100717 - LA Weekend Edition

October 7-10, 2017 Volume 27 - No. 81 • 4 Sections – 30 Pages

PNP: 6,225 drug war deaths, but no EJKs

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

MANILA - The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday, October 6 claimed that there has not been a single case of extrajudicial killing related to the anti-illegal drug campaign of President Rodrigo Duterte.

PNP spokesman Chief Superintendent Dionardo Carlos retracted his earlier statement that there has only been one case of extrajudicial killing since the so-called drug war was launched on July 1 of last year.

He omitted the case of Larry Que, a Catanduanes-based journalist who was shot dead on December 19, 2016.

“The PNP protects every individual’s right to life. To allay or remove their fear, let it be known that under the present administration, there is only one case of extrajudicial

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FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

Filipino taxi driver hailed for helping Las Vegas shooting victims A FILIPINO taxi driver has been hailed as a hero for helping out wounded victims evacuate during the mass shooting in Las Vegas on Sunday, October 1.

Winifredo “Winnie” Maquindang, who is from Loboc town of Bohol province, said he was driving in the Winifredo Maquindang Photo form Maquindang’s vicinity of ManFacebook account dalay Bay Resort and Casino when he heard successive gunshots he initially thought were sounds from a fireworks display.

“I thought it was fireworks. I wait and wait and then he fired again, the second

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BISHOP DAVID VISITS LA CATHOLIC PARISH

Caloocan bishop to PH gov’t on EJK: ‘Stop killing, start the healing’

killing or EJK for the period July 1, 2016 to September 30, 2017,” the PNP initially said.

In a “corrected” statement, however, Carlos clarified that the case of Que is not yet a confirmed case of extrajudicial killing.

The PNP made the statement in response to a recent Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey which showed that 73 percent of Filipinos fear that they may become drug war victims.

The drug war has been highly criticized by human rights advocates and organizations, both local and abroad, over the alleged thousands of abuses and spate of summary killings.

The administration, for its part, has repeatedly claimed that drug suspects were killed during legitimate police operations

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Motive of Las Vegas shooter remains a mystery as investigations continue Filipina girlfriend had no knowledge of plan

by RAE

ANN VARONA AJPress

ALMOST a week since the incident, what led 64-year-old Stephen Paddock to fire bullets over the 22,000 attendees of the Route 91 Harvest Festival in Las Vegas remains a mystery.

The country music festival, which was ending it third and last day of weekend festivities, instead resulted in 59 deaths, and close to 500 injuries, making it the worst shooting attack in modern U.S. history.

Paddock’s Filipina girlfriend, Marilou Danley — whom investigators hoped would shed some light — said she had no knowledge of his plan when meeting with FBI on Wednesday, October 4.

“There’s all kinds of things that surprise us in each one of these events. That’s the one in this one, and we are not there yet,” said FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe. “We have a lot of work to do.”

“This individual and this attack didn’t leave President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump visit patient Clint Burton of Gillette, the sort of immediately accessible thumb- Wyoming, and members of his family on Wednesday, October 4 at the University Medical Center

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of Southern Nevada. Gillette was injured in the mass shooting last Sunday, October 1 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

White House photo by Shealah Craighead

Palace to challenge Ombudsman’s probe before SC World Bank: PH medium-term outlook remains positive despite lower GDP forecast

by CATHERINE

S. VALENTE ManilaTimes.net

MALACAÑANG will question before the Supreme Court the Office of the Ombudsman’s move to investigate President Rodrigo Duterte for ill-gotten wealth.

Speaking to reporters, Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo said the investigation by the Ombudsman on Duterte’s wealth was “unconstitutional.”

“My theory now is that the Ombudsman’s investigation currently of the President is unconstitutional even if there is a provision in the Ombudsman’s law that it has investigatory power, because to my mind, it will circumvent the doctrine of immunity of a sitting president from suits,” Panelo said in a news conference.

He also said Duterte could not

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales

be investigated for crimes he allegedly committed when he was mayor of Davao City.

“Apart from that, the acts being subject of investigation are alleged acts committed by the President when he was still a mayor, which cannot be the subject of an investigation for purposes of filing an impeachment

ManilaTimes.net photo

complaint, assuming that it has the power to do so, which to my mind it doesn’t have, even if there is a law,” Panelo explained.

“We’re studying the circumstances. We might question that particular provision giving the Ombudsman the investigatory power to investigate an impeach-

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Marcos confident to win poll protest, replace Robredo as VP

SINCE Philippine Rodrigo Duterte’s entrance into office on June 30, 2016, his antidrug campaign has claimed the lives of thousands of drug suspects.

Committed by “legitimate police operations” and masked vigilantes, the extra-judicial killings (EJK) has been a controversial topic that has angered human rights activists and government officials in the Philippines and the world over.

One key figure in the fight against the EJKs is Philippine Bishop Pablo “Ambo” David of the Diocese of Caloocan who found himself

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CHANGE OF COMMAND. walks past honor guards upon his arrival at Fort Andres Bonifacio in Taguig City for his attendance to the 58th Philippine Army Change of Command Ceremony on Thursday, Oct. 5. Maj.Gen. Rolando Joselito Bautista took his new post as Army chief, replacing Lt. Gen. Glorioso Miranda.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Russell Palma

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

Former Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. Inquirer.net photo

FORMER Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Thursday, October 5, expressed anew his confidence to win his electoral protest against Philippine Vice President Ma. Leonor

“Leni” Robredo.

Last year, Robredo won the vice presidential election with only around 263,000 more votes than Marcos. Marcos filed a case before the Supreme Court (SC), accusing her of committing a massive electoral fraud.

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THE World Bank on Thursday, October 5, has lowered anew its forecast for the Philippines’ economic growth.

In the October edition of its East Asia and Pacific Economic Update, the international financial institution downgraded the economic growth outlook for the Philippines this year to 6.6 percent from the 6.8 percent in forecast last July—both lower than the earlier 6.9 percent in April.

The World Bank also trimmed the Philippines’ GDP (gross domestic product) forecast for 2018 to 6.7 percent, from 6.9 percent in July and April.

“The Philippine economy had a slower start in 2017 compared to 2016, when government’s election-related spending and front-loaded private investment fueled growth in the 1st half of the year,” the World Bank said in its report.

It cited delays in fiscal spending program as among the factors that contributed to the slower growth projection.

“The delay in the anticipated push of the planned government infrastructure program has been contributing to the moderation of fixed capital formation growth, softening the growth prospect for the year,” the bank noted.

Despite the latest cuts, World Bank also maintained that the medium-term outlook for the Philippines remains positive.

The Philippines is also expected to remain the fastest

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From the Front Page

PNP: 6,225 drug war deaths...

PAGE A1 t and had put up violent resistance.

According to the PNP, there were 6,225 drug-related killings recorded from July 2016 to September 2017. It insisted that the estimated 9,000 to 10,000 death toll by human rights organiza-

tions were bloated.

Filipinos fear getting killed According to the SWS survey results released on Thursday, October 5, seven in 10 Filipinos fear that they, or anyone they know, will become victims of extrajudicial killings amid the government’s crackdown on

narcotics, The poll results showed that 41 percent of Filipinos said they were “very worried,” while 32 percent were “somewhat worried.” 13 percent answered they are “not too worried” and 14 percent said they are “not worried at all.”

Most respondents in the Visayas at 77 percent fear that they or someone they know could get killed in the police’s anti-drug operations. It was followed by Mindanao at 75 percent, Metro Manila at 73 percent, and Balanced Luzon at 70 percent.

Despite the high rate of fear being killed, 63 percent of Filipinos said they believe the government is “very serious” in solving the problem of extrajudicial killings in the country, while 30 percent said it is “somewhat serious.”

Only 9 percent said the government is “somewhat not serious” and 5 percent said it is “not serious at all.” The remaining 23 percent were undecided.

By area, the Visayas, at 68 percent, also has the highest proportion of respondents that believe the government is serious, followed by Balance Luzon at 64 percent, Metro Manila at 62 percent, and Mindanao at 59 percent.

The SWS survey also revealed that 90 percent of Filipinos wanted drug suspects to be captured alive—of which 68 percent said it is “very important” drug personalities be arrested alive, while 22 percent said it is “somewhat important.”

The highest percentage of surveyed adults who want drug suspects captured alive is in Metro Manila at 95 percent, followed by the Visayas and Balance Luzon at both 90 percent, and Mindanao at 86 percent.

The survey was conducted nationwide from June 23 to 26 using face-to-face interviews to 1,200 respondents, with 300 adults each in Metro Manila, Balance Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

It had sampling error margins of ±3 percent for national percentages and ±6 percent each for Metro Manila, Balance Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. n

CONFIRMED. Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III (6th from right), also the chairman of the Commission on Appointments poses with Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu (5th from left) after his confirmation as DENR chief at the Senate Plenary Hall on Wednesday, October 4. Also in photo are Senators Juan Miguel Zubiri, Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara, Gregorio Honasan, Vicente Sotto III, Emmanuel Pacquiao, and members of the CA from the House of Representatives Weslie “Wes” Gatchalian, Abraham Tolentino, Ronaldo Zamora and other officials.

PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan

World Bank: PH medium-term outlook...

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growing economy in Southeast Asia in 2017 and 2018.

“Growth in the Philippines is likely to expand at a slightly slower pace in 2017-18, due in part to slower-than-expected implementation of public investment projects. Nevertheless, it is expected to continue to be the fastest growing of the large ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) economies,” it said.

Among the main drivers of economic growth, according to the report, include the steady consumption growth, improved remittances, and higher in-

comes, as well as an expansion of credit.

“Growth is expected to be anchored on its main trading partners which would lead to higher external demand, while imports would remain elevated due to necessary imports of intermediate and capital goods, including for the infrastructure program,” the World Bank added.

As of May, the Philippine government has so far spent P197.2 billion or 23.28 percent of its P847.2 billion budget allocated to infrastructure development.

In July, Philippine Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno an-

nounced that the government will accelerate its infrastructure spending by at least 90 percent this year.

In a statement, World Bank Lead Economist for the Philippines Birgit Hansl said “an increase in public spending on infrastructure building is expected to boost investment growth.”

“Higher investment growth could push the country’s growth rate towards the upper end of the government’s target of 6.5 to 7.5 percent of GDP, but this is contingent on the public infrastructure program gaining full traction,” he added. n

Palace to challenge Ombudsman’s probe before...

PAGE A1 t able official for purposes of filing an impeachment complaint,” he added.

The Office of the Ombudsman, led by Overall Deputy Ombudsman Melchor Arthur Carandang, as authorized by Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales, had announced a probe into Duterte’s wealth.

Carandang said documents turned over to the office by the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) showing the Dutertes’ bank transaction records were

similar to those obtained by Sen. Antonio Trillanes 4th last year.

The AMLC however later denied giving information on the Dutertes’ finances to Trillanes or the Ombudsman.

President Duterte had said that he would not submit to the jurisdiction of the Office of the Ombudsman.

The probe stemmed from the plunder complaint filed before the Office of the Ombudsman by Trillanes against Duterte on May 5, 2016, a few days before the elections.

On Monday, Oct. 2, the Presi-

dent said Morales should resign as her office was corrupt, and claimed field investigators had accepted bribes from politicians to dismiss their cases.

On Wednesday, Duterte backed impeachment complaints against Morales and Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno over supposed corruption.

Morales, who has approving authority on the Office of the Ombudsman’s rulings aside from deputy ombudsmen, had inhibited herself from probing complaints against the Dutertes.

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FROM THE FRONT PAGE

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 7-10, 2017

Filipino taxi driver hailed...

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DUMP TRUMP. Members of youth groups hold a rally near the U.S. Embassy in Manila to protest the upcoming visit of President Donald Trump to the Philippines in November. The U.S. president will attend the ASEAN East Asian Summit.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Nica Gallardo

Caloocan bishop to PH gov’t on EJK...

PAGE A1 t in the middle of the battle involving drug suspects, addicts and the local police force.

Caloocan — the fourth largest city in the Philippines — is one of the most impacted areas of the drug war, along with neighboring cities Malabon and Navotas.

Plagued by widespread poverty, many individuals of Caloocan’s homeless community turned to drugs with little resources to become clean.

As bishop, David oversees 27 parishes and leads 32 incardinated priests in a diocese that comprises of a whopping 2 million Filipinos. He said it’s one of the most “neglected” dioceses in the country that’s grappling with lack of resources; one parish, for example, has held 12 masses in one day to accommodate the flocks of parishioners.

Although the bishop is already tasked with accommodating large influxes of churchgoers with little resources, he found he had another challenge ahead of him.

Amid the political maelstrom that has surrounded Duterte’s drug campaign, David noticed members of his parish slowly disappearing. He soon realized were drug addicts that were suspected of peddling illegal drugs, killed mercilessly by masked vigilantes known as the “death squad.”

He has been one of the most engaged, outspoken critics the drug wars. As a religious figure, David looks past politics and government bureaucracy and has made his own campaign to urge the Caloocan police force to seize the killing and really examine the issue at large.

“We have to put a stop to this problem and fight this epidemic systematically, not through irresponsible, unlawful actions,” David said during a visit to Precious Blood Catholic Church in Los Angeles on Thursday, October 5.

“I said, what kind of war they [the police] fighting? They’re killing the poor, they’re killing the victims, and yet they’re not really pursuing the real source of the drugs,” the bishop told the crowd of Catholic Filipinos.

“That is why all I was asking of the government was to please put this drug war on pause and evaluate it because they fought it too quickly without first defining who the real enemies are, who the allies are and how to fight this war. The people they’re killing are not the enemies. They are victims of this drug war, we should save them.”

Over the course of several months, David began compiling a list of the victims killed in his diocese. During this time, October 2016, drug users began turning themselves into the police in

hopes to avoid being killed on the street as a suspect.

While David and the church thought this was a sign that the government was proactively lessening the EJKs, they realized that those that were voluntarily arrested were being tortured in the crowded jails.

David’s effort to stop the killings and urge police to uphold due process of law became a months-long effort of a religious leader fighting tooth and nail to protect the most vulnerable and to make them aware of their rights as citizens. The bishop began a regular dialogue with the mayor of Caloocan and local law enforcement and urged them to uphold the law.

The bishop compared this abuse of power and negligence to uphold citizens’ rights to martial law where anything goes and police brutality thrives.

He recalled: “I started to get worried for our civil liberties because we all know that the police has no right to make an arrest without a warrant, di ba? They have no right to enter a house without a search warrant, di ba?

Now, do you think the poor in the slums know their rights? No, they do not.”

Bishop cited two things that finally brought some change to the region: The August 16 shooting of 17-year-old Kian delos Santos by police officers (which many cite as the turning point in the drug war) and a change of the leadership at the National

time the glass was falling down [on] the ground,” Maquindang told ABS-CBN news.

He added, “So I know this is real now. I left, pumunta ako sa scene kung anong nangyayari, doon sa nakita ko, parang warzone doon yun eh (I went to check what is happening, and there, I saw what looked like a war zone).”

Continuing his narration of events, Maquindang said he was able to transport six wounded victims to a nearby hospital.

The Boholano driver recalled driving like a police car or an ambulance—with a speed of around 80 miles per hour and unmindful of traffic signals—as some of the passengers were in critical condition, including one who was shot in the neck.

Joel Willden, Maquindang’s boss, saluted the driver’s “act Capital Region Police, the parent agency that oversees the Caloocan City Police Station.

Being a bishop well-trained with the Bible, he began using God’s Word as his inspiration to help out his “flock.” That came in the form of a communitybased rehabilitation program with trained counselors to help drug addicts become clean. He held an evening prayer at 8 pm each night to remind people of the power of prayer.

Additionally, through a team effort of all the priests in the diocese, mission centers were being established in the slum communities in the region for the poor to seek religious refuge.

He continues to hold mass in the overcrowded Caloocan jail for the drug addicts, who he believes should be in rehab.

It was this combination of community action and Catholic invocation that he was able to navigate the political whirlwind to bring change to his community’s most vulnerable and encourage other priests to follow suit.

“My priests had been worried that the people weren’t coming to church, but I said that we need to bring the church to the people,” the bishop said. “At the beginning of this whole situation, I was disappointed in my priests for lack of awareness for what was going on to the poor because most of the victims are from the slum communities. But after I reminded them, they be-

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of bravery,” noting that it had only been four days since the Filipino was hired when the incident happened.

“It was an amazing act of bravery...Some of them might have died if he didn’t step up.

I’m just extremely proud of him,” Willden said.

As of this writing, 59 people have died and over 500 more were injured during what is considered the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history after Stephen Paddock, 64,

A3

opened fire at a country music concert on Sunday.

According to the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), two Filipino-Americans were injured in the mass shooting.

In a statement issued Thursday, October 5, DFA Spokesman Robespierre Bolivar said one of the two injured sprained his ankle and was already discharged.

“The other is still in hospital under observation but is expected to make a full and speedy recovery,” he added.

(AJPress)

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AFP chief: US remains PH’s top ally

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

MANILA - The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has hailed the United States as the country’s “number one ally.�

Returning from his meeting with U.S. Pacific Command chief Admiral Harry Harris in Hawaii, AFP Chief General Eduardo AĂąo also announced the return of regular war games between the two countries.

According to him, there will be an increase of 261 joint military

Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Eduardo Ano. Inquirer.net photo by NiĂąo Jesus Orbeta

engagement with the U.S. from an assistance, disaster response, this year’s 258. Training and ex- and counterterrorism, and will ercises will include humanitari- also cover territorial defense.

AFP made the statement on Thursday, October 5, just days after Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s earlier pronouncement that he wanted to be “friendlierâ€? with the U.S. “The president said: ‘I want to be friendlier to the U.S’. So we )+( ,,"(' % (+)(+ -"(' have a closer relationship and more exercises,â€? AĂąo told reporters. “He (Duterte) said to continue engagement with the United States. They are still our number one ally,â€? he added.

Duterte, who took office last year, has been criticizing Washington, particularly the administration of former U.S. President Barack Obama, for allegedly interfering with the domestic affairs of the Philippines.

The joint military exercises were scaled down this year as the Philippine government steered away from U.S. and toward China, under Manila’s so-called independent foreign policy. $&35*'*&% 41&$*"-*45 */ *..*(3"5*0/ "/% /"5*0/"-*5: -"8 Duterte initially ordered the scrapping of joint drills with the American troops. He later allowed the continuation of other military exercises but excluded territorial defense from its coverage.

In a recent speech, however, Duterte claimed that he’s now on friendlier terms with the U.S., saying that the latter has “redeemed themselves a lot.� “There are so many factors involved but I’d rather be friendly to them now because aside from these episodes of, I said, sad incidents, overall I think the Americans also redeemed themselves a lot,� the president remarked on Thursday, September 28.

Amid call for warmer ties with Washington, AĂąo said that Manila will still pursue a closer relationship with Beijing.

8IJFE (==@:< â&#x20AC;&#x153;The U.S. is not our enemy.

China is not our enemy. Our utmost priority is the interest of the country,â&#x20AC;? the military chief 9C<IE<I!:8C@=FIE@8@DD@>I8K@FE LJ said. n

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The 10 World Medical Tourism & Global Healthcare Congress, considered the most comprehensive event in the industry, was held in Los Angeles on October 2-4, 2017. (L-R) are Tristan Ramos, assistant vice president and head of international business relations of St. Lukeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Medical Center; Raphael John Oriel, editor-in-chief of Balikbayan Magazine and vice president of business development at Asian Journal; Millet Escasinas, assistant vice president of Relationship Management and Business Development Department at The Medical City; Philippine Department of Health Undersecretary Roger P. Tong-An,. DMPA; Dino Doliente III, president of the Philippine Nurses Association of America, Inc.; Jo C. Aguilar, senior vice president and head of the marketing group and industry relations of St. Lukeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Medical Center; Richmond Jimenez, tourism attache & director of Philippine Department of Tourism, Los Angeles (PDOT-LA); Fay Castro, administrative officer of PDOT-LA); and Asian Journal Publisher and CEO Roger Oriel. Second row (L-R) Charlie Rodriguez, vice president of sales at Global Healthcare Resource; Ana Manzano, vice president of sales and marketing at MedCare Tour Manila, Inc.; Regie Carreon, Philippine DOT Staff; Eva Trinidad, COO of Philippine Medical Tourism Inc.; Eric Lachica, executive director of American Coalition for Filipino Veterans Inc.; Dr. Emmanuel Tiongson, program manager of Medical Travel and Wellness Tourism Program at the Philippine Department of Health; Seidric Tapscott, founder of Tapscott Health; and Ricky Panis, account manager of Philippine Airlines, Los Angeles.

AJPress photo by Ding Carreon

US lawmaker files bill for full benefits for Filipino WWII veterans WASHINGTON, DC â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Congresswoman Jackie Speier (CA14) introduced H.R. 3865, the

Filipino Veterans Fairness Act During World War II, about of 2017 on Thursday, September 250,000 Filipinos volunteered 28. to fight alongside U.S. troops.

As citizens of a commonwealth of the United States before and during the war, Filipinos were legally American nationals.

With American nationality, they were promised all the benefits afforded to those serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. But in 1946, Congress stripped many Filipinos of the benefits that had been promised by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Of veterans of the 66 countries allied with the United States during

Filipino veterans of WWII at a gathering in Washington, DC.

Inquirer.net photo

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Marcos confident to win poll protest...

PAGE A1 t In a forum in Quezon City, Marcos said he is positive that the results of recounting of votes in questioned precincts will prove that his allegations against her were true. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are definitely sure that when the recount starts the true result will emerge and prove that the votes in the vice presidential election had been incorrectly counted,â&#x20AC;? the former senator told reporters.

Marcos likewise confirmed that his family is in talks with President Rodrigo Duterte over the planned proposal to return the billions-worth of assets they allegedly plundered during the reign of his father and namesake, former President Ferdinand Marcos.

Asked about who he thinks is behind the recent scam at the University of the Philippines Los

Banos (UPLB), Marcos suggested that their familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s long-time political rival, the Aquino family, may have something to do with it.

Last September 23, thousands flocked at the grounds of UPLB in Laguna after they were promised to receive a share from the Marcos familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ill-gotten wealth. Marcos has denied that their family had anything to do with the event, saying it was a â&#x20AC;&#x153;political actionâ&#x20AC;? organized by someone who had â&#x20AC;&#x153;political wherewithal.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sino ang sumisira sa mga Marcos? Sino in the past, I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know how many years, na walang ginawa na gustong sirain ang mga Marcos? (Who are maligning the Marcoses? Who in the past, I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know how many years, have done nothing but destroy the Marcoses?)â&#x20AC;? the former senator said.

Asked if he was pertaining to the Aquinos, Marcos replied, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m sure they have something to do with it.â&#x20AC;?

The Aquino family, for their part, denied the allegations that they are behind a demolition job against the Marcoses. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Pasensya na kay Senador Bongbong Marcos dahil hindi namin kayang sumang-ayon sa pantasya nyang pagbigyan at pansinin sila. (Sorry, Senator Bongbong Marcos, but we could not agree with, more so dignify, your fantasies to be given some attention and consideration),â&#x20AC;? said lawyer Abigail Valte, spokesperson of former President Benigno â&#x20AC;&#x153;Noynoyâ&#x20AC;? Aquino III. It was the killing of Benigno â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ninoyâ&#x20AC;? Aquino Jr. that sparked the People Power Revolution, also known as EDSA revolutionâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;which unseated Marcosâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; father in 1986.

Palace to challenge Ombudsmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s probe before...

