San Francisco Edition -- November 6 -- 12, 2015 by Asian Journal Community Newspapers

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Volume 14 - No. 45 • 3 Sections – 22 Pages

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DATELINE

N o V e mbe r 6 - 1 2 , 2 0 1 5

Also published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, LAS VEGAS, NEw YORk/NEw JERSEY

DOJ, NBI to form special task team to probe bullet planting scheme in NAIA

USA

from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA

Larry Itliong’s son fights to continue legacy

by Agnes

ConstAnte AJPress

Amid an ongoing alleged “laglag-bala (dropping bullets)” scheme targeting passengers at Ninoy Aquino international Airport (NAiA), the department of Justice has directed the National Bureau of investigation (NBi) to create a special task force to investigate reported incidents, according to Philstar. PAGE A2

iN the last 32 years, community leader Johnny itliong has attended nearly 400 events to spread awareness about the role his father and the delano manongs played in the eventual creation of the United farm Workers (UfW). “my big picture goal is to get everybody educated about how a group of people can get together regardless of their background, set their differences aside, get rid of political correctness…and treat everybody as people. And really to have our rights as a person to be recognized by each other and share that with each other,” itliong said. it is mexican-American labor leader Cesar Chavez who is most often associated with the founding of the UfW. But the contributions of itliong’s father, Larry itliong, have long been ignored. on sept. 8, 1965, Larry led about 1,500 farmers in what marked the beginning of the delano grape strike. PAGE A3

US monitoring of South China Sea remains in dispute by Allyson

esCobAr

AJPress

Fil-Ams reflect on impact of 1965 US immigration reform law

EXTRA PROTECTION. Departing overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) with their baggage wrapped in plastic wait in line to check in at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 on Monday, Nov. 2. According to Malacañang, complaints from citizens, and not the arrival of world leaders in the country for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit this month, have prompted the government to act on the alleged “tanim-bala” (bullet-planting) scam victimizing passengers at the NAIA. Inquirer.net photo by Grig Montegrande

As tensions over the south China sea escalate, United states defense secretary Ash Carter said he would visit an American aircraft carrier in the sea on thursday, Nov. 5. speaking after a regional summit on Wednesday, Nov. 4, Carter said he would fly out to the nuclear-powered Uss theodore roosevelt, which “is conducting routine operations while transiting the PAGE A2

AAPI groups file briefs in support of affirmative action

WAshiNgtoN, d.C. – fifty years ago this month, the Us passed a landmark immigration bill that opened doors to Asians and Africans who have been largely excluded from entering the country before. Before this law, only 50 filipinos, for instance, were allowed each year to immigrate to the Us. But the 1965 immigration and Naturalization Act (iNA) effectively changed a quota system based on national origin, which mainly favored people from european countries. After that year, the number of immigrants from Asia dramatically increased, eventually PAGE A3

oVer 160 Asian American and Pacific islander (AAPi) groups have filed amicus briefs calling for equal opportunity and for the supreme Court to uphold affirmative action policies. Asian Americans Advancing Justice (Advancing Justice), the Asian American Legal defense and education fund (AALdef), and the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA),

filed three separate amicus briefs urging the high Court to uphold the affirmative action policy at the University of texas at Austin (UtAustin). “such broad support for race conscious admissions policies sends a clear message that AAPis overwhelmingly support these policies and will not be used as a racial wedge to disenfranchise other communities of color,” said

Laboni hoq, litigation director at Advancing Justice -- Los Angeles. the briefs were filed on behalf of over 160 organizations that support equal opportunity and affirmative action in higher education, and they represent the large diversity within AAPi communities, including Arab, filipino, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, south Asian, southeast Asian, and Pacific isPAGE A3

US Defense Secretary Ash Carter

Binay vows fast release Marcos: Seeking PNoy apology for abuses under Cory pointless of 4Ps to beneficiaries by Jefferson

AntipordA ManilaTimes.net

imProViNg the system of granting aid to poor filipinos through the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) will prevent several instances of non-pay-

Vice Pres. Jejomar Binay

ment and underpayment of beneficiaries and double entries and inaccuracies on the list of beneficiaries, according to the office of Vice President Jejomar Binay. “the help is not going to our poor countrymen on time or not at all based on a Commission on Audit [CoA] report for 2014. the department of social Welfare and development [dsWd] has not solved the problems in the system,” Joey salgado, spokesman on media affairs for the office of the Vice President. the 4Ps, or the Conditional Cash transfer Program, was allocated P62.6 billion in 2014 and PAGE A4

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iNdePeNdeNt candidate for Vice President ferdinand marcos Jr. sees no point demanding an apology from President Benigno Aquino iii for supposed human rights abuses committed

during the term of his mother– the late former President Corazon “Cory” Aquino–noting that what government officials must focus on is finding ways on how they can move the country forward. instead of dwelling on the

past, according to marcos, all those in government as well as those outside should start thinking of how to address problems faced by the country, adding that expressing regret is least of Aquino’s concerns. “Well that [apology] would be

a futile attempt. Again, i think it is for all of us, the President all the way down to barangay tanod [village watchmen], to start thinking very hard about how we can move the country forward,” he said in an interview after the PAGE A3

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november 6-12, 2015 • norCAL ASIAn JoUrnAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 616-4150

From the Front Page

DOJ, NBI to form special task team... PAGE A1 In a growing list of cases, Filipinos and foreigners alike have fallen victim to what is also known as the “tanim-bala (planting bullets)” scam, which involves planting bullets in travelers’ baggage and threatening lawsuits unless they give money. Airport personnel are allegedly behind the scam, Rappler reported. Department of Justice Secretary Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa ordered the NBI to establish a seven-man team that will examine evidence, including video and audio recordings, related to the scam. The team will also gather sworn statements of reported victims of the extortion scam, verify current cases and determine who perpetrators are, according to Philstar. The task force was given 15 days from Wednesday, Nov. 4, to conclude its probe. Data from the Office of Transportation Security (OTS) indi-

cates that 1,394 ammunition interceptions have been reported at Philippine airports so far this year. Last year, there were 1,813; in 2013 there were 2,184; and in 2012, there were 1,214 incidents, according to OTS data released on Wednesday. The Aviation Security Group says the scam has resulted in 30 recorded cases of illegal possession of ammunition from January to early November this year. Last year, there were 12 cases; in 2013, there were 21; in 2012, there were 20, Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group Supt. Jeanne Panisan told reporters at a press briefing. Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya said cases of bullet planting at airport terminals “have been blown out of proportion,” Philstar reported. While many passengers in reported cases deny that they own bullets found in their luggage, some have admitted to owning ammunition found in their be-

The three passengers are now in the custody of the Avsegroup National Capital Region headquarters and are set to be charged for violating the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, according to Inquirer. Legislators respond to scam Lawmakers have called for an investigation into the alleged scheme while Malacañang has vowed to put an end to the scheme. “Government is there to make sure everything will be in order. Whatever is happening there, we’ll look into it. We assure the public that we will go after whoever the culprit is,” said presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda, according to Manila Bulletin. Sherwin Gatchalian, a member of the tourism committee in the House of Representatives,

longings, saying they either keep them as charms or forgot to remove them from their carry-on baggage. In an incident on Tuesday, Nov. 3, Qatar-bound OFW Melody Valdez, 40, was stopped when her bag was discovered at the initial security screening checkpoint at NAIA Terminal 1 to contain a .45-caliber bullet. Valdez denied having a bullet and agreed to open her bag for inspection. On Wednesday, Nov. 4, London-bound Monalisa Valmonte Rico was stopped when a rifle bullet was detected in her luggage at the final security screening checkpoint at NAIA, Philstar reported. In the same article, a 59-yearold man was reportedly stopped Wednesday at the final security screening checkpoint NAIA for possessing a gun. Ramon Loarca admitted the gun was his and said he forgot to remove it from PAGE A1 South China Sea,” according to his bag. AFP. Carter’s visit could increase discord between Washington and Beijing over China’s claims to virtually the entire Sea, and its attempts to reinforce those claims by turning reefs and tiny islets into full-fledged islands through repossession. The Sea has long been viewed as a potential flashpoint, and the Chinese island-building has intensified fears of international conflict. Runways and other largescale development are in the works, making the islands potentially capable of hosting military personnel and hardware. Last week, the US Navy challenged China’s sovereignty claims, pressing its right to freedom of navigation by sending the missile destroyer USS Lassen close (within the 12nautical mile/22-kilometer territorial limit) to an artificial islet in the Spratlys chain, angering China and causing it to send two war ships to shadow the vessel. The challenge was not designed as a military threat, the head of US Pacific military forces said, according to Associated Press. “I truly believe that these routine operations should never be construed as a threat to any

PROTECTION AGAINST AIRPORT SECURITY. Travelers have their luggage wrapped in plastic for P160 a piece as security against the “tanim bala” (bullet planting) racket at Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Inquirer.net photo by Grig Montegrande

said the ongoing incident is becoming an “international embarrassment” and warned that perpetrators are “not afraid to prey on foreigners.”

In a statement, Sen. Francis Escudero said NAIA personnel should stop “assassinating” Filipinos passing through the PAGE A4

US monitoring of South China Sea... nation,” said Admiral Harry B. Harris Jr in a statement. “These operations serve to protect the rights, freedoms, and lawful uses of the sea and airspace guaranteed to all nations under international law.” China’s Navy chief, Admiral Wu Shengli, warned his US counterpart that encounters between their forces could spiral into conflict after the Lassen incident, according to Inquirer. Shengli’s comments were made in a video call with US Admiral John Richardson. “If the US continues to carry out these kinds of dangerous, provocative acts, there could be a serious situation between frontline forces from both sides on the sea and in the air, or even a minor incident that could spark conflict,” Wu told Beijing’s Xinhua news agency. “I hope the US cherishes the hard-win, good situation between the Chinese and US Navies, and avoids similar incidents from happening again,” he added. On Wednesday, Defense Secretary Carter attended an Asia-Pacific defense ministers’ meeting in Malaysia, where the US and China butted heads over whether a final joint statement should mention the South China Sea. “We could not reach a consensus on a joint declaration,”

Malaysian Defense Minister Hishammuddin Hussein told reporters. Meanwhile, Carter said he had gone into the summit with “no expectation” there would be an agreement, said AFP. The two nation’s lack of action illustrates “the level of concern that was reflected in the conversation about activities in the South China Sea,” he said, noting that all countries he met with raised the issue. “It was a persistent topic,” he added. “To me, that says that’s something we all need to pay attention to.” Pointing fingers, the US and China could not reach an agreement. The US claimed that Southeast Asian defense ministers opposed China’s demand that the South China Sea be left out of any statement. A US official said the United States felt that “no statement is better than one that avoids the important issue of China’s reclamation and militarization in the South China Sea.” China’s claims over almost the entire waterway are widely disputed by other nations as well. Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei and Taiwan also have various claims over the controversial islets, some overlapping, although none are PAGE A5

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From the Front Page

(650) 616-4150 • http://www.asianjournal.com

Larry Itliong’s son fights... PAGE A1 A victory came earlier this year when California Gov. Jerry Brown signed into law legislation, AB 7, that designated October 25 as Larry Itliong Day, the day Larry was born in 1913. Itliong says it is one of the top three strides that have come about since he committed himself to informing the public of his father’s legacy more than 30 years ago. Awareness of Larry Itliong’s part in the story of the UFW has been on the rise in recent years. In 2010, the City of Carson became the first in the United States to issue a proclamation dedicating a day to Larry Itliong, with Los Angeles County doing the same shortly afterward. This year alone, the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors and San Jose City Council issued proclamations declaring Larry Itliong Day on Oct. 25. The City of Milpitas recognized Filipino American History Month, and the work Larry and the Delano manongs did in the same resolution. Solano County was another body that recognized the day. Much has been accomplished this year, but Itliong has no plans to stop telling people the story of his father. “Just because a couple of places recognize it, the state recognizes it, doesn’t mean everybody knows. And even here in California, even Filipinos. And if they do [know about it], who’s telling [them] what it is? What information are they getting? Because there’s a lot of wrong information out there,” Itliong said. Along with the several resolutions passed by various counties and cities, 2015 marks the 50th anniversary of the Delano Grape Strike. A successful celebration in September this year is another one of Itliong’s top three moments in his ongoing journey to educate the nation about Larry’s legacy. Last weekend, Itliong participated in events in Los Angeles County commemorating Filipino American History Month and his father. On Oct. 23, he was recognized at Los Angeles City Hall, where he said in an emotional address that Larry deserves more than to be ignored for half a century; on Oct. 24, he tabled at Carson’s Larry Itliong Day celebration with informational booths and photos on display to educate visitors; on Oct. 25, he was among panel members who discussed the significance of the Delano Manongs after a screening of a documentary called “The

Delano Manongs: Forgotten Heroes of the United Farm Workers” at the Search to Involve Pilipino Americans (SIPA) headquarters. During a Q&A session with the panel at SIPA, Itliong shared that he has encountered opposition, specifically citing an instance at a university campus where one student yelled at him, “That’s not the Cesar I knew!” “I told him, Cesar was a dictator with the UFW. It was his way or no way.... And I witnessed that as a child. I asked [the student], ‘Did you sit on Cesar’s lap as a child? Did he change your diapers? Did Helen [Chavez’s wife] change your diapers?’ [I loved Cesar] and I called him Tio and I called [Helen] Tia. They were family. And it hurts and it hurt the Itliong family to have to see this through years and years. Fifty years, finally, to get this out and tell the story. And it’s not my fault but that’s what they did...I’m going to sit here and correct it. I want to set the record straight,” Itliong said. He added that his goal is not to bring down Chavez or the UFW, but to tell the real story and show that two communities united to fight against the largest industry in the United States. Despite opposition, Itliong says his work in spreading his father’s legacy isn’t challenging except when it comes to finances, as most expenses – including travel and lodging – are out-of-pocket. “I put more into it than I’ve ever gotten out of it,” he said. Itliong currently serves as the executive director of the Larry Itliong Foundation through Education, which seeks to educate communities, schools and the public about his father’s contributions. Based in Northern California, Itliong is open to attending events that aren’t too far from him. “I’ll do it because I’m definitely not in it for the money,” he said. Ultimately, Itliong hopes that his dad’s legacy will be that he was a man for the people. “I think he was never a man for just himself, to honor himself,” he said. Moving forward, Itliong plans to keep doing what he’s been doing over the past three decades for Larry and the manongs. “Yes I want to recognize my father, but you know what, my father was not alone and it was never [his] union: it was my dad worked for the union, for the people of the union, and he was the voice of it,” he said. (Agnes Constante / AJPress)

Fil-Ams reflect on impact... PAGE A1 enabling millions of Filipinos to make the United States their new home. Yolanda and Johnny Arzadon of Alexandria, Virginia, were among them. Availing of INA’s “skilled worker” preference, the Arzadons didn’t have any problem getting their green cards in 1969, the year after the law’s implementation. As an architect, Johnny was immediately hired by a Washington D.C. architectural firm, while Yoly found employment in the federal government. They both retired five years ago. But they continue to be involved as volunteers and leaders in various organizations doing charity work and community service. Johnny helped form a Filipino organization of engineers and architects, while Yoly led several initiatives to present Philippine arts and culture to mainstream audiences. Family visas After getting themselves established in 1969, the Arzadons petitioned for their four children to join them a year later: Joseph, 8; Jhett, 11; Junior, 13; and Rey, 17. They had been living with their grandparents in Moncada, Tarlac. With INA, priority was given to families so that immigrants could sponsor their children and relatives. “It was so much easier then,” Yoly, 68, recalls. “We came at the right time when there was a need for our professional services. We felt very welcomed.” Adds Johnny, 71: “And we wanted to make sure our kids get a good education. If we didn’t leave the Philippines, we’d be struggling to make both ends meet. Providing our children a better life was our primary goal.” Johnny grew up poor in a farm in Tarlac. The Arzadon children, now in their 50s, are all successful professionals in their own right. The oldest is an architect, like his father, and the youngest is a dental surgeon, whose passion is humanitarian service. Joseph, 54, heads the non-profit Virginia-based Medical Mission of Mercy (MMOM), which provides free medical, surgical and dental services to the underprivileged. Every year, MMOM organizes a volunteer team of doctors, nurses and medical experts who spend two weeks in

towns and barrios in the Philippines. “Our whole family is involved in this mission,” Yoly says. “It’s our way of giving back to our kababayans who don’t enjoy the same benefits we have here, like basic health care. I’m so proud of my children for their spirit of compassion and concern for the wellbeing of others. Although we sent them to the best schools and they have good-paying jobs, our children have not forgotten where they came from.” Only in America Five years after passage of the INA, there were 343,060 Filipinos in the US. In 1990, that number rose to a million and a half. Today, there are nearly four million Filipinos, the second largest Asian immigrant group, but among the fastest growing in the nation. While most Filipino immigrants settled in California and Hawaii, a relatively smaller number – like the Arzadons – chose to live in East Coast. The Washington, D.C. metropolitan area attracted many Filipino professionals, like Yoly, to work in the federal government. “I’m just now beginning to appreciate what the 1965 immigration law means to our family,” she adds. “We have been so blessed with many opportunities in jobs and education. As they say, only in America.” Broken immigration system Although the 1965 legislation abolished discriminatory national origin quotas and ushered in a time of tolerance and acceptance, the US today has “grown increasingly xenophobic and distrustful of many of the same immigrants that were once welcomed at our borders,” says Katrina Dizon, a Filipino American policy analyst with the Southeast Asia Resource Action Center (SEARAC). “Divisive rhetoric has fueled public policy that continues to hurt and alienate immigrant communities through a broken immigration system that continues to keep families separated for decades.” Among them is Filipino World War II veteran Rudy Panaglima, 85, of Arlington, Virginia. “My wife, Pura, and I have been waiting for my two sons to join us,” he says. “It’s been more than 20 years.” PAGE A5

