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All living Philippine presidents reunite for security council meet mAniLA—the five most recent presidents of the Philippines met on Wednesday, July 27 for a national security meeting to discuss the recent decision on the Philippines’s case against China.

President rodrigo Duterte convened the national security Council at malacañan with former presidents fidel ramos, Joseph estrada, gloria macapagal Arroyo and Benigno Aquino iii.

Upon his arrival, Aquino skipped shaking hands with Arroyo, who was released last week from hospital detention after being acquitted from plunder charges by the supreme Court. Arroyo had cried foul over what she deemed as political persecution under Aquino’s watch in the cases filed against her before the sandiganbayan.

Joining the meeting were Duterte’s Cabinet officials as well as newly elected senate President

USA

DATELINE Fil-Am aide of Tim Kaine and former NaFFAA Executive Director passes away

Roach not surprised with Pacquiao return to boxing ring freDDie roach said he was not caught off guard by news of manny Pacquiao’s planned return to the boxing ring. in a recent interview with steve Kim of boxingscene.com, roach insisted he always knew that his prized ward would fight again.

“100 percent yes,” roach told Kim when asked about his certainty of a Pacquiao comeback. roach recalled Pacquiao telling him he felt good about fighting on after dominating timothy Bradley last April, despite announcing his retirement afterwards to focus on politics. “manny told me after last fight he felt really good. he looked really good in the fight and he said ‘freddie, i’m going to fight a couple of more times.’ that was before he left for the Philippines. so i alPAGE A3

Also published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA, NEW YORk/NEW JERSEY

Aquilino Pimentel iii and house speaker Pantaleon Alvarez. the Presidential Communications office had said the meeting was to agree on “vital policies and strategies on important matters, including the recent ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration on the West Philippine sea.” the Philippines scored a sweeping legal victory from the landmark ruling against China issued on July 12. the arbitration case was filed and heard by an arbitral tribunal under the United nation Convention on the Law of the sea during the administration of Aquino.

Duterte’s meeting was the first with the national security council, a collegial body from executive and RARE ENCOUNTER. Former Presidents Fidel V. Ramos, Joseph Estrada, Gloria Arroyo and Benigno Aquino III went to the Palace on Wednesday, legislative branches of government. (camille Diola July 27 for a National Security Council meeting with incumbent President Rodrigo Duterte.

Photo courtesy of Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar based on reports by Alexis romero/Philstar.com)

Clinton’s historic nomination energizes Fil-Am Democrats

by CHristina

M. oriel

let me just say: i may become the first woman president, but one of PhiLADeLPhiA – hillary Clin- you is next!” she concluded. she will address the convention ton formally became the Democratic Party nominee for presi- on thursday night, July 28 to acdent on tuesday, July 26, making cept the honor and outline why history as the first woman to be she would make a better presion the top ticket for a major U.s. dent than republican nominee Donald J. trump. political party. her husband, former President in a surprise video message broadcast at the Democratic na- Bill Clinton, delivered a speech on tional Convention, Clinton called tuesday, wherein he recounted the nomination “the biggest crack how they both met and highlighted Clinton’s rise in the political in the glass ceiling yet.” “if there are any little girls out field. “she’s the best darn changethere who stayed up late to watch, AJPress

from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA

WAshington, D.C. – hailed by filipino-American leaders, civil rights advocates and elected officials as a committed public servant and passionate community activist, Jose “Joe” montano passed away peacefully on monday, July 25 in his home in falls Church, Va. he was 47. montano was Us senator and Democratic vice presidential nominee tim Kaine’s northern Virginia regional representative. in a statement, Kaine said, “Joe was an outstandPAGE A3 Jose “Joe” Montano

j u ly 2 8 - a u g u s t 3 , 2 0 1 6

Hillary Clinton addresses the Democratic National Convention via video after formally winning the party’s nomination for president on Tuesday, July 26.

AJPress photo by Christina M. Oriel

maker i ever met in my entire life,” he said, adding “she wants to move the ball forward. that is just who she is.” on tuesday afternoon, the former secretary of state earned 2,838 delegate votes during the roll call vote. her opponent, Vermont sen. Bernie sanders, received 1,843 votes. he called to end the vote early to announce Clinton as the nominee.

Clinton’s nomination angered many sanders supporters, who exited the Wells fargo Center PAGE A2

Kerry meets Duterte Duterte in first SONA: ‘All of us want peace’ to boost US-PH ties by eriC

antHony liCas

regional diplomacy, tax reform and reproductive health.

PresiDent rodrigo Duterte in addition, Duterte called for declared a unilateral ceasefire of an end to hostilities between

by Dana sioson AJPress military operations against com- the the Communist Party of the UniteD states secretary of state John Kerry visited munist insurgents while com- Philippines (CPP), the national President rodrigo Duterte at malacañang Palace for his mitting the Armed forces of the Democratic front of the PhilipPhilippines (AfP) to the elimina- pines (nDfP) and the new Peocourtesy call before noon on Wednesday, July 27. tion of jihadist rebels during his ple’s Army (nPA). summarizing the meeting, presidential spokesperson Duterte told the moro people ernesto Abella said the two discussed ways on how to first state of the nation Address. the president’s speech on of the Philippines leaning tostrengthen the relationship between the Philippines and monday, July 25, at the Plenary wards secession that they should the Us. “my purpose in coming to manila today is to underscore hall of the house of represen- expect greater independence the value that the United states places on the alliance and tatives in manila elaborated his under his vision of a federalist the true friendship and relationship that we have with the intentions on a wide range of is- government. he expressed sympeople of this country,” Kerry told on Wednesday during a sues including a transition to a pathy for muslims caught in the morning joint press briefing with Philippine foreign Affairs federalist system of government, middle of conflict in the Autonocorruption, the war on drugs, mous region in muslim mindPAGE A2 AJPress

anao (Armm) “All of us want peace,” said Duterte. “to our muslim brothers ... let us end the centuries of this mistrust and warfare. to the CPP/nPA/nDf(P), let us end these decades of ambuscades and skirmishes. We are going nowhere.” the president told television viewers and the roughly 3,000 people invited to watch his address in person that, effective immediately, the AfP would adhere to a ceasefire prohibiting future assaults against the CPP, nPA, and nDfP. he appealed to PAGE A2

Ombudsman leads 2016 Magsaysay awardees

by Helen

Flores Philstar.com

mAniLA – ombudsman Conchita Carpio-morales is one of this year’s recipients of the ramon magsaysay Awards, Asia’s equivalent of the nobel Prize. the ramon magsaysay Award foundation (rmAf) cited morales, 75, for radically improving the efficacy and credibility of the office of the ombudsman (omB) and showing the way toward a more coherent, concerted action against corruption. “the board of trustees recognizes morales’ moral courage and Secretary of State John Kerry and President Rodrigo Duterte and on Wednesday, commitment to justice in taking July 27, had a working lunch where they affirmed the “long-standing” relationship head-on one of the most intrac(Top row, from left) Conchita Carpio Morales, Thodur Madabusi Krishna, Bezwada Wilson; (bottom between the US and the Philippines. table problems in the Philippines; row) Vientiane Rescue, Dompet Dhuafa, and Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers.

Photo courtesy of Presidential Communications PAGE A2

A

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From The FronT Page

Clinton’s historic nomination energizes...

PAGE A1 and held a protest, alleging that the process was “rigged� in favor of the former secretary of state.

On Wednesday night, Clinton’s running mate Sen. Tim Kaine took the stage to accept his nomination for vice president.

President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden also delivered remarks, praising Clinton as the right person to continue on the work the current administration has accomplished in the past 7 1/2 years.

For Filipino-Americans here at the convention, witnessing Clinton’s nomination has been an emotional experience. “For Hillary to be the first woman president, it opens the door and sets an example that Filipinos, minorities and women can have more seats at the decision-making table,� Meriam Reynosa said. “We can be visible, whether it’s in her cabinet or really reaching out and mentoring other young Fil-Ams to continue the good work of our Democratic Party and our leaders like Hillary Clinton.�

The 33-year-old Filipina-American from Dublin, California, called it an “honor� to be a Clinton delegate. “Hopefully another young Filipina will see me in this role and say, ‘I can do that too and I can represent...and be a voice for the Filipino-American community,� she said.

Grace Barrios, vice president of outreach for the Pilipino American Los Angeles Democrats (PALAD) and also a Clinton delegate, said that it is about time for the U.S. to elect its first woman president. “The Philippines has had two woman presidents and in our lifetime, the fact that we can have a woman president in the US, [makes me] so proud to be part of this history and contribute to making this happen,� she said.

Fil-Am Republicans last week in

Former President Bill Clinton took the stage to speak about his wife.

RARE ENCOUNTER. The five most recent presidents of the Philippines met on Wednesday for a national security meeting to discuss the recent decision on the Philippines’s case against China. President Rodrigo Duterte convened the National Security Council at Malacaùang with former presidents Fidel Ramos, Joseph Estrada, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and Benigno Aquino III. Photo courtesy of Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar

Duterte in first SONA: ‘All of us want peace’ PAGE A1

Filipino Americans -- including California Assemblymember Rob Bonta, Jason Tengco, AAPI outreach director of the Clinton campaign, Irene Bueno and Fritz Friedman -- gather at the CAPAC luncheon on Wednesday, July 27.

AJPress photos by Christina M. Oriel

Cleveland for the Republican National Convention made their case on how Filipino values align with those of the Republican Party and what a Trump presidency would mean for the community.

Philantropist and community leader Loida Nicolas Lewis, a Clinton delegate from New York, said, “Cleveland was spewing out hate, division and anger against

‘the other.’ They were encouraging violence against Hillary. It is so un-American.�

She said that though many Filipinos admire Trump for being a businessman, they must also look at his record. “He filed for bankruptcy four times,� she said. “That’s not someone we want running our PAGE A4

Kerry meets Duterte to boost...

PAGE A1

Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. Duterte and Kerry also discussed common issues such as terrorism, crimes, and maritime security, with proposed solutions.

Arriving on Tuesday, July 26, Kerry’s trip to Manila is the last leg of his Asian trip after attending ASEAN meetings in Vientiane, Laos.

EDCA to be fully implemented During the joint conference with Kerry, Yasay affirmed the full implementation of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), an agreement “envisioned to advance the implementation of the PH-US Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT).� “I assured Secretary Kerry that we will help, that we will pursue our planning process for a full implementation of EDCA,�

Yasay said.

He noted that EDCA will help in preparation related to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations and at the same time, contribute to the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) modernization efforts. “The US-Philippines mutual defense treaty has been a cornerstone of security in the region for decades,� Kerry added.

According to the Kerry, EDCA allows the United States to provide rapid assistance to the Philippines in the event of emergency because it enables the preposition humanitarian relief supplies, stating the Typhoon Yolanda (International name: Haiyan) response as an example.

EDCA was signed in 2014 during US President Barack Obama’s visit in Manila.

US on South China Sea dispute Regarding the maritime disputes involving South China Sea, Kerry affirmed that the United

States were ‘not claimants’. “The United States does not take a position on a competing sovereignty claims to the land features of South China Sea but we do take a strong position on protecting the rights, the freedoms, and lawful uses of air and sea space as defined by International law,� he stated.

At the same time, Kerry urged all claimants to exercise restraints and work to reduce tensions, hoping matters will be resolved in a peacefully. “We hope to see a process that will narrow the geographic scope of the maritime disputes, set standards for behaviour in contested areas, lead to mutually acceptable solutions, perhaps even a series of confidence-building steps,� he added.

Yasay thanked the US government for its statement of support for the arbitration decision and its call for restraint by all parties.

communist groups in the Southern Philippines to respond in kind.

However, the unilateral ceasefire did not include protection for elements of the jihadist Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) to the terms of the ceasefire. “Our country continues to be confronted with internal security threats aggravated by the existence and activities of the terrorist group Abu Sayyaf,� said Duterte.�The full force of the AFP will be applied to crush these criminals who operate under the guise of religious fervor.�

The president said his administration would work to improve ties with its neighbors, Indonesia and Malaysia, and enact anti-terror and cyber-crime programs to bring an end to ASG kidnappings and attacks that have plagued trading and fishing vessels in the South Pacific for decades.

Duterte also doubled down on promises he made during his campaign to stem corruption, crime and the illegal drug trade in the Philippines, and said he would establish an inter-agency committee to coordinate efforts against the spread or drug trafficking and addiction. “The fight against criminality and illegal drugs and corruption will be relentless and sustained,� promised Duterte on Monday. “ We will not stop until the last drug lord, the last financier, and the last pusher have surrendered or been put behind bars or below the ground, if they so wish,�said the president, eliciting a hail of applause.

He said he would hasten National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) investigations of police officers with alleged links to the drug trade, and warned that there were still “big fish� in the government collaborating with criminals. The president promised increased scrutiny of members of the Philippine National

MINDANAO TRIUMVIRATE. President Rodrigo Duterte delivers his first State of the Nation Address (SONA). Mr. Duterte, Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III (top left) and Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez—the country’s top three elected officials—are all from Mindanao, a first in the country’s history.

Inquirer.net photo by Joan Bondoc

Police (PNP) both on and off duty.

Duterte said his administration would also focus on rehabilitating people suffering from addiction, in addition to punishing those who profit from it. He announced he would convert some AFP military camps into addiction recovery centers and employ reserve soldiers to perform outreach on government services.

