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September 10-13, 2016

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LA Fil-Ams join in global protest against Marcos hero’s burial

Also published in: • Orange County/Inland Empire • Northern California • Las Vegas • New York/ New Jersey

by Klarize

Medenilla AJPress

ANtI-marcos activists gathered in front of the Philippine Consulate office in Los Angeles on Wednesday, september 7, to rally against the burial of late President ferdinand marcos in the Libingan ng nga Bayani (heroes Cemetery).

Widespread outrage over the proposed burial prompted filipinos across the globe to protest. major cities that participated in the global included Chicago, New York City, san francisco, London and manila among others.

USA

DATELINE NY-based nurse asks PH gov’t to step up in protecting its citizens from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA

Nephew, niece among Davao blast survivors

NeW YorK – michael tagadaya, a New York-based nurse first heard of the news about the Davao City bombing on his social media feed. It wasn’t until he received a call from his younger brother that a nephew and a niece were among those badly hit by the bombing that happened on the evening of sept. 3 near the city’s night market. steven raeyan and Princess sheena tagadaya, both Ateneo de Davao students, were 20 feet away from the explosion. they just got out of school and since sheena has not been felling too well, they told their parents that she was getting a reflexology massage before they went home. sheena was on the massage table while steven was standing next to her when the blast happened. they are among the more than 60 people injured

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megaphone in hand, long-time filipinoAmerican activist Arturo Garcia led filipinos, young and old, in a series of chants denouncing the proposed burial.

“Marcos is no hero! He killed Filipinos!”

“Marcos family, shame on you!”

“Marcos! Hitler! Diktador! Tuta!”

Arturo handed the megaphone to various activists who delivered impassioned speeches. myrla maldonado recounted her experience of living in the Philippines under marcos’s regime.

“Before the marcos dictatorship, the Philippines was second in terms of economy in

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Members of the Filipino-American community protest outside the Philippine Consulate building in Los Angeles on Wednesday, Sept. 7. Similar protests were held on the same day in major cities, including New York, San Francisco, Chicago and Washington, D.C. AJPress photo by Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz

SC extends halt order against Marcos burial by dana

SioSon AJPress

the Philippine supreme Court (sC) extended its status quo order against the late and former President ferdinand marcos’ interment at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in taguig City.

At the conclusion of the twoMartial Law victims (L-R) Rodolfo Dela Cruz, Danilo Dela Fuente, Fr. Dionilo session oral arguments on petiCabillas, human rights lawyer Nery Colmenares, Felix Dalisay and Bonifacio Ilagan, clench their fists shortly after filing a petition before the Supreme tions against marcos’ burial, the Court seeking to stop the burial of former Pres. Ferdinand Marcos at the halt order was extended until Heroes’ Cemetery on Monday, Aug. 15. Protests are mounting following the october 18 to give the court order by President Rodrigo Duterte to bury Marcos at the cemetery with full more time to resolve the case on military honors.

Philstar photo merits.

“After the oral arguments were concluded, the Court en Banc met and agreed to extend the status Quo Ante order issued on August 23, 2016 served on August 24, expiring on september 23, 2016 up to october 18, 2016,” sC Public Information office Chief theodore te said on Wednesday, september 7, according to reports from Interaksyon.

With permission from President rodrigo Duterte, marcos’ hero’s burial was supposedly set on september 18. the sC initially

Duterte and Obama briefly meet at ASEAN summit Medenilla

AJPress

After agreeing to postpone their much-anticipated bilateral meeting, Philippine President rodrigo Duterte and U.s. President Barack obama met briefly before the gala dinner at the Association of southeast Asian Nations (AseAN) summit on Wednesday, september 7. the two leaders spoke in the

by dana

SioSon AJPress

holding room at the National Convention Center in Vientiane, Laos, Philippine foreign secretary Perfecto Yasay, Jr. confirmed.

“I’m very happy that it happened. It all springs from the fact that the relationship between the Philippines and the United states is firm, very strong,” Yasay told the media.

Philippine foreign Affairs

LA County gun confiscation program inspired by slain u PAGE A3 Filipino postal worker Pacquiao puts retirement on hold for fight against Vargas

AssAULt type rifles, handguns and even a submachine gun designed for concealment in a briefcase were among the weapons seized from people on probation and displayed in downtown Los Angeles on thursday, september 8. officers of the Los Angeles County Probation Department laid a wide assortment of weapons out in a conference room of the Kenneth hahn Administration building to showcase the efforts of the Developing Increased safety through Arms recovery management (DIsArm) program. the illegally possessed items were found as the result of wellness and compliance checks on probationers conducted by various LA County law enforcement agencies. “since I initiated it in 2000, this program has removed nearly 11,000 guns from the streets,” L.A. County supervisor mike Antonovich told the Asian Journal after thurs-

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US President Obama

by eric

PH President Duterte

anthony licaS AJPress

BettING odds favor manny Pacquiao by a wide margin in his upcoming fight against reigning World Boxing organization (WBo) welterweight champion Jessie Vargas, but the iconic filipino fighter isn’t taking the challenge lightly. the 37-year-old Philippine senator and athlete will return to the ring on saturday, November 5 at the thomas & mack Center in Las Vegas, despite previously announcing his retirement in April. Pacquiao has promised to uphold his duties as a legislator while preparing for a bout with a fighter 10 years his junior.

“Vargas loves an action fight…that’s Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao and World Boxing Organization welterweight champion Jessie what I want,” Pacquiao said during a press event at the Beverly hills hotel in Beverly Vargas appear together at a press event on Thursday, Sept. 9 at the Beverly Hills Hotel.

AJPress photo by Noel Ty

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PNP identifies Davao bombing suspect

Philippine president clarifies controversial remarks

by Klarize

issued a 20-day status quo ante order at the request of petitioners who sought to stop the burial. the first hearing on the oral arguments started on Wednesday, August 31. Petitioners presented their case against marcos’ burial and torture victims during the martial Law recalled their experience before the court.

During the second day of the oral arguments on Wednesday, september 7, solicitor General Jose Calida argued that there was no more trauma from the mar-

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the Philippine National Police (PNP) has identified the prime suspect of the roxas night market bombing that killed 14 people and injured more than 60 last friday, september 2 in Davao City.

PNP chief Director General ronald Dela rosa said on thursday, september 8, that the main suspect was identified by the two massage therapists who survived the explosion.

Last Wednesday, september 7, the police has released both an artist sketch and computer image of the suspect who left the bag containing the bomb.

Dela rosa said the suspect was “positively identified” by the witnesses after they were presented portraits showing facial features at the course of the investigation he also mentioned that the background check done by the investigators and intelligence agents fitted the earlier claims of bomb experts saying the improvised explosive device (IeD) was similar to the signature of bombs from Central mindanao. the IeD in the Davao bombing used mortar and a cellular phone as the detonating device, similar to the bomb-making style of international terrorist Zulkifli Bin hir, alias marwan, who was slain during an operation in mamasapano, maguindanao last year. the PNP chief added that the identification of the suspect only boosts their theory that the bomber’s cohorts were possibly involved in the illegal drug activities in Central mindanao. “this only further reinforced our theory of narco-terrorism because before the blast

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A SEPTEMBER 10-13, 2016 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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From the Front Page

LA Fil-Ams join in global protest against…

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Asia. After the Marcos dictatorship, we became almost next to Bangladesh in poverty,” Maldonado said. “It was a dictatorship that robbed the Philippines of its resources and of its wealth.”

Cars driving by the busy metropolitan center in Koreatown honked and passersby joined in on the chants to support the cause.

Many Filipinos believe that Marcos’s declaration of martial law left a stain on Philippine history. Often labeled a dictator, many Filipinos reminisce on his presidency with outrage and resentment.

During the 11-year period when martial law was in effect — from 1972 to 1981 — at least 70,000 people were imprisoned,

34,000 were tortured and 3,240 were killed, according to Amnesty International.

To allow Marcos to be buried in the Libingan ng mga Bayani is a “distortion of history”, according to Garcia.

“It is basically an insult to the Filipino people when a dictator who ruled the Philippines with an iron fist for 14 years will be honored as a former president of the Philippines,” Garcia told the Asian Journal. “The Philippines during martial law was in shambles. It was marred in poverty and our foreign debt ballooned to how many billions of dollars.”

Carol Ojeda-Kimbrough was a part of the original anti-Marcos FOUR HOURS BEFORE FLIGHT. The Bureau of Immigration (BI) issued a reminder that passengers flying out of the country must be at movement when the late presiairports four hours early as part of expected beefed-up security measures, including stricter immigration protocols, following President dent declared martial law. She, Duterte’s declaration of a state of emergency after the bomb attack in Davao City on Friday, Sept. 2.

Inquirer photo by Richard A. Reyes along with other activists, fought in the 1970s to restore democracy after chaos ensued after the declaration. She said Marcos’s rule was a “very repressive pe- PAGE A1 t 14 million votes when he ran for made to recall the horrors they tial law years, considering that vice president last May. riod.” experienced… There is a place “To honor him [with] a hero’s his son, Ferdinand “Bongbong” “I was surprised that during for that but not here in the Suu PAGE A3 Marcos Jr., garnered more than the last hearing, the victims were preme Court… I am human your honor, I can feel their pain. But making them recount their horrible experiences is a form of retraumatizing them,” he added.

Calida argued the controversy was “beyond ambit of judicial review” and warned that granting the petitions would be tantamount to an “intrusion upon executive power.”

“As the father of this nation, President Duterte decides to begin the long overdue healing of our nation and to exorcise the ghost of enmity and bitterness that prevent us from moving forward. Unfortunately, the wisdom and propriety of President Duterte’s well-meaning desire to put a closure in this divisive issue has pinched the nerves of some who cannot forget their travails during the martial law era,” the solicitor general said.

He noted that the former presidents have exercised the same powers as President Duterte when they decided on the return of Marcos’ remains to the country during their respective term.

“If the prerogatives of these former Presidents were respected by this Honorable Court, so must it be with President Duterte,” Calida added.

Rebutting the earlier point made by Senior Associate Justice

SC extends halt order against Marcos…

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From the Front page

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • SEPTEMBER 10-13, 2016

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Duterte and Obama briefly meet at ASEAN…

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spokesperson Charles Jose also confirmed the meeting, saying, “I think they were able to iron out the issue.”

Although Duterte said he would be seated next to his American counterpart, the two did not sit next to each other at the dinner. Additionally, he did not sit next to Ban Ki-moon, secretary-general of the United Nations, as promised.

Earlier this week, Duterte made international headlines when it was reported that he had called his American counterpart a “son of a b****” during a press conference. Although the obscenities were directed to a reporter and not Obama, the comments prompted the White House to cancel the scheduled meeting between the two leaders.

In a meeting with Filipinos in Jakarta, Indonesia on Friday, September 9, he defended himself from the criticism he received about the obscenities.

He confirmed that he did not

direct those vulgarities to Obama.

He said he also clarified his statements to Obama himself when they met in before Wednesday’s dinner.

“At itong mga Amerikano, mahusay talaga (These Americans are really good). The Americans can spin a story. They use the predicate or the adjective that is really worst to hear,” Duterte said, blaming the international media for misinterpreting his comments. “They can spin everything. Me? I don’t give a sh*t.

Because I’m not president of the international community.”

ASEAN summit wraps up At the three-day summit among the 10 leaders of the ASEAN, Duterte delivered an impassioned speech about human rights.

According to attendees, Duterte went off-script and launched a tirade against the “atrocities” by the U.S. military against the indigenous groups in Mindanao and the conflict that has plagued that region of the Philippines.

Delegates were “quiet and shocked” while a diplomat called the fiery speech “normal Duterte,” according to GMA News.

“Even as we continue to comply with our constitutional requirements in the observance of due process and respect for human rights, he is committed to combating the spread of illegal drugs to ensure the security and well-being of the next generation,” the Department of Foreign Affairs said.

Amid the controversy surrounding Duterte’s obscene remarks, Duterte was received well among the leaders upon landing in Laos.

“President Duterte is a rockstar, not only in our country, but also in other countries like Laos and Japan,” Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said on Wednesday.

Ernesto Abella, presidential spokesperson, said that the president was received with “empa-

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LA Fil-Ams join in global protest against…

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tary captured them. They never made it to Bicol.

Later, De Vera recounted the experience to Ojeda-Kimbrough of being tortured and raped while in captivity. Of the three, de Vera was the only one to be released.

The whereabouts of Federis and Coronacion remain a mystery to this day, adding them to the long list of Filipinos who went missing during this period.

Last month, the Philippine Supreme Court (SC) responded to petitioners and put a temporary hold on the burial in the Libingan ng mga Bayani from August 23

to September 12, as the Asian burial is a big insult to what we Journal previously reported. The worked for all those years. It nehalt has since been extended to gates all the human rights violaOctober 18. tions, the deaths and the tortures, But ultimately, it’s Duterte’s so to give him a hero’s burial is sole decision to permit the burial. like saying it’s okay,” Ojeda-KimEven before he was elected, he brough told the Asian Journal. has supported granting Marcos Ojeda-Kimbrough was 21 a hero’s burial. During his camyears old when she found out her paign trail, he was vocal about alfirst husband, Rolando Federis, lowing the burial, saying that it’s became a victim of martial law. time for Filipinos “to move on.”

In 1976, he was waiting for a Since then that stance has not Bicol-bound train from the Tuwavered. tuban station in Manila with two “As a former soldier and forfriends, Adora Faye de Vera and mer president of the Philippines, Flora Coronacion, when the miliI see nothing wrong with having Marcos buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani,” Duterte said in a press conference last month.

He added that while he will allow people to protest the burial, he will not let them “distract” his decision. If he permits the burial, the Marcos family will bury the former president on September 18.

To Duterte, Ojeda-Kimbrough said, “Don’t forget all the people who fell victim to the human rights violations. I know you’re beholden to the Marcos family, and maybe there’s money involved, but let him rest in peace in Ilocos. He’s not a hero, and he was overthrown by a peaceful movement of Filipinos. He does Fil-Am activists in Los Angeles speak about why they are against a hero’s burial for former not deserve a place in the hero’s cemetery.” n President Ferndinand Marcos AJPress photo by Klarize Medenilla

WRITTEN IN STONE. Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa poses with a marker for the launch of the police quick response hotline called ‘Itaga Mo sa Bato’ at Camp Crame last Monday, Sept. 5. The new text hotline allow Filipinos to report a crime or ask for help.

Philstar.com photo by Michael Varcas

PNP identifies Davao bombing…

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happened, we have received information that some narco-personalities in Central Mindanao are funding or financing this bombing operation,” Dela Rosa said.

However, the PNP chief refused to reveal the suspect’s name and other details about his identity amid the manhunt operation.

“We already know his true

identity, we also know where he is hiding so the manhunt is ongoing,” said Dela Rosa, according to reports from the Manila Bulletin.

Meanwhile, the earlier P2 million reward for the identification and arrest of the night market bombing perpetrators was raised to P3 million.

“A businessman in Davao City donated P500,000 for the addi-

tional reward money and a law firm through Finance Secretary Sonny Dominguez also gave another P500,000,“ Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio explained, as reported by the Manila Times.

Disclosing the possibility of another terror attack similar to Davao City bombing, Malacañang urged the public to be vigilant. n

Pacquiao puts retirement on hold for fight…

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Hills on Thursday, September 8.

The current WBO champion and Los Angeles native with a professional record of 27-1 won his title on Saturday, March 5, by knocking out Sadam Ali in nine rounds. In spite of his accomplishments, including a number of upsets victories, Vargas said he was still being underestimated by the boxing community.

“I’ve always proved you wrong with several other undefeated fighters you thought were either going to beat me or knock me out,” said Vargas at Thursday’s press event. “On Nov. 5, I’m going to prove you wrong again.”

During an interview at Thursday’s event, Pacquiao’s longtime trainer, Freddie Roach, ranked Vargas modestly when com-

pared to other people his fighter had faced in the past. However, the reigning boxer of the decade voiced respect for his rival’s talents and achievements in the ring.

“He is a champion so I don’t want to underestimate him or take him lightly. I consider him a difficult opponent,“ Pacquiao told reporters. He added that “training while performing my duties in the Senate is going to be hard.”

The senator must contend with a grueling workout schedule while maintaining his role as a lawmaker during what has been a tumultuous year in Philippine politics.

“He said he would be a fulltime senator, and he’s a man of his word,” said Bob Arum, the

founder of the boxing promotion firm, Top Rank on Thursday.

“But he also had the desire...to return to the ring.”

The former eight-division world champion will conduct most of his training in the Manila so he can continue attending congressional sessions until the Senate goes on recess in October. After that happens, Pacquiao will fly to Los Angeles so he can be closer to the venue ahead of the fight.

Pacquiao typically spends six weeks conditioning for a fight, but this time, his team has scheduled a two-month training camp in order to accommodate for travel and other concerns. Roach said he hopes Pacquiao can find enough time to rest in between travel and fight preparations,

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From the Front page

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Pacquiao puts retirement on hold for fight…

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but remained otherwise optimistic about the renowned boxer’s chances in November.

“Manny has the ability to recover very fast … [but travel fatigue] might be a factor,” said Roach. He added that “Manny proved against Tim Bradley that he still has great fights left in him.”

November’s bout presents Pacquiao with an opportunity to further punctuate what has become a monumental career.

Vargas’s camp is framing the

upcoming fight as changing of the guard, as well as a chance for revenge against the man who brought down many of the younger fighter’s childhood idols.

Whichever outcome prevails, the events leading up to it promise to be anything but boring.

“The fight between Manny Pacquiao and Jessie Vargas will be a real shootout,” Arum said in a press release. “Jessie is not going to play around, but will go after Manny in the kind of battle Manny Pacquiao likes to engage in.”

Conflicts between the Philippine congressional calendar and HBO’s programming schedule left uncertainties regarding the fight’s distribution. Pacquiao could only be available during the Senate recess, but the network would not accept a November date because the event would have to compete with another HBO-produced fight between Sergey Kovalev against Andre Ward on November 19.

Instead, Top Rank will produce and distribute the fight independently.

“If any other promoters would like us to distribute their event, we are available for a hell of a lot less than 7 percent,” said Arum.

“Today is a historic moment because today we will take back boxing for promotion, for the fighters.”

Boxing fans interested in ordering the fight can find information at toprank.tv. Tickets for the upcoming matchup are currently available for purchase, including a few thousand seats priced at only $50. n

FIRST CONFIRMED ZIKA CASE IN PH. Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Paulyn Jean B. Rossell Ubial announced through spokesperson Dr. Eric Tayag that a 45-year-old female, married, non pregnant from Iloilo City was the first confirmed case of Zika in 2016. This case was most likely due to local transmission since there was no history of travel to any affected country in the past two weeks. The DOH has coordinated with local officials to intensify mosquito control efforts including targeted fogging.

Photo from DOH.gov

NY-based nurse asks PH gov’t to step up in protecting its…

her spinal cord. Both will require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation to promote healing and wellness. They were kept on intensive care unit at SPMC where they are currently recovering in the post-op surgical units and are being continuously monitored.

Now, Tagadaya is hoping that justice be served.

“The government and the police should pursue the perpetrators. Justice should be rendered kasi how can you feel safe if you just allow these things to happen,” Tagadaya told the Asian Journal.

“They will never be the same, the way we knew them but we will make sure that … sabi nila time heals all wounds but I think our love and support for them will heal all these wounds,” he said. “Sheena and Steven, are not only resilient and survivors, they are young warriors who have big dreams to help their family and change the world. They are kind, gentle, respectful, God fearing, obedient, loyal, loving and caring.”

Both President Rodrigo Duterte and Vice President Leni Robredo President Rodrigo Duterte visited the survivors of the Davao City blast on Saturday, Sept. 3. have visited the Tagadaya sibAmong the survivors are Sheena Tagadaya (shown in photo with her mother Melinda) and her lings and other blast victims.

The president reportedly told brother Steven, who were 20 feet away from the explosion at the night market in the city.

Contributed photo them that the bomb was not

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by the blast that claimed the lives of 14 people.

The blast caused severe traumatic injury to the 19-year-old Steven’s left leg and multiple shrapnel pieces punctured his liver. In addition to an emergency reconstruction of his leg, he also had exploratory laparotomy to repair his liver. He lost a lot of blood and had to receive blood transfusion.

His 17-year-old sister Sheena sustained multiple injuries when

11/01/16

shrapnel hit the T5 level of her spinal cord. Both were rushed to the Operating Room at Southern Philippines Medical Center where doctors spent hours upon hours to perform life-saving surgical procedures to prolong their lives.

Steven will require debridement and sloughing (skin grafting) for his left lower leg, while Sheena will require a much needed spine surgery in the next few days to remove two metal shrapnel that are embedded in

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meant for them, but for him.

“Sabi niya ‘This was not meant for you and the children and everybody, this was meant for me.’ I was touched by the statement but I think the government should do a better job in protecting people by stepping it up,” Tagadaya said.

President Duterte declared a “state of lawless violence” in the Philippines hours after Friday night’s deadly blast.