PAGE A1

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • NOvembeR 6-12, 2015

AAPI groups file briefs in support...

lander organizations. “With long histories of serving the most vulnerable members of our community, these organizations range from large, pan-Asian national organizations and professional associations, to student and grassroots groups,” continued Hoq. In addition, the briefs represent 53 individuals, including higher education faculty and school officials. The filings are in anticipation of the Supreme Court’s second review of Fisher v. University of Texas, reported NBC News. Caucasian student Abigail Fisher was rejected when she applied to UT-Austin. Her initial lawsuit, heard by the United States District Court in 2009, alleged that UT-Austin’s affirmative action policies prevented her from gaining admission. The Supreme Court justices heard the case in 2013, but sent it back to the Fifth Circuit to

see if UT-Austin had used other ways to achieve diversity in its campus before it used race as a factor. The next year, the Fifth Circuit determined that the university used “race-neutral methods (e.g. “Top Ten Percent” Plan), and still did not achieve the diversity it sought.” Therefore, it “upheld the use of race as part of a holistic admissions approach, which is constitutional under current law.” The Fisher case also relied heavily on the claim that Asian Americans were discriminated against by UT-Austin’s admissions policy. In its brief, however, the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF) argued that nothing on the record showed that the school’s admissions process disadvantaged or discriminated against that demographic. Asian Americans in UT’s freshman class has risen from 6 percent in 1986 to 23 percent in

Marcos: Seeking PNoy apology... PAGE A1 Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) seminar on Thursday night. Aquino earlier insisted that the Marcoses should apologize to Filipinos for what happened during martial law. Marcos also earlier voiced willingness to express regret to anyone whom he caused harm to but right now he sees no reason to apologize. “We have constantly said that if during the time of my father

[former President Ferdinand Marcos], [there were those whom we wronged or whom we did not give help to] or they were victimized in some way or another, of course we’re sorry that that happened. Nobody wants that to happen,” he said. Marcos, however, expressed no intention to demand the same from Aquino for the supposed abuses that were committed during the term of his mother, including those committed

2014. “Supporters of Fisher have mischaracterized UT-Austin’s race-conscious admissions policy,” AALDEF executive director Margaret Fung told NBC News in an email statement. “It can benefit Asian Americans through an individualized review of applicants that avoids harmful stereotypes based on the ‘model minority’ myth.” The use of race in a holistic review of applicants is “constitutional, and nothing in UT’s policies indicate any cap, quota, bias, or other kind of negative action, formal or informal affecting Asian Americans or any other group,” AALDEF’s brief argued. “Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders--a unique cross-section of identities and experiences that spans a range of comparative privilege and disadvantage-benefit from this individualized approach to admissions, as do African Americans, Latinos, and

Whites,” the brief read. The AALDEF amicus brief also distinguishes between the two distinct concepts of negative action and affirmative action, noting there is “no evidence in the record of discrimination” by UT-Austin. The amicus brief filed by Advancing Justice argues that an applicant cannot be evaluated holistically without the consideration of race, according to the group’s press release. In UT-Austin’s holistic review program, where test scores play a dominant role in the admissions process, it is crucial to consider race because the tests disproportionately limit access to educational opportunities for minority students, Advancing Justice claims. The brief also shows how racially conscious admissions programs opened the doors of higher education for AAPI students, after a century of discrimination and exclusion to their communities and families. These programs and opportunities have PAGE A4

against farmers and other agricultural workers in the January 22, 1987 “Mendiola Massacre.” Thirteen were killed and 74 others were wounded during the incident. Around 20,000 protesters had assembled near Mendiola Bridge in Manila, seeking a dialogue with Mrs. Aquino, when government forces opened fire at them. Cases filed against government troops believed involved in the massacre were all dismissed.

If elected Vice President, Marcos said, he will work on putting an end to the disunity and polarization brought by the adversarial form of governance by the previous and the current administrations. He noted that instead of promoting unity, the Aquino administration brought division and unending politicking. Marcos said he will even oppose any government-led move to file charges against Aquino and his officials once they step down next year.

november 6-12, 2015 • norCAL ASIAn JoUrnAL

Dateline USa

Tuberculosis is now a leading killer bacterial disease EscobAr

AJPress

DESPITE lower death rates, tuberculosis (TB) is now killing more people each year than HIV, according to new data from the World Health Organization (WHO). WHO announced that the fight against TB--one of the top infectious bacterial diseases, mainly affecting the lungs--has paid off, with this year’s mortality rate at nearly half of what it was in 1990. However, 1.5 million people still died from the airborne disease in 2014, with over half (54 percent) in China, India, Indonesia, Nigeria, and Pakistan. “Most of these deaths could have been prevented,” according to WHO’s Global Tuberculosis Report 2015, released on Wednesday, Oct. 28 in Washington, DC. WHO estimated that there were almost 10 million new cases of TB last year, making it the number one infectious killer, according to NPR. The United Nations reported that 4,400 people are dying from the transmittable disease every day. “Despite the gains, the progress made against TB is far from sufficient, which is unacceptable in an era when you can diagnose and cure nearly every person with TB,” said Dr. Mario Raviglione, Director of WHO’s Global TB Program. In 2014, TB killed 890,000 men, 480,000 women and 140,000 children, according to the analysis. The disease ranks alongside HIV as a “leading killer worldwide.” Some 400,000 fatalities were

double-counted in the report, included under each disease, because the deceased had both infections. Detection and treatment gaps need to be closed, funding shortfalls to be filled, and modern development of diagnostics, drugs, and vaccines are needed to reduce TB’s overall burden, WHO said. On the positive side, effective diagnosis and treatment have saved 43 million lives between 2000 and 2015, according to the report. “The report shows that TB control has had a tremendous impact, in terms of lives saved and patients cured,” said WHO Director-General Margaret Chan. “These advances are heartening, but if the world is to end this epidemic, it needs to scale up services and, critically, invest in research.” The 2015 report describes “higher global totals for new TB cases (9.6. million) than in previous years,” reflecting increased and improved national data and greater in-depth studies, rather than any increase in the spread of the disease. Among new cases, an estimated 3.3 percent have multidrug-resistant TB, a level that has remained unchanged in recent years, said the UN News Service. The report showed detection and treatment gaps are especially serious among people with multidrug-resistant TB (MDRTB), which remains a public health crisis. The three countries with the largest numbers of these cases are China, India and the Russian Federation. “MDR-TB is rampant in some parts of the world such as the for-

Binay vows fast release... PAGE A1 P62.3 billion this year. Last year, the national government transferred P15.323 billion to the Land Bank of the Philippines for over-the-counter (OTC) payment of cash stipends to qualified families in eight regions. COA, however, said only P13.725 billion was used. Salgado noted this means that P1.598 billion did not reach poor

households as intended. He said the delay is “inexcusable” specially after it was reported that a man stabbed himself in the chest while waiting for financial aid through the 4Ps of the DSWD in Siayan, Zamboanga del Norte, last September 24. The 39-year-old man, whose identity was withheld by the police, was relying on the aid from 4Ps for his sickly nine-month old

DOJ, NBI to form special task team...

mer Soviet Union, where up to a third of all [TB] cases are MDR,” said Dr. Raviglione. “Something is not going well there.” Public officials are worried that TB is not moving as fast as progress against other diseases, and not as fast as they would like. Additionally, TB does not attract nearly the funding for research or treatment that goes to HIV. WHO data claimed about $6.6 billion was spent fighting TB in 2014, compared to $20.2 billion invested in the fight against HIV/AIDS in low- and middle-income countries. “Our point is that we should have the same type of investment going to TB and as of yet that hasn’t been achieved,” said Raviglione. Last year, 1 million people living with HIV were given TB preventive therapy, an increase of about 60 percent compared with 2013. Over half (59 percent) of the population was in South Africa. “From 2016, the global goal will shift from controlling TB to ending the global TB epidemic,” the WHO report stated. “Ending the TB epidemic is now part of the Sustainable Development Goal agenda,” said Dr. Eric Goosby, UN Special Envoy on Tuberculosis. “If we want to achieve it, we’ll need far more investment – at a level befitting such a global threat.” Mark Harrington, executive director of Treatment Action Group, agreed. “We’re in this dire situation because the vigorous community response, massive research effort and political leadership that distinguished the response to HIV are utterly absent from TB.” n

PAGE A2 airport, as in the case of former Senator Ninoy Aquino who was shot and killed at the airport tarmac in 1983. “Planting bullets in the baggage of Filipinos and tourists passing through the NAIA is a great disservice to the memories of the late senator Benigno ‘Ninoy’ Aquino Jr. who died from the bullets fired by dishonorable men,” Escudero said. “The government must seriously act now to stop these figurative assassinations of Filipinos and tourists. We must hold accountable to the fullest extent of the law these dishonorable airport officials and personnel,” he added. Among lawmakers seeking a probe into the scheme are Sens. Miriam Defensor Santiago and Alan Peter Cayetano, who announced Friday, Oct. 30, they filed resolutions for an investigation into the matter. Santiago proposed the creation of a task force to investigate “alleged illicit activity” of state agents. Cayetano proposed improving surveillance by upgrading the airport’s 20-year-old analog cameras with IP surveillance videos, implementing a 48 hour rule where airport officials must catch culprits of scams and send them to prison within 48 hours or resign, and implement a rule where supervisors rotate so as to reduce the time and opportunity for theft and extortion in airports, Rappler reported. Santiago said that the scam could affect tourism, instill fear in foreigners and decrease the public’s trust in law enforcement. Jess Martinez, assistant head of the Media Affairs Division of the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), said the fear of the traveling public is unsettling but understandable.

“MIAA assures the public that all concerned agencies are closely looking into this already. Surveillance has been enhanced ever since reports were brought to the attention of management,” she told Philstar. President Benigno Aquino III has been called on to fire MIAA general manager Jose Angel Honrado because of the scandal, but Malacañang said its priority is to identify the problem correctly -- not fire Honrado. “Because we only have what media is reporting.... That’s why the president wants to cast a wide net. Let’s look at the entire picture,” Lacierda said. Honrado, who is Aquino’s cousin, was appointed by the president. He said he would not resign unless Aquino instructs him to do so. Victims of the alleged “laglag-bala” scam Among recent cases of the scheme involved a 77-year-old Filipino-American bound for Los Angeles at NAIA. Santiago Peñaflorida was stopped Tuesday, Nov. 3, after Department of Transportation and Communications-Office for Transportation Security personnel saw a bullet inside his backpack on the x-ray scanner, Inquirer reported. Peñaflorida, who had come to NAIA for a connecting flight from Iloilo Airport, said no bullet was detected in Iloilo. He refused to have his bag opened and examined until after media arrived, after which a .32-caliber bullet was found. He was then brought to the PNP Aviation Security Group for questioning and missed his flight. In September, Lane Michael White, a 20-year-old American missionary, and Filipino balikbayan Rhed Austria de Guzman, were also reported as victims of the scam. White was supposed to be on

a flight to Palawan but spent six days at the NAIA Terminal 1 police aviation facility. On Sept. 17, he accused airport personnel of allegedly planting the bullet in his baggage and trying to extort P30,000. White was only released after posting P40,000 bail. On the way to Los Angeles on Sept. 18, de Guzman said she was forced to give P500 to two NAIA personnel at Terminal 2 upon the discovery of two bullets in her luggage. She denied the bullets were hers, according to Rappler, but paid airport personnel after they allegedly threatened to document the incident on her travel records. On Sunday, Nov. 1, Nimfa Fontamillas, 65, was stopped from boarding her flight to Singapore after a bullet was found in her bag through the x-ray scanner; on Oct. 25, Hong Kong-bound overseas Filipino worker Gloria Ortinez, and Japanese tourist Kazunobu Sakamoto, were arrested for the illegal possession of ammunition. Sakamoto also posted P80,000 bail. All three individuals denied that they owned the bullets. Some passengers detained were released upon finding that bullets were blank, while others were taken to court for refusing to pay fines, BBC reported. International travelers were warned about the bullet scam as early as 2012. On Sept. 17, 2012, the father of a British woman – identified only as “BritPaul” from Northamptonshire, United Kingdom – took to TripAdvisor to write about how his daughter was allegedly victimized by the scam. “[The staff] ‘found’ a bullet casing and told her there would be an investigation and that she would have to miss her flight,” he wrote on the website. “Obviously, she was very frightened PAGE A5

son. He barely slept for five days as he took care of his son, police said. Fortunately, the man survived. Reportedly feeling helpless and frustrated, he stabbed himself with a 27-centimeter (10.6-inch) knife inside the house of Siayan Councilor Norma Labastida around 2 a.m. on September 24. Salgado noted that eight years into the implementation of the 4Ps, the government’s flagship anti-poverty program, the DWSD

is yet to correct problems in the system. In its 2014 Consolidated Audit Report on Official Development Assistance (ODA) Programs and Projects released last September 4, COA said “recurring deficiencies” such as inaccuracies on the list of beneficiaries, distribution gridlocks, non-receipt or underpayments, non-compliance with requirements and verification issues. It added that implementation of the program should be monitored

continuously and improved after regular assessment to “ensure efficient fund utilization and timely delivery of assistance to various beneficiaries.” COA reported 1,872 cases of double entries. It also reported uncollected fees by 6,687 beneficiaries, and 7,613 complaints of lack of payment or underpayment even though the beneficiaries had compliance certificates. There were also 7,613 complaints on non-receipt or under

payment despite certification of full compliance with requirements, the agency added. But with the DSWD’s failure to implement the program efficiently, the government has not gotten near to fulfilling its ‘commitment to the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) in eradicating extreme poverty and hunger, achieving universal primary education, promoting gender equality, reducing child mortality, and in improving maternal health care.’” (ManilaTimes.net)

According to report, over 4,000 people are dying each day by Allyson

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PAGE A2

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US monitoring of South China Sea...

as extensive as Beijing’s. “We urge all claimants to permanently halt land reclamation, stop the construction of new facilities and cease further militarization of disputed maritime features,” Carter said. An anonymous US official stressed that the USS Roosevelt would be far from any of the reclaimed Chinese “islands” at the time of Secretary Carter’s visit, and the naval ship was not conducting the sort of freedom of navigation cruise performed by the USS Lassen. “The Teddy Roosevelt’s presence there, and our visit, is a symbol of our commitment to our ‘rebalance’ and the importance of the Asia-Pacific for the United States,” Carter said. PH wins first round in case against China In July, the United Nations Arbitral Tribunal in the Netherlands heard a second round of oral arguments from the Philippines, regarding the disputed territory in the South China Sea. Though official negotiations are ongoing, the tribunal Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled that the court has jurisdiction over the case, under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The maritime ruling was just two days before the USS Lassen warship incident. “China has on many occa-

sions expounded its position by neither accepting nor participating in the arbitrary procedure unilaterally initiated by the Philippines in breach of the agreement repeatedly confirmed with China as well as the Philippines,” Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said in a news conference in Beijing in July, when the second round of UN hearings had taken place. Philippine officials, however, have denied such an agreement, claiming that China has previously agreed to solve conflicts based on international law, according to Inquirer. Among these includes the 1982 United Nations convention allowing coastal states to exclusively take full advantage of resources within 200 nautical miles of waters from their territory. The Philippines is the first country to challenge China’s nine-dash line territorial claim (first established after WWII by the Chinese Nationalist government) in the region, saying that Beijing violated international maritime laws, damaged coral reefs, and stepped on the rights of other nations. The case is important “not just to our country but to the entire world, owing to its impact on the application of the rule of law in maritime disputes,” said Philippine Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario.

