is yours.

Clients can start a new life with a Chapter 7 petition to wipe out $80K of credit card debt and start saving $2,400 a month as they enter retirement. Just in the nick of time. But if you go to hell, sorry, you can’t file a Chapter 7 petition to get out of hell and enter heaven. Make your choice now, while you still can. The devil is always on the prowl, ever deceiving you with false promises to bring you to hell.

Next client is a widow at 65.

Her husband died last month.

Husband passed away unexpectedly. She still works and makes $2K a month as an assembler.

Husband was making $3,400 a month as an LVN but fell ill and died in five months. He went into a coma on the fourth month and never recovered. He left credit cards of $28K. His creditors are threatening to sue her and garnish her wages because the credit cards were community property debts. Surviving spouse is liable for community property debts. Client decides to start fresh at 65 with a Chapter 7 fresh start to wipe out husband’s $28K of credit card debt. She needs to do this because if she continues to pay minimum on $28K, that’s $900 a month. She now lives with her son so she doesn’t pay rent. But why pay $900 a month for credit cards when she can save that $900 every month for her own use and security? $900 a month of savings is $10,800 a year. In three years, client should have saved up $32,400 in the bank. Who wants to have $28K of credit card debt at 65 sucking up $900 of social security or pension? Even a bimbo can figure this out.

“Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord, is the rock eternal.” — Isaiah 26:4 *** 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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To Live With Faith ReveRend Rodel G. BalaGtas “WE are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.” — (Luke 7:10) I heard the above words from someone, not word for word, but in a similar sense. I was at a dinner sitting with a priest-friend from college seminary, who was then the secretary of a cardinal, when the host gave a toast to recognize the prelate’s presence and visit. Then, after everyone joined the toast, the host turned to my priest- friend and said, “And to the cardinal’s secretary, who takes good care of him, let’s have another toast!” Everyone lifted up their wine glasses in a spirit of appreciation for my friend’s love and fidelity to his superior. Afterward, the host asked my priestfriend to give a short speech.

My friend stood up and said the simple words, “I have only done my duty.”

His short response about the above gospel passage of Luke struck me. It spoke of his faithfulness to his work, his love for what he was doing, and his deep love and care for the cardinal.

Now the Cardinal has long been gone; he has passed away.

But little did my friend know that he too would become an archbishop and perhaps a Cardinal later. I hope that each day that he wakes up to shepherd his priests and his people, he never forgets to say the words, “Here I am Lord, I am here to do what you oblige me to do.”

To fulfill one’s duties at work or in one’s family requires faithful-

SKT Immigration

catheRine yen AN F-1 student visa allows a student to study full-time in the United States (“U.S.”) at an accredited school. The F-1 student visa is a non-immigrant visa, which means that the student cannot have the intent to reside permanently in the U.S. The basic criteria for obtaining an F-1 student visa are as follows: • The student must be enrolled at an accredited college, univer-

The world in dire need of douloi — servant-leaders ness to one’s vocation, to where God has “planted” each one of us. And faithfulness means loving one’s vocation and doing everything to fulfill it. It means seeing one’s calling not just as a self-fulfillment but as a way to show one’s profound care and concern for the people that God entrusted to us.

This way of looking at one’s duties reflects a relationship that is not transactional but covenantal.

It is based on a bond of love and care for the people we serve. It looks out for the welfare and the growth of other people; it implies genuine concern.

I find myself feeling and thinking this way too with my ministry in the seminary. I always remind myself and the seminarians that I do my work to serve them, to help them to become holy, good, and effective priests. I’m not in the seminary to impress them with my gifts or my abilities, but to assist them to have the heart of Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd.

In the bigger world, our urgent need now is to have servant-leaders who are truthful to their words, who mean what they say, who do not lie about their motives. People are fed up with liars, deceivers, and self-serving leaders. They need leaders who are real “servants” that give their lives wholeheartedly to others, especially the poor.

The Greek word for servants or slaves is douloi. In the first-century Mediterranean world, douloi were the property, not employees, of their masters. Hence they belong to their masters, and they would do everything to show

their love and loyalty to them.

And so, even Jesus used this term to describe discipleship. He told his disciples that if they want to follow him, they have to be slaves--douloi--for one another.

St. Paul was happy to identify himself as a “doulos of Jesus Christ” (e.g. Rom 1:1). The earliest Christian hymn also talks about the humanity of Jesus as his taking on “the form of a slave” (Phil. 2:7). Although the word “slave” does not sell well in the contemporary democratic culture, people in the biblical times were at home with the concept of subservience to God and to one another.

