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EDITORIAL

Fidel V. Ramos was the statesman the Philippines needed

The passing of former President Fidel V. Ramos this week came as a shock to many, including his closest associates during his time as chief executive of the Republic of the Philippines.

He did live to the ripe old age of 94, but being a lifetime health buff (and avid golfer, we must add), he was in excellent shape until the time he disappeared from the public scene a few months ago.

His cause of death was listed as complications due to COVID-19 and when the sad news spread, countless government o cials, business leaders, retired and active military o cers, mediamen who covered him, and ordinary citizens were lavish in their tributes for the man aff ectionately known as Tabako.’

He did love his cigars, although he rarely lit them.

In death, FVR was remembered for his numerous accomplishments, and he earned the tag of Steady Eddie, for his huge role in stabilizing both the political and fi nancial state of the Philippines when he assumed the presidency.

World leaders recalled the time that he lifted the Philippines to tiger cub economy status, and he might have brought the country to full developed world status had he been allowed to serve longer.

But even in retirement he continued to sell the Philippines to the outside world. He was one of the best salesmen the country could have as he continuously told any foreign investor who would listen that the land he once ruled as president for six progressive years was an excellent place to park their funds.

Taking over from the late President Cory Aquino, FVR had the tough task of facing the myriad of problems the Philippines had to face, not the least of which was the serious power crisis, an unstable political system battered by a series of coup attempts against Madame Aquino, and an economy that was going nowhere fast.

As an engineer by training and a military man by profession, FVR took the steps that few Philippine leaders had the capacity to do.

Along the way, he committed some errors, not the least of which was allowing the return of the Marcoses who never willingly returned their stolen wealth.

But whatever mistakes he may have committed certainly paled in comparison to the massive changes – for the better, we must add – he was able to push through, including setting the stage for peace talks with the Moro National Liberation Front, breaking down the long-standing business monopolies, and setting the example as one of the hardest working presidents of all.

Sadly, his preferred candidate to succeed him failed to win, and he must have been extremely disappointed when his successor proved to be a lazy leader of uestionable moral values.

Perhaps his biggest tragedy was a personal one, the passing of one of his daughters at a fairly young age a little more than a decade ago.

That unbearable pain he kept from the public, and soon enough he was back accepting invitations from all over the globe, always speaking well of his beloved Philippines. He continued to play golf and crack corny jokes, and he was as beloved as ever by his people.

We could go on and on extolling the greatness of the man whose legacy is already assured. So we will ust say, ob well done, sir. You’ve earned your place in history.

Rest in peace, President Fidel V. Ramos, a Filipino statesman for the ages.

Abuse rooted...

(From page 1)

some ways to help including “active listening and not interrupting.” “Respect their autonomy by asking them what they need and how you can help them,” she said, holding up a directory of services published by the organization. Called “A-List,” the booklet lists family service providers vetted for cultural and linguistic competence. The 2022 edition is sponsored by the Town of Colma. “AUTHENTIC” LESSONS The students’ comments reflected awareness of the is- Upside sue. One raised his family’s skepticism about going to the police for intervention, a common mindset among those CHERIE M. QUEROL MORENO who had fled tyranny in their birth land. Another lauded IPV training now required in the police academy. One commended posting of small stickers with the IPV hotline in public restrooms, a stealth tactic to bridge survivors with providers.

Their professor appreciated that his students “learned about the uneven power dynamics in intimate relationships that cause indebtedness (utang na loob) and the danger” of replicating abuse. The father of two commended the video showing fear, violence and harm are learned in infancy and not later in life, a common assumption.

“Marginalization of news reports that do not mention domestic violence in the Filipino community” disheartened Daus-Magbual. Hearing the various forms of abuse in actual Filipino cases and Agasid’s personal testimony struck him as “authentic and real”(lessons) he hopes his students would “apply to their lives,” said the community advocate, who is a first-time Mayor of Daly City.

His dual leadership role gives him a platform to work toward the decolonization he hopes to achieve for his class and beyond. His elected post, he said, is ideal for his brand of education.

“I teach the whole range of students from Lolos and Lolas, to peers who want to change careers, single parents, working class people, to first year college students that gives me the insight on what issues affect them.” He asks: “What are the hardships they go through? What do they wish to see in the communities they live, especially since a large majority are from Daly City.”

His is a unique position in governance.

UNIQUE LENSES

“Being an Ethnic Studies educator gives me the interdisciplinary lens to look at history, politics, sociology, anthropology, and psychology to help inform my decision as a policy maker,” he explained. “I have a holistic view of the past, the grit to work together in the present, and an imaginative view of the future.”

As he teaches, Daus-Magbual lives and learns. He and his wife Arlene are both longtime social activists, UC Riverside alums, co-authors of Critical Pin@y Parenting and collaborators behind Pin@y Educational Partnerships. A mentoring program founded by SFSU Asian American Studies Prof. Dr. Allyson Tintiangco-Cubales, they have guided almost 350 teachers prepare for all levels of education.