While the President laid out plans to help addicts find treatment, he expressed indifference towards widely circulated photographs of a crying woman, Jennelyn Olaires, cradling the body of her partner, Michael Siaron, a pedicab driver and alleged drug dealer who was killed by unidentified gunmen in Pasay on Saturday, July, 23. “Eh yan yang mga yan magda-dramahan tayo dito (this [just] creates drama for us), said Duterte during an unscripted portion of his address. “We have millions of people to see that they are healthy. It’s a question of drugs, it’s a question of public interest, public order. Kita mo, lesser crime (What you see here is a lesser crime).�

A growing number of alleged drug pushers killed by police, as well as instances of apparent vigilantism following Duterte’s election have drawn concern from human rights groups and the Catholic Church. Partly in

response to their criticisms, the president said that human rights ought to “uplift human dignity,� rather than act as “shield or excuse to destroy the country.�

In order to improve the welfare and opportunities of Filipinos, Duterte said he would promote reproductive rights so couples could better manage the costs and challenges of starting a family. He also intends to implement policies to entice foreign investment, support entrepreneurship in rural areas, and promote the development of infrastructure and agriculture. In addition, Duterte promised to preserve the Philippines’ natural resources and environment by cracking down on illegal fishing, mining and logging operations.

Duterte also reiterated his intention to empower Philippine communities at the local level by moving towards a federalist system of government. He announced that the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) is currently exploring partnerships and possibilities with a variety of civic and faithbased organizations. “Punta muna ako dito ha, itong federalism. Ewan ko kung tama.

(I’m the first to go there, this federalism. I don’t know if it’s right,� admitted Duterte. However, “we cannot move forward if we allow the past to pull us back,� according to the President.

Ombudsman leads...

PAGE A1 promoting by her example of incorruptibility, diligence, vision and leadership, the highest ethical standards in public service,� the RMAF said in a statement.

She “raised the independence and quality of the OMB’s fact-finding investigations, evidence buildup, prosecution strategies and case management to ensure that meritorious cases are not sabotaged, withdrawn or dismissed.

She is, quite simply, an inspiring public servant,� RMAF added.

Morales was appointed by former president Benigno Aquino III in 2011.

From her appointment until 2015, the conviction rate of cases

handled by the OMB before the Sandiganbayan rose from 33.3 percent to 74.5 percent, the foundation said.

Morales also prioritized the filing of cases against high-ranking officials, sending a strong signal that OMB is earnest in its anti-corruption campaign, the foundation added.

The OMB recently filed corruption charges before the Sandiganbayan against former vice president Jejomar Binay over the alleged overpriced Makati Parking Building.

The foundation also said Morales is the first ombudsman to use the waiver in the statement of assets, PAGE A4

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Dateline USa

Democratic VP nominee Tim Kaine: an AAPI advocate

by Klarize

Medenilla AJPress

THE announcement of Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Virginia) as Hillary Clinton’s running mate was met with mixed reactions.

Critics felt the generally unknown junior senator was an underwhelming pick for the high profile Democratic presidential nominee, and numerous headlines called Kaine “boring,” a label which the VP candidate has embraced.

Meanwhile, proponents felt it was a “safe” choice and the progressive senator’s largely uncontroversial political career would be advantageous for Clinton.

His connection with the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community fits in with Clinton’s campaign and her call for diversity. During his Senate race, Kaine garnered nearly 72 percent of Virginia’s AAPI voters, according to exit polls from the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF).

When Clinton announced Kaine as her running mate, Asian American delegate Steven Yeung from Virginia told NBC News that he supports the pick and thinks the senator can provide a stark contrast to the current political atmosphere.

“He honestly is a very normal guy, compared to the race that we’re having now with all the drama everywhere,” Yeung said

of the senator from Virginia, which touts the ninth largest Filipino-American population in the country.

Kaine was one of the three members of Congress who pushed to award Filipino World War II (WWII) veterans the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest honor for civilians. “[The] bill awarding Filipino WWII veterans a Congressional Gold Medal has passed in the Senate! Glad we are finally honoring their sacrifice,” Kaine tweeted on Friday, July 15 when the bill was passed.

Kaine was also a part of the team that announced the implementation of the long-awaited Filipino WWII Veterans Parole (FWVP) program that allows family members of veterans to come to the U.S. through immigration parole. The FWVP program was implemented on Thursday, June 9.

“For too many years, Filipino veterans who fought valiantly alongside the United States in World War II – including many who call Virginia home – have been waiting for the promise of reunification with their families to be fulfilled,” Kaine said in a statement.

In 2015, Kaine held a discussion with Asian American business owners in his home state in which he listened to their concerns on health care, the economy and immigration, according to the Roanoke Free Press.

At the roundtable, he said that he advocates raising the minimum wage, albeit gradually rather than in large, immediate upturns that negatively affect small businesses.

In January, he spoke at a launching of a super PAC called AAPI Victory Fund, which seeks to improve political engagement and voting among AAPI voters.

Asian Americans have the lowest voter turnout among other ethnic subgroups, according to data from the U.S. Census.

“The AAPI population is growing fast in Virginia and its members are enriching communities all across the Commonwealth,” Kaine said at the event. “I am happy to join this effort to expand AAPI political participation in voting and running for office nationwide.”

Like Clinton, Kaine’s stances on immigration coincide with the ideas that President Barack Obama has put on the table.

A supporter for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA), Kaine signed an amicus brief – or an impartial witness’s testimony – with other senators in support of the programs in the recently tied U.S. v. Texas Supreme Court case.

When the Supreme Court tied on the case, Kaine released a statement denouncing the split PAGE A4

Roach not surprised with Pacquiao return...

PAGE A1 ready knew, this isn’t a surprise to me,” the multi-titled trainer added.

Now a Philippine senator, Pacquiao will reportedly step on the ring again on November 5, with his promoter Bob Arum already booking the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas as the venue.

Roach, for his part, welcomes the schedule.

“This is a little bit sooner than I thought but the thing is, we like that date,” he continued.

No opponent has been announced, although unified WBC Manny Pacquiao and Freddie Roach Photo by Troi Santos and WBO super lightweight champion Terence Crawford Crawford routed Viktor Post- a strong case for a showdown is a strong candidate for Pac- ol, who incidentally was trained with Pacquiao. (Dino Maragay/ quiao.

by Roach, last Sunday to make Philstar.com)

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • JULy 28-AUGUSt 3, 2016

A

Fil-Am aide of Tim Kaine and former...

PAGE A1 ing representative of this office, enthusiastic servant of the people of Northern Virginia, and admired colleague by all who worked with him. We will remember him by his positive energy, tireless work ethic, and infectious smile.”

“We are all saddened and overcome with grief,” said NaFFAA National Chair JT Mallonga. “Joe personified NaFFAA’s aspirations for community empowerment, which he demonstrated in ways that are admirable and inspiring.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones.”

Montano served as NaFFAA’s Executive Director from 20002002. During his tenure, he coordinated NaFFAA’s FilAm Vote, a nationwide voter mobilization program that involved extensive outreach to Filipino American communities and student campuses across the country.

“Joe enjoyed organizing getout-the-vote campaigns, especially among the youth, always reminding them to be engaged and let their voices be heard, loud and clear,” recalled Gloria T. Caoile, NaFFAA’s founding director of FilAm Vote. “In the trenches, one could not help but feel his energy. He lived his life to empower the disenfranchised and marginalized and to create pathways for many!”

Fighting for Filipino veterans Steven Raga, NaFFAA Regional Youth Director, also recalled how Montano inspired him the first time he attended a Filipino Intercollegiate Networking Dialogue (FIND) conference: “Joe patiently broke down the importance of the FilVets Full Equity campaign, how critical it is for students to take part in greater community advocacy, and the principle of fighting for those who fought for you.

I’ve forgotten many of my FIND experiences, but I won’t forget that. Joe gave me and countless others that initial clarity and motivation to put community before ourselves.”

Proud of his father who served in the U.S. Navy, Montano took up the cause of Filipino World War II veterans “with dedication and zealous commitment,” said NaFFAA National Chair Emeritus Loida Nicolas Lewis. “Joe’s enthusiasm was infectious when he walked the halls of Congress or marched with our veterans on the streets. He always knew what was at stake.”

At NaFFAA’s founding conference in August 1997, Montano was among the youth leaders who

Joe Montano was among a group of leaders who convened a youth summit in August 2006 to develop strategies for community engagement.

Photo by Jon Melegrito

Posing for a photograph after a White House briefing are (from right) Joe Montano, Mike Reyes, U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA), Bing Branigin and Ceritos Mayor Mark Pulido.

Photo by Jon Melegrito

Photo courtesy of Allan L. Bergano

rallied the community to march to the White House and support the Filipino Veterans’ demand for equity and justice. The Rescission Acts passed by Congress in 1946 stripped them of their rightful benefits.

Because he was “a tireless advocate for issues of concern to both the Filipino American and AAPI communities, we all feel the impact of his loss,” pointed out Sonny Busa, Chairman of the Philippine American Foundation for Charities (PAFC) and a regional director of the Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education

Project (FilVetREP).

Passion for politics Charmaine Manansala, the 2008 Obama Campaign AAPI Vote Director, described Montano as “a giant in the Fil-Am community, a strong organizer in Virginia politics, and a mentor to many young Fil-Am up and comers. Our community shines a little less bright today but let’s continue the work that Joe loved so well.”

As NaFFAA Executive Director, Montano represented the organization in Washington’s policy-making circles, working in PAGE A4

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Dateline USa

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ASEAN fails to compromise on South China Sea ruling

by Klarize

Medenilla AJPress

SENATE OFFICERS: Newly installed Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III (right) shakes the hand of former Senate President Franklin M. Drilon who was elected as Senate President Pro Tempore during the opening of the first regular session of the 17th Congress, Monday, July 25. Also in photo is Drilon’s wife, Mila.

Senate photo by Romeo Bugante

Clinton’s historic nomination energizes...

PAGE A2 country.”

Fil-Ams here asserted that the Democratic Party is more inclusive and addresses issues relevant to the community.

“It’s about family, unity, coming together and being really progressive. We stand on the backs of our immigrant parents. We are there to fight for immigrant rights, equitable pay, education -- that’s what Filipinos and Democrats stand for,” Reynosa said.

Joshua Price, a Fil-Am delegate from Little Rock, Arkansas, said that being a part of the Democratic Party “is the only way to go if you want to have a voice in politics.”

“For Filipinos, [identifying] as a Democrat is the really the only

PAGE A3

option. I attended an event that said 30 percent of Filipinos said they don’t know if they identify as Democrats or Republicans,” he said. “To me, that just shows that Filipinos need to be educated on the issues, which affect them, and the stances of the parties.”

Leading up to November, members of Fil-Ams for Hillary are mobilizing efforts to get FilAm communities across the country to register to vote and look at the issues that affect them, such as the economy, immigration and education.

“The U.S. is where we live and are raising our children, so it’s important for Filipinos here to get involved with politics, not just in the Philippines. Here is where

things are happening and that will influence our country back home,” Barrios said.

Another significant win for the Fil-Am community was the mention of labor leader Larry Itliong in the Democratic Party platform.

“And we know that our nation’s long struggle with race is far from over. More than half a century after Rosa Parks sat and Dr. King marched and John Lewis bled, more than half a century after César Chávez, Dolores Huerta, and Larry Itliong organized, race still plays a significant role in determining who gets ahead in America and who gets left behind.

We must face that reality and we must fix it,” part of the preamble reads.

Democratic VP nominee Tim Kaine...

decision, calling it a “setback” for families across the country. He cited the Republican Party’s “destructive” blockade on President Barack Obama’s nomination of Democrat Merrick Garland to fill the vacant seat on the bench which would have prevented a tie.

“President Obama made a decision to ensure law abiding families will not be torn apart because of Congress’ refusal to address our broken immigration system, and I will continue to do everything I can to support this effort,” he said in the statement

released on Thursday, June 23.

“It is a sad day when one branch of government believes it can gain political advantage by undermining another branch.

If nothing else, the Republican blockade on the Court could show all Americans what’s truly at stake in November.”

Apart from countering Clinton’s celebrity stature, Kaine serves the crucial swing state of Virginia which Clinton won by 64.3 percent during the primaries.

Kaine became the junior senator of Virginia in 2012, but before

that he served as the chair of the Democratic National Committee from 2009-2011. He served as Virginia’s governor from 20062010 and lieutenant governor from 2002-2006, and before that he was mayor of Richmond from 1998-2001.

However, one significant thing about Kaine is that he has a perfect election record.

“I’ve never lost an election,” he said during Clinton’s VP announcement on Thursday, July 22 in Florida. “I’m not about to let that change.” (Klarize Medenilla / AJ Press)

ON Sunday, July 24, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) failed to come to a consensus on conflicts in the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea) during a conference in the Laotian capital of Vientiane.

Foreign ministers of the Philippines and Vietnam urged their ASEAN counterparts to cite the July 12 ruling in favor of the Philippines and the importance of abiding by international law in each of their statements, which are issued after each meeting.

Cambodia, China’s closest ally, failed to mention the ruling against China in their statements, according to the diplomats. Before the meeting, Cambodia argued against the wording in the statement which established a deadlock in the dispute.

