Los Angeles January 5, 2013 by Balikbayan Magazine

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T he Filipino –A merican C ommunity N ewspaper Volume 23 - No. 2 • 4 Sections – 38 Pages

WEEKEND EDITION

J A N UA R Y 5 - 8 , 2 0 1 3

PROVISIONAL UNLAWFUL PRESENCE WAIVER

USA ‘Finalrule’toexpediteimmigrationforundocumented

DATELINE from the AJPress NEWS TEAM across America

Pinoy from Wrightwood honored 5 years after heroic death

WRIGHTWOOD – In 2007, forty-one-year old Claro Claridad was celebrating Christmas Day with his family playing in the snow at Jackson Lake in Wrightwood, when two children not related to the Claridads fell into the frozen lake. Claro, a US Army veteran, apparently walked out on the ice to help the two kids get out of the water. However, Claro himself broke through the ice and went under the surface. While the two children were rescued by the adults at the scene, Claro was not so fortunate. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department responded at 3:09pm, after receiving

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Economists hopeful job growth will accelerate in 2013

LOS ANGELES – The economic landscape in the US ended on a good note with Congress averting the “fiscal cliff” and the latest report revealing steady but moderate job growth in December. According to the monthly US Bureau of Labor Statistics report, employers added 155,000 jobs in December with health care, food services, construction, and manufacturing industries leading the way. The unemployment rate remained at 7.8 percent. In 2012, employment growth averaged

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immediate relatives of US Citizens by Mico Letargo AJPress

Dep’t of Homeland Security (DHS) Sec. Janet Napolitano A Pphoto

WASHINGTON – Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano announced on Wednesday, January 3, the details of a ‘final rule’ that will allow undocumented immigrants, who are immediate relatives of US citizens to have an easier time in obtaining visas, in order to become lawful permanent residents of the

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Fiscal cliff deal brings some relief to California SACRAMENTO – The deal in Washington to avoid the “fiscal cliff” will bring a reprieve to California’s slowly rebounding economy, but uncertainty remains in part because Congress delayed action on federal spending cuts. The agreement helps California avoid sliding back into recession, H.D. Palmer, finance spokesman for Gov. Jerry Brown, said Wednesday. But economic forecasters said the two-month delay on the sequestration cuts could lead businesses to delay hiring or investments. “To the extent that this agreement averts a national recession – and the revenue loss associated with it -then we will have dodged a bullet,” Palmer said a day after Congress reached the deal. One immediate benefit of the agreement is about 400,000 jobless Californians will receive extended unemployment benefits. The legislation also stops a

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NO TO ABORTION. A“No to Abortion”sign flashes on an electric signboard outside the Roman Catholic Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene in downtown Manila on Thursday, Jan. 3. AP Photo by Aaron Favila

School sets up American lawyer of Marcos fund victims lauds plan to abolish PCGG memorial for crash victims by Rainier Allan Ronda

Two suspects expect to be arraigned on Jan. 7

Philstar.com

MANILA – The American lawyer of almost 10,000 martial law human rights victims has applauded plans to abolish the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG). Robert Swift said the PCGG and the government are the greatest obstacles to their collection of a $2-billion award against the Marcos estate.

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United States. According to a statement on the US Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) website, this ‘final rule’ that Napolitano announced ‘establishes a process that allows certain individuals to apply for a provisional unlawful presence waiver before they depart the US to attend immigrant visa interviews in their countries of origin.’ Secretary Napolitano explained that this rule

by Joseph Pimentel and Malou Bledsoe AJPress

GLENDALE AND SAN BRUNO, CA – A memorial fund has been set up for the Filipino family of an 11-year-old who was killed along with his cousin on Christmas day. Former Pres. Ferdinand Marcos

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PH gov’t concedes to unconstitutionality of Cybercrime law provision – lawyer by Edu Punay Philstar.com

MANILA – The government has conceded to the unconstitutionality of a provision in Republic Act 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act, according to a lawyer who is challenging the law. UP law professor Harry Roque Jr., one of the petitioners questioning the legality of the controversial law before the Supreme Court (SC), confirmed this on January 4 ahead of the scheduled oral argument on

the consolidated petitions on the case on Jan. 15. He said they received a document from the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) specifically agreeing to their argument that Section 19 of the law, which gives the Department of Justice (DOJ) the power to “take down” websites without the need for court order, violates the constitutional right to due process as it is tantamount to prior restraint. “The OSG has conceded on this is-

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AlsopublishedinORANGECOUNTY/INLANDEMPIRE,LASVEGAS,NORTHERNCALIFORNIA,NewYork/NEWJERSEY

JANUARY 5-8, 2013 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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From the Front Page

‘Finalrule’toexpediteimmigration… PAGE A1 t

would greatly reduce the time that US citizens are separated from their immediate relatives who – in seeking legal status – must go back to their native countries to attend to visa application interviews. As current law mandates, those who are staying in the US ille-

gally but are immediate relatives of Americans must first return to their countries of origin where they will undergo the legal process of immigration application, a process that has – before now – taken months, even years to accomplish. “This final rule facilitates the legal immigration process and

reduces the amount of time that US citizens are separated from their immediate relatives who are in the process of obtaining an immigrant visa,” said Napolitano. Under the current law, those who have spent over six months of illegal presence in the US will be subject to an ‘unlawful presence inadmissibility bar’ and will not be allowed to return to the United States. This makes for a longer period of time that US Citizens spend away from their immediate family. To overcome this ‘inadmissibility bar,’ the applicant must first obtain a waiver in order for them to return to the US after departing to obtain an immigrant visa. According to the USCIS, applicants who are looking to secure a ‘provisional unlawful presence waiver’ must be an immediate relative of a US citizen, deemed inadmissible only because of unlawful presence, and must show that the denial of a waiver would result in “extreme hardship” for his or her US citizen spouse, parent, or child. For this process, the USCIS will be publishing a new form, Form I-601A, called an Application for a Provisional Unlawful Presence Waiver. This will be the document that will be filled

FIRSTDAYOFTRADING.AFilipinotraderblowsahornduringthefirstdayoftradingatPhilippineStockExchangeatthefinancialdistrict of Makati City, Philippines on Wednesday Jan. 2. AP Photo by Aaron Favila

Fiscal cliff deal brings some relief to… PAGE A1 t

27 percent reduction in Medicare fees paid to doctors, and keeps in place a higher child tax credit as well as tax credits for college tuition, clean energy and small businesses. While it raises taxes on the u PAGE A4 wealthy, the deal prevents most

tax increases on the middle-class. All taxpayers will be subject to an additional 2 percent Social Security payroll tax because Congress allowed that tax holiday to expire. Individuals making $400,000 or more and couples making $450,000 or more will see an increase in their tax rate to 39.6 percent, up from 35 percent. About 144,000 of the state’s 14.6 million tax returns, or 1 percent, reported incomes of $400,000 or more, according to 2009 statistics from the California Franchise Tax Board, the latest data available. Forecasters had predicted California would fall back into recession if all the federal tax breaks were allowed to expire and government spending was slashed. Some observers still fear the two-month delay in negotiations about spending and the federal debt could cause businesses and investors to hold back. “Part of the fiscal cliff was postponed for two months, so it’s still there,” said Jerry Nickelsburg, economics professor at the UCLA Anderson School of Management. “We just changed it from one fiscal cliff into two.” The Los Angeles County Economic Development Corp. pro-

jected that automatic spending cuts would have brought a loss of $22.7 billion in gross state product -- the annual measure of goods and services produced in California. It also could have meant the loss of 225,000 jobs statewide. Kimberly Ritter-Martinez, associate economist at the organization, said the 2 percent payroll tax could still mean fewer movies and dinners out for many families, while higher taxes on the wealthy could mean they have less money to invest or spend. The changes “seem like they’re small or affecting just a small number of people, but each one of these things has an impact and it can multiply throughout the economy,” Ritter-Martinez said. State experts said it will take weeks to study the impact of the federal legislation on California’s economy and state budget. The nonpartisan Legislative Analyst’s Office warned that California also could have lost as much as $11 billion in tax revenue if the nation fell back into recession. That would wipe out the bulk of tax gains under Proposition 30, a set of temporary sales and income taxes hikes voters

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From the Front page

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 5-8, 2013

School sets up memorial fund for crash… PAGE A1 t

Our Lady of Mercy School (OLM) in Daly City and members of the community have set up the Kendrick Ng Memorial Fund to help with funeral and medical expenses, after a car crash claimed the life of one of its brightest students. Kendrick Ng, 11 of Daly City and his cousin Tracey Noelle Ong Tan, 25 of Glendale were killed on Christmas day, when the minivan they were riding in was struck by a Dodge Durango in Pasadena -- which was driven by 22-year-old Darrell Lee Williams, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office. Three other passengers inside the minivan Kendrick’s parents and teenage sister - were seriously injured and were transported to a local hospital. Kendrick, “was a vibrant, energetic, beloved 6th grader at Our Lady of Mercy School in Daly City,” wrote Joy Pasamonte Henry, who created the fund. “This fund is an effort to support the Ng Family in their time of need ~ to let them know they are loved and Kendrick is loved dearly. “No parent should have to bury their young child; his teenage sister, Kristell, should not have to grieve the loss of her little brother. We their extended families and friends through OLM - want to lighten their heavy burden through this fund. We thank you in advance for you kindness and heartfelt generosity,” added Pasamonte Henry. According to Pasadena police, Williams (a known felon), Brittany Michelle Washington, 21, and two other passengers inside a Dodge Durango failed to stop for officers on a routine traffic stop and led police on a high speed chase, which ended when the SUV crashed into the minivan driven by Ong Tan near the Foothill (210) Freeway ramp and Marengo Avenue. Ong Tan and Kendrick Ng were killed on impact. The LA County DA office has charged Williams and Washington with two counts of murder, three counts of assault with a deadly weapon and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Both are believed to be gang members, according to prosecutors. If convicted, each face life in prison. Prosecutors declined to charge the other two passengers inside the SUV. Williams and Washington are scheduled to be arraigned on January 7.

State of shock Kathleen Ong Tan, the sister of crash victim Tracey Ong Tan, said on Facebook that the family is working on obtaining a visa to the US. She hopes the US Embassy in Manila “would sympathize with us and grant us visas” so “we can be together with her for one more time,” she wrote. Kathleen said the whole family is still in a state of disbelief. “They can’t do anything but cry and sob,” Kathleen wrote in Tagalog on Facebook on December 26. “I received a call at 5pm. It was my uncle. I happily greeted him a Merry Christmas. I thought the line was choppy. It was after a few seconds that I realized that he was crying,” Kathleen wrote. “’Patay na si Mei Mei (referring to Tracey), tsaka si Isaiah (referring to Kendrick).’(“Mei Mei and Isaiah are dead.”) “I was shocked.” Kathleen said she had to break the news to the family. Tracey Ong Tan would have turned 26 on December 31. “Happy happy birthday to my beloved sister. Wish you were here. I hope you’ll be happier there. We will miss you.” A young boy’s life cut short Kendrick, a 6th grader at Our Lady of Mercy School in Daly City, was a star student. Pasamonte Henry, whose daughter was once a schoolmate of Kendrick, fondly remembers the Ng family. “His parents fondly call him ‘Isaiah,’ because his father’s name is Kenric, which, (you can imagine) would get a bit confusing at home,” she said. “I was one of the room parents and I remember the Ng family at graduation – always smiling, always together. My daughter is 11 now and I haven’t seen them for a few years. But I cried when I found out about Kendrick because they are a good, kindhearted family. Seeing that the Ng family will need the support of the community, the OLM school and community set up an online memorial fund for Kendrick and his family. Hopefully, this will help ease the financial burden on the Ng family, as well as make them feel that love, prayers and support of the community are with them, said Pasamonte Henry. The memorial fund has already received more than $3,000 in donation from the community. To donate to the Kendrick Ng Memorial Fund, log on to www.gofundme.com/lovekendrick. n

PH gov’t concedes to unconstitutionality… PAGE A1 t

sue, but it will still be argued in the oral argument,” Roque explained. He said the OSG had informed him and other petitioners in the case that it is ready to defend the constitutionality of the other questioned provisions in the new law. He added that they met Friday afternoon with SC Associate Justice Roberto Abad, to whom the case was assigned, to discuss rules in the oral argument. In an interview with reporters after the meeting, Roque

revealed that five lawyers were elected to argue for the petitioners during the hearing. He said he was chosen to argue on the issue of constitutionality of the electronic libel provision in RA 10175; Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares on the elevation of penalties on crimes covered by the new law by one degree from the Revised Penal Code; Philippine Bar Association Ma. Charito Cruz on the take-down clause; lawyer Jose Jesus Disini on the real-time collection of online data by authorities; and human rights lawyer Julius Gar-

cia Matibag on the imposition of penalties for Internet users for aiding or abetting cybercrimes. The SC, for its part, explained that Justice Abad met with petitioners to “help prepare the counsels for the parties in relation to the multiple issues raised.” “Justice Abad took the initiative of meeting with the said counsels to discuss possible ground rules. One of the purposes of the meeting was to determine which of the many issues presented by the various petitions should be heard on oral arguments and which of

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MASS. Filipino traders hear a mass before the start of the first day of trading at Philippine Stock Exchange at the financial district of Makati City on Wednesday Jan. 2. AP Photo by Aaron Favila

American lawyer of Marcos victims lauds plan… PAGE A1 t

“I approached every chairman of the PCGG since its establishment, proposing that we work cooperatively to recover Marcos assets,” he said. “Instead of opposing each other, we could have shared information, resources and costs. But the wisdom of this approach escaped these bright and learned men.” Another estimated $85 million under foreign court control is being contested between the PCGG and his clients – the so-called Arelma deposits now with the Bank of America and the dollar deposits in West LB Singapore, Swift said. The Philippines is trying to have West LB release some $23 million, part of the more than $600-million Swiss Marcos deposits forfeited in 2004. The Singapore branch of West LB AG of Germany holds the remaining $23-million deposit. In 2003, West LB decided to withhold the amount in deference to the decision of Hawaii Judge Manuel Real that human rights victims of the Marcos regime should also benefit from the recovered funds. In 2006, the Singapore High Court barred the Philippine government from withdrawing the amount. The $35-million Arelma deposit began from an original $2 million registered in the name of the Arelma Foundation, a Panamanian firm that Marcos had set

up with the help of Swiss banker Jean Louis Sunier. It was deposited with Merrill Lynch Securities in New York in 1972. When the PCGG discovered the deposit in 2000, it had already grown to about $35 million. In June 2011, the New York Supreme Court Appellate Division dismissed a petition of Swift on behalf of his clients to award them the $35-million Arelma account to partially satisfy the $2 billion that the US District Court of Hawaii had awarded them. In a decision on June 16, 2011, the New York Supreme Court Appellate Division, First Department, ruled that the claim of the human rights victims should be dismissed in view of the Philippine government’s failure to submit itself to the proceedings. The appellate court said by virtue of its sovereign immunity, the Philippine government has the right to refuse to be made a party in the suit. Under the Constitution, all the recovered ill-gotten wealth of Marcos and his cronies should go to the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP). The Arelma account is said to be a securities trading account in Merrill Lynch that Marcos had set up with the assistance of his close business associate, the late businessman Jose Yao Campos, and Sunier in September 1972. The $2-million initial deposit posted to create the account was

said to have been taken from one of his Swiss dollar accounts. The account was put in the name of Arelma, Inc., a Panamanian company formed by Sunier to hide the real ownership of the account. In 1987, a New York federal court, ruling in favor of the Philippine government, froze the Arelma account at Merrill Lynch. The Swiss Federal Supreme Court has twice held that Marcos controlled Arelma and that Marcos had the power of disposition over Arelma. Merrill Lynch, founded in 1914 and the largest US brokerage firm before its merger with Bank of America, was one of the Wall Street financial institutions hardest hit by the credit crisis caused by the subprime housing mortgage mess with the financial contagion spreading globally in 2008. It was sold to Bank of America in September 2008 for $50 billion. Swift said the PCGG had itself admitted having spent more than $10 million in attorney’s fees and costs opposing the class collection efforts, with nothing to show for it except the enmity of human rights victims and the verdict of the United Nations Human Rights Committee in 2006 that the Philippine government violated the international human rights of the class. Rod Domingo Jr., Swift’s local co-counsel, said that while the

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JANUARY 5-8, 2013 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

House re-elects Boehner speaker

WASHINGTON - The House and Senate ushered in a new Congress Thursday, re-electing embattled Republican John Boehner as speaker and hailing one of their own who returned a year after being felled by a stroke. The 113th Congress convened at 12 noon EST, the constitutionally mandated time, with pomp, pageantry and politics on both sides of the Capitol. Boehner, bruised after weeks of trying to cajole his fractious caucus to back a tax and spending cut bill, won a second, twoyear term as leader with 220 votes. Despite grumbling in the GOP ranks, nine Republicans voted for someone other than Boehner, one voted present and several abstained. Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi got 192 votes. In a chamber packed with members and their children, Pelosi delivered a generous introduction to her rival and handed the gavel to Boehner, who struggled to hold back tears. Boehner alluded to the continuing fight over government spending that was far from settled by the tax deal with Presi-

dent Barack Obama. Fierce battles loom in the coming weeks over automatic spending cuts and increasing the nation’s borrowing authority. “The American Dream is in peril so long as its namesake is weighed down by this anchor of debt. Break its hold, and we begin to set our economy free. Jobs will come home. Confidence will come back,” Boehner said. Addressing the 80-plus new members, Boehner told them that if they came “to see your name in lights or to pass off political victory as accomplishment, you have come to the wrong place. “ “The door is behind you,” he said. “If you have come here humbled by the opportunity to serve; if you have come here to be the determined voice of the people; if you have come here to carry the standard of leadership demanded not just by our constituents but by the times, then you have come to the right place.” Rep. John Dingell (D-Mich.) the longest serving member, administered the oath to Boehner, who then swore in the members. In the Senate, Vice President Joe Biden swore in 12 new mem-

Dateline USA

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bers elected in November, lawmakers who won another term and South Carolina Republican Tim Scott, a former House member tapped by Gov. Nikki Haley to fill the remaining term of Sen. Jim DeMint, who resigned to head a Washington think tank. Applause from members and the gallery marked every oathtaking. Looking on was former Vice President Walter Mondale. Shortly before the session, Sen. Mark Kirk, (R-Ill.), who had been absent for the past year while recovering from a stroke, slowly walked up the 45 steps to the Senate, with Biden nearby and the Senate leaders at the top of the stairs to greet him. “A courageous man,” said Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, (D-Nev.) Members of the Illinois congressional delegation and senators stood on the steps. As he entered the building, resting on a cane, Biden and Sen. Joe Manchin, (D-W.Va.), helped Kirk take off his coat. The senator said he was glad to be back. While the dozens of eager freshmen are determined to change Washington, they face the harsh reality of another stretch of

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SWORNIN.HouseSpeakerJohnBoehnerofOhioissworninastheHouseSpeakerofthe113thCongress,Thursday,Jan.3onCapitolHill in Washington. AP Photo by Susan Walsh

Economists hopeful job growth will accelerate… PAGE A1 t

153,000 per month, the same as the average monthly gain for 2011, the report added. “The economy continued to show signs of strength and resilience throughout a month of fiscal uncertainty,” said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis in a statement. “There is more work to do to ensure that the steady growth experienced in 2012 continues into the New Year.” Although the economy showed some improvement, some economists are still weary about the landscape ahead. Congress averted a possible financial meltdown or going over the “fiscal cliff” before coming into an agreement to extend many Bush tax rate provisions and increasing taxes on wealthy individuals.

President Barack Obama signed the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 which extends expiring jobless benefits, and prevents cuts in Medicare reimbursements, among other things. But the Act fails to address the billions of dollars in across-theboard spending cuts in defense and domestic programs. “I think what Congress has done is left the scariest part of the fiscal cliff, which is the sequestration budget cuts, pretty much off the mark at which time will intercept and raise the debt ceiling cost,” said Kimberly Ritter-Martinez, an economist at the Kyser Center for Economic Research during a conference call on Friday. “That level of uncertainty, which I think will affect businesses more as far as

the spending cuts, that’s still out there and something we are having to deal with.” Ritter-Martinez said she is optimistic that once Congress settles those budget cuts, the 2013 US economic outlook will improve. “As for employment heading into 2013, I think the headwinds created by the [American Taxpayer Relief Act] make it hard to imagine that we are going to see an acceleration in employment growth in the first quarter,” she said. “But apart from that economic fundamentals, they are continuing to improve and I do think we’re going to see job gains accelerate as the year progresses and we get through those sequestration [budget cuts] and debt ceiling costs.” (Joseph Pimentel/AJPress)

‘Finalrule’toexpediteimmigration… PAGE A2 t

out by those applying for a provisional waiver. As a result of this provisional waiver, qualifying applicants will be able to overcome the ‘unlawful presence inadmissibility bar,’ thus greatly reducing the time that they are away from their US citizen relatives. According to reports on the Los Angeles Times, sources said that the Obama administration might expand this rule to cover

undocumented relatives of lawful permanent residents. Despite the apparent ease that this new process would bring to the immigrant community and their US citizen relatives, Washington-based think tank Center for Immigration Studies called down this policy. It is seen as another move by the Obama administration to revise immigration policy, without going through Congress. “This is a continuation of

usurping Congress’ control over immigration,” said Center for Immigration Studies executive director Mark Krikorian to the Times. “This waiver rule is a small piece of this broader effort to go around Congress,” he said. The Center for Immigration Studies, according to the Times, is an organization that supports conservative measures on immigration. (With reports from the LA Times.)

Fiscal cliff deal brings some relief to…

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approved in November. The state relies heavily on highincome earners, who now will be hit with multiple tax increases -at the state level under Proposition 30 and on the federal level because of the expiring Bush-era tax cuts. The analyst’s office had projected a much smaller deficit of $1.9 billion for the next fiscal year on the assumption that Washington would avoid the fiscal cliff. Additional data will be available as taxpayers make esti-

mated payments this month and begin filing final returns or making extension payments between now and April. “It will take months, in other words, to understand this aspect of the fiscal cliff better,” said Deputy Legislative Analyst Jason Sisney. On Wednesday, the California Employment Development Department said the state should be able to avoid an interruption to unemployment benefits if federal lawmakers don’t make any significant changes.

Dr. Paul Phinney, president of the California Medical Association, said the fiscal cliff deal brought a mixed blessing to physicians, a vast majority of whom accept Medicare. “We’re pleased that they did that but the last-minute deals like this are really disruptive to practices and to continuity of care,” Phinney said. “There are a lot of physicians that have spent the last several weeks trying to figure out what they were going to do if these cuts would have gone into effect.” (AP)

American lawyer of Marcos victims lauds plan… PAGE A3 t

PCGG served a valid purpose, “over time it became politicized by some of its members who focused more on their own personal interests, not the best interest of the country.” “And certainly not the best interest of abused Marcos victims of human rights. Whether the demise of the PCGG will give these victims greater chances to

satisfy their hard-earned Hawaiian judgment is uncertain,” Domingo said. “Only the intervention of President Aquino can put an end to the conflicting interests of the government and the victims of human rights abuses. The recovery of the ill-gotten wealth of the Marcoses must continue, but more intensely,” Domingo said. PCGG chairman Andres Bau-

tista made the recommendation to President Aquino in December 2010 to abolish the PCGG after winding down its affairs in one or two years’ time. During that period, pending legal cases will be transferred to the Department of Justice, while recovered assets will be transferred for management and disposal of the Department of Finance. n

PH gov’t concedes to unconstitutionality… PAGE A3 t

the remaining issues could be argued in written memoranda to be submitted to the Court after the oral arguments,” it explained in a statement. The SC said the “final list and sequence of issues to be argued, the counsels to argue the same, the time allotted for the said counsels to present their arguments, and additional dates for

oral arguments, if any, will be resolved by the Court in its first session of the year on Jan. 8 and embodied in an advisory to be issued to all the parties.” On Oct. 9, 2012, the SC issued a temporary restraining order, effective for 120 days, against the implementation/enforcement of the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 after various groups from the media and civil society

and several individuals, including some members of Congress, had petitioned the Court to strike down some or all of the provisions of the law. The solicitor general, as counsel for the government, has already submitted its comments to the vvarious petitions arguing in favor of the constitutionality of a majority of the provisions of the law. n

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Dateline USA

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 5-8, 2013

LAPD collects over 2,000 firearms to close out 2012 by Mico Letargo AJPress

AnneEasby-Smith(left)andTraceRobbins(right)whoworkforHouseSpeakerJohnBoehner,helptopreparetheRayburnRoomonCapitol Hill inWashington,Wednesday,Jan.2,where members of the House of Representatives will pose for pictures at an oath of office ceremony with Boehner. AP Photo by J. Scott Applewhite

Congress ushering in new members, with old divide by Donna Cassata Associated Press

WASHINGTON – The House and Senate ushered in a new Congress Thursday, hewing to tradition and hailing one of its own who returned a year after being felled by a stroke. The 113th Congress convened at 12noon EST, the constitutionally mandated time, with pomp, pageantry — and of course, politics — on both sides of the Capitol. In the Senate, Vice President Joe Biden swore in 12 new members elected in November, lawmakers who won another term and South Carolina Republican Tim Scott. The former House member was tapped by Gov. Nikki Haley to fill the remaining term of Sen. Jim DeMint, who resigned to head a Washington think tank. Applause from members and the gallery marked every oathtaking. Looking on was former Vice President Walter Mondale. Shortly before the session, Sen. Mark Kirk, (R-Ill.), who had been absent for the past year while recovering from a stroke, slowly walked up the 45 steps to the Senate, with Biden nearby and the Senate leaders at the top of the stairs to greet him. “A courageous man,” said Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) Members of the Illinois congressional delegation and senators stood on the steps. As he entered the building, resting on a cane, Biden and Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) helped Kirk take off his coat. The senator said he was glad to be back. In the House, members were electing the speaker, with John Boehner poised to win another term. The speaker will then swear in the lawmakers in the afternoon. While the dozens of eager freshmen are determined to change Washington, they face the harsh reality of another stretch of divided government. The traditions come against the backdrop of a mean season that closed out an angry election year. A deal to avert the “fiscal cliff” of big tax increases and spending cuts split the parties in New Year’s Day votes, and the House’s failure to vote on a Superstorm Sandy aid package before adjournment prompted GOP recriminations against the leadership. “There’s a lot of hangover obviously from the last few weeks of this session into the new one, which always makes a fresh start a lot harder,” Rep. Kevin Brady (R-Texas) said. For all the change of the next Congress, the new bosses are the same as the old bosses. President Barack Obama secured a second term in the November elections, and Demo-

crats tightened their grip on the Senate for a 55-45 edge in the new two-year Congress, ensuring that Reid will remain in charge. Republicans maintained their majority in the House but will have a smaller advantage, 233-200. Former Democratic Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr.’s Illinois seat and the one held by South Carolina Republican Tim Scott, the state’s next senator, will be the two vacancies. Boehner (R-Ohio) has faced a bruising few weeks with his fractious GOP caucus but seemed poised to win another term as speaker. He mollified angry Republicans from New York and New Jersey on Wednesday with the promise of a vote Friday on $9 billion of the storm relief package and another vote on the remaining $51 billion on Jan. 15. The GOP members quickly abandoned their chatter about voting against the speaker. The new Congress still faces the ideological disputes that plagued the dysfunctional 112th Congress, one of the least productive in more than 60 years. Tea party members within the Republican ranks insist on fiscal discipline in the face of growing deficits and have pressed for deep cuts in spending as part of a reduced role for the federal government. Democrats envision a government with enough resources to help the less fortunate and press for the wealthiest to pay more in taxes. “We can only hope for more help,” said Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) who was re-elected in November. “Any time you have new members arriving you have that expectation of bringing fresh ideas and kind of a vitality that is needed. We hope that they’re coming eager to work hard and make some difficult decisions and put the country first and not be bogged down ideologically.” The next two months will be crucial, with tough economic issues looming. Congress put off for just eight weeks automatic spending cuts to defense and domestic programs that were due to begin with the new year. The question of raising the nation’s borrowing authority also must be decided. Another round of ugly negotiations between Obama and Congress is not far off. There are 12 newly elected senators — eight Democrats, three Republicans and one independent, former Maine Gov. Angus King, who will caucus with the Democrats. They will be joined by Scott, the first black Republican in decades, who was tapped by South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley to fill the remaining term of Sen. Jim DeMint. The conservative DeMint resigned to lead the Heritage Foundation think tank. In a sign of some diversity for the venerable body, the Sen-

Pinoy from Wrightwood honored… PAGE A1 t

the dispatch call from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. The LA County Sheriff sent out a rescue chopper and a team of divers, who later pulled Claro out of the water. He was pronounced dead at 5:05pm at the Desert Valley Hospital in Victorville, despite efforts to save his life. Five years later, in December 2012, the heroism of Claro was honored by family, friends, and residents of the scenic ski resort town during Christmas weekend. In a solemn ceremony, Wrightwood officials presented the Claridad family with a memorial bench in honor of the fallen father of four children. According to reports on Balitang America, the bench will be placed off the highway where a nature trail leading to the lake begins. “I was very honored and happy, it’s amazing that after 5 years, people still remember his

story,” said Claro’s wife, Judith. Judith also said that she thinks that her husband saved those two children, knowing that they were ‘worth saving for.’ In Victorville city, where the Claridads are residents, memorials are held in honor of Claro. Because of this incident, local officials have been inspired to conduct specialized ice rescue training. Also, there are growing talks about a proposal to build a monument at Jackson Lake. The Claridad family have since moved on from the tragic but heroic passing of Claro. The four Claridad daughters, all girl scouts, have written a book about their father entitled “ Meet Our Daddy Our Hero.” According to Balitang America, the two strangers that Claro saved have never been identified. (Mico Letargo/AJPress with reports form Balitang America, and Victorville Daily Press)

ate will have three Hispanics — Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey, Republican Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida and one of the new members, Republican Ted Cruz of Texas. There will be 20 women in the 100-member chamber, the highest number yet. At least one longtime Democrat, Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts, will be departing in a few weeks, nominated by Obama to be secretary of state.