Again, in today’s times when there is a crisis of genuine and honest leaders, we need to bring back this Christian concept of servanthood. We need leaders in church and state who completely dedicate their lives of service to God and all people. We need leaders who can honestly say that they are doing their duties not to gain anything for themselves, not even prestige, but only to serve the needs of their fellow men and women. *** 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.

F-1 student visas and authorized employment sity, seminary, conservatory, high school, or language training program. The program must result in a degree, diploma, or certificate.

• The school must be authorized by the U.S. government to accept international students.

• You must be a full-time student.

• You must be proficient in English or receive training to become proficient in English.

• You must have sufficient financial support to support yourself as a student.

• You must maintain a foreign resident abroad with no intention of abandoning it.

Students are generally admitted for a maximum of 30 days before the program start date.

Upon admission to the United States, students are admitted for “duration of status,” which means they are admitted until completion of the program plus an additional 60 days. The additional 60 days can be used to prepare for departing the U.S.,

u PAGE C5

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Community Journal

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 1-4, 2016

C

Atty. Mosqueda named 2017 Super Lawyer ON August 31, 2016, Super Lawyers announced the selection of Roman P. Mosqueda to the 2017 Southern California Super Lawyers list.

Because Mr. Mosqueda has demonstrated excellence in the practice of law, he is receiving an honor that is limited to no more than five percent of the attorneys within California.

Super Lawyers recognizes attorneys who have distinguished themselves in their legal practice.

It’s patented selection process is rigorous and results in thirdparty validation of professional accomplishments.

Mr. Mosqueda was admitted to the Philippines Bar in 1969, the New York Bar in 1980, and the California Bar 1984. He has law offices in Los Angeles: 3460 Wilshire Blvd., Ste 407, Los Angeles, CA 90010; Panorama City: 14420 ½ Chase Street, Panorama City, CA 91402; and Long Beach: 1045 E. Anaheim St., Long Beach, CA 90813.

He holds the following degrees: Bachelor of Science in Economics, Magna Cum Laude , Ateneo

Jurisprudence On Product Liability: A Comparative Study; and numerous legal articles. He is a recognized expert on Philippine law and U.S. products liability.

He is also a Proctor In Admiralty, and a licensed Real Estate Broker in California His practice is concentrated on Immigration Law, Estate Planning & Living Trust, Criminal Law, Family Law, Civil Law Suits, Bankruptcy, Real Estate Law and Serious Personal Injury Law. Aside from being Immigration Super Lawyer, he has been awarded: Best Attorney in America, National Advocates Top 100 Lawyers In America, 10 Best Family Law Attorney, Trial Masters Lifetime Members, Top 10% U.S. Attorney of Distinction, and Atty. Roman P. Mosqueda Million Dollar Advocate Forum.

He is currently President of Rode Manila University; Bachelor of Laws, Cum Laude, University tary Club of Historic Filipinotown of the Philippines College of Law; in Los Angeles, and Chairman and Master of Laws and Doctor of the Board of Advisors of the of the Science of Law, The Uni- Asian Pacific Counseling and versity of Michigan Law School. Treatment Centers (APCTC).

He can be reached at (213) He has published two law bo0ks: Marriage and Its Disso- 252-9481 and/or Mosquedalaw@ lution Handbook and Law and gmail.com. n

PAGE C4 t

tain circumstances, including severe economic hardship caused by unforeseen circumstances.

Additionally, the employment must be related to a course of study, for the purpose of practical training, and cannot be for English training.

Most F-1 students engage in post-completion Optional Practical Training (“OPT”), which is limited to 12 months and must be completed within 14 months of graduation. F-1 students who have a degree in a STEM field (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) may engage in 24 months of OPT. Understanding employment eligibility can be

F-1 student visas and authorized…

transferring to another school, or changing education levels.

As an F-1 student, employment is not allowed during the first academic year except for on-campus employment. Oncampus employment includes work performed on school premises or at an off-campus location which is educationally affiliated with the school. When school is in session, the F-1 student may only work up to 20 hours a week.

When school is not in session, F1 students may work full-time.

After the first academic year, the F-1 student may obtain offcampus employment under cer-

lengthy and frustrating without the help of experienced attorneys and staff. Our seasoned team can assist and guide you through the F-1 student visa process. *** Catharine Yen manages the immigration department at Sullivan, Krieger, Truong, Spagnola, and Klausner. She has a 100% approval rate for filed EB-5 petitions. She has spoken at national conferences and co-authored several articles on various EB-5 topics.

