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Volume 15 - No. 46 • 3 Sections – 22 Pages

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Trump wins the presidency, Clinton concedes Fil-Ams react to Trump’s victory

by MOMAR

G. VISAYA, CHRISTINA M. ORIEL AND KLARIZE MEDENILLA AJPress

AFTER a long, heated and hard-fought campaign season, the American people have made their choice: GOP candidate Donald J. Trump is the next president of the United States.

“I just received a call from Secretary Clinton. She congratulated us on our victory and I congratulated her and her fam-

DATELINE

estate billionaire garnered 59,590,426.

“As I’ve said from the beginning, ours was not a campaign, but rather an incredible and great movement made up of millions of hard-working men and women who love their country and want a better, brighter future for themselves and for their families,” he continued.

President Barack Obama delivered a speech at the Rose Garden early Wednes-

ily for the campaign. We owe her a debt of gratitude for her service to this country,” Trump said in his victory speech, delivered in front of his supporters who gathered at the Hilton Hotel in midtown Manhattan.

As of this writing, Trump took 279 electoral votes, versus Secretary Hillary Clinton’s 228. Clinton, however, won the popular vote with 59,796,805 votes. The real

day afternoon, November 9. Obama said that he had a chance to talk to Presidentelect Trump about 3:30 am on Wednesday and invited him to come to the White House to talk about a successful transition between their presidencies.

“Now, it is no secret that the Presidentelect and I have some pretty significant differences. But remember, eight years ago, President Bush and I had some pretty significant differences,” Obama said.

The president also said that he had a

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Duterte congratulates Trump: Mabuhay ka!

USA

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

Bonta, Sampayan, Manalo among winners in Northern California THERE were mixed fortunes for Filipino Americans who ran for office based on unofficial election results in the different county registrar offices.

California State Assemblymember Rob Bonta led FilAms who got to the winner’s circle. He was overwhelmingly reelected to the State Assembly’s 18th District, garnering slightly more than 86% of the total votes cast, or 88,621 votes.

Vallejo Councilmember Bob Sampayan won his bid for the mayoral post in Vallejo, CA, a community with a large Fil-Am population. He garnered 12,418 votes, or nearly 41% of the total votes cast, to beat two other candidates. He will become the first Filipino American to become Mayor of Vallejo.

Sampayan is not the only Fil-Am in Vallejo to triumph. Fellow kababayans Rozzana Verder-Aliga and Hermie Sunga won their reelection bids to the Vallejo City Council.

Verder-Aliga garnered 11,326 votes, while Sunga got 9,753 votes.

Juslyn Manalo, who serves on the Personnel Board in Daly City, was successful in her bid to become a member of the Daly City Council. The San Francisco State University

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Filipina-American philanthropist denies plot to oust Duterte A FILIPINA-American philanthropist and community leader based in New York has denied allegations that she is spearheading a plan to remove Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte from power.

Loida Nicolas Lewis brushed the president’s accusations off as “a complete fabrication and totally false,” following his speech on Friday, November 4 in which he publicly addressed the supposed plot.

“I am concerned that the president is being given misinformation designed to divide the country and advance the interests of a certain political group while casting Filipino Americans in an unfavorable light,” Nicolas Lewis said in a statement.

In his remarks before the Integrated Bar of the Philippines’ regional convention in Manila, the Philippine president said that “those who are of Western persuasion” are working to unseat him from office.

“Yung ayaw sa akin, madali yan… (It is easy to deal with those who are against me…), no need for coup d’etat…you are wasting your bullet,” he said.

The president went on to say that he is

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President elect Donald Trump

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

REMEMBERING THE LOSS. Families light candles and offer prayers for victims of Yolanda in Fatima Village, Tacloban City last Monday, Nov. 7. Nov. 8 marks three years since the super typhoon smashed into the city and much of Eastern Visayas, leaving at least 6,000 dead and thousands more missing.

Photo by Edd Gumban/Philstar.com

IN his speech before the Filipino community in Malaysia, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte congratulated Donald Trump on his election win as president of the United States.

“Ayaw kong makipag-away kasi nandyan na si Trump (I don’t want to quarrel anymore because Trump is now there). I would like to congratulate President Trump.” Duterte said on Wednesday, November 2, a few hours after the U.S. election poll results were announced.

“Mabuhay ka (May you live)!” Duterte remarked.

The Philippine president also drew comparison between him and the new president-elect of the United States.

“Pareho tayo nagmumura. Konting rason lang, mura kaagad. Medyo pare-pareho kami, (We are both foul-mouthed. We curse even the smallest things. We were kind of alike),” Duterte pointed out.

Duterte, known for his profanity-laced speeches against the U.S., also seemed to receive an advice to

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Supreme Court: Marcos can receive hero’s burial

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

LATE President Ferdinand Marcos can be buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani (Heroes’ Cemetery) in Taguig, the Philippine Supreme Court ruled on Tuesday, November 8.

With a vote of 9-5-1, the court dismissed the petitions that sought to stop the former president’s interment.

The petitioners, including the martial law victims, argued in summary that the burial is allegedly against the law, citing R.A. 10368 or the Human Rights Victims Reparation and Recognition Act as a basis.

The court, however, said Marcos was not convicted of crimes involving moral turpitude and the cases against him were all civil in nature.

The court also lifted its status quo

ante order (SQAO) that temporarily halted the Department of National Defense (DND) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) from the burial preparations for the late dictator.

With permission from President Rodrigo Duterte, Marcos’s burial was supposedly set in September, but the court initially issued an SQAO at the request of petitioners who sought to stop the burial. The SQA, which origi-

nally should have expired on September 12, was extended twice until November 8.

The court also said there was no grave abuse of discretion on the part of Duterte in ordering the burial of Marcos, and that the president has the power to decide on how to use land within the public domain, including the Libingan ng mga Bayani.

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In Google Maps: ‘Libingan ng mga Pacquiao back in Senate after victory against Vargas Bayani at Isang Magnanakaw’

ng mga Bayani at Isang Magnanakaw,” which literally means “Cemetery for Heroes and One THE name of Libingan ng Thief.”

Google Maps offers a special mga Bayani (Heroes’ Cemetery) in Taguig was briefly changed tool called Map Maker which alin Google Maps on Wednesday, lows users to edit and suggest November 9, following the Su- information in Google Maps. The preme Court’s decision to allow Map Maker showed unknown uslate President Ferdinand Marcos’ ers have suggested and adjusted interment at the Heroes’ Ceme- the name of the cemetery.

In a statement, Google Philiptery.

The cemetery was labeled pines apologized for the alterain the online map as “Libingan u PAGE A2

Arum says rematch with Mayweather likely

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

by AJPRESS FILIPINO boxing champion and Senator Manny Pacquiao arrived in Manila on Tuesday, November 8, to continue his legislative duties after dominating Mexican-American boxer Jessie Vargas during their match at Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.

Pacquiao reclaimed his World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight title after defeating Vargas via unanimous decision last Saturday, November 5.

The Filipino boxer won on all three scorecards, 114-113, 118-109 and 118-109, in his comeback fight after his several months of retirement from boxing to focus on his senate duties.

In a ringside interview, Pac- Manny Pacquiao wins match against Vargas

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NOVEMBER 11-17, 2016 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

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

From the Front Page

Trump wins the presidency, Clinton…

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chance to speak with Clinton.

“I could not be prouder of her,” Obama said. “Her candidacy and nomination was historic and sends a message to our daughters all across the country that they can achieve at the highest levels of politics.”

Earlier on Wednesday, Sec. Clinton delivered her concession speech at the Wyndham New

Yorker Hotel’s grand ballroom, in front of hundreds of her staff, friends and supporters.

“This is not the outcome that we wanted and we worked so hard for and I am sorry that we did not win this election for the values we shared and the vision we hold for our country,” Clinton said in her first public address after the results of the elections became apparent.

Clinton was supposed to speak in front of thousands of her supporters who gathered at the Jacob Javits Convention Center on Tuesday evening, a setting that her campaign chose primarily because of the steel building’s glass ceiling and structure which is symbolic of the Democratic nominee being elected as the first woman president of the United States, and thus being able to “shatter the highest, hardest glass ceiling.”

Thousands of supporters gathered inside and outside of the Javits Center and the mood was fun and electric as early as 6:00 p.m. when the gates opened. As the evening progressed, however, some people began leaving when it was apparent that Sec. Clinton’s path to the presidency was becoming narrower as results from the swing states came in.

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In Google…

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tion of name and said its team are working “to fix this issue quickly.”

“Some inappropriate results are surfacing in Google Maps that should not be, and we apologize for any offense this may have caused,” it said.

Google also announced that it will shut down its Map Maker tool in March 2017.

The name was reverted to its official name, “Libingan ng mga Bayani,” on the same day.

On Tuesday, November 9, the Supreme Court ruled that late President Marcos can be buried at the Heroes’ Cemetery. With a vote of 9-5 and one abstain, the court dismissed the petitions that sought to stop the former president’s interment.

The court majority said Marcos can buried at the Libingan because he was a former soldier and president of the country.

The court added that Marcos is not disqualified because he was not convicted of crimes involving moral turpitude and the cases against him were all civil in nature.

On the other hand, martial law victims expressed dismay over the court’s decision. Rallies were staged nationwide to protest against the Supreme Court’s decision. n

MARCOS BURIAL. Marcos loyalists rally and await the decision on whether or not former Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos remains will be allowed to rest at the Libinging ng mga Bayani. The Supreme Court, sitting as a whole, on Tuesday, Nov. 8 decided to allow the burial, voting 9-5. The vote also dismissed consolidated petitions arguing that Marcos’ burial at the Heroes’ Cemetery would be a “grave injustice” to victims of martial rule, which he oversaw as president.

Photo by Efigenio Toledo IV/Philstar.com

Duterte congratulates Trump: Mabuhay…

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lower his hostile remarks against the United States.

“Ayaw ko po ng kalaban, but I cannot also – sabi kasi nila, ‘tutal tapos na ang election, nanalo na si Trump, why don’t you just shut up? (I don’t want an enemy, but I cannot also – because they said, now that the election is over, Trump already won, why don’t you just shut up?),” he related.

For the past few months since

he took seat, President Duterte repeatedly lashed out the United States for the latter’s alleged interference in the Philippine government’s war on illegal drugs. Duterte also previously expressed his intent to severe ties with the U.S. and pursue an independent policy.

Meanwhile, hours before Duterte’s congratulatory remarks in Malaysia, Malacañang expressed its wish for Trump’s

success in his next four years as Chief Executive and commanderin chief of the U.S. military.

Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said President Duterte “looks forward to working with the incoming administration for enhanced Philippines-U.S. relations anchored on mutual respect, mutual benefit and shared commitment to democratic ideals and the rule of law.” n

Supreme Court: Marcos can…

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Those who voted to dismiss the petitions include Associate Justices Estela Perlas-Bernabe, Lucas Bersamin, Arturo Brion, Leonardo-De Castro, Mariano Del Castillo, Jose Mendoza, Diosdado Peralta, Jose Perez, and Presbitero Velasco Jr. On the other hand, Chief Justice Maria Lourdes P. A. Sereno and Associate Justices Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa, Antonio Carpio, Marvic Victor Leonen, Francis Jardeleza dissented.

Justice Bienvenido Reyes abstained from voting.

In a statement, former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. thanked the Supreme Court for its decision.

“We also would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to President Rodrigo Duterte as his unwavering commitment to this issue sustained us these past several months. Our family will forever be thankful for his kind gesture,” he said.

The younger Marcos said he hopes that his father’s burial will “lead the nation towards healing as we endeavor to move the country forward to give every

Filipino a better life.”

On the other hand, several rallies were conducted in different parts of the country, including Quezon City, Makati, Baguio, Los Baños, Cebu, and Davao, to protest against the court’s decision regarding the internment.

Former President Marcos died of kidney, heart and lung ailments in 1989 while in exile in Hawaii after being ousted during the 1986 EDSA Revolution.

His remains were brought back to the Philippines in 1993 and have stayed remained in a glass coffin in Ilocos Norte. n

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Filipina-American philanthropist denies…

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ON PATROL. PCG commandant Rear Admiral William Melad said the deployment of the newly acquired BRP Tubbataha and MCS 3010, a monitoring, control and surveillance vessel, is in compliance with the directive of Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade for the PCG to conduct patrol at the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

PCG/Released, File photo

Bonta, Sampayan, Manalo among winners…

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graduate placed second in the race among five candidates who ran for the city council. She garnered 7,356 total votes.

Ruscal Cayangyang won his bid for a short-term post to the Vallejo Unified School District. He garnered a total of 16,080 votes.

tion bid to the Alameda City Council, placing third among five candidates, while longtime Councilmember Jim Navarro fell short in his bid for the mayoral post in Union City.

In San Francisco, Marjan Philhour narrowly lost her bid for Supervisor in District 1. Philhour placed second among the 10 candidates who ran for Supervisor in that district, garnering 7,504 votes.

In Contra Costa County, Mae Supil believes that the FBI and email issue were major factors, Cendana Torlakson was beaten along with the possibility that the by Tim Grayson for the State Ascampaign became a little over- sembly race in the 14th District. confident because they were She garnered 29,431 votes as opposed to Grayson’s 48,586 votes. leading in most of the polls.

“The email issue was a factor (Joseph L. Peralta / AJ Press) and some people questioned who they wanted to vote for. It’s tricky because some people would prioritize certain things over other issues,” she added.

“Half of the country would be upset either way,” Vincent Ganzon said. “I just feel disheartened because I was thinking that the election would go a certain way based on what I have been reading on the internet and seeing in polls.”

“We need to accept the results because that’s how democracy works. Moving forward, I would like to see both parties work together,” Ganzon added.

Wayne Regencia, a resident of Jersey City also expressed his disappointment about the poll results.

“Not just about the election results but about the country as a whole,” Regencia said. “I wasn’t really enthusiastic with Clinton as our candidate but at least we should elect someone who is qualified. He has no knowledge about the issues and gives a good sound bite and people buy it.”

The Filipino American Democratic Club of New York released a statement congratulating Secretary Hillary Clinton for winning the popular vote in last night’s presidential elections and commending her for her historic campaign and candidacy, and her lifetime of public service. They also expressed disappointment about the results of the polls.

“While FADCNY is deeply disappointed and will be in mourning long after today with the overall results of the election, it is time now to roll up our sleeves to protect our political and policy priorities, including DACA and DAPA at the Federal level. We have no time to waste. These executive actions are now in jeopardy. 4,800 Filipinos who were undocumented have already benefited from a legal status provided by President Obama’s executive actions on immigration, with many more still eligible. We call on Filipino Americans whose immigration status is in question to make a plan to apply for relief, and for green card holders to naturalize as soon as possible, and to organize with immigrant organizations to fight for their rights,” the statement said.

“The results of this election have made one thing clear: Our families are on the line, but we as Filipino Americans are here to stay. We are here to build and protect our community, our families, and our loved ones. We Meanwhile, Daly City Councilmember Michael Guingona failed in his bid for San Mateo County Supervisor in District 5.

