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Volume 11 – Issue 01 • 16 Pages

O C T O BE R 1 3 - 1 9 , 2 0 1 7

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Palace explains Duterte threat to EU envoys to leave PH

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

PHILIPPINE President Rodrigo Duterte has told European Union (EU) ambassadors to leave the country after being critical towards the administration’s antiillegal drugs campaign.

In a speech on Thursday, October 12, Duterte slammed the EU for supposedly lobbying for the Philippines’ removal from the

DATELINE

United Nations (UN).

“You leave my country in 24 hours. All of you,” an enraged Duterte said.

He added, “You must have taken the Filipino for granted…Do not come to this country again, we do not need you. You want to expel us? You try.”

But in a bid to clarify the chief executive’s remark, Malacañang immediately explained that

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USA

SCOUT RANGERS HOMES. President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday, October 11, led the groundbreaking ceremony of a housing project here for the Scout Rangers. The National Housing Authority project, under the AFP/PNP Housing Program, will provide 1,000 housing units for the members of the 1st Scout Ranger Regiment. The president also announced that aside from the houses, the soldiers will Malacañang photo by King Rodriguez also receive P70,000.

Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella

PH House votes to impeach Comelec chief after announcing his resignation

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

As 2020 Census approaches, minority groups risk undercount LACK of preparation and appropriations have already put the upcoming decennial 2020 Census at risk of an inaccurate count. With less than three of years to go, advocates are making the public aware of the consequences.

While the census looks to find population changes and other information of who makes up the United States, it more importantly uses the derived data to address the nation’s needs, like determining representation of each area in the U.S. House of Representatives.

As previously reported, more than $600

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Cayetano extends US trip to attend IMF, World Bank meetings AFTER being out of the country for more than three weeks now, Philippine Foreign Secretary Allan Peter Cayetano is set to extend his United States visit to a month before returning to Manila.

Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) spokesperson Robespierre Bolivar on Monday, October 9 said the country’s top diplomat still had “some events and work to attend to in New York.”

According to him, Cayetano will attend the annual meeting of the board of governors of the World Bank (WB) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which will

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Comelec Chief Andres Bautista Philstar.com photo

MANILA - The Philippine House of Representatives voted to impeach Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chief Andres Bautista just hours after he announced his resignation on Wednesday, October 11.

A total of 137 lawmakers voted to reject the earlier resolution of the House Committee on Justice, which recommended the dismissal of the complaint against

Bautista after it was found to be insufficient in form due to defective verification.

Only 75 lawmakers voted to adopt the resolution while two opted to abstain, making Bautista the first poll chief to be impeached.

The committee was then directed by Deputy Speaker Raneo Abu to prepare the articles of impeachment for transmittal to the Senate, sitting as the impeachment court.

At the same day before the plenary session, Bautista announced that he is stepping

from his post by the end of the year, adding that he has already filed a resignation letter at Malacañang.

The Comelec chief, whose term was supposed to expire on February 2, 2022, said his resignation is effective by December 31, 2017.

“It is with deep sadness that I am informing you about my decision to resign as the chair of the Commission on Elections by the end of the year,” Bautista said in a letter addressed to the Comelec.

“After much prayer and dis-

cernment, I believe that this is the right time to step down given the postponement of the barangay and SK elections.

This was not an easy decision.

But my family, especially my children, need me now more than ever,” he added.

In the complaint filed by lawyer Ferdinand Topacio and former Negros Occidental representative Jacinto Paras of the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC), Bautista was accused of alleged culpable violation of the Con-

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Business tycoon & philanthropist Palace: Duterte satisfaction, trust ratings decline but ‘love is still there’ Washington SyCip dies at 96

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

MANILA - The Filipinos’ love for Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte remains despite a sharp drop in his satisfaction and trust ratings, the chief executive’s spokesman said on Monday, October 9.

In a press briefing, Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said that the decline in Duterte’s rating was “expected” after more than one year in the office, as the administration’s so-called “honeymoon period” with the public has ended.

“These things usually happen. This is traditionally happening after a year, a year and a half, and you know, the love is still there,” Abella pointed out.

The latest survey by Social Weather Stations (SWS) showed that Duterte’s net satisfaction rating has dropped 18 points from +66 or “very good” rating in June 2017 to +48 or “good” in September 2017.

Duterte’s net trust rating likewise suffered a 15-point drop from the previous +75 or

“excellent” rating in June to +60 or “very good” in September.

According to Abella, the decline occurred as the public started to manage their expectations and wait for Duterte to deliver “the full spectrum of public services” he promised during the last year’s campaign period.

“Some people during this particular honeymoon period, their expectations were high, and the actual wait for the implementation of these things may have led to the dip,” the Palace official explained.

He also referred the survey results as snapshots of the public’s sentiment on the government’s performance, pointing out as it was conducted between September 23 and 27 or just days after the National Day of Protest.

Duterte has declared September 21 as the National Day of Protest, allowing citizens“to freely vent their grievances about the excesses and shortcomings of the government.”

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PH gov’t to extradite Filipino suspect in foiled New York terror plot

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

Russell Salic, a Filipino doctor, is accused of sending money to help fund the planned attacks in New York City locations, including concert venues, subway stations and Times Square in the summer of 2016.

Philstar.com photo

THE Philippine government is set to begin processing a request from the United States to extradite a Filipino suspect in a thwarted jihadist plot targeting New York’s subway system and Times Square in May 2016.

Thirty seven-year-old ortho-

pedic surgeon Russell Salic has been charged for his alleged involvement in a plan to carry out attacks in the name of the Islamic State (IS) group during the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan last year.

Salic was accused of sending money to fund the attacks. Ac-

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by VICTOR

SY, CPA MBA

WASHINGTON SyCip died on Saturday, October 7 aboard a Philippine Airlines flight from Manila to Vancouver/New York. He was 96 years old.

Washington SyCip, a Philippine national treasure, is the founder of SyCip, Gorres, Velayo & Co (SGV), an accounting, tax and auditing firm. He also founded Asian Institute of Management (AIM) to mold business leaders.

SyCip was a philanthropist who was devoted to children’s education. He went beyond advocacy by spending energy and monWashington SyCip ey to support more than 200,000 children. He also founded a Zero Dropout Program to give elementary children a chance to acquire basic education. He explained to this writer why some children were failing: Yes, schooling was free but children could not learn on empty stomach!

As his passing went viral, tributes poured from public, private, and civic groups: “Mr. Washington SyCip was a highly valued adviser to the Board of Directors of BDO Unibank. We will always remember him for his guidance over the years,” said Teresita Sy-Coson of Shoe Mart (SM) Group of companies.

“Mr. Wash SyCip was a true giant in the world of Philippine business. He was a leader, advisor, and guiding force behind many other Filipino businesses and philanthropic organizations. Mr. SyCip was a legendary mentor who inspired us to strive for the highest measure of excellence and integrity in the conduct of our business, and in serving the Filipino public,” PAL of the Lucio Tan Group of Companies said in a statement.

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A october 13-19, 2017 • NeW YorK AND NeW JerSeY ASIAN JoUrNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (212) 655-5426

From the Front Page

PAGE A1 t

Palace explains Duterte...

Duterte’s tirade was directed to a group of parliamentarians who issued an “irresponsible” statement against the administration.

In a statement, Duterte’s spokesperson, Ernesto Abella, acknowledged that the seven-member delegation of the International Delegates of the Progressive Alliance, did not represent the EU’s mission in Manila.

“The president’s expression of outrage is in reaction to statements by a 7-member delegation of the International Delegates of the Progressive Alliance which has falsely portrayed itself as an EU mission,” Abella said.

Earlier this week, the delegation — which include members from Sweden, Germany, Italy, Australia, and the United States — cautioned that the Philippines risks of trade repercussions if it

fails to immediately stop drug-related killings and political persecution of critics.

It warned that the Philippines may lose the General System of Preference (GSP+) deal — a preferential trade deal that allows 6,200 of its products to enter the EU duty free.

“If the human rights standards are not upheld, then there may be consequences in the Philippines’ inclusion in the special trading instrument of the EU,” said German parliamentarian Arne Lietz.

Abella blasted the delegation’s statement protesting the alleged killings under the Duterte administration, saying that it “demeans” the Philippines’ status as a sovereign nation.

“The call of the president for EU ambassadors to leave the country in 24 hours must be taken in this light. For so long has

Palace: Duterte satisfaction...

PAGE A1 t “Some sentiments may have spilled over,” Abella said.

In spite of the decline, Abella emphasized that the “people are still, in general, still satisfied.”

The Palace official likewise assured the public that the government would “continue to work harder to address the public’s urgent needs in order to bring a comfortable life for all.”

“We enjoin everyone to set aside self-interest and together build a nation worthy of the next generation,” Abella added.

‘Filipinos beginning to see light’

In a statement, Senator Antonio Trillanes IV welcomed the decline in the chief executive’s ratings.

“It’s very encouraging to know that the Filipino people are beginning to see the light. They are now seeing Duterte for who he really is: a lying, rude, amoral, corrupt and oppressive former mayor who is totally incompetent about governance at the national level,” said Trillanes.

“Worse, his bloody war on drugs has killed thousands of his own people and created a climate of fear across the country,” added the senator, who has been

PH gov’t to extradite Filipino suspect...

PAGE A1 t cording to U.S. court documents released on Friday, October 6, he sent $423 to the other suspects for the operation.

U.S. authorities said the FBI agent posed as an IS supporter and communicated with Salic and two other alleged plotters: 19year-old Canadian Abdulrahman El Bahnasawy and 19-year-old American citizen living in Pakistan Talha Haroon.

The U.S. Department of Justice said it has requested Salic’s extradition following his arrest in the

Philippines in April of this year.

In a statement, Palace Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said the Philippine government will initiate the extradition proceedings as requested by the U.S. According to him, the Philippine Department of Justice (DOJ) will continue its preliminary investigation on the local complaint against Salic while extradition proceedings are being processed.

In the Philippines, Salic is under investigation over the abduction of six and the murder of two

our president tolerated these undue interferences in our domestic affairs, and he has decided that these must stop if only to preserve the integrity and dignity of our State as a sovereign nation,” he said.

For its part, the EU has clarified that it “was not part of the organization or planning of that visit – neither the Delegation of the European Union in the Philippines nor the European Union institutions in Brussels.”

“The statements made by the Progressive Alliance during its visit to the Philippines were made solely on behalf of the Progressive Alliance and do not represent the position of the European Union,” the bloc said.

It also reiterated its commitment to work “constructively and productively” with the Philippines through a “close partnership.” n among the president’s fiercest critics.

Trillanes said he expects the next survey results “to be worse” as it was conducted before the Ombudsman announced its investigation on the president’s supposed ill-gotten wealth.

For Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon, the drop in Duterte’s ratings should serve as a “wake-up call.”

“Certainly this is a wake-up call... Sa akin self-inflicted ngunit ito’y isang survey lamang (To me, this is self-inflicted but this is just one survey). I will not pass judgment until the next one or two surveys because that will show

PHILIPPINE PRESIDENT APPROACHING. The chopper carrying President Rodrigo Roa Duterte flies past Her Majesty’s Australian Ship (HMAS) Adelaide which is docked at the Port of Manila on Tuesday, October 10. The President was given a tour aboard the Australian Navy’s largest vessel.

Malacañang photo by King Rodriguez

PH House votes to impeach Comelec chief...

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stitution and betrayal of public trust.

The case against him stemmed from allegations of his estranged wife, Patricia Paz Bautista, that he had about one billion pesos of undeclared wealth in his 2016 Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Networth (SALN).

‘Unnecessary move’ Following the House decision, Bautista said the impeachment move against him was unnecessary following the announcement of his resignation.

“It is unfortunate that the deu PAGE A4 cision of the House Commit-

sawmill workers in April in the province of Lanao del Sur, located at the southern part of the country.

He is also accused of being connected with the Maute terrorists, the IS-pro group behind the attack in Marawi City, also in Lanao del Sur. “The Philippines shares information and extends full cooperation with partners on matters pertaining to terrorism,” the Palace official said.

According to Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief General Eduardo Año, Salic is currently in the custody of the National Bu-

reau of Investigation (NBI).

Año said Salic sent funds to other nations for the “IS terrorist network.”

“He is providing financial support to several extremists or suspicious terrorists in the Middle East, in the U.S., and Malaysia from 2014 up to 2016. (He) has been under watch and surveillance for his suspicious activities in coordination with allied foreign intel agencies,” Año told reporters.

“He was very active on social media, websites that groups related to ISIS have been using,” the AFP chief added. n

tee on Justice, which was voted upon twice by a vote of 26-2, to dismiss the impeachment case against me was overturned this afternoon by the House of Representatives,” he said in a statement.

The Comelec chief, however, vowed to abide by the Constitution regarding the impeachment process as he acknowledged that all House members are entitled to their own opinion.

“While it may be an unnecessary move since I already tendered my resignation to the president today effective end of the year to ensure a smooth transition, I will abide by the Constitution and the relevant rules regarding the impeachment process,” Bautista added.

Trial to proceed Despite announcing his resignation, Senate Majority Leader Vicente “Tito” Sotto III said the Senate will still have to proceed the impeachment trial against Bautista.

“If the impeachment case will be transmitted to us, we have to act on it,” Sotto told reporters. According to him, the Senate might start its hearing on the case either on late November or the first week of December.

Sotto, however, noted that the impeachment case would be

deemed moot should the Comelec chief immediately file an irrevocable resignation.

Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero, meanwhile, pointed out that Bautista’s resignation was still not in effect.

“He announced his plan or intention to resign but he has not yet actually resigned so impeachment is still an available remedy/ procedure,” Escudero said.

Sharing similar view, Senator Panfilo Lacson noted that Bautista’s resignation is “prospective.”

“His resignation, as announced, is prospective so once the impeachment complaint is transmitted to the Senate, and his resignation is still not in effect, then we will proceed with the trial,” Lacson remarked.

But for opposition senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, putting Bautista on trial would be a “waste of time.”

“The penalty for a conviction in an impeachment trial is removal from office. Since he has resigned effective end of the year, I don’t see any reason why the Senate should convene as an impeachment court,” Pangilinan reasoned.

