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Volume 23 - No. 45 • 2 Sections - 16 Pages

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Duterte willing to take in refugees DATELINE USA DOT plans for global until PH is ‘filled to the brim’ fanfare and sweeping from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA

by Levi

changes in 2017

a. So

Philstar.com

A NUmBer of high profile events as well as improvements in the way Americans and other travelers experience the Philippines are in the works, according to representatives of the country’s Department of tourism (Dot).

Philippine officials laid out the department’s strategy to accelerate growing American interest in the island nation during a media event in Los Angeles hosted by the Dot on friday, November 11. Department representatives also responded to potential tourists’ security concerns regarding the Philippines’ war on drugs.

“We in the Philippines actually feel safer now,” said Dot Undersecretary Katherine De castro during friday’s press conference.

“Despite what you hear, there’s more police trust.” she added that most tourists who offer feedback report feeling secure while traveling in the Philippines. De castro credited

mANILA — President rodrigo Duterte said the Philippines is ready to take in refugees “until the country is filled to the brim.” the tough-talking president told Al Jazeera’s “101 east” aired on thursday, Nov. 17 that his critics from the

west could learn from the Philippines in this aspect.

Duterte had called the european Union and the United states hypocrites in a speech last september after concerns on killings and rights violations in his war on drugs.

“Kayong Us, eU you can call me anything. But I was never into or I am

never into hypocrisy like you… close your doors, it’s wintertime, there are migrants escaping from the middle east. You allow them to rot and then you are worried about the death of about 1,000, 2,000, 3,000?” he said refugees could always come to the Philippines. “they can always come here, and I

by LeiLa

B. SaLaverria Inquirer.net

CONSUMER ALERT: UTILITIES CALL SCAM

WAshINGtoN – the federal communications commission (fcc) is alerting consumers to be on the lookout for callers pretending to be utility company employees demanding immediate payment, often by prepaid debit cards, credit cards, or gift cards. As American consumers prepare for winter months when many people would be endangered by an interruption to heating fuel, the fcc’s consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau wanted to make consumers aware of this scam and prepared to protect themselves.

Key consumer tip: If consumers receive a call warning them of a balance they do not believe they owe their utility, they should hang up, independently look up their utility company’s phone number on a recent statement or legitimate website, and call that number to verify the legitimacy of the call.

In this scam, the caller typically poses as a PAGE A2

PAGE A2

Duterte to Trump: Be fair to undocumented immigrants

PAGE A2

Beware of callers posing as utility employees demanding immediate payment

will even welcome them until we are filled to the brim… I say send them to us,” he said.

“We will accept them. they are human beings.” the International organization for migration recorded over 1.2 million first-time asylum claims in the eU by

OFF TO APEC. Every official trip he makes must be worth the money spent for it, President Duterte pointed out on Thursday, Nov. 17, saying it was the people’s money that funded the trips. “You know, whenever you go out, you spend the money of the people, and so you must have a good reason to spend it,” Duterte said in a brief talk before he flew to Lima, Peru for the 24th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Davao. The president and his party of about 60 people took a Philippine Airlines Boeing 777 chartered flight on a more than 24-hour flight to Lima, transiting through Auckland, New Zealand.

Malacañang photo by King Rodriguez

PresIDeNt rodrigo Duterte thinks he will get along with Donald trump as Us president and says he trusts trump’s judgment to deal fairly with undocumented immigrants he plans to kick out of the United states. mr. Duterte’s hostility toward the United states has defined his foreign policy so far, but he has changed his tune since trump’s surprise election win last week.

In an interview with reporters in malacañang on tuesday, Nov. 15, mr. Duterte acknowledged trump’s intent to deport up to 3 million illegal immigrants.

“I trust in his judgment that he would be fair in the matter of the treatment of illegal immigrants,” mr. Duterte said.

“I cannot talk for the illegals because, whether President trump or anybody else for that matter, an illegal is always an illegal,” he said.

PAGE A2

Robredo camp to Marcos: Accept the truth over case dismissal

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

VIce President Leni robredo’s camp advised senator Bongbong marcos to ‘accept the facts,’ following the dismissal of his complaint case against the officials of commission on elections (comelec) and smartmatic-total Information management (tIm) corporation. “there are times when we just need to accept the facts and the truth no matter how painful it might be,” robredo’s lawyer, Beng

sardillo said in a statement on thursday, November 17. ccording to sardillo, the manila city prosecutor dismissed marcos’ complaint against the comelec and smartmatic-tIm corp. due to lack of evidence. “the burden is on the marcos team to prove that probable cause exists for the crimes they’re alleging, i.e. intentional alteration of computer data without right and that this alleged criminal act has affected the results of the elections,” she said.

marcos, with rep. Jonathan A. dela cruz acting as complainant, has accused comelec and smartmatic of violating sections 4(a)(1), (3), and (4) of the cybercrime Prevention Act (r.A. No. 10175).

According to sardillo, marcos’ camp is now looking to the Department of Justice (DoJ) to rule in his favor. however, she noted that “no amount of appeal” can change things if evidence is in- In this March 2016 file photo, then vice presidential candidates Bongbong sufficient.

Marcos and Leni Robredo face off at a nationally televised debate organized Philstar.com photo by Joshua Emmanuel Tan PAGE A4 by Go Negosyo.

Affair does not prove drug links, says De Lima DOLE to undocumented

by PaoLo

romero Philstar.com

mANILA – sen. Leila de Lima was incredulous on thursday, Nov. 17 that her affair with her former driver and bodyguard ronnie Dayan was being used by the Department of Justice (DoJ) to beef up the criminal cases against her.

De Lima, whom President Duterte has repeatedly tagged as a protector of drug lords at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP), also dismissed calls for her to resign.

Dayan was alleged to have acted as De Lima’s bagman, collecting money from drug lords to After admitting her romantic dalliance with her former driver Ronnie Dayan, Sen. Leila de Lima fund her senatorial campaign earno longer wants to talk about her personal life and asked those concerned to respect her privacy. lier this year. he remains in hidPhilstar.com photo by Geremy Pintolo ing and private individuals have

offered more than P1 million in reward for any information leading to his arrest.

“Is that (affair with Dayan) proof that I’m involved? or had something to do with the drug trade in the NBP just because I had a previous relationship?” De Lima remarked.

“If you’re a bagman, do you have to be romantically involved?

Is that proof? theoretically, anyone can be a bagman, assuming that their claim is true that I benefitted from the drug trade,” she said.

De Lima said her being romantically involved with Dayan was not relevant but the attack dogs of the administration are trying to

Pinoys: Come home before Trump takes office

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

the Department of Labor and employment (DoLe) urged undocumented overseas filipino Workers (ofWs) to return to the Philippines before President-elect Donald trump assumes office in January next year.

Addressing the illegal immigrants in the United states, Labor secretary silvestre PAGE A4 Bello III said that it would be

better if they come back to the Philippines or start processing the legalization of their stay abroad. trump, who won the recent U.s. presidential elections, said that among his administration’s priorities include the deportation or imprisonment of about three million undocumented immigrants in the U.s.

Assuming trump would keep his campaign promise, PAGE A2

A

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november 18-24, 2016 • oC/Ie ASIAn JoUrnAL

From the Front Page

Beware of callers posing as utility employees...

PAGE A1 representative of the consumer’s actual local utility, stating that immediate payment will ensure that the consumer’s heating service will not be disconnected.

The scammers are known to spoof utility company telephone numbers so the caller ID makes it appear to be a call from the utility company. These scammers often use automated interactive voice

response calling systems that mimic legitimate providers’ calls.

After consumers, many of whom are older adults, follow instructions via interactive prompts, they are connected to a live “customer service representative” who asks for the access code for a credit, debit, or gift card. This information allows the scammer to cash out the card or sell it to a third party.

Anyone who believes they have been targeted by this scam should immediately report the incident to their actual utility company, to local police, to the Federal Trade Commission’s Complaint Assistant, and to the FCC’s Consumer Help Center.

Consumers should always be on alert for this scam and others.

The following tips can help ward off unwanted calls and scams: Do not answer calls from unknown numbers. Let them go to voicemail.

If you are unclear if a caller is legitimate, hang up, look up the company’s phone number independently on your recent bill or their legitimate website, and contact them through an official number, web form or email address to see if they called you. By initiating the communication yourself, you can verify that the request for payment is legitimate.

If you answer and the caller (often a recording) asks you to hit a button to stop getting the calls, just hang up. Scammers often use these tricks to identify – and then target – live respondents.

If you receive a scam call, write down the number and file a complaint with the FCC and other appropriate authorities so we can help identify and take appropriate action to help consumers targeted by illegal callers.

Ask your phone service provider if it offers a robocall blocking service that allows subscribers to block unwanted calls. If not, encourage your provider to start offering a blocking service. You can also visit the FCC’s website on “Web Resources for Blocking Robocalls” for information and resources on available robocall blocking tools to help you reduce unwanted calls.

Legitimate utility companies will not demand payment via gift cards.

As the agency that implements and enforces the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, the FCC reviews all consumer complaints and will continue, when appropriate, to issue consumer alerts based on those complaints and other public information related to possible scams and frauds.

This is part of a new, standing series of consumer alerts from the FCC in hopes of informing, protecting, and empowering consumers.

Duterte willing to take in...

PAGE A1

the end of 2015. Higher numbers of asylum claims were from wartorn countries of Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq. The EU granted protection status to 333,350 asylum seekers last year.

Over 5,000 refugees lost their lives in the dangerous journey to escape conflict, while tens of thousands were exploited by human traffickers, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said during the International Migrants Day on December last year.

Ban said that “2015 will be remembered as a year of human suffering and migrant tragedies.” “[M]illions have been made into scapegoats and become the targets of xenophobic policies and alarmist rhetoric,” he said.

Although Duterte is often compared to Trump, the Philippine leader’s stand is a far cry from the incoming US president.

The US is seen to go down

Pres. Rodrigo Duterte

hard on immigrants with Trump’s inward-looking policies. Trump’s team is mulling a Muslim registry, deportation of three million illegal immigrants and ban on entry of migrants from countries with a proven history of terrorism against the United States.

Historically, the Philippines became a refuge to over 1,300 Jews escaping the Holocaust between 1935 and 1941.

The country also offered refuge to Vietnamese boat people after the Vietnam War ended in the 1970s.

Duterte to Trump: Be fair to undocumented...

PAGE A1

lion), equivalent to 3 percent of the Philippines’ $291.97-billion (P14.36-trillion) gross domestic product.

How much would be lost is hard to estimate, as the share of the undocumented in the overall remittances from the United States is unknown.

Despite the economic disaster faced by the Filipino undocumented in the United States, Duterte said he was sure he would get along with Trump, with whom he is often likened.

“We have no quarrel. I can always be a friend to anybody, especially to a president, a chief executive of another country. I am not being reprimanded for the campaign about human rights,” Duterte said.

Human rights is a red line topic for Duterte and a trigger for his rage.

The president has almost daily badmouthed US President Barack Obama, calling the American leader a “son of a bitch” and telling him to “go to hell” for expressing concern about extrajudicial killings in Mr. Duterte’s brutal campaign against illegal drugs.

Nearly 4,000 people have been killed by police and suspected vigilantes since Duterte launched the campaign upon taking office four months ago.

The United Nations and European Union have also expressed concern about those killings and

the International Criminal Court has warned that Philippine officials could be prosecuted at the tribunal for crimes against humanity.

