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Philippine population hits 100.98 million

by Czeriza

ValenCia Philstar.com

Based on the Census of Population (POPCEN) concluded in August last year, the country’s population rose at a rate of 1.72 percent from 2010 to 2015.

Philstar.com photo

DATELINE

mANILA—the country’s population increased further to 100.98 million in 2015, higher by 8.64 million than in 2010 when the national census was last conducted, the Philippine statistics Authority (PsA) reported on thursday, may 19.

Based on the Census of Population (PoPCeN) concluded in August last year, the country’s population rose at a rate of 1.72 percent from 2010 to 2015. out of the country’s 18 administrative regions, region IVA, comprising the provinces of PAGE A3

USA

Los ANGeLes — thousands of low-income children in California, regardless of their immigration status, are now eligible for full-scope medi-Cal coverage beginning this week. the health care expansion, known as “health for All Kids,” was rolled out on monday, may 16, and will benefit approximately 250,000 children under 19 years old.

An estimated 185,000 undocumented children are expected to enroll this year.

“It is sad that children — until monday, that is — had to worry about hospital bills instead of their grades,” state senator ricardo Lara (D-Bell Gardens) said during a press conference on friday, may 13 at the eisner Pediatric & family medical Center.

Lara authored senate Bill 4, which ensures that undocumented children enrolled in restricted-scope “emergency” medi-Cal will PAGE A4

Pres. Obama nominates new ambassador to PH UNIteD stAtes President Barrack obama has nominated a former envoy to south Korea as new ambassador to the Philippines, the White house announced.

In a statement, the White house said obama has expressed his intent to nominate sung Y. Kim as Us ambassador to the Philippines.

Kim is a career member of the Us foreign service and is the special representative for North Korea Policy. he has also been the Deputy Assistant secretary in the Bureau of east Asia and Pacific Affairs at the Department of state since 2014.

Before that, he was the Us ambassador to south Korea (2011 to 2014). he was also special envoy for the six Party talks from 2008 to 2011, director of the office of Korean Affairs in the Bureau of east Asia and Pacific Affairs from 2006 to 2008, and political-military chief at the Us embassy in seoul, Korea from 2002 to 2006. since joining the Us foreign service in PAGE A4

Obama congratulates Duterte US reaffirms alliance with incoming PH by agnes

COnstante AJPress

from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA

Undocumented children in Calif. now eligible for health care

WHEN OBAMA CALLS, YOU ANSWER. On Tuesday, May 17, Pres.

Barack Obama called President-elect Rodrigo Duterte to congratulate him for winning the Philippine presidential race.

The two reaffirmed the two countries’ strong alliance.

White House photo by Pete Souza, Philstar.com photo by Miguel de Guzman

The Philippine economy grew by 6.9 percent in the first quarter of the year.

Pictured is the business district in Makati City.

Inquirer.net photo

PH growth highest in Asia Economy expands 6.9% in first quarter

by Ben

O. de Vera Inquirer.net

the Philippines is a star in a weak global economy: Its economy grew 6.9 percent in the first quarter, making it one of Asia’s best performers, even outpacing China for the first time in 27 years.

In the same period last year, the economy expanded 5.2 percent. the growth, however, did not help the Aquino administration in the may 9 elections, as its presidential candidate lost by a wide margin, an indication that growth was not trickling down to the poor, among other reasons.

PAGE A3

Us President Barack obama on tuesday, may 17, personally called presumptive Philippine President rodrigo Duterte to congratulate him on his victory.

“President obama noted that the successful election and record voter participation were emblematic of the Philippines’ vibrant democracy,” the White house said in a statement released tuesday, may 17. however, the Us president also emphasized the importance

of protecting human rights in his conversation with Duterte, who vowed during his campaign trail to execute 100,000 criminals and dump them into manila Bay. “the two leaders affirmed their interest in seeing the relationship continue to grow on the basis of these shared principles,” the White house statement said.

Duterte received the call in the middle of an interview with GmA News and said obama was the first head of state to call him.

“I am quite honored,” he told GmA News of the Us president’s

call. on early Wednesday morning, may 18, Duterte said he also told obama he is open to having bilateral talks with China about the disputed West Philippine sea should current efforts to resolve the issue fail, according to GmA News. “[I] assured [obama] that we will continue with our mutual interests and that we are allied with the Western [World] in this issue on China sea. But I gave him that, well, I would agree to just go with you,” Duterte PAGE A3

Fight to the death: 1-star officer is new PNP chief by allan

nawal, Jaymee t. gamil/Inquirer.net

the police officer nicknamed “rock” strode in front of media cameras on Wednesday, may 20, chewing gum and declaring total war on drugs. “this will be a fight to the death,” said Chief. supt. ronald “Bato” dela rosa, chosen by incoming President rodrigo Duterte as his director general of the 120,000Chief Supt. Ronald dela Rosa is called “Bato” (the Rock) strong Philippine National Police. for his solid built. Inquirer.net photo by Jaymee Gamil PAGE A3

Comelec proclaims Senate ‘Magic 12’

by PatriCia lOurdes Philstar.com

Viray

mANILA—the Commission on elections, sitting as the National Board of Canvassers (NBoC), on thursday, may 19 proclaimed the 12 elected senators in the may 9 elections. five first-timers will occupy seats in the senate - former tesDA Director General Joel Villanueva, boxing icon and sarangani rep. manny Pacquiao, former Philhealth Director risa hontiveros, Valenzuela rep. sherwin Gatchalian and former Justice secretary Leila de Lima. meanwhile, four former senators will return in the upper house - former post-Yolanda rehabilitation czar Panfilo Lacson, Philippine red Cross Chair richard Gordon, former sen. Juan miguel Zubiri and former food security czar francis Pangilinan. three senators will retain their Leila De Lima, Sherwin Gathalian, Riza Hontiveros, Miguel Zubiri, Joel Villanueva, Franklin Drilon, Richard Gordon,Manny Pacquiao, Francis seats in the senate - franklin Drilon, Vicente sotto III and ralph recto.

Pangilinan and Ralph Recto raise their hands during their proclamation at the PICC, in Pasay City, on Thursday, May 19.

Philstar.com photo by AJ Bolando PAGE A4

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OC/IE ASIAN JOURNAL • mAy 20-26, 2016

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From the Front Page

Philippine population hits...

PAGE A1 Cavite, Laguna, Rizal and Quezon, had the biggest population of 14.41 million in 2015.

This was followed by the National Capital Region (NCR) or Metro Manila with 12.88 million and Central Luzon with 11.22 million. The combined population of these regions accounted for 38.1 percent of the total last year.

Out of the country’s 81 provinces, Cavite was the most populous with 3.68 million, followed

by Bulacan (3.29 million) and Laguna (3.04 million).

Twenty-seven other provinces surpassed the one- million population mark. These are Cavite, Bulacan, Laguna, Pangasinan, Cebu, Rizal, Batangas, Negros Occidental, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Camarines Sur, Iloilo, Quezon, Leyte, Isabela, Bukidnon,

North Cotabato, Tarlac, Negros Oriental, Albay, Bohol, Cagayan, Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Davao del Norte, Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga del Sur. Batanes had the smallest population with 17,246 persons. Two other provinces posted a population size of less than 100,000.

These are Siquijor with 95,984 and Camiguin with 88,478.

Although currently not the most populous region, the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) had the fastest population growth rate of 2.89 percent during the census period.

Out of the country’s 33 highly urbanized cities, four had surpassed the one-million population mark, namely, Quezon City with 2.94 million, Manila (1.78 million), Davao City (1.63 million) and Caloocan City (1.58 million).

The POPCEN 2015 was undertaken by the PSA in August 2015 under Republic Act No. 10625 (Philippine Statistical Act of 2013) and Executive Order No. 352.

The PSA census came following a report of the United Nations saying the urban population of developing countries is projected to double by 2030.

While cities have emerged over the past 20 years as the world’s economic platforms for production and innovation, helping millions escape poverty through better jobs and improved quality of life, the inaugural edition of the World Cities Report, compiled by the UN Human Settlements Program (UN-HABITAT), said mass urbanization has also led to overcrowding, deepened inequalities and triggered a raft of environmental and health challenges.

For the first time in 27 years, the Philippines o u t p a c e d C h i n a ’s e c o n o m i c g row t h .

Infographics by Inquirer.net

PH growth highest in...

PAGE A1 The Philippines outpaced the growth posted by major Asian economies, such as China’s 6.7 percent, Vietnam’s 5.5 percent, Indonesia’s 4.9 percent and Malaysia’s 4.2 percent, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda).

Sustained robust domestic demand coupled with ramped up government spending for public goods and services ahead of the elections pushed economic growth to its fastest pace in over a year.

Services grew 7.9 percent and industry recorded its highest growth in five consecutive quarters at 8.7 percent. Investments also boosted the economy, with fixed capital posting 25.5 percent growth.

Agriculture contracts The growth came despite a relatively weak exports and a farm sector ravaged by the worst El Niño in 28 years. Agriculture contracted 4.4 percent, the fourth consecutive quarter of decline.

With election spending expected to boost second-quarter growth to over 7 percent, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Emmanuel F. Esguerra on Thursday said the economy was “on track” to reach at least the lower end of this year’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth target of 6.8 to 7.8 percent.

It puts the economic expansion during outgoing President Aquino’s six-year term at 6.2 percent, the highest since 1978.

“We are pleased to be turning over a strong and stable economy to the next administration,” he said at a news conference, referring to presumptive Presidentelect Rodrigo Duterte, who takes office on June 30.

Philippine Statistics Authority data showed that the first-quarter growth figure matched the 6.9 percent posted in the fourth quarter of 2014.

Impact of poll spending Neda has yet to determine the actual impact of poll-related spending on the first-quarter economic output, but Esguerra said previous elections showed a 0.3 to 0.4-percentage point contribution to the GDP during the election season.

Other economic managers welcomed the news of the strong

economic expansion.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Gov. Amando M. Tetangco Jr. said the first-quarter GDP growth confirmed that policy settings were appropriate right now.

“We will, however, continue to be mindful, among others, of weather-related developments.

While El Niño seems to be winding down, it could still have residual effects on the crop cycle.

In addition, we may see the onset of La Niña by midyear,” Tetangco said in a text message to reporters.

Budget Secretary Florencio B. Abad said he remained optimistic that the economy will continue to expand this year.

“The country has made unprecedented growth in the past five years and we primarily owe this to the principles of good governance—upholding transparency, accountability and openness, especially in the management of public funds,” he said.

Finance Secretary Cesar V. Purisima, for his part, said the next administration would inherit a rapidly growing, vibrant Philippines cushioned by robust foundations built over six years.

Much better place Purisima said the Aquino administration was leaving the Philippines in a much better place than when it first found it.

“No longer the sick man of Asia, the Philippines emerges more confident and more optimistic than ever, demanding to be governed by even higher standards of governance than before,” he said.

Esguerra said that while strong economic growth and investment inflows could be sustained despite a change in administration by midyear, reforms should be sustained and plans fleshed out.

