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Volume 22 - No. 35 • 2 Sections - 16 Pages

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Customs chief Lina apologizes to OFWs DATELINE USA by pAtrici A A Lourdes

from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS SS AMEric MEricA ricA

Filipino immigrant in Hawaii arrested for fatally stabbing wife ALIAmANU, hawaii – A filipino immigrant was arrested on suspicion of killing his wife by stabbing her several times during an argument August 17.

Police arrested The victim, Cecilia Fiesta, Pablo fiesta Jr., who was reportedly worked two jobs 46, so she could send for her charged with sechusband and child from the ond-degree murPhilippines last year. der in the death of his wife, Cecilia fiesta, 43, in their home at 1017 Puolo Drive. their 10-yearold daughter saw her father stab her mother in their living room about six times in the back Stabbing suspect, Pablo and torso, accordFiesta. ing to a police report filed in honolulu District Court.

Cecilia fiesta was taken to a hospital where she was pronounced dead. Pablo fiesta iesta gave himself up to police a day af after the stabbing. he was detained at oahu Community Correctional Center in lieu of $500,000 bail.

Cecilia fiesta reportedly held two jobs to bring her husband and a 17-year-old daughter to hawaii from the Philippines about a year ago. (i (inquirer.net) inquirer.net)

Philstar.com

VirAy Ay Ay

mANILA—Customs Commissioner Alberto Lina on thursday, sept. 3 apologized to overseas filipino workers (ofWs) for the recent issue on balikbayan boxes.

During the senate committee on ways and means hearing on balikbayan boxes, Lina admitted that the Bureau of Customs (BoC) has opened Customs Commissioner Alberto Lina and the Bureau of Customs recently got flak over the boxes from the United states.

Lina added that the bureau random physical inspection of balikbayan boxes from overseas Filipino workers.

has also inspected five containers from hong Kong.

“Ako’y nag-so-sorry kung mayroon kaming natapakan d’yan. Hindi kami nantatapak sa mga ofW. I give my 200 (percent) support for them.

Hintayin ninyo ang bago naming procedures,” Lina said. the Customs chief said that the bureau conducted the physical inspections in able to detect smuggled goods. the BoC on Wednesday, sept. 2 released a new

memo which bans the random physical inspection of balikbayan boxes.

Balikbayan boxes will instead undergo mandatory Xray scanning. the BoC will alsoacquire K-9 units and install CCtVs in all authorized inspection and examination areas.

President Benigno Aquino III earlier ordered the BoC to stop conducting random physical inspections of balikbayan boxes.

Marcos: BOC should change its policies

by Jefferson

AntipordA ManilaTimes.net

the Bureau of Customs (BoC) should change its policies to make them more “filipino friendly” because the agency is indirectly violating laws that grant incentives to overseas filipino workers (ofWs) and athletes with its onerous duties and impractical rules, sen. ferdinand marcos Jr. said.

“If the law grants certain privileges or incentives to our ofWs and athletes, the bureaucratic procedures must lean toward making it easy for them to enjoy such privileges. otherwise, it is no longer a privilege but a burden,” marcos pointed out. the senator issued the statement in wake of reports that the BoC imposed a tax of almost P6,000 on the championship belt of mixed martial arts winner Jujeath Nagaowa despite the law exempting medals, awards and similar recognition from import duties. the BoC was also flayed for its plan to manually scrutinize balikbayan boxes as part of its anti-smuggling campaign.

President Benigno Aquino III had to step in and PAGE A2

BALIKBAYAN BOX CONTROVERSY. Senators Grace Poe, Ralph Recto, Sonny Angara, Alan Peter Cayetano and Cynthia Villar ask officials of the Bureau of Customs during a public inquiry about its new policy of opening balikbayan boxes on the suspicion that these are used to smuggle drugs and firearms.

President Benigno Aquino III ordered the BOC to halt the opening of the balikbayan boxes upon arrival in the Philippines amidst strong protests from the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

Senate photo by Albert Calvelo

City Council approves NY-based press group calls for protection of PH journalists LA’s bid for 2024 Olympics A c Los ANGeLes is another step closer toward the bid for the 2024 olympics, following the city council’s approval on tuesday, sept. 1.

Last week, a city council subcommittee focused on the olympics approved recommendations city analysts made on the contract, before sending it to the full council for a vote.

In a 15-0 vote on tuesday, mayor eric Garcetti now has the authority to pursue the bid with the Us olympic Committee (UsoC). the council added that it wants to be included in the proPAGE A2

by

gnes onstA onst nte AJPress

foLLoWING the death of another filipino journalist on thursday, Aug. 28, the Committee to Protect Journalists called on Philippine President Benigno Aquino III on tuesday, sept.

1, to work toward eliminating attacks against press in the country. radio broadcaster Cosme maestrado, 46, the most recent victim, was shot to death by four unidentified gunman, according to the Guardian. on Aug. 19, teodoro escanilla, a radio anchor for dzms, was shot in front of

his house; on Aug. 18, newspaper columnist and publisher Gregorio Ybanez was shot dead in front of his home, the Associated Press reported.

“We call on President Benigno Aquino to give top priority to swiftly resolving these egregious cases,” said shawn Crispin, the senior southeast Asia representative of the Committee to Protect Journalists, according to the Associated Press. “Until Aquino demonstrates his government is serious about ending the onslaught, the killings will inevitably continue.” maestrado, an anchor at radio station dxoC, escaped a previous attack

in November 2011, his colleagues told the Guardian. he was known for his commentary on the abuse of power and local corruption. the publication reported that maestrado was shot 10 times. “he was a good man, kind-hearted and helped many people. his cry is for change,” radio station manager remegio Bonustro said, according to the Associated Press. escanilla, according to the news agency, was a spokesman of human rights group Karapatan in the province of sorsogon and was critical of alleged military abuses.

the Associated Press further reported that Ybanez was a board member of an electric cooperative in Davao, and police are delving into whether a disagreement among board members of the cooperative could have been a reason behind the killing.

In 2015 alone, six journalists have been killed in the Philippines, and 32 since Aquino assumed the presidency in 2010, according to a Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism report.

If the three most recent incidents are determined to have been work-related murders, the number of journalists PAGE A2

Settlement with Pemberton impossible–Laude family Incoming USAID chief

by ALLAn

MAcAtuno A Atuno Inquirer.net

oLoNGAPo CItY— tY—t tY— Y—the lawyers for the family of slain transgender Jeffrey “Jennifer” Laude said a settlement with the camp of accused Us marine Lance Cpl. Joseph scott Pemberton was impossible now that both parties had rested their case.

Pemberton is facing a murder charge in olongapo City regional trial Court Branch 74 here for the death of Laude, whose body was found in a motel bathroom on oct. 11 last year. Witnesses identified Pemberton as the man who was last seen with her as they checked into the motel.

“Any settlement now is impossible, especially since both parties are done Jennifer Laude camp (L-R) Julita Laude, Atty. Virgie Suarez. Marc Sueselbeck, Atty. Harry Roque and presenting their respective evidence,” Marilou Laude arrive at the preliminary investigation.

Inquirer.net photo by Joan Bondoc

said Virgie Lacsa suarez, one of the Laude family’s lawyers, in a text message to the Inquirer on monday, Aug. 31. suarez said that since the start of the prosecution’s presentation of evidence on march 23, there had been no talk of a settlement. “there was only a discussion on a plea bargain as part of the pretrial early in february,” suarez said. she denied reports the family had demanded P38 million and six Us visas to drop the case. “there is simply no truth to that… maybe that’s what they (defense lawyers) want to offer [the family],” suarez said. she said she suspected Pemberton’s

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vows to strengthen PH dev’t programs by rosette

AdeL

Philstar.com

mANILA—the incoming United states’ aid director to the Philippines vowed to further strengthen the agency’s development programs in the country. the newly appointed mission Director of the United states Agency for International Development (UsAID) for the Philippines, Pacific Islands and mongolia, susan Brems, also reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to provide aid in the country’s programs by cooperating with manila.

During Brems’s meeting with Philippine Ambassador Jose Cuisia at the Philippine embassy in Washington D.C., Cuisia expressed gratitude for PAGE A2

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Marcos: BOC should change...

PAGE A1 stopped the implementation of the plan.

“The government should learn from the experience in the balikbayan box brouhaha. It must show its sincerity in its appreciation of the invaluable contributions of our Filipino compatriots who are either working abroad or competing for the glory of our country,” Marcos said.

From the Front Page

Filipino teacher honored

by White House, LA City Hall

Senator Cynthia Villar said the BOC should change its priorities and focus on bigger issues, particularly the rampant smuggling of agricultural products into the country.

Villar, chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food, slammed Customs chief Alberto Lina for his “misplaced” priorities.

She said Lina should go after

by Christina

M. Oriel

AJPress

Sen. Bongbong Marcos

big smuggling syndicates, not OFWs. “They [BOC] claimed that the government is losing P50 million a year from balikbayan [care] boxes, which is small compared to the P200 billion a year lost from smuggling of agricultural products,” Villar noted.

She said failure of the Department of Justice to file charges against suspected smugglers is one of the reasons why smuggling continues to thrive.

NY-based press group...

PAGE A1 killed in the Philippines since 1986 will be at 150, according to Philippine media watchdog Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility.

“The murder of three journalists in two weeks shows how the lack of progress in ending impunity has emboldened those bent on silencing the press in the Philippines,” Crispin said, according to The Guardian.

Presidential spokesman Herminio Coloma has criticized the attacks and told reporters that police have been instructed to search for the killers.

The Philippine National Police Director General Ricardo Marquez, according to the Associated Press, said police have created separate special investigation groups to look into each of the attacks.