Duterte has responded to them with derision, directing his ire mostly at the United States, from which he has declared economic and military “separation” in October to give China a greater role in Philippine development.

But after Trump won the US presidential election on Nov. 8, Duterte softened his stance, saying he did not want to quarrel with the United States anymore because Trump—foulmouthed and with a volcanic temper like him—was already the “leader of the most powerful country in the world.”

Economic damage If Trump follows through on some of his campaign promises, however, it could damage the Philippine economy.

His immigration policy is just one threat to the Philippine economy. His threat to tear up the United States’ economic alliances is another.

The United States may remain the most powerful country in the world under Trump, but Duterte cannot refer to him as the leader of the free world.

With Obama stepping down in January, analysts have begun to assign that role to German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Bello, however, noted that the U.S. president-elect’s immigration policy would only have “minimal effect” since most OFWs there are legally employed.

“Most of our OFWs there are documented and are legal, especially our seafarers,” Bello said.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) also made a similar statement with DOLE. The DFA previously expressed that Trump’s immigration pronouncements do not have a “calamitous impact” on the Filipino community in the United States.

According to the DFA, there were about 3.18 million Filipinos Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III in the U.S. as of December 2015.

Latest records from Commis- shows that only about 271,000 sion on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) Filipinos were irregulars or un-

documented as of December 2013.

“A vast majority of the three million Filipinos residing in the US have legal residency or citizenship status, pay their taxes and generally obey American laws.” DFA Spokesman Charles Jose said.

On the other hand, if the undocumented Filipinos decided to come home, Bello said the Philippine government is ready to provide them with livelihood and employment assistance.

“The end program of our president (Rodrigo Duterte) is to bring back our OFWs so we already established a mechanism for businesses and employment opportunities,” Bello added.

Playing down impact Administration officials are playing down the likely impact of a mass deportation of Filipinos from the United States.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III on Tuesday said only a few Filipinos were working illegally in the United States, while presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella on Wednesday, Nov. 16 said Trump’s immigration policy would have little impact on the Philippines.

Both officials, however, did not give an estimate of the number of Filipinos working illegally in the United States.

Inquirer research showed 3.5 million Filipinos were living in the United States as of 2013, the year for which latest figures were available. Of those, 271,000 were illegals.

Remittances Bello said the undocumented could look to the government for help, but a crackdown could severely strain government logistics and emergency livelihood and job programs.

The expulsion of the undocumented could also punch a hole, though maybe not too big, through a significant item in the Philippines’ economic basket— remittances from US-based Filipinos.

Inquirer research showed that last year, US-based Filipinos sent home $8.41 billion (P413.52 bil-

DOLE to undocumented Pinoys: Come...

PAGE A1

DOT plans for global fanfare and sweeping...

PAGE A1 programs implemented by the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte this year, like a nationwide 911 hotline, for enhancing security throughout the country.

Statements and suggestions from President Rodrigo Duterte’s signaling a diplomatic shift away from the United States had threatened to weaken the Philippines’ ties with its longtime ally and depress tourism.

DOT representatives noted the president’s penchant for inflammatory off-the-cuff comments but encouraged people to examine Duterte’s statements in their real context instead of focusing on sound bites.

They went on to say that the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump bodes well for relations between the Philippines and the United States.

Duterte said he shared many similarities with Trump and became one of the first world leaders to publicly congratulate the newly-elected American president on Wednesday, November 9 while visiting Malaysia. “[Duterte] said that henceforth, there will be no more negative comments about the United States,” said Philippine

Consul General Adelio Cruz during Wednesday’s conference.

“He said that, as of yesterday [Thursday, November 10],” De Castro followed up, subtly referring to the administration’s past backtracking on some of the president’s comments.

Moving forward, the DOT will ready preparations for events that officials hope will generate an influx of foreign travelers.

Following the crowning of Filipina contestant Pia Wurtzbach in the 2015 Miss Universe beauty pageant, plans had been announced for the Philippines to host the next competition on January 30, 2017.

In the past, Duterte said he was not interested in allocating government resources to putting on the competition. However, private investors are expected to shoulder the $11-million dollar cost of the event, which should proceed as scheduled.

From April 20-24, 2017, Bonifacio Global City in Taguig will serve as the site for the World Street Food Conference (WSFC).

Next year will be the first time the event will be hosted outside of Singapore. Some of the finest chefs from the Philippines, India, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore, Thailand, and the U.S. will expose foodies from

around the world to a wide variety of street food delicacies.

However, some have harbored doubts regarding the Philippines’ capacity to put on such large ticket spectacles.

“To those who wonder if we will be able to pull this off...we are ready,” Richmond Jimenez, the tourism director for the DOT’s office in Los Angeles, said during Friday’s meeting. He went on to note that “we in the Philippines have hosted foreign dignitaries in the past.”

In the meantime, the department plans on seeking out new ways to invite tourists to explore the Philippines and clearing up issues that impact a visitor’s peace of mind.

Specifically, department officials are trying to work out an arrangement that will allow healthcare providers in the Philippines to accept American health insurance. Doing so would not only save money for people who require consistent treatment or become injured while traveling abroad, but open up medical tourism and clear up liability issues that limit colleges and other institutions from organizing trips to the Philippines.

At Friday’s meeting, Cruz, De Castro and DOT Assistant SecPAGE A3

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A

No immediate changes to your Obamacare coverage

by Emily Bazar California Healthline

Chief Inspector Joshua Maximo, town police chief, stands outside the gate of a house where Sen. Leila de Lima and her former driver Ronnie Dayan reportedly spent their weekends in Barangay Galarin, Urbiztondo, Pangasinan. Police received no response after knocking at the gate several times.

Philstar.com photo by Cesar Ramirez

Affair does not prove drug links...

PAGE A1

make a scandal out of it as part of their efforts to shame her.

“The misogynistic tendency of the president, that he wants to portray me as an immoral woman, that’s where the double standards of our society come in. Look who’s talking,” De Lima said.

The senator also said she was

anticipating that Kerwin Espinosa—who is set to be returned to the country this week—will be pressured to testify against her, especially after his father, Albuera, Leyte mayor Rolando Espinosa, was gunned down in his jail cell.

She said the incident was similar to the incidents with other witnesses who testify against her,

including NBP inmate Jaybee Sebastian.

“All their efforts are focused against me. I’m the only one they keep on filing cases. Have you heard of any other cases being built up against other alleged (drug) protectors, alleged coddlers – the real ones?” De Lima said.

Robredo camp to Marcos: Accept the...

PAGE A1

“The dismissal means that they failed to establish their case. Mr. Marcos, however, does not want to move on,” the lawyer added.

Marcos, who lost the vice presi-

dential at the recent May 2016 election, also previously filed an electoral protest against Robredo.

According to the final official tally of the National Board of

Canvassers, Robredo won the vice presidential position with only a lead of 263,473 votes.

She garnered 14,418,817 votes while Marcos placed second with 14,155,344 votes.

DOT plans for global fanfare and sweeping...

PAGE A2 retary Gwen Javier said some of the people most interested in learning about and exploring the Philippines were second-generation Filipino Americans and those who emigrated to the U.S. at a young age The department also has plans to attract more millennials by significantly expanding ecotourism. At present, only a handful of regions in the Philippines specifically caters to those environmentally conscious travelers. In 2017, DOT officials intend to develop programs promoting natural wonders found throughout the country.

De Castro added that efforts involving digital media have delivered promising and cost-effective results. After relaunching their website earlier this year, the DOT has been developing an app.

They are also trying to attract more bloggers and internet personalities to visit the Philippines and share their experiences.

Although department representatives say are focusing on implementing brand new strategies, say they are open to bringing back popular but discontinued promotions. They are also considering reopening their offices in Chicago, which had been the only source of department

outreach in the country outside of the East and West coasts.

The department will move forward with their ambitious plans despite limited financial backing from the Philippine government.

Even though tourism represents roughly 10 percent of the Philippine GDP, the DOT is significantly underfunded compared to comparable agencies of other Southeast Asian countries, according to De Castro.

She said that, in light of that information, a number of lawmakers in Manila have begun to throw their support behind increasing the department’s budget in 2017.

(Eric Anthony Licas / AJPress)

TO the millions of Californians who obtained health insurance as a result of the Affordable Care Act, know this: Despite the election of Donald Trump, who has promised to repeal the health law, nothing is going to happen to your coverage immediately.

In fact, open enrollment for Covered California plans continues through January 31 despite the election outcome.

“Don’t panic. The open enrollment period is set,” says Myles Pappadato, an insurance agent based in Valencia whose firm, QuoteBroker, has about 600 clients with Covered California policies. He fielded about a dozen calls the morning after the election from worried consumers.

“Don’t make any decisions based on speculation,” he adds.

Beyond that, uncertainty reigns.

In California, two major Obamacare initiatives brought health insurance to millions of people: About 1.3 million of you have plans through Covered California, the state health insurance exchange. And about 3.7 million others joined MediCal, the state’s Medicaid program for low-income residents, after it expanded its eligibility criteria.

It’s not yet clear how Trump and the Republican-dominated Congress will seek to pick apart Obamacare next year — or how long that could take. An outright repeal might be difficult because it would require 60 votes in the U.S. Senate to overcome a Democratic filibuster, which means the Republicans would need the support of at least eight Democrats.

Republicans could use budget procedures instead to kill critical portions of the law, including the funding for Medicaid expansion in states like California and the federal tax credits that lower premiums for most Covered California enrollees.

“If the subsidies go away, the vast majority of folks are not going to be able to afford their coverage. They’re struggling as it is,” Pappadato says.

Officials from Covered California, Medi-Cal and the state Health and Human Services Agency are scrambling to figure out what’s next, but the outlook isn’t good.

“I cannot provide false comfort,” says Anthony Wright, ex-

ecutive director of the advocacy group Health Access California.

“This is a real risk for coverage that millions of Californians depend on.”

Lyn Jutronich, of San Diego, came close to tears when describing the anxiety she felt before Obamacare. Jutronich, 44, has three children under the age of 12 who are now covered by Medi-Cal. She and her husband, a contractor, have a Covered California plan and receive tax credits.

“When my child got sick or injured, I used to ask myself, ‘How am I going to pay for this?’ That burden was completely relieved”

by Obamacare, she says.

“The thought of having to go back to that is just shattering.”

Before the law, Jutronich went without insurance for more than a year because she had preexisting medical conditions. At that time, insurers were not required to cover people who had previous medical problems, or they could charge them significantly more.

The premiums for the family’s insurance — with her included — would have been about $3,000 to $4,000 a month before Obamacare, so they opted to buy a plan for the kids and her husband, because of his dangerous job.

“I’m terrified that in the near future I will have to go without insurance again, and that I will again have that horrible ‘Do I really need to take my child to the emergency room today or can it wait?’ question looming in my head,” Jutronich says.

Covered California’s executive director, Peter Lee, wants to reassure consumers, saying it’s business as usual for now.

“People have some reasonable questions and those questions will take time to answer,” Lee says. “We will be working very hard to get the word out that the subsidies are available and the rules remain in place under the law.”

The Department of Health Care Services, which administers Medi-Cal, says “there are no immediate changes” to that program. It did not offer advice to Medi-Cal enrollees.

But Jen Flory, a senior attorney at the Western Center on Law & Poverty, says Medi-Cal expansion enrollees should “feel free to use their Medi-Cal. If they qualify and haven’t applied, they should still apply. No new law has been passed.”

And if you’ve been waiting to get a medical procedure or delaying an exam, “don’t put anything off,” Flory suggests.

