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Volume 22 - No. 40 • 2 Sections – 26 Pages

Filipinos sue hospital for discrimination

DECEMBER 9-15, 2010

Immigrant communities wait for DREAM Act vote

by Dymphna

Calica-La AjPress

Putt

Thousands of students and immigrant groups across the US waited with bated breaths as Congress started deliberations on the Development, Relief and Education for Minors (DREAM) Act late Wednesday afternoon.

This vote is seen as the last chance for the bill—which provides undocumented students a

by Cynthia de Castro The complaint was filed in the United States District Legal Center (APALC), a member of the Asian Ameri- pathway to citizenship—to be enacted in ConAJPress gress for many years.

Court, Eastern District of California last December 7, can Center for Advancing Justice.

Next year, Republicans will take control of The complaint states that DRMC discriminated A GROUP of 52 former and current Filipino-Ameri- 2010.The action was filed against Central California can hospital employees filed a lawsuit against their Foundation for Health/ Delano Regional Medical Cen- against its Filipino-American employees because the House and get a stronger minority in the employer, Delano Regional Medical Center in Califor- ter and Delano Health Associates, Inc. (collectively re- of their national origin and subjected the Filipino- Senate, virtually ending an opportunity to pass nia for discrimination and harassment on the basis of ferred to as “DRMC” or “Defendants”). The employ- American workers to severe and pervasive workplace a measure that would grant millions of undocumented youth a chance to be US citizens. ees are represented by the Asian Pacific American national origin.

PAGE A3 Congress had just begun deliberations on the DREAM Act as of press time.

It will be recalled that the Obama administration have been clamoring for bipartisan support for the DREAM Act. Opponents of the measure, which include many Republicans, said the bill is flawed because the “amnesty” would unreasonably add to the nation’s workforce.

The proposed legislation was introduced from the AJPress NEWS TEAM across America unsuccessfully at various times in the House and Senate since 2001. In 2009, Sen. Majority leader Harry Reid said the DREAM Act will be part of a planned comprehensive immigration reform bill. This also fell through due to lack of bipartisan support.

Last September, the DREAM Act, along with a SACRAMENTO—The Honorable Tani Gorre repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, was incorporatCantil-Sakauye was sworn in as the first minored into the National Defense Authorization Act ity and Filipino Chief Justice of the California for the Fiscal Year 2011. But this, too, was shot Supreme Court in mid-day ceremonies at the down by Republicans in Congress who said the Rotunda of the State Capitol on December 3.

DREAM Act is unrelated to the Defense bill.

Chief Justice Cantil-Sakauye, who wore her In the last seven days, the White House made judicial robes over a silver blouse and dark a series of information campaigns in an effort slacks, took her oath as the 28th California to sway Congress’ vote. At the same time, it has Supreme Court Chief Justice before Governor denied that the proposed law is an amnesty.

Arnold Schwarzenegger as her family and her “We believe prospects for the DREAM Act predecessor, Chief Justice Ronald George, should be good if we move past politics and look looked on. at what is good for the country,” Cecilia Muñoz, It was only a few months ago that Chief White House Director of Intergovernmental AfJustice Cantil-Sakauye was nominated by the SOCCER SUCCESS. The Filipino booters embrace each other and rejoice after upsetting defending champion Vietnam, 2-0, in Group B action of the fairs said in a Dec. 7 telephone conference call.

PAGE A5 Suzuki Cup in Vietnam last Dec 5. The unexpectedly strong soccer team battled Myanmar last Dec 8, which led to a draw that enabled the Filipinos to PAGE A3 advance to the semi-finals.

Philstar.com photo

Group claims being singled out for English only rule

DATELINE

USA

First Filipino CA SC Chief Justice sworn in

IN ARMED CONFLICT

PH stresses civilian protection

WB praises PH drive vs smuggling Donaire sends message to Montiel

by Jose

Katigbak Philstar.com

WASHINGTON—World Bank president Robert Zoellick singled out for In light of continuing concerns on areas in special mention the Aquino administraconflict, around the world, the Philippines has tion’s campaign to stamp out smuggling assured the United Nations Security Council and tax evasion.

At the first meeting of the Internathat it will place the “utmost importance of tional Corruption Hunters Alliance here protecting civilians.”

“The Philippine Government attaches spe- on Tuesday attended by senior governcial importance to the issue of protection of ment officials from across the globe incivilians in armed conflict,” Permanent Repre- cluding Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, sentative to the Philippine Mission to the UN in Zoellick said at a time of fiscal conNew York Libran Cabactulan said at the open straint in many donor countries it was important to spend every development debate of the Security Council last Nov. 22.

The Philippines was among the 53 countries dollar as intended to overcome poverty PAGE A3 and boost growth and opportunity.

“Stealing is bad enough; ripping off the poor is disgusting,” he said in his opening address on Tuesday.

Giving a few examples to illustrate what can be accomplished with the right leadership, Zoellick said a public tip-off campaign launched by Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima “in its first six months has already netted dozens of tax evaders and smugglers who have defrauded the government.”

Some 240 government officials and business leaders from 134 countries are attending the three-day meeting organized by the World Bank in PAGE A5

by Joseph

Pimentel AJPress

ANAHEIM—Leading up to his title eliminator match, Filipino boxer Nonito Donaire Jr. said it was important for him to make a statement to Bantamweight Champion Fernando Montiel and last Saturday, he did just that at the Honda Center in Anaheim.

The Filipino Flash scored three knockdowns to defeat former bantamweight cham- AJPress photo by Joe Cobilla pion Vladamir Sidorenko of Ukraine to win the vacant WBC Continental Americas bantamweight title and solidified his part in a future match with the WBC and WBO bantamweight champion Montiel in February.

Montiel is fighting on December 11 and expects to win that bout easily. “I’m coming for you,” said Donaire referring to Montiel. “This is for the people.

PAGE A3

WH warns tax defeat could FASO featured in Daft Punk music trigger new recession video and Dazed Magazine

by Charles

Babington Associated Press

WASHINGTON—Raising the direst alarm yet, the Obama administration warned fellow Democrats on Wednesday that if they defeat the big tax-cut compromise detested by many liberals they could jolt the entire nation back into recession.

President Barack Obama appealed anew for Congress to “get PINOY PHYSICIANS in Las Vegas spearheaded efforts to inform the Asian-American this done” and insisted that more community about influenza and provide ongoing free immunization to this group. Shown congressional Democrats would in the photo is Dr. Manny Taguba of the Philippine Medical Association of NV (PMAN) administering a flu shot last Nov. 21 at the Chaiya Meditation Monastery in Las Vegas. The climb aboard as they studied decity has the third highest concentration of Asian-Americans in the US. More photos in B5. tails of the $900 billion year-end

Photo by Dr. Teresita Melocoton/ PMAN measure. Several did announce

support on Wednesday, but at least one said there still was “a mood to resist.”

One Democratic opponent, Rep. Barney Frank of Massachusetts, forecast a result that would abruptly reverse Congress’ voting pattern of the first two years of Obama’s term: “It will be passed by virtually all the Republicans and a minority of Democrats.”

Larry Summers, Obama’s chief economic adviser, told reporters that if the measure isn’t passed soon, it will “materially increase the risk the economy would stall PAGE A4

3700 W. Desert Inn Road Las Vegas, NV 89102 • Tel: (702) 792-6678 • Fax: (702) 792-6879

THE Filipino American Symphony Orchestra (FASO) was recently featured in the music video of Daft Punk, a popular French electronic music duo. Consisting of French musicians Guy-Manuel de HomemChristo and Thomas Bangalter, Daft Punk reached significant popularity in the late 1990s house movement in France and was met with continued success in the years following. They are credited with producing songs that were considered essential in the French house scene and have released three studio albums along with remix and live albums, and the Tron: Legacy soundtrack.

Wes Olson, the producer of the music teaser video, said that one of his assistants referred FASO to him when they were looking for an orchestra to join Daft Punk in the video and the film shoot for Dazed & Confused Magazine.

“I got in touch with some members of the orchestra and the meeting went well so we decided to get them for the filming,’ said Olson.

Dazed & Confused is a British-style magazine, that was set up in PAGE A4

Also published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA, New York/NEW JERSEY

A

DECEMBER 9-15, 2010 • LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (702) 792-6678

(702) 792-6678 • http://www.asianjournal.com

Filipinos sue hospital...

From The Front Page

Immigrant communities wait...

PAGE A1

PAGE A1

Wilma Lamug and Elnora Cayme, two of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit that decided to stand up for their rights and speak out against discrimination and harassment. AJPress photo by Miko Santos

harassment. DRMC prohibited Filipino-American employees from speaking Tagalog and other Filipino languages under a broad-reaching, English-only policy. DRMC singled out only Filipino-American employees in enforcing the policy.

Among all their employees of various ethnicities, defendants required only Filipino-American employees to attend mandatory meetings with management. During these meetings, DRMC management told the Filipino-American employees that they were prohibited from speaking Tagalog and other Filipino languages at the workplace.

DRMC reprimanded them, threatened to monitor them with audio surveillance and threatened to discipline and suspend employees who will be caught speaking Tagalog. Defendants also encouraged other employees to report Filipino-American employees to supervisors, which created tension and hostility among employees. Filipino-American employees were monitored, chastised and threatened by supervisors and other co-workers who constantly told them to speak English.

During the press conference held at the APALC office in Los Angeles December 7, two of the plaintiffs, Wilma Lamug and Elnora Cayme, spoke about the unfair treatment they received from DRMC management.

“DRMC’s actions made us feel humiliated, isolated, and unvalued as employees. Many of us, including myself, had worked hard for DRMC for ten or twenty years. Despite our loyalty and years of service, we were shocked that DRMC singled out FilipinoAmerican workers and blatantly discriminated against us,” said

Plaintiff Wilma Lamug, a Licensed Vocational Nurse at DRMC for more than ten years.

Elnora Cayme, a licensed vocational nurse and respiratory therapist who has worked for DRMC for 27 years, said amid tears, “I have lived in Delano since I immigrated to the States in 1978 with my parents and siblings. DRMC is our community hospital. A majority of the hospital’s staff was made up of Filipino health care professionals.

I don’t know why they treated us so unjustly, even if we were all so loyal and devoted to our jobs.”

“DRMC enforced an overly restrictive and draconian Englishonly policy against only its FilipinoAmerican employees that cannot be justified by a business necessity. As a result, DRMC created a workplace environment that was hostile towards its Filipino-American employees and unfortunately increased tensions between Filipino and non-Filipino employees,” said Julie A. Su, Litigation Director at APALC. APALC, on behalf of the employees, is moving to intervene in a lawsuit that was filed by the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) on August

18, 2010. The EEOC’s lawsuit alleges that DRMC’s acts of national origin discrimination and harassment violate federal law (Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964).

APALC’s complaint alleges that DRMC violated federal law as well as California state law, specifically California ’s Fair Employment and Housing Act. The lawsuit seeks an injunction to prevent future discrimination, as well as financial compensation from defendants for the employees.

According to EEOC, the hospital prohibited Filipino staff from speaking Tagalog while allowing non-Filipino employees to speak other languages, such as Spanish. “Employers must ensure that company policies are applied equally,” said Anna Park, regional attorney of the EEOC’s Los Angeles Dustrict Office. “Targeting workers of a particular national origin is not only illegal, it also erodes company morale – pitting groups against one another.”

Wilma Lamug said other Filipino-Americans who are victims of discrimination should not be afraid to speak up. “Don’t keep your mouth shut. Seek help like we did,” Lamug said. Elnora Cayme added, “Huwag kayong matakot o mahiya (Don’t be afraid or embarrassed.) Speak up for your rights.”

“An employer like DRMC with a diverse clientele should view an employee’s ability to speak another language as an asset, not a disadvantage. It is reprehensible that our clients were singled out for enforcement of the English only policy and harassed. Employers need to know that this type of discrimination and harassment on the basis of national origin is illegal,” said Carmina Ocampo , a staff attorney at APALC. “We hope this case encourages other immigrant workers to do as these workers did, and stand up publicly and demand their rights.”

Donaire sends message...

PAGE A1 This is what they want to see and this is what I want. I wanted to make a statement and I did.”

Donaire’s performance certainly was a statement.

Donaire moved up from the flyweight where he has reigned to the bantamweight division and in his first bout at 118 pounds, the Filipino Flash dominated.

Donaire, co-headlining Top Rank’s In Harm’s Way card, towered over the smaller Sidorenko, a former bantamweight champion and Olympics medalist, and used his tremendous reach to gain an advantage early.

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 9-15, 2010

In the same call, Undersecretary of Defense Clifford Stanley said, “We need smart people, whether born here or not.”

If enacted into law, the DREAM Act will give qualified immigrants conditional status for six years, during which he or she will be required to either serve two years in the US military or complete at least two years in a 4-year degree program. After the conditional status, the person can apply for US citizenship.

The White House also reacted to a statement from US Sen. Jeff Sessions, implying that the proposed law is an amnesty for individuals who are in the US illegally.

“The bill would provide safe harbor, and even amnesty, for aliens who have committed serious crimes,” the Republican senator said in Dec 4 letter to his colleagues.

Muñoz debunked this by reiterating a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) statement that the law will aid the govern-

ment’s immigration enforcement efforts.

“We disagree wholeheartedly with Sen. Session’s assessment.

It is very, very far from an amnesty,” Muñoz said adding, “In fact, the DREAM Act will help us put immigration under control.”

The DHS in a Dec. 2 briefing said the DREAM Act will help the government weed out illegal residents who have committed crimes and have these people removed from the country.

“The current version of the DREAM Act provides that the students must undergo a rigorous background check,” US Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano said.

“Only those of good character will be eligible for relief. Those with criminal records will be eligible for removal immediately,” she in the first of three conference calls the White House hosted for the media.

A salient provision in the bill states that only those undocumented students who have good moral character can be given a path to citizenship.

PH stresses civilian...

PAGE A1

whose representatives each delivered a statement before the Security Council.

“The Philippine Government is firmly committed and continues to work seriously and with global stakeholders to protect civilians in its national territory and around the world,” he also said in a separate statement.

“We are particularly concerned over the security of Filipinos overseas that may be caught in-between clashes in areas of conflict or in areas of potential conflict,” he added.

The ambassador said the Philippines has taken into account the reports and recommendations of the UN Secretary General on the matter. In fact, the Philippines has “taken appropriate measures to integrate these in the implementation of its national policies and work plan,” he added.

“With an estimated nine million Filipinos overseas, it is our duty to ensure that our nationals are protected wherever they go,” Cabactulan said.

In the middle of the first round, Donaire stunned Sidorenko with a two-punch combination and displayed great power by constantly punching through the Ukrainian’s blocks. With about eight seconds remaining, Donaire landed an overhand right, scoring the first of his knockdowns against Sidorenko.

Donaire scored at will. The Filipino Flash scored another knockdown in the third round. This time he landed a perfectly timed left hook to the head just as Sidorenko was angling for an inside position.

By the fourth round, Sidorenko’s face was battered and bruised. Donaire finished off Sidorenko with a clean two-punch combination to the head. Sidorenko took a knee and did not continue.

“I give Sidorenko credit, he’s a great boxer,” said

A

“Nobody who poses a threat to public safety will be able to adjust their immigration status,” Napolitano added.

“It complements the DHS’ efforts to prioritize our enforcement resources for removing criminal aliens from the country,” she added.

Meanwhile, the government also stressed earlier that the DREAM Act is expected to help the US become more competitive in today’s global economy.

