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‘Supreme Court has no right to dictate Congress’ House Speaker Alvarez to defy order to convene joint martial law review session

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

house speaker Pantaleon Alvarez threatened to “tear down” any supreme Court (sC) order compelling Congress to convene a joint session to review Philippine President rodrigo Duterte’s martial law declaration in mindanao.

In an interview with reporters on thursday, June 8, Alvarez said Congress would ignore any directives from the sC, stressing that the judiciary and the legislature are co-equal Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III and House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez accept branches.

President Rodrigo Duterte’s report on martial law at the Presidential Guest House in Davao City last May 25.

Malacañang photo

PAGE A2

MORALE BOOSTER. President Rodrigo Duterte shows solidarity with the soldiers during his visit to the troops of the 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade. He went to their headquarters at Camp Leono in Tacurong, Sultan Kudarat on Wednesday, June 7.

Malacañang photo

DATELINE

Aguirre tags Trillanes, Aquino in Marawi crisis

USA

from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

‘PH-US military ties remain strong’

cident could be part of the destabilization plot against President rodrigo Duterte.

“I don’t understand why after they went there, there was chaos after about two weeks,” the justice secretary remarked at a press conference on Wednesday, June 7. the meeting between the opposition senators and local leaders supposedly happened two weeks before the clashes between government forces and the Islamic state (Is)-inspired maute terrorist group first erupted on may 23.

“Because senator Bam Aquino, I’m PAGE A3

JustICe secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II is seeking an investigation into the possible connection of opposition lawmakers with the terror crisis in marawi City.

Aguirre said senators Bam Aquino and Antonio trillanes IV, together with and magdalo party-list rep. Gary Alejano and former Aquino administration the military relationship between the Philpresidential political adviser ronald Llaippines and the united states remains strong Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre (left) has fresh accusations over what he thinks are possible mas, met with local leaders in marawi despite Philippine President rodrigo Duterte’s links of Sens. Bam Aquino, Leila de Lima and Antonio Trillanes IV to recent national tragedies in the City weeks before the conflict broke out. seemingly distant approach to the u.s. govern- Philippines. The three legislators are staunch critics of Pres. Rodrigo Duterte. Philstar.com photos he also suggested that the marawi inment, officials from both countries affirmed. head of u.s. Pacific Command Admiral harry harris and Philippine undersecretary for Defense Policy ricardo David both made the assurance during the southeast Asian Young Leaders’ Programme on sunday, June 4 in singapore.

“I believe that we are in a very good place with regard to military to military activities in the Philthe DoJ also found probable made public on Wednesday,

by Dana SioSon ippines,” harris said.

AJPress June 7, reversed the manila cause to charge smartmatic techBacking up harris’ statement, David added: Prosecutor’s office’s (mPo) ear- nical support team head marlon “As far as the Philippines is concerned, I think we the Department of Justice lier decision that dismissed the Garcia and his subordinates Neil have good relations with the united states. the (DoJ) has ordered the filing of case for violating republic Act Baniqued and mauricio herrera. the DoJ, however, affirmed PAGE A3 charges against several smart- 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevenmatic and Commission on elec- tion Act against the officials due the dismissal of elie moreno, Tourism officials led by Tourism Sec. Wanda Teo (center) held a press tions (Comelec) officials for to lack of merit and insufficiency smartmatic general manager conference at the DOT Media Center in Makati City on Wednesday, Philippine News Agency photo by Ben Briones changing the script in the trans- of evidence. and project director, due to “lack June 7. parency server during the result Among the charged were of any allegation attributing any transmissions of the may 2016 Comelec’s It specialists rouie act of participation constituting a national elections.

Peñalba, Nelson herrera, and violation of the provisions of the the DoJ’s move, which was frances mae Gonzales.

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AFP receives new counterterrorism weapons

Comelec, Smartmatic execs charged over 2016 elections script changes

US accuses China of ‘buying its way out’ of South China Sea issues

Department of Tourism launches new ‘Experience Police: Resorts World gunman a ‘heavily indebted’ gambler Philippines’ ad campaign

ChINA cannot use its economic powers to evade issues concerning territorial disputes in the south China sea row and the rising tensions in the Korean Peninsula, the united states said on monday, June 5.

While Washington desires to have a “productive” relationship with Beijing, u.s. secretary of state rex tillerson stressed that China should not “buy its way out” of diplomatic issues.

“We desire productive relationships, but we cannot allow China to use its economic power to buy its way out of other problems, whether it’s militarizing islands in the south China sea or failing to put appropriate pressure on North Korea,” tillerson said after a meeting with his counterpart in sydney, Australia. he added, “they must recognize that, with a role as a growing economic and trading power comes security responsibilities as well.”

GUNMAN IDENTIFIED. National Capital Region Police Office Chief Oscar Albayalde China, which has been considered among shows the picture of Resorts World Manila attacker named Jessie Carlos during PAGE A4

the press briefing’ at Remington Hotel in Pasay City on Sunday, June 3.

PNA photo by Oliver Marquez

by AJPress

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

the lone gunman behind the resorts World manila attack that killed 37 last friday, June 2 was a “heavily indebted” gambler, according to the Philippine police.

In a press briefing on sunday, June 4, National Capital region Police office (NCrPo) Chief oscar Albayalde identified the gunman as 42-year-old Jessie Carlos, who was a dismissed Department of finance (Dof) official.

According to Albayalde, Carlos racked up about P4 million-worth of debt at a certain casino he frequented, which police declined to name. the NCrPo chief later noted that the said casino was not resorts World manila.

PAGE A2

the Philippine Department of tourism (Dot) is set to launch its newest campaign advertisement next week. on Wednesday, June 7, tourism secretary Wanda teo showed reporters a preview of a minute-long promotional video for its newest “experience Philippines” tourism campaign. the video features a blind Japanese retiree, mr. uchimura, being warmly received by filipinos while engaging in different activities at several top tourist destinations in the Philippines.

Among the destinations featured in the ad include the hundred Islands in Pangasinan, Banaue rice terraces in Ifugao, Paoay sand Dunes in Laoag, and Calle Crisologo in Vigan.

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From the Front Page

‘Supreme Court has no right...

PAGE A1 “Mag-issue ng direktiba ang Supreme Court telling Congress, dictating Congress magconvene kayo ng joint session, punitin ko ‘yan (If the Supreme Court issues an order dictating Congress to convene, I’ll rip up that order),” Alvarez said.

The House Speaker made the statement after martial law critics filed two petitions before the Supreme Court, asking the judiciary to compel the Congress to convene a joint review session on the proclamation.

“Balikan muna nila ‘yung law books (They should review the law books). How can the Su-

preme Court dictate Congress what to do? Co-equal body ‘yan,” Alvarez said.

On May 23, Duterte ordered the imposition of martial law and the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus in Mindanao amid the ongoing confrontation between government forces and an Islamic States (IS)-linked militant group in Marawi City.

Section 18, Article VII of the 1987 Constitution states that the president of the Philippines may place the country under martial law and suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus in case of invasion or rebellion for not exceeding than 60 days.

The law, however, also gives Congress the power to revoke or extend such proclamation or suspension for a period.

The Supreme Court may also review the “sufficiency of the factual basis” of the proclamation or the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus following an “appropriate proceeding filed by any citizen.”

Expressing its “full support,” both the House of Representatives and the Senate adopted a separate resolutions last week that both found “no reason” to revoke Duterte’s proclamation.

“Hindi ko alam anong logic meron. Eh nagpasa na majority ng Senado supporting the declaration of martial law. Nagpasa ng resolution ang House of Representatives majority supporting the declaration of martial law. Magconvene ka ng joint session, ano pag-uusapan natin? (I don’t get the logic there. The Senate and majority in the House of Representatives already passed a resolution supporting martial law. If we convene on joint session, what else will we talk about?),” Alvarez said.

Asked if defying the Supreme Court would result to constitutional crisis, Alvarez it would happen but the Congress cannot be blamed about it..

“Eh talagang magkakaroon ng constitutional crisis. At hindi namin kasalanan ‘yun (There will indeed be a constitutional crisis. But it won’t be our fault),” he responded.

RESORTS WORLD MANILA INQUIRY. Chief, Safety, Security and Surveillance Office Mr. Armeen Gomez, Chief Legal Officer Atty. Ma. Georgina Alvarez, Resorts World Manila President Kingson Sian, Chief Operating Officer COO Stephen James Reilly, PAGCOR Chairperson and CEO Andrea Domingo, DILG Usec. Catalino Cuy, NCRPO Police Director Oscar Albayalde and representatives from the Philippine National Police, took their oaths during the Congressional hearing on the Resorts World Manila incident following the attack on Friday, June 2. The congressional hearing was held at the Dignitaries Lounge of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3, in Pasay City on Tuesday, June 6.

PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan

Police: Resorts World gunman a ‘heavily indebted...

PAGE A1

“He is heavily indebted due to being hooked on casino gambling, according to his immediate family,” Albayalde said. “This became the cause of misunderstanding with his wife and parents. He has a bank account with an outstanding debt of P4 million and several other non-bank related debt.”

He said Carlos was forced to sell a property in Batangas province, including a vehicle, on account of his debts.

Carlos’ gambling problem prompted his family to ask stateowned Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) to ban him from its casinos.

As per the request of his family, Pagcor had banned Carlos from all of its casinos since April 3.

“This could have probably triggered him, kaya galit na galit siya sa (that’s why he’s so angry at the) casino,” Albayalde added.

At midnight on Friday, Carlos stormed into Resorts World Manila in Pasay City with an M4 carbine and two 1.5-liter bottles of gasoline. He fired shots inside the casino, burned down gambling tables, and stole an about 113 million-worth of casino chips.

While reports claimed Carlos

didn’t directly shoot any individual, officials said the incident led to the deaths of 13 employees and 24 guests who mostly died from suffocation. Sixty-seven others were reportedly injured.

Authorities said Carlos died after setting himself on fire and shooting himself in the head.

The NCRPO chief maintained that the incident was not an act of terrorism, brushing off speculations that the Islamic State (IS) terrorist group was behind the attack.

Earlier, United States terrorism monitor SITE Intelligence Group said an IS Filipino operative “stated that the group is responsible for the attack” at Resorts World Manila.

“We have and will continue to base our pronouncements on facts and evidence properly gathered,” Albayalde added.

“We will not allow people or any threat group to use this situation to advance their propaganda or personal causes whether foreign or local. This is our duty to the Filipino people and to the international community.”

Abayalde declared the attack as ‘case closed’ as far as the suspect is concerned.

He, however, noted that investigations are still ongoing, particularly on the possible liabilities of Resorts World Manila

management with regard to security.

Dismissed from service In a separate statement, the DOF confirmed that Carlos was its former employee.

DOF said Carlos was a tax specialist at the One-Stop Shop Tax and Duty Drawback Center, but was dismissed by the Ombudsman in 2014 in connection with issues concerning his Statement of Assets, Liabilities Net Worth (SALN).

In 2011, the Revenue Integrity Protection Service (RIPS) filed a complaint against Carlos over his “failure to disclose truthfully all his assets in his SALN.” “In a 17-page decision received on April 25, 2014, the Ombudsman dismissed Carlos for Grave Misconduct and Gross Neglect of Duty for not declaring his house and lot in Manila in his 2003 to 2006 SALNs, his Toyota Innova SUV in his 2007 SALN and his business interest in his 2010 SALN,” a May 2014 statement posted on the Revenue Integrity Protection Service (RIPS) website read.

It also cited Carlos’ “huge loans” and purchasing of proper properties higher than his total gross income.

“The failure to declare some of his assets at the time these asPAGE A4

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Feds to waive penalties for some who signed up late for Medicare

by SuSan Jaffe Kaiser Health News

SENATE LAUNCHES HEALTH CLUB. Senate Secretary Lutgardo B. Barbo (5th from left) poses with Senate officials, employees and guests during the launching of the Senate Health Club Tuesday, June 6. The Senate Medical and Dental Service, in cooperation with the Human Resource Management Service, has established the health club to promote a healthy lifestyle among Senate employees.

Senate photo by Romeo Bugante

Aguirre tags Trillanes, Aquino in...

PAGE A1 not — all I’m saying is, he went to Marawi on April 24 and April 28 and they stayed, they had a meeting at Lake View Resort Hotel on May 2. Present were Senator Aquino, Ronald Llamas, Alejano, Trillanes, and some clans there in Marawi, mga Moro family,” Aguirre said.

He hinted that there’s a possibility that the meeting could have “sparked the terroristic acts.”

“I don’t know, but what I was told is that, they met with several families there, including Lucman and Alonto families. But I don’t want to connect it, unless there is evidence in the money taken, seized,” Aguirre added, referring to the P52 million cash found in a previously Maute-occupied house.

In an apparent support of his allegations, Aguirre showed reporters a photo of the supposed meeting. In the photo were Llamas, Aquino, Trillanes, Alejano, former Pampanga Gov. Mark Lapid, and Zamboanga Vice Governor Ace Cerilles.

But Cerilles, through social media, clarified that the photo was taken two years ago.

“I have said, this picture was taken Sept. 4, 2015 at Iloilo International Airport when I attended the League of the Municipalities of the Philippines Visayas Conference as the National Treasurer. I don’t know why they are trying to link this to the #MarawiSiege.

Check your facts!” Cerilles wrote in a Facebook post.

In a later statement, however, Aguirre retracted his remarks, claiming that the media “misquoted” him.