“It would be a waste of our time. For all intents and purposes, the matter is moot,” he added. n

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NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • OctObER 13-19, 2017

A

Jersey City Council President Lavarro opens campaign office, urges community to get involved in November elections

SENATOR ANGARA RECEIVES COURTESY CALL FROM FIL-AM YOUTH LEADERS. Senator Sonny Angara gave an inspirational message to this year’s delegates of the Filipino-American Young Leaders Program (FYLPro) led by Marjorie Baltazar, Amanda Bernardo, Ryan Dalusag, Eric John David, Tyler Dos Santos-Tam, Rebecca Elmore, Ireneo Reus III, Christal Simanski, Ryann Tanap and Ray Villanueva. FYLPro affords these young Filipinos based in the United States the opportunity to dialogue with policy makers, industry leaders, artists, social entrepreneurs and innovators in different fields with the end-goal of molding future leaders of the Filipino community in the U.S. Senator Angara, having once lived in the U.S. to pursue his Master of Laws in Harvard Law School, urged our young US-based kababayans to be politically empowered to serve and to pursue advocacies that will promote a positive image of the Philippines in the United States.

Senate photo

Business tycoon & philanthropist...

PAGE A1 t “His passion for excellence and commitment to mold business leaders, combined with his unfaltering generosity, led to the foundation of the Washington SyCip Graduate School of Business at AIM. His legacy will live on in the AIM alumni who strive to be ethical and responsible business leaders, and live up to Mr SyCip’s call to lead, inspire, and transform,” Asian Institute of Management (AIM) wrote.

“SyCip was a respected voice in corporate governance and staunch believer in Filipino talent. He gave us all a sense of what Filipinos could be,” Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella said.

Added former Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Kim Henares, “With his demise, we lost one of the great minds ever produced by the Philippines.

The auditing industry has a lot to thank him as he pioneered the growth of the industry not only in the Philippines but also in other parts of Asia. But more importantly, he trained and was a great influence to a lot of the captains of industries.”

“Mr. SyCip was a man who radiated intelligence and inspired respect. He was the Sage of our Age and was a person I greatly admired. I actively sought his counsel and learned from his wisdom,” reflected Senator Grace Poe. Former Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima said, “Today we mourn the profound loss of a dear boss, friend, and mentor. I owe much of who I am to the privilege of having been under his wing. Washington SyCip was a towering pillar of the Philippine economy. For decades, he stood as an exemplar of excellence and integrity while shining the light of his sage guidance on our business community.”

David Balangue, former SGV chairman, wrote, “He was a pillar in the local accounting industry.

He dedicated his entire life to excellence and was instrumental to improving business and society.

We will terribly miss him.”

Benjamin Punongbayan, former SGV senior partner and founder of accounting firm Punongbayan & Araullo, said, “SyCip was unique and one of a kind. He had a very strong passion for utmost excellence, not only for himself but also for the people around him.

I learned much from Wash and for which I am truly grateful. He was my mentor and model. I will greatly miss him.”

Roman Felipe Reyes, former senior partner at SVG, and cofounder of Reyes Tacandong & Co, noted, “He is a big loss. He contributed a lot to the accounting industry. His death will create a big vacuum.”

Marivic Espano, managing partner and CEO of P & A Grant Thornton, said, “Mr. SyCip was one of the great pillars of the profession and played a key role in shaping it. He built a strong firm that is acknowledged as a good training ground for CPAs. He is [a] leader who believes in the good-

ness and talent of Filipinos.”

Business advisory firm Bower Group Asia also tweeted, “RIP Mr. Washington SyCip. This great patriot & leader of the Philippines, we learned so much from him.”

SyCip received numerous prestigious awards including: Ramon Magsaysay Award for International Understanding; Dr. Jose Rizal Award for Excellence (Lifetime Achievement Award for Public Service); Philippine Legion of Honor, Degree of Commander conferred by the Philippine Government; Lifetime Achievement Award given by the Columbia Business School; Order of the Rising Sun by the Japanese government; The Officer’s Cross of the Order of Merit by the Federal Republic of Germany; Officer First Class of the Royal Order of the Polar Star by His Majesty the King of Sweden; Star of the Order of Merit conferred by the Republic of Austria; Accountancy Hall of Fame conferred by Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants; and Management Man of the Year conferred by the Management Association of the Philippines.

While his parents Don Albino and Helen SyCip could afford private schooling, they opted to send their children to public schools to assimilate with local children at Burgos Elementary School and Mapa High School. They also walked to school.

After learning the imprisonment of his father in the Philippines by Japanese forces, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. He joined the infantry but was found to have attained the highest IQ level ever recorded in his regiment. He studied Japanese in a language school in Colorado and cryptography in Virginia and was assigned to Intelligence Unit and deployed to Calcutta, British India as a codebreaker.

His father Don Albino SyCip was the first Chinese-speaking lawyer to top the bar exams. He founded China Bank and was acknowledged as the Dean of the Philippine Banking. He lived traditional virtues of frugality, quietness, hard work, patience, and integrity that he imparted to his children. He raised a family of achievers: David graduated cum laude from the University of the Philippines and graduated with honors from the Colorado School of Mines. He headed Northern Motors and Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation; Alexander headed the U.P. debating team for three years and founded the law firm of SyCip Salazar Hernandez and Gatmaitan; Washington graduated Summa Cum Laude at age 17 from UST and founded SGV and AIM; Elizabeth earned a Math degree magna cum laude from the University of the Philippines (U.P.) and another degree with honors from Columbia University; and Paz, the youngest child, was musically inclined.

Washington SyCip was the last survivor of the five siblings. He is survived by his wife Anna Yu, and his children Victoria, George, and Robert. n

Palace: Duterte satisfaction...

PAGE A2 t the trend,” Drilon told reporters in an interview.

He also added that the government “must better take a second look at their policies and the way they enforce their policies.”

Senate Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III, meanwhile, downplayed the ratings decline.

Likening the survey results to a basketball match, Sotto said what’s more important would be the president’s ratings at the end of his term.

“Sa survey mismo, matagal na ako diyan, every week halos nagpapalit ang opinyon ng tao.

Gano’n talaga ‘yan. (I’ve been familiar with surveys for a long time. Almost every week, peo-

ple’s opinions change. That’s how it is.)” he said.

Sotto went on to say, “Six years ang binigay sa kanyang mandate eh. Parang basketball ‘yan – ‘yung three points pinapalakpakan pero ‘pag naagawan malungkot. Gano’n din ‘yan.

Ang importante ‘yung last quarter [kung] ano’ng score. After 6 years saka maja-judge si President Duterte, hindi ngayon. (He was given a mandate of 6 years.

It’s just like basketball – when a player scores three points, we cheer, but when the ball is stolen, we get disappointed. That’s how it is. What’s important is his score in the last quarter. We can only judge President Duterte after 6 years, not now.)” n

JERSEY CITY, NJ - With elections less than a month away, Jersey City Council President Rolando Lavarro opens his campaign office on 518 West Side Avenue, in the center of Jersey City’s Filipino community, and urges community members to be vigilant with their voice and representation in government. Lavarro is the first Filipino American to be elected to Municipal Council in Jersey City and is running to retain his position. Lavarro is on the ballot for Council At-Large, ballot position 1B, under Mayor Steven Fulop, for the November 7 elections. His office is open Monday to Friday at 5:30pm-8pm, and Saturday 10am-1pm.

“There are various ways to volunteer and the only requirement is the willingness to give your time,” said Lavarro. “Volunteers are critical because I can only reach so many people on my own.

Cayetano extends US trip...

PAGE A1 t

take place from October 13 to 15 in Washington, D.C. “The Secretary will be part of the Philippine delegation to the annual meetings of the IMF and the World Bank in Washington DC this week,” Bolivar said.

Cayetano flew to New York last month to represent Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte at the 72nd session of the United

Nations (UN) General Assembly, which opened on September 19.

In speech on September 23, Cayetano defended the Duterte administration’s heavily criticized campaign against illegal drugs as a “necessary instrument to preserve and protect the human rights of all Filipinos.”

The top diplomat also met with U.S. Secretary of State Rex

Elections are about people coming together, actively advocating for issues and values that matter to us, and making sure that we elect a representative that can fight and advocate for the entire community.”

Lavarro’s campaign office has phone banking six days a week, and serves as a central location for people to request Team Fulop house signs, register to vote, or get a vote by mail application for those who prefer to mail in their ballot or expecting to be away on election day. October 17 is the deadline to register to be eligible to vote in the November 7, 2017 election.

“Let’s not take it for granted; every vote counts,” said Lavarro. “If you are eligible to vote and haven’t registered, you have until Tuesday, October 17 to register. If you are expecting to be away or working a long day on election day, you can also

apply to vote by mail. My office has voter registration forms and application to vote by mail and we can assist you. One vote can make or break an election.

There is no room for complacency in any election. We should all look back at the 2016 presidential elections to remind us what overconfidence or complacency can lead to.”

Lavarro has also launched his website -- lavarroforjerseycity. com -- where people can sign up to volunteer, join his mailing list, donate, and get information about his campaign.

Team Fulop 2017 comprises of Mayor Steven Fulop (1A); For Council At-Large- Rolando R. Lavarro (1B), Joyce Watterman (2B), Daniel Rivera (3B); Ward A - Denise Ridley (7C); Ward B - Mira Prinz-Arey (3C); Ward C - John Hannusak (3C); Ward D - Moriah “Mo” Kinburg (5C); Ward F - Jermaine Robinson (5C). n

Tillerson on September 27 in his official visit to Washington, D.C. Cayetano told Tillerson that the Philippines welcomes the support of U.S. in combating drug menace. But calls from Washington, D.C. and other human rights organizations for impartial investigation on the deaths of drug suspects were deflected.

Following September 29, the top diplomat flew back to New York City and met with

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres.

During their meeting, Cayetano told Guterres that the Philippine government is ready to welcome “unbiased” experts from the UN who would conduct an objective assessment of human rights situation in the country.

Cayetano has repeatedly assured the international community that the Philippine government values human rights.

(Dana Sioson/AJPress)

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Pacquiao retirement has Arum’s blessing

by Dino

Maragay Philstar.com

MANILA – If Manny Pacquiao ever decides to hang up his gloves, there will be no opposition from his longtime promoter Bob Arum.

Speaking recently to veteran scribe Steve Kim of Undisputed Boxing Network, the Top Rank Inc. chief said he will support Pacquiao’s plan to retire.

“One-hundred percent,” said Arum.

The veteran promoter then brought up the case of undefeated light heavyweight champion Andre Ward, who recently shocked the boxing world when he announced his retirement from the sport.

The 33-year-old Ward is still

widely considered to be at his prime, making his decision to call it quits a surprise to many observers and fans.

Arum hinted that it will be a good move on Pacquiao’s part to follow Ward’s example and ride off into the sunset with his faculties still intact.

“Nobody was more delighted when Andre Ward was packing it in because he had made enough fighting and he wanted a career in announcing. It’s great. Why should these guys stay and risk permanent injury, particularly when they have the ability to get out with their health?” he continued.

Pacquiao’s boxing career has been on hold since the Filipino icon suffered a stunning defeat to Australia’s Jeff Horn in July. While

calls for Pacquiao to quit the sport have again intensified immediately following the loss, the fighting senator insisted he will continue fighting on “until the passion is gone.”

Pacquiao is keen on exercising his rematch clause with Horn, but that fight won’t happen anytime soon as the 29year-old Australian is already set to defend the WBO welterweight belt against Gary Corcoranin December.

But in the event Pacquiao decides he has finally had enough of boxing, Arum, for his part, said he will be among those celebrating.

“So I think Andre did a really smart thing in retiring and, if Manny decides to retire – which I don’t know – but if he does, I’ll be applauding it.” n

US Heads of Posts to intensify provision of frontline assistance to nationals THE Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. and heads of Philippine Consulates General in the U.S. held a Command Conference on Assistance-to- Nationals and other frontline services in New York last Oct. 2 Chaired by DFA Office of Migrant Workers Affairs Assistant Secretary Reynaldo A. Catapang, the Heads of Post discussed means of streamlining assistance efforts to overseas Filipinos, updating contingency plans in light of new challenges and immigration policy developments, forging closer partnerships with US government partners, civil society organizations, and advocacy groups, extending legal and other assistance, more effective information dissemination, and speedier responses to human and labor trafficking cases.

The participants likewise briefed Foreign Secretary Alan Peter S. Cayetano on developments in their respective areas as common concerns of posts in the U.S. The heads of Post also attended the Speaking Engagement of Secretary Cayetano at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), one of the oldest international affairs and foreign relations organizations in the United States.

The following Heads of Post took part in the Command Conference: Consul General Generoso Calonge (Chicago), Henry Bensurto (San Francisco), Ade-

MEDIA SECURITY. Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II delivers his message during the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) 1st anniversary celebration held at the National Press Club in Manila on Wednesday, October 11.

PNA photo by Rico H. Borja

PH migrant support system lauded by WB

by Mayvelin

U. Caraballo ManilaTimes.net

THE Philippines’ support system for migrant labor could serve as a model for other Southeast Asian countries and also help deepen regional economic integration, the World Bank said.

In its “Migrating to Opportunity” report, the Washington-based multilateral lender said the Philippines — one of the largest suppliers of overseas workers in the world — had a migration system with clearly defined institutional responsibilities.

“In the Philippines, several Assistant Secretary Catapang (3rd from left) leads the discussions at the Command migrant-focused agencies are housed mostly within the DepartConference ment of Labor and Employment.

Their roles and responsibilities are well defined, with the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency responsible mainly for managing migration and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration responsible mainly for protecting migrants,” it pointed out.

The World Bank noted that in the Philippines, recruitment agencies must attend an orientation seminar prior to receiving a license and a continuing education seminar for license renewal.

The government also provides a listing of job opportunities available abroad through the job L-R Consul General Adelio Cruz, Consul General Generoso Calonge, CDA Patrick Chuasoto, Amb. advertising site JobStreet.com Teodoro Locsin, Consul General Gina Jamoralin, Secretary Alan Peter S. Cayetano, Assistant Secretary and offers an orientation proReynaldo Catapang, Consul General Theresa Dizon-De Vega, Consul General Marciano De Borja and gram to workers contemplating Consul General Henry Bensurto at the Council on Foreign Relations

lio Angelito Cruz (Los Angeles), Gina Jamoralin (Honolulu), Marciano De Borja (Agana), Theresa

Photos by NYPCG

Dizon- De Vega (New York), and Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. Patrick Chuasoto (Washington, D.C.) n

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migration.

The lender also lauded the Pre-Employment Orientation Seminar (PEOS) for potential migrants, which includes modules on working overseas, job search, illegal recruitment, allowable fees and the essential provisions of the employment contract, and country-specific information.