Steven is supposed to graduate with an Accounting degree next March and pursue his dream to become a Certified Public Accountant. He is Tagadaya’s fourth full scholar in their family. Sheena is a sophomore who dreams to become a flight attendant and travel the world.

“Wala pa kaming accountant and he is going to be the first one in our family,” Tagadaya said, adding that he is hopeful that both Steven and Sheena are able to fully recover from this tragedy.

The Tagadayas are from Cotabato City, a four-hour drive from Davao City.

“I was video chatting with them yesterday and I was told both still have nightmares from the trauma brought about by the blast,” Tagadaya shared. “The

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Dateline USa

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Duterte and Obama briefly meet at ASEAN…

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thy”, adding that Duterte’s handling of the meeting during the ASEAN-China summit was “admirable.”

“He has the capacity for statesmanship that is usually missed because of the noise regarding some of his statements,” Abella told reporters.

At the summit, the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea) dispute was a key topic of discussion.

Hours before the leaders met, the Philippines revealed photos that allegedly show Chinese ships near the disputed waters.

San Francisco Bay Area Filipino Americans backing President Rodrigo Duterte led by group spokesman Atty. Adnan Alonto (second from right “We have reason to believe in red shirt) raise their clench fists after their meeting in an undisclosed place in the East Bay. Photo by Jun Nucum that their presence is a precursor to building activities on the shoal. We are continuing our surveillance and monitoring of their presence and activities,” Arsenio Andolong, spokesperson for the Philippine Defense Department, told Agence France-Presse.

“Recent revelations point to of- force from this pernicious pracby Jun nucum U.S./PH dispute over drug Inquirer.net ficial complicity in the prolifera- tice” as “worthy of being highkillings tion of drugs in our streets. The lighted as an exercise of political OAKLAND, California — Fili- involvement of national officials will.” pino Americans in the San Fran- including cabinet members, local “We urge our people, irrespeccisco Bay Area who support Phil- officials, law enforcement agents, tive of political affiliations and ippine President Rodrigo Duterte and even some clergymen clearly ideologies, the mainstream me- PAGE A1 t day’s press event. “This means met recently to plan how to show indicate that the drug problem is dia, international press and inwe have saved a number of lives support for the president in the a national emergency requiring ternational organizations to look because the criminals don’t have face of what they called “nega- decisive action and solutions,” beyond the veneer of partisan the guns to commit crimes.” tive publicity” from local and in- the statement continued. and selfish interests and support The program was largely international news media.

Condemn partisan groups PRRD and his program of gov- spired by a wave of gun control Attorney Adnan Alonto, who The group also condemned ernment.” advocacy in response to a shootcampaigned for Duterte, said, the use by some personalities The statement was signed by ing spree that happened at the “First, we wanted to expressour and partisan groups to utilize the representatives of the BrotherNorth Valley Jewish Community sympathy to the victims of the re- international press and interna- hood for Duterte–USA (BFDCenter in Granada Hills, Califorcent Davao bombing. Second, we tional organizations to paint the USA), Digong Duterte Supnia. There, on Tuesday, August want to express also our opinion war against drugs as purely a hu- porters-Northern California 10, 1999, a self-described white about the negative publicity that man rights issue. It also lament- (DDS-NorCal), Digong Duterte supremacist opened fire, woundis being waged against the presi- ed that “PRRD’s efforts to bring Supporters-California USA Coing two adults and three children. dent. And we also want to discuss meaningful and lasting peace in ordination Unit (DDS-CA/USA), Following the initial attack, the certain activities we can embark the Philippines have been left Lex Talionis Fraternitas of North gunman later crossed paths with on to make known that President unappreciated and unnoticed by America (LEX NA) and Human Filipino-American postal worker Duterte has a very solid support mainstream media and the inter- Development International. n u PAGE A6 here in Northern America.” national press.”

Alonto said they plan to en“Official records of the PNP gage in mass actions, rallies and show that the 600 or so deaths demonstrations in support of the account for police operations Philippine president, but the de- where suspects resisted with tails still have to be threshed out. deadly force that required apThe theme of the actions, how- prehending agents to respond ever, will be “Unity for Genuine accordingly. Hence, to attribute Change.” all the 1,800 or so deaths to the They wish to reach out, he said, anti-drug campaign without any to all groups and Filipinos “who break down or factual descripare still not convinced of the sin- tion of the circumstances is a cerity of the president in his desire broad stroke to discredit the efto bring about genuine change. forts of the government to keep We want to educate them, we drugs from our streets,” argued want to impress upon them that the statement. what President Duterte is doing is “PRRD and the government for the good of the country.” should be lauded for the recent Back war on drugs signing of a ceasefire agreement Those who participated in the with the CCP/NDF in Oslo, Normeeting then signed a prepared way. This decades-old insurgenunity statement, in support of cy that has claimed hundreds of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s thousands of lives is now on the (PRRD) war on drugs. verge of final resolution. PRRD’s “PRRD launched an all-out war effective engagement with Moro against drug lords, criminals and groups to resolve the Bangsamthe corrupt almost immediately oro question continue to garner after assuming office. This all-out support and from all indications, war is a condition sine qua non will result in a comprehensive to rid our society of the scourge and final resolution.” of drugs that threatens the very Laud ‘political will’ fabric of established order. Left The group also lauded “PRRD’s unabated, drug money will con- most recent efforts to act on the tinue to creep into our society plight of our OFWs in Saudi Araproducing corrupt judges, civil bia who have been laid off by servants and politicians, thus their Saudi employers for over a transforming the Philippines into year now.” a Narco-state in five to ten years’ It also commended Duterte time,” the statement said. for standing by his campaign The statement also expressed promise to put the Marcos burial their belief that the Philippine issue to rest and “pave the way National Police and the military for healing and national reconare required to employ equal ciliation.” It praised as well the deadly force as lawful self-de- Duterte’s government policy to fense against armed criminals, in implement genuine land reform, pursuit of the recent presidential as exemplified by the distribudirective to arrest and apprehend tion of land titles to qualified and known and suspected drug push- deserving farmers of Hacienda ers to cut the supply chain in the Luisita, and to eliminate contracstreets. tualization “to protect our labor

Pro-Duterte Fil-Ams meet to plan shows of support

At the now-cancelled bilateral meeting, Obama was likely to bring up the drug-related killings in the Philippines that have escalated since Duterte’s entrance into office. The Philippine National Police (PNP) said that more than 2,000 have been killed.

On the final day of the summit, Obama and Duterte reportedly clashed over the killings, ending the tense week between the two leaders. Once again, Obama urged Duterte to combat his country’s illegal drug problem in “the right way.”

“As despicable as these [drug] networks may be and as much damage as they do, it is important, from our perspective, to make sure that we do it the right way,” Obama told reporters.

“Because the consequences of when you do it the wrong way are innocent get hurt and you have a bunch of unintended consequences that don’t solve the problem.”

After Thursday’s meeting, Obama went to shake hands with ASEAN leaders, except for Duterte. Yasay said that because Duterte had to leave for bilateral talks with Russia, “there was no time for Obama to shake Duterte’s hand.”

The U.S. has been critical of these killings and expressed commitment to resolving the issue with Philippine leaders.

“President Duterte may disagree with us strongly on that, and that’s part of the conversation of — between allies and partners that take place on — with a number of countries around the world,” Mark Toner, deputy spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, said in a press briefing on Tuesday, Sept. 6.

However, Duterte expressed (in the speech in which he hurled obscenities to a reporter) that he will defend his policies and the killings and will not “bow down” to the U.S. n

LA County gun…

Vice President Leni Robredo greets Jay Tagadaya, whose niece and nephew are among the survivors of the Davao bombing.

Contributed photo

NY-based nurse asks PH…

PAGE A4 t

good news is nakakausap na sila and they are able to talk now. It’s going to be a long healing and rehab process for them.”

The family is grateful for the outpouring of support and words of encouragement from relatives and friends, especially on social

media. In order to help his brother Roy and his wife Melinda defray the cost of the medical procedures, Michael has established a GoFundMe fundraiser for his niece and nephew. Visit https:// www.gofundme.com/2nw683hk for details. (Momar G. Visaya / AJPress)

SC extends halt order…

PAGE A2 t

Antonio Carpio that Marcos lost his privilege to be buried at the Libingan when he was ousted by the historic EDSA People Power revolution in 1986, the solicitor general explained that once a Medal of Valor was awarded, it cannot be diminished nor nullified.

“Marcos was never dishonorably discharged from military service nor convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude. Dis-

honorable discharge can only happen through court martial,” Calida said.

“Based on military standards, given to a Medal of Valor awardee, former President Marcos fits to the definition of a hero,” he added.

Calida also noted that Marcos would not be given state honors but only simple mortuary rites befitting his position as former president, commander-in-chief of the armed forces and a soldier. n

Civiliam Evidence and Property Custodian for the Los Angeles County Sherrif’s Department Ernesto Castro inspects a small automatic firearm recovered by the DISARM program and displayed at the Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration on Thursday, Sept. 8 AJPress photo by Eric Anthony Licas

A SEPTEMBER 10-13, 2016 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Dateline USa

US convicts 2 Filipinos facing 20 years for dumping oil at sea

LA County gun…

PAGE A5 t

Joseph Ileto. The letter carrier was filling in as a substitute on another person’s route when he was murdered for being a minority and a federal employee.

Since it was launched nearly 16 years ago, DISARM has contributed to the arrest of over 23,000 people in possession of a firearm while on probation, according to police statistics. In collaboration with the L.A. Interagency Metropolitan Police Apprehension Crime Task Force (IMPACT), about $730 million

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Some of the firearms seized in LA County displayed

dollars in illegal drug money has been recovered.

Antonovich said he would like to see the program expanded on

AJPress photo by Eric Anthony Licas

a statewide level.

“They can use Los Angeles County, for the past 16 years as the pilot program showing that it works effectively and it needs to be expanded,” he said.

Despite ongoing efforts by law enforcement, police say the confiscated weapons are likely only a fraction of the unlawfully possessed guns out on the street because firearms can be purchased on the black market or stolen. Officers say tips from the public are crucial in keeping guns out of the wrong hands.

“Our citizens are our ears, and they’re our eyes,” Lieutenant Lajuna Haselrig of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department told the Asian Journal. “Private citizens see before we do.”

She hopes those who suspect a person of illegally possessing a firearm will contact either the probation department, local police or, if they wish to remain anonymous, LA crime stoppers.

In addition, officers strongly encourage people who own guns to keep them locked away in a gun safe. (Eric Anthony Licas / AJPress)

SAN FRANCISCO – Two Filipino senior ship engineers face 20 years in prison after being found guilty of dumping pollutants at sea and attempting to hide the deed from US authorities.

A federal jury in Greenville, North Carolina, convicted Oceanic Illsabe Limited, Oceanfleet Shipping Limited and two of their employees, senior engineering officers Rustico Ignacio and Cassius Samson, both Filipinos, of violating the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships (APPS), obstruction of justice, false statements, witness tampering and conspiracy, according a report by the Maritime Executive.

Oceanic Illsabe Limited owns the M/V Ocean Hope, a large general cargo vessel that dumped tons of oily waste into the Pacific Ocean last year. Oceanfleet Shipping Limited was the managing operator of the vessel. Both companies operate out of Greece.

Oceanic and Oceanfleet were convicted of one count of conspiracy, one count of violating APPS, two counts of obstruction of justice, one count of false statements and four counts of witness tampering.

Ignacio was convicted of one count of conspiracy, one count of violating APPS, one count of obstruction of justice and two counts of witness tampering.

Samson was convicted of one

M/V Ocean Hope dumped tons of oil and sludge in the ocean.

count of conspiracy, one count of violating APPS, two counts of obstruction of justice, one count of false statements and three counts of witness tampering.

The companies could be fined up to $500,000 per count, in addition to other possible penalties. Ignacio and Samson face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for the obstruction of justice charges.

In June 2015, M/V Ocean Hope discharged around ten metric tons of sludge into the ocean and also regularly pumped contaminated water overboard. None of these discharges were disclosed as required.

Evidence showed that the companies knew that their ship had not unloaded any oil sludge at port since September 2014 and that it often did not use its

Photo by Vessel Finder

oil-water separator. Second Engineer Samson instead ordered crewmembers to use a “magic pipe” to bypass the vessel’s oilwater separator and pump oil sludge directly into the ocean.

Crewmembers also were ordered to dump oily water from the vessel’s bilges into the sea to several times a week. Chief Engineer Ignacio knew and approved of the dumping. The engineers also used a tank designated for oily wastes to store diesel fuel for sale on the black market.

At the Port of Wilmington, North Carolina, the companies and the two engineers filed false oil reports to U.S. Coast Guard inspectors. The defendants ordered lower-level crewmembers to lie to Coast Guard personnel, when the dumping was discovered. (Inquirer.net)

Cebu scallops blamed for hepatitis A in Hawaii

by Ronnel

Domingo Inquirer.net

THE outbreak of hepatitis A in Hawaii, blamed on scallops imported from Cebu, has so far made 252 people ill, according to that state’s Department of Health.

The latest bulletin from Hawaii said all the patients were adults, 66 of whom needed hospital care.

Earlier this week, the Philippines’ Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said it was “implementing emergency measures, reassessing, reevaluating and conducting a traceability audit” of Lapu-Lapu Citybased De Oro Resources Inc., the reported source of frozen raw

scallops that allegedly caused the outbreak.

“Pending the ongoing traceability audit, BFAR is temporarily suspending the accreditation of De Oro Resources to export fishery products,” the agency said in a statement.

BFAR also said it directed the company to suspend the distribution of its existing inventory of fishery products and to recall all previously distributed products belonging to the same batch or of the same distribution period.

BFAR data show that in 2014, the Philippines exported 826,177 kilograms of scallops valued at $6 million to Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, the United States, Taiwan, Malaysia and Vietnam. n

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Dateline PhiliPPines

A

Carpio wants Obama named Robredo respects state of lawless ‘defender of West Philippine Sea’ violence but reiterates call for civil rights

by Patricia Lourdes Philstar.com

Viray

MANILA, Philippines — Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio on Friday called for Philippine recognition of US President Barack Obama for reminding China to comply with the arbitral ruling on the South China Sea, part of which Manila calls the West Philippine Sea. Carpio nominated Obama for the highest Philippine award to name him “defender of the West Philippine Sea,” according to a report from The STAR. According to the Official Gazette, Chief Commander of the Philippine Legion of Honor “is the highest honor that the President of the Philippines may grant an individual without the concurrence of Congress.”

The honor has been awarded to US Presidents Franklin Roosevelt and Dwight Eisenhower.

But Carpio may have been referring to the Order of Sikatuna, which is third in order of precedence according to the Honors Code of the Philippines. The award, which has six ranks and is “conferred upon individuals who have rendered exceptional and meritorious services to the Republic of the Philippines, upon diplomats, officials and nationals of foreign states who have rendered conspicuous services in fostering, developing and strengthening relations between their country and the Philippines.”

US Presidents Eisenhower and George W. Bush have been conferred the rank of Raja in the Order of Lakandula, according to the Official Gazette.

Obama raised the South China Sea dispute during the Association of Southeast Asian NationsUS meeting in Vientiane, Laos earlier this week.

“The landmark arbitration ruling in July, which is binding, helped to clarify maritime rights in the region,” Obama told Southeast Asian leaders.

The American president expressed his country’s commitment to working to ensure that the maritime dispute in the contested waters will be resolved in a peaceful manner.

“I recognize this raises tensions

lawless acts across many parts of Mindanao” such as “abductions, hostage-takings, murder of innoIN a statement released on cent civilians, bombing of power Tuesday, September 6, Vice transmission facilities, highway President Leni Robredo ex- robberies and extortions, attacks pressed her respect for President on military outposts, media killRodrigo Duterte’s decision to declare the country under a state of lawless violence shortly after the bombing in Davao City last Friday, September 2.

“We respect the decision of the President to exercise his Constitutional power to call out the Armed Forces of the Philippines to assist in suppressing lawless violence,” Robredo said.

“And we appreciate that the Proclamation makes clear that this does not suspend any part of the Constitution or impair any of our fundamental rights.”

Robredo added that the president’s declaration was justified by the “spate of violence and by dana

sioson AJPress

US President Barack Obama greets from Air Force One just before taking off at Wattay International Airport in Vientiane, Laos, Thursday, Sep 8, 2016. Obama concluded his meeting with leaders of the Association of Southern Asian Nations (ASEAN) at a summit aimed at strengthening the U.S.- ASEAN strategic partnership.

Philstar.com photo

but I also look forward to discussing how we can constructively move forward together to lower tensions and promote diplomacy and stability,” Obama said.

The Permanent Court of Arbitration earlier ruled that China’s his-

toric claims over the South China Sea does not have legal basis.

China, however, refused to respect the decision of the arbitral tribunal and insisted that they have indisputable sovereignty over the contested waters. n

ings, and mass jailbreaks,” as stated in the Proclamation No. 55.

Proclamation No. 55, or the declaration of “State of National Emergency on account of law-

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A SEPTEMBER 10-13, 2016 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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OpiniOn

Features

ASEAN chair

SAYING he was suffering from migraine, President Duterte skipped several key events of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Laos: meetings of ASEAN leaders with the United Nations, the United States and other dialogue partners. But the President showed up for the special role assigned to him at the leaders’ summit in Vientiane: to accept the rotating chairmanship of ASEAN. The Philippines is assuming the chairmanship as ASEAN turns 50 in 2017, and as the 10 member-states fine-tune economic integration in the second year of the ASEAN Economic Community. The Philippines is also at the heart of an issue that was again the elephant in the room at the summit in Vientiane: Chinese compliance with a UN-backed arbitral ruling that invalidated Beijing’s ninedash-line claim over nearly the entire South China Sea. Only US President Barack Obama openly called on Beijing to respect the “binding” ruling, which is based on the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea that both China and the Philippines have ratified. Obama stressed the importance of the arbitral ruling despite the cancelation of his meeting with Duterte over harsh words uttered by the Philippine President. The scrapping of the meeting

and Duterte’s subsequent expression of regret overshadowed many developments at the summit.

As ASEAN chair, President Duterte can dispel perceptions about his unprovoked pugnacity and show that he can be gracious to his counterparts. Apart from the personal transformation, he will have to ensure that the Philippines is prepared to chair the regional grouping.

For a year the country will be hosting several meetings and events leading up to the annual ASEAN leaders’ gathering and summits with its partners in the Asia-Pacific. The President has given priority to public safety, but there are many other aspects that must be addressed as ASEAN host. Facilities and infrastructure for the numerous events must be adequate. The nation cannot afford another weeklong lockdown of the entire Roxas and Macapagal Boulevards and periodic

Guest Editorial

Philstar.com photo

shutdowns of EDSA and surrounding thoroughfares to make way for VIPs, like in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit last year. Venues outside crowded Metro Manila must be consid-

ered to avoid that madness.

Chairing ASEAN puts the spotlight on the host country. It’s a chance for the nation and its leader to shine. (Philstar.com)

Filipinos in America divided: Some praise Duterte while others want him to resign after tirade vs Obama FILIPINOS in America are divided in their reactions after Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte threatened to curse U.S. President Barack Obama should he question Duterte about the human rights violations and drug-related deaths in the Philippines related to the all-out war against drugs.

Obama canceled what should have been their first formal bilateral meeting. The stock market in the Philippines took a plunge as investors reacted to the news about the drug menace in the Philippines, the killings and uncertainties in the foreign policy direction of the Duterte presidency.

Obama said in a news conference that he did not take Duterte’s statements personally, but told reporters that when they met informally in a holding room during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Laos, he told Duterte that the partnership between the two countries should be consistent with the rule of law and international norms.

Community leader, human rights activist and legal counsel of the U.S. Pinoys for Good Governance Atty. Ted Laguatan told ABS-CBN North America News Bureau Chief Paul Henson com-

piled in a Balitang America report that Duterte was an “em- The Fil-Am barrassment” and should resign Perspective as president.

“Kung unfit ang leader, nagsasalita ng ganyan laban sa president ng US against Filipino interest, dapat magresign siya…

Obligasyon natin as a people is Gel SantoS-ReloS to pick good leaders. Kung masama, ibagsak natin.”

Laguatan said the problem lies in Duterte’s inability to control his mouth and his thoughts, which give the Philippines a bad image as a nation.

Even some kababayans who campaigned and voted for Duterte, and those who did not vote for him — but support his mission to eradicate the drug pandemic and criminality in the Philippines — expressed that Duterte need not infuse profanity in delivering his message and that he should express his arguments and defend his position with respect.

But other Duterte supporters like Atty. Adnan Alonto of the Brotherhood for Duterte USA de-

fended the Philippine president against those who contend that Duterte should change his tone and language as he is now representing the Philippines in the global arena.

“He needs to remain authentic.

That is the mantra why Filipinos chose him to be their leader…and that is why the international community should get used to it, “ Alonto told Henson in a Balitang America report.