“For the record, I did not say there was a meeting between the two families and some lawmakers prior to the Marawi siege. The said meeting never took place and no member of both families ever met with Senator Trillanes, Congressman Alejano and Ronald Llamas,” Aguirre said.

He further insisted, “What I said was that there were reports that some opposition senators and leaders who went to Marawi to recruit local politicians and warlords to destabilize the Duterte administration. I never said that they were successful in recruiting any local politicians and warlords.”

The justice secretary went on to express his “sincere apologies” to the Alonto and Lucman families “for any confusion” in connection with the issue.

“There was no intent on my part to implicate the Alonto and Lucman families in the crisis that Marawi City is currently facing,” Aguirre said. “Both families have never been and shall never be a part of any plot to destroy or cause harm to anybody or any property.”

Opposition: Aguirre is a ‘liar’ In separate statements, Aquino, Trillanes, and Alejano, all denied alleged links with the Maute group, slamming Aguirre for his “lies.”

“To be clear, there was never any meeting among the individuals mentioned by Sec. Aguirre,” Aquino said.

While he admitted that he went to Marawi City last month, he clarified that it was for the May 19 launch of the first Negosyo Center in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

He further noted that this can be easily verified with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), who he said escorted him on his trip.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) also issued a statement backing up Aquino’s claims.

“The [DTI] would just like to state the fact that Sen. Bam Aquino, along with our stakeholders in the military, the business sector and the local government, were in Marawi to attend the launch of ARMM’s first Negosyo Center in Marawi, the 508th Negosyo Center in the country,” it said.

Aquino then took a swipe at Aguirre for making “outrageous allegations.”

“Is fake news enough for the head of our country’s Department of Justice to make these outrageous allegations?” Aquino hit back.

Trillanes, on the other hand, advised the justice secretary “to avoid getting his intel from facebook conspiracy theorists.”

“The incompetence of Aguirre is only matched by his stupidity,” Trillanes said.

He also denied involvement with the rebel group, adding that he hasn’t been in Marawi for years.

“For the record, I am not involved in any way with the Maute group or the Marawi incident.

Sec. Lorenzana said so himself. I also did not have any meeting in Marawi on May 2 since I haven’t visited Marawi for the past three years. But don’t take my word for it, simply check the Senate records for May 2,” Trillanes re-

marked.

For his part, Alejano said records can verify that on May 2, he was at a press conference with the House media, and later, in a plenary session.

He then slammed Aguirre, calling him a “peddler of lies.”

“This is a complete lie fabricated by no less than a secretary of justice who should be the first one to uphold truth in pursuit of justice in this country,” Alejano said. “He has become a purveyor of anything that is fake, a peddler of lies and a persecutor of people who does not agree with the policies of the Duterte administration.”

Media groups: Not misquoted Reporters covering Aguirre’s press conference also denied the justice secretary’s claim that the media “misquoted” him in their news reports.

“As recorded in our videos and voice recorder and even in our Facebook Live coverages, we quoted Sec. Aguirre verbatim and only reported the facts to our viewers and readers – including the fact that he showed a photo from his mobile phone supposedly showing the meeting between the senators and Muslim clans in Marawi last May 2,” the Justice and Court Reporters Association said in a statement.

The group added, “As responsible journalists, we also took the opportunity to perform our duty of verifying the counterchecking the information and photo that the Secretary has presented during the briefing, and found that several details and information were wrong.”

Likewise, the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) refuted Aguirre’s claims.

“You lie when you claim you were ‘misquoted’ when you lied about the fictitious meeting between opposition politicians and prominent Marawi clans that you then attempted to portray as a prelude to the continuing battle between government forces and extremist gunmen,” NUJP said.

Insisting that there is no misquotation, NUJP noted that Aguirre’s statements were recorded on video and audio.

“We, the media will not be the scapegoats as you try to weasel your way out of your latest bout of foot-in-mouth disease,” NUJP stressed, calling Aguirre a “mean-spirited coward” for “trying to blame others for [his] blunders.”

‘PH-US military ties remain...

PAGE A1

Balikatan just concluded. It will continue because this is a part of our Philippine alliance with the US. We have a Mutual Defense Treaty.”

Duterte, who assumed office in June last year, had announced that the Philippines would shift closer toward China and Russia as part of his administration’s independent foreign policy.

David, however, assured that the Duterte administration’s building of closer ties with other countries like China and Russia doesn’t mean that the Philippines would distance itself away from the U.S., its decades-long ally.

“The president, I believe, wants to have an independent foreign policy, meaning we can be open to China, we can be open to Russia. He wants to have cooperation also with those two countries,” he said.

Harris also noted that Philippine and U.S. forces have been working together against terrorist threats, which exhibits the importance of the two countries’ military relationship.

“We are involved in activities in Mindanao to help the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) take the fight to IS in the Philippines. I think that is a recognition of how important our relationship with the Philippines is,” Harris said.

The two officials made the statement amid the ongoing clashes between the Philippine government forces and the Islamic Stateinspired Maute Group in Marawi

City, Lanao del Sur. The Maute group laid siege of Marawi City on May 23 in the middle of a government operation to capture Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon. Hours later, the confrontation prompted Duterte to declare martial law and suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus in the entire Mindanao.

On Sunday, June 5, Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella announced on a state-run radio that around 188 people have been killed in connection with the Marawi crisis.

“As of 11 p.m., June 3, 2017 in Marawi, there have been 30 civilians that have been killed by local terrorist groups, and those rescued are 1,271. Government casualties or those killed in action are 38,” Abella said. “Our troops have killed 120 from the terrorist ranks, and that has remained unchanged.”

Counterterror weapons On Monday, June 5, the Philippine Marines received new counterterrorism weapons from the U.S. government under its U.S. Counterterrorism Train and Equip program.

Washington has donated new firearms, among of which include 300 M4 carbines, 200 Glock 21 pistols, four M134D Gatling-style machine guns and 100 M203 grenade launchers.

“This equipment will enhance the [Philippine Marines’] counterterrorism capabilities, and help protect [troops] actively engaged in counterterrorism operations in the southern Philippines,” the

U.S. embassy said in a statement.

Since 2007, the embassy said the Joint United States Military Assistance Group (JUSMAG) has delivered and programmed P7.3 billion worth of weaponry to the Philippine military as part of enhancing the latter’s counterterrorism capabilities.

It added that the U.S. government has allocated P15 billion of grant funding to provide the AFP with equipment, including corresponding upgrades and training, over the last five years.

Additionally, the Philippine government has procured small arms, watercraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, and personal protective equipment under the U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program.

According to Marines Chief Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Salamat, some of the donated weapons will be used by the military in its operations in Marawi.

“We will give this to our troops.

Our priority is in Marawi,” Salamat told reporters after the turn-over ceremony at the Marine headquarters in Taguig City.

Last week, Duterte said he will no longer accept second-hand weapons for the Philippine military.

“I do not want those given by the Americans. During my time, I will not have second-hand ships.

It has to be brand new,” Duterte told soldiers at a military base in Mindanao last Friday, June 2.

He added that he is willing to “spend double the money” as long as the weapons for Filipino troopers were new. (AJPress)

EACH year, thousands of Americans miss their deadline to enroll in Medicare, and federal officials and consumer advocates worry that many of them mistakenly think they don’t need to sign up because they have purchased insurance on the health law’s marketplaces. That decision can leave them facing a lifetime of enrollment penalties.

Now Medicare has temporarily changed its rules to offer a reprieve from penalties for people who kept Affordable Care Act policies after becoming eligible for Medicare.

“Many of these individuals did not receive the information necessary [when they became eligible for Medicare or when they initially enrolled] in coverage through the marketplace to make an informed decision regarding” Medicare enrollment, said a Medicare spokesman, explaining the policy change.

Those who qualify include people 65 and older who have a marketplace plan or had one they lost or canceled, as well as people who have qualified for Medicare due to a disability but chose to use marketplace plans.

They have until Sept. 30 to request a waiver of the usual penalty Medicare assesses when people delay signing up for Medicare’s Part B, which covers visits to the doctor and other outpatient care. Medicare beneficiaries who already pay the penalty because they had a marketplace plan can request that it be eliminated or reduced.

Medicare began emailing letters about the temporary waiver in March to some people 65 and older who are enrolled in plans sold on the marketplaces run by the federal government. But the federal government is not reaching out to others who may be eligible, such as beneficiaries with coverage purchased from stateoperated marketplaces.

However, Covered California, the largest state-run marketplace — serving 1.4 million consumers — will be sending a letter to enrollees who are about to turn 65 or are 65 and older to let them know about the temporary waiver. The letter will go out sometime this summer, said spokesman James Scullary.

“Covered California wants to

make sure its eligible members know about this opportunity,” he said.

Some other states that run their own marketplaces also plan to contact beneficiaries who might be eligible, including Connecticut, Massachusetts and New York.

People who meet the waiver requirements can also request to be exempted from a waiting period that Medicare typically imposes on those who do not sign up when they are first eligible.

“This has been a problem from the beginning of the Affordable Care Act, because the government didn’t understand that people would not know when they needed to sign up for Medicare,” said Bonnie Burns, a consultant for California Health Advocates, a consumer group. “Once they had insurance, that relieved all the stress of not having coverage and then when they became eligible for Medicare, nobody told them to make that change.”

One of them is Lisa Grimes’ 49-year-old sister, who receives Social Security disability benefits because of mental illness.

She became eligible for Medicare because she receives those disability benefits but had marketplace coverage at that time.

For the past year, Grimes, a St. Louis real estate lawyer, has been trying to unravel the problems that ensued after her sister opted to keep her marketplace plan and drop her Part B coverage, probably because her marketplace premium at the time cost half as much. Only after that $50 monthly premium ballooned to $360 did they learn that marketplace customers lose their premium subsidies when they join Medicare. (Grimes agreed to be interviewed as long as her sister was not identified.)

Other Medicare beneficiaries

have made similar mistakes by assuming they didn’t need Part B if they had a marketplace plan, retiree coverage from a former employer or coverage through a current employer with fewer than 20 workers or with the Department of Veterans Affairs.

None of these is a substitute for Medicare Part B. Grimes said her sister couldn’t afford the new marketplace premium and had to drop her plan last year. The Social Security Administration denied her appeal to reinstate her Part B coverage with no penalty or wait period.

Then she learned about the new Medicare waiver from a Missouri counselor at the State Health Insurance Assistance Program.

It took several hours for Grimes to find the right letters and other documents needed to apply since her sister’s “filing system was a large shopping bag,” Grimes said. With assistance from the Medicare Rights Center, her sister received Part B coverage without a late fee or waiting period. It was retroactive, so she might be reimbursed for the medical bills she paid last fall and winter when she had no insurance coverage for doctor visits.

People need to sign up for Part B usually within three months before or after turning 65 if they aren’t getting job-based insurance, or when their job-based health insurance ends if they are older than 65, according to Medicare rules. Most people under 65 who receive Social Security disability benefits qualify for Part B after 24 months of benefits.

Under the health law, people who qualify for Medicare will lose subsidies in the online exchange plans. And enrolling in one of those plans does not protect them from a permanent late PAGE A4

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UN official seeks protection for Special Rapporteur Callamard amid threats

ly criticized Callamard when she made an unofficial visit to Manila last month to attend a drug policy forum at the University of the Philippines.

Then Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, who became Duterte’s pick for the top diplomat post, also took aim at Callamard before the UN body that appointed her, questioning her credibility and qualifications to look into cases of extrajudicial killings in the Philippines.

Callamard has been outspoken, usually through her Twitter account, against killings in the Philippines done in the banner campaign against illegal drugs launched by Duterte.

The Philippine government, meanwhile, has set conditions on her visit to the Philippines despite it being a periodic mission for designated rapporteurs on human rights.

Among the conditions for her visit was to inspect only areas allowed by the government and appear in a public debate with Duterte where he would be allowed to ask her questions. Callamard, however, stood her ground and noted that findings of the investigation should remain confidential.

“The Philippines has accepted three visits in the past five years but 23 other requests are pending,” Zeid said.

In September, Zeid also expressed his alarm before the UN Human Rights Council over the In this May 2017 file photo, Special Rapporteur for Extrajudicial Executions Agnes Callamard refusal of governments to grant asks a question at a drug policy forum at the University of the Philippines in Quezon City. access to his staff. (Camille Diola/ Philstar.com photo by Efigenio Toledo IV Philstar.com) ZEID Ra’ad Al Hussein, one of the top United Nations officials for human rights, sought for protection for his staff, including Special Rapporteur for Extrajudicial Executions Agnes Callamard, who was subject to smear and hate campaigns in the Philippines.

In a speech before the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Zeid said it is the UN’s “responsibility to do all we can to protect” Callamard and other special procedures officers who were targets of “disgraceful incidents of personal threats and insults.”

Zeid said that it was government officials that led the intimidation and reprisals against Callamard, Special Rapporteur on Myanmar Yanghee Lee and Special Rapporteur on Iran Asma

Jilani Jahangir.

Rapporteurs are independent experts considered as fact finders who are not officially employed by the UN. Though appointed by the Human Rights Council, Callamard and other special rapporteurs do not receive salaries from the international body.

“When government or other officials intimidate, arrest or harm these individuals, they are attacking a fundamental element of the work of this council and the UN, and it is our responsibility to do all we can to protect them,” Zeid said in his speech on Tuesday.

Callamard, he said, was specifically subject to such reprisals in the context of discussions on the Philippines.