Guingona lost to fellow Daly City Councilmember David Canepa, garnering 8,965 votes to the latter’s 15,941.

Tony Daysog lost his reelec-

Trump wins the presidency…

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Most of the people inside the Javits Center opted to stay. Eventually, campaign staff told the people who remained inside the convention center that Sec. Clinton would not make an appearance anymore. At around 2:00 a.m., John Podesta, her campaign manager, said that there would be no announcement until the morning.

“This is painful and it will be for a long time. Our campaign was never about one person or even about one election. It is about the country we love,” Clinton said. “Donald Trump is going to be our president. We owe him an open mind a chance to lead.

Our constitutional democracy enshrines the peaceful transfer of power and we don’t just respect that, we cherish it.”

Fil-Ams for Hillary A number of Filipino-American supporters braved the cold weather as they stayed outside the Javits to wait for the results to come in. Some of them expressed dismay at the results.

Joshua Ang Price, a Fil-Am from Arkansas who was a delegate for Clinton during the Democratic National Committee, describe the mood inside the convention center.

“The atmosphere at the Javits Center began on a high note in anticipation of an easy victory for Hillary as suggested by national polling data. Jubilation however soon turned to tension once the final data began to roll in. As Trump’s electoral votes began to mount, so did the fear of the crowd. A lot of people were crying. Others angry. As the long night progressed, few remained hopeful that a victory for Hillary was still possible, but I was one of the ones who remained optimistic,” he said.

Though Clinton’s defeat may come as a blow to many Fil-Am supporters, Price called on them to unite and work together to make sure their voices are heard as the new administration comes in.

“For better or ill, Donald Trump is our president elect and should be treated with the respect accompanying that highest position. We must work with our president not against him to make positive changes in America for all of us. I believe the Fil Am community should work to form a healthy dialogue with the Trump administration to enlighten them on the issues which affect us so that our needs and concerns can be addressed and not forgotten,” he said.

Emily Supil, a New York City resident, said she felt “a little defeated” by the results.

“I voted for Clinton today and I had hoped she would be president tonight,” Supil said.

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Pacquiao back in Senate…

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quiao said he is very happy regarding the outcome of their match but expressed a little regret for being unable to knock Vargas out.

He then thanked his fans and the Filipino people for their support.

Meanwhile, for Vargas, his fight with Pacquiao was like a “chess match.”

“We were on our toes trying to catch a big shot. He caught me a couple of times, I caught him a couple of times. It was an entertaining fight,” Vargas said.

“It was very interesting for me.

It’s a good learning experience being against one of the best such as Manny Pacquiao. This automatically elevated my game and I know I have more potential,” he added.

Asked about his next match,

Pacquiao said he doesn’t know yet who’s going to be his next contender.

“I don’t know, whoever the people wants to fight me. Whoever my promoter gives to me, I will fight,” Pacquiao said.

On the other hand, promoter Bob Arum told ESPN on Monday, November 7, that there’s a 75 percent chance that Pacquiao will have a rematch against Floyd Mayweather Jr. The retired American boxer earlier surprised the crowd as he made an unexpected appearance at Thomas & Mack Center to watch Pacquiao’s match.

In May 2015, Mayweather was declared the winner by a unanimous decision in his match against Pacquiao at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas and announced retirement later in September. n

ready to step down from his post without being coerced.

“Go to Malacañang, we’ll have coffee and I myself will swear you to run this Republic and solve the problem. Walang problema (No problem). Next year, there will be mass demonstration, for all I care. Wala akong illusions (I don’t have illusions). Do not give me a reason to go out because you might get your wish,” he said.

Though he did not directly name Nicolas Lewis, he mentioned that a prominent funder of the ouster is “an affluent businesswoman.”

He also mentioned billionaire George Soros’s financing of Human Rights Watch, one of the many organizations that has raised alarm over the Philippine government’s controversial crusade against illegal drugs.

“They have funding money.

They will really attack to justify.

They chose me... they’re pounding on me. That is fine, editorials every day,” the president said. “I can swallow that.”

Rumors of a plot first came to light in September when Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar revealed that Fil-Ams in New York were “hatching a plan to oust the president by January 2017.” He said that the information came from a cabinet secretary who was visiting the city at the time.

Despite the accusations, Nicolas Lewis wrote a letter to Sung Y. Kim — the new U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines who was

New U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim receives a letter from NY-based philanthropist Loida Nicolas Lewis after he was sworn in at the U.S. State Department on November 3. Lewis suggested drug rehabilitation assistance for the Philippine government. Photo by Eric Lachica

officially sworn in on Thursday, November 3 — asking the U.S. government to support Duterte’s anti-drug campaign with rehabilitation programs.

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

She added that she met with the Philippine president in June and remarked that “he has the genuine intention to lead the Filipino people out of poverty, criminality and corruption.”

Nicolas Lewis was married to the late Reginald Lewis, the first African American to own a billion-dollar company, TLC Beatrice International Holdings.

Since taking office, Duterte has made remarks against the United

States, one of the Philippines’ long-time allies. Following his first state visit to Beijing, he suggested a military and economic break from the U.S. in favor of aligning with China and Russia.

On Friday, he also slammed U.S. President Barack Obama anew for the latter country’s “threats of aid withdrawal.”

“Mr. Obama, what went wrong? Get your dictionary. Find out the right meaning of dignity,” Duterte said.

The U.S., however, has reiterated its commitment to maintaining its relationship with the Philippines.

In three and a half months, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has recorded more than 3,000 individuals killed, which include deaths from both legitimate police operations and vigilante killings.

(Christina M. Oriel / AJPress)

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NOVEMBER 11-17, 2016 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

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Hawaii solon: Gold Medal for WWII Filvets closer to passage

LAWIN EFFECT. Farmers in the Benguet capital, La Trinidad town, are rushing to restore strawberry gardens which were flooded when Super typhoon “Lawin” (international name: “Haima”) blew through the upland province in October.

Photo by Ev Espirity/Inquirer.net

Fil-Am senior citizen nabbed at NAIA with box of bullets

A 79-YEAR-old Filipino-American citizen was nabbed at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) on Tuesday, Nov. 8 morning for possession of bullets, Radyo Inquirer 990AM reported.

The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) identified the man as a certain Rondaris Rufino, who possessed a small box containing 36 bullets.

MIAA said Rufino could not explain why he has ammunition.

The Filipino-American, who is bound for Laoag City from the United States, was not allowed to leave the airport pending investigation by the police’s Aviation Security Group. n

Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

Inquirer.net file photo

SioSon AJPress

THE United States Embassy in Manila warned its citizens to avoid traveling to southern Cebu due to kidnapping threats from extremists and reminded them to exercise caution while residing in the Philippines.

In a security message released on Friday, November 3, the embassy alerted U.S. citizens that extremists are planning to kidnap tourists particularly around Dalaguete and Santander (to include Sumilon Island) located in the southern portion of Cebu island.

“U.S. citizens should avoid travel to these areas and are reminded to review personal security plans; remain aware of their surroundings, including local events; and monitor local news stations for updates,” the state-

ment read.

The U.S. also reminded its citizens of the recent warning from the State Department’s Worldwide Caution, dated September 13, regarding the “risk of travel” to the southern Philippines.

“Extremists have targeted sporting events, theaters, markets, mass transportation systems – including airlines, and other public venues where large crowds gather. Crowded nightclubs, shopping malls, buses, and popular restaurants have also been targets,” the U.S. advisory added.

Meanwhile, the Malacañang said it is still validating the reported kidnapping threats in southern Cebu.

“There was indeed a police report regarding a plan to stage a kidnapping in southern Cebu.

The report is in the process of being validated,” Presidential

Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said on Friday, November 4.

Abella assured the public that the Philippine National Police (PNP) had taken measures to ensure the safety of the people.

On the other hand, the PNP advises the public to “remain calm” following the travel warning issued by the embassy.

“The regional police office made the assurance that Central Visayas is safe and secure to live, work, and do business. All areas in the region frequented by foreigners are augmented with additional PNP personal to implement the tightened security coverage,” the Police Regional Office 7 (PRO-7) Director Chief Supt.

Noli Taliño said.

The regional police office also claimed that there is currently “no direct threat sighted or monitored” around the area. n

Another ship, 18 Filipino seafarers, stranded off Baltimore SAN FRANCISCO – Yet another ship has been stranded in Baltimore Harbor in Maryland for more than a month, with 18 Filipino men on board, who are “tired, hungry, dirty,” unpaid and want to go home.

The Malta-based Newlead Granadino, based out of Malta, was already having engine issues before arriving in Baltimore where it was supposed to deliver asphalt and dock only a few days.

But the US Coast guard conducted an inspection and found several safety violations. The operator, Naviera S.A., is behind on paying for its lease on the ship, operation dues, and even the crew, according to a report by Foxbaltimore.com.

The bank that has the lien on the ship needs to come forward and take care of the issues and the men on board, said a spokesperson from the International Trade Workers Federation. The men have not been home in a year and were reportedly fishing off the side of the ship for food.

The Coast Guard visits them occasionally and they get some supplies from the Baltimore Inter-

The Newlead Granadino has been stuck off Baltimore Harbor for a month for violations, with 18 Filipino seafarers who haven’t been paid.

Photo Vessel tracker

national Seafarers Center.

The men don’t have US visas and can’t come ashore. A third party ship management company intervened recently to try to get it all sorted out.

It will be well into winter before the ship is fixed.

(Inquirer.net)

nize these men for their service and sacrifice.”

Gabbard said further: “Despite their critical role in the Pacific, Filipino World War II veterans have never been recognized by Congress for their service. We’ve waited far too long to recognize these heroes alongside units like the Tuskeegee Airmen and Hawaii’s own 442nd/100th Infantry Battalion with the Congressional Gold Medal. With just 18,000 Filipino World War II veterans alive today, time is of the essence for Congress to pass this legislation and honor these courageous men with the long overdue recognition they deserve.”

Last year, Gabbard introduced bipartisan legislation (H.R.2737) to award the Congressional Gold Medal to World War II Filipino veterans. The bill acknowledges over 200,000 Filipino and Filipino-American soldiers who responded to President Roosevelt’s

call-to-duty and fought under the American flag against the Imperial Forces of Japan during World War II. Up to 305 Members of Congress have signed on as co-sponsors of the congresswoman’s bill, and she is working with House leadership to schedule it for a vote. With support from Hawaii’s Filipino community and organizations across the country, Gabbard hopes to pass the legislation before the end of the year.

At the Nov. 1 roundtable with Gabbard, the group also discussed important issues regarding U.S.-Philippines relations, building greater understanding of Filipino history, culture and contributions in the U.S., higher education, immigration and family reunification, transition programs for service members entering the civilian workforce, the Filipino World War II Veterans Parole Program, and more.

(Inquirer.net)

Trump wins the presidency, Clinton…

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US issues travel warning to southern Cebu due to kidnapping threats

by Dana

HONOLULU —A roundtable hosted by Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (Hawaii-02) Nov. 1 with leaders from Hawaii’s Filipino community gave an update on the legislation she introduced to award the Congressional Gold Medal to Filipino Veterans of World War II. The bill, (H.R.2737), recently crossed a critical milestone and is closer to passage than ever before, after decades of attempted recognition for Filipino World War II veterans.

“Congressional Gold Medal bills require two-thirds of the House, or at least 290 members, to sign on to the bill before it can move forward,” Gabbard explained.

“I’m happy to report to you today,” she announced, “that we’ve exceeded this with 309 co-sponsors, with colleagues representing both parties and nearly every state and territory in our nation supporting legislation to recog-

stand ready to safeguard the progress that we have already accomplished, to build our political power, and to rise to the immense challenge before us,” the statement added. “It is critical that our community must step up, and show up, not just for ourselves but for others, so that our needs and priorities are represented. And not just every four years, but every day. Democracy must be our duty practice, and not a chore.”

Fil-Ams praise Trump Leading up to Election Day, the National Asian American Survey (NAAS) reported that over a quarter of Filipino registered voters favored Trump, comprising the largest support out of any of the groups surveyed.

Given the support Fil-Ams had for Trump and the Republican Party, the Republican National Committee (RNC) continued its outreach to the community, especially in battleground states.

“Through the RNC’s historic data-drive ground game operation from the past three years, Republicans up and down the ballot worked with the Filipino-American community, and played a significant role in the success in this year’s election.

Republicans will continue to work with the Filipino-American community to ensure their voices are heard, and create policies that will make them easier to have the opportunity to live their American Dream. Under a Trump Administration and a GOP majority in both chambers of Congress, our nation will thrive and be a huge improvement from the failed liberal policies of the last eight years,” Ninio Fetalvo, APA press secretary of the RNC, said.

“I voted for a change in America,” Cecile Ramos, a Fil-Am community leader in Los Angeles, said. “And I believe Donald Trump represents that.”

Dolly De Leon, a business owner and avid Trump supporter in Las Vegas, said the Republican’s win was a “real surprise.”

“The ‘Silent Majority’ is not silent anymore after Trump wins.

Many were shocked not just surprised. Pollsters were wrong and even lied to the public for the purpose of swaying voters or intimidating Trump’s supporters. Many Filipino Americans did not vote for Trump because they were not really informed of the platform of the Trump campaign,” she said.

Ron Villaneuva, a member of the Virginia House of Delegates, congratulated Trump and Vice President-elect Mike Pence for their win.

“As a member of your Asian Americans for Trump Advisory Board, I was honored along with my colleagues from all the Asian American communities to work alongside you and help advance our communities and America.

We have a lot of work ahead of us as we work to fix a broken national government. We look forward to working with you and your administration in helping to create and sustain jobs here in America, fix a broken immigration system, restore our prominence in the international community, and have government working for us instead of against us. On behalf of our Filipino-American community, America is great because of its people so let’s all unite, work hard, and move our country forward,” he said in a letter addressed to Trump and Pence.

Villanueva was one of five FilAms on Trump’s Asian Pacific American (APA) advisory board, a group tasked with briefing the campaign about issues relevant to the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) population.

“Filipinos in America should rejoice with those who believed in Donald Trump from the beginning I honestly believe that President Trump will be the president for all and will do what he had promised during his campaign,” De Leon added.

Poll: Clinton wins AAPI vote Although Trump won the election overall, exit polling shows that Hillary Clinton won over more Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) voters by a landslide. An exit poll conducted by Asian American Decisions on the eve of the election showed that Clinton won over 75 percent of the AAPI compared to Trump’s 19 percent -- 5 percent voted for another candidate.

Across all the surveyed groups -- Filipino, Chinese/Taiwanese, Indian, Japanese, Korean and Vietnamese -- Clinton received the most votes in the poll, titled 2016 Asian American Election Eve Poll.

Clinton handily won the AAPI electorate in eight key states: California (79 percent), Nevada (60 percent), Texas (73 percent), Florida (72 percent), North Carolina (73 percent), Illinois (84 percent), Pennsylvania (83 percent) and Virginia (78 percent).

Researchers also measured “emotional drive” in this survey.