This is ASEAN’s first deadlock since 2012, which was also had

to do with Cambodia’s opposition to language regarding the South China Sea. “We have been here before, and I hope they can solve it,” an official from the Indonesian ASEAN Secretariat told Reuters. “It is the same story again, a repeat of the meeting in 2012.”

This was the first time the foreign ministers from ASEAN – which is comprised of 10 nations – have met since the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines on July 12. The ruling denied Beijing’s argument that it has sole possession of the waters. In response to the ruling, Beijing said it made no difference to its rights to the sea and its resources.

An ASEAN diplomat told Reuters that the group has until Tuesday, July 26, to come to a compromise on the statement. If not, it would be the second time the group has been unable to send out a state-

ment in its 49-year existence.

On Monday, July 25, the ASEAN and China said they agreed to avoid actions that would escalate the conflicts with the waters. This includes from eschewing from attempts to take over uninhabited features in the South China Sea, according to a joint statement released.

ASEAN will meet with Wang Yi, foreign minister of China and United States Secretary John Kerry to discuss the South China Sea. Kerry was in Vientiane on July 25 to participate in the ASEAN talks and urge the divisive Southeast Asian nations to come to an agreement.

On Tuesday, Kerry said he would urge the Philippines to continue talks with China regarding the sea.

He added that it was time for the U.S. to “move away from public tensions and turn the page” over the disputes and handle conflicts with peace and diplomacy.

Filipino charged with sexual battery in Glendale POLICE in Glendale, California charged 28-year-old Jose Paolo Baroma with two counts of misdemeanor sexual battery on Wednesday, July 20, for allegedly groping the buttocks of underage students on two separate occasions at Glendale High School.

Surveillance footage recorded at the school from Tuesday, July 12, and Friday, July 15, show a man resembling Baroma sneaking up behind victims and fondling them. The man in the video is subsequently seen running away and into the passenger side

of a white BMW. After interviewing the suspect, officers believe he acted alone and did not have a getaway driver, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Two separate people called in with information that led officers to Baroma, who is described as Filipino, after images from the video were released to the public.

He has no prior criminal record, according to Sgt. Robert William of the Glendale Police Department.

Officers arrested Baroma at

his residence in Glendale at about 4:40 p.m. on Wednesday.

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department records show that he was booked at the Glendale Police department and released at 11:30 p.m. after posting a $50,000 bail.

He is scheduled to appear at the Glendale Municipal Courthouse on the morning of Friday, July 22. If convicted, Baroma could spend up to two years behind bars, and face as much as $4,000 in fines. (By Eric Anthony Licas/AJPress)

At least 84 dead in Syria from US-led airstrikes Kurdish and Arab military forces called the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

ACCORDING to reports, UnitIt’s unclear whether the aired States-led air strikes targeting strikes were conducted by the areas in Syria occupied by the coalition, but the U.S. military reIslamic State (ISIS) have killed leased a statement on Tuesday, scores of civilians on Tuesday, July 19 that said American warJuly 19. planes conducted 18 airstrikes in The Syrian Observatory for Hu- the last 24 hours around Manbij. man Rights reported that at least The city is considered an essen56 civilians died, including 11 tial supply stop between Raqqa children. The Syrian Institute for and Turkey and has seen an upJustice based in Turkey said that surge of violence since military a total of at least 85 people died, forces entered the city in June. saying that the strikes wiped out A separate statement said that entire families. the SDF had secured the ISIS The air strikes occurred in the headquarters in Manbij. city of Manbij in northern Syria.

Secretary of Defense Ash Carter They are believed to be conduct- said that the coalition will investied by a U.S.-backed coalition of gate the deaths of the dozens of

by Klarize

Medenilla AJPress

Ombudsman leads...

PAGE A2 liabilities and net worth – which is required of government officials and employees – as basis to secure bank records in impeaching one of the country’s highest officials.

The RMAF was apparently referring to the impeachment of the late chief justice Renato Corona in May 2012.

Morales expressed gratitude to the RMAF for choosing her as an awardee.

“In choosing me as an awardee,

the foundation is also honoring the men and women of the Office of the Ombudsman who have faithfully toiled and persevered with me in our shared commitment to excise the cancer of corruption that has afflicted our country for decades,” she said in a statement.

“As family and colleagues celebrate with me this recognition, I am fully aware that this fight remains a challenging one. Every day we continue to deal with inadequacies in the justice system and vestiges

civilians mistaken for jihadists.

“I want to say that we’re aware of the reports of civilian casualties that may be related to recent coalition airstrikes near Manbij city in Syria, which is one of the last junctions connecting Raqqa to the outside world,” Carter said at a press conference in Washington. “Being scrupulously careful to avoid civilian casualties and being transparent about this issue is a reflection of the civilized nature of this coalition.”

The attack has been considered the deadliest attack since the U.S. began its campaign to eliminate ISIS. Since June, coalition airstrikes have left more than 100 civilians dead, according to a CNN report. n of entitlement among powerful individuals,” she added.

She said the RMAF’s affirmation of the OMB’s work gives her and her co-workers “added inspiration and encouragement to carry on and remain focused, undaunted by those who persist in not only plundering public funds but, more seriously, destroying our moral fabric as a people.”

Aside from Morales, other awardees of the Ramon Magsaysay Award include Bezwada Wilson and Thodur Madabusi Krishna from India, Dompet Dhuafa from Indonesia,

Fil-Am aide of Tim Kaine and former...

PAGE A3 coalition with other AAPI leaders on such issues as comprehensive immigration reform, hate crimes, workers rights and other civil rights concerns.

“Joe was among the many young people – a new generation of eager activists – who responded in the early 1990s to a call to form Filipino Civil Rights Advocates (FilCRA), a national civil rights organization,” recalled Lillian Galedo, executive director of Filipino Advocates for Justice.

“He shared his passion for political involvement through hard work and humor. (I loved how funny he could be.) He found his niche in electoral politics -- fired up by the election of the first African American President; working tirelessly for liberal and progressive candidates. Joe embodied his generation’s desire to bring the Filipino community to the national political stage.”

Cultural activist During his college days at George Washington University, Montano pursued more than a passing interest in Philippine history, arts and culture. Like many of his contemporaries who were born in the U.S., he wanted to learn as much as he could about

his roots and national heritage.

The Philippine Cultural Society at GWU provided a venue for exploring cultural identity and sharing experiences with other students.

He later availed of further opportunities to learn more by performing in various cultural shows for Tanghalang Pilipino ng DC and taking on various dramatic roles in QBD Ink’s theatrical productions.

QBD Ink director Reme Grefalda remembers Montano’s auspicious start, and how he racked up a variety of roles: as a menacing military goon in “Hacienda the Musical,” as a runaway teen mentored by Rizal in “Oyang Dapitana,” as a member of the firing squad that killed Rizal, and as a member of the tribunal in “In the Matter of Willie Grayson.” Joe the actor also extended to being stage manager, stage hand, and assistant to the producer.

Montano also volunteered with Mabuhay, Inc.’s Camp Mabuhay Project, which endeared him with Filipino children adopted

by American parents. “Joe realized early on that the children need to have role models and to be anchored to their birth culture in their ongoing struggle to define who they are and what they bring

to the table, especially in the context of being Filipino American,” says Mencie Hairston, a founder of Mabuhay. “At camp, you saw several kids hanging on to him and competing for his attention.

Of course, he always managed to be the ‘coolest’ kuya (big brother) in the room.”

Elected officials mourn Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe commended his “passion and boundless enthusiasm,” while U.S. Rep. Don Beyer praised him as “a voice for the people of Northern Virginia” who was “committed to achieving progress through public service. We need more like him, and his death at such a young age fills me with sorrow.”

Rep. Barbara Comstock (R-Va) said in a statement that Montano’s knowledge, energy, and infectious humor and personality were part of his character and charm.

“His engaging style was his strongest quality and he will be missed not only by Team Kaine, as he liked to identify himself as part of, but by my staff who worked closely with him, and the constituency he served,” she said.

Born in Norfolk, VA., Joe is survived by his parents, Lori and Jose Montano, his sister Amy Lopez and brother Ben. (NaFFAA) PACQUIAO MEETS LEGARDA. Senator Manny Pacquiao talks to Senator Loren Legarda during the second day of the 1st Regular Session of the 17th Congress. During the plenary session, the Senate majority elected Pacquiao as the chair of the Senate Committee on Public Works while Legarda will retain the chairmanship of the Senate Finance Committee.

Senate photo by Joseph Vidal

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A

Duterte addresses solutions to Manila traffic woes

pressed that from the current 16 trains, with a total of 48 cars per hour, it will be increased to W i t h t ra f f i c c o n g e s t i o n 20 trains with a total of 60 cars continuously affecting daily per hour. commuters and the Philippine “Specifically for the LRt, the economy negatively, President Rodrigo Duterte laid out his administration’s plan to address the issue during his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 25.

Duterte asked the Congress, led by his allies Senate President Koko Pimentel and Speaker of the house of Representatives Pantaleon Alvarez, for ‘emergency powers’ to solve the crisis immediately. “the worsening traffic situation could be logically addressed, if Congress would also accord emergency powers to the agencies concerned,” he said.

“Kung gusto niyo ng madalian, nasa inyo ‘yan (If you want it to be quick, it’s up to you). if you give it fine, fine. if you don’t we will take the longer route, slowly.”

For people who would worry about graft and corruption, he assured them that “this will be a clean government.”

Duterte also pointed out the revival of the operation of the Pasig River Ferry Service System as another option for the severe traffic congestion in Metro Manila. it will serve as an alternative mode of transportation for passengers coming from the east side of Metro, to reach specific destinations within the cities of Manila, Mandaluyong, Pasig, taguig, Marikina and Quezon City. he also noted the intensification of anti-colorum campaign and out-of-line apprehension, including the removal of terminals, stressing that this will be done immediately. “to address lack of road infrastructure in Metro Manila, usage of existing roads will be maximized. thus, there is a need to cooperate and coordinate with LGUs to map out secondary routes and to consult various stakeholders, including the public transport operators,” he added.

Regarding the passenger capacity congestion, Duterte exby dAnA

m. sioson

AJPress

LA PIETA. Jennelyn Olaires holds her partner and alleged drug pusher Michael Siaron 30, a pedicab driver, who was shot and killed by unidentified riding in tandem suspects along LRT Pasay Rotonda, Edsa on Friday, July 22. There has been a surge in the killing of suspected criminals after President Rodrigo Duterte took his oath of office on June 30, 2016 and declared war on crime.

Inquirer.net photo by Raffy Lerma

Duterte signs executive order for FOI bill

by Joseph

Almer B. pedrAJAs AJPress

MANiLA—Faster than expected, President Rodrigo Duterte has signed a landmark executive order (EO) for the Freedom of information (FOi) bill last Saturday, July 23, mandating all government offices under executive branches to make their transactions transparent to the public. in less than a month, the president was able to grant the public’s request to have access to government files and transactions, which had been pending for 29 years.

Communications Secretary Martin Andanar announced the signing on Sunday, July 24, in a press conference and boasted that “it is already a record-breaking speed of a cornerstone, a milestone, or a landmark executive order being signed.” the said EO will be entitled “Operationalizing in the Executive Branch the People’s Constitutional Right to information and the State Policies of Full Public Disclosure and transparency in the Public Service.” it is yet to be updated as the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) are still making the order’s exceptions.

According to Andanar, the order states that every Filipino, upon formal request and requirements, shall have access to information,

records, and documents to official government transactions as well as research data.

“Abangan nyo po, asahan nyo po na yung mga impormasyon tulad ng kontrata kung saan napupunta yung pondo ng bayan (Please expect that you will be informed on how the public funds are spent),” he added. the FOi covers all government offices under the executive branch including departments, bureaus and instrumentalities. it will also be implemented in state-run firms, universities and colleges. it will include SALNs and lifestyle checks of executive officials and legislators, in accordance with existing laws, rules and regulations, and in case, from the letter of the order.

Also, the public should expect that the request should be granted or denied within 15 days only.

Andanar said that those who fail to comply or refuse to disclose information will be penalized with administrative cases. the period of response may just be extended depending on tolerable circumstances.

Meanwhile, government officials who will receive requests are required to provide free “reasonable assistance” to all requesting parties. however, although the order gives access to the public, there are

still exceptions and chances that the request might be denied. the EO can restrict and deny the request if the information sought “falls under any of the exception enshrined in the constitution existing law or jurisprudence.”

Within 30 days from the effectivity of the order, DOJ and OSG must provide a list of exceptions that will be submitted to the Office of the President. they will serve as deciding bodies on complicated requests, and should ensure that the information asked will not affect national security. the order defined “information” as “records, documents, papers, reports, letters, contracts, minutes and transcripts of official meetings, maps, books, photographs, data, research materials, sound and video recording, magnetic or other tapes, electronic data, computer stored data or other like or similar data or materials, recorded stored archived or whatever format.”

Not complete, but a start Since the EO only covers government agencies under the executive branch, Senator Grace Poe, sponsor of the FOi bill in the 16th Congress, said that “law is still needed to institutionalize the freedom of information.”

On twitter Poe posted, “Simply put, EOs are most often regarded PAGE A7

operating hours shall be extended from 9:30 to 10:30 p.m. And to absorb more passengers, delays in the procurement of additional trains shall be addressed soonest,” he noted.

A

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OpiniOn

Features

Promises

IN his 98-minute speech on Monday, July 25, Pres. Rodrigo Duterte made his administration’s agenda clear in his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) before the joint session of the 17th Congress at the Batasang Pambansa, Quezon City.