While Zeid did not specifically mention Rodrigo Duterte, the president and his officials public-

Police: Resorts World gunman a ‘heavily indebted...

PAGE A2

sets were actually acquired and/ or registered under his name and his scheme of claiming several indebtedness without giving particulars i.e. from whom he acquired these enormous loans can also reflect his evil desire to conceal his ill-gotten wealth” it further read, quoting the Ombudsman.

According to Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II, Senator Leila De Lima will be included in the separate National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) investigation into the Resorts World attack.

In a radio interview, Aguirre

took note that De Lima, who was then the justice secretary, issued a legal opinion in 2014 that banned the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) from implementing fire safety laws and regulations in Resorts World Manila and other casinos.

Aguirre then said that De Lima instead gave the jurisdiction Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) despite its “lack of capability to impose fire regulations.”

He, however, clarified that he is not blaming De Lima for the recent incident in Resorts World Manila.

“I did not say that she is liable.

What I want is to investigate the

effect of her legal opinion,” Aguirre said. “Is De Lima liable? No, unless, it will be shown by evidence that there was illegal consideration in the issuance of the legal opinion.”

Pagcor announced that it would also conduct a separate investigation regarding the possible lapses in the casino’s security measures.

“We’re looking into: One, their security systems. If there was leniency, laxity or negligence. And two, of managing the fire situation,” Pagcor chairperson Andrea Domingo said, adding that RWM might lose its franchise if found negligent.”

RELIEF OPERATION. Air Force personnel load relief supplies for displaced residents of Marawi on Thursday, June 8. The relief goods, ranging from food to pails, were were packed at the PAF Multipurpose Gymnasium in Villamor Air Base, Pasay City.

Photo from 220th Airlift Wing of the Philippine Air Force

Feds to waive penalties for some...

PAGE A1 enrollment penalty.

Marketplace insurers, who are often the first to spot when a member is turning 65, are barred under the health law from canceling coverage because that member may qualify for Medicare, Burns said. They are required, however, to cancel a Medicareeligible member’s subsidies.

Last summer, Medicare officials began sending emails each month to about 15,000 people with subsidized coverage through the federally run marketplace. The notices target people approaching their 65th birthday and tell them how “to avoid an unwanted overlap in Marketplace and Medicare coverage.” Officials also began contacting individuals who already have both

Medicare and subsidized marketplace coverage, urging them to discontinue the latter.

Yet the warnings have missed some people with marketplace coverage, who could find themselves on the hook to cover their own medical bills if their private insurer indicates they should have been on Medicare and refuses to pay.

“These are very complex rules,” said Stacy Sanders, federal policy director at the Medicare Rights Center, a consumer advocacy group that spearheaded an effort in 2015 by nearly 50 unions, insurance companies and seniors’ advocacy organizations urging Medicare officials to address the problem. “The lack of good notification was leading people down a dangerous path

in terms of declining or delaying Part B.” Those who enroll in Part B 12 months or later after becoming eligible can face apermanent penalty of 10 percent added to the Part B premium for each full 12-month period that a beneficiary could have had Part B, but didn’t enroll. This year, the Part B standard average monthly premium is $109.

For information on how to apply for the waiver, officially called “time-limited equitable relief,” go to the Medicare Rights Center’s Medicare Interactive webpage or call the center’s helpline at 800333-4114.

This story was produced by Kaiser Health News, an editorially independent program of the Kaiser Family Foundation.

US accuses China of ‘buying its way out’...

PAGE A1

the wealthiest countries around the globe in terms of economy, has been exerting sovereignty throughout almost all of the South China Sea. Despite the counterclaims of its Asian neighboring countries, China has built several artificial islands within the disputed reefs.

At the same time, U.S. President Donald Trump, who assumed office in January this year, has started to seek China’s help in denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula.

This has caused concerns among Asian allies that the U.S. might turn soft on China in connection with the sea.

Last month, the United States sent its guided-missile destroyer, U.S.S. Dewey, to patrol within 12 nautical miles of a Chinese artificial island in the South China Sea, marking the first freedom of navigation operation (FONOP)

conducted in the disputed waters under the Trump administration.

The U.S. Navy warship specifically sailed in Mischief Reef, a part of the Spratly Islands, where countries like China and the Philippines have competing claims. Brunei, China, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Vietnam also have overlapping claims in the Spratlys region.

U.S.-Australia commitment Also on Monday, the governments of the U.S. and Australia reaffirmed their commitment to the freedom of navigation in the South China Sea. “The U.S. and Australia reaffirmed our commitment to freedom of navigation and overflight and other lawful uses of the seas, particularly the South China Sea and elsewhere, to ensure unimpeded flow of lawful commerce in a rules-based order,” Tillerson said.

He added that both countries express opposition against “Chi-

na’s artificial island construction and their militarization that features in international waters.”

The two countries also called on North Korea “to abandon its illegal nuclear weapons program.”

In response to U.S. and Australia’s joint statement, China, on the other hand, reiterated that Beijing has been working with its concerned neighbors in promoting peace and stability in the disputed waters.

“We hope relevant parties can fully respect and support regional countries’ efforts to safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea and play a constructive role in this regard, rather than the opposite,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said.

Hua also pointed out that China and Southeast Asian countries have reached a framework of a code of conduct in the South China Sea. (AJPress)

Comelec, Smartmatic execs charged...

PAGE A1 Cybercrime Prevention Act.” “[T]he Comelec IT personnel at the [Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting] center had no authority to allow any Smartmatic personnel to tweak the script of the transparency server,” the resolution resolution read.

Marcos’ camp, meanwhile, welcomed the DOJ ruling.

“This is a most welcome development because the unauthorized change they introduced in the script of the transparency server indeed undermined the credibility of the elections. It was only after the script was changed that the results for the vice-presidential race began to change at a uniform rate of 40 to 1, which was statistically impossible,” said Vic Rodriguez, Marcos’ spokesman.

The issue on the script changes is among the grounds raised by Marcos in his fraud accusations against the Liberal Party and

Vice President Leni Robredo.

Marcos initially led the results during the election night but Robredo turned the tables the following morning. Robredo won the position with only around 263,000 votes more than Marcos.

“This is a victory for the Filipino people, especially those whose votes were not counted on election day,” Rodriguez added.

In its resolution, the DOJ dismissed the Comelec’s argument that the script change was only for “cosmetic” purposes when they corrected the items “ñ” appearing as “?” and thus, do not affect the election results.

The DOJ, however, pointed out the criminal intent is unnecessary in RA 10175.

“Criminal intent is not necessary where the acts are prohibited by reason of public policy.

The mere perpetration thereof constitute an offense against the confidentiality, integrity, and

availability of computer data and systems. When the doing of the act is prohibited by law, it is considered injurious to public welfare, and the doing of the prohibited act is the crime itself,” the DOJ said.

The Justice department also rejected the Smartmatic’s defense when it said the Protocol of Escalation gave them authority to take action in case of glitches in the systems.

“It was established that respondents [were] able to access the transparency server to change the same without notifying the Comelec en banc. It must be noted that the Comelec IT personnel assigned at the PPCRV center had no authority to allow any Smartmatic personnel to tweak the script of the transparency server,” the resolution added.

The DOJ further noted that the change was not immediately reported after it was implemented.

Department of Tourism launches new ‘Experience...

PAGE A1

“Here, you don’t have to see the sun to discover radiance.

You don’t have to see color to experience vibrance. You don’t have to see smiles to know you’re safe You don’t have to see to feel you’re home,” Uchimura said in the video.

According to DOT Undersecretary Kat de Castro, the new ad is based on a true experience of a foreigner who decided to retire in the Philippines.

She added that the add is also meant to promote the country as PWD and senior citizen-friendly destination.

The campaign is scheduled to be launched locally at on Independence Day, June 12, and later, worldwide.

Earlier in January, the DOT released its first campaign ad with the tagline, “When you’re with Filipinos, you’re with family.”

Nickelodeon Park Also on Wednesday, the Tour-

ism chief took the opportunity to clarified that only the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has the authority to issue permits for the construction of the controversial Nickelodeon theme park in Coron, Palawan.

“Syempre at the end of the day, hindi naman kami yung mag-i-issue ng permit, it’s DENR and the local government unit (Of course at the end of the day, it is not the DOT who will issue the permit but it’s the DENR and the local government unit),” Teo said.

Teo made the statement days after announcing in a television interview that the project will push through despite a heavy opposition from environmental advocates and concerned citizens.

“DOT does not issue permits.

We are only here to sell the destination once it is ready... to promote the destination. If it has complied with everything, I’m sure bibigyan ng permit ‘yan

(I’m sure they’ll be given permit) and we will sell the destination definitely,” she added.

Allaying fears, Teo reaffirmed that the park developers assured her they would “preserve the environment,” and that the project will not damage the corals.

Last January, Nickelodeon’s parent company Viacom, in partnership with Coral World Park Undersea Resorts Inc., announced its plan to develop a 400-hectare theme park in Coron.

A previous company release said it plans to build an “undersea development showcasing the area’s marine life that would give fans a chance to ‘interact with the brand and the iconic characters they love.’”

The developers, however, was quick to clarify that the project is not an underwater theme park but rather, a land-based “resort and attraction” designed as “an undersea attraction with an ocean conservation focus.”

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D ateline PhiliPPines Supplementary complaint filed

A

against Duterte before the ICC

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

SenATOr Antonio Trillanes IV and Magdalo party-list rep. gary Alejano filed a supplementary complaint against Philippine President rodrigo Duterte before the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Tuesday, June 6.

The opposition lawmakers said their 45-page communication, titled “DIgOng, THe grAVe DIgger: A look into the Philippine President’s War on Drugs,” supports the earlier complaint filed by Filipino lawyer Jude Sabio last April 24 before the international court.

In his complaint, Sabio accused Duterte of committing crimes against humanity, citing thousands of deaths and violation of human rights in the president’s war on drugs.

The Duterte administration, however, has repeatedly asserted that the deaths of the drug suspects were not state-sanctioned.

Magdalo Party-List Representative Gary C. Alejano and Senator Antonio Trillanes.

Photo from the Office of Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV

Trillanes and Alejano added that the contents of their complaint also affirm the veracity of the information stated by Sabio.

Likewise, they said it provide more details about the supposed “widespread and systematic extrajudicial killings” in the Philippines.

In their complaint, Trillanes and Alejano also urged the ICC’s Office of the Prosecutor “to take cognizance of this case and render justice to the thousands of victims in the Philippines.”

“We respectfully submit that there is an urgency to conduct a preliminary examination on the allegations propounded herein in order to pre-empt and prevent further commission of crimes against humanity in the Philippines,” they said.

Last week, the House of representatives threw out Alejano’s impeachment complaint against the president’s alleged links to the so-called Davao Death Squad (DDS), the massive killings in his war against illegal drugs, and his alleged undeclared wealth worth nearly P2.2 million.

“We further stress the need to conduct a preliminary examination on the allegations contained herein to provide a glimmer of hope for the thousands of victims that Duterte’s impunity would soon end,” Alejano and Trillanes added.

Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo, on the other hand, downplayed the supplemental communication filed by Trillanes and Alejano, tagging them as “misguided.” He alleged that the complaint was based on “hearsay and unsubstantiated allegations.”

The official also insisted that the ICC has no jurisdiction over the case in the first place.

“Unfortunately for the misguided lawmakers, they cannot hope to cure a complaint which is intrinsically flawed and, worse, was filed before a tribunal that does not even have jurisdiction in the first place. It should be remembered that the ICC is a court of last resort and filing a case before it can only be resorted to after all domestic legal remedies are fully exhausted,” Panelo said.

DOJ downgrades crime raps vs Espinosa killers

by Jomar

CanlaS

6, a motion with the Baybay City ManilaTimes.net regional Trial Court Branch 14 showed the DOJ’s decision to THe Department of Justice indict respondents for homicide (DOJ) on Thursday, June 8 down- instead. graded criminal charges against “Wherefore, it is respectfully the policemen who were impli- prayed of this honorable court cated in the killing of Albuera to recognize and give weight to (Leyte) Mayor rolando espinosa the said resolution on the petiand another inmate in a sub-pro- tion for review before the [Devincial jail last november 5. partment of Justice], and after The charges for murder, a due hearing, grant leave for non-bailable offense, were re- the prosecution to amend and duced to charges for homicide, downgrade the information for which is bailable. murder to homicide in these In documents presented by cases and admit the necessary Leyte prosecutors filed on June informations for homicide,” the

motion signed by Leyte Provincial Prosecutor Ma. Arlene Hunamayor-Cordovez stated.

The DOJ earlier ruled in favor of the indictment of Supt. Marvin Marcos, former Criminal Investigation and Detection group region 8 chief, for two counts of murder.

Aside from espinosa, another inmate at the Leyte sub-provincial jail, raul Yap, was also shot dead by Marcos’ group.

The policemen, armed with search warrants against espinosa and Yap, arrived at the dePAGE A7

PREPARATIONS. A worker of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) puts up Philippine flags along Quezon Ave. in Quezon City as part of preparations for the celebration of the country’s 119th year of independence on June 12.

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

Confident Pacquiao says age difference with Horn ‘nothing but a number’

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

“Age? Oh, it’s nothing but just a number.”

Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao may be nine years older than his opponent but the Filipino boxing champion is confident that age disparity doesn’t matter in his upcoming fight with Australian Jeff Horn.

Speaking to Aquiles Zonio of Philboxing.com, the 38-year-old Pacquiao doused off thoughts that there’ll be drawbacks in exchanging punches with a younger boxer.