When asked whether each candidate ever made them feel angry, afraid, proud or hopeful, 51 percent said that Clinton made them feel “proud” and 62 percent made them feel “hopeful.”

In comparison, 68 percent of AAPI voters said that Trump made them feel “angry” and 54 percent said he makes them feel “afraid.”

“Roughly one out of every three Asian American voters nationwide lives in California -that’s 1.8 million Asian American voters in California alone,” Dan Ichinose, Director of the Demographic Research Project at Asian Americans Advancing Justice - Los Angeles, said in a statement.

“This poll showed that Asian American voters in our state were particularly angry at Trump and afraid of the consequences of him being elected,” he added.

Asian Americans are the fastest growing demographic in the United States, according to Census Bureau statistics. Moreover, they are the fastest growing electorate in the country, meaning the Asian American vote becomes more influential with every coming election, according to Jill Hanauer, President of Project New America.

“Despite the results of last night’s election, this poll shows that the Asian American electorate is quickly becoming a significant factor in national elections and only underscores the need for progressives to invest more research on AAPI voters,” Hanauer said.

She added: “Like the Latinos, AAPI voters are not monolithic, and both parties will need to better understand the community if they want to tap into unrealized potential in this growing electorate moving forward.”

The poll comprised of a sample of 2,391 registered voters and was conducted from November 1-7. The group samples included Chinese or Taiwanese (496), Filipinos (329), Indian (589), Japanese (216), Korean (217), Vietnamese (380) and “Other Asian” (164). Participants were contacted through phone calls and online polling. The national margin of error was 2 percent.

The poll was initiated by AAPI Civic Engagement Fund and was sponsored by Asian Americans Advancing Justice - Los Angeles, Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund, National Education Association and Service Employees International Union. n

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NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 11-17, 2016

Dateline PhiliPPines

A

UN special rapporteur mum on Duterte invitation

by Patricia Lourdes Philstar.com

Viray

MANILA — The United Nations special rapporteur on extrajudicial killings has not yet responded to President Rodrigo Duterte’s invitation to come to the country, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Tuesday, Nov. 8.

DFA Assistant Secretary Charles Jose, the agency spokesperson, said the invitation was sent to UN special rapporteur Agnes Callamard and was received by the UN Office of the Commission on Human Rights on October 24.

“The special rapporteur has not responded to the invitation irself and much less specifically the request of the president in the terms of reference,” Jose said in a press briefing.

In his invitation, Duterte specifically indicated that Callamard’s public presentation of her investigation on the Philippiness should be made in the presence of the president.

Duterte also requested to be

United Nations special rapporteur on extrajudicial killings Agnes Callamard has been invited by President Rodrigo Duterte to come to the Philippines.

allowed to publicly ask questions to the special rapporteur on the reports and for him to present additional information for clarifications.

“They have made some conclusion on the allegations that there are ongoing EJKs based on media reports so this is something that we didn’t find accept-

able so the president issued the invitation subject to the specific conditions,” the DFA official said.

Jose clarified that the president made such conditions to make sure that there is fairness and that the presentation in public would be done after the investigation.

The DFA official added that the Philippines is not being “singled out” for country visit.

“All UN member states are being requested to accept requests for country visits by special rapporteurs and other mechanisms of the UN Human Rights Council,” Jose said.

If the country visit pushes through, Callamard is expected to prepare an initial report on her findings in the Philippines once she returns to the UN Office at Geneva, Switzerland. The final report is expected to be released within six months.

The UN Human Rights Council will then conduct sessions where the Philippine government can officially respond to the report.

New Bangsamoro gov’t unit to kick off federalism shift

by Prinz

MagtuLis

Philstar.com

DAVAO CITY — A new “Bangsamoro government unit” will be created through the passage of a new law, which aims to kick off the shift to a federalist system in the country, the president’s peace adviser said.

“We are hoping to establish a Bangsamoro government unit as a fresh start,” said Secretary Jesus Dureza, presidential adviser for the peace process.

“It can be a pilot to federalism on other areas,” he said during the Philippines Development Forum on Tuesday, Nov. 8.

The new plan, he said, will also consider input from the Moro National Liberation Front, which was left out in the previous administraion’s negotiations with the separate Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

Those negotiations led to a peace agreement and the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law. “We are going to engage with Nur Misuari and listen to his inputs that could hopefully be included on what will be submitted to Congress,” Dureza said.

CHINA VISIT. Sen. Cynthia A. Villar gives a souvenir from the Philippines to Prof. Yuan Longping, the Father of Hybrid Rice, after listening and gaining insights from the latter’s presentation about “Developing Hybrid Rice for the Food Security in the World” at the Hunan Hybrid Rice Research Center. The senator, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee of Agriculture & Food, visited the Hybrid Rice Research Center (HRRC) as part of her tour in China.

Senate photo

Joke only? Rody ready to kill to woo Leni by christina

Mendez

Philstar.com

MANILA – Admitting that he was smitten by Vice President Leni Robredo’s good looks and “nice legs,” President Rodrigo Duterte joked about killing her rumored boyfriend so that he could pursue her.

Duterte said there is nothing wrong if he admires Robredo since his marriage with his first wife, Elizabeth Zimmerman, had been annulled.

“Pupunta rin ako dito kasi nandito ang Vice President (I will come here because the Vice PresiIn this Feb. 10,2015 photo, Filipino Muslims display messages during a rally at the Lower House dent is here). Wherever she goes, to call for the passage of Bangsamoro Basic Law, or BBL, in Mindanao.

I will follow. She is a widow and Misuari opposed the BBL, which leader declared independence my marriage had been annulled,” was based on the Comprehensive over concerns his group had been the President said in his speech Agreement on the Bangsamoro sidelined. Fighting, which sparked during the commemoration of between the government and the after the group tried to raise its the third anniversary of Super TyMILF, alleging it would sideline flag over the city, left close to 200 phoon Yolanda in Tacloban City.

“Ma’am, balita ko may boypeople dead and hundreds of thouthe 1996 peace deal with MNLF. friend ka na (I heard you already The MILF was originally a part sands displaced.

To jumpstart the negotiations, have a boyfriend). Do not be ofof the MNLF but separated after Misuari’s group signed a peace Dureza pointed to the “expand- fended pero iyong sabi nila, hindi deal with the government in the ed” Bangsamoro transition team iyon totoo (but I hope what they which President Rodrigo Duterte said is not true)?” Duterte asked 1970s.

In 2013, MNLF fighters asso- organized through an executive Robredo, who was seated along with Cabinet members and local ciated with Misuari laid siege to order on Monday. officials on the stage constructed “That is a start,” he said. parts of Zamboanga after the rebel

President Duterte jokes about pursuing Vice President Leni Robredo in his speech during the commemoration of the third anniversary of Super Typhoon Yolanda in Tacloban City on Tuesday, Nov. 8.

Philstar.com photo by Krizjohn Rosales

near the mass grave at the Holy Cross Memorial Park.

The Vice President, widow of the late interior and local government secretary Jesse Robredo who died in a place crash in 2012, is romantically linked to a Quezon City congressman.

“Eh kung totoo iyon, ma’am, may patay na congressman na bago… para mabiyuda ulit (If it’s true, there will be a dead congressman, so you’llbe widowed again),”

Duterte said.

Duterte is known for cracking jokes, even on serious matters.

Duterte said he is fond of teasing Robredo during Cabinet meetings.

“Si Ma’am Leni, binibiro ko talaga ‘yan (I always tease her). You know when the talks get boring and the argument starts, I always inject a joke…” he said.

Duterte admitted that he admires Robredo’s beautiful legs.

A

NOVEMBER 11-17, 2016 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

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Features

OpiniOn

Judgment

THE burial of Former Pres. Ferdinand Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani (Heroes’ Cemetery) was given a go signal by the Supreme Court on Tuesday, Nov. 8.

Voting 9-5, the high court has put an end to the highly contested and heavily debated issue, dismissing the petition filed by human rights groups, and victims during the Martial Law from 1972 to 1981. The petitioners argued that the atrocities committed under the despotic leader’s regime invalidated his right to a burial at the Heroes Cemetery. Marcos died in exile in Hawaii in 1989, three years after the 1986 Edsa People Power Revolution toppled his two-decade rule.

Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos, daughter of the late President, welcomed the high court’s ruling and acknowledged that Pres. Rodrigo Duterte supports the favorable ruling.

“Malaki ‘yung naging tulong ni President Duterte kahit ‘di namin hiningi ‘yung tulong niya. (President Dutere helped a lot even if we didn’t ask for it),” she said adding that the family has no plans for the burial and is waiting if there would still be a motion for reconsideration.

“Minsan hindi ko maintindihan kung bakit kailangan pa sa Libingan. Marami namang iba diyan.

Sa Ilocos, ang laki-laki. Pero sundalo po ang tatay ko e. (Sometimes I do not understand why [we need to bury him] at the Heroes’ Cemetery. There are many other out there. In Ilocos, it’s vast. But, my father is a soldier),” she explained.

For Former Sen. Bongbong Marcos, the Supreme Court decision was a fulfillment of his wishes.

“As a son, it is something that I have been praying for for many, many years,” Marcos told CNN Philippines in a phone interview. “Even equally, it’s

important with the belief that this was for the healing process in this country,” he added.

The younger Marcos also thanked Pres. Duterte for his support.

“This is a recognition of the rights of my father as a veteran of the war and a president for 20 years and we thank the justices of the Supreme Court for recognizing that right,” he said. The former senator also called for the healing and reconciliation of “whatever differences or schisms there might be in the political arena in our country.

Several groups have already mounted rallies across the country to express indignation and protest the Supreme Court’s decision.

Could it be that the very branch of government seeking to determine what is “Constitutional” is the very same body finding ways to circumvent it?

In its decision the Supreme Court said it “must uphold what is legal and just and that is not to deny Marcos his rightful place at the LNMB.” However, it should have also recognized Republic Act No. 10368, which allows for the “reparation and recognition of victims of human rights violations during the Marcos, regime, documentation of said violations, appropriating funds therefor and for other purposes.”

The law guarantees that the State “acknowledges its moral and legal obligation to recognize and/or provide reparation to said victims and/or their families for the deaths, injuries, sufferings, deprivations and damages they suffered under the Marcos regime” to restore their honor and

Editorial

ManilaTImes.net photo

dignity.

The high court must handle this situation in a manner that will promote civil liberties and provide a ground for peaceful resolution of political conflicts.

Today, Filipinos celebrate one of the world’s most vibrant democracies. This ideology gives the people the power to demand for greater and social and economic equality.

We must never forget that in order to get here, it took enduring and toppling 20 years of draconian dictatorship. Many lives were sacrificed to achieve the freedom and equality Filipinos enjoy today.

(AJPress)

Does Marcos deserve a hero’s burial?

THE headline back home in the Philippines eclipsed the U.S. Presidential Election last November 8. The Supreme Court of the Philippines just ruled that the remains of the deposed dictator Ferdinand Marcos may be buried in the Libingan ng mga Bayani.

The highest court’s 9-5 decision ended a decade-long debate: did Marcos deserve to be buried with heroes who fought and died for the Philippines?

This ruling effectively junked seven consolidated petitions to block Pres.

Rodrigo Duterte’s move to allow the burial of the late dictator in the Libingan ng mga Bayani.

According to the Supreme Court ruling, Duterte did not abuse his executive power in giving the go signal for Marcos to be buried in the Libingan, as advocated by the Marcos family.

The High Court explanation concurred with Duterte’s rationale, stating that Marcos is qualified to be buried in the Libingan because he was a former president, commander-in-chief, a soldier, Medal of Valor awardee, legislator, and Secretary of National Defense.

Not many kababayans are happy about the Supreme Court decision, even among those who voted for Duterte.

the country”, buried But Malacañang said alongside our heroes. the Duterte administra- The Fil-Am Rather than effect tion hopes the matter closure as the final will finally be laid to Perspective arbiter of all disputes, rest so that the nation the Supreme Court can move forward. has reopened old Among the many wounds. If the Suarguments against the preme Court thinks Supreme Court deci- Gel SantoS-ReloS it has the final say on sion was that of Sen. Francis Pangilinan, who was then the matter, then they are terribly mishead of the UP student government taken. Burying Marcos in the Libingan during the Marcos regime. His mes- has created a huge divide that will haunt sage articulated the disgust and oppo- the nation for days and years to come.

The law creating the Libingan ng mga sition of Filipinos about this issue. To Bayani, Republic Act 289, reserved its quote Sen. Pangilinan: “This is a horrible day for democ- sacred grounds for heroes to be emulated by “this generation and of generaracy.

Thanks to the Supreme Court, the tions still unborn”.

Marcos is not a hero. His burial at the Philippines will be a laughing stock of the world. We kicked out a reviled Libingan ng mga Bayani desecrates our dictator and now we are honoring him democracy and the memory of those by burying him in our national heroes who fought for freedom and justice in cemetery. No less than our Supreme our country.” *** Court wants our citizens, our children to honor a plunderer and tyrant. This Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang is shameful and deplorable.

America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author Now the Supreme Court wants Mr. in this column are are solely those of the author and not Marcos, who it previously called a of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to “dictator…who caused twenty years of www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https://www.facebook. political, economic and social havoc in com/Gel.Santos.Relos

After the apparent rubout of Albuera, Leyte, Mayor Rolando Espinosa, President Rodrigo Duterte must now shift his antidrug war to non-violent strategies. Otherwise, his public support would begin eroding, and that would give his opponents the opening to make headway in their effort to oust him.

With the brazen impunity evident in the Espinosa liquidation, even more indefensible killings could happen, putting Duterte in the losing game of justifying deaths which more and more Filipinos see as plain murder. And if there’s one thing the people don’t like, it is being made to believe a pack of obvious lies.

Now, even senators supportive of Duterte are set to investigate the death of Espinosa and his fellow inmate Raul Yap. That means the National Bureau of Investigation has to do an unblemished job in its own probe of the double homicide.

And one can bet that any more

Philstar.com photo

Ending the killings

Commentary

RicaRdo Saludo

Former Pres. Ferdinand Marcos

seemingly blatant rubouts would fall under even more searing spotlight, with President Duterte unable to defend the police without condoning, if not supporting uniformed murderers.

The diminishing tolerance for suspicious killings comes just when the camp of former president Benigno Aquino, possibly with tacit support from foreign entities unhappy with Duterte, could be intensifying its antiDuterte moves.

Senator and former Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, who has been reaching out to church groups appalled at extrajudicial killings, just filed a Supreme Court petition to stop President Duterte and the government from gathering information on her private life and issuing public statements allegedly maligning her.

The Liberal Party itself has named a new acting president, Senator Francis Pangilinan, who may then try to rebuild the LP’s image and clout by capitalizing on growing public disquiet over the anti-drug deaths, now nearing 4,000, amid Duterte’s unrelenting threats to wipe out narcooffenders.

And now, even former president Benigno Aquino 3rd has emerged from public silence since turning over power on June 30. He has expressed hope for a fair investigation of Sen. de Lima, and confidence that she would hurdle the cases against her. Aquino has also repeated his longstanding opposition to the burial of the late president Ferdinand Marcos in the Libingan ng mga Bayani, which Duterte has allowed.

