LA Weekend Edition -- December 04 -- 08, 2015

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Los AngeLes

W E E K E N D

EDITION

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December 5-8, 2015

T h e F i l i p i n o –A m e r i c A n c o m m u n i T y n e w s pA p e r

Volume 25 - No. 95 • 4 Sections – 34 Pages

Also published in: • Orange County/Inland Empire • Northern California • Las Vegas • New York/ New Jersey

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14 killed, 21 injured in San Bernardino mass shooting No Filipino casualties

syed rizwan farook, 28, a Us-born health inspector for san Bernardino County, and his AJPress wife, tashfeen malik, 27, carried tWo suspects in a san Ber- out what authorities call a “wellnardino mass shooting on planned” attack during a holiday Wednesday, Dec. 2, that left at party for county employees at the least 14 people dead and 21 in- Inland regional Center. “these people came prepared jured were killed in a shootout with police more than four hours to do what they did as if they were on a mission,” said san Bernardiafter the rampage.

by Agnes

And

ConstAnte Allyson esCobAr

DATELINE

USA

from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA

GOP says no to new gun control legislation After San Bernardino attacks, lack of action in Congress rePUBLICANs in Congress announced on thursday, Dec. 3 that they would not take immediate action to bring up new gun control legislation, in the wake of the recent shooting attacks in san Bernardino, California.

Newly-elected house speaker Paul ryan said that there are “still too many unknowns” about the san Bernardino shootings, but “one common theme among many mass shootings is mental illness,” an issue which Congress has reportedly been working on through bills

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Garcetti leads coalition for Supreme Court review on Obama’s immigration plan Los ANGeLes – mayor eric Garcetti announced on friday, Dec. 4 that, as part of the Cities United for Immigration Action coalition he has led with New York mayor Bill de Blasio, 84 cities and counties filed an amicus brief asking the supreme Court to lift an injunction blocking President Barack obama’s executive actions on immigration.

Drafted by the Los Angeles City Attorney and the Corporation Counsel of the City of New York, the amicus brief makes a strong

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no police chief Jarrod Burguan, according to NBC News. “they were armed with long guns, not handguns.” the shooting was reported to have occurred at around 11 am, minutes after some sort of argument involving farook, according to multiple accounts recounted

by Burguan. following the argu-

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Pope Francis to Aquino: Pray for me

by Alexis

romero Philstar.com

VAtICAN CItY– Pray for me.

Pope francis made this appeal to President Aquino on friday, Dec. 4 during their private audience here at the center of roman Catholicism, the faith of more than 80 percent of filipinos. facing reporters after the 45-minute meeting, a visibly moved Aquino was at a loss for words to describe his conversation with the pontiff.

While it was not the first time that the pontiff made the appeal, the leader of the world’s more than 1.2 billion Catholics made an impression on the President.

“It really felt different,” Aquino said. “It’s really hard to explain. he is a very simple man. he greeted me with a smile.” the Argentine pontiff, who has launched efforts to rid the Vatican of corruption and cleanse the Church amid sex scandals involving the clergy, previously said

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IN MOURNING. A child puts a candle down at a candlelight vigil at San Manuel Stadium, Thursday, Dec. 3, in San Bernardino for multiple victims of a shooting that took place at a holiday banquet on Wednesday, Dec. 2. A heavily armed man and woman opened fire killing multiple people and seriously wounding others. Hours later, they died in a shootout with police.

AP photo by Mark J. Terrill

Comelec spokesman: Grace still in the race by sheilA

Crisostomo Philstar.com

mANILA – Despite the ruling by a Commission on elections (Comelec) division disqualifying sen. Grace Poe from the presidential race, her name will still be included in official ballots if other disqualification cases against her are not resolved before the scheduled printing of ballots.

Comelec spokesman James Jimenez made this clear even as an urgent petition was filed with the poll body on friday, Dec. 4 seeking to exclude Poe’s name from the official list of candidates for the presidency “and from the ballots to be utilized” in the 2016 general elections.

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Sen. Grace Poe talks about the Comelec division’s ruling to disqualify her from the presidential race during a press conference at the Solaire Resort and Casino in Parañaque on Friday, Dec. 4. Inset shows Poe supporters staging a rally outside the Comelec main office in Manila.

Philstar.com photo/Ernie Peñaredondo

Erap wants Bongbong to be his running mate AFP readies S e n . Fe r d i n a n d ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. is joined on stage by his mother Rep. I m e l d a M a rc o s , Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada and Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile during the announcement of his vice presidential bid at Plaza Real in Intramuros, Manila.

Geremy Pintolo/ Philstar.com file photo

by Jose

rodel ClApAno Philstar.com

mANILA – manila mayor Joseph estrada will run again for president next year if the disqualification of sen.

Grace Poe from the presidential race becomes final and Vice President Jejomar Binay is removed as a presidential candidate due to the corruption cases against him. estrada said he can substitute for romel mendoza, secretary-general of Kalipunan ng masang Pilipino

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detention cell for Pemberton

by Julie

m. Aurelio Inquirer.net

the military will upgrade the security arrangements and amenities of a Camp Aguinaldo facility that will become the jail cell of convicted Us marine Joseph scott Pemberton. the cost of the renovations will

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A DECEMBER 5-8, 2015 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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

From the Front Page

14 killed, 21 injured in San Bernardino…

PAGE A1 t

ment, Farook stormed out. Then, he and his wife, who were later identified, returned in full assault gear and guns, and opened fire on attendees.

An “explosive device” was also found in a secondary sweep of the building, authorities said, while objects made to appear as pipe bombs were thrown during

the pursuit, said Meredith Davis, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) spokeswoman, according to NBC News.

Suspects Farook was an employee for the San Bernardino County Public Health Department, where he worked for five years. He attended the same party the previ-

ous year, and did not appear out of place, the New York Times reported.

CNN reported that law enforcement officials said he was reported to have been in communication with multiple international terrorism subjects being investigated by the FBI. The news agency further reported that Farook was radicalized, which contributed to his motive. However, law enforcement authorities said other issues, such as workplace grievances, may have also played a role.

In 2013, Farook traveled to Saudi Arabia for a few weeks for the Hajj, a pilgrimage devout Muslims are required to complete at one point in their lives.

The NY Times reported that Farhan Khan, who is married to Farook’s sister, said the couple met on a dating website, and that Farook traveled to Saudi Arabia at least two times: first to meet Malik’s family and a subsequent

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PNOY IN ITALY. President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges views with Italian Republic President Sergio Mattarella during the bilateral meeting at the Arazzi de Lilla Room of the Quirinal Palace in Rome, Italy during his official visit on Wednesday, Dec. 2.

Malacañang photo by Joseph Vidal

Pope Francis to Aquino: Pray for…

PAGE A1 t

he expected not to serve long as leader of the Catholic Church.

In recent months there have also been reports, denied by the Vatican, that he was suffering

from a serious illness.

“Perhaps what is important is his appeal for us to pray for him, and he addressed that to all the members of our delegation. He repeated that mes-

sage,” Aquino said.

Aquino, who has had differences with the Catholic Church over social issues such as contraception, said the pope understood the problems of the poor and the oppressed.

“If we are face to face with the pope, we seek his blessing, we ask him to pray for us. But he was the one who asked us to pray for him,” Aquino said.

He said the pope listened to him keenly as he discussed the rehabilitation efforts in Tacloban, the area worst hit by Typhoon Yolanda in 2013. Pope Francis visited Tacloban last January.

Acknowledging that the government and the Church had clashed on some key issues, Aquino said he asked Pope Francis how they can encourage dialogue.

The pontiff responded by encouraging Aquino to read two of his works namely “Laudato Si,” the papal encyclical on the environment, and the apostolic exhortation “Evangelii Gaudium” or “Joy of the Gospel.”

The Reproductive Health Law, which provides state funding for contraceptives, was passed under Aquino’s watch despite opposition by Church officials, who believe it would encourage abortion and sexual promiscuity.

Aquino also has his own share of critics in the Catholic clergy. In January, the President created a stir among Catholics when, in the presence of the pope, he complained about clergymen critical

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From the Front page

COMPROMISE. Presidential aspirant and Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte speaks with Davao Archbishop Romulo Valles on Friday, Dec. 4, days after his controversial speech where he complained against Pope Francis’s visit in the Philippines. Duterte promised Valles, Bishop George Rimando and Monsignor Paul Cuison a donation of P1,000 to Catholic-run charity Caritas each time he utters a swearword.

Comelec spokesman: Grace still in…

PAGE A1 t

In an interview, Jimenez said the poll body hopes to release the name of the official candidates by Dec. 15. The printing of the ballots, on the other hand, is scheduled to start either in late January or early February.

Jimenez noted that since the official voters’ lists cannot be amended to include a candidate who is belatedly ruled qualified to run in the elections, “the more logical approach” is to include his or her name in the ballot as “it is easier to ignore the votes cast for that person, than to take them out of the ballots and then later on find out that they should have been on the ballot in the first place.”

“It is more practical to include and then consider them as stray votes later when they turn out to be unqualified,” he added.

On Tuesday, the Second Division of the Comelec ruled to grant the petition of former Government Service Insurance System chief legal counsel Estrella Elamparo to deny Poe’s certificate of candidacy (COC) for president, citing the senator’s failure to meet the requirements on citizenship and residency.

Poe’s disqualification is also being sought in three other petitions filed by De La Salle University professor Antonio Contreras, former senator Francisco Tatad and former University of the East College of Law dean Amado Val-

dez. The petitions are pending before the Comelec First Division.

Independent minds According to Jimenez, it is unlikely for First Division Commissioners Christian Robert Lim, Luie Guia and Rowena Guanzon to be swayed by the decision of the Second Division.

“The commissioners have their own minds and while certain arguments might be persuasive, I wouldn’t go so far (as saying) this one influences the other,” he said.

“It’s not like they will just agree to anything, so I think the division will rule properly according to the merits of the case,” he maintained.

Poe’s supporters, including actor Rez Cortez, staged a brief protest rally outside the Comelec main office in Intramuros, Manila.

The protesters branded the Comelec as a puppet of the administration, which is fielding former interior secretary Manuel Roxas II as standard bearer. All six Comelec commissioners and Chairman Andres Bautista are appointees of President Aquino.

Jimenez denied the accusation, as he gave assurance that being appointees of Malacañang was “irrelevant.”

“They have been appointed to a constitutional body, they swore an oath to put the interest of the Filipino people ahead of any oth-

er consideration,” he said.

“There have been many times when the commissioners have inhibited themselves when they felt they could not be impartial.

I think we should give every commissioner the benefit of the doubt,” he added.

Elamparo, meanwhile, said including Poe’s name in the ballots despite her disqualification will undermine the electoral process.

“The organization of an election with bona fide candidates standing is onerous enough. To add into the mix candidates with no serious intentions or capabilities to run a viable campaign would actually impair the electoral process,” she said in her urgent petition to exclude the senator’s name from printed ballots.

Elamparo added that since Poe’s COC was denied due course, her case is “analogous.”

“In fact in her case, she is not just a nuisance candidate, she does not posses the required qualifications to begin with,” she said. “Her exclusion from the list of candidates is thus even more imperative.”

Uphill battle For veteran election lawyer Romulo Macalintal, it’s an uphill battle for Poe. He said it would be “very difficult” for Poe to have the Comelec full session overturn the decision of the poll body’s Second Divi-

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 5-8, 2015

A

A DECEMBER 5-8, 2015 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

From the Front page

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

Erap wants Bongbong to be his…

PAGE A1 t

(Kampil), which is allied with his Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino (PMP). He wants Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to be his running mate, Estrada told The Star in an interview.

“If I will run again, Bongbong Marcos will be my running mate,” he said.

“He is a strong candidate. He has the so-called solid North vote. He is also strong here in Metro Manila because of the housing programs that benefited

thousands of Manileños in the 1970s when Mrs. Imelda Marcos was governor of the Metro Manila Commission.”

He has until Dec. 10 to make official his presidential candidacy, Estrada said.

“Many things can still happen in the remaining six or seven days before Dec. 10,” he said.

“I have seven days more to file my candidacy as president and be a substitute candidate of the PMP. We have to preserve democracy in the country by en-

"RVJOP -PFX CERTIFIED SPECIALISTS IN U.S. IMMIGRATION LAW

suring that the opposition has its own candidate.”

He is a strong candidate in Mindanao, where he won against President Aquino in 2010, Estrada said.

A highly placed source said that Mendoza is not a “nuisance” candidate, and that Estrada will not have any legal problem should he decide to be a substitute candidate.

“The PMP is putting up a team of legal luminaries to defend the legitimacy of the candidacy of Romel Mendoza,” the source said.

“He was duly nominated by PMP and has a certificate of nomination of PMP with no less than Sen. Jinggoy Estrada signing it,” the source said.

“Unlike Mayor Rodrigo Duterte of Davao City, if ever Mayor Estrada will substitute for Mendoza, he already has a complete lineup for vice president and 12 senatorial candidates.” (With report from Rhodina Villanueva)

PAGE A1 t Richard M. Loew, Esq.

Allison Aquino-Silva, Esq.

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BONGBONG COOKS TOO. Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos treated one and all to a sample of his culinary skills as he stir-fried beef that had been marinated with “Imeldifique” made with all Ilocano ingredients during the launch on Tuesday, Dec. 1 of the first Ilocano cooking wine. Watching Senator Marcos whip up his dish are Destileria Limtuaco & Co., Inc.’s President, Olivia Limpe-Aw, Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos, Heny Sison and Ilocos Sur Vice Governor Deogracias Victor “DV” Savellano. Also present during the launch at Victorino’s, an Ilocano restaurant in Quezon City where various dishes using “Imeldifique” cooking wine was served were Ilocos Norte 2nd District Congresswoman Imelda R. Marcos and former Ilocos Sur Governor Chavit Singson.

Senate photo

AFP readies detention cell for…

be borne by the Philippines and the government of the United States, which reportedly wanted the repairs done to ensure that Pemberton’s cell met international standards.

Pemberton is temporarily detained at the converted container van at the Mutual Defense Board-Security Engagement Board (MDB-SEB) compound in Camp Aguinaldo where he had been held since his arrest last year. But the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) has taken over the job of securing him from the Americans now that he has been convicted.

Terms of VFA In accordance with the terms of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), the US and the Philippines have agreed that the facility at the barracks of the Armed Forces Custodial Center should be Pemberton’s place of detention where he will serve out his 6-to-12-year sentence for the killing of transgender Jennifer Laude at an Olongapo City hotel last year.

However, the US has requested that the facility be improved, said BuCor director general Ricardo Rainier Cruz III. “It should meet international standards… There was a request to improve it, the expenses will

be mutually shouldered,” Cruz said in a phone-patch interview.

Since his conviction by an Olongapo court last Tuesday, Dec. 1, Pemberton has been incarcerated at his old cell, a 20-foot airconditioned container van.

The Olongapo judge immediately ordered that the Marine be taken to the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City, but the US servicemen securing Pemberton refused to turn him over to Philippine authorities.

Back to Aguinaldo The court later changed its order, directing that Pemberton be detained in the meantime at his old cell at Camp Aguinaldo.

Pemberton’s soon-to-be new home is less than 100 meters away from his current detention cell. The AFP custodial center can accommodate up to 50 people.

The physical security of the new jail cell will be improved by securing it with barbed wire and installing more surveillance cameras to keep an eye on the convicted US Marine. Pemberton’s new jail cell may also be repainted and redesigned to make the temperature cooler.

The cost of the renovations will be shared between the BuCor, the AFP and the US government.

“The facility itself is okay.

Pemberton is not that high-risk a prisoner, he is in the mediumsecurity level category given his prison sentence,” Cruz said.

For the past two days, Camp Aguinaldo’s Gate 6 near the intersection of Katipunan and Boni Serrano avenues, which is close to the MDB-SEB compound where Pemberton is being temporarily detained, has been closed to vehicles.

Three shifts Three shifts of six prison guards each keep an eye on Pemberton every day, or a total of 18 prison guards a day.

US servicemen are still on guard duty, but only as a secondary layer of security since Pemberton’s security is now primarily with the BuCor. Pemberton’s meals are brought three times a day by the US servicemen, despite a daily P50 meal allowance given by the BuCor. The BuCor will still give the P50 daily meal allowance to Pemberton but in monthly batches.

So far, Pemberton has not had any visits from his relatives. Most of his visitors have so far been his lawyers.

Prisoner number Cruz said Pemberton underwent a reception and diagnostic process, which included taking his mug shots and fingerprints.

The US Marine has been issued a prisoner number as well.

“I think his morale is okay, since he went back to his old cell. He probably thought that he would end up at the New Bilibid Prison,” the BuCor official said.

According to Cruz, even before Pemberton was convicted last Tuesday, US and Philippine authorities through the Visiting Forces Agreement Commission had already agreed on Camp Aguinaldo as the possible detention area.

“There was an agreement already between the BuCor, the AFP, as well as the Department of Justice and the Philippine National Police, that he won’t be detained at the NBP,” he said.

He said this was provided for in the VFA, and that the renovations to Pemberton’s jail cell was also provided for in the VFA. n

14 killed, 21 injured in San Bernardino…

PAGE A2 t

time to marry her.

Malik became a naturalized Pakistani-American citizen through her marriage to Farook two years ago.

On the day of the shooting, the suspects left their six-month-old daughter with Farook’s grandmother, saying they had to go to a doctor’s appointment.

People who worked with Farook described him as a quiet person.

“He never struck me as a fanatic, he never struck me as suspicious,” Griselda Reisinger, a colleague who worked with Farook until May, told the Los Angeles Times.

Another co-worker who shared a cubicle with Farook, Patrick Baccari, said his colleague never acted out of the ordinary. He added that Farook hardly ever started conversations with other people and almost never talked about religion at work.

Another person acquainted with him, Maria Gutierrez, told the New York Daily News that Farook was “quiet but always polite.”

Khan also described the couple as “very private people” and said Farook was a “normal person,” the NY Times reported.

At a press conference in Anaheim, Khan said he was in “shock,” ABC News reported.

“I am very sad, deeply sad and shocked something like this happened here in my community.

I love this country, I’m living in this community for a long time and something like this happened here,” Khan said.

“On behalf of my family, we are all shocked and very sorry for what happened,” he continued.

“I have no idea why [Farook] would do that.”

As of press time, police have yet to determine a motive for the attack, but Burguan said investigators do not believe an individual was targeted in the incident.

In 2013, a man with his name and title working at the agency earned $53,000, according to records cited by CNN. Reports also say there was no indication his job was in jeopardy.

President Barack Obama on Thursday, December 3, said the attack could have possibly been terrorist related, but provided no confirmation.

“At this stage we do not yet know why this terrible event occurred,” he said at the Oval Office.

“It is possible that this was terrorist related, but we don’t know. It’s also possible that this

was workplace related,” Obama said, adding that more conclusions will be drawn after the FBI conducts a substantial number of interviews, CNN reported.

Burguan made a similar comment.

“We have no information at this point to indicate that this is terrorist-related, in the traditional sense that people may be thinking,” he said, according to the LA Times. “Obviously, at a minimum, we have a domestic terrorist-type situation that occurred here.”

Earlier reports of a possible third suspect were dismissed on Thursday. Although a third person was detained after the attack, Burguan said the person was connected to a different case.

As of Friday, Dec. 4 press time, two law enforcement officials said that Malik had pledged allegiance--called a bayat, declaring a person’s loyalty--to an Islamic State leader in a Facebook post, made under a different name which had been removed. However, FBI technicians were able to recover the post, which is the clearest indication yet that the attacks in San Bernardino were very likely related to terrorism.

It was not immediately clear if Malik’s post on Facebook, which she had deleted herself, refers to Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the emir of the self-proclaimed Islamic State terror group, said the Washington Post. The Facebook post also “strongly suggested the attack was premeditated,” the officials, who were not authorized to speak publicly on the matter, said Friday.

However, they cautioned that the new evidence did not mean the Islamic State directed Malik and her husband to carry out the shootings, and they believed the couple had become self-radicalized, said LA Times.

“At this point we believe [Malik and Farook] were more selfradicalized and inspired by the group than actually told to do the shooting,” one official said.

Malik and Farook also attempted to cover their tracks by damaging some personal electronic devices, which were quickly discovered. A senior federal official said that FBI agents believe Farook was in contact with a small number of suspected extremists, and the connection “may only be tangential,” but the potential link suggests there may be a “deeper terror matrix” behind the shootings.

“Based on the information and facts as we know them, the [FBI] is investigating this as an act of terrorism,” said David Bowdich,

the assistant FBI director in charge of the Los Angeles office, on Friday at a press conference.

While not offering any further details, Bowdich said, “there’s a number of pieces of evidence that has pushed us off the cliff.”

Guns used were purchased legally The guns used in the San Bernardino shooting were purchased legally in the United States, an ATF spokesman said, according to RT. The Associated Press reported that two were bought by someone who is now under investigation.

The suspects had two .223caliber assault rifles, which are powerful enough to break through the standard bulletproof vest worn by police officers. They also had two semi-automatic handguns manufactured by Ilama and Smith & Wesson, according to Burguan.

Authorities, including the FBI, said the level of preparedness and equipment used suggests a certain degree of planning, RT reported.

“They were in tactical gear and have several mags full of ammunition fashioned to their body so they were ready for a gunfight should that occur,” Davis of the ATF told NBC News. “With my experiences with other mass shootings, there are indicators this was well-planned out and it was to be violent in nature.”

Police found more than 1,400 rounds for the rifle and over 200 rounds of 9mm ammunition in the suspects’ SUV, RT reported; 2,000 rounds for the handgun and 2,500 rounds for the rifle were found at their home in Redlands.

Also found were 12 pipe bomb-style devices and hundreds of tools police said could be used to build improvised explosive devices, ABC News reported.

Victims identified The names of the victims of Wednesday’s attack were released Thursday. Many of them included employees of Inland Regional Center, as well as the San Bernardino County environmental health department.

The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs and Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles said that there were no reports of Filipinos or Filipino-Americans killed or injured.

“So far we have not received reports of Filipinos to be among the victims in the shooting,” presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said. “Our consulates in California are monitoring closely the situation and advising the Fil-

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From the Front Page

14 killed, 21 injured in San Bernardino…

PAGE A4 t

ipino community accordingly.”

The victims included Daniel Kaufman, 42, who ran and trained clients in the coffee shop at the Regional Center; Damian Meins, a physical education teacher in Riverside; Nicholas Thalasinos, 52, an environmental health specialist; Sierra Clayborn, 27, a graduate of the University of California at Riverside; Mike Raymond Wetzel, a loving father; Robert Adams, 40; Isaac Amanios, 60; Bennetta Betbadal, 46; Harry Bowman, 46; Juan Espinoza, 50; Aurora Godoy, 26; Shannon Johnson, 45; Tin Nguyen, 31; and Yvette Velasco.

“I’ve lost so many friends and co-workers,” a saddened Leilah Kelsey, a supervisor at the San Bernardino County Health Department who survived the attacks, told the Daily News. “We don’t know who’s all gone yet.

We don’t have all the names yet.

There’s so many people unaccounted for.”

The coroner’s teams were still working at Inland Regional on Thursday, and law enforcement said that some of the bodies of victims remained at the center, according to the NY Times.

Among the injured included several who were in critical condition, but “stabilized,” according to officials. Three of the wounded were listed in fair condition at nearby Loma Linda University Medical Center, said Kerry Heinrich, chief executive of the hospital.

“All of the patients are gunshot wound victims,” he said, not giving any more detail.

Twenty-four-year-old Kevin Ortiz, a county environment inspector, was shot twice in the leg and once in the shoulder. He was able to survive and call his family to tell them he was “in a lot of pain,” but okay. “That’s Kevin, he’s a fighter,” said his brother, David.