“Sa edad ko, nagagawa ko ang mga ginagawa nang mas bata sa atin (In my age, I can do what younger people can),” Pacquiao said.

He then asked, “Ang tanong, nagagawa ba nang mas bata sa akin ang mga ginagawa ko lalo na sa training at sa loob ng ring (Now the question is, can the younger ones do what I’m doing, especially during training and when I’m inside the ring)?”

Pacquiao has been a professional boxer for more than three decades, earning eight world titles in different weight classes. He has a ring record of 59 wins, six losses, two draws.

Manny Pacquiao and Jeff Horn pose during a press conference promoting their July 2 fight in Brisbane, Australia.

Photo from Manny Pacquiao’s Twitter account

Meanwhile, the 29-year-old Horn has a record of 16 wins and one draw, making a total number of matches to 17 since his professional debut in 2013.

The Australian fighter also previously competed in the 2012 London Olympics but lost in the quarterfinals.

Their fight will take place on July 2 at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Australia, where Pacquiao has to defend his World Boxing Organisation (WBO) welterweight title from Horn.

For Pacquiao, fighting in an opponent’s turf is not a problem either.

“A huge crowd cheering for my opponent will just motivate me further. When we climb atop the ring, only the two of us will trade vicious punches. So, I feel it’s never an advantage on the part of my opponent,” Pacquiao said.

But Czar Amonsot, Horn’s Filipino sparring partner, warned that Horn’s lightning speed is not to be taken lightly.

“Jeff is explosive,’’ Amonsot told grantlee Kieza of The Courier-Mail.

“His right-hand lead is fast and powerful. That’s a punch that could give Pacquiao a lot of trouble,’’ he added.

A

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June 9-15, 2017 • OC/Ie ASIAn JOuRnAL

OpiniOn

Features

Bright spot

“THE Philippines is a beautiful country, and we intend to leverage on this strength to boost economic growth,” the Duterte administration stressed when it said that it intends to develop the tourism sector by drawing more than 12 million tourist arrivals by 2022, which is more than double the number recorded in 2015.

Based on the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) 2016-2022, an annual 10-percent growth rate in tourist arrivals will have to be met to reach this goal.

For this year, the Department of Tourism (DOT) aims to attract some 6.5 million in foreign visitor arrivals and 73.3 million domestic tourists.

These targets are higher than 10 percent from the projected 5.9 million in foreign tourists, and up 4 percent from the 70.5 million in domestic tourists in 2016.

As if this task is not enough, the tourism sector must now maneuver through a series of challenges brought by tensions inside (the controversial war against illegal drugs) and outside (the continuing issuance of travel advisories by the U.S. and other countries) its coastal areas.

In April, during one of the busiest travel seasons in the country, the U.S. warned its citizens against traveling to the central Philippines after receiving information that a terrorist organization was planning to kidnap tourists there. The American embassy in Manila said that based on their Worldwide

Caution, there was an ongoing threat of terrorist actions and violence against U.S. citizens in countries abroad, including the Philippines.

Earlier in May, the U.S. Embassy issued another travel advisory for their citizens who plan to visit the province of Palawan following information that terrorist groups may be planning to conduct kidnapping operations targeting foreign nationals in the area.

On May 24, it issued another advisory when the Marawi City crisis broke out and the declaration of martial law throughout Mindanao was declared. In an emergency message, the U.S. Embassy warned citizens of the crisis and announced the temporary suspension of its personnel to missions throughout Mindanao.

On Friday, June 2, the embassy yet again posted another travel warning, this time in Manila following a robbery attempt at Resorts World Manila in Pasay City. The incident left at least 37 people dead, including the lone suspect.

DOT Secretary Wanda Corazon Teo admitted that travel advisories make it difficult to promote tour-

Editorial

Philstar.com photo

ism, but she remains optimistic as she stresses that the government will intensify its campaign of “selling” the Philippines as a major tourist destination.

“We will double our efforts,” Teo vowed.

Teeming with natural resources, renowned cultural heritage, and the warmth and all-encompass-

ing nature of its people, the country is still sure to attract and reward its visitors.

With the ongoing assertive and collaborative efforts of its travel sector and national government, increased patronage for its islands is not far behind.

(AJPress)

Trump’s decision on climate change: A matter of fact-based principles or the dictate of politics?

WHAT was President Donald Trump The Fil-Am really thinking when he withdrew the Perspective United States’ commitment to the Paris agreement on climate change?

Gel SantoS-ReloS He said his reasons were economic — to bring jobs back to American workers, whom he said were affected by the regulations that killed the jobs of coal miners in favor clean and renewable energy sources.

“As of today, the United States will cease all implementation of the nonbinding Paris accord and the draconian financial and economic burdens the agreement imposes on our country,” Trump announced on June 1.

But economists, business and community leaders, and CEOs have disputed this argument and have been advising Trump that these regulations that stir the country toward clean and renewable energy has in fact inspired and encouraged innovation and inventions that have added more jobs, and has made America a leader toward pro-

From The Stands Domini m. toRRevillaS SEN. Loren Legarda slammed American president Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw the United States from the Paris Agreement.

“By this withdrawal, the United States has turned its back on the future. It puts a spotlight on a belligerent leadership that refuses to heed the voices of people, including his own, who are gravely threatened by the perils of climate change and global warming,” she told media persons at the Pan de Sal forum of Kamuning Bakery and Café Monday, June 5.

Monday being World Environment Day, the chair of the Senate committee on climate change, finance and foreign relations, said it was “ironic that there are people, leaders like Mr. Trump, who are disconnected with nature, disconnected with the reality that climate change not only endangers the future but is actually a threat to our survival now.”

It has taken many years for the Paris Agreement, or Paris Climate Accord to be adopted by consensus on Dec. 12, 2015. The agreement deals with greenhouse gas emissions mitigation, adaptation and finance starting in the year 2020.

As of June 2017, 195 members of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) have signed the agree-

tecting planet earth.

Trump argued that he withdrew the U.S. out of the Paris accord because it was a bad deal for America.

“The Paris climate accord is simply the latest example of Washington entering into an agreement that disadvantages the United States, to the exclusive benefit of other countries, leaving American workers, who I love, and taxpayers to absorb the cost in terms of lost jobs, lower wages, shuttered factories and vastly diminished economic production,” he said.

This has been debunked by facts.

According to the New York Times, “industrialized countries have voluntarily pledged $10.3 billion since 2013 to help poorer nations reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address the effects of climate change. The United States has pledged by far the most — $3 billion, twice that of the second-largest pledger, Japan. But on a per-capita basis, many other countries have offered more than the United States. Swedes,

for example, will contribute nearly $60 each.”

The newspaper further explained that “if the United States contributed its full pledge, the total would be a little less than $10 per American. With Mr. Trump stopping payments, the United States will have contributed $1 billion, or just more than $3 per person.”

This is shameful, and even immoral especially because the United States is among the world’s top polluters. “The United States, with its love of big cars, big houses and blasting air-conditioners, has contributed more than any other country to the atmospheric carbon dioxide that is scorching the planet,” the NYTimes reported.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, “in 2014, the top carbon dioxide (CO2) emitters were China, the United States, the European Union, India, the Russian Federation, and Japan. These data include CO2 emissions from fossil fuel combustion, as well as cement manufacturing and gas flaring. Together, these sources represent a large proportion of total global CO2 emissions.”

During former President Barack

Obama’s term, he was able to convince China and India to be part of the Paris accord. No one nation can do it alone.

It takes the whole planet, especially the biggest polluters, to work together to solve these problems because we all share the same planet together. With the U.S.’ exit, it now joins the league of Syria and Nicaragua as the only countries not on board in the Paris Accord.

So having said these, does Trump even believe in science and the studies that prove climate change is real?

According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), “Ninety-seven percent of climate scientists agree that climate-warming trends over the past century are very likely due to human activities, and most of the leading scientific organizations worldwide have issued public statements endorsing this position.”

NASA has published compelling evidence for rapid climate change: sea level rise, global temperature rise, warming oceans, shrinking ice sheets, declining Arctic Sea ice, glacial retreat, extreme events — the number of record high temperature events in the United States has been increasing, while the number

of record low temperature events has been decreasing, since 1950. The U.S. has also witnessed the increasing numbers of intense rainfall events, acidification of oceans, decreased snow cover, etc. Trump does not believe in these enough to compel him to act on it?

Or could it be that what matters to Trump and all that he could grasp is the here and now without regard to the future? Is he thinking like a traditional capitalist who will push to make profits even at the expense of our environment and the planet we will leave to the next generation?

Or could the political analysts be right that Trump decided to abandon the U.S.’ commitment to the Paris accord for political reasons? Does he want to score points with his base by proving he can fulfill his campaign promise without regard to facts, reason and moral obligation? *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https://www.facebook. com/Gel.Santos.Relos

Legarda: Life goes on without Trump ment. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, who had initially tarried on giving his nod, ratified it, to many environmentalists’ relief.

Only two countries refuse to ratify it, Syria and Nicaragua.

Article 2 of the accord enhances the implementation of the UNFCC by, among others, “Holding the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2˚C above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5˚C above pre-industrial levels, recognizing that this would significantly reduce the risks and impacts of climate change,” and increasing “the ability to adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change and foster climate resilience and low greenhouse gas emissions development, in a manner that does not threaten food production.”

Countries, according to the agreement, aim to reach “global peaking of greenhouse gas emissions as soon as possible.” The agreement has been described as “an incentive for and driver of fossil fuel divestment.”

The Paris deal is the world’s first comprehensive climate agreement.

In short, the agreement calls for countries’ cutting down on emissions emanating from the use of fossil fuels, including coal, and adopting alternative sources of energy.

Trump sees the agreement as disadvantageous to the U.S. economy and “a massive redistribution of United States wealth to other countries.”

At the Kamuning Bakery forum, Legarda nixed Trump’s suggestion that the Paris accord be amended to give the US fair treatment. No way, she said; global leaders have labored over the agreement for decades, and no one man can change it to meet his demands.

The senator echoes former US. Secretary of State John Kerry’s dismay over Trump’s decision.

He has been quoted as saying, “For a president to follow that historic step forward by unilaterally walking backwards from science and backwards from leadership on behalf of polluters and fringe ideologues may be the most selfdefeating action in American history.”

An architect of the Paris climate accord, Kerry said, “America has unilaterally ceded global leadership on this issue, which for years even Republican presidents. . . pushed in this direction.” He called to mind former president Barack Obama’s use of his executive power to enter into the agreement, rather than seek its ratification by the US Senate.

I thought Trump’s decision hit former US Vice-President Al Gore with a hammer. Mr. Gore and Senator Legarda have appeared in fora held in Manila and other venues; he is a champion of environmental causes. Kerry said Gore had tried to persuade Trump to keep the US in the agreement.

Senator Legarda felt appalled about climate deniers, “even with the evident effects of climate change already happening all

over the world.”

She said that sea level rise as a result of global warming is threatening to submerge small island nations like Kiribati, Marshall Islands and the Maldives. Around 20 percent of the global population, or approximately 1.3 billion people live in areas that may be directly affected by sea level rise.

In the Philippines, at risk are 64 coastal provinces, 822 coastal municipalities, 25 major coastal cities and approximately 13.6 million Filipinos that need to be relocated away from danger zones.

Legarda said that ocean acidification is causing irreversible damage to coral reefs. With global warming of up to 2˚C, 98 percent of coral reefs will die by 2050. A World Bank study shows that this would cause decrease in marine fish capture by about 50 percent in the southern Philippines by the year 2050.

Extreme weather events have brought so much destruction and claimed so many lives. She mentioned the wrath of typhoons in the Philippines, the killer floods in cities, the most devastating disasters that hit the U.S. “If there is a silver lining following this announcement from Mr. Trump, it is the re-affirmation issued by other responsible leaders on their commitment to keep fighting against global warming.

We applaud this honorable gesture.”

So many legislators and industrial leaders in the United States and other countries have expressed displeasure over Trump’s

Sen. Loren Legarda

exit from climate change responsibilities. The governors of a number of states in the U.S. said they will pursue their own programs to mitigate climate change.

Former California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger took the first jab by his concern about Trump’s departure from the Paris climate agreement. “One man cannot destroy our progress,” he told ATTN, an issues-driven media company. “One man can’t stop our clean energy revolution. And one man can’t go back in time – only I can do that.”

(Here Schwarzennegger is citing his Terminator role.)

Brad Smith, president of Microsoft Corp., said in a lengthy statement Thursday that the technology giant was “disappointed” with Trump’s decision.

“We believe that continued U.S. participation benefits U.S. businesses and the economy in important and multiple ways,”

he said. “We remain steadfastly committed to the sustainability, carbon and energy goals that we have set as a company and to the Paris Agreement’s ultimate success. Our experience shows us that these investments and innovations are good for our planet, our company, our customers and the economy.”

Twitter Inc. chief executive Jack Dorsey called Trump’s decision to pull the out of the Paris agreement an “incredibly shortsighted move backwards by the federal government.”

Massachusetts Sen. Ed Markey told a crowd that Trump’s decision could actually hurt American jobs in a growing clean energy sector.