“I learned that understanding our history has power to know who you are, the story of your family, your community, your people and it becomes the fuel to transform and serve our community to fight for equity and ultimately for freedom,” he asserted.

Himself a first-generation Filipino/Canadian American, he can relate to his students including mixed-race Filipinos with a passion driven by his personal motto, “No history, no self.” – Adapted from original reprinted with permission from INQUIRER.NET. (C ont inue d on page 25)

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“Fidel Valdez Ramos: Summa Cum Laude.” Rest easy now, FVR

MSS Client Praises, Endorses “Real Estate & You” as Lasting Gift

This is the title of the tribute which I, as president of the National Press Club (NPC) and “neighbour” of President Ramos in Pangasinan, spearheaded on July 9, 1998 at the Grand Ballroom of the Manila Hotel. Few people know that the project was conceived with fellow Pangasinan journalist and very good ALFRED G. GABOT In My Heart friend Melandrew T. Velasco (who eventually became PFVR and family biographer) out of desperation after the “shocking discovery” that I and my NPC board inherited millions of pesos of debts from the past NPC leadership!

Among those sending incessantly their collection bills to the NPC were the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), the Metropolitan aterworks and Sewerage System (M SS) and Philippine Long Distance Co. (PLDT).

On top of that, the NPC was maintaining an scandalously and unreasonably high monthly payroll of P300,000, more or less, when it was earning only P60,000 to P100,000 every month from rentals and restaurant operations! This means a defi cit of P 00,000 every month, and this does not even include the thousands of pesos in electricity, water and other utilities each month!

And so, out of desperation as creditors were after our heads, we sent out the o cial invitation to PFVR for the pro ect we have to mount in only two ( ) months after my election as NPC president in May 199 .

Initially, Mel and I and some directors were unsure about PFVR’s response because, for one, he had ust “graduated” from the presidency and I have just assumed as president of the NPC.

We hid our fears of being turned down and remained confi dent that he would accept our invitation to also help the NPC, an organization in which his father, a Manila Bulletin and Manila Times correspondent and a publisher-editor of a Pangasinan newspaper before he became a lawyer and Pangasinan congressman, was one of the pioneer members.

Our confi dence was borne out of our experience with PFVR in the past. And for one, our clan “helped” in his presidential campaign upon the prodding of my uncle, the late Col. Amorsolo Guico Gabot, who was with him both in South Korea under the overall command of Gen. Douglas McArthur and the Vietnam ar. I also “uno cially” assisted in the media during the campaign under the wings of some of his loyal men, some of whom have gone to the Great Beyond.

Moreover, then General Ramos readily assisted me before. As president of the Laguna, Metro Manila, Rizal Press and Radio TV Association (LAMPARA), a very active suburban press club then, I invited him to be our guest of honor and speaker during our induction ceremonies at the Grand Ballroom of the iconic Hotel Inter-Continental in Makati City. He accepted the invitation and the event was jampacked with o cials and media personalities and his pronouncement there hugged the headlines of the local and foreign media the days after.

Gen. Ramos also showed up upon my invitation as the “Lambingan sa Laguna Bay” breakfast forum of the LAMPARA guest at the Cucina Italia at the Alabang Town Center.

And when he became our President, I followed PFVR in some local events, notably, the launching of the “Lingayen Gulf War” as one of the incorporators of the Save Lingayen Gulf Movement Inc. I also oined him run in the “Taray ti Asingan.”

Later, I followed President Fidel V. Ramos as he crisscrossed the United States in a back-breaking schedule starting off from Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Chicago, Washington and New York and later the snow-covered Ottawa in Canada.

In some of those visits, particularly in California in 1993, PFVR paid tribute to my grandfather Carlos S. Bulosan, the famous Filipino writer (America is in the Heart, I ant the ide American Earth, Freedom from ant), workers rights fi ghter and minority rights advocate in the United States, for his contribution towards the acceptance of Filipinos in America in well applauded speeches attended also by the Filipino community in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Chicago, the fi rst Philippine President to so hon- (C ont inue on page 27)

ART GABOT MADLAING

MSS Client Praises, Endorses “Real Estate You” as Lasting Gift As accredited and commissioned Notary Public and founder of Mobile Signing Services (MSS), I was fortunate to notarize last July 4, 2022 the Special of Attorney (SPA) for Daisy and her two brothers on the sale of two properties located in Metro Manila, PhilipHealth & Wealth pines. I, then, followed up the apostille of the notarized SPA with the Secretary of State, Notary Public Section in Sacramento, California.