PAGE A2 t Morales is an aunt-in-law of the Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Selective justiceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; The Palace also cried foul over the Ombudsmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;selective justice and partialityâ&#x20AC;? in handling graft cases.

Palace spokesman Ernesto Abella earlier told reporters Duterte would disclose his bank accounts â&#x20AC;&#x153;if necessary and at the right time.â&#x20AC;?

But he said some Ombudsman officials had shown their political colors by being part of a supposed destabilization plot against the Duterte administration.

On Thursday, Duterte signed Executive Order 43 forming the Presidential Anti-Corruption

Commission.

The order was issued a week after Duterte vowed to form a body that would investigate alleged corruption at the Office of the Ombudsman.

Panelo said the commission would have a chairman and four members. It will not investigate impeachable officials such as the Ombudsman, he said. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Solidarity Massâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; A solidarity Mass in support of the Office of the Ombudsman was held on Friday outside the anti-graft bodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office in Quezon City.

Former education secretary Bro. Armin Luistro, who helped organized the Mass, told reporters: â&#x20AC;&#x153;What we heard in the news that the Office of the Ombudsman is really being persecuted

worried many of us.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;We just thought that the support we could do at the most is to pray,â&#x20AC;? he said.

Members of the Prayer Battalion for Truth and Justice, Tindig Pilipinas, and the Silent No More Organization Inc. attended the Mass.

Magdalo Rep. Gary Alejano, former Commission on Human Rights chief Loretta Ann Rosales, and former social welfare secretary Corazon â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dinkyâ&#x20AC;? Soliman were also present.

The Office of the Ombudsman said in a statement it was grateful for the â&#x20AC;&#x153;expression of solidarity in support of the institution and its steadfast commitment to uphold the rule of law and perform its constitutional mandate.â&#x20AC;?

NO ANIMOSITY. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana (left) and Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua inspect firearms and ammunition turned over by Beijing to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Thursday, Oct. 5.

ManilaTimes.net photo by roger RaĂąada

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US Supreme Court starts rehearing Filipino’s deportation case

PROTEST. Members of various groups lie in front of the Caloocan Police District office on Friday, Oct. 6 to protest the killing of drug suspects.

A Social Weather Stations survey released on Thursday, Oct. 5 showed that seven out of 10 Filipinos feared getting killed in anti-drug operations.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Rene Dilan

SAN FRANCISCO — The U.S. Supreme Court began rehearing an immigration case involving a Filipino immigrant Monday, October 2, with new Justice Neil M. Gorsuch playing an active role in oral arguments.

The high court was deadlocked last year on the case of James Garcia Dimaya, a permanent U.S. resident who pleaded no contest to residential burglary charges about ten years ago.

Homeland Security contends the burglary amounted to a crime of violence, which would make Dimaya, a Philippine national, subject to deportation.

But the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit ruled that the definition of a “crime of vio-

lence” was too vague and, thus, unconstitutional.

Gorsuch said lawmakers, not the court, should decide the law’s language.

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg questioned whether the crime was one of moral turpitude and how that factors into the court’s analysis.

Justice Sonia Sotomayor asked if burglary is a crime that presents a risk of physical violence by which an individual can be deported, saying burglars rarely enter a home with people in it that can be subjected to violence.

Dimaya had pleaded no contest to burglary of an unoccupied James Garcia Dimana is facing deportation. residence. (Inquirer.net) Inquirer.net photo

Arum clueless on Pacquiao’s boxing career: Motive of Las Vegas shooter remains... ‘Manny’s being groomed to be president’

PAGE A1 t

prints that you can find on some mass casualty attacks,” added McCabe.

Paddock arrived at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino on September 28, three days before his 10-minute shooting spree on Sunday, October 1.

Authorities believe a hotel security guard, Juan Campos, drew attention from Paddock when checking on an alarm set off.

Room searches found a number of details like cameras both inside and outside the suite, a stockpile of weapons, and a note containing numbers.

Sheriff Joseph Lombardo of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department said the attack was “pre-planned, extensively”. As for the note, he said it was not a suicide note and that the numbers were being analyzed.

Evidence of Paddock’s plan to escape was also found, but authorities were not able to say what the evidence was.

New details on Paddock himself came out as well through people who knew him and public records revealing him through descriptions like an avid gambler, financially well-to-do, quiet, son of a 1970s FBI’s Top Ten Most Wanted bank robber and diagnosed psychopath, and both a good and bad partner to his girlfriend depending on the source.

On Friday, October 6, Clark County Undersheriff Kevin McMahill said investigators have gone through over 1,000 leads — none point to why Paddock carried out his attack.

Lone shooter but possibly had some help Newly-discovered evidence is leading investigators to see if anyone else was in Paddock’s hotel room.

According to NBC News, investigators found two significant discoveries: a charger that did not match any of Paddock’s cell phones, and garage records that show someone using one of Paddock’s key cards to enter the room around the same time Paddock’s car left the hotel garage.

Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Undersheriff Ken McMahill said on Friday that whether Paddock had help or not is still unclear, but they still believe Paddock was a lone shooter.

“We’re very confident that there was not another shooter in that room,” said McMahill. “What I cannot confirm to you today, and what we continue to investigate is, whether anybody else may have known about this incident before he carried it out.”

Earlier searches found 23 firearms (10 luggages worth) in Paddock’s room — 12 of the found rifles were found outfitted with “bump stocks”, an apparatus that enables a gun to function like a machine gun. A total of 47 firearms were also found by police in Paddock’s two houses in Reno, and Mesquite, Nevada, and at the hotel.

Lombardo who initially described Paddock as a “lone wolf” first suggested the possibility that Paddock could have had some help in handling his stockpile of weapons.

“Do you think this was all accomplished on his own? You’ve got to make the assumption he had to have some help at some point,” Lombardo said.

“It’s troublesome this individual was able to move this amount of gear into a hotel room unassisted,” he added. “It’s troublesome for the amount of stuff he had at both residences unassisted.”

Police reported Thursday that they found an additional 50

Caloocan bishop to PH gov’t on EJK...

PAGE A3 t gan reaching out and started to get to know more.”

A numbers dispute The numbers of the EJKs have been widely disputed and debated, making the actual death toll difficult to pinpoint.

Data from the Philippine National Police (PNP) shows the death toll stood at 3,451 as of July 26, 2017. However, the figures are higher than what police data has suggested, according to the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), which provided no official approximation.

CHR Chairman Chito Gascon said in August that a national da-

tabase could provide insight into the impact the siege has caused, but no such resource currently exists.

“The scale and phase are unprecedented and we wish we could do more but it’s not that easy,” he said. “What we see that is important is documenting cases so we can hold those accountable in the future.”

Many estimates released by human rights groups put the death toll at the ten-thousands, like the Philippine Alliance of Human Rights Advocates (PAHRA) which has cited at least 12,000 deaths from EJKs. (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)

US lawmaker files bill...

PAGE A4 t World War II, only Filipinos were denied benefits.

Speier’s legislation eliminates the distinction between the Regular or “Old” Philippine Scouts and the other three groups of veterans—Commonwealth Army of the Philippines, Recognized Guerrilla Forces, and New Philippine Scouts.

Widows and children of Filipino veterans would be eligible for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation just like any other veteran.

“This bill rights a shameful wrong created when Congress rescinded a promise to Filipino veterans of World War II over 70 years ago,” Speier said. “I will not rest until these heroes, and their families, receive the benefits they need and deserve. If

Rep. Jackie Speier of California filed a bill that would give full US benefits to Filipino veterans of World War II. Inquirer.net photo

America won’t live up to its honor and duty to our allies and friends we may find ourselves alone in our next hour of need.”

The 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act contained a provision that provided a lump sum payment of $15,000 for Filipino veterans who are now U.S. citizens and $9,000 for non-citizens. But there have been problems with the implementation of this payment program. To be eligible, a veteran has to be on the so-called “Missouri List,” an Army roster of eligible veterans.

The Missouri List is incomplete. A 1973 fire destroyed 80 percent of the records for Army personnel from 1912 to 1960. As a result, over 17,000 Filipino veterans have had their claims denied. The Filipino Veterans Fairness Act directs the VA to take into account alternative military documentation to determine eligibility.

“The Recovery Act payments were a start, but our nation must bestow the full status it promised these veterans in wartime,” Speier concluded. “Their average age is 90. Fewer than 15,000 are still alive today, and they are dying at a rate of over 10 a day. For these veterans and their loved ones the time to act is now.” n

pounds of explosive materials, and 1,600 rounds of ammunition in Paddock’s car which was at the hotel’s parking lot.

This has led investigators to suggest Paddock may have planned for a larger massacre.

Among the materials found in his car were several pounds of ammonium nitrate, and later 50 pounds of Tannerite, said Lombardo. Tannerite is a patented brand name used to form home-

by Dino

Maragay Philstar.com

A STILL-clueless Bob Arum recently spoke about Manny Pacquiao’s boxing future, again saying he has no idea about the Filipino icon’s plans to return to the ring.

Appearing as a guest in Everlast.com’s TalkBox podcast, the veteran promoter cited Pacquiao’s political career as a roadblock to resuming the boxer’s career.

“I don’t know if he’s gonna u PAGE A6

fight. He’s really into the political situation,” said Arum.

Pacquiao currently has his hands full attending to his duties as a Philippine senator, a situation Arum believes won’t go anytime soon.

“He’s being groomed by people in the Philippines to be the next President,” added Pacquiao’s longtime promoter.

With Jeff Horn — who defeated Pacquiao last July — already finding a different opponent for a December bout, a rematch between

the Filipino and the 29-year-old Aussie is already out of the equation for this year.

Pacquiao-Horn 2 then is expected to happen next year instead.

But for Arum, that fight – or any other Pacquiao bout for that matter – might not happen at all.

“So, when it’s a choice of doing the public good or taking the time to work in a gym to prepare himself for a fight, he (Pacquiao)’s going to adopt the former,” he said. n

A october 7-10, 2017 • LA WeeKeND ASIAN JoUrNAL

Dateline USa

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US, Thailand list South China Sea as top regional concern

by Patricia Lourdes Philstar.com

Viray

AMID rising tensions in the Korean Peninsula, the U.S. and Thailand listed the South China Sea dispute as the top regional security concern, highlighting a need for the peaceful settlement of disputes.

U.S. President Donald Trump and Thailand Prime Minister Pra-

yut Chan-o-cha met in the White House on Monday to reaffirm the two countries’ alliance for common security.

In a joint statement, the two leaders recognized Thailand’s leading role in promoting regional peace and security, particularly in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

Trump and Chan-o-cha noted that the disputed South China Sea

is a vital waterway for global commerce and freedom of navigation and overflight.

“Consonant with the Sunnylands Declaration, they reaffirmed their shared commitment to peaceful resolution of disputes, including full respect for legal and diplomatic processes, in accordance with universally recognized principles of international law and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea,” the two leaders said in their joint statement.

The Sunnylands Declaration is a joint statement by the U.S. and the Association of Southeast Nations to reaffirm, among other principles, the “shared commitment to peaceful resolution of disputes, including full respect for legal and diplomatic processes, without resorting to the threat or use of force in accordance with universally recognized principles of international law and the 1982 United Nations Convention of the Law of the Sea.” Trump and Chan-o-cha also welcomed the adoption of the framework of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, which would lead to the conclusion of a legally binding sea code.

On the rising tensions in the Korean Peninsula, Trump and Chan-o-Chan expressed concern over North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic missile tests over the past year.

The American and Thai leaders “urged all parties concerned, to strictly implement all relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions with a view to realizing a peaceful, stable and denuclearized Korean Peninsula.”

The leaders also discussed the situation in the Rakhine state in Myanmar and expressed support for ASEAN in its work of providing humanitarian assistance.

“They welcomed the Myanmar government’s commitment to end the violence, ensure the safe return of displaced persons, and accept the recommendations of the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State, and they look forward to implementation of these efforts,” the leaders said.

The 10-member regional bloc, under chairmanship by the Philippines this year, released a statement on the crisis in Rakhine state without referring to violence against Rohingya Muslims. n

SEN. CYNTHIA A. VILLAR AT ASEAN AGRI SUMMIT. Sen. Cynthia A. Villar commends the intiatives of ASEAN leaders to put together and champion private sector concerns and feedback to boost ASEAN’s efforts toward faster and more inclusive economic integration. “This really proves that agri-entrepreneurship will be the key to shared prosperity among our countries,” said Villar. The senator, chair of the Senate Agriculture and Food committee, was the Guest Speaker during the ASEAN Agriculture Summit with the theme, “Agripreneurship: The Gemechanger towards Prosperity for All.” Senate photo

US-bound PAL passengers face more inspections

by Jerome

aning Inquirer.net

UNITED States-bound passengers of Philippine Airlines (PAL) should expect, stricter security measures as part of a dry run of regulations to be enforced by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

The “further enhancing” of security measures for U.S.-bound flights—Manila-Los Angeles, Manila-San Francisco, ManilaHonolulu, Manila-Guam and Vancouver-New York—shall be in the form of additional/expanded check-in procedures,” PAL said in a statement.

“This planned move is in line with the regulatory requirements of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for all flights operating from the ‘last point of departure to the United States,’” PAL spokesperson Ma. Cielo Vil-

laluna said.

In preparation for this procedure, PAL will be conducting the dry run at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal “to simulate time and motion experience.”

PAL advised passengers of U.S.-bound flights to expect a slightly different check-in set up and to arrive at the airport at least three hours before flight departure.

“The airline is seeking the understanding and kind cooperation of passengers as it carries out this ‘run through’ designed to ensure a seamless implementation of the expanded check-in procedure sometime in the future,” Villaluna said.

Electronic devices PAL effected the phase of DHS’ enhanced security measures—the use of an explosive trace detection device on large

portable electronic devices—in July.

Meanwhile, PAL assured its customers that negotiations were ongoing with the government to resolve with dispatch the issue of unpaid navigational fees and other charges to ensure the flag carrier’s continued and unhampered operations.

PAL said its representatives had been meeting with government counterparts to address the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines’ (Caap) collection of the air carrier’s P965 million in unpaid air navigation fees and other charges.

“After a series of exchanges of communications, PAL remains optimistic that the matter will be settled in the spirit of national interest. We echo the Caap’s assurance that the welfare of the riding public is of topmost priority,” PAL said. n

Horn to fight in December, but not against Pacquiao by dino

maragay Philstar.com

WBO welterweight champion Jeff Horn has found an opponent for his first title defense, and it is not Manny Pacquiao.

Instead, Horn will take on relatively unknown British boxer Gary Corcoran in a fight tentatively set on December 15 in Brisbane, Australia, according to ESPN.com’s Dan Rafael.

Top Rank Inc. boss Bob Arum, who co-promotes Horn with Duco Events, said the bout is yet to be sealed pending the finalization of the venue.

“We are clearing a location in

Brisbane and once that is cleared then we can go ahead with doing the fight, which will now take place in December instead of November, which is what we were originally planning,” Arum said.

The development has effectively knocked the originally planned Pacquiao-Horn rematch out of the equation for this year.

Pacquiao, who lost the WBO welterweight strap to Horn last July, was initially inclined to exercise his rematch clause against the 29-year-old Australian. But the Filipino icon wants the fight to be staged in the Philippines,

which is not possible because according to Arum, they are contractually obliged to hold the rematch only in Brisbane, which is Horn’s hometown.

Horn, for his part, has moved on and will now have to deal with the London-based Corcoran, who sports a record of 17-1, with 7 KOs. And if Horn succeeds, Arum said he can tangle with Pacquiao again next year.

“If Horn beats this kid [Corcoran], we could do the Pacquiao rematch in the first part of 2018 or go right to a [Horn] fight with [Terrence] Crawford,” Arum added. n

Motive of Las Vegas shooter remains...

PAGE A6 t made exploding targets for firearms practice.

CNN’s law enforcement analyst, Art Roderick, said the supply of explosives may be indications of plans for a car bomb.

Paddock reportedly also attempted to purchase tracer ammunition at a gun show in the Phoenix area, but the vendor did not have any.

“It allows you to keep your weapon on not necessarily a specific target, but a specific area,” said Roderick. “There would have been a lot higher casualty rate if he had tracer rounds.”

Paddock had apparently been purchasing weapons since 1982, including 33 in the past year, Special Agent in Charge Jill A. Snyder of the San Francisco Field Division for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive told CBS News on Wednesday.

Investigators are interested to see if something may have happened between October 2016 and last month that made him make those purchases.

According to the Gun Control Act of 1968, sellers are only required to report sales of two or more handguns of the same buyer if the purchases were made at the same time, or within five business days of each other.

Gun shops who have sold to Paddock in the past say he cleared background checks. Snyder said Paddock made his purchases in Nevada, Utah, California, and Texas.

“What we know is that Stephen Paddock is a man who spent decades acquiring weapons and ammo, and living a secret life, much of which will never be fully understood,” said Lombardo.

Previous music festivals Police are also looking to see if Paddock had been eyeing previous music festivals in Las Vegas and Chicago, Illinois.

Paddock reportedly rented a room in Las Vegas’ Ogden condominium complex through AirBnB

from Friday, September 22, to Monday, September 25 — about a week before his deadly attack.

The booked dates coincided with Life is Beautiful, another music festival whose headliners were Chance the Rapper and Lorde.

“Was he doing pre-surveillance? We don’t know yet. This is all conjecture at this point,” said Lombardo.

On Thursday, police said they were also looking into whether Paddock booked rooms in a Chicago hotel overlooking the widely attended Lollapalooza music festival that took place on August 3 to August 6.

A photo obtained by TMZ shows two Blackstone Hotel bookings under a guest named Stephen Paddock, who didn’t end up staying. One booking was for August 1, and second, on August 3 — both had checkout dates of August 6.

The rooms had a prime view of the festival’s Grant Park venue, and were reportedly requested to have a “view room” which only faced the park, according to TMZ. “We can confirm that a reservation was made under the name Stephen Paddock; however, authorities have not confirmed that this is the same person as the Las Vegas shooter,” said hotel spokeswoman Emmy Carragher in a Los Angeles Times report.

“We are cooperating with the authorities on this matter.”

Filipina girlfriend, no knowledge of plan Danley — the 62-year-old Filipina girlfriend of Paddock — said she had no knowledge of Paddock’s plan when meeting with FBI at the Los Angeles Federal Building on Wednesday. Her lawyer said she intends to fully cooperate with the investigation on Paddock.

“I am devastated by the deaths and injuries that have occurred and my prayers go out to the victims and their families and all those who have been hurt by

these awful events,” said Danley.

The two met at Club Paradise at the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa in Reno, Nevada where Danley worked as a high-limit hostess, according to Paddock’s younger brother Eric. Danley and Paddock reportedly started dating in 2013.

Defense attorney Matthew Lombard said Danley was not expecting the $100,000 Paddock sent to her in the Philippines a few days before the shooting, and was worried he was breaking up with her. A source close to Danley’s family claimed the money was to help the family build a home.

“I was grateful, but honestly, I was worried, that first, the unexpected trip home, and then the money, was a way of breaking up with me,” she added. “It never occurred to me in any way whatsoever that he was planning violence against anyone.”

Police were first prompted to suspect Danley’s involvement in the shooting after Paddock had used her ID documents to check into the 32nd-floor hotel room. She was later ruled out as a person of interest, as she was believed to be either in the Philippines or Japan with friends.

Antonette Mangroband, a spokeswoman for the Philippine Bureau of Immigration (BI), confirmed that Danley had been in the Philippines since September 25. She returned to the U.S. at the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) from the Philippines Tuesday night, October 3.

Lombardo said on Tuesday afternoon that Danley was still a “person of interest” due to her close relationship to Paddock.

“She has probably the best insight into the mind of Paddock prior to him killing all these people,” Steve Gomez, a former FBI agent, told ABC News on Tuesday. “So they definitely want to hear from her what was going on in his life.” n

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • OctObER 7-10, 2017

Dateline PhiliPPines

A

Senate holds hearing on ‘fake news’

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

The Philippine Senate Committee on Public Information and Mass Media on Wednesday, October 4, held its first hearing on the proliferation of ‘fake news’ or false information in the country.

In her opening speech, Senator Grace Poe, the committee chair, emphasized the need to restrict the spread of fake news as it “cultivates a culture of lying.”

“If purveyors are allowed to get away with the lies, they embolden government officials to also lie in order to escape accountability, crush dissent, and commit illegal acts with immunity,” Poe said.

“If fake news is not challenged, it will create lynch mobs out of certain people turning them into an army of character assassins that can be unleashed with one meme to destroy an idea, a person or an institution,” the senator added.

Senators Vicente “Tito” Sotto III and emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao, meanwhile, commented how they became victim of “fake news” as they hit a blog that accused them of refusing to sign a bill that urges the government to stop the supposed spate of killings in the country, especially of minors.

Sotto said he already got used to criticisms, but warned that “once you start hitting me, calling me names and charging me with crimes I did not commit, my first move is to hunt you down.” he expressed how he was of-

fended by a blog post that tagged him, Pacquiao, and five others— Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, and Senators Richard Gordon, Cynthia Villar, Miguel Zubiri, and Gringo honasan—as “Malacañang dogs” for failing to sign the Senate Resolution 516.

The resolution, which was drafted by Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, president of the Liberal Party (LP), was filed on Monday, September 25. It was signed by by 16 out of 23 senators.

In its September 26 post, the “#Silent No More Ph” blog urged Filipinos to expressed their outrage against the seven senators whose signatures were not seen on the document, saying their “loyalty is to the Palace, not to Filipino people.”

“These senators’ votes are reflective of their stance: They don’t care about lives. They don’t want to hold this government accountable. They only care about their alliance with Malacanang,” the blog noted.

“These are the senators who will block any action that would investigate the sins of the government. These are the senators whose silence lead to continuous murder of poor and innocent children,” it further added.

The seven senators, however, said a copy of the resolution calling on the government to stop killing minors did not even reached their offices.

Sotto said it was obvious that the resolution was being used to “destroy” them.

Pacquiao, meanwhile how he

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Assistant Secretary Mocha Uson exchanges pleasantries with Senator Antonio Trillanes IV after a public hearing on fake news conducted by the Senate Committee on Public Information and Mass Media chaired by Senator Grace Poe. Trillanes had earlier filed criminal and administrative charges against Uson for reportedly spreading “fake news” about his supposed offshore bank accounts.

Senate photo by Cesar Tomambo

was enraged by the “fake news,” as further noted that the incident is “not merely an attack to an individual,” but “an attack to the Senate as an institution.”

“Ni anino nga ng resolution di ko nakita eh… hindi ito nagkataon lang, ito’y sinadya. (I didn’t even see the shadow of the resolution...

This is not a coincidence, it’s intentional.)” the senator claimed.

u PAGE A11

Senator Grace Poe (3rd from right), chair of the Senate Committee on Public Information, stresses the need to address the proliferation of misinformation in social media during a committee hearing on Wednesday, October 4. Also in photo are Senators Risa Hontiveros, Senate Minority Franklin Drilon, Senators Francis Pangilinan and Nancy Binay, Senate Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III, and Senators Manny Pacquiao and Juan Miguel Zubiri.

Senate photo by Alexis Nueva España

A8 OCTOBER 7-10, 2017 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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OPINION

Another anti-graft body

FEATURES

PREVIOUS presidents had one: Fidel Ramos created the Presidential Commission Against Graft and Corruption; Joseph Estrada replaced the PCAGC with the National Anti-Corruption Commission, but it remained inoperable during his shortlived presidency. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s EO No. 12, issued in her third month in office, abolished the NACC and created the Presidential Anti-Graft Commission, with funding taken from the defunct PCAGC. Benigno Aquino III reconstituted the PAGC with his own appointees.