Website: www.sullivankrieger.com Contact us at any of our offices: Long Beach + 1 (562) 597-7070 Irvine + 1 (949) 390-5270 Philippines + 63-2-788-5196 (Advertising Supplement)

When does it make sense to file…

PAGE C4 t

you if you have regular income and you can afford to continue making mortgage payments. All back mortgage payments are combined with other debts and can be paid back under a 5-year plan. In certain cases, you may even be able to wipe out debt owed under a second mortgage (lien stripping) or significantly reduce the amount owed. If mortgage payments are too high, modifying the first mortgage and

then “stripping off” the second mortgage may be your best strategy in making your home more affordable.

Bankruptcy can be a tool for financial recovery. The process is not as complicated as most people think and it could be the only way for you to put your finances back in order. Since 1997, I have counseled thousands of clients who are in need of debt relief. I can help you if you give me a chance. For a free

CONFIDENTIAL attorney consultation, please call Toll-Free 1-866-477-7772. We have offices in Glendale, Cerritos and Valencia. ***

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

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THE United States immigration process is complicated and difficult. There are a multitude of immigration programs, each with its own set of requirements and procedures. Families struggle to determine the appropriate visa, the length of the process, and a flurry of other questions that accompany the decision to immigrate. Without proper guidance, you may face repeated delays and a potential denial. It is not going to be easy, but consulting the right legal experts may be the key to success.

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Aside from immigration, SKT is a full-service law firm with attorneys who are uniquely qualified to advise clients with regards to all areas of law, including civil litigation, family law, criminal defense, business law, and international law. The collaboration and collective insight of the SKT attorneys enable them to view each case from various legal perspectives.

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C OCTOBER 1-4, 2016 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • OctObER 1-4, 2016

MARKETPLACE SHOWROOM

& Immigration Corner Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ

budget Secretary benjamin Diokno defends the proposed 2017 National Expenditure Program during a hearing of the Senate committee on finance. beside him is Finance Secretary carlos Dominguez. Inquirer.net photo by

Budget secretary: No US manipulation of peso

by Christine

O. AvendAñO

Inquirer.net

NeWly confirmed Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno on Wednesday, Sept. 28 said that there was no manipulation of the peso by the United States after the local currency fell to a seven-year low against the US dollar early this week.

Speaking to reporters after the Commission on appointments budget and management committee recommended his confirmation as budget secretary, Diokno explained that the improved US economy was strengthening the US dollar and thus, prompting short-term investors here and other countries to redirect their investments to the United States.

he said it was a “natural and rational behavior… not a manipulation on the part of investors.”

Diokno also said the United States was not manipulating the peso because for the longest time it wanted to raise its key interest rates but the US economy then was not as good as it is now.

“So if you have money, you will put it where you will get a huge return,” he said.

President Duterte on Tuesday, Sept. 27 accused the United States of manipulating the peso after it dropped to P48.25 to a US dollar on Monday, its weakest level since falling to P48.335 on Sept.19, 2009. The peso recovered slightly on Tuesday to close at PAGE D2

PH’s 10-pt economic agenda at risk from foreign policy

by MAyvelin

U. CArAbAllO ManilaTimes.net

PrIvaTe think tank StratbaseaDr Institute (aDri) for Strategic and International Studies on Wednesday, Sept. 28 warned that the Duterte administration’s “independent” foreign policy could derail its own 10-point economic agenda. aDri President victor andres Manhit said President rodrigo Duterte’s foreign policy is alienating major economic partners and creating an “unwelcoming” environment to foreign investors. This “independent” foreign policy seems to realign the Philippines’ friendships with other countries, Manhit said during an aDri forum.

“While the President’s mandate to define the country’s approach to foreign relations is unassailable, the administration should nevertheless reconsider its strategy in terms of potentially alienating established economic

Pres. Rodrigo Duterte

and security partners,” he said.

Manhit said President Duterte has begun to chart a new foreign policy for the Philippines. Beyond the simple and independent stance, lies the complex dynamics that would directly and indirectly affect the administration’s objectives of national development. “Foremost amongst these objectives is the 10-point economic agenda which envisioned PAGE D2

SM wins Brand of the Year award in London aNOTher Filipino brand has made it to the global stage.

This year, SM Supermalls was given the prestigious Brand of the year award under the National Tier 2016-2017, during the World Branding awards ceremonies held in an exclusive black tie gala dinner at the iconic Kensington Palace in london.

The award, given by The World Branding Forum, was the only one conferred to a local brand from the

Philippines in the Shopping Mall category. aside from SM, other winning brands include ICBC (China), Bang &Olufsen (Denmark), hermes (Frances), Nivea (Germany), Chow Tai Food (hong Kong), Prada (Italy), Sukiya (Japan), Safaricom (Kenya), Maybank (Malaysia), Dulux (Netherlands), Sagres (Portugal), QNB (Qatar), Sberbank (russia), raffles education (Singapore), amore PAGE D5

Richard Rowles and Steve tan (SM SVP for Operations) at the World branding

Business Quote of the Week “You can’t rely on others—especially your managers and clients—to engage your strengths. In an ideal world, managers would constantly be thinking about how to best utilize their people—and clients would always unearth your greatest potential. Unfortunately, the reality is that bosses and clients are as worried about their own careers as you are about your own. You must take the task of marketing your strengths into your own hands.”