The Philippines is ranked the third most deadly country for journalists around the world by the Committee to Protect Journalists, following Iraq and Syria.

LOS ANGELES—In high school, Jaime Ballesteros didn’t think he would be able to attend college because of his undocumented status.

Originally from Bacolod City, Philippines, Ballesteros was 11 years old when his family moved to Jersey City, New Jersey after his father obtained a temporary work visa for an accounting job.

However, when the recession hit, Ballesteros’s father lost his job and the visa.

“Overnight my family became undocumented,” Ballesteros shared. “I never really knew how to deal with it until I opened up to my teacher during the junior year of high school.”

He kept his undocumented status a secret at first, but eventually confided in his English teacher, Ms. Solberg, who helped him research colleges that could offer merit scholarships for undocumented students. Ballesteros went on to Drew University, a liberal arts college in New Jersey that granted him a scholarship.

During his junior year in college, his mom encouraged him to apply for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program that President Obama announced in 2012, and he was approved to live and work in the US legally.

Since it was introduced, more than 660,000 people have received DACA, according to the White House.

Filipino teacher Jaime Ballesteros receives a recognition from the City of Los Angeles on Wednesday, Aug. 26.

AJPress photo by Ding Carreron

“Applying to DACA is very personal. A lot of immigrants may be scared of coming out of the shad- ows because of the repercus- sions that may come with it. But personally, I feel that DACA has changed the way that I engage every day — I can drive, I can work, I can do all these amazing things I wouldn’t have been able to do without a social

security number or a driver’s license...it has impacted me on a positive way,” Ballesteros said. “I definitely recommend that if you are eligible for DACA to pursue it because I don’t think there are negative repercussions from applying and trying.”

Becoming a DACAmented teacher PAGE A3

Incoming USAID chief vows to...

PAGE A1

the financial and technical support given by the US through USAID. Cuisia also applauded USAID’s continued support in judicial reforms, rule of law, innovation and technology, economic development, educational cooperation, and public health.

The two officials exchanged views on the Aquino administration’s conditional cash transfer program, which aims to lessen poverty with its welfare programs for selected individuals or families that meet a specific category.

Cuisia gave Breams a summary of the recent economic developments of the Aquino administration which include good governance efforts highlighting the respect to transparency and public accountability.

“It was a great opportunity

Dr. Susan K. Brems Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia Jr.

to discuss with Dr. Brems our government’s commitment to improving the lives of average Filipinos, as well as the social development objectives under

the president’s leadership,” Cuisia said.

The newly appointed Brems formerly served as a mission director in Angola and Zambia.

Settlement with Pemberton...

PAGE A1

lawyers were “testing the waters” when they revealed the alleged offer.

“There is no truth to reports we will drop the case at anytime,” Suarez said.

City Chief Prosecutor Emilie Fe de los Santos said Judge Roline Ginez-Jabalde scheduled the summation and submission of memorandums on Sept. 14.

De los Santos said a verdict is expected by Dec. 14, which is within the prescribed one-year period to finish court proceedings

under the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA).

Lawyer Harry Roque Jr., the Laude family’s lead counsel, dubbed reports the family was open to a settlement a “PR ploy”

by Pemberton’s camp.

He warned Pemberton’s lawyers not to approach the Laude family without the consent of their counsel.

“They should not even come close to my client, otherwise I will enforce the ethical prohibition of a trial and I will move for their disbarment for ethical breaches,”

Roque told the Inquirer by phone on Monday.

Laude’s mother, Julita, has been adamant her family would not accept a settlement.

“It’s not money that could compensate for a life that was lost. No amount of money can replace the life of my child. Not even Pemberton’s life can replace Jennifer’s,” she had said during the trial.

In April, Laude’s relatives sought at least P200 million in moral and exemplary damages as the civil aspect of the case was tackled in Pemberton’s trial.

City Council approves LA’s bid for...

PAGE A1 cess for the next two years and vote on the final bid agreement that will be presented to the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

The USOC also confirmed at a press conference on Santa Monica Beach that LA will be its candidate to the IOC. “This is a great day for Los Angeles and a great day for the Olympic movement,” Garcetti said at the press conference.

Boston was a leading contender for the 2024 Olympics; however, in July the city dropped out due to the lack of public support and questions about taxpayer spending. The USOC said polling data shows that over 80 percent of LA’s residents are in support of hosting the Olympics.

An initial proposal for 2024 — released by Garcetti and sports executive Casey Wasserman — has a $4.1 billion budget, in addition to $150 million in insurance premiums and $400 million for cost overruns, the Los Angeles Times reported.

“In Los Angeles, the spotlight is always on. We have the resources, experience and secure environment to share the biggest events with the world,” the proposal states.

The proposal further outlines renovation projects for existing venues, including the Los Ange-

les Memorial Coliseum (which estimates $800 million for seating upgrades and premium amenities) and a $500 million investment from the University of Southern California, according to the Associated Press.

Various events would be held throughout the city: gymnastics and basketball at the Staples Center, volleyball on Santa Monica Beach, road cyclists and marathon runners on Hollywood Boulevard and mountain bike racing in Griffith Park.

An Olympic Village “centrally located along the revitalized LA River to reduce travel times and provide a place to rest and prepare” for athletes is also included in the plan.

City Administrative Officer Miguel Santana and Chief Legislative Analyst Sharon Tso cautioned that acquiring and developing the site may “significantly exceed” the $1 billion budget.

The costs incurred by a host city and whether it benefits have been subjects of debate. Sochi, Russia, which hosted the Winter Olympics in 2014, cost $51 billion and is considered the most expensive games to date.

“It is vital to properly and sufficiently safeguard Angelenos and our city government from possible losses — and to avoid placing our city in a position wherein we might have to in-

demnify the US Olympic Committee or any other entity from losses they might incur,” LA City Controller Ron Galperin wrote in a letter to the council last week.

Councilmember Mike Bonin noted that the city was not financially responsible during the 1984 Summer Games.

“The City did not assume that responsibility in 1984. Why would it assume that responsibility now? Since LA is the only US city currently willing to bid on the 2024 games, have we used this strong negotiating position to ask the USOC to cover any costs or provide any financial guarantees?,” Bonin wrote in a letter to Council President Herb Wesson on Friday, Aug. 28, according to the LA Times.

A $161-million surplus is expected, according to Garcetti, who cited revenues from broadcast, sponsorship and ticket sales.

The Olympics were previously held in Los Angeles in 1932 and 1984. The US hasn’t hosted the Summer Games since 1996 in Atlanta.

Contenders have until Sept.

15 to bring their bid to the IOC. Among other international contenders are Paris, Rome, Hamburg and Budapest. The IOC will announce the 2024 host city in 2017. (Christina M. Oriel/AJPress)

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Dateline USa

Filipino teacher honored by White House...

PAGE A2 Ballesteros, who graduated from Drew University in 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in art history and a minor in chemistry, originally intended to go to medical school. But the reality of his status made him recognize that he wouldn’t be able to live out that plan.

With Ms. holberg and how she impacted his educational career in the back of his mind, he decided to delve into teaching. “…I changed my path in my senior year when I thought back to Ms. holberg and what she did for me. I joined Teach for America soon after graduating from college,” Ballesteros said.

Sharing how he “wanted to be civically engaged but didn’t know how to do that while being undocumented,” Ballesteros came across Teach for America (TFA) again in college when a friend applied, and saw that the program was accepting corp members who are DACA recipients.

TFA first accepted two “DACAmented” teachers into the program in 2013, and 44 teachers were placed in 10 regions across the country the following year.

To date, over 90 DACAmented teachers are working in 13 regions, according to the organization’s website. Among the areas where the organization has partnerships with schools to hire these teachers are the Bay Area, Los Angeles, Chicago and New York City.

“TFA-Los Angeles has the largest number of DACAmented corp members in the country across our 52 regions and mainly because when we heard about the opportunity to have DACAmented corp members, we were able to call Los Angeles Unified School District and our big charter partners and say ‘will you hire our teachers? will you support this initiative?’ and all of them across Los Angeles said yes. We have tremendous support from our partners…we’re able to bring in all kinds of folks, like Jaime, as possible because we believe so deeply in his story, in him and the children who have the same experience,” said TFA-LA executive Director Lida Jennings.

For DACA recipients to be considered for TFA, they must have at least a 2.50 undergraduate GPA, a bachelor’s degree, a social security number and an employment Authorization Document to meet the hiring requirements of partner schools. TFA also helps

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CA Senate advances six tobacco regulation bills

by Agnes

ConstAnte AJPress

Leandro Otero, director of external affairs & partnerships for Teach for America - LA (TFA- LA); Stephanie Goodman; Lida R. Jennings, executive director of TFA-LA; Jaime Ballesteros; Joe Bernardo, policy analyst for the LA Mayor’s office of immigrant affairs; and Luis Figueroa at LA City Hall on Wednesday, Aug. 26.

AJPress photo by Ding Carreon

corp members with legal assistance if needed.

Ballesteros is now entering his second year as a high school chemistry teacher for Animo College Preparatory Academy, a public charter school in the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles.

Since it’s an inner-city school, Ballesteros said he tries to be positive and engaging in the classroom, noting that some of students may not come from “healthy backgrounds.”

“Throughout my first year, I found out that the key to me being able to make a great impact in the classroom is making strong individual relationships with my students…I pride myself in knowing the strengths of my students and what they need to improve on—that really guides me when I’m planning my lessons and teaching in class,” Ballesteros said.

Similar to how Ms. holberg took an interest in him despite his immigration status, the 23year-old teacher intends to do the same with his students.

“In sharing my story with some of my students, they’ve also told me that they themselves are undocumented,” he said. “I’ve been working with them to look for different colleges and scholarships they can apply to so that’s definitely been a powerful experience to do what my teacher did for me back in high school.”