State Sen. Ed Hernandez, DWest Covina, chair of the Senate Health Committee, also wants Californians to keep enrolling in the coverage they’re eligible for and using the coverage they have.

“Continue doing what you’ve been doing. You have health insurance. Use it as you need it,” he says.

Hernandez expects California lawmakers to do “everything we can to protect patients to make sure they have access to health care.”

Could that include finding state money to replace any federal funding that may be cut?

“We have to ask ourselves the billion-dollar question: Does the state take on that responsibility?” Hernandez says. “That’s a discussion the state Legislature will have to have, but we’re not there yet.”

Wright, of Health Access, urges Californians to advocate for themselves in the meantime.

“Until something happens, people should sign up for the benefits and then join the political fight to keep them,” he says.

Jeffrey Kolsin, a certified public accountant in Fountain Valley, agrees that consumers need to speak up.

Kolsin, 61, and his wife receive tax credits for their Covered California policy, and the cost of their monthly premiums would double if federal funding were cut.

“What happens to people like myself who have depended on those tax credits, and all of a sudden they’re gone and now you have this huge bill?” he asks. “How do you pay for it?”

He plans to share his opinion with lawmakers, asking them not to repeal or gut Obamacare without coming up with a replacement plan first. He wants others to do the same.

“Write to the existing and new Congress members and Trump,” Kolsin says. “Fill their mailboxes, basically saying ‘Whatever you do with the Affordable Care Act, do not kill it until the day the new law goes into effect.’” *This story was produced

by Kaiser Health News, which publishes California Healthline (www.californiahealthline. og), an editorially independent service of the California Health Care Foundation.

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JDV: Trump’s triumph halts deterioration of RP-US ties; reduces US-Russia confrontation

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – Former Philippine Speaker Jose de Venecia said on Saturday, Nov. 12, that two significant pluses in U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s electoral victory is the “removal of the possibility of inter U.S.-Russia nuclear threat” and a “halt in the deterioration of Philippine-American relations.”

De Venecia, five-time Speaker and Chairman of the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP), told Filipino BACK HOME. Suspected drug lord Rolando “Kerwin” Espinosa Jr. arrived shortly before 4:00 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 18 at the Ninoy Aquino newsmen of the Asian Journal, International Airport (NAIA) aboard Philippine Airlines Flight PR 657 from Abu Dhabi. He had been living as a fugitive in the capital of the which publishes five newspaUnited Arab Emirates for some months before being arrested by a team of anti-illegal drugs officers from the Philippines in coordination with the police from the capital of the United Arab Emirates. Director General Ronald “Bato” de la Rosa, chief of the Philippine National pers in the U.S. West and East Police (PNP), personally lead a team of heavily-armed members of the PNP Anti-Illegal Drugs Group (AIDG) in fetching Espinosa from the Coasts, “Hopefully, the simmerplane.

Inquirer.net photo ny Jeanette Andrade ing tension between the U.S., Russia, and European Union on the Ukraine will diminish and President Duterte and Trump will have much better chemisA fruitful life try.”

by Klarize Medenilla Born in Paniqui, Tarlac in the He said what remains uncerAJPress Philippines in 1910, Guzman has tain is the future of the President WHEN Joaquin Arciago Guzlived through two world wars, Obama-initiated Trans Pacific man became a United States Philippine independence and 18 Partnership (TPP) while the Silkcitizen in 2012, the steadfast FiliU.S. presidential administrations. and-Road project launched by pino-American made headlines At the age of 18, he took a 23-day as one of the oldest individuals to journey by boat across the Pacific gain U.S. citizenship.

Ocean to work as a farmer in SaIn a 2012 ceremony in downlinas, California, picking lettuce town Los Angeles on the Fourth throughout the late 1920s into of July, Guzman sat in a wheelthe Great Depression. chair — miniature American flag In 1939, he then went back to tow — as he recited the Pledge the Philippines to marry the love by dino Maragay of Allegiance, sang along to “The of his life, Paz Irene Gatchalian, Philstar.com Star-Spangled Banner” and took the daughter of a mayor. Before the citizenship oath with about TOP Rank chief Bob Arum the birth of their first child of six, 7,300 newly naturalized citizens.

Guzman went back to work in says Manny Pacquiao’s fight He was 102 years old at the the U.S. to support his family in with Jessie Vargas last Novemtime.

1941, continuing to work in the ber 6 sold “a little over 300,000” In addition to maintaining pay-per-view units, USA Today fields through World War II. health care benefits, Guzman In 1948, he moved back to the reported. had another reason to become Speaking to USA Today’s Mike Philippines where he and his an American citizen: to vote and Joaquin Arciago Guzman wife would raise their family. It Coppinger, Arum said he is satiscontribute to a country that has wasn’t until the mid-1980s when fied with the numbers, especially provided him with countless op- jection. he, his wife and two of their adult with the fact that they aired the portunities.

Aguinaldo said that Guzman children moved to California for PPV card themselves.

Still going strong at 107 years always supported the Democratic good, settling in the Los Angeles “Why would we need HBO Payold, Guzman became one of the Party, saying that he believed that area.

Per-View going forward?” said oldest voters in the country to the party prioritized the interests In 2012, his son Joaquin Guz- the veteran promoter. “What do cast a ballot in the 2016 general of “the working class people” and man, Jr. said that he opted to be- they add that we weren’t able to election. With the help of his ensured more health benefits for come a citizen over renewing his do ourselves. I think the fact there niece Julie Aguinaldo, he sent Americans. He also wished to wit- green card because he feared he was no delay helped the numin his ballot by mail weeks be- ness the election of the nation’s would lose his health benefits. bers.” fore Election Day, happy to have first female president.

HBO, which has aired most To the regret of the family, done his duty as an American Although the presidential elec- Guzman’s wife did not live to see of Pacquiao’s past major fights, citizen. tion didn’t swing in his favor, he the ceremony. She died in 2007 passed up on broadcasting the Democratic presidential nomi- believes that “Clinton is still the at 89 years old.

Pacquiao-Vargas card, leaving nee Hillary Clinton was Guzman’s winner.”

In 2016, Guzman continues to Arum and Top Rank to take matpick at the top ticket, and when Of his decision to vote, his live a long, accomplished life with ters into their hands. the results came in and Republi- family expressed pride and hap- his family in North Hollywood. At And Pacquiao’s longtime procan presidential nominee Donald piness for their elder.

107, he’s one of the oldest living moter said the promotion was a Trump won, Guzman can only “This was something he really Americans. How has the former financial success. express one thing. wanted to do as an American, so farmer lived such a long life?

“We presented a great show,” “[I’m] very disappointed,” he we’re all happy that he got to do “By eating a lot of vegetables,” Arum said. “We made money. told the Asian Journal with de- it,” Aguinaldo said with a smile.

Everybody made money. You Aguinaldo said with a laugh.

107-year-old Fil-Am votes for the first time

Chinese President Xi Jinping will move forward from East Asia to Central Asia across Kazakhstan, Belarus, Russia, and Western Europe to Venice, Italy.

He added he is hopeful American-Chinese relations will continue to improve as signalled by their mutual leadership and support of the historic Climate change accord.

De Venecia expected continuing Philippines-Chinese relations improvement, increased investment and economic traffic and hoped for a Chinese-Japanese détente in the East Sea. The former Speaker said that at a recent speech he delivered with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People, he proposed a Third China Silk Road project, from Hainan across the South China Sea to the Philippines, Indonesia, East Timor, Australia, New Zealand, Chile, Argentina, Brazil to the Caribbean, Mexico, and the U.S. in the light of large

Chinese investments in Latin America.

“This will make the project circumnavigated” and “a revival of the Manila-Acapulco galleon trade which lasted 250 years, even without the Panama Canal,” he said, “and brought Filipino, Chinese, and Japanese products into the New World.”

De Venecia is proceeding with wife, former Congresswoman Gina de Venecia, to New York to promote the efforts of ICAPP Secretary General Chung Eui-yong and Pakistan Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed to obtain “Observer Status” for ICAPP at the U.N. General Assembly.

De Venecia will then proceed to Washington D.C. to accept the Chairmanship of the International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace (IAPP), sponsored by U.S. congressional leaders and the Universal Peace Federation (UPF). Former U.S. congressional leader Dan Burton was chosen as IAPP’s Co-Chairman.

Latest Pacquiao fight sold over 300K PPVs, says Arum

Manny Pacquiao

don’t hit a home run every time.

We hit a single or a double. I’m very pleased.”

Pacquiao routed Vargas to claim the WBO welterweight championship in front of a nearsellout crowd of more than 16,000 at the Thomas & Mack

Center in Las Vegas.

It was reported that the Filipino icon’s purse for the fight will be taken from a percentage of the card’s revenue, which is in contrast to Pacquiao’s previous bouts where he always had a guaranteed paycheck.

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OC/IE ASIAN JOURNAL • NOvEmbER 18-24, 2016

D ateline PhiliPPines PH-US firearms deal to push through

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

THE Philippines’ purchase of 26,000 assault rifles from the United States will proceed, according to Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa on Monday, November 14.

In a press briefing, Dela Rosa said that Sig Sauer, a firearms manufacturer based in the U.S., has informed the PNP that the processing of the documents related to the purchase is ‘going on smoothly.’

According to the PNP chief, President Rodrigo Duterte has given the police the green light to proceed with the deal after Dela Rosa briefed him regarding the matter.

“Actually I talked to him (Duterte) personally during our trip to Malaysia tungkol diyan (about that). We reported to him that the processing of docu-

ments is going on smoothly according to Sig Sauer, wala silang nakitang harang doon, hindi po naharang (they have seen no attempt to block the sale),” Dela Rosa said.

Duterte previously announced that he ordered the cancellation of the gun purchase after the U.S. reportedly halted the sale due to concerns over the human rights violations in the Philippines.

The Philippine president said the country would just have to look for another source and would not insist on buying expensive arms from the U.S. This came to light after U.S. Senator Ben Cardin, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, expressed his intention to oppose the U.S.’ transactions. Cardin cited the reported extrajudicial killings in the Philippines as grounds halt the transaction.

Since Duterte took office, the

Philippine National Police (PNP) has recorded more than 3,000 individuals killed, which include deaths committed both by legitimate police operations and vigilantes.

“When I explained that to him (Duterte), sabi niya (he said) OK you continue. Ipagpatuloy n’yo yan kasi wala naman palang hinarang (Get on with the deal since nothing is actually blocked),” Dela Rosa added.

However, Dela Rosa said he’s sure that Duterte will tell the PNP to cancel the deal again if the U.S. State Department blocks it.

The PNP chief also said that the rifles will be paid by the Philippine government.

“Binabayaran namin ito, hindi naman namin ito hinihingi (We are paying for this, we did not asking for it for free) so we should get fair and equal treatment dahil (because) this is business,” he said.

PNP chief ready to face consequences over free trip to Pacquiao-Vargas match

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa is willing to be jailed if his free trip to Las Vegas earlier this month violates the Philippine Constitution.

“Kung talagang lalabas sa investigation na ako ay may kasalanan na nagawa, I’m willing to go to jail. Kung ikulong nila ako, okay lang sakin (If the investigation proves that I really broke the law, I’m willing to go to jail. If I get imprisoned, it’s okay for me),” he said on Monday, November 14.

Dela Rosa flew to Las Vegas in early November to watch boxing champion and Senator Manny Pacquiao’s match against Jessie Vargas. Pacquiao shouldered the tickets, accommodations and travel expenses for Dela Rosa and his family, the PNP chief previously revealed.