The PEOS is mandatory but can be completed online at no cost.

“Some good practices identified with Philippine orientation programs are involving local government partners and nongovernmental organizations to incorporate a rights perspective, creating a post-arrival orientation seminar to ensure that learning does not stop at departure, developing orientation programs for recruiters, and providing migration information at the local level,” the World Bank said.

“To build on this status, the country should continue to evaluate and improve its migration management system, including oversight of recruitment agencies, programs for returned migrants, and data sharing and interoperability,” it added.

Southeast Asia, it said, saw intra-regional migration increase significantly between 1995 and 2015. Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand turned into regional hubs with 6.5 million migrants — 96 percent of the migrant

workers in the region.

Many low-skilled and often undocumented migrants move in search of economic opportunity, mainly in the construction, plantation, and domestic services sectors. Higher-salary jobs are available, yet workers are not always able to take advantage of these opportunities, the World Bank said.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) has taken steps to facilitate mobility but its regulations only cover certain skilled professions — doctors, dentists, nurses, engineers, architects, accountants, and tourism professionals — or just 5 percent of jobs in the region.

Overall, the World Bank noted that migration procedures across Asean remained restrictive.

Barriers such as costly and lengthy recruitment processes, restrictive quotas on the number of foreign workers allowed and rigid employment policies were said to be constraining worker employment options and their welfare.

These policies are partly influenced by the perception that an influx of migrants will have negative impacts on the receiving economy, it said.

The report estimated that reducing barriers to mobility would improve workers’ welfare, by 14 percent if limited to high-skilled workers and by 29 percent if all workers were included. n

As 2020 Census approaches, minority groups...

PAGE A1 t billion is allocated through federal programs based on census data. Among the many programs dependent on the census are those regarding education, assistance for veterans, hospitals, and transportation.

With the census date set at April 1, 2020, the U.S Census Bureau has been hit hard with challenges — such as the resignation of its director and improper funding — which have initiated a detrimental domino effect on needed preparations and tests.

For example, the upcoming census will be the first to be taken online, but lack of testing makes the census vulnerable to an inaccurate count.

The 2020 Census has already been listed by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) as a “high risk” federal program in its 2017 High Risk Report.

The result? Derailments of important tests and resources, including the measurement element of the dress rehearsal (the only way of evaluation), and assessment strategies of communications, outreach, and partnership programs.

Most likely to feel the repercussions are minority groups and general populations living in hardto-count areas, say advocates.

California, a state with many diverse communities has already seen groups go underrepresented in previous censuses, and advocates say the risk of them being missed in the next one are still disproportionately high.

“In order for California to receive its fair share of federal funding and political representation, the census bureau must accurately count all of our state’s residences,” said Dr. John Dobard, manager of Political Voice, Advancement Project California.

Distrust and the digital divide Distrust of the government with personal information, along with the evident digital divide, are key concerns of advocates from across minority groups.

Ofelia Medina, Director of State Civic Engagement Policy for the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO), found this especially true in the Latino community, which makes up 39 percent of the Californian population.

“It’s going to be really difficult to make sure that they do [participate in the census] when they might not have even dial-up at home,” said Medina, stating that many in California do not have access to internet service.

While libraries and internet ca-

fes may provide internet access, Medina admits that the census might not be much of a priority that people would go out of their way to these places to fill out the census.

The increasing climate of fear incited by rhetoric on immigration enforcement has further been discouraging in communities of color when it comes to participating in programs involving government contact.

“It’s definitely been something we’ve been seeing in the last couple of months,” said Medina referring to recent issues like the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).

This is also true in Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities where approximately 1.3 million are undocumented, according to Stewart Kwoh, Founding President and Executive Director of Asian Americans Advancing Justice, Los Angeles (AAJC).

“They don’t want anybody, including their own family members, to know often times,” said Kwoh.

‘Statistical genocide’ According to the California Department of Finance, 20.5 percent of Californians live in hardto-count areas, or communities at high risks of not being fully counted as designated by the U.S. Census Bureau. Ten of the 50 hard-to-count counties in the nation are in California, accounting for an estimated 8.4 million people.

Furthermore, one in three (34.3 percent) of Hispanics in California live in hard-to-count areas. For Asian Americans, it is one out of every five (19 percent).

Especially at risk of being undercounted are California’s more than 2.5 million children who would thus be beneficiaries of data derived allocations after the census.

“The greatest amount of children that will not be counted are the children that are being born right now, up until 2020,” said Medina.

Of the top 100 places with the highest percent of children living in hard-to-count areas, 16 are in California — Black and Hispanic children hold highest net undercounts.

Medina stressed that in California specifically, the last 2010 Census significantly undercounted Latino children.

“Nationwide, about 400,000 under the age of five were not counted in the census. About 113,000 of them were from California,” said Medina.

These undercounts come not only from Los Angeles County, but from counties of Orange, San Diego, Riverside, Santa Clara, San Bernardino, and Alameda, added Medina.

For Native American communities, the issue of being undercounted is one of identity. During the 2000 Census, a number of tribes in the San Diego County were recorded at zero.

“That is statistical genocide,” said Dr. Joely Proudfit, Director of Californian Indian Culture and Sovereignty Center, and Professor at California State University, San Marcos.

Asian Americans and data disaggregation Legal and civil rights organization Asian Americans Advancing Justice - Los Angeles (AAJC) has been formally conducting census campaigns since the 1990s.

“This is probably the most important census,” said Kwoh.

A little over 15 percent of the Californian population, and six percent of the U.S. population, belong to the AAPI community.

The 2010 Census found that Filipino-Americans became the largest Asian American group in California, while Chinese Americans remained the largest in the U.S. In LA County, Filipino and Koreans were the two largest, and Thai Americans were seeing new growth as well.

“If you don’t have an accurate census, you won’t know any of this,” said Kwoh. “If you lump all Asians together, then you really don’t know us at all.”

Disaggregated data from the census is very important and is needed to ensure specific communities are served accordingly whether in education, health, or other needed programs.

Nevada for example, is one of the three states with the fastest growing Asian populations, said Kwoh. When looking at the data, Filipinos made up half of the overall Asian population.

“Let’s say there’s a disaster in Nevada. Wouldn’t you want to know that Filipinos are half the Asian population? And how you are going to outreach to them?,” Kwoh told Asian Journal.

“Culturally, in language, you need to have that disaggregated data. Otherwise the government agencies are almost blind to who they are serving. It’s crucial.”

While the current 2020 Census proposal provides checkbox options and a write-in option for more detailed ethnicity descriptions, making sure people are included at all in the census remains the biggest issue. (Rae Ann Varona/AJPress)

(212) 655-5426 • http://www.asianjournal.com

NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • OctObER 13-19, 2017

Dateline PhiliPPines

A

SC junks De Lima plea to nullify her arrest order PNP exits drug war, police chief apologizes

over drop in Pres. Duterte’s ratings

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

With a vote of 9-6, the Supreme Court (SC) on tuesday, October 10, dismissed Senator Leila De Lima’s petition that questioned the legality of the arrest warrant issued against her by the Muntinlupa Regional trial Court (RtC). in an en banc session, the high court also ruled to reject the senator’s petition to nullify the illegal drug charges filed against her.

De Lima, in her petition, insisted that it was the Sandiganbayan which has jurisdiction over the drug cases against her. She argued that she falls under the jurisdiction of the anti-graft court because of her salary grade during her term as the Justice secretary when she allegedly committed the offense. the senator also accused Judge Juanita Guerrero of committing grave abuse of discretion for ordering her on February 23 earlier this year without resolving her motion to quash. De Lima likewise pleaded the high court to stop Guerrero from conducting further proceedings on her drug case. however, in a decision penned

by Associate Justice Presbitero J. Velasco Jr., the SC maintained that the RtC has jurisdiction over drug cases regardless of the official’s salary grade. “it also noted that the exclusive original jurisdiction of the RtC over violations of (Republic Act) 9165 is not transferred to the Sandiganbayan whenever the accused occupies a position classified as Grade 27 or higher, regardless of whether the violation is alleged to have been committed in relation to the office being occupied,” the decision read. it pointed out that the Sandiganbayan is only “limited to violations of the anti-graft laws and do not extend to violations of the drugs law.” the high court also ruled that Guerrero did not commit grave abuse of discretion in issuing an arrest warrant against the senator, saying that the judge was not required to resolve De Lima’s motion to quash it. “the Court noted that respondent judge considered all the evidence presented at the preliminary investigation and not simply the report and the supporting evidence the prosecu-

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

In this file photo taken on June 30, 2017, Senator Leila de Lima gives her sentiments to the media as she steps out of the Muntinlupa regional trial court room following the deferment of a court proceeding for her second drug trade charge. Inquirer.net photo by Erma Edera

tion proposed to present at the trial, which was based on the evidence presented during the preliminary investigation,” the decision further read.

Among the justices who concurred in the main ruling were Justices teresita Leonardo-De Castro, Diosdado Peralta, Lucas Bersamin, Mariano Del Castillo, Samuel Martires, Noel tijam, Andres Reyes, and Alexander Gesmundo. the dissenters, meanwhile, are Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, and Associate Justices Estela Perlas Bernabe, Francis Jardeleza, Marvic Leonen, Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa. in February, the Department of Justice (DOJ) filed three complaints against De Lima in relation to the alleged drug proliferation inside the National Bilibid Prison (NBP).

De Lima was accused of receiving bribes from drug lords in exchange of their protection when she was the Justice secretary.

She was also accused of using the money from drug trade to fund her 2016 senatorial campaign. in a statement, Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre ii welcomed the high court’s move. “i think that’s a correct decision. it’s the decision we have been fighting for. tama lang (It’s just right) that our position that the RtC has jurisdiction has been vindicated,” Aguirre said.

With the SC’s ruling, the Justice secretary noted that De Lima’s trial and arraignment scheduled on Friday, October 13 could proceed, “assuming that there would be no motion to make amendment to the information.”

Following the high court’s decision, several minority senators expressed support for the detained senator. in a statement, Senate Minority Floor Leader Franklin Drilon expressed his disappointment but added that he respects the SC’s decision.

“Nakakalungkot. Ang aking paniwala ay dapat Ombudsman ang mag-hear nito. (It’s saddening. My belief is that the Ombudsman should hear the case.)

But i respect the decision of the Supreme Court. i’m a lawyer and former justice secretary, i disagree but i will respect the SC decision,” Drilon told reporters.

Senator Antonio trillanes iV, on the other hand, said that the SC’s decision proved President Rodrigo Duterte’s “total control and manipulation of the three branches of government.” “the SC ruling is quite unfortunate as it virtually puts a stamp of legitimacy on the political persecution and injustice being done to Sen. Leila De lima. it also highlighted Duterte’s total control and manipulation of the three branches of government for his evil political ends. Dapat tindigan natin ito (We should stand up against this),” he added.

For her part, Senator Risa hontiveros said the fight to free De Lima remains, as she urged people to support the detained senator.

A staunch critic of Duterte, De Lima and other critics of the administration has considered herself as the president’s “political prisoner.” She is being detained at the Philippine National Police (PNP) Custodial Center in Camp Crame, Quezon City. n

With the Philippine National Police (PNP) ordered “hands-off” on the anti-illegal drug operations, PNP Chief Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa said the police body can now focus on cracking down on other crimes.

On tuesday, October 10, President Rodrigo Duterte named the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) as the “sole agency” in charge of the government’s war on drugs amid public outrage over alleged police abuses.

Under the new order, the PNP’s task in the drug war is now limited to “maintaining police visibility.” “the PNP shall, at all times, maintain police visibility, as a deterrent to illegal drug activities leaving to the PDEA, however, the conduct of anti-illegal drug operations as aforestated,” the president’s memorandum read. in a media interview at the Senate, Dela Rosa welcomed the transfer of responsibility to the PDEA. he vowed that the PNP will now concentrate on other crimes, as well as on cleansing its ranks.

“Yes! hayahay na kami ngayon (We’re relaxed now),” Dela Rosa told reporters.

“You can just imagine, finocus namin halos 100 percent resources of the PNP for the [past] year, finocus namin lahat sa war on drugs, do’n naka-focus we focused (all of our resources on the war on drugs for the [past] year). We can now focus on other crimes,” he added. the Duterte administration has

PNP Chief Director General Ronald Dela Rosa

Philstar.com photo

been the center of public scrutiny due to the deaths of drug suspects — especially of minors like 17year-old Kian delos Santos, who was killed in a police operation last August.

Critics of the administration also blamed the drug war killings for the recent sharp decline of Duterte’s public satisfaction and trust rating.

A recently released Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey results showed that Duterte’s public satisfaction rating dropped sharply by 18 points — from +66 in June to +48 in September from +66 in June. his net trust rating, on the other hand, suffered a 15-point drop from the previous +75 or “excellent” rating in June to +60 or “very good” in September. the poll results likewise showed that 54 percent of Filipinos believe

that majority of the drug suspects killed did not really fight back, contrary to police’s claim that the suspects violently resisted arrest. in an interview on Wednesday, October 11, Dela Rosa apologized for the decline in the satisfaction and trust ratings of the president.

“We feel guilty, kung totoo ’yon na naging dissatisfied yung mga tao dahil kay presidente dahil sa war on drugs na ginagawa namin (if it’s true that people are dissatisfied at the president because of the police’s war on drug), we feel guilty,” the PNP chief told reporters. he added, “We’re very guilty.

Sorry. Sorry na kami ang nagbigay ng dissatisfaction sa mga tao (we’re to blame for people’s dissatisfaction) towards the president.”

NIGHTMARE. Vehicles and motorbikes clog EDSA, Metro Manila’s main thoroughfare, during rush hour on Wednesday, Oct. 11.

The daily traffic jams prompted the Metro Manila Council to consider banning cars without passengers from the highway.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Ruy Martinez

A6 OCTOBER 13-19, 2017 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (212) 655-5426

FEATURES

OPINION

‘The love is still there’

THE honeymoon is over, but the love is still there. This was Malacañang’s response on Monday, October 9, to the biggest slide so far in President Rodrigo Duterte’s satisfaction and trust ratings. The president suffered double-digit drops in the third quarter survey conducted by pollster Social Weather Stations Inc. from Sept. 23 to 27.

It may be more accurate to say that the hope is still there, that the President will use his immense powers and popularity to focus on the many pressing matters requiring the attention of his administration. While surveys also show that Filipinos agree with the need to deal decisively with the drug menace, the unrest generated by the methods employed in waging the war is hogging the attention of the government.