Saving the planet is the major concern of right-thinking individuals, and that goes for you and me as we heed Senator Legarda’s advice that we practice good climate change habits. (Philstar.com)

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

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A

NEDA-ICC approves Mindanao Railway, 3 infra projects for approval THE National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board’s Investment Coordination Committee (ICC), in its joint ICC-Technical Board and Cabinet Committee meeting on June 1, 2017, approved the Mindanao Railway Project’s (MRP) TagumDavao-Digos (MRP-TDD) segment and two other rail projects of the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

In approving these projects, the ICC advised DOTr to coordinate with the NEDA Secretariat to complete the ICC approval requisites. The ICC also approved an integrated flood risk management project in Cavite. These will all be elevated to the NEDA Board for

confirmation of the ICC approval.

The MRP-TDD aims to provide a more efficient, reliable, and affordable transportation to boost tourism, industry, and overall economic development in the area by connecting existing and emerging growth centers in the Davao Region.

It will form the first phase of the proposed 830-kilometer MRP loop, involving a 102.28-kilometer commuter railway that will run from Tagum City, Davao del Norte, to Digos City, Davao del Sur, with 7 stations, one terminal in Davao City, and one depot in Tagum City.

The estimated project cost is PhP35.26 billion and will be lo-

cally financed.

If confirmed by the NEDA Board, project construction is targeted to begin in the first quarter of 2018 and is expected to be finished by the third quarter of 2022.

Meanwhile, the ICC also approved the North South Railway Projects (NSRP) - South Line, which will revive the Philippine National Railways (PNR) south railway.

It has an estimated project cost of PhP285 billion and will be financed through Official Development Assistance (ODA).

The NSRP-South Line will consist of three tracks that will run from Tutuban to Los Baños for

the commuter line (72 km), and Los Baños to Sorsogon for the long haul (581 km), terminating at the Port of Manila—via FTI in Taguig—through the connecting third track.

The Malolos-Clark Railway Project (MCRP) was likewise approved, which will be connecting with the ongoing Tutuban-Malolos portion of the North South Commuter Railway.

The MCRP will run from Malolos, Bulacan, to Clark International Airport (Phase I), and from Clark International Airport to Clark Green City (Phase II).

The project has an estimated cost of PhP211.43 billion. Construction will be financed through

ODA, while the operations and maintenance will be through Public-Private Partnership (PPP).

The construction for Phase I will begin on the 2nd Quarter of 2019 and is expected to be completed by the 2nd Quarter of 2022.

Phase II will be implemented from 2022 to 2024.

Lastly, the ICC approved the Cavite Industrial Area Flood Risk Management Project that will mitigate flooding of 45,000 homes due to the overflowing water from the San Juan River, Ylang-Ylang River, and Rio Grande River, and the poor drainage of Maalimango Creek.

The project has an estimated project cost of PhP9.89 billion.

Construction is targeted to begin in October 2019 and is expected to be completed by April 2024.

In addition to the infrastructure projects approved by the ICC, the ICC also approved a two-year extension of the OPEC Fund for International Development loan for the for the Road Improvement and Institutional Development Project of the Department of Public Works and Highways, as well as noted updates provided on the ongoing review of various roads and bridges, public transport, irrigation, and flood control projects.

The NEDA Board, chaired by President Rodrigo R. Duterte, is expected to convene again within June 2017.

UP remains top Philippine university, according to QS Tourism chief’s husband appointed

to board of Landbank subsidiary

by Audrey

MorAllo Philstar.com

MANILA — The University of the Philippines remains the top university in the country, according to the latest QS World University Rankings, after its ranking improved to 367th this year from 374th in 2016.

UP, which got an overall score of 32.9, is the only Philippine university that improved its ranking after the placements of Ateneo De Manila University, De La Salle University and the University of Santo Tomas slid.

“UP Diliman is not only the home of diverse colleges, offering 94 graduate and undergraduate courses, it also runs several centers of research, many of which have been declared by the Commission on Higher Education as National Centers of Excellence,” QS said on its website.

It added: “UP Diliman affirmed its own commitment to modernizing its facilities and services. Many of the libraries are already computerized and are providing automated services. It has also identified specific growth areas, foremost of which are in engineering education, interdisciplinary programs such as Material Science, Technology Management and Archaeological Studies and International Studies.”

ADMU ranked second to UP among local universities although its ranking slipped to 551-600 from 501-550 last year.

DLSU is still within the 701750 range, the same as its ranking the previous year.

UST’s ranking also fell from

Infrographics by Philstar.com

701-750 to 801-1000. However, UST is the only university among the four from the Philippines on the list to have obtained four QS Stars.

“QS Stars is a rating system which allows students to get a wider picture of an institution’s qualities, looking at everything from the employability of graduates, to sports facilities and community engagement. It is designed to reflect the nuanced mission of universities, and the needs of students who may be interested in things other than those to which traditional rankings are necessarily limited,” QS said.

American and British universities continue to dominate QS rankings as they got nine out of top 10 slots. Only the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology was able to break the dominance of

universities from these two countries.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is the best university for this year, according to QS. “Rated 5+ QS stars, it’s achieved the maximum score across all categories, including research, employability, teaching, facilities, internationalization, innovation, specialist criteria and inclusiveness,” according to QS. It was followed by Stanford University (US), Harvard University (US), California Institute of Technology (US), University of Cambridge (UK), University of Oxford (UK), University College London (UK), Imperial College London (UK), University of Chicago (US) and Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (Switzerland).

MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte has appointed the husband of Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo as board member of a subsidiary of Land Bank of the Philippines.

Roberto Teo was appointed board member of the Land Bank of the Philippines Leasing and Finance Corp. last June 2, documents released by Malacañang on Tuesday, June 6 showed.

According to LLFC, it was created primarily “to engage in leasing of all kinds of equipment, extend credit to industrial, commercial, agricultural and other enterprise and engage in financing of merchandise in all their various forms.”

Teo was chief of the Investments Promotions Center of Davao City, where Duterte served as mayor for more than 23 years.

He was also board member representing the travel and tours enterprises of the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority during the Aquino ad-

ber of the Philippine Postal Savings Bank - Jaime Paz, board member of the Social Housing Finance Corp.

- Emiliano Reyes, board member of the Social Housing Finance Corp.

- Leonardo Lopez, board member of the Manila International Airport Authority - Ricardo Juliano, board member of the LBP Resources and Development Corp.

Roberto Teo - Jennifer Yasol, prosecutor IV ministration. of the National Prosecution SerTourism Secretary Teo is the vice in Panabo City sister of broadcasters Mon, Ben, - Annalyn Cuisia and Teresita Raffy and Erwin.

Brazil, board of trustees memAside from Roberto Teo, 12 bers of the Land Bank Countryothers were given new posts ear- side Development Foundation lier this month: Inc. - Alex Roldan, director IV of - Conrado Miñano, board the Department of the Interior member of the LBP Leasing and and Local Government Finance Corp.

- Pedrito Angeles, board mem- Dimapuno Datu board member of the Home Development ber of the Light Rail Transit AuMutual Fund thority (Alexis Romero/Philstar.

- Leticia Damaso, board mem- com)

DoJ downgrades crime raps vs...

PAGE A5 tention facility at past 4 a.m. of November 5, 2016. They alleged that Espinosa and Yap were in possession of a firearm and illegal drugs, respectively.

In downgrading the charges, the DOJ ruled in a petition for review that the appeal filed by Marcos must be given credence in the absence of treachery and evident premeditation.

Marcos and 10 of his men–Se-

nior Insp. Deogracia Pedong Diaz III, Chief Insp. Calixto Canillas Jr., Insp.

Lucresito Candelosas, Senior Police Officers 2 Benjamin Dacallos and Antonio Docil, SPO1 Mark Christian Cadilo, PO3 Norman Abellanosa, PO2 John Ruel Doculan and Jaime Bacsal and PO1 Jerlan Cabiyaan–were charged with two counts of murder for allegedly being involved in the killing of Espinosa

and Yap. Four police officers were charged for the killing of Espinosa–Supt. Santi Noel Matira, Chief Insp. Leo Daio Laraga, SPO4 Melvin Caboyit and PO3 Johnny Abuda Ibanez.

Also four others were charged for the murder of Yap–Senior Insp. Fritz Bioco Blanco, SPO4 Juanito Duarte, PO2 Lloyd Ortiguesa and PO1 Bernard Orpilla.

A8

June 9-15, 2017 • OC/Ie ASIAn JOuRnAL

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PhiliPPine indePendence day celebrations in the U.s.

119th PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE DAY

A celebration of progress through peace and freedom The Philippines will celebrate its 119th Independence Day to commemorate its independence from colonial Spain. Also known as “Araw ng Kasarinlan” or “Araw ng Kalayaan,” it is an annual national holiday in the country observed every June 12. The theme for this year is “Kalayaan 2017: Pagbabagong SamaSamang Balikatin.” background and history Originally, Philippine Independence Day wasn’t celebrated on June 12. From 1946 to 1964, the date designated for it was July 4, the day when the Americans formally ended their colonization of the Philippines in 1946.

This also officially ended the

Commonwealth government they established in 1935. Then in August 4, 1964, then-President Diosdado Macapagal signed Republic Act 4166 that moved the date from July 4 to June 12.

The act legalized the holiday, which is based on the Declaration of Independence of June 12, 1898 by General emilio Aguinaldo and Filipino revolutionary forces. The Philippine flag was raised and its national anthem was played for the first time in 1898. however, freedom from Spanish rule was not for long, because Spain and the United States did not acknowledge the declaration.

This was due to the 1898 Treaty of Paris, which ended

the war between Spain and the U.S. Spain surrendered the Philippines to the U.S., resulting to a revolt of Filipinos against the latter. The Philippine revolution against the Americans started in 1899 and achieved sovereignty on July 4, 1946, through the Treaty of Manila.

Philippine Independence Day is more than just having to wave a flag and organize celebrations. It is a reminder of the self-determination of Filipinos to exercise their right to liberty and independence. It is a legitimate assertion by the Philippine nation of its natural and inalienable claim to freedom and independence, which is an inherent right of every people,

LOS ANGELES

RHODE ISLAND

Saturday , June 10

Saturday, June 10

The Philippine Independence Day Foundation Inc. (PIDF) will once again be working with the City of Carson in hosting the celebration of the 199th anniversary of Philippine Independence Day. Event will be held at Veterans Park (22400 Moneta Ave., Carson) from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. There will be a parade, live entertainment, booths and exhibits, health education, food vendors, a children’s area and many more!

Sunday, June 11

Monday, June 12 Flag-raising ceremony to be held at the Daley Plaza in downtown Chicago (W. Washington and N. Clark Streets), at 9 a.m. conducted by the Consulate General of the Philippines in Chicago. A reception with the Fil-Am community will take place at the Consulate General after.

Friday , June 16 A Philippine Independence Day Concert (at 7 p.m.) and Gala Reception (at 8 p.m.) will be held at the beautiful and historic Marines’ Memorial Theater in San Francisco. The annual celebration has been a favorite event for Fil-Am political, business, arts, academic and non-profit circles, foreign dignitaries, state and city officials an a wide cross-section of the Bay Area community.

not dependent upon the will and discretion of another nation or government.

Some unknown facts about Philippine Independence Day Apart from the Philippine flag and national anthem, a lot of Filipinos are not knowledgeable about Philippine Independence Day. here are few facts that may surprise you: • The original Philippine flag hoisted by Aguinaldo in Kawit was a sketch he personally submitted to Dona Marcela

abanilla Inquirer.net

The long wait is over.

ABS-CBN’s much-anticipated fantaserye, “La Luna Sangre”, will finally start airing on primetime TV this June 19. Top-billed by the love team of Daniel Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo, the third installment to the fantasy franchise of “Lobo” (2008) and “Imortal” (2010) will be powered by an ensemble cast, made up of some of the brightest stars in local showbiz.

Besides the comeback of KathNiel on TV, the reunion of Angel Locsin and John Lloyd Cruz is also a major highlight of the fanstaserye.

Locsin and Cruz were the lead stars of “Imortal” and gave life to the roles of Lia/Lyka and Mateo. however, Locsin and Cruz, despite playing leads in the previous installments, will only be featured in the new series for a limited time.

“I cannot tell for sure, I don’t want to spoil. Actually po nakakahinayang because si John Lloyd at Angel gusto nating mas makasama ng mas matagal eh, itong dalawang ito [Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla] eh kailangan namang ilabas din.

Panahon naman nila inililipat ang korona.” said series director Cathy Garcia-Molina at a press conference last night at the Dolphy Theater at ABS-CBN. (Of course, we want to be with John Lloyd [Cruz] and Angel [Locsin] longer in the show, but these two [Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla] have to be given their time to shine, too. It’s time to pass on the crown.)

Unlike its predecessors that had heavy storylines, “La Luna Sangre”, will have a different flavor.

“May iba po siyang timpla, pinasukan po siya ng rom-com [romantic-comedy], hindi po siya super dark. There will be parts that are dark especially pag si

The Philippine-American Association of South Florida, Inc.’s Annual Philippine Independence Day celebrations the Miramar Regional Park from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. There will be various booths and displays, Filipino food, games, prizes, raffle, giveaways and entertainment.

OKLAHOMA

SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA

KalayaanSF 2017 in historic Union Square in San Francisco. An exciting celebration featuring a cultural showcase, live entertainment, food alley, marketplace and an evening concert.

by Clarizel

FLORIDA

CHICAGO

Sunday, June 18

‘La Luna Sangre’ all set for TV premiere

The Fil-Am Community of R.I. will celebrate Philippine Independence Day at the Johnston Memorial Park (1583 Hartford Ave., Johnston) at 10 a.m. with a Filipiniana parada, basketball game (R.I. vs Connecticut), Filipino Kids Got Talent, games, food and special guests.

