Weekend Balita December 12, 2015

LOS ANGELES

How to sustain your marriage, according to Gelli de Belen See ENTERTAINMENT, page 17

VOL. XXIII, NO. 45

LOS ANGELES

December 12 - 18, 2015

THE LEADING SOURCE OF NEWS AND INFORMATION FOR FILIPINO-AMERICANS

Aquino cites terror threat for Muslim law passage M a n i l a , P h i l i p pines | AFP | Tuesday 12/8/2015 – Philippine President Benigno Aquino urged legislators Tuesday to pass a draft law aimed at ending a decades-long Muslim revolt, citing the growing threat of global terrorism as one reason to do so.

Aquino, who has been struggling to get the law passed before his term ends next year, told lawmakers it would break “the cycle of violence and poverty that has stalled peace and progress” in the southern island of Mindanao, said his spokesman Herminio Coloma.

The law would create a Muslim autonomous area and grant a measure of self-rule to the minority in the south of the largely Christian nation.

However several congressmen are reluctant to pass the draft law and have deleted crucial provisions, prompting Aquino to call the special meeting.

“He (Aquino) said that passing the (law) now has become more imperative in view of the increased threats posed by global terrorism and radicalisation,” Coloma told reporters.

“The president urged the members of Congress to rise to the challenge of being able to ‘change the narrative’” of conflict between Muslims and Christians, Coloma added.

The Bangsamoro Basic Law is cruSee TERROR THREAT, page 8

President Benigno S. Aquino III with Communications Secretary Sonny Coloma, Inquirer Chair Marixi Prieto, President Sandy Prieto Romualdez and Board member Charlie Rufino during the Philippine Daily Inquirer 30th anniversary bash on Wednesday (Dec. 9) held at the Marriot Hotel in Newport City Complex, Pasay City. (MNS photo)

Sen. Grace Poe’s candidacy cancelled Comelec’s 1st Division votes 2-1 nullifying her candidacy; SC would be her last hope MANILA, Dec 11 (Mabuhay) -- Voting 2-1, the Commission on Elections First Division canceled on Friday morning Sen. Grace Poe’s certificate of candidacy for president.

The case stemmed from the petitions filed by former Sen. Francisco Tatad, Prof. Antonio Contreras and former US Law Dean Amado Valdez.

Poe, meanwhile, immediately released a statement accusing the First Division of ignoring the evidence she presented “just to deny me the chance

to better serve our countrymen, and to also deny our people their choices in an open election.”

Acknowledging the setback, Poe said she will appeal the decision with the Comelec en banc and with the Supreme Court.

“We will appeal to the Comelec and the Supreme Court to uphold the truth, and the spirit and aims of our Constitution,” she said.

Poe’s legal counsel, Atty. George Garcia, said those who voted in fa-

vor of the petitions against Poe were Commissioners Rowena Guanzon and Luie Tito Guia.

Commissioner Christian Robert Lim was the lone dissenter.

Garcia said the division’s decision is not yet final and executory and is subject to a motion for reconsideration.

“Wala pa rin pong pagbabago, ganun pa rin po ang effect nito ... kami po ay kandidato pa rin ... ang aming See GRACE POE, page 8

US donates armored vehicles to PHL Endangered M a n i l a , P h i l i p The donation boosts the Philippine monkey-eating eagle pines | AFP | Thursday 12/10/2015 army’s inventory of armored vehicles hatched in PHL – The Philippines is receiving 114 by over a third to 455, said spokesM a n i l a , P h i l i p pines | AFP | Thursday 12/10/2015 – A monkey-eating eagle has been hatched in captivity in the Philippines, boosting the critically-endangered giant bird’s fight against extinction.

Found only in the rapidly vanishing tropical rainforests of the Philippines, the meter- (3.3-foot) long raptor gets its name from its diet of macaque monkeys and other small animals that share its habitat in Mindanao, the country’s main southern island.

See ENDANGERED, page 8

armored vehicles donated by the United States, officials said Thursday, boosting the poorly-equipped military’s fight against various insurgent groups in the country.

Washington has provided ally Manila with military support in the past, including a warship offered last month as part of a $250-million aid package to Southeast Asian nations.

Seventy-seven M113A2 of the donated armored personnel carriers (APCs) arrived late Wednesday and the rest will come next month, the US embassy in the Philippines said in a statement.

man Colonel Benjamin Hao. The Philippine military still has to install armament and communication equipment on the vehicles, but Hao said they would be deployed soon.

“Our forces are now more protected and they will have more mobility because they will be in a tracked vehicle,” that is more suited for rough terrain, he told AFP. He would not specify where they would be sent, only that “they will be in areas where they are needed”.

The vehicles were offered as part

See US DONATES, page 8

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Weekend Balita, Sat.-Fri., December 12 - 18, 2015

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Is bankruptcy the right thing to do?

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Chiz: PNoy not involved in efforts to DQ Poe from 2016 presidential race MANILA, Dec 10 (Mabuhay) -- Senator Francis Escudero on Thursday cleared President Benigno Aquino III from efforts to disqualify Senator Grace Poe from the 2016 presidential race.

“Sa tingin at pananaw ko, wala namang personal na kinalaman si Pangulong Aquino sa mga hakbang na ginagawa laban kay Sen. Poe,” Escudero said during the weekly Kapihan sa Senado.

“Kung meron man, mga tao sa baba niya na nangangampanya at solid talaga para sa kandidatong in-annoint niya. Pero siya mismo, wala akong nakikitang kamay o

galaw niya tungkol dito,” he added.

Last week, Escudero linked the camp of administration presidential bet Mar Roxas to lawyers Estrella Elamparo and Amado Valdez, who both have filed disqualification petitions with the Commission on Elections against Poe. He claimed Elamparo and Valdez are both connected to the Divina Law Office, which was allegedly tapped

by Roxas supporter, lawyer Avelino Cruz Jr., in cases against his former law partners.

Roxas, Elamparo, Cruz and LP spokesperson Rep. Edgar Erice have since denied the allegation.

Gloria Arroyo granted holiday furlough Manila, Philippines | AFP | Tuesday 12/8/2015 – Jailed former Philippine president Gloria Arroyo will be allowed home over the Christmas and New Year holidays, the Supreme Court decided Tuesday.

Arroyo, who is being held in a government hospital after being arrested for alleged graft, would be allowed to go to her home in a Manila suburb from December 23-26 and December 30- January 2, said court spokesman Theodore Te. “It is understood that notwithstanding the furloughs the petitioner shall remain under preventive custody of the law,” Te announced.

Arroyo, who was in office from 2001-2010, was arrested in 2012 on charges of stealing 366 million pesos ($8.8 million) in state lottery funds meant for charity programs.

She is on trial but the proceedings have been repeatedly delayed.

Her successor and arch-critic Benigno Aquino has long accused her of major crimes and has exerted special efforts to keep her in detention.

Asked to react to the grant of furlough, Aquino’s spokesman Herminio Coloma said: “We respect the decision of the Supreme Court.”

Arroyo’s lawyers have said the former president, who reportedly has a spinal illness, should be granted bail especially since she is not a flightrisk.

Arroyo’s term was marred by allegations of corruption and election cheating which helped propel Aquino, who ran on an anti-corruption platform, to power.

However in September a UN body said her detention violated international law, raising hopes the Supreme Court may eventually agree with a petition to grant her bail.

Swipe at Poe At the same press briefing, Escudero said that even if Aquino sometimes takes a swipe at Poe, he still believes that the President is not helping those trying to eliminate the senator from the presidential derby.

“Unawain mo rin na hindi siya tumutulong para gawin ito. Sapat na yun para sa akin,” he said.

He further said that the President, in his speech during the meeting with the Filipino community in Italy, mentioned other candidates as well, not only Poe, and stood by his earlier statement that Poe should be allowed to run in 2016.

“Lahat naman pinasaringan niya pero nanatili ang kanyang posisyon at paninindigan, sa parehong forum din yata, na dapat hayaan at pabayaan tumakbo si Sen. Grace,” he said.

Friends Meanwhile, Escudero expressed hope that he and Aquino will remain friends after the elections.

“Wala naman akong nakikita (na

hindi kami OK). Noong huli kaming nagkita, OK kami. Igi-greet ko siya ng Merry Christmas at Happy New Year at malamang susunod kaming magkakausap pagkatapos ng eleksyon bilang magkaibigan,” he said.

“Sa parte ko hindi (naaapektuhan ang friendship namin), sana sa kanya hindi rin. Hindi makakaapekto yun sa pagkakaibigan o relasyon namin,” he added.

Escudero even said understands and respects Aquino’s decision to endorse and vote someone else as vice president in the coming elections.

“Sa pagkakakilala ko hindi siya magbabago ng i-eendorse, ginagalang ko kung ano ang kanyang desisyon dahil may papel siyang dapat gampanan,” he said.

Escudero said he and Aquino have “kept a respectful distance para walang masabi ang sinuman.”

Aquino is endorsing the tandem of Roxas and Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo. (MNS)

Ejercito dismisses graft accusation over gun deal

MANILA, Dec 10 (Mabuhay) -- Senator JV Ejercito maintained on Thursday that there was nothing irregular in the purchase of high-powered firearms when he was still mayor of San Juan City.

This, as the Ombudsman recently found probable cause to file graft and malversation charges against Ejercito and other city officials for the alleged anomalous procurement for police firearms using San Juan’s calamity fund.

Ejercito explained that the purchase in question was legal and necessary, citing the increase in crime activities all over Metro Manila in 2008.

“We went through the procurement process. We followed the procurement process. There was the Bids and Awards Committee but in case there are urgency or emergency, I think the law allows you to (do) emergency purchases as long as you go to the procurement process,” Ejercito said.

“If I will be made to face this case because of my acts as mayor, I felt that at that time the situation called for urgency because I felt helpless as a local chief executive,” he said.

Ejercito said the crime situation, especially in San Juan, prompted him to tap the calamity fund to purchase about P2.1 million-worth of high-powered firearm for the city police department.

“In San Juan, when I was mayor, the criminals became so bold. In broad daylight they would barge into a restaurant and get everything.

Announce a holdup, there was kidnap for ransom and actually at that time also, two of our policemen were killed,” he said.

“As a mayor, I panicked, so to speak, because I felt that our policemen were helpless because knowing probably the criminals knew that we did not have high-powered rifles, that our policemen were only armed with pistols. So that gave them confidence to do their thing,” he said.

The senator also pointed out that he and the other city officials had already cleared the issue after the Commission on Audit (COA) called on their attention about the improper use of calamity funds for gun purchase.

“So what we did was I asked the Sanggunian or the Council to include the purchase of these firearms in the supplemental budget. So it happened,” he said.

Ejercito stressed that the procurement was already corrected with the COA and that the money “was not pocketed.”

“Because I think the Commission on Audit, at the end of the year, gives you the chance to rectify mistakes or to fix everything. To correct entries that are not allowed,” he said.

“In the end, before the books were closed in 2008, the purchase of the firearms was charged to the general fund and not the calamity fund. It remained intact. So I guess there’s no malversation in that case,” the senator added.

‘Anomymous Complainant’ When asked why the case has developed against him despite the given justifications, Ejercito said he is surprised about its recent progress, even when the complainant was anonymous.

“I’m also surprised. In fact, I did not take this seriously because for the record, the complainant is anonymous,” he said.

Ejercito noted that the alleged anomaly was very unlikely on his part considering the political atmosphere he was in during the term of then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (PGMA).

“That’s the irony. Because during PGMA’s time, I was one of the staunchest critics and I never had any cases filed against me. And it’s only now that a case like this was filed against me and it really caught me by surprise,” he said.

The senator said he has suspicions as to who might be behind the attack but refused to reveal them.

In addressing the raps, Ejercito said he has already asked his lawyer, Sigfried Fortun, to file a motion for reconsideration with the Ombudsman. He added that he is ready to elevate the case to the Court of Appeals (CA) if necessary.

“We are very confident because up to this time, the Commission on Audit has not issued any notice of disallowance. That only means that there was nothing irregular,” Ejercito said.(MNS)

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Hong Kong Tycoon Richard Li pays courtesy call on Aquino MANILA, Dec 9 (Mabuhay) – President Benigno S. Aquino III received Richard Li Tzar Kai, founder and chairman of the Pacific Century Group (PCG), at the Music Room of Malacañang Palace on Wednesday.

During his courtesy call with the President, Li was accompanied by top officials of his insurance business, the FWD Group – Chairman Ronald Arculli; Chief Executive Officer Huynh Thanh Phong; and Peter Karl Grimes, President and CEO of FWD Life Insurance Corporation, the Philippine arm of the FWD Group.

While waiting for the President’s arrival, Li’s group had a brief conversation with Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo, and Insurance Commissioner Emmanuel Dooc.

The FWD, the insurance business arm of Pacific Century Group, launched its business operations in the Philippines in 2014.

It was the first foreign life insur-

er in nearly a decade to enter the Philippine market and the first to be granted a license under the new Insurance Code of the Philippines.

Aside from the Philippines, FWD also operates in Hong Kong, Macau, and Thailand. It also has brand presence in Indonesia.

In its website, FWD said its focus is to “leverage technology to enhance customer experience, deliver innovative products, and invest in talent to create a leading pan-Asian life insurer”.

The group offers two insurance products: All Set, a single pay insurance plan; and Set for Life, a regular pay insurance plan with optional accidental death, hospital cash, critical illnesses and waiver of premium benefits.

It is currently developing other products to provide investment, traditional savings, health and protection benefits to its plan holders.

(MNS)

PSA: October employment rate slightly up MANILA, Dec 10 (Mabuhay) -- The country’s employment rate slightly rose at 94.4 percentin October at 94.4 percent, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) revealed on Thursday.