Last week, two major business groups, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Employers Confederation of the Philippines, called for less political bickering and more action on reforms and infrastructure projects. The Joint Foreign Chambers of the Philippines, representing nearly 3,000 companies and members of the private sector, have been pushing for reforms in several key areas to accelerate economic growth.

Recently, employers have also expressed concern over policies that are dampening investments, such as additional contributions to the

Social Security System, new rules on private security guards and janitorial services, and an increase in wages when the rates are already the highest in Southeast Asia. The principal consideration, the employers said, must be the creation of jobs by encouraging more investments.

Such sentiments of course must be weighed against the need to promote the welfare and increase the productivity of the workforce. These are matters that need careful consideration, without the distraction of political noise.

Malacañang officials and Duterte’s supporters said the slide in his survey ratings was not surprising, and that the numbers could still bounce back.

The steepness of the fall, however, is noteworthy.

While the presidency is not a popularity game, governance is easier with strong public support.

Despite the ratings plunge, the numbers remain high. With proper focus, a downward spiral can be prevented. (Philstar.com)

Editorial

ManilaTimes.net photo

White House wants Fil-Am professor investigated after she delivered a lecture critical of Trump

THE White House is calling on the Universi- The Fil-Am ty of Nevada-Las Vegas to investigate a Fil-Am Perspective history professor after she expressed an opinion critical of President Donald Trump during GEL SANTOS-RELOS one of her lectures.

This comes in the wake of the deadly massacre in Las Vegas that claimed the lives of 58 people and injured about 500 others after Stephen Paddock opened fire from the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay casino during a country music concert on Sunday, October 1.

As FOX News reported, Prof. Tessa Winkelmann said, “Right when he got elected, I told my classes, three semesters ago, that some of us won’t be affected by this presidency, but others are going to die...Other people will die because of this.

And we’ve seen this happen, right?”

Winkelmann was quoted based on a video reportedly obtained by the Las Vegas Review-Journal that showed her speaking to her class also saying:

“He’s [Trump] threatened to declare violence against North Korea and other places...And words, especially if they’re coming from someone who is the president, have consequences. . . I don’t know that these events would have inevitably happened whether or not he got elected, but he has rhetorical powers every president has to encourage or to discourage (violence). So far all he’s done is to encourage violence.”

One of the students was reported by the Las Vegas Review-Journal to be “dumbfounded” and said the professor’s comments were “appalling,” in the wake of the recent mass shooting in Las Vegas.

The Las Vegas Review-Journal also wrote that a student told them that Winkelmann’s comments polarized the classroom and students began shouting at each other.

According to FOX News, Winkelmann’s commentary has since been criticized by

both the university and the White House.

“While we respect academic freedom in the classroom and the right to free speech, we believe the comments were insensitive, especially given the series of events this week and the healing process that has begun in the community,” UNLV spokesman Tony Allen said.

FOX News reported that White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders wants the University of Las Vegas to investigate Winkelmann, saying “She should be ashamed of herself, and the university should look into it. What a terrible example to set for students.”

“It is sad she is teaching students such divisive, inaccurate and irresponsible rhetoric,” Trump’s press secretary added.

Amid all these reactions to her comments, the Fil-Am professor apologized through a statement emailed to the Review-Journal: “This week has been very difficult for members of our community, and we have allowed students space in our classes to discuss how they have been affected and to openly convey their feelings,” Winkel-

mann said. “I regret that my comments caused more pain during this difficult time. Emotions were running high and I wish I would have been more thoughtful in how I directed the conversation.”

While I respect Prof. Tessa Winkelmann for her humility and compassion for the people of Las Vegas as the nation is still in shock and pain over the tragedy, I am unsettled by the thought that this incident shows how in the United States of America under President Donald Trump, a history professor giving her own commentary and academic analysis about an issue in a university setting may be chastised by the same university and even be subject of an investigation as prodded by the White House only because her commentary was critical of the president.

What was false, malicious and inaccurate about her opinion? Was she attacking the president personally? Wasn’t she talking about the power of the “words” uttered by the leader who holds the most powerful position in the nation, and perhaps in the whole world?

And why should she be criticized over

comments that “polarized the classroom and students began shouting at each other”?

A university should give the students the platform and the training to express and take dissenting critical opinions, and learn through the process how to exchange differing opinions in a respectful and constructive manner. This should be the training ground for the responsible exercise of our constitutionally protected right to free speech.

This incident is but one example of how the response of the White House and the University of Nevada may have a chilling effect on the exercise of our First Amendment right.

Would, could, and should the citizens of the United States of America — the land of the free and the home of the brave — be silenced? *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https://www.facebook. com/Gel.Santos.Relos

History in the making: House impeaches Comelec chairman

Commentary

RIGOBERTO TIGLAO WE are seeing history in the making: The House of Representatives’ overriding of its justice committee’s report not to impeach Commission on Election Chairman Andres Bautista.This starts the process of indicting the head of this entity that had been exploited so much by the Yellow Cult in the past three national elections.

Indeed, it was only the unexpected groundswell of popular support for President Duterte in the 2016 elections that stopped the Comelec from installing Mar Roxas as President. It seems to have succeeded though in the case of the vice-presidential post.

Unless the Senate proves itself another debased institution like the Comelec, Bautista’s impeachment trial is an opportunity to finally clean of corruption this institution that is supposed to be at the heart of our democracy, but in reality has been the tool of the Yellow Cult since 2010 and of the Philippine political elite.

It is a singular demonstration of political will and leadership on the part of the low-profile Speaker, Pantaleon Alvarez, Jr. and his camp of President Duterte’s supporters to get 137 of the 297 House members— more than the 1/3, or 99 required—to override the dismissal by the committee on justice of the impeachment complaint against Bautista.

WE are seeing history in the making: The House of Representatives’ overriding of its justice committee’s report not to im-

peach Commission on Election Chairman Andres Bautista.This starts the process of indicting the head of this entity that had been exploited so much by the Yellow Cult in the past three national elections.

Indeed, it was only the unexpected groundswell of popular support for President Duterte in the 2016 elections that stopped the Comelec from installing Mar Roxas as President. It seems to have succeeded though in the case of the vice-presidential post.

Unless the Senate proves itself another debased institution like the Comelec, Bautista’s impeachment trial is an opportunity to finally clean of corruption this institution that is supposed to be at the heart of our democracy, but in reality has been the tool of the Yellow Cult since 2010 and of the Philippine political elite.

It is a singular demonstration of political will and leadership on the part of the low-profile Speaker, Pantaleon Alvarez, Jr. and his camp of President Duterte’s supporters to get 137 of the 297 House members— more than the 1/3, or 99 required—to override the dismissal by the committee on justice of the impeachment complaint against Bautista.

According to the House rules on impeachment adopted in 2005, the 51-member committee on justice was required to determine whether an impeachment complaint is “sufficient in form and substance”. The committee in September 21 voted to dismiss the complaint for being “insufficient in form,” on the very technical—and really absurd—grounds that one of documents wasn’t “attested to” before the House’s secretary-general (who is not

even an elected representative).

The committee rejected what was a very logical argument by Cebu Rep. Gwen Garcia, one of the impeachment complainants, that the House rules allow a “defective verification” to be corrected.

Arrogance In a display of arrogance, Bautista even portrayed the dismissal of the impeachment complaint against him—which was entirely on technical grounds—as the Congress’ declaration of his innocence. “This proves to be a significant step in clearing my name after the malicious accusations hurled against me. As I have always maintained, the allegations are fabricated and baseless,” Bautista said in his statement on the dismissal last month.

However, because impeachment is not a legal process, but a political act, the House itself is not bound by such a guideline, which isn’t in the Constitution.

The Constitution only stipulates that by a vote of one-third of all members of the House, it can override the decision of the justice committee. It does provide for any “sufficiency in form and substance”. Under the House’s rules, upon rejection of its dismissal of the complaint, the committee is now tasked to prepare the articles of impeachment.

The rejection of the committee’s decision upon the House leadership initiative is by itself historical. This is the first time this has happened.

Hence, those in constitutional bodies suspected of corruption or partisanship can no longer use as their shield the technicalities of rules. After all, these were designed not to be the refuge of

scoundrels in government but only to make the process of impeachment, even if it is political in essence, an orderly one.

Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno and former Supreme Court justice, now Ombudsman Conchita Morales-Carpio, must have lost sleep last night after news of the Congress’ move broke out. All their legal prowess, or in Sereno’s case, all the wisdom sycophant lawyers she could call upon because of she is Chief Justice won’t be any help to them when the Congress decides to impeach them.

In a brief telephone interview, Alvarez said: “We in the Duterte administration are determined to repair such a damaged institution as the Comelec, and the impeachment trial of its head will be a venue for this.”

“How can anybody believe that the 2013 and 2016 elections were not tampered, when there were so many areas in which there were zero votes for candidates for whom for instance the Iglesia ni Cristo had declared its support?” Alvarez pointed out.

“Even their ministers didn’t heed the command of their ‘Central’?

Why did Bautista, without the authorization by the Comelecen banc open Smarmatic’s source code?” he added.

Corruption Indeed, it is so difficult to believe that Bautista—brought into government by former President Aquino and believed to be close to Yellow leader Sen. Franklin Drilon—hadn’t profited from corruption as Comelec head, or even in his earlier post as chair of the Presidential Commission on Good Government.

It is his wife, Patricia, who accused him of corruption, and

even presented to the public his actual bank passbooks and documents which, together with his real property, were valued at P1.2 billion, to prove it. She said she didn’t want to be accused in some future time of being part of her husband’s corruption or even profiting from his dirty money.

We would be so stupid to believe that Bautista deposited P329 million in a small Lagunabased thrift bank named Luzon Development Bank (Luzon Bank) owned by known Liberal Party supporters, only because “he knew its owners.” The only logical explanation would be that he could rely on its owners to keep his deposits secret.

We would be total morons if we believe the claim of his brother Martin, a gastroenterologist in the backcountry municipality of Guymon, Texas (population: 11,703), that most of those deposits were his money, which were just change for him because he is a billionaire. After a short press tour, Martin, who was a senatorial candidate of the Liberal Party in 2010, is back in Guymon.

Deputy minority leader Harry Roque, one of the impeachment complainants, said that the draft of the articles of impeachment he has submitted to the committee involves the following.

• The anomalous bank accounts, funds, businesses, corporations and financial transactions involving Bautista and/or his family members; • Bautista’s supposed commissions from private law firm Divina &Uy law offices; • Bautista’s failure to properly disclose his statement of assets, liabilities and net worth; and •Bautista’s failure to address the hacking of the Comelec web-

site in March 2015.

Not by any logic can anybody claim that these are flimsy accusations.

Invoking God Bautista thought he would keep these allegations buried— for the damage to the Comelec as an institution to be never corrected—and pre-empt the Congress in its impeachment move by announcing the other day, hours before the House vote, that he would resign by the end of the year. He thought that would give him enough time for a graceful exit, for the nation to forget the crimes he has been accused of.

It is just sickening how Bautista has been constantly invoking guidance from God for his decision. Indeed, Bautista has been a clever operator and had developed the sympathy of a significant part of media.

The Comelec has managed all these years to have a relatively good image. Yet if you ask any politician who has run or lost in an election, he would say the Comelec has been as corrupt as, well, the Bureau of Customs or local city administrations. I have heard horror stories recently of party-lists having bought their purported victories for P5 million from Comelec officials. It has managed to have a relatively good image, since no politician would dare expose its corruption. After all, he may run again in a future election.

The impeachment move against Bautista, for the first time in our history, will break the longstanding taboo on investigating this institution that is supposedly responsible for having the ctizens choose their leaders.

(ManilaTimes.net)

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NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • OctObER 13-19, 2017

Mr. SyCip goes to Washington

A

Articles and photos from Balikbayan Magazine April-May 2011 issue

by Lito ocampo cRuz Louie Jon a. Sanchez and Jamie maRie eLona Balikbayan Magazine

Owls and turtles abound on all sides—figurines, paintings, and stuffed toys. When asked about the seemingly symbolic preponderance, he told us that he is not really collecting them.

According to him, “they were more of gifts to me in different occasions.” One write-up spoke of this particular painting on his wall about a man who seems to be communing with a turtle. In the article, SyCip explains that the turtle is telling the man to take it easy. What profound wisdom!

Perhaps, after living a full life, he has not only come home to stay, but has also come full circle, circumspect and wise. At 90, SyCip spends his time reading newspapers everyday, and at certain moments like our interview, remembers his many adventures. The figures around him presaged for us not only a life celebrated, but a legacy well kept.

This was how it seemed to appear that morning as we went on to meet the man who, five decades ago, brought together two other accounting greats to form the country’s most respected firm, the SyCip, Gorres, Velayo & Co.. (SGV). We arrived on time to see him at his posh penthouse office at the SGV Headquarters along Ayala Avenue, and the man’s aura was easily recognizable in the mementoes he keep that we have seen as we arrived in the floor where he usually spends his time when in office.

From the beginning, it appeared that SyCip was living in hybridity. Aside from his name, both his parents came from different Chinese lineages.

He recalled: “My mother was from Shanghai and my father was from Fu Tsen. They spoke different languages.” His father went to the University of Michigan Law School and later cofounded Chinabank. Meanwhile, his mother, whose family operated the Chinese Commercial Press, studied music in Oberlin College in Ohio.

And he also enjoyed the best of both worlds in education. At 18, he finished B.S. Accountancy, summa cum laude in 1939 at the University of Santo Tomas, some ten years after it transferred to the España campus. After graduating, he took the board for Certified Public Accountants and passed the exams at age 19. As one of the youngest in history, he wasn’t able to practice immediately because he was underage.

The next option for him was to take up further studies. He went to Columbia University in New York to study at its graduate business school. A former professor convinced him to study there where he could get to meet and learn from another accounting education giant, Roy Kester.

“That teacher even asked me to get a copy of his dissertation at

Columbia, which I did,” he said.

“I went there precisely because of Kester who is known for the books he wrote on accounting.”

When World War II broke out, SyCip was working on his dissertation. “I was never able to finish it. I joined the Philippine regiment.” The war for him was a compelling reason to serve, a bigger reason to find meaning in a time when the world is in utter misery. “I wanted to be part of something that will eventually be helpful to the Philippines.”

He recalled being trained for three months before landing a position in Intelligence. “Before you join the military, you would be asked to take an IQ test. I garnered the highest score. Because of that I was sent to Denver to study Japanese. After that, I was also sent to Virginia to learn cryptography.” Being a mas-

pany with eight offices across the country with a stable of almost 2000 professionals in accounting, law, economics, engineering, finance, and human resource development. In 2002, it became an affiliate of Ernst & Young International.