On July 1 , 0 the apostilled SPA by the California Secretary of State was delivered to me through the prepaid Priority Mail by our local mailman in San Francisco, California. On the same day, Daisy, a new MSS client, picked up in our home in San Francisco the package containing the apostilled SPA together with an autographed paperback copy of global best seller “REAL ESTATE YOU) ( pages with paperback Amazon price of 1 .9 per copy) subtitled “”Your Basic Guide Information for Successful Investing in Home, Land and Income Property,” dated May , 0 to commemorate our 48th Wedding Anniversary.

On July 1 , 00 Sunday afternoon, I got an unexpected call from Daisy who shared her excitement about the book “REAL ESTATE YOU” which I gave as a lasting gift to her. ith so much enthusiasm, she wanted another copy of REAL YOU” for her older brother. She also re uested a copy of the original Edition of “REAL ESTATE YOU.”

Daisy told me that the book “REAL ESTATE YOU” given to her was the answer to her prayers. She, then, confi ded her mistake in adding the name of her son in the title of one of her properties located in an upscale neighborhood in the Peninsula. I advised Daisy to read more on the sub ect of TITLE VESTING in the book.

“Your book “REAL ESTATE YOU” is uni ue and one of a kind,” Daisy told me. “ I went to study real estate in a university in San Francisco. I have even invested in several properties but there are so many pointers, advises and warnings in your book which are new to me,” Daisy continued.

“Anybody who is planning or even thinking of buying or selling real estate MUST order and read fi rst your latest Edition of “REAL ESTATE YOU”, This way, they can avoid costly and unexpected mistakes like what I experienced,” she echoed.

“I am giving a copy of “REAL ESTATE YOU” to my brother as a gift. This is the best and lasting gift I can give him. Can I come and pick up some copies now I’ll be in your home in 30 minutes,” Daisy said.

While Daisy was driving from the Peninsula to our home in San Francisco, I prepared the autographed copy of the Third Printing of “REAL ESTATE YOU” (hardcover with Amazon price of 19.9 per copy)and the autographed copy of the original Edition of “REAL ESTATE YOU” printed and dated March, 19 .

Daisy arrived in our home about 5:30 pm Sunday and I told her to park her car in our driveway. After some preliminaries, I presented to Daisy the autographed copies of Third Printing (hardcover) and the original Edition of “REAL ESTATE YOU.”

“ ow, this is awesome ” Daisy exclaimed upon receiving the autographed books on real estate. “I’ll keep these books for my personal library at home. Then, I’ll give the paperback copy of REAL ESTATE YOU” I got from you earlier as my lasting gift to my brother who is residing in Fairfi eld, California,” she echoed.

“Yes, I’ve met your brother when my beloved wife Virginia Jimenez Madlaing and I visited him for the notarization and apostille follow up of SPA needed in the Philippines. But, I didn’t mention anything about the “REAL ESTATE YOU” book,” I told Daisy.

“I’ve enthusiastically told my brother about your “REAL ESTATE YOU” book. He is so excited to receive a copy of your book on real estate. My brother will be visiting me next week so I can give him the paperback copy of REAL ESTATE YOU,” Daisy explained.

After two days, Daisy enthusiastically called me again. She said that she liked the original Edition of “REAL ESTATE YOU.” She said that she was inspired by what I wrote in the Introduction of the original Edition. I would like to share to our readers and the general public some excerpts of the Introduction as follows

“More than 100 years ago, a penniless immigrant landed on the shores of America. Through sheer hard work and determination, he became one of the richest men in the world. His name is Andrew Carnegie.

Carnegie spent the fi rst half of his life ac uiring wealth. He spent the second half disposing the wealth he ac uired for the benefi t of mankind. He once said: “Ninety percent of all millionaires became so through owning real estate.” He further said,” More money has been made in real estate than all industrial investments combined.”

This book is written for the millions of immigrants who have started to invest or may soon start to invest in real estate.

Read the particular section of the book which could help you in your present real estate needs. (C ont inue on page 27) We Filipinos have always found it easier to die for our country than live for it. In times of peace and civil order, we seem to fritter away in bickering. We split so easily into fractions, each intent on its petty agenda. We play at intrigue: each pursuing his or her self interest, although doing so THE OUTSIDER may be self defeating.” Thus wrote former Presi- MELANDREW T. VELASCO dent Fidel Valdez Ramos as part of his foreword in the landmark book “Twilight Glory: A Tribute to Filipino Heroes and Veterans” published in August 0 0 by Philippine Veterans Aff airs O ce (PVAO), Media Touchstone Ventures, Inc (MTVI( and the Ramos Peace and Development Foundation (RPDEV).

Prophetic it may seem were the former Chief Executive’s words of wisdom, Twilight Glory would go down as my last book collaboration with FVR who joined our Creator last Sunday, July 31, at the ripe age of 94.