Now it’s President Duterte’s turn. On Thursday, Oct. 5, Malacañang released his EO No. 44, creating the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission, with jurisdiction and powers similar to those in the past.

Like its predecessors, the PACC can suspend and even remove officials found to be violating anti-corruption laws and the code of conduct for government employees.

The PACC can recommend the impeachment of officials. It can initiate a probe of executive appointees including the deputies in the Office of the Ombudsman. Because of recent developments, the PACC will likely conduct an investigation on overall Deputy Ombudsman Melchor Arthur Carandang, who happens to be leading the probe on allegations that President Duterte and his family have amassed wealth illegally.

Palace officials have given assurance that the PACC will not undermine the work of the Office of

the Ombudsman, which is the constitutional body tasked to fight graft and corruption in government. The ombudsman can use more support and resources, but Malacañang cannot be expected to implement measures at this time that will boost the capabilities of the Office of the Ombudsman to carry out its mandate. In creating the PACC, Malacañang should show that it is not simply trying to undermine Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales, whose ouster is also being sought by the President.

In any probe, credibility is a critical factor. An investigation, especially when there is a political element involved, cannot be seen as a fishing expedition or an exercise in persecution. There must be sufficient evidence to support any conclusion The PACC’s predecessors proved ineffectual in that will be reached so that if guilt is established, fighting corruption. Perhaps the new body will the penalty rendered will be seen as justified. serve its purpose. But this can be possible only if

Editorial

Philstar.com photo

the PACC is impartial, with its role meant to enhance the work of other anti-graft bodies. Doing otherwise will doom its mission. (Philstar.com)

The Bernie Sanders plan to cover all Americans with universal health care HEALTH CARE is a right and not just a The Fil-Am privilege. This is the philosophy behind the Perspective plan proposed by Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders — a policy he has been advocating for years, and espe- GEL SANTOS-RELOS cially during the 2016 U.S. presidential election.

Because it is a fundamental right, Sanders proposes a plan that would create a federally administered single-payer health care program.

Sanders’ universal single-payer health care plan hopes to accord a comprehensive coverage for all Americans that will cover the entire continuum of health care, from inpatient to outpatient care; preventive to emergency care; primary care to specialty care, including long-term and palliative care; vision, hearing and oral health care; mental health and substance abuse services; as well as prescription medications, medical equipment, supplies, diagnostics and treatments.

Under the Sanders proposal, patients will be able to choose a health care provider without worrying about whether that provider is in-network and will be able to get the care they need without having to read any fine print or trying to figure out how they can afford the out-ofpocket costs.

Sanders said with this system, all you need to do is go to the doctor and show your insurance card. The plan means no more copays, no more deductibles and no more fighting with insurance companies

when they fail to pay for charges.

Let me share with you the details of his plan as detailed on his website and what this proposal means for us Americans: Getting health care spending under

control We outspend all other countries on the planet and our medical spending continues to grow faster than the rate of inflation. Creating a single, public insurance system will go a long way towards getting health care spending under control. The United States has thousands of different health insurance plans, all of which set different reimbursement rates across different networks for providers and procedures resulting in high administrative costs. Two patients with the same condition may get very different care depending on where they live, the health insurance they have and what their insurance covers. A patient may pay different amounts for the same prescription depending solely on where the prescription is filled. Health care providers and patients must navigate this complex and bewildering system wasting precious time and resources.

By moving to an integrated system, the government will finally have the ability to stand up to drug companies and negotiate fair prices for the American people collectively. It will also ensure the federal government can track access to various providers and make smart investments

to avoid provider shortages and ensure communities can access the providers they need.

Major savings for families and businesses Bernie’s plan will cost over $6 trillion less than the current health care system over the next ten years.

The United States currently spends $3 trillion on health care each year—nearly $10,000 per person. Reforming our health care system, simplifying our payment structure and incentivizing new ways to make sure patients are actually getting better health care will generate massive savings. This plan has been estimated to save the American people and businesses over $6 trillion over the next decade.

The typical middle-class family would save over $5,000 under this plan.

Last year, the average working family paid $4,955 in premiums and $1,318 in deductibles to private health insurance companies. Under this plan, a family of four earning $50,000 would pay just $466 per year to the single-payer program, amounting to a savings of over $5,800 for that family each year.

Businesses would save over $9,400 a year in health care costs for the average employee.

The average annual cost to the employer for a worker with a family who makes $50,000 a year would go from $12,591 to just $3,100.

How much will it cost?

This plan has been estimated to cost $1.38 trillion per year.

The plan would be fully paid for by: A 6.2 percent income-based health

care premium paid by employers — Revenue raised: $630 billion per year.

A 2.2 percent income-based premium paid by households — Revenue raised: $210 billion per year.This year, a family of four taking the standard deduction can have income up to $28,800 and not pay this tax under this plan. A family of four making $50,000 a year taking the standard deduction would only pay $466 this year.

Progressive income tax rates — Revenue raised: $110 billion a year. Under this plan, the marginal income tax rate would be: 37 percent on income between $250,000 and $500,000; 43 percent on income between $500,000 and $2 million; 48 percent on income between $2 million and $10 million. (In 2013, only 113,000 households, the top 0.08 percent of taxpayers, had income between $2 million and $10 million.); 52 percent on income above $10 million. (In 2013, only 13,000 households, just 0.01 percent of taxpayers, had income exceeding $10 million.)

Taxing capital gains and dividends the same as income from work — Revenue raised: $92 billion per year. Warren Buffett, the second wealthiest American in the country, has said that he pays a lower effective tax rate than his secretary. The reason is that he receives most of his income from capital gains and dividends, which are taxed at a much lower rate than income from work. This plan will end the special tax break for capital gains and dividends on household income above $250,000.

Limit tax deductions for rich — Rev-

enue raised: $15 billion per year. Under Bernie’s plan, households making over $250,000 would no longer be able to save more than 28 cents in taxes from every dollar in tax deductions. This limit would replace more complicated and less effective limits on tax breaks for the rich including the AMT, the personal exemption phase-out and the limit on itemized deductions.

The Responsible Estate Tax — Revenue raised: $21 billion per year.This provision would tax the estates of the wealthiest 0.3 percent (three-tenths of 1 percent) of Americans who inherit over $3.5 million at progressive rates and close loopholes in the estate tax.

Savings from health tax expenditures — Revenue raised: $310 billion per year.

Several tax breaks that subsidize health care (health-related “tax expenditures”) would become obsolete and disappear under a single-payer health care system, saving $310 billion per year. Most importantly, health care provided by employers is compensation that is not subject to payroll taxes or income taxes under current law. This is a significant tax break that would effectively disappear under this plan because all Americans would receive health care through the new single-payer program instead of employerbased health care. *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https://www.facebook. com/Gel.Santos.Relos

Mia McLeod and Leonard Mercado: Their journey toward a business and life partnership Rhizomes

PROSY ABARQUEZDELACRUZ, J.D. “When you go the second mile—give more to your work, are more than thoughtful and kind to people, become a joyous giver and a gracious receiver—suddenly life takes on new meaning.

On the second mile, you find happiness, true friends, real satisfaction in living—and probably a larger paycheck, too.” – Eric Butterworth, “Discover the Power Within You,” 1989.

I SOLICITED this interview with Mia McLeod and her husband, Leonard Mercado. I was intrigued by their constant postings of escrows left and right that in one week, three escrows closed.

I wanted to write about their life principles. I later found out about their struggles to stay in business and to survive, even while the economy was in freefall.

Do you remember 2008-2009?

Foreclosures were on the upswing to 81 percent in California.

Home values decreased by 35

percent. Construction was frozen. The economy was tanking.

Millions of homeowners were displaced and they became renters. New subdivisions became ghost towns. Ten real estate brokerages closed, including those in the commercial sector, within a mile radius of their office.

But, crisis seems to be disguised opportunities, if one embraces the challenges.

Mia McLeod, a Filipina-American, withstood this crisis and used this opportunity to build her firm. Mia developed a sense of business principles that customer service has to be paramount. She wanted her clients to feel they are the only ones she works for, answering their questions right away and doing her best practices in completing transactions.

Mia credits the example of her mother, Angela Morales Garcia, learning from her the power of love, sacrifice, perseverance and Mia McLeod next to her business principle hard work. Her mom rented a had two appliances, a toaster and room in a house, which three a microwave, that were used to women shared and together, they heat up their meals in this rented formed their own little home of room. After heating their meals and eating, they shared stories love and security.

While her mom worked, Mia and developed a strong family and her younger sister Marlyne bond, which still exists till. Her McLeod Loera, took care of their mom became both father and laundry and other chores. They mother, that she and her sister

celebrate both Mother’s Day and Father’s Day to honor Angela.

At age 21, Mia graduated with BA degree in Mass Communication at UC Berkeley. At age 22, a few months after working at a start-up mortgage company, she chose to create her own business.

She started with zero capital and

a desk space, lent by her mom, who had her own travel agency.

Now we all wonder: How did she do it?

Mia worked hard to sell her first property and used her commissions to buy her first fax machine and with each completed property sale, she purchased the

next office equipment and then another, until her business grew.

At some point, she struggled and did some soul-searching. She experienced staff attrition and she sought answers as to why staff left. She embarked on improving herself and focused on building

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Mia McLeod and Leonard Mercado...

PAGE A8 t

the office culture, using the staff’s strengths appropriately in the business process and working on their teamwork.

“We needed to focus on our own personal leadership – as John Maxwell puts it, leadership is influence, by adding value to one another. It is growing influence, it is growing leadership in your life, ” Mia clarifies.

In 2008, she earned the recognition of “30 under 30” from the national association of Realtors (naR), after successful escrow closing on 37 sides for a combined value of over $12 million.

Her efficacy continues to today that last labor Day, her firm was recognized by the Eastvale chamber of commerce as the Business of the Year. Her firm organizes educational workshops, inviting industry experts and lawyers on topics such as financing first-time home buyers, wills and trust, where to get down payment grants, financial investments, including emergencies and earthquake preparedness. as their business grows, so does the knowledge they impart to their surrounding communities. leonard clarifies their business principles. “no way is she indispensable, but with someone always wanting to serve, it is hard not to have that. at times, that comes from a selfish point of view as you want that kind of service. But it is how to serve the community – we don’t subscribe to [selfishness] but to be the best reflection of what we want to see in the world,” he said.

Forging a business and life partnership When asked about their life principles, Mia responded with clarity and certainty: “Humility. gratitude. We strive to grow ourselves daily, and to pour [positiv-

Mia Mcleod

ity] into others and [to] help them succeed. First thing we do when we wake up, we pray together as a husband and wife with a ton of gratitude for our life of blessings.

We also know that what we have can be taken away. We pray for sustained blessings so we can continue to help others. It takes material resources to help others.” leonard was quick to add, “My positivity defines me the most.”

It struck me as quite a profound statement and wondered how their paths crossed.

She described her husband’s specific personality traits: “leonard is the most charming of all people who can quickly turn around the energy in a room. leonard loves to dance and you want him in your house and in your parties. He has a strong belief in people and he gives you that extra boost of confidence.

He is also a traditional gentleman (old school) and young, fun and hip, a very nice blend of so cool.”

I glanced at leonard who had a contented smile, even an assuredness to share what he went through, including the grief he overcame.

His mom, aurora Mercado did not work until leonard was 7 years old. growing up, they created loving memories together, while luis Mercado, Jr., his father, worked full-time for the family.

But tragedy struck when leonard was 14 years old, and he lost his mother and his closest aunt, Herminia Buan, to a car accident.

“I was 14 years old and I went through dark moments. I was so close to my mom and aunt. When I came out of it, I had developed such a calming energy, that it is very hard to get me down. not much to worry.” after high school, leonard

Leonard Mercado

went to Mt. San antonio college and then became a registered nurse. He worked in the neurotrauma unit at cedars-Sinai and another job at a clinic in West covina, doing post surgical-recovery nursing. after five years, he quit and got his real estate license in 2001. He worked at a commercial – industrial brokerage with his cousin, and then opened a brokerage with two partners until it shut down in 2008. It was one of the 10 brokerages that got the brunt of the 2008 economic meltdown.

What are their family values?

I asked leonard’s vision as the head of the household for the soon-to-be family of three: “To be god-fearing, a belief in a Higher Being. I have seen highly intellectual friends who can afford great things, but I want to be thankful for so much abundance from god as I did not do this on my own. I don’t want my children to think these blessings come just from us, Mom and Dad, but to know they are blessings from a Higher Being and that we are simply servants to one another, for god. It is not our ego (for that is easing god out).

“I want them to know that they can always come to me, that they need to be their best selves, however painful that situation might be. That they still have me at anytime, [and] that I have unconditional love for them.

“We feel responsible. We can’t keep our business to ourselves.

We ask for more business to better serve our team. We want to be part of charities and to help lift the burdens of financial institutions on homeowners.”

That says a lot of why they sustain their organizing of community workshops, to simplify the complexity of owning a home for families. They want to create a culture where their employees are viewed as leaders, as well, and to figure out how to have one-on-one time to discuss their personal issues with a personal coach, and to discover what are their issues that are blocking them from reaching their own potentials. leonard turned toward Mia, saying, “I am always a resource and a partner to my wife, Mia. I am so proud of her. It is nice to be a supporter and backer to her as she is not one to talk about herself. “ Mia continues sharing: “The whole team is involved in the process. We have staff who are great

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • OctObER 7-10, 2017

A

Palace welcomes confirmation of Environment Chief Cimatu

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

Malacañang on Wednesday, October 4, welcomed the commission on appointments’ (ca) confirmation of the ad interim appointment of Roy cimatu as the Philippines’ environment secretary.

In a statement, Palace spokesman Ernesto abella expressed confidence that cimatu would keep a “delicate balance” between the country’s economic development and environmental protection.

“We welcome the confirmation of the nomination of Department of Environment and natural Resources (DEnR) Secretary Roy a. cimatu by the commission on appointments,” abella said.

He went on to say, “The Palace is confident that Secretary cimatu would be able to implement the president’s marching orders on natural resources development and environmental policies of keeping a delicate balance between economic development and

Senate President and Commission on Appointments (CA) chair Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III poses for a photo with Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Roy Cimatu (left) and Civil Service Commissioner Leopoldo Valderosa, Jr. (right), whose ad interim appointments were confirmed during the CA’s plenary session on Wednesday, October 4.

Senate photo by Ariel Cagadas

environmental sustainability.”

Earlier this year, cimatu was appointed by Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte to replace gina lopez, who was rejected by the ca in May. The president said he had chose cimatu because he believes in the retired general’s “honest” and “hardworking” character.

Senator Manny Pacquiao, who

chairs the ca committee on environment and natural resources, recommended the approval of cimatu to the plenary as he remarked that the retired general is “perhaps the most fit and best qualified for the DEnR highest post.”

“It is with great pleasure and honor to report to the commission, to the president, to the men

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A10 OctOber 7-10, 2017 • LA WeeKeND ASIAN JOUrNAL

Dateline PhiliPPines

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Duterte forms anti-corruption commission DOJ junks rebellion raps vs 59 Maute suspects by cathErinE

valEntE

ManilaTimes.net

PReSIDeNT Rodrigo Duterte has created a commission that will investigate the alleged corruption activities in government.

Duterte signed on Wednesday, October 4 executive Order (eO) 43 creating the Presidential AntiCorruption Commission, which is mandated to directly assist the President in investigating and/or hearing administrative cases primarily involving graft and corrup-

tion against presidential appointees.

“There is a need to create a separate commission under the Office of the President solely dedicated to providing assistance to the President in the investigation and hearing of administrative cases and complaints, and in the conduct of lifestyle checks and/or fact-finding inquiries concerning presidential appointees and other public officers allegedly involved in graft and corrupt practices, or have committed other high crimes

by EvElyn

Macairan

Philstar.com

Pres. Rodrigo Duterte

Philstar.com photo

and/or violations of the Code of Conduct and ethical Standards for Public Officials and employees,” Duterte said in his order.

“The administration has a continuing mandate to fight and eradicate graft and corruption in the different departments, bureaus, offices and other government agencies and instrumentalities, as well as an advocacy to ensure that public officials and employees in all branches of government conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the public trust,” he added.

The new commission will be composed of a chairman and four commissioners to be appointed by the President. Majority of the members of the commission must be lawyers who have been in practice for at least five years.

The eO stated that the commission shall “have the power, on complaint or motu proprio (on its own), concurrently with the Office of the Ombudsman, to hear, investigate, receive, gather, and evaluate evidence, intelligence reports, and information in administrative cases against all presidential appointees in the executive branch occupying the position of assistant regional director or an equivalent rank and higher.”

The commission may also investigate presidential appointees in the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police.

It may also conduct lifestyle checks and fact-finding inquiries on acts or omissions of all presidential appointees, including those outside the executive branch of government.

The commission also has the power to tap law enforcement agencies and make recommendations to place witnesses under the justice department’s Witness Protection Program.

The commission was created a week after Duterte vowed to form a body that will investigate alleged corruption at the Office of the Ombudsman, an independent agency primarily tasked to probe corruption allegations against public officials. n

MANILA — The Department of Justice (DOJ) dismissed the rebellion complaints against 59 men who were stopped at two security checkpoints in Mindanao and accused of attempting to join Islamic State-linked Maute militants who laid siege to Marawi City.

Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II ordered the dismissal of rebellion charges for lack of strong evidence.

He said the panel led by Senior Assistant Prosecutor Peter Ong recommended the dismissal of the case against the 59 men.

“They did not find the military witness as credible,” Aguirre said.

“It is clear that respondents were not committing the crime of rebellion or any crime at the time of their arrests,” Ong said on Thursday, August 31.

The men, who traveled in two big groups, may have sparked the suspicion of troops and police at checkpoints because of the Marawi siege, “but suspicion alone is not sufficient to arrest, detain, charge and indict respondents,” the prosecutors said.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said the military re-

spects the prosecutors’ decision but security officials still believe the men could “perhaps be eventually deployed to Marawi.”

The ruling showed the rule of law continues to work under martial law that was declared in Mindanao by President Duterte to deal with the Marawi crisis, Padilla said, adding that the men were treated well and would be flown back home.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana agreed that the dropping of rebellion charges against the 59 suspects only showed the justice system in the country is working.

“That is what the justice system is supposed to do. To let go the innocent and only punish those who have committed crimes,” Lorenzana said.

“I agree with the decision.

There is no evidence of their being involved in the rebellion hence they were set free,” he said.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) declined to comment on the decision.

PNP spokesman Chief Supt.

Dionardo Carlos said the AFP has to comment over the dismissal since they arrested the suspects at a military checkpoint.

Regional police spokesperson Chief Insp. Helen Galvez also refused to comment.

“It’s better to get the statement from the AFP since they filed the

cases,” she said.

The 59 were taken into custody in Zamboanga City and Ipil town in Zamboanga Sibugay on July 25 amid intelligence reports that Muslim militants would attempt to reinforce the gunmen who attacked Marawi and were being bombarded by military airstrikes and ground assaults.

They were immediately flown to Manila and detained at the highly-secured jail facility in Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig City.

A lone witness said the suspects were to be given combat training and then deployed to reinforce the beleaguered Maute militants, who were holding out in buildings and mosques in Marawi.

The arrested men strongly denied the allegation, saying they were recruited by a man who promised to bring them to a rebel camp for combat training and then help them be integrated into the AFP and police under the peace deal between the government and the Moro National Liberation Front.

During a hearing on July 28, some of the arrested men, guarded by heavily armed police commandos, told reporters they were poor and jobless and in search of work and a better life.

(With Jaime Laude, Emmanuel Tupas, AP)

Pimentel bares six potential PDP-Laban senatorial bets by audrEy

Morallo Philstar.com

MANILA — Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III on Friday, Oct. 6 announced six potential senatorial candidates of the administration Partido Demokratiko Pilipino- Lakas ng Bayan for the 2019 midterm elections.

Pimentel, who is the president of PDP-Laban, said that half of the party’s 12 candidates for the senatorial elections could include himself, House Majority Leader Rodolfo Fariñas (Ilocos Norte), presidential adviser Francis Tolentino, Rep. Karlo Nograles (Davao City), Rep. Geraldine Roman (Bataan) and Rep. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez (Negros Occidental).

Pimentel however was quick to emphasize that the list is not yet final and official as the matter is still “developing, evolving.”

The senate president said that the administration party would try

to field 12 candidates but is also open to entering coalitions with other parties to complete its slate.

“If we cannot come up with 12, then we are open to entering into coalition agreements with other parties. This is a ‘developing/evolving’ matter hence not final not official; just my personal preferences,” Pimentel said in a text message to reporters.

Before joining PDP-Laban, Roman, Benitez and Fariñas were members of the Liberal Party, the administration party from 2010 to 2016.

Tolentino, Aquino’s Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chairman, was supposed to run under the LP slate in the 2016 elections but was dropped after being involved in a controversy involving a lascivious dance performance by an all-girl group.

The former MMDA chief has a pending poll protest against Sen. Leila De Lima, who placed 12th in last year’s senate elections.

Tolentino, who got 1.3 million votes fewer than De Lima, asked the Senate electoral Tribunal to remove the detained senator allegedly for committing fraud.

Roman is part of a political family in Bataan and is the first transgender to be elected to Congress.

Pimentel is expected to face a legal problem in his bid for reelection as the 1987 Constitution allows only two consecutive sixyear terms for senators.

The senate president served a little less than two years of his first term as he was locked in an electoral protest against Juan Miguel Zubiri, whom he accused of fraud in the 2007 elections.

Zubiri denied cheating but resigned from the Senate before the Senate electoral Tribunal could decide on the protest. Pimentel took his oath of office as senator in August 2011.

Pimentel ran for a second term in the 2013 eelctions and won. n

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • OctObER 7-10, 2017

Duterte still studying how to best Mia McLeod and Leonard Mercado... proceed with Marcos offer to return loot PAGE A9 t

in building bridges, so they are at the front end of negotiations.

We also have staff that are good in interactive processes, they are checking all details of the documents to make sure they are done right, they are positioned at the middle and the final end of the process.

“Together, our business consists of over 50 percent being referred to us, based on relationships formed. We serve first, before getting the business first.

We give first, before asking. The client is not a cash cow but [we strive] to give them the best living experience at the moment, elevating our brand as more than realtors, that even in our small

by Audrey

MorAllo Philstar.com

MANILA — Days after he divulged an offer from the family of the late dictator President Ferdinand Marcos to return some of their illegally-obtained wealth, President Rodrigo Duterte is still studying how to best proceed with the proposal which could have repercussions on cases against the former first family.

In a speech last August 29 Duterte revealed that a spokesman for the Marcoses said that the family was willing to “open everything” and return some of the loot they accumulated during their more than two decades of being in power from 1965 to 1986.

The rule of the family patriarch Ferdinand was marred by massive cases of human rights violation and corruption. He is regularly counted among the most corrupt strongmen in history.

The Marcoses are accused of stashing $10 billion in secret bank accounts abroad, and the Philippine government has so far recovered only $3.6 billion.

The family said that Marcos hid this wealth because he was expecting to return to power, a reason Duterte seemed willing to accept.

According to the president, who openly expressed his admiration for Marcos, also included in the offer was the return of “a few gold bars.”

Duterte said that the family made the offer to help the government cover its budget deficit

Former First Lady Imelda Marcos

as it embarks on an ambitious infrastructure program spread over the next few years despite structural weaknesses in its revenue-generating capacity.