At Animo, about 80 percent of the students are Latino, and many of his students are undocumented or have family members who are.

“Jaime represents a commit-

ment that we as an organization have made to bring teachers to match the backgrounds of our students. This is a more personal story behind that, but we are bringing in a more diverse corp and we’re proud to say that our students are being taught by people that look like them and come from the same background. It’s a commitment we’re going to continue see through,” Leandro Otero, director of external affairs and partnerships for TFA-LA said.

Though he is in a unique position to connect with his students on a more personal level, Ballesteros shared that other teachers may not be aware of how to handle undocumented students. “[Teachers] should inform themselves of the struggles that undocumented students face and the solutions that are available for these students. It’s not enough to tell the students that they need to work hard. I think teachers need to provide actionable solutions to students,” he said.

Champion of change In July, nine educators who have received DACA were honored by the White house as “Champions of Change.”

“This event honored nine young leaders in the field of education that are also DACA recipients, who have been strong role models for students and families, as well as change agents within their communities,” the White house said in a statement.

Among the nine was Ballesteros, who flew out to DC for an awards ceremony for the leaders and a convening of DACAmented teachers hosted by TFA.

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The state Senate approved on Thursday, Aug. 27, six tobacco regulation measures that would raise the smoking age in California from 18 to 21 and restrict e-cigarette usage in a variety of public areas.

The vote marks the second time in three months that California’s Senate has advanced measures boosting the smoking age and restricting e-cigarettes. The package of legislation also expands on tobacco bans in schools and workplaces.

“We cannot continue to sit by while these tobacco companies continue to poison generation after generation with their addictive products,” said Sen. ed hernandez (D-West Covina), who pushed for the bill supporting the increase in smoking age, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Behind the legislation restricting e-cigarettes was Sen. Mark Leno (D-San Francisco), who revived an earlier measure during a special health care session.

Leno’s proposal came in part as a response to a federal finding last year revealing that use of ecigarettes among teenagers has multiplied three times in the last couple of years.

“This is important because the fastest growing segment of the e-cigarette market is middle and high school students,” Leno told his colleagues, pointing out that 11 other states, including Colorado and Minnesota, possess similar laws, the Los Angeles Times reported.

The bills passed mostly along partisan lines, although Republican Sen. Jeff Stone of Temecula and Democratic Sens. Cathleen Galgiani of Stockton and Richard Roth of Riverside joined their colleagues on opposite parties for certain measures.

“They are going after the kids, and that’s where I have to draw

the line,” Stone said in support of the e-cigarette regulation bill.

Opponents of the legislation argue that if Californians are allowed to join the military at 18 years old, they should be permitted to decide if they wish to smoke.

“These people are adults who are willing to put their life on the line for their country and they ought to be able to go buy a pack of cigarettes if they want to,” said Pete Conaty, a lobbyist for the American Legion, according to the Times.

Among lawmakers, Sen. Joel Anderson (R-Alpine), spoke against a measure by Sen. Mike McGuire (D-healdsburg) that would allow local governments to impose their own taxes on tobacco.

“If we want to ban cigarettes, let’s just ban them,” he said.

“This slow approach makes no sense to me.”

Anderson argued that allowing local governments to increase levies on tobacco would probably discourage smoking and cause a drop in California’s tobacco revenues.

“I think we have to be very careful that we don’t kill the golden goose,” he said, according to the Associated Press.

The tobacco industry has contested the regulation legislation, arguing that e-cigarettes are safer since they use vapor rather than combustible tobacco. The industry also notes that the products are often used by smokers working toward eliminating the habit.

The bills now head to the Assembly where they face an uncertain future. In the past, a committee shelved previous Senate legislation.

Along with the six-bill package, a separate measure to increase the to tobacco tax by $2 a pack is supported by Save Lives California, a coalition whose

members include the American Cancer Society, American Lung Assn., California Medical Assn.

And Service employees International Union.

Sen. Richard Pan (D-Sacramento), who is sponsoring the bill, noted that the state’s tobacco tax of 87 cents per pack ranks California 33 in the country, falling behind New York, which tacks a $4.35 tax per pack.

Federal tax on each pack of cigarettes is $1.01.

Pan said he knows convincing Republicans to back a tax raise will not be easy, but said he believes a tobacco tax is a “winwin” for taxpayers as it would simultaneously boost revenue and decrease costs, Mercury News reported.

“It’s time to step away from the rhetoric and look at the facts,” Pan said, Mercury News reported. “But if my colleagues refuse to support this, we’ll take it to the ballot. The people will pass this.”

In addition to the passage of the six bills, a new Field Poll on Thursday found that two-thirds of California voters support a $2 tobacco tax increase. The survey sampled 1,555 registered California voters and was conducted via phone from June 25 to July 16. Most interviews were done in english, but were also conducted in Spanish, Mandarin, Vietnamese, Cantonese, Tagalog, Vietnamese and hindi.

Another bill approved Thursday by the Senate would permit the California Board of equalization to charge a $265 licensing fee to tobacco retailers annually instead of a one-time $100 fee.

The board would also be allowed to raise the annual license fee assessed on tobacco distributors from $1,000 to $1,200, the Times reported. (With reports from Los Angeles Times, San Jose Mercury News and the Associated Press)

The DACA-recipient teachers also spoke on a panel about their experiences and pathways into teaching.

“It was definitely a very surreal experience. As someone who is undocumented, I never thought I would have been honored at the White house or even step foot in [there]. After finishing my first year—which as any first-year teacher knows is a great feat—it was almost like a victory lap for me for my efforts to be recognized,” Ballesteros recalled.

Since joining TFA, the recognitions for Ballesteros haven’t stopped there.

On Wednesday, Aug. 26, the City of Los Angeles presented a certificate to Ballesteros in an intimate ceremony.

“This is a such a big honor for me, especially just moving to LA and just starting my second year in teaching,” he said.

In addition to teaching, Ballesteros is currently pursuing a master’s degree in urban education at Loyola Marymount Uni-

versity and hopes to shape education policy in the future.

“I plan on staying in the classroom as long as I can and making a career out of education. eventually, way into the future, I see myself making an impact on education policy because I feel that as a teacher, I have control on the impact that I could make on the 120 students that go through my classroom each day. As I gain more experience, I want a broader impact on my students,” he said.

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D ateline PhiliPPines Filipina receives Ramon Magsaysay Award for work to

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preserve ethnic dance found in Southern Philippines

by Agnes

ConstAnte AJPress

A FILIPINA choreographer and dance historian was honored Monday, Aug. 31, for “her singleminded crusade in preserving the endangered artistic heritage of the Southern Philippines.”

Ligaya Fernando-Amilbangsa, 71, was among five recipients of the Ramon Magsaysay Award, Asia’s version of the Nobel Prize, for documenting and teaching a pre-Islamic dance tradition called pangalay.

Amilbangsa told the Associated Press she hopes the ethnic dance will continue to live on and help heal divisions in the poor in the Philippines, rather than become a decorative museum piece.

“We have to think of a national symbol that can unite all of us,” she said in a recent interview.

Amilbangsa developed a fascination for pangalay when she first saw the dance at a 1969 wedding in Sulu province, where she relocated after marrying a Muslim schoolmate who belonged to a prominent clan, the Associated Press reported.

“I thought that this was so beautiful, it’s so different,” she told the news agency.

In the ethnic dance, arms are swayed gently and the hands and

fingers move in a way that simulates the motions of animals or waves.

Amilbangsa was interested in how pangalay is believed to have come to the southern Philippines from India prior to the arrival of Christianity and Islam, according to the Associated Press. The news agency added that the Filipina awardee said classic dance forms resembling pangalay can be found in Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar and Thailand, among other places in Southeast Asia.

In the same year that Amilbangsa became interested in pangalay, she began conducting research on the dance and interviewed elder villagers to record the gestures, Pangalay dancer and researcher Nanette Matilac told the Associated Press.

In 1983, Amilbangsa published a book with the first written pangalay dance instructions, the news agency reported.

Philippine President Benigno Aquino III, whose late mother (former Philippine President Corazon Aquino) previously received the honor, gave out the awards on National Heroes Day and offered positive words for Amilbangsa.

“Our country holds the belief that if you forget your roots, you

are bound not to reach your destination. Our own kababayan, Ligaya Fernando-Amilbangsa, has lived by this code. She turned her appreciation of the arts into an advocacy, with the most important one being the study, practice, and teaching of the dance style, pangalay, from the southernmost part of the country,” Aquino said during a speech on National Heroes’ Day, according to CNN. The four others who also received the award are: Kommaly Chanthavong of Laos for reviving and developing ancient Laotian silk weaving as a means of creating a source of livelihood for poor villagers; Anshu Gupta of India for founding a volunteer group that recycles a variety of items, providing jobs and more affordable basic items for those in need; Sanjiv Chaturvedi of India for investigating and exposing government corruption; and Kyaw Thu of Myanmar for providing free funeral services for the poor through a group he created called Free Funeral Services Society.

Aquino said the each recipient “has transcended the ‘individual perspective.’”

“Each of them has chosen to leave their comfort zones, and answer the call to serve more

Clarkson OK’d to play for PH in FIBA, father says he won’t play by

Agnes ContstAnte AJPress

FIL-AM Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson has been cleared to play for the Philippines in the upcoming FIBA Asia Championship, but his father says he won’t be participating.

“As you know in professional sports, timing is of the essence especially when managing a player’s career,” his father, Mike Clarkson, said in an email to USbased Philstar contributor Homer Sayson.

“Unfortunately, the timing couldn’t be worse as he [Jordan] prepares for rigors of the upcoming 2015-2016 NBA season and heightened performance expectations.”

The FIBA championship is scheduled to take place from Sept.