Last week, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales initiated a probe to determine whether the

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PNP chief Ronald de la Rosa himself admitted that Sen. Manny Pacquiao paid for everything for him and his family to watch the bout and he did not spend personal or public funds to go to the United States.

Philstar.com photo by Rudy Santos

PNP chief’s all-expense paid trip violated the Philippines’ Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

The Republic Act 6713 states that “public officials and employees shall not solicit or accept, directly or indirectly, any gift, gratuity, favor, entertainment, loan

or anything of monetary value from any person in the course of their official duties or in connection with any operation being regulated by, or any transaction which may be affected by the functions of their office.”

“Basta what is important, is that I am honest. Hindi ako nag PAGE A7

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ABSOLUTE PARDON President Rodrigo Duterte has granted absolute pardon to actor Robin Padilla. Duterte confirmed this in a dinner with reporters in Malacanang on Tuesday, Nov. 15. The president granted the pardon upon the recommendation of the Board of Parole, which is under the Department of Justice. Padilla was convicted for illegal possession of firearms in 1994. In 1998, he was pardoned by President Ramos and released from jail.

Filipinos rate Duterte admin ‘very good’, drug war ‘excellent’ • Helping the poor (+63) over deaths in the government’s • Promoting the welfare of campaign against drugs.

The administration also got Overseas Filipino Workers (+62) MANILA — The Duterte ad- ratings of “very good” — or be• Fighting crime (+58) ministration received a “very tween +50 and +69 — in the fol• Eradicating graft and corrupgood” net satisfaction rating in lowing areas: PAGE A7 a Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey conducted in September, with respondents giving the government’s war on drugs an “excellent” rating.

According to the SWS survey, which was first published on BusinessWorld, 75 percent of 1,200 respondents interviewed nationwide said they were satisfied with the Duterte administration’s performance. Only 17 percent were undecided and a mere 8 percent were dissatisfied.

That earned the administration a rating of +66 net satisfaction, which SWS categorizes as “very good.”

The survey was focused on 17 performance subjects, with the administration getting a high +78 net score for its campaign against illegal drugs.

Notably, the Duterte administration also scored well — a +63 net score — in “promoting human rights.” This, despite President Rodrigo Duterte scoring human rights groups for raising concerns

by Jonathan De

SantoS

Philstar.com

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http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797

november 18-24, 2016 • oC/Ie ASIAn JoUrnAL

OpiniOn

Features

When in Vegas

WHAT happens in Vegas, doesn’t always stay in Vegas.

For Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Director General Ronal “Bato” Dela Rosa, his recent sojourn to Las Vegas, Nevada could have easily been a trip of a lifetime.

He was there last November 5, to witness Sen. Manny Pacquiao slug it out with Mexican-American boxer Jessie Vargas for the World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight title. Aside from the prime seat, the trip came with free airfare and hotel accommodations, courtesy of Sen. Pacquiao who won the match via a unanimous decision.

It was an unforgettable experience for Bato, one that might cost him his job.

The Office of the Ombudsman will look into the propriety of Bato’s free trip to Las Vegas, to determine if the PNP chief violated Republic Act 6713 or the code of conduct and ethical standards for public officials and employees.

Bato admitted that Pacquiao paid for everything—for him and his family to watch the bout—and that he did not spend personal or public funds to go to the U.S. The travel perk even included allowances.

According to the law, public officials and employees shall at all times be accountable to the people and shall discharge duties with utmost responsibility, integrity, competence, and loyalty, act with patriotism and justice, lead modest lives, and uphold public interest over personal ones.

Republic Act 6713 establishes a code of conduct and ethical standard for public officials and employees, to uphold the time-honored principle

of public office, to promote a high standard of public service.

It also states that public officials and employees are not allowed “to solicit or accept, directly or indirectly, any gift, favor entertainment, loan or anything of monetary value from any person in the course of their official duties or in connection with any operation being regulated by, or any transaction which may be affected by the functions of their office.”

With such a tall order to uphold, it makes one wonder why anyone would even want to be in public office.

If proven guilty, Bato will face criminal and administrative liabilities.

“Bahala na ang propriety na iyan (I don’t care about propriety). All I know is it’s free so I grabbed the opportunity,” the PNP chief said on the current investigation by the Ombudsman.

He said he was being transparent and that he is ready to face jail time over the controversial trip.

Pres. Rodrigo Duterte came to Bato’s defense saying that the PNP chief can afford the trip anyway and that the trip was commensurate to his wealth.

“The is no criminal liability,” Duterte said on Monday, Nov. 14 as he extended his congratulations to the Filipino people over Pacquiao’s recent victory.

Editorial

Philstar.com photo

For Pacquiao, RA 6713 needs to be clarified.

The WBO welterweight champion insisted that there was no malice in his kind gesture.

“I think sometimes we’re not using our common sense. What if we just saw each other in a restaurant, and I tell him I’ll be the one to pay?

What’s wrong with that? Besides, I’m also in government,” Pacquiao told reporters.

Pacquiao reportedly bought 2,000 tickets— valuing over a million dollars’ worth—and also

flew in some of his friends from the government to watch his fight.

Members of the Ombudsman’s investigation team must also look into every member of Pacquiao’s entourage in his Nov. 5 fight. And while they’re at it, the agency must conduct lifestyle checks to every government official to see whether they are spending beyond their means.

Bato can’t be the only one who slipped through the cracks. (AJPress)

The inconvenient truth about Duterte’s war on drugs

Street Talk GreG B. MacaBeNta BORROWING the term used by former US Vice-President Al Gore to sound the alarm about global warming, I believe there are certain inconvenient truths that need to be confronted concerning the war on drugs being waged by President Rodrigo Duterte.

I think the first inconvenient truth is that, no matter what the anti-Duterte factions and the human rights activists might say, the drug menace poses a real and present danger to the Philippines and Duterte is the only President who has waged an aggressive campaign against the scourge.

In other words, he has lighted a candle – nay, many candles – instead of just cursing the darkness.

The second inconvenient truth is that, if Duterte’s intention was to “light up the house” amidst the darkness, he should realize by now that the candles are burning the house down.

The third inconvenient truth is that Duterte can only slaughter so many thousand drug lords, pushers and addicts during his incumbency, but he will not succeed in ridding Philippine society of the

scourge, if killing is the principal recourse.

Already, he has admitted that his vow to rid the country of the drug menace and official corruption in six months is not possible. He has asked for another six months. Unfortunately, even if he has all of six years to bury the scourge of drugs, it will merely rise from the grave as soon he steps down from office - as long as the causes of drug addiction are not addressed and the law of supply and demand prevails.

Obviously, Duterte wants “dramatic results” during his brief incumbency. Perhaps, he doesn’t believe in the age-old saying, “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.”

He wants a quick fix. Thus: “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try a gun.”

But the question is, what happens after he leaves office?

Will he just shrug his shoulders and say, “Bahala na kayo diyan – I’ve done my part!” or would he rather take the long view and forge a solution that he can leave as a lasting legacy?

This applies, as well, as to those who are condemning the extra-judicial killings.

While some have suggested preventive and rehabilitative measures, their voices have been drowned out by the antiDuterte rhetoric, fanned by sensationalist media.

The question is: Will those protesting the EJK be willing to help launch a more lasting solution to the drug problem, hand in hand and shoulder to shoulder with the Duterte government?

In this regard, FilipinoAmerican business and community leader, Loida Nicolas Lewis, whom Duterte has unfairly accused of leading a plot to depose him, has, in fact, made a logical suggestion in a letter to the incoming US ambassador to the Philippines: “As a president dealing with four million Filipinos under the grips of drugs and poverty, President Duterte wants to rid the country of that plague, that curse.

“With all due respect, may I suggest that you offer him assistance in the rehabilitation of the 800,000 drug addicts and drug dealers who have surrendered and are now in prison all over the country?”

If Duterte’s outreach to China has resulted in substantial aid for the construction of drug rehabilitation centers, it should make sense for the US to also offer assistance, not only to help those who are already in custody but also potential victims of drug abuse, as well as those who remain in the shadows, tormented by their addiction. Will anyone argue against rehabilitation as a better option

than liquidation?

A close relative of mine was into drugs. At the time that we learned about it, we couldn’t tell the difference between uppers, downers, grass or heroin.

Just the knowledge that someone in the clan was afflicted was enough for us to close ranks.

A caring family is one of the best cures. Our relative resolved to drop the habit, got married, raised a family, took up a career as a seaman and has since been promoted captain of his own ocean-going vessel.

Wasn’t that a better solution than sending him to his grave?

In an earlier column, I related how my wife and I addressed the drug menace that had begun to surface in our neighborhood in Parañaque, threatening our four growing children.

I put up a gym in our garage, took up running and physical fitness in the hope that they would follow suit. Our three boys and one girl did – and so did their friends. And among themselves, they established a rule: no drugs.

If the US were to actively help fight drug abuse in our country, applying America’s long experience in battling the scourge, Philippine media and civil society cannot do any less.

My old friends in the advertising industry should also step

forward to be counted.

There is much that media and the ad industry can do, aside from either rising in defense of Duterte or condemning him. All of that creative talent and the communications resources can be harnessed to educate the youth and those who are in the early stages of addiction.

I myself would be happy to volunteer.

One may ask, what about the human rights abuses that have already been committed? What about the victims of extra-judicial killings and their families, particularly those too poor to seek legal redress?

I think that is a separate issue altogether. Let those who have committed human rights violations, particularly cold-blooded killings, be answerable before the law. And that includes Duterte himself, and those in the Philippine National Police who have acted as prosecutors, judges and executioners.

I hope they realize that the late President Marcos himself and his family could not escape the long arm of international law. Soon after arriving in Hawaii after being deposed in 1986, Marcos was sued in the US District Courts for human rights violations committed during his presidency. He was adjudged culpable under the Alien Tort Claims Act which

provides, “The district courts shall have original jurisdiction of any civil action by an alien for a tort only, committed in violation of the law of nations or a treaty of the United States.”

A Hawaiian jury awarded over 9,500 Marcos human rights victims almost $2 billion in compensatory and punitive damages, a judgment that was affirmed on appeal.

In another celebrated case, Gen. Augusto Pinochet was indicted by a Spanish court for human rights violations committed by the former strongman of Chile in his native country.

Pinochet was arrested in London and incarcerated for a year and a half before being turned over by the British government to Chile, where he was indicted for his crimes.

According to an Internet entry, it was the first time that European courts applied the principle of “Universal Jurisdiction,” declaring themselves “competent to judge crimes committed by former heads of state.”

Will these apply to President Rodrigo Duterte and the PNP? Who knows? Maybe if Duterte stays only in Davao and the others don’t apply for green cards in the US, they will be beyond the reach of the international courts. Only their conscience will bother them. (gregmacabenta@hotmail.com)

Investing in democracy builds America

Commentary

Luisa BLue, BsN MANY of our parents fled repressive regimes for America to be able to freely voice their opinions and pursue their dreams.

At a time when authoritarian candidates are getting elected here and abroad, we must remember we came to this country because America allows the people a voice in how they are governed.

During the 1920s, when Filipino-American laborers were facing riots and persecution at a time of high economic anxiety, writer and activist Carlos Bulosan wrote, “We do not take democracy for granted. We feel

it grow in our working together — many millions of us working toward a common purpose. If it took us several decades of sacrifice to arrive at this faith, it is because it took us that long to know what part of America is ours.”