“Unless we pass the DREAM Act, we will be throwing away investments. It is critical to our economic future,” US Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke told media last Dec. 3.

“These are students who are our future scientists, doctors, lawyers, engineers and important business leaders,” he said.

Locke noted that in the past 15 years, 25% of venture capital firms that went public were started by immigrants. “(The DREAM Act) will generate revenue and create economic and business opportunities. It is a driver for economic growth,” he added.

“As we continue to work for global peace and security, we must remain vigilant in preventing the outbreak of any conflicts. In the event of conflict, however, we must make sure that our nationals are protected. There is much work that needs to be done,” he explained.

Cabactulan expressed appreciation to the Security Council for its consistent and untiring engagement in this issue, both at the thematic level and country-specific cases.

At the same time, he commended the United Kingdom for its able and competent chairmanship if the Informal Expert Group on the protection of civilians since its establishment in January 2009.

Meanwhile, at the Security Council meeting, Undersecretary General for Humanitarian Affairs Valerie Amos, Undersecretary General for Peacekeeping Operations Alain Le Roy, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navanethem Pillay and Director General of the International Committee of the Red Cross Yves Daccord gave their respective briefings and shared their perspectives on the latest developments regarding protection of civilians in armed conflict in troubled areas around the world. (AJPress)

Donaire. “But I knew this fight was over the moment he signed that contract. I’m so motivated in fighting against Montiel and I know that if I train hard and prepare no one can beat me.”

Next up Montiel Montiel of Mexico is currently rated the No. 7 best pound-for-pound boxer in the world. The 31-year-old Mexican is no slouch and Donaire knows he has a tough task ahead of him.

But Donaire said he’s waited for a chance to face him for several months so he’s not going to take that opportunity for granted.

Donaire said Montiel better be ready for February.

“I know I’m going to train my hardest and I’m going to do my best so he better be ready,” said Donaire.

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DECEMBER 9-15, 2010 • LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL

Dateline USA

http://www.asianjournal.com • (702) 792-6678

Dr. Fe del Mundo, World-class Pinay Pediatrician

A Life Devoted to the Filipino Child

by Cynthia de

Castro / AJPress

NOWADAYS, it is very rare to hear of someone still actively working at the age of 99 years old. Thus, it is amazing to see the sight of Dr. Fe del Mundo, still lovingly caring for children at the hospital she founded more than half a century ago, the Fe del Mundo Children’s Medical Center Foundation in Banawe, Quezon City, which is the country’s first pediatric hospital.

Last November 27, 2010, the Philippine’s greatest pediatrician celebrated her 99th birthday with the launching of a coffee table book entitled Dr. Fe del Mundo: A Beautiful Life, with the subtitle, “A Life Devoted to the Filipino Child.”

Dr. del Mundo’s life has indeed been a beautiful one that has been passionately committed to Filipino children. She has never married and has chosen to devote her whole life to caring for countless children in the country. Her life’s work has earned her around 100 service awards and academic and corporate titles, as well as affiliations with medical organizations here and abroad. One whole floor in her hospital is filled with her trophies and awards, while plaques, certificates, magazine clippings (including pieces from Time), photos and other memorabilia are mounted on the hallways of the medical center.

The awards that stand out in Del Mundo’s career are unsurpassed. She was the first woman to be admitted to Harvard Medical School (1936), the first Filipino diplomate of the American Board of Pediatrics (1947), first Asian president of the Medical Women’s International Association (1962), first woman president of the Philippine Pediatric Society (1952), and first woman president of the Philippine Medical Association (1972).

In 1957, she founded the first pediatric hospital in the Philippines, which has been named after her.

In 1980, President Ferdinand Marcos named del Mundo as a National Scientist of the Philippines, the first Filipino woman to be so-named.

Among the international honors bestowed on Dr. del Mundo was the Elizabeth Blackwell Award for Outstanding Service to Mankind, handed in 1966

by Hobart and William Smith Colleges, and the citation as Outstanding Pediatrician and Humanitarian by the International Pediatric Association in 1977. Also in 1977, del Mundo was awarded the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Public Service. On April 22, 2010, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo awarded del Mundo the Order of Lakandula with the rank of Bayani at the Malacañang Palace.

Fe Del Mundo was born on November 27,1911 in Intramuros, Manila, where her family lived just across the Manila Cathedral. Her father Bernardo served one term in the Philippine Assembly, representing the province of Tayabas. Three of her 8 siblings died in infancy, while an older sister died from appendicitis at age 11. It was the death of her older sister, who had made known her desire to become a doctor for the poor, which spurred young del Mundo towards the medical profession.

Del Mundo enrolled at the University of the Phil-

ippines, Manila in 1926 where she received an associate in arts degree at 17, and her medical degree from the UP College of Medicine in 1933, graduating as class valedictorian.

She passed the medical board exam that same year, placing third in the national medical board exams.

After her graduation from UP, then President Manuel Quezon offered Del Mundo a full scholarship to any school in the United States for further training in a medical field of her choice. She accepted the offer and chose to go to Harvard, arriving at Harvard Medical School in 1936. She was unwittingly enrolled in Harvard Medical School, an institution which did not yet then admit female students. As recounted in her official Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation biography “[Del Mundo] humorously relates that when she arrived in Boston and went to the dormitory assigned her in a letter from the director of the hospital housing, much to her surprise she found herself in a men’s dorm. Unknowingly the Harvard officials had admitted a female to their allmale student body. But because her record was so strong, the head of the pediatrics department saw no reason not to accept her. Thus, upsetting Harvard tradition, she became the first Philippine woman and the only female at the time to be enrolled at the Harvard Medical School.”

Harvard Medical School began to accept female students only in 1945, nine years after Del Mundo was enrolled in the school. She remained in HMS until 1938, completing 3 Pediatric courses. She then took up a residency at the Billings Hospital of the University of Chicago, before returning to Massachusetts in 1939 for a two-year research fellowship at the Harvard Medical School Children’s Hospital. She also enrolled at the Boston University School of Medicine, earning a Master’s degree in bacteriology in 1940.

The petite (barely 5 feet and weighing less than 100 pounds) doctor could have pursued a lucrative career in the United States but she came home in 1941, nurturing a dream to build a children’s hospital.

Del Mundo returned to the Philippines in 1941, shortly before the Japanese invasion of the country later that year. She joined the International Red Cross and volunteered to care for children-internees then detained at the University of Santo Tomas internment camp for foreign nationals. She set up a makeshift hospice within the internment camp, and her activities led her to be known as “The Angel of Santo Tomas.”After the Japanese authorities shut down the hospice in 1943, del Mundo was asked by Manila Mayor León G. Guinto, Sr. to

of rattan and a semi-cylindrical lampshade made of bamboo. “I put in hot water bottles all around between them. I put a little hood over it and attached oxygen for the baby,” she says.

“We had to do with whatever was available.”

Del Mundo was also editorin-chief for the only textbook for Philippine pediatrics, and wrote 150 studies on pediatrics published in local and foreign journals.

She also authored Textbook of Pediatrics, a fundamental medical text used in Philippine medical schools.

The heart of Del Mundo shows that her life’s work has not been about making money. She once said: “To be in medicine, you must not expect to get rich. It is more charity work than amassing wealth.” In fact, she made sure that she helped the poor and those in rural areas. She trained the country’s best pediatricians and sent teams of medical personnel to far-flung areas of the country to treat sick children.

In a quote on her biographical book’s back cover, Del Mundo speaks of the value of giving one’s all to what one does: “I believe that if you give the world the best that you can, the best will always come back to you.” And that’s what she has always done when she treated her patients- giving them her best, and giving them lots of hope and care. “I always feel that my patients will get well. I tell the parents to just pray, be hopeful ... and I will do the caring,” she said.

Asked about her prescription for long life, the 99-year old doctor said, “Leave the dining table a little less full, a little hungry, and you will live longer.” The doctor prefers a diet of fish and vegetables and admits that she has not eaten rice for the last 40 years (or when she hit her 50s). “They say that if you want to live long, eat less,” she added.

“I’m glad that I have been very much involved in the care of children, and that I have been relevant to them. They are the most outstanding feature in my life,” says Del Mundo.

“It is a very rewarding task to contribute to the building of a world of happy and healthy children of whom the Divine Physician bespoke his concern and affection: “Suffer the little children to come unto me, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.” n

WH warns tax...

FASO featured in...

PAGE A1

1992 and is published monthly, covering topics that include music, fashion, film, art and literature. Throughout the 1990s, the magazine’s influence grew as its format evolved and the reputations of those it had championed early in their careers blossomed.

The December edition of Dazed celebrates radical visions for the future, with a world exclusive feature with Daft Punk in Los Angeles as they unveil their soundtrack for the 3D sci-fi blockbuster TRON: Legacy.

The issue of the magazine comes with specially inserted glasses in order to see

head a children’s hospital under the auspices of the city government.

The hospital was later converted into a full-care medical center to cope with the mounting casualties during the Battle of Manila, and would be renamed the North General Hospital (later, the Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center). Del Mundo would remain the hospital’s director until 1948.

Del Mundo joined the faculty of the University of Santo Tomas, then the Far Eastern University in 1954. She, likewise, established a small medical pediatric clinic to pursue a private practice.

Pursuing her dream to establish her own pediatric hospital, del Mundo sold her home and most of her personal effects and obtained a sizable loan from the GSIS in order to finance the construction of her own hospital. The Children’s Medical Center, a 100-bed hospital located in Quezon City, was inaugurated in 1957 as the first pediatric hospital in the Philippines. The hospital was expanded in 1966 through the establishment of an Institute of Maternal and Child Health, the first institution of its kind in Asia.

Having sold her home to finance the medical center, del Mundo chose to reside at the secondfloor of the hospital itself. She rises up daily at the hospital at five in the morning, attends mass and continues to make her daily rounds even though she is now wheelchair-bound at 99 years of age.

She also keeps a “3 o’clock afternoon prayer” habit. After dinner, she retires to her second-floor suite.

Del Mundo is noted for her pioneering work on infectious diseases in Philippine communities. In the 1950s, she pursued studies on dengue fever, a common malady in the Philippines of which little was then yet known of. Her clinical observations on dengue, and the findings of research she later undertook on the disease are said to “have led to a fuller understanding of dengue fever as it afflicts the young”.

Del Mundo has been active in the field of public health, with special concerns towards rural communities. She organized rural extension teams to advise mothers on breastfeeding and child care and promoted the idea of linking hospitals to the community through the public immersion of physicians and other medical personnel to allow for greater coordination among health workers and the public for common health programs such as immunization and nutrition. She called for the greater integration of midwives into the medical community, considering their more visible presence within rural communities.

In 1973, she invented an open native incubator to be used in rural communities without electrical power for premature, low-weight or jaundicestricken infants. Lightweight, portable and affordable, the incubator consists of a native crib made

the spectacular 3D shoot by photographer Sharif Hamza and styled by senior menswear editor Robbie Spencer. The photos show several members of FASO in the background.

“The magazine supposedly hit newsstands on Nov. 19.... at least in Europe..... not sure if it’s quite out here yet.... but check the newsstands! The one on Cahuenga and Hollywood Blvd (or is it Sunset Blvd?) is a good candidate to find it, or also Centerfolds on Fairfax just north of Melrose.

It could possibly take another week or so before it’s out in the US though. But spread the word around,” said Olson. (AJPress)

PAGE A3 out and we would have a doubledip” recession. That put the White House in the unusual position of warning its own party’s lawmakers they could be to blame for calamitous consequences if they go against the president.

With many House and Senate Republicans signaling their approval of the tax cut plan, the White House’s comments were aimed mainly at House Democrats who feel Obama went too far in yielding to Republicans’ demands for continued income tax cuts and lower estate taxes for the

wealthy.

Obama says the compromise was necessary because Republicans were prepared to let everyone’s taxes rise and to block the extension of unemployment benefits for jobless Americans if they didn’t get much of what they wanted.

Economists say the recent recession officially ended in June 2009. But with unemployment at 9.8 percent, millions remain out of work or fearful of losing ground economically, and the notion of the nation falling back into a recession would strike many as chilling. It also could rattle markets and investors.

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DECEMBER 9-15, 2010 • LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL

First Filipino CA SC Chief...

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to be in the Capitol because, my colleagues – my Superior Court colleagues, my brethren in the Court of Appeals, and also my future brethren in the Supreme Court as well as my colleagues from the Bar – can be here.

And I call my profesNEW CHIEF JUSTICE OF CALIFORNIA. California Governor Arnold sional brethren my Schwarzenegger congratulates newly-sworn in California day family,” Justice Supreme Court Chief Justice Tani Gorre Cantil-Sakauye at the Cantil-Sakauye rerotunda of the State Capitol on December 3, 2010. Looking on lated. are Chief Justice Cantil-Sakauye’s family members and retiring The Chief Justice Chief Justice Ronald George.

AJPress photo by Joseph Peralta gave special mention to her most reGovernor to the post and was later cent day family, the Third District confirmed by a three-member Court of Appeal, for having “grapanel of the California Commis- ciously shared their experience, sion on Judicial Appointments. In statutory interpretations with their the last November elections, Can- views, arch, how to cook spam, til-Sakauye received 4,764,829 yes law. We’ve had those discussions, votes from California voters that and I am a better jurist for it. So I sealed the post for the Sacramento guess I should say to you, Third, native. that I think I have you to blame for In her brief speech, Chief Jus- this.” tice Cantil-Sakauye told the couple “I think that it is the converof hundred people, who crammed gence of these three groups of in the rotunda, that she is aware of people in my life that gives me the brilliant legacy left by depart- great strength,” Chief Justice Caning Chief Justice Ron George and til-Sakauye surmised. “I will bring how he has, through his incredible with me to this task the strength of performance, imparted the Cali- my family, the kindness and hufornia judicial system with the fin- mor of my friends, and the wisdom est reputation in the world. and experience of my friends and Describing the Herculean task colleagues.” ahead of her, she said: “I am fully Before ending her speech, the aware of the monumental, inde- Chief Justice thanked her parents, scribable challenge ahead of me. I in-laws and her husband, Mark also am aware that I am prepared Sakauye. to happily dedicate myself to this Earlier, Governor Schwarzenegtask.” ger received thunderous applause Chief Justice Cantil-Sakauye re- when he began his remarks sayvealed that being sworn in at the ing, “today is a historic and proud rotunda of the State Capitol had day for California. In just a few incredible meaning to her for a moments, I will have the honor of number of reasons. swearing in the first Filipino chief “The first reason is personal. justice in the history of CaliforMy family, my aunt and uncles and nia.” my in-laws were all born near or Schwarzenegger told the audiin Sacramento. We live only a few ence that the departure of Chief blocks from here and sometimes, Justice Ron George left monstrous after church, my mother would shoes to be filled, and he searched bring us here to Capitol Park and for someone with strong experiit never dawned on us to enter the ence and unimpeachable integbuilding. We were happy to be rity, and someone who possesses near it. And now, here we are, in- a firm respect for the Constitution side, sitting in the front row. and an unwavering commitment “Personally, also, my dear to justice which led him to Tani friends who I see out here. Cantil-Sakauye.

Throughout the years we have “I could not have found a more been mirrors for one other and capable and qualified nominee,” we have been the bulb for one an- Gov. Schwarzenegger said after other. You’ve kept me sane, and saying that the new Chief Justice is you’ve made me laugh, and I skip a living, breathing example of the than I’ll need more than years to American dream and an inspiring come. example for young boys and girls, “Professionally, it’s important as she put herself through college

Dateline USA by waiting on tables.