Citing data from the latest Labor Force Survey, the PSA noted the employment rate in October 2014 was at 94 percent excluding Leyte province.

Preliminary data from the PSA grouped the labor force into three broad sectors: agriculture, industry and services.

The bulk of Filipinos were employed by the services sector which

accounted for 54.5 percent, the largest percentage of which comprised of the wholesale and retail trade and repairs of motor vehicles and motorcycles.

Agriculture employed 29.6 percent of the labor force, while industry accounted for 15.9 percent.

The respective employment rates of the following areas were lower than the national average: 91.5 percent in the Ilocos Region, 92.2 percent in the CALABARZON, and 92.8 percent in the National Capital Region (NCR). (MNS)

NBI submits ‘laglag bala’ report to DOJ MANILA, Dec 9 (Mabuhay) – The National Bureau of Investigation has submitted to the Department of Justice its probe results on the “tanim/ laglag bala” (TaLaBa) scheme.

Department of Justice spokesman and Undersecretary Emmanuel Caparas on Wednesday said that Justice Secretary Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa still has to go over the report before releasing it to the media.

“The report has just been submitted by the NBI. Kindly give Sec Caguioa time to read and study it,” Caparas said in a text message to reporters.

The report was due today, Wednesday, after the NBI was given a 15-working day extension. The bureau was supposed to hand over its findings to the DOJ on November 18, but it requested an extension as it was still interviewing concerned individuals on the matter at the time.

Caparas said that he would be discussing with the media updates on the submission of the NBI report during his regular briefing on Thursday.

Caguioa formed the task force after travellers, including an American tourist, alleged that they were held by authorities at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport after live bullets were allegedly found in their hand carried luggage.

The travelers denied the bullets belong to them.

The family of American tourist Lane Michael White claimed that airport personnel attempted to extort P30,000 from them in exchange for the non-filing of charges.

In his department order, Caguioa

instructed the NBI to “similarly undertake a case build-up on the possible criminal and/or administrative liabilities of all individuals and agencies involved, whether public or private.”

He directed the NBI to coordinate with government agencies before reviewing and evaluating documents, videos and audio recordings related to the TaLaBa scheme.

The NBI was tasked to interview “in any manner or degree” all individuals, including government officials who were found to have been directly involved in the scheme.

Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya, meanwhile, assured that the government will file charges based on the NBI’s findings.

“Hinihintay po naming lumabas yan at kung sino man ang nakitang dapat kasuhan, yun ang dapat kasuhan,” he told reporters after emerging from a Senate hearing.

“Kaya nga natin ipinasok ang NBI para hindi masabi na niluluto lang it ng DOTC so we wanted an independent, impartial, fair, third party to investigate itong incidents ng tanim bala sa airport,” he added. (MNS)

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Customs brokers to protest new booking system at Manila port MANILA, Dec 10 (Mabuhay) -- Customs brokers are set to stage a protest action next week against the new booking system which they fear will cause port congestion in the long run.

Customs brokers will stop their operations for three days to stop the implementation of the Terminal Appointment Booking System (TABS).

“Ang observation namin, magkakaroon ng port congestion bunga nito,” said Reynaldo Soliman, executive vice president of the Professional Customs Brokers Association of the Philippines, Inc. (PCBAPI) Under the TABS, truckers need to book online for schedules of picking up of cargo, or returning of empty containers , or delivering for-export cargoes.

Leaders of the PCBAPI also said the TABS is not effective, and that they have decided to stop all processing of inbound and outbound cargoes from December 16 to 18.

“Walang dokumentong ipapasa ang Customs, walang lodgements, at ihinto muna ang processing,” Soliman added.

On the other hand, truckers also complain about the inconveniences the TABS has caused them, especially the long hours and days being spent to book a schedule.

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Weekend Balita, Sat.-Fri., December 12 - 18, 2015

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A message of thanks from Travel International

By Jane Stark

With close to two decades in the travel and tour industry, there are many things I am grateful for. Every year Travel International Group grows as a business and I thought this is a perfect time to spend a few moments giving thanks to the folks that impact our business every year.

Without a doubt, I am extremely thankful for our clients. Without them, we’d had nothing. To all our wonderful and valued clients – present and past – for giving us the opportunity to assist with your travel needs and provide you with the best service possible. Thank you for the pleasure of travelling with you, of exploring distant places, of discovering new cultures, of experiencing exciting adventures, of building memories, building partnerships and

Marian shrines in Portugal, France and Spain, September 2015 and Thanksgiving in the Holy Land group, November 2015

relationship and developing bonds of friendships.

We are pleased to say that our group tours have been nothing but exciting and memorable, providing us the opportunity to share countless, unforgettable and incredible travel memories.

We cannot fully express our ap-

preciation by giving thanks once a year, or even every day of the year.

Our clients have been – and always will be – our key drivers for success.

For any of your travel needs, please call us at Travel International Group at (310) 327-5143 or at our toll-free number at 1-844-320-1499.

Umpisa na ang pagtatayo sa Pechanga ng $285-M ekspansiyon PECHANGA INDIAN RESERVATION, Calif. – (Dec. 16, 2015) – Opisyal na ang konstruksiyon ng Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians sa panimula ng groundbreaking dito hudyat ng matagal ng inaasang ekspansiyon sa $285 milyong resort. Ang mga opisyal ng Tribu ay pumila sa tuktok ng gagabundok na lupa malapit sa Grand Ballroom at ibinaon ang ang kanilang mga gintong panghukay sa lupa habang ang mga lider ng komunidad, miyembro ng press, kasaping miyembro ng Tribu at mga tagapamahala ng resort ay mga galak na nagmamasid.

Ang lugar ng kaganapan ay simbulo dahil dito rin itatayo ang four-acre pool complex, isa sa mga naidagdag na ayon sa Tribu, ay magiging tanging punto ng resort kapag nakumpleto na ang ekspansiyon.

“Kapag ito’y tapos na, ang ekspansiyon ng resort na ito ang magsisilbing natatangi sa mga karibal ng Pechanga Resort & Casino at mas mahusay at

kakaiba kumpara sa mga dambuhalang resort-casinos sa Nevada, sa East Coast o kahit na sa ibang bansa, “ ayon kay Pechanga Tribal Chairman, Mark Macarro. “Ngayong araw na ito ininakda ang historic day para sa mga tao ng Pechanga, hindi lamang bilang tribu, gayundin bilang partner sa kabuuan ng Temecula Valley at Southern California. “ Nakapaloob sa proyekto ang pagdaragdag ng bagong pinakamahal na Four Diamond, 560-rooms at suite hotel wing; nag-iisang nakatayong two-story spa at salon na may 17 treatment rooms, isang fitness center at hydrotherapy pool terrace; isang resort-style pool complex na may walong pool areas; dalawang bagong restaurants; at ang karagdagang 67,000 square feet ng event space. Tutor Perini, and mamamahala ng proyekto, ay nagsaad na humigit kumulang na makukumpleto ang ekspansiyon sa loob ng 24 na buwan o dalawang taon.

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LOS ANGELES

Weekend Balita, Sat.-Fri., December 12 - 18, 2015

ENDANGERED

US DONATES

From page 1

The chick, hatched at a conservation center on December 7, was the first in two years and the 26th in 23 years, Philippine Eagle Foundation curator Anna Mae Sumaya said.

Barely a week old, the “very active” hatchling can already lift its head and responds to bird calls, Sumaya said.

“This chick will make it.”

Also called the Philippine eagle, the bird is famed for its elongated nape feathers that form into a shaggy crest. Its two-meter wingspan makes it one of the world’s largest eagles.

“This gives us hope that we can somehow supplement the Philippine eagle population,” Sumaya told AFP. The raptor is found nowhere else except the Philippines, where it is the country’s national bird.

There are about 600 monkey-eat-

From page 1

ing eagles in the wild and 34 others, including the hatchling, are kept in massive cages at the center.

The Swiss-based International Union for the Conservation of Nature lists the species as “critically endangered”, due to hunting and the depletion of its habitat.

Gunshots account for nine in every 10 Philippine eagle casualties according to the foundation, which has also warned it was running out of safe places to release the captive-bred birds when they mature.

The monogamous eagles breed only once a year, with each pair producing only one egg every mating season. There are four breeding pairs in the conservation center. Two other eggs laid during this year’s mating season were infertile and did not hatch, Sumaya said.

TERROR THREAT From page 1

cial to implementing a fragile peace treaty aimed at ending a Muslim separatist insurgency that has claimed over 100,000 lives since the 1970s.

Aquino wanted it passed this year but the timetable was set back severely following public outrage over the death of 44 police commandos in an encounter with Muslim separatist guerrillas in January.

Adding to the time pressure is parliament’s scheduled adjournment in February before the campaign for presidential and other elections in May.

Balita

Coloma said the prospects of peace were already attracting investment to Muslim-populated areas and many foreign countries were closely watching whether the Philippines would succeed in the peace effort.

He did not say if any of the legislators expressed renewed support for the law.

Security officials say there is no sign of recruitment of Filipino Muslims by the Islamic State group, but some local Muslim outlaw groups have publicly pledged allegiance to IS.

SAVE OUR PLANET

of a US military program of giving away excess equipment, but the Philippines paid 67.5 million pesos ($1.4 million) to cover transport costs, officials said. The Philippine military is among the most poorly-equipped in the region and has been battling a nationwide communist insurgency as well as various Muslim outlaw groups in the undeveloped south for decades. Philippine President Benig-

no Aquino has sought to modernize the armed forces by acquiring new ships and aircraft in recent months.

Aquino has proposed to parliament a 25 percent hike in defense spending next year to a record 25 billion pesos ($552 million).

Earlier this year, the military received 28 M113A2 vehicles, many refurbished with cannons and remote-controlled turrets, from Israel.

GRACE POE From page 1

pangalan ay nasa listahan pa rin, hindi po magbabago ang lahat,” Garcia said. “Kami po ay magfa-file agad ng motion for reconsideration limag araw paglabas ng desisyon na ito.”

Garcia said the decision, with Lim’s dissent, is a “good development,” and they will look into the points the commissioner raised in his dissenting opinion.

“Magandang development ito bagamat hindi kami pinalad, kasi po may nagsasabi ng ano ang tama naming ipinupunto at mali,” he said.

He added: “Sinabi po sa akin ng mga kawani ko sa opisina, mas makapal po ‘di hamak ‘yung naging dissenting (opinion) ni Commissioner Lim. Marami siyang pinupunto at pag-aaralan naming mabuti kung ano ‘yung mga pinupunto niya.”

He also said they will “definitely” use Lim’s opinion in their appeal should the case reach the Supreme Court.

He added: “At sana po, baka sakaling maging basehan rin ng desisyon ng Comelec en banc.”

This marks the second setback by Poe before the poll body.

On December 1, the Comelec Second Division voted in favor of the

Grace Poe

cancellation of Poe’s certificate of candidacy based on the petition filed by lawyer Estrella Elamparo.

All three members of the Second Division—Commissioners Al Parreño, Arthur Lim and Sheriff Abas— voted in favor of Elamparo’s petition.

Poe’s camp has since appealed the Second Division’s ruling before the Comelec en banc. (MNS)

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9

Heralding the Holidays with ‘Parols’ and Christmas carols The day after Thanksgiving, most Pinoys here in the Southland start decorating their homes with our traditional, colorful, ‘Parols’ or Lanterns. To celebrate the significant “lighting of the parols,” the “8th Historic Parol Motorcade” was held last Friday, December 4, 2015, presented by the Historic Filipinotown Neighborhood Council, headed by Cecile Ramos and coordinated by Lou Razon and Vic Perez, at Our Lady of Loreto Church in Los Angeles.

The CHP-monitored parade of around thirty (30) Parol-decorated cars, paraded at dusk from Union and Temple Street in the east, all the way to Rampart Street in the west, circling through Beverly Boulevard, and back to Our Lady of Loreto Church. It was indeed a fun night for this author, along with some friends, Jonathan Badon, Evelyn Granada, Andy Edralin, Steve Angeles, Rudy Autor and Benny Uy, while we rode around the parade route on the award-winning, colorful Parol truck sponsored by Victory Autos. Not only was our Parol (courtesy of Benny Uy’s creative concepts) an award-winner, but it was the most noticeable because our friend, Popopera tenor/ singer Jonathan Badon sang Christmas songs along the way.

After the motorcade, the reception was held across the street at the Filipino Christian Church, where Cecile Ramos, President of the Filipinotown Neighborhood Council, along with Lorna Dumapias, Pastor and Consul Maryjoy Ramirez welcomed everyone who joined the festivities.

Entertainment was provided by quite a number of singers such as: the Our Lady of Loreto Church Choir, Tanya Varona, Audrey Villaluz, Jupiter and Lily Burton. Gracing the occasion were some of the Filipinotown Beauty Queens such as: Lourdes Garci, Ciamarra Morales and Jennifer Nadorme.

A community Christmas sing-along, led by Pastor Jeff Ilagan ended the night of heralding the holidays.

In other parts of the Southland, various groups herald the holidays by caroling and serenading hosts who wish to share their Christmas spirit with their loved ones, employees or groups of friends. As part of our non-profit sorority group’s fundrais-

er this year, our caroling group has successfully entertained patients at a couple of nursing home facilities as well as five (5) other venues/houses.

Years ago, caroling was not only done during Christmas. “In Europe, pagan songs were sung as a celebration of the Winter Solstice. The Winter Solstice is the shortest day of the year, usually taking place around the 22nd of December and the word ‘carol’ originally meant ‘to dance to something.”

But later on, it actually meant ‘to dance and sing praises and joy.’

Carols used to be written and sung during all four seasons, but only the tradition of singing them at Christmas is the one that really survived.”