Crack down on crime and contraband The good news is the bloody anti-drug campaign has largely achieved its main strategic objective: shock and awe to stampede hordes of drug traffickers and users out of the nefarious trade.

Despite Duterte’s threat to fatten Manila Bay fish with 100,000 corpses of drug offenders, killing most of the millions of narco-violators was never the goal of his campaign.

Such an unprecendented and unconscionable carnage would have surely triggered nationwide outrage, if not an armed reaction by forces unwilling to commit murders on such a demonic scale.

No, the war on drugs aimed to dismantle nationwide narco-networks wholesale mainly by shock and awe, which led hundreds of thousands of pushers and users to surrender.

And after several thousand dead and tens of thousands arrested, plus the naming and shaming of narco-linked politicians, police and judges, those still want to do or deal in drugs are drastically slashed.

Moving forward, President Duterte should now remove permanently the crucial pillars of the narcotics trade by prosecuting the most egregious narco-politicians, and stanching the smuggling of drugs.

He may wish to consider offering officials linked to drugs a way out by confidentially confessing their sleaze in exchange for nonprosecution as long as they don’t repeat. If they do, then their admissions can be used to convict them.

Bottom line: The emerging narco-state that expanded to unprecedented size under Aquino should be uncovered, broken apart, and never allowed to rise again.

On contraband, Duterte’s move

last week against an alleged grafter in the Bureau of Customs is a long-overdue start, but one head rolling hardly scares an agency long infested with a culture of corruption.

Two must-do measures against smuggling: institute the risk management system which curbed illegal trade while facilitating legitimate shipments, especially under Ramos-era Customs Commissioner Guillermo Parayno; and investigate the 2011 disappearance of more than 2,000 cargo containers, the biggest spate of smuggling in the country ever.

With proper risk management, suspicious cargo would be thoroughly inspected, including container x-rays, whose images can be shared with the PNP, the NBI, and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.

And probing the vanished containers would expose the links and modus operandi among criminal syndicates, smugglers of guns and drugs, and high officials in the top echelons of the past administration, including the narco-linked official described by President Duterte as higher than then-Sec. de Lima.

From drugs to jobs Besides cracking down on the smuggling and narco-politics feedling syndicate crime, a third measure already cited by many is the rehabilitation and productive employment of hundreds of thousands of drug users and pushers driven from the habit and the traffic.

Plainly, if they can’t get alternative livelihood, they may again turn to narcotics — or worse. The talk among the Chinese Filipino community is that kidnapping for ransom or extortion is up, though victims are keeping mum. And other syndicated crime may well escalate after recent declines due to the anti-drug war.

Families and communities should also be harnessed, both in bringing in those still using or pushing narcotics without no violence, and in helping surrenderees move from drugs to jobs.

In sum, President Duterte must ensure that the jail killing of Espinosa and Yap leads to a new largely bloodless phase of his anti-drug campaign. Otherwise, the flood of more blood could well wash away the hunters along with the hunted. (ManilaTimes.net)

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

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Dateline PhiliPPines

Revilla alive, says lawyer

by Ma.

Reina Leanne ToLenTino Manilatimes.net

FORMER senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla is alive and is under observation at the St. Luke’s Medical Center in Taguig City where he was rushed on Saturday because of erratic blood pressure and severe headache, his lawyer, Reody Anthony Balisi, said Tuesday, Nov. 8.

The Sandiganbayan’s First Division allowed Revilla to stay at the hospital for further tests.

On Monday, Nov. 7, the defense filed a three-page Manifestation and Urgent Motion informing the court about the former lawmaker’s transfer to the hospital.

“We just filed a manifestation to report to the court the recommendation of the PNP and their action on bringing Sena-

tor Revilla to St. Luke’s Global on an emergency case. So as a matter of procedure, since he’s still confined at the PNP, it was incumbent upon us to report to the court and ask the court to allow him to stay there until all the tests are done and until he’s discharged. So, graciously the court granted our request for humanitarian considerations,” Balisi told reporters in an interview after the hearing.

Balisi dismissed reports of Revilla’s death.

“Wala pong katotohanan. In fact, nung nag-report ako kanina lang, nakausap ko siya sa ospital. Mukhang okay naman siya, stable, and still resting so wala pong katotohanan iyan (There’s no truth to that. In fact, when I

Former Sen. Bong Revilla

reported a while ago, I was able to talk to him. He seems okay, stable, and still resting),” Balisi said.

“Buhay naman siya (He is alive). It’s just that he has these health conditions that we have to address so walang katotohanan iyang sinasabing patay na siya (there is no truth to those reports that he has passed away).”

Revilla is detained at the Philippine National Police (PNP) Custodial Center in Camp Crame for plunder and graft charges in connection with the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) or pork barrel scam.

The anti-graft court allowed Revilla to undergo laboratory tests until he is discharged.

Based on the manifestation filed by the defense, Revilla was rushed to the PNP General Hospital in Camp Crame on Saturday morning “after he experienced vomiting, severe headache and erratic high blood pressure, and swollen right hand.”

“During his stay at the PNP General Hospital, Senator Revilla again vomited twice for unexplainable cause, necessitating his transfer to a private hospital,” it said.

The former lawmaker was transferred to St. Luke’s upon the recommendation of the PNP hospital’s head doctor.

Bongbong on political comeback: We will rise again

by Ghio

onG and heLen FLoRes Philstar.com

MANILA - Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday, Nov. 7 refused to comment on the anticipated release of the Supreme Court (SC) decision on petitions seeking to stop the burial of his father and namesake in the heroes’ cemetery, but declared a political comeback

was forthcoming.

“Babalik tayo at babangon tayo (We will come back and we will rise),” Marcos said in his keynote speech for the opening of an art exhibit at the National Bureau of Investigation headquarters for the NBI’s 80th anniversary.

Groups urge Supreme Court justices to reject the burial of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani during a rally in front of the SC in Manila on Monday, Nov. 7.

Philstar.com photo by Miguel De guzman

“We have a lot to offer, this is just temporary, wait for the next chapter,” he added in Filipino.

“Even though I am off duty temporarily, I am doing this because of my debt of gratitude to the Filipinos. Despite everything, I was made to feel that the great number of our kababayans (countrymen) still repose their trust and belief in me,” he added.

In the vice presidential race, Marcos lost to then congresswoman Leni Robredo by a slim margin of 263,473 votes in the final and official tally. He had 14,155,344 votes while Robredo got 14,418,817.

The Presidential Electoral Tribunal is still hearing the protest Marcos filed questioning the election results of the vice presidential race in 39,221 clustered precincts in 25 provinces and five cities all over the country involving some 9 million votes.

Robredo remains optimistic Vice President Robredo said PAGE A8

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 11-17, 2016

A

MAYOR’S WAKE. Residents of Albuera town in Leyte province, pay their respects to their mayor, Rolando Espinosa Sr., who was killed under doubtful circumstances by police officers inside the Baybay jail.

Inquirer.net photo by Robert Dejon

De Lima tests Duterte immunity, files case at SC by edu

Punay Philstar.com

MANILA - A woman subjected to abuse of enormous power by a sitting president. This was how Sen. Leila de Lima presented herself in seeking relief from the Supreme Court (SC) on Monday, Nov. 7 against the well-established doctrine of presidential immunity from suit.

In a 21-page petition, the embattled lawmaker asked the high court to issue a writ of habeas data to stop President Duterte from using government resources in his “personal vendetta” against her.

De Lima has been tagged

by Duterte in the illegal drug trade at the New Bilibid Prison.

Lawmakers are investigating the allegations.

De Lima also wanted the SC to compel Duterte to disclose how he was able to listen to her private conversations. She said illegally obtained private information should be “deleted, destroyed or rectified.”

She complained the President was using the “resources of his powerful office to crucify her as a woman, a human being and a duly elected senator.”

De Lima said Duterte’s actions violated Republic Act No. 6713 (Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials) and RA 9710 (Magna Carta for Women).

She also informed the high court of the “wrongful collection and publication of her alleged private affairs and activities that are outside the realm of legitimate public concern.”

She submitted to the court a CD compilation of Duterte’s public personal attacks against her as well as an assessment report detailing the psychological effects on her of the President’s attacks.

“I stated in my petition the several occasions where he (Duterte) cursed me and uttered words about my womanhood that had nothing to do with his position as president. What he said was too much, very degrading to my person and womanhood, just because of his personal vendetta against me,” De Lima said in a press conference after filing the petition.

The petition also included “a long list of samples of hate messages” she has received, particularly on social media.

“His (Duterte’s) personal tirades against the petitioner (De Lima) have also whipped up his supporters into a frenzy of hate directed against her, such that she has received thousands of hate messages from them both in her cellular phone via text messages and in her social media account,” her petition read.

The petition named Duterte as lone respondent in his capacity as president and argued that he cannot invoke his presi-

dential immunity.

“The verbal attacks on petitioner’s womanhood and threats on her person are not covered by presidential immunity from suit because they are not the official act of a President,” the petition stressed.

De Lima’s counsel, De La Salle University (DLSU) College of Law dean Jose Manuel Diokno, alleged that the assailed actions of the President constitute sexual harassment, psychological violence and slut-shaming against women and are therefore not covered by immunity.

“Immunity cannot be used to block this case. There is a blatant violation of the magna carta for women, code of conduct for public officials,” Diokno said in a press conference.

Immunity from suit is a doctrine accorded to a sitting president to ensure that he or she can exercise his duties and functions of running the country’s affairs free from any hindrance or distraction.

While such doctrine is not specified in the 1987 Constitution, it has strong foundation in jurisprudence which, by virtue of Article 8 of the Civil Code, “forms a part of the legal system of the Philippines.”

De Lima revealed that the SC petition is just “the first of a series of legal offensives” she plans to file against Duterte.

“I am what I am. And what I PAGE A4

A

Dateline PhiliPPines

NOVEMBER 11-17, 2016 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

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

Binay seeks raffle of graft cases

by Ma.

READY FOR CHRISTMAS. A worker installs huge lanterns on a tree at the Quezon City Memorial Circle as the country starts preparing for the most festive season.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Mike De Juan

PAGE A7

De Lima tests Duterte immunity...

am is a fighter,” she told reporters. “Enough is enough.”

The senator was joined by a group of women supporting her cause in filing the petition.

“This is a good fight. I have the right to fight it so I am invoking my legal right to do so – even if I have to step into untested waters to do it,” she said during a forum on womens’ rights at a nearby restaurant.

“His lofty position should not be used to perpetuate his personal evil designs against one woman. My approaching the SC is my way to exorcise the demon that is turning my life into a nightmare,” she said.

She described Duterte as an executioner who made no secret of his wish to see her dead.

“He (Duterte) was killing me.

Not even figuratively, but literally. He even admitted it: he wanted to drive me to suicide,” De Lima said.

“He had imposed his own brand of death penalty by bullying through the misuse, abuse and exploitation of the power of the Office of the President and the might of the executive branch, with the complicity of certain members of Congress and professional trolls and bullies,” she said.

ICC probe pushed Meanwhile, an official of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference

Sen. Leila de Lima files a petition against President Duterte before the Supreme Court on Monday, Nov. 7.

Philstar.com photo by Miguel De Guzman

of the Philippines (CBCP) has signed an online petition calling on the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate Duterte for crimes against humanity.

CBCP Episcopal Commission on the Laity (ECL) chairman Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo said he signed the online petition posted on change.org “because the right to life is basic and inviolable for every human person. We have to defend this for everyone.”

A certain “N Vidal” of San

Francisco, California initiated the petition addressed to the Office of the Prosecutor of the ICC. “We urge the International Criminal Court to investigate Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte for crimes against humanity. Duterte has waged a War on Drugs that has resulted in an estimated 3,000 people killed by police and vigilantes in the 85 days since he has taken office,” the petition read.

The letter cited Duterte’s admission that he does not care

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Reina Leanne ToLenTino Manilatimes.net

FORMER vice president Jejomar Binay is asking the Sandiganbayan’s Third Division to raffle out the graft, malversation, and falsification cases filed against him and several others in connection with the alleged anomalous construction of the Makati City Hall Parking Building.

The cases — which were filed after Binay’s term ended in June — were consolidated with the ones earlier filed against his son, former Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin “Junjun” Binay Jr. “It is respectfully submitted that the consolidation of the instant cases with the previous ‘Binay cases’ is improper and invalid based on the grounds discussed hereunder,” the defense said in a motion to raffle.

The former vice president’s camp argued that the Sandiganbayan’s revised internal rules require that all cases must be raffled to the anti-graft court’s various divisions.

The defense added that “[t]he consolidated cases do not arise from the same incident or series of incidents nor do these cases involve common questions of fact and law,” and pointed out

about human rights and that he has encouraged the security forces and civilians to kill anyone suspected of drug dealing or even drug use.

“People’s right to due process and a fair trial are willfully ignored, and people are accused of being involved in the drug trade with no proof or investigation,” it said.

It also said the Senate committee on justice, which is investigating extrajudicial killings, “is not proving to be capable of conducting an effective and impartial investigation.”

Duterte’s vicious approach to dealing with criminality dates back to the time he was Davao City mayor.

“The people of the Philippines deserve to have their right to life, liberty and security of person protected. Since the Philippines has acceded to the Rome Statute, we are urging the International Criminal Court to use its jurisdiction and investigate Duterte and these killings and to prosecute if necessary,” it added.

that Binay is not a respondent in the cases filed against his son.

“The instant cases pertain to the design of the Makati City Hall II, Phases 1, 2, and 3 of the construction. On the other hand, the previously filed ‘Binay cases’ pertain to Phases 4 and 5. While the subject cases pertain to the same building, it is undisputed, based on the Informations filed, that: (i) the charges are separate and distinct; (ii) the alleged facts are separate and distinct; (iii) the issues are separate and distinct; and (iv) there are no interrelated incidents, no connection, no relation between the subject cases,” Binay’s lawyers argued.

Moreover, the defense argued that the consolidation of the cases will violate Binay’s right to a speedy trial.

“Considering the afore-mentioned dissimilarities of the subject cases, [Binay] would be exposed to numerous testimonies that are irrelevant or immaterial as to him. Such exposure would unnecessarily delay the resolution of the cases against him and violate his right to a speedy trial,” it said.

The defense thus asked the court to “refrain the consolida-

tion of the instant cases with the previously filed ‘Binay cases’; and refer the instant cases to the Raffle Committee for the appropriate raffling.”

The Makati City Hall carpark building was constructed in five phases with one design phase, spanning the respective terms of Binay and his son as Makati mayor.

In October 2015, the Office of the Ombudsman found probable cause to file charges at the Sandiganbayan against them and several others.