“The President is studying how best to proceed in a manner that will advance the nation’s interest and comply with the law,” Ernesto Abella, a presidential spokesman, said.

Abella said that the government would advise further actions that could help to “finally obtain justice” especially for the victims of the brutal Marcos regime once the offer became clearer.

The president came under criticism following his announcement as some alleged that he seemed to have acted like a spokesman for the family of the late dictator, whose interment at the heroes’ cemetery was approved by Duterte after years of

Philstar.com photo

denial by former presidents.

In a separate statement, Abella said that the president disclosed the offer in “the spirit of transparency” as he assured the public that Duterte had its best interest in mind in talking about the Marcos loot.

Duterte’s justice secretary, Vitaliano Aguirre II, warned the chief executive against making hasty moves as these would have repercussions on the pending cases against the Marcoses.

He said that any return of wealth should be done “under the framework of the law.”

Aguirre said: “The President is authorized and has the power to make compromise or any agreement with the Marcoses. If there will be a new agreement, there should be enabling law or initiative law to be issued by the President himself.” n

Senate holds hearing on ‘fake...

PAGE A7 t

Pacquiao also reiterated that he “condemns the killings of the innocent.”

Trillanes meets Uson In a highly anticipated encounter, Senator Antonio Trillanes IV engaged in some banter with Communications Assistant Secretary Margaux “Mocha” Uson.

At one point, Trillanes said he initially did not plan to attend the hearing but later changed his mind upon hearing that Uson “missed” him.

“Actually wala na sana akong planong umattend dito kaso namiss daw ako ni Ms. Mocha (Actually I don’t have plans to attend here but I heard that Ms. Mocha

misses me),” the senator said.

Uson teased Trillanes in response, saying “Ang guwapo niyo pala, senator, sa personal.

Hindi po fake news yun sir (You’re handsome in person, senator. And that’s not fake news.)”

Trillanes then replied, “Konti na lang at baka i-atras ko na ‘yung kaso. Konti na lang bola. (Just a bit more flattery and I might withdraw the case.)”

The two also gamely posed for a photograph after the Senate hearing.

Last month, the senator filed charges of libel, graft and ethics violations against Uson for accusing him of having ill-gotten wealth in several offshore bank

accounts—including the DBS bank in Singapore, which turned out to be non-existent.

Despite a light moment they shared, Trillanes that he will still pursue the cases he filed against her.

“While I appreciate the friendly gesture of Ms. Mocha Uson to have a photo taken with me, it doesn’t change the fact that, as a senior public official, she committed criminal offenses that warranted the filing of multiple cases,” Trillanes said in a statement after the hearing.

“Sa madaling salita, tuloy-tuloy lang ang mga kaso (In other words, the cases will continue),” he added. n

Palace welcomes...

PAGE A9 t

and women of the DENR, and to the whole nation the overwhelming yes, votes, of the members of this commission confirming and affirming the ad interim appointment of our DENR Secretary in the person of Roy A. Cimatu,” Pacquiao said.

For his part, Cimatu said that the “challenge” for him now is to prove to Duterte that the CA made the “right decision in placing their trust and confidence” in him.

“I am pleased, honored and humbled by the vote of the Commission on Appointments confirming my nomination. I am excited about this opportunity to continue serving the public as Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources,” Cimatu said.

He said that his confirmation would allow him to “continue to institute reforms, and pursue programs and projects that would truly protect the environment and improve people’s lives.”

“This gives me enough inspiration to carry out the seemingly gargantuan tasks of protecting the environment and ensuring sustainable use of the country’s rich natural resources in the face of climate change and dwindling natural wealth of the nation,” he added.

The Environment Secretary likewise reassured that the agency would push for “people-centered agenda.”

Prior to his current post, Cimatu served as the Armed Forces chief in 2002. He also served as the special envoy to the Middle East during the administration of former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. n

ways, we can change the relationship between a client and a realtor to that of solid trust, leading with a purpose, and defining why we strive to care, to inspire and to add value to others. We don’t let the industry define our business, so [at times] we may have to lose some business.

But every day, it feels great. Every day we are writing our own book.”

*** Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz, J.D. writes a weekly column for Asian Journal, called “Rhizomes.”

A11

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.

A12 OctOber 7-10, 2017 • LA WeeKeND ASIAN JOUrNAL

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JOURNAL

Zanjoe Marudo gets iEmmys nod for â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;MMKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; role Filipino designer dresses Jennifer Lopez for Las Vegas AFTER earning nods from local award-giving bodies, Zanjoe Marudo has received a major boost by way of an iEmmys nomination for a single portrayal in the weekly ABS-CBN drama anthology, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Maalaala Mo Kaya (MMK).â&#x20AC;?

The model-turned-actor is vying for the Best Performance by an Actor award at the 45th International Emmy Awards, nominated alongside Julio Andrade (Brazil), Kenneth Branagh (United Kingdom), and Kad Merad (France). â&#x20AC;&#x153;This recognition from the iEmmys is a personal milestone for me as an actor and as a Filipino. This is a dream come true. I thank the jurors, the show MMK, ABS-CBN and Star Magic,â&#x20AC;? Marudo said in statement sent to The Manila Times.

The 35-year-old is nominated for his portrayal of a father with paranoid schizophrenia in MMKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Aninoâ&#x20AC;? episode.

It will be remembered that MMK gave Marudo one of his first acting jobs after his stint in the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Pinoy Big Brotherâ&#x20AC;? reality show in 2006. That same year, he starred with Rica Peralejo and Derek Ramsay in the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Love Letterâ&#x20AC;? episode of the anthology. Between 2006 and 2016, Marudo counts a total of 13 MMKs in his body of work.

Marudo said that while this

latest validation of his acting skills comes from an international award-giving body, he has also thrived in nominations in the local scene.

The actor was nominated in 2011 for two awards: New Movie Actor of the Year at the PMPC Star Awards for Movies for the Star Cinema Film â&#x20AC;&#x153;You Got Me!â&#x20AC;? and Breakthrough Actor of the Year at Golden Screen Awards for â&#x20AC;&#x153;Altar.â&#x20AC;?

In 2011, he took home the 9th Gawad Tanglaw for Televisionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Best Single Performance by an Actor for his role in MMKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kuligligâ&#x20AC;? episode.

Thereafter, he was nominated for the Best Supporting Actor award at the 38th Metro Manila Film Festival for his portrayal as Angel Locsinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s devoted boyfriend in the drama movie â&#x20AC;&#x153;One More Try.â&#x20AC;?

The same role earned him two more best supporting actor nominations in the 61st FAMAS Awards and the 29th PMPC Star Awards for Movies.

Most recently, Marudo won the PinakaPasadong Katuwang na Aktor in the 19th Gawad Pasado Awards for the movie â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Third Party.â&#x20AC;? The dramedy was all the more challenging for Marudo as he portrayed Sam Milbyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new love

by

C. MENDEZ LEGASPI Philstar.com

interest. It also marked his second movie with Locsin who played Milbyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ex-girlfriend.

For the iEmmys, Marudo earned a spot along 44 nominees across 11 categories, from 18 countries.

Fellow Star Magic artist Jodi Sta. Maria was also nominated in the international awards in 2016 for Best Performance by an Actress as Amor Powers in the hit drama â&#x20AC;&#x153;Pangako Saâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Yo.â&#x20AC;? Primetime series â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bridges of Love,â&#x20AC;? meanwhile, was nominated in the Best Telenovela category that same year.

This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s winners will be announced at a black-tie ceremony on November 20 at the Hilton New York Hotel. The International Emmy Awards are given by the International Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. (ManilaTimes. net)

FILIPINO-American Rocky Gathercole is on a roll. After the successful staging of his BantayBata 20th Anniversary Gala, the avant-garde designer finds himself in the spotlight every so often.

Former Spice Girl Mel B prefers to wear his creations in her appearances as a judge in â&#x20AC;&#x153;Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Got Talent.â&#x20AC;? That is besides being a new favorite of the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Megastarâ&#x20AC;?

Sharon Cuneta.

Now his designs are featured prominently in the September edition of the American magazine Paper for its special â&#x20AC;&#x153;Las Vegasâ&#x20AC;? issue with Jennifer Lopez.

PAGE B3

Left photo shows the screenshot of Jennifer Lopez wearing Rocky Gathercole at the cover of Paper Magazine, image care of Gathercole. Right photo shows Ellen DeGeneresâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Twitter meme of the JLo cover.

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B2 OCTOBER 7-10, 2017 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

FEATURES

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SoCal bookshop celebrates Filipina author in the diaspora Massacre at the most TO celebrate the achievements of Filipino authors in the diaspora, Dr. Merlinda Bobis, an Australia-based award-winning author will be the first so honored by Philippine Expressions Bookshop.

The Bookshop will host her literary reading and book signing on Friday, October 13, 2017, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at 479 West Sixth Street, San Pedro, CA 90731.

Born in Legazpi City, Albay, by the foot of Mount Mayon, which figures prominently in her works, she attended Bicol University High School and has a Bachelor of Arts degree (Summa Cum Laude) from Aquinas University of Legazpi and a Master of Arts in Literature (Meritissimus) from the University of Santo Tomas, Manila. Before leaving for Australia in 1991 on a study grant, she taught Literature and English at Philippine universities. She completed a Doctorate of Creative Arts at the University of Wollongong, Australia where she taught creative writing for more than twenty years. She has recently retired.

Author of three novels, five poetry books, seven dramatic works (stage and radio), a collection of short stories, a monograph on writing and researching fiction, and more than 80 poems, stories, and scholarly articles in literary anthologies, journals and magazines, her literary works have received various prestigious awards in Australia and in the Philippines. Her scholarly research covers transnationalism, postcoloniality and crossing cultures, migration, and creative-critical intersections. Her dramatic works, most of which she has performed, have been presented in Australia, Canada, China, France, Philippines, Spain, the Slovak Republic, Thailand, and the United States.

She has worked on two international research projects: “Transnational Border Interventions: The Coastal and Regional Imaginary” and “Rethinking Rivers and Waterways” in relation to

the notion of creative-critical empathy.

Her award-winning books include “White Turtle” (1999), Winner of the Arts Queensland Steele Rudd Australian Short Story Award (for the Best Published Collection of Australian Short Stories, joint winner), 2000. “White Turtle” also won Out of the Ashes Trans-Tasman Short Story Competition, 1998. The book was later republished in the Philippines as “The Kissing” where it won the 2000 Philippine National Book Award for Fiction (Joint Winner) from the Manila Critics Circle. “Banana Heart Summer: Novel” (2005), won the 2006 Gintong Aklat Award (Golden Book Award) from the Book Development Association of the Philippines as well as the 2006 Australian Literature Society Gold Medal. This book was also nominated for Best in Foreign Language in Fiction by the Manila Critics’ Circle. “Locust Girl: A Lovesong” (2015), won the 2016 Christina Stead Prize for Fiction, NSW Premier’s Literary Awards.

Her other titles include “Cantata of the Warrior Woman, Daragang Magayon: An Epic” (1990), “Rituals: Selected Poems, 1985-1990” (1990), “Summer Was a Fast Train Without Terminals: Poetry” (1998), “Pag-uli, Pag-uwi, Homecoming: Poetry in Three Tongues” (2004), “A Novel-In-Waiting: Creative Research Towards Writing Fiction” (2004), and “Intercultural Music: Creation and Interpretation” (2006), which she co-edited with the Australian Music Centre, MacArthur et al, “The Solemn Lantern Maker: Novel” (2008), “Fish-Hair Woman: Novel” (2012), “Dream Stories” (2014). Her latest book of poetry, “Accidents of Composition” (2017) will be launched during her book talk.

Dr. Merlinda Carullo Bobis is the recipient of the Gawad Pambansang Alagad ni Balagtas (National Balagtas Award: a lifetime award for author’s poetry and prose in English, Pilipino, Bikol) from the Unyon ng Manunulat ng Pilipinas (Union of Philippine Writers), 2006; Pamana Philippine Presidential Award for achievement in the arts (for Filipino expatriates), 1998 and Carlos Palanca Memorial Award in Literature (Philippine national award).

The Book Talk & Signing is part of the ongoing outreach program of Philippine Expressions Bookshop. The Bookshop was established in 1984 and is now in its 33rd year. It opened its brick-and-mortar location in San Pedro in October 2016 and is located in the Arcade Building, a 1928 vintage building across the street from the Warner Grand Theater in the arts district of San Pedro. The event is free and open to the public. Street parking available. Due to limited seats, RSVP is requested by email at linda@ philbooks.us or phone at (310) 514-9139.

Please visit the bookshop’s Facebook page for updates. The website, www.philbooks.us, is currently under reconstruction.

fabulous city of fun

MOONLIGHTING

by MYLAH DE

LEON

LAS VEGAS has always been a magnet, drawing millions for the inspiration provided by its symbols and characters, and what it says about us and our society - viewed as a ceaseful for the crass or pleasure palace for the masses and its denizens, writers look at it as a religion, a disease, a nightmare or a paradise for misbegotten, in a quixotic inflammation of the senses with fiendish intensity and stimulation - the greatest Sin city, since God torched Sodom and Gomorrah.

It has succeeded to wire an entire city with its electrical stimulations, day and night, out in the middle of the dessert, with its buildings, no trees…only signs, they tower, they revolve, they oscillate. Its allure is more irresistible, as it takes care of both the old and the young, and it’s not a place where only one’s money counts.

It was the best time of the day, you’d like to take the kids on an outdoor fun and for the county music lovers, gather, dance and revel at the Route 91 Harvest Music Festival. All 22,000 in a quest for a little slice of fun...of the music and the night.

Then out of nowhere, in what at first everyone thought as firecrackers, a hail of bullets open fired, mowed them down, wreaking havoc perched on a hotel floor, spraying the crowd, relentless, in its fury…they were dancing and singing at the open door concert, next minute, they were fleeing for

their lives, in all directions, in the worst shooting carnage in modern American history…gunned down by a valley of bullets, killing at least 59 innocent people and wounding 510.

That lone wolf open fired and changed and re-loaded, and as hundreds of missiles flashed and exploded from his automatic rifle, which gave way to his position.

It was the smoke from rounds of ammunition or gun smoke filled the room on the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino.

He was firing at police patrol cars that descended on the scene (the music stopped for a while, and when the second pop burst, the performers started fleeing the stage, in every direction as bullets came, flying over them and the rest.

Bullets… that killed…

They consist of running bits of metals through the flesh of men… large, small, pointed, square, round splintered bits of metal that tear and kill.

It is not the metal in its natural state, but the metal fashioned by the intelligence of man - who’s great in building space ships and going to the moon.

Just one bullet is enough to kill a man; (the first time I saw an M16 bullet, I almost cried) no need to fire a burst at him, because it moves at a speed of sound and its trajectory is always nearly off balance, so that when it arrives, it doesn’t stop inside the flesh like an ordinary bullet: no it doesn’t go through an arm or leg either, it twists and turns and tears and cuts and in a few minutes, it empties all the blood out of you.

Let’s take a bullet that is really well made and look at it. Who invented it? A man invented it. He calculated the form, the weight, the PAGE B4

Joey de Leon apologizes for insensitive remark on depression COMEDIAN Joey De Leon has apologized after drawing flak for his dismissal of depression as a made-up illness. He said his family explained the gravity of his remarks on the mental illness that has claimed thousands of lives.

“Nagkamali po ako. Pinagalitan ako ng misis ko. Pinaliwanang nya at ng mga anak namin (I was wrong. My wife berated me. She and my children explained the issue to me),” De Leon on noontime variety show “Eat Bulaga” on Friday, Oct. 6.

De Leon said that he was ashamed of his “insensitive” and “ignorant” remarks . “Ako’y humihingi ng paumanhin sa mga napaitan sa mga nabanggit ko, at humihingi ng inyong pang-unawa (I apologize to those who were offended by my words and I seek your understanding),” he added.

‘Made-up illness’ De Leon made the comment when a contestant in “Juan for All, All for Juan segment” named Maria Cristina said her mother is

Joey de Leon admitted he was wrong for dismissing depression as a make believe illness.

GMA photo

suffering from depression.

But De Leon dismissed her Maria Cristina’s concern about her mother’s illness. “‘Yung depression gawa-gawa lang ng mga tao ‘yan. Gawa nila sa sarili nila (Depression is just made up by people. They do it to themselves),” said TV host.

This prompted Maine MenPAGE B4

Features

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • OctObER 7-10, 2017

B

Bela Padilla defends Arci Muñoz

Magic Ball last Saturday, Sept.

30, actress-turned-screenwriter Philstar.com Bela Padilla butted in and came JUST as the media began to to Arci’s rescue.

But reporters asked Arci about ask questions and hold up their phones to take close up photos of her nose anyway.

“What can you say about the actress Arci Muñoz’s alleged surgically enhanced nose at the Star issue?” one writer asked.

by Deni

Rose A. BeRnARDo

Arci Muñoz (left) and Bela Padilla at the 2017 Star Magic Ball red carpet.

Philstar.com photos by Efigenio Toledo IV

“What issue?” Arci then returned the query.

She only seemed to have understood the question clearly when the writer pointed at his own nose.

“Oh! Hindi kasi ako ma-social media,” Arci said, seemingly hinting that she is oblivious of the bashes she gets online.

From up close, one can really see a keloid lining on the side of her nose, backing previous reports that she underwent surgery again because her nose developed keloids allegedly due to head banging. Arci also goes by the name Ramona Thornes as lead vocalist of heavy metal band Philia.

She was then asked what she could say to bashers. Holding up her two rock star fingers, she whispered with grit: “I don’t give a …!”

She seemed unmindful if cameras were too close to her face.

When the press was done grilling her, instead of walking away or avoiding the public as many stars do to retreat from the issues they face, Arci walked on, confidently sexy and beautiful in her own way in a Swarovski-studded Francis Libiran gown.

HER “AMERICAN DREAM” SHATTERED WHEN HER CASE WAS DENIED AND HER TWO ATTORNEYS TOLD HER THE ONLY SOLUTION WAS TO JUST “HIDE.” Mariel (left) was devastated when her adjustment of status was denied after USCIS concluded she was out of status.

Distraught and lost, especially after her first two lawyers’ only advice was to “hide,” Mariel decided to consult with “Attorney-of-Last-Hope” Michael J. Gurfinkel who sought reconsideration and was able to get Mariel her elusive green card in record time. Watch Mariel’s dream come true on a brand-new episode of “Citizen Pinoy” — on Sunday at 6:15 p.m. (PST) on TFC. (Advertising Supplement)

Filipino designer dresses Jennifer Lopez...

PAGE B2 The pop diva has a series of shows in Vegas. While she wears Versace and Balmain for her kinetic performances, she is clad in Rocky Gathercole for her Paper cover and inside editorial.

Before he left to attend the Toronto International Film Festival and New York Fashion Week, the renegade designer shared his thoughts and elation over the Paper exposure.

The magazine, whose fashion director is Mickey Boardman, a judge at the recent Miss Universe held in Manila, contacted Gathercole through his representatives in Los Angeles.

The photographer was the legendary Ellen von Unwerth. It was instantly iconic that even TV host Ellen DeGeneres wanted to join the fun!

“It was through the Star Fashion House on Melrose Avenue, a onestop shop for Hollywood celebrities,” he shared. “I was told the Alisah Bonaobra concept was ‘Showgirl’.”

Not only that, she received a Gathercole, whose JLo anthem is standing ovation from Scherz- “Let’s Get Loud,” while his favorite inger and fellow judge Sharon of her movies are “Maid in ManhatOsbourne along with the audi- tan” and “Anaconda,” got inspired ence who clearly enjoyed her by chandeliers. performance.

JLo wears a crown and bustier To be sure, Bonaobra’s little made of crystals on the cover, a triumphs will keep Filipinos glued showgirl-style piece with no underto the ongoing season of X Factor garments and a feather headpiece UK. (ManilaTimes.net) on the inside pages.

‘Rak of Aegis’ star survives ‘X Factor UK’ bootcamp Filipina contestant gets second chance from Simon Cowell

Carey’s “We Belong Together,” when judge Simon Cowell said that one of them is going through but that it wasn’t either of the Philippine contenders.

Everyone else walked to leave the stage except for Bonaobra who remained crouched stage refusing to take no for an answer.

Gaga Lord tried to console her until judge Nicole Scherzinger left her seat to join the weeping Filipina thespian to ask what she wanted to do. Crying, Bonaobra asked, “Please can I have a second chance?”

She immediately sang a line from the group’s performance song and succeeded in catching Cowell’s attention. The tough British star-maker then said, “Based on what you’ve just done there, from what I can hear, we’re gonna give you a pass on this one.”

Happily, Bonaobra did not disappoint the next time she went on stage. She performed her version of “Defying Gravity” Judge Nicole Scherzinger comforts Bonaobra from the musical “Wicked” and AJthe Ads 54_Layout 10/5/15 12:54 1 gotPage bumped up to the “Six Chair before latter asked for 1another chance to PM stay on the show.

ManilaTimes.net photos Challenge.”

ALISAH Bonaobra—who portrayed the lead in the hit Filipino musical “Rak of Aegis” by Peta— has passed through the dreaded boot camp of reality search ‘X Factor UK’ but not without difficulty.

She was side-by-side with fellow Filipina, Gaga Lord, and two other contestants singing Mariah

“We did the shoot about three months ago, so I was really excited to see the finished work. And voila!

It’sfantabulous!”

His creations fit right into the persona of the superstar and the city, as JLo considers Las Vegas the sexiest city in the world.

“I think people come here to let loose and have a good time,

age gracefully

Bouncers

Stirring It Up With Cauliflower

Pony rides Ferris wheel

Tofu and Vegetable Stir-Fry Serves 2–4

BY GRACE O

Is cauliflower the new kale, or just an old favorite rediscovered and reinvented? A member of the nutritionpacked, cruciferous cabbage family along with Brussels sprouts and broccoli, cauliflower is anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-rich, and may boost both heart and brain health. Eating cauliflower provides impressive amounts of vitamin C, vitamin K, beta-carotene, and much more while supporting healthy digestion and detoxification.

It also contains sulforaphane, a sulfur compound that has been linked to killing cancer stem cells, which can slow tumor growth. A great way to enjoy cauliflower is to bake it with olive oil, salt and pepper. I like to add turmeric (another anti-inflammatory) to give it an extra nutrition boost. I also include it in my Tofu Vegetable Stir Fry which provides plenty of health-boosting vegetables. In addition to the cauliflower and proteinpacked tofu, it contains broccoli, a good source of lutein, which can help prevent macular degeneration. Both the cauliflower and the kale in the recipe have phytonutrients that protect against cancer. I like to use a wok to prepare this dish, but a large skillet will do. Enjoy versatile cauliflower which is in season from September to June.

and there’s a sexiness to that. You know, it’s that inhibition letting go and just having a good time,” she told Paper.

For his immense contributions to fashion and style in the international scene, Gathercole will be one of the Ten Outstanding Filipino-American award recipients on October 28 at Carnegie Hall in New York.

1 package (8 oz.) firm tofu 6 Tbs. peanut oil 1 Tbs. grated gingerroot 2 Tbs. minced garlic 1 cup baby carrots 1 cup snow peas 1 cup broccoli florets, cut or separated into bite-size pieces 1 cup cauliflower florets, cut or separated into bite-size pieces 3 cups chopped kale 2 chopped scallions 2 Tbs. oyster sauce combined with 2 Tbs. water 2 Tbs. cornstarch dissolved in ¼ cup cold water

Petting zoo

C aiCr air F F

October 28 andOctober 29, 201728 and 29, 2017 10:00 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

1. Drain the tofu and press between paper towels to remove excess water. Cut tofu into 1- to 11⁄4-inch cubes.

2. Heat 4 Tbs. of the peanut oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu and fry until golden brown, about 2–3 minutes. Remove tofu from pan and S. Louise Street & 400 E. Lomita Avenue 400 S. Louise Street400 & 400 E. Lomita Avenue keep warm.