23 through Oct. 3 in China, but the Lakers training camp – which is mandatory for all the team’s players – begins Sept. 28. Given the overlapping schedules, Manila Bulletin reported that Clarkson would be able to play in three games for Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) – against Palestine on Sept. 23, Hong Kong on Sept.

24 and Kuwait on Sept. 25.

Should the Philippines advance, the team would play the first game of the second phase on Sept. 27, though Clarkson’s participation in the next round would be unlikely due to his commitment to the Lakers.

In an email to Manila Bulletin, John Black, vice-president for public relations of the Lakers, said the 23-year-old Fil-Am is free to play for Gilas in China.

“Per the collective bargaining agreement between the NBA and the Player’s Association, as long as national team play does not interfere with team requirements

Jordan Clarkson will fly with Gilas Pilipinas to Taiwan for the Jones Cup. Inquirer.net photo by Tristan Tamayo

and there are no injury issues, it is up to the players whether or not to play. Our players must be in Los Angeles on September 28, so as long as he would be back by then, we would have no objection to Jordan playing in the event up until that date,” Black wrote.

Clarkson, who has expressed interest in representing the Philippines, was recently confirmed as eligible to play for the country’s national team. Rappler reported that because the Lakers guard obtained a Philippine passport before he turned 16, he satisfies a requirement needed to suit up for Gilas Pilipinas.

“It definitely would mean a lot,” Clarkson said, according to a Lakers Nation report published in March. “It’s just one of those things you want to do, like how I want to make my city proud and make that country proud as well.”

Although the Fil-Am basketball player will not be participating in the upcoming international championship, he is looking forward to a long-term commitment

with Gilas. Inquirer reported that Clarkson wants to play for Gilas for three Olympic Games – 2016, 2020 and 2024 – starting next year in Rio de Janeiro.

“I’m all in,” he said.

Philstar further reported that SBP officials are seeking to meet with Clarkson’s father and Lakers management to alleviate concerns they may have.

“Our talk with the father is to reassure him that, from the time that he [Jordan] has not signed the contract [with the Lakers] to the time that he does, and if he gets injured while with Gilas, we will assure them during that period he will be properly taken care of,” SBP Vice Chairman Ricky Vargas told Philstar. “We will be taking a risk anyway, whether he has a contract or not.”

Philstar also wrote that Clarkson is working on a contract-extension deal with the Lakers after an impressive rookie year in the NBA. NBA preseason begins for the Lakers on Oct. 4 when they face the Utah Jazz in Hawaii. The official season begins Oct. 28.

Enrile, Revilla, Angara face new ‘pork’ raps

by MiChAel

PunongbAyAn Philstar.com

MANILA—Levito Baligod, former counsel of pork barrel scam whistle-blower Benhur Luy, filed charges of malversation of public funds against 20 incumbent and former lawmakers before the Office of the Ombudsman.

Among those charged for the alleged misuse of their pork barrel or Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) from 2007 to 2009 were Sens. Juan Ponce Enrile, Ramon Revilla Jr. and former senator Edgardo Angara.

The PDAF funds were allegedly released to non-government organizations (NGOs) not linked to accused pork barrel fund scam mastermind Janet LimNapoles, who is now detained and facing plunder charges with several lawmakers as her co-accused for misuse of government funds.

Napoles was also convicted and sentenced for the serious illegal detention of Luy. Also named respondents were former party-list lawmaker Joel Villanueva of CIBAC who now heads the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Prospero Nograles (Davao), Joseph Santiago (Catanduanes), Roberto Cajes (Bohol), Alan Miraflores (Aklan), Neil Tupas (Iloilo) and Carol Lopez (You Against Corruption and Poverty

or YACAP party-list).

Likewise included were Alfonso Umali (Oriental Mindoro), Edgar San Luis (Laguna), Arturo Robes (San Jose del Monte City in Bulacan), Rodolfo Antonino (Nueva Ecija), Reno Lim (Albay), Evita Arago (Laguna), Rachel Arenas (Pangasinan), Marina Clarete (Misamis Occidental), Al Francis Bichara (Albay) and Julio Ledesma IV (Negros Occidental).

Baligod’s complaint was based on the affidavits of four persons, including former National Agribusiness Corp. (Nabcor) employees Victor Roman Cacal and Rhodora Mendoza, who were among those charged in pork barrel scam cases filed by the Office of the Ombudsman before the Sandiganbayan against Enrile, Revilla and Sen. Jinggoy Estrada.

The affidavits of Bernadette Ricalde and Katherine Namoro, former employees of a lawmaker, also formed part of the documents submitted to Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales.

Baligod said the lawmakers channeled over P490.685 million in PDAF to some 17 NGOs that allegedly “squandered” the money.

Enrile and Angara allegedly gave P15 million and P20 million respectively to Kagandahan ng Kapaligiran Foundation Inc., while Revilla gave P10 million to

St. James the Apostle Multi-Purpose Cooperative Inc. The lawyer said the witnesses are willing and ready to prove their allegations and reveal what they know, together with other potential witnesses.

“Thus, you will note that their affidavits are not exhaustive, as we only want to establish a reasonable basis for your good office to look into the allegations and to validate the same and those that they could hereafter reveal should your Office enjoin them to do so,” Baligod said.

Enrile said that he couldn’t care less about the plan of the ombudsman to file a motion for reconsideration on the decision of the Supreme Court to grant him bail.

Speaking with reporters at the Senate, Enrile said that it was the right of the ombudsman to file that motion for reconsideration.

Enrile, charged with plunder in relation to the pork barrel scam, was granted bail by the Supreme Court on humanitarian grounds.

Since his release from hospital detention, Enrile has attended the plenary sessions of the Senate daily.

Asked about the new case being prepared against him, Enrile had nothing much to say.

“One more time? What is the difference? That would already PAGE A7

ROLE MODELS. President Benigno Aquino III shares the stage with this year’s Ramon Magsaysay awardees (L-R) Kommaly Chantavong of Laos, Liga Fernando-Amilbangsa of the Philippines, Anshu Gupta of India, Sanjiv Chaturvedi of India and Kyaw Thu of Myanmar.

Inquirer.net photo by Richard Reyes

and more people, whether the immediate community, or all of society,” he said, according to CNN. The Ramon Magsaysay Award, created in 1957 and named after

the third president of the Philippines, is bestowed on individuals and organizations each year.

Since it was established, more than 300 men, women and organizations have been recognized

for their selfless service for their societies, Asia and the world, according to the award foundation’s website.

Each awardee received $30,000 and a gold medallion.

A

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September 4-10, 2015 • OC/Ie ASIAN JOUrNAL

OpiniOn

Features

Heroic

“EVERY Filipino can be a hero if we will continue to fight our desired destination,” Pres. Benigno Aquino III said as he paid tribute to the Philippine national heroes at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City on Monday, Aug. 31. This year’s theme is “Bayaning Pilipino Noon at Ngayon: Ang Simula at Tagapagpatuloy ng Malawakang Pagbabago (The Filipino Hero Then and Now: Where Transformation Begins and Continues).”

As Aquino led the wreath-laying ceremony for the fallen Filipinos and Filipinas, he remembered their sacrifices and challenged today’s generation, to turn themselves from meek individuals into successful men and women that may collectively hone a better and brighter future for the country.

“We pay tribute to the sacrifices offered by Philippine heroes. As we honor them, so too are we called to do our part and to continue the battle they began—whether in a small, or a big way—for the betterment of our nation,” Aquino said.

On the same day, Aquino also led the conferment of awards to the five recipients of the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Awards this year. Also dubbed as the Nobel Peace Prize of Asia, the Ramon Magsaysay Awards, now on its 58th year, honors individuals or organizations who “address issues of human development in Asia with courage and creativity.”

In his speech, Aquino congratulated Ligaya Fernando-Amilbangsa (Philippines), Kommaly Chan-

thavong (Laos), Anshu Gupta (India), Kyaw Thu (Myanmar), and Sanjiv Chaturvedi (India) for transcending the “individual perspective.” He described them as individuals who have “chosen to leave their comfort zones, and answer the call to serve more and more people, whether their immediate community, or all of society.”

The President also likened the awardees to the country’s national heroes for their perseverance despite facing formidable opponents, “from corrupt employees and officials in government, to the phenomenon of widespread poverty and inequality, and even to the way that time erodes our most valuable traditions. But you were not daunted” in order to protect and promote justice, basic human rights, and cultural heritage.

“Real transformation requires real, backbreaking effort—and this is what you gave, willingly.

In many ways, you are like the heroes that many of my countrymen remember on this day: those who struggled and endured hardship for a greater cause. It is only right that we are paying tribute to

Editorial

Philstar.com photo

all of you on this occasion. You are the modernday heroes that not only Filipinos, but all men and women all over the world need,” Aquino added.

Not all heroes should die on the battlefield, some heroes may just be ordinary men and women who inhabit extraordinary lives that make a change and inspire other people. Filipinos should hold on to what their forefathers have achieved yesterday and to move forward with it to initiate progress tomorrow.

Their enduring journey left us with a great example to live by. We are all called to live like heroes, not to make a mark in the world through suffering or death—but to appeal similar lives, for our kababayans and our country.

Being young or being away is not an excuse for indifference. It is every Filipino’s responsibility to honor the value of nationalism, to revere the essence of freedom and to observe the ethos displayed by the Philippines’ gallant heroes. (AJPress)

The rise of anti-establishment candidates: Move over Clinton, Bush and even Trump?

THOUGH a candidate most Democrats outside of the state of Vermont have never heard of, Senator Bernie Sanders has proven a sustained upward climb in the polls, possibly threatening the frontrunner status of former First Lady and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. A new poll among Iowa caucus goers, the first to hold the primary in the 2016 US Presidential Elections, proves just that.