Bulosan understood that we have to come together to fight for immigrant and worker rights, and that the work is unending.

My parents came to the United States from the Philippines in pursuit of freedom and opportunity. At their urging to give back to their adopted country, I became a nurse, and then a union organizer for the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), because I believe that when we come together we can accomplish more.

I chaired SEIU’s investment in the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) civic engagement work in the 2016 election cycle, and we have provided unprecedented support to ensure that our community was educated about and engaged in elections.

And although the outcome of the presidential election was ultimately disappointing, AAPI voters in Nevada made their voices clearly heard. As a Filipina American, I was proud to see a tremendous 40 percent increase from 2012 in the Nevada AAPI early vote. Filipino and Asian Americans contributed to the election of the first Latina Senator, Catherine Cortez Masto and helped two new Democrats join Congress — Jacky

Rosen and Ruben Kihuen, who immigrated from Mexico when he was 8 years. Their victories are a silver lining to all working families. In the Silver State, according to recent exit polls conducted by the AAPI Civic Engagement Table, six out of 10 AAPI voters voted Democratic.

Since AAPIs constitute 9 percent of the electorate, we were a pivotal swing vote in a tightly contested election and provided more votes than the two-point margin of victory. On Election Day 2016, AAPI voters rang the bell for democracy in Nevada.

SEIU will continue the fight for democracy and working people who have come together in the fight for better futures for our families — from the Fight for $15 and a union to Black Lives Matter

to the fight for comprehensive immigration reform to action on climate change. Together we have shifted our nation’s political discourse around the state of injustice and inequality in our economy and democracy.

SEIU represents more than 2 million members including 110,000 AAPI workers nationally and we will continue to work with our AAPI members, community organizations, and community leaders to lift up the voices of AAPIs for civil, economic, and worker rights.

Now, more than ever, it is vital to invest in our democracy.

We must add to our victories by continuing to be involved through the yea, whether it’s by running for school board, attending city council meetings, or

telling our elected officials how we want them to vote. It’s not enough to vote once every two or four years.

SEIU is proud to stand with the Asian American Pacific Islander community in Nevada and with working people across this nation to support our collective voices for justice. We must honor the sacrifices of those who came before us by continuing to fight for immigrant and worker rights. *** Luisa Blue, BSN, is Executive Vice President of SEIU, the nation’s largest healthcare union, and a Filipina American nurse who helped to found the SEIU Nurse Alliance. She is one of the highest-ranking AAPIs in the labor movement and joined the union in 1977 by organizing nurses at her hospital.

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Dateline PhiliPPines

OC/IE ASIAN JOURNAL • NOvEmbER 18-24, 2016

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Court upholds dismissal of graft case vs Arroyo UN rapporteur lists down conditions before visiting PH to probe killings THE Sandiganbayan’s Fourth Division stood pat on its ruling dismissing the graft complaint filed against former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, former First Gentleman Jose Miguel “Mike” Arroyo, and former Commission on Elections Chairman Benjamin Abalos Sr. in connection with the botched $329-million national broadband network (NBN) deal.

In a six-page resolution dated November 10, the court denied for lack of merit the prosecution’s plea to reconsider the earlier ruling.

The court said it has “exhaustively discussed” the elements of the offense charged and that the prosecution’s evidence “failed to meet and satisfy the required elements.”

Arroyo is now a member of the House of Representatives, representing the second district of Pampanga.

In 2011, the spouses Arroyo and Abalos were accused of violating Section 3(g) of the AntiGraft and Corrupt Practices Act. “Even granting, without conceding, that the NBN Contract was grossly disadvantageous, it

should be emphasized that said contract was nevertheless cancelled. Following the ruling in Duterte v. Sandiganbayan, which the Court relied upon in resolving the instant case, the contract subject of this case no longer exists long before the filing of the Information in Court,” the court said.

Associate Justice Jose Hernandez, who leads the Sandiganbayan’s Fourth Division, and Associate Justices Alex Quiroz and Geraldine Faith Econg signed the resolution. (Reina Tolentino/ManilaTimes.net)

Duterte mulls following Russia in cutting ties with ICC MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte might follow Russia’s lead in cutting the country’s ties with the International Criminal Court a month after its prosecutor criticized the Philippines over summary killings in the war against illegal drugs.

Speaking to the media on Thursday, Nov., 17 prior to departing for Peru, Duterte cried foul over the international court’s notice to the Philippines.

“I might follow (Russia). Why? Tayo lang ang maliit na binugbog ng mga walanghiya,” Duterte said, adding that he is not privy to Russia’s reasons for withdrawal.

On Wednesday, Nov. 16, Russian President Vladimir Putin, whom Duterte has expressed admiration for, instructed his government to leave the treaty.

Russia, however, has not ratified the Rome Statutes, which established the ICC, making its exit merely symbolic.

The Philippines, on the other hand, has ratified the international treaty in 2011 when it was

hailed as a deterrent against genocide and other state-sponsored heinous crimes.

ICC Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda in October called the reported killings of more than 3,000 drug dealers and users in the Philippines at the start of Duterte’s term “worrying,” and vowed to follow developments in the country in the following weeks.

“Extra-judicial killings may fall under the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court if they are committed as part of a widespread or systematic attack against a civilian population pursuant to a State policy to commit such an attack,” Bensouda said in a statement issued in The Hague.

While he was in Brunei in October, Duterte publicly asked the Hague-based ICC not threaten him by launching an investigation into the war on drugs, saying he is “willing to rot in jail for Filipinos.”

The United Nations, the United States, and even the European

Union have similarly expressed concern over extrajudicial killings, which the Philippine government seems to condone.

Withdrawing from the ICC The Philippines, as a party to the Rome Statutes, can follow three other African countries in expressing its intent to back out from the treaty by notifying the United Nations secretary-general through a letter.

A clause in the Rome Statutes says the withdrawal may take effect one year after the date of receipt of the notification, unless a later date is specified.

Any state seeking to withdraw, however, is not excused from ICC obligations, investigations and proceedings which arise from incidents that occurred while the state was still a party to the treaty.

The Philippines’ ratification of the statute in 2011 was seen as a step in upholding a rules-based international system, human rights law and humanitarian law.

(Philstar.com)

Filipinos rate Duterte admin ‘very...

PAGE A5 tion (+57) • Fighting terrorism (+55) • Defending the country’s territorial rights (+55) • Distributing land to deserving tillers under land reform (+53) The government got a rating of “good” — between +30 to +49 — in the following issues: • Developing science and technology (+49) • Providing jobs (+46)

• Reconciliation with Muslim rebels (+42) • Foreign relations (+39) • Ensuring an efficient transportation system (+39) • Reconciliation with communist rebels (+39) • Ensuring that no family will ever be hungry (+37) • Fighting inflation (+33) The BusinessWorld report on the SWS survey results quoted Presidential Communications

Secretary Martin Andanar as saying the high satisfaction rating are proof that “our people are seeing the efforts of the President and his Cabinet to help achieve the vision for the country.”

Duterte, who was elected in the May elections, promised during the campaign period that he would fight drugs, crime and corruption in government, themes that he regularly returns to in his speeches.

by Dana

M. SioSon

AJPress

THE United Nations (UN) special rapporteur on summary executions Agnes Callamard has set several conditions before visiting the Philippines to conduct an investigation on the alleged spate of summary killings in the country.

“In the invitation letter [sent by the Philippines], there were some conditions set. She has responded already with her own conditions,” Senator Bam Aquino disclosed on Wednesday, November 16, representing the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

According to Aquino, the UN rapporteur requested the Philippines to also extend an invitation to the UN special rapporteur on health.

He added that Callamard also wanted a “freedom of movement” in the whole country, and “freedom of inquiry” along with “appropriate security arrangements.”

Also included in her conditions were contacts with central and local authorities; contacts with

Agnes Callamard

representatives of NGOs, private institutions, and the media; and confidential and unsupervised contact with witnesses and other private persons, including persons deprived of their liberty considered necessary to fulfill the mandate of their job.

Likewise, Callamard wanted an assurance by the government that persons who would be in contact with her “will not suffer threats or punishment or be subjected to judicial pro-

ceedings.”

On the other hand, Aquino said that President Rodrigo Duterte “insisted on a public debate between himself and the UN special rapporteur” as one of the government’s conditions.

Callamard however, did not make any statement regarding the president’s condition, according to Aquino.

Last September, President Duterte extended an invitation to his international critics to come to the Philippines and investigate alleged summary killings related to the government’s crackdown on illegal drugs. Duterte’s invitation comes after several UN officials and rapporteurs publicly criticized the administration’s war on narcotics.

Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella previously confirmed that the Philippine government formally sent an invitation to Callamard who reportedly received it on October.

According to Aquino, a meeting will be conducted next week to discuss the conditions set by the Philippine government and the United Nations.

Beijing sees improvement in PH-China ties relations with China, which suits the fundamental and long-term interests of the two sides,” Geng MANILA – China sees an said.

Geng said China would like to “overall” improvement of its relations with the Philippines, es- work with the Philippines to furpecially with President Duterte’s ther promote friendly cooperapronouncement that he would tion and reap more tangible outcontinue to shift Manila closer to comes for the benefit of the two Beijing despite Donald Trump’s countries and the people.

“China pursues its relationship victory in the U.S. presidential with countries around the world election.

Asked about Duterte’s com- in the spirit of openness, inclument, Geng Shuang, spokesper- siveness, mutual benefit and winson for the Ministry of Foreign win results. We believe in all the Affairs of China, said the Presi- normal state-to-state relationship dent’s remarks were “noted” by for friendly cooperation that are based on equality and mutual Beijing.

“He has made clear once again respect, and hope such kind of to the international community, relationship can be conducive to with his recent words and ac- regional peace, stability and detions, his position on improving velopment,” Geng said on Monby Pia Lee-Brago Philstar.com

day, Nov. 14.

The transcript of his briefing was posted on the website of China’s foreign ministry.

Returning from his state visit to Malaysia last week, Duterte said, “I will pursue what I’ve started,” referring to the country’s pivot to China.

“My partnership with China and the rest of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) will remain. I am not in the habit of reneging on my word,” he added.

Duterte called himself “just a small molecule in the planet” compared with Trump. “He is now president of the most powerful country in the world,” Duterte said. “What we share in common is the passion to serve.”

PNP chief ready to face consequences...

PAGE A5

sisinungaling (I didn’t lie). Sinabi ko lang yung katotohanan para transparent tayo (I only told the truth so we could be transparent),” Dela Rosa said, adding that he didn’t regret he did not

have to shell out any money to spend quality time with his family abroad.

The PNP chief also thanked Pacquiao for defending him on the issue. The boxer-senator earlier said that it’s better to

treat people than engage in illegal activities.

The boxing champion also reportedly shouldered the travel and accommodation expenses of some of his other supporters as well.

A

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november 18-24, 2016

2

The history of Thanksgiving: Celebrating past the turkey

by AJPress

Thanksgiving is a particularly american holiday. The word evokes images of football, family reunions, roasted turkey with stuffing, pumpkin pie and, of course, shopping. however, the holiday is much more than that. in 1609, a group of Puritans fleeing religious persecution in England moved to holland. They lived in holland for a number of years until a group of English investors — the Merchant adventurers — financed a trip for more than 100 passengers to the new World.