Schoolgrounds and High School grounds Grade School andGrade High School

3. Add the remaining 2 Tbs. peanut oil to Glendale, CA 91205Glendale, CA 91205 the pan and sauté the ginger and garlic over medium-high heat until lightly browned, about 2 minutes.

4. Add the carrots, snow peas, broccoli, and cauliflower and cook until just tender but still crunchy, about 7–10 minutes.

5. Add the kale and scallions and continue cooking until kale softens, about 4–5 minutes.

6. Stir in the oyster sauce mixture and cornstarch mixture and cook until a thick sauce forms, about 2 minutes. (If using unfried tofu, add now and cook until heated through, about 2–3 minutes.)

7. Remove vegetables from heat. Fold in tofu.

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. Grace O is a fusion chef with a mission: to cook up recipes for a long and joyful life that are built on a foundation of anti-aging science and her 15 years in the healthcare industry. Visit FoodTrients.com to learn more. Email us at info@FoodTrients.com © 2015 by FoodTrients.com

Haunted house BINGO Grandma’s Attic Facepainting Maze Obstacle Course Horse races Small children’s area Musical performances Pumpkin carving contest Costume contests for Kids, Adults & Pets Mediterranean dinner by Raffi’s Catering-Pasadena (Saturday) American and Filipino Breakfast (Sunday) Mexican Food Wine & Beer Garden Baked goods For more information visit our website

www.hfglendale.org or call 818.243.3743

Features

B october 7-10, 2017 • LA WeeKeND ASIAN JoUrNAL

Health@Heart PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS For thousands of years, China has been known to be the capital of herbal medicine. other countries like the Philippines have their own local regional version of treating diseases and health conditions using herbal products. Today, we still hear an abundance of anecdotal testimonials about the efficacy of these natural “medications” from indigenous foods, plants, minerals, some of them from regular food we eat everyday.

Efficacy and safety Folk remedies are our earthly natural gifts and traditional plant and herbs are still man’s sources.

About 85 percent of the world’s developing nations studied and refined for years in scientific laboratories until governmental agency’s (the Food and Drug Administration or in case of the U.S.) strict efficacy and safety standards are met. Some of the problems with herbals drugs include lack of stringent product testing and quality control, contamination with adulterants and bacteria, and resultant serious complications, acute (instant) or chronic (long term, years) and in some cases, deaths.

There is no question that many plants, fungi, flowers, roots, leaves, fruits have chemical substances in them that are beneficial to the human body, not only as a source of nutrition but as herbal items with medicinal values. Modern science has harnessed some of them, reconfigured their molecular structures and properties, and transformed them into medicine.

Penicillin is one of the multitudes of drugs that have their origin from these natural elements.

Tainted reputation The quest for alternative medicine — driven by culture, tradition, or economics — has been tainted by the incursion of some pharmaceutical or manufacturing companies which have flooded the market with a hundreds of “herbal medications and juices.” Each has the preposterous claim or insinuation that their products are useful or good for all diseases, from acne to athlete’s foot, from high blood pressure to diabetes, from impotence to aging, from arthritis to cancer, etc.

They obviously aim to deceive the unsuspecting public into believing their product is a cure for any and all diseases known to man. And

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

Herbal warning since this particular business is today a multi-billion dollars industry, it goes without saying that there are millions upon millions of ignorant consumers that are being victimized daily by these unscrupulous entrepreneurs.

While these companies are spending millions of dollars in marketing and promotion, they are raking in billions of dollars a year, by peddling their products, under the guise of the label “food supplement,” in order to escape the strict scrutiny and investigation by the U.S. FDA or similar governmental agencies in other countries, for safety, efficacy, proper dosage, contraindication, side effects, etc.

Reckless, profit-driven ventures Most herbal products today have not been scientifically investigated the same way all western drugs on the market have been studied and tested. So, we do not really know which are safe and efficacious, and what side effects they may have.

Not all herbal medicines are dangerous but a few have been shown to cause kidney failure, liver failure, cancer, clot blockages in the kidney veins, seizures, etc. Some of them have caused deaths.

Sometime ago, a Chinese herb known as Aristolochia fangchi or A. fangchi was linked to kidney failure and urinary cancer. This herb is used in Chinese medicine to treat asthma. A. fangchi is also an ingredient in a Belgian weightloss formulation, where the linkage was discovered. This was not the first time where herbal medicines have caused severe, if not fatal, complications. other herbals to stay away from, to mention a few, are pokeroot, comfrey, and liferoot, which have been reported to cause liver damage. Ginseng can affect hormonal balance and Gingko Biloba, excessive bleeding during surgery, among some people.

A warning has been sounded by the United Nations health agency regarding the use/misuse/overuse of herbal medications.

Late discovery of toxicity Most of the herbals and so-called food supplement sold over the counter have not undergone proper and adequate testing like what are required by the FDA for proprietary medications. It is most unfortunate for the public that these substances do not need FDA approval prior to marketing. As such, manufacturing and marketing firms are able to make the usual attractive but false claims that the product is effective for various illnesses. The gullible

and ill-informed people fall victims to these fraudulent claims in their search for the “fountain of health and longevity.” This unregulated business is a trillion-dollar industry around the globe. It is one thing to take a substance and discover after days or months that it is not effective; it is another to find out months or years later that the substance is toxic, or causes cancer. By then, it is too late.

Alternative medicine could be a wonderful natural option, but with today’s sophisticated medical science, it is most prudent for all of us to use only those herbal products and drugs that have been investigated by the FDA, studied, tested, and proven safe, effective, with minimal side effects and potential complications.

There are many fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, spices, and herbs that we eat daily, which have medicinal values in them. These are the “herbals” that are good, safe and much less expensive too.

For example: drinking water, for system cleansing and detoxifying; apple, anti-viral and lowers cholesterol; mustard, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial; salt, anti-bacterial and preservative; corn, induces urination; garlic, circulatory stimulant and lowers blood pressure; wheat, anti-aging; cucumber, anti-inflammatory; onion, lowers blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar; watercress is a tonic that detoxifies; potato, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory; lemonade to minimize kidney stone formation; honey, antiseptic and expectorant; pepper, decongestant and immune-system enhancer; and, green leafy vegetables, antioxidant like most of the above, and also anti-cancer, etc. one caveat: There is no one single drug on earth that is a cureall for every illness known to man, and taking an untested drug or substance with unknown side-effects and complications is downright dangerous in the long term, and potentially fatal. ***

By Monet

Lu

THE night of october 1 left us all in shock and devastation. With at least 59 people killed and more than 500 injured, the mass shooting in Las Vegas will go down as one of the darkest moments in U.S. history. Filled with horror and uncertainty, it was the darkest night in Las Vegas and one of the most horrifying scenes you never wish to see in your lifetime. But brave first responders and concertgoers-turned-heroes provided a light and showed love in a time of terror.

I’ve been hearing stories about police officers shielding citizens, military veterans plugging wounds, people who used their bodies to shield bullets, and those who turned their trucks into makeshift ambulances. These acts of bravery bring back whatever ounce of faith in humanity I have left. one woman told ABC News that she loaded as many as six people into her car, some of whom needed immediate medical attention, and took them to the hospital. KrCA reported that people who were not at the concert also sprung into action donating blood and stocking local food banks.

Democratic rep. Dina Titus praised everyone who helped after the shooting in a statement she released on Twitter. “The brave Las Vegas police officers who raced towards an active shooter during this horrible mass shooting. My hearts aches for the victims, their loved ones, and our community. I am grateful for law enforcement’s swift response and the many good Samaritans whose selfless acts of bravery showcased Las Vegas’ values to the world.”

The first responders and the Reeves, Miller, Zhang & Diza Law Corporation’s selfless civilians who willingly offices are located in Pasadena, Irvine, San extended help that night have shown us that there are still good Francisco, Las Vegas and Makati City. people out there. I heard about Telephone: (800) 795-8009 a man who shielded his wife E-mail: immigration@rreeves.com to protect her from the bullets Website: www.rreeves.com. that pierced his back and claimed *** The analysis and suggestions offered in his life. Another woman shielded this column do not create a lawyer-client her younger brother during the relationship and are not a substitute for the shooting. In an interview she personalized representation that is essential recalled, “Every time the crowd got up the shooting started again. to every case.

(Advertising Supplement) I was laying on my brother shield-

Love in a time of terror: Stories of bravery during the Las Vegas shootout

ing him. I’m 30, he’s 21. I love him to death; he has more life to live,” Channel News Asia quoted concert-goer Corrine Lomas as saying.

A witness told ABC News that he helped at least three people who were injured by the shooter get loaded into ambulances, and he held another victim who died in his arms.

Then there’s this 53-year-old man by the name of Mike McGarry who reportedly used his body as a human shield to protect younger concert-goers from the spray of bullets that rained down on the country concert on the Las Vegas strip.

“It was crazy — I laid on top of the kids. They’re 20. I’m 53. I lived a good life,” McGarry said in an interview with Channel News Asia. His act of selflessness is the reason those kids were able to go home to their worried parents.

President Donald Trump was quick to issue a statement thanking everyone who helped and went above and beyond – to the point of death – to protect the lives of others.

“I want to thank the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and all of the first responders for their courageous effort and helping to save the lives of so many.

The speed with which they acted is miraculous... It shows what true professionalism is all about,” he said.

More and more stories of bravery are being told and while that terrifying night is one that would forever haunt the streets

of Las Vegas, it is also the day that the truest and purest form of love was shown.

And hopefully, this is where we draw our hope from. For it is through the sacrifice of these people that someone still gets to hug their loved ones, or that young kid can still live another day and dream of being a brave paramedic or police officer.

I’ve been to Las Vegas several times. Some times with friends, other times by myself. Never in those times have I ever imagined that one day I’d be looking at those familiar streets with tears in my eyes. I guess it’s no longer safe anywhere. Tragedies like this can strike any second at any place. Sad to say but this is now the world we live in. Yet, as I end this piece, I want to leave my readers something to ponder on: In such a time where all we see is darkness, let’s remember that the smallest yet purest act of love could bring so much light and hope. To those who are grieving the loss of their friends and family, I give my condolences. May you be comforted in this trying time. *** Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, awardwinning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is known as an all-around artiste who produces sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns.

Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary all-natural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration . To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at monetsalon@aol.com

LBC brings holiday cheers to overseas Filipinos as BOC suspends Tariff Act on balikbayan boxes LBC’s customers abroad who are now busy filling up Balikbayan boxes to send to their loved ones here in the country will now be able to do so without worrying about the rules and regulations imposed by the Bureau of Customs last August 1, 2017 This is after BoC Commissioner Isidro Lapena issued a memorandum last September 28, 2017 suspending the implementation of the Customs Modernization Tariff Act (CMTA) until March 31, 2018.

The CMTA carried with it certain provisions which set parameters for Balikbayan shipments and who was qualified to send them so they

can avail of tax exemptions. It was enacted, not just to prevent revenue loss which comes when balikbayan boxes are shipped abusively or inadvertently, but also to simplify clearance procedures and adopt clear and transparent customs rules, consistent with international standards.

LBC, the largest and leading forwarding company in the Philippines, welcomed the development saying many overseas Filipinos are still unaccustomed to the CMTA and that the suspension will give them time to focus, instead, on sending joy and gifts to loved ones this Holiday Season.

(Advertising Supplement)

Massacre at the most fabulous...

PAGE B2 powder, the velocity, the trajectory, the moment of impact.

There was a test and a bullet was fired. At whom? At what? A dog, a cat, a piece of steel? Certainly not a man.

And the board of directors approve. Now, look at the factory full of workers making bullets, the kind proletariat Marx defended, and trade unions protect, the nice workers who are never guilty (the guilt is the businessman, that’s all)…the workers only carry out orders, the poor innocents, they’ve got to earn a living and keep their families and pay for their upkeep,

haven’t they? Have they the time or means to ask themselves moral questions?

So they make bullets laboriously, carefully throwing out any defective ones, because if a bullet is imperfect, it doesn’t tear and doesn’t cut and does not empty all the blood out of the little yellow man who gets it when he’s 20 years old, defending a hill and a flag in Saigon, or out of the little white man in Iran or the big black man in Afghanistan. Now, they get a string of bullets in a butchery inside a movie house, malls, school rooms, even freeways; of the latest, a grassy out-

door concert of country music festival.

There are bullets as well in Moscow, Peking, and it isn’t a businessman who orders them, it is the State, which has exactly the same results, and the workers are exactly the same, maybe even more diligent, even more obedient. one day, I’d like to visit a bullet factory in Kiev, Chicago or Shanghai. I’d like to look them all in the face…workers, directors, businessmen.

And finally, I’d like to look the inventor in the eyes…because he’s the best of all and most important!

Joey de Leon apologizes for insensitive...

PAGE B2 doza, his co-host, to argue that depression should be taken seriously.

But De Leon continued to rib Mendoza saying that depression is just an illness of the rich, and a poor person who is depressed is someone who just lost hope.

“Ganun ‘yun eh, (That’s the way he is)” he quipped.

He even said that people should not support people with depression.

‘Silver lining’ De Leon said that he called Mendoza to apologize.

Mendoza, of the popular AlDub love team, meanwhile drew praises for standing up to de Leon

and for telling people to support people who are suffering from depression.

Addressing “Eat Bulaga’s” audience on Friday, de Leon said that if there is a silver lining on his mistake, it was that it opened many doors to discuss depression.

Youth for Mental Health Coalition, a group of mental health advocates, issued a statement on Friday morning saying that it would welcome a public acknowledge of de Leon’s mistake but de Leon’s best form of apology” is a “changed mindset on mental illness.”

Y4MH extended an invitation to de Leon for an educational dis-

cussion on mental health issues.

De Leon is a host of the longest running noontime show in the country. “Eat Bulaga” first aired in 1979.

The World Health organization said that depression is a common mental disorder that affects more than 300 million people worldwide. In the Philippines, there were 2,558 reported cases of suicide in 2012. of that number, 550 were females while 2,009 were males.

The Department of Health estimates that one in five Filipino adults has some form of mental illness, with schizophrenia, depression and anxiety topping the incidences of disorder.

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“LEGACY IN THE MAKING” : 41st Annual Asian Business Association Awards Banquet

by Prosy AbArquez-DelAcruz J.D. AJ Press

[Full disclosure: Cora Oriel, president of the Asian Journal, is the vice chair of the Asian Business Association’s board of directors]

Cora Oriel (the Asian Business Association’s Vice Chair) and Lan Ong (ABA’s Board Member), co-chairs of the organization’s 41st banquet committee, greeted the awardees and VIPs, coincidental to the onset of sunset. The sun’s rays gilded their heads, which harmonized with the program booklet’s symbol, with the sun’s rays projecting down on the landscape, the colors of blue, green yellow, orange and red, symbolic perhaps of how these Asian American businesses are growing to be the prime engine of recovery from the 1992 recessionary periods in Southern California to the “economic well-being of the region.”

Ronald W. Wong, president and founder of Imprenta Communications, spoke to the Asian Journal, two days after his firm was recognized as the ABA’s Image Innovator Award at its annual banquet on Wednesday, Sept. 27, at the newly built Intercontinental Hotel in downtown Los Angeles.

He said, “The [Image Innovator] award is particularly meaningful because I feel like I have given a lot to the Asian Business Association (ABA) and frankly, I served as the co-chair with Gary [Yamauchi] and I was a pretty active board member because I believe that Asian businesses are at the cutting edge here in

Southern California. We are not just mom and pop stores. We are playing significant roles in the economy and the economic wellbeing of the region. We need to be advocates for each other as entrepreneurs and businesses that are making a significant impact to the region and that is why I got involved with the ABA. That is why I am particularly proud to get this award from the board, and Dennis. Dennis [Huang] is a good friend, and he deserves a lot of credit for bringing a lot of longevity to the organization and to make that organization run well.”

His statement carried historical significance, as 41 years ago, the ABA was a fledgling organization, struggling to grow its membership base. But, the successive tenure of ABA’s visionary leaders changed it from a struggling entity to a viable organization that now enjoys support from the Asian American business community, but also the mainstream business community, like U.S. Bank, Walt Disney Company, Southern California Edison, Southern California Gas. As the U.S. Census Bureau reported April 28, 2011, “The number of U.S. businesses owned by people of Asian origin increased 40.4 percent to 1.5 million between 2002 and 2007, increasing at more than twice the national rate, according to U.S. Census Bureau data released.

These businesses also generated $507.6 billion in receipts, a 55.4 percent increase from 2002.

According to Census Bureau Deputy Director Thomas Mesenbourg, “Asian-owned busi-

nesses continued to be one of the strongest segments of our nation’s economy, bringing in more than half a trillion dollars in sales in 2007 and employing more than 2.8 million people.”

In 2015, Asian Americans had an “estimated buying power of $825 billion, which is expected to grow to $1.1 trillion in 2020, according to the Selig Center for Economic Growth at the University of Georgia,” according to the Atlantic’s Alexia Fernandez Campbell on August 24, 2016. “In the past 15 years, the Asian American consumer market grew by 199 percent, outpacing gains in the disposable income of Latinos, whites, blacks, and Native Americans.”

As Korean Air accepted its award for Inspiring Excellence, Y.H. Cho, its chairman and CEO, was highlighted as saying that “Los Angeles is his second home because he’s spent so much time here and his family has made many long-term investments here.

He believes that Los Angeles, as the Capital of the Pacific Rim, has enormous opportunities.”

At this newly renovated Intercontinental Hotel, where the awards banquet was held, Korean Air will relocate its headquarters to this new billion-dollar mixed-use facility, a “crown jewel” for flourishing downtown Los Angeles.

Another awardee was Tony Yu, president of DSG Business, Tax & Wealth Planning as Community Champion of the Year, whose “consulting firm advises high net worth families on Wealth Protection and Succession.”

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He spoke of two benefits he has gotten from ABA: first is the benefit of lifetime friendships and connections and the second is empathy which he describes as the core of humanity and sustains his awareness away from SCS (single child syndrome) and to not being blind to the feelings of others and the importance of community service. Aside from his multi-lettered status as a lawyer, CPA, financial planner, and at least 10 licensed titles, he is the president of the Asian Pacific CPA Association, former chair of the Asian Pacific Community Fund, Taiwanese American Lawyers Association and co-chair of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association’s Trusts and Estates Committee.

Other awardees included The Walt Disney Company as the Corporation of the Year, with Mickey Mouse joining the stage of the award givers and receivers. Mickey Mouse elicited such joy amongst the attendees. Disney is now reported to operate in “more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.”

The social enterprise of the year award was given to MilkandEggs.com, which is an online farm-direct grocery store that has eliminated middlemen by linking local farms to customers directly.

It is an online trek to the farmers’ market, bypassing actual travel by the consumer, as it brings produce and groceries directly to their doorsteps, “enabling Los Angeles residents to feed their families in a healthy way. “ Another award winner was Fred Abdelnour as Advocate of the Year, who works as the director of community and government affairs with Enterprise Rent-A-Car and whose defining principle is “his firm commitment to reaching out to people of all backgrounds, as he has worked to advance the company’s marketing strategy, diversity goals, community relations initiatives and governmental affairs in all areas of its business,” as the program indicated. During the VIP reception before the award ceremony, Fred was celebrated loudly by colleagues and friends, taking selfies with him.

What was uplifting, from this writer’s perspective, was that these awardees-firms’ commitment to supplier diversity, which used to be a social cause and an unmet aspiration of the

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small businesses decades ago, but now, an actualized practice amongst some of these businesses, working to grow the overall economy of California.

Notable among the award givers was California State Controller Betty Lee, who shared her humble beginninwgs and now, the Chief Financial Officer of the 6th largest economy in the world, California’s $2.6 trillion economy.

(As a comparative, Great Britain has a $2.62 trillion economy.)

Wong wisely summed up the role of Asian American businesses in the U.S. economy, of being a significant force in the well-being of California as well as the growth of its California economy, once in recession in 1992.

Take Imprenta Communications Group, a company Wong created 16 years ago, to one which has a business model, that embraces and celebrates diversity, and whose clientele includes advising Fortune 500 companies: Pacific Gas and Electric, Southern California Gas Co. and other entities like California Community Colleges, LAUSD, California Endowment, and Caruso Affiliated, among others. He projected his firm’s earnings to grow to $20 million in 2016 when interviewed by the Los Angeles Times.

Tracing the growth alone of the Asian Journal Publications, Inc., a business that started its first publication using a single desk, in 1991, shared by Roger Oriel with his graphic designer; Cora and Roger Oriel have grown this business into several offices in Manila, Los Angeles/Glendale, New York, New Jersey, Las Vegas and San Francisco. Its 26 years of existence mirrors the growth of the Filipino-Americans’ population in the U.S., which is now close to 4 million.

Wing Hop Fung, a pillar of

the Chinatown business community since 1985, has also seen its growth by being the trusted source for Asian products in Southern California. Now run by the first and second-generation family members, e.g. Lan Ong, it has become a thriving family-owned enterprise, using passion, hard work and integrity. It nurtured its growth with: “two time-honored Chinese principles: huo zhen jia shi an d tong sou wu qi. The former means that we guarantee all of our merchandise is genuine and fairly priced and the latter means that we treat each customer with respect and honesty.”

The business has now expanded to locations in Monterey Park, Santa Anita and Los Angeles.

Diversity to these Asian American businesses has meant growth and prosperity to them, as well as the region’s growth in the economy.

But while we have so much to celebrate, Dennis Huang, ABA’s executive director, has both the present and future in mind: “I thank the board members, but especially Cora Oriel and Lan Ong, for working so hard for this banquet. They are instrumental to getting the right folks to attend and through Asian Journal, to get more Filipinos to think more entrepreneurial. In America, it may be harder for us [Asian-Americans], especially new immigrants, to look for jobs to better their lives. If corporations won’t hire us, then, we have the option to start our own businesses because we need to make ends meet and support our families. The ABA’s awards banquet is a big production for us. But we also believe that it’s a great way to celebrate the businesses’ successes and continue to do good for our community.”

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Glendale Tech Week October 9-13 Glendale Tech Week offers the best of tech from within Glendale and the Greater LA area. Attendees will have access to talent, networking, informational talks and panels, and business opportunities focused on this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s theme of â&#x20AC;&#x153;A Startup Journey.â&#x20AC;? Buy your passes to hear from companies like NASA, Spokeo, Wonder Women Tech, Service Titan, Age of Learning, Disney Imagineering, and more!

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JOURNAL

Green card marriages and social media accounts

Your Immigration Solution DEVIN M. CONNOLLY THERE are recent reports that the Department of Homeland Security will start reviewing the social media accounts of immigrants. This data collection can apply in countless scenarios, but is especially applicable when investigating requests for permanent resident status (green card) based on a marriage to a U.S. citizen.

There is a common American saying that “desperate times call for desperate measures.”

That may be true in some instances, but when thinking about the desperate act of marrying someone solely for a green card, the truth is that these desperate measures are likely to produce disastrous results.

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (“USCIS”) refers to marriages entered into solely for immigration benefits as a “sham marriage.” However, people casually refer to it as a “green card marriage.” Regardless of the exact name though, we are all referring to the same thing – a foreign national marrying a U.S. citizen because they want a green card. Some people view this as a win-win scenario – the foreign national receives their green card and the U.S. citizen also receives a desired benefit, which is usually money.