The Governor then went on to congratulate and thank the family of Justice Cantil-Sakauye for “having raised this wonderful person right here” (referring to the newlyelected Chief Justice).”

Gov. Schwarzenegger also congratulated Ron George for “the extraordinary job he has done for the Golden State,” and told the audience that he had the deepest respect and admiration for George.

He commended George for having led the California Supreme Court the last 14 years -- issuing decisions on a variety of issues, including property and criminal law, civil rights, marriage and equality, as well as being a fierce advocate for the courts by tirelessly looking for more money and resources for the California court system.

“Ron, on behalf of all Californians, I just want to say thank you, thank you, thank you for the extraordinary job you have done,” the Governor said, which was met by wild applause from the audience.

Retiring Chief Justice Ron George, for his part, issued his congratulations to both Chief Justice Cantil-Sakauye and Gov. Schwarzenegger.

Saying that the new Chief Justice’s story was compelling, George revealed that Tani possesses a unique blend of skills to carry out the duties as the next Chief Justice of the California Supreme Court, which is the largest judicial system in the United States.

“Her experience as a judge, prosecutor, deputy legal affairs secretary and deputy legislative

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WB praises PH...

PAGE A1 its efforts to deter corruption in projects it finances. The aim is to craft a truly global enforcement program.

De Lima in her speech said the issue of transnational corruption has taken centerstage in the Philippines with the assumption into office of Aquino, who campaigned and won on his vow “to bring corruption down to its knees.”

“President Aquino is serious with our reforms. He is aware that the battle against corruption is crucial to our efforts to attract and secretary will serve her in good stead. This means she has served in all three branches of government which will help her as the new Chief Justice of the California Supreme Court,” Chief Justice George said.

George also congratulated the Governor for having taken the task of judicial appointments to heart.

“You are unequaled in terms of diversity,” George revealed, referring to the California bench appointments made by Gov. Schwarzenegger. “You have appointed many women to the bench, in fact, more than any of your predecessors.”

“Now there is a majority of women in the California Supreme Court more than any point in its history,” George added. “We are all to be congratulated on our good fortune.”

Chief Justice Tani CantilSakauye begins her term on January 3, 2011. Her term will end in 2020.

compete for more investments,” she said.

De Lima proposed what she described as “a bold step to elevate transnational corruption to the level of an international crime.“ “Transnational corruption is a menace that we can defeat only if we get our acts together,” she said.

“We need to be individually responsible for the culture that allows corruption to fester in our respective countries. But we must also take responsibility for the participation of our respective business organizations in acts of corruption that take place in foreign

shores,” she said.

De Lima called for a more systematic and aggressive exchange of information among governments in the investigation and prosecution of parties involved in transnational corruption.

She said investments from the multinational sector and assistance from global financial institutions play an important role in the socio-economic development of the Philippines.

“And I see a future when those development resources are utilized in our country in a regime of transparency and integrity,” she said.

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DECEMBER 9-15, 2010 • LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL

Opinion

The ratings game

Features

IN a survey conducted by Pulse Asia Survey from Oct. 20 to 29, President Benigno Aquino III garnered 79 percent approval from the Filipino public. Released last Dec. 6, the high approval rating of the most powerful man in the country signaled that the Philippine politics is on its way to redemption.

Malacañang welcomed the high approval rating by saying that the recent results signify something that any head of state would aspire for.

“It’s a rating that is high and we believe that the Filipino people repose their trust in the President and the official family,” Mr. Aquino’s spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said.

There is no doubt that in the past administration, politics in the Philippines has been bruised by a lot of controversies. Although the Aquino administration has been bloodied by the unfortunate events of the past few months, the president still enjoys the support of majority of the Filipinos.

Aquino started his presidency on a high note with 85% of Filipinos expressing trust in him, the highest rating ever recorded by any individual included in Pulse Asia’s trust probes since 1999. Even though the president’s ratings slipped, the figures still reflect very high levels of trust in Aquino’s credibility as a leader—a sign of a good politician.

By definition, a politician is a person who actively participates in politics or one who holds or seeks a political office. Consequently, the definition of a good politician is someone who does a good job at these things.

Rating a president doesn’t just represent the current standing of a leader. It is actually a gauge on how the dynamics of Philippine politics is progressing or regressing. The Filipino people’s support is very important to a president considering that they are essentially who gets someone into office, and whom the president is leading and representing. On the other hand the president plays a central role in every Filipino’s life.

He shapes the system, make crucial decisions about the economy, and represent the hopes and interests of every Filipino in the world.

Aquino may have gotten the best grade compared to previous leaders but the work obviInquirer.net photo ously doesn’t stop there. The ratings only show how promising his governance will further go. Aquino should sustain an unusually high en- a representative democracy means embracing Factors that might take a toll on his standing ergy level to focus on the tasks at hand. After challenges and opportunities that the post ofwith his constituents are yet to come. For now all, good politicians should know that serving fers them. (AJPress)

Obama’s deal with Republicans: Weakness or pragmatism?

AFTER more than two years of debate, bickering and speculation, the question on what to do with the controversial Bush tax cuts has been addressed in Washington. President Obama has just struck a deal with Republicans to lay down bipartisan framework to extend tax cuts to all Americans for two more years, including the top 2% who are the richest of billionaires.

This was his battlecry—repeated over and over again—when he was running for President in 2008: Repeal the Bush tax Cuts for the Rich!

But as Obama himself said, when he announced the compromise, he had to give some to win some. While he would have wanted the rich to pay the same tax rate during the Clinton years to help reduce the deficit while giving tax break to the middle class to stimulate the economy, not reaching a compromise with the Republicans would remove the lifeline support for more than two million unemployed Americans whose jobless benefits are set to expire next month.

“In exchange for a temporary extension of the tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans,” Obama announced, “ we will be able to protect key tax cuts for working families—the Earned Income Tax Credit that helps families climb out of poverty; the Child Tax Credit that makes sure families don’t see their taxes jump up to $1,000 for every child; and the American Opportunity Tax Credit that ensures over 8 million students and their families don’t suddenly see the cost of college shooting up.”

Obama reminded his colleagues, particularly the liberal Democrats who were disappointed about this deal, “The American people did not

send us here to fight symbolic And I’m confident that as we battles and win symbolic vic- The Fil-Am make tough choices about tories,” President Obama said. bringing our deficit down, as I “They sent us here to solve prob- Perspective engage in a conversation with lems.” the American people about Republicans praised Obama for the hard choices we’re going reaching out in compromise, but to have to make to secure our many Democrats called this “cavfuture and our children’s future ing in” to so called “Republican Gel Santos-Relos and our grandchildren’s future, tantrums” as “a sign of weakness it will become apparent that we in our Commander-in-Chief.” They said he should cannot afford to extend those tax cuts any lonhave “drawn the line in the sand” and stood up ger,” Obama reassured those who fear this may for what he promised the American people dur- pave the way for the Republicans to make these ing the campaign. tax cuts for the rich permanent, especially with Republicans have maintained they would have the GOP in control of the house in the next two much wanted to make the Bush tax cuts for all years.

Americans permanent, as this policy will give the While the moderates look at this move of rich and the small businesses the resources to Obama as a gesture of “reaching out to Repubinvest more in the economy that will help pro- licans” a signal for the GOP to work with him in vide jobs to jobless Americans. They have always issues like the passing of the DREAM Act , or the argued that raising the taxes for anybody dur- Comprehensive Immigration Reform Law, or bills ing a recession will kill jobs and hurt the ailing that protect the environment, many Democrats economy even more. do not share the same optimism. Republicans, Democrats counter argue that such “trickling they say, have vowed to make ousting Obama out down” of wealth does not work. The Bush tax cuts of office in 2012 as their top priority and there have not stimulated the economy, but instead, is no way they think they will work with Obama have dug us deeper into debt and deficit after now. The Commander-in-Chief, they say, has just having surplus during the Clinton years. They yielded his power to the Republicans. accuse the Republicans about being hypocritical President Obama promised that under his about wanting to reduce our trillion-dollar defi- Presidency, there will no longer be” blue states” cit because this deal, they say, would mean we or “red states,” and that we will be the United would have to borrow money from China add- States of America. While the Republicans may ing further to our ballooning deficit, only to give have labeled him the most leftist polarizing Preswelfare to the rich. ident in history, Obama’s own partymates, ironi“But these tax cuts will expire in two years. cally, have accused him of betraying the ideals

Looking for Ping If we are to believe government authorities, law enforcement operatives have been on the manhunt to capture and arrest Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson.

The Senator has become a fugitive of the law since he went underground earlier this year after the court issued a warrant of arrest for his alleged involvement in the Dacer-Corbito double murder case.

Lacson is facing two counts of murder charges as principal in the murders of the late public relations man, Salvador “Buddy” Dacer and his driver Emmanuel Corbito in November 2000.

Fast forward. The government prosecution panel was able to secure last February this year the issuance of a warrant of arrest against Lacson from the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 18. Tipped off about his imminent arrest, Lacson fled the country supposedly for abroad.

Lacson made a disappearing act when he allegedly left the country on Jan. 5. Since then, he is nowhere to be found. With a standing warrant of arrest over his head, government authorities have supposedly launched an international manhunt for the

fugitive Senator.

However, recent reports claimed that Marichu A. Lacson has actually been in hiding here in our country all this time. He is allegedly assisted by his friends, possibly including his former mistahs or classmates from the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class 1971. It took vigilant state auditors to detect Lacson’s presence here when they found out he is signing vouchers for his Senate office.

One of the known mistahs of Lacson included fellow Senator, Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan. Like Lacson, Honasan was already a Senator when he was again implicated in yet another rebellion charges during the administration of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Honasan was implicated in the July 2003 mutiny by the socalled “Magdalo” officers who took over the Oakwood Hotel in Makati City.

Honasan went into hiding for several months but was nabbed by police and military agents

in November 2006 during a raid in Quezon City. He was bail Villanueva granted by the Makati court trying his case in April 2007, about three weeks before election day.

He ran and won as an independent for one of the 12 contested Senate seats during the May 14 elections that year. The Department of Justice (DOJ) headed then by Sec. Raul Gonzalez subsequently dropped the rebellion raps against Honasan for insufficient evidence.

He believes his embattled mistah is similarly placed in that situation. Honasan announced last week he would propose to his Senate colleagues a Resolution that would call for a re-investigation of his case by the DOJ. Like his mistah, Lacson opted the easy way out of his legal predicaments. Lacson, who is on his second and last term, fled on possible fears he would not get a fair shake of his case under the Arroyo administration.

At that time, the Senator has already made a pact with then Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino

commonsense

III that he would support the latter’s candidacy in the national elections in May. In fact, some of the known Lacson supporters were in the thick of Aquino’s presidential campaign.

But more than five months after Aquino has been installed as President, there was still no Lacson to show up and ready to face his accusers. Is Lacson afraid of his own ghosts haunting him?

He once headed the Philippine National Police (PNP) where he sent to jail many hardened criminals, some of them killed in the course of his police operations.

His stewardship of the PNP, though, was shortened by the EDSA-2 when his former boss, ex-President Joseph Estrada was ousted from office. Lacson was forced to early retirement from the police service in January 2001 when the reins of government were taken over by Estrada’s erstwhile Vice President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

As history later unfolded, Estrada refused offers made to him

by Arroyo’s emissaries to leave the country to avoid prosecution on the condition he would sign and submit a resignation letter. Estrada stood his ground that he had nothing to run away from, and that he was ready to face the threats of his prosecu-

of the Democratic Party by giving in to the Republicans’ demands. As he moves to the Center, Obama has apparently created more enemies than friends in this divided political world.

In one CNN panel discussion on Parks and Spitzer, Obama was described as making bipartsanship his end rather than his means to get things done in Washington. Crtitics say if Obama does not want to be a Jimmy Carter, he needs to be more like FDR—decisive, strong, combatant in making sure he achieves what he believes will be good for the country. Of course, we know that doing this, as evidenced by his fight on the health care insurance reform, he had been called by the conservatives as a dictator who shoves his socialist agenda down peoples’ throat.

This divisive and fiery debate will continue, and we will be hearing more toxic remarks from the right and the left. The US deficit will also continue to grow. As America finds its way out of the pits, one thing is for sure – Americans who are about to lose their homes or have feared of not having the means to feed their family as their jobless benefits expire next month have found a new lifeline in this deal with the Republicans.

Obama’s “weakness” or “compromise?’ Caving in, or realistic pragmatic governance? It depends what side you are in, or whether you have a check coming in the mail next month. *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com,facebook.com/ gelrelos, twitter.com/gelsantosrelos.

tion in court.

Arroyo indeed proceeded with the plunder case against Estrada and his son, then San Juan Mayor Jinggoy Estrada as co-accused. The dramatic arrest of the Estradas was made by police authorities at his residence at No.1 Polk St. in North Greenhills, San Juan where he proceeded after he left Malacañang at the end of EDSA-2.

Looking back during those dark days of his life, the former President could only conjure a self-deprecating joke about his arrest. “Di naman sila mabiro, kinulong nga ako!”

Like any other criminal, Estrada was made to undergo mug shots and finger printing at the PNP Headquarters in Camp Crame. He and Jinggoy stayed at the Camp Crame Detention Center.

For a while, the Estradas were detained in Camp Crame until intense pressure from here and abroad forced the Arroyo administration to be kinder with the deposed President. He was given a hospital detention at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center in Quezon City while undergoing plunder trial at the Sandiganbayan. Estrada was later allowed to be transferred to his own 16-hectare resort in Tanay, Rizal under strict police guard-

ing. He stayed at his rest house detention until his plunder conviction in September 2007, but subsequently given executive pardon by Mrs.Arroyo.

Perhaps, Lacson could do an Estrada. He could do no less if he really believes in his innocence.

Face the music, so to speak.

Last Thursday, Lacson’s media office released his statement where he supposedly took the hardline stand: “I will only come out when justice is rightly served, or when I’m already dead.”

Lacson’s statement came a day before the Court of Appeals (CA) junked his lawyers’ bid to give him provisional liberty pending trial of the Dacer-Corbito double murder case. Speaking for the Palace, Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. advised the fugitive Senator to trust in the justice system of the country even as it grinds slowly.

The CA ruling means that legal hurdles for his arrest have been eliminated. Hence, manhunt operations leading to his possible arrest and capture by law enforcement agency should continue.

Lacson remains elusive. Law enforcers seem to be everywhere looking for Ping. But why can’t they seem to find him?

(Philstar.com)

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

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Dateline Philippines

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 9-15, 2010

Dateline Philippines

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Palace elated over Aquino’s high approval ratings

BALIKBAYAN TIME. Disruption of operations at the NAIA this holiday season is expected to greatly affect tourism.

MANILA—Malacañang is elated over the high approval ratings of President Aquino and his Cabinet and said this showed they continued to enjoy the trust of the people and that their “efforts are being seen as fulfilling the President’s pledge to fight corruption and reduce poverty.”

“While there have been naysayers, the survey is an indication that the President and the public are in harmony as to national goals and the way to pursue reforms needed,’’ presiPhilstar.com photo dential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said in a statement issued on Monday.

Results of a survey conduct-

Cuisia named envoy to US MANILA—Former Central Bank governor Jose Cuisia Jr. is the country’s new ambassador to the United States.

Cuisia told The Star that President Aquino signed his appointment papers to replace outgoing Ambassador Willy Gaa. “I’m excited about it,” said Cuisia, who served during the administration of the President’s mother.