Some history books wrote that “early Christians took over the pagan solstice celebrations for Christmas and gave people Christian songs to sing instead of pagan ones. In AD 129, a Roman Bishop said that a song called ‘Angel’s Hymn’ should be sung at a Christmas service in Rome. Another famous early Christmas hymn was written in 760 AD, by Comas of Jerusalem, for the Greek Orthodox Church.

Soon after this, many composers all over Europe started to write ‘Christmas Carols.’ But, not many people liked them as they were all written and sung in Latin, a language that the normal people couldn’t understand., so by the Middle Ages, (around 1200’s), most people had lost interest in celebrating Christmas altogether.”

Nevertheless, in 1223, “St. Francis of Assisi introduced the Nativity Plays in Italy. The people in the plays sang ‘canticles’ that told the story during the plays, Sometimes, the choruses sang carols in Latin, but eventually, they were sung in a language that people watching the play could understand and join in! Thus, the carols spread to other countries such as France, Spain, Germany and many other European countries.

The earliest carol songs of record

Shown are some of the West Coast Sigma Delta Phi Alumni Assn., Inc. and Upsilon SIgma Phi Southwest during their caroling night at Atty.Susana Chung’s lovely home: From left: Jazz Gaite, Mely Liamzon, Baby Javier, Myrna Aquitania, Susana Chung, Margie Templo-Parks, Maning RiveraAnjh Yap and Jocelyn Velasco. Foreground from left: Dong Javier, Guitarist and Maribel Catala.

were written in 1410, but only a small fragment of it exists. Most of the songs were about Mary and Jesus meeting different people in Bethlehem, but subsequently, most carols were untrue stories sang by travelling Minstrels.

However, in 1647 when Oliver Cromwell and the Puritans came into power in England, the celebration of Christmas and singing carols was stopped, though the carols survived as people sang them in secret.

Eventually, during the Victorian period, carol singing in public became popular again sang by people called

‘Waits,’ or ‘beggars,’ and they only sing on Christmas Eve (‘wait night,’ as the shepherds watch their sheep).

Thus, from then on, many orchestras and choirs spread Christmas songs all over Europe once again.”

Likewise, as part of our non-profit sorority’s fundraiser this year, our caroling group has successfully entertained patients at a couple of senior nursing home facilities, as well as five (5) other venues/houses and plans are underway for us to continuously bring cheer not only during the holidays but .throughout the year. Happy holidays!

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Weekend Balita, Sat.-Fri., December 12 - 18, 2015

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PHL indigenous group’s artistry reaches Hollywood John Ablaza, the Philippines’ first eco-couture international designer, artistry, hammered a pointed message when he mixed the artistry of the Mangyan tribe in the Philippines and drum up environmental awareness in an event at the Celebrity Plaza in Hollywood.

In this auspicious time that environmental awareness has become a serious concern, Ablaza’s joining the bandwagon as an “eco-couture” highlights importance of environmental consciousness.

Just what is “eco-culture”? Simply it is a profound awareness of the environment “where a product is created and produced with consideration to environmental and social impacts of materials used, the design process and production.”

Ablaza, an agriculturist and hortiSee ANDRES, page 12

Million Dollar Bowtie: John Ablaza, Philippines’ first eco-couture international designer and international model and actor Devon Spence share light moment at the “Million Dollar Bowtie Launch” event at Celebrity Plaza.

Community Advocate of the Year: Brian Tom, (second from left), is this year’s “Community Advocate of the Year” awardee of the Asian Business Association of Orange and shared honors with others for their service in the community. Deprived of sight, Brian who is also a Visionary Speaker has inspired many for his determination and success as an entrepreneur.

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Weekend Balita, Sat.-Fri., December 12 - 18, 2015

LOS ANGELES

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

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World-first dengue fever vaccine cleared for use in Mexico: makers Wednesday December 9, 2015 (Paris, France-AFP) – The first-ever vaccine against dengue fever, which affects up to 400 million people per year, has been cleared for use in Mexico, French manufacturer Sanofi said on Wednesday. “It’s a very important moment in the history of public health,� Olivier Charmeil, head of the company’s vaccines division, told AFP, describing Dengvaxia as the “innovation of the decade�.

This vaccine could potentially become “a blockbuster� and generate more than a billion dollars in revenue for the French pharmaceutical company, Charmeil added.

It took 20 years and more than 1.5 billion euros ($1.6 billion) in research and development to create Dengvaxia.

Until now, scientists have been stumped by dengue which is caused by four separate viruses acting in concert.

The World Health Organization says dengue has become the fastest-growing mosquito-borne disease, with as many as 400 million people infected every year.

It can trigger a crippling fever, along with muscle and joint pain, and there is no known cure.

The deadliest form of the disease kills 22,000 people per year, the

WHO says.

Over the past half-century, dengue has become endemic in more than 100 tropical and sub-tropical countries, thanks largely to rapid urbanization.

Sanofi Pasteur has requested authorization to push the vaccine in 20 countries.

“We are waiting for more registrations in Asia and Latin America in the coming weeks,� said Charmeil.

Several million doses of the vaccine are ready to ship, and Sanofi expects annual production to reach 100 million doses by 2017.

A stockpile for the European Union will be shipped in early 2016 and in the United States a year later.

Clinical tests – carried out on 40,000 people from 15 countries – have found Dengvaxia can immunize two-thirds of people aged nine years and older, rising to 93 percent for dengue hemorrhagic fever, reducing the risk of hospitalization by 80 percent.

Medicare portability: What’s the score?

Several years back, a group of FilAms lobbied Washington for Medicare portability to the Philippines. I was opposed to the move because of several reasons.

It was not necessary. Then, as now, Medicare members enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan or some Medicare Supplement plans enjoy medical emergency coverage while in the Philippines. The amount of coverage ranges from a few thousand dollars to unlimited, depending on the insurance carrier.

It was not beneficial. “Fraud, waste and abuse� were rampant.

Extending Medicare coverage outside the U.S. would be like opening the floodgates for more fraud, more waste and more abuse. It would bleed Medicare trust fund dry.

It was not practicable. The interplay of the complex systems of medical billing, claims, taxation, Rx procurement infrastructure, provider payments and so on do not work to provide a smooth implementation.

Just consider the glitches and misfires experienced by Covered California in its initial years and you can imagine the nightmare if Medicare portability would have been allowed for the Philippines back then.

Besides the Philippines, there were others who would appreciate Medicare portability allowed in their respective countries. The U.S. Congress would not have been that politically insensitive.

Assertion that many FilAms would rather move back home if Medicare portability were allowed is utterly false. Most consider the U.S home. Most have grown roots here, and have their children and grandchildren live here.

Their healthcare is managed by U.S. providers. Most will not change horses late in the game.Why do affluent Filipinos come to the U.S. to have certain surgical procedures done here despite the cost?

Today, Medicare members enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan

or some Medicare Supplement plans enjoy worldwide coverage for medical emergency. If you intend to visit the Philippines, be sure you are covered.

Medi-Medis: ascertain your coverage if you intend to extend your visit.

If you need help, call me at 323535-7373 or e-mail at: leo.balita@ gmail.com.

About the author: Leo Monsalud hails from Sta. Cruz, Zambales. He studied for MBA and Law at the University of the Philippines. He worked for United Laboratories, Inc. where his last position held was vice-president assigned as general manager of a division. He holds CA license #0G55218 as well as Non-Resident license for Nevada #837521. He is a Certified Insurance Agent for Covered California.

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Weekend Balita, Sat.-Fri., December 12 - 18, 2015

IRS seeks to dismiss client’s Chapter 13 Client with good income wants Chp 7 to discharge $70k credit cards No one has anything good to say about the IRS. Tax collectors were much hated even during the time of Jesus two thousand years ago. Jesus was walking along the street when He saw Matthew sitting in his tax collector booth, then Jesus called Matthew to be His disciple. Client had a confirmed Chapter 13 plan since 2013. The plan paid for her 2013 income tax owed of $10K, and $50K arrears in her mortgage. These are the only creditors that she owed.

She had a 2nd trust deed of $100K, which was fully forgiven by Bank of America after we filed her motion to avoid the 2nd trust deed. She had $60K credit card debt which all got discharged in her Chapter 7 case the year before. This was really an extreme reorganization of her financial affairs that we were doing. Phase 1, she discharged all unsecured debt.

Phase 2, was to handle the IRS and the $50K arrears on the mortgage.

Things had gone quite well. The $100K second trust deed had completely disappeared in an instant right after we filed the LAM motion.

We really did not expect that Bank of America would just forgive the entire 2nd mortgage. Our strategy was to argue that client did not have to pay Bank of America anything as unsecured debt upon approval of the motion to avoid lien because the previous chapter 7 discharge wiped out the promissory note, so there was nothing to pay even as the lien was stripped. I wasn’t sure that the court would buy this argument but it was logical and legally correct.

The next step we took was to work on a loan modification for the first mortgage. This worked out really well too. Not only did Nationstar reduce payment by $800 a month, it updated the loan such that there

were no more arrears. Therefore, the loan modification cured the $50K arrears. With the LM in place, client was now completely current on her mortgage. Nationstar wrote a letter to the trustee saying that the LM cured the default and no more payments in the plan to Nationstar were needed!

So, the only debt left unpaid was the IRS of $10K. However, client failed to pay IRS her 2014 tax liability, which was $14K. This created a big problem because non-payment of the 2014 tax liability is a violation of the terms of the confirmed plan. A violation of the terms of the plan is legal ground to dismiss the case. Thus, the IRS filed a motion to dismiss case. To set things right, we had to oppose the IRS motion to dismiss on the ground that if Nationstar withdrew its prepetition proof of claim which showed a $50K default which no longer exists, the plan could be modified to pay the IRS in full over the rest of the life of the plan. We also filed an objection to the proof of claim of Nationstar because the loan modification wiped out the arrears of $50K. Hopefully, these will all combine to prevent the case from being dismissed.

Second client is 57 years old. He had a good paying job for 20 years.

He cleared $150K a year every year for the last 20 years working 18 hours a day because he was so dedicated to his work. Although he was paid well, the kind of work he did was very stressful and it affected his mind. He would have nightmares involving what he saw at work. A lot

of gore and blood, and he saw the evil that men do. He decided that it was time to start again in life without too much stress. Anyway, he had already qualified for a good pension. He said the money wasn’t worth the stress that he had to go through every day.

The guy was a nervous wreck. He still owed $70K of credit cards. He owned a house with a reasonable mortgage payment of $1800 and two-car payments total of $1,000. He takes it easy nowadays. Does a little part time work here and there. His wife still works. With his pension and part time income, there’s enough to cover monthly expenses, but there is no money left to make minimum payments of $2K on his $70K credit cards. These have to go. With his fresh start in life, he will have no more $70K of credit card debt. This is

Balita

what he wants, and it makes a whole lot of sense. “COME TO ME, ALL OF YOU WHO LABOR AND ARE HEAVY LADEN, AND I WILL GIVE YOU REST.� Matthew 11:28 Lawrence Bautista Yang is a graduate of Georgetown University Law Center and has been in Law practice for thirty years. He specializes in Bankruptcy, Business and Civil Litigation and has handled more than five thousand successful bankruptcy cases in California. He speaks Tagalog and looks forward to discussing your case with you personally.

Please call Angie, Barbara or Jess at (626) 284-1142 for an appointment at 1000 S Fremont Ave, MAILSTOP 58, BUILDING A-1 SUITE 1125, Alhambra, CA 91803 OR at 20274 Carrey Road, Walnut, CA 91789.

Bicam approves P3-T national budget for 2016 MANILA, Dec 9 (Mabuhay) – The bicameral conference committee on Wednesday morning approved the proposed P3.002-trillion national budget for 2016.

House Majority Floor Leader Neptali Gonzales II said the House of Representatives will ratify the bicameral conference committee report on the proposed budget by next week.

Senator Loren Legarda, head of the Senate Committee on Finance, said the bicam report will be submitted to the plenary of Senate and House for ratification Wednesday before it will be sent to President Benigno Aquino III for signature. “We are confident that the President will be able to sign the proposed 2016 national budget into law before Christmas. In a way, this is our gift to the people as we have introduced allocations and provisions that will benefit those who most need government support,� she said in a press statement.

Legarda said the budget highlights the support for quality education with the increased allocation for the Department of Education (DepEd) to support the implementation of the K-12 program, particularly for the construction of classrooms and hiring of additional teachers.

The total budget of the DepEd is

P411.905 billion.

She said all state universities and colleges (SUCs) also received additional funding for the “TulongDunong� program, academic buildings, provisions for equipment and other needed facilities with a total budget of P47 billion.

Legarda said that for the first time, the national budget includes funding for the payment of the total administrative disability (TAD) pension for surviving spouses of deceased World War II veterans and partial payment for TAD pension for living post-war veterans who are at least 80 years of age as of 2016.

She said Congress is funding, for the first time, capacity building programs for the implementation of the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) budget. This, she said, is apart from the National Greening Program. She said the DENR budget also includes funding for the National Coral Restoration Program.

Legarda said the funding was introduced because, as a maritime nation with 240 million hectares of marine area, the protection of marine ecosystems, primarily through massive coral restoration, should be a priority of government.

ANDRES From page 10

culturist, has a serious has also embraced an advocacy for the Mangyans of Mindoro in the Philippines whose ingenuity and exquisite craftsmanship are highlighted in his creations.

He spent years training the tribal community to create beautiful gowns, suits and - now bowties - which were proudly showcased at the “Million Dollar Bowtie Launch� event which doubled up as a fundraiser for charity causes.