A survey released last Saturday, Aug. 29 by the Des Moines Register and Bloomberg Politics revealed that Clinton has lost 1/3rd of her supporters since May, and that Bernie Sanders continues to cut into Hillary Clinton’s once-commanding lead among Iowa Democrats, closing to just 7 points of Clinton in Iowa. Sanders now trails Clinton 37 percent to 30 percent. CNN reports that just last January, half of likely Democratic caucus goers were unfamiliar with Sanders, and he was pulling in just 5 percent of support.

According to CNN, the poll finds that Sanders’ support is more due to voters’ enthusiasm for his candidacy and his message, rather than opposition to Clinton. An overwhelming 96 percent of those who support Sanders say they support him and his ideas. Only 2 percent say their vote is motivated by a desire to stop a Clinton candidacy.

The report further says that as for the controversy surrounding Clinton’s use of email while

leading the State Department, 61 percent of likely Democratic The Fil-Am caucus goers say the issue is not Perspective important to them.

The poll further reveals that Sanders “has a deeper reservoir of support”, with 39 percent of likely caucus goers say their feelings about Sanders are very Gel SantoS-ReloS favorable and just 8 percent having a negative view of him. In contrast to Clinton: 27 percent view her very favorably, but 19 percent view her negatively.

Sanders has been running a campaign that has put forth a platform of how the government should help ordinary Americans, providing them with basic services like health care, education, higher wages, stronger protection of consumer rights, instead of the government being run and manipulated by powerful oligarchs, benefitting the richest of the rich in society, at the expense of the middle class.

Sanders’ appeal has been further strengthened by the consistency of and commitment to his message since the 1980s, a stark contrast to his political opponents.

“What this new poll shows is that the more Iowans get to know Bernie, the better they like him and what he stands for. We’ve seen the same thing

in New Hampshire and across the country,” CNN quoted Sanders’ campaign spokesman Michael Briggs.

Meanwhile, the same poll further says that Vice President Joe Biden, [he has not declared his candidacy for president], captured 14 percent of the vote, Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley (3 percent), former Virginia Sen. Jim Webb (2 percent) and former Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee (1 percent).

Carson ties with Trump For the first time in more than a month, real estate mogul and reality show star Donald Trump’s frontrunner status is now being threatened by a newbie in politics and another anti-establishment candidate, Ben Carson, a neurosurgeon.

Carson has surged up in the pack to tie Trump in Iowa, according to the results of the poll released

by Monmouth University on Monday, Aug. 31.

According to the survey, Trump and Carson are now tied at 23 percent. CNN reported that this is the first time since July 26 that a poll in the first four states to select a Republican nominee did not find Trump substantially ahead of all other candidates.

CNN further reported that according to the Monmouth poll, farther behind Trump and Carson

were former Hewlett-Packard CEO Carly Fiorina at 10 percent; Texas Sen. Ted Cruz at 9 percent; Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker at 7 percent; former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush at 5 percent; Ohio Gov. John Kasich and Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, each at 4 percent; Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul at 3 percent; and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee and former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum at 2 percent. CNN added that no other candidates topped 1 percent.

This is a big change from the Iowa poll conducted by Monmouth University, taken before the first Republican debate. In late July, Walker led with 22 percent, Trump had 13 percent, Carson had 8 percent and Fiorina was at 3 percent.

A CNN/ORC poll taken in early August revealed that Trump’s lead had diminished, compared to the results of the latest Monmouth survey in Iowa.

Trump was then at 22 percent, Carson was at 14 percent, Walker was at 9 percent, Cruz was at 8 percent and Fiorina was at 7 percent.

Could Bernie Sanders and Ben Carson really have the chance to be President after all? *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https://www.facebook.com/Gel. Santos.Relos

The curse of incompetence and insensitivity

THERE’S this joke about a little boy Street anxious to see his expectant mother give Talk birth. She explains that it will take several months for the baby to come out.

The boy then recalls GreG B. MacaBenta how his engineer father had told his workers on a rush project to “put more men on the job,” to hasten its completion.

“Mom,” says the boy. “Why don’t you put more men on the job?”

If you think that’s funny, guess what the administration of Benigno S. Aquino III has been doing the past five-going-on-six years. The classic example is the Department of Agriculture, notorious for incompetence and accused of corruption. Instead of replacing the Secretary of Agriculture, Proceso Alcala, Aquino appointed former Senator Kiko Pangilinan as “Agricultural Czar” or some title to that effect. Aquino put more men on the job.

Now comes this congressman from Quezon City, Winston Castillo (eager to have his 15 seconds of fame), suggesting that the solution to Metro Manila’s traffic woes would be for Malacañang to appoint a “traffic czar.”

That’s a traffic czar placed on top of a traffic czar (the MMDA chairman) on top of several traffic czars (the Metro Manila mayors). And THAT is supposed to solve the infernal traffic problem?

Good grief!

The management geniuses who populate the Makati Business Club and who recently rated the various government offices, ostensibly based on perceived efficiency, should tell the idiots running

the government that overlayering is a formula for confusion and hand-washing.

In other words, the more cooks working on the broth, the more difficult it is to pinpoint who spoiled it.

This reminds me of the tragedy-on-top-of-a-tragedy that destroyed my hometown of Tacloban.

The original tragedy was super typhoon Yolanda. The tragedy on top of it was the presence of three Keystone Kops, Mar Roxas of DILG, Dinky Soliman of Social Welfare and Voltaire Gazmin of Defense.

In a press conference with Roxas presiding (which I wrote about in this column), the following dialogue was recorded by Rappler: “RAPPLER: Sino po ba ang ground commander natin sa relief operations na ito? (Who is the ground commander in this relief operation?)

“ROXAS: There is no such title dahil ayon sa NDRRMC, it’s Sec Voltz Gazmin ang aming chairman, at ina-assignassign niya kami sa kung ano ang aming dapat gawin. (There is no such title because according to the NDRRMC, it’s Sec Voltz Gazmin who is our chairman, and he assigns us to do whatever we have to do. ) “RAPPLER: Pero sir, who is calling the shots here in this center? (But sir, who is calling the shots here in this center?)

“ROXAS: Wala. You can see the process that is being undertaken, and it is a consultative process. (No one. You can see the process that is being undertaken, and it is a consultative process.)

“SOLIMAN: Lahat kami, buong pamahalaan, pambansa at lokal, kumikilos as one. But more than that, ‘yun ang gusto kong ipaalam sa lahat – it’s also whole of society. Lahat ng private sector, lahat ng volunteers, lahat ng volunteers dito sa Tacloban, nagre-repack sila. This is whole of society, responding to a crisis. Nagkaisa ang bansa; ‘yun ang ating mensahe. (Everyone of us, the whole of government, national and local, move as one. But more than this, what I want everyone to know – it’s also whole of society. The entire private sector, all volunteers, all volunteers here in Tacloban are repacking. This is whole of society, responding to a crisis. The nation is working as one; that’s our message.)’

But Roxas, Soliman and Gazmin were not done yet. Soliman then explained an “operations management concept” which she called, “the Convergent Approach.”

Here’s what I wrote in reaction to that: “I did a double-take and struggled to find an analogy for ‘Convergent Approach.’ In football, that means operating without a quarterback. In a symphony orchestra, without a conductor.

In the corporate environment, without a CEO. In the military, without a commanding officer.

“Apparently, in the Roxas-Soliman Institute of Advanced Operations Management, as applied to the Yolanda crisis, the Convergent Approach is one where every player is left to his or her own best intentions, based on respective levels of competence or incompetence.”

In an earlier meeting between Roxas and Tacloban Mayor Alfred Romualdez, Roxas had required the latter to submit a formal request for disaster assistance

from the national government, otherwise, “Bahala kayo sa buhay niyo.”

Roxas, who is supposed to have studied management in an elite university in America, has since become famous for classic responses to the problems of the country. The latest is his rationale for the infernal traffic problems: It’s supposed to be a result of the “booming” economy. No solution. Just a rationalization. He might as well have said, “Bahala kayo sa buhay niyo.”

Come to think of it, that is what the occupant in Malacañang practically told the suffering folks of Metro Manila, if we are to assume that the palace spokespersons are articulating the thoughts of the president of the country.

According to one Manila daily, Deputy spokesperson Abigail Valte has asked the public “to be patient” in the face of the metropolis’ “traffic woes.”

The news report was about how “vehicles clogged and barely crawled along Andrews Avenue, Airport Road and Sucat Road – vital arteries leading to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport’s terminals 1,2,3 and 4.”

The news item further stated: “Valte said they received a report that a big number of people failed to make it to their flights because of the ongoing construction works in the Villamor Air Base area. She said airport authorities had been advising the public to consider the heavy traffic because of construction projects when planning their trips.”

Well, what choice do the poor motorists, air travelers and commuters have except to “plan their trips”? The reason, of course, is because the idiots behind the massive construction projects did not do their mandatory part of the

planning.

Let me cite two examples of competent planning and concern for the convenience of the commuting public (as opposed to the palpak and manhid approach of this administration): the massive expansion of the San Francisco International Airport and the replacement of the eastern span of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge.

To ensure that commuters and air travelers would not be inconvenienced, the plans and budgets for both projects included alternative routes that commuters could take, while the main thoroughfares were under construction.

This meant a temporary bridge from Treasure Island to the Oakland side while the original bridge (part of which had collapsed during the 1988 Loma Prieta earthquake) was being demolished and a new span was being built.

In the case of the expansion of the San Francisco International Airport, air travelers hardly felt any inconvenience because of the alternative arteries prepared prior to the main construction activity.