Ortiz is being treated at the Arrowhead Regional Memorial Hospital in Colton, California, which had five patients from the shooting as of Thursday morning, according to San Bernardino

County spokeswoman Felisa Cardona.

22-year-old Jennifer Stevens from Redondo Beach, who suffered a gunshot wound to her abdomen, was in “stable condition,” according to her mother.

Julie Paez, another employee of the health department, was attending the Christmas party in the conference room. She was supposed to receive an Employee of the Year award when the assailants stormed into the room, opening fire. Paez survived, but was shot once in the upper thigh and once in the abdomen.

Hours after the shooting on Wednesday, Inland Regional Center was an “active scene,” officials described. Survivors of the attack were hiding in offices, bathrooms, and closets, and employees in surrounding buildings were placed on lockdown before being safely evacuated by authorities.

Those impacted were texting their loved ones to let them know they were alive.

“It’s been a rough night. It hits home since I work here, and I have friends whose families are forever affected...I just can’t believe this happened,” a county social worker who preferred not to be named told the Asian Journal. “The sad thing is, this could have happened at any time.

We don’t have properly trained armed guards. People are worried about going to work.”

The county employee, who works for Children and Family Services of San Bernardino County, described his work meeting being cancelled before the shooting, and being on lockdown in a building nearby for several hours as police actively searched for the suspects. Several courts in the area cancelled their hearings, while all buildings in close proximity of the incidents were on lockdown.

“Children and Family Services are on emergency response duty; we can get called in and respond from home. Even in tragedy, we never completely shut down because we prevent further tragedy. I work with some amazing

people--you have to have dedication and heart in CFS.” More than 1 shooting each day in the US in 2015 Wednesday’s incident in San Bernardino marks what RT reported as the “deadliest gun violence episode” in 2015, a year when 355 mass shootings have occurred.

“My heart is broken after this rampage that led to tragic loss of life, so many injuries, so much trauma and pain for the people of San Bernardino. I want to thank the medical personnel who are working as we speak to save

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 5-8, 2015 A

lives, and all the brave, courageous law enforcement officers who rushed to the scene and later stopped these killers,” US Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) said.

Two databases that track mass shootings indicate that 462 people have died while 1,314 have been injured in such incidents this year. Many of these occurred on streets or in public settings, according to the databases.

The information comes from shootingtracker.com and gunviolencearchive.org, which are unofficial tallies that depend on news accounts.

This week alone, five people were injured Sunday, Nov. 29, in a shooting in Kankakee, Ill.; on Wednesday, before the San

SEAFOOD CITY 1

Bernardino incident, a shooting in Savannah, Ga. left one woman dead and three men wounded, the Washington Post reported.

In November, shootings in East Texas, New Orleans, and Jacksonville, Fla. left 10 people dead and 17 injured.

A recent report by the Congressional Research Service found a slight rise in recent years in shootings where four or more people were killed: from 2009 to 2013, there was an average of 22.4 mass shootings per year, versus 20.2 shootings annually in the preceding five years.

However, James Alan Fox, a criminologist at Northeastern University, told the NY Times that when analyzed in four-year

intervals rather than five-year ones, the average number of yearly mass shootings declined from 2011 to 2014 compared to the preceding four-year period.

“It’s a matter of how you slice it,” Fox told the publication, who still touted the research service’s report.

San Bernardino Mayor Carey Davis spoke Thursday of his “shock” over Wednesday’s event.

“The priority has been public safety. Our police department responded as effectively and safely as they could,” Davis said, according to TODAY. “We need to stay on a high level of alert but at the same time we can’t be paralyzed by these instances.” n

A DECEMBER 5-8, 2015 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Pope Francis to Aquino…

PAGE A2 t

of him but were silent on the previous administration’s flaws.

Aquino nevertheless stressed that during the private audience, he was more of a Catholic talking to his pope rather than a head of state.

Aquino also invited Pope Francis to visit the Philippines through his Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin. The pope, however, has a busy schedule next year because of the Jubilee Year.

“I told him my countrymen have instructed me to extend the invitation to the Holy Father anytime that he wants. And then, of course, there are so many invitations from around the world. He will have to stay in Rome, especially next year,” Aquino said.

“Well, there might be a few trips next year but there are so many invitations everywhere. We understand that the invitation is open but it was not mentioned that he will visit us,” he added.

Comelec…

PAGE A3 t

sion to disqualify her and cancel her COC. Since the three members of the Second Division voted against her unanimously, only one vote in the seven-member commission is needed to sustain the ruling, he said.

On the other hand, four votes are required to reverse it, he added. (With reports from Jess Diaz, and Paolo Romero)

Aquino also informed Pope Francis that his apostolic visit to the Philippines last January revitalized the local Church.

“In fact, up to now, the tarpaulins and posters that were done for his visit, a lot of them appear to be in pristine condition. They were being kept by our countrymen on display. They will probably be handed down to the next generation,” the President said.

The private audience was held at the Apostolic Palace at around 10:30 a.m. (5:30 p.m. Philippine time). Aquino gave Pope Francis a Philippine-made bone china tea set made by Filipino designer Ito Kish.

The set is composed of white cups and saucers designed with details of Philippine rural life including the carabao, coconut tree and nipa hut or bahay kubo.

The pope was also given a box of fresh Philippine mangoes.

Pope Francis reciprocated by giving Aquino a bronze sculpture. The sculpture has an olive branch holding two halves of a cleft rock with the words: “To seek what unites, to overcome what divides.”

Aquino said the sculpture was a symbol of peace and consensus building.

“I told him we want to include everybody in consensus building and continuous dialogue in trying to merge perhaps different points of view in trying to achieve the same goal,” the President said.

“When he said ‘pray for me,’ I told him: ‘Holy Father, I think in the Philippines even those

From the Front Page

who are not Catholics pray for you and I’m sure that continually happens,” he added.

No mention of Duterte Meanwhile, Aquino said the controversy stirred by the recent statement of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte was not brought up during the meeting with the pope.

“I’m thankful it wasn’t brought up and, to be honest, I did not personally hear what Mayor Duterte said. I just saw what was written in media reports. Maybe I’ll leave it at that.”

After the meeting, Aquino witnessed the unveiling and blessing of the mosaic image of Our Lady of Peñafrancia, the patroness of Bicol. The devotion to the Our Lady of Peñafrancia dates back to about 300 years ago, making it one of the oldest in the Philippines. The feast in honor of the Virgin Mary under the title is held every September in Naga City.

Aquino said Parolin views the Philippines as an example of how to reach out to Muslims and to achieve peace, given that extremism is becoming a worldwide threat.

“I did explain that we don’t have the problem of radicalization that exists in other parts of the world. I emphasized, for instance, that we never had an incident of suicide bombing,” the President said.

Aquino also mentioned to the pope the government’s peace process with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, which he said would address all complaints and feelings of disenfranchisement in Mindanao. n

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FACE TIME. Graduate students of Business Administration from Hyogo University in Kobe, Japan, exchange views on a wide range of topics from food to politics, as well as the Philippine economy and its relations with China (some students are from China) with Dante ‘Klink’ Ang II, president/chief executive officer and executive editor of The Manila Times, and journalism students of The Manila Times College (TMTC) in Intramuros, Manila, on Thursday, Dec. 3. While the students were impressed with the Filipino hospitality and the country’s good economic prospects, they found the traffic congestion and the evidently large gap between the rich and the poor as negative about the Philippines.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Lanz MEndoza

GOP says no to new gun control…

PAGE A1 t

and legislation.

“People with mental illness are getting guns and committing these mass shootings,” Ryan said on CBS This Morning. He also made the same point earlier this week, in reaction to the Nov. 27 shooting at a Planned Parenthood in Colorado.

GOP leaders said they would “prefer to focus on overhauling the country’s mental-health system,” according to the Wall Street Journal.

Part of the discussion surrounding mental health legislation is who should and should not have access to guns, Ryan said, adding that banning gun purchases by people on no-fly terrorist watch lists (as urged by President Barack Obama) is not an option.

“Some may be aware of the fact that we have a no-fly list where people can’t get on planes, but those same people who we don’t allow to fly could go into a store right now in the United States and buy a firearm and there’s nothing we can do to stop them. That’s a law that needs to be changed,” Obama said on Wednesday, Dec. 2, the day of the San Bernardino attacks.

“Government officials put people on such lists without any due legal process, and so denying those listed the right to bear arms would violate their rights,” Ryan argued, according to USA Today. “People have due process rights in this country.”

“There will be multiple issues Congress can address, whether it means finding gaps in law enforcement, or passing crucial legislation,” the Republican from Wisconsin also suggested. But “there shouldn’t be a rush to do either at the risk of infringing upon the rights of law-abiding citizens.”

House Republicans have already rejected several Democratic attempts to use a procedural motion to bring gun reform leg-

islation to the House floor.

Authorities have not indicated that the San Bernardino shooters, Syed Farook and his wife Tashfeen Malik, were on any no-fly lists. The guns they used to kill 14 people at the Inland Regional Center for people with developmental disabilities were purchased legally.

“Part of the challenge here… and I think the frustration that people feel is everybody kind of feels like we should do something, but doing something versus doing something which will actually make a difference are two different things,” said Sen. Mike Rounds (R-SD). “Sometimes we focus on the gun itself when we probably should be focusing on the person that’s using that gun.”

In the wake of last month’s terror attacks in Paris, Republican House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) created a Republican task force on homeland security, which is intended to consider “any gaps or vulnerabilities in US security.” He has also said the no-fly list gun ban would be something the task force “will look at.”

A day after the attacks, Democratic leaders attempted to force votes on several gun control measures, including expanded background checks of suspected individuals.

Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) offered an amendment to

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A

Zuckerberg and wife to give away 99% of Facebook shares by

Agnes ContstAnte AJPress

PNOY IN ITALY. President Benigno S. Aquino III shares the stage with the children at the meeting with the Filipino Community in Rome, Italy for a snap shot at the Leptis Magna Function Room of the Ergife Palace Hotel during his official visit on Thursday, Dec. 3.

MalacaĂąang photo by Joseph Vidal

Garcetti leads coalition for Supreme Court review‌ PAGE A1 t

case for support of lifting the injunction on public safety, economic, and humanitarian grounds. “National, state, and local leaders across the country are asking the Supreme Court to review the decision in Texas v. United States because we have a special understanding of how generations of immigrants have contributed to the foundation of our cities and the strength of our nation,� said Garcetti in a statement. “Partisan politics should not stand in the way of doing what is right for families who simply want to stay together. These are true american values, and it is our obligation to do all we can to preserve and protect family bonds.�

In November, the Obama administration announced that it would seek the Supreme Court’s review of the president’s executive actions on immigration, following a federal appeals court’s ruling that the plans must remain blocked.

Obama, in November 2014, announced a series of actions that would shield up to 5 million undocumented immigrants from deportation. Texas v. United States -- a lawsuit brought on by of 26 states -- seeks to ban two key provisions of the plan: Deferred action for Parents of americans (DaPa) and an expanded version of the Deferred action on Childhood arrivals (DaCa).

Under DaPa, parents of US citizens or lawful permanent residents could be spared from deportation if they meet certain

criteria, including continuous residency in the US since Jan. 1, 2010 and a clean record free of any criminal offenses.

Meanwhile, the amended version of DaCa was slated to include children brought to the United States before Jan. 1, 2010, notwithstanding their current age, and would have provided three years of relief.

The original version of DaCa, which was introduced in 2012, remains intact and untouched by the lawsuit. The program is reserved for those who were born after 1981.

Texas and 25 other states filed

a lawsuit back in February, stating that the creation of DaPa and expansion of DaCa go against the president’s executive power and would have negative effects on each state’s economy. Texas asserted that the “lawful presence� of the immigrants would require the state to issue “statesubsidized driver’s licenses� and other aid programs.

Garcetti’s coalition continues on his administration’s commitment to immigration issues. In Los angeles alone, Similarly on Friday, over 210 congressional Democrats -- in-

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Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook co-founder and chief executive, announced Tuesday, Dec. 1, that he and his wife will give away 99 percent of their shares in the company—which are currently worth over $45 billion—during their lifetimes to charitable causes.

In an open letter to his new daughter, Max, whose birth last week was only made public Tuesday, Zuckerberg said he and his wife, Dr. Priscilla Chan, would donate their wealth to make the world a better place for her and the rest of her generation. “Like all parents, we want you to grow up in a world better than ours today,� he wrote in the letter. “Our society has an obligation to invest now.�

The couple also said they launched the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative to manage the money through a limited liability corporate structure. The organization will initially focus on curing disease, connecting people, building strong communities and personalized learning.

No further details were pro-

Mark Zuckerberg

vided on the how and when the couple will distribute its wealth, though Zuckerberg said further specifics would be released once he and Chan return from paternity and maternity leave, respectively. “Having this child has made us think about all of the things that should be improved in the world for her whole generation,� Zuckerberg said in a video. “The only way that we reach our full human potential is if we’re able to unlock the gifts of every person around the world.�

Zuckerberg’s announcement, along with previous donations, reflects a generational shift, philanthropy experts said, accord-

ing to the Los angeles Times.

He and Chan have previously committed $1.6 billion to charitable causes, a spokesperson for the family said, according to the New York Times. These include $120 million to support education in underserved Bay area communities; $100 million in 2010 to improve public schools in Newark; $75 million to San Francisco General Hospital; and $25 million to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The NY Times reported that Zuckerberg’s pledge is the latest indicator of an increasing interest in philanthropy among young Silicon Valley billionaires who, unlike the wealthy in previous generations, appear eager to share their fortunes while they are still young. “The way Gen X and millennials practice philanthropy is very different from the World War II generation and the baby boomers,� said Marian Stern, adjunct assistant professor in philanthropy at New York University’s School of Professional Studies, according to the La Times. “Millennial donors are less patient.

They want to use their money

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Upheld: Jury’s $4.5M award to trafficked Filipino teachers

LOS ANGELES – A US appeals court on Tuesday, December 1 upheld a jury’s $4.5 million award to a class of roughly 350 Filipino teachers who accused recruitment companies of demanding they pay massive processing and placement fees or face losing their jobs in Louisiana.

Affirming a California federal judge’s amended judgment following the jury verdict, the the Ninth Circuit decided that Los Angeles-based Universal Placement International Inc. and its principal, Lourdes “Lulu” Navarro, had to pay back the fees, along with about $1.3 million in attorneys’ fees.

The teachers on November 4 had asked the appeals court to uphold a federal jury’s $4.5 million award.

A class of 347 Filipino teachers, who came to the United States

News Service. They reportedly paid up to $16,000 each to work in public schools in Louisiana.

The teachers incurred debts and the recruiters tried to silence them with threats of legal action and deportation, the teachers’ lawsuit claimed.

Louisiana school districts chose Universal International Placement, based in Los Angeles Koreatown, its president Lourdes “Lulu” Navarro and Quezon City-based PARS International Placement Agency, to recruit the teachers.

The school districts hired NaMairi Nunag-Tanedo is one of hundreds of teachers recruited from the Philippines to varro even though she was a conteach in Louisiana public schools. SPLC photo victed swindler who served time for defrauding the California to work on H-1B guest worker Medi-Cal system of more than $1 visas, said recruitment agencies million. She also pleaded guilty and their agents misled them to money laundering in New Jerand collected millions of dollars sey, according to the August 5, in fees, according to Courthouse 2010 complaint. n

GOP says no to new gun control…

PAGE A6 t

allow the attorney general to prevent someone from buying a gun if that person is a known or suspected terrorist. A person could also be barred from buying a firearm if the attorney general has a “reasonable belief” that the individual would use it in connection with a terrorist act.

“If somebody is too dangerous to board an airplane (because they are on a terrorist watch list), they are too dangerous to buy a gun,” Feinstein said at a press

conference with Democratic senators. “This shouldn’t be a partisan issue.”

Senate Republicans have blocked Democrats’ gun-related amendments to a healthcare bill, including a measure that would have expanded background checks to all gun sales online and at gun shows, aiming to flag people with criminal or mental-health histories that would disqualify them from gun ownership.

Current law states that checks are needed only for sales by fed-

erally-licensed dealers.

Democrats also tried to attach the background check provisions to a Republican measure that intends to repeal portions of Obamacare, and ban federal funding for Planned Parenthood (which Obama has said he will veto). However, Republicans swiftly blocked the measures in a series of floor votes, instead offering alternative versions of the amendments.

Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY) said Democrats would “continue

HIV/AIDS AWARENESS. The Department of Health (DOH) urged the public not to be left out of the fight against human immunodeficiency virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) as part of the observance of World AIDS Day. Health Secretary Janette Garin said they have strengthened their partnership with other government agencies such as the Department of Education and community-based groups to boost public awareness about HIV/AIDS. Earlier, the DOH reported that some 133,000 Filipinos would acquire the AIDS virus by 2022, costing the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. some P4 billion yearly for the outpatient HIV treatment package alone.

Philstar.com photo by Boy Santos

to push the legislation, and may try to attach it to an omnibus spending bill to fund the government through the 2016 fiscal year.”

“The worst thing we can do is do nothing,” Schumer said.

“For far too long we’ve done nothing, even as gun violence shakes our nation to its core,” said Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) on the Senate floor. “The American people are desperately looking for help, some help, any help.” (Allyson Escobar / AJPress)

thiS Week in RevieW US Monumental highway bill passed in Congress TRANSPORTATION advocates are celebrating after the passage of a five-year, $305 billion highway bill that they have been seeking for years. The 1,300-page bill, paid for with gas tax revenue (18.4 cents per gallon) and $70 billion in offsets, is the first multiyear highway funding measure approved by lawmakers in a decade. It was approved by the Senate in an 83-16 tally, hours after sailing through the House vote, 359-65. Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act calls for spending approximately $205 billion on highways, and $48 billion on transit projects over the next five years, and it reauthorizes the charter of the Export-Import Bank until 2019. Supporters applauded lawmakers for the strong bipartisan votes in favor of the funding measure, which came with just one day left before he nation’s road and transit spending was set to expire, and President Obama is expected to quickly sign. “The FAST Act will offer five years of stability to our nation’s surface transportation programs, while steadily increasing infrastructure investment…it means faster and safer infrastructure, economic growth, and more prosperity,” said Association of Equipment Manufacturers President Dennis Slater after the final vote on Dec. 3.

Amazon defeats Barnes & Noble sales SALES for the major book and music retailer have fallen drastically in its most recent quarter, and the company also reported plunging shares of more than 20%. Barnes & Noble’s long-term debt has tripled from a year ago to $192 million, and the company has only $13.4 million in cash (down from $32 million in 2014). The biggest reason for the losses is Barnes & Nobles’ online competitor giant, Amazon, which has revolutionized digital retail, selling everything from books to CDs to tech gadgets. The Amazon Kindle, which had a major sale over the Thanksgiving and Black Friday weekend, also destroyed Nook e-reader sales, which have plunged nearly 32% from last year.

Study: exercise for young adults is good for the heart A NEW, updated study published in JAMA Internal Medicine suggests that young adults who exercise may have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and higher survival odds decades later than their non-active young peers. Proper diet and fitness has long been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease in older adults; however, the new study offers fresh evidence that workout routines begun in the earlier years of life before cardiovascular problems may help keep them from developing in the first place.

“Each additional minute a person could exercise on a treadmill in early adulthood was associated with substantially lower likelihood of risk of dying or developing cardiovascular diseases over 25 years later,” said Dr. Ravi Shah of Harvard Medical School and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, which led the study.

Zuckerberg and wife to give away…

PAGE A7 t

and they want to see changes now. It’s not surprising, given they’ve grown up in a fast-moving world.”

When now 31-year-old Zuckerberg was 26, he signed the Giving Pledge, vowing to give away the majority of his wealth, along with other tech leaders, including Facebook Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg, Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen and Oracle Executive Chairman Larry Ellison.

In the past, the wealthy waited until they were old or dead before donating large amounts to charity.

Whatever Zuckerberg and Chan decide to invest in, they will be able to enjoy the rewards of donating at a relatively young age, Melanie Ulle, founder and chief executive of Philanthropy Expert, an organization dedicated to maximizing philanthropic efforts, told the LA Times.

“What Mark and Priscilla are doing is giving themselves the opportunity to enjoy their philanthropy,” she said, “because it’s really hard to enjoy it when you’re dead.”

In a statement, Microsoft founder Bill Gates and his wife, Melinda, congratulated the Zuckerbergs.

“The example you’re setting today is an inspiration to us and

the world,” they said. “We can be confident of this: Max and every child born today will grow up in a world that is better than the one we know now. As you say, ‘Seeds planted now will grow.’ Your work will bear fruit for many decades to come.”

Gates is among those well-off who engaged in philanthropic activities much later, admitting that running Microsoft was all he focused on when he was in his 20s and 30s.

The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, through its status as a limited liability corporation, will be able to invest in companies and lobby for legislation, among other actions, which non-profit organizations are prohibited from doing under tax laws. A spokeswoman for the family told the NY Times that additional profits from investments will be directed back into the Initiative for future projects.

Despite the large sum the Zuckerbergs have committed to donating, the Facebook cofounder plans to keep his majority voting position in the company’s stock for the foreseeable future, the NY Times reported. In a filing to the US Securities and Exchange Commission, Facebook said Zuckerberg plans “to sell or gift no more than $1 billion of Facebook stock each year for the next three years.” n

Garcetti leads coalition for…

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cluding Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) -- announced that they filed an amicus brief supporting the Department of Justice’s appeal for the high court’s review of the federal appeals court’s decision.

“We are confident that the Supreme Court will support President Obama’s decision to use the authority granted by Congress to set enforcement priorities and

focus our limited resources on threats to national security and public safety, not hard-working families,” Reid and Pelosi said in a statement. “President Obama took executive action after extensive legal analysis by the Department of Justice and only after Republicans refused to address our broken immigration system.”

If the Supreme Court decides to hear the immigration case, a decision could come by June, before the term ends. (AJPress)

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Dateline PhiliPPines

A

Binay hits back after Aquino’s Duterte next to take ‘hot seat’ swipe at Roxas’ poll rivals run and win the presidency.

The Comelec would initially ManilaTimes.net take up Castor’s petition to canTHE Commission on Elec- cel Duterte’s COC for President tions (Comelec) will devote its before deliberating on the validtime next week to hearing and ity of his substitution as the PDPresolving a disqualification case Laban standard-bearer. against Davao City Mayor RodriIn his petition, Castor argued go Duterte, who recently filed a that Diño’s COC was defective certificate of candidacy (COC) as as he purportedly indicated that a substitute candidate for President of PDP-Laban.

Commissioner Rowena Guanzon, a member of the poll body’s First Division, on Friday, Dec. 4 said oral arguments on the petition filed by a certain Ruben Castor who questioned the legality of Duterte’s substitution of original party candidate, Martin Diño, would be held on Wednesday or a day before the deadline for the substitution of candidates for next year’s general elections.

Duterte, 70, withdrew his COC for reelection last Friday, Nov. 27, and subsequently filed his COC for President and certificate of nomination and acceptance (CONA) as the substitute candidate of the Partido Demokratikong Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan.

Diño, the secretary-general of PDP-Laban and a former Quezon City barangay (village) captain, filed his candidacy papers on the last day of the filing of COCs last October 16 after Duterte failed to show up at the Comelec main offices in Intramuros, Manila, where he was expected to file his COC. Duterte would later criticize those pushing him to run for President, saying he was not coveting any higher position and that he would rather retire from politics.

The feisty Davao mayor was widely speculated to be running for President after he started a nationwide lecture tour last year purportedly to promote the idea of shifting to a federal form of government.