Ablaza blends his creative genius with the exquisite ingenuity of the Mangyan’s ancient methods which include creating special fabrics out of tree barks which he “eventually shapes into leaves or flowers�. Common items in his environment - coconut shells, wood, plant seeds, reed grass and sea shells, to name a few – turn into work of art in the hands of the versatile couturier.

Climaxing the event was a $1.3 -M bowtie with 19 carats of diamonds “with a 11.5-carat diamond at the centerâ€? worn by Devon Spence, an international model and actor. • Brian Tom: ABAOC Community

Advocate of the Year Brian Tom is a self-driven entrepreneur who started his first company, California Educational Centers (CEC), when he was barely 20 years old. Losing his eyesight a year later to glaucoma did not prevent him from accomplishing his dream. His company which had no student and 3 employees to start with has grown to 10,000 students per week and a staff of 1000 who share his mission of “Helping Young Minds Cross Finish Lines!�

Brian’s philosophy is centered in two words only – “No Excuses� which has led him to organize the non-profit Blind Start of America Foundation with a mission of “helping the blind cross finish lines�. His Dragon Boat Race Team is the first American blind team to represent the U.S. at the Club Crew World Champions in Australia slated in March of 2016.

He joined six other awardees of the Asian Business Association of Orange County who were recognized at the 20th Annual Recognition and Awards Gala in Garden Grove.

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13

4 ways ďŹ ling for divorce can beneďŹ t your immigration case Couples get divorced for various reasons. California is a no fault state.

The reasons why a couple is getting divorced are often irrelevant to the issues of the family law case. Divorce is often a difficult and negative experience for most families. However, getting divorce may have some unintended benefits in the immigration law arena. Four situations in which filing for divorce can be beneficial to your immigration case are as follows: Married Sons and Daughters of US Citizens If you were petitioned for legal permanent residence by your US Citizen parent as a married son or daughter 21 years old or over, you are classified in immigration law under family sponsored third preference (F3) which usually carries a long wait time. The wait time for Filipinos for example is currently 22 years. The priority date is normally the date the petition was initially filed by your US Citizen parents. If you get divorced, you revert back to single status and your category automatically becomes reclassified to first preference (F1) where the waiting time is substantially shorter. For example, for Filipinos the wait time under F1 category is 10 years shorter than F3 category.

This means if your parents filed your immigration petition 12 years ago, then you can adjust to a green card now instead of waiting another 10 years.

Married Sons and Daughters of Legal Permanent Residents If your parents are legal permanent residents, getting divorced will convert you back single status making you eligible to be petitioned by your legal permanent resident parents under the family based second preference (F2b) category if you are 21 years old or older or under the family based second preference A (F2a) if you are under 21 years of age.

For those who married after they were petitioned by their LPR parents (F2A and F2B), the petition is automatically revoked under operation of law the moment you get married and cannot be reclaimed by a divorce. In theory, it can be argued that filing a subsequent petition after your divorce under the same category inherits the previous petition’s priority date under 9 FAM 42.43 N10 and 8 CFR 204.2(h), Part 205. However, success of such argument is not clear since the old petition was automatically revoked the moment you married. The best thing that can be done in this situation is to have your LPR parent repetition you as an F2A or F2b even if you are unable to reclaim the previous petition’s priority date.

Conditional Legal Permanent Residents in failed Marriages For those who obtained their legal permanent residence status through marriage based petition by their US Citizen spouse of less than 2 years

marriage, the legal permanent residence status conferred is usually a “conditional legal permanent residence� valid only for 2 years. The couple would need to sign and file a joint petition to remove this condition prior to the expiration of the 2 years or the conditional legal permanent resident spouse would fall out of status.

The problem arises when the marriage is in trouble. Often it becomes difficult to obtain the cooperation of the US Citizen spouse specially when the couple has separated. US Citizen spouse often refuse to sign the I-751 for or appear at the I-751 interview if one is set by the USCIS. Filing for divorce would terminate the marriage and allow you to file a “waiver� of the joint petition to remove the conditional LPR status based on entering into the marriage in good faith.

Terminating the marriage by filing a divorce is a requirement in order to file the “waiver.� It is important to time this correctly as soon as the marriage starts falling apart because by terminating the marriage early on, you might be able to file the waiver before the expiration of your 2 year conditional LPR thus allowing you to extend your LPR status in 1 year increments until a final decision is made in your case.

Married Aliens in Non-Immigrant Visas and those without Status For those who enter the US as a non-immigrant and are separated from their spouse but still married, filing a divorce would open up opportunities in case they meet a new significant other who is a US Citizen and who can petition them as an immediate relative. This is usually the fastest of process in obtaining legal permanent residence. In countries such as the Philippines where there is no divorce, many people come to the US to start a new life after they have been separated from their old spouse (often still married to them).

Even if the alien over stays their status as a visitor, the alien can still adjust to that of a legal permanent residence if petitioned by a US Citizen spouse. If the alien was never inspected, the alien can still adjust to legal permanent residence if they are grandfathered under INA 245(i) and there are no special restrictions on their status. To be grandfathered under INA 245(i), the alien must have been a beneficiary of a legal permanent residence petition filed no later than April 30, 2001.

Finally, a common concern of divorcing immigrants is “What hap-

St. Lorenzo Ruiz Church chosen as pilgrimage church for Jubilee year Pope Francis has declared a Year of Mercy beginning on December 8, 2015, and continuing until November 20, 2016. The Year of Mercy is an Extraordinary Jubilee – a time of forgiveness and reconciliation, a time to celebrate the mercy of God. The Holy Father decreed that a special Holy Door be opened in every Diocese as the Door of Mercy, to allow the faithful in every part of the world to experience the mercy of the Father in its fullness.

The St. Lorenzo Ruiz Church was chosen as one of these churches.

Along with other chosen parishes, St. Lorenzo will welcome pilgrims who wish to obtain indulgences without having to travel to the Holy Door in

the Vatican. St. Lorenzo has designated one of its doors to be the Door of Mercy.

Those who pass through the Door of Mercy, in addition to fulfilling other conditions and works, receive the plenary indulgence – the Jubilee of Mercy indulgence.

Join the faithful this Sunday, December 13, 2015, at 12:30 pm, at the St. Lorenzo Ruiz Parish for the Rite of Opening of the Door of Mercy. A combined bilingual mass with Bishop David O’Connell, D.D., will be celebrated.

Parish’s address: 747 Meadowpass Road, Walnut, CA 91789 Phone: (909) 595-9545; www.saintlorenzo.org

pens if my spouse refuses to sign the divorce papers?� The truth is you do not need your spouse’s signature to obtain a divorce in California. You only need to provide your spouse notice that you filed a divorce by personally serving your spouse the divorce petition and summons. In countries that are members of the Hague Convention, special procedures need to be followed to effect service. So yes it is possible to divorce your spouse even if your spouse is in a country that does not recognize divorce among its citizens such as the Philippines. For some immigrants, filing for divorce opens up opportunities in this land of milk and honey.

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

related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you.

This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, APLC. This article is not a solicitation.

Attorney Kenneth Reyes is a graduate of Southwestern University School of Law in Los Angeles. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of the American Immigration Lawyer’s Association (AILA) and the Los Angeles County Bar Association, Immigration and Family Law Sections.

You may contact Atty. Reyes at (213) 388-1611 or via e-mail at kureyeslaw@gmail.com. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, APLC. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA.

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OPINION

Ex-Manila mayor Lim: Politics behind graft raps

MANILA, Dec 9 (Mabuhay) – Former Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim said the filing of graft charges

Balita

Not all solons in Palace meeting support BBL, House leader says MANILA, Dec 9 (Mabuhay) – The mem-

at alam niya na next week mag a-adjourn

day didn’t necessarily support the proposed

ary 5 mag a-adjourn na kami to give way sa campaign. Kaya nais niyang manawagan,” Gonzales said.

Gonzales said there was still a chance that the BBL could pass since, he believed, there are more House members in favor of the measure.

“Pwede naman kami mag catch up dito until Friday or Friday next week,” Gonzales said.

“Ako naniniwala mas marami sumusuporta sa BBL,” he added.

Asked whether or not the House leadership promised Aquino that the BBL would be passed, Gonzales said, “Kahapon wala naman. Si presidente sinabi lang niya kahalagahan ng pagpasa nito.”

“Wala naman naging kasunduan na nagkaroon ng botohan dun. As I’ve said ang imbitasyon open sa lahat. Yung mga tao na against it e nandon din,” Gonzales said.

The House again failed to muster a quorum on Tuesday afternoon.

The session was adjourned at 5:45 p.m., with only 134 lawmakers present on the floor.

At least 145 of 287 House members would have to be present for a quorum to be declared.

Gonzales said the lack of quorum in the House of Representatives on Tuesday was just a result of miscommunication.

“Kahapon nagkaroon ng miscommunication sa secretariat dahil hindi nabilang mga taong nagpakita sa umpisa. Because of that, medyo kinapos kami ng bilang kahapon automatically we have to adjourn,” Gonzales said.

The majority leader said their rules allow those who went to the session hall but leave to go to their offices will still be counted as present.

“Kapag ikaw ay nasa opisina mo at ikaw ay nagpakita na (sa session hall) e considered ka na. Pero kung di ka talaga nagpakita kahit nandun ka sa opisina mo (hindi ka pa rin present),” he said. (MNS)

against him in connection with a parking meter bers of the House of Representatives that met na kami. In fact, he is also aware na even with President Benigno Aquino III on Tues- mag resume ng session next year by Janudeal was politically motivated.

Lim said he believes that his political rivals were Bangsamoro Basic Law, a top House leader behind the graft charges filed by former broadcast- said on Wednesday.

House Majority Leader and Mandaluyong

er Ricardo Cruz Santos in connection with a 2012 Representative Neptali Gonzales II made the remark after the House continued to experiparking meter deal.

ence quorum woes that again derailed the

“Kalokohan iyang reklamong yan. May nag-uu- deliberations on the BBL. The BBL is the embodiment of the peace tos dyan na idemanda tayo para siraan tayo dahil

agreement between the Philippine govern-

mag-eeleksyon na,” said Lim, who is hoping to ment and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

However, it experiencing opposition in make a comeback in Manila, currently led by former President Joseph Estrada.

Santos alleged that the 25-year deal that Lim struck with Tokagawa Global Corporation and Matsuyama Corporation was disadvantageous to the city government.

In his complaint, Santos said the firms only invested about P11 million, but have earned over P216 million in the past two years.

Lim questioned why he was slapped with charges, considering that the incumbent government supposedly expanded the areas where the parking meters would be installed.

He claimed that under the tripartite memorandum of agreement, he only approved the installation of parking meters along four areas in the city’s third district.

“Experimental nga lang yun. Sila ang nagdagdag ng ibang lugar. Pirmado sila doon,” he said.

He pointed out that he and the two firms’ representatives were only sued, even if the city council during his time was the one who supposedly proposed the project.

“Bakit ako lang ang dinedemanda? Samantalang iyan ay nagsimula sa city council. Dito mo makikita ang pulitika eh. Sila ang nag-umpisa niya.

Halatang halata naman. Masyadong garapal eh,” he said. (MNS)

both houses of Congress despite both chambers being dominated by the allies of President Benigno Aquino III. “Di nangangahulugan porke pumunta sa Malacanang e in agreement of the BBL. Kahapon ang exercise is to hear the president.

Di mo masasabi kasing lahat kasi nakakita rin naman ako ng mga tao na anti BBL. Di nangangahulugan na yung mga tao dun e committed sa BBL,” Gonzales said.

Between 160 to 170 attended the meeting with the President in Malacañang on Tuesday.

Gonzales admitted that the lawmakers who are against the BBL could be deliberately skipping the session.

“Iyong iba na against sa BBL kahit pakiusapan mo talagang against the BBL. Ang hindi nila pag-attend diyan (sa session) maybe their way of showing na para mabawasan ang quorum,” Gonzales said.

During the closed-door meeting that lasted for three hours, Aquino cited the “increased threats posed by global terrorism and radicalization” in urging the lawmakers to pass the BBL. Gonzales said Aquino wanted to appeal to the lawmakers for the passage of the BBL because of its status in Congress and the urgency of its approval given the time constraints. “[Alam] kasi ni presidente ang status ng BBL, na 21 pa ang nais mag-interpellate dito

Osmeña: SC justices shouldn’t meddle in political affairs MANILA, Dec 9 (Mabuhay) – Justices are not supposed to interfere in political matters, Senator Sergio “Serge” Osmena III said on Wednesday.

“That might be a violation…” Osmena said when sought to comment on the reported attempts by two associate justices of the Supreme Court to coax presidential aspirant Roy Señeres to withdraw from the race in favor of another wannabe, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte.

Citing a source, the Philippine Daily Inquirer identified the two justices as Jose Catral Mendoza and Bienvenido Reyes, who, like Duterte, are graduates of San Beda’s College of Law. But the senator, who has openly expressed his support for Duterte, warned the public against jumping into any conclusion until the report is proven true.

“But I know that the justices are not supposed to be interfering in that political matters kasi ang dapat sa kanila neutral ‘yan kasi du’n din aabot lahat ng mga kaso galing sa Comelec (Commission on Elections ) or sa SET (Senate Electoral Tribunal) dito sa Senado…” he said.

(But I know that the justices are not supposed to be interfering in that political matters; they have to be neutral because they will ultimately have to decide on the cases before Comelec and SET.) “So they should not put themselves in a position where they would have to abstain from voting…baka punahin ang voting sa Korte Suprema (Supreme Court’s voting may be questioned),” Osmeña added.

He noted that there were also calls for the three justices in the SET to inhibit from the disqualification case against Senator Grace Poe after they voted to unseat her in the Senate over her citizenship. The three are Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio and Associate Justices Teresita Leonardo de Castro and Arturo Brion.