Compare that with what’s happening in Metro Manila, something that I am painfully aware of because I live just off Sucat in Parañaque. I will give my comments in Tagalog so that our non-Filipino readers will not understand me: “Pinagsabay-sabay ang tinamaan ng lintik na construction at bahala na tayong mga taong bayan sa buhay natin.

Diyos ko. Bakit ba tayo pinarurusahan ng mga bobo?”

And now, back to English: Dear management geniuses of the Makati Business Club. Is this the kind of governance you want to sustain for another six years? (gregmacabenta@hotmail.com)

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DOJ probe of Iglesia ni Cristo continues

by Edu

Punay and aiE Balagtas sEE Philstar.com

MANILA—There’s no stopping the Department of Justice (DOJ) from proceeding with the preliminary investigation into criminal charges filed against eight leaders of the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) by expelled members, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima declared on Thursday, Sept. 3.

De Lima said the complaints filed by Isaias Samson Jr. and his family and by Lito Fruto “will go through the regular process.”

This means the complaints “will be assigned to prosecutors or panels of prosecutors for preliminary investigation.” De Lima also stressed the conduct of preliminary investigation is “ministerial” on the part of her department.

As this developed, an INC member who is a lawyer claimed the filing of the complaints came after the sect refused to support a Palace candidate in the 2016 elections.

Ferdinand Topacio, who did not name the candidate, said the INC rebuff may have angered the Palace which—apparently in retaliation—later sought a way to cause division within the religious group.

De Lima emphasized a preliminary investigation “is an occasion where the DOJ performs a ministerial function.”

“Once we receive a complaint, the DOJ has no option but to conduct an investigation,” she said in a statement.

“No one is exempt from these standard procedures,” De Lima said.

She made the statement following reports that the INC had reached a compromise with the government to end its street protests last Monday, Aug. 31. The Palace denied the reports.

It was De Lima’s allegedly giving “extraordinary attention” to the two criminal complaints that prompted the INC to order its members to launch street protests, including on EDSA. The DOJ chief belittled INC calls for her to resign, saying she was just doing her job when she ordered an investigation into the allegations raised against the ministers.

Under DOJ procedures, docketed complaints are assigned to state prosecutors who conduct preliminary investigations.

Respondents are then asked to answer charges and submit

Justice Sec. Leila De Lima

counter-affidavits in subsequent hearings.

At the end of the preliminary investigation, the prosecutors determine whether probable cause exists to warrant the filing of cases in courts. If there is none, the complaints are dismissed.

Samson, his wife Myrna Dionela and son Isaiah filed charges of harassment, illegal detention, threats and coercion against members of the Sanggunian, the INC’s highest administrative council.

Respondents were Glicero Santos Jr., Radel Cortez, Bienvenido Santiago Sr., Mathusalem Pareja, Rolando Esguerra, Eraño Codera, Rodelio Cabrerra and Maximo Bularan.

Samson, former editor-in-chief of INC’s official publication Pasugo, alleged that the respondents prohibited them from leaving their house in Quezon City last July after he was accused of being blogger “Antonio Ebanghelista,” who attacked the INC in his blog site.

Samson’s lawyer Trixie CruzAngeles earlier expressed concern that the supposed INC agreement with the government would lead to the dismissal of their complaint.

Fruto, on the other hand, filed harassment charges against the members of the INC Sanggunian for supposedly concocting rape charges that led to the issuance of an arrest warrant and hold departure order against him after he sided with Angel and Lottie Manalo—siblings of current INC executive minister Eduardo Manalo—who were also expelled after going against the sect’s leadership.

Fruto said his troubles with the INC started when he answered a post of Lottie on Facebook asking for help as there were reportedly suspiciouslooking vehicles following her brother Angel.

He alleged that powerful peo-

ple behind the executive minister were actually the ones running the affairs of the church.

Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. said proceeding with the legal processes also involves protecting the rights of the accused.

He said De Lima should also take into consideration the unique nature of the INC “that may have its own internal rules and regulations.”

LPGMA party-list Rep. Arnel Ty said local officials should “not be overly beholden to any particular group—to the extent that local executives are prepared to sacrifice the common good in favor of that party.” Ty was apparently referring to the handling of various local government units of the INC’s recent street protests.

Retaliation?

Topacio told reporters at the Kapihan sa Luneta Hotel forum that Malacañang’s alleged effort to divide the INC prompted members of the church to launch the protests that stalled traffic and disrupted businesses from last week.

Topacio said there were real kalokohan (anomalies) in the INC that needed to be investigated, and that some members were indeed already disgruntled.

But he stressed INC leaders were addressing the problems internally.

He said that when “some people got an inkling” of INC’s internal troubles, they fanned the flame of discord with the aim of causing a split in the church and “diluting” its voting power.

He declined to name names, but said somebody from the Palace was directly involved.

This sparked worries that the issue would “paralyze” the Sanggunian.

He said seeing their leaders behind bars is unimaginable.

“What will happen to our leadership then?” Serious illegal detention is a non-bailable offense.

In the same forum, Mandaluyong Mayor Benhur Abalos said he had to issue a rally permit to the INC for Saturday morning to “contain” the protesters and ease tension.

He also clarified that INC’s original request was to be allowed to stay on EDSA until Monday but he declined such request.

Abalos admitted the protesters’ decision to march to EDSA from Manila on Friday, Aug. 28 caught him by surprise.

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FIGHT AGAINST DRUGS. Senator Grace Poe (center), chair of the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drug, questions officials of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) on its campaign to fight the proliferation of illegal drugs in the country during a public hearing on Tuesday, Sept. 1. PDEA reported that for the first half of 2015, more than 500 drug pushers were arrested as well as 500 high value target drug lords. Also in photo are Senators Koko Pimentel and Tito Sotto.

Senate photo by Romy Bugante

Senate to do ‘best’ in passing BBL before Oct. 10 by lEila

B. salavErria Inquirer.net

MANILA—The Senate will do its best to approve the draft Bangsamoro law in the next five weeks, before Congress goes on its next scheduled break, according to Senate President Franklin Drilon.

The measure was among the eight bills that that Senate and House of Representatives leaders agreed to make a priority before Congress’ adjournment on October 10, Drilon said on Thursday, Sept. 3.

Not on the list are the anti-dynasty bill, which President Aqui-

no pitched for in his last State of the Nation Address, and the freedom of information bill.

Drilon said the Senate would do what it could to pass the Bangsamoro autonomy bill, which would finalize the peace deal between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

It is undergoing deliberations in the plenary.

“I have discussed this with the majority of the senators. We will exert every effort to pass it,” Drilon told reporters on Thursday.

“Our objective is to pass this before we go on a break. That’s

our objective,” he added.

But he said that he was not imposing an actual deadline on the measure.

The other bills identified as priority are the 2016 national budget, the Sangguniang Kabataan reform bill, the measure to create the Department of Information and Communication Technology, the Tax Incentives Management and Transparency Act, the amendments to the Build-Operate-Transfer Law, amendments to the Customs and Tariff Modernization Act, and the amendments to the monetary values in the Revised Penal Code.

Enrile, Revilla, Angara face new ‘pork’ raps

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be multiple plunder and that’s too much. Anyway, we’ll see,” Enrile said.

YACAP Rep. Lopez said she has taken steps to clear her name with the Commission on Audit (COA).

Tupas said he was the one who informed the COA back in 2010 when he found out that his signature was being forged to facilitate release of funds from PDAF. He said he also asked concerned agencies to withhold implementation and releases of any fund under his PDAF account that resulted in the monies withheld and returned to the national treasury.

TESDA chief Villanueva refuted the allegations against him.

“I sound like a broken record—the NBI (National Bureau of Investigation) has said the documents were fake,” Villanueva said.

Malacañang is keeping its hands off the charges of malversation through falsification of public documents filed at the ombudsman against 20 former and incumbent and lawmakers, including allies of the administration.

Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said it would be “imprudent” of them to comment on any actions being taken by the ombudsman “in any phase of any investigation.”

Ombudsman’s budget Members of the House appropriations committee have agreed to increase the proposed P1.8billion budget of the Office of the Ombudsman for next year.

The committee, chaired by Davao City Rep. Isidro Ungab, arrived at a consensus on Tuesday to give Ombudsman Morales more funds and to uphold her agency’s constitutional independence and fiscal autonomy.

On motion of Reps. Rufus Rodriguez of Cagayan de Oro City and Ben Evardone of Eastern Samar, the panel agreed in principle to increase Morales’ intelligence fund for 2016 from P3 million to P10 million.

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‘Heneral Luna’ comes to Los Angeles A jolly mix of hoopsters vie for UBLA championship

by Nimfa

U. RUeda

Inquirer.net

loS aNgeleS—on august 31, National Heroes’ day in the Philippines, a special movie was screened in los angeles to give Filipino-americans a peek into the life of a Filipino hero who fought for the country’s independence from the United States.

Heneral Luna, directed by Cinemalaya 2013 directors Showcase Best director Jerrold Tarog, was shown at the Krikorian Theater in Monrovia, California, before its wide release in the Philippines next month and in the US in october. “we want to create a buzz for our kababayans back home that they have to see this movie, over any other movie,” said Fil-am artist eliseo art Silva, co-producer of the los angeles screening.

Silva, best known for creating the famous los angeles Filipinotown mural that depicts Filipino and Fil-am heroes, said he was inspired by the rave reviews received by the film.

“In this day and age, romantic comedies and Hollywood superhero flicks tend to lord it

CITY oF CarSoN— Young ‘uns and young once were a jolly group of hoopsters who joined the basketball tournament hosted by the United Bicolandia los angeles (UBla) that concluded with championship games and closing ceremonies last Sunday, august 30, at the Stevenson Park gym in this city.