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LOS ANGELES – Responding to a growing national concern over gun violence sparked by the grisly shootings in Connecticut, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) held its annual gun buyback program earlier this time around, collecting as many as 2,037 firearms to close out the year 2012. Instead of waiting until May to implement the program, the police force conducted the buyback program on Dec. 26, 2012. Collecting in two separate gun buyback locations in South Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley, the LAPD gathered a total of 901 handguns, 698 rifles, 363 shotguns, and 75 assault weapons. The program’s recent efforts brought up the total number of firearms gathered to 9,979 since its inception in 2009, according to the LAPD Blog on Typepad.com. “We bumped it up a little early this year because of what happened in Connecticut,” said LAPD commander Andrew Smith in a report on Balitang America. “It’s been very successful. And talking to the people that are waiting in line, they say that a big reason they wanted to come in here is because of what happened in Connecticut,” Smith added. Rifling through their collec-

tion of surrendered guns, Smith noted that there were high quality weapons that were turned in. Some of them were AR-15 rifles, the same model used by the Connecticut gunman. Other rifles that came in were even collector’s items, or rare models that are no longer sold in California. “Those are high quality weapons people are turning in, getting them off the street,” Smith told Balitang America. The gun buyback is an initiative of the Gang Reduction and Youth Development Office, under the Office of LA City Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. In the effort to engage Angelenos towards the common goal of reducing gun violence in the streets, the program rewards the voluntary surrender of firearms with grocery gift cards. Gun owners who participated at the buyback were given Ralph’s gift cards in exchange for surrendering their firearms. Upon the LAPD’s classification of the equipment, gift cards amounting to $200 were given to those who turned in assault weapons. Meanwhile, those who gave in their handguns, rifles, and shotguns were given as much as $100 per weapon. “For too long, dangerous weapons have contributed to countless unnecessary tragedies and deaths,” said Villaraigosa on Dec. 27, 2012, when he announced the results of the gun buyback together with

LAPD chief Charlie Beck, and LA County Sheriff Lee Baca. “This citywide gun buyback takes dangerous weapons off our streets and rewards Angelenos who voluntarily surrender their firearms, making our communities safer for us all,” the Mayor added. According to LAPD Chief Beck, the police force is grateful for the continued support for the program. He said that even though the scope the one-day gun buyback cannot be easily measured, the guns collected will never be used to harm innocent people. “It is also a solemn remembrance of those victims’ lives lost this year due to gun violence,” Chief Beck added. While many Angelenos turned up to participate at the gun buyback, there were still some who held reservations on surrendering their firearms. Filipino-American business owner Julius Espina, who owns two handguns in his home, said that the protection of his family is priceless. Although Espina thinks that the buyback offers are fair, he said that he wouldn’t turn his pistols in. “I’m using a gun just to protect my family,” Espina told Balitang America. “Because nowadays, you need to have something to protect your family,” the businessman explained. (With reports from Balitang America, and lapdblog.typepad.com)

JANUARY 5-8, 2013 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Fiscal-cliff deal no recipe for a robust economy see stronger growth and hiring in 2013? Part of the answer is what Congress’ agreement did (raise WASHINGTON — Housing is Social Security taxes for most of rebounding. Families are shrink- us). And part is what it didn’t do ing debts. Europe has avoided a (prevent the likelihood of more financial crackup. And the fiscal growth-killing political standcliff deal has removed the most offs). By delaying painful decisions urgent threat to the US econoon spending cuts, the deal asmy. So why don’t economists fore- sures more confrontation and by Christopher S. Rugaber and Paul Wiseman Associated Press

Dateline USA

uncertainty, especially because Congress must reach agreement later this winter to raise the government’s debt limit. Many businesses are likely to remain wary of expanding or hiring in the meantime. One hopeful consensus: If all the budgetary uncertainty can be resolved within the next few months, economists expect growth to pick up in the second half of 2013. “We are in a better place than we were a couple of days ago,” Chad Moutray, chief economist for the National Association of Manufacturers, said a day after Congress sent President Barack Obama legislation to avoid sharp income tax increases and government spending cuts. But “we really haven’t dealt with the debt ceiling or tax reform or entitlement spending.” Five full years after the Great Recession began, the US economy is still struggling to accelerate. Many economists think it will grow a meager 2 percent or less this year, down from 2.2 percent in 2012. The unemployment rate remains a high 7.7 percent. Few expect it to drop much this year. Yet in some ways, the economy has been building strength. Corporations have cut costs and have amassed a near-record $1.7 trillion in cash. Home sales and

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USSecretaryofStateHillaryRodhamClinton(rightrear)leavesNewYork-PresbyterianHospitalafterbeingdischarged,Wednesday,Jan.2, 2013. Clinton is expected to make a complete recovery. AP Photo By William Regan

Sec. Clinton plans to return to work next week

SECRETARY of State Hillary Clinton, sidelined for almost a month by a string of medical problems, is upbeat and planning to return to work next week, the State Department said Thursday. One day after being released from the New York hospital that was treating a blood clot in her head, Clinton was at home resting, but was far from idle. She spent the day engaging with seu PAGE A7 nior staff, reviewing paperwork

and calling in to a meeting of her foreign policy advisory board, said her spokeswoman, Victoria Nuland. “She’s looking forward to getting back to the office,” Nuland said. “She is very much planning to do so next week.” The announcement that Clinton soon would return to her Washington office ended what had been a somber point of uncertainty hanging over her monthlong health ordeal: whether the 65-year-old secretary would be able to resume her duties before stepping down at the start of President Barack Obama’s second term, as she had long planned to do. Clinton in early December began the final few weeks of a widely lauded term as the nation’s top diplomat. But a celebratory mood increasingly gave way to worry and uncertainty over her future as she took ill with a stomach virus, then seemed to deteriorate. While at home recuperating from the virus, Clinton became dehydrated and fainted, fell and struck her head, leading to a concussion, her spokesman said. Then on Sunday, doctors performing a follow-up exam discovered a clot in a vein that runs through the space between the brain and the skull behind the right ear. Clinton was admitted to New York-Presbyterian Hospital, where doctors began administering blood thinners to dissolve the

clot. Clinton’s physicians have said there was no neurological damage and they expect her to make a full recovery. Until Wednesday, when Clinton was photographed getting into a van with her husband, Bill, and daughter, Chelsea, a few hours before being released, she hadn’t been seen in public since Dec. 7. How much of her normal schedule the globetrotting Clinton will be able to resume is not yet clear, and her doctors have advised her not to travel abroad for the time being, her spokeswoman said. In the meantime, well wishes are pouring in from around the world. “I think you could call the number of good will messages a tsunami,” Nuland said. Clinton’s illness in December abruptly halted her usually jampacked schedule, forcing her to cancel a trip to North Africa and the Middle East and to postpone scheduled testimony before Congress on the fatal Sept. 11 attack on the US diplomatic mission in Benghazi, Libya. “She is committed to testifying, and we are working with the committees on an appropriate set of dates,” Nuland said. She was also absent from the White House last month when Obama nominated Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass), to succeed her. The State Department said

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Dateline USA

Fiscal-cliff deal no recipe for a… PAGE A6 t

prices have been rising consistently, along with construction. Hiring gains have been modest but steady. Auto sales in 2012 were the best in five years. The just-ended holiday shopping season was decent. Bernard Baumohl, chief global economist for the Economic Outlook Group, thinks the lack of finality in the budget fight is slowing an otherwise fundamentally sound economy. “What a shame,” Baumohl said in a research note Wednesday. “Companies are eager to ramp up capital investments and boost hiring. Households are prepared to unleash five years of pent-up demand.” The economy might be growing at a 3 percent annual rate if not for the threat of sudden and severe spending cuts and tax increases, along with the haziness surrounding the budget standoff, says Ethan Harris, co-director of global economics at Bank of America Merrill Lynch. Still, Congress’ deal delivered a walloping tax hike for most workers: the end of a two-year Social Security tax cut. The tax is rising back up to 6.2 percent from 4.2 percent. The increase will cost someone making $50,000 about $1,000 a year and a household with two high-paid workers up to $4,500. Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody’s Analytics, calculates that the higher Social Security tax will slow growth by 0.6 percentage point in 2013. The other tax increases — including higher taxes on household incomes above $450,000 a year — will slice just 0.15 percentage point from growth, Zandi says. Congress’ deal also postpones decisions on spending cuts for military and domestic programs, including Medicare and Social Security. In doing so, it sets up a much bigger showdown over raising the government’s bor-

rowing limit. Republicans will likely demand deep spending cuts as the price of raising the debt limit. A similar standoff in 2011 brought the government to the brink of default and led Standard & Poor’s to yank its top AAA rating on long-term US debt. Here’s how key parts of the economy are shaping up for 2013: Jobs With further fights looming over taxes and spending, many companies aren’t likely to step up hiring. Congress and the White House will likely start battling over raising the $16.4 trillion debt limit in February. Many economists expect employers to add an average of 150,000 to 175,000 jobs a month in 2013, about the same pace as in 2011 and 2012. That level is too weak to quickly reduce unemployment. The roughly 2 million jobs Zandi estimates employers will add this year would be slightly more than the 1.8 million likely added in 2012. Zandi thinks employers would add an additional 600,000 jobs this year if not for the measures agreed to in the fiscal cliff deal. Federal Reserve policymakers have forecast that the unemployment rate will fall to 7.4 percent, at best, by year’s end. Economists regard a “normal” rate as 6 percent or less. Consumer spending Consumer confidence fell in December as Americans began to fear the higher taxes threatened by the fiscal cliff. Confidence had reached a five-year high in November, fueled by slowly declining unemployment and a steady housing rebound. Consumer spending is the driving force of the economy. But the deal to avoid the cliff won’t necessarily ignite a burst of spending. Taxes will still rise for nearly 80 percent of working Americans because of the higher

Social Security tax rate. Since the recession officially ended in June 2009, pay has barely kept up with inflation. The Social Security tax increase will cut paychecks further. And with the job market likely to remain tight, few companies have much incentive to hand out raises. Thanks to record-low interest rates, consumers have whittled their debts to about 113 percent of their after-tax income. That’s the lowest share since mid-2003, according to Haver Analytics. And the delinquency rate for users of bank credit cards is at an 18-year low, the American Bankers Association reported Thursday. Yet that hardly means people are ready to reverse course and ramp up credit-card purchases. Most new spending would have to come from higher incomes, says Ellen Zentner, senior economist at Nomura Securities. “We don’t see the mindset of, ‘Let’s run up the credit card again,’” she says. Housing Economists are nearly unanimous about one thing: The housing market will keep improving. That’s partly because of a fact that’s caught many by surprise: Five years after the housing bust left a glut of homes in many areas, the nation doesn’t have enough houses. Only 149,000 new homes were for sale at the end of November, the government has reported. That’s just above the 143,000 in August, the lowest total on records dating to 1963. And the supply of previously occupied homes for sale is at an 11-year low. “We need to start building again,” says Patrick Newport, an economist at IHS Global Insight. Sales of new homes in November reached their highest annual pace in 2½ years. They were 15 percent higher than a year earlier. And October marked a fifth

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Congress ushering in new members… PAGE A5 t

That opens the door to former Republican Sen. Scott Brown, the only incumbent senator to lose in November’s elections, to possibly make a bid to return to Washington. Eighty-two freshmen join the House — 47 Democrats and 35 Republicans. Women will total 81 in the 435-member body — 62 Democrats and 19 Republicans.

In the Senate, Reid and Republican leader Mitch McConnell are negotiating possible changes in the rules as lawmakers face a bitter partisan fight over filibusters, according to a Senate Democratic leadership aide who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly about private matters. Reid has complained that Republicans filibuster too often and

has threatened to impose strict limits with a simple majority vote. That step could set off retaliatory delays and other maneuvers by Republicans, who argue that they filibuster because Reid often blocks them from offering amendments. The aide said Reid was preserving the option of making changes with a simple majority vote. n

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 5-8, 2013

JANUARY 5-8, 2013 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

‘Fiscal cliff’ deal leaves lots of issues dangling by Connie Cass Associated Press

THE “fiscal cliff” compromise on taxes leaves a big part of the nation’s budget crisis still dangling. Lawmakers bought a little time with a New Year’s agreement to hold income tax rates steady for 99 percent of Americans while allowing payroll taxes to go up. But they left themselves only two months to settle seemingly irreconcilable differences over how much the United States should borrow and spend and where painful budget cuts should land. Here’s a look at what’s been resolved and what’s left hanging: Automatic spending cuts The bipartisan deal approved by the Senate and House put off dealing with the nearly $110 billion in automatic spending cuts set for this year. Unless Congress stops them by March 1, automatic cuts of about 8 or 9 percent are set to sweep through nearly all federal agencies, with half the money coming out of the military. Both parties talk about the need to control spending, but lawmakers don’t want the kinds of chaotic cuts now barreling toward them. Republicans worry that the Pentagon would be hamstrung; Democrats say vital federal programs would be crippled. Federal workers would face furloughs or even layoffs, Americans would see all sorts of government services curtailed, and businesses would feel the pinch of reduced government spending.

Debt limit showdown Around the same time, the United States would lose its ability to borrow money to pay its debts, unless Congress acts. That’s a big deal, especially since the government borrows about 31 cents of every dollar it spends. The US bumped against its $16.4 trillion borrowing limit Monday, but the Treasury Department is using special accounting measures to avoid default for now. Private economists say those methods could probably stretch through late February or early March. After that, the United States would risk its first-ever default. Hopes of wrapping the issue into the year-end negotiations were dashed, setting up the potential for another standoff. House Speaker John Boehner says any debt increase must be paired with equal spending cuts. Obama says the debt ceiling is too important to negotiate. The last time such a showdown brought the nation close to default, in the summer of 2011, it roiled the financial markets and contributed to Standard & Poor’s decision to strip the US government of its AAA bond rating. A government showdown? Yet another deadline looms on March 27. The stopgap measure that funds government activities expires; congressional approval will be needed to keep the government running. It’s another chance to fight over spending. In 2011, the nation came within hours of a partial government

Dateline USA

shutdown that would have furloughed an estimated 800,000 government workers, closed national parks and halted the work of the IRS. The national debt The “fiscal cliff” deadline was originally designed to force lawmakers to confront trillion-dollar annual budget deficits that pile the nation’s debts higher each year. As larger and larger numbers of baby boomers receive retirement benefits in coming years, the strain on the budget will be unsustainable. Obama says Medicare’s climbing costs must be addressed to fix this. Republicans want to rein in Medicare, Social Security and other entitlement programs more sharply. Many Democratic lawmakers object. And tampering with programs so popular with voters is never easy. The “fiscal cliff” was supposed to be a way to force Washington to confront the long-term debt problem. The next two months will be another opportunity to come up with a plan or dodge the issues again. The tough, unpopular decisions are further complicated by concerns that cutting spending too quickly could damage the nation’s sluggish economic recovery. What’s done The year-end “fiscal cliff” deadline did inspire compromise between Republicans and Democrats on some hotly debated tax questions. Some of the issues settled: — Payroll taxes are going back

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PresidentBarackObamaandVicePresidentJoeBidenleavethepodiumafterObamamadeastatementregardingthepassageofthefiscal cliff bill in the Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 1. AP Photo by Charles Dharapak

up, after being trimmed for two years to help stimulate spending and boost the economy. For most workers, that means paychecks will shrink by 2 percent — another $1,000 for someone earning $50,000 a year. The wealthiest pay a lower share of their income, however, because the Social Security payroll tax applies only to the first $113,700 of earnings. — The top 1 percent are getting socked with higher income tax rates. Income over $400,000 for individuals or $450,000 for couples will be taxed at a top rate of 39.6 percent, up from 35 per-

cent. Everyone else gets to keep their current income tax rates, which date back to the George W. Bush-era tax cuts. — The wealthiest Americans will pay higher taxes on their investments. Rates for their capital gains and dividends are rising from 15 to 20 percent. And the tax on estates worth more than $5 million will go up to 40 percent, from 35 percent. — The alternative minimum tax — designed to keep the wealthy from using loopholes to avoid taxes — will be permanently indexed for inflation so it doesn’t catch millions of middle-

and upper-middle-income people in its net. — Tax breaks for families with children, college tuition and lowincome workers will continue for five years. A diverse group of temporary business tax breaks were extended for one year. — Emergency federal unemployment benefits to help 2 million people out of work for at least six months will be extended a year. — A scheduled 27 percent cut in Medicare payments to doctors will be held off for a year in what’s become a congressional ritual. n

House re-elects Boehner…

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divided government. The traditions come against the backdrop of a mean season that closed out an angry election year. A deal to avert the “fiscal cliff” of big tax increases and spending cuts split the parties in New Year’s Day votes, and the House’s failure to vote on a Superstorm Sandy aid package before adjournment prompted GOP recriminations against the leadership. Any hope of comity in a divided Washington was quickly dashed amid talk of the budget. “So now is the time to get serious about spending,” Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, (R-Ky.), said on the floor. “And if the past few weeks have taught us anything, that means the president needs to show up early this time. The American people will not tolerate the kind of last-minute crises that we’ve seen again and again over the past four years as a result of this president’s chronic inactivity and refusal to lead on the pressing issues of the day.” For all the change of the next Congress, the new bosses are the same as the old bosses. Obama secured a second term in the November elections, and Democrats tightened their grip on the Senate for a 55-45 edge in the new two-year Congress, ensuring that Reid will remain in charge. Republicans maintained their majority in the House but will have a smaller advantage, 233-200. Former Democratic Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr.’s Illinois seat and the one held by Scott are the two vacancies. On the eve of the vote, Boehner mollified angry Republicans from New York and New Jersey on Wednesday with the promise of a vote Friday on $9 billion of the storm relief package and another vote on the remaining $51 billion on Jan. 15. The GOP members quickly abandoned their chatter about voting against the speaker. However, three of the four House members who lost their plum committee assignments for bucking the party refused to vote for Boehner. “It’s not about committee assignments. It’s not about that. It’s about a real concern that for two years we’ve had a lack of leadership based on conservative principles. It’s a vote of no confidence,” said Rep. Tim Huelskamp, (R-Kan.) Jim Bridenstine, a freshman Republican from Oklahoma, said he voted against Boehner because he believed the party

needs new leaders. “We lost seats in the House. We lost the Senate. We lost the presidency. I just thought it was time for new leadership,” Bridenstine said. The new Congress still faces the ideological disputes that plagued the dysfunctional 112th Congress, one of the least productive in more than 60 years. Tea party members within the Republican ranks insist on fiscal discipline in the face of growing deficits and have pressed for deep cuts in spending as part of a reduced role for the federal government. Democrats envision a government with enough resources to help the less fortunate and press for the wealthiest to pay more in taxes. “We can only hope for more help,” said Manchin, who was re-elected in November. “Any time you have new members arriving you have that expectation of bringing fresh ideas and kind of a vitality that is needed. We hope that they’re coming eager to work hard and make some difficult decisions and put the country first and not be bogged down ideologically.” The next two months will be crucial, with tough economic issues looming. Congress put off for just eight weeks automatic spending cuts to defense and domestic programs that were due to begin with the new year. The question of raising the nation’s borrowing authority also must be decided. Another round of ugly negotiations between Obama and Congress is not far off. There are 12 newly elected senators - eight Democrats, three Republicans and one independent, former Maine Gov. Angus King, who will caucus with the Democrats. They will be joined by Scott, the first black Republican in decades. In a sign of some diversity for the venerable body, the Senate will have three Hispanics Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey, Republican Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida and one of the new members, Republican Ted Cruz of Texas. There will be 20 women in the 100-member chamber, the highest number yet. At least one longtime Democrat, Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts, will be departing in a few weeks, nominated by Obama to be secretary of state. That opens the door to former Republican Sen. Scott Brown, the only incumbent senator to lose in November’s elections, to possibly make a bid to return to Washington. (AP)

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Thursday that Kerry has started meeting with diplomatic staff to prepare for his Senate confirmation hearings, and while at the department’s Foggy Bottom headquarters on Wednesday he received a large amount of briefing materials. Kerry will return to the State Department for regular meetings starting Friday. Clinton’s medical struggles have also raised questions about her political future and how her health might influence her decision about whether to run for president in 2016, a move prominent Democrats have been urging her to consider. Patients with the particular

type of clot Clinton has are typically on a blood thinner for three to six months and are monitored to see if the clot goes away, said Dr. Ralph Sacco, a neurologist at the University of Miami. Even if the clot does not fully dissolve, it can become stable and do no harm. “Vein clots can come and go and sometimes not even cause symptoms,” said Sacco who was not involved in Clinton’s care. “A very high proportion of people have great recovery.” Clinton also suffered from a blood clot in 1998, midway through her husband’s second term as president. That clot was located in her knee. (AP)

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Dateline USA

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 5-8, 2013

US drones kill senior Taliban figure in Pakistan

by Rebecca Santana

and Ishtiaq Mahsud Associated Press

ISLAMABAD – An American drone strike in Pakistan has killed a top Taliban commander who sent money and fighters to battle the US in Afghanistan but had a truce with the Pakistani military, officials said Thursday. While the death of Maulvi Nazir was likely to be seen in Washington as affirmation of the necessity of the controversial US drone program, it could cause more friction in already tense relations with Pakistan because Nazir did not focus on Pakistani targets. Nazir was killed when two missiles slammed into a house in a village in South Waziristan while he was meeting with supporters and fellow commanders. Eight other people were killed, according to five Pakistani security officials, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to the media. A US official confirmed the death of Nazir, along with an unspecified number of “trusted deputies.” Nazir and those killed were “directly involved in planning and executing cross-border attacks on coalition forces in Afghanistan, as well as providing protection for al-Qaida fighters in South Waziristan,” said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to describe casualties resulting from CIA counterterror-

In this April, 20, 2007 file photo, Pakistani militant commander Maulvi Nazir meets his associates in South Waziristan, Pakistan near the Afghani border. Five Pakistani security officialssaidthecommander,Nazir,wasreportedlyamongninepeoplekilledinamissilestrike onahouseinthevillageofAngoorAddaintheSouthWaziristantribalregionearlyThursday. Theofficialsspokeonconditionofanonymitybecausetheywerenotauthorizedtobriefthe media. AP Photo by Ishtiaq Mahsud

ism actions. Earlier, Pentagon spokesman George Little described Nazir as “someone who has a great deal of blood on his hands.” At least four people were killed in a separate drone strike Thursday in the North Waziristan tribal region. America’s use of drones against militants in Pakistan has increased substantially under

President Barack Obama, and the program killed a number of top militants in the past year. But the drone strikes infuriate many Pakistanis who see them as a violation of their country’s sovereignty. Many Pakistanis complain that innocent civilians have also been killed, something the US rejects. A Pakistani official said while his government continues to ob-