AAPI groups file briefs in support... PAGE A3 continued to benefit many AAPI students, who face significant educational barriers today. The groups also looked at disaggregated data from the US Census Bureau, revealing large disparities in educational attainment among Asian American ethnic groups. Based on the data, the educational attainment of Hmong, Cambodian, Laotian, and Vietnamese Americans is the lowest among Asian American ethnic groups, and similar to those of Latinos and African Americans. Only 61 percent of Hmong Americans have a high school diploma, while only 12 percent of Laotian Americans have graduated from college. “Supporters of Fisher have mischaracterized UT-Austin’s race-conscious admissions policy. It can benefit Asian Ameri-

cans through an individualized review of applicants that avoids harmful stereotypes based on the ‘model minority’ myth,” said AALDEF Executive Director Margaret Fung. “We recognize that Asian Pacific Americans, like other groups, have endured cases of discrimination and lack of opportunities which continue to impact us today. The low numbers of minority groups in the legal profession, government, and corporate leadership underscore the need to remove barriers to higher education and increase diversity,” agreed George C. Chen, president of NAPABA. “Courtrooms, law firms, and law schools must be filled with people of different backgrounds so that we can better understand and respect the diversity of the American public.” (Allyson Escobar/AJPress)

The overlapping claims involve sovereignty ocean territories, the Paracel and the Spratly island chains. These largely uninhabited, not-yet-explored territories are considered valuable because of the natural resources preserved there. The Southeast China Sea is also a major shipping route, and home to valuable fishing grounds that supply multiple Southeast nations, said BBC. The Philippines has invoked its geographical proximity to the Spratly Islands, which include the Scarborough Shoal reefs, as the main basis of its claim. The Shoal (known as Huangyan Island in China, 500 miles away) is northeast of Luzon and just a little over 100 miles (160 km) from the Philippines. “The Philippines has specifically requested that the tribunal find that Chinese law enforcement tactics around Scarborough Shoal are in violation of UNCLOS and the International Regulations for the Prevention of Collisions at Sea,” wrote Philippine Star’s Elfren S. Cruz, in an opinion piece. “A favorable ruling will mean that any ramming and harassment of Filipino fishermen and ships in the Scarborough Shoal will be considered as internationally unlawful. If China continues its harassment, the world will consider their actions illegal.”

Fil-Ams reflect on impact... PAGE A3 Panaglima, who was a 13year-old runner with the Philippine guerillas, remains hopeful his children will come soon, especially after President Obama took executive action to fasttrack their pending visas. At a recent briefing in Capitol Hill sponsored by SEARAC and the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), Dizon and several speakers reflected on the significance of the 1965 legislation. They included immigrant rights activists and congressional leaders, like US Reps Xavier Becerra (CA-34); Raul Grijalva (AZ-3), Mike Honda, (CA-17), CAPAC Immigration Taskforce chair; Barbara Lee (CA-13), and Ted Lieu (CA-33). An amazing year “The year 1965 was an amazing year,” said Rep. Becerra. “People from every part of the world and from all walks of life came to America. Their diversity is what makes our country great. But there’s something wrong with our immigration system today. I hope it doesn’t take another 50 years to fix it.” Added Erin Oshiro, director of Immigration and Immigrant Rights of the Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAJC): “The INA lifted the exclusion of immigrants from Asia, Africa and the Middle East, and changed the face of today’s American

population.” Since the INA, said Oshiro, the Asian American population has increased ten-fold, and Asian Americans are now, and will continue to be, the fastest growing racial group in the nation. The Asian American population is projected to double from 5 percent to 10 percent of the United States population by the early 2040s. “It’s incredibly important that we invest in Asian American communities, and recognize that with our growing political power, we have the opportunity to truly impact the future direction of our nation,” Oshiro added. “However,” Michael W. Kwan, national president of the Organization of Chinese Americans (OCA), noted, “despite the historical success of the INA, our communities still continue to face immigration hurdles. Family members of Asian Americans continue to wait for decades to be reunited, Kwan said. Over 1.3 million undocumented Asian American immigrants remain hidden in the shadows for fear of deportation; and due process eludes individuals in detention and deportation proceedings. “We must repair our immigration system to support immigrant communities and create fair and humane immigration

DOJ, NBI to form special task team... PAGE A4 and distressed.” He said airport staff requested for $1,000 in exchange for fixing her case by erasing the security X-ray image displaying the banned item, Inquirer reported. He added that his daughter, who only had $100, was taken to an ATM, after which “the agent pocketed the money.” Bullets as charms Not all travelers stopped for possessing bullets have denied owning them. On the same day 77-year-old Peñaflorida was detained for the bullet found in his luggage, three females were stopped for possessing ammunition. Milagrosa Cadiente, 48, was stopped at NAIA for having a bullet in her wallet. She said she was aware bullets are prohibited at the airport but forgot to take

the “charm” out of her bag, Inquirer reported. “It is just stupid to put people in jail for having one or two bullets. They have to understand that Filipinos carry them as charms,” Cadiente said. Another woman, Rowena Otic, 33, who was not a traveler but was dropping off her sister, was stopped at the airport for possessing two .38-caliber bullets. Otic told reporters she carried them to ward off danger but forgot to remove them from her handbag. “I also thought only passengers were inspected and arrested for having bullets,” she said. Marilou Rose Espinola, 27, who was bound for Bacolod, was also stopped for possessing ammunition. She admitted to putting the bullet in her bag but said she did not know it was banned at the airport.

Travelers wrap luggage, OFWs threaten to reduce remittances, NAIA workers deny allegations Airport terminals are offering luggage wrapping services for P160 per bag, while travelers have also opted to seal their bags at home with packing tape to avoid falling victim to the scheme. Meanwhile, OFWs abroad are threatening to slash the amount of money they send back home as a means of pressuring the government to stop the bullet scam. “OFWs and our families should act decisively versus the laglagbala that victimizes our fellow OFWs, thus we need to launch a campaign that will pressure the government to put an end to this extortion scheme at NAIA airports,” John Leonard Monterona, Migrante Middle East regional

policies that protect our communities rather than keep our families divided,” Kwan concluded. A nation of immigrants Noting the widespread immigrant-bashing that has become prominent in the current presidential debates, Christopher Kang, national director of the National Council on Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA), said, “This kind of rhetoric only marginalizes new Americans and those who would like to become Americans. We must remember that the United States is — and will always be — a nation of immigrants, and we urge lawmakers to fight for comprehensive immigration reform for our families and our communities.” Dizon remains optimistic that another landmark immigration reform legislation will be passed soon. “The overwhelming number of Americans are for it,” she says. “As a 1.5 generation immigrant and recently naturalized US citizen whose family also struggled to navigate this country’s complex immigration laws, I stand in solidarity with the millions of men, women and children who are undocumented, live in fear of deportation, continue to be separated from their families, and lack any form of relief or path to citizenship. We have come so far from where we were as a country when the INA was passed fifty years ago.” (Jon Melegrito/Inquirer.net) coordinator, said in a statement. Although airport personnel have been accused of perpetrating the scheme, NAIA porters who help travelers carry luggage say they have been affected by the allegations. “The passengers must understand that this is our livelihood and we will not do anything to lose their trust,” Porferio Lavado, 42, who has been a porter at NAIA for 17 years, told Inquirer in Filipino. Inquirer reported an incident witnessed between a female passenger at NAIA and porter who offered to help her with her luggage. “Get away from me,” the publication reported the female telling the porter. “I don’t want you to plant any bullet on me.” The porter said he used to help about 20 passengers in 24 hours. However, as of Monday, Nov. 2, he was helping less than 10 since reports of the scam went viral on social media.

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Dateline PhiliPPines

Presidential bets urged: Forge covenant for clean, honest polls by Paolo

RomeRo Philstar.com

MANILA— Quezon City Rep. Winston Castelo urged presidential candidates to enter into a covenant to hold an orderly electoral campaign and subscribe to clean, honest, and peaceful elections in 2016. “We have to assure our people of clean, honest and orderly elec-

tions and the best way to do it is to get the commitment of all serious presidential candidates in a political covenant,” he said. Presidential candidates and their political handlers must meet and draft a covenant ensuring an orderly 90-day political campaign period without the use of “guns, goons, and gold,” the chairman of the House of Representatives committee on Metro Manila de-

velopment said in a statement. “They will have to sign the political covenant to ascertain their commitment to its provisions,” he said. A pact requiring candidates to make the personal commitment to pursue an orderly campaign, and clean and peaceful elections is necessary as election laws might not ensure it, Castelo said.

Leni Robredo: I am the pure Bicolano candidate for VP ALERTED. President Benigno S. Aquino III meets with heads of agencies concerned Monday, Nov. 2, to investigate the alledged tanim-bala incidents at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Present during the meeting are PNP-Aviation Security Group Chief Supt. Pablo Francisco Balagtas, PNP Chief Ricardo Marquez, Airport Gen Manager Jose Angel Honrado, PMS Head Julia Abad, Cabinet Sec. Jose Almendras, DILG Sec. Mel Senen Sarmiento, DOTC Sec. Jun Abaya and other cabinet members. Malacañang photo by Gil Nartea

Comelec starts hearing nuisance bets’ cases MANILA—A 75-year-old man asked the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to allow him to pursue his presidential candidacy after the Law Department started hearing the cases of 266 people disqualified from the 2016 polls. Alfredo Tindugan assured the Comelec that he could sustain a nationwide campaign through the use of social media. “Hopefully I would be allowed to run because I would spearhead a divine government – a government dedicated to justice, a humane society, love, equality and prosperity,” he said in Filipino during the Comelec’s preliminary conference. On the other hand, presidential aspirant Rizalito David criticized the Comelec for including him in the list of potential nuisance candidates.

He belongs to a legitimate political party—Ang Kapatiran, he said. “It seems that there are people who erred in appreciating our documents,” he said. “We are treated as nuisance because of the letter that was not even supported by a board resolution. It was really meant to muddle the issue (of my candidacy).” He was referring to the letter that the Comelec sent to Norman Cabrera, the president of Ang Kapatiran. Cabrera belongs to a breakaway group comprised of only 12 people. His candidacy is backed by the party’s secretary-general, who signed his certificate of nomination and acceptance, he added. Thirteen candidates for vice president and 128 for senator are also facing disqualification. These aspirants received letters

from the Comelec asking them to explain why they should not be declared as nuisance candidates. OFW Family Club Rep. Roy Señeres might be the fifth presidential candidate in the Comelec list. He had not received any notice of hearing from the Comelec on his possible disqualification from next year’s polls, Señeres told The Star in a telephone interview. “I have not received any notice from the Comelec so far and hopefully I will not receive one,” he said. Señeres is confident that he will be among the candidates to be allowed to participate in next year’s polls since he has a recognized political party to back him in the nationwide campaign. He is running under Partido ng Manggagawa at Magsasaka, a duly accredited political party of the Comelec, he added. The former ambassador and the PPM’s senatorial candidates filed their certificates of candidacy before the Comelec last month. Only five were deemed qualified among those who filed their COCs for president, the Comelec said earlier. The four candidates are Manuel Roxas II of the Liberal Party, Vice President Jejomar Binay of United Nationalist Alliance, independent candidate Grace Poe and Miriam Defensor-Santiago of the People’s Some of the political hopefuls who filed their certificates of candidacy on Tuesday, Oct. 13, Reform Party.(Sheila Crisostomo, 2015 for the top nationally elected posts in 2016. Mayen Jaymalin/Philstar.com)

by maR

S. aRguelleS Inquirer.net

BACACAY, Albay—“I am the pure and true Bicolano.” This, according to Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo, the Liberal Party’s (LP) vice presidential aspirant, is her edge over four other Bicolano rivals for the position. It was her quick response when asked about her running against fellow Bicolanos. Robredo pointed out that she was born and raised in Bicol, unlike her political rivals who started their basic education in schools outside the region. She said she was proud to finish her elementary and secondary schooling at Universidad de Santa Isabel in Naga City, Camarines Sur province. While taking up her Economics degree at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City, she said her school breaks and vacations were all spent in Naga. It was also in Naga, while already married to the late Jesse Robredo, then the city mayor, that she completed her law degree at University of Nueva Caceres (UNC) and passed the bar examination in 1990. Robredo is running against the more experienced Bicolano lawmakers—Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero (independent), who hails from Sorsogon; Sen. Gregorio Honasan (United Nationalist Alliance), who traces his roots from Sorsogon but was born and grew up in Baguio City where he graduated from the Philippine Military Academy (PMA); Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano (Nacionalista Party), who has links with Bicol through his wife, Maria Laarni “Lani” Lopez Cayetano,

a native of Tiwi, Albay province, and currently mayor of Taguig City; and Sen. Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes IV (Magdalo), who traces his paternal roots to Albay but was born and raised in Caloocan City. Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is the lone non-Bicolano candidate from Ilocos Norte province. Comparing her with other Bicolano candidates for the second highest post in the land, Robredo said she could boast that she has worked at the grassroots by providing free legal assistance to the poor. She served as a lawyer for the Public Attorney’s Office in Camarines Sur and later for Sentro ng Alternatibong Lingap Pang Legal,

Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo

a nongovernment organization giving free legal services to members of the marginalized sector. Since she has no logistics to spend for television and print advertisements, she said she would rely heavily on an interpersonal campaign.

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Martial law victims slam Sen. Marcos by Perseus

echeminada Philstar.com

MANILA—The Families of victims of Involuntary Disappearance (FIND) during martial law slammed Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for repeatedly denying that atrocities were committed during the presidency of his late father. Members of FIND held an indignation rally at the Bantayog ng mga Desaparecidos (Shrine of Forced Disappearance) at Redemptorist Church in Baclaran.

“These poignant memories are mocked and dishonored by Bongbong Marcos, who insists that the administration of his father has overshadowed the more than 100,000 victims of human rights violation,” a speaker during the rally said, citing at least 882 victims of enforced disappearances. The group said Marcos, who is running for vice president in the 2016 elections, may not have committed any human rights vio-

lations himself, but could not deny that inhuman and cruel transgressions were committed during his father’s regime. Instead of clearing the name of his father, Marcos should apologize on his behalf and help the victims and their families attain justice, the group said. FIND also urged President Aquino to order an investigation into the unresolved human rights violation cases and bring the perpetrators to justice.

Duterte: Even Comelec can’t make me run for president by edith

regalado Philstar.com

DAVAO CITY – Even if the Commission on Elections (Comelec) would pave the way for Mayor Rodrigo Duterte to run for president in the May 2016 polls, it cannot compel him to do so. Duterte said nothing could ever make him change his mind even if the Partido Demokratikong Pilipino – Laban (PDP-Laban) has decided that he seek the presidency as substitute to Martin Diño who was earlier made to explain why he should not be considered a nuisance candidate.

“My stand is still the same and nothing has changed, I am not running for president. I am not interested in the position. I have no ambitions to become president. How many times do I have to say that? I do not have the stomach for it. It is not appealing to me. It is not to my liking,” Duterte stressed. The local executive, however, said that he has yet to receive a formal letter from PDP-Laban on its reported stand to make him run for president rather than seek reelection. “I heard from the radio and from you (but) I have not received any

formal communication from PDP compelling me to run for the presiAPPOINTED. President Benigno S. Aquino III poses with Commission of Audit (COA) Commissioner Heidi Mendoza and her staff for a photo dency. In the meantime, nothing opportunity at the Reception Hall of the Malacañang on Monday, Nov. 2. The United Nations General Assembly has approved Secretary General has changed,” he said. Ban Ki-moon’s nomination of Mendoza as Under-Secretary-General for Internal Oversight Services. Malacañang photo by Joseph Vidal Duterte pointed out that the PDP-Laban decision to compel him to run after Diño withdrew his candidacy was solely the decision of the party and that he has nothing to do with it. He reiterated that he would only give up his bid for another mayoral term if his daughter Sara, also a by Julliane love de Jesus former mayor, would run for the Inquirer.net top post in his stead in May 2016. THE Philippine National He added that he would retire from Police assured that the 21 politics if that happens. world leaders–including United States president Barack Obama–who will visit the Philippines for the Asia Pacific Economic (APEC) Leaders’ Meeting will be safe and secured. Although close-in security of the leaders would come from the Presidential Security Group, the PNP will take charge of the security of the venue, traffic, anti-criminality operations and emergency President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the official launch of the APEC Logo during the Asiapreparedness. Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2015 kick-off ceremony at The Eye Ballroom of the Green Police said it is halfway done Sun Hotel in Pasong Tamo Extension, Makati City. Malacañang photo installing security cameras in the billeting areas of the for- day, PNP spokesperson Chief He said Metro Manila poeign delegates as well as in Superintendent Wilben Mayor licemen will be augmented by several venues of the Apec said the police had started personnel from police regional meetings and related events conducting dry runs of the se- units in Central Luzon, Calawhich will take place from No- curity coverage for the event barzon, and Mimaropa. vember 16 to November 20. where at least 7,200 delegates APEC attendees are expectLeaders of Australia, Brunei, from the participating coun- ed to reach more than 7,200 Canada, Chile, China, Hong tries are expected to attend. delegates from the particiKong, Indonesia, Japan, Ma“The PNP, Armed Forces of pating countries. The number laysia, Mexico, New Zealand, the Philippines and other gov- only represents the official Papua New Guinea, Peru, the ernment agencies will be joining delegates and does not include Philippines, Russia, Singa- in ensuring that the Apec meet- the number of foreign media pore, South Korea, Taiwan, ings are secured,” Mayor said. delegations. Thailand, the United States, Mayor declined to divulge Since August, personnel of and Vietnam are expected to the number of policemen to the Police Security and Proattend the Apec Economic be deployed for Apec, but he tection Group have undergone Leaders’ Meeting from Nov. assured that sufficient number series of training on close pro17 to Nov. 20. of security forces will be sent tection, billet security among In a press briefing on Tues- in the field. others.