The set sail on sept. 6, 1820 via the ship Mayflower from England, On sept. 6, 1620. They arrived in the new World after 65 days and settled in a town called Plymouth in what is now called Massachusetts. The Pilgrims’ first winter was so harsh that fewer than 50 of the group survived the season. Most of the colonists remained on board the ship during that brutal winter, where they suffered from exposure, scurvy, and outbreaks of contagious disease. in March, the remaining settlers moved ashore, where they received an astonishing visit from an abenaki indian who greeted them in English. several days later, he returned with another native american, squanto, a member of the Pawtuxet tribe who had been kidnapped by an English sea captain and sold into slavery before escaping to London and returning to his homeland on an exploratory expedition.

squanto taught the Pilgrims, weakened by malnutrition and illness, how to cultivate corn, extract sap from maple trees, catch fish in the rivers and avoid poisonous plants. he also helped the settlers forge an alliance with the Wampanoag, a local tribe, which would endure for more than 50 years and tragically remains one of the sole examples of harmony between European colonists and native americans. in 1621, the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag indians shared an autumn harvest feast. it is acknowledged today as one of the first Thanksgiving celebrations in the colonies. For over two centuries, Thanksgiving was celebrated by individual

colonies and states. it wasn’t until 1863, in the midst of the Civil War, that President abraham Lincoln proclaimed in 1939 a national Thanksgiving Day to be held each every fourth Thursday of november.

Thanksgiving has always been viewed as an example of the possibility of great respect and cooperation between two different cultures. however, others see it as a symbol of the colonists’ eventual persecution of the american indians. sadly, the friendly spirit of the first Thanksgiving and the 50-year period of peace that followed is one exception in a long history of bloodshed between native american tribes and European settlers. in 1970, some american indians began observing a Day of Mourning on Thanksgiving Day to remember the violence and discrimination suffered by their ancestors. The Day of Mourning is observed by gathering at the top of “Coles hill,” which overlooks Plymouth Rock.

Today, the Thanksgiving celebration has lost a lot of its original historical significance. The holiday now centers mostly on cooking, feasting with family and friends, entertainment and shopping. in fact, many americans know little about the history, as well as its true meaning. in essence, Thanksgiving should be considered as an expression of gratitude — for survival, the recognition of a flourishing community and life; and unity. With these in mind, we humbly reflect upon all the gifts (family, friends, health) that saturate our lives. By “givingthanks” we choose to extend ourselves and share or give to others our time, resources and care.

What’s on the table for Thanksgiving? as its name suggests, Thanksgiving is a holiday centered on giving thanks for the numerous blessings in our lives. During the meal — whether held at lunch or dinnertime — it is tradition to go around and answer the question, “What are you grateful for?”

But beyond the significance of the holiday, it is known as a day for indulging and filling your stomach alongside loved ones and friends. What a Thanksgiving meal comprises of may vary from family to family but there are some dishes that are typically found at the dining table: Turkey This bird, whether roasted, baked or deep-fried, is undoubtedly the star of this holiday. On Thanksgiving Day, nearly 90 percent of americans gather together to carve and feast on a turkey, which is why this holiday is casually called “Turkey Day.” Though several historians have argued that this particular bird was absent from the first Thanksgiving feast, it is said that it became a staple after the Civil War. The size of the turkey is perhaps why the tradition began in the first place: it is enough to feed an entire family. Though the preparation of the turkey takes several hours on average, it is well worth the wait once you start digging in and even better, there is usually enough leftover meat for subsequent meals!

STuffing The table spread is also not complete without stuffing, which is made from bread, herbs and other ingredients you wish to include. it has been translated into different versions over the years; some opt to use sausage, oysters or vegetables. it can be prepared by stuffing it inside the turkey, while others make it separately to serve as a side dish, which is called dressing.

Cranberry SauCe in addition to gravy, cranberry sauce is a sweet condiment that surprisingly pairs well with the turkey and the other savory sides. The simplest way to create it is by boiling and mixing fresh cranberries with sugar. Though some may argue against having canned cranberry jelly present at the meal, it has become part of an iconic Thanksgiving meal because of its convenience and cheaper cost.

MaShed poTaToeS Whether you use idaho Russets or sweet potatoes, the spuds in mashed form continuously prove to be a perfect side to the main dishes. puMpkin pie a Thanksgiving feast usually caps off with a warm pumpkin

pie. a symbol of fall, pumpkin was not widely used to make pie for Thanksgiving dinner until the 19th century. it is commonly served a la mode with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or with a dollop of whipped cream on top. in addition to pumpkin, other pies popularly baked are pecan, apple and sweet potato. (AJPress)

bb Gandanghari is now a legal woman bb Gandanghari on Thursday, nov. 17 rejoiced after a court in the United States recognized her legally as a woman. bb shared the news on her Instagram account on Thursday. Her identity has been changed from rustom Padilla to binibini Gandanghari.

“This is it! And I thought this day would never come.

And I thank my GoD and my LorD for making these things happen. everything makes sense now... and to this great country the United States of America for providing this #basicrhumanright... Thank you!!!,” her caption wrote.

In 2013, bb revealed she signs documents as bb Gandanghari but sometimes with an a.k.a. rustom Padilla in her credit card, identification card, among others. However, after the Los Angeles court approved changes in her name and gender to female, she can now legally do so without mentioning her previous male identity. bb filed her identity change request last August 2016 before the orange County Courthouse. bb is a former action star but decided to come out in 2006 at the AbS-Cbn reality Tv show, “Pinoy big brother Celebrity edition.” (Philstar.com)

BB Gandanghari

Iñigo Pascual on his own

by Honey

orio-escullar Philstar.com

“I wouldn’t say that kasi si Papa, we have a different genre. Pag IñIGo Pascual is becoming his kinanta ko yung genre niya, hindi own person with the release of his ko magagawa, pero pag kinanta self-titled debut album. ni Papa yung genre ko… We have “I would say that I can make (a a different style in music and the name for myself) because I have tonality of our voice. Pero palagi the talent and not because I’m kong sinasabi mas magaling na Piolo Pascual’s son,” says Iñigo who artista si Piolo Pascual.” doesn’t feel any pressure being As stated in the press release, compared to his famous dad and Iñigo’s passion for music goes back living up to people’s expectations to his childhood when he learned to that he could equal, if not surpass, play the piano at the age of seven his dad’s accomplishments in — all by himself. At 12, he already showbiz. knew how to play the guitar and “To be honest, being told that ukulele. It was also the first time I’m only famous because I have my Inigo wrote a song, called “Fallen,” dad on my side doesn’t affect me. which is included in his album. He but I use it instead as a motivation has also dabbled in theater when to challenge and prove myself. And I he played Link Larkin in the musical guess through this (album), I’m able “Hairspray” in high school. to show what I can be. And that’s my Iñigo says it feels so surreal to plan through my music. I guess this finally have his own album. “I still album makes me more confident could not believe when it first came na masasabi kong ako po talaga ito out on the radio. I was so emotional and I’m able to somewhat have my dahil iba yung feeling na you wrote own identity in this business,” the some of the songs and especially Kapamilya star explains. the single “Dahil Sa’yo.” The feeling For Inigo, being the son of that you’ve been able to hear on the Piolo is more than just having good radio the song that you wrote was looks and a famous last name but something really special,” he shares. also having the talent, a sense of “To be honest, when I saw the purpose and a big dream. Given his actual copy of the album earlier for inclination to music, it’s no wonder the first time, I was just staring at it. that Inigo takes after his dad.

So, this is it. ever since I was a kid, How does he react when he is this is something that I’ve always told that he sings better than his wondered how it would be like, and dad? now that it actually happens. It’s a

november 18-24, 2016 www.asianjournal.com

Dingdong Dantes learns more about marriage in new movie by tessa Mauricio-arriola ManilaTimes.net

movie “The Unmarried Wife.”

The curiously—and seemingly contradictory—titled film opens today, and also stars Angelica Panganiban and Paulo Avelino, under the direction of maryo J. de los.

The story, written by vanessa valdez, is centered on Anne (Angelica Panganiban), a woman who is afraid to love beacuse of a traumatic childhood experience.

Geoff (Dingdong Dantes) changes all that when she meets him— they fall in love and marry. marital bliss ends too quickly, however, as Geoff’s infidelity gets in the way, rendering Anne practically an “unmarried” woman.

“In a way, ito ‘yung katototohanan na maaaring mangyari,” Dantes continued. “I think yung kuwento ni Anne, Geoff and bryan [Avelino] sa movie ay totoong kuwento na nangyayari talaga sa kapaligiran natin.

What better way to learn from it than by immersing sa mismong nangyari. And as a husband in real life, I hope to learn from Geoff’s experience and be a better husband to my wife.”

The actor further noted that a movie, which boldly tackles family, marital issues, and separation— possibly even instigating a renewed debate on whether divorce should be legalized in the Philip-pines—is a useful tool for individuals to reflect on their lives, as well as their stance on certain

A-list actor and celebrity Dingdong Dantes’ marriage to marian rivera has been a fairy tale from the very beginning. Dubbed no less as the “royal Wedding” given their status as “GmA network’s Prime-time King and Queen,” the December 30, 2014 nuptial is easily recalled as one of the most memorable showbiz unions in these shores.

Here was a dashing groom, his stunning bride, a throng of bishops and priests blessing their bond in a beautiful cathedral, and the most lavish banquet to celebrate their union.

Almost two years after what is still considered the wedding of the decade, Dantes’ life with his young wife remains picture perfect, especially with an almost year-old baby girl, Letizia, who officially made them a family.

And as marian talks about being a hands-on mom, a dutiful wife, and an all around happy homemaker in her regular interviews, her husband humbly acknowledges he cannot be luckier.

“I especially feel that way given the theme of my current movie, which shows the more Iñigo on having a famous dad in Piolo Pascual: difficult reali-ties that many I use it to challenge and prove myself. couples actually encounter,” said Dantes during The Manila Times’ dream that’s already happening, turn at a Q&A for the Star Cinema becoming a reality. So, sobrang sarap po sa pakiramdam.”

Inigo’s pop-dance album contains three of his compositions “Dahil Sa’yo,” his first single, “Fallen” and “Dito.” Completing the track list are: his cover song “binibini;” the all-original songs “That Hero” (composed by Jonathan manalo), “Your Love” (Shorya Shorma & Samuel Simpson, the Singaporeanbased Academy of rock composers), “Ikaw at Ako” (Gabriel Tagadtad), “Live Life brighter” (miles blue Sy), “Lullabye bye” and the acoustic version of “Dito.” The album is produced by Kidwolf, who had also worked on songs by Star music artists matteo Guidicelli, marion Robin Padilla and Mariel Rodriguez named their new bundle of joy as Maria Isabella.

Aunor and Gimme 5.

Dingdong Dantes

ques-tions.

“Maganda na yung mga ganitong klaseng problema ay napo-point out na posibleng maencounter later on, so that para sa akin, puwede siyang maging measure para mas mag-step up or mas alagaan kung ano ang meron ako ngayon,” Dantes said. nevertheless, the 36-year-old husband is hesitant to dish out marriage advice at this point in his rela-tionship.

“Bago pa lang kami kasi, magdadalawang taon pa lang so I’m not in any position to give others advice. I have so much more to learn to be a better husband. Pero kung meron mang isang realization dito, ‘yun ay lahat tayo ay flawed. We may commit mistakes and what matters most is how we rise above the situation, paano natin maaayos ito at paano magiging mas mabubuting tao pagkatapos ng problema,” he ended.

Mariel Rodriguez gives birth

by Kristy

so

Philstar.com

mArIeL rodriguez gave birth to her first child with robin Padilla!