Fiscal-cliff deal no recipe for a… PAGE A7 t

straight month of year-over-year price increases in the 20 major cities covered by the Standard & Poor’s/Case-Shiller national home price index. Potential homebuyers “are more likely to buy, and banks are more likely to lend” when prices are rising, says James O’Sullivan, chief US economist at High Frequency Economics. “It feeds on itself.” Higher prices are also encouraging builders to begin work on more homes. They were on track last year to start construction of the most homes in four years. Ultra-low mortgage rates have helped spur demand. The average rate on the US 30-year fixed mortgage is 3.35 percent, barely above the 3.31 percent reached in November, the lowest on re-

cords dating to 1971. Housing tends to have an outside impact on the economy. A housing recovery boosts construction jobs and encourages more spending on furniture and appliances. And higher home prices make people feel wealthier, which can also lead to more spending. “When you have a housing recovery, it’s nearly impossible for the US economy to slip into recession,” Zentner says. Manufacturing Factories appear to be recovering slowly from a slump last fall. The Institute for Supply Management’s index of manufacturing activity rose last month from November. And a measure of employment suggested that manufacturers stepped up hiring in December. Factories had cut

jobs in three of the four months through November, according to government data. Another encouraging sign: Americans are expected to buy more cars this year. That would help boost manufacturing output. Auto sales will likely rise nearly 7 percent in 2013 over last year to 15.3 million, according to the Polk research firm. Sales likely reached 14.5 million last year, the best since 2007. In 2009, sales were just 10.4 million, the fewest in more than 30 years. And if Congress can raise the federal borrowing limit without a fight that damages confidence, companies might boost spending on computers, industrial machinery and other equipment in the second half of 2013, economists say. That would help keep factories busy. n

ject to the drone strikes, it does not object to removing Nazir from the battlefield, because despite his reported cooperation with the Pakistani government, he was suspected to have aided groups who attack Pakistani troops. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly. The official said a US-Pakistani working group seeking to craft a drone policy acceptable to Pakistan has made little progress, but that intelligence cooperation with the US military and CIA had been improving, warming further after December’s high-level bilateral meeting of defense and intelligence officials in Peshawar cleared the way to release a longdelayed payment of $688 million in US funds to the Pakistan military. The money is part of a regular program to reimburse some of Pakistan’s financial outlays in fighting militants and patrolling the Afghan border. The official said the US had also shared some intelligence leading to successful operations against Pakistani terrorist targets, but the surveillance and raids against such targets are now done only by Pakistani security and intelligence operatives. The official said there has been no return to the joint Pakistani-CIA raids that took place before last year’s deadly border incident in which the US fired on Pakistani troops, a controversial shooting of two Pakistanis by a CIA contractor, and the Navy SEAL raid that killed Osama bin Laden in Abbottabad. Nazir earned the enmity of the US by sending fighters to attack American forces in neighboring Afghanistan. He’s also believed to have given shelter to al-Qaida members fleeing Afghanistan after the US invasion and has maintained close relations with Arab members of the militant group. But in Pakistan, many members of the military had a more favorable view of Nazir and similar militant chiefs who focus their attacks in Afghanistan and don’t strike Pakistani targets. Pakistan is believed to have reached a nonaggression pact with Nazir ahead of its 2009 military operation against militants in South Waziristan. Still, Nazir outraged many Pakistanis in June when he announced that he would not allow any polio vaccinations in territory under his control until the US stops drone attacks in the

region. As many as 10,000 people attended Nazir’s funeral in the town of Angoor Adda, where the strike happened. One resident who was there, Ahmed Yar, said Nazir’s body was badly burned and his face was unrecognizable. Reports of individual deaths in such cases are often difficult to verify independently. Nazir was active in many parts of Afghanistan and had close ties with the Afghan Taliban, said Mansur Mahsud, the head of the Islamabad-based FATA Research Centre, which studies the tribal regions. Nazir was believed to be about 40 years old, with three children and property in both Pakistan and Afghanistan. One of his brothers was also killed in a drone strike. Nazir used to be a member of Hizb-e-Islami, a powerful militant Islamist group in Afghanistan run by former Prime Minister Gulbuddin Hekmatyar. Nazir had survived several assassination attempts, including at least two US drone strikes. In November, a suicide bomber wounded him in an attempted assassination in Wana. No group claimed responsibility, but suspicion immediately fell on rival militants including the head of the TTP, Hakimullah Mehsud. He has been jockeying with Nazir for power ever since Nazir’s nonaggression pact allowed the Pakistani military to launch a massive operation in South Waziristan that drove

Mehsud from the region. In retaliation for the assassination attempt, Nazir expelled members of Mehsud’s tribe from Wana. Nazir was meeting with supporters to discuss how to deal with the TTP when the missiles struck Wednesday, according to the FATA center’s Mahsud. Nazir’s group quickly appointed his close aide, Bawal Khan, as a replacement, according to one of Nazir’s commanders. He spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to talk to the media. But it remains to be seen what the new leader’s policies will be and whether the tension with the TTP could lead to a power struggle in the region. The former chief of intelligence in northwest Pakistan, retired brigadier Asad Munir, said Nazir’s killing will complicate the fight against militants in the tribal region and could prompt Nazir’s group to carry out retaliatory attacks against the Pakistani army. It will also raise questions among military commanders here who would like the US to use its firepower against the Pakistani Taliban, which attacks domestic targets, and not against militants like Nazir who aren’t seen as much of a threat to the state, Munir said. He added that the risk now for Pakistan is that the remnants of Nazir’s group could join ranks with the Pakistani Taliban in its war with the government and army. n

A10 JANUARY 5-8, 2013 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Dateline USA

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MaryJaneAlvero-AlMahdi,Multi-awardedEngineer,CEOand2012PamanangPilipinoPresidentialAwardee

AWomanofSubstance

by Cynthia de Castro / AJPress

CHRISTMAS came early for Mary Jane Alvero Al-Mahdi, Chief Executive Officer of the Geoscience Testing Laboratory, the biggest independent testing laboratory operating in the Middle East. Al Mahdi was honored by no less than President Benigno S. Aquino III on December 5, 2012 at Malacañang Palace, as one of the recipients of the 2012 Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas. Al Mahdi received the Pamana ng Pilipino Award, given to Filipino individuals overseas who have brought the country honor and recognition through excellence and distinction in the pursuit of their work or profession. Aside from her individual award, Al Mahdi was doubly honored because a non-profit organization which she co-founded, the Filipino Digerati Association, was also honored with the Banaag Award. Filipino Digirati is a non-profit organization composed of IT professionals that enhances the skills of overseas Filipino workers in the UAE. Climb to the top Born in Makati City but raised in Olongapo, Zambales by her grandparents, Al Mahdi said in a story at Gulfnews.com, that she and her four siblings grew up in a close-knit family. Her father, Renato Alvero, was a well-to-do businessman while her mother, Martha, operated a small restaurant. They worked in Manila and came home to

Olongapo every weekend to visit Al Mahdi and her siblings. Unfortunately, her father was stricken with a lung disease which forced him to stop working, and which affected the family’s finances. A consistent honor student in elementary and high school, Al Mahdi was determined to help her mother and siblings, even while she studied hard to earn a degree in chemical engineering from Adamson University in Manila. While helping her mother in the restaurant, Al Mahdi also worked as a part-time crewmember in Jollibee. Upon graduation, Al Mahdi joined a textile factory as its Quality Control Engineer. Then, she applied for the position of a quality assurance officer of a textile company in the United Arab Emirates. Her father died shortly before she left for UAE. In the Gulfnews.com interview, Al Mahdi shared the story of her climb to the top of her profession. “I arrived in Dubai in 1992. My boss was impressed with a quality control process I created for him and recognizing that I was over-qualified for the position, he gave me the freedom to move, even extending me moral support as

PresidentBenignoS.AquinoIIIpresentsthePamanangPilipinoAwardtoEngr.MaryJaneAl-Mahdiduringthe2012PresidentialAwards forFilipinoIndividualsandOrganizationsOverseas(PAFIOO)awardingceremonyattheRizalHalloftheMalacañanPalaceonWednesday (December 5). Engr. Al-Mahdi, a GeoscienceTesting Laboratory chief executive officer, was cited for the biggest independent testing laboratoryoperatingintheMiddleEast.TheawardisconferredonFilipinosoverseasexemplifyingthetalentandindustryoftheFilipino, have brought the country honor and recognition through excellence and distinction in the pursuit of their work or profession.

Lauro Montellano, Jr./Malacañang Photo Bureau

I interviewed with Al Futtaim Wimpey Laboratories for the position of chemist. There I undertook a range of civil engineering and infrastructure projects, and had a testing and analysis division. When the Chief Chemist left, I was promoted to fill his position. After six years, I was headhunted for the Geoscience Testing Laboratory and I accepted to join as the Quality Assurance Officer,” said Al Mahdi. When Al Mahdi joined Geoscience in 1998, the company had a staff of eight people. She worked hard and persevered. Gradually, she rose to the top of the company, until she became general manager in 2000 and CEO in 2003. The hardworking engineer established a series of changes, re-structuring and re-engineering the whole operational system. Under Al Mahdi’s leadership, Geoscience’s staff has grown from eight to over 500 today. From a lab space of 1,000 square feet in the Al Rashidiya area in Dubai, Geoscience today has a 140,000 square feet sprawling lab complex at Dubai Industrial City. Their reputation and market shares steadily grew. They were awarded with many prestigious and numerous projects from the government and the private sectors. She has led the organization to work on mega projects such as Downtown Burj Dubai – which included the Burj Khalifa – the Dubai Metro, and Emirates Road. Awards and accolades With her success as an outstanding woman in a man’s world, Al Mahdi received many awards and recognitions. She was Runner-up in the Professional Category of the Emirates Businesswoman Award for 2008, an award that recognizes the contributions of women to the economy of the United Arab Emirates. Al Mahdi also got the ‘Woman of Substance 2009 Honoree Award.’ The Chemical Engineering Board of the Philippine Professional Regulation Commission named her the Most Distinguished Chemical Engineer for 2009. She also received the Most Outstanding Alumni Award from her Alma Mater, the Adamson University. ABS-CBN Global News reported that Al Mahdi contributes significantly to the Filipino community. 35 percent of her staff is composed of Filipino engineers and technicians.

GalingPinoyshowcasesthetriumph oftheFilipinospirit–theFilipino’s innateperseverancetoriseabove.A doubleentendre,GalingPinoyliterally translatestobothcomingfrom(or broughttoyouby)theFilipinoand Filipino ingenuity. She lends a helping hand to distressed overseas Filipinos, as well as to her employees in need. She is a volunteer trainer, as well as one of the founders and members of the Board of Directors of a non-profit Filipino organization, Filipino Digerati Association. She has also given full scholarships to two underprivileged Chemical Engineering students in the Philippines. Family-oriented Despite her success in business, Al Mahdi admits that she is a “family-oriented woman.” She told ABS-CBN that “the key client is my family. I am a devoted and submissive wife to my husband and I do not let my position at work interfere with my responsibilities and attitude towards him. I have drawn a line between family commitment and work responsibility to avoid conflicts in my personal life. We make sure that we travel twice in a year for a holiday pleasure and religious devotion.” Mary Jane Alvero-Al Mahdi is married to Mohammad Al Mahdi Lari, with whom she has two children: Humaid (8) and Noor (1). Her husband’s children from his former marriage Ali, Abdulla, and Hanan, complete their family. “There is no greater treasure than a loving family who find it in their hearts to be there for one another in times of need,” she says. “Every step of the way, I’ve received a lot of love and encouragement from my husband and my parents-in-law. They are so proud of me! I only wish my father could have also seen what his daughter has achieved today,” she added. In her GulfNews interview, Al Mahdi shared her philosophy that has helped her through the years. “Life is like a series of mountains to be climbed. Once you reach a peak, you don’t stop; you just find a higher mountain to climb. Mistakes should be viewed as stepping stones to rise up again. Everyone fails, don’t be afraid,” advised the Presidential Awardee. n

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Dateline Philippines

A11

Palace welcomes anti-RH suit by Philip C. Tubeza and TJ Burgonio Inquirer.net

Auring’ exits but new LPA expected to enter PH by Helen Flores Philstar.com

MANILA – Tropical storm “Auring” left the country on January 4 afternoon but the state weather bureau said a new low-pressure area was expected to enter this weekend. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) lifted public storm warning signals in all areas affected by Auring at 5 p.m. on January 4. As of 4pm on January 4, the center of Auring was spotted at 460 kilometers southwest of Puerto Princesa City, Palawan with maximum sustained winds of 75 kilometers per hour (kph) and gustiness of up to 90 kph. It was moving westward at 20 kph. PAGASA continued to warn fishermen in Northern, Central and Southern Luzon against big waves due to the northeast monsoon. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), on the other hand, lifted the suspension of all sea trips in southern Philippines Friday morning after Auring left the country. However, trips in the areas of Mapun Island, southern Palawan, and Sandakan in Malaysia were still cancelled due to rough seas, according to Lieutenant Commander Eliseo Dalnay, PCG district spokesman. Dalnay said the PCG gave the go ahead to sea trips after PAGASA lifted the storm warning signal but it “will remain on alert and closely monitor the travels of all type of vessels as the seas remained rough and choppy in southern Philippines.” Several areas, mostly flood-prone and low-lying areas in Zamboanga City, went under water Friday morning following hours of incessant rain spawned by Auring. Flashfloods The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Man-

agement Council (NDRRMC) reported that Auring has displaced a total of 791 families in Bukidnon, Zamboanga del Norte and Palawan. Benito Ramos, NDRRMC executive officer and Office of Civil Defense (OCD) administrator, said that heavy to moderate rains triggered a flashflood in Valencia City, Bukidnon resulting in the evacuation of 50 people to the city’s gymnasium and covered court. Continuous rains also caused flooding in Asuncion, Davao del Norte, inundating 10 barangays that same day. Early on January 4, heavy rains also triggered flooding in Barangay Panitian, Quezon, Palawan, forcing 150 residents to evacuate to higher ground. An hour later a flashflood also struck Barangay Iraan, in nearby Rizal town. “The directly affected families are now placed at 791 families or 1,405 individuals and are now staying in various evacuations centers in Valencia City, Bukidnon; Dipolog City in Zambaonga del Norte and in Palawan,” Ramos said. Cancelled flights Bad weather also forced the cancellation the other day of Cebu Pacific Manila-Ozamiz-Manila and Manila-Pagadian-Manila flights. ZestAir also cancelled its Manila-Masbate-Manila flight. As this developed, the Office of the Vice President (OVP) distributed on January 4 relief goods to the flood victims in eight municipalities in Capiz and five towns in Aklan badly hit by Auring. “I urge every Filipino, especially those in the private sector, to help the government in assisting our fellow Filipinos who were affected by the floods brought about by storm Auring,” Vice President Jejomar Binay said. Binay allocated funds for relief operations and other social services using his Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF).

Automated voting planned for more Pinoy overseas voters by Matikas Santos Inquirer.net

MANILA – More Filipino overseas voters may soon be able to choose their candidates through automated machines as the Commission on Elections (Comelec) seeks to increase the number of countries where automated voting in the coming midterm elections will be implemented. Comelec Commissioner Lucenito Tagle, chairman of the committee on overseas absentee voting (OAV), previously filed a recommendation to the Comelec en banc that the number of places where automated elections will be implemented be expanded to seven from last year’s two. Hong Kong and Singapore are the two countries where automated elections took place in 2010. Tagle wants to add Abu Dhabi, Jeddah, Kuwait, Dubai, and Riyadh for the 2013 elections. “In the May 10, 2010, Presidential Elections (Automated Elections System) was implemented in Hong Kong and Singapore garnering positive feedbacks,” Tagle said in his recommendation. “As a matter of fact, these two posts were among the top three that had the most number of

voters who cast their votes,” he said. Hong Kong has 101,483 registered voters while Singapore had 36,323, Tagle said. “We suggest that AES be adopted in [places] with more than 20,000 registered voters, have compact territories and that has implemented personal voting in 2010,” he said. The five places that could be added to the list based on that criteria are: Abu Dhabi with 21,418 registered voters, Jeddah with 42,454 voters, Kuwait with 28,458 voters, Dubai with 30,513 voters, and Riyadh with 62,509 voters. Hong Kong and Singapore are also likely to implement AES again in 2013. The implementation of AES in more places abroad will also require more Precint Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines, Tagle said. “Depending on the availability of resources, we can either install one unit for every 5,000 registered voters for a total of 69 machines, or one unit for every 10,000 registered voters for a total of 37 machines,” he said. When asked if the AES for these areas will be conducted on the same day as the elections in the country, Tagle said that

it will likely be on the same day but they will still take into consideration that Filipinos working abroad might not be able to get off from their respective jobs. He said that the transmission of the election returns in the area should be on the same day. He said they were able to do it in 2010 in Hong Kong and Singapore. Tagle also called on all Filipinos abroad who want to vote to manifest their intent to vote before the deadline on January 11. “They might have a legitimate reason why they failed to vote twice,” he said. Some 230,000 overseas absentee voters have failed to vote twice disqualifying them from voting again. They are required to file a manifestation to be allowed to vote again. “Whereas, to ensure that the 238,557 Overseas Absentee Voters who failed to vote twice are given sufficient time and opportunity to file their manifestation of intent to vote and thereby be able to exercise their right of suffrage in the May 13, 2013, national and local elections, there is a need to extend the deadline of filing of the manifestation of intent to vote;” the Comelec said in a resolution that extended the deadline to Jan. 11. n

‘PCGG never meant to be permanent’ by Delon Porcalla Philstar.com

MANILA – Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda clarified on January 3 that the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) was never intended to be a permanent office since it was created after the downfall of dictator Ferdinand Marcos in 1986. “Why? Because at a certain point, all cases will be filed, all cases will be decided on. But while the cases are there, we have to continue to recover those ill-gotten wealth,” he explained. President Aquino is considering the abolition of the commission created by his late mother, former President Corazon Aquino,

Aquino to end the operations of the commission and transfer its responsibilities to the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Department of Finance (DOF) that would continue government efforts to recover the alleged illgotten wealth of the Marcoses and their cronies. “Just to make it clear, the pursuit of ill-gotten wealth will continue regardless of whether the recommendation will be acted upon by the President. They already have some recommendations as to who will take over Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda the pursuit of ill-gotten wealth shortly after she replaced Mar- cases,” Lacierda said. cos following the EDSA People The DOJ will prosecute the Power revolt. pending cases while the DOF PCGG chairman Andres Bau- will take control of the assets that tista recommended in 2011 to

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MANILA – Malacañang on Thursday welcomed the suit filed in the Supreme Court against the new responsible health (RH) law, but belittled the arguments raised by the petitioners. Secretary Edwin Lacierda, presidential spokesperson, said it was “good” that lawyer-couple James and Lovely Ann Imbong filed a case because “now the government through the Office of Solicitor General will be prepared to defend the RH law.” In a press briefing Thursday, Lacierda said the petitioners did not raise any new issues that had not been brought up and answered during the congressional debates. “The contention that was raised by Mr. James Imbong is not something new, it had already been raised during the de-

bates,” he said. Budget Secretary Florencio Abad said it was the right of the Imbongs to question Republic Act No. 10354—the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Law—but “whether they would succeed was another matter.” “They have to overcome the strong constitutional (as already cogently argued by eminent constitutionalist Fr. Joaquin Bernas), jurisprudential, equity and practical (both local and international experience) foundations upon which the much delayed responsible parenthood policy stands,” said Abad in a text message. The RH law mandates the state to provide reproductive health services, including access to contraceptives and information on family planning, to couples that ask for it, and age-appropriate sex education to schoolchildren. Arguing that this was unconstitutional, the Imbongs petitioned the high court to stop the govern-

ment from enforcing the law. Negating PH aspirations In their petition for certiorari and prohibition, the Imbongs said the law introduced policies that “negate and frustrate the foundational ideals and aspirations of the sovereign Filipino.” The law is to take effect on Jan. 17, or 15 days after its publication in a periodical of general circulation. It was quietly signed into law by President Aquino on Dec. 21, apparently to avoid stoking the passions that had surrounded it since its inception, especially on the part of the local Catholic Church. The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) said Thursday it supported the Imbongs’ petition although it did not have a direct hand in its filing. Petition was lay initiative Fr. Melvin Castro, executive secretary of the CBCP-Episcopal

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A12 JANUARY 5-8, 2013 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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Opinion

Features

Honorary Pinoy

FR. JAMES Reuter, SJ may not have been Filipino by blood, but he was definitely Pinoy in heart and mind. The revered and beloved 96year-old American priest (who was also known for being an academic, singer, athlete, artist and political activist) passed away on December 31 from lung and heart failure. The entire nation mourned over his passing. Born in New Jersey on May 21, 1916, Fr. Reuter made a crucial decision at age 7 -- one that would determine his life’s journey. He decided to become a missionary and entered the Society of Jesus at age 18. Four years later, he was sent to the Philippines to study philosophy as a Jesuit scholastic, said Inquirer.net. The Jesuit immediately felt right at home and fell in love with the people as well. He credits the Philippines and Filipinos “for teaching him the true meaning of faith.” “When I first came here, I thought I was bringing God to the Philippines. But what I discovered was [the Filipinos] brought God to me,” said Fr. Reuter during his 94th birthday in 2010. Fr. Reuter is best known as a prominent communicator of the church -- using various forms of media (radio, TV and print) to spread the Word of God for almost 50 years. He is best remembered for his lasting contribution, “Radyo Bandido” -- an underground radio station which kept the country and the world in tune with events, as they happened during the 1986 EDSA Revolution. DZRJ radio became Radyo Bandido, with June Keithley-Castro serving as “the eyes and ears” for the people during the 4-day uprising.

Fr. Reuter was a 1989 Ramon Magsaysay awardee in Journalism, Literature and Creative Communication Arts for “employing his gifts as writer, theatrical director and broadcaster, and most of all as teacher, to make the performing arts and mass media a vital force for good in the Philippines.” In 1996, the beloved Jesuit became an honorary Filipino by a unanimous vote in Congress. In 2005, the Senate hailed Fr. Reuter through SR No. 17 for his “extraordinary and unparalleled life of service to the Filipino people.” In 2009, he received the Serviam Award from the Catholic Church “for his hard work and passion as a priest and as head of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines’ media commission.” In 2011, Pres. Benigno Aquino III bestowed upon Fr. Reuter the Philippine Legion of Honor with the rank of Chief Commander -- the highest honor that the President of the Philippines may grant an individual without the concurrence of Congress. While the highly-esteemed Fr. Reuter joined his Creator, he leaves behind a legacy of wisdom and genuine love for Filipinos. In his blog, Jamesreutersj.blogspot.com, Fr. Reuter’s words of love, wisdom and insight lives on. Here are some excerpts: “Filipinos children have stars in their eyes. They dream dreams. They know that life is a gift. They know that what counts in this world is the beauty of life and the sweetness of love.” “The joy of being a Filipino is that we all accept each other as we are. We do not expect everyone

Editorial

ManilaTimes.net photo

to be a genius or a saint. And this is the beginning of love.” “The spirit of God is joyous, humorous, enthusiastic, inspiring. Religion was meant to be a joy. Even when you pray with tears, the tears spring from a soul at peace.” “The Filipino is affectionate. The Filipino is forgiving. The Filipino is all heart, all love. We have been touched by the hand of God.” “What the Filipino values most is not money, or power, or comfort, or pleasure. Our greatest treasure is each other. And in each other we find God.”

In a conversation with Inquirer columnist Ma. Ceres Doyo, Fr. Reuter encapsulates his sentiments about being an honorary Filipino best. “I was born in the USA and I am still an American citizen but I belong to the Philippine Province of the Society of Jesus. I still go to the US, lately for business purposes. I get a culture shock whenever I’m there. I belong here. I’ll die here. I’ll be buried here, at the Sacred Heart Novitiate in Novaliches.” Eternal rest grant unto Fr. Reuter, O Lord. He will be sorely missed. (AJPress)

Extreme hardship waiver: New Year’s gift for many Fil-Am families THE start of new year has brought forth a new reason for kababayans to look forward to 2013 with a renewed sense of optimism in their seemingly elusive dream of being able to live with their family in America without fear of being prosecuted and deported. On January 2, the Obama administration announced a new immigration rule that would shorten the time for undocumented immigrants to endure being separated from family members, who are already US citizens. Beginning March 4, qualified undocumented immigrants who are immediate relatives of US citizens may already apply for the “extreme hardship” waiver. To be granted this waiver, they have to prove that their family in America would experience extreme hardship if they could not return to the United States from their country of origin. This new Department of Homeland Security (DHS) ruling will benefit about a million of the estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants, who are spouses, children or parents of US citizens. This waiver will allow them to stay in the United States, while waiting for permanent residency status. When their petition for “extreme hardship” is approved, they will still have to go back to their country of origin -- but only for them to pick up their visa, and then come back to the United States. Many, even among our own kababayans, took the risk of coming to the United States as tourists, and then stayed in the country even beyond the time period stipulated in their I-94. Some of these TnTs have pending petitions but could not wait for a long time away from their families. Others enter the United States from the borders, without any legal documents that give them the

Citizenship and Immigration Serprivilege to be in the country vice (USCIS), there are identifying even as visitors. Some are crew The Fil-Am broad factors that have been cited men or seamen who jumped Perspective in existing precedent decisions ship. as relevant to the evaluation of They became out of status -whether deportation would result living in America without any lein extreme hardship to the alien gal “papel.” Many were able to or to his or her qualified relative. work “under the table,” without These factors are: work authorization. Others came Gel Santos-Relos 1. the age of the alien, both at in as single, and then found love the time of entry to the United States and at the in the process. Whatever the circumstance, these undocument- time of application for suspension of deportation; 2. the age, number, and immigration status of the ed immigrants have been living in fear or isolation alien’s children an d their ability to speak the native for a long time. They opted for “kapit sa patalim,” -- risking ev- language and adjust to life in another country; 3. the health condition of the alien or the alien’s erything just to be with their family in the United States. This is especially true for fathers or moth- child, spouse, or parent and the availability of any ers with young children. Each year away meant required medical treatment in the country to which the alien would be returned; one year of missing out on raising their own kids. 4. the alien’s ability to obtain employment in This would also explain the decision of many undocumented children, who chose to take the the country to which the alien would be returned; 5. the length of residence in the United States; risk of staying here in the United States just to take 6. the existence of other family members who care of their old and ailing US citizen parents. This would also be true for the lolos and lolas will be legally residing in the United States; 7. the financial impact of the alien’s departure; who have overstayed and have become TnTs, be8. the impact of a disruption of educational opcause they could not bear not helping take care of their apos while their children work hard for a portunities; 9. the psychological impact of the alien’s deporliving in this tough economic times. Under the old rule, those who have overstayed tation or removal; 10 .the current political and economic condiin the US will have to wait for at least 10 years, because of the “ten-year ban” immigration policy, tions in the country to which the alien would be before they could be considered for the privilege returned; 11. family and other ties to the country to which of setting foot in the United States again. This new ruling will cut the waiting time and the alien would be returned; 12. contributions to and ties to a community in help families of US citizens be reunited faster. How is “extreme hardship” defined? Who quali- the United States, including the degree of integration into society; fies for this waiver? 13. immigration history, including authorized According to the website of the United States

Bliss

only one side of the “LOVE is within us. family. It cannot be destroyed, Rhizomes Four years ago, I but can only be hidden. made a promise to Hatred is the spiritual go to 9 novena massmalignancy of our spees for Christmas. But cies and like, any other the road imposed a form of cancer, does its new challenge. I nemost terrible work not Prosy Abarquezgotiated delaying it outwardly but within Delacruz, J.D. for four days. The us. The fear behind it literally eats us alive, destroying minds, Higher Universe had a better plan. My husband was magnanimous and bodies, cultures, nations. External remedies can manage its effects, but only delayed the trip by one more day. By love has the power to undo it. Undo it the fifth day, we were heading east to we must. From foreign wars to domes- Moreno Valley. We stopped at Five Guys, a retro tic catastrophes, our work is the work of casting fear from the world. We do this place with red vending machines, red not only to serve ourselves but most im- benches and roasted peanuts for those portant, to serve our children. God has waiting for their orders. Shielded by an umbrella, we sat asked us to do: Love one another, that the world might be made right.” - Mari- outdoors and appreciated the freshlyanne Williamson. ‘A Return to Love,’ made hamburgers and fries -- all from scratch. 1992. As we got out of the parking lot, the It was Christmas Eve 2012, our first Christmas on the road. Doing first ex- smell of burnt rubber hit my nose, while periences somehow renews my belief metal to metal grated my ears. My husin the Higher Universe’s presence. Pri- band looked under the hood, and deciors have been spent cooking for a tribe sively said, “We are heading back. We of 40, if both families are together, 12 if are not taking a chance.”