SyCip today quietly enjoys life.

As founder of SGV, he still spends his time there and admits that he still does not have “leisure time.”

In a week he still attends board meetings of the different companies he holds, and every night, he is usually attending dinners and receptions. “I usually eat home twice a month,” he said.

But nevertheless, what is important probably is his continuous work to further improve the lives of his countrymen, something his father insisted on when he was convincing him to stay. A notable project he supports is Synergeia, which helps in educating the young. “To improve the Philippine situation, fix basic education first,” he said, in a report of the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

His legacy in business is still very much felt with the constant presence of the Asian Institute of Management (AIM), which he founded in 1968. Its roster of graduates includes some of the major policy makers—both in public and private sectors—not only in the country, but also in Asia.

AIM continues to place the Philippines in the international business school map. It is the first best Full-Time MBA Program in the 2009 The Economist Asia-Australia rankings. It has also received accolades from the Beyond Grey Pinstripes Awards, the QS Global Business Schools Report, the QS Top MBA List of Top Business Schools, and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific. In 1995, AIM won the Ramon Magsaysay Award for its work in promoting international understanding.

If only to become an embodiment of wisdom and experience, SyCip’s presence in the SGV inspires the many who continues his work. And it seems there is no stopping him. He is basically at home—both in his country, and his lifework—and he seems to persevere out of passion and love.

“I wanted to be part of something that will eventually be helpful to the Philippines.” ter of numbers, he was surely the fittest for the job. His talent was put to use in Calcutta, India, where he encrypted intercepted information from the Japanese Imperial Army for two years.

After the war, he had intended to come back home, perhaps longing for the homeland after the treacherous years of the war. “But I was told that I had to return to New York, because that was where I enlisted for the service. So I did.” He took the ship back, not knowing that he was actually at a crossroads.

“When I was able to go back to Manila, I had the option to take a job or go back to the States..”

His father’s advice, however, led him to the decision to stay in the Philippines. “My father told me there’s a lot of work to be done here,” he shared.

And so he stayed and worked his way and eventually founded SGV, just as the country was rising up from the ruins, in 1946.

Along with Ramon Gorres and Alfredo Velayo, his boyhood friend, he founded the firm, which has now grown into what Wikipedia describes as a “multidisciplinary professional services.”

SyCip single-handedly managed the firm and has made it grow from being a small accounting firm for start-up businesses to a com-

Meeting the man and the legend

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by

RogeR Lagmay oRieL

Asian Journal CEO & Publisher

I have finally met the man and the legend, Washington SyCip. At 90, Wash, as he is fondly called, is still very much in good shape, and he carries with him an aura of wisdom and humility.

I myself am indebted to him as he once shaped my early life.

In the late ‘70s, the SyCip, Gorres Velayo & Co. (SGV) firm, the first and only company I worked with in the Philippines, took me in as a junior auditor.

I learned a lot from my baptism of fire at the SGV, considered today as a legendary accounting and auditing firm in the country. To say the least, it seemed to be a continuation of my Thomasian education.

Mr. SyCip is also a proud Thomasian, and we were able to talk about his many amazing experiences. But what I cherished most deeply about the encounter was his stories while living in the States, and the various challenges he had to face as a Filipino studying in a foreign land at a time when war was about to break out. He knew he was at the threshold of history.

Leaving his graduate studies at Columbia, he served as cryptographer in India during the war.

He came back to the Philippines after the war and could have easily continued to live his life the way he used to.

Fate however had its own way.

Upon the prodding of his father, he was convinced that indeed, there is much to do in this country. In 1964, with the two other accounting greats Ramon Gorres and Alfredo Velayo, he formed what is now known today as the SGV, which services national and multinational companies around the country.

The work of accountancy has been the lifelong calling of Mr. SyCip, and he continues to fulfill it by means of his legacy at the SGV. He may not be as active as before in the management, but what he has sown in the beginning are already being reaped by the present generation of SGV associates. We remain inspired by the great example of Mr. S yCip, who lands on our cover this issue. His life and work will really inspire many outstanding Filipinos, worldwide to continue persevering and giving back to our country.

Speaking of Filipinos worldwide, let me also take this opportunity to further spread the inspiration. We have known them by their many names: the literary ladinos, or the translator crossing the borders of language, the ilustrado of the affluent Spanish times, the pensionados of the American period, the Balikbayan in contemporary times, the Overseas Contract Worker of the diasporic boom, and much lately, the Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW).

The abbreviation “OFW” has

been the identity of the Filipino for a long while, though much had been said about it. While many argue that not all are literally Filipino workers overseas and are also more comfortable with the term “Balikbayan,” OFW the name has rendered not only the selflessness and the sacrifice of the Filipino who leaves home to provide a better future for his family; it has also set him apart from the rest of the working world as coming from a culture where honor is valued over personal interests. When we talk of the OFW, or an OFW, we are certainly not only talking about any professional, scholar, nurse, or skilled worker. We are talking about a man (or woman) raised in the highest tenets of cultural values, spiritual firmament and love of country. The OFW has always been the man of the hour—hospitable, flexible, and persevering..

That is why we would like to create a new meaning, and consequently, a new dimension to the word OFW—for when we say this, we also mean Outstanding Filipinos Worldwide. The Filipino succeeds wherever he goes, and the pages of all Asian Journal publications are testaments to their untiring courage and heroism across all fields of endeavor.

Like the original balikbayan himself, the great Washington SyCip, may their continuing chronicle inspire.

A october 13-19, 2017 • NeW YorK AND NeW JerSeY ASIAN JoUrNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (212) 655-5426

OCTOBER 13-19, 2017

people events arts culture entertainment

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Cover photos by Ben Arons and HanJie Chow

2

An Asian Journal Magazine

The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY O c TO b E R 1 3, 20 1 7

Julia abueva’s star sparkles at kpOp

by MoMar

When she was 18 years old, Julia Abueva achieved her childhood dream: to become Kim on Miss Saigon. It happened in West end at the 2014 revival of the musical when she was selected as an understudy/ alternate for the titular role.

It was also her first time to leave home and live independently.

She was then a recent high school graduate of Singapore American School.

Three years later, she is in new York, aiming to achieve new dreams that she set out for herself. She is now starring in KPOP, a high-energy and dynamic off-Broadway musical that is taking new York by storm.

We met with Julia one cool fall afternoon after she finished five grueling hours of rehearsal for the show, which is presented

by Ars nova, “one of nYC’s most adventurous Off Broadway companies” (new York Times), in association with “the foremost incubator of new Asian American theater in the country” (Obie award) Ma-Yi Theater and Woodshed Collective, “the exceptional theater company” that turns “spaces into intimate vortexes of wonder”.

“It’s unreal. Grabe,” Julia told

G. Visaya/AJPress

me as she sipped her iced matcha.

I had asked her about how it feels like to be a part of one of new York’s hottest shows of the season.

KPOP, which opened for a limited run last September has been extended to two more weeks.

It is expected to close on October 21. Tickets to the show have been so hard to get and due to an overwhelming public demand, an extension was the only solution.

As of press time, tickets to the extension shows are all sold out.

In a nutshell, KPOP is about how stars get created and polished, whether they are solo stars or members of a girl group of a boyband. The audience gets to see the inner workings of a Korean company trying to cross over the American market.

“We worked hard for this show not knowing how the audience would react. Five-hour rehearsals today and a couple of two-show days, it’s crazy but it’s all worth it,” she said. “I knew in my heart that new York hasn’t seen something like this before And I hope it is not the last that new York gets to see this.”

The 21-year-old Julia moved to new York from London in 2015. For a year she said she was just finding her footing and eventually, she hired an agent to represent her.

It was towards the end of 2016 when her agent told her to audition for a new musical called KPOP. She was adamant at first but her agent insisted that she go and so she did.

For her first audition, she performed the Alicia Keys song “If I ain’t got you”.

She was initially auditioning for Tiny D, one of the members of the Super K girl group. On her next set of auditions, Julia performed the same Alicia Keys song, only this time, she sang while playing the piano.

Julia recalled her follow up audition.

The first few notes on the piano were off. She knew it and she asked if she could do it from the top. “I knew I was screwed,” she said. Once she got the flow and the rhythm, her audition ran smoothly.

Then she got another call, for Photo by Troi Santos the dance callback.

James Saito

James Seol

Katie Lee Hill, Deborah Kim, Sun Hye Park, Julia Abueva, Cathy Ang and Susannah Kim

Ashley Park

Photo by Troi Santos

Susannah Kim, Deborah Kim, Julia Abueva, Katie Lee Hill, Cathy Ang and Sun Hye Park.

Photo by HanJie Chow

group,” Julia shared.

A week later, she got the call.

She was in and they were offering the role of Jessica/Sonoma to her.

And for the past month or so, Julia has been enthralling audiences with her crystal voice, amazing dance prowess and intense acting chops, making her an instant triple threat in the industry.

Immersive, Off-Broadway Musical Enthralls NYC Audience There have been shows in new York that were immersive, such as here Lies Love, the musical about the life of Imelda Marcos and Sleep no More, one of the more successful examples of this new kind of theatrical performance.

The similarity with here Lies Love ends with the stage and dance floor setting. With Sleep no More, it is like reading a Choose Your Own Adventure novel and the audience has the option to follow which characters they liked. With KPOP, there was organized immersion in such a way that the entire audience was divided into what seemed like more than a dozen sub-groups after the opening number. Upon entering the theater, we were given colorcoded wristbands with a character’s name printed on it.

We followed the character assigned to us and we were with him for a few minutes before we got reunited with a few more audience members to watch the boyband F8 break down before our very eyes. We stayed with this group for a while until we came face to face with Mwe and eventually, the girls of Super K. The entire audience got back together for the grand finale, an extravagant mini-concert showcasing the talents of Mwe, F8 and Super K. On the first week of rehearsals, they were told to get ready for KPOP boot camp. And they were not kidding.

“They made us learn all the dances and songs during the first week. It was quite exhausting and rigorous and rehearsal hours were long,” Julia shared. “The production had to adjust accordingly because there were many moving parts and Photos by Ben Arons the show had to be as cohesive as possible.”

KPOP has evolved from its original state to its present incarnation, some songs and dances were cut to make sure that the story progressed well. The writers made changes on the characters’ dialogues because they knew that the cast would be interacting with the audience so their characters’ traits should be reflected.

KPOP was conceived by Woodshed Collective and Jason Kim (The Model American, hBO’s “Girls”) and features a book by Kim, music & lyrics by helen Park and Max Vernon (The View UpStairs), an immersive Photo by Ben Arons design by Woodshed Collective,

For anyone who has seen the show, one would immediately notice and agree that the musical’s choreography is topnotch. The dance moves of both Super K and F8 showcased the performers’ magnificent dance moves.

“This was the fun-nest audition I’ve ever been,” Julia shared. “The moment I entered the room, the energy was just infectious. And they’re all so beautiful and young!”

After the dance call, Julia said to herself that she even if she doesn’t get the part, she’d still be thankful because the entire audition process she had to go through taught her lessons she could use as she trains her sights on Broadway.

Around that time, she was also being considered to be a part of Fun home in Singapore but she couldn’t say yes to them because they were waiting for word from the KPOP production. her agent told them the dilemma so they had to hasten the process. Julia was called back to read for both Jessica and Mwe. “Jessica was really my choice.

Growing up watching nicole Scherzinger - siyempre Pinay - and her group, I wanted to have that experience of being the lead in a girl

Vanessa Kai

John Yi, Jason Tam, Jinwoo Jung, Joomin Hwang and Jiho Kang

Photos by HanJie Chow

KPOP is a high-octane immersive event that gives audiences a backstage pass to a K-pop music factory.

Photo by Ben Arons

(clockwise circle) Joomin Hwang (bottom seated on floor left), John Yi (midlevel left), Jinwoo Jung (top), Jiho Kang (pink hair), Jason Tam (arms crossed).

Photo by Ben Arons

choreography by Bessie-nominee Jennifer Weber (The hip hop nutcracker, TruTV’s “Face Off”) and is directed by Teddy Bergman (empire Travel Agency).

“I am so lucky to be a part of a class that is so insanely talented.

They are good hearted people who just want to work hard and come up with something that we can be proud of,” Julia said.

The Road to Broadway Julia recalls the time when she moved to London to achieve her dream.

“I was fresh out of high school then, very young, so it was like my college and I had to learn living by myself for the first time and dealing with people. It wasn’t the easiest time of my life, I will say that. From rehearsals to wearing the bikini onstage to the sex scene, it was all shocking to me,” she shared.

It was a very good learning experience for her because she believes that chapter in her life prepared her for her present life now in new York.

“It taught me to work hard and never take the craft for granted because you never know when your next gig is gonna be,” she quipped.

“It was hard for me but I think I learned so much and It prepared me to face whatever new York had in store for me.”

From Miss Saigon in the West end to moving to new York, Julia had to work extra hard.

In between jobs, she realized how much she loved performing and how much she loved her job that she instantly regretted the few moments she felt tired doing Miss Saigon and how it was getting old back then.

“I am still finding myself and learning more about me,” she admitted.

Julia was four years old when she moved to Singapore from Manila with her family because her mom, who had a job at Procter & Gamble International was assigned a regional role there.

Then they would go back to Manila every summer to be with their relatives.

At a young age, she began performing in Manila as well, joining the concert of Monique Wilson as the young Monique. She would later perform with Lea Salonga in three of her concerts as young Lea. She graduated high school from the Singapore American School. She wanted to go to nYU or London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts and then Miss Saigon happened.

Julia is the grandchild of two former presidents of the University of the Philippines - Jose Abueva is her grandfather and the first UP woman president emerlinda Roman is her grandmother “I’m the misplaced one. everyone in the family is either in finance or a doctor. And I’m like ‘I’m going to try my luck on Broadway!’,” she said laughing.

Julia was discovered in Singapore when she was 7 years old which just means that she has been performing for more than half her life.

While she has not set a timeline for her dreams, Julia said she hopes that in five years, she want to say “I’ve already made it to Broadway and I’ve played a dream role or two”. her first indie film here is coming out soon. It is called Stella’s Last Weekend and they’re hoping to premiere the film at the Sundance Film Festival next year.

