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Volume 16 - No. 30 • 3 Sections – 20 Pages

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USA

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

PRESIDENT DUTERTE TELLS FIL-AM TOURISTS:

Be ‘ambassadors,’ share administration’s progress PHILIPPINE President Rodrigo Duterte addressed about 200 Filipino-American visitors in this city on Friday, July 14, urging them to be “ambassadors� bearing the message of change under his administration.

Despite various travel advisories and the recent pronouncement of martial law in Mindanao, Fil-Ams from across the United States came to the Philippines this week for the 11th Ambassadors’ Tour, which highlighted attractions in Manila and Davao. “May you become Filipino ambassadors who shall carry a fresh perspective of the new and improved Philippines when you go back to the United States,� Duterte said during the dinner reception held at the SMX Convention Center.

The six-day Ambassadors’ Tour — which was organized by the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the Department of Tourism (DOT), the Tourism

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Also published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, LAS VEGAS, NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY

US envoy: We don’t have a perfect human rights situation

by PATRICIA LOURDES Philstar.com

VIRAY

MANILA — U.S. Ambassador Sung Kim admitted that Washington does not have a “perfect situation� of human rights despite expressing concern for the Philippines’ anti-narcotics campaign.

Kim, however, stressed that human rights is an important concern for the U.S. in the global aspect. “This is not specific to the Philippines and by no means we have a perfect situation when it comes to human rights in the United States,�

Kim said in an interview with ANC’s “Headstart� Tuesday, July 18.

The U.S. envoy clarified that they have concerns about some aspects of the so-called war on drugs. More than 7,000 drug-related killings have been carried out from July 1, 2016, the start of President Rodrigo Duterte’s term, to January 21. The Philippine government, however, contradicted this number last May showing a lower figure of nearly 4,600 drug-related killings.

Kim noted that the U.S. understands that there is a serious situation involving illegal drugs and that

the government is doing right in focusing on the problem. “I told President Duterte I applaud his focus and commitment, very strong commitment, to dealing with this menace that’s affecting such a broad range of population in the Philippines,� Kim said.

On the other hand, the human rights commission of the U.S. Congress is scheduled to hold an inquiry into the Philippines’ anti-drugs campaign this week.

Reports of extrajudicial killings of drug suspects have raised alarms

u PAGE A2

Investigators seek man who gunned down wife of Filipino man

by TETCH

TORRES-TUPAS Philstar.com

Authorities announce $20,000 award for information about suspect

COMMON GROUND. In this July 4 photo, U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim reafďŹ rmed his country’s commitment to President Rodrigo Duterte during their meeting at MalacaĂąang, where they discussed combating terrorism and the rehabilitation of battle-ravaged Marawi City.

Philstar.com

THE House of Representatives will transfer the so-called Ilocos Six, who are detained for contempt, to a place outside the Batasan Pambansa complex, according to information received by the camp of Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos.

The Ilocos Six are Ilocos Norte provincial employees Pedro Agcaoili, Josephine Calajate, Eden Battulayan, Encarnacion Gaor, Genedine Jambaro, and Evangeline Tabulog.

They have been detained at the Batasan Pambansa complex since May 29 after being cited for contempt for not answering questions during an inquiry into suspected

photo by Krizjohn Rosales

u PAGE A3

FOOD RELIEF. An elderly woman receives food package and oor mat from a Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel who is assisting members of Cotabato Citybased Al Balagh Foundation in the distribution of relief goods donated by Qatar government at the Lanao del Sur Provincial Capitol in Marawi City.

PNA photo by Talha Mangayao

SORIANO

by DANA SIOSON Duterte, in his speech during AJPress former president Fidel Ramos’ book launching on Monday, July THE Court of Appeals (CA) has ON some rare occasions, Pres- 17, said that he “accepts� the ad- junked the petition of a group ident Rodrigo Duterte can be soft vice and “respect� the criticisms seeking the enforcement of a toward his critics and their harsh the former president throws 1995 United States district court remarks. u PAGE A2 decision awarding the supposed AJPress

Marawi residents say no to martial law extension FOR the affected Marawi residents, extending martial law means extending their adversities of being away from home.

Thousands of Marawi residents

human rights victims during the term of late strongman Ferdinand Marcos of about $2 billion worth of compensation.

In its July 7 decision, the CA’s 12th Division upheld the earlier

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,"*ĂŠ" " / ,ĂŠ- * /-ĂŠ ", , /1, ĂŠ, - /President Rodrigo Duterte chats with former President Fidel V. Ramos during the launching of the latter’s book, ‘Make Change Work,’ at Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Monday, July 17.

MalacaĂąang photo by Alfred Frias

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‘WE WANT TO GO HOME’

Despite criticism, Duterte CA junks $2-billion claim of still finds a role model in FVR Marcos human rights victims

by JENNIFER

Photo by Eric Lachica

House to move ‘Ilocos Six’ outside of Batasan, says Imee Marcos camp

u PAGE A2

ON Friday, June 2, a 45-year-old motel clerk was fatally shot during an attempted robbery in Monterey Park, according to local authorities.

Xiuxia “Michelle� Chen was working the front desk of Ambassador Inn on 2720 Valley Blvd. when a masked man entered at 11 p.m. on June 2. He entered the motel pointing a handgun at her and demanding cash.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said that the man reached over the counter and shot the wife and mother of two once in the chest before running away from the scene.

At a press conference held at the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau office in Monterey Park on Tuesday, July 10, the sheriff’s department released new surveillance video and audio of the incident, where the suspect can be heard yelling at Chen,

Sen. Benjamin Cardin (D-MD), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, is thanked by Ellecer Carlos (right), visiting spokesman of I-Defend PH coalition, for sponsoring S. 1055 the Philippine Human Rights Accountability and Counternarcotics Act, during their meet and greet last June 26 at the Hart Senate OfďŹ ce Building.

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had to stay in evacuation camps Duterte to impose military rule since the Maute extremist group in the entire Mindanao under his launched an attack on the city Proclamation No. 216. two months ago, which promptEarlier this week, Duterte reed Philippine President Rodrigo u PAGE A2

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july 21-27, 2017 • NORCAl ASIAN jOuRNAl

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From the Front Page

US envoy: We don’t have...

PAGE A1 t whether Washington should balance its concerns for protecting human rights and the rule of law while maintaining bilateral alliance with the Philippines.

Kim, however, stressed that the relationship between the Philippines and the U.S. remains strong amid the change in leadership.

“I think it’s important to recognize that we, the United States, remain as very much focused on the Asia Pacific region. We will continue to be closely engaged in this region,” he said.

The U.S. envoy noted that the impending visits of Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and President Donald Trump to the Philippines on November for the East Asia Summit indicate their commitment to the region and the Philippines. n

PAGE A1 t

FOR GALLANTRY. President Rodrigo Duterte pins a medal on First Lt. Niño Paner who is being treated at the Camp Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital in Jolo, Sulu. Paner was wounded during a clash with members of the Abu Sayyaf Group on July 8.

Ellecer Carlos, visiting spokesman of the I-Defend PH coalition, pose in front of the Capitol with retired U.S. army chaplain Georgette Beltran of Maryland in support of Senate bill S. 1055 the Philippine Human Rights Accountability and Counternarcotics Act, on June 26, 2017 in Washington DC. Photo by Eric Lachica

House to move ‘Ilocos Six’ outside...

anomalous transactions involving tobacco excise funds.

Earlier, they filed a petition for habeas corpus before the Court of Appeals, which ordered their immediate release.

The House refused, however, to recognize the court order and threatened to also cite three of its justices for contempt and order their detention.

The appeals court associate justices—Stephen Cruz, Edwin Sorongon, and Nina Antonio-Valenzuela—then sought guidance from the Supreme Court.

The Ilocos Six, together with Governor Marcos, also filed a petition at the Supreme Court for a writ of amparo and asked it to assume jurisdiction of the habeas corpus case now pending at the Court of Appeals.

The petition for a writ of amparo is a remedy available to any person whose right to life, liberty, and security has been violated or threatened to be violated by an unlawful act or omission of a public official or employee, or of a private individual or entity. The writ covers extralegal killings and enforced disappearances or threats thereof.

Lawyer Vicentito Lazo, one of

already been trampled upon. Our prayer is for the Supreme Court to issue the writ of amparo immediately.”

Aside from a writ of amparo, the six detained Ilocos Norte officials also asked the high court to stop the House inquiry into the purchase of P66.45 million worth of motor vehicles using funds from Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos shows a copy tobacco excise taxes. of a petition she filed on behalf of the Ilocos Deliberation on the case was Six. Philstar.com photo by Edd Gumban delayed Tuesday, July 18 after Asthe counsels of Marcos and the sociate Justice Diosdado Peralta, Ilocos Six, said the Supreme Court who was in charge of the case, should not to allow itself to be bul- recused himself for being related lied by House members. to one of the respondents, Ilocos “Under the rules of the Supreme Norte Rep. Rodolfo Fariñas, who Court, the writ of amparo should is the House majority leader. be issued immediately if, upon its Supreme Court Chief Justice face, there is a ground for its issu- Maria Lourdes Sereno and newly ance,” Lazo said. “Unfortunately, appointed Associate Justice Anthe justice in charge and two oth- dres Reyes Jr. also inhibited themers have inhibited from the case, selves from the case. so no action has been taken on our Last month, Sereno and Reyes petition.” issued a joint statement calling on “But where else would ag- the House to recall its show cause grieved Filipinos turn to if not the order against the three CA associSupreme Court as the bastion of ate justices. people’s rights and defender of “We are hoping that whoever the rule of law?” he added. “My gets our petition, the case will alclients worry that, with this delay, ready move forward,” Lazo said. they will continue to languish in Deliberations on the case have detention. Where else can they been moved to July 25, the high get relief? Their right to liberty has court’s next en banc session. n

Marawi residents say no to martial law...

PAGE A1 t quested Congress to extend the proclamation until the end of the year, saying that the “existing rebellion in Mindanao” will “not be quelled completely” by its legal expiration on July 22.

“It’s difficult on our part. We cannot go to Marawi anymore,”

Jalal Dipatuan, 49, a Marawi resident staying in an evacuation center, told Inquirer.

“It’s cold here in the evacuation center. Please, Mr. President, don’t extend martial law anymore, we want to go home,” said Asliah Bandrang, 34, another evacuee and mother of seven children.

The House and the Senate are set to convene in a Special Joint Session this coming Saturday, July 22, to discuss the military rule’s possible extension.

House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez earlier commented that Duterte’s request to extend martial law until December 31 of this year is likely to get approval from Congress without much difficulty.

Senate President Koko Pimentel also expressed confidence that the Congress supermajority will approve Duterte’s extension request and area coverage, but its duration is likely to be questioned.

In a statement on Wednesday, July 19, Vice President Leni Robredo urged Congress to discuss the issue thoroughly.

“Pakinggan natin iyong dahilan kung bakit kailangan mag-extend (Let us listen to the reasons why it should be extended),” the vice president said.

She went on to say, “Kung igagrant ito, iga-grant dahil pinagusapan nang maayos. Kung ide-deny naman, ide-deny siya kasi napag-usapan nang maayos (If it will be granted, it must be granted because it was discussed thoroughly. If it would be denied, it would be denied because it was discussed thoroughly).” (Dana Sioson/AJPress)

ManilaTimes.net photo

Despite criticism, Duterte still finds...

PAGE A1 t against him.

“I respect your criticism. I accept your advice and maybe I will mimic your role as president before,” Duterte said “You can continue criticizing me, sir,” the chief executive added.

Ramos gave Duterte a t-shirt with the words, “Follow me,” the motto of Fort Benning in Georgia, where the former president finished his special military courses.

“I will follow you, just like what the shirt says,” Duterte said.

“Only difference is that, I am not a military man. But love of country, patas tayo, sir (we are just on the same level). I would say that I love my country as much as you do, and we are ready to die for this country,” he added.

Ramos first lashed out at Duterte in October 2016 in light of the president’s first 100 days.

Ramos criticized Duterte’s brutal war on drugs and tirades against the international community.

The former president’s latest negative remark about Duterte was during the Russia trip last May that aimed to “boost economic ties” between Russia and the Philippines.

During the said trip, the president was accompanied by his economic team and cabinet officials. Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III, some members of the Senate and the House, assistant secretaries and staff members also joined the presidential delegation to Russia.

The former president said that the trip turned out to be a “junket” and that “some people should have stayed behind.”

The Palace, in return, answered that it is important to have the “key members” of the president’s administration to accompany Duterte.

Ramos played a role in convincing Duterte to run for the presidency during the 2016 national elections.

Duterte has ever since showed respect and trust towards Ramos, as manifested in different forms — through speeches, special assignments and as a “source” of information.

During the president’s inaugural speech, he gave Ramos a special mention, saying, “President Fidel Ramos, sir, salamat po sa tulong mo (thank you for your help in) making me president.”

In July, Duterte assigned Ramos to be the administration’s special envoy to negotiate talks with China regarding the controversial West Philippine Sea. In September, Duterte revealed that Ramos was one of his sources for his list of personalities linked to illegal drugs. However, Ramos denied giving such info to the president. n

Be ‘ambassadors,’ share administration’s...

PAGE A1 t Promotions Board, and Rajah Tours — brought Fil-Ams from Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Washington DC, Chicago, Hawaii, and Guam to the country.

Boasting the strides Davao City has made to shed its former murder capital label, Duterte told the visitors who experienced the city first-hand that he has intended to bring similar policies on a nationwide scale.

It was a “no brainer” to have the president’s hometown as the host venue for this year’s Ambassadors’ Tour, Philippine Consul General in New York Ma. Theresa Dizon-de Vega said earlier this week, because “it is one of the premier cities in Asia” and to show the tourists “what a safe, clean, comfortable, and most of all, welcoming province Davao is.”

The DOT is confident that it can continue to draw in foreigners and break the 5.9 million visitor total from last year.

In the first quarter of 2017, a record number of 1.7 million visitors came to the country, DOT Undersecretary Kat de Castro said on Friday. As of May, the arrivals have reached 2.8 million.

“We at the Department of Tourism believe that this a clear indication that the Philippines remains to be a safe haven for residents and visitors alike,” she said.

After his prepared speech, Duterte proceeded to address the audience for roughly an hour, overviewing his first year

in office, including the war on drugs, the Marawi City crisis, and corruption in government.

Referencing international news reports about the deaths associated with the Philippines’ crackdown on drugs, the president said he does “not enjoy the extrajudicial killing term.”

“I do not relish killing people,” he declared, explaining that his threats to kill criminals have been misconstrued as actual actions.

Duterte, who gained popularity during the election last year for his hardline rhetoric against crime, added, “Find me a law — wherever you come from — point out to me a law in your country and in my country, which says you cannot threaten a criminal from destroying your country.”

Since taking office last June, some 9,400 homicide cases associated with the anti-illegal drug campaign have been recorded under the Duterte administration up until March, causing alarm from human rights groups around the world.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has argued that less than 2,000 have been killed in legitimate police operations He vowed that by the time his administration ends in five years, drugs and corruption will be at all-time lows.

Echoing past speeches, the United States and former President Barack Obama were mentioned anew for the latter administration’s criticism of the way Duterte has been handling the illegal drug epidemic in the Philippines.

“My duty is to preserve and defend the Filipino nation,” Duterte said. “Nobody should teach me how to do it.”

He acknowledged that the U.S. has been helping the Armed Forces of the Philippines in its fight against the Islamic State(IS)-inspired Maute group in Marawi City since the turmoil broke out in late May. “Let us give credit where credit is due,” the president said.

Despite a move toward a more independent foreign policy and pursuing warmer ties with China and Russia, Duterte affirmed on Friday that he cannot enter into military alliances with other countries as it would violate the Mutual Defense Treaty with the U.S. He said that he and China have discussed receiving P370 million worth of military equipment, as well as possible aid from Russia in the future. However, there would be no “attachment” to those exchanges.

“Walang attachment diyan.

Walang head of state, si Putin o si President Xi Jinping magsabi, ‘O, bigyan kita (There would be no attachment. Putin or Xi did not say ‘I will offer you this but you should be loyal’), said Duterte.

With his unfiltered language in Friday’s speech, Duterte told the audience that “at least nakilala ninyo ako (you got to know me).”

The president recently marked one year in office and is slated to deliver his State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 24. (Christina M. Oriel/AJPress)

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Dateline USa

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US offers 2 spy planes in Marawi operation THE United States has offered the Philippines two surveillance planes in aid of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) operations against Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS)-inspired militant groups in Mindanao.

The two Cessna 208 planes will be given to the Philippine government in two weeks, said U.S. Ambassador Sung Kim on Tuesday, July 18.

The planes will be used to assist the AFP’s intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations.

Kim expressed that the U.S. is deeply worried with the ground situation in Marawi City, adding

that the American government will also be contributing to the rehabilitation of the war-torn city.

He added that American troops are currently deployed in Mindanao under a mutual defense treaty between the two countries.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said U.S. troops have always been present in Mindanao and were only asked to move to Marawi City after the break out of local terror groups.

“They are not new people. Actually, that’s why there was no need for us to ask for their help because they’ve been here all

along,” Lorenzana said last July 5 in a press briefing.

Despite President Rodrigo Duterte’s previous remarks on Washington for criticizing his campaign against illegal drugs, both Lorenzana and Kim affirm that Philippines-U.S. relations remain strong.