If the two justices who are now being linked to Duterte and the three justices at the SET would also inhibit from the case against Poe at the SC, then Osmeña said the fate of the lady senator would now be left in the hands of the remaining 10 magistrates. (MNS)

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Duterte surging ahead The sudden surge of Davao city Mayor Rodrigo Duterte in the latest polls for the 2016 presidential election was expected by thousands of Filipino voters, particularly those who have gotten tired of empty promises of traditional politicians who have dominated Philippine politics for years.

According to the latest Social Weather Station (SWS) 2016 survey, Duterte is the preferred choice of 38 per cent respondents nationwide.

Vice President Jojo Binay and Senator Grace Poe Llamanzares were tied for second place with 21 percent.

Liberal Party bet Mar Roxas was a dismal third placer with 14 per cent and Santiago with just 4 per cent.

Although Mayor Duterte has been in politics for many years, his record as a public servant is untainted. He is well known for his hard work and honesty.

Despite using a “mailed fist” policy in governing Davao city as mayor for many years, Duterte transformed the once crime infested metropolis into one of the safest places in the world.

There was once a time that Davao city was the hotbed not only of illegal drug proliferation but as well as political unrest perpetrated by the New People’s Army (NPA).

Apart from his foul-mouth, the only baggage Duterte has in the coming presidential election is his admission of being the head of a vigilante death squad responsible for the execution of 1,700 criminals in Davao city.

I don’t think that his admission of having two or three girlfriends as well as having illegitimate kids would affect his chances of not being elected president next year.

Former President Joseph Estrada is a well known womanizer, yet he won the presidency by a landslide.

Unfortunately, Estrada’s downfall was also partly to be blamed to one of his long list of mistresses.

Once Senator Grace Poe Llamanzares is finally disqualified by the Supreme Court, it is going to be a fight between Vice President Jojo Binay and Mayor Duterte. Former Interior Secretary Mar Roxas, as expected, will be in third place.

I hope Duterte will not end up like all our previous presidents whose hunger for power and wealth are

our ay y d Sen ine’s D s xe nt Valeaster bo &E

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ravenous.

*** Vice President Jojo Binay is saying that poverty is the root cause of all the problems besetting the country today. He blamed poverty as the major cause of the continued upsurge of criminality as well as the growing number of Filipinos leaving the country to work overseas because of unemployment.

Speaking to thousands of students at the Siliman University, Binay gave assurance that he will increase funding for all state colleges and universities throughout the country once elected Philippine President.

As mayor of Makati for many years, Binay transformed the financially strapped Polytechnic Community College into a now prosperous University of Makati.

Hundreds of poor but deserving students were able to get their college education for free from the University of Makati.

Even if Binay is perceived to be guilty of all the corruption charges filed against him, he has done a lot for the good of the poor people of Makati, On top of the free college education being offered to deserving students, he also built a hospital for Makati indigents who cannot afford to pay their hospitalization bills. The city of Makati is also giving free medicines to indigent residents of Makati.

At least Binay, despite being perceived as corrupt, did something to alleviate the sad plight of poor families in Makati. In contrast, what did President Aquino do to his “bosses” in his almost 6 years of being president – none, except raise the taxes of Filipinos and keep increasing the pork barrel funds of corrupt politicians in Congress. *** Liberal party presidential candidate Mar Roxas is still trying hard to sell himself to the public. Roxas lambasted Binay for being an expert when it comes to graft and corruption. He said it Binay still needs to answer in court all corruption

tro We deliver in Medays Manila within 40ths! not 2 or 3 mon

VP Binay claims gov’t deliberately underspending for 2016 polls MANILA, Dec 9 (Mabuhay) -Vice President Jejomar Binay on Wednesday accused the administration of President Benigno Aquino III of deliberately underspending funds to save up for the 2016 presidential elections.

Binay made the allegation during his visit at the Bais City public market in Negros Oriental.

During his visit, Binay promised that he will work for higher salaries for teachers and government employees if he is elected president in next year’s election He also promised to provide better benefits for senior citizens, just like what he started in Makati City, where he served as mayor for several years. Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda, meanwhile, dismissed Binay’s allegation. “Huli sa balita si VP Binay tungkol sa underspending,” Lacierda said in a text message to Palace reporters.

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) recently report-

ed that national government spending continued to pick up with another two-digit year-on-year growth of 16.6 percent in September to conclude a quarterly growth of 19.3 percent.

Spending for September reached P186.3 billion, surpassing the P160 billion disbursements in 2014 by 16.6 percent. Third quarter spending performance was P558.5 billion, which was P90.2 billion higher than the P468.4 billion gained during the same period last year. Budget Secretary Florencio Abad said he expects the momentum to be sustained until the end of 2015, citing payments of contracts for big capital projects, and the pressure for political leaders to finish infrastructure projects before the May 2016 elections.

Lacierda said Binay is sourgraping because he failed to get the president’s endorsement.

President Aquino has anointed former Interior Sec. Mar Roxas of the ruling Liberal Party (LP) as his successor in 2016.

charges leveled against him, particularly the overpriced Makati city hall building and the Makati car park building built during his incumbency.

Roxas was reacting to a statement given by Binay before a large crowd of students in Siliman university that graft and corruption were not the same. According to Binay, graft is about abusive use of power and corruption is about mishandling of money.

Binay received a warm welcome from thousands of students and residents in Negros Oriental, considered to be a “Roxas bailiwick.” During the 2010 vice presidential election, Roxas received a little over 700,000 as compared to Binay’s 221,000.

Roxas also took potshots at Mayor Duterte for his involvement in extra judicial killings. He also slammed Duterte for saying that he will revive the death penalty once elected president. He said he can-

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not agree with Duterte’s brand of carrying out his style of justice. He said he believes in the rule of law. *** Finally, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) confirmed that there is indeed a “tanim bala” scheme extorting air travelers passing through the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

It would be recalled that President Aquino was irked when asked by newsmen about the existence of a “tanim bala” scheme perpetrated by corrupt police personnel at the airport. He claimed the “tanim bala” scheme is merely a media creation.

Now that the NBI has formally charged two officers from the Office for Transportation Security (OTS) and four cops from the Philippine National Police Avsecom Group (Aviation Command). I wonder what President Aquino will now say.

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FOOD & DINING

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Chicken Parmesan with Garlic Sauteed Baby Broccoli Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 30 minutes Net carbs: 7.9 g 20 ounces boneless, cooked chicken breasts salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided 15 ounces canned tomato sauce 1/2 teaspoon ground dried basil 1/4 teaspoon leaf oregano 1 teaspoon sucralose sweetener (sugar substitute) 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1 cup shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese FXSV EDE\ EURFFROL ÀRUHWV 1/2 teaspoon garlic Heat oven to 350 F. Using meat mallet, pound out chicken breasts until they are about 1/4- to 1/2-inch thick. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, and place into preheated skillet over medium-high heat with 2 tablespoons oil. Cook until brown on both sides, about 2 minutes per side, then layer into 8-by-8-inch baking pan.

In small bowl, combine tomato sauce, basil, oregano, sucralose and Parmesan cheese. Mix with spoon and pour over chicken. Layer mozzarella on top and bake 25-30 minutes, until cheese is melted and sauce is bubbly.

During last 10 minutes of cooking chicken, use same skillet to saute baby broccoli. Over medium-high heat, add garlic and broccoli to 2 remaining oil. Saute until broccoli is crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. Serve immediately with chicken.

Photos courtesy of Getty Images

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FAMILY FEATURES

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And the numbers don’t lie – numerous studies show that low-carb eating can be a healthy lifestyle option for people who want to lose or maintain their weight. When you control your carbohydrate intake, you start burning stored fat as your fuel source instead of carbohydrates. /RZ FDUE HDWLQJ UHVXOWV LQ PRUH H྾HFWLYH ZHLJKW ORVV DQG EHWWHU KHDOWK PDUNHUV VXFK DV D GHFUHDVH LQ \RXU risk of heart disease and diabetes. Plus, a low-carb lifestyle, such as Atkins, can be customized to your indiYLGXDO QHHGV WR KHOS \RX ORVH ZHLJKW DQG NHHS LW R྾ ,Q IDFW ZLWK WKH ZLGH YDULHW\ RI IRRGV WR FKRRVH IURP LQ D ORZ FDUE OLIHVW\OH LWœV HDV\ WR ¿QG SOHQW\ RI the festive foods and recipes you like so you can skip the stress this holiday season and simply focus on celebrating.

These recipes – favorites of actress Alyssa Milano, who started her own journey on the Atkins program ¹ VKRZ KRZ HDV\ LW LV WR PDNH DQG HQMR\ ORZ FDUE GLVKHV SDFNHG ZLWK ÀDYRU )LQG PRUH ORZ FDUE UHFLSHV to share this holiday season at atkins.com.

Fresh Mozzarella Salad with Basil Pesto Prep time: 10 minutes Net carbs: 1.7 g 4 cups arugula 1/4 cup basil pesto 2 pounds sliced whole milk mozzarella cheese 2 small whole red tomatoes, sliced Basil Pesto 24 ounces basil 1/3 cup dried pine nuts 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1/2 teaspoon garlic 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

To prepare pesto, combine basil, pine nuts, Parmesan, garlic and salt in food processor or blender; pulse until ÂżQHO\ FKRSSHG $GG RLO in slow and steady stream with machine running; process until fairly smooth but not pureed. Serve immediately, refrigerate in airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month.

Toss arugula with 2 tablespoons of pesto. Mound onto serving plates. Top with alternating slices of mozzarella and tomato.

Drizzle with remaining pesto and serve.

&DXOLĂ€RZHU &KHGGDU Mash Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 8 minutes Net carbs: 3.5 g

FXS FDXOLĂ€RZHU 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste 6WHDP FDXOLĂ€RZHU LQ VWHDPHU EDVNHW over boiling water in medium covered sauce pot until tender, about 5 minutes. Remove to bowl and mash with fork. Top with cheese and season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Recipes courtesy of Atkins.

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beef, pork, eggs, plant-based)

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Healthy fats (olive oil, avocados, nuts, butter) Dairy (cheese, Greek yogurt)

„

Low-glycemic fruits (berries, cherries, melon)

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ENTERTAINMENT

Carla loses weight for project with Gabby

CARLA Abellana

CARLA Abellana is happy to do a light drama like “Because of You”. “It’s not the usual heavy soap seen on primetime,” she says. “This one has liberal touches of comedy and it’s good I got my training na in ‘Ismol Family’ kaya hindi na ako nahirapan sa comic scenes ko rito. Feelgood show ito na iba talaga ang treatment.”

Carla is one of the busiest Kapuso actresses. She’ll now be seen in “Because of You” from Monday to Friday.

On Saturdays, she’s seen on “Karelasyon” and on Sundays, in “Ismol Family”. And she also hosts the cooking demos “DelMonte Kitchenomics”. “I can’t complain dahil ang dami talagang blessings na ibinibigay ni Lord sa akin.”

She considers it a blessing to work with Gabby again after they worked in the movie “Yesterday Today Tomorrow” four years ago. “Ganun pa rin, masaya sa set. Kwela, Nagpapatawa kahit madaling araw at pagod na kami. Mabait siya sa lahat.”

Gabby’s eldest daughter, KC, is the same age as Carla’s Ate Ericka. “Pareho sila ng birthday. The same day sila pinanganak, April 7, 1985, in the same hospital at magkatabi pa ang rooms ng mom ko at ni Ms. Sharon Cuneta.”

It’s good she has lost weight and is slimmer now.

“Yes, when I was doing ‘Pari Koy’, ang laki ko noon. It took five months of working out and dieting bago lumabas ‘yung epekto ng hard work ko. Now, the challenge is how to maintain. I only eat special food prepared for me

by Healthy House na bilang talaga ang calories.”

In “Because of You”, Carla plays Andrea, a bubbly girl who is deserted at the altar on their wedding day by Rafael Rosell as Oliver, the runaway groom. She moves on and meets Gabby Concepcion as Jaime, an RTW magnate whose wife, Valerie Concepcion, leaves him and their four children for Carlo Gonzales.

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Visit www.Balita.com 22 Bankruptcy: Leave your debt troubles behind in 2015

Filing Bankruptcy is a serious decision for most people. Most don’t have a clue about how the process works until they actually consult with an attorney. Confusion often results from hearing conflicting personal opinions from people they know.

Sad to say, well-meaning friends and family often give the wrong advice and the results can sometimes be disastrous. Remember that as much as your friends and family care about you, nothing takes the place of professional advice.

Filing right away may not be the best thing to do in some situations.

In other cases, however, it is necessary to file immediately in order to protect property, wages, bank accounts and other assets from being taken by creditors. An experienced Bankruptcy attorney should be consulted without delay when important legal rights are at stake. This is especially true when you have as-

sets that may be at risk if creditors file lawsuits, repossess or foreclose.

Judgment creditors may proceed to place a lien against property that you own, garnish your wages or levy on your bank accounts.

If you are honestly doing your best to pay your creditors but simply can’t, the law provides a remedy for your situation. I am not saying that bankruptcy should just be a quick way out of debt in every situation without regard for personal responsibility.

What I am saying is that being bankrupt is not often a conscious choice that people make. Rather it is simply a consequence of poor financial deci-

Weekend Balita, Sat.-Fri., December 12 - 18, 2015

sions that have already been made in the past. But the past is gone and the decisions are irreversible. Life must go on. Of course, in a lot of cases, it can also be the result of events in life that are beyond our control. But in those situations where it is not, the willingness to accept responsibility for where we are and the acknowledgement of the fact that where we go from here depends on us 100% are the first steps to financial recovery.

Be willing to forgive yourself for any wrong decisions you may have made while putting your past where it belongs.