For over 0 years since my fi rst book on the Ramos family published in November 2000 in time for the birth centennial of FVR’s father, Ambassador Narciso R. Ramos, I have authored and co-published 1 landmark books on FVR’s family members and his foundation.

Not all are privileged to work with a former Philippine president.

I’ve had the blessing of serving alongside FVR whose love for our country and heart for good governance always ring a bell until he breathe his last.

FVR or Steady Eddie, as he was fondly called by his peers and constituents, was better known not just for his thumbs-up sign, “Kaya Natin Ito” slogan, his ears or his tobacco but also for his push-ups and crunches and his programs of his administration especially with Philippines 2000.

Before Covid 19 came into being in early 2020, FVR, even at a ripe age of 9 still reported to his RPDEV o ce in Makati almost daily but stopped playing golf I. 0 1 upon doctor’s advice.

Even in his nonagenarian years, he never failed to carry on what he had started. Always a good soldier, FVR always liked to say that he would rather die serving his country with his boots on than sit idly to enjoy his retirement. Thus, I remember him continuing to inspire and to stimulate, stir and enthuse, defi ne and redefi ne, challenge and defy the odds.

In hindsight, even 4 years after he fi nished his term as President, FVR or Eddie, the private citizen, refused to be “tired even while retired.” He continued to be “a reformer despite being a former President,” and delighted by an “ex” but never considered him to be an excess and not yet expired.

Other former chiefs of state write their memoirs and then fade into the sunset. FVR was an exception. In fact, he had written more than 30 books while in retirement and through keynote speeches, roundtable discussions, university convocations, etc., kept reminding his successors and other leaders of the urgent things what’s needed to be done for our country and people to achieve a better future.

My relationship with FVR can be described as a wonderful journey that transcended beyond the books we have done together.

As stated earlier, since 2000, FVR had commissioned me to write on the biographies of his loved ones “Enduring Legacy,” on his father Foreign Aff airs Secretary Narciso Ramos “ In A Class of Her Own,” on his mother Angela Valdez Ramos “Mommy The Pillar of Social ork” on his motherin-law Josefa Jara Martinez “Simply Ming,” on First Lady Amelita “Ming” M. Ramos “Uncle Sim” on Simeon Marcos Valdez; and, “Colors of Light” on his artist, poetess and ambassador’s spouse auntie Lucia Mangapit Valdez.

Among the best book projects we worked and produced together are: Silver Linings, a story on the 25 Years of the 19 Revolution, RPDEV 1 Our Continuing Voyage for Enduring Peace and Sustainable Development and the fi rst volume, Teamwork for Enduring Peace and Sustainable Development chronicling ten years of the Ramos Peace and Development Foundation (RPDEV), a non-profi t, non-political, non-partisan non-government organization where he served as chair.

Our last book together as co-publishers was co-authored with PVAO Administrator Gen. (C ont inue on page 27)

A tale of two Filipino movies Bongbong’s SONA short on objectives

howing this week are two Filipino movies, one of which tells a tall tale of the fi nal days of the Marcoses before they were kicked out of the country and the other a fi ctionalized account of the dangers that activists faced in the same era known as martial law. Offline

The fi rst, Maid in Malacanang, is pure propaganda BETING DOLOR and shows the faux heroism of Ferdinand Marcos Sr., who left the country rather than allow the coming violence that would surely claim countless lives had he allowed his followers to face off with the one million Filipinos who had gathered at Edsa.

It’s all fantasy, and is directed by a young man who admitted in an interview that he had had a relationship with a minor some years ago, when he was already in his mid- 0s. So yes, the director is a self-confessed pedophile.

Those who had seen its early screenings say that it’s a fantasy fi lm through and through, showing the heroism of the Marcos patriarch from the eyes of their maids.

No mention was made of the billions of pesos in cash and ewelry that the real maids must have helped pack, and which was discovered in dozens of crates when the Marcoses landed in Honolulu, but not before having US Customs inspect their bagga ge.

The fi lm also shows a mob carrying torches ready to storm Malacanang, which is pure BS.

Those unlucky enough to catch an initial screening must have warned the producers that they would face not only a huge fi nancial loss, but very likely empty movie houses.

It’s that bad, they say.

Thus, to avoid an embarrassment, Senator Imee Marcos reportedly bought tens of thousands of tickets to be given away free to anyone and everyone interested in seeing their version of what happened in 19 .

She also supposedly forced some big companies and civic organizations to purchase tens of thousands more for distribution to their people.

And if that wasn’t pathetic enough, some schools are said to be forcing their students to watch the unfunny oke of a movie and there would then be an exam about the historical travesty.

A screening for media was scheduled, and ust to make sure the reporters and editors would show up, they would be off ered free popcorn plus a loot bag to boot. I would not be surprised if envelopes stuff ed with cash was inside those bags.

Still, with the gawdawful reviews, Maid in Malacanang is doomed to fail.