“My sense is that the Philippine government starting with President Duterte remains committed to the relationship.

There’s mutual respect for the relationship and mutual appreciation for the importance of the relationship,” Kim said. (With reports from Elijah Roderos/AJPress)

PH Science High team nabs 2nd place at int’l clean tech competition in NY STONY BROOK, New York – A team from the Philippine Science High School (Main Campus) grabbed second place in an international clean technology student competition held on July 14 at Stony Brook University.

Teammates Philippe Bungabong, Justine Opulencia and Maded Batara III won the honor at the 2017 Clean Tech Challenge for their project, “Development of an Integrated Online System for the Regulation of Household Electricity Consumption.”

The project was one of 10 finalists selected from 330 entries submitted by teams of over 700 students from 26 countries.

An earlier version of the same project garnered the prize as the Most Innovative Research Project at the International Student Science Fair in Korea held in June.

Advisers Joaquin Almirante and Ralph Hipolito accompanied the team.

The Clean Tech Competition is a unique, worldwide research and design challenge for precollege youth. The program en-

CCSD hires 81 Filipino special education teachers LAS VEGAS — To address the critical teacher shortage, the Clark County School District (CCSD) hired dozens of special education teachers from the Philippines.

This week, 81 Filipino special education teachers arrived in the district to help fill in the large number of empty teaching positions.

According to district officials, Philippe Gene Bungabong, Maded Batara III, and Justine Marcus Opulencia with fellow winners the new Filipino educators could of the Clean Tech Competition 2017.

Inquirer.net photo by Miggy Martija speak English, have prior expericourages scientific understand- ing talent and prepare the next ence teaching kids with special ing of real-world issues and the generation of globally competi- needs, have college degrees, and must also have master’s degrees integration of environmentally tive innovators. (Inquirer.net) in special education. responsible energy sources.

Each year, the Clean Tech Competition addresses an issue that is grounded in core technological competency areas and focuses on the next great engineering challenges.

The competition is designed to foster a deeper understanding of STEM- (science, technology, engineering, and math) related concepts, recognize outstand-

Investigators seek man...

PAGE A1 t “Money. Money now.”

Chen is heard to respond to the man, “Excuse me, I do not have any money for you,” opening the desk drawer to prove there was no cash.

He kept demanding money, thinking Chen was lying. He then threatened her, repeatedly asking her, “Do you want to die?”

The video released by the detectives doesn’t show the shooting, but the motel owner found Chen wounded and called the police. She died at the scene.

“This was, in our belief, a random act,” LA County Sheriff Department Det. Gary Sloan said on Tuesday, addressing reporters.

Detectives described the suspect as a man with a medium build with a stature between 5 feet 6 inches and 6 feet. He was seen wearing dark clothing, a dark hooded sweatshirt and one dark-colored glove.

Chen’s husband of 23 years, Armando Escandor, delivered an emotional testimony, speaking about her as a wife and mother and pleading the public to assist in the case.

“The way she loved us, the way she treated us. We really miss her,” Escandor remarked. “All I want is justice for my loving wife.”

“Twenty-five years, taken just like that,” Escandor said, his voice cracking and tears welling up in eyes. Escandor and Chen married

in 1994.

Their son, Armando Escandor, Jr., was serving in the Navy overseas when his mother was shot and killed. Escandor, Jr. said the authorities are offering a $20,000 reward to anyone who has information that would lead to the arrest and prosecution of the suspect.

“My mother did not deserve this, not one bit,” Escandor Jr. told reporters, in an emotional plea to bring justice for his late mother.

“So being able to know that this man, or the person responsible for this heinous crime was brought to justice, it would definitely take a weight off my heart.”

Authorities are also requesting the public’s help in identifying a woman who they say spoke with Chen just before the incident.

That same woman, believed to be a hotel guest, was also seen in another video leaving the hotel lobby seconds before the gunman entered.

She is seen stopping and turning to look at the hotel lobby, as if she heard something, authorities said.

Sloan said that the woman is not believed to be connected to the crime, but suggests that anyone who might recognize her to contact the police.

The sheriff’s department is asking anyone with information about the shooting and the gunman to call the homicide detectives at (323) 890-5500. (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)

CA junks $2-billion claim...

PAGE A1 t decision of Makati City Regional Trial Court (RTC) which dismissed the case seeking the enforcement of the foreign ruling.

The petition was filed by a group led by retired Judge Priscilla Mijares, Former Human Rights Commission Chairman Loreta Ann Rosales, movie director Joel Lamangan, Hilda Narciso, and Mariano Dimaranan.

The CA decision, penned by Associate Justice Normandie Pizarro, affirmed the RTC’s decision which concluded that the ruling of the U.S. District Court in Hawaii was not binding because it lacks jurisdiction over the class suit docketed as Class Action No. MDL 840.

“Rules of comity should not be made to prevail over our Constitution and we cannot allow foreign impositions to trample upon our sovereignty,” the CA stated.

In its decision, the appellate court said the Hawaii court violated the right to due process of all the unnamed claimants as well as the respondent Marcos estate.

It also noted that the 10 Filipino citizens who initiated MDL 840 failed to prove that they were “truly and legally authorized by the other purported claimants.”

“In other words, each claimant in MDL 840 had a right, if any,

GIVE PEACE A CHANCE. President Rodrigo Duterte does the peace sign with members of the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) peace panels during the turn over of the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) at the Rizal Hall in Malacañang Palace on Monday, July 17.

Malacañang photo by King Rodriguez

only to the damage that such individual may have suffered, and not one of them had any right to or can claim any interest in the damage or injury which another suffered. Hence, MDL 840 was not and should not have been brought as a class suit,” the CA said.

The claimants, who filed the class suit before the U.S. district court on May 9, 1991, are Celsa Hilao, Josefina Hilao Forcadilla, Arturo Revilla, Jr., Rodolfo Benosa, Danila Fuente, Renato Pineda, Adora Faye de Vera, Domiciano Amparo, Christopher Sorio, and Jose Duran.

“It boggles the mind how the final judgment could be enforced when the supposed claimants were not even identified… it gave no opportunity for the Marcos Estate to confront each and every claimant,” the CA decision read.

The CA further noted that the classification of the claimants into three categories – torture, summary execution and disappearance victims – cannot be joined into a class suit since “no two persons can suffer the same nature and degree of injury or damage.”

“All told, the Final Judgment of the Hawaii Court, being null and void for want of jurisdiction, may not be enforced,” the CA said. n

Officials said they did push for local recruitments but wasn’t able to fill in the spots, prompting them to search overseas.

For newly hired Adrian Calabano, being far away from home may be challenging but he is more excited to meet his new students and make positive impact.

“My goal here is to be able to cater to the students of special needs,” Calabano was quoted saying in a KSNV report.

“In my case, students with autism. And I want to be able to greet them warmly. And I will represent the Philippines, so I

will be able to share culture with them,” he added.

Calabano and the others were granted J-1 visas, a “non-immigrant visa for individuals approved to participate in work-and study-based exchange visitor programs.”

Despite the addition of Filipino teachers, officials said the school district still has about 150 vacant positions for special needs teachers.

It has been reported that there is a national shortage of special education teachers — not just in the district — for the 2016-2017 school year. (AJPress)

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US embassy warns citizens against traveling to Mindanao

by Jennifer

Soriano

AJPress

THE United States embassy in the Philippines issued a travel warning for the southern region of the Philippines, following terror threats to foreigners, including U.S. citizens.

The U.S. embassy in Manila posted a travel advisory on their website on Tuesday, July 18, advising its citizens to halt “non-essential travel” to the city of Marawi, Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago including the southern Sulu Sea, due to continuing “terrorist threats, insurgent activities, and kidnappings.”

“This area stretches from the southern tip of Palawan, along the coast of eastern Sabah, Malaysia and the islands of the Sulu archipelago, up to Zamboanga City, Mindanao,” the travel warning explained.

It also advised U.S. citizens

to “exercise extreme caution” when traveling to other areas of Mindanao.

“Separatist and terrorist groups continue to attack and kidnap civilians, foreigners, political leaders, and Philippine security forces in Mindanao,” the post read.

“There have been no reports of U.S. citizens in Mindanao targeted specifically for their nationality. However, general threats to U.S. citizens and other foreigners throughout Mindanao remain a concern,” it added.

U.S. government personnel were also restricted to travel to Mindanao, according to the country’s State Department. However, if imperative, a U.S. government personnel may obtain “special authorization” before traveling to Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago. “[The] U.S. Embassy [in] Manila received credible information that terrorists

planned to conduct kidnappings in Palawan, Cebu and Bohol provinces in 2017,” the advisory warned.

The advisory, which replaces the Travel Warning dated December 20, 2016, cited similar threats that occurred in the Philippines starting September 2016 where terror groups facilitated a bomb explosion in Davao City which killed 14 and injured approximately 70 people. The incident led to the declaration of “State of national Emergency on account of lawless Violence in Mindanao.”

Mindanao is currently under the 60-day martial law, which is set to expire this week.

President Rodrigo Duterte has asked Congress to extend the martial rule until the end of the year. In an article by Reuters on Tuesday, it said more than 500 people were killed and at least 260,000 have been displaced due to the conflict. n

GUNS FOR HIS TROOPS. President Rodrigo Duterte holds a .45 caliber pistol during the turnover of 3,000 guns to the military on Tuesday, July 18. In his speech, the President said he wanted soldiers to have handguns on top of their service firearms while fulfilling their duty to secure the country from lawless elements, including the New People’s Army (NPA).

ManilaTimes.net photo by Rene Dilan

Trump’s use of PH law firm run by gov’t official raises conflicts of interest red flag DonalD and Ivanka Trump’s companies use a law firm managed by a Philippine government official, which poses the latest in a string of potential conflicts of interests due to the Trumps’ global business empire, the UK’s Guardian has reported.

Elpidio C. Jamora Jr. is one of four named partners at the Manila-based law office that acts as a representative to register trademarks for both the Trump organization and Ivanka Trump’s personal brand.

Jamora is also the chairman of the Philippine national Construction Corporation (PnCC) the country’s largest stateowned and run construction company.

By hiring a law firm managed by an important member of the Philippine government, Trump is vulnerable to charges of paying a foreign official to serve the interests of his

private business, the Guardian argues. as an example, the Philippine government may try to delay or expedite Trump’s trademarks as a policy leverage, Jordan libowits from Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, DC, told the newspaper.

Ivanka Trump’s (she’s an assistant to the president) company, Ivanka Trump Marks llC, raised eyebrows after it was granted seven trademarks in China since her father rose to power. Three were granted on the same day Trump met the Chinese president, Xi Jinping.

Trump has been using Jamora’s law firm since 2007. The firm reportedly represented his daughter Ivanka Trump, for three pending trademark applications for her fashion and accessories line in the Philippines since Trump was

inaugurated.

“If she gets these [registrations] because of her position in government or relation to the president, that becomes a very serious issue,” said libowitz. He added that while Trump’s relationship to Jamora is “not a smoking gun, it’s a red flag.”

The vast Trump corporation presents an unprecedented problem for US foreign policy. Trump has not liquidated his holdings or put them in a blind trust, as previous presidents have done, to avoid this problem. another potential conflict of interests: Trump is opening a Manila skyscraper built by developer Jose EB antonio, who was named as special trade envoy to Washington last year, making the US president’s family and a Philippine government appointee business partners. (Inquirer.net)

Horn rematch will be Pacquiao’s last fight, Freddie Roach insists

by Dino

Maragay Philstar.com

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FREDDIE Roach is giving Manny Pacquiao one more fight—the chance to avenge his loss to Jeff Horn. after that, it’s over for the Filipino icon.

In a report by boxingscene. com, Roach said he does not see Pacquiao fighting beyond a rematch with Horn, who shocked the world with a decision win over his prized ward more than two weeks ago in Brisbane, australia.

Pacquiao has a rematch clause against Horn and will likely exercise it.

“I’ll accept [the scenario of] Manny fighting Horn once more because he wants the fight, but the end is near,” said Roach.

The bespectacled trainer previously said that now would be the perfect time for Pacquiao to call it quits, but understands that the

Coach Freddie Roach

fighting senator wants to go out on a high note.

That’s why Roach will give Pacquiao one more shot.

“If the fight [Pacquiao-Horn 2] is indeed done, it will be the last one so [Pacquiao] can dedicate himself to being a better politician,” he continued. as for Horn, who seized the

WBo welterweight title from Pacquiao, Roach warned that superstardom still isn’t within the australian’s reach. “[Horn] fought dirty, he had a plan and it worked out well. now Bob arum wants to make him a star, but it will not happen beyond the next fight. We have the rematch.”

Koskinen: IRS very supportive of tax reform THE International Revenue Service (IRS) fully supports United States President Donald Trump’s tax reform efforts, Commissioner John Koskinen said on Wednesday, July 12.

Describing the present U.S. tax code as a “mess,” Koskinen admitted that even he finds it difficult to fill out his federal returns. “nobody’s more supportive of tax simplification than the IRS,” Koskinen told Fox news in a conference in Washington D.C. “The tax code is a mess.

It is difficult for the IRS commissioner to fill out his tax returns.”

The tax reform was among Trump’s major 2016 presidential campaign promise, wherein he vowed the simplification of the tax code.

While clarifying that the IRS is only involved with the tax administration and does not meddle with policies, Koskinen said that the agency has been communicating and offering its help to the new administration few weeks after Trump was elected as president.

Koskinen said he has been gathering suggestions from the agency’s employees on ways how to simplify the tax code, pointing out that the reform is one of the agency’s “highest priorities.” “one of the questions was, ‘If major tax reform simplification was on the table, would there be anybody in the IRS opposed to that?’ I was quick to respond, after having talked to employees, that nobody is

more supportive of tax simplification than the IRS,” Koskinen said.

He went on to say, “Most people want to be compliant, but when you make it very difficult for them…to work through the various nooks and crannies, it doesn’t seem, to me, to be in the best interest of the taxpayer or government.”

Koskinen also remarked that the agency is eager to implement changes and make it more effective and easier to understand.

“If you have an idea, oftentimes you can implement it in a way that is very complicated,” he added. “There can be more straightforward or simpler ways to do it.” (Dana Sioson/AJPress)

PNP-PCRG’S 25TH ANNIVERSARY. Senator JV Ejercito troops the line with Chief Superintendent Gilbert Cruz in Camp Crame on Monday, July 17) as the PNP-Police Community Relations Group gave arrival honors to Ejercito as Guest Honor and Speaker in their 25th Anniversary celebration.

Senate photo

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Opposition lawmakers assess Duterte’s first year of presidency

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

OppOsitiOn lawmakers on sunday, July 16 gave philippine president Rodrigo Duterte a critical assessment on his first year of presidency just a week before he delivers his second state of the nation Address (sOnA). senators Antonio trillanes iV, Risa Hontiveros and Bam Aquino, as well as ifugao Rep. teddy Baguilat and Magdalo Rep. Gary Alejano, delivered their own assessment of Duterte’s leadership in a counter-sOnA dubbed “so Ano na?” (What now?). in the forum held at the University of the philippines, Diliman in Quezon city, the lawmakers heavily criticized Duterte over several issues, including alleged deaths in connection with his campaign against illegal drugs, the Marawi siege, as well as his “rape jokes.” trillanes said he would give Duterte a score of three out of ten, citing the thousands of alleged state-sanctioned deaths linked in his campaign against illegal drugs.

“Ang grade ko sa first year ng Duterte administration is three out of 10, dahil unang una, pinapatay niya yung mga pilipino (My grade for the first year is three out of ten, because first, he killed Filipinos),” trillanes said.

He pointed out that as the presi-

Senators Antonio Trillanes IV (center) and Risa Hontiveros (right) and Magdalo Rep. Gary Alejano on Sunday, July 16, gave President Rodrigo Duterte a failing mark for his performance after a year in office. The three lawmakers explained their ratings during a news conference at the sidelines of an alternative State of the Nation Adress (Sona) dubbed “So Ano Na” at the University of the Philippines Bahay ng Alumni. Inquirer.net photo by Marc Jayson Cayabyab

dent, Duterte should instead protect the well-being of Filipinos. trillanes also blamed Duterte over the detention of senator Leila De Lima saying, “Duterte did this to instill fear, not only to silence De Lima, in the opposition and ordinary people.”

De Lima, also a fierce critic of Duterte, has been detained since February over drug charges filed against. in her statement, which was read by trillanes, De Lima lamented the the killings and violation of human rights under the present administration.

“Human rights is under attack, and not just by killings in the streets. the battle is also being waged in the people’s minds. And that’s where the war will be won or

lost,” De Lima said. she lamented how “despite everything he has said and done,” Duterte “continues to enjoy a high satisfaction rating from our people—at least according to some sources.”

“More precisely, it bothers me that there does not seem to be enough clamor against the killings that have been committed thus far—both from ordinary Filipinos, and also from key institutions,” De Lima said.

Alejano, meanwhile, slammed Duterte for supposedly neglecting other issues, citing the national security issues which was being challenged by the ongoing Marawi siege.

“Bakit hindi napigilan ito? [DaPAGE A7

Ombudsman Morales tells Duterte to review her statement

by Jennifer

Soriano

AJPress

Om bud sman Conchita CarpioMorales clarified that her “goading people to kill” comment was her own personal view and not something dictated by the law.