But you know who does not view this as a win-win scenario? The USCIS! Many people mistakenly believe that marrying a U.S. citizen is an easy way to obtain a green card. They pretend they are a couple, submit staged fake photographs, and even memorize personal information about their “spouse” so that they can pass the required interview. However, the USCIS is well aware of these tricks, and they therefore dedicate a substantial amount of resources towards detecting these “sham marriages.” Because of the USCIS’ efforts, it is

crucial that a person applying for a green card on the basis of their marriage understand what the USCIS considers to be a valid marriage for immigration purposes.

The intending immigrant and their U.S. citizen spouse must prove that their marriage is “bonafide.” It is not the USCIS’ responsibility to prove the marriage is a sham, but rather the immigrant and their U.S. citizen spouse’s burden to show that they “intended to establish a life

but how do you expect to know about your spouse’s daily routine unless you are married? That is just one the many types of questions the USCIS may ask to determine if the marriage is valid for immigration purposes.

At the conclusion of your personal interview, the USCIS officer has the discretion to determine that the marriage is legitimate.

But they also have the authority to determine that a further investigation is necessary. This may involve the officer reviewing social media accounts, visits to the couple’s places of work, attempts to speak with the couple’s neighbors, etc.

In these instances, the personal interview is really just the beginning of the investigation.

The risks of entering into a “sham marriage” are substantial.

Fines, jail time, but no green card.

In fact, the person being petitioned will be barred from ever being petitioned again as an immigrant, even if the subsequent relationship is bonafide. We all understand that sometimes you may think a “green card marriage” is the only option, but an experienced and knowledgeable immigration attorney will advise you against following this illegal, and almost sure-to-fail path.

“ The intending immigrant and their U.S. citizen spouse must prove that their marriage is bonafide.” together” at the time they entered into their marriage. This is not an easy task because the USCIS officers are highly trained to detect sham marriages.

Oral statements of the immigrant and their U.S. citizen spouse are not sufficient, and neither are written statements of friends and family members.

On the contrary, the USCIS will also want to closely examine the conduct of the parties, e.g., is the couple residing together, how long have they known each other, are they conducting themselves as husband and wife, etc.

The USCIS will also consider whether the parties have a sufficient amount of documentation proving the bonafides of their marriage.

The USCIS will also commonly want to ask the immigrant and their U.S. citizen spouse personal questions about their relationship. The potential questions a person may be asked are nearly limitless, as the USCIS may ask just about anything they believe a person should know about their spouse. While you can try and learn as much as possible about your spouse, it is virtually impossible to learn enough about another person if you are not really married to them. Sure you can learn your spouse’s date-ofbirth or name of their employer,

*** 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) 7958009 or visit www.rreeves.com.

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

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C2 OCTOBER 7-10, 2017 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Minding Your Finances ATTY. RAYMOND BULAON WITH credit card debt approaching $1 trillion according to the Federal Reserve, there is no doubt that thousands and thousands of families who can’t pay their credit card debts are struggling financially. The average family now carries a balance of a little more than $16,000.

Now, this may not seem like a lot, but for families who are living paycheck to paycheck and are barely covering their living expenses, it’s a struggle to carry this much debt.

Getting into credit card debt is fairly easy because the credit card companies make it so. You can even fill out an online application in some cases and get an approval within minutes — without ever talking to anyone! What happens next is almost predictable. Most people start using their credit cards to pay for things they normally wouldn’t buy with cash and before they know it, they’re maxed out. The minimum payments are no longer affordable because they’re so high. To avoid defaulting, they then keep up with these high credit card payments but because they are still making the same amount of money as when they first started getting into debt, now they can’t pay their rent, mortgage, car payment and sometimes even basic necessities for the household.

Unfortunately, when people get to this point, they are often embarrassed to seek help because

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When credit cards become Bernandita Panganiban Avendaño: Life of overflowing love, joy and God’s providence a heavy debt burden they fear being judged by others.

They realize they’ve made a big mistake but don’t know where to turn for help. So they suffer in silence hoping that their family and friends will never find out about their financial problems. I completely understand how this happens and as a bankruptcy attorney, I am always sensitive to people’s feelings about their situation because I know that no one ever wants to be in their shoes. It’s an awful feeling when you feel trapped with no way out.

This can cause you to lose sleep at night because you are always worried about your debt problems. You may be concerned about losing everything that you have worked so hard for.

If you are in this situation, what I’d like to say to you, however, is that seeking help when you can no longer help yourself is NOT a sign of failure or weakness. Oftentimes I see a lot of situations where someone could have done something sooner before their situation got worse if they had just taken the time to know their legal options. In some cases, bankruptcy may be the only answer but there are situations where it can still be avoided. Don’t deplete your savings and your retirement plan to pay debts if this is only going to be a temporary solution. If doing so doesn’t get you out of debt and you still end up having to file bankruptcy anyway, I suggest you consult with a bankruptcy attorney before tapping into what may be the only retirement sav-

ings that you have.

If your credit card accounts have been turned over to collection agencies, there may still be a chance to negotiate a settlement if you are able to. A lot of people dread speaking with bill collectors before they are often rude and they want to put a lot of pressure on people who don’t have the money to pay. Eventually, you can get sued for not paying and that’s when things get worse. If a creditor obtains a judgment against you, they now have the legal right to garnish your wages, wipe out your bank account or put a judgment lien on your home. Filing bankruptcy will not automatically wipe out a judgment lien once it is recorded against your property although there may be grounds to remove it if you file bankruptcy.

If you are struggling with credit card debt and don’t know what to do, I’d like to offer you a free debt analysis and let you know what I think is the best solution for your situation. For a free office consultation, please call TollFree 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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When exactly am I considered separated from my spouse in a divorce case?

THE date of separation is one of the most important facts to determine in a divorce case because it defines when the community interest ends and when separate property interest commences in a marriage. All property acquired by a married person while domiciled in the State of California is community property. Family Code Section 760. That means any property acquired by either spouse regardless of who’s name it is on is community and each spouse has a half interest on the asset. That characterization continues until the date of separation. Any property acquired after the date of separation is that spouse’s separate property.

If you are the spouse that is not in control of the asset, it would be in your interest to stretch the marriage as long as possible and postpone the date of separation as late as can be so you can characterize more assets as community and also obtain spousal support for a longer duration. If you are the spouse that has control of the money, it would be in your interest to shorten the marriage as much as possible and to establish a sooner date of separation to minimize the community interest of your soon to be ex-spouse.

So how does the Court determine the date of separation? In the case of Marriage of Davis, the California Supreme Court held that the couple needs to be living separate and apart in order to be separated. The Court looked into the legislative intent of the original statute that was

telling your spouse that you are separated but still going out on “date night” or going on “cruise vacation” as a couple. Your conduct has to reflect your expression of a separation from your spouse. The flip side of the coin ATTY. KENNETH is under the new statute, you URSUA REYES can be separated even if you are still living together if you have over 100 years old. However, communicated to your spouse this case holding was abrogated that you are separated and you by the state legislature when it conduct yourself in the house enacted Family Code Section 70 not like a spouse but more like effective January 1, 2017 by de- a roommate including sleeping fining “Date of Separation” in the in separate rooms, not having intimacy, and not going out as a California Family Code.

Effective January 1, 2017, the couple. *** “date of separation” is statuto- Please note that this article is not legal rily defined to mean the date a advice and is not intended as legal advice. “complete and final break in The article is intended to provide only the marital relationship has oc- general, non-specific legal information. curred,” as evidenced by (i) a This article is not intended to cover all spouse having “expressed to the issues related to the topic discussed. the other spouse his or her in- The specific facts that apply to your tent to end the marriage” and (ii) matter may make the outcome different conduct that is “consistent with than would be anticipated by you. This his or her intent to end the article does create any attorney client marriage.” New Fam.C. § 70. relationship between you and the Law Fam.C. § 70 abrogates prior Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, P.C. This case law that made living in sep- article is not a solicitation. arate residences an additional, *** indispensable prerequisite to es- Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified tablishing the date of separation. Family Law Specialist. He was President of [Fam.C. § 70(c)] ) It is the intent the Philippine American Bar Association. of the Legislature in enacting this He is a member of both the Family law section to abrogate the decisions section and Immigration law section of the in In re Marriage of Davis (2015) Los Angeles County Bar Association. He 61 Cal.4th 846 and In re Mar- has extensive CPA experience prior to law riage of Norviel (2002) 102 Cal. practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, P.C. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite App.4th 1152.

So not only do you have to ex- 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) press to your spouse that you are 388-1611 or e-mail kureyeslaw@gmail.com now separated but you have to or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com.

(Advertising Supplement) act accordingly. You cannot be

RECENTLY, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), the Electronic Frontier Foundation, and the ACLU of Massachusetts, on behalf of 10 U.S. citizens and a permanent resident, sued the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) before the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts over its warrantless searches of travelers’ electronic devices at the border.

Based on the statistics released by DHS’ Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the federal agency in charge of the country’s borders, around 189.6 million travelers arrived in the United States during the first six (6) months of this year. While it inspected only electronic devices of 14,993 arriving international travelers for the same period (or 008% out of the189.6 million travelers), this is still a significant increase from the prior years (.002% in 2015 and .005 in 2016). Acknowledging the recent increase in warrantless electronic device searches, the CBP pointed out its mission to enforce the country’s laws in the digital age.

While the authority of the federal government to conduct warrantless searches of persons and conveyances at port of entries has long been recognized by the U.S Supreme Court, the CBP has taken the position that this power includes the search of electronic devices, including password-protected laptops, phones, and other hand-held devices of both for-

his electronic device should be detained for further examination or if he refuses to give his electronic device’s PIN or password.

He clarified that the CBP will inspect only information physically resident on the traveler’s electronic device, not information located on remote servers.

It will be interesting to see how the courts will decide on this important suit. Because of its farAtty. Gwendolyn Malaya-Santos reaching effects, we anticipate eign nationals and U.S. citizens. that the case might eventually The CBP released a handout/ reach the U.S. Supreme Court.

If you are contemplating of filsheet called “Inspection of Electronic Devices”. The handout ing any immigration petition for states that the CBP is allowed that matter, it is advisable to seek to inspect, search and detain the counsel of an immigration “all persons, baggage, and mer- lawyer to guide you on the intrichandise arriving in, or depart- cacies of filing for such a petition. ing from the United States”. An *** arriving traveler will be provided a copy of the sheet if the CBP of- Atty. Gwendolyn Malaya-Santos is a member ficer has decided to “detain, for of the State Bar of California and the further inspection” his electronic Integrated Bar of the Philippines. To schedule device(s). The traveler will also for a free initial in-person consultation, be issued a written receipt. Af- please call Tel. Nos. (213) 284-5984 or (626) 329-8215. Atty. Santos’ office is located at ter the CBP has completed its 3450 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1200, Los Angeles, inspection or examination of the CA 90010. www.gms-la-legal.com electronic device (which can include copying of its contents), *** it will either return the device Information contained in this article does to the traveler or seize it, if the not, nor is it intended to, constitutes legal CBP determines that it is sub- advice for any specific situation and does ject to seizure under the law. not create a lawyer-client relationship. It Last June 20, 2017, Acting CBP likewise does not constitute a guarantee, Commissioner Kevin McALeen- warranty, or prediction regarding the an, in response to questions pro- outcome of your legal matter. pounded by the Senate, took the We are a debt relief agency. We help position that a US citizen will not people file for bankruptcy relief under the be prevented from entering the Bankruptcy Code.

US, even if the CBP determines (Advertising Supplement)

Barrister’s Corner

Can the CBP search your electronic devices?

February 18, 1952 - October 1, 2017

by PROSY

ABARQUEZ-DELACRUZ, J.D.

“ELDERS are the jewels of humanity that have been mined from the Earth, cut in the rough, then buffed and polished by the stonecutter’s art into precious gems that we recognize from their enduring value and beauty. Shaped with patience and love over decades of refinement, each facet of the jewel reflects light that awakens our soul to intimations of its own splendor. We sense that radiance in our youth but we cannot contain it. It requires a lifetime’s effort to carve out the multifaceted structure that can display our hidden splendor in all its glory.” - Zalman Schachter-Shalomi and Ronald Miller, “From Age-ing to Sageing,” 1995.

HAVE you loved so much that folks would want to do what you did for them? Are you patient and hopeful for God’s providence, while with your own hard work and diligence? Will your smiles radiate so much love that folks can’t help but integrate you in their lives in the Philippines, USA, and Canada?

That was Bernandita — or Erna. Her life overflowed with love for family and her community, as a tricoastal resident of Navotas, Los Angeles and Canada.

“Umaapaw ang pagmamahal niya sa amin,” (Her love for us was overflowing), “Mom lived a simple life. She does not intervene. She also does not ask. She was selfless, generous and giving. She inculcated in us to think of others, before ourselves,” Criserna aka Reah, Erna’s eldest daughter shared.

Reah was joined by Cris, her father, Christopher “Pete,” her brother, and his wife, Venice, who all sat down over pizza with this writer to talk about Erna.

Bernandita (Erna) Panganiban Avendaño was born on Feb. 18, 1952 in Navotas, Rizal to Tomas Panganiban and Barbara Paz Panganiban.

Navotas is the fishing capital of the Philippines with the largest fish port in Asia. It is situated at sea level and during rains, the streets get flooded where residents are forced to wade in chesthigh flood waters. Legend goes that this place was once an unbroken strip of land, but with the constant pounding of the waters, it was broken up by the sea, earning its name, ‘nabutas’ from being breached by the waters, forming the Navotas River.

Erna went to Daang Hari (King’s Road Elem. School) and finished sixth grade. She left school to work and to help her father earn a living. By dropping out, she was able to help send her sisters to school. She worked as a seamstress at Artex.

At 17 years old, she met Cris who worked at a textile factory as an eskirol, a person who works during a strike. Cris would spin the textiles, while Erna would weave.

Cris supplied Erna with the bobina, the bobbins which temporarily held the yarn. He selected the best bobina for her so she could continuously weave without stopping or adjusting the yarn.

After working, the workers were housed all in one room, and while in this limited space, they slept with their heads stacked against each other.

Cris smiled and described how his head touched Erna’s head and at times, he stretched out his hands to touch her forehead.

He sobbed, “now, I would not have her head to touch.” (We all cried with him.)

Cris courted her and accompanied her to work and home, managing their schedules, even if he worked from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. and

Erna worked 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.

After four years, they got married and were just a few months short of celebrating their 45 years of marriage, this Dec. 2, 2017.

Cris had a dream for his family, “Tayo pareho tayong kulang [sa pag-aaral], nagsumpaan kami na paaralin namin sila, kahit igapang namin.” (We both lack the education. But we vowed that our children will not be lacking in education even if we had to crawl to earn it).

Cris attended the SVD seminary for five years and chose to drop out to earn a living. He took his first insurance job as a debit agent, and slowly moved up the ranks from supervisor, manager, regional production manager, marketing operations manager to a highly regarded problem-solver to assistant vice president, at the time of his retirement at Great Pacific Life Insurance.

Erna took on sewing jobs of dresses, curtains, bags, uniforms, including crochets and kept at her craft, saving every peso, to provide for tuition for her children’s school. She also has a Barbie doll collection with custom-made dresses sewn for each doll.

True to the couple’s pact, their children completed high school at Immaculate Conception Academy of Manila.

Erna would take her children to school, with her packed lunch, wait for them until dismissal, and they all took the jeepney home.“ “Maasikaso, hindi pinababayaan ang mga anak, lulusong sa baha, buhat buhat ni nanay ako, 4th grade at si Pete, 2nd grade,” (Doting care, she attends to her children’s needs, wading through the floods, while carrying two young children in her arms), Cris, Pete and Reah continued.

Reah, their eldest daughter, finished college at St. Scholastica’s and graduated with a master’s degree in media and communications at the University of Oslo in Norway and works as Area Manager at a bank in Canada. Christopher “Pete” finished his college at UST, toured the world with the UST Singers, and works as a music director in Los Angeles, while Christine Ber-

Calendar of Events across

nadette, the youngest, is a medical technologist in Canada, also a UST graduate and a member UST Singers.

Erna regularly took on street children, whose weathered complexion resembled grease, earning them a name of “batang grasa” and she gave them showers and fed them.

She adopted several children in need, including a pregnant woman whose boyfriend left, and she helped care for both the infant and the mother. She even took on a child with a cleft palate and sewed uniforms for children she cared for, so they can go to school.

For 18 months, she offered to take care of her two young grandsons — who were 6 months and a year and six months — with Pete.

She has sent many students to college on scholarship to UST, including her own children.

Cris retired as Assistant Vice President for Great Pacific Life Insurance, and together, he and Erna spent 17 years traveling to be with their daughters in Canada and heir son in Los Angeles.

Cris became a doting husband to Erna, including secretarial jobs for his wife and even dyed her hair.

Every December, Erna and Cris would join Immaculate Heart of Mary Church for 5 a.m. Simbang Gabi masses. Last December 25, 2016 to January 1, 2017, the family was reunited, after the siblings were separated for a decade, and all had a White Christmas, frolicking and playing in the snow, at 9 to 50-degree temperatures.

Erna stayed for eight more months to care for Roland Cian, her grandson born to her youngest daughter; and after, Erna traveled back to Los Angeles to visit her son, “Pete” and his family, before flying back to the Philippines.

She met an untimely death at UCLA-Harbor Hospital.

She died, surrounded by Cris, her husband; Reah, her eldest and her two children Maxiel Kane and Roman Christopher; and Cristopher “Pete” with his wife,

u PAGE C4

America

O C TO B E R 7

A3M Starnight 2017 annual gala in Long Beach, CA In the past 25 years, A3M has given hope and a second chance of life to many patients. Their journeys have inspired and motivated the organization to continue its mission of increasing and diversifying the Be the Match Registry. A3M is committed to supporting patients from the communities that are underrepresented in the Be the Match Registry. To continue its life-saving work, you are invited to support A3M at its Annual Gala Dinner held on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2017, at the Hyatt Regency Long Beach (200 South Pine Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90802) from 5 to 9 p.m. To purchase tickets, please visit https://www.flipcause.com/secure/event_step2/MTk3NjI=/13381.

City of Carson’s Filipino-American History Month Kick-Off The City of Carson will kick off this year’s Filipino-American History Month on Saturday, Oct. 7 at the CJMM Community Center at Carson (801 E. Carson St., Carson, CA 980745). From 8 to 9 a.m., there will be refreshments at the Community Center East Parking Lot. It will be followed by a wreath laying at Dr. Jose P. Rizal’s monument from 9 to 9:15 a.m. From 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. there will be a program at the Carson Dominguez Room. For more information, please call (310) 952-1743.

O C TO B E R 7- 8

Adobo Festival in Los Angeles The 12th Annual Adobo Festival is coming up on Saturday and Sunday, October 7 & 8 at the Silver Lake Medical Center at 1711 W. Temple St. in Los Angeles. The festival starts from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and admission is FREE! For details regarding how to join the Adobo Cook-Off Contest, Kiddie Popstar and for booth vendors, call (650) 290-0542 or (650) 290-4457 or log on to www.adobofestivalusa.com.

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

Community Journal

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 7-10, 2017

C

Protecting the mentally disabled Does Godzilla live in your house? from police use of deadly force SEVEN hundred forty-eight people have been shot and killed by police in 2017 nationwide, according to an ongoing project by The Washington Post. Of these shootings, mental illness played a role in 1 in 5 of incidents. In 2015, when the Post started this project, an analysis of 400 police killings found that 25% of people shot and killed by police were identified as mentally ill, and family members, neighbors or bystanders had called the police seeking help because someone was acting suicidal, behaving erratically or threatening violence.

Various sources estimate that anywhere from 33 to 50 percent of those killed by police throughout the country have a disability, with approximately 25 percent of people killed having a mental illness. Consider the story of John Berry: John had parked his BMW on the front lawn of his home and continued to sit inside the car refusing to come out. His brother, Chris Berry, called the L.A. County Sheriff’s Deputies for help. Chris advised that John was diagnosed with a mental illness and needs to be transported to a medical facility.

Three patrol units responded and arrived at the Berry home.

John moved his BMW off the lawn and into the street, and one of the patrol units collided with and blocked him. The deputies then yelled orders at John to get out of the car. John did not get out. After more backup arrived, deputies opened both the passenger and driver’s side

Estate Corner Atty. BriAn Lerner QUESTION:: I entered the United States a couple of months ago as a visitor and would now like to work in the United States. I have a degree in Business with an emphasis in accounting and have a couple of firms interested in hiring me.

Do I qualify for a work permit, and if so, what must I do?

Answer: First, based upon your degree, you qualify for what is known as a Specialty Occupation Work Visa. This is also known as the H-1B. It is meant for positions which require specialized knowledge and where a college degree is the norm for the industry. Therefore, your position would qualify. You would need to be hired as an accountant.

Question: How do you know that an accountant is a specialty occupation?

Answer: There are many sources that can be viewed from the Department of Labor. These sources are either on the internet, or in printed publication. It basically states what the normal duties for the particular position are and what are the normal educational requirements needed to successfully perform the job.

Question: What type of company must sponsor me?

Answer: As an accountant, any company can sponsor you. Every company can use an accountant.

Tax Tips ViCtor Sy, CPA, MBA

THE IRS developed a guide for its agents in auditing consultants to focus on: 1. Travel and meals, 2. Bartering, 3. Independent contractor 1099 versus employee W2, 4. Shifting or assignment of income by a taxpayer to a related entity, 5. Personal service corporation, and 6. Internal controls, books and records, electronic software, and use of the Internet.

Travel: The nature of consulting business requires extensive travel inside and outside the U.S. Many consultants have a specialized niche and a wide geographical client base. Auditors are told to look for spousal and family travel and personal travel, particularly out of country.

Meals and Entertainment: Given the considerable travel usually required in the consulting industry, auditors are alerted that there may be sizeable expenses for meals and entertainment.

Check deductions for personal meals and entertainment.

Bartering: Auditors are told to verify client subsidiary ledger cards that may lead to exchange of consulting services for other services that were not booked.

Protecting Employee & Consumer Rights Atty. C. Joe SAyAS, Jr. doors. John was still seated in the driver’s seat. The deputies used pepper spray directly into John’s face, struck him several times with their batons, and tased him.

The deputies claimed John kicked them from the driver’s seat still refusing to exit the car.

While the deputies were trying to forcibly get John out of the car, the BMW started rocking forward. After two of the deputies moved out of the way, the BMW then slowly rolled backward and stopped when a rear wheel hit the curb. While the car moved backward, deputies fired 33 rounds into the car, killing John.

John’s mother, Susan and adult siblings, Melissa and Chris, and John’s underage niece watched helplessly as the whole incident unfolded.

John’s family sued the county claiming unlawful detention, excessive force, and denial of medical care in violation of the Fourth Amendment, among others.

The deputies claimed that they fired because, as the BMW moved backwards, they saw a deputy allegedly pinned between the BMW and a patrol unit. Other deputies claimed they saw a deputy being run over by the BMW. During the incident, a neighbor had taken a cell phone video of the incident. Still images

from the video showed that no deputy was in the car’s path at the time of the shots. The video also showed a deputy crouched near the ground but he was in clear view of the shooting deputies during the gunfire. The video showed him stand up, uninjured, as the deputies kept firing.

As reported by the Daily Journal, rather than proceed to trial, the parties reached a global settlement of all claims for $3.3 million.