- Scott Belsky, founder of Behance

I have previously written articles about the logistics and legality of Donald Trump’s plan to deport the approximate 11 million undocumented immigrants in the US. I would now like to offer him a humane, money – generating alternative: bring back Section 245(i)!

Section 245(i) was a law that expired on april 30, 2001. It allowed certain people to adjust status (obtain a green card in the US) even if they were out of status, worked without authorization, overstayed their visa, entered the U.S. without inspection, etc., provided the person had a visa available (through employment or family petition) and: Is fingerprinted, has a background check performed, is otherwise law – abiding and is “admissible” Paid a fine/penalty to the US government of $1000.

Under current law, many of these people are now unable to adjust status or obtain their

D

Maybe Trump should bring back Section 245(i)? green card in the US. Instead, they are required to depart the US and apply for their immigrant visa abroad. In many cases, they would be also be required to apply for and be granted a provisional waiver or an expanded provisional, if eligible.

If Section 245(i) is brought back, and let’s say the fine/penalty is raised even to $5000, that could generate tens of billions of dollars for the US government, which these prospective immigrants would gladly pay vs having to depart the US. There have been studies where it is estimated it would cost upwards of $400 billion to deport the approximate 11 million undocumented immigrants.

Why spend all of those billions of dollars when the US government could, instead, generate billions of dollars?

Trump’s plan that “everyone has to leave, and the good ones can come back” merely enriches the airlines, travel agents, hotels, etc., who would gain by having all of these people travel outside the US. In addition, having these otherwise law – abiding people leave the US could cause tremendous amounts of

anxiety and pain, especially for their US born children if they must depart the US. Or what if they have a special needs US citizen child or a wheel – chair bound US citizen spouse (or parent) who they are caring for? What if they are currently working as a caregiver and have to depart the US? Who takes care of their elderly patients or parents?

Section 245(i) effectively accomplishes Trump’s goals: applicants are thoroughly vetted, with fingerprints and background checks, to ensure they are among “the good ones”.

Why, with such a background check, would they still be required to leave the US? The fine/penalty of $5000 should be punishment enough for them having overstayed. Why add to the misery by still making them depart the US, when Section 245(i) could generate billions of dollars for the US government?

It would also enable these people to remain with their families and avoid the tremendous amount of anxiety, disruption, and separation that they and their family will suffer.

Trump says he is a smart business man, and can offer sensible

solutions to our nation’s problems. While I don’t have all the answers to the complex issue of immigration reform, an updated or revived Section 245(i) offers a humane alternative to Trump’s mass deportation plan, while at the same time addressing his concerns about either being tough on immigration and/or screening people. Mr. Trump: it would be a smart move. *** 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 attorney-client 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:

D OctOber 1-4, 2016 • LA WeeKeND ASIAN JOUrNAL

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EU-PH trade relations remain strong

by MayveLin

U. carabaLLo ManilaTimes.net

In photo are Visa officials led by (from left) VP for global workforce management and business analytics Max Diaz, VP for global client support services Manoj Katukulangara, head for global client support tommy Jacobs, US Ambassador Philip Goldberg, head of sales for Philippines Pia Arellano; group executive for Asia Pacific chris

Visa picks PH as global hub for support services

by Lawrence

agcaoiLi Philstar.com

MANILA - California-based Visa Inc. picked the Philippines as the site of a new business processing center to provide support services to its cardholders and clients worldwide.

Visa senior vice president for client support services Tommy Jacobs said the center would provide consumer support services for Visa’s Global Customer Care Services group and would later be expanded to include Merchant Support.

In the near future, he added the center would also support debit processing services and technology.

“This site demonstrates Visa’s commitment to insourcing its third-party global operations, allowing us to build the function from within, to provide superior service to our cardholders and clients,” he said.

The new center situated in a 6,300 square meter state-of-the-

art facility in the Mall of Asia in Pasay City is one of four Visa Consumer Support sites around the globe providing 24/7 support to Visa’s global clients.

The center currently hosts 570 employees.

“As an important milestone for Visa, the new center in Manila expands Visa’s global support services footprint and strengthens Visa’s position as an employer of choice in Asia Pacific,” Jacobs added.