“Her answer was ‘goading people to kill’ irrespective of the context is, to me, unacceptable. she did not say anything about any law against threatening criminals,” the Office of the Ombudsman said on Monday, July 17. “the president should review what she said first,” it added.

Furthermore, Morales “does not find it necessary to say anything more.”

Morales’ statement came after president Rodrigo Duterte challenged her to present him a law that says threatening to kill criminals is illegal. the ombudsman said she was “amused” after finding out the response of the president. earlier, Japan’s nH K World interviewed Morales. the interview was aired thursday night (July 13) in the philippines.

“He’s goading people to kill people. that’s a problem. His

communications people say ‘that’s hyperbole,’” Morales was quoted during the interview.

Morales’ latest clarification affirmed her statement last year when she said there is nothing illegal in the president’s threats to kill criminals in his public speeches. the 76-year-old ombudsman is related to the president by affinity. Morales is the sister of Atty. Lucas Carpio, Jr., husband of Court of Appeals Justice Agnes Reyes Carpio. Agnes and Lucas are the parents of Mans Carpio, sara Duterte’s husband.

STREET FURY. Jeepney drivers and operators hold a rally along Elliptical Road in Quezon City to protest the government’s jeepney modernization plan. Under the PUV modernization program that was launched in June, the government will replace old units of jeepney with new electronic ones.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Ruy Martinez

SAF widows welcome Aquino indictment Sen. Gordon says former president should face ‘graver charges’

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

tHe widows of the fallen special Action Force (sAF) commandos welcomed the Office of the Ombudsman’s recent order to file criminal charges against former philippine president Benigno “noynoy” Aquino iii over his alleged role in the botched Mamasapano operation conducted two years ago.

“He (Aquino) is the primary official responsible for the death of our loved ones,” Melanie Duque told inquirer on saturday, July 15.

Duque is the wife of pO3 Andres Duque Jr., one of the fallen 44 sAF troopers who were ambushed by Moro rebels during an operation on January 25, 2015 — dubbed as “Oplan exodus” — that aims capture two Malaysian terrorists in Mamasapano, Maguindanao.

On Friday, July 14, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales indicted Aquino for the usurpation of authority under Article 177 of the Revised penal Code, and for violating the section 3(a) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt practices Act, or Republic Act (RA) no.

3019.

Also cited as Aquino’s co-re-

spondents were former philippine national police (pnp) Chief Alan purisima and former pnpspecial Action Force (sAF) head Getulio napeñas.

With the Ombudsman’s order, Duque expressed hope that she and other families of the fallen sAF troopers would finally obtain the long-sought justice for their loved ones. “i have been crying. [With the latest development], i believe that pO3 Duque is rejoicing,” she added.

Merlyn Gamutan, widow of senior insp. Joey Gamutan, also wanted Aquino and his other top police officials be held liable for the tragic event, pointing out that their husbands would still be alive “if not for their negligence.”

Kristine Clemencio, widow of pO1 Mark Lory Clemencio, likewise, welcomed the Ombudsman’s order. “i am happy with this development. [i] hope this will be the first step for us to achieve the justice we have been seeking all this time,” Clemencio said.

While admitting that she fears the case against Aquino may not prosper, she said she is “ only pinning [her] hope to president [Rodrigo] Duterte who personally gave his assurance to [them] that

justice would be served to [them] and our loved ones.”

For Christine Cempron, widow of pO1 Romeo Cempron, the search for justice may still had a long way to go but she “will endure it to secure justice for the sAF 44.”

Cempron said Aquino and purisima “have the hardest hearts, as if they have not committed any lapses, as if nothing happened.” “i don’t care if it will take a long time. At least, the case is moving,” she added.

‘Graver charges’ in a radio interview, senator Richard Gordon said Aquino should have been charged with with reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide, He pointed out that Aquino, as the then-commander-inchief, was clearly in charge of the operation. “if you were to ask me, without going to the Ombudsman i would have filed graver charges. it is clearly multiple homicide to reckless imprudence,” said Gordon, who also heads the senate committee on justice and human rights. the Office of the Ombudsman recommend the filing of graft and usurpation of authority charges PAGE A7

A

july 21-27, 2017 • NORCAl ASIAN jOuRNAl

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OpiniOn

Commitment to peace

Features

FOR decades, the Philippines has been on a quest for lasting peace.

While the country is spared from being left in turmoil, the lingering process also comes with debilitating consequences on the people and the environment in areas of conflict.

There have been numerous attempts in peace and development interventions, but the country has yet to see one that guarantees a lasting solution.

On Monday, July 17, the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) turned over its draft of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) to President Rodrigo Duterte, who promised to support it through the legislative process.

“I commit to support my covenant with you that I will support and husband this instrument as it goes in the legislator for its consideration. And there will be no objections of the provisions of all that is consistent with the Constitution and the aspiration of the Moro people,” the president said during a ceremony at Malacañang.

In return, Duterte assured Moro people that a Bangsamoro country will rise in Mindanao during his term.

“This will be realized while preserving and strengthening the territorial integrity of the Republic of the Philippines,” Duterte added.

Duterte described the BBL as a manifestation of the shared aspirations of the Philippine government and the Moro people for a peaceful, orderly and harmonious nation.

“May this new entity be marked by good gover-

nance, equitable sharing of wealth and generation of revenue, and normalized, stable environment. We will achieve sustainable and inclusive peace and development in the Bangsamoro, Mindanao and the entire country,” Duterte said.

Mohagher Iqbal, Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chief negotiator, echoed the president’s sentiments as he described the BBL as the “the menu for solidarity and unity of this country.”

“If the Bangsamoro people are given the opportunity to rule itself and be given development, then they will succeed in this country,” Iqbal said.

Meanwhile, Duterte hopes that his promise of autonomy for the Moro people will persuade Filipino Muslims to reject the Islamic State (IS) group.

The president has already asked the Congress to extend his declaration of martial law in Mindanap as government forces still continue their operations to flush out IS-linked militants from Marawi City.

As of July 17, the death toll in the Marawi crisis has reached 540, with at least 405 terrorists, 97 soldiers and 45 civilians killed.

The BBL will go through a grueling process in cal will from all parties involved.

The task is no doubt high, and expectations Congress before seeing its passage. This ambitious undertaking requires resoluteness and politi- from every Filipino and international spectator is

Editorial

The Fil-Am Perspective Gel SantoS-ReloS PRESIDENT Donald Trump loves to win and he just would never give up even after his campaign promise to “repeal and replace Obamacare on Day One” has collapsed many times over in the Republican-dominated House and Senate, despite going through several revisions and incarnations within his six months of presidency.

After not being able to win enough support even among members of his own party to put the most recent “repeal and replace” Republican health care bill on the Senate floor for a vote, Trump and Senate Majority Floor Leader Mitch McConnell agreed to just repeal Obamacare and then come up with an acceptable replacement

MORE than any attempt by President Rodrigo Duterte to sharpen his image as an “independent” head of state, a ruling

by Associate Justice Normandie Pizarro of the Court of Appeals’ 12th Division affirming Makati Regional Trial Court Judge Bonifacio Pascua’s earlier denial of a $2 billion indemnity package awarded by a U.S. federal court to alleged Filipino martial law victims, now stands as the latest and most significant assertion of Philippine sovereignty vis-à-vis the United States.

Unless later reversed by the Supreme Court on appeal by the affected parties, it will go down in history as a landmark decision that proclaims the Philippine court’s judicial independence and courage. It seems safe to assume the high court will not want to be seen lesser than the appellate court.

As reported in the mainstream press, the ruling arose from a class suit filed in 1991 before a U.S. District Court in Hawaii by a group of 10 individuals, claiming to represent 10,000 alleged human rights victims during Martial Law under President Ferdinand Marcos.

The Philippine government did not question the jurisdiction of the

growing by the day. The tendency to transform the Philippines as a citadel of peace should be worth all trouble. (AJPress)

Trump declares ‘let Obamacare fail’ as Trumpcare collapses again bill within two years. But even this Plan B has collapsed even before any debate or votes could be done as four Republicans have signified their decisions to vote NO. Democrats have consistently and firmly declared that they would only work with Republicans to “repair” Obamacare and not to repeal it, which means to pass the bill, the party of Trump cannot afford to lose more than two votes.

This desperate Plan B was considered, despite pledging many times during the campaign that he will push for a “repeal and replace” of Obamacare instead of just repealing it because he did not want “people dying in the streets.”

But after realizing how difficult and complicated it is to repeal and/or replace Obamacare as he promised, Trump has now repeatedly expressed

his disappointment over the collapse of Trumpcare, and declared that it is time to “let Obamacare fail.”

“I think we’re probably in that position where we’ll let Obamacare fail,” Trump said at the White House this week.

“We’re not going to own it. I’m not going to own it. I can tell you, the Republicans are not going to own it.”

Trump blamed the Democrats saying, “We have 52 people, we had no Democrat support. We had four ‘no’s…It would be nice to have Democrat support but really they’re obstructionist. They have no ideas. They have no thought process. All they want to do is obstruct government and obstruct, period.”

Speaking from the White House on Tuesday, July 18, Trump said, “I am disappointed because for so many years I’ve

been hearing repeal, replace.”

Then he pivoted to 2018 saying, “With only a very small majority, the Republicans in the House & Senate need more victories next year since Dems totally obstruct, no votes!”

What Trump does not realize is that the health care issue is NOT all about politics. For Democrats and the few Republicans who stood their ground to fight against the bill that will repeal and replace Obamacare, it is about what will be good for their constituents. Health care, after all, is NOT a commodity.

We are talking about something very personal — peoples’ health and lives.

Doesn’t he consider the fact that lawmakers and local government officials also consider the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office which reports that with Trumpcare, more people will be left uninsured

compared to what will happen if Obamacare stays? That the poor and the hard-working middle class will be the ones most vulnerable while the richest of the rich will be rewarded with hefty tax credits?

Doesn’t he realize that this Republican health care bill does not really have the approval and support of most Americans as revealed by polls after polls? And this sentiment is also shared even by Trump’s own voters. Just 12 percent of Americans living in the counties that fueled Donald Trump’s win in the 2016 presidential election support the Republican Party’s efforts on health care, as revealed by the results of the NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll of these “Trump counties.”

How can Trump wash his hands and say he does not own this problem and just let Obam-

acare fail? Doesn’t he realize he is responsible for people who will lose their access to health care should this happen? Is he praying for this to happen so he can say he “won”?

Why is he so obsessed with repealing Obamacare when he and the Republicans can work with Democrats to repair the bill and make it work better for the American people? Is it because this is a major legacy of the first African-American president and they just want to kill it as they did with other Obama initiatives to protect ordinary hardworking Americans? *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https://www.facebook.com/Gel.Santos.

Relos

The Philippines is now master in its own court

Opinion

FRanciSco tatad

ManilaTimes.net photo

U.S. court. On February 3, 1995, the court decided that Marcos was “accountable for the torture, murder and disappearance of countless human rights victims,” and ordered the Marcos estate to pay $1.964 billion to the alleged victims.

In 1997, former RTC judge Priscilla Mijares, former Human Rights Commission Chairman Loreta Ann Rosales, movie director Joel Lamangan, Hilda Narciso and Mariano Dimaranan filed a suit before the Makati RTC seeking enforcement of the U.S. court ruling. This was dismissed

by RTC Branch 56 Judge Pascua, who ruled that the Hawaii court’s ruling cannot be enforced in the Philippines for lack of jurisdiction. The group then appealed their petition to the Court of Appeals.

An independent and sovereign court Associate Justice Pizarro ruled, with Associate Justices Samuel Gaerlan and Joseph Lopez of the 12th Division concurring, that the appellate court found no reversible error in the lower court’s ruling and therefore upheld its dismissal of the petition

by Mijares et al. The CA held that those who filed the class suit in the U.S. had no legal standing to represent the thousands of alleged victims, none of whom was shown to have executed a power of attorney authorizing the group to represent them in a class suit.

The court pointed out that

the alleged torture, summary execution and disappearance of the purported victims cannot be joined into a class suit since “no two persons can suffer the same nature and degree of injury and damage.”

For me, the most significant part of the court’s ruling is that which declares the final judgment of the Hawaii court “null and void, for want of jurisdiction,” and therefore “may not be enforced.” “Rules of comity should not be made to prevail over our Constitution and we cannot allow foreign impositions to trample upon our sovereignty,” the court said.

After Marcos fell from power, and was flown to Hawaii in 1986, revolutionary President Corazon C. Aquino barred the Marcoses from returning to the Philippines to answer charges against them for crimes they were supposed to have committed against Filipinos in the Philippines. Marcos died in Hawaii in 1989, and Imelda Marcos was finally allowed to come home in 1991, after winning her celebrated case in New York, in order to run in the 1992 presidential elections.

What Cory wanted to do But Cory Aquino remained determined to let the U.S. courts handle the so-called human rights cases against Marcos. This was an abdication of Philippine sovereignty, which should never have happened, unless the country had reverted to being a colony or

protectorate of the U.S. But Cory Aquino was totally unprepared to run the affairs of a sovereign state, and anti-Marcos propaganda had tilted public opinion heavily against Marcos not only in the country but above all in the U.S. Outside of President Ronald Reagan, the U.S. political leadership (the State Department, the Pentagon and Congress) in 1986 supported the ouster of Marcos.

And well-meaning Filipinos applauded the fact that Cory Aquino had rebuffed Marcos’ plea to answer any and all charges against him in the Philippines, and that instead a U.S. court should hear cases involving crimes he was supposed to have committed against Filipinos in the Philippines.

Some people seemed ready to invest the U.S. court with the same power and jurisdiction which an international treaty (the Rome Statute) had invested the International Criminal Court at The Hague. Hopefully, the Pizarro ruling should be the last word on this.

Genuine victims deserve indemnity This does not mean that genuine victims of human rights violations should not be legally compensated for damages. Many innocent civilians undoubtedly suffered in the hands of the military and the police. They deserve to be indemnified for their suffering, which can never be justified nor fully indemnified. But they

must be thoroughly screened and accurately documented, and segregated from the communist combatants whose rebellion prompted Marcos in 1972 to declare martial law and suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus throughout the Philippines.

Martial Law threw them back, but Marcos’ ouster and Cory Aquino’s assumption into power gave them a new lease on life.

Cory released the communists from jail, and as soon as she did, they tried to regroup and reorganize; their top leaders sought foreign sanctuary in Utrecht, the Netherlands, where they became the last subsisting communists in Europe after the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991.

I have always thought that those who participated in the armed struggle against the government were ready to accept whatever they had gone through as the price of failing to bring down the government by force, just as the government’s loyal troops who had suffered in the hands of the communists have accepted everything they had gone through as the price of fighting for freedom and the democratic and republican state.

I was wrong. While victims of military abuse are free to denounce the abuse and claim economic compensation for it, the NPA could kill a government official, trooper or a civilian for reasons of their own, and the case is

“closed” as soon as it is known the NPA was behind it. No NPA leader is facing any charge of violating anybody’s human rights, and being asked to indemnify any victim or their families.

Now, who should indemnify the bona fide Martial Law victims? The Marcos estate or somebody else? To me this remains an unresolved issue, which should be thoroughly re-examined by the competent authorities.

Not too long ago, the transfer of some “hidden wealth” from a Marcos account in Switzerland to the Philippines energized some human rights claimants to demand that they receive it. I do not recall exactly what happened here. The law says monies recovered by the Presidential Commission on Good Government from Marcos’ alleged stash of “ill-gotten wealth” should be used specifically for agrarian reform. So, unless the law was violated, it should have gone to the Department of Agrarian Reform.

Assuming the Marcos estate is required by law to indemnify the human rights victims, any money recovered by the PCGG from the alleged Marcos stash becomes money of the state and therefore cannot be used to fulfil the estate’s duty to the claimants.

However, I have grave misgivings about the correctness of the basic proposition.

The proclamation of Martial Law, which was in force and in PAGE A7

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NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • JULy 21-27, 2017

A

Amidst ‘inaccessibility’ complaints, PH suicide hotline cites ‘technical, manpower glitch’ AFTer receiving ‘inaccesibility’ claims from distressed callers, the Philippines’ 24/7 depression and suicide hotline cited internal glitches caused the “busy lines” over their hotlines.

Hopeline, a suicide prevention program developed by the Department of Health (DOH), together with the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Natasha Goulbourn Foundation in 2016, said in a report by Inquirer that the hotline is now working.

However, it was down over “the past weeks…due to system repair and technical issues.”

In a rappler report, Mila rolinas, Hopeline’s program consultant, said, “callers will experience a busy line when all lines are taken especially during peak hours.

There are only 12 responders answering the calls.”

Dr. Bernardino Vicente, chief of the National Center for Mental Health, added that Hopeline has “several numbers.”

“Hindi lang naman isang number ang number ng Hopeline. We have several numbers kasi we anticipate na one thunder lang, puwedeng bumagsak ‘yung isang line. We have lines that are operated by PLDT, and lines that are operated by Globe (Hopeline does not have just one number. We have several numbers because we anticipate that during bad weather, phone lines could go down),” rappler reported, quoting Vicente On its website, there are three

hotlines that callers may opt to call: (02) 804-HOPe (4673); 0917 558 4673 and; 2919 (toll-free number for all Globe and TM subscribers).

Distressed callers expressed their ire over social media.