The respondents included then-Makati officials and employees: Marjorie de Veyra, Pio Kenneth Dasal, Lorenza Amores, Virginia Hernandez, Line de la Peña, Mario Badillo, Leonila Querijero, Raydes Pestaño, Nelia Barlis, Cecilio Lim 3rd, Arnel Cadangan, Emerito Magat, Connie Consulta, Ulysses Orienza, Giovanni Condes, Manolito Uyaco, Norman Flores, Gerardo San Gabriel, Eleno Mendoza Jr., and Rodel Nayve.

Efren Canlas who was identified in the charge sheets as then-representative of Hilmarc’s Construction Corp., and Orlando Mateo who was identified as then-representative of Mana Architectural and Interior Design, Co. were also included.

Bongbong on political comeback...

PAGE A7 she remains optimistic the SC will affirm petitions seeking to stop the burial of the late dictator at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.

“I always choose to be positive, I always hope that the right will come out,” Robredo told reporters.

SC justices are scheduled to vote today on the petitions filed by former Bayan Muna representative Satur Ocampo, et al; Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman, et al; former Commission on Human Rights (CHR) chair Loretta Ann Rosales, et al, former senator Heherson Alvarez, et al and Zaira Baniaga, et al.

A newspaper reported that a majority of the justices are expected to reject the petitions against Marcos burial at the heroes’ cemetery.

The Vice President has been vocal in criticizing the abuses committed by the late dictator.

Robredo also expressed optimism the high court, sitting as Presidential Electoral Tribunal, will junk the protest filed by Mar-

cos Jr. against her.

“I always have that fear, but I always hope that the right will prevail in the end,” the Vice President said when asked to comment on reports that the SC will come out with a “package” decision favoring the Marcos burial at the Libingan and his son’s election protest.

Robredo said she chose to focus on her job as head of the country’s housing agencies.

“I just work well, keep my eye on the ball and spend all my energies on my work,” she said. “I don’t allow fear to eat me up… there are things that are beyond our control.”

Robredo also welcomed the decision of the Manila Prosecutor’s Office dismissing a complaint filed against the Commission on Elections and Smartmatic, accusing them of tampering with the May 9 election server to rig the results of the vice presidential race.

“We expected the dismissal. I think the Comelec was able to explain the process,” she said.

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NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 11-17, 2016

A

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NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 11-17, 2016

CJ

Journal

Your Immigration Solution NaNcy Miller PEOPLE come to the United States to make a better life for themselves and their families.

Sometimes, they sacrifice time they could spend with their families in order to be able to earn money to provide food, clothing, shelter, medical care or an education to their loved ones. When, for whatever reason, they can’t bring their family members with them, they come alone. It is hard. Sometimes, the loneliness becomes too much to bear. They go home and persuade their family members to join them in the U.S. If the family members can obtain and enter with a valid visa, all may be good. But where that is not possible, the family may choose to enter unlawfully. They may be caught at the border during the attempt.

And, even when they actually enter without being caught, all is not well. Instead of the problems being over, they may just be beginning.

The Immigration & Nationality Act states that any alien who at any time has knowingly encouraged, induced, assisted, abetted or aided any other alien to enter or to try to enter the United States in violation of law is inadmissible. The Act provides a waiver of the ground of inadmissibility for an alien who is a green card holder who temporarily and voluntarily left and is eligible to re-enter the U.S. or an alien who is applying for a green card through a family petition, and the person he brought in was, at the time of entry, his (lawful) spouse, parent or child. The Act also states that an alien who (prior to the date of entry, at the time of entry, or within 5 years of entry) knowingly has encouraged, induced, assisted, abetted, or aided any other alien to entry or

Attempt to reunite family can result in deportation to try to enter the United States in violation of law is deportable.

Here a waiver may be available for one who is lawfully admitted for permanent residence if the alien has encouraged, induced, assisted, abetted, or aided only an individual who at the time of the offense was the alien’s spouse, parent, son, or daughter (and no other individual) to enter the United States in violation of law.

Simply put, this means that a non-citizen who tries to help someone enter the U.S. in violation of law can be refused admission, denied a green card or deported. Those aliens may still be able to get or keep their green cards under limited circumstances if the person whom they sought to help is a relative as defined above – at the time of the attempt to enter.

The person who brought or attempted to bring someone else (even his parent, wife or child) into the U.S. is considered an alien smuggler. Under case law from the Ninth Circuit, he cannot be found to have good moral character. In Sanchez v. Holder, the court held that, under the Act, no person shall be found to be a person of good moral character who, during the period for which good moral character is required to be established is, or was, a person whether inadmissible or not, a smuggler.

The court held that, even if the waiver would cure the ground of inadmissibility, it would not allow the alien to be found to be a person of good moral character.

This finding impacts those who might be eligible for another form of relief. For instance, someone who does not qualify for an immigrant visa may seek

to remain in the U. S. and seek status by means of cancellation of removal for certain non-permanent residents. Cancellation has four requirements: (1) that the alien have been physically present in the United States for a continuous period of not less than 10 years immediately preceding the issuance of a notice to appear in immigration court; (2) that he has been a person of good moral character during that period; (3) that he not have been convicted of various crimes that would render him inadmissible or removable; and, (4) that he have U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident parents, spouse or children who would suffer exceptional and extremely unusual hardship if he had to leave the U.S. Based on the holding in Sanchez, he cannot meet the statutory grounds for cancellation because he cannot show good moral character.

The desire to reunite families is understandable. Aliens who wish to bring family members to the U.S. should consult a knowledgeable and experienced immigration attorney to accomplish this goal legally. *** 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) 7958009 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.

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Manila with new one-bedroom condos averaging just under P7.43 million.

CONDOMINIUMS in Makati Pasay City, which is home to City are still the highest priced Megaworld’s Newport City and among the National Capital Re- the Mall of Asia complex, was gion’s cities, research by The just slightly less expensive than Manila Times found.

San Juan with an average price The average sale price for of P7.31 million. one-bedroom condominiums in Rounding out the top five was Makati reached P15.17 million the City of Manila, where averin 2016, with the most expensive age condo prices have risen to units listed in excess of P32 mil- P6.35 million, thanks to new delion. The city of Taguig, home velopments along Roxas Bouleto Bonifacio Global City, was a vard and in Binondo. close second with one-bedroom The three cities that share the units averaging P13.26 million. Ortigas district, Mandaluyong, Trailing some distance behind Pasig, and Quezon City ranked Taguig was San Juan, the third sixth, seventh, and eighth, with most expensive market in Metro average one-bedroom prices of

by Ben Kritz ManilaTimes.net

P6.09 million, P5.05 million, and P4.96 million, respectively.

The most affordable cities in Metro Manila are in the south; average prices of one-bedroom condos in Parañaque, Muntinlupa, and Las Piñas as of midyear were P4.28 million, P3.99 million, and P3.4 million, respectively.

According to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Residential Real Estate Price Index, real estate prices for all types of real estate in the NCR increased by 9.7 percent year-on-year in the first quarter of 2016, with the price of condominiums increasing 13.8 percent from a year earlier. n

Germany aids PH campaign vs red tape with P21-M grant

by Prinz

P. Magtulis Philstar.com

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez said the project would help the Philippines on its full integration with the rest of Southeast Asia by 2020, which already started last year.

The amount was given by German development bank Kreditanstalt fur Wiederaufbau (KfW) MANILA, Philippines — The and will finance “simplifying Duterte administration’s anti-red process in securing documentatape drive just got a boost from ry requirements for imports and a P21.5-million grant from the exports.”

German government, the DeIt will help implement the inpartment of Finance (DOF) said ter-agency business process inMonday, Nov. 7. u PAGE CJ2

CJ

NOVEMBER 11-17, 2016 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond

Luck, moxie and the good life

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

Immigration filing fees to increase

The CTV Files

“The harder I work, the luckier I get.”

— Unknown

Monette ADevA MAglAyA (NOTE: I feel compelled to hold off comment extensively on yesterday’s event — ELECTION DAY in America. It is still much too early for me to process and see if history turned a corner.)

Just a few thoughts though…

Has the country decided to head in a different yet bold direction of self-determination based on TRUTH, just like it did 240 years ago in 1776? OR has it decided to still pretty much remain mired in the muck of the horrendous world order of elitist, soulless corporatism and globalism of the last quarter century?

One thing is clear. The politics of our time is not for the fainthearted. We have entered uncharted territory where the story of a pitched battle and a long, drawn-out arduous struggle between the forces of good and evil rages just as they have from the very beginning when the Archangel Michael drove the forces of Satan and his minions to the deep

Community Journal

bowels of hell. Only this time, the scene takes place on earth and in the ballot box.

Do take note as we watch this story in real time. There seems to be unforeseen forces in the mix. Where did this ragtag band united by a common desire for TRUTH and TRANSPARENCY to prevail come from?

No human author could have thought of such forces as Wikileaks and citizen journalism like Project Veritas and a multitude of others to coalesce, EACH ACTING ON ITS OWN, yet acting as one army of truth tellers.

Truth, like sunlight is a disinfectant in this season of darkness, death and moral depravity.

Truth is also a light saber that can cut through lies, damned lies and statistics.

Students of literature know about the concept of deux ex machina, a factor in story-telling, where an unexpected power or event, moves quietly in the background or dramatically comes

into play just when the situation becomes dire and hopeless. As multitudes bend their knees and humbly pray for deliverance, help comes in God’s perfect timing.

Actually, for many believers who do not require explanation of why things are, it is divine intervention, help from above, pure and simple, an implicit faith and belief that a loving God IS patently involved in the affairs of men throughout much of history.

While taking time to process the events of the last 24 hours, here’s my take on the correlation between luck, gumption, hard work and the good life. ) Do you believe in luck? And if you do, have you got the moxie to be lucky?

On its face value, being in the right place at the right time seems to be completely random and impersonal, much like a lightning strike.

We have all heard of the incredible luck of people who have

Atty. Dennis ChuA, esq.

ON December 23, 2016, the filing fees for most petitions and applications filed with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will increase.

The current filing fee for an application for naturalization is $680. Effective December 23, 2016, the filing for this application will now be $725. Other commonly filed applications and petitions and their corresponding filing fees are as follows: • Immigrant petition for an alien relative – from $420 to $535; • Application to Renew the Permanent Resident Card – from

$450 to $540 (fee includes the biometrics fee of $85.)

• Application for a work permit – from $380 to $410.

• Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence – from $590 to $680 (fee includes the biometrics fee of $85.)

• Application for Adjustment of Status – from $1070 to $1225 (fee includes the biometrics fee of $85.)

• Application for Travel Document – from $360 to $575.

• Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker – from $325 to $460.

• Fiance Petition – from $340 to $535.

Applications and petitions postmarked or filed on or after December 23, 2016 must include these

new fees or the USCIS will reject your petition or application.

For those who wish to file their petitions or applications, they may want to file their petitions as soon as possible to avoid paying these fee increases. *** 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 in-person or phone consultation to discuss your particular situation and/or how their services may be retained at (415) 495-8088; (619) 955-6277; Dchua@ctvattys.com. The CTV Attorneys will be at Max’s Restaurant in Vallejo on October 19, 2009 from 5pm to 7pm to hold a FREE legal clinic.

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Drinking your own urine?

Health@Heart

PhiliP s. ChuA, MD, FACs, FPCs u PAGE CJ3 IF you are, hold that glass and do not say “cheers or ganbei” yet until you read the information on urine therapy in this column.

Informational technology is a wonderful gift to humankind.

But just like anything else which makes access to tons of data easy and widespread, interpretation of the information or its abuse could negatively impact some people’s lives, especially those who are gullible or those who do not do due diligence and simply believe everything they read on the internet. One example of this is the widely-circulated claim (in a dozen or more websites) that urine has a wide range of medicinal use.

Why do we urinate?

Urination is one of the detoxification processes of the body. Humans and other animals urinate to eliminate the toxic by-products of the body’s physiology.

The system is eliminating these waste materials contained in the urine through the kidneys in order to get rid of them. This is the same when we move our bowels.

The body is excreting the stools (feces) from our body because it contains toxic waste.

What is the basis for this claim?

Urophagia (drinking urine) and urine therapy or urotherapy (also known as urinotherapy or auto-urine therapy) is a practice that dates back to the ancient times in countries like Egypt, In-

dia, China, and the Aztec empire.

Some of the uses for urophagia are for ceremonial services, sexual practice, for survival, and as an alternative cure for illnesses.

Even today, some misguided people think urine is beneficial for teeth whitening, migraine, asthma, skin wrinkles, skin allergies, as hormonal therapy, or for prevention or treatment of arthritis and other diseases, including cancer. The Ayurveda ancient holistic healing practices of India advocate uro-therpay. There is no scientific basis for the belief or assertion espoused by “practitioners of urophagia” that urine has medicinal benefit.

Is drinking urine safe?

Drinking your own urine or other people’s urine – even infant’s urine – is as safe as drinking the urine of dogs, cats, mice, or other animals. It is just like recycling waste material: out from your kidneys and bladder, and back into your mouth and gastrointestinal tract, with all the toxic ingredients in the urine your body is trying to get rid of through your kidneys. Urination, like bowel movement, is a part of our body’s natural processes (physiology) to cleanse the blood and the body of toxic waste to maintain health. Swallowing back the urine, or vomitus, or feces our body has eliminated does not make sense, and certainly is not safe, besides being repulsive.

One does not even have to be a physician to understand the fallacy of urophagia.

What are the risks in drinking urine?

Urine could be contaminated with bacteria. Urine normally

contains urea, sodium, potassium, creatinine, magnesium, calcium, ammonia, sulfates, phosphates, hippuric acid, citric acid, glucoronic acid, hormones, and drug metabolites for those on medications. These waste products, when reintroduced to the body by drinking urine, will put a stress on the kidneys. The adverse effect is worse among those who are dehydrated. If one is allergic to, or could not tolerate, a certain medication and drinks the urine of a person taking that specific medication, the drinker might develop allergic or a worse reaction to the metabolites of that drug in the urine. Drinking the urine of a drug addict or a patient with cancer is obviously more scary than drinking one’s own urine. Either way, urophagia is not medically accepted and is unhealthy, even in a desperate marooned situation.

Is urine therapy effective for cancer?

No, urine is useless in the treatment of any disease, including cancer. The American Cancer Society states that “available scientific evidence does not support claims that urine or urea given in any form is helpful for cancer patients.” Some cancer clinics in Mexico and other countries are offering urine therapy as an alternative to treating cancer, which is obviously inspired only by financial greed, giving false hope and victimizing desperate cancer patients and their family who are already suffering. If urine could effectively cure cancer, there won’t be any cancer left in this world, and its advo-

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Business News

Reforms needed to sustain economic growth – EIU

by Prinz

P. Magtulis Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines — The Duterte administration cannot just simply “build, build, build” infrastructure without reforms that will help both national and local governments to spend funds efficiently, the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) said.

“Despite meaning well, the government will need to undertake other administrative reforms if it is to find success in ramping up its efforts,” EIU analysts Miguel Chanco and Roxana Slavcheva said in a report.

While the government needs to fill a huge infrastructure gap, the EIU warned the challenge lies more in “reforming flaws in disbursing agencies” that haunted the previous government’s similar program.