“What will happen in the second half will depend on how investors will react to the policies that the incoming administration will be putting in place,” said Esguerra, who is also director general of Neda.

Eight-point agenda The Neda chief welcomed the Duterte administration’s eightpoint economic agenda, under which the incoming leadership plans to accelerate infrastructure spending, address land administration and management, attract

more foreign direct investment flows, expand and improve the conditional cash transfer program, shore up government revenue collection, make tax administration more progressive, modernize the agriculture sector, as well as strengthen the basic education system.

“It’s comforting that based on what have been said so far, the business sector largely accepted the agenda. But it’s still in very general terms,” Esguerra said.

Neda, as part of the transition committee to ensure smooth transfer of power from the Aquino to the Duterte administrations, will turn over to the incoming leadership policy recommendations, including pending “important” legislation that should be passed to ensure that the gains made thus far in terms of economic reform could not be reversed.

Part of the legislative agenda are reforms to further reduce the cost of doing business, bills aimed at closing the infrastructure gap, enforcement of the recently enacted competition law, rationalization of investors’ fiscal perks alongside comprehensive tax reform, and removal of the quantitative restoration or quota on rice imports.

Risks Moving forward, Esguerra noted risks to economic growth for the rest of the year.

“In particular, the agriculture and fishery sectors will continue to reel from the lingering impact of El Niño though the transition to a normal weather condition is already happening. We should also start preparing for the La Niña, which now has a 75-percent probability of occurrence,” said the Neda chief.

Agriculture employs 27 percent of the Philippine labor force. Farmers also comprise a large chunk of the 26 percent of Filipinos who live on $1.30 a day or less.

Esguerra called for added state spending to diversify crops, boost community defenses against disasters that also include typhoons and floods, and social protection, including crop insurance.

He said strong domestic demand would push growth in the near term, offsetting the weak global environment. (With reports from AP and AFP)

Obama congratulates...

PAGE A1

told reporters, according to GMA News.

Duterte has received criticism from human rights groups who accuse him of running a vigilante death squad in Davao. Last year, New York-based non-profit human rights organization Human Rights Watch estimated that more than 1,000 people have died under Duterte’s leadership since the 1990s. He has also said he would re-instate the death penalty and kill suspected criminals.

“If I make it to the presidential palace, I will do just what I did as mayor. You drug pushers, hold-up men and do-nothings, you better go out. Because as the mayor, I’d kill you,” Duterte previously said.

The new president has also stirred controversy with certain previous statements, including what appeared to be a joke he made about the 1989 rape and murder of an Australian missionary in Davao City. In a YouTube video that surfaced in April, Duterte said that as mayor, he should have been first in line.

Later on, he said he had used “gutter language” but did not apologize.

US Deputy National Security Adviser Ben Rhodes acknowledged the controversy of some of Duterte’s previous statements, but said the United States wants to build on the “good progress” achieved between the two countries under the administration of

President Benigno Aquino III. “For us, the priorities will remain the security and prosperity of the Philippines. We’ll want to see continued efforts in the Philippines in respect of rule of law and to combat corruption, just as we support those types of efforts across Asia and around the world,” Rhodes told the Center for a New American Security think tank, according to Philstar.

Duterte won the presidency in the Philippine elections on May 9 in a record-setting 81.62 percent voter turnout, which US Department of State Elizabeth Trudeau said is a testament to the Philippines’ democracy.

He is scheduled to be sworn into office on June 30.

Fight to the death: 1-star officer is new...

PAGE A1 “So, to the drug lords out there, get ready because I will run you over,” he said.

The barrel-chested Dela Rosa likewise vowed to clean up the PNP ranks of scalawags.

“For police officers who are involved in drugs, get out now.

The government is paying you to capture drug personalities, but you also get paid by drug lords?

You’re pushing your luck. I will cut off your luck,” he warned.

Christopher Go, Duterte’s executive assistant, confirmed to reporters in Davao City that Dela Rosa had been selected by the presumptive President-elect to replace Director General Ricardo Marquez, who earlier announced he would turn in his resignation as PNP chief upon Duterte’s assumption of the presidency on June 30.

Walks the talk Like his patron, Dela Rosa cusses, talks tough and walks the talk.

Following news reports that he would head the police hierarchy, Dela Rosa appeared at Camp Crame on Wednesday and talked to the media at the lobby of the PNP headquarters building.

The 54-year-old said he would do his best to carry out Duterte’s vow to stamp out criminality in three to six months of his presidency—the centerpiece of Duterte’s campaign platform that swept him to an unprecedented landslide vote in the May 9 elections.

Officials said the drug problem affected 65 percent of the nation’s barangays, while 95 percent of barangays in Metro Manila were grappling with drug abuse.

‘We will bury you’ Asked for a message to criminals, Dela Rosa said, “We will not only crush you, we will bury you.”

He gave this assurance in the same tough manner the cussspouting Duterte would: “Kakayanin natin. Hindi naman pwede—(expletive) pa-chief PNP chief PNP ka tapos hindi mo kakayanin. Dapat kayanin mo. (We’ll bear it … You can’t be PNP chief and not bear it. You should.)”

But Dela Rosa turned humble when asked for a message to the public: “I hope I won’t fail you.

To all Filipinos, we will do all we can, even if it will cost our lives.”

The similarity in mannerisms between Dela Rosa and Duterte comes as no surprise. The officer has always been upfront that Duterte has been a great influence in his career.

“He’s a leader with big balls.

He’s not one to run away from

problems. He will not leave you behind, he has a big heart and will really take care of you,” Dela Rosa said of his boss.

Summary killings Asked about his position on summary killings, a charge that has hounded Duterte’s leadership, Dela Rosa played coy, simply replying: “Ayoko niyan (I PAGE A4

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may 20-26, 2016 • OC/IE aSIaN JOURNaL

Comelec proclaims Senate...

PAGE A1 The poll body proclaimed the 12 senators according to their rank in the recent polls: 12. Leila Norma Eulalia Josefa de Lima (Liberal Party) 11. Ralph Recto (Liberal Party) 10. Sherwin “Win” Gatchalian (Nationalist People’s Coalition) 9. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan (Liberal Party) 8. Ana Theresia “Risa” Honti-

veros (Akbayan Citizens’ Action Party) 7. Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao (United Nationalist Alliance) 6. Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri (Independent) 5. Richard “Dick” Gordon (Independent) 4. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson (Independent) 3. Vicente “Tito” Sotto III (Nationalist People’s Coalition)

Dateline USa

2. Emmanuel Joel Villanueva (Liberal Party) 1. Franklin Drilon (Liberal Party) The poll body will also proclaim the elected party-list groups on Thursday evening.

On May 23, the House of Representatives and the Senate will convene and hold a joint session to start their work as NBOC for the canvassing of presidential and vice presidential votes.

Fight to the death: 1-star officer is new...

PAGE A2 don’t want that).”

While careful not to preempt Duterte’s official announcement of his appointment, Dela Rosa nevertheless confirmed Duterte had already spoken to him about the post as early as Sunday evening.

Dela Rosa said Marquez, his upperclassman by four years at the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), had talked to him, advising him to “start acting like the father of the organization.”

“Maybe the upperclassmen think I will remove them to replace them with my 1986 classmates, but that shouldn’t be what the father of the organization will do. There should be no favorite sons. You should treat them equally, according to merits. Whoever we’ll see can help in three to six months, that should be who we should give positions

to,” Dela Rosa said.

His appointment—from one star to four—would effectively bypass his upperclassmen who are now senior officers in the PNP command group and Directorial Staff, including Director Generoso Cerbo Jr. of the 1984 PMA class, currently chief of the PNP Directorate for Intelligence.

The Rock As of April 30, there are 19 police officials with the rank of director (two star); 105 with the rank of chief superintendent, one star.

Dela Rosa explained his nickname “Bato” comes from the Davao del Sur barangay he hailed from. But he said he also earned the moniker upon graduation from the Scout Ranger course “because my body was rock-hard.”

These days, the officer sports a skinhead, muscles bulging out

of his uniform. He draws comparison to American actor and wrestler Dwayne Johnson whose ring name is “The Rock.”

Days before the elections, Dela Rosa, currently head of the PNP Human Resource and Doctrine Development, courted controversy and earned an administrative investigation for his Facebook posts in which he was suspected of displaying partisanship for Duterte.

A post on May 1, in which he vowed that the Camp Cramebased Reactionary Standby Support Force, which he then led, would “crush” those who would cheat and cause trouble during the polls.

In another post in March, Dela Rosa greeted Duterte on his birthday, and called him “the greatest leader on earth.”

Dela Rosa served as Davao City police chief from 2011 to 2013. He is known to be hardworking.

Drugless society He was largely credited for the drastic reduction in the volume of shabu in the city when he implemented “Oplan Tukhang (Tuktok-Hangyo),” which saw police authorities knocking on the doors of suspected drug pushers and asking them to stop.

Several suspected drug pushers were allegedly killed during the operation.

“I would have wanted to accomplish a drugless society where there is zero drug use but this is almost impossible,” Dela Rosa said.

Dela Rosa was also the police chief when three suspected kidnappers of a Quezon City-based Chinese businesswoman were killed during a shootout in Davao City in July 2013.

He is a disciplinarian who has repeatedly told his men the police force has no room for cowards and laggards.

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Pres. Obama nominates new ambassador...

PAGE A1 1988, he has also served in Hong Kong, Japan and Malaysia.

“Prior to joining the Foreign Service, Mr. Kim was a Deputy District Attorney in the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. Mr. Kim received a B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania, a J.D. from Loyola Law School, and an LL.M. from the London School of Economics and Political Science,” the White House said.

Kim, who was born in Seoul, Korea, was raised in Los Angeles. He completed degrees from the University of Pennsylvania and the Loyola University, and obtained a Master of Laws degree from the London School of Economics.

Obama also nominated the following people to key administration posts:

Ysaÿe M. Barnwell – Member, National Council on the Arts Daniel Becker – Member, Board of Directors of the State Justice Institute Rena Bitter – Ambassador to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Department of State Anne S. Casper – Ambassador to the Republic of Burundi, Department of State Geoffrey R. Pyatt – Ambassador to Greece, Department of State Douglas Silliman – Ambassador to the Republic of Iraq, Department of State Marie L. Yovanovitch – Ambassador to Ukraine, Department of State Their appointment will be subject to US Senate confirmation.

Philip Goldberg currently serves as US ambassador to the Philippines.

Ambassador Sung Kim

Undocumented children in Calif. now...

PAGE A1 be automatically transitioned to the full-scope version. Last year, Governor Jerry Brown signed that bill, along with Senate Bill 75, which includes an investment to expand full-scope, comprehensive Medi-Cal to all lowincome undocumented children under the age of 19.

Currently, 114,981 children are receiving restricted-scope benefits, according to the Department of Health Care Services.

“Here [in California], we value immigrants. We understand that immigrants are an essential fabric of our society. The roof is not going to fall if we give undocumented immigrants health care,” Lara said. “We’re actually going to save money in the state.

We’re actually going to be able to have preventative services so that people don’t end up in our emergency rooms.”