Their daughter named maria Isabella was born on monday, nov. 14, at 7:56 a.m., which was announced by robin on his Instagram account.

According to him, his wife had a normal delivery and was in labor for 21 hours with their daughter who came out Continued on Page 4

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november 18-24, 2016 www.asianjournal.com

4

Phil. Dept. of Agriculture’s key officials visit Island Pacific Seafood Market Key officials from the Department of Agriculture of the Philippines visited Island Pacific Seafood market in rancho Cucamonga, CA last november 3, 2016. The team was warmly welcomed by the top executives of Island Pacific’s marketing and purchasing departments as they participated in the store visit. representatives from the Phil. Department of Agriculture include ms. evelyn G. Laviña, Undersecretary for Agribusiness and High value Crops, ms. Josyline Javelosa, Agriculture Attaché at the Philippine embassy in Washington DC, mr. Jose ma Dinsay, Trade representative and Director of the Philippine Trade and Investment Center of (Los Angeles), mr. Lorenzo Carungulan, Agriculture Director for the Cordillera Administrative region (DA), mr. Pedro mayamao, Governor of the Province of Ifugao (DA), mr. rufino Panagan,

Consultant of north Luzon Cluster (DA), mr. ruben Dulagan, Senior Agriculturist at the Cordillera Administrative region (DA), mr. ronaldo Caddarao, market Specialist, Department of Agriculture-Agribusiness and marketing Assistance Service, mr. Domingo Duerme, President and Ceo, Planters Products Inc. and mr. Jimmy Lingayo, manager, rice Terraces Farmers’ Cooperative. one of the main objectives of the store tour was for the Philippine Department of Agriculture to study the local US market as well as the variety of products currently available for Filipino-Americans. over the past few years, the agricultural business has taken a backseat to other industries in the Philippines and has not been given much priority, thus, resulting in a lack of Philippine products being exported to other countries.

The Philippine Department of Agriculture now seeks to promote Philippine products to the U.S. and to boost the volume of Filipino products being exported overseas.

Through Island Pacific Seafood market, they aim to introduce the Filipino-Americans to products with main ingredients that are not only manufactured in the Philippines, but are also grown and harvested by Filipino farmers. Such products include brown rice from Kalinga, black rice from mt. Province, premium chocolate from Davao, toasted coconut chips, coco butter, virgin coconut oil and coco jam from Quezon province.

Island Pacific fully supports the Philippine Department of Agriculture as it aims to provide its customers not only with affordable products but also with a wide variety of options.

(Advertising Supplement)

Mariel Rodriguez gives...

From Page 3

weighing 7.3 pounds and 20 inches long. robin was not able to join his wife in the U.S. as he was not granted with a visa in time for her maternity date. This was due to the conditional pardon granted to him in 1998 by former President Fidel v. ramos after

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

being in jail for three years for illegal possession of firearms.

Despite this, robin is thankful for everyone who supported his wife, including mariel’s parents, relatives, doctor and nurses who accompanied her in her labor.

“Ako’y nagpupugay at naglulumuhod sa lahat ng mga

Pilipino sa buong mundo na nagdasal at nagsalmo para maging maayos ang kabanata na ito sa buhay ni @marieltpadilla at ni maria Isabella de Padilla,” the actor added. before successfully conceiving a child, mariel suffered two miscarriages last year.

EMPLOYMENT

FOSTER HOMECARE

Treasurer launches first-in-nation college savings gift cards at Toys ‘R’ Us, Babies ‘R’ Us stores

november 18-24, 2016 www.asianjournal.com

5

Consumer-friendly gift cards seek to be a game changer LOS ANGELES – Treasurer John Chiang announced on Wednesday, Nov. 16 that his office has become the first in the nation to offer gift cards—a popular stocking stuffer used by nearly 93 percent of American consumers— as a way of helping Californians give the gift of college.

The cards are arriving in 96 Babies “R” Us and Toys “R” Us stores across California just in time for the holidays. Treasurer Chiang forged the partnership with the largest standalone toy store chain in the world to offer the pioneering new product.

The cards will also be available at Babies “R” Us, an affiliate of Toys “R” Us, which offers an assortment of products for newborns, infants, and toddlers.

“There is no more time-tested solution to poverty, crime, or income inequality than to make college education an affordable possibility for every child who seeks one,” said Chiang. “Faced with skyrocketing tuition, we must empower Californians to save, invest, and plan for their children’s futures.”

By using a familiar product in an innovative way, never before has it been this easy for relatives, friends, or even a parent’s employer, to help kids save for college.

Saving for college is critical, state educators agree.

“The University of California and the State are doing all they can to ensure that a college education is affordable through financial aid programs, but saving for your child’s education is a prudent financial decision,” said

a child is a great way to do that because earnings from funds in the account are not taxed if the money is spent on college expenses.”

The gift cards allow families and friends to contribute to college savings accounts with California’s highly-rated UC President Janet Napolitano.

Scholarshare 529 plan in three “Saving for future education easy steps: expenses through 529 college Parents or guardians register saving programs like ScholarShare the child, linking an existing or is an essential part of preparing new ScholarShare 529 plan. our future generation of students.”

Friends and family can “One of the best ways a then contribute by purchasing parent, grandparent, friend, or physical or digital gift cards at any relative can help children achieve California-based Toys “R” Us or their college dreams is to begin Babies “R” Us retail store or online saving early for college expenses,” at www.scholarshare.com agreed State Superintendent of The gift cards can then be Public Instruction Tom Torlakson. redeemed at GiftofCollege.

“Opening or contributing to com.,where funds are then a 529 ScholarShare account for transferred directly to the

2017 CAUSE Leadership Academy: Applications now open PASADENA, CA – Center for Asian Americans United for Self Empowerment (CAUSE) is now officially accepting applications for the 2017 CAUSE Leadership Academy.

The CAUSE Leadership Academy (CLA), which was formerly the California Asian American Student Internship Coalition (CASIC), was founded in 1991 in order to develop a pipeline of leadership for the Asian Pacific American (APA) community. Despite APAs being the fastest growing community in the United States, representation and leadership has not kept pace with the growing and changing demographics.

CLA teaches students the importance of civic engagement and political participation and prepares its participants to be leaders at the forefront of the democratic process. Through exposure to decision-makers, policy makers, and the issues of the day, students gain a deeper awareness of the political issues facing the APA community in California and the nation.

Graduates of this program have gone on to run for political office and have even become leaders in politics, business, and nonprofits.

The CLA Program, based in Los Angeles, CA, offers opportunities for students to gain firsthand experience in

politics through constituent services, community organizing, community relations, legislative research, etc. Program participants intern at the district offices of various elected officials in Southern California.

The program includes: · Internship in a political public office · Civic leadership workshops · Group service-oriented project · $1,500 stipend (upon satisfactory completion of program) · Airfare sponsored by Southwest Airlines Mandatory attendance Continued on Page 6

SKT Immigration

Eliot KriEgEr THE H-1B visa enables foreign professionals from all over the world to live and work in the United States (“U.S.”). It is a particularly great option for international students whose academic program or practical training is near-completion.

Through the H-1B visa program, U.S. employers can temporarily hire foreign professionals for specialty occupations in the U.S. A “specialty occupation” is defined as “an occupation that requires (a) theoretical and practical application of a body of highly specialized knowledge and (b)

recipients’ plan.

A recent study by the Journal of Children and Poverty, concluded that kids with savings accounts in their names are seven times more likely to attend college than children without such accounts.

“Thanks to our Toys “R” Us partnership California families now have an easy and convenient way to build a college nest egg and a realistic path to helping their children earn a college degree without saddling them with crippling debt,” Chiang said.

The ScholarShare 529 College Savings Plan Named for the section of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) code under which they were created, 529 plans offer valuable tax advantages. Contributions are made with money that

has already been taxed. Once funds are placed in the account, investment earnings, if any, are not federally or state taxed, if withdrawn to pay for qualified higher education expenses.

California’s 529 plan is called ScholarShare. Accounts may be opened with as little as $25.

ScholarShare has no annual account maintenance fee, no income limit and offers a high maximum account balance.

ScholarShare, which is governed by a board chaired

by Treasurer John Chiang, is ranked as one of the top-rated 529 college savings plans in the country by Morningstar, an independent investment research firm. ScholarShare currently holds over $6.9 billion in assets in more than 278,000 accounts as of 9/30/16.

H-1B Visa: live and work in the United States attainment of a bachelor’s or higher degree in the specific specialty (or its equivalent) as a minimum for entry into the occupation in the United States.”

Essentially, a specialty occupation is one that requires higher level education and specialized skill or knowledge.

To qualify for an H-1B visa, the sponsoring employer must first file a Labor Condition Application and obtain certification from the Department of Labor. The sponsoring employer must then file a petition with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), evidencing the following: • The sponsoring employer

and beneficiary will have an employer-employee relationship; • Beneficiary’s job qualifies as a specialty occupation; • Beneficiary is qualified for the specialty occupation based on his or her education and work experience; • Beneficiary will be paid the prevailing or actual wage for the specialty occupation; and • Employment of the beneficiary will not negatively affect the working conditions of similarly employed workers of the sponsoring employer.

The H-1B visa is initially valid for up to 3 years and can be renewed for a combined total of Continued on Page 6

november 18-24, 2016 www.asianjournal.com

Immigrant Living: 101 and beyond Monette aDeva Maglaya mY husband and I and my sister olga were having breakfast after mass at the Holy Family Church and school fundraiser in Glendale California two years ago one beautiful fall morning when a statuesque, well groomed lady holding her breakfast tray asked if she could join us. We said yes of course. There weren’t enough tables and chairs in the auditorium at the time.

After a few pleasantries and the frost among strangers had thawed, the woman indicated that she was from the east Coast and she was visiting her son who lived in the city. She was staying in a hotel for a few days and had checked online for the nearest church where she could attend mass. She remarked that the church with Spanish architecture built in the 1920’s was beautiful.

The conversation around the table was light at first, meandering around innocuous, safe topics. out of nowhere, she asked us to pray for her son. Startled at first, I asked what her son’s name was and we all must have made a mental note of it. It seems that her 36-year old son who is an engineer, with so much going for him, had a major relapse in his bid to overcome his alcoholic addiction — yet again.

His poison of choice – vodka.

She was in town to check him in to a rehab facility and taking a chance on a new drug that would have adverse, irreversible ramifications if there is recidivism or if he ever went back to the bottle. In short, it was a last ditch attempt to end his addiction. over breakfast we had a glimpse of the turmoil the woman was going through in seeing a loved one going through the repeated cycles of addiction and rehabilitation, only to go through it over and over again– a seemingly hopeless struggle that many battle with these days.

It is like Sisyphus of Greek mythology who was punished by the gods for chronic deceitfulness and wickedness. He was cursed for eternity to roll a rock uphill only to have fate roll it back downhill just when success at lodging it safely on top of a steep hill was a sure thing.

She let slip that another son had died in the last year, the reason for which, she didn’t mention. And she would have to come again and visit in December because her alcoholic son has an ex-girlfriend who is pregnant and is due by then. You can’t make this stuff up. Life is just so tough that her face was etched in pain.

Yet there was also a brief glimpse of hope for the baby about to be born. Grief, just like joy, has way of welling up within and spilling over.

We listened to her over breakfast aware that she just wanted to ease up some of the heavy burden that was troubling her. A lot of us are like this woman.