Following a failed attempt to reach out for help, Ligia Daroy expressed her disappointment about Hopeline on Twitter.

“Suicide hotline answered, ‘Sorry. Business hours are now closed.’ Good job Philippines,” wrote Daroy.

In a report by rappler, Daroy said she called the hotline around 8 p.m. on July 5 but got an automated voice message saying, “Sorry. Business hours are only from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.”

“I was depressed. I thought all of my friends are tired of listening to me so I called Hopeline,” Daroy told rappler. She further stressed the potential harm of not being able to reach someone with suicidal tendencies whenever they needed help the most.

“What if it was someone who was actually ready to jump off a building, tapos ganoon ‘yung maririnig mo (then you will hear something like that)?” she added.

A woman named Abby who claimed to have experienced unsatisfactory service from Hopeline replied to Daroy’s post.

“They answered one Sunday ‘Sorry nasa mass ako now ah pero may hospital dyan malapit (Sorry I am in mass now but there is a hospital near there),” she said.

Opposition assesses Duterte’s...

PAGE A5 hil] naging abala si Duterte sa kanyang war on drugs na halos dito lang umiikot ang kanyang mundo at napabayaan na ang ibang isyu (Why is this not averted? Because Duterte has been too busy with his war drugs and neglected other issues),” he added.

Alejano also claimed that the Duterte administration “has no sense of organization and direction,” noting that the president himself “has been divisive and his actions have not been unifying.”

“His allies have been demonizing institutions and personalities and discredit those who are critical of the current administration,” he added.

Hontiveros, on the other hand, said she couldn’t give Duterte a passing grade because of the

war killings and his misogynistic statements trivializing the issue of rape.

“The sheer weight of extrajudicial killings, the sexism and misogyny, the sheer weight of the lying that has been going on on various fronts, ay naitataboy kahit yung ilan na mabubuting nangyayari, kaya di ko mabigyan ng passing grade (pushes away the good events, that’s why I can’t give him a passing grade),” Hontiveros said.

She also called Duterte a “champion of male sexism, chauvinism, at misogyny” for trivializing rape.

In the past, some of Duterte’s “jokes” and behaviors that deemed sexist and offensive for women’s groups, like catcalling a news reporter during a media briefing, have been subject to criticism. n

Abby added in a separate post, “After that, she gave the numbers of St Luke’s and east Ave’s er. I was alone. Inside my room. Breaking down. Can you imagine?”

In defense, Vicente said that it is unlikely that a Hopeline staff member would answer in a way as described by the complaints posted over social media.

Vicente stressed that Hopeline responders are “well-trained individuals whose areas of expertise are in the behavioral sciences.”

“Hopeline responders are trained professionals and a standard operating procedure is a must do for each case handled.

We are also aware of the trending Twitter and Facebook posts and we are now looking into this matter. rest assured that Hopeline will continue to be of service to the Filipino people,” said Vicente.

Mental illness in the Philippines is considered a “silent killer.” In 2012 alone, 2,558 cases of suicide were reported from mental health issues. In the latest study of the National Center for Mental Health, suicide is projected at a rate of 2.5 for men and 1.7 for women in a 100,000 population.

In May, the Senate approved the Senate Bill No. 1354 or the Mental Health Act of 2017, which aims to” comprehensively address the Filipinos’ mental health needs and ensure that rights as persons with mental health concerns are protected and secured.” (Jennifer Soriano/AJPress)

READY FOR THE BIG DAY. A worker arranges the photographs of lawmakers at the House of Representatives as Congress prepares for the second State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday, July 24. ManilaTimes.net photo by Mike De Juan

SAF widows welcome Aquino...

PAGE A5 against Aquino, Purisima, and Napeñas but it dismissed the “complaint for reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide” against them due to “lack of probable cause.”

Gordon remarked that the Ombudsman “watered down” the sins of Aquino when it did not indict homicide charges against the former president.

He said the Senate would definitely reopen its investigation into

the Mamasapano tragedy and will invite Aquino to the proceedings.

“Yes I will invite him (Aquino), nobody will be exempted,” Gordon said.

Following the proposal to reopen the Mamasapano probe, Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, who was quick to criticize Gordon, said that the Senate should instead reinvestigate the supposed thousands of deaths in connection with the Duterte administration’s campaign against

illegal drugs.

“Mas aatupagin pa ni Sen. Gordon ‘yung nakaraang issue na piniga na ng husto ng dating Congreso pero ‘yung mga libo-libong pinapatay na Pilipino sa kasalukuyan, wala siyang panahon (Gordon would rather deal with an old issue that has already been squeezed out by the previous Congress, but for the thousands of Filipinos being killed presently, he has no time),” Trillanes said. n

Chief, Aquino acted beyond his authority when he brought forPAGE A6 budsman Conchita Carpio Mo- mer PNP Chief Allan Purisima, effect from September 21, 1972 rales’ reported decision to indict who was under suspension at to January 17, 1981, was an offi- former President B. S. Aquino 3rd the time, into the operation to cial act of the Philippine state. It for “usurpation of authority” in recover high-value terrorist tarwas not a private personal act of connection with the botched spe- gets in Mamasapano, while cutFerdinand Marcos. Any excesses cial police operation in Mamasa- ting off the Secretary of Interior committed by those who enforced pano, Maguindanao, on January and Local Governments and the acting PNP Chief from the chain it must therefore be referred di- 25, 2015.

This operation resulted in the of command. This was clearly a rectly to the state, without excluding the individuals involved. Any massacre of 44 Special Action misuse or abuse of authority but indemnity to any “victim” should Force commandos, after Aquino certainly not usurpation of autherefore be demanded not from reportedly ordered the military thority.

But the real question that has any particular individual, but from reinforcement units to stand been asked by the SAF widows down instead of coming to the the state.

Is this thesis correct or not? rescue of the badly outnumbered and orphans, and by the men and women of the police and the miliThis deserves to be given the ut- commandos.

It is to be regretted that PDU30 tary and everyone else, who has most consideration by our best could not restrain himself from followed this tragedy to this day minds. calling the Ombudsman’s find- is this: Would the 44 SAF comPNoy’s indictment While we are discussing a ju- ing “silly”, but that is probably mandos have perished if Aquino dicial issue of the highest impor- the least that can be said about did not directly or indirectly ortance, we could perhaps segue to it. Whose authority did he usurp? der the military reinforcement the current excitement about Om- As President and Commander in units to stand down, instead of

answering the distress calls of the commandos? If Aquino has to be charged at all, it has to be in relation to this.

But this is obviously a tough call. The Ombudsman is an Aquino appointee, but somehow related to the DU30 family by affinity. She is threatened with impeachment by one noisy anti-crime group, which claims to enjoy the blessings of DU30.

She has to walk the tightrope.

She has apparently decided to please both sides by charging Aquino with a crime, but it has to be a crime which does not exist or which he cannot possibly be guilty of. This has been done before by one distinguished secretary of justice. And he got away with it. The trouble, though, is that no less than the President himself has said the empress is naked. (ManilaTimes.net)

The Philippines is now master...

A

july 21-27, 2017 • NORCAl ASIAN jOuRNAl

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BUSINESSJ& COMMUNITY ournal If at first you don’t succeed: Options after the denial of an application for a waiver

THE already difficult process of immigrating to the United States can be greatly complicated and delayed when the government decides that the noncitizen is inadmissible – a finding which often necessitates the filing of an application for a waiver of inadmissibility. The most common grounds of inadmissibility (i.e., ineligibility to be admitted to the United States) which require a waiver include unlawful presence in the United States in excess of 180 days, the commission of fraud to gain an immigration benefit, and certain criminal convictions. Unfortunately, not all applications for a waiver of inadmissibility are granted. In fact, a significant percentage of such applications are denied. Fortunately, for many, the denial of an application for a waiver need not be the final word on an individual’s attempt to immigrate to the United States. For many, options still remain which keep alive their prospects of immigrating.

Any review of the denial of an application for a waiver of inadmissibility begins with a basic question – is the applicant inadmissible to the United States? To put it simply, there are instances when an individual is found by the government to be inadmissible to the United States when in fact he is not. While an individual may have filed an application for a waiver because he or she was directed to do so by the government, in some instances the correct course of action would have been to legally and/or factual argue that no such application was required. Unfortunately, without competent representation, the basic mistake of failing to contest an initial finding of inadmissibility is more likely to occur. Where it can (and should) be argued that an application for a waiver never should have been requested in the first instance, an experienced and knowledgeable immigration attorney can pursue a variety of

Your Immigration Solution NaNcy Miller options to redress such an error.

These options include the timely filing of a motion with the government to rectify such an error, or through the refiling of the case with a legal brief addressing the issue of inadmissibility. Both of these options often prove successful.

In those instances in which an application for a waiver was properly requested by the government, a significant number of these applications are ultimately denied because they are inadequately prepared. Filing an application for a waiver of inadmissibility is complicated – the legal standard for the granting of the waiver must be met, and this must be accomplished through the presentation of legally sufficient supporting evidence.

Even minor defects in an application can result in a denial. As a result, individuals who have a strong legal and factual basis for the granting of a waiver of inadmissibility often have their applications denied because their applications were not adequately prepared. However, the denial of an application for a waiver of inadmissibility does not preclude the filing of subsequent application. This point is extremely significant for those who have had their applications for a waiver denied – there is still hope even after a denial. As the preparation of an application for a waiver of inadmissibility is a complex endeavor, with little margin for error, the best chance an individual has to obtain an approval of his or her application is through retaining an experienced and

knowledgeable immigration attorney. While it is preferable to do so at the onset of the process, even once an application for a waiver is denied, an experienced and knowledgeable immigration attorney can prepare a superior subsequent application which will afford an applicant a much higher chance of obtaining an approval.

The approval or denial of an application for a waiver of inadmissibility will in most instances decide whether an individual will immigrate to the United States.

Too often, individuals receive denials of their applications; and many of these applications were not required in the first instance, or could have been approved if they had only been adequately prepared. Fortunately, most of these individuals have options regardless of when their waivers were denied – days, weeks, or even years ago. An experienced and knowledgeable immigration attorney can advise an individual of his or her options, and pursue the appropriate course of action to overcome a prior denial. The process of immigrating to the United States seldom affords second chances. One of the few exceptions is for applicants seeking a waiver of inadmissibility. For waivers of inadmissibility, the old adage proves true – if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. n

Gov’t studying SMC’s bulacan airport plan San Miguel’s proposed ‘Airport City’ in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan. Photo from Manilatimes.net

by MayveLin

U. carabaLLo ManilaTimes.net

THE National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said an unsolicited proposal by San Miguel Corp. (SMC) to build a new international airport in Bulacan was still under consideration by the government.

“The airport in Bulacan is still not dead,” Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia told reporters.

Pernia said the technical board of the agency’s Investment Coordination Committee was studying the proposal.

“We are looking at it. We’ll let it go through the process… and then we will make sure that there will be no conditions,” he said.

The NEDA chief pointed out that unsolicited projects are required to go through the publicprivate partnership (PPP) process.

Such bids must go through a so-called Swiss Challenge, in which other investors are allowed to offer competing bids.

The original proponent must match a superior bid to get the award.

“Well, if the project is unsolicited, it will be all throughout PPP.

So they will have to compete,” he said.

The timetable for the review of the unsolicited proposal varies depending on the project complexity, Pernia said.

The P700-billion airport was proposed by San Miguel as a build-operate-transfer scheme under a 50-year concession. The planned massive airport and city complex covers some 2,500 hectares in Bulacan and will rise near Manila Bay. The airport complex itself will span 1,168 hectares and have as many six parallel runways. Its

u PAGE CJ4

Peso depreciates to near 11-year low

by Lawrence

agcaoiLi Philstar.com

MANILA –– The peso continued to weaken against the dollar on Tuesday, July 18, shedding another seven centavos to close at its lowest level in almost 11 years.

The local currency closed at 50.77 from Monday’s 50.70 to $1. This was the weakest since it closed at 50.795 to $1 on Aug. 31, 2006.

The peso opened weaker at 50.73 and eventually hit an intraday low of 50.83 to $1. to cushion the fall of the peso.

Volume reached $653 mil- Monday, July 17.

ING Bank Manila senior econA trader said the BSP interlion Tuesday, more than double (Advertising Supplement) to $255.95 million recorded last vened during the morning trade u PAGE CJ4

*** Reeves Miller Zhang & Diza is one of the oldest, largest and most experienced immigration firms in the United States with offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas and Manila. For more Information please call (800) 795-8009 or visit www. rreeves.com.

Telephone: (800) 795-8009 E-mail: immigration@rreeves.com Website: www.rreeves.com. *** The analysis and suggestions offered in this column do not create a lawyer-client relationship and are not a substitute for the personalized representation that is essential to every case.

CJ

Community Journal

JULY 21-27, 2017 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

Grace period for nonimmigrant workers

The CTV Files atty. DenniS Chua, eSq. ON November 17, 2016, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued its final regulations entitled “Retention of EB1, EB-2, and EB-3 Immigrant Workers and Program Improvements Affecting High Skilled Non-immigrant Workers.” This rule which took effect on January 17, 2017 provides two grace periods to certain nonimmigrant visa holders.

The rule provides a 10-day grace period at the start and end date of the validity period for E-1, E-2, E-3, H-1B, L-1 and TN nonimmigrant workers. Thus, a nonimmigrant worker under any of aforementioned categories will be allowed entry into the United States under their category at least 10 days before the start date of their validity period and will be allowed to stay here for 10 days after the expiration of the validity period without incurring a period of unlawful presence. Other non-

immigrant workers in the H-2B, H-3, O and P categories already enjoy a 10-day grace period under existing regulations.

The rule also provides a 60-day grace period for E-1, E-2, E-3, H1B, H-1B1, L-1, O-1 or TN nonimmigrant workers a grace period of 60 days upon the ending of their employment. Prior to the effectivity of this rule, whenever nonimmigrant workers are terminated, they were immediately considered to have lost their nonimmigrant status. There was also no grace period for them to depart the United States. Thus, if a worker got terminated on a Monday, and was not able to book a flight home till Wednesday, then this worker would have been considered to have violated his non-immigrant status. The 60-day grace period now gives the affected worker more time to prepare and leave the country upon the cessation of their employment, and even gives them an opportunity to transfer to another employer or to change his

or her status during this 60-day grace period.

The 60-day grace period kicks in automatically upon the cessation of employment and there is no specific application or form that needs to be filed with the USCIS to avail of the grace period. The new grace period is a welcome development as it gives relief to the harsh consequences of work termination for these non-immigrant workers. n *** Atty. Dennis E. Chua is a partner in The Law Firm of Chua Tinsay and Vega (CTV), a full service law firm with offices in San Francisco, San Diego and Manila. The information presented in this article is for general information only and is not, nor intended to be, formal legal advice nor the formation of an attorney-client relationship. Call or e-mail CTV for an inperson or phone consultation to discuss your particular situation and/or how their services may be retained at (415) 4958088; (619) 955-6277; (916)449-3923 Dchua@ctvattys.com.

(Advertising Supplement)

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette aDeva Maglaya (STORIES can teach, heal, entertain, remind and bring home a message with laser-like accuracy and oftentimes, with latent comment. They appeal to all ages.

I like retelling the old classics and seeing how their lessons still apply to our lives today. Like organic botanicals from an older gene pool, these stories are pure, without manipulation or embellishments, and perhaps, are a good thing to chew on. Simple, organic, direct — these are the stories that hit home. The lessons are as good now as they were then. Here’s one of them.)

Long ago in the island of Crete, there lived a man named Daedalus, who was famed for his skills as an inventor. He worked for King Minos. Foremost among his many achievements was building the labyrinth in which the king kept the Minotaur, a fearsome, legendary beast which was halfman and half-bull that fed on human flesh. It was said that anyone who went into the labyrinth never came out of it again because of its complex, undecipherable winding walls and corridors.

Daedalus was brilliant and this was a problem for the king. Although Daedalus had been giving the king great and loyal service all his life, Minos was deeply insecure and feared that Daedalus who was wise, celebrated and ingenious would, one day challenge him to become king.

As a preemptive move, Minos imprisoned Daedalus and his son, Icarus in a prison tower. The king underestimated Daedalus, for one dark night, father and son escaped from their prison tower.

They found out however that it was

Health@Heart PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS

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LOSING weight on a diet that is high in fat is dangerous for overall health. The risk of coronary heart disease has been found to be significantly increased among those individuals who stayed on a high protein red meat diet to lose weight. While these subjects became slimmer, their cholesterol levels were high, leading to a higher rate of heart attacks. The object of dieting is not only to maintain a normal weight but to be healthier all around. Nothing beats abstinence from red meat and eggs (eating only fish, vegetable, fruit, high-fiber is healthier), combined with daily exercise, abstinence from tobacco, and disciplined alcohol intake is the best formula for maintaining good health. *** Persons getting a flu shot to prevent influenza may even experience an added benefit from it. Studies have shown that flu vaccination appears to be associated with a reduced risk of stroke, especially among those who are 60-75 years old. *** Soft drinks, in whatever form, cola or uncola, caffeinated of decaf, diet or regular, are all toxic to our body, especially to children. This beverage harms our DNA in the long run and increases the risk for the development of metabolic syndrome. There is no healthier substitute for fresh, filtered, clean water, which is also less expensive. *** Forget all old worries and past problems, if you want your blood pressure not to shoot up.