Cynthia Buiza, an immigrant from the Philippines who now serves as executive director of the California Immigrant Policy Center, added that this health care initiative is “an investment in the future of the state.”

“As a member of the Filipino community, I understand how important health coverage is to keep immigrant families healthy,” Buiza said. “As we celebrate this historic step towards Health for All, we will continue to work to include undocumented adults and families who remain excluded from cov-

erage, so that all Californians have the opportunity to access coverage, no matter where they were born.”

Under full-scope Medi-Cal coverage, children can receive services such as annual checkups, regular doctor visits, vaccinations, mental health care, and dental care and treatment.

To qualify, undocumented children younger than 19 must come from families whose incomes are at or below 266 percent of the federal poverty line. The income eligibility varies depending on family size. For a family of four, the income is $5,387 per month or $64,638 annually.

Families can apply in person at their local county human services office, over the phone, online, with a mail-in application, or at a local health center.

The state-funded program is projected to cost $40 million in the first year and $132 million annually after that.

Some families may be hesitant to apply for the program because they fear that they will be vulnerable to deportation. However, community health organizations assure that information provided during enrollment will not be shared with immigration officials.

In a push to get ethnic communities to apply for the program, Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Los Angeles is working with 22 other organizations to provide “culturally competent outreach,

education and enrollment services targeting undocumented children [ages] 0-19.”

“When people think of the undocumented community, they often do not recognized the diversity of immigrants in California.

There are thousands of Asians and Pacific Islanders to Africans to Middle Eastern immigrants who contribute so much to our country but whose children have no access to critically important health care,” said Stewart Kwoh, executive director of Advancing Justice - Los Angeles.

The organization encourages community members to call its helplines for additional information at 888-349-9695 for English or 855-300-2552 for Tagalog.

More health care options for undocumented adults are also under consideration in the Legislature.

Lara is sponsoring SB 10, which would allow undocumented adult immigrants and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) recipients to purchase a Covered California health plan without subsidies, and SB 1418, which would widen MediCal benefits to adults, regardless of immigration status.

California is now the fifth and largest state in the country to expand state-funded health care to undocumented children, following Massachusetts, New York Washington and Washington D.C. (Christina M. Oriel / AJPress)

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OC/IE ASIAN JOURNAL • mAy 20-26, 2016

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D ateline PhiliPPines Aquino: It’s a great honor to serve my bosses Purisima ordered arrested for graft

by MArC JAyson

by AureA

CAliCA Philstar.com

MANILA – It is a great honor to serve the Filipino people and leave behind a better Philippines, President Aquino said yesterday.

Speaking in public for the first time since the May 9 elections, Aquino told the nation that he would be leaving behind a government in better shape than when he took office. “Until the end, it is a great honor for a Noynoy Aquino to serve a noble race, my bosses, you, the Filipino nation,� he said.

Aquino stressed he would be stepping down without regrets, knowing he did and would do his best to be of service until his last day in the presidency. “What I can say is, this coming June 30, at exactly 12 noon, I will step down from office at peace.

I can look back at the Filipino nation with head held up high and tell them eye-to-eye: I have been true to all of you. I fulfilled the mandate given to me by my bosses. We can truly bequeath to the next generation a Philippines that is undeniably better than what we found,� Aquino said in his speech after the signing of Republic Act 10821 or the Children’s Emergency Relief and Protection Act. “Moreover, we were able to do this because we helped one another, we uplifted each other and put the nation first before our own selves, before our own

President Aquino walks to the Rizal Ceremonial Hall for the signing of Republic Act 10821, the Children’s Emergency Relief and Protection Act, at Malacaùang on Wednesday, May 18.

Philstar.com photo by Krizjohn Rosales

welfare,� the President said.

Aquino said as of yesterday, he has 43 days left as the country’s chief executive, but would continue to work and take the opportunity to serve.

Aquino refrained from mentioning anything about the elections but stayed to have a photo opportunity with the children and other guests during the ceremonial signing of the new law.

Before he began his speech, Aquino also took notice of one of the children in the audience who looked very serious. “The smallest but the most serious today. Take a look, even the way he claps is really for all intents and purposes,� Aquino remarked.

Aquino has been saying he was looking forward to having a vacation and leading a normal and quiet life after stepping down from office.

He said he would like to see the various tourism sites in the country.

Asked about the possible role Aquino would play after being president, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said Tuesday the chief executive could continue to take part in democratic processes like his late mother Corazon, and push for advocacies of civil society and non-governmental organizations, particularly micro, small and medium enterprises.

AMLC to Bangladesh envoy: Funds turnover will take 3 to 6 months

by MAilA

Ager Inquirer.net

THE Senate blue ribbon committee terminated its investigation on Thursday, May 19 into the alleged $81 million money laundering scheme with a plea from the envoy of Bangladesh to immediately return the money that had already been recovered by the Philippine government.

Bangladesh Ambassador to the Philippines John Gomes said it would be a slap in his face if he could not bring back to his country the money that had already been surrendered to the

CAyAbyAb

Inquirer.net

Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) by businessman Kim Wong, owner of Eastern Hawaii Leisure Company.

After all, Gomes said the government through the AMLC had promised to immediately transmit to Bangladesh the $15 million that Wong had turned over for “safekeeping� once it secures a decision from the court.

But AMLC Executive Director Julia Bacay-Abad told the committee that the court proceedings could still take three months to six months due to opposition from Wong’s camp.

“Barring any substantial opposition with the petition that we have filed, your honor, this will not take that long, your honor.

We hope to get a decision in three to five months’ time, your honor,�

Abad said, responding to queries of Sen. Bam Aquino. “That’s still quiet long‌,â€? said Aquino.

But Wong’s lawyer, who was present in the hearing, explained that what they filed was just a clarification that the money did not belong to his client but to a certain Shuhua Gao, one of the PAGE A7

THE Sandiganbayan has issued an arrest warrant against dismissed Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Alan Purisima as he faces a graft charge for an anomalous courier deal in 2011.

In a resolution dated May 18, the anti-graft court Sixth Division said it found probable cause to try Purisima for graft and thus issued the arrest warrant. “After judicious scrutiny and evaluation of the Information and resolution of the prosecutor, the evidence in support thereof and the records of the preliminary investigation attached thereto, the Court finds that sufficient grounds exist for the finding of a probable cause and for the issuance of a warrant of arrest against all the accused,� the court said.

The court thus rendered moot and academic Purisima’s motion to quash his graft charge and defer the arrest warrant.

Purisima–a friend of President Benigno Aquino III–and 16 others were charged with one count of graft for acting allegedly with manifest partiality, evident bad faith and gross inexcusable negligence when they awarded the courier contract to the firm Werfast Documentary Agency, Inc. The prosecution said Purisima violated Section 3(e) of the AntiGraft and Corrupt Practices Act when he gave unwarranted benefit to Werfast.

Purisima entered into a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with Werfast and accredited the firm as the PNP’s courier service provider for all the firearms license applications despite its failure to comply with government regulations on courier services.

Purisima and the respondents also approved the delivery by courier of firearms license as a mandatory policy in the PNP. The prosecution said Werfast failed to seek prior registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and failed to get authority from the Department of Transportation and Communications to operate a delivery service as well as an accreditation from the Department of Science and Technology.

Also ordered arrested are the following accused: retired Police Director Gil Meneses and dis-

missed Firearms and Explosives Office (FEO) officials Chief Supt.

Napoleon Estilles, Senior Supt. Allan ParreĂąo, Senior Supt. Melchor Reyes, and Senior Inspector Ford Tuazon.

Werfast incorporators Mario Juan, Salud Bautista, Enrique Valerio, Lorna Perena and Juliana Pasia were also ordered arrested.

Salud is the president of Philrem Services Corp., the money remittance firm at the center of the alleged money laundering scheme in February this year, where at least $81 million were allegedly stolen from the Bangladesh Bank by hackers and stashed in the Philippines. Salud faces a money laundering complaint before the Department of Justice.

Since they have posted bail for provisional liberty, the court set on June 20 the arraignment of the following: dismissed Police Chief Supt. Raul Petrasanta–a former official of Firearms and Explosives Office (FEO) and Central Luzon police director–and the FEO officials Senior Supt.

Eduardo Acierto, Supt. Lenbell Fabia, Chief Inspector Sonia Calixto, Chief Inspector Nelson Bautista, and Chief Inspector Ricardo Zapata Jr. Graft is a bailable offense upon the posting of a P30,000 bail bond

Dismissed PNP chief Alan Purisima

for each count.

Earlier, the Ombudsman dismissed Purisima, Petrasanta and other officers for the administrative offense of grave misconduct, serious dishonesty and grave abuse of authority. The officials forfeited their retirement benefits and were barred from being reemployed in government.

In ordering the graft charges, the Ombudsman said Purisima entered into a courier service contract with Werfast although the latter had no corporate existence and juridical personality when the PNP entered into a MOA in May 2011.

PAGE A7

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OpiniOn

Features

X factor

“THOSE who kill my country will be killed. Simple as that. No middle ground. No apologies. No excuses,” incoming President Rodrigo Duterte warns, as he is bent on giving the country the facelift it needs as soon as he is sworn into office on June 30.

Despite his snarky remarks and unconventional approach to politics, rendering good public service is no laughing matter for the tough-talking Duterte. He has vowed to bring Davao City’s internationally-acclaimed peace and order to the national scale by alleviating criminality and corruption in the country within three to six months in his leadership. And he will stop at nothing to get there.

Duterte admitted that he will resurrect the death penalty for heinous crimes, such as drug peddling, rape, murder, kidnap-for-ransom and robbery. He said he preferred death by hanging rather than a firing squad because he did not want to waste bullets on criminals.

For people who commit two major crimes, they will be hanged twice. “After you are hanged first, there will be another ceremony for the second time until the head is completely severed from the body. I like that because I am mad,” he added.

And because Filipinos have long desired for a more open and accountable government, his vision may not be far from reality anymore, as the implementation of the Freedom of Information (FOI) through an executive order will be among his top agenda.

“Kung ayaw ng Congress, I will start progressively, para walang sat-sat, yak-yak. (If Congress does not want to pass it, I will start progressively so that we don’t talk too much),” Duterte told Inquirer.net.

The proposed FOI bill people will have access to information regarding the government’s transactions and processes. It grants citizens the ac-

cess to any information held by a government agency on matters of public concern. state policy of full public disclosure of all its transactions involving public interest, including documents on government expenditures and the bidding of government projects.

It was among the priority bills under outgoing Pres. Benigno Aquino III’s administration, but was later relegated to the back burner towards the end of his term.

Duterte, who also intends to push for the amendment of the Constitution to ease the transition to the federal form of government, already has his plates full. Before he bites off more than he can chew, his excellency must be reminded that there are multitude of ills in the country that also deserves his attention.

Being the president is no cakewalk. A president is the Head of State and Head of Government, and functions as the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. As chief executive, the President exercises control over all the executive departments, bureaus, and offices.