PNP assures safety, security of world leaders in Apec summit

Typhoon ‘Lando’ cost P11B in loses to PH – gov’t report by Julie

m. aurelio Inquirer.net

THE DAMAGE caused by Typhoon “Lando” (international name: Koppu) has reached P11 billion, the national disaster agency reported. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said Lando caused damage to infrastructure and agriculture worth P11,000,003,194.04, making it the most destructive typhoon to hit the Philippines so far this year. Lando, the 12th storm to hit the Philippines this year, struck northern Luzon on Oct. 18 and

took a week to cross the island, bringing intense rain and peak winds of 185 kilometers per hour and leaving 47 people dead, 82 others injured and four missing. Damage to infrastructure has reached P1,307,219,076, while damage to agriculture has gone up to P9,692,784,118.04 as of Nov. 1, according to the NDRRMC. Houses, schools destroyed The agency said Lando also damaged 70 health facilities in the Ilocos region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon and Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR). Lando destroyed or damaged 137,637 houses. Of those houses,

18,788 were destroyed. Lando also destroyed or damaged 1,434 school classrooms in those regions, the NDRRMC said. Of those classrooms, 385 were destroyed and 1,049 were partially damaged. Central Luzon had the most number of destroyed classrooms, 154, and the most number of partially damaged classrooms, 406. Flooding caused by Lando’s intense rain affected 733,152 families, or 3,126,127 people, all over Luzon, the NDRRMC said. As of Nov. 1, 2,399 families, or 9,122 people, were still staying in 37 evacuation centers, while 163,627 families, or 704,441 people, were staying with relatives, the agency said. P122-M aid So far, the government and private organizations have given P122,849,702.80 worth of assistance to affected families in the Ilocos region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, CAR and Metro Manila. The flooding in 796 barangays in these regions has subsided as of Nov. 1, the NDRRMC said. It said power had been restored in the ravaged communities, except in the towns of Sigay and Sugpon in Ilocos Sur province.

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A10 november 6-12, 2015 • norCAL ASIAn JoUrnAL

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OpiniOn

Features

Entrapment

IS it really more fun in the Philippines? In 2014, the government has recorded 34 million domestic and international arrival and departures at the country’s premier gateway. Despite a “worst airport” tag, it is a welcome development. But if you ask 56-year-old overseas Filipino worker (OFW) Gloria Ortinez, she would blatantly say “No.” After her recent balikbayan trip, Ortinez was prevented from leaving the country after an Office of Transportation Security (OTS) allegedly found a bullet for a carbine rifle in her hand-carried bag. Ortinez was bound for Hong Kong to resume her employment. She was barred from leaving the country and was detained after failing to pay P80,000 ($1,900) bail on charges of illegal possession of ammunition filed before the Pasay prosecutor’s office. Lane Michael White, a 20-year-old American missionary, shares Ortinez’s sentiments. White and his family were in the country last month to look for a lot in Palawan where they can build a church for their congregation. The family trip was disrupted when the OTS allegedly found a 22-cal. inside White’s baggage. White was held at a detention cell for six days after he was charged for violation of the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act. White, who is from Florida, insisted that the bullet found in his luggage was “planted” and that an airport officer tried to extort P30,000 ($640) from him to avoid legal problems. “They can lie to people but not to God. I stand by my statement. If my being jailed was needed to make the truth come out and save other people, then being in jail was worth it,” White shared.

Ortinez and White shared the same ordeal that apparently has been going on for two decades. A reliable source told ABS-CBN News that the “tanim bala” (bullet planting) scam has gone unabated for the past 20 years. The source also disclosed that airport security screening personnel are allegedly employing ‘spotters’ to help them find the ‘perfect’ passenger to victimize.” “The source said, before the tanim-bala modus operandi was exposed and reported by the media, the group normally victimized more than 20 passengers a day, raking hundreds of thousands of pesos from passengers who do not want to be hassled,” ABS-CBN News further reported. The reported cases of “tanim-bala” have caused a pandemonium. On social, media airport passengers are now posting photos of them wrapping their bags in plastics and duct tapes or other embellishments to secure their own pieces of luggage. President Benigno S. Aquino III has instructed the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) to investigate the bullet-planting incidents. The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) was also tasked to probe and conduct “a thorough, in-depth, and comprehensive investigation and case build-up” on the scam that has gained international attention. Aquino convened a meeting on Monday, Nov. 2 to verify the allegations and formulate long-term

Editorial

solutions. “These are assumptions that we need to validate. That is why we need to look at all the assumptions that were put out. We want to make sure that what measures that we are going to come up with are measures that in the long run would ensure the safety of each and every passenger and guarantee their security as they use the terminals,” Presidential Spokesperson Edwin

ManilaTimes.net photo

Lacierda said. The impact of these recent incidents poses a great concern for travelers who are eyeing the Philippines as their destination this holiday season. The national government and its concerned agencies must immediately resolve this extortion scam to ensure passenger safety for local and foreign air travelers and restore confidence in the country’s aviation system. (AJPress)

The ‘laglag bala’ scheme and the state of paranoia at NAIA: more fun in the Philippines? ONE of the things we Filipinos living abroad always look forward to and are excited about is the ability to travel back to the Philippines and feel “at home” in our Motherland, where we feel welcome, safe and taken care of. However, the recent headlines about the alleged “bullet planting” (laglag bala) scheme at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) has created paranoia in the minds of not only Filipinos, but of the international media and travelers as well. As Balitang America has reported, even the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) is now warning its staff members of this scheme, used by perpetrators within NAIA to extort money from passengers. The UNDSS says in a statement: “Staff members are advised to keep your luggage with you, lock your luggage and consider wrapping your luggage in plastic as an extra precaution.”

pens to be the sisAs of press time, the ter of my “inaanak Philippine National Po- The Fil-Am sa kasal.” The de lice-Aviation Security Guzmans are deGroup says that there Perspective cent, hardworking have been 30 alleged people. My “incases of this “laglag bala” aanak” sa kasal cases this year alone. are both lawyers Balitang America further and one is even a reports that according Gel SantoS-ReloS judge in the Philipto the The Manila International Airport Authority, there have pines. We had the de Guzman family over for been five cases of this bullet planting lunch a month ago and that is when we scheme in the last two weeks alone. However, these passengers, includ- talked about the “laglag bala” scheme ing foreigners, contend that they were reported in the local media. To our sur“framed”, and that the one or two bul- prise, Rhed turned out to be the person lets that the airport inspectors claim who first reported on social media about to have found in their luggage upon being traumatized by the experience. inspection were not theirs, but were Her post became viral and she was even planted by these inspectors in an effort interviewed by several media outlets in the Philippines. to extort money from them. Her personal experience was very Such is the case of Rhed de Guzman, a kababayan from Santa Ana, in the Los much like what the others after her have Angeles area of California. Rhed hap- gone through. In a report by Steve An-

geles on Balitang America, Rhed shared that last September, she was returning from Batangas to California. She was then wheelchair bound when she went through security inspection. Rhed alleges that porters and airport security claimed to have found bullets in her luggage. These airport personnel allegedly told her that to avoid being detained, she just would have to pay 500 Pesos, which is about $12, to make the issue go away. Rhed knows these bullets are absolutely not hers, but because the whole process was scary and she was even emotionally lost because her mother was then terminally ill, she decided to give the money they were asking for so she could hop on that plane and not miss her flight back to California. However, she knew in her heart what happened was wrong, and so she started positing about her ordeal on social media so that the government could do

something about it. “Hindi dapat nangyari ito kasi nasa Pilipinas tayo…kapwa Pilipino…Bakit nangyari ang ganito? Tapos akalo ko noon titigil na kasi nakuwento ko na sa social media…Wala lang rin pala… Marami pang kaso, sunod sunod,” Rhed laments in the Balitang America report. She is ready to file a formal complaint soon. “Stupid,” embarrassing, frustrating, in addition to the paranoia are some thoughts that kababayans now express about this scheme. They wonder why the government has not been able to be on top of the situation. How could this happen inside NAIA? (To be continued) *** 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

Under Aquino, we’ve become the most violent country in Asia, next to NKorea Commentary

RigobeRto tiglao THAT’S according to the 2015 rankings by the “Global Peace Index” of 162 countries done annually since 2007 by a panel of international experts in the Institute for Economics and Peace. The Institute is considered to be the world’s leading think tank in developing metrics for analyzing peace and to quantify its economic benefits. The overall index uses 24 indicators to measure a country’s peace index, among them, its level of safety, crime incidence, terrorism, and intensity of internal conflict. The Philippine index was low, largely dragged by the indicators for “perceptions of criminality” and “violent crime,” both of which registered a 4 on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the worst. Under President Aquino, with his “daang matuwid” nonsense, the Philippine ranking has fallen steeply to 141 this year from 130 in 2010. That means countries such as Egypt, Turkey, Iran, as well as Congo and Honduras, have

been graded as more peaceful than the Philippines, according to the panel of experts. Another way of putting it: Since 2010, countries such as Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe have overtaken our country in the peace rankings. In Asia-Pacific, war-ravaged countries such as Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar were regarded as more peaceful than the Philippines. The Philippines is now competing with only North Korea for the dubious distinction of being the most violent country in Asia. The assessment isn’t at all surprising for anyone looking without yellow glasses on at the sorry state of our nation under Aquino. According to the latest statistics of the Philippine National Police’s Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management, index crimes (murder, homicide, and robbery) for the first six months of 2015 increased 37 percent to total 26.592. Watching TV news these days is sickening: there isn’t any news broadcast when no violent crime is reported, with street murders carried out by killers riding motorbikes’ pillions having become commonplace. Given the ubiquitousness of closed-circuit television, every TV news program now has a “CCTV” segment,” which de-

picts a metropolis in an unending crime wave. The rape and murder of teenaged girls no longer shock us, and journalists now seem to be routinely assassinated. Even our airports have become a dangerous place to be, with travelers so relieved when they get on their planes without being charged with carrying a goddamn bullet in their bags. In early October, criminals who claimed to be Abu Sayyaf Islamic jihadists kidnapped two Canadian tourists and a Norwegian resort owner. The kidnappers threatened to behead their hostages in a video that had a black flag looking similar to what the barbarous ISIS in Iraq and Syria have been displaying. Quite shockingly, Aquino doesn’t seem to care, treating it as just a crime incident. Doesn’t he realize that this could be driving away not just tourists but foreign investors as well? If this happened in past administrations, as it did under President Arroyo’s time, a high-level crisis committee would be organized, and the rescue of the hostages would be the most important concern of the presidency. Not under this president. The assessments of the country by international panels obviously are so different when we don’t pay for them, as we did in

the case of credit rating agencies such as Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s and Fitch. So far, the Aquino government has spent P3 billion for these agencies’ fees and expenses (including first-class fare and accommodations for their staff) for the 12 ratings it has requested them to issue since 2011, all of which painted a rosy picture for the Philippines’ creditworthiness. But of what use are these if in the past years interest rates in the world have been dropping, with international banks and investment funds falling over themselves in pushing cheap loans? Of what use are these expensive ratings if the Philippines is perceived as one of the two most dangerous places to live in Asia? In another ranking system, which we don’t pay for – the World Bank’s ease-of-doingbusiness report – the Philippines slipped six notches to 103rd from last years’ 97th slot among 189 economies, primarily because of increasing corruption and red tape. A lot of people have been foolishly claiming that we aren’t getting enough foreign investment because of constitutional restrictions. Can’t they see that “foreign investors” are not abstract entities, but executives or capitalists (with families) who, like every-

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and President Benigno Aquino III: Other than owing their posts to their parents, they now have something else in common.

one else, value their life and limb? Why on earth would they want to do business here when other Asian countries with lower wage rates are much safer places for them and their families to live in? Indonesia, for chrissake, was ranked 41 on the list, or 95 notches above us in the global peace index; even Vietnam stood 85 ranks above us at the 56th slot. And next to Aquino, who is mainly accountable for the country’s slide to the lowest peace rank as the most violent place in Asia after North Korea? Manuel Araneta Roxas II

– that’s who – as he had been since September 2012 secretary of the interior and local government department. The post automatically made him chairman of the National Police Commission, and therefore, in command of the police. He has also been after all, Aquino’s sidekick in the past five years. Where does Roxas get the audacity to think he should be president, when he has utterly failed in his task of making this country a safe place to live in, so that we have been ranked second only to North Korea as the most violent country in Asia? (ManilaTimes.net)

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

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A11

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Dateline PhiliPPines

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PH among countries of special concern in campaign vs impunity by Ryan

D. RosauRo Inquirer.net

COMING SOON. A woman arranges Christmas lanterns being sold in a shop in Manila. lanterns and other holiday décor have started to sprout in malls, as the country, touted to celebrate Christmas the longest, starts its countdown to the merriest season. ManilaTimes.net photo by Ruy Martinez

Business groups support ‘acceptable, meaningful’ BBL by Jose

RoDel Clapano Philstar.com

MANILA—The Philippine business community and foreign chambers, led by the Makati Business Club (MBC) and the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP), expressed their support for the passage of an “acceptable and meaningful Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).” In a signed joint statement, the group also called on the House and Senate to act with urgency in enacting the proposed BBL into law. MBC chairman Ramon del Rosario Jr. noted that economic indicators showed that Bangsamoro is at the bottom in terms of education, health and facilities. It also has a high poverty level, which reached over 30 percent. “Peace has to be the foundation of development. Peace in the Bangsamoro and in Mindanao will open the whole area to much more significant economic activities and therefore, economic development,” he said. In the statement, the business community asked for a version consistent with the Constitution; adheres to the commitments contained in the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) and truly embodies the dreams and aspirations of Muslim Filipinos. The business leaders also said they stand firm that, at the mini-

mum, the BBL “must not diminish what was already given to the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).” “While allowing the expansion of the Bangsamoro region after the BBL’s enactment remains a contentious issue, at the very least, the original core territory of the Bangsamoro should be retained, consistent with the principle of not reducing what is already present in the ARMM,” the business groups said. The business groups also said that the original composition of the Bangsamoro Parliament of reserving a greater number of seats to political party representatives must be preserved “to allow the blossoming of genuine political parties and the exercise of true democracy.” Given that the poorest and least developed provinces are found in the Bangsamoro, the business groups want full fiscal autonomy for it. “Full fiscal autonomy is essential. Thus, guided by the aim to guarantee the Bangsamoro economy’s stability and sustainability through the effective and responsible utilization of its resources, the Bangsamoro must have power over land, water and strategic minerals within its jurisdiction,” the statement reads. The business groups also said that, as a complement to other measures that will assure peace

and security in the region, the Shari’ah courts must be further strengthened. “We believe that there is no other viable path to winning the peace in Mindanao’s conflicted areas but the completion of the peace process, and it cannot and will not move forward if the BBL remains stalled in Congress,” the business groups said. It said only the Aquino administration has managed to progress in the peace process. Del Rosario said the groups want to allow Muslim Filipinos to exercise their right to genuine autonomy and to catch up with the socio-economic developments elsewhere in the Philippines. “We need investors to go in the area, we need employment opportunities and good governance and that cannot happen in the absence of peace. (Without peace), it would be difficult for us to bring investors,” Del Rosario emphasized. Mindanao Business Council chairman Vicente Lao appealed to political leaders to give peace a chance, saying that the conflict can only be addressed through economic intervention. “These are realities on the ground, they are really in dire need of support from the central government. Give these people a chance to chart their own destiny and maybe one day, they will live up to our expectations,” he added.