The basketeers were mostly backyard aficionados who had ‘Heneral Luna’s’ advance screening in the US is considered historic. Not since 1936’s “Zamboanga” sweated themselves in the game has a Philippine-made feature film with Filipino stars screened first in the US. back in the Philippines, though some were UaaP and NCaa Set during the Philippineover in the box office, which is cagers, who for love of the game american war in 1898, the film why releasing a historic film like continued merely as exercise is about general antonio luna Heneral Luna is a big gamble,” buffs here in the States. Because (John arcilla), commander of the he said. “I’m very happy that it’s of their disparate ages, some of revolutionary army who faced paying off.” them white-haired already and an enemy more formidable than The movie was first screened some with shiny pates, which the american army: his own in New York City on July 25 at added a touch of humor to their treacherous countrymen. the asian american International court antics, they played seriously general luna wanted to fight Film Festival in Village east, ahead and at the same time goodfor freedom but members of the of its scheduled wide release on naturedly. elite would rather strike a deal September 9 in the Philippines Capturing the championship with the United States. and in commercial theaters in the trophy was the Victory team arthur Probadora de la US mid-october.

The movie’s advance screening rosa, co-producer of the aug.

31 screening, said the event was in the US is considered historic. a great opportunity for Fil-ams, Not since 1936’s Zamboanga has a especially the younger generation, Philippine-made feature film with to learn about Filipino heroes and Filipino stars screened first in the Philippine history.

US.

grant applications open for arts organizations based in la County

UBLA BASKETBALL TOURNEY WINNER. The Victory team under the banner of the Victory Autos dealership in Azusa, California, romped away with the championship of the United Bicolandia Los Angeles (UBLA) tournament recently concluded at the Stevenson Park Gym in Carson, California.

that played under the flag of the Victory autos repair and dealership in azusa. California.

Chris Manuel of the same team ran away with the Most Valuable Player (MVP) trophy.

Second place went to the warriors team, while the TgIF team garnered third place, and the og (oh guys) team, fourth.

BF Bakery & Café introduces healthy, premium toast

BUeNa ParK—From the inception of its first store in Irvine, California in 2013, BF Bakery & Café has since expanded to seven store branches—six across Southern California by the Board of Supervisors, in alhambra, arcadia, grants for concerts, theatre and Corona, Hacienda dance productions, exhibitions, Heights, and rowland in-school and out-of-school arts Heights, and one in education and core operations Plano, Texas. radiating help small, medium and large an international flair organizations enrich the lives of and warm, inviting County residents. atmosphere, BF Bakery workshops will be held throughout the County between & Café has attracted consumers all over with September and November for its specialty breads, new and returning applicants pastries, cakes, and to the ogP. These workshops Continued on Page 6 beverages. after years of careful product development and research, BF Bakery & Café has selected quality ingredients and artisan craftsmanship skills to bring the best taste and quality to all customers. BF Bakery & Café prides itself on its attention to every step and detail of its product production process, which includes meticulous timing of the fermentation process for yeast and strict inspection of the flour used in products. BF Bakery & Café

Funding supports programming and operational needs

aPPlICaTIoNS are available for the 2016-17 organizational grant Program. The program provides los angeles County nonprofit arts organizations support to address priority needs and ensures cultural services for the diverse communities that comprise los angeles County. guidelines and application are available here. deadlines vary based on budget size between october-November 2015 – see below for specific dates.

deadlines: organzation Budget Size/ deadline Up to $199,999/Tuesday, November 10, 2015 $200,000 - $999,999/ wedneday, october 28, 2015 $1,000,000+/wednesday, october 14, 2015 The arts Commission provides two-year grants to approximately 200 arts organizations annually to provide arts services. Made possible

One Central is a luxurious 50 and 42-storey twin-tower residential condominium situated in the heart of Makati CBD designed by awardwinning international design firms, The Preben Kent and Gettys Chicago.

Life gets easier with Megaworld International’s exclusive ready-for-occupancy units Reward yourself with Megaworld International’s Home Club: Your key to a lifestyle of privileges

Megaworld International offers exclusive and pre-selected ready-for-occupancy (rFo) units to meet your meticulous and sophisticated needs. each unit has the advantage on convenience, security and access to endless possibilities of the live-work-play-learn lifestyle.

You need not wait for months or years and get to experience the best rewards in an instant. owning an rFo unit means instant membership to Megaworld International’s Home Club, your key to a lifestyle of privileges. as a member, you will automatically enjoy the following privileges: extensive after-sales services including leasing and resale Management, Turnover and Maintenance Services, and Free Interior design Services. You will also receive free items such as a key kit, a one month’s supply of fine wine, and access to the Megaworld International exclusive client lounge.

Through Megaworld International Home Club, you will experience seamless transactions from the time you plan to buy a ready unit, to designing your living space and turnover, until you plan to re-sell or lease out your condo units.

Worry-free lifestyle privilege Now is high time to take advantage of venturing on rFo units as it gives guaranteed recurring income because of the solid market for it. Property leased out can really increase your asset and can give rental cash flow to fund your lifestyle and retirement. with the leasing and resale Management Services, selecting and negotiating bank finance options and refurbishment of units in preparation for leasing or resale of the property are done on your behalf.

A “hassle-free” turnover process and maintenance a hassle-free Turnover and Maintenance service awaits you to ensure that everything will be in good condition upon your acceptance of the unit.

To sustain a premium lifestyle experience, you are guaranteed quality control and maintenance of the rFo units even in your absence.

Housekeeping personnel are on standby to regularly check the unit and provide a report to you.

Very Personal. Very You. Personalize your units with the free Interior design Services.

Based on your personality, lifestyle and mood preferences, you may conceptualize your unit with the help of a dedicated group of inhouse interior designers. You have

the option to live in a Modern, Contemporary, Industrial or Modern Zen-inspired home.

Megaworld International is currently selling rFo units in various Megaworld townships and prime locations such as eastwood legrand Towers 1 & 2 in eastwood City; 115 Upper McKinley in McKinley Hill; Sarasota, Pianecrest and Montecito in Newport City; and greenbelt Madison and one Central in Makati Central Business district.

Megaworld International is the global marketing arm of Megaworld Corporation. It is present in over 40 countries in North america, asia Pacific, europe and Middle east and is poised to expand to more territories, bringing the best real estate choices from the largest developer in the Philippines.

For inquiries, please call: Angelita Contreras Megaworld International VP-North america 1 (818) 913-1188 Los Angeles Office 4515 eagle rock Blvd. Ste. 145a la. Ca. 90041 (818) 518-1680 1-888-860-8168 ext. 1 internationalluxuryproperties @yahoo.com

(Advertising Supplement)

The champion and runner-up were awarded team trophies, while their players got individual trophies each. UBla officers handed out the trophies.

The tournament was a civic/sports project of UBla vice president eddie Sabocor, with the full backing of president Continued on Page 6

introduces its new special toast that is baked fresh daily without preservatives and with all natural ingredients such as real butter and unbleached flour. The toast makes great for a part of a complete breakfast or for sandwich making in time for back-to-school. our expert chefs stand by the delicious and natural taste of this new type of toast, guaranteed to please palates of all kinds.

BF Bakery & Café is a tenant of 99 ranch Market, and brews up fresh coffee and tea daily alongside its expansive selection of bread, toast, cakes, and delicious baked goods.

Stop by to complete the ultimate shopping experience.

BF Bakery & Café Arcadia 1300 S. golden west ave., arcadia, Ca 91007 Alhambra 345 e. Main Street, alhambra, Ca 91801 Corona 430 N. McKinley St. Corona, Ca 92879 Hacienda 17120 Colima rd.

Hacienda Heights, Ca 91745 Irvine 15333 Culver dr. #800, Irvine, Ca 92714 Rowland Heights 19725 Colima rd. rowland Heights, Ca 91748 BF Bakery & Cafe Social Media: www.Facebook.com/BFBakery Instagram: @BFBakery

(Advertising Supplement)

Celebrate Harvest Moon Festival at Pechanga Resort & Casino with 2015 Mini Cooper and $100K Cash Giveaway!

Harvest Moon Table Game Promotion with grand prize drawing of the 2015 Mini Cooper IN celebration of the Harvest Moon Festival, Pechanga promotes the thrilling September Table games Promotions that will light up your smiles like the crescent moon. Join us from September 1 through 25, when getting a “dragon Bet” or any “Natural Tie” hand at Baccarat, a “Flush” hand in Pai gow, any “Blackjack” hand, a “Straight” hand at 3-Card Poker, a “Straight” hand at let It ride, a “Straight” hand at Ultimate Texas Hold’em, or a “Flush” hand in asia Poker, will earn you a drawing entry ticket. The more you play, the more you win. The grand finale drawings will be held on September 18 and September 25. at each drawing days, ten winners will be chosen at 8pm to win $250 in easyPlay, another ten winners will be chosen at 9pm to win $500 in easyPlay, and one lucky winner will drive away in a 2015 Mini Cooper!

Walk Down Pechanga’s Moonlit Path for the Lucky Lanterns “Swipe & Win” and entries into the $100K Grand Drawing In addition to the Harvest Moon Table game Promotion, Pechanga promotes their first lucky lantern “Swipe &win” this September. on Tuesdays from September 1 through 26, Pechanga Club Members can swipe their Club Card at the Kiosks located across the box office from 1pm to 9pm for a chance to win up to $1,000 in easyPlay, a gift or entries into the grand drawing. on Saturday, September 26, from noon to 8pm,

there will be a $100,000 grand drawing. To activate electronic entries into the drawings, play any game, any amount starting at 11am on Saturday, September 26, 2015 once anytime throughout the day to enter. don’t miss out on winning the Top Prize of $10,000 in cash!

For more detail about this promotion, please call 1-877-7112946 or visit www.Pechanga.com.