Friends of the newly appointed envoy said he accepted the post because “he wants to serve.”

Jose Cuisia Jr.

AFP leaves Garcia plunder case to courts

by Alexis

Romero Philstar.com

MANILA—The resolution of P300-million ill-gotten wealth cases against former Armed Forces comptroller Carlos Garcia will be left to the courts, the military said.

Armed Forces spokesman Brig. Gen. Jose Mabanta said the decision of the courts would be beneficial to the government.

“I’m sure the plea bargain... as determined by the court will be commensurate, (has) taken into consideration the punishment and the length of time that he (Garcia) has been incarcerated,” he said.

“I suppose whatever would be decided by the court is best for all, not only for Garcia but also to

the government.”

Garcia, his wife and three sons are facing plunder charges for allegedly amassing about P300 million illegally.

Two of Garcia’s sons were also charged with bulk cash smuggling for allegedly bringing $100,000 into the US.

Cuisia was Central Bank governor and chairman of the Monetary Board from 1990 to 1993, and concurrently chairman of thr Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp.

Prior to that, he was administrator and CEO of the Social Security System and chairman of Union Bank of the Philippines.

He is most associated with Philam Life, which he served as president and CEO for many years.

In September 2005, Cuisia

was honored as the Insurance Personality of the Year at the 9th Asia Insurance Industry Awards in Singapore, the only Filipino to receive the award, which is given by two of the most prestigious industry publications, the Singapore-based Asia Insurance Review and the London-based The Review Worldwide Reinsurance.

He was cited for his exceptional leadership of Philam Life and for significant reforms in the insurance industry. (Philstar. com)

ed by Pulse Asia from October 20 to 29 showed Aquino having a high approval rating of 79 percent. Two other officials enjoyed majority approval rat-

ings. These were Vice President Jejomar Binay with an approval rating of 78 percent and Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile with 61 percent. (Inquirer.net)

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DECEMBER 9-15, 2010 • LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL

Dateline Philippines

Palace ponders next step, vows to go after corrupt

by Aurea

Calica Philstar.com

MANILA—Malacañang is determined to go after officials of the Arroyo administration accused of corruption and wrongdoing.

Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. said the government will explore other options within the bounds of law to try and punish those who have enriched themselves while in office.

“The Supreme Court’s decision on the constitutionality of Executive Order 1 will not deter us from pursuing measures necessary to

look into the allegations of corruption in the previous administration,” he said.

“While the decision may hamper and perhaps delay our efforts to obtain justice for the people, we remain steadfast in our commitment to scrutinize the numerous allegations and accusations in our quest for truth.”

Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said Malacañang would stand by the constitutionality of Executive Order 1.

“We believe that we have the right to establish the Truth Com-

mission, and we will continue to fight for this through a motion for reconsideration,” he said.

Lacierda said President Aquino has always been open to talking with Chief Justice Renato Corona about the judiciary’s proposed budget for next year.

“We are waiting to explain but there were no representatives from the Supreme Court (SC) or the judges who are coming,” he said.

Davide: Truth Commission will not stop working Truth Commission Chairman Hilario Davide Jr. said they will continue working until the SC decides on the government’s motion for reconsideration.

“Options are being considered to accomplish the objectives of the creation of the Truth Commission,” he said.

Lawyer Carlos Medina, a member of the Truth Commission, said their mandate is to focus on specific wrongdoing but not on a specific person.

“The mandate of the Truth Commission is to look at massive cases of graft and corruption committed during 2001 to 2010, that does not mean specific people connected with the Arroyo administration only,” he said.

The Truth Commission’s desk at the Philippine International Convention Center has received new complaints.

It started reviewing a tentative list of 23 cases involving massive graft and corruption which could be investigated by the body.

The cases include the NBN-ZTE deal, “Hello, Garci” election fraud scandal and alleged irregularities committed during the Arroyo administration covering the period 2001 to 2010.

Lagman hails decision House of Representatives Minority Leader Edcel Lagman hailed the SC ruling voiding the Truth Commission as “a signal triumph” of the rule of law.

In a statement, Lagman said the SC struck down the executive’s incursions into the realm of legislative authority and protected the sanctity of civil liberties against governmental derogation.

“It must be reiterated that the petition was filed not to protect the officials of the Arroyo administration but to preserve the separation of powers between the executive and legislative departments and protect the people from unequal treatment of the government,” he said.

“Partisan hostility and discrimi-

http://www.asianjournal.com • (702) 792-6678 nation under the pretense of search for truth and closure cannot be legitimized.”

Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo had just arrived from Syria when the news broke out. She was expected last night to participate in the House session.

Zambales Rep. Milagros Magsaysay scoffed at suggestions that the decision came about because a majority of SC justices were Arroyo appointees.

Negros Occidental Rep. Ignacio Arroyo, Arroyo’s brother-in-law, said the formation of the Truth

Commission was obviously politically motivated.

“The courts were established for things like this. Not only is it redundant but the commission can be misled for their own agenda.”

However, Aquino’s allies were unfazed by the latest setback of the administration and proposed ways for him to skirt the ruling.

House Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales II suggested that Aquino form a new multi-agency body through another executive order.

“The SC decision is a temporary setback,” he said.

Truth Body not only after Arroyo MANILA—President Benigno Aquino III defended the creation of the Truth Commission and said that he was not singling out his predecessor, Gloria MacapagalArroyo. He emphasized he will pursue solving cases involving officials in the Arroyo administration before his six-year term ends.

The Truth Commission is not focused on a single person only,” Aquino said in Filipino as he addressed the whole nation in a televised news conference at Malacanang Palace on Wednesday at around 6:45 pm.

Aquino said he received the decision at exactly 5:47 pm on

Wednesday and admitted he needed more time to study the documents, together with his team of legal consultants.

On Tuesday the Supreme Court, which the reporters kept on referring to as an “Arroyo court”, ruled out that the Truth Commission was unconstitutional because it targeted one person, among other reasons.

In the same speech, though he repeatedly did not single out Arroyo, the President cited cases linked to her administration like the “Hello Garci scandal”, “NBNZTE deal” and the “fertilizer scam,”which he said is like a movie series with parts 1, 2 and 3.

Though not naming an actual case, Aquino also cited a midnight deal that originally cost the government P981 million but because his administration was able to intervene and made revisions on time, the budget was reduced to P600 million.

Aquino emphasized the Truth Commission would give Arroyo and others allegedly involved in the said scams to clear their names.

“Am trying to be neutral about it [high court decision] but let’s start on what actually happened on the cases involved,” Aquino said.

He added his office will file for a motion for reconsideration regarding the Truth Commission.

Listen to Aquino’s full statement in the attached radio clip from Radyo Inquirer. (Inquirer.net)

(702) 792-6678 • http://www.asianjournal.com

Dateline Philippines

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 9-15, 2010

A

PH booters reach semifinals of AFF Suzuki Cup Battle vs Myanmar ends in scoreless draw

by Cedelf

P. Tupas

Inquirer.net

RE-USE. An employee at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport cleans last year’s Christmas lanterns for re-use as part of the austerity program of the airport authority.

Philstar.com photo

Lacson will be arrested soon - Robredo

MANILA—Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo assured the people that the arrest of fugitive Sen. Panfilo Lacson is only a matter of time.

“I’m confident that sooner or later he will be arrested,” said Robredo.

Although there is a need for the immediate arrest of Lacson, Robredo said Lacson is not a security threat despite being a senator and a former chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Robredo said Lacson is facing double murder charges for the killing of publicist Salvador Dacer and his driver Emmanuel

Corbito in November 2000.

“His case is confined to a family, this should be treated as an ordinary crime,” he pointed out.

He said the government should not telegraph its plans concerning Lacson, as this might help him elude arrest.

Robredo cited as an example the case of Sen. Gregorio Honasan, who was finally arrested by elements of the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) when there was no information about the manhunt against him.

“When we talk about the manhunt, he (Lacson) will be

Congress to approve budget next week

by Jess

Diaz Philstar.com

MANILA—Congress will approve the proposed P1.645-trillion 2011 national budget early next week, House Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales II said.

The bicameral conference committee targets approval of the budget on plenary by Tuesday or Wednesday.

“There are only a few differences to reconcile. The House largely kept the President’s proposal intact, while the Senate proposed certain changes,” Gonzales said after attending the first meeting of the committee.

The committee has authorized Cavite Rep. Joseph Emilio Abaya, appropriations committee chairman, and his Senate counterpart Sen. Franklin Drilon to prepare the report for the reconciliation of the budget. The two lawmakers are expected to submit a report by Monday.

Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. earlier said the administration does not want to operate on a reenacted 2010 budget.

Malacañang did not provide for debt payments in the proposed budget even if it is authorized to automatically appropriate for payments under a presidential decree dating back to the Marcos administration.

In the past, budget proposals contain insertions of millions of pesos for interest payments on loans. Payments for principal amortizations were automatically appropriated.

Last year, the bicameral conference committee diverted P65 billion for interest payments to the congressional pork barrel. Of that amount, then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo released P16.5 billion just before the May elections.

Budget Secretary Florencio Abad said these releases have bloated this year’s budget deficit.

One of the questioned items in the 2011 budget is the allocation of P21 billion for the conditional cash transfer program for indigent households.

President Aquino said he would continue to entertain proposals to improve the implementation of the program, which will be managed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

“We’re still open to other voices who might tell us ways on delivering this vital service to quite a significant amount of families who live below the poverty line,” he told reporters in an informal briefing in Bani, Pangasinan where he presided over the distribution of new houses to victims of typhoon “Emong” last year.

He is confident that the P1.645-trillion national budget for 2011 will be approved before yearend and is glad that the proposed budget for the cash transfer program was approved by Congress. He hopes it would be retained by the bicameral conference committee.

Aquino said he has ironed out the details of the program with Social Welfare Secretary Corazon Soliman.

Senators stand firm on contraceptives budget cut Approval could mean favouring RH bill

by Maila

Ager Inquirer.net

MANILA—Senators on Monday defended their decision to slash the budget for contraceptives in 2011, saying its approval could mean that they are in favor of the controversial reproductive health (RH) bill.

Senate President Juan PonceEnrile and Senate Majority Leader Vicente “Tito” Sotto III said they cut the proposed P880 million budget for the purchase and distribution of contraceptives because the Department of Health could not justify it during budget deliberations.

The Senate approved a measly P8 million budget for contraceptives. “The point is the DOH could not justify it on the floor,” Sotto said in an interview with reporters.

In a separate interview, Enrile said, “We cut it not just because DOH could not justify that proposed allocation. If we approve that provision in their proposed budget, it will be a tacit admission on our part that we are in favor of the RH bill,” he pointed out.

While the House of Representatives can push for the restoration of the budget, Enrile

reminded their counterparts in the lower chamber that it was the Senate that forced the health department to come out with the details of the budget proposal.

In fact, the Senate leader vividly recalled the P280-million budget proposal for the purchase of pills, P 100 million for injectibles and P 8 million for condoms.

Enrile could not say if the budget for contraceptives could be restored when lawmakers meet in the bicameral conference on the proposed 2011 budget.

For Sotto, however, the retention of the budget was almost nil.

“I doubt it. How can you justify it in the bicam if the DOH itself can’t justify it?” he said.

more careful and will surely anticipate the operations of government forces,” he explained.

Robredo also justified his decision to reject the proposal to offer reward money for any information leading to the arrest of Lacson, who has been in hiding since early this year before a Manila judge could issue a warrant of arrest for the senator.

Meantime, the Dacer family and the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) started a campaign to raise P2 million for a reward fund for the arrest of Lacson. (Philstar.com)

JUST before the Philippine team marched out of the dugout for the national anthem, skipper Aly Borromeo gathered his teammates for one final pep talk.

“Imagine where we are, boys,” said Borromeo.

“It’s ours for the taking.”

With another Spartan-like effort on defense sprinkled with a few breathtaking chances that clanged off the post, the Philippines forced a scoreless draw against Burma (Myanmar) to advance to the semifinals of the AFF Suzuki Cup Wednesday night at the Hien Truong Stadium here.

Philippine goalkeeper Neil Etheridge came through with another superb performance in front of the net, thwarting whatever shots got through a central defense that threw itself in front every Burmese attack to lead the Filipinos.

The Filipinos entered the match needing just a draw to qualify for the semifinals—a spectacular and historic feat by a country long considered the minnows of Southeast Asian football.

The Philippines advanced to the semifinals as the second ranked team of their group and will face Indonesia in a home-and-away series, later this month. One of the games could be played in Panaad Stadium of Bacolod City.

The Philippines finished with five points on a win and two draws and is already assured of its best finish in the tournament.

Vietnam forged a 1-0 victory over Singapore and qualified as the top team of the group with six points on two wins and a loss. It will face Malaysia in the semifinals.

Like they did in the shock 2-0 victory over defending champion and regional powerhouse Vietnam, the Filipinos tempered their offense, putting only Phil Younghusband and Ian Araneta

up front and loading up on defense to impede Myanmar’s forays.

While they were resolute on defense again, the Filipinos felt they should have gotten maximum points after Araneta was denied by the post twice.

Younghusband also hit the woodwork in the first half as the Filipinos, under pressure from the slick passing Burmese side, were unable to take their chances well.

In the 35th minute, Araneta received a well-placed cross but had his shot blocked

by Myanmar keeper Thiha Si Thu. Younghusband had another opportunity when he faked off his defender and he nearly struck a goal from inside the penalty area, hitting the post instead.

“This is for all the Filipinos who supported us,” an elated team manager Dan Palami said.

“Making the semifinals is just amazing because all of the hard work put in by the players,” said the Philippines’ English coach, Simon McMenemy.

“They expected us to win but I’m just so pleased that the boys are going back to Manila as semifinalists.”

McMenemy admitted having problems with motivating his squad, which came into the game as the surprise leaders of their group.

“Motivation was never a problem but if you come to an empty stadium against a team they tell you you can beat motivation is tough,” he said.

“Myanmar played it well in the first half, they made it difficult for us but we defended with everything we had,” McMenemy added.

Etheridge was again an impressive anchor on defense, saving several Myanmar attempts including Kyaw Ko Ko’s header late in the second half.

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A10 DECEMBER 9-15, 2010 • LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL

Dateline Philippines

http://www.asianjournal.com • (702) 792-6678

Aussie investments seen to rise rapidly

by Marianne

V. Go

Philstar.com

MANILA—Australian investments in the Philippines are expected to increase significantly in the next few years specifically in the mining, outsourcing, clean energy and environment, and to some extent in education and the manufacturing sector, according to Australian trade officials.

In a briefing Friday (Dec. 3), Australia’s senior trade commissioner for the Philippines Ross Bray and Tim Harcourt, chief economist of the Australian Trade Commission, disclosed Australia’s favorable trade and investment outlook for the Philippines.

Harcourt, who travels the globe extensively to research on global economic trends, pointed out that many Australians are keenly looking at the Philippines, Malaysia and Vietnam as potential investment destinations.

Bray and Harcourt said that the plus factors for the Philippines include having “the best natural asset of well-educated Filipinos.”

Likewise, the Philippines has “good geological resources” and highly-skilled geologist and engineers.

Another advantage, the two cited, is the Philippines good environment laws and the 1995 Mining Act. They also expressed admiration for the country’s good corporate ethics.

However, one area that they felt the private sector should help the government address is “for the private sector industries to work together on their own program. How can they tell the Administration

what to do if they don’t have a program plan themselves?” Harcourt said.