Fil-Am youth activists like Nicole Cababa of Bayan USA even praised Duterte and told Balitang America LA Correspondent Steve Angeles, “We think it is important President Duterte criticizes the U.S. government. He’s more about protecting the interest of the Filipino people. This is unprecedented in recent years and in many past administrations that were more subservient to U.S. policies and what [the] U.S. dictates…”

Meanwhile, Atty. Arnedo Valera of the U.S. Pinoys for Real Change (USPRC) and the Migrant Heritage Commission called for unity among Fili-

pinos to rally their support for Duterte’s cause.

“Ang kailangan ay suportahan siya sa kanyang programa sa drug war, peace talks, independent foreign policy, industrialization, foods jobs, katarungan at maging mapanuri pa rin at magbigay ng konstraktibong kritiko at alternatibong solusyon na akma sa ating pambansang kalagayan. Halos tatlong buwan pa lang siya bilang Presidente, dapat purihin ninyo ang mga bold initiatives na tinutulak niya para sa sambayanan, na gusto ng nakakaraming masa , ng milyon milyong bumoto sa kanya.”

The USPRC invites Filipinos in America to “join hands and show support to end the drug menace in the Philippines.”

On Sunday, Sept. 11, the group is slated to hold a peaceful gathering calling for “real change in the Philippines” in front of the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https://www. facebook.com/Gel.Santos.Relos

Putting the Philippines’ future on the line Now is the time for all good men “AUTHENTIC leaders monitor their words and behaviors Rhizomes carefully to be attuned to their audiences and to enroll their colleagues and teammates. They do so because they are sensitive to the impact their words and actions have on others, not be- Prosy aBarquezcause they are ‘messaging’ the Delacruz, J.D. right talking points. [Herminia] Ibarra’s second critique of authentic leaders is that they are often locked into a rigid sense of themselves, much like their immature teenage selves. This is the antithesis of authentic leaders, who are constantly developing themselves to increase self-awareness and improve relationships with others. They don’t hide behind their flaws; instead, they seek to understand them. This lifelong developmental process is similar to what musicians and athletes go through in improving their capabilities.” – Bill George “Duterte’s threat to swear at U.S. President Barack Obama if he criticized an anti-drug campaign that’s left around 2,400 dead, and the subsequent cancellation of a meeting between the leaders, “didn’t sit well” with overseas investors, said Rafael Palma Gil, a portfolio manager at Rizal Commercial Banking Group in Manila. Duterte’s behavior is taking the shine off a market that had been an investor favorite due to one of the highest economic growth rates in Asia,” Bloomberg added.

From once a country just a rank above Bangladesh, the Philippine economy grew under Pres.

Benigno Aquino III to be ranked #70 out of 166 by the 2016 Index of Economic Freedom.

“The Philippine economy has been growing steadily at an average annual rate above 6 percent for the past five years. The government has pursued legislative reforms to enhance the entrepreneurial environment and develop a more vibrant private sector to generate broader-based job growth. Despite some progress, poor infrastructure remains a serious impediment to economic growth,” the index wrote.

We now have a president whose strongman actions resulted in a state of lawlessness and whose actions threaten a return to a ‘hyperlow’ for the Philippines, reminiscent of the Marcos years. During those years, the Philippines not only had professionals leaving, but forced many small business owners to become overseas Fili-

pino workers, resulting in a 50 percent inflation rate and a poverty rate of 58.9 percent.

We pray Pres. Duterte realizes his words have power and when uttered from the pulpit of his presidency, his presidential words become policy and guidance for future behaviors of the national police, army and citi-

zenry.

When his words are uttered, it has the weight of the presidential seal that they become default actions and later, of market withdrawals and labor expatriation.

Reuters reported on Thursday, Sep. 8, that Duterte’s war on drugs has reached 2,400 casualties last week, “with police saying about 900 people died in police operations, and the rest were ‘deaths under investigation,’ a term human rights activists call a euphemism for vigilante and extrajudicial killings.”

Is Duterte’s strongman leadership, much like the iron-hand leadership of Mr. Marcos’s martial law, keeping the lawless Philippine situation under control?

Inconsistent and unpresidential actions It is worrisome when CNN Philippines reports on the Philippines’ presidential actions, and one gathers inconsistencies fitting a pattern of verbal abuse, broadcasted on print and internationally aired television newscasts. It had gone unchallenged, even as he hurls them against Pope Francis, United Nations and now a threat to insult Pres. Obama at the ASEAN conference. Some see it as authentically Duterte!

To psychotherapists, his actions fit the pattern of one who abuses his executive and personal power by cussing, accusing, dragging senators’ into revelations of sexcapades and threatening with martial law directed at the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Then, his spokespersons apologize and make explanations to diffuse the consequences.

CNN reported: “In a press conference in Vientiane, Laos after this year’s ASEAN-China Summit, Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said that the President ‘wants a soft landing’ in the settlement of the maritime row. “’In other words, he doesn’t want to force is-

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THOSE old enough to remember using that trusty contraption Street called a typewriter, before the advent of personal computers, may Talk recall the typing exercises, “The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog” and “Now is the time for all good men to come to the GreG B. MacaBenta aid of their country.”

The second exercise was what appealed to me the most as a growing boy. This was less than a decade after World War II and the memory of courageous guerillas standing up to the Japanese imperial forces had not yet faded from our young minds.

Back then, we sang the Philippine National Anthem in English and the final stanza declared: “But it is glory ever when thou art wrong’d for us thy sons to suffer and die.” The words held a special meaning for me as a Boy Scout imbued with patriotic fervor.

It seems to me that, in these tumultuous times, with the world reeling from terrorist attacks and the ravages of nature, and with the Philippines getting its devastating share of the grief, patriotic fervor is what needs to be enkindled again in the hearts of our people.

Indeed, now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their country.

After the series of terrorist attacks in Europe, the U.S. and other parts of the world, it was only a matter of time before death would also come knocking at our country’s door. The Davao bombing, which claimed 14 lives and wounded scores of innocents, may only be a preview of what could be inflicted on us.

We are so vulnerable. More so, perhaps, than France, which has become punch drunk from the recent series of terrorist attacks. A bomb exploded in the middle of the infernal traffic snarl on EDSA could result in hundreds of fatalities. The light rail system, with its sardine-like passenger loads, as well as the airlines crisscrossing the archipelago, are fair game for explosive devices.

While the carnage has, so far, mainly affected Mindanao, Metro Manila, with its teeming millions, is too attractive a target for murderous men intent on bringing the government to its knees.

On top of the terrorist threats, the new government of President Rodrigo Duterte has been waging a bloody war against the drug menace and the number of fatalities — many of them characterized

as victims of extra-judicial killings — has reached alarming proportions.

Add to that the bullying tactics of China over the Spratlys and we are beginning to witness a government that is literally under siege.

How should patriotic Filipinos react and respond to this situa-

tion?

There is no question in my mind that in the face of external threats and the terrorist menace, it should be a no-brainer to stand with the country and its leader. Duterte has many faults, some of which he has cheerfully acknowledged, but he was chosen to lead the country. And in these trying times, it is our duty to back him up.

In the wake of the Davao massacre and as part of the anti-drug campaign, Duterte has decided to declare a “state of lawlessness.” That may sound alarming and may give the impression (as it apparently already has to other countries) that the Philippines has become a “lawless state.”

This is certainly not the case. But words irresponsibly foisted in mainstream media and social media can fan fear and create havoc. The president’s spokespersons have simply added to the confusion.

(As this column went to press, Malacañang announced a new development to the effect that it is “neither a state of lawlessness nor a state of lawless violence, but a ‘state of national emergency on account of lawless violence.’” Whatever that means.)

Months after the elections, Duterte’s political enemies are still milking the turmoil in an obvious effort to derail his new government. But, the question is: For what purpose? Isn’t that like cutting off their nose to spite their face?

When Duterte declares a national policy that requires much greater vigilance and stricter enforcement on the part of the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, shouldn’t it be the duty of every citizen to cooperate in order to make the job of the authorities easier?

Does it help ease the crisis we are facing when people spread the rumor of a plan to assassinate Duterte, to be engineered by no less than a senator-cum-military man? Assuming (God forbid) that this president is knocked off, will Vice President

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OpiniOn & Features

Putting the Philippines’ future on the…

PAGE A8 t

sues. He knows that the arbitration ruling favors us [Philippines]. He is willing to buy his time to be able to talk at the appropriate moment,’” Abella explained.

“This stance is in sharp contrast to Duterte’s firm and sometimes profanity-laced rhetoric.

“Over the past several months, he has called the U.N. a “son of a b****,”joked about pulling the Philippines out of the international organization, and called the U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines a “gay son of a b****.” During Wednesday’s press conference, Abella himself described the President’s manner of speaking as ‘very colorful.’”

Duterte even told Senator de Lima, “You are finished,” and has publicly humiliated her by exposing her sexcapades, a very old trick in the book, dating back to the early 20th century. It is now the 21st century man’s power play, also known as sexual harassment.

Pope Francis was not even spared, the head of Vatican who just a year and a half ago, was revered by millions in the Philippines.

Meanwhile, some Philippine citizens (though not all) have justified Duterte’s actions, including Senator Richard Gordon who is set to file a Senate resolution to suspend habeas corpus in this drug war, equipping this president with even more power or what Sen. De Lima calls “creeping authoritarianism.”

Netizens list things accomplished by the Duterte administration so far, including my cousin who sent me a message: suspension of 10 mining firms’ licenses, deployment of troops to Mindanao, the repair of stairs in LRT train depots, the

surrender of 600,000 drug addicts, police raids of shabu manufacturing plants, e.g. in a piggery.

Not rule of the jungle But, the exercise of executive power by many presidents, save a few who presided over civil wars, is exercised with reasonable judgment and common sense. It is not accompanied by triggerhappy killings by uniformed police, or by vigilantes or hired death squads that in a president’s tenure of just 60 days, 2,400 are killed. I repeat, 2,400 killed, just 840 short of what Marcos achieved in his dark years of dictatorship.

“When diplomacy fails, warriors die,” said a U.S. general, who knows exactly the price of war in casualties.

By muting our collective concerns, we empower this current president to be a ruler of chaotic animals in a jungle, where we, as citizens, even if innocent, scramble to survive. No one is safe from the grazing bullet which ricochets.

Notice how a young five-year-old was killed in this spate of killings, to which Duterte callously responded, “I did not kill that child!”

And to balance his image and to show empathy, Duterte visited the fallen soldiers killed in their deployment in the South. But lives are precious.

We are precious beings created by God Far from being animals in a jungle, each life is precious, as we are created to be God-fearing citizens ruled by the Philippine constitution, whose nation’s governance is carried out by three equal branches of power, executive (the president), legislative (Congress and Senate) and judicial (the courts). And a fourth power, the guardian of de-

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Now is the time for all good…

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Leni Robredo be equal to the resulting chaos, on top of dealing with the current threats?

In a situation where being calm and collected is so necessary, does it make any sense to indulge in intrigue and in pressing the alarm button at every turn? And when an objective assessment of the crisis situation depends so much on a responsible media community, what purpose is there in running sensationalized headlines and fanning alarmist speculation? The varying stories swirling around the declaration of the state of lawlessness and what it actually entails and where it could lead, have been an exercise in confusion – and much of it has been abetted by media and irresponsible netizens.

To be sure, the Duterte government is not faultless. There should be less arrogance and more compassion in addressing the rising international concerns over extra-judicial killings. Duterte should realize that vigilante justice has its own bitter karmic rewards. And making murderers out of policemen is like curing a cancer by breeding a new malignancy.

But, at least, Duterte, as president, is not washing his hands or shying away from the problems his government is facing. He is facing them and is exercising leadership.

He has augmented the troops going after the Abu Sayyaf, suspected of pulling off the Davao massacre, and while that might seem like pouring gasoline on a blazing fire, would we have preferred that he told the country that “there is nothing to worry about” and that “everything is under control?

We know that things are not under control and that there is reason to worry, but at least we have a president who is not burying his face in the sand or pointing a finger at his subordinates. He is, in fact, worrying on our behalf and is trying to keep the situation under control.

What I think he needs to do is to bring the wisest and most sober minds together, people who have faced crisis situations in the past, and listen to their advice – and that should include the clergy.

He could also be less impetuous, less impulsive and less prone to put his foot in his mouth (like threatening to pull out of the United Nations and then saying later on that folks should know when he’s just joking). He could also disengage himself from personal quarrels with political enemies, like Sen. Leila de Lima, and leave his executive officers to deal with them.

For our part, I think we, as citizens, should rally behind the president as he deals with the various threats at hand. Rather than attribute dark schemes, like declaring martial law, to his every move, I think the responsible members of Congress, the Supreme Court and the military should allay people’s fears and reassure them that martial law cannot be imposed on the whim of one man, even if he is president.

At the same time, these responsible national leaders should call on the citizenry to close ranks and work with the president to confront and overcome the threats.

Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their country. (gregmacabenta@hotmail.com)

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • SEPTEMBER 10-13, 2016

A

A10 SEPTEMBER 10-13, 2016 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Dateline PHiliPPineS

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Palace: Duterte’s drug list not from Ramos Putting the Philippines’ future on the…

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has denied earlier reports that said his narco-list was from former President Fidel Ramos.

In a statement released by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPPAP) on Thursday, September 8, Duterte clarified that Ramos was not the source of his drug list.

“To say that the source of the narcotics list came from Presi-

dent Ramos was a total fabrication,” Peace Process Secretary Jesus Dureza said, quoting Duterte.

He pointed out that Duterte “categorically denied the earlier media reports that claimed former President Fidel Ramos was the original source of the socalled drug list.”

In his speech before the Filipino community in Laos last Tuesday, September 6, Duterte claimed that the former president showed him a list of police and

government officials involved in illegal drugs.

Dureza clarified that the president did not say that Ramos “gave” the drug list but only quoted Duterte saying he was shown the list.

“President Ramos went to Davao four times, not three times.

Four. At first, he did not show anything, he just said, ‘you must run because it’s about time that Mindanao would have its own President.’ That was what we talked about, it was limited,” Duterte said in the previous release.

“The second time, he (Ramos) was strongly urging me to run.

He said ‘it’s only you who can stop this.’ Then he showed me a list of (statement is unfinished)… it contained names of generals and policemen about this thick.”

As part of his “name-andshame” campaign, Duterte had been publicly announcing the names of police and government officials allegedly involved in the narcotics trade.

Meanwhile, nearly 2,500 individuals have so far been killed in relation to the present administration’s all-out war on illegal drugs from July 1 to September 3, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP). A total of 1,391 people were killed by vigilantes and unidentified suspects, while 1,011 were killed during legitimate police operations. n

AFP: No abuses during ‘state of emergency’

by Fernan

MaraSigan ManilaTimes.net

THE military on Wednesday, Sept. 7, allayed fears of abuses during implementation of the “State of National Emergency on Account of Lawless Violence” even as soldiers were instructed to undergo Troops Information and Education (TIE) to ensure citizen’s entitlements under the Bill of Rights of the Constitution.

“We would like to ensure that as we respond to the [Commander-in-Chief’s] call for the AFP [Armed Forces of the Philippines] to help suppress lawless violence in Mindanao and prevent its spread to other areas of the country, the execution of our tasks will always be proper and with due regard to every citizen’s

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PAGE A9 t

mocracy, the media!

Yet somehow, we, the Filipino citizens, with the Philippine legislators, justices and the presidency have enabled a state of affairs of a weakened judiciary, by allowing hundreds of thousands of drug cases and criminal cases to pile up.

The presidency reacts to this state of affairs bypassing the weakened judiciary, including challenging the Chief Justice, by rhetorically asking, “would you prefer martial law?” and puts out a “narco-list of drug pushers” which includes four judges. That presidential taunting showed a disregard and a disrespect for the judiciary, an equal branch of the power of governance, like his executive office.

By not insisting on judicial reforms, criminals are free to murder ordinary citizens, committing their crimes in a depraved conduct — murdering them with impunity and throwing their bodies to further disregard the dignity of these lives.

While others justify this lawlessness, as necessary to win the drug wars, how about visualizing yourself as an innocent bystander witnessing this? Would you feel terrorized by your own president’s actions through his police and proxy killers?

Following a night market bombing in Davao with 14 killed and 70 injured, the president declared a state of lawlessness. The crime scene was immediately cleared, with the Abu Sayyaf claiming responsibility, and a presumed police investigation reportedly turned up a suspect, yet had not been broadcasted as apprehended as of last night’s TV Patrol broadcast.

The impact of president’s words and actions Do we recall that the president casually said to his police force to kill by the thousands? We now have the result: “2,400 killed in 60 days!” “’Let me tell you about human rights,’ the diplomat quoted Duterte as saying while displaying a picture of Filipinos killed by American soldiers about a century ago. “’This is my ancestors being killed, so why are we now talking about human rights? We have to talk of the full spectrum of human rights,’” Reuters reported on the ASEAN conference.

The president referred to a photo, described as: “The March 11, 1906 New York Times headlines read, “WOMEN AND CHILDREN KILLED IN MORO BATTLE; Mingled with Warriors and Fell in Hail of Shot. FOUR DAYS OF FIGHTING Nine Hundred Persons Killed or Wounded—President Wires Congratulations to the Troops.”

Incredulous, others might say; while others question the relevance. Is our president saying he is entitled to follow the egregious examples of massacres from our former American colonizers?

Should we not expect our presidents, whether in America or the Philippines, to behave rationally, reasonably, respectfully and to prioritize the rule of law and due process? We do not expect our president to be a provocateur at an ASEAN meeting nor to contribute to this state of lawlessness by casually challenging his police to kill in the thousands and to not bother with the judiciary?

When we acquiesce in his presidential actions and this future suspension of habeas corpus including due process (notice to be heard and opportunity to confront accusers), we no longer

have the protective “shield” that we are all presumed innocent until proven guilty. We are also saying to ourselves that we, Filipino citizens, are unworthy to have a leader who is decent, a world-class leader and truly respects the rule of law.

Instead, we are swept by the “win the drug wars” focus, to submit to this war on drugs, and to ignore those killed, either by hired death squads or by police in uniform.

By the time Mr. Marcos was done with his martial law regime, the Philippine House of Representatives tallied 3,240 killed, 70,000 imprisoned and 34,000 raped and tortured.

Edwin Batongbacal’s statement from San Francisco Kontra Libing Coalition and Loida Nicolas Lewis’ open letter to Duterte both attest to these figures during their rallies, held in San Francisco and New York, respectively, on Wednesday, Sept.

7.

Rallies were held concurrently, including Los Angeles, to protest Duterte’s decision to bury Mr. Marcos at the National Cemetery of the Heroes.

The rallyists contend that Mr. Marcos is no hero, given his record of violating the human rights of hundred of thousands of citizens and 90 million politically suppressed by martial law. His burial is temporarily put on hold by the Philippine Supreme Court until Sept. 12, extended to Oct. 18.

Long after Mr. Marcos regime has ended, three decades later, Filipinos are still dealing with survivors of wanton killings, torture, rape and imprisonment inflicted during the martial law years — also known as generational trauma, a burden to the psyche that lasts.

Duterte’s unprovoked threat to swear at Pres.

Obama Recently, Bloomberg Markets on Sept. 6 reported: ”The Philippine Stock Exchange Index fell 1.3 percent to 7,619.10 in its biggest decline in five weeks. The gauge has dropped 6 percent from a 15-month high on July 21, paring its gain this year to 9.6 percent. Foreign funds pulled $58 million from local equities Wednesday, the most in almost a year, and have sold a net $333 million in an 11-day run of outflows.”

May God guide our Philippine president and our fellow citizens to stand for truth, justice, lawful actions, and not man-made killing fields!

In our circles of influences, including our families, let us use our citizen voices to stop the free fall of the Philippines into the abyss of inhumanity! More importantly, we are more than killing fields in the Philippines. We are more than a war on drugs, we are a country where 45 million of our younger citizens need educational investments and jobs to become productive world-class citizens! *** Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz, J.D. writes a weekly column for Asian Journal, called “Rhizomes.” She has been writing for AJ Press for 9 years now. She contributes to Balikbayan Magazine. Her training and experiences are in science, food technology, law and community volunteerism for 4 decades. She holds a B.S. degree from the University of the Philippines, a law degree from Whittier College School of Law in California and a certificate on 21st Century Leadership from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. She has been a participant in NVM Writing Workshops taught by Prof. Peter Bacho for 4 years and Prof. Russell Leong. She has travelled to France, Holland, Belgium, Japan, Mexico and 22 national parks in the US, in pursuit of her love for arts.

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Dateline PHiliPPineS

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • SEPTEMBER 10-13, 2016

A11

Widodo’s help sought for arrest of Pastor widow

by Edith

REgalado Philstar.com

JAKARTA — The parents of slain race car driver Enzo Pastor have sought the help of Indonesian President Joko Widodo for the arrest of his widow, Dalia Guerrero-Pastor, who is suspected to be the mastermind in his murder two years ago.

Pastor’s parents arrived here Thursday and sought President Duterte, who was on a working visit.

Duterte in turn sought the help of Widodo in tracking down Dalia.

‘BABY FACTORY’ RELOCATION STILL A GO. The Department of Health (DOH) is pushing through with its plan to move Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital to a new location in the DOH Compound in Manila. The aging “baby factory” welcomes 60 to 80 babies everyday.