Duterte by late November announced he had a “change of heart” after the Senate Electoral Tribunal voted to dismiss a petition questioning Sen. Grace Poe’s citizenship and residency.

Duterte, a lawyer and a former prosecutor, said he could not allow the Constitution to be violated if Poe, who leads in pre-election presidential preference surveys, would eventually be allowed to

by WilliAm

by mARc JAyson

cAyAByAB

Inquirer.net

VICE President Jejomar Binay on Friday, Dec 4 hit back at the administration after President Benigno Aquino III took an apparent swipe against him during a speech in Rome.

In a statement, Binay’s spokesperson Rico Quicho said Aquino’s latest jab during his visit in Rome “can be interpreted as a signal to resume the demolition work on the Vice President.”

Without dropping names, Aquino in his speech took a jab at the presidential candidates who would compete against his anointed successor, former Interior Secretary Mar Roxas in the 2016 elections.

He said one candidate, despite his party’s slogan “gaganda ang buhay,” is facing corruption allegations.

“Suriin po natin ang mga pagpipilian natin. Mayroon po diyan, inakusahan ng pagsasamsam ng kaban ng bayan sa pagkatagal-tagal na panahon. Kung totoo ang alegasyon at nagnanakaw nga itong taong ito, ano po kaya ang matitira para tustusan ang pagpapaganda ng buhay na ipinapangako niya?” Aquino said.

Binay was indicted for graft by the Ombudsman

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Vice Pres. Jejomar Binay

Inquirer.net file photo

Pinoys in Paris still wary of terror attacks

by Alexis

RomeRo Philstar.com

ROME – Some Filipino migrants in Paris and Rome still feel nervous when going to crowded places after the terrorist attacks in the French capital that left 130 people dead last month.

With Europe now on high alert due to the threat posed by the Islamic State (IS), a number of Filipinos have either become extra vigilant when in public places or have adjusted their routine.

Kris Tagupo, a videographer who lives in an area about 10 minutes from Saint-Denis, the suburb of Paris raided by the police five days after the Nov. 13 attacks, said he now tries to go home as early as possible. Two suspects, including alleged mastermind Abdelhamid Abaaoud, were killed during the operation.

Tagupo, a Pangasinan native, also said they get nervous when they are still out by 11 p.m.

He added that even some of their social activities have been affected, as he pointed out that Filipino gatherings now end at around 6:30pm, when previous-

ly these would last until about 10pm.

Arlene Sebastian, who works as a baby sitter in the French capital, said she still feels anxious when visiting malls, although she believes that security personnel are doing their jobs well.

“They are trying their best to secure you. What they do is they frisk you and open your jackets,” she said, noting that police have been very visible since the attacks.

In a recent interview with Radio TV Malacañang, Philippine ambassador to France Maria Theresa Lazaro said no Filipino was harmed during the Nov. 13 incident.

“The Filipino community here in Paris and in the entire France are in the best situation,” she said.

In Rome, more than 1,400 kilometers away from Paris, some Filipinos are getting concerned about their safety.

“I do not feel safe. IS also poses a threat to Italy and the pope did not postpone the Jubilee celebration,” said Liza Bueno, referring to the Holy Year of the Catholic Church that will start on Dec.

8 with the opening of the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica.

“We are afraid to leave our houses on Dec. 8. We do not know what will happen to us,” said Bueno, a Batangas native who runs a consultation office for migrants. She qualified though that Filipinos, with extra vigilance, still gather on Thursdays or Sundays.

Rita Perez Landicho, who hails from Oriental Mindoro, said she still feels safe in Rome although she has also become more conscious about her surroundings.

She admitted that the Paris attacks temporarily changed her daily routine as she avoided taking the train on days immediately after the attacks.

Despite the terrorist threats in Europe, Fr. Gregory Gaston of the Collegio Filippino still feels confident about his safety, adding that one just needs to be observant when in crowded places like subway stations.

Paul Reyes, a Tarlac native who is in the cargo business, said that the recent terrorist attacks did not have any effect on his activities. n

B. DepAsupil

he is running for mayor of Pasay City (Metro Manila), not for President, thus he can only withdraw his candidacy for mayor, not for President.

Moreover, he claimed that Dino’s COC was also void because it contains several material misrepresentation in violation of the

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A10 DECEMBER 5-8, 2015 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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OpiniOn

Features

Resolve this quickly

THE Senate Electoral Tribunal allowed her to keep her seat in Congress, but Sen. Grace Poe has lost the initial round in her attempt to run for president next year. The Second Division of the Commission on Elections ruled to disqualify Poe from the presidential race, citing her failure to meet residency and citizenship requirements.

Poe is appealing the case to the full Comelec, whose officials said her name would remain in the 2016 ballot until there is a final ruling on her case. That means a final ruling not of the Comelec but of the Supreme Court, because whatever the full Comelec decides, this battle is expected to be elevated to the SC, where appeals can further prolong the wait for a final, binding ruling.

Considering what’s at stake, both the Comelec and the SC must move quickly to resolve the controversy. If Poe is disqualified, the inclusion of her name in the ballot can cause confusion and lead to spoiled votes. Even if she is eventually allowed to run, the initial decision to disqualify her is affecting her pending a final decision, the Comelec said yesterday that Poe could run for president. If she wins and the SC later issues a final ruling that she is disqualified, it can only spell instability that the

nation cannot afford.

In the 2010 race, the qualification of Joseph Estrada to run for president was challenged before the Supreme Court. There was a valid question on whether his presidential pardon for plunder allowed him to seek elective office. The SC shirked its duty to rule on this important question, explaining that Estrada’s defeat rendered the issue moot and academic. For the 2016 race, Estrada has said he might seek the presidency again if both Poe and Vice President Jejomar Binay would be disqualified. Poe has consistently topped national surveys on the presidential race.

A president of the republic must have a clear mandate. Any cloud of doubt hanging over that mandate spells trouble not only for the president but for the nation itself. The Comelec and SC must act on Poe’s case with dispatch. (Philstar.com)

Guest Editorial

Philst ar.com photo

After San Bernardino mass shooting: more Fil-Ams want stricter gun control laws in the US FOURTEEN people were killed and 21 others wounded when a couple opened fire in San Bernardino, California last Wednesday, Dec. 2. FBI Director James Comey said they uncovered “indications of radicalization” and possible “inspiration by foreign terrorist organizations.”

Comey said the FBI does not have any clue that these killers are part of an organized larger group or form part of a cell, nor are there any hints that they are part of a network.

NBC News reported on Thursday, Dec. 3 that Farook, an American citizen of Pakistani descent, was from Chicago and worked for five years as a San Bernardino County health inspector. He appeared to have been radicalized, and had reportedly been in touch with people in the Los Angeles area who expressed support for jihad.

According to Intelligence sources, Farook ap-

peared to have been in communication with people over- The Fil-Am seas who are of interest to US Perspective authorities.

NBC News reported on Friday, Dec. 4 that Tashfeen Malik pledged allegiance to the leader of ISIS just before she and her husband Syed Rizwan Farook Gel SantoS-ReloS carried out the the San Bernardino massacre. This would confirm their link to the terroririst group.

According to NBC News, Farook’s brotherin-law contended that the slain suspect was an observant Muslim but not a “radical” and never gave any indication of what may have motivated him and his wife to launch a terror attack with four guns and explosives.

Will gun violence be America’s lasting legacy to the world? “...The point of human life is to travel from ignorance to wisdom.

In ignorance there is fear. In wis- Rhizomes dom there [is] peace and tranquility.” — Devdutt Pattanaik “If you do not understand the Golden Rule, which is the most important law in the universe, Prosy abarquezthen you are in trouble. All other delaCruz, J.d. rules in your holy books combined — are not as valuable as the ONE Golden Rule. Take two minutes to learn the most crucial law in life. Killing another human comes with the highest penalty, regardless of how you justify it.

All life is sacred.” – Suzy Kassem BBC News reports that America has 300 million guns in private hands -- apart from the police and the military -- enough to arm every man, woman and child in America. About 10 out of 100,000 in population in America die from gun-inflicted wounds.

As of September 2015, there have been 33,636 firearm deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And a higher number of 41,149 deaths from suicides, making it 13 out of 100,000 in population; 21, 175 deaths of which were self-inflicted using firearms.

America’s exceptional problem in breeding violent mass shooters The Guardian reported 1,052 shootings in 1,066 days (from December 2012 to Dec. 2, 2015) and called it, America’s gun crisis.

On Dec. 2, 2015, 14 perished at a holiday party, while 17 injured at the hands of a married Muslim couple in San Bernardino, California. This attack is considered the deadliest mass shooting since Dec. 2012, when 20 children and six adults were killed by a 20-year-old white gunman at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut.

President Barack Obama called it an unparalleled pattern that exists nowhere else in the world.

That statement is bolstered by the FBI, which reported an increasing pattern of mass shootings since 2000.

US Senator and democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders characterized it as one mass shooting per day in America, with the San Bernardino shooting being the 355th this year. Republican presidential candidate Ben Carson tweeted his thoughts and prayers to the victims.

Each statistic of a person killed is after all, a mother, a sister, a child, a brother, a father and a family member. Will we, in America, take action to safeguard the sacred lives of our family members?

Does America’s popular culture spawn violence?

On Nov. 27, 2015, the day after Thanksgiving, a mass shooting occurred in Planned Parenthood in Colorado Springs, when Robert Lewis Dear, a 57-year-old Caucasian gunman killed three and injured nine. He allegedly murdered based on his opposition to legal and authorized abortion.

For months, social media and television broadcast news, primarily Fox News, had been circulating fabricated reports, relying on an altered videotape, grotesquely mischaracterizing Planned Parenthood clinics.

There are no baby parts being sold by these clinics. Instead, CNN’s Carina Storrs reported on Nov. 30, 2015, that “fetal tissue has been used since the 1930s for vaccine development, and more recently to help advance stem cell research and treatments for degenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease. Researchers typically take tissue samples from a fetus that has been aborted (under conditions permitted by law) and grow cells from the tissue in Petri dishes.”

On social media, netizens were calling on Republicans to be held accountable for inciting fears and unjustified anger towards Planned Parenthood. With defunding by both the House and Senate, it created perhaps an environment for reckless murders to come about, Dear mumbled “no more baby parts” after his arrest.

Can we legislate common-sense gun safety measures in America?

Holiday parties are festive social gatherings when folks get together over meals and shared stories. One San Bernardino party became the site for massive shootings resulting in 14 killed, some of whom were social workers.

Former Secretary of State and current presidential candidate Hillary Clinton spoke of commonsense gun measures and said, “No one should have to worry about going to a holiday party after work or about sending their kids to school or going to a movie theater or even going to church. No one should have that basic sense of safety and security ripped away from them.”

America is not officially in a civil war, for these mass shootings to happen. What are the roots of these mass shootings?

Does America’s culture, nurtured by films, television programs, video games and toys, make violence so commonplace, that the culture sets up boys and girls to learn casually and become cavalier about guns and regard them as toys?

Guns, per se, do not cause mayhem. But when

u PAGE A11

This recent mass shooting and the many other violent attacks previous to this heightens the fear and paranoia in America, and the enemy is not just necessarily from outside of the country.

The Quinnipiac University’s national poll reveals that 58 percent of American voters believe homegrown jihadists are a much bigger threat to the nation’s national security.

17 percent say radicalized foreign visitors are the bigger threat, while 46 percent think the bigger threat will be terrorists hiding among Syrian refugees.

The debate continues among government officials on what should be done to end these senseless killings in the country.

The Filipino Channel’s daily newscast “Balitang America” asked its viewers in an online poll on what is the best way to stop mass shootings in America.

Half of the voters, 50 percent, said stricter gun control laws should help solve the problem. 27 percent voted for more treatment for people with mental health issues, while 23 percent said there should be tougher background checks before anyone is given the permit to cartry and operate guns.

What do you think? *** 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, https://www. facebook.com/Gel.Santos.Relos

Duterte’s charisma

I AM glad I was in Century Plaza Hotel when Rody Duterte From A made the speech peppered with Distance cursing and cusswords.

To the audience, mostly the marginalized sectors of society he spoke their language – even the p.i. word that riled polite society the day after. (As writers in Carmen n. Pedrosa “polite” newspapers we are not allowed to use the words in our articles.) As expected, on the morning after, the elite and educated were hopping mad even if they were not present to see and hear the enthusiasm and applause of the audience for the man who spoke their language and expressed his feelings as frankly as they would.

He had used the p.i. word when he told the story of how he felt when was stuck in traffic for five hours when Pope Francis visited Manila. (He has since explained that it was not the Pope he was cursing but the traffic and many accepted that explanation).

The audience applauded his speech lustily. A man with a torn T-shirt in front of me raised his hands, squealed and jumped) rebolusyon, rebolusyon each time Duterte used the p.i. word in anger, and humor, making fun about his life. He was like them and the more he talked the more they liked him. He was the mirror through which they saw themselves. They curse, they womanize.

But they also hate crime especially rape and murder and corruption. The high and mighty, the polite and genteel who might have cursed at the traffic but they were not bold enough or free enough to say it they way he did – p.i. That is the deeper meaning of the story of the Duterte curse. Accept it or not that is also the story of the Duterte charisma sweeping the country at a time when we thought there is no candidate who could lead us to change our system and break the source of our hypocrisy.

This is the Duterte charisma, p.i. and all. As the surveys show he is pushing towards an unstoppable groundswell. He has charisma because of a mixture of symbols – of reform, of revolt against hypocrisy. We would be remiss if we did not see what was the deeper meaning of p.i. in Duterte language. Call it magic, call it any name you please but it is upon us. The realization came to me so unexpectedly when we thought all was futile and barren in a society and a future with the widening gap between the rich and the poor, the haves and the have nots…p…i…mo.

Had I not been invited to the Century Plaza launch, I would probably not have understood the meaning of the Duterte charisma. Alan Peter Cayetano, his vice-president,, more educated and genteel sat behind him meekly.

In the crowd were both Christians and Muslims from different parts of the country. The excite-

ment began when a small group of about 50 seamen waited outside the hotel shouting, “Duterte!

Duterte!” Inside, his supporters mobbed him, grasping for photoops.

The acceptance speech had its serious side – the need to observe the law, target criminals and lawless elements, and replace the current system of government with a federal one.

When Duterte spoke about serious matters of state like our relations with China, he showed a lot of common sense. He mentioned his talks with the Chinese consul-general and literally told him to go fish elsewhere.

At times, he made fun of others and of himself, particularly when he attended a Jesuit school in Davao.

As he talked with a straight, less than handsome face, I could not help but ask myself why this candidate should have had such a strong appeal to the masses. Neither Mar Roxas nor Jojo Binay could communicate with the masses like he did.

By making fun of himself, he made the audience laugh at and with him.

After his long talk, he met me in the Business Center before entering a room with his aides. He said, “I want the people to see me as I am, that I do not hide anything. If you vote for me, you vote for what I am.” That was why he had to speak candidly and tell everything that he was. “I have said everything that I was warts and all and if they cannot accept that then they should not vote for me.”

The scholar Vicente Rafael gave an interesting insight on Duterte’s mass appeal. He had watched carefully his performance on video.

“This video struck me as one of the keys for understanding his remarkable popularity crossing class and regional lines. He’s flirtatious, tempting you to try him, as it were, like Erap or FPJ before him, though without the moralizing grumpiness of Alfredo Lim. Duterte is willing to take on all comers, regardless of gender or sexuality.

“That he liberally sprinkles his speech with cuss words in English and Tagalog makes him into a kind of bad boy, the stuff of erotic fascination for the electorate. People want to be swept away, driven to the edge of delirium, so they gravitate towards him. He brags about the number of criminals he’s killed in the same breath that he advertises the number of women he’s involved with. The rumor of violence and sexual potency are all wrapped up in his persona, recalling Marcos as much as every action hero you can think of.

“That he comes across as a ‘probinsyano’ expelled from Ateneo de Davao and took seven years to finish high school further amplifies the bad boy image even as it allows him to connect with the

u PAGE A11

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OpiniOn & Features

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 5-8, 2015

Will gun violence be America’s…

PAGE A10 t

misused, without consequential lessons on gun safety or the recognition of the value of human life, they become irrevocable tools of reckless murders.

It becomes a rite of passage, like belonging to an organization. As shown in Tyler Perry’s “If Loving You is Wrong,” a television program depicting Eddie, a crook/criminal part of the police force, who steals money from drug dealers and unleashes an assassination attempt on a rookie policeman who discovered his systemic corruption. Eddie enlisted a fellow police officer, corrupting him to do it on his behalf, or incur his ire as his senior.

Though only on television, viewers are conditioned to regard the taking of life as normal and commonplace, not horrible.

Television and films make guns seem like effective in conflict resolution, and actually become persuasive in influencing elections.

Do you recall one year ago when CNN and other television stations ramped up their reporting of the Ebola virus, even though only two patients died from the virus on American soil?

Congressional Republicans got elected shortly and post-election feedback showed it was fear of Ebola and ISIL that mattered to conservative voters, who showed up at the polls with their fear volumes constantly kept high by FOX News and other cable stations. Yet, the majority of Democrats and independents did not show up to vote .

How then do we teach our children that there is value in human lives?

Guns are portrayed as accessories for manhood, much like women accessorize with jewelry.

Television shows and films, previously echoing grim realities in the neighborhoods, become duplicated as our realities. To uncritical and hateful folks, these television shows become their templates, on what to d o .

Much like 21-year-old Dylann Roof, who joined a bible study group in Charleston, South Carolina, and after an hour of bible study, he announced he was there to kill blacks. “’No, you’ve raped our women, and you are taking over the country...I have to do what I have to do,” he reportedly said before shooting.

He unleashed his hatred and killed nine people, six of whom were women.

Should we consider banning toy guns and real guns from our homes?

For recreational hunters, gun safety lessons are a must. At the shooting range, the rangemaster is trained to spot folks’ dangerous habits, like unconsciously placing one’s finger on the trigger or

PAGE A10 t

unconsciously pointing the barrel at other than the paper target. One is only permitted to shoot, only when time is called and instructed to do so by the gun safety rangemaster.

Treating guns with respect and a conscious mindset of these practices conditions one to be conscientious and vigilant that guns are not to be used casually, arbitrarily, and only reloaded with bullets, consciously .

It is akin to how one would drive a motor vehicle -- only after appropriate training and with a license to operate the vehicle, as both vehicles and guns can irrevocably take lives, misused or not.

Will we passively accept a pattern that America is exceptional in breeding violent and hateful gun-toting adults?

Or will Congress now be compelled to embrace this moment and shift our nation’s chapter of violence to pass common-sense gun laws now, ora mismo, as soon as possible?

Will violence be America’s forever and enduring legacy to the world’s next generations? There are 26 days more left in the year. Are we to expect 26 days of mass shootings?

What will Congress and the White House do?

Will they take this moment as a turning point for bipartisanship? Or will we bear the unintended consequences of breeding violent adults, as a result of being at war with other nations? America has now been involved in 13 wars, since its birth as a nation, according to the Price of Freedom exhibit at the Smithsonian.

Or will these august chamber halls of power: the House, Senate and White House , lead with divided loyalties, much like the civil wars we are now witnessing in Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan and other parts of the world? Will gun manufacturers do their parts to make this nation safer?

Who will step up to be the light in this present darkness and who will bear the torch of peacemaking for America?

Will we outgrow our ignorance and fears and become wiser, as a nation? *** Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz, J.D. writes a weekly column for Asian Journal, called “Rhizomes.” She has been writing for Asian Journal Press for 9 years now. She contributes to Balikbayan Magazine. Her training and experiences are in the field of science, food technology, law and community volunteerism for 4 decades. She holds a B.S. degree from the University of the Philippines, a law degree from Whittier College School of Law in California and a certificate on 21st Century Leadership from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. She has been a participant in NVM Writing Workshops taught by Prof. Peter Bacho for 4 years and Prof.

Russell Leong. She has travelled to France, Holland, Belgium and Mexico and 22 national parks in the US, in pursuit of her love for arts.

Duterte’s…

masses. He turns crassness into a virtue, his craggy face into an image of attractive authoritarianism.

In his personal appearances, he shies away from bombast like most other politicians. He rarely ever raises his voice – always controlled: quietly threatening, seductively inviting, full of folksy, ribald humor all confected into a lilting Cebuano accent that clearly locates him as a refreshing outsider to Manila politics.

Death and sex (both straight and gay): this is the potent mix that Duterte offers up. It is, of course,

part of a persona that the media spectacularizes – the lumpen turned hero, as with every FPJ movie, who is able to harness violence to save the downtrodden. His ability to aestheticize and eroticize politics is unmatched by the current crop of candidates, except perhaps for Grace Poe. Her appeal lies in the opposite direction: the virgin mother, the innocent foundling who plays up her lack of experience as sign of her purity, her filial piety the source of her authority (shades of Cory). That’s a different kind of erotic appeal altogether.” (Philstar.com)

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A12 DECEMBER 5-8, 2015 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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Binay hits back after Aquino’s…

PAGE A9 t

for allegedly rigging the procurement for the design and construction of the P2.28 billion Makati City Hall Building II, deemed the country’s priciest car park building, when he was Makati mayor.

Binay also faces four other plunder and graft complaints before the Ombudsman over the alleged anomalies involving the Makati Science High School Building, University of Makati, a Fort Bonifacio property, and over an allegedly anomalous

land deal between the Alphaland and the Boy Scouts of the Philippines, where Binay is long-running President.

Binay decried political harassment by his detractors who intend to derail his presidential bid.

Quicho said the President should not forget that these are still allegations and that Binay should be assumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.

Quicho then trained his guns

against the Liberal Party standard bearer Roxas for his supposed failure as former Transportation Secretary and Interior Secretary to ease traffic woes and stamp out criminality.

Binay’s spokesperson also blamed Roxas for his failure to address the breakdowns which marred the Metro Rail Transit (MRT-3) operations.

“An honest appraisal of all the presidential candidates should not exclude the administration candidate. He occupied several

Duterte next to take ‘hot…

PAGE A9 t Civil Code and the Omnibus Election Code.

Castor also pointed out that Duterte, although a member of the PDP-Laban, was not nominated by the party but by Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod, a local political party.

The Comelec en banc would look into the issue whether the substitution of Diño by Duterte is valid.

Comelec Chairman Andres Bautista had admitted there were gray areas on the issue that need to be studied.

“We need to look closely into the COC of Dino. The form was for the position of President but what he wrote on the position he is running for [was different]. If it was for mayor of Pasay City, there’s something [wrong],” Bautista said.

Commissioner Christian Robert Lim said the issue of substitution, as in the case of Duterte, has to be acted upon and approved only by the en banc.

“As to the approval of the substitution, it has to be by the en banc.

This is an exercise of the administrative powers of the Comelec, not quasi judicial,” Lim added.

“All substitutions are elevated to the en banc for approval.”

Poe seeks DQ dismissal Senator Grace Poe has asked the Comelec to dismiss an election offense case filed against her

by Rizalito David in the midst of the decision of the Senate Electoral Tribunal denying the latter’s motion for reconsideration.

In a five-page Motion to Take Judicial Notice, the presidential aspirant in the May 2016 polls urged the Comelec law department to take notice of the decisions of the electoral tribunal on David’s petition questioning her claims in her COC in the 2013

Mayor Rodrigo Duterte

polls when she ran for senator.

“All told, given [the tribunal’s] decision and resolution in [the tribunal] case, respondent submits that this honorable commission can no longer find sufficient ground to engender a well-founded belief that respondent lied in her COC when she represented that she possessed the citizenship and residency qualifications as senator. The complaint must therefore be dismissed for lack of probable cause,” according to the motion filed by George Garcia, Poe’s lawyer.