“I love musical theater but I also enjoyed the experience of doing the film so maybe I could also start doing TV and film. My focus is just to keep on working and as long as I am working, I’m fine,” she said And because her schedule is freeing up a bit, she started doing auditions again.

In between, she plays with her dog named Ballon, a petite golden doodle adopted from a family who moved to Japan.

She also runs, does yoga, attend dance classes, take voice lessons and acting classes.

“I just want to keep honing my craft and improving what I have so that I am always ready for these constant auditions,” she remarked.

Immigration Corner

Appealing a visa denial

Immigration law can be complex, and subject to several possible interpretations Atty. MichAel concerning eligibility. If a visa Gurfinkel, eSQ refusal was based on an incorrect application or interpretation OrdInArIly, there is no of immigration law, the State appeal process for visa refusals at department has the ability to the Embassy. Under the doctrine clarify the legal issue with the of “consular non- reviewability”, Embassy, possibly clearing the way a person cannot even sue the for visa issuance. embassy or appeal their visa If a visa refusal involves refusals in U.S. federal courts. The decisions made by a consular U.S. Supreme Court ruled the officer about a person’s eligibility Embassy is not even required to provide a “detailed explanation” of for a visitor visa, it is a factual determination, not subject to the reasons for the visa refusal. review by the State department.

So what can a person do if However, interpretation of a their visa was refused, and they child’s eligibility under the Child believe the consul’s decision was Status Protection Act (CSPA), or wrong? There could still be hope. other types of situations, could It is possible, in some limited involve “legal questions”, and situations, to seek reconsideration if a child’s visa is refused, the from the Embassy or to “appeal” case could be “appealed” to a visa refusal to the U.S. State Washington’s dC if the refusal department in Washington dC. involves legal issues or legal The limited situations deal with whether the consul’s “interpretation interpretations of the law.

Again, most visa refusals are or application of immigration law” final, and cannot be appealed, was correct. The State department especially if based on factual will only entertain requests for determinations. However, if you, reconsideration involving legal or someone you know, had their issues, not factual determinations.

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAGlAyA (Continued from last week’s issue...) lET’S do a reality check.

So okay, your partner is the consummate slob and you have to pick up after him. He thinks he has a maid living with him for free. He has this maddening habit of not putting the toothpaste cap back on. That’s easy. Get one with a cap that snaps back on. The point is to find a way to work around an annoyance or when all else fails, accept the tiny irritations.

With time and patience, things get easier. As you get older and hopefully, wiser, your eyes dim and your hearing goes for a reason. you become less critical as you see the bigger picture more clearly and the end game is within

visa refused, and it involved a legal issue, you may want to seek the advice of an attorney, who can evaluate if your case can be submitted to Washington dC for reconsideration. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel has been an attorney for over 35 years and is licensed, and an active member of the State Bar of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California.

Each case is different. The information contained herein including testimonials, “Success Stories,” endorsements and re-enactments) is of a general nature, and is not intended to apply to any particular case, and does not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorney-client relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader.

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

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Two magical words (Conclusion - 2 parts)

“Gratitude is the memory of the heart”

— Jean Baptiste Massieu

sight. you become aware of your own mortality.

The point is that you can choose to look through the lens of kindness and forgiveness and instead see if he still has those itty bitty, wonderful things about him that attracted you to him in the first place. His sense of humor maybe or the way he still makes you laugh… love is a two-way street. note how you behave towards him. How do you look to him? do you take the time and the effort to look va-va-voom and give him that look that can make his heartbeat race just a tad? Or did you let yourself go, letting gravity and the ravages of

time run rough shod over your physical appearance? Put up a fight. There’s help out there. Or do you nag him to death for every little thing? do you make him feel small with your smartass barbs?

Or does he feel he can soar like an eagle when you are around him? don’t buy into the modern concept of the throwaway or trade-up society that seems to imply you can change partners every five years or so. Just because you can doesn’t mean you should. It may work for cars and appliances but falls flat for human relationships. Fix what can yet be fixed. nurture what can grow into something beautiful.

Eat humble pie, if you have to.

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TWICE HE APPLIED FOR AN IMMIGRANT VISA. TWICE, HE WAS DENIED. FIND OUT THE FINAL SCORE THIS SUNDAY, ON “CITIZEN PINOY”! Joseph (center) was initially petitioned as a minor child of a green card holder, but his visa was refused at the interview because he admitted to drug use. When he aged out, his petition was reclassified to F-2B. At his second interview, he was denied for the same reason.

His mother, Josie (right), and his sister, Evelyn (left), felt hopeless. They were running out of options, and were desperate. It felt like Nanay Josie’s promise of having the family reunited in America would just remain a dream.

Mother and daughter consulted with leading U.S. attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel, after seeing a case similar to Joseph’s that was featured on Citizen Pinoy. Atty. Gurfinkel went to the U.S. Embassy in Manila and becomes a major contributor to a landmark decision and policy change that benefitted Joseph and many more.

Watch a mother’s promise fulfilled on a brand-new episode of “Citizen Pinoy” – on Sunday at 6:15 p.m. (PST) on TFC.

A mother’s promise cannot be fulfilled, until a ‘miracle’ takes place on ‘Citizen Pinoy’ WHEn nanay Josie left for the U.S. many years ago, she promised her children that she would do everything she could so they can all be reunited in the U.S. years passed and she was able to file petitions for her children, but her son, Joseph, was denied both times: first as a minor child of a lawful permanent resident; and then years later, when he aged out and the petition was reclassified to F-2B. Joseph was denied because he admitted to drug use. This meant a lifetime ban. nanay Josie was devastated. Even Joseph’s younger sister, Evelyn, was so disappointed and heartbroken. The tears would not stop. How will nanay’s promise for the family to be reunited come true?

There is no shame if you truly love. Ask a Higher Power to help you keep things whole.

When you value your partner and are mindful of him or her, it shows that you are grateful for his part in your life and that you are

After mother and daughter saw an episode on “Citizen Pinoy” that featured a case like Joseph’s, they decided to consult with leading U.S. immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel.

Atty. Gurfinkel visited the U.S. Embassy in Manila and convinced them to reverse their policy of imposing a lifetime ban for admitting drug use Watch a brand-new episode of “Citizen Pinoy” this Sunday and find out how Atty. Gurfinkel’s efforts led to a landmark policy change that benefitted Joseph and many others. This was the “miracle” that the family had been waiting for all these years.

“Citizen Pinoy” airs this Sunday at 6:15 p.m.

PST/EST (9:15 pm EST thru select Cable/Satellite providers).

interested in going the distance and making the relationship work maybe even till life beyond death.

Taking your husband, wife or partner for granted is the biggest cause of so many divorces these days. If alarming numbers are to

be believed, half the population already live in Splitsville.

There is a disproportionate number of single moms and single dads worldwide struggling with severely diminished finances Continued on Page 5

Elizabeth Frances: A Fil-Am/Cherokee in Hollywood

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by Ricky Lo Philstar.com

With her island-girl look, Elizabeth Frances could be mistaken more for maybe a hawaiian than a Filipina.

“A lot of people have been telling me that,” admitted Elizabeth whose father is Caucasian-Cherokee and mother is a Filipina from San Carlos City, Negros Occidental. “i was born at a Naval Base in Okinawa where my sex parties, according to The New father served with the marine corps Yorker report. She also made an and i was a baby when our family allegation of sexual assault against an italian businessman as a teenager, moved to the Philippines before we finally settled in San Diego, but refused to cooperate with California.” prosecutors.

Elizabeth was here recently for a two sources involved in the 2015 month-long visit with her husband police investigation on Weinstein told The New Yorker that there was no Sigmund Watkins (who works in marketing) for two purposes: to reason to doubt the young model’s account, and that there was enough attend a family reunion held on the 95th birthday of her maternal evidence to prosecute the highgrandmother and to spend their profile film producer. honeymoon in Coron, Palawan. they But the tabloid stories of got married last April.

Gutierrez’s life complicated the it was Quark henares who, a case for the Manhattan District Attorney’s office, who later dropped month earlier, tipped off Funfare about “a visiting hollywood actress.” the criminal charges. Since then, “She may not be familiar to Gutierrez has been prohibited many Filipinos but she is well-known from discussing the incident with in hollywood,” assured Quark who reporters due to a tightly-written nondisclosure agreement she signed met Elizabeth in L.A. “She would make a good copy for a story.” with Weinstein’s lawyers, including Said to be “acclaimed for her an affidavit that stated that the grace and charisma both on screen Filipina-Italian model Ambra Battilana Gutierrez events recorded on audio never and off” (according to a write-up Photo from Instagram/@Ambrabgutierrez happened. She also received an about her), Elizabeth played the a wire and be guided by undercover undisclosed payment. troubled girlfriend in “Drunken’s Days after the Times’ initial officers. report, the Manhattan DA defended Finest,” produced by Robert After meeting with him at the Redford, which premiered at the their decision not to prosecute bar, Gutierrez was invited to join Redford-spearheaded Sundance Weinstein. Chief Assistant DA Karen Weinstein in his hotel room and Film Festival (SFF); rock star Bad Friedman-Agnifilo told the NY Post watch him shower. She repeatedly that the recorded meeting between Penny in the Emmy-nominated refused, but Weinstein persisted.

When they reach the hallway outside Gutierrez and Weinstein was done so series “her Story”; NBC’s “heartbeat”; MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) fighter “without our knowledge or input.” his room, a tense exchange ensues Lilly Rowan in Netflix’s “Love” “the seasoned prosecutors which was recorded. (produced and directed by Judd She repeatedly said, “i don’t want in our Sex Crimes Unit were not Apatow); and recently as the young afforded the opportunity before the to,”“i want to leave” and “i want to and headstrong Prairie Flower (a meeting to counsel investigators go downstairs,” before asking him Cherokee) on the hit AMC series “the on what was necessary to capture directly why he had groped her the Son” which stars Pierce Brosnan. in order to prove a misdemeanor previous day. the tV series, which ran from sex crime,” she said. “While the “Oh, please, i’m sorry just come April to June this year, was based on recording is horrifying to listen on in,”Weinstein replied, as heard Phillip Meyer’s best-selling novel. to, what emerged from the audio in the audio recording. “i’m used to Brosnan played Eli McCullough, as was insufficient to prove a crime that.” a 13-year-old boy in 1849 and as under New York law, which requires “You’re used to that?” Gutierrez a ruthless rancher in 1915. Prairie prosecutors to establish criminal asked, sounding horrified.

Flower fell in love with the young Eli, intent.”

“Yes,” he replied. “i won’t do it a romance frowned upon by Charges “Mr. Weinstein’s pattern of again.” the Enemy, a Comanche warrior. mistreating women, as recounted if Weinstein would have been “Prairie Flower was like an 1849 in recent reports, is disgraceful charged, the producer would have feminist,” Elizabeth described her. and shocks the conscience,” she faced a count of sexual abuse in the “She didn’t want to marry Charges continued, adding that she urges third degree, an offense punishable the Enemy knowing that it wouldn’t all victims of sexual assault and by three months in jail. be a good marriage. i’m not like her misconduct to contact their local But the police investigation because i am happily married. But DA’s sex crimes hotline. was hindered as details of we do have something in common Other actresses that have Gutierrez’s life began to surface and that’s the search for identity.” come forward with their own in tabloids, including associations Preparing for the role proved stories include Gwyneth Paltrow, with controversial former italian Angelina Jolie, Ashley Judd and Rose to be a humbling experience for Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi Elizabeth whom Funfare interviewed McGowan, among many others. and his notorious “bunga bunga”

Filipina-Italian model sexually assaulted by Harvey Weinstein in 2015 The film producer’s sexual advances caught on audio

by kLaRize

MedeniLLa AJPress

AFtER the New York Times published a bombshell investigative story about the sexual misconduct committed by renowned hollywood executive harvey Weinstein, more details are beginning to emerge with more victims sharing their own stories.

Since the story broke last thursday, October 5, it became publicly known for the first time that for three decades, Weinstein — who has since been fired from his company, the Weinstein Company — reportedly had multiple sexual harassment and assault allegations against him from a slew of actresses and colleagues; he had reached at least eight settlements.

Among the stories surfacing this week includes one from Filipinaitalian model Ambra Battilana Gutierrez who accused Weinstein of sexual assault, a story that broke on the morning of tuesday, October 10

by The New Yorker.

Gutierrez, 24, was a finalist in the Miss italy contest in 2015 when she met Weinstein at a reception for “New York Spring Spectacular”, a show he was producing at the Radio City Music hall in New York City.

After the event, Weinstein emailed Gutierrez’s agent to set up a business meeting at his office in tribeca. She sat with him in his office and, while reviewing her modeling portfolio, Weinstein reportedly stared at her breasts and asked if they were real. he then “lunged” at the young model and groped her breasts and attempted to put his hand up her skirt as she protested. he backed off and invited her to see the Broadway musical he was producing, “Finding Neverland” with him. instead of going to the show, Gutierrez visited the New York Police Department to report the assault.

While sitting with investigators from the Special Victims Division, Weinstein called her and demanded to know why she didn’t come to the show.

With the help of investigators, she agreed to meet with Weinstein the next day at the bar of the tribeca Grand hotel where she would wear

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

Elizabeth Frances gets a big hug from Pierce Brosnan on the set of the hit AMC TV series.

at Gloria Maris restaurant in Gateway, Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City, a day before she and Sigmund flew back to the U.S. (Louie heredia happened to be there, hosting a victory lunch for friend movie writers after his discovery Laura Lehman won 2017 Miss World Philippines, so i introduced him to Elizabeth. Before the interview ended, Joel torre [also a Negrense] arrived to fetch her. they were social media friends and meeting for the first time.)

Although she didn’t have a scene with Brosnan because she played the girlfriend of Brosnan’s young character, Elizabeth did have a close encounter with the iconic 007 actor. “in hollywood,” explained Elizabeth, “there’s some kind of hierarchy, with the biggest stars at the top of it. But Pierce didn’t make us feel it. i couldn’t have met a kinder and more humble person. Pierce led the way and set the tone on the set, so it felt like an acting company where the actors, the crew, the producers and everybody else were all equal. We were like a family.”

Same with Redford whom Elizabeth met during the Drunken’s Finest premiere. “he was very nice and very kind. i was surprised how so involved and so supportive he was of young artists, just like Pierce. i don’t know how it is here but in hollywood, the mentorship of older people to younger artists really makes a big difference in terms of younger people being able to find their way as creators.”

Although raised in the U.S., Elizabeth claimed that she grew up on Filipino values instilled in her by her mom.