Imagine my delight, knowing that a 6th day of simbang gabi awaits. The car got fixed. We were ready to leave. Will I get to finish? I told my husband, “3 more and the belief by many is bestowed special grace after 9 days.” He smiled. I could not wait for my 9th day. I was overjoyed. Four priests (Fr. Rodel, Fr. Miloy, Fr. Kenneth and Fr. Jude) had a special gift to a thousand parishioners. Covering their faces with the program, after the mass, they discreetly donned moustaches and then, sang “Dito Tayo Magpasko.” Never mind that some are caregivers, longing for families back in the Philippines. Never mind that some are single parents, divorced sometime ago. Never mind that some are looking to connect to family members, but who are in New Zealand. Never mind that a father hangs on to his cancer-stricken toddler, waiting for a liver transplant and even a miracle. They felt welcome and bonded with those who completed their panata of 9 novena masses. I panned my camera to capture the smiles of an entire congregration, in bliss and at peace!

residence in the United States; and 14. the availability of other means of adjusting to permanent resident status. USCIS further noted that ultimately, “extreme hardship” must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis after a review of all the circumstances in the case, and none of the listed factors alone, or taken together, automatically establishes a claim of extreme hardship. Nor is the list exhaustive, as there may be other factors relevant to the issue of extreme hardship in a particular case. And with respect to this new ruling, the government may come up with even more specific guidelines. Already, kababayans and other immigrants who followed the rules and waited in line for a long time are questioning and opposing this new policy. They call this “backdoor amnesty” and contend that this is grossly unfair for law-abiding citizens and their families. On the other hand, supporters of this policy explained that “it’s a way to streamline the extreme hardship process, in the best interest of families. The government accepted the extreme hardship cases of about 70 percent of applicants last year. But this would make the process actually work, turning an ordeal that lasts months or years into one that lasts days or weeks.” If you think you or your loved ones qualify, it is best to seek the counsel of your trusted immigration attorney. Happy New Year! *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s“Balitang America.”Views andopinionsexpressedbytheauthorinthiscolumn arearesolely thoseoftheauthor andnotofAsianJournalandABS-CBN-TFC.For comments,gotowww.TheFil-AmPerspective.com,https://www. facebook.com/Gel.Santos.Relos

*** We got to a freezing cold, 40 degrees Fahrenheit camp. It was enough to freeze one’s limbs -- even the computer keyboard had a hard time. For every paragraph I composed, it was losing energy at a fast rate of 10 percent, compared to getting recharged at 2 percent per five minutes. Not efficient, and it will burn up the battery, so

I was told. I decided it was not conducive to writing. I directed my attention to cooking, but to my surprise, my husband had a better plan. We went to the nearby restaurant and had our first dinner: Portobello mushroom decorated with red bell peppers, carrots, green zucchini and a red pep-

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Palace welcomes anti-RH…

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Commission On Family and Life, said the petition was a lay initiative and was not orchestrated by the bishops who had been blocking passage of an RH law for 14 years. He said the fact that James Imbong was the son of CBCP legal counsel Jo Imbong was “only incidental.” Jo Imbong is a “collaborating counsel” in the case. “We are glad the ordinary Catholic faithful are taking the initiative to further the discussion on the RH bill. Its enactment into law would not end our opposition to it,” Castro said. The law’s principal author in the House of Representatives on January 3 rushed to its defense. Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman belittled the petition filed by the Imbongs, saying it was “premature because it seeks to prevent the implementation of a law which is not yet in effect.” “(It) is completely constitutional and will surmount any attack or test on its constitutionality,”

Lagman said in a statement. ‘Flawed and fallacious’ Lagman also said that questioning the RH law based on the state guarantee of equal protection for the “life of the mother and the life of the unborn was flawed and fallacious.” “The Constitution mandates the protection of the life of the unborn from conception. In other words, no less than the Constitution acknowledges that life begins when conception sets in, and it is upon conception that there is an ‘unborn’ which is entitled to protection,” he said. Another coauthor said the challenge to the RH law gave its proponents one more opportunity to further explain its merits to the people, including its critics. “I see no legal infirmity or illegality in any of its provisions,” Akbayan party-list Rep. Kaka Bag-ao, a lawyer, said in a phone interview. “If they want to question it, this is a good opportunity to explain it more to them.”

Senators both for and against the RH law also welcomed the Supreme Court case. Sen. Panfilo Lacson, one of the main proponents of the RH bill in the upper chamber, noted the measure survived intense scrutiny during heated debates in the Senate. Subject to intense scrutiny “The controversies and divisiveness attached to the measure while undergoing the legislative processes involved in lawmaking added more interest and caution before it was finally approved in both houses of Congress,” he said in a text message. Senate Majority Leader Tito Sotto, who opposed the measure, said he believed the Supreme Court would intensely scrutinize the law but his concern was still that it was imposed on Filipinos by foreign powers to influence or regulate the Philippine population. “That’s why even if my amendments were accepted, I still voted against it,” he said. n

‘PCGG never meant to be…

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have been frozen and the properties seized from the Marcoses and their cronies. Lacierda said the Office of the President is still studying Bautista’s recommendation. He said the Senate and the House of Representatives should act on the draft bill that the PCGG submitted to Congress for the agency’s eventual abolition, including the transition process.

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“I guess we will leave it with the authorities or Congress to decide as to whether it is time for a legislative abolition of the PCGG. But, again, there’s a process. There’s a transition process and the ill-gotten wealth cases will continue,” he stressed. President Aquino had hinted in November 2011 when he attended the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation in Honolulu, Hawaii that his administration is

no longer keen on pursuing the extent of wealth of members of the Marcos family. “The PCGG is winding up its operations, they’re going to transfer to various agencies (the tasks that have to be assigned to them),” he told Manila-based reporters. Aquino said perhaps even members of the Marcos family do not know the real extent of their reported wealth. n

Bliss

per sauce. It was so yummy, I kept getting some of the sauce for the ground veal and ground beef meatloaf. Many more families were celebrating Christmas here. The next morning, I was so excited to see sunrise, an orange splash of color behind thin white clouds and snow-capped mountains. At night, the thin, dark clouds framed the full, lighted moon and all one can say is: “God, thank you for this!” We met the camp host, a burly tall man, looking young in his 70’s and welcomed us to camp. He said: “Try the swimming pool, it is one of the best. And the showers come from mineral waters from the ground, at 88 to 90F.” No wonder I felt like soaking in it for so long. But the best part of this blissful trip is not just the convergence of clouds with mountainscapes, but special gifts from the Lord that I felt: clouds hovering and framing the full moon, black raven turning its head as I was taking its photo, brown and orange butterfly that accompanied me in the

Zabriskie Point Trail and a framed full moon by the descending tree limbs, as I got out of the showers and a full bag of ice from a nearby campmate. Can you imagine how spectacular it is to be greeted by a full span of the Universe’s created landscapes? To be serenaded by live violin music of Yesterday by the Beatles and Maalala mo Kaya? Where everyone is in awe of God’s wonders, and where each person greets you with a smile and welcomes you to their world? Where is this? Of all names to attach to it, where a ‘return to love’ is felt by one for one’s true self, a loving self to others, a place called Death Valley! ***

Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz, J.D. is a parishioner of the 100-year-old Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, which starts its new chapter of 101years. SheretiredasregionaladministratorfromtheCalifornia Department of Public Health, a state agency, after 27 years. She served as a Commissioner of Civil Service and LA Convention Center for LA City municipal government for 3 years. 2013 is her 5th year of writing for Asian Journal, including Balikbayan Magazine. She enjoys exploring national parks in the USA and other countries, like Costa Rica.

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SHOWBIZ&STYLE J ournal

New Year’s resolutions of the stars by Ed Uy and Euden Valdez ManilaTimes.net

They may have the fame and fortune, but just like ordinary people, even famous celebrities look forward to the start of a brand new year as a time of hope, change and of new beginnings. While some confess that they don’t really believe in making resolutions and admit they are guilty of breaking it, each one of them wishes for a better year as they strive to become better persons. Here’s a look at some celebrities’ resolutions for 2013: Nora Aunor: Gusto ko matupad iyong pangako kong concert. Resolution? Sa tigas ng ulo ko

Nora Aunor

ayoko nang mangako kase di ko naman natutupad. Judy Ann Santos: To make a project that is more acting-related. Vic Sotto: Tuparin ko yung mga resolutions na hindi ko natupad last year. Luis Manzano: I’ve had a great 2012, and I’ve been very blessed. I’ve had two successful movies and 2013 looks to be even better with Deal or No Deal and my new show Minute to Win It. I really don’t believe in resolutions, because I don’t believe in waiting for a single day or the start of the year to change whatever you

ManilaTimes.net photo

DIRECTLINE by Boy Abunda Philstar.com

think is wrong in your life or what you’re doing wrong. If you feel that something is wrong, then change it. Heart Evangelista: The past year has been great and I’m just so content with my life right now. I now understand that everything happens for a good reason kasi God only wants good things for you. My resolution is to develop myself more when it comes to being a better person, be healthier and more appreciative and try to help more. Bianca King: My resolution is not to have any resolution and just be a better person everyday. Rhian Ramos: I don’t know if there’s anything else I can hope for. I guess I’ll put more effort in being fashion-oriented. I also want to work out more to change the shape of my body and make it more firm. So I promise to devote more time for the gym. Piolo Pascual: Wala naman. Opening na ng registration ng Ironman sa Cebu. Gusto ko magindividual kung magkakaroon ng time mag-train. Eh wala, ipapalabas yung soap, ipapalabas yung movie, mag-album promo(tion) ako. Wish ko yun. Magkaroon ng love life? ‘Yang mga bagay na ‘yan hindi pinangungunahan, darating at darating tayo diyan.” Zanjoe Marudo: I want to have a healthier lifestyle siguro para siyempre mas malakas, and hindi masyado mapagod agad. Tsaka mas pumili ng magaganda at challenging na roles. And gagawa na rin ako ng mga pang-festival PAGE B3 u

Why child survivors of Pablo can still afford to smile

IT was a scene reminiscent of Typhoon Washi (local name: Sendong) exactly one year ago. Helpless children, women weeping in silence, men in shock. Typhoon Bopha (local name: Pablo) battered the southern Philippines from late Monday evening until early on the morning of Tuesday, Dec. 4, leaving a trail of devastation that has particularly affected girls and boys. “We didn’t know what a typhoon was until we were hit,” says Veruela Municipal Social Welfare and Development officer Elvira Dagaraga, shedding tears as she recalls the experience. “Never in my 30 years of living here had we PlanInternationalisraising$1.5MtorespondtoTyphoonPablo.Plan’sresponseeffortswill experienced such a thing.” Philstar.com photo Veruela lies 55-km. from the focus on child protection in emergencies. boundary of Compostela Valley, which was also sheet hit the two women. Both died instantly. badly affected. Anna’s father collapsed, overcome by grief, amid “There are more than 6,000 households in Veru- the powerful wind and intense rain. “I don’t rememela, an equivalent population of more than 33,000 ber anything more,” the grade two pupil says when people,” says Dagaraga. “All were affected. This asked what happened next. number includes 16,000 children who are very disMilagros dela Cruz, a midwife assisting Dagaraga, tressed; some can’t be reached because their villages says that a woman brought Anna to the gymnasium, remain inaccessible due to the flooding and fallen which serves as an evacuation center for some 420 trees. We have more than 2,200 children of all ages families. “Anna can barely walk because of the in our evacuation centers and many are showing wounds on her feet. She also has a hematoma on signs of serious distress, barely speaking and not the right shoulder.” engaging with their families or friends. We urgently Dela Cruz cleaned Anna’s wound and gave her an need psycho-social help — but we have no expertise anti-tetanus injection but notes that Anna’s father is to provide it ourselves.” in a state of shock and unable to care for her so she is Seven-year-old survivor Anna found herself alone now being cared for by Dela Cruz and Dagaraga. on a hilltop in Barangay Del Monte. Her father “We don’t know how many Annas are still out there brought Anna and her siblings to higher grounds at because several villages remain inaccessible,” Carin the height of the typhoon. van der Hor, country director for Plan International In a very faint voice, Anna recalls, “When our house in the Philippines, says. “Technically, she is not an collapsed, my father carried me on his back and put unaccompanied child because she still has a father me beside a coconut tree to shield me from the rain. but, with his present condition, he cannot give Anna Other neighbors were also there.” She says that her the care and protection that she urgently needs. Anna father told her to stay there while he fetched other has lost her nurturing and caring environment,” she members of the family. adds. As her father turned back to get the other members While there are no reports yet of child abuse or of their family, Anna saw her mother and grand- child trafficking, experience from Typhoon Washi mother negotiating their way up the hill. As his father last year shows that these risks increase the longer stretched out his arm to help them, a flying metal PAGE B3 u

B2 January 5-8, 2013 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

FUNFARE by Ricardo F. Lo Philstar.com

The best way to greet the New Year is to start its first day on a healthy note. Thus, I am greeting everybody “A healthy New Year!” On that note, I am sharing with you healthy tips throughout not only the next 12 months but the many, many more months ahead of you. Remember, health is wealth. Seven Stress-fighting Foods (from my doctor-friend who is given a clean bill of health after his annual executive check-up): Papaya. Half of a medium-sized papaya carries nearly 75 percent more vitamin C than an orange. Peppermint Tea. The mere scent of peppermint helps you focus and boosts your performance. Pumpkin Seeds. A quarter cup of pumpkin seeds gives you a day’s magnesium requirement. Avocado. The green fruit has about 35 percent more potassium than a banana. Salmon. It helps in maintaining healthy levels of cortisol. One salmon fillet has as much tryptophan (sleep-promoting amino acid) as you needs in an entire day. Almonds. They are loaded with vitamin E.

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Some healthy tips for the New Year

Oatmeal. To induce steady flow of serotonin, aim to eat fiber-rich, whole-grain carbohydrates. To sleep, perchance to dream I got the following booklet, Guide to a Great Sleep, at my hotel room in ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel in Narita, Japan, during a trip late last year. I am printing the “how to’s” for readers who have sleep disorders (apnea, snoring, insomnia, etc.). Still wide-awake? Read this. Get some sound sleep Sleep rests the brain and body, and also functions to maintain physical and mental health. Sleep is directly linked to fatigue relief, immune strength, emotions, memory, mental capacity, as well as appetite and obesity. Sleep is regulated by two brain processes. One process is when “people sleep after having been awake for a long period of time” (maintenance of homeostasis) and the second process is when “people sleep because it’s nighttime” (internal body clock). The secret to sleeping well is to incorporate these processes into our daily lives. Reexamine your lifestyle in order to increase the

quality of your sleep. Wake up every morning at a set time “Minimize the difference in the time you wake up on weekends and on weekdays” Make every effort to wake up at the same time on weekends as you do on weekdays. If you sleep any longer you’ll have trouble waking up the morning after the weekend is over. You can’t save up on sleep You can’t save up on sleep beforehand so that you can stay up late at night. If you feel extremely sleepy during the day on a regular basis, it may mean that you are not getting enough sleep. Reexamine your lifestyle habits. Reset your internal body clock with the morning sun and breakfast “Expose yourself to sunlight in the morning” One day for your internal body clock is roughly 25 hours. This internal clock is reset every morning. The most effective tool in resetting your internal system is the morning sunlight. Get a good dose of sun in the morning.

“Have breakfast at the same time every morning” Proper eating habits are the basis in maintaining your health. A consistent eating schedule also functions to reset your internal body clock. Eating breakfast at a set time every morning will help you develop a daily rhythm. Achieving variation in your life “During the day, work or enjoy your hobbies and interests.” Try to stay active during the day by engaging in such activities as going out and meeting friends. By heightening your level of consciousness during the day, you’ll fall asleep more smoothly and be less prone to waking during sleep. “Exercise lightly between the evening and nightfall” By moving your body and boosting your body temperature in the hours between evening and nightfall, you’ll fall asleep more smoothly as your body temperature drops by the time you go to bed. Exercising for 30 minutes until you work up a bit of sweat is probably best. Take short naps “Take a nap for about 20 minutes before 3pm” It is recommended that you take a nap for less than 20 minutes (30 minutes for senior citizens) between noon and 3pm. Your drowsiness will disappear and you’ll have a heightened level of consciousness. Your brain and body will function more efficiently. Try not to take a nap after evening If you rake a nap or doze off after evening, you will feel wide-awake at night. This will result in the inability to fall asleep or to get any deep sleep. At night, mellow out and… “Refrain from caffeine or having a nightcap” It is known that caffeine in coffee and green tea promotes wakefulness and a nightcap can interfere with sound sleep in the second half of the night. Learn how to enjoy such luxury items wisely and in moderation “ Take a leisurely lukewarm bath” Soak yourself leisurely in a slightly lukewarm bath, and then climb into bed after taking a moment to relax after stepping out of the bath. Going to sleep at the point that your body temperature starts to lower after having risen in the bath will allow you to make a PAGE B3 u

Alice Dixson and Ronnie Miranda: It’s final!

Alice, husband file for divorce by Ricky Lo/Philstar.com

Sad note four days into the New Year; Alice Dixson and her nonshowbiz husband, Ronnie Miranda, filed for divorce at a Vancouver, B.C., court in mid-December last year due to “irreconcilable differences.” This was confirmed by Funfare Update’s roving Canadian DPA who added that Alice now holds dual citizenship (American-Canadian) after she was granted her Canadian citizenship on Dec. 12, presumably a few days before she and Ronnie decided to make legal their separation which started in January last year when Alice came home again to resume her (rudely-interrupted?) showbiz career, lured back by juicy offers from TV5 for which she initially starred in the hit soap Babaeng Hampaslupa topbilled by Susan Roces two years ago. It was The Star that published an exclusive story about the un-couple’s marriage in May 1999 at a small chapel in Vancouver. Alice, 43, and Ronnie, 49, are childless. Asked in that 2000 interview if she was ready to give up her career, Alice said, “Yes, I am. (Ronnie) was determined to settle down in Vancouver and I wanted to live with him there. Besides, I felt na graduate na ako sa career ko. At least, I thought, I’ve proven myself as an actress by winning an award.” Said Ronnie, “Doon (sa Vancouver) princesa siya. She’d have to be just an ordinary citizen. I wanted her to realize that.” Alice: “Actually, I’m used to doing things myself. After all, I spent part of my life in the States where you don’t have maids. I like the simple life in Vancouver. Here, I lived in a condo, with only a maid and a driver, while my family was living in Cainta (Rizal). My relatives on my father’s side are all in the States but my mom’s relatives are here.” Again, the lure of the klieg lights has proven too tempting to resist. Other actresses who came back from abroad after a broken marriage include Ruffa Gutierrez (from Turkey), Sheryl Cruz (from California), Nikki Valdez (from Canada) and Ima Castro (from London). The ruling on Alice and Ronnie’s petition for divorce is pending at the Vancouver court. Christian ushers in New Year in Jakarta On New Year’s Eve starting at 10:45, Christian Bautista ushered in 2013 at the Sands Jakarta which was packed full with more than 1,000 revelers whom he entertained with a mix of contemporary, standards and his own hit songs (including those on the new one to be released this month by Universal Records Indonesia). Christian did some dance routines backed up by local dancers for the songs Faith and All That’s Left. His special guest was upcoming Indonesian belter Sisi who sang a duet of Teteplah Dihatiku (Please Be Careful With My Heart) with him. Then, he surprised the audience by introducing his brother Jordan who sang Call Me Maybe. According to the executive producer, Julita Sudwikatmo, who invited Christian, the audience was predominantly Chinese from Mainland China, together with Indonesians and Koreans who knew Christian’s songs by heart.

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • january 5-8, 2013

Why child survivors of Pablo can still afford...

RACEAGAINSTTIMEASTHELUCEROSFAMILYSCRAMBLEDTOGETTHEIRYOUNGESTTOCOMETOAMERICABEFOREHE“AGEDOUT.”Time was fast escaping JR (2nd from left) who was about to turn 21, which meant that he would“age out”. The fastest way to get JR was for Mommy Zeny (left) to immigrate first through her daughter Lanie’s (2nd from right) petition. But it was truly painful for Mommy Zeny to leave the family’s“baby”behind. Lanie decided to consult with leading immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel (right) to beat the clock against all odds. Watch another success story on an encore episode of your most popular immigration program on television—’Citizen Pinoy’—this Sunday 5:45pm (PST) on TFC.

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New Year’s resolutions... PAGE B1 na indie films. Isasama ko siya sa list ko. And I hope matuloy yung Korean indie film na inoffer sa akin. Jake Cuenca: I want to be more mature. I am turning 25 years old so it’s about time to act my age. At the same time, hopefully, I know it naman e, basta husayan ko lang, I am sure 2013 will be just as fruitful as 2012. Sam Milby: I think everyday should be a New Year’s resolution. Hindi lang dapat dahil may new year na dadating may gusto akong gawin. Everyday naman may gusto akong gawing bago because every day is an improvement for me. So my resolution’s just to work harder and to keep going as a person and as an artist. Faith Cuneta: The past year has been quite challenging for me career wise so I’m hoping this year would be a lot better. My resolution is to trye and be as sexy just like Cristine Reyes or the Sex Bomb dancers so I promise to go to the gyme more often and visit Dr. Manny Calayan at least once a week.

Some healthy tips... PAGE B1 smooth transition to sleep. Get into bed after you start feeling sleepy “Everyone has a different sleeping schedule” You don’t need to stick to the rule of getting eight hours of sleep every night or force yourself to go to bed early. If you’re not overwhelmed by a sense of drowsiness that disrupts your day-to-day life, there’s no need for you to worry. “Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to fall asleep” If you put too much pressure on yourself to get a good night’s rest, you probably won’t be able to fall asleep. If you have trouble falling asleep, just get out of bed and return again once you feel sleepy. Creating a good sleeping environment “Relaxing with lighting, music and aroma” In the time before you go to sleep, prepare for sleeping by relaxing your mind and body. Produce an environment of your choosing by using such elements as soft and warm lighting, your favorite music and aroma of oil scents. Okay now. Good night, sleep tight and sweet dreams! And some inspiring words From Pempe Rodrigo: Don’t feel bad if people remember you only when they need you. Feel privileged that you are like a candle that comes to their mind

when there is darkness. Fr o m Pi n k y To b i a n o : T h e single hand that wipes your tears during your failures is much better than the countless hands that come together to clap on your success. And: You will never know how strong the light of a candle can be until it is left in the dark. Likewise, your true strength as a person shall prove itself in your darkest moment.

*aired within TFC regions only

PAGE B1 survivors stay in evacuation centers. The absence of private and child-friendly spaces in evacuation centers make children especially vulnerable to all forms of abuse. Mardy Halcon, communications officer of Plan International who has visited the municipalities of Monkayo, Compostela, New Bataan and Montevista — all in Compostela Valley, says that they do not yet have a clear number of households that survived Typhoon Pablo. “Barangay Andap which is part of New Bataan, the worst hit municipality in Compostela Valley, used to have 200 to 300 houses. Ngayon wala ng bahay. The barangay is now covered with rocks and boulders that are bigger than the houses. Sira lahat, pati school.” Halcon says that, according to the daycare social workers, there were about 2,000 people living in that barangay “at ang sabi sa akin, ang nabilang nila na buhay ay close to 200 people. Ang dami pang nawawala. Nag-a-account pa ng household.” Plan has been at the center of things since Pablo struck its deadly wrath. Plan has donated through Irish Aid, an NGO based in Ireland, 400 tents to the New Bataan municipality “para matulungan ang mga bata.” “Maganda ang tent. Dalawang families ang pwedeng tumira sa isang tent. Para na rin siyang bahay,” says Halcon. Plan also delivered water jars and hygienic kits. It has also started

Shay Mitchell: I think you can start a New Year’s Resolution at any point, so right now I’m just trying to get a little healthier and I’m starting to run outside and hopefully this next year I can do a marathon because that’s something I’ve been wanting to do. Lovi Poe: I’ll just do my best in everything I do. I want to do more good projects. Marvin Agustin: I want to have more time for education this year. I’ll take up marketing, finance and scriptwriting classes. But more importantly, I will spend more time with my family. I also hope to travel more and explore restaurants owned by my idol chefs abroad. Dominic Roco: I plan to go to Europe and see more of the world. Aljur Abrenica: I am not much of a reader when I was younger, but I want to read 7 books this year. Sen. Bong Revilla Jr.: I’m so blessed, wala na yata akong mahihiling pa. Sobra blessings na kaya puro pasasalamat na lang ako sa mga nagmamahal and sumusuporta sa akin. Resolution? Wish na lang siguro to be always healthy, because I don’t smoke anymore and I don’t think may malaki pa akong kailangan baguhin baka sumobra na ang bait ko kunin na tayo ni Lord (laughs). (Additional Sources: abs-cbnnews.com and yahoo.com.ph) Stay strong. You’re tougher that you could ever imagine because God is with you. From Dr. Welson Yap: Trust someone who can see these three things in you: 1). The sorrow behind your smile, 2). The love behind your anger, and 3). The reason behind your silence. From Gerry Diaz: Just for today, decide to be happy. To live with what is yours. If you can’t have what you want, maybe you can like what you have. Just for today, decide to be kind. Be cheerful. Talk

softly. Be agreeable. Be your best. Praise people instead of criticizing them. Just for today, try it. Maybe you will like it and try it again tomorrow.

building a “child-friendly space” and “breast-feeding space” for lactating mothers. Halcon, who has spoken to some old people in Compostela, recalls being told by old-timers that they have not had experienced a typhoon as devastating as Pablo since 1912. “Pero ang nakakatuwa ang mga bata, they can afford to smile. Takot sila sa hangin pero on ordinary days, naka-smile sila and all they want is to go back to

school.” Plan International is raising $1.5M to respond to Typhoon Bopha. Plan’s response efforts will focus on education in emergencies and child protection in emergencies. (Sometime this January, Plan and our very young foundation, Make Your Nanay Proud, [MYNP] will work together on some operations for the victims of Typhoon Pablo.)