What was supposed to be a rehearsed 38-minute delivery in english, extended as Duterte opened his speech with informality at the outset. he congratulated fellow Mindanaoans, Senate President Koko Pimentel and Speaker of the house Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez, for securing the top seats in Congress. This makes all three of the country’s top elected officials from Mindanao—a first in Philippine history.

“We cannot move forward if we allow the past to pull us back. Finger-pointing is not the way.

That is why I will not waste precious time dwelling on the sins of the past or blaming those who are perceived to be responsible for the mess that we are in and suffering from,” the President said as he proceeded with his SONA. Duterte vowed to “extract a lesson or two from its errors, we will not tarry because it is the present that we are concerned with and the future that we should be prepared for.”

Prior to his first SONA, Duterte was already facing political roadblocks and jeers from his critics following a recent spate of killings in relation to his government’s anti-drug campaign.

“During my inauguration last June 30, 2016, I said that the fight against criminality and illegal drugs and corruption will be relentless and sustained,” Duterte reiterated. “We will not stop until the last drug lord, the last financier and the last pusher have surrendered or are put, either behind bars or below the ground, if they so wish.”

The President also promised a “a human approach to development and governance” to improve the “people’s welfare in the areas of health, education, adequate food and water, housing, environmental preservation, and respect for culture.”

Duterte then proceeded to deliver a detailed report on how intends to deliver the change he has promised, a positive transformation for the country within his administration. he also gave a stern warning to intransigent government officials and erring agencies to not hamper his goal of an inclusive growth: until his regime is over, more heads will roll and will be held accountable.

The President has prepared the groundwork.

But, there is more to be done. The lasting solution for this country’s problems must come from within. From an individual’s sense of responsibility, each family’s structure, and the community’s sense of togetherness.

“While the government is always ready to help you, you must first help yourself. We cannot legislate financial and economic progress for you. It is you and you alone who can do that. You can chart your fate, but do it within constitutional and legal means,” Duterte said.

“We are imbued with resiliency that has been tested and proven. More difficult times As in the past. We have a bond to act together. We have to help each other. For then and only then can we truly prevail. And the Filipino, disciplined, in-

Editorial

ManilaTimes.net photo

formed, involved, shall rise from the rubbles of sorrow and pain. So that all the mirrors in the world will reflect the face of a passion that has changed this land,” Duterte said as he ended his speech.

In the past administrations, Filipinos were generally disappointed when most promises comprised in the past leaders’ SONA, never saw the light. But in the current government assessment, the nation achieved within the first month: intensified anti-drug campaign, reforms in budget processes, reduced prospects for corruption, in-

creased public vigilance to daunt and defy commission of graft, and improved meritocracy in the public service.

By utilizing this opportunity to speak to the nation and the world, Duterte has captured the real essence of SONA. he was able to go beyond political party divides by highlighting predicaments challenging the country, and instigating policy initiatives to tackle such challenges.

With six years still ahead for Duterte’s presidency, more tangible and reliable results of his leadership are yet to be seen. (AJPress)

Post-convention goal: How to unite the parties after a contentious primary election The fierce and contentious debates, criticisms and attacks among candidates of both parties and their supporters in the age of a 24/7 news and social media cycle present a very real challenge for both the Democratic and Republican parties: how to unite their voters who supported different candidates during the primary season and rally behind the party’s nominee.

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has found himself embroiled in this problem, with no less than the party bigwigs like the Bushes, former presidential candidate Sen. John McCain, former presidential candidates Ted Cruz and John Kasich, among many others — refusing to give in and endorse him.

The same is the challenge faced by the Democratic Party, after the heated battle

between hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders. The Fil-Am After the Republican National Convention, Perspective Trump overtook Clinton in the polls, and this just underscores how much the Democratic nominee needs Gel SantoS-ReloS the help of the party, and especially of her rival Sanders, to make sure the supporters of his political movement/revolution — all very passionate about Sanders — unite together with Clinton supporters, campaign for her and make sure she defeats Trump in November.

The task to persuade his supporters became even more challenging after the Wikileaks report revealed what Sand-

ers’ camp felt all along — that the Democratic Party establishment had been undermining the Sanders campaign and favoring Clinton.

During the first day of the Democratic National Convention, Sanders talked to his followers, many of whom were crying as he spoke, and made his case as to why they should rally behind Clinton. With the powerful convention speeches of First Lady Michelle Obama, Sen. elizabeth Warren, Pres. Barack Obama, and former Pres.

Bill Clinton, Sanders communicated this message to help unite the party and elect Clinton to be the next president of the United States.

Here are the excepts: “We have begun a political revolution to transform America and that revolution – our revolution – continues. Election days come and go...But the struggle of the people to create a government which represents all of us and not just the one percent – a government based on the principles of economic, social, racial and environmental justice – that struggle continues. And I look forward to being part of that struggle with you.

This election is not about, and has never been about, Hillary Clinton, or Donald Trump, or Bernie Sanders or any of the other candidates who sought the presidency...

This election is about – and must be about – the needs of the American people and the kind of future we create for our

children and grandchildren....

We need leadership in this country which will improve the lives of working families, the children, the elderly, the sick and the poor. We need leadership which brings our people together and makes us stronger – not leadership which insults Latinos, Muslims, women, African-Americans and veterans – and divides us up...

By these measures, Hillary Clinton must become the next president of the United States. The choice is not even close.” *** 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

Winning the South China Sea battle Reclaiming Spratlys won’t happen in our lifetime Community Voice Faith BautiSta and JeFF “nino” lim MORe than two weeks have elapsed since the international tribunal from the hague unanimously decided in favor of the Philippines in the South China sea dispute with China.

Much credit for the Philippine victory goes to former President Benigno Aquino who initiated the dispute at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in 2013. Recent developments in China, including from its President Xi Jinping, demonstrate that this victory could be meaningless and possibly counterproductive. however, President Rodrigo Duterte, in reaching out to the communist rebels in Mindano, and in urging alternatives to military action could pave the way for a bloodless military victory As Filipino American nonprofit and business leaders who are deeply concerned about the economic, military, and political future of the Philippines, we believe that there is strong and growing sentiment for alternative peaceful solutions. Specifically, President Duterte should continue reaching out to China while avoiding a non-ultimatum effort to achieve what no international judicial decision is likely to achieve.

In negotiating with China, President Duterte’s objectives should be to develop long-term economic and political relationships with China that minimize the importance of the South China Sea disputes. For example, the Philippines and China theoretically should be strong economic and trade partners. China wishes, for example, to readily maintain its position as the second largest economic power in the world, and possibly within a generation to be as powerful as the U.S. The Philippines, in contrast, wishes to move from near the bottom of Asian nations in economic power to near the top, as befits an increasingly welleducated population.

Therefore, both nations should develop a list of mutually beneficial economic objectives, including preferential trade agreements that can achieve these mutual objectives only through peaceful measures.

Some argue that the U.S. would prefer that the Philippines rely solely on the U.S. for military protection and primarily on the U.S. for economic relationships. This is a strategy that could backfire, specifically for 110 million Filipinos who no longer wish to be pawns in a “cold war” stand-off between the two largest military giants in the world, China and the U.S. Increasingly Filipinos want their great nation to be able to effectively compete in the near future with China, Japan, Vietnam, and other increasingly strong and independent Asian nations.

They want to compete in eco-

nomic development, job creation, international trade, and in independence from the agenda of any other nation, even when its agenda appears benign.

To support President Duterte in his efforts for long-term peaceful resolutions with China, we urge as a first step that America’s four million Filipino Americans follow in part the longstanding principles of America’s five million Jews in generally supporting Israel’s independence. Specifically, we urge the formation of a Committee of 25 representative Filipino Americans who will generate support for President Duterte’s peaceful efforts. This is essential despite the clamor of some that he declare a legal victory over China and seek to enforce what we believe to be an elusive gambit.

Our dream and expectations are that under President Duterte’s leadership that we follow peaceful and patient practices while maintaining both the U.S. and China as major allies who strongly compete for our allegiance and respect. Should this occur, the Philippines will no longer be faced with being ignored, both in Asia and throughout the world.

We have the ability and the potential, particularly in a world where both China and Japan are desperately seeking to find new workers in the future, to be one of Asia’s strongest nations and economies. And we can do so without military aggression or engaging in unnecessary verbal assaults and challenges.

Street Talk GReG B. macaBenta LAST July 12 my wife and I joined a demonstration outside the Chinese consulate in San Francisco to add to the loud voices demanding that China vacate the areas in the South China Sea over which the Philippines has “sovereign rights,” based on the decision handed down that day by the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in the hague.

The demonstration was organized by US Pinoys for Good Governance, a national organization in America that was among the very first to protest China’s occupation of areas in the Spratlys claimed by the Philippines, based on the provisions of United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The July 12 demonstration was a symbolic serving of an eviction notice on China.

The PCA decision, based on a suit filed by the Philippine government, dismissed as lacking in merit China’s supposedly historic rights over the contested territory.

According to USPGG, the basis of that claim, expressed as a “ninedot-line” encompassing most of the South China Sea, is as valid as if the descendants of Genghis Khan were to claim sovereignty over territories that once constituted the Mongol empire.

To be blunt about it, the PCA,

in effect, told China to stuff its nine-dot-line thesis up its behind.

Doubtless, that decision made China lose face – something that Asians place a lot of importance on – and it gave us, the demonstrators, a great deal of psychic pleasure.

According to those who claim deeper insights on the controversy, that’s about all that the Philippines can hope to achieve in the wake of the PCA decision.

The skeptics have scoffed at the Philippines’ mice-like attempts to contend with the gigantic Chinese dragon, asserting that the millions of dollars paid to the international lawyers to argue the Philippine case could have been put to much better use. They have echoed the Chinese line that the PCA decision was written on a useless scrap of paper which Beijing will never honor and no country is capable of enforcing anyway, much less the Philippines.

According to the skeptics, our puny military would be blown away by the Chinese in a day. But those who subscribe to Pinoy machismo insist that it’s better to go down fighting than to allow invaders to trample our sacred shores, to paraphrase the original english lyrics of the Philippine national anthem The Tagalog lyrics are even more explicit: “Aming ligaya na pag may mangaapi ang mamatay ng dahil sa iyo.”

Of course, some of that machismo is based on the hope that, when push comes to shove, the United States will come to the aid of its long-time ally and cut off the tail of the dragon. They are basing this hope on treaties and pub-

lic declarations of firm support by American officialdom.

At this, the skeptics – specifically those on the Left – are quick to point out America will not necessarily defend the Philippines unless its own interests are jeopardized. They also point out, quite rightly, that China has been – and will continue to be – very careful in treading lightly around US economic, political and military interests, so as not to unduly upset Uncle Sam. In fact, they point out that America has also been tiptoeing around China’s interests and has been careful not to knock off the chip on China’s shoulder. For this reason, US and Chinese military brass have been in constant “consultations” to make sure that no one pulls a trigger unnecessarily.

On the other hand, the US has ostensibly been using the Philippines to keep China off balance, embarrass it before the international community and continue to make it lose face, while claiming to maintain a neutral position on the dispute. Apparently China also thinks so, having accused the US of manipulating the PCA in deciding against China.

Those who consider themselves pragmatists insist that the most realistic approach to the problem is to agree – or offer – to exploit the oil and natural gas resources of the area, using Chinese funds and technology. Our country could thus derive benefits from them, rather than none at all. It’s the classic half-a-loaf approach.

They believe that this is a win-win approach.

PAGE A7

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

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A

Duterte signs executive order for FOI bill Smartmatic admitted secret servers, says Marcos camp PAGE A5

as internal or simply within the confines of the executive department at the most.”

She also added that since other branches of government are not covered, it is important to have a law in place to assure that if anyone is caught violating the punishment will commensurate the crime. “It should be heavy to there’s no way out,” she said in a separate interview with Rappler.

However, Poe, along with a num-

ber of her fellow senators, believe that the order is a good start toward transparency. The next step is to work harder to pass a “full-fledged” FOI law.

Senator Francis Pangilinan explained that their job is not complete, since the EO only covers the executive branch.

“Kailangan pa natin ng batas sa Freedom of Information na sakop ang lahat ng antas ng burukrasya (The executive order covers only the executive branch.

There is still a need for a freedom of information legislation to ensure transparency at all levels of the bureaucracy),” he said in an interview with Rappler Newly-elected Senator Sherwin Gatchalian said, “This will forever institutionalize accessible mechanisms for the free flow of information between government and the People. Personally, I pledge to lobby for the swift passage of a comprehensive and powerful FOI law in the Senate.”

Reclaiming Spratlys won’t happen in...

PAGE A6 However, those who oppose this approach characterize it as lying back and enjoying rape if it is inevitable.

The new government of President Rodrigo Duterte, on the other hand, has swung from resolute self-righteousness (We will not give up an inch of Philippine territory) to downright pragmatism (War with China is out of the question; no way we could win) to being conciliatory (Let’s not gloat over our PCA victory and let’s not make China lose face), to being practical (Why not join hands to develop the area?).

In sum, the Philippine government is unsure of how to handle the situation. Newly-designated Solicitor General Jose Calida tried to state with a straight face that the government is in “in consultation with experts” to determine “the right response at the right time.”