John Berry did not have to die in an encounter with police.

Greater sensitivity should be given by police officers when they interact with mentally disabled persons. Better training on how to recognize mental disabilities, and learning how to engage persons with disabilities, and deescalate critical situations without resort to lethal force, should be provided.

By doing so, we can save precious human lives. *** The Law Offices of C. Joe Sayas, Jr. welcomes inquiries about this topic. All inquiries are confidential and at no-cost.

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

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Will I qualify for a work permit?

If you had said that you had a degree in biology, your sponsoring companies would have to be much narrower. They would specifically have to deal with biology. The H-1B can be full-time or part-time.

Question: Do I have to leave the U.S. to get the visa?

Answer: Yes, you would have to leave the U.S. to get the visa.

However, should you want to stay in the U.S., you can get a change of status from B2 (Visitor), to H1B (Specialty Occupation Work Visa) Then, you would not have to leave the United States in order to start working for the company. However, if you did leave the United States, you would have to get the Visa in order to return to the United States. It is always possible to get the Visa approved at INS, but to get it denied at the Consulate. You would want to take this into consideration if you decided to leave after successfully getting your status changed to H-1B. Question: How long does it take to get the answer from USCIS on whether they will approve the H-1B Petition?

Answer: Now it is taking from 6 to 9 months depending where you live. Should you want it much faster than that, you can put it through INS via Premium Processing. This is exactly what it implies. It goes to the top of the stack and is processed by INS within 15 days of receipt. All you

need to do is pay INS $1,000.00 for them to process it as a Premium Process case. If they do not get the answer back to you within 15 days, then you get your $1,000.00 back.

Thus, the H-1B is a very good visa for someone with a college education to have. If you can get a sponsor related to your college degree, then you can see if the H1B can be done. Usually, it is issued initially for 3 years and can be extended for another 3 years.

In cases whereby the person has applied for Labor Certification and has waited for a considerable period of time, they can now apply for an even further extension of the H-1B. It is one of the nicest and most popular work visas available. Keep in mind that there are only a limited amount of H-1B’s and they must be filed on April 1, 2018 in order to even attempt to get into next year’s allotment.

*** Atty. Brian D. Lerner has been an Immigration Attorney for nearly a quarter of a century. He is married to a Filipina and has helped thousands of Filipino families all over the country.

In addition to his offices in Southern California in Long Beach and Carson, he has an office in Quezon City. He is a certified specialist in Immigration and Nationality Law by the Legal Board of Specialization, California State Bar. The initial consultation is free. Call (562) 495-0554 and/or send an e-mail to blerner@californiaimmigration.us.

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How IRS audits consultants For example, a consultant may borrow a large sum of money from a corporate client and then pay it off by performing legal services. The income from legal services is not declared and no income tax is paid on it.

Independent Contractor vs.

Employee: IRS has observed that the independent contractor versus employee issue is prevalent in the consulting industry. Potential areas of concern include a former employee coming back to a company as an independent consultant with a minimal break in service. This issue has evolved due to the downsizing taking place in the business world over the past decade. Many employers, in an effort to lower costs, have terminated specialized employees and then hired them back as independent consultants.

This allows the employer to lower their costs in payroll and employee benefits.

Shifting or the Assignment of Income/Substance vs. Form: Auditors are informed that closelyheld or one-person personal services corporations may have shifted income from themselves to another entity in order to reduce their income and self-employment taxes. The taxpayer may shift income earned by one entity to a related entity in order to offset net operating losses of a related entity. Subsequent to this shifting of income, the taxpayer may take a relatively small salary from the entity that received the assigned income in relation-

ship to the amount of income shifted. Examiners are told to review the taxpayer’s consulting agreements/contracts and to look for certain information. For example, auditors should look at whether the taxpayer is an S corporation or a partnership and yet the contract requires the services of a particular employee/owner.

Personal Service Corporations: Consultants doing business as regular C corporations are at tax disadvantage because they are classified as personal service corporations (PSC) and must use a higher rate. Check if the entity is using low tax brackets that start at 15% and 25% instead of the high flat rate of 35% that applies to PSCs. Hot Tip: Elect S status to get out of this unfortunate tax situation. Not only do you avoid the high 35% rate, you also elect to pay zero federal income tax. You also get a bonus in California: a very low rate of 1 ½ % instead of the regular rate of about 9% for C corporations. *** 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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THE Japanese created Godzilla a long time ago. It’s a gigantic T-Rex on steroids that destroys Tokyo and the rest of Japan until someone comes to the rescue and kills it with nukes. Mr. Honda, the author, created the concept of Godzilla as a metaphor for the atomic bombs in 1954 when Hiroshima and Nagasaki, which were the recipients of two atomic bombs from the United States, were still fresh in the minds of the Japanese. Now, of course, Kim Jung Un of North Korea has recently threatened to wipe Japan from the face of the earth with his nuclear bombs. So, I am sure that the spectre of Godzilla is now making the rounds again in Japan.

No way that Godzilla can be living in your house, right? Well check again. Maybe you got your first credit card 10 years ago and that w as G o d zil la’s egg. Now, you have 10 credit cards and you have a mountain of credit card statements that you receive every month, each one of them requiring a minimum payment from you to keep them happy.

What happens if you don’t make the minimum payment every month? Well, they will turn nasty and create a lot of trouble for you. This is the problem of having Godzilla in your house. It’s very hard to kill Godzilla because it is a gigantic monster!

You can’t kill it with a 50caliber machine gun. That’s not strong enough. Those 50-caliber bullets just slide off Godzilla’s tougher-than-steel skin. Five hundred-pound bunker buster bombs have been proven ineffective against this monster. He just shrugs them off like mosquito bites. The only way you can kill Godzilla in your house is to put a nuclear smart bomb through its navel and detonate it.

Only a Chapter 7 petition has enough legal power to kill all your credit cards in one explosion. Wipe out all your discharge-

“

Debt Relief

Atty. LAwrenCe yAng

able debts; keep all of your assets including your house, cars, furniture and retirement accounts, and start fresh in life without accumulated debt. Kill the Godzilla in your house, or it will destroy your life.

If you owe $30,000 of credit card debt now, next year, that debt will become $40,000, then $50,000. You need at least $1,000 of net income to make minimum payments on $30,000 of credit cards every month. For $40,000 of credit cards, you will need $1,200 of net income for mini-

vived the fall, she now has a lot of back pain, which makes her eligible to receive disability. She owes $40K of credit card debt.

Her disability pay is $1,400 and her social security is $1,000. So, she gets monthly $2,400 from disability and social security.

Her rent is $600. Her $40,000 of credit card debt requires 50 percent of her income for minimum payments. She has two sons who have offered to pay the minimum of $1,200 for her $40,000 of credit cards. But what is the logic in keeping these cards? Sons will pay $15,000 this year. Next year, they will pay another $15,000 and the year after next, another $15,000. In 3 years, sons will be $45,000 but client will still owe the same $40,000 of credit card debt after her sons aid $45,000 of minimum payments for three years!

The client decides that she needs the full legal power of Chapter 7 to get rid of all of her $40,000 of credit cards now and to start a new and productive life again at 72!

Chapter 7 is the “fresh start” law.

You start life again without the burden of accumulated debt whether your are 72, 62, 52, 42 or 32, it doesn’t matter. You can start fresh again in life at any age! The sooner the better for you and your family, otherwise you will have a Godzilla living in your house.

If you need debt relief, set an appointment to see me. I will analyze your case personally.

“A FAITH AND KNOWLEDGE RESTING ON THE HOPE OF ETERNAL LIFE, WHICH GOD, WHO DOES NOT LIE, PROMISED BEFORE THE BEGINNING OF TIME.” TITUS 1:2

What happens if you don’t make the minimum payment every month? Well, they will turn nasty and create a lot of trouble for you. This is the problem having a Godzilla in your house.

”

mum monthly payments. If you don’t have the $1,000 or $1,200 of net income, you will have to borrow $12,000 a year to make the $1,000 of monthly payments.

This means that your $30,000 debt will become $42,000 in twelve months. If you gross $3,000 monthly, 40 percent of your net income of $2,400 will be used to service your $30,000 of credit card debt.. You are being eaten alive by Godzilla even if you don’t know it.

The client is 72. She has been a widow for three years. She used to be a caregiver until last year. Last year her patient, a 400pound woman who is 6 feet tall, threw her to the floor. The patient had mental problems. The client thought she was going to die on the floor since she is only 5 feet and 130 pounds. She became unconscious and was brought to the hospital. Although she sur-

*** 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.

C OCTOBER 7-10, 2017 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

The Prophetic Voice ReveRend Rodel G. BalaGtas “THERE is evil in the world.”

I heard many people express these words after the Las Vegas massacre last week. It’s one of the statements that help people grapple with violence and senseless death of dozens of people, who were just “out there” enjoying life with country music among family and friends.” How else can we explain it? Mental illness? Family background?

Loose gun control? Envy and hatred? Whatever are our reasons regarding this tragic event, many of us agree that evil is the root of the problem here.

“Human evil is not rational. We cannot always explain it. There isn’t always a clear why behind it,” Propreacher’s article, “How To Respond After Another Mass Shooting in America,” states these words in regards to this massacre. “Evil is a mystery and abomination..

It was not part of God’s original

EMPLOYMENT

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A response to the Las Vegas massacre design for creation,” the author adds.

Scripture is replete with references to the presence of evil in the world. For us Christians, it’s the fundamental reason why Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came into this world. He came to conquer evil to bring life, goodness, justice, and hope.

Evil is personified in some people around us. It enters into their hearts and mind, thereby possessing their beings and causing harm to others. This Sunday’s Gospel, The Parable of the Wicked Tenants (Mt 21:3343), speaks about this matter.

A landowner planted a vineyard and hired workers to take care of it. When the vintage time came, he sent his servants to the tenants to obtain his produce. Overtaken by evil in their hearts and minds, the tenants killed every servant that the landowner came to see them.

Finally, he sent his son to them, thinking that they would respect him. But just the same, they killed him to acquire his inheritance.

How could they do such evil thing despite the kindness of

the landowner to them? Simply, it’s the greed and the hatred in their hearts.

So how do we overcome evil in the world? How can we not let it influence people? The only way is by imbuing the world with the Spirit of Jesus Christ that embodies the Kingdom of God, which is a kingdom of love, justice, and peace.

Propreacher’s article on the Las Vegas massacre expresses this truth solidly: “Jesus is the hope of the world, not the president. Jesus is the hope of the world, not stricter gun laws. We will not find salvation in anyone or anything else. Jesus is the hope of the world. Period.”

The author further claims: “If we want to stop darkness, we need to bring more light to the world. It starts within our hearts. The world is a dark place. We need more light, and Jesus is the light we need.

Christ alone has the power to bring people from darkness to light, and he has commissioned us, his followers, to help.”

The Second Reading this Sunday (Phil 4:6-9) conveys the same message: “Finally

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brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me. Then the God of peace will be with you.”

May we not let evil enter our hearts! May we conquer it with goodness, kindness, peace and all that embodies the Person of Jesus Christ! *** From a Filipino immigrant family, Reverend Rodel G. Balagtas was ordained to the priesthood from St. John’s Seminary in 1991. He served as Associate Pastor at St. Augustine, Culver City (1991-1993); St. Martha, Valinda (1993-1999); and St. Joseph the Worker, Canoga Park (1991-2001). In 2001, he served as Administrator Pro Tem of St. John Neumann in Santa Maria, CA, until his appointment as pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary, Los Angeles, in 2002, which lasted 12 years. His term as Associate Director of Pastoral Field Education at St. John’s Seminary began in July 2014.

Bernandita Panganiban...

PAGE C2 t Venice and their three children Christian Xavier, Christof Yzekiel and Christer Zachary.

The Immaculate Heart of Mary’s Choir Members kept vigil with the family, as did friends from the Los Angeles’ community of musicians.

The community prayed the rosary with the family, and the Divine Mercy, while four priests gave the extreme unction (Fr. Rodel, Fr. Obet, Fr. Miloy and Fr. Paolo) and a scapular installation.

Fr. Paolo whispered to Erna’s ears that she is loved by her husband, her children, and her grandchildren but that God loves her more. Her face lit up and then, the grandchildren kissed her to say goodbye, while the children told her of their love and said ‘thank’ you to their Lola.

She listened to Pete’s lullaby and shed a tear, while all the family members whispered their love to her. She then passed away peacefully at 3:35 p.m. on Sunday, October 1, 2017.

Fr. Rodel Balagtas, a former pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church and a friend of the family, had this to say about Erna: “She raised virtuous, good-hearted, and respectful children. She’s

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a humble and quiet person. She loves God and the Church.”

When the news of her death was texted to the community members, two masses were offered for her intentions that same Sunday — one was celebrated by Fr. Albert Avenido in St. Philomena in Carson, and in Navotas, Philippines, and Los Angeles, prayer novenas took place.

She had but one life on earth and used it well to love and give service to family, neighbors and community. She was indeed a jewel of humanity, mining the good in all whom she encountered, including this writer, whom she warmly greeted with hugs and smiles during Simbang Gabi.

Come December 2017, there will be an empty seat where Erna used to sit at Immaculate Heart of Mary, and now the family would seek consolation as they look up to the heavens, hoping to see Angel Erna or dream of her.

Much like St. Therese, the Little Flower of Lisieux, whose life was marked by Love of God, Love for Others, Prayer, Faith and Hope for God’s Providence, Erna’s life was defined by overflowing love, faith, prayers and hope for God’s providence. n

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Immigration Corner ATTY. MICHAEL GURFINKEL, ESQ A POPULAR segment on my weekly immigration television show, “Citizen Pinoy”, is “Your Tanong, My Sagot”, where people ask immigration questions on a variety of subjects, and I offer my advice and guidance. Here are a sampling of questions from Filipino viewers, which may also be helpful to you: Question: I am a Filipino citizen, and was married to a U.S. citizen for 12 years. Two years ago, my wife divorced me. Last year, she and our 12-year-old daughter came to the Philippines for a visit.

My wife and I had a heart-to-heart discussion, and found out we are still in love with each other. Right now, she wants to petition me. Do you see any complications, since we are still considered married under Philippine law?

Answer: Although divorce is not recognized in the Philippines, from a U.S. immigration law standpoint, your divorce is recognized and valid in the U.S., since your U.S. citizen wife obtained a valid divorce from you in the U.S., you would now be considered “unmarried.” Therefore, a fiancé (K-1) visa would be the appropriate way to go.

Question: My U.S. citizen son retired from the military. He is on disability because of a traumatic brain injury. He has an 18 year old

&

18th Annual Small Business ‘Your tanong, My sagot’ Expo to be held on Oct. 14 PART 1

daughter living in the Philippines whom he met for the first time in 2013. She did not have a birth certificate, so we had her birth registered late in 2015. My son and his child did a DNA paternity test, which proved 99.99% positive that he is the biological father..

Can my son file a petition for his daughter? Could she possibly be a U.S. citizen?

Answer: It is possible that an out of wedlock child of a U.S. citizen father could be considered an “automatic” U.S. citizen at birth, and therefore no petition would be needed. The basic requirements are the U.S. citizen father should have lived in the U.S. for at least five years before the child’s birth, two of which were after his 14th birthday. (Time in the military also counts as physical presence in the U.S.) In addition, the child should have been “legitimated” before age 18. It is possible to legitimate a child without marrying the mother. Most importantly, the father must have agreed, in writing, under oath, to support that child up to the child’s 18th birthday. That support agreement is a relatively simple form, but many US citizen fathers do not sign it before the child’s 18th birthday, thus cutting off that child’s ability to become a U.S. citizen at birth. Alternatively, the child could be petitioned as an illegitimate child, provided the father could demonstrate that he

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Nestor Espenilla Jr.

Philstar.com photo

Philippine economic outlook promising, says BSP governor

by LAWRENCE

AGCAOILI Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines — Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Nestor Espenilla Jr. said the country’s economic outlook remains promising amid the meaningful reforms implemented by authorities over the past two decades.

“The Philippines is recognized as one of the fastest growing and most resilient economies in the region and the world, enjoying a sweet spot of high growth and manageable inflation complemented by a strong and resilient financial system,” Espenilla told participants

in an investor forum.

The economy grew 6.5 percent in the second quarter from 6.4 percent in the first quarter, bringing the average expansion to 6.4 percent in the first semester.

“This strong economic performance did not happen overnight.

Rather, it is the result of meaningful reforms pursued since the 1997 Asian financial crisis. The list of reforms is long and wide ranging,” Espenilla said.

Economic managers pegged the GDP growth target at 6.5 to 7.5 percent this year and seven to eight PAGE D2

Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia

Inquirer.net photo

Foreign investment curbs seen lifted by 2019

by BEN

O. DE VERA

Inquirer.net

MASS media and almost every sector except land ownership will be further opened up to foreign investors two years from now through an amendment of the Constitution to be pushed in Congress next year, the country’s chief economist said on Wednesday, October 4.

Once the government’s plan to liberalize nearly all industries by 2019 happens, foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows could “easily double,” Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M.

D1

Pernia told reporters on the sidelines of the 2017 International Conference on Sustainable Development Goals Statistics.

Pernia, who also heads the state planning agency National Economic and Development Authority, said economic managers were asking the President to certify as urgent the proposed amendments to the economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution, especially as Mr. Duterte had sought Charter change through an appointed constitutional commission (ConCom).

Under the Constitution, no PAGE D2

v Business Quote of the Week

“There is only one boss; the customer. And he can fire everybody in the company, from the chairman down, simply by spending his money somewhere else.”

– Sam Walton, founder of Walmart and Sam’s Club

supported the child while the child was a minor. (In other words, petitioning an out of wedlock child for green card would not necessarily require a formal written agreement under oath, as is required for citizenship.) *** Michael J. Gurfinkel has been an attorney for over 35 years and 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 re-enactments) 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: (866)—GURFINKEL Four offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES · SAN FRANCISCO · NEW YORK · PHILIPPINES (Advertising Supplement)

by AJPRESS THE 18th Annual Asian Small Business Expo, hosted by the Asian Pacific Islander Small Business Program (API SBP), is back on Saturday, October 14 in Alhambra, California with workshops, exhibitors, and speakers.

The expo is the only one of its kind that engages the Asian business community of Southern California and connects it to mainstream services and resources.

Featured guest speaker of the expo will be Jonny Hwang, founder of 626 Night Market, and California Board of Equalization Member Jerome Horton will be a special guest at the event. There will also be a Women Entrepreneurs Panel featuring Judy Han of EkoEats, Noree Pia of Luv2Eat Thai Bistro, and Kristine de la Cruz of Creme Caramel.

The yearly gathering was kicked off by API SBP Executive Director Ron Fong, elected officials, business professionals and community members on Wednesday, October 4 at Wing Hop Fung in Arcadia.

(L-R) API SBP Executive Director Ron Fong, Joshua LaQuet of Bar-B-Qusion (3rd Place business plan competition), Ying Butler of YZY Global LLC (2nd Place business plan competition), Nancy Ray & Michelle Kim of Clementines Mandarin Preschool (1st Place business plan competition), and Darrell Brown, senior vice president and Greater Los Angeles Coastal Region manager of U.S. Bank.

Photo courtesy of Justin Saka / Asian Pacific Islander Small Business Program

Horton praised small businesses as the “backbone of California” and shared his continued support for the expo.

On Wednesday, winners of the API SBP 1st Annual Business Plan Competition were announced: Michelle Kim and Nancy Roy of Clementines Mandarin Preschool (1st place); Ying Butler of Y2Y

Global LLC who started the Porta Stepper, a low-impact portable exerciser (2nd place); and Josh LaQuet of Bar-B-Qusion, Kansas City BBQ & smoked meat fusion food truck (3rd place).

U.S. Bank, which is the title sponsor of the expo, also backed the competition.

PAGE D3

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Only 1 out of 3 graduates employable, study shows

by Richmond

meRcuRio Philstar.com

MANILA — Only one out of three Filipino college graduates is “employable,” which means about 65 percent of graduates in the country do not have the right skills and training to qualify for the jobs they are applying for, a study by India-based employment solutions firm Aspiring Minds showed.

“An economy with a large percentage of unemployable candidates is not only inefficient, but socially unstable, too. This calls for substantive intervention in curriculums and teaching pedagogy at school and college level to improve basic skills of students,” Aspiring Minds said.

The study assessed 60,000 fresh graduates from more than 80 colleges across the country based on four sets of skills: language, cognitive, behavioral and functional.

It found out more than half of the employable candidates have attended educational institutions that are not part of the top 50 colleges in the Philippines.

According to the report, many local employers do not easily notice those employable graduates because they come from low-tier colleges.

Thus, it recommends implemen-

According to the report, many local employers do not easily notice those employable graduates because they come from low-tier colleges.

Philstar.com photo

tation of hiring methods that are primarily based on “meritocracy.”

Sought for the top jobs they aspire for, 16 percent of the graduates cited teaching, followed by administrative (15 percent) and business (12 percent).

“Overall employability needs improvement. Around 65 percent graduates are not employable in the job they want. They show gaps in various skills as required in succeeding in the job role,” Aspiring Minds said.

The report showed employability figures for various functions within the business process outsourcing (BPO) sector, the country’s largest private employer, also reflect lack of

Philippine economic outlook...

infrastructure and human capital development, increasing private sector investments, and strong percent in 2018 up to 2022.

“We believe these targets are domestic consumption on the back attainable, given strong macro- of rising incomes of the country’s economic fundamentals, rising young and educated workforce,” government spending on critical Espenilla said.

PAGE D1

sufficient and required skills among the total number of graduates who aspire to work in the industry.

Aspiring Minds said most of the candidates in the industry, particularly those for inbound customer service jobs, for outbound sales and for information technology helpdesk, show deficiency in required cognitive skills, which most employers see as an indication of trainability on the job.

The Contact Center Association of the Philippines (CCAP) said the findings are not surprising as the industry has been experiencing low hiring rate of six percent to 10 percent.

CCAP said it continues to call for He said the highlights of the reforms adopted by fiscal authorities is the adoption of the inflation targeting framework in 2002 wherein the BSP achieved its inflation target since 2009, except only in 2016 due to unusually low oil prices.

Inflation averaged 3.1 percent in the first nine months after rising up

an improved education system that can produce high-skilled contact center candidates.

“Over the years, we have been working with the Commission on Higher Education, the Department of Education, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, and schools to look at the relevant skills that the industry needs, and how we can build those skills in the curriculum itself,” CCAP chair Benedict Hernandez said.

“Students must be educated and trained to develop skills that are specifically required in the contact center industry,” Hernandez added.

In the report, four percent of the college graduates that were assessed cited contact center roles as the top jobs that they aspire for.

Hernandez said CCAP targets to increase the industry’s hiring rate to 15 percent in the next few years.

“The Philippines is fortunate that it produces about 600,000 university graduates a year. But the number one challenge of our companies is to actually find the right people,” he said.

As of end 2016, the contact center industry accounted for more than half or 751,000 of the total 1.15 million jobs generated in the Philippine IT-BPM sector.

The European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines said it believes that the Philippines can have a very successful tourism industry.

Philstar.com photo

Tourism ‘easiest way’ to lift Filipinos from poverty by anna leah

e. Gonzales ManilaTimes.net

TOURISM could be the easiest way bringing the Philippines out of poverty so the government should take advantage of the country’s natural attractions, the chief of the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines said.

The country, ECCP President guenter Taus said, has “all the ingredients to build a very successful tourism industry.”