It added, “Wherefore, it is respectfully prayed that this honorable office take judicial notice of the attached certified true copy of the decision dated November 17 and the attached Resolution dated December 3 of the [tribunal] case entitled David vs PoeLlamanzares, and dismiss the complaint for lack of probable cause.”

Garcia noted that the poll body should take judicial notice

of matters that are of “public knowledge” as provided by the Rules of Court.

“The [tribunal’s] decision and resolution have been the subject of numerous media reports and it is fair to state that almost all Filipinos are aware of the ruling of the [tribunal] that respondent is a natural-born Filipino. Accordingly, this honorable commission ought to take judicial notice of the [tribunal’s] decision and resolution,” hesaid.

Also, the motion stated that the tribunal’s decision on a similar matter concerning Poe’s 2013 run for senator should be given utmost value considering that it is a constitutional body.

“Under Section 17, Article VI of the 1987 Constitution, the [tribunal] is the sole judge of all contests relating to the qualifications of members of the Senate. Therefore, the [tribunal’s] decision and resolution should be viewed as highly persuasive, if not binding, in this case,” it said. n

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 5-8, 2015

key positions in the Cabinet for the last five years yet through his incompetence and inaction only made situations worse,” Quicho said.

“The MRT is in a worse state now. Traffic is now a daily hell for commuters and motorists.

Licenses and car plates take forever. Billions in funds for local governments, water projects, developmental programs remain unreleased and trapped in a bureaucratic limbo of his own making,” he added.

“Citizens live in fear and no longer feel safe in their homes.

We have rampant criminality, unsolved killings of judges and journalists, and a drug menace that has infected almost all barangays in the country,” Quicho also said.

Quicho said Roxas’ 2016 bid is only intended at continuing the current administration’s “insensitive” program of governance.

“These are concrete issues that need concrete answers from the administration candidate. He is, after all, running on a platform of continuity. For ordinary citizens, this means continuing the insensitive and inefficient governance that has failed to address poverty, hunger and unemployment,” Quicho said.

Besides Binay, Aquino also took a swipe at the other presidential bets challenging Roxas – Senator Grace Poe, Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago, and Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte.

Aquino said one candidate, apparently referring to Poe, seemed too ambitious in the platform of governance but has not mentioned how she would do it.

Poe was recently disqualified by one Commission on Elections division for failing to meet the residency period for presidential candidate. She is hounded with citizenship issues, as well, because of her previous US citizenship and her status for being a foundling.

Aquino also hit one candidate – obviously Duterte – for allegation that he was a murderer.

Duterte had been linked to the Davao Death Squad, a hitman’s group allegedly responsible for the summary killings of criminals in Davao city. Duterte had not denied his links to the group.

Aquino also took a swipe against Santiago who said she would rely on her clout on social media to win the elections. The feisty senator has gained a reputation online for her wit.

“Ang isa pa, dadaanin lang daw basta ang kampanya sa so-

cial media—siguro po, hindi siya mulat na hindi ka makakapagpatayo ng kalsada at makakapagpakain ng nagugutom gamit lang ang Facebook,” Aquino said of the senator, who has stage four lung cancer.

Aquino also criticized one candidate for a different position over his refusal to apologize for his father’s sins. Aquino was apparently referring to Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., whose father, the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, ruled the country for 21 years, nine of which (1972 to 1981) were under martial rule.

A13

Aquino’s father, then opposition senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., was assassinated under Marcos’ rule.

The younger Marcos is the vice presidential candidate of Santiago.

“Ang postura daw po niya, gagawin niya ang tama—pero hindi naman niya maamin ang mga pagkakamaling nagawa sa nakaraan. Di po ba: Kung hindi niya sinasabing mali, malamang palagay niya ay tama ito. Kung palagay niya tama, malamang din po, uulitin niya ang mga pagkakamaling ito,” Aquino said. n

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Journal

Alden Richards, Maja Salvador lead winners of 29th Star Awards for TV

by Joyce Jimenez Philstar.com

MANILA—GMA-7 actor Alden Richards and ABS-CBN actress Maja Salvador are the big winners at the 29th Philippine Movie Press Club (PMPC) Star Awards for Television held at the Kia Theater in Quezon City on Thursday, Dec. 3.

Alden was named Best Drama Actor for his role in the GMA-7 mini-series “Illustrado,” where he played Jose Rizal. Meanwhile, Maja won Best Drama Actress for

her role in the ABS-CBN drama series “Bridges of Love.”

The 23-year-old actor—who is currently one of showbiz’s most popular actors thanks to his part in the Kalyeserye segment of the noontime variety show “Eat Bulaga”—bested Daniel Padilla, Gerald Anderson, Eddie Garcia, Gerald Anderson, Piolo Pascual and Maja’s “Bridges of Love” co-stars Paulo Avelino and Jericho Rosales Apart from the best actor award, Alden also received the German Moreno’s Power Tandem

special award with Maine “Yaya Dub” Mendoza, with Enrique Gil and Liza Sobereano as corecipients.

He was nominated in the Best Talent Show Program Host category with Regine Velasquez for their work in the GMA-7 show “Bet ng Bayan,” although the award went to Billy Crawford for his work in the ABS-CBN show “Your Face Sounds Familiar.”

Meanwhile, Maja won the award over seven other actresses including Angelica Panganiban

National Geographic picks Philippines as must-see for 2016 MANILA—The National Geographic Traveler presented a list of “go-now destinations that will get you packing this 2016,” and Philippines is among them.

Tagging the Philippines as “An Island for Every Taste,” the US-based magazine describes the country as “a mix of tribal pride, Catholic fervor, American pop-culture savvy, and tropical affability.”

With a total of 7,107 islands, visiting at least one of the Spanish churches in the old, walled center of Intramuros and stroll around Manila Bay at sunset and indulging in beaches such as those in Palawan, Apo and Siargao should be included in one’s must-see list if visiting the Philippines, the magazine says.

The magazine also took note of the rich biodiversity in Mindanao.

“On the southern isle of Mindanao, more than 1,300 land species—including the endangered Philippine eagle—reside in Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife

The National Geographic Traveler presented a list of “go-now destinations that will get you packing this 2016,” and Philippines is among them.

• Rio Grande do Norte (Brazil) Sanctuary, which recently joined • Glasgow (Scotland) Greennorthern Luzon’s rice terraces as land a World Heritage site.”

• Hawai’i Volcanoes National Other countries included on Park, Hokkaido (Japan) the list are: • New York City (USA) • South Georgia Island, Win• Okavango Delta (Botswana) nipeg (Canada) • Masurian Lake District (Po• C ô te d’O r ( B u rgu n d y, land) (Philstar.com) France)

Alden Richards receives the Best Drama Actor award for his role in the GMA-7 historical mini-series “Illustrado” at the 29th PMPC Star Awards for Television.

and Jodi Sta. Maria of “Pangako Sa’Yo.” Vice Ganda and Anne Curtis won the Best Male TV Host and

Maja Salvador receives the Best Drama Actress award for her role in ABS-CBN’s “Bridges of Love” at the 29th PMPC Star Awards for Television.

Philstar.com photos

Best Female TV Host awards for Best Comedy Actress for “Bubble “It’s Showtime, Jason Gainza is Gang.”

Best Comedy Actor for “Banana ABS-CBN won the Best TV Split” and Rufa Mae Quinto is Station award.

B december 5-8, 2015 • LA WeeKeNd ASIAN JOUrNAL

Features

Christian Bautista releases latest single in UK AFTEr conquering Southeast Asia, multi-awarded artist Christian Bautista soars to new and greater heights with the release of his latest single “Who is She To Me” in the United Kingdom.

“Who is She To Me” is Christian’s first single which was digitally released recently in the United Kingdom and is expected to air over UK radio such as BBC radio 1 and BBC radio 2.

It is currently number 44 in the UK vocal iTunes Charts.

Music enthusiasts should not also miss the special music video of “Who is She To Me” which was shot entirely in London under the helm of international director Leon Mitchell. It is available now on YouTube.

“Who is She To Me” definitely paved way for Christian to work with renowned international musicians and producers including Christian de Walden, who also produced hits for legendary artists like Engelbert Humperdinck and Anne Murray together with composer Michael Shepstone of the band The rockes and Clive Lukover of BBC1.

Completing the creative team behind Christian’s ‘Who Is She To Me’ includes musical arranger randy Kerber, who previously earned an Oscar nomination for Best Original Score for the motion picture The Color Purple and nominated for a Grammy for his arrangement of Over the rainbow for Barbra Streisand;

and sound engineer Cristian robles, who worked with award-winning artists such as Michael Bublé, Josh Groban, BabyFace, Sting, among others.

Known as Asia’s premier romantic balladeer, Christian Bautista continues to conquer new milestones in his outstanding career as a singer.

His phenomenal hits like “The Way You Look at Me” and “Colour Everywhere,” which are included in his first album, and his new rendi- Christian Bautista is set to conquer the United Kingdom. tions of Jose Mari Chan classics like Beauti- land, Malaysia, and Singapore. recently, he was cited by the ful Girl and Tell Me Your Name under the romance revisited Philippine Movie Press Club album have already achieved (PMPC) as “Male Pop Artist of multiplatinum status. Christian the Year” and “Music Video of has earned the title as a multi- the Year” awardee.

Catch Christian Bautista’s media pop star in Indonesia.

His music also became hits “Who is She To Me” out now in other Asian countries and on iTunes, Spotify, Deezer and climbed the radio charts in Thai- Amazon. (Inquirer.net)

Moonlighting

by Mylah de

leon

IT is not just the celebrity allure. It’s the cut above all. It’s the public acclaim, the attention, the limelight.

Every time you turn around, someone’s winning an award for something. There are many reasons why the nation seems caught in an obsessive pursuit of recognition. There seems to be no field of human endeavor without them, and no shortage of groups eager to give their version of a statuette with a funny name and trophies to knock you out. Every year these inanimate objects of recognition command an audience and speak incalculable joy, jealousy and gaiety.

These passing of awards are essentially over the same things: the movie business, arts and entertainment, civic or professional excellence, and journalism. In addition to the Pulitzer Prize, there are scores of national awards meant to praise outstanding media coverage, from the presidency, crashes, coups d’état and even surgeries. It was always the more

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

The spellbound lure of awards the merrier.

Awards can be quite unusual and inventive, but tokens of recognition could be double-edged swords. They can swathe through, and there are real risks of resentment and jealousy if they are viewed as just the latest gimmick, in a process dominated by the politics of a specific field. People can be cynical, but the untold amount of good buzz that they produce outweighs the sentiments of those who are supposed to mock the pretensions and self-importance of awards, when they have been seduced by the siren call of acclaim that no mantle piece should be bare.

In the Fil-Am community, part of the appeal comes from a format which closely resembles the classic variety show—which serve up music, dance, a prestigious beauty pageant on the same program— and as the night rolled, there will be a few pleasant surprises that continue to draw a widely diverse audience.

The show, far beyond their astute awardees, all its glitters and ferocious supporters, only needs a host and awardees. It does not need the plenitude and often grandiose tone of most award nights. In patching together a show, no one grows immune to the charms and

sophisticated rhetoric, of a glib producer.

The best part of a show is that it can draw and charm celebrities—usually without pay—where productions become a big, huge self-promotion among the awardees, and the crème dela crème of the community. Nevertheless, it regards peer acknowledgment as the fulfillment of the deepest human desire and yearning for acceptance and recognition—that indescribable addiction for affirmation.

And if the audience is lucky, there were no feigned humility, mammoth egos, or blinding pieces of jewelry that can feed a small nation -- even in these desperate economic times. The real gems of the show might be but just a supply of rare glimpses into the very human and unscripted side of the awardees, as their family friends scream their greetings.

Like a compass through the storms of art and other noteworthy human endeavors, the awards culture—that human obsession for recognition and accolade—is here to stay at its own price.

But we will still worship the fantasy that their great panacea is when doors open, new friends ooze out of the woodwork, and they become a stepping stone.

Vhong Navarro still fears for his life

by Joyce JiMenez Philstar.com

MANILA—Vhong Navarro admitted that he still fears for his life a year after he was beaten up in a condominium unit in Taguig City.

Navarro was mauled in a residence owned by commercial model Deniece Cornejo. He then filed a criminal case against Cornejo and her friend businessman Cedric Lee et. al, that were later released on bail.

“Oo may takot pa rin,” he admitted in an interview on Thursday, Dec. 3. “Pero ako kasi ang paniiwala ko sa Panginoon binibigay ko na sa kanya lahat, e. Kung kailangan na ba kong kunin, e, wala na tayong magagawa, e, hindi ko na mapipigilan ‘yon. Basta ang pananampalataya ko nasa Kanya.” reports say that the camps of those involved in the mauling incident were sending feelers to Navarro, attempting to settle the case he filed against them.

Yet Navarro remained firm with his decision. “Hindi po ako makipag-ayos. May mga nakarating po sa amin pero [hindi ako

Vhong Navarro

makikipag-ayos].”

“Kaya naman kasi magpatawad ng tao. Pero ‘wag ka hihingi ng tawad kung palalabasin na ikaw ang masama,” he added. “Ngayon po kasi ang hirap magpatawad kung ako ang binabaliktad. Tsaka hindi naman humihingi ng tawad, paano mo patatawarin?” he said.

Vhong stars in the Quantum films 2015 Metro Manila Film Festival entry “Buy Now, Die Later” which also stars Alex Gonzaga, Janine Gutierrez, TJ Trinidad and John “Sweet” Lapus.

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Features

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • DEcEmbER 5-8, 2015

B

FDA takes several actions involving genetically engineered plants and animals for food BASED on sound science and a comprehensive review, the US Food and Drug Administration is taking several important steps regarding food from genetically engineered (GE) plants and animals, including the first approval for a genetically engineered animal intended for food, AquAdvantage Salmon. The agency is also issuing two guidances for manufacturers who wish to voluntarily label their products as containing ingredients from GE or non-GE sources: a draft guidance on labeling foods derived from Atlantic salmon, and a final guidance on foods derived from GE plants.

FDA approves application for AquAdvantage Salmon The FDA has approved AquaBounty Technologies’ application for AquAdvantage Salmon, an Atlantic salmon that reaches market size more quickly than non-GE farm-raised Atlantic salmon. The FDA regulates GE animals under the new animal drug provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, because the recombinant DNA (rDNA) construct introduced into the animal meets the definition of a drug. In this case, the rDNA construct introduces a trait that makes the AquAdvantage Salmon grow faster.

“The FDA has thoroughly analyzed and evaluated the data and information submitted by AquaBounty Technologies regarding AquAdvantage Salmon and determined that they have met the regulatory requirements for approval, including that food from the fish is safe to eat,” said Bernadette Dunham, DVM, phD, director of the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine.

Based on a comprehensive analysis of the scientific evidence, the FDA determined that AquAdvantage Salmon meets the statutory requirements for safety and effectiveness under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Among the requirements the sponsor had to meet are that food from the fish is safe to eat; the rDNA construct (the piece of DNA that makes the salmon grow faster) is safe for the fish itself; and the AquAdvantage Salmon meets the sponsor’s claim about faster growth. In addition, the FDA determined that food from AquAdvantage Salmon is as safe to eat and as nutritious as food from other non-GE Atlantic salmon and that there are no biologically relevant differences in the nutritional profile of AquAdvantage Salmon compared to that of other farmraised Atlantic salmon.

The AquAdvantage Salmon may be raised only in landbased, contained hatchery tanks in two specific facilities in Canada and panama. The approval does not allow AquAdvantage Salmon to be bred or raised in the United States. In fact, under this approval, no other facilities or locations, in the United States or elsewhere, are authorized for breeding or raising AquAdvantage Salmon that are intended for marketing as food to US consumers. As required by the National Environmental policy Act, the FDA completed an environmental assessment to determine whether approval of the application would result in significant effects on the quality of the human environment in the United States. The FDA has

determined that the approval of the AquAdvantage Salmon application would not have a significant environmental impact because of the multiple and redundant measures being taken to contain the fish and prevent their escape and establishment in the environment.

These measures include a series of multiple and redundant levels of physical barriers placed in the tanks and in the plumbing that carries water out of the facilities to prevent the escape of eggs and fish. Finally, the AquAdvantage Salmon are reproductively sterile so that even in the highly unlikely event of an escape, they would be unable to interbreed or establish populations in the wild.

The FDA will maintain regulatory oversight over the production and facilities, and will conduct inspections to confirm that adequate physical containment measures remain in place.

In addition, the Canadian and panamanian governments will also be conducting inspections of the facilities.

The FDA held a Veterinary Medicine Advisory Committee meeting on the sufficiency of the scientific review and a hearing to gather opinions on labeling of food from AquAdvantage Salmon. The agency received and reviewed comments from these two meetings. In addition, the agency released a draft environmental assessment and preliminary finding of no significant impact for public comment; these comments were also reviewed prior to the agency’s final decision.

Agency publishes guidances on voluntary labeling of food

CREWMAN WENT HOME TO MANILA ON PROVISIONAL WAIVER AND CAME BACK TO THE US WITH A GREEN CARD – ON A SPECIAL EPISODE OF ‘CITIZEN PINOY!’ Leading US immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel obtained a Provisional Waiver for Jerome, a crewman who jumped ship. Jerome had filed for Adjustment of Status on his own, but was denied, because he was not eligible. With the approved Provisional Waiver, Jerome returned to the Philippines for visa processing at the US Embassy in Manila. His wife and children wondered and prayed if Jerome could make it back to the US. Watch to see the outcome of this Provisional Waiver case on an encore episode of ‘Citizen Pinoy’—on Sunday, December 6 at 6:15pm (PST) on TFC.

from genetically engineered sources The FDA’s responsibility is to ensure that foods under its purview meet applicable safety, labeling, and other statutory and regulatory requirements. Foods derived from GE plants and animals must meet the same requirements, including safety and labeling requirements, as other foods. Under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, the FDA can only require additional labeling of foods derived from GE sources if there is a material difference—such as a different nutritional profile—between the PAGE B4

Food as medicine from a psychic point of view

by JAime

T. licAuco Inquirer.net

ABOUT 2,400 years ago, Hippocrates, regarded as the father of modern medicine, gave the following advice: “Let food be thy medicine” in the treatment of many illnesses.

But not just any kind of food, of course! There is food that is beneficial to our health and that which is not. yet food is not given much importance in modern medical practice. physicians have become so dependent on prescribing drugs to cure diseases that they do not bother to consider food as medicine.

Several years ago, I read a book written by Dr. Ray D. Strand with the long but arresting title, “What your Doctor Doesn’t Know About Nutrition May Be Killing you.” In the book, Doctor Strand revealed the amazing results of his studies showing how the right kind of food and supplements can cure many common diseases that plague modern man. But, as expected, his findings and prescriptions were criticized, if not ignored by mainstream medical practitioners.

But slowly, nutritional or metabolic medicine is beginning to be accepted by a growing number of holistic physicians and health practitioners, including some progressive mainstream doctors.

It is interesting that many of the suggestions given by current holistic health practitioners are similar to those given by the American psychic and prophet Edgar Cayce, who died in 1945.

During his lifetime, Cayce gave some 14,500 psychic readings while in a state of trance in response to questions by thousands of people on various topics, most of which consisted of medical or health problems. When he woke up from his trance state,

he could not remember anything he had said.

Cayce’s large body of “readings” have been collected and classified by an organization he set up called the Association for Research and Enlightenment (ARE) based in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Food for health What kind of food is good for our health, according to the readings? The advice varies from individual to individual because of differences in age, state of health and needs of the person concerned. But there were certain pieces of advice he gave which are common. This should not be taken, however, as good or effective for everybody.

In the morning Edgar Cayce advised to take “citrus fruit juices, combining oranges and lemon juice, grapefruit or pineapple; also coddled egg using only the yolk. Eat only whole wheat bread, never white bread.”

At noontime drink juices of vegetables combined with juices of meat (beef) but not the beef itself. Take “well balanced salad made of green vegetables combined with celery, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, peppers, radish, carrots with some oil dressing.”

In the evening, “Eat well cooked vegetables with only meats consisting of fowl and lamb. No fried meats or fried foods of any kind.”

Cayce advised against taking cereals and citrus fruits together at the same time but said they may be eaten separately.

Avoid fried food He did not advocate a strictly vegetarian diet but emphasized that no red meat be eaten, nor anything fried, as said earlier. And if meat or fish is eaten it should be in very small quantities.

One should eat 80 percent

alkaline-producing food and only 20 percent acid producing ones. Some alkaline forming food items are: artichokes, asparagus, beans, cabbage, carrots, celery, cauliflower, green peas, mushroom, okra, white onion, parsley, sweet potato, radish, sprouts, spinach, string beans, tomatoes and turnips.

Among the alkaline-forming fruits are apples (eaten alone), avocados, bananas, berries (except cranberry), cherries, dates, figs, grapes, guava, oranges, papaya, peaches, pears, pineapple, pomegranate, prunes and raisins.

Among the acid-forming food options are: fish (never fried), seafood of all kinds, bread, cereals, barley, corn, rice, wheat germ, crackers, pancakes, meats (never fried), beef (lean, well done), beef juice, lamb, chicken and turkey.

Avoid the following as much as possible: animal fats, raw apples, bananas (if you have arthritis), beer, candy, sugar, carbonated drinks, hard liquor, pastry and pork.

Red wine has been recommended as a blood and body builder. Coffee may be taken but without milk.

No to stress eating Aside from eating the right kind of food, Edgar Cayce also emphasized the importance of attitudes and spiritual values. He advised against eating when one is angry or upset or under stress, or when very tired. A negative attitude will upset the assimilation of food and upset one’s stomach, according to him.

He also emphasized the beneficial effects of meditation on one’s health and wellbeing. He defined meditation as “emptying self of all that hinders the creative forces from rising along the natural channels of

Sheryl Cruz ‘saddened’ over Grace Poe’s disqualification

by Joyce Jimenez Philstar.com

MANILA — Sheryl Cruz said she’s “saddened” over the disqualification of her cousin Grace poe from the presidential race.

The decision of the Commission on Elections’ (Comelec) Second Division came out on Tuesday, Dec. 1.

“Siyempre she’s my family, I’m saddened kasi alam ko hindi madali ang pinagdadaanan niya,” she said in an interview on Thursday.

It was in September when Sheryl expressed her opinion that poe is not ready for the presidential race.

Although she sympathizes with her, she also advised her cousin to respect the decision of Comelec.

“For me, ano man ang maging desisyon ng mas nakakaalam ng mga batas natin, dapat respetuhin natin,” she said.

In the end, she hopes that “she’s able to survive anumang hurdles and ibato sa harapan niya.”

Meanwhile, Sheryl is grateful

Sheryl Cruz says she’s saddened over the Comelec body’s decision to kick out her cousin, Grace Poe, from the presidential race.

for the Best Supporting Actress for the GMA TV series “Strawberry Lane.”

“I’m very thankful to God kasi kung hindi dahil sa kanya hindi ko malalaman ang calling ko,”

she said. “parents ko kasi wala ko sa kinatatayuan ko ngayon kung hindi dahil sa kanila.”

She also thanked her fans who supported her whatever role she portrays.

the physical man to be distributed through those centers and sources that create the activities of the physical, the mental and the spiritual man.” I think what he meant by these is that meditation distributes these forces through the different channels of energies called Chakras or psychic centers. If properly done, meditation, according to Cayce, makes one stronger mentally and physically.

Epy Quizon no stranger to offbeat roles

by AllAn

PolicArPio Inquirer.net

Epy Quizon is no stranger to offbeat roles. portraying characters “that I’m not,” he said, is one of the things he enjoys most about his craft.