“The new business processing center further demonstrates Visa’s commitment to the Philippines as we work with our clients and merchants to expand access to electronic payments. As the world’s largest retail electronic payments network I am proud we are investing in our people here in the Philippines and supporting the country’s growth,” said Chris Clark, group executive, Asia Pacific, Visa.

The Philippines has successfully established itself as one of

the primary hubs for information technology – business process outsourcing (IT-BPO) operations for several leading US companies, employing over 1.2 million people.

Visa is a global payments technology company that connects consumers, businesses, financial institutions and governments in more than 200 countries and territories to fast, secure and reliable electronic payments.

It operates one of the world’s most advanced processing networks – VisaNet – that is capable of handling more than 65,000 transaction messages a second, with fraud protection for consumers and assured payment for merchants.

Visa operates the world’s largest retail electronics payments network with 106 billion transactions and $4.9 trillion payments volume. There are 2.4 billion Visa cards and 2.4 million ATMs as of June last year.

TRADE relations between the European Union (EU) and the Philippines remain strong despite the added vigilance from investors and potential market participants, an EU official said.

“There is no question, that the EU business community is bullish on opportunities in the Asean, including the Philippines,” EU Ambassador to the Philippines Franz Jessen said during the EU-PH Business Summit (EPBN) press conference.

He said “it is key that we focus on the fact that despite the president’s strong rhetoric, people in government and in the private sector are continuously working together on further improving the business environment and level-

ing the playing field for both EU and Philippine companies alike.

“The strong belief that the government’s 10-point program is the foundation for the future growth of trade and investments in the country, Jessen added.

Projects will be geo-tagged so that we can monitor them on a weekly basis using Google Maps,” he noted.

At present, he claimed that DBM and the Department of Public Works and Highways are looking at all the projects in the government’s pipeline, considering railway system in Mindanao.

“I assure that our infrastructure reforms will not be for nothing.

The government has already started streamlining the approval process for major public infrastructure projects,” he said.

Recently, the National Econom-

eU Ambassador to the Philippines Franz Jessen

ic Development Authority (NEDA) Board approved nine projects worth a cumulative P171.3 billion.

Lopez, mining companies reach common ground

by LoUise

MaUreen Philstar.com

siMeon

MANILA - Environment Secretary Gina Lopez and the country’s mining industry have reached a common ground and decided to work together to promote responsible mining.

Lopez met and engaged in a dialogue with top officials of mining companies on Friday, Sept. 30.

“The purpose of the dialogue is to join hands with them because I know I really rocked the boat. But, I’m not doing this because I don’t like them, what I don’t like is that our people would suffer,” Lopez told reporters. environment Secretary Gina Lopez and the country’s mining industry have reached a common ground and decided to work together to promote responsible mining.

“I want to help them (mining industry) make things right and be on the positive side. I’ll be their friend and I will help them. What is non-negotiable to me is you cannot do anything there which would silt the rivers, silt the farmlands, silt the agricultural lands. I will be really strict,” she added.

Shares of mining companies facing the prospect of suspension plunged Tuesday, Sept. 27 following the release of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ industry-wide audit.

“At the end of the day, the Filipinos don’t know what stock market is. They want food on the table, they want to send their kids to college and make their place beautiful. My commitment is for the Filipino people not for the shares,” Lopez stressed.

Meanwhile, Lopez countered claims that the audit was inconsistent and unfair, saying it was based on reality and not on biased

information, as well as complaints against companies with infractions but still passed the audit.

“The infractions of those [who passed] were not grievous enough. Some of the infractions didn’t reach a scale which merited suspension. But even the ones that passed, I’ll still visit them,” she said.

Lopez is set to visit the mines of Semirara Mining and Power Corp., Rio Tuba Nickel Corp., Filminera Resources, SR Metals Inc., and Agata Mining Ventures, among others.

The Environment chief likewise admitted it would take time to achieve her goal of having a clean and responsible local mining industry.

“I want to have a good mining industry hopefully by December.

But I cannot say that all will be solved by then because some are really worse and would need more time,” she said.

Budget secretary: No US...

PAGE D1 P48.17 but fell anew on Wednesday to P48.25.

The peso’s plunge was also attributed to investors’ concerns over the uncertainty about Philippine foreign policy and diplomacy following controversial statements made by Mr. Duterte against the United States and the European Union, the country’s major trading partners.

But Diokno advised foreign investors eyeing long-term investments in the country “not to be distracted by the noise.”

“They should look at the forest, not the trees,” the budget secretary stressed.

Diokno earlier told reporters that he was not worried about the peso’s decline against the greenback, and was “comfortable” with the present forex level.

“If you compare the depreciation of the peso relative to other currencies, it’s really not that bad.