Duterte and his cohorts must successfully adopt these duties and responsibilities before concocting drastic measures just to affect change. Likewise, it is the Filipinos undertaking to transcend from the latest poll results and aid the incoming President to a successful transition of power. As constituents, they must help Duterte in addressing the country’s other problems such as poverty, unemployment, overpopulation, education and the degrading environment. This rapport will ensure the Philippines and its people of a brighter future in the next six years. (AJPress)

Editorial

ManilaTimes.net photo

Should transgenders be allowed to use the bathroom that matches their gender identity?

CREATING a lot of buzz in the United States these days is a law in North Carolina which forbids transgender people from using public restrooms that comport with their gender identity. If a person is born male, then he should go to the boys’ bathroom, and conversely, those born female should go to the girls’ bathroom.

This law does not factor in how transgenders feel about themselves and their gender identities. They may be born male but as they were growing up, they knew they were female deep inside. Some are born female, but they do not identify with that gender, contending that all their life, they

being bullied and know they are male. harrassed, not to This is why they dress The Fil-Am mention the trauup, act, think and feel, matic experience in accordance with Perspective they go through bethe gender they idening in a bathroom or tify with, not with the locker room desiggender stated in their nated for the oppobirth certificates. site sex.

This makes the Gel SantoS-ReloS In support of the North Carolina law very contentious, because according civil rights of transgenders, the Eduto transgenders themselves and their cation and Justice departments of the advocates, it violates anti-discrimina- Obama Administration issued a direction laws. They explain that making tive that mandates ALL public schools a transgender use the bathroom that (from kindergarten to grade 12) all does not match with the gender they over the U.S. to allow transgenders identify with exposes them to risks of use the bathroom that match their

gender identity, or risk losing funding from the federal government.

Defending the directive, Pres.

Barack Obama said in an interview: “We’re talking about kids, and anybody who’s been in school, been in high school, who’s been a parent, I think should realize that kids who are sometimes in the minority — kids who have a different sexual orientation or are transgender — are subject to a lot of bullying, potentially they are vulnerable.”

Obama added, “I think that it is part of our obligation as a society to make sure that everybody is treated fairly, and our kids are all loved, and that

they’re protected and that their dignity is affirmed.”

The Filipino Channel’s daily newscast “Balitang America” asked its viewers in an online poll if they agree with the Obama administration’s directive. A big majority of those who voted — 73 percent — disagreed.

What do you think about this directive? *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https://www. facebook.com/Gel.Santos.Relos

Can Du30 refocus US-China rivalry?

Postscript

Federico d. Pascual Jr. THE RISE on June 30 of a new Philippine president may just provide the superpowers United States and China an opportunity—or an excuse—for easing their stiffening stance on territorial and security issues in the South China Sea. As incoming president without prior commitments, Davao City Mayor Rody Duterte need not continue the Aquino administration’s adhering to the White House game plan associated with the US pivot to the Asia-Pacific hemisphere.

Duterte could soon find himself in the unlikely role of a moderating influence in the high-stakes power poker where Washington and Beijing play with the fate of Asia, home of some 60 percent (4.4 billion) of the world’s population.

How will the mayor of Davao City (pop 1.7 million) perform as president of a small country of 102 million navigating the narrow space between the contending superpowers?

Duterte, who is not that steeped yet in diplomacy, will find it useful to refrain from joking or making indelicate off-the-cuff remarks until he has been fully briefed on the subject and its ramifications.

His disclosing his intention to ask US Ambassador Philip Goldberg “Are you with us?” when the

envoy comes calling at his Davao retreat, or later in Malacañang, may sound grating to the ears of diplomats. (But that could be just a calculated feint of the brash mayor.)

That “somos o no somos?” line must be read in the context of the call on Duterte last Tuesday of China Ambassador Zhao Jianhua, who said: “China and Philippines are good neighbors, partners and relatives, and the Chinese side is looking forward to working with the Philippine side.”

He added that Beijing and Manila should work closely in “resolving differences, deepening traditional friendship and promoting mutually beneficial cooperation.” We like to think that those words are a preview of wider twoway avenues opening up.

Time to focus on trade, investments Duterte should strive to shift emphasis in dialogue with Washington and Beijing from security issues to upgraded trade and investments. He can also follow up with China his ideas about railroad lines in Luzon and Mindanao as well as joint mineral exploration.

Instead of a resort to, or a threat of, gunboat diplomacy, the two powers should welcome a change of focus, occasioned by a Duterte.

There is need to cool down the tenor of the backyard quarrel of neighbors.

Talking of neighbors, it is noteworthy that China and the Philippines have been neighbors since the earth came to be, with the US entering the Pacific neighborhood

only much later. That says a lot about Philippine-Chinese relations.

In 2015, while China-Asia trade fell 7.8 percent and China-ASEAN trade by 1.7 percent, the Philippines was one of only four ASEAN members that retained a positive trade growth with the neighbor.

China was the Philippines’ No. 2 trading partner, No. 1 import source, and No. 3 export market in 2015.

Stimulating trade and investment – also encouraging enhanced people-to-people contact – may help create a climate favorable to finding a resolution of the conflict over Panatag (Scarborough) shoal which the Aquino administration “lost” to China by default in 2012.

(Watch what Duterte might do after he gets a full report on the Panatag debacle made unmanageable by the meddling of amateur diplomats and clueless people in the Palace.)

Without saying that other disputed areas are less important, Duterte should make top priority of Panatag, a traditional Filipino fishing ground just 120 nautical miles off the Zambales coast, well within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone. It is comparatively easier to recover.

In the give and take of amicable direct talks, Duterte may yet regain Panatag and proceed to discuss other problems without any hint of possible military action under the 1951 Phl-US Mutual Defense Pact.

We know it is really not as simple as that, especially with sover-

COURTESY CALL. In this photo released by the Office of the City Mayor of Davao City, presumptive president-elect Rodrigo Duterte receives a copy of the book on Chinese President Xi Jinping from Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua during a courtesy call in Davao City on Monday, May 16. Presumptive Philippine President-elect Rodrigo Duterte said Monday he would offer Cabinet posts to communist rebels, a move to amend the constitution to give more power to the provinces and reimpose the death penalty in some of his first policy pronouncements since winning last week’s election based on an unofficial count. Photo courtesy of the Office of the City Mayor Davao City

eignty issues and national pride (loss of face to Asians) intruding.

We are just raising the possibility that with a new man in Malacañang, new approaches can be explored.

This also does not mean putting on hold the upgrading of defense capability of the armed forces.

This area has received a big boost during the term of President Noynoy Aquino with the realization in Washington of the need to equip properly a military ally.

Follow US advice of multilateral talks?

Duterte must face the reality that the 10-member Association Southeast Asian Nations is no longer, or is not yet, an alliance wholly under the spell of Wash-

ington. Some members from the Indochinese peninsula make no bones about being in the shadow of Beijing.

Outgoing President Aquino has followed White House advice for the Philippines not to embark on direct talks, but to use the multilateral front of ASEAN, in negotiating territorial disputes with China.

But Duterte once mentioned his being open to direct negotiations with Beijing on a number of bilateral questions. He should keep that option open despite expected US pressure against it.

We see the possibility that a simple-living but thoughtful man from Mindanao may yet provide the opportunity, or call it an ex-

cuse, for both China and the US shuffling backwards or sideways to avoid a military confrontation that neither of them wants.

Playing a third-party role in this endeavor would require consummate skills for the new Philippine leader. With his heart beating for his people, we think however, his pragmatic mind would follow and show him the way.

The optimism we try to exude here is based on the assumption that despite their occasional warlike noise, neither the US nor China wants to go to war over waters even if made strategic by their location, the vast mineral resources underneath, and the estimated two-thirds of the world trade passing over them. (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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CORA MACABAGDAL-ORIEL President

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A

Ombudsman to file charges vs Binay as soon as he leaves VP post

by Julliane love

De Jesus

Inquirer.net

JOB WELL DONE. Comelec Chair Andres Bautista smiles as lawyer Romeo Macalintal congratulates and acknowledges the poll body’s efforts in conducting the elections as the National Board of Canvassers completes the counting of votes on Wednesday, May 18.

Inquirer.net photo by Grig Montegrande

AMLC to Bangladesh envoy: Funds turnover...

PAGE A5 two junket agents identified during the hearing as the ones who allegedly brought the stolen funds to the Philippines.

Gomes expressed dismay that the recovery of the stolen funds would still take months.

“It would be wrong to now say that there is an obstacle in getting that money back to Bangladesh.

We have been told from the very beginning that this money will be soon transmitted to Bangladesh through forfeiture of cases,” he said.

Since Bangladesh is the only claimant to the money, the ambassador said the court could immediately decide in favor of its return to his country.

“So it’s my request whatever commitment given to us, whatever papers we signed for the receipt of money, whatever Kim

Wong told he would return the money to Bangladesh because its Bangladesh money so it’s our request that this should be followed through,” he said.

“And if it’s three to four months then I think it’s too long. I think it was in March that payment instructions were given and we are about to conclude the month of May. And we are talking about another three months? I think it’s going to be very long…”

While recognizing the Philippine legal system, Gomes said the delay in the recovery of stolen funds “would be like a slap on my face.”

Senator Teofisto Guingona III, chairman of the committee, assured the ambassador that the executive branch will continue its recovery process even after the Senate has terminated its probe.

Abad, for her part, appealed

for a “little patience” and understanding from the government of Bangladesh.

“Much as we’d want to accomplish everything…we’re governed by laws and rules, your honor. All the remedies and procedures are provided for by the rules of the court and by the laws, so we have to abide by what the laws and rules provide, your honor,” she said.

“So we just have to go through the process, your honor. I think we should have to be a little patient. As I’ve said earlier, your honor, we’re doing everything to provide all the necessary assistance to the Bangladesh government to recover the stolen money.

We are just requesting some understanding from the Bangladesh government, your honor, for us to go through the process,” Abad added.

Purisima ordered arrested for...

PAGE A5 The Ombudsman found that no public bidding was conducted, and that the MOA was entered into although Werfast lacked the track record as a courier service company.

Purisima and the officials also admitted that the accreditation documents from Werfast were incomplete and met only the minimum requirements. The respondents also gave absolute credence to the company’s representative that it has a joint venture with CMIT Consultancy Group, Inc.

and Philrem.

The Ombudsman’s investigation also showed that Werfast engaged the services of LBC that cost P190 for deliveries within Metro Manila and P290 outside, while the other courier service providers only charge P90 within Manila.

In her order, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales said “the document trail—from the execution of the MOA to the issuance of an accreditation policy, subsequent mandatory imposition of courier service fee deliveries, un-

til accreditation of WERFAST— reveals measures undertaken to mask a long line of violations.”

Purisima and the others stand accused of violating Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, which prohibits public officials from causing any undue injury to any party, or giving any private party any unwarranted benefits, advantage or preference in the discharge of his official administrative or judicial functions through manifest partiality, evident bad faith or gross inexcusable negligence.

AS soon as Vice President Jejomar Binay’s immunity from suit is lifted when he leaves office on June 30, the Office of the Ombudsman will pursue the plunder and other criminal cases against him.