And what of the other fi lm

It has a funny title of Katips The Movie, which I admittedly do not know the meaning of. But this movie ust won big at the annual Famas awards, with no less than seven trophies including Best Director and Best Actor.

The Famas is the Philippine e uivalent of the Oscars, so it is a pretty big deal that Katips is such winner, while Maid in Malacanang may well be the local e uivalent of such duds as Ishtar or worse, Heaven’s Gate.

Imee Marcos was present at the Famas ceremony as she was told that she had won some little known special award.

She showed up and it must have been a spectacle to see a fi lm that tells the truth about the martial law years in the form of a musical earning high praise and accolades, while the silliness that is Maid in Malacanang that Ms. Marcos fully backed is now fated to draw ies when it shows in theaters this week.

As Chinese-Filipino civic leader Tessie Ang Sy said after she was sent a box of tickets to distribute to her fellow Chinoys, “promoting a fi lm that has been udged a distortion of history by distributing free passes to students is truly appalling. It is tantamount to asking these educational institutions to promote outright lies, falsehoods, and historical distortion.”

She also said that while the Chinoy community supports the O ce of the President and wishes the administration well, “creating more polarization by forcing untruths on the public ust makes us citizens lose any remnant of respect that we may have had for the current leadership of the country.”

Also speaking up was the president of avier School, favored by the middle class and the well-to-do Chinoy community. ithout mincing any (C ont inue on page 27) PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s fi rst SONA before PerryScopethe oint session of Congress lasted for an hour and 14 minutes. It highlighted a 19-point legislative agenda. However, it excluded human rights, ustice, and peace -- issues that have hounded the previous Duterte regime. hat was the message or what was he trying to avoid or both hy the sudden silence on the three most important issues that would determine the paths to be taken by his presidency Or could it be that he isn’t prepared to elevate the priorities that he as chief steward of the ship of state to a level of highest importance

At this point we can only speculate ust like when he refused to participate in the debates during the campaign. He probably surmised that by evading discussion of these important issues, the Filipino people would give him a pass ust like before.

But skipping the debates is one thing and evading the issues is another. After he skipped the debates, it left his future direction uncharted. He didn’t have to make promises on how to address the pressing issues like the Covid-19 pandemic, economic downturn, drug problem, in ation, unemployment, health care, rising prices of gas and rice, and recession.

Unlike his predecessor, former president Rodrigo Duterte, who said that he’d solve the peace and order situation and how he’d get rid of the drug and criminality problem in six months, Marcos did not mention them at all. He did not talk about the issue of ustice and rule of law, which Duterte pursued with vigor, eliminating ,000 people as a result in the campaign against drugs, which was Duterte’s pet pro ect. He did not talk about how he is going to fi ght corruption in government. Needless to say, by not addressing them, he did not take responsibility and own accountability.

“Simplicity, economy, and e ciency”

He issued Executive Order No.1, which abolished the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) in the guise of achieving “simplicity, economy, and e ciency.” But instead it created another layer of bureaucracy, the Deputy Secretary for Legal Aff airs (DESLA), which has its hands already full of cases investigating internal and external legal matters.

He did not mention appointments to the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) and Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) that is tasked to recover the ill-gotten wealth of his family and their cronies. The PCGG was formed in 19 in the aftermath of the People Power Revolution that ousted the Marcos dictatorship and ushered in the government of Cory A uino. It was tasked solely to recover the ill-gotten wealth of the Marcos family and their cronies.

Cristina Palabay, secretary-general of human rights group Karapatan, also noted that there was no mention of “press freedom, disinformation, death penalty, and failed domestic accountability mechanisms.”

Justice and rule of law

Former Senate minority oor leader Franklin Drilon said the Marcos government should not “sweep under the rug” issues concerning ustice and rule of law, saying that a strong ustice system could also boost investors’ confi dence.

But Marcos raised some concerns among business circles when he vetoed HB creating the Bulacan Airport Special Economic one and Freeport ad acent to the proposed airport city in Bulacan province. It is expected that his veto would drive foreign investors away. Not good for his edgling presidency.

Marcos, surprisingly, included in his legislative agenda the revival of the Reserve O cers’ Training Corps. (ROTC). Surmise it to say, the ROTC could be called upon in cases of national emergency. But short of invasion by a foreign power, the ROTC need not be activated and armed. Unless of course a civil war erupts between the communist New People’s Army (NPA) and the Muslim separatists in Mindanao, in which case the ROTC could be armed and sent to the troubled region. But between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police who have a combined strength of 0,000 armed personnel, I don’t think the ROTC needs to be deployed in the war zone.

PERRY DIAZ

DACA students kept on DREAMing, until now!

or 1 years, DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood

Arrivals) students, otherwise known as Dreamers, have been dreaming to ualify for conditional permanent resident status since the DREAM Act of 001.