The weakening of the peso is the reflection of the strengthening of the US dollar. And that is because of the possible [rate] adjustment of the Fed,” Diokno said.

PH’s 10-pt economic agenda...

PAGE D1

to transform the country into a true economic tiger and a force in the region,” he said.

Given this current foreign policy, the ADRi president noted the government’s 10-point economic agenda may be put at risk.

The ADRi president stressed that an unwelcoming atmosphere in the region would dampen the country’s economic relationship, noting that foreign investors skittish prospects on the Philippines is concerning.

“An unwelcoming atmosphere in the Philippines could easily dampen the country’s economic relationships. In the United States, as elsewhere, private investors have reportedly grown skittish about the Philippines’ prospects. The US economy is the Philippines’ largest source of private investment and second-largest export market after Japan,” he said.

“The Philippine international ties could have a very real impact on the country’s fundamental interest,” he added.

Manhit noted the health of the Philippine economy is not only in the hands of the country’s economic managers but also in the hands of investors, traders, entrepreneurs, businessmen as well as different agencies who manage very different portfolios such as energy, health, education and even foreign policy.

In line with this, he pointed out that instead of drastically changing its friendship form one country to another, the Philip-

pines should maintain its good relations with trusted friends and pursues constructive relations with all of its neighbors, in both word and deed.

“The country can pursue independence without squandering its hard-earned relationships with other countries. The Philippines can keep its friends while making new ones,” he said.

Foreign policy should be guided by three principles. “First, a country’s approach must defend the country’s fundamental interests. These include the security and integrity of our territory, the health of our economy, and the protection of Filipino citizens abroad. Second, it must seek to achieve its goals while espousing national and universal values, such as upholding our commitments and complying with or enforcing international law,” Manhit said.

“Third, and important for a less-developed country, it must strive for all of the above in the most efficient or least costly manner,” he added.

Manhit said independence alone is not sufficient for a sound foreign policy.

Unfortunately, he said, in President Duterte’s case the term “independent” appears to be shorthand for pushing the United States away and pulling China closer.

The government’s new stance must be calibrated to ensure that it does not compromise the administration’s 10-point plan and the Philippines’ overall eco-

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Our Verizon branch offers the latest in telecommunications, mobile devices, accessories and services. We also offer complimentary cellphone charging stations for our customers. Our Verizon retailer is located inside our parts retail center. Our Wireless Playground is open Monday-Friday, 7am7pm; Saturday, 7am-5:30pm; and Sunday, 8-4pm. Please call (888) 623-2133 for more information.

Starbucks and Subway While waiting for your car to come out of our car-care service lines, you can enjoy a quick bite at Subway or a nice refreshing drink at Starbucks.

We offer healthy dining options with Subway’s wide variety of sandwiches, salads, and wraps. if you’re thirsty and you’re looking for that quick coffee

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fix, you can grab a refreshing Hazelnut Macchiato or a smooth Caramel Frappuccino at Starbucks. Offering only the finest coffee specialties, teas, juices, and assortment of pastries, there’s something for everybody at our on-site Starbucks branch.

Both our Subway and Starbucks branches are available for catering services.

Enterprise Rent-A-Car Longo Toyota also has two enterprise Rent-A-Car offices on its premises. One is located adjacent to the Service Drive in the Pre-Owned Vehicle Showroom, and the other is in the Collision Repair Center.

Customers are welcome to utilize the enterprise rental services, regardless of whether or not they leave their vehicle in Longo for any car service.

Complimentary Vehicle Delivery Service Longo Toyota also offer complimentary vehicle delivery service. Our delivery service is available 6 days a week, Monday thru Saturday, anywhere within a 60-mile radius of Longo Toyota.

Longo Toyota Parts and Accessories Department You can also shop at the Longo Toyota Parts and Accessories Department, which carries a wide selection of genuine Toyota parts and accessories for your vehicle. With thousands of parts and accessories in stock, we definitely have whatever it is you’re looking for. Our boutique also carries a selection of RayBan and Oakley sunglasses, women’s and men’s apparel, and so much more.

Shuttle Service For your convenience, Longo Toyota offers complimentary shuttle service while your vehicles are being serviced.

Our shuttles can take you to virtually anywhere within a 15mile radius of Longo Toyota – be it your home, work, the mall, or even the parlor!

Anywhere!

An engaging stay While we understand that our customer’s time is precious, we realize that many of them may need internet connectivity at all times. As such we are more than happy to provide FRee WiFi throughout our facility, and FRee use of our great business center. in our business center, we provide a quiet setting where our guests can work on our computers or on their own laptops.