Fable’s new home inside the compound is envisioned as a six-story, 700-bed hospital and is expected to be completed by May 2017.

Inquirer file photo

Senate ethics committee to discuss complaint against De Lima by dana

SioSon AJPress

NEXT week, the Senate committee on ethics and privileges will tackle a complaint filed against Senator Leila de Lima in relation to her alleged links with the illegal drug trade.

“We will decide on Tuesday morning (Sept. 13) what are the next steps that we will be taking…We’ll try to settle everything,” Senate Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III said on Wednesday, September 7, as reported by Inquirer.

Sotto said the panel would meet to decide if the complaint was sufficient in form and sub-

stance. He pointed out the details would have to remain confidential until the panel has completely acted on it.

The complainant, lawyer Abelardo de Jesus, clarified that he had based his complaint on President Rodrigo Duterte’s accusations against De Lima. He said he had no personal knowledge of the senator’s alleged illegal drug links.

“The last thing I would want to do is to unilaterally decide on anything in the committee on ethics. It’s a very serious and different type of subject,” Sotto said.

“In this case, we’re talking about the situation and the stat-

ure of a member of the Senate.

So the chairman cannot unilaterally act on anything,” he added.

Sen. Panfilo Lacson, a member of the panel, said the proceedings must be speedy to be fair to De Lima.

He explained the penalties for misconduct of a senator would range from admonition, reprimand, suspension to dismissal.

Duterte previously accused De Lima of benefitting from drug money at the National Bilibid Prison when she was the justice secretary.

De Lima, on the other hand, repeatedly denied the president’s allegations. n

the proclamation of the state of national emergency entails and how this translates to the AFP. He said the lectures will also lay down guidelines on how to perform specific tasks related to the proclamation.

These tasks include, but are not limited to, conduct of checkpoints, foot or mobile patrols and enforcement of curfews whenever and wherever necessary in tandem with the Philippine National Police (PNP).

“By this conduct of the TIE, we would like to ensure proper information and knowledge

management among our officers and men on the ground,” Visaya pointed out.

At the same time, the AFP chief asked for the public’s cooperation in the government’s effort to suppress lawless violence and prevent the spread of similar violent incidents to other parts of the country.

Before leaving for Laos for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit, President Rodrigo Duterte signed Proclamation 55 declaring a “State of National Emergency on Account of Lawless Violence in Mindanao.”n

AFP: No abuses during ‘state of…

PAGE A10 t

entitlements under the Bill of Rights,” said the AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Ricardo Visaya.

He issued the statement after he directed the conduct of the TIE among soldiers and commanders in the field particularly those assigned to the Western Mindanao Command, Eastern Mindanao Command and the Joint Task Force National Capital Region “through the most expedient means.”

Lectures under the Troops Information and Education, according to Visaya, will cover what

Dalia has reportedly taken a fraudulent identity as Amanda Maragit and seen roaming freely around Indonesia.

She was reportedly seen in the islands of Bali, Blue Marlin, Komodo, Labuan and Bajo islands.

Witnesses also claimed to have seen Dalia going to mass in churches in Jakarta but sporting various hair colors to hide her identity.

Enzo’s parents wrote a letter addressed to Widodo requesting for the capture of Dalia. They are hoping Duterte would personally hand the letter to the Indonesian leader during their extended bi-

lateral meetings on Friday, Sept. mber 9.

According to Enzo’s father Tomas, Dalia is now living with a certain Ruben Cesar Reyes, a businessman engaged in coal mining business in Indonesia.

“She is still in Indonesia since last spotted this year and is now an overstaying fugitive from justice,” Enzo’s parents said in the same letter to Widodo.

Dalia reportedly conspired with her alleged lover, a certain Sandy de Guzman, who contracted a gunman to kill Enzo.

De Guzman is detained while Dalia has remained a fugitive. n

Robredo respects state of lawless…

PAGE A7 t

less violence in Mindanao,” was signed by President Duterte on Sunday, September 4.

Robredo, however, reiterated her earlier call for a “calm and collective action” among the authorities dealing with the incident.

“We reiterate our call that we bring to justice those responsible for the violence in Davao and at the same time, [that] our bill of

rights is followed and treated with utmost respect,” she said.

Last Tuesday, September 6, Malacañang released the military and police guidelines in relation to the measures needed to be taken to suppress lawless violence under a state of national emergency.

“There is no reason to be alarmed by the deployment of soldiers and policemen. This

is just for the protection of our communities. They cannot do anything except inspect, monitor the surroundings,” Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea said, according to reports from Manila Bulletin.

Medialdea said how long the state of national emergency will take effect will be up to the president but assured that this will not be implemented “forever.” n

A12 SEPTEMBER 10-13, 2016 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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SHOWBIZ&STYLE

B

Journal Fil-Ams represented at the US Open Dennis Trillo wins big at the Seoul

By MoMar

International Drama Awards

G. Visaya

AJPress

For two weeks between August and September, New York City becomes the center of the tennis world as the last Grand Slam event of the season unfolds at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing, Queens.

Welcome to the US open, the highest-attended annual sporting event in the world, with more than 700,000 fans in attendance each year. And for those who haven’t been here for a while, you’d be surprised at the physical changes that have been implemented to enhance the fans’ open experience.

There’s a spanking new Grandstand court with a seating capacity of 8,125, complete with a minifood village and tons of dining spaces; new field courts with expanded seating, wider walkways designed to make getting around the grounds easier and the piece de resistance, the new fully functional retractable roof of the Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Even before the opening ceremonies, a host of events are already happening city-wide to welcome the brightest stars of tennis and their fans to the Big Apple. Former champions such as rafael Nadal attended events such as the Taste of Tennis fundraiser, another cooking event sponsored

Alberto Lim, Jr.

by an olive oil company from Spain and a meet and greet with fans at the Nike flagship store.

Novak Djokovic made the rounds as well, attending parties and events sponsored by the products he endorses.

At the tennis center in the meantime, courts are filled with fans watching free qualifying matches for those who are unseeded. Every year, a limited number of qualifiers are accepted into the main draw.

And on the Saturday before Monday’s opening, families get together to celebrate Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day with tons of events including a program inside Ashe where rising and famous performers come out to jam with their young fans. The world’s largest single-day grassroots tennis and

DrAMA King Dennis Trillo honor and recognition. This is very bagged the Asian Star Prize at special to me because it was given the Seoul International Drama by the Korean people who are very Awards in South Korea. The award well known in creating the best recognizes and rewards Asian tal- dramas in the world,� he said. “In the Philippines, we also do ent widely beloved by the Korean our best in trying to create quality audience.

To date, Dennis is the first ever programs for the Filipino audience.

Filipino actor to receive the said This award will continue to inspire me in honing my craft as a dramatic award.

In his acceptance speech, the actor.� “I also would like to share this Kapuso actor thanked the awardgiving body for the honor and award with my home network, recognition. He also dedicated his GMA7, to my family, to my loved Dennis Trillo Leo Antonio AJPress photo by award to GMA Network, his family, ones, to all the Filipinos and all my supporters. Thank you very Pilipino!� entertainment programming kick loved ones, and to all Filipinos. “I would like to thank the Seoul much! Kamsahamnida! To God organized by Seoul Drama off the US open. be the glory!

Mabuhay ang mga International Drama Awards for this PAGE B7 This year marks the first time that the Arthur Ashe stadium will be using its newly-installed retractable roof, constructed at a cost of $150 million and is the largest retractable roof for a tennis stadium in the world. It was a project that took a couple of years to happen.

-/( *VU]LU[PVUHS #TeamPH at the US Open Filipino-American Treat Huey, 7\YJOHZL 9LMPUHUJL a doubles specialist, returned to his sixth US open this year. He is now partnered with veteran Max Mirnyi of Belarus for Men’s Doubles and Andreja Klepac of Slovenia for Mixed Doubles. Unfortunately, Huey lost both his first round matches.

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Fil-Am doubles specialist Treat Huey signing autographs after his match.

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WORLD’S LARGEST SERVICED RESIDENCE OWNER-OPERATOR INKS PARTNERSHIP WITH CEBUANO FIRM

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B

A paradise for the misbegotten Moonlighting

by Mylah de

leon

LAS VEGAS — On a hot, dry day in September, the whole city was breathing and heaving like a tired beast. On the street that controls all the luxurious hotels, cursing motorists were melting down encased in steeled impotence, trapped in a horrendous gridlock.

Shakespeare did not live in the age of malls, but the Bard would have recognized this city in any age, for what it is. A religion, disease, nightmare — a paradise for the misbegotten. This city of a thousand flashing lights racing on and off, bizarre and beautiful, meant to confuse that there is no time here, no past or future. It is just like having arrived at a palace at the end of the world, with its oversized antiquities, employees wearing costumes, seducing you inside with a game of roulette, crap or Keno.

Behind the glitter and neon posts is an incredible array of colorful characters who enhance its mystique. The tales are taller, of their winnings and losses in life as well as on the tables, their extreme experiences even greater.

The characters are both real and imagined, famous and obscure. Whether a writer is looking for the classic Las Vegas known as the temple of the first American Dream (founded by Bugsy Siegel), there is a hidden world beyond its popular image.

Ranging from the hilarious to the tragic, many are drawn to the city for the inspiration behind its spirit and character.

This phenomenon and its denizens provide the spark to the writer’s imagination, from Howard Hughes, frank, Dino, Elvis, Michael Jackson and the rest of the ensemble (gone, but not forgotten). Throw in the world’s best and worst gamblers, ladies room attendants, showgirls, and conventioneers; to a haven of sin and vice, to its present incarnation as lower rollers gambling playground of today.

You start pondering about that cocktail waitress, a tallish woman,

Vegas, a city of a thousand flashing lights.

in her 40s or 50s with great bone structure and coiffed dyed hair looking like she was once a chorus line beauty, wise-cracking with tired eyes and a smile that happen by reflex.

You know, each one has a story, and that it is something these days to be a story. More and more people don’t — unless you’re the self-confessed paramours of bigtime celebrities.

I am intrigued by people who troop the slot machines. Even as we talked, I could hear the handle of slots. They pulled and pulled, making you wonder where the money comes from. You even imagine the possibility of the machine incubating their own coins and giving birth to the money, while lights flashed and bells rang! for some reasons, though, I knew the money could never be mine or yours, even if we had a truckload of coins to spend and pull the same machines all night long until kingdom comes. It will be devoured again and again, the nickels, dimes, and quarters. It provides for the hungry slot machines, rather than extra cash for the Moonlighter and it seems to me that in some great sky, someone had chosen the lucky and the unlucky, the winner and loser. Luck wasn’t given because someone needed or deserved it, or I’ll be the luckiest one alive!

Vegas is the temptress that seduces, leading the beguiled to wide doors. But these doors weren’t doors, they were great sucking machines of which money fell out, as well as stocks of chips that grew taller or shorter on green felt tables for winners and losers.

It seduced idiot gamblers with the sound of money, visitors to wear outrageous clothes. On the subject of glaring clothes people wore here, it gave one possibility of dyeing one’s hair champagne pink and gluing rhinestones on my forehead, wear clothes that when my grandchildren saw, they will need therapy for five years to recover.

I n Ve g a s , y o u c a n d o anything. Give into that subsidiary thrill, that almost religious excitement before a game, to flashes of insanity and lunar influence. And even against all odds, you’ll get a great night and the greatest thing about that night is that you’ve done nothing to deserve it.

Vegas is value-free.

PROVISIONAL WAIVER FOR CREWMEN DISPELS THE FEAR IN GOING BACK TO MANILA FOR VISA PROCESSING — ON AN ENCORE EPISODE OF “CITIZEN PINOY!” Cindy was a crewman who jumped ship and had been a TNT for more than 10 years. After seeing a CITIZEN PINOY episode about another crewman who also jumped ship, Cindy and US citizen husband, Tom decided to consult with leading US immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel about her chances of legalizing. Through Atty. Gurfinkel’s help, Cindy’s Provisional Waiver was approved. She went back to the Philippines, was processed for her immigrant visa at the US Embassy in Manila, and returned to the US less than a month later as a legal permanent resident. Watch an encore episode on Provisional Waivers, which could benefit: (a) crewmen without 245(i): (b) those who entered the US without inspection(EWI) without 245(i); or (c) K-1 fiancees who did not marry their US petitioner, on “Citizen Pinoy” – this Sunday, Sept. 11 at 6:15 pm (PST) on TFC.

Feng shui tips for a treasure leaking house No money stays, but flies away

be hung inside the window. An “AMETHYST DOME” should be If there is a window facing placed just like a catcher’s mitt directly to the house entrance, for brought-in power. further, a “CITRINE STONE” the “MONEY POWER” brought in from the entrance just passes should be put in the living room through the house, and never to grasp the luck and never let it slip away. stays. **All Feng Shui items must be Therefore, your financial luck is decreased quickly, making you purified by the Taoist way.

••• unable to save it. **Entering and exiting through the garage has no effect if your entrance is located as described above.

To prevent this misfortune, a “BA GUA fLAT MIRROR” should

By Sean

Shono

Feng Shui master Sean Shono owns Dragon God, a Feng Shui store in Gardena, California. He is the U.S. Chief of the International Feng Shui Association. For more information, please call Sean Shono at (310) 787-1891. Dragon God is located at 1580 W. Artesia SQ. Suite A, Gardena, CA 90248.

B SEPTEMBER 10-13, 2016 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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Global Roundtrip Tickets to PH, Kulinarya Tour The Kababayan Await LEELIN VIP Sweepstakes Winner ArE you ready for what could be the most memorable vacation of your life? If you’re a LEELIN VIP rewards Program member, you have the chance to win exactly that!

LEELIN Bakery and Café, in partnership with the Philippine Department of Tourism-Los Angeles (PDOT-LA) recently launched the 2016-17 LEELIN VIP rewards Sweepstakes designed to reward LEELIN VIP members for their loyalty while promoting Filipino culture and heritage through the Philippines’ culinary arts.

Two FrEE roundtrip airline tickets to the Philippines courtesy of the PhilippineDepartment of Tourism-Los Angeles (PDOT-LA) await the grand prize winner of the sweepstakes draw.

In the Philippines, the lucky LEELIN VIP winner and his/ her companion will go on an exclusive FrEE Kulinarya Tour – also courtesy of the PDOT-LA- where they will taste, savor and maybe even learn to cook the native dishes of a particular region in the homeland.

A c c o rd i n g t o P h i l i p p i n e Department of Tourism-Los Angeles (PDOT-LA) Director richmond Jimenez, the winner of the LEELIN VIP rewards Sweepstakes will be able to choose which region he/she and

companion would like to visit for the culinary tour.

“We will work closely with the winner to coordinate and organize the culinary tour of his or her choice in order to make the experience a most memorable one. For instance, if they are based in Manila they might wish to go on the Pampanga/Bulacan Kulinarya Tour, or if they are staying in the Bicol region, they might wish to go on the Bicolandia Kulinarya Tour. Whether it’s a single-day tour or a multi-day trip, we will make it happen for the winner and we will make sure that he or she will enjoy the trip to the fullest!” Director Jimenez stated.

For the past several years, the Leelin family and Leelin Bakery and Cafe have allied with the Philippine Department of Tourism in Los Angeles to aggressively promote Filipino culture and heritage by giving the company’s Fil-Am, ethnic and mainstream customers the opportunity to experience the Philippines’ unique cuisine and extraordinary tourist destinations.

Over the years, the company has also joined PDOT-LA during international travel and tour conventions in Los Angeles, California by conducting food sampling and cooking demonstrations that reflect the

diversity of Filipino culture through native Filipino treats and authentic dishes.

The sweepstakes draw is exclusively for LEELIN VIP members who are 18 years of age or older and are U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. Other major prizes include Leelin Bakery and Café Gift Certificates and bakery products worth thousands of dollars.

LEELIN VIP members are entitled to one (1) free rewards ticket every time they use their VIP card. Prizes are non-transferable and will be awarded only to winners with valid VIP membership card and valid U.S. photo identification card.

Winning tickets will be drawn

by Philippine Tourism Department, Consulate and local government officials and members of the Leelin family in January, 2017 at Leelin Bakery and Café in Cerritos.

For more information about the 2016-17 LEELIN rewards Sweepstakes and VIP membership application forms, please visit any participating Leelin Bakery and Café in Los Angeles County: 11489 South Street Cerritos, CA 90703 Tel. no. (562) 924-5990 2700 Colorado Blvd. Ste.110 (inside Eagle rock Plaza) Los Angeles, CA 90041 Tel. no. (323) 543-2676 8340 Van Nuys Boulevard Panorama City, CA 91402 Tel. No. (818) 891-5253 16130 Nordhoff St. North Hills, CA 91343 Tel. no. (818) 895-9100 2429 So. Azusa Avenue West Covina, CA 91792 Tel. no. (626) 964-1811 207 So. Vermont Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90004 Tel. no, (213) 382-2351 For more information about the Philippine Department of Tourism’s Kulinarya Tours, please visit www.tourism.gov. ph/Pages/KulinaryaTours.

(Advertising Supplement)

G. TönGi Monday, September 12 - Stand-up comedian Erick Esteban Shares details to catch him at the Comedy Store in Los Angeles this coming weekend.

Tuesday, September 13 - If you missed Kayamanan Ng Lahi perform at the Ford this summer, no worries! We show you the highlights on Kababayan Today!

Wednesday, September 14 - We give you the latest headlines from the Asian Journal.

Mexican Art will be showcased in the Philippines this weekend.

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

Programming of Kababayan Today, September 12-16, 2016 Dr. richard Zapanta shares his personal collections with our Kababayans.

The real Estate Buzz with Mia McLeod also has some tips and advice for home buyers and sellers.

Thursday, September 15 Kat Iniba shares with us the specials from Goldilocks in Southern California.

May Zhang of reeves, Miller, Zhang & Diza shares immigration updates Details on how to support the filmmakers of the cult classic Lumpia film that is doing their sequel.

Friday, September 16 - We feature fashion designer Joey Galon and his resort collection.

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

Dante Basco film to be shown at Los Angeles Philippine International Film Festival CArSON, CALIF. — Abe Pagtama, chairman of the coordinating committee of the Los Angeles Philippine International Film Festival (LAPIFF), announced that the comedy film “The Head Thieves,” starring Dante Basco will be shown at the festival on Oct 7-9, 2016.

Also in the film are Dion Basco, Mickey Gooch Jr. and Daniel Baldwin. The movie director is Mike Hermosa who wrote the Muggsy Bogues biopic and acted as script consultant on New Line’s remake of the of the 1980s classic “Private Benjamin.” “The Head Thieves” is about three brothers who develop an elaborate plan to recover stolen money and go on the run. It is produced

by Skit Bags Entertainment and Malibu Films.

Additional features in the October showing of LAPIFF are “Tandem, Ari: My Life With A King,” “return/Balik” and “Dukot.”

Two documentaries have been confirmed: “We Call Her Yolanda” and “Coral Gardening.” There will also be a spotlight screening of the horror film “Vampariah.”

Mel Chionglo, director of the film “Iadya Mo Kami (Deliver Us),” which will also be in the film festival, said, “a crisis that has plagued the Church in the Philippines is the number of its clergy emotionally involved with women and whose unions have produced offsprings. Since this problem seems to have no immediate solution, I decided to

Dante Basco (sitting left) in Head Thieves.

situate it in a world of even more complex problems of corruption and abuse. The priest-protagonist finds himself on a journey of selfexamination which hopefully, will lead him to enlightenment.”

“Deliver Us” is about Father Greg, a diocesan priest who is reassigned to a parish up in the mountains. His relationship with a young woman named Carla, has produced a child. He meets the parish priest, Father Alejo, an old friend who is addicted to drinking.

During a healing mass, Father Greg is introduced to the town’s powerful couple, Julian and Millett who strike a friendship with the new priest. One night, Father

Greg discovers the lifeless body of Julian on the church premises.

He embarks on a mission to help solve the crime, a mission which leads him to the discovery of his own personal salvation. The film stars Allen Dizon, Eddie Garcia and Aiko Melendez.

Carlo Mendoza, cinematographer and producer of the film “Ari: My Life With A King” said that it is nice to know that the film is in competition at the LAPIFF. Mendoza is studying at the American Film Institute in Los Angeles.

For more information on the LAPIFF, check out the website www.lapiff.org or email losangelespiff@gmail.com. (Fe Koons)

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

By Monet

Lu

The face that captured the Universe—and emerged as 1st runner-up—at the 2012 Miss Universe pageant has once again conquered the international scene.

This time, as one of Victoria Secret’s models for its “Pink” fashion line, making Janine Tugonon the first full-blooded Filipina to be part of the prestigious brand.

As she ventured into the international modeling scene after her success in the said pageant, she is now making strides and indeed making us proud kababayans.

The ad, released online on Tuesday, Sept. 6, shows Janine and other models as students.

Victoria’s Secret Pink is mainly targeted to younger women and/ or college-aged women. Featured in its latest TV ad are women celebrating their lives as students. Janine stars with three other models who are shown living through the challenges of college life.