Sunday, June 11 Come and enjoy delicious Filipino food and fun games during the Philippine Independence Day celebration at the Regional Park at E. Reno, Midwest City from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

BOSTON Sunday, June 25 The Philippine Independence Day celebration in Boston will kick off with a parade including the Binibining Pilipinas Malayan 2017 winner and runner up, followed by a cultural show and concert. There will also be a wonderful assortment of vendors. Venue will be at the Boston City Hall and event will start at 9:30 a.m.

Agoncillo (who was living in hong Kong at the time). It took Agoncillo (and two assistants) five days of hard work to finish the flag.

• The three stars in the flag does not represent Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao as most Filipinos think. It actually represents Luzon, Panay and Mindanao. Panay was part of the Proclamation of Independence in Kawit, Cavite, referred to as “the archipelago’s three principal islands.”

• The original flag was lost somewhere in Pangasinan during the Filipino-American war.

• “Lupang hinirang” was not the first national anthem but “Marangal na Dalit ng Katagalugan,” commissioned by national hero Andres Bonifacio in 1987 and requested musician Julio Nakpil to compose it. however, despite Bonifacio’s version of the anthem, Aguinaldo still asked composer Julian Felipe to make our National Anthem in 1898. (AJPress)

DOT: Philippine back-to-back hosting of Miss Universe possible by rosette

adel

Philstar.com

Top-billed by the love team of Daniel Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo, the third installment to the fantasy franchise of “Lobo” (2008) and “Imortal” (2010) will be powered by an ensemble cast, made up of some of the brightest stars in local showbiz.

Sandrino [Richard Gurtierrez] ‘yung pinaguusapan, but we tried as much as possible to be careful din po,” said Molina.

(It has a different mix, we injected rom-com elements. It’s not super dark, except for the scenes involving Sandrino [Richard Gomez].

We tried as much as possible to be careful.)

Kathniel feels pressured In spite of leading a few of the biggest productions ever staged by ABS-CBN, KathNiel still feels pressured in doing “La Luna Sangre”.

“Siyempre bago sa amin ‘to, ‘yung action ‘to. More than ‘yung kaba ang tagal kasi namin inantay ‘to ni DJ [Daniel Padilla] dapat gagawin siya after “Got to Believe” tapos na-adjust siya ng na-adjust.

Naramdaman namin na perfect siya talaga this year na gawin siya kasi sa age namin, mas ready kami,” said Bernardo.

(Action is new to us. Setting aside the anxiousness, we waited so long for this. We should have done this after “Got to Believe” but the schedules had to be adjusted. We feel that now is the perfect year to do it because of of our age. We’re more ready now.)

As this is their first action project, the two have been training hard for their fight scenes. Padilla praised his leading lady for quickly learning most of the choreography, whereas Bernardo had been very much open to Padilla’s comments on her moves. They both underwent training for arnis, balisong and Filipino martial arts.

The “La Luna Sangre” cast includes Richard Gutierrez, Ina Raymundo, Randy Santiago, Gelli De Belen, Joross Gamboa, Isabelle Daza, Danita Paner, Romnick Sarmenta and Victor Neri, among others.

MANILA — The Department of Tourism said the backto-back hosting of Miss Universe is possible.

According to Tourism Undersecretary for Advocacy and Public Affairs, Kat De Castro, the Miss Universe organizers are arriving on Friday for a charity event featuring the candidates of the pageant’s 2016 edition.

She said they will discuss the possible renewed hosting contract of the Philippines.

“Ang maganda dito, sila mismo yung lumapit,” De Castro, who handles the Miss Universe event, said.

De Castro said the tourism department will come up with an announcement within the month.

Last January 30, the Miss Universe coronation night was held at the Mall of Asia Arena. Prior to the main event, several pre-pageant events were held in various destinations in the country.

Former Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis Chavit Singson, one of the major sponsors of Miss Universe 2016, last January said he is open to the possibility of staging the international pageant in the country again. Singson said it is possible as he will be supported by government agencies.

For Miss Universe 2017, Philippines will be represented

by Binibining Pilipinas Universe Rachel Peters.

Miss Universe 2016 Iris Mittenaere from France

In this Jan. 30, 2017 file photo, Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo, then newly crowned Miss Universe Iris Mittenaere from France and businessman Chavit Singson, a patron of the Philippines’ hosting of the pageant poses before the members of the press.

Philstar.com photo by Efigenio Toledo IV

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Mark Bautista talks about ‘the most terrifying experience’ of his life

by Christina alpad

two guns while firing them towards us,” Bautista continued.

The gunman’s photo was IN the middle of his currently taken from his Uber ride’s busy theater schedule, Mark dashboard camera.

Bautista’s routine in Seattle, Bautista is currently in Seattle Washington was interrupted by for the staging of the rock musical what he described as the “most “Here Lies Love,” which, according terrifying experience” of his life.

On Tuesday, June 6, the singer- to its show description, “retraces the meteoric rise to power and actor shared on his Instagram descent into infamy of Filipina account @iammarkbautista First Lady Imelda Marcos.” He a series of photographs that reprises the role of the late showed a red car’s hood with President Ferdinand Marcos, multiple gunshots, police which he originally portrayed investigators and a black car from 2014 to 2015, in the “Here apparently carrying a gunman.

“God, thank you for protecting Lies Love’s” first run in London.

Thankfully, the singerus! This is the most terrifying actor and his Uber driver were moment I’ve ever experienced in unharmed but Bautista was my whole life,” Bautista posted. nevertheless shaken with his As it turned out, Bautista was first-hand experience of being a aboard an Uber car traversing gunman’s target.

Columbia City, when a man in “I’m happy that we’re safe now another vehicle started shooting but when I found out that our car at their direction.

“That’s the exact photo of the was actually hit by a bullet where gunman and his car in front of us. I was seated, I was literally shaking He was out in the sunroof holding and my hands were cold. The ManilaTimes.net

picture of the gunman firing two guns right in front of us is still so clear to me,” Bautista wrote.

With news of violence hogging the headlines from different parts of the world, including the recent Resorts World Manila attack back home, Bautista pleaded with his followers to take care of one another.

“It could happen to anyone and anywhere. We’re indeed living in a crazy world. Be safe guys and take care of each other.”

The gunman’s identity and his reason for shooting Bautista and his Uber ride is still unknown.

But in an interview with pep.ph, Bautista described the gunman as a young “black guy” holding two guns.

“Nakita ko pa lumalabas mga bullets sa baril while firing,” the singer-actor added.

In a separate report by the community-specific news site Patch.com, the shooting broke out at around 7 pm of Monday, June 5, along Rainier Avenue, in the center of Columbia City’s busy commercial district.

Still according to the report, Bautista’s gunman was aboard a green Chrysler. After shooting Bautista’s Honda car, the gunman fled the scene but not without hitting a third car and injuring its driver. As of press time, the gunman remains at large.

Curiously, as of 5 pm on Wednesday, June 7, Bautista deleted his account of the incident.

No explanation as to why the singer did so has surfaced as of press time.

Angel Locsin, Richard Gutierrez very sweet at ‘La Luna Sangre’ press con by

deni rose Bernardo Philstar.com

IF you do not know that Richard Gutierrez has Sarah Lahbati as girlfriend, you would think that he and Angel still have something going on between them.

Angel and Richard, fondly called Team ChardGel, still have that undeniable chemistry and natural sweetness they cannot hide, as seen from their closeness and touchy gestures in the“La Luna Sangre” grand press conference on Wednesday, June 7.

A fan of the couple shouted “Alwina!” to catch Angel’s attention, referring to her character in the rival network’s fantasy series, “Mulawin,” in which she and Richard first came together as a reel and real-life couple.

Since then, the two seemed they never aged at all. They both look good and they still look good together.

Daniel Padilla, Angel and Richard’s co-star in “La Luna Sangre,” admitted that even he watched the pair in “Mulawin.”

“Very happy si Angel. Ang sabi n’ya, ‘Welcome Chard,

Angel Locsin and Richard Gutierrez still have that spark as seen from last the “La Luna Sangre” grand press con on Wednesday, June 7.

Philstar.com photos by Deni Rose Bernardo

finally, nandito ka na rin.

Magkasama ulit tayo.’ And she feels very happy for me. She seems very excited,” Richard shared in another press con that welcomed him as a cast member for “La Luna Sangre.”

“Ang sarap ng feeling na makakatrabaho ko ulit si Angel kasi sabay kami nag-start. It’s good to see familiar faces and work with them…Angel’s been a vital person in my career. It’s nice to do a reunion project.”

Angel, for her part, feels that there are just small nuances that changed since she and Richard last made a movie together, “The Promise,” in which the two have a

Arci Muñoz closes door on reconciliation with ex

her to bring food to Gerald’s set as her way of showing how much she cares, if he does not have Bea UNLIke before, when her Alonzo for his girlfriend. doors remained open for a But since her leading man reconciliation with ex-boyfriend (their team-up is popularly called Badi del Rosario, Arci Munoz is “Team Lablab”) is committed to sure she and her former love can someone else, Arci will not rock no longer rekindle their four-year- the boat. romance.

The actress wants peace of “I’ve moved on. everything has mind, the kind that she said could been said and done. I can see that come from being able to greet he’s happy,” she said at the press your ex with a sincere hello should con of Star Cinema’s “Can We Still you bump into him.

Be Friends,” her second movie with “You don’t have to be friends.

Gerald Anderson (the first was last You can just be casual with each year’s hit movie “Always Be My other, and be able to say hi to Maybe”). him. If you don’t, he might think No, she has not asked around you’ve become bitter (about the how her ex is doing. It is just that break-up).” somehow, she knows he is happy Arci is letting experience where he is right now. be her best teacher. After her Arci admitted it was she who ex asked her if they can still be courted Badi, the way she did with friends, Arci decided to reject the With multiple gunshots fired in the direction of his ride, Bautista considers his encounter with an unidentified shooter his ‘most terrifying all her exes. So, it is possible for offer. experience’

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

love scene.

Angel’s reunion movie with Richard and Angelica Panganiban, temporarily titled “Wife, Husband, Wife,” will start filming soon.

“When it rains it pours, I guess.

I’m embracing the grind,” said Richard.

What pressures him more, apart from juggling himself between taping the movie and “La Luna Sangre,” is to look physically fit for Angel. As he said, he had to push the treadmill button harder for “action scenes” with Angel.

Angel said she believes God will give her “the one” when the right time comes. What if that “one” has been there all along?

by

Maridol rañoa-BisMark Philstar.com

REAL ESTATE

SERVICES

Arci Munoz and Gerald Anderson star in “Can We Still Be Friends?”

“I still loved him. So, it’s best that we don’t see each other anymore at all,” she recalled.

Yes, she could be friends with an ex, but it will take time. The wounds must heal. The painful memories must slowly fade away.

june 9-15, 2017 www.asianjournal.com

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Counting on other people’s kindness Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAglAyA I HAVE long predicted that the explosive issue of immigration will come to a head. The time has come. People are awake and have become fully aware of the seriously negative effects unmitigated and unchecked illegal immigration can do to sovereign nations over the long term.

When the process of assimilation and integration into the fabric of host nations is non-existent, that nation begins to disintegrate and becomes divided into warring factions. The American founders’ noble concept of nation-building, Et Pluribus Unum, From Many One, is dead and gone.

Immigration as an issue has been used by one political party over the course of the last five decades to put themselves in power. For nefarious reasons such as making sure that new citizens always voted their party, the borders have been made intentionally porous for many years by the powers that be, allowing not only hundreds of thousands of undesirable migrants to populate the country but to also allow the drug cartels from the southern border to flourish and destroy many lives with opioid addiction.

Big business is guilty as sin as well. It has aided and abetted the situation. Multinationals and global companies who hold no loyalty towards any nation have waged a war against borders and boundaries and the rule of law essentially to pad their bottom lines by exploiting cheap labor.

History moves like a pendulum however. It is action and reaction. The tide is turning, not only in America but worldwide. Yet it does not mean that immigration will stop altogether.

Legal, orderly immigration, the kind that shaped the nation largely for the better in the

Health@Heart

“Fish and visitors smell in three days.”

- Benjamin Franklin first half of the last century, will become the rule of the land. That is — for the time being, as long as sensible, honest adults are in charge of the levers of power.

From the gusher that illegal mass migration once was, the movement will come down to a trickle.

And so it stands to reason that for most new legal immigrants who have to run the gauntlet of scrutiny and vast amounts of paperwork from every part of the world for a period of time before they can come to America, they will have have to depend, for the first few weeks, months or years, on the kindness of others — friends, relatives and even strangers —until they can be on their own.

The first concern will be finding a place to live. Your circumstances depend on whether you are the first to come here to America as the trailblazing immigrant or you have some resources of your own and the blessings of well-entrenched relatives or friends who can give you a leg up on finding a place to live or just a place to sleep or bunk down until you get your bearings straight.

For many, expediency will be the key. This means you will have to snatch up and make do with what is available at the moment as you try to see the fit and the practical considerations of time and distance of where you live and where you will be working for a considerable length of time.

This phase is important because you will see within a short time that although there is a mass transport system available in most American cities, the time spent in commuting to work, although not a very big deal in the beginning, should be a factor to consider for the long haul, whether or not you are commuting or eventually driving a car to work. Anything that costs you unnecessary smidgens and chunks of time when played out over long periods of time detracts from the quality of your life overall.

You could be doing something fun and easier on yourself, like sleeping for a half hour longer, if you have a short commute.