Filing for Bankruptcy relief by wiping out debts you can no longer pay or maybe consolidating all your debts into one affordable monthly payment can be a turning point in your life if you find yourself in a seemingly hopeless financial situation. When appropriate, Bankruptcy may be just what you need to turn your situation around quickly and

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help you get your life back on track.

Never lose hope. Like most problems in life, this too will soon pass.

As we start a brand new year, it’s time to reflect on where you are at the moment and what you need to accomplish to achieve whatever financial goals you have. If your debt problems are stopping you from having the kind of life that you want for yourself and your family, only you can do something about it- whatever solution you choose to get you out of the financial mess you may be in. For a free consultation, call my office at 866-477-7772. I have offices in Los Angeles, Pasadena, Cerritos and Valencia.

(None of the information herein is intended to give legal advice for any specific situation. Atty. Ray Bulaon has successfully helped over 5,000 clients in getting out of debt. For a free attorney evaluation of your situation, please call RJB Law Offices at TOLL FREE 1-866-477-7772).

FEMA readies El Niño disaster response plan for CA, NV, AZ FEMA readies El Niño disaster response plan for CA, NV, AZ Sacramento Calif. – The FEMA Region 9 office, in Oakland, CA has established an El Niño task force charged with preparing the regional office and its partners for the impacts of El Niño. Today, the FEMA Region 9 Office released its Severe El Niño Disaster Response plan and will convene a regional interagency steering committee meeting in Northern California to exercise the plan.

The task force has evaluated the core capabilities needed to prepare for, respond to, recover from and mitigate against any El Niño related incident that occurs across the office’s area of responsibility. The task force

has developed an Executive Decision Support Guide, or response plan, and an interactive flood decision support tool to enhance the regional office’s ability to respond to potential El Niño flood events during the winter of 2015-2016. The plan seeks to align actionable decision points that provide critical information that leaders need to make informed decisions by determining the hazard level potentially impacting lives, public health, safety, property, and critical infrastructure.

The objectives of the task force developed in the plan: Establish actionable processes and procedures to identify the location, potential impacts, and probability of

occurrence of natural hazards Identify key at-risk populations, critical facilities and natural/cultural resources Identify gaps in core capabilities needed to overcome the threat Develop key messages to motivate partners to prepare and act The task force consists of subject matter experts from the FEMA Region 9 office as well as other federal, state, local, tribal and community partners.

“California is at risk for many types of disasters,” said Mark Ghilarducci, Director of the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services. “These joint exercises with our partners allow us to prepare for and respond

to emergencies.”

“Utilizing a ‘whole community’ approach to emergency management reinforces the fact that FEMA is only one part of our nation’s emergency management team,” said Bob Fenton, FEMA Region 9 Administrator. “The exercise gives us an opportunity to learn from each other, and from the experts in the areas where solutions will come from.”

“There aren’t many types of disasters capable of impacting all Arizonans, but a strong El Niño could cause flooding, evacuations and power outages anywhere in the state,” said Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs Deputy Director Wendy Smith-Reeve.

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COMMUNITY

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PHL envoy remembered

NaFFAA head speaks on the passing of Ambassador Willy C. Gaa “Ambassador Willy Gaa was a consummate diplomat, whose actions more than his words, helped make a difference in the Filipino American community’s aspirations for empowerment,” says NaFFAA National Chairman JT Mallonga. “As Philippine Ambassador to the United States from 2006-2011, Ambassador Gaa deeply cared for the community’s issues and concerns, notably the struggle of Filipino World War II Veterans for justice and equity. He championed this cause with determination and delight, walking the halls of Congress and meeting with U.S. leaders to speak for the thousands of veterans who needed a voice. He was there when the House finally voted for the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation Fund on February 2007, staying late into the night to savor a measure

of justice that had long been denied from our brave heroes.

Thank you, Ambassador Gaa, for standing with us during our community’s most critical hours.”

Adds community leader Gloria T. Caoile, “Ambassador Gaa came to us in Washington, D.C. with an open mind and a heart full of passion to serve us well.

With his wife Linda, they opened their home to the community, relating to us as their family! His wry sense of humor and humility served him well in the rewarding relationships he forged, driven mainly by a passion to serve his people and his country. We will miss you, Sir, but we will never forget the good things you left behind.”

Loida Nicolas Lewis, NaFFAA National Chair Emeritus, commends Ambassador Gaa’s diligent efforts to motivate Filipinos

Fight for equity goes to DC Los Angeles, November 27, 2015 – ON TO THE US CONGRESS, LOBBY FOR HR 2766, the Filipino Veterans Fairness Act of 2015.

The Justice For Filipino American Veterans(JFAV) announced today that it will go to the US Congress next year to lobby for HR 2766- the Filipino Veterans Fair Act of 2015 sponsored by Rep. Jackie Speier of California.

JFAV National Coordinator Arturo P. Garcia said, “ As of now, there are only 37 Representatives who have co-sponsored HR 2766. We need to move it up .

For the last 23 years, JFAV has been lobbying for different benefits and equity rights for the 250,000 Filipino World War II Veterans who were disenfranchised by the unjust Rescission Act of 1946 passed by the 79th US Congress.”

Fundraising and Donations JFAV has launched several fund-raising campaigns from December 2015 to January 2016 to send veterans, widows and community with youth leaders

to lobby in US Congress next year 2016.

To sent your donation please send checks, money order or any amount .please write in the check/money order or cash to: People’s CORE 1610 Beverly Blvd. Suite No.2 Los Angeles, CA 90026 Write in memo. Jfav donations Note; Amounts of 50 dollars or more are tax-deductible.

Target Lobby by 2016 Garcia added, “It was an uphill fight and like pulling teeth, each and every veterans benefits bill was like a baby step that the US Congress have granted since 1989. But up to now, the military pensions and even the lump sum that the Filipino Veterans deserve has not been given by the US Congress and the DVA even if there are only 28,000 veterans still living and 68,000 survivors still waiting for their benefits.

Garcia also said, “Out of the 46,000 veterans who claimed for lump sum, the DVA only gave out 18,000 claims. More than 25,000 claims were denied by the DVA.

PHL tourism pushed at World Bank Conference WASHINGTON, DC – “Tourism thrives in an atmosphere of excitement and encouragement,” Philippine Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Jr. told the audience of a tourism conference at the World Bank Headquarters on 08 December 2015.

Secretary Jimenez was speaking in a panel that focused on “Pathways to Growth” in tourism, which discussed how developing country destinations can capture their share of global tourism and promote the growth of tourism in the future. The panel discussion was part of the World Bank’s tourism conference entitled, “Driving Development Through Tourism,” held on 8-9 December 2015 in Washington, D.C. The man behind the country’s tourism slogan, “It’s More Fun in the Philippines,” prefaced his opening remarks with a comparison of the dynamism of tourism in the Philippines to the excitement generated by

both tourists and locals as they rendezvous in Albay, Legazpi before the periodic eruptions of the renowned, cone-shaped volcano, Mount Mayon, asserting that human beings always prefer an atmosphere of fun.

Secretary Jimenez also emphasized that the Philippines is a prime destination for international meetings and conferences.

“The most successful meetings are those where people can’t tell the difference between business and leisure travel,” he told the audience. Citing the recent success of the country’s year-long hosting of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation or APEC, he noted how some of the most important agreements such as the APEC action agenda to promote the globalization of micro, small and medium enterprises, and the plan of action to enhance financial cooperation in the Asia Pacific, were reached in the leisure islands of Boracay and Cebu, respectively.

The late Ambassador Willy Gaa (second from left) when he led Philippine officials and leaders during the hosting of the “Beterano” Photo Exhibit at the Philippine Embassy in Washington, DC. Photo: Eric Lachica

and Filipino Americans to give back to their mother country.

“He instilled a sense of devotion and duty to the Philippines by encouraging them to become dual citizens, and be involved in the country’s governance as overseas voters and citizens.

He also encouraged community organizations to help needy and distressed Filipino nationals who are in need of legal and humanitarian assistance. He was truly a man who cared. He gave his very best, with quiet dignity and humble grace.”

On behalf of the Filipino American community, NaFFAA wishes to convey the organization’s deepest sympathies to Mrs. Erlinda Gaa and the family during their

time of mourning and grief.

Current Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr in a statement said, “It is with great sadness that we learned of the passing of Ambassador Willy Gaa. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Gaa family during this time of loss and sorrow.

On this sad occasion, we recall the Ambassador’s long and dedicated service to our country and to the Filipino people. Ambassador Gaa’s professionalism and tireless efforts to advance the interests of the Philippines and the Filipino diaspora community will continue to inspire the work of the Philippine Embassy and Consulates General across the United States.”

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Airport Police support legislative efforts to tighten internal airport security Cops also call for complete airport employee screening LOS ANGELES, CA - The American Alliance of Airport Police Officers (AAAPO) supports legislation introduced by Senator Bill Nelson (D- FL), Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce, Science, & Transportation Committee, to strengthen internal security at our nation’s airports.

The Senator’s Airport Security Enhancement and Oversight Act calls for increased screening of aviation employees and increased oversight of employees’ secure access badges.

While these proposals are important to enhancing airport safety, the most comprehensive solution to fortifying security at major airports is to immediately begin performing 100%

screening of all airport employees, including TSA, and their belongings.

As the AAAPO noted in its 2012 letter to then TSA Administrator John Pistole, the most effective way to keep the public safe is by conducting total screening of every employee and their backpacks, purses, bags, etc.

Given that passengers are already subject to these screening procedures, it is within reason to expect the same security standards for airport employees and TSA. The Russian Metrojet bombing incident, which is suspected to have been carried out by an airport employee, exemplifies the dangers of the “insider” threat. Here at home, in December of last year, a gun smuggling scheme at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport allowed an airline employee to bring guns into

secure parts of the airport, while a former airline employee transported the guns on flights made between Atlanta and New York, again highlighting the ongoing internal security vulnerabilities at our nation’s airports.

Incidents like the Atlanta gun smuggling ring are possible because at many major airports employees are permitted to enter the airport property via a rudimentary metal turnstile that is located immediately off the aeronautical side of the airport with easy access to waiting airplanes.

For example, at JFK, the turnstile entrance point only requires the employee to swipe their badge and enter a code-no biometrics are used and there is no physical screening of the employee or the bags, purses, etc., the employee brings into the air-

port. Without a nationwide standard regarding the screening of airport employees at major airports, such security gaps will continue to pose dangers to the traveling public.

In this regard, the AAAPO supports Senator Nelson’s efforts to improve security at our country’s airports and calls on Congress to immediately implement public policy that requires the screening of all airport employees, including TSA. The Los Angeles Airport Peace Officers Association (LAAPOA) represents the sworn police officers and firefighters of the Los Angeles Airport Police Department assigned to protect and serve Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), LA/Ontario International Airport (ONT) and Van Nuys Airport (VNY). For more information on LAAPOA, please visit laapoa.com.

Public health official urges travelers to protect against mosquito-borne diseases SACRAMENTO – California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith is urging Californians to protect themselves against mosquito bites if traveling to Mexico or Latin America, where there have been increased reports of the mosquito-borne diseases chikungunya and dengue. Travelers should also be aware that there is currently transmission of dengue on the Big Island in Hawaii, and precautions against mosquito bites are advised; there are no reports of dengue transmission on the other Hawaiian islands.

“We want all Californians to be extra careful when traveling to these regions and take steps to avoid mosquito bites,” Dr. Smith said. “The mos-

quitoes that transmit chikungunya and dengue are aggressive daytime biters.”

Chikungunya is a viral disease characterized by acute onset of fever and severe joint pain. Dengue, another viral disease, is characterized by high fever, severe headache, muscle and joint pain, rash, and in severe cases bleeding manifestations. For both, treatment is supportive, the disease is not contagious person to person, and there is no vaccine.

For 2015, 164 cases of chikungunya and 90 cases of dengue have been reported in California residents, all with a history of travel to areas where transmission of these diseases occurs. Of reported cases in 2015, 148 (90 percent) chikungunya and 77 (86 percent) dengue cases had a history of travel to Latin America. The number of reported California dengue cases with a history of travel to Mexico has increased in the last three years, with 80 in 2013-2015 compared to 17 in 2010-2012.

Three California residents have acquired dengue during the recent outbreak in the Big Island in Hawaii.

There have been no cases of chikungunya and dengue acquired locally in California.

CDPH recommends that travelers prevent exposure to mosquito bites by wearing protective clothing and applying insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535 according to label instructions. DEET can be used safely on infants and children two months of age and older. In addition, make sure that your hotel or lodging has air conditioning or doors and windows with tight-fitting screens to keep out mosquitoes.

Chikungunya was first introduced to the Caribbean in late 2013, and by Nov. 30, 2015, over 25,000 confirmed cases were reported from the Caribbean and Central, South, and North America, including over 9,000 cases in Mexico. Dengue transmission has also been prevalent throughout Latin American countries in recent years, and the risk of dengue is present in several Mexican states, including Baja California Sur (where Cabo San Lucas and La Paz are popular tourist areas).

‘Illegal’ vehicles, engines seized or turned back at border at local ports LOS ANGELES – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced $94,700 in fines and more than 1,394 items, including engines, scooters and ATVs, that were recently seized, exported out of the country, or destroyed. This was the latest result of their continued joint operations, at the ports of LA, Long Beach, and Oakland, targeting foreign-made vehicles and equipment without proper emission controls, as well as illegal pesticides, imported into the United States in violation of federal law. EPA estimates that the noncompliant vehicles and engines in its enforcement cases announced today would have emitted at least 215,000 pounds of nitrogen oxide (NOx) and hydrocarbons (HC) per year.