When the ad launched, Janine could not contain her excitement and shared the clip on her social media pages immediately.

“I had so much fun shooting this with you,” Tugonon wrote as she posted the Victoria’s Secret Pink ad on her Instagram page and tagged her fellow models. her gig with the iconic fashion brand had drawn praises and support from many Filipinos. Those who have supported Tugonon even during her Binibining Pilipinas days (that includes me) were not surprised to see their favorite candidate continuing her path to greatness.

I know Janine. As I’ve said I’ve always been one of her supporters when she represented the Philippines in Miss Universe four years ago. I was in there in Las Vegas when she competed. I bet she would win and though she didn’t go home with the title that night, being crowned as the first runner-up is just as honorable as winning the pageant.

A few years following the pageant, she moved to the states to continue modeling and is now a ramp model for MSA models.

I still see her once in a while at her former mentor Jonas Gaffud’s events. I actually invited her to The Beautiful Life Celebration, which is an annual commemo-

Features

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FilAm Arts ‘honored’ and ‘grateful’ for FPAC Janine Tugonon: Victoria Secret’s first full- media partnership with the Asian Journal blooded Filipina model

rative event in recognition of remarkable Filipino-Americans in the U.S. Janine also graced the cover of harper’s Bazaar Vietnam last year and strutted in the high-end runways during the New York Fashion Week / Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. She opened and closed the show for an LA-based designer erik Rosete.

She also modeled for Oscar De La Renta who closed the Australian Fashion Week this year.

According to her bio, Janine was born in Orion, Bataan in the Philippines. Aside from working as a model, she also did TV hosting in the Philippines.

Janine finished her Pharmacy degree with Latin honours (Cum Laude) at the Pontifical and Royal University of Santo Tomas in Manila and became a Licensed Pharmacist in June 2010.

She also attended the Ballet School of Manila as a ballet protégé while attending university.

In 2010, Tugonon was titled Miss Pharmacy and Miss Thomasian Personality 2010 at the Gingoog City Colleges When Janine won first runnerup to Olivia Culpo of the USA in Miss Universe 2012, she was the only Asian to place in the top 3.

During the final question and answer portion of the competition Tugonon was asked a question via Twitter and read by judge Nigel Barker: “As an international ambassador, do you believe that speaking english should be a prerequisite to being Miss Universe?

Why or why not?”

To which our witty representative Janine Tugonon replied: “For me, being Miss Universe is not just about knowing how to speak a specific language – it is being able to influence and inspire other people. So whatever language you have, as long your heart is to serve and you have a strong mind to show to people, then, you can be Miss Universe.”

The memory was so vivid. I was there when she spoke those words that swept the judges off their feet. I, on the other hand, had nothing but hope; admittedly, I expected her to win the crown.

When the Miss Universe 2012 was announced, I looked at Janine and all I saw was a promising future for this wonderful lady. True enough, I was right. Because even after that fateful night, she is again showing the whole universe that the secret to being recognized for your dedication is to press on (no matter what) and enjoy the ride.

To Janine, you’ve come a long way, dear. Keep on keeping on and stay as confident and wise as you are. You’ll always have my cheers and support. *** Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, award-winning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada.

Ultimately, Monet is known as an allaround artiste who produces sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns.

Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary all-natural beauty products such as Enlighten, your

ON August 22, FilAm Arts (FAA), the organization behind the Festival of Philippine Arts & Culture (FPAC), forged a partnership with the Asian Journal in preparation for FPAC’s 25th anniversary, which will be held later this year.

In a recent statement, FAA officials have expressed their gratitude for having the Asian Journal on board for the 2016 iteration of the festival.

“We’re very honored to have Asian Journal as our exclusive print FilAm media partner for the 25th Anniversary celebration of FPAC,” said FAA interim executive director Tina Salonga-Bulchand.

According to Bulchand, the Asian Journal has been a long-time supporter of FAA and FPAC, and that they look forward to continuing the collaboration with the publication.

“They have been longtime supporters of the festival, and we feel truly blessed to have them as our partners, moving 25 more years forward,” Bulchand added.

The FAA official also said that she is grateful to the Asian Journal management, led by Cora and Roger Oriel and their daughter Christina. She said that the Oriels have been unwavering in their patronage of the FAA’s cause.

“They have been very supportive, not only during festival season, but all-year round, giving us a space to promote and educate the public of all our activities,” Bulchand said.

The Asian Journal, as the exclusive media partner of the festival, will provide media exposure and coverage for FPAC, as well as the various activities and press conferences leading up to the actual day of the event in October.

Bulchand said that the organization’s partnership with the Asian Journal is more than an advertising and promotional opportunity for FPAC. The publication is a long-term partner in their mission of community-building and strengthening the presence of Filipino-American arts and culture in Southern California, she pointed out.

“We’re only as strong as the relationships we build and keep with the community that believes in us,” Bulchand said.

“Our partnership with the Asian Journal is a blessing, knowing that their management believes in what we can create for the community.

having them as a collaborator in this endeavor enables us to reach every single Filipino household in SoCal, and invite them to come out and support the festival,” she added.

‘Arts & Craft’ food and beer fest Meanwhile, FAA is also preparing for ‘Arts & Craft’ – a food and beer event that will bring the Los Angeles Filipino community

together, and highlight local Pinoy talents in the culinary arts arena.

The first of its kind in the Filipino community, ‘Arts & Craft’ will be held on Saturday, September 10, at the Pico house in el Pueblo De Los Angeles historic Monument. Doors open at 5 p.m. with a cover charge of $40 which gives patrons access to all food and beverage vendors.

PAGE B7

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Once an artist, always an artist Fil-Ams represented at the...

FAB presents GIJI… Live at the Wilshire Country Club

This is what For Artists Benefit (FAB) believes in and is dedicated in doing: promoting and presenting artists of various genres.

For its initial offering FAB presents, GiJi… Live at the Wilshire Country Club, a musical revue showcasing songs that are standard, modern and nostalgic.

Giji… Live at the Wilshire Country Club stars Philippines’ recording artist and actress, Djhoanna Garcia and features singer/performer Mon David.

Known and loved in the Filipino community, Djhoanna or Giji as she is popularly called, began her singing career in 1972 as a contestant in the popular talent

search show, “Tawag Ng Tanghalan.” Even before she actually competed, she was discovered by a talent agent of ABs-CBN and was offered a spot on the much-heralded “sTOP, LOOK & LisTEN,” a daily noontime variety show, where she served as co-host and entertainer. This led to other opportunities for her to showcase her talents in singing and acting in the Philippines and abroad. in spite her successes, Giji took an extended leave of absence to give way to domesticity and motherhood. she eventually decided to move to the U.s., settling here in Los Angeles.

A savvy businesswoman, Giji

established helping hands of Beverly hills and MGK Enterprises LLC. she is an astute dog lover and advocate. her passion for singing has never left her and she currently pursues this via singing engagements and concerts. her formula for success? Talent, hard work and faith in God. Mon David is a Filipino-American jazz vocalist noted for his wide and advanced vocal range. he won the 2006 London international Jazz Vocal Competition besting 106 contestants from 27 countries. he is a product of the University of the Philippines College of Music. Mon is making waves in the jazz scene not only here in Los Angeles but as well as other major cities in the U.s. he has taken center stage and the spotlight in worldwide prestigious jazz venues. With eight albums to his credit, his latest release includes, “Coming True” (Freeman Records) and “This is All i Ask” (human Connection).

LA Jazz scene’s scott Yanow has praised Mon saying, “he is arguably southern California’s top male vocalist, a classy performer who is never shy to take chances whether caressing melodies or suddenly using a surprising falsetto.” Don heckman of international Review of Music wrote,” Mon David, the Filipino jazz singer, a remarkable voice able to leap octaves in a single bound combined with a world class scat singing style.”

Two powerhouses of voice and style distinctly Filipino, yet very appealing to the mainstream, will be together on one night. save the date, October 2, 2016, 6:00 p.m. at the Wilshire Country Club in Los Angeles. For tickets and information, please call 213 361 6559; 323 424 8215; 818 523 4097.

Save the date, October 2, 2016, 6:00 p.m. at the Wilshire Country Club in Los Angeles. For tickets and information, please call (213) 361-6559; (323) 424-8215; (8180 523-4097.

We will see you at GIJI… Live at the Wilshire Country Club!

PAGE B1 quarter finals of the Australian Open, the 3rd round of the French Open and the semi finals of Wimbledon. Last year, huey participated in the international Premier Tennis League (iPTL) as coach and player with the Philippine Mavericks as his team. Among the Philippine Mavericks members are serena Williams, James Blake, Richard Gasquet, Milos Raonic, somdev Devvarman, Mark Philippousis and ivo Karlovic.

At the Juniors Boys side, Alberto Lim, Jr. made his Us Open debut on sunday, sept. 4 with first round match against Louis Wessels of Germany. he lost the hard-fought match – 4-6, 6-4, 7-5 after feeling pain near his groin area.

Lim partnered with Estonia’s Mattias siimar. They lost on Tuesday, sept. 6 against their American opponents Oliver Crawford and Patrick Kypson, 7-6, 7-6.

And during the 21st annual Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day, a FilipinoAmerican boy from Texas fulfilled his dream to play tennis on Ashe stadium. Along with a colleague from the National Junior Tennis and Learning, they played with American tennis player Jack sock and hollywood actor Ansel Elgort. NTJL provides low-cost to free tennis and education programming to more than 225,000 underserved youth. supported by the UsTA Tennis Foundation, NJTL brought in six kids from all over the United states to New York to witness the Us Open. “i’m just so excited to be here. it’s been an amazing experience so far,” Leo Alejandro Antonio said.

The 11-year-old said he started playing when he was only five, and he thanks his parents Rolly and Florence Antonio for enrolling

The US Open offers a variety of dining options, from ceviche to tuna tartare to lobster rolls and different kinds of sandwiches

him in tennis lessons early on. An older sister played first and Leo said he got interested with the sport as well. “i’m hoping to see Nadal,” Leo quipped when i asked what else he wanted to see while he was at the Billie Jean King Tennis Center.

Wining and Dining Of course, there’s more than just tennis at the Us Open, especially when it comes to food.

This year, world-renowned chefs David Chang (of Momofuku fame) and Ken Oringer (Toro) are joining Us Open veteran culinary masters Masaharu Morimoto, David Burke, Tony Mantuano and Ed Brown as they bring their specialties to the hungry tenniswatching fanatics.

The Food Village has expanded and made its way to the new grandstand stadium which will offer a wide variety of diverse flavors and dining experiences.

From Fuku’s fried chicken sandwiches to Korean BBQ purveyor Korilla (made famous by the Food Network’s The Great Food Truck race) to the all-vegan and vegetarian soom soom, fans have a wider array of dining options to choose from. Of course, the classics are still there – lobster rolls, Mediterranean fare, pizza and hotdogs.

James Beard Award-winning chefs Ken Oringer and Jamie Bissonnette brought in the span-

Leo Antonio with Jack Sock and actor Ansel Elgort

Photo by Troi Santos

ish tapas while Us Open veteran David Burke returns with his renowned steak and seafood at BLT Prime by David Burke. Local star restaurateur Ed Brown and iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto head up the Us Open’s fresh seafood stop at Aces while his fellow James beard award-winner Tony mantuano offers up rustic italian at Wine Bar Food.

Explore a selection of new dishes – some are exclusive to the Us Open – like Fuku’s spicy fried chicken bacon ranch sandwich (imagine a habanero-brined, spicy fried chicken thigh on a potato roll, topped with applewood-smoked bacon, Fuku ranch and pickles) and soom sandwich (mesclun greens topped with a refreshing mix of diced cucumbers and tomatoes, red and white cabbage salads and four fresh falafel balls served with a side of creamy tahini). This is the first time that the Us Open is offering a wholly vegetarian and vegan fare via soom soom’s Mediterranean menu, which promotes health conscious dishes fresh from the farm.

For the Asian rice bowl fanatics, Korilla is offering their purple rice bowls called K-Bop, which includes caramelized kimchi, bean sprouts, fire-roasted corn, garlic spinach and choice of bulgogi (marinated ribeye), braised ginger sesame chicken, slow roasted pork shoulder in gochugaru (Koran red pepper flakes) and organic tofu, with choice of Korilla’s signature sauce.

The Us Open concludes this weekend and will crown its new champions. Will serena Williams win her 23rd Grand slam? Will Djokovic continue his dominance in the sport and win his third Us Open trophy?

For now, fans will have to wait for another year for their serving of thrilling five-setters, night matches that extend way past midnight, shocking upsets and dramatic, breakthrough performances that make up these two terrific weeks of tennis.

Features

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ASAP rocks New York

By MoMar

G. Visaya

AJPress

In the end, the stars of ASAP delivered what they promised, a special and amazing show specially for the fans.

At the press conference a few days before the show, TFC officials led by Olivia de Jesus and Ricky Resureccion said that after they staged ASAP in London last year, new York became their next logical target. The production team began preparing at once and for the past six to eight months, they have been working tirelessly to come up with a solid show. “new York is a tough nut to crack,” Resureccion remarked.

“But we came prepared.”

De Jesus agreed, “The new York community has been primed to appreciate Filipino talent.”

And on Saturday, more than 8,000 Filipinos and Filipino-Americans from across the northeast USA packed the Barclays Center in Brooklyn to the rafters.

Diehard fans were outside the arena lining up as early as noon, despite announcements that the gates will be opened to fans at 3:00 pm and the program proper to start at 5:00 pm. Dozens of sponsors dotted the corridors of Barclays with their booths offering products and services to the crowd.

As soon as the lights dimmed, screams from the fans reverberated inside the arena. One by one, the stars of the Philippines’ longest-running musical variety show came out and performed before the crowd. Each time, the

audience would lovingly applaud and scream their hearts out.

The loudest of screams were reserved for Coco Martin and the child star Onyok, stars of the toprating show FPJ’s Ang Probinsiyano. Onyok sang the viral Tatlong Bibe song while Martin gyrated to the tune of Vhong navarro’s song Totoy Bibo.

Also eliciting eardrum-splitting screams were the love teams of Kathniel aka Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla (who promoted their upcoming flick Barcelona); LizQuen aka Liza Soberano and Enrique Gil (who just wrapped up their teleserye Dolce Amore) and the upcoming Elnella aka Elmo Magalona and Janella Salvador (stars of the ongoing show Born For You).

Fans of 90s musical icons Francis Magalona and Juan Miguel Salvador would feel old when they realize that the last pairing are son and daughter, respectively of Francis and Juan Miguel.

Piolo Pascual, Gary Valenciano, Martin nievera and Zsa Zsa Padilla are the more senior members of the cast who have been with the show for at least ten years. Martin, the most senior of them all, has been with the show since its first episode. He was one of the four main hosts, along with Pops Fernandez, Dayanara Torres and Ariel Rivera when the show was launched back in February 5, 1995.

Fans were also thrilled to watch Kim Chiu, Gerald Anderson and Maja Salvador perform in a production number live, especially since their followers know and fol-

Dennis Trillo wins big at the Seoul...

PAGE B1 Awards Organizing Committee and Korean Broadcasters Association, Seoul International Drama Awards is a festival that brings together all professionals in the field of TV drama production and media industry and global audiences who enjoy television dramas.

The award-giving body is supported by The Ministry of Culture, Seoul Metropolitan Government,

KBS, MBC, SBS, EBS, Corea Drama Production Association, Korean TV & Radio Writers Association and Korean TV Drama Producers Association. The Seoul International Drama Awards Ceremonies is broadcasted live on KBS 2TV. Dennis Trillo top billed the recently concluded well-loved Kapuso primetime series “Juan Happy Love Story” with Philippine TV’s sweetheart, Heart Evangelista.

FilAm Arts ‘honored’ and...

PAGE B5 (Cash tips are welcome at the bar.)

Music is provided by Gingee.

FAA Board of Directors CoChairperson Jennifer Santos said that ‘Arts & Craft’ will be an official kick-off party for FPAC 25.

“What better way to celebrate than through food and drinks.

Which is why we’re partnering with both well-known and up and coming chefs to show their craft,” Santos said in a statement.

‘Arts & Craft’ features three chefs offering their own unique food creations, as well as other beverage partners who will contribute to the event. The three chefs represent three iconic Filipino restaurateurs in LA – Stoked BBQ, The Park’s Finest BBQ (of Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives fame), and the widely popular SALO Series. Beverage partners will also be on hand to serve craft beer to the

party attendees.

Santos, in particular, believes that brewing beer is a craft like no other.

“I’ve been a huge fan of craft beer and it has become very popular here in LA. It’s its own form of art, since there are so many different flavor variations you can make from brewing beer!” Santos said.

For Santos, food and beer are more than just things that hungry humans gobble up and gulp down.

They’re an art form.

FPAC25 — the 25th Annual Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture and the City of Los Angeles’ Official Filipino Event — is a program of, and is produced by FilAm ARTS (Association for the Advancement of Philippine Arts and Culture), a multi-award winning 501c3 nonprofit community organization based in Los Angeles, California.

(Mico Letargo)

lowed the trio’s colorful history.

Of course, the new York audience is biased. One of the most well-applauded numbers was the musical production number that featured Broadway Barkada with Ali Ewoldt (Phantom of the Opera), Karla Garcia (Hamilton), Jon Viktor Corpuz (The King and I) and Jaygee Macapugay (School of Rock). Their medley of Broadway hits culminated with the powerful “One Day More” from Les Miserables and the performers were awarded with loud screams and applause with many leaping off their seats to give a standing ovation.

A pleasant surprise for someone who hasn’t watched ASAP for more than a year now is the inclusion of a couple of segments: Birit Queens, Soul Sessions and LSS with Jolina Magdangal.

Birit Queens is comprised of Angeline Quinto, Morisette Amon, Jona and Klarisse de Guzman, all products of talent competitions back home. The good thing about this segment is the blending that the four divas do as they close the segment, something that is like a balm to soothe one’s weary ears after their vocal calisthenics. It’s also good that each one shares a few lines of her songs with another one and it is obvious that each one is secure with her talent and no one resorts to one-upmanship. In short, there’s no sapawan.

Then there’s the soul group composed of Jay R, Kyla, Jason Dy, KZ Tandingan and Daryl Ong. Except for Jay R and Kyla (who are both recent transferees

ASAP hosts Piolo Pascual, Martin Nievera, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Gary Valenciano and Luis Manzano welcome the thousands of fans who trooped to Barclays Center in Brooklyn last Saturday AJPress photo by Momar G. Visaya

from rival network GMA), the three – Jason, KZ and Daryl are homegrown products of ABSCBn talent shows The X Factor Philippines and The Voice. Their production numbers are smooth as silk, effortless and very relaxing. It’s like jamming with friends while singing and in between, drinking beer and swapping stories.

For ASAP, LSS means Love Songs and Stories, not last song syndrome. This is where the production looks for three people to highlight in every episode.

For one of the episodes shot at Barclays, ASAP honored three young Fil-Am movers: restaurateur nicole Ponseca of Jeepney and Maharlika, hair artist Mark Bustos who gives haircuts to the homeless and Tony Award winner Jhett Tolentino.

ABS-CBn executives led by Gabby Lopez, Charo Santos, current president Carlo Katigbak, Raffy Lopez also came in full force to show their support to momentous and historic event.

The hosts also welcomed Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach as a

guest of the show, along with Vice Ganda, who also brought the house down with his performance of his greatest moves and dance hits. If you haven’t heard of Boom Panes or Pak Ganern or Whoops Kiri Whoops, then it may be time for you to brush up on your Filipino pop culture by subscribing to TFC. The thousands inside the arena screamed and danced and moved along with Vice Ganda and his back up performers.

Consul General Mario L. de Leon, Jr., on behalf of the Filipinos who came in droves to watch the show, thanked ABS-CBn for finally bringing the show to new York.

“It’s always a pleasure to be a partner with ABS-CBn with their various projects here in the northeast. We are delighted to see our favorite stars live and to lighten the homesickness of many of our kababayans,” ConGen de Leon said.

This show was co-presented

by Law Offices of Atty Michael J. Gurfinkel, Philippine Airlines, Cream Silk, Rexona, Energen, Pond’s, Money Gram, nescafe,

Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach

Coco Martin and Onyok of Ang Probinsyano elicited the loudest cheer from the audience

Remitly.com, Pic Poc, Financial Rescue LLC, XOOM, Western Union; Brought to you by: sponsors: Champion, Jollibbee, TAnG, Law Offices of John C. Ye, Ramar Foods, LBC, Seafood City, With Special participation of sponsors: Pizza Hut, World Remit, Direct TV, LAnDCO, SMDC, Ayala Land, Globe Duo USA, Avida, AARP, Generika Drugstore, South West Sun Solar, Cherry’s Salon & Cosmetics, FilAm Star, InQUIRER.net and Asian Journal.

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COMMUNITY Journal

Your Immigration Solution NaNcy Miller LISTENING to a judge order you removed from the United States is devastating. But the full impact comes later, after the shock wears off. Once the removal order becomes final, Immigration & Customs Enforcement “ICE” can take steps to execute the order. It may issue a “bag and baggage” letter instructing the noncitizen to report to ICE ready for their deportation. Or, ICE agents may appear at the individual’s residence or place of employment and take the person into custody. However, there is hope for individuals facing removal.