Under the DREAM Act, also known as the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act, students who came to the U.S. at age 1 or younger at least fi ve years before the date of the bill’s enactment and who have ELPIDIO R. ESTIOKO maintained good moral character since entering the U.S. would ualify for conditional permanent resident status upon acceptance to college, graduation from a U.S. high school. Up to present, however, this didn’t happen because the Act was never passed by the Senate, although it already passed Congress. It has to pass both chambers before it will be forwarded to the President for signature to become a law.

As a result, millions of undocumented immigrant Dreamers (a large number of them are Filipino Americans) live in the United States without legal status. The problem lies on the issue of a pathway to lawful status and eventually becoming citizens as provided for in the DREAM Act. But it never became a law up to present. Its most recent version was approved by the House of Representatives on March 1 , 0 1 and sent to the Senate for approval.

According to the National Immigration Law Center, on May 0 1, the Dream Act is a bipartisan legislation that addresses the tragedy of young people who grew up in the United States and have graduated from our high schools, but whose future are derailed by current immigration laws. They derive their immigration status solely from their parents, and if their parents are undocumented or in immigration limbo, they don’t have mechanism to obtain legal residency, even if they have lived most of their lives in the U.S. The DREAM Act would provide such a mechanism for those who are able to meet certain conditions.

The latest version of the DREAM Act, was introduced on May 11, 011, in the Senate (S. 9 ) by Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) and 3 fellow senators, and in the House of Representatives (H.R. 1 4 ) by Reps. Howard Berman (D-CA), Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), and Lucille Roybal-Allard.

If passed, the DREAM Act would enact two ma or changes in current law It will permit certain immigrant students who have grown up in the U.S. to apply for temporary legal status. Eventually, they will obtain permanent legal status and become eligible for U.S. citizenship if they go to college or serve in the U.S. military and the DREAM Act would eliminate a federal provision that penalizes states that provide in-state tuition without regard to immigration status.

So, the Dream Act have a path to legal residency for Dreamers. They would ualify for conditional permanent resident status upon acceptance to college, graduation from a U.S. high school, or being awarded a GED in the U.S. However, if they had committed crimes, were a security risk, or were inadmissible or removable on certain other grounds, they won’t ualify. Under the Senate bill ualifying students must be under age 3 , whereas under the House bill they must be under age 3 .

Students with conditional permanent resident status would be able to work, drive, go to school, and otherwise participate normally in day-to-day activities on the same terms as other Americans. The only exception is that generally they would not be able to travel abroad for lengthy periods (they have limited durations) and they would not be eligible for Pell Grants or certain other federal fi nancial aid grants. They would, however, be eligible for federal work study and student loans, and states would not be restricted from providing their own fi nancial aid to these students.

The Dreamers are undocumented immigrants who were born abroad but brought to the United States as children. hen a child is born in the United States, they become an American citizen from the second they are born this is called “U.S. birthright citizenship.” But if that child is born anywhere else in the world, ust like the Dreamers, they do not get U.S. birthright citizenship. So, if parents come to the United States without lawful entry and bring their child along, the child then grows up in the United States without legal status. That’s where the Dreamer story began.

There are millions of young people whose parents brought them to America as children, who don’t share the same legal protection as their friends and neighbors who were born here.

As a stop-gap-measure, in 01 , the Obama Administration created the “Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals” program, called “DACA” for short. DACA allowed Dreamers to obtain renewable two-year work permits and to ualify for federal student loans. To apply for DACA, Dreamers need to satisfy certain eligibility re uirements with proof including things like a high school diploma, evidence of military service where applicable, among others. The DACA program has allowed over 00,000 young undocumented immigrants to live and work lawfully in the United States without fear of deportation daily.

In 01 however, the Trump administration ordered the Department of Homeland Security to end the DACA program. Fortunately, in June 0 0, the Supreme Court ruled (C ont inue on page 27)

As I See It

Is your wage under garnishment?

It is possible that a creditor could obtain a court order to garnish your wages. In other words, they can take money right out of your paycheck to pay your debts. In some cases, wage garnishments may take more than half of your paycheck.

Wage garnishment is a drastic step, often used by creditors that have no claim to any of your property. Without any property or collateral to back up your credit card purchases or medical bills, a creditor may fi le a lawsuit against you and ask the court to grant their motion for your wages to be garnished. Depending on your debt, the court will assign a percentage of your paycheck to be automatically deducted and sent to the creditor. Oftentimes up to 25 percent of your disposable income could be taken away from you. In cases of tax debt, much more could be taken out.

Wage Garnishment Laws

It’s possible that your spouse’s wages be garnished because of your debts. In California, married couple’s debts and assets are considered community property. In this case, your spouse’s wages might be at stake even if the credit card and the debts are under your name.