It is a medical fact that recalling previous sad or morbid events, or emotional trauma, raises the blood pressure during the moment of recollection. If these spikes in blood pressure happen often, they could adversely affect the heart. All of us should let go of these painful experiences of the past and not dwell on them.

Life ahead of us is so precious we ought to leave our miserable baggage behind and have a more positive outlook, at the same time protect our heart. *** If you love tuna, which is a good fish, it is better to eat canned light tuna and not the giant albacore because its mercury content is much lower than fresh or frozen tuna. Short-lived and younger tuna is used for canning. Giant fish in general have higher mercury content. *** You do not really have to run or jog for health. Brisk walking can lower the incidence of heart disease by 18%, as effectively as any of those more vigorous exercises, minus the injuries attendant to them. Minimal impact ex-

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Children just like you (1 of 2 parts)

“The deepest definition of youth is life as yet untouched by tradegy.”

- Alfred North Whitehead

well nigh impossible to escape the island with the paranoid King Minos sending out an all points bulletin to his mindless minions. Minos’ soldiers carefully searched every boat that left the island.

Father and son took cover in a remote cave along the shore hidden from the watchful eyes of Minos’ soldiers while Daedalus figured out a way to escape.

Watching the seagulls for hours soaring and diving for food on the shore, Daedalus was struck with the idea of flight as an escape route. He caught one bird and studied the structure and form of its wings and after careful thought, decided to copy how a wing is made. He instructed Icarus to catch seagulls and pluck their feathers. When there were enough feathers, he sewed them together and used melted wax to bind the feathers on a wooden framework. He created the contraption so skillfully that they looked like a giant replica of a bird’s wings. He customized two pairs of wings for himself and for his son, careful to take each of their individual body weights into consideration.

But having wings was one thing, knowing how to use those wings to fly was another. So Daedalus strapped his wings and still taking his cue from the seagulls on how to soar, swoop, dive and glide, he proceeded to learn how to fly so that the wings felt like a seamless part of his arms and his body. He studied wind currents, the waters of the sea and the heat of the sun. Having gained the skill, he proceeded to teach

his son patiently. At first, Icarus stumbled and fell and when he got past the first few fumbles, the youth learned quickly, his lithe, svelte form seemingly destined for flight. He learned to fly like a bird, swooping and diving, gliding and circling about, looking down below at the blue waters and their island prison, now a mere speck from above, and frolicking about overhead, chasing the seagulls and rolling in the clouds. Freedom was a heady drink. Icarus felt complete elation, knew the incredible lightness of being and tasted the sweet freedom of flight.

Then came the day when Daedalus and Icarus were to fly out of Crete. The sun was up, and the wind was mild and Daedalus decided it was an auspicious day to make the great escape. Daedalus sat his son down and looked him in the eyes for serious pre-flight instructions knowing that once in the air, there would be little chance for communication. “Pay attention, Icarus. Stick close behind me and watch your altitude.

Fly too low and the sea with its moisture will make your wings too heavy. Fly too high and the heat of the sun will melt the wax in your wings. Take heed and stay close.” Icarus nodded agreement but he was far too excited and his mind was already in the sky.

(To be continued …) *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette. maglaya@asianjournalinc.com

Medical pearls ercises are better for our joints. *** Oil of oregano: an “antibiotic”?

It seems so, to a certain extent, anyway. It has been found that oil of oregano, which is used in salad dressing and for cooking, reduces harmful food pathogens.

This oil has been found to inhibit E. Coli and Listeria monocytogenes. *** Mustard is a popular condiment, used in a variety ways, especially with hotdogs. The compound that imparts yellow color in mustard is curcumin, component of tumeric spice, and curcumin has been found to slow down the progression of cancer.

All spices are potent antioxidant that lower the risk for cancer development. *** Vegetables of all colors and types reduce cancer risk and boost the immune system. Also a cancer inhibitor is raspberry, actually ALL berries, because of their content, ellagic acid, a cancer-inhibitor. Make sur to wash vegetables, berries, and other fresh food items before consuming them to cleanse them of any contamination, bacteria, fungal, or chemicals. *** Which cooking oil is the best for us? Here is a list of the most commonly found ones on the grocery shelves, including the calories (Cal), fat contents in grams (F), saturated fat in grams (SF), cholesterol (Ch), per tablespoonful: Canola Cal-121, F13.6, SF-1; Coconut Cal-118, F-13.6, SF-11.8; Corn Cal-121, F-13.6, SF-1.7; Olive Cal-119, F-13.5, SF-1.8; Peanut Cal-119, F- 13.5, SF- 2.3; Soybean 121, F- 13.6, SF-2.0; Palm Cal-121, F-13.6, SF-6.7. All of these have zero cholesterol and sodium. Virgin olive oil and canola have the lowest saturated fat content, and coconut, the highest. One coconut has about 1349 calories and 127.7 grams of fat, 113 saturated fats and 76 mg of sodium. Eating a lot of coconut oil or food items made of, or with, coconut, is not really healthy. Our choice for cooking oil is, of course, virgin olive oil, canola, second. *** One can of beer, one 4-ounce glass of wine or one shot of whiskey reduced the incidence of heart attack, according to the American Cancer Society. The same benefit was found with ingesting 2, 3, or 6 drinks. But at one drink the cancer rate and over-all death rate was lower.

At two drinks, the prevalence of cancer and death rate are the same as among non-drinkers, and both total death and heart death are lower. At 3 drinks, the cancer death rate is higher. At four drinks, total death and cancer death are both higher. *** Homocysteine is a substance within our body that is impli-

cated in the development of arteriosclerosis (hardening of the artery), leading to blockages in the carotid (causing stroke) and coronary arteries (causing heart attack), including the aorta in the chest and abdomen (causing aneurysm/ rupture and bleeding), and arteries in the legs (causing gangrene). The Framingham studies showed that the more elevated the level of homocysteine in the patient, the higher the finding of blockages in carotid and coronary arteries.

Those with low folate (folic acid) to metabolize the harmful homocysteine have 3 times higher risk of developing heart attack. Folic acid in B complex vitamin is prescribed to these patients. This substance is found in green leafy vegetables, like spinach, lettuce, chard, whole grains, yeast, peanuts, wheat germ and dry beans. *** Is genetics a more important factor than diet in the development of coronary heart disease/ heart attack? Familial hyperlipidemia (super high serum cholesterol due to a genetic defect) is seen in one in 500 persons.

Except for this type of individuals, and all “unhealthy habits” (smoking, inadequate, or lack of, daily exercise) remaining equal, diet is a very significant factor in the causation of coronary heart disease. It has been shown that even if the parents had coronary heart disease, the children did not necessarily develop the disease, if these offspring lived a healthier lifestyle than their elders. Keeping the cholesterol level low by minimizing red meat and eggs intake, and concentrating on fish, vegetables, fruits, hi-fiber diet, coupled with abstinence from cigarettes, minimal alcohol use, doing daily exercises, properly treating high blood pressure and or diabetes, if present, is the best strategy to ward off coronary heart disease/heart attack and stroke. The caveat: simply because we cannot choose our parents, does not mean we are trapped in this genetic dilemma, and, therefore, are hopeless.

Far from it. If we are disciplined enough to live a healthier lifestyle than our parents did, we can outsmart those particular defective genes they gave us. n *** 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. For more data, visit philipSchua. com; Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com

Community Journal

(650) 689-5160 • http://www.asianjournal.com

Supreme Court makes it harder for unwed mothers to transmit citizenship to their children ONE of the cornerstones of U.S. constitutional law is “equal protection”. That means people in similar situations should be treated the same. There should be no favoritism, such as on the basis of sex\gender. Men and women should be treated equally under the law.

In a recent Supreme Court decision, Sessions vs. MoralesSantana, the Supreme Court held the different physical presence requirements for unwed mothers and unwed fathers to transmit US citizenship to their children born outside the U.S. was unfair and unconstitutional. Instead, unwed mothers and fathers should not be treated differently in determining whether their children may claim U.S. citizenship.

Under existing law, unwed mothers had a much easier time transmitting U.S. citizenship to their children. Basically, the mother should have lived in the U.S. (or a U.S. possession, such as the Philippines before 1946), for one year at any point in her life, prior to the child’s birth. Unwed fathers, on the other hand, had to live in the U.S. for a total of 10 years, five of which were after the age of 14. The law later changed, and now requires the father to be physically present in the U.S. (or U.S. possession) for five years before the child’s birth, two of which were after the father’s 14th birthday.

In this case, Morales-Santana was the child of an unwed father.

He came to the U.S. when he was 13 and lived here for decades.

He was convicted of robbery, attempted murder, and other crimes, which made him deportable. He tried to argue he was a U.S. citizen, by his having been born to a U.S. citizen father. The law at the time required the father to have lived in the U.S. for 10 years before the child’s birth, five of which were after the father’s 14th birthday (or up to the father’s 19th birthday). In this

Immigration Corner Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ case, Morales-Santana’s father left the US a mere 20 days before his 19th birthday, and therefore did not meet the requirements for transmitting U.S. citizenship to his out of wedlock child.

Morales-Santana argued it was unfair (or a violation of equal protection under the law) that unwed mothers could live in the U.S. for only one year at any time in their life before their child’s birth, but unwed fathers had to live in the U.S. for 10 years before the child’s birth, five of which were after the father’s 14th birthday.

Unwed fathers and unwed mothers should be treated the same.

And if the same law that applied to unwed mothers was followed, then he was a U.S. citizen, and should not be deported.

The Supreme Court agreed the law violated Morales-Santana’s equal protection rights, and that unwed mothers and unwed fathers should be treated the same.

Unfortunately, rather than allowing unwed fathers to benefit from the same requirements as unwed mothers, the Supreme Court went the other way, and held that unwed mothers should now meet the same requirements as unwed fathers, which is they must have lived in the U.S. for at least five years before the child’s birth, two of which were after the mother’s 14th birthday.

As a result of this decision, Morales-Santana was not a U.S. citizen, and was deportable.

From now on, unwed mothers have to meet the same requirements as unwed fathers in order to transmit U.S. citizenship to their children, unless Congress later changes the law.

Therefore, any unwed US citizen mother who gave birth abroad can no longer transmit U.S. citizenship to their child unless they had lived in the U.S. for five years, two of which were after their 14th birthday.

Also, bear in mind that there have been thousands of Filipinos born in the Philippines to a U.S. parent. It could be possible the parent satisfied the physical presence requirements of the law, such that their child could be a U.S. citizen. This could include children of unwed mothers, unwed fathers, or a married couple where one of the parents is a U.S. citizen.

If your parent was a U.S. citizen, and you were born abroad, you may want to seek the advice of an attorney, who could evaluate your situation and determine whether or not you are an “instant citizen,” where you’re not required to be petitioned for a green card, wait five years, and then apply for naturalization. You go straight to U.S. passport, if eligible. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel is licensed, and an active member of the State Bar of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California. Each case is different. The information contained herein including testimonials, “Success Stories,” endorsements and re-enactments) is of a general nature, and is not intended to apply to any particular case, and does not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorney-client relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader.

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

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • JULY 21-27, 2017

Calendar of Events across

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America

ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS! PRE-EVENT AND POST EVENT GO DEEPER. GO WIDER. LET THE WORLD KNOW. CALL ASIAN JOURNAL: (818) 502-0651 DISPLAY AD SIZES AT SPECIAL RATES FOR NON-PROFIT GROUPS J U LY 2 1 -23

Filipino Caucus Family Retreat in Lake Hughes, CA The Filipino Caucus of the California Pacific Annual Conference (CALPAC) of the United Methodist Church (UMC) is inviting its members to a family retreat to be held from July 21 to 23. The venue will be the scenic Oak Camps and Conference Center (18651 Pine Canyon Road, Lake Hughes, California). The Rev. Dr. Bener Agtarap, Associate General Secretary of the UMC Board of Discipleship Ministry will be the resource person and guest speaker during the three- day gathering to be marked with group discussions and fellowship. “Rekindling the Flame” will be the theme of this retreat. According to Rev. Nelson Castorillo, the Filipino Caucus president, the goal of the retreat is re-igniting and rekindling the symbolic flame representing the spirit and unity of this growing group of Filipino-American Methodists and hoping this type of gathering will reenergize and revitalize the Church.

The Rosewood UMC, headed by Ding Lapus, is coordinating the event. He is assisted

by Noribel Taguba, Vicky Ignacio, Dennis Mañacop, Auring Garcia, John Umaguing, Revs.

Manny Predas and Lisa Santiago. Food and lodging for three days is $148 and $103 for children 7-12 years old. Check is payable to the Filipino Caucus, PO Box 10435, Glendale, CA 91209. For more information please call Rev. Nelson (909) 538-7606 or email at nelsonpreacher@gmail.com.

J U LY 22

Money Smart for Small Business in El Monte, CA Come to an introductory business course designed for newer business owners, selfemployed individuals, and aspiring entrepreneurs. Course topics include: startup planning, organizational types, risk management, credit reporting, business insurance, time & financial management, selling & succession planning, banking services for small businesses, recordkeeping, and tax & business planning. The curriculum is developed jointly by the FDIC and the SBA. It will be held on Saturday, July 22 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Cathay Bank (9650 Flair Dr., El Monte, CA 91731). The fee is $20 payable to Asian Pacific Islander Small Business Program (API SBP). Breakfast, lunch and course materials will be provided by Cathay Bank.

There will be limited seating so advance registration is required. To register, please contact Colleen Seto at (213) 373-1605 or cseto@ltsc.org. Participants will be eligible for free business counseling by API SBP.

J U LY 29

The Filipino-Americans of Contra Costa County, Inc. hosts annual picnic in Hercules, CA The Filipino-Americans of Contra Costa County, Inc. (FACCC, Inc.) invites you to its annual potluck picnic on Saturday, July 29 at Foxboro Park in Hercules, CA. It will be from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bring your favorite dish to share. FACCC, Inc. will provide barbecued beef, chicken, hot dogs and water. For any inquiries, call Chairperson Roy de Leon at (510) 5655465 or Vice Chair Joe Medrano at (510) 417-0585.

Spotlight on Vets in Van Nuys, CA Together with and under the leadership of Consul General Adelio Angelito Cruz, Mutch Carino of Maxx Promos is presenting a fundraiser show Spotlight on Vets, in support of the Filipino WWII Veterans. The benefit show was launched during a press conference that was hosted by Goldilocks Norwalk in Cerritos through the courtesy of Robert Yee and Ms. Jo Ann Kyle. The Filipino Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2015 was passed and was signed into law by President Obama on December 14, 2016. With this Act, our Filipino veterans will be honored by Congress with the Congressional Gold Medal (CGM) for their service and sacrifice during World War II. Spotlight on Vets aims to raise funds in order to purchase and award Congressional Gold Medal replicas in bronze to living veterans and posthumously to surviving family members. It will be held on July 29, 2017 Saturday 7:00pm at the Envision Center - 15055 Oxnard Street in Van Nuys, California. For tickets and sponsorship information, please call (626) 716-5442.

AU G U ST 1 2

Philippine Heritage Institute International hosts 11th Annual Youth Congress in Rosemead, CA

ABUSED AND ACCUSED WOMAN GETS THE ULTIMATE REDEMPTION IN HER GREEN CARD ON AN ENCORE EPISODE OF ‘CITIZEN PINOY.’ Imagine being broken on the inside by your husband’s constant verbal abuse and then getting a signed confession from him saying that yours was never a real marriage. That’s the hellish nightmare that Evelyn (center) suffered from her former husband. That same confession jeopardized the petition by her current spouse, Glenn (left), for her.

Leading U.S. immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel (right) proved the allegations wrong and eventually delivered Evelyn’s ultimate redemption in the form of her green card on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” - on Sunday at 6:15 p.m. (PST) on TFC. (Advertising supplement)

Business News

Foreign firms eye Philippines’ pharmaceutical sector

by IrIs

Gonzales Philstar.com

MANILA, –– Some of the country’s existing pharmaceutical players have expressed interest in participating in the Philippine International Trading Corp.’s plan to set up economic zones all over the country.

Chinese, Russian and Indian firms have also signified their interest in participating in the project, PITC president Dave Almarinez said in a recent interview with The STAR. PITC is the trading arm of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

It is putting up economic zones dedicated for pharmaceutical companies as it aims to make the Philippines a major manufacturing hub for medicines in the region, making it at par with India and other pharmaceutical hubs in the world.

There are big conglomerates that want to enter the pharmaceutical market.

Almarinez said members of the Philippine and Healthcare Association of the Philippines have expressed interest in joining the project.

“Spreading Our Wings Towards Unity” is the theme of the 11th Annual Youth Congress to be presented by the Philippine Heritage Institute International (PHII) on August 12, 2017, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Garvey Community Center, 9108 E. Garvey Ave., Rosemead, CA 91770, (626) 569-2212. The Congress hopes to rekindle interest in the youth movement and its role in nation-building. “Our vision,” said the late PHII founder Naomi PalmaArmada, “is to improve the quality of life affecting Filipino American communities through research, education and recognition with the youth as its main focus.” Her legacy lives on.

Speakers at the Youth Congress are: Charlene Bugais, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, L.A.; Louinn Lota, Chaminade College Preparatory, Teacher/Program Director, Speech/Debate; Aries Mladinov, Office Manager, Olive Branch Counseling Centers; Faith Nishimura, Team Captain, Speech/Debate, Claremont High School; and Charmaine Villacisneros-Tusjakova, CEO, ‘Iskaster Media.’