Local governments should also be prioritized, the report said, noting that they also tend to have “weak procurement capacity and arduous permitting procedures.”

The article, titled “Decongesting the Philippines,” was released Oct. 24, a few days before the government unveiled its infrastructure program that brought together five agencies to pursue road, rail and port projects and even “green” cities.

Separately, Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno said last Thurs-

day, Nov. 3, the government is aware of the underspending problem and that reforms have been started.

“The challenge is how to translate the budget authorization into goods and services that benefit our people. In short, the ultimate challenge is execution,” Diokno said.

Dubbed “Build, Build, Build,” President Duterte’s infrastructure program promised to bring some P8 trillion worth of projects into the construction stage in two years and finished in four years.

The National Economic and Development Authority had even cited the nine projects approved in Duterte’s first four months from an existing pipeline left by the Aquino government.

But EIU’s Chanco and Slavcheva said project approval is one thing, while spending for them is another.

“Successful implementation of bureaucratic reforms will be crucial in ensuring this expanded budget is spent,” they said.

They urged the government to continue reforms already put

in place by its predecessor such as dedicating delivery units to address spending blockages, while implementing Republic Act 10752 or the Right-of-Way Act. Citing Indonesia’s experience, the researchers said projects usually get “stalled” as a result of land acquisition delays even after they were already awarded.

Down the line, local governments should also be trained to better spend their funds, they added.

“The administration will need to oversee detailed adjustments to local governments...More generally, a tendering process vulnerable to failure frequently is in need of an overhaul,” Chanco and Slavcheva said.

Diokno, for his part, said implementing rules of procurement laws had been amended to avoid delays, while the budget will continue to act as a release document that once approved, would allow agencies to enter into contracts or disburse funds altogether.

Project monitoring will also be strengthened. “I am urging implementing agencies to upgrade their internal execution mechanisms to ensure that they keep in step with the sharp increases in their budgets,” he said.

“I would be lying if I don’t admit that my greatest fear is that we may not be able to spend the budget,” Diokno said. n

Germany aids PH campaign vs red tape…

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teroperability program, which aims to reduce time for issuing government permits to three days from two weeks.

“The major cause of red-tape in government is that agencies act and operate in isolation of each other,” Finance Undersecretary Gil Beltran said.

“The program aims to enforce transparent and accountable regulation processes and procedures in all relevant government agencies,” he said.

Finance Secretary Carlos

Dominguez said the project would help the Philippines on its full integration with the rest of Southeast Asia by 2020, which already started last year.

“Our IT people are working closely with revenue people to make things like that as simple as possible,” Dominguez said.

“If Amazon can do that, I don’t know how many millions of customers; I think we can certainly do something like that,” he said.

Dominguez appointed Beltran as DOF’s anti-red tape czar shortly after taking over, in charge

of streamlining process on the agency and its attached offices, including the bureaus of Internal Revenue and Customs.

Earlier, DOF also said Beltran is leading the establishment of a business and citizens data banks by the first quarter of 2017.

Both database will link up records from various agencies such as the BIR, the Securities and Exchange Commission, Home Development Mutual Fund of Pag-IBIG, Philippine Health Corp. and Philippine Statistics Authority. n

Community Journal

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

Immigration Corner Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ (Part 3)

FOR many people, attaining US citizenship is the final step in achieving their “American Dream.” After getting a green card, they eagerly count off the years until they are finally eligible to apply for naturalization.

However, for some people, applying for citizenship could cause problems, issues, and even being stripped of their green card and deported/removed.

Applying for citizenship is not always a simple, straightforward task that a person should handle on their own. Instead, they may want to seek the advice or guidance of an attorney.

In my previous article, I have published the second part of the possible issues that one may encounter in applying for US Citizenship. Here are just some of the many issues or problems a person must consider before filing for naturalization: • If the person applying for US citizenship is a male, did he register for Selective Service before his 26th birthday? The law requires all males between the age of 18 and 25 to register with Selective Service. If they failed to do so, they have “broken the law”. To be eligible for naturalization, a person must have been law–abiding for five full years.

Therefore, these people are considered to have broken the law on their 26th birthday by not regis-

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 11-17, 2016

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Some issues and pitfalls in pursuing US citizenship tering for Selective Service, such that they would not be eligible to apply for naturalization until after the 31st birthday (five years after their law–breaking 26th birthday). Although there are some exemptions or waivers from this requirement, such as proving the failure to register was not a knowing or willful action, the failure to register for Selective Service is yet another problem or issue that could come up.

• Did the person register to vote or vote in a US election? Only US citizens can vote in US elections.

If a green card holder registers to vote or votes in a US election, not only could their naturalization be denied, but they could also be put in deportation proceedings.

Many green card holders accidentally registered to vote, when applying for, or renewing, their driver’s license. (Drivers license applications sometimes have a section to register to vote, and the person keeps filling out the whole form, not realizing they are also filling out the section to register to vote.) Or, they may be coming out of the supermarket, and someone with a clipboard comes up to them, asking if they want to register to vote. Of course they do! They fill out the forms without realizing they must be a US citizen. They may even get a ballot at the next election, which further gives the impression it’s okay to vote. However, when applying for US citizenship, there are several questions on the ap-

Calendar of Events across

plication asking whether the person ever claimed to be a US citizen or voted. USCIS may also check the records of the registrar of voters, and if this person’s name appears, their naturalization application could be denied.

As you can see, there are so many issues that could come up in connection with a person’s eligibility for naturalization If you have any questions about your past, or eligibility for naturalization, you should definitely seek the advice of an attorney before filing for naturalization. This is because once you file, and USCIS starts digging into your past, you may have dug a hole for yourself. *** 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 reenactments) 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 attorneyclient 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)

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University of Baguio High School 40th anniversary in Chino Hills, CA Come join us in celebrating University of Baguio High School’s 40th Anniversary on Saturday, November 12 in Chino Hills, California. For more information please contact, Romy Vidal at (951) 733-7140.

Hyatt Baguio/Manila/Palawan Reunion in Las Vegas Former and current employees and guests of Hyatt Terraces Baguio, Hyatt Manila and Hyatt Palawan are having a dinner/dance reunion on November 12 in at the Hampton Inn Tropicana in Las Vegas. The address is 4975 Dean Martin Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89118. For more details, please send an email to: Beng Paraguas-Flores (Hyatt Terraces Baguio) at bengparaguasflores@gmail.com or Marian Nobleza (Hyatt Terraces Baguio) at minobleza@ yahoo.com.

N OV E M B E R 1 4

Film showing of “Curiosity, Adventure & Love” in New York The Philippine Consulate General New York invites the public to a film showing of “Curiosity, Adventure & Love,” a film by Sunshine Lichuaco de Leon and Suzanne Richiardone.

The showing will be on Monday, November 14 at 6:40 p.m. at the Kalayaan Hall, Philippine Center at 556 Fifth Ave, New York, NY 10036. To reserve a seat, please send an email to events@newyorkpcg.org (Subject: Fil-Am History Month) or call 212-764-1330 ext. 3866.

N OV E M B E R 1 5

Build a shelter project appreciation and book launch in New York Build a shelter project appreciation and book launch in New York The Philippine Consulate General New York in cooperation with the Assumption Alumni Association invites you to Build a Shelter Project (BASP) Appreciation and a book launch on “Yolanda: An Oral History in Verse” by Tim Tomlinson. The event will be on Tuesday, November 15 at 6:30 p.m. at the Kalayaan Hall, Philippine Center at 556 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10036. To reserve a seat, please email events@newyorkpcg.org (Subject: BASP Appreciation) or call 212-764-1330 ext. 3866.

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Consular outreach mission in Pensacola, Florida The Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C., in cooperation with the Philippine Nurses Association of America, Inc. - Central Florida Chapter, the Filipino-American Association of Pensacola, Inc., and the Philippine Honorary Consulate in Miami, is pleased to announce that it will conduct a consular outreach mission in Pensacola on Saturday and Sunday, November 19 and 20 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Services offered include: Philippine passport applications; legalization of documents (acknowledgment, authentication, etc.); and receipt of reports of birth, marriage and death; and administration of oath of allegiance for dual citizenship. For an appointment, please email consular@philippineusa.org and indicate “Pensacola FL Outreach” in the subject line. In the body of the email, indicate the complete name(s) of the applicant(s) and the corresponding service(s) required by each application. The outreach will be held at the Fil-Am Community Center at 234 West Oakfield Road, Pensacola, FL

Fake tourist visa resulted in being sent back to the Philippines “a to a”, and later jeopardized his immigrant visa due to fraud– on an encore episode of ‘Citizen Pinoy!’ Johnnatan (second from left) got a tourist visa through a newspaper ad that advertised “Non-Appearance” Visas for $2500. He entered the US in 2002 without any problems, but when he returned in 2003, he was held at the airport and sent back to the Philippines, after US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) accused him of using a fake or counterfeit tourist visa. That meant a possible lifetime ban. Years later, his mother’s petition became current, and he was afraid how his fake tourist visa would affect his and his daughter’s chances of immigrating to the US. Watch how a family was able to overcome a fraud charge and be reunited, on an encore episode of ‘Citizen Pinoy’ – this Sunday, November 13 at 6:15 pm (PST) on TFC.

Business News

Forex reserves ease from Sept record high

by Lawrence

agcaoiLi Philstar.com

The BSP approved the inclusion of the Chinese yuan in the official international reserves MANILA, Philippines — The of the BSP starting last Oct. 13 country’s foreign exchange buf- to ensure the availability of the fer went down to $85.75 billion said currency to the banking in October after hitting a revised system in consideration of the record level of $86.14 billion in rising economic and financial September due to continued importance of China. weakening of the peso against The GIR is the sum of all forthe dollar as well as global mar- eign exchange flowing into the ket volatility brought about by country. The reserves serve as the impending interest rate hike buffer to ensure the Philippines in the US. would not run out of foreign exVicente Aquino, officer-in- change that it could use to pay charge at the Bangko Sentral ng for imported goods and servicPilipinas (BSP) said gross inter- es, or maturing obligations in national reserves (GIR) declined case of external shocks. last month due mainly to outflows If it deems necessary, the BSP arising from payments made by buys dollars from the foreign exthe national government for its change market to prevent sharp maturing foreign exchange obli- depreciation of the peso. It can gations. also sell to avoid sharp appreciaAquino also traced the thinning tion of the local currency. of the reserves to the foreign exDespite the decline, Aquino change operations of the central said the foreign exchange buffer bank as well as the revaluation of was enough to cover 10 months’ its gold holdings resulting from worth of imports of goods and the decline in the price of gold in payments of services and inthe international market. come. It was also equivalent to Aquino said the decline was 6.1 times the country’s shortpartially offset by the reclassi- term external debt based on fication of the Chinese renmin- original maturity and 4.4 times bi-denominated accounts from based on residual maturity. non-reserve to reserve eligible The country’s foreign exassets. change reserves reached $80.67

billion last year from $79.54 billion in 2014. The figure was slightly lower than the revised GIR level target of $80.7 billion for 2015.

For this year, the BSP sees the GIR hitting $82.7 billion equivalent to nine months import cover.

The peso has breached the 48 to $1 level to hit a sevenyear low, while the Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) nose-dived as foreign investors continued to withdraw their investments amid the negative sentiment.

Uncertainties are being caused by the impending interest rate hike in the US, the decision of the United Kingdom to exit the European Union as well as the tirades made by President Duterte against US president Barack Obama, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, and the EU for allegedly meddling the government’s all-out campaign against illegal drugs that has claimed the lives of more than 3,000 suspects.

The US Federal Reserve hinted of a possible rate hike before the end of the year or exactly a year after it tweaked interest rates for the first time in over a decade. n

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Luck, moxie and the good…

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won the lottery multiple times and each time, they at least, bought a ticket, took a chance and made themselves available for Lady Luck to smile at them.

Some people modestly attribute their success to luck; others, to hard work but more than likely, it is a combination of both. They were lucky because they had gumption, persisted against all odds and worked their tails off.

The truth is, in some ways, we can influence good fortune with the attitude, motivation and oftentimes, with sheer moxie, with

which we face our individual daily lives. If you expect bad things to happen to you or if you yourself confirm that you are unlucky, more than likely, it will become a self-fulfilling prophecy.

You might as well admit it.

You’re a sad sack Eeyore with a permanent, black rain cloud hanging over your head. The negative energy you emit repels people who would otherwise be of help to you. You just might be the person who can brighten up a room simply by leaving it.

Perhaps, it’s your personality and there’s nothing you can do

about it. You were wired to be negative and pessimistic and no motivational speaker can get you out of that rut.

You’re one tough customer for the Holy Spirit to work wonders with. Fine. But for as long as you think that you have nothing to do with the ill fortune that seems to bedevil your life, you can just live with the dire consequences of fear, anxiety and unhappiness which result from being toxic and always believing the worst of things or of people.

Particularly during these un-

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NOVEMBER 11-17, 2016 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

Community Journal

Luck, moxie and the good…

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certain times, no one can afford the luxury of a negative thought.

But much more so for vulnerable immigrants who are on survival mode, an optimistic can-do attitude is a must. With this current economic morass, a big chunk of the immigrant population along with many more in the middle class, have regressed back to survival mode, quite by default.

Many who have moved to more comfortable levels but were caught by the real estate slump and lost their homes, may find themselves sliding back to square one and engaging in the daunting prospect of finding a job.

Choosing what one does to make a living and still live a good life in the process, requires one to strike a delicate balance. Will he choose a career in government service or work in the private sector? Should he go into business or set up a professional practice? Should he pursue the arts? Should making money and achieving higher status, weigh more than fulfilment? What are the trade-offs? An accurate assessment of one’s talents, gifts, skills, training and calling will

AUCTION

help him make the right choice.

If you have the moxie to make the right choice, it is amazing to note how luck always dovetails.

Money will always be a major consideration. However in choosing a profession, the soul must be nurtured just as well, if not more.

Never confuse soul with ego. The question is: are you doing what you were born and meant to do?

If you are, then work is no longer work and every moment of every day holds the potential for joy.

You begin to discover the sacred in the ordinary. You begin to notice the blue of the skies and the seamless flow of life, even in the mundane. You see what’s special about people. You no longer take anything for granted.

The connections snap into place. Just imagine waking up thankful to your Maker for the amazing privilege of doing what it is you do every single day of your life. What you label as sheer, impersonal, random luck is actually a personal blessing just for you from above given to you freely and generously, without strings.

All that is required is a bone marrow deep, boundless gratefulness that spills out as pure joy

in practically everything you do.

You are not just lucky, you are among the blessed ones. Few things in life can be more satisfying.

If you notice yourself singing or humming while you do the work that earns you money that allows you to live the life you love, consider yourself one of the blessed ones who are living the life they were meant to live.

On the other hand, if you have to drag yourself every single morning and pop a Tylenol to numb some kind of pain that won’t go away everyday at work and long for the end of the day on the first hour, plan to heave yourself out of that sinkhole, just as soon as you can safely do so.

Plan the great escape and find the work that blesses you within as it blesses you with the physical needs of your life.