“The biggest potential the Philippines has is the tourism industry.

But it is hardly tapped … you have

a beautiful country with nice mountains up north, beautiful beaches down south and probably one of the best underwater worlds if we don’t continue to damage it and start preserving it,” he added.

Proficiency in the English language in another substantial advantage, he noted.

“I see a lot of smiles, everybody smiles in this country and that is something that you don’t see in other countries,” he said.

“The easiest way to bring the Philippines out of poverty is tourism because the resorts are not in Metro PAGE D3

WB cites Mindanao’s key role in PH growth

to 3.4 percent in September due to higher food prices.

“We expect the combination by mayvelin u. caRaballo ManilaTimes.net of high growth and low inflation to be sustained on the back of UNLOCkINg Mindanao’s pothe economy’s rising productive capacity and prudent conduct tential is key to reducing povof monetary and fiscal policy,” erty and achieving more inclusive growth nationwide, the World Espenilla said.

Bank said.

“Economic progress in the Philippines will depend on the success of economic development in Mindanao, as it is hard to see how the country can achieve sustained and inclusive growth without progress in this region,” World Bank Lead Economist for the Philippines, Birgit Hansl said on Thursday, October 5 during the release of the lender’s latest Philippines Economic Update.

Like the rest of the Philippines, the central policy challenge for Mindanao is how to accelerate inclusive growth — the type that creates more and better jobs and reduces poverty.

“37 percent of the country’s poor population lives in Mindanao, although the region only represents about 25 percent of the country’s population,” Hansl said.

Tackling the issue has been made more difficult because of longstanding armed conflict in the region.

While progress has been made in making growth more inclusive, Hansl said Mindanao still trailed the rest of the Philippines in terms of shared prosperity.

This is compounded by the weakness of the region’s economy, resulting from decades of armed conflict and also a narrow growth strategy.

“Resolving the conflicts in Mindanao rests on addressing the root causes of conflict and providing jobs and economic opportunities as alternatives to violence,” she said.

Hansl added that economic

and political factors were both driving conflicts and attaining just and lasting peace would require political solutions to address issues such as injustice, weak governance, land disputes and discrimination.

Peace agreements signed in the past were not enough to put all of Mindanao on a path to inclusive growth, she said.

“This special focus note, which is based on the main findings of the World Bank’s Philippines Mindanao Jobs Report, proposes a comprehensive strategy for unlocking Mindanao’s potential, including interventions in the region that will support sustainable peace and development and job creation,” Hansl said.

Efforts should be focused on agricultural productivity and farm-to-market connectivity, human development, drivers of conflict and fragility and institutions in Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao and conflictaffected areas.

The World Bank said its engagement in Mindanao would be based on this strategy.

Policy recommendations include increasing agricultural productivity by improving extension and irrigation services along with price reforms to realize Mindanao’s agriculture potential; building up logistics and transport connectivity by improving road networks and the efficiency of shipping services to reduce trade costs; improving the supply of reliable power and the speed, affordability, and quality of information and communications technology services by fostering competition; and supporting private investment by addressing the growing skills gap and the high regulatory burden for businesses, and improving financial inclusion and land governance.

Foreign investment curbs...

PAGE D1 foreign equity is allowed in mass media except recording; the practice of professions, especially law; utilization of marine resources in archipelagic waters, territorial sea and exclusive economic zones as well as small-scale utilization of natural resources in rivers, lakes, bays and lagoons; as well as manufacture, repair, stockpiling and/or distribution of nuclear weapons.

Also under the Constitution, up to only 30-percent foreign equity can be allowed in advertising firms.

Meanwhile, a cap of 40 percent is being applied in foreign-led exploration, development and utilization of natural resources; ownership of private lands; operation of public utilities; educational institutions other than those established by religious groups and mission boards, and facility operator of an infrastructure or a development facility requiring a public utility franchise.

As for land, Pernia said they were looking at 50-year lease contracts to foreigners, renewable by another 50 years.

Also, Pernia said the draft 11th foreign investment negative list (FINL) was submitted to the Office of the President last Tuesday.

“Their legal staff would still review it,” Pernia said.

According to Pernia, the proposed FINL identified a “short” list of areas where foreigners can own up to 49 percent, a list of “sensitive” areas as well as activities where full foreign ownership will be allowed.

In the case of contractors in the construction industry, the government wanted to allow 100-percent foreign ownership as long as the companies have good interna-

tional reputation, Pernia said.

As for retail trade, the proposal was to reduce to $200,000 from $2.5 million at present the minimum paid-up capital of foreign retailers looking to establish operations here, Pernia said earlier.

Neda officials had said that they were also considering full foreign ownership in investment houses.

Every two years, the government releases the FINL, which lists down sectors where foreign investors have only limited participation.

The 10th FINL was issued by former President Aquino in 2015 under Executive Order No. 184, which had practically kept intact the list of activities and sectors restricted to foreign equity and participation as provided for in the ninth regular FINL. The latest Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas data showed that the net inflow of job-creating FDI declined 14 percent year-on-year to $3.6 billion in the first half.

“I think the fundamental problem we have compared with our neighbors in the Asean economic community is that we are lagging behind in how we liberalized our FINL,” Pernia told senators last month during the hearing on Neda’s proposed budget for 2018.

“We have a FINL that is pretty long if we compare with our neighbors. It’s one of the major reasons why we are not getting enough foreign investments,” Pernia had said.

According to Pernia, President Duterte himself was “quite keen on reducing restrictions.”

“If we’re successful in doing that [reducing the FINL], we can be successful in attracting more FDI,” according to Pernia.

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18th Annual Small Business Expo...

PAGE D1 “We are delighted to support Asian Pacific Islander smallbusiness owners as they start or expand their companies. U.S. Bank has long been a trusted financial partner for entrepreneurs throughout the Los Angeles area, and we are excited to see the variety of businesses that will be involved in this competition,” said Darrell Brown, senior vice president and Greater Los Angeles Coastal Region manager for U.S. Bank, at the kick-off.

Victor Parker, district director of the Small Business Administration (SBA)’s Los Angeles district office, was also present on Wednesday.

“It’s really a collaborative effort…it’s not just another opportunity for us to provide resources to our lending community and resource partners. But it’s also businesses to businesses. I encourage you all to come to the expo — it’s a networking opportunity to build relationships with lending partners and other businesses,” he said.

Formed in 1999, the API SBP is a collaborative of five community organization: the Chinatown Service Center, Koreatown Youth & Community Center, Little Tokyo Service Center CDC, Search to In-

83% of ‘Build, Build, Build’ funding to come from borrowing not tax reform, says Angara

by Audrey

MorAllo Philstar.com

Jerome Horton, member of the CA State Board of Equalization and Darrell Brown, senior vice president and Greater Los Angeles Coastal Region manager of U.S. Bank, which is a title sponsor of this year’s Asian Small Business Expo.

Photos courtesy of Justin Saka / Asian Pacific Islander Small Business Program

volve Pilipino Americans and Thai Community Development Center.

Our partners share over 170 years of service between them, are well known and respected for the quality of their work, the impact of their services and their standing in the community. The mission of the API SBP is to assist the development of small and micro businesses in Los Angeles with a particular focus on the Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Thai and Filipino business communities, especially those of low-income immigrants.

The annual Asian Small Business Expo is organized by the Asian Pacific Islander Small Business Program (API SBP), whose staff and members include (L-R) Colleen Seto, Kerry Situ, Stanley Moy, Alice Kim, Supranee May, Ron Fong, Andy Kim, John Swing and Justin Saka.

The 18th Annual Asian Small Business Expo will be held on Saturday, October 14 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Almansor Court (700 S. Almansor Street, Alhambra, CA 91801). It is free to attend. For more information and to register, please visit http://www.apisbp. org/expo.

Victor Parker, district director of the Small Business Administration (SBA)’s Los Angeles district office, gives remarks at the expo’s kick-off event on Wednesday, Oct. 4.

AJPress photo by Christina M. Oriel

Tourism ‘easiest way’.... roads and airports, and also move to liberalize the aviation sector.

Manila, they are outside and in the “The moment we start having… middle of nowhere so you create or stopping the monopoly of PAL jobs. You see how the village grows (Philippine Airlines) and start openand you really see a change. You ing up to other carriers which will just go out to undiscovered areas directly fly to these destinations and create jobs there, that is the you will see the numbers go up,” easiest way there,” Taus said. he said.

The government would do well Easing ownership restrictions on to implement plans to build more land will also help bring in invesPAGE D1

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 7-10, 2017 D

tors, he claimed.

Taus said the government should also allow bigger groups to lease property for a longer period of time.

“That makes it viable to earn … as several hundreds of millions of dollar [are needed]to build a resort,” he said.

While Boracay island is undoubtedly a premier tourist draw,

MANILA — Sen. Juan Edgardo Angara emphasized that the government’s ambitious infrastructure program would not be severely affected if the Department of Finance’s version of the tax reform bill would not be passed by Congress.

According to Angara, around 84 percent of the funds needed for the government’s “Build, Build, Build!” infrastructure program would not come from revenues to be generated by tax reform, contrary to the “exaggerated claims” of some officials of the executive department that the projects would be severely affected if the Senate’s version would not be close to the Houseapproved measure.

During the plenary debates on Senate Bill 1592, it was revealed that P5.6 trillion of the P8.3 trillion needed to fund the government’s infrastructure projects over the next five years would come from local and foreign borrowings such as the official development assistance and private-public partnerships.

Sen. Bam Aquino said that of the P8.3 trillion target for “Build, Build, Build!” only P1.2 trillion was dependent on the passage of the tax reform bill while the remaining P7.2 trillion would come from yearly budget increases and other funding sources.

“Hindi talaga puwedeng sabihin na si build build build is equated to TRAIN because 83 percent of build build build requirements, we will get even without TRAIN,” Aquino said during his interpellation of Angara, the sponsor of the measure.

Senate Bill 1592, the chamber’s version of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Act, is estimated to generate P59.9 billion in its first year of implementation, way below the projected revenue programmed in the 2018 national

Sen. Juan Edgardo Angara

budget.

According to DOF Undersecretary Karl Kendrick Chua, SB 1592’s projected revenue is 55.23 percent lower than the P133.8 billion estimated to be generated by House Bill 5636, which has already been taken into consideration in next year’s general appropriation.

The DOF said fresh funds to be generated by the TRAIN would be used to fund the government’s massive infrastructure program over the next five years.

According to Angara, the chairman of the Senate Ways and Means Committee, it seems that the DOF computation is constantly changing.

“Even the revenue impact of House Bill 5636 was reduced to P119 billion from earlier estimates of P133.8 billion,” the senator said.

He said the DOF supplied all the figures the committee used for the chamber’s version of the tax reform bill, and as far as Angara’s committee’s computation is concerned, the revenue impacts of the Senate and the House version are the same.

“The committee sought to come up with a version that would provide tax relief to 99% of individual taxpayers and, at the same time, meet the revenue target so as not to impair the government’s capa-

Philstar.com photo

bility to finance its programs and projects,” he said.

He said that the detailed estimates provided by the DOF to the committee had changed although the senator underscored that there was still room for compromise especially on the Value Added Tax exemptions.

“There are previously discussed exemptions which have little revenue impact before, but are now presented as sizable revenue items,” he said.

Angara said that their version of TRAIN would result in a higher take-home pay for as many as 99 percent of workers without sacrificing the goal of raising revenues to boost growth.

Under the Senate version, the first P150,000 annual taxable income will not be taxed while retaining the P82,000 tax exemption for 13th month pay and other bonuses and the maximum P100,000 addition exemption for up to four dependents.

This translates to an approximate tax-exempt monthly of P25,000 for workers with four dependents.

“Finally, after 20 long and arduous years, our workers will have more take-home pay. We want more Filipinos to have higher purchasing power… join the ranks of the economically well-off,” Angara said in his sponsorship speech.

the government should look at promoting beach destinations elsewhere in the country.

“I don’t understand why the Philippines is not pushing for other beaches other than Boracay because there are other beaches better than Boracay that are still underdeveloped. The sector could be easily developed,” Taus said.

The Tourism department is tar- Data from the Tourism department show visitor arrivals in the Philippines with an 11.40 geting 6.5 million tourist arrivals for percentgrowth rate during the first quarter of 2017 — with Koreans, Americans, and Chinese being the top tourists in the country in terms of volume.

Inquirer.net photo this year.

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DOJ allows withdrawal of tax cases vs Mighty Corp China to become PH’s principal trade partner by aUdrey

Morallo Philstar.com

MANILA — The Department of Justice (DOJ )has allowed the tax dodging cases filed by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) against Mighty Corporation to be withdrawn after the cigarette company agreed to a settlement of its taxrelated issues.

According to a joint resolution dated October 2, the Department of Justice should grant the motion to withdraw by the BIR on September 26 to promote the greater interest of the parties to the case.

“Wherefore, premises considered, complainant BIR’s motion to withdraw dated Sept. 26, 2017 is hereby granted. The complaints in the instant cases are hereby deemed withdrawn,” according to the resolution signed by Senior Assistant Prosecutor Sebastian Caponong Jr. and Assistant Prosecutors Ma. Lourdes Uy and Mary Ann Parong.

The BIR cited in its motion to withdraw the approved settlement of Mighty Corporation’s excise tax deficiency and the compromise settlement of all its pending taxrelated issues including those of its officers and shareholders.

President Rodrigo Duterte in July allowed the Department of Finance and the BIR to accept the P25 billion tax settlement offer of Mighty Corporation for its liabilities over the years.

The P25-billion offer was made

by Mighty President and Director Oscar Barrientos in a letter sent to BIR Commissioner Cesar Dulay on July 10.

According to Barrientos, the settlement offer includes P3.5 billion for the deficiency in its excise taxes on its tobacco products and

by Mayvelin

U. Caraballo ManilaTimes.net

THE government expects China to become the Philippines’ principal trade partner in the near future, the Finance department said.

“In a couple of years, we expect China to become our most important partner in trade,” Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III was quoted as saying at a briefing organized by the Bank of China in Shanghai last week.

The benefits for both the Philippine and Chinese economies will be enormous, he claimed.

The Finance department said that bilateral trade had grown to $21.6 billion last year, up substantially from $12.32 billion in 2011.

Tourist arrivals from mainland China also ballooned to 675,663 from 243,137 over the same period, it added.

At the same briefing, DominThe Department of Justice allowed the withdrawal of tax-dodging cases filed by the Bureau guez also assured China of the of Internal Revenue against Migthy Corporation.

Philstar.com photo Philippines’ full cooperation with P21.5 billion for its internal revenue initial payment of P3.44 billion to the Asian Infrastructure Investtax liabilities including income the government. ment Bank and the Belt and Road Mighty said that its settlement taxes from 2010 until it clinched an acquisition deal with Japan would be financed by an interim loan and the proceeds of its sale to Tobacco.

According to the BIR, Section Japan Tobacco.

Duterte said part of the money 204 of the National Internal Revby Czeriza valenCia enue Code gives authority to the from the compromise settlement Philstar.com Commissioner of the tax-collection would be used to finance the reMANILA — The flow of remitagency to “compromise, abate and habilitation of strife-torn Marawi City where security forces are still tances to the Philippines is seen refund or credit taxes.”

The motion for remand and engaged in a protracted combat to further grow by 23 percent reinvestigation of the cases dated with Islamist militants who tried and eclipse last year’s record, July 20, 2017 and submission dated to establish a so-called Islamic making it the third largest Sept. 7, 2017 filed by Sigfrid Fortun State province in the area in remittance volume worldwide this year, the World Bank said and Matthew Aaron Ong, lawyers May. The fighting has destroyed in a report. for the cigarette firm, had been Based on the latest edition rendered moot and academic by the many structures and homes in the approved motion for withdrawal, city’s central district and displaced of the World Bank’s Migrahundreds of thousands of residents tion and Development Brief, according to the DOJ. Before the deal with the govern- of the town and neighboring the Philippines is expected to be the third largest recipient ment, Mighty has already made an areas. of cash transfers worldwide, standing to absorb $33 billion in remittances this year next to India ($65 billion) and China ($61 billion).

The two agencies are prepar- Metro Manila and its SurroundHigher remittance inflows ing the release of the results of ing Areas study was undertaken drive domestic demand, fueling a follow-up study to the Road- by JICA and NEDA in 2014 to the growth of the economy. map for Transport Infrastructure guide the NEDA Infrastructure In 2016, remittances from Development for Metro Manila Committee in its deliberations overseas Filipino workers rose and its Surrounding Areas next on the contents and priorities five percent to an all-time high of a short-term (2014 to 2016) $26.9 billion from $25.61 billion month.

“Together with other govern- and a medium-term (2017- in 2015. ment agencies and local govern- 2022) transport investment Remittances to the Philipment units, the follow-up study program. pines are expected to be stable The roadmap covered Metro despite declining inflows from aims to come up with urban transport strategies addressing Manila, Region III (Central Lu- Saudi Arabia, a major Gulf Cotraffic demand in the coming zon) and Region IV-A (Calabar- operation Council (GCC) counyears, improve mobility, iden- zon). try, World Bank said.

JICA said there is an urgent tify land use management, and It said the prevailing fiscal identify reforms in the transport need to explore a new trans- tightening and policies discourport system and road networks aging the recruitment of foreign sector,” Yamada added.

The Roadmap for Transport since traffic has spread to other workers in GCC countries are Infrastructure Development for PAGE A4 expected to weaken remittance

program.

“Both initiatives will bring lasting benefits to all countries of this region. Both will set the conditions for more comprehensive trade among the countries in this part of the world,” he said.

The Finance chief also thanked China for support of the Duterte administration’s ambitious infrastructure modernization program.

He said China had shown “immense goodwill” by offering to build the Binondo-Intramuros and the Estrella-Pantaleon bridges that are expected to help ease traffic congestion.

Dominguez said the Philippines and China had developed mechanisms that would allow closer coordination on a broad range of issues and concerns, which he described as “scaffoldings helping us build a truly functional bilateral relationship.”

The Finance chief said he believed that comprehensive cooperation between the Philippines in

China, while currently in its early stages, would function as a “driver of growth in the region” over the next decade.

The Philippines, he said, can perform as a gateway to the very large and increasingly prosperous Southeast Asian market.

“We are grateful for the enthusiastic support China has offered to help as grow our economy rapidly. I am sure there are many complementary points that will ensure the sustained growth of an inclusive economy in the Philippines,” Dominguez said.

“There is much to look forward to in our trade and investment partnership. There is much ground for optimism in the vitality of this partnership,” he added.

Japan was the Philippines top trading partner in 2016 based on Philippine Statistics Authority date, accounting for 14.4 percent or $18.67 billion of total trade.

China was second with a 13.6 percent share or $17.65 billion.

Remittances seen rising 23% to $33-B this year

JICA, NEDA to identify new traffic solutions

by Czeriza

valenCia Philstar.com

MANILA — New strategies and solutions to the metro’s traffic woes are being drawn up by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA).

“It’s timely to identify new strategies and solutions to the present traffic situation in Metro Manila and surrounding areas as the administration aggressively pushes for transport infrastructure development under the Build Build Build agenda,” said JICA senior representative Tetsuya Yamada in a statement.

Remittances are the country’s biggest source of foreign exchange income, insulating the domestic economy from external shocks by ensuring the steady supply of dollars in the system.

Philstar.com photo

flows to East and South Asia.

Meanwhile, World Bank said remittances to developing countries are expected to rise again this year after two years of decline on stronger recovery in the global economy.

Remittances to developing countries are expected to grow 4.8 percent to $450 billion in 2017 on the back of economic expansion in the European Union, Russian Federation and United States.

Stronger growth in these countries will encourage migrant workers to send more cash back home to Sub-Saharan Africa, Europe and Central Asia, and Latin America and the Caribbean.

Still in line with the recovery in the global economy, remittances to low- and middle-income countries are expected to grow modestly by 3.5 percent in 2018 to $466 billion, World Bank added.

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Showroom

Honda teases new electric sports car ahead of Tokyo debut Honda will unveil an all-new electric sports car — the Sports EV Concept — at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show on october 25, as part of a broad range of advanced two- and four-wheeled production and concept vehicles. other highlights being showcased by Honda are the Urban EV Concept – revealed to an overwhelmingly positive response at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September – and a range of Super Cub motorcycle models celebrating its 60 years anniversary and 100 million units production after the original introduction. Show visitors will also be able to see the Honda neuV personal mobility concept and the all-new CR-V, both of which will make their Japanese debuts. Here’s the news from Honda: Sports EV Concept

Catching the eye with a striking silhouette, friendly face and supple body surfaces, all designed to ensure the car blends into any lifestyle, the Sports EV Concept will have its world premiere in Tokyo. The development team

Inquirer.net photo

designed the sporty electric car to deliver a feeling of joy and emotional unity to the drive, achieved by efficiently combining the EV power unit and aI technology in a compact body shape. (Inquirer. net)

Senate version sets higher excise taxes on cars THE latest Senate version of the first comprehensive tax reform package is proposing that the excise tax on cars would have a higher rate next year from what was passed in the Lower House last May, a move which raises prices beyond the comforts of the automobile industry.

Senate Bill (SB) 1592, which is supported by 17 out of 24 senators, wants to impose new excise tax rates starting January next year that are relatively higher than the increases proposed in House Bill (HB) 5636, the Lower House’s version of the first package.

Moreover, the Senate’s version does away with the proposed two-year implementation period in HB 5636, opting instead to slap the higher prices immediately by January 2018.

While these increases under SB 1592 are higher than the scheduled rates for 2018, these are still relatively lower than what would be imposed in 2019 under the House bill.

The Senate’s latest version of the first tax reform package divides the tax brackets into five.

HB 5636 also divided its version into five brackets.

In the first bracket of the Sen-

ate bill, the net manufacturer’s or importer’s selling price of cars valued up to P600,000 would be slapped with a 4-percent excise tax rate, higher than the 2 percent in the current tax system. In HB 5636, the first bracket would have only a 3-percent excise tax rate next year, before raising it to 4 percent in 2019.

Meanwhile, cars with net prices valued between P600,000 and P1.1 million would be slapped with P24,000 on top of the 35 percent of the value exceeding P600,000, the Senate bill read.

(Roy Stephen C. Canivel/Inquirer. net)

JICA, NEDA to identify new traffic...

PAGE D4 key business districts including Makati. It said improving traffic management will have significant impact on easing road congestion. Expanding secondary roads and the MRT in the city outskirts will address future demand in suburban areas.

The ongoing workshops and consultations for the follow-up study include stakeholders from nEda, department of Transportation (doTr), department of Public Works and Highways (dPWH), Metro Manila development authority (MMda), Public Private Partnership Center, as well as departments of Finance,

Environment, Information and Communications, Interior and Local Government, Science and Technology, and housing agencies.

“With the follow-up study, we hope to contribute to helping spread economic opportunities in areas outside Metro Manila, attract more investments, and promote a better quality of life for all,” said Yamada. during the 3rd PhilippinesJapan High-Level Meeting of the Joint Committee on Infrastructure development and Economic Cooperation held in Tokyo recently, the economic managers of both countries vowed to further

streamline their respective approval processes and introduce new measures to fast-track the implementation of big-ticket infrastructure projects presented

by Manila to Tokyo for possible financing.

Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia said many Japanese firms are motivated to invest in the country’s infrastructure program but are concerned about the speed and quality of implementation.

“I think we have motivated many of them to invest in the infrastructure program,” he said.

“In Japan, it’s essentially accelerating the implementation.”

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 7-10, 2017 D

D6 OCTOBER 7-10, 2017 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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