As required by law, your employer must comply with the court order, and will be unable to stop wage garnishment. However, you are also protected by the same law, which says that an employer may not fi re you because your wages are being garnished.

Wages are often garnished for the following reasons:

1. Credit card lawsuit - Once a credit card account goes into default, and the creditor decides it cannot collect, it may sell the debt to a debt collection company. If the credit card or debt collection company is unsuccessful in recovering the debt, then a lawsuit may be fi led against the consumer in an attempt to recover its losses. If the ruling in the lawsuit goes against the consumer, a judgment may be issued to garnish property, bank accounts or wages. 2. Tax liens: unpaid state and federal taxes - The IRS and State Taxing Authorities have the power to collect back taxes by levying on taxpayers’ property as a result of a tax lien. When a person owes back taxes, the IRS/State can collect a lien on a particular taxpayer’s assets after meeting certain statutory requirements, which attaches to all rights, title and interest of the taxpayer.

Once the IRS/State has a lien on all of a taxpayer’s assets, they may enforce it by administratively levying his/her assets. As a collection tactic, the IRS/State often imposes a wage garnishment, which means that they literally take money out of every paycheck – often enough seriously jeopardizing an individual’s lifestyle and making it impossible to maintain the same standard of living. 3. Delinquent child support – Pursuant to child support enforcement laws in the United States, statutes permit the use of a variety of types of garnishments to collect past due child support, according to Find Law. 4. Delinquent spouse support (alimony) – There is numerous ways to enforce an order for spousal support or alimony, including entry of a money judgment and wage garnishment. However, the availability these enforcement tools and how they are used are controlled by state laws and/or the rules of the courts in your area.

Wage garnishment will only stop if: 1. Your debts are settled 2. Automatic stay in bankruptcy stops the action

If you are already facing fi nancial disaster, garnishment can make it harder for you to support yourself and your family. By fi ling either Chapter or Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you have the power to stop the action. Both Chapter and Chapter 13 bankruptcy may stop wage garnishment. In the case of a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, the garnishment will stop for several years as you work through your repayment plan. In a Chapter , each state’s exemptions provide protections against wage garnishment.

Note: This is not a legal advice and you need to speak to an attorney. The Law Offi ces of Crispin C. Lozano has years of experience in bankruptcy cases.

Bankruptcy Basics

1. Bankruptcy will actually improve your credit within one year because your unsecured debts are discharged. Although the bankruptcy will be in your records for 10 years, not fi ling bankruptcy will make your credit even worse until most your debts are paid. 2. If you are being sued by your creditors, most money judgment can be eliminated in bankruptcy. 3. Collection actions continue and you can be sued if you are in debt settlement. 4. Chapter will eliminate all unsecured debts. If you are near retirement age, you must eliminate most of your debts.

Success Stories

For the month of July 2022, we received approvals from USCIS six naturalization applications, three Fianc e visa petition, fi ve removals of condition on residence and four ad ustment of status applications.

If you have immigration problems the Law O ces of Crispin C. Lozano can help you fi nd a solution before your problem gets worse which could lead to deportation and family separation.

C hris C aday Lozano, Esq. is an active member of the State Bar of C alifornia, the American Immigration Law yers Association and San Francisco Trial Law yers. H e practices immigration law, bankruptcy, personal injury and income tax representation since June 1999. H is contact phone is 1-877-456-9266, email: info@ C C Llaw.net W ebsite: w w w.crispinlozanolaw.com/ w ith offi cers in Hayward and Cerritos, CA.

US securities regulator charges individuals over pyramid scheme

PASAY CITY – The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has charged the founders and promoters of the fraudul ent pyramid scheme operated by Forsage, following an investigation conducted with the assistance of the SEC Philippines.

In a statement issued Aug. 1, the US SEC said it charged 11 individuals for their roles in creating and promoting Forsage, which allegedly raised over $300 million from millions of retail investors worldwide, including the Philippines.

The US SEC charged the four founders of Forsage and three US-based promoters found to be endorsing the investment scam on its website and social media platforms, as well as members of Forsage’s promotional group called Crypto-Crusaders -- the largest promotional group for the scheme that operated in the United States from at least fi ve diff erent states. “We at the SEC Philippines commend the US SEC for bringing down an investment scam of this scale and proportion, stopping it from further victimizing helpless individuals across the globe,” SEC chairperson Emilio Aquino said in a statement Wednesday.

“The SEC Philippines is always ready to collaborate with its counterparts in other jurisdictions, as well as other regulators, to stamp out investment scams in other parts of the world. We remain committed to promoting the rights and welfare of investors, as we work toward the common goal of protecting the investing public,” he said.

JUPITER CABLE. Local and provincial government o cials rom Daet, Camarines Norte pose with e ecu� ves o PLDT-Smart during the inaugura� on o the Jupiter Ca le System landing sta� on in the town.