“The resolution that we issued is very clear. When he’s stripped off of immunity then we will consider filing the case,” Ombudsman Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales and dismisses Makati City Mayor Junjun Binay (right) with his father, Vice President Jejomar Binay.

Conchita Carpio-Morales said in a press conference after the launch of the Ombudsman Young Leaders Integrity Development Camp on Thursday, May 19.

Morales did not give a specific date on when they would file the cases against Binay.

She said: “Well, July 1st comes after June 30 in the same manner that July 10 comes after June 30.”

The outgoing Vice President is accused of graft and plunder in the Office of the Ombudsman over the alleged overpriced construction of the billions-worth Makati City Hall Building II during his three terms as mayor of the city.

Meanwhile, graft, malversation, and falsification of public documents charges have been filed against the Vice President’s son, dismissed Makati City Mayor Jejomar Erwin “Junjun” Binay Jr., also over the alleged anomalous construction of the Makati City Parking Building II. In February, the Office of the Ombudsman said cases against the Vice President would be filed after the expiration of his term, consistent with the principle that “an impeachable officer, while in office, cannot be the subject of a criminal indictment in court.”

In a statement to the media a few hours after Morales’ press conference, Binay’s spokesperson Rico Quicho slammed the Ombudsman anew and called it “unfair” when it dealt with the investigation of the cases of the Binays.

The lawyer expressed confidence that the charges against the Vice President would be junked.

“In a fair and impartial venue, we are confident that the so-called cases against the VP will be dismissed for being frivolous and baseless. We shall exert all legal remedies to prove the Ombudsman wrong,” Quicho said.

Even before Quicho made the statement, Morales said she never paid attention to tirades from Binay’s camp.

A

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may 20-26, 2016

Why Vicki Belo and Hayden Kho decided to have a baby

2

Finally, they introduce 14-month-old daughter Scarlet Snow

by Thelma

SioSon San Inquirer.net

Juan

It was almost close to midnight when Facebook friends of Hayden Kho, who were about to get some shut-eye, had their eyes popping open as they saw his post of himself with a very cute baby girl.

It read: “I guess God knew fatherhood would change me completely and bring me closer to being the kind of man He always wanted me to be. He sent me and Vicki an angel who is to be our lifelong inspiration. Meet our daughter, Scarlet Snow.”

While it must have surprised a lot of his friends, and the public in general (we tweeted about it), we, in fact, had been waiting for that “coming out” announcement for a little more than a year now—ever since Dr. Vicki Belo told us about it, long before Scarlet Snow was born. At that time, she let us in on her and Kho’s secret—that they would have a baby, and that a surrogate mom in the US was bearing it.

Belo is one of the country’s foremost dermatologists, but beyond her own medical practice, what put her on the contemporary lifestyle scene in the country was how she turned beauty treatments and procedures practically into “must-haves” for a segment of the

Philippine population, for men and women.

In this century, with branches here and in Cebu, she institutionalized beauty treatments. She turned Belo into a big beauty brand—primarily by also marketing herself and her lifestyle.

On-and-off relationship And that included her on-andoff relationship with Dr. Hayden Kho, who is many years her junior, and who’s figured in juicy controversies. But that’s all history now.

Kho, you could say, turned the corner when he rediscovered his religious faith—“turned Christian,” as they say—and began to share it and preach about it two years ago.

Now the couple, who has been together for 11 years now, has introduced to the world their 14-month-old baby, Scarlet Snow, born through surrogacy.

“When we decided to stay together for life, we decided to have this baby,” Belo told us.

“It’s always been my concern (in our relationship) that we couldn’t have a family, but Hayden would always tell me that he was willing to be with me, with or without a child. When we decided, we figured a way, this surrogacy.”

Belo added, “For me this is a wonderful time to have a child.

I have the time and money. And

Hayden Kho with Scarlet Snow in Kho’s Facebook post

“When we decided to stay together for life, we decided to have this baby,” Vicki Belo told Inquirer.net

Hayden has been the best dad ever.

“We talk about life now more and more, and we’re on the same page because of Scarlet.” that was how Belo explained how the birth of Scarlet has strengthened their bond.

Kho described it using his biblical belief. He explained how they came up with the name Scarlet Snow.

“Isaiah 118 says, ‘though your sins be red as scarlet, I shall make them white as snow.’”

Kho has always told people, anyone who’s willing to listen, how he’s been reborn with, he

said, the “transforming power of God.” He said, “Regardless of how far you’ve been from God, God can draw you back in, make your sin as white as snow.”

He’s turning 36 this year, which he considers an eventful year. to say that he’s now a hands-on father seems an understatement. We’ve seen him look after Scarlet Snow in a children’s party.

He’s done the regimen— change diapers, feed the baby himself, plan her food. Scarlet was raised on breast milk—from

Scarlet in an adorable lobster costume.

friends—then her diet progressed to congee, misua and banana.

Now the new father brings Scarlet to reading and language class, swimming class, gymnastics and music class. the challenge, Kho said, is “inner. How do we become good examples for her?”

Photos courtesy of Hayden Kho

Belo herself is rediscovering motherhood. Her two children are adults: Quark is an acclaimed movie director; Cristalle helps run the Belo business, and will get married in September.

Are they happy? Kho said, “We’re beyond happy. the word is joy.”

After failed Senate bid, Isko Moreno Dr. Mike learns Tagalog for Pia Wurtzbach plans showbiz comeback

MANILA—Outgoing Manila Vice Mayor Isko Moreno is excited to have more time with his family after losing in the recent senatorial race. the former vice mayor of Manila tried his luck to get a seat at the Senate, only he didn’t land a spot in the “Magic 12.”

“No, no regrets at all,” he replied when asked if he regretted running for senator, in an interview in ABS-CBN’s late-night talk show “tonight with Boy Abunda” on tuesday, May 17.

Moreno said it was easy for him to accept his defeat. “I think hindi pa ready ang tao for me. So bakit mo ipipilit ang isang bagay na hindi pa naman para sa iyo.”

He also denied asking reelected Manila Mayor Joseph Ejercito Estrada if he could run for mayor this election since he didn’t want to “divide” the city.

“I don’t want to divide the city because of too much politics nalugmok ang syudad dahil sa away ng mga politiko,” he explained.

For now, he looks forward

After admitting defeat in the senatorial race, Isko Moreno is already back on his feet and plans to enjoy some quality time with his family.

to spending more time with his family, especially now his eldest child will be entering college.

“Unang-una siguro magpapamilya ako. Marami akong utang sa mga anak ko,” he replied when asked about his plans after the elections. “Second, I’ll do some business, ‘yong maliit kong negosyo ipo-focus ko.”

He also bared his plan to

return to showbiz. “I’ll come back sa showbiz, maybe [do] talk show like you [Abunda], kasi pinapanood ko kayo lagi,” he said. “‘Yon ‘yong essence leading a talk show, e, sometimes ‘yong viewers mo kasi kaya mo i-move, e. Also that’s sort of public service, by giving factual information [to the people],” Isko said. (Joyce Jimenez/Philstar.com)

MANILA — While rumors about their breakup emerged last week, Pia Wurtzbach and Mikhail Varshavski, known to many as “Dr. Mike” seemed fine.

In fact, Miss Universe and the “sexiest doctor alive” engaged in a tagalog conversation on twitter to shrug off the rumors.

On tuesday, May 17, the 26year-old beauty queen clarified that every thing is going well between them and that her cryptic Instagram post saying “Boy, I’m a prize not a catch” is not about their relationship. to her surprise, Dr. Mike replied in tagalog, saying “lahat ng bagay ay mabuti.”

Dr. Mike then revealed in his next tweet that he is actually trying to learn the mother tongue of the beauty queen, which undoubtedly impressed Wurtzbach.

Mikhail Varshavski and Pia Wurtzbach. Instagram/@doctor.mike/piawurtzbach

the two have met at a charity event in New York in February.

Despite keeping mum about their status at the beginning, Wurtzbach eventually admitted in

Ejay Falcon, Paulo Avelino, Ritz Azul star in first tV series shot in Prague

Piolo Pascual on dealing with a millennial son

by Joyce Jimenez

“Mas nakakatakot because mas common, wala ng judgement MANILA—there are a lot on anything. So you can be of negative associations with who you want to be. You can be the word “millennial.” Parents, anywhere, anytime, so may takot most especially, associate their on my end,” he said. children’s attitudes to their being Piolo is just thankful that millennials. he and his son’s non-showbiz Being a parent himself, Piolo mom were able to build a Pascual appreciates how open “good foundation” of values and millennials in life and with the character to Iñigo. things around them. However, he “What’s good also is ‘yong didn’t deny that it also quite scares faith, ‘yong faith ng bata na-instill him, especially that he has a 19naman namin ng maayos, kahit year-old son, Iñigo. nasa States siya with his mom and the family of his mom,” Piolo said.

“So I just try to be present and expose him, kasi ayaw ko naman isipin niya na may pagkukulang sa sarili niya dahil wala siyang complete home.”

“We have to balance a lot, but maganda ‘yong nature ng bata, e. I’m just thankful for that,” he added.

His advice to other parents who have millennial children?

“Most importantly you want to be there for them, you want to be there with them. Nakikita mo how dangerous it could be, but important thing there is ‘wag mong tatakbuhan so you’ll know how to handle (it).”

“Just be a good example.

You can’t preach naman, e, you can just be a testimony of it,” he concluded.

“Love Me tomorrow” is directed by Gino Santos and will Piolo Pascual admitted being scared seeing how other millennials lead their lives, especially be in cinemas on May 25. that he has a 19-year-old son, Iñigo, who is also in showbiz.

Philstar.com

“Nakakatakot because of the society, the culture, the access,” he said in an interview on Wednesday, May 18. the Kapamilya actor is starring in the film “Love Me tomorrow,” where a millennial falls in love with him portrayed by Coleen Garcia. However, he falls in love with an older woman portrayed

by Dawn Zulueta.

He admitted having a “pasaway” phase in his life, but he finds the encounters of young people today scarier.

an interview with talk show host Boy Abunda that they had been dating for a couple of months now. (Alixandra Caole Vila/Philstar. com)

In the photo are Nico Antonio, Yna Asistio, Ritz Azul and Ejay Falcon pose for a photo with Czech Ambassador Jaroslav Olsa Jr. after their meeting for the shoot of “The Promise of Forever” in Prague.

AS ABS-CBN’s continued effort to share the Filipino culture with other countries, another tV series will be shot abroad. the Ritz Azul, Ejay Falcon, Paulo Avelino starrer “the Promise of Forever” will shoot some of their scenes in Prague, a “first in the Philippine tV history” according to Czech Ambassador Jaroslav Olsa Jr. in a Facbook post on tuesday, May 17.