One pundit described the position of the Duterte government as follows: “We will not stand for it. We will not take it sitting down. And we will not take it lying down.”

Duterte’s plan to send former President Fidel V. Ramos to China as a friendly emissary to find a way around the dispute has been described by the same pundits as “giving the impression of doing something while actually doing nothing.” They also warn that Ramos will end up being a scape goat, for failing to gain any concessions from the Chinese, while Duterte will be able to rightly say that “he tried.”

Some months ago, while representatives of the Aquino government, led by then Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, were still arguing its case before the PCA, a group of us in San Francisco managed to get the insights of Consul General Henry Bensurto, Jr. on the dispute with

China. Prior to his posting in San Francisco, Bensurto was part of the Philippine team that filed the arbitration case against China.

He was Assistant Secretary of the West Philippine Sea Center (WPSC) in the Department of Foreign Affairs and SecretaryGeneral of the Commission on Maritime and Ocean Affairs Secretariat (CMOAS), a coordinating body on the Law of the Sea and other maritime concerns.

Like a seasoned diplomat, Bensurto declined to make a definitive statement about the status of the dispute before the arbitral tribunal and any insights that he shared with us on the options of the Philippine government were considered off the record.

But this much we gathered, not necessarily from what Bensurto revealed to us as from what we deduced, based on his insights and ours: 1. US interests are being threatened by China’s aggressiveness in the Spratlys. American involvement, while ostensibly in aid of its ally, the Philippines, as well as other affected friendly Asian nations, will mainly be in order to protect US interests. This is a reality that the Philippines must face. It won’t be for love of Little Brown Brother that America will go to war with China – if it has to - but for Yankee economic, political and military interests. But the Philippines has benefited from having America standing by it – whatever the psudo-nationalists and the Leftists say. Do they think that China would even bother to humor us with an offer of joint exploration if this were not the case?

2. Neither the US nor China is particularly eager to pull the trigger. It’s a colossal game of chicken. China must dutifully rattle its sabers (or lose more face than it already has lost) but it will apply

the tactic that has been variously described as the “cabbage approach” and the “salami-slicing approach,” namely to subtly and progressively assert its dominance of the South China Sea, until the US feels really threatened.

And then, like a sly fox, China will back off and bide its time. Biding its time is what China has been doing in reclaiming its territories.

First Hong Kong. And, eventually, Taiwan. But the end game, if the US and China can help it, will not be war but a détente similar to that arranged between North and South Korea to end the Korean War. Before that happens, the Philippines must watch out for its own interests.

3. The wise thing for the Philippine government to do is not to show its hand. It must sound publicly conciliatory while remaining firm in its position. In the process, allow China to save face, but never be under any illusion that this will gain any concessions from the Chinese. On the other hand, the Philippines should try to extract whatever benefits it can out of a détente with China, fully aware that we are dealing with a sly fox – nay, a snake.

4. In this regard, the Philippines must also learn to play the waiting game, as well as its own version of the salami-slicing approach.

From this perspective, significant gains have already been made in the efforts of the Philippines to assert its sovereignty over its part of the Spratlys. But while patriotic Pinoys may want to commemorate the July 12 PCA “triumph” by annually staging a demonstration outside Chinese embassies and consulates around the world, we should be prepared to teach our children and grandchildren to keep the torch burning.

I I don’t think we can evict the Chinese bully in our lifetime. (gregmacabenta@hotmail.com)

by Perseus

echeminada Philstar.com

MANILA – The camp of former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. expressed elation yesterday over the admission of an official of automated poll service provider Smartmatic that there was not just one but several other servers that existed in the Automated Election System (AES) apart from those sanctioned by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) during the May 9 polls.

Marcos’ spokesman Vic Rodriguez said there was a major breakthrough in the case with the admission of Marlon Garcia, head of the Technical Support Team of Smartmatic, that aside from the three servers sanctioned by the Comelec in the transmission of votes, there also existed a “meet me room” where several servers were placed.

Marcos’ camp earlier revealed the existence of a “fourth server” or “Queue Server” that had been kept secret from the public by both the Comelec and Smartmatic.

“This is a good day for Senator Marcos’ quest for truth because they (Smartmatic) finally admitted

Marcos’ camp earlier revealed the existence of a “fourth server” or “Queue Server” that had been kept secret from the public by both the Comelec and Smartmatic.

the existence of several other servers aside from the three legally authorized servers,” Rodriguez said.

He said that instead of the votes being transmitted directly to the three servers, namely the Municipal Board of Canvassing server, the Comelec server and the Transparency server, the results were first coursed through a Queue server.

He said that this Queue server was not revealed to the public and never subjected to a source code review, unlike the other servers used in the elections, according to Rodriguez.

There were no watchers al-

lowed for the fourth server, he said.

Ever since the camp of Marcos made the disclosure about the existence of the “Queue Server” last May, both the Comelec and Smartmatic have been tight-lipped on its existence.

However, during the clarificatory hearing at the Manila Prosecutor’s Office on the violation of the Cybercrime Law complaint filed by former Abakada representative Jonathan de la Cruz against Smartmatic and Comelec personnel, Garcia admitted that there existed a “meet me room” where several servers were located.

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VEGAS&STYLE Journal

Diversity matters: Filipino-Americans in the Obama Administration

By AJPress

(Part 2 of 2) Last week, the Asian Journal featured part one of Filipinoamericans who are part of the current administration. We are now publishing the second half of this two-part series. the Obama administration has been touted as the most diverse in american history, according to a study made by UC Berkeley. Of the many asian americans and Pacific Islanders in President Barack Eddie Angeles Obama’s administration, there are role jobs. therefore, we lack reprefifteen (15) Filipino-americans sentation in top management posiwho serve in different capacities. tions and lack representation in the these Fil-am appointees have elected ranks of government. We brought not only their skills and lack the kind of “political clout” that expertise to serve the public, but many other minority communities their Filipino heritage as well. possess in government.

What do you see as a large issue facing the Filipino-American community? How is your departAssociate Administrator for ment working to address it?

It is vital to increase the numbers Airports of Filipino-americans in top manDOT/FAA Headquarters agement jobs in government and U.S. Department of Transcorporate america. We must strive portation – Federal Aviation to advocate for greater representaAdministration tion and elect more Filipino-ameriHometown: Los Angeles, CA cans into key government elected offices around the country. as a What influenced you to pursue department senior Executive sera career in government? vice professional, I personally try as an immigrant from the Philip- to provide mentorship to others to pines, I have always wanted to give seek top management positions not back to what this great country has only in the federal government but given to me. therefore, I wanted also aviation industry wide. to dedicate my professional caWhat accomplishment(s) are reer to public service. I had the you most proud of while working great honor to work in the airport in the Obama administration? industry in Los angeles and san It is impossible to point to a Francisco. the Obama administra- single matter I am most proud of tion gave me the unique opportu- accomplishing while working for nity and honor to serve the ameri- the Obama administration. But, can people as the Faa’s associate every time a plane takes off and administrator for airports. lands safely at an airport in our What challenges have you country it is the result of the great faced as a Filipino American work of the men and women at working in government? the Faa. I am deeply proud and I believe combating the precon- honored to have contributed to ceived prejudices that people have that great record of aviation safety about immigrant Filipinos is always during my tenure. However, I want challenging. We are tradition- to highlight that it was during the ally not perceived as leaders but Obama administration that we workers in health care, domestic invested nearly $3 billion in the helpers, and other non-leadership infrastructure improvements of

Eddie Angeles

runway safety areas, and now we have embarked upon a new Runway Incursion Mitigation program to further improve the safety of our nation’s airports.

What is your biggest takeaway from working in this administration?

You should dream big because in this great country of the United states of america anything is possible.

How can more Filipinos and minorities become involved in government (on all levels) and be more civically engaged? start getting involved at the local level in terms of advocacy in schools, city, and state government. then, begin to serve in government with commission appointments, school board elections, and progressively move into higher profile elected offices. It does not take much effort to be civilly engaged. the first step is to make sure to vote in the upcoming November election.

Cezar A. B. Lopez

Senior Advisor Office for Civil Rights U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Hometown: Silver Spring, MD

Cezar A. B. Lopez

What influenced you to pursue a career in government?

My parents. My mom was a social worker and my dad is a retired physician. Despite PAGE B2

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Features

Diversity matters: Filipino-Americans in...

PAGE B1

facing cultural barriers as new immigrants in the 1960s, they emphasized the importance of helping people. When I was growing up, my parents talked a lot about perseverance, faith, history, and current events. I remember my parents reading social justice books to me when I was a kid. I saw by their examples that principled actions and leadership were ways I could help people, particularly someone starting over or in need of a hand or a voice.

What challenges have you faced as a Filipino American working in government?

It can be intimidating when government doesn’t look like America and sometimes it’s scary to speak out against wrongs.

Luckily, when I was in school and when I started working, I was mentored by visionary people who nurtured and emboldened me. And I’ve seen it as a motivation to find something in common with other people, and an opportunity to surprise people, hopefully in a good way, by being a better version of myself each day.

What do you see as a large issue facing the Filipino-American community? How is your department working to address it?

One issue is how to better integrate into and navigate American communities and services such as healthcare and health insurance. I’ve always felt comfortable talking about my health because I’ve been lucky to have a personal physician (my dad) all my life. I’ve come to believe that you shouldn’t have to get lucky to get good healthcare, so it has been a privilege to serve at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which protects the health and well-being of all Americans. My agency, the HHS Office for Civil Rights, promulgates regulations, develops policy, provides technical assistance and education, and works with healthcare providers to ensure they understand and comply with civil rights and health information privacy laws.

What accomplishment(s) are you most proud of while working in the Obama administration?

On a personal level, since joining the Obama administration in 2012, I became a husband, a father, a first-time homeowner, and my band has recorded and performed our music. Profes-

sionally, I am proud to have made contributions to the Affordable Care Act, which put in place comprehensive health insurance reforms that have improved access, affordability, and quality in health care for Americans. And I am proud to have been part of the team at the HHS Office for Civil Rights that issued the Nondiscrimination in Health Programs and Activities final rule implementing Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. I am very blessed, and I have so much to feel proud about personally and professionally!

What is your biggest takeaway from working in this administration?

Transformational change has been possible with preparedness, dedication, and team work.

How can more Filipinos and minorities become involved in government (on all levels) and be more civically engaged?

Register and vote in every election. I’d also say, be wellinformed about your community and take on leadership and organizing opportunities in your neighborhood.

Jian Zapata Kim

Associate Director of Legislative Affairs Office of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs U.S. Department of Commerce Hometown: Virginia Beach, VA

Jian Zapata Kim

What influenced you to pursue a career in government?

I grew up in Virginia Beach, VA, one of the largest military communities in the country and

subsequently home to a large and vibrant Filipino American community. Though I went on to college right outside of DC, I had never really considered a career in government and was initially more interested in the nonprofit sector. However, my first job out of undergrad was working on a political campaign. Afterwards I had a wonderful opportunity to work on Capitol Hill and to work on a policy portfolio near and dear to me, veterans issues.

Of most significance, I had the chance to work on and help pass legislation to honor our Filipino World War II veterans, a bill that I had organized around years before as a college student. I served on the Hill for nearly seven years and then moved into a political appointment at the U.S. Department of Commerce, where I have been for almost three years now.

Having worked in politics, policy, and public service for nearly a decade, I’ve come to learn how each of these areas interconnect and affect us all.

I’ve also come to see how underrepresented Filipino Americans, and Asian Americans overall, are in these policy-shaping and decision-making spaces-- not only in sheer staff numbers but more importantly in viewpoints and voices. Because of this, I pursued opportunities in the Administration knowing that government has the ability to vastly impact the lives of so many, and I remain committed to continuing a career in public service.

What do you see as a large issue facing the Filipino-American community? How is your department working to address it?

Each and every one of our families left the Philippines for a chance at better opportunities.

The largest issue facing Filipino Americans (and our country in general) continues to be reaching for The American Dream: from being able to live in safe communities, to affording our children with the best education and care, to making an honest living in order to provide for our families. The U.S. Department of Commerce’s focus is strengthening the economy by supporting entrepreneurship, innovation, and trade. When the economy is growing, businesses are thriving, and workers are treated with dignity and respect, our communities can prosper.

How can more Filipinos and

minorities become involved in government (on all levels) and be more civically engaged?

Civic engagement is more than just running for office, voting, or working in government, though these things are also incredibly important. It includes lending your energy to causes that speak to you, dialoguing with and educating others about pressing issues, organizing yourselves at the grassroots as well as at the grass tops, holding elected officials accountable, creating space for and supporting new leadership, reaching back and guiding those who need help navigating the bureaucracy, and building capacity at all these levels to increase political power.

Paulo Palugod Senior Sustainability Officer for Resilience White House Council on Environmental Quality Hometown: Galloway, NJ (born in Quezon City, Philippines)

Paulo Palugod

What influenced you to pursue a career in government?

My parents worked for the National Economic Development Authority in the Philippines and have always encouraged public service and giving to others. In high school, my mom brought me to the Philippines to sell our house finally. It was my first experience with real poverty and the impacts of industry on third world developing countries. Because of that experience, I dedicated my college years and law school electives to international development and environmental issues. I went to work for the U.S. Department of Justice’s Environment and Natural Resources Division, where I worked in environmental and natural resources law, and then came to CEQ to work on climate change adaptation issues.

What accomplishment(s) are you most proud of while working in the Obama administration?