Harcourt and Bray were very confident of an increase in the next couple of years in the mining sector, citing the biggest investment of Indophil and Xstrata in the $5.6-billion Tampakan project plus other investments by Red 5 and Oceana Gold.

While the bulk of the investments will be in the mining sector, Harcourt and Bray also cited other Australian interest in outsourcing, offshoring and Business Process Outsourcing; clean air and environmental projects and some manufacturing activities by mostly small to medium Australian companies.

Bray cited one manufacturing activity investment in Subic involving the manufacture of small marine crafts.

The education sector is also an investment opportunity, Bray noted as the Philippines looks at Australia as an alternative education destination to the United States.

However, increasingly because of the economic cost, some Australian educators are looking at tieups with Philippine universities.

Trade between the Philippines and Australia is already established but still has opportunity for growth, Bray said, with more small Australian firms hoping to sell their products to the Philippines.

Bilateral trade between Australia and the Philippines fell by more than a fifth in to A$1.554 million in 2009 from 2008 figures.

Bray was optimistic that with the renewed interest in the Philippines, trade between the two countries would increase.

160 OFWs off to Korea

MANILA—Some 160 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) bound for Korea were finally be allowed to leave after President Aquino lifted the deployment ban, following the easing of tensions between North and South Korea.

“The deployment will continue.

There are around 160 OFWs. There are no longer risks according to the report of Ambassador Roy Cimatu.

He already gave the go-signal that they can be deployed as scheduled,” Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said.

“It is safe for the workers to be deployed because the situation there has already stabilized.”

Baldoz said.

“The resumption in deployment is an early Christmas gift to our workers who have long been wanting to leave and work in South

Korea.”

The labor secretary clarified the contracts of these OFWs have not been nullified by the government, although President Aquino decided to defer their travel after North Korea made artillery attacks against South Korea.

Baldoz earlier said it was only a temporary suspension of deployment until after tensions between North and South Korea had eased.

This order initially affected 50 OFWs who were told to stay put until after the crisis is over, or if the situation stabilizes. ”The deferment is only for a few weeks. The others are not affected. It’s not a ban on all departing OFWs for December. That’s what we’d like to clarify,” Undersecretary Abigail Valte said.

“There is no ban. The assessment of the government team is that it might be best to be more prudent,” she added.

There are more than 46,000 Filipino workers in the Korean peninsula, mostly in South Korea.

Undocumented workers reportedly number 11,000.

Aquino allots P1-B reintegration fund In a related development, Presi-

dent Aquino has ordered the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to allocate P1 billion as Reintegration Fund to be used as an effective loan program with low interest rates for OFWs. The President said it was important for the government to help the returning OFWs in whatever way it could, given the sacrifices they had been doing for their families and the country.

With help from the Land Bank of the Philippines and the Development Bank of the Philippines, the government will conduct seminars on financial literacy, money management and similar technical discussions to equip the OFWs and their families to venture into business, he said.

The President also said the government would push for the creation of more job opportunities through livelihood programs that would assure Filipinos of a more comfortable life.

“It is very important for us to invest in our fellowmen’s strength.

This is the objective of our administration, to open up more opportunities to live more progressively in the Philippines so there will be no need to look for a job abroad,” he said. (Philstar.com)

BEETLE DAY. Filipinos look at vintage Volkswagen Beetle cars during their annual club meet in Manila Dec. 5, 2010. About 200 Volkswagens gathered from all over the country to participate in the said event.

AP photo

GDP growth seen easing to 5.4% in 2011

by Lawrence

Agcaoili Philstar.com

MANILA—UK-based Standard Chartered Bank sees the country’s economic growth slowing down next year on the back of overheating concerns after posting a strong growth this year.

In a report, Standard Chartered Bank said the economy, as measured by gross domestic product (GDP) would grow by a slower 5.4 percent next year from the projected strong expansion of 7.2 percent this year.

“We expect the economy’s strong comeback in 2010 to carry over into 2011, eventually confronting authorities with overheating concerns,” the bank said.

The bank’s GDP forecast next year would be slower than the seven percent to eight percent target set by the Cabinet-level Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC). This year’s GDP growth projection of 7.2 percent is faster than the target of five percent to six percent set by the economic managers.

The country’s GDP posted a surprising growth of 7.5 percent in the first three quarters of the year from 0.5 percent in the same period last year. The GDP expansion, however, eased to 6.5 percent in the third quarter after expanding by 8.2 percent in the second quarter and 7.8 percent in the first quarter.

Standard Chartered said invest-

ment growth started to recover this year while remittances from overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) continued to drive private consumption.

“The latest data have shown renewed momentum in export growth in late 2010 as shipments to other Asian markets surge, paving the way for the trade sector to contribute to headline growth in the coming quarters,” the investment bank added.

It said the country’s inflation rate would remain benign this year despite the sharp rise in global food prices.

“We think the biggest threat to medium-term price stability arises not from external shocks but from the narrowing output gap in the domestic economy - especially if the central bank is forced to delay meaningful tightening for fear of encouraging further capital inflows into the country,” the bank said.

Meanwhile, a New York-based think-tank said the economy may grow anywhere from five percent to 5.5 percent in 2011 on expectations that dollar remittances from overseas Filipinos would remain robust.

Global Source said growth is expected at around “five to 5.5 percent next year given continued robust remittance growth, still strong corporate earnings, and high business confidence and trust in the new administration.”

This projection is within the official forecast growth range set by the interagency Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) next year of five percent.

The report, co-authored by former Finance Undersecretary Romeo Bernardo also said that the low interest rate environment in the country remains conducive to growth as it would encourage banks to lend which in turn would encourage economic activities.

It noted that short-term Treasury yields have been on a freefall over the last month prompted by a credit rating upgrade from Standard & Poor’s Rating Services.

The global debt watcher raised its foreign currency sovereign credit rating on the Philippines to BB from BB-. The outlook on the ratings is stable.

The smooth presidential and national elections in May set the scene for improved political stability, S&P also said.

Global Source said growth may have already begun to moderate as fiscal stimulus injected by the government had begun to fade.

“Growth may already have begun to moderate, with seasonally-adjusted output shrinking by 0.5 percent during the third quarter from growth of 1.4 percent previously. This has been a regional trend where other Asian economies have similarly lost momentum,” Global Source said.

(702) 792-6678 • http://www.asianjournal.com

News Briefs Non-EU workers reduced by UK Non-European Union (EU) workers—that include Filipinos—without job offers might find it hard to secure a working visa by 2011 due to the recent statement released by the British Embassy that the number of non-EU workers will be cut due to planned immigration changes that includes the reduction of net migration.

UK Home Secretary Theresa May of the British Embassy recently released a statement reducing the number of issued visas from 13,000 to 1,000 skilled non-EU migrants without job offers under an immigration program called the Tier 1, while an increase of 7,000 to 20,700 visas will be issued to non-EU migrants who fall under the program of Tier 2.

According to the UK Embassy, the Tier 1 program currently entitles non-EU migrants to work and live in the UK for two years and apply for an extension of three years thereafter; while the Tier 2 are for those migrants who are offered a position before coming to the UK and can work and live there within three to five years.

A report from Manila Bulletin said that the 2.2 million migrants in the UK was twice the population of Birmingham alone over the past administration that led to the tightening of the economic routes.

Mandatory tree planting for students seen The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) plans to make tree planting compulsory to students with Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija as a the first area for the project.

The planned mandatory tree planting will involve college students who are currently taking up the National Service Training Program (NSTP) and may even include the elementary students according to Environment Secretary Ramon Paje.

Paje also said that DENR will supply seedlings to students, eyeing one student to take care of each seedling and use vegetable matter or animal waste as fertilizer. The planting efforts of the students will be compensated by the DENR by providing the students school supplies.

Multimillionaire still unknown - PCSO The winner of the P741.1 million (app. $17 million) from the recently drawn 6/55 Grand Lotto last Nov. 29 is still mystery according to the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).

PCSO publicity and advertising manager, Manny Garcia said in an interview with The Star that as of December 6, the winner of the grand lotto still has not claimed his or her prize at the PCSO office in Pasay City.

Should the jackpot prize remain to be unclaimed after a year, it will be added to PCSO’s charity fund instead.

Escudero addresses high OFW placement fees To help Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who are mostly in debt even before they get deployed due to high fees set by some recruitment agencies, Senator Francis ‘Chiz’ Escudero recently filed Senate Bill No. 2601 or the Fair Placement Fees for OFWs Act of 2010 that ensures OFWs to get a fair deal in the recruitment process.

The bill, which is yet to be approved by the Committee on Labor and Employment, also prohibits the collection of placement fee higher than the placement fee fixed and determined by the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency (POEA); collecting placement fee before job availability; not issuing receipts for any fee collected from the OFW; not returning the placement fee when deployment does not materialize; demanding an OFW to issue post dated checks to guarantee payment of placement fee; and forcing an OFW to borrow money only from designated persons or lending institutions.

Should the bill be passed, violators will be punished by six years imprisonment or sanctioned P100,000 ($2,294) to P500,000 ($11,574) or both.

Solon seeks investments to promote Bohol In an effort to promote Bohol, Former Agriculture Secretary and now Bohol representative Arthur Yap has seen the World Economic Forum in Dubai as an opportunity to promote the province, particularly its third district, which is currently being revamped for food production and more tourist attractions.

The governor said in an interview that he plans to build more jogging trails, nature parks, beaches, scuba diving, and snorkeling that would keep tourists coming back for more aside from seeing the famous Chocolate Hills.

The World Economic Forum is an independent international organization aimed at worldwide improvement by encouraging leaders to cooperate in forming global, regional and industry agendas.

Tourists expected to flock to Baguio this Christmas season Baguio City is expecting many tourists to visit this month because of the city’s cool weather and different Christmas attractions that is seen to generate an income of P375million (app. $8.6million) from foreign and local tourists alike.

According to Baguio City’s local website, activities such as the Parol on Wheels, wherein one can witness attractive and uniquely-lighted parols as it is displayed via a parade at the town proper; and boat-rowing in the Burnham Lake is one of the many sought-after Yuletide activities expected to draw tourists every month of December.

Foreign riders to participate in Lanao Norte’s Internat’l Motocross Six foreign riders from the American Motocross Association will go head to head in motocross racing against the country’s best riders in Lanao del Norte’s International Motocross Invitationals happening on December 11-12.

The American riders are expected to show off their racing skills against local riders like Glenn Aguilar, Jovie Saulog, and Donark Yuson; while the riders Daniel Blair, Tiger Lacey, Santos C.S., Gayan Sandaruwan, James Robinson and Ron De Jesus will be part of the Lanao del Norte International Motocross Invitationals.

Information Officer Lyndon Calica said that the event, aims to put emphasis to Lanao del Norte as being the “Motocross Capital of the Philippines.”

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 9-15, 2010

FR. ROBERT REYES SAYS

‘Arroyo is untouchable’ President, Cabinet advised: Get smart

MANILA—Untouchable.

This was how critics of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, now a Pampanga representative, reacted Tuesday to the Supreme Court decision that junked the Philippine Truth Commission that President Benigno Aquino III had formed to go after his predecessor.

Arroyo’s allies, however, said the ruling was a triumph of the rule of law.

Rodolfo “Jun” Lozada, who blew the whistle on the $329million NBN-ZTE deal, urged Mr. Aquino to be a little smarter in dealing with Arroyo’s “roadblocks.”

“GMA (Arroyo) was clever enough and until now she’s still clever to make sure that her back will be protected by leaving so many cohorts and allies behind to the extent of creating laws that guarantee them tenure,” Lozada said.

Retired Archbishop Oscar Cruz said President Aquino had only himself and his advisers to blame for the debacle in the Supreme Court.

“He better reshuffle his Cabinet and get able ones. I pity them. They’re very incompetent,” the prelate said. “All these mistakes are because he has very poor advisers among his Cabinet members.”

Cruz added: “The creator did not know what it was supposed to do with the truth commission and neither did it know how far it could go.”

“By declaring the truth commission unconstitutional, the Supreme Court has declared (Arroyo) untouchable,” activist priest Robert Reyes said. “It’s like saying that you can’t do anything with Arroyo as long as majority of the SC is with her.”

“The Supreme Court might have unwittingly sent a message that abuses and corruption under the Arroyo (administration) should not be investigated,” said Sen. Francis Pangilinan.

“Its effect on the public mind is that it absolves Mrs. Arroyo from the scandals and her involvement in anomalies and abuses in government,” Pangilinan said.

“The last time I checked, GMA was no longer President and the practice of suppressing the truth as state policy ended with her. The Supreme Court ruling preventing the government from investigating the former president makes me stop to pause and think,” the senator said in a text message.

Reyes said that politics had reduced the high tribunal into “a manipulated and compromised court subsisting in a culture of corruption, patronage and fear.”

“Frankly, this is disastrous,” said Deputy Speaker Lorenzo Tañada III. “We should question the Supreme Court’s motives. What’s the difference between this and the Melo Commission, which was also created by executive

order?” Tañada said of the body created to inquire into extrajudicial killings.

A class by herself Amado Valdez, law dean of the University of the East, said that the equal protection argument invoked by the Supreme Court could not apply to Arroyo.

“How can there be a violation of equal protection when she is in a class by herself? How could she claim she will be isolated?” he said. “I don’t think the Truth Commission can be invalidated on that ground.”

Allies of Arroyo, now a representative of her home province in Pampanga, welcomed the court ruling.

House Minority Leader Edcel Lagman said the decision was “a signal triumph of the rule of law.”

In effect, he said, the ruling “struck down incursions of the President into the realm of legislative authority and protected the sanctity of civil liberties against governmental derogation.”

Arroyo declined comment.

But her brother-in-law, Negros Occidental Rep. Ignacio Arroyo, said: “Why does P-Noy want to waste the people’s money?

The courts were established for things like this. Not only is it redundant but the commission can be misled for their own agenda.”

Prudence urged Maguindanao Rep. Simeon Datumanong, one of the petitioners, welcomed the ruling as “it reassures people that indeed the Supreme Court is the guardian of the Constitution.”

Zambales Rep. Ma. Milagros Magsaysay said this was a lesson for Malacañang “to exercise

A11

prudence in its actions and decision-making so as not to suffer rebuffs.”

Akbayan party-list Rep. Kaka Bag-ao said: “The commission will just investigate, so no rights are at stake. The EPC (equal protection of law) can’t be invoked.

No harm, no foul. The Supreme Court is grasping at straws to protect GMA.” Renato M. Reyes Jr., secretary general of the leftist group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan), said the court ruling underlined the difficulty of holding Arroyo accountable for abuses during her administration, citing its favorable decision on her so-called “midnight appointments” and the status quo order on the impeachment case against Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez.

“If this trend continues and extends to the Ombudsman impeachment case also pending before the SC, then there will be fewer avenues to make Arroyo accountable,” Reyes said.

Other avenues Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Teodoro Casiño said: “The Arroyo court is playing its role to the hilt in protecting the exPresident.”

House Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales II, Muntinlupa Rep. Rodolfo Biazon and other lawmakers conceded that the Supreme Court ruling was a setback to the Aquino administration.

Gonzales suggested that Mr. Aquino issue an executive order creating a multiagency task force to investigate and establish a prima facie case, and recommend the filing of charges against people liable for anomalies in the past. (Inquirer.net)

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ARMM officials express commitment to promote good governance

by Cecille

Suerte Philstar.com

Felipe

MANILA—Local government officials of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) expressed their commitment to promote good governance and allow the region to get over the image of violence brought about by the massacre of 57 people last year in Maguindanao.