Come to Pechanga to participate in the cash and prize drawings and walk away with the big harvest this mid-autumn!

Pechanga Resort & Casino Pechanga resort & Casino offers one of the largest and most expansive resort/casino experience anywhere in the country. rated a Four diamond property by aaa

since 2002, Pechanga resort & Casino provides an unparalleled getaway, whether for the day or for an extended luxury stay. offering more than 3,000 of the hottest slots, table games, world-class entertainment, 517 hotel rooms, dining, spa and championship golf at Journey at Pechanga, Pechanga resort & Casino features a destination that meets and exceeds the needs of its guests and the community. Pechanga resort & Casino is owned and operated by the Pechanga Band of luiseño Indians. For more information, call toll free 1-877-711-2946 or visit www.Pechanga.com. Follow Pechanga resort & Casino on Facebook.com/Pechanga and on Twitter @PechangaCasino.

(Advertising Supplement)

SEPTEMBER 4-10, 2015 www.asianjournal.com

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The Metamorphosis

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US-born son’s first visit to his father’s roots in the Philippines

to the Bagumbayan Field, now Rizal Park, where he was killed by firing squad after his conviction for ErniE D. DElfin treason and rebellion against the (Part 1 of 3) Spanish government. I became an WHAT would you do and instant history teacher to my curious respond, if you were me, a first student-son for several hours. degree immigrant here in the United From there, we had an States, when your only son requests impromptu visit to my alma you to postpone your scheduled mater, Colegio de San Juan De vacation to the Philippines until Letran. Unfortunately, the college summer (when he is off from his was closed because due to the teaching job) as he would like also to Muslim holiday of Ramadan. I was visit your own village and province talking to the uniformed guard where you were born and grew up? that all I wanted was to visit the Even though the request caught me chapel, where I used to serve the by surprise, I had no hesitation, to Dominican priests, as a working say why not? Instantly I asked, “When student and an altar boy, but he do you want us to travel from Los was unmoved probably because Angeles?” that was his order not to let just So father and son flew to the anybody enter the campus during Philippines mid-July 2015 and we holidays. But lo and behold, the were together for two solid weeks, angel of serendipity smiled at resulting to even cancelling some us, as a young Dominican priest, important Rotary meetings,) just to Fr. Boyd Sulpico, OP, Letran’s VP give the best quality time to my son’s for Financial Affairs, overheard first visit to my homeland, especially me imploring the strict security my provincial roots in a farming guard, and wisely overruled him. village in Anis, Laoac, Pangasinan as Thus, we were inside the pleasantly memorable as possible. college campus in a few seconds!

The first few days were spent in For about half an hour or so, my Batangas City, the hometown of his son and I were in the same chapel mom where he had also a good time where I served countless of masses bonding with his cousins whom as early as 5:30 am for about four he has met several times in that years – forty four years ago. Like a city as well as during their visits to captive audience, my son listened California. to my many recollections what Then, for several days, we I did and experienced in Letran, checked in at Midas Hotel on Roxas then the oldest college for boys in Blvd. to have a few days to tour the the Philippines. (Founded in 1620, Old City (Intramuros). To have our Letran will celebrate its 400th year own pace of travel, we did not join anniversary in years, a milestone for any tour groups and instead hired any school to last that long!) a taxi for most of the day. After a The biggest surprise of that visit heavy breakfast buffet at the hotel, however, was the serendipitous we visited Fort Santiago where Jose meeting with my Theology Mercado Rizal, Philippines’ national professor, Fr. Raffy Quejada, OP, hero was imprisoned in a solitary now 88, who happened to be dungeon, prior to his execution on there as a “retired” priest. He then Dec 30, 1898. Then, we proceeded invited us to be in their private

dining room at the top floor of the college, where there were two other priests, including Fr. Boyd -- who joined us while being served by a working student -- for a mid afternoon merienda! I would not have recognized Father Raffy now (as he no longer walked briskly; his age was catching up with him physically) but surprisingly, he remembered and recognized me still, while fatherly touching my face to convince himself that I am them “real” alumnus who served them during my college days. And to document that visit, my son took some candid pictures of us that delighted my entire family when he posted them on Facebook!

From there, we visited the oldest churches in Intramuros, namely the Manila Cathedral (founded 1571) and also San Agustin Church (founded 1607). Looking back, during special occasions, some Dominican priests were asked to celebrate mass in these churches and from time to time they brought an altar boy with them, so I have had the experience of serving several Dominican priests in these 400-year-old churches. And yes, the mass then was celebrated in Latin, parroting those prayers “Confiteor Deo Omnipotente” or “Dominus Voviscum, Et Cum Espiritu to o,” or songs like “Tantum Ergo” a million times! Nostalgic memories, thou art too beautiful to reminisce, especially in the presence of my only son!

The Metamorphosis food for thought: “The strongest faith is of no use without action!” -- Pope Francis (To be continued next week. ) *** Email: ernie.delfin@gmail.com or zhunrize. foundation@gmail.com Websites:www. rotaryeclubGlobalKalingaD3780.org www.foundation4nextgen.zhuncity.com

A jolly mix of hoopsters vie for...

From Page 2

Lanie Berrei and board chair Tony Martires.

Sabocor intimated that he intends to continue with the project, because in the Greater Los Angeles area there are now

EMPLOYMENT

thousands of Filipinos, young and middle-aged, who indulge in basketball in their backyards or in nearby municipal courts and who form teams among themselves. He added that the tournament if managed and

refereed properly will serve as a channel to foster camaraderie among the participants.

After the closing ceremonies, Eddie’s wife Cherry served UBLA lunch for everybody. (Mits San Jose, UBLA PRO)

EMPLOYMENT

FOR SALE

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAglAyA (Conclusion of 2 parts)

IT is sad that a legislative effort to defund the group of taxpayer money has failed just recently due in part to the lack of leadership and true grit among many members of our feckless, inept Congress and Senate who lack the moral and intestinal fortitude to win victories when they have the capacity to do so. There is simply no excuse. The matter will be up for revote and I sense a change in the direction of the wind.

The sad part about all these is that an overwhelming number of babies murdered are from the African American community and other minorities. Margaret Sanger, the pioneer for abortion many decades ago, actually started the practice of eugenics for the purpose of eliminating certain members of the community she deemed undesirable.

PP is led by its outspoken, high profile, well connected, no apologies CEO, Cecille Richards, daughter of the late Texas Governor Ann Richards, who along with others have made it part of their life’s work to promote abortion under the dubious guise and disingenuous pretext of freedom of choice for women while ostensibly promoting women’s health as a cover.

Anyone with 2 neurons firing in the brain know this is just a part of a general bogus narrative of the so called liberal lie of the“war on women.” There is a reason for the pandering. Polls indicate that women supporting abortion are a significant voting bloc that can pull the lever in national and local elections. The reading of pollsters is skewed and is patently deceitful.

Women of substance who stand for

The murder of babies and the killing of a lion “Evil is sly and coats itself in the dishonest lingo of political correctness.” life are in overwhelming numbers compared to those who stand for the culture of death.

Planned Parenthood’s services to women such as mammograms, scans and such other benign procedures appear to be just a smokescreen for 90% of what they really do: abortions and the harvest of baby body parts for profit with yet another smokescreen of advancing medical research. You may sugarcoat it and disguise it all you want, the end will never justify the means.

Multiple videos have been released by the group and can still be viewed on youtube barring injunctions from a Northern California judge who has sided with PP in stopping the pro-life group from releasing the explosive videos.

Political influence is at work in suppressing freedom of speech for the time being.

In the interest of full disclosure, that judge in Northern California, was a campaign bundler raising more than $200,000 for the current administration in its run for the office.

Critics of the videos claim these are heavily edited and a conspiracy to discredit PP. That dubious claim has been debunked as the raw footage of the videos are available online (as of this writing) for anyone to view.

The minions of these marauding murderers of the most innocent of human beings are well placed and wield the highest political clout, from the highest echelons of office to the

lowest handlers. The White House, Hillary Clinton and Elizabeth Warren are staunch defenders of PP. Technicians in lab coats poke teeny tiny baby body parts with tweezers in a dish, figuring out if the minuscule body part is a leg, an arm, a liver, a kidney or an eyeball and pricing dead baby parts retail.

In this coming national election, CHOOSE LIFE. Find out the voting record on this matter of all those running for election and reelection.

It is difficult to be a single issue voter since this country has complicated its voting process by mixing up both good and bad so that everything seems murky. Evil is sly and coats itself in the dishonest lingo of political correctness.

In my view, the one thing that is a clear reflection of the soul of a candidate running for elective office, a telling glimpse of how highly evolved the candidate is as a human being who can mirror the divine and ultimately, the direction and actions a candidate takes to govern his constituency, guide this country and shape the world at large according to its Christian founding principles, is the unflinching and uncompromising stand on the issue of abortion.

Of all the creatures that walk the earth, God didn’t choose lions, or tigers or dinosaurs or any other animal in his own image and likeness. God chose us. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, email monette.maglaya@asianjournalinc.com

Grant applications open for arts...

From Page 2 include information about the program, recently updated guidelines, eligibility requirements and tips on submitting strong proposals. New applicants and applicants that did not receive funding the last time they applied are required to attend a workshop. For detailed

information and to register for a workshop, visit lacountyarts. org/grantsapply.

For more information about the OGP, email grants@arts. lacounty.gov or call (213) 2025858 and ask for grants staff.

The Los Angeles County Arts Commission fosters excellence, diversity, vitality, understanding

SERVICES

and accessibility of the arts in Los Angeles County. The Arts Commission provides leadership in cultural services for the County, encompassing 88 municipalities, including funding and job opportunities, professional development and general resources. www. lacountyarts.org.

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