A caveat: Jobs to your liking may be harder to find these days.

Bide your time. Be patient. As in all fortuitous events, timing is everything. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.com

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

Drinking your own…

cates would win the Nobel Prize in Medicine.

Who are some celebrities doing urophagia?

Some popular personalities drinking their urine posted on the internet include Madonna, the 5th prime minister of India Morarji Desai, British actress Sarah Miles, former major league baseball player Moises Alou, martial arts fighter Lyoto Machida, and boxer Juan Manuel Marquez, who fought Mayweather. Of course, everybody has the right to consume anything he/she wants, but common sense dictates that what our body rejects and kicks out must remain out. Medical science is lucidly clear on this.

How about urine for topical use?

There are also claims that urine could be used effectively as a topical agent (applied directly to parts of the body). Some examples of the asserted topical application is for jellyfish bite or insect bites, eye infection, skin allergy or ulcer, acne, ear infection, etc. No, urine is not effective or beneficial for any of these conditions, or for any disease at all.

Is urine totally useless?

No. Urine is very useful as a plant fertilizer. According to ModernFarmer, “Across the Atlantic, studies have long established urine as a powerful fertilizer. A study conducted by the Stockholm Water Company in the late 1990s diverted urine from four housing projects to a grain farmer outside the city.

The scientists concluded not only that urine could replace quick-acting mineral fertilizers, but also calculated that one Northern European adult pees enough plant nutrients to grow 50 to 100 percent of the food requirement for another person.

Other successful trials have taken place in China and Mexico, though none as detailed as the Swedish one. In other studies, urine-treated farms had twice the productivity compared to unfertilized ones.”

What is NASA’s FOB urine filter?

The US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has been working on a FOB (Forward Osmosis Bag) system to transform urine and gray water into water that is safe to drink, “to address one

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of the challenges of outer space travel.” The FOB system uses a semi-permeable membrane and a concentrated sugar solution.

This appears to be very promising but studies are still ongoing.

What is the latest on urine therapy?

Down here on earth, all available scientific data and information from evidence-based medicine today clearly confirm that urine has no medicinal value whatsoever and people are advised not to practice urophagia.

Future technology might change all this. In the meantime, for me, I will stick to drinking filtered water, regular coffee, and my Pinot Noir. *** 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

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

PBRC in Daly City partners with Eskabo Daan to promote Filipino Martial Arts ESKABO Daan Filipino Martial Arts celebrated its seventh year last Nov. 7, 2016. Performing at countless cultural festivals throughout the Bay Area, Eskabo teaches about the culture, traditions and history hidden within Filipino Martial Arts (FMA). Eskabo Daan was voted Best Martial Arts in the SF Bay Area for four years in row while being the sole representation of FMA. Eskabo Daan also gives back to the community by offering monthly free self defense classes as well as continuous donationbased self defense classes called “Self Defense for the People.”

The Pilipino Bayanihan Resource Center (PBRC) in Daly City has recently partnered up with Eskabo Daan to be able to offer donation-based FMA classes on a weekly basis. This is a project of PBRC president, Ray Satorre.

The classes are held every Saturday morning at 10:30 a.m. and third Thursday evenings at 5:30 p.m.

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 11-17, 2016

GACCE to launch interpretative coloring book & journal ‘Focus’ on Nov. 15

AUTHORS Bernadette Escalona-Cooper, Roberto Carlos improved concept of the traditional adult coloring books Global Artists’ Creative Collaboration for Empowerment (GACCE) is proud to soon launch “Focus,” an interpretative and meditative coloring book and journal by Bernadette EscalonaCooper and Roberto Carlos.

In the past, coloring books used to be the exclusive domain of children until it became a popular interest and trend among its new demographic, the adults.

With the proliferation of adult coloring books, the authors of “Focus” have improved its traditional concept of just “coloring it.” The authors disclosed a more profound meaning of the Proceeds go towards helping spot now! First class is this Sat- coloring book’s inherent signifito keep the center open. If you urday, Nov. 11. cance to an individual. wish to support the center and at As an interactive and mediVisit https://www.eventbrite. the same time learn Filipino Mar- com/e/filipino-martial-arts- tative coloring book and jourtial Arts now is your chance. in-daly-city-111216-tickets- nal, “Focus” is meant to inspire Space is limited so save your 29264049560. n and motivate participants of all ages into a journey of emotional wholeness. This specific coloring book and journal is all about expressing oneself. It will aid one to clarify his thoughts and feelings, seize the moment and APPLYING for a replacement Social Security document what transpired in card just got even easer! that flash of the moment, write As of last month, we’ve added residents of Aria story or a daily record of perzona, Maryland, and South Dakota to the list of sonal experiences and outpour of those who can request a replacement Social Secufeelings which can best be transrity card online using my Social Security. You can lated in journaling after releasing also request a replacement card if you live in the one’s emotions through completDistrict of Columbia, Idaho, Iowa, Kentucky, Miching and coloring the images. igan, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Mexico, North “Focus” was prepared by pracDakota, Pennsylvania, Washington, and Wisconticing artists and educators, with sin. We continue to add more states to this list and the goal of harmonizing the indiprovide updates, so check out www.socialsecurity. vidual with oneself and his surgov/myaccount.

Applying online is an easy, convenient, and secure way to request a replacement card.

To request a replacement card online, you are still working; THE Mabuhay Health Cen• Get a letter with proof of your benefits, if you ter is offering free health sermust: currently receive them; and; • Have or create a my Social Security account; vices every 2nd Saturday of the Manage your benefits: • Have a valid driver’s license in a participating month from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Change your address; state or the District of Columbia (or a state-issued (last patient accepted at 12:30 • Start or change your direct deposit; identification card in some states); p.m.) at the Bayanihan Com• Get a replacement Medicare card; and • Be age 18 or older and a United States citizen munity Center, 1010 Mission • Get a replacement SSA-1099 or SSA-1042S Street, San Francisco. They with a domestic U.S. mailing address (this includes for tax season.

APO, FPO, and DPO addresses); and are also working in conjunction In order to secure your future, you need the best with UCSF. • Not be requesting a name change or any other tools and information available. Our online servicchanges to your card.

Offered health services and No matter what state you live in, with a secure es provide superior support and offer knowledge clinic dates for 2016-2017: you won’t get anywhere else. Visit my Social Secumy Social Security account, you also can: • Health screening • Keep track of your earnings and verify them rity to empower yourself today at www.socialsecu- - April 8 rity.gov/myaccount. (Eric Phillips / Social Security every year; • Blood pressure check - May • Get an estimate of your future benefits, if you Public Affairs Specialist in Sacramento, CA) n 13

More states added to Social Security’s online replacement card application

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rounding forces. The participant need not be an artist. Similarly, there are no age requirements to work on this exciting coloring book and journal. One just has to have fun, explore, create, discover, express, relish, document the moment and savor individual freedom as it brings the authors’ conceived proprietary curative images being a healing agent to the human consciousness. It was specifically crafted for all ages which can be done anytime, everywhere and in any condition and situation one might be in. It will enhance one’s creativity and skills through focusing by means of its characteristics of being interactive, meditative and expressive journaling.

Lastly, “Focus” will be a memento of accomplishments one

could be proud of, their great moments and even the not so great moments they must have experienced in the past which can serve as lessons to future undertakings. Needless to say, all the essentials of understanding oneself and life experiences are bundled in this very important colorful book.

“Focus Coloring Book and Journal” will have its creative book launching on Tuesday, Nov. 15, at the Social Hall, 5th Floor at the Philippine Consulate in San Francisco at 6 p.m.

Special guests will be Rebecca Delgado-Rottman, Vice President for Community and Government Relations at the Academy of Art University-San Francisco; and Philippine Consul General Henry Bensurto. n

Free health services offered by Mabuhay Health Center

• Health education • Diabetes monitoring - No- February 11 / August 12 vember 12 / June 10 • Care from UCSF providers • Medication counseling - March 11 / September 9 n - January 14 / July 8

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NOVEMBER 11-17, 2016 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

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

Friday, November 11, 2016

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cover story The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - November 11, 2016

Fil-Am artist Topher Maka: His journey to art and self

by Malou liwanag-Bledsoe / AJPress The task of art is to create something out of nothing, or in most cases, create sense out of chaos. But how does it happen? Where does it come from?

For Filipino-American artist Topher Maka, the journey to make art — among other things — is what made him.

Maka is a San Franciscobased artist who practices fine art with curation, painting, illustration, printmaking, art installations, art preparation and handling. he also works digitally with graphic design and print-based media.

Currently, he also acts as the managing director of the non-profit and fully studentrun Associated Students’ Art Gallery at San Francisco State University.

Family and his Filipino roots Born in Paterson, New Jersey, Maka’s mother, Pedrosa Calderon, moved to the United States from Mindoro in her early twenties.

“My family has a great history in the art of farming that grew bananas, mangoes, calamansi, and more,” said Maka

and added, “But like many other immigrants, she decided to try to take the risk and pursue a ‘better’ life in the States.

I truly credit her for raising me, alongside my younger brother and sister, with traditional Pinoy values of respect, humility, and hard work; while firmly balancing multiple jobs to support us a single mother.”

Maka also shared that he comes from a large, mixed Filipino family, but has never been surrounded by Filipinos other than his family prior to going to college.

“I could count on my fingertips of how many Filipinos were in my school: not many where I’m from. All my best friends were either Black or Latino, but race never mattered to me because I went through the same experiences as my neighbors of color in a society that perpetuated more ‘white’ and ‘American’ values.” explaining that he was raised as a Filipino in an American environment that was less accepting of diversity, Maka was able to assimilate into different cultures, traditions and lifestyles.

“At Night”, Acrylic on Canvas, 2’8” x 3’9.5” 2016.

Raccoons are nocturnal animals. At night they are most active. I find influence in the resourcefulness of this creature. They survive (with family).

Still, he knew about Philippine history, culture and folklore; and even followed superstitions. “even though I was born here, I feel more Filipino than I am American. What does ‘American’ mean anymore?

That question ringed in my head for every ethnic studies courses I took,” he said and then added, “I say all of this because the deepest connection to my Pinoy roots is family. “ His journey to art and himself Maka’s interest in art didn’t really happen until late high school, and for him, it was something to drown the street drama surrounding him.

“I had not had a real sense of direction for my future.

Art had become my influence and foundation while old friends of mine opted to join gangs or sell drugs, but I had to jump away from that by skateboarding and taking spray paint to the streets. I was in a crew of skateboarding artists. everybody hated us because we were ‘hoodlums’ on skateboards, and made fun of us because we weren’t white

because skateboarding was apparently only for white people at the time,” he said. “Look at the skateparks now. The progression is amazing. From there, I was exposed to heavy levels of illustration and graffiti made with bold and tapered lines and oceans of vibrant color. I taught myself how to draw. My friends taught me techniques I didn’t know.”

From there, the challenge he faced was trying to make something out of his with paint.

Sharing that it was a difficult phase because every obstacle he had to go through was aimed at making him a failure, Maka decided to take an art course at the City College of San Francisco and gained more confidence about his work.

Although he could name drop artists or people who may have inspired or influenced him as an artist, he explained that won’t be completely true and honest.

“Don’t get me wrong, I have a deep affection for the traditional mastery of Fernando Amorsolo and the dopeness of street artist Nychos, but they didn’t make me, me,” Maka Continued on Page SF3

“Descendant Defendant”, Acrylic on Wood, 24” x 34.5” 2016.

The thick layers of paint represent layers of experience a person may have to endure. We know where we come from, and we will defend ourselves, and our culture. The format of this piece is similar to an outdoor sign, for the public to see.

“Hunter’s Point Naval Shipyard Feline Friend”, Acrylic on Canvas, 20” x 10” 2016.

HP Naval Shipyard Feline Friend is part of a series that I’ve worked on called “Guardians of the City.” To be a guardian, one must defend, protect, or preserve. Using paint as a medium, Guardians of the City intends to represent a family of animals, domestic and wildlife, each as one of many guardians, of each San Francisco neighborhood. The idea is to illustrate each guardian in their immediate environment, whether it is natural, or man-made. Each panel captures a moment where one can appreciate their beauty, intelligence, and/or innate skills for survival. Every guardian is a neighbor of ours.

entertainment SF3 The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE – November 11, 2016

Miss International 2016 Kylie Verzosa: Eat right, pray regularly & love your body

by Mylene

Mendoza-dayrit Philstar.com

FilipiNas are taking the world by storm. The latest lady to make headlines is Kylie Verzosa. Her loyal fans may have been disappointed when she didn’t take home the title of Bb. pilipinas Universe 2016, but it may have been a blessing in disguise. The 5’9 stunner just brought home the Miss international crown from Tokyo, making her the sixth Filipina to hold the title. she draws strength from within, attributing her success to her balanced physical, emotional, and spiritual health and well-being. That means working out, eating right, reading, volunteering, and praying regularly for holistic wellness. We caught up with her before she left for Tokyo at her cover shoot for shape philippines to talk about contest preparation, health and fitness.

The Philippine Star: How does it feel to be crowned Miss International 2016?

Kylie Verzosa: indescribable! it surprised me and it’s a rollercoaster of emotions, but i’m so grateful for everything that has happened. i’m really happy.

We heard you are a teacher and an advocate for depression and suicide awareness. i used to teach kids. i love kids. Recently, i was a volunteer for iVolunteer pH, a website where you can volunteer for different organizations. i volunteered for Bayanihan and these are out-of-school kids. i did this because last sunday, i really missed kids since i used to teach preschool and it’s really happy when you’re with the kids.

For depression awareness, i found the foundation through a friend and i decided to volunteer for it and be part of it. Depression is something very close to me because it’s something that i don’t think people really talk about and it’s a stigma. i want to speak out about it because not many people focus on mental well-being; instead, they focus so much on the physical aspect of the person. it makes me happy that i get to speak out about it and in return,

it’s a whole different environment from something i was used to.

What aspects of your physical fitness do you think got developed from Pilates and yoga?

Flexibility, that’s one. But for me, what works is i find myself more peaceful when i go to yoga and as cliched as it may sound, it may not be for everyone, but it has helped me. and i think that’s what’s important in fitness. You have to be experimental and know what works for you and what doesn’t.

That’s also the beauty of having your own body — you get to experiment what’s good for you and what’s not and that goes for fitness as well.

What are the advantages of living a fit and healthy lifestyle aside from the aesthetic Miss International 2016 Kylie Verzosa benefit?