ILIGAN CITY—The Philippines is among the four countries throughout the world that is the focus of this year’s global campaign by freedom of expression advocates against impunity on the killing of journalists. The Brussels-based International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), a global organization representing some 300,000 journalists, in a statement said its annual campaign, along with other freedom of expression networks, seeks to Journalists carry the coffin of slain tabloid reporter Ruby Garcia in this photo taken in April “hold world governments and de 2014. The IFJ campaign puts specific whom died in 2015. None of the facto authorities accountable for impunity records for crimes tar- emphasis on Mexico, the Philip- perpetrators have been brought pines, Ukraine and Yemen owing to justice. In addition, 14 reportgeting journalists.” “Murder is the highest form of to the gravity of the situation of ers remain captive as a consequence of the fighting between these crimes but all attacks target- impunity in these countries. In the Philippines, the IFJ notes the Houthis, the Saudi led-coaliing journalists that remain unpunished must be denounced… There that not a single person has been tion and al-Qaida. In Ukraine, the IFJ cited eight can be no press freedom where convicted for their involvement in journalists work in fear,” the IFJ the 2009 Maguindanao massacre. killings, 125 intimidations, 322 asSome 193 people were accused saults, 162 attempts of censorship said in a statement.” The IFJ noted that on a global as having a role in the crime, 18 and 196 cases of impeding activiscale, only one in 10 cases of me- of whom carry the surname Am- ties since 2014. Of 54 investigapatuan. tions launched, only three cases dia deaths are investigated. “The Ampatuan Massacre re- were passed to the courts. In 2000, “Impunity not only endangers journalists, it imperils democ- mains the key focal point of the the body of Ukrainian journalist racy and the right for the public Philippine media’s battle with im- Georgy Gongadze was found beto know. It is more than time for punity, but it must be stressed that headed in a forest outside Kiev. In 2015, the IFJ recorded 86 killbringing those who kill the mes- the killing of journalists didn’t start sengers to justice and we must on November 23, 2009, nor did it ings of journalists and media staff throughout the world. relentlessly hold governments ac- end there,” the IFJ emphasized. “The fallout for the media conLast year, a journalist was killed countable for this,” said IFJ Presitinues – as do journalist murders every 10 days, the IFJ said, most dent Jim Boumelha. He urged IFJ affiliates to get in- with shocking regularity… which of whom—94 percent—are men, volved in the campaign “to show makes the country the deadliest and are locals of the country. Only solidarity to those who struggle for journalists in Southeast Asia,” six percent were foreign correspondents. for telling the truth and their loved the group added. The NUJP recorded 32 killings Some 41 percent of killed jourones.” The global campaign runs since the 2009 massacre, five of nalists worked in print media, the these in 2015. All these add up IFJ further noted. from Nov. 2 until Nov. 23. In the Asia-Pacific region, India Nov. 2 was declared by the to 169 killings since 1986 when United Nations in December 2013 press freedom was regained after and Bangladesh are also countries as International Day to End Impu- the ousting of strongman Ferdi- of special concern, apart from the Philippines. Of the 86 media nity for Crimes Against Journalists, nand Marcos. “This year there was a small deaths this year, 23 are in the rewhich is also observed as All Souls Day in the Philippines. It also breakthrough when the two ac- gion. India has seen six journalist marked the killing in Mali in 2013 cused masterminds in the killing of two reporters of Radio France of journalist Gerry Ortega were murders this year while five blogInternationale (RFI), Ghislaine Du- arrested in Thailand on unrelated gers have been killed in Banglacharges. They have since been desh. pont and Claude Verlon. “In Bangladesh where the press Nov. 23 marks the sixth year deported to and detained in the after the grisly Maguindanao mas- Philippines while awaiting trial for is not free, bloggers fill in the gap sacre that claimed 58 lives, 32 of their role in the 2011 murder of of informing the public,” Jane Worthington, deputy director of them journalists and media work- Ortega,” the IFJ notes. In Mexico, 50 journalists and IFJ Asia-Pacific, explained. ers. The massacre was the worst media workers lost their lives in In 2014, 39 media deaths were single attack on the press. “The calendar gives us enough the line of duty since 2010. Of recorded in the region, with Pakireason to remember. But every these cases, around 89 percent are stan topping the list with 14; also killing is enough reason to rage,” not solved, the Mexican National the highest throughout the world. said Rowena Paraan, chair of the Human Rights Commission said. The Asia-Pacific was also the In Yemen, the IFJ recorded 15 deadliest region worldwide in National Union of Journalists of journalists killed since 2011, 10 of 2014. the Philippines (NUJP).

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NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 6-12, 2015

Journal

Your Immigration Solution Atty. RobeRt Reeves GReGoRy J. boult And nAncy MilleR YOGI Berra once said “it ain’t over till it’s over”. The truth is, even then, it may not be over. Many non-citizens have been placed into removal proceedings as a result of a criminal conviction. If the Department of Homeland Security said their conviction was a crime of violence as defined under a specific code section and they were sentenced to a year or more, they heard the dreaded words “aggravated felony” leave the immigration judge’s mouth. Those words were probably followed by an order of removal – especially if the non-citizen had previously been admitted to the United States as a lawful permanent resident. They may have appealed that decision and lost. They may have appealed in federal court and not succeeded because the law was against them. They may have spent years going from lawyer to lawyer hoping to hear that there was something that could be done. Sadly, the answer was usually that there was not. It was over. But, now, thanks to a new decision from the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, it’s not over. In fact, for many people, the new fight may have just begun. The court challenge which led to this dramatic legal change stems from the case of a Filipino national who had been twice convicted of burglary after being granted lawful permanent resident status. As a result, he was sentenced to two years in prison for each of his two felony convictions. Due to these convictions, he was placed into removal (deportation) proceedings where he was charged with having been convicted of two crimes of violence, and thus of two aggravated felonies which warranted the loss of his green card and his deportation. Subsequently, the Immigration Judge ordered him

It ain’t over till the alien wins

New hope for non-citizens with crime of violence convictions

deported for having been convicted of two crimes of violence, and this order was upheld on appeal by the Board of Immigration Appeals. This decision, however, was appealed to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. On appeal, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals took issue with the vague definition of what exactly constituted a crime of violence under the immigration laws. Specifically, the Court expressed concern that the law was so vague that an individual could not necessarily know what conduct would be deemed a crime of violence, and that Immigration Judges were being placed into a precarious position where they were often compelled to speculate as to whether a particular conviction in a particular case actually qualified as a crime of violence. The Court ultimately concluded that this vagueness was legally improper and contrary to the Constitution, and therefore found that the definition of a crime of violence was unconstitutionally vague. This finding by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has a profound and dramatic impact as many individuals who have been previously ordered deported from the United States might now be able to seek the reopening of their immigration cases and be legally permitted to remain in the United States. Even if the non-citizen was ordered deported years or decades ago, it may be possible to reopen their court case as a result of this change of law. Once the case is reopened and the deportation order vacated, the alien may no longer be subject to removal. In a different scenario, the alien may now be eligible for a waiver of their removability. Depending on the potential waiver, the alien will have to show that they are

rehabilitated and deserving of a favorable exercise of discretion. They may have to show that their US citizen or lawful permanent resident parent, spouse or son or daughter would suffer extreme hardship if the alien were forced to leave the US. Those currently in removal proceedings who had no hope of relief may now have a fighting chance to keep their green cards. Upon a successful fight in Immigration Court, they may even be eligible to apply for citizenship. Those currently in criminal court should hire a lawyer experienced in criminally-related immigration matters to consult with their criminal defense lawyer to try to fashion a plea agreement that will not result in their being ordered removed. Anyone who has be ordered deported from the United States because of a criminal conviction, or told that they cannot immigrate to the United States because of a criminal conviction, should consult with an experienced and knowledgeable immigration attorney to determine how this case, and other recent legal developments regarding criminal convictions and the immigration laws, might affect their current or future immigration status 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 to every case. (Advertising Supplement)

About depression in older adults

EVERYONE feels blue or sad now and then, but these feelings don’t usually last long and pass within a couple of days. When a person has depression, it interferes with daily life and normal functioning, and causes pain for both the person with depression and those who care about him or her. Doctors call this condition “depressive disorder,” or “clinical depression.” Depression in older adults Important life changes that happen as we get older may cause feelings of uneasiness, stress, and sadness. For instance, the death of a loved one, moving from work into retirement, or dealing with a serious illness can leave people feeling sad or anxious. After a period of adjustment, many older adults can regain their emotional balance, but others do not and may develop depression. Depression is a common problem among older adults, but it is NOT a normal part of aging. In fact, studies show that most older adults feel satisfied with their lives, despite having more physical ailments. However, when older adults do suffer from depression, it may be overlooked because they may be less willing to talk about feelings of sadness or grief, or they may show different, less obvious symptoms, and doctors may be less likely to suspect or spot it. Sometimes it can be difficult to distinguish grief

Outreach will raise awareness about abuse warning signs and how to help

SAN MATEO, Calif. – On Tuesday, November 3, the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors passed a resolution in support of a new initiative, the Elder and Dependent Adult Protection Team (EDAPT), to raise awareness about how to prevent and protect dependent and older adults from abuse in San Mateo County. EDAPT will focus on preventing financial abuse, the most common form of older adult abuse in San Mateo County. It’s common for someone to experience more than one form of abuse. Research shows that for every one case of older adult abuse that is reported – there are another 24 that go unreported. Reports of older adult abuse have been on the rise as the

county’s older adult population continues to grow – and which is estimated to grow by over 70% by 2030. There is more need than ever to engage the community on how to protect older and dependent adults and help ensure everyone is able to grow older safely in our county. “I’m proud of the Board of Supervisors for supporting this important initiative to help protect some of our most vulnerable residents.” said Adrienne Tissier, San Mateo County District 5 Supervisor. “San Mateo County’s commitment of resources and collaboration between departments is critical in the fight against the abuse of our elder and dependent adult populations.”

Loida Nicolas Lewis, AARP Member Chair and CEO of TLC Beatrice, LLC Philanthropist

Dahil sa Health and Wellness resources ng AARP, si Loida at iba pang katulad niya are now able to have as much fun in the ballroom as they did in the boardroom. Loida has enjoyed a long career as a successful businesswoman, and she remains just as active today. Bilang miyembro ng halos 20 na taon, she keeps current with AARP publications on health, diet, exercise at iba pang activities that help her enjoy life and live it to the fullest. Not surprisingly, her boundless energy and generous contributions para sa Filipino community have made her a role model for many. Para kay Loida, walang hanggan ang mga posibilidad and the best is yet to come. AARP offers members a wealth of resources na siguradong makapagbibigay ng saya, sigla at importanteng impormasyon para rin sa inyo. To learn more, visit aarp.org/aapi or call 1-866-805-1986 today.

Caregiving • Health & Wellness • Fraud Prevention • Volunteer • Life Reimagined

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San Mateo County launches new initiative to prevent dependent and older adult abuse

This could be my best move yet.

AARP is a non-profit organization committed to enhancing your life at 50-plus by providing trusted and useful resources to help you stay active, engaged and vibrant.

from major depression. Grief after loss of a loved one is a normal reaction to the loss and generally does not require professional mental health treatment. However, grief that lasts for a very long time following a loss may require treatment. Depression and suicide Though it is widely believed that suicide more often affects young people, suicide is a serious problem among older adults, too – particularly among older men – and depression is usually a major contributing factor. Adults 65 and older have a suicide rate that is higher than the rate for the national population, but there are some major differences between older men and women. While suicide rates for older women are somewhat lower than those for young and middle-aged women, rates among men 75 and older are higher than those for younger men. In fact, white men age 85 and older have the highest suicide rate in the United States. Types of depression There are several types of depression. The most common types are major depressive disorder and dysthymic disorder. • Major depressive disorder, also called major depression or clinical depression, is characterized by a combination of symptoms that interfere with a person’s ability to work, sleep, concentrate, eat,

Abuse can be financial, physical, emotional, or sexual, and can also include neglect or isolation. Signs and symptoms can appear as someone not being cared for, having unexplained bruises, being depressed or anxious, or having unusual activity in his or her bank account. Through targeted outreach, the initiative will raise awareness about the importance of calling the San Mateo County TIES line 1-800-675-8437 if someone suspects or is experiencing abuse. The TIES line is staffed by trained counselors 24 hours a day, 7 days per week. “It’s up to all of us to say something if something seems wrong,” said Lisa Mancini, Di-

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NOVEMBER 6-12, 2015 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

Community Journal

AurorA VegA-Buzon, esq.

Classifying your adopted child as immediate relative under the Hague Convention

IF you are adopting a child from a foreign country and wish to bring the child to the United States, you must comply with the adoption laws of the child’s country of origin, the laws of the United States and the laws of your state of residence (“home state”). In addition, you must comply with the Hague Adoption Convention if the child is from a country who is a party to the said Convention. The Hague Adoption Convention is an international agreement establishing safeguards and processes for inter-country adoptions and provides that before you can file a petition in Court to adopt a child from another country, you must first be found suitable to adopt and the child must be found eligible for placement and adoption. Both the United States and the Philippines are parties to the Hague Adoption Convention, and as of April 1, 2008, the

Philippines has implemented the Convention for all inter-country adoptions by processing al adoptions through the Philippine Inter-Country Adoption Board (ICAB). Adoptions that were began in Philippine Courts before April 1, 2008 are not subject to the Convention and will be processed in accordance with the regular Philippine laws and US Immigration laws on adoption. Who can adopt? Before you can adopt a child from abroad and bring that child to the United States, you must first be found suitable to adopt by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”). The basic requirements under United States laws are: (1) You must be a US Citizen, and must habitually reside in the United States (there are different rules if you are a US citizen living abroad). (2) If you are unmarried, you must be at least 25 years old -- but, if you are adopting from the Phil-

The CTV Files

ippines, you must be at least 27 years old. (3) If you are married, you must jointly adopt the child (even if you are separated but not divorced), and your spouse must also be either a US citizen or in legal status in the United States. (4) You must be found suitable prospective adoptive parent/s, as established by criminal background checks and a home study report prepared by an accredited Adoption Service Provider. In addition, you must meet and comply with your home state’s requirements for prospective adoptive parents. After USCIS finds the prospective adoptive parents (“PAPs”) suitable to adopt, the PAPs’ papers are sent to the Philippine Inter-Country Adoption Board (“ICAB”) who will then make its own determination if the PAPs also meet Philippine law requirements, as follows: (1) PAPs who are married, must have been

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http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 616-4150

Wisdom teeth: Why do we have them?

Dr. Val’s Dental Views Dr. VAlerie

De leon

WHEN dentists see emerging wisdom teeth are going to cause dental problems, wisdom tooth removal is likely in the cards. Wisdom teeth–also known as the third molars–received their nickname because they emerge during young adulthood, when a person has a little more wisdom. But why do we wait until the late teenage years to address the issue? In fact, if wisdom teeth so often cause complications, why has nature given them to us at all? Wisdom teeth have ancient roots The most widely accepted theory behind wisdom teeth suggests we look to our ancestors in the distant past for answers. Early humans had a much different diet than we do today: roots, raw meat, tough plants—foods that would have required a lot of grinding. Big, wide molars were the perfect teeth for the job, and that third set of molars would

have helped them immensely! They also had larger jaws to accommodate these extra teeth. Today, we have smaller jaws and eat much softer foods, but our genes still produce third molars! When they don’t have enough room to emerge properly, wisdom teeth can begin erupting at angles of 45 degrees or more—even horizontally! When teeth grow where there isn’t space for them, they cause a lot of problems. When is removal the right decision? Wisdom teeth emerging at bad angles or crowding other teeth can damage oral health. They might not even emerge at all, becoming impacted below the gum surface. In either case, they can cause constant pain and infection, weaken bone structure, and undo orthodontic work. You might ask why wisdom teeth aren’t addressed in early childhood. It’s because they actually don’t begin forming until around age 10! All teeth (adult teeth included) begin forming in the jaws during fetal develop-

ment—except for wisdom teeth. We treat each wisdom teeth case individually There are the lucky few that have no problems with their wisdom teeth. It is possible for them to emerge at the right angle, with enough space, and not have to be removed. Each case is unique, and by getting to know your unique dental profile, we will prescribe the best dental health solution—without any unnecessary treatment. From diagnosis to wisdom teeth removal recovery, we’ll be there every step of the way to provide the best in advice and care. Thank you for choosing us as your family’s lifelong dental health partners. We treasure the trust you place in our practice! *** If you have questions, pls call Dr. Valerie de Leon at (650) 697–9000 or visit our website at www.millbraesmiles.com. She is with Millbrae Smile Center located at 15 El Camino Real, Millbrae 94030. She is a member of American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Academy of Laser Dentistry, ADA, CDA and SMCDS. Please call for a free consultation. (Advertising Supplement)

Whatever happened to ‘Happily Ever After’?