“My mom won a lottery in the Philippines with a trip to the U.S. as prize,” related Elizabeth. “At first, she was hesitant to go but her family encouraged her to take the chance.

She decided to stay and met my

EMPLOYMENT

SCHOOL

Elizabeth Frances as Prairie Flower in AMC’s ‘The Son’ Philstar.com contributed photos

dad. My grandma, whose full name is Lawrencia Gonzales, used to be a nun, a mother superior until she left the convent and went to the U.S. where she got married. She used to babysit me. then she retired in the Philippines. As a kid, i would visit our relatives in Negros every two or three years.”

Elizabeth’s “search for identity” started when she was 13.

“Both my parents were working.

Early on, i knew that i wanted to act, so i found a local theater. i told the woman in charge, ‘hey, teach me Shakespeare.’ i started doing drama in high school. After receiving my degree from Cal Arts, i began my professional career both in L.A. and regionally. i worked with such notable theaters as Center theater Group, La Jolla Playhouse, Los Angeles theater Center, Shakespeare Santa Cruz, Native Voices and the Kirk Douglas theater Off Screen.” her fondest dream is for AsianAmerican artists like her, especially her fellow Filipino, to be given more chances to shine in hollywood.

“As of now,” she said, “this community of talented artists is kind of still hidden. But with diversity alive and well in hollywood, these artists should get equal opportunities as everybody else.”

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

BY MONET

LU

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

I’ve been hearing stories about police officers shielding citizens, military veterans plugging wounds, people who used their bodies to shield bullets, and those who turned their trucks into makeshift ambulances. These acts of bravery bring back whatever ounce of faith in humanity I have left.

One woman told ABC News that she loaded as many as six people into her car, some of whom needed immediate medical attention, and took them to the hospital. KRCA reported that people who were not at the concert also sprung into action donating blood and stocking local food banks.

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

The first responders and the selfless civilians who willingly extended help that night have shown us that there are still good people out there. I heard about a man who shielded his wife to protect her from the bullets that pierced his back and claimed his life. Another woman shielded her younger brother during the shooting. In an interview she recalled, “Every time the crowd

V. GUNO

Inquirer.net

FOLLOWING police reports confirming her teen brother’s suicide, Nadine Lustre has expressed her sentiments through Instagram (IG) Stories.

Two days after her brother passed away, the “On the Wings of Love” actress wrote, “You are stronger than depression.” In light of World Mental Health Day she posted a semicolon and the hashtag #KeepGoing.

The punctuation mark has become a symbol for mental health, serving as a reminder to pause and then move forward for those struggling with mental health issues.

Videos of Lustre have since surfaced of her speaking in her

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Steven Seagal to shoot TV series in PH

by LHAR SANTIAGO ManilaTimes.net

got up the shooting started again. I was laying on my brother shielding him. I’m 30, he’s 21. I love him to death; he has more life to live,” Channel News Asia quoted concert-goer Corrine Lomas as saying.

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

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

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

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

“I want to thank the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and all of the first responders for their courageous effort and helping to save the lives of so many. The speed with which they acted is miraculous... It shows what true professionalism is all about,” he said.

More and more stories of bravery are being told and while

that terrifying night is one that would forever haunt the streets of Las Vegas, it is also the day that the truest and purest form of love was shown. And hopefully, this is where we draw our hope from. For it is through the sacrifice of these people that someone still gets to hug their loved ones, or that young kid can still live another day and dream of being a brave paramedic or police officer.

I’ve been to Las Vegas several times. Some times with friends, other times by myself. Never in those times have I ever imagined that one day I’d be looking at those familiar streets with tears in my eyes. I guess it’s no longer safe anywhere. Tragedies like this can strike any second at any place. Sad to say but this is now the world we live in. Yet, as I end this piece, I want to leave my readers something to ponder on: In such a time where all we see is darkness, let’s remember that the smallest yet purest act of love could bring so much light and hope. To those who are grieving the loss of their friends and family, I give my condolences. May you be comforted in this trying time. *** Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, award-winning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is known as an 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 allnatural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration . To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at monetsalon@aol.com

Nadine Lustre calls for privacy over brother’s death

by NIÑA

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brother’s funeral.

Messages posted on her IG Stories read, “May I request to please refrain from posting/ reposting photos and videos of me from the funeral. Let’s give respect.”

“To everyone who’s been judging me for the past few days, remember this… You will always see me UP but never DOWN… Get lost please.

“And to everyone who’s been sharing me stories of weakness…

I’m reading. Wait for me… I GOT YOU.” According to Radyo Inquirer, the Quezon City Police Department reported two gunshots heard from Nadine Lustre Photo from Instagram/@nadine the Lustre home on Oct. 8.

Lustre’s 16-year-old brother Bandera reports that the case Isaiah, known as Ice, was found to is under investigation because the have taken his own life. gun did not have a license.

Two magical words

winner in the love lottery stakes sending you someone you love or can learn to love AND (THE From Page 3 Single parenthood is no BLESSING of all blessings) who loves you back! and dealing with court-appointed cakewalk in most cases. Ask around. Do not believe the Love is not a 50-50 visits. They juggle schedules, distortion of truth in movies spun proposition. It’s not even giving shuttling children in two

by Hollywood or this trend of 110% of yourself to the other. It locations and in cases of bitter, celebrities adopting babies and sounds sentimental, sappy and acrimonious divorces, compete for their children’s affections while the media glamorizing the lives of old fashioned but whether you single parents. That is one tall tale like it or not, it is giving of yourself complicating things further by of an ego on overdrive. There is no without counting the cost. It is starting up new relationships. All romantic or comedic element in the pure, intrinsic nature of life’s these are piled on top of broken, going it alone. Single parenthood greatest mystery - LOVE. disappointed, cynical lives. is more like the Theater of the Those couples buried six feet They are left to deal with Absurd. The honest truth: there deep, side by side at Forest Lawn what I call the BIG D’s – the is little glamour or fun in single probably understood what love doldrums of doubt, darkness, parenthood – in far too many and devotion meant. Their souls disease, depression, desperation, cases, just an endless, harrowing may have fused. Their hearts in dejection, disappointment, tale of one struggle after the next. the life beyond beat as one. That discouragement and There are exceptions of is one story you can believe in. disillusionment. You just wish you (Or if you’re in for a laugh and can DELETE all these ugly D’s from course. Unless you made a foolish or tragic fatal choice or fate played have a sly, dry, wicked sense of your life. Some go to the deep a dirty trick on you and you ended humor, you might say those savvy end. Sadly, tragically some of up meeting and marrying the couples probably got a twofer these cases end in death. partner from hell. He or she could from the cemetery plot sales rep!

Love has died. Nothing be a sociopath, a psychopath, a LOL ;) matters. Yet love, according to How to find THE ONE if you’re the “Desiderata” is as perennial as criminal, a user, a liar, a pervert, on the hunt? Or how can you the grass. While there is life, hope a druggie, a murderer, a serial make THE ONE realize that you’re springs eternal. Those who are not philanderer or just unfit to live in THE ONE for him or her without put off by a disastrous relationship this planet with another human being. beating him or her over the head? think that the “right one” is just Perhaps, the best way to That is one story for yet around the corner. Perhaps. But happiness would be to love, another day. if they do not learn from their appreciate and say “thank you” to *** previous mistakes, they are the one you’re with every single Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is doomed to repeat them. There’s SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To that D again. They will cycle in and day of your life together. And send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ out of one disastrous relationship while you’re at it, blow a kiss to the heavens for making you a asianjournalinc.com after the other.

HOLLYWOOD action star Steven Seagal has been to the Philippines countless times, he says, but this is the first time he is in the country for work.

Seagal arrived in Manila from Los Angeles on Sunday, Oct. 8 to shoot his 12-part television series “General Commander.”

The story is set in Southeast Asia but most of the scenes will be shot in Manila and other parts of the country.

Sitting down with the global action star, he told Showbuzz he and his team will spend much of this visit to scout the perfect locations for the series.

Steven further shared he is thankful his friend, former Ilocos Sur Governor Chavit Singson, is always ready to help him. In fact, Gov. Chavit even met him at the airport when he arrived in Manila.

“We will be going to different places on his plane. He knows a lot of good places here where we can shoot. We need forests and mountains and also the city of Manila,” Steven said.

In General Commander, Steven plays the role of former CIA agent Jake Alexander who is out to bring to justice the person responsible for the death of a friend and colleague. The fellow

President Rodrigo Duterte does his signature pose with actor Steven Seagal, who is in the country to shoot a new TV series. Seagal met with the president in Malacanang Palace on Thursday, October 12.

Malacañang photo by King Rodriguez

CIA agent was a vital member of his Alexander’s team but killed during a sling operation in Southeast Asia. After being told he cannot pursue plans to find the person who killed his friend, Alexander and his crew resign from the organization and form a rogue security unit funded by a rich friend.

Steven says he is very excited to shoot in the Philippines. He and some business partners are even planning planning to build infrastructure in the country that can be used for their future projects both for movies and TV.

Calendar of Events across

“Besides General Commander, I am also finishing my movie ‘Attrition.’ It’s in post production now but I’m reshooting some of the scenes here in the Philippines,” the action star continued. “I know I won’t have a hard time working here because the people are very good.”

As such, it was but natural for Steven to say he likes the Filipino people most of all when he comes to visit.

“I really think the people are this country’s biggest asset. They are very good; they treat us nicely.

Continued on Page 7

America

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26th annual Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture in Echo Park The 26th annual Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture (FPAC) hosted by Advancement of Filipino American Arts and Culture (FilAm ARTS) is back at Echo Park Lake in Los Angeles, CA on Saturday, October 14. Expect a whole day filled with art exhibits, entertainment, and Fil-Am vendors. More details and special guests to be announced. For more information, please visit: http://www.filamarts.org/.

18th annual Asian Small Business Expo in Alhambra, CA On Saturday, Oct. 14, the 18th annual Asian Small Business Expo will be held at the Almansor Court Conference Center (700 S. Almansor St., Alhambra, CA 91801), featuring free workshops, exhibitors, networking opportunities, and more! Jonny Hwang, founder of 626 Night Market, is the featured guest speaker with special guest, Jerome Horton, chairman of the California Board of Equalization. It is FREE to attend! The Asian Small Business Expo is the only business-to-business expo that engages the Asian business community and brings this growing economic force into the mainstream to connect and utilize your company and its services. Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with small businesses, market your organization and tap into a network of entrepreneurs, service providers, financial organizations, franchises and governmental and legislative representatives. For more information, please visit http://www.apisbp.org/expo.html.

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Award-winning journalist Raissa Robles holds speaking tour in Los Angeles As part of a six-city U.S. tour, Raissa Robles, a Manila-based award-winning investigative journalist, will share her insights into the significance of the rise of the Marcoses and the current administration of President Rodrigo Duterte. Robles is the author of “Marcos Martial Law: Never Again, a brief history of torture and atrocity under the new society,” nearing her the International Award for Excellence in Journalism by the Geneva-based International Christian Organization of the Media (ICOM). The community special events will take place followed by a Q&A. These events are free and open to the public: Saturday, October 14 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Pilipino Workers Center (153 Glendale Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90026) and Sunday, October 15 from 2 to 5 p.m. at Blessed Sacrament Church (6657 W. Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, CA 90028). For more information, call (323) 606-1322 or email mrjaimeg@ hotmail.com.

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City of Carson’s 8th annual Larry Itliong Day Celebration Join the City of Carson for its 8th annual celebration of Larry Itliong Day on Saturday, Oct. 21 with a parade and program. Assembly time begins at 8 a.m., with the parade from 9 to 9:30 a.m. The program will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. It will be held at Veterans Park at 22400 Moneta Avenue, Carson, CA 90745. Admission is FREE. For more information, please call (310) 952-1743.

NaFFAA to celebrate 20th anniversary in Washington, DC The National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) turns 20 years old this year. This October, several events are being planned to celebrate this milestone, which coincides with the national observance of Filipino American History Month. They will culminate with NaFFAA’s 20th Anniversary Gala, to be held at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel in Washington, DC on Saturday, October 21. With its theme “NaFFAA 2.0: One Voice, Four Million Strong,” NaFFAA will recognize the legacy and accomplishments of the organization over the past 20 years, and highlight its comprehensive vision to unite and amplify the voices of the four million Filipinos living in the United States. “NaFFAA 2.0” represents how NaFFAA is honoring its past while forging a new forward-thinking and balanced approach in uniting, engaging, and empowering diverse Filipino American individuals and community organizations through leadership development, civic engagement, and advocacy. To learn more about NaFFAA or to purchase tickets for the 20th Anniversary Gala, please visit www. naffaa.org.

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FACC-GLA’s Halloween Dance Party in Canoga Park, CA FACC-GLA’s Halloween Dance Party in Canoga Park, CA The Filipino American Chamber of Commerce - Greater Los Angeles (FACC - GLA) invites members and guests to its Halloween Dance Party on Friday, October 27 from 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. at the Best Western Canoga Park Hotel. Come in with your scariest attire as there will be special gifts for the best costume attire. Food & drinks will be included. Tickets are limited and entry will only be allowed for those who paid online or through check on or before Tuesday, October 24. Payment can be made through the website www.filamchambergla.org. Strictly NO payment will be accepted at the door.

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

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Fil-am Press Club to hold 6th anniversary celebration on Nov. 3

BENEFIT CONCERT. The St. Anthony Academy Rondalla in Mondragon, Northern Samar was formed after receiving donated instruments from the Central Jersey-based University of the Philippines Alumni & Friends Rondalla (UPAFR) through the Pagyamanin Likas MusikaRondalla Instruments Lending Program (PLM), the beneficiary of the UPAFR 20th anniversary concert in 2012. The school is located in one of the poorest municipalities in the Philippines. The PLM will be the beneficiary once again this year at the 25th anniversary concert of the UPAFR on Oct 21, 2017 3pm at Drew University Concert Hall (36 Madison Avenue corner Lancaster Rd., Madison NJ).

Bandastiks to perform in NYC on October 14 aFtER a hiatus of several years, Bandastiks was formed

by LaSalle and ateneo alumni associations in New York with the purpose of bringing camaraderie from each school in a competitive but fun event through music. “the 2017 Bandastiks will be the 5th music competition held in the Northeast in recent years,” said archie, “We are very excited to offer it to the public again this year.”