B4 January 5-8, 2013 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Features

New Year’s hot hair trends and treatment to medium-length or long hair. In Hollywood right now, a lot of women celebrities are sporting layers with shoulder-length hair. For long-haired women By Monet Lu who have heart, square or round shaped faces, layers also work provided it is molded closely to the edge of the hair so that it elongates the face. For the and beautiful you. This year, we are presented with creative ways to oval shaped, shorter layers are more appropriate. deal with our respective situations. In these times, Sassy Layers are very easy to manage as well. Hairstyle 2: Bangs – For obvious reasons, bangs I hope we choose to return to the basics—to look within ourselves and revisit the simpler ways of work well for people who have wider foreheads. This haircut is a nice fit for women who have feeling fulfilled and upbeat. During the summer, our hair experiences dehy- straight or chemically relaxed hair. If you have dration because of unavoidable sun exposure plus curly hair, bangs should be administered with cauall the swimming we do in chlorine-infested pools tion. Make sure it’s slightly above your lashes so that it looks flattering. and/or salty ocean The thing about bangs water. But believe it though is you have or not, winter brings to maintain the ideal out the driest of hair length that works for conditions because you, otherwise, the efof the dry air that fect is not quite there. sucks up moisture. Hairstyle 3: Bob – In this regard, we Hair experts everywhere need to be proactive have declared that the about maintaining bob is here to stay. It’s moisture in our hair. ideal for women who For the entire winter have straight to wavy months, we want to hair tex tures. This is help you keep those especially flattering for moisture levels up. women who have round Hair Reborn, Brafaces. This type of cut zilian keratin treatusually requires blowment, shimmer and drying and to maintain shine are the perfect the ideal length, you respite for hair that need to have it cut every has been subjected six weeks. to chemical treatHairstyle 4: Pixie ments—such as – The Pixie is ideal for perming, straightpeople who have strong ening, or tinting. facial features. This cut This is also recomadds some femininity or mended for people softness to people who who are just aiming have sharp or strong to combat dryness facial features. If you dur ing the chilly happen to have thin hair, weather. the pixie cut will add Notice how durvolume and make your ing winter months hair appear thicker than our hair tends to stand up in static electricity — as if we’ve seen a it actually is. The pixie is easy to manage. A quick blow-dry and a dab of hair product, and you have a ghost? The good news is hair that is hydrated enough chic style that will last the entire day. Come visit us at Monet Salon and we can aswill not embarrass you like this in public. Hair that is moist will not succumb to frizz or sist find the holiday look for you! For the entire month of December, we are offering the ultimate static electricity. I tend to sound repetitive about this but I can’t package—haircut, hairstyle with the Hair Reborn emphasize this enough: moisture, moisturize, System—for an astounding $49.99 only (extra for long hair). moisturize! Please call (213)216-4923 to set an appointRemember when a good haircut was enough to put a smile on our faces? Or a time when a cute ment. For our salon locations, please visit www. hairstyle was just what we needed to make our day monetsalon.com. *** a little better? If we hold on the little positives in our everyday MonetLuisaMarikina-born,award-winningcelebritybeauty lives, I have a feeling we’re going to pull through stylist with his own chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern these tough times quite famously. CaliforniaandLasVegas,Nevada.Ultimately,Monetisknownasan Like someone who’s in the business of making all-aroundartistewhoproducessold-outfashionandawardsshows people look good, I have some new hairstyle rec- aswellasunforgettablemarketingcampaigns.Monetisalsothe ommendations that are sure to add some warmth founderoftherevolutionaryall-naturalbeautyproductssuchas to your winter. Enlighten,yoursolutiontodiscoloration.TocontactMonet,please Hairstyle 1: Layers –Layers add a certain definition visitwww.monetsalon.comoremailhimatmonetsalon@aol.com I hope that everyone had a happy holiday and my this be the start a new

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LBC awards first two winners of house and lot packages SAN FRANCISCO—One winner said it was an answered prayer that will benefit their church in the Philippines, while another was initially skeptical when she first learned the news. Both winners, however, share the same sentiments that they are happy and satisfied with the reliability of LBC’s services. Both R aquel G. Abulencia of Madera, Calif. and Edna A. Divinagracia of Edmonton, AB in Canada each won a brand-new house and lot package from LBC in November 2012. They were picked during a special electronic raffle draw at the LBC Corporate Office in South San Francisco, Calif. from thousands of LBC customers who were automatically entered into the company’s 2012 holiday “Lupa, Bahay, Cash” raffle promotion. The house and lot packages are located inside the fully-developed Avida Village Santa Cecilia in Dasmariñas, Cavite. US winner In the case of Ms. Abulencia, she has been a regular customer of LBC since immigrating to the US in 2006. “I use the LBC money remittance service at least once a month. I also try to ship a balikbayan box once or twice a year,” Ms. Abulencia shared in an interview. A staunch supporter of Filipinoowned companies in the US, Ms. Abulencia prefers to use LBC services because of the company’s “reliability and its friendly staff.” Thinking that it is a scam, Ms. Abulencia was initially skeptical when LBC contacted her to inform her of the good news. Her skepticism, however, turned into joy. “I was so happy and excited when I found out I won. I have never won anything big before,” explained Ms. Abulencia, who works as a pharmacist at a Fresno-branch of Walmart. Ms. Abulencia said she intends to rent out her new property in Cavite since she and her husband will not be staying in the Philippines long enough to live in their new house. Canada winner Ms. Divinagracia, for her part, plans to convert the property she won into cash. LBC’s raffle mechanics, however, does not allow for the houseand-lot package to be converted into cash. Ms. Divinagracia will instead consider selling the property and use the proceeds to donate to a cause close to her heart. “I would like to donate the money to our parish church. This was my pledge to the Almighty God. He answered my prayers,” she explained in an interview. She further shared that the money will

USA House and LotWinner Raquel A. Abulencia and Spouse with Hugo N. Bonilla (far left) PresidentLBCNorthAmerica,FernandoG.AranetaPresidentLBCExpressandJavierMantecon OCRO LBC Express.

Figure 2 Canada House and LotWinner Edna Divinagracia from Edmonton, AB with Rafael Policarpio, LBC Country Head for Canada.

be earmarked for the construction of an elevator at the one-of-a-kind church in her hometown. The Luminous Cross of Grace Sanctuary in the town of Agdangan, in Quezon province, is the only Catholic Church in the world that is shaped like a chalice. The remarkable aspect of this unique 120-feet tall building is that it was built after the townspeople pooled their resources together. Thus, Ms. Divinagracia be lieves that the house-and-lot package she won from LBC was “a wonderful Christmas gift from the Almighty God.” When she won the LBC raffle in November 2012, it was only the third month that her family in Edmonton, Alberta province has been using LBC’s services. “We just started using LBC cargo services three months ago. We found out that their door-to-door cargo service is so fast. They also deliver our boxes on time and safe. The box is also bigger compared with other door-to-door services,” she said. In Canada, LBC’s customers of cargo services are provided with 21”x21”x25” boxes to fill with

their gifts to their loved ones in the Philippines. In the case of Ms. Divinagracia’s family, they regularly send six cargo boxes to Agdangan, Quezon once a month. She said they will now depend on LBC’s cargo services to send supplies to their various businesses in Quezon. Their family operates a grocery and clothing store, a resort, a boarding house and an alkaline water filling station in their hometown. LBC raffle Two more winners will be selected in another special electronic draw on January 4, 2013. LBC customers from both the US and Canada who availed of LBC services from September 1, 2012 to December 1, 2012 will be automatically entered into the raffle. In addition to the four winners of house-and-lot packages, 17 winners from the US and 17 winners from Canada have won $1,000 in cash during the weekly raffle draw. The last raffle draw for the cash prizes were held last December 28 at the LBC Corporate Office in South San Francisco, Calif. (Advertising Supplement)

Joey: Fulfilled wife, mother, singer and teacher by BAby A. Gil

their preference for her songs. In fact, Without You I will not be surprised if Joey Albert is the sixth Joey is spending these few weeks after New song to be used Year’s Day in bed. She must be tired from in a film score. all the work and partying she had been This comes on doing. And then she also needs to get the heels of Ikaw recharged because she is embarking on Lang Ang Mamaanother hectic schedule this 2013. The halin, I isa Pa fact is while other people move to Canada Lamang, Sa ’Yo to live a quiet, very relaxed lifestyle, Joey Lamang, Yakapin is doing just the opposite. Mo Ako and Tell Joey welcomed the New Year with a Me. Truth to tell, show at the Copper Club Grill & Lounge I have a feeling of the Executive Plaza Hotel in Coquitlam, that should her British Columbia with guests Janice Lohectic schedule zano and Jojo Quimpo. Before this, she allow her to do was on a brief holiday with her family in some new origiWhistler, a ski resort in the Northwest. nals again, those That was one well-deserved Christmas Joey Albert break because before that Joey went on a US tour will surely land in various soundtracks. Incidentally, Joey is one of the artists featured with fellow ’80s stars Raymond Lauchengco and Gino Padilla. Then there was this fundraiser for in the hit collection Christmas With The Stars. typhoon victims in the Philippines, a guesting in She sings her latest recording, 25th of December, Quimpo’s own show, her solo stints at Kelowna, a composition by Moy Ortiz and Edith Gallardo. The all-star CD includes some of the best voices Cerritos, etc. Aside from singing, Joey also runs a daycare around singing well-loved Christmas songs. I know center where she is Teacher Joey to little children. Christmas is now supposed to be over. The Feast of Then on top of all that, she did her Christmas shop- the Three Kings, which closes the Yuletide season, ping and planned her family’s holiday schedule. She has been transferred to a movable Sunday date already has next year’s calendar almost full. This every year. But that is lost on the Pinoy who still will include a European tour and another reunion clings to Christmas up to Jan. 6 and sometimes concert with the New Minstrels and the Circus Band beyond that. So you still have a few days to enjoy at the Music Museum on Valentine’s Day. You want a this great album. Aside from Joey, there are also Basil Valdez, Pasko superwoman in this day and age? Joey Albert is it. Her ability to keep her life organized and her Na Sinta Ko; Regine Velasquez, O Holy Night; Mardedication to her career must be the reasons why tin Nievera, The Christmas Song; Zsa Zsa Padilla, Joey, despite her absence, remains in the conscious- Ang Aking Pamasko; Raymond Lauchengco, What ness of friends and fans out here. So do her songs. Child Is This; Rico J. Puno, Merry Christmas Darling; Although these songs initially came out during the Rachelle Ann Go, Kumukutikutitap; The CompanY, ’80s, they continue to play on the radio and there Noche Buena; Mark Bautista, Himig Pasko; Princess, is seldom a videoke bash where some girl will not Give Love On Christmas Day; Charlie Green, Please attempt to sing her hits. Take the case of the 2012 Come Home For Christmas; Anja Aguilar, All I Want Metro Manila Film Festival entry, One More Try. The For Christmas Is You; Marvin Ong, The First Noel; theme song, Without You, sung by Angeline Quinto, Gino Padilla, Silent Night; Aiza Seguerra, Miss Kita is a Joey Albert hit composed by Louie Ocampo and Kung Christmas; Sarah Geronimo, Sana Ngayong Pasko; and Sharon Cuneta, It’s Just Another New Jim Milbowers. Movies and teleserye producers make no secret of Year’s Eve. Philstar.com

Angeline torn between two heartthrobs

Will this be the loveteam to beat in 2013?

Angeline Quinto will be torn between Paulo Avelino and Sam Milby—in the upcoming romantic-comedy series of ABS-CBN titled Kahit Konting Pagtingin, which is set to premiere on January 2013. Besides Angeline, Paulo and Sam, the newest Kapamilya teleserye will star John Lapus, Tommy Abuel, Aljhon Lucas, Alexandra Macanan, Junee Gamboa, James

Blanco and Mylene Dizon. Angeline’s first-ever teleserye is directed by Darnel Villaflor. Watch out for the beginning of a heartwarming tale that will bring smiles and love to TV viewers everyday, Kahit Konting Pagtingin this January 2013 on ABS-CBN. For more updates, log on to www.abs-cbn.com or follow abscbndotcom on Twitter. (ManilaTimes.net)

Features

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Goldilocks offers $3.99-Express Meals and FREE Cheeserolls As a way of reassuring its loyal customers that the company’s delicious hot food and highquality bakery items will remain affordable throughout the year, Goldilocks is offering delicious Express Meals at $3.99 (and up), complete with soup and rice and a continuing promo that offers two (2) FREE freshly-baked Cheeserolls with the purchase of one dozen pieces of Cheeserolls. The Express Meals are available all day, everyday at Goldilocks Eagle Rock, Panorama, North Hills and Cerritos in LA County. Customers can choose from a plentiful variety of their favorite meat, fish or vegetable entrees such as Chicken Adobo, BBQ, Kaldereta, Kare-Kare, Sinigang, Fried Bangus, Pancit, Laing, Pinakbet, Bicol Express, Lechon Kawali, Paksiw na Lechon, Tortang Talong, Dinuguan and many more. (Items may vary per store location. Cerritos Express Meals are available Monday-Friday only) The Express Meals are always cooked fresh and are available for dine-in or carryout. The meals are perfect for quick breakfasts and lunch breaks, or as convenient take-out dinners that can be readily picked-up before heading for home after a hard day’s work. Like the phenomenally popular All-You-Can-Eat Weekend Breakfast Buffet, Goldilocks’ $3.99 (and up) complete Express Meals give

customers an added opportunity to satisfy their craving for Filipino comfort food with extremely generous servings of Goldilocks’ most popular dishes at a truly affordable price. The $3.99 Express Meals and Cheeseroll promo are valid at the following Goldilocks LA County locations: Goldilocks Cerritos (Restaurant and Bakeshop) 11489 South Street Cerritos, CA 90703 Tel. no. (562) 924-5990 Goldilocks Eagle Rock (Restaurant and Bakeshop) 2700 Colorado Blvd. Ste.110 (inside Eagle Rock Plaza) Los Angeles, CA 90041 Tel. no. (323) 543-2676 Goldilocks Panorama Cit y (Restaurant and Bakeshop) 8340 Van Nuys Boulevard Panorama City, CA 91402 Tel. No. (818) 891-5253 Goldilocks North Hills (Restaurant and Bakeshop) 16130 Nordhoff St. North Hills, CA 91343 Tel. no. (818) 895-9100 G o l d i l o c k s We s t Cov i n a (Bakeshop) 2429 So. Azusa Avenue West Covina, CA 91792 Tel. no. (626) 964-1811 Goldilocks Los Angeles (Bakeshop) 207 So. Vermont Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90004 (Advertising Supplement)

DirekRuelweavesaluscioustalelacedwithintricatelayersofplausibleconflictsthatleftaudiences cryingandcheeringandgaggingformoreinOneMoreTry.Left:WithAngelicaPanganibanand Dingdong Dantes on the set and (below) with Zanjoe Marudo and Angel Locsin.

Ruel Bayani scores a hit, creates a classic by Chuck Gomez/Philstar.com

MANILA—Ruel Santos Bayani created another unforgettable cinematic masterpiece and scored a certified box-office hit in Star Cinema’s family drama One More Try. The film grossed P13.1M on its opening day and emerged as Best Picture at the 38th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF). In One More Try, Ruel weaves a luscious tale laced with intricate layers of plausible conflicts that left audiences crying and cheering and gagging for more. Ruel zeroes in on the core competence of Pinoy movies — the unmatched acting prowess of Filipino artists. It has been clear from the get-go that One More Try is character-driven as much as it is centered on its powerful narrative that is focused on its four major characters played flawlessly by Angelica Panganiban, Dingdong Dantes, Zanjoe Marudo and Angel Locsin. In the movie, Grace (Angel) seeks the help of Edward (Dingdong), the biological father of her child Bochok (brilliantly played by child actor Miguel Vergara) who is suffering from a rare blood disease and must undergo a bone marrow transplant. Grace and Edward need to conceive a child that would match the DNA of Bochok for the transplant PAGE B6 u

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • january 5-8, 2013

American Fish Grill’s New Year ‘Seven Day Health Food Challenge’ This new year, 2013, American Fish Grill, a newly established health food restaurant in Torrance/Carson, CA, has issued what they call a “7 day Health Food Challenge”.  Their challenge is for anyone striving to eat healthy to try their cuisine for 5 straight days and get two Cajun dinners for the weekend free. They want you to find out eating healthy can be easy, simple, affordable and still be tasteful. The cold weather invites people to warm up and get cozy with priceless moments of catching up. One would not contest that get-togethers are best enjoyed with hearty laughs and warm meals. Best known for serving fresh and original dishes, the American Fish Grill in Torrance is everyone’s best bet when it comes to healthy and well- prepared foods at reasonable prices. The driving forces behind American Fish grills success, Angelito and Zenaida Uy, make sure that customers are comfortable enough to focus on the every dish served to them. Hailing from the Philippines, Angelito and Zenaida are commended by patrons for their exceptional hospitality which makes it safe to expect that the staff of American Fish Grill will do the same. Valuing customers the same way they value their family, people over at American Fish Grill frequently check on every customer’s needs and make friendly suggestions on what should be tried on their menu. The man behind American Fish Grill’s creative recipes is Chef Jo Dijamco, Chef Jo as he is known started in 1998 at the Hilton and became the executive chef at age 26. He worked for Chantelclair Restaurant in Newport Beach, The Cannery, Pascal, Mr. Stox at Ports of Call in San Pedro to name a few.  His background is classical French cuisine but has a passion for Cajun style cooking. Seafood lovers enjoy having American Fish Grill’s Cajun style Seafood Boiling Crab, Boiling Crawfish or the Boling Shrimp menu which starts at $8.99 from their dinner specials. For a minimum total purchase of $20, one can get a ½ pound shrimp meal for free. Customers can also enjoy fish entrees such as the Pan Roasted Tilapia, Togarashi Crusted Tuna, the Pan Seared Salmon, and the Australian

Barramundi, among others. For those who are in the mood for some good meat, the Beef Stroganoff and the Beef Pot Roast will certainly delight the taste buds. The restaurant also serves the mouth-watering Mary’s Farm Free Range Chicken that comes with sweet yams, Japanese eggplant puree, and kalamata olive tapenade. At American Fish Grill, food is prepared upon ordering. This ensures customers that dishes served to them are unfailingly fresh every time. Open daily from 3-9pm on weekdays and 11-9pm on weekends, American Fish Grill is located at 1175 W. Carson St., Torrance. For more information, you may call (310) 212-6268. You may also visit their website: americanfishgrill.com. Also, at any given day, if your party’s bill happens to be more than $20, you will get half a pound of Cajun seafood for free.  They also deliver orders $25 or more, serve party platters and will cater within a 5 mile radius.  Give them a try; you’ve got nothing to lose but some undesirable excess weight. (Advertising Supplement)

OMB pushes anti-piracy campaign worldwide MANILA—Optical Media Board (OMB) chairman Ronnie Ricketts has vowed to strengthen its Zero Piracy Campaign, especially with the annual Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) in full swing. In a report by ABS-CBN News, Ricketts said that while their information campaign by means of distributing shirts and button pins has been effective, it is the cooperation of Muslim merchants in Quiapo that will reduce the proliferation of pirated CDs of MMFF entries. According to the OMB chair, the agency has been in constant communication with Quiapo

Muslim leader Camad Pangandaman and that they have been cooperative with the campaign. “ Tuluy-tuloy (pa din) ang pag ikot natin hanggang matapos ‘yung festival,” Ricketts said. In a separate interview aired in T V Patrol recently, Ricketts said OMB also aims to solve piracy of Pinoy films abroad. “Pirac y is not just a local problem, it’s a worldwide probl e m . Wi t h T F C ( Th e Fi l i p i n o Channel) par tnering with us, yung message namin will be Philstar.com photo s e nt a l l ove r t h e wo r l d,” h e explained. nounced their target gross for festival, what with the entries’ M e a n w h i l e , M M D A c h a i r - this year ’s MMFF. He sees a quality and combination. (Philman Francis Tolentino has an- P700M gross at the end of the star.com)

Rising Filipina JPop artist returns for stage musical by Ed Uy ManilaTimes.net

Avid fans of JPop may have heard about our very own Athena Tibi, who got her break in the Japanese music industry when she performed at the ToySound event in Shibuya, Japan. Considered one of the major events in Shibuya, ToySound is a new international music festival for electronic artists that fall into the growing space between pure DJ acts and full-on live bands. Besides per forming at ToySound, Athena had also been working on contracts with Japanese music labels Pony Canyon, Sony Music Japan, among others. She has already recorded nine tracks so far, and has been busy composing songs in Japanese.

Athena Tibi

She has also met other JPop stars like Crystal Kay and Tanimura Nana, as well as producer/ composer JJ de Barrado and Chris Mosdell. De Barrado and Mosdell PAGE B6 u

Entertainment

B6 January 5-8, 2013 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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Timeless Jazz ambience radiates, Tess Salientes is joyful MARITESS SALIENTES calls herself a genuine Balikbayan and Balikmusikera. At age 16, Tess won 1st prize in the 1974 Philippine Yamaha Electone Festival and represented the Philippines as the youngest contestant at the 10th International Grand Prix Concours in Nemu-NoSato, Japan where she won the Distinguished Performance Award (2nd prize). Showing a natural affinity for jazz, she pursued studies at the world-renowned Berklee College of Music in Boston and graduated with a Composition Degree, Magna cum Laude. At Berklee, she taught Harmony, Ear Training and Small Jazz Ensemble briefly while composing and performing with her own Fusion Jazz Band, Apple Pie and Mother. Her band members continued on to enjoy successful careers, notably Grammy award guitarist Bill Frissell. In 2000 she joined corporate America as VP of Sales and Marketing for Pulte Homes Inc., a Fortune 200 company.  While raising a young family she served as volunteer music teacher and caroling director for the Iskuwelahang Pilipino in Boston.  Tess returned home in 2005. In 2006 the school received the presidential

Banaag Award given to Outstanding Overseas Filipino organizations abroad. Tess’ involvement with her musical endeavors is marked with an intensity and joy that is truly infectious. She is the musical director, composer, arranger, and keyboardist for Joyful Jazz and Quintessence, currently delighting Manila’s musical elite with high caliber audiencefriendly Jazz. Tess is the proprietor for Music Magician, producing original music and musical arrangements with recording Studio facilities in Bonifacio Global City. A prolific composer and arranger, Tess’ abilities run the full spectrum from mainstream jazz to pop songs, commercial and corporate jingles, film scoring and recently, a Jazz Symphony entitled My Rizal, which premiered on Jose Rizal’s 150th anniversary. Beyond her wisdom is a performer with a formidable drive and independent spirit. This is a woman, after all, who instead of taking the conventional route traded in her corporate hat to finally reclaim her musical roots once again. Jazz is her passion. It is the fine art of improvisation, of playing in the moment with master musicians, formidably and playfully exchanging ideas and feelings.

Her interpretive approach to piano playing is astonishing and spring directly from her heart. The affection and respect exchanged between Tess and her musicians is palpable. Her performances engage and delight. Tess Salientes is the artist of choice to partner with premier performing artists like stage veteran Bituin Escalante, opera master Andrew Fernando, and international giants Mon David and Charito. One of her favorite quotes: “There are many things in life that will catch your eye, but only a few will catch your heart. Pursue those.” …And so she did. Today Tess radiates a subdued glamour along with a persuaded confidence; her urge to charge forward has propelled her to where she is today. For inquiries and booking: Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TessSalientes Email: tessbloom@gmail.com Contact number: +63 918 9190491 *** October 9 and October 23 Tess Sa- rin Hotel 7-9:15pm Save the date: Januar y 24, 2013 lientes & Joyful Jazz with Skarlet, 7TH October 19 Tess Salientes & JoyThe Joyful Journey of Tess Salientes. High, Boni High St. 8:30-10:30pm ful Jazz, Tap Room, Manila Hotel 9With special guests, Charito & Andrew Wednesdays in October Tess Salien- 11:45pm Fernando. (Advertising Supplement) tes & Joyful Jazz, Martini’s Bar, Manda-

Kapuso stars kiss 2012 adieu and look forward to 2013 news that Sana Ay Ikaw Na Nga became No. 1 during the whole daytime block because that’s what I put all my energies towards giving my best. For 2013, I’m looking forward to improving upon my 2012 and making the most of the momentum I’ve built. Ogie Alcasid: 2012 went by and so many things happened, happy events and very sad events. What is important is that in 2012, we remained resilient as a nation: always believing that God is our refuge and salvation. Every new year is an opportunity to grow as a Christian and to be able to witness God’s abundant love for all of us. Every new year is a blessing by God’s grace. Alden Richards: I’ll never forget how fruitful my career was during my 2012. I’m looking forward for another prosperous year in 2013 because with God anything is possible. Raymond Gutierrez: I have too many personal breakthroughs and career highlights in 2012 to just choose one. It was truly an unforgettable year for me. From turning my life around and living a healthier lifestyle, the weight loss and the companies that trusted me to endorse their products this year, I’m truly grateful to everyone who helped me along the way. For the upcoming year, I already have set sights on a few projects and collaborations. I might branch out into business and maybe travel a bit more. Let’s see. But whatever it is, my formula will be the same as last year; work hard and keep your eye on the prize. Jennylyn Mercado: 2012 was one of the best years for me. Ang dami kong naranasan, natutunan at natuklasan. That is why there is no specific Kapuso stars have all the reasons to be thankful for the year that was. moment for me na i-cherish because from experience I learned how to As for 2013, they hope for a clean slate to start fresh with wishes and treasure every moment kasi everything that we experience makes us goals all set for realization. Below, GMA talents share their unforgettable who we are now. For 2013, looking forward ako for my new projects moments in 2012 and things they look forward to in the new year. and continuing my journey here at GMA. Carla Abellana: Unforgettable moment in 2012 was paying for my Gwen Zamora: Most unforgettable was being able to complete my house and lot fully, getting myself and my family new cars and com- novena even with a hectic schedule hahaha. I’m looking forward to a ing to Las Vegas for the first time with Geoff on a brief vacation. This family reunion again… Kasi my family is always scattered around the 2013, I look forward to my new soap where I get to play a role I’ve been world. dreaming of since I was younger, and hopefully I get to do at least one TJ Trinidad: The birth of my son who has changed my life profoundly. movie as well. Continued growth as an artist, being more active in giving back to the Mikael Daez: My most unforgettable moment would be getting the community and of course, being a father and a husband.

Rising Filipina JPop artist returns... PAGE B5 are known to have worked with international pop icons Kelly Clarkson and Michael Jackson. But when the Philippines came calling, the trilingual singer-songwriter decided to put her promising JPop career on hold so she can concentrate on reprising role in the restaging of Rivalry: AteneoLa Salle The Musical. Born in Manila, Athena spent eight years in Japan where she became exposed to JPop and also learned to love western music from artists such as Kelly Clarkson, Demi Lovato and Avril

Lavigne. A natural performer with impressive vocal range, she has so far performed in popular musicals like Wicked, High School Musical, Legally Blonde and Much Ado About Nothing. In the local scene, she is known for her performances in the daily soap Sarah the Teen Princess, and movies like Lastikman and A Journey Home. Like a damsel torn between two lovers, Athena admits that she loves singing JPop songs and performing in Broadway type of musicals like Rivalry—two musical genres that sit on opposite poles.