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAglAyA (Part 1 of 3)

THIS series of articles seem relevant and appropriate in the wake of the mass murder of 9 Christian students in Umpqua Community College in rural Roseburg in Oregon by a demented, twisted young man just in the last month. Politicians with an agenda were quick to make political hay of the tragic event. This is why career politicians are going the way of the dodo. Empathy and sympathy, the genuine kind, are quickly set aside to push gun control with the thinly disguised end game of subverting second amendment rights mandated by the Constitution. The college where the perp carried his heinous, dastardly deed was a gun-free zone. Does it occur to most that gun-free zones are the habitat of the deranged which in effect, make sitting ducks out of intended victims? Unless and until the world becomes a utopia where everyone is an angel with no evil thought and there is no further need for law enforcement, walls and doors, I believe everyone should be given the chance and the wherewithal, both physical and spiritual, to defend themselves from the tyranny of evil. There is a consistent pattern here — as plain as the speck on one’s nose — for those with clear eyes, a keen sense of historical perspective, plain common sense, and more importantly perhaps, with no self-serving agenda to push. These people are sick. At the root of the matter of every atrocity in recent times that deranged gunmen who had no qualms about killing others before they kill themselves is the deplorable state of mental illness so many Americans are afflicted with these days. This is, perhaps, the reason there are so few happily-everafter stories these days that can make the collective heart of the human race glad. In just one act, one sick, demented soul can cause so much incalculable grief. Stories make up the fabric

“

“ … All the lonely people Where do they all come from? … All the lonely people Where do they all belong?…”

—Eleanor Rigby, Lennon-McCartney

of human life. Each life story is one thread in this vast cosmic tapestry of billions of stories all of humanity is weaving from one generation to the next. We are born in this world with our own unique set of circumstances. We like to believe that each of us is created for a purpose wired into our DNA, like a GPS directing us to a destination — a state of being — whatever that may be. In the age old fairy tale of “Sleeping Beauty,” Princess Aurora’s life was protected by Three Good Fairies: Flora, Fauna and Merryweather. They have gifted her and her Prince Charming with

out swinging with our blessed swords slaying our dragons every time they rear their ugly heads. Until finally at the end of all earthly struggles, we become happy and content as we stride off into the sunset, victorious and fulfilled. Well, there you have it – the final frame of a movie. There’s that happily-ever-after ending to the life stories we seek. Alas! How we wish most of life’s stories end happily. These days, instead of happily ever after endings, we have sad stories, cautionary tales, even horror stories to drive us out of our wits’ end. It’s like being trapped in our seats, strapped tight, in the Theatre of the Macabre and watching grim Tim Burton stories unfolding onscreen on repeat mode. What is causing all this darkness, all this loneliness that seems to affect so many people in the world today? You scratch your head and wonder who let those rabid monstrous creatures out from the gates of hell? It seems the gates are wide open, unleashing all the evils that can be conjured from a witch’s brew simmering in a big black cauldron over the fires of hell. All the evils are unleashed from Pandora’s box with just one thing left at the bottom of the box — HOPE. There is an onslaught of overwhelming assaults that come in all forms from just everywhere, facilitated by the startling phenomenon of social media and the ease of anything going viral through the internet. This warped, perverse world we live in today seems to delight in mischief and mayhem. (Continued next week) ***

We are born in this world with our own unique set of circumstances. We like to believe that each of us is created for a purpose wired into our DNA. the weapons to fight off the evil of the villainess, Maleficent. In real life, from princes to paupers, most people like to think that they too have been given gifts that serve as shining weapons when they do go through those dark periods in every season of life. The darkness can range from just being lonely and isolated for periods of time to the more extreme and detrimental negative emotions that drive people to insanity or worse, to suicide. We want to have those weapons to deal with those inner struggles in order to do battle with deep, dark depression and fend off those eerie voices that urge the afflicted to inflict selfharm or even worse, to kill others as well. The “dark night of the soul” seems to be occurring with more alarming frequency these days. We would like to become courageous, even bold, as we come

”

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

About depression in older… PAGE CJ1 t

and enjoy activities he or she once liked. Major depression prevents a person from functioning normally. An episode of major depression may occur only once in a person’s lifetime, but more often, it recurs throughout a person’s life. • Dysthymic disorder, also called dysthymia, is a less severe but more long-lasting form of depression. Dysthymia is characterized by symptoms lasting two years or longer that keep a person from functioning normally or feeling well. People with dysthymia may also experience one or more episodes of major depression during their lifetime. Other types of depression include subsyndromal depression, psychotic depression. and bipolar depression. • Subsyndromal depression is common among

older adults. It includes less severe but clear symptoms of depression that fall short of being major depression or dysthymia. Having subsyndromal depression may increase a person’s risk of developing major depression. • Psychotic depression occurs when a person has severe depression plus some form of psychosis, such as having disturbing false beliefs or a break with reality (delusions), or hearing or seeing upsetting things that others cannot hear or see (hallucinations). • Bipolar depression, also called manic-depressive illness, is not as common as major depression or dysthymia. Bipolar disorder is characterized by cycling mood changes—from extreme highs (e.g., mania) to extreme lows (e.g., depression). (NIH Senior Health)

San Mateo County launches new initiative…

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rector for San Mateo County Aging and Adult Services. “By joining together in this initiative, we are showing those who may be experiencing or are at risk of abuse that the community is behind them. Whether it’s calling the TIES line or expressing your concerns to an older or dependent adult in private, starting the conversation about suspected abuse can save lives. It’s up to all

of us to help.” EDAPT is a collaboration between San Mateo County’s District Attorney’s Office, County Counsel’s Office, and Health System’s Aging and Adult Services. The initiative is funded with approximately $3.13 million taxpayer dollars over two years through the County’s Measure A, the voter-approved half-cent sales tax. Funding began July 1, 2015 and will run through June

2017. EDAPT staff and resources will be available at Congresswoman Jackie Speier and Supervisor Adrienne Tissier’s 28th annual Seniors on the Move Conference November 10, 10am to 3pm, at the San Mateo Event Center. To learn more about services available to protect older and dependent adults in San Mateo County, please visit www.smchealth.org/ ElderAbuse. n

(650) 616-4150 • http://www.asianjournal.com

Immigration Corner Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ IF a person marries a US citizen before their child’s 18th birthday, the US citizen can also directly petition the person’s child (as the US citizen’s stepchild). There is no need for the US citizen to adopt the person’s child to establish a “petitionable relationship.” I’ve come across many situations where a person married a US citizen before their child’s 18th birthday. They thought they must first obtain their own green card, and thereafter petition their own child. That is not always the case! If you legally married a US citizen (in good faith) before your child’s 18th birthday, your US citizen spouse could directly petition your child, and it would be a lot faster than waiting for your petition. For example, if you wait to petition your child yourself, it may take several months or years before you finally receive your own green card. Then, if you file an F-2A petition for your child (minor child of green card holder), there may be an additional few years of waiting time for the priority date on your petition to

Community Journal

become current. The wait would be even longer if you decided to first become a US citizen and then petition your child. By that time, your kid may have “aged – out”, and it results in unnecessary additional years of separation from your child. If your US citizen spouse petitions your child, he or she does not need to adopt them, as long as you get married before your child’s 18th birthday. Your child would be considered an “immediate relative” of your US citizen spouse, and could possibly be processed for a green card within a matter of a few months as the stepchild of a U.S. Citizen. I’ve also come across people who decided to “wait until my child finishes school in the Philippines, before I’ll have my spouse petition him.” If a petition (or green card) is available, grab it now, versus waiting. What if, while waiting, you run into marital problems with your US citizen spouse, and get divorced? Had that spouse petitioned your child early in the marriage, your kid could have already obtained a green card. Once your child is in the U.S., he or she can apply for a re-entry permit and return to the Philippines to finish school. But at least your kid

has a green card in hand, versus gambling on whether the US citizen spouse will still be around to petition your child, or your child ages out, etc. If you have a child under 18 years of age, and are dating or married to a US citizen, you may want to consult with an immigration lawyer, who can evaluate your situation, as well as your child’s, concerning the best way for everyone to get a green card. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel is licensed, and an active member of the State Bar of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California. Each case is different. The information contained herein including testimonials, “Success Stories,” endorsements and reenactments) is of a general nature, and is not intended to apply to any particular case, and does not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorneyclient relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader. WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com Call Toll free to schedule a consultation for anywhere in the US: (866)—GURFINKEL Four offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES · SAN FRANCISCO · NEW YORK · PHILIPPINES (Advertising Supplement)

Dr. Lovely Manlapaz-Teodoro, DDS ensures excellent, detailed service

LOVELY Manlapaz-Teodoro DDS is a general, cosmetic and family dentistry practice that offers a variety of services to East Bay patients (both children and adults) at two locations: The Dental Center of Hercules and Ygnacio Valley Cosmetic Dentistry in Walnut Creek. Its services include comprehensive oral exams and cleaning, root canal treatments, complete and partial dentures, composite bonding, Invisalign®, cosmetic veneers, teeth whitening, tooth extractions, crowns, fixed bridges, dental implants, and implant restoration. The practice is also proud to offer single visit crowns and onlays and in-lays that are designed and manufactured with CAD/CAM technology. Dr. Manlapaz-Teodoro earned her Dental Medicine degree from National University, Manila Philippines (NU) in 1995. She started a private practice upon graduating while simultaneously holding a teaching position at NU’s College of Dentistry. Today, she consistently attends courses and training to keep her knowledge and skills on par with the technological advancements in dentistry. Dr. Manlapaz-Teodoro and her staff take a personal approach to patient care, which, according to office manager Ted Teodoro, ensures excellent, detailed service. “We don’t overbook our patient list. Dr. ManlapazTeodoro likes to take her time and be very thorough.” The practice offers several dental plans and accepts most private insurance. Member of ADA, CDA, CCDA. For more details, please visit our website at www.lovelymanlapazteodorodds.com or call our office at The Dental Center of Hercules: 844 Willow Ave. Ste. A6, Hercules, CA 94547 / T: (510) 245-3004 or Ygnacio Valley Cosmetic Dentistry: 1479 Ygnacio Valley Rd. Ste 105, Walnut Creek, CA 94798 / T: (925) 979-9803. (Advertising Supplement)

The child to be adopted must meet the definition of a Convention adoptee under US laws in order to immigrate on an immigrant visa, which is: a child determined to be eligible for adoption; and who has been fully and finally adopted in a court abroad, or whose adoption will be filed and finalized in a US court. Once ICAB determines that PAPs are suitable to adopt under Philippine laws, it will then determine if the child is eligible for adoption under the following guidelines: (1) ICAB will match the PAPs with a child; and PAPs cannot choose a particular preidentified child, unless the child is a relative within the 4th degree of consanguinity or a child with special circumstances or needs. (2) The child must be under 15 years of age, except where the child is a birth sibling of another child who has been adopted or will be adopted by the same PAPs, in which case the sibling child is eligible if he is 16 years old but under 18 years of age. (3) There must be a Deed of Voluntary Commitment signed by the child’s birth parents relinquishing the child to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (“DSWD”) for subsequent adoption. (4) If the child is abandoned and no parent is available to sign the Deed of Voluntary Commitment, an authorized agency or other acceptable entity can petition the DSWD to issue a certificate stating that the child is legally eligible for adoption. Relative adoptions There are only two (2) situa-

CAN A LONELY WIFE STILL PETITION HER HUSBAND EVEN IF SHE IS UNEMPLOYED? THIS QUESTION AND MORE WILL BE ANSWERED THIS SUNDAY ON “CITIZEN PINOY!” Leading US immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel replies to this question and more, such as: Can my mother have a second chance, after being banned from the US for 10 years for overstaying? Can my brother immigrate as “single” since he has been separated from his wife for over 25 years? Get the answers to these questions and more, on an encore episode of the information-packed, award-winning public service program -- “Citizen Pinoy,” this Sunday, November 8 at 6:15pm PST/EST (9:15pm EST thru select Cable/Satellite providers).

WESTERN UNION VETERANS DAY PROMOTION

Western Union celebrates military: Veterans Day Promo, Career Open House

DID you know that money transfer is frequently a vital service for members of the military? Often, when soldiers are deployed, families send money overseas to support spouses and children. Earlier this month, more than 8,530 veterans participated in conversations about money transfer (during October 1-15, 2015) according to research by Network Insights. These facts show how these services provide a vital lifeline of support between service members and their families from whom they are separated for long stretches of time. This year, there are two special programs that Western Union, a global leader in money transfer, is offering to celebrate our military and honor Veterans Day. Western Union is waiving the money transfer fee for US domestic sends for consumers who use the promo code “HERO.” this November 11th in honor of the men and women of the US armed forces and is hosting a Veterans Career Open House on November 6th. Fee Free: On Wednesday, November 11, the company will offer ALL customers the opportunity

to make qualifying US domestic money transfers—and transfers to and from US military bases around the world where Western Union has a retail Agent location--free of charge in honor of veterans and active service members. This offer is available only at Western Union retail Agent locations throughout the US, and customers using the promo code “HERO” will have the normal transaction fee waived. There is no dollar amount or limit for these “fee free” transactions. To raise awareness of this promotion, Western Union is employing social media (including Facebook and Instagram), as well as their extensive network of Agents and robust customer relations management resources. Customers can visit wu.com to find an Agent location. Veterans Career Open House: This free event takes place at Western Union’s corporate offices in Denver (12500 E. Belford Avenue Englewood, Colorado) on November 6, between 9:00am and 12:00pm. This event is open to all veterans, as well as guard, reserve and active service mem-

Calendar of Events across

bers. Attendees will receive information on career opportunities available to military members, as well as useful career advice on resume tips, successful interviewing techniques, how to translate military skill and build an effective LinkedIn profile. Another illustration of the importance of money transfer to military personnel is that Western Union currently has retail Agent locations on many military bases throughout the world. Military personnel, who are often Western Union customers, use money transfer in situations, such as: • A new, younger service member who hasn’t established a checking account, receives funds for basic support and emergency needs (as a sender or receiver) • A service member away on temporary assignment and who doesn’t want or need to establish a local checking account because they won’t be stationed at the location for a long period of time • Parents and family of active service members often wire money to the spouse and children to help out, as well. (Advertising Supplement)

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 N OV E M B E R 7

FPAC 24 - “Balik tanaw, Pananaw bukas”

Classifying your adopted child as immediate… married for at least one year; and must file jointly for adoption. (2) PAPs must be at least 27 years of age and at least 16 years older than the child at the time of application; and the maximum age gap between the PAPs and the child to be adopted child must not exceed 45 years. The age gap requirement does not apply if one of the PAPs is the biological parent, stepparent or a relative within the 4th degree of consanguinity of the child to be adopted. (3) Single applicants are eligible to adopt children between 6 and 15 years old in the Waiting Child Program. (4) For PAPs who are divorced, ICAB will only consider PAPs who have 2 or fewer divorces and assess the stability of the current marriage to evaluate their suitability. (5) Philippine law does not recognize same-sex marriage, and it is not clear what is ICAB’s policy on PAPs who are gay, bi-sexual, or transgender. (6) PAPs must not have been convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude. (7) PAPs must pass a physical and medical evaluation, and must not have unacceptable health conditions like obesity and “metabolic syndrome.” (8) PAPs must also have a psychological evaluation containing a discussion of their childhood experiences, marital/ family relationship, capability of handling the adoption and parenting. (9) PAPs must have the written consent to the adoption of their biological children who are 10 years old and over. Who can be adopted?