De La Salle alumni association Metro New York and ateneo alumni association Northeast will present this year’s Bandastiks at the famous rock venue, the Bitter End, located in Greenwich Village on Saturday, Oct. 14, 3-7PM. Scheduled to perform are the Band of Brothers (LaSalle), IBK (Iskul Bluekul) for ateneo, and the Reginas (assumption). all are established bands with top talents in their repertoire battling it for this year’s title. “ateneo and LaSalle have been known for its competitive rivalry back in the Philippines, not just in sports like basketball but in other areas as well. Even after we have graduated from

NEW YORK – the Filipino american Press Club of New York (FaPCNY) is proud to celebrate its sixth founding anniversary as the first organization for Filipino journalists in the New York area. the theme of its anniversary is “Celebrating the People Who Report the News,” which is a tribute of sorts to the largely unheralded Fil-am media organizations who, despite modest resources, manage to tell exceptional stories of people within our community. to commemorate the occasion, the community is invited to a cocktail/dinner reception on Nov. 3 at 6 PM at the Philippine Center. Meet the reporters, editors, videographers and photographers, bloggers, marketing, advertising and communication executives who produce and present the news, and provide commentary and analyses.

“News reporting is at a crossroads, and now more than

ever we need journalists who stick to the facts and nothing more,” said Ricky Rillera, president of the FaPCNY. “We are proud to have members who honor tradition.”

On this day also, the FaPCNY will launch the Journalism Scholarship awards to be given to young Filams with a budding interest in writing, photography, and multimedia storytelling.

Said Rillera, “We hope they will look to us not so much as ‘role models’ because we do not claim to be the best (although many of us are really good!), but that we hope they read and view the product of our efforts as stubborn reporters, persistent diggers of truth and fact, and storytellers with heart.” the awarding will be held next year. the FaPCNY was founded in September 2011 when many of the journalists found themselves attending the launch of a restaurant in Jersey City. Forming

a club was an idea that has been tossed around for some time but on that day, it became reality. those who were at the launch became the founding members. they are: Lito Gajilan, Butch Gata, Grace Labaguis, Elton Lugay, Cristina DC Pastor, Richard Reyes, Ricky Rillera, Monette Rivera, Don tagala, Lenn almadin thornhill, Momar Visaya.

Freelance photographer Butch Gata was the first president serving from 2012 to 2013, followed by Monette Rivera of tFC who became president from 2014-2015. Rillera, the current president from 2016 to 2017, is the executive editor of Philippine Daily Mirror. to attend, please get your tickets at https://fapny6thyear. eventbrite.com or call the following officers and members: Ricky 718-757-1064 | Grace 201344-6139 | Marivir 917-732-3198 | Momar 646-645-7400 | Rachelle 516-582-9310 | Cristina 848-2190069.

US Northeast Filipinos run for hurricane harvey relief our respective schools, it is really amazing the connection ateneans and Lasallians here in New York,” said archie alvarez, LaSalle spokesperson, “We are so proud to be part of Bandastiks because it shows that both schools who are bitter rivals can collaborate together as one in showing their love and pride for their alma mater in a friendly competitive environment.” the event is open to guests 21 years and older. tickets

to Bandastiks are $25 per person and can be purchased thru bandastiks.eventbrite. com. Sponsors for the 2017 Bandastiks include ayala Land, a Vision of Self Psychological Services, and food provided by Mountain Province Restaurant. a portion of the proceeds will go to Mano amiga, a nonprofit based in the Philippines who provides education to underprivileged children. tickets can be purchased at bandastiks.eventbrite.com

ğ įōíľ ÀðıÃæµįPçį ʼn æIJįıÀ ØÃĉÃæîÂ ß ğÃqPç qíß߼æÃıŎįĤÀíĽØ ÕæíŊįPdíĽIJĕ If you have an upcoming event and would like us to post it, email us the details (title, description, time & date, location, etc.) at info@asianjournalinc.com.

And for consideration in our print calendar, please send submissions at least three weeks before the date of the event.

To be included in our online calendar/ e-newsletter, please allow at least two to three weeks' notice.

The Asian Journal would be delighted to list your event in our Calendar of Events.

NEW YORK – the handang tumulong Foundation, Inc. (htFI) a new York-based nonprofit organization held its 8th annual Walk and Run for a Cause at Lincoln Park, Jersey City on October 7.

Participated in by nearly 100 runners and walkers, proceeds from this year’s event will go towards assistance for Filipinos and Filipino-americans affected by hurricane harvey which hit the state of texas in particular the houston area where a large Filipino-american Community resides. the htFI provides relief assistance to various countries and communities around the world wherever natural disasters may strike.

Current head alex Esteban said the goals and programs of htFI are simple and focused, “we aim to provide relief to people who suddenly find themselves with nothing after a natural disaster strikes”.

Consul General theresa Dizon-De Vega thanked the htFI officers, members, volunteers, and supporters for always being ready to extend assistance to those who find themselves in dire straits after being affected by natural calamities no one is really prepared for. a delegation from the Philippine Consulate General in New York also took part in the event as a sign of solidarity and support for Filipino-americans in other parts of the US.

Consul General Dizon-De Vega (3rd from left) join the HTFI officers and members at the Opening Ceremony

HTFI member Dr. Winston Umali leads the runners in preparation for the start of the activity

Consul General Dizon-De Vega (4th from left), retired Ambassador Leslie B. Gatan (3rd from left) join Philippine Consulate General staff and HTFI members Photos by NYPCG

Adobo Cook-Off Makes NJ/NY Hungry for More

by Sabrina inigo JCI Philippine American NJ

who said, “May the Philippine american NJ Jaycees continue What an adobo-filled day! to inspire, lead and act as young On September 16th, the active citizens.”

Philippine-american NJ chapter Just like all of their past of Junior Chamber International events and movements, the (JCI) celebrated their 2nd annual 2nd annual adobo Contest adobo Cook-Off Competition at could not have been made Liberty State Park in Jersey City, possible without the support and what an amazing day it was, of friends, families, and of from the bountiful amount of course, the sponsors. Phil-am food, to the fun and games that New Jersey Jaycees extend were played. their deepest gratitude to the the event was able to sponsors, Western Union, SIRCh introduce and raise funds for Productions, Phil-am trading, three causes: the PhilippinePopsie’s, JCI Phil-am NJ associate american NJ Youth Program, Mayette Ocampo, JCI NVP the Clothing Drive for harvey Ria Serrano and Destiny, NJ Victims, and for the displaced Ministries, for always supporting citizens of Marawi, Philippines. and helping to continue to the Philippine american spread the JCI mission.

NJ Youth led the United States Phil-am NJ Jaycees National anthem and followed by would also like to specially the Philippines National anthem. acknowledge and thank Destiny, the event was opened up by NJ Ministries for partnering with Chapter President Maricar taino the chapter for a collection drive and External VP Maria Nucum, for the hurricane harvey victims. followed by Co-Chairperson and the 2nd annual adobo CookInternal VP Sabrina Inigo and Off Contest had its participants Founding Member Fahib Islam; all come together to show off their of whom extended their gratitude best adobo recipes and styles, to all whose contributions made competing to be number one, to their event so successful. JCI be the best adobo in town. distinguished guests such as the organizers thank the JCI National Vice President Ria contestants who have brought Serrano, JCI Senators Jane amend, their delicacies for all to enjoy, Gary abasolo and Vivian Velasco.

(Businesses) La Parilla De Manila, an encouraging Grace Restaurant, Five Chris congratulatory message to Catering, VC Eats, NY, (Individual) the Philippine american NJ alica abasolo, Katherina Jaycees received from Jersey City Manansal-Casmiano, Stevie Councilwoman Joyce Watterman Nucum, and Joey Mayo.

to judge this year’s annual adobo Contest, the organizers came up with a panel of special judges who come from various professional and personal background. among the judges were JCI NJ State President Joyce andes David, Popsie’s owner Marisse Panlilio, Destiny NJ’s Pastor Owell Pipit, Balitang america’s Don tagala, Western Union’s Mylz tolentino, and asian Journal’s Momar Visaya, who all used their skills and knowledge to judge the adobo presented this year. the adobo dishes were judged based on taste, texture, broth, and of course, presentation. With the results in from both special judges and crowd, the winners were as follows: Business - Five Chris Catering of Nutley (3rd), Grace Restaurant of Jersey City (2nd), and La Parilla de Manila of Rahway (1st); Individual - alice abasolo (3rd), Joey Mayo (2nd), and Kathrina Cosmiano (1st). the Philippine-american NJ Jaycees’ adobo cook-off not only brought the Filipino culture to the ever-growing city of Jersey City, but had also brought inspiration, empowerment, hope, and awareness towards creating positive change one step at a time. they will continue to do so through upcoming events.

Check them out on Facebook at Philippine-american NJ Jaycees for more information!

Hidden Flavors of the Philippines discovered in Philadelphia neW YOrK – Following a successful new York mediainfluencers launch and events in toronto, Seattle, and Chicago, the Hidden Flavors of the Philippine Kitchen Culinary tour completed its last leg in Philadelphia at ela restaurant from October 9-10. taking place during Filipinoamerican History Month, the culinary tour was a fitting highlight for this month where Filipino-american heritage is celebrated.

Organized by the Purple Yam team of award-wining food scholar amy besa, Chef romy Dorotan with the assistance of Purple Yam Malate chefs ralph Cristobal and alvin Cruz, and supported by the Philippines’ Department of Foreign affairs and Philippine Consulate general in new York, the 2-night food tasting and dinner was an unequivocal success. the October 9 food tasting introduced many, largely unknown Philippine ingredients brought over by the Purple Yam team. these items consisted of native vinegars, pickled fruits, condiments, honey, cacao and chocolate, heirloom rice, and spirits. the culinary offerings introduced traditional and also re-worked Filipino dishes such as pork belly, duck adobo, Pancit Malate, bicol express eaten with Cabcab (cassava

wafers), oyster kinilaw, halohalo (mixed ice dessert), and malagos champorado (chocolate porridge). Philippine wines and spirits as well as coffee samplesfrom luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao were available for the public. at the food tasting event, Consul general theresa DizonDe Vega spoke of Philippine cuisine as a cuisine of memory or the food Filipinos grew up with and a cuisine of reinvention revealing the Filipino’s innate creativity. She paid tribute to the amy besa and romy Dorotan, acknowledged pioneers of the Filipino Food movement in the US, and the encouraged the emerging restaurateurs and chefs to continue placing Philippine cuisine on the map amy besa gave a short talk on the various offerings for the culinary tour as well as their advocacy to promote lesser known Philippine ingredients and products to the global audience.

Due to high demand, the public dinner offering on October 10 had to be divided into two seatings to accommodate the nearly 120 persons who wanted to experience a 6-course special tasting menu. assisting in the promotions of the event was Fil-am pop-up food establishment Pe la gO

Guests at the exclusive tasting session

Raul Sunico in NYC Concert “Celebrating Fil am History month would not be complete and worthwhile if we do not present and showcase our own culture,” said Jerry Sibal of J&S Productions, “it is only fitting to invite our own world class piano virtuoso Dr. raul Sunico to grace the celebration.”

J&S Productions, in cooperation with the Felipe P. de leon Foundation, heads the presentation of the internationally acclaimed pianist raul Sunico in concert on Saturday, October 21, 730PM Merkin Concert Hall at Kaufman Music Center in new York City.

Sunico will perform Sonate, Op. 1 by berg, nocturne in b, Op.15 no. 1 and ballade no. 4 in F Minor, Op. 52 by Chopin, liszt’s Vallee D’Obermann, rachmaninoff’s Preludes, Op. 32, no. 1 in C, no. 2 in b-flat Minor, no. 5 in g, no. 12 in gsharp Minor, etude tableau in e-flat Minor, Op 39, no. 5, and Moment Musical in e Minor, Op. 16 no. 4. He will also play Kundiman by De leon, Hangggang Sa Dulo ng Walang Hanggan by Canseco, Piazzolla’s adios nonino and Milonga del

angel and ravel’s la Valse. “the concert will allow our Filipino americans to connect with Filipino roots and provide mainstream audience to appreciate our talent and culture,” said Sibal.

Merkin Concert Music Hall is located at 129 West 67 Street in new York City. tickets are $100, Orchestra $50 and balcony $35. For tickets, call 212-5013330 or email boxoffice@ kaufmanmusiccenter.org. For more information, contact Jerry Sibal, 917-945-9983, jerrysibal@ jerrysibal.com or Cynthia de leon, 201-790-2835. in addition, the Philippine Consulate general in cooperation with J&S Productions and the Felipe P. de leon Foundation, will present raul Sunico conducting a Masterclass at the Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Center on thursday, October 19, at 6-9PM in new York City. the Philippine Center is located at 556 Fifth avenue and 46 Street in new York City. to rSVP, email events@ newyorkpcg.org (Subject: raul Sunico) or call 212-764-1330 ext.

3866.

Steven Seagal to shoot...

From Page 5 no wonder the Philippines is called the ‘Pearl of asia.”

Further proof that he likes coming here is that Steven can no longer remember how many times he has been to the Philippines. to be sure, the first trip was in the ‘80s, and after that, he would come over for vacations, quietly slipping in and out of the country. naturally, actor has been to different places in luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. “My favorite is Vigan, ilocos Sur,” he revealed. “i like the old town feel. i love staying there. it’s a city that was built 200 or 300 years ago!” because he is shooting a 12episode series, Steven is happy he has a longer time to spend here.

He, in fact, is ready to experience

the famed Philippine Christmas because he plans to work even during the holidays.

Meeting with Duterte President rodrigo Duterte met on thursday, Oct. 12 Seagal in Malacañang.

Seagal, who flew into the Philippines to look for a location for his new movie, was accompanied by former ilocos Sur gov. luis “Chavit” Singson.

Seagal’s new movie is about illegal drugs and other crimes, a Malacañang press release said. it said Duterte told Seagal “that movies are a reflection of life” as the President reiterated “his strong stance against illegal drugs because these enslave people to a form of synthetic chemical.” (With reports from Inquirer.net)

Amy Besa introduces the concept behind Hidden Flavors of the Philippines with Consul General Theresa Dizon-De Vega and guests

Pork Belly served with a Pinakbet relish and heirloom rice

Iced Dessert of Mangosteen ice cream, watermelon ice and fruits

run by young Filipino-american restaurateurs neal Santos, Jillian encarnacion, and rissa Mueller.

Organizational assistance was

provided by Philippine Consulate personnel Cultural Officer Olive Magpile and economics assistant beverly Pellosis.

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Full house at the public dinner

An assortment of Philippine nuts, chocolates, rice

Photos by NYPCG

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