The province of Sulu and eight

other municipalities were among the local government units (LGUs) in ARMM that made it to the final judging of the Galing Pook Award for good governance, said Eddie Dorotan, executive director of the Galing Pook Foundation.

Dorotan said the program was historic since it was the first time the foundation reached out to ARMM to be part of the Galing Pook Awards, designed to recog-

nize the innovative practices in local governance.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo, guest speaker at the presentation of the finalists, welcomed the effort of the Galing Pook Foundation, which he said would surely benefit the people in ARMM. Robredo introduced governance reforms in ARMM, which he described as the “weakest link” of the country due to criminality and terrorism.

The DILG official said the support of local government officials and other concerned sectors in the region would be tapped to implement meaningful reforms that would improve socio-economic conditions.

Dorotan said winners will be announced in January and the awarding will be held in Malacañang.

The first round of the Galing Pook Awards in ARMM for 2010 was supported by USAID, under the TAG4 Project with The Asia Foundation.

The ARMM Regional Government and the Local Government Academy are among the main institutional partners of the Galing Pook Foundation, which manages the awards program.

The Galing Pook Awards have been recognizing innovative practices in local governance since 1993, honoring over 250 innovative programs from 170 LGUs across the country.

The new awards program acknowledges the cultural uniqueness of ARMM and will highlight positive results, innovations and excellence in local governance in the region.

During the announcement of the finalists, Dorotan said Kapatagan town in Lanao del Sur made it to the finals for initiating tulay sa kalilintad (bridge to peace), a municipal project that united local government, civil society organizations, NGOs, military, armed groups and communities to prioritize peace.

He said Kapatagan was virtually turned to ashes in 2000 when the government launched an all-out war against the rebels.

Dorotan said Sulu’s program entry is an institutionalized mechanism, the Sulu Area Coordinating Center (ACC) for shared governance of the socio-economic development of the province.

The Sulu ACC evolved from the

An explosives and ordnance personnel of the Baguio City police inspects dozens of World War II vintage bombs and ammunition which were dug up in the city.

Philstar.com photo

Joint Civil Military Area Coordination Center that was created by then Gov. Abdusakur Tan in 2000, specifically to handle the Sipadan hostage crisis and to cushion the impact of military actions on the civilian populace.

The Southwestern Ligawasan Alliance of Municipalities (SLAM) in Maguindanao was able to develop a multi-stakeholder health program for poor farmers and fisherfolk from their previous project partnership with the Zuellig Family Foundation.

The health program in the towns of Datu Paglas, Paglat, General Salipada Pendatun, and Sultan sa Barongis entails inter-agency coordination and identifies specific roles and responsibilities among three key project partners – the LGU, Municipal Health Office,

and Civil Society Organizations – who cooperate in the program’s implementation.

The Wao’s Integrated Solid Waste Management ISWM program covers all of the municipality’s 26 barangays in the province of Lanao del Sur and aims to establish a clean, green, and healthy environment by regulating the disposal of solid waste.

The entry of the town of Sultan Mastura was its implementation of the BISITA (Bringing Integrated Services and Innovation through a Team Approach) sa Barangay Program.

The LGU hopes to deliver basic services directly to the barangays through an integrated team approach and through the consolidation of available resources. The program aims to make the pres-

ence of government felt in every barangay through monthly team visits that entail the delivery of health, education, livelihood development and social services.

The visiting team is composed of municipal line agency field officers and LGU officials.

The entry of Bongao town in Tawi-Tawi province is the administrative and fiscal reforms program that helped transform the municipality from a 4th class to a 2nd class municipality within the span of a decade.

From earning only P42 million in 2000, Bongao’s estimated income at present amounts to more than P102 million.

In the previous administration, the LGU’s income from local tax collections was not adequately monitored.

Natural birth control method easier to promote, says population officer

by Joey

A. Gabieta Inquirer.net

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte—Amid the heated and often emotional debates over reproductive health, the population officer of this city has expressed preference for teaching the Church-backed natural family planning method more than the government-supported artificial methods.

Population officer Ceilito Esquibel said instructing couples about the natural birth control method would be easier because she would not have to work with medical workers to do so. Esquibel said her office did not have medical staff who she could consult on the risks and side effects of contraceptives like birth control pills and IUD. But by teaching the natural method, Esquibel said she would only have to brief couples on when or when not to have sexual intimacy.

“In a natural planning method, all we have to do is to teach them for example when the woman is fertile or not. In the artificial method, such as using pills,

there could be some contra-indication to (the birth control drug),” Esquibel said.

Esquibel, however, stressed that her office could give information to couples interested in artificial birth control methods.

She said her preference for teaching the natural method was based on practical concerns, i.e. the lack of medical consultants for her office, and had nothing to do with the stand of the Catholic Church.

“It is just that we find teaching the natural family method easy to teach. We don’t need to refer the couples to a health center or a clinic for them to get more information,” she said.

Esquibel, however, admitted that using the natural birth control method would pose certain challenges, especially in so far as the couples trying to discipline themselves and stick to the schedule.

“Resorting to the natural method really requires discipline and cooperation among couples. To me, it is the best method but the most difficult to practice,” she said.

De Lima wants guns for judges

by Edu

Punay Philstar.com

MANILA—Justice Secretary Leila de Lima supported a proposal to allow judges and lawyers to carry firearms to defend themselves amid rising cases of attacks targeting them.

This developed as the Supreme Court (SC) continues with its program to prepare and train judges nationwide to defend themselves from possible attacks that could be related to their work.

In an interview with Agence France Presse, De Lima also called on judges and lawyers to undergo training on practical shooting and driving as precautionary measure against possible ambush attacks.

“Their line of work makes them natural targets of harassment and violence, especially because of weak enforcement of laws and a prevailing culture of impunity,”

she said.

De Lima, however, believes that only judges and lawyers who have established threats against them should be allowed to carry firearms.

She said such a measure should only apply to “a reasonable showing of security threats, and purely for self-defense purposes only.”

The National Union of People’s Lawyers, an association of human rights defenders, has listed at least 15 lawyers and judges who were killed last year in attacks police believe were linked to their work.

Two lawyers were among 57 people killed in the gruesome Maguindanao massacre, the group added.

The SC, for its part, announced that more first- and second-level trial court judges from the first, second and third judicial regions

underwent security training recently.

Selected judges were oriented on threats assessment, crime prevention, facts regarding firearms and personal security measures during a three-day training seminar last Nov. 23 to 25 held at the Ilocos Norte Hotel and Convention Center in Laoag City.

The training-seminar is a joint project of the SC’s Committee on Security, the Philippine Judicial Academy, and the Office of the Court Administrator, in coordination with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

This project, the ninth of its kind since the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement on Judicial Security between the SC and the NBI in January 2008, aims to instill in the members of the bench a deeper awareness of the critical role they play in the administration of justice.

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Chinese, Philippine militaries vow to jointly safeguard stability

Release of Morong 43 ‘good’ for talks - bishop

A SENIOR Chinese military official said Tuesday that China was willing to work with the Philippines military on safeguarding regional peace and stability.

Chen Bingde, chief of the general staff of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA), spoke highly of the exchanges and cooperation between the two militaries while meeting with Ricardo David, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, in Beijing.

China-Philippines military relations had developed smoothly in recent years, and the two sides have car-

MANILA—Aside from the 19-day truce, the release of detained health workers collectively called the “Morong 43” would help provide a healthier environment for the talks between the government and the communist-led National Democratic Front, Novaliches Bishop Emeritus Teodoro Bacani said Monday. “(T)he Morong 43 should be released because it looks like there is no sufficient reason to continue detaining them,” Bacani said.

The release of the 43 health workers held by the military since February on suspicion of being cadres of the New People’s Army (NPA), the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), has emerged as a sidebar to the resumption of negotiations to end the decades-long insurgency.

A legal consultant of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) has urged the government to release the 43 workers and about 400 other political prisoners, not as a precondition, but as a way to improve the atmosphere for the negotiations.

“It will not be decisive whether the parties will talk,” said Edre Olalia, the NDFP legal consultant on the peace process.

Besides, he pointed out that both parties already agreed to resume talks in Oslo, Norway, in February next year without any precondition.

The announcement of the ceasefire and the resumption of the peace negotiations were made after two days of informal talks between government peace panel chair Alexander Padilla and NDFP peace panel chair Luis Jalandoni in Hong Kong last week.

Avoid hitches Muntinlupa Rep. Rodolfo Biazon has reminded both parties not to impose difficult preconditions to avoid hitches in the negotiations.

Jalandoni, now in Manila for a brief private visit, said the release of political prisoners, including the Morong 43 and NDFP consultants, would build confidence in the run-up to the talks.

ried out cooperation in various fields, Chen said.

China was ready to work with the Philippines to promote pragmatic exchange and cooperation between the two militaries, so as to contribute to safeguarding regional peace and stability, Chen said.

David said he appreciated China’s efforts in helping the Philippines’ national construction, and the Philippines would adhere to the one-China policy.

David said the Philippines would like to advance bilateral military ties with China, hoping the two sides could work together to safeguard stability in the region. (Philstar.com)

Open skies for PH secondary airports

by Ding

Cervantes Philstar.com

CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga—President Aquino is set to issue this month an executive order (EO) enforcing an open skies policy nationwide except Manila, thus opening the country’s secondary airports to foreign airlines.

Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim and Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima confirmed this during Aquino’s visit here for the launching of the first SeaAir Airbus plane and the groundbreaking of the Medical City in this freeport.

Purisima said the EO is ready for signature by the President and should be enforced before yearend.

The EO, he said, will open the country’s secondary airports nationwide to foreign airlines, except the international airports in Manila.

“The economic managers have agreed on this. It is for the interest of the country,” he said, adding that the EO will virtually be a total open skies policy, ex-

cept for the so-called aviation fifth freedom of foreign airlines to pick up local passengers bound for a destination in a third country.

“In formulating policies, the interest of the majority comes first,” he said, alluding to opposition from some local airlines calling for protection of the local aviation industry.

Lim declined to give more information about the open skies EO, saying he did not want to preempt the President, but he also noted that the presidential fiat would cover all secondary airports in the country except Manila.

Purisima said the Aquino government would like to make open skies more permanent by pushing for legislation on it.

“If the people understand it and the project succeeds, the members of Congress who are supposed to represent the people will pass legislation to make open skies a more permanent policy,” he said.

Avelino Zapanta, SeaAir president and chief executive officer,

Govt sets aside 1B for returning OFWs MANILA—The Philippine government has set aside P1 billion ($22.7 million US) for the “re-integration” of returning overseas Filipinos in their home country, President Benigno S. Aquino III said.

Dubbed as the “reintegration fund,” Aquino said that the money will be part of a loan program for the Filipinos who have worked abroad and are coming home already.

The loan will be offered at a low interest rate and is meant to create an alternative livelihood opportunity for returning overseas Filipino work-

ers (OFW), Aquino said.

Aquino said the administration will push for the improvement of the skills of OFWs on financial literacy, money management and other seminars that will help them manage their finances.

The Philippine government said around 300 Filipinos leave for abroad daily in the hope of getting better jobs. Currently, money sent home by the overseas Filipinos accounts for a 10th of the country’s gross domestic product.

(Philstar.com)

said he supported the open skies move because despite competition from foreign airlines, the policy would bring in more tourists and boost local tourism to such extent that, in the long run, even local airlines would benefit.

He said that while some secondary airports in the provinces could not yet accommodate big aircraft, foreign airlines will always have the option to use smaller airplanes.

Meanwhile, the Department of Labor Employment (DOLE) said that employees of Philippines Airlines (PAL) cannot go on strike even if they would all vote in favor of work stoppage.

Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said DOLE has long assumed jurisdiction over the PAL labor dispute, and that prevents members of the PAL Employees Association (PALEA) from going on strike.

by Jocelyn

R. Uy, TJ Burgonio Inquirer.net

Beyond building confidence, freeing the prisoners would fulfill the government’s commitment to the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL), Olalia said.

“Its special provisions bind both parties especially the GRP (government of the Republic of Philippines) to fulfill its commitment to release political prisoners unjustly arrested, detained, charged or convicted for political reasons,” he said.

Olalia is also a lawyer for the Morong 43.

Extend truce Other bishops lauded the ceasefire between government troops and the NPA, hoping that the truce starting Dec. 16 would extend throughout the new year and pave the way for genuine peace.

“I hope [the truce] is possible not only during the Yuletide season but even the whole year because that is what we are aspiring for our country—genuine peace,” said Butuan Bishop Juan de Dios Pueblos in an interview over Radio Veritas Monday.

Basilan Bishop Martin Jumoad also expressed hope that the truce would encourage the two parties to return to the negotiating table to achieve peace across the country.

“I welcome and I am very happy [with] that good gesture from the two parties,” Jumoad said also on Radio Veritas.

Time with family Military Ordinariate Bishop Leopoldo Tumulak said the truce would allow government forces and NPA members to have time to be with their families and to enjoy the Christmas season.

“I hope and pray they continue to dialogue and keep on communicating no matter what happens [because] listening with empathy and speaking with honesty and mutually recognizing theirs and the people’s needs based on values are steps to peace,” Tumulak said in an interview with CBCP News, the official news service of the Church hierarchy.

When the time comes for both parties to sit at the negotiating table, the first order of business would be to reaffirm agreements signed before the Arroyo administration, Olalia said.

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Journal Willie plans to come back to the US with an ‘I Love You’

by Julie

O

Matienzo AJPress

nly two weeks after a much-awaited comeback appearance via his new show Willing Willie on TV5, Willie Revillame proved once and for all that no amount of controversy can stop him from entertaining his countless fans.

In an exclusive interview with the Asian Journal, Willie shares his plans for his career, which includes taking Willing Willie abroad. With the United States (US) as his first stop, the returning host is eyeing a Valentine show tour in February 2011 to take place in Los Angeles and San Francisco, dubbing it I Love You Willing Willie in sync with the release of his new album titled I Love You. Willie revealed plans on getting Willing Willie aired and promoted abroad. Currently, there are talks between him and the big bosses Willie gets emotional singing ‘Ikaw na nga’ to of major Philippine television his fans. AJPress photo by Vince Samson stations that include the Chief Ex-

ecutive of GMA Network, Felipe Gozon and things will no doubt be finalized soon after.

According to the host, Gozon commended him during their lunch meeting how he was “such a big hit abroad,” adding that the CEO of GMA 7, along with his Board of Trustees, had a research done to find out how he managed to get the majority of the household ratings and why people are enamored with him.

Willie was amazed that Gozon and his group did a research on him. He was even more humbled when Gozon said that the “number one” reason why people like him was because of his sincerity.

“Sabi ko ‘thank you ho.’ Sabi niya ‘We will work together,’” Willie says.

This, perhaps, excited Willie more. So when he was asked about what he misses most when he performs—especially outside the country, the host could not help but feel nostalgic.

“It will take time [for me to perform again in the US] pero syempre nami-miss mo yung mga

yun, gusto ko gawin ‘yun (But a tour in the US would be much of course I missed doing shows easier and faster now that he is like that, I want to do it again),” the producer of his own show.

Willie said as he recalls watching a music video where an artist comes out to perform before a live audience.

“Paglabas mo parang ang daming tao, nami-miss mo yung ganun, napapasaya mo yung mga tao (When you go out there where there’s a lot of people, you miss that—making people happy), he mused.