Petitioning a stepchild: No adoption required

A personal approach to your dental care

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NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 6-12, 2015

tions where ICAB will process a particular pre-identified child -- either the child is a relative within the 4th degree of consanguinity or affinity (as per ICAB Board Resolution No. 069-62, series of 2012), known as relative adoption; or the child is deemed with special circumstances or a special needs child. The relatives within the 4th degree of consanguinity or affinity include your brother/sister, grandchild, great grandchild, nephew/niece, first cousin; and your spouse’s child, brother/sister, grandchild, nephew/niece, etc. The PAPs have the option to finish the adoption process in a Philippine court or in a United States court. Your child will be issued an IH-3 immigrant visa, if there is a full and final adoption in a Philippine Court; or an IH-4 immigrant visa, if you have been given and you have taken custody of the child, and you are bringing the child to the United States and finalize his/her adoption in a United States court. *** Atty. Aurora Vega-Buzon is a partner in Chua Tinsay & Vega, A Professional Legal Corporation (CTV) - a full service law firm with offices in San Francisco, San Diego and Philippines. The information presented in this article is for general information only and is not, nor intended to be, formal legal advice nor the formation of an attorneyclient relationship. Call or e-mail CTV for an in-person or phone consultation to discuss your particular situation and/or how their services may be retained at (619) 955-6277; (415) 495-8088; auvega@ctvattys.com (Advertising Supplement)

Save the date! The 24th Annual Festival of Philippine Arts & Culture (FPAC) will be celebrated on Saturday, November 7, 2015 at El Pueblo de Los Angeles (125 Paseo De La Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012). and will feature contemporary and traditional Filipino food, music, dance, crafts and culture. FPAC is the longest-running Filipino cultural celebration in Southern California. This year’s theme for the City of Los Angeles’ Filipino American Event is “Balik tanaw, Pananaw bukas” a Tagalog phrase meaning “looking backward, looking forward, and celebrates the rich experiences of being Filipino American. As a community we honor the culture paved by our ancestors, and move forward with a grateful understanding of our Filipino American history. This is the spirit that keeps FPAC going. Please check www.filmarts.org for more event updates. For Sponsorship Inquiries please contact us at 213-380-3722; or info@filamarts.org. For exhibitor (food and business) information, contact John Swing at jswing@esipa.org. #FPAC24

N OV E M B E R 5 -1 4

16th San Diego Asian Film Festival To celebrate its sweet 16th, the San Diego Asian Film Festival (SDAFF) is proud to welcome and pay tribute to entertainment and film legends and pioneers during its 10-day film festival, from November 5 - 14, 2015. Presented by Pacific Arts Movement, the SDAFF is the largest showcase of Asian cinema on the West Coast, with more than 130 films and programs from 20 countries. This year, the SDAFF presents the West Coast premiere of documentary TYRUS, paying tribute and welcoming entertainment legend Tyrus Wong, a 105-year-old Chinese American artist who is best known for inspiring the artwork in Disney’s original classic Bambi. Other contemporary pioneers in entertainment such as Ken Jeong and Eugene Lee Yang will be present. The film festival will take place at the Ultrastar Mission Valley at Hazard Center (Main Theater & Box Office), 7510 Hazard Center Drive, San Diego, CA 92108. For all screenings at Ultrastar, tickets can be purchased at the Ultrastar Mission Valley box office (Member $9, General $12) starting October 30. Student/Military/Senior and Group discounts are available at the door. Opening, Centerpiece, and Closing Night tickets are $15 for General, $12 for Members. Limited All-Fest Passes are available for $250. For ticketing info, film program/gala awards night details, and a full schedule, please visit festival.sdaff.org or contact 619.400.5911 | info@pacarts.org.

N OV E M B E R 1 4

Saint Martin of Tours Fiesta Invitation to Taaleños to host the celebration of the Feast of Saint Martin of Tours, the Patron Saint of Taal, Batangas, on Nov. 14. Holy Mass will be offered at 10 am at 401 Spur Trail, Walnut, CA 91789, followed by a potluck luncheon to be hosted by expats from Taal. A ‘Silent Auction’ is planned to raise funds for the repair and beautification of the Old Catholic Cemetery. Musical entertainment will be provided by Tony Mijares of San Jose, Calif. Please contact potluck coordinators Lorna and Eddie B. de Sagun (626) 780-8272, and the following to confirm your attendance: Baby Patolot (626) 202-3172, Jeannette C. Ilagan (626) 922-4330 or Lydia V. Solis lvsolis@aol.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

NOVEMBER 6-12, 2015 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

PeoPle & events

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Record number of participants graduate from South San Francisco’s Citizens’ Academy 9th annual Citizens’ Academy participants recognized during City Council meeting

Final opportunity to purchase quick move-in homes at Maplewood in Tracy TRACY, CA – For a limited time only, homebuyers can receive incredible savings on quick move-in homes at Maplewood by William Lyon Homes in Tracy during the Pick and Pack Savings Event*. Buyers are encouraged to visit the sales gallery to pick their favorite way to save big on design studio credit, closing costs or additional appliances with the purchase of a new Maplewood single-family detached home. Residences include a beautiful Residence Three, Homesite 46, situated on a large corner lot. Spanning approximately 3,092 square feet this home has more than $34,000 in upgrades such as stainless steel appliances, granite kitchen counters and much more. Visit www.LyonHomesMaplewood.com to learn more. “Buyers who act now can move-in by year end and celebrate the holidays from the comforts of their new home,” said Kathy Floyd, Director of Sales for William Lyon Homes. “Stop by and find out why year-end is the best time to buy your new home.” Additional neighborhoods participating in this event include Cielo at Palmilla in Brentwood, Oak Crest at Hidden Glen in Antioch and Victory at Vista Del Mar in Pittsburg. Learn more at www.lyonhomes.com/northern-

EMPLOYMENT

california. Maplewood’s single-family homes range approximately 2,878 to 3,324 square feet with four to six bedrooms, three to four baths and two-car attached garages. Prices start from the $500,000s and homeowners benefit from no HOA fees. The Altamont Corridor Express ‘ACE’ Train is within walking distance and residents have easy access to the “H” Train commuter station, I-580, I-205 and I-5. Offering easy access to local schools, Maplewood is also across the street from a park with a tot-lot, playground and halfcourt basketball. Throughout November 2015, brokers will receive a 4% referral fee per closing. Brokers must bring client on first visit to register for broker referral fee. Buyers cannot be registered online prior to first visit. Broker referral fee to be paid at the close of escrow. It matters who your builder is and William Lyon Homes is a company built upon a legacy of pride and integrity. A team of visionaries who are passionate about homebuilding and committed to providing a high quality homebuying and homeownership experience, William Lyon Homes has earned a solid track record for outstanding construction and customer service since

1956. The company continues to expand its well-respected brand beyond California, Arizona and Nevada and into other market areas across the Western region with the acquisition of Polygon Northwest Homes, its newest division in Washington and Oregon, and its Village Homes division in Colorado. William Lyon Homes’ shares are publicly traded on NYSE under the symbol WLH. For updated information and to learn more, visit www.lyonhomes.com. To visit Maplewood, travel east on I-205, exit 11th Street and turn left at Crossroads Drive, then left on Solomon Lane. The Sales Gallery is on the right and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, please call 209.221.8946 or visit www.LyonHomesMaplewood.com. Prices, plans and product information subject to change. *All homes subject to prior sale. Buyers must purchase between September 12, 2015 and November 15, 2015 and close escrow by December 18, 2015 to qualify. Homes that do not already have flooring are subject to added price if upgrade is selected by buyer. Prices and availability of homes subject to change without notice. See sales counselors for details. CalBRE License #00982816. (Advertising Supplement)

EMPLOYMENT

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – Participants of the 9th annual Citizens’ Academy were recognized during last night’s City Council meeting for their dedication to an eleven-week program that gave them a behind-the-scenes look at City government. This year’s Academy had a record-breaking participation of 41 citizens. “In my book, all of these participants received an A+ for their participation in our Citizens’ Academy,” said Mayor Richard Garbarino. “This is a big commitment for people and to meet them, see their enthusiasm for learning more about the inner workings of the City and Council, is really refreshing for me, the Council and City Staff.” The Academy kicked off back in August and the participants met every Tuesday evening. They met with Department Heads and learned about the different functions of City departments and enjoyed tours of various City facilities including the City Hall, the Library, Parks, Recreation, Fire and Police facilities, the Water Quality Control plant and numerous Economic and Development projects. Session topics ranged from crime reduction and public infrastructure to disaster preparedness and technology innovation and cyber security. Participants also had the chance to meet and talk with Mayor Richard Garbarino, Vice Mayor Mark

Addiego, and Councilmembers Karyl Matsumoto, Pradeep Gupta and Liza Normandy. “Every week was extremely educational,” said Laura Fanella, a participant in this year’s Academy. “I could have spent weeks in each department learning more and was just so impressed with the passion our city staff have for their jobs.” This Academy also inspired participants to get more involved with their community. “I learned about how to become more involved with the community,” said Olma O’Neill. “I truly believe that an engaged citizenry is a safe community. The Academy builds a strong bridge between the public and those charged with serving in the public’s best interest.” O’Neill also said she was impressed with the City leadership. “The round table session with the City Council was truly humbling. Our Mayor and City Council seem so much more accessible now and it was great to see their passion, first-hand, and see what makes them tick.” She feels very thankful to have been a participant. “I feel encouraged to have a positive impact on my community and I’m confident I will.” Academy organizer and Community Relations Liaison, Rosa Acosta, said this group was a fun and engaging group and really took these classes to heart,

which is exactly why the City started this Academy. “The Academy was created to encourage and foster civic engagement by developing residents’ understanding of South San Francisco government by giving them a ‘peek behind the curtains’ of city departments,” said Acosta. “This group really was a fantastic group to work with.” If you’re interested in finding out more information about the next Citizens’ Academy, please visit http://www.ssf.net/1631/Citizens-Academy. The following people participated in the 2015 Citizens’ Academy: Jeannette Acosta, Gerardo Alarcon, Niceforo Alarcon, Ana Barrozo, Donna Barry, Betty Battaglia, Letty Beard, Rhonna Belland, Jackie Buckley, Kathleen Butler-Tom, Kristy Camacho, Steve Carey, Graham Chase, Amanda Cotla, Arnoldo Diaz, Angela Dulduloa, Angie Escalante, Juan Escalante, Anthony Estrada, Laura Fanella, David Flores, Sandra Flores, Susan Freeman, Joie Garrett, Anne Malik Grindy, Zhouhong Heacock, Tammy Benjamin Keller, Jeannette Kortys, Kalani Kotrys, Thomas Lien, Daina Lujan, RoseMarie Mallamo, Marilyn Mueda, Joseph Oates, Olma O’Neill, Christine Qiu, Rhonda Shaw, Kamala Silva Wolfe, Dave Silva, Kath Tejano, Alex Tzang, Diedra Walker, Marilyn Weger and Gale Yip. n

City of Martinez encourages residents to sign up for the 2015-16 CoolCalifornia Challenge THE City of Martinez is proud to announce it is one of 22 cities statewide competing in the “CoolCalifornia Challenge.” This fun and friendly competition between environmentallyconscious cities and towns is sponsored by Energy Upgrade California. The goal of the Challenge is for Martinez residents to help our City save energy, conserve water, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and build more vibrant and sustainable communities. Participating Martinez households are encouraged to track

and reduce energy use and transportation/vehicle miles traveled to earn points for the City of Martinez. Households and community-based organizations can work together as “EcoTeams” to share sustainability tips and collectively earn points by reducing their carbon footprints. The public agency with the most points will be crowned the “Coolest California City,” and receive a portion of the Challenge prize money to support local sustainability efforts. The City of Martinez will promote the Challenge at a variety

of upcoming local events and through the media, and also plans to hold a special Challenge event at City Hall later this year. Please stay tuned for more information. Martinez residents, now is the time to register and join the CoolCalifornia Challenge at www.CAChallenge.org. If you would like additional information on this topic, please contact Michael Chandler at mchandler@cityofmartinez.org or (925) 372-3517, or Kerry Rivers at krivers@cityofmartinez. org or (925) 372-3555. n

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The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - November 6, 2015

VETErANS DAy 2015

Of bravery, freedom and correcting history: Honoring all who served by Malou liwanag-Bledsoe/AJPress

A LOT of people in the United States do not know the difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day. For one, they mistakenly believe that Veterans Day is the day that America honors military personnel—either who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in combat. It is, in fact, Memorial Day, that honors America’s war dead. On the other hand, Veterans Day, honors ALL American veterans—both living and dead. The day is largely intended to thank the living veterans for their dedication and loyal service to the US. History of Veterans Day Unknown to many, “Veterans Day” was started and internationally known as “Armistice Day” to commemorate the ending of World

War I, or the “Great War.” An unknown soldier was buried in the highest place of honor in both England and France and these ceremonies took place on November 11, celebrating the end of WWI at 11am, November 11, 1918 (the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11 month of the year). It was only in 1921 when the US followed France and England—by putting to rest the remains of an unknown WWI soldier, in Washington, DC. The site became known as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and is now called the Tomb of the Unknowns, located in Arlington National Cemetery. November 11 was known as Armistice Day through the act of Congress in 1926. Twelve years later, a similar act made the day a national holiday.

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery.

California Department of Education State Superintendent Tom Torlakson during his speech at Bataan Legacy Historical Society’s first annual conference last October 24

It was in 1947 when raymond Weeks of Alabama, organized a “Veterans Day” parade on November 11 to honor all of America’s veterans for their service. Shortly thereafter, Congressman Edward H. rees of Kansas introduced legislation to change Armistice Day to Veterans Day in order to honor all veterans who have served the US in all wars. The bill was signed in 1954 by President Dwight Eisenhower, making November 11 as Veterans Day. The war to end all wars: After WWI World War I was thought to be the “war to end all wars.” However, that belief was shattered when WWII broke out in Europe and AsiaPacific Islands, with more than 400,000 American service members died. On December 7,1941, Japan launched a surprise

Veteran Oscar Leonar of the 2th Bomb Squadron with Congressman Mike Honda

Filipino veteran and Bataan Death March survivor David Tejada of the 12 Signal Co

attack on the US Pacific fleet at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, and eventually started a military campaign to invade Asia and the Pacific Islands, including Guam, Wake Island, the Dutch East Indies, Hong Kong, Malaya, Singapore, Burma and the Philippines. The Philippines during the outbreak of WWII was a Continued on Page 4

An Unsung Hero ramon regalado, 57th Infantry regiment, 3rd Battalion, Co. L is an unsung hero and one of the last remaining frontline soldiers (machine gun operator) during World War II in the Philippines. Today at 98 years old, he still recalls vividly the fierce battles of Mabatang (Abucay) and La Loma Point where many of his fellow soldiers died. A Tale of Two Friends

Guillermo (Emong) Garcia and Luis (Sitong) Gaerlan, Jr. were best friends in college at De La Salle in Manila and graduated in 1940 with degrees in accounting. Emong joined the Philippine Air Corps after graduation while Sitong managed the rice Mill Cooperative in Imus, Cavite. During the outbreak of WWII, Emong was a flight instructor at Zablan Field while Sitong was conscripted into the 41st Infantry regiment of the U.S. Army Forces in the Far East in November, 1941. They both ended up in Bataan and reunited at Camp O’Donnell where they became prisoners of war after going through the Bataan Death March. They remained lifelong friends until last year when Sitong passed away. But even in the face of death, Emong told his best buddy that someday soon, they will be together again in a better place. Both men inspired the founding of Bataan Legacy Historical Society. (By Cecilia Garland, Executive Director, Bataan Legacy Historical Society)

features SF3 The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE – November 6, 2015

Ms. Loida Lacson-Atienza on what it takes to succeed in mortgage and real estate: ‘Transparency and integrity’

San FranciSco By Monet

I rarely write on business philosophy per se but if writing about it meant gaining wisdom straight from an industry expert who also happens to be a good friend, then I would definitely make an exception. This year’s Beautiful life Celebration Distinguished in Mortgage and real estate awardee is Ms. loida lacson-atienza. It is our honor to feature a wise and resolute woman who knows her numbers, treats her clients as if they’re family and talks about the “real” deal in real-ty. Suit up, my readers; today is Mortgage and real estate 101. “When I deal with clients, I walk them through every single thing they will encounter when buying a property or a business,” loida shares how she does – and keeps – her business solid. Her business ethics is probably the main reason why she is one of the most trusted brokers of her time. loida is the owner of Weichert, realtors aTIeNZa & asscociates, l.a. Financial Management & Services Mortgage/loans and l&a escrow Services. Her company specializes in providing mortgage and realty services for several residential, commercial and industrial entities. loida has been in the real estate business for over 25 years and is showing no signs of stopping. She says, “I am in this business not just – or not even– for the money, but because I see that there are a lot of people needing sincere and honest realtors and brokers who can tell them the ins and outs of buying and selling a property. and this is what I do. I don’t sell properties just to make commissions. I aim to educate my clients so they can make an informed decision, as well as meet their financing needs.” Her company motto, “The Weichert Difference” promises to provide a high level of service marked with integrity, transparency and hands-on guidance in every major decision one will encounter in the process of securing home financing, insurance and ac-

Loida Lacson-Atienza is a proud lola to 3-year-old Rue.