We also provide free use of an iPad for Longo guests who are waiting for their vehicles. Our guest Check-in representative will be more than happy to arrange this for you. if you decide to bring the kids to the dealership, boredom will never be a problem. We also offer a variety of video games and DVDs just for kids so that they can also enjoy their visit to Longo Toyota.

For more information on our Longo Toyota guest Services, please log on to http://www. longotoyota.com/dealership/ amenities.htm.

Longo Toyota is located at 3534 north Peck Road, el Monte, CA 91731. Call (626)539-2584 to set up your appointment.

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • OctObER 1-4, 2016 D

Longo Lexus offers the ultimate conveniences in customer amenities

We all know that the process of buying a car is not just as simple as buying a new pair of shoes at the mall. It is a long process that involves careful comparison between vehicle models, reviewing the car’s specifications with regards to the needs of the buyer, and of course, the negotiations for the financing packages and promos.

As such, it is very important for Longo Lexus that its customers are supremely comfortable and well-pampered if they are going to make that important decision of which Lexus they will drive home.

As a car dealership, there are many reasons why Longo Lexus has been an elite of Lexus dealer since 1992. One of those reasons includes the ultimate conveniences that they offer in customer amenities. As one of the leading Lexus car dealerships, Longo Lexus provides not only pre-sales conveniences, but also noteworthy post-sales services.

Longo Lexus is known for the unique amenities that they offer to dealership customers.

One of those unique amenities include an on-site Auto Club of Southern California (AAA) center. The AAA branch offers DMV services, airline, car, and hotel reservations, discounted movie and local attraction tickets, AAA membership application processing, OnBoard Teen Safe Driver Program, auto and home insurance, and more. Sign up at our AAA branch in Longo, and you’ll receive a special $13 discount off the original membership price.

Aside from from the on-site AAA branch, Longo is also the first dealership in the US to offer Verizon Wireless and Verizon Wireless Neighborhood services on-site. Offering the latest technologies in telecommunications, mobile accessories, and services, Longo’s on-site Verizon branch makes it even more convenient for customers to stay connected with the world. Our Verizon Wireless Premium Retailer is open from Monday to Friday, 7am-7pm; Saturday, from 7am to 5:30pm; and Sunday, from 8am to 4pm. Please call (888) 8115201.

While waiting for your car to come out of our premium carcare service lines or while you’re going through our wide inventory of luxurious Lexus vehicles, you can enjoy a quick bite at Sub-

way or a nice refreshing drink at Starbucks.

If you want to pamper your car, you can also shop at the Longo Lexus Parts Boutique, which carries a wide selection of genuine Lexus parts and accessories for your vehicle. M`Zkfi I\p\j With over 31,000 parts and accessories in stock, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for.

The after-sales services of a dealership is just as important as the pre-sales amenities. And it these after-sales services that make buying a vehicle at Longo Lexus a truly rewarding experience.

We offer complimentary loaner vehicles for your use while your car is in our service center. For inquiries, on our loaners, please call our coordinators at 1-800-5970813.

For your convenience, we also offer complimentary shuttle service to take you to your office, home, or even the mall—basically anywhere within a 15-mile radius—while your vehicle is being serviced.

If you don’t have time to make the drive to our dealership, our Longo Lexus Mobile Service Van and Truck can provide routine maintenance services, such as oil changes and tire rotations, right at your home or office. Appointments can be made up to 6 months in advance.

Similarly, if your service requirements need the car to be physically present at our Longo service center, we offer complimentary flatbed truck pick-up and delivery of your vehicle to and from our dealership. Our Longo Lexus Mobile Service Van and Truck, and our complimentary flatbed truch pick-up and delivery service are exclusively for cars that are purchased from Longo Lexus, and are located within 60mile radius from Longo.

Please call 1-800-597-0813 to schedule your appointment.

Also, for every service appointment, each vehicle receives a complimentary car wash in our Longo Lexus Car Spa. For our clients who wish to use other cars, aside from those among our fleet of loaner Lexus cars, they can avail of the services of our enterprise Rent-A-Car offices.

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With two branches on the Longo Premises, enterprise is ready to address all your car rental needs.

Please call (800) 969-6519 for more information.

We understand that life’s daily grind requires our customers to be always on top of everything while keeping up with an onthe-go lifestyle. Which is they are more than welcome to work at our Longo Business Center where they can work on our computer terminals, free of charge.

We also offer complimentary Wireless Internet Access (Wi-Fi) to our customers throughout the facility. This is particularly useful for our customers with mobile devices, laptops, and tablets.

While you wait for your car to come out of our service center, your kids can enjoy and have a good time at our Children Play Area, where we offer video games and other activities for the young ones.

Longo Lexus customers will also be offered complimentary use of our iPads while they are waiting for their vehicle.