He had a meeting with some of the show’s cast this afternoon, namely Ritz, Ejay, and supporting actors Nico Antonio and Yna Asistio. the team will start shooting in Prague later this month. this partnership, Olsa said, aims to “bring more Filipinos to visit our beautiful Czech Republic.” (Philstar. com)

Andi Eigenmann, Jaclyn Jose, Brillante Mendoza grace the 69th Cannes International film fest ANDI Eigenmann fulfills her dream to attend Cannes International Film Festival together with her mom Jaclyn Jose and director Brillante Mendoza. their film “Ma’Rosa” is one of the nominees for the main competition of the 69th Cannes International Film Festival currently happening in Southern France. this is the first film of Brillante that made it to the main competition. He has submitted films before in the festival namely “Serbis” in 2008, “Kinatay” in 2009 where he won best director, and “taklub” in 2015. (Philstar.com)

Andi Eigenmann, Jaclyn Jose and director Brillante Mendoza at the 69th Cannes International Film Festival for their nominated film “Ma’Rosa.”

may 20-26, 2016

3

Baron Geisler’s ‘assault video’ taken out of context, says PR manager Celebs share fond memories of President Aquino www.asianjournal.com

by Dolly

THe PR manager of actor Baron Geisler said Monday, May 16 the video showing the actor cursing and confronting a UP student was “taken out of context.”

In a text message sent to Inquirer.net, Tinnie esguerra said Geisler also plans to consult his lawyers for an apparent legal action against the person who posted the video on Facebook over the weekend.

“The video was taken out of context, and because of that, I plan to consult my lawyers for the possible liabilities of the person who uploaded the video, whose apparent intention was to exploit my already damaged reputation,” the message quoted Geisler as

saying.

The video, which became viral after it was posted by a certain Khalil Versoza, showed Geisler cursing and threatening a ViacomFine Arts UP student after the actor allegedly got angry over the late delivery of the script for a project he was supposed to do with the student.

Versoza said in his FB post that the delay was due to their tight school work. This apparently did not appease Geisler who was also shown in the video locking his hand on the neck of the student while cursing him and telling whoever was shooting the video to stop. (Clarizel Abanilla/ Inquirer.net)

Anne CArvAjAl Inquirer.net

Baron Geisler

Gigi Hadid, Lena Headey praise Paolo Ballesteros makeup transformations

Paolo as supermodel Gigi Hadid

Paolo Ballesteros as Lena Headey’s Cersei Lannister from the “Game of Thrones.”

“eAT Bulaga” star Paolo Ballesteros has gained new Hollywood celebrity admirers due to his viral makeup transformations.

Model Gigi Hadid and “Game of Thrones” star Lena Headey both took notice of Ballesteros’ talent.

In a comment on the actor’s post, Hadid said that Ballesteros was amazing.

“Lol! woww this is crazy!

You’re amazing!!!” the fashion it girl said.

Meanwhile, Headey praised Ballesteros for an awesome job of turning into “Cersei Canister,” a spin on Heady’s character in “Game of Thrones,” Cersei Lannister.

“This is fantastic!” she said on her Twitter account.

Ballesteros has previously turned himself into various personalities, such as Tyra Banks, Angelina Jolie, and Ariana Grande, just by the use of makeup.

His works on Instagram have garnered thousands of likes and have been featured in various websites worldwide. (Inquirer. net)

BeFoRe we can look forward to the coming change in government, we ought to look back and see how far we’ve come.

I asked some celebrities who are close to President Benigno Aquino III to share their fondest memory of PNoy. Being the brother of Kris Aquino has thrust him into show biz (whether he likes it or not). Personally, I was moved by his heartfelt eulogy for my beloved Tita Letty Magsanoc.

Before PNoy steps down, it is only fitting to pay homage to him. Despite all the flak, he still has redeeming qualities, somehow.

Ogie Alcasid: I won’t ever forget the times when we would listen to music. He would play one CD after another and talk about the tracks, the musicians and singers involved, and also the sound that the tracks produced.

He is a real music fanatic.

I also can’t forget when he paid his respects to my late fatherin-law, Mang Gerry (Velasquez).

The wake was in Bulacan, yet he made sure that he went.

Noel Cabangon: The amazing part of him (PNoy) that Pinoys don’t know is his love for music.

He brings with him his audio

Ogie Alcasid, Dingdong Avanzado and Noel Cabangon

gadgets wherever he goes. He has a diverse music collection.

He’s a certified audiophile. Having him as guest when I celebrated my 48th and 50th birthdays was really an honor.

Jim Paredes: PNoy invited us to his house after being sworn in as oPM officers in Malacañang.

We went to his music room.

Apparently, he loves music. A real afficionado. He showed us his stereo.

He asked me to sit in his favorite chair to listen. I asked him what his speakers were. Then, he said he bought it second-hand.

He also said that his amplifier was a demo unit in the store where he bought it, so he got it cheaper.

Dingdong Avanzado: It was memorable when we were

Inquirer.net photos

sworn in as the new board of directors and officers of oPM in 2010. After the induction, we had a merienda get-together in Malacañang, where we got to be seated in one table with President P-Noy. He suddenly mentioned that I used to be a city councilor in Quezon City. I just appreciated the fact that he took time out to make conversation with me, and it showed me that he has good memory.

After that, he took us on a personal tour of the side of Malacañang where he spends his quiet time to relax—his music room. He showed us his collection of records and CDs. We got to experience a down-to-earth and human side of him, which I don’t think many people get to see.

Dingdong Dantes, Angelica Panganiban reunite by joyCe jimenez Philstar.com

ANGeLICA Panganiban and Dingdong Dantes will reunite in a film under Star Cinema.

The two artists, who came from rival networks, will work together again after four years of starring in a film.

They first worked together in 2012 in the film “one More Try” together with Angel Locsin and Zanjoe Marudo.

In the announcement of Star Cinema, the two will be joined

by Paulo Avelino in a film to be directed by Maryo J. Delos Reyes.

However, Angelica was not able to attend their first story Dingdong Dantes, Angelica Panganiban and Paulo Avelino will star in a film under Star conference held on Tuesday, May 17 at the Star Cinema office.

Cinema.

Saturday, June 25, 2016 • 8pm @

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may 20-26, 2016 www.asianjournal.com

4

FWN appoints Josephine Romero Chair of 2016 Global FWN100 Selection Committee

Jessy Mendiola, JC de Vera go ‘light’ in new series

FrESh from the success of their first ever soap You’re My home, rising tandem Jessy Mendiola and JC de Vera are onto giving “kilig vibes” this time through “Wansapanataym Presents: Just Got Laki.”

Mendiola and de Vera happily welcomed the first time that they would be working on something that is for the young ones and the young-at-heart through the award-winning fantasy-drama anthology show.

“Siyempre may ligawan and mga things na very different from ‘You’re My home’ kasi nga ‘yun heavy drama ito very light lang at may a driving force behind the success kilig,” de Vera said. of a social cause or life issue, a “it’s something different from what we usually do and siyempre community organization’s project given our personal life,” said Mendiola. or initiative; or her employer’s Josephine Romero (US FWN100™ ‘09), Chair De Vera points out that their newest project is a welcome deviation of 2016 Global FWN100 Selection Committee organizational business unit or from their already established and accepted roles. department. Someone who has Innovators and Thought “Wider lang ‘yung range na makikita. Siyempre hindi lang sa isang gone beyond the call of duty to Leaders angle na heavy drama and comedy like sa ‘Banana Sundae.’ Very far devote time, energy, and resources This award recognizes women from sexy very far from the different genres that we are used to,” he said. to advocate for those who need a who have broken new ground in The leading man takes the role of Macky, a young boy who voice, or support the organization the marketplace, have delivered transformed into an adult overnight after munching on a magic candy. she represents or works for. new and unique applications of Mendiola, meanwhile, will be taking on the role of isabel, the gracious Builders emerging technology transforming daughter of the candy store owner where Macky’s mother played by Builders have demonstrated the way people think, in the fields angel aquino happens to work. exceptional business impact at of sports, literature, the arts and The show’s romance angle will center on Macky’s longstanding a large workplace environment; pop culture, or have improved the admiration of isabel, which transcended even though he transformed displaying deep passion for a cause lives of others by helping develop into an adult. through collaborative initiatives a product or service in the fields of instead of getting “too mechanical” with their acting, Mendiola or alliances with nonprofit science, technology, engineering, shared that their approach was “not to prepare for” the show in order to organizations on behalf of her own arts, or mathematics. This award make their performances and approach as natural as possible. organization; demonstrates high category is also for someone Meanwhile, still overwhelmed by the amount of support that they potential and skill with measurable who have either launched a new are getting from their followers, Mendiola and de Vera are hoping for results at a government agency, enterprise learning function or the best for their Wansapanataym episode. or organization in any field. completely overhauled an existing “Habang ginagawa namin ito parang sinasabi namin ‘Sana ‘yung next “Buildership” is about building development or community natin light lang,” said Mendiola. (ManilaTimes.net) better organizations, leading initiative. broken organizations to adjust, “Nicole” repair, and re-align.

This award honors Filipina Emerging Leaders (below women whose words, actions, age 35) and activism, inspire others to act This award category and revolutionize society’s way of recognizes Filipina women below understanding traditional beliefs age 35 who are making their and customs thus leaving behind a mark in a leadership role, are on Filipino global imprint. “nicole,” who the pathway to principalship sparked an international dialogue and building capacity across a about women’s rights, national system. Emerging Leaders have sovereignty, and international law powerful mindsets and skill sets as she steadfastly pursued justice that drive achievement for their against her rapists, inspires this organizations. category.

Founders & Pioneers Policymakers & Visionaries This award honors Filipina This award recognizes women in their capacities as Filipina women leaders who the chief executive, president, have demonstrated exceptional executive director or founder of a business acumen combined with company, community organization, a forward-looking vision in the non-profit, or business venture development or influencing of that they helped start, build or policies, campaigns or laws that significantly grow. This award impact business, industry, and category is for the trailblazers society; leaders who enrich the lives, who have marshaled resources careers and businesses of others by and applied innovative practices, sharing the benefits of their wealth, processes and/or technologies in experience, and knowledge; actions a new and groundbreaking way to that significantly change how we address a significant business or think and live.

The newest project is a welcome deviation from the pair’s already established and accepted organizational opportunity.

(Advertising Supplement) roles.

13th Annual Filipina Leadership Global Summit convenes in Cebu City, Philippines on August 21-24, 2016

San FranCiSCo—Marily Mondejar, CEo of Filipina Women’s network (FWn) announced on Tuesday, May 17, the appointment of Josephine romero as chair of the 2016 Global FWn100™ Selection Committee.

Global FWn100™ is a worldwide search for the 2016 100 Most influential Filipina Women in the World. it is the ultimate showcase of the Filipino community’s most inspiring individuals in the private and public sectors, which exemplify innovation, femtorship, professionalism, empowerment and leadership.

Josephine “Jopin” romero is the CEo of fintech startup Magpie.iM. Jopin has been a Filipina Women’s network Keeper of the Flame since 2009.

“The Global FWn100™ award has triggered a motion that has propelled women into bigger and more important careers. it has provided Filipina women a podium to stand for the issues that matter to families, women and children such as equal rights, immigration, affordable healthcare and housing; benefits that can flow down to the larger worldwide Filipino community,” said Jopin romero, Chair of the 2016 Global FWn100™ Selection Committee.