New submarine cable linking

PHL, US, Japan now online

MAKATI CITY – The newest international cable system in the Philippines went o cially online after PLDT launched the system last week.

In a statement, PLDT said the Jupiter Cable system has been “fi red up” and is seen to “immensely boost” the country’s international data capacity and advance digital infrastructure.

“The 14,000-km. Jupiter Cable system is the newest international gateway connecting the Philippines directly from PLDT’s cable landing station in Daet, Camarines Norte to Japan and the US est Coast,” it said.

The cable system, it said, would triple PLDT’s international capacity to 60 Terabits per second and is seen to be especially useful since a bulk of Internet content and services accessed by Filipinos are from servers in the US and Japan.

“The capacity off ered by Jupiter is expected to help promote the Philippines to global hyper scalers and position the country as the new digital hub in the Asia-Pacifi c,” the statement added.

“Hyper scalers” are usually cloud service providers that use hyper-scale computing, an agile method of processing data that can quickly go up and down depending on data tra c.

This computing method can be used in data centers and the cloud to accommodate uctuating demand.

By increasing the country’s international data capacity, it said the Jupiter cable would enhance the country’s image as an investment destination.

The cable system was launched in a celebration at the Marriott Hotel in Pasay City, led by PLDT chairman Manuel Pangilinan. Among the guests were Information and Communications Technology Secretary Ivan John Uy, Trade and Industry Secretary Alfredo Pascual, Japan Ambassador Koshikawa Kazuhiko, and US Ambassador MaryKay Loss Carlson.

To date, PLDT has access to 15 international submarine cable networks and wants to expand further with two more – the Asia Direct Cable and the APRICOT cable system, both expected to be completed in the next two years.

August 4-10, 2022 16 Star Magic artists perform for the global audience in long-awaited US tour

NY, SF, LA show � c ets availa le on myTFC.com StarMagic 0

DOJ SELLER OR TRAVEL # 2025230-40

SAN FRANCISCO, July 28, 2022 – TFC Live events returns in a major way this August with back-to-back-to-back shows celebrating Star Magic’s 30th anniversary. “Beyond the Stars” has the Philippines’ brightest celebrities bringing top-tier entertainment to audiences in New York in the East Coast, and to San Francisco and Los Angeles in the West.

“Beyond the Stars” is a two-hour concert extravaganza, showcasing the best staged entertainment that only the brightest Filipino stars of this generation can deliver. This is Star Magic’s way of bringing the magic to life for audiences to enjoy. At the North America media conference that launched “Beyond the Stars,” Star Magic Head Lauren Dyogi shares that “after two years of global uncertainty and we have endured, now it’s time to celebrate. He also adds that the Star Magic U.S. Tour is their way of reconnecting with the Filipino community in North America and thanking them for their unwavering support. “Beyond the Stars” is a testament to the tenacity and creativity displayed by the artists to remain relevant and to continue to hone their craft, even during lockdown.

The shows also provide audiences the chance to get up close and witness the talent of the younger and newer ABS-CBN artists in person since to date, they have only seen their performances on the screen and digitally. Star Magic’s newest stars will have the chance to share the stage with longtime idols in front of U.S. audiences. Headliners include fresh singer-songwriters Angela Ken, Janine Berdin, Lian Kyla, Sab, and Gigi De Lana; the hottest love teams of Belle Mariano and Donny Pangilinan – also known as DonBelle, and Alexa Ilacad and KD Estrada - often referred to with the portmanteau KDLex; all-around performers AC Bonifacio, Andrea Brillantes, Charlie Dizon, Kyle Echarri, Maris Racal, Maymay Entrata, Edward Barber; comedian Eric Nicolas; and fan favorites Zanjoe Marudo, Carlo Aquino, and Kim Chiu.

With an incredible line-up of 20 artists, there will be something for everyone at each of the “Beyond the Stars” shows. Seasoned performer, Kim Chiu, who has been with Star Magic since 00 , a rms the oy of the group “Hindi naman naluluma yung feeling namin to perform in front of our kababayans kase it always feels like home pag nagpeperform kami diyan. (It doesn’t get old performing for our fellowmen because it always feels like home.)

“So, we look forward to seeing the happy faces of our kababayans (fellowmen) sa Amerika.” Catch “Beyond the Stars” on the following dates

August 6 – Kings Theatre in Brooklyn, New York

August 1 – The arfi eld in San Francisco

August 14 – Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles Tickets are on sale and TFC and iWantTFC subscribers may en oy a 1 discount off regular-priced tickets. Subscribers can check their email for their exclusive discount code. Discounts are also available for bulk purchases. Go to myTFC.com/StarMagic30 to get tickets and for more information.

The shows are made possible through the collaboration of Star Magic with iWantTFC and TFC. “Beyond the Stars” is copresented with World Remit, with Tancinco Law as a major sponsor.