Philstar.com photo by Raymond Saldana it helps manage your stress a lot of people come to me as and balance your life. When well to share their experiences you’re healthy, it also affects and it makes me feel better. i’ve the way you feel about yourbeen doing all this starting after self, which i feel is very imporcollege. tant, especially among young How do you keep yourself girls today. it keeps you also fit despite your busy schedmentally active and it gets rid of ule? your stress, that’s what’s good i go to the gym as often as about it. i can. i try to move every day. i What kind of eating habits try to do cardio every day. i bal- did you start out with before ance it between pilates, cycling, preparing for competitions? yoga, going to the gym, lifting i have to say it’s so difficult weights, and resistance training. because i love food! We have sometimes, i work out with a to be at our very best. i watch trainer, sometimes not. it’s really what i eat now very much, but i all about balance and finding try not to deprive myself of anytime for it. thing. My diet right now is low We saw your upside-down carb and high protein. Fruits Pilates photos on Instagram. and vegetables. i stay away How did you manage to do from sugar, salt, mostly sugar. that? i try not to snack in between i started pilates just recently. meals. people were wondering how i try to have enough protein did i do that? i’ve been doing in every meal because i know yoga for three years now. it was it helps burn fat. i don’t have something i did more for me any rice, but i do try and eat and realized it helped me immy complex carbs because our prove myself, find calmness and body needs them to keep us serenity. i became more flexible going and to keep us happy. through yoga then because of protein also helps you feel full pilates; i found out “Oh, i can throughout the day, and fruits do this” and it became one of and veggies give you vitality. i my favorite workouts because go for fish. i love chicken. i like while you’re doing pilates, you chicken, fish, and nuts. get to target parts of your body Tell us more about your that you don’t always get to thoughts on the mind-body work out in the gym. it’s quite connection. dynamic and i enjoy it a lot plus Continued on Page SF4

Fil-Am artist Topher Maka...

From Page SF2 said. “My struggles made me.

My family made me. My friends made me. My mother made me. My journey to make art made me.”

His favorite piece this year is “sanctuary, Nope,” a painting of a disheveled jeepney overgrown with plants and animals, mainly tarsiers.

“The tarsier, the philippines’ smallest nocturnal hunting primate, popular due to the size of its eyes, is an animal that is facing extinction due to hunting and tourism. There are a few folks that are endeavoring to protect this animal, but because of peoples’ need to see this “cute” animal, the population has been shrinking to meet high demand in Bohol,” he said. “The high amount of stress these animals face at tourist destinations decreases the life expectancy of these majestic animals. The idea of this painting along with its title is to spark conversation of environment destruction and its ecology with human interference.”

Not everything he creates is explicitly pinoy, he said but added that he derives from his experiences as a Fil-am “jumping through the hoops of structural institutions.” “i love my heritage and my intent is to represent my angst, attitude, and perseverance as person of color. The art industry is currently saturated with artwork that has no meaning, and i want to define a road that pays respect and gratitude to those who have paved the way. How? By research, communication, collaboration, and engagement,” he explained. “as humans, we need to make it imperative to live in

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synergy rather in constant competition. i intend to leave a legacy that i’m proud of.”

His message to aspiring artists: Get educated.

“There is a ton of cultural misappropriation and offensive exhibitions that don’t accurately represent our communities at all.

“Get educated and stay educated. We must speak for ourselves, and don’t let other’s speak for you. No matter what, keep your art practice alive. perseverance is beautiful.” at present, Maka shares his working studio in Hunters point Naval shipyard with Grand

Bison, the artist collective i founded with my co-founding artists Joseph aponte and alan Khum.

He is also in a group exhibition, “Burnt Rice,” with Epekto arts projects and is currently up at the Oakland asian Cultural Center until mid-December this year. Maka will be showcasing a new series of work (with some earlier ones) at the Wailoa arts & Cultural Center in Hilo, Hawaii in January 2017.

For more information about Topher Maka and his work visit www.TopherMaka.com.

On instagram: instagram/ tophermaka.

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celebrityworld

The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - November 11, 2016

celebrity world

By Ferdie Villar

Actress sunshine cruz finally broke her silence about her relationship with new boyfriend, Macky Mathay.

Macky is the half-brother of sexy actress Ara Mina, who is sunshine’s closest friends. “safe to say, yes, I am happy now,” said sunshine during an episode of the daily talk show “Magandang Buhay” last November 3.

“Masaya ako at masaya ang mga anak ko para sa akin,” she added. sunshine has three daughters with estranged husband, actor cesar Montano.

In an interview with PeP. ph, Macky shared how their love story started. He said that he sent a direct message to sunshine through Instagram by saying “Hi” while the actress was with his half sister, Ara on a

trip abroad. sunshine replied back and that’s how it all their communication started. they officially became a couple last september 18. the actress admitted they she felt the “spark” during the first time they met, which was two months after they started talking on Instagram.

During the show, Macky also gave a message for sunshine via phone patch.

“Paulit-ulit kong sinasabi sa kanya na madaling magsabi ng mahal kita, pero ipa-promise ko na lang sa kanya, araw-araw ko pa rin siyang liligawan.” sunshine, in return, also gave a message to her boyfriend.

“Ayaw niya kasi ang nagtithank you. “every time that I would

Sunshine Cruz confirms relationship with Macky Mathay

Multi-awarded dramatic actress Eula Valdez is the lead star of the newest teleserye on GMA Pinoy TV, “Huwag Hamakin ang Lahat,” with Ariel Rivera and Snooky Serna as co-stars.

Congratulations to Kristine Hermosa and Oyo Sotto for having a healthy baby boy, born last Saturday, November 5. The couple named their newborn baby Marvic Valentin Sotto II, after Oyo’s dad, comedian and TV host Vic Sotto.

Actress Sunshine Cruz has finally admitted that she has found new love in the person of Macky Mathay, half brother of her friend, Ara Mina.

TV host and actress Gladys Reyes is pregnant with her fourth child with husband Christopher Roxas.

San Jose fashionable lady Susan Pacifico will perform a dance number for the 75th birthday of Forever Young Club president Tess Gregorio on Saturday, November 12, at Edna’s Ichiban Restaurant.

say thank you to him for being sweet — sobrang bait niya kasing tao — parati niyang sinasabi, ‘No thank you’s.’

Sexy comedienne Rufa Mae Quinto is pregnant with her first child with fiance Trevor Magallanes.

“Pagbigyan mo na muna ako ngayon when I tell you, maraming maraming salamat for being there for me. Yun lang.” *** Actress Kristine Hermosa and husband Oyo sotto welcomed their fourth child last saturday, November 5. the couple named their newborn baby Marvic Valentin sotto II, after Oyo’s dad, comedian and tV host Vic sotto.

Kristine and Oyo have two other biological children, Ondrea (4) and Kaleb (2). they also have an adoptive son, Kiel (8). congratulations to Kristine and Oyo! speaking of children, there

are a number of celebrities who are on the family way: • Actress and tV host Gladys reyes is expecting her fourth child with husband christopher roxas. the actress says the baby is “made in the U.s.” and added that it was a surprise, but acknowledged that they did want more kids. the couple is already parents to christophe, Aquisha and Grant.

• sexy actress/comedienne rufa Mae Quinto is well on the family way with her first child with fiance trevor Magallanes. she shared that her pregancy is not an easy feat considering she is already 38 years old. she and trevor are set to marry this December.

• Former actress Neri Naig

Handsome actor and model John Estrada plays the lead role in ABS-CBN 2’s teleserye “Magpahanggang Wakas.”

and husband, Parokya ni edgar frontman chito Miranda are expecting their first child — a boy — after suffering a miscarriage in 2015. the 30-year-old actress admitted that it is a delicate pregnancy, that’s why for awhile she took a break from social media.

Anne curtis joins New York Marathon, dedicates run to Pinoy youth teleVIsION host and actress Anne curtis has crossed an item off her bucket list as she finished the New York Marathon, dubbed as the largest marathon in the world that coursed through five boroughs of the city. curtis, UNIceF Philippines’ celebrity advocate for children, dedicated her first ever marathon, which she called a “dream come true and personal milestone,” to the Filipino youth.

“I did it! My very first marathon in NYc! What a bucket list moment. I can’t explain how fulfilling it is when you cross the finish line. It certainly isn’t easy but the whole experience is worth the physical pain. each borough (there were 5) had a different feel, music and vibe. the spectators are there to cheer you on, give you power up high-fives and push you when you feel like you want to stop,” curtis wrote on Instagram, sharing a photo of her wearing a medal. “to all the kababayans that were out there today to cheer

Photo from Anne Curtis’s Instagram account

me on… screaming and some even with posters, Maraming salamat. Nakakaiyak and yan po ang dahilan kung bakit halos hindi nawala ang ngiti ko (Thank you so much. It’s touching and it’s why I the smile never left my face). After my first… I would like to conquer more! 26.2 or 42.165 dedicated and inspired by the FIlIPINO YOUtH and it’s through God’s grace, I FINIsHeD,” she added.

Aside from finishing the race, curtis also targeted to

raise at least P42,000 for the 42 kilometers she ran, proceeds of which will go to UNIceF Philippines.

As of writing, curtis has raised P52,353 from 22 donors. curtis’ “It’s showtime” co-host Kim Atienza also joined the marathon, but had gastrointestinal issues.

“It was still a good race nevertheless, definitely the best marathon in the world,” Atienza wrote on Instagram.

(Inquirer.net)

Miss International 2016...

From Page SF3 It’s the thing that not many people are open about. We focus too much on the physical aspect. Your happiness comes from outward things, not knowing you have the power to control everything that you can. the things you put into your body and the things you do to your body are heavily influenced by the way you think.

With a healthy mind, you get to think well, you become happier, you become stress-free, you think deeper, you make better connections. You become more whole as a person. It’s well-being. Also I wanted to put in the spiritual aspect of it. It’s also very important. Prayer helps.

Why do you love your shape?

I think it’s all about knowing what’s best to do for your body

and what not to do. Doing the very best you can and then accepting it and also putting so much effort into it. And I love my body and I think everyone should love their body because they are already beautiful. You should love your shape. People come in all shapes and sizes.

Girls come in all shapes and sizes so they have to accept that. And also don’t compare yourself to others.

McDonald’s USA to introduce two new burgers inspired by the Big Mac to its national menu

features

SF5

The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - November 11, 2016

The Grand Mac and Mac Jr. to join the Big Mac national line-up in early 2017 Big Mac fans will rejoice when the grand Mac and Mac Jr. join the legendary Big Mac roster for a limited time on McDonald’s national menu in early 2017. These twists on the famously delicious sandwich – which boasts two 100 percent all-beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, and onions on a sesame seed bun – are the latest menu innovations from McDonald’s that customers today are looking for.

The grand Mac is made with two 100 percent pure beef patties for a total of one-

third pound* with two slices of melty American cheese and iconic special sauce served on a larger sesame seed bun with crisp lettuce, California minced onions and tangy pickles. Each Big Mac patty is seasoned to perfection with salt and pepper in McDonald’s kitchens.

The Mac Jr. is a single-layer Big Mac that’s easier to eat on the go. The 100% pure beef patty is bigger and packs in all the flavor of the Big Mac without the middle bun.

“The Big Mac is a legend and a great-tasting burger with hints of pickle relish,

mustard, garlic and onions,” said McDonald’s Chef Mike Haracz. “We listened to our customers who told us they wanted different ways to enjoy the one-of-a-kind Big Mac taste. The classic combination of ingredients remains timeless and customers around the world continue to enjoy its signature taste.”

Earlier this year, Central Ohio and Dallas/Fort Worth tested these burgers to gather valuable feedback from consumers. in advance of the national rollout, customers in Florida and the Pittsburgh

area will be able to experience these new sandwiches before the rest of the country, beginning in mid-November.

The Big Mac was first introduced in 1967 by Jim Delligatti, a McDonald’s franchisee

from Pennsylvania, and the following year was available nationwide. McDonald’s is continuously testing and innovating to meet its customers’ needs. Recent regional innovations include the Egg White

and Turkey Sausage Breakfast Bowl, Scrambled Egg and Chorizo Breakfast Bowl, Lobster Rolls and gilroy garlic Fries. *Average weight before cooking. *Advertising Supplement

Angelina Mead King, Alfred Vargas finds fulfillment in family life and public service Caitlyn Jenner bond over cars, coffee

CAR enthusiast Angelina Mead King on Monday, Nov. 7 shared her encounter with fellow transgender woman Caitlyn Jenner in California, a moment which she called as “surreal.”

King, the partner of VJ and model Joey Mead King, said she and Jenner were brought together by their love of cars. King, who attended the recently held SEMA 2016 automotive show in Las Vegas, has a business venture called Car Porn Racing. “i still can’t believe it, this morning was so surreal! Cars, coffee and Caitlyn. Brought together for the love of cars. Thank you to @e_n_o_r_e_v for capturing this moment. it’s perfect. #carscoffeeandcait #caitlynjenner #girlslikeus,” King wrote on the caption of her photo with Jenner on instagram.

Joey Mead shared the same photo on her instagram account with the caption: “Truth and authenticity, a winning combination in my eyes.”

King also posted a photo of her and her friends having breakfast with Jenner.

Angelina Mead King shared this photo of her with Caitlyn Jenner on her Instagram account

King, a formerly known as businessman and hotelier ian Angelo, came out as transgender woman through an instagram post in July.

Jenner, formerly known as Bruce, was a retired Olympian and stepdad of Kardashian siblings Kim, Khloe, and Kourtney.

She came out in a television interview in August last year.

(Inquirer.net)

SECOND-term Quezon City Representative and actor Alfred Vargas recently held a thanksgiving luncheon just before the long Halloween-All Souls Day weekend to celebrate the many blessings he received and achievements he made as he turned 37-years-old on October 24.

“At 37, i have a lot to be grateful for—my beautiful wife, Yasmine, whom i will marry again in church next year, two wonderful daughters, and a career in public service that is surely one of the most fulfilling careers in one’s lifetime,” Vargas said.

The actor-politician proposed for the second time to his Filipino-italian wife in July, and received an overwhelming yes. They had a civil wedding in 2010 and are busy preparing for their church wedding ceremony in July 2017.

Fatherhood has played a big role in Vargas’ life. “i make sure i wake up extra early during weekdays so i can personally bring my kids to school, and i strive to be home by 7 p.m. everyday so my family and i can have dinner together,” shared Vargas. “Nothing beats spend-

ing quality time with the family.”

Vargas has also been busy working on his legislative agenda soon as he assumed his second term in Congress.

He was recently appointed Vice Chairman of the Committee on Appropriations, a coveted position in Congress that brings with it the enormous responsibility of defending the budgets of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), the National Housing Authority (NHA), and the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC).

All three government agencies’ budgets gained approval.

While Vargas may be one of the younger lawmakers in the Lower House, and has no political lineage to back his ascent in politics, he continues to impress the more senior members of Congress with his legislation initiatives.

During the 16th Congress, he was able to pass into law 15 Republic Acts, including the Mandatory Philhealth Coverage for All Senior Citizens. Another feather to his cap is his perfect attendance record, as well as being included among the top congressmen in terms of legislative performance. Today, barely

Vargas with wife Yasmine and daughters Aryana and Alexandra

five months into his second term, he has submitted over 100 principally authored bills.

Vargas may have a lot of things to be proud of but said he is far from being accomplished and complacent, as these things are only pushing

him to outdo himself.

Quoting the mantra of socio-civic organization Jaycees international, of which he was recently elected as chapter president, “Service to humanity is the best work of life,” Vargas concluded. (ManilaTimes.net)