If you are bunking with friends and relatives, the likely places will be guest rooms, converted garages, back houses, lofts, attics and basements—just initially. Those who have some managerial background in the old home country have been able to find apartments rent free or at a reduced rate by applying as assistant manager, or even resident manager of an apartment complex on a part time basis while they keep their full time jobs.

The savings can be enormous because rent is and will continue to be the biggest expense for the immigrant. See if this is an option that you can explore. Your disadvantage is that you still do not have local experience. Yet there is always a chance that with persistence, creativity and tenacity, you can get a lucky break. When something is really necessary, one can always seek the grace to find a way. Just keep your hopes up.

Those with built-in, wellentrenched support systems (translation: a loose network of earlier immigrants related by kinship or friendship) have an advantage. He is far ahead of the game although he probably won’t know or appreciate it until much later. The other kind—the pioneering, trailblazing immigrant however—will have to start from scratch and clutch on straws in the beginning as he fashions a new way of life for himself and for those yet to come.

The support given by relatively established friends and relatives enables the new arrival to transition to a new life relatively easily. In some cultures where blood or family ties are exceptionally strong, relatives and friends take it as a matter of course and make room and put out the welcome mat for the new arrival. They can give him his first briefing about American life, e.g.

Continued on Page 6

Queries from readers

also speeds up the process of arteriosclerosis (especially the arteries of the heart and brain, PhiliP S. ChuA, abdomen and legs). Smoking Md, FACS, FPCS can also cause cancer of the What causes palpitation? breathing pipes and/or the lungs Palpitation (pounding and cancers in other organs in the heart beat, harder and faster body in either gender. Stained than normal) could be due to teeth and fingers, smoker’s bad extrinsic causes like ingestion of a breath and a household that stimulant (coffee, tea, cola drinks, smells like tobacco fumes are the chocolates, some medications, most minor effects of smoking. etc.) and/or cigarette smoking, are body moisturizing lotions or due to intrinsic causes like safe? coronary or heart valve diseases.

Yes, in general, hand and body The person feels the heart lotions in the market are safe. The thumping in the chest that could frequent (two or more times a lead to some degree of discomfort day) use of hand and body lotion and anxiety. When this happens is recommended because our regularly, in spite of abstinence skin needs moisture to keep it from the extrinsic causes comfortable, healthy and as young listed above, prompt medical looking as possible. Caution: some consultation is recommended. people may be allergic to some of Do cellphone radiation these commercially available skin shields work? moisturizers.

No, the so-called “radiation Can trauma to the breasts shields” for cell phones do not cause cancer? work, and therefore are not Repeated trauma to the breast effective in protecting the user has been implicated as a possible from radiation, reports the FTC etiology in the formation of cancer in the United States. If anything of the breast among women. This at all, this shield “lulls” the user to could be in the form of biting, complacency and thus the user pinching, squeezing or rough is subjected to a more prolonged manual manipulation. The breasts, radiation exposure because of like the person, must be treated the false sense of security the with care and tenderness. unsuspecting consumers will Does diabetes cause have. While the association blindness? between cell phone use and Most definitely, especially some type of brain tumors is still among persons whose diabetes unclear, it is best to avoid and is untreated, poorly treated or minimize any type of radiation simply brittle and hard to treat. exposure from whatsoever source. The blindness is due to what is To reduce radiation exposure termed diabetic retinopathy. A from cell phones, we recommend significant number of blindness the use one of the handsin the world today is caused by free (bluetooth) devices now diabetes. Once the diagnosis of commercially available. diabetes mellitus is confirmed, how does tobacco hurt the prompt and appropriate therapy smoker? should be instituted. The Besides the tissue irritation diabetic should be disciplined on the breathing pipes and lungs enough to religiously follow the caused by the fumes and the prescribed medical regimen if the various toxic chemicals in the complications of the disease, like cigarette, tobacco also thickens blindness, leg gangrene, etc. are to the blood, which makes the be prevented. smoker (active or passive) more Can hydrogen peroxide be prone to thrombosis (blood used for gurgling? clot formation) in the arteries Yes, hydrogen peroxide could and veins, and aggravates be used for gurgling, but ask your arteriosclerosis (hardening of the dentist first since he/she knows artery). On top of this, smoking your dental condition better

and can advise you accordingly.

Hydrogen peroxide, together with sodium fluoride and other common ingredients (like triclosan) in toothpastes, help prevent tooth decay, gingivitis (inflammation of the gums), tartar and plaque formation, and halitosis (bad breath). Hydrogen peroxide is a substance that is incorporated in many toothpaste preparations in the market today.

Baking soda is another. In children, the anti-plaque and anti-gingivitis effectiveness of toothpastes is still not proven.

Does skin whitener work?

There are a few popular preparations of skin (“bleach”) whitener available in the market today which are effective and safe. They are not cheap. One well-known brand costs about One Thousand Pesos for 2 ounces. The basic ingredient is 4 percent hydroquinone. The original use of it was to make skin blemishes (chloasma, melasma, freckles, senile lentigenes and other areas of melanin hyperpigmentation) disappear, but today cosmetologists, many dermatologists and some plastic surgeons, recommend it for the entire face as a “bleaching agent” to whiten the complexion. Those using this should stay away from sunlight to prevent skin burns.

One substance, whose side-effect is making the skin lighter, whiter, is glutathione. Before applying skin whitener, one must consult with his/her physician first because of potential allergy, side effects and possible complications of these items.

Can loud music lead to deafness?

Yes, and not only music.

Prolonged or repeated exposure to any type of very loud noise or sound can cause damage to the auditory nerve damage, which could lead to varying degrees of hearing impairment, and even to permanent deafness. Headset users should set the volume of sound to a safe level. A simple way to do this is to turn the volume down until you can barely hear it, then gradually increasing the Continued on Page 6

Calendar of Events across

America

ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS! PRE-EVENT AND POST-EVENT GO DEEPER. GO WIDER. LET THE WORLD KNOW. CALL ASIAN JOURNAL: (818) 502-0651 DISPLAY AD SIZES AT SPECIAL RATES FOR NON-PROFIT GROUPS June 10

119th anniversary of Philippine Independence Day in Carson, CA The Philippine Independence Day Foundation, Inc. (PIDF), in conjunction with the City of Carson, GMA Life TV, GMA Pinoy TV, GMA News TV, and Tesoro, will celebrate the 119th anniversary of Philippine Independence Day at the Carson Veterans Park (22400 Moneta Street, Carson, CA 90745) on Saturday, June 10. Thousands of people are expected to enjoy the non-stop, day-long event that will be jam-packed with entertainment and activities featuring the rich, beautiful, and spirited Filipino heritage. The eventful day kicks off with a flag raising ceremony at 7:30 a.m., followed by an ecumenical service and a community mass. The parade — to be headed by 119th Philippine Independence Grand Marshal, Consul General Adelio Angelito S. Cruz of the Philippine Consulate General Los Angeles, and to be participated in by a multitude of community organizations and associations from all across Southern California — will be at about 10:00 a.m. This will be followed by the daylong program featuring talented performers from across the South Bay, Southern California, and beyond! The program will be headlined by none other than GMA Network Kapuso’s Primetime Queen Marian Rivera and Primetime King Dingdong Dantes! In addition to the live entertainment, cultural center, food booths, exhibits, vendors, PWC’s Jeepney, chess tournament, and children’s area, there will also be a bone marrow drive for Fil-Am LAPD Officer Matthew Medina. This event would not possible without the leadership of Councilmember Elito M. Santarina, the hard work of our dedicated PIDF Trustees and volunteers, and of course the generosity of our sponsors; Tesoro Refining and Marketing LLC, Waste Management, Carson Companies, KL Fenix, Watson Land, Community Dynamics, IBEW Local 11 &NECA Los Angeles, Nationwide Environmental Services, Brea Canon Oil Co., Inc., Leelin Bakery & Cafe, and Kellogg Garden Products.

For more information or any questions, please email pidf.info@gmail.com.

June 11

Filipino Medical Program hosts community health screening in Passaic, NJ Holy Name Medical Center’s Filipino Medical Program will have a health screening from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 11 at the Philippine Independence Day Festival in Passaic, New Jersey. It will be held at 3rd Ward Park, 350 Passaic Ave (cor. Van Houten), Passaic, NJ 07055. For more information, please call the FMP at (201) 833-3355 or email lavarro@ holyname.org.

June 16

Philippine Independence Day Concert & Gala in San Francisco A concert and gala reception will be held at the beautiful and historic Marines’ Memorial Theater in San Francisco on Friday, June 16. The annual Philippine Independence Day Concert & Gala has been a favorite event for Fil-Am political, business, arts, academic and non-profit circles, foreign dignitaries, state and city officials, and a wide cross-section of the Bay Area community. This year’s event will kick-off with a full-length concert at the Marines’ Memorial Theater featuring renowned Filipino music maestro, Ryan Cayabyab with seven of his highly-acclaimed and award-winning vocalists at 7 p.m. The gala reception will follow immediately after the concert at 8 p.m. at the adjacent Marines’ Memorial Club & Hotel hall where guests will be welcomed by a beautiful Rigodon de Honor, a Filipino-Spanish quadrille folk dance, to be performed by consular officials and community leaders. Three beautiful ballrooms and reception areas will be open for guests to either sit with friends or mingle with the community. A sumptuous buffet dinner and bar will be served while guests are treated to exciting performances by featured artists.

Finally, a top DJ will be on hand to keep everyone dancing till midnight! Tickets are $125 / person. Marines’ Memorial Theater is located at 609 Sutter St., San Francisco, CA 94102.

For more information, please visit www.kalayaansf.com/gala or email gala@kalayaansf.com.

June 17

FASO to hold gala benefit in Los Angeles The Filipino American Symphony Orchestra (FASO), the only Filipino symphony orchestra outside of the Philippines, will hold “A Night of Symphony,” its first ever gala benefit dinner on Saturday, June 17 at the majestic estate of Hollywood legend Mary Pickford in Hancock Park, Los Angeles. The special evening will honor FASO’s first Excellence in Music awardees and distinguished contributors to the pioneering orchestra’s mission and objectives. The names of the honorees will be announced soon. Filipino chefs who are part of the movement that’s making Pinoy cuisine a worldwide sensation will prepare the sumptuous dinner. The exciting gala, sponsored by Bank of Hope, Pacific Western Bank and Silver Saddle Ranch & Club, will feature two parts. There will be a meet and greet for a limited number of guests, starting at 4:00 p.m., with a guest of honor, the awardees and other distinguished guests. The second part will be the main event – awards program and dinner – which will begin at 5:30 p.m. For inquiries, contact FASO board members Rocio Nuyda, the gala’s chairperson at 818-602-3214 or rocio@msn.com, or Jose Luis Garcia at 310-936-2988 or jl.garcia@aol.com. More details are also available at www.fasogala.org.

“Dancing for the World,” a fundraiser for the Columban Mission in Los Angeles Kalayaan Incorporated Southern California, with the cooperation of the Philippine Consulate GenDancing for the World is hosting an event on Saturday, June 17 to raise funds for the Columban missionaries all over the world. It will be held at the Friendship Auditorium (3201 Riverside Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027) from 6 p.m. to 12 a.m. The Columban missionaries help poor communities that need spiritual, material and organizational assistance. Priests and lay missionaries alike follow the examples of Jesus by witnessing and helping people, crossing boundaries of culture, language and dialogue with other religious beliefs. The dinner dance event ticket is at $40 and raffle ticket is at $2 each. If you buy a booklet of $20 raffle tickets, you can get 2 extra tickets. The more tickets you buy, the more chances of winning. First prize is a cruise for two along the Mexican Riviera; second prize is a Flat Screen TV and third prize is an iPad tablet. If you have anything to share for consolation prizes, we are also collecting. You can send it to this address: Dancing for the World (c/o Bernie Santos), 2912 Moss Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90065.For tickets and more information, you can contact Carmencita Enriquez at (213) 880-5075 or Ariel Presbitero at (323) 691-5262.

J u n e 25

Fiesta ng Calamba in Carson, CA The Calamba Association of Southern California invites everyone to the Fiesta ng Calamba (St. John the Baptist Feast Day) on Sunday, June 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It will be held at the Veterans Sports Complex at 22400 Moneta Ave., Carson, CA 90745. For more information, please contact Teresita Pinuela Hermosura at (626) 335-1008.

“Musikahan! with Maestro Ryan Cayabyab” in Glendale, CA Come to the Alex Theatre in Glendale, CA at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 25 for an unforgettable performance! The Ryan Cayabyab Singers will be joined by local Fil-Am artists, including Giselle Tongi, Annie Nepomuceno, Miguel Vera, The Harana Men’s Chorus, Edsel Sotiangco, Michael Keith, the Los Angeles Young Ambassadors (LAYA), Josie Gonzalez, Louisa Tampi and more from the Pilipino Artist Network. Presented by Philippine Patrons of the Arts USA in cooperation with FilamARTS, tickets are available at the Alex Theatre box office and online links are posted on www.musicartsevents.com. Venue address is 216 North Brand Blvd, Glendale, CA 91203.

J u n e 29

APALA’s fundraising awards dinner in San Francisco The Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance (APALA)’s San Francisco Chapter will hold a “fundraising awards dinner” on June 29 at 5:30-10 p.m. at Fort McKinley Restaurant (101 Brentwood Drive, South San Francisco, CA 94080). APALA will honor individuals who have dedicated their lives to advocating and defending worker and immigrant rights and promoting economic justice. For more information, please call Celia Rivera of APALA-SF at (650) 296-9623.