quisition. Furthermore, loida understands the main factors in loan & real estate transaction because she herself has bought and sold businesses, and has been a corporate financial executive for 10 years. She stressed, “My company treats every transaction as if we are the ones “buying.” We put in as much financial planning as they (buyers) do. This makes our clients trust us more and refer us to other people” One of the commendable business practices that loida is known for is her knack for going above and beyond her responsibility as an agent or a broker. “ I don’t deal with just selling. I see to it that I exercise transparency by explaining to my clients what they need and what they should expect when they buy a property or business. Once we established a firm plan and decision, I deliver to the best of my ability. I am also very hands-on. In fact, if it calls for it, I would go with my client to the city council to get a license or get into the nitty gritty part of securing a loan. Basically, whatever it needs to make it happen, I’ll do it.” I asked loida what got her started on this profession and she said, “It started off as a part-time job because I wanted to make some supplemental income while I stay home with my kids. after getting my real estate license, I became an agent under my brother-in-law’s brokerage business. at first I was only interested in buying and selling properties for personal use but in the course of doing that, I saw the necessity of becoming a good broker to real estate agents. When my

brother in law passed, I was basically ushered into the business as the company’s broker and started loving it.” a native of angeles City, Philippines, loida immigrated to California in 1978, attended University of California to pursue second degree in accounting (but did not continue on). There, she met the love of her life, Oscar San Pedro atienza, now a retired licensed architect, and they got married in 1982. Before becoming a “real estate guru”, loida was a controller for a manufacturing firm. loida and her husband, Oscar raised three sons namely Byron (32,married), Brandon (29) and Blake (26). Now grown men, all three of them are professionals in their chosen field. Byron and Blake are both in the advertising field while Brandon works as a Junior escrow Officer. loida is also a proud and doting grandmother to her adorable 3-year-old granddaughter, rue. To my good friend loida, who for me is a walking “real estate encyclopedia”, I wish you all the best in your business. Continue upholding unprecedented business values. The world -- not just the Fil-am community -- needs people like you. *** Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, awardwinning 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 all-natural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration. To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at monetsalon@aol.com

Kris aquino bashed over airport ‘laglag-bala’ scheme by chuck

Smith Philstar.com

MaNIla—Kris aquino became the target of netizens frustrated over the alleged “laglag bala” or bullet-planting scheme at the Ninoy aquino International airport. On Monday, Nov. 2, the TV host-actress posted about her flight back to Manila from Hawaii, commending an airline for her “comfortable” trip on her Instagram account. But her followers criticized Kris’s post, with some netizens reminding her that she probably received preferential treatment because she is President Benigno aquino III’s sister. One of the comments on Kris’s Instagram post read: “Bakit kapag mga celebrities at politician eh hindi ninanakawan ang baggage at hindi nabibiktima ng tanim bala? Anong klaseng gobyerno meron ang Pilipinas? Ito ba ang definition ng demokrasya?” a number of netizens also commented about the “laglag bala” scam, saying Kris’s post is “insensitive” given the recent news about the Manila airport. “Wrong timing lang kasi ang pag-post mo,” a netizen told Kris. another netizen said: “The president has the capacity to handle such situation if he really is capable. Such an insensitive post and very timely with the current events. Thumbs down.” yet another commenter

It’s Go Time. When it comes to business, timing is everything. And, with historically low rates, there’s never been a more opportunistic time to expand your business with a commercial real estate loan from Comerica. As the leading bank for business*, we’ve been financing business expansion for nearly 150 years. Whether you need to build or purchase, expand or refinance, It’s Go Time. Are you ready? Call 800.705.2387, stop by a Comerica banking center or visit comerica.com/cre.

Kris Aquino received the ire of netizens over the alleged “laglag-bala” scheme.

said: “Paano hindi magiging good service eh kapatid ka ng presidente! Di na kayo nahiya sa nangyayari sa airport. ‘Di na kayo naawa sa OFW @withlovekrisaquino Hinuhuthutan pa ng pera sa airport. Grabe naman! Lahat takot na umuwi dahil sa tanim-bala! ikaw kaya maging biktima?” The aBS-CBN star posted another photo on her Instagram account following her earlier post about her flight: a picture of Olivia Pope (played by actress Kerry Washington) from the US TV series Scandal with text, “It’s handled.” Olivia Pope plays a crisis manager in the hit TV series. The caption on post reads: “I spoke to my brother... I love my

brother. I support my brother. I trust my brother. I believe in my brother. and by tomorrow you can start looking for a new issue to bully me about.” This prompted netizens to speculate if Kris has spoken to the president about the “laglag bala” scam. On Monday, the Philippine National Police aviation Security Group said it is unlikely a syndicate is involved in the alleged scam, claiming Filipinos still carry bullets as amulets believed to be good luck charms. The land Transportation Franchising and regulatory Board will also conduct a hearing regarding a taxi driver allegedly involved in the alleged “laglag bala” scheme.

RAISE YOUR EXPECTATIONS.

MEMBER FDIC. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY LENDER. Comerica Bank NMLS ID: 480990 *Based on commercial and industrial loans as a percentage of total assets. Data provided by SNL Financial, December 2014.

CBP-5219-02 07/15

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The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - November 6, 2015

celebrity world By Ferdie Villar A 24-yeAr-old lass from Solano, Nueva Vizcaya will be representing the Philippines at the Miss World pageant on december 19 in China. Hillarie danielle Parungao, a nursing graduate and freelance model, was crowned Miss World Philippines 2015 last Sunday, November 1 at Solaire resort and Casino. last year, Hillarie was the country’s representative at the Miss Asia Pacific World pageant where she won third place. This year, aside from winning the Miss World Philippines crown, she also dominated the pageant by winning nine special awards—Best in Sports Challenge, Best in Fashion runway, Best in Swimsuit, Best in long Gown, Miss Zen Institute, Miss Technomarine, Miss Solaire, Miss

Figlia and Miss Phoenix. other winners of the special awards were Avonlea Paula Paraiso and Vianca louise Marcelo and Mia Allyson (who also won as 2nd Princess) all tied for Best in Talent, Jannie loudette Alipo-on tied with emma Mary Tiglao (who bagged 4th Princess and co-winner Miss Photogenic and Miss Philippine Airlines), and Christelle Anjali Abello for Miss Friendship. Completing Hillarie’s court are 1st Princess Marita Cassandra Naidas (who also won Miss Bench), 2nd Princess Mia Allyson Howell (also Miss Fila), 3rd Princess Vanessa Wright (Miss Jazzy France) and 4th Princess emma Mary Tiglao. Hillarie succeeded Miss World Philippines 2014 Valerie

Freelance model Hillarie Danielle Parungao to represent PH in Miss World pageant

Hillarie Danielle Parungao will represent the Philippines in the Miss World pageant this year in Sanya, China on December 19. Hillarie is from Nueva Vizcaya and also a child’s health advocate.

Seasoned actress Snooky Serna continues to impress viewers with her acting on GMA 7’s primetime series, “My Faithful Husband.”

Hon. Mayor Diosdado I. Garvida of Bangui, Ilocos Norte was the guest of honor during the 3rd year anniversary of the Sons & Daughters of Bangui International held last October 24 at Crowne Plaza Hotel in Burlingame. Shown in photo with Mayor Garvida are club president Marcelo Garvido and Vic Barba, Board Director of the US Ilocano National Association, Inc.

Fr. Arnold Zamora, pastor of the Holy Name Church in San Francisco, recently received the 2015 UP Association in America, Inc. (UPAAA) Distinguished Alumnus Award in the field of Culture and Arts at the 18th General Assembly, Convention and Reunion held at the Wyndham Bayside Hotel in San Diego last October 10. In Photo with Fr. Zamora are Awards Committee Chairman Dr. Francis Sy and UPAAA President Dr. Juanita Nacu.

Weigmann, who represented the country in the london pageant last year. *** We are truly saddened

about the passing of Nolyn Cabahug, who was known as the leading “Tenor of the Philippines.” He died last November 2, after battling renal failure for six years. In 2009, Cabahug was diagnosed with end stage renal failure but survived after going through dialysis and a kidney transplant. Born in Iloilo City on March 19, 1956, Cabahug was a Voice Major at the University of the Philippines. As a soloist and tenor of the UP Concert Chorus, he received numerous awards from international competitions in Germany, Netherlands and Australia. He was also hailed as Aliw Awards’ Best Classical Performer in 2003 and 2005, as well as the National Press Club’s opera Singer of the year in 1990. Cabahug is best remembered for his performances as Crisostomo Ibarra during the restaging of Noli Me Tangere in 1987 and as Alfredo Belmonte in the Filipino adaptation of la Traviata in 1990.

Philippine Consul General Henry Bensurto is shown with visiting priest Fr. Sonny Ramirez, OP from Santo Domingo Church in Quezon City and Our Lady of Manaog Church, Pangasinan, and religious advocate Joe Santos at the 5th Annual Filipino Catholic Ministry gala dinner-dance held at St. Mary’s Cathedral in San Francisco recently.

John Claude Gummoe, founder and lead singer of the classic popular group, The Cascades, will perform at the Induction Ceremonies of the Filipino Band Musicians Hall of Fame Foundation, Class 2015 on November 8, at 2pm at Mills Amphitheatre located at 400 Murchison Drive, Millbrae, CA. The group’s popular hits, notably “Rhythm of the Rain,” “The Last Leaf,” “Shy Girl,” “Dreamin’,” and “My First Day Alone,” captured the hearts of many Filipinos during the 60s.

Nolyn Cabahug, known as the “Tenor of the Philippines” passed away last November 2 after battling renal failure for six years.

Of bravery, freedom... From Page 2 Commonwealth of the United States, and when President Franklin roosevelt declared war against Japan after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the ravages of war did not come to the US. Instead, the war was fought in the Philippines, where thousands of Filipino and American soldiers died and million civilians perished. The US Army Forces of the Far east (USAFFe, consisted of 12,000 Philippine Scouts, 19,000 Americans and 118,000 Philippine Commonwealth troops) were able to disrupt the timetable of the Imperial Japanese Army and prevented them from reaching Australia. This delay enabled the US and its Allied Forces to harness the necessary resources to turn the tide of war that led to their ultimate victory. Without Bataan, the war would have lasted much longer or worse, our political landscape today could even be different. However, the US could not fight the war in two fronts and the troops in Bataan were abandoned. While President roosevelt and Prime Minister

Winston Churchill agreed to save europe first, the defenders of Bataan fought without any air or naval support, food, reinforcement and ammunition. Weak, hungry and with no support, the soldiers surrendered on April 9, 1942, most of them suffering from disease and starvation. They were forced to march some 60 miles in searing heat, with no provisions for food, water or shelter. This became known as the infamous Bataan death March, where approximately 10,000 Filipinos and 750 American troops died. once inside their prison camp at Camp o’donnell, another 25,000 Filipino and American soldiers died. during the liberation of the Philippines in 1945, the Filipino people paid a heavy price. Manila, once called the Pearl of the orient, became the second most devastated city in the world after Warsaw. Approximately 100,000 civilians died in Manila between February and March 1945. By the end of the war, approximately 1,000,000 Filipino civilians perished. Bataan Legacy Historical Society (BLHS) and AB199

only remembered as the largest single surrender in US military history, the Fall of Bataan on April 9, 1942 has been hidden away in US history because of the stigma of defeat. The Filipino soldiers’ role during WWII and the suffering of the entire Filipino nation are not mentioned in US history books. Furthermore, five months after the war ended, President Truman signed the First Surplus rescission Act in February 1946, which deemed the service of the Filipino soldiers as not full-time, thereby disqualifying them from receiving their rightful benefits. Many have died without receiving their benefits. only handful now are still alive and waiting. There are only a few of them left and with each passing goes a piece of this history. once they are all gone, this seminal point in history will be forever lost. Bataan legacy Historical Society (BlHS), a nonprofit organization, was conceived and created to address the lack or even absence of information about the Filipino defenders of WWII. In 2011, the CaliforContinued on Page 7

AARP salutes veterans for their dedication and commitment to service AARP Thank a Vet Campaign supports veterans and their families WASHINGTON, DC—AARP is saying thank you to the countless veterans and military men and women who have done so much to serve and protect through a special promotion in honor of Veterans Day. From November 2 through November 16, AARP will offer a discounted membership rate up to 20 percent off for veterans, their families and anyone interested in joining or renewing. A portion of the member dues will be used to help support various Veteran’s organizations in local communities across the country that provide vital support services to courageous American heroes. “Asian Americans have valiantly served our country since the War of 1812,” said Daphne Kwok, AARP Vice President of Multicultural Leadership, Asian American and Pacific Islander

Audience. “The individuals who served in the 442nd Infantry Regimental Combat Team (the most decorated service in the entire history of the US military), the 100th Infantry Battalion, the 407th Air Service Squadron, the 987th Signal Company, the Philippine Scouts, the 1st Filipino Battalion, and the United States Army Forces in the Far East (USAFFE), and those who served more recently in Iraq, Afghanistan and the world over have demonstrated courage and sacrifice. All our Military men and women are heroes to be commended.” Individuals who sign up through the Thank a Vet campaign will also have the opportunity to write a personal thank you note to be shared with veterans throughout the country. This is an additional way for AARP members to share their

support and appreciation for the brave men and women who have served their country. For more information or to take advantage of this limited-time discount on AARP memberships, call (888) 744-3332 or visit www.aarp. org/thankavet. AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of nearly 38 million, that helps people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities and fights for the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare, employment and income security, retirement planning, affordable utilities and protection from financial abuse. We advocate for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name as well as help our members obtain discounts on a wide range of products, travel, and services. A trusted source for lifestyle tips, news and educational information, AARP produces AARP The Magazine, the world’s largest circulation magazine; AARP Bulletin; www.aarp.org; AARP TV & Radio; AARP Books; and AARP en Español, a Spanishlanguage website addressing the interests and needs of Hispanics. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates. The AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. Learn more at www.aarp.org. *Advertising supplement

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The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - November 6, 2015

Of bravery, freedom... From Page 5 nia legislature passed AB199, a bill which encourages the inclusion of the Filipinos’ role during WWII in the Social Studies curriculum for Grades 7-12. Unfortunately, after its passage, its implementation has not taken place. “While the bill had the intention of giving credit to the Filipino soldiers of WWII, the tenuous verbiage in the bill (“encourages” instead of “requires”) is probably one of the main reasons why it has never been implemented,” wrote BLHS Executive Director Cecilia Gaerlan. Working hard to make this happen, BLHS last year initiated a petition to the California Department of Education through change. org to implement this legislation. The long and arduous process involves submitting a curriculum framework, edits and discussions to the Instructional Quality Commission (IQC), an advisory body to the California State Board of Education (SBE) on matters related to curriculum, instructional materials, and content standards. “While the Department of Education clearly intends to implement AB199, the process of revising the curriculum framework is a long, arduous process involving ten steps,” explained Gaerlan. She also added that her last meeting with IQC was only Step 6. During BLHS’ first annual conference last October 24 at the San Francisco Public Library, organizations, Filipino and American veterans (with their friends and families), community leaders and politicians were present to show their support. “I oversee the education of 6 million students in 10,000 schools, so I am very determined to make sure that history is very accurate,” said California Department of Education State Superinten-

dent Tom Torlakson during his speech. He also stressed the importance of knowing history and how to avoid its mistakes. Others who also showed their support for Filipino veterans were Congressman Mike Honda, State Assembly Assistant Speaker Pro Tempore David Chiu, Chief Johnny Johnson of the USS San Francisco, Major Gen. Richard Keith, 11th Airborne/ 511th Parachute Infantry, Major Gen. Eldon Regua of the National Filipino Veterans & Education Project and Philippine Consul General in San Francisco Henry Bensurto, Jr. BLHS is also coordinating closely with other organizations that support and advocate veterans and civilians who were affected by wars such as the Battling Bastards of Batan, Filipino Veterans Foundation, Veterans Equity Center, Memorare Manila 1945, Bataan-Corregidor Memorial Foundation, Roderick Hall Collection on WWII in the Philippines, Maywood Bataan Day Organization, Bay Area Civilians Ex-Prisoners of War (BACE-POW) and the Mc-

Micking Foundation. Lastly, Gaerlan added that in order to fully comprehend WWII in the Philippines, we should go beyond the mandate of AB199 and present the war not just from the Filipino soldiers’ point of view but from all facets -- including the American soldiers, civilians and other nationalities that were affected. In fact, although AB199 is only for California’s curriculum, it is a start. Putting the word out has gotten the attention of organizations (even non-Filipino groups) in other states, and even in the Philippines. “To portray history accurately, we must include the Americans,” she said. “It is only in presenting a comprehensive view can we fully understand the impact of the war and the sacrifices that were made in order to bring the freedom that we are enjoying today.” For more information about Bataan Legacy Historical Society, log on to www. bataanlegacy.org. *Photos by Bob O’Brien and Don Downey.

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The Asian Jo ur na l SF M A G A Z I NE - N ov emb e r 6 , 2 0 1 5

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