“Sometimes it’s really hard to switch from singing something JPop to Broadway, But I can’t help it. I grew up listening to JPop, and at the same time I love stage musicals because performing live is my passion. Being on stage and putting myself in my character’s shoes is something that I re ally enjoy doing,” Athena shares. Coincidentally, Athena’s role in Rivalry is about a colegiala who is torn between two college boys from rival universities, Ateneo and De La Salle. Athena considers the opportunity to play the role of Reena in

Rivalry as a dream come true. “It was my first lead role in a major production which happens to be an original Filipino musical Singing Tito Ed Gatchalian’s songs is like going to various adventures. The directorial team of Tito Jaime del Mundo also draws out the best in everyone, and the lyrics of Joel Trinidad is perfect for Broadway,” Athena enthuses. “I’m sure a lot of people can relate to the story because of its interesting plot. On top of that, the audience will be drawn by the performances of the wonderful cast whom I have now considered family.” Rivalry will have its second run from January 25 to February 17 at the Meralco Theater.

Ruel Bayani scores a hit...

PAGE B5 to work. However, the squarishly handsome Edward is married to feisty Jac (Angelica) and the earthy Grace is in a relationship with the ruggedly attractive Tristan (Zanjoe) making it morally and emotionally difficult and challenging for Grace and Edward to conceive, especially when their option of in-vitro fertil-

ization failed making the “natural” way of conceiving the only viable and expeditious option to save Bochok’s life.   Ruel casts a magic spell on us, the audiences, that grabbed us by the very core of our humanity as he challenged us to think about the extent of our willingness to save a child’s life with our conservatism

Mark Herras: Dancing for Tito Dolphy’s tribute was an unforgettable moment for me in 2012. I was able to show people that I can also do other dance moves apart from hip-hop and sobrang hirap ng mambo at para gayahin yung exact moves ni Tito Dolphy. Overwhelming yung feeling na natuwa at kino-congratulate ako ng lahat ng tao lalo na yung Quizon family. I’m looking forward to more acting projects both on TV and film and of course, dancing will still be a part of my 2013. Good health and happiness for me and my loved ones. Bela Padilla: For 2012, all my scenes in Magdalena have been unforgettable for me. An action/drama show hopefully in 2013. Rafael Rosell: Most unforgettable moment in 2012 was one of those spontaneous trips to a hidden and unexplored surf spot dito sa Pinas. It was scary at first, but when I overcame my fear and became chill with the new environment, I slowly came to a realization that would further change the course of my life. It was that very surf session I discovered that a new environment, new people, new experiences and a new outlook was such an enriching boost. This realization slowly leads to my transfer of networks, wherein the excitement of a new environment, new people, new experiences and new outlook took place. And thus 2012 has been, in all senses of the meaning immensely enriching to me. In 2013, I look forward to more people discovering more about themselves and moving forward in their lives and making bold steps out of their comfort zone…in which, they say, is where the epic begins. Marc Abaya: After my mom passed away last October, my bandmates and I spent a weekend in her rest house in Anilao, Batangas for muchneeded rejuvenation and healing. She “sent” us the most beautiful sunset I’ve ever seen. It began simply...then the sky exploded with the most majestic colors. She was also a painter in life...so naturally, I felt like she painted the sky for me; telling me everything was going to be alright. What do I look forward to in 2013? Everything. Life has always thrown me blessings and “curve balls.” I’m grateful for all these gifts for they have made me who I am. I look forward to doing things...anything and everything to honor my family; to honor my mother. Frencheska Farr: When I got to play the lead role in CBN Asia’s Tinig: The Dulce Story, I was able to break some of my boundaries in acting and the Miss Saigon auditions as well. Janine Gutierrez: Most unforgettable moment? I think I had so many firsts this year but one would have to be riding a helicopter over the island of Boracay. I look forward to more firsts in 2013, more travels! Jillian Ward: My most unforgettable moment of 2012 was when my mom and dad surprised me with a Hello Kitty van, playing the role of Luna in Luna Blanca and winning the Movie Child Performer of the Year at the 28th PMPC Star Awards. I’m looking forward to a great year with happy life and blessed family. I’m also wishing good health for all of us. More projects for me and my co-actors at GMA. Gabby Eigenmann: The success of Broken Vow and Sana Ay Ikaw Na Nga. Also, being nominated for Asian Television Awards. Rocco Nacino: Receiving and giving my speech for my three awards this year for Enpress, Star Awards and Guillermo Mendoza. I’m looking forward to more projects and interesting roles that I can portray this year. KC Montero: Getting the chance to get to know Rhian. Continued success for all my friends and my companies as well. Glaiza de Castro: Most unforgettable yung pag-accept ko sa role ko sa Temptation of Wife. For 2013, I’m looking forward to a more travel/ adventure-filled year of independence. (Philstar.com) as Filipinos as the key influencer of our decisions. As we willingly entered the imagined world created by Ruel, we accompany the characters  in their individual and collective journeys as they all aspire to save Bochok’s life and we empathize with each of them leaving us as torn and as confused as the characters the actors of the film expertly breathed life into. Audiences cheered and clapped with bravura of Jac’s emotional

outburst when the final threads of her patience as a supportive wife to Edward started to crumble and fall. On the other hand, we also felt the deep pain of Grace who is willing to let go of her morality and self-respect and dignity to save the life of her child. I personally felt the psychological conflict of Dingdong’s character in his desire to do everything he can to save the life of his son including making love with Grace in spite of the fact that he is greatly endangering his marriage with Jac whom he professes as the love of his life.    Angelica, Dingdong and Angel are all known as formidable dramatic actors but Zanjoe is a great revelation as a serious actor in the movie with his quiet yet very powerful presence as Grace’s understanding and loving boyfriend. Carmina Villarroel and Agot Isidro also gave unforgettable performances as Dr. Diesta and Marga, respectively, while the ever-reliable Gina Pareño as Nanay Medy did not fail us with her equally riveting performance as the voice of reason and fairness in the movie. The four leads of the movie did not upstage each other because Ruel orchestrated them in pitch perfect harmony as he expertly presented them as a singular unit interconnected with each other and integral with the development and resolution of the movie’s narrative. Ruel along with his team writers Jay Fernando and Karen Ramos, lighting director Charlie Peralta, musical director Raul Mitra and editor Vito Cajili scored a big hit and created a movie that is instantly canonized as a modern Filipino classic. One More Try championed the true essence of filmmaking as it epitomized and communicated the indefatigable human spirit and transformative power of true love in all its many forms.

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Entertainment

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COMMUNITY J ournal

Your Immigration Solution Atty.RobertReeves Nancy Miller AFTER months of waiting, the Provisional Unlawful Residence Waiver is now a reality. Starting March 4, 2013, aliens who are eligible for green cards but don’t qualify to complete the process in the United States will be able to obtain their waiver of the 10-year unlawful presence bar in the United States if they can prove extreme hardship to their United States citizen parents or spouse. While they will still need to obtain their green cards through consular processing, they will leave the United States with the certainty that their waiver has been granted and the reasonable expectation that their time outside the United States will be a matter of weeks rather than months or years. It is estimated that as many as 1 million individuals will be eligible to benefit from this significant change in the processing of unlawful presence waivers. Immigrants who entered United States without inspection, who lost proof that they were lawfully inspected and admitted into the United States, who entered the United States as crewmen, and who entered the United States as fiancé(e)s but did not marry their US citizen petitioner, are not eligible to apply for permanent residence (green card) from within the US They must first return to their home country and be processed through the US Embassy. However, when they leave the US they automatically trigger a bar of up to 10 years for overstaying. They must then apply for a waiver of that bar at the US Embassy. This holds true even if they are married to a US citizen. Many immigrants in this situation faced an incredibly difficult decision – remain in the United States illegally or leave

Provisional waiver relief is a reality! the United States to apply for their green card and a waiver of their unlawful presence at the US Embassy abroad with the possibility that the waiver could be denied and they could be stuck outside the United States for the next 10 years. Even for those granted the waiver, the time outside the United States waiting for the decision could be 6 months or a year. That is a long time to be separated from a loving spouse, an elderly parent or a young child. The provisional waiver rule alleviates this Draconian Choice by allowing prospective immigrants to obtain their unlawful presence waiver within the United States. Only spouses and children of US citizens are eligible for the provisional waiver. In addition, the applicant must be inadmissible to the United States only because of unlawful presence, have an approved immigrant visa petition from his or her US citizen family member, be physically present in the US at the time the application is filed, and have biometrics taken in the US in order to qualify for the program. Applicants whose waiver applications have been denied or withdrawn may file a new application. Individuals in removal proceedings may file if their court case has been administratively closed and has not been recalendared at the time of filing for the waiver. After the waiver is granted, they may file to terminate their court proceeding. This last step is important to avoid an unintentional removal order. Unfortunately, immigrants who have outstanding deportation orders, or are not physically in the United States are not eligible for the provisional waiver. The provisional waiver process is also not applicable for grounds of inadmissibility for prior misrepresentation or crim-

inal convictions. And, while the unlawful presence waiver is available for those with Lawful Permanent Resident parents or spouses, the provisional waiver process is not. Currently, those whose qualifying relative are green card holders must still apply for the waiver after they have left the United States and wait outside for it to be adjudicated. Whether the provisional waiver will be expanded remains to be seen. The filing or the approval of a provisional unlawful presence waiver will not confer any legal status on the applicant in the United States. Approval of the waiver does not protect against additional unlawful presence, authorize entry into the United States without a visa or other entry document, provide employment authorization, or protect the applicant from being placed into removal proceedings. It also does not change the legal standard for ultimately being granted the waiver – the applicant must still demonstrate extreme hardship to his or her US citizen spouse or parents. Anyone who is now or may soon be eligible to obtain a green card through consular processing should consult an experienced and knowledgeable immigration lawyer about this wonderful path to legal status without significant separation from family. *** Atty. Reeves has represented clients in numerouslandmarkimmigrationcasesthat have set new policies regarding INS action andimmigrants’rights.Hisofficesarelocated in Pasadena, 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 personalizedrepresentationthatisessential to every case. (Advertising Supplement)

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Community Journal

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How bankruptcy can help you rebuild your finances, your credit and your life

Minding Your Finances Atty. Raymond Bulaon When debts spiral out of control, bankruptcy can become an invaluable financial recovery tool in stemming the tide and getting you back on the right track. While it’s not for everyone, more than 1.5 million people every year find it to be their only hope of getting a fresh financial start. Debt problems can be the result of unemployment, reduction in income, disability, divorce, or in some cases, poor financial decisions. A financial crisis can happen to anyone at any time. No

one is exempt. Bankruptcy is a fact of life. Without it, people with serious debt problems will remain stuck where they are, unable to move on with their lives. Living with stress every day caused by the burden of debt is a horrible way to live. Bankruptcy can offer hope when the future looks bleak. Because of eligibility requirements for the type of relief being sought, some people will qualify for Chapter 7 to completely wipe out their debts. Others may have no choice but to file Chapter 13 and pay their creditors over a 3-5 year period. Much of it depends on your income and your assets. You also need to take into consideration your purpose in seeking debt relief.

Under the latest rules for Chapter 7 bankruptcy eligibility, your current monthly income must be measured against the median monthly income for a family of your size in your state. If your average monthly income is lower than the median, Chapter 7 may be for you. If your income is higher than the median, Chapter 7 is still a possibility, but there is an additional step. You have to undergo what’s known as “the means test”, a mathematical formula for calculating your disposable income and determining whether it is high enough to help pay off some of your debts. Technically speaking, the test measures your disposable income after subtracting various expenses and payments,

Clients’ Bill of Rights

Immigration Edge Atty. Daniel Hanlon Every year, I write hundreds of articles for the press dealing, in general terms, with new immigration laws, regulations and interpretations impacting hundreds of thousands of immigrants both inside and outside the US. Rather than start off this New Year with an article regarding new changes in the law or changing interpretations as to what can be done, legally, for clients in certain circumstances; I decided to publish an article about how things should be done, in practice, for clients seeking the highest quality legal representation. Clients should be aware that when they hire an attorney to represent them in their immigration matters, the attorney owes them several duties under both State Bar ethical rules and contract law. In order to help clients understand what they duties are and how to better obtain the benefits of the services they bargained for in retaining the attorney, I present this Clients’ Bill

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of Rights. First of all, you, the client, have a right to a competent consultation with the attorney whose representation you seek. This means that when you schedule your initial consultation appointment with the attorney, whether paid or free, you have a right to meet with that attorney and that attorney owes you a duty to listen to the facts of your case, review the procedural background

other attorney. You also have a right to a written retainer contract, which must clearly describe the services the attorney will provide and how you are to pay for the services. State Bar rules require that the retainer agreement be sufficiently detailed so as to inform the client as to exactly what the contract includes. You have a right to know what you are paying for! In this regard, you have a right to be charged a fair fee for the services to be rendered. State Bar rules strictly prohibit an attorney from entering into an agreement for or charging an “unconscionable” or unreasonably excessive fee. Factors included to determine whether a fee is unconscionable include: The amount of the fee in proportion to the value of the services performed, the relative sophistication of the attorney versus the client and the uniqueness and difficulty of the questions involved and the skill required to perform the legal service properly. One measure of a fee’s reasonableness is also the standard or “going rate” for similar services among similarly competent and

You do not have to settle for meeting with a “paralegal” or “assistant” to start work on your case. If this is what the attorney’s office presents to you as an appropriate starting point for your case; you have the right to walk out and consult with another attorney.

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and documents and render a competent opinion. You have a right to understand the strategy to be implemented in the case, such that the attorney owes you a reasoned explanation as to how he intends to go about helping you. You do not have to settle for meeting with a “paralegal” or “assistant” to start work on your case. If this is what the attorney’s office presents to you as an appropriate starting point for your case; you have the right to walk out and consult with an-

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and shows whether that amount would be sufficient to make a dent in your unsecured debts over a five-year period. Chapter 7 will be denied to those who have received a discharge of debts under Chapter 7 within the last eight years or Chapter 13 within the last six years. You may also not be able to file if you were denied a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy within the previous 180 days. Your eligibility for Chapter 7 bankruptcy may be in serious jeopardy if the court believes you are guilty of defrauding your creditors. Among other actions, this can include transferring assets to friends or relatives in an attempt to hide them from creditors or the bankruptcy court, as

well as purchasing luxury items with the knowledge that you couldn’t possibly make the required payments. Chapter 13 can be the most effective way to consolidate all your debts into one low monthly payment that you can afford. In a lot of cases, most debts are only paid a small percentage of the actual amount owed, resulting in significant reduction- a reduction of 50% or more is not unusual. Even a second mortgage on your home can be reduced or eliminated if your property is “upside down” and the second mortgage is essentially “unsecured” due to lack of equity in your property. With reduced debt payments every month, people who are strug-

gling financially are able to manage their finances better by making sure that they have enough money left over for basic necessities before paying any of their creditors. If you need help in finding a solution to your debt problems, we can help you figure out your options. Please call Toll-Free 1866-477-7772. We have offices in Glendale, Cerritos, West Covina and Valencia. *** None of the information herein is intended to give legal advice for any specific situation.Atty.RayBulaonhassuccessfully helped over 4,000 clients in getting out of debt.Forafreeattorneyevaluationofyour situation,pleasecallRayBulaonLawOffices at TOLL FREE 1-866-477-7772. (Advertising Supplement)

Permanent residency through marriage to US Citizen spouse

Barrister’s Corner Atty. Kenneth Ursua Reyes THE economic crisis and changes in immigration legislation has made it more difficult to pursue certain traditional paths to obtaining permanent residency in the United States. Employment based immigration has been affected by long wait time in priority under the EB3 category. H1-b visas has been affected by is a viable option if the immigrant is fortunate enough to find a job or an employer to offer them a job under the current economic environment. However, one traditional way of obtaining permanent residency which has remained unchanged is through a petition by a US citizen spouse. As a spouse of a US Citizen, an alien is considered an immediate relative and entitled to immediately apply for a green card inside the United States. This is usually done by simultaneously filing an I-130 Petition for Alien Relative and an I-485 Application to adjust status. However in order to do this, the alien spouse must have been inspected when the alien entered the United

States or if not inspected must be grandfathered by section 245(i) of the immigration and nationality act. Being inspected means that the alien entered using a valid visa, paroled inside the United States, entered using the visa waiver program. The alien is

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physical examination is reported in a USCIS form and sealed in an envelope submitted with the Petition and Adjustment Application. The alien spouse may also apply for a work authorization card with the Petition and Adjustment application. The work authorization card will allow the alien spouse to work legally in the United States, obtain a social security card, and a driver’s license while that person is waiting for his or her green card interview. Work Authorization card are usually issued in about1 to 2 months from filing the application. The green card interview is usually set in about 5 to 6 months from the time the Petition and Application is filed. The green card interview is the most important step in the process. It is through this process that the USCIS officer usually determines whether the marriage, which forms the basis of the Petition, was entered in good faith. The adjudicating officer usually asks

As a spouse of a US Citizen, an alien is considered an immediate relative and entitled to immediately apply for a green card inside the United States. This is usually done by simultaneously filing an I-130 Petition for Alien Relative and an I-485 Application to adjust status. grandfathered by section 245(i) if a family petition or a labor certification has been filed for the benefit of that alien prior to April 30, 2001. If the alien was not inspected nor grandfathered under section 245(i), such as if the alien crossed the border illegally, the alien cannot obtain his or her green card inside the United States. Along with the application and petition, the alien is also required to take a medical examination by a physician designated by the USCIS. The result of that

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Community Journal

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Protecting Employee & Consumer Rights Atty.C.JoeSayas,Jr. LOOKING at the new iPad she received last Christmas, a young woman noted that it was “Designed by Apple in California, Assembled in China.” She asked what this meant, was the iPad made in the USA or not? In recent years, there has been the common lament that nothing is Made in USA anymore. There is the general perception that most things are made in China or somewhere labor is cheap. The thinking seems to be that consumers will buy the cheaper product over the more expensive one, regardless of where it was made. However, a survey conducted by the Consumer Reports National Research Center found that given the choice, 78 percent of Americans would rather buy an American product, rather than one made abroad, even though the product would cost more. Eighty percent of those surveyed reasoned that buying American retained manufacturing jobs in the US and kept American manufacturing strong in the global economy. About 60 percent cited concerns about the use of child workers or other cheap labor overseas. The same 60 percent indicated that American-made goods were of higher quality. (Surprisingly, a survey conducted by the Boston Consulting Group revealed that 60 % of Chinese respondents said they will buy the Americanmade version over the Chinese even if it cost more.) Whether for reasons of quality, safety, or patriotism, most

Tax Tips

VictorSy,CPA,MBA 1. FORGETTING to sign and date the return: An unsigned tax return is considered unfiled. 2. Missing or wrong Social Security Numbers: When entering SSNs for anyone listed on your tax return, be sure to enter them exactly as they appear on the Social Security cards. 3. Misspelled or wrong dependent’s last name: When entering a dependent’s last name on your tax return, ensure they are entered exactly as they appear on their Social Security card. 4. Filing status errors: Make sure you choose the correct filing status for your situation. There are five filing statuses: Single, Married Filing Jointly, Married Filing Separately, Head of Household, and Qualifying Widow(er) With Dependent Child. See Publication 501, Exemptions, Standard Deduction, and Filing Information to determine the filing status that best fits your needs. 5. Incorrect bank routing or account numbers for Direct Deposit: If you are due a refund and requested direct deposit, be sure to review the routing and account numbers for your finan-

Are the products you buy really made in USA? consumers want to know where products are made. However, the way goods are labeled these days, it is not always clear what is made where. Some labels will have pictures of the American flag or contain the word “American” but the products are not made in America. Consumer Reports noted that “Made in USA” claims can either be unqualified or qualified. An unqualified claim means that “all or virtually all” of the product’s parts are from the US and the product is manufactured in the US. The source of confusion comes mainly from qualified claims, those products that are, for example, designed in the United States but manufactured abroad, such as the iPad example above. The US Federal Trade Commission requires that product labels be clear and prominent to provide an accurate impression of where the product was made. This means that labels should not make any false claims or mislead consumers about the product’s origin. California has perhaps one the toughest laws in the country concerning consumer rights in this instance. Making statements regarding the sale of goods or services that mislead the public is prohibited. These include: 1. Passing off goods or services as those of another. Examples may be found in the counterfeit luxury goods industry. 2. Misrepresenting the source, sponsorship, or certification of goods or services. 3. Using deceptive claims of geographic origin. For example, making claims that a product is

Made in the USA when significant parts of are made outside the USA violates the law. 4. Representing that goods or services have ingredients, uses, benefits, or quantities which they do not have. For example, scientific claims that some herbal pills are effective for natural male enhancement, without substantiation, have resulted in lawsuits alleging misrepresentation. Consumers who suffer any damage as a result of any false or misleading claims may bring an action against the company or person who violated the law. If the false or misleading claim has damaged others, an individual may sue on his/her behalf as well as on behalf of persons equally affected. Aggrieved consumers may be entitled to actual damages, a court order to restrain the false or misleading practices, and restitution of property. ***

Clients’ Bill of…

surancecompaniesandbigbusiness.Heis amemberoftheMillionDollar-Advocates Forum—aprestigiousgroupoftriallawyers whosemembershipislimitedtothosewho havedemonstratedexceptionalskill,experience and excellence in advocacy. He has been featured in the cover of Los Angeles Daily Journal’s Verdicts and Settlements forhisprofessionalaccomplishmentsand recipientofnumerousawardsfromcommunityandmediaorganizations.Hislitigation practiceconcentratesinthefollowingareas: serious personal injuries, wrongful death, insuranceclaims,unfairbusinesspractices, wageandhour(overtime)litigation.Youcan visithiswebsiteatwww.joesayaslaw.comor contacthisofficebytelephoneat(818)2910088. (Advertising Supplement)

attaching a Schedule M, Making Work Pay and Government Retiree Credits to their 2009 Form 1040 or 1040 A. Taxpayers who file Form 1040-EZ will use the worksheet for Line 8 on the back of the 1040-EZ to figure their Making Work Pay Tax Credit. The credit is worth up to $400 for individuals and $800 for married couples filing jointly. Many people who worked during 2009 are slowing down the processing of their tax return by not properly claiming this credit. 10. Mailing tax returns with payment due to the wrong IRS service center. Each year, the IRS changes processing centers where tax returns are mailed. *** Victor Santos Sy, CPA, MBA, provides professional services in accounting and tax controversyincludingIRSauditdefenseand offersincompromise.Healsoadvisesclients on choices of entity including corporations for small businesses and LLCs for rentals. Vic worked with SyCip, Gorres,Velayo (SGV AndersenConsulting)andErnst&Youngbefore establishingSyAccountancyCorporationat 704 Mira Monte Place, Pasadena, CA 91101. The firm celebrates its 35th anniversary this year. You may email tax questions to Vic at vic@victorsycpa.com. You are welcome to visit our website for more than 300 tax tips at www.victorsycpa.com.

(Advertising Supplement)

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experienced attorneys in the same field. If you think you have been charged an unreasonable or unconscionable fee, you have a right to seek a second opinion on the case and also to seek State or local bar fee arbitration. If the attorney has violated his ethical duties to charge only a reasonable fee and not abuse his relative sophistication or, worse, coerces you into signing the agreement through exaggerated claims of the attorney’s rate of success or fame, you have a right to walk away from the client and go to a higher authority. You also have a right to the benefit of whatever bargain you have struck with the attorney, which means you have a right to speak to that attorney, meet with that attorney or email that attorney and obtain satisfactory answers regarding any factors impacting your case as well as progress and developments. When you sign the retainer agreement, you should be facing the attorney you hire. Once you have signed the retainer and paid the attorney, you have a right to that attorney’s representation. You did not hire a “paralegal” or the firm’s office manager. If your calls are unanswered or you are only allowed to speak to the paralegal after you hire the attorney, you have the right to hire a new attorney who will honor the retainer contract and actively represent you; not hide behind a paralegal and ignore your phone calls and emails. In addition to these rights, you also have the “selfevident” right to be treated with dignity and respect. Too often I hear stories from people who were denied access to their attorneys at other firms, only to be belittled and derided by the paralegals; when they finally get a chance to speak to the paralegal! When you hire an attorney, you are hiring a professional. A true professional will adhere to the rules of ethical conduct and basic human decency in carrying out his duties toward his clients. If you are receiving anything less from your attorney, you have the right to take your case, and hardearned money, somewhere else.

detailed questions about the marriage relationship between the US Citizen spouse and alien spouse. If the couple do not have children, the marriage are usually subject to closer scrutiny. Along with this inquiry process, the USCIS would usually request for certain documents that proves a bonafide marriage. Some of these documents may be in the form of pictures, joint utility bills, health insurance documents, and many more. If everything goes well, the USCIS officer will approve the case and a green card will be mailed to the alien’ address within a reasonable time period. If the couple has been married for 2 years or more, the alien spouse will receive a permanent greencard. If the couple has been married for less than 2 years, the alien will receive a conditional green card. The alien spouse will have to file a petition to remove the condition 3 months prior to the expiration of the conditional greencard which is good for 2 years. Obtaining legal status in the United States is a one shot deal. People should seek the assistance of an experienced Attorney to guide them through this important and and once in a lifetime process. ***

*** Daniel P. Hanlon is a California State Bar Certified Specialist in Immigration andNationalityLawandaprincipalofHanlonLawGroup,PC,locatedat225 S. Lake Ave., 11th Floor in Pasadena, California; Tel. No. (626) 585-8005. HanlonLawGroup,PCisa“full-serviceImmigrationLawfirm.”E-mail:visas@ hanlonlawgroup.com and www.hanlonlawgroup.com. (Advertising Supplement)

Home Buyers Kenneth Go

THE mortgage industry can relax now with the final fiscal cliff deal bringing back a popular tax break on mortgage insurance premiums and debt forgiveness for borrowers who go through a short-sale or some other type of debt reduction. It was on the tip off the house committee voting to amend but the final hours, they were able to come to a deal. There are a lot more fights between both sides in regards to the spending cuts, that is for another day, but now our concerns are addressed temporarily. A topic that is still up for discussion and likely to surface later in the year is whether the popular mortgage interest tax deduction will be part of a long-term deficit reduction plan. Still, the deal passed by the Senate and House on Jan. 1 is C. Joe Sayas, Jr., Esq. is an experienced one that leaves room for hope in trialattorneywhohassuccessfullyobtained the housing market. The American Taxpayer Resignificantresults,includingseveralmillion dollarrecoveriesforconsumersagainstin- lief Act of 2012 apparently ex-

10 most common errors in filing tax returns cial institution. 6. Math errors: When preparing paper returns, review all math for accuracy. Remember, when you file electronically, the software takes care of the math for you! 7. Computation errors: Take your time. Many taxpayers make mistakes when figuring their taxable income, withholding and estimated tax payments, Earned Income Tax Credit, Standard Deduction for age 65 or over or blind, the taxable amount of Social Security benefits, and the Child and Dependent Care Credit. 8. Incorrect Adjusted Gross Income information: Taxpayers filing electronically must sign the return electronically using a Personal Identification Number. To verify their identity, taxpayers will be prompted to enter their AGI from their originally filed 2008 federal income tax return or their prior year PIN if they used one to file electronically last year. Taxpayers should not use an AGI amount from an amended return, Form 1040X, or a math error correction made by IRS. 9. Claiming the Making Work Pay Tax Credit: Taxpayers with earned income should claim the Making Work Pay Tax Credit by

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 5-8, 2013

Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. HewasPresidentofthePhilippineAmericanBar Association. HeisamemberofboththeFamilylawsection andImmigrationlawsectionoftheLosAngelesCountyBar Association. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice.LAWOFFICESOFKENNETHREYES,P.C.islocatedat 3699Wilshire Blvd., Suite 700, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213)388-1611ore-mailkureyeslaw@gmail.comorvisitour website at Kenreyeslaw.com.