We each have problems that seem too much to bear until we reach out and ask others to pray for us,

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Prayer: The most powerful force in the universe “We are not human beings having a spiritual experience; we are spiritual beings having a human experience.”

— Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

even strangers we will never ever see again. We ask others to knock and bang on the doors of heaven with a battering ram, if need be, to beg for help on our behalf.

In many ways, each one of us can be a prayer warrior. often, we come to church just to be with others who are a bit like us, seeking one another’s company in seeking God’s help in many ways, big and small. because we know deep down, by ourselves we can do nothing.

Just as gravity holds the physical universe together, prayer draws the spirit universe together among kindred souls. The power of prayer is unimaginable among those whose faith is built on solid rock.

If you can, please pray for this anonymous woman mrs. b and her son G. mother and son both need prayers so badly; for the son to break the bonds of addiction once and for all and for the mother or the strength and the fortitude to endure her trials and finally, for both mother and son to find the peace, serenity and just maybe, hope and joy even in a season of darkness.

And while we’re at it, we might as well decide to make time for prayer ourselves. We need to grit our teeth and cut off the electronic leash that is so much a part of our lives these days. We know we are in deep trouble when we have to post the latest “selfies” on Fb even while we are in the restroom.

Isn’t it time we weaned ourselves from having to spend too much time tethered to our gadgets? our obsession with our tech toys may very well be another form of addiction.

Dwell in the silence for that is where God is. How can God speak to us if our ears are stuffed up, our hearts are not right and our minds are cluttered with nonessentials all the time? modern life is much too full of inane, sometimes insane, distractions assailing all our senses during our waking hours to make time for God. Perhaps we can even pray for complete strangers and those in our immediate orbit who we know are in dire straits but are either too timid or too proud to ask for help. There are people who feel diminished if they ask for help. They label themselves as proudly independent. The truth is that they are poor, unfortunate fools severely afflicted with hubris. Hubris, that extreme form of pride, the same brand that brought down the fallen angels, always prevents humans from seeking help.

When we pray, we need to learn how to delete specifics.

God knows specifics — our blood type, our DnA, even the number of hair on our heads. God knows

what we are asking for. The how, what, why, when and where of answers to prayers will have to be his call and his alone.

God’s love for us is beyond all telling. It will be between God and each one of us alone in the silence of our hearts. It will be that space and time where there is no Fb, no Instagram, no Snapchat, no Twitter — none of the things that tend to make pompous asses of ourselves demanding attention and approval from others.

The answer to prayers is God’s call alone. We ask for help but end our prayers in humble supplication saying as Jesus said in agony as he prayed to the Father, “ … yet not my will, but yours be done.” We are simply conduits, pipelines of the flow of good that comes from God. but there is a residual effect when we suit up and become prayer warriors.

The prayers we pray build layer upon layer an intangible aura of light and goodness that soak us, permeate and envelop us. And just like in the physical universe, what goes around always comes around. The laws of cause and effect also govern the spiritual universe.

It is uncanny but most of us who try our best to nurture a spiritual life even as we take care of our bodies, have that instinctive gift for detecting which among us emanate this invisible shield of energy and light. They are usually the ones with the quiet or sometimes effusive, contagious joy about them. Strangely, we tend to gravitate towards such people.

After all, as humans, we are all in this together, from one generation to the next.

As the Jesuit priest, Pierre Teilhard de Chardin once so astutely said of humanity: “We are not human beings having a spiritual experience; we are spiritual beings having a human experience.”

I have the strangest feeling that with faith and unceasing prayer, both mother and son and his new family will be just fine in the end. There is no doubt it will be a long tough slog but they won’t be alone. The woman has faith. She reaches out and asks for prayers and the ripple of powerful heartfelt prayers builds up like a tsunami wave that will burst open heaven’s door for the graces they need.

Will we ever know for certain of the outcome? Perhaps not, but that is what faith does. We do not need to know. We simply trust in God’s ways. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.com

H-1B Visa: live and work in the...

From Page 5 6 years. beneficiaries of approved H-1b petitions can bring their spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 to the U.S. in H-4 status for the duration of the beneficiary’s stay. Additionally, unlike most other nonimmigrant visas, the H-1b visa is a dualintent visa, meaning that the H-1b beneficiary may file for a green card without potentially jeopardizing his or her visa status.

There is an annual limit of 65,000 visas for each fiscal year allocated to H-1b. 20,000

additional visas are available for professionals with masters or doctoral degrees from U.S. universities. Certain beneficiaries are exempted from this cap, including recipients of H-1b extensions and beneficiaries of employment offers from institutions of higher education, nonprofit research entities, or governmental research organizations.

Applying for an H-1b visa can be lengthy and frustrating without the help of experienced attorneys and staff. our seasoned

team can assist and guide you through the H-1b application process. ***

Eliot Krieger is a Partner at Sullivan, Krieger, Truong, Spagnola, and Klausner, LLP. He is a former Assistant United States Attorney with the United States Department of Justice. He has a Ph.D. from Johns Hopkins University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School.

Website: www.sullivankrieger.com Contact us at any of our offices: Long Beach + 1 (562) 597-7070 Irvine + 1 (949) 390-5270 Philippines + 63-2-788-5196 (Advertising Supplement)

2017 CAUSE Leadership Academy...

From Page 5

required: · orientation Week: June 19 - 22, 2017 · Kickoff Press Conference: June 23, 2017 · APA Legislative Conference in the State Capitol: July 10 - 11, 2017* · Graduation: August 18, 2017 *Date is tentative All application materials must be received by Tuesday, January 31, 2017 at 11:59 Pm PST. Top applicants will be selected for an interview with the CAUSe Selection Panel on Saturday, February 18, 2017 or Saturday,

February 25, 2017. Final decisions will be made towards the end of march. Please contact CAUSe at info@causeusa.org or at (626) 356-9838, if you have any questions.

It is the policy of Center for Asian Americans United for Self empowerment (CAUSe) to provide equal opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual preference, age, or disability.

--Center for Asian Americans United for Self empowerment (CAUSe) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit,

Calcium is essential

Health@Heart

nonpartisan, community-based organization with a mission to advance the political empowerment of the Asian Pacific American community through nonpartisan voter registration and education, community outreach, and leadership development.

For any further inquiries, please contact CAUSe via phone at (626) 356-9838 or email at info@causeusa.org. General information can be obtained from our website at www.causeusa. org. our office is located at 260 S. Los robles Ave., #115 Pasadena, CA 91101

PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS What is calcium?

Calcium is a hard, silvery metallic element with an atomic number of 20 and an atomic weight of 40.078. It is a mineral found in bones, teeth and other body tissues. Calcium is essential to the human diet and people normally ingest between 600 to 1400 mg. per day. It is indispensable and critical for normal cell function, blood clotting, dental and skeletal health, muscle contraction, nerve signal transmission and proper heart function.

Where is calcium stored in the body?

About 99 percent of calcium is in the bones and one percent in extracellular fluid (50 percent in the free active ionized form, 40 percent is bound to protein, primarily albumin, and 10 percent is complexed with anions, as calcium citrate). Calcium regulation is controlled by parathyroid hormone, vitamin D and calcitonin, and affected by magnesium and phosphorus level.

What are the symptoms of low calcium?

Signs and symptoms of hypocalcemia vary depending on the severity. They are: muscle cramps, leg and feet tingling and numbness, dry skin, coarse hair, brittle nail, poor dentition, osteoporosis and fractures, bleeding problem, seizures, angina, heart rhythm disorders, congestive heart failure, swallowing problem, abdominal pains, pancreatitis, kidney or liver failure, cardiovascular collapse, and death.

What is the Dietary Reference Intake?

The DrI for calcium in the various age groups per day are as follows: 0-6 months, 210 mg; 6-12 months, 270 mg; 1-3 years, 500 mg; 4-8 years, 800 mg; 9-18 years, 1,300 mg; 19-50 years, 1,000 mg or 1 Gram; and 51older, 1,200 mg. The U.S. national Institute of Health reported that a great majority of people are not consuming the recommended Daily Allowance of calcium.

What are the sources of calcium?

The dietary sources of calcium are from milk and milk products, like cheese, yogurt, dark green leafy vegetables, broccoli, kale, breakfast wheat and bran cereals, beans, nuts, grains, canned salmon and sardines (in the bones). Those who do not eat dairy products daily would need a calcium supplement.

When is calcium most essential for bone health?

Calcium is the most essential for an individual from birth to age 18, where bones are forming and growing. breast milk and milk formula are rich in calcium, and it is important that the diet of a growing child is also rich in calcium. Preschoolers and teenagers usually choose juice or soda with their meals and this leads to inadequate calcium intake. by age 35, our bones have reached their maximum strength, so how much calcium we provide our bones in early life will determine how strong they will be later in life. bones continue to accumulate calcium after they have stopped growing, hence sufficient calcium in the diet, or supplementation, is essential, even up to the ripe old age. how about calcium during pregnancy?

Pregnant women need more calcium for obvious reasons. They are sharing their body calcium with the baby in the womb.

This puts the demand on the mother’s own supply, hence she needs calcium supplementation.

Increasing calcium ingestion can even help maintain normal blood pressure among pregnant women and prevent the so-called pregnancy-induced hypertension, a grave complication that could increase the risk for both the mother and the baby.

Does calcium play role in the treatment for menopause?

Yes, very much so. When menopause sets in, the woman produces much less estrogen, and this makes her more prone to osteoporosis and frequent bone fractures. Calcium has been proven to minimize bone loss after menopause and at the same time making estrogen replacement therapy work three times more

effectively, compared to estrogen alone. how about men?

While osteoporosis affects more women, men are also prone to develop osteoporosis when they do not get enough calcium.

The same bone weakness and fragility can lead to frequent bone fractures, as in women.

Do multivitamins contain calcium?

Yes, most, if not all, multivitamins contain about 200 mg of calcium with 400 IU of vitamin D3, which, for an adult is only about 20 percent of the daily minimum calcium requirement. This is why some people take an additional calcium supplement (600 mg with 200 IU vitamin D) daily. Up to 2000 mg of calcium daily may be taken for supplementation.

Why is vitamin D3 important? vitamin D, which is often included in the calcium tablet, makes the body absorb and metabolize calcium more effectively. vitamin D could also come from exposure to direct sunlight (for about 15 minutes a day), cod liver oil and fatty fish, and from fortified dairy products. vitamin D has been found to help lower the risk of some cancers.

What kind of calcium is best?

As a supplement, calcium carbonate is great. There is no need to buy the expensive kind. Calcium carbonate (as in oS-cal or Tums) provides more elemental calcium than other forms such as calcium citrate and calcium lactate. The national osteoporosis Foundation reports that Tums is an excellent source of calcium. You can buy this at a local grocery store. However, talk to your physician before taking supplements. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus in Northwest Indiana and chairman of cardiac surgery from 1997 to 2010 at Cebu Doctors University Hospital, where he holds the title of Physician Emeritus in Surgery, is based in Las Vegas, Nevada.

He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the Philippine College of Surgeons, and the Denton A. Cooley Cardiovascular Surgical Society. He is the chairman of the Filipino United Network – USA, a 501(c)(3) humanitarian foundation in the United States.

Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com

why ORGANIC? Organic products meet stringent standards Healthier for you & kids Organic food tastes better Organic farming respects natural resources Avoids pesticides & are artificial-fertilizer-free Non-GMO, no synthetic pesticides, no growth-promoting antibiotics There are many, many more reasons to go Organic. But in short: You’ll leave the world a better place than when you found it

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