“EPA has been working diligently with CBP officers at the ports to ensure all items entering our nation comply with federal environmental standards,” said Jared Blumenfeld, EPA’s Regional Administrator for the Pacific Southwest. “We will continue our efforts to reduce pollution and protect consumers from illegal imports.”

Under the joint “Operation Stop Your Engine” initiative, EPA conducted inspections at the three California

Ports and worked with CBP to investigate companies that had previously imported engines and vehicles. These inspections found that several companies imported vehicles and engines without certification or with emissions controls that did not meet specifications. Engines operating without adequate emission controls may emit excess carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and oxides of nitrogen which can cause respiratory illnesses, aggravate asthma and lead to the formation of ground level ozone or smog.

In total, five companies paid more than $44,100 in civil penalties for federal Clean Air Act violations: AKMI Corporation: imported 30 heavy duty diesel engines from China without the proper emission control labels or certificate of conformity. The company was required to have the engines exported out of the country. The company also paid a $8,400 penalty.

Yamazuki, Inc.: imported 108 all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) from China without the proper label showing date of manufacture. In addition, an inspection found that the sampled catalyst did not conform to the description in the company’s application for certification.

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Home refinancing opening up great opportunities But with lesson learned hopefully, let’s start with why you should not refinance your loan before interest rates really start to go higher.

Going through the home refinance process may seem like a good idea to save money or to get money for home improvements or other purposes, but there are some instances when you should not refinance your home. By understanding the situations where getting a refinancing loan is not such a good idea, you can better understand when you should look into the home refinance process. What are some of the reasons why you should not refinance your home?

Paying off a car is questionable, depending on what interest rates you have for your auto loan and how much longer to pay off.

• Make sure you always factor in closing cost and how much time you

need to break even, it’s always better to consider the least amount of fees at closing especially for refinancing.

Better yet ask about the no closing cost refinancing options.

Make sure that you are going to stay in the home long enough to recoup your closing costs and refinancing fees that you have to pay.

By considering the lower monthly payment and how long it will take to make up the closing costs that you are going to pay, you can make sure that you will stay in the home long

Don’t fall for utility bill scams this Holiday Season

By Caroline Aoyagi-Stom, Southern California Edison@SCE_CarolineA

December 02, 2015 – When Jinza Teriyaki restaurant owner John Lee, 40, answered the phone at his business six months ago, the suspicious caller identified himself as a Southern CaliforniaEdison representative and asked for immediate payment or his electricity would be turned off.

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

“This is a scam, right?” Lee asked.

The scammer hung up the phone immediately.

Lee’s story is all too common. Since last year, more than 16,000 SCE customers have received calls from impostors asking for money. Of this number, at least 700 customers have paid them using prepaid cash cards, losing nearly half a million dollars.

This year, more than 5,500 SCE customers have received such scam calls.

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

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

tion on scams and how to avoid them in multiple languages.

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

“We do not want to become the grandparents of fraud,” said Patricia Perez, AARP California state president. “The AARP … wants its members and non-members to protect themselves against the utility phone scam and stay alert this holiday season.” Local police departments have been working with SCE to capture these perpetrators. The Monterey Park Police Department has been issuing search warrants to track down the telephone numbers used by the suspects. They have also issued warrants for the IP address to locate which Internet carrier and portals the scam came from.

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

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

Don’t Fall for Utility Bill Scams This Holiday Season With more than 16,000 SCE customers victimized since January 2014, the utility recently partnered with local law enforcement and AARP.

By Caroline Aoyagi-Stom, Southern California Edison@SCE_CarolineA

enough to recoup the costs of refinancing. Evaluate this carefully to ensure that it will be worth the money that you will have to spend to refinance your home.

• To pay off credit card debt without addressing the spending problem.

Refinancing your home to pay off your credit cards, only to rack up the debt again is not a reason to refinance. If you do not address the spending issues that you and/or your spouse have, you will not do any good in the long run. You are putting your home at risk and are possibly setting yourself up for bankruptcy in the future. You are exchanging your short-term debt for long term debt that you are going to have to pay for up to 30 years. Addressing the spending issues that you have will help your refinancing decision to be a sound one, rather than just a quick fix. Cut up the credit cards or make other changes that will keep you out of this situation in the future.

A home refinance loan may sound like a good idea, but it is important to evaluate why you are getting the loan to ensure that it is best for your long term goals. Make sure that it is a sound financial decision that will help you in the future, rather than make your financial situation more tenuous. By considering the reasons why you should not refinance your home, you can better determine if your reasons are financially sound for you and your family.

• To cash out to buy another property for investments.

This one is definitely case by case because it will depend on what you are buying and where you will leave

your financial situation at. I suggest a detailed evaluation in regards to this issue. Now, as a lot of you have remembered, I strongly was against this, two to three years ago. But now with home prices being very affordable and with rates at all time lows, it’s time to consider.

FHA Streamline refinances might sound like a good deal but consider the .50% increase in your upfront MIP (Mortgage Insurance Premium) and see if it’s even worth it now. That extra premium of thousands of dollars will carry an interest payment and PMI (private mortgage insurance) payment. If you have an FHA loan most likely you have only a little equity from a year or two ago, if any. So, if you have to increase your balance wills this benefit you long term.

My recommendation now is to try to build your equity and make sure you don’t keep adding to your loan balance. Some lenders will paint a big picture on lowering monthly payments but will not comments on the loan balance increase. Look at everything nowadays, asking many questions even dumb questions a must.

Now, if you have an interest rate of over 4.50% or higher it is important for you to call to find out if you can lower your interest rate to cut down your payments. Even if you have no equity, Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae have options for loans to go up to 105% refinancing without cash out thru Making Home Affordable Programs. Call for details.

Please call for any inquiries or comments, call Ken Go of 1st Innovative Finance Group at 562-697-7028 or write to kennethgo@verizon.net.

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New features, upgraded suspension components and styling revisions highlight 2016 Sonata FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Sept. 11, 2015 – The award-winning Hyundai Sonata lineup heads into 2016 offering more features, minor styling updates, suspension upgrades and improved fuel economy on models equipped with the 2.4L engine. The 2016 Sonata starts at $21,750, excluding $835 freight charge, and is arriving in dealerships now.

2016 Sonata Highlights: – Adds Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) functionality on models previously equipped with Forward Collision Warning – 7-inch color touchscreen Display Audio with Android Auto applied on SE, Sport, Limited, Eco and Sport 2.0T – Application of aluminum suspension components to reduce unsprung mass for improved handling – Conventional sunroof available on Sport (optional) and Limited (standard) – New 17-inch wheel design and application of Sport front fascia on Limited trim – Limited 2.0T add heated function for D-cut steering wheel Following its launch last year, the seventh-generation Sonata has garnered such accolades as being named “Best Midsize Car for the Money” by U.S. News & World Report and “Most Affordable Midsize Sedan” by Cars.com.

For 2016, the Sonata’s interior adds more content including Hyundai’s 7-inch color touchscreen Display Audio system, Android Auto and rearview camera system. In addition, a conventional sunroof is now available on Sport models and standard on Limited trims. Limited 2.0T models also add a heated function for the D-cut steering wheel.

Visual enhancements to the Limited include a more aggressively styled front bumper from the Sport model with a 3-bar grille, a new 17-inch alloy wheel design and updated woodgrain pattern interior trim on vehicles with the beige interior.

To reduce unsprung weight and improve handling, some of the Sonata’s suspension components are now crafted from aluminum instead of steel. The steering knuckle and the lower control arm in front and the upper control arm and assist arms in back are now aluminum.

The 2016 Hyundai Sonata continues with its all four-cylinder engine lineup. A 2.4-liter Theta II GDI engine producing 185 horsepower and 178 lb. ft. of torque powers the SE, Limited and Sport models.

A 2.0-liter Theta II turbocharged GDI motivates Sport 2.0T and Limited 2.0T models with 245 horsepower and 260 lb. ft. of torque.

Changes introduced last year are a smaller turbine and compressor wheel helped provide better responsiveness and more torque in the low and mid RPM range.

The Eco model remains the fuel economy champion of the non-hybrid Sonatas with its 1.6-liter turbocharged Gamma four-cylinder with 177 horsepower and 195 lb. ft. of torque paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Eco models receive a 28 mpg EPA fuel economy rating in the city and 38 mpg on the highway for a class-leading 32 mpg combined.

Standard features include remote keyless entry with alarm, body color heated exterior power mirrors, LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL), steering wheel-mounted audio and cruise control and Bluetooth hands-free phone system. Premium features such as HID Xenon headlights, panoramic sunroof and 10-speaker Infinity 400-watt premium audio system with subwoofer are options. To simplify the Sonata lineup, the black leather interior with orange accents and brown leather interiors are no longer available and Urban Sunset exterior paint has been discontinued.

Standard safety equipment on the 2016 Sonata lineup includes Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) with Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Traction Control System, seven airbags, including a driver’s knee airbag, four-wheel disc brakes and ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) with indicators for each tire. Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Smart Cruise Control with spot/start capability, Rear Parking Sensors, Blind Spot Detection (BSD) with Rear Cross-traffic Alert and Lane Change Assist and Forward Collision Warning (FCW) are available as options.

Whether you prefer a Sonata or other Hyundai vehicle, Hyundai is one of America’s sought-after car brands. And if you would like to check out why Hyundai is among the best selling cars, call our kababayans Jun Milan or Jay Trinidad, Filipino Sales & Leasing professionals at Win Hyundai of Carson at 1-888-718-7473.

Better yet, drive down to Win Hyundai and feel the luxury of Sonata first-hand.

Win Hyundai is conveniently located at 3462 N Peck Road, El Monte, CA 91731 in San Gabriel Valley. Or, if you prefer a different brand, just because you desire an American vehicle, call Freddy Salaguit at 1-888-484-4804. Win Chevrolet is also located at 2201 East 223rd St. in Carson, CA 90810.

New York promises biggest city electric fleet in US Wednesday December 2 2015 (New YorkAFP) – New York Mayor Bill de Blasio on Tuesday announced plans to build what he called the largest electric vehicle fleet in any US city and to slash municipal traffic emissions.

He made the announcement a day after world leaders opened a summit in Paris in search of an elusive pact that would wean the world economy off fossil fuels that stoke global warming.

The “NYC Clean Fleet” program eyes plans to cut municipal vehicle emissions in half by 2025 and 80 percent by 2035.

City hall said it would replace 2,000 fossil fuel sedans with plug-in electric vehicles over the next 10 years in a bid to reduce gasoline consumption by 2.5 million gallons a year.

City agencies operate more than 11,000 sedans and SUVs – half of which are for police and fire department emergency use, for which electric technologies do not yet cater, the municipality says.

The New York Times reported that the program would require a capital investment of $50-80 million over the next decade, to support the creation of additional charging capacity for the vehicles.

“By building the largest municipal electric vehicle fleet in the country – and potentially the world – New York City is continuing to lead by example,” de Blasio said.

“Cities are setting the pace on climate action, and with our city and our planet’s very future at stake, we need national leaders in Paris to take note and take action.” De Blasio has outlined plans to cut all greenhouse gas emissions across the city 80 percent by 2050.

Transport accounts for nearly a quarter of city greenhouse gas emissions, though cityowned and operated vehicles make up just four percent of New York’s total transportation emissions, officials said.

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Subaru of America announces best month ever sales results Cherry Hill, N.J., August 3, 2015 Subaru of America, Inc. today reported 50,517 vehicle sales for July 2015, a 10.5 percent increase over July 2014 sales of 45,714. July marks the best-ever sales month Christian Marilla in company history, breaking the previous record set in August 2014 (50,246). The company also reported year-to-date sales of 322,935 vehicles, a 13.8 percent gain over the same period in 2014.

July marked the 17th consecutive month of 40,000+ vehicle sales for the company which continues to outpace the industry. XV Crosstrek, WRX/STI, Forester and Impreza sales were notably strong as each model line achieved its best July ever. The Forester posted a 9 percent increase, the Impreza a 22 percent increase, while the WRX/STI posted a record sales month and the most gains with an 85 percent sales increase. The XV Crosstrek continued to bring in strong sales with an increase of 30 percent, which also represented a monthly record.

“We are delighted to have achieved a new monthly sales record,” said Thomas J. Doll, president and chief operating officer, Subaru of America, Inc. “We would not have been able to achieve our current level of success without the hard work and dedication of our retailers, employees and independent distributors.”

“We have seen record numbers of consumers considering the Subaru brand. Consumers are

Orly Roque

Tito Adriosula

Honda Accord: The benchmark for cars 2015 Subaru Outback

not just shopping a single model – there has been strong demand for Outback, Forester, XV Crosstrek, Legacy, Impreza, as well as our performance models WRX and STI,” said Jeff Walters, senior vice president of sales, Subaru of America, Inc. “Almost 60 percent of our sales this year have been to customers new to the brand and we continue to work closely with our parent company to maximize production to meet the demand,” added Walters.

In June marked the 16th consecutive month of 40,000+ vehicle sales for the company.

Forester, Outback, XV Crosstrek and WRX/ STI sales were notably strong as each model line achieved its best June ever. Legacy sales for June 2015 increased 44.6 percent over the same month in 2014. Both the 2015 Legacy

and WRX earned Best Retained Value Vehicle Awards from Edmunds.com. The awards recognize brands and new car models that have the highest projected residual values after five years based on their average True Market Value (TMV) price when sold new.

For more information about Subaru or become a new member of the elite Subaru club, all you have to do is to come on down to Subaru Glendale and our kababayan Christian Marilla will be more than happy to inform you why Subaru is becoming a favorite of Filipinos and the whole American market.

Subaru of Glendale is located at 1308 S Brand Blvd, Glendale, CA 91204. You can reach them at 1-855-230-1547 or you can visit their website www.subaruofglendale.net.