In the remake of the 1980 movie, “Angela Markado,” originally directed by Lino Brocka and starring Hilda Koronel, Epy plays someone who couldn’t be any more different from himself. He was cast as one of the five men who physically and sexually torments the titular character (this time, played

by Andi Eigenmann), before forcing her into prostitution. The remake, directed by Carlo J. Caparas, opens on Dec. 2.

“I don’t believe in abuse, so that’s definitely not me. What I believe in is mutual understanding.

No one should force himself onto anyone,” he told the Inquirer.

For Epy, getting into the right mindset was the challenge. “Trying to walk in the shoes of someone whose actions we don’t understand is hard. It’s tough to imagine that someone could be that evil,” pointed out the 42-year-old artist, who most recently played Apolinario Mabini in “Heneral Luna.”

“But at the same time, you find

Epy Quizon taps into his memory bank.

out from the news and social media that such things truly happen—that evil is around us,” he added. “So, that helps you find a character peg, which is scary!”

Asked about his preparations for the film, Epy said that he began committing to the role the moment he said yes to the offer.

“I start imagining myself in the role and what it requires of me. I tap into my memory bank, my subconscious. With a lot of imagination, you mold yourself into who you want to be,” he said.

B december 5-8, 2015 • LA WeeKeNd ASIAN JOUrNAL

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End your holiday parties Come celebrate the holidays with in style with fireworks us at Pechanga Resort & Casino

By Monet

Lu

‘TIS the season to be jolly!

Christmas songs are heard everywhere, holiday parties held everyday, homes decorated with lovely and colorful accents, snowmen, Santa Claus and mistletoes.

People decorate their Christmas trees, deciding whether they should go with white or green.

And how can I forget the holiday parties? They are basically what I look forward to this season! The most creative Christmas parties are being thrown at this time of the year. And I am just so thrilled to go to the best ones.

If you are working on the theme for your next Christmas party, you may take heed of my tips below.

As holiday party season comes in full swing, think: what better way to host a party but with an amazingly grand finale. Not to spoil your party mood but the point is, that the end of the party should be as spectacular, if not even rander, than as its start. As prose writer Baltazar Gracian once said, “What matters isn’t being applauded when you arrive - for that is common - but being missed when you leave.” Contrary to popular belief, “exits” are as important, and sometimes even more memorable than entrances.

Which is why, and as party enthusiasts say, “the end of the party (or leaving) should be a defining moment.”

There are a number of ways to end a party. Some people conclude it with a prayer or a speech; some officially announce it while others just let people leave any time during the party – which practically tells us how the party went and why it should come to an end. Great parties do not end when the last person calls it a night. In fact it is quite the opposite because contrary to what our not-so -awesome selves may have been used to, the end should be announced while everybody is still at the party. Now this doesn’t mean you have the right to be rude and drive them away. What it means is that while the ball is rolling, you seize the

moment to capture their attention, and stage your prestigious grand finale (and get ready to be famous for hosting the most amazing party ever) by ending it with a bang – and I mean that literally – and yes, you guessed it: Fireworks!

Fireworks are definitely the best way to end a party and make a lasting impression (and not a bad one at that). You can choose among a variety of momentumgrabbing pyro-magic. The most commonly used and a real crowd pleaser are fountains. Fountains are those usually cone-shaped ones that sit on the ground and release showers of colorful sparks upwards. Its incredibly luminous spark will surely brighten both your party and your guests’ faces.

Another crowd favorite and one of the most popular types are the multi- cakes. They are basically everything you love about a firework show, all stacked up in one place. Multi-cakes produce a variety of effects in long durations, which make them a total crowd favorite. So if you are into that laidback and savor- the- moment type of endings, go ahead, light that fuse and enjoy the show. Prepare to be mesmerized by your own party ending, as this will definitely be one of your most memorable one. And as soon as those beautiful sparks shoot up high in the air, you can kiss “boring party endings” goodbye

because this one will definitely be the talk of the town.

There is a plethora of different fireworks to choose from. You can go from roman candles and sparklers to sound shells and barrages.

You may also choose to light them up individually or orchestrate a mixture of different fireworks for an “all- spark” cast.

Now, don’t be intimidated thinking this might cost a fortune, because it doesn’t. Besides, pulling up a kind of show like this is definitely worth it. My advice is first, know where to get it, and find the best ones – quality and cost considered. Some offer discounts and packages, as well as fireworks that are on sale.

So to my readers and my partyloving friends, I suggest you start planning your parties and not worry about ending with blah…

Fireworks are here to save the day! In fact, after this party, you may have to be ready to host next year’s party again. Just be sure to invite me. Happy Holidays! *** Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, award-winning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is known as an all-around artiste who produces sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns. Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary allnatural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration. To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at monetsalon@aol.com

FDA takes several actions involving genetically...

on voluntary labeling indicating whether food has or has not been GE product and its non-GE coun- derived from GE Atlantic salmon, terpart. In the case of the AquAd- and a final guidance on voluntary vantage Salmon, the FDA did not labeling indicating whether food has or has not been derived from find any such differences.

“We recognize that some con- GE plants.

Although companies can alsumers are interested in knowing whether food ingredients are ways voluntarily add labeling derived from GE sources,” said to their products as long as it’s Susan Mayne, Ph.D., director truthful and not misleading, these of the FDA’s Center for Food guidances provide recommended Safety and Applied Nutrition. actions for manufacturers who “The FDA is issuing two guid- may wish to voluntarily label ance documents that explain their products with information how food companies that want about whether the foods contain to voluntarily label their products ingredients from GE sources.

The agency is accepting public can provide this information to comment for 60 days starting consumers.”

These two guidance docu- on November 24 via instrucments include a draft guidance tions in the Federal Register PAGE B3

on Draft Guidance for Industry: Voluntary Labeling Indicating Whether Food Has or Has Not Been Derived from Genetically Engineered Atlantic Salmon.

How to comment on the Draft Guidance To comment on the draft guidance on voluntary labeling indicating whether food has or has not been derived from GE Atlantic salmon: 1. Read the Draft Guidance.

2. Starting Tuesday, November 24, submit comments on the draft guidance on Regulations. gov.

The FDA, an agency within the US Department of Health and Human Services, protects the public health by assuring

AS Christmas approaches, how do you plan to celebrate this joyful holiday? Will you get together with friends for some fine dining?

Enjoy a comfortable and relaxing spa treatment with your significant other? Invite a few friends to Journey for a round of golf?

Perhaps try your luck on the casino floor for a glamorous gaming experience? Pechanga’s friendly, dedicated staff is here to provide you with the finest service 24/7, making your stay at Pechanga Resort & Casino a memorable experience. Come to Pechanga Resort & Casino with your family and friend for some holiday fun.

New Year’s Eve Car Giveaway To add to the cheerful atmosphere on property, Pechanga Resort & Casino will be hosting a New Year’s Eve Car Giveaway plus EasyPlay on December 31, 2015. To enter the drawing, swipe your club card for a chance to win.

Promotional period is from 9pm3am. Pechanga Club Members can win up to $500 or $1,000 in EasyPlay. The Grand Drawing will take place at 3am, where one lucky winner will drive away in an Audi A3. Participate in the drawing for a chance to become the next big winner in the upcoming year! For more information about the drawing, please visit www. pechanga.com.

Pechanga Resort & Casino wishes everyone a Merry Christ-

The Global Kababayan

mas and Happy New Year!

Pechanga Resort & Casino Pechanga Resort & Casino offers one of the largest and most expansive resort/casino experience anywhere in the country. Voted the #1 casino in the US by USA Today and rated a Four Diamond property by AAA since 2002, Pechanga Resort & Casino provides an unparalleled getaway. Offering more than 3,000 of the hottest slots, table games, world-class entertainment, 517 hotel rooms, dining, spa and championship golf at Journey at Pechanga, Pechanga

Resort & Casino features a destination that meets and exceeds the needs of its guests and the community. Pechanga Resort & Casino is owned and operated by the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians. For more information, call toll free 1-877-711-2946 or visit www.Pechanga.com. Follow Pechanga Resort & Casino on Facebook.com/Pechanga and on Twitter @PechangaCasino.

Pechanga Resort & Casino is open 24-hours. Guests must be 21 and older to enter the casino.

(Advertising Supplement)

Programming of Kababayan Today, December 7 - 11, 2015

G. TönGi Dec. 7 - Get into the holiday spirit with Annie Nepomuceno and Becca Godinez as they serenade us with their beautiful voices.

Dec. 8 - Philippine Christmas continues as we reminisce the music of Jose Mari Chan.

Dec. 9 - Midweek News Updates from the Asian Journal and Real Estate Buzz with Mia McLeod.

Giovanni Ortega, our Kulturahan Correspondent, wraps up the year and shares the events that took place in the arts this year.

Dec. 10 - It is Talent Thursdays with Fil-Ams that have undeniable talent in the art of music. Get to know Mitsuwa, Matt Almodiel and Marcel Mendoza.

Dec. 11 - It is #Foodie Fridays with Chef Yana Gilbuena. Chef Yana Gilbuena of the Salo Projthe safety and effectiveness of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human use, and medical devices. The agency also is responsible for the safety of our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, and products that give off electronic radiation, and for regulating tobacco products.

ect has been to all 50 states and around the world by doing “Pop Up” dinners where she features Filipino Cuisine. She joins G to share a “pancit molo” recipe that is easy to make for the entire family during the holiday season. *** Giselle “G” Töngi is the host and producer of Kababayan Today, a daily talk show that features relevant topics for Filipino’s living in America. Her aim is to bridge not only the cultural gap between America & the Philippines but to help with the generational gap between our own people. She is married with two children and is based in Southern California and makes frequent trips in the Pacific Rim to Hawaii and Manila to feature fellow kababayans who are empowering the FilAm community.

John Lloyd Cruz experiences a lot of firsts with MMFF entry

by Joyce Jimenez Philstar.com

MANILA—John Lloyd Cruz will experience a lot of first as his movie “Honor Thy Father” joins this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).

The movie was initially not part of the eight entries of the 2015 MMFF. But earlier this month, it was announced that “Honor Thy Father” will officially part of the annual film fest after Gil Portes’ historical movie “Hermano Puli” backed out.

Although he has been in showbiz for over a decade, this is John Lloyd’s first time to be part of the MMFF. “I’m going to be busy promoting ‘Honor Thy Father,’” he replied when asked about his Christmas plans in an interview on Wednesday, Dec. 2. “First time sasakay ako ng float. ‘Yon ang bago, first Christmas season ko na I’ll be working.”

Before getting busy with his MMFF entry, John Lloyd thanked his fans who supported “A Second Chance,” the sequel of the film “One More Chance” which also stars Bea Alonzo.

John Lloyd admitted that while working on the film, he was “skeptical” of how the audience will

embrace “A Second Chance.”

“Skeptical [ako] sa magiging reaction ng audience kasi hindi ito ‘yong glossy Star Cinema film na usually napapanood mo o puwede mo asahan,” he explained.

“Tsaka kung alam n’yo lang ang process ng lahat sa paggawa nito, talagang kakabahan ka. It’s a very personal process para sa aming lahat.”

Despite all the worries, he is “very happy na nagustuhan ang end product kasi doon naman tayo nakatuon.”

Yet the viewers were not the only ones who learned from the film. John Lloyd admitted that he has learned a lot from his character Popoy when it comes to relationships.

He is currently in a relationship with Kapamilya actress Angelica Panganiban.

“I won’t go to details, that’ll be too personal,” he said. “Honestly after this film talagang mas maganda ang understanding ko about relationships. Dito ‘yon siguro ang biggest take ko, I had some enlightenment sa ilang areas with regards to relationships, ganyan.”

“Totoo naman kasi sa akin ‘yon and every character is a journey for me, every film,” he added.

“A Second Chance” and “Honor Thy Father” star John Lloyd Cruz will join the Metro Manila Film Festival Parade of Stars for the first time.

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B

Why Matteo Guidicelli won’t 2015 a good year for Robin attend Sarah Geronimo’s concert

by Pablo

a. Tariman Philstar.com

by chuck

SmiTh Philstar.com

MANILA—She may not have been in the audience, but Sarah Geronimo supported her boyfriend Matteo Guidicelli by being backstage during his first solo concert at the Music Museum last week.

So will the ABS-CBN actor do the same and attend Sarah’s two-night concert at the Araneta Coliseum this weekend?

Unfortunately, Matteo answered in the negative.

“It’s her night. And he has something very special for everybody,” he said on Thursday, Dec. 3.

Matteo Guidicelii talks to members of the “Successful naman ‘yung con- press during the launch of Share, a sub-brand cert and she was there to support of direct selling lifestyle brand Boardwalk, on but she’s just, you know, out of the Thursday, Dec. 3. limelight,” he added. concert.

Matteo is thankful for the sup“Sana may repeat next year,” port he received at the sold-out he said.

What Bea Alonzo learned about love in ‘A Second Chance’

by Joyce Jimenez Philstar.com

MANILA—Bea Alonzo has learned a thing or two about love, relationships and marriage after she reprised her role as Basha in the film “A Second Chance.”

The film tells the story of Popoy (John Lloyd) and Basha, who were first seen in the 2007 movie “One More Chance,” after they got married.

“Ang realization ko naman after this film is dapat kapag nagbigay ka ng pangako dapat kaya mo talagang panindigan.

Kasi ‘yon ang panghahawakan, e,” she replied when asked what she learned from the film.

She clarified, however, that it may be a different thing when it comes to non-married couples since “kung hindi ka pa married mas malawak pa [‘yong options].”

Married life saw Popoy and Basha go through a rough time, but this didn’t affect Bea’s views on marriage.

“Hindi natakot [magpakasal], e, mas magiging maingat siguro ako,” she said.

Bea is in a relationship with Kapamilya actor Zanjoe Marudo.

In the end, Bea thanked their fans who supported the film, which, as of December 2, has

MANILA—In this near riotous encounter where it was hard to decipher the movie fan from the media person, Robin Padilla had no choice but to share snippets of his life in 2015.

On the whole, it was a very good year.

There were new projects and new endorsements and the awards kept coming for his film “Andres Bonifacio.”

Yes, he is proud of his film and he likes to think that the film paved the way for the acceptance of other historical films like “Heneral Luna.”

Way before Bonifacio and Luna, there was Marilou DiazAbaya’s Jose Rizal.

Robin admits he doesn’t expect to match Cesar Montano’s achievement in the Abaya film but he is happy more people are supporting films about national heroes. “That is why I am happy that he took over my role in ‘Nilalang.’ It was a perfect choice as far as I am concerned.”

On the other hand, it was also a very trying year.

He had hoped to be a brandnew father once more but it wasn’t meant to be.

The loss was devastating because it was not just one, not just two but three little angels joining their family. For some reasons, he and his wife Mariel had to cope with another trial in their conjugal union.

Robin’s Facebook post — with picture of his wife in the hospital — says it all in his own language:

“Ang lungkot at ligayang dulot ng pagtatapos ng isang kabanata sa Buhay patungo sa pagbubukas ng panibago.”

“Yes, it is depressing to lose something you looked forward to nurturing,” said he with a hint of tears in his eyes.

He related how he tried to make sad moment lighter for his wife but in vain. He noticed how Mariel gained weight when coping with depression.

At 46, Robin has coped with fame and misfortune and emerged strong and invincible. “You can’t ask what you always deserve and when the blows come, I know I am better off accepting it than blaming yourself or other people.

I am one of the few who went through true-to-life rehearsals of misfortune and I am glad I went through everything and survived it. It is the mark of my faith and my character.”

Robin recently figured in a contract signing as celebrity endorser of the products of Northern Cement Corporation (NCC).

According to NCC vice president and GM Oliver Gorospe, he finds Robin the perfect endorser for NCC because he epitomizes the ultimate Pinoy Tigasin. “His unmatched strength of character, steadfast resilience in the face of adversity and modern heroism are all aligned with NCC’s brand characteristics.”

On his part, the actor said he decided to endorse NCC products for only one big reason: He wants to support Filipino entrepreneurship and Filipino products. “We have been inundated by foreign brands. In this age of so-called

Robin Padilla as Andres Bonifacio: An international version of the film is now showing in selected SM theaters.

globalization, we can do our patriotic share by supporting the best of everything Filipino.”

Meanwhile, the international version of the Robin Padilla starrer, “Andres Bonifacio” is now showing in selected SM theaters as part of the celebration of Bonifacio Day. An entry to the 2014 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), Bonifacio did not fare well in the box office but went on to win over 20 awards not only from the MMFF but also from the FAMAS and the PMPC Star Awards for Movies this year, including Best Picture from each of these award-giving bodies.

Of course, he will miss the excitement of having an entry in the coming MMFF. “My outlook has changed over the years. It must be part of my maturing process. I only enjoy doing a project if it has a good mission. With Bonifacio, I knew that both the old and new generations can learn from the film life of the father of the revolution. Indeed, we can learn a lot

from our past.”

He looked relieved and thankful that his favorite candidate might yet make it in the presidential race.

He said he has learned a good lesson endorsing politicians.

“Politics has its good and bad sides. That is why when you are in showbiz, you have to be extra careful. I know that my nephew’s choice (Daniel Padilla’s) is bound to be controversial but he is 18 years old and I give him that right to decide on his own. My only regret is that in my time, I endorsed someone who went to jail. That is why Daniel has to be careful who he is endorsing.

Politics and showbiz make for a fatal combination if not handled discreetly.”

In parting, the actor said he is thankful for the blessings and thankful that he and his wife are coping very well. “It was a very good year and come year end, we all have reasons to celebrate one way or the other.”

Iñigo Pascual comes to Julia Barretto’s defense

by Joyce Jimenez Philstar.com

Bea Alonzo has some realizations about love, relationships and marriage after doing the movie “A Second Chance.”

Philstar.com photo by Efigenio Toledo IV

already earned more than P 330 million, according to its producer Star Cinema.

“We’re very, very happy na tinanggap siya agad ng tao ng ganito, and we’re very happy na hindi nagkamali ang lahat sa paggawa ng sequel na ito,” she concluded.

MANILA—Iñigo Pascual stood up for Julia Barretto, who has been hounded by various controversies.

Iñigo posted on his Instagram account an “appreciation” message for Julia. Here he said how the Kapamilya actress remains “strong” despite issues she has been encountering.

“I guess I just felt the need to do that,” he replied when asked what led him to write the post.

“I just felt the need to do that because she can’t do that, she can’t say, ‘Stop, guys.’ So I just had to step up and just show that this girl is real and hindi totoo ang sinasabi ng mga tao.”

He added that even though they know people don’t always mean what they say, Iñigo said they still get “affected” by their comments.

“We don’t show na deep inside we’re hurt because we’re humans and every time we get bad comments about us siyempre masasaktan kami,” he said.

He believes that Julia is just often “misinterpreted” by the public, when in reality, “Julia is real. Julia is one of the kindest people.”

Aside from her fallout with father Dennis Padilla, another hearsay Julia faces is her alleged links with “On the Wings of Love” lead star James Reid.

The two are being romantically

associated, although James’s best friend, Bret Jackson, has already denied the brewing romance between the two Kapamilya stars.

Asked if he thinks the issue can affect their team up, Iñigo replied, “In this job naman I don’t think you should let any personal stuff affect it. To be honest, I don’t know anything going on about her personal life and vice versa, so it’s not my business to talk if there’s anything going on.”

“So we just work kung ano man ang ibigay sa amin, and we have that friendship. Basta we work together and we know what we want,” he concluded.

Julia and Iñigo stars in the upcoming Dreamscape productions

Iñigo Pascual

TV series “And I Love You So” which also stars Miles Ocampo, Angel Aquino, Dimples Romana and Tonton Gutierrez.

B december 5-8, 2015 • LA WeeKeNd ASIAN JOUrNAL

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COMMUNITY Journal

Your Immigration Solution Atty. RobeRt Reeves MAy ZhAng, DiZA AnD nAncy MilleR COMMITTING a crime can get you into a lot of trouble.

But entering into a plea agreement in criminal court may get you into even more trouble. If you don’t know the immigration consequences of the guilty or no-contest plea you enter, your troubles may just be beginning.

That great deal that kept you out of jail may also get you removed from the United States. That is why the United States Supreme Court has held that criminal defense attorneys must inform their non-citizen clients of whether the plea they are considering entering into carries a risk of deportation.

The Court recognized that deportation is sometimes the most important part of the penalty that may be imposed on noncitizen defendants who plead guilty to specific crimes. For that reason, a defendant is entitled to the effective assistance of competent counsel before deciding to enter into a plea agreement.

Criminal defense attorneys are not required to become experts in the area of immigration law.

Courts have acknowledged that immigration law can be complex and that there will be numerous situations in which the deportation consequences of a particular plea may be unclear or uncertain.

In those circumstances, the criminal defense attorney’s obligation is to advise the noncitizen that the pending criminal charges may carry a risk of adverse immigration consequences.

This limited obligation may, however, raise more problems than it solves. As Justice Alito said in his concurring decision in Padilla v. Kentucky, “nothing is ever simple with immigration law”. Terms such as “conviction”, “moral turpitude”, “single scheme of criminal misconduct” are terms of art and have different meanings in immigration law than in state law. Other concepts

Why you need an immigration attorney when you have been charged with a crime in the Immigration & Nationality Act are ambiguous or confusing to attorneys not versed in the intricacies of immigration law. Is someone an alien (or are they a citizen without knowing it)?

What is the difference between being inadmissible, removable or ineligible for naturalization? The criminal defense attorney does not need to know the answers to these questions. But the alien trying to avoid deportation does.

The question then for the noncitizen accused of a crime is, how can he best protect himself from a “good” plea bargain that results in his deportation? The immigrant quite plainly must consult an immigration attorney experienced and knowledgeable in the immigration consequences of criminal offenses and convictions and he must do so before he enters into any plea agreement.

Ideally, his criminal defense attorney and his immigration attorney should work together to obtain a “deal” that is beneficial from both a criminal defense and an immigration standpoint.

This “good deal” can take several forms. It may involve convincing the prosecutor to agree to an amended charge that does not render the alien either inadmissible or removable. A noncitizen who is removable may be in the United States in lawful status but be subject to removal because of the conviction. A noncitizen who is not in lawful status

may be inadmissible as a result of a criminal conviction, even if they are the beneficiary of an approved, immediately available petition. And a non-citizen who is in lawful status (and whose specific conviction does not render him removable) who leaves the United States for a temporary purpose may be charged with being inadmissible upon their return. Each of these instances can end the non-citizen’s ability to remain in the United States. So it is best if the charge to which the non-citizen pleads does not result in his being either inadmissible or removable.

Unfortunately, many prosecutors take the position that the immigration ramification of the plea is not their concern and will not agree to a charge amendment that will keep the alien safe from all negative immigration consequences. However, the criminal conviction with immigration consequences may be subject to a waiver that would allow the alien to either obtain status, if she is otherwise eligible, or keep her green card and, potentially, apply for US citizenship at a later time.

And “crimmigration” (the interaction of criminal and immigration law) changes all the time. Last year, Governor Brown signed a bill that lowered all sentences for misdemeanors to no more than 364 days. A recent

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Minding Your Finances Atty. RAymond BulAon WHEN people are going through financial difficulty and are unable to pay their bills, their first reaction is often to ignore their debts and avoid contact with creditors. They think that by doing this, somehow the creditors will simply give up and go away. Then one day the problem blows up in their face.

They either get served a wage garnishment at work or they find out that their bank account has been frozen by a judgment creditor that they have ignored.

I see this happen all the time.

That’s when they rush to see a bankruptcy attorney to find out what can be done to protect themselves. This is when they realize that they should have done something about their debt problems sooner in order to avoid the unpleasant consequences of their inaction. Most states have a statute of limitations- this is the period of time in which a creditor must file a lawsuit in order to collect on an unpaid debt.