In the event that a non-citizen has an enforceable order of removal, execution of the order may be suspended through a request for an administrative stay with the Enforcement and Removal Operation “ERO” office of ICE. The administrative stay allows the person who has been ordered removed to remain in the U.S for a specified period of time without fear of deportation. Non-citizens already have an automatic stay of removal during the time allowed to file an appeal with the Board of Immigration Appeals and while that appeal is pending. However, filing a petition for review in Federal court does not provide an automatic stay. Moreover, where appeal rights have been exhausted and no other legal recourse exists, an administrative stay of removal may be the only option.

The administrative stay request is filed with the ERO office having jurisdiction over where the alien lives. It is granted in the ERO officer’s exercise of discretion. So, the basis must be persuasive and strongly documented. It must show that the non-citizen’s (and family members) equities, hardship and ties to this country merit a stay of removal. Any and all negative

Staying removal after a final order of deportation

issues (including immigration and criminal violations) must be disclosed. How that is disclosed may not make, but could certainly break, an application.

Additionally, the possibility of future relief under the Immigration and Nationality Act is relevant in establishing that removal from this country should be stayed. A non-citizen with a pending motion to reopen a prior removal order may successfully convince ERO to administratively stay his removal until a decision is entered by a court.

An alien with an approved family petition whose priority date is not yet current may also warrant this discretionary relief pending eligibility to adjust. All relevant factors specific to the applicant’s case are considered by the officer during the adjudication of the stay. The absence of information that should have been included will also be considered by the officer.

The alien must appear in person at the ERO office in order to fee-in and file the application.

Next, the non-citizen may need to appear before an ERO officer before a decision is made on the administrative stay of removal.

If the stay is approved the ERO officer will place the non-citizen under an order of supervision.

The order of supervision will require the non-citizen to periodically appear before ERO. Due to the discretionary nature of the

stay, any missed appointments may result in the denial or revocation of the stay of removal.

The stay of removal and order of supervision allow the alien to apply for work authorization. In fact, most ERO officers encourage the alien to apply for employment authorization because they want to see that the alien is a contributing member of society (working with authorization and paying taxes). With that employment authorization, comes the right to apply for a social security card and a driver’s license.

Aside from the obvious reason to apply in order to avoid removal, there are many other good reasons to seek this protection. During the pendency of the stay, the law may change to the alien’s benefit. Additionally, the non-citizen may become eligible for the relief for which they were waiting. Where the alien or family member has a serious medical condition, a stay of removal in certain cases may be the difference between life and death. Maintaining family unity, thus allowing spouses, parents and children to remain intact, is priceless.

The decision to file for an administrative stay is not one that should be made lightly or without all the relevant information.

Clearly the decision should only be made after a thorough con-

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Community Journal

When bankruptcy becomes necessary

Minding Your Finances Atty. RAymond BulAon IF you’ve accumulated a lot of debt and something has happened in your life that’s made it difficult to pay your bills, you are not alone. After almost 18 years of practice as a debt relief attorney, I know that bad things can happen to good, honest and decent people.

If you are going through a tough time financially, you would think that the banks will somehow be sympathetic to your situation so that you could work out an amicable solution. That would certainly make things a bit easier for you as you’re trying to catch up and get back on your feet financially. Unfortunately, these banks are NOT on your side!

So it doesn’t matter to them that: You just lost your job and couldn’t even pay your living expenses. You had a medical emergency and just received huge, unexpected medical bills.

You are going through a divorce or separation and are drowning in debt. Your business is slow (if you’re a business owner) and you have cash flow problems.

None of that really matters to

them! Once you fall behind, it gets harder and harder to catch up with every month that goes by. Then the dreaded collection calls and letters begin. And how can you possibly even begin to pay off what you owe when they jump your interest rates to 30% or more once you’re late?

So they kick you while you’re down and you find it even more impossible to dig yourself out of the financial hole.

Some people resort to borrowing from friends, family, co-workers or sometimes even worse, from payday loan companies. These are the companies who prey on people who are desperate for a loan and they charge 5-10 times as much in interest as the credit card companies are charging you.

FACT: you can’t borrow your way out of debt. Borrowing when you’re already buried in debt only makes your problems worse. If you have done everything you can on your own but nothing has worked up to this point, don’t be embarrassed to seek legal help. If bankruptcy is right for you, it may just be what you need to turn your situation around.

Filing bankruptcy, when ap-

propriate for your situation, can help you get out debt so that you can start over. I realize that this is not an easy decision for most people to make because filing bankruptcy is the last thing they ever want to do. However, if it has become necessary in order for you to get out of the financial mess you are currently in, you may not have a choice. Because if you don’t take action, things will only get worse and there may be devastating consequences for you and your family.

Your debt problems will not go away until you face them and sooner or later, you will need to. So why not take action now before things get worse?

If you are unsure whether this option is for you, I offer a free confidential consultation. Call my office at 866-477-7772 to request an appointment. We have locations 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

Atty. Kenneth uRSuA ReyeS

Getting around the six month residency requirement to file a divorce in California

GENERALLY, you must have resided in California for at least six months in order to file a divorce in this case. Under Family Code Section 2320, a judgment of marriage dissolution (divorce) may not be entered unless one of the spouses has been a “resident” of California for six months and of the county where the proceeding is filed for three months immediately preceding the filing of the petition. This poses a problem for divorcing couples that has not resided in California for at least 6 months. Couples that moved to California from other states or other countries are faced with this problem because they cannot get divorced until they satisfy the residency requirements.

Even a bigger problem is when

they need immediate temporary orders from the California Court regarding child custody, child support, management and control of community businesses and property.

The solution for this type of problem is filing nullity or legal separation petition rather than a divorce and amending the petition later on to convert it to a divorce once the residency requirement has been met by one of the parties. Millar v. Millar. Unlike a divorce, there is no residency requirement to filing an Annulment or a legal separation.

The advantage of this strategy is you would immediately have access to the courts and can ask the court for immediate temporary orders needed to maintain the status quo or preserve the

Barrister’s Corner

marital assets. If domestic violence is involved in the case, the domestic violence issue can be heard in the same court room by the same judge that would be hearing the divorce case. In addition, service on the legal separation petition (to be amended later to a divorce) will also start the clock on the six-month “waiting period” for finality of a judgment terminating marital status, optimizing the time-frame within which the parties will be legally restored to “single” status. As far as the county where to file the legal separation or nullity, venue is proper in the county where either party resided at the time the petition was filed pursuant to CCP 395(a).

Once the parties have satisfied

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Tax Tips VictoR Sy, cPA, mBA

S CORPORATION is a corporation that has elected to be taxed under Subchapter S of the Internal Revenue Code. But why elect S status? Well, this type of entity enjoys both the limited liability of corporations and absence of double taxation of sole proprietorships and partnerships. The corporation elects to pay zero corporate federal tax! Boy, this is a goodie, a real nice tax break for businesses that are aware of its existence. Other states have different rates. For example, it pays a super-low California franchise tax of only 1 ½ %. In general, S corporations enjoy the best of both worlds of sole proprietorships and corporations.

A. Advantages: 1. Single tax – The entity escapes taxation at the corporate level. There is only a one-time tax at the shareholder level. The net income is passed through a K-1 to the shareholder.

2. Limited liability – is enjoyed since it is a corporation, a separate entity.

3. It has a lower audit profile than sole proprietors.

4. Corporate net losses – are also passed through and taken advantage by the shareholder to offset other income. For example, a shareholder’s loss of $20,000 can offset the spouse’ $30,000 wage leaving the couple with zero taxable income after deducting standard deduction and personal exemptions. Nice.

SKT Immigration

cAtheRine yen UNDER the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, foreign investors can apply for a green card if they 1) invest in a company in the United States and 2) plan to create ten permanent full-time jobs for qualified U.S. workers.

There are two options for an EB-5 investment: 1) direct investment or 2) regional center investment. While both methods provide access to permanent residence, the EB-5 investor should be familiar with the differences

Should you run your business as an S Corporation?

5. Self-employment tax – does not apply to the net income of S corporations. This savings can be substantial, as the shareholder does not have to pay FICA of about 15% on the net income passed through from the corporation. This savings in the first year alone can pay for incorporating costs.

6. Accumulated earnings tax – does not apply to S corporations.

7. Personal holdings tax – does not apply to S corporations.

8. Alternative minimum tax – also does not apply to S corporations.

9. Trust Fund – Discuss with your tax adviser how you can save on the employer’s portion of problematic delinquent payroll taxes.

9. Passive losses – of passive S corporation shareholders can be offset against passive loss activities with their S corporate earnings.

10. Deductible business interest – S corporate shareholders who incurred debt to acquire company stock may deduct the expense as business interest if they materially participate (debts of sole proprietors are treated as investment interest that can only be offset against investment income).

B. Disadvantages: 1. Some fringe benefits received by 2% shareholders are not excludable from shareholder income. These include $50,000 group term insurance, health insurance premiums, meals and lodging for the convenience of the employer, and the $5000

death benefit exclusion.

2. Calendar year – must be used generally.

3. Pension plan borrowings – prohibited for 5% shareholders.

4. New shareholders may miss to file S election documents or existing dissident shareholders may purposely cause trouble by making a disqualified transfer of stock...

5. Higher marginal tax – than a C corporation could result.

6. Limitation on the use of cash basis – an S corporation that has more than 35% of its losses allocated to shareholders who do not actively participate in the management of the company will be treated as a tax shelter and therefore will be required to use the accrual method of accounting.

7. Tax liabilities of an S corporation in trouble could end up with the shareholders (as opposed to being trapped inside a C corporation). You could enjoy the tax benefits of an S corp and switch to C corp as soon as problems are anticipated. *** 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

EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program: Direct investment vs. regional center investment between the two options before investing.

Direct investment A direct investment is best suited for an investor who wants to own and be directly involved in the day-to-day operation of the company. The investor should be well-versed in business practices, since this option requires more time and effort. The investor should also formulate a business plan that will project the creation of 10 jobs for qualified U.S. workers within two years af-

ter becoming a conditional lawful permanent resident. A qualified U.S. worker is a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or other immigrant lawfully authorized to be employed in the United States.

Regional center investment EB-5 requirements for an investor who has invested in a Regional Center project are essentially the same as a direct investment. The only difference is that these investments are af-

FILIPINO PROGRAMMING

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Community Journal

Atty. C. Joe SAyAS, Jr.

Should you sign that severance agreement from your employer?

A SEPARATION package or a severance agreement is a contract between an employer and an employee who is about to leave the employer’s employment. In a typical severance agreement, the employer agrees to give the employee additional compensation (the severance pay) in exchange for the outgoing employee’s agreement not to sue the employer for any employment-related claims such as wrongful termination or back wages.

Employers are not required by law to provide any severance pay to their employees, regardless of whether the end of employment is due to a resignation, a firing, or a layoff. Even if an employee has worked for several years for the same employer, the employer is still not obligated to provide a severance pay if the employer decides to fire such a long-time employee. Most employers do not sponsor formal severance pay plans.

However, some employers offer formal severance pay plans that provide conditions for eligibility.

An employer, for example, may provide severance pay to longtime employees in the event of a layoff. This means severance pay is a matter of agreement between the employer and the employee.

A severance pay is usually calculated according to a specific formula, often based on the employee’s length of service. For example, an employee may qualify for two weeks of wages for every year worked up to 12 years. The severance pay is also affected by such factors as the reason why

the employment relationship is ending (e.g., company “downsizing,” employee misconduct, or layoff) or the employer’s financial condition (e.g., merger with a larger company).

An employee may try to negotiate for more severance pay than what is being offered, especially if the employee has been with the company for many years, has an excellent service record, or has provided increased value to the employer’s business. An employee may also negotiate how to receive the severance pay, for example, as a lump sum payment, as a salary continuation for a specific period, or as periodic payments. Each method has an advantage and a pitfall.

Most importantly, before signing or negotiating for a severance agreement, an employee should keep in mind the following things: Has the employer paid all hours worked by the employee, including overtime?

Has the employer paid the employee for meal or rest breaks that were not provided to the employee?

If the employee is entitled to vacation, has the unused vacation been paid?

If the employee is being terminated, what is the reason for the termination? If an employer fired an employee for a discriminatory or retaliatory reason, the employee may be entitled to damages.

Does the severance agreement protect the employee from any potential claims for wrongful behavior or harassment that might be brought by the employer?

So, should you sign a sever-

Protecting Employee & Consumer Rights

ance package? It depends. If you had been paid correctly for all hours worked, if you received all your meal and rest periods, and if you have no issues regarding your termination, then a severance package is a generous and welcome benefit. But if you were not paid all your hours worked, including overtime, and you were not provided meal and rest periods, or the termination was wrongful – then a severance package may be a way for your employer to stop you from asserting your rights and seeking remedies in court. If this is the case, you would be in a better position to consult with a knowledgeable employment attorney before you sign anything.

Lastly, employers must immediately pay all compensation due to the employee at the time of termination. It is illegal for employers to threaten to not pay terminated employees for work already performed unless the employees sign some kind of “release.” A release signed by the employee under these circumstances may not be enforced. *** 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) 291-0088 or visit www. joesayaslaw.com. *** C. Joe Sayas, Jr., Esq. is an experienced trial attorney who has successfully obtained significant recoveries for thousands of employees and consumers. He is named Top Labor & Employment Attorney in California by the Daily Journal, consistently selected as

Ingredients for healthy and happy families 127:3: “Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him.”

9. Recognize money entrusted by God. Matthew 25:14-15: “Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his FILIPINOS are known for their wealth to them. 15 To one he gave five strong family ties. We are closely bags of gold, to another two bags, and knit with one another, very close to another one bag,[a] each accordthat even neighbors were always ing to his ability. Then he went on his in our house. In most cases, it was journey.” fun because we had each other’s 8. Require sharing of family tasks. backs and took care of each other.

Deuteronomy 6:7: “7 Impress them on I remember that after each your children. Talk about them when school year ended, my brothers you sit at home and when you walk and I would get the chance to go along the road, when you lie down and on vacation either to my mother’s Henjie Pimenta when you get up.” hometown in Camarines Sur or in 7. Be ready to cope with family challenges.

Ilocos Sur up north. The moment we arrived we showed respect to older people by placing their 1Peter 4:12: “12 Dear friends, do not be surprised forehands to our foreheads and saying “mano at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test po.” It is symbolic of older people releasing a you, as though something strange were happening to you.” blessing to younger people.

6. Reinforce the family with laughter together.

And as we went around the community we got to meet more of our relatives. I may not remember Proverbs 17:22: “A cheerful heart is good meditheir names and how they became my uncles and cine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones” 5. Respect and treat one another with kindness. aunties of the cousins of the brothers and the sisters of the neighbors. But it was okay because my Ephesians 4:32: “32 Be kind and compassionate to siblings and I learned to call the adults, uncle or one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ auntie and the seniors, lolo and lola. And we got God forgave you” 4. Remember to pursue family time. Proverbs to enjoy having cousins. What a fun time! Now I don’t get to see much of our relatives anymore 22:6: “Start children off on the way they should but whenever I do, either here in Los Angeles or go, and even when they are old they will not turn in the Philippines, young boys and girls hold my from it.”

3. Retain tradition that family eats and talks tohands and place my forehand to their foreheads.

This time, I get to say, “God bless you anak”. gether. Acts 2:46b: “.46 Every day they continued The roles have been reversed. Time flies fast, my to meet together in the temple courts.They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad friend, and if you agree, say Amen.

About a few days ago, while I was browsing and sincere hearts…”

2. Regularly express love sincerely. Colosthrough my gadget, I was reminded of this topic that I heard from the preaching of Pastor Joe sians3:14: “14 And over all these virtues put on love, Danganan Sr., whom I regard as my spiritual fa- which binds them all together in perfect unity” 1. Realign family members to Jesus the Lord. ther and mentor. His passion for connecting more people to God is remarkable. He is in his senior Colossians2:6-7: “6 So then, just as you received years but is still planting churches and mentoring Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in other pastors. I still get to see him every now and him, 7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in then. His 74th year birthday was celebrated last the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with Sunday at his latest church plant in Orange Coun- thankfulness” There you have it. I hope it blesses your heart as ty. Hats off to you Pastor Joe and Sister Beth, you it did to mine. It is our duty to make sure that the are awesome parents to us. “Mano po”.

I am posting Pastor Joe’s sermon outline from next generation still recognizes God. Psalm 78:6: “so the next generation would know years ago. While I do not have the narratives that expound each point, I will leave it as is for them, even the children yet to be born, and they in your own meditation or discussion with family turn would tell their children”.

And all who agree say, Amen! or friends. The numbers were intended to count If you need prayers, please do not hesitate to backward as in a countdown to give emphasis in call or visit us on any Sunday at: Praise Christian the end for the most important point.

Fellowship of the Valley, 9051 Woodman Avenue, Ingredients for healthy and happy families Joshua 24:15: “15 But if serving the LORD Arleta, CA 91331, (inside Helping Hands ADHC, seems undesirable to you, then choose for your- behind the CVS drugstore and Vallarta Supermarselves this day whom you will serve, whether the ket at the back alley) at 4:30 p.m. or call Pastor gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, Emmanuel Madeja at (818) 813-3971; or at Praise or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are Christian Fellowship, Los Angeles, 2235 Beverly living. But as for me and my household, we will Blvd. (corner Roselake/Rosemont), Los Angeles, CA 90057; 8:30 a.m., 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. or call serve the LORD.” 10. Recognize children are God’s gifts. Psalm Pastor Courtney Hall at (213) 484-8294. n A Dash of Salt and Pepper (A simple thought of inspiration with biblical encouragement)

by Henjie Pimenta

EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program: Direct…

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filiated with an economic unit known as a “Regional Center.” A Regional Center is a business entity that coordinates foreign EB5 investment within an area in compliance with EB-5 statutory, regulatory, and precedent decision framework.

A regional center investment is best suited for an investor who would rather participate in the policy-making activities of the business, instead of managing the day-to-day activities of the business. Limited partnerships and limited liability companies have generally been recognized as appropriate investment vehicles under the EB-5 program.

The benefit of a regional center investment is that regional cen-

ters are permitted to use reasonable job creation methodologies to calculate direct, indirect, and induced jobs. Thus, regional centers are able to solicit several to hundreds of EB-5 investors for their EB-5 projects, since indirect and induced jobs can be counted towards the total job creation count.

Conclusion It’s important to note that both types of investments provide access to a green card for the investor and his/her family. Also, both types of investments have the same processing timeline.

There is currently no wait time for EB-5s for Filipino nationals, and through an EB-5 investment, the investor can apply for green cards for him or herself, his/her

spouse, and unmarried children under the age of 21. As a green card holder, you are considered a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., which allows you to lawfully reside in the U.S., work in the U.S., and travel internationally with your green card. *** C a t h a r i n e Ye n m a n a g e s t h e immigration department at Sullivan, Krieger, Truong, Spagnola, and Klausner. She has a 100% approval rate for filed EB-5 petitions. She has spoken at national conferences and co-authored several articles on various EB-5 topics.

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

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E-2 treaty investor visa allows for stay in US along with family

DEAR Attorney Tan, I would like to know if there is any way for my family and I to stay in the US if I invest in a US business. While I do have some money to invest, I do not have the $500k-$1m that I read was necessary to get a green card through investment.

Do I have any other options? - S.K. Dear S.K., You should consider the E-2 Treaty Investor visa, which is a non-immigrant visa that allows a person to be admitted to the US with investment of a “substantial” amount of capital in either a new or existing US business.

A main objective of the E-2 Treaty Investor classification is to promote and encourage investment in the US. Accordingly, the Treaty Investor must demonstrate that he/she is actually investing a substantial amount of capital in the US enterprise.

The Treaty Investor must show that he/she is placing capital at risk with the objective of generating a profit; the capital must be subject to loss if the investment fails. There is no specific amount of money that is required to be invested to be considered “substantial.” Whether an investment is considered “substantial” is determined on a case-by-case basis.

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

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

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

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

Consideration of the E-2 Treaty Investor visa is made on a case-by-case basis. The assistance of an experienced attorney who can assess the proposed type of business in which investment is contemplated as well as the amount of investment is therefore recommended. *** Darrick V. Tan, Esq. is admitted to practice law in California and Nevada. Mr. Tan is a graduate of UCLA and Southwestern University School of Law. He is a member of the Consumers Attorney Association of Los Angeles and is a former member of the Board of Governors of the Philipp ine American Bar Association.

LAW OFFICES OF DARRICK V. TAN, 3580 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 900, Los Angeles, CA 90010. Tel: (323) 639-0277. Email: info@dtanlaw.com.

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Staying removal after a final…

PAGE C1 t

sultation with an immigration lawyer who is well-versed in deportation-related matters. Once the decision is made to apply, a well-prepared and comprehensive application for stay of removal filed by an experienced and knowledgeable immigration attorney is crucial. Facing imminent execution of a removal

order is terrifying but it may not Francisco, Las Vegas and Manila. For be hopeless. An administrative more Information please call (800) stay of removal may allow the 795-8009 or visit www.rreeves.com. non-citizen to remain in this Telephone: (800) 795-8009 country despite the removal or- E-mail: immigration@rreeves.com der.