“Being honored as one of the 100 Most influential Filipina Women in the World a few years ago introduced me to a network of women who ensure that you remain a success. This award, and the recognition that comes with it, has really given me the urge to propel forward with more vigor than ever before,” shared Colonel Shirley Saoit raguindin, Chief Diversity officer, air national Guard and Chair, Global FWn100™ Selection Committee.

“The next generation of Filipina women are eager to be a part of a network of women who have navigated the global

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economy and carved out success on their own terms. it is important for Filipina women to gather, be visible, develop alliances with business and industry, and equip themselves with the right information, so we can be represented as a strong voice of influence. no one will do this for us,” remarked Susie Quesada, President, Filipina Women’s network.

Marily Mondejar, CEo, Filipina Women’s network, summed it up, “The worldwide search is important to achieving FWn’s vision and game plan, the “Pinay Power 2020” – a dream with a meaningful purpose - identify a Filipina woman in every sector of the global economy and encourage her to pay forward.”

This prestigious recognition is a working award – the winners are asked to femtor a protégée. Both leaders are invited to the Filipina Leadership Global Summit in Cebu, Philippines on august 21-24, 2016.

Filipina Summit 2016 Theme: influence. accelerate. action. register at http://ffwn.org/event1837718.

The Global FWn100™ nomination deadline has been extended to June 15th. The nomination application process will take place entirely online at www.filipinawomensnetwork. org/nominate.

Qualified candidates will be evaluated by a Selection Committee based on the size and scope of their positions, influence in their industries and communities, board affiliations and other leadership roles. To review the award FaQs- go to http://www. filipinasummit.org/awards-faqs/.

The Filipina Women’s network invites online nominations in the following seven categories: Behind the Scenes Leaders This award category recognizes Filipina women who may not have the big title or corner office, but is

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Summer heat brings hotter hotel rates to Silverton Casino Hotel Longer days and high energy nights create the perfect mix for a summer getaway to Silverton Casino Hotel, located minutes from the famous Las Vegas Strip. Mid-May through the end of August, the hotel is offering hotel rooms starting from $42.

Lower hotel rates allows for a great midweek or weekend getaway and for guests to enjoy some of Southern nevada’s favorite attractions. From exciting casino promotions to shopping at the adjacent Bass Pro Shops outdoor World, Silverton Casino provides guests with many options for getting the most out of your trip to Vegas.

The convenient location to the Las Vegas Strip, red rock Canyon national Conservation Area, water parks and the I-15 gives guests plenty of activities to choose from. After long days of touring the city, guests will enjoy relaxing at Sway Pool with a

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond

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“At Silverton Casino Hotel, you will receive local hospitality with the convenience of the newest casino games, awardwinning dining and unique attractions all under one roof,” said Cory Klerk, general Manager. guests staying at Silverton Casino from mid-May through August 31, 2016 will experience amenities such as complimentary shuttle service, free high-speed Internet, pillow-top mattresses and premium Bath & Body Works bath amenities.

To book a summer getaway, call reservations at 866-7224608 and ask for promo code SUM2016 or visit us online at silvertoncasino.com.

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‘Vanity of vanities; ALL is vanity.’

— From Ecclesiastes

(Part 1 of 2)

We now live in an age of extreme self-absorption. Many already believe they have become legends in their own minds. They believe the world revolves around them and that their personal happiness is paramount.

Following the lead of celebrities in the sports and entertainment world, we are being led by the media to believe that life is all about I, Me and Myself at center stage. The songs and stories in popular media all amplify and sell the story of selflove as the highest form of love.

We have all the electronic tools for self-absorption at hand: camera phones, computers, tablets, Facebook, Twitter and other forms of social media and the unceasing, unrelenting advertising messages that prick our vanity. We have become the

stars in our own firmament.

It’s not a new phenomenon though. Advanced, wealthy civilizations in history have fallen for the same trap. Maybe it’s time to dredge out those stories from mythology, told and retold from the distant past so we can better understand how to deal with this disconcerting trend and see how too much self-absorption eventually lead to despondency and unhappiness.

The antidote to selfabsorption, like for many ills that plague our world today, is still the same as it was in the past — love and concern for others, interest in the well-being of someone or being involved in something bigger, higher, loftier than one’s self. The idea of sacrifice still remains the most concrete, visible form of love for another.

In the end, happiness finally

The Metamorphosis

ErniE D. DElfin

(Continuing series of articles about my recent Philippine trip/adventure)

5

Good vacations can fine tune our internal thermostat and true north compass of our lives

every season” to paraphrase the Book of ecclesiastes. How true, as the most memorable and pleasant events that happened during my LIKe most people, I also look vacation just occurred without forward being on “vacation” (away even planning them. Allow me to from my routine of gardening, share and elaborate a few events: APoStolic, rotary or church originally planned to spend volunteer work) and experience just a day trip to gK’s enchanted many things, both planned and Farms in Angat, Bulacan, instead, unplanned that reenergize both I spent two days and two nights! body and spirit.

Without expecting that I would see Being a balikbayan (a tourist to old time friends, gawad Kalinga one’s home country) is a different Founder Tony Meloto, Shirley Maya kind of a tourism compared to Tan, and several others who I met going to other distant places. This in the gK Summit last March. is simply because such balikbayan Without any plans, we had visits forces the visitor to become lunch and in the evening we nostalgic. had dinner with ten gK “Spartan After over four decades in the Boys” (you will read more about US, some of my life’s perspectives this gK Spartan experiment in have changed in many ways, but the near future, promise) with the values, philosophy that I had Inquirer columnist Jose Ma. “Boy” then are still intact. I feel that I am still that same person with the same Montelibano and the Malaysian lady benefactor-adopted “mother” temperament and DnA to this of the Spartan boys. over a simple day, and most likely till I die. In the dinner prepared and served miles I travelled for about a month by the Spartan boys, we had and a half, I cannot help but wear shared authentic conversations many hats along the way, in my conversations and interactions with from one heart to another. Such unrehearsed dialogue cannot be many people I met. In my travels more pure and refreshing. from La Union and Baguio in the comes with the humble awareness north and Boracay in the south, I Another incident that was not and quiet appreciation of what wore the hat of a journalist, a tourist, in my itinerary was spending many was, what is and what is yet to hours bonding with my only living an economist, a businessman, come — right now, right here sister, Sor Leticia, a Dominican student, teacher, speaker and where we live our days and nights. dreamer. nun, who read in Facebook that I Long ago when enchanted was also in the Philippines while Arriving in the Philippines creatures peopled the earth, there during Holy Week and meeting she was also on vacation before was a nymph called echo. She being “thrown” away to another several Catholic priests and nuns probably rated a nine and a half assignment in Taiwan. Along the also reminded me of the spiritual on a 10 point-attractiveness scale, needs a man should possess. As a way, I had also met with her fellow gorgeous, knowledgeable and senior citizen, there is neither a day nuns at their Dominican Dormitory, perfect in every way except for beside the 400-year-old University nor night that I do not think of my one thing — she was a chatterbox own mortality. Hence, we savor of Santo Tomas in Manila. nonpareil. She liked to hear herself and become very grateful for all the During the same week, I talk far too much and perhaps, decided to attend a Sunday mass days that our body can still move with a tinge of hubris, would insist with ease and all the human senses in Santo Domingo Church (where on having the last word in every I have not been for over 40 years). are still intact. It’s the best gift and conversation.

I just inquired from the church blessing from god that no amount Juno, the queen of the gods, receptionist, if an old professor in of money can buy. was so irked by echo’s habit that Letran, rev. Father roger Alarcon, It’s been said a thousand she meted out a punishment just oP was at the convent. To my times that “man proposes, god for her. echo will no longer be pleasant surprise, he was in his disposes,” that in the dictionary able to talk, except for one tiny room just resting and he came of god, there are no accidents, concession — she will be able to down to meet with me for almost but a part and parcel of Divine two hours! Having read about him Continued on Page 6 Providence. There is a “reason for

An old tale on self-absorption

Monette AdevA MAglAyA

may 20-26, 2016 www.asianjournal.com

as the founder of the Angelicum College near the Santo Domingo Church in Quezon City, I was very pleased to meet him again!

Fr. Alarcon, after he was elected as the first Superior of the Filipino Dominican Province, instituted the first non-graded education system in the Philippines at Angelicum College. I learned a lot about this non-graded program from him as he shared his dream that this innovative program can alter Philippine society, once these children who are educated under this system become adults and leaders of the country. Before the mass, he gifted me a personally autographed book. on another day, fellow Letranite ronnie gamalinda (my host in BgC’s The Fort) asked me if I want to go to Letran to visit. So we went and had another unplanned visit to the Chapel and bookstore.

After lunch at the old “Knights Inn” we went back to visit another Dominican priest, Fr. Aceron oP, whom he knows very well. That meeting germinated a seed in ronnie’s mind to pursue his PhD while probably teach Business and entrepreneurship in our Alma Mater!

Last but not the least, I received an invitation from Atty. Dwight ramos, the incoming governor of Quezon City’s District 3780, to be the Commencement Speaker of their Colegio de La Union. To be asked to be their college’s 12th Commencement Speaker, from hundreds of possible worthy speakers that he knows, was indeed an honor. I just hoped that a part of my message and challenge to the graduates remain in their minds and hearts. regardless of the final outcome, I know that I did my best and I trust that god will do the rest.

It’s now a couple of weeks after those exciting and memorable weeks and I am now at home, resting. overall, my recent vacation was very exhilarating and Continued on Page 6

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Revised STEM OPT program

A significAntly revised and broadened stEM optional practical training (OPt) program took effect on May 10 under a final regulation published in the federal Register on March 11.

Under the new rule, more f-1 stEM students will be eligible for an extension of their OPt and those who qualify will be granted a longer period of employment authorization. But their employers will be subject to stringent new requirements, including the obligation to prepare a detailed training plan for each stEM OPt candidate, comply with more extensive reporting requirements and undergo worksite inspections conducted by U.s. immigration and customs Enforcement (icE). these requirements apply only to extensions of OPt for f-1 students with a qualifying U.s. science, technology, engineering or math degree; the standard 12-month OPt program is unchanged. the new regulation permits the program to continue without interruption following a federal court decision holding that current stEM OPt rules did not meet procedural requirements. the court stayed its decision to invalidate the current program and granted the Department of Homeland security additional time to promulgate replacement rules. the lawsuit challenging the stEM OPt program is ongoing.

Eligibility for a STEM extension of OPT Under current rules, a 17-month extension of OPt is available to f-1 students who have earned a qualifying U.s. degree in a designated stEM field. the new regulation will broaden the eligibility criteria for a stEM extension of OPt and lengthen the duration of stEM employment authorization, as follows: • A more extensive list of Us stEM and related degrees will qualify f-1 students for an OPt extension. As under prior rules, the f-1 student’s degree must be directly related to the stEM OPt job. the student must have completed all degree requirements to be eligible for a stEM extension, with the exception of any thesis or

comparable requirement.

• the stEM extension of OPt will be 24 months in duration.