Working on the Deepwater Horizon Gulf Oil Spill litigation and moving forward Administration initiatives for Tribes and environmental justice communities.

What is your biggest takeaway from working in this administration?

It’s important to show leadership even when people say no.

You shouldn’t be afraid to push priorities or ideas that you believe in and you should be persistent in making them happen.

How can more Filipinos and minorities become involved in government (on all levels) and be more civically engaged?

Working in government is not the end result, but an opportunity to drive social change. Always be on the lookout for how you can make something better and contribute in your communities.

It can help you support initiatives, policy, or legislation that you believe in, or meet people that are doing the very work that you would want to do in the government. You can work on campaigns at the local, state, or Federal level, or participate in civic organizations that support causes about which you feel passionate that represent communities to the government.

Lelaine Bigelow Deputy Assistant Secretary for Legislative Relations Federal Housing Administration U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Hometown: Pensacola, FL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (702) 792-6678

volunteering on campaigns with my family and discussing with family members how to make things better at schools and around our city. These may not have been sophisticated debates, but I can see now how important it was in showing me that government matters and it is our responsibility to speak up.

When it came down to choosing a career, I looked around at government and political leaders and I didn’t see many Filipinos.

I wasn’t sure if that meant my voice and my concerns were being represented.

I felt a responsibility to contribute to the dialogue for people like me who might not have a voice. I didn’t have a concrete plan, but I knew that understanding government and how it works was critical to making an impact.

If you don’t understand the process you can’t influence it.

What challenges have you faced as a Filipino American working in government?

I’m grateful that I have not faced many challenges as a Filipino-American and I am standing on the shoulders of those that have paved the way for me. My one challenge to name would be my maiden Spanish surname of Valdez.

More than once, I was picked to be interviewed because organizations thought I was Hispanic and then I was summarily dismissed after the in-person interview once I was not the “right minority.”

It is a shame that some organizations would support tokenism over implementing true diversity in their hiring practices. When you are starting out and trying to get your foot in the door this practice it can seem hurtful, but now I see this as true test of whether or not this organization is a place that is a good to place to work.

What do you see as a large issue facing the Filipino-American community? How is your department working to address it?

I would like to see more Filipino-Americans engaged, educated and active on civic issues because that translates into power for our communities.

I know it is hard work among a number of other family, work and other life commitments. That is why at HUD, we are trying to do our part to simplify access to information. We’ve translated over a hundred documents; we meet with community leaders and groups to let them know how HUD can be helpful to their constituencies and we practice diversity in hiring, so that our voice is at the table.

What accomplishment(s) are you most proud of while working in the Obama administration?

I am most proud of the work I have done to disaggregate HUD data for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs). Sometimes the work you do is very short-term—working on events or rollouts. Data collection is a long-term and lasting impact that will serve our community beyond the Obama Administration. It is a necessary and hard first-step to moving our community forward.

What is your biggest takeaway from working in this administration?

My biggest takeaway is how powerful individuals can be, even in a large organization. Most people feel like cogs in a wheel, but that is not true in the Obama Administration. Every person can have an impact and it reverberates through meetings, policy and impactful decisions. It cuts both ways—positive and negative—but that underscores to me the importance of hiring the right people with diverse backgrounds that share the same vision. That doesn’t mean everyone needs to agree all the time, but that does mean we should share the same values.

How can more Filipinos and minorities become involved in government (on all levels) and be more civically engaged?

Read a good paper or news site. Listen to reliable news radio.

Follow a respected journalist on twitter. We have the responsibility to be informed. We don’t need to be experts, but we should know what is going on in our world and how it affects us. That knowledge will drive the desire to be involved and be a more powerful engagement.

Francey Lim Youngberg Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public Engagement Federal U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Hometown: King of Prussia, PA What influenced you to pursue a career in government?

I had worked at the CommodLelaine Bigelow ity Futures Trading Commission What influenced you to pur- as a young attorney and I saw sue a career in government? the impact that government can My family taught me how gov- have on public policy that affects ernment and the political process the larger society in ways that can influence our everyday lives. the private sector seldom can.

From an early age I remember I also worked as a consultant

Francey Lim Youngberg

to federal and city agencies for 10 years prior to joining HUD. Fortunately, I was recruited to join the Obama Administration in 2010 as a political appointee.

I saw it as an opportunity to represent constituencies that are often overlooked and to apply what I learned being an advocate to the work of being on the other side of the table—responding to the needs of a diverse group of stakeholders. It was also an opportunity to make government more accessible—opening doors to external stakeholders so they can have a dialogue with policymakers.

What challenges have you faced as a Filipino American working in government?

From my personal experience, government is one of the better working environments for minorities and women. When I graduated from Harvard Law School in 1988, women were only 40% of the class and AAPIs were less than 3%. When I started working for the largest law firm in PA, I was the only AAPI attorney in a firm with over 300 lawyers and the only woman tax attorney.

When I came to DC in 1990 to work for one of the largest firms in DC, I was still the only AAPI working in the firm. So, those environments posed a far greater challenge in terms of inclusion and advancement.

What do you see as a large issue facing the Filipino-American community? How is your department working to address it?

The Filipino American community is one of the largest among the AAPI communities but they don’t come together as a cohesive voice. They can be a much stronger voice if they focus on common ground and building a sustainable and strong presence in public policy making and politics. I was born in Sara, Iloilo and speak Visayan which is a dialect and later I learned Tagalog when I entered school but because my grandfather(my grandmother is Filipina/Spanish) was Chinese, I also went to Chinese school. Divisions continue to exist among Americans of Filipino descent based on immigration pattern, original home province, dialect spoken and socio- economic status. I represent HUD at the AAPI White House Initiative (WHIAAPI) interagency group and this is a good working model of holding agencies accountable to be responsive to the AAPI community in terms of language access, data disaggregation, workforce diversity and capacity building.

What accomplishment(s) are you most proud of while working in the Obama administration?

Through the work of HUD in the WHIAAPI working group, we have been able to translate essential HUD documents into the major Asian languages including Tagalog, the national language of the Philippines. We have been able to change the American Housing Survey which is an important data collection point used for policy making so that now it will include subgroups of AAPIs including Filipinos.

What is your biggest takeaway from working in this administration?

Representation matters, holding agencies accountable is critical and making the needs of the community known to decision makers is essential. More AAPIs should enter the Administration either as career staff or political appointees to make a difference.

Katarina Mayers Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public Engagement Office of the Secretary U.S. Department of Commerce (through June 2016) Hometown: San Marino, CA What influenced you to pursue a career in government?

My mother grew up in Ilocus Sur in the Philippines with not much. She overcame many challenges and made her way to the United States after getting herself through college and graduating at the top of her class. My parents did everything to give me every opportunity they didn’t have. They also instilled in me the value of service above self.

I am blessed to have been born in the United States and feel it is my duty to make the world a better place.

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Features

Diversity matters: Filipino-Americans in...

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What challenges have you faced as a Filipino American working in government?

There are very few Filipinos in government, let alone Asian Americans. When we are a tiny portion of the political community, it is difficult to make sure our people are equally represented.

What accomplishment(s) are you most proud of while working in the Obama administration?

Working with Secretary Pritzker and the Commerce Department to get the American economy back on track has truly been a privilege. Our issues vary widely including everything from helping implement economic development initiatives in communities across the country to running the Census. Specifically, I loved working with our entrepreneurs to promote more innovation including the establishment of the Presidential Ambassadors for Global Entrepreneurship (PAGE) initiative.

What is your biggest takeaway from working in this administration?

I’ve been surrounded by so many who are working hard to ensure all Americans receive equal opportunities. I also leave with a humble reminder that the hard work never ends.

How can more Filipinos and minorities become involved in government (on all levels) and be more civically engaged?

Your voice matters, and you have a responsibility to make your voice heard. Participate and vote!

Melanie Garunay Associate Director of Digital Outbound Office of Digital Strategy, The White House Hometown: Janesville, WI

Katarina Mayers

views. I was really inspired by the idea of social media as a tool for political empowerment. So it was through my work on that campaign that I became interested in how digital communications can help broaden civic participation in politics and government -- and that’s been the underlying thread in my work ever since.

What challenges have you faced as a Filipino American working in government?

The biggest challenge about working as a Filipino American in government is that there are not that many of us. It can be hard to navigate your career path without seeing people who share your background in your field.

There just aren’t enough minority women in leadership positions in government in any sector, let alone in government.

What do you see as a large issue facing the Filipino-American community? How is your department working to address it?

Filipino Americans make up the second largest group of Asian Americans in the United States -but you wouldn’t know that from the way we’re underrepresented in politics. If more Filipino Ameri-

What influenced you to pursue a career in government?

After graduating college, I joined the 2012 Obama for America digital team in Chicago, Illinois.

By that time, most people I knew had begun to use social media as a way to show their support for a cause or debate political issues with their friends and families.

It had become a way for people who might have never attended a protest or a rally or a town hall discussion to develop a political identity and build relationships with others who shared their Melanie Garunay

cans felt invested in the outcome of our elections and thought of the political realm as a place where they could make their voice heard, we could have an incredible influence in the issues that matter to us, whether it’s immigration reform or worker’s rights or college affordability.

The work we do in the Office of Digital Strategy is about creating opportunities for people to engage with their government, especially young people. Getting someone to share a Facebook post or sign a petition on WhiteHouse. gov is an important first step when it comes to participating in the process.

What is your biggest takeaway from working in this administration?

I think anyone who works in this administration is driven by a sense of optimism -- and that comes from the President himself. It’s easy for people, especially in my generation, to get turned off by the divisiveness in American politics and not participate at all. But in working for this President, both on his re-election campaign and in his administration, I’ve always been surrounded by people who believe that anyone, not just the wealthy or the powerful, can be an agent for change. That’s something I hope to take with me through the rest of my career.

How can more Filipinos and minorities become involved in government (on all levels) and be more civically engaged?

I would encourage Filipino Americans to volunteer for local political campaigns. It’s a good way to understand and advocate for the issues facing your community. And if other Filipino Americans or people of color see you volunteering, it might inspire them to get involved as well.

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • JULy 28-AUGUSt 3, 2016

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Alden Richards bares soul in new book AS one-half of the wildly popular showbiz love team AlDub with Maine Mendoza, Alden Richards has been conquering television screens, magazine covers, and billboards all over the country since the tandem’s meteoric rise to fame in July 2015. A year after the birth of their phenomenal love pairing, fans will finally get an intimate look into the life of the ubiquitous heartthrob who has earned the title “Pambansang Bae.” Out now from Summit Books is “Alden: In My Own Words,” a book that reveals everything there is to know about the reluctant celebrity who was born Richard Faulkerson, Jr. Like AlDub’s first solo starrer Imagine You & Me, which hit theaters on July 13, “Alden: In My Own Words” is an anniversary gift to loyal fans who have been following AlDub since the romantic pairing first debuted in the July

16, 2015 episode of the Eat Bulaga! segment “Juan for All, All for Juan.”

“Alden: In My Own Words” recounts the path the 24-year old actor, singer, and TV host took before hitting showbiz gold with Aldub—a history that includes male pageants and failed auditions. The book then delves deeper into Richards’ life as an ordinary guy by spilling revealing truths and endearing facts about the down-to-earth star. Richards, an old-fashioned romantic, also sets readers’ hearts aflutter by candidly letting his views on love and dating be known. True-blue fans can then test how well they know their beloved “bae” by taking on the ultimate “Alden quiz.”

Finally, a whole chapter devoted to Richards and Maine Mendoza’s bond finds its way to “Alden: In My Own Words.”

Through quotes about each

The book cover of Alden Richard’s latest ‘gift to fans’

other, it traces the onscreen couple’s beginnings from the moment their palpable chemistry first captured Filipino viewers’ attention to the massive success and deep friendship they share today. (ManilaTimes.net)

The ‘Probinsyano’ meets ‘Bato’

by Erik John

Salut ManilaTimes.net

FINALLY, at 3 p.m. on Friday, July 22 the meet and greet between FPJ’s “Ang Probinsyano” lead actor Coco Martin and PNP Director General Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa took place.

The much awaited face to face happened at the Camp Crame office of the new Police Chief.

Coco, who plays a dedicated police officer on the leading primetime series, had personally requested to be introduced to one of his real life idols.

During the meeting, Coco could not hide how happy he felt. He took the opportunity to personally express his gratitude for the achievements of the PNP’s fight against crime, illegal drugs, and the drive to eradicate corruption within the PNP. “I almost couldn’t speak in front of him but I’m glad to have met th simple and downto-earth chief. I thanked him for PNP’s support to our show,” the new generation action star narrated.

Despite the general’s very busy schedule, he warmly welcomed Coco into his office and could not hide the fact that he was also a big fan of the show.

“Will Jaime Fabregas die?” he immediately asked Coco. The “Ang Probinsyano” star gamely

PNP Director General Ronald ‘Bato’ dela Rosa and Coco Martin

updated the general without giving away spoilers to the story.

General dela Rosa also congratulated “Ang Probinsyano” for its success and for honoring the police force.

Also present during the meeting were the show’s production manager Dagang Vilbar, directors Malu Sevilla and Avel Sunpongco, and assistant director Kevin De Vela. The “Probinsyano” team expressed its commitment in continuing to help teach positive values to Filipinos on how to become law abiding citizens and how to help solve crime. They also related to the general that if there is a message or story con-

cept that the PNP wishes to relay to viewers through the teleserye, their team is open to it.