Website: www.rreeves.com. *** *** 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

The analysis and suggestions offered in this column do not create a lawyer-client relationship and are not a substitute for the personalized

C SEPTEMBER 10-13, 2016 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Debt Relief atty. lawRence yanG ONE of the many problems of owning a business is: getting sued by the employees. Employees always think that employers have deep pockets to pay for lawsuits. Perhaps some large businesses can afford to pay big chunks of money for lawsuits, but most actually, cannot. If you own a small restaurant that is making some money, getting hit with a discrimination lawsuit filed by a handicap guest who wants money because the restaurant did not have wheelchair access, that single lawsuit is enough to kill the business. Even Volkswagen with billions of sales worldwide will be straining to pay off its settlement liability for fooling around with the emission standard compliance of its cars.

Of note are the employees of businesses, which require them to provide services that are not that easy to clock. Home care facilities have live in caregivers who may be in the facility the whole day. In fact, they could be living in the facility rent-free. So, the record keeping of when they actually work and don’t work becomes a big deal. The employee lawsuits typically allege that they work a lot of overtime, or are asked to work a lot of overtime, which they are not paid for.

Since the employees live in the facility, its difficult to determine the actual hours worked, unless employer has a bulletproof work time record system. If you as an employer want to win this kind of lawsuits, you better make sure that your work time recording system is impeccable, 100% accurate and easily understood by the Court when these are presented in evidence. Otherwise, it will be employee testimony, normally several employees who will testify to the same thing, that they practically work 24 hours a day and only got paid for 8 hours, that will do you in. The Department of Labor looks at employees as saints and victims of employers who are greedy demons.

Unfortunately, that’s the truth isn’t it? Just look at the name of the department. It’s called Department of “Labor.” It’s not called Department of “Employers.” That department protects the laborers, the employees, not the employers. There’s a red carpet that employees walk on to get to the complaint department. For employers, you get to walk on a pile of you know what.

Employers will say that they practically treated caregiver as their own daughter. Employees will say that they were treated as modern day slaves. Some employers even end up in jail for being slave owners and for false imprisonment of employees. Therefore, just so you have documentary evidence on your side as an employer, you better make sure that your documentary work time record system is airtight and bulletproof. If your

Insurance Matters Joseph doRatan, MBa, cFp® A FRIEND who was recently hit by a car while jogging asked me if her premium would go up if she would claim from her auto policy.

Sounded like a simple question to ask. But really a good situation to borrow to explain the different coverages of an auto policy.

My friend could have opted to use her health insurance. But since the injury originated from a third party, health insurance will eventually subrogate the claim — meaning, the health insurance company will legally pursue the third party to recover the medical claims. Believing that the driver who hit her had an auto policy, she hired a lawyer to pursue the driver.

Good that the driver has an auto policy. However, his bodily injury (BI) coverage is very low. BI does not cover the driver’s injury, but the other injuries caused by him in an accident. To my knowledge, he only has 15/30, the California minimum, meaning $15,000 to cover per person and $30,000 for all people injured by him. Well, my friend was sent to ER immediately by 911.

Do you think the $15,000 would be enough to cover the ER? Apparently it wasn’t.

BI can also be used to pay for funeral costs, long-term nursing care, lost income from time off work, pain and suffering, and legal defense if you are sued. But you have to have enough to cover these in a bad accident which you’re at fault. Anything short, you are liable. In this case, the driver is responsible financially beyond the 15/30 limit. He either has to pay with his assets or file bankruptcy.

According to the lawyer, it’s

Community Journal

$3-M lawsuit against business forces client to consider Bankruptcy Senior seeks Chapter 7 to wipe out $40K credit cards

record keeping has been short of this standard, you always have the option of bankruptcy to get rid of these lawsuits, for a fresh start, although the type of bankruptcy you qualify for depends on your asset structure.

Client owns three facilities. All three are profitable. Client has gone through several layers of asset protection. The typical asset protection may use an LLC or a corporation to own the businesses while the ownership of the facility is separately held by a different LLC. There could be variations of how the real estate is held and how the shares of the business, that own the facilities are held, but ultimately the purpose is to protect the real estate, which is the facility, from lawsuits that are directed against the business. Although there is some measure of protection provided by asset protection steps, they do not provide absolute protection from lawsuits. The reason is that the LLC’s or corporations are all U.S. corporations even though they may be located in different states. Given the fact that U.S. Courts, particularly Federal Courts have nationwide jurisdiction, they have the power to penetrate or set aside the veils of corporate fiction if it is determined that the corporations were set up fraudulently to avoid judgment. A simple test is to find out when the asset protection corporations were set up. If they were set up after the claims, or knowledge of the claims arose, then this is a big red flag that favors setting aside the corporate veil. On the other hand, if the entities were established long before the claims arose (the longer the better), the stronger the protection they provide. Another point to consider is that if the assets being protected have no equity, what’s the big deal anyway, there’s nothing to protect.

Client has been hit with a $3.0M lawsuit from just several employees that you can count with your right hand. They all claim the same thing. They worked a lot of overtime and never got paid for working overtime. With penalties and unpaid overtime because their employer was as evil as Donald Trump, they have a total claim of $3.0M against client employer. Even if Client’s businesses are profitable, client does not make millions a year, far from it. Her profit is low six figures just enough to pay herself and her husband a reasonable salary every year. Well, of course, employees have also sued client and husband as individuals even though the businesses are owned by corporations and legally separate from the owners.

The first thing that needs to be done is to extricate them from the lawsuit based on the ground that there was no intermingling of funds between them and the businesses. If they can have the Court dismiss them as defen-

dants, then that’s a big victory for them because they won’t have to consider personal bankruptcy.

But if they can’t, they could lose their residence once the $3.0 M judgment is entered. So, we will have to do this one step at a time.

The companies can always do their own bankruptcies; either Chapter 11 of 7 will solve take care of the $3.0 M lawsuits.

The next client is a senior who is 66. Her husband died two years ago. She has retirement income of $3K a month, which is good enough. Her adult children live out of state. Her daughter lives in Toronto and she has asked her to move to Toronto. Client doesn’t want to live there because it’s just too cold in winter. Those of you, like me, who have lived in the East Coast, know how unpleasant winter weather is there.

We all know how good we have it here in Los Angeles with our mild weather and with the sun shining practically everyday of the year.

Although Hawaii weather is still better than ours, California climate is really very good. We just can’t complain about how good the weather is here. Living in California is as close as we can get to paradise on earth.

Client has $40K of credit cards that she has been paying for 12 years. She pays $1200 minimum a month, or $14,400 a year. For 12 years, she has paid $172,000 and still owes the same $40K. If her husband were still alive, maybe she would not even think about getting rid of these cards that require her to give 40% of her retirement income to keep current. But since she really has to get serious now and decide whether she should get rid of these cards now that she is retired and living on a lot less income than before, there is really no real dispute on what the right decision is, is there? Client decides for Chapter 7 to discharge $40K of credit cards. Without these cards to worry about, she can save $1200 a month, that’s a no brainer. Besides, her credit score will keep on going up every year after she files bk. Three years from now she’ll be at 650 which is a good score. She will get new credit cards again a few months after she gets her discharge, although I suggest that she just pays them up in full every month, just to build up her score faster. On the 10th year, there is no record of the bankruptcy filing. On the 7th year, her score will be about 730.

“Cast all your anxiety on God because He cares for you.” — 1 Peter 5:7 *** Lawrence Bautista Yang specializes in bankruptcy, business, real estate and civil litigation and has successfully represented more than five thousand clients in California.

Please call Angie, Barbara or Jess at (626) 284-1142 for an appointment at 1000 S. Fremont Ave, Mailstop 58, Building A-1 Suite

What do auto policies cover? very likely that the driver would just file bankruptcy and suggested to my friend to claim from her auto policy instead. That’s where the uninsured or underinsured motorist bodily injury (UMBI) would come in. UMBI will cover your bodily injury costs when the other driver’s insurance is insufficient, but ONLY if your limit is higher than the atfault driver’s BI limit and ONLY up to your UMBI limit less the atfault driver’s BI limit.

In general, when you’re not at fault, your premium will not go up. You also need not worry about having to pay the deductible when you’re not at fault. The deductible is the amount of money required to be paid first before the insurance will pick up the rest up to the limit. The higher the deductible, the lower is the premium, and viceversa. In the case of auto insurance, you pay the deductible only towards your own car damages.

You don’t pay the deductible for the damages you caused others even if you’re at fault. Damages include the BI you caused others and the property damages (PD) of others. PD typically would be the replacement or repair cost of the car you hit, but it can also be the structures or objects your car hit, like a house or a fence. If my friend was driving her BMW that time, and given the fact the other driver’s BI is minimum and hence her PD coverage is probably to be only CA minimum of $5000, it is likely that my friend has to tap her uninsured/underinsured motorist property damage (UMPD) coverage as well to cover the cost of repairing the BMW. So far, we know that BI and PD are coverages to pay damages to others that we caused. UMBI and UMPD are coverages to pay our damages caused by others who are uninsured or underinsured.

What about our damages not caused by others? If you crash

into another car or into an object, or you rollover, or damage in a hit-and-run incident, you can use your collision coverage.

So you pay your deductible first and typically the policy will pay only up to the market value of the car. For the repairs or replacement of your car after it’s been damaged by events that are not accidentrelated, you can check if your Comprehensive coverage will be helpful. If the damage arises from fire, theft, vandalism, falling objects, hitting or being hit by an animal like deer, or birds, or damage from natural disasters, after paying the deductible, the comprehensive will pick up the rest. Check your policy though. Know what your policy will or won’t cover.

Another important coverage is the Medical Payments coverage, which can help pay medical or funeral costs of covered driver and passengers, regardless of fault. If you’re injured in somebody’s car, or like my friend struck by a car while walking, jogging or cycling, this coverage can also help. You may want to find out if your health insurance will cover injuries related to car accidents. If not, you need to up this coverage. Some people use this to cover the health insurance deductible. Other optional, good coverages are Roadside Assistance and Rental coverages. For more information related to this article or to review your policy, please contact Joseph Doratan through (855) 955-1800 or email him at info@GlobalWealthInsuranceServices.com. ***

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Mercy instead of hate, life instead of death

To Live With Faith ReveRend Rodel G. BalaGtas BUT Moses implored the Lord, his God saying, “Why, O Lord, should your wrath blaze against your people, whom you brought out of the land of Egypt with such great power and with so strong a hand? Remember your servants Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, and how you swore to them by your own self, saying, “I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky; and all this land that I promised, and I will give your descendants as their perpetual heritage.” So the Lord relented in the punishment he had threatened to inflict on his people. (Exodus 3:13-14) This passage from Exodus, which we hear at Mass this Sunday, brings relevance to the affairs going on in the Philippines where the police are extrajudicially killing drug pushers and drug lords. Contrary to God’s “relenting” and merciful approach to a “stiff-necked” people who turned away from Him to worship a molten calf, President Rodrigo Duterte and his administration have chosen to condemn these criminals to the punishment of death. For them, this is the only solution to illegal drugs and crimes that have beset the country.

But God, in this Sunday’s Scriptures, chose mercy to a wayward people instead of hate, conversion instead of condem-

nation, rehabilitation instead of destruction, and life instead of death. The Gospel illustrates this heart of God in three parables.

The Good Shepherd leaves the 99 sheep to find the lost one. A woman with 10 coins lights a lamp to find the missing one. And a father runs to his prodigal son, embraces him, and holds a feast for him because “he was lost and has been found.”

What boggles my mind is that many fellow Catholic Christians who believe in a merciful and just God are approving, silent, and unrelenting to this method of solving the country’s problem.

I agree that there are no easy solutions, but our Christian tradition is clear on how we should handle the malefactors of our society. Despite their evildoings and weaknesses, we still have to respect their human dignity and treat them with mercy and forgiveness.

It’s not easy to say this, one might argue, when these drug pushers and addicts rape women and destroy young people’s lives.

But, still, the radicalness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ asks us to love our enemies and to pray for our persecutors. Certainly, there should be a right retribution to their wrong doings, but we must bring punishment to them that would bring repentance and change in their lives. Our hope, as Psalm 51 says, is that God will have mercy on them, cleanse them of their sins, and create a new heart in them.

Our young Filipino seminarian studying at St. John’s Seminary, John Paul Simon, expresses God’s will for everyone—saints and sinners—in a reflection paper: “Having hope in us, he desires us to walk in faith to meet Him to a new place. Merciful, He assures us that He will meet us where we are. Having hope in us, he desires us to grow in faith.

Merciful, He assures us that we will be found.”

President Duterte has challenged the Catholic Church to do its work and to lead by examples.

He’s right. The Church must continue to preach the Gospel of Life and Hope, especially to sinners, the poor, the ignorant and the weak. Bishops and priests must take President’s Duterte’s challenge to defend the dignity of the poor and the young.

It’s what the Church should exactly do—not to be afraid to speak up, but to be courageous in advocating for the rights of all people including criminals. *** From a Filipino immigrant family, Reverend Rodel G. Balagtas was ordained to the priesthood from St. John’s Seminary in 1991. He served as Associate Pastor at St. Augustine, Culver City (1991-1993); St. Martha, Valinda (1993-1999); and St. Joseph the Worker, Canoga Park (1999-2001). In 2001, he served as Administrator Pro Tem of St. John Neumann in Santa Maria, CA, until his appointment as pastor of ImmAaculate Heart of Mary, Los Angeles, in 2002, which lasted

People and Events

Club 21 walks to raise funds, awareness for Down syndrome

CLUB 21 Learning and Resource Center will host its 9th annual Together is Better Walka-Thon on Saturday, October 22nd at Central Park in Pasadena. The walk and family festival raises funds and awareness for Club 21’s programs and services that support children with Down syndrome and their families.

The walk, which begins at 10:00 am, is a short stroll around the park, followed by a family festival, with music, entertainment, food and games.

Club 21 provides the educational tools and resources that enable individuals with Down syndrome to be fully includ-

ed. Founded in 2009, Club 21 creates educational partnerships and provides progressive programs and services not available anywhere else in the greater Los Angeles area that support, educate, advocate and celebrate individuals with Down syndrome from first diagnosis onward. Club 21’s 16 programs equip individu-

Calendar of Events across

als with Down syndrome, their families and their teachers with the skills that will enable them to have independence, access and belonging in their home, school and community.

For more information about the walk or to sign up, please visit Club 21’s website at www. clubtwentyone.org or call 626844-1821 n

America

ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS! PRE-EVENT AND POST-EVENT GO DEEPER. GO WIDER. LET THE WORLD KNOW. CALL ASIAN JOURNAL: (818) 502-0651 DISPLAY AD SIZES AT SPECIAL RATES FOR NON-PROFIT GROUPS S E P T E M B E R 9 -1 7

42nd annual celebration in honor of Our Lady of Peñafrancia United Bicolandia Los Angeles (UBLA) invites everyone, Bicolanos, devotees and friends to come and celebrate the 42nd annual celebration in honor of Our Lady of Peñafrancia, Patroness of the Bicol Region. The festivities will start on Sept. 9, with the translacion at 5pm at the Immaculate of Mary Church (4954 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90029. A nightly novena Mass follows from Sept. 9 to Sept. 16 at 6 PM except on Saturday, Sept. 10, at 3:30 PM and Sunday, Sept. 11, at 2;30 PM and culminates on Saturday, Sept.

17, with the ninth day novena at 8am, foot & fluvial procession at 9 AM, and a Concelebrated Mass at 10 am at Lincoln Park, 3501 Valley Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90031. Main celebrant will be HE Most Rev Arturo Bastes, Bishop of Sorsogon. For details, please call Lanie Berrei (818) 281-3169 or Gene Leano (818) 439-6896.

SEPTEMBER 10

Arts & Craft: a food and beer event in Los Angeles To kick off the 25th Festival of Philippine Arts & Culture (FPAC), we’re celebrating with two of our favorite things: food and beer! Arts & Craft will take place at the Pico House in downtown Los Angeles on Saturday, Sept. 10 from 5 to 9 p.m., featuring food by The Park’s Finest, Stoked California BBQ, and SALO Series. Music will be provided by Gingee. Aside from the gastronomic offerings, an intimate art exhibit will also showcase the last 25 years of FPAC. Pico House is located at 424 North Main Street, Los Angeles, CA. Tickets are $40 / person and can be purchased at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/arts-craft-a-food-andbeer-event-tickets-27360749739.

17th annual Asian Small Business Expo The Asian Small Business Expo is the only business-to-business expo that engages the Asian business community and brings this growing economic force into the mainstream to connect and utilize your company and its services. Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with small businesses, market your organization and tap into a network of entrepreneurs, service providers, financial organizations, franchises and governmental and legislative representatives. Admission to the expo is FREE! It will be held on Saturday, Sept. 10 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Almansor Court Banquet & Conference Center, 700 S. Almansor St., Alhambra, CA 91801. To register, please visit: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/annual-asiansmall-business-expo-tickets-23824155691. Walk-ins are also welcome on the day of the expo. For more information, please visit www.apisbp.org.

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

Getting around the six month residency requirement…

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the residency requirements, the Petition may be amended from legal separation to Dissolution without permission from the I f yo u h ave m o re q u e s t i o n s Court as long as notice is proregarding the enrollment periods vided the opposing party under or other insurance questions, Marriage of Dick. The Petitioner feel free to ask the author for would also be in a safer position answers. A good telephone number if the intent to amend from legal to reach him is 855-955-1800. separation/nullity to a divorce is You can also check out www. stated in the initial Petition.

*** Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist.

He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice.

LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, P.C. is located at 3699 Wilshire

Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kureyeslaw@gmail.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com. *** Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between

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Will Hillary eliminate the harsh immigration laws signed by Bill?

Immigration Corner Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ HILLARY Clinton and the Democrats push for comprehensive immigration reform, including a pathway to legalization for the approximate 11 million undocumented immigrants in the US. Of course, I’m fully in favor of comprehensive immigration reform.

But as a starting point, could Hillary at least eliminate some of the harshest immigration laws ever enacted, which were signed into law by her husband, Bill? Some of Pres. Obama’s recent executive actions were brought about (or designed) to neutralize (or get around) some of the laws signed

by Bill Clinton.

In 1996, Bill signed into law the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (IIRAIRA). That law brought about some of the harshest and most severe changes to immigration law, the effects of which are still felt today-- after 20 years. As a refresher course, or to enlighten people, here are some of the changes brought about by IIRAIRA: • Eliminating children as a basis for a person being granted a fraud waiver. Before IIRAIRA, if a person had a US citizen or LPR child, they were automatically granted a fraud waiver. Now, it does not matter how much pain

and suffering a child has. Hardship on a child is not a factor and does not matter in connection with a waiver.

• Adding “extreme hardship” as a requirement for a fraud waiver. Before IIRAIRA, there was no requirement of demonstrating extreme hardship on certain qualifying relatives. If a person had a parent, spouse, or child who was a citizen or green card holder, or if the fraud occurred more than 10 years ago, the fraud waiver was automatically approved. No showing of extreme hardship was required. Now, people must demonstrate extreme hardship on a parent or spouse who is a citizen or immigrant, and fraud stays on your record for life.

• Hardship on the alien does not matter. Before IIRAIRA, hardship on the alien himself (or his children) could be considered. After Bill signed IIRAIRA, hardship on the alien is no longer considered.

• Creation of the 3/10 year bar! Before IIRAIRA, there was no 3/10 year bar. If a person was not eligible to adjust status in the US, the person simply departed the US and was processed for his immigrant visa in his home country, and then returned to the U.S. without any issues. With Bill’s 3/10 year bar, those same people were suddenly “trapped” in the US. They could not get a green card in the US, and if they departed the US, they could not return for 3 or 10 years, unless granted a waiver from abroad. Just recently, Pres. Obama’s executive actions for provisional waiver and expanded provisional waiver were

Protesters stage a “die-in” to dramatize the rising number of extra judicial killings related to Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s “War on Drugs” Friday, Aug. 26, 2016 in front of the Philippine National Police headquarters in suburban Quezon city northeast of Manila, Philippines.

According to police, nearly 2,000 people, mostly suspe cted drug-dealers and users, have been killed in drug-related incidents since President Duterte took office June 30, 2016 and prompted Philippine senators to open an inquiry into the killings.

Photo by Bullit Marquez

American investors concerned over drug killings

by Patricia lourDes Philstar.com

Viray

MANILA, Philippines — American investors expressed concern over the rising number of extrajudicial and vigilante killings amid the new administration’s anti-drug campaign.

The American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (AmCham) noted that the drug problem is a serious threat in the country but some investors are questioning whether the drug war reduces the rule of law.

“While the country’s economic fundamentals are strong and its potential is high, our members have raised concerns that some American values—which Filipinos have long shared—may be weakening in the current environment,” the AmCham said in a statement on Thursday, Sept. 8.