***

Pleasenotethatthisarticleisnotlegaladviceandisnotintendedas legaladvice. Thearticleisintendedtoprovideonlygeneral,non-specific legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your mattermaymaketheoutcomedifferentthanwouldbeanticipatedby you. Thisarticledoescreateanyattorneyclientrelationshipbetween youandtheLawOfficesofKennethU.Reyes,P.C. Thisarticleisnota solicitation. (Advertising Supplement)

Debt forgiveness law survives another year! tends a law that expired at the end of 2011, which allowed for the deductibility of mortgage insurance premiums, according to a research report from Isaac Boltansky with Compass Point Research & Trading. The law now applies to fiscal years 2012 and 2013. “The law dictates that eligible borrowers who itemize their federal tax returns and have an adjusted gross income (AGI) of less than $100,000 per year can deduct 100% of their annual mortgage insurance premiums,” Compass Point said. “Certain borrowers with AGIs above $100,000 may benefit from the deductibility as well but are subject to a sliding scale. The tax break covers private mortgage insurance as well as mortgage insurance provided by the FHA, the VA, and the Rural Housing Service. In 2009, about 3.6 million taxpayers claimed the mortgage insurance deduction,” the research firm added. One of the more watched provisions of the fiscal cliff was the

Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007, which was set to expire on Dec. 31. The fiscal cliff deal extends it for another year; meaning homeowners who experience a debt reduction through mortgage principal forgiveness or a short sale are exempt from being taxed on the forgiven amount. “The amount extends up to $2 million of debt forgiven on the homeowner’s principal residence,” Compass Point Research & Trading said. “For homeowner’s to qualify, their debt must have been used to ‘buy, build, or substantially improve’ their principal residence and be secured by that residence. The law, which was passed in 2007 with a 5-year sunset provision, will now be in effect until Jan. 1, 2014.” Another minor win for housing is a provision tied to the government’s plan to increase the capital gains tax rate from 15% to 20% for individuals who earn more than $400,000. While in

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JANUARY 5-8, 2013 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Debt Relief Atty.LawrenceYang IN California, the equity in your homestead (your residence) is exempt up to a certain amount, depending on your circumstances. For instance, if you are at least 65 years old, you can exempt $175,000 of equity in your residence. So, if your house has a current fair market value of $300,000 and you have a mortgage on it with a balance of $150,000, the entire equity of $150,000 is exempt in bankruptcy. In other words, if you file for Chapter 7 relief, you can exempt your house and keep it even as you discharge a million dollars of unsecured debt. But let’s say that you own two lots which are adjacent to each other. On one

Problem Solved Atty.KellyO’Reilly A PROPOSED change in the process of obtaining an I-601 waiver was recently entered in the federal registry and people will be allowed to apply for this provisional waiver beginning March 4, 2013. This change could potentially benefit millions of people and eliminate the risk in seeking the waiver. A 601 waiver may be required for many different reasons, however, this change only applies to those who require a waiver for remaining in the US for longer than 180 days without permission. If that person remains for 180 days, they have a 3 year bar for unlawful presence that requires a 601 waiver. If they remain for more than a year, they have a ten year bar and require the same waiver. This particular waiver applies to those who have entered the country unlawfully and therefore are required to return to their home country for what is known as consular processing. Prior to the creation this provisional waiver, an applicant would have to return to their home country and wait for the approval of the waiver there. Depending on the country, the request could take anywhere from three to twelve

Community Journal

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

Workshop or weekend home does not qualify as homestead lot, you have your residence. On the other lot, you have a two storey building which you use for business. In fact, on the first floor of this building you operate a restaurant that specializes in fried chicken Tahitian style. On the second floor of this building, you keep your inventory of live chickens. Last week, your wife left you because she alleges that “you chicken lover, you love your chickens more than you love me!” You are despondent because your wife has left you and it’s not even true that you love your chickens more than you love your wife. The truth is that you love your wife and your chickens equally. You abandon your residence and live in with your chickens in the second floor of the building. A month after you move into the 2nd floor of the building, you file for Chapter 7 relief to dis-

charge $100,000 of credit card debt. You exempt the $100,000 equity in the building alleging that you have 50 dependents who happen to have feathers instead of hair and that you claim the building as your homestead. The trustee objects to your claim of exemption because the building is your place of business, not your residence. Who is correct? In Re Perry, the debtor owned two adjacent parcels of land. A house where the debtor once lived was located on one lot. A workshop used in the debtor’s welding business was located on the other lot. Debtor moved out of the house in September 2011. Since then, he returned to the area every two or three weeks. When he was in town, he stayed in the workshop, which had a sofa bed and refrigerator. When the debtor filed for Chapter 7 relief in March 2012, he claimed

601 provisional waiver for unlawful presence a reality months to be approved, or could be denied. During the entire process while the waiver was pending, the applicant had to remain in their home country. The process to request a waiver was not only a lengthy separation from family and work, but could potentially be denied resulting in further delay and separation. The new proposed process is not a change of law, but simply a change of procedure. Under the proposal, people who have an approved petition through an immediate family member, such as a US citizen spouse, may request the waiver here in the United States rather than returning home to request the waiver. This means that your US citizen relative must file the petition on your behalf. Once that petition is approved, the case will be forwarded to the National Visa Center. At that point we notify them that you plan on applying for the provisional waiver. The waiver is obtained by showing extreme hardship to your US citizen relative. This could be economic, emotional, medical, or other types of hardship. Once the waiver is approved you will complete the process and schedule an interview at the US consulate in your home country. This means that people

will have a much higher degree of certainty that they will be able to return to the US before leaving. The risk in this situation would be very minimal. If the waiver is approved, you can leave to your home country for your immigrant visa interview knowing that you will be gone for a very short time and that you will be able to return to the United States to be reunited with family. The attorneys at Wilner & O’Reilly have years of experience in preparing 601 waiver requests for people from all different countries. This new process will benefit many people. If you believe that you may qualify for this new waiver procedure and have been waiting to file due to the risk of the previous process, contact us immediately to receive a free consultation. *** KellyO’Reillyisanationallyknownimmigration expertandformerimmigrationofficer.Heis ahighlysoughtafterspeakeronimmigration and employment compliance issues. Mr. O’Reilly serves as the current chair of the RiversideCountyBarAssociationImmigration section and is a partner in the full-service immigration firm ofWilner & O’Reilly where he provides free consultations. Mr. O’Reilly can be contacted at (562) 207-6789 or he welcomes email inquiries at koreilly@ wilneroreilly.com. (AdvertisingSupplement)

the workshop property as his exempt homestead. He abandoned the house, which was subject to liens in excess of its value. The bankruptcy court sustained the trustee’s objection to the debtor’s homestead exemption, finding that the debtor’s business homestead did not survive the abandonment of the accompanying residential homestead. While Texas allows an urban homestead to include both the debtor’s residence and his business, debtors must establish the residential nature of the property before they may claim it as their exempt homestead. Consequently, after abandoning his home, the debtor needed to prove that

Immigration Corner Atty. Brian Lerner QUESTION: I have heard that the regulations for the Stateside Waiver are final. Is that true? Answer: Well, first you musty realize that an applicant for an immigrant visa, adjustment of status, or a K or V nonimmigrant visa who is inadmissible under any provision of section 212(a) of the Act for which a waiver is available. However, the Stateside Waiver regulations are now final. Certain immigrants may apply for a provisional unlawful presence waiver of inadmissibility. Question: Who will provide the decision on the Provisional Waiver? Answer: USCIS will provide a written decision and notify the applicant and his or her attorney or accredited representative and will advise the applicant of appeal procedures if denied. Question: Where must I file the Provisional Waiver? Answer: All applications for a provisional unlawful presence waiver, including an application for a provisional unlawful presence waiver made by an alien in removal proceedings before the Executive Office for Immigration Review, must be filed with USCIS. USCIS may adjudicate applications for a provisional unlawful presence waiver of inadmissibility. The decision whether to approve a provisional unlawful presence waiver application is discretionary and does not constitute a grant of a lawful immigration status or a period of stay authorized by the Secretary. Thus, do not think at this point that only because it is being filed with USCIS that it is easy to get or that the burden of proof has changed. In fact, the Provisional Waiver must be prepared with all of the supporting documents, declarations and other evidence to show the hardship to the United States relative. Question: Since the approval of the Provisional Waiver is inside the United States, can I get a work permit while I’m waiting for my interview at the US Consulate? Answer: No, a pending or an approved provisional unlawful presence waiver does not authorize any interim immigration benefits such as employment authorization or advance parole. Any application for a travel document or request for employment

Creative Smiles Dr.NellyLynMontilla ACCIDENTS happen all the time and not all of them require immediate care. But if you’ve had an injury to your teeth, mouth or jaw, you should see a dentist right away. If you’re not sure your problem is an emergency, here’s a list of the most common once plus a few things you can do to minimize pain and damage before seen: Broken tooth - save any pieces of the broken tooth and rinse your mouth with warm water. Apply a cold compress to the area to decrease swelling and pain into you can be seen by the dentist Broken jaw - apply a cold compress to limit swelling and see your dentist right away. Knocked-Out Tooth – Gently

the workshop was used as his residence before the property could be claimed as exempt. He failed to do so. “Debtor did not, nor has he ever, resided upon Lot 152. The workshop, and by implication, the lot on which it sits, has predominantly been a place of business. The fact that Debtor continued to use the workshop after moving to Keller does not lend weight to the homestead argument. Further, the record lacks any evidence to suggest that Debtor conditioned the workshop for residential purposes or intended to do so. If anything, the record suggests that Debtor envisioned the property as a weekend home. That

does not a homestead make,” the court said. However, in our chicken example, debtor may be treated differently by the court. He needs to show that the second floor where he lives has a place to shower and a toilet, and at least a mattress where he can sleep. He has a commercial kitchen in the first floor anyway. *** Lawrence Bautista Yang specializes in bankruptcy, business, real estate and civil litigation and has successfully represented morethanfivethousandclientsinCalifornia. Please call Angie, Barbara or Jess at (626) 284-1142foranappointmentat1000SFremont AveBldgA-1Suite1125Unit58Alhambra,CA 91803. (Advertising Supplement

Finally! We can apply for a stateside provisional waiver authorization that is submitted in connection with a provisional unlawful presence waiver application will be rejected. Question: Who exactly is eligible to apply for the Provisional Waiver? Answer: A foreign national may be eligible to apply for and receive a provisional unlawful presence waiver for the grounds of inadmissibility when he or she is unlawfully present. An alien may be eligible to apply for or receive a waiver if he or she: (i) Is present in the United States at the time of filing the application for a provisional unlawful presence waiver, and for biometrics collection at a USCIS ASC; (ii) Upon departure, would be inadmissible only because of unlawful presence at the time of the immigrant visa interview; (iii) Qualifies as an immediate relative (spouse of United States Citizen, unmarried child of United States Citizen, or parent of United States son or daughter over 21 years old); (iv) Is the beneficiary of an approved immediate relative petition; (v) Has a case pending with the Department of State based on the approved immediate relative petition and has paid the immigrant visa processing fee as evidenced by a State Department Visa Processing Fee Receipt; (vi) Will depart from the United States to obtain the immediate relative immigrant visa; and (vii) Meets the requirements for the Waiver and that the foreign national must show extreme hardship to his or her US citizen spouse or parent. Question: Who is ineligible to do this Provisional Waiver? Answer: A foreign national is ineligible for a provisional unlawful presence waiver if: (i) USCIS has reason to believe that The foreign national may be subject to grounds of inadmissibility other than unlawful presence at the time of the immigrant visa interview with the Department of State; (ii) The foreign national is under the age of 17 (since they would not be subject to the 3/10 year bar); (iii) The foreign national does not have a case pending with the

Department of State, based on the approved immediate relative petition, and has not paid the immigrant visa processing fee; (iv) The Department of State initially acted to schedule the immigrant visa interview prior to January 3, 2013 for the approved immediate relative petition on which the provisional unlawful presence waiver is based, even if the interview has since been cancelled or rescheduled after January 3, 2013; (v) The foreign national is in removal proceedings, unless the removal proceedings are administratively closed and have not been recalendared at the time of filing the Form I-601A; (vi) The foreign national is subject to a final order of removal ; (vii) The foreign national is subject to reinstatement of a prior removal order; or (viii) The foreign national has a pending application with USCIS for lawful permanent resident status. Thus, you would not file the Waiver UNTIL the USCIS has approved the I-130 and it has been sent to the National Visa Center. Question: How do I file the Provisional Waiver? Answer: An application for a provisional unlawful presence waiver of the unlawful presence inadmissibility bars , including an application by an alien in removal proceedings that are administratively closed and have not been recalendared at the time of filing the Form I-601A, must be filed on the form designated by USCIS. The prescribed fee supporting documentation must be submitted in accordance with the form instructions. An application for a provisional unlawful presence waiver will be rejected and the fee and package returned to The foreign national if The foreign national : (A) Fails to pay the required filing fee for the provisional unlawful presence waiver application or to pay the correct filing fee; (B) Fails to sign the provisional unlawful presence waiver application; (C) Fails to provide his or her family name, domestic home address, and date of birth; (D) Is under the age of 17; (E) Does not include evidence of an approved petition that classifies

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What to do in a dental emergency rinse off the knocked out tooth without removing any attached tissue. If possible, hold the tooth in place in the socket. Otherwise, put the tooth in a glass of milk and get to your dentist right away. Something Stuck in Your Teeth – Carefully try to remove the object with dental floss. (don’t try using a sharp instrument!) If you’re unable to dislodge the object with dental floss, contact your dentist. Toothache – Rinse your mouth with warm water. Then use dental floss to make sure there isn’t any food or other debris causing the pain. If the pain persists, call the dentist. Lost Dental Filling or Dental Crown – For dental fillings, seal the area with a piece of sugarless gum or over-the-counter dental cement. If a dental crown has come loose, try to put it back in place with dental cement. If that doesn’t work, bring it with you to

the dentist. Dental Abscess – If you notice a painful, pimple-like swelling on your gums, rinse with salt water and immediately contact your dentist. Dental abscesses can lead to more serious infections if not promptly treated. *** Dr.NellyLynMontillahastrainedextensively with some of the finest cosmetic, occlusion andimplantologyleadersinthecountry, in suchprograms as UCLAAestheticContinuum, Esthetic Professionals and residency on NobelBiocareImplantResidencyprograms. With her experience on complex cases, she hasaspecialunderstandingofthedynamics ofsmileandpreservationofahealthymouth. She has also been trained with some of the country’s prominent sedation dental specialist, the Dental Organization for ConsciousSedation.Dr.Montillaapproaches patient care with a genuine passion and compassionate chairside style that puts her patients at ease. Her office is located at 16220NordhoffStreetNorthHills,CA91343 Phone: (818) 893-1700. (Advertising Supplement)

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theory, this is harder on higherincome homeowners, Compass Point sees a silver lining through an exclusion. Compass Point notes the law “states that only gains of more than $250,000 for individuals ($500k for households) are subject to taxes on the excess portion of capital gains. Point being, in order for an individual homeowner to be impacted by the increased capital gains tax

rate they would need to have an adjusted gross income above $400,000 and gain more than $250,000 from the sale of the property. Since this exclusion threshold remained intact, the impact of the capital gains tax increase is limited.” Read more from Housingwire.com. We are starting the year with definitely a good note, stocks are up and the market consumer confidence will surely continue its up rise slowly but

hopefully surely. Have a great 2013; hope all your plans, wishes and hard work will soon come to a satisfying conclusion. ***

Thanks for all your support and comments. Please call Ken Go of 1st Innovative Finance Group for your mortgage purchase & refinanceneeds,foryourloanmodification concernsandyourShortSalesrequirements. Call Ken Go (562) 508-7048 or write to kennethgo@verizon.net. (Advertising Supplement)

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

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The foreign national as an immediate relative of a US citizen; (F) Fails to include a copy of the fee receipt evidencing that The foreign national has paid the immigrant visa processing fee to the Department of State; or (G) Has indicated on the provisional unlawful presence waiver application that the Department of State initially acted to schedule the immigrant visa interview prior to January 3, 2013, even if the interview was cancelled or rescheduled after January 3, 2013. Question: Am I required to give my fingerprints? Answer: All aliens who apply for a provisional unlawful presence waiver under this section will be required to provide biometrics. If an alien fails to appear for biometrics capture, the provisional unlawful presence waiver application will be considered abandoned and denied. The foreign national may not appeal or file a motion to reopen or reconsider an abandonment denial. Question: What is the burden of proof on this Waiver to get it approved? Answer: You, the foreign national has the burden to establish eligibility for the provisional unlawful presence waiver, including that the foreign national merits a favorable exercise of the Secretary’s discretion. USCIS will adjudicate the provisional unlawful presence waiver application except The foreign national must show extreme hardship to his or her US citizen spouse or parent. USCIS also may require The foreign national and the US citizen petitioner to appear for an interview. If USCIS finds that The foreign national does not meet the eligibility requirements for the provisional unlawful presence waiver, or if USCIS otherwise determines in its discretion that a waiver is not warranted, USCIS will deny the waiver application. USCIS may deny an application for a provisional unlawful presence waiver without prior issuance of a request for evidence or notice of intent to deny. Thus, do not give it your best shot and then get an attorney to help you. Get it done right the first time. Question: How will I get the decision? Answer: USCIS will notify the foreign national and the foreign national ‘s attorney of record or accredited representative of the decision. USCIS also may notify

the Department of State. Denial of an application for a provisional unlawful presence waiver is without prejudice to The foreign national filing another provisional unlawful presence waiver application, provided The foreign national meets all of the requirements, and that the foreign national ‘s case must be pending with the Department of State. An alien also may elect to file a Form I-601, Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility, after departing the United States, appearing for his or her immigrant visa interview at the US Embassy or consulate abroad, and after the Department of State determines The foreign national ‘s admissibility and eligibility for an immigrant visa. Accordingly, denial of a request for a provisional unlawful presence waiver is not a final agency action. Question: If I want, can I withdraw my request for a Waiver? Answer: Yes, you may withdraw your request for a provisional unlawful presence waiver at any time before USCIS makes a final decision. Once the case is withdrawn, USCIS will close the case and notify the foreign national and his or her attorney or accredited representative. The foreign national may file a new Form I-601A, in accordance with the form instructions and required fees. The foreign national ‘s case must be pending with the Department of State and The foreign national must notify the Department of State that he or she intends to file a new Form I-601A. Question: Can I appeal or make a Motion to Reopen the Provisional Waiver if it is denied? Answer: There is no administrative appeal from a denial of a request for a provisional unlawful presence waiver. You may not file, a motion to reopen or reconsider a denial of a provisional unlawful presence waiver application. Question: What happens when the Waiver is approved? Answer: A provisional unlawful presence waiver granted: (i) Does not take effect unless, and until, The foreign national who applied for and obtained the provisional unlawful presence waiver: (A) Departs from the United States; (B) Appears for an immigrant visa interview at a US Embassy or consulate; and (C) Is determined to be otherwise eligible for an immigrant

Community Journal visa by a Department of State consular officer in light of the approved provisional unlawful presence waiver. Question: Does the Waiver waive any other grounds of inadmissibility? Answer: No. Question: How long is the Waiver valid for if approved? Answer: Until the provisional unlawful presence waiver takes full effect. Note that USCIS may reopen and reconsider its decision at any time. Once a provisional unlawful presence waiver takes full effect, the period of unlawful presence for which the provisional unlawful presence waiver is granted is waived indefinitely. Question: Can the Waiver be automatically revoked? Answer: The approval of a provisional unlawful presence waiver is revoked automatically if: (i) The consular officer determines at the time of the immigrant visa interview that The foreign national is ineligible to receive a visa ; (ii) The immigrant visa petition approval associated with the provisional unlawful presence waiver is at any time revoked, withdrawn, or rendered invalid but not otherwise reinstated for humanitarian reasons or converted to a widow or widower petition; (iii) The immigrant visa registration is terminated and has not been reinstated in accordance with section 203(g) of the Act; or (iv) The foreign national , at any time before or after approval of the provisional unlawful presence waiver or before an immigrant visa is issued, reenters or attempts to reenter the United States without being inspected and admitted or paroled. Thus, it is very important to comply with all the different provisions of the Provisional Waiver and to have it done professionally. *** Brian D. Lerner is an Immigration and Naturalization Attorney. He is a Certified Specialist in Immigration and Nationality Law as Certified by the State Bar of California, Board of Legal Specialization. Mr. Lerner is married to a Filipina and has been helping Filipinos immigrate to the United States for nearly 20 years. His firm representsclientsinDeportation/Removal proceedings, does Waivers, Appeals, Naturalization, Adjustments, Criminal Relief, Citizenship, Consulate Processing, WorkPermits,InvestmentVisasandallother areas of Immigration and Naturalization Law. You can go online to http://www. californiaimmigration.us/ and get a free consultation or call us at (562) 495-0554 for an in-person office consultation. (Advertising Supplement)

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 5-8, 2013

On taking on this journey of 2013

To Live With Faith Reverend RodelG.Balagtas THE holidays are over and now we’re back to our normal routines. Like many of you, I think of the activities and the events that will unfold before me as I take the journey of 2013, some of them are set while the rest are still unknown. What is set is that I continue to be the pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, a parish that has stretched me beyond my limits and has defined my pastoral skills and leadership. What is also set is that I take on an exciting semester of teaching a course in Homiletics at St. John’s Seminary in Camarillo, California starting January 15, 2013. Being part of the formation of seminarians, the future priests of the Church, will certainly be a fulfilling task. Personally, it will bring excitement, newness, and a different flavor to my pastoral experience. Aside from my academic degree, my almost twentytwo years of rich pastoral experience will equip me in teaching homiletics to seminarians.

As I mentioned, the other things that will unfold in my life are still unknown. Like other people, I just entrust everything to the Lord. As the Magi followed the star to find where the newborn King of the Jews was, I’ll keep discerning and looking for signs where God would lead me in the coming years. Meanwhile, I’ll put into practice the grains of wisdom that I’ve heard, read, and realized last year. One of them, which I stumbled upon during our Christmas Concert in my encounter with Martin Nievera, a popular Filipino music artist, applies to everyone of us. This is the wisdom of being young in body and spirit. Although none of us can prevent the older stage of aging, we must take care of our bodies and maintain a youthful spirit. Keeping a youthful spirit is always being optimistic, joyful, and excited about life. It’s continuous dreaming and hoping for what our lives, our surroundings, and the world can be. It’s not giving up on our goals and priorities, no matter how big they are and

how hard it is to achieve them. It’s imagining all the possibilities and the resources around us. Most of all, it is believing in ourselves and in the power of God in our lives. Like the Three Kings, we’ll keep persevering in our journey and believing that we can fulfill our dreams. No dark forces in life, be it a economic phenomenon or a negative person, will ever prevent us from reaching our goals and being happy. We’ll never listen to the “Herods” of the world, those who put us down or have a self-serving agenda. We’ll only listen to and trust the voice within us that tell us that with God, all things are possible! Enjoy ride this year 2013! I will keep you all in my prayers! *** ReverendRodelG.BalagtasattendedSt.John SeminaryinCamarillo,Californiaandearned his Doctor of Ministry in Preaching from Aquinas Institute of Theology in St. Louis, Missouri.  For twenty years, he has been in the parish ministry of large multi-cultural communities.  Since 2002, he has been the pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Los Angeles. Please email Fr. Rodel at odey413@aol.com.