In California, that is generally 4 years from the time you stopped paying. A debt can go unpaid for years and you may not hear anything about the debt at all. Well, don’t hold your breath. When the collection accounts gets close to the 4-year mark for the creditor

Barrister’s Corner Atty. Kenneth uRSuA ReyeS THERE are situations in both Divorce and Child Support cases where the Summons and Petition resulted to a default against one party for failing to respond on time. In certain situations, the defaulted party failed to respond on time because he or she did not even know that he or she was served with a Summons. This situation places the defaulted party in a precarious situation in that the first time the defaulted party usually becomes aware of the existence of the case is when the default child support judg-

Community Journal

4 ways to get out of debt to file suit, that’s when you often get served a lawsuit before the statute runs out. If a creditor does sue you and obtains a judgment, the judgment is good for 10 years in California and can be renewed thereafter.

That’s a pretty long time for a creditor to be chasing you and your assets, if you have any. If you own a home and a judgment lien is filed against it, the debt becomes a secured debt and it must be paid in full plus accrued interest when you sell your property someday. Filing a bankruptcy doesn’t automatically remove a lien but under certain circumstances, there is a procedure by which it can be removed. This will depend on the value of your home, outstanding loans on the property and your homestead exemption amount. Your homestead exemption is the amount of the equity in the property deemed protected by law if the house is your primary residence. An attorney can explain to you how this works.

OK, so before any of the above happens, what are the ways to get out of debt before things take a turn for the worse?

The key to your success is to be pro-active instead of being reactive. In other words, take action now instead of waiting until something bad happens.

There basically only 4 ways to get out of debt if you’re on the verge of insolvency: (1) increase income so you can start paying larger amounts on your

debts to hopefully avoid filing bankruptcy, (2) reduce expenses so that you can increase your disposable income and have more money available for debt repayment, (3) Convert assets you don’t need into cash and use the money to negotiate with creditors, and (4) File bankruptcy to wipe out debts or consolidate your bills (This requires filing either a Chapter 7 or a Chapter 13).

If you’re feeling paralyzed by debt and can’t think clearly at the moment, you need a good attorney who can properly evaluate your situation and recommend possible solutions. The first thing you need to do when you don’t know what to do is to realize that sometimes, you cannot do it on your own. There is nothing wrong with getting legal help. The sooner you get help, the sooner you would be able to protect your home, your job, your car, your bank account and other assets. For more information and to schedule a free consultation, please call Toll-Free 1-866-477-7772.

We have offices in Los Angeles, Pasadena, Valencia and Cerritos. *** None of the information herein is intended to give legal advice for any specific situation. Atty. Ray Bulaon has successfully helped thousands of clients in getting out of debt. For a free attorney evaluation of your situation, please call Ray Bulaon Law Offices at TOLL FREE 1 (866) 4777772.

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Relief from default in divorce cases ment or divorce judgment is actually being enforced against the defaulted party. At this point, the party no longer has the right to participate or defend itself in the litigation.

Based on my experience in practice, the defaulted party usually gets in this situation because they moved residences and the summons was served at the prior residence. Sometimes, the proof of service of summons is fraudulent or defective. Fortunately, relief is available for the defaulted party. If a default judgment is entered against a party who was served with summons, but service did not result

in actual notice in time to defend the action, the party may serve and file a notice of motion to set aside the default or default judgment, and for leave to defend the action. Code Civ. Proc., § 473.5, subd. (a) “Actual notice” means genuine knowledge of the party litigant. Rosenthal v. Garner, 142 Cal. App. 3d 891, 191 Cal. Rptr.

300 (2d Dist. 1983)The Courts has strictly construed this term to implement a policy of liberally granting relief so that cases can be resolved on their merits. Olvera v. Olvera, 232 Cal. App. 3d 32, 283 Cal. Rptr. 271 (4th Dist.

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Tax Tips VictoR Sy, cPA, mBA And ARlene Al-oS, cPA, mBA • AMOUNT of exclusion.

When you have gain from the sale of your home, you may be able to exclude up to $250,000 of the gain from your income.

The exclusion amount is $500,000 for taxpayers filing a joint return.

• Ownership test. To claim the exclusion, you must have owned the home for at least two years during the five year period ending on the date of the sale.

• Use test. You also must have lived in the house and used it as your main home for at least two years during the five year period ending on the date of the sale.

• If you fail these tests. If you can’t meet these tests, don’t give up. Work out a reduced exclusion.

The reduced exclusion is available only if any of the following is true: • Change of job location, • Health considerations, • Unforeseen circumstances (includes foreclosure or volun-

10 tips on excluding gain from the sale of your home tary conveyance).

• When not to report. If you are able to exclude all of the gain from the sale of your home, you do not need to report the sale on your federal income tax return.

• Consider reporting your gain, even if under the gain exclusion limits of $250,000/$500,000.

This reduces your audit profile.

You will not pay any capital gains tax anyway.

• How to report taxable gain.

If you have gain which cannot be excluded, it is taxable and must be reported on your tax return using Schedule D. • Deducting a loss. You cannot deduct a loss from the sale of your home.

• Jointly-owned home. If you sell a jointly owned home which is the principal residence of two (or more) single owners, each owner may exclude $250,000.

• Rules for multiple homes. If you have more than one home, you may only exclude gain from the sale of your main home and must pay tax on the gain resulting from the sale of any other home. Your main home is generally the one you live in most of

the time.

***

Sy Al-os Accountancy Corporation provides accounting and tax services to individuals, corporations, LLCs and business entities.

The Firm has a niche in defending taxpayers audited by the IRS and other governmental agencies. The firm celebrates its 38th anniversary in 2015. *** Victor Santos Sy graduated Cum Laude from UE with a BBA and from Indiana State University with an MBA. Vic worked with SyCip, Gorres, Velayo (SGV - Andersen Consulting) and Ernst & Young before establishing Sy Accountancy Corporation in 704 Mira Monte Place, Pasadena, CA 91101. He has 50 years of experience in accounting, consulting, and tax work. *** The Firm proudly welcomes Arlene Al-os in 2015. She obtained her bachelors of Science in Accountancy from Mindanao State University and MBA from Ateneo de Manila University. She teaches intermediate accounting at UCLA and was a professor of Economics at Asia Pacific College. She has over 15 years of experience including member firms of KPMG and BDO Seidman accounting firms. *** Our readers may call (626) 744-0200 or email tax questions to info@victorsycpa.com. Please visit our website for about 300 tax tips at www.

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USCIS’ draft policy guidance on extreme hardship AS you may be aware, an alien Memorandum. Since there is no seeking permanent residency staspecific definition of “extreme tus in the US must be “admissible” hardship” under the Immigrato the US. Admissibility means tion and Nationality Act (INA) the ability of an alien to receive a or in court decisions, the policy visa to enter the US or adjust staguidance hopes to provide clartus while in the US to obtain a perification and prevent confusion manent resident status under the relative to this matter.

US relevant laws and regulations.

Based on the draft policy Aliens may be denied a visa or adguidance, the following factors mitted to the US for health-related will be considered in determinreasons, criminal grounds, secuing “extreme hardship” in waivrity and related reasons, but there er applications: family ties and are certain provisions in the law impact, social and cultural imallowing discretionary waivers on pact, economic impact, health specific inadmissibility grounds Atty. Gwendolyn Malaya-Santos conditions and care, and counfor those who can demonstrate try conditions. The USCIS will “extreme hardship” to US citizens or LPR (legal also consider the following special circumstances permanent residents) family members. that strongly suggest extreme hardships: qualifyThe inadmissibility grounds allowing waivers for ing relative previously granted asylum or refugee those who can demonstrate “extreme hardship” status, qualifying relative or related family meminclude three-year and ten-year inadmissibility ber’s disability, qualifying relative’s active duty bars for unlawful presence, crimes involving moral military service, Department of State warnings turpitude, multiple criminal convictions, prostitu- against travel to or residence in certain countries, tion and commercialized vice, and certain serious and substantial displacement of care of applicant’s criminal offenses for which the foreign national re- children. ceived immunity from prosecution, single offense The draft policy guidelines also stated the folof simple possession of 30 grams or less of mari- lowing documents may be submitted to prove juana, and certain types of immigration fraud. extreme hardship: expert opinions; medical or Last 10/7/2015, the USCIS has issued a draft mental health documentation and evaluations by policy guidance on extreme hardship which was licensed professionals; official documents, such issued pursuant to the 11/21/2014 Presidential u PAGE C3

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Protecting Employee & Consumer Rights Atty. C. Joe SAyAS, Jr. IN February 2011, Michael Rodman signed up on Safeway. com to buy his groceries online and have them delivered to his home for an additional delivery fee and fuel surcharge. After reading Safeway’s online FAQs and terms and conditions, Rodman believed that prices on items he selected online would be coming from a specific brickand-mortar close to him and that he would pay the same prices as if he were shopping at that store.

However, after making two separate online purchases, he found that the items he bought online had higher prices than what was marked at the actual store.

Rodman sued Safeway.com and its affiliates in a class action,

Community Journal

for false advertising, violation of California’s consumer laws, unfair business practice, and breach of contract. In his court complaint, Rodman claimed that in its advertising and in the delivery agreement that consumers consent to when they register online for home delivery, Safeway states that consumers will be charged the same prices for products as those charged in the local store where the groceries are selected on the date of delivery. In other words, except for the delivery fee and any fuel surcharge, Safeway represented to consumers that they will pay the same prices for grocery items as they would pay if they went to the local store.

However, Rodman claims that in reality, Safeway secretly adds

approximately 10% to the instore price of most of the groceries it sells online. Safeway uses a scaled system, where it adds $.10 for every dollar of the instore price. For example, a box of microwave popcorn may cost $3.39 in the store, but Safeway charges $3.79 for the same box ordered online and delivered from that store. Since Safeway uses $.10 increments for every dollar of in-store cost, consumers are overcharged at least 10% extra for most home-delivered items. Other than visiting the store to check prices on the day of delivery, consumers have no way of knowing that Safeway has overcharged them.

Safeway initially asked the court to dismiss the case, but the court refused to do so. Instead

DEAR Attorney Tan, I am a Filipino who is presently in the US under an H1B visa, working as a bookkeeper/accountant. My employer would like to retain me as a permanent worker. My understanding is that if my employer were to petition me, there would be a wait time of approximately 6 years before I could file a green card application. I have a previously approved I-140 petition under the 3rd Preference (Skilled Worker) category that was filed by another company on my behalf, which has a priority date of January 2009. I did not get a green card based on that previously approved I-140 petition since the company closed. If my current employer does petition me, will I have to wait 6 years before I can apply for a green card? S.S.K. Dear S.S.K. Under 8 CFR Sec. 204.5(e), the priority date for an approved I-140 employment-based petition in the 1st through 3rd Preference categories can generally be used for any subsequently filed I-140 petition in any of those categories. The only exception to this would be if the previously-approved I-140 petition was revoked due to fraud or misrepresentation. If the previously-approved I-140 petition was not revoked due to fraud or misrepresentation, the priority date can be used for your current employer’s I-140 petition.

Retention of the priority date under 204.5(e) can come into play for persons such as yourself. The retention of the priority date of a previously-approved petition benefits those: 1) who are now seeking a green card via an I-140 petition in the 3rd Preference (Skilled Worker) category, AND 2) who have a previously-approved I-140, but did not obtain a green card though that previous I-140 for one reason or another. Under Section 204.5(e), the priority date for the previously-approved I-140 petition can be used for any subsequent employment-based green card case, even if the new petition is with a different employer or a different job.

In your case, you have an approved I-140 through a previous company, but did not obtain a green card because the business closed. The priority date on that previously-approved I-140 is January 2009. If, in December 2015, your current H1B employer files an I-140 petition in the 3rd Preference (Skilled Worker) category, you would have a priority date of December 2015. You normally would have to wait until the priority date becomes current to file your green card application, which would take approximately 6 years (as of December 2015, the current application filing date for petitions in the 3rd preference category is January 1, 2010, which means only persons who have a priority date of January 1, 2010 or earlier can file a green card application). However, under 204.5(e), you can retain the January 2009 priority date of the previous I-140 petition, and use it on the new I-140 petition filed by your current employer. Since the priority date of your previous I-140 petition (i.e.

January 2009) is earlier than the current application filing date, you will not have to wait approximately 6 years to file your green card application.

It is also worth noting that for those who have an employer willing to petition him/her for a green card, but do not have a previously-approved petition from which he/she can retain the priority date, the possibility of being petitioned under the 2nd Preference (Advanced Degree) category should be explored. For 2nd Preference employed-based petitions, there is currently no wait time. It is accordingly advised that you consult with an experienced attorney if you have an employer who is willing to petition you. *** Darrick V. Tan, Esq. is admitted to practice law in California and Nevada. Mr. Tan is a graduate of UCLA and Southwestern University School of Law. He is a member of the Consumers Attorney Association of Los Angeles and is a former member of the Board of Governors of the Philippine American Bar Association.

LAW OFFICES OF DARRICK V. TAN, 3580 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 900, Los Angeles, CA 90010. Tel: (323) 639-0277. Email: info@dtanlaw. com.

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Relief from default in divorce…

1991) In addition, actual notice by a party’s attorney will not be imputed to the client. Rosenthal v. Garner, 142 Cal. App. 3d 891, 191 Cal. Rptr. 300 (2d Dist.

1983) There is an additional angle of argument available for non native English speakers. Receipt of summons and complaint by a non-English speaking defendant lacking in business sophistication may not impart “actual knowledge.” Goya v. P.E.R.U. Enterprises, 87 Cal. App. 3d 886, 151 Cal. Rptr. 258 (2d Dist.

1978); Tunis v. Barrow, 184 Cal. App. 3d 1069, 229 Cal. Rptr. 389 (2d Dist. 1986) So even if you actually received the complaint, if you do not speak English and are not sophisticated with business and legal matters, you may use the arguments that the default judgment should be set aside

because you did not receive “actual notice.” It is the Court’s policy to, as reflected in the Olvera case, to liberally grant setting aside such defaults and having the case heard on the merits.

Default Judgment may be set aside by an attorney by filing a Motion for relief from default.

This would be accompanied by a declaration from the defaulted party that he never received actual notice. A copy of the proposed response is also required to be filed with the court. This type of motion must be filed and served within 2 years after entry of default judgment or within 180 days after service of a notice of default or default judgment on the defaulted party, whichever comes first. If you are a defaulted party, you should retain the representation of an experienced attorney to set the default aside as soon as you can.

***

Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, P.C. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kureyeslaw@gmail.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com.

*** Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed.

The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, P.C. This article is not a solicitation.

(Advertising Supplement)

USCIS’ draft policy guidance on extreme…

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as birth certificates, marriage certificates, or other court documents, photographs; evidence of employment or business ties, membership records in community organizations, confirmation of volunteer activities, or cultural affiliations; newspaper articles and reports; country reports from official and private organizations; personal oral testimony; and affidavits.

Hopefully, the USCIS will release the final version of the policy guideline soon after taking into consideration the comments submitted by all affected stakeholders.

If you are contemplating of filing any immigrant or non-immigration application, it is advisable to

seek the counsel of an immigration lawyer to guide you on the intricacies of filing for such a petition. *** Atty. Gwendolyn Malaya-Santos is a member of the State Bar of California and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines. To schedule for a free initial in-person consultation, please call Tel. Nos. (213) 284-5984 or (626) 329-8215. Atty. Santos’ office is located at 3450 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1200-105, Los Angeles, CA 90010. *** Information contained in this article does not, nor is it intended to, constitutes legal advice for any specific situation and does not create a lawyer-client relationship. It likewise does not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of your legal matter.

We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code.

(Advertising Supplement)

Why you need an immigration…

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court ruling held that a greencard-holder who adjusted status may still be eligible for a waiver of an aggravated felony conviction. Other court rulings have addressed immigration consequences of burglary and crime of violence convictions.

To the alien who says “why

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Online shoppers beware: Advertised prices may be different from what you’re paying

Retention of priority date cuts wait time for green card

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 5-8, 2015

do I need two attorneys to deal with one criminal problem?” the answer is “because you have two problems and you want to be able to legally stay in the United States.” *** Atty. Reeves has represented clients in numerous landmark immigration cases that have set new policies regarding INS action

and immigrants’ rights. His offices are located in Pasadena, Irvine, San Francisco, Las Vegas and Makati City.

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

the litigation went forward, with the court ruling that the consumers can proceed to trial as a class based on its breach of contracts claim only. The court, however, said that the consumers cannot proceed to trial as a class on its false advertising and violations of consumer law claims. The court noted that California’s consumer protection laws required that consumers must demonstrate that they actually viewed a misleading misrepresentation in order to win the false advertising and consumer law claims.

However, the court said that the consumers can go ahead and make claims regarding Safeway’s possible breach of its terms and conditions when it represented that consumers will pay the same prices for grocery items online

To Live With Faith reverend rodel G. BAlAGtAS WE don’t often think of Church as contemplative. We think of it more as an active and engaging Church that deals with setting goals and planning ways to transform the world with the spirit of the Gospel. Yet, being a contemplative Church is a vital element of a true Church. In fact, it is a prerequisite to our actions or deeds. Without contemplation, our actions and relationships would be shallow, and our hearts would not be filled with gratitude.

Advent is a period of contemplation before Christmas, the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, our Savior. It is a period of profound and silent longing for the coming of our Lord Jesus, which includes his Second Coming: a longing for universal peace, justice, unity and love.

Advent, then, is countercultural to the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. It asks us to slow down, to pace our steps and to take a long deep breath. It requires us to discern our values and to examine our priorities. It challenges us to see the essential things of life that are invisible to the eye.

and in its local store – which wasn’t the case. While the lawsuit was ongoing, Safeway attempted to revise its terms and conditions by sending emails to its customers stating that grocery delivery prices, promotions, discounts, and offers may differ from the local store. However the court rejected Safeway’s attempt to impose changes to the online terms without providing proper notice to customers.

On November 30, 2015, the court ordered Safeway to pay approximately $42 million to its online customers, ruling that “Despite [Safeway’s] promise that online prices were the same as those charged in store, beginning in April 2010, the online store in fact mechanically applied a markup to the prices charged

in the physical store from which the customer’s order was picked and delivered.” *** The Law Offices of C. Joe Sayas, Jr. welcomes inquiries about this topic. All inquiries are confidential and at no-cost. Atty. Sayas’ Law Office is located at 500 N. Brand Blvd. Suite 980, Glendale, CA 91203. You can contact the office at (818) 291-0088 or visit www. joesayaslaw.com. *** C. Joe Sayas, Jr., Esq. is trial attorney who has obtained several million dollar recoveries for his clients against employers and insurance companies. He has been selected as a Super Lawyer by the Los Angeles Magazine, featured in the cover of Los Angeles Daily Journal’s Verdicts and Settlements, and is a member of the Million Dollar-Advocates Forum.

(Advertising Supplement)

A contemplative heart in this advent season When the Gospel this Advent season tells us to be vigilant, this is what it precisely means: to have a contemplative heart to see the God’s blessings of hope amidst the problems of this world and in the ordinariness of life.

Of course, our quiet longings speak of our desire for a better world. But we cannot effectively engage in transforming the world if we have not answered the hard questions of life in the silence of prayer where the true will of God meets us.

As we take on this journey of Advent, perhaps we should think more seriously about spending more quiet time for silent prayer, of quietly appreciating the special people in our lives and all of God’s blessings. Perhaps, we should be more attentive to one another and to the care of our souls.

We pray that those involved

in terrorism will take a hard look at their horrible acts of violence.

We pray that they find it in their contemplative hearts to cease all plans to create more violence in this world. And we pray that our world leaders would listen to the God of peace!

May we take this journey of Advent with a contemplative heart! *** From a Filipino immigrant family, Reverend Rodel G. Balagtas was ordained to the priesthood from St. John’s Seminary in 1991. He served as Associate Pastor at St. Augustine, Culver City (1991-1993); St. Martha, Valinda (1993-1999); and St. Joseph the Worker, Canoga Park (1999-2001). In 2001, he served as Administrator Pro Tem of St. John Neumann in Santa Maria, CA, until his appointment as pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary, Los Angeles, in 2002, which lasted 12 years. His term as Associate Director of Pastoral Field Education at St. John’s Seminary began in July 2014.

Santo Nino de Cebu Association Annual Dinner Dance

THE Santo Niño de Cebu Association of Southern California, Inc. will hold its Annual Christmas Dinner Dance on December 5, 6pm - 12:00 midnight, at Almansor Court (700 S. Almansor St., Alhambra, CA 91801).

For more details and reservations, please contact Helah (626) 215-2684, Gemma (909) 997-1026, Nelia (818) 425-9926, Joy (909) 228-0437 or Willo (818) 458-0779. n

C DECEMBER 5-8, 2015 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Debt Relief Atty. LAwrence yAng CLIENT is 53. She has two sons who are just entering college.

She divorced ten years ago. Exhusband does not pay spousal or child support but left her with the community property residence.

The house has a small equity.

Not much. In plain language, exhusband, left her with two kids to raise all by herself, without giving her any spousal support or child support to help his family, left her with a mortgage to pay all by herself on a house with no equity. Dumped her with what really is his responsibility as head of the household, left her alone with their two children, and just started a new life on his own as if he was never married and had no responsibilities. Client struggled through the last 10 years by herself and raised two sons without a father. Then, the company she worked for downsized and she lost her $75K a year job. Unemployment benefits are hardly enough to make ends meet.

So, client fell behind on house payments. It’s been nine months since she last made a mortgage payment. Her mortgage arrears are about $20K. She applied for a loan modification 6 months ago but was denied because she had no income. Two months ago, our God, the one true God, the God of Moses and Israel, El Elohim, whose beloved son, Jesus Christ died for our sins, because they both love us so, heard her prayers and blessed her with a job that paid $80K a year commensurate with her qualifications. With the new job, she resumed her mortgage payment last month but the bank refused to accept payment because of the large arrears.

Banks may still accept payment if you are only one or two months behind; Perhaps, even a max of 3 months. But 9 months? No way

Community Journal

Single mom with conditional loan modification seeks chapter 13 relief to stop foreclosure

Jose!

Client then proceeds to ask for a loan modification, which is granted with conditions. It’s the normal trial period of 3 months at the reduced mortgage payment that is $600 lower. Once the trial period is completed with timely payments, the conditions must be met. What are these conditions that client must meet? She has to remove all junior liens on her property. The IRS has a lien for $54K. The EDD has a lien for $10K. The HOA has a judgment lien for $17K. Firstly, an IRS cannot be removed even with a motion to avoid lien because IRS liens are not subject to lien cancellation. The only way to remove an IRS lien is to pay it in full, or make a deal with the IRS that allows client to remove the lien just so she can comply with the condition of her loan modification; fat chance of that happening.

You know the IRS will garnish your social security for unpaid taxes, so why in this world will the IRS release client’s lien when she now makes $80K annually?

This is like asking Donald Trump to be sensitive to minorities and disabled people. It’s not happening in anyone’s lifetime. Secondly, after the IRS there are two more liens for $27K. Where is client going to get $81K to pay off her three junior liens to comply with the loan modification conditions?

Therefore, the loan modification conditions are outright RIDICULOUS. Client cannot meet these conditions even at her current pay of $80K a year.

Client chooses the only feasible option left. She seeks Chapter 13 relief and will file a motion for court permission to finalize the loan modification in her Chapter 13. This case will allow her to object to the IRS claim of $54K and trim it down to size. She says that

she only owes the IRS $25K because she already paid half of the claim by wage garnishment over the years. With an objection to claim, the judge can rule on how much she really owes to the IRS. She says she only owes the EDD $4K, also, because of previous wage garnishments. Further she says that the HOA only accepted a minimum of $1,000 a month to pay the $17K HOA judgment. In the Chapter 13, she can pay the $17K HOA judgment lien at $284 a month over 60 months. That’s a big relief.