The chamber noted that bilateral relations between the US and the Philippines have been strained by recent remarks of President Rodrigo Duterte against US Presi-

dent Barack Obama.

“Although statements of regret soon followed, such words and their international policy also create investor concern,” the statement read.

The White House canceled the scheduled meeting between Duterte and Obama following the former’s tirade against the American leader which came out as a personal attack.

Malacanang clarified that both nations have agreed to postpone the meeting to a later date.

The AmCham remains hopeful that the ties between the two nations will become stronger in the future. The American chamber also maintained its commitment to working eith the Philippine government to improve the relations between the two countries.

“AmCham has always been optimistic about the Philippines and committed to strengthen bilateral trade, investment and cultural ties,” AmCham said.

Dominguez assures return of stolen $81 M to Bangladesh

by Prinz

magtulis Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines has reiterated its commitment to return to Bangladesh money illegally channeled to the local financial system last February.

While underscoring the “100percent support” of the entire government, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez told Bangladesh Ambassador John Gomes legal processes should be followed in the return of the $81 million stolen from Bangladesh last February.

The two met in Makati City recently, together with representatives from the central bank, the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) and the departments of Foreign Affairs and Justice.

“We want to assure you that the Philippine government, including all its instrumentalities,... are 100 percent behind you, that we want to assure you that we will do everything that we can to assist you,” Dominguez was quoted as saying in a statement.

“We have, however, a legal system that has to be respected PAGE D2

Business Quote of the Week “There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure.”

- Colin Powell, Former U.S. Secretary of State

an attempt to get around Bill’s 3/10 year bar.

• Creating a lifetime ban if a person claims to be a citizen to their employer. Before Bill’s IIRAIRA, false claims to US citizenship was NOT a lifetime ban. It was regular fraud, with a fraud waiver available.

Moreover, “false claim to citizenship” applied only if the person claimed to be a citizen to a GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL. IIRAIRA made it a permanent/lifetime ban if a person claimed to be a citizen even to his employer. No waiver is available.

• No judicial review of USCIS “discretionary” decisions. If USCIS denies a person’s petition, application, or waiver, “as a matter of discretion”, the person cannot seek court review of that discretionary decision/denial. Before IIRAIRA, it was possible to have court oversight and review of USCIS discretionary denials. Some discretionary decisions\denials include whether a person has demonstrated “extreme hardship” in connection with fraud waivers, or other forms of relief that required USCIS discretion. Many people who were turned down by USCIS and sought court assistance, find their cases are dismissed for “lack

of jurisdiction”, as the denial involved a case of USCIS exercising “discretion”.

As stated above, I am in favor of comprehensive immigration reform. I am also glad Hillary and the Democrats are “pro-immigrants”. I also understand that comprehensive immigration reform may be a long and arduous process. So, could Hillary at least attempt to neutralize some of the laws signed by Bill? *** michael J. Gurfinkel is licensed, and an active member of the State bar of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State bar of California. Each case is different. the information contained herein including testimonials, “Success Stories,” endorsements and 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 attorneyclient relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader.

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

maryknoll/miriam College alumna betty Sy, president of Sm Hotels, tests equipment at the innovation hub donated by the Sm group to miriam College.

Henry Sy donates P100M innovation hub to Miriam College

by Doris

Dumlao-abaDilla Inquirer.net

THE SM group has donated a P100-million innovation center – the Philippines’ first-of-its-kind integrated “makerspace” – to Miriam College on the occasion of the 90th anniversary of this educational institution originally

built by Maryknoll nuns.

The Miriam College-Henry Sy Sr. Innovation Center was turned over on Wednesday morning by the Henry Sy Sr. Foundation through SM Hotels and Convention Corp. president Betty Sy, an alumna of Maryknoll College (Class of 1974). The innovation PAGE D2

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Inbound tourists drive BSP chief: PH an excellent investment destination demand for branded hotels DESPITE EXTERNAL HEADWINDS

by Mayvelin

Caraballo ManilaTimes.net

The Philippines to this day is an excellent destination for serious investment, but there are risks that could unsettle the economy.

This was the message of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. In his keynote speech before participants of the euromoney Philippines Investment Forum in Taguig City on Tuesday.

“In making relative value judgments, prudent investors ask themselves three questions: Is there upside potential? Are the returns sustainable? And are the downside risks manageable? “ he said.

“In the case of the Philippines as an investment destination, my answer to these questions would be, YeS. I believe the Philippine economy continues to offer a convincing case for investment and sustained growth. I say this with confidence because the Philippines has a good solid track record,” he added.

The BSP chief said the Philippines’ macroeconomic environment has been marked by solid economic growth and low inflation, while its banking system has also been an enabler of economic growth.

In the meantime, the country’s external liquidity position has been robust, he said.

“All-told, ladies and gentlemen, the Philippine economy continues to enjoy a position of relative strength. And this has not been unnoticed by global investors. We have had our share of surges in

capital inflows in search of yield.

And while, some of these have come and gone, a large portion of the inflows have stayed and remain invested in our domestic assets,” he added.

“But what I wish to emphasize … is that the Philippines is a destination not only for flighty capital. The Philippines is, more importantly, a destination for serious investment,” he said.

Tetangco said policy actions of advanced economies (Ae), shifts in Chinese economic policies, and the Brexit are the risks that could possibly unsettle the Philippines. “These risks impact us in the short-term through financial market volatility and in the longterm possibly through aggregate demand dynamics.”

The BSP governor said the Philippines is affected by the policy actions of advanced economies, noting that the most pressing of these are the timing of the next interest rate hike of the Federal Reserve and the magnitude of any further easing from the Bank of Japan and the european Central Bank.

“As the markets digest any pronouncements from Ae policy makers, we will continue to experience a toggling between risk on and risk off market behavior, which always creates noise in financial markets,” he said.

A second potential source of vulnerability are shifts in Chinese economic policies –from a growth model that relies on exports and fixed investments to one which is driven by domestic demand, and

to a more market-oriented (and weaker) RMB, he noted. “early expectations were that the shift to domestic demand would result in significant slowing in Chinese growth, which could dampen exports of its trading partners, such as the Philippines,” he said.

A third risk is Brexit, Tetangco noted, saying the direct impact on Philippines of a slowdown in the United Kingdom would be minimal, given that the country’s exports to the UK account for only 0.8 percent of total exports.

On the domestic front, the BSP chief said the Philippines have to contend with natural calamities.

“While no one can fully prepare for the wrath of nature, the country has put in place policies that will help ensure we have adequate supply of staple foods, particularly rice,” he said.

“In short, ladies and gentlemen, the Philippines is not immune to risks but our view is that these risks right now are manageable,” he added. he said the Philippines means business. While the challenges to the investment environment appear formidable, the government’s collective vigilance and prudence will help achieve sustainable growth, as well as stability.

“I hope that in the time that had been given to me, I have been able to show you that the Philippines presents excellent relative value, an investment choice that will allow you to achieve your target risk/return and more,” he said.

operators such as Go hotels are expanding to address increasing demand while some local real estate developers such as Century Properties Group, Inc. and Vista Land and Lifescapes Inc. are planning to enter the hospitality industry either through making their own brands, or by partnering with known brands in the industry,” JLL said.

Aside from demand coming in from inbound tourism, JLL noted that the rising spending power of Filipinos is also creating demand for the country’s hotel industry.

“Rising household incomes due to improving economic conditions in the country are likely to fuel further demand for branded accommodation not only in Metro Manila but also in prime tourist destinations outside Metro Manila,” the report said.

JLL Philippines head of Research, Consultancy and Valuation Claro Cordero Jr. earlier noted the higher spending power of Filipinos is creating demand for hotels in the 3-star category.

“The 3-star and middle-income hotel developments will still likely post higher occupancy in the short to medium term due to the wealth effect, which leads to more domestic travel,” Cordero said.

he noted that the rising spending power of Filipinos is driven by the growth of the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry and the flow of remittances from overseas-based Filipinos.

KMC Mag Group Managing Director Michael McCullough echoed Cordero’s sentiments that the growing middle class is driving more tourism in the country.

“If you look at the two and three-star hotels, it’s mostly driven by local tourism in the country.

The local market is really quite strong, they have a lot cash, they do look for a value,” McCullough said.

JLL said that developers are expected to add more accommodation supply to the existing stock in the next couple of years in order to address growing demand.

It noted that approximately 11,300 hotel rooms are projected to enter the market by 2020.

“The majority of the existing stock is in Makati CBD, Ortigas CBD and the Manila Bay Area; however, the majority of the upcoming hotel rooms will be in Makati CBD and Bay City in anticipation of an increased demand for hotel accommodation due to the gaming industry,” the report said.

PAGE D1 that in the future,” he added. and this system has to be followed For now, the government is so that whatever claim you are focused on securing the $15 milawarded, nobody can challenge lion surrendered in two batches by casino operator Kim Wong, who was part of a web of personalities where the money passed through.

Wong gave up the money to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), which is keeping it while awaiting a court ruling that will award the money to the government.

A petition has already been filed by the DOJ before the Manila Regional Trial Court, while the AMLC is yet to finish its investigation.

“Our legal team here (and) the AMLC, are protecting your interests in making sure that even when they turn (the money) over to you, there is no more question as to who’s going to get it,” Dominguez told Gomes.

Aside from the $15 million, recovery efforts are also underway for another $2.3 million voluntarily frozen by Bloombery Resorts and hotels Inc., one of the casinos where the money was believed to have passed through.

AMLC is also “working on” recovering $17 million more

held by remittance firm PhilRem Service Corp. as Gomes testified before the Senate inquiry early this year.

That will bring the total amount traceable so far to only $34.3 million. AMLC earlier said its investigation led the money trail to the casinos before its lost track.

BSP and AMLC officials did not respond to request for comment.

“The immediate objective right now is …the $15 million plus the $2 million. We can assist you 100 percent on that. The AMLC, as they mentioned, is continuing the investigation for whatever balance there is,” Dominguez said.

“Maybe there’s another $17 million, but we’re going to continue seeking that and hopefully recovering that on your behalf,” he added.

The $81-million money laundering case brought to the fore the country’s weak dirty money laws and resulted into PhilRem’s license being revoked by BSP. Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. was also fined a record P1 billion for its participation. half of that amount had already been settled.

by Catherine

talavera Manilatimes.net

DeMAnD for branded hotels in the Philippines is still strong, despite the emergence of lowerend accommodation providers, largely due to the growing influx of foreign tourists, according to a real estate services group.

“There is still a demand for branded accommodations not only in Metro Manila but also in prime tourist destinations outside Metro Manila,” Real estate services firm Jones Lang Lasalle said in a report.

JLL noted that both international and local operators have been expanding their reach across the country, driven by strong tourist arrivals in the Philippines.

Data from the country’s tourism department shows international tourist arrivals are projected to hit six million by end-2016.

JLL said real estate developers have recognized the opportunities presented by the growth in tourist arrivals, with several developers diversifying from the residential and other commercials segments into the hospitality industry.

“International brands such as Dusit International and hilton hotels and Resorts, and local hotel

Dominguez assures return of stolen $81M...

Henry Sy donates P100M...

PAGE D1

hub stands on a 1,412-square meter lot near the entrance of Miriam College campus in Quezon City.

“I have very good memories (of Maryknoll). It was a school that taught us to be ourselves, to be independent, to be fearless and conventional. That’s what I value about Miriam College. We knew it as Maryknoll College,” Sy told reporters at the sidelines of the turnover ceremonies on Tuesday, Sept. 6.

A “makerspace” is a place of innovation where a community of learners can gather to tinker, discover, create, collaborate and find solutions to various problems using the tools provided in its different work stations or laboratories.

This is where emerging leaders in the country can transform ideas into tangible and viable products or services that can provide solutions to identified problems. For example, middle and high school students may conduct experiments or explore robotics and coding while college students taking up applied arts or entrepreneurship may use 3D printers to incubate new entrepreneurial ideas.

The new hub is seen to immerse Miriam College’s students and faculty in 21st century disciplines under the acronym DReAM – design, robotics, engineering, entrepreneurship, arts and mathematics.

“It is here at the Miriam College- henry Sy Sr. Innovation Center where we will follow a new model of teaching and learning, one that brings change and improvement to current school and classroom practices- much like what our pioneering and progressive Maryknoll nuns did when they established their first mission school in Malabon in 1926,” said

Miriam College president Rosario Lapus.

In 1926, Sisters from the Maryknoll Congregation in new York initiated a teacher-training program for women in the Philippines in an old remodeled Augustinian Convent in Malabon.

This was the Malabon normal School (which eventually became St. James Academy). The school transferred sites several times until 1953, when its name was officially changed to Maryknoll College and laid down its permanent roots in Diliman (or Loyola heights), Quezon City. In the 1960s, the Maryknoll congregation saw the readiness of the Filipino laity to continue the educational mission they had started, thereby turning over ownership and management of the school to lay administrators in 1977. It was renamed Miriam College in 1989.

Lapus said this hub could be a “sacred space for imagining, designing and making” and was meant to honour and nurture young inventors, problem-solvers and entrepreneurs.

SM Investments Corp. chief finance officer Jose Sio told reporters that the group had donated P100 million for this facility through the henry Sy Foundation. “education is the heart of the foundation,” he said.

The makerspace, which is designed by renowned architect ed Calma, features eight connected and creative learning spaces: -a fabrication labovratory (fablab), a small-scale creative workshop with tools that aim to make “almost anything” using advanced digital manufacturing technology; – an instrumentation laboratory PAGE D5

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Diamond Honda of Glendale: Your fuel for inspiration EvEry waking day is a challenge to do better than yesterday.

In order to improve, a person looks for an inspiration, a fuel that would always ignite his passion and purpose. For most people, inspiration comes from the people they look up to or they care about.

Some would like to visualize the things that they want to have on a daily basis as a reminder that they will get those things someday with faith and perseverance. May it be a successful career, a lovely house, or a fancy car, it is important that those goals are realized so other long term goals may be accomplished.

Believing that there is no need to wait in getting the car you have always wanted; Diamond Honda of Glendale showcases a huge pool of cars to choose from. At the same time, its team of financial experts will be more than willing to work with clients and settle for the most competitive pricing. Whether it may be brand-new or certified pre-owned cars, clients can be sure that they only get quality vehicles at the dealership.

With a track record of innovative and customer-centric service, Diamond Honda of Glendale looks forward to more success with its customers as Philip Keung, the newly-installed General Manager takes the reins.

While you may now have more options where to get your new set of wheels, it also means you are more prone to being enticed by deals which look good on the surface but when you take a more in-depth look into it will

prove to be not as worthwhile as you thought it was. This is the case with car dealerships who are focused in just selling you a car to give their annual sales report the much-needed boost.

At Diamond Honda of Glendale, you can trust that you won’t be considered as a mere statistic as their main focus is to provide their customers with quality service and 100 percent customer satisfaction, which they hope would equal to a long-term relationship.

Trust among buyers and longterm customer relationships are the main goals of business in Diamond Honda of Glendale.

Diamond Honda of Glendale considers its Filipino staff to be assets in the company because of the Pinoys’ resilient and friendly nature. Committed to help customers find the right vehicles that would inspire them every day, the Filipino Department of the Diamond Honda of Glendale make a continuous effort to close comprehensive deals.

Being loyal is also a quality attributed to Filipinos, wherever they may be. And with a strong, committed, accomodating and well-experienced sales staff, there is no doubt that Diamond Honda of Glendale will gain even more loyal customers in the coming years. The Filipino-American community can be assured their car needs would be fulfilled to their satisfaction.

Other members of the Filipino Department like Sales Consultant Orly roque are always more than happy to serve clients at the Diamond Honda of Glendale.

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Come visit your kababayans at Diamond Honda of Glendale located at 138 S. Glendale Ave., Glendale, CA 91205. and Sales are open from Mondays to Sundays, 9am-9pm. Parts and Services are open from Mondays to Saturdays, 9am-6pm. For more information, you may call (866) 236-9460.

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • SEptEmbER 10-13, 2016 D

Longo Toyota delivers world-class experience Being the premiere Toyota retailer in the nation, Longo Toyota aims to deliver a truly world-class experience to our guests on every transaction, everyday. it all starts with our friendly and welcoming staff, a clean and modern environment, and a wide range of services to make your visit pleasant and convenient. Here are some of our key amenities at Longo Toyota: Auto Club of Southern California (AAA) in november 1999, Longo Toyota became the first automotive dealership in the US to have the Auto Club on its premises. For 14 long years, our Auto Club branch has served countless satisfied Longo customers with its wide array of services Today, our on-site branch offers DMV services, airline, car and hotel reservations, discounted movie and local attraction tickets, membership processing, OnBoard Teen Safe Driver Program, and more. Sign up at our Longo Toyota branch and get $13 off the original membership application price. Located in our new car showroom, our AAA branch is open Mondays thru Saturdays, from 11am to 7pm.

Verizon Wireless Premium Retailer Longo Lexus is the first car dealership in the US to provide Verizon Wireless and Verizon Wireless neighborhood services on-site.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Anywhere!

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

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

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

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

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D September 10-13, 2016 • LA WeeKeND ASIAN JOUrNAL

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MOODY’S INVESTORS SERVICE:

‘Prolonged uncertainty may cloud PH outlook’

by Mayvelin

Caraballo ManilaTimes.net

Moody’s Investors service said the current security situation in the Philippines—referring to the heightened security alert following the deadly sept. 2 bombing in davao City—has limited impact on the country’s credit ratings, but the debt watcher warned of a “clouded” economic outlook if recent events lead to prolonged uncertainty.

It said President Rodrigo duterte’s spending of political capital to defend his campaign against illegal drugs could exact a toll on his government in terms of lost opportunity for urgent economic reform.

“The near-term sovereign credit impact of these developments is limited as we do not expect them to change economic and fiscal policies or outcomes,” Moody’s said in a report released Wednesday. on september 2, a bomb exploded at a night market in davao City, killing 14 people, injuring dozens of others and prompting President Rodrigo duterte to declare a state of lawlessness nationwide the following day.

Before leaving the country to attend the Association of southeast Asian Nations (Asean) summit in Laos, the Chief Executive on Monday raised the declaration of “state of lawlessness” into a state of “national emergency owing to lawless violence in Mindanao.”

The declaration allows for heightened security measures, including stepped-up deployment of soldiers and policemen in key areas.

Moody’s does not expect the recent events to meaningfully derail the country’s economic momentum, noting that the Philippines’ 6.9 percent gross domestic product (GdP) growth in the first half of 2016 is a stronger performance than similarly rated peers.

“At this stage and, as long as the interventions under the state of lawlessness do not affect businesses nationwide, we assume that investment decisions will not be materially affected,” it said.

“We also do not expect any shifts in economic policy stemming from last weekend’s developments,” it added.

Call for increased defense/security budget However, the credit rating agency pointed out that the recent events reinforced the administration’s call for increased defense and security expenditure in the ongoing deliberations over the 2017 budget, including a 24.5 percent rise in allocations for the police to 3.3 percent of total expenditure from 3 percent in the 2016 budget.

President duterte’s increasingly controversial law and order policies could exact an opportunity cost for reform, it said.

“More recently, the President has deployed his considerable

political capital in defense of his campaign on drugs and has engaged key legislators in highly publicized disputes, which—if protracted—could detract attention from the implementation of important economic reforms,” it said.

In Moody’s assessment, the Philippines’ susceptibility to political risks is low.

“We do not believe that a significant intensification of the security response—such as an imposition of Martial Law, which requires congressional approval— is likely, given the current system of checks and balances,” it said.

The credit watchdog stressed in particular the government’s assurance that the declaration of state of lawlessness calls for a stepped-up security presence without the suspension of civil liberties.

The main challenge facing policymakers is sustaining the positive trajectory of institutional quality through the political cycle, which had improved since 2011. “should this improvement continue in conjunction with robust economic and fiscal performance, it would support positive momentum in the sovereign credit profile,” Moody’s noted.

“However, if recent events lead to prolonged uncertainty around security or economic policy, such a development would eventually dampen business confidence and, consequently, economic outcomes,” it said.

Henry Sy donates P100M...

PAGE D2 (instrulab) for conducting investigatory projects and experiments; – an engineering and electronics laboratory (E-L@b), for exploring robotics and coding using digital devices and building tools; – a multi-media laboratory (multi-media lab) dedicated to the creation of new media and art forms as well as learning of web authoring, software development, animation, graphic and web designing and digital audio/video the p100m innovation Center of miriam College manipulation; – a performance laboratory for ented thinking; and, and contributed to the developthe interaction of art games and – an “innovatrium,” a state- ment of its programs: Power Mac art production processes; of-the-art theater for holding Center, Emerson Electric (Asia) – a kitchen and cafe (CCA Mak- symposia, workshop, conferences Ltd., FELTA Multi-Media Inc., C&E ers’ Cafe), a modern gastronomic and training.

Publishing; Center for Culinary science and food art laboratory; The following partner-institu- Arts Manila; British Council; Bato – a play loft with pocket class- tions equipped the laboratories Balani Foundation and Bangkok rooms that support design-ori- with the latest tools in innovation University.

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