Admission is free; lunch and refreshments will be served. Please RSVP by July 31 to: Chair Vicky de Leon (818) 648-3493, Email: manvic13@yahoo.com; Pres. Josie E. de Jesus (714) 272-0300, Email: joestarisdejesus@gmail.com; Co-chair Anna A. Chickey, M.D. (562) 900-0379, Email: annachickeymd@yahoo.com, or Lydia V. Solis (626) 827-1036, Email: lvsolis@aol.com.

AU G U ST 1 3

University of the Philippines Alumni Association of Greater Los Angeles (UPAAGLA) Induction Ball in Whittier, CA The Univeristy of the Philippines Alumni Association of Greater Los Angeles (UPAAGLA) will hold its Induction Ball on August 13, 2017 Sunday at the Double Tree by Hilton - Whittier on 7320 Greenleaf Avenue, Whittier, CA 90602. Mutch Carino will be inducted as President of UPAAGLA for 2017-2019, together with the newly elected officers composed of Ethel Rubio (President Elect), Nati Matitu (1st VP), Evelyn Andamo (2nd VP), Joy Angeles (Recording Secretary), Gil Guinto (Treasurer), Malette Lampino (Assitant Treasurer), Dick Cu (Auditor), Benny Uy (PRO) and Bobby Canseco (IT Officer). The 2017-2019 UPAAGLA Board of Directors are Ivy Manalang, Atty. Mary Lyn Sanga, Luisa Lansingan, Ellery Atienza, Mary Drees, Jess Espanola, Bob Shroder, Carina Slepian, Ivy Cosio-Bautista, Ellen Gomez, Tina Escueta Martin, Angie Alvarez and Relson Banas. The advisers of UPAAGLA are Dr. Arnel Joaquin, Vicky Gancayco, Jazmin Gaite, Alma Onrubia, Frank Mamaril, Doris Maligalig and Sonja Menor. Red carpet arrivals and No Host Cocktails begin at 6:00 p.m. Program and dinner start at 7:00 p.m. For tickets, sponsorships and souvenir program advertisements, please call Dick Cu (562) 547-0560.

SEPTEMBER 1-4

Ramon Magsaysay (Cubao) High School international reunion in Las Vegas

The government would provide incentives for players in these economic zones, which would benefit Filipino consumers because this would result in lower prices, Almarinez also said.

“We will work together with the industry to bring down prices (of medicines),” he said.

Almarinez revealed the pharmazone project during his recent report on his first 100 days in office.

The rationale behind the creation of these so-called pharma-

zones is to manufacture specialized and quality high-end healthcare products that are accessible and affordable to the Filipino people.

“The design is that these pharmazones will belong to a specific class of private special economic zone strategically situated in a private Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) area where pharmaceutical goods may be landed, handled, manufacture or reconfigured and re-exported,” Almarinez said. n

Come and celebrate with RMCHS alumni and guests for the third biannual international homecoming. Sing, dance, party, share precious memories and join the fun from Friday, September 1 to Monday, September 4 at The Orleans Hotel and Casino at 4500 W. Tropicana Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89103. Join the golf tournament in the morning of Saturday, Sept.

2 and then wear your best (black and white) for a dinner dance later that evening. Make this event an opportunity to reunite with your own batchmates, watch a show, visit tourist spots, and stroll along the Las Vegas Strip. For more information, visit the RMCHS 2017 INTL REUNION Facebook page.

O C TO B E R 1 4

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

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

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JULY 21-27, 2017 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

Philippines eyes free trade agreement with US

by Richmond

meRcuRio Philstar.com

MANILA –– The Philippines is looking to take its bilateral relations with the U.S. a notch higher as it eyes to secure a free trade agreement (FTA) with the world’s largest economy.

Trade Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo, who co-chaired the recent Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) meeting with Assistant U.S. Trade Representative Barbara Weisel, said a bilateral FTA is the next step between Philippine and U.S. trade relations.

“On our part, we put forward that the Philippines is interested in further enhancing our market access to the U.S. That has always been a key objective of the Philippines, whether we attain it through the TPP (Trans-Pacific Partnership) or the enhancement of the GSP (General System of Preferences) or a bilateral FTA, we

are pursuing that,” Rodolfo said.

“But since the U.S. is not part of the TPP anymore, therefore our entry now to the U.S. is down to two – enhancement of the GSP, which we are continually doing, and now we’re studying if it’s possible to have a bilateral FTA with the U.S.,” he added.

During the TIFA meeting, Rodolfo said the US government confirmed that its current trade policy is geared toward bilateral rather than multilateral or regional arrangements.

According to Rodolfo, the U.S. said it would further study the possibility of forging an FTA with the Philippines.

He said among the key factors to be considered by both countries for an FTA is the size of the market, the economic logic of such agreement, and policy gaps or how aligned both countries are in terms of policies.

“If our policies are too different from each other, then nego-

Business news

Gonzales Philstar.com

Gov’t studying SMC’s...

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initial capacity will be 100 million passengers per year.

Pernia stressed that the government was not in a hurry to work on the San Miguel proposal as the government’s focus would be on what projects could be finished within three years or at least within term of President Rodrigo Duterte.

Under the government’s ambitious “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program is the Three-Year Rolling Infrastructure Program. The 2018-2020 program will have an indicative investment requirement of P3.6 billion, and covers transportation projects (P2.32 billion), social infrastructure (P636.65 million), water resources (P239 million), administrative buildings (P197 million), information and communications technology (P112.85 million), energy (P40.11 million), and others (P5.66 million).

It aims to ensure that hard budget ceilings of government agencies are optimized and utilized in funding infrastructure programs aligned with the Philippine Development Plan.

The program also promotes the optimal use of public resources for infrastructure development by assuring fund allocation for

EMPLOYMENT

well-developed projects for three years, thus allowing the government to address gaps in the infrastructure sector, including pending projects from previous years.

Some of these pending projects are 4,710 kilometers of national roads that need to be paved, 366,014 units of socialized housing up for construction, and 1.2 million hectares for irrigation, according to the NEDA. DR. Donald Patrick Lim, Country CEO of Dentsu Aegis Network Philippines; were among the speakers during the morning session. They talked and helped participants understand the impact of digital transformation in solving corporate issues and the need to tap into companies like the ones they represent in this generation where businesses demand ventures in technology in order to thrive.

Among the afternoon session speakers were Roger Wu of Pan Asia Pacific Business Development Acer Cloud Technology, Galvin Ngo, CEO of Woohoo Learning Lab; David Tapang, Education Lead of Microsoft Philippines; Carlo Ople, VP for Digital Marketing of PLDT Enterprise; and Engr. Allan Salim Cabanlong, Assistant Secretary of the Department of Information Communica-

Lucio Tan takes delivery of new aircraft by iRis

tiations will be very hard. But what we told them is that under the TIFA, we have already closed most of the issues. Before, we had an issue when it came to intellectual property (IP), but that is not an issue anymore since we have been taken-out of the US Special Watchlist. We also had a problem on labor review, but we were also able to close that. As far as our problem with agriculture and frozen meat products is concerned, we are in continuous discussions with them. So in effect, we have almost narrowed our gap,” Rodolfo said. n

tion and Technology (DICT) who also provided intelligent insights on the importance of technology education in this era of tech-savvies especially its role in improving the future of government and academic sectors’ services.

“Why is this a great time to think of education technology or technology integration? Over the past few years, one phenomenon has been that technology has become easier to use and I’d like to think that’s true. Because technology has become easier, we can now lift this crucial shift in the educational sphere a shift not just from learning about technology but also learning with technology,” Ngo said in his presentation.

“When we take this paradigm shift, we ask this very important question: What does learning with technology enable? and like to think it’s a very important question because this shifts the question away from technology to the purpose of technology and i’d like to think that we should have a good grasp of the purpose even before touching any particular technology” he added.

The event is co-presented by Acer Philippines and Microsoft Philippines. n

EMPLOYMENT

http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 689-5160

MANILA –– Taipan Lucio Tan, the Philippines’ third richest man, turned 84 on Monday, July 17, but there’s no stopping him from bringing his multibillion dollar empire – comprising of cigarettes to skyscrapers to airlines – to greater heights.

His Philippine Airlines, the country’s flag carrier, for instance, will take delivery this week of the new generation Q400 aircraft, which it has acquired from Montreal-based Bombardier Commercial Aircraft Inc. A team from PAL led by its president Jaime Bautista is now in Toronto for this week’s delivery ceremony to be held at Bombardier’s Toronto facility.

Tan, chairman of the airlines, did not join the PAL team in Toronto to attend to the rest of his business in Manila but it is because of his vision to make PAL a top airline that company officials are now in Canada to beef up the airline’s fleet.

Bautista said the fleet modernization and network expansion are “in line with the flag carrier’s goal of becoming a five-star, full service carrier.”

“The Q400s will be used in our domestic route expansion and improvement of our capac-

ity and connectivity,” he said.

Specifically, PAL will take delivery of the world’s first bi-class, 86-seater Q400 turboprop aircraft.

In all, PAL, which celebrates its 76th anniversary this year, will acquire an additional seven Q400 after placing an order for five aircraft last December.

The delivery will be from now until November this year.

“We are thrilled about the opportunities that lie ahead, and we look forward to offering more capacity and improving connectivity in the region with comfortable, fast and efficient regional aircraft like Bombardier’s 86-seat turboprops,” Bautista said.

At present, PAL owns four Bombardier DHC 8-300 aircraft and five Bombardier DHC 8400 aircraft on a dry lease arrangement to sister company PAL Express, which it uses for its provincial destinations.

PAL’s domestic network, including those covered by PAL Express, is in at least 31 cities and towns nationwide. These include Bacolod, Basco, Butuan, Busuanga, Cagayan, Calbayog, Catarman, Caticlan, Cebu, Cotabato, Davao, Dipolog, Dumaguete, General Santos, Iloilo, Jolo, Kalibo, Laoag, Legazpi, Manila, Masbate, Naga, Ozamiz, Puerto Princesa, Roxas, Surigao, Tablas, Tacloban, Tagbilaran, Tuguegarao and Zamboanga.

Lucio Tan

Outside PAL, Tan’s other businesses likewise continue to grow.

Last month, during the annual stockholders meeting of LT Group Inc., the taipan’s holding company, Tan said growth would continue across the different businesses.

“Your management continues to find ways to innovate and be more cost efficient in the face of stiff competition in all the sectors where we operate. With your support and cooperation, I am confident our growth will continue,” Tan said.

LTG’s businesses are Asia Brewery Inc (99.9 percent ownership), Eton (99.6 percent ownership), PMFTC (49.6 percent ownership), Philippine National Bank (56.47 percent), Tanduay Distillers Inc. (100 percent ownership) and Victoria’s Milling Co. (30.17 percent). n

Peso depreciates to...

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omist Joey Cuyegkeng said the peso remains an underperformer in the region as it continued to weaken against the greenback.

Cuyegkeng said the peso also continues to move in the opposite direction from other Asian currencies which strengthened against the dollar last week.

“We attribute the underperformance to the wider than expected trade deficit (for May),” he said.

Cuyegkeng said the market continues to move following reports that the country may experience a deeper current account (CA) deficit this year.

The BSP now expects the Philippines to book a CA deficit of $600 million instead of an $800 million surplus for this year. This would be the first time in 14 years the country would book a shortfall

in its current account position.

ING expects the Philippine to post a CA surplus equivalent to 0.2 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) this year.

Cuyegkeng said the coming second State-of-the-Nation-Address of President Duterte on July 24 as well as the planned extension of the martial law imposed in Mindanao last May 23 would have some implications for the market.

“We expect the impact on financial markets to be low considering the latest SWS survey showing a sustained high level of satisfaction for the President.

But there are certain issues that could eventually affect the President’s ratings but are not likely to change the overall rating in the near term,” he said.

Cuyegkeng added support for

SERVICES

martial law in Mindanao was high but extending it might generate some concerns now that the Maute group’s threat has been slashed.

Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. said in its daily views there is persistent retail and corporate demand for the dollar.

Metrobank said trading ranges have been somewhat subdued in the past few sessions with the absence of the central bank.

BSP Governor Nestor Espenilla Jr. earlier said the central bank is letting the exchange rate reflect underlying market conditions.

“We have seen nothing particularly unusual about this, it’s the nature of the exchange rate to fluctuate. As far as the BSP is concerned, we are there, we are managing excessive volatility,” he said. n

(650) 689-5160 • http://www.asianjournal.com

Community Journal

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • JULY 21-27, 2017

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People & Events

Millennium Tower receives Join the Arbor Day Foundation in July $32.6M in reduction due to informal review process SAN FRANCISCO –– The Office of the Assessor-Recorder will be lowering the total assessed value at 301 Mission Street, also known as the Millennium Tower, by $32.6 million for Fiscal Year 2017-2018 as a result of the Office’s standard Informal Review process.

In addition to reviewing properties with prior appeals, the Office of the Assessor-Recorder also offers a free Informal Review process for residential properties. This program allows owners who believe their Proposition 13 value exceeds market value to request an internal review of their property value before all property values are finalized for the upcoming fiscal year. This year, the Office of the AssessorRecorder reviewed 7,753 parcels citywide and granted a total reduction of $195 million in assessed value for Fiscal Year 20172018, including $32.6 million for units in the Millennium Tower.

“My job is to ensure we are applying state property tax laws fairly to all owners in San Francisco,” said Assessor Carmen Chu. California’s Revenue and

Taxation Code requires the Assessor to enroll the lower of the factored base year value (Proposition 13 value) or the current market value for every property as of the lien date, which is January 1st of each year. The factored base year value is typically the initial market value at the time of purchase plus annual inflationary increases allowed under Proposition 13 (1978). For properties that were purchased during the real estate market downturn, their Proposition 13 values may already be lower than the reduced market value of the property, resulting in no change in taxes.

“For the over 7,000 parcels we reviewed in the City we compared values as of January 1, 2017 to their Proposition 13 values. The reduction in assessed values for Millennium Tower recognizes the impact on market values of recent news,” said Assessor Chu. To arrive at the estimated market value for each unit, the Office of the Assessor-Recorder analyzed available market data, including comparable condominium prices, market trends, and sales of units within Millennium.

FORESTS across America are a prized natural resource, and anyone can help plant trees in these vital areas by joining the Arbor Day Foundation this month.

Through the Replanting Our National Forests campaign, the Arbor Day Foundation will honor each new member who joins in July by planting 10 trees in forests that have been devastated by wildfires, insects, and disease.

The cost for joining the Arbor Day Foundation is a $10 donation.

America’s national forests face enormous challenges, including unprecedented wildfires that have left a backlog of more than 1 million acres in need of replanting. The Foundation has worked with the United States Carmen Chu The estimated market value of Forest Service for more than 25 each unit was compared to their years to plant trees in high-need respective Proposition 13 fac- forests.

Our national forests provide tored base year value. Units with a lower market value compared to their Proposition 13 value were granted a reduction. As a result, 98 units were granted a reduction.

All property owners in San Francisco will receive an annual Notice of Assessed Value in July. Property owners may also file a formal appeal with the Assessment Appeals Board, SAN FRANCISCO –– SFJAZZ an independent review board appointed by the Board of Su- and the Golden Gate National pervisors, beginning July 2 with Parks Conservancy join forces a deadline of September 15. n to present Pulitzer Prize and Grammy-winning composer John Luther Adams’ Inuksuit in a free outdoor performance at Lands End and Sutro Baths on Saturday, July 29 at 1 p.m.

Composer Doug Perkins of So Percussion directs this exclusive event located on the north end of Ocean Beach where Geary Boulevard and the Great Highway converge. Inuksuit is scored for 9 to 99 percussion players who are tion to answer the needs of its widely dispersed in an outdoor ever-expanding reach. While its area. For more information, visit closest place of worship to East SFJAZZ.org.

Haddam is in Bristol, Conn., This performance of Inuksuit the INC has six other locations is part of SFJAZZ’s John Luther in the New England region, Adams Festival running Wednes32 total local congregations day, July 26 to Sunday, July 30, and missions in the Northeast- with events at the SFJAZZ Center ern Seaboard of the US alone. and Grace Cathedral. The FestiSurveying the needs of the val celebrates Adams’ innovative region and partnering with lo- works as they are from a uniquecal governments and community ly American viewpoint with emorganizations will be a priority phasis on the natural world, the for the INC. As seen in its on- Alaskan wilderness, and the culgoing outreach initiatives, the ture of the arctic Inuit people and INC’s presence is felt every day other indigenous populations.

Named for the iconic huthrough teacher and service worker appreciation days, aid man-shaped stone monuments to the homeless, youth literacy and education, disaster relief and support, and growing missions abroad (medical and dental aid, food distribution in Africa and South America). Its activities are geared to help individuals and families both spiritually and materially – a global commitment of the INC to share its faith through acts of kindness.n

for people to reconnect with God. While plans for Johnsonville Village have not been finalized, the INC is hopeful neighbors will appreciate the breath of new life into the property they might have once recognized as a cornerstone to East Haddam.

“I’ve been watching it; it’s been awful watching it get worse and worse, and not be taken care of,” East Haddam First Selectman Emmett Lyman told the crowd gathered for the July 7 signing. “I am really looking forward to what you’re going to do with it, what you’re going to bring to the town”.