A bigger and brighter show manifested in the stage set-up and program format of Willing Willie.

Last October 30, the Asian Journal witnessed how Willing Willie became a way for Revillame to be reunited with his supporters, as a family of balikbayans endured the long line outside the studio just to catch a glimpse of him and personally offer him their present during the show.

Willie is flattered by such gestures, saying that everybody is welcome to enjoy Willing Willie, regardless of their network preference. The host also said that doing

With almost everything copyrighted under his name (from PAGE B2

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Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino presents theatrical ‘The Concert King of the Philippines’ performance of ‘Kungfu Revelations 9 Scrolls’ Martin Nievera returns to the Suncoast Acclaimed martial arts performance appears for a limited time Dec. 10 – 21 inside the Penn & Teller Theater

LAS VEGAS—The Rio AllSuite Hotel & Casino proudly welcomes Kungfu Revelations 9 Scrolls—a performance recognized as Kungfu’s ultimate artistic achievement—to the Penn & Teller Theater for a limited engagement from Dec 10—21, 2010.

Presented by skillful martial arts practitioners from China’s Poly Kungfu Star Performing Group, the show celebrates the nine virtues of this mysterious yet eloquent tradition. Directed by leading Chinese choreographer Liu Zhen, the theme of the show is the quest to purify the soul through the pursuit of harmony, love, peace and freedom. A model of artistic visual poetry, the show features a combination of martial arts and dance, blending the disciplines in a dramatic and compelling performance.

The production’s nine acts are derived from nine scrolls of poetry that unravel one by one before the audience: purity, sutra, diligence, spirit, listening, shape, serenity, devotion and paradise.

The performance celebrates the nine virtues of cleanliness, diligence, discipline, stability, respect for the realm, wisdom, tolerance, flexibility and self-es-

Showroom December 10-12 Las Vegas—Popular Las Vegas entertainer and “The Concert King of the Philippines” Martin Nievera returns to the Suncoast Showroom, December 10, 11 and 12, each evening at 7:30pm.

Nievera has dazzled crowds, selling out concert stadiums and casino showrooms around the world with his diverse repertoire. Nievera performs his own hits including his signature “On the Right Track,” movie and soap opera theme songs, and his own adaptations from Broadway to Buble.

Nievera is a popular recording artist with several platinum albums, including “Martin…Take One,” “The Best Gift,” “Forever,” and its sequels “Forever Forever” and “Return to Forever.” He has appeared in 11 films and seven television series and specials, including Penthouse Live!, Martin and Pops Twogether, and Martin After Dark, which ultimately became Martin Late@nite.

Nievera regularly joins fellow entertainers Clint Holmes, Susan Anton and Domenick Allen as Vocal Soup—blending solo performances, duets and group numbers, and rekindling the Las Vegas tradition of entertainers coming together in an “anything can happen” atmosphere.

In between frequent Las Vegas appearances, Nievera tours the United States and Canada with his so-called Filipino archrival Gary Valenciano, known as “Mr. Pure Energy.” Despite the hype surrounding their rivalry, concerts featuring the two stars are focused on their extremely popular music and are typically sold-out performances.

Showtime is 7:30pm. Tickets are available starting from $29.95, plus tax and convenience fees and can be purchased by calling the Box Office at (702) 636-7075 or visiting www.suncoastcasino.com. Save on convenience fees by purchasing the tickets in person at Coast Casinos.

Willie plans to come back...

teem, which are all expected of any self-respecting practitioner.

A visual feast with innovative choreography and action-timed music, the show interprets and portrays the soul of Chinese culture, art and philosophy.

Kungfu Revelations 9 Scrolls will perform two shows nightly

Dec. 10-11 and Dec. 17-18 at 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. There will be one show at 8 p.m. Dec 1215 and Dec. 19-21. Tickets are $60.50, $71.50, $82.50, and $93.50 inclusive of tax and fees and are on sale now at the Rio box office or by calling (702) 777-7776.

PAGE B1 equipments, to music, concept and even the dancers), Revillame disclosed that although his contract with TV5 includes a “50/50 share” of revenues, he remains solely responsible for the show, especially when he takes it abroad.

Willing Willie also boasts, not only of an extravagant set, but also of a hefty amount of prizes.

One of the show’s game called Spin the Wil—the jackpot round of Wiltime Bigtime—grants a

contestant the chance to win the mega-jackpot which includes a new car, a house and lot and a million pesos, should he manage to spin three roulettes that spell out “W-I-L.” Willie is hopeful that contestants will win a house and lot when he takes the game to the US. He reveals that his business partner Senator Manny Villar has given him 12 houses to give away, assuming one house will be won each month.

Pleased to have a new show in a new home, Willie has nothing but good words to say to the owner of TV5 Manny V. Pangilinan (MVP) for being generous and supportive to him. Willie disclosed during the interview how he and MVP will be able to take Willing Willie to foreign countries.

Willie marveled at the idea of a newfound technology introduced to him by MVP, wherein instead of the usual cable, airborne signals will be used to transmitWilling Willie in the US and Europe by January.

“So we would not be using cables anymore, everything is digital now. By digital, I mean you will have to subscribe via a code provided by the station wherein no subscription will be necessary.

From what I know, you will have to buy a SIM card from them and then insert it in what looks like a Digi-box,” Willie elaborated in Tagalog.

Willie revealed that aside from plans to construct the Wil Tower Mall (with business partner Villar)

and plans to establish his own station (with business partner Pangilinan), he is also eyeing to produce his own reality talent search called Born To Be A Star by January or February next year.

According to the entrepreneur, the decision as to whether he will host the show or not is still uncertain. But the concept of the talent will be a Charice-like journey for the contestants.

In Born To Be A Star, contestants will be treated like celebrities according to him.

“Dito ang trato susunduin ka na, hindi yung magbebenta pa kayo ng kalabaw, yung mga nasa probinsya di ba? Mangungutang pa kayo, the usual na mga kwentuhan, mga storya (With the show, you would not have to sell cows [to dress like a star] like what they do in the province, or borrow money like how the usual story goes),” he said.

“Pero this time ‘pag nakapasok ka sa auditions, VIP ka na, star ka na, kaya nga Born To Be A Star’ka na. So kung matalo ka, well, it’s up to you. At least na-feel mo to be a star. (This time, once you pass the auditions, you’ll be an instant VIP, that’s why it’s called Born To Be A Star. If you lose, well, it’s up to you. But what is important is that you felt like a star.)”

With the continuous pouring of blessings in his life, Willie said that there are not enough words to show how grateful he is for his supporters who give him strength and inspiration—the main reason why he has devoted his life to entertaining them and making them happy.

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Simbang Gabi Phil Consulate The Catholic Fellowship of Young Filipino Professionals cordially invites friends, families and followers of Simbang Gabi to join the Filipino-American young professionals of the Tri-State area and the Philippine Consulate General New York as they celebrate their annual nine-evening ‘Simbang Gabi’ masses at Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Center located at 556 Fifth Avenue New York, New York. The Masses will be held from 2:30pm - 5pm and 630pm - 9pm.

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8th Annual San Francisco Parol Lantern Festival A must-see event during the holiday season, the San Francisco Annual Parol Lantern Festival and Parade begins with a series of parol lantern-making workshops held at the Bayanihan Community Center (1010 Mission St. on 6th Street), every Friday night from 5:30pm to 8pm and in other community centers. The parol-making workshop is open to the public. The parols made during these workshops are then displayed during our anticipated parade & festival held in Yerba Buena Lane, Jessie Square and St. Patrick’s Church. For more information contact Parol Festival at (415) 348-8042, email parolsf@gmail.com or visit www.bayanihancc.org.

Celebration of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (Pampanga Day Celebration) In the essence of celebrating Pampanga’s remarkable history and rich culture, a mass will be held in honor of Pampanga’s Patroness,the Virgen de los Remedios, on December 11 at 10am at the Immaculate Heart of Mary 4950 Santa Monica Blvd., LA 90032. The mass will also be the highlight of the event. Members of the Filipino-American community are invited. For inquiries and details, please call Rodel at (818) 424-8882 or Larry (323) 356-6065.

Voices of Worship All are invited to attend the Voices of Worship (VOW) dinner concert on Dec. 11 at the River of Praise Tabernacle, Bayonne, NJ from 7-9pm. Songs will be rendered by Ellen San Miguel, Kats Alvir, Samuel Sonsona, Ptr. Allan Del Mar, and Ptr. Chyril Nicose. All proceeds will go to Missions and Church fund. For more info contact Ptr. Chryil Nicose (917) 575-6282; Ptr. Allan Del Mar (551) 221-0903; and Sam Sonsona (201) 456-6082.

3rd Simbang Gabi at Mater Dolorosa Everyone is invited to attend the 3rd Annual Commissioning Mass and Parol Lighting Ceremony at the Mater Dolorosa Church, 307 Willow Ave., South San Francisco, CA 94080 on Dec. 11. Event starts at 9:30am and the Commissioning Mass at 1:30pm. For more information contact to contact Ms. Nellie Hizon at nelliehizon@yahoo.com or Estele Oloresisimo at estele_o@ yahoo.com.

Pasko sa Carson The CONFAA and the Philippine Independence Day Foundation will hold the Christmas celebration, Pasko sa Carson, on Friday, Dec. 11 at 7pm at the church hall of the St. Philomena Catholic Church on Main St. between 220th and Carson St. Admission is free. Those who will come to the holiday concert are encouraged to bring unwrapped Christmas toys for the poor children in the Philippines. For more info, call Joe at (310) 549-3111 or Fe at (310) 513-1030.

STBA Christmas Party The Sto. Tomas Batangas Association of Southern California will celebrate their Christmas Party (poltluck) at Alex & Fe Dorado’s house in Chino Hills on Saturday, December 11, 2010 from 12nn - 7pm. For directions and other information, please call Willie Manacsa (818) 3413472, Alex & Fe Dorado (909) 896-1980, Myrna Jaurigue (909) 247-4944, Ofie Villanueva (626) 383-4152, Rosie Sancianco (909)519-6626, Nemia Ventura (626)912-2642, Josie Malaiba (909) 374-3251, Dolly Hernandez (626) 735-1222, Ric Malaiba (562) 692-7363 or Jojo Espiritu at (626) 964-4560.

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UPPAGC Christmas event The University of the Philippines Alumni Association of Greater Chicago (UPAAGC) will hold its traditional Christmas event on December 12, 2010 at 700 South Barrington Rd, Streamwood, Illinois 60107. Visit upaagc.org for more details or contact Grace Avellana Villamora, President UPAAGC at (773) 973-4260 or president@upaagc.org.

Philippine Chamber Rondalla of NJ The Philippine Chamber Rondall of NJ would be holding a Celebratory concert at St. Peter’s College’s Roy Irving Theatre, 2641 Kennedy Blvd, Jersey City, NJ 07306. Please order your tickets now by contacting (908) 359-3297 or (732) 207-3284. General admission is $15 ($20 at the door). For children aged 10 and younger-$5. Feel free to call us for additional information.

United Pangasinanes of America, Inc. Annual Christmas Dance You are invited to please join us celebrate the Christmas Annual dance on December 12, 2010 (Sunday) at Grosvenor Hotel, 380 South Airport Boulevard , Burlingame, CA from 3pm to 8pm. Music will be provided by DJ Nolly Yamzon and food will be served. Donation is $35. For tickets and reservations, please call Edna M. Roxas at (650) 296-1659, Violeta Abad at (415) 3371891 or Ernie Abalos at (415) 533-8391.

UBSCI Christmas Party The United Batangueños of Southern California will hold its Annual Christmas Party at the Mayflower Restaurant - 679 N Spring St., Los Angeles, CA 90012 on Sunday, December 12, 2010 from 6 - 11pm. Music will be provided by The Midnight Motion Band. www.midnightmotionband.com For other details, please call Eric Villafranca (323) 224-8764, Nora Jusi (213) 3246985, Romy Elepano romyelepano@yahoo.com, Willie Manacsa (818) 341-3472, Cely Anuran (805) 530-2836, Liling Emnace (213) 483-6146, Zenny Zoleta 909) 732-9589 or Rose Pascua at (323) 382-1124.

SCV Filipino Ministry Choir’s ‘A Night Of Christmas Carols’ The SCV Filipino Ministry Choir performed magnificently during the OLPH Thanksgiving Concert and commendations echoed all throughout the evening. Here’s your chance once again to experience their musical gift. Join them on Dec. 12, 2010 starting at 5pm, for an evening of Christmas Carols, and let them fill your hearts with the Holiday Spirit! So mark your calendar and don’t miss out on this glorious musical journey! Admission is Free and donation will be appreciated. For further information, please call Roy Remigio at (661) 310-4549.

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Simbang Gabi at the Cathedral The whole Filipino community is invited to attend the traditional Archdiocesan Simbang Gabi at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels on Dec. 15 at 6:30pm. For any questions, you may get in touch with Ms. Cora Aragon Soriano (213) 999-1993.

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6th Annual Parol Parade and Contest All are invited to watch the 6th Annual Parol Parade on Dec. 17 at 5:30pm. The parade route will start from the Manila Terrace Social Hall 2328 W. Temple St., Los Angeles CA, 90026. It will then proceed from Temple St to Carondolet St to Council St to Park View St to Beverly Blvd To Rampart to Benton Way and will end at the Center of Hope at Temple St. For more information contact Erlinda Lim (213) 924-4048 or Leo Pandac at (213) 810-0279.

AFAA Christmas Party The Association of Filipino American Accountants (AFAA) New York chapter will hold its annual Christmas party at the Astoria World Manor, Astoria, Queens on December 17 starting at 7pm. Dinner $50 per person. For more information please contact Neva Fajardo, AFAA NY Secretary (718) 275 1422.

Filipino Film Festival Mark December 17 on your calendars for the Filipino Film Festival happening at the Portland Community College Cascade Campus (Terrel Hall 122) at 3am-6am. For inquiries and reservations email cinemalayan2010@gmail.com.

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

Lowe’s Energy Center goes nationwide From energy monitors to leak detectors to solar panels, energy-saving products come to one place

MOORESVILLE, NC—How can you better manage energy consumption as colder weather creeps in and electricity bills creep up? How about getting the answer to your energy-saving questions in one place?

Launched recently in all of its US stores, the Energy Center of Lowe’s is the first of its kind for a major retailer. Here, you will find energy-saving products such as solar-powered products and Energy Star qualified CFLs in one place, making all your money-saving and energy-saving plans for your homes a reality.

“The Energy Center builds on Lowe’s commitment to bring more innovative products and services to our customers,” said Nick Canter, Lowe’s executive vice president of merchandising.

“By pulling together comprehensive options to help them manage their energy use, the Energy Center makes it easier for customers to become more energy efficient while putting money back in their pocket.”

Beyond traditional energy-saving methods that influence many Asian homes, the best thing about reducing energy consumption nowadays is that you can measure energy use and even generate renewable energy.

Take your cue from the following amazing products offered at The Energy Center: Measuring energy use How to find energy leaks. The handheld Black & Decker Thermal Leak Detector ($49.99) makes it easy to find energy leaks in the home. An LED light changes color to indicate changes in temperature around windows, doors and in the attic.

Sealing the gaps and cracks, and properly insulating, can save a homeowner up to 20 percent on heating and cooling costs, according to the US. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

How much appliances cost to operate. The Kill A Watt EZ ($34.97) by P3 International measures how much appliances really cost to operate. Simply plug the appliance into this device, which plugs into the wall outlet and accurately displays projected costs by week, month or year. It also can measure how much money standby items such as TVs and computers cost when not in use.