Despite the temporary loan modification with ridiculous conditions, the enemy is still banging on client’s door. Bank has set the foreclosure sale of her residence for December! Chapter 13 will stop the foreclosure on its track, allow her to pay the arrears of $20K at $350 a month, pay off the IRS, the EDD and the HOA over 60 months, and with God’s help, allow client to finalize the loan modification in the Chapter 13. After 5 years, her two sons will be done with college and gainfully employed; then they can both help out their mom who raised them against all odds.

If the bank sees that all the liens are being paid in full in the Chapter 13 plan, that’s a good faith effort to remove all the liens.

So, the bank may continue to finalize her loan modification.

“I have set the Lord always before me. Because He is at my right hand, i will not be shaken.”

— Psalm 16:8.

*** Lawrence Bautista Yang specializes in bankruptcy, business, real estate and civil litigation and has successfully represented more than five thousand clients in California.

Please call Angie, Barbara or Jess at (626) 284-1142 for an appointment at 1000 S. Fremont Ave, Mailstop 58, Building A-1 Suite 1125, Alhambra, CA 91803.

(Advertising Supplement)

Pasigueñans of NorCal 30th Annual Fiesta Celebration

THE Pasigueñans of Northern California invites all Pasigueñans, families, and friends to its 30th Annual Fiesta in honor of its patroness, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception.

The annual fiesta will be held on Saturday, December 5, 2015 from 1:00pm to 8:00pm at Joseph A. Fernekes Building, in Orange Memorial Park (781 Tennis Drive, South San Francisco, CA 94080).

Celebration of the Holy Mass will be at 3:00pm, which will be followed by a sumptu-

ous dinner, dancing, entertainment, and raffle drawing.

For more information, please contact Flery Santos-Panganiban (707-567-4779), Polly Santiago-Cortez (925-876-7695), Edna BalidoReyes (925-260-9764), Edith Balido (925-6819770), Chit Santos-Dalangin (707-704-7887), Marico Enriquez (650-483-8306), Oscar Rosales (707-332-4991), Jerry Field (925-6810974), Marivic Beltran-Tuazon (707-656-1081), or Pete Saguisag (650-994-0701). n

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

Calendar of Events across

America

ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS! PRE-EVENT AND POST-EVENT GO DEEPER. GO WIDER. LET THE WORLD KNOW. CALL ASIAN JOURNAL: (818) 502-0651 DISPLAY AD SIZES AT SPECIAL RATES FOR NON-PROFIT GROUPS D EC E M B E R 5

Santo Nino de Cebu Association Annual Dinner Dance The Santo Niño de Cebu Association of Southern California, Inc. will hold its ANNUAL CHRISTMAS DINNER DANCE on December 5, 6pm - 12:00 midnight, at Almansor Court (700 S. Almansor St., Alhambra, CA 91801). For more details and reservations, please contact Helah (626) 215-2684, Gemma (909) 997-1026, Nelia (818) 425-9926, Joy (909) 228-0437 or Willo (818) 458-0779.

Pasigueñans of Northern California 30th Annual Fiesta Celebration The Pasigueñans of Northern California invites all Pasigueñans, families, and friends to its 30th Annual Fiesta in honor of its patroness, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. The annual fiesta will be held on Saturday, December 5, 2015 from 1:00pm to 8:00pm at Joseph A. Fernekes Building, in Orange Memorial Park (781 Tennis Drive, South San Francisco, CA 94080). Celebration of the Holy Mass will be at 3:00pm, which will be followed by a sumptuous dinner, dancing, entertainment, and raffle drawing. For more information, please contact Flery Santos-Panganiban (707-567-4779), Polly Santiago-Cortez (925-876-7695), Edna Balido-Reyes (925-260-9764), Edith Balido (925-681-9770), Chit Santos-Dalangin (707-704-7887), Marico Enriquez (650-483-8306), Oscar Rosales (707-332-4991), Jerry Field (925-681-0974), Marivic Beltran-Tuazon (707-656-1081), or Pete Saguisag (650-994-0701).

D EC E M B E R 9

St. Joseph School presents WRAPPING ALL THE WAY What: Annual Christmas Presentation Featuring TK through 4th Grade and Parish When: Wednesday, December 9, 2015 at 7:00 pm Where: St. Joseph Parish (1150 W. Holt Avenue Pomona, CA 91768) The St. Joseph School Annual Christmas program serves as an opportunity for all students and parishioners to come together to celebrate the joyful season. All are welcome to come and be merry. Donations are welcome. For more information, please call: Director Ning Manahan at (909) 629-4101 or (909) 622-3365

D EC E M B E R 1 5

LA Archdiocesan SIMBANG GABI 2015 WHAT: LA Archdiocesan SIMBANG GABI 2015 WHEN: Tuesday, December 15, at 6:30pm WHERE: Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels (555 W. Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012) Principal Celebrant: Most Rev. Jose H. Gomez, D.D., Archbishop of Los Angeles The Filipino Ministry of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, San Fernando Pastoral Region, will sponsor the first day of the Archdiocesan Simbang Gabi. Pre-liturgy/Parol Procession will begin at 6:30 pm, followed by the Mass celebrated by Archbishop Rev. Jose H. Gomez. Filipiniana attire is requested to be worn by organizers and participants. This year’s theme is “Jesus Our Savior, Empower Our Families to be Better Stewards of Your Creation.” For the Parol Procession Guidelines and other information, contact any Chairperson: Patty Santiago – email: piesan@hotmail.com; Phone: (818) 472-4288 or Raymond de Guzman- email: rdeguzman1317@verizon.net; Phone: (818) 634-8664.

D EC E M B E R 1 8

Blessed Hope Christian Church Night of Praise Come celebrate the birth of Christ and praise God with the congregation at our upcoming Christmas Praise Night, on Friday, December 18 at 7:30pm. Our church can be found at 474 North Summit Ave. Pasadena, CA 91103. Please contact Jun Recio (818) 472-5244 for more details.

D EC E M B E R 29 -3 0

Pampanga High School Class of ’65 Golden Jubilee Celebration The Class of 1965 of the Pampanga High School will hold “TULA ampong SAYA,” its 50th Anniversary Reunion, this coming December 29-30, in San Fernando Pampanga, Philippines.

All 1965 graduates of the Pampanga High School (PHS), formerly the Jose Abad Santos High School (JASHS), and their spouses are welcome to all scheduled events. Admission is free.

The celebration will begin with BISPERAS on December 29 from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, enjoying fun games, old music, and togetherness at the DIASPORA FARM RESORT in Santa Barbara, Bacolor, Pampanga. On December 30, from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, join us for KAPIYESTAN, a provincial fiesta luncheon featuring familiar Kapampangan dishes, at the Mulang Galang orchard in San Antonio, Mexico, Pampanga. The evening of Dec. 30 will conclude with TERAKAN, a gala dinner-dance from 6:30 pm to 12 midnight, at the Fortune Hongkong Seafood Restaurant in the San Fernando, Pampanga. Enjoy a fun evening of dancing to the retro music of Decadas and the mellow songs of folksinger Jerry. Class ‘65ers, please join us in celebrating our 50th Golden Anniversary! Full details on preparations, events and venues can be found on “TULA ampong SAYA,” on Facebook. For donations, interest in the 50th Anniversary Reunion souvenir memory book, highlighting the successes of individual Class ‘65ers and the accomplishments of the PHS Class ’65 Foundation, Inc., please contact the jubilee reunion organizing committee in the Philippines: Joseph Deang (0927-228-8588); Erlie Aquino Estandarte (0929-219-0248); Corazon Cunanan (0939-118-2888; 0926-660-35540); Cecille Morales Bernas (0932-509-2646); and Marcial Morales (0918-915-9095); and Dan Galang 0929-427-9308; 045-966-0764). In the US and Canada, please contact Dan Galang at (510) 487-5551 or at (510) 648-1047.

JA N UA Ry 9

Feast of Santo Niño de Cebu All are cordially invited to the Feast of Santo Niño de Cebu on Saturday, January 9, 2016, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Bellflower, California, organized and sponsored by the Santo Niño de Cebu Association of Southern California, Inc., a non-profit religious organization. The Eucharistic Celebration will be presided by the Auxiliary Bishop of Los Angeles, His Excellency Bishop Oscar A. Solis at 10:00 am followed by the traditional procession of the image of Santo Niño de Cebu, fiesta lunch and Sinulog presentations. Food and financial donations are welcome, and all donations are tax deductible.

For further information, you may contact the association President, Danny C. Diluvio at (323) 252-4991 or email at: dannydiluvio1@gmail.com.

M Ay 2 0 1 6

PUP/PCC to hold 1st Global Reunion

Attention all graduates of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines and the Philippine College of Commerce: join us in our FIRST GLOBAL REUNION being organized by the Polytechnic University of the Philippines Alumni Association, USA Inc. scheduled on May 2729, 2016 (Memorial Day Weekend) at the New Orleans Hotel in Las Vegas, NV. We promise a weekend of fun-filled activities, of friendship and camaraderie as we reminisce our best memories during our high school and college days. There will be lots of entertainment, singing and dancing and photo opportunities with your classmates and friends.

For more information, please contact any of the following: Loi Herrera at 562-544-8210 or loiherrera@yahoo.com; Monette Santillan-Rivera at 818-970-8317 or Monette_santillan@yahoo. com; Rose Mejia at 323-997-3838 or Rosemariemejia@kw.com; Marissa Sugay-Palanca at 818281-7460 or marispalanca@yahoo.com; Rose Maghari at 661-794-8906 or rmaghari@gmail. com; Sally Mendoza at 323-695-0235 or sally.mendoza616@yahoo.com; Honeylette De Leon at 562-480-5743 orhoney@worldclassfreight.com; Virginia Herbito at virginiaherbito@gmail. com; Connie Acosta at 323-854-5303 orconnieacosta1@att.net; Violeta D. Cristobal at 310-8805808 or vee@cristobalcpa.com; Jun Mapoy at 323-627-5326 or jcmapoy@yahoo.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

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

PeoPle & events

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 5-8, 2015

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Simbang Gabi 2015 focuses on stewardship and the family THE Filipino Ministry of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles is now preparing for its annual Simbang Gabi celebration, which will be held on Tuesday December 15, 2015 at 6:30 PM. The liturgy will be held at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, located at 555 West Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012.

This year’s theme, “Jesus, Our Saviour, Empower Our Families to be Better Stewards of Your Creation” (Hesus, Aming Tagpagligtas, Bigyan Mo ng Kapangyarihan ang Aming Pamilya na Maging Mas Mahusay na Tagapag-alaga ng Iyong Nilkiha) was selected and agreed upon by parish representatives from the all over the San Fernando Valley Pastoral Region. Our main celebrant, his Excellency, Most Reverend Jose H. Gomez, D.D. will lead the concelebrated Mass.

The San Fernando Region is leading and organizing this year’s event. Chairperson Raymond De Guzman is coordinating the region’s preparations while Patty Santiago from the LA Archdiocese Filipino Ministry is serving as co-Chair. The celebration will again include the procession of Parols (star lanterns) which is a tradition that Filipino faithful from different parishes, Catholic organizations, civic, government and nongovernmental organizations throughout Los Angeles continue to

observe and enjoy.

All participating parishes will have their in-parish coordinator submit their Simbang Gabi schedule. Attendees to our Simbang Gabi are encouraged to wear Filipiniana to signify the beauty of our cultural tradition. Simbang Gabi is one of the longest and most powerful celebrations in the lives of Filipinos and Americans of Filipino Decent.

The Filipino- American community invites everyone to participate in this joyous event, and experience community building at its best.

For more information, please call or send an email to: Raymond De Guzman Chairperson, 2011 Simbang Gabi Cell: (818) 634-8664 E-mail: rdeguzman1317@verizon.net Patty Santiago Coordinator, San Fernando Valley Pastoral Region LA Archdiocese Filipino Ministry Home: (818) 362-4864 E-mail: piesan@hotmail.com Joe Arciaga Chair, Publicity & Promotions Cell: (818) 457-8408 E-mail: joe.filamchamber.sfv@gmail.com n

Don’t fall for utility bill scams this holiday season With more than 16,000 SCE customers victimized since January 2014, the utility recently partnered with local law enforcement and AARP

by Caroline

aoyagi-Stom Southern California Edison

WHEN Jinza Teriyaki restaurant owner John Lee, 40, answered the phone at his business six months ago, the suspicious caller identified himself as a Southern California Edison representative and asked for immediate payment or his electricity would be turned off.

Sensing that something was not right, he went online and checked his account. He saw that his bill was current and paid in full.

“This is a scam, right?” Lee asked.

The scammer hung up the phone immediately.

Lee’s story is all too common.

Since last year, more than 16,000 SCE customers have received calls from impostors asking for money.

Of this number, at least 700 customers have paid them using prepaid cash cards, losing nearly half a million dollars. This year, more than 5,500 SCE customers have received such scam calls.

And SCE hopes to bring these numbers down, especially during the busy holiday season when there is often a spike in scams.

“Customers who suspect they’ve received a fraudulent call should ask for the caller’s name, as well as their department and business numbers,” said Kevin Payne, SCE senior vice president of Customer Service, who was joined by the Monterey Park Police Department and AARP at a recent news conference hosted by the utility. “End the call and report the incident immediately to local police and SCE.” SCE has a web page with information on scams and how to avoid them in multiple languages.

In addition to creating awareness among business owners, customers were urged to help their family and friends avoid becoming victims.

“We do not want to become the grandparents of fraud,” said Patricia Perez, AARP California state president. “The AARP … wants its members and non-members to protect themselves against the utility phone scam and stay alert this holiday season.”

Local police departments have been working with SCE to capture these perpetrators. The Monterey Park Police Department has been issuing search warrants to track down the tele-

phone numbers used by the suspects. They have also issued warrants for the IP address to locate which Internet carrier and portals the scam came from.

“We believe there are many more victims out there who have not reported these scams,” said Monterey Park Police Department Detective Bob Hung. ”We do want the public to be made aware and be cognizant of what is going on out there.”

Since the first scam call came in six months ago, Lee continued to receive calls at his business weekly for several months.

And he has some advice for other businesses to avoid being scammed.

“Be on top of your bill and use the SCE online services to confirm everything,” he said.

Here are some other tips to avoid being scammed: SCE never calls customers on the telephone and demands immediate payment with the threat of service disconnection.

SCE does not accept prepaid cash cards for bill payments.

SCE does not have a Disconnection Department.

For more information: on.sce. com/ScamAlert. n

Atty. Angela F.L. Cainto, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Bernie O. Cainto Sr. of Los Angeles, California, and Mr. Marlon L. Perez, son of Mr. and Mrs. Mariano R. Perez Sr. of Lipa, Batangas, recently exchanged their marriage vows at St. Peter the Apostle Church. The bride is working at the Public Attorney’s office as an Attorney II, while the groom is a certified public accountant in Alberta, Canada. He is licensed to practice in the Philippines, Canada and United States. The couple spent their honeymoon in the Maldives and Singapore. One of the bride’s brothers, Bernard and wife Joan, flew all the way from the Caribbean to attend the wedding. The couple’s parents, relatives, friends, clients, associates and other guests were in attendance at the ceremony. The couple plans to settle in Canada.

National Filipino youth conference launched in the spirit of Bonifacio Day SEATTLE, WA - In the spirit of the 152nd birthday of Filipino plebeian hero, Andres Bonifacio, Anakbayan-USA, Kapit Bisig Kabataan Network and the National Alliance for Filipino Concerns officially launch a national Filipino youth conference with the theme “Kabataan Magkaisa! Strengthen the Unity of Filipino Youth to Build a Brighter Future” to be held from January 16 to 18, 2016 at the Filipino Community Center in Seattle.

The conference aims to tackle burning economic and social justice issues affecting the Filipino community in the United States and in the Philippines. It is scheduled during the Martin Luther King Jr. weekend to show solidarity with our African-American brothers and sisters and to link Filipino youth and students in the growing fight against rac-

ism and economic inequality in the United States.

“Filipinos make up at least 3.4 million of the American population, with 56% being youth. The youth continues to play a significant role in creating change in society. With economic, and social inequalities, growing racism, lack of access to quality education, joblessness, forced migration, and lack of cultural identity, we must take up our historic role as catalysts of change in our communities,” says Yves Nibungco, National Chairperson of Anakbayan-USA. This conference is a concerted effort from the convening national organizations to bring various Filipino youth groups together and lay down the foundations to rebuild SanDiwa, a national Filipino youth and student alliance, to serve as a platform for youth

across the United States to collectively advance the rights and welfare of our community, locally and in the Philippines.

The program will kick off on Saturday, January 16, with a cultural night themed “Strength of the Youth,” and the conference proper will start the next day and will consist of various speakers, two sets of workshops and a plenary session to unite participants on plans of action. On Monday, January 18, delegates are encouraged to join a solidarity march to stand with the Black community against state violence and link the struggles of the Filipino community with other marginalized communities. The conference is endorsed by the Northwest Filipino American Student Alliance.

For more information on the conference, visit the website at www.kabataanmagkaisa.org n

KOR- HFT accepting submissions for essay writing contest CALLING all Filipino-American youth and student writers in California!

The Knights of Rizal-Historic Filipinotown (HFT) is holding the first-ever Rizal Memorial Essay Writing Contest for 2015 and is accepting entries until December 18. Those who are interested in joining the contest must submit their entries to KOR-HFT c/o People’s CORE at 1610 Beverly Blvd. Suite No. 2, Los Angeles, California, 90026.

The theme of the contest is: IF RIZAL WAS IN HISTORIC FILIPINOTOWN, HOW WILL HE ENVISION THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE AREA? Entries must contain 1,500 words and be double spaced with the participants’ name. Entries must

be submitted in two separate envelopes. One envelope must contain the following: 1) assumed name or coded number 2) true name, address and telephone number.

This process is to maintain the impartiality of the judges. The entries will be safeguarded by the KORHFT officials and will be held for safekeeping.

The prizes for the Rizal Memorial Writing Contest will be: $500 and a plaque (first place); $350 and a plaque (second place); $150 and a plaque (third place) For more information about the contest please call at (213)241-0995 or email us at agarcia@peoplescore.net. n

C DECEMBER 5-8, 2015 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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D

MARKETPLACE SHOWROOM Frontier Communications receives No fraud waiver needed, despite fraud final regulatory approval in Calif. to acquire Verizon Operations Transaction expected to close at end of March 2016 NORWALK, Conn.—Frontier CommunicationsCorporation announced on Thursday, Dec. 3 that the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) unanimously voted to approve Frontier’s proposed acquisition of Verizon’s wireline, broadband and video operation in California, including the FiOS® network.

Frontier has received all other necessary regulatory clearances, including those from the Federal Communications Commission, the U.S. Department of Justice and the Public Utility Commission of Texas, for the $10.54 billion acquisition, which includes Verizon’s wireline, broadband and video operations and FiOS networks in California, Florida and Texas.

“With this final approval, we look forward to completing our transaction with Verizon which represents a significant transformation for Frontier. We will transition our revenue to a more diversified mix, improve our growth prospects, create sustainable value for our share-

holders and provide a great experience for our new Frontier customers in California, Florida and Texas,” Daniel J. McCarthy, president and CEO of Frontier Communications.

“We are pleased with the California Public Utility Commission’s approval and are thankful so many community and legislative leaders supported our acquisition efforts. We look forward to serving consumer and business customers in California beginning in early April of 2016,” added Melinda White, president of Frontier’s West Region.

The transaction is expected to close at the end of March 2016.

Frontier Communications Corporation offers broadband, voice, video, wireless Internet data access, data security solutions, bundled offerings and specialized bundles for residential customers, small businesses and home offices, and advanced communications for medium and large businesses in 28 states.

Frontier’s approximately 18,600 employees are based entirely in the United States.

World Bank: Tougher road ahead for PH exporters

by Richmond

S. meRcuRio

Philstar.com

MANILA—Philippine exporters will likely face a tougher road ahead as big economies gear up to reinvigorate their respective manufacturing sectors, the World Bank Group said.

Roberto Galang, operations officer of the World Bank, said global economic trends are indicating the share of trade to economic growth is becoming less significant and would likely continue doing so in the coming years.

“We see a change in the way trade plays a role in this global growth. A lot of growth prior to three or four years ago was driven by exports and trade and new products coming in. In the past, as long as the economy is booming, trade follows or some-

times trade leads. That will no longer be the case because even though we’d see that growth will likely go up again in the global market, trade will no longer follow because a lot of things have changed,” Galang said during the 2015 National Export Congress yesterday.

Galang said the separation in the growth of trade and the economy is attributed to the resurgence of manufacturing in global powerhouses such as the United States and China.

“China is trying to rebalance, becoming less export-dependent and more locally dependent. We are also seeing a lot of manufacturing going back to where they are in the developed world,” he said.

“We’re going to see competiPAGE D2

Aquino woos Euro investments by nikko

dizon Inquirer.net

of meetings with prospective and current European investors before heading to Rome and PARIS/ROME—President Be- the Vatican later that day on nigno Aquino III wrapped up the final leg of his official visit a working visit to France on to Europe.

Tuesday, Dec. 1 with a series PAGE D2

President Benigno S. Aquino III shares a light moment with CRH Asia president Ken McKnight in a business meeting at the Louis Lumiere Conference Room of the Hotel Scribe in Paris, France on Tuesday, Dec. 2 during his working visit here.

Malacañang photo by Joseph Vidal

Business Quote of the Week “Many think of management as cutting deals and laying people off and hiring people and buying and selling companies.

That’s not management, that’s deal making. Management is the opportunity to help people become better people.

Practiced that way, it’s a magnificent profession.”

- Clayton M. Christensen, Harvard Business School professor

& Immigration Corner Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ

ORDINARILY, when a person commits fraud or makes a misrepresentation in connection with applying for an immigration benefit, the person is required to file a fraud waiver (Form I – 601). However, in some cases, even when a person does make a misrepresentation, a fraud waiver may not necessarily be required.

In one of our recent cases, our client was charged with fraud but, on appeal, the Administrative Appeals Office (AAO) in Washington DC agreed with us that no fraud waiver should be required because the alleged misrepresentation was not “material.”

In many cases, people automatically accept USCIS’s determination that they committed fraud, and that a fraud waiver is required.

But that is not always the case. In this particular case, the client was petitioned by her US citizen husband, but the USCIS Field Office Director denied her fraud waiver, concluding she had made a misrepresentation, and her husband (her “qualifying relative”) would not suffer “extreme hardship” if

she were not allowed to remain in the US. We appealed the denial to the AAO, arguing that while her misrepresentation was intentional, it was harmless and not material.

The AAO agreed, noting that while she made a misrepresentation, the “true facts” would not have rendered her inadmissible. In other words, even if a person makes a misrepresentation, the misrepresentation must be material, meaning the person would be ineligible for the immigration benefit based on the “true facts,” or the misrepresentation tends to “shut off a line of inquiry” which would be relevant to the person’s eligibility.

The AAO concluded the misrepresentation was not material, because “the applicant would not have been inadmissible, removable or ineligible on the true facts”. Moreover, “her misrepresentation did not cut off a line of inquiry, which would have been relevant to her eligibility and which might well have resulted in a proper determination that she was inadmissible.” In other words, even though she made a misrepresentation, she was still eligible for her immigration benefit, whether that misrepresentation was true or not, because it was not material. Accordingly, the AAO agreed that her waiver application was

unnecessary and she was eligible for a green card without any fraud waiver being required.

I know many people are accused of making a misrepresentation, and are required to submit a fraud waiver. Certainly, if the misrepresentation was “material”, then a fraud waiver would be necessary.