Sherri Milkie, real estate agent handling the listing, echoed her gratitude for finally being able to release the property to its new owners. “You’re going to do wonderful things with this property and we’re so excited,” she said.

“We support you 100 percent”.

Many property acquisitions of the INC are a result of its growing membership, a solu-

SSF expands childcare programs at Buri Buri, Monte Verde elementary schools

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO –– The City of South San Francisco is pleased to announce it is expanding its licensed Before- andAfter-School Childcare Programs at Buri Buri and Monte Verde elementary schools. Through collaboration between the South San Francisco Unified School District (SSFUSD), all students of families formerly on the waiting list will now be enrolled in the City’s Parks and Recreation Department- operated programs beginning in the 2017-2018 school year.

“It’s extremely important for us to offer licensed, high quality, and affordable childcare, so we consider this a huge victory for the City, SSFUSD, and our community to now be able to welcome students to the Before-and-After School programs at Buri Buri and Monte Verde elementary schools,” said Mayor Pradeep Gupta. “The entire City

Council supports this needed expansion and made it a budget priority for this year.”

The City of South San Francisco’s Parks and Recreation Department operates six programs, serving about 600 children throughout the SSFUSD. Due to the increasing demand for licensed and affordable childcare in South San Francisco, the City teamed with the SSFUSD to secure the necessary facilities and funding to expand the capacity of the Before-andAfter-School Childcare Programs at Buri Buri and Monte Verde elementary schools.

“These before-and-after-school programs are very popular with the community and continue to grow each year,” said Sharon Ranals, Parks and Recreation Director for the City of South San Francisco. “As a parent, I know the lengths we go through for our children. Childcare is not an

ral resources and the benefits they provide for generations to come.”

To join the Arbor Day Foundation and help plant trees in our national forests, send a $10 membership contribution to Replanting Our National Forests, Arbor Day Foundation, 100 Arbor Ave., Nebraska City, NE 68410 or visit arborday.org/july.n

SFJAZZ & Golden Gate national parks conservancy present John Luther Adams’ Inuksuit

Abandoned village in Johnsonville, Conn. to breathe new life after purchase by Iglesia ni Cristo

EAST HADDAM, Conn. – The once-thriving mill town, known as Johnsonville Village in Middlesex County in Conn., is finally off the market after a $1.85 million purchase by the international religious organization Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC or Church Of Christ).

The 62-acre property first developed by the Neptune Twine and Cord Mill Factory in the 1800s will have an opportunity to be further restored and revived, after lightning struck the mill in 1972, forcing families to vacate the community and abandon its structures for decades. It was last turned into a Victorian-era refurbished tourist attraction, but has since grown even quieter, and is now a property of the INC. During a time of global religious decline, the INC has increasingly purchased and renovated hundreds of worship buildings. Through the efforts of the INC, pieces of property sitting on idle lands are now providing permanent communities

habitat for wildlife, keep the air clean, and help ensure safe drinking water for more than 180 million Americans.

“Keeping our forests healthy is vital to the health of people and the entire planet,” said Matt Harris, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “By planting trees in our national forests, we will preserve precious natu-

option but a necessity. I am very excited about this expansion.”

The City’s Parks and Recreation Department is only one of a few providers that offer after-school programs for the SSFUSD. As a result of the ongoing partnership between the City and the SSFUSD, the Parks and Recreation Department is able to offer quality care at no cost to families at three locations, thanks to grant-funded programs at two schools and the Community Learning Center, which is provided through the South San Francisco Library.

“I strongly believe that that every family in South San Francisco who needs childcare should have access to it,” said Ranals.

“Thanks to our continued collaboration with the School District, we are now able to significantly improve availability.”n

erected by indigenous peoples of the Arctic to mark important locations, Inuksuit is intended to create a harmonious marriage of music and geography that allows the audience to create their own experience as they move within the vast performance area. As listeners’ walk, the balance between various musicians located within the space changes, mixed with the natural sounds of the environment – a primary aspect of the concept the composer calls “sonic geography.”

“Each performance of Inuksuit is different,” Adams explains.

“Determined by the size of the ensemble and the specific instruments used, by the topology and vegetation of the site -- even by the songs of the local birds.

The musicians are dispersed throughout a large area, and the listeners are free to discover their own individual listening points, which actively shapes their experience.”

The five-day John Luther Adams Festival begins at the SFJAZZ Center with a Listening Party with Adams and SFJAZZ Founder and Executive Artistic Director Randall Kline on Wednesday, July

26. On July 27, the JACK Quartet performs the US-premiere of The Wind in High Places, Untouched, Canticles of the Sky, Dream of the Canyon Wren and, on July 28, the world premiere of John Luther Adams’ Everything That Rises. At San Francisco’s Grace Cathedral on Saturday, July 29 from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., Veils and Vespers is a meditative electronic soundscape that develops over a six-hour period. On Sunday, July 30 at SFJAZZ Center, Adam Marks will perform the Adams’ solo piano piece Nunataks and Doug Perkins will perform the solo percussion piece Ilimaq.

“People often find similar meaning both in music and nature—an emotional response that evokes awe, hope, and connection the world beyond oneself,” said Kate Bickert, Senior Director, Engagement & New Initiatives, Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy. “This partnership with SFJAZZ is the latest in our experimental new program, Tunes on Trails, which seeks to provide community connection to music and nature through brief pop-up concerts in different park locations.“.n

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

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

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

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

CJ

JULY 21-27, 2017 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

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Friday, July 21, 2017

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SF2

The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - July 21, 2017

Fil-Am tattoo artist Niño Lapid on his craft and meeting GSW’s Steph Curry

by Malou liwanag-Bledsoe/AJPress

Stephen and wife Ayesha Curry get tattoos from Filipino artist Niño Lapid in photos posted to Instagram.

T

HE fever on the win of the Golden State Warriors (GSW) as this year’s NBA champions may have died down a bit, but one person — artist Nino Lapid — also made it to the news. Besides, his art has made it the GSW’s star player Steph Curry’s arm.

Right after GSW’s win, Steph and his whole family celebrated by holding a tattoo party at his home, all done by Nino.

A tattoo artist for Zebra Tattoo and Body Piercing in Walnut Creek, in the Bay Area for seven years now, Nino explained that he enjoys working with his bosses Moe and Siobhan Delfani. He also shared that being able to ink Curry and his family was “destiny.”

“We had that call in the afternoon and the next thing you know it, we were there,” he said in an interview with the Asian Journal. “[My] initial reaction was I was shocked...jaw dropped, open mouth...eyes wide open. I had butterflies in my stomach on the way to their house,” Nino shared. “It was mixed It was indeed a surreal exemotions — excited and nerperience for Nino, sharing that vous at the same time. But it the Curry family were enjoying was an amazing experience.”

their win, dancing and just having a great time while he was doing their tattoos. “[Steph] Curry was trying to play a guitar,” he said, laughing. “They were very downto-earth. Some got lettering, mostly Hebrew letters that are memorable to them.”

Nino has been doing tattoos for 11 years now. He, however, said that he feels like he’s “always been an artist” all his life.

“When I was a young kid, my grandfather ‘Daddy Pike’ would buy all my drawings for one peso. It made me believe in myself that I am a good artist. Until now I hold to it and I’m very grateful for that,” he said.

Still, he considers himself as a “late bloomer” when it comes to doing art. Prior to

moving to the United States in 2000, he was actually a preschool and assistant special education teacher in the Philippines.

Since the media picked up the story of him inking the Curry family, Nino’s once quiet life has turned upside down.

“The attention I got was from all over the world which is very insane,” he said. “People are hitting me up on Facebook and Instagram.”

Not that he hasn’t known a lot about being with celebrities as he has tattooed some NFL players like the Oakland Raiders in the past, as well as other local Bay Area personalities.

He admits, however, that by far, “Curry is up there.”

Also, his mother is the former Miss World 1973 1st runner up and actress, Evange-

line Pascual.

However, Nino doesn’t put all that attention in his head.

What is important to him is to continue honing his craft.

“It was like 15 minutes of fame,” he said. “Learning the craft, it’s a never-ending process. You always try to better yourself...stay hungry.”

Happy to have made the Filipinos proud, Nino also believes that we should all stay connected. “ We all gathered to celebrate the Warriors victory despite our differences. Filipinos are like the Warriors team,” he shared. “We have a sense of community that drives us to stay connected. We are Filipinos — let’s love one another.”

Follow Nino Lapid at www. mrzebra.com and on Instagram @zappyzip.

Claudine Barretto settles Jinkee Pacquiao ponders about the future of her family feud with siblings

by Ricky lo Philstar.com

AS far as Jinkee Pacquiao is concerned, it’s possible to stay as young as you can be.

And, yes, “it’s possible” for Jinkee to convince her husband, Pambansang Kamao Manny Pacquiao, to hang his gloves for good and good riddance!!!...after his recent loss to Australia’s Jeff Horn by unanimous decision (reviewed with finality by an independent group authorized by the World Boxing Organization (WBO) in what was touted as Battle of Brisbane.

As far as Jinkee is concerned, it’s family first. She puts God and her family above all else and has made sure to give everything she got on supporting Manny and their children.

But Jinkee might get a polite “no” from Manny who is determined to seek vindication.

Last July 12, Manny posted this on his Twitter account: I love this sport and until the passion is gone, I will continue to fight for God, my family, my fans and my country.

Here’s an exclusive Conversation with Jinkee: This time after Horn, do you think you can convince Manny to retire?

“I am praying consistently that Manny will soon retire.”

Watching the fight in Brisbane (without Mommy Dionisia and the kids) pareho pa ang nararamdaman mo sa previous fights?

“Yes, I always have the same feelings. Nervous and worried at the same time. Di ko naman maiaalis yun but more on prayer for him that’s what I do when he fights.”

Is it true that Manny can’t say no to a rematch because of an existing contract?

“I don’t know yet about the rematch. I believe he can’t say no to his opponent if he asks for a rematch.”

Your family has more than enough money, can’t you tell Manny to just enjoy life with you and the kids?

“Yes. For me, gusto ko mag-retire na sya and enjoy life with his family and focus on being a senator.”

By Joanna

estoRque AJPress

AFTER years of conflict, actress Claudine Barretto and siblings Joaquin ‘Jay-Jay’ Barretto and Michelle ‘Mitchi’ Barretto finally left their grudges in the past and reconciled last July 5.

On Instagram, both Claudine and Joaquin “Jay-Jay” posted their photos together with Mitchie and their mother, Estrella ‘Inday’ Barreto.

Claudine captioned the Claudine Barretto posted this photo on her Instagram account. In photo with her are sister Mich, brother Jay-jay and their mom Estrella. photo, “With my Mom, Mich and Brother JJ. I can live withlighted as she reconciled with Santiago accused Clauout a boyfriend [or] husband her siblings. “This is so touchdine of allegedly using drugs, but I can’t live without JJ. I love which was eventually afing that you have reconcile him too much.” with your brother. God bless firmed by Gretchen. Mito, “I love my brother no you more. We hope and pray Jay-Jay, Mitchie and Marjorie matter what happened tapos that you will have reconciliasided with Gretchen and their na yun. Realized I cannot live tion with your Ate Gretchen. brother-in-law. without him. I love you J. At the end of the day.. magThis confirmation of Always have and always will,” kapatid pa rin kayo and life is Gretchen and the combined the actress commented on the too short,” commented by her forces of the five Barretto same post. follower. siblings outraged their mother.

On the other hand, Jay-Jay Out of the seven Barretto Unfortunately, right after posted an almost similar photo children, only Gia defended putting an end to the disagreeon his Instagram account and Claudine, aside from Inday and ment with her siblings, Claudine described it as “Bonding, dinstarted facing another fight. their father Miguel Barretto.

The Pacquiao family: Manny and Jinkee with the kids Michael, Israel, Emmanuel Jr., Queen Elizabeth and She filed a complaint against However, it is finally time Mary Divine Grace.

Photo from Jinkee’s Instagram account ner date with my two sisters.”

The squabble among the Peggy Enriquez, a netizen who to bury the memories of this prayers.”

How is Manny as a husBarretto clan started in 2013, described Quia, her newly addispute and start a new life for Don’t you and Manny band? the year Claudine and her opted daughter, as “like batang the Barretto family. spoil the kids?

“Manny is a very loving estranged husband, Raymart lansangan” at the National As expected, Instagram “No. When they make and caring husband.”

Santiago, started to fall apart.

Bureau of Investigation. followers of Claudine were demistakes, we talk to them in a And how is he as a fagentle manner and, of course, ther? with love. We want them to “As a father, he always be humble and God-fearing makes sure that we are well. men and women when they He loves to hug and kiss grow up. If they are godly, it them. Even though he is so leads to riches, honor and life. busy he still makes time to We also teach them that God spend time with them, with by iRis Vicente loves them so much no matter us.” no less than Justin Bieber himtion to the Filipina actress, who AJPress what. And that they should Your children are educatself during a recent Q&A session bears the name “chinitaprinalways be grateful for everyed in exclusive schools, How IT’S a fangirl-dream-comeon his Instagram account. cess” on Instagram, for receivthing!” do you and Manny keep up true moment for Kim Chiu after Bieber’s fans all over the ing a special mention from the Any health regimen? with them? getting a special shout-out from world are now paying atten“Biebs.”

“To maintain my healthy “As parents, we mold Chiu also gained internalifestyle, of course, first I must them to become God-feartional media’s attention—that have a positive outlook in ing. They are all very smart got as far as Teen Vogue and life, get the right perspective and lovable kids. We encourInStyle Magazine—for gaining and always hope for the best. age them to read always the an exclusive acknowledgement Renewing my mind by changBible and they love to do it! from Bieber. ing the way I think in life. To On my part, being a wife and “Chinita, I’ll see you in the love God and people. Love mother is tough but I learned Philippines” Bieber addressed and forgiveness is the key! to be strong with everything the actress’s comment. A BeliAnd then everything follows. that I’ve been through. And eber through and through, the Exercise four times a week, learned to have more paactress could not contain her eat healthy foods, minus the tience and understanding. excitement that she even shared sweets and soft drinks.”

Most of all, I learned that to the recorded shoutout from JusHow do you see life love and forgive is the key. tin, on her Instagram account. with Manny if and when he Have a biblical perspective “OK just had to post this agrees to retire? and positive outlook in life. I “OMG” moment!!! check my “Serving God and peolearned to always pray to God stories for more fangirl moments ple.” in everything! He answers Continued on Page 4 Kim Chiu Justin Bieber

Will Kim Chiu meet Justin Bieber at his concert in PH?

Jolina Magdangal gets hurt in car crash

by IrIs VIcente AJPress

SINGER-actress Jolina Magdangal got into a vehicular accident with husband Mark Escueta after a collision with an SUV along Quezon City’s East Avenue, early morning last July 10.

The Kapamilya star was immediately taken to the hospital after obtaining a few bruises and a lump on her head after the SUV smashed into their car in front of the Philippine Heart Center.

According to the couple’s driver, Orly Sebolino, they were on the way to the airport as the Magdangal family is going on a vacation when the accident occurred.

The van collided with such force that the actress’ SUV had its right rear-end wrecked. The van’s front end was equally crushed.

According to a report on Unang Balita by Jay Sabale, Sebolino said Jolina might have gotten the bruises from the shattered glasses caused by the crash.

Jolina Magdangal

Meanwhile, the van’s driver, Peter Sevilla was also taken to the hospital after he was released from getting trapped inside the vehicle. He later admitted that he fell asleep while driving out of exhaustion.

According to one of Sevilla’s passengers, Miriam Bondoc, they have been driving from Batangas to Caloocan City and they were on the way to Makati City when they smashed into

Magdangal’s car at around 1:30 in the morning.

Authorities are still investigating the incident.

In a Facebook post, Magdangal thanked everybody who helped her and informed them that she and her family are safe, especially her three-year-old son Pele. Her husband, Mark Escueta, posted on his Instagram account showing their family on a plane.

“Salamat po Lord at di mo kami pinabayaan sa gitna ng matinding aksidente, konti nalang yung sakit ng mga leeg namin, halos wala na yung bukol sa ulo ni Jolina, at higit sa lahat walang nangyaring masama kay Pele. Please bless our flight home” his caption reads.

(Thank you Lord for keeping us from harm amidst the accident. The pain in our neck is already bearable, the lump on Jolina’s head is almost healed and more importantly, Pele is safe. Please bless our flight home).

The family made it to the vacation they were supposed to go to prior to the accident.

AWARD-WINNING filmmaker Brillante Mendoza will be directing President Rodrigo Duterte’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) again.

Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar in a radio interview confirmed that Mendoza will direct Duterte’s second SONA on Monday. He said the filmmaker also showed interest to be behind the production team of the national

event.

Andanar said that there will be changes in Mendoza’s direction since his camera angles for the 2016 SONA was criticized.

He added that the SONA program will be finalized within the week.

“The director will also adjust some of his shots because alam ko, some of his shots were criticized last year. And let’s expect another Brillante Mendoza show,

The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE – July 21, 2017

by IrIs VIcente AJPress

STAR couple Angelina and Joey Mead King of TLC Asia’s “The Kings” reunited with Caitlyn Jenner during a recent dinner date in Malibu, California.