For more power monitors, including whole-home energy monitors like The Energy Detective ($240) from Energy Inc., visit Lowes. com.

Reducing energy costs What to do with drafty gaps.

Once drafty gaps have been identified with a Thermal Leak Detector, save energy and save money by sealing them with caulk, weatherstrip or insulating foam. These products, along with energy savers such as CFLs, programmable thermostats and dimmer switches that Lowe’s sells throughout the store, have been consolidated in the Energy Center to make it easier for customers to tackle energy efficiency as a project.

What to do with standby-off mode power devices. The average US. household spends more than $500 over five years to power devices while they are off (or in

standby mode), according to the EPA. Eliminate that power loss, and the need to fumble around under the computer desk, with Choose Renewables’ Bye Bye Standby ($19.97). The set of remote-controlled outlets easily plugs into a power strip or electronic devices and switches them on and off individually, or together, with the touch of a button.

Generating renewable energy When to start using sol ar power. Lowe’s Energy Center is also helping consumers take their first step into solar power. The Solar Lite flashlight ($18.97) by Hybrid Light can hold a charge for up to three years. Charge it once by exposing it to any light source, natural or artificial, and store it until needed. It’s durable and waterproof.

When you’re seeking power on the go. Sunforce’s 1.8-watt Solar Battery Maintainer ($19.97) and 5-watt Solar Battery Trickle Charger ($49.97) use the power of the sun to maintain a full capacity 12-volt battery. The maintenancefree panels work with cars, SUVs, RVs, boats and other vehicles, and can plug directly into a vehicle’s charging port.

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Please join the Santa Maria Ilocos Sur Association of NV for dining and dancing at their Christmas party on Saturday, Dec. 18, from 6:30pm until midnight at Danceworld USA located at 1950 S. Rainbow Blvd., Suite 104, Las Vegas NV 89146.

Bring a gift worth at least $10 for gift exchange, if you wish to participate. Please RSVP to Alex Peña at (702) 373-9522 or Madelyn Bañez at (702) 370-3152 or (702) 457-9939.

Features

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The high school class 77 of La Consolacion School in Caloocan got together for a reunion in Las Vegas last October 9th at the Salo Salo Grill. Shown in top photo, back row (L-R) Lissa Alcoran, Beth Baraquero-Weber, Gina Cunanan-Salazar, Marissa Cundangan-Garcia, Susan Cesar-Jacinto, Roda Mallari-Casado, Emper Cannu-Sembrano, Heldy Simeon-Magallanes, Gina Espiritu-Almonte, Maryann Orlina-Garcia. In second row (L-R) Elo Venegas Cruz, Chat Reyes, Fe Valderrama, Melody Lim-De Mesa, Ainjel Patricio, Rosette Elepano and Zaida Sto. Tomas-Tandoc.

Meanwhile, other alumni -who are mostly US based- organized a dinner get together for Lilian Sta Romana who came from the Philippines for the reunion. Dinner was hosted by Shirley Espiritu-Olaya. Shown in bottom photo (L-R): Melody Lim De Mesa, Emper Cannu Sembrano, dinner host Shirley Espiritu-Olaya and Lilian.

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 9-15, 2010

The Chaiya Meditation Monastery and the Sikh Temple were the sites of the Nov 21 free flu immunization drive of the Philippine Medical Association of NV (PMAN) in Las Vegas.

Yommana Suravallop and Dr. Emelina Quisumbing were the coordinators at the Chaiya monastery, while Amar and Rita Vaswani of the Indian Chamber of Commerce were in charge of the Sikh temple flu shot drive. The Nov 21 drive is one of a series of flu immunization programs given by the medical community coalition, which is headed by the Southern NV Health District (SNHD).

Members of the coalition are: PMAN president Dr. Benito Calderon, Veronica Morata-Nichols RN who is community health nurse manager at SNHD, Dr. Lawrence Sands, DO, MPH who is SNHD chief health officer, Dr. Teresita Lu Melocoton, PMAN immunization coordinator, and Cristy Sampal RN the president of the Philippine Nurses Association of NV.

Photos courtesy of PMAN

Lowe’s Energy PAGE B4 to go. Consumers who own their homes and have ample sunny, south-facing roof space also might be candidates for Westinghouse Solar’s 180-watt AC solar panels ($893 per panel). Winner of a 2009 Popular Mechanics Breakthrough Product Award, the panels are available in the Energy Center at select Lowe’s stores and can be purchased through special order at all Lowe’s locations.

Lowe’s has won eight consecutive Energy Star awards for its leadership as a retailer of energyefficient products and in 2010 became the first winner of the Energy Star Sustained Excellence Award in Retail. To get started on saving energy and money, visit Lowe’s in-store Energy Center. For more inspirational ideas and projects, go to Lowes.com/EfficientHome.

(Advertising Supplement)

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Lion Fight Promotions launched in Las Vegas to focus on the martial art Of Muay Thai LAS VEGAS—Lion Fight Promotions, LLC announced today that its first Muay Thai fight card in Nevada is scheduled for February 12, 2011 at the Star of the Desert Arena located inside Buffalo Bill’s Hotel & Casino in Primm, Nevada. The new promotional company will work in conjunction with Guilty Boxing for their first event.

Muay Thai is the national sport of Thailand and is a martial art with origins in the ancient battlefield tactics of the Siamese (or Thai) army from thousands of years ago. The modernized, competitive form of Muay Thai is now practiced by hundreds of thousands of people all over the world. Muay Thai features punches, kicks, elbows, knees, and clinching (standing grappling).

Lion Fight Promotions has officially signed Mongkhon “Malaipet” Wiwasuk and Michael Mananquil as the main event for this card.

This fight is a rematch that many Muay Thai fans in America are anticipating. Other fighters on the card include WBC International

Super Lightweight Champion Kevin Ross, Chaz Mulkey, Shawn Yarborough, Remy Bonnel and Scotty Leffler, to name a few.

“Muay Thai is the most exciting fighting style for fans that love stand up fighting and appreciate the rich history associated with it.

We are in the Fight Capital of the World in Las Vegas and it makes perfect sense to have a Las Vegas based Muay Thai promotional company to help develop this amazing sport”, says Scott Kent, President and CEO of Lion Fight Promotions.

Kent added, “We have a sport that is already very popular all over the world and we want expose more people to it by showcasing international talent and provide a larger stage for our local fighters”.

Lion Fight Promotions is led by former Las Vegas casino executive and Muay Thai enthusiast, Scott Kent. The new promotional company has been developed in consultation with Christine Toledo,

The Las Vegas Asian Chamber of Commerce (ACC) kicked off its 25th anniversary celebration with a showing of the Phantom of the Opera last December 2nd.

Members and their guests watched the enthralling performance at the Venetian on the Las Vegas Strip.

The Las Vegas AAC is a non-profit organization that seeks to promote economic growth for its members, Asian-American entrepreneurs. Since its establishment in 1986, it has been its goal to bring about political, social and economic parity for the Asian community in the city.

AJPress photos by Robert Macabagdal

one of the sport’s most popular champions and star of the reality television show (Oxygen Network’s Fight Girls) and documentary based on the women of Muay Thai. Both Kent and Toledo share a common passion for Muay Thai and are working together to promote the sport.

Kent and Toledo will also be working with native Las Vegan, Master Nick Blomgren, owner and head instructor of One Kick Nick’s Gym to develop talent through his amateur shows and drawing on his vast experience in Muay Thai. In addition, Lion Fight Promotions will collaborate with LV Muay Thai Center’s David Phanthip to assist with marketing to the Muay Thai community.

Red Rock Harley Davidson has committed to be an official sponsor and other potential sponsors are being considered.

For more information on Lion Fight Promotions visit www.lionfightpromotions.com

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Proposed new DREAM Act

Your Immigration Solution Atty. Robert Reeves Jeff L. Khurgel IMMIGRATION Reform advocates around the country were pleased when Senate Leader Harry Reid recently advanced a new version of the DREAM Act. By now, supporters of the proposed law are aware that their optimism must be tempered by caution.

Under discussion for almost a decade, the legislation would give certain undocumented immigrants the chance to stay in the US by serving in the military or attending college if they entered the US before the age of 16 and have no serious law-enforcement violations. Qualified applicants would receive an interim conditional permanentresidency status and many would be on track for gradual naturalization.

An estimated 2.1 million immigrants already in the US may qualify for benefits under the act.

The newest incarnation of the DREAM Act is a stricter version, in an attempt to engender bipartisan support. The revised bill would still offer a path to citizenship to immigrants who entered the country illegally as minors if they graduate from high school and pursue college or military service, but the path would take longer and exclude more immigrants. Senator Reid’s proposal lowers the maximum age of eligibility to 30 from 35, creates a 13-year wait for citizenship and closes some of the loopholes that immigration reform opponents have argued were too broadsweeping and generous.

All prior version of the DREAM Act have excluded immigrants with serious criminal records, but the compromised version also disqualifies im-

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passage, including that the bill would benefit criminals.

On the contrary, the DREAM Act is comprised of strict eligibility parameters and would only benefit a very narrow percentage of the immigrant population – excluding serious criminals. As described above, the newest iteration of the bill creates heightened eligibility requirements, making it tougher than before to qualify.

In order to be approved, an immigrant’s entire period of time in the US will be examined, and an officer of the Department of Homeland Security will need to make the determination that the applicant has been a person of good moral character.

For years, voters have looked to Congress for leadership Proponents of the bill feel and wisdom in enacting a sothat it would allow young im- lution to the nation’s immigramigrants with clean criminal tion system. With the passage records and promising futures of the DREAM Act, Congress the platform from which to can make Americans proud build a responsible life. In one by moving beyond petty party fell swoop; the law would cre- politics to fix a system that ate legal taxpayers out of peo- needs mending, for the benefit ple who were once confined to of all Americans. *** living in the shadows, motivate young immigrants to attend Atty. Reeves has represented clients in college and attain necessary numerous landmark immigration cases skills to use in the American that have set new policies regarding INS workplace, and entice immi- action and immigrants’ rights. His offices are located in Pasadena, San Francisco, grants to join the military at Las Vegas and Makati City. a time when our forces need Telephone: (800) 795-8009 bolstering.

E-mail: immigration@rreeves.com Critics of the bill hope that Website: www.rreeves.com. it is once again defeated. They *** have applied the contentious The analysis and suggestions offered in and misleading label of “am- this column do not create a lawyer-client relationship and are not a substitute for the nesty” to the bill and have personalized representation that is essential made unsubstantiated exag- to every case. gerations about the effects of (Advertising Supplement) migrants convicted of evading the draft, smuggling, voter and marriage fraud, as well as other misdemeanor and felony crimes. Qualifying DREAM Act beneficiaries would not be able to become US Citizens until at least 2024, until which time they would not be eligible to vote, to petition certain relatives for immigration benefits, or to receive most forms of public assistance.

All prior version of the DREAM Act have excluded immigrants with serious criminal records, but the compromised version also disqualifies immigrants convicted of evading the draft, smuggling, voter and marriage fraud, as well as other misdemeanor and felony crimes. Qualifying DREAM Act beneficiaries would not be able to become US Citizens until at least 2024, until which time they would not be eligible to vote, to petition certain relatives for immigration benefits, or to receive most forms of public assistance.

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Are we getting enough sleep?

“MOST American adults sleep poorly,” a c c o rd i n g to a study of the NaPhilip S. Chua, tional Sleep MD, FACS, FPCS Foundation on 1506 adults which was reported in Washington by the Associated Press. The findings are obviously applicable to most of us in general.

Lack of sleep translates to lesser mental acuity and concentration, poorer health, greater driving hazards, reduced productivity, and diminished sex drive.

Sleep experts recommend a minimum of 7 to 9 hours of sleep in 24 hours. The survey showed that adults sleep an average of 6.9 hours a night. The few minutes to 3 hours of sleep deprivation is enough to cause problems.

Seventy-five percent of adults reported they frequently have difficulty in sleeping, like problem in initiating sleep, waking up often during the night, and/or snoring, waking up too early, and feeling unrefreshed and tired. Many also stated that they ignored the problem, and some do not even think they actually have any sleep deficit. Only about 50% of those surveyed stated they were able to sleep well most of the time. Twenty five percent thought their sleep problem had adverse effects on their daily routines.

Richard Gelula, the Chief Executive Officer of the Sleep Foundation, said there’s a link between sleep and quality of life. “People who sleep well, in general, are happier and healthier,” said Gelula. “But when sleep is poor or inadequate, people feel tired or fatigued, their social and intimate relationships suffer, work productivity is negatively affected, and they make our roads more dangerous by driving while sleepy and less alert.”

Obviously, the quality of sleep, besides the number of hours, is very important. Chris Drake, senior scientist at the Henry Ford Sleep Center in Detroit and co-chair of the 2005 poll task force, stated that some of the nation’s sleep habits can be attributed to an “always-on-the-go society.”

The commercial world of today stretches business to 24 hours a day, with 24-hour pharmacy, restaurants, casinos, supermarkets, etc., so people tend to stay up late, watch late night shows on television, surfing the web on the internet, etc. All these reduce people’s time to sleep. And some people even need more than 9 hours of sleep to feel refreshed and rested.

This study also showed (1) Sixty percent

Health@Heart

of adult stated they have driven a vehicle while drowsy from lack of sleep the past year; and 4 in 10 reported they have had an accident or near accident because of tiredness or falling asleep at the wheel. (2) Seventy five percent claims their partner has a sleep problem, snoring as the most common complaint. (3) Four out of ten of those surveyed reported lack of sleep adversely affected their sexual relationship, having lost interest in sex, having poorer performance or having sex less often. (4) Seventy percent claimed that their physician never asked them about their sleep.

The recommendations of the National Sleep Foundation and experts in the field are abstinence from any stimulant, coffee and alcohol before bedtime, and to seek medical help if they think they are having sleep problem and/or snoring, or not getting enough rest at night.

Lack of sleep reduces the normal “recharging time of our body battery, our energy source” causing a chain of reactions in our physiology and body chemistry. This “lobat” condition leads to physical and mental stresses to our system. All these alter the normal homeostasis (internal balance) within us, weakening our immune system, and increasing our risk of developing metabolic diseases, hypertension (high blood pressure), stroke and heart attack, among others, or aggravating existing illnesses.

The prescription for a healthy lifestyle, for maximal maintenance of good health and disease prevention, besides regular medical check-up, includes the following ingredients: Adequate sleep, rest and relaxation, total abstinence from tobacco, strict moderation in alcohol intake (a glass or two of red wine with dinner is great), daily exercises (like brisk walking), low-fat, low-cholesterol, low-carb, high-fiber diet (vegetables, fruits, grains, nuts, etc), and, equally important, having a happy and positive attitude in life.

The main objective of this column is to educate and inspire people live a healthier lifestyle to prevent illnesses and disabilities, and achieve a happier and more productive life. Any diagnosis, recommendation or treatment in our article are general medical information and not intended to be applicable or appropriate for anyone. This column is not a substitute for your physician, who knows your condition well and who is your best ally when it comes to your health. *** Dr. Chua is Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus, Northwest Indiana, and is currently the Chairman of Cardiac Surgery at Cebu Doctors’ University Hospital, Cebu City, Philippines. He is also Vice-President for Far East of the Cardiovascular Hospitals of America, based in Wichita, Kansas. Email:scalpelpen@gmail.com

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