As the country’s most consistently watched show on television, “Ang Probinsyano” reached a viewership high of 45.7-percent on July 20 beating Encantadia’s 20.1-percent based on Kantar National’s ratings.

That same day at the Lycean Choice Media Awards at Lyceum of the Philippines University in Batangas, the show won Best Primetime Series, and Coco won the Best TV Actor award. FPJ’s “Ang Probinsyano” executive producer Hazel Parfan was present to receive the awards.

EntErtainmEnt

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Kris Aquino meets with T.A.P.E exec The netizens were abuzz after Kris Aquino was spotted having a meeting with T.A.P.e. executive

Tony Tuviera and his son Michael Tuviera.

The photo of the meeting was

Kris Aquino was spotted having a meeting with T.A.P.E. executive Tony Tuviera on Sunday, although both parties didn’t reveal the purpose.

first posted by Instagram user “iamphildada,” and eventually made rounds in different social media sites.

All she revealed was they met that afternoon. “Sa sobrang daming napagusapan umabot kami sa dinner,” Kris said.

Some of her followers assumed that the Queen of All Media will move to the Kapuso network despite her recent meeting with ABS-CBN executives.

While some of them think that she’s planning to do a movie with the love team of Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza.

This was after Kris watched the love team’s film “Imagine You & Me” and was all praises for their performance. (Philstar. com)

Bea Alonzo & Gerald Anderson uncensored Ricky Lo Philstar.com

by

ShoRT but sweet.

That sums up the romance between Bea Alonzo and Gerald Anderson rudely interrupted by career moves that brought them away from each other.

“I was young then, immature,” admitted Gerald, now 27, who let himself be swayed by people against the relationship.

“Maraming intriga.” (Gerald has just been named Squadron Lieutenant of the Philippine Coast Guard, and his dad Gerald Sr., Captain of the Philippine Coast Guard, and Gerald’s brother Ken Lieutenant of the Philippine Coast Guard.)

“It was so short that I didn’t have time to discover more about him, to know him better,” said Bea with a tone of undisguised regret. “I was also young then, carefree. I wish we could go back to those carefree years.”

They didn’t even have time for closure. But since then, they would cross paths and get wind of each other’s affairs of the heart. Gerald has been linked to other actresses (Kim Chiu, Sarah Geronimo and Maja Salvador among them) and so was Bea (Mico Palanca, John Lloyd Cruz and Zanjoe Marudo, among them).

Art seems to imitate life in their first movie together, Star Cinema’s “how To Be Yours” (directed by Dan Villegas) which opened on Wednesday, July 27.

Gerald plays Niño who initially chooses career over love until he

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meets Bea’s character Anj whose choice is career over love.

Reel life takes up where real life has left off. Niño and Anj journey through the various stages of loving and living, and all the ups and downs of falling in love, something they didn’t have a chance to experience during their “short but sweet” romance.

Asked by the press if they didn’t feel awkward working together, Gerald admitted that it felt “surreal” and that he never thought this kind of team-up would come up. “even before I entered showbiz,” added Gerald, “I had a crush on Bea. She’s a very good actress.

Being paired with her is a blessing.”

Bea said that being together on the set gave her the chance to do what she had failed... to bond with Gerald. “We are okay so we were comfortable working together, no awkwardness at all. Gerald and I could talk about the past without being conscious about it.”

The ex-sweethearts are paired for the first time in Star Cinema’s How To Be Yours playing art-imitates-life characters that take up where they left off in real life.

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Your Immigration Solution atty. Devin Connolly & nanCy Miller Being granted United States citizenship is a dream-come-true for countless people from around the world. Though the dream is the same, the paths to actually obtaining U.S. citizenship can vary greatly because there are many different ways that a person may become a U.S. citizen.

The most common way a person is granted U.S. citizenship is by birth in the U.S. or one of its territories. This automatic granting of citizenship is guaranteed by the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and applies to almost everyone, regardless of the immigration status of the child’s parents.

The next most-common way a person may obtain U.S. citi-

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette aDeva Maglaya LOng ago in the island of Crete, there lived a man named Daedalus, who was famed for his skills as an inventor. He worked for King Minos. Foremost among his many achievements was building the labyrinth in which the king kept the Minotaur, a fearsome, legendary beast which was half-man and half-bull that fed on human flesh. it was said that anyone who went into the labyrinth never came out of it again because of its complex, undecipherable winding walls and corridors.

Daedalus was brilliant and this was a problem for the king.

Although Daedalus had been giving the king great and loyal service all his life, Minos was deeply insecure and feared that Daedalus who was wise, celebrated and ingenious would, one day challenge him to become king.

As a preemptive move, Minos imprisoned Daedalus and his son, icarus in a prison tower.

The king underestimated Daedalus, for one dark night, father and son escaped from their prison tower. They found out however that it was well nigh impossible to escape the island with the paranoid King Minos sending out an all points bulletin to his mindless minions. Minos’ soldiers carefully searched every boat that left the island.

Father and son took cover in a remote cave along the shore hidden from the watchful eyes of Minos’ soldiers while Daedalus figured out a way to escape.

Watching the seagulls for hours soaring and diving for food on the shore, Daedalus was struck with the idea of flight as an escape route. He caught one bird and studied the structure and form of its wings and after careful thought, decided to copy how a wing is made. He instructed icarus to catch seagulls and pluck their feathers. When there were enough feathers, he sewed them together and used melted wax to bind the feathers on a wooden framework. He created the contraption so skillfully that they looked like a giant replica of a bird’s wings. He customized two pairs of wings for himself and for his son, careful to take each of their individual body weights into consideration.

But having wings was one thing, knowing how to use those wings to fly was another. So Daedalus strapped his wings and still taking his cue from the seagulls on how to soar, swoop, dive and glide, he proceeded to learn how

The many ways of becoming a US citizen zenship is through the process known as naturalization. This is how those who immigrated to the United States become citizens. it begins with the filing of an application and ends at a swearing-in ceremony. it is the steps in between that can trip many up. Some may not be eligible and not know it. Some may have unresolved issues of removability that will become apparent when they file their application. Some may be eligible but not provide the necessary documentation.

The wise applicant makes it his or her business to be educated and informed before filing for the benefit.

Most applicants for naturalization must be a lawful permanent resident of the U.S. for five years before they may apply for U.S. citizenship. However, this fiveyear requirement is lowered to three years if the applicant has been residing in “marital union”

with their U.S. citizen spouse for the prior three years. This is true even if the applicant did not obtain their green card through the marriage. “Marital union” means that the parties actually resided together, so even an informal separation would disqualify an applicant from applying after only three years. in an attempt to ameliorate the delays in processing, the regulations allow the applicant to file 90 days before the three or five year period is reached.

The applicant must have been physically present in the U.S. for at least half of the three or five year period. And an absence of one full-year breaks the residency and the clock must start again. each applicant for naturalization must show good moral character for the requisite period of time. Several past events in one’s life may not only preclude a person from showing good moral

character and, thereby, prevent a grant of citizenship but may also cause the applicant to be placed into removal proceedings. These actions include misrepresentations made to obtain an immigration benefit or convictions for certain crimes. And CiS is entitled to look outside the prescribed period to determine the applicant’s good moral character.

Some of these requirements for naturalization are eliminated for one who is applying based on military service, especially military service during a time of conflict.

A child of a U.S. citizen who is born outside the U.S. may acquire U.S. citizenship without going through naturalization if they meet certain conditions. Specifically, the child must be under the age of 18, must already be a permanent resident of the U.S., at least one of their parents must be a U.S. citizen either by birth

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • JULy 28-AUGUSt 3, 2016

or naturalization, and the child must be residing in the U.S. in the legal and physical custody of their U.S. citizen parent. Upon the satisfaction of the last of these four requirements, the child automatically becomes U.S. citizens and may apply for a certificate of citizenship or a U.S. passport.

This provision applies to adopted children, but not to step-children of U.S. citizens. Also, this law only applies to children who were under the age of 18 on February 27, 2001. There are more complex requirements for a person that turned 18-years-old before February 27, 2001.

Finally, a person may also acquire U.S. citizenship by being born abroad to a U.S. citizen parent. Whether the child acquired U.S. citizenship at birth will be determined based on the law that it was in effect at the time of the child’s birth. This aspect of U.S. citizenship laws has changed many times over the years, so each applicant’s case is different.

However, a common theme has

Hubris

Reeves, Miller, Zhang & Diza Law Corporation’s offices are located in Pasadena, Irvine, San Francisco, Las Vegas and Makati City.

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

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Fishing buddies from Chicago are (L-R) Roly Pascual, Rey Limberg, Bobet Torres and Tristan Tabutabu. Fish seen on the table is a result of the afternoons catch and “fish kilawin and inihaw na isda expertly prepared by Rey (Elvis) Limberg.

Photos by Bobet Torres

— Alfred North Whitehead soon forgot his father’s words and flew higher and higher towards the noonday sun. Then the wax in his wings melted, the wooden framework broke apart and the feathers blew away.

Wingless and panicking, icarus plunged headlong like deadweight into the blue waters.

Daedalus swooped down in hot pursuit to save his son but it was much too late. All he saw were a few feathers floating on the surface.

Daedalus, with a heavy heart at the tragic loss of his beloved icarus, managed to fly to Sicily. in his grief, Daedalus retired his wings, lost his love for life and never flew again.

Over and over again through the generations, we see this tendency of some of the young ones to “forget” the things they have been taught and allow hubris and folly to rule. Some throw away everything they have learned and painstakingly worked for in one impetuous decision or action. it is as if their overwhelming sense of freedom, newly-attained independence and sense of power goads them to “fly close to the sun.”

Humility gets torpedoed and overweening pride rules. They feel they no longer need guidance from anyone. Sometimes a good scare or a tiny thorn of bad experience can be humbling and worth more than a lifetime of warnings, advice and admonitions to nudge prideful youth back to reality and on the straight and narrow.

While we may think that this tendency of the youth today is unique to our times, we only have to look back several thousand years to know that the scenario may have changed, the cast of characters in every generation in every nation may be different, but the predilection for hubris and folly in some of the youth remains the same.

We need to be reminded too that as adults, we were once just as young and just as foolish, perhaps even more so. But we were lucky and got a pass because life was magnanimous enough to let us get past this harrowing stage with barely a scratch and live long enough to see the cycle repeated in our children.

And on and on until the sun dies, the cycle goes. ***

been requiring the U.S. citizen parent to have acquired a certain amount of physical presence in the U.S. prior to the child’s birth.

The laws regarding citizenship in the United States are extremely complex. One may be a citizen and not know it. Alternatively, one may think they are going through a simple process and wind up fighting to keep their green card. Be informed. Consult a knowledgeable and experienced immigration attorney when you start to think about citizenship. ***

Undoubtedly the catch of the day, Roly Pascual reeling in a 2.6 lbs. Channel Catfish that bent his pole to the max and almost snapped his 10 lb. line.

“The deepest definition of youth is life as yet untouched by tragedy.” to fly so that the wings felt like a seamless part of his arms and his body. He studied wind currents, the waters of the sea and the heat of the sun.

Having gained the skill, he proceeded to teach his son patiently. At first, icarus stumbled and fell and when he got past the first few fumbles, the youth learned quickly, his lithe, svelte form seemingly destined for flight. He learned to fly like a bird, swooping and diving, gliding and circling about, looking down below at the blue waters and their island prison, now a mere speck from above, and frolicking about overhead, chasing the seagulls and rolling in the clouds. Freedom was a heady drink. icarus felt complete elation, knew the incredible lightness of being and tasted the sweet freedom of flight.

Then came the day when Daedalus and icarus were to fly out of Crete. The sun was up, and the wind was mild and Daedalus decided it was an auspicious day to make the great escape.

Daedalus sat his son down and looked him in the eyes for serious pre-flight instructions knowing that once in the air, there would be little chance for communication. “Pay attention, icarus. Stick close behind me and watch your altitude. Fly too low and the sea with its moisture will make your wings too heavy. Fly too high and the heat of the sun will melt the wax in your wings.

Take heed and stay close.” icarus nodded agreement but he was far too excited and his mind was already in the sky.

Daedalus took off flapping his wings faster and faster to get vertical lift-off and escape gravity. icarus followed suit and took off shortly after. As they flew, the people on the ground in Crete watched in amazement wondering whether the winged creatures are the gods themselves flying. icarus trailed his father closely at first, following his flight pattern and struggling to take heed of his father’s admonitions. But feeling an overwhelming sense of growing power in his ability to fly, reveling in his freedom and giving in to his impetuous, youthful nature, icarus deviated a little at first, taking little swoops and side trips and catching up with his father who was intently flying on a steady speed and altitude. As icarus swooped, dived and indulged frivolously in his aerial acrobatics, icarus

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Health@Heart PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS

What is Barrett’s esophagus?

Barrett’s esophagus is a condition where the normal cell lining (stratified squamous epithelium) of the food pipe (the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach), or a segment of it, is replaced with a different tissue similar to the lining of the intestine. The transformation is called intestinal metaplasia. This occurrence is rare and affects about 1.6 to 3 percent of people. in rare instances and in some individuals, this becomes a pre-cancerous risk.

Why is Barrett’s a concern?