Qualifying f-1 students will thus be eligible for a total of 36 months of OPt employment authorization, including the initial 12-month OPt period.

• students who were granted a 17-month stEM OPt extension under earlier rules can seek a further 7 months of work authorization subject to the requirements and obligations of the new rules, as discussed below.

• f-1 students who earn an additional qualifying stEM degree can apply for a second 24 months of OPt, but this period cannot immediately follow the first stEM OPt extension. there must be an intervening degree and a period of 12-month OPt before the foreign national can obtain a second period of stEM OPt. no student can obtain more than 2 periods of stEM OPt. • f-1 students with a previously obtained stEM degree can qualify for the OPt extension as long as their prior degree is directly related to the position. for example, an f-1 student whose most recent U.s. degree was an MBA could qualify for a stEM OPt extension on the basis of her U.s. bachelor’s degree in chemistry. the earlier degree must have been conferred within 10 years before the application for the OPt extension and have been issued by a U.s. school that is duly accredited and is certified by the student and Exchange Visitor Program (sEVP) at the time of the application. Under previous rules, an OPt extension was available only to those whose most recent Us degree was in a qualifying stEM field.

New employer obligations Employers must meet significant new obligations in order to employ an f-1 student during the stEM OPt period. training plan. Before an application for a stEM OPt employment authorization document (EAD) can be filed, the employer and the f-1 student must prepare and sign a formal training plan and submit it to the student’s designated school official (DsO).

DHs is expected to issue a new form i-983, the training Plan for stEM OPt students, before the new regulation is implemented. the plan must state the specific goals for the stEM OPt period and how they will be achieved; detail the specific knowledge, skills or techniques the employer will impart to the student; explain how the training is directly related to the student’s stEM degree; and describe how the student will be supervised and evaluated. the final rule clarifies that employers can rely on their existing training policies to satisfy the evaluation and supervision requirements, as long as their policies meet the requirements of the rule.

DHs originally sought to require employers to establish a formal mentoring process for f-1 students on stEM OPt, but dispensed with this requirement in the final regulation.

Employer attestations.

Employers must certify the following in the training plan: • the terms and conditions of the stEM OPt employment – including compensation – are commensurate with those provided to similarly situated Us workers. compensation information must be disclosed in the training plan.

• the stEM OPt student will not “replace” a full- or part-time, temporary or permanent Us worker. the proposed regulation would have required the employer to attest that no worker would be terminated, laid off or furloughed.

• the employer has sufficient resources and personnel to train the student in the position.

• the training is directly related to the stEM degree and the offered position will achieve the objectives of the training plan.

Evaluations. the employer and the f-1 student must complete a performance evaluation after the first 12 months of stEM OPt and at the conclusion of the stEM program. Evaluations must be signed by the student and employer, and the student must submit the evaluation to the DsO within 10 days after the conclusion

of the review period. DHs originally planned to require evaluations every 6 months during stEM OPt, but opted for a reduced evaluation requirement in response to feedback from stakeholders.

Employment termination. the employer is required to notify the DsO within 5 business days if the f1 student is terminated or departs the stEM OPt job; under prior rules, the employer had 48 hours to make this notification. changes in the training plan.

Employers and students are obligated to notify the DsO “at the earliest available opportunity” if there are material changes to or deviations from the training plan. Material changes include a decrease in the f-1 student’s compensation that is not tied to a reduction in work hours; a significant decrease in work hours; any decrease in work hours below the minimum 20 hours per week (excluding time off pursuant to the employer’s leave policy); a change in the employer’s Ein due to corporate restructuring; or any change or deviation that renders the employer’s attestations invalid or the training plan inaccurate.

E-Verify. As under prior rules, employers must be enrolled and participating in E-Verify to employ an f-1 student in stEM OPt. the new regulation does not change this obligation but commentary to the rule specifies that the employer must participate in E-Verify at the location where the student will work.

Agency enforcement the new regulation gives Us immigration and customs Enforcement (icE) the authority to conduct on-site reviews to verify whether employers are adhering to their training plans and otherwise complying with stEM OPt program requirements. the agency will give employers 48 hours’ notice of a site visit, unless the visit is triggered by a complaint or other evidence of noncompliance.

Student obligations All f-1 students on stEM OPt will be required to: • Report to the DsO within 10 days after starting a new stEM OPt job. if there is a job change from the original stEM job, the student must submit the new employer’s training plan to the DsO, who must make a new recommendation for stEM OPt. • Report to the DsO within 10 days of a change in their legal name, residence address, employer’s name and address or loss of employment.

• Report to the DsO any material changes to the training plan “at the earliest available opportunity,” as described above.

• Report to the DsO every 6 months to confirm the accuracy of information in their sEVis record, including their legal name and

residence address, employer name and address and the status of their current employment.

As under prior rules, f-1 students on stEM OPt are subject to limits on unemployment, but those limits will increase. the new rule allows stEM OPt students a maximum of 150 days of unemployment during their entire post-completion OPt period – 90 days for the initial 12-month grant and an additional 60 days once granted a stEM extension.

Previously, f-1s granted stEM OPt were limited to a maximum of 120 days of unemployment during the post-completion OPt period.

Application procedures Uscis is now accepting applications for a stEM extension of work authorization under the new rule. Before an application can be submitted, the following steps must be completed: • stEM OPt employer and the f-1 student must prepare and sign the training plan.

• the student must submit the training plan to the DsO. • the DsO must review the plan to ensure that it is complete and signed and that it addresses program requirements.

• the DsO must approve the training plan and recommend stEM OPt extension by endorsing the f-1’s form i-20.

• Uscis form i-765, the application for employment authorization, and supporting documentation must be submitted during validity of f-1’s initial OPt EAD and within 60 days of the DsO’s recommendation. the training plan need not be submitted with the application, but Uscis has the authority to request for a copy of the plan. if the current OPt EAD expires while the stEM extension is pending, the f-1 student’s employment authorization is automatically extended for up to 180 days while the application is adjudicated, as under current rules.

Transitional rules for STEM OPT applications filed before May 10 Between now and May 9, 2016, Uscis will continue to accept stEM OPt EAD applications under existing rules. A stEM OPt EAD that is granted before May 10 will be valid for 17 months and will be subject to earlier program requirements. However, if the application is pending on or after May 10, Uscis will adjudicate it under the new regulations and will issue a request for a training plan that meets the new requirements. if approved, the EAD will be issued for 24 months.

Transitional rules for F-1 students already on STEM OPT f-1 students who hold a valid 17-month stEM OPt EAD issued and valid before May 10, 2016 can continue to work through their

EAD expiration, unless their EAD is withdrawn or revoked. they and their employers will be subject to earlier program rules. f-1 students in a period of 17month stEM OPt can file for a 7month extension between May 10, 2016 and August 8, 2016, provided that the student has at least 150 days remaining on their current EAD at the time the application is filed and the requirements of the new regulation – including an approved training plan – are met. if the student’s OPt EAD expires while the new application is pending, he or she receives an automatic extension of work authorization for up to 180 days or until the application is adjudicated. f-1 students who have completed their OPt period and are in the 60-day grace period are not eligible to file for a stEM extension under the new or current rules.

CAP-GAP benefits for F-1 students awaiting change of status to H1-B the new regulation maintains “cap gap” protections for f-1 students who are awaiting a change of status to H-1B. As under prior rules, an f-1 student who is the beneficiary of an H-1B cap petition and a request to change status to H-1B filed while his OPt EAD is valid receives an automatic extension of status and work authorization from the expiration of the EAD through October 1, the date that the change of status takes effect. A student in valid f-1 status without OPt or with an expired OPt EAD when the cap petition is filed receives an extension of stay only. in commentary to the final regulation, the agency reaffirms that cap-gap protections are available only when the f-1 student is the beneficiary of an H-1B petition that is subject to the annual cap; a petition for capexempt H-1B employment will not confer these interim benefits. the agency also clarifies that f-1 students in the cap-gap period may change employers.

What the new regulation means for employers and f-1 students the rule broadens employment opportunities for f-1 stEM students, but the significant new obligations on students, employers and schools will require prompt planning.

Employers and f-1 students who will pursue stEM OPt employment must act quickly so they can meet additional requirements in time to file applications when the new rule takes effect. timely filing is particularly critical for those with an OPt EAD that expires soon, and for those who want to seek a 7-month extension of their current stEM OPt. (Advertising Supplement)

Mommy D celebrates 67th birthday Miss Universe style MOMMy Dionisia Pacquiao turned 67 on sunday, May 15. to celebrate her day, her son, sarangani congressman and senator-elect Manny Pacquiao put up a Miss Universe-inspired party with a theme, “confidently Beautiful @ 67.”

Wearing a royal blue ensemble inspired by Pia Wurtzbach’s winning gown, Mommy D channeled her inner beauty queen in front of at least 700 attendees. in an interview with a tV news channel, Mommy D shared that her family attended a thanksgiving mass together before proceeding to her grand birthday celebration.

Asked about her birthday wish, she said she hopes god will grant her up to 200 years of age.

(Philstar.com)

Mommy D, Wearing a royal blue ensemble inspired by Pia Wurtzbach’s Miss Universe-winning gown, celebrated her 76th birthday last Sunday, May 15.

Good vacations can fine tune our internal...

From Page 5

energizing, despite the extreme heat of Philippine summer! On reflection, i heard a silent voice that made sense why i enjoyed the unplanned parts of my trip. the whisper was so clear telling me

“wherever your treasure is, there the desires your heart will be also.” yes, indeed that explains it all!

With my faith reaffirmed, i truly believe that good vacations are blessings from the Holy spirit. such gifts from a Mysterious

Hand always fine tune our inner thermostat and the true north compass of our lives!

Dear readers, i hope and pray that you too will have the same experience during your next vacation!

An old tale on self-absorption

From Page 5

say only the last word. in the same forest where the nymphs lived, there was a young man named narcissus who was so classically handsome and perfectly proportioned that all the nymphs oohed and ahhed and fell in love with him at first sight.

Picture Michelangelo’s marble sculpture of “David” in flesh and blood or a composite between dicaprio and Brad Pitt. if he were real person today, he would have made the cover of People Magazine’s “sexiest Man of the year.” His fans became legion that all that adulation got into his head.

He became extremely vain. no nymph was good enough for him.

One day, Echo espied narcissus while he was hunting with his peers and fell like a ton of bricks in love with him. she longed to tell him of her feelings, but in her afflicted state, she became painfully shy and simply contented herself silently watching him from a distance, shadowing narcissus’ every move. narcissus, however, became aware of her shadowy presence and talked her out of her hiding place. Echo could only repeat the last words of what narcissus was saying in their conversation so she may have came out sounding like a mindless idiot, vexing narcissus.

Besotted with love for the

hunk however and believing narcissus’ plea that she come out so they can be joined together, she finally overcame her crippling shyness and revealed herself. However, narcissus felt she wasn’t good enough for him and scorned her for her bold presumptuousness and repudiated her total being.

He sent her away devastating Echo in the most cutting words, slashing and burning her very existence, swearing he would rather die than be with Echo. (To be continued) *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@

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