Angelina, who came out as a transgender woman on an Instagram post last year, first met with fellow transwoman Caitlyn, whom she calls as her “adviser.” in November last year.

“My adviser @caitlynjenner advising my wife @joeymeadking to allow me to keep on racing” Angelina’s caption reads. The video showed the couple with Caitlyn who told Joey to “let Angie just kinda be herself, she’ll be so much happier.”

Angelina, formerly Ian Angelo, is a car enthusiast and businesswoman who married Filipino-Iranian TV personality Joey Mead in 2011. She later came out of the closet with the support of family and friends this coming July 24,” Andanar especially her wife who’s been said in an interview with dzMM. there all throughout her transiThe internationally-acclaimed tion. director earned praises and criti“You can’t stop a chargcisms during the first SONA of ing train. So you jump along.

Duterte as some netizens found I’m going in for the ride. It’s his shots unnecessary for a politi- going to be a roller coaster, cal event while some appreciated but I’m going to ride it until Mendoza’s style of showing the the wheels fall off – because I president’s superiority through have fought hard for our love. angles taken from below.

We’ve been together for ten Mendoza last year admitted years, and I’m not fazed by that he was stressed for directing how Ian, Angie, my wife, my the SONA since there were sevpartner, my soulmate — all eral “adlibs” from the president these titles — I’m not fazed and he had to view 18 cameras by how you will look. Nothing. for that day. He also said he was I don’t see it. I just see that I not able to rehearse with the love you. And that’s how it’s president. always been” Joey’s earnest The independent filmmaker remark on her relationship has won the Best Director Award with husband, now wife Angie, at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival in an exclusive tell-all with for his film “Kinatay.” He also Rouge Magazine last year. joined various international film Meanwhile, Caitlyn Jenfestivals for his films “Serbis,” ner, previously Bruce, who “Lola,” “Thy Womb,” and “Ma’ stars in an E reality show “I am Rosa,” among others. (Rosette Cait,” is a former Olympian Adel/Philstar.com) and father of famous celebri-

Brillante Mendoza to direct Duterte’s SONA anew

Director Brillante Mendoza directs the first State of the Nation Address of President Rodrigo Duterte.

entertainment SF3 Angelina, Joey Mead King bond with Caitlyn Jenner

Angelina, Joey Mead King with Caitlyn Jenner Photo from Angelina’s Instagram account

ties Kendall and Kylie Jenner.

Caitlyn, on her transition, appeared on the cover of Vanity

Fair in 2015 and recently had her name and gender legally changed.

SF4

celebrityworld The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - July 21, 2017

celebrity world New Miss Philippines-Earth is a physicist from Manila

By Ferdie Villar A NEW Miss PhilippinesEarth has been crowned last Saturday, July 15, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Karen Ibasco, 26, bested all other candidates and took home the title of Miss Philippines-Earth 2017.

The new titleholder was crowned by Loren Mar Artajos, who was Miss PhilippinesWater last year. However, Imelda Schweighhart, the original Miss Philippines-Earth 2016, stepped down because of a controversial video of her bashing another candidate.

Expectedly, Loren was next in line to the title.

Going back to our new Miss Philippines-Earth, Karen is from Manila and has more than beauty to offer. She is, in fact, a medical physicist who is an advocate for energy conservation through renewable and sustainable energy.

During the final question, Karen was asked about what changes she wanted to see in national environmental

policies.

Her winning answer was, “In terms of environmental policies, everyone is experiencing climate change. The whole world is experiencing climate change and I’m just grateful that the Philippines signed the Paris Treaty. What I want to see is to pass a carbon tax. In that way, we would invest in renewable energy to help our world be a better place, greener and habitable for the whole humanity.”

Karen will be representing the Philippines in the Miss Earth 2017 pageant this November.

The other winning candidates are Miss PhilippinesWater Jessica Marasigan (Caloocan City), Miss Philippines Eco-Tourism Vanessa Mae Castillo (Lobo, Batangas), Miss Philippines Air Kim de Guzman (Olongapo City), and Miss Philippines-Fire Nellza Bautista (Villanueva, Misamis Oriental).

Karen Ibasco, a physicist from Manila, was recently crowned Miss Philippines-Earth 2017. She will represent the country in the forthcoming Miss Earth 2017 pageant to be held at the Mall of Asia Arena this November.

Photo from Miss Philippines-Earth Facebook

Newly crowned Miss Philippines-Earth 2017 Karen Ibasco (center) is flanked by other winners (L-R) Miss Philippines-Fire Nellza Bautista, Miss Philippines-Air Kim de Photo from Miss Philippines-Earth Facebook Guzman, Miss Philippines-Water Jessica Marasigan and Miss Philippines Eco-Tourism Vanessa Mae Castillo.

Actress Kris Bernal is the lead star of GMA 7’s latest primetime teleserye, “Impostora.”

Sunshine Dizon’s acting ability shines in GMA 7’s teleserye “Ika-Anim na Utos.”

Handsome actor Rafael Rosell is the lead actor of the primetime teleserye “Impostora” on GMA 7.

Beautiful actress Andrea Torres will return to GMA 7 via the teleserye “Alyas Robin Hood.” The series’ lead star is Primetime King Dingdong Dantes.

Tony Award nominee Eva Noblezada impresses Vogue for slaying the red carpet Sebastian Atienza Luong, son of Sarah and Michael Luong, was baptized at Our Lady of Mercy Church in Daly City last weekend. Shown in photo are (L-R) Clod Atienza, Michael and Sarah Luong, Fr. Domingo Oremarco, Alice Gabriana Atienza, and Jenny and John Luong. A lunch reception followed at Tai Wu Restaurant in Millbrae.

Marlon Stockinger: This driver is a pet lover WHEREVER Marlon Stockinger is, the globally-renowned Filipino race car driver brings with him not only his pit crew, but also his pets.

His dogs, Naya, Summer and Bloom, two of them are golden retrievers, always travel with him, he told Philstar.com in a recent interview.

“Ever since, at a young age, my parents always got me pets, so I’ve loved pets ever since,” said Marlon, one of the Philippine ambassadors of Forever Against Animal Testing, a new campaign by personal store chain The Body Shop and Cruelty Free International to stop animals being used to test beauty products.

The campaign aims to ban animal testing globally by helping in convincing and training countries such as China, where animal testing is enforced, and to find more ethical and accurate methods of testing.

Campaign proponents are targeting to get eight million signatures on a petition calling for the United Nations to adopt an international convention that will end animal testing for cosmetics products and ingredients

Race car driver Marlon Stockinger and his dog, Naya.

“everywhere and forever.”

Since The Body Shop began its anti-animal testing campaign in 1989, the United Kingdom banned animal testing of cosmetic products and ingredients in 1998 while the European Union started to ban animal testing in cosmetic ingredients in 2009.

In 2013, the sale and import of animal-tested products and ingredients were banned, completing the EU ban. The campaign with Cruelty Free International collected one million signatures, influencing significant progress across the world such as South Korea, New

Zealand and India, which now have a variety of bans in place.

Australia is set to follow with a ban promised in July 2017, as is Taiwan in 2019. Cruelty Free International have trained scientists in Vietnam and are now discussing with Thailand and other governments the possibility of a ban among members of the Association of Southeast Nations, including the Philippines.

According to Marlon, “A campaign like this is something close to me because I’ve had pets all my life.”

“I truly believe against animal testing because there are more humane ways than testing through the expense of animal life. Everyone should treat and value animals’ lives as we do ours,” he urged.

“You’re hurting an animal by keeping it in a cage. You’re making an almost prison-like environment for them in order just to benefit us human beings for either medicine or cosmetics.

I think there are more humane ways of doing these,” said Marlon, who regularly posts about his pets on social media. (Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo/Philstar.com)

with @ilovekaye haha #BieberFever!!! hello @justinbieber,” her caption read.

What are the odds of getting noticed by your idol in your lifetime? Chiu is definitely living the fangirl dream. With the popularity of Bieber, it’s pretty much a no-brainer how people would pay attention to anyone who gets linked to his name.

Despite her fame, success and a massive following of her own (3.6 million followers on Instagram), she is still a fullpledged fangirl at heart. Chiu admits to also idolizing Taylor Swift (she was present in almost all concerts in the Philippines) Ariana Grande, and Britney Spears among others.

It isn’t the first time she has gotten the attention of inter-

Eva Noblezada

was only 17 and was chosen to lead the London revival of “Miss Saigon” after a director discovered her extraordinary talent while she was performing at the National High School Musical Theatre Awards. And now, she’s proving her talent in Broadway.

The Broadway production of “Miss Saigon” also received a nomination for Best Revival of a Musical. Eva performed a scene

from this nominated play and aside from her look, she also enticed people with her wonderful performance as she sang ““I’d Give My Life for You.” “Miss Saigon’s” original Kim, Lea Salonga, and co-star Jon Briones joined the event and introduce the cast who performed the scene with Eva. (With reports from Joanna Estorque/AJPress, Interkasyon)

Ping Medina still not ready to put the past behind with Baron Geisler

by IrIs VIcente AJPress

PING Medina admits on still having a bad blood with co-star Baron Geisler after a controversial “urinating” incident on the set of their film “Bubog” last year.

It’s been almost a year since Ping Medina vent out his anger on social media via a Facebook post on how Geisler urinated on him on the set of their film, which according to him, wasn’t part of the script.

Medina also revealed that Geisler had reached out to him after the incident but he’s still not ready to make peace yet.

“It’s not really something national celebrities. In May, she also got noticed by famous I focus on. You know, he was, like, still messaging me, but sisters Kim and Khloe KarI was seen-zoning him all the dashian during their respective time. Eventually, I had to block instagram live sessions.

With Bieber’s Purpose World him on Facebook,” the 33 year old actor said in an interview Tour in Manila on September, Kim Chiu’s presence on the said with Pep.ph.

The altercation even led concert could be expected but in regards to the possible meet- to Medina filing a formal complaint to the Professional ing of the two—that, we have Artists Managers, Inc. (PAMI) yet to find out.

Will Kim Chiu meet Justin Bieber...

From Page SF2

SHE may not have gotten the 2017 Tony Award for Best Lead Actress in a Musical, but Fil-Am Eva Noblezada was complimented by Vogue.com as she slayed the red carpet with her stylish look.

Wearing an elegant gown

by Jonathan Simkhai, the 21year-old theater actress was described to have the “best beauty looks” on the event held at Radio Music Hall in New York in June.

“Miss Saigon star Eva Noblezada, who reached for trace of luminous highlighter to indicate off her Tony-nominated cheekbones,” noticed by Vogue. com.

Eva has been playing the lead role Kim in the popular musical “Miss Saigon.” Her experience, however, did not bring her to what could have been her first Tony Award, as outstanding performer Bette Midler triumphed over her and Patti LuPone.

Her luck started when she

Ping Medina

against Geisler, which later decided to completely prohibit Geisler from working with artists and members of PAMI. Asked about whether he will forgive Baron or not, Ping said, “Right now, I just don’t really think about it.”

Ping, who recently graced the red carpet for being part of YES! 100 Most Beautiful Stars together with his family as the “Medina Men,” is currently busy not just with acting jobs but also with managing

Baron Geisler

their food business as well as focusing on his love for writing screenplay inspired by the war in Marawi.

“It’s something I can do simultaneously, like being creative and acting. I’m doing just the usual stuff, but now, I’m more of concentrating sa writing. I’ve always been developing but never finishing.

But right now, this time, I’m developing a script with Direk Dondon Santos.” the actor said.

entertainment

The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - July 21, 2017

SF5

Urian nod validates Khalil Ramos’ acting skills KHALIL Ramos may have not taken the same path as his contemporaries, but given his recent accomplishments here and abroad, the young actor was able to establish himself as a bonafide thespian who delivers, often more than what is expected of him.

Nominated as Best Actor in the movie critics’ award-giving body Gawad Urian for the movie “2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten,” Ramos counts this as an astounding feat.

“My first reaction when I learned about my nomination was just being super happy.

It’s so fulfilling for your craft to be acknowledged by Urian, which is very credible and very respected,” he said, adding that he believes he’s on the right track where his career is concerned.

He said he immediately checked his co-nominees upon finding out that he made it into the list of nominees. He is pitted against seasoned stars Bembol Roco and Tommy Abuel, musician Pepe Smith, comedian Paolo Ballesteros, as well as rising stars Ronwaldo Martin and Garry Cabalic.

“I guess we can serve as the representation and inspiration of this generation. Parang iba siguro ang impression na nasi-set namin sa veteran ac-

tors, kasi parang may ipinaglalaban din ang generation,” he said of himself and the latter two as “younger bloods.”

“Hopefully, we gave the message, na hindi namin mapapabayaan ang craft at ‘yung foundation na ginawa nung mga actors in the past,” he added.

With excitement for the award’s night running especially high, the “La Luna Sangre” star said he’s making sure to keep his emotions in check and to not let all the online adulation get into his head.

“Sa Twitter ang daming nagsasabi na ‘O, sign na yan that you made it kasi Urian yan, nagawa mo na, you’re up there!’ Oo, na-recognize ako pero I wouldn’t say na ‘Okay na ako kasi nominated na ako,’” he intoned.

For what it’s worth, Ramos sees the nomination as a pathway for him to reach for even greater heights.

“Parang kung ngayon narecognize ako, I’m certain na mas malaki pa ang capability in telling more meaningful and better stories in the future.

Mas malaki na ‘yung pangarap ko,” he stated.

His character Felix Salonga in the Petersen Vargas comingof-age film previously earned him a Best Actor nomination at the 12th Cinema One Originals

Film Festival last year.

Only two weeks ago, the movie bagged the Audience Choice Award from the 32nd Lovers Film Festival-Torino LGBTQI Visions in Italy.

Excitement is written all over his face for the coming Urian awards night.

“Just being there for sure

would be an achievement na rin for me, not just as an audience, hindi lang dahil na-invite ako, kung hindi dahil nominado ako sa mismong award-giving body na 40 years nang tumatakbo ang reputation at hindi natitibag,” the “Pilipinas Got Talent Season 3” runnerup enthused. (ManilaTimes.net)

Timothy Tan and Sunshine Dizon

Sunshine Dizon’s ex-husband in punching incident

by Arlo

Custodio ManilaTimes.net

BECAUSE of the other woman who allegedly destroyed Sunshine Dizon’s marriage, the actress’ estranged husband Timothy Tan got into a fist fight in a restaurant bathroom on Friday, July 14.

According Pep.ph and Abscbn.com, businessman Robert Sison said he was suddenly at the receiving end of Tan’s brasscovered knuckles just as he was finished relieving himself.

“His wife Sunshine Dizon filed a case against him and his lover who happens to be my

Khalil Ramos

wife, Clarisma Sison,” the businessman stated. He added he knew Tan and in fact saw the car he gave his wife at the restaurant parking lot.

Sison further believes his estranged wife and Tan are living together. The Sisons are currently in the middle of a child custody case.

Tan, however, maintained that he simply fought back in self-defense claiming Sison was drunk.

He added he never met him “but his wife was linked to me.”

As of Monday, July 17, Sison was expected to file a case against Tan.

Alessandra de Rossi’s second wind

by MArbbie

tAgAbuCbA

Philstar.com

IT is a tiny detail, but a faint breeze brushes past Alessandra de Rossi’s hair towards the end of the two-minute teaser of Sigrid Andrea P. Bernardo’s “Kita Kita” just before the twist is revealed.

The playful repartee progresses from just plain hilarious to flirtatious with a glint of hope; set in a Hokkaido ramen-ya all to themselves, their chemistry as hot as their steamy bowls. Is it Empoy Mercado’s suave bravado sweep-

ing her off her seat, or is it the winds signaling a shakeup in the Filipino mainstream film industry, starting with this unlikely pairing?

“Lagi nila sinasabi, ‘Wag ka aalis sa formula. Hindi yan kakagatin ng tao. Sanay sila sa kung ano yung ino-offer na,” Alessandra points out.

She may have once been a Bench Body, but the name recall is associated with award-winning portrayals of the most complex — and unglamorous — kind. She is also known to be anti-showbiz: candid, wisecracking, and

guffawing in her appearances.

There is nothing diva-like or conventional about her. Empoy, an all-around funnyman, isn’t exactly a Piolo Pascual — the founder and manager of Spring Films, the indie film firm producing this offbeat romcom.

Still, Alessandra had an inkling they were on to something.

When her character Lea reveals the trailer twist that spices things up — that she is, temporarily and only over the course of their two-week affair, blind — the audience happily ate it up like ra-

men. The trailer, foregoing cutesy love teams or machinations, clocked in views by the tens of thousands on its first day.

Certainly, she is an actress.

Prolific and venerated at 32, this fanfare comes as a shock for someone who took on roles out of sheer artistry, looking for scripts with social relevance.

The UK-born, Italian-Filipina brought to the big screen the struggles of a public school teacher, a domestic helper coming home as the carrier of SARS, and a housemaid

in a foreign land haunted by ghosts.

She had her reservations about taking on a romcom and all the tropes attached to it. “Kita Kita” could have easily been just another boy-meets-girl tale in the saturated genre, but she and Empoy — collectively AlEmpoy, “Sister ng alembong” — add completely new elements to overthrow the formula. “Pwede din ma-in love ang mga hindi nagsusuklay,” she says. “Walang nag-eexpect na magka-tuluyan kami. Walang hoping.”

Alessandra de Rossi

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