This condition, while mostly without symptoms and could only be an incidental finding and diagnosed during gastroscopy, is of extreme interest to patients who have them and their physicians because Barrett’s poses a slightly increased risk for causing a type of cancer of the esophagus called adenocarcinoma, which could kill if not detected, treated, and followed up regularly. This rare cancer affects one-half percent of people with Barrett’s.

Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is are Barrett’s and GERD asSVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To sociated? send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ Yes, gastroesophageal Reflux asianjournalinc.com Disease (geRD), where the oneway sphincter (valve) between the food pipe and the stomach has become incompetent (loose and wide open), allowing acid and other gastric chemicals to back-up into the lower end of the esophagus, is linked to geRD. it increases the risk for the development of Barrett’s, because those chemicals normally produced by the stomach to aid in food digestion are irritants to the esophagus.

This situation also raises the risk for chemical burns, scarring, narrowing, and cancer of the lower end of the esophagus which is connected to the stomach. Unlike the stomach lining, the esophageal lining is not resistant (and is very sensitive) to acids and gastric juices.

What causes Barrett’s esophagus?

Like most diseases, certain groups of individuals are more prone to develop Barrett’s esophagus. geRD, as we have alluded to above, is linked to Barrett’s, with 5 to 10 percent of those with geRD developing Barrett’s. The following are the risk factors: overweight, obesity, smokers, chronic geRD of more than 5 FAMILY TRIP. Las Vegas residents and United Nations and UNICEF retirees Aquilino and Letitia Alcantara were recently in Turks & Caicos for years, long-term geRD patient below 30 and over age 50 and a vacation. They were joined by their grandkids Aubrey Spence, Evan Alcantara, Haley Alcantara And Mia Spence. needing medications regularly.

Barrett’s and GERD Those taking aspirin or other antiinflammatory drugs and those with Helicobacter pylori infection of the stomach have higher predisposition to Barrett’s. Caucasian males are more prone than other males. in general, males are twice more at risk than females, and so with those whose diet is high in fruits and vegetables. in spite of all this, Barrett’s is still a rare disease.

What is the prevalence of GERD? in north America, 18.1 to 27.8 percent; europe, 8.8 to 28.9 percent; Middle east, 8.7 to 33.1 percent; South America, 23 percent; Australia, 11.6 percent; Asia as a whole, 14 to16 percent; and the Philippines, 11 to 15 percent.

Clinical observations reveal an increasing prevalence of geRD, worldwide. Some patients with geRD have been found to have hiatal hernia.

What does hiatal hernia do?

The food pipe, which is in the chest, goes down through a hole in the diaphram (the tentlike flat muscle that separates the abdomen from the chest) to connect with the stomach in the abdomen. This hole is called a hiatus. if this hole becomes too large, the stomach, which is normally in the abdomen, could move up to the chest through the hole. if this happens, it is called Hiatus Hernia, and this makes the esophagogastric sphincter loose, allowing gastric contents to back up to the stomach causing reflux esophagitis. Hiatus Hernia is found in only 20-30 percent of those with reflux esophagitis.

Severe cases of hiatal hernia will require surgery to reduce the size of the hole to normal and keep the stomach in the abdomen.

What are the symptoms of GERD? While Barrett’s is mostly asymptomatic, people with geRD usually has heartburn sensation at the pit of the stomach. Others have “chest” pains. Some have belching and sour eructation of food (back-up from stomach to esophagus and throat), especially when they lie down after a meal.

And more especially if the meal is spicy hot and alcoholic beverage is consumed. Stomach and food pipe fiberoptic “tele”scope with a lighted videocam (esophagogastroscopy) with tissue biopsy will clinch the diagnosis for Barrett’s and geRD. What are the complications of GERD? Besides the discomfort, patients with geRD are treated to prevent potential complications, which include erosion ulcers of the distal esophagus, bleeding, scarring, and constriction (caus-

ing swallowing difficulty), and, as stated above, cancer of the esophagus.

What is the treatment?

For Barrett’s, regular followup endoscopy and tissue biopsy is the routine, unless the biopsy shows the presence of cancer, in which case, surgery will be the treatment. geRD, which is a risk for Barrett’s, on the other hand, is aggressively treated with medications to reduce the acid secretion in the stomach, with a class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors, like esomeprazole (nexium), omeprazole (Prilosec) , lansoprazole (Prevacid) and pantoprazole (Protonix), etc.

Lifestyle changes will include normal weight maintenance, avoidance of tight clothing and of lying down immediately after a meal, abstinence from smoking and avoidance of alcohol and spicy foods, elevation (6-8 inches) of the head of the bed to reduce reflux of acids from the stomach to the esophagus, and follow-up endoscopy. The side effects of the acid reducer pills will also be managed. in cases of severe tissues changes, any of the following procedures may be used: Radiofrequency ablation, Cryotherapy, Photodynamic therapy, endoscopic mucosal resection, and esophagectomy whichever one is clinically indicated.

What is low-acid GERD diet?

Foodwise, the basic principle is to eat natural low-acid foods. Many fruits, vegetables and drinks (soft drinks and fruit juices) have high acidic contents. Some of the low-acid foods include, fish (poached, grilled, baked, not fried), lean poultry (remove skin) and meats (baked, grilled, steamed, not fried), oat meal, brown rice, couscous, potatoes, bananas, water melons, cantaloupes, honeydew, broccoli, green beans, celery, cauliflower, asparagus, egg whites, skip the yolk (which will cause symptoms).

As far as the pH of food (measure of acidity, the lower the pH the more acidic) is concerned as a guide, choose foods with pH of 5 and higher to prevent symptoms.

You may also google the pH levels of various food items. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus in Northwest Indiana and chairman of cardiac surgery from 1997 to 2010 at Cebu Doctors University Hospital, where he holds the title of Physician Emeritus in Surgery, is based in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the Philippine College of Surgeons, and the Denton A. Cooley Cardiovascular Surgical Society. He is the chairman of the Filipino United Network – USA, a 501(c)(3) humanitarian foundation in the United States. Email: scalpelpen@ gmail.com

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B july 28-august 3, 2016 • las VEgas asIaN jOuRNal

How to be Gerald Anderson

By Monet

Lu

Being one of Philippine television’s finest actors with countless awards, endorsements and awards under his belt begs the question, “How to be gerald Anderson?”

And quite coincidentally (but with pun intended), his new movie with Bea Alonzo – and their first movie team-up is entitled, “How to be Yours.” But before we get into the details of their movie, let’s talk about this FilAm hottie.

Anderson has undoubtedly Gerald Anderson mastered the art of “having it all.” Maulit Muli” in 2006 and films He is a film and television actor, i’ve “Fallen For You” in 2007, producer, brand ambassador and “Paano na Kaya” in 2010 and “Till a philanthropist. He has estab- My Heartaches end” in 2010. lished himself as the sought-after The dashing actor also teamed leading man of his generation up with Sarah geronimo in the while at the same time dabbling films, “Catch Me, i’m in Love” with socio-economic affairs. it’s and “Won’t Last the Day Withtrue what they say about having out You”; Jessy Mendiola in so much experience in life – you their hit TV series, “Budoy”; also have to lot to give. and with Cristine Reyes in their Born in Subic Bay, Zambales teleserye, “Bukas na Lang Kita in the Philippines, gerald Ran- Mamahalin.” His amazing perdolph Opsima Anderson Jr. is formances in these and his other son to evangeline Opsima and films reaped a number of accomgerald Randy Anderson. He has a plishments such as Best Single younger brother named Kenneth performance by an Actor, Best and two older sisters named Jen Supporting Actor, Best Actor, to and Darling, from his mother’s name the least. first marriage. When he was The young talented actor may three years old he and his family have poured so much in his acting moved to San Antonio, Texas, and career but he is also wasting no later moved to Missouri when he time in giving back to the comwas six. At 14, he and his family munity. He has recently launched moved back to the Philippines in the gerald Anderson Foundation general Santos City. which is a volunteer search dog Anderson’s entry to show busi- unit and man-tracking unit on ness was set in place through call 24 hours a day to assist law his connection with fellow actor, enforcement and other official friend and “discoverer” Joross agencies. They also provide sergamboa, whom he worked with vice, assistance and therapy dogs as the latter’s backup dancer in to deserving individuals. provincial shows. gamboa introAccording to the website: duced Anderson to his manager “The Anderson Foundation is a Jun Reyes who brought him to non-profit volunteer organization ABS-CBn, where the “gen-San based in the Philippines whose Amboy” then joined “Pinoy Big mission is two-fold: (1) to help Brother: Teen edition.” He was save lives and to assist in the partnered up with his fellow recovery of missing persons by house mate, Kim Chiu, who providing highly-trained canines, later became his “love team” skilled personnel and specialized for shows, movies, and endorse- equipment during calamities and ments and took the Philippines by other emergencies and (2) to storm, as the next big thing – and help enrich the lives of veterans apparently one of the strongest and persons with disabilities by love teams in showbiz. Fans providing them with task-trained dubbed the pair as “Kimerald.” service dogs that can assist them He and Kim starred in a num- with their daily tasks.” ber of hit series such as as “Sana in his most recent interview

with Boy Abunda, Anderson announced that he is now officially a Coast guard Auxiliary Lieutenant, having passed all training and certifications required. indeed, there is no stopping gerald Anderson from being… well… being gerard Anderson!

He seems to have done it all and still expanding his horizon. i am certain that i am not only one who’ve asked the question i posted as the title of this piece. in the meantime, Anderson is busy promoting his first movie with his longtime crush and rumored old flame, Bea Alonzo. This is Anderson’s second collaboration with award-winning director Dan Villegas, after their successful hit in “Always Be My Maybe” with lead actress Arci Munoz. in an interview, Anderson expressed his excitement for the project. “First time namin magsasama ni Bea which makes everything more exciting kasi you know, pangarap ko iyon.

Pangarap ko pa lang iyon nung bata ako nung pinapanood ko siya,” gerald said.

The teaser trailer of “How To Be Yours” was released Wednesday, July 6. The trailer shows niño (Anderson), being teased by his best friend about being too uptight and choosy when it comes to women. They were strolling in Chinatown when niño saw Anj (Alonzo) for the first time. Anj is a cook whose ambition is to work in a high-end restaurant. The two fell in love and vowed to support each other but struggle found its way to their relationship as they preserve other priorities in their life while being together. “How To Be Yours” is directed by Dan Villegas and is produced by Star Cinema. in an interview, Anderson was asked how he’s able to do what he does and he said, “i love what i do and when you love what you do, you give your best.”

LOVe – That is how to be “gerald Anderson.” *** Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, awardwinning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is known as an all-around artiste who produces sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns. Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary all-natural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration. To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at monetsalon@aol.com

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Get the best price for your valuables at Nevada Coin Mart

WiTH tons of places to choose from to bring your old jewelry, there’s only one place in Las Vegas that will pay the best amount for these valuables.

At nevada Coin Mart, customers can rest assured that they will be properly compensated for the precious stones and metals they bring in. neil Sackmary, the owner of the store, is a graduate gemologist from the gemological institute of America (giA) with more than 20 years of experience in buying these items.

“When it comes to myself, this is my passion. This is what i went to school for,” Sackmary said. giA is the world’s foremost authority on diamonds, colored stones and pearls. it was established in 1931 and strives to protect the jewelry and gem buying public by setting quality standards worldwide. As a certified giA specialist, Sackmary points out that simply because a business that purchases these stones has been around for decades, that does not make it an expert source.

This is a particularly important fact for members of the Asian American community to note. “in the Asian community, people don’t buy cheap stones.

They always spend really good money and when they do, they want to sell them for good money and they want someone who’s an expert. You don’t want to take it to someone who says they’re in the business for 35 years. That does not make them an expert,” Sackmary said. nevada Coin Mart purchases a wide variety of items, including coins, bullion, diamonds, jewelry, gold, silver and watches, at premium prices. At the shop, Sackmary has the latest technology, including a $9,000 diamond microscope and $30,000 X-ray spectrometer, which allows him to thoroughly examine how much the metals and stones customers bring in are worth.

“Most people want to rip off customers because they don’t care. They look at them and say, ‘Well, if i can, i’ll take advantage. i’m never going to see you again’,” Sackmary said.

That’s not what happens at nevada Coin Mart. in one instance, Sackmary paid a customer $1,510 for two rings that were quoted for $150 at a competitor store.

Neil Sackmary

it’s because of its transparency and fairness to those who walk into nevada Coin Mart that about 70 percent of its clients are repeat customers who come back for the value they receive for their items.

The business takes it a step further by providing security guards who are former police officers and 47 cameras to monitor the entire building. Visitors can also request to have a guard walk them in and out of the building free of charge.

Sackmary and his wife have been in the business of buying jewelry and other metals for many years and have been online selling costume jewelry for about 15 years. They are also present

every day the shop is open, which is located on the corner of Jones Boulevard and Flamingo Road. in addition to putting their customers’ interests first, the Sackmarys are active community members who have participated in charity event Operation FireHeAT and are founding sponsors for the Anthem Women’s Club. nevada Coin Mart was established in 1971 and is licensed by Clark County to legally purchase jewelry from the general public.

Nevada Coin Mart 4065 S Jones Blvd.

Las Vegas, nV 89103 Phone: (702) 776-7061 Hours: Monday through Sunday, 9am to 5 pm Advertising Supplement

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LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • JULy 28-AUGUSt 3, 2016

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