For more information on our Longo Lexus Guest Services, please log on to www.longolexus.com/GuestAmenities or call (626) 539-2956.

Longo Lexus is located at 3530 North Peck Road, el Monte, CA 91731.

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D OctOber 1-4, 2016 • LA WeeKeND ASIAN JOUrNAL

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Showroom

SMC, Ayala keen on bidding for NAIA upkeep

by LoueLLa

DesiDerio

Three-way battle looms

Philstar.com

MANILA – Two of the country’s biggest conglomerates San Miguel Corp. (SMC) and Ayala Corp. are interested to bid for the upgrade, operations and maintenance contract for the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

SMC president and chief operating officer Ramon S. Ang told reporters on the sidelines of the signing of the agreement on the location of a common rail station the company is interested to participate in the bidding for the P74.6 billion NAIA development project.

“We will join all the bidding to support the government,” he said.

For its part, Ayala Corp. managing director Rene Almendras said the company is studying the project and talking to both local and international firms which could serve as partners should it decide to bid for the project.

“We are definitely looking at it.

I’ve actually been traveling. I met a few foreign partners abroad. Yes, we are looking. So there’s many people who will be looking. We want to make sure we put a good team. It’s a complex project,” Almendras said.

Last week, Metro Pacific Investments Corp. chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan said the infrastructure conglomerate is also looking to bid for the NAIA project.

the deal, which could be implemented within three years, seeks to improve the safety and security, as well as maximize the capacity of the country’s main international gateway by putting up infrastructure or assets for air traffic and land side management.

The project was approved by the National Economic and Development Authority Board during its meeting held last Sept.14.

The deal, which could be implemented within three years, seeks to improve the safety and security, as well as maximize the capacity of the country’s main international gateway by putting up infrastructure or assets for air traffic and land side management.

Apart from the development of the airport, the private partner will also operate and maintain the NAIA according to international standards.

Under the deal, the concession period covers 15 to 20 years, includ-

ing the design or construction.

Procurement for the project is expected to begin soon, while the award and signing of the concession agreement are seen to take place by September next year.

Roberto Lim, Transport undersecretary for the air sector has said easing the congestion at the NAIA is among the priorities of the Department of Transportation.

There is an overconcentration of flights in Manila as it serves 87 percent of all Philippine air traffic.

Last year, all four terminal terminals of the NAIA also served over 36 million passengers, higher than the airport’s annual maximum capacity of 35 million passengers.

SM wins Brand of the Year award...

PAGE D1 Pacific (South Korea), Santander (Spain), Zurich(Switzerland), Chunghwa Telecom (Taiwan), King Power (Thailand), Dubai Duty Free (UAE), and Prudential (UK), among others.

SM’s SVP for Operations, Steven Tan, attended the ceremony to receive the award.

“We are proud to be recognized in the global stage,” Tan said in his acceptance speech. “SM is a brand that reflects the Filipino people’s indomitable spirit of excellence.

We resonate because we celebrate people’s hopes and aspirations, and we bring these a step closer to reality. Through our malls, we strive to create memorable destinations that broaden our shoppers’ experiences, and allow them to participate in a greater, global world.”

World Branding Forum Global Chairman Richard Rowles emphasized that the objectives of the Forum “are to advance the standards,

skills and education of the branding community for the good of the industry and consumers.”

“The Awards celebrates the achievements of some of the greatest brands around the globe. With 70 percent of the scoring process coming from consumer votes, winning brands have managed to build a good trust score with their consumers,” said Richard Rowles, Chairman of the World Branding Forum.

The selection of winners is determined through brand valuation (30 percent), public online voting (30 percent), and consumer market research (40 percent). The latter was conducted through oneon-one phone interviews in each country. SM Supermalls came out as the most exceptional brand in the Philippines to merit the recognition under the National Tier – Shopping Mall category, affirming the brand’s position as a household name in the country.

World Branding Forum Chief Executive Peter Pek emphasized brands’ ability to provide customers with memorable experiences more than just good products and services.

“The quality of brands competing for the awards is very high.

Winners set the standards of what brands need to be in order to win,” Pek added.

The World Branding Forum (WBF) is a global, non-profit organization dedicated to advancing branding standards for the good of the branding community as well as consumers. Its premier recognition program, has so far recognized some of the world’s largest and best-known brands such as Apple (US), British Airways (UK), Louis Vuitton (France), and MercedezBenz (Germany).

The World Branding Awards recognizes the achievements of some of the best brands in the world.

(ManilaTimes.net)

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • OctObER 1-4, 2016 D

D OctOber 1-4, 2016 • LA WeeKeND ASIAN JOUrNAL

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