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

june 9-15, 2017 www.asianjournal.com

6

FIL-AM, GRADUATED MAGNA CUM LAUDE, CAL POLY POMONA. Tristan Joseph Ventura Calditaran, graduated magna cum laude from Cal Poly Pomona, CA. He majored in BA Music Industry Studies, with Mathematics and Spanish as his minors. Tristan also successfully completed a 2-year missionary service in Santiago West Mission in Chile for the LDS Church where he is an active member and a leader in the youth programs.

Tristan is the son of Liza Antonio Ventura from Tarlac, Tarlac, Philippines, and Jun Targa Calditaran from Lopez, Quezon, Philippines.

Families and friends will join Tristan on his graduation ceremonies on June 10, at the Cal Poly Pomona Campus.

Comedian Wacky hailed as ‘greatest entertainer’

by Kane

errol Choa Philstar.com

show, Wacky gave it color and life with his funny antics. However, his COMEDIAN Wacky Kiray joined emotional side would sometimes get the best of him whenever an I ABS-CBN’s talent-variety show “I Can Do That” as the only performer Candidate would get eliminated or whenever an act turned out to be with no fan base and solid too demanding. exposure on TV, but on Sunday He would also occasionally get night, June 4 in the show’s finale teary when he spoke about how dubbed The Battle for Greatness, he proved that anyone can achieve his fellow I Candidates welcomed him with open arms. He shared, anything when armed with heart “We were together for so long, it and determination. didn’t feel like a competition. We Wacky gave viewers the were like a family here. We enjoyed greatest performance of his the things we did.” life with his breath-taking wire Previously known as “I Can Do balancing act, which also wowed judges Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo That’s” only funny man, now he has proven himself as an entertainer and Boy Abunda. He would then who cannot not only make viewers be hailed as the show’s first-ever Greatest Entertainer, winning P1M, laugh, but also thrilled and moved.

Some of his acts included after garnering a total score of an emotional wheelchair dance, 93.75 percent from the combined magical flow art, hip-hop dance, scores of the judges and public aerial silk dance, cube and staff text votes. spinning as well as foot puppetry, Before the finale, he also unicycling and pole balancing. accumulated the highest “What I learned from the number of points among all the show is to never give up, just fight.

I Candidates from an 11 weeks’ Whatever challenge is given to you, worth of doing unique acts. In the finals, he beat fellow Great Finalists just take it and fight,” he said.

His mother Elizabeth can also Cristine Reyes, Daniel Matsunaga attest to how Wacky’s stint in the and Gab Valenciano, who show changed him and how he placed second, third and fourth, poured his heart into every act he respectively. performed.

“Winning gives me an odd “He used to be just all laughs. feeling because I’ve never won anything in my life. But it is the best Maybe God really gave this to him because he loves his family and thing that ever happened to me,” other people. We’re very proud of he said. him because we did not expect Throughout the run of the

him to go this far and win. We thank the Lord because he made it through safe from any accident,” she said.

Wacky also revealed that he will use his cash prize to buy a house and lot for his parents — a long-time dream that will finally come true.

He also thanked comedy superstar and his “No. 1 supporter” Vice Ganda, and his colleagues at comedy bars Punchline and Laffline.

As of now, Wacky is just thankful for his win in I Can Do That. How it will help or affect his career is yet out of his mind, but he is sure about just one thing: “I have already achieved something in life.”

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

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

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

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

Asia Society recognizes 2017 Best Employers for Asian Pacific Americans NEW YORK— Asia Society recognized 14 companies as part of the 2017 Best Asian Pacific American Employer Awards at the Diversity Leadership Forum in New York. Now in their eighth year, the awards honor employers at the forefront of promoting and developing Asian Pacific American (APA) talent.

Awardees are selected based on the quality of their APA workforce initiatives and the results from Asia Society’s 2017 Asian Pacific Americans Corporate Survey, the only published initiative to exclusively measure the leadership success of APAs at Fortune 500-level companies.

More than 2,800 APA employees participated in the 2016 survey.

KPMG took home top honors this year as “Overall Best Employer for Asian Pacific Americans.”

The professional services firm was also recognized for its APA Employee Resource Groups and for promoting APAs into senior leadership positions. “KPMG’s inclusive culture ensures that every one of our people has the opportunity to succeed and achieve their full potential, and we’re honored to be recognized by the Asia Society as the best place for Asian Americans to work and build a career,” said Sue Townsen, KPMG’s Chief Diversity Officer. “We believe we are the best firm when we utilize the collective talents, perspectives and insights of all our people as we work together and develop innovative solutions for our clients.”

Medtronic won “Best Employer for Promoting APA Women,” for supporting women’s access to leadership positions. “Workforce inclusion and diversity is a priority at Medtronic and we’re honored to be recognized by the Asia Society as the Best Employer for promoting Asian Pacific American women,” said Anu Codaty, vice president, Business Development and Strategy, Pain Therapies Business, Medtronic. “Our global workforce is one that reflects the diversity of our marketplace, customers, and patients. We need fresh ideas and inclusive insights to fulfill the Medtronic Mission and continue to be an innovative industry leader – that’s why we seek out and welcome people from all parts of the world, and then thoughtfully engage and develop talent through programs like the Asian and Women’s networks to accelerate leadership advancement.”

BNY Mellon was recognized for its support for Asian LGBT employees. “BNY Mellon is honored to be recognized by Asia Society as the ‘Global Best Employer for LGBT Asian Employees,’” said Mitchell Harris, Chief Executive Officer of BNY Mellon Investment Management and executive sponsor of PRISM, BNY Mellon’s LGBTQA employee resource group.

“We believe our diversity brings

Representatives from award-winning companies at the 2017 Best Employer Awards Ceremony at the Asia Society in New York on May 24, 2017.

Ellen Wallop/Asia Society

us the dimension we need to improve lives through investing and shape the future of finance.

As an investments company, we make investments to unlock potential, and one of the best investments we’re making is in talent – to create the conditions for all of our people to thrive and grow, to be proud of who they are and where they work, and to feel empowered to achieve their full potential.”

Other Best Employer winners include Credit Suisse for “Sponsorship,” Freddie Mac for “APA Employee Resource Groups,” General Electric for “Marketing & Support to the APA Community,” MasterCard for “Promoting APAs into Senior Leadership Positions,” and Goldman Sachs for “Developing Workforce Skills.”

“Some companies are trailblazers in advancing Asian Pacific American leaders with practices, programs and initiatives that work,” said David Whitelaw Reid, Executive Director of Global Talent Initiatives at Asia Society.

“We encourage others in the corporate world to learn from these best practice companies.”

Finalists and winners are chosen based on a combination of employee survey results (80 percent) and scores from a blind panel of expert judges (20 percent). Employees of Asia Society are not involved in the awards decisions. Below is the full list of 2017 award winners and best practice citations.

Best Employer Awards Overall Best Employer for APAs: KPMG Distinguished Performance: Goldman Sachs Noteworthy Performance: Freddie Mac Best Employer for APAs to Develop Workforce Skills: Goldman Sachs Distinguished Performance: Chevron Noteworthy Performance: Colgate-Palmolive Best Employer for APA Employee Resource Groups: Freddie Mac Distinguished Performance: KPMG Noteworthy Performance: Goldman Sachs

Best Employer for LGBT Asian Employees (Global): BNY Mellon Distinguished Performance: Telstra Noteworthy Performance: General Electric Best Employer for Marketing & Support to APA Community: General Electric Distinguished Performance: Medtronic Noteworthy Performance: Prudential Best Employer for Promoting APAs into Senior Leadership Positions: MasterCard Distinguished Performance: Freddie Mac Noteworthy Performance: KPMG Best Employer for Promoting APA Women: Medtronic Distinguished Performance: Marriott Noteworthy Performance: BNY Mellon Best Employer for Sponsorship of APAs: Credit Suisse Distinguished Performance: General Electric Noteworthy Performance: Chevron Best Practice Citations Asian Pacific American Employee Resource Groups: BNY Mellon; Chevron; Goldman Sachs; KPMG; Medtronic Community Commitment: Chevron; General Electric; Medtronic Employee Growth & Advancement: Freddie Mac; General Electric; Goldman Sachs; KPMG; Medtronic Market Opportunities: General Electric; KPMG; Marriott; Medtronic LGBT Asian Employees: BNY Mellon; Chevron; General Electric; KPMG Profit & Loss Leadership Development: Chevron; Goldman Sachs; KPMG; Medtronic Promoting Asian Pacific American Women: General Electric; KPMG; Marriott; Medtronic Recruitment and Selection: Credit Suisse; General Electric; Goldman Sachs; KPMG Retention: IBM; KPMG; Medtronic Sponsorship: General Electric; KPMG; Marriott

Counting on other people’s...

From Page 5

how to use the phone, which bus routes to take, acceptable behavior, the first American English phrases that will get him through a typical day, what to watch out for, the 800 number, the 900 number, 411 and 911 — basic information that he is expected to know.

Consequently, cities with high density immigrant populations have more than the average number of members per household as they make do with whatever accommodations and living arrangements that can be stretched to the limit. Some cities are stricter than others. Apartment

From Page 5

managers can stipulate and enforce the number of occupants that they allow per unit.

In older, rundown neighborhoods, this may be loosely interpreted and at times, not strictly enforced. The newer apartments with cramped square footage and paper-thin walls usually enforce this stipulation more strictly. The new immigrant, unless he comes with enough initial financial resources to pay for his own apartment, usually bunks with supportive friends and relatives for a temporary period of time for the sake of expediency while he grapples with the challenges of being new

in a strange place.

In due time, however, it is expected by the host family that the arrangement is temporary and that the new arrival finds his own place as soon as possible. The independence that he gains by being on his own can be liberating and the learning experience, much more enjoyable.

Good luck to the new immigrant on your new adventure! *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.com

Queries from readers

loudness (and adjusting the treble and the base if possible) to a comfortable level.

Can skin ointment be used for the eyes?

No, most definitely no. Skin lotions, creams, gel, ointments, and solutions, are for topical (external or skin) application only, and are not safe for the eyes. There are specific drops and ointments for the eyes. Never use any other preparation, except those prescribed by healthcare professionals specifically for the eyes, which are always labeled “Ophthalmic” or “For ophthalmic use.”

Does surgery make cancer spread?

No, this is a myth. Doing surgery or “opening the patient up” does not cause metastasis (spread) of the cancer. In general, cancer proliferates rapidly to invade surrounding tissues and distant organs. The misconception resulted from the refusal of patients suspected or confirmed to have cancer to be operated on early when first advised, and had delayed the surgery so much that the malignant tumor had already spread beyond help before acceding to have the operation.

So, when the surgeons operated on them that late, invariably the cancer had already spread all over. When the patients soon expired, people blamed

the surgery as the cause of the spread. Today, almost everybody knows that prompt detection and early operation in the treatment of cancer gives the best chance for a cure for majority of patients with malignancy. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus in Northwest Indiana and chairman of cardiac surgery from 1997 to 2010 at Cebu Doctors University Hospital, where he holds the title of Physician Emeritus in Surgery, is based in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the Philippine College of Surgeons, and the Denton A. Cooley Cardiovascular Surgical Society. He is the chairman of the Filipino United Network – USA, a 501(c)(3) humanitarian foundation in the United States. Email: scalpelpen@ gmail.com

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GAS RANGE

24.4 CU. FT. SAVE $150

LWLGELG1502W

Ř 8OWUD /DUJH &DSDFLW\ Ř $OXPLQL]HG $OOR\ 6WHHO 'UXP Ř (1(5*< 67$5 4XDOLILHG

CERRITOS - NEW! 17510 Carmenita Rd Cerritos, CA 90703 562-348-4773 Mon-Sat 10am-8pm Sun 10:30am-7:30pm

CLDELI5568

STAINLESS STEEL FRENCH DOOR 4'(4+)'4#614

t 4QMJU 4QJMM1SPUFDUPS 5FNQFSFE (MBTT 4IFMWFT t 4NBSU $PPMJOH 4ZTUFN t .VMUJ "JS 'MPX

ANAHEIM

255 S. Euclid St Anaheim, CA 92802 714-999-1285 Mon-Sat 10am-8:30pm Sun 10:30am-7:30pm

5.4 CU. FT.

#LFCS25426S

SAVE $600 RWLGES25426S

CHINO

12605 Central Ave Chino, CA 91710 909-291-0688 Mon-Sat 10am-8pm Sun 10:30am-7:30pm

t 4FBMFE $PPLUPQ #VSOFST t DV GU 4UPSBHF %SBXFS $BQBDJUZ t 1SFDJTF5FNQ #BLF 4ZTUFN #LRG3081ST

OUTLET CENTER

353 N Euclid Way Anaheim, CA 92801 714-999-1281 Mon-Sun 10am-7pm

Offers valid only until July 4, 2017 or while supplies last. Daniel’s Home Center is not responsible for misprinted sale prices and typographic errors. Advertised items are limited in quantities and we reserve the right to substitute advertised item with a comparable item. Color fabric and finishes may vary from shown. Offer cannot be combined with any other offers. One item per customer. Must bring ad for special pricing. *O.A.C 14608-1 ASIAN | NWSPR | 06/9

SAVE $250 SNLGEG3081ST

NOW HIRING ALL POSITIONS APPLY IN-STORE OR ONLINE!

june 9-15, 2017 www.asianjournal.com

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