For nearly four decades, the Accord has set the benchmark for vehicles in the midsize sedan class, historically the most popular class of vehicle with American car buyers. Accord is widely recognized as a segment-defining product, delivering class-leading interior space and superior ergonomics along with outstanding fuel efficiency, refined and responsive driving dynamics and top-class safety performance.

As one important bellwether of its success, the Accord has been named to Car and Driver magazine’s “10Best” list a record 29 times, a feat unmatched by any other automobile of any type.

Accord was the first Honda model and first vehicle from a Japanese automaker to be manufactured in America and has been in continuous production at the company’s Marysville, Ohio auto plant using domestic and globally sourced parts since November 1982. It has also been produced in the company’s plants in East Liberty, Ohio; in Birmingham, Alabama; and in El Salto, Jalisco, Mexico. Honda has produced more than 10 million Accords in North America for both local and global markets.

In 2012 Honda launched a completely reengineered 9th-generation Accord as a 2013 year model. The 9th-generation redesign featured a spacious and airy passenger cabin wrapped in a tauter and tailored design with a smaller exterior footprint than the model it replaced. The Accord also delivered more sporting and refined road manners, a higher quality interior and a host of new technologies.

It featured the first application of new direct-injected 4-cylinder engine technology, a new continuously variable transmission (CVT), and new two-motor hybrid system. The Accord Hybrid, featuring the two-motor system, launched with the highest EPA fuel economy rating of any midsized sedan in America. The 2013 Accord was also one of the first mainstream sedans in America to incorporate advanced driver-assistive features, including Lane Departure Warning and Forward Collision Warning.

The 2016 Accord marks a further advancement of the 9th-generation Accord lineup.

Building on the foundations established by the 2013 model, the more sophisticated, sportier, yet highly fuel efficient 2016 Accord features a further refined design, a more rigid body and upgraded chassis, and upsized wheels and tires on select models. All 2016 Accords can also now be equipped with Honda Sensing™ as a standalone option on all trims except Touring, which features Honda Sensing™ as standard equipment. Further changes include the expanded use LED exterior lighting, and new premium features and technologies, including the first combined application of Apple CarPlay®1 and Android Auto1 to a Honda model and among the first high-volume cars to apply the two systems in the marketplace.

Meanwhile, if you want to belong to the select group of Honda owners, all you have to do is visit the Diamond Honda of Glendale and get in touch with our kababayans Tito Adriosula, Cruzella Clemente and Orly Roque, who are more than ready to serve you and find you your new Honda Hybrids or any other Honda vehicle and be assured of top fuel efficiency as well as safety and maintenance.

These are just some of the reasons why Pinoys come to the dealership. Above all, at Diamond Honda of Glendale, customers are treated like Diamonds! That statement is backed up by General Manager Philip Keung, who has endeared himself to Filipino customers because of his professionalism and his recognition and vast understanding of Honda’s multi-ethnic market.

“He is a great anchor. We rely on his wisdom and professional savvy all the time. He is very helpful to the Filipino salesmen and customers alike,” says Tito. Diamond Honda of Glendale is located at 138 S. Glendale Avenue, Glendale, CA 91205. Its toll-free number is 1.866.237.7092.

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Mitsubishi Motors introduces more powerful Outlander Sport Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) has introduced a more powerful version of the 2015 Outlander Sport 5-passenger crossover that includes a larger displacement 2.4-liter MIVEC 4-cylinder engine producing 168 horsepower – a 20 horsepower increase over the current 2.0-liter engine.

With a starting MSRP of $21,295, the 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport 2.4 ES features a black center bumper to visually differentiate this model from the standard ES trim level. The 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport 2.4 GT has a MSRP of $23,595 and includes additional features such as a power driver’s seat, leather-wrapped parking brake handle, aluminum pedals, and exterior enhancements including a black center bumper along with black roof rails and outside mirrors with LED turn indicators.

The 2.4 GT model includes an optional GT Premium Package that consists of a 710-watt Rockford Fosgate premium sound system with 9 speakers including 10in. dual-voice coil subwoofer with Punch Control, DTS Neural Surround, PremiDIA-WIDE surround, and Dolby Volume; panoramic glass roof with adjustable LED mood lighting and auto dimming rearview

mirror. The GT Touring Package adds additional features including leather seating surfaces and MMCS Navigation system with 7-in. high definition touch panel, 3D mapping, point-of-interest information and real-time traffic.

Every 2015 Out- Cezar Macandili lander Sport model includes Mitsubishi Motors’ warranty – one of the most comprehensive in the automotive industry. Warranty coverage includes a fully-transferable 5-year/60,000 mile new vehicle limited warranty; 10-year/100,000 mile powertrain limited warranty; 7-year/100,000 mile anti-corrosion perforation limited warranty and 5-year/unlimited mile roadside assistance benefits.

The 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander seven-passenger crossover has been named by Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com as one of its “10 Most Affordable 3-Row Vehicles.” In 2014, Outlander also was recognized for its affordability by Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com.

In its assessment this year, Kelley Blue

Book’s KBB.com noted that the 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander “is loaded with value” and that “in addition to its available three rows of seats, the Outlander also comes standard with micron air Mark de Leon filtration, hill-start assist, traction and stability control, seven air bags and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, one of the industry’s best.”

“The 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander is an outstanding value proposition and comes with a long list of standard safety features and amenities,” states Don Swearingen, Executive Vice President, MMNA. “And for 2016, the Outlander will feature bold new styling and over 100 key engineering and interior refinements, adding even more value to an already feature-laden vehicle.”

The 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander is an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) “Top Safety Pick+” – the highest safety achievement designated by the non-profit agency that performs crash

test evaluations on vehicles – because of the availability of Forward Collision Mitigation. The 2015 model also includes standard features including an anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA), Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and Mitsubishi Motors’ patented Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) body/chassis construction technology that helps absorb and/or dissipate energy in the event of a collision to help protect the vehicle’s occupants.

“The 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander is an outstanding value proposition and comes with a long list of standard safety features and amenities,” states Don Swearingen, Executive Vice President, MMNA. “And for 2016, the Outlander will feature bold new styling and over 100 key engineering and interior refinements, adding even more value to an already feature-laden vehicle.”

For a closer look at the new Outlander, or any other Mitsubishi vehicle, come and visit our kababayans Cesar Macandili or Mark de Leon at Glendale Mitsubishi located at 1235 South Brand Blvd., Glendale California, which is among the most popular Mitsubishi dealerships in California.

They can be reached at 1-888-465-7218.

Toyota on fast track to launch autonomous vehicles

(Relaxnews) – After a cautious, secretive start, Japan’s biggest car company is opening up about its plans to build self-driving cars and is demonstrating its progress to date.

Like all major automakers, Toyota has been developing and researching active safety and semi-autonomous driving systems for a number of years, yet until now, it didn’t like to talk about it.

However, on Tuesday the company made its first public demonstration of its Highway Teammate technology which essentially takes over driving duties under highway driving conditions, but

then hands the controls back to a fleshand-blood driver when in other situations – hence the name.

The specially adapted Lexus GS, which took to Tokyo’s Shuto Expressway, is capable of maintaining lane discipline, of merging onto and exiting the freeway and has the processing power and smarts to make decisions about the best course of action – be it slow down, stay in lane or perform an overtaking maneuver.

Toyota is aiming to bring a form of this technology to its real-world production vehicles before 2020, the year that

Tokyo plays host to the Olympic Games.

And it’s by no means the only Japanese company working to make an automotive statement in time for the world’s greatest amateur sporting event.

Robot Taxis, a joint venture between DeNA Co and ZMP Inc, is hoping to start testing an autonomous car in Kanagawa from March that will be able to chauffeur tourists to and from the Olympic stadium in time for the opening ceremony.

In Europe, development of autonomous driving technologies is well underway and October has already seen two self-driving world firsts. On Friday,

a Mercedes-Benz Actros became the first autonomous truck to take to the public highway, driving along the A8 between Denkendorf and Stuttgart airport. “[This] is a further important step towards the market maturity of autonomously driving trucks—and towards the safe, sustainable road freight transport of the future,” said company board member Dr. Wolfgang Bernhard of the feat.

While in neighboring France on the same day, a prototype car developed

by Peugeot Citroen traveled the 580km between Paris and Bordeaux without human assistance.

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JOB OPPORTUNITIES LIVE-IN POSITION Caretaker: cook & clean. 1 Yr exp. ARF. $1,200 Per mo. + free room & board with cable tv. Must have SS#. Call Robert 323-5832669.

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LIVE-IN CAREGIVER CAREGIVER Immediate hiring for Board and Board & Care looking for careCare. With or w/out experience. giver, live-in 5 to 6 days a week.

Good working condition. Call (323) 658-7660.

(818) 787-0789.

CAREGIVERS Full or part-time male or female CAREGIVERS caregiver needed for board and Live-in/out. For assisted living care for the elderly in Northridge. homes in West Side. Call Dimitri Day or night shift. Please leave a (310) 367-0104. message 818-497-4606.

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CAREGIVERS WANTED CAREGIVER Board and Care facility is seek- Live-in caregiver for board and ing caregivers who are warm & care. Call Doug (562) 688- 6820. kind. CPR, ¿rst aid, live scan/TB test clearance & health screening are required. To apply, pls CAREGIVER NEEDED contact us at 805-530-3818.

Elderly Board and Care in Valencia is looking for a full time livein caregiver. Male or female and experience is a plus. Please call 818-391-3907 for details.

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JCAPISTRANO PLUMBING Copper repiping, repair, tankless water heater, central heating, a/c, toilet, main sewer, hydro jetter, rooter, gas, electrical, carpentry, roof, room addition, kitchen remodel & bath rm. Mabuhay!

818-730-6571

APT. FOR RENT 202 S. Curondenet St. LA 90039 / $1300/mo.1 BR, good loc, new gate, new hardwood.Good for couple. Close to St. Vincent hosp, Fil. comm. Phil 1-626-5894881 or Mrs. Chin 323-222-1172.

ROOM FOR RENT Furnished in North Hollywood.

Tel: 818-764-7850; 818-3928422.

ROOM FOR RENT Rowland Heights - own entrance, bathroom. $575, $200 deposit. Female preferred. No smoking, alcohol, illegal drugs, pets. 323-686-4053.

ROOM FOR RENT Norwalk. Quiet home. Male preferred. Wood Àoor, refrigerator in room, internet & utility included. $430. Call 562-864-1763.

IN NEED OF ITIN? If you are not eligible for SSN. Contact Rellie San Diego - IRS certifying acceptance agent @ 818-687-3221.

2BR/ 2BA APT. Approx. 800 sqft. Gas stove, 2 balconies, laminate Àr, new paint, laundry on site, gated entry & parking. $1,495. No pets allowed.

534 N. Heliotrope Dr. Los Angeles CA 90004. Tel. 310-837-8555.

HOUSE FOR RENT 2nd Àoor big 2 bedrms w/ den w/parking walk to Filipino stores and resto,walk to shopping, church, transpo. Call or text Jovy 213-500-6461.

ROOM FOR RENT Located in Cypress. Great location close to everything. Female preferred. Salitang Tagalog. $500 a month. Please call if you interested. 714-797-0770 or 714-527-7563.

Life and Leisure News for Filipino-Americans www.usasianpost.com

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ROOM-ANAHEIM, CA Huge bedroom in a house, good location. One person $800. With roommate $980. Near Kaiser Permanente – La Palma. Call Bernie 310-938-2607 Available now.

ROOM-BURBANK $500 Nice & clean area. Near Portos, accessible to everything. Bed space also welcome.

Call 818-636-6190.

B MARKET

PRAYERS PRAYER TO THE HOLY SPIRIT Holy Spirit Thou who make me see everything and show me the way to reach my ideal, You who give me the divine gift to forgive and forget the wrong that is done to me and who are in all instances of my life with me. I, in this short dialogue, want to thank You for everything and con¿rm once more that I never want to be separated from You no matter how great the material desires may be. I want to be with You and my loved ones in Your perpetual glory. Amen. A person must pray this for three consecutive days without stating his wish. After the 3rd day the wish will be granted, no matter how dif¿cult it may be. Promise to publish this as soon as your favor has been granted. Grateful Thanks -Obet

PRAYERS PRAYER TO THE HOLY SPIRIT Holy Spirit Thou who make me see everything and show me the way to reach my ideal, You who give me the divine gift to forgive and forget the wrong that is done to me and who are in all instances of my life with me. I, in this short dialogue, want to thank You for everything and con¿rm once more that I never want to be separated from You no matter how great the material desires may be. I want to be with You and my loved ones in Your perpetual glory. Amen. A person must pray this for three consecutive days without stating his wish. After the 3rd day the wish will be granted, no matter how dif¿cult it may be. Promise to publish this as soon as your favor has been granted. Grateful Thanks -Jen

PRAYERS PRAYER TO THE HOLY SPIRIT Holy Spirit Thou who make me see everything and show me the way to reach my ideal, You who give me the divine gift to forgive and forget the wrong that is done to me and who are in all instances of my life with me. I, in this short dialogue, want to thank You for everything and con¿rm once more that I never want to be separated from You no matter how great the material desires may be. I want to be with You and my loved ones in Your perpetual glory. Amen. A person must pray this for three consecutive days without stating his wish. After the 3rd day the wish will be granted, no matter how dif¿cult it may be. Promise to publish this as soon as your favor has been granted. Grateful Thanks -Lino

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Visit www.Balita.com

Weekend Balita, Sat.-Fri., December 12 - 18, 2015

Balita

Balita Weekend Balita, Sat.-Fri., December 12 - 18, 2015

Visit www.Balita.com

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Weekend Balita, Sat.-Fri., December 12 - 18, 2015

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