However, as this case points out, perhaps the misrepresentation was not material, and therefore would not constitute fraud or misrepresentation, requiring a fraud waiver. (Please note that this “success story” does not mean your case is guaranteed or you will have a similar outcome.) Each case to be analyzed on case-by-case basis.

If you are accused of committing fraud or misrepresentation, you should seek the advice of an immigration attorney, who can evaluate your situation, including whether or not your misrepresentation was material according to the legal definition, such that a fraud waiver should not be even be required. Don’t just blindly accept USCIS’s finding, if it is not in accordance with the legal requirements or definitions. Instead, you should fight!

Michael J. Gurfinkel is licensed, and an active member of the State Bars of California and New York.

All immigration services are pro-

vided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California. Each case is different. The information contained herein (including testimonials, “Success Stories”, endorsements and re-enactments) is of a general nature, and is not intended to apply to any particular case, and does not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorney-client relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel is licensed, and an active member of the State Bar of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California. Each case is different.

The information contained herein including testimonials, “Success Stories,” endorsements and re-enactments) is of a general nature, and is not intended to apply to any particular case, and does not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorneyclient relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader.

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

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Binay: No VAT hike after tax reform passage THERE would be no increase in value-added tax (VAT) when the income tax reform bill is passed into law during his administration, Vice President Jejomar Binay vowed on Wednesday, Dec. 2.

Binay is the standard-bearer of the United Nationalist Alliance in next year’s elections.

“We will ensure that VAT will remain as it is so our people could buy more from their income,” he said.

“The point of reducing the income tax would be meaningless if prices of our commodities would skyrocket because of increased VAT,” the Vice President added.

He noted that 11 million Filipino families are poor.

Binay allayed fears that slashing income taxes would result in revenue loss for the government.

“Raising VAT is not the only way to compensate for the revenue loss. We already have a menu of options to compensate for the potential revenue losses from reducing tax rates,” he said.

These options, according to Binay, include sale of government assets and privatization of a number of government-owned and—controlled corporations (GOCCs); approval of revenuegenerating measures, including fiscal incentives rationalization; fuel marking to fight oil smuggling; and continued improvement in tax administration and collection efficiency.

Should he be elected President, he said, he would convene the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (Ledac) within the 100 days of his admin-

istration for swift passage of the tax reform bill.

“If given the opportunity to serve our fellow Filipinos, I will certify the tax reform bill as urgent after a thorough consultation with the Ledac,” Binay added.

“We are pushing for a comprehensive tax system reform that will gradually reduce the personal and corporate income tax rates in the Philippines to a level that is more consistent with our peers in Asean [Association of Southeast Asian Nations],” he said.

Binay cited advantages of passing a tax reform bill, saying it would result, for one, in improved tax collection and compliance.

“With the current taxation system, up to 85 percent of the total collection of individual income PAGE D3 NEW OWNER. Emperador Inc. chair Andrew Tan (third from left) visits Bodegas Fundador in Jerez, Spain with son Kevin (second from left)

World Bank: Tougher road ahead...

PAGE D1 tion no longer from countries like Vietnam or Mexico in terms for manufacturing for the local market. Even countries like US and Germany are now reinvigorating their manufacturing sectors.

These pose some negative news for exports,” Galang added.

Galang said aggravating further these challenges is the country’s exclusion from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).

“One of the things we like to warn is that two of our Asean neighbors, Malaysia and Vietnam, are members and unfortunately, we are not. This might

create some problems moving forward because an investor might be seeing Malaysia and Vietnam as a very good place to sell their exports because of this TPP,” he said.

With 50 percent of Philippine exports going to TPP-member countries at present, the World Bank stressed the need for the country to upscale its export capabilities and competitiveness to continue to sell in these very important markets.

The TPP is a free trade agreement that was negotiated between the US, Australia, New Zealand, Peru, Chile, Mexico, Canada, Singapore, Brunei, Ma-

laysia, Vietnam, and Japan.

“We need to prepare and conduct some of the reforms that the TPP requires so that we can remain competitive especially against countries like Malaysia and Vietnam,” Galang said.

Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. president Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr. said share of exports to the country’s gross domestic product has now gone down to about 30 percent from a high of about 60 percent in 1998.

Philippine exports declined 24.7 percent in September, its steepest drop in four years, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.

and Emperador president Winston Co after announcing to almost 200 Spanish employees that the Filipino firm is buying Spain’s oldest and largest brandy.

Inquirer.net photo

Andrew Tan’s Emperador buys Spain’s Fundador

by Tina

arceo-Dumlao Inquirer.net

LISTED liquor company Emperador Inc. owned by tycoon Andrew L. Tan has acquired Fundador Pedro Domecq, Spain’s largest and oldest brandy, in an “all-cash” deal worth 275 million euros, or P13.8 billion, the Inquirer learned Monday, Nov. 30.

The purchase solidifies Emperador’s position as the world’s largest brandy company and makes the Tan-led firm one of the largest foreign investors in Jerez, the brandy capital of Spain.

Under the deal closed on Saturday in Madrid, Grupo Emperador

Spain S.A., a company owned by Emperador Inc., will acquire the brandy and sherry business of Beam Suntory in Jerez.

Aside from Fundador Pedro Domecq, the acquisition includes Terry Centenario, Spain’s top-selling brandy; Tres Cepas, Equatorial Guinea’s leading brandy; and Harvey’s, the United Kingdom’s top sherry wine.

These brands carry a unique heritage and market leadership position in their respective categories, Emperador said in a statement furnished the Inquirer.

Fundador, or “founder” in Spanish, was the first brand to be marketed by Pedro Domecq Loustau in 1874. Made from Airen and Palomino grapes, Fundador was the first brand marketed as a Brandy de Jerez and is aged in a sherry-soaked Solera.

Clear leader Today, it is Spain’s largest export brandy and is sold in more than 30 countries. Fundador’s biggest export market is the Philippines, where it has been the clear leader for more than a century.

Other acquired assets are Bodegas Fundador, Spain’s largest and oldest brandy cellar established in 1730, as well as production facilities, aging cellars, vineyards and state-of-the art blending and bottling facilities in Jerez.

Emperador will likewise take over a brandy distillery in Tomelloso, Spain, which has a sufficient aging inventory of brandy and sherry that Emperador officials believe will drive the company’s growth.

Nomura was tapped as the sole financial advisor while Allen & Overy was hired as the legal adviser for the transaction.

Ceremonial signing The deal was sealed with the ceremonial signing of barrels at Bodegas Fundador in Jerez.

Tan wrote “A New Era Begins” while Emperador president CEO Winston Co wrote “Sa Totoong Tagumpay” (for real success), which has been the slogan of Emperador for years.

The ceremony was witnessed

by Fundador executives and employees late Monday morning in Spain. Tan and Co signed the messages and the historic date of Nov. 30, 2015.

Close to Tan’s heart Tan said in a statement that the investment was “really close to my heart.”

“I haven’t really slept for weeks thinking about this. And now, I am very happy that I made this important decision of buying this largest and oldest brandy in Spain that has also been a very iconic brand to Filipinos for more than a century,” he added.

Fundador carries significant

sentimental value to Tan because 42 years ago, on the evening after he graduated magna cum laude with a Business Administration degree from the University of the East, he first encountered the brand.

Three bottles on graduation His late father, Tan Ha, had invited his friends and relatives to celebrate the younger Tan’s graduation. They opened and eventually finished three bottles of Fundador. Thus, for Tan, Fundador never fails to bring back memories of a special moment shared with his father.

The investment cements the Philippines’ position as one of the largest investors in Spain, said Carlos Salinas, Philippine ambassador to Spain.

“We are very happy that this particular event has taken place because it makes a mark that the Philippines is looking more and more into Spain for possible investments,” Salinas said in a statement.

“As a matter of fact, the Philippines now is one of the largest investors in Spain and we welcome this, as now we are able to make a mark, we are able to make a strong presence, we are able to be on the radar of the global investment arena,” he said.

The purchase will have an immediate positive impact on Emperador’s bottom line, according to Co. More than 100 countries “The acquisition of the Spanish assets and Fundador brandy is immediately accretive both to Emperador’s revenue and net income. With the combined global reach of Whyte and Mackay and Fundador, our expanded product portfolio will have access to more than 100 countries around the world,” Co said. “[Also] in our pipeline are several proudly Philippine-made products that we intend to introduce to the international markets starting next year,” Co added.

Last year, Emperador acquired Whyte and Mackay Ltd., the world’s fifth largest Scotch whiskey company. Among its brands are The Dalmore and Jura Single Malt Scotch Whiskies, Whyte & Mackay and John Barr Blended Scotch Whiskies and Vladivar Vodka.

As of September, Emperador Inc. has generated 45 percent more revenue, reaching P29 billion. Net income, meanwhile, reached P4.7 billion, up 3 percent from the same period last year, on the back of improving domestic volumes.

It has also expanded its local products with the launch of Smirnoff Mule in May as well as Andy Player Whisky, to add to the best-selling Emperador Light.

Aquino woos Euro...

PAGE D1 The business meetings followed the President’s attendance at the climate change summit in the Paris suburb of Le Bourget where he joined the call for a legally binding agreement for all nations to take concrete steps to avert climate disaster.

Mr. Aquino met with officials of CRH, an Ireland-based global building materials firm, to discuss their cement manufacturing and expansion plans in the Philippines.

CRH, which is in partnership with Aboitiz Equity Ventures, is the first and largest Irish investment in the Philippines.

The President also held meetings with several European companies wishing to start or expand operations in the Philippines.

He met with officials of the Jacobi Carbons Group, a Swedish company that recently set up an activated carbon manufacturing facility in the Philippines.

The company focuses on investing in countryside development, particularly in Mindanao, sourcing raw materials from local coconut farmers.

Mr. Aquino also discussed with Airbus officials an “en-

hanced cooperation” between the government and the airplane manufacturer as the Philippine aviation industry “is ramping up with new capacity and the country has now become a high potential source of components for plane manufacturing,” said Communications Sec. Herminio Coloma Jr. who joined the President at the meeting.

Coloma said “significant” components from the Airbus A350 are manufactured in the Philippines, including actuators (a type of motor), galleys and toilets.

The President and Airbus officials also agreed to further discuss the possibility for a joint development and production of an Airbus aircraft.

Mr. Aquino met with officials of the Sanofi drug company, as a follow-up to the meeting they held in China last year where they discussed the pharmaceutical manufacturer’s dengue vaccine.

The Philippines is one of 15 countries where Sanofi is testing the efficacy of its dengue vaccine. It has completed 20 clinical studies, with five still ongoing.

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Marketplace & ShowrooM

Max’s Group to open branches in Calif.

by Doris

Dumlao-abaDilla Inquirer.net

Max’s Group Inc. (MGI), the country’s leading casual dining chain, is expanding its footprint in California, Usa through a partnership with a local business group.

MGI disclosed to the Philippine stock Exchange on Thursday, Dec. 3 that it had signed a development agreement with a family-owned firm, De Borja Inc., to build at least three Max’s restaurants in san Diego, California within the next five years.

“We are excited to extend our footprint in North america through our partnership with De Borja Inc., a diversified group with a long track record of business excellence. It is our pleasure to serve the citizens of san Diego, including our countrymen based overseas, a taste of home,” said MGI president and chief executive Robert Trota.

This marks the fifth development agreement inked by MGI for 2015. “We are happy to seal a new market as we conclude

the year,” Trota said.

“We are honored to be in partnership with Max’s Group Inc. and ecstatic to spread the standards, tradition and experience set by its founders in san Diego. Our extensive research determined that the people of san Diego have been clamoring for a Max’s Restaurant,” said De Borja Inc. managing director Krystle De Borja.

De Borja operates multiple businesses in various industries, including restaurant, retail and wholesale. It also works with the government sector, high schools, colleges, vendors through various collaborations.

It has been operating for more than 44 years.

MGI currently operates a network of 171 branches, including 19 franchised stores overseas.

Earlier this year, MGI also inked a development agreement with the Lulu Group to build at least eight Pancake House stores in United arab Emirates within the next five years.

There was also a separate

deal to bring another brand, sizzlin’ steak, to Vietnam via 10 branches within the next five years.

MGI is currently valued by the stock market at around P26.4 billion.

MGI recently ventured into a new form of multi-brand retail dining format that makes use of a shared space. This inaugural lifestyle spot is called “Burgos Eats,” located along the Burgos Circle in Bonifacio Global City.

“The overall blueprint of Burgos Eats is designed for better interaction between brands and diners to prosper by allowing the space to become the epicenter of leisure and activity,” MGI executive director Jim Fuentebella said.

“Burgos Eats is a great way for us to introduce our brands to a new generation of diners while also offering a fun, more interactive place to dine and unwind,” Fuentebella said.

The MGI brands include Pancake House, Yellow Cab, Teriyaki Boy, Krispy Kreme and Jamba Juice.

Binay: No VAT hike after tax reform...

PAGE 2 taxes is paid by the working class while only 15 percent comes from self-employed individuals and professionals,” he said.

“Tax reform would result in the improved competitiveness of Philippine corporations and their workforce. It will also encourage more foreign investments, resulting in more jobs for our people, and more revenues for the government,” the Vice President added.

Binay said tax reform would also lead to increased consumer spending, allowing the government to recover some of the shortterm revenue loss.

The Vice President expressed his disappointment with some government officials and candidates for dismissing the tax reform bill as a “pogi bill,” designed only to attract votes from the middle class.

“It is unfortunate that this issue is being politicized. The tax reform measure will benefit individual households, society and the economy at large,” he said.

“Tax savings will help Filipino families afford a house, therefore

Vice Pres. Jejomar Binay

[fewer] informal settlers; an education plan for their children, causing [fewer] drop-outs in schools; and a retirement plan that will have [fewer] senior citizens dependent on charity or the government,” the Vice President added.

“Our tax system must be seen as fair. Those with bigger paychecks ought to pay higher taxes than those who earn less, and inflation-adjusted tax bracket is only just,” Binay said. (ManilaTimes.net)

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2015 LA Auto Show debuts connected vehicles

by Allyson A weAlth of new, connected vehicles was showcased at the 2015 lA Auto Show, held at the lA Convention Center in November.

From improved safety through features like adaptive cruise control and blind spot detection, to remote engine start systems, many new vehicles unveiled at the Auto Show boasted technological features to enhance the driving experience.

Among models debuted at the Show included Mitsubishi’s 2016 Outlander Sport and 2017 Mirage, the 2016 Nissan Sentra, hyundai’s 2016 Sonata hybrid plug-in and 2017 elantra, and the 2017 Kia Sportage. Ford’s 2017 escape was also on display, as well as toyota’s 2017 Mirai and 2016 RAV4 hybrid.

Mitsubishi while connectivity was a large area of focus on vehicles at the 2015 lA Auto Show, automakers also invested thought into the appearance of new models. Mitsubishi’s 2016 Outlander Sportwas among those that revealed a new, bold exterior with a “Dynamic Shield” front design. It also comes with new power folding mirrors and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Safety features include seven airbags (one of which is meant to protect the driver’s knee, a tire pressure monitoring system and brake assist. the automaker’s new Mirage also offers a new exterior - with changes made to its hood, grille and bumpers – as a means of optimizing fuel efficiency. the Mirage also comes with improvements to its breaks, and safety features such as those found on the Outlander Sport.

Nissan Nissan unleashed its new Sentra with a redesigned exterior and interior with a combined fuel economy of 32mpg. It also comes with a new level of available advanced Safety Shield technologies and

EscobAr And AgnEs constAntE / AJPress

New cars revealed at the auto show • 2017 Buick laCrosse • 2017 Fiat 124 Spider • Jaguar landRover - Jaguar Xe, the Jaguar F-PACe, and the land Rover Range Rover evoque Convertible • 2016 Porsche Cayman Gt4 • New Mercedes-Benz Sl • 2017 Cadillac Xt5 • Subaru Impreza Sedan concept • Scion C-hR concept • 2017 Kia Sportage • Volvo Concept 26 • 2016 Nissan Sentra • 2017 lincoln MKZ • hyundai Sonata plug-in hybrid • Mitsubishi 2016 Outlander Sport and the 2017 Mirage • Mazda CX-9 (three-row crossover) driving technologies, and is what Pierre loing, vice president of product planning at Nissan North America, Inc., says is “the most connected Sentra ever offered.” these features include apps that come with NissanConnect, such as Facebook and music streaming services; remote access; the ability to set speed, boundary and curfew notifications; voice recognition that allows drivers to make hands-free phone calls, and send text messages and emails hands-free. Nissan’s 2016 Sentra also comes equipped technologies, such as Intelligent Cruise Control, Blind Spot warning, Forward emergency Breaking and Rear Cross traffic Alert.

Hyundai hyundai debuted its first hybrid vehicle with the 2016 Sonata Plugin at the lA Auto Show. It offers a driving range of up to 600 miles with a two-liter, four-cylinder engine. the base model is equipped with eight-inch touchscreen navigation, rear cross-traffic alert and a blind spot detection system. the new hyundai elantra, though not a hybrid, boasts increased fuel economy, achieving a combined 33mpg. It also provides safety features similar to the Sonata hybrid, along with available

automatic emergency breaking and pedestrian detection, and lane keep assist, among others. Connectivity features include voicecontrolled search capabilities, and split-screen display that shows map and music data. It also comes with a refined exterior with a new grille and new headlights.

Kia the 2017 Kia Sportage boasted a bolder look at the lA Auto Show and is slightly longer than the previous model, which offers additional legroom in the rear and more headroom. Its interior was also revised with materials to dull noise and car vibrations. Connectivity features for the base model include a five-inch touchscreen display for informational and entertainment purposes. the 2017 Sportage has wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities, as well as an available navigation system. Fuel economy for the new model has yet to be announced, but it does come in a 2.4- or 2.0-liter engine.

Ford the escape, Ford’s second best-selling vehicle comes in two new options – a 1.5 liter or 2.0-liter engine, which include an auto stop/start function that are said to boost fuel economy. technology

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integrated in the vehicle include park assist and adaptive cruise control, among others.

Toyota toyota’s 2017 Mirai, based on the automaker’s Fuel Cell Vehicle concept car, was on display at the lA Auto Show with a “Back to the Future” edition. It achieves a fuel economy of 67mpg city/highway/ combined, the highest ePA estimate of any zero emission electric vehicle on the market. toyota is also offering a hybrid version of its 2016 RAV4, which comes with a 2.5-liter engine with a combined fuel economy of 33mpg.

It is also equipped with an electronic on-demand all-wheel-drive system. Safety features include automatic pre-collision breaking, a standard blind spot mirror, and rear cross traffic alert, among others. toyota expects that the hybrid model will account for 15 percent of RAV4 sales. the new RAV4 also comes with a sleeker exterior with a more dynamic stance.

Virtual driving the Auto Show also featured virtual driving activities for visitors, including a 4-D experience from Subaru to demonstrate the safety features of the new Impreza Sedan concept, and a simulation of what it would be like to drive on a race track with a wRX. Ford also offered game-like demonstrations involving parallel parking and a safety feature that helps drivers stay in their lanes while on the road.

Connected Car Expo showcases the future of cars the award-winning Connected Car expo (CCe) featured the top automotive and technology professionals in the industry, highlighting the future of the “connected car” - the vehicle of now and beyond; with advanced engineering, enhanced safety and alert systems, and hi-tech and autonomous features that ease the comfortability and convenience of driving. As part of the lA Auto Show from Nov. 17 to 19, media and car professionals were invited to a series of press conferences that showcased the latest in connected car progress and technology. los Angeles Mayor eric Garcetti began the expo with welcoming remarks, affirming the city’s commitment to autonomous and connected cars. “los Angeles is now the technology capital of America, with more tech jobs in lA County than any other county in this nation. we are a city that is embracing the future. we don’t want just smarter cars, we want smarter cities,” he said.

Garcetti also announced the formation of the Coalition of transportation technology, with the partnership of lA Metro, Caltrans, and the city’s Department of transportation. “Connected and selfdriving cars promise to not only transform how we commute--but also how we think about the safety and convenience of all automotive travel,” he said. los Angeles, a city of thousands of cars and even thousands more

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commuters, has depended on the convenience and safety of both connected and autonomous vehicles, and experts say that these new technologies can have the potential to significantly reduce traffic, save passengers’ time during their commute, and make the city’s streets safer for motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists alike. the coalition will ensure that new technology will be “fully considered, as we invest in our infrastructure and plan for l.A.’s transportation future.” this year’s CCe was emceed

by CNet editor at large, Brian Cooley, who in his remarks embraced technology as “how we get things done. In the vehicle, that means how we get where we want to go, how we do so efficiently and comfortably with the vehicle serving us, as opposed to us having to alter our lives around the nature of transportation…and that’s really getting turbo-charged in this connected digital era of vehicles.” the keynote address was given

by John Zimmer, co-founder and president of lyft, who talked about the dwindling car ownership in major American cities such as los Angeles, where residents spend over 250 hours a year in commuter traffic. “the new transportation consumer…values experience over ownership, and this is a trend that is accelerating rapidly,” Zimmer said. “when my daughter is born next month, I won’t teach her to drive or buy her a car on her 16th birthday…because she won’t want to own one, and more importantly, she won’t need to. we can start fresh, change transportation, and stop building our cities around car ownership, and instead around people. we have to create new mobility solutions that increase both efficiency and occupancy. Cars are a big part of the solution. with the end of car ownership and the rise of new mobility, picture 30 percent more seats in cars that were previously empty filled, enabling a free-flow of traffic. we didn’t start lyft to replace cars--we’re here to reimagine and reinvent how people use those cars.” lyft, the app-based service started in 2012, boasts 7 million rides in October, and is the fastest growing and most popular ridesharing service in the country. technology experts from Volkswagen, Continental, and Delphi

presented on the future of autonomous (or self-driving) cars, which are being tested and becoming more frequent around the world. experts believe self-driving cars, which use radar-based cruise control, electronically scanning “RAcams,” and multimodal interface with smart audio/visual cues, will be a regular thing of the road in at least 10 years. even “taxibots” are being tested worldwide, capable of driving over 10,000 miles without a driver, and are estimated to be cheaper than getting owning a private car or a regular taxi ride. “this is the future of self-driving cars in urban areas, giving people the ability to travel long distances for people who can’t necessarily afford it…we are bridging the equality gap,” said eric Spiegelman, president of the lA taxi Commission.

Representatives from Google discussed the progress in AndroidAuto technology, keeping both drivers and passengers connected while on the road. “we are building new, authentic experiences for the automotive environment,” said AndroidAuto design lead evan Malahy. “when you buy a car, you are always getting a little bit of tomorrow, today.”

Integrating the innovations of tomorrow, other advanced technologies in the car industry were unveiled at the expo, including a showcase of the top 10 automotive startups for 2015 (including apps for distracted driving, an Uber-like ride service for kids, voice recognition systems, and on-demand vehicle renting), an active wellness driver’s seat from Faurecia, and over-the-air web connectivity. local Motors also gave an exclusive look at the world’s first 3D-printed car: the Swim, priced at $18,000+, and will be available on the road by 2017.

Between switching from Bluetooth to Internet radio streaming, to semi-autonomous cars with the ability to park and drive itself through traffic, today’s cars are becoming more and more advanced.

“By 2025, all 100 percent of cars will be connected,” said Mahbubul Alam, chief technology officer of Movimento.

In a study by edison Research, the way consumers are demanding safer, efficient, and inexpensive technology in their vehicles has rapidly evolved, making today’s cars more connected than ever.

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • DEcEmbER 5-8, 2015 D

D december 5-8, 2015 • LA WeeKeNd ASIAN JOUrNAL

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