People and Events

FACC-SECINAUGURALBOARDMEETING.TheFilipino-AmericanChamberofCommerceofSoutheastCorridor(FACC-SEC)recentlyheldits inaugural board meeting at the office of its founding President Felix B. Lopez at the City of Cerritos. Shown from left seated are: Eduardo V. Bolos of Christina’s Uniforms Co., Jose Lacson of Lacson’s Veterinary Services, Felix B. Lopez of Pinoy General Services, Dan E. Nino of SummitBusinessCounselors/NetworkAdvertising&PromotionsandGilbertCastilloofSpecialEducationServices.Standingfrom:WillieBaello of Willy Baello Realty/Cerritos Video, Atty. Jaime G. Monteclaro of Monteclaro Law Firm, Lydia F. Soriano of MSM Services, Inc., Virgil Sy of American Ranch and Eddie C. Ferrer of E.C. Ferrer Custom House Broker, Inc. Not in photo was Joe Iglesias. During this meeting, committee chairmanshipswerealsodistributedincludingMembership,MembershipBenefitsandServices,GovernmentAffairs,Marketing,PublicRelations, Fundraising,Events,FinanceandCommunityServices.TheprimarymissionofFACC-SECistopromoteandenhancethebusinessinterestof the Filipino-American business entrepreneurs and owners in the Southeast region of California. The next meeting will be held on Jan. 8 at 6pm at the Bautista-Oriel Dental Office in Artesia. Business owners who are interested to join FACC-SEC are enjoined to call Felix B. Lopez at (562)402-1737/fblopezinsurance@msn.com or Dan E. Nino (562) 921-5116/denino@verizon.net Photo by Doris Iglesias

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Five $5,000 scholarship grants being offered to NYC High School seniors in Reginald F. Lewis Essay Contest Deadline on January 11

NEW YORK, NY – Five scholarship grants of $5,000 each are being offered to New York City high school seniors through an essay contest on the life of Reginald F. Lewis, the late CEO and Chairman of TLC Beatrice International with the deadline for submission on January 11. Students in their senior year at a New York City public school who have demonstrated academic achievement, financial need and an interest in business can submit an essay of approximately 1,000 words. Details can be found at http://ww.nycgrads.org/ rflfoundationscholarship. The essay contest is being funded through a grant from The Reginald F. Lewis Foundation and is being administered through the New York City Fund for Public Schools. Winners will be announced at a ceremony on January 18. As CEO of TLC Beatrice International, Reginald Lewis presided over a business empire that included 64 companies in 31 countries. His remarkable career was cut short when he passed away at the age of 50 on January 19, 1993. Today, his name graces the International Law Building at Harvard Law School, a building at Virginia State University and the Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture. Coinciding with the 25th Anniversary of Reginald Lewis’ acquisition of the international divi- Lewis’ biography, Why Should Billion-Dollar Business Empire, sion of Beatrice Foods, a special White Guys Have All the Fun? is being reissued by Black Clascommemorative edition of Mr. How Reginald Lewis Created A sic Press. n

116th anniversary of Rizal’s martyrdom held in Carson CARSON – Despite the strong rains, Filipino American community leaders and Carson officials and commissioners attended the first Rizal Day last Dec. 29 which commemorated the 116th anniversary of the martyrdom of Philippine national hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal. Organized by the Philippine Consulate and the Jose P. Rizal Monument Movement in cooperation with the Carson Mayor Jim Dear and Councilmember Elito Santarina, the simple program was held inside the Carson Community Center due to the inclement weather. The wreath-laying at the Rizal monument was led by Consul General Hellen Barber De La Vega assisted by Consul Ruel U. Gunabe, Adrian Peran and Carson Mayor Jim Dear and Councilmember Elito Santarina. Consul General De La Vega expressed her gratitude for accepting the statue of Joe Rizal and said, “We are grateful to the City of Carson for this honor. Dr. Jose

Rizal is a light to our nation. He sparked the national revolution in 1898 decades before the fight for independence in India. Rizal envisioned the Philippines as an industrialized nation in Asia. Today, the Philippines is headed for economic progress. Its GDP is 7.1 percent. The contribution of the Overseas Filipino Workers is 17.5 billion. President Aquino and the government had the peace talks with the MILF. We call upon you to continue Rizal’s heritage of loving out country and to keep “our hearts burning with nationalism.” Carson Mayor Jim Dear explained that the monument of Jose Rizal is the first public art in the international sculpture garden. He stressed that the theme of the garden is world peace with heroes and heroines of liberation democracy. “We hope to showcase the importance of unity among many people and befitting for all Americans to appreciate the history and struggle of

international heroes,” Dear said further. Councilman Santarina added that commemorating the martyrdom of Rizal will focus on the spirit of “bayanihan” especially among the youth. Chito Mandap, chairman of the JPRMM reiterated the gratitude of the community to the strong support of Mayor Dear and Councilman Santarina. He likewise thanked community members who came to event despite the cold and raining weather. Also present at the event was Councilmember Lula Davis Holmes. Mr. Apollo de Rosas recited excerpts from “Huling Paalam”, a translation of Rizal’s poem Mi Ultimo Adios written by Philippine revolutionary hero Andres Bonifacio. Carsonite Kyra De Castro led the US national anthem while Rudy Ferran sang “Bayan Ko.” Atty. Antero Pagusan, vice chairman of the JPRRM said the closing remarks. (Fe Koons)

Historic induction in Historic Filipinotown Newest Knights of Rizal Chapter welcomed by ConGen Dela Vega

LOS ANGELES – Historic Filipinotown honored Philippines National hero, Dr. Jose Rizal on his 116th year martyrdom by the induction of the newest Knights of Rizal (KOR) Chapter of the Historic Filipinotown in Los Angeles by Consul General Hellen Barber-De La Vega as inducting officer and guest of honor. The short program that includes a floral offering at the foot of the Rizal monument and the induction ceremonies was held at the Filipino-American Community of Los Angeles (FACLA) from 9:30 in the morning, December 30, 2012. On December 30, 1896, Dr. Jose Rizal was executed by a Spanish Firing Squad at the Bagumbayan Fields ( now called Rizal Park) after a mock trial, 116 years ago. Since then Rizal Day is observed in the Philippines. “We welcome this newest addition to the Knights of Rizal in the United States. We always welcome the building and expansion of the Knights of Rizal in this country This is the 3rd KOR induction that

I know in Southern California including the formation and induction of the KOR California last night.” Dela Vega added. Short program on Rizal Day De La Vega inducted scores of new Knights led by the new chapter President Dr. Veronico Agatep and including members of FACLA Board of Directors and FACLA President Austn Baul Jr into the newest KOR Chapter in Los Angeles. Present at the induction and the short program that followed were Grand Knight of Nevada Tom Rodriguez, Grand Knight Tony Berango, the new president of KOR-California who were inducted last December 29, 2012 and Sir Chito Mandap, KOR of West Covina and President of Jose P. Rizal Monument Movement Inc. (JPRMM Inc.) The short program featured dances from different regions and ethnicities of the Philippines, songs from different eras and patriotic songs were held at FACLA Social hall. The music was provided by Buddy and Letty Reyes. n

2013 Ancil Payne Awards for Ethics in Journalism open for nominations Nominations are due by February 28, 2013

EUGENE, OR—The University of Oregon School of Journalism and Communication announced recently that nominations are now being accepted for the 2013 Ancil Payne Awards for Ethics in Journalism for outstanding ethical decisions or work published in 2012. A hallmark for excellence in journalism ethics, the annual award recognizes journalists and news organizations that have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to ethical conduct, even when faced with economic, personal, or political pressure. “During a time when, according to a new Gallup poll, less than a quarter of the American public gives journalists high marks for honesty and ethics, it is even more important to recognize those who embody those very values,” said Tim Gleason, Dean of the University of Oregon School of Journalism and Communication. “How ethical decisions about controversial stories are made and reported – or in some cases, not reported – is the core of what makes media trustworthy, and we are glad to honor journalists and news organizations whose actions reinforce that trust.” In 2012, Ancil Payne Awards were given to freelance journalists Matthew LaPlante and Rick Egan

for their efforts to document the ritual killing of “cursed” children in Ethiopia’s South Omo River Valley, and to the Yancey County News, a weekly newspaper in rural Burnsville, North Carolina which, in 15 months of operation, established itself as a check on corrupt local law enforcement. The Ancil Payne Awards accepts entries from news organizations and professional and student journalists in broadcasting, print, or digital media. Journalists and outlets can nominate themselves or be nominated by a third party. Nominations for the Ancil Payne Awards are limited to material published, broadcast, or posted in the United States, or decisions made by journalists or news organizations based in the United States. Nominations can be submitted online at http:// journalism.uoregon.edu/payneawards/forms_criteria and are due no later than February 28, 2013. A panel of judges representing both the news industry and academia will determine the 2013 Ancil Payne Awards winners. The awards ceremony will be held in May, 2013 in the new Allen Hall, home to the School of Journalism and Communication on the University of Oregon campus in Eugene, Oregon. Winners of the 2013 Ancil Payne Awards will be announced in April 2013. n

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MARKETPLACE SHOWROOM

Market opens 2013 with a bang

PSEi closes at new all-time high 5,860.99 pts by Zinnia B. Dela Peña Philstar.com

MANILA—Local stocks ushered in the new year with a bang, rallying to a fresh all-time high as investors cheered last-minute efforts by US politicians to end the “fiscal cliff” stalemate that could have driven the world’s largest economy back into recession. The US Congress approved a bill designed to block massive middle class tax increases and spending cuts, resulting in a hard-fought political triumph for President Barack Obama less than two months after being re-elected to a second term. The legislation is seen to raise around $600 billion in new revenues over 10 years. The 30-company Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) hit a new intra-day high of 5,866.83 prior to closing at a record 5,860.99, up 48.26 points or 0.8 percent from the end-year closing level on Dec. 28. This impressive level surpassed the previous Dec. 26 peak of 5,832.83. “World markets have cheered the photo-finish resolution of the fiscal cliff in the US. We’re off to a good start in 2013,” said PSE president and chief executive Hans B. Sicat. A total of 2.2 billion shares valued at P4.35 billion changed hands on January 2. Gainers outpaced decliners, 128 to 46, while 29 issues were unchanged. The gains were notched across industry sectors, led by holding firms and services companies. Investors loaded up on shares of GT Capital, the listed flagship firm of banking tycoon George S.K. Ty, Hong Kong-based First Pacific Co. Ltd.’s Metro Pacific Investments Corp., taipan Henry Sy’s SM Investments Corp. and conglomerate Ayala Corp. After lagging behind, the mining and oil index saw a marked recovery with larger mining firms such as Atlas Consolidated Mining and Lepanto Consolidated rising 3.1 percent and 2.73 percent, respectively. Local stock brokearage AB Capital Securities, however, cautioned investors against heavy investments in the mining sector until world prices of commodities recover and all legal matters concerning the Mining Act are ironed out. The PSEi reached record levels 38 times last year on the back of the country’s strong economic fundamentals, a record low interest rate regime and robust corporate earnings. “In 2013, we will once again be challenged to become better and to push the market to even greater heights. Our plans for the exchange and stock market have been laid out and I assure you that there is great reason to be excitedagain this year,” Sicat said. Accord Capital Equities Inc.’s Jun Calaycay said the momentum of 2012 is expected to carry over to 2013 with additional impetus from the mid-term polls in May. He said the main challenge for the economy would be sustaining the impressive run it made in 2013. “The first quarter will be the litmus test specifically if it can better the 6.3 percent posted in the first three months of the year,” Calaycay said. Among the stocks that are expected to perform well are those in sectors that are to benefit from election-related spending. These include media, telecoms, consumer goods, retail and transportation.

Honda Civic and Honda CRVs are seen outside of a Honda car dealership in Des Plaines, Ill. The US auto industry ended 2012 on a high note, with December sales the strongest they have been since before the recession. AP photo

2013 auto sales will be strong, firm predicts

DETROIT—A healthier economy and more model introductions should push US auto sales above the 15 million mark this year, predicts an auto industry research firm. The Polk research firm says auto sales should continue to lead the country’s economic recovery, rising nearly 7 percent over 2012 to 15.3 million new vehicle registrations. Automakers release December and full-year sales for 2012 on Thursday. Analysts think sales reached 14.5 million last year, the strongest performance since 2007 — just before Americans felt the impact of the recession. Sales of more than 15 million are considered a sign of health for the auto industry and the economy, many analysts say. Polk does not expect pre-recession sales levels of 17 million for several more years, Anthony Pratt, Polk’s forecasting director for the Americas, said Wednesday. Polk expects 43 new models to be introduced this year, up 50 percent from last year. New models usually boost sales. The company also predicts a rebound in sales of large pickups and midsize cars. But Polk’s optimistic forecast firm hinges on Washington reaching an agreement on spending cuts, which could happen later in the year. On New Year’s Day, congress approved a compromise to avoid the so-called “fiscal cliff.” The deal raises taxes for incomes exceeding $400,000 for individuals

and $450,000 for couples. But it delayed action on dramatic federal spending cuts and debt, setting up another showdown in a divided congress. Those first showdowns will come over the next three months, when the government’s legal ability to borrow money will expire and temporary financing for federal agency budgets will expire. Polk predicted a handful of other trends for 2013. Sales will grow for big pickup trucks, which are very profitable for automakers. Demand has been depressed for five years due to the weak economy, but should get a lift in 2013 thanks to redesigned trucks from GM, Toyota and Ford. Polk also said the midsize sedan segment will continue to lead the industry. It’s now at 18.5 percent of the market, 2 percentage points larger than any other type of segment. “Recent redesigns of nearly every vehicle in the midsize segment are forcing more competition and continued growth,” said Tom Libby, Polk’s lead North American analysts. Polk joins many other analysts in predicting 2013 sales at or above 15 million. The consulting firm LMC Automotive, for instance, expects 2013 sales of around 15 million, up from 14.5 million in 2012. Auto sales peaked at about 17 million in 2005, but dropped to 10.4 million in 2009, the lowest level in more than three decades. (AP)

“The future you see is the future you get.” - Robert G Allen, Business, Finance & Motivational Author

Immigration Corner

Atty. Michael Gurfinkel Recently, an Ate (older sister) came to my office for a consultation, asking if her younger brother was eligible for age – out benefits under the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA). In that case, their immigrant parent had just filed a petition for her younger brother in the F – 2A category (single minor child of immigrant parent). Right now, the waiting time for a green card in the F – 2A category is about two years. However, her brother was turning 21 in a few months. The sister decided to contact the USCIS and request that they expedite the approval of her brother’s petition. She called the 800 number, sent e-mails, and wrote letters. Finally the USCIS “granted” her expedite request, and immediately approved the petition. The problem is that by her rushing the USCIS to approve that petition, she effectively destroyed her younger brother’s chances for benefits under the CSPA.

Ate’s expedite request dooms brother’s Cspa eligibility

The reason is that eligibility for benefits under the CSPA is based on a mathematical formula, whereby you take the date a petition is filed, and the date it was approved. How long did it take USCIS to approve the petition? Three months? Six months? One year? Next, you sit around and wait for a few years, until the priority date is current (or visa is available). How old is the “child” when the priority date becomes current? You then subtract from the child’s age the length of time it took the USCIS to process and approve the petition. Therefore, the longer it takes USCIS to approve a petition, the more time you can subtract from the child’s age when the priority date becomes current. On the other hand, the faster the USCIS approves a petition, the less time you can subtract from the child’s age. For example, if it took USCIS three months to approve the petition, you can only subtract three months from the child’s age. If it took USCIS two years to approve the petition, you can subtract two

years from the child’s age. Therefore it is always better, for CSPA purposes, for the USCIS to take longer to approve the petition. In this particular case, the Ate was makulit, and requested USCIS to “expedite” the approval of the petition, which they did. However, as soon as the petition was approved, no more time could thereafter be subtracted from the child’s age. But the problem is that the waiting time for a visa in the F – 2A category is about two years. Therefore, a person would want to have the petition be pending as long as possible. This is so that you can subtract more time from the child’s age when the priority date finally becomes current. But she did just the opposite, she rushed the approval of the petition. My point is that the CSPA can sometimes be a confusing and complex law. What may seem to make sense (such as rushing the approval of a petition) can actually be harmful to a case. Before you start acting as your own attorney, giving yourself advice, and making up your own laws

and rules, you should, instead, consult with an attorney to make sure you’re doing it correctly and are properly strategizing the case. In this particular situation, by the Ate rushing the approval of the petition, her brother will not benefit from the CSPA. *** 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)isofageneralnature,andisnot intendedtoapplytoanyparticularcase,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 CallTollfreetoscheduleaconsultationfor anywhere in the US: (866)—GURFINKEL Four offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES · SAN FRANCISCO · NEWYORK · PHILIPPINES

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Shelling out some fuel good, feel-good news

Philstar.com

A while back, I had the chance to sit down with Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation’s Suiee Suarez and Tony Nebrida Jr., NGO and stakeholder relations manager and media relations manager, respectively. The two had exciting news: Pilipinas Shell had won a bid to host three successive annual stagings of Shell’s Eco-marathon Asia, “a competition which challenges student teams from around the world to design, build, and test ultra-energy-efficient vehicles.” The contest has its roots all the way back in 1939, when Shell Oil Company workers in the US would make wagers on who could travel furthest on the same amount of fuel. It formally evolved into its present incarnation in 1985, when it debuted in Europe. The Eco-marathon caught on in the US in 2007, and in Asia by 2010. This seeming obsession with fuel economy is pillared on unas-

sailable truths and educated projections with regard to energy consumption. “By 2015, we expect the demand for energy to double. At the same time, if we continue to use energy at the rate or efficiency that we use it now, the amount of carbon dioxide emissions will also double,” Suarez said. Sounds ominous, indeed. He continued: “What we need then is twice the energy, but half of the CO2 produced. That means we have to be very, very efficient. That is exactly the message that we want to put through in terms of mobility.” In concert with effective use of fuel, Suarez and Nebrida asserted the need for “diversifying our sources of energy.” Nebrida underscored: “We need a good energy mix.” Back to the Asian version of the Shell Eco-marathon, the Philippines has been consistently increasing representation. Starting with Don Bosco Technical College, the Mapua Institute of Technology, and the University of the Philippines-Diliman in 2010, we fielded a total of six teams in July last year—with De La Salle University, Technological Institute of the Philippines, University of Santo Tomas and the University of San Carlos joining in the Sepang, Malaysia event. Suarez explained that there are two main categories: Urban Concept Cars and Prototypes. The former is a more contemporary, real-world interpretation of vehicles (which should have, among other things, fenders, windshield wipers, fenders, lights, and even a luggage compartment), while the latter, Suarez said, is more “anything goes, except that there must be at least three wheels.” As you may have imagined, there is a myriad of fuel types available today, and participants are encouraged to let their creativity run free. “They can use almost anything,” insisted Suarez. “Gas, diesel, solar, hydrogen, battery, bio-diesel, bio-ethanol, gasoline.” Of course, similarly fueled entries are pitted against each other, apples-to-apples fashion. Some 120 teams from 18 countries (Brunei Darussalam, China, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Lebanon, Malaysia, Pakistan, Qatar, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, Vietnam, and the Philippines) took part in the 2012 Shell Eco-marathon Asia at the famous Sepang circuit in Malaysia. TIP placed third overall in the diesel category—mustering a staggering figure of 164 kilometers per liter—and additionally notched the “Best in Team Spirit Award.” DLSU’s Team Proto bagged the “Technical Innovation Award” for its “innovative battery management system and smart cruise control function to electronically ensure the best efficiency possible.” The team was also recognized for having the “most advanced telemetry system.” In previous stagings, teams from UP and Mapua had earned nods as well. I asked (rather cheekily) why Shell is doing something like this. Isn’t

Philstar.com photo byJun Mendoza

it detrimental to the business of selling fuel? Better fuel economy will mean dwindling sales, right? “Shell is not just an oil company, but an energy company,” said Nebrida, and maintained the company is investing in technology towards, again, energy diversity. “We believe it’s what the planet needs,” he declared. Suarez added that part of the big picture is that the Philippines needs more scientists and engineers—exactly the kind of thinkers that the Shell Eco-marathon should find resonance with. “We need them to unlock the challenges we face,” he said. “If the youth are more involved in science and technology, they’ll be able to make the right choices that will enable society to be prepared for our (energy future).” The two Shell execs believe we are no laggards compared to our Asian neighbors, who may have the benefit of greater wealth and emphasis on the teaching of science and technology. “As far as our students’ talents go, they are at par,” said Suarez. In fact, we are able to spend our resources more wisely.” But he digressed. “There’s one thing where we best them all: we have Filipino spirit of camaraderie. The Pinoys are quite good in relating to other nationalities. We’ve seen that the kids are very open to helping out other teams. They lend out tools and parts, and even help them tinker with their machines. I think that’s inherent in Filipinos—the willingness to help.” I can’t wait for the curtains to open on the Shell Eco-marathon Asia’s Philippine edition—which will be prominently staged at Luneta no less (with the assent of both the Manila city government and the Department of Tourism). “We’ve had enthusiastic support for our teams even if they are fielded overseas,” shared Nebrida. “Can you imagine when it’s held here?” That’s certainly something to be happy about—aside from a brandnew year, of course.

Capital flows seen to flood PH, other emerging markets by Prinz P. Magtulis Philstar.com

MANILA—The approval of a deal that halts tax hikes and spending cuts in the US is a welcome development for global economic recovery, but the Philippines remains on guard against risks accompanied by the expected surge in capital flows, officials said. “A good fiscal cliff deal is an important piece towards putting together the solution to the global economic malaise of lack of aggregate demand growth,” Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima said in an e-mail on January 2. The agreement— which holds off $600billion worth of disbursement reductions and tax increases for two months— “removes one unknown in the global scene, at least for now,” Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. said in a text message. “In the interim, we could see higher volatil-

ity in the financial markets,” he told reporters, adding that the BSP will remain vigilant and act quickly to avert destabilizing sharp movements in the market,” he added. The US House of Representatives, in a 257-167 vote, adopted a Senate bill passed a day before which sought to avert the world’s superpower from going over a “fiscal cliff,” a combination of tax hikes and disbursement cuts which analysts said could toss US back into recession. Technically, the bill was passed hours after the US fell off the cliff on Tuesday, Washington time. However, effects were limited as US financial markets, which re-open on January 3, were closed for the holidays. The Philippines, among other emerging markets, could experience fresh flooding of capital inflows as a result of the deal, Tetangco said, as investors cheered the good news by buying more risky assets from other territories.

This, however, is likely to be temporary, he clarified, as a long-term solution to the US debt problem remains elusive. “This could spawn risk appetite in the shortrun resulting in fund flows toward emerging economies. But the markets will soon look for a more lasting solution to the US debt problem,” Tetangco explained. Purisima agreed. “The deal approved by (US) Congress was a compromise that buys time to strike a better deal—better than no deal— but more work is required in two months,” he said. BSP has been watchful of capital inflows entering the local economy as they risk resulting into asset bubble formations and excessive peso appreciation, both of which are detrimental to economic growth. It unveiled several measures to temper inflows last year, the last of which was a cap on non-deliverable forwards (NDF) banks may hold.

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Combined profits of listed firms up 18% by Zinnia B. Dela Peña Philstar.com

MANILA—The combined net income of companies listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange rose 18 percent in the first nine months of 2012 to P377.12 billion as the corporate sector rode the wave of the growing local economy. Based on data from the financial statements of 229 out of the total 252 listed firms, total revenues grew 20.1 percent to P3.29 trillion. Five out of the six sectors posted strong growth in earnings and revenues led by the industrial index, which registered a 52.1 percent jump in cumulative profit due to higher gains on sale of interests in subsidiaries and improved equity in net earnings of associates. On a revenue basis, the industrial sector recorded a 25.6 percent rise. “Corporate earnings continue to be strong in 2012. The growth in nearly all sectors has also demonstrated the strength of the Philippine economy which, barring any negative circumstances, should continue to support expansion this year,” said PSE president and chief executive Hans B. Sicat. By bottom line, only the mining and oil sector reported a drop in cumulative income to P20.19 billion, down 57.7 percent, due to the absence of one-time gains, the effect of suspended mining operations and lower nickel prices in the world

market. Securities trading gains, on the other hand, boosted the aggregate net earnings of the financial sector 26.6 percent or P14.46 billion. Total profits of the holding firms sector climbed 22.7 percent or P17.22 billion, largely due to improved income contributions of subsidiaries and associates. Consolidated income of the property sector went up P4.73 billion or 16.1 percent as a result of increased real estate sales and higher rental revenues from newly opened malls. This index is led by property giants Ayala Land, Robinsons Land, SM Development Corp., Megaworld, Filinvest Land and Belle Corp. The services sector, dominated by Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co., reported a 4.5 percent rise in combined earnings at it benefited from nonrecurring gains and new store openings. “We’ve seen positive income growth from listed firms for the last three quarters. Companies have been positioning themselves to take advantage of the burgeoning economy, which should enable them to create more profits. The exchange, for its part, continues to encourage companies in utilizing the market to raise capital and fund their expansionary activities,” Sicat said. The listed firms had a combined market capitalization of P10.54 trillion as of Sept. 30, 2012.

Honda’s Reforestation Program on its 3rd year MANILA—Honda group of companies composed of Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI), Honda Philippines Inc. (HPI), Honda Parts and Manufacturing Corporation (HPMC) and Honda Trading Philippines (HTP) under its corporate social responsibility arm, the Honda Foundation Inc. has conducted its third year of reforestation program in partnership with Haribon Foundation to support Road to 2020 project. Over 275 volunteers from the Honda Foundation Inc. (HFI), Honda suppliers, members of the motoring media, Honda riders club, PNP and LGU/CENRO travelled to Tanauan, Real, Quezon to plant 7,500 tree seedlings of native species and help contain and/or lessen the flood surge from Quezon Province to major tributaries upstream, the Kanan and Kaliwa Rivers, that discharge water to Laguna Lake. Road to 2020 is an environmental conservation movement that aims to restore one million hectares of Philippine rainforests using native tree species by year 2020. The project raises awareness on the critical situation and deforestation of the country’s watersheds. The ecological benefits of restoring a forest in a particular locality are not confined in that place alone. The chain effect will always take place as all eco-

systems are inter-connected. One of the common used ecological indicators is the sufficiency and quality of water. Water is one of the major ecological services of a restored forest. Thus the protection and restoration of watershed areas is important as this will dictate the amount and quality of water that can be derived. This can be physically observed on the rivers, creeks and tributaries of a watershed. In line with its longtime commitment to leave BLUE SKIES FOR OUR CHILDREN, Honda follows the global direction to minimize the environmental footprint from products and business activities in accordance with

Philstar.com photo

Honda Vision for 2020 to provide “good products to customers with speed, affordability, and low CO2 emissions.” The Honda group of companies has pledged to rehabilitate 20 hectares of denuded land with 50,000 trees in a span of 10 years. To date, total land area covered is nine hectares with 15,000 trees planted. The Honda Foundation will conduct a series of tree-planting activities to rehabilitate the remaining 11 hectares. To take active part of this movem e nt, v i s i t w w w. h o n d a p h i l. com, HCPI’s Facebook, Twitter accounts or any of the 28 authorized dealerships nationwide. (Philstar.com)

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Marketplace & Showroom

INDEMAND.AliftbringsaVolkswagenBeetlefromatowerattheAutostadtinWolfsburg,Germany.Asteadilyimprovingeconomyand strong December sales lifted the American auto industry to its best performance in five years in 2012, especially forVolkswagen and Japanese-brand vehicles, and experts say the next year should be even better. AP photo

PH to borrow $1B this year by Iris C. Gonzales Philstar.com

MANILA— The Aquino administration is planning to borrow $750 million to $1 billion from the foreign commercial debt market this year, with fund-raising activities to start only after January, breaking away from tradition, National Treasurer Rosalia De Leon said on January 2. “Definitely, there will be no commercial borrowing in January,” De Leon said. For the past several years, the Philippines has been issuing sovereign bonds in January, ahead of its peers in the region. The government is looking at raising the $750 million to $1 billion through the sale of global peso notes, which would help spare the government from foreign currency debt, De Leon said. The $750 million to $1 billion is lower than the $1.5 billion to $2 billion planned foreign commercial borrowing for 2013, which the government announced in November. For this year, the government has a program to source 75 percent of its funding needs from domestic sources and 25 percent from foreign lenders. However, De Leon said the borrowing mix could change given the preference to tap the cash-rich domestic market. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has been encouraging the government to change its borrowing tack and borrow instead entirely from

the domestic market. This is to prevent additional dollar inflows into the country that could push the peso to appreciate further against the dollar. De Leon said that the government’s foreign borrowings would be in the context of debt liability management instead of simply for fund-raising. As such, it’s possible that the share of domestic funding sources would even hit 86 percent as the government strives to reduce its foreign debt. As of end-September, the share of domestic funding has already increased to 84 percent while the share of foreign borrowings has narrowed to 16 percent. The move is part of the Aquino administration’s efforts to focus more on domestic sources to help cushion the economy from foreign exchange fluctuation and to help ease pressure on the peso. In 2011, the government borrowed 65 percent from the local market and 35 percent from foreign sources, an improvement from 2010’s borrowing mix of 66 percent and 34 percent, in favor of domestic sources. For 2013, it has programmed to borrow a total of P757.8 billion, of which P189.8 billion or 25 percent will come from foreign creditors and the balance of P568 billion or 75 percent will come from domestic sources. The government has programmed a budget deficit of P279 billion in 2012 and P241 billion in 2013.

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